Magic Moment – The episode opens with Pete Davidson (Self) surfing the Internet for information on himself in his mother’s basement. Discovering the content is none too flattering, he moves on to porn. His choice is a blonde interviewee in an office setting. Pete gets up to retrieve his lotion. Upstairs checking her mail, Amy Davidson (Edie Falco) discovers a letter for Pete. She proceeds to invade his privacy.
In The Basement – With his vision obscured by the ridiculously invasive virtual reality rig, Pete is having trouble reaching his lotion. Hearing the commotion, Amy becomes concerned. Pete pumps a few squirts of lotion into his hands before taking full advantage of the opportunity.
Pete’s porn flick takes a different approach as the sexy blonde interviewee becomes his sister. The transition doesn’t deter him in the least. Engrossed in the porn flick, he doesn’t hear Amy when she calls his name. She descends the stairs to the basement just in time to get covered in Pete’s semen.
Peter later tries sneaking out of the basement to avoid contact with Amy but only gets as far as the kitchen. she questions why the hasty departure. He suggests they spend some time apart. She tries to convince him to join her for dinner. His embarrassment reaches its apex when he realizes she is still wearing the shirt soiled with semen. She suggests it would be useless to change the shirt since she will be hitting the Peloton after dinner. He tells her to change her shirt while rushing outside.
In A Fast Food Parking Lot – Pete and his former girlfriend, Nikki (Chase Sui Wonders) are halfway into a fast food meal. He tells her about the embarrassing encounter with Amy. She gushes at the thought of Amy seeing his “sperm face.” Surprised by her comment, he questions what she means by “sperm face.” She describes it as his looking like he is going to vomit while trying to solve a Calculus problem before mimicking him. When his grandfather calls, he refuses to answer. She suggests talking to his grandfather. He tells her that it isn’t a good time for him to be around his family. She accuses him of running when things get real. Of course, he denies the allegations. She reminds him of their recent breakup. He doesn’t have a response.
While driving home, Pete’s grandfather repeatedly calls and leaves several messages. He demands to know why he skipped his mother’s dinner. He describes his constant badgering as chasing a board.
In A Tattoo Parlor – Pete tells his laser technician (Desi Dennis-Dylan) about the dismal Google Search. While burning a tattoo from his chest, she claims Hyperbeast called him the “Voice of a Generation.” She advises against his repeatedly having his new tattoos removed.
At A Local Diner – Pete meets his grandfather, Joe Larocca (Joe Pesci). Wincing in pain while taking a seat, Joe asks if he got a new tattoo. Pete admits to taking a different approach by having them burnt off. Joe says that’s too bad. Pete tells him that he has to do something because people view him as a “joke.” Joe says he is a “joke.” Pete points out that his career is going well and some are referring to him as a “Voice of a Generation.” Having a coughing fit, Joe informs him of his grave condition when a fan (Jared Wiseman) approaches for a photo. Insulted, Joe puts the man’s phone into Pete’s root beer float. After the fan leaves embarrassed, Pete questions his condition. Joe explains his ailing health and impending death.
In The Park – Pete and Joe are enjoying a smoke on a park bench. Pete asks what can be done about his poor health. Playing off the seriousness of his condition, Joe suggests there is nothing to be done when it is your time to go. Pete asks about his last wishes. Joe reminds him of how they never get to spend any quality alone time together. They strategize an epic “Boy’s Night Out.” Pete promises to send his ailing grandfather out with a bang.
In His Mother’s Basement – Pete and Evan (Philip Ettinger) watch a true crime show. Pete suggests he has a dermatologist and a fitting that clash and must decide between the two. Pete’s response is a thumbs up. Evan asks why he is so down.
Pete informs Derek (Derek Gains) and Nikki of his dying grandfather. Derek expresses his sorrow. Nikki admits to adoring Joe. Derek asks if is the Jewish or Italian grandfather. Crillz (James A DeSimone) says his situation sucks. Pete tells them that Joe wants to spend some alone time with him before explaining their “Boy’s Night Out” plan. Accepting the responsibility, Evan figures Joe needs to get laid and decides to call a prostitute, Donna (Lynne Koplitz). He awkwardly tries to set up a date when Pete grabs the phone. Immediately recognizing Pete’s voice, she claims to have experience with “high-profile” clients. Pete explains the date is for his grandfather but she isn’t buying it.
Outside His Grandfather’s Home – Pete picks up Joe for their “Big Night Out.” As Pete prepares to leave, Joe says Roy (Brand Garrett) will be joining them. While surprised, Pete agrees to let Roy come along.
At The Restaurant – Joe and Pete are at a fancy restaurant when Donna casually approaches. It doesn’t take long for Joe to realize Donna’s profession is a prostitute. When he brings it up, Donna isn’t offended by his remark. Joe’s displeasure stems from Pete believing he isn’t getting laid regularly. They’re having a nice time when a fan approaches to ask for a photo with Pete. Joe yells for a root beer float when the others erupt in laughter. Pete admits to being happy Joe is enjoying himself because the Sinatra Suite is costing $5K a night.
In The Sinatra Suite – Pete, Joe, and the others enjoy champagne and the piano. When they spend time at the bar, Donna and Roy are doing their thing in the bedroom. Startled by Roy’s screams, they rush to the bedroom where they find him stuck on top of Donna due to a locked him. When Roy apologizes for not being able to finish the job, Joe suggests that Pete get over there and help him. As Pete approaches the bed, Donna warns Roy is still inside her. While he tries to help Roy up, Roy suggests he join them in finishing the job. Joe tells Pete that it is his opportunity to finally help someone else. Despite protesting, he convinces Pete to provide the thrust for good old Uncle Roy so he can finish. To Pete’s credit, he makes sure Donna is okay with it.
At His Mother’s House – Pete and Joe wind down the evening with leftover lasagna of which neither of them know how to reheat. Amy comes to the rescue by tossing the leftover lasagna in the oven while asking about their “Boy’s Night Out.” Feeling duped, Pete comes clean to Joe about his embarrassing masturbation and hotel debacle.
Bupkis Review
The show won’t be for everyone with its crude humor and witty approach to dark topics. It was these that kept me tuned in. Although in stark comparison, the show puts reminds me of “The Goldbergs” which is another guilty pleasure.
It’s difficult to rag on the cinematography or acting since the series is a mere portrayal of Pete’s life filmed against the backdrop of the real world. I will say that sometimes the actors go a bit over the top trying to make some scenarios funny. Either way, this first episode is a shockingly enjoyable introduction to the life of Pete Davidson. I would say it is very loosely based on a true story.
The episode deserves a 5.5. Get more Bupkis recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by clicking the link. Ask about our cost-efficient advertising packages.
Where Was Bupkis Filmed
Filming was mostly in the boroughs of New York City. Some scenes were filmed in Staten Island and Long Island.
Where To Watch Bupkis
Bupkis premiered on Thursday, May 4, 2023, on Peacock.
Bupkis Cast
- Pete Davidson (Pete Davidson)
- Amy Davidson (Edie Falco)
- Joe Larocca (Joe Pesci)
- Evan (Philip Ettinger)
- Crillz (James A DeSimone)
- Roy (Brad Garrett)
- Derek (Derek Gaines)
- Nikki (Chase Sui Wonders)
- Donna (Lynne Koplitz)
- Tattoo Laser Tech (Desi Dennis-Dylan)
