Drama review for West Wing

West Wing
€¢ Know the network, the dates and the creator.
€¢ From our article by Giles & Giles, explain the concept of prime time presidentiality. What is their point about the effect that TV and films have on our view of the presidency?
€¢ To that end, why does TWW use such long shots and weaving tours of the White House?
€¢ Know the key characters, President Jed Bartlet, Leo McGarry €“ chief of staff, Toby, Josh, Sam & CJ €“ the key staff, Charlie €“ the president’s personal assistant.
€¢ Consider contrasting portrayals of the presidency as conveyed in the character of Jed Bartlet. In the pilot episode, where there is a confrontation with members of the Christian right, how does Bartlet enter? What is the overall portrayal of the president in this first episode?
€¢ What’s the essential storyline of the episode A Proportional Response? How is Bartlet portrayed through most of this episode?
€¢ What is it about Bartlet’s position in A Proportional Response that is valid? What is less defensible, less in tune with the values of the American presidency?
€¢ Consider the end of the episode €“ when the President is dismissive of a potential new staff member €“ Charlie, and ultimately confronted by his chief of staff €“ Leo. What does this cumulative narrative say about the holder of the oval office?
€¢ What does the West Wing say about the power of the presidency?
€¢ How is the humanity of the President €“ and the humanity of his inner team €“ central to the show’s portrayal of what the presidency is about? What is said about our reliance on the collective wisdom of our leaders to make reasonable decisions?
€¢ Include some commentary on the liberal perspective of the program €“ and its sense of patriotism.