With a little help from Netflix I was able to watch the pilot episode of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and I loved it, which isn’t saying much for the future success of the show.  All the hallmarks of Aaron Sorkin are there:  witty, fast-paced conversation, intelligence, and a great cast.  I found the show interesting because it takes an insider’s look at the television industry, which isn’t always a positive picture; takes some very painful shots at the FCC, media conglomeration, and right-wing religious fanatics; and is somewhat offensive. The opening scene alone is a complete indictment of modern broadcast television.  I’m surprised NBC is putting it on the air; I just hope they give it a chance.

Right off the bat I’m intrigued by three of the main characters:  Amanda Peet as the gutsy network head, Jordan, who is nothing like a real-life network president because she’s actually willing to take chances and offend people; Matthew Perry as the flawed but talented comedic writer, Matt; and especially Sarah Paulson, as Harriet, the devout Christian who seems very out of place in this TV world.  Bradley Whitford is not so bad either, but I wasn’t all that impressed…yet.

I think this is a risky move for NBC.  An insider’s look at the not-so-pretty world of network television is not something that will be all that interesting to the majority of America.  Fortunately, NBC has a good enough cast of well-know people that should draw in viewers.  From that point on we’ll have to see.

Well, the UN is prepared to vote on a resolution for the cessation of fighting between Israel and Hizbollah, but I find myself wondering "What’s the point"?  Israel would be your best bet to abide by any resolution, but why should they if Hizbollah doesn’t?  If Hizbollah won’t return the men they captured — men who are most likely dead?  It would be nice if the UN would stop treating Hizbollah like they are rational group people.  They’re terrorists, not freedom fighters.