Rating: 
Summary: West Wing Season 1
Review: The compilation of the 1st season of the West Wing is quite a delight to the political aficionados.
Rating: 
Summary: One of the best ever TV scripts.
Review: Tendentious I was when I gave this set to my spouse for Christmas. Neither of us is a TV watcher. Most of the television scripts are as if written by 11 year olds who think they're funny or romantic. We got into this series right after the first season. So we are both seeing most or all of the episodes for the first time. First, Bartlet is the way a president SHOULD be. In fact, I talked with many a Washington "progressive" who watched the series during Clinton's tenure wishing he'd learn from Bartlet. He's compassionate, listens to his staff--who'd give their left leg for him, and, after a while, he recognizes that. He's bright. He thinks of others outside of his own family and circle of cronies. Most of all, he struggles with the difference between morality and politics. (No, I'm not endorsing Martin Sheen for president. His is a character. He may even be a great guy in real life, probably is. Which means he'd probably be eaten alive by my neighbors in Washington!) The casting is fabulous. (I'm a little confused as to why they don't interview Rob Lowe like they do the others, unless they put together the whole set after he'd decided to leave the cast.) In fact, the one whose character is closest to the opposite of his personality is Richard Schiff (Toby). He's so bitter, even self-absorbed in the script and seems to laugh and joke around freely while off camera, somewhat like Jonathan Frakes in "Star Trek, the Next Generation" first season. One of my favorite lines of his occurs in the pilot when a fundamentalist preacher suggests what would attract teens to indecent thoughts. Watch for yourself to hear Toby's response. The rest of the cast gives constant accolades to Allison Janney (CJ). I'll take their words for it. I think she's good, but the others are too. Well, Rob Lowe--while good--seems to take himself a little too seriously. I do like his stands in favor of the call girl he met in the pilot. He stands on principal rather than on what others are supposed to think of him. That's among the examples of how the stories are real-life. I mean, people do have inappropiate relationships for which they have to answer; the do have power trips. You get my drift. Oh, if you're looking for bloopers, there are some in the last disk. But fortunately, they're not overdone. (That's where I see Shiff, Sheen, and Janney break into laughter frequently.) Forgive me for not mentioning the others. You're all good, you really are. For what it's worth, my favorites are probably "In Excelsis Deo" and "Let Bartlet Be Bartlet," not necessarily in that order, with the episode dealing with the death penalty (I can't remember the title) ranking just a little behind. In fact, that death penalty episode is characteristic of the value of the scripts: the mix of humor and seriousness is pleasantly done. Most TV drama scripts are such that, if life were really that way, most of us would be suicidal or anti-depressant users. Lots of funny things do happen. They fit well into the spectacular scripts. The only thing I have against the script is that there is too much focus on the 12-step model for Leo McGarry's constant "recovery." That's why I only give this fabulous set 4 stars. I was inclined to speculate here why the writer, Aaron Sorkin, stressed that but I don't think Amazon.com likes it when critics do that. Suffice it to say that that model is at least controversial. One might rationalize it for dramatic effect, but it would be just as solid for Leo to say, "Look, I used to drink too much and I did some valium. I'm in control, don't do it any more, so get off my case!" May I add what is probably common sense to most: when one watches interviews and commentaries such as the ones in this set, it's very hard to distinguish between reality and hype. Oh, well, what sells is hype. Take it all with a grain of salt, but enjoy this series. It's a great show, and the whole set is a real prize.
Rating: 
Summary: I wish I could give it NO stars
Review: Needless to say, West Wing is an excellent TV show and the first season has some of the very best episodes. Unfortunately, the DVDs are extremely poor quality and, so far, I have discovered that one of the discs in the set that I received is completely unplayable. The very first time I took it out of the box, I found that 5 tracks on the disc simply freeze repeatedly and eventually stop playing at all. The show is great, but the DVDs are junk.
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Summary: The left wing
Review: The West Wing is a such an overt propaganda for the Hollywood liberal agenda that some probably wish Martin Sheen was actually president. Lamentable and idiotic show...
Rating:
Summary: More Sir, I want more
Review: 94 reviews can't all be wrong. I finally completed my set, including the extras (which I found fascinating) and can echo without hesitation all the rave my fellow reviewers have posted. I would also like to second the emotion 'WHERE IS SEASON TWO?' It's time for an announcement of it's pending release!
I was overseas when the first season debuted and missed Moira Kelly by the time I discovered the show. She was charming in 'Chaplin,' but I was disappointed to see that her character had not developed as much as the others by the end of the first season. (I am anxious to find out when/how she left the show - was this season all she did?)
One last thought - I was happy, when first purchasing the complete first season, to see it cost significantly less than other shows that offered the same - or less - material for more bucks. Mr. Sorkin, please keep future seasons priced so they will be available to the masses!
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: The series is outstanding, how could this set be anything else?
Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: I was blown away by the first season of this spectacular dramatic series, near the end I could barely peel myself away from the TV! Sheen, Lowe, Spencer, Janney and honestly the entire crew was just mind boggling in their performance. The commentaries were insightful, funny, and truly informative for anyone who's seen even one episode of the West Wing. Overall, I can't praise this DVD enough, the people in and behind the scenes put on a spectacular performance, one which I plan on watching again and again over a period of years.
Rating:
Summary: THE BEST THERE EVER WAS, THE BEST THERE EVER WILL BE
Review: There is a reason why the first season of The West Wing won more Emmy's than any other show before it. The dialogue is lyrical, funny, and thought provoking. It teaches and entertains. Aaaron Sorkin is a master. Martin Sheen, who was only supposed to make very brief appearances, is the model of a world leader on and off of the screen! Frankly, I would rather have President Bartlett over Resident Bush any day!
Rating:
Summary: Where is season 2?
Review: What an amazing show. My sister forced me to watch the series premiere when she bought this first season collection - against my will - and I ended up begging to watch the rest till dawn. And beyond. I knew people loved this show, but didn't understand why until now, and I have to say it is the best show that has ever graced TV. Between the characters and the snappy dialogue, you cannot go wrong. I've found myself laughing and crying at the same time, and skipping classes (in law school no less) to watch the same episodes over and over. 5 stars is all I'm allowed, but I'd give it 10 if possible. If you've always wondered what the hype on this show is about, I tell you - buy this first season collection. It is not possible to be disappointed, and you will likely end up like me, wondering when the second season is to come out (for which I will scrape, save, sell blood and recyclables to purchase).
Rating:
Summary: 5 stars for content, 1 star for construction
Review: I do not think it is necessary to describe how awesome the first season of this show was, but it is necessary to say how crappy the DVD's are constructed. They are double sided (old style) which can lead to a lot of scratches if you aren't very careful with them.
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