Review of Isaac and Ishmael
Written by Toniann
In a nutshell, any fears I had about the appropriateness of this episode
were put to rest. I thought this episode of TWW handled the subject of
terrorism and prejudice with candor and compassion in regards to current
events.
The Public Service Announcement at the beginning was a nice combination
of caring and humor, I thought. I liked when Bradley Whitford said not to
worry, "we'll be back to tending our egos" next week. And I can't recall
all of the events each cast member said we should be looking forward to
next season, but I confess I cracked up when Janel Maloney said, "and *I*
get a boyfriend".
On a more serious note, the opening scene with the lockdown and the
Presidential Classroom hit home with me. On September 11th, I was at work
at the museum as usual. We often have school tours, but on that day we had
a record number of 250 fourth grade students spending the entire day with
us. Many of us had loved ones we were concerned for, myself included, and
in the first few hours we were all scared, as everyone across America was,
wondering just how far-reaching the scope of this terrorism would be.
Having 250 children under our care, in an environment unfamiliar to them,
gave us a heightened concern. I remember hurried conferences with the
teachers, trying to decide what to tell them, if we should tell them, where
they were safest. I imagine every teacher across the country went through
these same experiences. The students in tonight's Presidential Classroom
were older, of course, but the feeling in that first scene was the same to
me.
Josh's interplay with Billy (also known as Fred) was, I thought, a nice
touch to this episode. I loved how at Josh stopped him at the end, to offer
some sage bit of advice, and then realized that Billy is on the right track
already, he doesn't need any pointers.
Another fine Josh moment (and this episode was full of them): when asked
if he was scared, he talked about why he isn't, since he is a bystander
surrounded by those who put themselves in danger each and every day. I'm
glad this episode included a subtle tribute to the real heroes.
At some point Josh said he was going to be Wyle E. Coyote with a map-- I
can't remember what the context of that bit was. Anyone?
I do love Toby was he's being... well, Toby. His indecision over which
food establishments should survive Armageddon was priceless. Ah, Toby...
that's it, after this I'm going straight to worship at the shrine.
I have an inexplicable craving for apples and peanut butter now. Not so
inexplicable, really. As a complete side note, of no relevancy to this
discussion, two weeks ago I had the best caramel apple I've ever had in my
life, purchased at the museum's Harvest Festival. This teachers' group
raising money for scholarships was selling them. Man. That apple. Mmm.
Okay, I'm done with that tangent now.
I'm getting pretty fond of Ron Butterfield, I have to say. He's, like,
Uber-Secret Service Guy. He's everywhere.
That CJ, she really is a class act. I just love the way she stands up
there and speaks her mind, and backs up her arguments, even when faced with
equally intelligent arguments. She doesn't back down from her convictions;
integrity like that just amazes me.
And, you know, she called Toby "Pokey". And "Tobas".
Personal moment: when Charlie was talking about gangs and referred to
students who say things like, "I know the answer, I'm going to Cornell".
Okay, it's silly, but I love those little alma mater moments, no matter
what the context. Juvenile of me, ah well. Still, though, his point was
well taken. Charlie seemed very confident to me, perhaps the only one who
was a bit out of character. In the interests of this episode, though, I'm
not complaining.
Leo really got the tough job this episode, didn't he? Or rather, John
Spencer did: he had to play the less attractive side of what's happening to
our country, the harsh undercurrent we're all fighting against but
susceptible to. My applause for his performance, and to Aaron's writing. It
was hard to like Leo at one point during this episode, but at the same time
I stopped myself from condemning him, knowing his hate comes from a fear we
all feel. And though he bungled around that apology at the end, the point
is he took the step and made the apology, knowing it was owed. Well done.
Excellent song choice at the end. I, like most, associate that particular
song with the Vietnam War era.... but it was quite fitting for tonight's
episode.
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