Returning with a double-episode full of drama, the third season of The Morning Show is certainly back with a bang.
The first of the two episodes felt a little uneven as we caught up with our main characters after a time jump and received hints as to what happened in the past 2 years. Alex survived covid, gained successful projects on UBA+ and narrowly dodges a rocket launch, despite the season opening with her obituary clips. She soon finds out her proposed rocket trip is a ploy by Cory, who is trying to sell UBA to Paul Marks (Jon Hamm).
With a sense of determination, Alex decides to put forth a proposal to Cory, a move he deems audacious and radical. With two decades of dedicated service at UBA, she is acutely aware of her value and the pivotal role she has played in the company's revenue. Thus, in order to exert influence on its future, she seeks to become a partner in the business, with a double share in profits and a seat on the board. Frustrated by Cory's apparent reluctance to acknowledge her worth, she expresses her feelings of being undervalued.
Bradley has leveled up and scored the evening news slot. She continues to fight to cover stories with a personal aspect, such as an abortion activist in Texas. Bradley and Laura are no longer together after a pandemic break-up, but with the electric chemistry between them I can't see them being apart for long.
Stella informs Bradley that UBA has opted not to proceed with Bradley's piece on medical abortions. Bradley finds this decision surprising, particularly given Stella's initial intent to instigate positive change within the organization. However, Stella takes a broader perspective, acknowledging UBA's existing stance on the issue. In light of the impending elections, Stella deems Bradley a trusted face for both political factions.
Simultaneously, the American Alliance of Journalists plans to recognize Bradley for her journalistic endeavors covering January 6th.. and Bradley's experience of that day comes to light in future episodes. A little tipsy after a back-and-forth with ex-girlfriend Laura and being chastised by Cory, Bradley gives a short, cryptic speech and leaves. Laura watches on, concerned.
After Alex and Bradley work out a switch which sends Alex to Texas to cover the abortion story and Bradley up to space in a rocket (with zero training) we head straight into episode 2 which gives everyone a scare.
After a slight issue with the transmission, everyone makes it safely back to Earth. A wild option for a premiere, but back to the main plot: Alex arranges a meeting with Cybil to discuss Cory's proposed deal with Paul. She expresses concern that their news division might become controlled by an algorithm functioning as a mouthpiece for Paul's tech company. Cybil offers reassurance, asserting that the deal is unlikely to go through. However, the following day, during her meeting with Stella and Cory, Cybil suggests suspending Alex. Stella proposes an alternative plan - retaining Alex to dedicate more time to TMS, as ratings surge when it airs. She intends to pitch this idea upfront.
Later, on TMS, Alex and new anchor Christina (Nicole Beharie) conduct an interview with Bradley regarding her space expedition. Mid-conversation, the teleprompter malfunctions, leaving their team baffled about the cause. Meanwhile, Chip and Mia find themselves trapped in the control room. Episode 2 is one of the best episodes of this show so far, the panic palpable as lights flicker and staff scurry around not knowing where to turn.
When one of Bradley's personal videos for Laura is sent to Cory's email, Laura is summoned alongside Bradley to decide what to do. Bradley is naturally horrified and embarrassed, and it was nice to see Laura soften her slight anger we saw in episode 1 to try to comfort Bradley. Definitely not the last we see of them together.
When it becomes clear everyone's phones are compromised - including Laura's - Stella has everyone hand in their devices until they can find a way to stop the information leaks. Cory turns to Paul, and accuses him of holding the network hostage so Cory agrees to Paul's price for the deal.
In a comedic sequence, Alex unexpectedly comes across Chip and her director of development, Isabella having sex in Alex's home office. She inquires if Isabella felt coerced into this situation and reminds Chip of the Mitch saga. Eventually, Alex discovers that the two have been in a relationship for some time and had already disclosed it to HR, but were unsure of how to inform Alex.
Stella advises Bradley to make a public declaration that they won't yield to the hackers demands. She questions if Bradley would prefer someone else to deliver the message, but Bradley opts to make the announcement herself. Laura watches on at home, worried for her. By the episode's conclusion, Alex arrives at Bradley's residence after a phone call from Laura, extending an apology and offering her support during this trying time.
Back at the office, Stella cautions Cory about the potential pitfalls of dealing with a tech magnate like Paul and urges him to tread carefully, avoiding entanglement in conflicts with either side. After she leaves his office, Cory contacts Earl to collaborate on a document outlining the merger with Paul, intending to leak this information. Meanwhile, on Stella's phone, a picture of her alongside Paul is visible. Interesting!
Having seen what's in store for season 3, I can confidently say this is a huge improvement from the season 2 slump marred by covid and the Mitch storyline that went on too long. Episodes 5 and 9 are standouts, especially for the criminally under-utilized Julianna Margulies. Give her more to do next season, TMS!
