'How to Make It in America': In or out?

Last night's episode of "How to Make It" didn't have the same pace as the premiere, but it was a nice segue to the storylines (and drama) ahead.

We left off with Ben and Cam being approached by Andy, a sales rep who wants to help get Crisp into every store in NYC. During their meeting, the fellas aren’t too sure about Mr. Andy, an up and comer trying to make a name for himself.

While Andy’s "let’s build a brand and empire together" sentiment is honorable, this is the generation of instant, not delayed, gratification.

Over in Rachel-land, the job hunt leads her to an interview with a cooking magazine. Rachel gets the job but feels weird about it, so why not call Domingo for some of his herbal remedies? Chances are Rachel and Domingo will hook up, and more power to them.

They do some dog walking, some weed smoking and it ends with Rachel giving Domingo a kiss. I’d like to see the whole Rachel and Ben story fade anyway, so that Domingo can move in and add some fireworks to the crew's dynamic.

In an interesting character shift, we see that Cam’s smitten with shop owner Lulu, and I like this idea of Cam trying to be a one woman guy. As fun as the single life is in your 20s, you’re never too cool for some actual romance. Here’s hoping Ziggy from “The Wire" (a.k.a. James Ransone) and his Neanderthal swag don't swipe Lulu from Cam.

Meanwhile, Bubbles from "The Wire" - OK, not really, it was Andre Royo - is busy getting roughed up by Rene and his goons for money. Turns out he works at an ad agency and Rene wants his help in getting Rasta Monsta a solid promotional campaign. This won’t be the only time in this episode (or series) that Rene bullies his way into jump-starting his business. I just hope it doesn’t land him back on Riker’s Island.

At Rene’s meeting, the ad reps basically tell him to take the Red Bull approach and get an extreme athlete to do something extreme and thank Rasta Monsta for his extremeness. Seems easy enough... if you have the $50,000 it would cost to pay said athlete. But Rene find his man in Wilfredo Gomez. Yes, the same skateboarding Wilfredo Gomez who calls Ben “Donald” and shakes down kids for pizza money. You’ve got to love Rene, but he makes a lot of dumb decisions that will unfortunately catch up to him.

While Cam and Kappo are looking at apartments the former can’t afford, Ben is being yelled at by Andy, who is now furious that the guys want their samples back so they can show them to another, bigger buyer. Something I've noticed: Many in my generation don't know the art of being direct, especially in the workplace. A prime example was when Andy barks at Ben, “Say what you mean!”

What Ben means to tell you, Andy, is that he doesn’t want your business. Thanks for playing.

Our boys pay a visit to buyer Nancy’s (Gina Gershon) house looking to talk shop. After failing to impress her, Ben and Cam proceed to slap-box in her kid’s room, leaving their bag of hoodies behind.

Two things: First, I love Gina Gershon, and I already like the no bull attitude her character brings to the show. It was only a few scenes, but she has a lot of presence. Two, you knew something would come out of Ben leaving his bag at her house. Nancy’s son likes the hoodies, and she values her child’s taste. This could be promising for Crisp, and it kind of has to be, since they’ve already burned one sales bridge.

If anything, this episode was a good setup for the rest of the season. How far will Nancy take Crisp, if she’s even interested? Will Cam find love? Are we headed for a big Ben/Julie/Rachel/Domingo relationship fiasco? Can Kappo get a storyline? Just a few things I’m wondering. Let us know your thoughts.