Ep 12. Pants on Fire

After a hiatus, Dream On returned with scandalous humor and satire in season 2, episode 12 titled "Pants on Fire." The show follows Martin Tupper (Brian Benben), a New York City book editor, as he navigates both his personal and professional life while also experiencing vivid daydreams that bring his subconscious desires to life.

In "Pants on Fire," Martin's publishing company is embroiled in a controversy when one of their best-selling memoirs is revealed to be a complete fabrication. Martin is tasked with salvaging the situation, but he soon realizes that everyone involved in the cover-up is lying to protect their own interests.

Meanwhile, Martin's love life hits a snag when he suspects that his girlfriend, Judith (Wendie Malick), is cheating on him. Adding to the drama, Martin's ex-wife, Andrea (Dorothy Lyman), tries to make amends by inviting him to dinner with her new boyfriend, a wealthy professor.

As Martin tries to balance his conflicting emotions and responsibilities, his daydreams become increasingly surreal and infused with sexual innuendos. In one particularly memorable sequence, Martin imagines himself as Tarzan, swinging through the jungle with a scantily clad Jane.

The episode is a satirical take on the publishing industry's obsession with scandal and the hypocrisies that come with trying to protect a public persona. It also touches on the complexities of modern relationships and the difficulties of moving on after a divorce.

Throughout the episode, Martin's wry humor and relatable struggles make him an endearing protagonist, even as he grapples with uncomfortable truths about himself and those around him. The show's blend of insightful commentary and raunchy humor continues to make Dream On a cult classic that is well worth revisiting.