Yes, it's a political show. But it's also one of the few shows on TV that I truly respect at the moment. The show doesn't shy away from tackling some of the most thorny issues currently facing American society, head-on. I admire the courage of the show for taking on gun control, religion in schools, gay rights, international relations, right-wing extremism, all with a perspective that, if not entirely impartial, is completely honest.

West Wing also manages to mix in wonderfully dry humour. It has great characters, acting, and especially writing. One can only hope that real politicians will make an effort to live up to the standards set by this show. And I hold out hope that maybe - just MAYBE - it'll influence some Americans to change their positions on some issues.