HBO’s “The Newsroom”

Oh, I wanted to fall head over heels in LOVE with The Newsroom, HBO’s new series about, well, the inner workings of a cable newsroom.  But I ended the first season just liking it.  Season one took me on a journey of indifference then love then a bit of disappointment.  The fact that the show is OH SO slanted in its liberal views is one thing that I tried to ignore.  It was definitely an Aaron Sorkin stamp, but I will always watch an Aaron Sorkin TV series or film.  He is a brilliant writer. Sorkin’s The West Wing is one of the greatest network shows of ALL TIME and The Social Network was the film of a generation.  The Newsroom has adopted The West Wing‘s fast pace and long, dramatic dialogue.  I also had to watch because Jeff Daniels was the lead actor.

I had the awesome opportunity of meeting Jeff Daniels when I worked as an entertainment publicist in Washington, DC six years ago.  (I had a really cool job and met some really cool – and sometimes not so cool – people.)  Jeff flew into town for the red carpet premiere of his film, Gods and Generals.  I had to pick him up from the airport.  He was coming in on a private jet the day before the big premiere and the arrival time kept getting pushed back.  First it was 3:00 PM, then 5:00 PM, then 8:00 PM, and the final word from his personal publicist was a MIDNIGHT pick-up.  Needless to say, I was a bit grumpy.   But then, here comes Jeff Daniels through the automatic doors.  He was wide awake and smiling and that basically never happens.  Even the nicest celebrities I would pick up would be tired and quiet after a long cross country flight.  But Jeff was talkative and genuinely happy.  He wanted to stop and get some of the free popcorn first (which was freshly popped and sitting in an old fashioned popcorn cart. First class stuff, people.)  He got me a bag too.  The ride to the hotel was filled with his questions about the city and the premiere and then he told me about his home in Chelsea, Michigan, which was his heart and soul.  He really wanted me to know that he was not a big Hollywood guy.  He was super down-to-earth and just really…nice.

I love watching Jeff in The Newsroom because I have a feeling this is a dream gig for him.  When we spoke, although briefly, he was very passionate about his love of acting.  He was not jaded at all about the industry. He said he loved what he did and he cherished great roles.  And The Newsroom’s Will McAvoy is a great role. And Jeff is really, really good.

Season one ended last night and I thought it was an okay conclusion.  I just hope they come back with guns blazing.  I want to see more realistic story lines and more dramatic play in the actual newsroom.  Let’s get a true behind-the-scenes portrayal.  The supporting cast is terrific.  I love Olivia Munn who plays financial superstar Sloan.  Sloan is beautiful, smart, and intimidating, but she has a real vulnerability.  I hope they give her a juicy storyline next season.  And I have a soft spot for Dev Patel who plays Neal.  Dev was the lead actor in the Oscar winning film Slumdog Millionaire and in The Newsroom he plays a computer genius with a passion for getting the story right.  He could be a breakout star…if given the chance.

So I will be optimistic and plan to come back next season, Newsroom.  Let’s just kick it up a notch or two (or three), Sorkin.  And have more memorable TV moments like this one.  Thanks.  (Warning:  Jeff drops a couple “F” bombs in this clip. In case you’re at work or around your kids.)