This wasn't the first time I'd seen this series. I had seen a bunch of random episodes throughout the years, but it wasn't all that fresh in my mind and I never got a chance to pay specific attention to the story lines. Plus I was pretty young when The West Wing started in 1999, so I don't think I really understood it.
As I watched it this time, I definitely had a much better understanding of the conversations, issues, and inner workings of the West Wing of the White House. Myself, I have never been very interested in politics. I rarely have opinions on the topics that come up in debates and most of the time I don't get a lot of the political sketches on Saturday Night Live. This doesn't mean I can't understand them, just that I don't pay enough attention to political news to understand the more specific and topical jokes. Don't worry, though. I got all the Sarah Palin stuff from 2008.
Anyway, my point is that even though I am not a political mastermind, I was still able to truly enjoy The West Wing. In fact, one of the reasons I like it so much is that it makes me think about these issues and because the characters debate about them, I can get a clear picture of both sides. Then I can make the decision of where I stand. Yes, the issues in season one were from 1999-2000, but that doesn't make them completely irrelevant today. For example, the episode "Let Bartlet Be Bartlet" involves a discussion between White House staff members, military officers, and congressmen about the US Military policy of "Don't ask, don't tell." In the real world, this policy was just repealed less than a month ago (for more information). I frequently find myself watching this show and wondering what I would do if I were in the shoes of one of these characters.
Additionally, The West Wing doesn't come across as preachy or pushy of any specific ideals. President Bartlet is a Democrat and many of the characters share the same values that are commonly associated with that party, but in most cases any issue brought up is argued equally on both sides. There are definitely cases where one side of an issue is painted in a better light, but always can the audience make up his or her own mind.
On the production side, the writing is great. Although, what else would you expect from Aaron Sorkin? The pace is fast and there is plenty of his walk-and-talk dialogue. Frequently, I find myself unsure of what exactly is going on, but I always find my way back. Even though I may not initially understand an issue, I never get completely lost. If one character mentions it briefly, another will explain it a little bit better. It walks that fine line between being too vague and treating the audience like an idiot. And for a show about a very serious topic, there is also quite a bit of humor and silliness.
CJ Cregg (Allison Janney) doing "The Jackal": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7H_L5cYkg8
And the acting is beautiful. The main cast for season one includes Dulé Hill, Allison Janney, Rob Lowe, Richard Schiff, John Spencer, Bradley Whitford, and Martin Sheen. They are all fantastic and have the Emmy nominations and wins to prove it. But what I really enjoy are all the random guest stars from other shows that pop up from time to time.
A Few Examples
Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men)
Nick Offerman (Parks & Recreation)
Sam Lloyd (Scrubs)
Kathryn Joosten (Desperate Housewives)
Harry Groener (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Liza Weil (Gilmore Girls)
Jorja Fox (CSI)
Lisa Edelstein (House)
Stockard Channing
Marlee Matlin
Stockard Channing
Marlee Matlin
Josh Lyman (Bradley Whitford) meets Joey Lucas (Marlee Matlin): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pStRYD1DEKM
I'm sure many of you have seen The West Wing before. Feel free to agree and disagree as you like. I'm only four episodes into the second season, so perhaps my opinion will change as I move forward through the next 128 episodes. But for now, I like what I am seeing. I urge you to tell me your thoughts in the comments below. I think the show, which often emphasizes the importance of debate in a Democracy, would greatly appreciate it.
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