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Posted: |
Mar 29, 2015 - 8:52 PM
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By: |
Zooba
(Member)
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I never really watched it when it was First Run, but after working on it as an extra back in its 3rd Season, I was impressed by the production of the show and how well they treated everybody. I remember the week I worked. I got hired for the episode I believe called "Dead Irish Poets" and Roger Rees was on it and it centered around the President's wife's (Stockard Channing) Birthday. Big Party scene with Tuxes. I recall how cool everyone was and how Martin Sheen in that full week went around to every extra on the set (and there must have been at least 200 of us) and introduced himself extending his hand and asking us individually our name and how he wanted to welcome us to the set and thank us for being there. He was amazing and genuine. I got a cute dance partner and met a lot of new friends on that gig. The First Assistant director was extremely nice to us and it was such a great set to be on. So cool to be so close to so many superb actors and hear them doing the Aaron Sorkin dialogue at close range.
And now so many years later, I am finally purchasing all of the Seasons of the show and watching them. I think when I first tried to watch it many years ago, I had the opinion that it was just too intelligent for me to understand with all of the fast dialogue exchanges and the deep political jargon and content. I even felt it was perhaps a bit stuffy, thinking these characters were so full of themselves and how smart they knew and thought they were. Anyway, watching it now, I am finally I believe mature enough to know that I am not stupid by not understanding everything they were talking about. The feeling of "family" and loyalty and love and respect these character showed for each other began to shine through and reach me in a way I had never let it before. What a remarkable achievement in creating such a believable world, behind the scenes at the White House!
The music theme by Snuffy is brilliant in it's 49 second Main Title that just nails the whole soul and passion of the show! In a Special Feature on one of the Season's DVD's Composer Snuffy mentions that they were temping the Pilot Episode with John Williams music, so they wanted that big Patriotic feeling for the main theme.
The direction of the show mainly by Tommy Schalami as they call him was usually totally engaging and the editing and music mix was superb. The episode IN THE SHADOW OF TWO GUNMAN which was the 2nd season opening episode after the 1st Season cliffhanger. It was a Two Parter that dealt with the attempted assassination of President Bartlet. It was and is probably one of my favorites that I have seen so far. Just edge of your seat excitement and superb execution from the opening minutes with the presidents limo racing to the White House but then them heading for the hospital when it is discovered that the prez had indeed been hit with a bullet. The use of flashbacks in Josh's story are truly heart grabbing. I am so excited that I have many years of episodes to yet discover and enjoy.
Please share your thoughts and your favorite episodes. Thanks!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JivPEYjYd20
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