According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.05 million household viewers and gained a 1.3 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
The episode received generally positive reviews from critics, although some expressed frustration with the repetitive nature of the series.
They often hang out at the house of Vince's mother, Rita (Mercedes Ruehl), who is hoping her son returns to his career.
Eric (Kevin Connolly) meets with Van Sant to convince him in giving him a chance, but he stands firm in his opinion that Vince lacks acting range.
Desperate, Eric gets Ari (Jeremy Piven) to deliver footage from Smoke Jumpers to Van Sant to make him change his mind.
Meanwhile, Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) is still in contact with Jamie-Lynn Sigler, keeping it a secret from the boys, and causing Drama (Kevin Dillon) to suspect.
Believing his career to be over, Vince decides to fire Eric for not helping him, prompting the latter to return to Los Angeles.
He gets a phone call with Martin Scorsese, who saw the Smoke Jumpers footage thanks to Van Sant and Eric, and wants Vince to star as Nick Carraway in his adaptation of The Great Gatsby.
[2] This was a slight decrease in viewership with the previous episode, which was watched by an estimated 2.06 million household viewers with a 1.3 in the 18–49 demographics.
"[7] Rob Hunter of Film School Rejects wrote, "A fracture in the group is long overdue, and this was the perfect opportunity for Eric to step out on his own and leave the children behind.
"[8] Doug Ellin and Ally Musika submitted this episode for consideration for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards.