I’ve been doing a happy rewatch of the great television series, The West Wing– The show, created by Aaron Sorkin, is a utopian treatment of the U.S. Presidency. Although most of the series focuses on the fictitious President Jed Bartlet, played impeccably by Martin Sheen. The 7th and final season of The West Wing considers the presidential campaigns of those vying to be Bartlet’s successor. The Democrat, Rep. Matt Santos played by Jimmi Smitts and the Republican, Sen. Arnold Vinick, played by Alan Alda.
As I re-watched Alda’s performance, I was reminded of his enduring impact on me and my generation. He is an actor, gifted with an ability to convey both keen likability and subtle turpitude in manners so natural, that the illusion of the vehicle becomes trivial.
After success in sketch comedy and theatre, Alda landed the role of a lifetime….Captain Benjamin “Hawkeye” Pierce, in the television adaptation of M*A*S*H*— Hawkeye is a flawed character, played with brilliant comic humanity by Alda.
Since then his career has brought many turns…
Same Time Next Year, Crimes and Misdemeanors, Free To Be You And Me, Horace And Pete, Ray Donovan….the list goes on.
But…Arnold Venice in the magnificent sunset of The West Wing—- …a politician, with a conscience—credible, affable, honest—-much like his portrayer— Alan Alda—an icon for our time.
Watch the YouTube Short here:
billbenbarker 