TVSquad

It's sad to see this show go. I haven't been watching this how on TV, trying to catch up on DVD. I'm on the 2nd Season and it is fantastic stuff! I hear it hasn't been as good in recent years, so maybe it is a good thing that it is ending. The worse news is...

"They also announced that creator Aaron Sorkin and director/producer Tommy Schlamme will not be involved in the finale. Damn."

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Well, the show died when season 4 ended, and Aaron Sorkin was fired.

It is definitely about time, and I am glad Sorkin is staying away from the crapfest.

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Strictly from the viewpoint of a longtime fan of WW, I'm really saddened by this news. My wife and I have been struck by how good the show is this season. Every aspect, the writing, acting, new characters, plot development have been stellar. We were really looking forward to watching the new administration take office. Really, it's one of the most intelligent shows on television, about topics that so need to be discussed.
Seems like a tremendous waste. As to how it ends, I'm not sure I want to watch if Sorkin and Co. are not involved. What's up with that??!!

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how would i like it to end? with Sorkin and Schlamme ending it. this pisses me off. this is how the loyal fans are repaid for 7 years of devotion. ps... i love the Richard Schiff broke ranks and publicly stated that Toby would never do what he did. awesome.

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Had to happen and Spencer's death closed the coffin (pun NOT intended).

If Sorkin isn't coming back (AWFUL! SLANDEROUS! HORRIBLE MOVE! I feel so bad that I'm gonna have to score some more coke tonight), then Rob Lowe will have to come and save us all.

Never thought I'd say that. But still, it's true.

And if they chicken s**t out with the writing and plot development for the rest of the season I will BE FORCED to never fantasize about Bradley Whitford again.

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How do I want to see the show ending?

With Vinick winning.

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Hmm. How about this: Leo McGarry dies just before the election, and Santos picks a California congressman to replace him, realizing that Vinick, from California as well, will sweep the state.
That California congressman? Sam Seaborn.

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Can anyone let me know why Sorkin was fired?

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I agree with the posters that have stated that there has been a creative resurgance with the show this season. Not withstanding the Toby thing, which I agree with EVERYONE (including Schiff) on, I think this season has been pretty solid. There was an episode here or there that wasn't up to par, but that's no different than the Sorkin era (Indians in the Lobby, anyone?).
As far as Toby goes, I still subscribe to the theory that Toby was covering for someone else, most likely POTUS or CJ. The conversation that Toby and Bartlett had in the Oval right before Toby decieded to out himself is my main piece of evidence. Also, at the end of the day, I can see Toby taking a bullet for CJ and possibly the President, long before he would actually be the leak himself.
As far as Sorkin NOT coming back? Well, that's just plain silly. If they truly had an opportunity to bring the team back, they should have jumped on it. I wonder if Aaron and Tommy asked for too much money (Which may have not been much, but knowing the budget this year, it would take much for it to be TOO much), and Wells thought against throwing "good money after bad." Sucks, but that does make some sense to me.
I still don't see how Lowe coming back fits realistically or creatively. There's no way that Seaborn would be a viable replacment to Leo on the ticket. I know he's a California guy, but you still can't sell me on the idea that he won that Congressional Seat, nor can you sell me on the idea that a ticket with two young Democrats can beat a popular moderate Republican from California. And, I don't think that the show could Lowe, either, unless he came back at the standard guest star rate.
Sucks all around though. I caught some S1 episodes the other day. I miss the hell out of John Spencer.

"Andrew Jackson, in the lobby, kept a large block of cheese"

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TV is a business. With a 8% share WW was doomed. The show will live on in syndication for decades. NBC deserves much credit for seven years of devotion despite poor ratings. In the 1980s it was Hill Street Blues and in the 1990s Homicide: Life on the Street. No other network has so protected such quality program despite a uninterested public. Sorkin should go over to HBO, they value fine scrips and great tales. All of us should write the cast a note thanking them for such longterm fun. I'll miss WW and John Spencer.

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The show should most definitely end with Alan Alda's republication candidate winning the election. That would be a very fitting end that would frame West Wing as a story about a Democratic era of government.

I've also thought since last year that electing Alda and instituting an all-new cast of republicans (Matthew Perry, Ainsley Hayes, ...) was the show's only hope at long term revitalization.

tvd2

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I'm not sure if they're going to work John's death in after the elections or before. I can't imagine a candidate getting elected after their running mate dies, so they'd have to fill in with someone else - Josh maybe? - after the election.

And yeah, I totally miss John. It breaks my heart every time I see him on a new episode, knowing he's gone.

I've recently (in the last year and a half) been introduced to the show and since then I've caught up to new episodes and I'm sad to see it go. I figure, they'll inaugurate Santos and the show ends with him in the oval, with Josh as his CoS, and it's Santos saying "what's next?"

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Hell no, they shouldn't go.
I don't agree with many opinions that the show is worn out and that without Sorkin it is not good.
Yes, the first years were VERY good...but the show has morphed into an entirely new being. The political aspect of the show is just as good as the first few years when they featured the White House action.
With the advent of Commander in Chief (and its apparent popularity), West Wing has got a whole new tenant to deal with. I will miss the show and its wonderful actors and writers.

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I think it would be good dramatically if Vinick won the election. It would really tie up the loose threads of the show neatly, if bitterly for the series. One thing that I've liked about the show is that it portrays idealistic politicians doing their best. Particularly this season I've liked Vicick and Santos--I think both would be decent presidents in the world of the West Wing.

If there is a Vinick victory, it would give a great opportunity for a commentary on bipartisainship. There's great drama in that sort of conflict. No reason why it has to go out sickly sweet, now is there? End on a high note!

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Cancelling it now, during its best season in years, is the final straw on this terrible Sunday. The show I just watched was SO good, so vital, so topical. BAD IDEA.

They should at least make a movie!

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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!

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