Apple TV+'s The Morning Show has been the streamer's most prominent series, with big stars to attract viewers. But it's more than that, too. With a lot to say on the #MeToo movement and society's varied reactions to it, the show has a lot of narrative coal to mine going into its second season.
With Emmy wins and nominations backing up the first season, this next iteration has fans clawing for every detail. Fortunately, the season two teaser offers up hints, but no outright experience-ruining spoilers. Still, it leaves a lot of questions rolling in the viewer's mind.
Are These Hard Times For Alex Levy?
"All the attention is going to land on me." This is a line uttered in the season two trailer by Jennifer Aniston's Alex Levy. Those who saw the first season know that a primary focus in the narrative is Alex's handling of her co-host's impropriety and sexual misconduct.
Towards the end of the season, it's never shown, but it's discussed how Alex was aware of Mitch's (Steve Carell) behavior. That's her fallout that she's likely about to reckon with, and this line raises a lot of questions as to just what the consequences will be.
Where In The World Is Alex Levy?
At about the 30-second mark in the season two official teaser, Billy Crudup's Cory Ellison has a look of devastation. His arrogant attitude from season one is gone. But why? In the next clip, he's heard saying "Let me make this simple, we need to get Alex back."
Season one ended with Alex and Reese Witherspoon's Bradley addressing the nation about how enough is enough when it comes to systemic abuse perpetrated and perpetuated by men. Somewhere between that rousing speech and season two, it seems that Alex has left The Morning Show in a very public manner.
Will She Come Back?
Later, Alex is shown discussing a potential return to the show with Cory Ellison. In front of a snowy vista, with gray pouring between the bare trees, the man's expression is comparable to their surroundings. From devastated in one clip to a look of defeat in another.
Alex says she's not coming back, and Crudup's character appears to have been beaten down enough by the whole situation to believe her.
Who's The New Co-Host?
Hasan Minhaj (The Daily Show) has been brought on for this next batch of episodes, and it certainly seems he'll be taking over Alex Levy's role on TMS. Minhaj is a well-liked comedian and, hopefully, fans will enjoy watching him bound off of Witherspoon's spunky Bradley.
However, the big question here is how Daniel Henderson of the TMS weekend edition will react. Always passed over, even though he should be a lead anchor. He was the man for the job, and his next move should prove interesting.
Bradley Jackson, Why Have You Changed?
Cory Ellison tells Witherspoon's character (who is dressed to the hilt in luxurious clothing, a dramatic departure from her 'everyday woman' vibe) "It's all gonna work out." In true Bradley fashion, she comes back fast and loud, yelling "Don't tell me it's gonna work out!"
It seems that Bradley is another character in the show's second season who appears to be facing some sort of major consequence. Though, with her, it's more of a mystery as to why she's facing major consequences.
What Happens With The Fallout Of Hannah Shoenfeld?
The first season ended on a devastating note with the overdose of Hannah Shoenfeld. The lead booker for the show, Hannah was a brilliant, caring, talented woman who was also one of Mitch's targets. With the ax falling on Mitch, she's forced to relive his assault on her, as well as her silencing in the form of a promotion.
Bradley was the one who pushed Hannah to the breaking point in terms of reliving the experience (although obviously, Mitch is to blame overall). Will there be a further investigation into TMS in relation to her death? Moreso, Bradley Jackson's handling of the overdose will be an enticing thread in these next episodes.
Who Is Chip Walking Away From?
Charlie "Chip" Black, TMS executive producer, informed the authorities of Mitch's misdeeds. However, it was heavily alluded to that he turned a mostly blind eye a lot of the time.
At the one-minute mark in the season two trailer, he's seen walking away from a woman (who is not in focus) with her arms crossed. Mark Duplass' Charlie is single in season one, but perhaps something changed between seasons. Either way, he appears to be paying a price.
Who Exactly Is Julianna Margulies Playing?
With an already expensive cast, one of the bigger-name casting additions to the second season is Julianna Margulies. Margulies is seen hugging someone (perhaps Crudup's Cory Ellison or former UBA president Fred Micklen) with a warm smile.
The second her face passes his, the smile turns into a fearsome scowl. While she is revealed to be playing a reporter, this first shot of her raises a lot of questions.
Are Bradley And Alex Friends?
Bradley is pleading with Alex, saying "I thought we were a team." Aniston's Alex replies with "Honestly, Bradley, a friendship with you seems like a bountiful journey."
Her extreme sarcasm, through Aniston's acting, makes it seem like the two are on the outs. However, there also seems to be a glimmer of hope for a personal reuniting if not a professional one.
Where Is Mitch?
Alex Levy asks "Have you talked to Mitch?" While it's not shown who she is talking to, the teaser transitions to a shot of Mitch standing in what appears to be Tuscany.
Is Mitch overseas? Forever engaging in a futile attempt to outrun his misdeeds? Seems likely, but the bigger question is what happens when he learns that's impossible.