WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for The Morning Show season 3 finale.
Article Overview
The conclusion of season 3 of The Morning Show ties together important narratives, laying the groundwork for potential new storylines in season 4. This promises significant transformations for both UBA and its staff. Viewers witness Alex's remarkable evolution as she actively prioritizes journalistic values, ultimately rescuing UBA and facilitating a merger with a rival network, consequently leading to Paul Marks' downfall.
In The Morning Show season 4, Bradley's decision to surrender herself to the FBI presents a fresh start for her, possibly outside of UBA/NBN. Meanwhile, Cory's refusal of Paul's bribe offer leaves his future uncertain. The conclusion of The Morning Show season 3 saw UBA and its employees moving towards a new path, resolving significant storylines but leaving us with another cliffhanger ending. Starting off from where season 3, episode 9 left off, the season finale delved into the aftermath of Bradley's departure, The Vault article about Cory, and many other compelling events. Packed with surprising twists and suspense, season 3 and its finale pave the way for potential storylines in The Morning Show season 4.
UBA’s New Deal & Merger With NBN Explained
The cast of The Morning Show season 3 has delivered exceptional performances throughout all 10 episodes, and for some, the finale may have marked the end of their characters' appearances. However, with the breakdown of the Paul Marks deal, the changes in UBA leadership, and the uncertainty surrounding the future of multiple characters, The Morning Show season 4 is poised for significant transformations. The season 3 finale effectively covered nearly every major plot introduced in previous episodes, while leaving enough loose ends to ensure the continuation of the story in season 4.
Alex & Laura team up to save UBA's network with a major merger
In the season 3 finale of The Morning Show, a multitude of intertwining stories unfolded, but the primary focus centered on the decisive shareholders' vote that held the fate of the Paul Marks deal. Throughout recent episodes, characters had vacillated between supporting or vehemently opposing the deal upon uncovering Paul's plans for UBA in The Morning Show. However, only a select few possessed the power to effectively challenge the tech magnate. Cory, Stella, Bradley, and Chip had already aligned themselves against him, yet without Alex joining their ranks, their ability to thwart the deal would have remained unattainable.
In the final episode of season 3 of The Morning Show, Alex faced difficult choices. She had to decide whether to align with her former co-anchor and sometimes rival, Bradley, or her new love interest, Paul, who had been ruthless to others but showed nothing but love for her. Ultimately, Alex realized that prioritizing journalistic integrity and saving UBA was more important than gaining power alongside Paul. This demonstrated her personal growth throughout the season.
In order to achieve her goal, Alex sought an unexpected ally in Laura. Together, along with NBN President Elena Daniels, they presented a merger proposal to their rival network at a price that Paul couldn't match. Feeling trapped and possibly still harboring feelings of love and respect for Alex, Paul withdrew his offer. The specific details of the UBA/NBN merger remain unknown, but it is expected that there will be cuts and changes, particularly behind the scenes. This is likely to be a central focus in the upcoming season 4 of The Morning Show.
What Bradley Turning Herself In Means For The Morning Show Season 4
Bradley & Hal Turn Each Other In To The HBI
Season 3 of The Morning Show concluded with a thrilling cliffhanger as Bradley and Hal made the decision to surrender themselves to the FBI. In this pivotal moment, their secret was already known to the important individuals in their lives, including Alex, who accompanied them to the federal building. Now, Bradley must accept responsibility for her actions, relieving her of the constant fear of her secret being exposed. Nonetheless, this choice exposes her to potentially grave consequences, not only for her professional trajectory but also for her personal life.
Bradley concluded season 3 of The Morning Show without a job after leaving her position as the evening news anchor in episode 9. As a result, she may begin season 4 of The Morning Show without being affiliated with UBA/NBN, essentially returning to her starting point in season 1. The future trajectory of Bradley's character is highly anticipated, and The Morning Show has demonstrated that almost anything is possible with the support of Alex Levy.
Why Cory Turned Down Paul's Payout In The Morning Show Season 3's Ending
Cory refused to sign Paul's NDA
Cory's future was left uncertain at the end of The Morning Show season 3 when he rejected Paul's payout offer. Despite his desperate attempt to retrieve the substantial loan he had obtained earlier in the season and sabotage the deal, Paul put an end to his efforts. Instead, Paul presented Cory with a $10 million payout, significantly less than the $119.2 million Fred received at the end of season 1. However, accepting the payout would have required Cory to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
Refusing to play by Paul's rules, Cory chose to stand his ground. Fortunately, Alex, Laura, and Elena devised a merger plan. Nevertheless, if this trio holds power in The Morning Show season 4, it is likely that they will not be extending any job offers to Cory in the near future. While Cory's refusal of Paul's offer was not necessarily selfless, it demonstrated his willingness to go to great lengths to do what he believes is right.
What Happened With The Morning Show Season 3's Romances
Is Bradley In Love With Laura Or Cory?
In The Morning Show season 3 finale, a surprising twist arises suggesting that Bradley may have feelings for Cory. The scandal surrounding Cory, accused of inappropriate behavior by The Vault article, prompts an internal investigation. As part of the investigation, Bradley is interviewed and confesses her fear when Cory expressed his love for her in the season 2 finale. She wasn't sure if she could be with someone who truly saw her. This fear echoes through her relationship with Laura, as Bradley believes Laura constantly judges her based on her past. In a conversation with Alex during the season 3 finale, Laura reveals that Bradley feels like a stranger to her, someone she never truly knew but always desired to. By the end of the season, Bradley remains single and has more important matters to focus on rather than her recurring relationship issues. The season 4 of The Morning Show leaves room for Bradley to pursue a relationship with either Cory or Laura, or potentially introduce a new love interest for a fresh start.
Alex & Paul's Breakup Explained
The relationship between Alex and Paul in The Morning Show season 3 was incredibly intense, almost like a roller coaster ride that was bound to come crashing down. Despite the presence of love between them, Bradley's observation that Alex didn't truly know Paul was accurate, and not just because he was keeping secrets. While they shared certain similarities, Alex portrayed herself as cold and guarded, but Paul's heartless nature took their dynamic to a level that she was not willing to embrace.
After discovering Paul's surveillance and threats against Bradley in the season 3 finale of The Morning Show, Alex made the decision to end their relationship. This choice was influenced by her past experiences of being betrayed by men she had loved, most notably Mitch. Therefore, the realization that Paul was no different dealt a devastating blow to her. After sabotaging his deal, Paul returned to Texas to focus on his Hyperion project, leaving Alex once again feeling alone. Although the breakup between Paul and Alex was messy and painful, it ultimately served as a necessary catalyst for Alex's personal growth in season 4 of The Morning Show.
The Morning Show Season 3's Ending Sets Up Several Character Exits In Season 4
Paul, Christina, Cory, and Chip have uncertain futures
As The Morning Show wraps up one season and gears up for another, it is inevitable that there will be some alterations, possibly resulting in certain characters bidding farewell. Thus far, the show has utilized time jumps between seasons, precipitating the departure of at least one character per season. For instance, Daniel bid adieu entirely, whereas others like Fred and Claire make sporadic appearances in considerably smaller capacities. With the advent of The Morning Show season 3, the possibility arises for multiple characters to exit the stage, never to return.
Paul is the most obvious character who will not be involved in The Morning Show season 4 since he is moving to Texas and his relationship with Alex has ended, along with the deal with UBA. Although Chip played a crucial role in the finale, he still remains jobless at UBA after being fired by Alex in The Morning Show season 3, episode 8. Christina, on the other hand, is still employed at The Morning Show but is actively seeking to leave. The UBA/NBN merger will also result in fewer anchor spots available.
Cory's employment status in The Morning Show is uncertain as he was being investigated at the time of the finale. Even if he is cleared to return to UBA, it is not guaranteed that he will resume his position as CEO. While it is unlikely that The Morning Show will continue without Cory, there is a slight chance he may not return for season 4, particularly due to the damaged relationships he left behind in season 3. The upcoming season of The Morning Show has the opportunity to bring about significant changes, and one way to achieve that is through character exits.
Editor's P/S
The Morning Show Season 3 finale left me feeling shocked and excited. I was shocked by the twists and turns in the plot, and I'm excited to see what happens next.
The finale also left me with a lot of questions. What will happen to Bradley and Hal? Will Alex and Cory be able to save UBA? What will happen to Paul Marks? I'm eager to find out the answers to these questions in Season 4.
Overall, I thought the Morning Show Season 3 finale was a great episode. It was full of suspense, drama, and intrigue. I can't wait to see what happens next.