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September 21, 2006
Studio 60 and "the real deal"
My new favorite TV show is Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.
That doesn't surprise me really since I am a HUGE fan of Aaron Sorkin's. (Loved "Sports Night," loved "West Wing.") He is a brilliant writer. I wish I could write like that.
The show so far is very good. I love that it's so intelligent, and willing to take risks and tackle the tough topics. It's edgy, but not just for the purpose of being edgy.
The pilot deals with how art/entertainment is being strangled by the fear of offending people. It's a worthy topic. When did we get so afraid of offending people that we decided it best not to even bring up certain topics? And what on earth makes us think that hiding is the best approach to dealing with the tough stuff?
I admit I'm a little guilty of that myself, being somewhat conflict adverse. I know that sometimes I hide my opinion on things because I don’t want to get into an argument. But deep down, I know that hiding from each other just perpetuates prejudice. It keeps us separate from each other. It encourages divisiveness. It keeps us in our separate camps thinking we have nothing in common with "those people." It doesn't solve any problems; it just avoids them.
So, I'm glad to see a TV show that is willing to tell it like it is, even when that means pointing the accusing finger at the hand that feeds it. I'm glad to see a show try to grapple with big issues. I hope it’s not just a one-time thing. I hope "Studio 60" is "the real deal."
Which brings me to my favorite line from the pilot episode: Danny says of Jordan, "What if she's for real?" It reminded me of that episode of "West Wing" where Josh hears then-candidate Bartlett speak and realizes that Bartlett is "the real deal." That moment convinces both Josh and Sam to quit their current jobs and join Bartlett's campaign.
The scene always makes me wonder what exactly we mean when we say someone is "for real" or "the real deal." Whatever it is, it's a powerful thing and we know it when we see it. I think it means someone is who they say they are, that they believe in something and are willing to follow it through, to make the tough calls and do the hard work. I think it means they believe in what they are doing and are there for something more than a paycheck.
People gravitate to those kind of folks. Belief and integrity still inspire us, I think. We all want to believe we are part of something bigger, have a greater calling than just getting through the day. People who are "the real deal" give us that feeling. They also tend to bring out "the real deal" in us.
Posted by Selena at September 21, 2006 02:05 PM