The West Wing - Doesn't it have the best script writing ever?

Raymond Lin

Raymond Lin

Raymond Lin

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I am catching up on my West Wing episodes that i've missed over the years, it never seems to amaze me how good the writing this show has and how the little things are very insightful. From the clever politics to little chit chat, lose concentration for a bit and you'll miss all the gems. The following bit is just between President Bartlett and Charlie in the episode i am watching now.

CHARLIE
I'm getting a scan DVD player with MP3 playback. Free shipping and tax, it's $499, which
will leave enough leftover to buy a great DVD I found on E-bay.

BARTLET
Yeoman of the Guard?

CHARLIE
Oh, how well you know me, Mr. President. On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

BARTLET
Can I tell you what's messed up about James Bond?

CHARLIE
Nothing.

BARTLET
Shaken not stirred will get you cold water with a dash of gin and dry vermouth. The
reason you stir it with a special spoon is so not to chip the ice. James is ordering a
weak martini and being snooty about it.
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LOL :)

I am going to miss this show when it leaves our screen.
 
From what I can tell you're somewhere in the first or second series. I don't wish to dissapoint you but after the fourth series the quality of both writing and entertainment value decreases.
 
I love the west wing. Got the last couple episode of Season 7 to watch then its all done :(

If you havent seen episodes 12 onwards of season 7 there are one or two big suprises yet :) (not giving any spoilers obviously)

Despite what people say about script writing taking a dive, it still entertains me, and probably makes me chuckle away to myself more than any other show.
 
the_brainaic said:
From what I can tell you're somewhere in the first or second series. I don't wish to dissapoint you but after the fourth series the quality of both writing and entertainment value decreases.
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I disagree. Since borrowing my housemate's S1 DVD and simply flying through all seasons (currently on S5) i've noticed no drop in quality. I've said this a few times but it is simply a wonderful program. Cleverer than anything else out there and funnier than most sitcoms at the same time. Top notch drama and I'd recommend it to anyone!!

Toby is my hero :D

Sam Seaborn: About a week ago I accidentally slept with a prostitute.
Toby Ziegler: [pause] Really?
Sam Seaborn: Yes.
Toby Ziegler: A prostitute?
Sam Seaborn: A call girl.
Toby Ziegler: Accidentally?
Sam Seaborn: Yes.
Toby Ziegler: I don't understand. Did you *trip* over something?
...
Toby Ziegler: Have you fallen on your head? Have you fallen down and hit your head on something hard?
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And i think this raised a few eyebrows in the States when it was aired. Talk about smacking someone down verbally :D (at a party at the White House where the president has noticed a bible-bashing right-wing radio DJ that probably shouldnt be there and who hasnt stood up when he entered to speak)

President Josiah Bartlet: Good. I like your show. I like how you call homosexuality an abomination.
Dr. Jenna Jacobs: I don't say homosexuality is an abomination, Mr. President. The Bible does.
President Josiah Bartlet: Yes it does. Leviticus.
Dr. Jenna Jacobs: 18:22.
President Josiah Bartlet: Chapter and verse. I wanted to ask you a couple of questions while I have you here. I'm interested in selling my youngest daughter into slavery as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. She's a Georgetown sophomore, speaks fluent Italian, always cleared the table when it was her turn. What would a good price for her be? While thinking about that, can I ask another? My Chief of Staff Leo McGarry insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly says he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself or is it okay to call the police? Here's one that's really important because we've got a lot of sports fans in this town: touching the skin of a dead pig makes one unclean. Leviticus 11:7. If they promise to wear gloves, can the Washington Redskins still play football? Can Notre Dame? Can West Point? Does the whole town really have to be together to stone my brother John for planting different crops side by side? Can I burn my mother in a small family gathering for wearing garments made from two different threads? Think about those questions, would you? One last thing: while you may be mistaking this for your monthly meeting of the Ignorant Tight-Ass Club, in this building, when the President stands, nobody sits.
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I'm on the last 2 episodes of Series 5.

I can't understand a lot of the politics on this show but the writing and the characters make it so worth watching

If only the US could have a President as intelligent as the fictional Bartlett!!!

Can u imagine Bush and Bartlett having a conversation together - 2 mins tops before Bartlett loses the will to live :D
 
The West Wing is the best show ever! Every single episode without exception has been awesome, I was really annoyed when I heard it had been canceled. I do think it’s a bit of a shame through that the final season concentrated on the election of a president that we will never get to see. I would rather it had focused on Bartlet to give the show a proper send off.

Raymond Lin said:

BARTLET
Shaken not stirred will get you cold water with a dash of gin and dry vermouth. The
reason you stir it with a special spoon is so not to chip the ice. James is ordering a
weak martini and being snooty about it.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

Ah yes, however in the original books it was 'stirred not shaken', which is the correct method. They changed it for the movies because they thought 'shaken not stirred' sounded better, fools.
 
My favourite show.

Seen this one yet? Two Cathedrals. Love this scene, where Barlett is shouting at God.

"Gratias tibi ago, domine. Haec credam a deo pio? A deo iusto, a deo scito? Cruciatus in crucem. Tuus in terra servus, nuntius fui. Officium perfeci. Cruciatus in crucem. Eas in crucem!"

Translation
 
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fornowagain said:
I missed Aaron Sorkin's writing when he left, but it was still excellent drama.
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Spot on, its the only thing in recent years to send me to tears with pure brilliance, not just the first time i see somthing, but every time after it aswell (i have all 6 seasons on DVD and am eagerly awaiting season 7).

I cry like a woman during the ends of season 1 and 2 for instance.
 
willd58 said:
Spot on, its the only thing in recent years to send me to tears with pure brilliance, not just the first time i see somthing, but every time after it aswell (i have all 6 seasons on DVD and am eagerly awaiting season 7).

I cry like a woman during the ends of season 1 and 2 for instance.
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Season 7 takes a downturn imo. Almost the entire series is dedicated to the election campaign, which imho drags along in a big way. When you stop to break it down you are looking at 12+ hours of watching the two candidates shake hands and give speaches with very little else.
The quality of writing is still there, but it almost seems as though they are just writing their way towards the end so they can bury it.

There are one or two real suprises though and it was still an enjoyable watch. Still have the last couple to watch as i already said.
 
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