5. The Sorkin of It All

The reason critics take pot shots at The Newsroom is the same reason fans tune in religiously: Aaron Sorkin. Say what you want about his scripts (and it’s been said here repeatedly), there’s a magnetism to his work that’s proven time and time again. Sports Night, The West Wing, A Few Good Men and The Social Network come to mind. And those are just some of the successes. Sorkin recycles plots and acts like no one will notice. He objectifies women and claims the show doesn’t have a sexist tone. He sticks to his patented and well documented devices like heavily worded, fast-paced dialogue with no intention of changing. And the public devours it every week anyway. For better or worse, everything wrong about the show pulls in viewers just as much as everything right.

4. The Munn-ster

What can’t be said about Olivia Munn? Up until now, she’s been relied upon for her perfect comedic timing. But within a few episodes of The Newsroom she quickly distinguished herself as an actress with range. She’s mastered Sorkin’s quickfire speeches with notable prowess. Being a female, her character has been in no way safe from constant misogyny. Somehow Munn is able to shine, while confusing Annie Oakley with Annie Get Your Gun and constantly projecting body image issues on others. She managed to exude charm while her stunning figure was a consistent focal point when stuck on the tarmac during “5/1.” Her chemistry with the staff is almost palpable; she often shines opposite Jeff Daniels, Emily Mortimer, and Thomas Sadoski. It would be nice to see her break the shackles of chauvinism once and for all. Her character is light years ahead of the rest of the accursed female cast.

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