This could go one of about 16 ways

In an attempt to save "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" from what seemed like certain death, the brilliant Aaron Sorkin seems to have strayed a bit. He's abandoned the television-show-about-a-television-show concept and gone straight for the drippy romance crap that TV audiences apparently crave. Being a hopeless romantic, I am not entirely opposed to this notion. But, Christ on a cracker, Aaron! THREE romances? Is that really necessary? And only one of them is remotely interesting -- the budding cuteness between office Brit/writer Lucy and funny man Tom. I'm bored with the Jordan-Danny romance already, and could you please for the love of all that's holy just give the Matt-Harriet thing a rest?

Thank God the man has kept undercurrents of actual issues in the script. Fabled network NBS is gearing up for a fight with the FCC over First Amendment rights, and Jordan continues to struggle to keep reality TV off her airwaves. And we've not seen a resurfacing of reporter Martha O'Dell in a while. That could make for some interesting it's-all-the-media's-fault fodder. The one saving grace of the show has been -- in true Sorkin fashion -- the use of music to highlight key moments. The Christmas episode with the Tipitina's jazz band playing "O Holy Night" was UNREAL, and this week's episode used my favorite Pretenders song, "2,000 Miles."

In truth, I cannot predict where Sorkin is going with all of this silliness. He's got great characters and unlimited potential, but he's just not hit his stride yet. I'm hoping it happens quickly, because I hear the fat lady warming up her vocal chords.
Let's pick it up a bit, Aaron. I'm counting on you.