Filthy Lucre

Given the huge emotional content of the previous episode, it was fair to assume Filthy Lucre would have a more joyous tone. And indeed it does: why would Hank want to sulk after finally managing to sleep with Karen for the first time in years?

The story kicks off with Hank's return to L.A. after the old man's funeral. He's very happy since he has, at last, produced a new manuscript, and insists Karen read it before he hands it over to Charlie. In the meantime, he receives a fat bonus paycheck, of which he takes advantage to get a new car for himself and a new guitar for Becca (bonding's important, you know?). As for Charlie, the threesome from the previous episode has unexpected effects when Marcy tells him she's embarking on a lesbian relationship with Dani.

Aside from the usual character quirks, which emerge in all their charm, Filthy Lucre sets in motion a subplot which will define the rest of the season (if you paid attention to the Mia scenes in the last few episodes, it's pretty obvious), a fact confirmed by the charmingly downbeat ending - a bittersweet sequence that reminds us how big a lovable loser Hank can be. There's no beating that guy.