I watched the last three episodes on the first two disk set of the complete West Wing while away and the test is how much do I remember without reference to the internet notes.
In Excelsis Deo is the 10th episode and I have decided to write about this one first because I am in agreement that it is the warmest of he first series in that it depicts the reality of the Whitehouse over Christmas and of life in the streets around the capital. While the trees are decorated and various choirs and to her celebrity guest artists entertain staff and their families and friends at the White House. Toby, the Director of Communications is called out to a bench in the park by the police homeless man is found to have died from the over cold. He is wearing a coat, previously given by Toby to a charity and where there is his card in an inside pocket. Toby was to no more about the man and discovers from a tattoo that he is a Korean War Veteran with the purple heart. He finds out that the man’s brother is also homeless on the streets and then uses the Presidential authority to arrange for a military funeral at Arlington, In addition to the brother and Toby the funeral si attended by Mrs Laningham, the President’s secretary who lost both her twin sons in the war and never got to say a proper goodbye and the real life curator of the cemetery. Back at the Whitehouse the President ticks Toby off for using his name in this way saying that if the gesture got out everyone would want the same treatment to which Toby comments, “ I can only hope so” telling the President that he is appalled how society regards some veterans. “They got better treatment and Panmounjom.”
Other stories is the attempt by Josh to approach Sam’s high class call girl for information which could help Leo to stop the attack on him by Senator Lillienfield. They are made to realise that to use such methods is to make them no different from the standards of those they oppose. Media officer C J get emotionally involved with the story of young homosexual killed because of his sexual orientation and wants to push hate legislation and expressing her concern with a leading member of the media attached to the Whitehouse leads to her accepting a date from him. There is fun when the President and members of the team go Christmas shopping in a bookstore and he buys a book for his daughter leading to comments that of course she would like this rather than a new stereo player, while Josh write in a book bought for his assistant Donna words which brings tears to her eyes.
The episode won an award for the writing to Sorkin and Cleveland with the back background that Rick Cleveland’s father was a Korean war veteran. Richard Schiff who plays Toby also won a an Emmy for his performance.
Richard Schiff who plays Toby Zeigler was born in 1955 which makes him 53 today and therefore in his mid forties when the series commenced in 1999. He is the second of three sons born to lawyer specializing in real estate and a television publishing executive who divorced when he was twelve. He was not a success at school and turned to acting in 1975 but did not find this satisfying so commenced to direct off Broadway shows and then obtained acting roles on TV, meeting Steven Speilberg through an TV drama who then cast him for a role in Jurassic Park after which he secure several TV and film roles before selected as one of the major characters in the West Wing. He met his wife in 1993 and they married in 1996 and one child, a daughter Ruby. He has been public in his allegiance to the democratic party and support for Joe Biden and the Barrack Obama. His role in West has led to other film role including City Hall and Deep Impact. He has been in several TV shows and on the stage in the USA and London and more recently with Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson in Last Chance Harvey and Another Harvest Moon with Ernest Borgnine. Many actors finding it difficult to survive major roles in high rating TV shows but for Schiff it is so far so good.
The previous episode The Short List concerned the Presidential appointment of a new Judge to the Supreme Court following the retirement of a long standing liberal. The plan is to appoint a safe candidate likely to be accepted across the political spectrum but the retiring man asks he President to consider the merits of a man with a Spanish central American background Judge Roberto Mendoza. This is fortunate as Josh discovers that their nominee has expressed reservations about the protection of personal privacy under the constitution in a situation where Josh tells the President that privacy is going to become the significant issue during the end of the century and the beginning of the next because of the development of digital technology when all information can be recorded and integrated. The recommended man proves to have the a more likeable personality and is introduced as the nomination.
Meanwhile Josh find himself in the hotseat over his enquiries following the allegation that members of the team take drugs. He learns that the target is Toby the President’s long standing friend and chief of staff and that he has learnt that in addition to being a recovering alcoholic he also became addicted to pills where disclosure could end his career and embarrass the administration.
The third episode has considerable topicality today as in Lord John Maybury there is the threat of a nuclear calash as India and Pakistan prepared for a border clash which could lead to all out war. Much to Leo’s horror the President calls on Lord John Maybury for advice, having been the British Ambassador (High Commissioner) to India. The man has a flamboyant and arrogant style but also a sound understanding and the connections which make him indispensable. When Leo asks how was his flight he replied intoxicating and Leo comments, “ so I see.” He then has to remind that they have met 10 to 12 times before to which Lord Maybury comments that he thought he was the Butler. Leo reminds that he is Chief of Staff, Maybury says really, “Leo says yes sir“, “Maybury says“, “It’s your Lordship, as a matter of fact.”
According to Wikipedia Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright told Time Magazine that this was the best portrayal of an administration coping with tricky foreign affairs that she had seen on TV. When told that the United Nations is trying to get the two sides talking, Leo comments, “Well, I feel better already.”
Leo si then given support of the President and from other White House staff for the media circus which is to develop once the information about his addictions is made public.
Zoe, the President‘s daughter hints that she would to be taken out by Charlie. Charlie consults the resident who realises that the President’s daughter going out with someone who is black will attract hostility and worse. As the younger for his three daughter he is more protective than before but also has respect for Charlie, despite misgivings.
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