User Reviews

Larry (Garry Shandling in top neurotic form) makes the unwise decision to get more involved in the messy personal lives of his staff.

The caustic script by Marjorie Gross pokes savagely hilarious fun at just how hermetic and thoroughly absorbed Larry truly is: The man is so caught up in himself he doesn't even know the name of his new assistant director. Moreover, this episode also does a hysterical job of showing that Larry's staff are pretty messed up: Writer Jerry (winningly played by Jeremy Piven) is getting it on with cute new writer Sally (the super cute Kimberly Kates), Hank (the always terrific Jeffrey Tambor) comes up with some asinine thoughts for his newsletter, and obsequious writer Phil (a deliciously smarmy Wallace Langham) goes out of his way to get himself in Larry's good graces. Meanwhile Arthur (the wonderfully crusty Rip Torn) is his usual gruff self and guest Peter Falk is astounded by the delirious dysfunction happening all around him. An absolute riot.

"Larry Sanders" is one of the few shows that makes the average person feel like they're much better off NOT being in show business! Over several wacky and dark seasons, the never satisfied host of a prominent late night program lets his insecurities out in all kinds of ways, usually whining. It's a good guess that being in the public eye is like the quasi narcotic Larry can't go without for too long.

"Out Of The Loop" is my favourite of the early stories and it's rooted in Larry's regrettable desire to be more involved in the nitty gritty of his staff around the set. Head writer Jerry (Jeremy Piven) is head over heels in love and lust with a young lady he foolishly believes is into him the same way. Paula (Janeane Garofalo) is Paula, not nearly as together in her personal life as she is booking the guests. Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) spews out another "Hanks For The Memories", his newsletter, if you could dignify it by using that term. Artie (Rip Torn) is typically irascible, not really liking or trusting anyone other than Mr. Sanders himself. And top billed guest Peter Falk can barely believe what is falling apart psychologically around him.

Once Jerry was fired later on and Paula left, the comedy suffered a bit for me. But "TLSS" remains a jewel in the 90s television garbage heap. You can watch these episodes over and over, they never wear out their welcome. Almost all of the debut season shows are first rate and other celebrities like Carol Burnett, Dana Carvey, Mimi Rogers and David Spade come into Larry's world like funny and intimidating shooting stars. And the usually perceptive journalist Tom Shales interviews Garry Shandling about the whole "TLSS" experience. "No Flipping!"