Ep 21. Institutional Memory

Institutional Memory is the twenty-first and final episode of the seventh season of the popular American political drama television series, The West Wing. The show revolves around the daily workings of the White House staff of the fictional Josiah Bartlet administration, and primarily focuses on the President's inner circle, his senior staff. The last episode of the series, Institutional Memory, gives viewers a glimpse of the West Wing staff's last days in their respective roles as they prepare for the inauguration of President-elect Santos.

The episode opens with the senior staff outlining their future plans as the Bartlet administration is coming to an end. Toby discloses his intent to go back to writing, while CJ reaffirms her desire to work with NGOs and humanitarian organizations. Leo, on the other hand, announces his intention to run for president. The White House staff is also busy packing up their belongings and reminiscing on their time in the West Wing. The employees are seen carrying boxes and interacting with each other in a manner that expresses nostalgia and sorrow for the end of an era.

As the preparations for the inauguration begin, the staff is asked to conduct an exit interview to help the new administration familiarize themselves with the workings of the White House. The interview leads to a reflective moment for many staff members as they remember their favorite moments while working in the building. The main event of the episode takes place when Donna Paulsen (Janel Moloney) asks for the President's signature on a bill to protect the special fund for pediatric research. As the administration is in transition, the bill is generally seen as insignificant and could easily be missed among several other documents the President have to sign. However, at Donna’s insistence, Bartlet (Martin Sheen) takes the time to be fully aware of the bill's contents and why it is important to her. The President takes a moment to reflect on the West Wing's institutional memory and how Donna’s loyalty and hard work have helped his administration over the years, and signs the bill.

In another scene, Leo and Santos (Jimmy Smits) are seen on a helicopter, and Santos is asking for Leo’s advice on the presidency. Leo’s answer - “don’t be afraid to fail” - sets the tone for the future presidency.

Late in the episode, as the staff is saying farewell to the West Wing and each other. The Chief of Staff, CJ (Allison Janney), is seen walking around the empty offices with a glass of vodka, reflecting and reminiscing on her time working for President Bartlet. She takes a moment to understand how lucky she was to have had the opportunity to serve at the highest level, and how much she will miss everyone. The episode ends with CJ staring at the empty Oval Office as the new president enters it for the first time.

The West Wing - Institutional Memory is a beautifully ending episode of the long-running, critically acclaimed political drama. It highlights the end of an era, focusing on the staff of the outgoing Bartlet administration as they reflect on their time serving the presidency. The episode offers a stunning portrayal of the importance of institutional memory as a vital tool for the smooth transition of power in a democracy. It also provides closure for viewers who have been following the show since the beginning and sets up a potential spin-off series with the Santos administration. The episode's performances by the cast, particularly Janney and Sheen, were fantastic and encapsulated the emotional depth of the event. It is a fitting end to a brilliant series that will long be remembered as one of the finest political dramas in television history.