The show without a doubt took a dip in quality in the fifth season when Aaron Sorkin stopped writing the show. It changed from enjoyable comedy-drama into a full fledged we-must-be-all-pain-and-sorrow-all-the-time drama. My opinion? Leave it be after the fourth season.

Never have I heard better arguments for political positions than on this show. Being the staunch liberal I am, whenever a liberal position is espoused, I should at my TV, "why can't our respresentatives explain it that way? It makes so much sense!" Even with conservative ideas I find myself agreeing with the logic most of the time.

I hear time and time again that this show comes from a very liberal point of view, and it may have started out that way considering its creator. But I don't think it's true any more. Not only did the writers (post-Sorkin) show the conservative side by introducing strong Republican characters, but the entire foreign policy of the Bartlett administration is very neo-conservative. Toby's "they'll like us when we win" speech is at the core of our current foreign policy to deal with threats before they occur. Give it a chance, it may be more balanced that you realized.

The West Wing provides a glimpse into presidential politics in the nation's capital as it tells the stories of the members of a fictional presidental administration. These interesting characters have humor and dedication that touches the heart while the politics the that they discuss touch on everyday life. The show is currently in transition between the administration of President Josiah 'Jed' Bartlet (Martin Sheen) and an unknown prospect, either Congressman Mathew Vincente Santos of Houston, Texas (Jimmy Smits) or Senator Arnold Vinick of California (Alan Alda).

The second great television series brought to viewers by writer Aaron Sorkin (the first being the brilliant but unsuccessful Sports Night) carries the same wit and intelligence that Mr. Sorkin has throughout his career. A large cast, all exceptionally acted by seasoned professionals (Martin Sheen, Stockard Channing, Bradley Whitford, Richard Schiff, Allison Janney...) keep a somber and sometimes painful and deep topic light and enjoyable to watch with none of the usual teeth grinding of a drama.. well except that of suspense created by an exceptionally great story, that is.