'Lucky Hank' Episode 2 Review: A tale of insecurities, broken dreams and major writer's block
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Comparison is truly the thief of joy. And that is perfectly conveyed in the second episode of AMC's 'Lucky Hank'. As we progress into the second episode and overall get an idea of Hank's character arc, we understand that he is insecure, and that element rises in the latest episode like a forest fire. 'Lucky Hank' might seem like a basic show that derives pleasure from some simple jokes and a story about a man who is experiencing a mid-life crisis, but that isn't the case here.
'Lucky Hank' carefully peels off layers from characters to show them in a different light. Bob Odenkirk does a great job making a statement as 'Hank' and the rest of the cast live up to it. 'George Saunders' is the title of Episode 2 and the name of Hank's second biggest nemesis, first is obviously himself.
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Why did Dean Jacob Rose arrange conversation between Hank and George?
Hank and George were friends and after George achieved success that went through the roof, the relationship between the two writers faded and they lost touch for 30 years. But Episode 2 starts with Jacob Rose (Oscar Nunez) having a conversation with Hank and carefully slipping in the idea that he has invited George Saunders (Brian Huskey) to talk so the students can benefit from the conversation between Hank and George, the two masters of literature. But Hank refuses to lead the interview and dismisses him. However, Rose isn't easy to break and starts listing all of George's achievements, which in turn makes Hank more insecure and jealous of his momentous success.
The reason why Jacob chooses Hank to interview George is that even when Hank doesn't believe in himself, Jacob believes he is the only one who can ask great questions from his experiences and the perspective of a renowned writer, giving students an opportunity to learn from their expertise.
George, in his interactions with the students, wins their hearts so much that Bartow discusses with his friends how he has learned more in an hour than he has in the whole year. Is Hank doing a bad job as a professor? Or does Hank's lack of apology to Bartow has made the student hate his professor?
Hank and George meet after 30 years
Hank's dismissal of George's success seems like a fit of jealousy and the moment of "what could be". Hank is stressed out and embarrassed as they both started at the same level but live very different lives now. He is bugged by the thought of interviewing George. But as the episode progresses, we see how well George is treated by the college committee in comparison to Hank.
The best part about the series is that it takes you through the lives of each character and how it is progressing in the episode. Apart from the Hank-George drama, Grace DuBois and Paul Rourke are having a petty conflict of their own. While that takes place, Hank's daughter has big news to share, making Hank and Lily anxious as to what it is about.
The series is worth watching as it not only points out the small but impactful issues a human being goes through but also makes the individual solve the problem. By the end of Episode 2, Hank asks himself an essential question when George confesses to him that his entire family has read Hank's book, and has loved it. Hank seems to be caught up in a trance, asking himself, "Why didn't I write more?" as the episode ends.