The West Wing (The best TV show ever written by anyone EVER, with the best actors in the world EVER) is coming to an end/ended. Dr. Freling is asking the questions we all should:
a) What the hell are they smoking over at NBC?
b) Why hasn’t the English version been made yet!
So for now I will leave you with some of the best quotes from the show:
“I was watching a television program before, with a kind of roving moderator who spoke to a seated panel of young women who were having some sort of problem with their boyfriends - apparently, because the boyfriends had all slept with the girlfriends’ mothers. And they brought the boyfriends out, and they fought, right there on television. Toby, tell me: these people don’t vote, do they?” - President Bartlet
“There are two things in the world you never want people to see how you make them - laws and sausages.” - Leo McGarry
“Don’t vote for us because you think we’re perfect, don’t vote for us because of what we might be able to do for you only. Vote for the person who shares your ideals, your hopes, your dreams. Vote for the person who most embodies what you believe we need to keep our nation strong and free.” - Matthew Santos
“I’m going to make a suggestion which might help you out, but I don’t want this to be mistaken for an indication that I like you.” - Toby Ziegler
Thank you…..I’m now going off to cry
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Requiem for a real presadent
The West Wing has just finished its run on American television. This marks the end of an era in American television, as it marks the demise of intelligently scripted drama with a dense plot. (I could bore you to death talking about US TV but not now).
The whole idea of a Clinton like fictional administration running like a shadow to the bush Republican government, has a fine irony to it.
It also had some good characterisation that was well delivered by a group of fine actors, certainly Martin Sheen prove to be an excellent if flawed President who at least tried to use his intelligence, and humour to sort out the plots political machination’s. He certainly did not succeed all the time as the script writers delivered up a Republican Congress for him. A Democrat President and a Republican Congress doged Clinton for half of his presidency. Also presadent Bartlett was culpable of executive murder. (Season three.) which is a good dramatic plot line to follow.
Fortunately the programme had its lighter moments, such as. President Bartett stoneed, and off his face on painkillers. Also Sam Seaborne having spent an inadvertent night with a prostitute. Just what was she doing with that disposable razor in her bed??
Most of all the programme succeeded to give the American public a glimpse into the world of the beltway. After seven seasons the programme had probably run its course.
It may have got away with an 8th season as US President can only serve two terms of four years. But falling ratings spell the kiss of death on US TV Schedules. Rumour has it that there may be the odd one off special as a retrospective but we will have to see. So it’s hail to the chief and goodbye to the Bartlett administration.
Howler Monkey…
Howler Monkey said this on May 25th, 2006 at 10:16 pm
Any chance you could put a spoiler notice at the top? The end of the 3rd quote gives something away to people who haven’t seen S7 yet, and I know at least one reader who’d be spitting feathers if they saw that! Thanks muchly
Andrew said this on May 26th, 2006 at 12:13 am
yes thanks very much, I am in Latvia and relying on DVDs so havent got there yet, am watching them slowly so as to savour every moment. What the PM needs is a Leo McGarry. What I dont need is the story spoilt.
Janestheone said this on May 26th, 2006 at 9:05 am
Jane - are you in latvia “on a mission”? Do you have to neutralise anyone? Have they let you use the Aston Martin?
Recess Monkey said this on May 26th, 2006 at 9:16 am
Andrew, did you really think he wouldn’t win? Surely the moment Josh went off with him it was obvious.
Dr. Freling said this on May 26th, 2006 at 9:41 am
Yeah, but you never know what TWW will do with a storyline.
Andrew said this on May 26th, 2006 at 11:46 am
West Wing is/was great but, being a bit of an anorak, I feel I should point out that the Leo McGarry quip about laws and sausages was taken from a quote by Otto Von Bismarck.
the thimble said this on May 26th, 2006 at 12:10 pm
You learn somethink everyday
Dr. Freling said this on May 26th, 2006 at 1:33 pm
Having seen the finale a couple of weeks ago, I must agree with the sadness expressed. However, it went downhill since Aaron Sorkin left at the end of series 4, only just getting back up to standard in the last few. I think to carry on would have been painful as they’d have tried to keep favourite characters at the expense of realism. Just a nice goodbye to a fine tv series, whose time had come.
Michael said this on May 26th, 2006 at 1:36 pm
Tomorrow was a fiting title for the last ep. I think the content remained but the homour went after season 4. What do you think Micheal
Dr. Freling said this on May 26th, 2006 at 2:10 pm
The start of season 4 speech makes me cry every time:
We did not seek nor did we provoke an assault on our freedom and our way of life. We did not expect nor did we invite a confrontation with evil. Yet the true measure of a people’s strength is how they rise to master that moment when it does arive. 44 people were killed a couple of hours ago at Kennison State University. Three swimmers from the men’s team were killed and two others are in critical condition. When, after having heard the explosion from their practice facility, they ran into the fire to help get people out. Ran into the fire. The streets of heaven are too crowded with angels tonight. They’re our students and our teachers and our parents and our friends. The streets of heaven are too crowded with angels, but every time we think we have measured our capacity to meet a challenge, we look up and we’re reminded that that capacity may well be limitless.
andrewhauk said this on May 26th, 2006 at 3:18 pm
Dr Freling. You’re right. Season 5 was very dark and there seemed to be increasing animosity between the protagonists which wasn’t there before. Maybe this is more realistic, but it affected my enjoyment. season 6 was hit and miss, but this was forgivable as covering the WW and a primary campaign was going to be tricky. It never managed to repreat the delights of series 1/2, but i think it’ll remain one of my all time favourites. I have every episode, 4 seasons on DVD and three on my computer!!
Michael said this on May 26th, 2006 at 4:02 pm
Recess Monkey makes no judgment or takes any responsibility for the activities of Recess Monkey readers.
So don’t sue us!
Dr. Freling said this on May 26th, 2006 at 5:51 pm
Think you’ll find that the bit about law and sausages was originally said by Bismarck
Alex Swanson said this on May 27th, 2006 at 1:37 am
The english version would be awful!
Can you imagine the general election? a bunch of bad breathed MPs in ill fitting suits and dorky party workers, utterly bereft of any personality whatsoever, on some stinking old “battle bus” driving into some grey drizzly old shit hole to small talk with OAPs. Wouldnt have me on the edge of my seat! U.S politics is far seen as far more glam and exciting than ours because its a super power and the image thats been built up around it by Hollywood. What was the last film the UK film industry presented UK politics in? “Love Actually”! Bluurrgghh
Jonny said this on May 27th, 2006 at 1:57 pm
Well thank God you’re not writing it Jonny
Dr. Freling said this on May 27th, 2006 at 2:19 pm
I will get up an EDM to abolish the act of seperation. To bring you guys back inside the empire.Thears no need for this USA nonesence.
Howler Monkey said this on May 27th, 2006 at 3:29 pm
I personally think that U.K. politics are far more interesting - and, let’s face it, fun! - than any Hollywood inspired stuff. At least British politoians (well, most of them anyway) are real and don’t get elected for their image. At least I hope so!
Confused Cucumber said this on May 27th, 2006 at 4:00 pm
They did try to make a Britsh version. It was called ‘the deputy’ and starred Warren Clarke. They walked and talked at the same time just like they do in the West Wing. It just wasn’t as funny, clever or moving in the same way that the West Wing was.
Humph said this on May 27th, 2006 at 5:49 pm
No-one does schmaltz like the americans
Recess Monkey said this on May 28th, 2006 at 5:16 pm
Hello Dr Freling and all,
Wonderd if I could pick your brainy brains and ask if you know of any UK politicians who are fans of the west Wing?
Thank you! x
Michelle said this on June 7th, 2006 at 5:10 pm
No 10 evidently collapsed when the final series ended - though i’m not suggesting they were all passing around illegally ripped dvds…
…ahem…
Recess Monkey said this on June 7th, 2006 at 5:35 pm
I know of several, but I’m not nameing names. I had series one on DVD when it first came out..and the nameless keeped balgging them off me.
Howler Monkey said this on June 7th, 2006 at 7:13 pm