Watching Studio60

I watched “Breaking News” again last night, and you can tell the show is really taking a turn for the dramatic in its last few episodes. About the only lightheartedness allowed was in the adorable flirting scenes between Tom and Lucy, and even they were colored by the knowledge that Tom was about to have the most terrifying night of his life. I really wish we could have had another season to watch this sweet little romance develop, but I guess we just have to imagine for ourselves that it does.

I also appreciated the subplot of Suzanne confronting Matt on his drug use — and then not taking his “Oh, I’m stopping” for an answer, but going to Danny. Suzanne’s been hanging around on the edges all season, providing funny exchanges here and there, and it was nice to see Merritt Wever get to play some serious stuff, too.

On the other hand, I could have done with a whole lot less of Mary Tate, that plot device in heels. I guess she has to be around this evening to get involved in the K&R stuff to come, but her continued questioning/flirting with Matt just grates. I guess if Luke was around to make Matt look good, maybe Mary’s around to make Harriet look better. Do we really have to wait four more episodes for them to get back together?

Speaking of annoying characters who need to go away, Jordan got bludgeoned quite a lot with Hallie, though at least we didn’t have to see that little weasel. Is this what Jack brought her on for, to threaten Jordan with? It put Jordan in an awfully uncomfortable position, and Danny didn’t make it any easier by doing what he wanted regardless. As glad as I am to not have to see Hallie anymore, it would have been kind of fun seeing her try to chastise Danny over the ratings. Jordan’s been too distracted by her pregnancy to put that girl in her place, but I’m thinking Mr. Tripp might have been up for the task.

But now we’re at the top of the roller coaster, and facing a long, scary, downhill race to the finish. Jordan’s off to the hospital. Tom’s brother is in captivity. And we’ve got just four episodes left with these people.

Come later this week for a recap of “Breaking News,” memorable lines, and five questions.

Studio 60, NBC, Breaking News, review