Imo, a sheer, brilliant job of writing this episode. First, we have the new, wonderful Ainslie character skewer Sam in a funny way. And, amongst other things, we have this plot about AIDS-drugs to Africa...which I assumed was going to be a sub-plot to Ainslie and CJ's fears. But no.
Slowly, I am caring more and more about this AIDS plot. I am starting to like this African leader more and more. Then they come up with a decent - if flawed (best under the situation) - solution to help the African country.
Then I assume we are going to deal with Ainslie coming on board...but no...they switch to this other, military thing.
And my first thought was: 'not another military crisis, already'. But I was wrong...the African leader has been deposed. And suddenly, this African leader is the character I care most about.
I have spoiled enough - I will skip the ending...but it was wonderfully written, IMO.
The writer(s) (I assume it was just Sorkin - not sure) could have done what I assumed they would do...leave the AIDS thing as a compromise, wish the African leader well and welcome Ainslie to the West Wing. And it would have been a very, good episode. But no.
He pushes it.
And it REALLY got me thinking...about AIDS, about Africa, about judging people without getting to know them first...and about how utterly horrible it must be to live in much of Africa if you are poor. You try to fix one HUGE problem and something even bigger falls on your head.
And when the ending came...I had a tear in my eye and I felt like I had watched 90 minutes of TV...when I had only watched about 45 (I watch the episodes for the first time on iTunes - in order.).
I thoroughly enjoyed it, I was surprised by it, I think the writer took a chance and he balanced it well and it got me thinking and it moved me.
That is what I hope to get from drama - and VERY rarely do.
But this episode gave it to me.
Thank you Mr. Sorkin.
10/10.
Slowly, I am caring more and more about this AIDS plot. I am starting to like this African leader more and more. Then they come up with a decent - if flawed (best under the situation) - solution to help the African country.
Then I assume we are going to deal with Ainslie coming on board...but no...they switch to this other, military thing.
And my first thought was: 'not another military crisis, already'. But I was wrong...the African leader has been deposed. And suddenly, this African leader is the character I care most about.
I have spoiled enough - I will skip the ending...but it was wonderfully written, IMO.
The writer(s) (I assume it was just Sorkin - not sure) could have done what I assumed they would do...leave the AIDS thing as a compromise, wish the African leader well and welcome Ainslie to the West Wing. And it would have been a very, good episode. But no.
He pushes it.
And it REALLY got me thinking...about AIDS, about Africa, about judging people without getting to know them first...and about how utterly horrible it must be to live in much of Africa if you are poor. You try to fix one HUGE problem and something even bigger falls on your head.
And when the ending came...I had a tear in my eye and I felt like I had watched 90 minutes of TV...when I had only watched about 45 (I watch the episodes for the first time on iTunes - in order.).
I thoroughly enjoyed it, I was surprised by it, I think the writer took a chance and he balanced it well and it got me thinking and it moved me.
That is what I hope to get from drama - and VERY rarely do.
But this episode gave it to me.
Thank you Mr. Sorkin.
10/10.
