Review of In This White House
Written by Toniann
Review written in 2002
I truly admired this show for addressing the issue of AIDS in a way that few people, even advocates, ever hear: the real problems in third-world nations, where the "cocktail" isn't much of an answer yet. I wish we'd revisit it.
The saddest thing in this episode, of course, is the plight of President Nimbala, his family killed, his country torn apart -- and still choosing to return to the nation that he promised to lead. Only to be executed. That was hard, and sad. Terrific actor playing Nimbala, and I could have spent another entire episode on that storyline alone.
I didn't realize that Capitol Beat anchor Mark Godfried was a recurring character on the show until I watched this episode again. You know, I really wish they'd hooked him up with CJ. Except, I guess there would have been the same problem as with Danny.
Sam, for all of his geekish knowledge, does screw up geography from time to time. Ainsley Hayes mopped the floor with him, no question.
Ainsley's storyline was compelling, and like Charlie before her, it was refreshing to see a new person come in and see the West Wing through unjaded eyes. Though I didn't quite buy that the White House doesn't block Caller I.D., it was still effective to see her wonder, her decision to refuse the job, her witnessing a crisis, and her change of mind.
I just wish her Republican friends hadn't been so smarmy and yucky. That's Aaron being just a little biased.
And before I forget, I loved that Leo knew Margaret was listening outside the door while he was meeting with Ainsley. What a nut Margaret is.
And, last thing: Ainsley really had a point about CJ going to the Counsel's office when she had a serious question, and how doing that would have been a better idea than just hoping it would all go away. Duh squared, CJ.
I lied, one other thing about Ainsley: consistently, in future episodes as well as this one, I rarely agree with her character, personally. I sometimes feel her arguments are even flawed. But as she said to her friends, speaking of the Democrats in the Bartlet White House, she has good intent, and she certainly is a patriot. I think it's what makes her character likable from the start. That, and some oddly endearing quirks we see later.
Josh: "Toby, come quick – Sam's getting his ass kicked by a girl."
Toby: "Ginger, get the popcorn."
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