The Paper Is A Great Journalism Show, And There’s One Specific Character Moment That Was Surprisingly Touching

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Prior to the release of The Paper on the 2025 TV lineup, I had a strong intuition that the spinoff of The Office would be one of the most outstanding journalism shows in years. The premiere season of this new comedy, available to stream in its entirety with a Peacock subscription, exceeds all my expectations for a workplace comedy. However, there was one aspect that stood out to me as particularly heartwarming.

Not the captivating “will they, won’t they” interactions or the impressive opening scene (which is indeed terrific), but rather a subtle and swiftly passing exchange between two characters from the Toledo Truth Teller team that resonated deeply with me. Allow me to elaborate…

Ned And Barry’s Scene At The Hospital Got Me Thinking About One Of My Former Colleagues

Towards the end of the second episode of “The Paper,” titled “The Five W’s,” the main character Ned Sampson (played by Domhnall Gleeson), who is the editor-in-chief at Toledo Truth Teller, pays a hospital visit to Barry (Duane Shepard Sr.) after the newspaper’s only full-time reporter sustains a minor injury during an assignment. In a brief scene that might be easy to miss if you take your eyes off the screen for a moment, Ned praises Barry for a moon landing astronauts article he wrote in 1971, which the veteran reporter recites from memory.

As I witnessed this short yet captivating moment, my thoughts drifted towards the late Mark Hodapp, a distinguished and tenacious journalist I had the pleasure of working alongside during my time at the newspaper. In many ways, he served as a mentor to me, being not only an exceptionally talented reporter but also a truly exceptional friend who was always ready to offer guidance, practical criticism, or share tales from his lengthy career in the field. His absence is deeply felt. Indeed, he was one of the best.

Barry, Much Like The Toledo Truth Teller, Is A Reminder Of The Newspaper’s Glory Days

Although Barry doesn’t play a significant role in “The Paper“, he, together with the Toledo Truth Teller, symbolize the newspaper’s golden era. The brief documentaries shown early in the season, as well as the vast building that once buzzed with journalists, editors, photographers, and paginators before it became a toilet paper factory, highlight the transformation of the Fourth State over time. This transformation is most evident in Barry’s role within the newsroom.

Previously employed at a newspaper based in the Midwest, where I collaborated with veteran journalists from the paper’s heyday (including my previously mentioned colleague), I found myself amused by Barry’s character and his role within the industry. Admittedly, witnessing how much things have changed brought a hint of melancholy, but it was a delightful addition nonetheless.

Now I Can’t Wait To See How This Dynamic Is Explored In Season 2

Excitedly anticipating that TV Line has confirmed Season 2 of “The Paper”, I am eager to delve deeper into Barry’s character development. Frankly, it seems unlikely that I was the only one who found his striking scene with Ned captivating from the start, or those humorous episodes moments amusing as they unfolded further.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but wonder about Barry’s interactions with fellow reporters now that his Truth Teller has bagged some awards and is gaining traction. It’s intriguing to imagine what lies ahead for him. Perhaps one day we’ll even get a glimpse of the iconic “stare” from The Office in his future endeavors!

No matter what comes next for the show, I’m deeply appreciative of The Paper, as it allowed me to reminisce about an industry and individual who held such immense significance in my life.

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2025-09-12 12:09