TVSquad

WHOW! Alan Alda is OLD!

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As the show will, I’m sure, get grater then usual viewers, I believe the main goal of this episode is not to give the viewers a bold look into a presidential debate, but rather to gain control of the primetime ratings this show once had. I hope this "live" debate works well for the show, after following the west wing from season one, I hope, season 8 and even possibly 9 become a reality.

After all, if a show about a few "friends" can last for 11 years, the west wing should not be far behind.

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Hasn't it already been decided that this is the last season, that they wern't going to follow the new president?

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The West Wing is BACK! Each episode gets better and better... and more is frighteningly in touch with current politics. Can't wait for the live episode.

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I don't think it's been decided yet about this being the last season. I hope NBC keeps it alive at least one more year. I would love to see either Santos or Vinnick in the White House, and follow some of their term. Plus, it would be also fun to watch ex-President Bartlett being used once in a while like former President's Bush and Clinton...so many possibilities. The execs at NBC should be strangled for moving this to Sunday night at 8. Last year and this year, the show has totally regained its footing after that first dreadful year without Sorkin. The Producers and writers should be commended. The addition of Alan Alda and Jimmy Smits has been awesome. If only we had choices like that for real.

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I predict the show will be back and Matt Santos will win the election.

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I seriously hope this show goes on for more seasons. With a new president we can hit so many new topics and the world around us gives us even more news that we can incorporate in the show. We can see Josh as Chief of Staff. Donnna as Press Secretary. Get some new people and we can have an exciting young presidency to grow and grow. I am really enjoying this season and this debate premiering on sunday will just prove how great and the potential of this show!!!!! I mean if Commander and Chief show on abc still runs, west wing should be praised for its greatness. That's all I got to say.

P.S. I saw recently Issac and Ismail show. That aberation from the show. A play as the intro called it still gives me chills. Amazing show. Islamic Extremist is to Islam as KKK is to Christianity. Good analogy. That was first show I watched and have watched all seasons before it and everyone after.

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It seems me that NBC has decided that this will be the last season with the 'suicide move' of the show to Sunday nights.

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I turned on West Wing pretty much by accident right in the middle of the 'live debate'. I've always enjoyed the program and tonight's episode I think was brilliant TV. However, I am appalled that NBC would produce this program and disguise it as real, live news! I shudder at the idea of how many ill-informed Americans turned this on in the middle of the 'live debate', became engaged (no, entranced) by the writing and acting, and are now 'educated' and 'politically aware' voters. The power of the press is so strong ... I believe NBC stepped outside the parameters of media decency with this show.

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I was a little disappointed in tonights episode. I don't think that either canadate seperated himself from each other. I am pulling for Congressman Santos ( a al an Hispanic JFK ). I expected more from Congressman Santos. Senator Vinick surprised me. He was very good. I am looking forward to the rest of the season. I also hope that the show is picked up for another season.

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As a long-time fan of the West Wing, I have to say I was a little disappointed in the live debate. They could have done more with it. I think the format (rejecting debate rules) made it look a little high-schoolish. After all, Alda and Smits are ACTORS, not politicians and it showed. I think it would have been more fun to see the backstage reactions from members of their respective campaign staffs to debate answers/speeches.

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West Wing has always been a favorite. I've really enjoyed the Democratic/Republican episodes. I loved the live debate. I was hoping the audiance could vote but haven't found a place to do that. I'm hoping they do not let this show go for a few years at least.
I do have a hard tim figureing why they let shows go... Third Watch, Joan of Arcadia ...
Was upset at their loss. Many good new shows this year, but I;d rather have my old friend shows

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I read on nbc.com that they shot this episode twice, once for the east coast and once for the west coast, so both could be "Live." Did anyone see both? I'd be curious how different they were. I thought the West Coast version was fun and enjoyed the "underrehearsed-ness" of it, the actors stumbling on their words in a very realistic (but rarely seen) fashion. But I'm betting the East Coast run was even more rough around the edges. Can anyone tell me?
Also - isn't it obvious that Santos will win both the debate and the presidency? People who like Bartlett and The West Wing will prefer Santos... I like Vinick FOR A REPUBLICAN, but ... come on! I vote for Santos.
Thanks NBC, for giving us a debate with real issues and our dream candidates and (lack of) rules.

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I don' watch the show and caught the episode by accident. I was completely glued to the tv for that hour--what a fantastic, creative idea. However, I do agree that it was pretty irresponsible of NBC to present it as reality(like someone else posted). There are a lot of (stupid?)people who might actually think these two are running.

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