Imagine a world where a single episode of a TV show can ignite a firestorm of emotions, sparking debates about women's rights, motherhood, and the lengths we go to in pursuit of success. That's exactly what happened with The Morning Show's latest season, and Nicole Beharie is at the heart of it all.
In a bold move, the show's writers tackled the controversial overturning of Roe v. Wade in a previous season, rewriting an entire episode after the Dobbs v. Jackson decision leaked in 2022. But here's where it gets even more intense: Beharie's character, Chris Hunter, delivers a gut-wrenching monologue in the current season that ties her passionate reaction to Roe's overturning to a deeply personal tragedy. And this is the part most people miss—how the show weaves together complex issues like legacy, loss, and love with such delicacy.
In the episode titled 'Amari,' Chris, a former athlete turned anchor, is accused of doping during her Olympic career. What follows is a revelation that leaves viewers stunned. Chris opens up about losing her unborn son, Amari, at five and a half months into her pregnancy, and how this devastating loss led her to use performance-enhancing drugs to reclaim her identity as an athlete. It's a raw, emotional exposé that begs the question: How far would you go to heal from unimaginable pain?
In an exclusive conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Beharie shares her thoughts on this powerful episode, which she admits she still can't bring herself to watch. She discusses the intricate character arc laid out by showrunner Charlotte Stoudt, who promised Beharie a 'messy' and 'complicated' journey for Chris. But here's the controversial part: Does Chris's decision to use steroids, even in the face of such tragedy, justify her actions? Or does it cross a line that even her closest allies can't ignore?
Beharie delves into the nuances of Chris's relationships, particularly with her husband Marcus (Alano Miller), who remains oblivious to her secret. She also explores the dynamic between Chris and her former teammate Tunde (Ashley Romans), highlighting the often-overlooked cost of survivor's guilt. And this is where it gets even more thought-provoking: How do we balance our personal struggles with our public personas, especially when those personas are under constant scrutiny?
The episode's impact is undeniable, especially given the ongoing urgency of abortion and reproductive rights. Beharie hopes the episode makes people feel seen, treating the sensitive topic with dignity and integrity. But here's the question that lingers: Can a TV show truly capture the complexity of these issues, or does it risk oversimplifying them for dramatic effect?
Behind the scenes, Beharie reveals the intense filming process, with the entire cast present during the podcast scene, adding an extra layer of authenticity. She also praises her co-stars, including Boyd Holbrook, who plays the confrontational 'Bro' character, and Marion Cotillard, whose addition to the cast brings a fresh energy to the show. And this is the part that sparks debate: How do we separate the actor from the character when the lines between reality and fiction blur so convincingly?
As Chris's career hangs in the balance, the episode leaves us with a powerful message about authenticity and redemption. But here's the final question to ponder: In a world where public figures are constantly judged, can true redemption ever be achieved, or are we forever defined by our mistakes?
The Morning Show continues to push boundaries, challenging its audience to think critically about the issues it presents. New episodes of season four drop every Wednesday on Apple TV, leaving us with more questions than answers—and that's exactly what makes it so compelling.
