Friday 14 June 2019

The West Wing Season 3 (2001)

This is how they dealt with 9/11 - in the two weeks after it Sorkin wrote and they hurriedly filmed an episode that takes place in the White House under lockdown - a visiting class of students thus get to voice questions and concerns about terrorism, Al Qu'aeda etc, fielded by our team. It's called 'Isaac and Ishmael' - where in the bible Jews and Arabs split.

Then the continuing story picks up with new team of super-campaigners Ron Silver, Evan Handler (who we recognise from Californication) and Connie Britton. And the ongoing investigation into the MS cover-up. But this season seems a bit more routine than the last two (Sorkin not writing all stories).

President obsessed by Thanksgiving Turkey preparation - Charlie points out there is the Butterball hotline.

Discussing government funding of crazy art projects;
"One is an artist who set alight to all his possessions outside his studio in Greenwich Village."
Sam: "I've done that a couple of times. (beat) Didn't know you could get funding."
Rob does deadpan very well.

Chess games intercut with China / Taiwan showdown.

Dead Irish Writers great episode. Eugene O'Neill: "There is no present or future - only the past, happening over and over again - now." The ladies getting pissed. Dangling modifiers. President: "What the hell's going on? I've been out of the room 20 minutes and everyone's Canadian." Donna: "I know exactly what you mean." And Hector Elizondo. And, y'know, the one from Weeds.

Then CJ death threats, and the President has to make a tough decision about a visiting statesman who represents terrorists..

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