Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

I know that as a Sorkin-addict I have little credibility when it comes to objectively praising a Sorkin creation. But I say to hell with objectivity! When it comes to tv-shows, there's rarely such a thing as an objective critique. And mine should not aspire to be one.

Yes, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip is not a new show and first aired almost 7 years ago, in 2006. But after recently watching the show in its entirety (only 22 episodes) for the 5th time, I can't help but write a short little blog post on it. The one-season-series is my go-to birthday gift for anyone in my circle of friends I haven't yet converted to the world of Sorkin. And it is my hope that perhaps one reader who hasn't yet seen a single episode, will be willing to give it a try.

The series gives a behind-the-scenes of a struggling sketch-comedy show, featuring an incredibly talented top cast consisting of Bradley Whitford (my personal favorite), Matthew Perry, Sarah Paulson, Amanda Peet, Simon Helberg, Steven Weber and many others. The show is witty, funny, and without getting corny, shows a lot of heart. As always, Sorkin's characters are passionate workaholics; intelligent people whose devotion to their job and their colleagues commands the utmost respect. There is irony - as far removed from funny as irony can be - in its demise. It's a pity that a show that fights and questions the contemporary rating system (the US pilot system), eventually succumbs to it. Someone recently told me that Sorkin is a great "sci fi" writer, as he writes about "a smart president", "journalists with integrity", and yes, classy, old-school comedy writers. I suppose that's the sad part about watching a Sorkin series; you quickly realize that the people are too clever and too idealistic to ever be real. And there's really only one solution; unless we can all gain a hundred IQ points overnight, we'll just have to rewatch Sorkin shows and hope he keeps making them.