In its first series, The West Wing established the cast of characters who comprise the White House staff. There's Chief of Staff Leo McGarry (John Spencer), a recovering alcoholic whose efforts to be the cornerstone of the administration contribute to the break up of his marriage. CJ (Alison Janney) is the formidable press spokeswoman embroiled in a tentative on-off relationship with Timothy Busfield's reporter. Brilliant but grumpy communications deputy Toby Ziegler, Rob Lowe's brilliant but faintly nerdy Sam Seaborn and brilliant but smart-alecky Josh Lynam make up the rest of the inner circle.

Initially, the series' creators had intended to keep the President off-screen. Wisely, however, they went with Martin Sheen's Jed Bartlet, whose eccentric volatility, caution, humour and strength in a crisis make for such an impressively plausible fictional President that polls once expressed a preference for Bartlet over the genuine incumbent.

Handled incorrectly, The West Wing could have been turgid, didactic propaganda for The American Way. However, the writers are careful to show that, decent as this administration is, its achievements, though hard-won, are minimal. Moreover, the brisk, staccato-like, almost musical exchanges of dialogue, between Josh and his PA Donna, for instance, as they pace purposefully up and down the corridors are the show's abiding joy. --David Stubbs

If you only buy two DVD's this year buy this and Part1, or better still get the Full season pack now available.


"Simply the Best"   November 13, 2002
 1 out of 2 found this review helpful

I waited for the release of this brilliant series with bated breath, I love it, its the best thing on TV in years. Even if like me your not politically minded you'll be hooked.
The caracters are so real and loveable you feel like you've known them for ever, they all have their own sense of humours and Martin Sheen as the President is the best thing since sliced bread!


West Wing Series One on DVD   September 27, 2002
 4 out of 6 found this review helpful

If you're a West Wing fan you will adore this DVD. I have watched it time and time again and everytime I find new stuff. It's so quick in places that you need to watch it several times anyway. I can't wait for series two to be released on DVD.


The Pace gets hotter!   July 24, 2002
 5 out of 7 found this review helpful

In this second blast of the best of American TV the pace of the storyline goes ballistic, the political machinations become evermore complex and the characters richer and more vibrant. For fans of the West Wing this box set is unmissible, for newbies this is what its all about. Josh's amusement at CJ's "woot canal" operation leading him into a typical Josh moment is brilliant, Toby's frustration with the soon to be Chief Justice is typical of the grouchy old bear called Zeigler and Sam's nerdyness reaches new heights. The best episode has to be "Let Bartlet be Bartlet" where the administration decides to let it all hang out and do some good. Surely this box set will become required viewing for all.


West Wing antics   July 22, 2002
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I'm a fan of the TV show. With the DVD it's great not to have each episode carved up by TV adverts every 15 minutes.
The West Wing's Bartlett administration is great watching, the charachers are believable, the scripts are well written and cover drama and humour with equal measure. As the TV advert says... 'once you start, you just can't stop'

You will enjoy this series!