The West Wing Script Book

Rating:
Summary: GIVES GREAT DETAILS OF WHAT'S BEEN SAID.
Review: This excellent book, along with the Topping book, gives great details, as to what was said, especially when the actors speak in a whisper. The Topping book gives background on the actors and to some of the detailed references in the episodes. If you want details and are a "Wingnut", i.e., a rabid fan, as I am, get both.

Rating:
Summary: GIVES GREAT DETAILS OF WHAT'S BEEN SAID.
Review: This excellent book, along with the Topping book, gives great details, as to what was said, especially when the actors speak in a whisper. The Topping book gives background on the actors and to some of the detailed references in the episodes. If you want details and are a "Wingnut", i.e., a rabid fan, as I am, get both.

Rating:
Summary: As vibrant as the finished TV show
Review: Two very important things first: this has six scripts, not the eight it was planned to and it doesn't include the episode In Excelsis Deo; also, people who have claimed that the scripts are available online are mistaken. It appears that a version of the pilot is, but the rest are transcripts. That's like comparing a symphonic score to the instructions to key music into your mobile phone. These published scripts come complete not just with deft scene-setting but also errors that give you a sense of a working document and, reproduced here as they were given to the cast, their inate sense of pacing and rhythm is kept. It's difficult not to hear the cast's voices as you read but that's a measure of how distinctive each character is and the scripts work quite marvellously on their own. Then, too, Sorkin's introduction and later short notes probably contain more information than we've had on The West Wing DVD extras here in England and if there's anything you'd wish for in the book, it would just be for a Volume 2.

Rating:
Summary: Greatest Impact upon Politics in 100 Years
Review: Whoever thought of the idea of portraying the White House environment and its operations was truly brilliant. It is by far the most significant impact upon politics in the last 100 years if not since the creation of the nation. The ability to assess the dynamics of integrated factors and people by demystifying the office and its methods is by far its greatest contribution to American patriotism, as well as to define the obligations and problems which occur there - for any President. Its appeal to young and old alike show the power of illustration. Coming as it did near the end of the Clinton administration, it would have been wonderful to view the complications of his Presidency during it to help appreciate the criticism of Janet Reno, Madeline Albright, Robert Reich, Robert Rubin or any of the other persons who passed through that period. Viewing Stephanopoulous within that context comes rather automatic even now, in 2004, in reflection. It might also have been useful to more clearly evaluate the impact of the first female press secretary who was fired from there at the time, in light of the current makeup of the show. As it is, the most obvious benefits have accrued to the Bush White House, however, since the understanding brought to the American people because of it may prevent the degree of animosity that existed within the Clnton White House at the time, for whatever reason. To the extent that it continues to be an inspiration, as well as an adequate forum in which to air the complexity of issues, how they are handled, and how they might be handled, remains to be seen. It is, though, without a doubt, the opportunity of a lifetime to view the White House in all of its complex protocols, trying to incorporate the many personalities who flow through its halls and rooms, and try to cope with perhaps the most difficult job in America that too few are familiar with, and all are dependent upon because of the decisions made there. This is recognized, of course, in the number of awards and accolades it has earned, and for which the series well deserves. For the 20-30 year old set, both men and women, it is a godsend, and continues to hold their highest fascination, no small task in that group raised upon so much media fare of questionably lower value. The series remains the most important method, yet found, to reach and impress upon people the impact of ideas, and the value of ethics in the highest of places where it is most likely to count to affect everyone's lives, both in this nation, and outside it. A superb idea, and a wonderfully scripted intellectual and psychological journey of enormous proportions, made for everyone. No media rating required since it was done so well!