The second chapter of Bookie's sophomore season, entitled "Go to the Labia," whisks viewers on a thrilling rollercoaster ride through the tumultuous realm of Danny Colavito (Sebastian Maniscalco), a Los Angeles-based bookie whose existence is an intricate tapestry of personal and professional predicaments. As the narrative unfolds, Danny grapples with accusations of racism, embarks on a perilous collection mission, and embarks on a psychedelic odyssey that pushes the boundaries of his sanity and interpersonal ties to their limits.
The episode bursts onto the scene with Wendy (Dale Dickey) leveling racism charges at Danny after eavesdropping on his conversation about Ray/Rayfield's (Omar J. Dorsey) altercation with Brad Garrett (Brad Garrett). The air is thick with tension as Danny attempts to delicately steer through this minefield of a situation, only to be sidetracked by Anthony (Maxim Swinton), who requires a lift to school. Wendy's decision to permit Anthony to start the car while it's parked ignites the fuse for the episode's unpredictable trajectory.
When Danny endeavors to return Wendy's betting profits, he encounters an unexpected twist as she reinvests the money, thereby underlining the show's deep dive into gambling as a pivotal theme. Simultaneously, Lorraine Colavito (Vanessa Ferlito) presents her business plan for a magic mushroom venture to Walt Dinty (Rob Corddry), adding an eccentric twist to the show's already labyrinthine storyline.
The stakes are raised as Hector (Jorge Garcia) persuades Danny and Ray to accompany him on a collection run to El Condor (Felix Solis), a character whose murky identity casts a shadow of suspense over their mission. The trio's journey is fraught with tension, from a tense checkpoint encounter to a house party where they stick out like sore thumbs in an unwelcoming crowd.
The tension spirals out of control when Danny, desperate for a bathroom break, comes face-to-face with a boa constrictor coiled in the tub, sparking a moment brimming with acute anxiety and gritty humor. The abrupt discharge of gunfire and Danny's subsequent, hysterical reaction to the serpent create a comic yet deeply disquieting spectacle. Meanwhile, Walt embarks on a psychedelic journey, guided by Lorraine, offering a stark contrast to Danny's harrowing escapade as he undergoes a transformative rebirth.
In El Candor's office, the atmosphere thickens to a breaking point as Hector plays a recording, promptly met with El Candor's violent response of shooting the phone. Ray's unexpected arrival, clouded by drug-induced haze, injects an element of unpredictability into the mix. The mention of Ray urinating on the snake serves as the ultimate affront, pushing the situation to its brink just as Charlie Sheen storms in with news that changes the game entirely. Charlie's intervention not only averts the crisis but also secures the payment from El Candor, epitomizing the sway of unforeseen alliances within the murky world of Bookie.
The episode wraps up in a diner scene where Charlie enlightens the gang about El Candor's baseball league, unveiling the intricate webs of power and conflict among various Los Angeles factions. This tableau stands as a miniature reflection of the show's broader exploration of the city's multifaceted and often colliding subcultures.
Lastly, Walt's return home and heartfelt reconciliation with his mother provide a poignant denouement to an episode rife with chaos and suspense. "Go to the Labia" stands as a testament to Bookie's prowess in intertwining dark humor with profound themes, offering viewers an intimate look into the lives of characters navigating the perilous landscapes of crime, familial bonds, and personal evolution.
