Sam is approached by an attractive middle aged female agent to do a commercial. The thing is, she expects certain "benefits" from Sam. When he does a successful job, he realizes that his part is going to continue and he feels cheap. It brings about some real soul searching on his part.
3 Reviews
An oddly vulnerable Sam
dgplatt-6012119 January 2024
This is yet another S&D episode, but with a bit of a twist. The catalyst is Lana, the sophisticated "Dragon Lady" agent who books Sam for a beer commercial. It's soon clear that she is interested in Sam not just as a client but as a sex object.
What's odd is Diane's reaction. While she's obviously jealous of Lana, she seems to be be genuinely concerned for Sam's feelings. Also, Sam is showing a bit of growth. He knows he's being used by Lana, and while he goes along with it he's starting to feel not so great about the arrangement. (It seems weird now that Barbara Babcock, who was 45 at the time, was seen as "old" back then!)
There's a lot of funny bits here, especially Coach's technique to get Sam to wake up and smell the coffee. This is also the episode with the famous "Yelnik McWawa" joke. It has nothing to do with the rest of the story, but it's funny.
(One more thing: the joke in the beer commercial - Sam substituting for another "pitcher" - is pretty good.)
What's odd is Diane's reaction. While she's obviously jealous of Lana, she seems to be be genuinely concerned for Sam's feelings. Also, Sam is showing a bit of growth. He knows he's being used by Lana, and while he goes along with it he's starting to feel not so great about the arrangement. (It seems weird now that Barbara Babcock, who was 45 at the time, was seen as "old" back then!)
There's a lot of funny bits here, especially Coach's technique to get Sam to wake up and smell the coffee. This is also the episode with the famous "Yelnik McWawa" joke. It has nothing to do with the rest of the story, but it's funny.
(One more thing: the joke in the beer commercial - Sam substituting for another "pitcher" - is pretty good.)
Now Pitching, Sam Malone (#1.13)
ComedyFan20104 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Sam meets a woman who is a commercial agent for former athletes. And she arranges a commercial for him. But she also uses her status to date her clients. He is too upset about it and wants to break it up. When he does so she drops him as a client.
What I liked about the episode, besides the many great random jokes the show usually provides, is the portrayal of Lana Marshall, the agent. Beautifully performed by Barbara Babcock. She is a strong woman that always has a great response. And when the prude Diane comes over to her with her usual sexist and ageist remarks, Lana awesomely puts her in her place. Very well done by the show.
What I liked about the episode, besides the many great random jokes the show usually provides, is the portrayal of Lana Marshall, the agent. Beautifully performed by Barbara Babcock. She is a strong woman that always has a great response. And when the prude Diane comes over to her with her usual sexist and ageist remarks, Lana awesomely puts her in her place. Very well done by the show.
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