The Morning Show has returned for its highly anticipated third season, and it’s safe to say that it’s as bonkers and unpredictable as ever. Two years have passed since we last caught up with the world of morning news anchors, and this premiere episode thrusts us right back into the chaos without much hand-holding. If you thought the series couldn’t get any more off-the-wall after two seasons of craziness, think again. From Reese Witherspoon in space to unexpected alliances and power plays, The Morning Show continues to defy expectations in a way that’s both bewildering and oddly captivating.
The season kicks off with a jolt, as we’re reintroduced to our beloved characters and left to piece together the puzzle of their lives in 2022. Alex Levy, played by the indomitable Jennifer Aniston, is back at the helm of The Morning Show, and she’s hungry for more power at UBA. She survived a near-cancellation due to her candid COVID show and now demands a seat on the board, among other things. Cory Ellison, the enigmatic network executive portrayed by Billy Crudup, seems to be indulging her demands, but it’s clear that he’s got some secretive plans of his own, involving tech billionaire Paul Marks (Jon Hamm, in a role that’s pure quirk).
One of the most intriguing dynamics of the season premiere is the unresolved tension between Bradley Jackson (Reese Witherspoon) and Cory Ellison. Something significant happened between them in the past two years, and the show is keeping us guessing. Bradley’s quest to cover a story on medical abortions, only to have it shut down by network higher-ups, including Cory, adds fuel to the fire of their strained relationship.
What’s particularly entertaining is the way the show takes a jab at the cutthroat nature of the media industry, with Bradley’s award acceptance speech at the American Alliance of Journalists First Amendment Award ceremony serving as a prime example. She’s unapologetically herself, and it’s a reminder that The Morning Show thrives on pushing boundaries.
The episode takes a mind-boggling turn when Cory proposes that Alex and Bradley join Paul Marks on a private space shuttle broadcasted live on The Morning Show. Yes, you read that right. The show’s penchant for the absurd reaches new heights as our characters are launched into the final frontier. The spectacle is meant to be moving, but it’s more likely to leave you in stitches.
As the episode ends with a transmission blackout, the cliffhanger doesn’t quite pack the dramatic punch the show intends. We know our beloved characters aren’t meeting a grisly fate in space, but the real question is, what other zany adventures does The Morning Show have in store for us this season?
In the midst of the chaos, sparks fly between Alex and Paul Marks, hinting at a potential romance that could take off (pun intended) in a space shuttle. Tig Notaro as Paul’s assistant injects some much-needed humor and chemistry into the mix, making us wish for more scenes between the two.
The natural and authentic chemistry between Jennifer Aniston and Mark Duplass continues to shine, providing moments of authenticity amid the madness. Their complicated relationship, hinted at by Chip’s selfless act to save Alex in the previous season, remains a tantalizing mystery.
And let’s not forget the icing on the cake – the choice of “Fly Me to the Moon” during the end credits. It’s these little touches that remind us that, despite its often bewildering narrative, The Morning Show knows how to entertain and surprise.
As we brace for the impact of what’s to come this season, one thing is clear: The Morning Show has no intention of slowing down or making sense anytime soon, and for fans of the show, that’s precisely why we keep coming back for more.
