NBC's 'The West Wing' considers electing GOP successor for Bartlet

Change could mean a boost to the show's ratings, which have fallen.
By LYNN ELBER
ASSOCIATED PRESS
LOS ANGELES -- The prospect of a change in the White House tends to draw a strong reaction, pro or con.
Not from "The West Wing" executive producer John Wells, though. He seems unfazed by the coming end of Democratic President Josiah "Jeb" Bartlet's tenure -- and maybe even a Republican successor.
"We were a year and a half into the administration when we started the show," Wells said of the NBC drama entering its sixth season. "We have term limits in this country and so, on our electoral schedule, Bartlet's second term would end a year from this coming January."
That fact foreshadows a hybrid season when "The West Wing" returns at 9 p.m. Wednesday. Bartlet (Martin Sheen) grapples with his legacy while others fight for the chance to replace him.
Among them are contenders played by two familiar actors: Jimmy Smits ("NYPD Blue"), who's a potential Democratic candidate, and Alan Alda ("M*A*S*H") vying for the GOP nomination.
Also in the running is Vice President Russell (Gary Cole), with talented staff member Will Bailey (Josh Malina) at his side.
Looking ahead
Could Wells envision "The West Wing," if re-elected by NBC to a seventh season, with a Republican president?
"I really could," he told The Associated Press. "What we've tried to put forward in the Bartlet administration is a Democratic presidency that was a bit of wish-fulfillment of what you'd really want your Democratic president to be.
"I don't think there's any reason you wouldn't want to see that show with a Republican."
Is he concerned that the show, called "The Left Wing" by those who find Bartlet's politics grating, might be seen as making the move to pander to conservatives?
"I think it depends on who the Republican candidate is and how you feel about the candidate by the time he or she is elected," he said.
Series creator Aaron Sorkin cast Bartlet in the same liberal mold as the leader in his 1995 film "The American President." Sorkin, who left the series in 2003, could not be reached to comment.
Change could reinvigorate the series' ratings, which dropped from a season-high average of 17.2 million viewers in 2001-02 to 11.8 million viewers last season.
But Wells, whose relationship with NBC is bolstered by the other shows he provides, including longtime linchpin drama "ER," said "The West Wing" ensures an affluent viewership for sponsors and that he's confident of renewal.
Changes ahead
A new commander-in-chief, from either party, would mean wholesale changes in the White House staff and the cast. But Wells said during a phone news conference that he hopes current stars would be able to remain -- although that's less likely with a Republican administration.
He's also hoping that Sheen, whose contract is up this year, decides to come back for another season and maybe for post-presidency appearances.
Before the NBC show wades into the heat of primary contests and before Bartlet gives up power, there are lingering issues to resolve.
At the end of last season, growing violence in the Middle East led to the death of prominent U.S. officials and left an angry Bartlet weighing military action -- and trying to revive the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
The Gaza Strip attack also critically injured White House staff member Donna Moss (Janel Moloney), who was part of the American contingent.
Whether Donna survives (and whether she and her boss, deputy chief of staff Josh Lyman, finally become an item) are obvious cliffhangers. Wells promises other immediate upheaval in "The West Wing."
"There are substantial changes in the White House at the beginning of the season, within the first two episodes," Wells said.
Involving the White House staff that viewers know and love? "In the staff that we know and love, things are happening," Wells says, with vague discretion that would make a bureaucrat proud.