"Commander in Chief" took home a Golden Globe Award earlier this year as its star, Geena Davis, who plays Mackenzie Allen, won the Globe for "Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series (Drama)". Not too long after that "Commander in Chief" was seen taking a major dip in the ratings before it was finally taken off the air for an undetermined length of time. Plenty of reasons floated around as to why the sudden decline such as poor writing, poor scheduling and an odd release schedule (something ABC has become known for). Nevertheless, there has been talk that the show would return and I can only see this split DVD release would be a good way to test viewers’ stamina. Do they buy the first part and return for part two? Do they wait for both or do they just not buy either? Answers to those questions really could help determine whether this Golden Globe winning show makes it back to primetime.
Getting past those issues let's take a look at these 10 episodes and try to get a handle on whether or not all of this is worth even discussing.
First off, "Commander in Chief" is no "West Wing," not even close. "The West Wing" actually has a presidential feel to it whereas "Commander in Chief" feels like a political soap opera. To go along with that, the major selling point for the show is that we have the first female President of the United States in Mackenzie Allen, but guess what, she wasn't voted in. She only became president after the President died and she moved in to the Oval Office from her position as Vice President. It just gives off the impression that, "Look, a woman has to luck her way into the White House." On top of that, these first 10 episodes primarily focus on the fact that the outgoing president doesn't even want her to take over the office. He even asks her not to. All this makes for is a constant amount of bickering all while a few important, and sometimes major events, take place and are handled quite swiftly.
On a whole I can see why the show was popular, people love soap operas and this was the flavor of the month, but sooner rather than later story becomes ever so important and you can only watch the same people arguing so many times.
Geena Davis does a decent job as President Allen. Is it Golden Globe worthy? Who really knows what that even means? I do know if Oscars were handed out for television shows she wouldn't be bringing one home. Supporting her are a couple of guys that deserve a quick word. First off is Donald Sutherland who plays Mackenzie Allen's primary foe as Speaker of the House Nathan Templeton. Sutherland is pretty much wasted in these first 10 episodes as his character does nothing more than take any chance he can to screw over Allen. It really gets old.
The best part of the show may be Harry J. Lennix who plays Allen's Chief of Staff. While he is no Leo McGarry he definitely adds the voice of reason, and it is nice to see him in a role that fits him unlike his turn in the Matrix sequels.
It is hard not to compare "Commander in Chief" to "The West Wing" since the two shows focus on the United States presidency, and that is where "Commander" takes a back seat. Davis can't compare to Martin Sheen and "Commander" is missing the wit and intelligence of "The West Wing." It is just too watered down for me, that is at least after these first 10 episodes. The show does end on quite the cliffhanger in episode 10, so who knows maybe part two will have me singing a different tune.
As for special features these discs are dry, not a single feature in site. So, be wary. Perhaps you should wait for Part 2 and read the reviews then. I will certainly have an opinion for you once October rolls around.