Being a man of leisure these days – ok unpaid leisure at least:) – there is plenty of time to watch all the new TV shows but every now and then you go back and watch an old series and realise what you are missing. Recently decided to rewatch some later West Wing seasons having watched the early seasons on occasion. Started with Season 4 and before you know it finished Season 7 in 2-3 weeks. Its interesting, actually got quite sad as approached the end of season 7 knowing there was no more to come. Have seen the show in its entirety a few times over the years and can go back and watch selected episodes at times but having watched four seasons in a row recently felt the loss more this time around. Of course in another 12-18 months could start again and a lot would seem fresh again but there are some memorable characters that you simply miss when they are not around anymore in your life as pathetic as that may seem Probably not helped by the fact that it reinforces there simply are no great “drama”shows around in last several years, with possible exception of Breaking Bad and Mad Men, that engage you so much and you find yourself watching rubbish but only really understanding it is rubbish when some actual quality comes across your desk. Probably doesnt help it also makes me want to visit Washington again and I dont really have the resources for that anymore. Starting at Season 4 was also interesting to pass through the Sorkin departure. Many would say the show was not as good after he left and indeed most “greatest episodes ever” lists are heavily populated by the first 3 seasons and for good reason. It is not the post Sorkin era though in my view but rather the natural progression of the Bartlett term where it was lively and energetic in the first term and then slowly withered towards the end much as Jed himself did. Personally though I find the US election system fascinating so enjoyed the Santos/Vinnick campaigns enormously. Toby was often an annoying, though interesting character, but for me his story line in Season 7 was the only weak point for the whole series and he became largely unlikeable.
So I will keep watching Spartacus, Girls, Justified et al until it is time for another rewatch – or at least until BB and MM come back! The only show I get invested in at all at present is The Good Wife – and yes I know it is an odd choice but its mix of legal and politics just works for me and will have to do for the time being. Now if there was another WW around the corner then all my prayers would be answered.
Hey Francis 1 old mate got time for a miracle?
flashman181 