Get Ready, Get Set...

Angie is forty-two and a self-described "total Wingnut". The series has particular resonance for her because as a mid-level government employee, she feels that it represents a fair, if idealistic, view of the corridors of power.

A lot of her co-workers feel the same way. That's why four or five of them will gather in Angie's apartment on October 4th to share the series premiere of the political drama.

"I like it much more when I'm watching with other people," she says. "We especially want to watch it together when we find out who's been shot. I don't think I could stand it by myself."

That couldn't be less true for Bina. She's a thirty-five year old teacher and also a West Wing fan. For her, watching the program is an intellectual, not a social, exercise.

"I couldn't stand to have anyone around [while watching the program]," she says. "I even unplug the phone. It's a program that takes all your attention. You have to keep up with the plot developments." She tapes the series, but wants to get all the goods in the first go-round. "It's less satisfying watching it the second time, even if you do get nuances you didn't the first time."

As for making the premiere a group experience, the only company she plans to have is a large bowl of popcorn. "I want to concentrate totally on the cliffhanger resolution. Interruptions during that [episode] in particular would make me nuts! There are one or two people at work who watch it; if I want to rehash the episode I'll do it with them the next day. That, and there's always the web. There, you can talk about The West Wing to your heart's content."

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