West Wing
7-22Recap
Tomorrow And Tomorrow And Tomorrow
Tomorrow - The show ends with a whimper -- not a bang -- but it's a stately, dignified, slightly weepy whimper. Old friends move on; new friends move in; and in his final act as President, Jed pardons Toby. Not a bad way to end things.
2006.05.132006.05.19 A
LTG
7-21Recap
C.J. + Danny = Luv
Institutional Memory - C.J. is unsure about her future, and still feels bound to duty rather than actually thinking about her own desires. Thank goodness she's got Danny to help her sort those things out, both personal and professional, and to hold her hand as she moves on from the White House.
2006.05.062006.05.12 A-
Lauren S
7-20Recap
The Last Snore
The Last Hurrah - An average episode -- but not a very exciting or interesting one either -- in which Santos asks Vinick to be his Secretary of State and Helen starts to adjust to her life as First Lady.
2006.04.292006.05.05 B
LTG
7-19Recap
Good Cop, Bad Cop
Transition - ...It's the perfect solution to dealing with pesky countries on the brink of war with each other, as Santos and Bartlet discover. Meanwhile, Josh begs Sam to come back and work in the new administration. He doesn't get an answer, but he does get forced into a vacation (with Donna), since the staff is running scared that he'll kill someone else or himself from lack of sleep. (This episode has been brought to you by Mylanta.)
2006.04.222006.04.28 A-
Lauren S
7-18Recap
Requiem For A Dream
Requiem - This episode is a little bit about Leo's funeral and wake, and a lot more about how people try to go on with their important work after his death. But mostly, it's about how they all mourn in different ways.
2006.04.152006.04.20 B+
LTG
7-17Recap
One Chapter Ends, Another Begins
Election Day, Part II - Leo passes away after his heart attack, leaving a long line of grieving friends both in the White House and on the campaign trail. But the show must go on, and after a close election, Santos is declared the President of the United States.
2006.04.082006.04.14 A-
Lauren S
7-16Recap
Election Day, Part I
Election Day, Part I - The election is here, and once again too close to call, but it's overshadowed by two huge moments that couldn't be more horrifyingly different.
2006.04.012006.04.07 B+
Lauren S
7-15Recap
Mr. Crankypants Goes To Washington
Welcome To Wherever You Are - A sleep-deprived Santos is starting to lose it on the last day of the campaign, and it falls to Josh to buck him up. Toby spends some quality time with his kids and a federal prosecutor.
2006.03.252006.03.31 A
LTG
7-14Recap
The Biggest Non-Scandal Of All Time
Two Weeks Out - The election is only two weeks away, and it can't seem to come fast enough for the writers, who appear to be running out of interesting campaign storylines and instead tease us with a possible scandal that turns out to be a whole lot of nothing.
2006.03.182006.03.24 C-
Lauren S
7-13Recap
They Took Their Sweet Damn Time
The Cold - Josh and Donna finally make out, and she makes the decision to pursue him. In other news, Santos is up in the polls, Vinick has a cold, Sheila's being replaced by a right-wing harpy, and Jed sends troops into Kazakhstan.
2006.03.112006.03.17 A
LTG
7-12Recap
Tastes like chicken
Duck And Cover - Nothing is more tasty than a main dish of Nuclear Accident and a side of Chicken a la Josh and Bruno, followed with an Imminent Warring Superpowers dessert. Don't forget a dash of unpredictable Santa Ana winds for flavor!
2006.01.212006.01.27 B
Lauren S
7-11Recap
A Day In The Life Of Claudia Jean
Internal Displacement - Or a few days, really. It's all about C.J., as she takes action to help Sudanese refugees, helps out the Santos campaign, and cuts off Doug Westin's wandering genitalia. She also almost gets proposed to, but is interrupted by a nuclear accident in California.
2006.01.142006.01.20 A-
LTG
7-10Recap
"Johnny, We Hardly Knew You"
Running Mates - It's the run-up to the V.P. debate, and Leo struggles to transform himself into a politician. In other news, Helen is not thrilled about the ways the campaign has disrupted the Santos household, and Will and Kate have a date.
2006.01.072006.01.13 B+
LTG
7-9Recap
Pre-Wedding Jitters
The Wedding - Everybody's nervous as the wedding approaches. Russia and China might go to war. Josh might get fired. And Ellie's fiancé might have a nervous breakdown.
2005.12.102005.12.15 B+
LTG
7-8Recap
A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That
Undecideds - Wedding plans, bickering nuclear powers, race tensions, and the return of a very bitter Toby. You'll find something for everyone on your list!
2005.12.032005.12.09 B-
Lauren S
7-7Recap
Free-For-All
The Debate - At the debate, Vinick and Santos throw out all the rules. We decide to follow their example, and recap a completely different show.
2005.11.052005.11.10 N/A
LTG
7-6Recap
Josh And Donna Actually Talk
The Al Smith Dinner - There's some other stuff that goes on too, but this is the real storyline we were all waiting to see. They don't sort out their issues yet, but it's a beginning. In the supposed A-story, Vinick and Santos finally arrange a live debate.
2005.10.292005.11.04 B
Lauren S
7-5Recap
Ready. Aim. Fire.
Here Today - Kate threatens to fire Charles Frost, but doesn't. Josh convinces Santos to let him fire Ned and a bunch of other campaign staff. And Jed fires Toby.
2005.10.222005.10.27 A+
LTG
7-4Recap
Jack Frost, Nipping At Your Nose
Mr. Frost - Well, not so much "nipping at your nose" as "freaking you out with bizarrely accurate conspiracy theories." But that's so much harder to fit in a song.
2005.10.152005.10.20 A-
LTG
7-3Recap
Adiós, Leon. We Hardly Knew Ye.
Message Of The Week - Leon resigns the Vinick campaign because he can't bear to work against the first Latino nominee for President -- especially after the Vinick campaign "subtly" plays up Santos's heritage. (Yeah, we know. Who's Leon?)
2005.10.082005.10.13 B
LTG
7-2Recap
Poor Josh
The Mommy Problem - Josh finds out that Santos and Helen have a healthy sex life at the same time he finally finds himself working with a women with whom he has not the slightest bit of sexual chemistry. Even sexy tax credits may not be enough to help him get through this crisis.
2005.10.012005.10.06 B+
LTG
7-1Recap
Ticket To Nowhere
The Ticket - Leo and Santos aren't getting along. Josh and Donna aren't getting along. And C.J. and Greg Brock may be getting along too well.
2005.09.242005.09.29 B
LTG
6-22Recap
Grunt! Cheer! Stomp!
2162 Votes - Put on your funny hats and wave some signs around. It's time for the Democratic convention. Who do you think will win? In other news, we still don't know who leaked the space shuttle story, and we still don't know if Jed is going to use the shuttle to save the astronauts.
2005.04.052005.04.10 B+
LTG
6-21Recap
Stop Slouching! Stand Up Straight!
Things Fall Apart - That's what Leo would say if he met that rough beast on his way to Jerusalem. But nobody listens to Leo, and it looks like the Democratic convention is going to be utterly chaotic as Santos rejects Russell's offer of the Vice-Presidential nomination. We're just hoping that week doesn't bring any blood-dimmed tides.
2005.03.292005.04.03 B+
LTG
6-20Recap
A Wheel In A Wheel
In God We Trust - Vinick has sewn up the Republican nomination, and everyone fears that he's unstoppable. We would tend to agree, if by "unstoppable" you meant "liable to shoot himself in the foot with his own gun."
2005.03.222005.03.28 B
LTG
6-19Recap
Cuba Libre. Or Maybe A Mojito.
Ninety Miles Away - If you get really drunk before watching this, it might make some sense. That certainly seems to be how it was written. Leo's on a secret mission to Cuba, Kate used to be a spy, and Charlie grapples with household maintenance issues. It doesn't get any worse.
2005.03.152005.03.19 N/A
LTG
6-18Recap
Oranges Aren't The Only Fruit
La Palabra - It's Super Tuesday, and there are plenty of match-ups to go around. Josh versus Helen. Santos versus racism. Donna versus a sleazeball. Hoynes versus his libido. And the recapper versus anyone who gets between him and Bram.
2005.03.082005.03.14 B+
LTG
6-17Recap
A Kind Of Average Day
A Good Day - Some people do some things. Santos hosts a slumber party, Kate hangs out in the Situation Room, Jed gets pissed off at an academic rival, and Toby chats with some adolescents.
2005.03.012005.03.06 B+
LTG
6-16Recap
Take Five And Call Me In The Morning
Drought Conditions - Yes, Josh and Toby have a fight. But it's still the best episode of the season.
2005.02.222005.02.28 A
LTG
6-15Recap
The Great Debate
Freedonia - And just when you think Santos is out of it, it's Josh to the rescue! Er, okay, so it's actually Santos to his own rescue, but we don't want to debunk the Lyman mythology just yet.
2005.02.152005.02.21 B+
Potes
6-14Recap
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
The Wake Up Call - "Take a nap!" "I won't take a nap!" "Take a nap!" "I won't take a nap!" "Take a nap!" "I won't take a nap!" Yeah. That's pretty much the gist of it.
2005.02.082005.02.14 B
Potes
6-13Recap
King Cornhole
King Corn - Now that we've gotten that joke out of the way, we can proceed. It's a day in the life of the Russell, Santos, and Vinick campaigns, as each candidate faces the question of whether to pledge to support ethanol subsidies in Iowa. Everyone agrees that subsidies are bad policy, but they make great politics in the farm belt. Want to guess which candidate stays true to his beliefs and refuses to take the pledge?
2005.01.252005.01.31 B+
LTG
6-12Recap
The Doctor Is In
365 Days - Leo returns to the White House in an official capacity, and spends his first day providing cheap psychotherapy to Charlie, Kate, Will, and Toby.
2005.01.182005.01.23 B+
LTG
6-11Recap
Lovers' Spat
Opposition Research - Josh and Santos have their first big quarrel during their honeymoon in New Hampshire. Josh is in the campaign to win, and Santos is in it to make a point. And that's really all that happens.
2005.01.112005.01.18 B
LTG
6-10Recap
Punctuation Is For Sissies!
Faith Based Initiative - Yeah, there's a hyphen missing in the title. But otherwise, it's a fine episode, as the staff struggles with Jed's growing inability to participate in the day-to-day operation of the government. They deal with an anti-same-sex marriage proposal and rumors that C.J. is a lesbian. In other gay news, Santos and Josh become a couple officially.
2005.01.042005.01.10 B+
LTG
6-9Recap
Apocalypse Now...Or Maybe Later
Impact Winter - It's the end of the world as we know it, as Donna quits her job. In the other ninety percent of the episode, Jed has trouble at the summit, and an asteroid threatens the earth.
2004.12.142004.12.20 B+
LTG
6-8Recap
In The Room Of One's Own
In The Room - Penn and Teller pretend to burn a flag, and everyone freaks out. Jed, C.J., Toby, and Kate head off to China for the summit, and on the way there, Jed has an even more serious MS episode. And in the presidential race, Governor Bundy pulls out, and Senator Vinick gets in.
2004.12.072004.12.13 B+
LTG
6-7Recap
The One With Character Development
A Change Is Gonna Come - Jed accidentally accepts a gift of a flag from supporters of independence for Taiwan, throwing a monkey wrench into preparations for a summit with China. The real drama in the episode, however, comes from the reappearance of John Hoynes and the beginning of the race for the Democratic nomination. Oh, and Jed has a serious MS episode.
2004.11.302004.12.06 A-
LTG
6-6Recap
Ben Dover
The Dover Test - A suicide bomber attacks the U.S. peacekeepers in Palestine, leaving one soldier dead and others wounded. C.J. and Toby struggle over C.J.'s inability to let go of her old job. Donna has another suitor, but Josh needn't worry, because it's Stone Phillips. And Josh falls even more in love with Matt Santos, based on his ability to get a suitable Patients' Bill of Rights passed.
2004.11.232004.11.30 B
LTG
6-5Recap
The Widow's Peak
The Hubbert Peak - It's the week of a dozen storylines. Josh test-drives a massive SUV and crashes into a fuel-efficient hybrid, setting off all kinds of discussions about fuel efficiency standards and alternative energy. Annabeth puts Toby through Public Speaking 101. C.J. makes Jed play chess. Charlie gets a new job, and a date with Zoey. And you should see the things we left out.
2004.11.162004.11.21 B+
LTG
6-4Recap
C.J. Kicks Some Ass Into Orbit
Liftoff - It's C.J.'s first two days as Chief of Staff, and she's off to a bumpy start. She seems ready to call it a day, but then inexplicably turns everything around and shows everyone who's boss. In other news, Josh is in love with Congressman Matt Santos, and Toby has a watchable quality.
2004.11.092004.11.14 A
LTG
6-3Recap
Three Dog Night
Third-Day Story - Leo is discovered in the woods, and the prognosis is grim. Jed spends most of his time neglecting the government, leaving Josh, Toby, and C.J. to look after the nation. In the end, Jed and Leo are reconciled, and Jed names C.J. to be the new Chief of Staff.
2004.11.022004.11.07 B
LTG
6-2Recap
If A Character Is Assassinated In The Woods...
The Birnam Wood - The peace talks are on the verge of failure, but then Kate pulls a rabbit out of her hat and saves the world. Unfortunately, Leo may not be around to enjoy the new more peaceful world.
2004.10.262004.10.31 N/A
LTG
6-1Recap
Jed Learns to Have His Cake and Bomb It Too
NSF Thurmont - Peace or war, peace or war? That is the question of this episode, and in the end Jed selects a little from column A and a little from column B, as he brings the Palestinians and Israelis to a summit at Camp David and bombs a training camp in Syria. In other news, Donna and Josh seem to move closer to actually maybe someday expressing their feelings for each other.
2004.10.192004.10.24 B+
LTG
5-22Recap
Flowers Out The Wazoo
Memorial Day - All of a sudden, bringing and sending flowers to the recovering Donna Moss is a way of life for everyone from crafty spy types to hot photographers to...whatever Josh is. In other news, Jed is scheduled to throw out the first pitch at Camden Yards. Will Donna die? Will Jed get the ball over the plate? We shall see.
2004.05.182004.05.25 B
Miss Alli
5-21Recap
Oh, Donna
Gaza - When the CODEL in Gaza runs into a roadside explosive, there is the obligatory secondary-character death and the obligatory series regular in peril. Will Josh make it to Donna's side in order to inspect her multiple compound fractures? And will he interrupt her dalliance with a hot British guy?
2004.05.112004.05.17 B+
Miss Alli
5-20Recap
It's Delicious, It's Delightful, It's Decontaminated
No Exit - When some suspect particles start floating around the Office of O, the staff is trapped inside the building to have some uncomfortable conversations and, in some cases, play Risk.
2004.04.272004.05.03 C+
Miss Alli
5-19Recap
Trade (And Intellectual) Deficits
Talking Points - Josh runs his big fat head up against the global economy, while C.J. is the last person on the face of the planet to notice the problem of media consolidation. Don't look now, but it's 1992 all over again.
2004.04.202004.04.26 C
Miss Alli
5-18Recap
In the Newzzzzz...
Access - It's not a real episode. It's a mockumentary. It's also very, very bad. Possibly groundbreakingly bad, and for a show that's done some things badly in its day? That's impressive.
2004.03.302004.04.04 N/A
Miss Alli
5-17Recap
Full Court Press
The Supremes - The death of a young conservative on the Supreme Court leads to a scramble for a nice, unobjectionable moderate, until Josh becomes enthralled by a fiery liberal and starts casting around for a way to get her on the Court. And also: William Fichtner!
2004.03.232004.03.28 A
Miss Alli
5-16Recap
Science Is Good, Film At 11
Eppur Si Muove - When people start sniffing around Ellie's research career, it's time for Jed to haul out the righteous indignation, blame the staff, and deliver a few semi-relevant historical lectures. Just another week in the White House.
2004.03.022004.03.07 B-
Miss Alli
5-15Recap
Wait, C.J. Did What?
Full Disclosure - It turns out that C.J. dallied with Hoynes in his womanizing days. You didn't know he had womanizing days? Yeah, neither did anyone else. There's a lot to catch up on.
2004.02.242004.02.29 B
Miss Alli
5-14Recap
John Spencer Blues Implosion
An Khe - It's Bartlet for America Lite! Tastes weak, and less filling.
2004.02.172004.02.21 C
Deborah
5-13Recap
The Usual Suspects
The Warfare Of Genghis Khan - Israel detonates a nuke over the Indian Ocean, but naturally the U.S. is on the verge of bombing Iran before they find out who the culprit is.
2004.02.102004.02.15 B
Deborah
5-12Recap
Of Cabbages And Things
Slow News Day - Toby (with some help from Josh) saves Social Security, more or less. In, like, one day. Yeah, and what'd you do today? Establish peace in the Middle East? Cure AIDS? Figure out how to set the clock on your VCR?
2004.02.032004.02.04 B-
Deborah
5-11Recap
Let's Get Ready To Muuuuumbllllllle!
The Benign Prerogative - Charlie gets a smack, Jed expounds on judicial discretion, and Leo gets by with a little help from his friends. All in all, it could be much worse, although the sound quality leaves much to be desired.
2004.01.132004.01.18 B-
Miss Alli
5-10Recap
Battlefield Earth
The Stormy Present - When a former president dies, Jed meets up with two other ex-presidents to travel to his funeral. On the agenda is a flare-up in Saudi Arabia. At home, Josh mediates a dispute over the Bill of Rights, and C.J. tries to figure out whether the Pentagon is in the business of mind control.
2004.01.062004.01.11 C-
Miss Alli
5-9Extra
Shoe Money Tonight!
Celebrity Poker Showdown - Jed, Leo, C.J., Toby, and Danny play Texas Hold'em for their favourite causes. Find out who knows when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em.
2003.12.082004.01.10 B-
Deborah
5-9Recap
"Dying/ Is an art/ Like everything else"
Abu el Banat - POTUS, FLOTUS and all the little OTUSes get together for dinner at the White House. Oh, not all in one room. Silly! And, well, it's no "In Excelsis Deo." Or "Noel." Or even "Bartlet for America." But, uh, it might be better than "Silent Night." Merry Chrismukkah!
2003.12.022003.12.08 C
Deborah
5-8Recap
Deus Ex Mehchina
Shutdown - The government is shut down over the budget crisis for three days, and then everything is more or less magically resolved when Abby returns and gets Jed to let Josh out of the doghouse.
2003.11.182003.11.20 N/A
Deborah
5-7Recap
One Foot In The Grave
Separation Of Powers - The budget negotiations go from bad to worse, and the Bartlet administration subtly tries to muscle the ailing Chief Justice of the Supreme Court out of his job.
2003.11.112003.11.13 B-
Deborah
5-6Recap
20 Hours Behind Schedule In America
Disaster Relief - Jed joins the Red Cross, Josh tries to keep his head down and take his medicine after the Carrick fuckup, and Deborah struggles to find as many synonyms as possible for "Leo yells for Margaret." Also, Josh wants to throw down with the Capitol Building, but the Capitol just turns the other cheek, like Jesus taught it.
2003.11.042003.11.06 N/A
Deborah
5-5Recap
The 101st Senator
Constituency Of One - Nobody's having a very good day: not Jed, not Leo, not C.J., not Toby, and especially not Josh or Amy. Then again -- VPOTUS Russell, who just snagged Will as his new Communications Director -- is probably pretty pleased with himself. Will had better watch his back.
2003.10.282003.11.02 B
Deborah
5-4Recap
Han Solo
Han - When a North Korean pianist wishes to defect to the United States, it puts Bartlet in an awkward position, since the U.S. is in the midst of secret negotiations with North Korea over the issue of nuclear weapons. C.J.'s disillusionment with the administration grows. Toby and Will manage to embarrass themselves in a totally implausible way, and Josh want to talk with Amy about where things are going.
2003.10.212003.10.23 C+
Deborah
5-3Recap
Blue Berryhill
Jefferson Lives - The country needs a VPOTUS, so Berryhill's out and Bingo Bob's in. Zoey begins recovering from her ordeal. Abby seethes. And Amy and Josh suck face.
2003.10.072003.10.09 C
Deborah
5-2Recap
I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream
The Dogs Of War - Well, the U.S. attacks Qumar, and somebody finds Zoey. You'd think that'd make for some pretty compelling drama and dialogue, wouldn't you?
2003.09.302003.10.02 C-
Deborah
5-1Recap
Auto-Da-Fé
7A WF - Zoey's still missing, and as her family and Bartlet's staff struggle to deal with the abduction, they must also adjust to the new Republican regime in the White House. The United States' assassination of Shareef becomes public knowledge, and a bombing in Turkey takes eighty lives. Walken decides to bomb Qumar.
2003.09.232003.09.25 B-
Deborah
4-23Recap
Breathe Regular
Twenty Five - Sorkin waltzes out and sticks us with a Republican President. Like we don't have enough real-life problems in that department. Dude, that's just harsh.
2003.05.132003.05.15 A
Deborah
4-22Recap
X Marks the Spot
Commencement - Zoey Bartlet is missing. And so are five suspected terrorists.
2003.05.062003.05.09 A+
Deborah
4-21Recap
It's a Godawful Small Affair
Life On Mars - It turns out that on Joe Quincy's first day as Associate Counsel, he has to bring the Vice-President to his knees. Aw, not like that! Grow up.
2003.04.292003.05.01 A-
Deborah
4-20Recap
The One Where a Sniper Shoots at the White House
Evidence Of Things Not Seen - A lone sniper fires shots at the White House, barely missing C.J., Toby, and Will, and resulting in an immediate lockdown. The international crisis du jour is a downed U.S. spy plane in Kaliningrad. And could Matthew Perry's casting be any more of a ratings grab?
2003.04.222003.04.23 B+
Deborah
4-19Recap
Fear of Flying
Angel Maintenance - There's a technical problem on Air Force One, so POTUS, some of his staff, and a bunch of White House reporters are stuck in the air while it's sorted out. The rest of the staff members worry on the ground. Meanwhile, five American soldiers are killed in Kundu because of a computer error.
2003.04.012003.04.03 B
Deborah
4-18Recap
Gag(s) Rule
Privateers - Amy's off to a rocky start as Abby's Chief of Staff when she has to try to stop a foreign aid bill from passing with an amendment instituting the abortion gag rule. Toby's set up by a "friend" who's trying to escape criminal prosecution for knowingly committing federal crimes. And, uh, look out for that temperate glacier! Hope your SUV has a flotation device.
2003.03.252003.03.27 C
Deborah
4-17Recap
Sam Sells Sea Shells By The Seaborn
Red Haven's On Fire - He likes long walks on the beach, dodging questions about the Democrats' tax plan, and losing.
2003.02.252003.02.27 B
Djb
4-16Recap
No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service
The California 47th - Bartlet and his staff go to California to show support for Sam's campaign in its crucial final days, while delaying the announcement of a controversial tax plan that would hurt Sam's chances. Back in D.C., Will tries to cobble together a speechwriting staff out of interns while Leo and Fitz manage the military operations in Kundu.
2003.02.182003.02.20 B
Deborah
4-15Recap
March of the Wooden Soldiers
Inauguration: Over There - Jed decides on a new approach to foreign policy. Danny finds out about the reversal of an Executive Order which would have made Sharif's assassination illegal. Jack makes a damaging comment to Danny's researcher and Donna takes the blame for it. Will is appointed Deputy Communications Director.
2003.02.112003.02.13 B-
Deborah
4-14Recap
A Thoroughly Unimportant Country
Inauguration, Part I - In the week leading up to Bartlet's second Inauguration, the staff wrestles with the speech, especially the language on foreign policy and the use of force. In the Republic of Equatorial Kundu, tribal violence and civil unrest have suddenly intensified, and the agenda appears to be genocide. Jack Reese follows a Presidential order and gets reassigned to Italy, causing Donna great distress.
2003.02.042003.02.06 A-
Deborah
4-13Recap
High-School Senior Moment
The Long Goodbye - C.J. returns to Dayton for her twentieth high-school reunion and a visit with her father, who is in the beginning stages of Alzheimer's. She gets it on with old high-school friend Matthew Modine.
2003.01.142003.01.16 A
Deborah
4-12Recap
Votes and Goats
Guns Not Butter - The staffers struggle, but fail to secure votes for a $17 billion foreign aid bill. Will's hazing continues. Danny's still hot on the trail of the Shareef assassination coverup. Charlie gets into some hot water showing off for Zoey. C.J. arranges for a goat to have a photo op with POTUS.
2003.01.072003.01.09 B+
Deborah
4-11Recap
Silent Night? On This Show?
Holy Night - Toby's dad, formerly in the Jewish Mob, shows up for a Grudgingly Special Christmas.
2002.12.102002.12.16 B
Omar G
4-10Recap
Dishonourable Discharge
Arctic Radar - Sam packs up, but not before indulging in some matchmaking between Will and Toby. Everyone's got an opinion on a female fighter pilot under arrest for disobeying an order to stop having an affair with a colleague, but you really only hear from the men. Josh and Donna drag Sparky into their middle-school drama.
2002.11.262002.11.28 C+
Deborah
4-9Recap
WTF?
Swiss Diplomacy - Most likely to be remembered as "The One Sorkin Didn't Write."
2002.11.192002.11.21 C-
Deborah
4-8Recap
POTUS Interruptus
Process Stories - The staffers continue with their election-night celebrations, or try to. Sam decides to run in the California 47th. Toby smiles more in one episode than he had during the entire first term.
2002.11.122002.11.14 A
Deborah
4-7Recap
Day of Jubilee
Election Night - Bartlet wins, as his MS gives him increasing trouble. Sam realizes with increasing trepidation that he may actually have to run for office in California.
2002.11.052002.11.07 B+
Deborah
4-6Recap
Run, Sam, Run! See Sam Run!
Game On - Jed wins the big debate. Sam's made up his mind to make a new start, and he's going to California with an aching in his heart.
2002.10.292002.10.31 C
Deborah
4-5Recap
Having My Babies
Debate Camp - Andy's pregnant. With twins! And Toby's the father! There's some other stuff, too.
2002.10.152002.10.21 A-
Deborah
4-4Recap
The Fortune-Cookie Candidacy
The Red Mass - Amy and Stackhouse both fold and throw their weight behind POTUS. The Israeli Foreign Minister's plane is shot down as retaliation for Shareef. The FBI apprehends the KSU pipe bombing perps. Bartlet's staff struggles with the number of debates to have, and Charlie mentors a surly youth. Josh gives Donna a pretty good excuse to call him an idiot.
2002.10.082002.10.10 C
Deborah
4-3Recap
The One-Eyed Man Is King
College Kids - Jed and his posse lawyer up. Debbie Fiderer is hired despite being a whackjob. The FBI corners the pipe bombing suspects. The staffers cope with an unfavourable district court decision. Amy and Josh struggle. C.J. rocks the vote, and looks damn fine doing it.
2002.10.012002.10.03 C+
Deborah
4-2Recap
The Road Not Taken
20 Hours in America, Part II - Josh, Toby and Donna struggle to get back to Washington. The Qumar situation grows more complicated. Pipe bombs are set off at an Iowa swim meet. Mallory puts in an appearance. And Jed finally fills Mrs. Landingham's position.
2002.09.242002.09.28 B+
Deborah
4-1Recap
"Didn't Vote For Him The First Time. Don't Plan To The Second Time."
20 Hours in America, Part I - Josh, Donna, and Toby get left in Indiana while campaigning. Sam has to staff POTUS; Leo and Fitz worry about the Qumar problem; and C.J. tries to recruit a Big Brother to replace Simon.
2002.09.242002.09.26 B+
Deborah
3-23Extra
The Gospel According to Sorkin
The West Wing Script Book: Six Teleplays By Aaron Sorkin - A review of The West Wing Script Book: Six Teleplays by Aaron Sorkin. Perhaps not quite as good as a bunch of scripts about pilgrim detectives, but it'll do until that comes along.
2002.07.082002.07.08 A
Deborah
3-22Recap
It's All In The Execution
Posse Comitatus - Political assassinations might not be wrong, C.J. might not be allowed to have a boyfriend ever, and Amy might just be the most annoying woman in Washington. All this, and Shakespeare, too.
2002.05.212002.05.25 C
Miss Alli
3-21Recap
Bring It On
We Killed Yamamoto - Jed, Leo, and Fitzwallace declare war on terrorists. Sam declares war on Big Sugar. Amy declares war on the concept of political compromise. North Dakota declares war on South Dakota.
2002.05.142002.05.16 B
Shack
3-20Recap
Never Look a Gift Moose in the Mouth
The Black Vera Wang - The stalking of C.J. continues, because we need time for her to build romantic chemistry with Simon. Sam inadvertently creates some very bad press for Bartlet by giving a secret attack ad developed by the GOP to the wrong guy. The defense minister of Qumar won't be attending the Folsom Street Fair anytime soon. Donna is haunted by the desiccated corpse of Bullwinkle.
2002.05.072002.05.12 B+
Shack
3-19Recap
The Bodyguard
Enemies Foreign And Domestic - C.J.'s being hunted.
2002.04.302002.05.02 B-
Deborah
3-18Extra
POTUS is in the House
The West Wing Meets Architectural Digest - Martin and Janet Sheen live way better than you do. Hell, the wastebaskets on The West Wing sets live better than you do.
2002.05.012002.05.01 N/A
Deborah
3-18Recap
And the Olive Represents the Electoral College
Stirred - The martini becomes an unusual choice for metaphor as a couple of potential crises -- an accident involving uranium fuel rods and a decision whether to punt Hoynes as vice-president -- fail to crack the...uh...ice of chaos and...uh...water down the liquor that is our great nation. Or something like that. In other words: a whole lotta shakin' isn't going on.
2002.04.022002.04.05 A-
Shack
3-17Recap
The Truth, and Other Nuisances
The U.S. Poet Laureate - Aaron Sorkin confuses the definition of "artist" with "entertainer," "smug" with "smart," and "critic" with "fan," among other things.
2002.03.262002.03.29 C
Shack
3-16Recap
Voulez-Vous Soûler Avec Moi?
Dead Irish Writers - A stirring tribute to America Junior. Or not. Maybe just FLOTUS's birthday party. It's ass-tastic!
2002.03.052002.03.07 C-
Deborah
3-15Recap
Chess: It's What's for Dinner
Hartsfield's Landing - While things heat up between China and Taiwan, Bartlet mentors Sam and lectures Toby using the miracle of chess. C.J. tries to take on Charlie in a practical-joke war, and loses badly. Josh orders Donna around like a mule, and Donna takes it.
2002.02.262002.03.04 C
Glark
3-14Recap
Those Who Do Not
Night Five - Jed has an incredibly dull therapy session, Toby and Andy have a shouting match, C.J. gets involved in a futile attempt to rescue an abducted reporter from the Congo, Donna's offered a job at an internet startup, and Ainsley resurfaces to slap around non-lipstick-wearing forms of feminism.
2002.02.052002.02.07 N/A
Deborah
3-13Recap
How Now, Butter Cow?
The Two Bartlets - Bartlet wins the Iowa caucus to no one's surprise; C.J. and Toby disagree about affirmative action; Josh and Amy move ahead in their relationship; Leo and Josh handle a protest in Vieques; Toby and Jed go a round in the Oval Office; Sam visits with one of the Funnel People.
2002.01.292002.02.01 B
Deborah
3-12Recap
Sam, Sam, the Sunshine Man
100,000 Airplanes - Not so much, really. It's State of the Union night, and Sam is real sad...about a lot of things.
2002.01.152002.01.17 B
Deborah
3-11Recap
Fall With Grace
H. Con-172 - Jed finally steps up.
2002.01.082002.01.10 A+
Deborah
3-10Extra
Crutching Teacher, Hidden Psychic
The Dead Zone - The scariest thing about this is probably Christopher Walken's hairdos.
1983.10.202002.01.02 N/A
Deborah
3-10Recap
Adeste Fideles
Bartlet For America - Who da man? If your answer is anyone other than John Spencer, go stand in the corner.
2001.12.112001.12.13 A
Deborah
3-9Recap
How Now Mad Cow?
The Women Of Qumar - C.J. seethes over the government's willingness to make a self-serving deal with the fictional misogynist regime of Qumar; the administration faces the threat of mad cow disease; and Josh confronts the issue of global sexual trafficking.
2001.11.272001.11.29 B+
Deborah
3-8Recap
The Butterball Hotline
The Indians In The Lobby - There was something of an episode in here, but it turned out to be mostly a PSA about undercooked stuffing and a big-ass product placement for Butterball.
2001.11.202001.11.21 B-
Deborah
3-7Recap
Sounds Worse Than It Really Is
Gone Quiet - Deborah thinks this one will be referred to as either "The Submarine Episode" or "The One Where C.J.'s Too Sexy."
2001.11.132001.11.15 B+
Deborah
3-6Recap
In For A Penny, In For A Pound
War Crimes - Everybody's working on a Sunday, as Bartlet and Hoynes talk turkey about gun control and the re-election campaign; Toby takes the junior staff to task over a leak; Donna is deposed by Cliff and then must ask Josh to help her out of a lie; Sam investigates the elimination of the penny, and Leo learns a stunning truth about his past.
2001.11.062001.11.08 B+
Deborah
3-5Recap
This Hot Pumpkin Soup Could Use Some NaCl
On The Day Before - The President's veto of the estate-tax repeal is endangered; Batman and Robin must come to the rescue. Josh neutralizes a potential threat to the Bartlet campaign. Leo and Nancy manage the international crisis du jour: a suicide bomb kills ten in Israel, including two Americans. Donna 'fesses up about Cliff. Abby's sick. And even if she doesn't carry around a copy of the Periodic Table of Elements, C.J. kicks ass seven ways to Sunday. Are you getting tired yet of hearing that, yet? Neither is Deborah.
2001.10.302001.11.01 A
Deborah
3-4Recap
Now With 17% More Pedeconferencing!
Ways And Means - C.J. plays the press like a piano, Donna gets a date with a cute guy (no, not Josh) but just can't catch a break, Josh and Toby work on an estate-tax problem, Sam and Connie perform Sam's biannual quasi-mating ritual, and the White House fiddles while Wyoming burns. Oh, and everybody gets subpoenas.
2001.10.232001.10.25 B-
Deborah
3-3Recap
Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
Manchester, Part II - In the second part of the season opener, a field trip to Bartlet's stunning farmhouse in bucolic Manchester culminates in a long-overdue and inadequate apology to the staff, followed by a hotly debated speech we don't get to hear.
2001.10.162001.10.18 A
Deborah
3-2Recap
"Abortions for Some, Miniature American Flags for Others!"
Manchester, Part I - The season opener puts an end to the unbearable suspense by announcing Bartlet will run again. Now there's something to talk about other than "Isaac and Ishmael."
2001.10.092001.10.11 A
Deborah
3-1Recap
A Very Special Episode of The West Wing
Isaac and Ishmael - Anvilicious!
2001.10.022001.10.04 C-
Deborah
2-27Extra
The Fall Doesn't Have to Kill You
Talk: "The Crack-Up" - Aaron Sorkin's had a wonderful, terrible year. When it rains, it pours...
2001.08.312001.08.27 N/A
Deborah
2-26Extra
"A Medium-Sized Nightmare"
The American President, Part II - Part II of The American President focuses on the personal and political complications that ensue when the widowed President takes up with a cute lobbyist.
1995.11.162001.08.23 N/A
Deborah
2-25Extra
"Dig it, Ms. Wade: You're the President's Girlfriend!"
The American President, Part I - It's just like the show, only Martin Sheen is playing the wrong character. Somehow, Deborah bravely soldiers on in order to provide you with this Extra.
1995.11.162001.08.21 N/A
Deborah
2-24Extra
"The Truthful Moment"
The West Wing On The Charlie Rose Show - Aaron Sorkin and several members of The West Wing cast drop in on PBS's Charlie Rose. They're all very entertaining and adorable together. Just like on TV!
2001.08.012001.08.01 N/A
Deborah
2-23Extra
"I Drive Around L.A. and Try to Make People Like Me"
The Secret Life Of An Actor - Bradley Whitford submits to a pretty nice profile written by his brother for Esquire. Who better to reveal some choice goodies about Whitford?
2001.06.172001.06.17 N/A
Deborah
2-22Recap
Rose Garden of Gethsemane
Two Cathedrals - It's not King Lear or The Book of Job, but it's as close as you're going to get on primetime television.
2001.05.152001.05.22 A
Deborah
2-21Recap
This Is The Dawning of the Age of Sagittarius
18th And Potomac - This is the one just before the one where the crap finally hits the fan.
2001.05.082001.05.11 A
Deborah
2-20Recap
But We've Got Surprise On Our Side, Right?
The Fall's Gonna Kill You - Josh, C.J. and Sam find out about the President's MS. We don't see any of that, though.
2001.05.012001.05.03 A-
Deborah
2-19Recap
Bring It On
Bad Moon Rising - Jed and Leo consult White House Counsel (Oliver Platt) in an effort to determine whether Jed has perpetrated an enormous federal crime in hiding his relapsing remitting MS from the American public. Josh and Donna battle over whether to give Mexico $30 billion, and a ghost from Sam's corporate law past returns to bite him on the ass.
2001.04.242001.04.25 A
Deborah
2-18Recap
A Discussion For Serious Men
17 People - Toby's world is turned upside down when his curiosity about Hoynes's behaviour forces Leo to tell him about Bartlet's relapsing remitting MS. For some comic relief, Sam and Josh recruit Donna and Ainsley (and Larry and Ed, and deborah finally figures out which is which) to help punch up a speech. But how much funny can you bring in an episode without C.J.?
2001.04.032001.04.05 A
Deborah
2-17Recap
Dad, You've Got Mail
The Stackhouse Filibuster - When a Democratic Senator decides to stage a filibuster just prior to a recess, it not only screws the staff's weekend plans but forces them all to sit up and take notice.
2001.03.132001.03.15 A-
Deborah
2-16Recap
Pardon Me
Somebody's Going To Emergency, Somebody's Going to Jail - Sam's and C.J.'s worlds are turned upside down.
2001.02.272001.03.01 A
Deborah
2-15Recap
Smoke 'em If You Got 'em
Ellie - When the Surgeon General decides to state that marijuana isn't all that great a health risk, it unleashes a PR nightmare. As if her opinions didn't create enough problems for the administration, Jed's middle daughter Eleanor inserts herself into the situation, forcing Jed to confront their problematic relationship.
2001.02.202001.02.23 A+
Deborah
2-14Recap
With Friends Like These, Who Needs Anemones?
The War At Home - Joey finally gives Josh his polling numbers, but Josh is disappointed in them. As a bonus, Joey spells out Donna's interest in Josh. An angry left-leaning Democratic senator tries to tear Toby a new cornchute, but Toby is unscathed. And Ainsley manages to make the most of a second opportunity to humiliate herself in front of POTUS.
2001.02.132001.02.15 A
Deborah
2-13Recap
Blame it on the Bossa Nova
Bartlet's Third State of the Union - The President makes his third State of the Union address, and hits it out of the ballpark in just about everybody's opinion; everybody, that is, except his wife. Joey Lucas returns to run the critical polling effort and bug Josh; Donna tries to play matchmaker to no avail. As usual, behind the scenes, Leo's trying to quietly manage an international crisis. Ainsley finally gets to meet the President and manages to completely embarrass herself. What a surprise!
2001.02.062001.02.08 A
Deborah
2-12Recap
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
The Drop In - Lord John Marbury returns! In other news, Toby screws the enviromental lobby and Sam in one fell swoop; C.J. screws a comedian-Democrat (no, not like that); and Leo and his missile shield are just plain screwed.
2001.01.232001.01.24 A
Deborah
2-11Recap
Breakfast in America
The Leadership Breakfast - A bipartisan breakfast that's intended to be a benign photo opportunity turns into a political mess as Toby makes a bad deal in his desperation to generate substantive debate and action.
2001.01.092001.01.11 C-
Deborah
2-10Weecap
Take Me to the Pilot of Your Soul
Noel - Months after the shooting, Josh finally starts to come apart at the seams, as his colleagues watch him with increasing concern. Leo forces Josh to spend a day being deposed by a psychologist in the form of Adam Arkin. C.J. returns Nazi loot to the daughter of a man who died in Auschwitz, and Toby overcompensates for years of weak Christmas spirit by inundating the lobby with Christmas music. Jed and Leo deal with a minor crisis involving a suicidal fighter pilot. And the President sends a lot more Christmas cards than you can imagine. Special bonus: concert by Yo-Yo Ma!
2000.12.192000.12.13 A-
Deborah
2-9Recap
Fresh Icelandic Mink Whale Meat With a Side of Green Beans
Galileo - The night before a televised classroom session revolving around a spacecraft that's exploring Mars, it turns out that there's a major communications failure. While everyone waits to see whether the event can go forward, Toby and C.J. manage a tempest in a green beanpot, Josh weighs the issues involved in getting a potentially controversial stamp approved, Sam and Mallory finally speak, and Leo and Jed give the Russian ambassador what for.
2000.11.282000.11.29 A-
Deborah
2-8Recap
A Turkey Wing And A Prayer
Shibboleth - It's Thanksgiving at the White House and everybody's got a lot to do. C.J. is the Thanksgiving cruise director, as she puts it, and must choose which turkey gets a Presidential pardon and which turkey gets the shaft. Leo, Josh, Sam, and Jed must handle a situation involving Chinese refugees seeking religious asylum. Toby tries to get Leo's sister installed in a political position no one else wants her to occupy, and Charlie is on a mission that's more significant than he realizes. No Danny, no Mandy, no Ainsley.
2000.11.212000.11.23 A+
Deborah
2-7Recap
The Quarterback of Notre Dame
The Portland Trip - On a night flight to Portland, Toby and Sam wrestle with a speech the President has to deliver in the morning, and C.J. is made to look like an idiot more than once. Back in Washington, Leo handles an incident of potential oil smuggling, Josh tries to convince a gay Congressman that he shouldn't support the Marriage Recognition Act, Donna dates a "local gomer" in a stolen dress (on Donna, not the gomer) and Ainsley suffers in...well, not "silence," exactly.
2000.11.142000.11.15 B+
Deborah
2-6Recap
Lame Duck Soup
The Lame Duck Congress - We follow the staffers through yet another long day of meetings, arguments, and politicking as they consider calling a lame-duck session of Senate to push through the Test Ban Treaty. C.J. and Danny are not on the best of terms, having reached something of an impasse with their potential relationship. A maverick reformer from The Ukraine shows up drunk, insisting on seeing the President, and becomes Josh's project. Donna yammers about workplace-related RSI injuries, and tries to cause a minor mutiny among the assistants.
2000.11.072000.11.08 B-
Deborah
2-5Recap
Initiation
And It's Surely To Their Credit - Ainsley Hayes -- the new Republican lawyer in the Democratic White House -- gets hazed by her new boss, and by a couple of dorks in the Communications Office. (No, not Sam and Toby! Yeesh.) Sam beats up on them for her. Sam also tries to mastermind a way for Josh to sue the people who are responsible for his shooting, but Josh isn't so sure he wants to do that. C.J. tears a new one for a retiring three-star general who's planning to trash-talk the President on his way out the door. And Jed tries unsuccessfully both to record a radio address and to have sex with his wife. Um, Not at the same time.
2000.10.312000.11.01 B-
Deborah
2-4Recap
In This White House
In This White House - "Ainsley nervously asks Mr. Scream, 'I'm sorry, did I overreach?' Mr. Scream chuckles and rudely fails to answer her question, choosing instead to lean over Sam's shoulder to note, 'This one might know something.' Sam mutters to himself, 'Please, oh, please, let them not be watching.'"
2000.10.242000.10.24 B-
Strega
2-3Recap
The Midterms
The Midterms - "Josh says, 'It's called the theory of everything.' Catchy name. We fade up on C.J.'s office as she asks, 'Is it comprehensive?'"
2000.10.172000.10.17 B
Strega
2-2Recap
In The Shadow Of Two Gunmen, Part II
In The Shadow Of Two Gunmen, Part II - "We see a little diner called the Dixie Pig. I wondered if this was supposed to be some sort of comment on neo-Nazi crackers from the southern U.S."
2000.10.032000.10.03 A
Deborah
2-1Recap
In The Shadow Of Two Gunmen, Part I
In The Shadow Of Two Gunmen, Part I - "Amidst flashing lights and sirens, the President and his staff are being driven away from the shooting site."
2000.10.032000.10.03 A
Deborah
1-23Extra
Squeaky Clean
Squeaky Clean - I looked forward to preparing a humorous essay regarding the article. A summary of its points, with some additional sarcastic commentary, and perhaps a few cheap shots at Rob Lowe, would provide the legions of The West Wing fans with some much-needed new reading during the long, hot summer reruns.
2000.06.182000.06.18 N/A
Strega
1-22Recap
What Kind Of Day Has It Been?
What Kind Of Day Has It Been? - "Some thought it would fit in nicely with the folksy atmosphere of a town hall meeting; others thought it wouldn't be presidential. Can I trust you all to read nothing into it, other than I've been talking for two hours and it's a little hot under these lights?"
2000.05.162000.05.16 A
Deborah
1-21Recap
Lies, Damn Lies And Statistics
Lies, Damn Lies And Statistics - "Shouldn't it be 'damned lies,' rather than 'damn lies'? It would look better on the title card that way, too."
2000.05.092000.05.09 B
Strega
1-20Recap
Mandatory Minimums
Mandatory Minimums - "Jed's sarcastically asserting that they better have mandatory sentences, because judges can't be trusted to dispense justice, and we better have term limits, because voters can't be trusted to recognize corruption, etc. Jed adds, 'When the playing field is leveled and the process is fair and open, it turns out we have term limits: they're called elections.'"
2000.05.022000.05.02 A-
Deborah
1-19Recap
Let Bartlet Be Bartlet
Let Bartlet Be Bartlet - "The Prez snaps, 'Can we get this godforsaken event over with so I can get back to presiding over a civilization gone to hell in a handcart?' Mrs. Landingham suggests that his mood is being affected by his diet: 'You don't get enough roughage.'"
2000.04.252000.04.25 B
Strega
1-18Recap
Six Meetings Before Lunch
Six Meetings Before Lunch - "Toby bellows, 'Fifty-one yea votes is what we see on these screens before one drop of wine is swallowed, because there's a little thing called what, Bonnie?' Bonnie dutifully answers, 'Tempting fate.'
2000.04.042000.04.04 B+
Deborah
1-17Recap
The White House Pro-Am
The White House Pro-Am - "The anchor asks if the nameless company they've been discussing knows that some of its workers are children. Abby says, 'If they don't, then they're criminally negligent. If they do, then they're simply criminal.'"
2000.03.212000.03.21 N/A
Strega
1-16Recap
20 Hours In L.A.
20 Hours In L.A. - "Toby says, 'The two of you understand we're going to be in California for one day?' C.J. replies that there's tanning time between two and four, and Donna adds, 'And I have sensitive alabaster skin.'"
2000.02.222000.02.22 A
Deborah
1-15Recap
Celestial Navigation
Celestial Navigation - "C.J. asks why Mendoza refused the breathalyzer. 'Because he's a crazy man who's out to ruin my life,' Toby answers."
2000.02.152000.02.15 N/A
Strega
1-14Recap
Take This Sabbath Day
Take This Sabbath Day - "Sam's asking if the guy is guilty. Bobby avoids the question, trying to draw Sam's attention to that fact that his client killed a couple of drug kingpins. Sam: 'You want me to argue it was a public service murder?'"
2000.02.082000.02.08 N/A
Deborah
1-13Recap
Take Out The Trash Day
Take Out The Trash Day - "Mandy says, 'They are coming, I'm just not sure we're going to want them there.' Mandy explains that she flew to St. Paul to visit the Lydells and that the mother is fine, but that the father 'doesn't say much.' C.J. snaps, 'Their son was just murdered, Mandy. Did you want him to wear a campaign button?'"
2000.01.252000.01.25 N/A
Strega
1-12Recap
He Shall, From Time To Time
He Shall, From Time To Time - "Josh says that the Prez looks unwell. C.J. sips her coffee and agrees. Josh asks, 'Are his glands swollen?' 'Damn!' says C.J. 'You know what I forgot to do today? I forgot to feel the President's glands.'"
2000.01.112000.01.11 B+
Strega
1-11Recap
Lord John Marbury
Lord John Marbury - "Military Guy confirms that the naval contingent consists of two CVEs and four destroyers. Sweater-Vest asks where they're going; Military Guy replies, 'Pakistan.' Full Uniform Guy says, 'I'm sold. Let's brief the COs.' Sweater-Vest dials the phone; behind him we can see the Washington Monument lit up in the darkness."
2000.01.042000.01.04 N/A
Deborah
1-10Recap
In Excelsis Deo
In Excelsis Deo - "Mandy 'Toepick' Hampton tells C.J. where the carolers, tree, and Prez will go. The carolers will wear both Dickensian costumes and Santa hats. One assumes that the Prez will not."
1999.12.141999.12.14 N/A
Strega
1-9Recap
The Short List
The Short List - "Donna can't understand how Josh could not notice such a loud noise and he says that he just didn't, because he's been 'on the phone for the last hour trying to seal a deal to fill a seat on the Supreme Court, so, you know...'"
1999.11.241999.11.24 B
Deborah
1-8Recap
Enemies
Enemies - "POTUS announces that he's a national parks buff, as if Josh and all the rest of us had not clued to that by now, and bets that Josh didn't know that. Josh offers that he didn't but that he's not surprised. The Prez wants to know why he isn't surprised, and Josh replies evenly, 'You're quite a nerd, Mr. President.'"
1999.11.161999.11.16 A-
Deborah
1-7Recap
The State Dinner
The State Dinner - "Josh follows C.J. out, and tells her that Hurricane Sara is headed for the Georgia/Carolina coast. As they enter the communal office, Sam pops up behind them and says that the teamsters have voted to strike unless a deal can be worked out by midnight. , Toby joins the parade and says that there's an FBI standoff with some survivalists in Idaho. With all those balls in motion, let's go to the credits. Has anyone else noticed that the music is done by someone named 'Snuffy'?"
1999.11.091999.11.09 A-
Strega
1-6Recap
Mr. Willis Of Ohio
Mr. Willis Of Ohio - ", the Prez asks what three English words start with 'dw.' So, is this some weird strategy the Prez has to throw people off, or to give himself time to think, or is just further evidence that the Commander-in-Chief is out of his mind?"
1999.11.021999.11.02 B
Strega
1-5Recap
The Crackpots And These Women
The Crackpots And These Women - "I mean, realistically they couldn't film on White House grounds, sure, and this way they do have the White House in the background, but why not just build a set and pretend?"
1999.10.191999.10.19 N/A
Strega
1-4Recap
Five Votes Down
Five Votes Down - "The Prez is speaking at an event of some kind, with a banner behind him reading 'Practical idealism,' which is a nice contradiction in terms and therefore a completely plausible political slogan."
1999.10.121999.10.12 B-
Strega
1-3Recap
A Proportional Response
A Proportional Response - "Josh walks into his office to see C.J. sitting in his chair reading a newspaper, long legs and high heels perched up on his desk. Josh lets out a loud yell of alarm as C.J. folds the edge of her paper down, glares over the top edge of her glasses and announces, 'Wow, are you stupid!'"
1999.10.051999.10.05 B+
Deborah
1-2Recap
Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc
Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc - "I suspect that the speaking-in-tongues schtick is meant to dial us into the concept that The Prez is not just a smart guy, but perhaps he has some mystical connection with the universe that allows him to be a great leader."
1999.09.281999.09.28 B 1-1
Recap
Welcome to the West Wing
Pilot - "I soothe myself with the rationalization that almost thirty years of watching American TV and movies can't have all been for nothing, and based on this, I dub myself an honorary American citizen."
1999.09.211999.09.21 A