Ep 3. 2008

The Loudest Voice season 1 episode 3, titled "2008," delves deeper into the world of Roger Ailes and his media empire. Set against the backdrop of the 2008 financial crisis, this episode sees Ailes struggling to maintain control as Rupert Murdoch, his boss at Fox News, begins to assert his authority.

As the economic turmoil spreads across the country, Ailes and his team are forced to reckon with the changing media landscape. Viewership is down, advertising revenues are plummeting, and the future of Fox News is uncertain. Despite these challenges, Ailes remains steadfast in his belief that Fox News is the only network that truly represents the interests of everyday Americans.

Meanwhile, tensions between Ailes and Murdoch continue to mount. Ailes feels that his vision for Fox News is being compromised by Murdoch's meddling, while Murdoch sees Ailes as a liability that needs to be reined in. As they clash behind closed doors, the fate of Fox News hangs in the balance.

Amidst all this turmoil, Ailes is also grappling with personal demons. He is haunted by memories of his abusive father, and plagued by health problems that threaten to derail his career. As he struggles to keep his empire together, he becomes increasingly isolated from those around him, including his own family.

Despite these challenges, Ailes doggedly fights to keep Fox News afloat. He gambles on a controversial new show hosted by Glenn Beck, hoping that it will appeal to the network's conservative base. He pushes his team to find new ways to connect with viewers, even as they struggle to adapt to the changing media landscape.

As the episode comes to a close, tensions between Ailes and Murdoch reach a boiling point. Ailes threatens to leave Fox News and take his loyal followers with him, while Murdoch threatens to shut down the network altogether. The fate of Fox News hangs in the balance, and Ailes must decide whether to stick to his principles or compromise in order to save his creation.

Overall, "2008" is a gripping episode that showcases the complex world of media and politics. It offers a fascinating look at the inner workings of Fox News and the struggles of its controversial founder, Roger Ailes. With strong performances and sharp writing, this episode is sure to keep viewers engaged from beginning to end.