What's Next?

Last night’s West Wing series finale has left me in knots. Not because it wasn’t emotional and well-executed (and it was both), but because I couldn’t help but feel…underwhelmed (tm Michael Kors).

I really wanted to love this episode, like, REALLY wanted to be able to rave about it. But I can’t. Which is sad. But first, I’ll talk about the good parts of the episode:

--Jed giving Charlie his copy of the Constitution. Ok, I teared up there. Despite the fact I can’t remember Charlie ever mentioning that he wanted to go to law school, it was poignant and Dule Hill’s reaction is what got me all misty. I am now willing to forgive his participation in “She’s All That.”

--CJ’s last visit to the press room, very sweet.

--Donna seeing her office, which is way bigger than Josh’s. Take THAT Josh!

--Oh, and Donna and Josh being together in bed the morning of the inauguration, I think they will be together a long time.

--Anything having to do with Jed and Abby. The best part of Abby is I can totally picture Rizzo growing up to become Abby Bartlett. You go, Stockard Channing!

See, lots of great stuff happened this episode, including Toby getting pardoned so he won’t have to go to jail and talk to his kids from the other side of a plexiglass divider. But there were things that I thought were bungled, most involving characterization.

--WHERE THE EFF WAS RICHARD SCHIFF?

--NBC makes this huge deal about Rob Lowe being back for two episodes, and he has what, two lines this episode? How about we get a conversation between him and Josh about the future, or heck how about a conversation about the past? Come on, throw us fans a freaking bone here.

--I think Santos and his wife are totally adorable, but it seemed like half the episode was them bantering about their new life. I realize the election was a large part of the past two seasons, but I was more concerned about the characters we have spent the past seven years getting to know. I never though I would say this, but less Jimmy Smits please.

--No Will/Kate resolution. Is she going to Oregon with him? Hello? Bueller?

--Did I mention Toby was not in this episode AT ALL? I appreciate them wrapping up his storyline, but to not put Richard Schiff in this episode was criminal. And unfair to the fans.

Overall, this was a solid post-Sorkin episode of the West Wing. But for the first time since Aaron Sorkin left, I find myself wondering what he would have done differently. I appreciate him appearing for a cameo (he was in the crowd at the inauguration), but come on dude. This show put you on the map. If he had written the finale, I have no doubt it would have been nothing short of brilliant, and so I find myself wondering what might have been.

End of Series Quiz

Favorite Episode(s): Two Cathedrals and Noel

Favorite Character(s): Josh all the way. He’s so cute!

Favorite Quote:
Sam: About a week ago I accidentally slept with a prostitute.
Toby: [pause] Really?
Sam: Yes.
Toby: A prostitute?
Sam: A call girl.
Toby: Accidentally?
Sam: Yes.
Toby: I don't understand. Did you *trip* over something?

Gone Before It’s Time? No. It was time.

At Least We’ll Always Have…: Repeats on Bravo baby!