After Aaron Sorkin's departure, many fans derided the West Wing's season arcs and snappy dialogue, claiming Aaron was responsible for those key elements that made West Wing special. While it's no doubt he wrote and planned the earlier seasons that were great, the staff he left behind does an excellent job carrying the style through. Unlike later seasons, where the feel does start to differ as a response to new direction and an attempt to remain fresh, season five still feels like the original West Wing, perhaps a bit more streamlined.
Posted by ScottieB
The fifth season of the West Wing is the last one worth watching. In this season, as it begins to become much darker; with less humor and more tension and drama. New cast members such as Will add little to the show, possibly detracting from it. With a few episodes still memorable, I would advise watching this season, but it'll never move you like those first few seasons did.
Posted by 71Percent