‘The Morning Show’ Recap: ‘It’s Like the Flu’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 202 of ‘The Morning Show’.

When life becomes something of a slog, and our spirits are at their lowest because of it, our minds tend to reflect upon moments that made us happy. In large part because we need the boost, but also because sometimes reflecting upon days gone by allows for us to cherish the good times and work harder to maintain them when they arrive… all so we can avoid future slogs and sorrowful evenings. But what’s funny about that particular mental reflex, is that sometimes people are so low and so upset with their current situation that they decide the best way to escape their pain is to try and recreate the moments that brought forth great joy and well, that is usually a decision that ends in disaster. Simply because, we can never recreate what once was and to try and do so… might ruin those good memories and that’s a harsh lesson that Cory Ellison must learn in this week’s episode of The Morning Show.
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A feat that ‘It’s Like the Flu’ accomplishes by having all of Cory’s plans to resurrect The Morning Show of past… go south. Because right out of the gate, his admission to Bradley that Alex was coming back to the show, sent Bradley’s fury over the top and understandably so. After all, she has in fact, been carrying the show since Alex left and would once again be a sidekick with Alex’s return and that motivated Bradley… to partake in quite the gambit. Wherein she basically called out sick for three whole weeks, in an effort to show the network how much they need her and what she brings to the table and for a brief moment in time, it seemed her ploy might work since UBA sent reps to her hotel to offer her concessions. Ones that were of course, pathetic in nature… which motivated Bradley to keep her little strike going.

Which in turn, made life difficult for Cory since the brass were pressuring him to either get her on the air or remove her. But he believed wholeheartedly that staying the course would solve his problems and recreate the magic from months ago and in order to properly execute his plan and bring forth synergy, he decided a grand dinner was in order. Since breaking bread is always the easiest way to break down barriers and create unity and well… this is when Cory finally learned his lesson. For despite getting Bradley to attend and return to the show at last, dinner was a beautiful disaster. One where everyone put up more walls and, in the end, all dinner did was lead to strife amongst the team, especially between Bradley and Alex. Because shortly after the meal Alex and Bradley let loose on one another and all the unresolved pain they experienced in going through something so powerful and well, in the end, hopefully Cory can use what this evening taught him to forge a new era for this series, one that creates a different kind of magic.

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But what was wonderful about this storyline, is that it wasn’t a total loss. Because Bradley’s words and Daniel’s shocking and powerful admission that he was angry with Alex for her actions and would not forgive her for them, finally gave her pause and left her pondering up the possibility that perhaps this second act in her television career could in fact… create some positive moments and heal some wounds. Which led her to the doorstep of the person she hurt the most, Chip. Because he also spoke aloud in this tale to the fact that Alex had done him dirty and that she was difficult to handle and selfish for certain. But seeing that she made the trip all the way out to his new home to see him personally and ask for him to return to TMS, served as the grand apology he needed and helped him to understand that Alex was growing and that is likely why, he outright said yes to returning to the chaos and thrill of big network television. 
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But as this series is wont to do, it also took the time to revisit someone that was seemingly and rightfully forgotten by the story in the season two premiere, one Mitch Kessler. For he was indeed a ghost at UBA and a forbidden word in ‘My Least Favorite Year’, but he managed to pop up here and with good reason. Because his journey here had a lesson to offer us, one that came to fruition by way of Mitch’s discovery that his desire to just wait for his actions to be forgotten by the masses… will be downright impossible. For despite flying off to Italy to hide and reflect upon a career gone wrong, he was once again spotted by everyday people and held to account for his disgusting actions, and therein lie the lesson. Since that reminded us of the fact that the only way to find peace in regard to our poor choices is to own up to them, regardless of the outcome and the consequences.

If anything, this was just a fascinating character study, one that celebrated the dynamic nature of the characters that populate this world and once again left us hungry for more with its powerful cliffhangers. Since we are dying to know if synergy will ever return to the show with the demons hanging over everyone’s heads and if Mitch will ever get a clue and try to do right for a change and of course… we’re all curious as to how this story will handle Covid since it is quietly inching closer to impacting their lives and well… all of these elements just serve to remind us, that this series is one of the most unique dramas out there. Since it can tackle any topic at any time and still find a way to grow its characters in a powerful and often relatable manner and truly, it will be quite amazing to see how The Morning Show team grows and responds to the incredible challenges that are drawing near. Until next time.

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