It’s the crush mode for the show. The timeline is looming and they’ve got shit to do. Writing non-stop, switching out bits and sketches. This is the big leagues, and it’s time to show up! Unfortunately for Ava (Hannah Einbinder), Deb (Jean Smart) has gone into panic mode. She’s worried about her weight and not eating enough. She’s pretty sure she’s having a heart attack, and I really appreciate Ava being the one to say it’s a panic attack. Here’s what works for me… But the tension between the two is still lingering, especially with their HR buddy Stacey (Michaela Watkins) watching their every move.
Jimmy (Paul W. Downs) tries to schedule dinner with Deb post-show and gets the brush-off. Not surprisingly, Deb would want to hang with the bigwigs like Winnie (Helen Hunt), who schedules her with a cardiologist just to be sure she’s okay. As Winnie puts it, she just spent a whole lot of money on Deb and wants to make sure she isn’t a clunker. Way to be honest, Winnie. The appointment does lead to an absolutely fantastic cameo from Carol Burnett, a female icon in the world of comedy. Seeing her and Jean Smart next to each other was such a moment. Two living legends together, making us giggle. Carol’s still got it, to no one’s surprise. But the moment means a lot to Deb, who grew up watching her and wanted so much to be her. Now here’s her chance.
It’s officially showtime. Or at least, recording the show time… The actual show won’t air until later. But Josefina (Rose Abdoo) shows up to offer support. Love her so much; I need more Josefina but also more Rose. Backstage, Kayla (Megan Stalter) is throwing her weight around and making a fuss. They are the reps for the 
lead and the head writer, she wants to make sure there’s respect for their name. Meanwhile, Jimmy’s more the “honey” than “vinegar” type. But these two make a killer combo, and I hope they have more antics ahead. He wants to take out Ava post-show, but she’s doing something with all the writers. Poor Jimmy, I’m sure Kayla would be your dinner date.
But here we are…Deb’s on stage. This is the big moment. Cue the panic, cue the raised heart rate audible in her mic. But she remembers Carol’s advice: focus on one person. You’re doing the show for them, no one else. And of course, who do you think she chose to focus on? Her lead writer, obviously. She makes it through, and it’s time to celebrate. I mean, seriously, Randy Newman as your first guest?! Talk about hitting it out of the park on day one. I feel like y’all shot too high. What on Earth will you do next?
Eat dinner alone, apparently. Deb gets stood up by Winnie and all the other guests she was hoping to take out, dining with Damien (Mark Indelicato) instead. He’s never drunk alcohol before, apparently, and what a time to choose to do so. Meanwhile, Ava also ends up alone after realizing the writing team is exhausted. What was it Deb said in the past? About realizing how alone she is when she’s drinking champagne? Well, it’s less lonely for Ava after a visit to the sex shop to try and keep her car from being towed. That whole scene was gut-bustingly hilarious, and I want to see ALL of Einbinder’s outtakes. But some other sex shop guests give her a lift to her car and even snag her number. I totally called that, but it was awkward nonetheless.
You know what else is awkward? Damien takes Deb to a gay club only for her to get slipped some poppers, smacking her head, and ending up in the hospital. Ava does a whole highway U-turn to get to her, and Deb’s annoyed she forgot to change her emergency contact. But the show is airing. Ava slips downstairs to the ER TVs and the two get to truly enjoy their moment. No forgiveness, no yelling. Just a moment for them to acknowledge the show they built together. The thing Deb has wanted for so long, and Ava is lucky enough to get to be a part of it. I have hopes for these two yet.
One thing to mention was some absolutely breathtaking shots of the crew. Paul W. Downs discussed how they wanted to show how much work truly goes into creating this actual set. And every single crew member shot is the actual crew member for the show. So the guys nailing wood or cutting fabric or piecing hair on a wig strand by strand are all the real deal. I love that SO MUCH! Crew will get acknowledged on set, or should, for all they contribute. But we, as the audience, only see the end product. I loved getting to see a little bit more of what really goes into it. And we also see a tribute to Los Angeles and those who helped battle the wildfires this past year. One of the gorgeous sets used for Deb’s house was sadly lost in the fire. It was touching to see a tribute not only to the house, but everyone who helped in the tragedy. Here’s hoping for more comedy than tragedy in the days ahead. For all of us.
