Summary
“Love Island” is another topical installment from The Morning Show that tackles the most notable news stories from 2020 and early 2021. This allows for some emotional moments and many complex romances to play out, although the series can be a little too literal at times, manipulating past horrors for its own gains.
The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the deadliest global pandemics in human history, a truly traumatic experience that most people have chosen to try to forget about in recent times. It has largely been ignored in film and TV because of this, but The Morning Show hasn’t shied away from the topic at all and continues to address this painful time period through the entirety of Season 3 Episode 5, “Love Island.”
The Morning Show Season 3 Episode 5 Recap and Breakdown
We start in March 2020, in the early days of the pandemic. Bradley is hosting the Morning Show, and Cory is desperate for more content for UBA+. Preparing for the worst, Bradley decides to move to Montana with Laura. They continue their romance in lockdown, where they also host the news together.
Mia is also enjoying some romance in lockdown. She is shacked up with journalist Andre Ford. Their love blossoms through a heartwarming montage sequence as these lovebirds get more familiar with each other. Even Cory has his eyes on a new love interest. Realtor Salma shows him around potential homes during the pandemic.
As we fast forward into the summer months, Bradley and Laura’s relationship continues to grow. Bradley is even considering going public with their secret romance. Cory and Salma continue to flirt, and Cory asks her out on a date. They finally remove their masks in person, feeling more comfortable around each other.
Then the George Floyd protests and the growth of the Black Lives Matter movement took center stage in May 2020. Mia and Stella discuss what footage to broadcast. The whole situation upsets Mia greatly, leaving her despondent and broken.
Cory and Salma become an item; he informs her about the network’s money woes. Salma knows where all the rich people live. She proposes that Cory goes after Paul Marks and his wealth next, as he lives nearby.
Elsewhere, Hal tells Bradley that their mother has contracted COVID-19. Days later she dies from the disease. Bradley is devastated by the sudden news. As fall creeps in, Bradley and Laura start to argue more. Bradley is struggling with her grief, and Laura is tired of being blamed for all of Bradley’s problems. Bradley even calls Laura an elitist snob.
Stella and Mia debate new, potential hosts. Chris Hunter’s name is thrown around. Mia confesses to Andre that she had a relationship with Mitch and that she was in love with him. Possibly spurred on by this revelation, Andre goes out drinking. Mia is outraged by Andre’s selfish actions. Fearing that she will get the disease, she packs up and leaves.
Mia isn’t the only one to leave. Bradley decides to split up with Laura after their fight, she heads to DC for work. And Andre takes on an assignment in Afghanistan.
What did Bradley see during the Capitol attack?
Winter arrives, and the show focuses on the Capitol attack in January 2021. Bradley manages to gain access to the terrifying event, witnessing the violence firsthand. She films everything, even recording her brother Hal, who she finds assaulting a police officer.
Bradley and Hal escape from the riots and regroup. Hal tries to defend his actions, but Bradley is distraught. She tells Hal to leave, pretending that he was never there. Bradley then deletes the incriminating footage from her files. She shows Stella the rest of the footage.
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They plan a special report. Bradley asks to be the new host of the Evening News, using the footage as leverage.
Next, Cory bumps into Paul on the beach. He sparks up a conversation with the billionaire, suggesting that Paul gets into the media. This is their first encounter, which will of course lead to future negotiations.
The Morning Show Season 3 Episode 5 Ending Explained
The episode ends with Bradley visiting Cory at his new, swanky home. The FBI is after footage from the attack on the Capitol. A police officer was assaulted, but there were no witnesses. They want to look through Bradley’s footage, hoping that they may be able to spot the fight in the background of her recordings.
Bradley admits that it was Hal who was the attacker and that she has since deleted the footage. She needs Cory to help her out. Cory decides to only hand over the footage from the special report. This will protect UBA’s image and save Bradley’s career.
It is clear that Cory is only really doing this to protect the network, but he still has strong feelings for Bradley as well. She thanks him, but he doesn’t want to talk about it anymore. Bradley gets her dream job, hosting the Evening News, but at what cost?
What did you think of Apple TV’s The Morning Show Season 3 Episode 5? Comment below.
