Yes to all of those… but also… the senior staff lined up like a silent Greek chorus (and how wonderfully they’re lit). And the cliffhanger of his putting his hand in his pockets before he answers – which shows he has made up his mind…
I must have seen this 20 times or more, but still get a shiver at ‘Watch this…’
2 additional parts that struck me were:
-After Charlie takes off his coat, how the camera keeps on Mrs. Landingham’s desk for another moment.
-The last 4 seconds (5:07), with the President in forefront and the flag in the background in the storm. Epic.
This episode should have won Martin Sheen as well as Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schalmme Emmy awards. It did not. But fans of The West Wing will always know… that when Jed put his hands in his pocket, turned away and smiled… the winning of an award would never top that moment.
My wife and I loved this show. Discovered it during middle of first season and caught up on reruns during the summer. Never missed another episode. Even got to tour the West Wing set at Warner Brothers on a studio tour. Sat in the mural room, oval office, was incredible. I still think this is the best Episode of any show I’ve ever watched on televsion.
Of course he’s going to run for a second term. What are they going to do, change the name of the show from “The West Wing” to “The Presidential Library”?
Oh and the creators of this show have now started a new one called The Newsroom, watch it, while it is different to The West Wing it has a similar feel and rythm to it, and yet again is one of the few tv shows that chooses to believe it’s viewers have intelligence.
This one, while i love the entire show, even the last few seasons where it slightly dropped off, this episode was so well filmed. Like any film or tv show the choice of music and imagery are key to making it stand out (think of the theme in jaws). The creators chose the tracks perfectly in ths show with this track and again with Hashkiveinu in ‘Take this Sabbath Day’. Truthfully though each and every episode has its own stand out moment!
Yes to all of those… but also… the senior staff lined up like a silent Greek chorus (and how wonderfully they’re lit). And the cliffhanger of his putting his hand in his pockets before he answers – which shows he has made up his mind…
I must have seen this 20 times or more, but still get a shiver at ‘Watch this…’
Easily the best season finale of them all. Actually, one of my favorite episodes in the series.
2 additional parts that struck me were:
-After Charlie takes off his coat, how the camera keeps on Mrs. Landingham’s desk for another moment.
-The last 4 seconds (5:07), with the President in forefront and the flag in the background in the storm. Epic.
‘Watch this’
One of the most epic moments I’ve seen on TV…..
god… they build this moment up SO SO SO Well throughout the episode, and even through the entire second half of the season.
it all builds up to this one small gesture. i swear this moment just leaves me speechless EACH time i watch the show.
The greatest president America never had!
“Watch this.”
…
Indeed.
That smile… it has that… Martin Sheen to it.
This episode should have won Martin Sheen as well as Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schalmme Emmy awards. It did not. But fans of The West Wing will always know… that when Jed put his hands in his pocket, turned away and smiled… the winning of an award would never top that moment.
Simply the best episode of the best show in TV history. The cliffhanger made me chill the first time I saw it.
Fuck me what an AWESOME piece of television. Reminds you of how bad new shows are today and how much Sorkin has flopped with “The Newsroom”
Probably the single greatest piece of television ever made.
Watch this!
Goosebumps. Every time.
the best President in American history…just a shame he’s a fictional tv character!!!
the single best moment of television I’ve ever seen! Everything was written so well and acted out with perfection…and that soundtrack!
you nailed it all
watch this!
I still believe that politics can be a force for good….
My wife and I loved this show. Discovered it during middle of first season and caught up on reruns during the summer. Never missed another episode. Even got to tour the West Wing set at Warner Brothers on a studio tour. Sat in the mural room, oval office, was incredible. I still think this is the best Episode of any show I’ve ever watched on televsion.
This is some of the best television ever, for me.
Of course he’s going to run for a second term. What are they going to do, change the name of the show from “The West Wing” to “The Presidential Library”?
Best WW episodes @stubk22
1. Two Cathedrals
2. In Excelsis Deo
3. Posse Comitatus
4. He Shall, From Time to Time
5. Noel
6. 20 Hours in America pt. 2
Oh and the creators of this show have now started a new one called The Newsroom, watch it, while it is different to The West Wing it has a similar feel and rythm to it, and yet again is one of the few tv shows that chooses to believe it’s viewers have intelligence.
This one, while i love the entire show, even the last few seasons where it slightly dropped off, this episode was so well filmed. Like any film or tv show the choice of music and imagery are key to making it stand out (think of the theme in jaws). The creators chose the tracks perfectly in ths show with this track and again with Hashkiveinu in ‘Take this Sabbath Day’. Truthfully though each and every episode has its own stand out moment!
whats the best episode in your opinion?
Still gives me chills.