'West Wing' provides real look at politics

"Booty call." One would not expect a phrase so pertinent on college campuses to be found in NBC's new presidential drama "The West Wing." But one would be surprised. While the show gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the inner working of the Oval Office, sexual innuendos radiate throughout. After all, the show is about politics.

This week's episode, "Mr. Willis of Ohio," tackles such issues as underage drinking and racism. It shows the real purpose of lawmakers through the eyes of the husband (guest star Al Fann) of a Senator who recently passed away. In addition, the president's daughter (Elizabeth Moss) is put in danger when there is an intruder at the White House. Meanwhile, the everyday occurrences of the character's lives and the political life of the Oval Office continue to boil.

Courtesy of NBC The cast of 'The West Wing' is designed to appeal to both young and old audiences.

The show appeals to the sex drive of all ages. On one hand, it seems more geared toward an older audience, particularly because of the cast of characters including Martin Sheen, who plays President Josiah Bartlet, and Rob Lowe, who plays the Deputy Communications Director Sam Seaborn.

On the other hand, going to bars such as Georgetown Station and talking about leering at college coeds and frat guys, brings it down to a college student's perspective. Because of the broad spectrum of topics and characters, the show is suitable for a variety of audiences. Young blood Moss who plays Zoey, the president's daughter, adds some youth to the ensemble. And the constant flirting and sexual subtleties, from characters of all ages, synthesizes the theme of sexuality.

This episode offers a personal look at the president, in his decision making and interacting with people, that is perhaps a clue into the real life of a president. The show also conveys the importance of the smaller players in politics. In so doing, it paints what appears to be a fairly accurate picture of the Oval Office.

The writing of the episode spans from excellent to mediocre, yet it is consistently witty and intelligent. The mood is intense, yet quips such as "You're the man, fix it," serve to break the intensity. While the writing is infused with much political jargon and cliches, there is enough juvenility to add another dimension to the characters and make them seem like real people.

In the real world, there is much disjunction in the White House and the show certainly does justice by portraying it throughout the episode. But, a bit more cohesion and a bit less realism would serve to produce a more enjoyable, and less confusing, program. The show is enlightening and amusing, and to one who is the least bit interested in politics, this week's episode is certainly not a waste of a valuable college hour.

11-03-99