Election Day is right around the corner, so I thought there was no better time to review my favorite television show of all time: Aaron Sorkin’s intelligent, impeccably written and emotionally driven political drama: “The West Wing” (1999-2006).
Regarded by many publications as one of the best television shows ever made, “The West Wing” follows the fictional United States President Josiah “Jed” Bartlet (Martin Sheen) and the trials and tribulations of the lives of White House staffers (Rob Lowe, Bradley Whitford, Richard Schiff, Allison Janney, Janel Moloney and John Spencer). Today, “The West Wing” remains an extraordinarily riveting and poignant television show that, while having an idealistic and hopeful portrayal of American politics, doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities and flaws of the United States Government.
Airing for seven seasons on NBC, “The West Wing” was primarily run by three executive producers: Aaron Sorkin (lead writer and creator), Thomas Schlamme (principal director) and John Wells. Sorkin is one of the most brilliant writers working in film and television today. With his rapid-fire dialogue and iconic walk-and-talk sequences, “The West Wing” quickly became known as a prestige television drama.
Sorkin’s meditation in his writing on public service, ethics and the pursuit of political ideals resonated with the American public, especially during the hectic and traumatic mid-2000s. Because of Schlamme’s impactful directing and Sorkin’s exquisite writing, “The West Wing” would go on to win three Golden Globe Awards and 26 Primetime Emmy Awards, including four consecutive awards for Outstanding Drama Series. It is important to note that Sorkin left the show after those four seasons.
My favorite aspect of “The West Wing” is the varied and gripping cast. One cannot talk about its cast without mentioning Sheen, who has never been better throughout his career than as President Bartlet. His excellent mix of gravitas, wit, empathy and vulnerability make him one of the most beloved portrayals of an American president. Bartlet is intelligent yet highly emotional and imbues a sense of humanity into the role, grounding the show’s idealistic political views. Sheen’s Bartlet masterfully represents what every American president should strive to be like.
While I could write an entirely separate review on the excellence of the cast of “The West Wing,” I do not have time for that here. Apart from Sheen, I love Spencer as Leo McGarry, who is President Bartlet’s chief of staff and best friend, as well as Dulé Hill playing Charlie Young, the personal aide to President Bartlet. Janney as C.J. Cregg, the passionate and clever press secretary, is equally great. My favorite role, however, is Whitford as deputy chief of staff Josh Lyman — a witty, compassionate and vital piece to the Bartlet administration.
“The West Wing” is also aided by a moving score produced by W.G. Snuffy Walden, jaw-dropping and detailed set design by Kenneth Hardy and Jon Hutman and the precise camera work by primary cinematographer Thomas Del Ruth.
“The West Wing” is equally topical today, if not more so, than it was in 1999. Its exploration of issues like LGBTQ+ rights, gun control and international diplomacy continues to resonate. Yet for many, including myself, Sorkin’s “The West Wing” is less about politics itself than the hope for a government that, despite its imperfections, strives to serve the common good.
Rating: ★★★★★
