Oh man, Eric’s arc is really big in this episode. This man is not doing well. First we see that he is still sleeping with Yasmin’s lawyer (embarrassing), who calls him a fuckboy after he tells her some horribly cliche platitudes to break up with her (“typical fuckboy excuses” is an excellent piece of writing).

He is also made Pierpoint’s sacrificial lamb in the Lumi chaos. I found his exchange with Wilhemina very insightful, especially when she tells him: “You know, when you become partners, they make you look like you’re at the top of the ladder. But really, you’re just at the bottom of a new ladder.”

At the conference, the panel goes horribly for him as Harper goes astray. As if that wasn’t enough, he hires a sex worker while pretending to be Rob, doesn’t pay her, and is severely hungover the next morning when he meets up with Harper and Petra. Oh, and he hasn’t seen any snow.

A few incredible moments with Ken Leung that make me want to scream: “You’re an old man.” “But I don’t fuck like one, do I?” Also his resigned expression on the flight to the conference when he spontaneously orders scotch and then realizes he should skip the booze. And finally his hysterical laughter when Harper points out that he still has glitter (from the sex worker) on his face. I’ve always considered Leung the MVP of this show, and he beats all records every time (of course I have to pull out another baseball metaphor). — Marina

Yes, to all of that! I love that line from Wilhelmina because when it comes to corporate customer service, you always have to answer to someone, no matter how high-ranking you consider yourself. I’m still gasping over the room booking mishap and Eric saying he’s a “VIP” on a panel. The hostess asks which country he’s representing at one of the countless conferences at the hotel, and when he says “Papua New Guinea,” I scream. Watching Eric violently humiliated throughout this entire episode—he’s teased for his sexual vitality (or lack thereof), he shares a room with Robert, and he fails the panel—kept me entertained.

But the fear of God in his eyes when Harper spoke up and asked that question?! “Why is Pierpoint hosting this festival of ideas in the shadow of a green energy conference… Is this just the media and financial complex patting itself on the back?” she says, then reveals that Frank has issued a ban on Lumi. And then the palpable tension and hatred between them at that breakfast? “Eriiiic, look at me.” THAT WAS ACTING! I need an Emmy nomination for Ken and Myha’la NOW! – Ruth

That “look at me” quote??? I can never hate you, Harper Stern. NEVER! — Erin