Crashing Season 3: The Temple Gig Recap & Review
Another week, another new episode of HBO’s hit comedy "Crashing." With each new episode, both Pete Holmes and Judd Apatow showcase sharp writing and interesting character direction. The story of Pete as he struggles through the city of New York trying to become a successful comedian is fascinating, and continues to impress with every new episode. If you are not all caught up with the latest episodes of "Crashing," be cautious going forward as there will be full spoilers.
Hot off the heels of last week's episode, Pete is still struggling with his rejection from the Comedy Store. This was something Pete had been working towards for the better part of a year. A common theme in "Crashing" is that of failure. This failure is usually pertaining to Pete. However, what makes Pete such a great character in "Crashing" is his determination to keep moving forward despite all of his setbacks. With each new season, Pete begins to gain more confidence. Whether this be confidence in his comedy, his social life or his love life. Only two episodes into season three and it is clear Pete’s confidence level is at a new high.
“The Temple Gig” features two distinct plotlines that eventually intertwine at the end. The first is that of the “Temple Gig” itself. After a friends comedy show in what appears to be an ordinary laundromat, Pete is approached by Elon Gold who tells him how much he enjoyed Pete’s set at the Comedy Store. This compliment turns into an invitation to perform with Elon at a Synagogue in town. Pete is reluctant at first, mainly due to him being Christian, not Jewish. Elon assures Pete that this will not be a problem, convincing Pete to accept the invitation.
The second main plot beat of “The Temple Gig” begins when Pete’s ex-girlfriend Ali makes fun of a jacket that he bought. This brings Pete back to the store he bought it at, where he plans to return it. Before he has the chance, he meets a woman in the store named Kat. The two begin to flirt, starting with Kat convincing Pete that the jacket looks good on him. After this short introduction, the two embark on a few hour journey across the city filled with flirting, longing stares and even a stop in a dressing room and restaurant bathroom to have intercourse. This idea of living in the moment and sleeping around in public places is not like Pete. As the seasons go on, Pete becomes more comfortable with himself and more distant from his Christian values he was raised on. For the first time since dating Ali, Pete seems to be incredibly happy. After exchanging numbers and parting ways, Pete is noticeably ecstatic about the situation. It is safe to say Pete is feeling great as he makes his way to perform at the synagogue.
It is at the Synagogue where Pete tells Elon about his escapades. Elon is not as ecstatic as Pete was, forcing him to reevaluate the situation and proceed with caution. After their conversation, Pete proceeds to go onstage and give a fantastic set. Everyone in the crowd is enjoying it, and Pete is loving it. Toward the end of his set, Pete notices Kat in the back row. Once the two are seated together, Kat tells Pete that that she really wanted to see him, even skipping a bachelor party to be there. Pete seems to throw caution out the window as he seems content to move forward with Kat. This is the start of what will most likely be Pete’s new relationship after Ali. Pete has always had a tough time getting past relationships, but Kat seems to be the character to help him break out of that.
The episode ends with the organizer of the show, Shoshanna showering praise for Pete’s set and letting him know she intends to make some calls for him regarding the religious comedy circuit. It may not be the Comedy Store, but is a big step for Pete in terms of exposure. In the coming weeks, it will be interesting to see how Pete continues to break out of his shell and do things he does not normally do. It will also be interesting to see how far Pete is willing to go into the religious circuit, or if he is willing to do it at all. To keep up to date with Pete’s career and love life, make sure to check back here and keep up to date with everything "Crashing."
Zach Hall is a senior majoring in Broadcast Journalism. To contact him, email zth5043@psu.edu.
