A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote: A Triumphant Return to a White House We Can All Agree On
Over the last few years, TV reunions have become a popular way for networks to capitalize on proven hits. This is usually just a cash grab for all parties involved, which doesn’t always lead to the best product.
In the case of HBO Max’s A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote, the cast of the Emmy award-winning drama reunited for an important message ahead of November’s election.
Original The West Wing cast members Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford, Allison Janney, Richard Schiff, Dulé Hill, Rob Lowe, and Janel Moloney were joined by This is Us’ Sterling K. Brown for a staged reading of Season 3 Episode 14, “Hartsfield’s Landing.”
Considering the special’s emphasis on voting, this was the perfect episode. It revolves around the president playing chess with Sam and Toby while tackling an international crisis with China, resulting from Taiwan’s desire to hold free elections.
Meanwhile, Josh deals with citizens in Hartsfield Landing, the first town to vote in Bartlet’s reelection.
Right from the start, it becomes clear the cast hasn’t missed a beat. The old chemistry is there. Other than the show being presented on stage at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles, there are no changes from the episode’s original airing.
It isn’t just the core cast that has reunited. Many of the show’s supporting actors returned for the special, including Anna Deavere Smith as National Security Advisor Nancy McNally, Melissa Fitzgerald as CJ’s assistant Carol, and some of the White House press corp.
It’s no secret Sterling K. Brown is an amazing actor. We knew he’d deliver a great performance, but the ease of how he fits into this cast of well-established characters is fantastic.
Obviously, no one can replace the late John Spencer as Leo McGarry, however, Brown brings a gravitas to the role that simultaneously makes it his own, while honoring the character we know and love.
Despite the serious nature of the stories it tells, The West Wing has always been brilliant at mixing comedy in with the drama. The reunion is no different and uses the messages during the act breaks to blend in some hilarious moments.
Former cast members Elisabeth Moss and Marlee Matlin show up to offer more information on voting while keeping things light and fun.
One of the best moments features notable superfan Lin-Manuel Miranda poking fun at his Hamilton fame, while stressing how election night may play out differently this year.
Since this is a special for When We All Vote, there are also appearances from Michelle Obama and President Bill Clinton. Though no political affiliations are mentioned, it’s clear which side everyone is on, so that may bother some viewers.
However, the hour does a great job of delivering vital information, without feeling too preachy. A criticism the series sometimes received.
When you start with material as strong as The West Wing, it’s hard to go wrong. Aside from the crucial message about voting, the special makes us seriously long for an actual full blown reunion.
What did you think of A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote and The West Wing are now streaming on HBO Max.
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Stephanie Holland
Stephanie Holland is a nerdy lover of Star Wars, Disney, Doctor Who, Arrowverse, Star Trek and WWE. Is living the dream of turning a lifelong obsession with TV into an actual job. Still waiting for a reboot of the '80s classic Small Wonder.