Blind faith

I know "Studio 60" will never be perfect. I'm just trying figure out why I (and a couple dozen other frustrated TV writers) care so much. I mean, I accept the flaws of a lot of TV shows without taking them personally. "Shark" will keep on being "Shark," and I'll keep on not watching, and everyone will be happy.

But I want "Studio 60" to be good. I want good writing (and good writers) to be rewarded. I want to watch a show that takes a smart look at the culture wars, and I want NBC to get some credit for occasionally skewering itself. I'm even willing to forgive Aaron Sorkin a little bit of self-indulgence, as long as his characters draw me in.

Which they don't, but so far, that's not my biggest problem. Here's what gets me: "Studio 60" is taking itself, and its mission, waaaay too seriously. It needs to stop imparting lessons and just breathe in and breathe out a little. The tour Tom gave to his parents actually irked me the most this week. The setup had a fair amount of comic possibility; just imagine taking your parents to work with you. Instead, we got hung up in exposition -- Sorkin tells us the history of comedy -- and predictable bathos. Tom's dad doesn't understand him? You don't say.

Now, "Heroes." There's a show that's unpredictable.