Tonight I did not watch "West Wing" for the first time in 4 years

[scarlett1]

I just can't handle another campaign right now.

Why are they going down this path A YEAR EARLY? In their fictitious White House the Presidential election should be in November 2006 not 2005. They changed it from the year divisible by 4 but kept it on the even year. Maybe they forgot to have mid terms this past year, because of the MS story line.

I think they will lose viewership because their loyal viewers are the ones who have seen President Bartlet as their President for the last 4 years.

I know there has been talk of a Republican West Wing (even if it is Alan Alda.) I couldn't watch. This is the death-knell for "West Wing." They will have "jumped the Shark", if they haven't already.

[DrGonzoLives]

1. This might be it

Here's how I would end the series:

Take it up to election night. Have the results coming in, a real close election. It comes down to one state. A newscaster prepares to announce the winner...and then the credits come up.

[pres2032]

2. the election is still going to be in 2006

but in like March or April probably. We still have another season.


Alan Alda is actually a very moderate republican on the show, i could live with him as president.

[dr.strangelove]

9. The election will be next November.

Martin Sheen is in the process of signing on for next year right now. If NBC renews West Wing (BIG IF, ratings are not good) the election would be in November and then inauguration would be in January. The new President would have his first few episodes in Feb sweeps, but one Feb sweeps episode would be dedicated to Bartlet in NH after the White house.

[pres2032]

10. ah, ok, i could take that

i hope, hope they renew it. is it only going to last until february of next year? or are there even plans to continue it with a jimmy smits or alan alda white house into an 8th season?

[dr.strangelove]

11. SPOILER in this post.

NBC is balking at a renewal longer than one year. I think that is the reason why it has not yet been renewed. The new Exec Producer is pushing for a longer term renewal, and NBC appears willing to give the show another year with Sheen at the head, but wants to see ratings numbers with Smits before going forward. Here is the spoiler, ignore further reading if you don't want to see it:


Alan Alda has pulled himself out of the running. He will not commit to a full time TV series for several years. It appears Smits is the clear winner, if NBC wants to go with it. If NBC says no, only one more year, than Alda's character can win. He would only be in 50-75% of the last season's episodes, which he reportedly is open to. Alda'a stock in films has risen lately. He got an Oscar nod this year and may get an emmy nod for this West Wing run, like his Emmy for ER. HE likes these short TV series runs and films. At this point in his career, it is not about the money and he can choose to do what he wants. There are other candidates, but none have ever carried a series, Smits was the lead on NYPD when it got great ratings and his LA law run as solid. He is a proven ratings getter, which is all NBC cares about.

[DaveinMD]

3. I want the show to continue

with Santos as President. It could still be very good. I enjoyed tonight.

[Mojambo]

4. You missed a fine episode

Very nicely crafted. I also thought they did a great job using the music at the end.

I love what they're doing. It's the same sharp political wit that was found in early West Wing episodes only set in the chaos of a primary campaign.

Smits is getting his legs and Alda is just terrific (as always.)

And with the way they are alternating between the Bartlet White House plot and the primary campaign plot it is almost like you're getting two shows.

[GalleryGod]

5. I Would Agree. Donna in her boxers!

:bounce: I'll make your coffee and scrub your back!:party:

[dr.strangelove]

8. Donna is yummy

[scarlett1]

13. I actually DVR'd it because it was already set up

to do so

[SaveElmer]

6. Teri Polo on David Letterman (or was it Conan)...

Can't remember which, strongly hinted she would be back on the show as first lady!

[dr.strangelove]

7. Not a done deal yet. but . . .

I don't want to give any spoiler info out here, but we have several threads on the West Wing in the TV Chat Group that have great spoiler info in them. It is very likely that Smits will win.

[madison2000]

12. If Josh and Donna don't get together soon I'm gonna scream!!

Too much foreplay.

:grr: