Tell me about The West Wing

[Killarney]

I have actually never watched this show!

Martin Sheen plays the Pres, right? Is he a Republican or Democrat? Do you think the show leans left or right or is it fairly balanced?

Do you think it's realistic?

[Cheswick2.0]

1. he plays a democrat

most of the characters are democrats. So I guess you could say it leans left. Why should a TV drama be fair and balanced?

[supernova]

2. It's realistic

only in the sense that they talk about issues that get current play in the real Washington. It does replicate the White House sets, the executive office building, the oval office.

[Westegg]

3. West Wing

Martin Sheen plays the Prez, a left-leaning Democrat who used to be governor of New Hampshire, I believe. Frankly, he reminds me of Dean in more than one way.

I've enjoyed a good bit of the acting and writing on this show, though it sometimes decays into melodrama. I'd say it's fairly balanced (but skewed to the left). Many on the right can't stand it. It's now in syndication, which means you might be able to see old episodes once a day, depending on where you are. I'd guess that watching any one episode will tell you what you want to know about the show. It's not perfect, but it's smart, and worth a look.

[Missy Vixen]

4. One of our favorite shows

Yes, Martin Sheen plays President Jeb Bartlet in "The West Wing," which is one of our favorite shows. As a matter of fact, it's the only network television show we now watch with any regularity. We spend most of our time watching Bravo! (which carries reruns of "The West Wing,) or HBO.

President Bartlet is a Democrat. Most of his administration are Democrats (well, except for Ainsley the lawyer, who departed for the cast of "CSI Miami" awhile back.)

Whether or not the show is authentic would be up to other posters to opine on; the show has had multiple advisers from previous administrations (Pat Caddell and Dee Dee Myers spring to mind,) so I have to believe that there is some element of reality injected in their plots.

It's a tremendous show. I hope you'll get a chance to tune in sometime.

Julie

[GOPisEvil]

6. Marlin Fitzwater too...so there IS balance among the tech. adivsors.

:shrug:

[TrogL]

5. Why wasn't it on this week?

They ran another show instead at least on the Spokane station I get it on.

[BOSSHOG]

7. Outstanding Program

I don't know if its realistic because I have never worked in the White House, but the segments are crisp, acting superb. There is usually an air of tension and most of the characters have interesting stories. Martin Sheen is outstanding as the Center of his Universe in the White House. Go for it. Bravo usually has the old shows on.

[fairfaxvadem]

8. huh, i thought i was damn near the only one who'e never seen it.

Thanks for some of the feedback. I know it's in syndicate now so maybe I can catch some the shows.

[Bertha Venation]

9. Best show on TV -- maybe ever. But I'm biased.

It was created by Aaron Sorkin, who wrote the film "The American President" -- did you see that? Good movie.

[Killarney]

10. Thanks!

I'm going to try to start catching some epi's on Bravo. :)