Ep 4. The Racket

Set in the 1970s, the American drama series Vinyl documents the music industry and the life of fictional record executive Richie Finestra. In the fourth episode of season one, titled The Racket, Richie faces a new set of challenges in both his professional and personal life.

Richie is still reeling from the shocking death of Buck Rogers, his close friend and head of A&R, who was murdered at a disco. At the same time, he is trying to navigate the tumultuous landscape of the music industry. American Century Records, Richie's label, is facing intense competition from other labels, making it difficult for him to sign new artists and keep his existing ones happy.

One of Richie's most pressing issues is the fate of the Nasty Bits, a punk band that he signed against the wishes of his business partners. The band's abrasive sound has not caught on with mainstream audiences, and Richie is struggling to keep them afloat. Meanwhile, he is also dealing with a possible takeover of his company by rival label Polygram.

As Richie navigates these challenges, he begins to spiral out of control. He starts using drugs again and becomes increasingly erratic in his behavior. At a business meeting, he breaks down in tears after hearing a song that reminds him of Buck. He also becomes fixated on a new potential love interest, Andrea Zito, who is a photographer for American Century.

Meanwhile, other characters are dealing with their own issues. Jamie, Richie's assistant, is trying to find her place in the company while also dealing with a personal tragedy. Elsewhere, Devon, Richie's wife, is struggling with her own drug addiction and the realization that their marriage may be over.

The episode builds towards a dramatic conclusion, with Richie and his team fighting to keep American Century afloat amidst the growing turmoil. As they work to secure a loan to keep the company afloat, they are met with unexpected opposition. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, setting the stage for further drama in future episodes.

Overall, The Racket continues the fast-paced, high-stakes drama of Vinyl's earlier episodes. Amped up by a killer soundtrack of classic '70s rock, the show transports viewers back to a bygone era of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. With compelling characters, complex relationships, and surprising twists and turns, the show keeps viewers hooked and leaves them eager for more.