The Morning Show is one unique “behind-the-scenes” perspective on the morning news industry. Seasons one and two focused on the fallout of a #MeToo situation involving anchor and co-host Mitch Kessler (Steve Carrell). These seasons follow the trials and tribulations surrounding the news team. This includes the new anchor, Bradley Jackson (Reese Witherspoon), and her integration into the network. As she makes friends with fellow anchor Alex Levy (Jennifer Aniston), the pair try to navigate the world of the Morning Show.

Season three has entirely uprooted the show’s familiar formula. Instead, the focus has shifted to a corporate drama meets soap opera. Some fans might find the shift in tone to be a disappointment. Thankfully, a new addition to the series could lessen this negative impact. Jon Hamm’s role as tech billionaire Paul Marks could give the show a needed punch-up. How he could do this is very simple. Mark’s nonchalant attitude has already disarmed audiences, but his true intentions might not have revealed themselves.

He Is a Wildcard
AMC

Episode one of season three left Paul’s intentions a bit murky. Cory (Billy Crudup) is trying to push Paul into a deal for the network. Cory’s literal pushy mentality does not seem to work on Paul’s business-minded sensibilities. At this point, it is unclear if Paul even wants to own UBA in the first place. While he has taken an interest in legacy media, he remains uncertain about taking full control. That is until Cory attempts to sweeten the deal.

To help with the publicity of Paul’s company’s rocket launch, Cory prioritizes UBA’s coverage. It’s at this moment that Paul begins to see UBA’s potential as an asset to his financial empire. Here, the UBA staff, with some uncertainty, also begin to see Paul’s possible acquisition of the company as an asset. That does not mean the character is the “savior” that UBA is hoping for. The eerie similarities to other real-life billionaires still make Paul a worrisome presence.

Executive producer Lauren Neustadter described Paul as “a character who is an amalgam of a lot of different individuals.” Drawing the most parallels to an Elon Musk-like figure, it makes him reside in an area with lovers and supporters. These billionaires know how to play up a persona when they could be someone different behind the scenes. Most high-powered billionaires have their own agenda. Whatever that agenda may be, it could only serve the interests of those in power. That unpredictability could make him a strong piece to the season’s overall story.

Related: The Morning Show: Why the AppleTV Series Was Perfect for Jennifer Aniston’s Return to Television

His Intentions Might Be Villainous
Lionsgate Television

Instead of a #Metoo subtext, the focus of season 3 has now shifted. In the newly advanced digital age, the rules of news have changed. Wealthy people have free rein to do what they want when they want. A character like Paul Marks could be the physical manifestation of the “changing times” for the Morning Show staff. That could even mean having a negative long-term goal for the network.

Paul could simply be looking at UBA as a chance to profit. His talk of “protecting” legacy media could be a ploy. In actuality, Paul could see this acquisition as being able to strip the network for parts. The charming persona seen in these first two episodes could be nothing more than a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” Time will tell if this is a certainty that is currently keeping audiences guessing. Thankfully, that mystery can be effective thanks to Jon Hamm’s lead performance.

Hamm has to maintain the momentum of Paul being an enigma. Currently, he can be read as someone wanting to protect the media. On the surface, that could make him a perfect addition to UBA. His dealings with Cory show he is looking at this opportunity as more of a partnership. Cory’s coverage of the rocket launch could make Paul see UBA as a positive investment opportunity. Time could pass, and Marks could see the organization as a sinking ship. Hamm’s magnetic screen presence makes a rather clichéd role have an air of mystery.

Related: Reese Witherspoon Reveals Third Season of the Morning Show Will Have ‘Lots of Romance’

A character like Paul Marks is a perfect addition to the show’s third season. He adds a needed level of intrigue to a show with a new, soap opera-like force. Marks can be the season’s new satirical jab at another industry altogether. Now, the series can tackle the mechanics of big tech within the news industry. Hamm has already been in Mad Men, playing a prolific business titan. The difference is that Mad Men made its name as a nostalgic period piece with great performances. Now, Hamm can take that tycoon role in a modernized and more relevant direction. His experience and general acting ability make him a perfect addition to the Morning Show Madhouse.