Summary
Hollywood season 1, episode 2, “Hooray for Hollywood: Part 2” is a historically important episode, highlighting the divide in race in the film industry.
This recap of Netflix series Hollywood season 1, episode 2, “Hooray for Hollywood: Part 2” contains significant spoilers.
How much is Jack in trouble in Hollywood season 1, episode 2, “Hooray for Hollywood: Part 2”?
Well, he’s not at the police station long as Ernie bails him out. Jack is worried about his criminal record but Ernie casually mentions Frank Sinatra.
Jack continues as a sex worker and he’s got a screen test at Ace Studios. Avi, the woman who he is frequently providing a service for, tells Jack her husband is Ace Studios, so she will put a good word in.
And who is Raymond?
Hollywood season 1, episode 2, “Hooray for Hollywood: Part 2” introduces to the audience Raymond, a man who aspires to be a director. At the start of the episode, he talks about Anna May Wong’s script and also states he is half Asian. Anna, who is also Asian, calls him naive, saying they will not want Asian leads and a director on a Hollywood picture. Raymond disagrees and states they will make Anna’s film.
It’s useful to know that characters always point out that Raymond does not “look Asian” and that he looks white, which is important to the story.
Raymond tries selling Anna’s script to Mr. Samuels at Ace Studios. The executive tells Raymond that he remembers Anna and that one time she did a brilliant screen test but they gave the role to a white woman and Anna was distraught. Mr Samuels tells Raymond that they cannot have a picture with an Asian lead. Raymond disagrees and Mr Samuels likes his confidence, giving him a bunch of scripts to read through.
As you can tell, Hollywood is determined to reflect a place in time.
How does Jack’s screen test go?
Terribly, but Ellen Kincaid sticks up for him and says she “believes in him”. One of the executives gives in to Ellen. Ellen tells Jack she likes his look and offers him a contract.
Hollywood hints it was more about looks and less about talent.
Who is Camille?
Camille, a black woman, is a typecaster and she’s given the role of playing a house servant in a movie. The director asks Camille to do her line “funnier” but what he really means is for Camille to do it with a black southern twang to represent the fact that she’s a house servant.
Camille brushes this off and goes home to celebrate with Raymond, her partner — with both of them having small successes in Hollywood.
Does Raymond get his big break?
It looks like it. Hollywood season 1, episode 2, “Hooray for Hollywood: Part 2” sees Raymond showing Mr. Samuels a storyboard for the picture Peg, a script written by Archie. Mr. Samuels gives Raymond his first picture. Mr. Samuel, unfortunately, hints that Anna May Wong’s script is unlikely to be made into a picture.
Meanwhile, Claire Wood introduces herself to Jack and tells him to be confident and “act like a star”. She also tells him that there’s going to be a new picture called Peg and she’s going to get the leading role and they will be casting for a love interest.
Hint, hint.
Who is Roy Fitzgerald?
Roy is the man that requested Archie’s sex services in the last episode. Roy Fitzgerald needs an agent so goes to meet Henry Wilson. With no previous experience, Henry agrees to be his agent — “I know in the first 30 seconds if someone will be a star. He gives Roy a new name, Rock Hudson. Henry tells the now-named Rock that before signing a contract he has to suck his c**k. He also tells Rock that it’s evident that he’s gay so he’ll teach him how to “pretend better”.
Does Raymond deliver Anna the bad news?
Yes but he tells Anna it will be delayed but Anna says her picture will never be made because it won’t pass in this town and gives Raymond her best wishes for his movie Peg.
How does Hollywood season 1, episode 2, “Hooray for Hollywood: Part 2” end?
It ends with Raymond and Archie heading to the studios — they are both friends and they are pumped that their picture is going to be made. Jack is also pumped when he sees Archie and realizes his script is going to be made into a film.
Raymond introduces Archie to Ellen Kincaid and explains that he is the Peg writer. Ellen looks at him and says “you’re colored. I love it,” before kissing him on the lips.
A very strange ending to another great episode.
Other points
- Raymond asks Archie how a black man wrote a script about a white woman jumping off a Hollywood sign. Archie says he could make it because he understands rage. This in reference to the movie Peg that Raymond will be directing.
- Archie tells Raymond he doesn’t look half Asian and he can pass for white.
- Roy Fitzgerald asks Archie why he hasn’t asked for money for sex yet. Smitten Roy wonders if they are in a relationship. Archie dismisses the idea. Roy says wouldn’t it be nice to grow old with someone.
- It’s very evident that Claire does not like Camille.
- when Jack returns home early morning from sex work, his wife wants to have sex but she’s pretending — she knows he has been sleeping with someone else. Her stomach suddenly hurts and she has to go to the hospital. The doctor tells Jack to keep his wife calm and stop f***ing around.
- Camille asks Ms. Rayman if she can be considered for a new role for a crime drama. Ms. Rayman says no because it’s for a white role.
