The Sorkin Series is back with more hilarity and West Wing analysis! We are one (wo)man down this week, but we do our best without Kristina. Who is Team Sam and who is Team Josh? What do we think of the West Wing reunion, and who has a broken heart? And will Tariq ever learn any of the characters names? Tune in to find out.

General Update:
Now we are in The Newsroom off-season, The Sorkin Series has reverted to a fortnightly/bi-weekly schedule, with each new podcast covering two episode of The West Wing, Aaron Sorkin’s (dare we day it?) masterpiece. Re-watch the series with two die-hard fans, or watch along for the first time – two of our hosts are!

This week we are delving into The West Wing 1×03 “A Proportional Response”, and 1×04 “Five Votes Down”.

Show Notes:
-Where is Kristina? We tell you, eventually.
-Marama wants a name for her news segment. Any suggestions?

–News Items: Aaron Sorkin talks The Newsroom ratings, Thomas Sadoski is back on stage and a West Wing reunion!

–Episode Discussion: 1×03 “A Proportional Response”
-Sorkin Series behind-the-scenes: “Sam is a jerk”
-The President’s emotional reaction and discomfort.
-Australian struggles with American pronunciation.
-Tariq is converted.
-Charlie & the racial issue: a sign of the times, or still a problem now?
-Is Sam right or wrong? Host division.
–The Newsroom parallels: Josh and Donna are Maggie and Jim, but stretched over seven seasons.

–Episode Discussion: 1×04 “Five Votes Down”
-The many parallels between episodes 1×03 and 1×04.
-Seeing Josh in his element means more Josh-love.
-Frat-boy Congressman hatred.
-The professional disconnect between Leo and the VP.
-The alcoholic storyline and differences between public and personal perceptions.
-More of Toby the loveable grouch.
-And the President gets high. Hmm, Martin Sheen.
-Everyone go and keep Tariq company on the forums or he will be sad.

The Sorkin Series will be back next time with The West Wing 1×05 “The Crackpots and These Women” and 1×06 “Mr. Willis of Ohio”.

What did you think about this week’s podcast? Leave your questions and comments on the post below, send us an email, find us on twitter, or post in the Hypable forums!

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @sorkinseries

Tariq Herzallah: @trqhz
Kristen Kranz: @kranzie85
Marama Whyte: @maramawhyte