NBC cancels 'The West Wing' Retrospective

Yahoo News ^ | May 10, 2006 | AP ~ no Name Given

[Cindy_Cin]

For the cast of NBC's exiting drama "The West Wing," nostalgia came at a price the network was unwilling to pay.

When NBC announced in January that it was canceling the political drama after seven seasons, it said the final episode in May would be accompanied by a retrospective on the series' history.

Instead, NBC is airing a repeat of "The West Wing" pilot on Sunday prior to the final episode, where the Democrat portrayed by Jimmy Smits is inaugurated as the next president.

NBC had no official comment on the switch of plans. However, the network couldn't reach an agreement with the show's cast on what or if they would be paid to gather one last time and reminisce about their experience, said a person close to the show who would speak about the negotiations only on condition of anonymity.

Showing the very first episode of "The West Wing" costs NBC nothing because the production was long-since paid for.

It's a sad ending for the show, which won four consecutive Emmy Awards as television's best drama. Its final season was marred by declining ratings and the death of actor John Spencer, who played vice presidential candidate Leo McGarry, although many critics considered it a strong season creatively.

[babaloo]

Never watched an episode of this show or Commander is Chief. It is interesting that shows about liberal politics are biting the dust.

[RexBeach]

Correction: "Left Wing" retrospective.

[Cindy_Cin]

FREEPERS :::::

Please accept my apologies ~ I failed to post Link :(

[50sDad]

Isn't it supposed to be the Conservative Republicans who are the money-grubbing bastards? What's up with all these Liberal actors won't give it all for the cause?

[Semper Paratus]

The West Wing was a 'bizzaro universe' where an hispanic congressman from Texas gets elected President by taking the swing states of South Carolina and Nevada.

[in hoc signo vinces]

They have 24, which POTUS embodies everything the libs blame Bush for being.

The sad state of the prozac nation is never ending.

[dead]

Isn't it supposed to be the Conservative Republicans who are the money-grubbing bastards? What's up with all these Liberal actors won't give it all for the cause?

Martin Sheen's got a coke addiction to feed.

Actually, two if you count his son's.

[reagan_fanatic]

I had the misfortune of tuning in where Martin Sheen was busy chewing out God for something (I forget which episode that was.)

I was repulsed and disgusted enought after that to swear I'd never watch another episode again (and I haven't.)

[Patrick1]

The West Wing was a very good show during its first four years. It jumped the shark when its creator Salkin (sp) left.

I just ignored the occasional liberal rant on guns or whatever and enjoyed the story, acting and characters. This season I stopped watching because it became laughably predictable with way too much Lawrence O'Donnell influence..."Creepy Liar!"

[TomGuy]

The West Wing was a 'bizzaro universe' where an hispanic congressman from Texas gets elected President by taking the swing states of South Carolina and Nevada.

And all his primaries and election were deemed 'come from behind' wins and near wins. [That got to be a bit much even before Super Tuesday. lol. With that, the November outcome was fairly certain, even though the writers hinted that the Republican candidate play by Alan Alda was initially going to be the winner.]

[Semper Paratus]

With that, the November outcome was fairly certain,

What is realistic is given a choice between a pure bred liberal and a half-breed RINO, the democrat will win everytime.

[theDentist]

I agree. I enjoyed the show and ignored the histronics.

[Taylor42]

I agree also. I enjoyed the show and ignored the liberal rants. It had some funny and enteraining moments. I was very much looking forward to seeing Leo as VP.

[Savage Beast]

The American people are fed up with the Left.

[MediaMole]

Listening to the Sheens spout off on 9/11, they should be spending their money on powerful anti-psychotic medication, instead.

[ProudNorseman]

That was Andy Sorkin, and yeah, you're right. Actually it took a hit when Sorkin was busted with magic mushrooms at an airport and went into forced rehab -- during the third season if memory serves. When he finally left it completely jumped the shark, only to slowly recuperate somewhat, but never really.

All politics aside, it was an excellent show in its heyday, at least by network standards. Realistic it was not, but what TV show is?

[mcashman]

And while left-leaning shows tank, it looks like a pretty conservative show ("The Unit") is doing well and will be renewed (example: last night's episode featured a defensive use of a handgun by a "kind of liberal" radio station owner who protects an army wife from a rapist using her gun - OK, I cheered).

As for the comments about "24", well, it's a thriller. Of course the powerful are involved in conspiracies. But we've got clear good guys and bad guys, and the good guys are trying to defend the country from terrorists, while the appeaser / ambitious politicians like the president are being ground between the gears. Seems like stuff I'd like to see more of...

Wouldn't you?

[babaloo]

I agree on 24. Good guys v. Bad guys and a thrill a minute (except for the sappy Jack & Audrey scenes). Have not watched The Unit yet but have heard nothing but good things about it.