Monday, June 05, 2006
The Futon Critic reviews Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Now that the upfronts are over with reviews of various series have blasted the 'net, and The Futon Critic's review (seen here at http://www.thefutoncritic.com/rant.aspx?id=20060605) is just the latest in the batch of them. The general perception in the different reviews I've seen seems to be thus:
Pro:
- The writing, both dialogue-wise and story-wise, is excellent. This was likely to be expected. Sorkin being the king of witty banter.
- Terrific acting from Whitford, Perry, Weber and Peet in particular.
- A good blend of comedy and drama.
- Sorkin is able to bring his trademark idealism to a setting that might not seem as able to mesh with the concept. While Washington was probably a better playground with which to use idealism, Hollywood apparently works well too.
Con:
- It might be seen as a little too "insidery" and certain aspects of how Hollywood is run might not be explained to those not in the know.
- There is some talk that Sarah Paulson doesn't exactly work as Harriet Hayes.
- Not super laugh-out-loud funny (this is what did Sports Night in) but then again, we must remember it's not, strictly speaking, a comedy.
- Might take itself a tad bit too seriously?
Anyways, let's hope it overcomes it's weaknessess and plays to it's strengths!
// posted by Chris M. @ 7:20 PM 
Comments:
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Interesting to see the views. On the subject of one of the criticisms, I think that both audiences and critics are far more used to the idea of dramas with a dash of comedy, than they are with comedies that have a dash of drama.
You think of the latter and very little has worked in the long run (even good things like Arrested Development and Sports Night), whereas the former is working pretty much everywhere you look now.
Hopefully that will negate one of the negatives. Looking forward to it.
You think of the latter and very little has worked in the long run (even good things like Arrested Development and Sports Night), whereas the former is working pretty much everywhere you look now.
Hopefully that will negate one of the negatives. Looking forward to it.
Will Sarah Paulson just last a season and then we can have Harrietville on this show. Sounds destined to be another Mandy.
# posted by 
: 6:55 PM
: 6:55 PM
Of course the best thing about the new show will be the writing. Sorkin IS a genious with words.
However, I would feel a lot more confident if Sorkin would promise a certain number of years as writer. The West Wing scripts did see a noticeable downfall when Sorkin stopped contributing so much. It was enjoyable to hear the scripts from TWW cast members like Bradley and Richard, but the show just never had that same flow. I always had confidence in Tommy to keep the show afloat and I watched TWW to the very end.
BUT, I just want to know that Sorkin will committ to Studio 60 and keep us all happy for more than just two or three seasons. That part is somehow more crucial to this new show's survival than even what day it is on. I want another Sorkin masterpiece that will keep me entertained for another 8 years.
However, I would feel a lot more confident if Sorkin would promise a certain number of years as writer. The West Wing scripts did see a noticeable downfall when Sorkin stopped contributing so much. It was enjoyable to hear the scripts from TWW cast members like Bradley and Richard, but the show just never had that same flow. I always had confidence in Tommy to keep the show afloat and I watched TWW to the very end.
BUT, I just want to know that Sorkin will committ to Studio 60 and keep us all happy for more than just two or three seasons. That part is somehow more crucial to this new show's survival than even what day it is on. I want another Sorkin masterpiece that will keep me entertained for another 8 years.
# posted by : 10:51 AM
: 10:51 AM
courtney-
sorkin didn't leave TWW because he was getting lazy or didn't want to do it anymore, the network made him leave. and he didn't contribute to the last 3 seasons at all.
sorkin didn't leave TWW because he was getting lazy or didn't want to do it anymore, the network made him leave. and he didn't contribute to the last 3 seasons at all.
# posted by : 11:01 PM
: 11:01 PM
That's not entirely true. He wasn't just ousted by the network, he was having problems with it and wanted to leave as well.
I think we should keep the tradition of Mandyville... it kind of fits better than Harrietville...
Elizabeth
Elizabeth
just finished watching the pilot. i liked it. this show's more drama than comedy, so i'm now ready about that for future episodes. the writing is excellent. (i think i'm gonna watch it again 'cos i'm pretty sure i missed some banter there. everything was going so fast) i was pleasantly surprised with amanda peet. perry and whitford are good. they've got chemistry. really looking forward to the direction that this show is going.
# posted by : 6:40 AM
: 6:40 AM
The funnyness of Sports Night isn't what did it in.....it was the STUPID network hiding it everytime a sweeps month came up and not giving it a chance to pick more than a cult following!!!!!!!!! Just ask most of us who loved Sports night!!!! NBC also forced Sorkin out of TWW, so you can see where the Matt and Bradley characters are based on......
It has potential but I was hoping for even more witty dialogue and the beginning was slow and REALLY dark. It had better pick up or this show may face a faster death than we all will think.
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It has potential but I was hoping for even more witty dialogue and the beginning was slow and REALLY dark. It had better pick up or this show may face a faster death than we all will think.
# posted by : 10:59 PM
: 10:59 PM << Home
