"The West Wing"

1999-2006
-created by aaron sorkin
Hail to the show, it's the one we all say hail to! The first season of sorkin's masterpiece tied M*A*S*H's all-time record for greatest number of four-star episodes in a season. Some complain that the dialogue was too rapid. To that i reply, there's not one single thing wrong with HEE HAW. And yes, this is also one of the most flawed "best shows ever". Especially in the first season, but further on too, there are patches of cringingly contrived writing, most of them centered around the ennobling of liberals/vilifying of conservatives. The only thing missing is some good mustache-twirling. Yes, there are a few moments when sympathetic republicans make salient points...but by and large, the show comes perilously close to being a slobbering knob-job to all things democrat (an almost unforgivable sin in a country where no party has any intention of ending poverty or making this a genuine democracy). But all that aside, the show's chemistry and dialogue are just off-the-charts...and it often does show admirable humanist heart.
I considered compiling a "Lamest Lead-ins to the Intro Music" list, but that would have made me a fetishist, not a fan.
SERIES EPISODE AVERAGE: 3.14
BY SEASON:
1) 3.5
2) 3.2
3) 3.0
4) 3.1
5) 3.1
6) 3.0
7) 3.1
FOUR-STAR EPISODES (season)
-Post Hoc, ergo Propter Hoc (1)
-A Proportional Response (1)
-Mr. Willis of Ohio (1)
-The Short List (1)
-In Excelsis Deo (1)
-Lord John Marbury (1)
-He Shall, From Time to Time (1)
-Take Out the Trash Day (1)
-Take this Sabbath Day (1)
-The White House Pro-Am (1)
-Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics (1)
-The Midterms (2)
-And It's Surely to Their Credit (2)
-The Portland Trip (2)
-Noel (2)
-Somebody's Going to Emergency, Somebody's Going to Jail (2)
-Bad Moon Rising (2)
-Two Cathedrals (2)
-Night Five (3)
-Dead Irish Writers (3)
-The Black Vera Wang (3)
-We Killed Yamamoto (3)
-Posse Comitatus (3)
-20 Hours in America (4)
-Arctic Radar (4)
-Life on Mars (4)
-Commencement (4)
-Twenty Five (4)
-7A WF 83429 (5)
-The Dogs of War (5)
-Han (5)
-The Supremes (5)
-No Exit (5)
-In God We Trust (6)
-Undecideds (7)
-The Last Hurrah (7)

MOST BADLY-WRITTEN EPISODES*

Pilot (1)

In This White House (2)

Shibboleth (2)

*With special recognition given to the occasionally caricaturish portrayals of republicans in seasons 1&2.

GREATEST PERFORMANCES [# of episodes]

-ALLISON JANNEY [155]

One half of two of the show's top three romances.
JANNEYTHON
The Women of Qumar (3)
The Long Goodbye (4)
Liftoff (6)
Institutional Memory (7)
The Disaster Show (STUDIO 60)

-MARTIN SHEEN [154]

Originally intended as a minor character, Sheen made Bartlet (i mean, President Bartlet) one of the iconic roles of TV history. Josiah was so likable that you forgot what a tightass he could be.
JOSIAHTHON
Two Cathedrals (2)
Day Five (3)
Han (4)
Impact Winter (6)

-JOHN SPENCER [153]

Leo's conversation with the fired staffer, in which he tries to explain alcoholism, has a poignancy of which other shows only dream.
LEOTHON
Take Out the Trash Day (1)
Bartlet for America (3)
An Khe (5)
The Dover Test (6)

-BRADLEY WHITFORD [153]

He handled the show's toughest acting challenge, making Josh's manic side believable.
JOSHATHON
The Crackpots and These Women (1)
Six Meetings Before Lunch (1)
The Portland Trip (2)
Noel (2)

-JANEL MOLONEY [148]

Never has serial failed romance shined more sweetly.
JANELATHON
The Six Southern Gentlemen of Tennessee (SPORTS NIGHT)
Stirred (3)
Election Night (4)
Gaza (5)
Transition (7)

-RICHARD SCHIFF [146]

The show's other most-tough role was making Toby lovable.
TOBYTHON
In Excelsis Deo (1)
17 People (2)
Holy Night (4)
Commencement (4)

-DULE HILL [133]

The show's greatest romance, and greatest father/son moments.
CHARLIETHON
A Proportional Response (1)
Shibboleth (2)
The Midterms (2)
The Benign Prerogative (5)

-ROB LOWE [82]

I say thee yay, Sam Seaborn!!
SAMMYTHON
pilot (1)
Enemies (1)
100,000 Airplanes (3)
Hartsfield's Landing (3)
Transition (7)

-JOSHUA MALINA [77]

He's no seaborn, but nobody ever walked in on a goat better. There, i'm done dealing with the Baileys.
BAILEYTHON
Game On (4)
Election Night (4)
No Exit (5)
Drought Conditions (6)

-STOCKARD CHANNING [63]

Not one single false note (well, okay, one...see below).

-KIM WEBSTER [57]

You might not notice Ginger the first time or two you see the series, but once you do, you can't stop. Her smoky voice made me want to lose a week nibbling her throat.

-KRIS MURPHY [52]

Oh press room Katie, my state secrets are yours. And while we're on the subject, why wasn't Sam Robards' storyline given to her, or Steve or Mark or Chris?

-JIMMY SMITS [35]

The speech Santos gives in the L.A. church is one of the moments that only come along once or twice in a lucky actor's career.
SANTOSTHON
Faith Based Initiative (6)
Freedonia (6)
A Good Day (6)
Undecideds (7)

-KATHRYN JOOSTEN [30]

Even though it contributed to arguably the show's best episode, i remain irked by Mrs. Landingham's death.

-ALAN ALDA [28]

Do you grasp the enormity of the fact that his most famous role never once popped into our heads? I think Alan maybe even had fun with this...Vinick sneezed once, and i'm pretty sure he was ever-so-subtly invoking a certain denizen of the Swamp.
ARNIETHON
In the Room (6)
King Corn (6)
In God We Trust (6)
The Last Hurrah (7)

-TIMOTHY BUSFIELD [28]

Was there a single Danny moment you took your eyes off him? With Amos, Arkin, Rees, and Harmon, he gets the show's highest "Excitement Per Screen Second" rating.
BUSFIELDATHON
He Shall, From Time to Time (1)
Inauguration Part 1 (4)
Internal Displacement (7)
The Harriet Dinner, pt. 1 (STUDIO 60)

-ELISABETH MOSS [25]

Sigh...anyone out there NOT want to be in for the night with Bookbag?
ZOEYTHON
The Crackpots and These Women (1)
Mr. Willis of Ohio (1)
Evidence of Things Unseen (4)
Commencement (4)
-MARY LOUISE-PARKER [23]
We didn't want to like her, with her keeping-josh-and-donna-apart behavior, but she was quite adorable. And feministly frightening, in the best way. Isn't it funny how a show can affect you? In real life, i wouldn't be so discouraging of josh being people other than donna - multiple partners make one more of a person, not less. But in the context of a show, where you're rooting for certain characters to do certain things, you often end up hating anything that impedes that consummation.

-MOIRA KELLY [22]

Just kidding, she was terrible. Which annoys the heck out of me, because i love the show, and i like other stuff she's done. The mandy math doesn't add up.

-JOHN AMOS [22]

Hear ye, hear ye! Cast your votes! Is Fitz a horse thief, or is he a so-and-so? Could he be both? We don't even know-and-know.

-TIM MATHESON [19]

In a cast of heavyweights, he never seemed like the lightweight his other most famous role had prepared us for.
HOYNESATHON
Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc (1)
War Crimes (3)
Stirred (3)
Life on Mars (4)

-TERI POLO [18]

Why does she not have her own show, or pick of film roles? Why, in her most famous film, does she play second fiddle to Jerry Stiller's marginally-talented son?

-MARLEE MATLIN [17]

I'm Joey Lucas!! Now go see CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD!

-MICHAEL O'NEILL [16]

Only 16 episodes? 116 would have been nice. Have you ever seen Agent Butterfield run? You don't want to see it.

-EMILY PROCTOR [12]

Ainsley, oh Ainsley, it is you who deserve the finest muffins in the land.
AINSLEYTHON
In This White House (2)
And It is Surely to their Credit (2)
The Lame Duck Congress (2)
Bartlet's Third State of the Union (2)

-OLIVER PLATT [9]

He's never found anything charming. We find that charming.

-DANICA MCKELLAR [8]

More Snuffin! More Snuffin!! Dammit, more Snuffin!!! Okay, i guess i wasn't done dealing with the Baileys.

-MELISSA MARSALA [6]

In denying us our Rina/Toby romance, the producers ran away from greatness.

-LISA EDELSTEIN [5]

Sam slept with a call girl. Are you as surprised as i that she did only five episodes?

-ROGER REES [5]

Hear ye, hear ye! Let us commence the Marburyathon!
Lord John Marbury (1)
He Shall, From Time to Time (1)
The Drop-In (2)
Dead Irish Poets (3)

-ADAM ARKIN [4]

No actor had a higher four-star percentage.

-MARK HARMON [4]

In a good career, the best thing he's ever done.
SIMONTHON
Enemies Foreign and Domestic (3)
The Black Vera Wang (3)
We Killed Yamamoto (3)
Posse Comitatus (3)

-JOHN GOODMAN [4]

Not the best thing he's ever done, but still miles above us mere mortals.
WALKENATHON
Twenty Five (4)
7A WF 83429 (5)
The Dogs of War (5)
The Stormy Present (5)

-JOHN LAROQUETTE [2]

IMDB credits our cuddly Mr. Tribby with only one episode. Somebody get on that.

-EDWARD JAMES OLMOS [2]

How does one loom this large in just two episodes?

-JOHN DE LANCIE [2]

Along with appearances by Robert Picardo, John Billingsley, James Cromwell, Armin Shimerman, Randy Oglesby, Vaughn Armstrong, Rosalind Chao, and Steven Culp, we proudly announce the non-fetish-a-thon!

-PAXTON WHITEHEAD [2]

You're a freakishly funny actor.
SUPREMESATHON
The Short List (1)
Celestial Navigation (1)
Separation of Powers (5)
The Supremes (5)
MAXMASTHON
In Excelsis Deo (1)
Noel (2)
Holy Night (4)
The Christmas Show (STUDIO 60)

GREATEST ONE-OFFS

1) Tony Lee, "Han"

2) Zakes Mokae, "In This White House"

3) Karl Malden, "Take This Sabbath Day"

4) Penn & Teller, "In The Room"

5) Donald Moffat, "The Long Goodbye"

6) Bob Balaban, "20 Hours in L.A."

7) Hector Elizondo, "Dead Irish Writers"

8) Matthew Modine, "The Long Goodbye"

Finally, our love goes to Melissa Fitzgerald, Nicole Robinson, Mary-Louise Parker, Ron Silver, Gary Cole, Mary McCormack, Kathleen York, Lily Tomlin, Matthew Perry, Kristin Chenoweth, Allison Smith, Mark Feuerstein, Christian Slater, Jorja Fox, Taye Diggs, Hal Holbrook, and James Brolin.

Here's to the show's Mt. Rushmore, Aaron and little Tommy Schlamme. And of course Mr. Snuffy Walden! And John Wells and Christopher Misiano. Plus Deborah Cahn, the only one who deserves a spot on Rushmore with the founders. Thanks to her, the notion that the final seasons were unworthy is largely bunkum.

AND THE QUIZ!

1) Which state was referenced more than any, to such an extent that it had to be an in-joke?

2) Abbey mispronounces the name of what belgian king?

3) Which character self-zinged the show, with a line about "the voyeuristic gluttony of an American public hooked on a soap opera that's passing itself off as important"?

4) Which supposedly intelligent character repeatedly gave the linguistically incorrect version of the phrase "i could/couldn't care less"...Toby, Josh, or Jed?*

5) What faintly scatologically-titled episode shows Josh in the act of dumping?

6) Which musical guest star had music featured in two episodes?

7) How was "20 Hours in L.A." inconsistent with C.J.'s backstory?

8) Which character had an offstage line dubbed in by another actor, in a Christmas episode?

9) What Oscar-winner's final onscreen credit was WEST WING?
*I'll answer this one here - it's toby. Yet josh gets it right...leaving one to wonder whether that wasn't an acting "fix" of a poorly-written line.

The West Wing, season 7

FOUR-STAR EPISODES: 2
AVERAGE EPISODE RATING: 3.1
-The Ticket ***
Santos/McGarry hits the campaign trail. Talk of Leo's health diverts attention from the issues, and his inexperience as a candidate shows. Ms. Chenoweth shines. Plus some Joey Lucas (Marlee Matlin). The teaser is a flashforward to the Bartlet Presidential Library dedication. The whole gang is there (well, no Seaborn), plus Danny. It's very nice, and as a whole feels more classically WEST WING than the previous season. Plus the return of...Oliver Babish (Oliver Platt - BULWORTH)! Classified information about a military shuttle has been leaked, and he has to grill C.J. Donna applies to the Santos campaign for a job, and has an awkward, excellent scene with Josh.
-The Mommy Problem ***
A great use of Steve Miller's "Jet Airliner" takes us on the Santos campaign trail, where the effort to keep on message is sidetracked by gossip about a broken hotel bed. Josh is swamped, and reluctantly hires Lou Thornton (Janeane Garofolo - DOGMA, MYSTERY MEN) to shape their message. Santos is called up for a weekend of military reserve duty...but the staff ponders having him resign his commission when his history of postponements comes up. He preempts the no-win debate by taking his duty immediately.
-Message of the Week ***
The Vinick campaign cagily pushes Santos off-message by raising border patrol issues, and sponsoring an immigration bill. Some prime Gianelli. Vinick is troubled by religious groups who insist he promise to appoint anti-abortion judges. He lies to appease them, and it recoils on him. Sullivan saves the day. One of Vinick's top aides (Julian Acosta), a latino troubled by the attacks on Santos' heritage, resigns. Chris Matthews does a beautiful background appearance as his HARDBALL self.
-Mr. Frost ***
Santos fields a question on intelligent design, and turns a "god gaffe" into a harder question for Vinick. As Leo is subpoenaed, Toby admits to leaking the existence of the military shuttle...a move that effectively ends his character's arc. Richard Schiff acknowledges being disenchanted with how the writers handled this last season....and i can't blame him. I understand how they thought it might work, but there were so many more compelling options to be had for our prickly Mr. Ziegler. Come back, Rina?
-Here Today ***
There were some moments of Toby's demise that worked...the promotion of Will to communications director after a near-complete absence the first four episodes, is welcome (there's so much change going on that even the absence of a replacement character felt disjointing). The final scene between Jed and Toby is handled just right. It's left to Babish, of all people, to say a kind word to Toby as he's ushered out of the building.
-The Al Smith Dinner ***
An ad placed by an ultra-conservative group attacking Santos' support of abortion puts both candidates in an uncomfortable position, and threatens to reduce the race to negative attacks. A woman's coalition flirts with supporting Vinick - their meeting with Santos provides one of the most clear-thinking positions on abortion i've ever heard (play it for any anti-abortionist you know). Smits and Alda have an unplanned meeting, where they nip the negativity and set up a no-holds-barred debate.
-The Debate ***
Occasionally brilliant, and always audacious. The Santos/Vinick debate is recorded live. No really, for real, they recorded it live. Moderated by Forrest Sawyer. Alda and Smits rise to the moment (talk about channeling the exact flavor of fear needed for a performance). One of the series' greatest achievements. The only episode in which none of the original regulars appear.
-Undecideds ****
The only WW episode that guarantees my tears. Santos gives a towering speech in an african-american church, two days after a neighborhood boy is killed by an hispanic cop. Smits' most powerful moment of the series. As he walks out of the church, to the standing applause of a crowd who hadn't much wanted him there, he takes the hand of his pink-skinned wife. Beautiful imagery...and further evidence that writer Deborah Cahn is the only reason that post-Sorkin naysayers are emphatically wrong. A decidedly icy Toby gets a visit from Josh, the first contact he's had with anyone since being fired. Mary McCormack gets a beautiful, hysterical moment watching Will Bailey's ass.
-The Wedding ***
Some more goofy, strange magic as Kate asks Will whether he owns a tux. Thank you to the producers for not going the obvious route, and giving the White House wedding to Charlie and Zoey. Jed is delayed as China and Russia mobilize over an oil conflict in Kazakhstan.
-Running Mates ***
An episode of high water marks. Will and Kate flirt their way into a charming first date. The greatest episode for Matt & Helen fans, as he returns home for the last time before the election (and her red thong undies get snapped by paparazzi). The greatest Chenoweth episode, as she preps Leo for the vice presidential debate. Her flirtations are darling. She gives sexy a whole new slant; it's disturbing to be served apple pie with this much cherry in it. It's neither her fault nor Spencer's that they don't have better chemistry. It's also a shame they were never able to get more screen time for Santos staffer Ronna (Karis Campbell). She's a constant delight.
-Internal Displacement ***
The teaser, with Danny revealing to C.J. that presidential son-in-law and congressional candidate Doug has been having sex with the family's nanny, is pure brilliance. I laughed hysterically at the dialogue and acting...humor-wise, Sorkin never did better himself. I looked up the writer, expecting "Cahn"...but it was our very own Bradley Whitford! The rest of the episode doesn't disappoint, as Will has to investigate the reports, and C.J. has to tell Doug the President can't appear with him. She also receives an unexpected visit from Liz Bartlet (the wonderful Annabeth Gish). The Busfield/Janney scenes are by far the best thing going here, as he tells her he wants to be a part of her life. It's been too long since WW was this fulfilling.
-Duck and Cover ***
A nuclear accident in California deals a major blow to pro-nuke candidate Vinick. This episode nobly tries to frighten us out of our paralytic hope that none of these ticking bombs in our midst will have an "oops". As new polls announce the candidates are dead even, a celebratory Josh and Donna fall into each other's arms...and lips. Seven years of waiting is over.
-The Cold ***
In the wake of the nuclear accident, the Vinick campaign must court republican core voters. To aid this, campaign manager Sheila (Patricia Richardson) resigns - a touching moment, and her finest. Bartlet calls both candidates to the White House, to tell them the U.S. must send 150,000 troops between the armies of Russia and China, to prevent nuclear war. The final shot of Vinick in silhouette, sick and alone, walking into a brightly-lit event, is one of the most cinematographically enduring of the series.
-Two Weeks Out ***
The candidates race to CA. Vinick holds a marathon press conference at the power plant where the accident occurred. Gianelli discovers Santos' briefcase in a common holding room; it contains evidence of hush payments to a single mother. Vinick struggles with what to do with this information.
-Welcome to Wherever You Are ***
Chenoweth sings! On the eve of the election, a prosecutor threatens another indictment of Toby, which would result in an election-sabotaging subpoena of Leo. It's Halloween, as Santos' son pukes on a neighbors' porch during a photo op, and Toby can't take his kids around at the same time as Andy. John Bon Jovi babysits (for Santos, not Toby).
-Election Day ***
The early results are tight and unpredictable. Josh goes manic. Foo Fighters rehearse. The night before, the staffers paired off for sex. Josh and Donna spend the day in and out of bed...an amazing thing after seven years (she looks fantastic, i'll add). In Houston, Helen humps the restless candidate to sleep. Politics, sex...and death, as Annabeth finds a collapsed Leo.
-Election Day, part 2 ***
Leo dies. As the polls are closing, the race is too close to call. The candidates struggle with what to announce, and whether to contest the results. At Vinick headquarters, Gianelli and Mayer (Stephen Root) have a beautiful scene (as one would expect). Stephen is another one to add to the list of the criminally underused...but it's beautiful having him there. Santos wins.
-Requiem ***
Leo's funeral. How many stars of enormously successful shows died during the run, requiring their death be written into the storyline? John Spencer joins Michael Conrad of HILL STREET BLUES, Phil Hartman of NEWSRADIO, and CHEERS' Nicholas Colasanto. His death is handled as movingly and seamlessly as any of them. The list of recurring characters who appear at the funeral is so huge, it's easier to mention the handful who are missing. No Seaborn, no Marbury, no Butterfield, no Tribby or Babish...and no Mandy (don't scoff, it would have been a beautiful touch). But that's about it. The actor turnout is also a beautiful tribute to the show itself, as the final season winds down. Back at the White House, a more intimate gathering is held. The spillover between fiction and reality lends great poignance. C.J. and Danny again flounder romantically, as Josh and Donna do the same (we're just one step removed from bedroom farce, really). Any time Busfield and Janney share a scene, the four-star meter starts pinging.
-Transition ***
Hold on to your housefrock. He's back. He's back. He's really, really back. Mr. S. Norman Seaborn (Sam, to the uninitiated, also sometimes known as Rob Lowe). He's actually back. Wheeeeeeee! Josh travels to L.A., to walk in on lawyer Sam in a deja vu scene. He offers him deputy chief of staff. But Josh is unraveling in manic anxiety (and self-destructing his romance with Donna). Helen asks Donna to be her chief of staff. Sam shows up in D.C. and agrees to take the job, on the condition that Josh immediately take a week off on a beach somewhere. Josh finally agrees...and asks Donna to go with him. She agrees. Beautiful.
-The Last Hurrah ****
When Alan Alda signed on to be a regular cast member of the greatest television show since M*A*S*H, this is the episode of which he dreamed. A towering portrayal of a man who goes from a hair's breath away from the presidency, to nobody. Arnie shuffles around his office, trying to convince his remaining staff (Richardson and Root) that he can win the next presidential election. At a coffee shop, the barista calls him Ernie. And then...thinking he's been called in for a belittling photo op, he is stunned to find the president-elect offering him secretary of state. He struggles with his place in history, and refusing to be a political pawn. Wonderful stuff. Plus a little Butterfield, trying to cope with the incoming first family's wish to have Helen and the kids remain in Texas. As if that's not enough, how about the WW directorial debut of Tim Matheson?
-Institutional Memory ***
The tempest of C.J.'s life is winding down...or is it, as Santos offers her a job in the new administration? Does she want to slow down? Does she have any idea how? She keeps on saying and doing the wrong thing with Danny. He's patient and understanding, and their story arc becomes the most compelling part of the series' end. The producers could have done more with Charlie & Zoey, or Donna & Josh, or Will & Kate, or Santos & Josh & Sam, or Toby's trial(s), or Annabeth & Charlie (sorry, my mind wandered there...). Any of those might have been fascinating, but i daresay none would have topped C & C - Janney and Busfield can do no wrong. C.J. also has a scene with Toby that almost redeems his crappy season. A charismatic tycoon (Xander Berkeley - POISON IVY II, 24) offers her ten billion dollars and fix the world. Brilliant dialogue, in the final episode written by Deborah Cahn.
-Tomorrow ***
You might shed a tear or two. Perhaps it will be when Donna, Sam, and Josh enter the White House for the first time as staffers of a new administration. Perhaps it will be when C.J. stands at her old podium one last time. Perhaps it will be when Keb' Mo' plays "America the Beautiful", the most touching WW musical appearance in a long line of touching appearances? Perhaps it will be when Aaron Sorkin himself appears in a crowd scene. The series' final episode plucks almost all the right heartstrings, as the Bartlet administration vacates the White House while Santos is inaugurated. A little Butterfield, a little Mallory...but inexplicably, no Toby. He's pardoned in absentia, as Jed's last act of office. What's next?

The West Wing, season 6

FOUR-STAR EPISODES: 1
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 West Wing, season 5

FOUR-STAR EPISODES: 5
AVERAGE EPISODE RATING: 3.1
-7A WF 83429 ****
It would be hard to overstate the importance of Aaron Sorkin and Tommy Schlamme to THE WEST WING. Of course, that seems half-patently obvious. Sorkin was the visionary and the voice. Once things are clicking, you can go on without the former, but the latter? When STAR TREK lost Roddenberry, they only lost their visionary. And Schlamme was, for lack of a better metaphor, the show's body. He gave the voice its look. Losing these two, due to squabbles with the studio, can only be compared in television history to Larry Gelbart and Gene Reynolds leaving M*A*S*H. The fact that both shows survived, even thrived, reduces the second-guessing to fodder for fan debates. And John Wells becomes Burt Metcalfe, promoted from in-house to guide the show once the horse (or camel) has left the one-bactrian town. Did the studio bring shame upon its house by allowing this pair to leave? Yeah. But what cannot be doubted is that Wells was the right choice. Welcome to "7A WF 83429", darkly and disquietingly shot, the combustible part three of a four-episode arc. Imagine Stephen King writing half a novel, then asking you to finish. This episode simmers, as Walken (John Goodman) replaces Jed, his finger on the trigger of massive military retaliations against Qumar (never mind that Zoey's kidnappers are still unknown). Is it possible that Goodman single-handedly elevated this one into greatness, assuring a nervous fan base that the show would survive? Yes. Not to diminish the fantastic contributions of the regular cast, but with any other actor in the Walken role, this episode, season, and series could have gone a whole different way.
-The Dogs of War ****
Zoey's kidnapping goes into its second day. Walken orders bombings and ground forces in Qumar. The staff (and Josh particularly) are going crazy with fear that Walken will start legislating a right wing agenda. How is it that we had to wait for season 5 to meet the President's eldest daughter?? Hello, Liz Bartlet (Annabeth Gish - DESERT BLOOM, MYSTIC PIZZA), in the second of six fine appearances. A wonderful Walken/Fiderer scene. The debut of Jesse Bradford (ROMEO + JULIET, HACKERS) as irritating intern Ryan Pierce, who would do nine episodes. He's obvious comic relief here, but will become a little more. This kidnapping arc finale isn't as brilliant as its predecessors, but is pushed into greatness by Goodman and the images of a family reunited.
-Jefferson Lives ***
With Jed back in the Oval, the search for a Veep goes into high gear. The choice candidate is Sec. of State Berryhill (the second of two fine appearances by William Devane - KNOT'S LANDING). A contentious congress will only approve a stiff who threatens no one. Welcome, Bingo Bob! Gary Cole (THE BRADY BUNCH MOVIE, OFFICE SPACE) would go on to log twenty-one fine episodes. Abbey blames Jed and Leo for the kidnapping, and takes Zoey to New Hampshire. Josh and Amy spark some fine sexuality again, dammit.
-Han ****
One of the most exquisitely poignant guest turns in show history elevates this one to a lofty place. The aforementioned sentence is an example of the rhetoric Will and Toby struggle to bestow upon new Vice President Russell in the President's welcome speech. The "honest" version they perversely write for themselves ends up on the prompter by mistake. Pretty hysterical. A north korean pianist (Tony Lee - LOST) plays a recital in the White House, under the glare of military guard. He communicates to Jed his desire to defect, which could destabilize a nuclear treaty. The music of Bach and Chopin is achingly beautiful, and Tony's performance will tear your heart. Russell asks Will to be his Communications Director and senior adviser...a move that feels way too soon given that Will has been Deputy for only half a season. It sets up the series-ending election to come. But did he have more potential in the inner circle?
-Constituency of One ***
The single most unrelentingly bleak episode of WEST WING. Ever. Every character is receiving or dispensing misery. It's all tightly-written and acted, but...if ever we needed Rip Taylor, it's now. We do, however, have a little...Skeritt! Tom (M*A*S*H, ALIEN) drops in for a one-off as a democratic senator who switches partys. Will's defection to Russell is a done deal. This move would have felt less clumsy if they'd had a scene of Leo overruling Toby's protests, allowing Will to go because Russell (the second-most important person in the land) needed much more capable handling.
-Disaster Relief ***
Jed goes to Oklahoma to console tornado survivors, and stays overlong as he deals with his own demons of tragedy and loss. He has a very touching scene with a woman washing dishes. Josh deals with the fallout from some bad judgment. Ryan has a dandy episode, showing unexpected depth and understanding. Bradford is thoroughly capable, playing a well-crafted role, but the magic of chemistry doesn't quite strike, and he'll be soon gone. The debut of Terry O'Quinn (PRIMAL FEAR, TOMBSTONE) as General Alexander, the new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. He's fine, but never reaches Fitz's level of juice.
-Separation of Powers ***
Ancient, ailing Chief Justice Ashland (Milo O'Shea - BARBARELLA, THE VERDICT) ends up in intensive care, prompting Toby to send Joe, Ashland's former clerk, to ascertain whether he needs to step down. Joe balks, then covers for his former boss. The third of six episodes for Angela Blake (Michael Hyatt), a political operative who takes over Josh's legislative responsibilities. It can be easy to think that no WEST WING character ever derailed as unceremoniously as Mandie, but i guess every new executive producer gets one character that hits the ground splatting. Again through no fault of the acting or writing...but that's just the way these things go. Her character was probably designed to flame out, of course, but that's neither here nor there. Speaker Jeff Haffley (Steven Culp - THIRTEEN DAYS, ENTERPRISE) takes advantage of the President's weak approval ratings to push an ultra-conservative budget agenda. Steven would do nine episodes, and never miss a beat. Threatened with a government shutdown, Jed calls his bluff.
-Shutdown ***
The fatal flaw in this one (and it's such a fun ride you probably won't even care) is that the scene where Jed wins his one-on-one showdown with Haffley, cuts away early. It's easy to imagine this choice was made because the writers had no idea how they would realistically get to where they needed to go. But we'll allow that conceit, as it gets our heroes back on their feet. Much of this, including an unprecedented visit to the Hill by the presidential party, is orchestrated by comeback kid Josh. Russell has some surprisingly good moments. And the star of the show? Debut character Rina (Melissa Marsala), the mysterious sexpot who cleans the place up while all support staff are required by law to be away. She would do six episodes, but the producers would piss away her potential, including (and especially) her tantalizing chemistry with Toby.
-Abu el Banat ***
Another worthy entry in the WEST WING yule-a-thon! The presidential family gathers for Christmas dinner at the White House...sort of. Jed is stuck in a meeting, Ellie arrives even later, and people are coming and going as family drama swirls, most of it over Liz and her husband Doug Westin (Steven Eckholdt - THE L WORD), who comes to Josh seeking the President's endorsement in a run for congress. The DNC has another candidate in mind, and Josh miserably tries to get this message across. Steven would do five episodes, and have some great moments. The most whopping scene in this one is between Jed and Liz, when a family's past and present come thudding together.
-The Stormy Present ***
A former President dies. Bartlet, Walken, and former President Newman (James Cromwell - SIX FEET UNDER, STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT) travel together on Air Force One to the funeral, while a crisis inflames the Middle East. Exhilarating, nuanced acting between this grand triumvirate. C.J. speaks to a nebbishy scientist (Steven Tobolowsky, GROUNDHOG DAY) about government mind control experiments. Mallory (Allison Smith - KATE & ALLIE, HELTER SKELTER) drops in for her first post-Seaborn appearance, and her evening attire may detach your eyes from their sockets. Toby gets a snootful trying to write an impossible eulogy, and sings "Suicide is Painless".
-The Benign Prerogative ***
A fascinating episode which gives us a full ride on the only non-Zoey romance of Charlie's WW life. A journalist graduate (Gabrielle Union, BRING IT ON) turns his head, and he shares White House tales, only to find that she already has a press corps job lined up. Nice chemistry. A little more fleshing out would have been nice. Jed considers presidential pardons and the carnage that mandatory minimums have wreaked on people's lives (and taken discretionary power away from judges). Donna has to research the possible pardonees, becoming emotionally involved. And Joey Lucas is pregnant!
-Slow News Day ***
Toby gets Jed's permission to explore saving social security. He gets two opposition senators together, but it all blows up, endangering his job. Good drama, and like the best of season 1, strongly educative on an important issue. Fine supporting turns from Josef Sommer (WITNESS) and Michael Nouri (FLASHDANCE). C.J. has one of her most enjoyable flirtations ever with an argentinian diplomat (Joaquim de Almeida - CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER).
-The Warfare of Ghengis Khan ***
The space episode. Josh swats down NASA reps appealing for more funds. One of them (Christina Chang, 24) has a gentle flirtation with him, takes him stargazing, and makes him dream of humans on Mars. Elsewhere, an orbital detonation has the nuclear community scrambling to find out who's joined the club, but it turns out to be Israel developing submarine warfare. The israeli prime minister (the debut of the exquisite Armin Mueller-Stahl - THE LAST GOOD TIME, THE LONG RUN) is summoned to the White House, and has a grand scene with Martin. Vice President Russell is great as the clueless fool who figures out what's going on and prevents a military assault on Iran. Jay Mohr (JERRY MAGUIRE) debuts as ultra-conservative talk show hack Taylor Reid, who baits C.J. mercilessly. The story and music of Blind Willie Johnson ("Dark Was the Night") are rendered beautifully.
-An Khe ***
These days, the typical Hollywood political intrigue/action film is conspicuously less well-written than even a second-rate WEST WING episode like this, a bizarre reversal of fortune from the days of the original MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE and THREE DAYS OF THE CONDOR (in other words, if the TV/movie incarnations of MI had been reversed, it might have been one of the most intelligent franchises of all time). This episode is a beautiful effort, bouncing back and forth from the corrupt intrigues of a defense contractor friend of Leo's (Jeffrey DeMunn, THE GREEN MILE), back to the time when they were shot down in Vietnam, and Leo's life was saved. Philip Baker Hall (BOOGIE NIGHTS, MAGNOLIA) debuts as a grizzled senator. Brian Kerwin (MURPHY'S ROMANCE, KING KONG LIVES) debuts as a bewitching, bothering park ranger from C.J.'s past. A touching version of "My Country 'tis of Thee", by Crosby & Nash, lends emotional texture to Leo's despair.
-Full Disclosure ***
Vice President Hoynes resurfaces with a tell-all book, trying to resurrect his image to make another run at the White House. He twists the truth to make Jed and Leo look bad - C.J. locks out his behavior by threatening to reveal all she knows...which is a lot, considering they had sex once. It's great to have Mr. Matheson back. The D.C. mayor (James Pickens Jr., THE X-FILES) convinces Bartlet to try a school voucher program. Sam Robards (AMERICAN BEAUTY, A.I.) debuts as journalist Greg Brock. He's fine, and he ain't no Danny.
-Epper Si Muove ***
Ellie is targeted by a republican congressperson, for the HPV research she's a part of. Sesame Street visits the White House, to film a segment with Abbie. It gets pretty hysterical. Will must face Russell's sneaky side.
-The Supremes ****
A conservative justice dies of a heart attack. With the republicans controlling congress, the staff bemoans the litany of wishy washy centrists who are approvable. Josh hatches a hare-brained scheme wherein Chief Justice Ashland (the wonderful Milo O'Shea) steps down, allowing Jed to appoint a liberal lion chief justice. The trade-off? Allowing the republicans to name the other seat. Fantastic, gripping, funny...and the liberal lion is played by Glenn Close (THE BIG CHILL, FATAL ATTRACTION). She has wonderful chemistry with, well, everyone, including her ultra-conservative opposite (William Fichtner - ARMAGEDDON, THE PERFECT STORM). It's a banner episode for STAR TREK fans, with appearances by Riker's dad (Mitch Ryan, DHARMA & GREG) and the brilliant Robert Picardo (the doctor, VOYAGER).
-Access *
A fine idea that sinks quicker than a very small rock. Just appallingly off the mark. The only one-star episode in show history, and the only one that made me grimace at the prospect of watching again. A TV documentary crew is allowed to follow C.J. around for an entire day. Wilson Cruz (MY SO-CALLED LIFE, SUPERNOVA) plays one of C.J.'s assistants. Janel Moloney fans will be rewarded with perhaps the best Donna smile in show history.
-Talking Points ***
C.J. tries to get the press corps upset that the FCC is in monopolistic collusion with the major media outlets. Unfortunately, the press corps works for the major media outlets. Josh has his feet taken out from under him by the computer industry shipping 17,000 white collar jobs to India because of a trade agreement he brokered, which breaks a promise Bartlet made to unions. The return of John Amos, for the first time since he left the show to do ALL ABOUT THE ANDERSONS, which ran for all of about, oh, sixteen episodes. The debut of Mary McCormack (PRIVATE PARTS, IN PLAIN SIGHT), who would do 43 episodes as Deputy National Security Adviser Kate Harper. She would be wonderful...and criminally underused. GALACTICA fans, listen for the voice of Anne Lockhart! The greatest C.J./Ben scene, a painfully realistic rendering of the romantic self-sabotage we all engage in.
-No Exit ****
The White House goes into biohazard lockdown, isolating people in sealed rooms...paging Jean-Paul! Let's take a moment to acknowledge the work of writer Deborah Cahn. Perhaps more than any other single individual, she's the reason why the post-Sorkin era cannot be dismissed. Look up the episodes she penned - it's clear that she captured his voice, and housed that voice in the right settings, far better than the rest (this one followed up "Abu el Banat" and "The Supremes"). This episode is also an object lesson in why the post-Sorkin years partially failed. There wasn't enough advancing of the cast relationships, in the right way, as here. All the concerns about Will being removed from the inner circle are forgotten as he and Toby argue the way to the heart of their conflict. It's so well written that you temporarily forget we never completely buy Will's defection. C.J. and Donna have a scene of unvarnished truth that advances their characters more than the past four seasons combined. Kate's professional standoffishness gets on Josh's nerves. Leo and Abbey are alone in the residence - she pops pills. And the most enjoyable thread of all has Jed, Charlie, and Debbie showering in the basement. The greatest Fiderer episode is just one of the many reasons why this one's brilliant. Plus some Butterfield, Reed Diamond (JUDGING AMY) in the first of three appearances as Dr. Gordon, and a lil' Brent Huff (THE PERILS OF GWENDOLINE IN THE LAND OF THE YIK YAK).
-Gaza ***
Donna, Fitz, and Andy are sent on a fact-finding mission in Gaza. One of their vehicles is detonated by terrorists, leaving Fitz and two congresspersons dead and Donna critically wounded. Insanity erupts, with Leo (and the republicans and most of the democrats) calling for immediate military retaliation, while Jed tries to bring Palestine and Israel to a peace summit. Kate is the only voice in the Sit Room preaching patience. In flashbacks, Donna learns about the horrors of the region, and has a sweet romance with an irish photojournalist (Jason Isaacs - HARRY POTTER, PETER PAN). Josh flies across the Atlantic to be by her side. Farewell, Fitz...we wanted more, not less of you...but this episode hit us right in the stomach, and that's nothing to sneeze at.
-Memorial Day ***
With two men by her bedside, Donna starts to recover...then is back in surgery with a blood clot in her multiply-fractured leg. The rift between Jed and Leo grows, as Israel bombs Gaza and Jed delays a U.S. military retaliation. The President must throw out the first pitch at a major league game...and his athletic prowess is shaky even when he's not wearing a flak jacket. The scene of him practicing pitches in a White House hallway, under the watchful eye of Toby and Charlie, is one of the funnier ones in show history. Jed is halfway to a peace summit...

The West Wing, season 4

FOUR-STAR EPISODES: 5
AVERAGE EPISODE RATING: 3.1
-20 Hours in America ****
As a follow-up to one of the most hard-hitting episodes in show history, this double-length season-opener is perhaps the funniest ever. Relaxed and smoooth funny...like the smooth of a fifty year-old whiskey (i'm imagining). Josh, Toby, and Donna get accidentally left behind by the motorcade in Indiana. A comedy of errors (running out of gas, a time zone change, a wrong-way train, mean girls on bikes...) follows. Amy Adams (CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, THE MUPPETS) plays a modern farmer's daughter. Ernestine Jackson and Tommy Lafitte play diner proprietors who possibly offer the most funny-per-second in show history (get the dry rub). Sam has to spend the day staffing the President, making him realize how dumb he is. C.J. struggles with resentment from Simon's "little brother", until Charlie schools him. Debbie finally earns the personal secretary position, and Ms. Tomlin is a delight. Qumar reopens the investigation into Shareef's death, leading to some tense (but still funny) scenes between Jed, Fitz, and Nancy. Just when you thought you'd never see her again, Mallory appears. She takes a tired Sam home...let your imagination go where it will, because we won't see her again for two years. In the midst of all this lightness, domestic terrorists set off pipe bombs at a college swim meet. Jed's remarks in the aftermath put a lump in my throat. Fantastic.
-College Kids ***
Joanna Gleason is back as attorney Jordan Kendall, who is brought in to consult when Qumar's suspicions may force the administration to reveal the assassination. The show has grown in stature enough that pop stars are no longer merely loaning their songs, they're appearing live, as Barenaked Ladies and Aimee Mann appear at a "Rock the Vote" function (she sings a beautiful cover of James Taylor's "Shed a Little Light"). Amy and Josh, post-breakup, still have beautiful chemistry.
-The Red Mass ***
How is this episode not about cancer? The President and staff attend a mass, along with the leaders of congress. George Coe returns as Senator Stackhouse, whose issue-raising and tentative inclusion in the debates may split the democratic vote. The final scene between he and Jed, on the church steps, is a beaut. Blaming Israel for Shareef's death, the qumaris shoot down a plane containing their foreign minister (Malachi Throne, whose 1966 role as STAR TREK's Commodore Mendez makes him the only actor to appear on two of the three greatest television shows of all time). Denied the number of debates they want, Sam and C.J. suggest a go-for-broke tactic, with just one no-holds debate. A tantalizing once-only appearance by Hilary Salvatore as staffer Emily, who sucks the air out of the room in a silly scene with Charlie.
-Debate Camp ***
As the Bartlet team prepares for the debate, the humor is flowing and flashbacks take us to the pre-inauguration four years before, when lots of freshman mistakes were made. Take your sentimental side out for a walk, for Kathryn Joosten's final appearance as Mrs. Landingham. In California, an underdog congressional candidate dies, but his staff keeps campaigning. Sam speaks to the chief of staff, and WW audiences get their first taste of Joshua Malina as the brilliant, principled Will Bailey (Sorkin audiences have had plenty of tastes, as Josh is about to become the first actor to be a lead on two separate Sorkin shows, a distinction he will one day share only with a certain Mr. Whitford). There's something charmingly unique about this episode...it feels familiar, yet ever-so-faintly like a different creative team was responsible.
-Game On ***
Abbey's funniest (tie-cutting) moment in show history, the funniest practical joke in show history (at Toby's expense), and a stirring debate victory over James Brolin's Governor Ritchie. Hal Holbrook's final appearance as Albie Duncan, and this time his crustiness is augmented by a moment that may bring a tear to your eye. Jordan Kendall is called in, after a Qumari ship carrying weapons for terrorists is seized. Leo has a tense standoff with their ambassador, played by the brilliant Tony Amendola (STARGATE: SG1). John Aniston moderates the debate. Will Bailey's quixotic dedication makes a believer out of Sam, who promises to run in the special election if Will's dead candidate wins. And the debut of...Snuffin!!! Elsie (Danica McKellar - THE WONDER YEARS) is wonderful, funny, and knows how to watch Sam walk away better than anyone in the biz. Sigh. If Sam hadn't left the show...
-Election Night ***
As Bartlet wins in a landslide (and romances Abbey to candlelight, Dean Martin, and Commander-in-Chief innuendo), Sam watches the unthinkable happen...a deceased democrat win a heavily-republican district. Debbie's first scenes as Bartlet's new secretary are funny and seamless. Toby's ex-wife finally gets pregnant (using his sperm). He pressures her to re-marry, as she re-wins her congressional seat. Donna accidentally votes for Ritchie, and stands for six hours in the cold trying to get a republican to swap votes. A charming way to meet the charming Jack Reese (Christian Slater - HEATHERS, PUMP UP THE VOLUME), the stranger who finally says yes...just as he's on his way to assume his new military post at the White House. Even though a part of us wants him nowhere near Donna, he's perfect in his role. Bruno couldn't care less when a pollster takes undue credit for the victory...he's trying to get his post-victory mack on.
-Process Stories ***
Never has Rob Lowe been more smooth and precise than in this story arc that will end his run as a WEST WING regular. As he scrambles to get out of his well-intentioned commitment to run for congress, he and others start to reconsider. In a sweetly funny scene, Toby tells Jed and Abbey that Andrea is several months pregnant, and has to explain why he waited so long to tell them. The Andrea pregnancy/courting is the perfect plot line to give our Mr. Schiff. The post-election party continues, and Bruno's celebratory womanizing is a thing of beauty - dialogue doesn't come any sharper. Leo and Jordan continue their beautiful banter. Jack explains to Donna why the military needs a $400 ashtray...and suddenly my protests about military wastefulness seem silly. Don't worry, i'm already over it, but it's a great moment nonetheless.
-Swiss Diplomacy ***
The all-time funniest moments of playful, imperious Bartlet braggadocio? Through back channels, the Ayatollah comes to the U.S. for help, when his son needs a heart operation available only in the U.S. Complicating matters, the Ayatollah condemns the U.S. when word gets out, and the only doctor available (Bernard White - THE MATRIX RELOADED) is a reluctant persian refugee who was persecuted by Iran.
Josh has to corral Hoynes, who is (apparently) trying to lock up the nomination for the next election, only days after the last one. Toby fights to get an appointment for an outgoing congressperson (Lucinda Jenney - G.I. JANE), who lost her seat because she spearheaded a White House fossil fuel package. Plus, some Snuffin!
-Arctic Radar ****
A female pilot faces charges for disobeying an order to cease a romance with an inferior officer - an order that never would have been given to a male. Women's groups (and all the women of the White House) are up in arms, as the senior staff dances around the issue. Some prime Fitz, and some nice Amy. Sam is alarmed to find that Will won't lead his campaign, but he makes lemonade by diverting Will to the White House, where he knows Toby is getting nowhere with the inauguration speech, but averse to having anyone replace Sam. Will and Toby reject the matchmaking, until they stop being polite. It's Josh Malina's finest scene in WW history - before he's even an official regular. The Donna/Jack romance begins in earnest, as she gets Josh to talk her up. The underlying discomfort he feels is so skillfully buried, it feels like only the audience is privy to it. Some prime Bartlet comedy as U.N. diplomats try to get out of paying parking tickets.
-Holy Night ***
On paper, one of the best WEST WING episodes ever. The return of Zoey (Elizabeth Moss), with a snooty french boyfriend who taunts Charlie. The return of Adam Arkin, for a Bartlet/Keyworth scene! The return of Danny Concannon, with a Santa kiss for C.J.!! Plus...Whiffenpoofs! But it never rises above disjointed goodness, mostly because of the A plot, in which Toby is begrudgingly reunited with his estranged father (Jerry Adler - MAD ABOUT YOU, THE SOPRANOS), an ex-con. Flashbacks show the day Toby was born, in Brooklyn.
-Guns Not Butter ***
Danny pursues a lead in the Shareef murder. Josh Malina renders up the greatest goat-take in show history (its place in the pantheon of television's great goat-takes is less certain). The staff struggles (and fails) to get the votes for a foreign aid bill. They take a (symbolic) group photo with said goat.
-The Long Goodbye ***
Exquisitely acted, beautifully written. They aimed for transcendent...and fell short. The sum isn't equal to the parts, and it's hard to say exactly why. The most C.J.-heavy episode of the series, and Allison was of course up to the moment. She returns home for a school reunion and to see her Dad (Donald Moffat - THE THING, CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER), who is spiraling into Alzheimer's dementia. Matthew Modine (FULL METAL JACKET, VISION QUEST) is the third side of this tremendous thespianic triangle, as an ex-punk/jock into whose arms the lonely, miserable Claudia falls. Verna Bloom (ANIMAL HOUSE) plays the step-mom who deserted her husband. C.J. gives an interrupted reunion speech...it's all so very good that you probably won't care it's not excellent. The first (hazy) sex scene in show history.
-Inauguration ***
A fine episode that lacks sharpness. As the staff prepares for the inauguration (and the speechwriting thereof), tensions mount as genocide erupts in Africa. The high point is an hysterical scene between Will and Asst. Sec. of State for Public Affairs Bryce Lilly (Granville Van Dusen - SOAP, JUDGING AMY). Malina's strained respect is the perfect foil for Van Dusen's unctuous snobbery. Will also has a great scene with Jed. In the big picture, Malina will never quite fully leave Sam's shadow, but that's through no fault of his own. Danny returned several episodes ago, but this is the first one in which he REALLY returns, in an office scene wherein C.J. demonstrates what she would to to "have" him.
-Inauguration: Over There ***
At Will's spurring (to Toby's great displeasure), Jed is forced to admit that kundunese lives are less important to him than american. This ultimately leads to a re-write of the inauguration speech at the 11th hour, announcing a global doctrine of oppression intolerance. Will is promoted from temp to Deputy Communications Director. It's all well done, but not without a little gulp at the realization that Sam is really gone (even though he has a couple more episodes). The flirtation between Josh and Donna on the way to the ball is more brazen than any before...so bawdy that it feels like something that can't be backtracked (though they manage to for several more seasons). Plus Jill Sobule!
-The California 47th ***
The President and staff travel to Orange County to campaign for Sam. Toby and Charlie get arrested in a bar, defending Andy's honor from a man who don't like single mothers. Some well-placed Fitz, Fiderer, Snuffin, and Zoey (with aggravating french boyfriend). Will is left to work alone on a budget speech, which gets fast-tracked, requiring him to turn to the interns after the writing staff quits (on account of him). Nice banter with Cassie (Claire Coffee) and the three Laurens. Jed fires Sam's campaign manager (Matthew Glave - THE WEDDING SINGER, ROCK STAR), and installs Toby.
-Red Haven's on Fire ***
And...fare ye well, Sammy Seaborn. Rob Lowe's last appearance before departing to, um...DR. VEGAS (and the ten episodes they produced prior to cancellation). One last sweet scene with Toby, by his side as he prepares to get creamed in the election. Josh dismisses Abbey's attempts at legislative input, so she hires Amy as her chief of staff. Jed sends troops to stop the genocide in Kundu. Three american soldiers are captured; he and Leo have some touching scenes with their relatives (including Carrie Snodgrass - PALE RIDER), as they wait for news.
-Privateers ***
And the post-Seaborn era starts with a lift from...Marion Cotesworth-Hay! A dowdy new englander (Helen Slayton-Hughes) is organizing a boycott of Zoey's induction into the Daughters of the American Revolution, because Abbey's ancestor was a pirate. C.J. can't keep a straight face. Charlie refuses to stop pursuing Zoey. Amy gets liberally hazed her first day. A corporate whistle blower (the thoroughly competent Jeff Perry - WILD THINGS, NASH BRIDGES) uses his friendship with Toby to get immunity, a bit disingenuously. Is it a coincidence that Sorkin left his post as head writer only six episodes after Sam leaves? Probably. Did Sorkin only stay through season 4 to ease that transition? Probably not.
-Angel Maintenance ***
The President, C.J., Will, and Charlie get stranded on Air Force One, when a landing gear light malfunctions. Josh meets with a liberal republican congressman (Matt McCoy - THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE) to work on a bipartisan bill, but members of both parties cripple the bill and the congressman's career. Toby has a meeting with congressman Mark Richardson (Thom Barry, in his third and final appearance), who wants to reinstate the draft in order to balance the skin colors among military casualties. George Wyner (HILL STREET BLUES, SPACEBALLS) plays a petty congressperson. James Morrison (24) pilots Air Force One.
-Evidence of Things Unseen ***
The most poker-rich episode in show history (and that's a very good thing). Late at night, shots are fired at the White House, which goes into crash mode. Jed is on the phone with the russian president, talking about a lost spy plane. Josh is interviewing a counsel's office applicant (Matthew Perry - FRIENDS, STUDIO 60) who is mum about his republican affiliation. Keep your sidelong glances and snide sneers, Matt does an impeccable job. The position he's applying for is Ainsley's...the first time we learn that she's gone. At first, one is quite sad upon hearing this...but when you think about it, did you really want to have her live in a Seaborn-less world? Lily is a delight at the poker table. Plus a lil' Butterfield, a little Zoey...just very nice.
-Life on Mars ****
On his first day, counsel Joe Quincy uncovers a White House security leak that leads to the Vice President. A torrid scandal forces Hoynes to resign. Powerful work between Matheson, Sheen, and Spencer. Cassie and the Laurens help Will conceptualize a political ad. C.J. has some snappy repartee with Mr. Perry, and talks to Stu Winkle (the greatest unseen voice in show history...the fact that the actor's name is Sam Pancake is just an unexpected little gift from the gods). Toby buys a house for Andy, and proposes to her once more. In one of his most poignant scenes ever, she rejects him because he's too sad and angry. Like he, we thought she was just playing hard to get. Searing.
-Commencement ****
The run of non-great episodes that marked the second half of season 4, is resolutely over. As Danny prepares to go public with the truth about Shareef's assassination, intelligence loses track of a terrorist sleeper cell. After rejecting Toby's proposal, Andy's water broke. Ayre Gross (SOUL MAN, ELLEN) plays her wonderfully cheeky doctor. Donna explains Josh to Amy...making Amy realize what we all already knew. And in the most powerful payoff to seeds sown seasons ago imaginable, Zoey prepares to go to France with her amoral boyfriend. She gets a new security detail, headed by Agent Wesley (a wonderful two-episode appearance by Taye Diggs - CHICAGO, HOW STELLA GOT HER GROOVE BACK). At a nightclub graduation party, she is given ecstasy. One of her agents gets a bullet in the head, and Zoey is kidnapped. The song "Angel", by Massive Attack, provides the emotional texture for one of the most startling, disturbing sequences in show history.
-Twenty Five ****
Sorkin and Schlamme's swan song. Has there ever been a send-off more...okay, pardon the alliteration, i won't say "sensational". But the wallop of this one is breathtaking. Retaliatory strikes against the bahi are prepared, though Zoey's kidnappers remain unknown. Distracted and obsessed, Jed temporarily abdicates the Presidency. With no Vice President, the republican speaker of the house, Glenallen Walken (the redoubtable John Goodman - THE BIG LEBOWSKI, MONSTERS INC.) steps in. He's perfect. Emilio Estevez plays the young Jed in home movies. Toby meets his twin babies, and has an amazing scene with them. Harry Groener is back for a quickie as Roger Tribby. The pediatric nurse is played by Vernee Watson-Johnson, who was lovely on CARTER COUNTRY (1977-1979), a fact remembered by me and three others, all of whom actually live in Carter country. A million and three thanks, Tommy and Aaron.