Hoo boy, Eric’s arc in this episode is a lot. This man is unwell. First, we see he’s still sleeping with Yasmin’s lawyer (awkward), who calls him a fuckboi after he gives her some terribly cliché platitudes to try to break up with her (“typical fuckboi prevarication” is an excellent piece of writing).
He’s also being made Pierpoint’s sacrificial lamb in the Lumi mess. I found his exchange with Wilhemina very revealing, especially when she tells him: “You know, when you make partner, they make you seem like you’re at the top of the ladder. But you’re actually just at the bottom of a new one.”
At the conference, the panel goes horrifically for him, thanks to Harper going rogue. If that were not enough, he hires a sex worker while pretending to be Rob, does not pay her, and is very hungover the next morning, when meeting with Harper and Petra. Oh, and he didn’t get to see any snow.
A couple of incredible Ken Leung acting moments I want to shout out: “You’re an old man.” “I don’t fuck like one though, right?” Also, the look of resignation he gives on the plane ride to the conference, when he impulsively orders scotch, then realizes he should lay off the booze. And finally, his hysterical laughter when Harper points out he still has glitter (from the sex worker) all over his face. I’ve always considered Leung the MVP of this show, and he continues to knock it out of the park every time (of course, I gotta pull out another baseball metaphor). — Marina
Yes, to all of this! I love that line from Wilhelmina because when it comes to corporate, client-facing service, you will always have to answer to someone, no matter how senior you think you are. I’m still wheezing at the room booking mishap and Eric saying that he’s a “VIP” on a panel. The hostess asks which country he represents at one of the myriad conferences happening at the hotel and when he said, “Papua New Guinea,” I yelled. To see Eric forcibly humbled throughout this entire episode — roasted for his sexual vigor (or lack thereof), sharing a room with Robert, and flopping on the panel — I was thoroughly entertained.
But the fear of God in his eyes when Harper spoke up and asked that question?! “Why is Pierpoint holding this ideas festival in the shadow of a green energy conference…Is this just the media financial complex patting itself on the back?” she says, then reveals that Frank published a hold on Lumi. Then, the palpable tension and hatred between them at that breakfast? “Eriiiic, look at me.” THAT WAS ACTING! I need an Emmy nomination for Ken and Myha’la STAT! — Ruth
That “look at me” line??? I can never hate you, Harper Stern. NEVER! — Erin
