The West Wing
By Charlotte Dekle - Guest Contributor
In 1999, there was an unwritten rule of show business that said don’t write a show about politics. But Aaron Sorkin came in and changed the game and now every network has at least one political show. The majority of these shows got their inspiration from this iconic Sorkin drama that revitalized the careers of Rob Lowe and Martin Sheen while propelling the careers of Bradley Whitford and Allison Janney. It has spectacle as well as substance, a very difficult balance to strike. This is a fictionalized version of politics, where people agree in the spirit of bipartisanship. Every character is highly intelligent and makes you feel idiotic while speaking in spectacularly convoluted sentences. But that’s the charm. This show has everything, walking and talking, passing papers from one person to another, ping pong dialogue, and a whole lot of drama. This is regarded as one of the most well-written television series of all time. This coupled with the nuanced acting and iconic direction makes this a show for the ages.
logline: Cutthroat presidential advisers get their personal lives hopelessly tangled up with professional duties as they try to conduct the business of running a country. Fictional Democratic President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet suffers no fools, and that policy alienates many. He and his dedicated staffers struggle to balance the needs of the country with the political realities of Washington, D.C., working through two presidential terms that include countless scandals, threats and political scuffles, as well as the race to succeed Bartlet as the leader of the free world.
My Favorite Characters:
Bradley Whitford as Josh Lyman: he is a witty, somewhat cocky, boyishly charming know-it-all. This character might be one of my favorites of all time. The character is deep yet shallow, intelligent yet idiotic. He is a mess of contradictions, much like all humans. Whitford deservedly won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2001 for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
Allison Janney as CJ Cregg: Characterized by manifest integrity, quick witticisms, a fierce intellect, and compassionate stoicism, C.J. is widely acclaimed by critics and political commentators alike as the "most popular White House Press Secretary in recent memory" Janney won four Primetime Emmy Awards for her portrayal of CJ in the shows seven season run.
Something I liked: This show’s set is something else. I have never been to the White House so I can not attest to its accuracy but it sure as heck looks nice. As they walk and talk, they walk through beautifully lit sets. The oval office has all the opulence you would expect. These set designers really went all out and it shows.
Rating: TV-14 for Mentions of hookups, Drugs and Alcohol usage, Mild language, Mild violence.
Where to Watch: Netflix, or for rent or purchase on all major platforms
Number of Seasons: 7