Written by John Wells
Directed by Christopher Misiano
“What are you thinking about?”
“Tomorrow.”
It’s over…
I mean it…it’s over. One of the greatest series in television history comes to an end…a classy, beautiful, gorgeous end.
It ended with poignancy and warmth. With the President framed in golden, twilight sunshine…wandering the near-empty halls of his west wing offices…saying goodbye to Charlie with a gift that spoke volumes…about their relationship, and about the values of this gorgeous television show.
It ended with CJ walking out of the building…and almost stealing the show. Walking off into obscurity…a happy, beautiful, content obscurity. Not looking back.
It ended with a moment of soft comedy, as Kate, Will and Charlie wonder what to do next..and they go searching for a movie.
It ended with ex-President Bartlet flying off into the sunset, aboard Air Force One…a final shot of soaring above the heavens. Fitting, for a series that was never content to simply settle for the mundane realities of Earth.
And yet…left behind, are the seeds of something new and fresh.
A new White House…a new President…and new beginnings. Just a peek…just a glimpse…but enough to reassure us…make us glow with pleasure…
New offices (I just adored the look on Donna’s face as she saw her new office)…new jobs (Sam’s simple “Home, sweet home” was absolutely perfect)…new relationships (Donna waking up with Josh…making us ALL happy!). If there was going to be a West Wing - The Next Generation, we get enough of a tease to confirm that we’d all tune in to watch in droves!
This isn’t exactly a detailed review. I should complain about trying to fit in two hours worth of goodbyes in the span of a single hour. I should complain about not seeing Toby one final time. I should complain because I wanted MORE…
…but that’s the beauty of the final episode of The West Wing. The series always gives us just what we need, and not an ounce more. It tantalized our imaginations, our pride, our civic responsibility, and our hope for the future. There is ALWAYS a tomorrow…even for The West Wing. We’re just expected to live it ourselves, as best as we can.
Farewell, Bartlet Administration. You are the guiding force America SHOULD have had…and if we couldn’t have you in reality, we could have you in our dreams…and in our hearts. You will be sorely missed.
9…for the episode…10+ for the series!
