dianora2 | finally a reason to love mondays

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finally a reason to love mondays

I don't know what this says, really, but tonight when I went to pick up my laundry, the guy in the laundromat grabbed my laundry bag from behind the counter without even having to look at my ticket. It's just a light blue bag, it's not a distinctive Snoopy print or something. Am I in there THAT often? I am disturbed by this for some reason.

Also, the other day I was offered a religious tract by the woman sitting next to me on the subway, who happened to be wearing a surgical mask. Gotta love this town. Or something.

Anyway, on to the one good thing about Mondays, which is Monday night TV.

This was a good, not great, episode. I confess to enjoying the Haywire stuff entirely too much (even if his taking the painting and not killing the woman was telegraphed into next week), and now have fond visions of his setting off on a quest for the Netherlands. I am thrilled that Tweener has been caught because I find him kind of boring. T-Bag and Diana Scarwid was so skeevy I can't even handle it. Also, Diana Scarwid is looking good -- she looked ten times better than when she was on X-Files almost ten years ago. Loved Michael as the aw-shucks, smooth-talking serviceman, straight out of a porno flick. Very cool twist that Sara's dad believes her now and wants to protect her. I am guessing he will wind up dead soon, ha. Being driven mad by the numbers Michael is sending her, and did I imagine the Braille on the first crane, or what? I was annoyed with Sucre being so cold to Michael. What was up with that? It's not his fault Maricruz dissed you. Whatever. Wentworth's lips were very red in this episode. Mmmm, Wentworth.

Heroes left me underwhelmed, although it began picking up in the second half, and the previews for next week look cool. I don't have much patience for Milo's character, who is basically emo kid. I am not a fan of the emo kid flavor, thanks. I don't quite understand what the cheerleader chick is getting at. Web slut chick is a walking stereotype. Stripper with a heart of gold, raising a brilliant, better-than-her kid with no support from the father because she's making the noble choice? Um, yeah, thanks, I've seen that. A lot. Adrian Pasdar always rocks my socks, and I loved the shoplifting mother. LOVED Japanese dude.

croberson, please tell me you were watching, the guy talked about the non-linear nature of time and mentioned Kitty Pryde. It was a conversation just for you. Indian guy is HOT, and that alone might be enough to get me to tune in next week. The hotness is doing battle with the emotions evoked in a New Yorker seeing a painting of Manhattan on fire in a post-9/11 world. Um, eeek. I'll definitely give it at least one more shot, though. We'll see. Damn, where is the instant love, though? *holds out hope for The Nine*

OK, that was MUCH more Sorkinesque, thank you.

I really need to watch it again, but:

Loved Danny announcing his testing positive for cocaine to the press. And when he told Jack that being honest is a good thing for him right now, it was a nice reminder that this is a character who is actually struggling with something, in spite of the take-charge demeanor that he projects.

The arguing over who would take Wes's office. "You need room to pace." They are so very, very gay.

That said, I am totally shipping Matt/Harriet at the moment. "If I slow-danced with Danny your head would explode." Um, why is that like the hottest line ever? Guh. And when Danny asked him if he was still in love with her, and the way he rambled on...adorable. And the bit at the end, when she asked him why she didn't get a laugh at dress...yep, love them. For now. I refuse to get too invested this early on. Refuse, I tell you!

(Meanwhile, totally feeling a Danny/Jordan thing, too, but Amanda Peet needs to continue to improve before I can even entertain that notion.)

The countdown clock was CLASSIC. "So it always knows?" No wonder he went insane, indeed.

I'm meh on Jeannie. From the sides it seemed like she had a lot of potential as a character, but...no. If they had gotten Sabrina Lloyd, perhaps I would feel differently.

Loved Simon and really loved the Simon/Danny stuff. Very intrigued by the resentment felt by those who stayed behind when Matt and Danny left. Suspicion that while they are loyal to the show, Matt and Danny are loyal only to each other. Also, "I will challenge him to a battle of physical supremacy." Also, him coming up with the line about the producer doing blow. Yep, love Simon.

That scene, by the way, when they came up with the opening, was classic Sorkin, where you get a funny little flutter in your chest because you can feel the excitement and wonder that the characters are experiencing. It's like you want to jump into the TV set and help them with whatever they are doing because the enthusiasm is so contagious. THAT is what we need more of, Aaron. That.

Amanda Peet was better, but still not great. And now that it's been pointed out all I can notice is that she never closes her mouth. Aaargh. But I liked when she said that she's the president of NBS and she's not going to let a bunch of nobodies tell her what she can air on her network. I also really liked the scene with her and Jack at the end.

One random bit I loved was when Matt and Danny walked past the control room and Matt slammed the glass as a hey to Cal. It's moments like that that make the characters feel like one big family. You really feel that the set is their home. "We live here now" was not an exaggeration.

Speaking of Cal, the bit with the fire was pretty hilarious.

So not into the prayer circle before the show, but the prayer was funny, so I'll let it go.

And, you know, Bradley spent a lot of time wearing a tight black shirt that showed off his arms and the fact that he's been working out and his hair was all tousled most of the time and when he sticks the glasses on his forehead, and right before the show started when he sat down in front of the monitor and was playing with his lips and then during the show he was smiling and GAH. And Danny giving the writing staff the smackdown and telling the press that they ARE going to do the Crazy Christians sketch and yeah. Love.

(Interesting that we never actually SEE the Crazy Christians sketch. Hmm.)

There are other lines I loved and other things I liked but now I can't remember. Overall, a good second episode, but there is still room for improvement. Keep it up, Aaron! I'll still be watching.

And please dear god let the ratings be okay. The pilot had an 18% dropoff after the first half hour. Eeeep.

(Note to self: be cautious when reading comments in a friend's LJ which is largely populated by people who do not share your fandom tastes at all. That way lies aggravation and madness.)

Haven't watched Sunday's Flavor of Love yet because I've been too busy. What a tragedy.

Oh, and apparently I missed

sternel's birthday, so Happy Birthday! And it's about to be midnight, in which case I say Happy Birthday

miggy! Peace out.

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I don't get insightful until the second or third watching.

That scene, by the way, when they came up with the opening, was classic Sorkin, where you get a funny little flutter in your chest because you can feel the excitement and wonder that the characters are experiencing. It's like you want to jump into the TV set and help them with whatever they are doing because the enthusiasm is so contagious. THAT is what we need more of, Aaron. That.

Oh god, yes. Aaron Sorkin has what I want, dammit. I want the raised fist and the open palm, and they'll eat out of my hand. I want the butter, dammit.

And now that it's been pointed out all I can notice is that she never closes her mouth. Aaargh

Sorry, my bad.

I love Heroes, because it has Hiro. Awesome. It's like they programmed Monday night for me, except for that Deal or No Deal thing, which is when I watch Prison Break now. Hee hee, DB Cooper. I love me DB Cooper.

It pleases me greatly that you are watching Prison Break. I loved that William Fichtner had to make a little division sign to figure out that 128 divided by 2 is 64. Oh, Prison Break, you are ludicrous and cracktastic and I love you.

(Meanwhile, totally feeling a Danny/Jordan thing, too, but Amanda Peet needs to continue to improve before I can even entertain that notion.)

Yeah, I'm feeling it a little too now. I didn't want to because of my tittering annoyance at Peet from the pilot, and because it seemed so packaged, what with Matt/Harry already established... And yet I found myself intrigued. I think it's the way Danny leaned in and whispered at the press conference. Or maybe I was blinded by the black shirt and the armage.

Or maybe I was blinded by the black shirt and the armage.

Well that is understandable. ;)

I think I'm mostly intrigued by the president of a network sleeping with the executive producer on one of her hit shows. Mrowr.

Oooh. I didn't even think of that! Clearly, I was blinded by the armage.

Someone has an icon of somewhere with Bradley shirt off and *drool* it is gorgeous. Have to put it up sometime

*giggle* Welcome to the fandom. We tend to fetishize.

Yes, we do!

It's a beautiful thing, really.

BUT HE GOT HIS COMIC DATA WRONG! He totally meant Rachel Summers because Kitty Pryde is probably one of the only characters in X-Canon who HASN'T gone a time-travelin', and THOSE WERE ISSUES 141 and 142!

*cries*

(But otherwise, yes, the Japanese dude was awesome and the Indian dude was Haaaaaaawt and omg, I hope he does the voice-overs FOREVER.)

*pets* I did not know that, but if that is true, wow, that's pretty fucking lame to get something like that wrong when it's so easy to FACT CHECK. The media doesn't fact check anymore so I guess TV writers don't feel they have to either.

Mmmmmm, hot Indian dude who thinks God is a cockroach.

I am just kind of amused at my own dorkitude. And it was sloppy, ESPECIALLY when they're marketing it to comic nerds. Although, I'm the only one one ye ole flist who's noticed this. Huh.

WORD. I think that is freakin' awesome.

It's crap when the screw stuff like that up. Meanwhile, I'm holding out until the first season is out on DVD, you people can continue telling me if it's worth watching.

Sorkin, on the other hand, I'm willing to watch in almost real time.

That said, I am totally shipping Matt/Harriet at the moment. "If I slow-danced with Danny your head would explode."

But would his head explode because he was jealous of Danny, or because he was jealous of Harriet? *ponders*

I am totally with you on Simon. DL is so, so awesome in this show. I also love how much Simon, Tom and Harry look out for each other; I can already tell I'm going to love those friendships.

I am very nervous about the ratings also, especially since I know the continuing jabs at religious people is going to turn off a lot of viewers. I do feel like some of those issues could be handled with a little more nuance, and wish we could have seen a little classic Sorkinesque debate about them. But, that's probably forthcoming. I am glad that NBC hasn't deballed the show, though.

I dunno, Republicians loved the West Wing. I think Christians won't be turned off by it, if they were, they would have been by the West Wing at some points but still, they weren't. I think that the Christian population shouldn't be underestimated. I'm a Christian, I like it. My parents are too, more so than me, and they like it.

I second this comment. I think if you get too insecure by what is said about what you believe in, then I think you need to rethink your life.

If SNL had a sketch called "Crazy Jews" or "Crazy Muslims," I wouldn't think that offended people in those religions should rethink their lives, so.

I'm not offended by S60 at all, nor do I want it to be less ballsy. But what I'm saying is, the show isn't really engaging in a meaningful debate about these issues yet so much as it is taking shots and then moving along, and I worry that it might lose some viewers for that reason. Harriet Hayes is supposed to be this show's Ainsley Hayes, but so far, she's all symbol and no substance, imo. I'd rather hear her say something to intelligently support an opposing view than to see her randomly leading a prayer circle. Of course, I hope I'm wrong and that the show loses no viewers, because I want it to succeed. But viewers for new shows can be so fickle, and it takes so little to make them change the channel, so that's what worries me.

Well, some Republicans loved The West Wing, but I think it's safe to say that the bulk of the audience was moderates-liberals. People are generally more sensitive about religion than they are about politics, and I'm sure that a lot of Christians don't mind a jab here or there, but the Christian stuff has been such a heavy focus in the last two episodes that I wonder if people will be turned off by it. I know that no one in my family except me and my very liberal and non-religious cousin will watch S60, both because they don't like anti-Christian stuff and because they're not fond of the "Hollywood liberal" culture, etc. Hell, even Heather Havrilesky at Salon gave the show a pretty negative review because she finds the writers to be too self-important, so I worry that the show might lose middle America. But of course, I'm really hoping it doesn't because I love the show.

But it's not anti-Christian, it's anti-censorship -- it's not "Christians" who are the problem, it's the small but vocal faction of Christians who want to control all aspects of our lives including what we get to watch on television. And that's something that should terrify all of us.

I mean, WE know that Aaron will soon move on to his next thing to mock, but yeah, having the Christian stuff in the first couple of episodes was ballsy. But isn't that the point? The whole point of Wes's rant is to not shy away from things for fear of offending people. If Sorkin consciously de-balled himself that would negate the whole point.

All that said, I worry about the ratings too. *g*

But it's not anti-Christian, it's anti-censorship

Well, I'd argue that we don't have enough information yet to know if it was anti-Christian or anti-censorship. We haven't seen the sketch, and we don't know why the Christians in the sketch are being described as "crazy.". The episode likens people who believe in the rapture to people who believe they will be "taken away in a spaceship," etc., so it's a little more than just anti-censorship, imo. It's painting religious people with a very broad "crazy" stroke. Again, it's fine if Sorkin wants to take on fundamentalists, since they more than deserve it at this point, but I think we need more substance in the discussion. He skirted around the meat of the issue, imo, and instead focused on the snappy one-liners.

The whole point of Wes's rant is to not shy away from things for fear of offending people. If Sorkin consciously de-balled himself that would negate the whole point.

But Wes also ranted against the easy pot shots at Bush in the opening segment, arguing that the discourse had been lowered to a series of easy jokes in lieu of real discussion or actual wit. It seemed to me that in this episode, Sorkin did what Wes accused S60 of doing in the pilot: he took easy jabs at "crazy" Christians, rather than starting a real discussion about the relationship between religious groups and Hollywood. Mocking fundies and lumping Christians under the crazy umbrella is way too easy, and I would have liked to have seen the issues handled with a little more nuance. I'm not saying he's obligated to present both sides; obviously, this is his show, and he has every right to assert his point of view. But I think that one's point of view always comes across better when one makes an attempt to represent the opposition fairly, and I think he'd lose less viewers if he made an attempt to portray Christians as real people and not caricatures.

But he's generating discussion, isn't he? *g*

Indeed! :)

Every Republican I know hated the West Wing with the fire of a thousand suns. Probably not every Republican hated it that much, but I don't think that there were many who loved it either.

Hmmm, must be dependent on which part of the country you are in. The republicians I knew all watched, caused some interesting debates. From loud mouth to a colonel in the air force, it made for great talks around the people I knew. And the only way to really broach a subject *with my ex-in-laws* intelligently.

Thank goodness I am out of that family.

I think the first of the season paranoia that the axe is going to fall is hovering above us all. We cringe that everyone won't love it and it will get axed. I seriously doubt that will happen. NBC needs this show, it needs any show that can pull a loyal fanbase of a targeted audience. It had a rough few years, and if it sees half of a chance, it will keep it on.

I want controversy. With it, you get the show talked about, the more people talk about it, the more they will be more likely to tune in to see what all the hub-bub is about. The more likely they are to tune back in to see if the network made them make any changes. Without publicity, a show is dead. It has invested too much money and the creator has more than proved himself, as have the actors.

As far as the negative press, I think they are jealous. I think they are jealous that Aaron Sorkin went from politics straight into tv and hit pay dirt. He is not a god, he is far from it. We all know the stories, the late scripts, etc. He also showed that a show can stumble and not be as good as it was when he was at the helm.

Look at the audience of ER, many have come and gone and come back again. It is still on. I think the network is looking for shows with staying power. Studio 60 is one of them. Brothers & Sisters on ABC? OMG, I totally was upset over the lack of good in it. Totally on the cut list.

Studio 60, I think people put it on the cut list because they are petty and want it to fail, or they are scared it will. We all get antsy at this time of year, but let NBC know how much you like the show. Sign up to be a panelist on their site. Give them feedback.

*off soap box*

I think we will not be seeing the sketchs. I don't mind, cause hey, the show is about the behind-the-scenes. I want intelligent writing that makes you think and laugh at the same time. I want honesty. Wes' tirade was over the censorship issue. No longer able to speak his mind or the writing team's mind, he reached the point where he had to take a stand and he did. It wasn't about *that sketch*, it was about the moral of the point. If we buy into the OMG he just went there on Christians and he can't do that cause it might anger Christians, then we are being like the NBS.

Freedom of speech is our most valued right in this country (besides the right to bear arms *lol*), and that is what I see as being the msg from this show.

Sorry for the long rant. I just think we are worrying about nothing.

"Don't read the newspapers" -Good night, and Good Luck

Studio 60 love. I couldn't believe the ratings dropped after the first half? What? How could it?

I was so into the feeling of the live show, like I was there... classic sorkin. Harriett/Matt.... totally shipping them myself too. Gotta give some time. I'm glad I am not the only one with Danny/Jordan. I get a good vibe from them.

And the fire with Cal... brilliant! And another face from the West Wing, the bald writer... who was a speech writer on West Wing. Are we up to four now?

I love this show and I don't understand the dissing comments. I think it is from people who just can't catch on to the show. Like West Wing, the good years, this is a show that is dialogue fast. You have to keep up. You have to get into the rythm *misspell I'm tired* of the show, or you will get lost. This is what drew me to the West Wing and why I am drawn to this show, plus MP and BW and TB.

That clock would drive me so damn INSANE! I loved how it went to 0 then started back with 6 days 23 hours ... LOL!

I needed a smart engaging show this year and I got it in this. Now mind you, I love all the rest of my fandoms, but I need a more adult centered show like this.

"If I slow-danced with Danny your head would explode." Um, why is that like the hottest line ever?
OMGJSKLGHSKGH, I completely agree. I think that's when my brain imploded. The rest of my body imploded at the other Matt/Marriet scenes. I love them.

Also? Feel free to invest to them this early. I, for one, will not say no to fic.

(Interesting that we never actually SEE the Crazy Christians sketch. Hmm.)

I thought that was interesting, too. And I wonder if there will be many sketches that are talked about a lot but never seen.

Speaking of Cal, the bit with the fire was pretty hilarious.

I laughed at that for WAY longer than I should have.

I am really, really digging the show, though I am kinda wishy washy about both of the female characters. But it's still awesome because Sorkin is pretty much God to me.

Am SO GLAD the fink Tweener got caught! He is my least favorite of the escapees, by far. *is still bitter about Abruzzi's fate*

And I'm quite surprised Kellerman's cover has been blown already. He'd better not be going anywhere because his storyline has been my favorite this season. Loved his reaction to not getting to see Caroline. They are so OTP.

Yeah, I would trade Tweener for Abruzzi in a heartbeat. *sniffle*

"Sorry Kellerman, the President is currently starring in another show on another network...if the show fails, I'm sure she'll be able to see you then." *g* I would love for Sara to be on to him but string him along, that would make me insanely happy.

I agree with you about Amanda Peet - a definite improvement, but still some way to go, I think! I liked the stuff with Simon and Danny - there's some resentment there and I liked the way it came out, and we also got to find out that Danny wasn't fired, but he left to show support for Matt. Hm. I didn't like the prayer circle either... was that some kind of concession to any perceived Christian bashing? For me, that was one of those Sorkin "moments" that makes me want to watch through my fingers... you know, like the scene on Josh's stoop at the end of "Midterms" or Bartlet's speech at the end of "Crackpots"... but then maybe that's because I'm British and we don't do stuff like that *g*!!

The best part about Tuesday mornings will now be reading Radio Free Dia reports on Studio 60.

I'm not surprised they didn't show "Crazy Christians" for a few reasons, the main one being the hype. No sketch could have lived up to the way they built it up. (If they show it in a later episode and it's good, I'll cheerfully admit that I was wrong.)

gnomi and I loved the Gilbert & Sullivan parody at the end, and the way it was presented.

This all leads me to ask one question: why can't they get Sorkin to write for SNL?

SNL probably doesn't pay enough. *g*

YOu know, I was worried about Danny/Jordan, but now not so much. Because the more I see him watching her start the press conference, the more I think that he's in love with the idea of her. Like Josh was in love with the idea of Evie Lang and not just the woman.

Or maybe it's me projecting because I don't want Danny/Jordan.

(Though you're right, and Amanda Peet was greatly improved this week. Let's hope she keeps it up.)

It's definitely more an abstract adoration than anything really personal at this point.

Studio 60 was much better this week, IMHO. I'm not surprised about the pilot viewership dropoff, I was disappointed in the pilot. This week, though, was much less of a setup episode and more of a nice dig-in-there-and-live-in-the-world episode, and I enjoyed it quite a lot. Amanda Peet was better, you're right, although I still don't like Steven Weber.

I enjoyed Heroes more than you did, it sounds like. Liked the Japanese guy, the cheerleader, the cabdriver, looking forward to seeing where it all goes. Surprised, actually, that I liked it as much as I did - was NOT expecting to add it to my TiVo list, but did anyway!

Yay! TV season! I always look forward to your updates!

We found Heroes to be predictable, but I did also like the Japanese guy. I was amused by the credit font looking like comic lettering. Will check it out again, we give most new things three tries anyway, and it is on right before S60, so we may just watch it anyway.

I am so happy to have a Sorkin show on the air again! I am not yet as in love with it as I was with Sports Night, but it does have the snap and energy, as I was surprised that it seemed to be over so fast. I was very happy that we got to see the opening number, even though it has been going through my head ever since. :)

It did go very quickly, didn't it? I was always surprised when it was already time for another commercial.

I'm so in love with Studio 60. What

mabfan didn't mention above is that I made him replay the last 5 minutes because I so adored the G&S parody. Resonated for me with WW's S&G bits (I half expected Sam and Ainsley), plus the whole "songs in the public domain" bits from Sports Night.

yeah, i'm a sorkin whore. i'm not ashamed, not one bit

Yeah, what you said, that's what I'm thinking. *g*

Okay, last night I noticed the Amanda Peet openmouth thing and thought to myself that she must be a mouth-breather or something. Hmpf.

Are you working on some H/M fic yet? Pretty please?

(Note to self: be cautious when reading comments in a friend's LJ which is largely populated by people who do not share your fandom tastes at all. That way lies aggravation and madness.)

Been there, and done that. It hurts, no?

I can't wait to watch it again tonight. I haven't felt that way in years. I love this shiny new-love feeling!

Are you working on some H/M fic yet? Pretty please?

*shifty eyes*

Been there, and done that. It hurts, no?

It does. And why I should care what people who I don't know and don't share any interests with think is baffling. And yet.

Amanda Peet was better, but still not great. And now that it's been pointed out all I can notice is that she never closes her mouth. Aaargh.

That's funny - I always used to think the same thing Janel Maloney. I liked Amanda Peet a lot in this episode. Loved her line about being high when she hired Danny and Matt. I agree wtih the rest of your assessment, right down to the prayer circle.

Oh, Janel's mouth-breathing makes me INSANE. Although with her at least it's obviously because she has a huge overbite which she never got fixed for some reason. WIth Peet the reason is less obvious. And Janel is a better actress, so I am willing to be more forgiving -- just like with Gillian Anderson, another inveterate mouthbreather. *g*

That scene, by the way, when they came up with the opening, was classic Sorkin, where you get a funny little flutter in your chest because you can feel the excitement and wonder that the characters are experiencing. It's like you want to jump into the TV set and help them with whatever they are doing because the enthusiasm is so contagious. THAT is what we need more of, Aaron. That.

I got physically shaky from the adrenaline rush at this moment. Let me quote my IRC log from during that scene:

(maegwen) omg i just had my first heart pounding 'WE'RE A TEAM! BATTLESTATIONS" sorkin moment
(maegwen) sigh
(maegwen) it's genius
(figstv) haha
(figstv) hey this is really pretty good too
(figstv) I have this image in my head of Jesse being an ass, it's hard to forget it
(figstv) but his character's good
(figstv) and there's a very cute Indian guy
(figstv) could be Sayid's younger brother
(maegwen) SORKIN IS GOD
(maegwen) GOD
(maegwen) JUST
(maegwen) GOD
(figstv) ooooooooooh
(figstv) this is GOOD
(figstv) GOOD show!
* figstv is so excited

Came by your journal while trolling for icons. Would it be OK if I friended you for fellow Studio 60 appreciating?

Good Sorkin is like crack, which is probably an analogy he would appreciate. *g*

Would it be OK if I friended you for fellow Studio 60 appreciating?

Of course! Welcome.

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finally a reason to love mondays

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