Etcetera

Here's what I think about The West Wing

About a month ago I wrote that I was drifting away from watching The West Wing. But then I had my mind changed by those who argued that the show had found its way under the new authorship, and it was getting good again.

I've been watching since then, and I agree. It's good. But it's not the same.

The alternating story-lines -- of the presidential campaign, and the fading Bartlet administration -- are intriguing. Seeing the former allies as opponents, and disappointed with each other, is fascinating.

But the thing is, the show's no longer about hope. It's become a tragedy looming. These people used to be family, and now they are at each other's throats.

I have a prediction: President Bartlet is going to die. He will die from his MS in the final days before the election, or perhaps just before the convention. Russell will ascend, and his obvious lack of ability will throw the election to another.

That's what I think.

It's become a dark tragedy, and that's great drama. And I'll probably keep watching. But it's no longer The West Wing that I used to love. The West Wing was born of the Clinton presidency, but now there is a new administration, and it shows. In so many ways.

Posted by jackhodgson at February 23, 2005 10:53 PM