Discovering Aaron Sorkin's Unseen Vision for The West Wing

The West Wing is often celebrated for its complex and insightful narrative, drawing substantial attention to its storyline and character development. However, in a less-discussed gem, viewers can uncover a fascinating alternate reality Sorkin had envisioned for the show's fifth season. This alternative storyline is revealed through the DVD commentaries for the fourth season, particularly in the commentary for the episode "Twenty Five."

The Kidnapping Plot Reimagined

According to Sorkin, his initial idea for the fifth season involved an entirely different approach to the kidnapping storyline. In a revealing moment, Sorkin discusses his original intentions for the plot during the 1st minute and 37 seconds of the commentary for "Twenty Five."

“I had a different plan in mind for the beginning of the 5th season,” Sorkin says. “There he indicates that he wanted Zoe to be kidnapped by Christian fundamentalists who were trying to start a religious war by making it look like she was kidnapped by Muslims.” This twist adds layers to the existing storyline, moving the) West Wing away from a simplistic narrative and towards a more complex, ethically charged dilemma.

Implications and Critiques

While this plot twist might seem implausible or even impossible to some, it significantly differentiates the show from what it ultimately became. As Sorkin explains in minute 5 of the commentary:

“For what its worth if anybody cares - its my attention that these were not Islamic fanatics these were Christian fanatics who did this to hasten World War II. That in fact it was a remarkably low tech kidnapping and there was going to be a stand off in Idaho or somewhere.”

This direction, while intriguing, carries significant challenges. It shifts the narrative towards a more controversial and potentially divisive topic, which might explain why Sorkin chose not to follow through. The original version of the kidnapping involved a more covert and sophisticated operation, which some viewers found more compelling.

Review and Analysis

While the alternate plot point may not be perfectly executed, it invites a fresh perspective on the show's character dynamics and the political debates surrounding it. Some might argue that the original plot still falls short of what could have been a more transformative storyline. For instance:

Dogs of War ends with an amateurish operation that cleverly outmaneuvers the Secret Service but inexplicably gives up. This is in stark contrast to the higher stakes and more elaborate plans Sorkin had in mind for the West Wing.

Another point worth considering is the lack of consultation with the writers on Dogs of War. Sorkin left the show, and the writers had no insight into the original plans, which could explain why the finale took a 'simpler' route.

Theil’s disappointment as expressed in the West Wing Weekly Podcast is a reflection of how missed opportunities can impact the audience experience. The hosts have missed an opportunity to fully explore the wealth of insights provided by the DVD commentaries, which are rich in detail and depth.

The commentary for each season is an essential resource that deserves more attention. Sorkin and other producers offer detailed discussions and insights, which often go underappreciated by the average viewer. By delving into these commentaries, viewers can gain a much deeper understanding of the show's intricacies and the thought process behind its narrative development.

Conclusion

The alternate plans for the fifth season of The West Wing underscore the rich and evolving nature of the show's storytelling. While some may find the original direction more compelling, the alternate vision offers a unique perspective that reminds us of the depth and complexity inherent in Aaron Sorkin's work. It is a testament to Sorkin's creativity and the show's potential for challenging and thought-provoking narratives.