» End of the Bartlet era :: The Pop Diner

May092006

End of the Bartlet era

Filed under General by marty karlon at 12:50 pm

So, I’m told, "The West Wing" is wrapping up a seven-year run on Sunday night. I can’t say I’ll be watching. I loved the show when it first began in the waning days of the (first?) Clinton Administration, but once I missed a few episodes in a row in the months following 9/11, it no longer seemed like "Must See."

Once in a while I could parachute in and enjoy the Josh-Donna banter, and Leo’s gravitas, and Toby’s sour mood, but it wasn’t the same. There were characters I’d never seen before, and references to story arcs that I’d missed, and, worst of all, some hints of the West Wingers having personal lives. Sorry, but I liked things better when the gang was just debating policy.

Still, it was (and some co-workers swear still is) a great show. And I’ll miss the sometimes-not-so-well-researched New Hampshire references — although I hear "The Sopranos" is making up for it these days.

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Al 3 years ago 1 point
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Although the scriptwriting of The West Wing has slipped the past two seasons, it still ranks as one of the most engaging shows on TV.

This past season, the show definitely missed the interplay of the core group of original characters - one died, another left, and others assumed new jobs outside of the White House. But it still succeeded by giving a nuanced and intelligent look at presidential campaigns, as two ideologues fought for President Bartlet's chair.

A show like this give me hope in a world of "American Idol."

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Stacy M 3 years ago 1 point
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OK let's hear it from a woman. I think the show is better this season than it has been for a long time and Marty K - it's because of the personal stuff - sorry. I too dropped out but I'm so glad I dropped in again. I'm hoping, like those eternal optimist that every time they see Gone With the Wind, Rhett will somehow turn around and not leave Scarlett - that the show will be picked up again. We have a nice new administraton all in place - Jimmy Smits and Alan Alda - what's not to love?

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