Ep 13. The Long Goodbye

As the fourth season of The West Wing nears its end, the 13th episode titled 'The Long Goodbye,' brings a sense of melancholy and introspection to the forefront. The episode opens with White House staff members trying to come to terms with the shooting of their colleague, Josh Lyman, in the previous episode. The incident has left everyone shaken, and the President is no exception.

Against this backdrop, the episode takes us on a journey of remembrance. CJ Cregg, the White House Press Secretary, is asked to deliver a speech eulogizing a former mentor, Dr. John Norman, who had recently passed away. The speechwriting team scrambles to put together something befitting such an eminent scientist, but they soon realize that the task is more challenging than they initially thought.

As CJ and the President reflect on Dr. Norman's work and legacy, they are also forced to confront their own mortality and the legacy they will leave behind. As the episode progresses, we see each character grappling with their own past, questioning their choices, and trying to make sense of the present.

One of the subplots in this episode involves the President and First Lady grappling with the realization that their marriage is not as strong as they thought it was. Despite being professional partners for years, they are now confronted with the fact that they have not been as connected as they should be. The episode captures the awkwardness and discomfort that comes with trying to rebuild a relationship from the ground up, with scenes that are both poignant and heart-wrenching.

The Long Goodbye is a well-written episode that captures the essence of what makes The West Wing such a great show. It combines humor, drama, and pathos without ever feeling forced or heavy-handed. The performances by the ensemble cast, especially Allison Janney and Martin Sheen, are top-notch.

In addition to exploring the challenges and triumphs of the White House staff, this episode also shines a light on the sacrifices they make in the name of public service. We see the characters confronting their own mortality and the fragility of life, and we see them drawing comfort from the relationships they have with each other.

Ultimately, with its quiet meditations on themes of legacy, love, and loss, this episode stands out as one of the best of the entire series. In The Long Goodbye, The West Wing delivers a moving and thought-provoking episode that will linger in the minds of its viewers long after the credits roll.