Just an outstanding show. Aaron Sorkin is just an unbelievable talent.
Thoughts:
As with all good shows, there is an entire season that can be taken out. For me it was the second half of season 5. Didn't really develop much and seemed like time filler.
Was sad to see Rob Lowe's character leave. He was great. He came back for the last episode, but it was never explained what his role in the new White House would be.
I absolutely hated seeing Leo pass away. He was the rock of the Bartlett administration. Spencer is good actor. We knew somebody would die in 7 seasons. I figured he was dead after the first heart attack. Kind of wish they had a little with him in the episode he dies.
To think that Bradley Whitford could play the guy in Billy Madison and Josh Lyman shows that he as a wide repertoire of acting skills. He was convincing as the non-stop political strategist. A lot of humorous scenes with him.
Disclaimer: I am not a Jimmy Smits fan. He seems to show up in shows I like and offer very little to the show (Dexter, Sons of Anarchy, etc.) So...I was bummed out when he became a major role. That being said, adding Alan Alda's role more than made up for Smits.
I have not seen Dule Hill (Charlie Young) in anything else. He was a perfect fit for his role. Same goes for C.J. (Allison Janey). Between her, Zoey and Donna, I'd make myself available. The sexiest woman on the show was easily Amy Gardner
Toby, Toby, Toby. The great Richard Schiff's character only smiles 21 times through 7 seasons. His dry wit was awesome. Great speech writer. Doesn't use a computer...handwrites his speeches. I understand what he did and why he did. For all the good things I'm about to say about President Jed Bartlett, if he had not signed that final commutation/pardon for Toby, my feelings about him would have changed
Mrs Bartlett - bitch
Mrs. Lanningham - what everyone would want for a grandma
Kudos to Alan Aarkin, John Goodman, John Amos, J.K. Simmons, Christopher Lloyd, Christian Slater, and bunch of others for playing great guest stars.
Jed Barlett
A bow tie on a brilliant career for Martin Sheen. As someone else noted; what we would all want and deserve to have as a POTUS. Wasn't too quick the pull the trigger when the Generals were pushing him. Made attempt of being reconciliatory despite the fact that he was Dem through and through. Family man, although, it didn't appear that he had much family support as a child in his Dad's prep school or by his wife Abby. I really thought they were going to get divorced during the show. Strong in his faith, but he questioned God and smudged out a cigarette in front of the alter in one episode.
It would be interesting to see if we ever elect a POTUS that already has a Nobel Prize before entering office. His intelligence was a little too braggadocios at times. But was easy to humble as well
All in all, a solid "A" tinkering on A +
Thoughts:
As with all good shows, there is an entire season that can be taken out. For me it was the second half of season 5. Didn't really develop much and seemed like time filler.
Was sad to see Rob Lowe's character leave. He was great. He came back for the last episode, but it was never explained what his role in the new White House would be.
I absolutely hated seeing Leo pass away. He was the rock of the Bartlett administration. Spencer is good actor. We knew somebody would die in 7 seasons. I figured he was dead after the first heart attack. Kind of wish they had a little with him in the episode he dies.
To think that Bradley Whitford could play the guy in Billy Madison and Josh Lyman shows that he as a wide repertoire of acting skills. He was convincing as the non-stop political strategist. A lot of humorous scenes with him.
Disclaimer: I am not a Jimmy Smits fan. He seems to show up in shows I like and offer very little to the show (Dexter, Sons of Anarchy, etc.) So...I was bummed out when he became a major role. That being said, adding Alan Alda's role more than made up for Smits.
I have not seen Dule Hill (Charlie Young) in anything else. He was a perfect fit for his role. Same goes for C.J. (Allison Janey). Between her, Zoey and Donna, I'd make myself available. The sexiest woman on the show was easily Amy Gardner
Toby, Toby, Toby. The great Richard Schiff's character only smiles 21 times through 7 seasons. His dry wit was awesome. Great speech writer. Doesn't use a computer...handwrites his speeches. I understand what he did and why he did. For all the good things I'm about to say about President Jed Bartlett, if he had not signed that final commutation/pardon for Toby, my feelings about him would have changed
Mrs Bartlett - bitch
Mrs. Lanningham - what everyone would want for a grandma
Kudos to Alan Aarkin, John Goodman, John Amos, J.K. Simmons, Christopher Lloyd, Christian Slater, and bunch of others for playing great guest stars.
Jed Barlett
A bow tie on a brilliant career for Martin Sheen. As someone else noted; what we would all want and deserve to have as a POTUS. Wasn't too quick the pull the trigger when the Generals were pushing him. Made attempt of being reconciliatory despite the fact that he was Dem through and through. Family man, although, it didn't appear that he had much family support as a child in his Dad's prep school or by his wife Abby. I really thought they were going to get divorced during the show. Strong in his faith, but he questioned God and smudged out a cigarette in front of the alter in one episode.
It would be interesting to see if we ever elect a POTUS that already has a Nobel Prize before entering office. His intelligence was a little too braggadocios at times. But was easy to humble as well
All in all, a solid "A" tinkering on A +
