December 10th, 2004

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Television
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Is Alan Alda the Next President?

The only show I watch with any loyalty is The West Wing. I had taped (yes, taped) Wednesday night’s show because I was working, and watched it last night. It featured the President’s failing health (he’s got MS), and introduced Alda as a Republican senator (a radical departure from MASH’s Hawkeye) who announces his presidential run. In Alda’s first scene, he is in his office in his stocking feet, shining his shoes. The metaphorical question is, of course, ‘can he fill the President’s shoes?’ Alda’s only signed for 10 episodes, but that could be extended. He’s the calibre of actor (and a recognizable name) that could replace Martin Sheen.

For those The West Wing non-watchers, the President’s second term is coming to a close within the next 18 months. I don’t know if they plan to continue the show beyond Sheen’s departure. I think it would exceptionally cool if they dispensed with most of the original cast, put a Republican in the Whitehouse and essentially re-invented the show. That’s probably unlikely, because The West Wing wears its liberal politics on its sleeve.

Comments: 6 Responses so far

Jen
December 10th, 2004
11:46 am

I think the writers/producers could probably do a good job of making a Republican cast as entertaining as Sheen & Co. have been. At the very least, they could exploit the bumbling example set by the current Commander In Chief.

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richard
December 10th, 2004
11:59 am

The interesting thing that they could do by putting a Republican in power would be to make him appear to be a really bad choice… remember The Omen? They could be subtle about it, or have him bring about the end of the world if they wanted to… In fact, it’s almost too bad that they couldn’t get to a story arc like that sooner. I’d be more interested in watching something like that, I think.

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Devon
December 10th, 2004
12:07 pm

I nearly fell out of my chair when Alda’s character said he was going to run. I’ve always wanted CJ to do it.

Okay, yeah, I know that’s not going to happen. But damnit, I think she’d rock as President. :)

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Dave
December 10th, 2004
1:00 pm

Of note here, is the fact that Alan Alda played a GREAT US President in ‘Canadian Bacon’ (a movie as true today as it was in 1995).
The real question is, will Kevin Pollak be his National Security Advisor?

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Jeff
December 12th, 2004
10:48 am

Alda was president in Canadian Bacon?

Which move was it where Akroyd played the prez?

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Augie De Blieck Jr.
December 13th, 2004
8:34 am

The comments above just cement the reasons I don’t watch THE WEST WING. Not only is not good enough just to wear its liberal heart on its sleeve, but should they decide to reinvent the show with a Republican president, they need to make sure he’s EVIL INCARNATE.

Nice.

I’ll pass, thanks.

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