The Larry Sanders Show Starring Garry Shandling Season 4 Episode 7 Hank's Sex Tape

Larry Sanders is a critically acclaimed American television show which aired from 1992 to 1998. The show is a satirical take on late-night talk shows, and follows the behind-the-scenes drama of the fictional late-night talk show hosted by Larry Sanders (played by Garry Shandling). In season 4 episode 7, titled "Hank's Sex Tape," the show delves into the personal life of Hank Kingsley (played by Jeffrey Tambor).

Hank is Larry's sidekick and also the announcer for the show. In this episode, he is caught in a scandal when a sex tape featuring him and a prostitute is leaked to the press. Hank's world is turned upside down as he struggles to contain the fallout from this revelation.

The episode begins with Larry and Hank preparing for their nightly show. Larry is dealing with his own personal issues, having recently gone through a divorce and trying to navigate the dating world. Meanwhile, Hank seems to be in good spirits and is excited about the upcoming show.

However, everything changes when a tabloid reporter confronts Hank with the sex tape. Hank is shaken and denies any knowledge of the tape, but the damage has already been done. The rest of the episode follows the fallout from the scandal as Larry and the rest of the show's staff try to manage the situation and protect the show from being dragged down by the scandal.

As the day progresses, it becomes clear that Hank's life is falling apart. His phone is ringing off the hook with calls from the media and his family, who are all trying to get answers about the tape. Hank is deeply embarrassed and ashamed, and he starts to lash out at anyone who tries to help him.

One of the standout moments of the episode is when Larry and Hank have a heart-to-heart conversation in Larry's office. Larry tries to convince Hank to take a break from the show and deal with his personal issues, but Hank is resistant. He doesn't want to be seen as a victim, and he's worried about losing his job.

Throughout the episode, we see the toll that the scandal is taking on the show's staff. Larry's producer Artie (played by Rip Torn) is trying to keep everything together despite dealing with his own personal problems. The show's head writer, Phil (played by Wallace Langham), is struggling to come up with jokes that don't reference the scandal.

Ultimately, the episode ends with Hank coming to a realization about his life and his priorities. The sex tape scandal forces him to confront some uncomfortable truths about himself, and he decides to take a break from the show in order to work on himself.

"Hank's Sex Tape" is a standout episode of The Larry Sanders Show, not just because of its dramatic storyline but because of the performances from the actors. Tambor is fantastic as Hank, and he brings a vulnerability to the character that is both poignant and humorous. Shandling is also great as Larry, showing a sensitivity and compassion that is often hidden beneath his caustic exterior.

Overall, "Hank's Sex Tape" is a must-watch episode for fans of The Larry Sanders Show. It's a testament to the show's ability to blend satire with genuine emotion, and it's a reminder of why the show is considered one of the greatest television comedies of all time.