‘The Morning Show’ Returns, Unveiling an Enigmatic Billionaire

Review: ‘The Morning Show’ is back, with a new billionaire

Introduction

The third season of “The Morning Show” has returned, bringing with it a new billionaire character and the continued misadventures of its flawed lead characters, Alex Levy (Jennifer Aniston) and Bradley Jackson (Reese Witherspoon). The show delves into the lives of these complex individuals, who are portrayed as awful people who think they are noble and caring. However, the disconnect between the writing of the show and its production creates a clanging disparity that undermines the satirical intentions.

The Awful Lead Characters

Alex and Bradley are written as villains, unethical and reckless individuals who possess an overinflated sense of their own importance. They have a history of selfish behavior, treating their coworkers abominably, and ignoring the needs of others. The show intends to satirize celebrity journalists but falls short due to the way Aniston and Witherspoon are filmed. They are presented as heroes, with beautiful appearances, spellbinding hair, and moments of truth that contradict their behavior. The power of stardom overshadows their morally reprehensible actions, preventing the show from effectively critiquing their characters.

The Disparity in Filming

The production of “The Morning Show” fails to align with the writing of the show when it comes to the lead characters. While the characters are written as narcissistic and self-obsessed, they are filmed as heroes. The disparity lies in the way they are lit, scored, edited, and structured within episodes and seasons. Moments that should be viewed as egotistical rants are portrayed as moments of truth. This inconsistency creates confusion and disrupts the overall messaging of the show.

The Misunderstanding of Journalism

The show’s portrayal of journalism is deeply confused, focusing solely on individualism and personal likability. The characters’ actions are centered around helping those they personally like, rather than upholding journalistic integrity. The exploration of dynamics within the newsroom, such as the exhausting nature of working with individuals like Alex and Bradley, is limited. Instead, the show presents their obstruction and problematic behavior as spirited, ignoring the consequences of their actions.

The Strengths of the Show

Despite its flaws, “The Morning Show” does have strengths. The portrayal of the newsroom chaos and the all-hands scramble to cover breaking news is executed well. The performances of Billy Crudup as Cory and Greta Lee as Stella stand out, adding depth and emotion to the show. Additionally, the casting of actors like Nicole Beharie and Tig Notaro adds further quality to the series.

Conclusion

“The Morning Show” struggles to reconcile its satirical intentions with the hero-like portrayal of its lead characters. The disparity between the writing and production undermines the show’s ability to effectively critique morally flawed individuals in the world of journalism. While the show has its strengths, it falls short in delivering a cohesive and consistent narrative that reflects the complexities of the news industry. The third season of “The Morning Show” serves as a reminder of the power of stardom and the impact it can have on a show’s messaging and commentary.

Advice for Viewers

If you decide to watch “The Morning Show,” it’s important to approach it with a critical eye. While the show does have its merits, particularly in its portrayal of the chaotic newsroom and the performances of certain actors, it falls short in delivering a cohesive and hard-hitting critique of the journalism industry. Keep in mind the show’s limitations when engaging with its characters and storylines, and be prepared for the inconsistencies that arise from the disconnect between the writing and production.