It was almost two years ago to the day (May 17, 2004 to be exact) that I first reviewed "The West Wing". I was sent the second season DVD set and while I wasn't particularly interested in the television show and it was the first TV DVD set I would ever review I thought what the hell and threw it in... Fast forward two days and I was done with it. I couldn't believe how good it was and the second season remains my favorite season to date, but guess what... season six is a serious contender for that top spot.
Season six is where we see a shift in the show as the Bartlet administration is on its way out and several new candidates throw their hats into the ring to become the next President of the United States.
Now, I am sure all of you know that the seventh season will be the final season for "The West Wing" and while it is sad I think it is also a good thing. Too many shows overstay their welcome and this show has certainly not done that. I have managed to talk several friends into watching the show and they are all hooked and spectacular casting has a lot to do with it.
Personally I was never a Jimmy Smits fan until he stepped into the shoes of Congressman Matt Santos. Smits turns this guy into one of the most likable politicians you will ever meet, and then on the other side we have Alan Alda as Senator Arnold Vinick! Before this I would have never thought Smits could hold his own in a room with Alda and Martin Sheen, but now these three make a tremendous triangle of television political power. It is no wonder so many people watch this show and say, "Why can't our politicians be like this?"
Beyond all that stuff and the spectacular final episode, leading into a seventh season of which I am praying will be on DVD by the end of the year so I can complete my collection, the biggest and best part of the sixth season is CJ Cregg's promotion. I am not going to ruin it for those of you like me that don't watch the show and wait on DVD, and in saying that don't read about the special features either because there is a cool little featurette that talks all about it and will give it away if you aren't careful.
Overall, the sixth season gives "The West Wing" a rise back to the top as it takes a cue from the fifth season which built it all up with the spectacular episode "Gaza". This season was so good in fact I plan on watching it again in the very near future, only to satisfy my urge to watch the season seven finale. Shhhh... don't tell me what happens!