"The West Wing"

There are precious few times, unfortunately, when a television program will rise above its purpose, transcend its medium, and make us forget, for an hour a week, just how mediocre and vapid television has become. In an industry that increasingly caters to the lowest, most base and superficial urges within us all, “The West Wing” stands alone.

From its inception seven years ago, “The West Wing” has set a standard in the commercial television industry that other programs never even attempted to match. The consistently smart dialogue, well-crafted and provocative storylines, and more than adequate performances turned in by its cast, made for a weekly celebration of what television could be. Last night, “The West Wing” made its final curtain call: the trashy and tawdry will now have to suffice. Click.