Tools for this page
Print

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Marjorie Kase

COMMANDER IN CHIEF begins with Vice President Mackenzie "Mac" Allen (Geena Davis) being pulled from a French musical performance to learn that the president, Teddy Roosevelt Bridges (Will Lyman) has suffered a stroke. The president's chief of staff (Harry J. Lennix) and the secretary of state implore her to resign her post, so that the more conservative speaker of the house, Nathan Templeton (Donald Sutherland) can take her place -- apparently, they don't object to her gender as much as they do her politics. Mac decides to comply with everyone's wishes -- that is, until her meeting with her chosen successor. Templeton's comments on human rights, women in politics, and Mac's inability to handle the military (despite her academic and political background as an expert in Middle East conflict) compel her to abruptly change her mind. With the whole world watching, Mac is sworn in as the first female and first Independent Party member to hold the office of president of the United States.

Is It Any Good?

4

Rarely does a program feature a woman in power, let alone president of the United States, and the writers deserve much credit for the show's appropriate balance of drama and humor. Any more drama would appear too heavy-handed and any more humor would detract from the show's position that a woman president is plausible and possible in the near future. Geena Davis displays the perfect mix of poise and professionalism -- she is intelligent and sensitive, yet she keeps her emotions in check (one of the key arguments some possess against having a woman in power). Donald Sutherland is outstanding, as is Harry J. Lennix as Mac's new chief of staff.

The show's only downfall is its constant references to previous presidents, their wives, and offspring, which often comes off as gimmicky. For example, Hillary Clinton (who owes the show a big thank you) is the number one target of ridicule by White House staffers for her less than domestic approach to being a first lady. But despite these minor flaws, the show could become this fall's biggest hit; many have compared Commander in Chief to The West Wing, a comparison that, based on the first show's subplot, has merit, although creator Rod Lurie (The Contender) hints that unlike President Bartlett's liberal stance, Mac will hold a more conservative position on issues such as teaching abstinence in schools. Parents might want to watch Commander in Chief with their children to explain the political references and discuss the overall ramifications of having a female in the White House.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.