In terms of quality for the first four seasons, Season 4 was definitely the worst. The zeal in the storylines seemed to have been waning, and the departure of Rob Lowe did not help matters (though Joshua Malina was certainly a fine addition to the cast). But when you watch a string of Season 4 episodes and compare them to Season 2 episodes, there is a definite drop-off in show tone and quality. And while episodes like "Privateers" gave us glimpses of the brilliance that when into the first three seasons of the show, episodes like "Angel Maintenance" reminded us that the show had seen better days. But you can't count Aaron Sorkin out. He is always capable of a good episode, no matter how tired he may have been as a writer scripting his 80+th episode in four years.
"Life on Mars" is undoubtedly the best episode of the season. It contains all the seriousness of Sorkin's most dramatic episodes (Think 17 People, for example) and the quirky bits of humor that dot some of his best comedic work (Think The Midterms, for example). But what makes this episode special is its nearly constant look at the press leaks. There was only one subplot to the episode (which is rarity on this show) and even that subplot seemed to complement the main storyline nicely.
The press leaks are a series of three highly unusual press reports that were unethical or even illegal to divulge and could only come from some of the highest sources in government. Joe Quincy (played by the wonderfully understated Matthew Perry) is assigned to find out who caused the first leak, mainly as "hazing" for his new job. This ultimately provides for a most amusing first act of the show, which essentially involves only C.J. and Joe. There is a great mixture of humor and drama here, but Sorkin's brilliant teaser (which reveals the dramatic events that are about to be explained) brings an ominous tension to the act (and the whole episode). Thus, the comedy, while quirky and uproarious, is also hesitant and bittersweet.
As Joe's investigation delves deeper and deeper, and as leak after leak is revealed, the tone of the episode becomes darker and darker. Eventually, "Life on Mars" contains one of the most dramatic moments of the series. As Quincy finds out who the leak is, he asks C.J. to call the journalist to confirm the story. The journalist, who (of course) is quirky in his own right, is most appropriately left unseen. It's C.J.'s face we want to focus on. So as (Disco) Stu (the journalist) rambles on, C.J.'s look of increasing horror is all the impact we need. In the events of 24 hours, the Vice President is revealed to be the source of the leaks.
Tim Matheson had no enviable role on this show. He was given the role of an often weak, simple-minded, but giant politician. Really, he's kind of the most realistic person on this show since he (essentially) represents the average politician in the real world. In The West Wing, he's an outcast because of this. And yet, through the years, Matheson made his role sympathetic, understandable, and even somewhat tragic. Matheson gives no finer performance on this show than in this episode. The scene where the staff (and Quincy) confronts him is undeniably heartbreaking. This is truly amazing work.
But Matheson tops himself just one scene later when he talks to Leo and the President. Three giants (both as characters and as actors) discuss the events. I'm not going to describe the scene any further because no summary would do the scene justice. But masterful doesn't begin to describe it.
Aaron Sorkin's departure after Season 4 really was an unimaginable blow to the show. Because of episodes like "Life on Mars". Sorkin can write a masterpiece like no other. He is the writing giant by which I compare all others in TV.moreless
AIRED:
On his first day at work, Joe Quincy pieces together three news leaks and uncovers a scandal which forces Hoynes to resign.
 Martin Sheen |
President Jed Bartlet |
 Dule Hill |
Charlie Young |
 Allison Janney |
Claudia Jean "C.J." Cregg |
 Richard Schiff |
Toby Ziegler |
 John Spencer |
Leo McGarry |
 Bradley Whitford |
Josh Lyman |
 Matthew Perry |
Joe Quincy |
Guest Star |
 Lara Phillips |
Lauren Romano |
Guest Star |
Kimberlee Peterson |
Lauren Shelby |
Guest Star |
 Tim Matheson |
John Hoynes |
Recurring Role |
Melissa Fitzgerald |
Carol Fitzpatrick |
Recurring Role |
Kris Murphy |
Katie Witt |
Recurring Role |
Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions
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TRIVIA (1)
ADD TRIVIA-
One of the key plot points is Hoynes' relationship with Helen Baldwin, which is proven with a list of phone calls made by Hoynes. Joe has conveniently highlighted all the instances of Hoynes calling her, and he shows this to CJ. The camera shows us one page, then Joe turns the page and the camera shows us the second page. Except the second page is the same as the first, but with more names highlighted on it! Look at the first page more closely. Near the bottom, just before the shot changes, pause it and you can see other calls between Hoynes and Baldwin that aren't highlighted. No way Joy would have missed them. All the other names on the second page are the same as the first, in the same order. Obviously the prop guys made one page of names and printed it out several times, then selectively highlighted different lines on each one hoping we wouldn't notice it's the exact same page!
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QUOTES (1)
ADD QUOTES-
Will: I came in to show you the spots and to tell you I think we should run a counter-ad. I don't have an idea for one.
Toby: Well get one. Have an idea. Don't come in here with half a thing and not be able to...you know...after you walked me to the brink, and say "We've got to do this. It's important, though I have no earthly idea how." Like one of those guys who buys a big new thing, but doesn't really know how to get the most out of it.
Will: Toby, either get Andy to marry you, or kill yourself.
Toby: [beat] Yeah.
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NOTES (0)
ADD NOTES- ADD NOTES from this episode.
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ALLUSIONS (2)
ADD ALLUSIONS-
C.J.:One of them [a bird] is obsessed with Donna.
Donna: It's true. I'm like Tippi Hedren around here.Tippi Hedren starred in Alfred Hitchcock's 1963 movie "The Birds"
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Life On Mars
The episode title makes reference to the David Bowie song of the same name.
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Saturday
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Monday
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Interview with Marlee Matlin
04/15/131
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Anyone who says Vinnick was suppose to win is lying!
02/25/133
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New Mini Episode Released! 09-19-2012
09/21/121
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Who was the leak?
05/10/1212
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7th Season Epilogue
09/11/111
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Tomorrow
S 7 : Ep 22
Aired 5/14/06 (1:00:00)
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Institutional Memory
S 7 : Ep 21
Aired 5/7/06 (1:00:00)
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The Last Hurrah
S 7 : Ep 20
Aired 4/30/06 (1:00:00)
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Transition
S 7 : Ep 19
Aired 4/23/06 (1:00:00)
Season 4 Episodes
See AllEp 23
Twenty Five
Ep 22
Commencement
Ep 21
Life On Mars
Ep 20
Evidence of Things Not ...
Ep 19
Angel Maintenance
Ep 18
Privateers
Ep 17
Red Haven's on Fire
Ep 16
The California 47th
Ep 15
Inauguration: Over There
Ep 14
Inauguration: (Part 1)
Ep 13
The Long Goodbye
Ep 12
Guns Not Butter
Ep 11
Holy Night
Ep 10
Arctic Radar
Ep 9
Swiss Diplomacy
Ep 8
Process Stories
Ep 7
Election Night
Ep 6
Game On
Ep 5
Debate Camp
Ep 4
The Red Mass
Ep 3
College Kids
Ep 2
20 Hours in America (2)
Ep 1
20 Hours in America (1)
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