The ten part first season focuses on Will McAvoy, charismatic but deeply troubled anchor of ACN's flagship show 'News Night'. The show opens at a university debate where Will is one of the guest speakers. Refusing to be drawn on his political allegiances, Will is stirred from his safe answers when someone in the audience asks him 'What makes America great?'. Looking into the audience Will sees a familiar face from his past in the shape of British actress Emily Mortimor (more on her later) who holds up a large sign saying "It's not, but it could be". What follows is one of the best introductions to a tv show I have seen as Will rips into the question. A summing up from me won't do it justice but it is on a par with Peter Finch's "I'm angry as hell..." speech given in the brilliant film 'Network' (highly recommend it, it will make your day!).
Anyway over the course of the next ten episodes we are given an insight into the politics of a TV network. The Newsroom takes real life events such as the BP oil spill and the assassination of Osama Bin Laden as central plot devices and moulds the episode around them. Throughout the season there is an interesting slant on phone hacking and just how far the tv and media in general are able to push the law.
The show was created by Aaron Sorkin, who lists amongst his writing credits 'The West Wing' and 'The Social Network' so you can expect sharp dialogue and a subtle blend of humour and drama. It is the cast who really make the show worth watching though.
Jeff Daniels will always be Harry from Dumb and Dumber in my head and this is perhaps the biggest hurdle when trying to get into The Newsroom. That Daniels manages to create a believable character that doesn't make it think of the Mutts Cutts Wagon is credit to the writers and the actor who make the viewer back Will on every action he does, even if he is a bit of a cock every so often.
Emily Mortimer plays Mac, the executive producer of News Night and one of Will's old flames. After Kelly MacDonald landing a big break in America thanks to her starring role in Boardwalk Empire, it is great to see another British actress being given a pivotal role in a major show.
The supporting cast includes Dev Patel, continuing the British invasion, as blogger and Big Foot enthusiast Neal as well as Sex Bob-Omb's very own drummer Alison Pill who plays office intern Maggie. There is also a brilliant slot for Terry Crews of The Expendables but I won't go into his role as it may spoil things.
All in all The Newsroom offers an intriguing insight into the world of a TV network. By using real life events as a basis it adds an authenticity to the plot that has been credited as being an authentic portrayal of how the news networks work in the USA. If anything its worth it just for Will McAvoy's debates and eventual put downs. Go and watch if you have a spare few hours!
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