Director: Anthony Hemingway
Writer: Aaron Sorkin
Synopsis: In the wake of the Genoa debacle, the team decides to use caution in reporting a major breaking story. Neal is contacted by an anonymous source in possession of stolen government documents; Sloan looks to solve a takeover puzzle.
Aaron Sorkin has deservedly earned the plaudits in his career and when you’re writing the likes of The West Wing and THE SOCIAL NETWORK, to name a couple, then every ounce of praise is wholly warranted. The HBO series The Newsroom has been adored by fans but initially ruffled the sensitive feathers of some critics, I often wonder if a series such as this is little too close to the truth of how the News should be reported and how the media should truly act. The high expectations of Charlie Skinner (Sam Waterston) and Will McAvoy (Jeff Daniels) in how they report the news is a beacon of hope because it shows that it’s (almost) possible but also that the media can be both intelligent and effective in a positive way. Season 3 of The Newsroom has already been confirmed as the final outing for this astonishing crew of actors who, under Sorkin’s pen, have lit up the small screen and continue to bring something unique to the table each week.
Episode One is titled ‘Boston’ and focuses its storyline around the horrific Boston Marathon bombing that happened in April 2013. While news stations across the Globe tried to use social media to find the culprits of this heinous act, our Newsroom team waited on the story before they could break with something official. Obviously, in hindsight something like this isn’t always possible and naysayers may argue over the sheer factual/news channel issues with such a situation but what The Newsroom is here to point out is that sources are vital to saying the right things and, more importantly, informing the general public of the reality – rather than the rumour.
While episode one and the series dramatizes reaction, there’s a deep truth here that means if we wanted to – as a culture – then why couldn’t we all just wait for the facts? While The Newsroom team watch Fox News use Twitter as a real ‘source’ and CNN break news that’s more gossip than gospel, they try to look deep under the hysteria to get some truth out. The Boston Bombing isn’t a one day story though, it’s spread out over a working week – as it did in real life – as missing people were accused and some papers led with an image of men who had nothing to do with it. The question that remains is: Who are we to have the right to accuse people without any back up?
This episode isn’t purely about the bombing though, it’s also the introduction to a few other huge stories that are yet to come. While ACN (Atlantis Cable News) are trying to recover from running a factually incorrect story in Season 2, proving that even people trying to do the right thing can make massive mistakes, they’re also suffering from lower viewing figures and a dive in profits. We’re gradually re-introduced to the ensemble case that includes Sloane (Olivia Munn) finally getting her expensive, business-market technology that gives her 24 hours access to the markets across the world and while this is happening, she’s also being left hints about what’s the come for the company she works for.
We’re also looking at Maggie (Alison Pill) and how she’s out of the loop of the main Newsroom but been given a chance to bring herself back in and she takes it with everything she’s got. We also focus on the (possible) early doors for the breakdown of co-owner Reece (Chris Messina), who’s been dragged through the losses and although he seemed to be one of the bad guys, it’s turning out he wants the same things as everyone else for ACN.
For an opening gambit, ‘Boston’ is enormous. There’s another underlying story of Neal’s (Dev Patel) association with a secret government source. At first, he’s not sure if any of it is real or relative but once he’s given what he needs by Will – he starts to delve into something that will change everything for both him and the network. He’s been given secret, classified government information regarding PR exercises where US troops have been purposefully killed to stir up trouble and help corrupt leaders get power in Kundu. This is our first look into the government whistle-blowers and an undoubted connection to the recent Edward Snowden affair and his leaking of classified information from the NSA. There’s definitely a whole lot to come here as the team discover Neal has unintentionally (or questionably intentional?) espionage and everything is a lot more serious than anticipated.
Then, just as the opener comes to an end, the Boston bomber is discovered in a boat in the backyard and the huge man-hunt is complete and the week comes to a conclusion. What an eventful first week and everyone is here and on top form. The Newsroom is back in an immense way and already questioning everything and how we look at it, which is what it’s always done impressively and a reason why we’ll glad to have it here again.
[usr=5] The Newsroom continues on Sky Atlantic every Wednesday. For more details click here and for the rest of our The Newsroom blog head here.
