I’ve read a lot of good things about The West Wing, and it’s the sort of drama I like, so bought the first season as a Christmas present from me to me. Frankly, so far I’m unimpressed. I’m up to Episode 5 (the one where they go to the bar) and that’s the first one I’ve managed to watch all the way through without hitting Fast Forward or not hit Pause while I make myself a sandwich or something. Even in retrospect, the first episode sucked: you had a lot of people squabbling and then at the end Bartlett came and laid down the law - I can see what they were trying to achieve, but for me it failed - and the second, third, and fourth episodes really aren’t memorable.
The fact that I can’t think of a single television series that had a good first season. The show picks up steam by the 3rd season - most good series’ sweet spot. I’d give it time (and pick up the next two seasons at the library or a rental store before you plop down $100 for them).
What Munch said, plus this: even the second season is much better. I love this show and have watched it faithfully from the start, but season 2 is the only one I’ve wanted to own (and now I do, thanks to Santa!).
I disagree with the previous posters; while the show does get better in S2 and S3, everything magic about those episodes is present in S1. If you really don’t like S1, you’re not going to dig this show.
I love it because of the dialogue (duh), but also because it doesn’t dumb down – it just assumes the audience is reasonably intelligent. Moreover, I love how the characters are all internally conflicted about when to do the right thing and when the pragmatic thing and how they all draw that line differently while still being honorable people striving hard to do good.
The true otaku would have spotted the deliberate error in that I was talking about episode 6, not episode 5. I’ve watched a further three episodes - just finished the Mendoza episode - and it is getting better. I’d like it to be a little tighter - there are too many main characters. I cannot help but compare it with my memories of Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister.
I would argue 24’s first season was its best. I also thought that the 1st season of Xena Warrior Princess was pretty good (despite less than stellar camera work)
I think both ‘Yes, Minister’ and ‘The West Wing’ are great.
But why are you comparing them?
One is a witty comedy that pokes fun (deservedly) at the UK political establishment. The characters are simply well-observed stereotypes.
The West Wing has dramatic, emotional and occasionally comedy moments. But it is a glimpse into politics with serious intent.
It is true that both sets of characters are well-educated. However Derek Foulds’ character simply uses his knowledge to correct other people’s mistakes or to make weak puns. If you watch the West Wing, you are assumed to have some knowledge of US politics and world problems.
Yes, the West Wing has a lot of characters. But they all have well-defined roles, and you can’t show how a country is run without them.
Quartz, you’re not a Republican, are you? Someone did a thread last year wondering if there were any republican posters who enjoyed the show. None of us who responded did. I’m not sure it means much, since I wasn’t offended, just bored…but then, Spin City is the only political-themed show I’ve ever liked so ymmv.
I’m British, so the question isn’t really relevant, but I do confess to disappointment that they actually plumped for one side rather than keeping it generic.
You know, right after I posted that, I remembered 24. I should probably amend that to say “most” series first season isn’t top quality.
However, thinking back, one of my favorite West Wing episodes is the S1 Christmas episode:
That’s the one with the veteran dying in Toby’s donated coat, Toby arranging the military funeral, and Ms. Landingham’s gut-wrenching line of “I just miss my boys”, isn’t it?
If anything, keep watching, Quartz. I’d wager the 2nd half vastly improves over the 1st.
Pilot: Decent enough intro, no noteworthy moments. C+
Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc: Can’t remember a thing about this episode. D+
A Proportional Response: Charlie’s first appearance, but still continues with that stupid call girl side plot. C-
Five Votes Down: Doped up President in Notre Dame gear. Interesting inside politics. B+
The Crackpots and These Women: Good dialogue bits. B+
Mr. Willis of Ohio: Don’t remember this one.
The State Dinner: This is where it picks up. Bartlet’s late call to the carrier group set the tone for the potential of this series. Sorkin’s ability to juggle numerous tasks is very much on display. A
Enemies: Another great dialogue episode, with a focus on the insane amount of useless knowledge Bartlet has. A-
The Short List: Introduces two good plots - the Supreme Court nomination process with Olmos, and Leo’s substance abuse. B+
In Excelsis Deo: Mentioned above in my spoiler. Top 5 episode. A+
Lord John Marbury: A mid-plot episode, but with good side-entertainment (Marbury). B
12: He Shall, From Time to Time…: A very good episode for reasons that would spoil many things for Quartz if I were to explain. A-
13: Take Out The Trash Day: More good internal politics and inner-workings. B
14: Take This Sabbath Day: 2nd best episode of the season. The dialogue between Bartlet and his priest is absolutely top-notch - subtle and extremely intelligent writing. After explaining why he needs to be called “Mr. President” while in the Oval Office (even by his closest friends and confidants), they talk about the death penalty. Finally, the priest says, “I’m ready for your confession now, Jed”, as he kneels on the Presidential Seal. A+
Celestial Navigation: Don’t remember this one very well.
20 Hours in L.A.: Fun cameos, some muddled continuity issues. C
The White House Pro-Am: Good forshadowing for things to come. Fun dialogue b/w the President and First Lady. B-
Six Meetings Before Lunch: The private school voucher dialogue between Sam and Mallory is absolutely wonderful, and again highlights Sorkin’s writing abilities. A-
Let Bartlet Be Bartlet: The episode description doesn’t ring any bells.
Mandatory Minimums: Don’t remember this one, either.
Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics: I must have taken this month off.
What Kind of Day Has It Been: Toby has an astronaut brother? WTH? Looks like I’ll be renting the final disc to this season in the near future.
Both of my parents are hard-core Republicans, and they love the show. But I certainly don’t blame most others for hating the show. There are a lot of wonderful moments that are apolitical, but I can see how the rest would be too preachy.
Serendipitously this was the first episode I ever saw. Probably why I liked the show so much, at least until the departure of Sorkin. I don’t bother to watch it anymore.
Shoulda mentioned that I meant of all time, not just West Wing-centric. They should set up a TV/VCR somewhere in the Smithsonian with this episode running on a constant loop.
The one thing you will be missing from watching Season 1 of The West Wing to Season 2 is the completely unexplained disappearance of Moira Kelly’s character.
She got the same treatment as Richie Cunningham’s older brother.
Not really – IIRC the timeline correctly, the staff found out she was consulting for the other side, Josh yelled at her, and you never saw her again. It was obvious that the character disappeared for behind-the-scenes reasons, whatever they were, but on camera it’s pretty easy to assume she was canned after that.
Now that Munch has listed them, my favorite episodes from Season 1. One thing - Sorokin is great with dialogue. (Strangely, I remember the ones that he’s forgotten)
Celestial Navigation - I love this episode, it is still my favorite WW episode. It has flaws, but it has great dialogue, a good mix of comedy with drama, and the plot furtherances.
Take This Sabbath Day - Great character study. (also, a really hilarious set up scene for things to come) but a good (if unashamedly liberal) policy talk.
Six Meetings Before Lunch
Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics (which really is a 3-parter with Let Bartlet Be Bartlet (ends with “I serve at the pleasure of the President”) and Mandatory Minimums. But it all wraps up with this one)
Mr. Willis of Ohio - cheesy, but made you feel very proud (it’s the one about census sampling).
Crackpots and These Women - shows wonderfully how he can do side plots (the main plot is dull…but the crackpots make it worth watching)
in that I was talking about episode 6, not episode 5. I’ve watched a further three episodes - just finished the Mendoza episode - and it is getting better. I’d like it to be a little tighter - there are too many main characters. I cannot help but compare it with my memories of Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister.