NBC Sucks (My rant about NBC's screwy "The West Wing" scheduling.)

[Brian Sweat]

Last Wednesday I was expecting to see a new episode of "The West Wing." At the last minute, NBC decided not to show the new Episode because they didn't want to get clobbered by the MLB playoffs. The crawler at the bottom of the screen said that the new episode had been delayed and would be shown on Oct. 29. Last night, Oct. 22, they showed the new episode. Fortunately, I have my UltimateTV (like Tivo) set to automatically record "The West Wing."

Still it pisses me off that they screw with the schedule like this. I am willing to be that many people who wanted to watch the new episode missed it because they were not expecting it until next week.

[Bandit]

1. I agree that sucks but it may not matter much if last night is an

indication of where the West Wing is going with their new writers. It has taken a decidedly right tilt. Bartlett is acknowleging his administration is headed for recession and no one knows what to do. If they continue on this trend I will be an ex West Wing watcher. Also they are excepting a VP chosen by the right wing congress and not objecting. :puke:

[Jivenwail]

2. This is all a result of them dumping Sorkin

He was very vocal against Bush and the network didn't like it. They used so-called "slumping ratings" and a drop in viewership to fire the man who created the show. (Side note: you didn't see ABC dump David Kelly for slumping ratings on "The Practice" - they just forced him to fire his high priced cast) So now you are left with producers who will bow to the will of the master and who will make certain that this show begins to wind it's way right. Don't be surprised by the way the show will go from now on. I vowed to stop watching the minute they dumped Sorkin - it simply isn't worth it without the mind who created it and made it what it was. I would imagine this will be Sheen's last year, too, it the show survives the season.

[Jeff in Cincinnati]

3. Because no Democratic President ever had to deal with recession

They've made the show more realistic. The fact is that in the first few seasons, the only Republicans we ever saw on "The West Wing" were the "nice" ones like Ainsley and the principled Republican staffer who saved Leo during his testimony.

[DemCam]

4. Actually, Sorkin

was a great big pain to work with. And, his storylines following current events last year created falling ratings...hence the "dumping"

It was the only show that didn't spout right-wing views, tho...and the end of the show could be predicted when Sorkin left. He was a brillint pain in the ass.

I miss him and haven't bothered with this year's show.