The episode opens with William Henry “Hank” Devereaux Jr. (Bob Odenkirk) self-talking while Bartow Williams-Stevens (Jackson Kelly) reads his paper to the class. Lester (Jason Sakaki) admits to loving it. Hank asks the students if they would like to provide constructive criticism with no response. Bartow asks for his opinion. Hank says it’s better if his peers provide their reviews. Jennifer (Jackie Gunn) reminds him that it’s been an hour since he last spoke. Hank describes Bartow’s point of view as “wandering.” Bartow admits it was intentional to show different collection consciousness. A continuous back-and-forth ends with Hank having a meltdown.

Hank wakes to a text – “Good stuff. I’m filled with happy emojis” – from Tony Conigula (Diedrich Bader) and a link to a Railton Bystander article about his describing the students as “mediocre.” Lily Devereaux (Mireille Enos) suggests he turn his phone off.

When Lily describes Hand as being miserable, he suggests it’s normal for adults to be miserable. She argues that most adults, including herself, are only 30% miserable, compared to his 80%.

Hank gets leers and snarky remarks from teachers and students. He arrives at his class to find Bartow waiting to challenge him. Bartow admits it was his dream to be a writer. Now, there is nothing left for him to do before calling his words “hurtful.”  Hank apologizes for his directness. Bartow demands he posts an apology on the Railton Bystander’s website. Hank asks if his middle finger is acceptable.

A woman informs him of six missed calls from Dean Jacob Rose (Oscar Nunez). After refusing a callback, he realizes she didn’t get his yogurt. A verbal disagreement in the teacher’s lounge draws his attention from the newspaper. Emma Wheemer (Shannon DeVido) informs him of a new program, “The Accidental Wisdom of Mediocre Regional Writers.” Gracie Dubois (Suzanne Cryer) blames him before assuring him that Railton College has lots of worthy published authors. He asks her to give him one name. Peter Farrelly (Chris Diamantopoulos) says he and possibly Billie (Nancy Robertson) are worthy scholars. Gracie accuses him of trying to invalidate the last 10 years of her career. Paul Rourke (Cedric Yarbrough) reminds her that it’s been 25 years since her book was released before hitting Hank with her notebook. He demands money for his injury.

Lily asks Dani (Angel Reign Geliz) if he has enough e-cigs for everyone. She holds a meeting with several teachers to discuss Calvin’s poor behavior. She starts the meeting with an explanation of French chocolate. While everyone’s mouth is full of chocolate, she provides a half-assed solution.

Handing Hank a note, Jill (Dolores Drake)says Rose wants him to write it. He asks if the note can be added to his nice but potential trap memorabilia. Rose tells Bartow and his parents that Hank’s problem is his severe diverticulitis. He warns Hank that the article is “bad.” Hank suggests the article is a twisted version of what he really said until reading it. Rose claims everyone recommends terminating him. Hank reminds him of his not having authority. Rose pleads with him to apologize to Bartow unless a college building is named in his honor.

Lily warns Hank that having tenure doesn’t secure his job. Hank suggests the school can’t fire him. She asks if he intentionally trying to get fired. He assures her that what he said was the truth. He self-talks about parents not having the courage to let their children feel pain

Julie Devereaux (Olivia Scott Welch) and Russell (Daniel Doheny) can’t agree on which of their parents to borrow money from. In the end, she decides Hank is their best bet.

Gracie complains to Rose about feeling Hank disrespected her. After reminding her of who Hank is, he asks why it’s still a problem. She says while Hank’s Department Chair, nothing can be done before recalling a time when he found her irresistible. He says everyone found her irresistible. Jill informs him that the trustees will meet next week. Gracie asks if the meeting has anything to do with her notebook assault on Hank.

Gracie tries to convince June Washington-Chen (Alvina August) and Teddy Washington-Chen (Arthur Keng) to participate in Hank’s deterrence.

An intoxicated Billie wakes Hank to ask about her daughter’s recommendation that he promised to write. When he promises to do it, she goes off on a tangent about his growing up without a father. He claims to have been 14 when his father left. She warns it won’t matter after tomorrow. Lily says he will be removed from Department Chair. He says it’ll be easier to fire him before warning it could end his academic career. He asks if the Assistant Head of School position is still open. She agrees to look into it.

Hank receives news that his father has separated from his wife, Stephanie. It’s been 15 years since he last saw his father.

Gracie and the other teachers hold a vote of no confidence when Hank joins them. The teachers vote to remove him from Department Chair. June asks who will replace Hank. They agree to meet tomorrow to discuss it.

Lily informs Hank that the Assistant Head of School position is still available. He reminds her of Julie and his mother. She goes for a run at 11pm to release her frustration because he refuses to relocate.

Julie tells Hank about Russell’s new career path. He suggests Russell choose a different job that pays immediately. They argue over each other.

Hank asks his students their opinion on Bartow’s letter. Lester supports Bartow’s idea because they deserve a supportive teacher. After reading the article aloud, Hank points out the poor grammar. He says Bartow makes some good points.

Lily is informed of Calvin breaking a window. Herb (Simon Longmore) scolds her for not coming up with a solution.

The teachers meet to choose a Department Chair. Hank wins the vote.

After a game of racquetball, Tony and Hank discuss sex. Hank admits to being concerned about the impact of his father’s retirement.

Hank informs Lily of the teachers reelecting him for the Department Chair for three years. She continues running down the road as the episode comes to an end.

 

Lucky Hank Synopsis

Railton College instructor, Hank Devereaux criticizes Bartow’s writing talents during class. He refers to the students as “mediocre” writers. The Railton Bystander publishes an article describing his meltdown which gets the attention of Dean Jacob Rose.

As Department Chair, Rose cannot terminate Hank, Gracie rallies support from other teachers to have him ousted for 24 hours before being reelected.

Lily is eager to move away Railton but Hank not so much. As a vice principal, she faces criticism for how she handles an undisciplined student, Calvin. The teachers suggest expulsion, she recommends finding common ground. Before long, the teachers report that Calvin breaks a window.

Lucky Hank Review

The one-liners fail to provide the perfect balance between comedy and drama. Void of character development, the story jumps right into Hank’s midlife crisis. The script scathes over his relationship with his mother and estranged father.

Hank’s story lacks originality as there are literally hundreds of movies in which protagonists experience a midlife crisis.

The challenges faced by teachers today are no laughing matter. It would’ve been nice if the show had focused on a smidgen of these challenges. Hank is so wrapped up in himself, nothing or no one else seems to matter. He could easily be viewed as a bully, his inappropriate handling of the no-confidence vote.

The cast is oversaturated which is unfortunate for the actors who will receive minimal airtime.

The episode deserves a 6. Get more Lucky Hank recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by clicking the link. Be sure to take the time to inquire about our onsite advertising packages.

 

Lucky Hank Cast

• William Henry “Hank” Deverreaux Jr. (Bob Odenkirk)
• Tony Conigula (Diedrich Bader)
• Lily Devereaux (Mireille Enos)
• Julie Devereaux (Olivia Scott Welch)
• Paul Rourke (Cedric Yarbrough)
• Meg Quigley (Sara Amini)
• Russell (Daniel Doheny)
• Gracie Dubois (Suzanne Cryer)
• Herb (Simon Longmore)
• Billie (Nancy Robertson)
• Jennifer (Jacki Gunn)
• Lester (Jason Sakaki)
• June Washington-Chen (Alvina August)
• Teddy Washington-Chen (Arthur Keng)
• Emma Wheemer (Shannon DeVido)

Where To Watch Lucky Hank

Lucky Hank, produced by Mark Johnson and written by Richard Russo, premieres on AMC on Sunday, March 19, 2023.

Where Was Lucky Hank Filmed

Filming locations include Vancouver, British Columbia, and Winston Studio in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.