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What is the plot?
The episode opens with the UBA network preparing for its annual Upfronts event, a critical moment where the network pitches its upcoming programming slate to advertisers in hopes of securing ad buys that will fund its operations. Cory Ellison is under immense pressure because the network's financial situation is dire after a collapsed deal with billionaire Paul Marks. Cory delegates the crucial task of securing a major advertising deal to Stella, despite it being her first Upfronts experience, highlighting the desperation and chaos at UBA.
At the Upfronts, Stella attempts to win over a pair of deeply unsavory ad executives. She endures their rampant misogyny and bullying, including a disturbing bet that forces her to allow a waitress to be humiliated in exchange for securing the ad buy. Although the waitress receives a $20,000 tip, the scene is uncomfortable and highlights the toxic environment Stella must navigate to save the network.
Meanwhile, Cory confronts Fred Micklen, the man whose job Cory took and who is now working with Sloan Management, the entity controlling the loan that UBA desperately needs. Fred reveals that any major financial decision Cory wants to make will require Fred's approval, effectively making Cory subordinate to him again. This realization hits Cory hard, and he reluctantly informs Stella that they cannot take Sloan's loan because it would mean losing control of the network.
As the Upfronts event winds down, a party is held at Cory's house in the Hamptons. Cory is visibly irked to see Fred among the guests, who smugly reminds Cory of his leverage over the network. The atmosphere is tense, with the network's future hanging in the balance.
At this critical moment, Alex Levy arrives late to the party, having spent the entire day with Paul Marks trying to salvage the deal Cory had lost. Alex's presence and efforts inject new hope into the situation. She manages to convince Paul to reconsider and accept Cory's offer, effectively saving the network from financial ruin.
The episode closes with a morally defeated Stella walking out to Lizzo's "Truth Hurts," symbolizing the bitter aftertaste of the day's events despite the temporary victory. The network's survival is secured for now, but the personal and ethical costs for the characters involved remain heavy.
What is the ending?
At the end of The Morning Show Season 3, Episode 4, titled "The Green Light," the network UBA faces a financial crisis after losing a major deal with billionaire Paul Marks. Cory Ellison scrambles to save the company, sending Stella to secure a crucial advertising deal. Despite the intense pressure and uncomfortable compromises Stella endures, the situation seems bleak until Alex Levy arrives unexpectedly by helicopter, having spent the day with Paul Marks, and brings hope of reviving the deal, effectively saving UBA's future.
The episode concludes with a tense and chaotic sequence centered on UBA's financial survival. The narrative unfolds as follows:
Cory Ellison is under immense pressure after the collapse of the deal with Paul Marks, which was expected to secure UBA's financial future. The fallout from recent scandals, including the hacked emails and Cybill's departure from the board, has scared off Paul, leaving the network on the brink of ruin. Cory, ever the chaotic strategist, refuses to accept a loan from Sloan, which would mean working under Fred Micklin again, a prospect he finds intolerable.
Cory entrusts Stella with the critical task of landing a $300 million advertising deal with a company called Ellipse. This deal is portrayed as the last lifeline for UBA, determining whether the network can continue operating. Stella, despite it being her first Upfronts event, is pushed into a deeply uncomfortable situation where she must endure misogynistic and bullying behavior from ad executives to secure the deal. She is forced to participate in a humiliating bet that involves a waitress, highlighting the toxic environment and the sacrifices Stella must make to save the company.
Meanwhile, Alex Levy is initially unaware of the full extent of UBA's financial troubles and her docuseries being stalled. Cory breaks the news to her, revealing the dire state of affairs and the loss of the Paul Marks deal. As Cory contemplates the bleak options ahead, including the unacceptable loan from Sloan, a helicopter suddenly lands outside his Hamptons home, known as the "Palace of Sadness."
Alex arrives, having spent the day with Paul Marks, and her presence immediately shifts the atmosphere. Cory is visibly relieved and amazed, recognizing that Alex has brought back the crucial "kill" -- the deal or opportunity that could save UBA. The episode ends on this hopeful note, with Alex's arrival symbolizing a potential turnaround for the network.
In terms of character fates at this episode's end:
- Cory Ellison remains the frantic, scheming CEO, still fighting to keep UBA afloat but now buoyed by Alex's intervention.
- Stella endures significant personal and professional challenges, forced to compromise her integrity to secure the deal, highlighting her role as a key but vulnerable player in the network's survival.
- Alex Levy emerges as the pivotal figure capable of saving UBA, stepping into a more active role in the company's fate.
- Paul Marks remains a powerful but elusive figure whose support is critical to UBA's future, with Alex's connection to him being the episode's turning point.
The episode's ending underscores the high-stakes, cutthroat nature of the media business, the compromises made behind the scenes, and the fragile alliances that determine the survival of a network like UBA. It also highlights the gender and power dynamics at play, especially through Stella's experience, and sets the stage for the ongoing struggle to keep the network alive.
Is there a post-credit scene?
The Morning Show, Season 3, Episode 4 ("The Green Light") does not have a post-credit scene. The episode concludes with a dramatic helicopter entrance by Alex Levy and Paul Marks at Cory's party, which serves as a pivotal moment to potentially salvage the advertising deal and save the network, UBA. This final scene is the episode's closing moment, and no additional post-credit content is reported in the available detailed recaps and reviews.
What challenges does Cory Ellison face in Season 3, Episode 4 'The Green Light' of The Morning Show?
In this episode, Cory Ellison struggles to rebuild after his deal with billionaire Paul Marks collapses, putting UBA's financial future at risk. He is forced to send Stella and Alex to secure an advertising deal critical for the company's survival, despite Stella's inexperience and questionable methods. Cory also faces the reality of having to work with Fred Micklen again, who now holds significant influence over UBA's financial decisions through Sloan Management, effectively making Cory dependent on him for any major fiscal moves.
How is Stella's role and behavior portrayed during the UBA Upfronts event in 'The Green Light'?
Stella is depicted as inexperienced, mentioning it is her first Upfronts, yet she is tasked with landing a crucial advertising deal. Her approach is uncomfortable and offputting, involving misogyny, bullying, and a humiliating bet that forces a waitress to endure embarrassment to secure the ad buy. Despite the $20,000 tip given to the waitress, the episode highlights the morally questionable lengths Stella goes to in order to get ahead.
What is the significance of the UBA Upfronts event in this episode?
The UBA Upfronts event serves as the central setting where the network tries to secure advertising revenue to avoid financial ruin. It also acts as a backdrop for addressing the ongoing racial scandal and the network's reckoning with race and inequality. The event showcases the power dynamics and manipulations among characters like Cory, Stella, Alex, and Chris, who each use different tactics to advance their interests or push for equity within the company.
How does Alex Levy contribute to the episode's resolution?
Alex Levy arrives late to the network party at Cory's house via helicopter, after spending the day trying to salvage the deal with Paul Marks. Her arrival is pivotal, as she effectively becomes UBA's champion, providing a much-needed lifeline to Cory and the network at a moment when all seems lost. This intervention shifts the episode's trajectory toward hope for UBA's survival.
What ongoing themes related to race and workplace dynamics are explored in 'The Green Light'?
The episode continues to explore the long-tail impact of racism in legacy media beyond a single scandal. Through characters like Chris, who advocates for equal pay for herself and all workers of color, and the network's public reckoning at the Upfronts, the show highlights systemic racial inequalities. Meanwhile, other characters engage in manipulative behaviors to secure power and success, illustrating the complex interplay of race, ambition, and ethics within the workplace.
Is this family friendly?
The Morning Show, Season 3, Episode 4 ("The Green Light") is not family friendly and contains content that may be upsetting or inappropriate for children and sensitive viewers.
Potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects include:
- Misogyny and bullying: Scenes involving deeply uncomfortable and offputting behavior, including casual misogyny and bullying in a business setting.
- Humiliation: A scene where a waitress is humiliated as part of a bet to secure an advertising deal, which is emotionally distressing despite a large tip being given afterward.
- Suggestive dialogue and mature themes: The episode involves adult themes related to workplace power dynamics, manipulation, and complex interpersonal relationships.
- Language: The episode contains strong language and possibly harsh or aggressive exchanges.
- Racial and social issues: The episode addresses racial inequality and workplace discrimination, which may include intense or challenging discussions.
These elements make the episode unsuitable for children and potentially difficult for sensitive viewers to watch.