LTTP: The West Wing - Part 2

Immediate disclaimer: this will contain spoilers; proceed at your own risk.

Last time I wrote about The West Wing I was barely through the second season and loved every second. I just finished season five and feel compelled to write a follow up before finishing the series—which will likely inspire a third write-up. I am still as in love with the show as I was in the beginning and the final two episodes of both season four and five have been brilliant and suspenseful. My only fault is that I somewhat spoiled myself by checking IMDb at some point and inevitably saw each actor's episode count. For example, season five ends with Donna in a life or death situation after a complication from injuries caused by a car bombing, but I already know she's going to survive because she's in almost every episode of the series.

Speaking of Donna, her character, relationship with Josh, and the character of Josh continue to be my favorite part. I am admittedly a sucker for that "will they or won't they" aspect in any series or film and their bit of tension works so well because of their chemistry—which is thanks in large part to the writing and the realistic portrayal by each actor. The dialogue they share is always entertaining and there is even joy to be had when Donna chooses to stop talking to Josh for a brief period of time. If you've already watched the entire series and remember it well, you know that I am dying to continue the story after the way season five ended and I will never stop hoping that "they will" already.

One of the most impactful moments of the series to date.

With all my Donna/Josh love out of the way, there is a lot more to the show than just this single relationship. Martin Sheen continues to portray a president I love, but he has yet to top his speech to Dr. Jacobs in season two's 'The Midterms.' [link] It may be my personal feelings towards religion—specifically those who practice, not religion itself—but no moment has yet to top this wonderfully written speech—"In this building when the president stands, nobody sits." There is so much power in those words and they are at the core of everything that makes the show special, not to mention I never noticed she was the only person sitting until President Bartlet pointed it out.

There are characters I miss—such as Sam Seaborn and Danny Concannon's more prevalent role—but their void is often filled by new cast members or revolving door characters. Will Bailey has been a welcome addition as Seaborn's replacement and works well with Toby; though, one can say they don't always work well together. If I had to complain about one character, I often found the character of Ryan Pierce annoying as he rarely listened and appeared to rely on his family ties more often than his own abilities—which never seemed lacking. The departure that impacted me more than any other was the death of Mrs. Landingham, who I never appreciated until she was gone.

I could go on and on discussing each episode in detail, but The West Wing is something you experience, not something you read about or watch in passing. I continue to consume each episode and feel as if politics can accomplish so much, and then I remember that nothing ever gets done and the blame can never be placed on one man or woman's shoulders. I am not politically driven or follow politics to any significant degree, but I love this show and anyone—even if you hate politics—can find something to enjoy from The West Wing. Now is about the time I shut up and press play on disc one of season six.