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?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Burial a courtroom drama with heart

Image
Willie Gary (Jamie Foxx) is a brash trial lawyer who is good at rallying a jury to his cause. Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones) is a quiet grandfather who is trying to ensure the business his family built remains viable after he’s gone. These two don’t appear to have much in common on the surface. But when they’re brought together by young lawyer Hal Dockins (Mamoudou Athie) brings them together, a connection is formed over their shared background of working hard to become self-made men. And it turned out that Willie was just who Jerry needed in his corner to win the fight of his life. The new Prime Video film The Burial, which opened in theaters October 6 and started streaming October 13, captures that trial against the Loewen Group that changed the course of their lives. The film is based on the true story and covers the trial, but more importantly captures the relationship between the men. The film plays out like a traditional courtroom drama. Foxx is solid as Willie Gary, while Ju...
Read more

Broncos Draft Targets

Image
  The NFL Draft is just a few days away. On April 25, the Denver Broncos will head into the draft in the midst of something of a rebuild. In the draft, the Broncos have the No. 12 pick in Round 1, then have a Third Round Pick, Fourth Round Pick, three Fifth Round Picks, a Sixth Round Pick, and a Seventh Round Pick. So, what might they be targeting? Let's dive in and look at possible positions. Quarterback : The team clearly needs a long-term quarterback. Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci are there but the team could certainly use someone else. Could they move up for Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy? Yes, they could. Will the take Bo Nix at 12? It's possible. Or will the Broncos wait until next off-season to make a move? Anything is in play for the Broncos in 2024, but quarterback is surely a need. Tight End: The team brought back Adam Trautman and still has Greg Dulcich, but it's still a need. Dulcich hasn't been able to get on the field and Trautman hasn't been great. Co...
Read more

Favorite Westerns, No. 43

Image
  Do you like a good Western? It's a classic genre in film and this year I've decided to look at some of my favorite Westerns. So, join me each Friday as I count down my favorite Westerns from No. 50 to No. 1. Rooster Cogburn : [ watching Mattie ford the river hanging on the back of her horse] By God. She reminds me of me. True Grit (1969) Starring : John Wayne, Kim Darby, Glen Campbell, Robert Duvall, and Dennis Hopper Director : Henry Hathaway About: This is the third straight week with a film from Wayne. As you might guess, we're not done. As I've mentioned, he sets a standard for the genre. Here, we seen him bring to life an iconic character. This one is based on a novel, and it has endured. He's great as Rooster Cogburn, so good that he got a sequel in the same character. But this is a later film in his career. This is a different, more grizzled Wayne. He's still quite good and this is a film that really has stood the test of time. It's not the only ve...
Read more