The West Wing: Season 4

This season saw the end of a bright but sadly short-lived era. The West Wing was THE show to watch for four glorious years. There are those out there who might say that the show somehow lost steam in the final year of the Sorkin era, but I say unto you, listen not to them. When a highly regarded show undergoes (or is about to undergo) a major change, it is nitpicked to a great extent, and some people feel compelled to invent problems with it, for whatever reason. It is fortunate for the non-crazy, then, that this year proved so able to produce challenging, powerful drama. This season opens with presidential politics in full swing, President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) campaigning for a second term facing a suspiciously Dubya-looking Republican contender portrayed by James Brolin (okay, he's more like a Bush caricature). After several great campaign-themed episodes at the season's beginning, politics-as-unusual would once again turn up in the halls of power at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This season's biggest change was Rob Lowe's departure from the show, but that was alright, because we got the super-talented Joshua Malina to replace him. We met Toby's and CJ's dads in "Holy Night" and "The Long Goodbye", respectively. The former continues in the show's tradition of powerful, moving Christmas episodes, the latter is a greatly underrated family drama centering around CJ and her Alzheimer's-stricken father. These episodes pack plenty of emotional power, and there were other great episodes like "20 Hours in America," which tracked Josh, Toby and Donna through Indiana after they lost the motorcade, and "Life on Mars," which led to the departure of John Hoynes as Vice President, thanks to Matthew Perry's guest turn as Joe Quincy. These episodes, in addition to the pulse-pounding final two shows of the season, were only a few of a memorable and consistent year of television that called to mind the show's first season--no grand arcs, just stories and characters and the delightful political mess the White House staff would sort through on a weekly basis. This season brought the series back to its roots and was an appropriate send-off for one of the medium's masters, although it's sad indeed that the send-off in question was needed in the first place. Where have you gone, Aaron?

This was a really great purchase. Extra benefit is that when I become frustrated and/or sadden by things I see in this country I can spend an hour or so with West Wing and am feeling much more optimistic about our future.

Season four of The West Wing is one of the best of this hit show, with the feel of a steady burn as we move through... Follow the reelection of President Bartlet, the election night tension, one series favorite (Sam) leaving and a new face (Will) joining, an assassination, and a kidnapping. From season start to finish and each individual episode, you’ll move through a riveting time in the life of the White House. One of my personal favorite episodes, the debate, occurs this season - President Bartlett facing off with challenger Ritchie for some great lines and a wonderful volley of ideas. This season also enjoys a visit from FRIEND, Mathew Perry, helping turn the tables on a Vice President whose hubris sets the stage for more drama to come. This is a great season - most are - and among my favorites for individual reasons and an overall masterfully designed show arc. Yes, you should see all seasons in order - it really helps - but just wait til you get here... it’s worth the journey!

Since they don't list the eps in the technical details, here you go: 01 - 20 Hours in America (1) 02 - 20 Hours in America (2) 03 - College Kids 04 - The Red Mass 05 - Debate Camp 06 - Game On 07 - Election Night 08 - Process Stories 09 - Swiss Diplomacy 10 - Arctic Radar 11 - Holy Night 12 - Guns Not Butter 13 - The Long Goodbye 14 - Inauguration (1) 15 - Inauguration (2): Over There 16 - The California 47th 17 - Red Haven's on Fire 18 - Privateers 19 - Angel Maintenance 20 - Evidence of Things Not Seen 21 - Life On Mars 22 - Commencement 23 - Twenty Five As far as a review, I don't have anything more eloquent to write than what has already been written, so I'll just agree with the reviews that call this one of the greatest seasons of one of the greatest series ever created. I also wanted to chime in on the debate of seasons five and six. I'll certainly stipulate to the fact that season five was awkward, but I'm very glad I stuck with the show because season six has been quite impressive in my opinion. As great as the Sorkin seasons? No, I wouldn't say that, but maybe as good as anything else available on TV this year (except reruns of seasons one thru four!) :)

very fast response, quick deivery, very happy with this purchase.

I got them all and they play well.

EXCELENTE PRODUCTO!

You will probably read some reviews for this season of the outstanding drama that is "The West WIng" that are somewhat derogatory. It has often been said that Season 4 is the darkest of the first four offerings, and this is indeed the case. But this is not necessarily a bad thing. Let me explain why... The first two seasons were phenomenal, and there really is no excuse for not having seen them. If you haven't, stop reading this review now, buy them, and settle back in your armchair for something like 29 hours of televesion that could conceivably change your life - they really were that good. The first two seasons were all about developing the relationships between the lead characters, and introducing the viewer to somewhat complex political process that exists in the US. This was tremendously successful, but could not form the basis of an ongoing drama series. The third season, whilst excellent in many ways, did seem to flounder somewhat in comparison. It lacked some of the comedy of the first two seasons, and this was seen by some as a weakness. So where to go with season 4? For me, it was all about going back to basics, and developing intriguing, in many cases powerful storylines, and then exploring some of the deeper emotional aspects of the characters within those stories. This differs from the first three seasons in that they often seemed to build the stories around the character rather than the other way around. This is, in my opinion, the greatest success of season 4. The emotional link that you build with the senior staff is much stronger than those seasons that went before it, as you see them face situations that have greater personal significance. My assessment would be that this season is not worse than 1 or 2, just different. There are some truly outstanding episodes - four to pay special attention to are 20 hours in America parts 1 and 2, Game on (perhaps one of the top 3 all time episodes), and the incredibly tense and gripping commencement.

初めて挑戦する作品ジャンルでまだ見始めたばかりですが、全米が絶賛する、人気の理由の一つがわかったような気がします。

The item was described as "Used-Good," and the box shows signs of regular use, as it should! However, the DVDs are in perfect condition.

Simply brilliant - still so slick, fresh and relevant. Seems we never learn anything - we are still making the same mistakes today and agonizing over the same unresolved issues.