The West Wing 7.17 FAQ
What’s it called?
“Election Day Pt. II”
Who’s responsible?
Teleplay is credited to John Welles and Eli Attie.
The big news?
As the episode begins, Leo McGarry lives. When Annabeth found him at the end of last episode, he was unconscious and wasn’t breathing, but he was also warm enough, apparently, for an ambulence to be called rather than a hearse.
Did Leo have a heart attack?
He did.
When does the president learn of Leo’s condition?
Annabeth calls Donna. Donna tells Josh at the end of the teaser. Josh tells C.J. at the start of the first act. C.J. tells Jed Bartlet a minute or two later.
Is it a good episode?
Good and sad. The Mighty Hercules has watched it twice, and must concede that he cannot get through it without being reduced to a bawling little 14-year-old girl.
How does Annabeth take it?
Though she’s known Leo a far shorter time than most of the other regular characters, there’s nothing sadder this week than the first time Josh and Donna see Annabeth’s tear-soaked face. Few characters on the “West Wing” seem to have their shit together as thoroughly as Annabeth, so it’s strange and super-extra-poignant to see her fly apart so completely.
Do we learn this week whether Santos or Vinick wins - or was the election so close we won’t know until the Supreme Court rules in next month's series finale.
We learn who wins by episode’s end, though this episode ends on a Wednesday. The loser concedes, and it seems clear that he will not challenge the outcome in the courts.
But it’s a close election?
A virtual electoral tie. Exact numbers can be found in invisotext. 266 vs. 272.
The polls are still open when Leo is found?
When Santos gets the news, polls in the West will still be open another 90 minutes. There is much discussion in the Santos camp of sitting on the news of Leo’s condition.
Does the election come down to one closely contested state?
Yes. And it’s not Texas or California.
Is the contested state Ohio or Florida?
No.
Blue states and red states are not as blue or as red in the “West Wing” universe?
The red state of Texas and the blue state of California are both in play because Democratic congressman Matt Santos is from Texas and Republican senator Arnold Vinick is from California. Santos wins some of the states Bush carried in 2004, including New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Missouri and South Carolina. Vinick wins some of the states Kerry carried, including Maine and Vermont. Otherwise it’s kinda the same map.
What’s great?
Lou’s reticence to reveal Leo’s condition. The silent ride in the hospital elevator. Our first glimpse of Annabeth. Vinick’s surprise at getting a phone call from Santos. The strategizing in the Santos camp. The strategizing in the Vinick camp. Bob Mayer and Bruno Gianelli quietly discussing their aspirations. Josh mourning over Leo’s eyeglasses and shoes as the rest of the Santos camp celebrates victory in Texas. Donna finding Josh as he mourns. The fact that we find out who wins just as Jed Bartlet does. “Get the president elect on the phone. I want to congratulate him.” Kristin Chenoweth. Alison Janney. Janel Moloney. Bradley Whitford. Martin Sheen. Janeane Garofalo. Alan Alda. Patricia Richardson. Ron Silver. Stephen Root.
What’s not so great?
Stocking Channing isn’t in the episode. (Abby is in New Hampshire watching her nanny-boinking son-in-law’s congressional race while the president has already returned to the Oval Office when he learns of what happened to Leo.) Leo’s daughter Mallory is repeatedly referenced as being in Texas with her dad, but Allison Smith does not appear this week.
How does it end, spoiler boy?
Josh says something to Leo. Wah!
Herc’s rating for “The West Wing” 7.17?
****
The Hercules T. Strong Rating System:
***** better than we deserve
**** better than most motion pictures
*** actually worth your valuable time
** as horrible as most stuff on TV
* makes you quietly pray for bulletins
8 p.m. Sunday. NBC.
I am – Hercules!!
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