[ajzepp]

My wife and I stopped watching it after two episodes. If it is not an accurate picture of the Washington political scene, then why watch it; if it is accurate, then it's too depressing to watch. Spacey and Wright are terrific, however.

I don't understand this viewpoint at all. If you want to see something that is based on reality and an accurate picture of the political scene, as you say, then I'm sure you can find documentary films or segments on 20/20 or whatever. The purpose of this show is entertainment. It may or may not be something that you personally find entertaining, but I don't think you can knock it because it's not a realistic portrayal of Washington politics. It never sets out to be that.

[wushuliu]

My gf is a big fan. Spacey can do no wrong for her. I enjoy it as well, but not as much. It's a bit too much of the droll Kevin Spacey show and his character tries to have it both ways - sympathetic one sec and then Gene Hackman Unforgiven the next. And the 12yr. old reporter chick subplot have us both rolling our eyes. I am more drawn to Wright's character and she is terrific. And Fincher makes sure the show has polish. It's a beautifully lit show.

The show is trying to hit every demographic and metric it can and for the most part it succeeds. Worse ways to spend $100 million when it comes to tv.

[THROWBACK]

I don't understand this viewpoint at all. If you want to see something that is based on reality and an accurate picture of the political scene, as you say, then I'm sure you can find documentary films or segments on 20/20 or whatever. The purpose of this show is entertainment. It may or may not be something that you personally find entertaining, but I don't think you can knock it because it's not a realistic portrayal of Washington politics. It never sets out to be that.

Too me it was too much of a reminder of the disfunctions in Washington--machinations for the sake of personal power rather than governing with integrity for the sake of the country. Call me naive. You said it well: the purpose of the show is entertainment. I guess I was not entertained.

[ajzepp]

Too me it was too much of a reminder of the disfunctions in Washington--machinations for the sake of personal power rather than governing with integrity for the sake of the country. Call me naive. You said it well: the purpose of the show is entertainment. I guess I was not entertained.

I don't think you're naive at all. I think it's pretty clear that the politicians of today have completely lost focus on what's best for their district/state/country/etc, and have become far too focused on their own interests. So I'm with you on that one for sure.

And yeah, if you didn't find it entertaining it makes perfect sense why you didn't wish to keep watching. I don't know if it's of interest to you, but I also just finished watching season 2 of Homeland. It turned out to be a pretty entertaining show and focuses less intently on politics (although that does come into play a little).