The Love Machine

Judith Austin persuades Greg Austin to hire Robin Stone as IBC's new anchor, hoping his presence will lift ratings. Greg is reluctant, but Judith's influence ultimately pushes the hire through. This marks the beginning of Robin's rise within the network.

Danton Miller devises a plan to boost ratings by building a variety show around Christie Lane. The tactic is to prove audiences prefer crass entertainment to cerebral programming. The idea sets up a clash over the network's creative direction.

Christie Lane's show becomes a ratings hit, delivering high numbers for the network. Amanda, a fashion model and Robin's on-again girlfriend, is hired as the show's on-air representative. The collaboration deepens Robin's entanglements within the network's new big-tent programming.

Amanda films her first on-air spot for the sponsor, gaining visibility but also drawing her closer to Robin. After the spot, Amanda goes to visit Robin, signaling the start of their complicated relationship. The lines between work and love begin to blur.

Amanda attends a celebratory party but is shattered to learn Robin is with a nude woman. She attends the party alone after this discovery. The incident lays bare Robin's infidelity and its ripple effects.

While the tensions simmer, Christie Lane, smitten with Amanda, proposes marriage after she drunkenly agrees to go home with him. The moment underscores the tangled personal entanglements surrounding the new programming era. It foreshadows the broader consequences for Robin's standing.

Judith arranges a lunch with Robin and they end up in bed together. The affair deepens, intensifying the power struggle at the network. Robin's ambition becomes entwined with romantic entanglement.

During the rendezvous with Judith, Greg suffers a severe heart attack. This medical crisis accelerates Judith's control of the network while Greg recovers. Robin's relationship to the others becomes more precarious in the wake of the event.

With Greg away in Switzerland to recuperate and Judith holding power of attorney, Robin is temporarily installed as head of the network. Judith's strategic move consolidates Robin's influence over IBC. The temporary promotion marks a pivotal turn in the power balance.

News reaches Robin that Amanda has committed suicide after their falling-out. He retreats and reflects on the personal costs of his rising power. The tragedy destabilizes the network's public image and personal relationships.

Robin confesses to his friend Jerry about his infidelity, and Jerry agrees to provide an alibi in exchange for a slave bracelet engraved with Robin's name. The bracelet becomes a token of leverage that could be used to threaten him. The deal reveals how far Robin's world has spiraled.

Judith returns to New York with Greg, and when Robin refuses to resume the affair, she convinces Greg to reclaim control of the network, demoting Robin. The power shift from Robin to Judith and Greg is completed. Robin's status in the company is toppled, setting the stage for his fall.

Robin travels to Los Angeles for a party at Alfie Knight's home, invited by Jerry and bringing Judith along. He navigates the social scene and encounters Maggie Stewart, an aspiring actress who rebuffs him. Judith, meanwhile, grows increasingly annoyed by his neglect.

A late-night moment erupts when Judith spots Jerry's slave bracelet bearing Robin's inscription, escalating tensions. Jerry and Alfie scramble to retrieve it as police arrive. Robin tries to explain the incident by claiming a drunken pass, but the damage to his reputation is done.

After leaving the police station, Maggie Stewart pulls up and offers Robin a ride, presenting a stark contrast to the life he is losing. He declines, cementing his tarnished image in the industry. The episode closes with Robin facing an uncertain future.