Advantages: It's the best show on TV
Disadvantages: Bartlet isn't the real president

...The West Wing is without doubt the finest show that has, or ever will be, on television! The blend of humanity, conviction and sheer 'kick ass' americanism that fills the show is a joy to watch and leaves viewers crying out for more. The brilliant thing about the show is that Bartlet (Martin Sheen) isn't some superhuman president, he is dogged by low public opinion from the beginning of his presidency and by no means makes all the right decisions. The series shows the most powerful man in the world, and the people who essentially tell him what to do, from the other side. It shows us the humanity behind those larger than life characters in the media and lets us realise that even the president is human. The West Wing shows us politics at it's best, how the people behind the scenes really do try and do the right thing and how it doesn... Read review

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Advantages: Funny, political, satirical.
Disadvantages: Very fast moving.

...Do you remember Spin City? I may still be being repeated. If you liked that, you will love West Wing. If you hated Spin City - don't dispair, West Wing is good enough to win you over. I saw the first episode shown on UK terrestrial last night, because I thought that any show that took over the Soprano's slot would have to good. It was. From the first minute, this action packed, non-stop drama pulled no punches. It's based around the President's staff in the White House. The show is very humourous; sometimes in a dry way, but at other times purposefully. In that way it is an accurate reflection of life. There aren't many set-up jokes, but you find yourself laughing at just the atmosphere the programme creates. I cannot go any more in depth as I have only seen an episode... but I will update this opinion when I have more to add! So far... Read review

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Advantages: Big Name Cast; Slick US Show
Disadvantages: Subject Material (for some people); Moralising Pres

...Ever wondered what ER would be like if you were to take away all the blood and sick people and relocate the show to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? You with me? If you are, you've got the West Wing. This is not a criticism - the same things that make ER unmissible, gripping TV (great acting, believable and absorbing characters, tense storylines, humour in the face of adversity) apply to the West Wing. Martin Sheen is always a class act, and here is no exception - to be sure his President Bartlett can get a tad annoying, with that whole moral code thing (Not exactly Bill Clinton!)- but his force of personality carries him through. The rest of the ensemble cast, led by the stunning Rob Lowe, play very well off each other. I'll leave you with this thought - any programme that can keep you interested (and smiling)in the midst of a heated... Read review

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Advantages: Great cast, believable portrayal
Disadvantages: American issues, American issues

...I was and undoubtedly never will be one for politics. All of the special language, rules and party platforms generally throw me for a loop. This op could however potentially be found in politics for the contentiousness that you may or may not be aware of when it comes to a Canadian writing about anything American. The West Wing is big, bold, expensive and, as most studio creations State Side, draws a massive audience. The "president" Jed (Josiah) Bartlett is the man most people would want running their country and subtly emmulates Bill Clinton in the practical nature demonstrated in the Clinton reign. But like I said, I prefer to stay away from political discussion. The show itself is a look behind the scenes of the White House administration staff. The cast, bolstered by Rob Lowe, Martin Sheen and attractive PR director... Read review

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Advantages: Clever, witty, funny and tragic in turns
Disadvantages: Need to pay attention

...The West Wing is a US import about the group of people who directly support the President; the "West Wing" of the White House. Depending on how you look at it, it's either a drama with rather a lot of funny bits, or a spiky comedy with a serious undercurrent. This sort of show is sometimes called a "warmedy". It's an ensemble drama, with strong acting from a fairly large cast. The repartee comes thick and fast; it's sometimes difficult for a Brit to catch all the references and backchat. It's worth trying, though. The script is reliably sure-footed, the large cast of characters is handled adroitly, and the grand scale of the subject matter gives plenty of scope for comedy and tragedy. The President, played by Martin Sheen, was obviously inspired by Clinton (he's a Democrat with a sassy wife and a college-age daughter). The original plan... Read review

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Advantages: Its about politics?
Disadvantages: Slow, dull, overacted, background music and cliches

...I can’t be the only person that found the first two episodes of the West Wing exceptionally dull, but nevertheless I sat through them both due to the hype surrounding the series of how if Martin Sheen (who plays the President in W.W.) had stood for President, he would have defeated Bush and Gore easily because of his popularity gaied from the series. I found both episodes slow with none of the speed and wit of the excellent Sopranos. It was also annoying as it was full of clichés such as "I drink from the keg of glory", it just makes you want to throw your TV out of the window. Then there is the aggravating music that is constantly played in background which could have come straight of the Home Alone films. The series is also dreadfully overacted which makes it about as believable as a neighbours story line. The only people who... Read review

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Advantages: the chracters and plotlines
Disadvantages: Can be a whole lot of nothing at times

...eating do-nuts and drinking coffee paid ofr by the tax payer. The West Wing manages to do what only a handfull of shows (ER, Ally McBeal) have managed to do in the past and that is to force the viewer not only to pay attention but to send them through a wide range of emotions at the same time.... Read review

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Advantages: 22 episodes of one of the greatest Television programmes ever
Disadvantages: Some special features would have been nice

...Follow the lives of President Josiah Bartlett (Martin Sheen) and the staffers of the "West Wing" (named for the office within the white House. Whilst an interest in American politics would help this programme will hook even those who are new to the subject. Writer Aaron Sorkin is an expert in this style of entertainment, having wrote the American President (starring Michael Douglas) The programme begins during the President first term in office and is built around a strong cast of characters. The pace of the programme is very fast moving and deals with major World issues. whilst it deals with weighty issues it manages to do it in a interesting way and the plots are gripping. The office is controlled by Leo McGarry (john Spencer) who is the Chief of Staff and the staff include Toby Ziegler as Head of Communication, his deputy Sam... Read review

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Advantages: Entertaining
Disadvantages: None

...The West Wing (Channel 4, Thursdays, usually 10pm) is a brilliant new weekly drama with the same addictive style as ER, LA Law and other great US exports. This programme is several weeks into it current run and it just gets better and better. Based on the staff working directly with, and for, the President of the US, this programme gives us an insight into what it might be like in the White House. It is also fast moving, gripping drama with good storylines, variety and good acting. There is humour in the storylines as well. Martin Sheen plays the President and John Spencer plays his right hand man (Chief of Staff) Leo. Rob Lowe (gorgeous as ever) plays Sam Seager who is Toby's assistant and other main players are CJ (the President's PR woman) and Josh Lyman. There are lots of different relationships going on in this programme which... Read review

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Advantages: Very well written.
Disadvantages: Has to be watched closely.

...I am going to tell you a secret. The West Wing is a brilliant television programme. The reason it is a secret is that I believe I am the only person who watches this show. I keep raving about it to everyone, but all I get is blank expressions as nobody else I know has seen it. The programme is on for an hour at 10.30pm on a Thursday evening on Channel 4. The show is set in the West Wing of the American White House and centres very heavily on the members of staff and the interaction between their jobs and their personalities. Although this is a series, each programme can stand on it’s own merits and rarely relates to previous issues, although obviously the relationships between the characters has developed during the series. For most programmes the whole show is set within the offices of the White House where there appears... Read review

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