Amph "Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc" : The West Wing Discussion Thread

There are two (?) unquestionably good episodes this season, but then they **** the bed at the end of this season and the beginning of next season. But then from mid-S6 onwards -- with one episodic exception and one plotline exception -- it basically hits its stride and is almost as good as its ever been. It's when a certain guest star shows up in mid-S6... you'll know 'em when you see 'em...

 

I like that I think I know which guest star you're talking about, but honestly it could apply to two different people.

 

To me, Season Five starts so incredibly strong, and then just wilts. I love the opening arc with Zoey missing and John Goodman as the acting President.

 

John Goodman was fantastic. I was only upset his tenure was so short. I love Jeb of course, but there was a real opportunity to explore what happens in a situation like this had it dragged on longer. Especially with all the "Leo will know what to do" answers people were giving whenever a hypothetical was brought up.

dp: We are talking about the first appearance in "In the Room" right?

 

Yes. Yes we are.

 

Just under two months (September 1st) until I do my complete watchthrough. I'm super excited. Yeah, I associate this show with the fall season and holidays. I don't know why.

 

Because you love the Butterball hotline

 

That's one of the two good episodes...

 

Except it's not.

Because it is so dumb. That plan should not have worked. Just... fine. Fine, I guess. Crisis averted. Move on I guess.

 

If you're doing this on Netflix, don't skip the beginning of "Running Mates"

 

Glad you finished it, Cubby, as sad as John Spencer's death is. It did, however, result in them changing it so Santos won. Which I like. I especially love Josh as CoS and Donna as FLOTUS's CoS.

Welcome to the family Cubby!

 

Welcome Cubby, may you forever not be a Mandy...

 

Yeah, alright buddy, I'm ordering a break to watch Community or something.

 

The first three seasons are some of the best television I've ever seen, yes. It's really not dry humor at all. It's generally quite clever and referential, building on strong characters and playing with established tropes. It can get pretty wacky sometimes.

 

Community is wacky referential nerd humor, not really dry humor.

Parks and Rec is amazing and must be watched. But so must Community. So.

 

Right? I keep wanting my parents to watch The West Wing because, even though they're conservatives, there are good conservatives like Ainsley and Vinnick whom I'm convinced they'd love. Because they're not the Trumpian type that they hate.