He in Racist Fire
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| "He in Racist Fire" | |
|---|---|
| Vinyl episode | |
| Episode no. | Episode 5 |
| Directed by | Peter Sollett |
| Written by | Adam Rapp |
| Featured music |
|
| Cinematography by | David Franco |
| Editing by | Kate Sanford |
| Original release date | March 13, 2016 |
| Running time | 50 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"He in Racist Fire" is the fifth episode of the American period drama television series Vinyl. The episode was written by Adam Rapp and directed by Peter Sollett. It originally aired on HBO on March 13, 2016.
The series is set in New York City in the 1970s. It focuses on Richie Finestra, American Century Records founder and president, whose passion for music and discovering talent has gone by the wayside. With his American Century Records on the verge of being sold, a life-altering event rekindles Finestra's professional fire, but it may leave his personal life in ruins. In the episode, Richie and Devon go on a double date with Hannibal, while Kip is forced to fire a band member in order to secure a gig.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.618 million household viewers and gained a 0.21 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received mixed reviews from critics, who criticized the writing, characters and pacing.
Julie (Max Casella) fires Clark (Jack Quaid) after he fails to find a new act for American Century. Jack bursts into tears and pleas to keep his job. Taking a pity on him, Julie decides to give him a new position as assistant in the A&R department, replacing Jamie (Juno Temple).
Vince (David Proval) provides the police with an alibi for Richie (Bobby Cannavale), clearing him of any suspicion. This motivates him to name his sub-label as Alibi Records. Richie also meets with Kip (James Jagger), telling him he got the Nasty Bits to open for the New York Dolls at the Academy of Music, but Kip must fire one of his guitarists. Realizing that Hannibal (Daniel J. Watts) is considering signing with Koronet Records, Richie decides to take Hannibal on a double date with him, Devon (Olivia Wilde) and Richie's secretary, Cece (Susan Heyward). Richie also meets with Andrea "Andi" Zito (Annie Parisse), a former employee and flame who now works for Jervis (Ken Marino), failing to convince her in joining him.
Unable to fire his guitarist, Kip asks Lester (Ato Essandoh) to do it instead. He feels devastated as he feels a bit lost without the guitarist, but Jamie consoles him. The double date turns awkward as Hannibal ignores Cece and flirts with Devon instead, with Devon flirting back in order to help Richie. After leaving Hannibal and Cece at a hotel room, Richie and Devon make out at an elevator. However, Richie gets angry upon discovering that Devon was more interested in Hannibal than Richie. When he claims she planned to sleep with Hannibal, she slaps him and leaves him.
After finding that Hannibal chose to sign with Koronet Records, Richie goes to a Velvet Underground concert. He meets with Andie, trying to get her to come back as his world is falling. Andie refuses as Richie was never honest with her, prompting Richie to admit that he chose Devon over her because she was more beautiful and because she was reminiscent of himself. While hurt, she agrees to join if she gets a major share in his company, which he agrees.
Production
Development
In March 2016, HBO announced that the fifth episode of the series would be titled "He in Racist Fire", and that it would be written by Adam Rapp and directed by Peter Sollett. This was Rapp's second writing credit, and Sollett's first directing credit.[1]