The West Wing premiered in 1999 and ran until 2004, and it remains one of the sharpest political dramas ever put on television. Aaron Sorkin’s writing is fast, funny, and full of ideas, and the cast he assembled—Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, Bradley Whitford, John Spencer, Janelle Parrish, Allison Janney, Stockard Channing, C. Thomas Howell, Joshua Malina, and Felicity Huffman—gave him a group of actors who could handle the material with wit and dignity. The show follows the staff of President Josiah Bartlet, a former history professor and Princeton University scholar turned Democratic president, as they navigate crises both domestic and international.
The series is set in the White House, and it treats politics as a noble profession. That is a rare position in American television, where politicians are usually cartoon villains or buffoons. The West Wing’s characters believe in something larger than themselves, and the show respects that belief. It is also a workplace comedy in the vein of Sorkin’s earlier work on Sports Night, with rapid-fire dialogue and character-driven subplots that keep the larger political story moving. The result is a show that is both serious and entertaining, and it holds up as one of the best examples of its kind.
Trailer, via BravadoVideos.
President Bartlet and His Senior Staff
President Bartlet is played by Martin Sheen, and he is the heart of the series. He is a brilliant man with a quick mind and a sharp tongue, but he is also a recovering alcoholic with a family history of mental illness. These contradictions make him human, and they make his decisions feel weighty. The show is careful to show both sides of him, and it never lets him become a saint.
His chief of staff is Leo McGarry, played by John Spencer. Leo is the glue that holds the administration together, and he is a master of bureaucratic maneuvering. He is loyal to the president, but he is also blunt and demanding. His death near the end of the series is one of the show’s most emotional moments, and it changes the dynamic of the entire office.
The other members of the senior staff round out the ensemble. Josh Lyman, played by Rob Lowe, is the deputy chief of staff and the president’s right-hand man. He is a political operative who is often caught between his loyalty to the president and his desire to win. Toby Ziegler, played by Richard Schiff, is the communications director and a moralist. He is the conscience of the administration, and he often clashes with Josh over strategy. CJ Cregg, played by Allison Janney, is the press secretary and a former lawyer. She is a professional who knows how to handle a crisis, and she is the show’s most consistently reliable character.
The Dialogue and the Music
Sorkin’s dialogue is the show’s signature. It is fast, rhythmic, and often poetic. Characters talk over each other, interrupt, and finish each other’s sentences. This style can be exhausting to watch, but it is also exhilarating. The show trusts its audience to keep up, and it rewards attention. The scripts are dense with information, and they require multiple viewings to fully appreciate.
The show also has a musical score that is distinctive. It uses a mix of orchestral and electronic music, and it often features a piano motif that becomes associated with the president. The music is used sparingly, but it is effective when it is used. It adds a layer of emotion that the dialogue sometimes cannot convey.
The Political Storylines
The West Wing covers a wide range of political issues, from healthcare to terrorism to foreign policy. The show is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects, and it often presents multiple sides of an argument. The characters debate policy in the Situation Room, and their conversations are some of the most memorable scenes in the series.
One of the most notable storylines involves the president’s daughter, Ellie, who is dying of cancer. The show handles her illness with sensitivity, and it explores the ethical questions surrounding medical treatment. Another storyline involves the president’s son, Sam, who is gay. The show addresses homophobia in a way that feels realistic, and it shows the difficulty of being openly gay in a conservative environment.
The show also deals with the issue of faith. The president is a Catholic, and he struggles with his beliefs in the face of tragedy. The show presents his faith as genuine, but it also shows the tension between his personal convictions and his public responsibilities. This is a bold move for a network television drama, and it sets The West Wing apart from its contemporaries.
The Cultural Impact
The West Wing was a cultural phenomenon in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It won numerous awards, including Emmys, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Its success was driven by its quality, but it was also helped by the political climate of the time. The show offered a vision of government that was efficient, intelligent, and compassionate. After the election of George W. Bush, the show became even more popular as a form of escapism for viewers who were disappointed with the new administration.
The show also had a lasting influence on American politics. It inspired a generation of young people to consider careers in public service, and it made politics seem like a noble calling. The show’s depiction of the White House as a place of ideals was a refreshing change from the cynicism of other political dramas. This legacy is visible in later series like House of Cards and Veep, which also treat politics as a game.
The Weaknesses
The West Wing is not perfect. Some episodes are weaker than others, and the show occasionally leans too heavily on its own mythology. The show’s reliance on the president’s health and his family life can sometimes overshadow the political story. The show also has a tendency to wrap up its plots too neatly, and it rarely shows the messy aftermath of its decisions.
The show’s portrayal of women is also problematic. The female characters are often sidelined or objectified, and the show’s treatment of gender is dated. The show also has a tendency to romanticize its male characters, especially the president, and it rarely shows them in a vulnerable light. These flaws are not fatal, but they are worth noting.
| Character | Role | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| President Bartlet | Chief executive | Brilliant, human, flawed | Health issues overshadow plot |
| Leo McGarry | Chief of staff | Loyal, blunt | Dies unexpectedly |
| Josh Lyman | Deputy chief of staff | Strategic, loyal | Clashes with Toby |
| CJ Cregg | Press secretary | Professional, reliable | Side-lined in some arcs |
The Final Season
The final season of The West Wing is a mixed bag. It deals with the aftermath of the president’s stroke, and it shows the staff struggling to hold the administration together. The show’s ending is bittersweet, and it leaves the door open for a continuation. The show’s final episode is a tribute to the characters and the show itself, and it is a fitting conclusion to a remarkable run.
The show’s final season is also a reflection of the changing political landscape. It deals with the war in Iraq and the 2004 presidential election, and it shows the staff grappling with the reality of their power. The show’s final message is optimistic, but it is also realistic about the challenges of governance.
The Legacy
The West Wing is a classic of American television. It is a show that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it deserves its reputation. It is a show that rewards repeated viewing, and it is a show that has stood the test of time. The show’s legacy is visible in the work of later writers and directors, and it continues to influence the way politics is portrayed on screen.
The show’s flaws are real, but they are outweighed by its strengths. The show’s writing is sharp, its characters are memorable, and its politics are engaging. The show is a reminder that television can be both fun and meaningful, and it is a reminder that politics can be both difficult and inspiring.
The West Wing is a show that is worth watching, and it is a show that is worth remembering. It is a show that represents a high point in American television, and it is a show that will continue to be discussed for years to come.
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