Ep 12. Larry's Birthday

In The Larry Sanders Show season 2 episode 12 "Larry's Birthday," Larry is turning 43 years old, and his staff is eager to celebrate. However, Larry is feeling down about getting older and the state of his career. He feels like he's not making the impact he used to and that he's becoming irrelevant in the world of late-night television.

As Larry mopes around the studio, his staff tries to lift his spirits by planning a surprise birthday party. They decorate his office with balloons and streamers and prepare a cake. They even hire a Marilyn Monroe impersonator to sing "Happy Birthday," just like in the famous scene from The Seven Year Itch.

Meanwhile, Larry's guest for the night is actor Rob Lowe, who is promoting his latest film. Rob is charming and charismatic, but Larry is distracted by his own feelings of inadequacy. He can't seem to get his mind off his age and his perceived lack of success.

As the taping of the show begins, Larry becomes increasingly agitated. He's frustrated with the audience for not laughing at his jokes and with his staff for not being supportive enough. He's also jealous of Rob Lowe's success and popularity.

When the Marilyn Monroe impersonator arrives, Larry is initially thrilled. However, things quickly go awry when the impersonator accidentally sets her dress on fire while standing over the cake. Chaos ensues as Larry and his staff try to put out the flames and prevent any damage to the studio.

Despite the mishap, Larry's staff manages to salvage the party and make it a success. Larry even manages to crack a smile and enjoy himself for a moment. The episode ends with Larry blowing out the candles on his cake, surrounded by his friends and coworkers.

Overall, "Larry's Birthday" is a poignant episode that explores the themes of aging and career success. Larry's struggles with his identity and place in the world are relatable and heartfelt, and his staff's efforts to cheer him up are endearing. Rob Lowe's appearance adds a layer of humor and levity to the episode, and the Marilyn Monroe mishap provides a moment of chaos that keeps things interesting.