Evaluation

"Evaluation" is the ninth episode of the first season of *Morning Show,*a segment of *It's All Been Done Radio Hour*. It was first performed on September 12, 2020 as the third segment in Show LXIII. It was released as podcast episode 317.

Written by Jerome Wetzel

Directed by Samantha Stark

Previous episode: "Options"

Next episode: "Merry F\*\*\*ing Christmas"

## **The Story**

In a studio conference room after a broadcast, Shelly Meyers, Pat Shock, and Gus Goodall are going over tomorrow's program. They talk about construction on the border wall, and the refugee program (or lack thereof) President Anderson has set up for Mexicans in the infected areas. Shelly points out plans are in the works for the latter, but Gus doubts Congress will pass them. Shelly has arranged for Pat to interview a member of the virus task force, which Pat would like to prep for. Gus is frustrated by their lack of new info.

Allie Friedan enters, saying that they shouldn't let her interrupt. Gus bristles at this, even after Shelly says Allie is with her, and demands to know why she's here. Shelly admits Allie is evaluating her, but deflects as to why and who ordered such an evaluation. Shelly tries to push on with the meeting, but it is clear Gus isn't going to drop this, so she slips out, saying she'll meet Shelly in her office after the meeting. Pat then begins to press, as well, but Shelly says there is nothing to worry about and moves on.

When Shelly returns to her office, she apologizes. Allie doesn't understand why Shelly hadn't prepared a cover story. Shelly asks what the next step is in the process, and Allie tells her while there are a couple of concerns from Shelly's background check, there isn't anything disqualifying. Shelly offers to answer questions, but Allie says they have less biased ways of finding out the details. Allie wants to see Shelly work, and will sit in the control booth with her during tomorrow's show. Shelly asks about a timeframe for an offer, and Allie says a couple of weeks, agreeing that the process is thorough. Shelly makes it clear she hasn't decided if she wants to leave the station or not, and despite Allie's insistence that there isn't any pressure, Shelly thinks it's invasive. Allie says it had to be at this level, but Shelly has earned the look.

Allie brings up the Women's March in D.C. in 2017. Shelly was there, along with hundreds of thousands of others. Allie references a specific incident involving destruction of federal property. Shelly insists she was only there at the beginning, and the paint she used would come off in the rain; she wasn't part of what happened, and wouldn't have done such a thing at a peaceful protest. When Allie asks if Shelly would ever participate in a non-peaceful protest, Shelly responds she gets the feeling Allie already knows the answer. Shelly admits she would, but hasn't and doesn't have any plans to do so. Allie tells her not to make them. Shelly insists she isn't against the country or current administration, and Allie assures her that they know that, implying a threat if Shelly was.

After Allie leaves, Pat enters to question Shelly about her again. Shelly tries to deflect, but Pat asks directly if *Morning Show* will need a new producer. Shelly says she's not sure, and can't give him any details. Pat is sure Shelly will be quitting and he will really miss her, but she deserves to move on to better things. Shelly protests, and Pat observes Shelly isn't honest with herself, before leaving.

The next day, the show begins with news. There have been no further destructive protests in the nation's capital last month, but the president is considering moving the government rather than rebuilding, as many buildings have been burned and monuments destroyed. Gus doesn't think it'll move, but Pat thinks it makes sense at the present time. He wonders where the next capital might be.

## **Trivia**

* The role of Allie was written for Eva Espey.