Moving on to our topic of interest (and the title of this post naturally) “The West Wing”…. Well, let’s just say I have a few things to say on the matter. Most people probably wouldn’t find the prospect of a political television series based in the “West Wing” of the White House to be of very much, if any interest… however after watching the first season of the show; I have to say that they ought to change their minds.
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| The cast of the West Wing |
The pilot starts off quickly, with various members of the White House senior staff being informed of the President being involved in a fascinating bicycle accident which ends up with him running into a tree, and stumbling again as he attempts to stand up. Then it goes to show how the staff cleans up nicely with some damage control to make sure the President isn’t too embarrassed, which includes a large series of political jargon, and fast walking in the hallowed halls of the White House.
The season continues with a series of intertwining plots about the senior White House press reporter wooing the Press Secretary, the Deputy Communications Officer accidently sleeping with a prostitute, the President’s daughter becoming girlfriend to his “bodyman” who happens to be African American, causing some of the crazier right wing groups to threaten them, and a test of the President’s grit when he learns of an attack that killed several Americans in the Middle East.
Most—no every episode is taken from a politically slanted left view. In fact, I would go as far to say that this show is the dream of many liberals in the US, a strong compassionate liberal leadership that doesn’t cave on issues easily, and in most cases strikes back hard (which quite frankly isn’t something the current liberal administration is very good at doing) at their opponents.
Of course, the show wouldn’t be complete without its consistent flow of sarcastic remarks and jokes to lighten the mood a bit. There are a few different situations in which the reactions of the staff to genuinely serious situations make you want to laugh out loud. Two examples of this are shown below.
Who knew maps were such a serious issue?
Not only does the combination of brilliant acting (and sometimes not so brilliant, but still quite good) and settings work out well, but the writing is fantastic. Aaron Sorkin, the creator and chief writer for the West Wing brings out the dialogue in such a way that it feels as if you’re there, and that this is really what’s going on in the White House now. It also gives the average viewer a somewhat clearer view of politics, turning people who usually spit at the word politics into raving political nuts who can’t wait for the next season.
Even if you aren’t a political person, this is a show definitely worth giving a try (and possibly even six or seven more tries). And for those who enjoy parodies, check this spoof of West Wing's Season 1 from Mad TV.
The West Wing Cast was always on the Move...
My task to turn you all into West Wing loving fanboys and girls is now c—er… I mean have a good day folks… and tune in to wherever the West Wing is on the air! (or get the DVDs).
Guest Reviewer - Michael J.
Copyright 2010, Raving Reviews
