Kevin's Watch

www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/TV/12/16/spenc ... index.html

I'm saddened to learn of John Spencer's death today. IMO he was one of the reasons why West Wing was so successful, and such a great show.

Godspeed, Mr. Spencer.

Holy... I didn't know...

He was really great. I remember him from L.A. Law, and he was equally good there, even if the show was past its prime by the time he got there.

Wow.

So long, Leo.

Today on cnn.com there's a bit about the show's prospects for the future (of which the proper response is probably, Duh!)

'West Wing' challenged by death

Personally, I think recasting a chararacter is the gutsier way to go, and I hope that's what they do. There're too few episodes left in this good, good series to have it derailed. As much as I've always liked Spencer, I think that there're some other actors that can play the 'cranky old codger' without missing a line.

I had no idea. Sheesh, go away for a few days, and things just pass you by... Spencer was so good as Leo McGarry. It's sad that we won't get to see him in any new roles. What a shame to lose him. I think the best way to honor him would be to write his death into the storyline instead of trying to replace him.

When Jack Soo died, the cast of Barney Miller simply faced the camera and talked about him for several minutes, telling us that he'll be missed. The characters never said how Nick died, they just occasionally mentioned the fact that he had. I thought it was very nice.

Of course, that's a sitcom. WW might need more of an explanation.

Alynna Lis Eachann wrote:Spencer was so good as Leo McGarry. It's sad that we won't get to see him in any new roles.

I thought that in the last few seasons he'd been looking pretty frail, not in his eyes but in his carriage. I was expecting he would be retiring; I was surprised frankly to see him have such a major role this year. Ah, well. He certainly left the stage while at his peak.

I received WW Season 5 for Christmas!

I've watched Season 5, and I agree with whoever (I think Furlsy) that the writing has fallen off in this season. I also miss Sam.

Regarding John Spencer's death, before the airing of the first new episode in January. Martin Sheen made a direct to the camera statement of sympathy for John's family and what a loss the other cast members felt due to his demise.

West Wing. I've heard around that the current season will be the last one.e

Season 6 was released on DVD this past week. This season is definitely an improvement over Season 5.

I didn't think that the finale left with much of a bang. It was sort of a substantless wrap-up, no punch. I'm disappointed. There was such an opportunity to make a statement about the political process ...

I haven't seen any of Season 7 yet.

I just finished Season 7 on DVD, and although this series will always be one of my all-time favorites, it was definitely time for it to end. The quality of writing decreased dramatically with this season.

The loss of John Spencer (Leo McGarry) was handled perfectly, and with great feeling. The last 3-4 episodes were the best of the entire season.

I still haven't seen beyond the third season. I don't watch much tv these days, no matter if it's recorded or actual air-time. Just no freakin' time! (BG is still the only show I watch. )