The episode "Strict Scrutiny" of The Morning Show Season 3 opens with Cory Ellison and Bradley Jackson returning from a trip to Connecticut. During the drive back, Bradley tries to comfort Cory, who is visibly tense and emotionally guarded. Their conversation reveals layers of Cory's complicated family history and his difficult relationship with his mother, Martha. Martha later confronts Cory with harsh remarks about his past and his personal life, telling him to leave, which intensifies the emotional strain between them. Bradley and Cory's fragile connection is further complicated by Martha's misconceptions about their relationship and her disappointment upon learning Bradley is rekindling a relationship with Laura.

While Cory and Bradley are dealing with these personal tensions, breaking news interrupts their moment: a Supreme Court brief leak reveals that Roe v. Wade is being overturned, putting abortion rights in jeopardy. This news quickly spreads to the fundraiser party that Alex Levy and Paul Marks are attending. The revelation sparks immediate action among the team, who begin strategizing how to cover the developing story.

At the fundraiser, Alex and Paul attend a high-profile event featuring Valentino's creative designer Pierpaolo Piccioli. Alex and Paul attempt to keep their romantic involvement discreet, but their subtle interactions suggest underlying tension and the difficulty of maintaining secrecy in their relationship.

Meanwhile, Stella Bak, who is also at the party, receives an unexpected visit from her friend Kate, who informs her that she has been fired from Hyperion. Kate accuses Paul of controlling Stella and urges her to investigate what is happening at their former company. Kate's emotional confrontation highlights the toxic dynamics surrounding Paul and Stella, leaving Stella visibly upset and conflicted.

Back at the office, Cory is dressing in his tuxedo when Stella approaches him with critical information. She reveals that after the deal with Paul goes through, Paul plans to push Cory out and has even offered Stella Cory's job. This revelation surprises Cory but also gives him a strategic advantage. Stella decides to side with Cory and agrees to act as a spy within Paul's camp to see how events unfold.

Cory then confronts Leonard, a board member, with newfound assertiveness fueled by his mother's tough love. He demands Leonard get the board aligned behind him or face being removed from influence. Cory's threat includes a vivid image of the heads of Fred and Cybill on spikes in his office armoire, symbolizing his readiness to eliminate opposition.

Meanwhile, Chris posts a politically charged and controversial photograph online, escalating tensions. Paul is informed that the Vault, a media outlet, will not be paid off and intends to publish a scandalous photo of Paul and Alex kissing, regardless of the consequences. This development threatens to expose their secret relationship publicly.

The episode ends with a tense moment as Chip unexpectedly walks in on Alex and Paul kissing, catching them off guard and setting the stage for potential fallout from their secret being revealed.

Throughout the episode, the characters navigate personal conflicts, shifting alliances, and the high-stakes fallout from the Supreme Court leak, all while managing the pressures of their professional and private lives. The episode meticulously details each confrontation, emotional exchange, and strategic decision, driving the narrative forward with layered character development and escalating tension.

At the end of The Morning Show Season 3, Episode 7, "Strict Scrutiny," Cory and Bradley share a tense and emotionally charged dinner with Cory's mother, Martha Ellison, who criticizes Cory's ambitions and his choice of Paul Marks to run the media company. The evening ends with Cory playing piano and both he and Bradley singing, which moves Bradley emotionally. Martha warns Bradley to keep her distance from Cory, saying he deserves to be alone. On the way back, Bradley offers friendship, but Cory cynically rejects the idea, calling their relationship one of mutual use. The episode closes with the news announcing the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, ending abortion rights.

The episode begins with Cory preparing for a crucial meeting in the Hamptons, intent on pushing through the sale of UBA to Paul Marks despite legal concerns raised by his attorneys and the Department of Justice's scrutiny. Cory's urgency and impatience are clear as he dismisses the usual caution around such deals. Bradley accompanies him on this trip, signaling the importance of the meeting and their complicated relationship.

At the dinner, Cory's mother, Martha Ellison, a sharp and politically savvy woman with a history as a press secretary, confronts Cory about his life choices. She expresses disappointment in his lack of bigger ambitions and disapproval of Paul Marks, citing his political entanglements as a liability. Cory tries to defend the deal, but Martha's sharp remarks and guilt-tripping about his father's abandonment create a tense atmosphere. Bradley observes this dynamic, sensing the emotional undercurrents and manipulation at play.

As the evening progresses, Cory and Bradley's interaction shifts from confrontation to a rare moment of vulnerability. Cory begins playing the piano, and Bradley joins in singing, which softens the mood and brings out Bradley's emotional side. This moment also reminds Bradley of her own loss--her mother, who died during the pandemic, a loss compounded by the inability to be with her at the end. This shared vulnerability contrasts with the earlier tension and highlights the complexity of their relationship.

Martha, however, remains wary and protective. She explicitly tells Bradley to keep her distance from Cory, insisting that Cory should be alone and is not someone to get close to. This warning underscores Martha's protective instincts and her perception of Cory as damaged or dangerous in personal relationships.

On the drive back from the dinner, Bradley tentatively offers Cory the possibility of friendship, but Cory dismisses it cynically, stating they are merely people who use each other for their own benefit. This exchange encapsulates the ambiguous and transactional nature of their relationship, leaving their connection unresolved and fraught with tension.

The episode ends with a stark news bulletin announcing the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, signaling a major political and social upheaval that frames the personal dramas unfolding within the show. This ending ties the characters' personal conflicts to larger societal issues, emphasizing the stakes beyond their immediate struggles.

Regarding the main characters at the episode's end:

• Cory Ellison remains deeply conflicted, caught between his mother's harsh judgment, his own ambitions, and his complicated relationship with Bradley. He is portrayed as isolated, with his mother insisting he deserves to be alone.

• Bradley Jackson is emotionally affected by the evening, revealing vulnerability and a desire for connection, though she faces rejection from Cory and a warning from Martha to stay away.

• Martha Ellison asserts control and influence, acting as a gatekeeper who disapproves of Cory's choices and seeks to protect Bradley from him.

• Paul Marks is indirectly involved, as the controversial figure Cory wants to install to run the company, but his fate is tied to the unfolding corporate and legal battles.

• Alex Levy and Paul have a subplot in the episode involving their personal relationship, but their fate is not central to the ending of this episode.

This detailed narrative captures the episode's final scenes and the emotional and thematic tensions among the characters.

The Morning Show, Season 3, Episode 7 ("Strict Scrutiny") does not have a post-credit scene. The available detailed recaps and reviews of the episode do not mention any additional scene after the credits. The episode ends with key plot developments such as Cory dealing with complex family and business issues, and Alex and Paul navigating their relationship amid a tabloid threat, but no post-credit content is reported.

In 'Strict Scrutiny,' Cory's complicated relationship with his mother Martha is a central plot element. Their interactions reveal deep emotional tension and unresolved issues, including Martha's guilt-tripping and emotional violence toward Cory and her misconceptions about his relationship with Bradley. This dynamic adds complexity to Cory's character and influences his emotional state throughout the episode.

The leak of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is a major news event in the episode, triggering immediate action from the show's team. It causes political and personal reactions, including Chris posting a controversial photo online and the team scrambling to cover the breaking news. This event also heightens tensions at a benefit party and influences character decisions, such as Stella's choice to side with Cory against Paul.

In 'Strict Scrutiny,' Alex Levy and Paul are shown to be in a secret romantic relationship. This is revealed when Chip accidentally walks in on them kissing in Alex's office, which creates a significant moment of tension and surprise among the characters.

Cory makes several strategic moves to regain control over his career and counter Paul. He agrees to an employment agreement with Stella, who then becomes a spy inside Paul's camp. Cory also confronts Leonard, demanding loyalty from the board and asserting his authority, signaling his intent to fight back against Paul's influence.

Bradley and Cory's relationship is tested and deepened during the episode. After a tense dinner with Martha, where emotional conflicts arise, Bradley tries to comfort Cory on the drive home. Their bond is complicated by family dynamics and personal struggles, but they show moments of support and understanding, highlighting the complexity of their connection.

The Morning Show, Season 3, Episode 7 ("Strict Scrutiny") is not family friendly and is generally unsuitable for children or sensitive viewers due to mature content.

Potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects include:

• Severe profanity, including frequent use of strong language such as the F-word and crude anatomical terms.
• Sexual themes and references, including discussions of sexual misconduct and sexual relationships.
• Mild violence, such as physical altercations (fist fights, slaps), a man getting punched, and a woman being sexually assaulted (though not graphically shown).
• Alcohol use and drug references, including scenes of drinking and an overdose.
• Intense and upsetting real-world topics referenced or depicted, such as the Capitol riot, racial protests, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
• Emotional intensity with moments of tension and conflict.

These elements make the episode inappropriate for children and potentially distressing for sensitive viewers.