An understudy steps in - for one of the best episodes of Slings & Arrows

Fifth episode of season 2 of "Slings & Arrows" is one of my favorites so far, as we are riveted by the understudy's performance as Macbeth, after Jeffrey fired the visiting star and huge egotist, Henry Breedlove. It's really exciting to see the understudy work his way through the play, uncertain of his cues and directions, the asst stage manager calling out to him, everyone in the wings tense, the understudy himself sweating, the scene of him approaching the stage walking through the gauntlet of cast members, great, like an athlete entering the arena. Adding to the tension, Henry and another fired and disgruntled actor are in the audience, Henry bitterly commenting, the other guy rising above his bias to note that the production is very good. Part of the beauty of this episode is its accuracy - it's not some Hollywood star-is-born nonsense, in that everyone knows, as Henry observes, an understudy can do it once, as his fear and audience sympathy lead to a higher level of engagement, but ultimately you have to get the star back in there. Which Jeffrey does - in a very smart scene he asks Henry back for opening night. Other plot elements kind of whither beside this main event - Ellen's audit is mildly funny as she treats her auditor like a therapist; the idiotic production of R&J is also funny, but we don't see much of it (nor should we); to nobody's surprise the publicist for the festival is revealed as a complete fake and goes to jail - and I think we can all see what's coming here: in episode 6 no doubt we'll learn that the insane publicity campaign will turn out to be a success and will draw young enthusiasts to the audience.