ahavafriend: Ode to The West Wing (via Mowser)

I don't know what it is (but I'm going to try to explain it), but I am addicted to the TV series The West Wing. Yes, it is about a Democrat administration and their basic politics. However, there is such intelligent, witty, and patriotic idealism in each episode that I can't get enough of it. I own seasons 1-6 on DVD (season 7 really changed and I didn't like where they went - Aaron Sorkin had left by that time). The brilliant script, the character development, the realism, the pace, the humor, the chemistry, and even the music that weaves itself in and out of episodes makes this one of the most magical TV programs I have ever seen. And each episode has the same impact each time I watch it. But transcending these things, I learn stuff. I am enlightened about moving a process forward, the strategy of politics, and the way a moral compass can stay calibrated even in the lead mines of Washington D.C..

I think it was about a year ago that I sat down and watched the whole set (since the series ended), and now it seems time again to stoke the flames of inspiration in the face of another brutal, dark winter, both physically and politically (I'm speaking in hyperbole, but you get my sense). This afternoon I just sat under a blanket and watched 4 episodes back to back (one side of a DVD) and felt my blood boil, my heart sink, and my funny bone incessantly tickled.

While I'm confessing, I must say with as much 12-year-old boy's-courage still trapped inside of me, I have a crush on Allison Janney! She rocks my world. (I'm NOT speaking hyperbolically now). I've even tried to rent all the other movies I can find that she's in just to watch her romance me through the camera. At this point, I realize my crush is more accurately on C.J. Craig (her character in TWW).

Sam Seaborn (Rob Lowe) is amazing. He is balanced out by an equally articulate and passionate Ainsley Hayes (the blond from CSI Miami). And, of course, Jed Bartlet (Martin Sheen) is as Reaganesque as one can get and still be a Democrat - intelligent, funny, principled, etc. In fact, Peggy Noonan is a consultant on many of the episodes, which might explain some of that.

If you want to watch some of TWW, you can find the first season on surfthechannel.com, that I mentioned a couple posts ago. Your local library might have it to check out, or you could definitely buy it.

Well, I just had to get that off my chest! If Aaron Sorkin ever reads my blog, I have two requests: 1) Can you produce a West Wing CD with all the music from the various episodes? I really think it would sell wonderfully. 2) Do it again. There's always enough material to occupy another 6 years or so with a new President and West Wing staff (maybe even a Republican this time). Just a suggestion!

2 comments:

Casey said...: After a much lamented absence I am back to reading your blog. And I'll comment on this one becuase it is only of personal consequence...

TWW did always strike me as a good show but there is a limit to the science fiction I can watch - Stargate, Enterprise, even Lost I can stomach, but a democratic administration as principled and integrous as Pres. Bartlet's? C'mon. Oh, gotta go, Dr Who is on, I can suspend belief THAT much, but no more.; 1:33 PM
John said...: Casey,
Science Fiction!? I'm disappointed that you feel this way. Honestly, I don't get much "liberal vibe from the show. Additionally, they are stout when they deal with theological issues. You must try to see "Shibboleth" and the one where Bartlet and his wife debate Eph. 5. Pretty impressive.

On the other hand, you might just be hopelessly biased and your "Republican glasses" tinge everything. Can't say for sure, but maybe ;0); 8:59 PM

ahavafriend

Ode to The West Wing

2 comments:

News Links

Church and Culture

Friend's Links

Labels

Resources

Archive