So I’ve just got around to watching West Wing on DVD. On about series 2 now which is absolutely brilliant, as most things are on HBO. At least I think it’s HBO. Have to say I don’t understand most of it, I sort of drift in and out as the characters discuss US politics in depth, making me feel really insecure like I should be checking out Wikipedia more often to find out what Congress or the Senate actually do. All those long continuous camera shots following the characters as they converse through corridors of power. Relentless and unending.  Makes you feel like an eavesdropper. Unnecessary. Then they smack you with a massive patriotic episode, which to a cynical Brit sort of catches you off guard. You want to join the collective sense of patriotism, but you feel almost guilty doing so. Reminds me of Battlestar Galactica. The long camera shots that is. Was that HBO? I never thought I’d be able to sustain such a long, narrative ramble like West Wing. I thought you could only have that kind of dialogue in books. Not sure if I’ll be able to hang out until the final series. These TV programs have the habit of diluting themselves until there’s only one decent episode in every three. 24 got that way. Not sure I can stand seeing Jack Bauer again. Nice music on West Wing. Makes me feel all…there’s that word again.