This week on TMS: We open with Chris Hunter starting her day by reading feedback on her pro-choice social media post, considering the recent alterations in abortion legislation. While on her way to work, an angry protestor confronts her, using artificial blood to make a point. Over at UBA, Mia expresses worry about Chris's safety and assigns a bodyguard to the anchor due to ongoing threats. In the meantime, news of Alex's romantic involvement with Paul Marks spreads rapidly, just as Alex's interview with Paul is being finalized in post-production. Chip informs Alex that high-profile figures are now hesitant to appear on her show.
Stella approaches Cory, attempting to allude to Kate's involvement in potentially dubious dealings at Hyperion. Yet, Cory's attention remains fixed on finalizing the sale of UBA. When Kate severs her ties with Stella, the latter seeks Bradley's assistance in coaxing information from Kate about Hyperion's suspicious affairs. Chip discloses that a majority of Alex's potential interviewees are gravitating towards Laura and NBN and urges her to issue an official statement. Nevertheless, Alex declines, refusing to be drawn into sensationalized gossip. Chip diligently works on the concluding edit of Alex's interview with Paul, growing frustrated with Cory's comments.
Bradley and Laura's romantic relationship is heating up again, as Laura brings Bradley breakfast. Bradley discloses that she spent an evening with Cory's mother. This revelation triggers Laura's suspicions that there might be something more than meets the eye between Bradley and Cory. Later on the YDA set, Laura confides in her co-anchor, Audra, who asserts that Bradley is deceiving her and must have slept with Cory. Audra convinces Laura to examine Bradley's leaked UBA data to validate her concerns.
Meanwhile, Mia discovers that Andre is in New York and appearing on rival network YDA with Laura. She confronts him about his sudden disappearance, but Andre remains tight-lipped. This leads Mia to accuse him of having a fear of commitment.
Cory discusses the final edit of the interview with Alex, but she stands firm in her decision to withdraw the interview from the broadcast schedule in order to address the changes in abortion laws. Cory reluctantly consents to postponing the airing by a week, cautioning Alex about the scrutiny she'll encounter both within UBA and in the public eye due to her relationship with Paul. Bradley reaches out to Kate, who initially declines to communicate, but later covertly gets in touch with Bradley with a message on a coffee cup. They arrange a meeting in the parking garage to discuss Hyperion on record. Unfortunately, Kate doesn't show up for the meeting, leaving Bradley feeling let down.
While Bradley is out looking for Kate, Laura delves into Bradley's leaked information and uncovers her participation in concealing Hal's presence during the Capitol storming, along with suspicious messages between Bradley and Cory. She is now in the hard place of deciding between her relationship and her career: If someone else discovers Laura knows this information and didn't inform the authorities, she will go down with Bradley, Hal and Cory.
Alex opts to conduct an interview with Jess Bennett, the founder of a blog who foresaw the overturning of Roe years ago. However, during the interview, Jess unexpectedly turns the tables on Alex and comments on her relationship with Paul. Jess raises questions about Alex's integrity and suggests that she might be manipulated by Paul. This personal attack leaves Alex feeling disoriented, and she vents her frustration at Chip for not thoroughly scrutinizing Jess's intentions for the interview. This leads to a heated argument between Alex and Chip, culminating in Alex firing Chip once again. Meanwhile, Paul joins Cory for a photo shoot as the deal approaches its finalization and Cory cautions Paul that the billionaire will require his guidance to effectively manage UBA.
In the end, Paul and Alex come back together after a tumultuous week of gossip surrounding their relationship. Alex confides in Paul about the intense scrutiny she's enduring at work due to their connection. She also discloses her decision to let go of Chip, which surprises Paul. Alex raises the possibility of leaving UBA, as she no longer feels a sense of belonging there. However, Paul puts forth an alternative plan. He proposes selling off UBA's other assets, like licenses, film franchises, and sports divisions, in order to concentrate solely on news. Furthermore, Paul suggests that he and Alex can collaborate in constructing a news organization rooted in their shared values and integrity. In this way, Paul persuades Alex not to resign from UBA and instead, to stand up and work towards its improvement.
The episode concludes with the TMS staff (with the exception of Alex) gathering in the newsroom to commemorate Hannah's anniversary and raise a toast in memory of their dead colleague. UBA is in for a rocky 2 episodes as the finale fast approaches.
