I’ve just rewatched The West Wing Two Cathedrals. Please tell me there’s other tv shows that come close to this that I just haven’t seen yet.

[Woodfordhound]

For me this has got to be one of the greatest episodes of one of the greatest shows ever made. Alongside early ER, nothing else has yet come close to blowing me away like the acting and writing esp in this episode. Please tell me what you all found that filled the gap left by such tv genius. I probably watch TWW once every couple of years but I need something new to raise my emotions. Something to make me cry and marvel at the same time. Thank you.

I don’t think I was gripped by the pilot episode, it wasn’t great. I’d give it another go.

And yes to Mandy being awful and eventually disappearing to male it better.

The Wire and Breaking Bad are great but they can’t touch The Shield in my opinion. Absolutely staggeringly brilliant. So jealous of anyone who hasn’t seen it

That episode literally makes me sob! The part with the cigarette- bloody love that!

The wire is great writing, but some people find it takes a few episodes to understand what people are saying so you have to sort of stick t it.

Was also a die hard ER fan

I wasn't gripped by the pilots of TWW, The Sopranos, Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire, The Americans, The Goid Wife, or Billions. Yet I think they're all brilliant.

That episode gives me the chills every time - and all the little stuff
like Charlie not wearing a coat just like Bartlett - when everyone else is, that you don't notice the first time you see it.

I'm trying to think which other TV Series have got me in the heart like The West Wing - I think 'The Shield' had some moments.

I did love Babylon 5 - but the criticisms here are fair.

Nothing comes close. Nothing comes close to that episode, either. So powerful.

Speaking of which, it's probably time to start watching it again....

Really shocked only one other person said The Shield - have people not seen it? It’s so far beyond anything else I’ve ever seen.

I also think that the second season of Hannibal is beyond amazing, especially the final episode - possibly the best TV episode I’ve ever seen.

Nothing comes close! Can’t wait for my DC to be old enough to be introduced to it. DH and I start at the beginning and watch the whole lot every couple of years.

Currently enjoying Montalbano which is completely different (Italian detective series, English subtitles) but also very good.

There’s also the WW episode after
SPOILER
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. the actor who plays Leo dies, so they have to write out his character. There is shock and pain etched on everyone’s faces. They all clearly loved him and it’s devastating.

Nothing comes close, sorry.

Madam Secretary is very good - but lighter.

Peaky Blinders is excellent.

The Wire I thought was dreadful.

Michaelbendfaster, we watched that one just last night. So so sad. But so well done

I was with Hippyshubby right up until he said MASH.
Seriously I thought we'd meet up at MN socials to discuss the intricacies of BG and TWW and all the effective storytelling. I thought he and my DH would be perfect and DH would finally have a friend I was interested in talking to.

Alas it was not to be because he said MASH.

Never seen it, apart from the clip about the gall peters map (is,that what it iscalled) which I liked

Should I...?

It is an excellent episode. For me TWW tails off in the last couple of seasons a bit - still good mind. The Sopranos is my all time favourite.

I am worried about it being patriotic, with noble politicians,and rousing music

I know what you mean - I really feel much more benign towards the US government since watching it. Not Trump of course, but the structures themselves and so on. Whereas in my younger days I thought the US government was the root of all evil.

At some point most days lately I wish that Martin Sheen really was president and not that orange-faced sexual predator.

I like the contrasts between all the different White House shows. The West Wing is how we wish it real life was. Madame Secretary is like the Tesco Value version of TWW, it’s a good enough substitute when the real one is not available. Scandal.....well Scandal is just batshit crazy.

Veep is good too if you can find it,

Just seen the episode on this morning on sky Atlantic. The one where special agent Donovan is shot.
I've seen it so many times but it still gets me.
"Boy, crime, I don't know"

Nope...you have peaked at TV perfection. Gets me every time. I also love the scene between Leo and Josh "you gotta job, I got a job"
I love the mix of comedy/drama..it is the best series ever written.

Also a massive fan of
Breaking Bad
The Crown
Happy Valley
Gomorra
Just started the wire...not too sure so far but will persevere

@tammy

I saw the Shield...just really didn't think it was very well written and not very engaging
Different strokes for different folks!

I am a west wing virgin and his thread is making me want to watch it. I am enjoying g the first series of designated survivor atm but loved early homeland Best- darker than d.s.

Is the west wing gripping or has cliff hangers? I need to be gripped!

Generally cliff hangers st the end of each season. Gripping ones which, back in the day, we had to wait six months to be resolved. You lucky first time watchers now can find out what happens in 10 mins, tops!

It's all been said but I agree that no television series has ever measured up to TWW and that it's worth listening to the West Wing Weekly podcast, despite Josh Malina and I never seeing eye to eye on anything. Wow, he's annoying. Guess he'd dislike me too!
Am currently on my second ever rewatch and on series 6 (of 7). I remember not finding the election campaign episodes as interesting the first time round but am finding enough in there this time.

Probably my all time favourite show and have rewarded many times. A few niggles relating to storyline with characters in final few series (Toby ) but just amazing TV.

Yes to The Newsroom for another good Sorkin fix. Not in the same league as WW but well worth a watch.

Probably the only other series to have been as addictive and stood up to multiple rewatches is Grey's Anatomy for me. Very different to WW but great writing/characters and emotion.