The Independent 2022

Elisha “Eli” James, portrayed by Jodie Turner-Smith, is a dedicated reporter at the Washington Chronicle who uncovers a significant scandal in political affairs. Her investigation leads her to the life of Nate Sterling, an esteemed Yale University graduate, Olympic gold medalist, and best-selling author, who is now running as an independent candidate in the upcoming presidential election. As Eli delves deeper into the political landscape, she discovers that Sterling’s main rivals are the unpopular Democratic incumbent and Senator Patricia Turnbull, an ambitious Republican who stands on the cusp of becoming the first female president of the United States.

Intrigued by the political drama unfolding around her, Eli forms a friendship with Nicholas Booker, played by Brian Cox. In their discussions, Eli reveals a disturbing conspiracy she has uncovered: Senator Turnbull is allegedly embezzling lottery funds, specifically manipulating the system to divert $1 for every $1000 into her Super PAC, which significantly harms the funding for public schools across the nation.

However, as the election draws near, Eli and Booker stumble upon a shocking revelation that alters the course of their investigation. They learn that the mastermind behind the fraud is not Turnbull but rather Nate Sterling. With this knowledge, they confront him, leading to a tense confession from Sterling that shakes the foundation of his campaign.

As if the pressures of uncovering political corruption weren’t enough, Eli faces a personal tragedy with the passing of her father, which weighs heavily on her. Additionally, she must contend with the competitive nature of journalism when a fellow reporter attempts to claim credit for her groundbreaking findings. However, the Washington Chronicle chooses to take action against this journalist, reinforcing Eli’s belief in integrity and truth.

In a bold move toward independence and transparency, Eli and Booker decide to establish their own news outlet, aptly named The Independent. With this new venture, they aim to bring unfiltered news to the American public. They publish the explosive report on Sterling, marking their departure from the Washington Chronicle and setting a new standard for journalistic integrity. The story emphasizes the courage it takes to stand for truth in the face of deception and the profound impact of journalism on democracy.