‘Bupkis’ Director Jason Orley Discusses How the X-Rated Opening Scene Was Inspired By ‘Happy Madison’ and ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’
Charna Flam “‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ and ‘Happy Madison’ have probably seeped their way into Pete Davidson’s head, and ‘Bupkis’ is what’s come out,” is how the show’s director, Jason Orley recently described the new Peacock comedy series to Variety. Written, produced and starring Davidson, “Bupkis” immerses audiences into a “surrealist” adaptation of Davidson’s life with the help of a star-studded call sheet, including Joe Pesci, Brad Garrett, John Mulaney, Sebastian Stan, Ray Romano and more. “Bupkis” opens with a caricature of the celebrity as he takes a moment to “unwind” in the basement of his family home. Davidson throws on a pair of VR goggles, presses play on an immersive pornographic video and in a moment of pleasure — and soon-to-be distress — his mother, played by Edie Falco, walks in as he reaches his climax.