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The West Wing - Season 1 Part 2
In its first series, The West Wing established the cast of characters who comprise the White House staff. There's Chief of Staff Leo McGarry (John Spencer), a recovering alcoholic whose efforts to be the cornerstone of the administration contribute to the break up of his marriage. CJ (Alison Janney) is the formidable press spokeswoman embroiled in a tentative on-off relationship with Timothy Busfield's reporter. Brilliant but grumpy communications deputy Toby Ziegler, Rob Lowe's brilliant but faintly nerdy Sam Seaborn and brilliant but smart-alecky Josh Lynam make up the rest of the inner circle. Initially, the series' creators had intended to keep the President off-screen. Wisely, however, they went with Martin Sheen's Jed Bartlet, whose eccentric volatility, caution, humour and strength in a crisis make for such an impressively plausible fictional President that polls once expressed a preference for Bartlet over the genuine incumbent. Handled incorrectly, The West Wing could have been turgid, didactic propaganda for The American Way. However, the writers are careful to show that, decent as this administration is, its achievements, though hard-won, are minimal. Moreover, the brisk, staccato-like, almost musical exchanges of dialogue, between Josh and his PA Donna, for instance, as they pace purposefully up and down the corridors are the show's abiding joy. --David Stubbs If you only buy two DVD's this year buy this and Part1, or better still get the Full season pack now available.
RRP: £35.99
Our Price: £15.00 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
Aaron Sorkin's American political drama The West Wing, set in The White House, has won innumerable awards--and rightly so. Its depiction of a well-meaning Democrat administration has warmed the hearts of countless Americans. However, The West Wing is more than mere feel-good viewing for sentimental patriots. It is among the best-written, sharpest, funny and moving of recent American TV series.
The West Wing
Review date: 2002-11-18 Rating: 10 out of 10
This is an example of TV at it's very best.
The quality of scrip, direction, acting and production can not be bettered. The ensemble cast are excellent. They play the parts of their characters so well that you forget they are acting. Martin Sheen would surely be elected UK President if he even decided to stand for the post.
One small cirtisism and it is only a small point, but some of the 'fringe' characters do disappear from the story lines, without explaination of the course of the series generally. This seems to be more as a result of the contract problems of various actors rather than for consious plot led reasons.
Similar Products
- The West Wing - Season 1 Part 1
- The West Wing : Complete Season 3
- The West Wing : Complete Season 2
- The West Wing - Complete Season 4
- The West Wing - Season 2 Part 2 (Episodes 12 To 22)
Reviews
"Simply the Best"
Review date: 2002-11-13 Rating: 10 out of 10
I waited for the release of this brilliant series with bated breath, I love it, its the best thing on TV in years. Even if like me your not politically minded you'll be hooked.
The caracters are so real and loveable you feel like you've known them for ever, they all have their own sense of humours and Martin Sheen as the President is the best thing since sliced bread!
West Wing Series One on DVD
Review date: 2002-09-27 Rating: 10 out of 10
If you're a West Wing fan you will adore this DVD. I have watched it time and time again and everytime I find new stuff. It's so quick in places that you need to watch it several times anyway. I can't wait for series two to be released on DVD.
The Pace gets hotter!
Review date: 2002-07-24 Rating: 10 out of 10
In this second blast of the best of American TV the pace of the storyline goes ballistic, the political machinations become evermore complex and the characters richer and more vibrant. For fans of the West Wing this box set is unmissible, for newbies this is what its all about. Josh's amusement at CJ's "woot canal" operation leading him into a typical Josh moment is brilliant, Toby's frustration with the soon to be Chief Justice is typical of the grouchy old bear called Zeigler and Sam's nerdyness reaches new heights. The best episode has to be "Let Bartlet be Bartlet" where the administration decides to let it all hang out and do some good. Surely this box set will become required viewing for all.
West Wing antics
Review date: 2002-07-22 Rating: 8 out of 10
I'm a fan of the TV show. With the DVD it's great not to have each episode carved up by TV adverts every 15 minutes.
The West Wing's Bartlett administration is great watching, the charachers are believable, the scripts are well written and cover drama and humour with equal measure. As the TV advert says... 'once you start, you just can't stop'
You will enjoy this series!
Product Details/Specifications
Director(s):
Recording label: Warner Home Video
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
EAN: 7321900224963
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 3
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2002-07-22
Number of discs: 3
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 495 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1999-09-22
Language: English (Original Language)