Behind the Scenes of a Political Titan

Read Time:3 Minute, 45 Second

TV SERIES REVIEW
The West Wing: The Complete Series
TV-14 –

Genre: Drama, Political
Year Released: 1999 – 2006, 2024 Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment Blu-ray set
Runtime: 156 x 42m episodes
Showrunner(s): Aaron Sorkin, John Wells
Cast: Rob Lowe, Moira Kelly, Dulé Hill, Allison Janney, Richard Schiff, John Spencer, Bradley Whitford, Martin Sheen, Janel Moloney, Stockard Channing, Joshua Malina, Mary McCormack, Jimmy Smits, Alan Alda, Kristin Chenoweth
Where To Watch: available now, order your copy here: www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Twenty-five years after its debut, THE WEST WING: THE COMPLETE SERIES celebrates its storied journey to Blu-ray with crisp, high-definition visuals. This collection is a deep dive into the corridors of power that have shaped the fictional yet all-too-familiar landscape of the American presidency. With the entire series and unique features, fans of top-notch storytelling and dynamic performances will find a fantastic world to explore here.

Aaron Sorkin, the creative force behind THE WEST WING, originally envisioned a show that focused on the staff hustling through the hallways of power rather than the Oval Office itself. Despite this, Martin Sheen’s portrayal of President Josiah Bartlet became a centerpiece, transforming the series into a narrative on leadership and morality. Sheen brought an unparalleled depth to his role, earning him critical acclaim and a permanent place in the hearts of the show’s viewers.

Post-Sorkin, the series experienced a shift in tone and structure, becoming more predictable in its pacing, yet it continued to captivate audiences. This era introduced new characters, such as Congressman Matt Santos and Senator Arnold Vinick, portrayed by Jimmy Smits and Alan Alda, respectively. These figures brought fresh perspectives and reflected changes in the real-world political scene, keeping the narrative relevant and engaging.

This Blu-ray release enhances the memorable moments throughout the series with superior sound and visual quality. You can see technological advancements throughout the series, and episodes became sharper and more cinematic in the later seasons. The extra features, including gag reels and behind-the-scenes glimpses, offer a lighter look at the series, showing the off-camera chemistry contributing to the on-screen magic.

The series stands out for its romantic view of public service as a noble calling. This perspective, embodied by Sheen’s President Bartlet, challenges the often cynical portrayals of politics in media, offering instead a vision of what leadership could and perhaps should be. It's a portrayal that resonates with integrity and intellectual vigor, providing a sharp contrast to the more disillusioned views of political figures today. It’s an intriguing and almost refreshing view to look back on what was once considered “political” instead of the outright lies and slander that one-half of politics offers up in our present.

THE WEST WING invites viewers to reflect on the possibilities of governance and the real impact of ethical leadership. The series is a call to action, urging new viewers and longtime fans to reconsider the potential of American politics through the lens of one of television's most enduring dramas. Whether you are returning to these hallowed halls or entering them for the first time, this collection gives viewers a comprehensive experience of THE WEST WING’s legacy. This show has left a mark on television history and the very concept of political engagement.

#TheWestWing

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[photo courtesy of WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY HOME ENTERTAINMENT]

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