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The Newsroom Season 1 Episode 1

We Just Decided To

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AIRED: Jun 24, 2012

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8.3

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EPISODE REVIEWS
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Episode Summary

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After his breakdown, Will McAvoy, the most popular news anchor in the U.S., returns to work to find out things have massively changed. Most of his staff have left the show and his boss has hired a brilliant new executive producer, MacKenzie MacHale, his ex-girlfriend. MacKenzie comes in with one mission - change the show from a pandering, ratings driven news program to a truth driven, ethical and fair news report reminiscent of the original news programs. First up, the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill.

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TV.com Episode Review

The Newsroom's Series Premiere: Soapbox Derby

Though it certainly had its flaws, the debut of Aaron Sorkin's latest drama offered plenty of tantalizing ideas that make me believe it might all work in the end.

By Alex Navarro, Jun 25, 2012

Fan Episode Reviews (10)

Intelligent Television is back! Oh and Sorkin too...

10

By tvnut77, Jul 16, 2012

This is what I'm talking about! Six years since The West Wing left us and I've been wondering ever since if I would be able to watch a show that made me think ever again. This show is vintage Aaron Sorkin and I soaked up every second of this wonderful series premiere.

Set during the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, the news show is transformed to what we always wanted our news to be - honest and fair; not balanced but fair. I only wish the real world could be the same. Mackenzie is witty, smart and sexy. She is the center of the show despite Will being the anchor. Sorkin's idealism bleeds through the script at every turn and inspires me to change my life and positively effect the world.

I can't wait to see how the show holds up over the rest of the season and hopefully for many more to come. I highly recommend it.moreless
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I love How the programme touches on the state of emotions not only in America but also in the whole world.

9.5

By lettie134, Jun 30, 2012

America is not what is use to be, be it can be what it was. That is such a optimistic aspect to the currrent social tempo in America right now. Not only is it what everyone is thinking and will not say out loud but it also shows just how deflated but humble American's ego has become (espicaly the news channels). At first I was taken back by the raw emotion of the drama. The tempo was hightened by the relevant descion of Obamas campaign and how he has shaped the country currently. The cinematic conventions had brought a welcomed mysterious atmosphere to the debate, with the camera focusing in and out. It was as if the convesation had made us dizzy with exhaustion. When in fact the main protagoinst, Will McAvoy,himself was completely underwhelmed by the situation. We realise by the quick jokes and easiness of his glance that he had been hear before. After his dribbling rant about the state of America, he comes to work and finds his life completely upside down. And some more raw emtion is spilled and in the most honest and inpolite way possible. I adore the heated dynamic of the show and it intensifies even more when Mckenzie arrives. Awomen who has a history and a past that effects everyone int he story espically Will as she is is ex , and he did not know she was coming. Mackenzie has style and class and is sure of her self. As a Brit, I loved the apearence of Dev Patel, Nel, he brings some romantic nostalga to the casting crew. Duo to his role in Slumdog'.

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What a goup!!

10

By keramarie, Jun 27, 2012

This cast was picked perfectly! I was never particularly an Emily Mortimer fan, but moments into her first scene, my mind changed. Jeff Daniels is incredible, especially when he goes off the handle... And I have never seen Sam Waterston play a funnier part. He was hilarious!

We saw the wall start to break down between Will and Mackenzie and I can't wait to learn more about their past relationship and what happened to it. Also, as a fan of the underdog, I am eager to see if Jim can get closer to Maggie. She seemed to be pretty charmed by his work, as he was hers. That was cute. Who I want to see more of are Dev Patel and Olivia Munn.

This was a great first episode!, Mackenzie clearly showed that she is great at what she does, and she knows what makes Will uncomfortable and what makes him flourish. They will be a great team, once he admits it. Can't wait for episode 2...moreless
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Finally Sorkin is back

10

By MechoValchev, Jun 27, 2012

Finally!!! I have been waiting for this since some idiot canceled studio 60. Another fast-pace, great dialogue, actor-centered show from Sorkin. It's like the show is about the show. YES good TV can be intelligent. I just finished watching the episode and can't wait for the next one allready
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Exactly what I was missing... the Aaron Sorkin pace

10

By AkumaHu, Jun 26, 2012

Wow... I had forgotten how much I liked the West Wing until I saw this. Though it will be weird if the show is going to be set a few years in the past, I can see myself becoming just as addicted. The time setting is necessary for the show so I will trust the production team. Now the cast is absolutely amazing and the ease in which I believe them in their roles (despite having seen most of them in other roles) is impressive.

Cannot wait for the next episode!moreless
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Cast & Crew: STARS

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Jeff Daniels	Will McAvoy
Emily Mortimer	Mackenzie MacHale
John Gallagher Jr.	Jim Harper
Alison Pill	Maggie Jordan
Thomas Sadoski	Don Keefer
Dev Patel	Neal Sampat

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Cast & Crew: RECURRING AND GUESTS

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David Harbour	Elliot Hirsch	Guest Star
Elizabeth Marvel	Sharon	Guest Star
David Cromer	Moderator	Guest Star
Adina Porter	Kendra James	Recurring Role
Chris Chalk	Gary Cooper	Recurring Role
Margaret Judson	Tess Westin	Recurring Role

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Episode Photos

John Gallagher, Jr. in The Newsroom from...

© 2012 Home Box Office
Thomas Sadoski in The Newsroom from "We ...

© 2012 Home Box Office
Dev Patel in The Newsroom from "We Just ...

© 2012 Home Box Office
Emily Mortimer in The Newsroom from "We ...

© 2012 Home Box Office

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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TRIVIA (1)
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- The voice of MMS inspector Eric Neal is done by none other than Jesse Eisenberg.
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QUOTES (6)
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- Will McAvoy: Just in case you accidentally wander into a voting booth one day, there are some things you should know, and one of them is there is absolutely no evidence to support the statement that we're the greatest country in the world.
  
  We're seventh in literacy, 27th in math, 22nd in science, 49th in life expectancy, 178th in infant mortality, third in median household income, number four in labor force, and number four in exports.
  We lead the world in only three categories: Number of incarcerated citizens per capita, number of adults who believe angels are real, and defense spending where we spend more than the next 26 countries combined, 25 of whom are allies.
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- Mackenzie: You won't remember this, but the first time you met my parents,you had flowers for my mother.You took my father to an Orioles game and then you met us for dinner...And I wanted to tell you that you were perfect...Like I said, you wouldn't remember, but I wanted to thank you.
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- Charlie Skinner: Young lady, get on
  your Twitter account.We're doing this
  whole broadcast on the fly.Will doesn't have a rundown,it's the EP's first show, and she's got the whole thing in her head.She's the only one who knows where we're going next.It's a feat that requires incredible trust between the anchor and the EP...Say all that.
  
  Young Lady: I can only use 140 characters.
  
  Charlie Skinner: Figure it out.
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- Mackenzie MacHale: Do you know how to flirt?
  Jim Harper: Yes.
  Mackenzie MacHale: Show me.
  Jim Harper: Hi.
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- Mackenzie MacHale: You okay?
  Maggie Jordan: Oh, I just got an allergy.
  Mackenzie MacHale: To what?
  Maggie Jorda: Oysters.
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- Charlie Skinner: I'm a marine Don, I will beat the shit out of you I don't care how many protein bars you eat!
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NOTES (1)
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- Original International Air Dates:
  Czech Republic: July 30, 2012 on HBO
  Turkey: September 16, 2012 on CNBC-e
  Germany: November 22, 2012 on Sky Atlantic HD
  Finland: March 26, 2013 on YLE TV1
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ALLUSIONS (1)
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- There are multiple references to the book Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. The first reference is when MacKenzie is trying to convince Will to keep her and her team on the show. The second is when Charlie compares the news team to characters from the book.
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