Ep 2. Hank's New Assistant

Larry Sanders is back with another hilarious season, and episode 2 titled "Hank's New Assistant" is a must-watch for fans of the series. The show follows the behind-the-scenes shenanigans of a fictional late-night talk show hosted by Larry, played by Garry Shandling. The series showcases the stresses and challenges that Larry faces while managing his show and dealing with his neurotic crew and guests.

In this episode, Hank (Jeffrey Tambor), who plays Larry's loyal sidekick, is in desperate need of a new assistant after his previous one quits. He soon hires a new young and attractive assistant named Darlene (Tiffani Thiessen) who quickly becomes the talk of the show. However, this attractive hire leads to a myriad of problems for Hank and Larry.

Darlene's presence only adds to the anxieties and frustrations of Hank, who already thinks that he is being taken for granted. On the other hand, Larry is worried that the new assistant might overshadow him and steal the limelight on his show. Things escalate when Larry tries to make a move on Darlene, unaware that Hank has already made some advances on her.

The episode is full of tension, hilarity, and awkwardness as Larry and Hank compete for Darlene's attention. In typical Larry Sanders style, the characters are beautifully flawed, and their insecurities are exposed for the audience's amusement.

As the show progresses, we also get a glimpse of the preparation and rehearsals that go into making a live TV show. We see Larry interacting with his guests, including the legendary comedian Bob Saget, as they rehearse their appearance on the show. The interactions between Larry and Bob provide a satirical look at the talk show culture, where guests often have to navigate the fine line between being personal yet guarded.

While the show is called The Larry Sanders Show, it's the secondary characters that often steal the spotlight. In this episode, we see the return of the quirky Artie (Rip Torn), who runs the show's office and is always trying to keep the peace between Larry and Hank. Artie is as exasperated as ever, and his reactions to the ongoing drama are a highlight of the episode.

The Larry Sanders show is known for its biting satire and insider jokes, especially for fans of the entertainment industry. In this episode, we get a glimpse of the studio audience, and the showrunners take a playful jab at the practice of filming a show twice for different audiences. It's these little details that make the show's world feel fleshed out and engaging.

Overall, "Hank's New Assistant" is a hilarious and entertaining episode of The Larry Sanders Show. It's a show that pokes fun at the entertainment industry, but also humanizes it with its cast of flawed and lovable characters. Fans of the series will love this episode, and newcomers will be hooked on the show's unique brand of comedy.