Matthew Perry died suddenly and unexpectedly on October 28, aged 54. This seemed a lovely tribute to him as he co-stars with Bradley Whitford as showrunners behind a popular and controversial TV comedy sketch show. They're both great. There's plenty of good, fast dialogue in the thirties style that Sorkin does so well for the actors to work with.
Ironically in the opening episode Perry is on Vicodin and other strong painkillers following back surgery. In real life he became addicted to that same drug following a jet ski accident in 1996.
Great ensemble cast includes Amanda Peet, Steven Weber, D.L. Hughley, Sarah Paulson, Nate Corddry, Timothy Busfield, Merritt Wever and Simon Helberg (BBT). Pilot also features guest appearances of Michael Stuhlbarg and Judd Hirsch.
Eli Wallach brilliant in sweet episode about blacklisted writer. Simon Helberg's impersonations (Tom Cruise, Nicolas Cage) are hilarious. Episode where they realise the studio musicians are going 'off sick' to give their New Orleans jazz colleagues some much needed money is both topical and beautiful. Also loved Whitford's dogged romantic pursuit of now-pregnant Peet; involvement of Chinese businessman and his daughter.
Things get darker when Matt and Harri fall out and he starts doing drugs, a storyline that I guess reflects real life. Moment where she returns after being fired by horrendous cunt director boyfriend and kisses Matt on the cheek is unbelievably sweet. (4 AM Miracle, the one where the baby is decapitated!)
Peet has been steadily working, mainly on TV. She's delightful in this.
The last four episodes are so intense with Tom's brother kidnapped, Jordan and child in trouble, Simon's run in with press, that we stayed up rather later than we should to finish them. Should anyone need further proof of Nate Corddry's acting ability, I'd refer them to these episodes.
I think Sorkin knew the show wouldn't be renewed, and that's why he gave everyone a happy ending.
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