Monroe Stahr goes up against his father figure and boss, Pat Brady, for the soul of their studio.

Monroe's personal life heats up as he pursues Kathleen; when Pat Brady's pet project has a devastating debut, he must accept Monroe's help; Hackett gives Celia an education on her role as producer.

Pat Brady proves his worth as a studio head in pursuing film star Margo Taft; Monroe must manage two demanding bosses; Rose seeks a change; Celia forms a connection with Max Miner; Monroe and Kathleen's relationship blossoms.

The death of Irving Thalberg sends shockwaves; Monroe risks his relationship to save a movie and Brady American; Celia's adjustments to Hackett's script are well received. Rose buries herself in volunteer work.

To hide a secret agenda, Stahr organizes a Hollywood party; Brady courts Margo Taft; Stahr's public happiness and Brady's public philandering bother Rose; Celia and Lang's partnership turns provocative; a visitor from Vienna intrigues Hackett.

Stahr encourages Kathleen to join Lang's secluded rehearsal; Brady hopes for a miracle to help boost ticket sales; Kathleen must pay a price for stardom; Rose helps Kitty prepare for a risky surgery; tragedy brings Celia and Max closer together.