‘The Morning Show’ Recap: ‘The Pendulum Swings’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM. YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Make no mistake about it, disaster is a harrowing experience for anyone that has to face it. Because when it strikes, it often means that lives are going to change in drastic fashion. And it is the loss and the strife that makes disaster so powerful and painful for people to experience. But what is equally incredible about this particular problem, is that in many ways, there are positives to be found within it. For this can signal a fresh start, and a chance for genuine change, because when we face destruction and devastation and survive it, we are free from any trappings of yesterday and are able to forge ahead without an ounce of worry. And oddly enough, fresh starts from the ashes of disaster just so happens to be the focus of the next episode of The Morning Show.
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For ‘The Pendulum Swings’ saw everyone at TMS dealing with disaster in some form or fashion. For some their crisis was quite intimate, since Alex received some unfortunate news. Because her husband was done with the television lifestyle and the fact that Alex often left him holding the bag, and he informed her that the time had come for them to get a divorce which put her in quite the dark place. After all, she was already on shaky ground at work as is with the whole mess surrounding The Morning Show and now to be viewed in a different light by the audience because of something such as this, could be potentially devastating to her career. And the sour feelings that came from this news, hung over head as she flew out to Los Angeles to cover the disaster that everyone else was dealing with; the wildfires in California.

Which unfortunately meant that Alex was quite vulnerable while covering this natural disaster, to the point where she was quick to snap at Bradley and others surrounding her, and she even let her emotions get the better of her on camera. Which led to an impromptu meltdown in the middle of the live broadcast and well, it simply seemed as though a greater disaster was looming since a total breakdown on her part would likely bring about all kinds of unneeded gossip and speculation. But some genuine kindness from Bradley, helped her to realize that she still mattered to someone and that perhaps she could forge a friendship with the very person she gave an incredible opportunity to, and that allowed for her to clear her mind and finish strong, and she also opened up to Bradley. If anything, it was quite wonderful to see Alex grow in this subtle manner and it should be fascinating to see how she embraces her new future.

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Yet while it was incredible to see Alex handle a personal disaster amidst the backdrop of a national one, she wasn’t the only one who saw the devastation surrounding her as a chance for rebirth. Because Chip saw an opportunity to reinvent himself and his future as well, something that was already in motion thanks to the prior episode. Because despite being able to save his hide by calling Fred to the carpet on his shady acts, he still had the nagging feeling that he would become the fall guy if anything else went wrong with the show and well, that made him wonder what life might look at UBA and TMS if Fred was out of the picture. Which motivated him to seek out Cory whilst in Los Angeles and discuss the possibility of a behind the scenes coup, one that would keep Chip on the show and allow for Cory to advance to the top of the network. 
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But alas, he needed something concrete in order to get Fred in some hot water and the difficulties that come with that kind of digging and the sheer gravity of what he was attempting to do, made him back down for the time being. But a phone call from Fred, one that demanded he bury a great story that Bradley was working on, combined with her repeated requests to use the power of The Morning Show as a force for good, prompted him to change his mind on the matter. Because he was done being the mousey little producer that took marching orders without question, and he was done letting others control his career, and just like that Charlie ‘Chip’ Black was reborn in the flames of Malibu and prepared a little something to present to Cory, something that is no doubt devastating in regard to Fred’s future at UBA. 

In the end, this was simply a unique tale for certain. Because thus far this series hasn’t bothered with the kinds of visual and philosophical metaphors that you find in cinema, but they are rampant here since notions of rebirth from destruction are everywhere to be found on the silver screen and truth be told, it really works here. Because watching a few lost souls reinvent themselves in the midst of a force of nature is quite powerful for certain and truly, it is going to be exciting to see Chip and Alex forge ahead into a future they don’t quite understand yet. But while it is delightful to see some character growth play out here, it is also nice to know the show hasn’t lost sight of its bigger thematic mission. Because Mitch Kessler sending a message to Bradley is quite the big deal and it will be incredibly interesting to learn what exactly he wants to share with her and if by chance, it is related to Chip’s plan to put Fred in his place. Until next time.

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