Sports Night Season 1

Even in this early work, the Sorkin writing tics can still be seen.  A Stand On Principle, Smartest Guy in the Room, Walking and Talking and so on.  I'd put it at mid-range for him.  Above Studio 60 or the Newsroom, but below An American President or the West Wing.  Which makes me think Sorkin is better at writing idealistic politics than television about television.  Also what was up with doing a Celebrity Athlete Rapist story and then dropping it after like an episode and a half?