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It made me laugh, it made me cry. I demand no more from my televised entertainment.
I am – Hercules!!
So how great is James Lesure as Captain Boyle? And how much do we now realize he is wasted on NBC’s just-renewed “Las Vegas”?
Tonight brings the end of Aaron Sorkin’s “Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip,” and that makes this a saddish day. It was a great show, but maybe not a good one, and I acknowledge that may not make any sense. It came equipped with scenes that transcended all media, but also scenes that elicited little more than wincing.
Some argue that the quality of the show’s sketches were not important, that viewers weren’t tuning in for the sketches.
But the sketches were important, and here’s why. Most were completely horrible, and hobbled horribly our suspension of disbelief. Ricky and Ron were supposed to be writing the shitty sketches, not new head writer Matt Albie. If Matt’s stuff came off as poor, it reflected poorly not only on Matt, but also on producer Danny and network chief Jordan, whose faith in Matt could only be read as delusion.
If the show couldn’t afford to hire Jim Downey or Tim Herlihy or Al Franken or Robert Smigel or Sam Simon to punch up the sketches, they perhaps should have been careful to leave those sketches just off-camera. (It’s possible, one supposes, that Sorkin simply believed his sketches funnier than those mounted by the oft-derided SNL. If so, this was a monstrous miscalculation.)
The show also had casting issues. Nathan Corddry was funny enough on “The Daily Show,” but he’s a far cry from the powerhouse likes of a John Belushi or a Bill Murray or a Will Ferrell. Was anyone ever convinced he had somehow emerged as the superstar standout on a hot late-night sketch show?
Original King of Comedy D.L. Hughley, by contrast, has bucketloads of natural charisma when he’s doing his own material -- but as an actor Hughley demonstrated mammoth deficiencies, and Sorkin’s dialogue never seemed to fit Hughley’s mouth. (Imagine what an actor like Lesure would have brought to Simon Stiles.)
There was a similar problem with Matthew Perry. Perry’s interviews over the years illustrate that he doesn’t need a script to find he funny, and one senses that “Friends” was so huge, in part, because Perry was a major force in shaping Chandler Bing.
But Sorkin’s work is too tight and unyielding and accomplished; it does not need an actor’s help to get where it’s going. Perry characteristically seemed too confined by Sorkin’s alter ego, and one suspects he’s at least a little glad to be done with the role. (A slightly younger Perry might have been spectacular as Tom Jeter, the show-within-a-show’s star player.)
Perhaps Sorkin’s material, always so precise and fully formed, needs something of a blank canvas to inhabit; if the canvas comes with its own lines and colors, those elements unduly distract from what Sorkin is trying to accomplish. Rob Lowe – a handsome but (beyond “The West Wing”) generally bland and workmanlike presence – managed to manifest one of the most successful Sorkin protagonists ever.
Ah, but enough with what might have gone haywire. Let’s go out by enumerating a few of the series’ more memorable virtues:
* The network. Programming chief Jordan McDeere (Amanda Peet) is a profoundly cool character. So, it turns out, is her boss Jack Rudolph (Steven Weber). And Jack’s boss, Wilson White (Ed Asner). All proved unexpectedly complex and entertaining. In retrospect, a series titled “McDeere” or “NBS” might have proven a far better fit for audiences, critics, NBC and Sorkin himself.
* Andy Mackinaw (Mark McKinney), the tragedy-stained comedy pro who returned to the writer’s room.
* Kim Tao (the spectacular Julia Ling), the sexy and hilariously horny little rich girl on whom the network’s fortunes appeared to teeter.
* Zhang Tao (Raymond Ha), Kim’s wily pop.
* Captain Boyle (James Lesure), see above.
* Robert Bebe (John Goodman), the backwoods Nevada judge who turned up to torment the regulars for two episodes before providing them deliverance.
* Suzanne (Merrit Wever), Matt’s landmine-jumping assistant.
* Wendy (real-life ex-Pussycat Doll Cyia Batten), the Bombshell Babe with the boot.
* The show's sprawling multilevel main set generally, but especially that giant "Play It Again Sam" Life Magazine cover in Matt's office.
* And the Christmas show.
Christmas Day 2007, by the way, will see the release to cinemas of “Charlie Wilson’s War,” about the Texas congressman who aided Afghanistan in its war against the Soviet Union. It teams a Sorkin screenplay with director Mike Nichols, as well as actors Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, Shiri Appleby, Rachel Nichols, John Slattery, Mary Page Keller and real-life ex-Pussycat Doll Cyia Batten. Which just proves again – if you kick a great writer out of TV, you’ll end up paying later.
10 p.m. Thursday. NBC.
49% Off Harry Potter
And The Deathly Hallows 
Fear The Sadness Bowl!! Herc Laughed Himself Silly
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I am – Hercules!!
“Studio 60” supporters have bought a $2,255 full-page ad in the Hollywood Reporter to bid the show thanks and adieu on the date of the series’ June 28 finale next week. Having raised more than enough to buy the ad, the same group continues to salute the show by raising money to benefit Tiptina’s, which benefits artists victimized by Katrina.
Tonight brings the penultimate installment of the series, titled “K & R Part III. ” NBC describes it thusly:
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I am – Hercules!!
After tonight, we get two more new “Studio 60s,” then Aaron Sorkin disappears again from network television, perhaps forever.
NBC says of tonight’s installment, titled “K&R Part II”:
Jordan (Amanda Peet) takes a turn for the worse and Simon (D.L. Hughley) loses his cool with the press as we continue to learn, in flashback, how Matt (Matthew Perry) and Danny (Bradley Whitford) got fired from the show in the first place.
Will all the drama drive Matt to his Christian-mocking knees?
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I am – Hercules!!
Wow, was Hercules angered last Thursday night!! Some fucking idiot keeps telling Time Warner Cable that “Studio 60” is in repeats and my DVR did not record last week's episode. And Jack Valenti’s ghost continues to ponder why the world gets its TV shows off the bittorrents!
Do as I did. Adjust your DVR to record both reruns and new episodes of this show.
NBC describes tonight’s new episode, titled “K&R,” thusly:
Jordan (Amanda Peet) is rushed into surgery as the situation with Tom's (Nathan Corddry) brother grows more grim.
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More than 100 talkbacks attended last week’s edition of “Studio 60”; if talkback continues to warrant, we’ll try to put up posts for each of the series’ final episodes.
Last week’s installment was an odd one, given the absence of Matthew Perry, Amanda Peet, Bradley Whitford and any significant continuity.
Was this intended as a “banked” show, a stand-alone episode that could have been used as an emergency substituttion should “Studio 60” fall behind schedule (as “West Wing” occasionally did)?
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I am – Hercules!!
The last six new episodes of Aaron Sorkin’s “Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip” take over the Thursday 10 p.m. “ER” slot effective tonight.
When NBC announced its fall schedule last week, “Studio 60” was not on it. If you're hoping these last six installments might garner big numbers and precipitate a last-minute reprieve, I wouldn't hold your breath. According to this interesting piece in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the series' massive multimillion dollar set on the Warner Bros. lot has already been demolished.
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The last six episodes of Aaron Sorkin’s “Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip” will take over the Thursday 10 p.m. “ER” slot starting May 24, the day after sweeps and the regular season conclude (and the season finales of “American Idol” and “Lost” air).
NBC will announce its fall schedule 10 days earlier, on May 14. Few expect a second season of “Studio 60” will be announced that day.
Zap2It has the scoop here.
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“Passionate (if small) audiences have helped save shows such as Arrested Development and Veronica Mars in past years,” wrote Gary Levin in his April 12 “Save Our Shows” piece in USA Today, “though Mars' luck has run out.”
Each year around this time, Levin talks to the networks and divides their scripted series into three categories:
1) “Renewed or almost,”
2) “On the bubble,” and
3) “Gone or nearly dead.”
“Mars” falls into that third category.
Others on that doomed list include “Studio 60,” “Raines,” “Standoff” and “Close to Home.”
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NBC decided this week it’ll be sticking the Irish mob drama “The Black Donnellys” (from Paul Haggis, co-creator of both “Crash” and “Walker, Texas Ranger”) in the “Studio 60” timeslot, effective next week.
If “Donnellys” does poorly in the post-“Heroes” slot, “Studio” will maybe be back in that daypart by season’s end. If “Donellys” does well, “Studio” will likely finish out its first season in another slot.
To anticipate the question? NBC has obviously not set the date of “Studio 60’s” return, but I imagine with six new episodes still in the can it should be back by April.
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I just stuck a note in “L-Prime’s” watchband letting him know I’m crazy about him. Here’s his take on the latest adventures of Matt, Danny, Jordan and Harry:
What’s it called?
“The Friday Night Slaughter”
Who’s responsible?
Melissa Myers and Amy Turner, teleplay by — all together now — Sorkin.
What does TV Guide say?
“It's a walk down memory lane for Matt as he recalls his romantic history with longtime (ex) love and “Studio 60” funny gal Harriet.”
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“L-Prime,” a Canadian, gets to see “Studio 60” on Sunday, even if it’s a Super Bowl Sunday:
What’s it called?
“The Harriet Dinner, Part II”
Who’s responsible?
Story by Mark Goffman and Dana Calvo, teleplay by — who else? — Sorkin.
What does TV Guide say?
“Conclusion. Harriet is feted with a special dinner, but things continue to fall apart with Matt, while above the event, Jordan and Danny spend time locked on the roof.”
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Canada continues to get “Studio 60” a day before we gods-fearing Americans, and our star Canadian spy “L-Prime” tells to what we Yanks can look forward:
What’s it called?
“The Harriet Dinner”
Who’s responsible?
Teleplay by Sorkin, based on a story by Eli Attie
What does TV Guide say?
“Part 1 of 3. The cast and staff attend a dinner in honor of Harriet, while Jordan and Danny are stuck on the rooftop. Meanwhile, things between Harriet and Matt deteriorate.”
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NBC’s 12th hour of “Studio 60” kicks off a three-parter about a former cast member returning to host, a "Win A Date With Harriett Hayes!" contest, and loads of network turmoil.
Here’s “L-Prime,” one of the millions of Canadians who got to see it Sunday night:
What’s it called?
“Monday”
Who’s responsible?
Story by Dana Calvo & David Handelman; teleplay by Sorkin.
What does TV Guide say?
“As the staffers return from their vacation to begin work on the new year's first show, Danny goes full throttle in his pursuit of Jordan. Meanwhile, Matt competes online for a date with Harriet.”
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A rumor has been floating around that “Kids in the Hall” vet Mark McKinney was hired by “Studio 60” to work on the sketches. But the sketches, to me, ring more of Sorkin than McKinney. So I’m thinking somebody got his wires crossed and McKinney was actually hired to PLAY a guy who works on the sketches.
I believe I will maybe pursue Aaron Sorkin to straighten it all out. Assuming Sorkin doesn’t just take five seconds right now and just email me the answer.
Anyway, it’s hard not to love the McKinney character, one of the many great surprises Sorkin has visited upon the great North American viewing public over the last few months.
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The big news is Vanity Fair’s Martha O’Dell (Christine Lahti) quotes Ain’t It Cool News in her story about “Studio 60.” Which should inspire all manner of outrage among the dramatis personae.
I grant you it’s not as cool as having Horatio Sanz dress up as Harry Knowles on the real “Saturday Night Live” (as he did a couple years ago), but it’s still plenty cool.
Our Canadian friends, who get to watch a day early, offer details.
“L-prime” says:
What’s it called?
“B-12”
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Ah, it smells like a big night for NBC!
Gotta love the promos. Hannah Harriett Hayes is depicted topless and cupping her exciting breastal region!
“L-prime” says:
What’s it called?
“The Option Period”
Who’s responsible?
Teleplay by Sorkin; Story by Christina Kiang Booth & Mark Goffman
What does TV Guide say?
Matt worries about his writing staff defecting, led by Ricky and Ron; Harriet considers posing in lingerie for a magazine spread; Jordan and Danny have to deal with budget cuts.
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For those who haven’t heard, “Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip” got a full-season order a few days ago.
And as usual, the Canadians got to see Sunday what the Americans see Monday.
“L-Prime” has this:
What’s it called?
“Nevada Day, Part II”
Who’s responsible?
Teleplay by Sorkin; Story by David Handleman & Cinque Henderson
What does TV Guide say?
Conclusion. Jack has difficulty persuading a Nevada judge (John Goodman) to let Tom out of jail in time for the live taping of “Studio 60”; the romantic tension increases between Matt and Harriet.
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TV Guide’s Michael Ausiello says he just got word that NBC is giving “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” Aaron Sorkin’s acclaimed ensemble romantic comedy-drama, a full-season order.
Find all of Ausiello’s story here.
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I thought last week’s “Studio 60” was its best episode to date. Love Christine Lahti interviewing Hannah Harriet Hayes. Loved the stuff with Jordan. Loved Lou Grant telling her to teach her kids Mandarin. Loved Sting.
Last week felt like the old "West Wing" Aaron Sorkin we all know and love was back in control.
And tonight brings part two. With a drunken Jordan and Matt Albie inquiring after the romantic availability of Alexis Bleidel.
The Canadians, who got to see the show on Sunday, are raving:
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Last week’s “Studio 60” did not fry my burger.
First, the stolen routine wasn’t at all funny to me, and struck me as very not worth stealing. And Matt thought it was funny, which makes me wonder why everybody thinks he’s such a genius.
Second, the writer who stole it did the stealing in a ridiculously verbatim manner that made it incredibly obvious that the routine was stolen. How did he believe he would get away with it in front of a national viewing audience?
Third, “Studio 60” owned the routine all along? I fear I found that resolution a bit too … tidy?
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What I saw of the “Science Schmience” sketch last week, I quite liked. "The Nicolas Cage Show" looked a whole lot better than “Pimp My Trike,” but of course we only caught a glimpse.
I look forward to a someone's conversation with devout Christian Harriett Hayes at some point wherein she explains how she’s so cool with sketches like “Schmience” and “Crazy Christians” that mock The Bible and the people who are so highly into Jesus. Does she not believe the Earth is about 6,000 years old as the Bible teaches? Is it OK now for some Christians to regard chunks of the Christian Bible as nonsense?
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It looks like a big year for Aaron Sorkin, at least if the critics have something to say about it.
Broadcasting and Cable, a periodical owned by the same folks who put out Daily Variety, conducts a poll each summer asking critics to choose the best new TV series.
The winner by a landslide for "best overall new program" was Sorkin's "Studio 60 Live On The Sunset Strip," which was the top pick of 49 percent of the 66 critics polled.
The runners-up for "best overall" were two ABC shows, the hourlong fashion-world comedy "Ugly Betty" (from "Jake 2.0" creator Silvio Horta) and the highly serialized ensemble drama "The Nine" (from "Without a Trace" writer Hank Steinberg and "Judging Amy" writer K.J. Steinberg). They garnered a comparatively piddling 12 percent and 11 percent, respectively.
Curiously, "The Nine" edged out "Studio 60" in the "best new drama" category; the two series were chosen as "best drama" by 27 and 24 percent of the critics, respectively. (I'm guessing because not every critic perceives the genre-bending "Studio 60" as a drama.)
"Ugly Betty" was named "best new comedy" by a winning 29 percent of the critics. Runners-up in this category were SNL vet Tiny Fey's backstage-at-NBC sitcom "30 Rock" (20 percent) and CBS' bizarro reunion sitcom "The Class" (16 percent), which was co-created by writer David Crane (who earlier created "Dream On" and "Friends").
Learn which other shows the TV critics liked here.
CHEAPEST KIRK/SPOCK TREK EVER!!
Star Trek: Kirk/Spock/McCoy Baby!!
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I am - Hercules!!
Remember way back when "Gilmore Girls" started six years ago and there were all these rumors that it was being secretly written by "West Wing" creator Aaron Sorkin?
Now we'll get to hear what Sorkin's dialogue really sou
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