I'm not sure if the West Wing is that great a show anymore.

[Darth_Ole]

I mean, I still watch it every week. It's still a very intelligent show, but not quite as good.

The biggest change has probably been Aaron Sorkin's departure. He is one of the last great TV writers. The first 3 seasons of WW have been great. They had a perfect balance of humor and seriousness, and they really made you think about the issues.

The last great episode(s) I think are the ones dealing with Zoe's kidnapping and the first couple this season where Walken was president. But ever since then, it seems that they're taking themselves too seriously. It's almost like they're TRYING to win Emmys. Every episode has to be very profound.

They won't do any more episodes like the Lord Marbury one, or the truly great ones like when they hired Charlie, or the episode where Bartlet goes nuts in the cathedral. Instead, it's just a few of the staffers running around corners, mumbling, and occasionally yelling at each other. It's just not the same quality as it used to be.

[Hand]

1. I'm afraid so...

I turned it off halfway through tonight. Incoherent, poorly written, and frankly boring. Damn shame, but every show eventually runs out of steam.

[mandyky]

3. I had it on but

it never caught my attention. Too bad, it once was a great show.

[Pale Blue Dot]

2. There was an episode this season that drove me NUTS.

A budget battle between the President and the Republican congress has shut down the government. The President eventually decides to solve the problem by WALKING from the White House to Capital Hill, followed by tons of reporters. Once there, the Republicans keep him waiting so he just sits there, staring into space, while the press SAYS NOT ONE WORD to him.

I mean, can why TRY to keep this in the real world?

[Bertha Venation]

4. Sadly, I agree.

I was intensely dissatisfied by tonight's episode. Maybe they have to throw in a little realism now & then, but come on -- I honestly wish Jed Bartlet were president. But not if he allows worries about appearances to stop him from granting clemency.

I was afraid the show's quality would decline after Sorkin's departure. :cry:

[terryg11]

6. but his decision was realistic

even if the scenario was just a little too much coincidence. agreed, the show has lost something but it's still pretty good.

[C_eh_N_eh_D_eh]

5. I gave up on that show years ago.

After they killed off Mrs. Landingham at the end of season 2, it just seemed to get more and more depressing. I stopped watching early in season 3.

[Selwynn]

12. I believe Seasons 1-4 are all good, right up until the inauguration ones

in season for. The last 5 or 6 episodes in season 4 were not that good . And then this season has just be a bummer.

[Bake]

7. I got the first season on DVD for Christmas!

So I've been on a West Wing binge. Now THAT, friends, was GREAT T.V.!! So many great episodes. The one about the funeral for the homeless Korean War vet had me in tears. Sam's accidental relationshipo with a call-girl putting herself through law school at Georgetown. Lord John Marbury! Every single episode was just TRUE "excellence in broadcasting." This season has been a let-down.

I can't wait until Seasons 2 and 3 come out on DVD.

Bake

By the way, it was a gift from my lovely wife who knew JUST what to get me!!

[MissMillie]

15. Me too!

And I'm anxiously awaiting season 2 on DVD.

[lpbk2713]

8. I used to tape W/W and watch it religiously.

But lately I'm lukewarm about it. I'll go for a couple of weeks without watching. It just doesn't seem to have the spark it once had.

[DiverDave]

9. I agree

I watched last night, wasn't too impressed.

Ahh well, there are the re-runs on bravo

[MaineDem]

10. I thought last night's was one of the best episodes of the season

It was beginning to show some of the old spark.

[Selwynn]

11. That's not what it is - its ARRON SORKIN leaving as writer and

producer.... that's why the show seems so much different (usually for the worse) this year.

[terryg11]

13. was kind of hoping they would act more in control this year

Since it's his last term, I was hoping they would have them taking the fight to congress more and focusing more on getting done the things they want to accomplish. At least they show it in Toby and Josh, who are just chomping at the bit to take the fight to the hill and the people. that's what I would like to see more of, Bartlett doing what he does best, kick ass

[oldcoot]

14. Too much focus on personal lives

I remember hearing that NBC wanted to focus more on the personal lives of the characters. Perhaps that is one of the problems with the show this season. It does seem like many of this season's episodes are forgettable.

I did like last night's episode. It is rare that one sees a show actually criticizing the War on Drugs. However, I could have lived without seeing Ms. "Fatal Attraction" slapping Charlie. I really do hope that this was her one and only episode.