Episode 2: "And It Comes Out Here"
Credits :: Screen Captures :: Video Clips

Although the guys at the OCB aren't too sure Vinnie's investigation is worth the taxpayer money being spent on it, Vinnie convinces them that the possibility of busting those who deal in "cleans" justifies it. They're uncomfortable with the involvement of private citizens like Diana Price and Bobby Travis in the sting, but they owe Vinnie because he's put his life on the line for them, so they let him have his way.

Bobby and Vinnie approach Shakala Records owner Isaac Twine to interest him in putting out Diana's record, but he's not biting at first. In fact, he seems more interested in the sumo wrestling game on the TV which he's betting on - foreshadowing the serious gambling problem we later discover he has. However, when Vinnie offers Dead Dog Records as part of the deal, Isaac perks up. Still, he won't commit.

We meet the Newquays, Winston and Claudia, in this episode. Claudia is desperately unhappy in her marriage and spends her time getting drunk and trying to figure out ways to make Winston notice her. We know from Bobby's earlier tale how ruthless Winston is, and he treats Vinnie and Bobby with disdain and contempt as they pitch Dead Dog and Diana Price to him. In fact, he doesn't even bother to put his pants on when he talks to them, prompting Vinnie to discard his as well, to Bobby's dismay. They leave with no deal.

When Diana hears that the two went to Newquay, she's upset, but Bobby and Vinnie reassure her that they're only thinking of what's best for her career. Vinnie gets an idea - Winston is holding a party for a new act of his. If he, Bobby, and Diana crash it, they can use it to get press for Diana.

When they show up at the party, they indeed make a splash. Bobby introduces Diana around, and things are going well. Then, Claudia and Diana get into a catfight over Winston, ending their visit quickly. Winston orders Bobby be roughed up as punishment, but he only gets a busted nose.

Meanwhile, Vinnie has a check run on Winston and discovers his real name is "Samuel Fishbine" and he's from a poor family, despite his pretensions. He has a lot of friends in high places, so he's dangerous in that he might be able to ask connections in the government to blow Vinnie's cover.

After Bobby's beating and Winston's displeasure, Diana and Johnny Medley start panicking and want to pull out. In an effort to do some damage control, Vinnie makes Bobby president of Dead Dog Records. Vinnie also asks Bobby if there's anyone who's ever gone up against Winston and won. Bobby can think of only one guy: James Eliot.

James Eliot is a rock star who'd reached Beatle-esque proportions but couldn't handle it. He stopped making music and became a hermit. Winston at one time tried to rip him off, but he was able to fight back and get his money from Winston by threatening to expose his impoverished roots. Bobby and Vinnie visit him to see if he'll help them go against Winston as well. They get him to sign a deal with Dead Dog which is a complete farce, but it gives them what they need: a headline in Billboard and a huge jump in marketability for the record company.

Now people are paying attention. Winston wants to buy Dead Dog, but only if he can ditch Vinnie, Bobby, and Diana. Vinnie says that they're a part of the deal. He tries to get Isaac Twine to match Winston's bid and include them, but Isaac doesn't have the capital. After some deliberation, Vinnie decides to go with Isaac anyway, selling Dead Dog for no money down.

However, Newquay has already started digging on Vinnie. He hasn't found anything yet except Vinnie's "cover file" which characterizes him as a small-time gangster, but the threat of compromise is very real.

 

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