4.35: The Sweet Smell of Air (Sports Night S2E12)

Lex and Brian are back, and certainly missed you, dear listener. Sam’s back too, and Dana’s a bit “psyched out”. Meanwhile, the team lands an interview with Michael Jordan, but turns out there are strings attached; and Casey has to figure out how to talk to a bunch of 5th graders. What could go wrong? We’ll let you know as we do what we do: Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Dan and Casey cover a boxing match. Or at least, they try to. There are a couple challenges, including The Cut Man, a fast TKO, and Dan’s dad being a jerk. Luckily, neither Brian nor Lex is a jerk, nor do they insist you call them Cut Man. They just want you to join them for another edition of Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Cracks are forming in Dana’s dating plan while Dan is recruiting a reluctant Isaac for a special feature on, you guessed it, the Giants winning the pennant back in 1951. Sure, Lex and Brian are wondering how Sorkin continues to pick the strangest titles for his shows, but you, dear listener, need not worry. Just keep Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

You know how Brian and Lex hate Dana’s dating plan for Casey? Boy oh boy, does it come to a head this week, in A Girl Named Pixley. On a podcast named Sorkin’ In It, two hosts named Lex and Brian are an emotion called annoyed. Also, Jeremy might win an award. (Spoiler: He doesn’t. Just ask Natalie.) Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Fresh off his drug scandal, Dana’s brother is coming to visit. Casey tells her to be nice. Dan is TOO nice when reviewing Natalie’s audition tape — until he veers unnecessarily hard the other way. Casey is failing his audition for “best friend ever” with Brian and Lex, but no matter. We’re still Sorkin’ in it together. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Dana’s excited about a fresh NFL steroids scandal… until she realizes her own brother is caught up in the mix. Also, Jeremy eventually fires an intern who absolutely should be fired, even if maybe Jeremy’s motivation for the firing isn’t perfect. You know what IS perfect, though? Our analysis. Join Brian and Lex. Let’s Sorkin’ In It together. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

How far would you go for a friend? Or, maybe an acquaintance who helped you that one time? Casey asks himself this same question as he considers re-editing an interview to make the guest look not terrible. Meanwhile Dan can’t seem to say the name “Kafelnikov”, and we roll our eyes at a very throwaway subplot about Natalie disagreeing with the pope. Lex and Brian get into it with their patent-pending banter and always-good vibes so you can keep smiling while you Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

With a title like “Louise Revisited”, Sorkin fans may think this is another “Jeremy narrates the episode” trope, but Lex and Brian are relieved to find out that’s not the case. Instead we have a silly subplot about a “Who’s cooler, Dan or Casey” online poll and way too much time spent dwelling on undergarments. This may sound like a bit of a mess, but not to worry, Lex and Brian are here to help you Sorkin’ in It (and they’re both wearing underwear). Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Rumors abound: Is the network bringing in a ratings consultant? Not exactly—Isaac is. Dana’s enforcing her terrible dating rule, Dan is reckoning with it, and the new guy at the show is… intimidating. Especially his mustache. There’s a lot to process. That’s why Brian and Lex are here. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Dana has an epiphany, but Casey isn’t a fan (Brian and Lex aren’t either). Meanwhile, Dan had breakfast with Hillary Clinton and tropes ensued. This may sound like an ominous episode title, but Lex and Brian found plenty to laugh about. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.