Anybody as hooked on West Wing as I am? This season has been outstanding. Live debate on TV tomorrow night! Can't wait! How great are Alan Alda and Jimmy Smits?

We quit watching West Wing a couple of years ago when they started getting really "preachy". Don't know if it's changed, but don't want to watch it to find out. Boston Legal is one of my favorite shows, but it's getting the same way--I had to turn it off last week. I prefer my politics in the news, not as pseudoentertainment (or lack of entertainment as the case may be).

Alan Alda scares me. I like to remember him the way he looked on MASH*. Ditto on the politics.

I watched that show all the time. When Rob Lowe left- I continued to watch but it was very political- and when Donna got hurt and Leo up here at Camp David- that was the end of it for me. I have tuned in a few times. Don't care for Jimmy Smits. Alan Alda- not cast properly. When the man person stopped writting for the show- it needed to go to bed at that time. It is at least one year over due to retire.

Might tune in because it is LIVE- then on to DH at 9!!
Jan

I really love Alan Alda, especially when he played Hawkeye. This is a very different role for him.

I guess my admiration for the show is in the minority here. It was in a slump for a while, but, in my opinion, has made a huge comeback. I'm very much looking forward to tomorrow night's episode.

Denise...I'm with you, can't wait to watch tomorrow.

Last year the plots were a little thin, but they've been plugging into some current issues - makes you think about what we are dealing with in DC right now - maybe a little to close for comfort for some.

Hi Margo,

West Wing is really dealing with some very current and pressing issues facing our country right now. It does take many out of their comfort level. Getting out of one's comfort level can be a good thing, if done with intelligent reason and purpose.

The writing is, once again, sharp and crisp. The acting, as always, is superb. The story lines are thought-provoking. The show ranks #1 in my opinion.

I agree that for a couple of years West Wing went downhill. BUT this year with Alan Alda and Jimmy Smits running for President, the show has picked up some life. I wonder after this season, with a new President, if the show will be canceled or will it continue with new cast members? What do you all think? Judith

Hi Judith,

I am hoping that the show continues on with new cast members.

Denise, I'm in your camp on West Wing -- it has been revived somewhat this year. I wasn't sure how the live debate would work out, but I thought last night's show was really good. It interesting to see the writers push the envelope. I'm hooked again.

Hi Priscilla,

I was waiting to see you post here! I feel the very same way. The show languished for a while. I hung in there, waiting for it to gain intellectual steam again, and it has come through in a big way this new season.

The debate was excellent and very realistic. Both Alan Alda and Jimmy Smits really lived and breathed their characters. I was, however, surprised that they didn't ask the question of where both candidates stand on abortion, as they've both been dancing around the issue. Did that surprise you, as well?

I, too, am hooked on West Wing. It's commercial TV at it's best, once again!

Okay, I'll come out as a major West Wing lover. I've been an addict since day 1. I agree with the assessment that it got weak for a while, and has come back with vigor. Although I'm uncomfortable with the plotline about Toby and his leak (ripped from the headlines, eh?). It feels like a crumbling house of cards in Bartlett's Whitehouse, and I really hate seeing these long-term close relationships, like between Toby and CJ, falling apart. It's depressing. But I am finding the campaign to be fascinating and thought-provoking.

I did love the debate! I'm not sure how I feel about the fact that they did it twice, though. We here in CA rarely get to actually see live TV actually performed live, because they usually do the live shows on East Coast time, and then televise it later out here. Instead, they actually performed the show twice. I would like to see the other performance and judge which one was better, and how they differed!

Anyway, I thought the debate was fascinating and well performed, if a bit idealistic. Meaning, can any of you imagine two actual candidates behaving as honorably (or effectively!) in that kind of format?? No way!

As for who won, I have to admit that I thought Santos knocked it out of the park. While both did an excellent job in their ability to debate, I thought that Santos kicked Vinick's arse on specific topics more times than the other way round. I can't help but wonder if that's partly because Alan Alda is actually a far-left liberal, trying to make passionate arguments that he doesn't really believe in himself! As an actor, I think he did remarkably well. But it's gotta be hard when you are having to appear that confident and passionate about things that you actually disagree with.

LeeAnne, how fascinating that they did the debate twice, once for West Coast time and once for the Midwest and East. I had no idea. I would love to see both performances also, to see how they differed. I agree it was a bit idealistic, but as Denise says, it was commercial TV at its best and most innovative.

Denise, I hadn't thought about the abortion question until your comment, but I thought they handled the death penalty question interestingly (with a simple "yes" for suspension from Santos and a simple "no" from Vinik -- was that the way it was during the West Coast telecast?). I've missed the past two weeks before last night because of our cruise, so I don't have the background on what has been happening.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to next week! The only bad thing is that West Wing is now opposite Cold Case, another show I liked, but I'm opting for West Wing and will catch Cold Case on reruns.

Here's a question for you West-Coasters -- did you notice one big gaffe towards the end? It was when Vinick mentioned global warming derisively -- Santos then burst out with "Theories?!" as if Vinick had said that word, implying they were only theories. But Vinick hadn't actually said the word "theories," and right after Santos shouted out the word, he seemed to fumble a bit. It appeared to me as if Alan Alda messed up his line and forgot to say that word, or perhaps Jimmy Smits did his interuptive outburst before Alda had a chance to say it! It was the only moment of the entire show, however, that didn't seem to flow, so I can't complain. I thought they did a good job of quickly moving past it.

It would be great to compare both telecasts. The fact that they were able to pull it off, in it's entirety, twice in one night, is something.

I felt the same way about the outburst, LeeAnne and was unsure if Alan Alda flubbed the line or if it was scripted that way.

The way the question of the death penalty was handled was very interesting. Neither one elaborated and wanted to get into it. I did expect the abortion issue to be presented and was surprised it wasn't.

The most moving parts of the show were the comments about Abe Lincoln and the eloquent words pertaining to the roots of the Democratic party. Both candidates shined.

As to who the winner of the debate was, it's hard for me to say. Being a Liberal (there's that "ugly" word), I want to go with Santos. However, Vinick had some very winning moments. This is a very even "contest" as far as I'm concerned. It would be hard for me to choose if this were reality.

LeeAnne, my thoughts, exactly about Alan Alda's convincing Republican platform/dialogue! Alda is very much the Liberal and the thoughts and words of Vinick are acted to perfection each and every week. He's a brilliant actor.

Priscilla, I, too, am a big Cold Case fan, as you know. I hate the fact that both shows are opposite each other. I guess I will need to catch it on reruns, as well.

There's always that trusty ol' VCR! That's what I do when there are conflicting shows. Of course, my more high-tech friends have TIVO.

Okay, I guess I'll chime in here! Fortunately, we have a deal with Comcast here that records programs on 2 hard drives - I guess it would be similar to Tivo, but offered by our cable co. We had a concert last night, but came home and were glued to the screen watching the debate!

I have to agree with those who said its the best thing on TV. Period. Without a doubt! Sometimes in the past few seasons they have veered off in my opinion to too much personal lives of the characters - this season, however, they began with a "bang" and just keep on going! I LOVE the writing. Best drama on TV!!! As far as this debate is concerned, it was fun to watch "live" TV for a change. Yes, there were some fluffed lines, but I think they both did a great job. On balance - great "lefty" that I am - I would have to give the nod to Alan Alda. I just think he knocked it out of the park with his acting, even though I disagreed with the sentiments of his character.......

Have any of you watched that new series - Commander in Chief? Geena Davis is the Pres? I watched it once.........Yuck! So contrived. Cannot compare in one little iota to West Wing!

Glenda

Good to hear your take on West Wing, Glenda. As you can see from my posts, above, I concur completely. The writing is once again sharp, thought-provoking and intelligent.

I watched Commander in Chief once and also thought it was contrived. The acting was very poor, with the exception of Donald Sutherland. Once was enough for me.

LeeAnne, Yes there is always the trusty VCR...That is if you remember to set the VCR! :D It doesn't always happen around here!

I agree that Donald Sutherland is the only reason to watch Commander in Chief. His character is so deliciously smarmy. ;) The rest of it is just...booooring! Comparing it to West Wing is like...oh...comparing the food on Carnival to the food on Radisson. OOOH, I'm bad! <img border="0" alt="[c]" title="" src="graemlins/c.gif" />

Bad, but accurate, LeeAnne!

Did everyone read about John Spencer dying of a heart attack yesterday? Shocking -- especially since they had him suffering an attack on the show. He was our favorite character on this and earlier on LA Law. Very sad. I wonder since they haven't filmed the final shows for this television season, how they will write in his death. Judith

Judith, he's always been a favorite of mine too. I don't watch West Wing anymore, but have always enjoyed his performances on both shows. He will be missed.

I'm so sad! Talk about reality TV -- his character's heart attack wasn't all that long ago. Man, how tragic. He's always been one of my favorites as well.

John Spencer was an outstanding actor whose presence will be missed greatly.

I had seen on the computer on Friday night and watched the DC news and they had interviewed him at the Orioles stadium when he was in town for that episode. I remember when they were up in the area- Camp David to film and around the DC area. He was one of my favorite characters and that episode that you all are talking about was horrible to watch.
I did not realize that he was that young. In DC-they said they better do an excellent tribute to him.
He shall me missed.
Jan

It certainly was a very ironic twist of fate that John Spencer passed away due to a heart attack. That segment was so difficult to view.

I thought he was much older than his 58 years.

His character was a favorite of mine. His will be very big shoes to fill.

Read in NY Times obit he left NO survivors - that is sad - 58 is young!!!!

Yes, I wonder how they will take the plot of the show. Seems to me, the best thing would be to have him die of a heart attack - after all, he's already had one and it would be natural. Another case of life imitating art.....

As some of you have said, a very interesting actor with loads of presence. Also my favorite character on the show. After years of losing out, I was happy when he won his Emmy for best actor. I'm kind of glad Toby is not so featured anymore. I could never understand Mr. Mumbles, so it was frustrating to watch and try to understand. Martin Sheen - boy, he just goes on and on, doesn't he! Doing a fantastic job with every scene. And Jimmy Smits! What a great great acting job with his character! Alan Alda as well - this season has been a pleasure to watch with the literate dialogue and the interplay between the characters in the two camps. Best thing on TV, by far. John Spencer will be missed. I read that he does have relatives, but no immediate family. I guess he looked in his late 50's - early 60's to me. Sad, to die to young with many more great acting roles ahead. But again, he didn't linger with some wasting illness, so there is that blessing. I read that over 50% of people with their first heart attack die. We hear about all the ones who are saved by CPR and early intervention, but here is one not so lucky.