In'The Green Light', we begin with UBA CEO Cory Ellison getting ready for the upfronts. He has a conversation with Stella before heading onstage, emphasizing how essential it is to win the backing of advertising executives for the company's success. It's clear that UBA is facing significant financial challenges, and Cory is grappling with keeping things afloat following the collapse of the network sale deal. Following his upfront presentation, Alex catches up with Cory, seeking clarity about the network's intentions regarding the documentary she's involved in.
Cory informs Alex that he hasn't made a decision regarding the documentary's future due to his focus on the network's financial predicament. He encourages Alex to contribute to UBA's survival amidst this crisis by smoothing things over with Paul Marks. Cory points out that her absence at the space launch wounded Marks's pride, and believes that she could play a pivotal role in reengaging the billionaire in negotiations.
Meanwhile, Bradley is pleasantly surprised by the positive public response to leaked pictures of her with ex-girlfriend, Laura Peterson. Encouraged by the reaction, she reaches out to Laura, inviting her to Cory's party in the hopes of catching up. Laura is pleasantly surprised to hear from Bradley, and agrees to come to the party.
Mia assists Chris in uncovering leads for a news report and discusses the upcoming fundraiser party that Cory is hosting to support UBA. Mia also engages Bradley in conversation, seeking her assistance in covering a story in Ukraine. During their conversation, Mia discloses that she's involved with reporter Andre Ford. After connecting Andre with Bradley's contact—a freelance photographer who will aid Andre in covering the bombings in Ukraine—Mia cautions Andre to keep his affiliation with UBA under wraps.
In another location, Stella has a lunch meeting with some advertising executives, who voice their reservations about putting money into UBA. They point out the network's deficiency in original content and its overall brand perception. Nevertheless, Stella points out that the UBA hacking incident actually worked in the network's favor, drawing in natural viewership to its streaming platform and other channels. When the executives catch on to Stella's tactics, she's compelled to engage in some underhanded dealings with them. Despite this, she manages to negotiate a deal that will please Cory.
Bradley and Laura reconnect at Cory's party, but their reunion is marred by a little joke from Laura about Cory's feelings towards Bradley. Bradley is clearly still touchy about her working relationship with Cory, more of which will soon be revealed. It seems to be one step forward, two steps back for Bradley and Laura's relationship.
Meanwhile, Alex crosses paths with Paul Marks and persuades him to spend the day in her company. They venture to an amusement park in Coney Island, affording Alex a deeper understanding of Marks and his approach to business. Conversely, Marks gains insight into Alex's fervor and her aspiration for positive transformation at UBA.
In another part of the event, Cory endeavors to secure a loan from a private investor in order to rescue UBA. He is taken aback to discover his former boss, Fred, in attendance at the party. Fred informs Cory that while Sloan is willing to extend the loan, there's a stipulation. He elaborates that Sloan expects him to supervise the financial decisions at UBA, effectively placing Fred in an indirect position of authority over Cory, despite Fred no longer officially being part of the UBA team. This change in the balance of power leaves Cory feeling vexed, again.
In the end, Fred's involvement in the loan arrangement proves to be a deal-breaker, leading Cory to decline the offer. While he assures Stella that he will find the necessary funds to rescue UBA, he's left without any more viable options. However, the atmosphere at the party takes a sudden turn when a helicopter arrives unexpectedly. Cory soon learns that Alex may have successfully persuaded Paul Marks to re-enter negotiations. Perhaps his luck will change after all.
