Summary
The Morning Show director and EP Mimi Leder explains how Alex's suspicions about Paul being bad for UBA are justified, as he eventually wants to own the network.
Content Alex lacks trust in Cory, perceiving him as manipulative, but simultaneously yearns to have a position of influence at UBA. The interactions among Cory, Paul, and Alex establish a power triangle, which sets the stage for Alex's emotionally wrenching and impactful quest to discover her own voice and personal power.
The director of The Morning Show explains why Alex is justified in her concerns about Jon Hamm's character's impact on UBA. Being the flagship show of Apple TV+ and instrumental in launching the service in 2019, The Morning Show has attracted renowned actors to bring the show's intense drama to life within the fictional UBA network. In the recently premiered third season, Hamm portrays Paul Marks, a tech billionaire who takes an interest in the show's main news anchor, Alex (played by Aniston).
In an interview with Deadline, director and executive producer Mimi Leder elaborated on why Alex's initial suspicion of Paul is warranted. Through a secret arrangement with Cory (played by Billy Crudup), Paul reveals his ambitions to eventually acquire UBA. The quote below provides insight into Alex's conflicting mindset.
Jon Hamm’s Character Could Be Setting Up The Morning Show Endgame
: In regards to changing UBA for the better, she lacks trust in Cory. Her perception of him is purely machiavellian, a view I believe to be accurate. Though she desires a seat at the table, achieving this may come at a higher cost than she could have ever anticipated, especially with the entrance of Paul Marks. Therefore, I would argue that a power triangle exists between Cory, Paul, and Alex within this phase of Alex's story. This marks the commencement of her journey, one in which she rediscovers her voice and personal power. It is a profoundly moving and heart-wrenching narrative as she embarks on this quest to find her true self.Confirmation has been received that The Morning Show will be returning for a fourth season, potentially marking its final installment. It is a rarity for a streaming series, especially one that is acclaimed and features lavish set design and an esteemed ensemble cast, to have a prolonged run. However, if the show concludes after its fourth season, the actions of Paul Marks, portrayed by Hamm, could be pivotal in shaping the trajectory of the narrative. Specifically, Marks' acquisition and subsequent profitable sale of UBA may serve as a catalyst for the characters' liberation.
The delight in The Morning Show arises from the characters engaging in lively disputes and expressing grandiose ideas about an American morning news show. While this type of programming still has a loyal audience, its popularity has waned except during significant events that attract viewers. Throughout the past two seasons, the Apple TV+ drama has embraced this trend, as evidenced by Cory's self-proclaimed title of "Jesus" in the third season premiere. Although it is acknowledged that the characters no longer occupy a central position in the culture, they maintain an inflated sense of their importance.
In season 4 of The Morning Show, there is potential to explore what Alex, Cory, and Bradley (played by Reese Witherspoon) are like when they are not immersed in arguments at UBA. This storyline could be initiated by introducing Hamm's character as someone who cleans house, creating an intriguing arc, especially considering the series' renewal for at least one more season.
Source: Deadline