The fifth season of The West Wing is all over the shop, quality-wise, as the writers flounder post-Sorkin, and barring a couple of high points, don't find their feet properly IMO until the emergence of the Santos campaign in season 6... but no matter the complaints viewers might have holding it in comparison against the other seasons, 'The Supremes' shines forth as a beacon of West Wing spirit, humour, idealism and energy.
Glenn Close and William Fitchner aren't merely individually classy actors, but spark together in exactly the right way for the episode and the dialogue they're given, slotting perfectly into the West Wing convention of excellent peripheral casting choices. Milo O'Shea cracks me up as Chief Justice Ashland, new face Rylan Pierce has a role to play that isn't just irritation to Josh or Donna (and thus to the viewer) and is actually enjoyable, and the main cast are unlimbered from darker themes and conflicts. Two Cathedrals is the pinnacle of the show, but doesn't really work as a stand-alone episode. If I ever wanted to introduce someone to the show, I'd show them The Supremes.
Glenn Close and William Fitchner aren't merely individually classy actors, but spark together in exactly the right way for the episode and the dialogue they're given, slotting perfectly into the West Wing convention of excellent peripheral casting choices. Milo O'Shea cracks me up as Chief Justice Ashland, new face Rylan Pierce has a role to play that isn't just irritation to Josh or Donna (and thus to the viewer) and is actually enjoyable, and the main cast are unlimbered from darker themes and conflicts. Two Cathedrals is the pinnacle of the show, but doesn't really work as a stand-alone episode. If I ever wanted to introduce someone to the show, I'd show them The Supremes.