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The third season of the hit tv show, The West Wing, is one of the best seasons. It is the second to last season with Aaron Sorkin. The West Wing's third season began in sadness. The 9/11 attacks would change much about our country (and this show), and we got an episode after them (Isaac and Ishmael) that attempted to show sensitivity and comfort during a confusing time. At that time, it wasn't generally liked, but it seems to have aged well (it was voted the 10th best episode by Bravo viewers earlier this year). After this, though, the season began in earnest, picking up where the astonishingly good "Two Cathedrals" episode left off and begins a multi-episodic story arc that has the staff at odds with each other as well as the introduction of the fabulous Ron Silver as Bruno Gianelli (he would get an Oscar nod for his performance). Truth be told, this season didn't have the same uniformity of excellence that previous ones did--the middle of the season was lukewarm, with episodes like "The Two Bartlets" and "Night Five" which rank among the lowest in the series (let's keep it in perspective, though: the worst of this season is still better than the best of the current one). However, the show pulls off one of the best episodes of the show in the finale, "Posse Comitatus", which has President Bartlet grappling with faith, law and morality in the matter of having an Osama bin Ladin-like terrorist assassinated. The sheer shock of the final act still brings chills down my spine every time I see it. Also notable: perhaps the most emotional episode in the series, "Bartlet for America" won an Emmy and its final scene between the President and Leo rivals the denouement in Kubrick's Paths of Glory for full-force emotional impact. "Gone Quiet" is a gripping story about a lost submarine, and features a wonderful, curmedgeonly performance by Hal Holbrook as Assistant Secretary of State Albie Duncan. "100,000 Airplanes" is an example of the complex narrative structure of the series: there are no less than four major stories revolving around Bartlet's State of the Union address, each of which are engaging. One of my favorites is "The U.S. Poet Laureate," which covers the scandal following an off-air gaffe on the part of the president. Says C.J. Cregg, "It's a classic Washington scandal. We got in trouble for telling the truth." But all through this season are these character threads: the President and Abbey (leading to a surprisingly touching scene in "Dead Irish Writers"), Josh and Amy's budding relationship, Toby and his ex-wife, Andie, and, of course, the President and Leo. The final one was always one of the most satisfying relationships with the show, and the fact that the current WW writers have all but eliminated it is one of my major beefs with the show right now. Enough soapboxing. Season 3 of the West Wing contains powerful drama and excitement, examination of real political issues and real people. It's definitely worth the money for anyone.Read full review
I bought the third season of West Wing because my husband loves it.I sat down and started to watch it with him and immediately became hooked on it also. It is very entertaining, great actors and actresses, and you can really relate to the drama and problems and being any time in history. It lets you know that situations in history seem to repeat themselves because no one learns from example.I would highly recommend West Wing, it is refreshing to watch something without the constant violence and bad language that is present in so many movies.A+.
Why buy it? When it was on it was my favorite show. I did not want to miss it not even once. The actors, actresses and story lines were great. You really got into the characters. The music at the beginning was great. It simply was an outstanding series when it was on. It lasted eight years which is two four year terms of the president. It gave you an insight a little into was the presidency was about and the people who work in the background and support the President while he is in office. It showed the problems faced in government. The minor actors also helped to make the show more identifiable with the ordinary public.
West Wing is some of the best TV ever produced. Period. As to this particular set of discs, I've not yet watched; skips or whatnot. I love some progressive POTUS. This works. Start with season one if new to you.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The problem solving individuals are appealing.Out thinking others has an interesting satisfaction, like the game of chess thinking multiple steps ahead and developing a trap of their own or avoiding the other guy or gals trap is what I like.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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