Lindsay Duncan guest stars in The Morning Show Season 3 Episode 7, "Strict Scrutiny," which delves into Cory's complex family history and the awkward relationship between him and his friend Bradley. The show must label their relationship as it becomes increasingly weird each week, leaving little hint of what the two mean to each other. Cory's damaged relationship with his mother is a common issue for a man like him. However, the presence of Martha Ellison, a political strategist and former press secretary for Geraldine Ferraro, adds depth to the situation. Ellison has been questioning the Department of Justice about the upcoming UBA/Paul Marks deal, focusing on her son's attention. Her petty, sharp-edged comments on the deal, such as cooking lobsters, are a unique trait only found in wealthy and powerful individuals. Her offhanded reference to aborting her son while he's standing in front of her is a unique aspect of Ellison's character. The relationship between Cory and Martha is a complex one, with Martha guilt tripping Cory about his dad's departure and Cory insisting she stop meddling in his business affairs. Martha also has misconceptions about her son's relationship with Bradley, which is insane. She is disappointed when Bradley tries it again with Laura. She may see something of herself in Laura, as she was impressed by Bradley's decision to go public with her abortion. However, we are only given a brief glimpse of her interior life, like many other characters on The Morning Show. Martha insists her son deserves to be alone and tells Bradley that Cory is probably manipulating her. Cory's voice is absent throughout most of the story, but he finally apologizes to Bradley for not being there when her mom died. The "meet your boyfriend's mom" vibes are interesting, as they haven't talked about their relationship for over two years. It's nice to get a legitimate glimpse of what either of them is thinking about the other, as they haven't managed to talk about their situation for the better part of two years. Paul and Alex are building a healthy relationship, spending a weekend together and sharing details about their lives. They are divorced workaholics who are wary of romantic involvement, and their relationship is sweet and mature. They agree to be cordial and friendly at the UBA gala event with Valentino, but a tabloid captures a photo of them looking intimate on Alex's terrace, forcing them to confront labeling their relationship. Paul suggests they release a statement stating they are grown adults in a happy consenting relationship or pay the outlet to kill the story. Alex opts for the latter, and Paul tries to buy the tabloid to kill the story. However, the photo is published anyway, pushing Paul to tell Alex he wants more than a weekend hookup. They kiss, just as Chip arrives outside her office to catch them in the act.
