Ep 11. The Benign Prerogative

The West Wing season 5 episode 11, titled "The Benign Prerogative," centers around the discussion of a controversial executive power. The storyline of this episode focuses on the President's ability to issue a pardon to an individual without justification and the debate over whether this is a constitutional right that must be protected or an unchecked power that allows the President to act with impunity.

As the episode begins, a scandal involving a senior White House aide has erupted, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for punishment. The President, played by Martin Sheen, is faced with a difficult decision: whether to pardon the aide or allow him to face the consequences of his actions. The episode follows the President and his advisers as they navigate the politics of executive power, while balancing their duties to the American people.

As the discussion unfolds, the President's advisers debate whether pardoning the aide would lead to widespread criticism and undermine the President's credibility, or if it would be seen as a compassionate act of mercy. Meanwhile, the debate over the pardon's constitutionality rages on, with some arguing that it is a necessary power that balances the needs of justice with the needs of mercy, while others believe that it is a dangerous precedent that could be abused in the wrong hands.

The White House staff is not the only group grappling with the pardon. The episode also follows a group of law students as they participate in a moot court argument over the constitutionality of the pardon power. This storyline provides a unique perspective on the topic, as the students' legal arguments force the viewer to consider the issue from multiple viewpoints.

Overall, "The Benign Prerogative" is a thought-provoking episode that delves into the intricacies of executive power and the delicate balance between justice and mercy. The show deftly explores the various arguments surrounding the pardon power, presenting both sides of the debate in a thoughtful and nuanced manner.

The acting in this episode is top-notch, with Martin Sheen delivering a standout performance as the President. He portrays the weight of the decision he must make with the gravitas and nuance that has made his portrayal of the character so beloved over the years. The rest of the cast also delivers strong performances, with all characters making poignant and articulate statements regarding the topic at hand.

Overall, "The Benign Prerogative" is an exemplary episode of The West Wing that highlights the show's strengths as a political drama. It is a nuanced and intelligent exploration of executive power that will keep viewers engaged from start to finish.