President Josiah Bartlet (Martin Sheen) hits the campaign trail in the third season of Aaron Sorkin's highly acclaimed, Emmy-winning primetime drama about the inner workings of the White House. The 22 episodes of the 2001-02 season, collected here on four discs, include some of the most memorable to date, including the heart-wrenching special "Isaac and Ishmael," written by Sorkin immediately following the tragic events of 9/11. The Bartlet administration's war against terrorism, conducted simultaneously with a tough reelection campaign, underscores most of this season's episodes--in which primary recurring characters, such as political operative Ainsley Hayes (Emily Procter) and Vice President John Hoynes (Tim Matheson), figure prominently--that include guest-star appearances by Oliver Platt, Laura Dern, Mark Harmon, Hal Holbrook, and James Brolin. As always, the heart of the show is the interaction between Sheen's President Bartlet and his outspoken team members: Chief of Staff Leo McGarry (John Spencer), Director of Communications Toby Ziegler (Richard Schiff), Communications Director Sam Seaborn (Rob Lowe), Press Secretary C.J. Cregg (Allison Janney), and Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman (Bradley Whitford) among them. Most of the entries from this third season have the breathless pace and crackling dialogue that endear the show to its viewers, whose loyalty has made The West Wing "destination TV" for years now. DVD extras include audio commentaries on three episodes with Sorkin and others, deleted scenes, a pair of "making-of" featurettes, and a documentary special featuring interviews with former Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton, as well as various White House staffers. Highly recommended. (E. Hulse)
The West Wing: The Complete Third Season
Warner, 4 discs, 954 min., not rated, DVD: $59.98 Volume 20, Issue 1
The West Wing: The Complete Third Season
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