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The Newsroom - new HBO series from Aaron Sorkin (2 Viewers)

This show is getting extra silly and in the danger of getting the DVR boot.

Ok, so a super hot and sexy chick that is uber intelligent and although maybe a bit socially awkward likes you but you rather still date the average (at best) looking chick that is neurotic and one of the most annoying people on earth and you are quite aware that she is very into another guy you pick which one?!

 
This entire season of "The Newsroom" was in the can before any of it aired on television, and some critics of the show have suggested that if it hadn't been, Aaron Sorkin might have had the opportunity to course-correct in response to some of the complaints. I don't think that's the case. First, "Studio 60" — for which Sorkin took nearly as much grief as he has for this show — was still in production when the response to it went south, and for the most part none of the things people were complaining about changed. Second, Sorkin respectfully but strongly disagreed with most of "The Newsroom" complaints when he appeared at press tour a few weeks ago.And third, "The Greater Fool" suggests he knew in advance what many of the criticisms of this show would be, and he didn't much care because he felt tilting at windmills was the entire point of the project.Brian's cover story for New York feels very much like the coverage "The Newsroom" wound up attracting, accusing Will and "News Night" 2.0 of naivete, narcissism, condescension, and a host of other sins that the HBO show has been said to have committed. And at multiple points in the finale — when Lisa, for instance, is out to dinner with Maggie and tells her she's gone nowhere in a year — characters suggest that for all of their idealism and virtue and hard work, they've accomplished precious little over the last year-plus. And that has to be the case, because this show doesn't have the ability to change the history it takes place in. It can't retroactively make the rest of the news media stop focusing on Casey Anthony. It can't in hindsight lead all moderate Republicans to rise up as one against the Tea Party. It can't change Arizona's immigration law, can't stop the flow of oil in the Gulf, can't prevent Gabby Giffords from being shot in the head. Maybe Sorkin believes that the show's mission to civilize can have an affect on the real world going forward — that perhaps if enough of what he considers to be right-thinking Republicans watched this season, they might finally start objecting to the Tea Party — and this will be reflected in the show's third or fourth seasons. Given how dug in everyone's position is on matters political and financial, I don't see that happening — I can't imagine anyone watching this show for very long if they didn't already agree with Sorkin and/or Will McAvoy — and as a result, "The Newsroom" can't be looked at as an agent of social change and entirely as a vehicle for entertainment.And it's there where the show was so often frustrating this season. As I've said, I agree with many of the points Sorkin has been making about how screwed up our political system is, and how morally bankrupt the media that covers it is. But I also think "The Newsroom" has fallen down repeatedly on questions of characterization, narrative cohesion and other basic issues that are essential whether you're telling stories about very real social issues or doing something like "Game of Thrones."On the sexism front, I was relieved for about 30 seconds when it seemed like Sloan was telling Don exactly what was wrong with him, because the gender roles have gone almost entirely the other way throughout this season, and here finally was a woman wisely telling a man what was what about himself. But then it turned out that her speech wasn't so much driven by a keen insight into Don's character as by Sloan having an unrequited crush on the guy that will turn our irritating love rhombus into a pentagon. Oh, well. At the very least, her lecture to Will about the true meaning of the article/episode title wasn't driven by any feelings of romantic longing. (That we know of, anyway.) And the love pentagon scenes also featured Maggie going on an epic rant about the utter lack of realism on "Sex and the City," which, while true, is the sort of stone that the writer of this glass, proudly unrealistic drama probably should not be throwing.And Jennifer Johnson, the stupid sorority girl from the pilot — who must always, always, always be referred to by Will as "girl" — has just been so enchanted by the work that "News Night" has done over the last year-plus that she wants nothing more than a job where she can learn from this great and important man, even though he's also a colossal ### who publicly, nationally humiliated her. Because regardless of Will's many, many, many character flaws, this work they're doing — which, as Sloan notes to Don, has seemingly accomplished nothing — is just that important. It's important enough that paragons of journalistic virtue Will, Mac and Charlie would be willing to cover up evidence of an incredible violation of both the law and journalistic ethics all in the name of continuing to do the show they want. Never mind that if Reese's activities ever got out — and they likely would sooner or later, based on how the News Corp. scandal went down — then all of our heroes' public credibility goes away forever, because they knew about this and didn't speak out because it would be personally beneficial. Yes, they shut down the tabloid (and cost a lot of people jobs in a horrible economy, but based on the characters' view of TMI, they probably don't much care about anyone who would work there), but Reese goes largely unpunished and there's no public accounting of the crimes committed.As with every episode of this show, there were individual moments — Charlie's reaction to Hancock's suicide, Will finally getting out of bed and back to work, Leona's reaction to realizing they were just bluffed — that lived up to the talent of everyone involved in making "The Newsroom," and it's for those reasons that I'll come back next season despite all the agita so much of it gives me.I understand wanting to believe in the message here. I just wish I didn't dislike so many of the messengers.
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'Chadstroma said:
This show is getting extra silly and in the danger of getting the DVR boot. Ok, so a super hot and sexy chick that is uber intelligent and although maybe a bit socially awkward likes you but you rather still date the average (at best) looking chick that is neurotic and one of the most annoying people on earth and you are quite aware that she is very into another guy you pick which one?!
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Yup, I'm done with HBO. The drama is way over the top, which I know is the writers fault, but decent actors could at least make the show watchable. I like Daniels and the Law and Order guy is ok. The rest of the cast is mediocre at best, and a few are just plain awful.
 
Addicted to this show.

I realize the Tea Party provided endless amounts of materials during the time period they used for Season 1. I just hope in Season 2 they take some shots at the D side of the aisle to even it out a bit. Even as a Dem, sometimes it is just too overly partisan.

 
I just powered through the last 3 episodes last night. Good stuff. Some of its a little dumb, but all in all I like what they are doing with the show. Sorkin is a little too preachy, and a little too liberal, but its still good stuff.

 
I REALLY want to stop watching this show, but I can't because Daniels is so good. he's the only thing that I look forward to on the show. even Olivia Munn is looking kinda beat.

 
While I recognize this show is really flawed and preachy, I saw a few posts on Facebook and Twitter referencing The Newsroom in reference to today's tragedy. Basically as a critique of the terrible way the media handled the coverage and how we need to step back as a society on examine what our "breaking news" is becoming. Sorkin is dickish and pompous but he can be a pretty on point social critic at times.

This is a clip from an episode they did with the Gifford shooting and how quick the media was in reporting "facts" ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m95qHOmoUXs

 
'The Flying Elvis said:
While I recognize this show is really flawed and preachy, I saw a few posts on Facebook and Twitter referencing The Newsroom in reference to today's tragedy. Basically as a critique of the terrible way the media handled the coverage and how we need to step back as a society on examine what our "breaking news" is becoming. Sorkin is dickish and pompous but he can be a pretty on point social critic at times.

This is a clip from an episode they did with the Gifford shooting and how quick the media was in reporting "facts" ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m95qHOmoUXs
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"Tragedy porn."
 
'The Flying Elvis said:
While I recognize this show is really flawed and preachy, I saw a few posts on Facebook and Twitter referencing The Newsroom in reference to today's tragedy. Basically as a critique of the terrible way the media handled the coverage and how we need to step back as a society on examine what our "breaking news" is becoming. Sorkin is dickish and pompous but he can be a pretty on point social critic at times.

This is a clip from an episode they did with the Gifford shooting and how quick the media was in reporting "facts" ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m95qHOmoUXs
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That's why it's so frustrating to see the over the top left wing cheerleading, and the almost sad "made for TV" bs drama and plot lines / twists. Because at root they have something which could be both immensely entertaining and exceptionally powerful. But this sophmoric approach results in it being neither.

Just entertaining enough to want to watch as stupid TV with some really fun moments that then provide an occasional powerful insight or two, only to be lost in the wash of pedantic and mediocre "storytelling" (or should I say, preaching)

 
Watched the tragedy porn epidose last night and I think Tess and the other blonde who was the secretary in Charlie Wilson's War might be my two favorite hot chicks on TV.

 
Koya said:
packersfan said:
Trailer for Season 2. I loved the first season and can't wait for the show to return.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McVXNEdi8K4
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Funny, I JUST brought this show up to my wife last night, wondering when it would start. July 14th or something thereabouts?

While it was certainly flawed, the show overall was very entertaining and I look forward to guilty pleasure season #2.
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Pretty much. I think it's the worst of his four shows, but it still has it's moments. And teh blondz.

 
Koya said:
'The Flying Elvis said:
While I recognize this show is really flawed and preachy, I saw a few posts on Facebook and Twitter referencing The Newsroom in reference to today's tragedy. Basically as a critique of the terrible way the media handled the coverage and how we need to step back as a society on examine what our "breaking news" is becoming. Sorkin is dickish and pompous but he can be a pretty on point social critic at times.This is a clip from an episode they did with the Gifford shooting and how quick the media was in reporting "facts" ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m95qHOmoUXs
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That's why it's so frustrating to see the over the top left wing cheerleading, and the almost sad "made for TV" bs drama and plot lines / twists. Because at root they have something which could be both immensely entertaining and exceptionally powerful. But this sophmoric approach results in it being neither.Just entertaining enough to want to watch as stupid TV with some really fun moments that then provide an occasional powerful insight or two, only to be lost in the wash of pedantic and mediocre "storytelling" (or should I say, preaching)
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But the main character is a republican!
 
Apple Jack said:
Koya said:
packersfan said:
Trailer for Season 2. I loved the first season and can't wait for the show to return.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McVXNEdi8K4
Click to expand...
Funny, I JUST brought this show up to my wife last night, wondering when it would start. July 14th or something thereabouts?

While it was certainly flawed, the show overall was very entertaining and I look forward to guilty pleasure season #2.
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Pretty much. I think it's the worst of his four shows, but it still has it's moments. And teh blondz.
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and Olivia Munn. More Munn plz. seems like forever since the first season ended.

 
Just recently watched the first season. I liked it enough to give next season a try, but if they don't resolve that ridiculous love quadrilateral early on I might not make it through.

Overall it seemed an awful lot like Sports Night married with MSNBC.

 
PlasmaDogPlasma said:
Just recently watched the first season. I liked it enough to give next season a try, but if they don't resolve that ridiculous love quadrilateral early on I might not make it through.

Overall it seemed an awful lot like Sports Night married with MSNBC.
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The Maggie/Jim thing is brutal

 
Amused to Death said:
Koya said:
packersfan said:
Trailer for Season 2. I loved the first season and can't wait for the show to return.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McVXNEdi8K4
Click to expand...
Funny, I JUST brought this show up to my wife last night, wondering when it would start. July 14th or something thereabouts?

While it was certainly flawed, the show overall was very entertaining and I look forward to guilty pleasure season #2.
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Season 2 premiere tonight.
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I look forward to it. Bleeding heart wife will be ecstatic.

 
Wow Maggie chopped off her hair. Didn't think she could look worse. Maybe the annoying part of her character got killed off as well.

 
Apparently the point of this season will explain why she went with that goofy look. because she looked "normal" at the half way point

It has been a while since Season 1 and I forgot how frantic stuff is on the show. Yeah really need to follow like a hawk to figure some #### out because they are talking too damn fast.

 
(haven't watched the season premiere yet)

I watched the 1st season of the Newsroom for the first time this weekend. Unless they're going for making Will a Bill O'Reilly type, he's way too preachy and opinionated for a legit news anchor. But hey, if they are, then way to go, Aaron.

Like the MacKenzie character a lot. Same with Sam Waterson's character. The rest...meh.

As for the love triangle, I hope Don and Maggie go Thelma and Louise off a cliff. Jim has a good thing going with Lisa, a beautiful and fun chick who puts up with his nerdy quirks and isn't a psycho, neurotic ##### like Maggie. As the season went on, I found myself rooting for Jim and Lisa and hoping Maggie ends up with her neurotic heart broken. Hopefully we get much more Lisa this season.

 
20 minutes in and I already giggled at the thought of Maggie getting hit by a truck.

And :wub: Olivia Munn. "I make nerdy look gooooood."

 
Thought the first season was spectacular. Thought the Season 2 premiere was OK but missing the zip the first season had. Some thoughts:

New credits totally unnecessary. Did nothing for me.

I guess in the span of a week or so the serious death threats against Will have vanished completely? No sign of Lonny when Will was out in the bar and no mention at all of the death threats. Neal apparently has moved on completely from his trolling story.

I get that No. 2 may not have been a storyline Sorkin wanted to continue this season but couldn't have they have made some mention to it given how significant it was in Season 1?

Maggie with red hair? Whoa.

Maybe it was me but the episode just felt a little flat. There was so much energy in the first season but I didn't feel any of that in the premiere. Perhaps that will change since this episode was pretty much a set-up for what's to come.

Oh and this show seriously needs more Lisa. Much more Lisa.

 
Caught the last 30 minutes because I just couldn't resist watching the trainwreck. I will keep watching for one simple reason...actually two:

1. Lisa's back. She and her sweater puppies were spectacular as always.

2. Maggie's going to a powder keg in Africa. This is the best chance for something bad to happen to her, which in turn would be the best thing to happen to the show.

It's still silly. But there is still shreds of hope.

 
For the love of God... ENOUGH already with the Maggie/Don/Jim/YouTube snoozefest!!! This storyline passed "embarrassing" about 12 exits back.

 
While I'm on a roll...

Are we honestly supposed to believe that Don was all torn up and hurt going from Maggie - who is off-the-charts annoying, and pasty-white with a fivehead - to the goddess Munn and her exquisite cans? Yeah, okay.

Poor casting, maybe.

 
Plus,

Raider Nation said:
While I'm on a roll...

Are we honestly supposed to believe that Don was all torn up and hurt going from Maggie - who is off-the-charts annoying, and pasty-white with a fivehead - to the goddess Munn and her exquisite cans? Yeah, okay.

Poor casting, maybe.
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Even worse, trying to sell Munn as pining for Don. Completely ridiculous.

 
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