'The Morning Show' Episode 8 highlights Alex Levy's quest to top Mitch Kessler that sprung early on in their partnership
This article contains spoilers for Episode 8 'Lone at the Top'
When we meet Alex Levy for the first time on Apple TV's 'The Morning Show', the co-host of the titular talk show within a show is visibly unraveled. She had just learned that her co-host of over a decade — Mitch Kessler, has been slammed with multiple allegations of sexual misconduct on his juniors.
Alex is torn between supporting one of her best friends through the years and standing in solidarity with the women who have come forward.
But somewhere along the line, the moment Mitch gets fired, Alex jumps to her own rescue — securing her job and making sure she gets the well-earned designation as a co-host now that the other party's spot is left vacant.
Alex's tribulations get twisted with the younger, more spirited Bradley Jackson who is soon appointed Mitch's replacement — a development that drives Alex nuts and spurs her need to further solidify her position in the network.
But as it turns out, this fierceness in toppling her co-host isn't new for Alex. In fact, its seeds were sowed back when Mitch was still very much a part of the show.
On tonight's Episode 8 of 'The Morning Show', titled 'Loney at the Top', we are taken back to a past where Mitch is still loved and adored by one and all — both within the UBA network's community and all over the nation.
Alex is — more or less — a sidekick in this picture. It's obvious she gets to call her shots and is considered significant enough for her qualms to be taken seriously by their producer, Chip, but at the same time, the network doesn't mind switching up schedules and handing her segments to Mitch without consulting with her first.
The flashback shows Alex being informed just a day in advance that Mitch will be replacing her on a segment that she has always hosted for the network as a tradition.
The whole letting her know bit is disrespectful though — citing reasons like the network "did a test", or they are just "trying new things" to see if Mitch is more likable or not.
And in her defense, as Alex argues, of course, Mitch gets the better end of the deal because they keep putting him on these fun, lighthearted segments. It's wrong, clearly, but it also sets a firm background for Alex's assertive nature in getting things going for her.
She doesn't shy away from pointing out that Mitch is well-liked for his work on the talk show because of his other half — the better one if you will — Alex being by his side. But the system is rigged, and Alex knows that.
So for everybody calling her an opportunist for vulturing her way in for a deal the moment Mitch got fired — Alex is just seasoned with the network's bullshit.
She is just about done with it. It's not a Mitch thing or a Bradley thing. Alex is just watching her own back now that she can clearly see how quickly the network dissociates itself from employees they claim to adore.
'The Morning Show' airs on Fridays only on Apple TV.