As 2023 nears its end, revisiting the emotional rollercoaster of 2020 might feel like a strange form of entertainment. Yet, the latest episode of The Morning Show plunges us right back into that era, serving as a bridge between seasons 2 and 3. This episode, acting as a filler, peeks into the pandemic experiences of our beloved characters while Alex (Jennifer Aniston) and Chip (Mark Duplass) navigate their professional lives from Alex’s home. While the episode dives into the personal lives of these characters amidst a global crisis, one might ponder, in a completely different context, How Good Are All 3 Seasons Of Love Is War at depicting the complexities of relationships. However, here, the focus shifts to a different kind of drama, one unfolding in the newsroom and personal spaces of UBA’s finest.
One striking aspect is the almost nonchalant disregard for COVID-19 protocols among the characters. Masks are virtually absent, social distancing seems forgotten, highlighting a certain disconnect, or perhaps a deliberate choice to mirror the pandemic fatigue many experienced. Stella (Greta Lee) makes a brief appearance, primarily to advance a storyline with Paul Marks (Jon Hamm), hinting at future developments.
Karen Pittman as Mia Jordan in The Morning Show (COURTESY: Apple TV+)
Alt text: Mia Jordan practices strict pandemic protocols, wearing a mask and sanitizing hands in The Morning Show.
Mia (Karen Pittman) emerges as a stark contrast, portraying responsible behavior during the pandemic. Her meticulous routine of social distancing, mask-wearing, and sanitizing showcases a character prioritizing safety and consideration for others. This discipline extends to her personal life as well. Her relationship with Andre (Clive Standen), previously hinted at as more than just a source in Ukraine, faces a test when Andre arrives drunk and unmasked. Mia’s immediate reaction – masking up, packing, and leaving – underscores her commitment to her principles and health, highlighting a relationship strained by differing levels of responsibility.
Meanwhile, at UBA, Cory (Billy Crudup) grapples with Bradley’s (Reese Witherspoon) departure to Laura Peterson’s (Julianna Margulies) Montana ranch. This “pandemic safe haven” becomes the backdrop for a tumultuous relationship. Initially, champagne and shared work on The Morning Show foster intimacy. However, tragedy strikes when Bradley’s brother, Hal (Joe Tippett), informs her of their mother’s death from COVID-19. Bradley unfairly directs her grief and blame towards Laura, citing “anti-science rednecks” and triggering a breakup. This paints Bradley as emotionally immature, lacking respect for Laura’s beliefs, and ultimately, making Laura the more sympathetic character in this conflict.
Julianna Margulies as Laura Peterson in The Morning Show (COURTESY: Apple TV+)
Alt text: Laura Peterson looks contemplative at her Montana ranch in The Morning Show pandemic episode.
The narrative then takes a controversial turn, intercutting shots of a mourning Bradley with Cory at his new mansion. This editing choice subtly suggests an emotional connection between Bradley and Cory, implying her relationship with Laura is somehow less significant. This portrayal risks perpetuating harmful tropes about lesbian relationships in media, diminishing their value compared to heterosexual dynamics. Ironically, the narrative missteps might even push viewers to root for a Bradley-Cory pairing, simply because Laura deserves better than to be entangled in a storyline that seems to undervalue her relationship. Furthermore, Laura certainly doesn’t deserve to be involved with someone who later enables a serious act of political violence.
The episode’s most jarring twist comes with Bradley’s coverage of the Jan 6 insurrection. Filming inside the Capitol, she confronts an attacker, only to discover it’s her brother, Hal. His flimsy excuse about escaping fatherhood pressures convinces Bradley to delete the incriminating footage. This decision, driven by familial loyalty, leads to her promotion to UBA Evening News, facilitated by Mia.
The FBI’s investigation into the missing footage brings Cory and Bradley together again. In a mask-free encounter at Cory’s home, Bradley confesses the truth. Cory, initially concerned about UBA’s reputation, ultimately accepts Bradley’s actions after expressing his frustration. This arc, intended to evoke sympathy for Bradley, might instead highlight her questionable judgment and self-serving decisions. The episode seems to suggest a certain compatibility between Bradley and Cory, bound by their shared chaotic tendencies.
Reese Witherspoon as Bradley Jackson in The Morning Show (COURTESY: Apple TV+)
Alt text: Bradley Jackson looks distressed in The Morning Show episode dealing with pandemic and family issues.
This episode effectively induces “pandemic jet lag,” forcing viewers to relive a disorienting period. However, amidst the pandemic backdrop and personal dramas, the show continues to neglect a potentially compelling romantic storyline: the dynamic between Alex and Chip. Given their extended isolation and shared professional and personal history, the episode, ironically titled “Love Island,” misses an opportunity to explore their chemistry. The long-standing “will they, won’t they?” tension between them holds significant dramatic potential, yet remains largely untapped.
As the season progresses, a genuine exploration of a romantic and complex plotline for Alex and Chip would be a welcome development. And perhaps, a departure from pandemic flashbacks would be equally appreciated.
Is Julianna Margulies in these episodes? Yes!
Margulies Timestamps: 4:05-4:18; 5:30-5:41; 9:00-10:18; 11:44-13:49; 21:02-23-46; 24:10-24:35; 26:59-30:22; 35:18-36:08.
Email Draft: Dear The Morning Show viewers, not all bisexual women who are from conservative backgrounds are like Bradley Jackson. I would know. Sincerely, Ana.
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