Ep 21. Life On Mars

The West Wing season 4 episode 21, titled "Life On Mars," takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as President Bartlet and his staff face a life or death situation. The episode starts with the President giving a speech at a fundraiser in Florida. However, things take a dramatic turn when Air Force One is hit mid-air by a flock of birds causing the President and his team to make an emergency landing at a nearby Air Force Base.

The aftermath of the incident sees the President contemplating his mortality, thinking about the people who have come before him and the people who will come after him. The staff too, is affected by the incident but they need to keep their emotions in check and work to keep the President safe, all the while preparing to return to the White House before anyone else can take advantage of the situation.

The episode beautifully captures the dynamics between the members of the Bartlet Administration as they struggle to deal with the crisis at hand. The President's personal aide, Charlie, is assigned the task of calming the President down while the Chief of Staff, Leo McGarry, makes arrangements for the President's safety and comfort. Meanwhile, Josh Lyman, one of the President's advisors, juggles with the press, trying to prevent them from getting wind of the situation and avoid causing a panic.

As the episode progresses, the audience is taken on a journey of self-reflection as the characters question their priorities, their ambitions, and their relationships with one another amidst the chaos of the situation. There are moments of levity, like President Bartlet scolding his staff for forgetting to pack his favorite snack while they hurriedly flee Air Force One. And there are moments of poignant observation, like Charlie's encounter with a soldier who has suffered a great loss but is still committed to serving his country.

"Life On Mars" is an emotionally charged episode that tugs at the heartstrings of the viewers as it brings a sense of vulnerability to the usually unflappable Bartlet Administration. The episode is a testament to the brilliant writing of creator Aaron Sorkin and his team of writers. The episode is tightly written and beautifully executed with every character getting their moment to shine, even if it's just a small aside.

The episode is also directed brilliantly by Christopher Misiano, who perfectly captures the tension of the situation while keeping the focus on the characters and their emotions. The episode's pacing is superb and the use of musical cues and transitions are subtle yet effective.

Overall, "Life On Mars" is an episode of The West Wing that stands out from the rest. It is an episode that explores the themes of mortality and the fragility of life in a way that is both moving and thought-provoking. The episode showcases the talents of the cast and crew, bringing to life characters that are flawed, real, and relatable. "Life On Mars" is a must-watch episode for fans of the show and newcomers alike.