Smarmy and ruthless executive Grossberg (a sublimely slimy portrayal by Charles Rocket) takes over rival network 66 in order to get revenge on Edison (Matt Frewer, fine as usual) and Network 23. Edison investigates a seamy story involving politician Harriet Garth (well played by Caroline Kam) only to discover too late that it's all an elaborate scheme devised by Grossberg to ruin Edison and the network's reputation. Director Janet Greek, working from a crafty and incisive script by Steve Roberts, ably creates and sustains an extremely dark and cynical tone. Roberts' script offers a pungent and provocative exploration of ethics by showing how morals are compromised in order to elicit high ratings. Moreover, this episode chillingly illustrates how advanced technology can be used to fabricate the truth. In fact, this particular show with its dirty double dealings and underhanded plotting possesses a certain charged tabloid urgency that's both compelling and exciting in equal measure. Grossberg makes for a wonderfully oily and calculating villain. Paul Goldsmith's energetic cinematography and Michael Hoening's pulsating electronic score both further enhance the crackling vitality. And the sexual tension between Edison and Theora (a splendidly poised and sultry Amanda Pays) really keeps things humming throughout. A stand-out show.
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