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Season 1, Episode 18, Aired
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Episode Summary

During a live show, Jordan has problems with her pregnancy while an even bigger problem is in store for Tom. Meanwhile, Matt's rampant pill use is discovered by a member of staff.
9.4
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EPISODE RATING: Superb
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Fan Episode Reviews (11)

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  • I really like the irony that Sorkin put into this episode.

    9.3
    "Superb"
    By vajka, Aug 16, 2008 Report Abuse
    You can't but notice the similarity of the ratings problem of both shows: both real and imaginery S60s are struggling with ratings and both networks push this topic very hard on them. Still on this line, I also liked the kind of confession that the main problem about ratings is the writing. Other real-world connection that I appreciated was Matthew Perry playing the addiction which was once true in his own life. What I liked:
    - Tom and Lucy's relationship - Jack trying to stop the news from publishing that fact that a celebrity is involved in the kidnap
    - Suzanne's talk to Matt: she was calm, she didn't push him, she just told him her experience and he knew he can't fool her
    - Danny confronting Matt about the pills

    What I didn't like: - the fight between Jordan and Danny and the fact that Danny doesn't take Jordan's advice (it's also out of their storyline because Danny fell in love with her because of her professional behaviour...) - it seemed that after the talk with both Danny and Suzanne, Matt took more pillsmoreless

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  • Studio 60 is/was a great show and this episode shows the great acting and writing. The ending involving Tom's brother and Jordan's pregnancy was truly emotional stuff.

    9.5
    "Superb"
    By hollygolightly3, Jun 30, 2007 Report Abuse
    This episode showed off the superb acting and writing central to Studio 60. The episode was left on a cliffhanger of sorts and was incredibly emotional. The chemistry between Danny and Jordan is great and the friendship between the cast (Harriet, Tom & Simon) is shown at its best here as Simon and Harriet try to decide whether to tell Tom a potentially devestating developement. This is a great episode for Tom too as not only is there the story involving his brother but also his budding romance with lucy. Overall a terrific episode, perhaps the best of the season in my eyes. The show in general has been awesome and like sport's night, Sorkin's other great TV show (And the West Wing obviously) it should not have been cancelled while reality shows remain.moreless

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    1 1

  • Breaking News Review.

    9.0
    "Superb"
    By shotime1979, Jun 05, 2007 Report Abuse
    I missed the episode before this one, and it was easy to pick up what's going on. It looks like people are scrambling on the show about the ratings of Studio City (Get it?), and it's pretty easy to see the comparison of Studio 60, and the real show, I don't think that's any coincidence.

    Matt's pill problem came to light...It was an alright scene, but they could have done so much more to make it a scene with more impact.

    The biggest part of the episode was of course the ending, which was built up nicely thought the show between the characters, and when the ending actually came it was done very well, and tasteful...They didn't exploit it, which it could have easily came of as, but they didn't go that way.moreless

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    3 0

  • Spoilers...

    10
    "Perfect"
    By Bingy42, Jun 02, 2007 Report Abuse
    This episode should have made the tv execs pick this show up. From a long, long time ago in an episode called "Nevada Day." you heard about Tom Jeter's brother... Well in this episode you hear about him again and you are reduced to tears with what's going on and realising that what is happening to is brother is what is REALLY happening out there... Not so long ago a journalist from my home country (UK) had exactly the same thing happen to him and he was killed. I was crying I mean even my friend laughed at me but she wasn't watching it at the time so she didn't understand why I was like why I was, I've entered into the world of these people and I'm upset that there's only ever going to be one series. Tom Jeter was never actually one of my favourite cast members but this episode has made me see him in a whole new light and I like him a lot now and I really feel for him even though it's not real and just a show, it's one's like these that can move you to the point of tears that make you realise how well written some shows are. Aaron Sorkin should be proud of this and rather upset that it ended way before it should have.moreless

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    2 0

  • How does this show get canceled?

    9.7
    "Superb"
    By dcw1980, Jun 02, 2007 Report Abuse
    Anyone who watched the last 10 minutes of this episode and wasn't moved does not have a pulse. The writing and acting from start to finish was outstanding. Watching the entire cast struggle with the issues of low ratings (as I'm sure the actual cast did) was just spectacular. Then tying it all together around drug problem of Matthew Perry's character was great. I'm truly sad to see this show go. This was one of those episodes that propel shows to greatness. And due to impatient TV execs we won't see much more of studio 60.moreless

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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  • Trivia

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    • A poster for Sorkin's first play is located in Matt's office. Edit
    • Guest Host: Jenna Fischer Guest Performer: Gran Bel Fisher Edit

  • Notes

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    • In Latin America, this episode aired on October 21, 2007, in CANAL WARNER. Edit
    • Show features Lucy Davis and Jenna Fischer, the actresses who played the receptionist roles in both versions of "The Office." Edit

  • Quotes

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    • Tom: (Tom sees footage of his brother held hostage) It doesn't look like him. Matt: Well, he was beaten up. Tom: That could be another Mark Jeter. Matt: Staff Sergeant, First Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron out of Bagram. These things turn out okay. Now, just let them handle.. (Tom throws something breaking the television screen.) Edit
    • (Danny has just learned that Matt has been taking pills to get high) Danny: Where are they? (Matt surrenders a bottle of pills) Danny: What the hell are these? Matt: Flintstones Vitamins. Danny: These are Flintstones Vitamins. Matt: Yeah. I like the Bam-Bams. You got a problem with that? Edit
    • Matt: (About taking drugs) As soon as we have a hiatus I'm gonna stop! (pause) Okay? Suzanne: My mom said that when I was nine. And when I was ten, she slit her wrists. (pause) Matt: I'm fine, Suzanne. I swear to God I am. Edit

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