Written by Josh Singer
Directed by Max Mayer
“I need to see the Russian Ambassador, the Chinese Ambassador, and my wife…preferably NOT in that order.”
Five reasons to love The Wedding:
1—Martin Sheen. It’s been a while since he’s had a solid showcase in an episode, and he’s on top form in this one: commanding, witty, brusque, and devious. The way he meets his son-in-law-to-be by having him walk into a meeting of the military brass had me screaming “you’re SO mean!” And then there’s the wonderful final scene, in which he tells the sweet story of his trip to East Germany with a four year old Ellie. For all his authority as President, it’s his moments as a father that make Sheen especially stand out. The writers never forget that he’s the poetic soul of this show, and this is one of the times when it shines like a diamond.
2—Josh’s almost-nervous breakdown. I seriously believe he was going to snap if he looked that the electoral advertising map any closer. The sense of walls-closing-in-around-him is deftly handled, thanks to Max Mayer’s steady direction, and Brad Whitford’s ever-reliable acting. He brought enough repressed terror to his role this week to force an entire Al Qaeda cell to flee for their lives.
3—Leo. This episode explains Leo’s existence in the world of The West Wing: widsom. He is the ultimate Solomon — the sage, calm centre of the storm. Panic is alien to him…he’s seen it all, done it all…and he tells Santos that it’s up to him, not Josh, to take them through the home stretch. John Spencer was on Emmy-form, as he always is.
4—The excellent build up of tension on the Russian-Chinese front…punctuated by that gloriously strange sight of having a Sit Room briefing in formal wear. Even CJ remarks about the french farce quality of the scenario — it was a joyous West Wing example of mixing the absurd with the sublime. And then there’s Debbie and her stop watch…
5—Kate and Wil: the goofiest courtship this series has ever seen. It can’t help but leave a big huge smile on your face.
In fact, if you don’t finish this entire episode without feeling a single warm and fuzzy thought, you’re a lost cause.
9
