Commander in Chief: The Inaugural Edition, Part 1 (2005)

TV. Commander in Chief is not as presidential as The West Wing but it feels more presidential than our current administration ("I'm the decider" and "what he said"). It's full of states(wo)manlike and principled independent leadership on the part of Geena Davis, of decisions as well as appeals to tell the truth and to "do the right thing," in direct contrast to the smarmy two-faced politically motivated backstabbing and machinations of Donald Sutherland. This is not to say the characters play to type or are black-and-white; they are complex, well-played to the letter, and truly keep you guessing. I was not pleased that the mindless antics of the teen son and daughter could be tolerated in the White House, however, Geena and her "first gentleman" husband ably explore the gender bender of a female president while balancing the politics of reality with the commitment and tenderness of a real marriage. Highly recommended for any student of democracy and humanitarian values. Five stars.