As The West Wing comes to an end Sunday I thought it was time to share some of the thoughts I collected about one of the best-written series ever.
What I learned from the series:
- Topics as seemingly boring as census statistics can become absorbing, fascinating and interesting with the right script writer. The census was a major part of the storyline in Episode 1.6 – "Mr. Willis of Ohio".
- Politicians, as depicted on the series, are much more articulate, thoughtful and, at times, inspiring than the real ones you read about in the newspapers.
- Fictional presidents are easier to adore than real presidents.
- Money, greed, and campaign donations do not have to be the deciding factors on issues and campaign decisions, unlike in real American politics.
- The West Wing has an incredible number of hallways, often filled with people walking and talking. Such conversations, referred to as “walk and talks,” were a staple of the show.
- There are many thought-provoking, emotional conversations and circumstances taking place in The West Wing.
- It is hard to keep a series fresh, especially after its best writer, Aaron Sorkin, leaves the show.
- Shows can be rewritten when key characters die. In fact, not only were episodes changed when John Spencer, who played the White House chief of staff, died but the election results were even changed. Spencer’s character was a Democratic vice presidential nominee. According to Wikipedia and other sources, the Republican candidate played by Alan Alda was originally written to win the election. However, after Spencer died, the producers decided they couldn't have the vice president die – both on the show and in real life – and also lose the election.
- A bad episode – and I’m one of those who stopped watching for a few seasons when the show went downhill – is still better than most television shows and movies.
- The West Wing actors – especially during the first four years when Sorkin was the main writer – often repeat comments and talk in an unusual cadence.
An unusual cadence? Yes, an unusual cadence unlike any I have heard before.
A sample exchange between C.J., the press secretary, and Sam, Rob Lowe’s character:
Article comments
1 - A.L. Harper
Good Article. But I don't agree with you. The West Wing was self absorbed, pretentious dross. It was good it I couldn't sleep, as it would send to sleep in a matter of minutes.
I say goodbye at last.
2 - chantal stone
Oh no, on this I have to disagree with you, Andrea. The West Wing is(was) a great show, with fantastic writing. I'm really going to miss it. It's not often we get to see intelligent drama on television. I like to watch the re-runs on Bravo, and even though there are episodes I've seen more than once, each time I can get something new out of them.
Former Clinton White House PS, Dee Dee Myers, was one of the political consultants used on the show. I'm not sure of the others who were also hired, but it added to the shows credibility. And even though the show definitely appealed to idealists, like me and Scott, I knew I could watch it and gain at least some working knowledge of what went on in real life---at least some insight into the process of government. There were many episodes that sparked a curiosity in me, that had me researching the real-life counterpart to whatever the story-line was about.
And at the very least, this groundbreaking show helped to inspire a new and/or re-newed interest in how our less entertaining gov't really works.
Great article, Scott, I'm really going to miss the show.
3 - matthew milam
I got my article in pending. It's got the link to yours in it, hopefully it will come off just as good.
4 - chantal stone
Scott...what did you think of the final episode?
5 - Scott Butki
I taped it but haven't seen it yet.
Thanks for the compliments and feedback.
6 - Scott Butki
So what did others think of the final show?
7 - chantal stone
I thought it was a good ending, Scott. It ended leaving me wanting more, which is the point of all good writing and story-telling, correct?
8 - Steve
I didn't start watching the West Wing when it started around 1998, only in the last 3-4 years. I have to say, I've actually preferred it since the creator stopped writing for the show, with this last season being my favorite. I found the earlier seasons' dialogue just way too fast to follow, it's been nice to have had things slowed down a bit in recent seasons. I guess I'll have to watch the reruns in the summer, I missed the last episode.
I must say though, I kinda preferred "Commander in Chief", disappointed that's been pulled too. It seems not enough people want to watch shows about politicians these days...not hard to see why I suppose.
9 - Scott Butki
Tonite I'm watching West Wing's season three and remembering how good the show, especially
the writing, was back then.
I liked the faster dialogue.
10 - Scott Butki
Does anyone have a copy of the final episode? If so please contact me [Sorry, Scott, but personal contact info deleted]