What I’m Watching: The Newsroom

The Newsroom: Season 2, Episode 4 “Unintended Consequences” (B)

This was inarguably an informative episode, though perhaps a bit more dramatic than the scope of this show requires. Maggie had quite the traumatic first night in Africa, and it’s jarring to see just how unprepared she and Gary were for their visit, unaware that the presence of his camera would instill such fear in the kids and that their lives might be threatened at any moment by cattle raiders attacking an orphanage. Also, it sounded quite clear to me that they were shouting about a camera. Jim catching Taylor in an irreversible statement and giving away the interview he netted to Hallie was ill-advised in many ways, and while it did get him a pretty spectacular kiss, it also got him in trouble with Mac enough to get him returned home. He and Jerry are sure to have differences of opinion, especially as Jerry grows ever closer to cracking open his extremely interesting story. Shelly’s interview was difficult to watch, and it makes me even more impressed with actress Aya Cash’s fiery performance. The fact that Will apologized after they already found her source without her help thanks to the comedy of errors that was Sloan and Don trying to apologize was big, and it’s great to see Will painted as such a continually complex character. This episode wasn’t so strong in the news department, though experiencing Charlie’s reaction to Elliot’s choice to pronounce the name of Rick Perry’s ranch was definitely an entertaining high point. Elliot is underused, and it’s always a fierce treat to see and hear Don.