Last week, I tuned into NBC at 10pm for the premeire of Studio Sixty on the Sunset Strip. I had heard that it would be good and I also happen to believe that Matthew Perry is adorable so I thought, "What can it hurt?" Turns out, it didn't hurt a bit. Rather, I discovered that Hollywood may just have it right. Well, Aaron Sorkin, at least, has it right by writing a genuinely funny and believable Christian character. Harriet (Harry) is a member of an SNL-type variety show who's ex-boyfriend, Matthew, has just returned to the show as head writer. High-jinks ensues. Well, not high-jinks so much as witty banter.
I was holding my breath after last week's episode, genuinely hoping that a Christianity like mine might be Hollywood material. I wasn't afraid that the whole thing would devolve into pot-shots at fundagelicals. Lord knows, I like pot-shots at fundagelicals. I was afraid that Hollywood would assume that all people who claim Christian faith allign themselves with the Jerry Falwells and Pat Robertons of the fundagelical subculture.
On last night's show, during NBC prime-time, Harry prayed these words. Read them and see if you wouldn't want to have coffee with this woman.
Blessed are you, Lord our God, Creator of the universe and Father of us all.
Thank you for giving us one of your greatest gift – a sense of humor.
And if you have time, please make something heavy fall on Matthew’s head.
We say this prayer in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who had to have been funny to get so many people to listen to him.
Blessed art Thou, forever and ever, Amen.
Huh. Reminds me of these words:
Funny Lord,
How we love this life you have given us. Of course we get tired, bored, worn down by the stupidity that surrounds us. But then that stupid person does something, says something that is wonderful, funny, insightful. How we hate for that to happen. But, thank God, you have given us one another, ensuring we will never be able to get our lives in order. Order finally is no fun, and you are intent on forcing us to see the humor of your kingdom. . .You insist on being known through such a funny people. And now us - part of your joke on the world. Make us your laughter. Make us laugh, and in the laughter may the world be so enthralled by your entertaining presence that we lose the fear that fuels our violence. Funny Lord, how we love this life you have given us. Amen.
Huh. Harry meet Hauerwas. Hauerwas, Harry.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
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8 comments:
I, too, really like what I've seen from the show so far (which doesn't surprise me, as I've enjoyed Sorkin's previous work on The West Wing and Sports Night). I also have enjoyed how Harry's character is so multidimensional -- talented, funny, flawed, caring, devoted. And I particularly liked how she was willing to stand up for the "Crazy Christians" skit (I believe she mentions this in the first episode). Having a strong, multidimensional Christian character is refreshing.
Watched the first, still have the second on DVR, will watch it tonight hopefully.
Interesting juxtaposition between your last two blogs...suffering and humor.
What a loving, caring, creative, humorous God.
Thank you once again for bringing the reality of life and God to my attention. You're grand!
Saw the show...loved it. (and couldn't agree more about Matthew Perry)
Aaron Sorkin handled Catholicism so well on West Wing (and if you didn't follow West Wing then You Must Get DVDs And Watch Two Cathedrals Right Now) that I'm optimistic about this one as well.
I'm also digging "Studio 60". Sorkin is doing a fab job with Harry. And that prayer you shared is awesome. I'm printing it out and putting it above my desk.
And that comment about how Sorkin handled Jeb Bartlett's Catholism...sheesh, I'd entirely forgotten that. Which is maybe part of his genius...he gives us believable characters whose faith is a part of who they are, not some weird, sticking out all over and making everyone uncomfortable sort of thing. Which is so refreshing because that's how most of the Christians I know are.
Stanley Hauerwas is a liberal who hates America.
Phil Christman is a liberal who hates America. . .And its good to have him back.
I hate to say it, but I don't like the Amanda Peet role. It feels like some of the lines like "you look like them, but talk like us" would've worked if the person on the receiving end did more than just look forward with blank stares...
sorry, but that's my gut. I've always enjoyed Perry and the dude from Billy Madison. Plus, I'm a SNL freak, even when it sucks. Why is that I'm just not convinced by *her*?
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