Ep 4. Henhouse

Lou Grant season 1 episode 4, titled "Henhouse," follows the staff of the fictional Los Angeles Tribune as they investigate a story about contaminated eggs. The episode opens with veteran reporter Joe Rossi discovering that a local poultry company is using a chemical called dioxin in their chicken feed, which could potentially lead to harmful levels of the chemical in eggs.

Lou Grant, the gruff but compassionate editor-in-chief of the Tribune, assigns Rossi to investigate the story further. Meanwhile, the Tribune's legal counsel Billie Newman learns that the same poultry company is suing the paper for libel over a recent article. Despite the potential legal repercussions, Lou encourages Rossi to continue digging into the story and to speak to sources on and off the record.

As Rossi delves deeper into the story, he discovers that the poultry company has known about the potential dangers of dioxin for some time but failed to inform the public or the government. He also finds that the company's CEO, a wealthy and influential businessman, has close ties to the governor of California.

Amidst the legal issues and potential danger to their sources, Lou and his team struggle with how to report on the story responsibly while still exposing the truth. The tensions come to a head when Rossi's source, a former employee of the poultry company who had been anonymously leaking information to him, comes forward and reveals his identity to the paper. The company responds by suing both the Tribune and the source for damages.

The episode also explores the personal lives of the Tribune staff, including Lou's strained relationship with his teenage son, and Joe's budding romance with a woman he meets while investigating the story. The characters' personal struggles add depth to the episode and highlight the emotional toll that investigative journalism can take on those involved.

Overall, Lou Grant season 1 episode 4, "Henhouse," is a gripping and thought-provoking installment that deals with timely issues of corporate responsibility, government corruption, and the importance of a free press. With strong performances from the cast and sharp writing, the episode remains relevant and engaging decades after its original airdate.