AVERAGE EPISODE RATING: 3.0
-N.S.F. Thurmont ***
While Josh maintains a vigil at Donna's hospital bedside...the summit at Camp David is on! Leo thinks it's a fool's errand. As the parties gather, Jed asks him to stay at the White House. In the middle of a three-episode run as the israeli ambassador, is Natalia Nogulich (Admiral Nechayev, STAR TREK).
-The Birnam Wood ***
The summit goes haltingly. Makram Khoury (FREE ZONE) lends a nuanced, understated touch as palestinian Chairman Farad (he has a particularly beautiful scene with McCormack). Armin-Mueller Stahl (AVALON), as israeli Prime Minister Zahavy, is thoughtful gravitas embodied. Leo continues to strongly urge a different path, and in a moment of high tension, Jed fires him. He then walks into the woods and has a massive heart attack. It's starkly-rendered, and made more chilling with the knowledge that John would die of the same cause himself little more than a year later...and was also, like Leo, an alcoholic. His work in this episode will stay with you long after the credits roll.
-Third Day Story ***
This moment always comes upon you sooner than you expect. Leo alive but incapacitated, Jed recruits a new chief of staff. It feels correct to divide the show into three chapters: the classic era, the post-Seaborn era, and the Chief of Staff C.J. era. None of that is a commentary on product; many things will work in this last era, and fine episodes will arise. We'll forget how much has changed...yet not always. In this one, with Leo absent and Jed maintaining a hospital vigil, the staff bumbles around directionless. C.J. admonishes Josh to stop eating like a two-year old. You might watch this episode four or five times and not realize Mallory's in it.
-Liftoff ***
After three humorless episodes, Deborah Cahn again demonstrates she's the only one who knows how to write sorkin-funny. It's C.J.'s first day as Chief of Staff...watch her get creamed! And misrepresented. And bullied by the male establishment. But there's also a brilliant practical joke wherein Toby and Josh (then Jed) pretend to resign. Plus, Georgia (not the state) asks her to accept a gift of weapons-grade uranium. Two of the final three undebuted major characters roll in, as Annabeth Schott (the irrepressible Kristin Chenoweth - KRISTIN, GCB) non-interviews for press secretary. Josh tries to talk congressperson Matt Santos (Jimmy Smits - SWITCH, NYPD BLUE) out of early retirement. Say hello to the tallest and shortest WW regulars ever, one of whom (the perky one) would be criminally underused.
-The Hubbert Peak ***
At a car lot, Josh looks at a hybrid, then test drives an oversized SUV...accidentally driving into the hybrid. Ah, symbolism! During the rush of bad press, a hasty alternative energy summit is convened at the White House. Hopelessness abounds. Wallace Langham (THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW) represents solar power, and Rachael Harris (BEST IN SHOW, A MIGHTY WIND) represents wind. Charlie graduates, and doesn't want to leave his post. Against his wishes, C.J. hires him as her assistant. Zoey comes to a party for him, and agrees to a date.
-The Dover Test ***
The first casualty of the Gaza peace-keeping mission comes home in a body bag. Congressman Santos deftly manipulates dems and republicans, to get a health care bill passed. Smits is a wonderful presence. And, in a little WW tidal eddy, Leo evades the ministrations of his home health care worker (Suleka Mathew). There is a curious energy between them. It's not a romance, yet faintly almost is. It exists in a little bubble (in two episodes, she would never meet any other cast member). When she educates him about her culture, and comes to understand his views a little better...there's just something inexplicably sweet and touching about it all.
-A Change is Gonna Come ***
On the eve of a summit with China, Jed accidentally accepts an independent taiwanese flag, while M.S. has him half-blinded. Charlie must get the flag back from the gifts unit...now tended by Bernard Thatch (Paxton Whitehead - BACK TO SCHOOL)! He's as droll as ever, though the writing isn't as snappy as his first go-round. Hoynes' pre-campaign book tour is in full swing, and he asks Josh to be his Leo. The underestimated Ed O'Neill (MARRIED WITH CHILDREN, DUTCH) debuts as candidate Governor Eric Baker. In one of the most magical musical moments in the show's history, James Taylor plays Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" at a White House banquet.
-In the Room ***
One of the greatest "as themselves" appearances in show history, as Penn & Teller entertain at a White House birthday party for Zoey, and create an uproar when they appear to burn a flag. Josh's confrontation with them is hysterical (and politically razor-sharp). The debut of the final major player in the WW saga: Senator Arnold Vinick, republican populist candidate for president (Alan Alda - M*A*S*H, SAME TIME NEXT YEAR, CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS). You immediately buy the reality of his character, in no uncertain terms. Bartlet is off on Air Force One to the China summit, hiding the fact that M.S. paralysis is spreading through him. The surgeon general (Mary Kay Place) is along for the ride.
-Impact Winter ***
Jed struggles with M.S. semi-paralysis, trying to achieve the goals of the summit from a wheelchair. Plus an asteroid may hit Earth. Leo keeps things under control at the White House, the first time he's played an active role there since the heart attack. In a great scene with Josh, he gives his blessing to drop out and run a dark horse for president. Charlie's replacement, Curtis (Ben Murray, STUDIO 60) has his only memorable moment, when Jed stages a prison break. Curtis carries him off the plane and onto the chinese tarmac. Donna quits, and Josh flies off to Texas, for a great scene with Santos.
-Faith-based Initiative ***
The first of two episodes written by...Bradley Whitford! Not bad at all, particularly a scene between Jed and a senator over whether government should legislate matters of personal choice. Internet rumors surface that C.J. is an amazon lesbian. The debut of Teri Polo (SPORTS NIGHT, MEET THE PARENTS), who would do 18 episodes as Helen Santos. Her chemistry with Smits is instant, undeniable, and enduring. Cleo King (DEADWOOD) has her finest episode as Donna's replacement (which is a mildly left-handed compliment).
-Opposition Research ***
And sooner than you expect...the final story thrust of the series kicks into full gear, as the democratic candidates head to New Hampshire for the primary. Matt wants to talk about issues, but Josh knows that's not how you win in NH. A rocky start. Doug and Liz share an appearance with them, but Doug trashes Matt for personal gain in his own congressional race. A nice scene with Josh and Liz...and the quixotic Santos campaign is already tugging the heartstrings a little. This election will run for the final season and a half, a far cry from the three or four episodes devoted to Bartlet's re-election. It was a very good choice...finishing a wonderful series with a closer look at the election process than anything heretofore given.
-365 Days ***
This one deserves to be held up in a little shake'em globe...a perfectly charming late-era, self-contained White House episode. Leo takes an office, and gives everyone some big picture perspective after they all spend a day putting out fires. Annabeth prepares the first lady to attend a Nascar event (er, race). Kristen Chenoweth's finest episode, and one of Mary McCormack's too...which only underscores how underused they both ultimately were...but cherish the scene where Mary reveals a bit of her romantic past.
-King Corn ***
A superlatively-crafted teleplay, by executive producer John Wells. Telling the parallel story of three campaigns (Russell, Santos, Vinick) courting Iowa voters and grappling with the issue of pandering. Josh and Donna accidentally get hotel rooms across from each other, and the sad discomfort is palpable. Jimmy and Teri and Bradley are razor sharp. With his largest screen time yet, Vinick is the only candidate who takes a principled stand...and gets shellacked for it. His staff debuts, with campaign manager Sheila Brooks (Patricia Richardson - HOME IMPROVEMENT, ULEE'S GOLD) and consultant Bob Mayer (Stephen Root - OFFICE SPACE, NEWSRADIO) turning in impeccable performances. WEST WING has never gone this deep into a season without a four-star episode, but Alan's presence gives you the same sense of assurance that Goodman gave the post-Sorkin transition. Ryan Adam's cover of "Desire" is quite poignant.
-The Wake Up Call ***
It's incumbent upon me to mention the work of two actors who have been around for a long time, but have never before received a word. In one case (Nicole Robinson, as Margaret), that's because her charming work has never been prominent enough to catch my eye. Here, she is happily perhaps outed as the first gay staffer in show history. In the other case (Steve Ryan, as Defense Secretary Miles Hutchinson), my neglect is perhaps because he inhabited his disagreeable character so well that my dislike extended to the actor. The difference between this episode and four stars is but a hair's breath. Tension arises over when to awaken the President, as an international crisis breaks. Abbey bullies the staff. Christopher Lloyd (TAXI, STAR TREK III) is every bit as wonderful as you'd hope Christopher Lloyd would be, as constitutional scholar Lawrence Lessig. Elya Baskin (MOSCOW ON THE HUDSON, THE NAME OF THE ROSE) is charming as a belarussian diplomat. Plus Marbury's back in town! Roger Rees' final WW appearance, and he's beguiling as always, particularly (or not) to Kate, who is forced to babysit him.
-Freedonia ***
Another four-star miss by the teeniest margin. Santos and Josh butt heads over Matt's discomfort with "playing the game", as they face a last-chance shot with the one commercial they can afford. Matt brings in Amy to coach him, which causes more grief. Will all but Hoynes and Russell be locked out of the debate? Donna yells at a chicken. Matt rejects a gimmicky ad, and goes on-air live. You might get a little choked up.
-Drought Conditions ***
The campaigns make a stop in Washington. Toby's sick brother has committed suicide. Josh has a hard time getting into the White House, and his conflicts with Toby come to blows, over a dark horse candidate (Mel Harris - THIRTYSOMETHING) stealing Santos' thunder. Many people who never got into WEST WING claim the dialogue was too fast, and this is the only time i ever agreed with them; it took more than one viewing to figure out exactly who Harris is. But a verrrry funny episode - that Cahn magic is back. Shoring up the evaporating staff at the White House, C.J. hires Cliff Calley (Mark Feuerstein - ROYAL PAINS). He's condescending, and funnier than ever. Charlie tries to set up Kate with a guy from his gym. Her flip-flopping is hysterical, until she realizes the fellow is her ex, and that Charlie misunderstood his inquiry.
-A Good Day ***
A lovely, tight episode about a stem cell bill. When Haffley realizes he doesn't have the votes, he sends everyone home. The dems, led by Santos and orchestrated by Cliff, stage a huge fakeout, pretending to leave town while holing up in the Vice President's congressional office. The second of two episodes ably directed by Richard Schiff. Nathan Burgess plays an idealistic freshperson congressperson so poor he has to live out of his office. The irrepressible Mako(!) (MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA, CONAN THE BARBARIAN) plays a surly, Bartlet-baiting economist who split the Nobel with Jed years ago. A group of children (led by Seth Adkins) lobby Toby for the right to vote - and they sold me. A hunting incident on the canadian border almost triggers an invasion - Kate barely (and humorously) keeps control. William O'Leary (HOT SHOTS, BULL DURHAM) plays a Fish and Wildlife Deputy.
-La Palabra ***
The campaigns jockey for California. Santos is pressured by the latino community to come out against an illegal alien bill, a move that would cost him nationally. Ray Wise (TWIN PEAKS, ROBOCOP) plays a governor willing to give his endorsement to any candidate who stands against the bill. Matt and Helen prepare to mortgage their house to stay in the race - which prompts Josh to tell them to end the campaign. At the last second, a new Hoynes sex scandal breaks, and Santos wins the state by a hair. The debut of the eminently watchable Matthew Del Negro (THE SOPRANOS) as Santos staffer Bram Howard.
-Ninety Miles Away ***
An enjoyable and admirable effort that doesn't quite gel. Amid reports of Castro's failing health, Leo makes a covert trip to Cuba, to try to end forty years of failed policy. Knowledge of the trip leaks out, which could be a landmine for all involved, plus the dem presidential candidates. Flashbacks take you to '95, when battered operative Kate Harper helped a Leo who was too drunk to know it. Guest star Brian Dennehy (FIRST BLOOD, SILVERADO) adds some sheen as a garrulous, ornery, sauced FL senator...but this is one of the few moments when the presence of a big guest star could almost be seen as what it is, a famous actor wanting to appear on one of TV's greatest shows. One of the few moments when the show didn't create some alternate reality leader of a foreign nation, but used the real one.
-In God We Trust ****
There are a couple almost-lulls, but the great stuff is undeniable. Left-leaning Vinick wins the republican nomination, while the dems are undecided going into the convention. Wanting to pick a veep candidate quickly, he offers it to Rev. Don Butler (Don S. Davis - BEST IN SHOW, STARGATE: SG1), whose pull with the far right would sew up the election. Don is great, but Don passes. The irrepressible Bruno Gianelli (Ron Silver!) shows up, telling Vinick he can lead him to a fifty-state win. Vinick picks Gov. Ray Sullivan (Brett Cullen - SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT, FALCON CREST), who would be spot-on in five episodes. All of those are just the hor d'oeuvres to a scene between Alda and Sheen, working out a bill compromise, eating ice cream, and talking about the separation of church and state. A non-believing republican debating a devout democrat. It's scintillating, and brilliant.
-Things Fall Apart ***
The convention arrives, with no clear candidate. Some prime Santos camp doings, as Matt mulls over Russell's offer of the vice presidency. Leo leans on Josh to take it. Jed finds Charlie leaving Zoey's room in the early morning, his shirt undone.
-2162 Votes ***
The convention is thrown into deeper turmoil when Baker gets back into the race! Matt accepts that his bid is lost...but refuses to accede, giving a floor speech that stirs the party. A Santos nomination in hand, Leo is tapped for veep. We never buy this 100%, not just because of the Cheyney-like heart condition - drug addiction too? But it makes for a fun last-season ride for Mr. Spencer. The last substantive appearance for Hoynes - thank you, Mr. Matheson, you were perfect.
-The Birnam Wood ***
The summit goes haltingly. Makram Khoury (FREE ZONE) lends a nuanced, understated touch as palestinian Chairman Farad (he has a particularly beautiful scene with McCormack). Armin-Mueller Stahl (AVALON), as israeli Prime Minister Zahavy, is thoughtful gravitas embodied. Leo continues to strongly urge a different path, and in a moment of high tension, Jed fires him. He then walks into the woods and has a massive heart attack. It's starkly-rendered, and made more chilling with the knowledge that John would die of the same cause himself little more than a year later...and was also, like Leo, an alcoholic. His work in this episode will stay with you long after the credits roll.
-Third Day Story ***
This moment always comes upon you sooner than you expect. Leo alive but incapacitated, Jed recruits a new chief of staff. It feels correct to divide the show into three chapters: the classic era, the post-Seaborn era, and the Chief of Staff C.J. era. None of that is a commentary on product; many things will work in this last era, and fine episodes will arise. We'll forget how much has changed...yet not always. In this one, with Leo absent and Jed maintaining a hospital vigil, the staff bumbles around directionless. C.J. admonishes Josh to stop eating like a two-year old. You might watch this episode four or five times and not realize Mallory's in it.
-Liftoff ***
After three humorless episodes, Deborah Cahn again demonstrates she's the only one who knows how to write sorkin-funny. It's C.J.'s first day as Chief of Staff...watch her get creamed! And misrepresented. And bullied by the male establishment. But there's also a brilliant practical joke wherein Toby and Josh (then Jed) pretend to resign. Plus, Georgia (not the state) asks her to accept a gift of weapons-grade uranium. Two of the final three undebuted major characters roll in, as Annabeth Schott (the irrepressible Kristin Chenoweth - KRISTIN, GCB) non-interviews for press secretary. Josh tries to talk congressperson Matt Santos (Jimmy Smits - SWITCH, NYPD BLUE) out of early retirement. Say hello to the tallest and shortest WW regulars ever, one of whom (the perky one) would be criminally underused.
-The Hubbert Peak ***
At a car lot, Josh looks at a hybrid, then test drives an oversized SUV...accidentally driving into the hybrid. Ah, symbolism! During the rush of bad press, a hasty alternative energy summit is convened at the White House. Hopelessness abounds. Wallace Langham (THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW) represents solar power, and Rachael Harris (BEST IN SHOW, A MIGHTY WIND) represents wind. Charlie graduates, and doesn't want to leave his post. Against his wishes, C.J. hires him as her assistant. Zoey comes to a party for him, and agrees to a date.
-The Dover Test ***
The first casualty of the Gaza peace-keeping mission comes home in a body bag. Congressman Santos deftly manipulates dems and republicans, to get a health care bill passed. Smits is a wonderful presence. And, in a little WW tidal eddy, Leo evades the ministrations of his home health care worker (Suleka Mathew). There is a curious energy between them. It's not a romance, yet faintly almost is. It exists in a little bubble (in two episodes, she would never meet any other cast member). When she educates him about her culture, and comes to understand his views a little better...there's just something inexplicably sweet and touching about it all.
-A Change is Gonna Come ***
On the eve of a summit with China, Jed accidentally accepts an independent taiwanese flag, while M.S. has him half-blinded. Charlie must get the flag back from the gifts unit...now tended by Bernard Thatch (Paxton Whitehead - BACK TO SCHOOL)! He's as droll as ever, though the writing isn't as snappy as his first go-round. Hoynes' pre-campaign book tour is in full swing, and he asks Josh to be his Leo. The underestimated Ed O'Neill (MARRIED WITH CHILDREN, DUTCH) debuts as candidate Governor Eric Baker. In one of the most magical musical moments in the show's history, James Taylor plays Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" at a White House banquet.
-In the Room ***
One of the greatest "as themselves" appearances in show history, as Penn & Teller entertain at a White House birthday party for Zoey, and create an uproar when they appear to burn a flag. Josh's confrontation with them is hysterical (and politically razor-sharp). The debut of the final major player in the WW saga: Senator Arnold Vinick, republican populist candidate for president (Alan Alda - M*A*S*H, SAME TIME NEXT YEAR, CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS). You immediately buy the reality of his character, in no uncertain terms. Bartlet is off on Air Force One to the China summit, hiding the fact that M.S. paralysis is spreading through him. The surgeon general (Mary Kay Place) is along for the ride.
-Impact Winter ***
Jed struggles with M.S. semi-paralysis, trying to achieve the goals of the summit from a wheelchair. Plus an asteroid may hit Earth. Leo keeps things under control at the White House, the first time he's played an active role there since the heart attack. In a great scene with Josh, he gives his blessing to drop out and run a dark horse for president. Charlie's replacement, Curtis (Ben Murray, STUDIO 60) has his only memorable moment, when Jed stages a prison break. Curtis carries him off the plane and onto the chinese tarmac. Donna quits, and Josh flies off to Texas, for a great scene with Santos.
-Faith-based Initiative ***
The first of two episodes written by...Bradley Whitford! Not bad at all, particularly a scene between Jed and a senator over whether government should legislate matters of personal choice. Internet rumors surface that C.J. is an amazon lesbian. The debut of Teri Polo (SPORTS NIGHT, MEET THE PARENTS), who would do 18 episodes as Helen Santos. Her chemistry with Smits is instant, undeniable, and enduring. Cleo King (DEADWOOD) has her finest episode as Donna's replacement (which is a mildly left-handed compliment).
-Opposition Research ***
And sooner than you expect...the final story thrust of the series kicks into full gear, as the democratic candidates head to New Hampshire for the primary. Matt wants to talk about issues, but Josh knows that's not how you win in NH. A rocky start. Doug and Liz share an appearance with them, but Doug trashes Matt for personal gain in his own congressional race. A nice scene with Josh and Liz...and the quixotic Santos campaign is already tugging the heartstrings a little. This election will run for the final season and a half, a far cry from the three or four episodes devoted to Bartlet's re-election. It was a very good choice...finishing a wonderful series with a closer look at the election process than anything heretofore given.
-365 Days ***
This one deserves to be held up in a little shake'em globe...a perfectly charming late-era, self-contained White House episode. Leo takes an office, and gives everyone some big picture perspective after they all spend a day putting out fires. Annabeth prepares the first lady to attend a Nascar event (er, race). Kristen Chenoweth's finest episode, and one of Mary McCormack's too...which only underscores how underused they both ultimately were...but cherish the scene where Mary reveals a bit of her romantic past.
-King Corn ***
A superlatively-crafted teleplay, by executive producer John Wells. Telling the parallel story of three campaigns (Russell, Santos, Vinick) courting Iowa voters and grappling with the issue of pandering. Josh and Donna accidentally get hotel rooms across from each other, and the sad discomfort is palpable. Jimmy and Teri and Bradley are razor sharp. With his largest screen time yet, Vinick is the only candidate who takes a principled stand...and gets shellacked for it. His staff debuts, with campaign manager Sheila Brooks (Patricia Richardson - HOME IMPROVEMENT, ULEE'S GOLD) and consultant Bob Mayer (Stephen Root - OFFICE SPACE, NEWSRADIO) turning in impeccable performances. WEST WING has never gone this deep into a season without a four-star episode, but Alan's presence gives you the same sense of assurance that Goodman gave the post-Sorkin transition. Ryan Adam's cover of "Desire" is quite poignant.
-The Wake Up Call ***
It's incumbent upon me to mention the work of two actors who have been around for a long time, but have never before received a word. In one case (Nicole Robinson, as Margaret), that's because her charming work has never been prominent enough to catch my eye. Here, she is happily perhaps outed as the first gay staffer in show history. In the other case (Steve Ryan, as Defense Secretary Miles Hutchinson), my neglect is perhaps because he inhabited his disagreeable character so well that my dislike extended to the actor. The difference between this episode and four stars is but a hair's breath. Tension arises over when to awaken the President, as an international crisis breaks. Abbey bullies the staff. Christopher Lloyd (TAXI, STAR TREK III) is every bit as wonderful as you'd hope Christopher Lloyd would be, as constitutional scholar Lawrence Lessig. Elya Baskin (MOSCOW ON THE HUDSON, THE NAME OF THE ROSE) is charming as a belarussian diplomat. Plus Marbury's back in town! Roger Rees' final WW appearance, and he's beguiling as always, particularly (or not) to Kate, who is forced to babysit him.
-Freedonia ***
Another four-star miss by the teeniest margin. Santos and Josh butt heads over Matt's discomfort with "playing the game", as they face a last-chance shot with the one commercial they can afford. Matt brings in Amy to coach him, which causes more grief. Will all but Hoynes and Russell be locked out of the debate? Donna yells at a chicken. Matt rejects a gimmicky ad, and goes on-air live. You might get a little choked up.
-Drought Conditions ***
The campaigns make a stop in Washington. Toby's sick brother has committed suicide. Josh has a hard time getting into the White House, and his conflicts with Toby come to blows, over a dark horse candidate (Mel Harris - THIRTYSOMETHING) stealing Santos' thunder. Many people who never got into WEST WING claim the dialogue was too fast, and this is the only time i ever agreed with them; it took more than one viewing to figure out exactly who Harris is. But a verrrry funny episode - that Cahn magic is back. Shoring up the evaporating staff at the White House, C.J. hires Cliff Calley (Mark Feuerstein - ROYAL PAINS). He's condescending, and funnier than ever. Charlie tries to set up Kate with a guy from his gym. Her flip-flopping is hysterical, until she realizes the fellow is her ex, and that Charlie misunderstood his inquiry.
-A Good Day ***
A lovely, tight episode about a stem cell bill. When Haffley realizes he doesn't have the votes, he sends everyone home. The dems, led by Santos and orchestrated by Cliff, stage a huge fakeout, pretending to leave town while holing up in the Vice President's congressional office. The second of two episodes ably directed by Richard Schiff. Nathan Burgess plays an idealistic freshperson congressperson so poor he has to live out of his office. The irrepressible Mako(!) (MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA, CONAN THE BARBARIAN) plays a surly, Bartlet-baiting economist who split the Nobel with Jed years ago. A group of children (led by Seth Adkins) lobby Toby for the right to vote - and they sold me. A hunting incident on the canadian border almost triggers an invasion - Kate barely (and humorously) keeps control. William O'Leary (HOT SHOTS, BULL DURHAM) plays a Fish and Wildlife Deputy.
-La Palabra ***
The campaigns jockey for California. Santos is pressured by the latino community to come out against an illegal alien bill, a move that would cost him nationally. Ray Wise (TWIN PEAKS, ROBOCOP) plays a governor willing to give his endorsement to any candidate who stands against the bill. Matt and Helen prepare to mortgage their house to stay in the race - which prompts Josh to tell them to end the campaign. At the last second, a new Hoynes sex scandal breaks, and Santos wins the state by a hair. The debut of the eminently watchable Matthew Del Negro (THE SOPRANOS) as Santos staffer Bram Howard.
-Ninety Miles Away ***
An enjoyable and admirable effort that doesn't quite gel. Amid reports of Castro's failing health, Leo makes a covert trip to Cuba, to try to end forty years of failed policy. Knowledge of the trip leaks out, which could be a landmine for all involved, plus the dem presidential candidates. Flashbacks take you to '95, when battered operative Kate Harper helped a Leo who was too drunk to know it. Guest star Brian Dennehy (FIRST BLOOD, SILVERADO) adds some sheen as a garrulous, ornery, sauced FL senator...but this is one of the few moments when the presence of a big guest star could almost be seen as what it is, a famous actor wanting to appear on one of TV's greatest shows. One of the few moments when the show didn't create some alternate reality leader of a foreign nation, but used the real one.
-In God We Trust ****
There are a couple almost-lulls, but the great stuff is undeniable. Left-leaning Vinick wins the republican nomination, while the dems are undecided going into the convention. Wanting to pick a veep candidate quickly, he offers it to Rev. Don Butler (Don S. Davis - BEST IN SHOW, STARGATE: SG1), whose pull with the far right would sew up the election. Don is great, but Don passes. The irrepressible Bruno Gianelli (Ron Silver!) shows up, telling Vinick he can lead him to a fifty-state win. Vinick picks Gov. Ray Sullivan (Brett Cullen - SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT, FALCON CREST), who would be spot-on in five episodes. All of those are just the hor d'oeuvres to a scene between Alda and Sheen, working out a bill compromise, eating ice cream, and talking about the separation of church and state. A non-believing republican debating a devout democrat. It's scintillating, and brilliant.
-Things Fall Apart ***
The convention arrives, with no clear candidate. Some prime Santos camp doings, as Matt mulls over Russell's offer of the vice presidency. Leo leans on Josh to take it. Jed finds Charlie leaving Zoey's room in the early morning, his shirt undone.
-2162 Votes ***
The convention is thrown into deeper turmoil when Baker gets back into the race! Matt accepts that his bid is lost...but refuses to accede, giving a floor speech that stirs the party. A Santos nomination in hand, Leo is tapped for veep. We never buy this 100%, not just because of the Cheyney-like heart condition - drug addiction too? But it makes for a fun last-season ride for Mr. Spencer. The last substantive appearance for Hoynes - thank you, Mr. Matheson, you were perfect.
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