Art of the TV Comeback

I have problems letting go when a TV show I've truly loved has made a turn for the worse. I may admit that a show isn't as strong as it was in it's golden age, I may not see every episode, but I still feel compelled to watch. After a few seasons, characters become a part of our lives and it isn't easy to just completely cut them out.

Occasionally, if you stick with a show long enough, it makes a resurgance - the writing will be crisp, the acting will be sharp and it will feel like the show you fell in love with. It may only be for an episode or two, or it may last for seasons. You can hope for the latter; it will more likely be the former.

For the past year The West Wing has shown shades of its old brilliance. Granted, it will never be as good as when Aaron Sorkin was at the helm. Storyline issues aside, John Wells and his crew simply don't have the same command of the English language that Sorkin did. However, by bringing in Alan Alda and Jimmy Smits as the next presidential candidates and, more importantly, recognizing that President Bartlet and crew would not be able to stay indefinitely, Wells has breathed new life into what had become a stale show.

He's done it by presenting some real challenges. It's difficult to determine who would make a better president because both candidates have real strengths and weaknesses. They could have made the Republican a bible-thumping, rednecked oil baron from Texas but instead they chose a different route. While it may not be entirely realistic, they have a family-man Democratic nominee whom Republicans would vote for and a liberal-minded Republican nominee that Democrats would vote for. Both men have strong principles but aren't above taking cheap shots if it will win them the election. And let's not forget they're Alan Alda and Jimmy Smits. They both have successful television careers under their belts and have proven they can carry a show.

I'm not saying that there haven't been some hackneyed storylines. While in theory Toby leaking classified information to the media works, it didn't follow that he would let C.J. take the blame as long as he did. Toby may be many things but he is not a coward. Similarily, having Leo trying to coerce the President into staying his education plan was sloppy. Josh may have done it, but not Leo. Just because he's running for vice-president doesn't mean he would try to use his friendship with Jed for political advantage. However, these things are small in comparison with the larger picture.

So, years after I'd first written off The West Wing I've been drawn back in. I actually wait with bated breath each week to find out what happens next. While it may not be the same show it was in the beginning, it is a show worth watching again. Looks like I won't have to let go just yet.