‘West Wing’ must deal with Spencer’s loss

CJ for VP?
So who are the logical choices? One interesting pick would be C.J. Cregg, played with gusto by four-time Emmy winner Allison Janney. She’s already been promoted once, from press secretary to chief of staff, but this leap seems a bit of a reach.

Not that she couldn’t handle the job. She's juggling more now on the domestic and international fronts than she ever would as VP. But choosing a woman might make some spineless and redneck voters uneasy and it’s unlikely the Dems want to give undecided voters a reason to go the other way.

Rob Lowe, who was originally cast as presidential confidante Sam Seaborn in its first season, is returning for the final two episodes. When Lowe left the series after the fourth season, his character was planning to run in a congressional race, which might give him enough political experience here to satisfy voters.

That leaves us with the most unorthodox choice, but one that, if the writers set up the framework correctly, could be one of the most exciting as well.

While solidly seated in the Republican base, Alan Alda’s California senator Arnold Vinick is much more politically centered than many in his party. He's been tough for the Democrats to campaign against because on several issues, he and Smits think the same.

What if Santos wins the election and word of Leo’s death doesn’t get out until after the results? If the election is decided by a razor-thin margin, how about asking Vinick to join as VP to unify the country? Unorthodox? Absolutely. Possible? Sure, why not?

Sure, some personal fences would need immediate mending, but it would give a chance to tell America that the candidates are more important than their party affiliations. If government is really for the people, and we want our best citizens to strive for the highest office, perhaps the two-party system doesn’t necessarily need to be adversarial, if candidates can unite on the important issues. Sure, it’s probably pure folly but what better venue than network television will Wells and company have to make their case?

“West Wing,” which will end its proud seven-year run in May, has always shined when reaching for political nirvana. Sam’s affairs with prostitutes, Donna’s longing for Josh’s approval, and marital affairs of future son-in-laws have always been nothing more than attempts to woo viewers who thought the show's politics were too highbrow.

But being highbrow at the cost of ratings and making sure government is available to everyone — no matter the cost — is the legacy of “West Wing.”

Leo McGarry would wholeheartedly agree.

Stuart Levine is a senior editor at Daily Variety in Los Angeles.

MORE FROM DRAMA

'The Tudors' turns bloodier in season 2

'The Tudors' turns bloodier in season 2 Michael — or is it Kevin — returns to 'Lost' Typo puts 'ER's' Julianna Margulies back on TV 'Wire' creator reflects on show's end Quiz: Is there a true fan in the ‘House’? How well do you know ‘CSI’s’ Gil Grissom?   Add Drama headlines to your news reader: