Snoskred - Life in the Country

Sometimes movies and television can be an excellent teacher. Watching The West Wing, I have learnt more about American Politics than I knew I wanted to know. I don’t live in America so to me, the politics there aren’t vital information. But watching these final two seasons of The West Wing, I have also learnt a lot about politics everywhere - and taking sides. There are a vast range of issues which fall into the domain of any elected leader - whether it be the US, Australia or any country. Therefore a leader has to be educated on many issues, many problems and potential solutions. No episode demonstrated it better than Episode 7 of Season 7 - The Debate. The series had taken a very interesting turn during season 6. We began to get *both* sides of the story. The Democratic nomination has gone to Matthew Santos, played by Jimmy Smits. The Republican nomination has gone to Arnold Vinnick, played by Alan Alda. I don’t know how anyone else feels about it, but I feel these two actors have been responsible for two of the most loved characters in television history - not just US television history, because surprise, we Australians get a lot of US TV shows here. Did you know that? I grew up watching MASH reruns. Who knows if they were in order or not.. Alan Alda played Hawkeye in Mash and I loved that character. NYPD Blue was not a show I loved when it first ran on Australian TV, but I got into it later when it ran on cable and Jimmy Smits played Detective Bobby Simone. The West Wing has taken two actors I love, and put them on opposing sides, one democratic, one republican. Suddenly it is easier to see both sides of the coin. It is easier to understand the issues and how both parties feel the issues can be dealt with. No episode waves that in your face like a big red flag than The Debate. People say TV is bad, it rots your brain. But every now and then a show comes along which proves this theory incorrect. A show that makes you think, that makes you go to the internet and look up things you ordinarily would not care about - like the US constitution for example. A show that teaches you more about yourself at the same time as teaching you about the bigger picture. A show that makes you care about the characters. My West Wing journey is over, for now. About this time last week I watched the final episode of Season 7. How they ended the series was just right but it was also an emotional experience for any fan of the show. I am so grateful I was lucky enough to see a couple of episodes on pay TV which made me decide to start buying the seasons. It has made me see things differently, made me think more, made me *care* more about politics and see what is important - or what SHOULD be important to all of us. I’ll be watching the next elections both here and in the US with greater interest. For now, I simply say thank you for everything, West Wing. Losing you is like losing a much loved friend. I’ll remember you and the good times we had, and mourn your loss..

As well as mourning the loss of John Spencer, who died after a heart attack during the filming of season 7. His character on the show, Leo McGarry, was unflinchingly loyal, brave and always tried to do what he thought was best regardless of what people were saying. Your acting was always incredible, you made me a fan of yours John, and I’ll never forget you.