posted
well, whaddya know. I liked it. I like Timothy Busfield. Matthew Perry wasn't playing Chandler. Amanda Peet didn't chew up the scenery. I like those writers, too.
Posts: 4811 | From: Austin, TX | Registered: Feb 2000
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posted
Agreed. This is going to be one of my few why-don't-I-buy-another-VCR shows.
-------------------- "Nothing is so firmly believed as what we least know." ~ Michel Eyquem de Montaigne Posts: 1382 | From: Toronto, Ontario | Registered: Aug 2003
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Mr. Furious
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posted
Fellow Orangeman Aaron Sorkin continues to churn out outstanding television. Hopefully this show will earn the fate of The West Wing rather than that of Sports Night.
It was cool to see so many Sorkin regulars together again. Maybe we'll have a Peter Krause sighting, since Six Feet Under is no longer on the air.
posted
I haven't watched it yet, but I'm looking forward to firing up the DVR later tonight.
I was shocked when Perry showed up a whiel back on a few episodes of West Wing - the man has a bit of talent. So I was entirely unsurprised to see him show up in another Sorkin enterprise.
Looking forward to seeing it. Just wish Sabrina Lloyd was in it.
-------------------- Come on, come on - spin a little tighter Come on, come on - and the world's a little brighter Posts: 5595 | From: Columbus, OH : The Soccer Capital of America | Registered: Sep 2002
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posted
The whold dramatic West Wing formula is kind of jarring when its about a sketch comedy show instead of the White House. The way they keep not really showing the sketches makes me want to watch a new episode of Saturday Night Live instead.
I wonder how 30 Rock will turn out. The exact same premise, except a 30 minute comedy.
Posts: 2018 | From: Santa Barbara, California | Registered: Aug 2005
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posted
I loved it. Has a lot of the Sorkin magic going for it. And one of my favorite things about Sports Night was the intense loyalty between Dan and Casey. It's great to see that kind of friendship again.
And from your lips to god's ears Mr. Furious.
I'm not sure I can take another brilliant show that only lasts one or two seasons.
I wonder, too, how many jokes will go sailing over the heads of the real folks in power - if they'll get that they're often being made fun of.
I have a couple of questions for all the folks sharper than I am...Amanda Peet's character, Jordan, was I belive hailed as the new President of NBS. So who the hell is Steven Weber - I mean, how is he her boss, what's his job title? Or did I miss what Jordan's job title is?
Looking forward to more of this.
Ali "Sorry about that, that one was all me"
Posts: 3068 | From: Kensington, MD | Registered: Feb 2000
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Mr. Furious
Ding Dong! Merrily on High Definition TV
posted
quote:Originally posted by AliBaba: I have a couple of questions for all the folks sharper than I am...Amanda Peet's character, Jordan, was I belive hailed as the new President of NBS. So who the hell is Steven Weber - I mean, how is he her boss, what's his job title? Or did I miss what Jordan's job title is?
Weber's character is the Chairman of NBS, and therefore Jordan's boss. Think CEO vs. COO.
Ed Asner's character is the Chairman of NBS' parent company, and is Weber's character's boss.
posted
Thanks, Mr. Furious. I think it was during the dinner party that we were told who was who, but there was a lot of noise while I was watching(my teenagers were being teenagers) so I missed the introductions.
Thanks!
Ali "They're lucky they got Lou Grant to run the show" Baba
Posts: 3068 | From: Kensington, MD | Registered: Feb 2000
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posted
I really enjoyed the show. The whole cast did a very good job, IMO. I don't usually like Amanda Peet, but she was more low-key in this than in other things I've seen her in. Most of the others are actors I've always liked. Can't say I've ever seen Stephen Weber play such an ass before, but he's good at it! I loved, loved, loved Judd Hirsch's rant.
Sarah Paulson's character looks interesting. "So until you either accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your peronal savior, or make somebody laugh. . . "
-------------------- How homophobic do you have to be to have penguin gaydar? - Lewis Black Posts: 8322 | From: Columbus, OH | Registered: Aug 2005
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quote:Originally posted by Lainie: Can't say I've ever seen Stephen Weber play such an ass before, but he's good at it!
You didn't think he was an ass in Single White Female?
-------------------- "The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." - G.K. Chesterton Posts: 1514 | From: Wisconsin | Registered: May 2005
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quote:Originally posted by Lainie: Can't say I've ever seen Stephen Weber play such an ass before, but he's good at it!
You didn't think he was an ass in Single White Female?
I didn't see Single White Female.
-------------------- How homophobic do you have to be to have penguin gaydar? - Lewis Black Posts: 8322 | From: Columbus, OH | Registered: Aug 2005
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posted
I liked the premiere and my fingers are crossed that the show lasts long enough to find a real rhythm--the pilot had quite a bit of exposition, which is natural, but I suspect once we know the characters the storylines will zip along a bit quicker. To my mind it's missing what both Sports Night and West Wing had, namely a strong female at the centre of the ensemble. Compare the waifish Amanda Peet with the firebrand Felicity Huffman and even more so the dynamite Allison Janney, and she just doesn't measure up. Who knows, maybe she'll surprise me.
I'm also looking forward to seeing other Sorkin regulars pop up. Joshua Malina has been in virtually everything Sorkin's done, so he's a possibility. And with Hoffman's meta cameo at the beginning of this new show, she's been on every Sorkin show so far (she guested on a second-season West Wing). Maybe Teri Polo will drop by?
Max "don't talk to me for the rest of the show" Renn
-------------------- Sister Ann: DRIVE! DRIVE Crow T. Robot: Look, I'm already driving, there's no inherent quantity of driving that I can increase! If you want me to go faster, you should say so. Posts: 579 | From: Toronto, Canada | Registered: Apr 2006
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posted
Okay, so I'm a week behind, but I finally watched the pilot. I definitely liked it. So far it lacks the warmth of either West Wing or Sports Nite, but it has the wit. I think it'll come along nicely.
I liked Peet and Weber better than I thought I would, but I still don't see them as being quiet Sorkin-worthy. At this point I wouldn't mind seeing them on the next bus to Mandyville.
I squeed when the introduced Felicity.
I look forward to seeing the next episode (also on the DVR).
-------------------- Come on, come on - spin a little tighter Come on, come on - and the world's a little brighter Posts: 5595 | From: Columbus, OH : The Soccer Capital of America | Registered: Sep 2002
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posted
SPOILER SPACE FOR CHILLAS SPOILER SPACE FOR CHILLAS SPOILER SPACE FOR CHILLAS SPOILER SPACE FOR CHILLAS SPOILER SPACE FOR CHILLAS
The second episode included a joke about Amanda Peet's big teeth. Loved it.
-------------------- How homophobic do you have to be to have penguin gaydar? - Lewis Black Posts: 8322 | From: Columbus, OH | Registered: Aug 2005
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posted
I didn't see the pilot, but I enjoyed the second episode quite a bit. I got so sucked into it that I forgot about the online poker tournament I was supposed to be in at that time.
I'm not sure they can sustain the show, but I AM sure I'll watch it while it's still on. I do think they need to keep shots of the show within a show as limited as possible though; the musical number didn't do much for me at all. I felt they should have ended the episode the moment the cameras went "live". I have a feeling they can't create sketches that live up to the rest of the show, so they shouldn't even try. If they limit it to showing rehearsals or behind the scenes stuff that happens while the show is going on I think they'll fare better.
posted
I agree they should limit the show-within-a-show stuff, but I enjoyed the song.
-------------------- How homophobic do you have to be to have penguin gaydar? - Lewis Black Posts: 8322 | From: Columbus, OH | Registered: Aug 2005
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Mr. Furious
Ding Dong! Merrily on High Definition TV
posted
I like Weber's character, but it seems like the show comes to a screeching halt whenever he's on screen. Sorkin's shows are famous for rapid-fire dialogue, and his deliberate speaking style doesn't fit in at all with that.
I think I know where he's going with it - as the boss of bosses, he doesn't have to rush his thoughts like the lower-level people do, but it can be a little jarring. As such, I think it's a choice rather than a limitation, so I figure one of three things will happen - he'll change his style, he'll get fired, or I'll get used to it.
I've enjoyed the first two episodes very much. I like that Whitford's character is being portrayed as somewhat flawed, and I like two of the "Big Three." I haven't warmed up to Nate Corddry, but that may be because he hasn't been given as much to work with as D.L. and the blonde chicky.
quote:Originally posted by Mr.Furious: I like Weber's character, but it seems like the show comes to a screeching halt whenever he's on screen. Sorkin's shows are famous for rapid-fire dialogue, and his deliberate speaking style doesn't fit in at all with that.
I think I know where he's going with it - as the boss of bosses, he doesn't have to rush his thoughts like the lower-level people do, but it can be a little jarring.
Very jarring, I agree. And I think you're right in your guess of the reason why he's being played that way. My problem is, I don't get "power" from him, I just get plain old "jerk".
But again, I've only seen the pilot so far, and I'm hoping he'll come around.
-------------------- Come on, come on - spin a little tighter Come on, come on - and the world's a little brighter Posts: 5595 | From: Columbus, OH : The Soccer Capital of America | Registered: Sep 2002
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posted
So far, I like it a lot, but it doesn't blow me away like The West Wing did, maybe just becaue I know what kind of show to expect from Sorkin by now. (Has any other new network show ever been marketed for who the writer is? Sorkin is really damn famous for a job that usually no one talks about.)
I have to ask, what is it with Sorkin and pilots centering around angering Christian conservatives on TV? Studio 60 has the whole "Crazy Christians" plot (which still isn't finished, apparently), TWW had Josh insulting that spokesman of the evangelical right on the talk show, and Sports Night had--well, not Christians exactly, but it was about how Dan had offended people by belonging to an anti-drug laws group and being asked to apologize on the show. Sorkin seems to like using that to introduce the characters.
Maybe I wasn't paying attention, but I didn't see very much "walk and talk" in the first two episodes. It seemed like most major scenes were set in a single room, and the set (from what we've seen so far) doesn't seem designed to accomodate a bunch of long Steadicam shots the way TWW's set was. That's not a bad thing, but I admit to being strangely biased in favor of long Steadicam shots in general.
Posts: 940 | From: California | Registered: Sep 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Mr.Furious: . . .the blonde chicky.
Sarah Paulson. She was on Deadwood for a while, playing a character who turned out not to be what she seemed. Very good performance.
quote:Originally posted by faceless007: I have to ask, what is it with Sorkin and pilots centering around angering Christian conservatives on TV?
On West Wing, the story line grew naturally out of the real-life political environment that inspired the show.
I read somewhere that the relationship between Matthew Perry and Sarah Paulson was inspired by the relationship between Kristin Chenoweth, who's also a Christian, and either Sorkin or someone else from his team.
-------------------- How homophobic do you have to be to have penguin gaydar? - Lewis Black Posts: 8322 | From: Columbus, OH | Registered: Aug 2005
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posted
Well, I won't give away any of the plot from this week's episode, but my earlier fears have been completely assuaged. The show has found its groove and settled into a great rhythm. The new episode shows a well-oiled machine; the cast interacts like they've been doing it forever and they have the Sorkin-speak down pat. The storyline is a solid mix of slow-burn long arcs, bit-by-bit revealed backstory and killer one-liners. I'm loving it.
(No, I don't have a contact at NBC slipping me the show in advance. Studio 60 airs on Sunday night in Canada on CTV, a full day before NBC shows it in the states.)
Max "nyah nyah" Renn
-------------------- Sister Ann: DRIVE! DRIVE Crow T. Robot: Look, I'm already driving, there's no inherent quantity of driving that I can increase! If you want me to go faster, you should say so. Posts: 579 | From: Toronto, Canada | Registered: Apr 2006
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posted
I actually felt that this week's show was a slight step back. For one thing, I don't find the sketches in the show within a show particularly funny. This week had several segments focused on those moments, and they all seemed rather flat to me. I'd suggest they move even further away from the content of the show, perhaps featuring rehearsals or performances in the background as the "real" scene unfolds in the foreground.
It's interesting to note that, despite the fact I'm an actor myself, I find the "actor" characters the least interesting on the show. I love the scenes with the executives, producers, and writers, but whenever the scene focuses on the actors I look at my watch.
posted
One other thing I noticed but forgot to comment on was the presence of the divine Lucy Davis (from the original U.K. version of "The Office") as one of the writers. Was she on the first couple of episodes? I saw her name in the opening credits and then spotted her sitting in the bleachers during the "rehearsal" near the beginning of the show, but I don't think she ultimately had any lines. I'm glad to see this wonderful actress on American TV, but could Sorkin please give her some bleedin' dialogue?
Max "she can make the lights go on and off" Renn
-------------------- Sister Ann: DRIVE! DRIVE Crow T. Robot: Look, I'm already driving, there's no inherent quantity of driving that I can increase! If you want me to go faster, you should say so. Posts: 579 | From: Toronto, Canada | Registered: Apr 2006
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quote:Originally posted by Max_Renn: One other thing I noticed but forgot to comment on was the presence of the divine Lucy Davis (from the original U.K. version of "The Office") as one of the writers. Was she on the first couple of episodes? I saw her name in the opening credits and then spotted her sitting in the bleachers during the "rehearsal" near the beginning of the show, but I don't think she ultimately had any lines. I'm glad to see this wonderful actress on American TV, but could Sorkin please give her some bleedin' dialogue?
Max "she can make the lights go on and off" Renn
I thought that was her! I didn't notice her credit, but I did spot her in the scene and wondered if it was her. Of course, in my case I was thinking, "Isn't that the chick from 'Shaun of the Dead'"?
posted
Studio 60 is the show in the Kitties household during the broadcast of which all else comes to a halt.
We are pleased.
-------------------- If swimming is so good for your figure, how do you explain whales? Posts: 13275 | From: Kindergarten World, Massachusetts | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
It was funny last night - my husband's birthday was yesterday, but due to scheduling difficulties, the easiest time for my side of the family to celebrate with him was at 9:30 last night.
So, we're all around the dining room, we sing "Happy Birthday", open gifts, serve the cake and ice cream, and settle around the TV to watch Studio 60. It's probably the first show in years my entire family all seems to enjoy and we go out of our way to see it.
quote:Originally posted by simply: There was a point, when Jordan was talking with Jack regarding her ex, before she talked about the "clubs", that I missed. Any clues?
That's a little vague. Not sure what you mean, but the important points made in that scene:
Jordan is not untouchable and does have a past that can be exploited, even though it never seemed to cross her mind that would actually happen.
Her ex husband has written (or is in the process of writing) a "tell all" book focusing on Jordan and hopes to have it published.
Jack gave off the impression that the Network execs were all nervous and prepared to replace Jordan at a moment's notice should things go wrong (which seemingly includes Studio 60's audience size).
I have no idea if any of that helps you out, because I'm not quite sure what you actually missed.
quote:Originally posted by simply: There was a point, when Jordan was talking with Jack regarding her ex, before she talked about the "clubs", that I missed. Any clues?
Can you be a little clearer about what you heard? Then maybe I can figure out what you missed.
Jack actually had a fairly human moment there. Jordan said "I. . . married a slug", and he said, "So did my wife, but I don't make her go to [name of sex club]." It was almost compassionate. Or maybe I misread it and he was just dogging her about her crappy taste in marrying that guy.
-------------------- How homophobic do you have to be to have penguin gaydar? - Lewis Black Posts: 8322 | From: Columbus, OH | Registered: Aug 2005
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posted
Simply- I think Jordan was referring to sex clubs or something similar. What Danny called Matt was pretty funny. Normally I hate that word, but the way they set it up, "are you a cat, are you a little pussy cat?" was just hilarious. I sat there thinking about how funny it was that they were setting this up so they could swear repeatedly throughout the show without violating the FCC.
-------------------- This used to be the life, but I don't need another one. MyBandwagon Posts: 3254 | From: small town Texas | Registered: Jan 2004
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Mr. Furious
Ding Dong! Merrily on High Definition TV
posted
quote:Originally posted by Starla: Simply- I think Jordan was referring to sex clubs or something similar.
That's exactly what she was referring to. The exchange between Jordan and Jack went something like "He wanted me to go to clubs with him." "What kind of clubs?" "The kind where you go to watch people have sex with each other."
-------------------- This used to be the life, but I don't need another one. MyBandwagon Posts: 3254 | From: small town Texas | Registered: Jan 2004
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We did. I felt the first half was kind of slow, but the second half was great. We kept laughing and woke up the baby.
My favorite part wasn't when Matt broke the window, but when Matt and Simon are looking through the blinds at the baseball player Harriet's dating and Simon realizes there is no window.
posted
I've really taken to this show, with one caveat. Could they please hire some actual comedy writers so that the couple seconds of bits they show are actually funny? With the musical sequence in the second episode and then the News 60 monologue last night, the only way that I know these are supposed to be funny is through the dialogue when characters explicitly tell me that these are funny bits. I understand that the show is ABOUT the show and not the show itself, but can they at least make me believe that this is an interesting show I would want to watch if it were real?
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