What TV Guide’s not telling you about this one is that it’s a de facto spin-off of “The West Wing.” It’s set in the universe in which Jed Bartlet is president, it was created by a former “Wing” writer-producer, and you can be certain NBC greenlighted it because “Wing” is so well regarded at the network and elsewhere. (Oh, and it stars Josh Brolin, son of James Brolin; the elder Brolin played Gov. Ritchie, the Bush-esque Republican who ran against Bartlet last year.) What “Mister Sterling” doesn’t inherit from “West Wing” is likely the only thing that counts: the singular services of writer-creator Aaron Sorkin.
8 p.m. Friday. NBC.
TV Guide says:
TV Guide says:
“Debut: Josh Brolin stars as a maverick U.S. senator who shakes things up when he's appointed to fill a vacancy caused by the death of a scandal-plagued incumbent in this series created by MSNBC commentator (and former West Wing writer-producer) Lawrence O'Donnell. Brolin plays William Sterling Jr., who's running a California prison school when he's tabbed by the cynical governor (Bob Gunton), who needs a ‘Mr. Clean’ fast. It doesn't hurt that Sterling's father (James Whitmore) is a popular former governor, but on his first day in office, the son demonstrates that he's very much his own man.”
Entertainment Weekly says:
“I gotta say, it's not half bad. Yes, it's a little too '’Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,’ but there's a nice twist to it as well. Here's to pleasant surprises.”
The Hollywood Reporter says:
“ … a sort of ‘West Wing’ lite. … Brolin brings a smugness and confidence to the role that belies what you'd expect to find in a freshman senator. There is little agonizing over decisions, be they on controversial issues or personnel. His transition from a sensitive prison teacher who disdains politics to a hardball legislator is something of a Jekyll-to-Hyde transformation. … There are more textured and evocative performances by supporting cast members, including Audra McDonald, William Russ and David Norona, who play staffers. There's also a commanding performance by Whitmore in what is, unfortunately, a guest role.”
Variety says:
” … shoots into the red at times on the implausibility meter, but there's a sturdy foundation underneath this midseasoner that could lure in ‘West Wing’ fans intrigued more by the story than its cinematic appeal.. … Tucker Gates' direction gives ‘Mister Sterling’ a wham-bam pace not unlike its Pennsylvania Avenue cousin. … The first two episodes of ‘Mister Sterling’ consist almost exclusively of setup. Not much actually happens, and it's difficult to get a read on where this show is actually going. … The supporting cast hits a lot of right notes early on, and McDonald, winner of three Tonys before turning 30, has a wholly different presence on the small screen than the stage. Next to Brolin's sternness and the exasperated perf of Russ, she's overly reserved, her perf relying on posture as much as facial expressions. … As her charactter grows, and is actually allowed some ambiguity, it's quite possible ‘Miss Brock’ will be more of an attraction than the far-more consistent ‘Mr. Sterling.’”
