Written by Peter Noah
Directed by Julie Hebert
“On a scale of 1 to 10…10 being C.J., and 1 being a chimp throwing feces…where would you rank me?”
The Hubbert Peak refers to the geology holy grail: the moment of peak oil production in the United States, and decreasing supply after that point. In using this as the title of an episode, The West Wing offers another sly commentary on both the current world energy situation, as well as its own status in the 6th season.
In a classic West Wing escapade, a superb comedy intro — with Josh plowing an SUV into a Prius — sets the stage for a beautiful debate on renewable energy supplies. What I appreciated about this part of the episode was the bitching between the proponents of all the current clean-energy technologies: ethanol, hydrogen, solar & wind…even among environmentalists, there is discord and disagreement, and it’s always good to have utopian pretentions stripped away…especially when you can do it with the wit and humour of The West Wing.
But aside from the energy and environmental plots, The Hubbert Peak is more concerned with the bell curve of Sorkinland itself. The Bartlet Administration has reached its peak, and it’s all downhill towards the end game from this point. Let’s review the manuvering taking place in this single episode:
1—CJ being reminded by Leo that the reason the President MUST play chess is to keep an eye on his MS;
2—Charlie’s graduation from college, and being offered a new job with CJ;
3—Toby dealing with the new changes in his professional life, in the shape of perky-spitfire-newcomer Annabeth (played with sheer delight by Kristin Chenoweth);
4—Donna taking the first steps towards dealing with the fallout from her injuries in Gaza, thanks to a door opened by Kate (Mary McCormack).
That’s a lot of stuff in play for a single episode, but everything is set up so simply, so elegantly, that it never intrudes into the realm of clumsy here’s-a-writer-moving-his-pieces-around obviousness. The West Wing has always been adept at juggling dozens of plotlines, and this episode is a fine example…right down to the beautiful humour that continues to dance around CJ’s elevation to chief of staff (take your pick: the sublime moment when she finds the press corps in her office — all but begging her to come back — or the cute Dolley Madison/short-desk joke with the decorator).
Too transitional to be a true classic, The Hubbert Peak is, nevertheless, an example of what The West Wing does best: explore, debate, and contemplate numerous issues, plot lines, and character developments without breaking a sweat. There are other shows (which shall remain nameless) that, on their best days, can’t produce an episode as well orchestrated as this one.
And HEY! Blogging makes itself known to Sorkinland at last! I love it!
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