A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote
By Mandie Caroll,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Cast, guests promote voting in rousing, nostalgic special.
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A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote
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What's the Story?
A WEST WING SPECIAL TO BENEFIT WHEN WE ALL VOTE is structured around the four acts of a staged reading of "Hartsfield's Landing," an episode from The West Wing's third season. President Bartlett arrives home from a trip to India on the night of the nation's first presidential primary (in tiny Hartsfield's Landing) and must confront a growing crisis between Taiwan and China. The president engages in two chess games, one with Sam (Rob Lowe), one with Toby (Richard Schiff), which mirror the calculated maneuvering he must do to resolve the conflict between China and Taiwan. Actors, public figures, and politicians provide short spots that myth-bust and emphasize the importance of voting to our democracy, the importance of fighting voter suppression, and ways to vote safely during the pandemic.
Is It Any Good?
This cast reunion special from the acclaimed political series of the early '00s is a well-constructed and charmingly earnest effort at inspiring viewers to vote. The staged episode that the reunited cast acts out for A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote, called "Hartsfield's Landing," highlights the fictional president's integrity, intelligence, and relationship-building skills. It will certainly come off as a partisan dig to some, but fans of the show are not likely to be bothered by the bias, and besides, the acting is a joy to watch. Guest spots by public figures further stress the importance of voting. Samuel L. Jackson's impassioned spot is quite compelling, as is Lin-Manuel Miranda's humorous call to the polls. Though it's unlikely that this effort swayed new voters to vote, this reunion special will surely be greatly enjoyed by fans, especially those longing for a presidential administration more like the one portrayed in The West Wing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how effective TV reunion specials like A West Wing Special can be at encouraging political involvement. Do you think viewers will be more likely to vote after watching a show like this? Why, or why not?
Which get-out-the-vote messages stood out to you? Who shared them? What did they do or say that you found most memorable?
Why do you think this particular episode was chosen for the staged reading? Think about the 2020 election and what connections can be made between the episode and today's political environment.
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 15, 2020
- Cast: Allison Janney, Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford
- Network: Max
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Activism, Great Boy Role Models, History
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: April 18, 2022
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