by Rachel Lamb, senior editor
My mom, dad, brother and I have the same favorite TV show. My parents first watched it in 1999, and they finally convinced me to watch an episode in 2013. The show, “The West Wing,” ran for seven seasons and includes computers that look like stacks of bricks and characters that frequently use pagers. It follows the presidency of President Josiah Edward “Jed” Bartlet and the activities of his staff, focusing on his aids, communication director and press secretary.
That may sound boring. But it is absolutely flawless in every way possible.
This show turns walking into an artform, with the characters’ carefully executed walk and talk. And it includes the ultimate couple. I would include the ship name but that would probably ruin the entire series, so just be prepared for overwhelming joy.
The storylines are excellent, based off of real world issues, and the dialogue is amazing. One aspect of the show that makes it especially unique is the ensemble cast which includes a variety of personalities from the witty and intelligent C.J. Cregg to the prickly yet somehow endearing Toby. The characters are essential to the story lines, as plots not only center on their jobs in the west wing, but also the exquisite connections in their personal relationships, creating characters that fans connect with and loyally stick with through thick and thin. The characters work to solve their problems, following the pattern of a hero that we all had to learn about in English class, and after trials make the best decision for the country. Actually, one of the greatest appeals of the show is its almost utopian version of the President and Congress. Every politician works to solve problems morally (crazy, right?).
The show mixes international and national issues with complex family relations. While it might be slightly unrealistic that the nation’s problems can be solved in 42 minutes, real problems of today are addressed and discussed in each episode.
Also, fun fact, every actor ever seems to have made a guest appearance on the show including: Ty Burrell, Amy Adams, Jane Lynch, Eric Stonestreet, J.K. Simmons and Ashley Benson.
