From a reader:

Studio 60 is fantastic. Sorkin is the best writer for television out there, a writer for adults who think.

Me: I love this. First, I should be fair, I think despite its schmaltz, absurd self-righteousness and other flaws, I thought West Wing was often pretty good entertainment. Moreover, I thought Sports Night was objectively good television.

But this “Sorkin is the writer for adults who think” thing is hilarious. It reminds me of the Public Radio channel on XM radio. From what I can tell, there’s nothing “public” about it except that it’s programmed like an NPR station so people can feel like their listening to NPR. It’s a kind of branding which assumes a whole lifestyle and orientation. Like the Sundance catalog or Trader Joes. Sorkin’s writing — including in West Wing and Sports Night — is designed for viewers who want to feel good about themselves for getting it. It’s like middle-brow Masterpiece Theater. I’m not saying the writing is stupid or that feeling good about “getting it” is inherently bad. That’s how lots of people feel about a lot of TV, often including sci-fi and the Simpsons. I’m sure it takes a lot of skill to do what Sorkin does. And it sells, which is all that counts in TV. But there’s a vanity to Sorkin — and to his fans — that is palpable. It’s ego-balm for BoBos.

Update: Considering all of my nasty mail of late, please indulge an attaboy:

Jonah,
Sorry for the email-fest but I had to add that you nailed it regarding Sorkin.
Just today I was telling a (lib) friend of mine that Sorkin’s shows are “smart” not in the sense that they make the viewer feel stupid. Just the opposite, EVERYBODY can watch it and feel that they’re very clever because they’re smart enough to get it. The fact that EVERYONE gets it doesn’t seem to diminish anyone’s feelings of superiority!
Keep up the good work.