Commander In Chief - Series 1 [2005]

I ordered Commander in Chief - Series 1 after my wife and I watched every series of the West Wing on DVD and ended up wondering where else we could get a fix of intelligent viewing. As per other reviews here on Amazon, it does appear that Commander in Chief is trying to be another West Wing, but Series 1 doesn't quite reach the standard of the West Wing (not even the first series). The balance between intelligent viewing and soap is just slightly too far towards soap at the moment. Cut out some of the "drama" around the two eldest children and spend the saved time on political intrigue and it will get better. That the most gripping episodes were those about potential conflict with North Korea makes it clear that politics wins over soap.A few minor annoyances too - (a) the title sequence coming up well into the start of the programme instead of being right at the beginning, (b) the really bland background (both visual and audio) during that sequence, and (c) the (possibly intentional) naffness of the first gentleman.Having said that, it's still worthy of 4 stars.

....pretty much as the title suggests!to be honest i went into watching this as the worlds biggest West Wing fan, so i guess i was a little biased lol. it took me a few episodes to get into as i was constantly comparing it to the West Wing, but when it got going its realli good. Donald Sutherland is excellent as the 2 faced, scheming Leader of The House, one minute backing the President and the next stabbing her in that same back!all in all if u loved the West Wing then watch this...no doubt like me you will end up comparing the 2...this will lose....but its very very close!

Enjoyable

It's a shame that this didn't last past it's first season. The leads (Geena Davis as the unexpected President and Donald Sutherland as the scheming Speaker) are excellent. In tone, it falls right between the hope and optimism of the West Wing and the cynicism and darkness of the US version of House of Cards. Ultimately, both those series have the edge on this.

I loved this show when it was first realised and while there are a few items that haven't quite aged as well, it still holds up! Love the story.

The first time I saw Geena Davis in her role as President of the USA, I was Younger and more foolish. The mystery of why this series never had another is solved. Growing up in the political spotlight makes me realize the kind of people that move and shake society. Unfortunately, she is neither. Politics requires more than a straight face. Think of the Winners at the polls and of our Hearts WHO have moved us with their Words and woke us from our sleep with their smiles.

Great!

Such a shame this show was cancelled. In the one season that aired, characters were every bit as developed as those in West Wing, and the political detail is not compromised by totally compelling plot lines. Definitely one to put a day aside for!