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Luck Season 1 Episodes
Season 1 Episode Guide
9 Episodes 2011 - 2012
David Milch, who reinvented the horse opera with "Deadwood," continued his equine fascination in this drama set at California's Santa Anita Park, a monument to the sport of kings where trainers, jockeys, gamblers, criminals and others all have something at stake. Among them is Ace (Dustin Hoffman), a wealthy ex-con who wants to bring casino gambling to the track, where his right-hand man, Gus (Dennis Farina), owns a horse that's being trained by the mercurial Turo (John Ortiz). Another prominent stable figure is Walter (Nick Nolte), an old hand nurturing a colt with Kentucky bloodlines but faced with the choice of veteran Ronnie (Gary Stevens) or rookie Rosie (Kerry Condon) to ride him. Farther down the food chain are a quartet of inveterate bettors, including Jerry (Jason Gedrick), whose handicapping skills could be the difference between their prosperity or poverty. A second season was in the works, but HBO canceled the show after the death of three horses during production.
Episode 1
Pilot
Sun, Dec 11, 2011 52 mins
A drama series about the world of horse racing begins with Chester "Ace" Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) looking to get back in the swing of things after three years in jail, while a quartet of gamblers hope for a big payoff. Written by David Milch. Directed by Michael Mann.
Episode 2
2
Sun, Feb 5, 2012 52 mins
Ace meets with his parole officer and starts to line up potential investors as a public face for his next big venture. Meanwhile, Renzo stumbles into a risky proposition by making claim on a horse trained by Escalante; Jerry takes a beating at a high-stakes poker table; and Walter finds a seasoned jockey for his prized thoroughbred, much to Rosie's dismay.
Episode 3
3
Sun, Feb 12, 2012 52 mins
Jerry pursues a deal to buy the horse that Renzo lost to Mulligan while also talking to Escalante about training it. Meanwhile, Walter mulls a change in jockeys after Gettin' Up Morning's first race ends badly; and Ace gives a young whiz kid the opportunity of a lifetime.
Episode 4
4
Sun, Feb 19, 2012 52 mins
Ace meets with Claire about a charitable endeavor for prisoners, and discusses his new venture with an old partner. Meanwhile, Jerry's gambling nemesis lures him into a dangerous game that may require an intervention by his racetrack buddies; and Walter turns to Rosie to be his new jockey.
Episode 5
5
Sun, Feb 26, 2012 52 mins
Ace takes the reins when Escalante surprises Gus with his decision to race Pint of Plain with an inexperienced jockey in the horse's debut. Meanwhile, Marcus delves into the meaning of his friendship with Jerry; and Claire accompanies Ace to the track after accepting his very generous donation.
Episode 6
Ace Pitches a Deal
Sun, Mar 4, 2012 52 mins
Ace meets with a track owner and his parole officer, but sends Nathan Israel to discuss business with his fellow investors, who scheme to stay one step ahead of their new partner. Meanwhile, an earthquake has a curious effect on Joey's state of mind; and Leon and Rosie find their racing skills questioned by higher authorities.
Episode 7
7
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 52 mins
Ace has a relaxing visit to the prison-outreach retirement farm for horses, but Nathan Israel has a rougher time trying to persuade Ace's new partners of his boss' sincerity. Meanwhile, Walter discusses Gettin' Up Morning's ownership with a lawyer and decides on his next rider; Jerry teams up with a card dealer to play their way into a poker tournament; Lonnie makes a solo claim on another horse; and Rosie asks Joey for representation.
Episode 8
8
Sun, Mar 18, 2012 52 mins
Ace reacts decisively to a new wrinkle in the racetrack deal, but it's probably not a move that Smythe will take lying down. Meanwhile, Walter tries to concentrate on the historic Western Derby, in which his horse will go head-to-head with Gus'; Rosie's good news isn't so great for Leon; and Jo is injured in a stable accident.
Episode 9
9
Sun, Mar 25, 2012 52 mins
In the series finale, Gus draws on past experience to deal with a present threat, and Ace is floored by a surprise visitor. Meanwhile, Walter's Gettin' Up Morning and Gus' Pint of Plain wow the crowd in the Western Derby; Mon Gateau's owners prepare for their biggest race so far; and Escalante checks in for frequent updates on Jo's condition.
