Ep 21. Marathon

Lou Grant is a hard-hitting drama series that tells the story of a newspaper editor and his team as they investigate and report on the news of the day. The show follows Lou Grant, the editor-in-chief of the fictional Los Angeles Tribune, as he navigates the complex world of journalism and deals with the issues facing modern society.

Season 2 Episode 21 of Lou Grant is titled "Marathon." In this episode, the staff of the Los Angeles Tribune is preparing to cover the annual L.A. marathon, which has become a major event in the city. The paper is planning a special section devoted to the race, featuring stories, profiles, and photos of the runners and their supporters.

Lou Grant is overseeing the coverage, and he is determined to make it comprehensive and compelling. He assigns different reporters to cover different aspects of the race, from the elite runners to the handicapped participants to the charities benefiting from the event. Lou himself is planning to cover the race from the vantage point of the press truck, where he can observe the entire field and provide insight into the event as it unfolds.

As the day of the race approaches, the staff of the Los Angeles Tribune is busy finalizing their stories and photos. They are also dealing with other news that is breaking, including a major earthquake that struck the city earlier in the week. Lou is trying to balance the coverage of the marathon with the coverage of the earthquake, which has left many people homeless and in need of assistance.

When the day of the marathon finally arrives, Lou and his team are ready. They have set up a command center at the finish line, with computers, phones, and cameras ready to capture every moment of the race. Lou is in the press truck, along with other journalists from around the world, as they follow the runners through the streets of Los Angeles.

As the race progresses, the excitement builds. The elite runners are neck-and-neck, and the handicapped participants are inspiring everyone with their determination and perseverance. Lou is providing color commentary from the press truck, and his insights are being broadcast around the world. The other reporters from the Los Angeles Tribune are on the ground, talking to runners and supporters, and capturing the emotions of the day.

However, as the hours pass, the atmosphere at the finish line changes. The runners are starting to arrive, but many of them are struggling. Some have collapsed from exhaustion, and others are being treated for injuries. The medical staff is overwhelmed, and there are not enough ambulances to transport all of the injured runners to the hospital.

Lou and his team are faced with a dilemma. They want to cover the race, but they also want to help the injured runners. Lou decides to use his press credentials to commandeer a bus, which he fills with injured runners and takes to the hospital. The other reporters from the Los Angeles Tribune follow suit, and soon there are several buses filled with injured runners being transported to hospitals across the city.

As the day comes to an end, Lou and his team reflect on the events of the marathon. They are proud of their coverage, but they are also humbled by the tragedy that unfolded. They realize that journalism is not just about reporting the news, but also about making a difference in the world around them.

"Marathon" is a powerful episode of Lou Grant that explores the role of journalism in society. It shows how reporters can use their platform to uncover the truth, shine a light on important issues, and make a difference in people's lives. The episode is also a tribute to the resilience and strength of the human spirit, as we see runners from all walks of life coming together to achieve their goals and inspire others.