8 Harsh Truths You Never Knew About Rewatching ‘The West Wing’ Season 1

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People who have seen “The West Wing” would likely agree that it is one of the finest series they’ve ever watched. While this might appear to be a broad statement, the show has earned significant acclaim, tying for the most Outstanding Drama Series awards at the Emmys with four other shows. Aaron Sorkin’s creation boasted a cabinet brimming with talent, many of whom rose to stardom due to their performances in this esteemed production.

The series underwent a shift in mood once Sorkin departed post-season 4, yet it managed to regain its footing with two powerful final seasons and an indelible series conclusion. If you’re considering revisiting the Bartlet presidency, watching the series 26 years after its debut might sound appealing. However, certain harsh truths become apparent upon rewatch. Here are some of the toughest realities from season 1.

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One of the Last Great Network Dramas

It feels unusual these days to adhere to specific hours at home to catch an hour-long drama series on traditional cable television. With the rise of streaming platforms, viewers have more flexibility as shows are often accessible on demand. Unlike the past when viewers had to adjust their schedules to watch shows airing on TV networks like NBC, most people today know when their preferred show will be available on their chosen streaming service. In simpler terms, the convenience offered by streaming services has made it less important for viewers to remember what night a show is broadcasted on traditional television.

Season 1 of “The West Wing” offers a comprehensive introduction to the Bartlet administration, encompassing key figures such as the President and his team including Josh, Sam, CJ, Toby, Leo, and many more. Once these introductions are complete, each character settles comfortably into their role, and the journey commences. This setup gives viewers a sense of being inside the White House, privy to conversations they arguably shouldn’t be hearing, which is what truly sets it apart.

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7
The Relationship Between Politics and the Press

In today’s political climate, a journalist might find themselves barred from entering a room or denied opportunities to ask questions. The relationship between politicians and the media has never been more strained. During President Trump’s first term, several White House Press Secretaries served before taking on the role. The Bartlet Presidency also experienced some changes, yet for the majority of its two terms, it was C.J. Cregg who acted as the primary point of contact with the media.

Initially, Cregg didn’t have a strong bond with the media; it was something that developed over time, requiring effort and trust-building. In the first season finale, Cregg grappled with the dilemma of concealing the truth from the press to safeguard a secret operation ordered by the President. However, as the series progressed, she mastered this challenging role effectively.

6
The Fast-Paced Dialogue Can Be Hard To Keep Up With

The program stood out for its rapid-fire dialogue, penned by Sorkin’s unparalleled writing skill, and the pace of scenes was breakneck, requiring viewers to stay fully focused or risk missing crucial storylines. It had a unique flavor compared to modern productions, as certain films and series tend to overemphasize events through brief monologues, allowing viewers to multitask by using their phones without losing track of the storyline.

The series showcases the concept of a “walk and talk,” where characters engage in discussions while strolling through a building, discussing significant storylines. This style is often featured in Sorkin productions, particularly noticeable in The West Wing. The first season abounds with such scenes, including numerous instances where Leo delivers foresightful insights or President Bartlet imparts wisdom to Charlie on their way towards the Oval Office.

5
Weak Scandals Compared to Today’s Political Landscape

Political scandals, dating back to ancient times, have been an unfortunate yet persistent aspect of governance. Numerous politicians throughout history have stepped down due to their involvement in scandalous activities. From the very first episode, The West Wing made it clear that such instances would not be absent from the series. Specifically, Sam was found to have been romantically involved with a prostitute in the premiere.

The plotline didn’t progress much in the series because it was cut short after only a few episodes. However, such events are not unfamiliar in political landscapes. Therefore, it wasn’t particularly captivating to watch on television either. It could be considered one of the least compelling storylines from season 1.

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4
It Takes an Informed Viewer To Appreciate the Writing

Initially, when the series started, there were significantly fewer 24-hour news channels compared to what we have now. Most people relied on newspapers or the early internet for their news. In stark contrast, as you’re reading this article online, maybe even on your phone, access to news has become far more accessible today, providing individuals with numerous opportunities to stay informed about global issues.

The TV series “The West Wing” offered an unprecedented glimpse into the inner workings of the U.S. presidency, revealing aspects that were previously unknown to citizens. Today, much of what goes on at the White House is shown on television, with more briefings being broadcast than ever before. During its debut season, viewers needed to be well-informed about global events to follow some of the storylines, as they couldn’t simply rely on TikTok summaries; instead, they had to seek out news from various sources.

3
22 Hour-Long Episodes Can Feel Like a Slog

Stepping into the realm of TV critiques, let me tell you that Season 1 of “The West Wing” was quite a sight back in 1999, with a whopping 22 one-hour episodes! Today, with the rise of streaming platforms, we’ve grown accustomed to seasons that barely surpass 15 episodes. It’s a far cry from the leisurely pace of yesteryears. Nowadays, viewers find themselves binge-watching shows at a faster clip than ever before. Yet, there are still those timeless hours that keep us company as we navigate through our favorite series.

Sorkin skillfully unfolded narratives across multiple seasons and developed intricate storylines over time. In contrast, modern storytelling demands a quicker pace with intense, rapid-fire action. The convenience of binge-watching a series at once is taken into account during production, which results in resolutions to events happening more swiftly.

2
Outdated Moral Discussions Feel Like a Relic

Right from the beginning, it was evident that President Bartlet evaluated decisions based on political and religious perspectives. As a graduate of Notre Dame, he frequently referenced scriptures throughout the series. He spent considerable time contemplating the morality of his choices, not only considering their political implications but also how they would impact him as a Christian. Yet, he often relied on his gut feelings to do what was best for the American public at large.

In current political discourse, moral principles seem less emphasized compared to past eras. Nowadays, the choice between what is morally correct and what provides personal advancement isn’t always clear-cut. It can be debated whether Bartlet’s portrayal as a President for all people accurately reflects modern leadership.

1
Outdated Technology Landscape

In today’s world, it’s striking how many people rely on newspapers or trust news websites, much like everyone used to use a landline phone (either corded or cordless). Back then, smartphones and social media didn’t exist. Instead, the public’s view of the White House and its staff is primarily shaped by traditional media outlets.

In my opinion, as a movie reviewer, the first season of “The West Wing” was brimming with challenges for the White House staff to navigate. However, it’s important to note that these issues weren’t exacerbated by misleading rumors or false allegations spread on social media platforms. Of course, I’m not suggesting that social media is inherently malicious, but it does play a significant role in shaping the political terrain today. The series primarily needs to ensure that Cregg’s media pool remains informed and managed effectively.

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2025-05-31 18:03