As I’m wont to do, this TV Addict spent yesterday afternoon working far too hard well, not working. Was I breaking my cardinal rule by watching television during the day? Absolutely not! I was surfing the net. And for that my fellow TV Addicts, I blame GiveMeMyRemote and new contributor Kari, who decided to drive me bonkers by posting their Top 5 Favorite Episodes of THE WEST WING.
You see, as is often the case with these “Top 5 Lists,” I couldn’t disagree more with Kari’s choices [seriously, brilliant idea GMMR!]. I mean hello?! How did “Let Bartlett Be Bartlett” not make the Top 5? It’s maddening!!! [Hence the completely gratuitous overuse of exclamation points]. Which is why I immediately set about replaying all 156 episodes of THE WEST WING in my head to figure out theTVaddict.com’s definitive Top 5 favorites.
Cut to three hours later, DVD sets strewn everywhere and one very tired TV Addict. Turns out that widdling down Aaron Sorkin’s opus to a mere five favorites is virtually impossible. Thus, I’ve taken the far easier route and simply pointed out ten scenes [complete with YouTube links] that perfectly illustrate the magic that was, and still is, the Bartlett administration. So watch, enjoy and my apologies in advance if your HR department comes down to your desk/cubicle/office only to ask why you’ve just wasted [or as I like to call it “quality spent”] about an hour or so of company time on YouTube.
1. Let Bartlett Be Bartlett
Almost ten years later, Leo Thomas McGarry’s plan to get the Bartlett administration back on track remains this TV Addict’s all-time favorite WEST WING moment.
2. Josh and the President Head up the Hill
Quintessential Josh Lyman.
3. Bartlett for America
To this day, it still makes me sad that John Spencer is no longer with us.
4. Charlie and the Thanksgiving Carving knife
You know that imaginary place where TV shows continue to live on even after they’re cancelled. Well, in that world, Charlie is so married to Zoey Bartlett.
5. President Bartlett Delivers a Verbal Smack-down
Suck it Dr. Laura, umm… I mean Dr. Jacobs.
6. The Kiss Heard ‘Round the World!
Forget your Pam & Jims and Ross & Rachels, this TV Addict will take Josh & Donna any day.
7. The Stackhouse Filibuster
Another small victory that this TV Addict never tires of watching.
8. Leo and Josh share a Moment
Did I mention how much I miss John Spencer?
9. Toby and the Vietnam Vet
And Miss Landingham.
10. Ainsley Hayes
Or how we wish our government officials really acted. 