The stage is then set for a two episode debate over homosexual marriage. The dynamic Studio 60 gives to this debate is actually quite unique, and is far more real than anything else you normally see on TV. While most shows broaching the topic tend to have everyone on one side or the other, and create a very confrontational atmosphere, Studio 60's writers have forced friends who know and respect each other, and in some cases love each other, to debate the issue both within themselves and with each other. Harriet is attacked for her viewpoint, and her friends come to her defense without question (though we don't necessarily know how they feel on the topic). Even the head writer, Matt (Matthew Perry), after spending the majority of both episodes berating her for her beliefs, finally confides in Harriet the thing that upset him most was not being the one to defend her on the street.

A similar conflict carries over into Pahrump's sheriff's office, where it's discovered that Tom was originally speeding so he could meet his brother who was deploying for a third tour in the Middle East. Tom refused to tell this to the judge because he didn't want his brother getting him out of the mess. The connection is discovered because Tom wears a bracelet that his brother gave him. We're left with a strong reminder that not everything is cut and dry in the political debate. The judge may hate the show these guys create, but they are not their show. Matt may hate Harriet's beliefs, but she is not the sum total of those ideas. And whether Matt likes it or not, her fierce grip on her values is one of the things that draws him to her.

It's a lesson we could all stand to remember.