I actually enjoyed the gun show. Once I got used to all the regular people and how fat they were I really enjoyed it.
And what a great follow-up to Fishing. This one’s a masterpiece as well, following so many great plot threads. Selina’s struggling through a job summit in Detroit and the supporting cast is packed with returning MVPs. Sarah Sutherland is back as a surprisingly aggressive Catherine. David Pasquesi makes a welcome return (we haven’t seen him since mid-second season as memory serves) as Selina’s slimy ex-husband, Andrew. And then there’s Sally Phillips returning from that brilliant second season European episode as the painfully awkward Finnish Prime Minister. I think I literally let out a little yelp of joy when she first came on screen. It’s too bad Dave Foley didn’t also return as her grotesque husband, but perhaps that’s for the best. And Anna Chlumsky is season best in this episode as the increasingly stressed Amy. But even with all that, the real MVP of the show is Christopher Meloni in his first appearance as Selina’s personal trainer Ray. Meloni’s always had a facility for comedy that he never got to showcase on L&O: SVU (understandably) and his turn here is absolutely wonderful as the thick-headed, arrogant Ray. These are the kind of small surprises Veep still springs on me sometimes and why the show still hasn’t gotten old. This one’s another masterpiece. 4 stars.
tl;dr – an embarrassment of riches in the returning guest star area, plus a great first appearance by Christopher Meloni, elevate this brilliant episode to great heights. 4 stars.