‘The Morning Show‘‌ Season 4 Premiere: A ‌Whirlwind of Cultural References ⁤adn Media Anxiety

by Julia Evans, World-Today-News.com⁣ -​ November 9, 2023

Apple TV+’s The Morning Show returned this week with a premiere episode that felt​ less‌ like a continuation ⁣of a narrative and more like a ​rapid-fire survey of the recent past. ​For the uninitiated (or those, like myself, who haven’t kept up with every twist and ⁤turn since Season 2), the⁣ episode serves⁢ as ‍a surprisingly effective, if‌ dizzying, re-entry point.

The premiere immediately ‌establishes a tone of hyper-awareness, ‍referencing everything ⁢from the “Roman Empire” social media trend ⁤to the 2024 Paris Olympics and even a nostalgic nod to​ the Biden‍ presidency. This self-referential quality, reminiscent ⁣of ‍ The Newsroom’s tendency to latch onto fleeting cultural moments, is‌ both clever and slightly ⁤unsettling – a reminder ‍of how quickly the news cycle (and our⁢ collective memory) moves.

Media Meltdown & AI Concerns

Beyond ‍the​ pop⁣ culture touchstones,⁤ the episode dives headfirst into the anxieties plaguing the ⁤modern media landscape. A promise of “no more layoffs and buyouts” rings hollow, ‌a cynical echo of corporate⁣ rhetoric that feels⁢ painfully familiar. This sets the stage for ‍a season likely to explore the precarious future⁤ of journalism, further⁣ elaborate ⁢by the rise of generative AI – embodied in the character of ⁢Stella Bak (played with compelling ambiguity).

The introduction of⁢ a Joe Rogan-esque podcast host signals a willingness ⁣to tackle the challenges posed by option media and the spread of misinformation. Though, the show’s handling of⁣ sensitive geopolitical⁤ issues, specifically a‍ storyline involving an‍ Iranian fencer seeking asylum, feels somewhat underdeveloped and raises questions​ about journalistic protocol.

Dramatic turns &⁤ Lingering​ Questions

The episode doesn’t shy away‍ from dramatic ​tension, culminating in a ‍shocking ‌car crash that leaves viewers on⁣ a cliffhanger. While the accident feels somewhat ‍contrived, it effectively ⁤raises the stakes and promises‍ a season filled with unexpected twists.

For longtime‌ fans, the​ premiere may feel like a departure from earlier ⁣seasons, ‍notably those that focused more intently on the complex relationship dynamics within the UBN newsroom. A wistful comment⁢ about ⁤missing the show’s “lezzing out”⁤ moments hints at a ⁢desire for a return​ to ⁣those storylines.

Overall ‌Impression:

The Morning⁢ Show Season 4, Episode ⁢1 is a⁣ bold and enterprising ‍return. It’s a show acutely aware ‌of⁤ its ​place in the cultural conversation,‌ grappling with the anxieties of a rapidly changing world. While the sheer⁢ volume of references can feel ‌overwhelming, ⁣the episode ultimately succeeds in ⁢setting⁣ the ​stage for a compelling ⁢and timely season.

Keywords: The Morning⁤ Show, Season 4, Apple TV+, Jennifer Aniston, ‌Greta​ Lee, Media, Journalism, AI, Politics, TV Review,​ Streaming, News, Entertainment, ‍Paris Olympics, iranian Fencer, ⁤Car Crash.

Sandler’s Back: A Golf Sequel Hits Netflix

Sequel to ‘Happy Gilmore’ Delivers Familiar Sandler-esque Humor

Netflix has dropped the highly anticipated *Happy Gilmore 2*, and even for those unfamiliar with the original, the film offers plenty of Adam Sandler’s signature, uninhibited yelling to go around. The sequel seems to lean heavily into its predecessor’s charm.

An Unexpected Viewing Experience

The film opens with a direct nod to its title, setting a playful tone. Viewers quickly learn the plot involves hockey, but the real draw appears to be **Adam Sandler** himself. His aging on screen provides a unique viewing experience, as the reviewer notes, Watching Sandler age in real time is crazy.

The cast includes familiar faces. **Julie Bowen** makes an appearance, reminding the reviewer of a memorable line from *30 Rock*. The unexpected death of Bowen’s character is a plot point, but more heartwarming is the appearance of **Adam Sandler’s** real-life daughter, **Sunny Sandler**, following her acclaimed role in *You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah*.

Cameos and Comedy

The sequel is peppered with notable cameos. A member of the comedy group Please Don’t Destroy, **Margaret Qualley**, and **Eric Andre** all make appearances. **Adam Sandler’s** fashion choices also draw attention, with the reviewer praising his Oxford shirt-sweats-baseball cap situation.

The narrative includes a new golf league in development, but the personal journeys are equally engaging. **Happy** is revealed to be 30 days sober, a significant character development. The film also features **Bad Bunny**, who sparks a desire in the reviewer to explain golf rules to him, despite not knowing them herself.

A significant plot point involves Shooter McGavin’s potential release from prison, though this is quickly clarified. The film also incorporates **Sandler’s** other daughter, **Sadie Sandler**, and a highly anticipated cameo from **Ben Stiller**, prompting the exclamation, BEN STILLER, BABY! We are so back.

The reunion of **Carl Weathers** is a touching moment, especially given his passing. The film’s climax involves a confrontation at Bob Barker’s grave, and **Happy’s** loyalty from his “constellation of meathead sons” is a highlight. Despite some audience members finding the pacing slow, the film concludes with **Happy** winning and his daughter securing a place at a prestigious Parisian ballet school.

As of early 2024, Adam Sandler’s films have collectively grossed over $4 billion worldwide, underscoring his enduring appeal in Hollywood (The Numbers).

Ultimately, the reviewer concludes with a simple sentiment: Never change, Sandler.