What Kind of Day Has It Been?

First of all, I'm pleased that the series finale is titled what it's titled. The series in general has had its fair share of critics. The finale, in particular, was very divisive, even amongst fans. From what I've read, I think the biggest criticism was that the finale didn't really end with a bang. Instead, it was very mellow and tied up a few loose threads. I understand people's disappointments in this type of endings, but I enjoyed it.

The biggest surprise of the show is definitely Olivia Munn, and her portrayal of my favorite Newsroom character Sloan Sabbith. Interestingly, Don Keefer, who at the beginning was presented to be somewhat of an asshole, ended up being my second favorite character. I, and many others, would love a Sloan and Don spinoff show (yes, I know Sorkin has said he's done writing TV shows, but I can hope). Olivia Munn is perfect for Sorkin's writing. Or, if he prefers movies, I would love a Sports Night movie. The handful of references they threw during the final episode made it that much harder to not rewatch Sports Night!

You will be missed, Newsroom! I've enjoyed the ride.

The Newsroom: Season 2

I had just finished watching season 2 of The Newsroom in one day. I think the pace in which I watched it was based on the fact that I missed Aaron Sorkin's writing. I missed the witty banters; I missed the monologues; I even missed the aura of arrogance emanated by these people who are, for whatever reason, all much smarter than me. Or at least way more articulate than I am in expressing their opinions.

I somewhat see The Newsroom as Aaron Sorkin's ultimate TV show. It takes the news reporting aspect of Sports Night, and the politics aspect of The West Wing, and the behind-the-scenes production of a live show as in Studio 60 (although this is also a significant part of Sports Night). Then again, it might just feel similar because of all the Sorkinisms. The quick, lengthy dialogues and the similar line deliveries. It's very strange, that even though a lot of things are repeated across his projects like this, or this, I never tire of them. I just like the way they speak, I guess.

PaleyFest 2013: The Newsroom

I'm going to reserve my judgment of Piers Morgan. It makes sense that he was chosen to moderate this conversation. And it seems that Aaron Sorkin respects him. I think he did a decent job moderating, although I prefer when the moderator talks less and gives more time for audience questions.

I understand that the show is about a newsroom, and that Piers Morgan is a journalist, but he asked a few questions to the cast as if they're supposed to be journalism experts. I know that he just wanted them to state their opinion but it felt very awkward for a few moments there. In any case, I thought the cast were wonderful and answered the questions gracefully. I was particularly impressed by Olivia Munn, for some reason. I am a little disappointed that Margaret isn't sent to Mandyland, but a few Redditors pointed out that her character isn't as bad as Mandy, her storyline is, and I agree. Hopefully it will be better in season 2. I don't know about Sloan and Don, though...

I am also disappointed that no one asked Sorkin about the possibility to bring back unresolved storylines from his previous works; particularly, from Studio 60, fighting the FCC over time delaying the news. I really wanted to see Sorkin's take on the issue.

Can we move away from the relationship stuff please?

To be honest, I'm still undecided on what I think about this show.

I've only watched four episodes so far, but that's almost halfway through the 10-episode season. And, the thing that throws me off the most is the "relationship mess" part of the show: the Will/Mac jealous ex with lingering feelings, and the Jim/Maggie she's taken but they're obviously into each other. They seem to be throwing it in our faces and force us to go along with it. These relationships are also cliched and tired, and it feels like the show doesn't even try to do anything new in this aspect. They're getting annoying, instead of charming or appealing that I think they are meant to be. So, can we just drop them please? The show would be much more interesting and stronger without them.

Side note: I think, out of all of Aaron Sorkin's shows, The Newsroom has the least chemistry between the cast and characters, which is why I don't fall in love with it as quickly as I do the other shows.

We Just Decided To

It's Aaron Sorkin's newest show, so obviously people were talking about it and expectations were high. It could be another The West Wing, or it could be another Studio 60 (which I still enjoy, but if I'm honest, it wasn't a great show). I tried avoiding critics/reviews as best as I could before watching the episode, but I did see that the reviews were mostly on the mixed to negative spectrum.

Since I haven't watched Sports Night –– Sorkin's other behind-the-scenes show –– I drew more parallels to Studio 60. When I read a tweet saying that the "opening monologue was the best [he's] seen," I immediately thought of Wes Mendell's rant on Studio 60. It was both good and bad, as in I thought Studio 60 had a very strong pilot episode, but a few episodes in and it fell short of the expectations.