The West Wing had it's natural television run while I was in college for the most part, which means I was oblivious. I was aware that many people watched the show but not a whole lot more than that. I also figured that if most of America watched it, it was probably middle-of-the-line politics so as not to offend one side or the other... I was so wrong!
The West Wing came back on my radar when I saw it available on Netflix. Being sick, I had the time on my hands to give the series a proper watch. What I saw was nothing short of thought-provoking, inspiring, aspirational television. I love that the issues were debated and both sides were brought up, even if the show ultimately lands far to the liberal side of issues. I loved the first entrance of Martin Sheen's mesmerizing President Bartlet. I loved, when in one episode, they gave me goosebumps by simply declaring "I serve at the pleasure of the president." I love that the name "Bin Laden" was dropped in a chillingly casual manner in an episode that aired in 1999. I love recognizing actors who would come to be known on other shows. And I love that I watched Psych before I watched The West Wing and that only made me appreciate Dule Hill's Charlie Young even more!
For me, the fact that The West Wing introduced characters who had flaws and made mistakes only strengthened the depths of those characters because we got to be aware that they all fundamentally wanted to do the right thing for the right reasons. I love that the President is almost always the smartest man in the room. (Without getting too political, I know there are real Presidents about whom the same could not be said). I loved the honor with which they show him overcoming adversity without sugar-coating those things in his life that were, in fact, adverse. I love that these characters challenge each other and respect each other and demonstrate their intelligence in each episode. Sam Seaborn, Josh Lyman, Toby Ziegler, CJ Cregg, Leo McGarry and others are idealists, while being imperfect human beings. It is how I would love to imagine the White House to truly exist.
This is well-made television, particularly the first 3-4 seasons, although I am glad it ran the course it did. To transition the Bartlet administration out of office seems like a fitting way to transition its viewing audience away from their habitual watching. In fact, while I do think the show shifted a bit after Sorkin left, the only thing I could not wrap my head around was the arc for Toby in the final season. I won't go into it here yet because I'm going to encourage people who have not seen this show to watch it. Plus, I may feel the need to write about this show in seasons or particular episodes. I am just not sure. Of course, it would have been more fitting for John Spencer to end the show with the rest of the cast, but he had certainly already made a mark with his character. Anyway, agree with it, disagree with it, it doesn't matter. It matters that it is impossible not to think about it. And isn't that what all television should aspire to?
