The Newsroom: "The Greater Fool" Review

 

Am I the only one who was mildly disappointed Will wasn't harmed because of the death threat, but because of an Ulcer (I think)? The last episode's ending kind of set it up like it would be, since we saw some movement in the background (was that just my imagination?). Anyway, this episode was pretty great, even after two meh episodes, this one seemed to take what it had and make do with it. And it did it well.

However, this episode didn't really feel too much like a season finale, in the way that many of the storylines were either cut short to be finished next season or were resolved, but in a way that just presses the reset button. For instance, after everything that happened this episode between Jim and Maggie, they ended up agreeing that there was nothing between them for the hundredth time and she moved in with Don and he lied to Lysa so that their relationship was patched up. However, they did kiss, so I imagine that will toss it up a little. On a side note, who goes up to a Sex and the City tour and yells at everyone at how unrealistic the show is and compare it to their lives? Someone has a lot of anger built up.

The only thing that really had finality in this episode was the whole "American Taliban" thing. After having a battle with the RINO's pretty much the whole season, this was like a final blow to the conservative party. I realize this may offend people, but I honestly don't care too much about the news in this show. I care a lot more about what happens in the background. I mean, the news does affect them, but not too severely. Like the West Wing, this is a drama that just happens to be in the Newsroom, and is influenced by real-life events.

I felt like in the last ten seconds, it would finally address the Mack and Will relationship, but it didn't, leaving that for seasons to come. I have a feeling nothing will happen between them for a while. If that's the case, why tease us Sorkin, why?

One thing that felt off this episode was Sloan coming as close as possible to pouring her heart out to Don. That came out of no where. Now the show is like a love heptagon. There's Will and Mack, Mack and Don(what happened to that?), Don and Maggie, Maggie and Jim, Jim and Lysa, and Don and Sloan. Holy shit, this newsroom has relationship issues. I felt like adding sexual tension between Don and Sloan was just unnecessary. You could tell Olivia Munn didn't buy it either.

While this episode didn't really wrap up the season, it was a great episode, and set up some things for season two relationship-wise. How they're going to come up with a bunch of news next season is beyond me. I have a feeling this season will always be thought of as the best because it had the most interesting news stories. Unless something huge happens soon, I doubt there will be much to report on in the coming year, except the elections of course.

Great episode and a great season.

8.7/10