DVD Review: 'Sports Night' - Complete 10th Anniversary Edition
The cast of ABC's "Sports Night"
"Sports Night" is the show where Aaron Sorkin established his oeuvre from 1998-2000: the ever moving cameras, the walk and talk, layered dialogue, and tons of dry humor coupled with drama. Sorkin got to try all these devices out on "Sports Night" before presenting them perfectly in "The West Wing" but the novelty of these devices is what makes "Sports Night" so exciting to watch again.
I had completely forgotten that ABC had tried to eff with the show by putting a laugh track on it that mysteriously fades away to nothing, gradually, by the end of the first season. ABC's lack of support for the show also manifests itself in the writing of the show, in metaphors that are fairly easy to pick up on. The show also admirable incorporated the stroke suffered by ensemble member, Robert Guillaume, into the storyline.
The fact that the "Sports Night" lasted only 2 seasons is a tragedy as it was humming along so well with great writing, great direction, and great performances when it was pulled. It was the "Arrested Development" of its time and was similarly mismanaged by its network.
Bonus features in the package include interviews with all the cast (Felicity Huffman calls her character, "Dana Whitaker", her all-time favorite) and Aaron Sorkin as well as some episode-by-episode commentary, gag reels, and your other expected add-ons.
If you liked "The West Wing" or are a fan of Felicity Huffman, Robert Guillaume, William H. Macy, Peter Krause, Joshua Malina, or Josh Charles - it's a no-brainer to get the complete "Sports Night". It's perfect for the mid-season blues we're heading for and you will whip through the entire series in no time.