Question about West Wing

[lpbk2713]

Evidently I missed out on something (I don't watch WW as much as I used to because I lost interest). But from the recent episodes that I have watched I thought Leo was going to be phased out of the White House inner circle and out of the show and CJ was to take his place. Judging from what I saw on this week's installment it looks like he is back at work again. It couldn't have been a repeat of an earlier episode because it had a Christmas theme. Can anyone enlighten me?

[Orangepeel]

1. I didn't see tonights yet, but...

in last week's episode (which took place around Christmas) Leo was asked back to help because the President was paralyzed in China (he went to negotiate how the Chinese would enforce non-nuclear agreements with North Korea and his MS acted up) and CJ was with him. They needed help in Washington.

[lpbk2713]

2. OK, thanks.

I missed it.

[Kire]

3. tonight was a repeat

Original Airdate: December 3, 2003


but he was in there last week

[dr.strangelove]

4. Leo is Senior Advisor to POTUS

He has Code Word clearance, and was able to be in the Situation Room with The Chairmen and the Joint Chiefs. He will be in part time for the rest of the season. He will be coming back next year only if Sheen reops for next season.

[Princess Turandot]

5. What will happen when Bartlett's term ends?..

will the show end or will Jimmy Smits become the president?
(I know Alda is in the running, but Smits is less stereotyped in his demeanor and hotter lol.)

[Chovexani]

6. I really think they need to end the show then.

It's been running on fumes for too long as it is. I agree wholeheartedly with Matt Roush of TV Guide who has stated repeatedly in his columns that they need to call it a day when Bartlett's term ends. IMO The West Wing is the story of the Bartlett Administration, and bringing in Jimmy Smits or some other clown to replace him is just a recipe for a shark jump.

[dr.strangelove]

7. It will continue with Smits

TV is all about ratings. Several shows have maintained ratings success with casts shifts. Dramas have a history of surviving cast changes better than sitcoms, so West Wing may be able to ride it out.

With Jimmie Smits, the show will certainly lose some viewers who will compare the new cast to the old. The current plan is to only have Bradford Whitely return in the role as Josh and perhaps have a guest star role from an occasional former cast member.

I'm all for the shift is cast. I think having a Latino President on a major network show would be great to watch. I think Smits would push for some new angles to show issues important to him, as he did on NYPD Blue. Also, Jimmie Smits is a proven ratings getter, which is all that really matters.

The simple answer is, if Jimmie Smits pulls in ratings in the campaign this season, he will be back next year as POTUS. If he does not, the show will end.

I hope it does continue. I plan to watch.

[DaveinMD]

8. I love the new plot line with Smits

I think the show is the best its been in quite some time.

[dr.strangelove]

9. I agree

Smits character is the longshot candidate. he will emerge as the darkhorse with no money, but a solid plan. He is being backed by on of the more influential dem activists in Josh. I hope he wins and the show continues.

Next up is John Goodman v. Alan Alda. Talk about heavy hitters. These are some seriously good actors that WW has retained.

[GalleryGod]

10. I thought last Night's Show Was Really Good

The Will and Donna vs. Josh and Rona is too much!

[DaveinMD]

11. I just watched it

Its was very good. Jimmy Smits is a very good actor and I really like his character. I really felt bad for him. I've worked on insurgent campaigns and they are very tough.

[Lugnut]

12. I agree

I was losing interest last season but decided to give it another shot this season. I'm glad I did. I'm actually enjoying it again.

[dr.strangelove]

13. Its been getting good recently.

I love the campaign trail. Though it was good to see a Martin Sheen POTUS episode again. Matt Santos 05.

[bluestateguy]

14. He is basically a Senior Counselor to President Bartlett

He is on the show less and less, but like Karen Hughes, he never really left.

[dr.strangelove]

15. Leo SPOILER

He will be getting a lot of TV time in the next big issue - CUBA. Its going to be good. A clandestine meeting, going against public opinion and giving the candidates another issue to fight about.