About last night...

I was pleasantly surprised by Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, which has quickly ascended (yes, after only one episode) into my top 5 TV shows, right behind Grey's Anatomy, The Wire and Nip/Tuck (the jury's still out on Ugly Betty until it debuts next week). I had my reservations about Studio 60 initially, mainly because of Matthew Perry. I feared that this would be Friends 2: The Matt Perry Show. Come on, he was one of the least likable characters on Friends, so if the lovable Joey/Matt LeBlanc's show could fail, Matthew Perry's chances were slim to none. But rest assured, there's no sign of Matthew Perry in at least the first 30 minutes of Studio 60.
For the first time in recent memory, we have a show about New York where the characters actually talk like they're in New York, not with a slow drawl of the South or Midwest. They talk very fast here on Studio 60, so you have to keep up, and the dialogue is intense and chock-full of tidbits you must file away for later use. Plus, you're not really sure what's going on to begin with, since we're coming in mid argument on something. I don't mind. It's refreshing for a TV show to not dumb down to (or, the word of the night, lobotomize!) the audience. It's very smartly written and I hope it keeps up in upcoming episodes.
I liked having Felicity Huffman and Three 6 Mafia there (and playing themselves) as a way to ground the show in a real world context beyond the back-stage hijinks. They were just like us, standing by and watching the drama unfold around them. Felicity nervously worries about her opening monologue and Three 6 Mafia...well...they use some herbal remedies to alleviate their anxieties (quote of the night from Jordan, "I'll grab the loose joints.")
Amanda Peet was so fierce! Let's create a new nomination at the Emmy's for the fiercest female actress - I've already got two nominees, Amanda Peet and Sanaa Lathan. I loved how unflappable she was the entire episode, and almost seemed amused by everything going on around her, with a slight smirk on her face. As a woman in her position, the new president of the NBS network, she brought to reality the phrase, "never let them see you sweat." The only time she seemed the tiniest bit frazzled was when she couldn't find her office, but since it was only her second day on the job, so we'll give her a pass (and another pass for thanking the "caterers" for a fabulous meal right in front of her hostess, whom I'm sure was trying to pass the food off as homemade). I can tell that she doesn't give a rat's behind what other people think about her and that will serve her well in this role. I'm excited about the prospect of the writers including Amanda's real life pregnancy into her character. Wouldn't that be funny...the new president of the network announces her pregnancy only days after filling the position? I really hope so. Then we can delve into the life of powerful studio executive trying to balance her role as mom. I love it!
Back to Matthew Perry...he was almost likable as Matt Albie. He donned an invisible Superman cape and came to the rescue of his struggling writing partner Daniel Tripp, played with vulnerable honesty by Bradley Whitford. I hope they don't dwell on Matt's volatile relationship with ex-girlfriend Harriet. It's hard to sympathize with her appearance on the 700 Club as the reason for her breakup - it seems almost warranted, no?
Since it's only the first episode, my fingers are still crossed that D.L. Hughley will have his chance to step to the forefront and shine. I have a good feeling about Studio 60. I hope Aaron Sorkin is busily readying his Emmy speech in between writing episodes because there's good stuff here. I can't wait for more. Stay tuned...