Ep 2. Yesterday Once Again

In Vinyl season 1 episode 2, titled "Yesterday Once Again," record label owner Richie Finestra (played by Bobby Cannavale) continues to struggle with his personal demons as he tries to navigate the changing landscape of the music industry in the 1970s. The episode begins with Richie waking up in a hotel room with a woman he doesn't know. As he tries to piece together his night, he realizes that he may have cheated on his wife, Devon (played by Olivia Wilde), and is wracked with guilt.

Meanwhile, Richie's partner Zak (played by Ray Romano) is worried about the label's finances and encourages Richie to sell the company to a larger corporation. However, Richie is determined to hold onto his independence and the music he loves, even as he acknowledges that the industry is changing. He also has to deal with the fallout from an incident at a charity concert, where an angry musician confronts him about the label's lack of support.

Throughout the episode, we see flashbacks to Richie's younger days and his relationship with his first wife, Jamie (played by Juno Temple). These moments give us a glimpse into Richie's past and the events that have shaped him into the man he is today. We also see Devon struggling with her own issues, including her desire to pursue her photography career and her dissatisfaction with her role as a housewife.

As the episode progresses, Richie has to deal with increasingly urgent problems, including a drug-addicted artist who has disappeared and a rival record label that is trying to woo away one of Richie's biggest acts. We also see glimpses of the wider music scene, including performances by famous musicians like Robert Plant and David Bowie.

Despite the challenges he faces, Richie remains determined to keep his label afloat and to stay true to the music he loves. As the episode ends, we see him making a bold move that could change the course of his career.

Overall, "Yesterday Once Again" is a gripping and intense episode that delves deeper into the complex world of Vinyl's characters. It highlights the struggles that Richie and his colleagues face as they try to stay relevant in a constantly evolving industry, while also exploring the personal demons that haunt them all. With its powerful performances and evocative setting, this episode is sure to leave viewers eagerly anticipating the next installment.