By Faith McQuinn

So, here we are: Afghan militiamen are still holding Tom Jeter’s (Nathan Corrdry) brother captive. Jordan (Amanda Peet) is having some serious post-surgical complications, and the flashbacks from 2001 are starting to make more sense. Oh, and Simon (D.L. Hughley) is dealing with his own misstep, but that little issue actually isn’t as important as it should be. Ladies and gentlemen, this is K&R: PART III.

This episode picks up where last week’s left off. Simon has just basically told the press he wants to kill them — something every celebrity has probably wished upon the press at many a turn. But this time, it will be spun into a terrorist-sympathizing statement, and NBS president Jack Rudolph (Steven Weber) is having none of that. Already, I am thoroughly interested in the fight that will ensue between these men. Both are stubborn and both have a point to prove. Sadly, this plot  is just used as a kick start into flashbacks and as a bumper between the other two story lines. I really love D.L. Hughley’s character, and I wish Aaron Sorkin had developed his story more.

Instead, Sorkin seems adamant about focusing on patriotism and what it actually means by fleshing out the flashback plot a little more. Every other line out of a character’s mouth is about conservatism, liberalism and patriotism. I’m all for bringing political themes into pop culture, but I know when I’m being struck over the head. You can stop now. I get it. Patriotism is no longer the same word it was pre-9/11. Can we just get back to the more interesting story lines instead?

Speaking of interesting story lines, we do get to spend some time with Harriet (Sarah Paulson) and Danny (Bradley Whitford) at the hospital. After Danny finds out more bad news about Jordan’s condition, Harriet comes to him with a simple statement, “I can do one of two things. I can give you more Holly Hunter … or I can teach you how to pray.” It’s refreshing to see a character on television that has a true love of God. Granted, she’s made fun of on a regular basis, but it never shakes her faith. Most shows seem to be afraid of religion, but STUDIO 60 never shies away from it. Once in the hospital chapel, Harriet tries to convince Danny that he should kneel when he prays. Danny doesn’t understand the point (of the kneeling or the praying), and for the umpteenth time in the run of this series, I completely understand both sides of the argument.

That’s the true beauty of STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP. No matter how you feel politically or religiously, you can still find a way to respect what each character believes. Even though this week’s episode was a little on the sluggish side, I still can’t stop loving the characters. The main cast is always very solid, but I must give props to the guest spots too. No one is left out of the three-dimensional character circle. Lawyer Mary Tate (Kari Matchett) is a perfect example. She’s been hanging out at Studio 60 covering a sexual harassment case, but her legal know-how has plopped her in the middle of both major story lines. Brother kidnapped by terrorist in a foreign country? Mary’s the woman with the K&R contacts. Best friend’s fiancé just had a baby he has no legal rights to? Mary might be able to whip up some paperwork to take care of that. If Mary Tate had been in more scenes in this week’s episode, I might take back my comment about the sluggish plot.

Here’s to hoping next week will bring a faster pace, more information, and hey, can I get a little comedy too?