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The Very Best of D.C. TV

Get #hype, Hoyas, because Hollywood is coming to Georgetown! Kind of.

On April 17th, Joshua Malina and Bradley Whitford, former stars of the television classic The West Wing, will be making an appearance in Gaston Hall to record a podcast about what it was like to work with someone as handsome as Rob Lowe on the set of an ~iconic~ political drama. For many of you, I know this is a BFD (s/o Joe Biden) because Josh Lyman was, like, 90% of the reason you decided to pursue a PoliSci degree.  For those of you who are less familiar, The West Wing was that show you had to watch in high school when your AP Gov teacher didn’t feel like doing a real class that day. So whether you’re old a longtime fan or a relative newcomer, it’s sure to be a good time and you should definitely stop by!

And in the meantime, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to review the very best of what D.C.-themed television has to offer. Look no further for an insightful and comprehensive guide to the pros and cons of the shows that qualify as true #DCTV.

Bonus: Watching any of the following shows is a great way to pretend like you’ve  left the Georgetown Bubble this semester without all the inconvenience of actually figuring out how to use the Metro!

Me, trying to blend in when I venture beyond the corner of M and Wisconsin

 

The West Wing (1999-2005)

Pros:

  • Allows us to believe that extremely beautiful and smart people like Rob Lowe and Allison Janney would willingly choose to live in D.C. and work for a government salary. Optimistic!
God I miss the 90s
  • The West Wing on The West Wing is lead by a rational, intelligent, and not-morally-bankrupt President. Martin Sheen does not attempt to build a wall or have an affair with an adult film actress at any point in this show. Wholesome!
  • The President’s daughter (Elisabeth Moss) is a Hoya. They even film a graduation scene on campus at one point. Fun!

Cons:

  • Show creator and head writer Aaron Sorkin went to Syracuse. Yikes…
  • Has apparently convinced a generation of Georgetown undergrads that they physically and/or intellectually resemble Rob Lowe’s character. Inaccurate!
When some guy compares himself to Sam Seaborn

Scandal (2012-2018)

Pros:

  • Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) attended Georgetown Law!
  • Makes working in D.C. seem cool and sexy, rather than sweaty and soul-crushing.
D.C. every day from May through September. Also, every class I’ve ever had in Walsh.
  • Brenda Song was a character on the show for a hot minute
  • Shonda Rhimes. Enough said.

Cons:

  • If I ever saw someone even half as beautiful or stylish as Kerry Washington walking around D.C., I would go into cardiac arrest. Extremely misleading portrayal of life here.
When some girl compares herself to Olivia Pope
  • The camera-snapping noise that plays between scenes. Irritating.
  • A lot of crossover between Grey’s Anatomy characters. Distracting. What is Meredith’s dad doing in the White House??

House of Cards (2013- present)

Pros:

  • Robin Wright. Nothing but respect for MY President.
When the professor finally tells that guy in your discussion section who claims to read The Economist and prefaces all his sentences with phrases like “just to play Devil’s Advocate here…” that he needs to stop talking and give other people a chance
  • That scene where Kate Mara gets pushed in front of the Metro is my primary reason for spending so much money on Ubers. Thanks for letting me justify my laziness by citing safety concerns!

Cons:

  • Kevin Spacey. Gross. Wya, Christopher Plummer??
@netflix, make the final season a musical while you’re at it #HireJulieAndrewsToo
  • Depressing and dark content. But not in a fun, Black Mirror way.
  • No important characters attended Georgetown. Sad!

Madam Secretary (2014- present)

Pros:

  • I have never actually seen this show, but the Wikipedia page is very  informative.
  • The husband of the main character (Madam Secretary) teaches at Georgetown! I am now picturing him as a Kroenig lookalike. Please let me know if this is accurate.

Cons:

  • When I started writing this article I guess I thought that Madam Secretary and The Good Wife were the same thing, and I was only going to write about it because I remembered that Big from Sex and the City is the main character’s husband on The Good Wife. I was very disappointed to find out that I confused the plots of these two vaguely-Hillary-Clinton-inspired TV dramas. Big from Sex and the City has yet to make an appearance on this show. Poor casting choice.
Me, upon realizing Madam Secretary’s husband is actually portrayed by someone named Tim Daly

Veep (2012- present)

  • Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Iconic actress, amazing human being, and one of the rare women who could actually pull off a perm back in the day.
  • Buster from Arrested Development. 
Me, any time Tony Hale is on screen
  • Mean, but in a witty and fun way. It’s like The Office, but if all the characters were as comically narcissistic and rude as Jim. (See: my future article on how Jim Halpert is actually a terrible person).

Cons:

  • Need an HBO account to watch it. Fellow Hoyas, please help a girl out and email 4E with your account password ASAP. I promise I need it for article research purposes and not just to binge watch Sex and the City.
  • One time on a plane I tried to watch an episode over the shoulder of the guy sitting next to me. He saw me and turned the screen away. If you’re reading this, rude stranger, please email 4E with a formal apology. I had clearly forgotten to bring my own earbuds, the GoGo internet access didn’t work, and that flight was like five hours long. You could have shown some compassion.
Dramatic reenactment of me and the rude Veep fan

So there you have it, Hoyas. A complete and objective guide to television shows about ~The District~. Coming up next week: a guide to the very best of New York-themed TV (Spoiler: Sex and the City is featured very prominently). 

Gif/Photo Source: giphy.com, pinterest.com

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The Ultimate Ben & Jerry’s and Netflix Pairing Menu

Netflix Ice Cream

There are many things that go hand in hand without need for explanation. Football and Thanksgiving, Lau 2 and procrastination, Burnett’s and regrets, winter and leggings, Leo’s and sickness, Rhino and freshmen. But one of the most important of all of these is a good ol’ pint of Ben & Jerry’s and your go-to Netflix show. We at 4E have enough experience to provide you with a proper menu for pairing the perfect flavor with the perfect show.

“House of Cards” and Americone Dream:  What better way to celebrate ‘MERICA and its politically corrupt president in “House of Cards” with a vanilla, caramel, chocolate swirl waffle cone infused pint of B&J. You’ll be scooping mouthfuls of this stuff as you observe Frank mercilessly and oh so cleverly battle his way to the top.

“Gilmore Girls” and Raspberry Chocolate Chunk Froyo:  You may need a little something for comfort as you ceaselessly fret over the future of Lorelai and Luke or Rory’s incessant complaints over her boy troubles. This is where a pint of delicious raspberry froyo sprinkled with chocolate chunks comes into play. Better yet, the fact that it’s froyo and says raspberry on the label makes it healthy enough to fit into the diet you started this morning.

“Weeds” and Half Baked:  With recent legalization laws in place, it’s only fitting that you celebrate with a classic stoner show and some ice cream to help with the munchies. This flavor is not very complicated, but it’s oh so good with its chunks of gooey cookie dough that your pint will be gone in no time.

“Scandal” and Karamal Sutra:  Not only will the title of this ice cream make you feel a little scandalous, but its rich caramel chocolatey core may also get you all hot and bothered. Maybe this is what you need to embrace your inner Olivia Pope and her fierceness. ¡Muy escandalosa!

“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and Hazed and Confused:  What better way to watch the debauchery of these five underachievers with a little, scratch that, a lot of Ben & Jerry’s Hazed and Confused. Like this show, this ice cream combines everything that is good in life into a pint of pure bliss (hazelnut and chocolate). Beware: this show does involve hysterical laughing and tears of happiness, so remember to eat your ice cream in between episodes or during commercials.

Gif: Giphy; Photos: whattofix.com, netflix.com

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5 Reasons Georgetown Students Really Are Olivia Pope

Olivia popeAs every TV-addicted Hoya should know, “Scandal” returns this week. I know, I know … try to contain your excitement. I do not know what it is about this show, but I am addicted. Really, really addicted. I thrive on the D.C.-based drama and (as my bio points out) I am obsessed with Olivia Pope. She is perfection in a white trench coat. Oh, and she also happens to be you. Here’s why:

1. You know that at least one person in your grade has a parent in the CIA. Maybe they don’t know, or maybe they are even a spy themselves. The probability of this is so high it is ridiculous. B613, anyone?

2. Crisis managing is your hidden talent. Olivia’s doing it for Pope & Associates. You’re doing it on Lau 2.

3. Like Olivia, you have a rocking fashion sense. All Georgetown students might not rock the white all the time, but we almost always look fab. Dress to impress? Dress for the job you want? I’m dressing to be Olivia Pope.

olivia-pope-24. You’re awesome at delegating work and watching it all come together. Georgetown students work hard (and we Netflix even harder). Hoyas all possess the natural skill to command and demand attention. Come on, all of us have at least once delegated tasks and reaped the rewards. Life is a battlefield.

5. She went to Georgetown Law. You went to Georgetown undergrad. You and Olivia Pope are both Hoyas. No, you are Olivia Pope.

So grab your white sweater, your glass of red wine (of course, only if you have already been stamped by Tombs) and get ready to learn from the most awesome power woman (fictional) D.C. has ever seen. Because, essentially, you are her.

Photos: parade.condenast.com, strollingthecityinheels.com, lipstickalley.com, verysmartbrothas.com, tvline.com, madamenoir.com
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Who’s Your TV Character Valentine?

tv valentineSometimes fake people are better than real people. When that happens, you sometimes find yourself hopelessly devoted to a TV character. 4E wants you to know that it is OK for that to happen, and in fact, we even encourage it. This Valentine’s Day, it’s time to show some love to the men and women who make our hearts race, ruin our GPAs and keep us up all night long.

10. Jim Halpert from “The Office” He is a rare, endangered species: a sexy paper salesman.

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 9. Khaleesi from “Game of Thrones” She’ll whisper gibberish death threats into your ear, but you’ll still dig it.

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8. Don Draper from “Mad Men” He’s a misogynistic class act who makes you yearn for simpler times, or at least a time when people dressed like Donny.

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7. Phil from “Modern Family” His idea of a perfect Valentine is a woman with a 12-year-old’s idea of a good time.

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6. Leslie Knope from “Parks and Recreation” Sorry folks, Leslie is unavailable this Feb. 14 due to a hangover from Galentine’s Day.

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5. Walter White from “Breaking Bad” Only if you’re feeling dangerous.

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4. Sheldon Cooper from “Big Bang Theory” He’ll blow (up) your mind.

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 3. Dr. McDreamy from “Grey’s Anatomy” It’s a beautiful day to save lives. You? Me? Elevator?

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2. Olivia Pope from “Scandal” Her Valentine is found at the bottom of a glass of Merlot after a hard day of being better than you.

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10. Barney Stinson from “How I Met Your Mother” Forget Valentine’s Day. With Barney Stinson every day is legen — wait for it — dary.

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You may never meet these mythological creatures, but here’s hoping! Cheers to finding love (real or fake), Hoyas!

Photo: https://good4utv.blogspot.com Gifs: https://giphy.com/search
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Poli Sci for the Average Guy: Christie’s Jam Recipe

polisciChris Christie, the (usually) reputable, Republican Governor of New Jersey (and likely 2016 presidential candidate) has found himself in a bit of a jam. What did he do? We’re actually not entirely sure. But his staffers did do the worst thing people ever could do: They created a traffic jam (GASP!) on the route linking northern New Jersey to New York City. The jam created a sticky situation for all.

color-Christie-2016

Governor Christie’s (now former) deputy chief of staff has been accused of “endorsing the mysterious closure of several lanes of traffic in Fort Lee, N.J., as retaliation against the Fort Lee mayor for not supporting the governor’s reelection.” (If proven true, Christie’s red party might hit a major red light politically.) Critics of Christie have referred to the fiasco as “Bridgegate,” a pun on the infamous Watergate scandal. Is Christie the next Nixon, the-I-didn’t-do-that-oh-wait-I-did-that-oh-shoot-now-I-have-to-resign-from-presidency-president … or will he successfully dodge this political bullet and continue down the campaign trail?

christienom1Christie’s response to the whole charade has remained a persistent denial of his connection to the poor traffic control that took place. However, recently leaked emails from Christie aides have led Americans  – Republicans and Democrats alike – to question the honesty of this budding political leader. One such email sent from Christie’s then-deputy chief of staff Bridget Anne Kelly read: “Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee,” and was sent to Port Authority official David Wildstein, a Christie ally, on Aug. 13, 2013.

Kelly has since been dismissed, and Christie recently announced that he was “embarrassed and humiliated” by the actions of his staffers involved in the scandal. The U.S. attorney in New Jersey has also launched an official investigation into the matter.

With the traffic cleared up and the scandal getting foggier, two important questions remain: Was Christie himself tied to the traffic jam? And, more importantly, did Bill Clinton have sexual relations with that woman?

Photos: cagle.com
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Fifteen Shades of Gray

Vincent Gray banner

With only one month remaining until the candidate submission deadline, Vincent Gray has announced his entry into the upcoming D.C. mayoral race. Gray, who is currently serving as mayor of D.C., will seek re-election against several prominent candidates – including Jack Evans, Muriel Bowser and Tommy Wells – in the Democratic primaries. To get to know the candidate a bit better, here are our factual “Fifteen Shades” of Gray:

1. This is Vincent Gray. He is 71 years old.

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2. Gray is a graduate of The George Washington University.

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3. In 2004, Gray defeated incumbent candidate Kevin Chavous to become a member of the D.C. City Council, representing Ward 7.

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4. In 2010, he was elected mayor of D.C. His campaign slogan was “One city. Leadership we need.”

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5. Since taking office, Gray has had several major accomplishments for the city. In order to save the District $19 million in 2011, Gray proposed a plan that would furlough a majority of D.C. workers. (The D.C. Council later passed it.)

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6. As a result, the District has one of its first balanced budgets in years – with no new taxes.

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7. During his tenure, Gray has expanded the Metropolitan Police Department.

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8. During Gray’s time in office, Washington has seen its lowest number of homicides in 50 years.

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9. Since being elected mayor, Gray has implemented numerous reforms in technology and education. Unemployment has fallen almost 3 percent since he took office in 2011.

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10. That being said, Gray’s tenure has also been plagued by scandal.

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11. In what has been termed the “Sulaimon Brown controversy,” Gray has been accused of cronyism and making backroom deals to form his administration.

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12. Accusations of nepotism and unethical hiring processes ran abound. Some of Gray’s political appointees received salaries that were higher than those permitted by District law.

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13. Moreover, several of Gray’s campaign officers pled guilty to illegally diverting campaign funds, in addition to other corruption charges.

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14. Gray has denied any involvement with the campaign scandals. However, numerous D.C. Council members have called for his resignation.

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15. Thus, despite his successes, it looks like Gray faces a rocky road ahead in the 2014 mayoral race. For all of our campaign coverage and more, head over to The Hoya.

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Photos: The Grio, ABC News