The Morning Show Season 4, Episode 6: “If Then” Recap
Each episode of Apple TV’s addictive drama, The Morning Show, tends to be quite the emotional ride. But the sixth episode of Season 4, titled “If Then,” really packs a punch, leaving fans shocked by the sudden fall of a beloved character.
Spoiler Alert: This recap contains spoilers for Season 4, Episode 6 of The Morning Show.
In “If Then,” various storylines unfold, yet Decider shines a light on the personal and professional evolution of UBN CEO Stella Buck, played by Greta Lee, over a surprising hour.
The episode kicks off with Stella striding through an airport, her journey narrated by Lee. It’s apparent early on that she is at the center of the story, whether that’s a good or bad thing.
Buckle up, because Charlotte Stout, the showrunner, sheds some light on the emotional climax of this episode and ponders if fans will see their favorite characters again.
Recap: Stella’s Perspective
“There’s safety in numbers. Numbers are rational and they act. If you arrange numbers, you can write a program. You can code. But change one thing, and everything unravels,” Stella’s voiceover reflects as scenes jump between various characters walking through the airport. Why she’s there remains a mystery. Soon enough, she’s at her desk informing Céline that the major AI program they’ve poured millions into isn’t set for a debut at the Olympics or the upcoming O24 event, where it’s intended to be presented. Adding to the complications, Chris is poised to boycott both events, even as they line up backup talent in Bro Hartman.
As the narrative unfolds, Stella’s voiceover reveals her vulnerable thoughts, striking a chord. “When Corey offered me the news director position, I laughed in his face: Legacy Media, a corporate tool of the right,” she ponders, reflecting on negotiations with Mia and Chris’ husbands. “He told me I could push the narrative I cared about and fight against the doubters, telling me to burn it all down if I had to.”
At the negotiating table, tensions mount as Stella and Mia clash over Chris’ contract. Mia delivers a gut-punch: “I remember when you took this job; you said you’d do it differently, right. Now, you’re just here, surrounded by white people, stepping on women of color. You’re not one of us. You never were.”
Those words weigh heavily on Stella. Later, in bed with Miles, tears stream down her face as she confronts her reality. “I took this job because I thought it was impossible to fix something that couldn’t be. I wanted to show that I could do it differently,” she whispers to herself. Yet, slowly, as she admits, the voice of the “pure white man” inside her directed her actions at any cost. “I hated him, but I followed his lead,” she shares with her viewers, revealing her struggles.
Questioning her choices, Stella confronts Miles about why they picked each other, knowing there’s no future together. He suggests running away to Naples, but his resolve wavers when she mentions actually getting on a flight. “I’ve thrown my career on the line for this AI, and I want to prove I’m not a fraud,” she admits, feeling overwhelmed. Miles reminds her of her self-doubt: “You’re scared to take off the mask. Why?” She knows deep down he’s right but feels the weight of all she’s sacrificed.
Miles tells her she chose him to avoid making a real decision, implying she doesn’t intend to actually get on that plane. Their conversation ends, and she seeks refuge with the glitchy AI, questioning if she makes a good CEO. Despite financial success, she grapples with her actions regarding underrepresented groups. “Did I make an Asian woman lick my martini to seal a deal? I’m a racist and a sexist,” she confesses to the AI, weighing her feelings for Miles. (AI might need more data on that one!)
This striking moment of Stella talking to AI not only highlights her inner turmoil but also adds depth to the storytelling in The Morning Show.
Ending Explained: What Happens to Stella?
As O24 day unfolds, a last-minute withdrawal from Bro leads Stella to a drastic idea: introduce AI Stella early as UBN’s special guest. While it starts on a high note, everything quickly spirals when the crowd brings up Chris’s contract and boycott, causing AI Stella to unleash snippets from Stella’s private conversations.
“Chris is great. We love Chris. But let’s just say DEI is dead,” AI Stella proclaims, leaving the audience shocked. “I’m a racist and a sexist, and I got to my position by stepping on others. Can a bad person love?”
Céline storms off stage, and Stella, realizing her career is in jeopardy, rushes to Miles, pouring her emotions into his arms. He suggests they finally escape together, leading to a poignant moment where Stella decides to leave. That very next day, viewers learn that she has retired after five years, becoming the youngest CEO of color in Fortune 500 history but at a personal cost.
“For the first time in ages, I felt free leaving that place,” Stella’s voice recalls, now at the airport texting Miles she’s at the gate. Unbeknownst to her, he’s had a change of heart after talking to Céline. Before the episode concludes, Mia gets a letter from Stella urging her to keep fighting. As the phone rings for the last flight to Naples, Stella sees a message from Miles apologizing, sending her into tears. Despite her anguish, she composes herself and boards the plane, realizing there’s nothing left for her in New York.
What’s Next for Stella Buck?
Showrunner Charlotte Stout reveals that Stella’s journey reflects the complex relationships women have with power. “Even if you land a seemingly perfect job, it might not be right for you,” Stout explains. She emphasizes that while Stella has reached a stage that many aspire to, she’s uncomfortable—questioning whether she truly belongs there.
So, will Greta Lee be back? Stout hints, “If someone isn’t dead, they’re still out there. Just like we brought back Bel, you never know.” They wanted Stella’s exit to pack a punch, acknowledging her as a cherished character.
As the story continues, fans will undoubtedly be curious about how The Morning Show will navigate the future without Stella and if her journey might lead her back one day.
New episodes of The Morning Show Season 4 drop every Wednesday on Apple TV.
