HBO has presented a double bill of what to expect from The Newsroom and Strike Back during the month of September 2013.
THE NEWSROOM
Episode #18:Election Night, Part I (Sept. 8 10 p.m. ET/PT)
Written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Jason Ensler.
In the wake of Leona’s (Jane Fonda) refusal to accept the resignations of three top ACN talents, “News Night” goes forward with its 2012 election night coverage, featuring Will (Jeff Daniels) in the unlikely role of director of morale. Sloan (Olivia Munn) is perturbed that her book was auctioned off with a forged signature, while Mac (Emily Mortimer) tasks Neal(Dev Patel) to fix a faulty Wikipedia page. Mindful that Charlie (Sam Waterston) wants a screw-up-free evening, Jim (John Gallagher, Jr.) weighs the cons of retracting a call he made too soon. The team deliberates whether to hold off on a story that might affect a tight Senate race.
Episode #19: Election Night, Part II (season finale) (Sept. 15, 10 p.m. ET/PT)
Written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Alan Poul.
As election night 2012 winds down, Will and Charlie await a decision from Reese (Chris Messina) that may impact their future at ACN, and that of the entire senior staff. Sloan learns the identity of the anonymous winning bidder for her book; Don (Thomas Sadoski) discusses a countersuit against Jerry (Hamish Linklater) with Rebecca (Marcia Gay Harden); Neal turns to Hallie (Grace Gummer) for help giving Mac a parting gift; Jim tries to make peace with Lisa (Kelen Coleman), encouraging Maggie (Alison Pill) to do the same; Will has a revelation while Charlie is sharing his.
STRIKE BACK
Episode #24 (Sept. 6, 10 p.m. ET/PT)
Written by James Dormer and directed by Julian Holmes.
Section 20 attempts a risky rescue for a potential new ally. Veering close to the edge, but determined to find the truth, Dalton (Rhona Mitra) goes AWOL with a detainee.
Episode #25 (Sept. 13, 10 p.m. ET/PT)
Written by John Simpson and directed by Paul Wilmshurst.
While recovering from a shocking turn of events, Section 20 faces a different threat: a new enemy joining forces with an old one. Locke (Robson Green) draws Kamali (Zubin Varla) in closer to the team. Scott (Sullivan Stapleton) looks for an old friend, while Stonebridge (Philip Winchester) gets closer to a new one.
Episode #26 (Sept. 20, 10 p.m. ET/PT)
Written by John Simpson and directed by Paul Wilmshurst.
Section 20 is torn between devoting their resources to the mission or saving one of their own. Stonebridge’s health continues to affect him in the field. Al-Zuhari’s network moves forward quickly, striking close. Kamali explains why yet another threat is emerging.
Episode #27 (Sept. 27, 10 p.m. ET/PT)
Written by Simon Burke & Ben Newman and directed by Stephen Woolfenden.
The team tracks stolen property to Russia, where Scott and Stonebridge continue their side careers as “outlaws.” As Stonebridge’s health continues to deteriorate, they discover new mysteries about a piece of Al-Zuhari’s plan. Kamali worries that his cover identity may not hold.
