Written by Peter Noah
Directed by Nelson McCormick
“You’re going to do this for the President.”
“No.”
Things to like about Things Fall Apart:
1-People sticking to their principles. We have Santos committing himself to the end game, and Josh telling Leo that he’ll be standing right beside him. We have CJ leaking info about the military shuttle, because she wants to save the astronauts, and damn the security consequences. Everyone cements their position in this episode, and sets the stage for an interesting time in the seventh season.
2-Barlett committing to beating Vinick. Watching Vinick’s acceptance speech was a beautiful, terrifying combination of praise and shady maneuvering. No wonder Bartlett thinks he’s a crafty bastard.
3-Bartlett and Charlie. I smell a White House wedding in the coming season—but, in the meantime, we get priceless bedroom/late night comedy and farce. Meanwhile, the First Lady is making cutting, sarcastic asides about her slightly prudish husband. It’s sweet and funny.
4-Everyone watching the Republican convention: Josh yelling “you’re going to hell” at the television in the hotel bar, Josh and Donna discussing Russell, Annabeth and Toby watching — open-mouthed — in the bullpen, CJ trying HARD not to watch in her office—it’s all deliciously played.
Another masterful set up, with the added thrill that the final act of the season is about to be played. More than any other episode this season, this is definitely the calm before the storm—but it’s a poetic, joyous calm.
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