West Wing question

Neeperando · 10-17-04, 07:52 PM

I'm getting towards the end of the West Wing season 2 (So please no spoilers), and I had a question.

Do they ever explain why Bartlet was elected in 1998 and 2002 rather than 1996 and 2000?

I assume from a logistical standpoint, a show that was developed in 1998 and first aired in 1999-2000 wouldn't work if it started in the third year of his term, but do they explain it in the context of the story?

Creek Rat · 10-17-04, 08:33 PM

Perhaps as a nod to the fact that it is fictional program and not meant to be an "alternative" to whatever administration was in office?

I'm suprised at the number of people that actually compare the "Bartlett" regime to the current Bush regime. I get the impression that people actually expect the real White House to be like the fictional one.

dstrauss · 10-18-04, 07:30 AM

Neeperando has it right, it's nothing more complicated then the fact the show started a certain time and they wanted it to show an administration in their first year.

apeyard · 10-18-04, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dstrauss
Neeperando has it right, it's nothing more complicated then the fact the show started a certain time and they wanted it to show an administration in their first year.

Actually, when the show started they were in the middle of their 2nd or 3rd year IIRC.

10-17-04, 07:52 PM	#1
Neeperando Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Northfield, MN Posts: 234	West Wing question I'm getting towards the end of the West Wing season 2 (So please no spoilers), and I had a question. Do they ever explain why Bartlet was elected in 1998 and 2002 rather than 1996 and 2000? I assume from a logistical standpoint, a show that was developed in 1998 and first aired in 1999-2000 wouldn't work if it started in the third year of his term, but do they explain it in the context of the story? __________________ "You got more tricks than a car full of monkeys." - Fred McMurray, Double Indemnity "Your Popeil Pasta-Maker is spitting out Fettucini Full-o-Lies." - Leslie Neilson, Wrongfully Accused My DVDs

10-17-04, 08:33 PM	#2
Creek Rat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Deep inside a great big empty Posts: 713	Perhaps as a nod to the fact that it is fictional program and not meant to be an "alternative" to whatever administration was in office? I'm suprised at the number of people that actually compare the "Bartlett" regime to the current Bush regime. I get the impression that people actually expect the real White House to be like the fictional one.

10-18-04, 07:30 AM	#3
dstrauss DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,666	Neeperando has it right, it's nothing more complicated then the fact the show started a certain time and they wanted it to show an administration in their first year.