So Who's watching The West Wing?

[Deathstroke]

I watched last night's episode and found myself a bit surprised with how good it turned out.

Sad to see that Leo is going to be in a lesser role on the show. He's supposed to be back around as a consultant.

C.J. as Chief of Staff should be interesting.

So what about anyone else out there watching.

They just announced a couple days ago that Teri Polo will appear in four episodes this season. She plays the wife of Jimmy Smits' character.

[DLFerguson]

I figure that since Bartlett has to leave office by the end of this season (A President can only serve two consecutive terms, right?) the writers and producers are going to to be spending a considerable amount of time juggling characters and plots around.

Betcha Josh and Donna hook up before the season's over :D

And I'm looking forward to seeing how C.J. handles the job.

[Deathstroke]

I figure that since Bartlett has to leave office by the end of this season (A President can only serve two consecutive terms, right?) the writers and producers are going to to be spending a considerable amount of time juggling characters and plots around.

Betcha Josh and Donna hook up before the season's over :D

And I'm looking forward to seeing how C.J. handles the job.

The executive producer, John Wells, did say Josh and Donna getting together was a possibility, but not definite.

Actually, at the beginning of the show, the Bartlet administration was 18 months in so technically he'd be out midway through NEXT season. However, since there is no way to know if the show will be back next season, I think the producers are putting together a plan to "speed up" the time frame of the show.

[Shadowfax32]

"I want you jump off a cliff." I think C.J. as Chief Of Staff is an excellent choice. I bet the Irish guy comes back before Josh lets his intentions known. That Terry O'Quinn is on my three fav shows now: West Wing, Alias, and Lost.

Michelle

[borateen]

I came to the West Wing party late. I just finished with the first season, and I'm really looking forward to catching up. I tried watching the episode but I stopped after just a few minutes. I don't like jumping in mid-stream after swimming through the beginning, so I'll watch as much as I can on DVD before getting into the new stuff.

And I'm kicking myself for not watching sooner.

[Deathstroke]

"I want you jump off a cliff." I think C.J. as Chief Of Staff is an excellent choice. I bet the Irish guy comes back before Josh lets his intentions known. That Terry O'Quinn is on my three fav shows now: West Wing, Alias, and Lost.

Michelle

I don't believe Jason Isaacs will be back. He was signed for only 3 episodes. He's had his three appearances now. Let him fade to limbo.

[Sean Whitmore]

Already better than last season, but still so far from the glory of seasons 1-4 it's ridiculous.

CJ's a rather odd choice as new CoS, no? She's not a policy maker, she rarely deals directly with other politicians, and I don't think she knows enough about the military to sit in the War Room.

What's her security clearance, anyway? She didn't even get one of those "directions to the fallout shelter" cards from the first season.

And isn't this a major slap in the face to Josh, who was...y'know...Leo's DEPUTY? He seems the much more logical choice, both rank-wise and skill-wise. Despite the rather goofy way he was handled in the last episode, which seems to be a Wells trademark (make a character act as stupid and out-of-character as possible to make it more dramatic when they step up and redeem themselves).


SEAN

[DLFerguson]

Already better than last season, but still so far from the glory of seasons 1-4 it's ridiculous.

CJ's a rather odd choice as new CoS, no? She's not a policy maker, she rarely deals directly with other politicians, and I don't think she knows enough about the military to sit in the War Room.

What's her security clearance, anyway? She didn't even get one of those "directions to the fallout shelter" cards from the first season.

And isn't this a major slap in the face to Josh, who was...y'know...Leo's DEPUTY? He seems the much more logical choice, both rank-wise and skill-wise. Despite the rather goofy way he was handled in the last episode, which seems to be a Wells trademark (make a character act as stupid and out-of-character as possible to make it more dramatic when they step up and redeem themselves).


SEAN

Yeah, but Josh also handed his card back in to the NSA which was no doubt reported to Leo. That in itself said something to Leo about Josh's character that he filed away for future reference.

And as been shown many times in the past, C.J. made common sense calls that were overrruled by both Toby and Josh. Josh even made a point of saying to C.J. on one occasion that he respected C.J. for not throwing it back in Toby's face that she made the right call and he didn't.

Throw in that the surrogate father/daughter relationship Leo and C.J. have and I think it makes perfect sense.

The only thing that would make it perfect is to have C.J. perform "The Jackal" at her final press conference,

[Deathstroke]

The only thing that would make it perfect is to have C.J. perform "The Jackal" at her final press conference,

Riiiiiigght! The new Chief of Staff on video doing a lip synch performance....and you thought Ashlee Simpson took a lot of crap?

[DLFerguson]

Riiiiiigght! The new Chief of Staff on video doing a lip synch performance....and you thought Ashlee Simpson took a lot of crap?

Yeah! If anything would make Leo get up outta bed and take his job back, that would certainly do it. :D

[Deathstroke]

If I remember correctly Kristen Chenoweth is reportedly going to be playing the new Press Secretary with Marley Shelton backing her up so to speak.

If I recall correctly.

[Sean Whitmore]

If I remember correctly Kristen Chenoweth is reportedly going to be playing the new Press Secretary with Marley Shelton backing her up so to speak.


Bet they're wishing they kept the Mandy character around.


SEAN

[Deathstroke]

Bet they're wishing they kept the Mandy character around.


SEAN


No way, she was a media consultant and the character was a drip. She'd have been terrible as Press Secretary.

[Deathstroke]

Wow, last night's episode was very good.

I thought it did an excellent job of showing the rather chaotic nature of a emergency switch in positions.

I though NBC did a marvelous job in cutting the promo that aired the week leading up to the episode since I don't think anyone had a clue that Toby quitting was actually part of a practical joke the staff was playing on CJ.

Jimmy Smits was interesting as the new character Matthew Santos. Kristen Chenoweth as the new media relations member was kind of funny. She's going to give Toby quite a run for his money.

Speaking of Toby, Richard Schiff does such a great job in the scenes where his character completely blows even the simplest of jobs. The press briefing was a classic Toby moment.

I really think CJ is gonna be great as COS once she really gets settled in.

[Sean Whitmore]

I heartily agree. As sorry as I am to lose John Spencer as COS, it's almost worth it to detail how excrutiatingly difficult it'll be for whoever replaces him. I also like the reason they gave for not promoting Josh to the position.

And you're 100% right, Deathstroke. Toby's practical joke would have been obvious from the get-go if it hadn't been in the promo. As it was, even Josh's resignation had me fooled until the president walked in.

Funny way of introducing Jimmy Smits to the cast. "I quit!" :)

As bad as Toby's briefing was, it was nowhere near the disaster Josh's was five years ago (Toby: "WHERE IS HE?!"). Funny to see the roles reversed, but a little sloppy that Toby didn't fired back at Josh for ribbing him.

Oh, and who knew Miles Hutchinson had a heart? He's been an a-hole since the day we met him. Very nice twist at the end there.

CG to Margaret: "You're an odd woman and I've never completely understood you." That line right there was worth this whole storyline. :D


SEAN

[Deathstroke]

Sean, it's the first time I've been so hyped about an episode that I LIKED, in over a season!

If they did this type of episode all the time, I'd be very very happy.

It was nice to see the National Security Adviser back. I though they'd forgotten Nancy McNally. But where was the deputy?

[Deathstroke]

Damn, now that was a fine episode.

The show is pretty much firing on all cylinders again.

Charlie and Zoey possibly getting back together?

I loved the scene between Leo and CJ as he explained to her why he has the President plays a game of chess each week.

Poor Josh, he always gets stuck with the idiot storyline of the week it seems.

CJ's solution for Charlie following through on his promise to quit as the President's body man once he graduated from college was perfect. I like how she pulled out the line, "so the President won't miss you."

I think it perfectly illustrated that Charlie is a surrogate member of the Bartlet family now.

Man, it was just a great show! This is how things should be all the time.

[Conn Seanery]

By the end of last night's episode I was waiting to see Aaron Sorkin's name in the credits again. I've always liked the show, but damn, this is what it felt like in the old days. I hope they keep it up.

[Deathstroke]

By the end of last night's episode I was waiting to see Aaron Sorkin's name in the credits again. I've always liked the show, but damn, this is what it felt like in the old days. I hope they keep it up.

They better, I can't suffer through another year like last year.

[Sean Whitmore]

Hey there, West Wing. It's been awhile. I've missed you.

Now that Bartlett is apparently through being forced to downplay every unpopular decision of his, I hope they get back to Chief Justice Ashland. Thank him for his service, force his mummified ass to step down, and get another strong Democrat like Mendoza in there.

Great to see Charlie getting some growth again. He's way too good a character in general (and way to important to Bartlett in particular) to be sidelined like he's been post-Sorkin. The last thing I can remember happening to him before this was getting slapped by that reporter, and that was crap.

Also glad that everyone's suddenly remembered Bartlett has MS. The disease isn't getting better or going away; his condition can only deteriorate from here. And in fact, right around the time of his re-election, that's just what it was starting to do.

Speaking of re-election, is a Seaborne presidency 100% out of the realm of possibility? That's what Rob Lowe was bitching about, not getting top billing, right? Ah, well, I can dream.


SEAN

[Deathstroke]

Ummm...the judge is gone already.

When Glenn Close guest starred last season she and another guy ended up getting on the Supreme Court Bench.

[Dennis K]

The few episodes that have been on this season are so much better than anything they did last year.

[Sean Whitmore]

Ummm...the judge is gone already.

When Glenn Close guest starred last season she and another guy ended up getting on the Supreme Court Bench.



....seriously?

Wow, you check out for a year and you end up missing everyting... :D


SEAN

[Deathstroke]

....seriously?

Wow, you check out for a year and you end up missing everyting... :D


SEAN

A Supreme Court Justice other than the old guy died.

Bartlet wanted to replace him, but since the guy was a conservative, it's not like it would be a liberal voted on by a Republican committee to replace him.

What they did was work out a "deal" the old guy retired and Glenn Close's character (who may be back this year) took his slot, while another guy more conservative got the other open slot.

[Mister Jerusalem]

I've been watching the reruns on ABC on Sunday nights and the new ones on NBC on Wednesday nights, so i'm all kinds of confused. I do love the show though, and am doing everything I can to catch up. I've heard quite a few people aren't too hip on seasons 4 & 5...why's that?

[Deathstroke]

I've been watching the reruns on ABC on Sunday nights and the new ones on NBC on Wednesday nights, so i'm all kinds of confused. I do love the show though, and am doing everything I can to catch up. I've heard quite a few people aren't too hip on seasons 4 & 5...why's that?

People thought the show got WAY to preachy in Season 4. I'm not one of them I loved the season.

However, the first half of Season 5 was beyond atrocious. It got better in the second half but not enough to overcome the first half.

[west3man]

My girlfriend is a BIG fan of the show. The same is probably true of me (thanks to her), but I don't know that I'm on HER level.

She watches reruns of that show like I watch reruns of Golden Girls. Same episode from 2-3 days ago? No problem!

We've got seasons 1 & 2 on dvd and are working on #3.


Anyway, the only comment I have at this time on the current season is this: LEO IS DEAD. I don't CARE that they showed him on the next episode still breathing... or that he's now walking and talking. I saw his FACE on that first episode and (I ain't kiddin') that mug will haunt me for the rest of my days. Looked like a horrible way to go. Then they flew off and left dat ass. AWW HELLLZ NAW.

I think they just barely had the balls to kill him off then pulled back or something. Whatever, he played the role too well or they didn't lay it out properly - Leo would not have survived, so whenever I see him, now, it's like they switched Psylockes or something.

[Deathstroke]

My girlfriend is a BIG fan of the show. The same is probably true of me (thanks to her), but I don't know that I'm on HER level.

She watches reruns of that show like I watch reruns of Golden Girls. Same episode from 2-3 days ago? No problem!

We've got seasons 1 & 2 on dvd and are working on #3.


Anyway, the only comment I have at this time on the current season is this: LEO IS DEAD. I don't CARE that they showed him on the next episode still breathing... or that he's now walking and talking. I saw his FACE on that first episode and (I ain't kiddin') that mug will haunt me for the rest of my days. Looked like a horrible way to go. Then they flew off and left dat ass. AWW HELLLZ NAW.

I think they just barely had the balls to kill him off then pulled back or something. Whatever, he played the role too well or they didn't lay it out properly - Leo would not have survived, so whenever I see him, now, it's like they switched Psylockes or something.


Ummm...it was made quite clear that they never had any intention of killing Leo off in all the advance articles.

[Deathstroke]

Nicely done episode this week.

Man, I'm so happy that the show is doing great things.

Josh and Matthew Santos had great energy.

I like seeing Donna's vulnerability.

C.J. is going gangbusters as Chief of Staff. I loved seeing her chew out Toby.

Will teeing off on Josh was pretty good too. I was wondering how long it would be before that happened.

It's weird to see Charlie working for CJ, and not the President.

[Sean Whitmore]

I agree with most of the good points, except in Will's case. He's supposed to be the original Mr. Smith going to Washington, and he's become almost instantly unlikeable since going to work for the VP. Telling Josh "get behind my guy or get out of my way?" Nuh-uh. He had more credibility when his candidate was a dead guy. And for what it's worth, Joshua Malina seems to agree.



SEAN

[Deathstroke]

I agree with most of the good points, except in Will's case. He's supposed to be the original Mr. Smith going to Washington, and he's become almost instantly unlikeable since going to work for the VP. Telling Josh "get behind my guy or get out of my way?" Nuh-uh. He had more credibility when his candidate was a dead guy. And for what it's worth, Joshua Malina seems to agree.



SEAN

Where did you see anything about Joshua Malina agreeing?

[Sean Whitmore]

Where did you see anything about Joshua Malina agreeing?


Sorry bout that, I shoulda hunted down the article when I said it.

http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=18695

Here's the bit in question:

He did suggest some disappointment in the changes made to his character Since Wells and co. took over. During an autograph session that followed the speech, someone asked about how Will had gone from being such an optimistic "Mr. Smith" character to being the guy who defends a VP of dubious moral fiber. Malina sighed and said "I used to make it rain."



SEAN

[Deathstroke]

Wow interesting article.

It gives a big spoiler about the presidential race too.

[Sean Whitmore]

Wow interesting article.

It gives a big spoiler about the presidential race too.


Mmm, I wouldn't be so sure. This guy might not think much of Russel's chances, but they spent a lot of time last season demonstrating that he's "not as bad" as everyone thinks.

I dunno, though...the more I think about it, if next year is the last season as some are guessing, I'm sort of expecting an Angel type ending, where we don't find out exactly who wins.



SEAN

[Deathstroke]

Mmm, I wouldn't be so sure. This guy might not think much of Russel's chances, but they spent a lot of time last season demonstrating that he's "not as bad" as everyone thinks.

I dunno, though...the more I think about it, if next year is the last season as some are guessing, I'm sort of expecting an Angel type ending, where we don't find out exactly who wins.

SEAN

Man, I hope not. I'm still pissed at ABC when they pulled that crap with Benson.

[Deathstroke]

The show continues on it's merry way of rebuilding the high quality storytelling it had during the first four seasons.

I enjoyed everything, but the flag flap story was fantastic.

You know, it didn't dawn on me about the President not seeing the flag and why. It was set up perfectly for the long time viewers because he'd done a similar thing during his re-election campaign, pretending not to know the camera was still on.

So when everyone was assuming he was making a statement and pretending it was a mistake, I didn't think about the MS.

However, when Leo said the same thing and the President's face froze, I instantly said, "Oh no, it's the MS."

Which was later confirmed when he told his wife during the concert.

Tomorrow's episode promises to be a kick ass show as the MS apparently gets worse.

The way they are going, I guess they will be writing him out by the end of the season.

[Sean Whitmore]

I loved it as well, but does it seem like Josh is in danger of being marginalized again like he was last season? Another "knock him down so he can triumph in the end" story?



SEAN

[Deathstroke]

I loved it as well, but does it seem like Josh is in danger of being marginalized again like he was last season? Another "knock him down so he can triumph in the end" story?



SEAN

Considering what they have planned for his character for the season, I don't think he's in any danger of being marginalized.

[Shade]

Thanks for the Josh Malina article SEAN. He's gone from being my favorite character on the show to my being annoyed every episode by what they have turned him in to. Although I thought him saying "Get behind my guy or get out of my way" was the most IN character thing he has said all year. Just like his dead candidate he believes in what he is doing with Russell. And last year, when they needed him they believed in him as well. I know politics makes for fair weather friends but Will has every reason to be pissed about the treatment he and his boss are recieving and every right to tell them he works for the VP and if they aren't supportive of him, don't expect him (or Will) to help you when it convenient and get out of my way while I do my job of getting my man elected.

I LOVE Tim Mattheson, but if Josh takes his job, or hell they even get him to the point of being a legitimately sellable candidate I'll be done with this show.

[Deathstroke]

So what did everyone think of Wednesday's episode?

With the show having the MS attack the President so hard right now, I'm getting pretty sure that they are going to be writing Jed Bartlet out after this season.

How about the look on Will's face when Josh told him he didn't want to see Bob Russell in the White House.

I'm thinking Donna is about to quit on Josh. She kept trying to talk to him and he kept brushing her off. You could see it on her face that she was becoming annoyed.

[Sean Whitmore]

Many things to like about this episode, not the least of which is some character continuity (Bruno, the Surgeon General).

I like Alan Alda a lot more than I thought I would. Not having been a fan of M*A*S*H, I haven't been impressed with NBC's little promotional blitz up until now. Now we've got a Republican threat with some teeth, not the out-and-out cartoonish villain that Ritchie was.

I loved Josh going off on Penn and Teller, and only calming down once he realizes he's never met them. :D

I don't know about Will, he seems to be getting more sycophantic. For a guy who championed a dead candidate in order to remove an embarrassing Republican from office, I don't see how he can be fighting so hard for Russell. "So we can turn him into the president we need" only makes it sound like Russell *really* isn't ready for it.

The presidential race is a rather odd thing, since we're gonna be throwing our support behind a side character or even all-new character, and we've really got no opinions about these guys other than the opinions the main characters do. We're told Vick is a great campaigner, we're told Russel is worthless, and we're told Hoynes is a non-issue (which I think is a little unbelievable, considering how powerful and well-liked he was in the Primary two terms ago). Quite frankly, at this point, I'd rather see term limits overturned than see any of them as president.

(Although the idea of Republican Vick winning and keeping on the Democratic Senior Staff could make for mighty good television).

Is Jimmy Smitts gonna be running for president too, or was he brought in just to be a Congressman?

I think you're right about Donna, Deathstroke, it looks like she's gonna step up to the Big Leagues. It'd be a shame to ruin that Josh/Donna dynamic, but she has been way overqualified to be his assistant for, like, years back.

That last scene with Bartlett was a lot more powerful than I thought it was gonna be. I thought the reemergence of his symptoms would sideline him, but seeing him wheel down the corridor with his one hand was nothing short of inspiring.



SEAN

[Deathstroke]

If I remember correctly Donna is supposedly going to go to work for the Vice President's campaign.

[Sean Whitmore]

If I remember correctly Donna is supposedly going to go to work for the Vice President's campaign.


Ouch. Not shaping up to be a good year for Josh so far, is it?



SEAN

[ElectraAlan]

Whatever. I just want to see Rina again, in her minidress.

[LtMarvel]

Well, I'm watching it while Jack & Bobby and/or Kevin Hill are in reruns. I liked the FDR comments, Donna's you got a year to talk me into not voting for (Alda's character) comment, and Bartlet's desire to enhance his legacy.

[Deathstroke]

Ouch. Not shaping up to be a good year for Josh so far, is it?



SEAN

Well, I do believe John Wells said it could possibly open up the chance for Josh and Donna to finally get together.

[Deathstroke]

Well, I'm watching it while Jack & Bobby and/or Kevin Hill are in reruns. I liked the FDR comments, Donna's you got a year to talk me into not voting for (Alda's character) comment, and Bartlet's desire to enhance his legacy.

I chuckled at Donna's line as well.

She's always been one of my favorite characters. And I've loved Janel Moloney since her appearance on the Sports Night episode "The Six Southern Gentlemen of Tennessee Tech."

[Deathstroke]

So what did everyone think of the "Impact Winter" episode.

I thought it was very effective in setting up what promises to be a hell of second half of the season.

I was well aware that Donna would be leaving Josh at some point during this season, but it still stinks that she quit.

Can't wait to see what they to bring Matthew Santos (Jimmy Smits) into the presidential race.

[Sean Whitmore]

Those sons of bastards!

Leaving us on a cliffhanger like that?! That's sadistic!

Beyond that, I'm digging this show again in a way I haven't since the re-election.

Will is still a prick, though. Shame.



SEAN

[Deathstroke]

Those sons of bastards!

Leaving us on a cliffhanger like that?! That's sadistic!

Beyond that, I'm digging this show again in a way I haven't since the re-election.

Will is still a prick, though. Shame.

SEAN

Yeah, I'm really into the show in a way that the 5th season just couldn't do.

[Deathstroke]

Nobody watched this week's episode?

It was focused on the first few days of Congressman Santos campaign in New Hampshire.

I thought the episode was well crafted to show the initial fits and starts to the candidate's campaign. And Josh's frustration with a candidate who wants him to run his campaign, but won't listen to him.

Simply well done.

By the way, Mary-Louise Parker will return to the show for a few episodes as "Amy Gardner."

[jessecuster]

yeah I have really liked this season so far, although I think Santos is a bit too idealistic for a realistic candidate. I was also confused about the "growing pains" of Josh and Santos.

[Deathstroke]

Tonight's episode was good, but not great. Probably the first episode all year that I've said that about.

We get a point of view look at three candidates on the campaign trail in Iowa beginning with a wake up call for Donna, Josh, and Arnold Vinick (Alan Alda).

Interesting way to look at the same day's stump, but some of the chatter at the beginning of each segment tended to all run together and you began to tune it out.

[Loren]

I caught a bit of the show while channel-flipping during "Alias" commercial breaks, and ended up recording the last couple of acts. I'd caught a little bit some weeks back, so I'd already been exposed to Smits' character, but this was the first I'd seen of Alda's.

And I took a liking to Vinick almost immediately, even though he was just talking about ethanol. He came across as rather likeable, as opposed to the fairly stoic Smits I've seen. His character seems to have a lot more in common with Bartlett than Smits'. I'd thought before that there was no way Alda could carry himself as a Presidential type, but he surprised me.

Given that, and the very familiar advisors at his side, I'm renewing my hope that the producers fibbed to the press and might let Vinick win.

Loren

[Sean Whitmore]

I havent been enjoying this season for a few weeks now.

The whole election story leaves me cold. I understand that a change is coming, but I tune into this show to see what's going on in the Bartlett administration, and two episodes without that are already too many.

Last episode we FINALLY got some movement in the White House, even if it was a direct ripoff of "Let Bartlett Be Bartlett". And just like Sorkin did way back when, the new guys have already dropped the ball, with Will wasting time in Corn country and the White House not condemning Turkey's barbaric laws.

And all this time spent in the "flyover" states is not only uninteresting, it's almost too depressing. Watching Smit's Santos plead his case directly to Ma and Pa Kettle directly in their living room does not exactly inspire me. And the constant bickering between Santo's constant "Mr Smith" naivete and Josh's middle-of-the-road taskmaster makes me wonder why either man would take the job.

Alda's Vicick is the only candidate worth voting for in the least, if for no other reason than he's going against type.


SEAN

[Sean Whitmore]

This show pisses me right off sometimes.

This is the second time in a row they've taken an episode where the president resolves to "really change things" and then done nothing with it.

Presidential campaign last week, struggling with MS this week, presidential campaign next week. Week after that, what? A Zoe-heavy episode, perhaps?

Ah well, nice to Lord John again, anyway. Though he was a lot less funny this time around, understandably so.


SEAN

[Deathstroke]

I loved the reaction of Kate to Marbury.

She had no idea how to deal with him. The look of confusion on her face was priceless.

[DLFerguson]

Anytime Lord John Marbury shows up in an episode is worth watching just for him.

Liked CJ's scenes with Abby and Bartlett where she stands up to both of them firmly and respectfully. She's growing into her job nicely.

What's Leo's official status now? And Charlie's? He seems to be fuctioning as if he's The Assistant Chief Of Staff now.

[Deathstroke]

Anytime Lord John Marbury shows up in an episode is worth watching just for him.

Liked CJ's scenes with Abby and Bartlett where she stands up to both of them firmly and respectfully. She's growing into her job nicely.

What's Leo's official status now? And Charlie's? He seems to be fuctioning as if he's The Assistant Chief Of Staff now.

Leo is a "consultant."

Charlie is an aide to CJ.

[bert]

I completely dropped the show.

A few weeks ago, when Nick came over to hook up the DVD/VCR combo he bought for me. .we had all the tvs disconected.

I missed Alias / West Wing / and King of Queens (I would normally have watched one and taped the other two), because all my VCR's were in "re-arrange the television hookups" mode.

I haven't bothered picking up WW or Alias again. WW just bores me to tears. . I just haven't been interested in the last few episodes. Most likely because I don't care about the characters that are hogging all the show's focus (Jimmy Smits, Bartlett, Alan Alda). . gimme more Donna/Josh/Toby. . and I'll be right back.

As for Alias? The "reboot" w/ more self-contained episodes just isn't working for me. Tried to watch the episode from Wed, and ended up fast forwarding thru almost all of it.

[Deathstroke]

I really enjoyed this week's episode.

The whole chicken thing was preposterous, but it actually worked.

Donna going off on the chicken that showed up at the Russell campaign stop was funny.

Now that Josh and Matt Santos have come to a realization about each other and the campaign, I wonder if this means they won't spend most of the time butting heads with each other.

I liked the 1 minute commercial Santos did, direct and to the point. You know we'll never get that in real life.

Did you see the previews for next week's episode? Holy Crap!

[Deathstroke]

The West Wing has been renewed for a 7th season according to a report I saw over on Yahoo!

[LtMarvel]

Us watchers of the fake president on the tee vee are what they say is "upscale viewers." That means we watchers like us some egspensive ottomobeels and Caribeeuhn trips.

Or at least their purty ads.

[ElectraAlan]

Bring back Rina! Bring back the short, cute little dresses!

[Deathstroke]

By the way, the fee per episode will reportedly be cut from 6 million per down to 3 million.

[Sean Whitmore]

By the way, the fee per episode will reportedly be cut from 6 million per down to 3 million.


I suppose that'll be doable when Sheen's appearances are scaled way back. Figure he'll do, maybe, a quarter of the season before the Pres-Elect takes over?

Anyway, sad as I am to say it, I'll be glad to see the Bartlett administration gone. They've been completely ineffectual all year long. All Jed's legacy hunting has resulted in is promises of talking, and the White House has solved none of the same problems it outlined waaaaaaay back in "Let Bartlett be Bartlett". It looks like we'll have to turn to Santos/Vinnick to see someone rock the boat.


SEAN

[Deathstroke]

I suppose that'll be doable when Sheen's appearances are scaled way back. Figure he'll do, maybe, a quarter of the season before the Pres-Elect takes over?

Anyway, sad as I am to say it, I'll be glad to see the Bartlett administration gone. They've been completely ineffectual all year long. All Jed's legacy hunting has resulted in is promises of talking, and the White House has solved none of the same problems it outlined waaaaaaay back in "Let Bartlett be Bartlett". It looks like we'll have to turn to Santos/Vinnick to see someone rock the boat.


SEAN

It will be interesting to see what they do because Allison Janney, Richard Schiff, and Bradley Whitford are all signed for next year.

[Adaptoid]

The quality increase in West Wing is explained by the writers from China Beach taking over. Lydia Woodward and John Sacret Young worked for John Wells a long time ago and did a great job for China Beach - many unforgettable episodes. The show can't help but get better with fresh writing talent. Now if they can just get Alan Brennert on board to write the show it will truly be stellar again.

It would sure be interesting to see a Republican West Wing, but I don't see the show becoming THAT creative.

[Deathstroke]

Wow, tonight's episode was fantastic.

Okay, you've got to convince me how in the world Arnold Vinick is NOT going to be elected President.

Good Gravy, at the rate he's going, if he were a real candidate, I might vote for him for crying out loud.

Ummm....when did Charlie start growing a goatee? Did I miss that in the last episode.

The Return of Bruno (Ron Silver) was a magnificent stroke of genius. I love to listen to the style and cadence in which Silver delivers his dialogue.

Just 2 episodes left in the season.

[Sean Whitmore]

Okay, you've got to convince me how in the world Arnold Vinick is NOT going to be elected President.

Good Gravy, at the rate he's going, if he were a real candidate, I might vote for him for crying out loud.


Hell, I'd probably vote for Vinick over the Bartlett of the last two seasons. :)

The problem with the Santos underdog storyline is that his opponent is not only the favorite to win, but he's also more likeable, more dynamic, and more professional. Between these two, I really don't want to see Santos win.


SEAN

[Adaptoid]

The last episode, "In God we trust" was one of the best yet. Alan Alda is such a good actor and finally a meaty tv role for him. Great stuff. Is this getting cancelled too? An idealistic president, and idealistic Republican (Alan Alda) and Democratic (Jimmy Smits) candidates? I guess all science fiction is hard to sell on TV.

[Deathstroke]

The last episode, "In God we trust" was one of the best yet. Alan Alda is such a good actor and finally a meaty tv role for him. Great stuff. Is this getting cancelled too? An idealistic president, and idealistic Republican (Alan Alda) and Democratic (Jimmy Smits) candidates? I guess all science fiction is hard to sell on TV.

It has been renewed for next year.

[Deathstroke]

Man, it looks like CJ is going to be in big trouble, huh?

I loved the scenes between Charlie and the President.

I for one would love to see Charlie back with Zoey, and even get married. I figure since it looks like Josh and Donna are never going to happen.

But Charlie does need to lose that goatee, it's very distracting.

[Adaptoid]

Man, it looks like CJ is going to be in big trouble, huh?

She'll probably get arrested if discovered -- major felony offense. It's particularly stupid because all those astronauts know what they signed up for and as Toby said, the would insist on sacraficing themselves rather than reveal so huge a national security detail.

I believe that this is the one instance where the Supreme Court has approved of prior restraint of the press, so perhaps that is where the story is going.

Some great writing, but let's move on to Alan Alda and Jimmy Smits. I'm not so interested in Charlie and Zoey or any of the sub-plots anymore.

I would truly like to see a Republican West Wing with Alan Alda as the star. But can liberal Hollywood do it? I wonder. But why else would they renew a show slipping fast. Jimmy Smits as the new president? I don't think that's as good a hook as Alan Alda.

This show is up there with 24 as my must watch list. Very interesting drama. I'm still annoyed that Third Watch got cancelled. Unbelievable. Why not bring in the good writers for Third Watch too. They truly saved West Wing. It was sucking pretty hard for a while.

[Deathstroke]

She'll probably get arrested if discovered -- major felony offense. It's particularly stupid because all those astronauts know what they signed up for and as Toby said, the would insist on sacraficing themselves rather than reveal so huge a national security detail.


Violating National Security is a bit heavier than "major felony offense." It's treasonous.


Some great writing, but let's move on to Alan Alda and Jimmy Smits. I'm not so interested in Charlie and Zoey or any of the sub-plots anymore.

Don't be a relationship hater!

[Adaptoid]

Violating National Security is a bit heavier than "major felony offense." It's treasonous.

Maybe, but I think there is a specific and even more serious law to cover this stuff. If caught, she's certainly going to be arrested. Maybe there is a trial show in the future? After all, her motives were good, maybe even justified.

Don't be a relationship hater!

I thought I was going to be called a racist. But seriously, the story had built up a lot of momentum that crashed when they went off on this tangent. Do you not agree?

[Deathstroke]

I thought I was going to be called a racist. But seriously, the story had built up a lot of momentum that crashed when they went off on this tangent. Do you not agree?

Which story, the episode last week, or the whole series long plot?

[Deathstroke]

So did anyone watch the season finale of The West Wing?

Pretty good episode with a ton of stuff to talk about.

I'm going to be writing up a piece in the next edition of my column to go into it in detail, but how about how it all worked out at the Democratic convention?

Great way to end the episode with Vinick's one scene.

By the way I added a poll to the thread.

Kinda strange plan to go with Leo as the VP candidate, be interesting to see how it works out.

[LtMarvel]

I didn't realize it was the season finale. I think Leo's trip to Cuba will be a huge drain on the Democrats.

[DLFerguson]

She'll probably get arrested if discovered -- major felony offense. It's particularly stupid because all those astronauts know what they signed up for and as Toby said, they would insist on sacraficing themselves rather than reveal so huge a national security detail.

I don't think it's just that simple. The writers took an awful lot of time setting up C.J.'s rightful concern about the astronauts just to make us THINK she leaked the story to the press. I think she contacted Toby's brother on her own and outlined the situation for him, asking him if there was anything he could do. I think he then told her no then afterwards HE leaked the story without telling C.J.

If C.J. had leaked the story I think she has enough respect and love for Bartlett to have went to him, told him what she did and resign.

[Pinnacle]

Originally posted by DLFerguson
I don't think it's just that simple. The writers took an awful lot of time setting up C.J.'s rightful concern about the astronauts just to make us THINK she leaked the story to the press. I think she contacted Toby's brother on her own and outlined the situation for him, asking him if there was anything he could do. I think he then told her no then afterwards HE leaked the story without telling C.J.

Toby's Brother committed suicide so I don't think that's the case.

I personally don't like this storyline since it is either CJ, Toby, or someone else entirely that we don't know. If it's one of the first two I think it's totally out of character but C.J. has openly questioned policy before think back to the "Han" episode. If it's not someone we know then I think the whole storyline is useless and merely included for the sole purpose of having something going on with the White House staff. I'd rather the focus be on the convention. West Wing is at its best when it focuses on poitics with an occasional military situation which is conceivable considering that there is always something going on in the world. Otherwise, you risk John Wells over-doing every situation much like ER was become. I realize that there is always something larger than life going on with the U.S. Presidency but you can't overdo it or it becomes mundane. For example, Bartlett sent peacekeepers to Israel which is something that I would assume would have long-term implications but has rather been tossed aside because other writers don't want to deal with it, most likely a wise decision.

Anyway, I hope to see the general election when next season starts done very well. I like both tickets and I am glad that they selected the running mates that they did otherwise I wouldn't care who won (except for the fact that Josh is my favorite character and I consider the West Wing to be his story much like ER belongs to Carter). Sullivan is a jerk and a slave to the polls and reason enough not to vote for the Republican ticket even though I believe Vinick to be the stronger candidate. I am anxious to see Santos as President since it will be interesting to see such an idealist in the White House.

It looks to be an interesting race and I only have one major bone to pick which is that Vinick could never win the Republican nomination as easily as he did considering he's not a "church-goer." Never would the Religious Right allow such a candidate to easily much less win the Republican nod. The question never came up that he didn't go to church until after he won the nomination? :confused: Yeah Republicans would never question a pro-choice candidate about that. ;)

[LtMarvel]

Toby's Brother committed suicide so I don't think that's the case.

WHAT??? WHEN????

[Pinnacle]

It happened about two-thirds of the way into this season. In the episode where Toby and Josh came to blows and Toby was helping a potential dark horse female entrant into the Democratic field by giving her the Barlet health care plan that was only known to Bartlet senior staffers. I can't remember the name of the episode but it was in February and was sandwiched between the "Freedonia" episode and the one where Santos orchestrated the stem-cell vote on the House floor.

I didn't like the fact that they had the fight since Josh looked like a real jerk considering that Toby was still struggling with his brother's suicide. However, the show was worth viewing considering that it was fun watching Josh try to get into the White House after losing his access and they brought back the Republican guy, I believe his name is Cliff, who had the crush on Donna and helped out Leo during the MS hearings, to replace Josh.

[LtMarvel]

Ok, I know I've missed over 50% of the episodes due to watching Jack & Bobby and Kevin Hill instead of West Wing. It just seemed weird since they mentioned Toby's brother and not that he was dead in this episode.

[Deathstroke]

I wrote a bit about the show in the new edition of my column. Click the first link in my signature and scroll down to TV/Film Item #8 if you are interested.