Rewatch: 1x10 - In Excelsis Deo

[yvi]

Another short one this time as it's way too warm here to think ;) and I haven't fully watched the episode yet. Which is a shame, since I like the episode.

Summary: As Christmas Eve approaches, President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) eagerly sneaks out of the White House for some last-minute Christmas shopping, while a haunted Toby (Richard Schiff) learns more about a forgotten Korean War hero who died alone on the district's cold streets wearing a coat that Toby once donated to charity. In other hushed corridors, Sam (Rob Lowe) and Josh (Bradley Whitford) ignore Leo's (John Spencer) advice and consult Sam's call girl friend (Lisa Edelstein) concerning her confidential clientele when one political rival hints at exposing Leo's previous drug problem. C.J. (Allison Janney) wonders aloud about the President's public response to a notorious hate crime while her personal resolve weakens as persistent reporter, Danny (Timothy Busfield) continues to ask her out.

Broad discussion points, in case anyone has seen the episode:

* what did you think of Toby's subplot?

* how did you like the ending? too kischy or nice?

* who else had thei heart broken by Mrs. landingham's story? :'(

Comments

[quinfirefrorefiddle]

I haven't seen this episode for years, because Toby's subplot is so damned depressing I just can't watch it anymore. (I also can't listen to Billy Joel's "Goodnight Saigon.") Mrs. Landingham's story is also sad, but it isn't nearly as painful to listen to as watching Toby deal with the dead veteran's brother and trying to get a decent funeral and all.

Maybe it's just too close to work for me, I dunno. But it's just too hard.