The Larry Sanders Show (TV Series) The Promise (1992) User Reviews

Larry doesn't take betrayal lightly

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 8 May 2020]

Larry (ably played to the angsty hilt by Garry Shandling) takes issue with up and coming comedian David Spade telling jokes on rival Jay Leno's show that he was supposed to tell on Larry's show. Hank (the sublime Jeffrey Tambor) gives his groupies a tour of the studio.

Joe Toplyn's smart script provides an interesting exploration of loyalty and betrayal in show business as well as has a ball with the premise of people using other people as a means of furthering one's career, with Spade in particular a treat to see portraying himself as a conniving jerk. Hank's scenes with his fawning fans are hysterical and once again we see him shamelessly sucking up to Larry. Moreover, there's a nice telling moment in which Larry cuts Dana Delany off in mid-sentence after the show ends which speaks volumes about how relationships between celebrities in show business are strictly skin deep. Very funny and pointed stuff.

The unspoken rule of doing talk shows.

[Hey_Sweden · 8/10 · 25 March 2023]

The main story thread of this pleasant second episode is that up-and-coming comedian David Spade, playing himself, is due for his fifth appearance on Larry's show, only to do 'The Tonight Show' first and premiere his new material there. Naturally, Larry is hurt by this, after which we hear of this "unspoken rule" of not doing two talk shows back to back. The B plot involves Hank going against Larry's wishes and showing the female members of Hanks' fan club around the studio.

Again, 'The Larry Sanders Show' does an expert job of poking fun at various aspects of show business, with Larry determined to make Spade learn a lesson. There's a good moment where Larry tells guest Dana Delany that they just have to pretend to have a nice conversation as the show cuts to commercial, but the real laugh is when the staff learn that William Shatner is in the vicinity, and try to convince him to do a skit on the show. Shatner, heard in voice-over only, is a little pained that the first thing they automatically go to is doing a 'Star Trek' related skit. What's hilarious is when Larry & cohorts, in the most childish way possible, go out of their way to make Shatner say the word "Klingons". And then, of course, Shatner hears their laughter!

Although 'The Promise' didn't deliver any major belly laughs for this viewer, it's still well-written and very well-performed by its talented cast. It *is* refreshing to watch comedy material that's not sanitized for a mainstream, network audience.

Eight out of 10.