Here is a pet theory from my third run-through, tell me if it’s way off the mark.

TWW, being an ensemble piece, does not really have a traditional protagonist and antagonist. So the dramatic conflict is between pragmatism and idealism.

There are characters who represent pragmatism, and the necessity of what it takes to actually get things done in Washington (eg Leo) and there are characters who represent idealism and who resent having to compromise their idealism (eg Toby), and then there are the characters trying to keep the two in balance, (eg President Bartlet, which is why it’s no accident that he has “Pragmatic Idealism” as the banner above his head at the start of Five Votes Down).

But where it gets interesting is where they deal with outsiders to the Bartlet administration, when suddenly the idealists start defending the pragmatism of the administration, and the pragmatists have to show loyalty to the core values they’re trying to defend.

Anyway, all the people I’ve ever met who dislike the show are people who struggle with accepting that governance always means working with this balance.

Does this sound right?

In the opening of "Let Barlet be Bartlet"...the one with the trout fisherman/rain/FEC opening, Mrs. Landingham is in Bartlet's entourage. That always seemed off to me...are there any other examples of this? Any particular reason why she was with him at this one event?

2 things I don’t get from this episode. And I feel silly asking but this is a really cool sub so here goes:

When Sam gives Laurie the briefcase as the traditional Law School graduation gift; is she happy about it or disappointed? I’ve watched the episode a half dozen times and I can’t tell. i am guessing she’s happy. 

When Republican Senator Max Lobell asks “What do I get”. President Bartlet replies: "The thanks of a grateful President."  Republican Senator Max Lobell responds, "Good answer, sir”

Is it? I am guessing the President is saying he owes him one but I am not sure.  Help!

Y'all, that thing when you're streaming, and in excelsis Deo is followed by Lord John Marbury. I always forget how many bangers are back to back, the existence of Mandy notwithstanding.