Netflix's Hollywood: What happened in "Hooray for Hollywood Part 1?"

Hollywood transports us to a post World War II Tinseltown where we meet a bunch of characters who’d do whatever it takes to make a name for themselves.

Once again, Ryan Murphy has found himself on our television screens with another bingeable series. This time around, Murphy takes us into a post World War II Hollywood, where people from all over are moving to Tinseltown in hopes of making their big break. A colorful cast of characters proves that they will do anything to make a name for themselves.

Hollywood hit Netflix earlier this month and the mini-series has made itself comfortable on the streaming platform’s Top 10 ever since. Here are some key moments from the premiere episode of Hollywood.

Who is Jack Castello?

Netflix’s Hollywood first introduces us to Jack Castello (David Corenswet), a WWII veteran who’s moved to Tinseltown in order to become an actor. Unfortunately, as with many aspiring actors, he’s down on his luck.

Ernie’s Proposal

Another casting rejection occurs and Jack finds himself sitting at the bar with a drink in front of him that’s been bought by another patron. This isn’t the first time this same man bought him a drink, and Jack finally asks him why. “To thank you for your service,” he responds before introducing himself as Ernie West (Dylan McDermott).

Ernie tells Jack about his business, Golden Tip Gas, and tells him that he’s looking for a good looking man to pump gas. He also makes note that the customers tip well. Instantly, this screams red flag but in desperate need of some income, Jack decides to check it out.

When he arrives at his first day at work, Ernie questions if he has a venereal disease, and tells him that there will be times where the customer wants to be serviced. jack tells him that he’s a married man and that he’s only cheated on his wife once. Ernie assures him the first time is the hardest, and Jack already got that out of the way.

Jack reluctantly agrees to give it a try and takes his first customer to, as the code word suggests, “dreamland.” This is when we meet my favorite character so far, Avis. Jack’s first time goes fairly well, and he and Avis seem to instantly click.

Once he returns to Golden Tip Gas, Ernie tells him that he has another customer to service — a man named Cole Porter. Jack denies this client, and Ernie decides to take his earnings from his time with Avis away.

Jack dons a police uniform

After going to his wife’s doctor’s appointment, the two discover that they are having twins. With this newfound knowledge, he knows that he must receive a more steady income in order to support his family. Jack ends up with a light bulb moment — dress in a police uniform and find someone at the theater who’d willingly service men at Golden Tip Gas.

Enter Archie Coleman (Jeremy Pope). Jack, in his disguise, tells Archie that he’s being arrested. It doesn’t take long before Archie realizes that Jack is not a real police officer. Jack then informs Archie of the Golden Gas Tip, in which Archie agrees to check out.

Jack meets a woman in casting

With Archie servicing the male clients, things start to go well for the attendants at Golden Tip Gas. Especially for Jack, who discovers that a recent client works as a casting assistant over at Ace Studios. Gaining this connection finally gets his foot through the door as he finally gets called in as an extra.

Since things are going great, Jack tells his wife that he wants her to quit working and gives her $500 to serve as a down payment for a new house. He tells her, “anything for you. Anything for my family.” It seems like their marriage is finally looking up. That is, until…

Jack gets arrested

Jack Castello’s good luck runs out fast. During work, he takes his client to a hotel where she attempts to give him money, but he rejects the offer and informs her that Ernie handles all of the money. Yet, with her persistence of at least giving him a tip, he finally caves.

Unfortunately, she pulls out a badge right after and tells him that he’s being arrested for lewd conduct and solicitation.

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Have you started watching Netflix’s Hollywood? What do you think so far? Let us know in the comments!

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Netflix’s Hollywood Season 1, Episode 1 recap: 5 key moments

By Rebecca Futrell | May 11, 2020