The pivotal theme of Lucky Hank's fifth episode revolves around Lily securing the coveted Arlyle position. Tom and Ashley share her jubilation, yet Lily remains cautious, aware of the intricate real-world challenges that lie ahead, particularly the looming presence of Hank Deveraux. Hank's past is intertwined with The Clock, a childhood companion he treated like a confidant, a testament to his profound lack of genuine friendships. He would bury his head within its depths, seeking to drown out the constant quarrels of his parents. Attempting to lift it himself, he finds it an insurmountable weight.
Lily and Hank host a dinner for the English department, an invitation extended to all. However, Hank ponders the true purpose of adult parties, devoid of romantic entanglements, leaving little else to occupy their time. Teddy and June arrive first, and while Hank initially beseeches Teddy for help, he eventually concedes, citing his dedication to his instrument practice. Lily shares the news of her job offer with Hank, but his indifferent response dampens her spirits, displeased with his dismissive attitude towards her aspirations.
Hank sees it as an opportunity to negotiate a better deal from Railton High School, but that's where his enthusiasm ends. Throughout the episode, Lily's agitation about the situation grows as she shares the news with June and subsequently with everyone else. The whispers are deafening, and it's clear that the party considers her refusal of the job an unthinkable scenario. Hank calls upon Tony for assistance when no one else is willing to help him bring the clock indoors. He also opens up about Arlyle, labeling it merely "Lily's fantasy" and nothing more.
Paul harbors a dream of owning Hank's house someday and constructing his own deck overlooking the lake. His wife, Joan, is content with their current situation. Tony and June flirt openly, prompting Emma to reveal that Teddy and June have an open marriage. Their confirmation is awkward and uncomfortable, leaving the decision open for now. Upon hearing the news, Paul hastily declares his intention to purchase Hank's house at a premium. Lily and Hank engage in a minor spat, despite their earlier agreement to "talk about it" after the party. Such conversations often turn into one-sided monologues, and the Arlyle issue seems destined for a similar fate.
Gracie is elated by the prospect of her article being published in The Atlantic. Hank chances upon a text from Tom on Lily's phone, and the simmering tension within the dinner party feels like a pot boiling on the brink of explosion. Yet, the explosion never comes, and Hank dismisses it as a non-issue. Dinner is served, and Hank tries to drown out the chatter, but when it becomes overwhelming, he steps outside. "She loves me. It's just a job," he whispers to himself, determined to work through the challenges. "Julie, mom is leaving us," a bewildered Hank mutters, unaware of the storm that is brewing. The tension builds, and one can only anticipate the delicious drama that awaits at the episode's climax. Hank raises a toast, celebrating Lily's achievements, while whispers about Hank, Gracie's self-aggrandizement, and the potential succession of the Chair position if Hank leaves swirl around the room. It's a tangled web of gossip and speculation, until Julie intervenes, drawing Lily aside for a private conversation.
Hank strained to eavesdrop but failed. The realization dawned on him that he had erred grievously. It was a step he shouldn't have ventured. Emma clarified that the Chair's position would be up for grabs if Hank chose to depart. Lily's gaze was laden with disappointment as she stared at Hank. Aware of his betrayal, she unabashedly spoke of her New York aspirations, using it as a jab at him. She eagerly embraced Paul's fantasy of purchasing the property, leaving Joan distraught at the table. Lily boldly announced that she had successfully convinced Julie and Russel to join her.
The air thickened with tension as Hank and Lily declared their stances in front of the gathered crowd. Lily lashed out at Hank for his hypocrisy, pointing out that while he derided the town as mediocre and expressed dissatisfaction with his life here, he was adamantly determined to stay. Hank approached Lily, apologetic, for involving Julie in the dispute. He pleaded with her to accept the job offer, promising to make the long-distance relationship work.
June reminisced about the loosening of their marital bonds due to the long-distance arrangement, and as Paul chimed in with his own tale of a far-flung relationship, Hank and Lily exchanged a knowing nod. Paul's initially jerky demeanor transformed into a heartwarming narrative about his encounter with Joan, undoubtedly the highlight of the series thus far. Hank bitterly mentioned Tom, and the conversation again descended into tumult. The true reason behind Hank's emotional turmoil about Lily's desire to move to New York finally came to light. He was plagued by abandonment issues, and his old wounds were reopening in a tragic yet poetic manner.
We also witnessed a glimpse of Hank's younger self, attempting suicide when his father departed. Tears streamed down his face as he realized the party had come to an end. As he helped Lily with the dishes, he recounted what his mother had said when she discovered his suicide attempt: "We'll never speak of this again."
