Bartlet4America News Archive

TV REVIEW: 'The West Wing' regains its momentum

By Dave Mason
Modesto Bee

Last Updated: October 19, 2004, 07:33:00 AM PDT

(SH) - "The West Wing" has regained its momentum.
After falling in the ratings and critical acclaim, the once-great drama has risen again, thanks to a season premiere that re-emphasizes the heart of the series: the characters.

President Josiah Bartlet (Martin Sheen) has rarely been so presidential. And the other characters' strengths and flaws shine during a timely story tackling Mideast peace and the future of the White House. The season begins Wednesday (9 p.m. ET/PT NBC.)

The story picks up from last season's cliffhanger, in which a terrorist attack on the Gaza strip took the life of Admiral Fitzwallace (John Amos) and injured White House assistant Donna Moss (Janel Moloney). That leads to a big debate between Bartlet president and Chief of Staff Leo McGarry (John Spencer) over how to respond to the attacks. Bartlet is determined to bring the Palestinians and Israelis together at peace talks at Camp David, but Leo sees swift U.S. military action as the answer.

That sets the stage for a personal drama involving one of the characters. The subsequent episodes, airing Oct. 27 and Nov. 3, spell a question of change for the White House, and in all three stories, Sheen brings out Bartlet's determination to do what's right in face of overwhelming opposition. At the same time, Toby (Richard Schiff) and Josh (Bradley Whitford) collide over how to win congressional support for the president in sealing the details of major step toward Mideast peace.

Executive producer John Wells, his crew and cast have done a great job of presenting a compelling story arc by making full use of the personalities that the actors and series creator Aaron Sorkin created.

"The West Wing" still hasn't reached the power of its first season, but it now deserves your attention again.