The Casino, Episode 5: Trashy vs. Classy

Remember last week when Tim and Tom had that stupid, reckless car race to work, Tom lost the $5,000 bet, and Tim spent the entire episode pestering him about the money? I know I had been hoping that little plot line was resolved, but alas, it’s back again. They’re playing a game of gin, and the first one to reach 300 points wins $5,000. Tom puts the cash on the table, and Tim reminds him that if he loses, he’ll have lost $10,000. The two of them play cards, and it’s really boring. Watching someone play cards on TV isn’t exactly the most riveting thing in the world, and now you poor people have to read about watching people play cards on TV. Yawn. Anyway, Tom wins and he’s happy. Tim is petty about it and says he has to let Tom enjoy his victory, since they don’t happen very often.

Let’s hope Tim and Tom never, ever make another bet again, because I don’t think I can stay awake through another one.

Mark Burnett rewards me for sitting through that scene with a little treat: Matt Dusk! My boyfriend Matt is performing at Zax, and unfortunately, the room is mostly empty. In an interview, he explains that Zax is primarily a restaurant, so customers are more interested in eating than in watching him and his band. They’re basically background music. Matt, sweetie, don’t discount your value as decoration, too. Matt tells us that he’s goal-oriented and is always looking for the next step up in his career.

In a flurry of stiletto heels and pink marabou feathers, the Trashy Lingerie Girls arrive at the Nugget. Just so you know that I’m not being catty, Trashy Lingerie is indeed the brand name of the lingerie the women are modeling – I’m not the one calling them trashy. The women turn heads as they troop into Tom’s office. Tom explains that there isn’t much nightlife in the downtown part of Las Vegas, so in the evenings, they tend to lose business to the hotels on the Strip. He has hired nightclub promoter Billy Richardson to help him revitalize the nightlife at the Nugget. Billy’s idea is to add a little “extra spice” to Zax on Friday night between 11:00 and 3:00 by having these lingerie models to “party and have fun.”

Tom, looking a little overwhelmed, asks the models’ spokesperson, a woman who calls herself Trashy Mary, how they might generate a vintage Vegas feel. She pulls out some drawings of lingerie that she thinks would be appropriate. It’s very Moulin Rouge. Tom thinks that would be great, and says he envisions putting them in Zax lounge.

Matt visits the showroom with his manager Wolfie and entertainment head honcho Joe. Joe says that by taking Matt there, he’s dangling the carrot in front of him. He tells Matt that Frank Sinatra used to perform there, and Matt about passes out from the excitement of it all. Joe tells us that if their usual headliner is unavailable, then maybe, just maybe, Matt will get to perform in the showroom, but he’s not promising anything. Joe, don’t tease my Matt. Matt asks if he can come see Martin Nievera, the headliner, and Joe makes the arrangements. In an interview, Matt says he’s not sure when, if ever, he’ll get a chance to perform there, so if Joe thinks he’s got Matt hoodwinked, he’s wrong.

Tom calls Joe to talk about the Trashy show. Joe jokes that if Tom has half-naked women in his office, he should call him. These men have such a progressive view towards women. Joe joins Tom in his office, and Tom asks how the lingerie show would go over. Joe says, “Scary, in regards to our image.” Joe explains that the Golden Nugget traditionally draws an older crowd, and he thinks the Trashy show might be a little over the top. After all, they don’t want to alienate their core customers just to increase business. Tom grabs Tim and asks him what he thinks. Please, like Tim’s going to let something like image or good taste dictate his decisions. Tim doesn’t disappoint, and says, “Trashy girls – what’s not to like?” He tells Tom to go for it. Joe looks worried.

The models arrive, and Tommy about trips over himself saying hello to them. Joe introduces himself to them, and walks away, muttering that he suspects trouble.

Matt and his band are bonding over a $1 stakes poker game. Tim happens by (yeah, I know – seems contrived) and joins them. He notices that they have a cheat sheet explaining which hands win and teases them about it. Matt says in an interview that Tim fit in great with the group.

Tom and Billy watch the Trashy Lingerie models’ DVD in his office. It’s for business purposes, they swear! Tom watches with a growing sense of horror and asks, “That’s not really what they do, is it?” Do you think maybe Tom should have watched this DVD before he hired the models? He’s a little apprehensive about how this whole plan is going to shake down.

The models check out their new hotel suite. One of them flashes the camera and declares, “I love my breasts!” She might, but the FCC wouldn’t, so they are covered up with two $1 Golden Nugget chips. Infer what you will about how much this woman is valued with that two dollar bit. Tom shows up to meet everyone, and the women are polite… except for Miss Two Bucks, who shows him her breasts to remind him of her role in the DVD. Tom says he’s laughing on the outside, but he’s nervous on the inside. Joe reminds him that if they flash on the casino floor, it’s a gaming violation. The conversation among the models is much less serious – they all agree that Tom is cute.

Tom calls Trashy Mary to lay down some ground rules: no flashing or nudity in public, and the women can’t wear lingerie in the casino. Trashy Mary offers the fine compromise of “naughty schoolgirl” outfits instead. Tom says that sexy outfits are okay, but lingerie is not. Of course, if Tom were smart, he’d ask to approve those outfits ahead of time, but whatever. Mary hangs up the phone and immediately lectures Two Bucks. She says, “You have to keep the kids in the shirt, no joke.” Best line of the episode.