tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post9216412932783541554..comments2024-03-29T09:13:52.064-04:00Comments on Doux Reviews: The West Wing: The State DinnerBillie Douxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17141769005175631213noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-78211720055913661492014-07-27T03:11:50.538-04:002014-07-27T03:11:50.538-04:00For what it's worth, details of this hostage s...For what it's worth, details of this hostage situation in this episode are derived from the so-callled Ruby Ridge incident in 1992.Josie Kafkahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17892717530356699008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-11872566984642087592014-05-30T22:12:28.875-04:002014-05-30T22:12:28.875-04:00I really liked the extreme contrast between the op...I really liked the extreme contrast between the opulent state dinner and the multiple crises going on simultaneously. I imagine that that does happen in the White House. <br /><br />Stockard Channing is pretty much the perfect first lady for this show; there aren't too many actresses who can keep up with Martin Sheen, but she does. What she told him, how she helped him deal with failing, was lovely and immediately told us what their marriage was all about.<br /><br />But mostly, I loved C.J. I think this was the episode in which she became my favorite West Wing character. Loved her with the press, with Danny, and typing in her office while wearing a gray silk evening dress. There's just something wonderful about her. <br /><br />And yes, the end is quite moving. Billie Douxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17141769005175631213noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-42694817589695849072013-06-27T11:00:41.548-04:002013-06-27T11:00:41.548-04:00Stockard Channing, as Abigail Bartlet, is one of m...Stockard Channing, as Abigail Bartlet, is one of my favorite fictional characters ever. I read somewhere, long ago, that her role was not unlike Sheen's. She was meant to play an episode or two, but was so good and was so instantly popular that the writers continued to involve her in the story. Thank God for that -- she adds an immense depth to the White House.<br /><br />I love CJ and Danny as a couple. <i>You’re a rabble-rouser, you know that? You rouse rabbles,</i> always makes me laugh out loud.<br /><br />What saves this episode from being completely OTT is that final scene. It always brings a tear to my eye as we watch Bartlet comfort a kid who will be dead within the hour. It is simply gutting to watch and it reminds us, without hitting us over the head, that these people play for real stakes.<br /><br />Great review, Juliette.ChrisBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10843864158239536750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-85703168924243617282013-06-18T20:11:53.388-04:002013-06-18T20:11:53.388-04:00I didn't really remember this one until you me...I didn't really remember this one until you mentioned Bartlet on the radio with the man trapped in the sinking ship. Man that was depressing. And well done, but also depressing.<br /><br />I also love CJ attempting to be professional and fend off fashion questions. "Yes, I believe she'll be wearing shoes." Poor CJ, a woman trapped in an Aaron Sorkin world. :/<br /><br />I never realized before, but in another actor's hands, Danny could have been a complete creep. As it is, though, he's sweet and funny and charming. Awww.sunbunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08553429350476841139noreply@blogger.com