Most of my weekly questions here at 5AM StoryTalk try to tackle bigger questions about art that both the casual art lover and most devoted artist might have something to say about.
I contend Joss Whedon’s behavior should have zero impact on one’s ability to appreciate the art, but this is the critic’s point of view. From a writer’s perspective, I can think of no other writers room I would have wanted to be a part of than ‘Better Call Saul. At that point, ‘Breaking Bad was revered by the world, creativity from every production department was at its peak, and viewer expectations had yet to be established. People wanted more stories from this universe and they wanted it now. These creative professionals had a vibe and process that was first class, best in business, a perfect balance between the commercialism and the art. Vince Gilligan is a kind, humble, brilliant artist, who lifts others up instead of tearing them down. His success is built on a well run team of artists and engineers operating on a fuel of respect and transparent creativity.
I don’t think Whedon’s behavior alters my love for his series, but the stories about the writers’ room and how cast and crew were treated certainly impacts my past fantasies about being part of the BUFFY room, in particular.
I agree. Good people should never have to suffer working for a Joss Whedon. We all deserve to work for and to be a Vince Gilligan for others when we lead.
I’m going with The X Files. It would have been awesome to be in a writers room that included Chris Carter, Glen Morgan, and eventually Vince Gilligan.
The X-Files is my default answer to this, and not just the original seasons. There are some masterclasses in writing in the most recent seasons, "Mulder and Scully Meet The Were-Monster" being my favourite example.
Close to the top of the list would also be Dexter; Six Feet Under; and Stranger Things.
"THE X-FILE's" creator is joining me for one of my artist-on-artist conversations in the next couple months. What I mean is, it should be published in March.
I remember you mentioned that a while ago. What I wouldn't give to have a coffee with that guy and pick his brain. What *I* mean is, I'm really looking forward to reading that one.
Strong characterization, tight and witty writing, and a genuine leave of human empathy.
Also, I don’t think it had a writer’s room per se, but Have Gun Will Travel is another prime choice for smart writers, especially Harry Julian Fink. I find the casual racism and sexism of the era unsettling, but there are some complex moral tales there.
Happy Endings. One of the funniest and most underrated comedies of its era. Rapid fire jokes, hilarious dialogue, and at times a lot of heart but fun. So many of the writers on that show would go on to be showrunners themselves which is another plus.
Hacks! It's honestly the best comedy-drama writing I've ever seen on screen. They do so much and go so deep in such short episodes. And it always surprises. I'm still reeling that we can't get watch Season 3 in the UK!
TNT's _Leverage_.
John Rogers' stories about the writing process are great.
John is joining me for one of my artist-on-artist conversations this year. We're just trying to wrap it up in between all his work.
That would be fun; I'd love to hear what he's up to these days.
I contend Joss Whedon’s behavior should have zero impact on one’s ability to appreciate the art, but this is the critic’s point of view. From a writer’s perspective, I can think of no other writers room I would have wanted to be a part of than ‘Better Call Saul. At that point, ‘Breaking Bad was revered by the world, creativity from every production department was at its peak, and viewer expectations had yet to be established. People wanted more stories from this universe and they wanted it now. These creative professionals had a vibe and process that was first class, best in business, a perfect balance between the commercialism and the art. Vince Gilligan is a kind, humble, brilliant artist, who lifts others up instead of tearing them down. His success is built on a well run team of artists and engineers operating on a fuel of respect and transparent creativity.
I don’t think Whedon’s behavior alters my love for his series, but the stories about the writers’ room and how cast and crew were treated certainly impacts my past fantasies about being part of the BUFFY room, in particular.
I agree. Good people should never have to suffer working for a Joss Whedon. We all deserve to work for and to be a Vince Gilligan for others when we lead.
I’m going with The X Files. It would have been awesome to be in a writers room that included Chris Carter, Glen Morgan, and eventually Vince Gilligan.
Chris is joining me for one of my artist-on-artist conversations in the next month or two. In fact, we've been bouncing questions back and forth already. You left my friend Frank Spotnitz out of this line-up; he was so integral to the series, Carter brought him along to help write the films! https://colehaddon.substack.com/p/q-and-a-tv-showrunner-frank-spotnitz?utm_source=publication-search
The X-Files is my default answer to this, and not just the original seasons. There are some masterclasses in writing in the most recent seasons, "Mulder and Scully Meet The Were-Monster" being my favourite example.
Close to the top of the list would also be Dexter; Six Feet Under; and Stranger Things.
"THE X-FILE's" creator is joining me for one of my artist-on-artist conversations in the next couple months. What I mean is, it should be published in March.
I remember you mentioned that a while ago. What I wouldn't give to have a coffee with that guy and pick his brain. What *I* mean is, I'm really looking forward to reading that one.
Great question and even better post. Grey's Anatomy Season 3 (or 1-3) for a classic, and Yellowjackets for current.
I love these choices. The writer's room for Yellowjackets would be an incredible experience.
My immediate and, to me, obvious response:
The West Wing.
Strong characterization, tight and witty writing, and a genuine leave of human empathy.
Also, I don’t think it had a writer’s room per se, but Have Gun Will Travel is another prime choice for smart writers, especially Harry Julian Fink. I find the casual racism and sexism of the era unsettling, but there are some complex moral tales there.
Succession, anyone?
Peaky Blinders, Deadwood and I May Destroy You, all of those shows had amazing story-telling
Ooh Mad Men would have been mine purely from a creative standpoint but I’ve similarly heard some not-great things about that work environment.
I think there's an obvious answer: Monty Python's Flying Circus.
lol. True. True. The Larch!
6 feet under, doctor who
Happy Endings. One of the funniest and most underrated comedies of its era. Rapid fire jokes, hilarious dialogue, and at times a lot of heart but fun. So many of the writers on that show would go on to be showrunners themselves which is another plus.
Abbott Elementary and The Office. Total comedic genius
Grey's Anatomy during the early seasons would have been interesting.
Bones any season or Hawaii Five-0, though I'm fairly certain there was some problematic behavior going on. My first choice would be Elementary.
Great question!
SNL - bring back Tina Fey and stop the juvenile misogyny.
Hacks! It's honestly the best comedy-drama writing I've ever seen on screen. They do so much and go so deep in such short episodes. And it always surprises. I'm still reeling that we can't get watch Season 3 in the UK!