Warning: Excessive Wikipedia Linkage to Follow!
I've been watching some of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip lately because I've come to like the witty banter that litters Sorkin's writing despite being occasionally made the butt of jokes because I'm of a certain faith. I happened to take note that there is a Christian character on this show by the name of Harriet Hayes who is quite outspoken about her faith (although I would argue she is written with some contradictions) and she is the former/soon to be again love interest of Mathew Perry's character (Matt Albie) as head writer. The interesting thing is that her character appears to be based on Kristin Chenoweth, who Aaron formerly dated for some ten months, and who was once a cast member of The West Wing (the writing credit that really put Sorkin in the limelight). Now in all honesty many writers draw from their surroundings to create the characters that inhabit their works so this in itself isn't too remarkable. What is remarkable to me is the manner in which it seems as if Sorkin is working out this past relationship through the two characters (Perry, being a writer on the show, could easily be a stand in for Sorkin). You have Albie repeatedly mention reasons why he should loathe Hayes but he is always ends up being enthralled by her charisma and such. Chenoweth has stated that conversations between the two characters on the show are "pretty much verbatim" to what she has had with Sorkin prior and I think it's clear he has a large admiration for her (see the second link). Watching last night I ended up remarking to my wife that it appears as if Sorkin still loves the woman and perhaps (though this could be far from the truth) wish things hadn't ended as Albie and Hayes both appear to be heading back towards a relationship with each other.
Why post about it? Well to me I find it interesting seeing a writer lay this all out with very little subtly as it is quite a large portion of the show so far. It's almost like watching a therapy session play out on a major network's dime. Have to give him credit for that. That and the fact that writers are really human after all. A friend of mine (who recently gave birth to a cute little baby boy) would probably appreciate that sentiment as a writer herself.
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