Question for "West Wing" fans

Parent Cafe
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<p>It wasn’t a conflict with Sheen but rather with the writers and the direction of the show.</p>

<p>Initially, the show was supposed to focus primarily on the West Wing staffers, with the president as a recurring but relatively minor character. (In the pilot, he is seen only in the last five minutes.) The creators of the show wanted a very recognizable face in one of the leading roles. Thus, they hired Rob Lowe, for quite a lot of money, and gave him first billing. </p>

<p>But the show quickly evolved into something different from what had been envisioned. The president, who was initially supposed to appear in only a few episodes a year, became a leading character, and the roles of the staffers evolved into supporting roles in an ensemble show. Rob Lowe found himself being one of many actors in a large ensemble – not the job that he was hired for. He stuck around for three and a half years, but he was never happy, and as time went on, there seemed to be less and less for his character to do. So he left, which may have been a mistake because his next two attempts at TV series bombed, and he is now playing a supporting role in a large ensemble – on Brothers and Sisters. But at least this time he knew what he was getting into.</p>

<p>Personally, I also wonder whether Rob Lowe was ever comfortable working with the other actors on The West Wing. Except for Sheen, none of the other regulars on that show was a recognizable star, although all were experienced and skilled actors. I have heard that several of the regulars, including John Spencer, Allison Janney, Bradley Whitford, and Richard Schiff, became very close friends, but you never hear about Lowe being part of that little group. Also, Lowe’s attitude about the whole job had to have been different from that of the others. When Bradley Whitford accepted the Emmy he won for the second season, he thanked Aaron Sorkin, the show’s principal writer, for “the role of a lifetime.” I expect that Spencer, Janney, and Schiff probably thought about their roles in the same way. But Rob Lowe didn’t. That would have set him apart.</p>

<p>Regardless of the politics, in my opinion it was a shame that Rob Lowe left. Sam Seaborn was a wonderful charcacter, with lots of interesting shadings. I missed him when he was gone.</p>

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<p>Xiggi, I can’t agree with you about Season Seven.</p>

<p>As I mentioned earlier, I watched all the DVDs of The West Wing (rented from Netflix) over a period of about a year. Now, I’m planning to watch some of my favorites over again.</p>

<p>To my surprise, almost half of the disks that I want to rent again are from Seasons Six or Seven. Much as I liked the Aaron Sorkin years, I think that these two seasons (though not Season Five) are good, too, in their own way. </p>

<p>We get to see Bartlet really deal with his illness (not just its political ramifications). We get to see CJ become more than just a press secretary. We get to see two excellent actors – Alan Alda and Jimmy Smits – in prominent roles, and we get to see Bradley Whitford’s very complex and flawed Josh Lyman become something close to a leading character. We also get to see a presidential campaign in all its agony and glory, something that was only glimpsed the first time around. I’m really looking forward to seeing some of the Season Seven episodes again, especially the group centering around election day and its immediate aftermath (Election Day I and II, Requiem, and Transition). Fortunately, all of those episodes are on one disk!</p>

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<p>I think everyone, including the cast and writers, agree that the 9-11 episode was not particularly good. But consider the timing. The new season was set to begin about a week or two after 9-11. Those episodes were set. Yet how could a show set in the White House not mention 9-11? The episode had to be written much faster, by a writing staff still reeling from the events (as we all were), rehearsed and shot by a cast and crew still reeling from the events, and gotten on the air probably more quickly than any episode in the history of the series, or even any recorded scripted weekly series. I think it would have been much different if the date had been 8-11 or 6-11.</p>

<p>I cut them some slack for that.</p>

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<p>xiggi,
You quoted probably the best speech ever given on TWW, but you failed to mention the great follow up lines - Bruno to Sam, something like when did you write that?; Sam to Bruno - in the car, on the way over; Bruno “Freak.” Watching that speech can still provoke tears and goosebumps for me, but the follow up lines still bring a chuckle. Isn’t that why we all loved Sam? “His” language skills were stunning and he wasn’t alone. I also loved when Will gave Toby the letter from Sam (Season 4?) that said “he’s one of us.”</p>

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<p>Marian, thanks for the explanation of how the show evolved. </p>

<p>Fwiw, I’ve heard, from the friend who turned me on to the show and a couple of other people, that Season 7 is among their favorites, Season 5 among the least. I have to say, even among the episodes of Season 5 I’m managing to find some truffles.</p>

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<p>Oh Marian, that is OK! TheDad has already established that I am genetically impaired to appreciate a character such as CJ (and probably a few others in the show.) Of course, I could conter that I absolutey adored the two secretaries. </p>

<p>We all have very subjective reactions to the characters --some might be influenced by other characters played by the actors in different series or even real life “roles” played by the Hollywood crowd. </p>

<p>I, for one, would have preferred the show to end without the gratuitous “fill-the-blanks.” I rather would have NOT known that Sam lost to Webb, and the show TOTALLY lost me when CJ was elevated to her final role. Obviously, considering how I valued her contribution to the show (and the usual hollow pontification) that should not be a great surprise. The point is that I would have preferred a show that continue to inspire to its end. In my case, it started with a bang. I could not wait to see the show as it make the life of public servants so interesting and … inspiring. The exit of Sam represented a great loss, and when Leo disappeared, they might have closed shop the same day. The final episodes simply brought people back to earth and eximplifies what the life in DC must be, with all the flawed and miscast characters who end up leading us. In this vein, CJ was simply a symbol and a reason the pure fiction became hard to believe. Totally!</p>

<p>PS I am not surprised that some people loved the final season. They probably loved Commander-in-Chief as well. They tend to be quite vocal in 2008. :)</p>

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<p>I think my favorite characters on WW were probably some of the peripheral characters: Charlie, Mrs. Landingham, Debbie, Zoey, Danny, Nancy McNally, Mallory, Joe Quincy. I also enjoyed when ‘big name’ actors appeared, if only for an episode or two (or more!): John Goodman, Hal Holbrooke, Mary McCormack, Taye Diggs, Tim Matheson, Ron Silver, John Amos, Alan Alda, Janeane Garofalo, Oliver Platt, William Devane, Patricia Richardson, Mark Feuerstein, Annabeth Gish, Danica McKellar, Sam Robards, Roger Rees, Jorja Fox, Adam Arkin, Joanna Gleason, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Mary Kay Place, Mark Harmon, Jorja Fox, Evan Handler, Christian Slater, James Brolin, Edward James Olmos, Zeljko Ivanek. The writing for many of those roles was particularly strong.</p>

<p>This was a show, during its time of production, that was sought after by agents in the acting community. A WW credit was something that all actors, on both coasts, took the opportunity to make time for, if they got the call.</p>

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<p>Xiggi, it’s not a question of appreciating the secretaries vs. CJ. It’s an observation that middle-aged career women find CJ a very appealing character…and you’re not part of the demographic and thus the reasons may be obscure for you.</p>

<p>However, I’m now beginning to think of adopting Lord John Marbury as a new public persona. The Johnny Depp (Pirates) persona sometimes has a difficult time getting seated in restaurants.</p>

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<p>Yep, yep, TheDad, it may surprise you, but I do understand the impact of a certain demographics. Understanding is one thing and recognizing the “affection” for what it truly is … is another thing. Did we not get a good example of what members of that “demographics” can do to a small state in the NE primaries? Especially when reacting to crocodile tears and faked emotions. Worked for that WW character too! </p>

<p>Turn into a new Lord Marbury, and I’ll vote for you … even if Her Royal Highness HRC is on your ticket. No Depp, but still a remake of The Beauty and the Beast! :)</p>

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<p>Well, Marbury is the only contemporary man who seems to get away with frequent comments about the First Lady’s breasts.</p>

<p>Saw Roger Rees this summer in The Physicists at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. He served at the artistic director for many years. His acting was brilliant; he also directed the play and although one of the actors in a small part was awful (a student apprentice perhaps) the production was fine. He is also a playwright.</p>

<p>I think it’s refreshing that all the characters on the WW have flaws, including the women. I like that the women are all seeking professional and personal fulfillment, as are the men.</p>

<p>I say Xiggi can dislike CJ. Why not. She <em>can</em> be annoying, though I do like her. </p>

<p>And just to add another opinion on another matter, I find “Sam’s” rhetoric fulsome. Makes me know why I am a poet, short story writer, and novelist. Public rhetoric makes me itch. </p>

<p>I prefer it when they’re grappling with the aftermath of their Sharif decision, how human.</p>

<p>My kids really liked the 9/11 episode at the time of its airing and they found some support in its exploration of its issues, though they were 11 and 14.</p>

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<p>I just discovered this thread…</p>

<p>WW was the greatest show ever! I watched it when it was on TV, but my son just discovered it this past year. We bought all seasons and have watched all of them. My son said that all he would have to do to pass the AP Gov test is to watch WW…he got a 5. His new goal in life is to be the Chief of Staff to the POTUS.</p>

<p>I loved Mrs. Landingham, Charley, Ainsley, Donna, and CJ the best.</p>

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<p>My son & I watched every episode together for all 7 years… and on the final one, we threw ourself a WW Wrap Party (significantly, it was on the Mother’s Day just before his HS Graduation). Complete with decorations, party favors & red/white/blue desserts!
The rule was we each had to buy the other a signficant gift. I got him a Santos/McGarry campaign mug, & a book about West Wing). He got me “American Government for Idiots” (a dig on the fact that I always had to have him explain stuff to me). We had a great time.</p>

<p>He is at GW now, a journalism major. I think his future job goal is to be Toby, with a touch of Josh thrown in.</p>

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<p>WW is shown daily in syndication here in Toronto. I watch when I can, and it is currently at the beginning of season 6 where Jed is dealing with the Middle East issue as a result of the attack involving Admiral Fitzwallace and Donna. I loved these episodes when they were first broadcast and they are just as compelling upon a second (or third!) viewing. There are so many conflicts, both internal and external, in this storyline and the regulars are often ‘out of character’ in many of the scenes. They are all struggling with their own reactions to the events, in addition to trying to deal with them as professionals, in what would be best for the country and for the world. Fascinating to watch.</p>

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<p>I’m not a parent, so I don’t usually post on this forum, but my love of the West Wing demands that I do. I definitely agree that TWW was and still is the best written, best directed, and best acted show on TV. When Aaron Sorkin wrote for the show from S01 to S04, it was by far the best show on TV, and when John Wells took over, it did dip a little but was still the best show because of the ensemble of characters that had been established by that point. John Wells did have his moments too… The Supremes and Memorial Day, anyone?</p>

<p>If I were to compare myself to a character personality-wise, I’d definitely have to say Toby because of my cynicism and sarcasm, but of course I aspire to be a Leo. Those two were probably my favorite characters in the show, along with Josh and CJ. I did not like Mandy or Will (after Season 4), but I understand that they just didn’t fit into the incredibly well-rounded cast that was in place already. </p>

<p>I think I will put together a favorite episode list and watch it this weekend (starting with the first two seasons) now that its back in my mind. Episodes like…</p>

<p>These Crackpots and these Women, Take this the Sabbath Day, Celestial Navigation (the funniest), Let Bartlet be Bartlet, And Its Surely to their Credit (just for “Aimsley”), The Stackhouse Filibuster, and basically every episode at the end of Season 2. Two Cathedrals should have been nominated for an Oscar, Pulitzer, Peabody, and all sorts of other awards that they normally don’t give to a show. By far the best hour ever shown on any screen, in my opinion. Brothers in Arms still gives me the chills…</p>

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<p>I am currently rewatching the entire series and started Season 3 last night. One of the fun things is to figure out the current show for some faces that crop in as supporting players. For example, last night on Manchester, Part 1 a woman asks CJ a question on the plane. I said that she looked familiar and S pointed out that it was Connie Britton who plays Tami Taylor on Friday Night Lights.</p>

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<p>2VU, Connie Britton is in three or four episodes that season, and her character’s name is also Connie. :slight_smile: She has done lots of tv, appearing in several episodes of many different series - Ellen, 24, Spin City, The Fighting Fitzgeralds, in addition to WW, all long before FNL. She’s one of the many theatre-trained actors who have appeared in WW.</p>

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<p>CJ…all the way. </p>

<p>The complete series is the best Mother’s Day gift I have ever received. </p>

<p>Love. It.</p>

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<p>Ellen, if you are a fan of CJ, you might enjoy seeing the Broadway production slated for late 2008/early 2009. Allison is returning to Broadway and is in NYC now in rehearsals. :)</p>

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<p>Yea so many former West Wing actors and actresses have their own (successful) shows now. Mary Louise Parker went on to do Weeds, which is ridiculously successful. Dule Hill has a show on USA that’s been on for a while, so it has to be at least decent, and Mary McCormick just got her own show on USA too. Allison Janney has done so many awesome things after TWW, its almost ridiculous… Finding Nemo (technically during TWW), Over the Hedge, Broadway, Juno. </p>

<p>I kind of wished Bradley Whitford and Aaron Sorkin’s show had worked out in the end, but I watched it and it really wasn’t that good…</p>

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<p>Oh, boo…my family and I did watch Studio 60 and, unlike the rest of the known world, we loved it and were very, very sad to see its demise…</p>