The thing with Josh this premise is stupid. It's like the writers forgot that spinning a story was a thing the characters can do, and were good at. It's clear that Sorkin's influence was absent for this season. While the "Josh can't do his Job" arc ends here it was silly and not worth the arc.
3 Reviews
A walking lawsuit...
robrosenberger7 December 2012
Warning: Spoilers
The fatal flaw in this one (and it's such a fun ride that you probably won't even care) is that the scene where Jed wins his one-on-one showdown with Haffley, cuts away before completion. It's easy to imagine that choice was made because the writers had no idea how they would realistically get to where they needed to go. But we'll allow that conceit, as it gets our heroes back on their feet. Much of this, including an unprecedented visit to the Hill by the presidential party, is orchestrated by comeback kid Josh. Russell has some surprisingly good moments. And the star of the show? Debut character Rina (Melissa Marsala), the mysterious sexpot who cleans the place up while all support staff are required by law to be away. She would do six episodes, but the producers would completely {CENSORED, rhymes with "bliss"} away her potential, including (and especially) her tantalizing chemistry with Toby.
Sorkin's absence is painfully noted
timmurphy28 December 2022
CJ is hosting a press gaggle on the lawn after the White House shuts down and laments she can't wear her new Donna Karan gown to a state dinner. While on camera. In the middle of a government shutdown where services and subsidies to taxpayers (a New England couple worried that they don't have a heating oil subsidy during a cold spell) are unavailable. In the previous episode, she notes the budget cuts sought by the opposition can really impact Americans in need. And yet, in the next episode, CJ complains she won't be able to go to the party. This is so completely tone-deaf for CJ's character it stops the episode in its tracks. I love the West Wing, but this was a huge cringe moment in the series.
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