The West Wing

Every six months I watch some West Wing - I find it therapeutic.  It is, by far, my most favorite show!  So when someone recently called it sappy, I was surprised.  I couldn't understand how you could possibly find it sappy?  After all, it is a show on political issues featuring the inner workings of Washington.  It is funny and intelligent with great characters, powerful acting, clever dialogue and dramatic plots. 

Determined to prove this "unsappiness" I spent the better half of this Sunday afternoon watching episodes from the first season.  I wanted to validate (to myself, if nobody else) that the show was about facts, figures, issues, and debates.

However, watching the show from this slightly altered lens I can see how you can find it to be sappy; especially if you don't agree with all the viewpoints.  The writers are liberal and idealistic, and while the dialogue is incredibly clever, it is melodramatic at times.  Still, it is a personal favorite.

I always wished that someone created an Indian version of the show.  But then I was reminded that it would be very difficult to make such a version because the show would be dogged by controversy, protests and threats.  Still, I feel that a well-made, entertaining version on the Indian political system could be effective in raising awareness and increase public debate on important social and political issues.  Television is a powerful medium.  I don't mind if it is romanticized as long as it gets people to think, talk and, hopefully, act.  Maybe, I'm being sappy myself.