A True Gem Of The Small Screen
The West Wing was, and is, one of my all time favorite TV shows. It had the best combination of a great ensemble cast and terrific writing. There wasn't a single episode that didn't have at least one moment of pure joy to watch. I'm not the only one who felt this way about the show: West Wing won two Golden Globe Awards and 26 Emmy Awards (this tied it with Hill Street Blues for most Emmy's won by a drama). Those Emmy's also included winning Outstanding Drama for four straight years (2000-2003). The character's interactions, and the actor's abilities to bring those character's to life made it worth tuning in every week. Yes, I know the show has been off of the air since May 2006 - thank heavens for reruns!
West Wing Available on DVD from Amazon
Seasons One through Three, and some compilations.
The West Wing - The Complete First Season
Amazon Price: $19.49 (as of 01/03/2010) 
List Price: $59.98
Used Price: $11.95
The West Wing - The Complete Second Season
Amazon Price: $18.99 (as of 01/03/2010)
List Price: $59.98
Used Price: $9.98
The West Wing - The Complete First Two Seasons (2-Pack)
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
List Price: $119.98
Used Price: $39.95
The West Wing - The Complete Third Season
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
List Price: $59.98
Used Price: $15.24
West Wing Quotes
As I said, it was often the character's interactions more than anything else that made it worth tuning in every week - so, here is a very small sample of some of my favorite cast quotes (I found the exact wordings for the quips on the Internet Movie Database) :
- President Josiah Bartlet: Congratulations. So, who is da man on this one?
Toby Ziegler: I think this time we're collectively da men, sir.
**************************************************** - Mandy Hampton: Mr. President, if you could also see your way clear to not answering that question like an economics professor with a big old stick up his butt, that would be good too.
President Josiah Bartlet: I am an economics professor with a big old stick up my butt, but I'll do my best for you, there, Mandy.
**************************************************** - Josh Lyman: No. You're listening to me, but you're not understanding me.
Toby Ziegler: No, I'm disagreeing with you. That doesn't mean I'm not listening to you or understanding what you're saying - I'm doing all three at the same time.
**************************************************** - Leo McGarry: Andrew Jackson had a big block of cheese...
Josh Lyman: ...And a Wheat Thin the size of Lake Tahoe.
**************************************************** - C.J. Cregg: The more photo-friendly of the two turkeys gets a Presidential pardon and a full life at a children's petting zoo; the other one gets eaten.
President Josiah Bartlet: If the Oscars were like that, I'd watch.
**************************************************** - Mandy Hampton: The FBI guy has been in there a couple of hours, you think it's a good sign?
Josh Lyman: I don't know.
Mandy Hampton: I'm asking you what you think.
Josh Lyman: I... I don't have any thoughts on that one way or the other.
Mandy Hampton: What's happening with the Teamsters?
Josh Lyman: I don't know.
Mandy Hampton: Any news on the hurricane?
Josh Lyman: Not that I'm aware of.
Mandy Hampton: What is it you do here exactly?
Josh Lyman: It's never really been made clear to me.
**************************************************** - Toby Ziegler: I agree with Josh and I agree with C.J. and I agree with Sam. And you know how that makes me crazy...
**************************************************** - Josh Lyman: We think if we hit the ground hard enough we can make it to the center of the planet and find water?
Toby Ziegler: Yeah.
Josh Lyman: That's not a theory of physics pretty much disproved by Wile E. Coyote?
**************************************************** - Josh Lyman: You know... can I say this? Why don't we just give the $60 billion to North Korea in exchange for not bombing us?
President Josiah Bartlet: It's almost hard to believe you're not on the National Security Council.
Josh Lyman: I know, I feel they're missing an important voice.
**************************************************** - President Josiah Bartlet: you know that line you're not supposed to cross with the president?
C.J. Cregg: I'm coming up to it?
President Josiah Bartlet: No, no look behind you.
**************************************************** - Josh Lyman: You're quite a nerd, Mr. President.
President Josiah Bartlet: Really?
Josh Lyman: Yes, sir.
President Josiah Bartlet: I assume that was said with all due respect?
Josh Lyman: Yes, sir.
**************************************************** - Mandy Hampton: You guys are idiots, did you know that?
C.J. Cregg: You know, in our defense, we actually did know that.
****************************************************
The Evolution Of The West Wing
The series developed from the 1995 theatrical film The American President, for which Aaron Sorkin wrote the screenplay. Unused plot elements from the film and a suggestion from Akiva Goldsman inspired Sorkin to create The West Wing.
Sorkin originally intended to center the show on Sam Seaborn, Bartlet's deputy communications director, with the president in an unseen or a secondary role. However, Bartlet's screen time gradually increased, and his role expanded as the series progressed. Positive critical and public reaction to Sheen's sometimes Clintonesque performance raised his character's profile, decreasing Lowe's perceived significance. This shift is one of the reasons for Lowe's eventual departure from the show in the fourth season.
Fellow executive producer and director Thomas Schlamme developed the "walk and talk," a continuous shot tracking in front of the characters as they walk from one place to another that became part of The West Wing's signature visual style.
(from Wikipedia...)
Sorkin originally intended to center the show on Sam Seaborn, Bartlet's deputy communications director, with the president in an unseen or a secondary role. However, Bartlet's screen time gradually increased, and his role expanded as the series progressed. Positive critical and public reaction to Sheen's sometimes Clintonesque performance raised his character's profile, decreasing Lowe's perceived significance. This shift is one of the reasons for Lowe's eventual departure from the show in the fourth season.
Fellow executive producer and director Thomas Schlamme developed the "walk and talk," a continuous shot tracking in front of the characters as they walk from one place to another that became part of The West Wing's signature visual style.
(from Wikipedia...)
Big Block Of Cheese Day
This episode is on my list of all time favorites:
On Big Block of Cheese Day, Leo McGarry, White House Chief of Staff, encourages his staff to take meetings with fringe special interest groups that normally would not get attention from the White House. Big Block of Cheese Day is celebrated twice over the life of the series.Toby Ziegler, White House Communications Director, refers to it as "Throw Open Our Office Doors To People Who Want To Discuss Things That We Could Care Less About Day", and Josh Lyman, Deputy Chief of Staff, refers to it as "Total Crackpot Day".
Big Block of Cheese Day is supposed to be a regular event (taking place on the first of every month), but it occurs at Leo's discretion (Toby Ziegler noted once that it had happened only twice within a twelve months period), possibly as a way to keep West Wing staffers alert. Leo has a standard speech that he gives when he decides it's time for a "Cheese Day",
- "President Andrew Jackson, in the main foyer of his White House, had a big block of cheese. The block of cheese was huge - over two tons. And it was there for any and all who might be hungry. Jackson wanted the White House to belong to the people, so from time to time, he opened his doors to those who wished an audience. It is in the spirit of Andrew Jackson that I, from time to time, ask senior staff to have face-to-face meetings with those people representing organizations who have a difficult time getting our attention. I know the more jaded among you, see this as something rather beneath you. But I assure you that listening to the voices of passionate Americans is beneath no one, and surely not the people's servants."
West Wing Available on DVD from Amazon
Season's Four through Seven
The West Wing - The Complete Fourth Season
Amazon Price: $16.99 (as of 01/02/2010)
List Price: $59.98
The West Wing - The Complete Fifth Season
Amazon Price: $16.99 (as of 01/02/2010)
List Price: $59.98
The West Wing - The Complete Sixth Season
Amazon Price: $16.99 (as of 01/02/2010)
List Price: $59.98
The West Wing - The Complete Seventh Season
Amazon Price: $16.99 (as of 01/02/2010)
List Price: $59.98
West Wing - In A Nutshell
Democrat Josiah "Jed" Bartlet is elected US president and the series follows him and his White House staff through the days of his administration.The storyline shows staffers day to day life, sometimes showing political events, often paraphrasing historical reality. It shows the relationships between the staff members and those that the staff tries to have outside the office - good and bad.
Former White House Press Secretary Dee Dee Myers as well as expert pollster Patrick Caddell served as consultants for the show from the beginning, helping writers and actors depict the West Wing accurately. Other former White House staffers, such as Peggy Noonan and Gene Sperling, have also served as consultants for brief periods.
West Wing Photos
Scene at The Bartlet Presidential Library
Leo McGarry (John Spencer)
curated content from Flickr
The MidTerms
Another on my list of all time favorite episodes:
This episode best embodies the style of acting and delivery that made this show so good. There are some classic back and forth banter scenes between cast members, but most memorable is President Bartlet addressing Jenna Jacobs, a talk show radio host who hides her hate behind religion. (She was also the only one in the room to keep her seat when President Bartlet entered the room.)
- President Josiah Bartlet: I like your show. I like how you call homosexuality an abomination.
Dr. Jenna Jacobs: I don't say homosexuality is an abomination, Mr. President. The Bible does.
President Josiah Bartlet: Yes it does. Leviticus.
Dr. Jenna Jacobs: 18:22.
President Josiah Bartlet: Chapter and verse. I wanted to ask you a couple of questions while I have you here. I'm interested in selling my youngest daughter into slavery as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. She's a Georgetown sophomore, speaks fluent Italian, always cleared the table when it was her turn. What would a good price for her be? While thinking about that, can I ask another? My Chief of Staff Leo McGarry insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly says he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself or is it okay to call the police? Here's one that's really important because we've got a lot of sports fans in this town: touching the skin of a dead pig makes one unclean. Leviticus 11:7. If they promise to wear gloves, can the Washington Redskins still play football? Can Notre Dame? Can West Point? Does the whole town really have to be together to stone my brother John for planting different crops side by side? Can I burn my mother in a small family gathering for wearing garments made from two different threads? Think about those questions, would you? One last thing: while you may be mistaking this for your monthly meeting of the Ignorant Tight-Ass Club, in this building, when the President stands, nobody sits.
West Wing Available on DVD from Amazon
Season sets and compilations
The West Wing - The Complete First Six Seasons
Amazon Price: $252.49 (as of 01/03/2010)
List Price: $359.98
Used Price: $135.00
The West Wing - The Complete First Four Seasons (4-Pack)
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
List Price: $239.98
Used Price: $95.06
The West Wing - The Complete First Five Seasons
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
List Price: $300.98
Used Price: $229.13
The West Wing - The Complete Series Collection
Amazon Price: $164.49 (as of 01/03/2010)
List Price: $299.98
Used Price: $114.99
Charlie Rose with Aaron Sorkin, John Spencer, Bradley Whitford, Allison Janney, Richard Schiff & Martin Sheen (May 15, 2001)
Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 01/03/2010)
List Price: $24.95
Used Price:
The Cast
- Allison Janney -- Claudia Jean "C.J." Cregg (151 episodes, 1999-2006)
- Bradley Whitford -- Josh Lyman (150 episodes, 1999-2006)
- Martin Sheen -- President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet (148 episodes, 1999-2006)
- Richard Schiff -- Toby Ziegler (146 episodes, 1999-2006)
- Janel Moloney -- Donna Moss (143 episodes, 1999-2006)
- John Spencer -- Leo McGarry (143 episodes, 1999-2006)
- Dulé Hill -- Charlie Young (132 episodes, 1999-2006)
- NiCole Robinson -- Margaret Hooper (106 episodes, 1999-2006)
- Melissa Fitzgerald -- Carol Fitzpatrick ... (99 episodes, 1999-2006)
- Rob Lowe -- Sam Seaborn (81 episodes, 1999-2006)
- Joshua Malina -- Will Bailey (73 episodes, 2002-2006)
- Stockard Channing -- Abbey Bartlet (62 episodes, 1999-2006)
- Kim Webster -- Ginger (57 episodes, 1999-2006)
- Timothy Davis-Reed -- Mark O'Donnell (56 episodes, 2000-2006)
- Kris Murphy -- Katie Witt (52 episodes, 1999-2005)
- William Duffy -- Larry (47 episodes, 1999-2006)
- Peter James Smith -- Ed (47 episodes, 1999-2006)
- Renée Estevez -- Nancy (43 episodes, 1999-2006)
- Devika Parikh -- Bonnie (40 episodes, 1999-2003)
- Charles Noland -- Steve (39 episodes, 1999-2006)
- Mary McCormack -- Kate Harper (38 episodes, 2004-2006)
- Jimmy Smits -- Congressman Matthew Santos (35 episodes, 2004-2006)
- Lily Tomlin -- Deborah Fiderer (34 episodes, 2002-2006)
- Mindy Seeger -- Chris (32 episodes, 1999-2005)
- Kathryn Joosten -- Dolores Landingham (30 episodes, 1999-2002)
- Timothy Busfield -- Danny Concannon (28 episodes, 1999-2006)
- Ivan Allen -- Roger Salier (28 episodes, 1999-2006)
- Kristin Chenoweth -- Annabeth Schott (27 episodes, 2004-2006)
- Elisabeth Moss -- Zoey Bartlet (25 episodes, 1999-2006)
- Mary-Louise Parker -- Amy Gardner (23 episodes, 2001-2006)
- Alan Alda -- Senator Arnold Vinick (22 episodes, 2004-2006)
- Karis Campbell -- Ronna (22 episodes, 2004-2006)
- Anna Deavere Smith -- Nancy McNally (22 episodes, 2000-2006)
- John Amos -- Percy Fitzwallace (22 episodes, 1999-2004)
- Gary Cole -- Vice President Bob Russell (21 episodes, 2003-2006)
- Moira Kelly -- Mandy Hampton (20 episodes, 1999-2000)
- Randy Brooks -- Arthur Leeds (20 episodes, 2000-2004)
- Tim Matheson -- Vice President John Hoynes (19 episodes, 1999-2006)
- Ron Silver -- Bruno Gianelli (19 episodes, 2001-2006)
- Teri Polo -- Helen Santos (18 episodes, 2005-2006)
- Marlee Matlin -- Joey Lucas (17 episodes, 2000-2006)
- Kathleen York -- Andrea Wyatt (16 episodes, 2000-2006)
- Michael O'Neill -- Secret Service Agent Ron Butterfield (16 episodes, 1999-2006)
- Steve Ryan -- Secretary of Defense Miles Hutchinson (16 episodes, 2003-2006)
- Janeane Garofalo -- Louise Thornton (15 episodes, 2005-2006)
- Emily Procter -- Ainsley Hayes (12 episodes, 2000-2006)
- Allison Smith -- Mallory O'Brien (11 episodes, 1999-2006)
- Nina Siemaszko -- Ellie Bartlet (9 episodes, 2001-2006)
- Patricia Richardson -- Sheila Brooks (9 episodes, 2005-2006)
- Oliver Platt -- White House Counsel Oliver Babish (9 episodes, 2001-2005)
- Annabeth Gish -- Elizabeth Bartlet Westin 6 episodes, 2003-2006)
- Jorja Fox -- Agent Gina Toscano 6 episodes, 2000)
- Roger Rees -- Lord John Marbury (5 episodes, 2000-2005)
- Adam Arkin -- Dr. Stanley Keyworth (4 episodes, 2000-2002)
- John Goodman -- Acting President Glenallen Walken (4 episodes, 2003-2004)
- Ed O'Neill -- Governor Eric Baker D-PA (4 episodes, 2004-2005)
- Mary Kay Place -- Surgeon General Millicent Griffith (3 episodes, 2001-2004)
- James Brolin -- Governor Robert Ritchie, R-FL (3 episodes, 2002)
- Christian Slater -- Lt. Cmdr. Jack Reese (3 episodes, 2002)
- Jay Mohr -- Taylor Reid (3 episodes, 2004)
- Ashlyn Sanchez -- Miranda Santos (3 episodes, 2006)
- Gerald McRaney -- USAF Gen. Alan Adamle (2 episodes, 2001-2004)
- William Devane -- Secretary of State Lewis Berryhill (2 episodes, 2003)
Do You Want To Visit Washington D.C.?
See the real 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue...
Books About West Wing Available on Amazon
The West Wing: The American Presidency As Television Drama (The Television Series)
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 01/03/2010)
The West Wing (The Official Companion)
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
The Prime-Time Presidency: The West Wing and U.S. Nationalism
Amazon Price: $50.00 (as of 01/03/2010)
Inside Bartlet's White House: An Unofficial and Unauthorized Guide to the West Wing
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
Mr. Sorkin Goes to Washington: Shaping the President on Television's the West Wing
Amazon Price: $31.50 (as of 01/03/2010)
West Wing Log
Are you a fan of the show? Do you have a favorite quote or picture? Tell me about it here, or just leave a note to say hi. Thanks for visiting my lens.
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- lens4Him lens4Him Mar 20, 2008 @ 1:11 pm
- Well researched lens about a great show that I used to love watching. The midterms dialogue you have included is an absolute classic
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- dewittsenior dewittsenior Dec 5, 2007 @ 1:00 pm
- One of my all time favorite programs, because you can watch the same episode over and over, grabbing something you missed each time. Nice lens.
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- rms rms Dec 4, 2007 @ 8:04 am
- Great lens about a really great show!
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- CJPate CJPate Oct 11, 2007 @ 7:19 pm
- I didn't start watching West Wing until the last two seasons and I was sorry I didn't find it sooner. I would love another show as good as West Wing, but haven't found one yet. Episodes are also available through NetFlix. You might consider adding a NetFlix module. Great lens!
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- fefe fefe Sep 29, 2007 @ 4:00 pm
- I never watched the West Wing but will have to watch it on DVD sometime. The Midterms dialogue above was pretty funny.
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