Conflict of Interest Part 1

"Conflict of Interest Part 1" is the first episode of *Morning Show* (Season Two)*,*a segment of *It's All Been Done Radio Hour,* and the eleventh episode of the series overall. It was performed on February 13th, 2021 as the third segment in Show LXVIII. It was released as podcast episode 343.

Written by Jerome Wetzel

Directed by Nick Arganbright

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

Next episode: "Conflict of Interest Part 2"

## **The Story**

Two months later, Shelly Meyers is working in the former headquarters of Coast-to-Coast insurance in downtown Columbus. Her position is communications liaison between the presidential administration and local media. Ron Truman enters her office, claiming Janice Thompson, their boss, sent him down to check and make sure Shelly is ready for her meeting today. He reminds her she hasn't spoken to these guys in two months, and offers to provide backup or even handle the meeting himself. He tells her she's doing a great job and insists no one would look down on her if she can't do this. Shelly returns she's good at her job and can make this happen. Ron mentions the show has been rough on the administration and a lot of people think that's because of Shelly, but declines to say if he thinks that.

Shelly calls Ron's bluff and says she'll reassure Janice directly, causing Ron to admit he wasn't sent. Shelly accuses him of being sore she got the position over him, and he asks if they are any hard feelings. He's worried Shelly will tell Janice about his stunt, but Shelly says Ron gets in his own way more than she ever could. When he says she can't blame him for trying to trip her up, she says she can and she will.

At radio station WUBD, Pat Shock and Gus Goodall are live on the air, finishing up their broadcast. Pat reports that Governor Ben DeBeers has finished relocating his administration to temporary housing in Delaware as construction begins on a new state house. Gus is annoyed the state government abandoned all their Columbus buildings, saying it is the feds who should build new. Pat defends them, pointing out that they're in the middle of an international crisis, and the federal government needs Columbus' existing architecture, convenient with the recent emptying of the Coast-to-Coast Insurance headquarters down the street from the capital. Gus complains about traffic. Pat ends the show.

Lea Zichi informs them they're out, and that the new producer, Mike Pitz, left during the last act break. Gus isn't happy about that, either. Lea tells them 'she' is waiting in the conference room. Gus says to let her wait and Pat scolds him to be nice. Lea leaves, and Gus asks Pat if he's talked to her since she quit. Pat admits no and says he's looking forward to see her again. When Pat asks the same of Gus, Gus gets weird and says he doesn't even think about her anymore. Then he quickly wants to get the meeting over with.

Entering the conference room, Pat and Gus see Shelly. Pat is happy to see her, and she takes it in stride. Gus blows her off. Shelly thanks them for agreeing to meet with her, though Gus comments Brooks Dylan didn't given them a choice. Pat assumes this meeting is because the administration doesn't like the coverage they're getting from *Morning Show*. Shelly responds that they don't want to infringe on journalistic freedom, but yes, theirs is the most widely listened to radio program in th4e city and they could be more fair. The problem is Gus. Gus defends himself, while Shelly asks if he could give them more of a chance before crucifying them so publicly. Gus responds that they turned the city upside down.

Pat is happy to work on Gus, but wants something from Shelly. He asks for access to the president, as she hasn't taken time to speak to the people of the city. Pat believes it would help ease the federal government's move in if the people heard from her. Shelly says she'll see what she can do, start with some lower officials (more high ranking than they've been offering) *if* Pat can do something about Gus. Pat agrees, and tries to make Gus promise to cool it, though Gus is furious, only feeling a bit vindicated when he realizes Shelly doesn't work with the president directly. Shelly and Pat plan for a one-on-one interview between Pat and a senior official, and when Gus says he feels cut out, Pat says Gus cut himself out. Pat persuades Gus that being nicer will get them syndicated and Gus reluctantly agrees to tone it down... a little. Pat asks when he can talk to the president, and Shelly tells him to slow down, but she'll see what she can do.

Back in her office a few days later, Ron visits again, expressing surprised that the administration has agreed to let Pat interview the press secretary. Shelly points out that this will be good for them all. Ron says she'd better hope so or he'll be taking this office. Shelly tells him not to pick out his drapes just yet.

## **Guest Starring**

* Zane Sexton as Ron Truman
* Katie Boissoneault as Janice Thompson

## **Trivia**

* Mike, Janice, and Ron are not given last names in the script.