tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post691177740314111130..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: More Emmy thoughts before they start the "get off" musicBy Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-62162658853858443992007-09-19T12:01:00.000-07:002007-09-19T12:01:00.000-07:00Harriet Hayes killed Studio 60.The show, in parts,...Harriet Hayes killed Studio 60.<BR/><BR/>The show, in parts, was unbearable to watch. It had me cringing and wimpering and yelling at the screen so that person, who had no chemistry with her supposed love-interest (and vice versa) would finally shut up about her religion.<BR/><BR/>The line that finally killed Studio 60 for me was "let me teach you" (how to pray). Totally idiotic.<BR/><BR/>Sorkin definately drove that show directly into a wall, despite the great acting of Bradley Whitford and Matthew Perry. I really liked all aspects of the show but both Whitford and Peet as well as Perry and Paulson did not have any chemistry at all. Sorkin doesn't know how to do romance - that's just it if you ask me. All the other stuff was great. Unfortunately there wasn't much other stuff. <BR/><BR/>I hate it that both Nathan and Rob Corddry bombed last year.<BR/><BR/>But I also wanted to add that "Drive" was even worse than "Studio 60" as well as "Painkiller Jane". Horrible shows :-)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01936042470523695383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-42397722620150294772007-09-19T11:45:00.000-07:002007-09-19T11:45:00.000-07:00Jeez, you know it's not like Tony Bennett came out...Jeez, you know it's not like Tony Bennett came out and wet himself or drooled all over the mike. He's still in pretty good voice, especially for an 81-year-old, and he can still hit notes that most guys his age can't even hear anymore. I didn't see his special -- maybe all its Emmy wins were due to nostalgia and sentiment -- but I don't think that aging artists should be treated any differently than young ones. If you're not interested, ignore them. If enough people feel the same way, that'll be that. But a legend is a legend, even if some think he's overstayed his welcome. Why should he go gentle into that good night? Sing till you drop, Tony!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-64502254902008484082007-09-19T11:30:00.000-07:002007-09-19T11:30:00.000-07:00anonymous, what Tina Fey's SNL experience proves i...anonymous, what Tina Fey's SNL experience proves is that she knows her subject. Even when 30 Rock veers off into total absurdity, it feels more believable than Studio 60 did. I got the impression Sorkin was trying to shoehorn his usual concerns into a premise that wasn't suited to them. Then again, I gave up after the first episode (a Gilbert and Sullivan parody? Really?), so for all I know it was genius thereafter.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-5495678740232416582007-09-19T11:20:00.000-07:002007-09-19T11:20:00.000-07:00I love 30 Rock AND Studio 60. However, 30 Rock is ...I love 30 Rock AND Studio 60. However, 30 Rock is funny and entertaining, Studio 60 was just Sorkin preaching from his pulpit. I just happened to attend Sorkin's church, hence the love. Nevertheless, the show was merely an excuse for him to sound off.<BR/><BR/>I know what the Cy Young Award is, but could someone please explain the Helen Mirren/ Cy Young thing? Thank you.<BR/><BR/>Plus, I gotta agree with anonymous @3:06 AM about Mr. B. Tony, hang up your toupee and relax.Fabiola Thinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15048011490452938853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-11718283044979572152007-09-19T10:37:00.000-07:002007-09-19T10:37:00.000-07:00Two and a Half Men gets much better ratings than S...<I>Two and a Half Men</I> gets much better ratings than <I>Studio 60</I> did, requires a fraction of the budget, and will make a crapload in syndication. Even if you thought Sorkin hadn't missed his mark by miles and miles (which I certainly did as I <I>turned off the pilot</I> with ten minutes left) television is first and foremost a business.R.A. Porterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14851961356321735388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-39944680076727884202007-09-19T01:16:00.000-07:002007-09-19T01:16:00.000-07:00Tina Fey used to be a head writer...That never pro...<I>Tina Fey used to be a head writer...</I><BR/><BR/>That <I>never</I> proved anything - the list of original cast and later SNL writers and players going on to tv or other projects isn't a strong argument.<BR/><BR/>As for Sorkin, as long as there is such crap on TV, the Charlie Sheen stuff and such, there is no logic as to why his couldn't move further on in development. Be that as it may, he could have just gone to HBO and it would have been easier for everyone.<BR/><BR/>As for Tony Bennet - perfect pitch and phrasing he most certainly did not have, he jus whispered out words, and he barely caught his breath and maintained timing as he was moving while singing. If you need old people to assure you the world is fine and timeless, make sure they don't look ready to drop off, with their stunned granpa expression, ill fitting toupee and all the usual acoutrements of a long ago entertainer sell-by date...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-40829891598979701142007-09-18T20:42:00.000-07:002007-09-18T20:42:00.000-07:00My feeling from the Emmys is it is sad to be worki...My feeling from the Emmys is it is sad to be working at a dead end job and see that two college classmates are working on Emmy nominated shows (The Office and Boston Legal). <BR/><BR/>Personally, I wanted Studio 60 to succeed. Unfortunately, Sorkin forgot.....<BR/><BR/>a) No late night show is that important to a network<BR/>b) A show about a comedy should have some comedy<BR/>c) Nobody cares about the sex life of a network executive.<BR/>d) No network executive would spend all his time at an SNL show<BR/>e) Most people in an SNL type show are busy trying to turn their characters into a low budget movie, not trying to take a stand against a racist judge<BR/>f) Tina Fey used to be a head writer for SNL.Robhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08923161793979910495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-23509148157558391522007-09-18T20:38:00.000-07:002007-09-18T20:38:00.000-07:00This just in, Helen Mirren has been nominated as o...This just in, Helen Mirren has been nominated as our new Attorney General.Robhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08923161793979910495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-40444289276325638002007-09-18T20:37:00.000-07:002007-09-18T20:37:00.000-07:00Why does Jeremy Piven look like he's on his fifth ...Why does Jeremy Piven look like he's on his fifth speedball of the evening every time I see him? He was sweating more than Rosie O'Donnell in a sauna threeway.Robhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08923161793979910495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-77536207168520052082007-09-18T20:11:00.000-07:002007-09-18T20:11:00.000-07:00He also gave us American President -- a movie I lo...<I>He also gave us </I>American President<I> -- a movie I love every time I watch it.</I><BR/><BR/>Clearly this is a true fan of the movie, because she avoids using the awful <I>The</I> that was stuck onto this title when the film came out, as opposed to the much more elegant and meaningful <I>An</I> that was used during production.<BR/><BR/>Obviously the germ of <I>The West Wing</I> was the script of <I>An American President</I>, and the movie should get more recognition as such.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-16322078383607330572007-09-18T18:24:00.000-07:002007-09-18T18:24:00.000-07:00I love Sorkin, too. He gave me "The West Wing" and...<I>I love Sorkin, too. He gave me "The West Wing" and "Sports Night" and I'll always be grateful for that. How many writers have created TWO great television shows? Plus everyone I know can quote the hell out of "A Few Good Men".</I><BR/><BR/>He also gave us <I>American President</I> -- a movie I love every time I watch it.<BR/><BR/>I wish Studio 60 had measured up to his usual brilliance.Mary Stellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02186261066656584772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-7937334612388559402007-09-18T16:41:00.000-07:002007-09-18T16:41:00.000-07:00Tony Bennett, now, today, on Emmy night, still san...Tony Bennett, now, today, on Emmy night, still sang the song better, interpreted the lyrics better, & didn't mangle the melody... unlike his hip young female cohort, who was busy showing off her admittedly perfect pitch, but doing no justice to the subtleties of the song.<BR/><BR/>As a proud owner of a defunct CableAce Award, I still say the year I won, in '91, featured an awards show that, even though it later became a punchline, was ten times more exciting than this year's Emmys. Everybody seemed excited to be there. And the star lineup was incredible. Even an Ali tribute.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-47353577076178384182007-09-18T16:29:00.000-07:002007-09-18T16:29:00.000-07:00one thing I noticed is, the amount of story in a S...one thing I noticed is, the amount of story in a Sorkin script it is really minimal. It is really all about language. I always regretted that he always showed us backstage stuff (brilliantly), but than when we would start to see the result of what was being talked about, the episode would end (in the west wing as well). but that language, it really draws you in. regardless of your opinions for him Ken, you have to admit, it must be pretty thrilling for a writter to get that kind of references and language on prime time network tv. Comedy had it too, Frasier was a perfect example. It was once described as "the thinking Man's "Friends"). alas both those shows are no more.MrCarlsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18081465847843874816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-11333106042617327982007-09-18T16:17:00.000-07:002007-09-18T16:17:00.000-07:00You folks are missing my point about Sorkin... or ...You folks are missing my point about Sorkin... or maybe I just didn't present it clearly enough. STUDIO 60 and 30 ROCK had basically the same premise -- behind-the-scenes at an SNL type show. Sorkin got all the press, all the hype, all the NBC love. Fey was the unwanted step-child. And yet, in this case, Fey pulled it off whereas Sorkin did not. You may favor one over the other but look at the scoreboard. Fey wins best comedy of the year and Sorkin is canceled.<BR/><BR/>Also, there is a misconception that I hate Aaron Sorkin. I do not. Never have. Go back through the archives and read what I've said. Read how I was a huge fan of WEST WING, I look forward to his future projects, and was hoping that he'd be able to make the necessary course corrections to save STUDIO 60. I believe the failure of that series was that it just wasn't the right arena for him to tackle, but I have always said he's a brilliant writer.By Ken Levinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-91176048232387191842007-09-18T16:04:00.000-07:002007-09-18T16:04:00.000-07:00I love Sorkin, too. He gave me "The West Wing" an...I love Sorkin, too. He gave me "The West Wing" and "Sports Night" and I'll always be grateful for that. How many writers have created TWO great television shows? Plus everyone I know can quote the hell out of "A Few Good Men".<BR/><BR/>He's got "Charlie Wilson's War" coming out this year, which stars freaking Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. Even Ken wants to see it.<BR/><BR/>You have to ignore Ken when it comes to Sorkin. He can't help but make it personal so his opinions about the work are, unfortunately, unreliable.<BR/><BR/>--SDAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-72663465536602282412007-09-18T14:12:00.000-07:002007-09-18T14:12:00.000-07:00so, I'm not alone in liking Aaron Sorkin in this b...so, I'm not alone in liking Aaron Sorkin in this blog. Amen to that. 30 rock has the destinction of being in a 2nd season when people are not actually watching. it has like a share of 5, they even joked about it in there speech. Studio 60 was great!MrCarlsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18081465847843874816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-70873216789185071782007-09-18T13:51:00.000-07:002007-09-18T13:51:00.000-07:00I despise 30 Rock. Can't stand to look at or liste...I despise 30 Rock. Can't stand to look at or listen to Alec Baldwin. I think Tracy Whathisname's character is an insult. Tina Fey's character is insipid. I cannot believe people like this show. Blech.<BR/><BR/>I want to see Studio 60 come back. Now!Alto2https://www.blogger.com/profile/04383871934188791511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-66453291114055420992007-09-18T12:14:00.000-07:002007-09-18T12:14:00.000-07:00That Jersey Boys segment was the tackiest, most ri...That Jersey Boys segment was the tackiest, most ridiculous thing I've seen on an awards show since Rob Lowe sang with Snow White.Mama's Boyfriendhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18369602746636923945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-91392983752524307562007-09-18T10:52:00.000-07:002007-09-18T10:52:00.000-07:00I agree with drbear. It just isn't a level playing...I agree with drbear. It just isn't a level playing field, broadcast vs. cable.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-70487615867498201272007-09-18T10:49:00.000-07:002007-09-18T10:49:00.000-07:00Aren't the acting nominations based on single epis...Aren't the acting nominations based on single episodes submitted for each actor? Is it possible that Spader's episode featured him in a more effective way than did Gandolfini's or Laurie's? Obviously, this kind of thing is always subjective, but perhaps even more so when you're given a choice of several talented performers, all of whom excel in their roles. Or maybe Spader sent all the voters an iPhone.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-18766892096100537292007-09-18T09:37:00.000-07:002007-09-18T09:37:00.000-07:00I'll take Tony Bennett at 100 over today's group o...I'll take Tony Bennett at 100 over today's group of so-called "singers" who just scream lyrics ... and as for lyrics ... does anyone know how to write a romantic ballad anymore? To me rap is crap. Call me an old fart but there's not much talent out there today...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-33403358865933804472007-09-18T09:01:00.000-07:002007-09-18T09:01:00.000-07:00I know, but my point was, House is JUST that. I re...I know, but my point was, House is JUST that. I recognize Hugh's performance, but, as much as it is a continued performance (as a television one should be), I don't notice any difference between the first season house and the 3rd season house, so, for my money, he can pretty much win next year, or the year after, but Boston legal is a different story. it got renewed by its nails and it has less than half the house ratings, so who knows if it will be around a year from now? in theory house is the kind of show that probably will be a double digit series before it runs out of steam. since Boston legal and therefore James Spader might not have that many years of Alan Shore left, and believing as I do that he delivers continued great performances, it does not shock me that those who are involved in mega hits get left behind for a year or 2, although, their quality is similar.MrCarlsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18081465847843874816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-60939856810557716152007-09-18T08:34:00.001-07:002007-09-18T08:34:00.001-07:00Diogo, I think you're arguing against your own poi...Diogo, I think you're arguing against your own point. What your post clearly said was that Spader deserved the Emmy because the writing is great on his show, but Laurie elevates the show above poor scripts by virtue of his performance.<BR/><BR/>Seems to me that that's saying Laurie deserved the award more than Spader; good writing was honored in a different category.Charleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16980839541732980078noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-36055858460490823432007-09-18T08:34:00.000-07:002007-09-18T08:34:00.000-07:00Diogo, I don't have a horse in this race, but you ...Diogo, I don't have a horse in this race, but you seem to be contradicting yourself.<BR/><BR/>You defend Spader's win (and I think he's a fine actor as well) for "the long closings alone. those things must be several pages long, and what those speeches say should, sometimes, be carefully listened to. there is some <I>great writing</I> in there." (emphasis mine)<BR/><BR/>Then you contrast with Laurie by saying: "we all know that, if it wasn't for <I>Hugh's performance</I> the show would not be worth much more than that crappy NCIS thing, because truly that writing is not THAT good". (emphasis mine again)<BR/><BR/>It is an acting award after all. If Hugh Laurie is raising the level of a show from crap to quality, and James Spader is only doing a professional job with "great writing", then by your own arguments it seems the nod should go to Laurie.R.A. Porterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14851961356321735388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-4301488692774385122007-09-18T07:38:00.000-07:002007-09-18T07:38:00.000-07:00Ken,You've won! Aaron Sorkin will probably NEVER ...Ken,<BR/><BR/>You've won! Aaron Sorkin will probably NEVER work in TV again. He'll be back on the mushrooms and dead in an alley with a shopping cart next to him in no time.<BR/><BR/>You've won! You can stop making him a target now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com