Arianna Pushes "60" Harder Than Crack

Yet another edition of debating the merits of "Studio 6o" at Huffington Post: This time David Vaina relates embattled pro-lifer actress Patricia Heaton with "60"'s own Harriet Hayes. The ensuing discussion is of some interest:

"Studio 60" might not be the vehicle for Hollywood to turn things around with Middle America. The scenes that pit conservatives versus liberals are not just preachy and self-righteous, but may be too dichotomous and fail to capture the complexity of how people really think about and debate political and cultural issues.

But I do hope the show gets better and I know I'll be watching. Because what are the other alternatives on television where we can see the two sides of the culture war duking it out with one another and really letting us know how they feel? "Hannity and Colmes?" "Meet the Press?" Please. As much as "Studio 60" struggles at times, it's another reminder of how the intersection of politics and culture can be so much more understandable and compelling in the realm of fiction, a tradition that's been with us as far back as Homer and Virgil.

It's an intresting theme that's been playing out at HuffPost lately: "Studio 60" is shit, but even Sorkin's shit is among the most important television there is. (Even if it's not going to win anybody an Emmy)

SEE ALSO:
HuffPost: How Not to Talk About Studio 60 Over the Holidays (Chris Kelly)
HuffPost: Studio 60, SNL Gerald Ford, Cheney's Melodrama, And Other Odds And Ends (Chris Weigant)

Weekend Buzz Roundup

- "Studio 60" leads in television nominations for the Satellite Awards (tied with "Ugly Betty" with 4 nominations a piece) which will be held December 17th. Sarah Paulson and Amanda Peet will be competing for Best Actress in a Series (Drama), while Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford will head off for Best Actor in a Series (Drama).

- While Harriet Hayes' position on gay marriage set off that whole fun little adventure known as "Nevada Day", two headliners of "Studio 60" have made a stir taking the 'opposite' position (Harriet would disagree). In November's election Madison native and U. of Wisconsin graduate Bradley Whitford called Wisconsin voters urging them to vote against a ballot initiative banning same-sex marriage (it ended up passing, however). More recently, Amanda Peet appeared in ads for World AIDS Day appealing to gay males to avoid the increased risk of HIV that crystal meth use can cause.

- Monday is the last episode before the traditional holiday hiatus. Here's the brief synopsis from TV Guide via Studio 60 Guide: “Matt wants to bring the spirit of Christmas to Los Angeles when he and the “Studio 60” team put on a holiday show. Meanwhile, Danny tries to figure out his true feelings for Jordan.” The title is going to shock you: "The Christmas Show".

UPDATE 5:40pm: More linky goodness...

-Defamer profiles the ideal "60" viewer per their consistantly snarky graphic skills. Consider it a much less romantic version of the "alpha consumer" theory. Use their handy-easy-to-use flowchart to find out if you're one of them.

-THE FATHER IS WHO? NBC leaked a 4 minute clip of Danny & Jordan at the doctor's office "talking baby". You'll have to watch to find out. h/t Chris @ Studio 60 blog.