HBO's THE NEWSROOM premiered last night
with "We Just Decide To." From creator Aaron Sorkin, it is the story of a
newsman, his patriotic executive producer, and a bold staff who have
decided to bring back the art of journalism. No more pandering, no more
softballs. They intend to make ACN, the fictional network which airs the
fictional show News Night, a reputable organization.
As THE NEWSROOM begins, Will McAvoy
(Jeff Daniels, Dumb & Dumber, Pleasantville) sits on the stage at a
college campus, in between a blowhard from each major political party.
Seeing his ex-girlfriend, Mackenzie MacHale (Emily Mortimer, Lars and
the Real Girl), watching disapprovingly from the audience, Will is
spurred to speak his mind, declaring that America is not, in fact, the
greatest country in the world. Plus, there are tear downs of liberals,
conservatives, and Jay Leno that will resonate with a great many
viewers.
It's an inspiring scene, just like the
series itself. The haters will call THE NEWSROOM preachy and elitist.
The believers will see it as a serving of hope that America can be as
great as many Americans think, or claim to think, we are. The words the
characters in THE NEWSROOM speak, and not just during Will's wonderfully
rude rift, encourage optimism. If people like he and Mackenzie have
their way, the news will be a bastion of true facts, informing the
public into action, and forcing the powers that be to act rightly for
the first time in a long time.
This is what Aaron Sorkin does best. THE
NEWSROOM is definitely informed by his previous efforts. The theme song
instantly calls to mind The West Wing, while Will's speech is similar
to one in the pilot of Studio 60 On the Sunset Strip. Eager producers
have the faith in their job that those that worked on Sports Night did.
Sorkin takes all of these past efforts and rolls them together,
delivering the message disillusioned and desperate people are looking
for in the modern era.
As "We Just Decide To" gets underway, it
becomes clear that the events of the first episode take place at a very
specific date and time: April 20, 2010. Those current event buffs will
recognize this as the date the BP Deep Water Horizon oil rig exploded
and began spilling copious amounts of oil into the Gulf of Mexico
because of lack of oversight and a screw up by Halliburton. This is a
dark period of our history, and many think, with good reason, it has
continued to be a tumultuous time these past two years since. Will THE
NEWSROOM present an alternate reality, where the actions of this program
change things for the better? Or will they struggle with other real
events that we did, becoming discouraged as the fight refuses over and
over again to turn in their favor?
Either way, THE NEWSROOM will connect
with media savvy viewers and politic junkies. These events really
happened, and people remember them. Thus, there is an instant avenue to
relate to the characters. Seeing them behave the way we want people to,
from Neal (Dev Patel, Slumdog Millionaire) exposing the true depth of the emergency,
to Maggie Jordan (Alison Pill, The Pillars of the Earth, Milk) fingering
the MMS inspector, to Jim Harper (John Gallagher Jr., Pieces of April)
refusing to publicly name his sources, these are the types of people we
want with the power and knowledge to make a difference.
Of course, THE NEWSROOM is more than
just a political and social statement, no matter how effective it is at
that mission. It is also a television show. In this by itself, it soars
just as high. Sorkin's dialogue is as sharp and witty as ever. The
characters are well defined and complex. Romance invades in a variety of
ways, but not in anything too predictable nor forced. Mortimer and
Daniels have impeccable chemistry, and the younger performers all shine
at one more or another in "We Just Decide To."
The best part, keeping on the story
angle, is the plot twist of discovering that big boss Charlie Skinner
(Sam Waterston) orchestrated the entire thing. He saw a spark in Will
that reawakened something deep within himself. Thus, he hatched a scheme
to remove the old staff that Will had grown comfortable with and taken
for granted, and replaces them with people who will nurture the
greatness within Will. Mackenzie is the main weapon, of course, but she
brings with her a host of others who will continue this theme. It's a
genius move on Charlie's part, and one worthy of the actor in the
fantastic role.
Will others, meaning the people watching
at home, be as moved as Will is? There are plenty of people who are as
cynical as him, who have given up on the dream of a triumphant nation,
discouraged by the bickering and selling out. Of course, Will has to
crack and come around, or else there would be no show. He is already
showing signs of enjoyment and finding a passion that has laid dormant.
This is the ember that Mackenzie, Charlie, and the others will
cultivate, and hopefully, will be mirrored in fans around the country.
There is another character present who
is just as hard to persuade to change as Will. Don (Thomas Sadoski,
Loser) is Will's producer who is about to jump ship as the episode
starts. When the rest of the departing staff leaves for a two week
vacation, Don stays. While he does fight against the tide in "We Just
Decide To," he is willing to admit he is wrong, and is impressed by what
he witnesses. Maggie's affection for him also hints that there might be
a kernel of goodness within. Will he come around and decide to stay at
News Night, taking a demotion to do so? Or is he a temporary character
who will be an antagonist, forcing things to a head in the coming weeks?
Only time will tell.
Critics are divided on THE NEWSROOM, and
the public at large would probably be, too, should it be seen by the
masses. But HBO's subscriber base should be the right target for a
program such as this one, and it is a moving, well-made show. For that
reason, being self aware of what it is and delivering itself to the
people who would seek it, it deserves more praise than criticism. And if
you're anything like me, this will probably become your new favorite
weekly appointment, a beacon of light in a dark world, internal thoughts
splayed out for all to see and enjoy.
Watch THE NEWSROOM Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on HBO.
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