The 5 Best Characters on Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

Aaron Sorkin's "Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip" is something of an anomaly. It's received incredibly mixed critical attention - garnering both some of the best and some of the worst reviews I've ever seen an new television show receive. And, of course, its ratings have been a huge disappointment to NBC, particularly in light of Sorkin's last show, the blockbuster "The West Wing." And while "Studio 60" is certainly no "West Wing" (which, for the record, was certainly no "Sports Night"), it does have one thing going for it - some incredibly compelling characters. In that spirit, let's count down the five most compelling characters in Aaron Sorkin's new primetime drama.

5. Darius Hawthorne:

Darius is an amazingly compelling character. From his debut as a stand-up comedian in "The Wrap Party", to his ongoing feud with Simon Stiles about the nature of "blackness" in comedy, I can't keep my eyes off Darius whenever he's on screen (which is a tragically rare occurrence). And, of course, he delivered one of the most shocking moments in Studio 60's short history - mockingly using the "n-word" during one of his encounters with Simon. Combine that with Columbus Short's amazing acting, and Darius is easily one of Studio 60's most compelling characters.

4. Jordan McDeere:

Honestly, who doesn't love Amanda Peet? And Jordan McDeere might be one of her best roles yet - a sassy, sexy, pregnant network executive. Between fighting for classy television programming to fighting off Danny Tripp's ever-cuter advances, and doing it all with effortless grace, Jordan is hands-down my favorite female lead of the season.

3. Jack Rudolph:

Okay, I admit it. I was never a fan of "Wings," and when I heard that Steven Weber was going to have a major role in "Studio 60," I was a bit apprehensive. What a mistake - because Jack Rudolph steals every single scene he's in. His development over the course of the season from the corporate suit that you love to hate, into the defender of the free press that you just plain love, is easily Studio 60's best character arc. And his interactions with Tom Jeter are constantly hilarious.

2. Danny Tripp

Bradley Whitford was my favorite actor on "The West Wing," so of course I was thrilled to see he'd be joining the cast of Studio 60. And what an addition he makes! Danny, fresh out of rehab (self-writing a bit much, Mr. Sorkin?) has been compelling from the first episode. As he struggles to get both the show and he life in order, and as he tries to win Jordan's affections, he becomes more and more endearing. And those attempts in particular are what make Danny so compelling. Sending her letters of reccomendation was a brilliant step, and flat-out telling her no when she asks him to stop pursuing her was simply jaw-dropping. Good work again, Mr. Whitford.

1. Matt Albie

And finally, we have Matt Albie. Sorkin's most obviously self-referencing character to date, Matt is a troubled writer who's taken on the responsibility of writing a weekly one-hour show almost entirely by himself. Matthew Perry handles this role beautifully, toning down his Friends persona just enough to show his range as an actor. His off-again, off-again relationship with Harriet is reason enough to watch the show, but throw in his growing maybe-an-addiction to prescription drugs and his constant one-liners, and you have easily the best character on Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip.