Review of In Excelsis Deo
Written by Toniann
At first, I confess, I was disappointed to hear that this episode would be
airing tonight. But having watched it, I must say, it was a good choice.
Sam seems to think they can't have Al Roker play Santa Claus because he
went on a diet? No offense to Al, but I don't think it's going to be a
problem. Seriously, I love Al Roker, I don't mean to pick on him. But he
can still fill out the suit.
Now, THIS is why I love Toby... amongst other things. Trust Toby to be
the one island of sanity who comprehended that 1999-2000 was not the new
millennium. I was trying to explain that one to people forever, and yet the
world basically went with Sam's odometer theory. I forgot that Toby had
common sense about this one; that's it, I'm pledging myself to his worship
forever. Amy, let's start a club with badges or something.
Ah, the glorious days of CJ/Danny flirtation. And this episode was a high
point in that non-relationship; I loved when he gave her the fish food.
Also, his unflinching response to one of my favorite CJ lines ever, for no
particular reason: "My Secret Service name is Flamingo."
Speaking of code names, in real life, do all of the senior staff really
have code names? That's kind of cool. And as far as the show goes, is it
just senior staff? If not, where's the cutoff point? I mean, did Mrs.
Landingham have one, but not Margaret? Can you imagine what name they'd
have for Margaret?
I love Margaret's little moments, though; in this one, when Leo was
wading through Christmas cards, and she said to him, "Just sign the damn
thing" and then later, deadpanned that line about Elizabeth being his
sister. She cracks me up. I mean, I like the writing they do for Margaret,
but I'm also giving credit to the actor's delivery.
That was pretty observant of Toby to pick up Walter Huffnagle's tattoo,
and to read what it said. I'm just saying, I would've missed it. We've
debated the "was Toby in the military at some point" thing to death, I
know, so I won't pose the supposition that he noticed it because he was in
the... oh, never mind. Let's just say, he's a smart observant guy.
I'll say this once, briefly, and not mention it any further, but for the
record, I was thinking it the whole episode: I *really* don't miss Mandy.
God, her character was annoying.
This was a really sweet episode for Josh & Donna... but was it shippy?
Romantic? See, honestly, I don't think so. Not yet. Maybe on Josh's part.
Not Donna's. The book he gave her was simply a sweet gesture, almost
brotherly (and wouldn't you like to know what he wrote?). Except for the
glance back, after he'd walked away, watching her through the window. That
was something. What? I don't know. And I wouldn't bother to mention this
here, but I think we're in for some sparky moments when Donna's new
boyfriend comes on the scene. You know, the whole jealousy thing,
possessiveness on his part watching some other guy move in on him... wait,
didn't they do this on Moonlighting? With Mark Harmon? Okay, I'm babbling;
I'll drop it for now.
Nice moment I'd forgotten about: What's your favorite part about being
president? "I'm doing it right now," he said, kissing the little girl's
forehead. Makes me think about how sad it is that his presidency is
currently bogged down in the MS scandal.
So hey, is there an underground tunnel at the White House? In the movie
"Dave" he seems to make use of it, plus there's the whole secret
underground place they stash the real president. Has there ever been
confirmation of this, either way, though? And if there isn't an underground
tunnel leading out of the White House, you know, there should be.
The librarian in me just *has* to comment on the scene at the rare
bookstore. If those books are that rare, then why the heck is everyone
handling them so cavalierly?! Seriously, I have books that old in our
collection, and they're stored in archival boxes and wrappings and we wear
cotton gloves when we handle them. And Josh actually *wrote* in one of
them! Argh!! I need to go lie down.
But I did really like it when he said, "I believe I would eat this book
before I read it."
Just in case I haven't gushed about Richard Schiff enough... his
performance, not just in this episode, but in this character as a whole, it
really is something phenomenal, isn't it? I can't even put it into words.
However, I could go on and on about the whole subplot with Josh, Sam, and
Laurie. On the one hand, I'll grant you, Leo's right, and even she's right:
they are supposed to be the good guys. This isn't something Leo wants them
to do for his sake, play dirty pool like that. So yes, they shouldn't have
asked her. But... well, I just can't muster up a lot of admiration for
Laurie, or even much respect. So when Josh lashed out at her at first,
honestly, that's when I was nodding my head. She may be smart, she may be
Sam's friend, she may be in law school. She's also a hooker. Lots of people
accomplish the rest without resorting to prostitution. Oh, I'm a stick in
the mud about this; all I'm saying is, I have a hard time finding much her
character says credible.
Here's one I'm sure someone will know the answer to: what's the deal with
Arlington Cemetery? Who is entitled to be buried there? How does the honor
guard thing work? Toby felt Walter was entitled to it, but that has to be
the president's call, I guess. Anyone who can explain the details?
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