Best of the Small Screen: Network Dramas, No. 1

 


Welcome to this year's exploration of TV, the Best of the Small Screen. Throughout the year I'll be looking at my favorite shows in four categories: Network Sitcoms, Network Dramas, Cable Series and Streaming Series. We'll cap the exploration with my Top 10 shows of all time regardless of format. Check back each Saturday for another installment in the countdown!

President Josiah Bartlett: "We hold these truths to be self-evident," they said, "that all men are created equal." Strange as it may seem, that was the first time in history that anyone had ever bothered to write that down. Decisions are made by those who show up.

The West Wing (1999-2006)
Starring: Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford, Allison Janney, Richard Schiff, John Spencer, Rob Lowe, Janell Maloney, Dule Hill, Joshua Malina, Stockard Channing, Mary McCormick, and Jimmy Smits
Favorite Episodes: "Pilot," Episode 1.01; "Mr. Willis of Ohio," Episode 1.07; "In Excelsis Deo," Episode 1.10; "What Kind of Day Has It Been," Episode 1.22; "In The Shadow of Two Gunmen," Episodes 2.01 and 2.02; "Noel," Episode 2.10; "18th and Potomac," Episode 2.21; "Two Cathedrals," Episode 2.22; "Posse Comitatus," Episode 3.22; "Game On," Episode 4.06; "Commencement," Episode 4.22; "Twenty Five," Episode 4.23; "The Supremes," Episode 5.17; "2,162 Votes," Episode 6.22; "Election Day," Episodes 7.16 and 7.17; "Tomorrow," Episode 7.22
About: The word masterpiece is over-used. And yet, sometimes it fits. The West Wing is a masterpiece. Some would quibble about the last three seasons, and it was undeniably a bit different, but it was great in its own way. And no matter the ending, it's impossible to look past the incredible quality and storytelling that was a part of the early seasons. There have been few shows that were as compelling and emotionally as this series. I loved the writing and the performances. It was incredible work from Aaron Sorkin. Those who've been following along would know that I had another Sorkin series, Sports Night, near the top of my Sitcom list. This is his best series, and what's amazing is the two shows were on at the same time. If you've never seen the show, what are you waiting for?

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