The West Wing - Complete Third Season - The Memorable TV DVD Review

WHAT’S IT ABOUT THEN?

Inside the inner circle of The White House with Martin Sheen as President Bartlett. The series quickly captured the attention of media and public alike winning Emmy's right left and centre including for this third series. President Barlett's admission of multiple sclerosis is one of the key topics of the season.

SO IS IT ANY GOOD?

Cleverly released on the same day as a certain election and the last series to feature creator Aaron Sorkin in a writing capacity The West Wing very quickly established itself as one of the most intelligent and eagerly watched series of recent times with its first two seasons - this box set which features every episode from the third season is fortunately just as blessed by the mark of quality.

Between the end of season two and the start of season three the September 11

attacks happened, in response to this season three opened with a stand alone episode called "ISAAC AND ISHMAEL" which contrasted chief of staff Leo (John Spencer) interviewing a suspect with a talk given by the other members of the inner White House circle to a bunch of High School Students.

The series proper then kicks into gear with the two part episode "MANCHESTER" which deals with Bartlet's admission that he has multiple sclerosis and that he is also standing for re-election. The West Wing has alsways been issue heavy and this series is no exception tackling subjects such as prostitution, gun control and of course terrorism but its not all politics with plenty of room for romantic subplots and the like; New characters in this season included Oliver Platt as Oliver Babbish and Mark Harmon as secret service agent Simon Donovan (a love interest for CJ).

The West Wing is an intelligent adult drama that for its first three seasons managed to be the best show on the box and this set is well worth adding to your collection.

ANY SPECIAL FEATURES?

Three audio commentaries on selected episodes (Manchester Part Two, Barlet For America and Posse Comitatus) by Sorkin and producer Thomas Schlamme, there are a trio of superflous deleted scenes, a documentary that features contributions from such luminaries as Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter; The Chief of Stuff is a 13 minute feature talking to Clinton's personal aide Kris Engskov and The Property Master's Story is a clip driven interview with the shows props people Steve Whiteside and Blanche Sindelar (The West Wing set is one of the biggest in Hollywood).

“Get the inside scoop on WB movie & DVD releases!”