The West Wing - The Complete Fifth Season

At the risk of sounding strange, season 5 pleasantly surprised me. I'm well aware that Aaron Sorkin had just left the show, and that his departure resulted in a drop in quality: I think almost everyone knew it would. But I was still able to enjoy this season, I suppose because the drop in quality wasn't as big as I feared.

First of all, the new writers were able to fill Sorkin's shoes surprisingly well in terms of pacing and wit. The episodes don't drag, and they are reasonably rich in sharp dialogue. (One of my favorite exchanges: after a NASA representative convinces Josh Lyman to go stargazing with her, Donna asks Josh [rather accusingly] whether he would have said yes if the rep had been less attractive. "We'll never know," Josh replies.) The fear of some fans that the show would become trivial and soap opera-like also proved unfounded, as the episodes continue to tackle a variety of weighty issues.

I think Sorkin's absence is most felt in the really dramatic moments: the presidential speeches, for instance, feel uninspired at best, while the scene in which a frustrated Josh Lyman stops to scream at the Capitol Dome could have worked if only the writers had found a more thoughtful challenge than "you want a piece of me?". Another lapse which I found particulary annoying is the series of scenes in which an rich upstart intern seems constantly to get the better of Josh. I mean, okay, so Josh is brusque and not open to new ideas. In real life, guys like Josh are like that not because they're arrogant, but because they know better than anyone else how things work, or at least I imagine so. I'm fairly sure that Aaron Sorkin would never have agreed with the implication that luck, privilege and a handsome face are better than dedication and experience.

The West Wing is definitely not "just as good" without its creator, but in spite of the missteps it remains a quality piece of drama. For a fair-minded fan, I think it's worth the money.

Never mind that I get to watch one of my all-time favorite, dialog-driven drama series (can u tell I hate Reality TV?) I priced this series at a well-known book/music store, and bought these from Amazon at half the cost-brand new. That's 4 seasons for free. I love checking my door for packages!

I REALLY MISS ROBB LOWE. AMY NEEDS TO COME BACK TO JOSH PERMANENTLY IN HIS LOVE LIFE. JM

West Wing ranks up there with my all time favorite television shows. It's smart, and it's funny and it's just well done all the way around. I treasure these performances and watch them often. It's just that good.

I love this show. All the seasons so far have been great. It is a show the whole family can enjoy! This show has a fantastic cast. There is drama and comedy. I'll enjoy rewatching this show in years to come.