Bedtime Stories is still pulling from an impressive stable of guest actors to bring these tales to life. Some of this talent has worked with Tim and Eric before and are always solid in a pinch, like Ray Wise (miss you already, Twin Peaks: The Return!), or others which are new to this black comedy universe, like Rhea Perlman. Tim and Eric usually know when to step into the spotlight or when certain stories would be better if they were behind the camera. Some of the series’ best episodes are installments where the duo are mostly absent. “Baklava” may be all about these weirdos, but “The Duke” is a strong example of when outside talent gets to shine. An episode down the road this season has Will Forte starring, which will hopefully be the greatest thing ever.

“Baklava” tells the story of Barry (Wareheim), a struggling piano salesman who’s trying to be the top dog in the office. But meanwhile, Mr. Crown (Heidecker), his boss, seems to slowly be losing his mind over a recent obsession with baklava. The way that Mr. Crown introduces his employees to the Middle Eastern dessert is almost like a leader inducting people into a cult. Everyone mindlessly bobs around barking the praises of “Baklava!” Seeing Mr. Crown having to deal with this nonsense while he’s actually trying to do his job and pay his debts is played to great effect here. Barry’s trying to do his best but constantly getting sidelined by this obsessive behavior and it builds solid tension throughout the tension. If tension’s not enough for you though, Mr. Crown truly goes overboard when his baklava status is put in jeopardy. There are multiple suicide attempts on the man’s part, as if losing baklava were losing a cherished loved one. He’s getting limbs chopped off in order to sustain his habit (sugar levels), yet somehow Barry’s salesman struggles due to Mr. Crown’s breakdown is even sadder.

For a moment, “Baklava” ends up feeling somewhat similar to the half-hour episode, “Sauce Boy.” The fact that the episode was originally titled “Baklava Guys” might even imply that they were meant to be tonal sequels of sorts. While “Baklava” does deal with familiar territory, Tim’s bizarre performance and the note that the episode ultimately ends on are enough to make this feel different and new.

“The Duke” feels a little more laid back in tone, as Maureen (Rhea Perlman) and Bryan (Jorge Garcia) try to work through their marital problems. Things don’t get any better when the Duke (Ray Wise) enters the picture, only they kind of do. This is an episode that’s all about changing your perspective and learning how to live with a lie that you tell yourself. The unusual dynamic that Maureen, Bryan, and the Duke build for one another is played for laughs and it is certainly funny on some level, but what drives the story forward is just how damn sad it is.

This is a tale about people cutting their loses and giving up ostensibly, in order to have an easier life. The whole thing is also set to the backdrop of casinos and gambling, which makes for a nice flashy atmosphere to play against all of this, too. Also, the idea of a casino that only offers up scratch tickets as its means of gambling (or that there’s some sort of art to it) is something that’s much funnier than it should be. Plus, lots and lots of dad jokes. Pierre would be proud.