Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip: The Complete Series

Aaron Sorkin, bless him, believes that "the people who watch television shows aren't dumber than the people who make television shows." Sorkin puts these words into the mouth of Jordan McDeere (Amanda Peet), the new, impolitic NBS TV president whose first order of business is to revitalize the network's cash cow, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, a long-running live late-night sketch-comedy series reeling from the Howard Beale-esque on-air meltdown of its creator (Judd Hirsch, limited—alas—to the pilot episode). Taking a behind-the-scenes look at Studio 60's tumultuous network politics and stormy personal relationships, Sorkin (creator of Sports Night and The West Wing) once again tried to raise the bar of primetime fare. That he didn't quite clear it makes this one-season (2006-07) wonder a fascinating object lesson of great hopes and dashed expectations—and all of its strengths and flaws can be savored and savaged anew thanks to this complete series set. Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford head the cast as comedy writer Matt and executive producer Danny, former Studio 60 hands whom Jordan brings back to "save" the show. Steven Weber costars as network chairman Jack Rudolph, who clashes with Jordan over reality programming (he wants it, she doesn't), and must fend off angry affiliates offended by such sketches as "Crazy Christians." Jordan contends with becoming tabloid fodder after her ex-husband leaks scandalous details of their past, while sardonic atheist Matt is in a whole Ross and Rachel thing with Harriet (Emmy nominee Sarah Paulson), a devoutly religious woman. Studio 60 has much to say about comedy in wartime, the divided states of America, the creative process, and patriotism. Some of it is deftly handled, some of it is ham-fisted, and some of it is downright patronizing (and all of it is delivered in Sorkin's signature style with walk-and-talk urgency). But even at its most maddening, there are enough riveting moments, jaw-dropping developments, and indelible performances (including John Goodman's Emmy-winning turn as a plain-speaking Pahrump, NV judge who is not impressed with the Hollywood types before him in the two-part "Nevada Day") to make Studio 60 a guilty pleasure. Compiling all 22 episodes, DVD extras here include a pilot episode commentary by Sorkin and director Thomas Schlamme, as well as a behind-the-scenes featurette. A strong optional purchase. (D. Liebenson)