(S07E22) Was anyone else struck by the differences between the pilot episode of The West Wing (shown tonight before the finale) and the episodes from the past couple of years, including this one? Such a different vibe. So much energy and passion and great writing (not to mention inspirational music and romanticism) in the pilot, compared to the last couple of years of so-so writing, dark camera work, bad changes in characters (although this season was a comeback). I would have rather have seen a retrospective, but it was interesting to see how the show began and how it will end.

The series finale got so many things right and also a few things wrong. Let's talk about them.

NBC has made offical what many people thought would happen: they've canceled The West Wing. Actually, they canceled it before John Spencer passed away on December 16. They're just now announcing it.

They also announced that creator Aaron Sorkin and director/producer Tommy Schlamme will not be involved in the finale. Damn.

The series will end with a two hour episode on May 14. A one hour retrospective will air just before the finale. (Personally, I'm happy the show is ending. The quality has dropped off the past couple of years, and like NBC says, it's time.)

So tell us West Wing fans: how would you like the show to end?