Review of The White House Pro-Am
Written by Toniann
I have a confession to make: the title of this episode stumped me for awhile,
having never heard of the whole golf "pro-am" thing before. Once I got it I
thought it was unbelievably clever, of course.
You know, in a weird way, little Jeffrey (of the "Children's Crusade") seems
like a prepubescent Charlie.
You know, I'm starting to feel bad for Bernie Dahl, or at least for his
family. The guy dies and it's a financial crisis; Sam's response is "there goes
your news cycle", and CJ feels silly talking about respect in reference to
filling his position. The president admits later in the episode he hardly knew
him. Poor old Bernie.
I loved the bit where the president said some mornings he's just nodding his
head at intelligence briefings. I always think of that in later episodes.
Hey, what's the name of this "what life was like 100 years ago" book, anyhow?
Does it actually exist? Cause frankly, I'm kind of interested in reading it, at
this point.
This is the episode where Stockard Channing's Abigail Bartlett reminded me the
most of Hillary Clinton. The whole press conference thing, the higher approval
rating, the warring staffs, the "I should've worn the gray suit" thing. I never
got that feeling from her again, but this time I definitely did.
Sometimes I don't understand whether we're all supposed to be afraid of Sam or
he's a big wimp. Several times he's said things about how "you'll here from me,
not CJ" or "I'm telling you this, not CJ". Sorry, Sam, but I find CJ a little
scarier than you. Maybe it's that Sam's position holds more power, I suppose,
but as far as personalities go, personally I feel CJ can take him in a fight.
Speaking of CJ, you know, in her defense, I couldn't read the "sign" from
Bartlet either, so the guys should stop giving her a hard time about learning
them. There really wasn't anything for her to go on this time.
I'm full of sympathy for Charlie and how he must have felt being told he
couldn't go to the club opening with Zoey. Nevertheless, I'm glad he made up on
her-- it's not her fault the world is the way it is, and she has fewer choices
than he does on how to deal with it. Danny's advice was good.
One of those priceless moments between Josh and Donna that give the shippers
fuel: "Why would anyone want to diminish a woman's sexual desire?" "We can get
out of hand." Whoo hoo. You tell 'em, Donna.
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