Nezir gets a job writing for the Talk Tonight show, and they love him. They invite him to write more often.

Nezir has been doing well on his own and has decided he can no longer work for Bling. When Nezir leaves, Bling throws objects at him from his balcony in anger. ..

Nezir is not bothered by the news that Aïssa has asked him to be her opening act at The Olympia. In fact, he is excited for the opportunity to perform before a large audience. ..

Aïssa lies to her mother about continuing to take exams and goes to the Drôle instead. She asks Apolline to read over her jokes, but she’s resistant. When Laurent arrives to speak with Aïssa, Apolline offers to take care of her daughter to get on her good side.

Nezir arrives late to work, and Bling says he can’t do the job. Others protest too, so Nezir tries to kick them out, but Corinne intervenes. She yells that he’s the one with the problem, and that he should leave. He gives her the keys and storms out.

After Aïssa and Nezir talk, they both agree that Bling used to be really cool. Aïssa even dated him for a couple of months before she met Vlad.

The scene cuts to Bling now. He finds a baby bird and takes it inside, where he feeds it.

Apolline is babysitting Aïssa’s daughter when one of her friends, Victor, shows up. When the little girl asks if he is her boyfriend, Victor answers “yes” at the same time Apolline answers “no.” Victor then leaves and Apolline wonders what she should have said. ..

When Apolline says she’s doing standup, he thinks the idea is ludicrous. He found out she can’t take exams, but his father could help the penalty go away. He hugs her, just as Nezir peeks into the room.

Nezir and Farah go on a date, where their differences become apparent. Nezir is slow to take Farah’s jokes, while she finds them funny.

Aïssa has a party invite for Laurent that could lead to a movie role for her. She has to cancel helping Nezir with a show.

That night, Aïssa watches Apolline’s video. She calls to tell her she likes it and that Apolline needs to become more comfortable performing now.

Nezir is surprised when the show is so crowded. Aïssa tells him she has to cancel and he explodes.

Nezir still manages to hype the crowd without Aïssa, only faltering slightly when Apolline arrives. She asks if there’s room for a beginner in the show. Nezir encourages her before she goes on. ..

Apolline’s bit about her horse Pistachio goes over very well with farah. Nezir hangs on her every word, leaving without Nezir even noticing.

Apolline gets off the stage and runs to hug Nezir. They kiss. She asks to go to his place afterward.

Victor arrives at Apolline’s house while she is performing stand-up. He mentions the disciplinary procedure to her mother, believing she already knew about it. ..

Meanwhile, Aïssa is having a tough time at this party. She doesn’t meet famous directors like she expected, although she does get mistaken for a waitress because of her outfit. ..

When Apolline suggests she and Nezir go up to the roof, he confesses that his brother died falling off a roof 10 years ago. Apolline and Nezir go to the roof to investigate what happened.Apolline’s brother fell off a roof 10 years ago and is still missing.

While they are in Nezir’s room later, Nezir’s father returns from his outing. He insists it’s too late for Apolline to go home, so she stays over. The episode ends with Nezir in his father’s room and Apolline in Nezir’s.

The Episode Review

Aïssa’s shining moment arrives at last, providing an interesting counter parallel to Apolline’s circumstances. Both women face new beginnings; both have to leave things behind. Aïssa, everything that has held her back. Apolline, everything that has helped her make it this far.

The emotional arcs of Apolline, Aïssa, and Nezir are once again stunning to watch. In the second half of the episode, much of this episode meanders without any clear direction or purpose.

Despite the challenges, Standing Up continues to be one of the most successful stand-up albums of all time. It reflects the real world of stand-up and provides a deep and fascinating look into the lives of four troubled comics.