Ep 7. Gambling

Lou Grant season 3 episode 7, titled "Gambling," follows the staff of the Los Angeles Tribune as they investigate the impact of gambling on the city and its residents.

The episode begins with the arrival of a new reporter, Joe Rossi, who recently returned from Las Vegas. He is eager to investigate the city's gambling scene and pitches the idea to Lou Grant, the paper's editor-in-chief. Initially hesitant, Lou eventually agrees to the story and assigns Joe to work on it along with the veteran reporter, Billie Newman.

As they begin their research, Joe and Billie find that gambling is a pervasive issue that affects people from all walks of life. They interview a recovering gambling addict, a social worker who works with problem gamblers, and a casino owner who defends the industry. They also attend a Gamblers Anonymous meeting, where they witness firsthand the struggles of those who are battling addiction.

Meanwhile, the Tribune's publisher, Margaret Jones, receives a letter from a prominent businessman who is unhappy about the paper's coverage of the gambling industry. He threatens to pull his advertising from the paper if they do not stop their investigation. Margaret, who is always concerned about the paper's financial stability, is worried about losing the business but decides to stand by her reporters and the importance of their investigation.

As the story progresses, Joe and Billie become more and more invested in their investigation. They uncover illegal gambling operations, including a "numbers" game run by the local mob. They also follow the story of a man who lost everything to his gambling addiction, including his family and his job.

In the end, the episode raises important questions about the role of the media in covering controversial issues. The Tribune's reporters are determined to shine a light on the negative aspects of gambling, even when it means risking their jobs and the paper's financial stability. Their investigation leads to a public debate about the impact of gambling on the city, and forces people to confront the negative consequences of a seemingly harmless pastime.

Overall, "Gambling" is a thought-provoking episode of Lou Grant that tackles a serious social issue with sensitivity and nuance. It highlights the importance of ethical journalism and the responsibility that reporters have to uncover the truth, even when it is inconvenient or unpopular.