That's the funniest thing. I too watched Heat on Tuesday night - I hadn't seen in in years, although I own the DVD. I was shocked to see Haysbert and didn't remember him at all.
I think some of the story lines were weak this year and the writing has suffered overall, but it's still one of the few shows I watch with any regularity.
From what I understand, Mamet fashions himself as somewhat of a defense-minded independent. I've read some quotes of his that were critical of Dems. He's no conservative, but he's certainly not in the Susan Sarandon crowd either.
I've seen Glengarry Glen Ross the movie about a dozen times and have seen the play three times. The 2005 NY production was terrific.
Not only that, I didn’t even known that Jeremy Piven was the doctor who treated Val Kilmer in the end, plus that’s the first time I saw William Fichtner in a movie. Aside from being the lead Delta guy in Black Hawk Down (and the bank manager with the shotgun in Dark Knight).
Regarding Mamet’s work, I have read that op-ed of his. The closest I could describe him is a neo-libertarian. He’s also a UFC fanatic as he said himself. No wonder he made the film “red Belt’. GG Ross is a remarkable piece of work. Usually I loathe Alec Baldwin, but his 5 minute rant of Always be selling’ is one of the most memorable scenes I could remember.