Open Waters (The Morning Show)
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Episode 7
| "Open Waters" | |
|---|---|
| The Morning Show episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 7 |
| Directed by | Roxann Dawson |
| Written by | Jeff Augustin |
| Cinematography by | David Lanzenberg |
| Editing by | Ron Rosen |
| Original release date | November 29, 2019 |
| Running time | 57 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Open Waters" is the seventh episode of the American drama television series The Morning Show, inspired by Brian Stelter's 2013 book Top of the Morning. The episode was written by Jeff Augustin, and directed by Roxann Dawson. It was released on Apple TV+ on November 29, 2019.
The series follows the characters and culture behind a network broadcast morning news program, The Morning Show. After allegations of sexual misconduct, the male co-anchor of the program, Mitch Kessler, is forced off the show. It follows Mitch's co-host, Alex Levy, and a conservative reporter Bradley Jackson, who attracts the attention of the show's producers after a viral video. In the episode, Mitch tries to get Bradley to accept an interview to expose the executives, while Alex faces a crisis while announcing her divorce.
The episode received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the character development and performances.
Bradley (Reese Witherspoon) meets with Mitch (Steve Carell) at a park. Mitch states that he can provide a testimony where he can reveal everyone who was aware of his scandal, which he is willing to share if she interviews him on the show. Bradley does not like the idea as Mitch wants to use the interview to "exonerate" himself, but he states that he has a witness; a woman who slept with him and, in his words, used him to get a promotion.
Alex (Jennifer Aniston) and Jason (Jack Davenport) tell their daughter, Lizzy (Oona Roche), about their divorce. Lizzy does not take the news well and blames Alex for it. While discussing the incoming segments for the show, one of the writers, Nicky Brooks (David Magidoff), makes a crude remark about Mia (Karen Pittman) sleeping with Mitch, prompting Chip (Mark Duplass) to fire him. Mia has a meltdown and confirms to the entire studio that she was involved with Mitch. Yanko (Néstor Carbonell) and Claire (Bel Powley) are questioned by Human Resources as suspicions of their relationship arise. During their separate interviews with HR, Yanko and Claire both come clean about their relationship, but Claire grows defensive against the representative's questions and storms out. While Yanko is relieved that their secret is out, Claire is worried that she might lose her job.
Alex visits Lizzy at her dorm room to try to explain her decision, but Lizzy is unwilling to listen. As Alex tries to calm her, Lizzy finally proclaims that she will not take care of her during her emotional crisis, and that she should just say it to the country instead. Furious by her daughter's remarks, Alex goes on a tirade and scolds Lizzie for not appreciating anything she did for her, including trying to repair her failed marriage for her sake. Bradley calls Mitch, telling him she is willing to do the interview if he can corroborate the story. Mitch subsequently leaves to visit Hannah (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), telling her that she now must repay the favor.
Development
Production
The episode was written by Jeff Augustin, and directed by Roxann Dawson. This was Augustin's first writing credit, and Dawson's first directing credit.[1]