West Wing = TV at its best

[Remus Lupin]

Mark, I agree with you about that comic beat. That's the Aaron Sorkin influence, and it's been on the decline since he left. No TV was as funny and thought provoking as the first two seasons of West Wing for me, partly because each episode was a running conversation with the twists and turns of Sorkin's intellect. There's a guy I'd like to have dinner with.

 

[jasamcarl]

Mark, I agree with you about that comic beat. That's the Aaron Sorkin influence, and it's been on the decline since he left. No TV was as funny and thought provoking as the first two seasons of West Wing for me, partly because each episode was a running conversation with the twists and turns of Sorkin's intellect. There's a guy I'd like to have dinner with.

I agree, the first two seasons were excellent. But Sorkin's method had a downside...it quickly became about nothing but Sorkin. A show that initially had an airy quality in which the audience was drawn in to empathize with the ideals and aims of the characters eventually turned into an overly dense muddle of a show where the audience instead seems was intended
to actually worship the characters (anyone remember the "WE'RE SMARTER THAN THEM!" arc?) and look on as they go through the latest melodramatic plot cycle. It's become downright mastubatory.

 

[AlphaOmega]

It's become downright mastubatory.

Well this thread has taken an unfortuate turn...

No matter what you think of the show's message... whether Sorkin's drug use helped his writing or not... I was saying that this past epsoide was arguably the best of the season. The show's not for everybody and its not fantasy or sci-fi but I though this was the best place to say I enjoyed it.

And that I like donuts

Now back to your regularly scheduled hijack...

 

[Mark]

It's become downright mastubatory.

Well this thread has taken an unfortuate turn...

No matter what you think of the show's message...
...

Now back to your regularly scheduled hijack...

It's got nothing to do with message. We're discussing writing style.

You seem to have assumed the thread would turn to a discussion of politics and misread (or ignored) what we were discussing, then chastised others based on how you expected the thread to develop. You are in error.

In fact, I think the thread has developed in one of the few ways it could safely develop on these boards (given the policies regarding discussions of politics and religion).

 

[Crothian]

I like his writing style but I think it worked better for the short lived Sportsnight. The show was more of a comedy and the fast paced perfect lines fit a bit more with that then a political drama.

 

[AlphaOmega]

It's got nothing to do with message. We're discussing writing style.

You seem to have assumed the thread would turn to a discussion of politics and misread (or ignored) what we were discussing, then chastised others based on how you expected the thread to develop. You are in error.

In fact, I think the thread has developed in one of the few ways it could safely develop on these boards (given the policies regarding discussions of politics and religion).

You feel better now Mark... I'm in error... whatever :rollseyes:

I guess I'll run whatever post I have in mind past you in the future and then with your infinite wisdom you can let me know how you expect the thread to develop.

Internet communication sucks... and messageboard discussions are a part of that... in person we might have an intelligent discussion. Heck, we might even have fun with said discussion. But it looks like it won't happen here.

 

[Mark]

You feel better now Mark... I'm in error... whatever :rollseyes:

I guess I'll run whatever post I have in mind past you in the future and then with your infinite wisdom you can let me know how you expect the thread to develop.

Internet communication sucks... and messageboard discussions are a part of that... in person we might have an intelligent discussion. Heck, we might even have fun with said discussion. But it looks like it won't happen here.

What's your problem, Pal?

You start a thread about a politically based show (that regularly tackles both political and religious subject matter). You seemingly chastise people for discussing the show's "message" when no one is in fact doing so, and several people make mention that tact would likely get the thread closed. You throw in a reference to Sorkin's "drug use" as if the thread was debating if that has something to do with the show's writing quality when no one else has brought that up (I wasn't even aware it was a factor one way or another). And now you seem to think I'll bite on a ridiculously feeble attempt to bait me into an argument by using the rolly eyes icon that doesn't even exist on these boards any more?

Well, what the heck? Yeah. I'll bite. Why not? But just for a little while and only because I'd hate to leave you in such frustration. Here's my off-the-cuff, return shot to the "intelligent discussion" comment and the "feeling better" query...

I doubt we could even have a "intelligent discussion" face to face and please refrain from running your thread ideas by me, I'm still not well.

And, by the way, Internet Communication doesn't suck. Some people's ability to interpret what is being comminicated or to express themself adequately does suck, though. Don't blame the medium.

I hope that helps move the thread closer to a direction you had hoped it might go. Have a nice day...

 

[Henry]

OK, here's what we'll do.

Let's first of all refrain from personal insults. This is never the place for 'em.

Second, the politics of West Wing's writing isn't up for debate. If anything is going to be discussed, it needs to be the characters. It's a touchy line with this show, but I've tried to let it stand ever since I've seen the thread, and see where it went.

Finally, If anyone has anything to say about the issues the show handles, please refrain from saying it here. That's against board rules, and it's also why I haven't said anything myself; it's better to not say anything. Let's try to follow that example.

I'm convinced however, that ALL of the level-headed people in this thread can discuss a show without jumping on one another. If you DON'T have anything the contribute, please don't - or it'll be removed.

Thank you, all.

 

[Dark Jezter]

I like his writing style but I think it worked better for the short lived Sportsnight. The show was more of a comedy and the fast paced perfect lines fit a bit more with that then a political drama.

"I finally get Aaron Sorkin's Sports Night; it's a comedy that's too good to be funny!" -Stoned Teenager from an episode of Family Guy.

 

[Crothian]

That's actually accurate description of the series. It's very good, and had trouble finding an audience because of it.