Ep 2. The Road

The show Crashing follows the life of an aspiring stand-up comedian named Pete, who is trying to navigate the New York comedy scene while dealing with personal and financial struggles. In season 1 episode 2, titled "The Road", we see Pete taking his comedy on the road as he travels to Connecticut to perform at a college.

The episode opens with Pete struggling to find a ride to the college and, after running into a fellow comedian, he is able to hitch a ride with him. As they drive, the two comedians discuss the challenges of working in the comedy industry and the different comedy scenes across the country. Despite their differences, they bond over their shared passion for the craft.

Once they arrive at the college, Pete meets the organizers of the event and the other comedians performing. He is excited to see that one of his comedy idols, Artie Lange, is headlining the show. Pete is nervous but determined to make the most of this opportunity to perform in front of a larger audience.

The episode then follows Pete as he prepares for his performance, practicing his set and trying to calm his nerves. He is surprised to see that Artie Lange is still struggling with his own personal demons, as he is clearly drunk and high before going on stage. This causes Pete to question his own choices and whether the path he is on as a comedian is worth it.

Despite his doubts, Pete takes the stage and gives a solid performance, with the crowd responding positively to his jokes. He even gets a surprise endorsement from Artie Lange, who tells the audience that Pete is a talented comedian who they should keep an eye on.

After the show, Pete and his fellow comedians engage in some celebratory drinking, but Pete's ride back to New York falls through, leaving him stranded. He decides to stay the night at the college and engage in some impromptu bonding with his new comedian friends.

Overall, "The Road" is another enjoyable episode of Crashing that showcases the ups and downs of being a comedian and the challenges of being on the road. We see Pete confront his insecurities and push through them to deliver a solid performance, while also connecting with other comedians who are dealing with similar struggles. The guest appearance by Artie Lange adds a touch of realism to the show, as we see the darker side of the comedy industry and the toll it can take on people's lives. Overall, a solid episode that continues to build on the promise of the series.