‘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.
