Ep 7. Hank's Contract

Hank's Contract is the seventh episode of season one of The Larry Sanders Show. The episode revolves around the titular character Larry Sanders, a fictional late-night talk show host, and his sidekick Hank Kingsley, a self-absorbed and insecure sidekick.

In the episode, Hank is going through a crisis as his contract is up for renewal and negotiations are not going well. He is concerned that he may not get a fair deal as he believes that he is not appreciated enough by Larry and the show's executives. Hank starts to act out by being uncooperative with the staff and feigning illness to get attention.

Meanwhile, Larry is preoccupied with a potential guest who may be difficult to work with. He struggles to navigate the politics of working with this particular guest and is worried about making a good impression on them.

Despite Larry's busy schedule, he goes to great lengths to try and appease Hank and keep him on the show. He tries to bond with Hank by taking him out to lunch and telling him how much he values his contributions to the show. Larry also tries to intervene in the contract negotiations by speaking to the network executives on Hank's behalf.

As tensions rise between Hank, Larry, and the network executives, the episode explores the nature of negotiations and contracts in the entertainment industry. The show's writers use humor to comment on the power dynamics at play and how delicate negotiations can be when people's livelihoods are on the line.

The episode's climax culminates in a tense negotiation scene between Hank and the network executives. The scene is a masterclass in tension and humor as both parties try to outmaneuver each other. The negotiations reach a dramatic conclusion, and the episode ends with Hank and Larry standing on uncertain ground.

Overall, Hank's Contract is a standout episode in the first season of The Larry Sanders Show. It showcases the show's unique blend of comedy and commentary on the entertainment industry, while also developing the characters of Larry and Hank. Fans of the show will appreciate the sharp writing and excellent performances from the show's ensemble cast.