NBC's Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Where Did it Go Wrong?

NBC's Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip was one of my most anticipated new shows in the fall line up this year. I have always been a fan of sketch comedy, and I read Saturday Night Live's biography "Live From New York" cover to cover until it fell apart. I thought a drama, with humor, of course, about a live comedy show would be perfect for me. It had all the makings of a true winner, Aaron Sorkin of The West Wing's brilliant writing coupled with a talented cast including Matthew Perry (Matt Albie), Bradley Whitford (Danny Tripp), Amanda Peet (Jordan McDeere) and D.L. Hughley (Simon Stiles). Instead, after just a few episodes it became the biggest disappointment of the new season. Where did it go wrong?

First, let me tell you where I think it went right. The dialog, especially between Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford as a producer/writer/director double team is perfectly timed and always engaging. Whitford plays a great straight man to Perry's comedic genius, and when he breaks a funny line it's always well delivered. Perry makes the melodramatic tortured artist Matt Albie almost as lovable as his infamous Chandler from "Friends" without completely replaying the character. The story lines are sometimes touching, sometimes grating, just like every good drama should be. And, from week to week, we care about the characters.