No Man Is an Island

It’s a shame that Aaron Sorkin’s ego will not allow him to see the solution to his frenzied work schedule (“On a Wing and a Prayer,” Oct. 10). And it’s a shame that the Los Angeles Times and other news organizations continue to glorify writer-producers like Mr. Sorkin, David E. Kelley and their peers who insist on claiming authorship for every episode of their shows, no matter what the consequences.

There is a reason Mr. Sorkin’s writing staffs are less than thrilled. They are not simply fueling his imagination. They are providing ideas, supplying plot lines and character development while Mr. Sorkin takes the credit--and the payments--for the scripts. Since he already enjoys a lucrative development deal, I can’t believe this is about money. It’s about something even more seductive: power.

By delivering scripts at the last minute, or past deadline, these writer-producers affect everyone’s job. Casting directors are forced to assemble a cast in just days. Their directors, set and costume designers, location managers, editors and other technicians must scramble to do their jobs in a shorter period of time.

Mr. Sorkin says he doesn’t have time to consider the frustrations of his staff. He should check his job description because that’s what being in charge is all about.

I wonder when the networks will stop idolizing the “one-man show” and realize there’s another way to get the job done. A way that’s much more economical, and definitely more comfortable. Once you deflate that ego, there’s much more space in the room for the team to work together.

M.J. WALSH

Venice

*

So, Aaron Sorkin turns out to be just another vain, drug-driven, self-obsessed, egomaniacal Hollywood slick.

Gee, what a surprise.

No wonder his characters are slick, glib, archly over-articulate cartoons who have no passing resemblance to actual human beings of this or any other generation.

Something like the characters of, oh, I don’t know, David Kelley?

GARRY LUCHESSI

Studio City

*

I hold no personal animosity for Mr. Sorkin. However, on the surface, his drive to write two shows all by himself, regardless of the consequences to those around him (including his own wife), could be construed as narcissistic.

As a matter of fact, I have a story suggestion for Mr. Sorkin. Perhaps one of the charming anchors or lovely producers (I’d suggest a writer character, but “Sports Night,” oddly, has none) calls a staff meeting for 10 a.m. and doesn’t show up until 6:30 p.m., because he or she is busy on another show. I’m sure hilarity would ensue.

E. HARVEY LYNCH

Studio City