Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip is likely the best writing on television today. Boston Legal is sensationalist crap. Lost is must-leave TV and relies on sensationalism to get the viewers. Fine, it works for them but lets get something relatively intelligent on the air and stick with it for a few seasons please.
West Wing did well in a narrowly defined demographic because it was about a subject that everyone could somehow relate to - politics and government. Studio 60 is, on the other hand, an inside look at an industry that is quite screwed up, over-hyped and frankly gets more coverage than it should every night on EXTRA and the like. People think they want to know how television production works. When they finally get to see the 'glamour' of hollywood they realize it really ain't that glamourous.
Having worked in TV and Film for a number of years (I have a friend who is directing episode 19 of S-60) I've been on the set when it's hurry-up-and-wait for the hours and hours of set up and lighting and rehearsal, etc, etc. Did I say it really ain't that glamourous? In reality, while Studio 60 is excellent writing, great character development and interesting relationships, it just doesn't hit home with most of the tv audiences. People want to be shocked and awed to death while they wonder what alien creature impregnated jessica on which island under the crime scene investigation during a blackout invaded by some foreign country. (OK, maybe I'd watch that) It all adds up to the same old category of 'sex sells' whether it's sex or sensationalism, dancing with the ex-stars or watching them get fired, the tv audience seems to need the over-the-top vicarious living that they don't get in their daily lives. It makes sense, but is also a sad statement of entertainment. I'll agree that the rooftop thing was kind weak, but at least it was interesting dialogue. Danny needs to scream less and make power plays more. Everyone else, keep doing what you are doing. (Yes, Harriet could be a bit less flakey). I have to say that Amanda Peet has been handed the best lines on television since the pregnancy thing started (yes I know she's really pregnant) Anyway, long story long, I'd like to see S-60 live on, but let's face it, television (ok, commercial television) has no place for intelligent, well written, non-sensationalistic content.
I'd write more but aliens just invaded my Tivo.
Bring it.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Studio 60 and the 2007 Television Season
Posted by
Joe
at
9:31 PM
Labels: entertainment industry, shows, television
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1 comment:
I live in France, and a bunch of us have been having Studio 60 parties to watch this great show. We're completely underwhelmed and mystified by CSI/Lost/House/Grey's Anatomy type shows which swap good writing for preposterous scenarios, unbelievable scripts and mindless (literally) violence.
So, while S60 is on "hiatus" we've gone back to re-runs of WW and Sports Night for our Sorkin fix. Nobody does pacey and intelligent dialogue like he does
American TV produces great shows once in a while - S60 (for all its well-documented vulnerabilities) is one of those. If S60 does not survive, it's more proof that the lunatics have really really taken over the asylum.
Good Luck S60, and thanks LM for your reasoned epitaph.
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