Ep 7. Black Monday: 65

Black Monday is an American comedy television show that takes you inside the adrenaline-fueled and cut-throat world of Wall Street in the 1980s. Created by David Caspe and Jordan Cahan, the show first premiered on Showtime in January 2019. Black Monday first aired on the 3rd of March, 2019, and is now in its third season. This show is notorious when it comes to the portrayal of the 80s era, and the characters seem to be overly dramatic to reflect the lifestyle that was pervasive at that time.

In episode 7 of season 1 of Black Monday, titled "65", the tension between Mo, Dawn, and Blair reaches a fever pitch. Mo has come up with a seemingly foolproof score to take down the Jammer Group, a plan that will make them crazy rich beyond their wildest dreams. Dawn is the first to voice concerns, but Mo is convinced that this is their shot and refuses to listen to her. Blair is more ambivalent, trying to play peacemaker between the two. He sees the merit in Mo's plan but worries about the potential consequences.

As the trio makes their way to the shareholders' meeting where their plan will unfold, the tension is palpable. They hide stolen documents in and around the meeting room, and Blair even dons a wig to blend in with the attendees. However, when they arrive, they realize that they aren't the only ones with a plan. Keith, who works for Jammer, has concocted a scheme to get himself a seat on the board, making Mo's plan moot.

As they scramble to find a new approach, Mo gets accosted by a group of angry shareholders, incensed at the damage he has done to their portfolio. As he tries to exit the building, he finds himself cornered on the roof by a group of gun-wielding shareholders. The tension is high as Mo tries to talk his way out of trouble. Meanwhile, Blair has managed to get himself locked in the boardroom with Keith, and Dawn is left to frantically try to coordinate everything from the outside.

Despite the high stakes, there are still moments of humor sprinkled throughout the episode. The show is known for its biting satire, and this episode is no different. Mo's tendency to overcomplicate even the simplest of plans is a prime target for jokes, and the dialogue between the three main characters is fast-paced and snappy. While the stakes are high, there is still plenty of levity to be found.

One of the show's strengths is its ability to balance high drama with comedic moments, and this episode is no exception. The tension between Mo, Dawn, and Blair is palpable, with each pursuing their own agenda. However, even in the most dire of situations, the trio's absurdity shines through. The juxtaposition of a tense rooftop standoff with humorously absurd dialogue perfectly captures the essence of the show.

In the end, this episode serves as a turning point for the season, setting the stage for what is to come. While Mo, Dawn, and Blair are all still alive, they have each been changed by what has gone down. The alliances that were once so strong have been shattered, and each is left to reckon with the fallout of their actions. Black Monday has always been a show that delights in shocking its audience, and this episode is no exception.