The latest episode of the HBO series War delves deeper into the machinations of Johnny, the mole within Taylor & Byrne, as he attempts to navigate the fallout from his planted evidence. With the Duval-Henderson divorce trial just two days away, Johnny finds himself under increasing pressure from both sides of the legal battle.
Johnny’s colleagues at Taylor & Byrne, Molly and Saeed, begin to piece together the forensic evidence pointing to subterfuge, specifically concerning Carla Duval’s misaligned asset list being entered into the official record. This discrepancy could jeopardize their careers, but Johnny, true to his nature, prioritizes his own escape from blame. He has a history of operating close to the edge and evading consequences.
Meanwhile, at Cathcarts, David Schill is distracted by a personal crisis—his infant son’s premature birth—while also dealing with the firm’s internal pressures. He confronts St. John Smallwood about the firm’s reputation, only to be met with a chilling reminder that even a 200-year-old institution can be tarnished if necessary.
Adding another layer of complexity, Morgan is contacted by Flora, who wishes to explain their previous encounter. However, Morgan rebuffs her, drawing a parallel to the 2005-2006 UK News of the World phone hacking scandal, a historical event that impacted Sienna Miller, who is also part of the show’s cast.
Johnny’s strategy takes a sharp turn when he obtains evidence of a honeytrap involving Carla and Flora from Carla’s phone. He uses this information to his advantage, leading him to email the rival firm, Cathcarts, and confess everything, posing as Saeed. This move results in Saeed, an innocent junior associate, being removed from Taylor & Byrne by security, seemingly resolving the mole issue for his colleagues.
As the Duval-Henderson divorce trial commences, Serena Byrne walks with Johnny, reflecting on Saeed’s dismissal and the apparent resolution of the mole problem. Johnny, confident in his deception, quotes Keanu Reeves: “The simple act of paying attention can take you a long way.” Serena’s sharp reaction to the quote, recognizing it as something David Schill previously shared with her, casts a shadow of doubt over Johnny’s carefully constructed plan. Standing alone, Johnny’s confidence wavers as he realizes his elaborate scheme might have inadvertently exposed him.
The episode also touches on Morgan’s predicament after refusing a buyout offer, leaving him to question how he was ambushed in his own company. The narrative suggests that the buyout may still proceed depending on the court’s decisions. The score accompanying Johnny's internal turmoil features The Lovebirds’ "Devil Song," underscoring his precarious position. The episode title itself, "The Simple Act of Paying Attention," hints at the unraveling of Johnny’s carefully hidden actions.