I really enjoyed the sixth season of this show, mainly because it had good things about it but partly because it was at least better than the previous two seasons. The addition of Alda and Smits to the show really helped freshen it up and I looked forward to it continuing into this final season. This does mostly carry on as the first two-thirds of the season is very much about the election campaign and as such it has momentum and energy. It doesn't have grit or cynicism about it though – not even a hint - and this does hurt it somewhat, because it does feel like such a fantasy and so very safe. I would have preferred more comment, more insight and perhaps a hint of the reality of politics, but instead it is all a dream.
As such it works for those viewers that enjoy the show – for sure those that liked the previous seasons enough to keep going (or, like me, just put up with some of the weaknesses) will find plenty to like because it is a very safe pair of hands. The tone is worthy and the only time dirty politics come into it is really when the two sides fight who can do it last. As such it does seem unrealistic and it didn't have some of the edge that I enjoyed in the previous season. It gets even softer once the election is decided because it has an air of a reunion of old characters and of a farewell to the viewer. This is understandable at the end of seven seasons, but it really does feel very smug and satisfied with itself – not as bad as that first season but still it wallows a lot.
The cast help it – in particular Smits and Alda. Although they are simplified characters, their performances are really good and you do grow to like them both. For the "main" cast, Whitford and Janney lead the way and do well, but you do get the feeling that they were available while the others moved on and filmed several "pop-ins" in a week (eg Hill). Spencer gives a very good performance in one episode where he is preparing for a debate, and is solid otherwise. His loss during the season is not handled well at all – not just plot-wise but how much the show lingers on it and becomes about it.
It is still a solid season though – does what you expect, faults and all, and bows out with some grace even if it makes zero impact. Glossy and polished to the end, if you generally liked the show (as I did) then generally you'll like this season – but otherwise it must be said it is a rather smug stroll to the finish line.
As such it works for those viewers that enjoy the show – for sure those that liked the previous seasons enough to keep going (or, like me, just put up with some of the weaknesses) will find plenty to like because it is a very safe pair of hands. The tone is worthy and the only time dirty politics come into it is really when the two sides fight who can do it last. As such it does seem unrealistic and it didn't have some of the edge that I enjoyed in the previous season. It gets even softer once the election is decided because it has an air of a reunion of old characters and of a farewell to the viewer. This is understandable at the end of seven seasons, but it really does feel very smug and satisfied with itself – not as bad as that first season but still it wallows a lot.
The cast help it – in particular Smits and Alda. Although they are simplified characters, their performances are really good and you do grow to like them both. For the "main" cast, Whitford and Janney lead the way and do well, but you do get the feeling that they were available while the others moved on and filmed several "pop-ins" in a week (eg Hill). Spencer gives a very good performance in one episode where he is preparing for a debate, and is solid otherwise. His loss during the season is not handled well at all – not just plot-wise but how much the show lingers on it and becomes about it.
It is still a solid season though – does what you expect, faults and all, and bows out with some grace even if it makes zero impact. Glossy and polished to the end, if you generally liked the show (as I did) then generally you'll like this season – but otherwise it must be said it is a rather smug stroll to the finish line.