Grade: 80/100
This week’s episode of HBO hyper-drama “The Newsroom” hit harder than any other episode of the season, as Aaron Sorkin managed to create a beautiful blend between the emotional poignancy of the episode and the deeply grounded turf wars of ACN.
The courtship of ACN by an abrasive billionaire continued, and the nightmare for Charlie became a reality as the network was purchased. This could spell war for Charlie, Will, Mac and the rest of the News Night team–their new buyer has drastic new plans for the network.
The flippant subplot in which the new HR director did everything he could to expose Sloan and Don’s relationship was ended as abruptly as it was introduced. “Twofer” from NBC’s “30 Rock” was great in this role, admitting finally that he was harassing them purely for kicks.
Will was subpoenaed yet again in order to be coerced to confess the name of the leaker, and Mac unknowingly condemned herself in a massive felony after she met the leaker in person.
In the Will and MacKenzie’s wedding was as beautiful as it was expected. In the wake of Will’s uncooperative hearings and his subsequent prison sentence, Mac admitted to Will that she’d wanted to have a small, quiet impromptu ceremony from the beginning.
Will obtained a Catholic priest for the ceremony in order to please MacKenzie, and the ceremony was touched on only briefly. They became man and wife just as quickly as they were torn apart, however, once the United States Marshals came for his arrest.
All in all, Episode 4 was an eventful one for “The Newsroom.” There was a massive overhaul in management, an incredible amount of emotion, and the deposition of the show’s beloved antihero on his “quest to civilize.” The remaining two episodes of “The Newsroom’s” final run should be a fun ride.