What a terrific actor has been taken from us, and what a horrific instance of life imitating art. I’ve been a Spencer fan ever since the double whammy of his brilliant work on “L.A. Law” and his incredibly noirish turn in “Presumed Innocent” that made you wish he’d been around to film black and white gangster films in the 40s and 50s.
When Leo McGarry had a heart attack out of nowhere last season, I was one of the many fans decrying the ER-esque turn of events. Yet now no one can ever watch those episodes in repeats without getting an eerie, chill feeling, watching an actor doing a dramatized version of his own future passing. Sheesh.
Since I don’t want to muddle up comments on the passing of a person with the more fannish concerns about the future of his television series, I’m jumping to the extended entry for comments on “West Wing.”
Remember a few weeks ago when I talked about “West Wing” being Josh’s story. Well, consider: In the midst of a heated presidential campaign, Josh’s father didn’t live to see the outcome. And now history repeats itself as Josh’s father figure dies without living to see the results of Josh’s efforts. Certainly the writers will make note of that, and I don’t envy Ashley Whitford having to act the scenes. The poor cast members are going to be like walking wounds in dealing with this.
As for the writers, jeez. Whatever they had planned for the election storyline, it couldn’t possibly match the emotional drama of what reality has handed them. Bottom line, who becomes the new VP candidate? There’s an abundance of already existing Democratic characters to draft into it, or they could come up with someone new. Possibilities off the top of my head for existing characters:
Bob Russell. Yes, Gary Cole is off doing another series, but so is Stockard Channing and she’s managed to work in some guest shots. I can see Bartlet sitting down with him and saying that the Democratic party needs him to step up and put his ego aside.
Sam Seaborne. Wouldn’t THAT be interesting. Rob Lowe’s career hasn’t exactly thrived since his departure. Be a hëll of a comeback.
Congresswoman Andrea Wyatt. Yes, she had two children out of wedlock with Toby, but on the other hand, she survived the Gaza bombing.
Any other thoughts?
PAD
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First and foremost I will miss that incredible actor on my screen.
1. In the beginning the show was supposed to be about the White House staff not the President .. hence Sam and Dr. McBreasty from House .. Josh and Mandy issues which turned into Josh Donna when Janel Moloney became so damm good .. CJ and Danny .. Leo’s wife leaving him .. but then Martin Sheen was having too much fun and said use me as much as you want.. Sorkin used the better actor. (I really enjoy Rob Lowe but he is not Martin Sheen) Rob Lowe never got over that.
2. Leo was not in the flash foward episode.
3. Continuity has never been an issue with Wells… The “hidden interview” episode with CJ as an example..
4. As for VP candidates..
Sam Seaborn – the høøkër thing is there but he is the young face.. and California just became open season against Vinick.
Baker .. has the Kitty Dukakis wife but he is my next choice for easy reasons and that Ed O’Neil is great.
Possibles but don’t like
Vinick .. lets say they have Santos win and before inaguration (election day perhaps) Leo dies off camera … then .. the debate setup the area that they don’t like each other too much.. but the scene in the dining area during the campaign says they get along.. don’t know..
Stackhouse is fun but they would actually replace a older guy who died of a heart attack with an even older guy?
Dream Choice..
Random Senator from the Northern states played by Paul McCrane b/c he needs to be on my TV again.
Until later
John
How about….
Abby?
(Let’s ignore the fact that she has another show on elsewhere)
Travis