I loved the introduction of the White House Counsel, Oliver Babish(Platt) in the cold open. After focusing so much on the moral and ethical issues of Bartlet not disclosing his MS, that I almost forgot about the legal ramifications. So hearing them was pretty unsettling. I like that Babish didn't coddle the President at all, not because he's such a pro, but because he's as pissed as I imagine everyone else is going to be when they find out.
Leo: "So what's your problem?"
Babish: "That's my problem, Leo. Are you out of your mind? He did everything right. He did everything you do, if your intent is to perpetrate a fraud."
This was probably Charlie's best performance so far in the series. His scene with Leo was incredible, finding out he knew Bartlet was sick was heartbreaking. For him to have kept that to himself is really touching. Leo gave a great performance himself, when he's left almost speechless after Charlie tells him that Bartlet may have signed falsified health records. That was also the most suspenseful moment since the season premiere. Charlie and Bartlet's scene at the end was also excellent and moving.
Bartlet: "You're gonna be subpoenaed. I'm confident in your loyalty to me. I'm confident in your love for me. If you lie to protect me; if you lie just once, if you lie just a little, if you lie 'cause you can't stand what's happening to me and the people making it happen; if you ever, ever lie, you're finished with me. You understand?"
This episode was packed with great moments, even with the main plot overshadowing them. CJ's hunt for the staffer who leaked a quote was hilarious, and while I did feel bad for her, my empathy was outweighed by my enjoyment of watching people screw with her.
Staffer: "If you dunk the suspect in a deep well of water and they drown, it means they're not a witch."
CJ: "Alright that's it."
Staffer: "I saw Lizzy Proctor speaking with the devil!"
However, I really did feel bad for Sam. I imagine that making sure an oil company won't be liable if one of it's tankers crashes because of outdated and unsafe navigational equipment, leaves you feeling like quite a scumbag.
Another incredible blend of comedy and drama.moreless
EDIT
Episode Summary
Bartlet confers with Babish on the legal ramifications of his MS cover-up; Sam has a personal interest in an oil spill off the coast of Delaware; Josh and Donna argue about a loan to Mexico; Toby orders C.J. to flush out a leak in the White House staff, which is far from easy.moreless
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Martin Sheen
President Jed Bartlet
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Dule Hill
Charlie Young
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Allison Janney
Claudia Jean "C.J." Cregg
Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions
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Trivia
ADD TRIVIA- Leo and Oliver (Babish) were both, apparently, born in Chicago, Illinois. Edit
- In "Mr. Willis of Ohio", during the President's kidnapping speech, Zoey pointed out that she was starting college in a month and that she was 19 years old. In this episode Charlie states that Zoey was 17 when she applied for college and her health form required a parent's signature. She would have been 17 when she applied to college and 19 when she started attending. Edit
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Notes
ADD NOTES- This episode introduces a new White House Legal Counsel, Oliver Babisch. Edit
- Music: In Ainsley's office the "Suite for Orchestra Number 3 in D Major (Air on a G String)" is playing. It was composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Edit
- Music: Josh walks away from Donna singing a few lines from the song "The Wells Fargo Wagon" from the musical The Music Man. Edit
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Quotes
ADD QUOTES- Donna: I can't lie like this anymore. C.J. (shocked): Are you saying it was you? Donna : I feel horrible. I should've said something before, but I was afraid of what you'd... C.J. (reassuring Donna): No, it's okay. Donna: No, let me get this off my chest. It was me. I called Terry Cashin. C.J. (amazed): Why? Donna: I don't know. Why does anybody do anything? C.J. (in complete disbelief): What are you talking about? Donna: I'm a madwoman, C.J. And it doesn't stop with the leak. C.J. (horrified): What do you mean? Donna: Call the authorities. Send them to my parents' house in Madison. C.J.: Why? Donna (joking): They'll find the Lindbergh baby in the basement. C.J. (finally figures it out): Okay... Donna (continues): Also some post-its reminding me where I put Jimmy Hoffa. C.J. (shouts): Get out! Donna (makes a face): I framed Roger Rabbit. C.J. (shouts louder): Get out! Edit
- Josh (indicating that the discussion is over): Close the door. Donna (closing the door and pausing) With me on the other side? Josh: Yeah. Edit
- Ginger (on the leaking tanker): It hit Delaware. Sam: I'm amazed it found Delaware. Edit
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Allusions
ADD ALLUSIONS-
Donna's confessions
While being interrogated by C.J., Donna jokingly confesses to a number of sensational crimes.
The Lindbergh baby was Charles Lindbergh Jr. an infant kidnap and murder victim. Although Bruno Hauptmann was charged and executed for the crime, substantial doubt remains about the true criminal's identity.
Jimmy Hoffa was the former leader of the Teamsters Union who disappeared in 1975 under mysterious circumstances. His fate remains an unsolved mystery.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit? was a 1988 hit movie comedy that followed the adventures of a human private detective attempting to clear an animated carton rabbit of a murder charge.
In 1948 Whittaker Chambers testified to the House Committee on Un-American Activities that State Department official Alger Hiss was a communist spy. He provided evidence for his accusation by way of two rolls of film he hid in a hollowed pumpkin. Edit
- White House staffer: I saw Lizzie Proctor speaking with the Devil! This is in reference to Arthur Miller's celebrated play The Crucible. The story examines the historic Salem witch trials and portrays them as a result of unwarranted paranoia and suspicion. Edit
- Josh: Oh, the Wells Fargo Wagon is coming... Josh sings a few lines from the song "The Wells Fargo Wagon" from Meredith Wilson's classic 1957 musical The Music Man. In the play the song is sung in anticipation of the arrival of a delivery wagon loaded with much needed staples as well as luxury items. Edit
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Donna's confessions
While being interrogated by C.J., Donna jokingly confesses to a number of sensational crimes.
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