99 Words About … The welcome return of Aaron Sorkin

The walk-and-talk. The witty banter. The wide-eyed optimism of a medicated 8-year-old.

Aaron Sorkin is finally back on television where he belongs.

"The Newsroom" (10 p.m. Sunday, HBO), a behind-the-scenes look at a cable newscast anchored by Jeff Daniels, is familiar turf for the writer of "Sports Night" and "Studio 60."

It never reaches the dizzying heights of Sorkin's "West Wing."

And inexplicably set in 2010 amid the tea party uprising - hello, Sharron Angle! - the drama occasionally feels like it's shooting fish in a time capsule.

But, sweet Sally on a water slide, it's good to have him back.

- CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE