Ep 5. He in Racist Fire

Vinyl season 1 episode 5 "He in Racist Fire" is a thrilling episode where record executive Richie Finestra (played by Bobby Cannavale) is struggling to keep his business afloat. The episode is set in 1973 when the music industry is experiencing a lot of changes, and Finestra is trying to find a way to stay relevant.

In the episode, Finestra is under a lot of stress as his label, American Century Records, is in trouble. He is struggling to find a hit song, and his artists are leaving the label. Moreover, his wife Devon (played by Olivia Wilde) is also causing him stress as he suspects her of having an affair with her friend.

The tension is heightened in the episode by the racial tensions that are taking place in New York City. There are protests against the police and accusations of racism. This prompts one of Finestra's African-American artists, Hannibal (played by Daniel J. Watts), to refuse to perform at an upcoming concert. Hannibal’s decision comes as a shock to the executives at American Century, who are counting on him to perform.

As Finestra tries to deal with Hannibal's decision, he must also confront his own prejudices. At one point in the episode, Finestra uses a racial slur in front of Hannibal, which escalates the tension between them. This moment is critical to the episode's storyline as it highlights the racial prejudices that exist in the music industry.

The episode is also marked by some excellent musical performances. One of the standout moments is Hannibal's rehearsal for the concert, where he sings a soulful rendition of Al Green's "Love and Happiness." The scene is a beautiful tribute to the power of music to bring people together, even in the face of racial tension.

Moreover, the episode features the legendary musician Lester Grimes (played by Ato Essandoh), who was once a part of Finestra's label, but has since been blacklisted. Grimes is a critical character in the episode as he confronts Finestra about his past actions and the racial prejudices that exist in the music industry. The scene is a powerful statement about the need for diversity in the industry and the need to confront past mistakes.

As the episode draws to a close, Finestra's world seems to be falling apart. His business is in trouble, his wife is emotionally distant, and his artists are leaving him. However, in a moment of clarity, he decides to put his prejudices aside and support Hannibal's decision not to perform at the concert. This is a significant moment for his character, as he realizes that he cannot succeed in the music industry unless he is willing to confront his own prejudices.

"He in Racist Fire" is an exceptional episode of Vinyl. It is a poignant statement about the racial tensions that exist in the music industry and the need for diversity. Moreover, it features some excellent performances and a gripping storyline that keeps the viewer engaged throughout. The episode is a testament to the quality of the show and its ability to tackle difficult subject matter with style and sensitivity.