Two things you need to understand to appreciate this episode: 1. There are intelligent and aware individuals who believe that Sorkin may actually be the reincarnation of William Shakespeare; and even if he is not (or if history later reveals that Shakespeare did not actually write his own plays, which is possible if not necessarily probable) then, notwithstanding that, he is still the best writer currently writing for television.
2. Sorkin has announced that this season is his swan song, hinting, in fact, that he may be retiring completely after this last season of Newsroom. Therefore, when you see the credit on the screen "teleplay by Aaron Sorkin" at the start of the episode, that means something very special. Even moreso than usual.
This reviewer is, and always has been, in awe of the writing. It is like a clinic in the correct use of the dramatic vehicle. It is showy without being obvious and captivating without beating you over the head. Best of all, if you watch the episode a second time, you will catch stuff you missed ... and how often does that happen in TV?
Also notice the traction the director gets from Olivia Munn's face. I mean that literally. Munn has one of the most expressive faces in Hollywood. She doesn't have one expression, she has an infinite supply of expressions. The director caught this early, and really gets mileage from that.
2. Sorkin has announced that this season is his swan song, hinting, in fact, that he may be retiring completely after this last season of Newsroom. Therefore, when you see the credit on the screen "teleplay by Aaron Sorkin" at the start of the episode, that means something very special. Even moreso than usual.
This reviewer is, and always has been, in awe of the writing. It is like a clinic in the correct use of the dramatic vehicle. It is showy without being obvious and captivating without beating you over the head. Best of all, if you watch the episode a second time, you will catch stuff you missed ... and how often does that happen in TV?
Also notice the traction the director gets from Olivia Munn's face. I mean that literally. Munn has one of the most expressive faces in Hollywood. She doesn't have one expression, she has an infinite supply of expressions. The director caught this early, and really gets mileage from that.