The West Wing!! [Archive] - ConstantChatter

Txfish

07-28-2005, 03:28 PM

Glad I'm not the only one :D It's become one of those shows for me, where I "personally" know all the characters & quote them and remember random trivia, etc. I think it snuck in and took over for Friends with me...

I used to watch SportsNight, and of course loved it -- "Sorkinian dialogue" should be an entry in Webster's, and the definition would be, see SportsNight, West Wing, and a spin-off, Gilmore Girls.

I'm having a very hard time with the idea of anyone else getting to be Pres -- I still cannot adjust to Charlie not being the PA, and Leo not being the CoS, and particularly CJ not being the Press Sec (I swear, every time she does a scene now, I think why is the Press Secretary so involved at this level? Oh, maybe because she's chief of staff now. Right.)

Although I do like that they brought Cliff Calley back, and he is a perfect choice for a "Josh" -- so funny that they are essentially making him a Republican Josh, and that of all the guys Donna has dated, he was the one (in my opinion) that made the most sense. You know, because he's JOSH. (I did like Christian Slater's role, but I think I always knew that one wasn't going to last.)

And I miss Sam Seaborn, lots. Do you think they'll ever get him to come back for any reason, to support the election or *anything*??

Akemi

07-28-2005, 04:47 PM

I've been a huge West Wing fan forever. I've even sort of gotten into the last couple of seasons, except when I go back and watch the first four seasons... and then I remember that those were way better, but oh well.

I'm hoping they use the new administration to rejuvenate the show!

Sazoo

09-25-2005, 01:08 AM

*bump*

West Wing is on tomorrow night!! :D

strwbrygirl

09-25-2005, 08:10 PM

Wow, I can't believe that I missed this thread before! I'm a huge (or as Jed Bartlet would say, "Yoooooge!" ;) ) Wing nut!

What did y'all think of the season 7 premiere? I have to admit that when Josh told Donna, "...and if you think that I don't miss you everyday..." I was teary-eyed. I thought that this episode was miles better than the last two seasons... and I wouldn't be adverse to seeing Sam again this year, either!

jnettie

09-25-2005, 09:39 PM

Ohhh...DH starting shouting "they need to be together!" when Donna started walking out! He so loves her (he being Josh, not DH...DH has a crush on CJ ;) )

Sam must come back!

kmrboston

09-26-2005, 07:48 AM

Another huge West Wing fan here!

I missed the first minute or so of the premiere last night! Can somebody fill me in? I tuned in when Jed was asking Toby how Columbia was?! He was going around asking how everyone in the future was. What did I miss? What's going on with CJ, Danny, and Charlie?

msnicolea

09-26-2005, 07:53 AM

ooooooooooooooooooo-I loved it!!!

The show started three years in the future, at the dedication of Bartlett's presidential Library. CJ and Danny are maried with child, living in California, Toby's teaching at Columbia, and Will's either a Congressman or working for one--I wasn't sure. Whatsherface, the security chick, wrote some big book. That's really all they let us in on.

I thought the episode rocked--I was almost in tears when Josh told Donna "If you think I don't miss you every day. . ." SWEET!!!!

Oh, Bradley Whitford--I love you so.

jennylou

09-26-2005, 08:03 AM

Danny was barely mentioned last night...just as one of CJs favorites. CJ is being investigated for the leak. And finally, Charlie wasn't on last night either (unless it was brief and I really didn't notice).

Honestly, they aren't concentrating too much on the White House happenings and more on the election campaign.

Josh is an ass for not taking Donna on as his deputy. He needs her. Harumph. I loved how she thanked him and walked out, head held high not looking back and he watched her walk away.

msnicolea

09-26-2005, 08:09 AM

The beginning was a 3 year flash forward: Danny and CJ were on together and they were married with a child.

curlywig

09-26-2005, 10:13 AM

The beginning was a 3 year flash forward: Danny and CJ were on together and they were married with a child.

Gaw....DH and I were doing dishes when it started, and I *thought* we caught it from the beginning....but we missed this.

mgrace

09-26-2005, 10:18 AM

Nicole, since I'm a moron and was still confused after my hubby tried to explain it to me (and since I only caught the beginning), is it 3 years later? Or was that just a quick flash forward?

msnicolea

09-26-2005, 10:23 AM

3 years later only at the beginning, for like 5 minutes--the rest was "today." ;->

mgrace

09-26-2005, 10:31 AM

Thank you! :o

jennylou

09-26-2005, 10:33 AM

The beginning was a 3 year flash forward: Danny and CJ were on together and they were married with a child.

Dang...I didn't think I missed much when I was in the bathroom...guess I did. I'm so happy to know that CJ and Danny end up with a baby! :)

msnicolea

09-26-2005, 10:36 AM

I'm so happy to know that CJ and Danny end up with a baby! :)

Me, too--I love "knowing" what happens to characters after my show ends. So sad. ;)

Now I am rooting for: Donna and Josh, Toby back with Andie, and Charlie to marry Zoe.

mgrace

09-26-2005, 10:37 AM

Now I am rooting for: Donna and Josh, Toby back with Andie, and Charlie to marry Zoe.
Ditto!

Sazoo

09-26-2005, 12:14 PM

I loved last night's episode! :cool: I was so sad when Josh turned Donna away, even though I sort of understand his reason. But still...he needs her by his side - they make such a great team!

I'm wondering what they'll do with Donna now. Do you think Josh will change his mind & hire her to be his deputy, or do you think maybe she'll go to the "other side" & work for Vinick's campaign instead? :confused:

Txfish

09-26-2005, 12:42 PM

Oh, My, God. I get all the way through this horrible traveling weekend trying to escape Rita, which doesn't even hit us, and we don't even lose power... and then at 6 freaking thirty the CABLE GOES OUT.

I MISSED THE ENTIRE SHOW. Wah!!! :mad:

I am going to try and find a good synopsis right now.

strwbrygirl

09-26-2005, 05:51 PM

Txfish, if you didn't find a good recap yet, you may want to check out Television Without Pity (http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/story.cgi?show=4&story=8254) - while they don't have the full recap up yet, there is a brief synopsis... it usually takes them 2-4 days to get the full recap posted.

Just to recap: I love me some Bradley Whitford... what an amazing scene last night with Donna.

I think that Donna will be back at some point, but she can't be a high-profile part of the Santos campaign just yet- because she was the campaign spokesperson for Russell, and it would become a story- and the Santos/McGarry campaign has enough problems at the moment.

jnettie

09-26-2005, 08:45 PM

The episode was more about Leo and finding his place. He's never been the elected guy, just the advisor, and he didn't know what he was supposed to do and it seemed like everyone was disrepecting him. It was a great moment when he and Santos finally had time to talk together and understand each other's possition.

Txfish

09-27-2005, 11:17 AM

Strwbry, I haven't been to TWP yet -- I always hit the WW Continuity site. Got some good basics, and a bunch of good spoilers for the next 5-6 episodes. I'll go check there next... I am still so annoyed. It's almost funny; I feel like there's a little 2 year old stomping her foot and pouting inside of me :o

(edited out) because I asked a stupid question about Josh & Donna that TWP answered for me. ;) What a bummer though. I agree with your assessment of the situation -- I can't imagine that they don't eventually get Donna on board. Unless she goes to help get Will elected to Congress Heehee

I *love* that they have CJ & Danny ending up married! :) Now if they'd just get Charlie & Zoey together for good...

mom_to_zoe

10-03-2005, 01:02 PM

Who saw last night's episode? I actually thought it was a great one. I am starting to really love that Matt Santos guy! I thought Janeane Garofolo was awesome and she looked great. She has lost weight. I thought everything she said was right and that Josh was way off.

mgrace

10-03-2005, 01:34 PM

I liked last night's episode. I was totally caught up in the campaign fever. And have I mentioned that I heart Josh? :)

msnicolea

10-03-2005, 01:43 PM

I liked last night's episode. I was totally caught up in the campaign fever. And have I mentioned that I heart Josh? :)

You best back off my man, mgrace.

mom_to_zoe

10-03-2005, 01:47 PM

Really you guys? Josh? You are welcome to him, as far as I am concerned. Now, Jimmy Smits on the other hand is mine, all mine!

msnicolea

10-03-2005, 01:57 PM

No, Jimmy Smits is mine, too--ever since LA Law! ;)

As for Josh? I looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove him soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Sazoo

10-03-2005, 02:24 PM

I enjoyed last night's epside too. The part about Santos & his wife breaking the hotel bed was too funny. :p

I'm thinking they're going to start showing more of Vinick's campaign soon though, because we still don't know who will win the election & it could potentially be him & not Santos. I'm rooting for Santos though - he's the underdog, plus Jimmy Smits is much cuter than Alan Alda. ;)

mgrace

10-04-2005, 08:16 AM

mom_to_zoe and msnicolea, you both are welcome to Jimmy Smits. Josh is the man!

Txfish

10-04-2005, 12:13 PM

You all are too funny. I've always had a thing for Josh -- the tortured brilliant guy -- but MAN is he looking old and run down! It's great make-up, as I'm sure that's what he'd look like if he was running the campaign...

I think Janeann Garofalo is *gold* in that role. She does look terrific & skinny!

I still have this huge disconnect when I see Margaret helping CJ or Carol helping Toby... I'm a dimwit. It just won't sink in LOL

(Still giggling: "The hotel manager swears the bed was steel-reinforced.")

strwbrygirl

10-04-2005, 05:38 PM

Argh! DH & I completely forgot that TWW was on Sunday night... we missed it. I'm trying to find it online- does anyone have hints for where you get your tv shows? No luck so far... looks like it was too recent.

msnicolea

10-04-2005, 05:53 PM

Did you try "television without pity?"

strwbrygirl

10-04-2005, 06:09 PM

Yes- they've removed the "tape Swap helpline" and don't allow for download info to be posted...

mobox

10-06-2005, 02:19 PM

Lurker and fellow WW lover. And fellow Josh lover. From day one.

YOu are so right, they are making Josh look haggard! My mom thinks he's had plugs, care to comment?

And what's up...is Donna coming back? I love her character and hope she gets back on the air.

Txfish

10-10-2005, 09:51 AM

Any thoughts on last night??

They're making Vinick look so slimy now; it leads me to believe they are keeping a Dem White House in the end. Vinick looked so terrific at first, (and probably someone I would have voted for :o ) and now he's failing me LOL

Of course, I want Josh to win anyway. I think he and Lou are a terrific team -- she is a *great* addition to this show.

There weren't a whole lot of moments that I really liked in the show, largely because I'm not emotionally attached to any of them. But I loved the guy at the end, Leon I think, who was on Vinick's staff from California who resigned -- the twins are 2 1/2, my mil has taught them to say Santos. They're going to ask me what I did in this campaign -- I can't tell them I did this. Awesome. Way to underscore the slime factor!

And of course, the judge issue being such a hot topic right now makes the whole George Rohr conversation pretty interesting and relevant. Hated that they let him off the hook, though -- I hope Santos can keep it in the news cycle, but I doubt it if the reverends aren't saying anything.

curlywig

10-10-2005, 10:44 AM

Wasn't a big fan of last night's episode, but it was just b/c I'm also not too thrilled with any of the new characters (yet).

I'm not sure the judge issue is a done deal. When Sullivan met with the religious leader (can't remember his name), Sullivan was clear on what he expected, but the other guy never agreed or provided any reassurance. Might come back to bite them!

Secret_Squirrel

10-10-2005, 10:52 AM

And of course, the judge issue being such a hot topic right now makes the whole George Rohr conversation pretty interesting and relevant. Hated that they let him off the hook, though -- I hope Santos can keep it in the news cycle, but I doubt it if the reverends aren't saying anything.

I don't think they have let him off the hook yet. I think Vinnick's lie to the reverends will be his downfall. Why?

The reverends are already suspicious of him b/c he is pro-choice. Now that Vinnick has lied to them about appointing pro-life judges, why should they trust that he will listen to his VP when deciding judges?

Plus, if they roll over and let him get away with it, they effectively loose what political leverage they have for the future. But if they pull their support from Vinnick and Santos wins, the next candidate (in the future) will be more respectful of them.

In the reverends' minds, they won't loose anything. They already said they didn't see much difference between Santos and Vinnick (what was the remark - "you want to kill a few less babies"). So having Vinnick elected won't serve their agenda anyway. But - if they pull their support from Vinnick and Santos is elected - they will have shown off their power and gain a lot of influence over Republican candidates in the future.

Remember how they said last night that "no Democrat can win the White House without California"? Well, maybe no Republican can win the White House w/o the Religious Right? And Vinnick just p*ssed them off.

I predict Vinnick's little lie will come back to bite him in the a*s big time.

Txfish

10-10-2005, 02:43 PM

And that's both why I watch, and why I come here for input -- I'm politically stupid ;)

Personally, I like your take on things. And it's just what my vindictive little heart hopes for, that it bites him big time.

Although I'd love to see a Republican get elected without the religious right, because then maybe it could happen in real life, too. (I know, I'm a dreamer. :rolleyes: )

strwbrygirl

10-10-2005, 04:45 PM

YOu are so right, they are making Josh look haggard! My mom thinks he's had plugs, care to comment?

Hmm, I'm generally naive about noticing that type of thing, but since his hairline has receded so much since the series started, I don't think he's had plugs.I enjoyed the campaign stuff last night, but I miss the other people from the West Wing... and I think Donna will be back later in the season.

ejs

10-10-2005, 05:14 PM

Do people here really not know who wins the election? If not, I'm afraid to post my comments because I'm afraid it will give it away.

bookworm

10-10-2005, 05:35 PM

ejs, I have no idea who wins. After last night I'm thinking Santos, but I thought I heard sometime last year they were writing a R. victory. I can't speak for anyone else, but I'd be happy to hear your comments.

Sazoo

10-10-2005, 06:47 PM

Do people here really not know who wins the election? If not, I'm afraid to post my comments because I'm afraid it will give it away.I haven't heard any rumors/spoilers on the outcome of the election yet...but I'd be interested to know what you've read/heard. ;)

If you're going to post a spoiler though, maybe change the text color to white so that people have to highlight the text in order to read it? That way people who don't want to know the spoilers can more easily avoid reading them by accident. Seems to work pretty well in some of the other tv threads. :)

mobox

10-11-2005, 04:50 PM

I heard that this week (or is it next) there will be an actual live (albeit scripted) debate between Santos and Vinick. With Forrest Sawyer as the moderator. Sounds cool to me.

Not sure who wins...I haven't heard anything either. This may be the last season as the ratings suck... :(

strwbrygirl

10-11-2005, 08:36 PM

mobox,

It looks like the "live" debate show will air on November 6th for sweeps. Here's the CNN article: http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/TV/10/07/tv.westwing.ap/index.html

As far as the election/plot lines for this season, I have my suspicions but I'm totally unspoiled and would prefer to stay that way... so if you could put spoiler warnings/white text/etc it would be much appreciated!

Secret_Squirrel

10-12-2005, 11:35 AM

This is not a spoiler, just my preference. But I'll put it in white anyway:

I fully expect Santos to win. If for no other reason than I'd rather be looking at Jimmy Smitts than Alan Alda all season long! Also, I think AA prefers doing reoccuring guest roles like he did on ER, since the schedules are less demanding.

Just my guess.

mobox

10-13-2005, 01:47 PM

Squirrel~ LOL!!! I think most of us would rather look at Santos than Vinick. Don't you think it's funny how they refer to him as "cute" all the time.

Hey girls, who do you think the white house leak is? This is NOT a spoiler as I have no idea who it is but I thought I would start a poll.

I think it's Toby.

Txfish

10-13-2005, 04:10 PM

Yeah, I'm not sure on that one, mo. It's so easy to believe that it's CJ, but Toby would be totally believable also. Trying to figure out which supporting character would have done it, so they don't lose someone major -- although I've already read that both Richard Schiff and Dule Hill are leaving the show after 5 or 6 episodes this season.

So either one's a good guess, but Toby has that whole astronaut connection and Charlie's not really working around CJ anymore.

mobox

10-13-2005, 06:42 PM

Oh, I didn't even think about Charlie.

strwbrygirl

10-16-2005, 10:40 AM

I feel like the foreshadowing is totally trying to make me think that it's Toby... but I really want it to be some other non-major character that I'm not as invested in... even Charlie would be OK, because I want his goatee to DIE.

curlywig

10-16-2005, 12:33 PM

I wouldn't mind if it were Mary McCormack (don't remember her character's name)...not a big fan. She just doesn't seem to have the rapport with the other characters to me.

I'm pretty confident it's not CJ, even though that's how it's being played a little. I thought in a clip where POTUS said to a character (whose back was to the camera) "I'm going to have to fire you" that the shoulder looked like a male shoulder b/c it was pretty broad and in a man's coat. So, I'm voting it's Toby.

Txfish

10-17-2005, 10:58 AM

even Charlie would be OK, because I want his goatee to DIE.

Bwa-hahaha! What is the deal with the goatee, especially when it looks like so much fungus? :p

I seriously doubt it's Mary McC; I think she was the first one to tell CJ that it would be a security breach punishable by 10 years in fed prison or whatever. She was arguing against letting it leak the whole time.

Maybe, it is Toby and then Charlie's working for him now, right? So maybe Charlie covers for him, and they BOTH go down, and that's why they both leave the show ;) Ok, now I'm just making things up.

But I don't think Jed will let him marry his daughter if he's committed a crime... and plus, whoever it is obviously gets off without too much hard time, as we saw them all at the library dedication 3 years in the future, right?

kazata

10-17-2005, 12:19 PM

Argh! We forgot to set the Tivo to tape West Wing last night (my brain just can't seem to remember it's on Sunday nights...I remembered around 9:30, and set it to tape "weekly" from now on...)

Can somebody give a quick recap of what happened last night?

Thanks a million.

Sazoo

10-17-2005, 02:14 PM

Can somebody give a quick recap of what happened last night?

Thanks a million.
Here's a recap from www.televisionwithoutpity.com:
This week, we get a hearty stew of politics, international intrigue, and Congressional hearings into the leak. Margaret spends the day testifying at the Congressional hearings, where we learn that she may have sometimes listened in on C.J.'s calls, but we don't actually learn what she might have heard. Santos, campaigning on education issues, gets pulled into a local school board debate about intelligent design. He ends up turning a difficult situation around and causes problems for Vinick, who is much less comfortable discussing religious issues than Santos is. However, things aren't all golden for the campaign, because Leo has also received a subpoena in the leak investigation, and nobody is looking forward to having the Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate testifying in what could turn into a criminal matter. On top of all of this, the Palestinian Chairman is assassinated by a suicide bomber. Jed is concerned that the peace deal will fall apart, and he pushes hard to get a suitable contingent of world leaders to attend the funeral. Charles Frost, the Vinick campaign's former security briefer, keeps trying to contact C.J., and then he shows up at the White House to give a warning that the assassination is just the first step in some international plan to destabilize the Middle East, or throw the oil industry into turmoil, or something. Everyone thinks he's crazy until the second assassination he predicted occurs. At the end of a very long day, C.J. seems resigned to having her life turned upside down by accusations that she leaked top-secret information. And then Toby comes to her and tells her that he did it. Well, duh.

If it really is Toby who was the leak & if the President asks him to resign...no big loss, IMO. I haven't liked Toby ever since this show began - he's always been one of my least favorite characters.

kazata

10-17-2005, 02:56 PM

Thanks, Sazoo! (And a good place to check first in the future...) :)

mom_to_zoe

10-18-2005, 08:51 AM

strwbrygirl

10-18-2005, 09:08 AM

I know what you mean... and I sort of feel that Toby's taking the fall for someone else because it just seems so out of character. Also, the timing of his confession will allow Leo not to be questioned by Congress and will keep the Santos/McGarry campaign from being dragged into the mess. I mean, I think that if Toby had actually been the leak, he would have just stood up and said so instead of allowing this drawn-out investigation crap. Furthermore, I don't want to see the Bartlet administration go out with a big scandal... call me sappy, but I want the end of their reign to be a "valentine to public service." Maybe that's not good television, but I feel like the characters that we've grown to love deserve better.

ETA:
Bwa-hahaha! What is the deal with the goatee, especially when it looks like so much fungus?

I KNOW! Every time he's been onscreen lately, I've been yelling "Go wash your face!" My DH has been less than amused.

Sazoo

10-18-2005, 09:30 AM

So, do people really think it was Toby? Or is he just willing to take the fall for C.J.? And by that protect Leo? I always thought it was Toby until he actually confessed to doing it. Then I began to doubt myself.
You know, I was thinking the same thing. Did Toby really do it, or is he just covering for someone like CJ? :confused: The preview for next week sure makes it look like he's taking the fall, but I still wonder if he really was the leak. Guess we'll just have to wait & see!

curlywig

10-18-2005, 09:49 AM

See, I think he's really the leak. Back when CJ asked him (when the space shuttle crisis was happening) what his brother would want if he were stranded in space...would he want to protect the existence of the military shuttle? Toby responded that his brother would not only want it, but that he would insist upon it. Toby then said, "You don't want to know what I'd do."

I do think it's possible that he's taking the fall, but who would he be taking the fall for? I don't think it was CJ, Charlie would never leak it, Leo wasn't around and neither was Josh. Hmmmmm....we'll see!!!

Txfish

10-19-2005, 02:55 PM

So, what I want to know is: if CJ's not the leak (which I believe she's not), then why on earth are she and Greg talking so much? Why would the Chief of Staff be on the phone so often with a reporter -- she's not in the press office anymore!

The one lingering doubt I have about Toby, is that he seemed surprised when CJ said she didn't need a lawyer because she didn't do anything wrong. Unless maybe he thought she had leaked it ALSO, and that's why he didn't immediately come forward... and now that he knows she didn't, he's going to out himself to save everyone else (the campaign & the administration) the drama. Hmm, I've interested myself LOL

mobox

10-24-2005, 10:02 PM

Anyone watch this week? What did you think? I'm sorta of glad Toby is gone, he was starting to annoy me. And I did think that what Bartlet said to him was apropos.

mom_to_zoe

10-25-2005, 10:22 AM

I thought it was a great episode. Lots of tension and cool shots and significant looks. I thought Jed's comments were dead-on and I thought C.J. really conveyed her disappointment so well. Also, I loved Oliver Babisch. As a lawyer myself, I can tell you, he was dead-on at playing a white-collar defense lawyer. I can't wait to see what happens with Toby.

The other stuff was nearly as good. The whole Charles Frost storyline is too confusing, IMO. And I was mot particularly moved by the shake-up on the Santos campaign storyline. But I am still loving Janeane Garofolo in that role.

strwbrygirl

10-27-2005, 08:23 PM

I felt like Bartlet crossed the line, just a little bit, when he said something about knowing this was coming all along. Other than that, everything else he said was fairly apropriate, I thought. I just don't like the story arc that after 7.5 years as the Deputy Communications Director, Toby would suddenly decide to leak national security secrets- doesn't ring true to me.

Txfish

10-31-2005, 09:11 AM

My favorite scene: when Babish is sitting with Toby after the interview with the Prez. He says, "I thought he'd thank you for your service. Someone should thank you for your service." I just thought it summed everything up -- here's this guy who's been such a vital part of them team since the campaign, and he betrayed the admin. so badly that we can't even appreciate what he's been to us anymore. I thought Bartlett was harsh -- I did expect to see more sadness from him about the way this has turned out, but I can see where the complete outrage has to be there.

CJ was torn up. Her scenes were so well played, and I'm really curious to see now how this will play out in Santos' campaign with all the speculation about how it could still look like a coverup for Leo somehow.

Ellie & the FruitFly Guy -- heehee :) Funny little scene. Absolutely awful actor though, that guy really bothers me. (I almost said BUGS, but that would have been too punny.) Jed & Abbey were cracking me up with their discussion in the hall over her sexual orientation.

Sazoo

10-31-2005, 09:48 AM

I thought last night's show was good. I was so happy to see Donna back! :) I'm hoping Josh will develop a newfound respect for her once he sees her in action in the capacity of something other than a secretary. I'll be interested to see how the "live" debate goes next week, too.

Txfish

10-31-2005, 10:08 AM

Sazoo, I read your post and thought HUH? Then I realized I'm still a week behind, and only watched last week's yesterday. Note to self: go home and watch last night's episode, too. Dork.

Sazoo

10-31-2005, 10:21 AM

Sazoo, I read your post and thought HUH?Hee hee - that's what I thought when I read your post, too! :D I just watched last week's episode on Friday, so I figured you too must have just watched that show recently. :p

kemaji

10-31-2005, 10:29 AM

I really liked last night's episode and I'm glad Donna's back too. I'm glad she grew a backbone and was standing up to Josh, hopefully he can stop being pigheaded quickly.

I'm not thrilled with Will as press secretary yet.

Can't wait for next week's LIVE episode!

mobox

11-04-2005, 04:24 PM

I'm so stoked that donna's back!!!! I was wondering when she would be back and I'm glad that she is.

ysolde

11-04-2005, 06:05 PM

Haven't seen this for ahile. Is Jed gone? Who is pres?

Sazoo

11-04-2005, 06:19 PM

Jed Bartlett is still the President. There is a Democratic candidate (played by Jimmy Smitts) & a Republican candidate (played by Alan Alda) who are on the campaign trail currently. The show is sort of going back & forth between showing stuff in the White House & campaign stuff for the 2 sides. Later on this season the election will occur & then we'll find out who the new pres. will be. I suspect that'll be the end of the season. ;)

emschwar

11-06-2005, 07:11 PM

Hi. I just thought to look for a thread about the west wing. Figured there had to be one.

What'd everyone think of the debate? I can't decide...

bookworm

11-06-2005, 07:54 PM

What'd everyone think of the debate? I can't decide...

I hated it. I hate watching "real" debates (although I'll do it as a "civic obligation"), and I hated this. No witty West Wing banter, no interesting people...just politicians talking. Blech.

emschwar

11-06-2005, 08:10 PM

That was kind of my thought too. It seemed kind of boring. I kept wanting to see Josh off in the wings reacting to stuff.

kemaji

11-07-2005, 08:49 AM

I liked it. Not because it had everything I love about The West Wing in it, but because I wish debates between real candidates were like that. Wistful thinking on my part, I suppose.

mom_to_zoe

11-07-2005, 09:47 AM

I definitely didn't like it as much as a normal episode for the reasons that bookworm and emschwar said.

But who do you think won? I thought Vinick was doing better in the beginning, then Santos did better for a while, then Vinick finished strong. In the real world --which this show is so far removed from it might as well be set on Mars -- Santos said any number of things that would have sunk his campaign.

Txfish

11-07-2005, 10:08 AM

mom_to_zoe, that's funny -- I thought Vinick did the same thing, re: saying things that would sink his campaign. In truth, they both did. But in general, I was fascinated, because I too would love to see this really happen -- just let them really hash it out!

I had heard that parts of it would be taped, and so I kind of expected to start off from commerical breaks with Josh in the wings and so forth before going back to the live debate -- but it was ok this way. I'm sure next week will pick up with all the post-debate spin and we'll get to see all the banter in full swing.

I honestly am not thrilled to see Donna back, where she is. I agree with Josh when he said that until a few weeks ago, she was the spokeperson for his opponent -- geez, why would you use the same person in such a spotlight role? She's brilliant politically; use her on the campaign -- just not out front.

I am *totally* happy that Will got pulled over to the President's staff again; he's not been terrific as Press Secretary yet but I don't know who WOULD do a great job in that situation, considering. I've missed his character, and he gets great lines -- he's always so disgruntled and sarcastic LOL

Chylynn

11-07-2005, 03:03 PM

I love West Wing. I thought last nights episode was okay, though. It started out strong, but kind of grew annoying to me. I think Santos won, but I am partial, because I like Santos!! DH thinks the show is going to have the Republican party win because the last 8 years have been Democrat. He also thinks that maybe the show will have the viewers vote for the winner...that would be neat, but I don't know if they would do that. I don't know what it is, but I can't stand Vinick!

emschwar

11-08-2005, 05:24 PM

I'm not so sure the show will go repub. I just remember reading an interview with them, or one of them (several years ago) talking about how if it was a republican administration, they'd have nothing to celebrate on the show. They're example was "yes! we just started drilling for oil in a wildlife preserve!"

bookworm

11-08-2005, 05:56 PM

I read a story earlier this week that said that neither Jimmy Smits nor Alan Alda knew what happened to their characters. Of course, I take that with a grain of salt.

Is anyone else have trouble with the concept of Alan Alda as a Republican? Even a not-awful one?

conneals

11-09-2005, 08:29 AM

Is anyone else have trouble with the concept of Alan Alda as a Republican? Even a not-awful one?

Me! I love Alan Alda, but he has always been so liberal that seeing him spout Republican stuff is just wrong.

kemaji

11-09-2005, 08:34 AM

I'd be sad if the show went Republican. Personally, I'd find it hard to get excited over 'victories' that I don't personally identify with.

Oh and I totally agree with the PP about Alan Alda.

jennylou

11-13-2005, 06:13 PM

Is the episode tonight new? Just wondering before I send off a really mean email to the local NBC affiliate. They are showing the football game tonight. :(

bookworm

11-13-2005, 06:29 PM

They are showing some Penn & Teller special here--no West Wing at all.

How depressing.

jennylou

11-13-2005, 06:31 PM

okay, thanks! :) Glad to know my local station just wasn't being silly.

strwbrygirl

11-22-2005, 08:41 PM

No new episodes until December 4th. :(

Sazoo

11-22-2005, 10:23 PM

:( Too bad.

strwbrygirl

12-03-2005, 04:45 PM

I just wanted to BUMP this thread as a reminder- new episode tomorrow night!!

mom_to_zoe

12-05-2005, 09:05 AM

What did you guys think of the episode? I liked it but thought that the end was way too much. It was way to easy for Santos to be so inspiring and win that church over.

I also just could not follow that whole Central Asia storyline. But I liked the storyline about Will and Ellie's wedding and Josh and Toby. Plus, I am loving Janeane Garofolo as Lou.

Sazoo

12-05-2005, 03:55 PM

I also just could not follow that whole Central Asia storyline. But I liked the storyline about Will and Ellie's wedding and Josh and Toby. Plus, I am loving Janeane Garofolo as Lou.
Totally agree with what you said here. The Asia thing was an annoying sub-plot that totally did not interest me. Will was pretty funny with the way he was handling the wedding stuff. :p

I was wondering if we'd see any more of Toby once he got fired. Wonder if he'll continue to be on the show every now & then during the investigation into the charges against him, or if this was pretty much the last we'll see. I never really cared for Toby so I'm not sad to see him go, but I was glad that Josh went to visit him.

Txfish

12-06-2005, 09:45 AM

I *loved* Will the Wedding Coordinator LOL Again, with the sarcastic and pleasantly disgruntled personality -- it just works so well for him! The wedding dresses were great -- "Tell her we'll find something with an empire waist." "Like I know what that is."

It was an okay episode otherwise - I always love seeing Santos pull something off, that's from his heart & mind rather than politically motivated (hey, Republican as I am, it's why I've loved watching Jed all these years), but why in the world did his wife look so PO'ed when they were leaving the church???

In the end, I was just glad to get a new episode LOL

stochasticgirl

12-12-2005, 11:56 AM

What, no comments about last night's wedding episode? What kind of WeddingChannel refugees are we? ;)

Seriously, I really enjoyed last night's episode. But I was wondering if one of you could fill me in: Why was Ellie so upset about Will Bailey showing up to the wedding in a tux? Did they have a previous relationship? I was so confused.

The dignatary bingo was too funny! Leo: "That's not the Earl of Edinbrough!"

emschwar

12-12-2005, 12:01 PM

dignatary bingo was hysterical!

I'm not sure why Ellie was upset about will. I'm guessing she just didn't like him.

mom_to_zoe

12-12-2005, 12:04 PM

Why was Ellie so upset about Will Bailey showing up to the wedding in a tux?

My best guess is that she didn't like him after that whole guest list thing the other week and he was not invited on purpose. When someone you purposefully don't invite to your wedding shows up, I guess you get pretty mad! LOL.

I thought the episode was kind of a disappointment. I would have loved to seen more of the wedding stuff. Plus, I thought Ellie's reaction to her dad being late was unrealistic given that she and Jed have always had their troubles and she kind of shied away from the spotlight.

I was ticked off at Santos for wanting to dump Josh. He would be back in Houston sitting on his behind if it weren't for Josh! I think Josh needs to seek help from other people more, but still. I loved Leo at the end.

Sazoo

12-12-2005, 12:51 PM

I haven't watched last night's episode yet (taped it so I could watch the finale of Survivor) but I saw bits & pieces of it during the commercials on Survivor. I was wondering about Ellie's comment about Will being in a tuxedo too, but I figured I must have just missed something earlier in the episode. :confused:

I did tune in for the last few minutes & was disappointed that we didn't get to see more of the wedding. :(

IUAlum

12-12-2005, 05:17 PM

OK seriously, they want me to believe that Ellie's SISTERS would not be at her wedding? They lost me when there was no Zoey and I just love Annabeth Gish so I was disappointed.

Where has Charlie been? I miss him.

Txfish

12-13-2005, 10:53 AM

I was having that same thought -- seems really dumb that they didn't even show the sisters in the background!

I personally wanted to see more of Will and Kate together -- I mean, he's her date, so let's see them!!

Jed and the fiance's little conference -- oh, that was so well done. I loved it -- POTUS' frustration in finally asking the question that's bothering him, and of course fiance's perfect answer, delivered in that nervous and awkward way he has. I actually gasped when Debbie set down the note for Jed that said 5:46... I was so upset for everyone, and I can totally see him asking these foreign leaders to hold on to their shit for an hour so he can get his daughter married!

And, I want Ellie's dress. Holy God that was beautiful.

Secret_Squirrel

12-14-2005, 03:37 PM

IJed and the fiance's little conference -- oh, that was so well done. I loved it -- POTUS' frustration in finally asking the question that's bothering him, and of course fiance's perfect answer, delivered in that nervous and awkward way he has.

I liked that part, too. So cute!

I actually gasped when Debbie set down the note for Jed that said 5:46... I was so upset for everyone, and I can totally see him asking these foreign leaders to hold on to their shit for an hour so he can get his daughter married!

After his little "can I have half an hour" speech, I turned to DH and said, "why didn't he say that an hour ago?"

Was I the only one who thought the Mother of the Bride was showing a bit too much cleavage? Yowza, Stockard Channing's chest was bursting out of that gown!

mom_to_zoe

12-14-2005, 03:43 PM

Was I the only one who thought the Mother of the Bride was showing a bit too much cleavage? Yowza, Stockard Channing's chest was bursting out of that gown!

ITA with you. I said to DH, if my mom wore a dress like that to my wedding, I would be FURIOUS! Hello? You're not supposed to try and upstage the bride.

TazLuv

12-14-2005, 05:58 PM

I agree, they missed little details, like her sisters that would have made the wedding more realistic. I did love her dress though, very pretty!

thelittlebabu

12-16-2005, 04:29 PM

John Spencer, the actor who plays the brilliant Leo McGarry, died today of a heart attack at age 58.:(

Sazoo

12-16-2005, 04:32 PM

OMG, are you serious??? :eek:

That's so awful. Wow. :(

Sazoo

12-16-2005, 04:44 PM

From the San Francisco Chronicle (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2005/12/16/entertainment/e145256S75.DTL)

Actor John Spencer dies of heart attack in Los Angeles
By LYNN ELBER, AP Television Writer
Friday, December 16, 2005

(12-16) 15:14 PST Los Angeles (AP) --

John Spencer, who played a dedicated politico on "The West Wing" who survived a serious illness to run for vice president, died of a heart attack Friday, his publicist said.

Spencer, 58, died at a Los Angeles hospital, said his publicist, Ron Hofmann. Spencer would have been 59 next week.

Spencer played Leo McGarry, the chief of staff to President Jeb Bartlet (Martin Sheen), on the NBC series. In a sad parallel to life, McGarry suffered a heart attack that forced him to give up his White House job.

The character recovered and was picked as a running mate for Democratic presidential contender Matt Santos, played by Jimmy Smits; the campaign has been a central theme this season for the drama.

Spencer, who also starred on "L.A. Law" as attorney Tommy Mullaney, received an Emmy Award for his performance on "The West Wing' in 2002 and was nominated four other times for the drama.

The actor mirrored his character in several ways: both were recovering alcoholics and both, Spencer once said, were driven.

"Like Leo, I've always been a workaholic, too," he told The Associated Press in a 2000 interview. "Through good times and bad, acting has been my escape, my joy, my nourishment. The drug for me, even better than alcohol, was acting."

Spencer grew up in Paterson, N.J., the son of blue-collar parents. With his enrollment at the Professional Children's School in Manhattan, he was sharing classes with the likes of Liza Minnelli and budding violinist Pinchas Zukerman.

As a teenager, he landed a recurring role on "The Patty Duke Show" as the boyfriend of English twin Cathy. Stage and film work followed. Then his big break: playing Harrison Ford's detective sidekick in the 1990 courtroom thriller "Presumed Innocent." That role led to his hiring for the final four years of "L.A. Law."

Service and funeral arrangements were pending, Hofmann said.

bookworm

12-16-2005, 04:53 PM

Oh, what a shame.

emschwar

12-16-2005, 05:22 PM

Oh no! That's awful!

jennylou

12-16-2005, 08:21 PM

Poor Leo. :( The show won't be the same without him. Just as Law and Order just isn't the same without Lenny Brisco for me. :(

mom_to_zoe

12-18-2005, 07:26 PM

It's such a shock about John Spencer. I wonder how the show is going to handle it.....

Sazoo

12-18-2005, 11:17 PM

It's such a shock about John Spencer. I wonder how the show is going to handle it.....
I was wondering the same thing. I wonder how many unaired episodes are "in the can" already...we'll probably see him in at least a few more episodes, I would imagine, before they have to deal with the loss of the actor who played Leo. :(

emschwar

12-19-2005, 05:54 AM

Anyone heard anything about this? - DH said he read somewhere that after May, the show will end. He said it was from a reliable source, but who knows. I can't imagine not having it continue.

Txfish

12-19-2005, 07:35 AM

You know, I haven't heard anything for sure, but I was guessing the show would be over after this season, too.

I can't imagine they let Santos win without a running mate -- I don't know if they'll have taped enough in advance to get up to election with Leo. And it's just no fun without any original cast members left.

We'll miss you John Spencer!

kemaji

12-19-2005, 08:10 AM

Oh no...I'm so sad about Leo. I don't know what I'll do if WW goes away...

emschwar

12-19-2005, 08:57 AM

DH found this from a cnn article:

Another complication for "West Wing" writers in dealing with the real-life drama of Spencer's death from a heart attack at age 58 is the fact that his character was seen in a flash-forward sequence set three years in the future in the sixth season "West Wing" opener that aired in Another complication for "West Wing" writers in dealing with the real-life drama of Spencer's death from a heart attack at age 58 is the fact that his character was seen in a flash-forward sequence set three years in the future in the sixth season "West Wing" opener that aired in September.

Sazoo

12-19-2005, 09:19 AM

Oh yeah, I forgot that they did that flash-forward scene at the beginning of this season! Wonder how they'll handle that?

I have heard rumors that this could be the final season of WW, but haven't heard or read anything official yet. I think it would be pretty hard for the show to continue with an entire change of staff in the White House. It'll be sad if it does end this season, but at the same time I'd almost rather have it end on an up-note with a satisfying resolution to the election, rather than have it continue next season & end up possibly really going down hill & losing a ton of viewers. :confused:

conneals

12-19-2005, 09:44 AM

I was so sad to hear about J. Spencer's passing. I agree with the poster that said WW won't be the same without Leo, just like L&O isn't the same without Jerry Orbach.

I heard somewhere that NBC had secured rights to Sunday night football games. So, WW would be moved next year again, if the show continued. Moving a show two years in row is usually death for ratings.

I do wonder what they will do with the character. I don't remember John Spencer being in the flash forward in the first episode.

This from Television without Pity doesn't mention Leo McGarry...

Previously, on The West Wing -- the whole last season. But we finished with Santos and Leo as the Democratic nominees for President and Vice-President, and Arnold Vinick as the Republican nominee. Oh, and somebody in the White House leaked the existence of a top-secret military space shuttle to the press, presumably in an effort to guilt Jed into ordering that the shuttle be used to rescue some astronauts and cosmonauts who are stranded in space. But you already knew that.

A subtitle welcomes us to "three years later." Ooooh, the future. Maybe there'll be some flying cars or personal jet packs. Well, maybe not in just three years. But I bet clothing and hair styles have changed some. We see a distinguished, white-haired gentlemen walking (with the aid of a cane) through an empty but utterly gorgeous library reading room. Another subtitle informs us that we're at the "Dedication to the Josiah Bartlet Presidential Library." Wait, "dedication to?" Doesn't anyone edit these things? The white-haired gentleman is Jed, by the way. He's followed in Bill Clinton's footsteps and lost the Just for Men look he's been sporting in the last couple of seasons. I had thought that Jed was planning on installing his library in an abandoned mill building, but the ornate ceiling in that reading room doesn't look like it was ever part of a factory. And then Jed walks up to some of the old gang. We see Danny (standing with his hand on C.J.'s back), C.J., Toby, Kate, Charlie, and Will. Not only have clothing styles not changed, but every character (other than Jed) has exactly the same hairstyle as in the present. C.J. greets Jed with a kiss on the cheek, and we learn that she's living in Santa Monica. Jed looks at C.J. and Danny and tells them that Abby wants a picture of the baby. Danny points out that he emailed one, but Jed wants one that he can stick on the refrigerator. Jed greets Toby, who thanks Jed for the invitation. Toby is apparently teaching at Columbia University. Or running drugs in Colombia. Or maybe he's playing forward for the Fighting Gamecocks at the University of South Carolina (in Columbia, natch). Any of those could be true from the context. Jed has read Kate's recently published book, but Charlie dismisses the book as a load of hogwash. Charlie also congratulates Jed on something he recently did in Jakarta. And Will is now a member of Congress. And that's the wrap-up on "Where are they now." And then Josh walks up to let everyone know that "the President" has arrived.

Outside the library, the presidential motorcade pulls up. Jed and company emerge to greet the unnamed leader of the free world. The President steps out of his limo, but before we can see anything, we cut to credits.

msnicolea

12-19-2005, 10:16 AM

It's so sad about John Spencer--I really liked him, and have enjoyed his work since LA Law.

I don't recall seeing Leo in the flash-forward at all.

meatpie

12-19-2005, 10:19 AM

Leo was in the flash forward, I remember him briefly. They have some work to do to figure this out.

strwbrygirl

12-19-2005, 11:01 PM

Leo didn't show up in the flash forward (unless he was the mystery guest in the presidential motorcade), so it will be a bit easier for the writers to account for his absence. I know that a lot of articles that I've read in the past few days state otherwise-- but the writers of the articles didn't do their homework.

Here's a pic from that ep, with all of the main (and not so main) characters used in the flashback facing towards the motorcade:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/haskalah7/s07e01_033.jpg

ETA: I see that several media outlets have updated their articles and removed the comment about Leo being in the future clip-- including CNN.

strwbrygirl

01-22-2006, 01:08 PM

NBC announced today that the West Wing will end on May 14th with a two-hour finale.

Article here (http://nbcumv.com/entertainment/release_detail.nbc/entertainment-20060122000000-nbcannouncesspecia.html)

I'm sad to see it go, but as a long-time viewer, I also feel like this is a good time to end it... with the end of the Bartlet presidency. Thoughts?

bookworm

01-22-2006, 01:12 PM

I hate to see it go, but it's time. I heard they brought back Aaron Sorkin to rewrite the last several episodes and wrap up the show.

jennylou

01-22-2006, 01:32 PM

emschwar

01-22-2006, 04:38 PM

I'm sad to see it go too. It's such a great show. I'd rather see it end on a high note than get cancelled because it starts to stink, but I still don't want it to end yet.

Personally, I like to pretend Jed Bartlett is the real president ;)

mom_to_zoe

01-23-2006, 08:45 AM

I can see why they want to end it. I'll miss it, but wihtout John Spencer and the Bartlett folks, it wouldn't be the same.

I thought Sunday's episode was one of the best in a while. I like the show more when it focusing on the response to a crisis rather than pure politics. I thought last night's show balanced a real crisis with the policitical fallout from that crisis well. And I was so glad that Josh kept his mouth shut and proved Bruno wrong.

Sazoo

01-23-2006, 09:33 AM

And I was so glad that Josh kept his mouth shut and proved Bruno wrong.Me too! :D

I'll really miss this show when it's over, but I'm glad they're going to go out on a high note rather than dragging it on for another season & taking a chance the ratings will fall after the change in administration.

meatpie

01-23-2006, 01:33 PM

And I was so glad that Josh kept his mouth shut and proved Bruno wrong.

I thought this storyline was great as well. But Josh didn't keep his mouth shut!! He told Donna to leak the story at the end, and when she went to do what Josh asked - the reporter told Donna she already knew about it so she walked away. Bruno was right about Josh - he could not keep it under wraps.

I hadn't heard they are bringing back Aaron Sorkin to write the final episodes. Interesting. I'll have to ask my hus about that one because I can't imagine them taking anything away from John Wells. Plus, Sorkin is working on a new show called Studio 7 that is supposed to be great.

I can confirm they offered Rob Lowe a chance to return as Sam Seaborn for the show's final episodes - but no news if he's coming back.

jennylou

01-23-2006, 01:42 PM

Personally, I like to pretend Jed Bartlett is the real president ;)

LOL, I think that might be why I like this show so much. I like him as the president and wish he really was!

Katy

01-26-2006, 01:53 AM

I can confirm they offered Rob Lowe a chance to return as Sam Seaborn for the show's final episodes - but no news if he's coming back.Yay! I want my Sam Seaborn back!!!

strwbrygirl

02-20-2006, 10:34 PM

Did anyone else see the NBC promo?!

On the one hand... Josh & Donna kissing!

On the other hand... I'm so sad to see this show end!

I don't think that NBC has it up yet, but I found it online:

(Scroll all the way to the bottom and go to episode 7.13- "The Cold"- click on full promo-- it downloads as a Windows Media file)
http://www.my-serendipity.net/tww7.htm

Katy

02-20-2006, 11:10 PM

They kiss :eek: Took them long enough! Now I just need to remember to watch!

jennylou

03-12-2006, 04:50 PM

Don't forget - tonight is all new! Finally :p.

emschwar

03-12-2006, 07:05 PM

Man, I can't believe Josh!!!

strwbrygirl

03-12-2006, 07:21 PM

Wow, I really enjoyed this episode-- and I think that they'll all be new through the series finale (May 14). I'm really going to miss this show.

jennylou

03-12-2006, 08:10 PM

I missed the first few minutes - I assume that's when Josh and Donna kiss?

emschwar

03-12-2006, 08:15 PM

Yup. They got the poll results, and Donna and the other workers (not Josh or Santos or the "important" people) ran around the hotel knocking on everyone's door waking them up with the poll results. Donna knocked on Josh's door and he was so excited he kissed her. THen they both looked kind of surprised and then kept kissing. :)

Sazoo

03-12-2006, 10:20 PM

Wow, I really enjoyed this episode--Me too! I'm looking forward to all new episodes for the rest of the season...& especially to seeing how some of these budding relationships end up. But I am really going to be sad when it's all over. WW has always been one of my favorite shows. :(

How many episodes have we seen with John Spencer since he passed away? I remember reading somewhere that they had maybe 4 episodes already "in the can" with him before his death, & I think he's been in 2 or 3 episodes since then if I remember correctly. They'll have to deal with the loss of Leo pretty soon, I would imagine. :(

mom_to_zoe

03-13-2006, 01:00 PM

jennylou

03-13-2006, 01:07 PM

DH and I thought this was a great episode. Even though I hate Kate, I thought she and Will were kind of cute in a geeky way. The Josh-Donna thing was weird. Did you guys think Josh was going to go to Donna's room before whoever it was saw the key? I was confused. I loved seeing the Santos campaign so fired up and the Vinick campaign so dejected.

I think he was. It looked like he was reaching for the key.

I for one have always thought Donna and Josh needed to get together! :)

How many episodes have we seen with John Spencer since he passed away? I remember reading somewhere that they had maybe 4 episodes already "in the can" with him before his death, & I think he's been in 2 or 3 episodes since then if I remember correctly. They'll have to deal with the loss of Leo pretty soon, I would imagine

We've seen a few, I'd imagine that pretty soon something will have to happen. :(

Katy

03-13-2006, 01:30 PM

yay, they finally kissed! It's about freakin' time! I think he was going to grab the key, the gals just beat him to it. Although as the hubby said, why can't he just call her room?

I also really liked the Kate and Will relationship. And it was good to get back to WW, although I have to say, it took a while for me to remember what happened in the last episodes.

And can I just say...I can't wait until SAM comes back!!!!

kemaji

03-13-2006, 01:37 PM

How many episodes have we seen with John Spencer since he passed away? I remember reading somewhere that they had maybe 4 episodes already "in the can" with him before his death, & I think he's been in 2 or 3 episodes since then if I remember correctly. They'll have to deal with the loss of Leo pretty soon, I would imagine. :(

I was wondering the same thing last night, I was trying to count back to figure out how many more episodes should have Leo in it.

Also, if you miss the Sunday night time slot, Bravo is re-airing that week's episode on Wednesday night at 8pm.

Sazoo

03-13-2006, 02:07 PM

Even though I hate Kate, I thought she and Will were kind of cute in a geeky way.I don't hate Kate, but I do agree that she & Will are sort of cute together. :)

Did you guys think Josh was going to go to Donna's room before whoever it was saw the key? I was confused.I thought he was reaching for the key when the girls saw it & picked it up. I agree with Katy though - I was thinking, so what if you don't have the key? Just go knock on her door, or if you don't know her room #, call her cell phone & ask! :rolleyes: I REALLY hope we get to see more romance develop between Josh & Donna before the series finale. I too have always wanted to see them together!

Although - did anyone else see Mary-Louise Parker in one of the previews for the upcoming episodes? Didn't she & Josh have a relationship a few seasons ago? I hope her return doesn't mess things up for him & Donna! :mad:

strwbrygirl

03-13-2006, 03:18 PM

I think that next week's episode is the last one with John Spencer (Leo)-- I forget where I read that, but I seem to recall that it was the last ep filmed prior to Christmas break, and JS died in mid-December. I hope that the show gives him a fitting tribute.

DansGirl

03-13-2006, 03:33 PM

And can I just say...I can't wait until SAM comes back!!!!

me too ---hottie hot hot! :D

mom_to_zoe

03-20-2006, 02:30 PM

So, what did you guys think of last night's episode? I liked it but not as much as I liked the episode the week before. There was too much of the Vinick press conference and that crazy Eva Braun lady. (I know it's Jane, but I really think they used the last name "Braun" on purpose. She's evil.)

I was on pins and needles about the briefcase the whole time! Do you guys think Santos was telling the truth? I hope so. I love him and don't want him to turn out to be a bad guy.

jennylou

03-20-2006, 02:33 PM

I think he was telling the truth. He's talked about his brother before. When they found the briefcase and were talking about it I told DH that I thought it was his brothers kid.

Sam is coming back next week, yay! :D

And I didn't see Donna at all this week - boo! We need to know what happened!

emschwar

03-20-2006, 03:15 PM

Last night was awesome.

I think Santos is telling the truth too. And I'm so glad that Vinnick decided to do the right thing with the briefcase. Man, I was sick over that.

DansGirl

03-21-2006, 03:33 PM

And I didn't see Donna at all this week - boo! We need to know what happened!

I know...I really wanted some Donna/Josh action!

emschwar

03-26-2006, 07:01 PM

OMG! OMG! OMG! The previews!!! I can't believe it!

Oh yeah, does anyone else think that Toby's ex-wife told him about the military shuttle? Or had something to do with it?

melmo

03-26-2006, 07:08 PM

OMG! OMG! OMG! The previews!!! I can't believe it!

Oh yeah, does anyone else think that Toby's ex-wife told him about the military shuttle? Or had something to do with it?

That's exactly what I was thinking.

bookworm

03-26-2006, 07:18 PM

I agree it looks like Toby's ex told him about the shuttle.

Previews look good, but I suspect I'll cry...

strwbrygirl

03-26-2006, 10:39 PM

I sort of feel like President Bartlet told him about the shuttle in confidence...
but who knows? I thought that it was strange in the DA's office how the president's picture was directly over Toby's shoulder tonight-- I hadn't thought about the Bartlet angle before. Previously I thought that he was either covering for CJ or heard about it from his brother (the astronaut).

Anyway, the Josh/Donna preview: sex! lots of it! (at least I sure hope so!!) I'm not looking forward to the Leo storyline... getting my kleenex ready for next week.

mom_to_zoe

03-27-2006, 07:57 AM

I don't think Toby's wife would have known about a classified military secret like that. I don't think Congressmen (and women) have that kind of clearance, even if they are on a military-related committee. I just think it was C.J.

msnicolea

03-27-2006, 07:58 AM

I still think it was CJ, too. I'm glad Toby didn't use his borther to get out of it--that would be totally unlike him and completely unbelievable. Andie is getting on my nerves.

Sazoo

03-27-2006, 10:07 AM

OMG, can't wait to see Donna & Josh *finally* get together next week! :D :D :D

The ending, with Leo, is going to be so sad, though! It looks like he dies ON election day! :eek:

kemaji

03-27-2006, 10:17 AM

I was kind of annoyed with the way the handled no Leo for this episode so seeing that they actually address the issue next week was good.

I don't think CJ was the one that told Toby about the secret military shuttle. I haven't seen that particular episode in a while, but from what I remember, my impression was that Toby was already aware of it. I also don't see why the writers would need to bring his ex-wife into the story line again if she wasn't in some way involved.

I can't wait to see Donna and Josh next week! :D

Katy

03-28-2006, 12:45 AM

We finally watched the episode from two Sundays ago tonight (we watched this last week's on time). We couldn't remember though...how did Vidick hurt his hand? Richard thought they said something *this* week about someone punching a wall?

I'm glad he gave the briefcase back. I hope Santos wasn't lying. I can't wait for Donna & Josh to get it on (finally!) I'm sure I'll be bawling when Leo dies. I wonder if Toby's wife really did have something to do with it.

Did you hear...the final episode will be like the first episode this season...it takes place four years in the future. And of course, as we all know, Sam is back!!! :D

emschwar

03-28-2006, 06:01 AM

I don't know how vinick originally hurt his hand - I suspect from being old and too much hand shaking. But the guy introducing him shook his hand, hard, and fractured some bones. Or so the doc suspects, vinick wouldn't go to a hospital for an x-ray.

deliciousjones

03-28-2006, 06:20 AM

He hurt his hand from too much hand shaking. He wouldn't get it xrayed because it's a sign of being old and frail.

Katy

03-28-2006, 07:06 PM

aha. I thought at one point they showed bruising and stuff. What an interesting subplot there.

emschwar

03-28-2006, 07:07 PM

well, bruising isn't inconsistant with fractures. I know my ankle looked mighty pretty after I broke it. Even 6 weeks later when the cast came off.

mobox

03-30-2006, 11:09 AM

My theory...
The Vice President leaked the stuff to Toby and that's why he won't "back" the Santos campaign.

Whaddya think?

I CANNOT WAIT FOR NEXT WEEK!!!

emschwar

03-30-2006, 11:11 AM

I think the VP won't get back to Josh because he's pissy about not winning the nomination :)

Txfish

03-31-2006, 10:32 AM

I def. agree that Toby was already aware of the military shuttle when CJ asked him about whether his brother had ever said anything. He did specifically tell the guy that it wasn't CJ *or* Leo, right? Leo would have been my next guess, after his brother. This is really interesting now.

ITA w/ emschwar as to why the VP won't get back to Josh. Russell just annoyes me to no end.

Lou was *hysterical* with Jon Bon Jovi LOL And, I cannot be the only one just waiting for one of the kids to throw up -- I mean, life's not that kind, right?

Cannot wait to see Josh & Donna together, FINALLY!!! Going to be very sad, how they have to handle the whole Leo thing. But I guess we have to have seen his last episode already, right? Unless you all think they filmed some of election day before J.S. died and they're going to weave it together with new footage, just not showing him.

emschwar

04-02-2006, 08:02 PM

I'm so freaking happy about the donna and josh thing!!!

I can't wait to see the election results.

bookworm

04-02-2006, 08:17 PM

I can't wait to see the election results.

I'm a little afraid they won't tell us!

So, (spoiler-ish in white) is Kate voting for Vinick a deal breaker for Will?

emschwar

04-02-2006, 08:20 PM

You know, I kind of think it might be!

deliciousjones

04-02-2006, 08:23 PM

I'm a little afraid they won't tell us!

they will. the last few episodes deal with the transition and have already been filmed. if you read the spoiler sites, you can find out all the details. :)

lawyerlee

04-02-2006, 10:36 PM

What a bittersweet episode. I'm so excited that Josh and Donna *finally* hooked up, but I'm super sad about Leo. :(

bookworm

04-03-2006, 06:21 AM

they will. the last few episodes deal with the transition and have already been filmed. if you read the spoiler sites, you can find out all the details. :)

Oh, what a thing to say to a woman with no self discipline... :)

jennylou

04-03-2006, 06:23 AM

What a bittersweet episode. I'm so excited that Josh and Donna *finally* hooked up, but I'm super sad about Leo. :(

I agree. Donna and Josh were very cute.

I think the way they found Leo was sad. And the previews for next week look really sad. :(

Sazoo

04-03-2006, 09:29 AM

Does anyone know how many episodes are left? I'm wondering how much we'll see after the election results come in during next week's show.

Count me in as another person who was super happy about finally seeing Josh & Donna hook up! ;)

jennylou

04-03-2006, 09:42 AM

Looks like five more episodes:

Election Day 4/9
(Part 2)

Requiem 4/16

Transition 4/23

The Last Hurrah 4/30

Institutional Memory 5/7

Sazoo

04-03-2006, 09:45 AM

Thanks, jennylou! At least there will be all new episodes every week from now until the end.

I'm still going to be really sad when this show is over, though. :(

jennylou

04-09-2006, 07:05 PM

Another great episode! Loved how they kept us in suspense. I also loved that CJs expression when telling the President who won gave it away. :)

emschwar

04-09-2006, 07:11 PM

I loved tonight's episode! It was excellent. I'm all :) about it.

ejs

04-09-2006, 11:08 PM

DH and I thought it was odd that Santos didn't even mention Leo in his final speech of the night.

So is he going to ask Josh to be his VP?

I don't know if I will watch next week's episode. I'm such an emotional sap that I think I'll just cry the whole time.

Sazoo

04-09-2006, 11:30 PM

So is he going to ask Josh to be his VP?I don't know who he'll ask...but I doubt it'll be Josh. I'm thinking he might ask Josh to be his Chief of Staff, though. ;)

Hey, didn't they say Sam Seaborn was going to be back in these final episodes? Maybe he'll be there for the funeral next week. And, maybe he & Santos will strike up conversation & Santos will choose him for VP...? He doesn't have much experience as a politician, but more than Josh. :confused:

lawyerlee

04-10-2006, 02:51 AM

I was already crying a lot during tonight's episode. Ugh. :o I'm going to be a wreck next week. :(

emschwar

04-10-2006, 06:06 AM

Hey, didn't they say Sam Seaborn was going to be back in these final episodes? Maybe he'll be there for the funeral next week. And, maybe he & Santos will strike up conversation & Santos will choose him for VP...? He doesn't have much experience as a politician, but more than Josh. :confused:
This is what DH thinks. He remembered a preview where Sam shows up and says "I'm here for the president" so he thinks sam will be vp.

allyray231

04-10-2006, 08:18 AM

OMG I missed lats nights epiosode. My stupid DVR!! Anyone know where I can find it-or can you tell me what happened?

msnicolea

04-10-2006, 08:46 AM

I cried the whole episode--it was so much sadder because of the real life loss.
Bradley Whitford just broke my heart.

I think it will be Sam, too.

TazLuv

04-10-2006, 08:57 AM

Such a good episode, I'm going to be so sad when its over.

Did anyone else notice that during the previews it said, they were for next weeks final episodes. Is it more than an hour, I know jennylou posted that there were still several more weeks? I'm confused! :confused:

IrishEyes

04-10-2006, 09:03 AM

msnicolea

04-10-2006, 09:11 AM

My husband thinks he'll ask Vinick to be his VP. I'm skeptical, because I'm sure the DNC wouldn't approve. But Vinick would add the foreign policy expertise that Santos needs and he's socially liberal, so it would be a tidy ending to the whole story line.

My DHthought the same thing--I just can't imagine that the DNC would approve this choice, but I like it. I was actually sad for Alan Alda last night ;->

mom_to_zoe

04-10-2006, 03:00 PM

DH and I thought it was odd that Santos didn't even mention Leo in his final speech of the night.

ITA with this, especially since it was glaring that Leo wasn't on the podium with him, as a VP would normally be.

Maybe Nancy McNally would be the VP replacement? A Latino president and an African-American woman VP. How is that for a Utopian vision of America?

Good episode over all. Very heart-breaking, particularly because of the real-life loss. You know the actors didn't have to act much.

Secret_Squirrel

04-10-2006, 04:28 PM

ITA with this, especially since it was glaring that Leo wasn't on the podium with him, as a VP would normally be.

Maybe Nancy McNally would be the VP replacement? A Latino president and an African-American woman VP. How is that for a Utopian vision of America?

Good episode over all. Very heart-breaking, particularly because of the real-life loss. You know the actors didn't have to act much.

I thought it was weird he didn't mention Leo, too.

DH thinks Santos will ask CJ to be VP.

jennylou

04-10-2006, 06:03 PM

OMG I missed lats nights epiosode. My stupid DVR!! Anyone know where I can find it-or can you tell me what happened?

They are reshowing on Bravo tonight at 8 pm!

strwbrygirl

04-10-2006, 10:38 PM

I cried the whole episode--it was so much sadder because of the real life loss.
Bradley Whitford just broke my heart.

ITA. I was such a mess watching the show-- and BW did a wonderful job. I can't believe that Leo's gone. Rest in peace, John Spencer.

allyray231

04-11-2006, 06:58 AM

They are reshowing on Bravo tonight at 8 pm!

Thank you so much! Caught it and DVRed it just as it started. What an amazing episode.

IrishEyes

04-11-2006, 07:42 AM

Check out this article (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/10/arts/television/10wing.html?ex=1144900800&en=6bca5ade437b8d2e&ei=5087) at the NYTimes, an interview with one of the executive producers of WW, that says their original story line was going to have Vinick win it. When Johns Spencer died, they decided to have Santos win.

kemaji

04-11-2006, 08:45 AM

DH thinks Santos will ask CJ to be VP.

In the very first episode of this season (the one that was the flash forward), I forget who asked CJ how retirement was. I think she was living in LA with Danny and they had a kid....does anyone else remember this?

We were thinking Vinick also, especially since Santos was talking about needing to unite the country.

msnicolea

04-11-2006, 08:52 AM

It can't be CJ unless they change the "flash forward" episode. We already "heard" what she and Toby were doing in the future.

rubyslippers

04-11-2006, 08:58 AM

FI and I we're betting the new VP would be Sam as well. I can't wait t see how they handle it. This has been a great season.

Sazoo

04-12-2006, 12:08 AM

I just read this article in the 4/17-4/23 issue of TV Guide. I'll post it in 2 parts, because the 2nd part contains some spoilers which I will post in white text for those of you who don't wanna know what's coming up. :)

Seaborn Again: Rob Lowe's Sam returns for a West Wing swan song
President Bartlet may not have been eligible for another term, but Rob Lowe has elected to revisit The West Wing. "One line, and Rob was back where he left off," executive producer Lawrence O'Donnell Jr. says of Lowe, who's reprising the role that resurrected his career when The West Wing premiered in 1999.

Lowe left the show in 2002 in a dispute over salary and screen time. Now with the series coming to an end next month, Lowe has signed on to make two guest appearances, with the first of his two episodes airing on April 23.

"It was a great moment," says O'Donnell. "I saw him in the monitor, and he turned toward the camera and I realized that the series would have been incomplete without that moment. Seeing Rob and Brad Whitford together was like the good old days." Adds executive producer John Wells, "You thought it was going to be odd, but it wasn't. It was emotional for Rob, and it gave all of us closure."

SPOILER ALERT! (text posted in white):
Lowe's return as former White House staffer Sam Seaborn comes after the election that replaced the Bartlet Administration with President Matt Santos and his crew. Former Bartlet chief of staff Josh Lyman (Whitford), who works for the new regime, flies to L.A. to convince his old buddy Sam to come aboard.

"Sam doesn't want to do it," says Wells. "He's gotten on with his life. He's working for a law firm and is engaged to be married." But Josh persists, offering Sam the opportunity to become deputy chief of staff. "In other words," Wells says, "Josh wants Sam to become his Josh."

But Josh doesn't make such an enviable role model. "We see Josh as we have never seen him before," says O'Donnell. "He's out of control, he's enraged. It becomes clear that he cannot run the White House without Sam. Sam is the only person who knows how to manage Josh."

Sam also has some personal advice for Josh, who is having relationship troubles with Donna. "Josh has to make a decision about their relationship," says Janel Moloney, who plays Donna. "Sam influences him and tells him: 'You are not just your job.'"

But what about Sam's potential new job? Will he, or won't he? Josh will get the answer when Lowe makes his final visit to The West Wing for teh May 14 finale. If our vote counts, he'll say yes.

bookworm

04-12-2006, 06:59 PM

My parents and I were already plotting about how to make sure Easter guests are gone by 8 p.m. so we don't miss next week's episode. Is that bad?

kemaji

04-13-2006, 07:21 AM

bookworm -- Not at all! We're having some people over and I'm probably going to just excuse myself for that hour so I can watch the episode. DH can play host.

thelittlebabu

04-13-2006, 12:51 PM

Since I'm referencing Sazoo's spoiler, my comment is in white:

I would have thought Sam would be VP, but Sazoo's spoiler appears to kill that idea. There was an episode years back when President Bartlett told Sam, "One day you're going to run for President..." so I figured him being VP would fit in nicely with that comment.

Sazoo

04-24-2006, 02:36 PM

Every episode makes me more & more sad that WW is ending! :(

It was great to see Sam back last night!

Also, I thought it was cute that Mrs. Santos (sorry, don't remember her first name) was so awkward when she asked Donna to be her Chief of Staff. Do you think Donna will accept? I hope so - like she said, it wouldn't really be good for her to work for Josh anymore, whether they make a go of their relationship or not. It would be a big step up for her, I think. However, I was confused by the preview for next week where they show CJ introducing Mrs. Santos to her staff, & Mrs. Santos saying they didn't need so many people & CJ asking her who she'd like to fire. If Donna is going to be her Chief of Staff, wouldn't SHE be the one introducing Mrs. Santos to everone? :confused:

I was also really glad Josh took Sam's advice about going on a vacation - & even more happy when he invited Donna to come along with him. :D But, don't you think Santos is going to notice the coincidence that both Josh & Donna are taking vacation at the same time & wonder if they're involved...even though Donna told him she had "no idea" if Josh was seeing anyone? :rolleyes: