The Newsroom 3.4 FAQ
What’s it called?
“Contempt.”
Which is the greater contempt? The one Will feels for the U.S. Justice Department? Or the one Charlie feels for ACN’s new suitor?
The latter. For certain.
Who’s responsible?
Teleplay by series mastermind Aaron Sorkin; story by Deborah Schoeneman (“Girls”) and Sorkin.
What says HBO?
“Facing a court subpoena and possible incarceration for contempt, Will stands firm in refusing to reveal the source of the stolen DOD documents. As Charlie’s disdain for Lucas grows, Sloan and Mac scramble to find a more acceptable 11th-hour buyer for ACN. Jim’s relationship with Hallie is put to the test by her new job at Carnivore, a start-up website.”
Lucas is the B.J. Novak character?
Yes.
Which of Lucas’ ideas does Charlie find most irksome this week?
His plan to take journalism out of the hands of journalists.
Does Jim’s disdain for Hallie’s website suggest Maggie is going to split with the ethics professor in less than three episodes?
Early in the episode the ethics professor does something that angers Maggie. At least a little.
Is Clea Duvall back as Lily The Leaker?
She is. Her demands on Mac, it turns out, could cost more lives.
Are The Twins back?
Kat Dennings is wholly absent.
How does “Contempt” start?
Right where it left off, at the White House Correspondents Dinner, with everyone reeling over the fact that a reporter (has been subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury. Charlie orders his staff to say nothing.
The big news?
This is the third-from-last episode but it feels a lot like a series finale. The last two episodes packed in a lot of great jokes but this one harbors great emotional resonance.
What else is HBO not telling us?
The fabulous Talia Balsam, who plays Mona Sterling over on “Mad Men,” swings by to play a key role.
What’s good?
Jeff Daniels. Marcia Gay Harden. Olivia Munn. The judge. The Associated Press reporter. Charlie’s conversation with Lucas Pruit. “Hand to God, I was on the Staten Island Ferry at the time.” “I don’t care if we’re in your fucking hot tub.” “There are classified documents in this room; you can’t be in here.” “Also, walls and electricity.” “Good afternoon!” “And here we are. We’re at the bridge.” “It’s a union thing?” This is another extraordinary episode.
What’s not so good?
After tonight, only two episodes left!
How does it end, spoiler boy?
There’s a big kissy farewell.
9 p.m. Sunday. HBO.
