Recap: The Morning Show - Season 3, Episode 6
posted by Adam Thompson
October 11, 2023
In the fourth episode's conclusion, Alex surprised everyone by bringing Paul to the UBA Upfront party in the Hamptons. Now, in the sixth episode, we fast forward to find that Alex successfully convinced Paul to agree to the partnership between Hyperion and UBA. We witness him addressing the UBA team, addressing their questions and apprehensions. He endeavors to reassure them that their positions are secure and that, with his involvement, even more job opportunities will arise.
Bradley asks for Paul's take on who is behind the hack. Paul points at Russia, but it seems the call is coming from inside the house.
Alex asks whether Paul's influential connections could potentially compromise the integrity of their news. Paul responds tactfully, aiming to avoid any negative impact on the staff's perception. This direct questioning by Alex vexes Cory, particularly given the company's financial difficulties. He worries that her behavior might endanger their deal. Nevertheless, Alex insists on clarifying certain matters before progressing with the deal. Hence, she proposes interviewing Paul on Alex Unfiltered, a suggestion Cory unsurprisingly opposes.
Shortly after, Alex presents the interview idea to Paul. Much to her surprise, he promptly agrees and even offers his Hamptons residence as the interview location. Alex is taken aback by Paul's straightforward acceptance, causing her to feel some anxiety as this interview could potentially jeopardize the Hyperion-UBA deal. Regardless, she quickly enlists the help of Chip and Isabella on short notice. While they endeavor to mend their personal relationship, they also work together to prepare for the interview.
Hal arrives at Bradley's place accompanied by his wife Cheryl and their baby daughter Taylor. Bradley is genuinely delighted to see Hal doing well and notes the strong bond between him and Cheryl. However, her joy is short-lived as Hal reveals he intends to confess his involvement in the Capitol attacks to alleviate his guilty conscience, viewing it as an essential part of his sobriety. This revelation angers Bradley, as Hal seems to have disregarded the potential consequences of his audacious move. While it may provide him with a sense of personal closure, it could potentially jeopardize Bradley's career due to the implications of lying or concealing vital evidence.
Bradley attempts to sway Hal's decision regarding the public revelation of his terrible actions. She brings up their painful family history, particularly their relationship with their father. However, Hal justifies his choice by expressing a desire for his daughter to grow up proud of her father. Bradley extends an invitation for Hal and Cheryl to join them for a taping of the UBA Evening News.
During the show, Bradley conducts an interview with a man who was arrested for the crime Hal committed. Only Bradley, Hal, and Cory are aware of this fact. Bradley deliberately conducts the interview in front of Hal, aiming to make him confront the horrifying consequences his actions can have. Bradley hopes that this guilt will lead Hal to reconsider his plan. Cory observes this and senses a potential problem. He warns Bradley to address the issue promptly, or he will step in.
Later that evening, Bradley invites Laura to join her for a dinner date. Laura picks up on Bradley's unease, sensing that something is troubling her. However, Bradley decides against confiding in her, deciding she doesn't want to drag Laura into her mess.
The next day, Laura runs into Bradley at UBA. She thanks Alex for supporting her and having her back. Alex also seems to sense that something is off with Bradley, but is distracted by her upcoming interview with Paul.
Alex and the UBA crew arrive at Paul's Hamptons residence for their interview. Chip becomes aware of the intimacy between Alex and Paul, recognizing that their acquaintance extends beyond this formal interview. Isabella, who is in a relationship with Chip, picks up on his subtle discomfort, even though he tries to conceal it. Eventually, the interview commences with Alex directly questioning Paul about his motivations for acquiring a media company like UBA.
Meanwhile, Laura goes to see Hal while Bradley is out. She wants Bradley back, and she apologizes to Hal for encouraging Bradley to cut him out of her life. Laura pleads with Hal, telling him that if he would approve of Bradley and Laura's relationship and give them a chance, she knows she could make Bradley happy. Hal considers her request.
During a brief intermission, Chip confides in Alex about Stella's distressing history connected with Paul and Hyperion. Eventually, Alex confronts Paul about exploiting the concept of a former Stanford student (Stella) to build his multi-billion dollar enterprise, showing no remorse. Paul contends that he feels no remorse for purchasing the idea at a lower cost, asserting that he acted in accordance with industry norms. However, there's a deeper layer to the story. Stella initially developed a progressive concept to aid activists, but Hyperion repurposed it into a predictive policing tool for profit.
In time, Alex highlights the severe bout of depression that Stella endured due to the restrictive NDA terms in her contract. Paul reflects on this and appears genuinely pained. He then opens up about his own painful experience with a failed marriage and how it influenced his interactions with others. After the interview, Alex lingers behind once the crew departs. This leaves Chip a bit perturbed, a sentiment sensed by Isabella.
During their drive home, Chip begins discussing his future with Isabella. However, it doesn't lift her spirits as he anticipates. Ultimately, Isabella reveals the cause of her unease. She doesn't want Chip to choose her merely because he's given up hope of being with Alex.
Following the interview, Alex remains at Paul's house. One thing leads to another, and they end up spending the night together. The next morning, as they lie in bed, Cory reaches out to Paul. He wants to ensure the interview didn't create any complications for their forthcoming deal. To Cory's astonishment, Paul commends Alex highly. He even alters his perspective on a logo placement, much to Cory's delight.
Later, in the UBA office, Paul encounters Stella. Although Alex didn't explicitly mention her name, Paul understands who she was referring to. Consequently, he offers a sincere apology for any pain he may have caused her, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Eventually, Paul drops a bombshell revelation. Following the Hyperion-UBA deal, he intends to remove Cory from his CEO position and appoint Stella in his place.
Hal and his wife and child have returned home. It turns out that Laura's words prompted him to reconsider. He leaves behind a letter explaining his change of heart, which brings relief to Bradley upon reading it. Later, she meets with Laura and offers an apology for her behavior. It appears that this incident has the potential to positively shift their relationship. The two kiss in the middle of the street, officially back together.