I love the thread about the funniest moments. I've spent more than a few moments crying over those. How about a thread on most powerful moments.

To start:

Toby in the bar on their sojurn back from Indiana after missing the motorcade:
"My name is Toby Ziegler and I work at the White House"

The final scene of "Two Cathedrals", the song "Brother in Arms".

"Hallelujah" from 'Posse Comitatus'.

I found the episode Noel, as a whole to be incredibly moving. The moment when we see Josh brake the window was amazing. The only problem was I keep rewatching the episode and wanting to see more. How did the super know to be near enough to Josh's door to be banging on it a second after the window brakes? PTSS isn't cured in one therap session, what else happened with it?
Hm.. maybe we should have a thread of why's.... Like why didn't josh's mother come to D.C after he was shot?

How about when Leo tells the story to Josh about the guy who fell down the well? "As long as I got a job, you got a job."

Or when Toby and his father listen to the Christmas carols after his revelations about Murder Inc.?

Oh, and "the streets of Heaven are too full of angels tonight" speech after the bombing at the University.

So many good ones... So many. How do you cancel this show?

As a new dad though, that one with Toby and Josh in the bar (20 Hours in America part II) just kills me. "I know being a dad is hard. It's supposed to be hard." Holy cow, that's good writing.

Brendan

OH! And what about the scene in the limo in Shadow of Two Gunmen when the agent is checking Bartlett for wounds, and finds the blood.

Followed by the scene in the hospital when the nurse says she'd rather not have the drill tonight because they're busy.

Man, like I said, that's good writing. I write for a living and every episode of the WW blows me away.

Brendan

Two Cathedrals by far most powerful. Only Bartlett would call God a Son of a Bitch and then proceed to yell at him in Latin.

"This guy's walking down the street when he falls in a hole. The walls are so steep he can't get out.
"A doctor passes by and the guy shouts up, 'Hey you. Can you help me out?' The doctor writes a prescription, throws it down in the hole and moves on.
"Then a priest comes along and the guy shouts up, 'Father, I'm down in this hole can you help me out?' The priest writes out a prayer, throws it down in the hole and moves on
"Then a friend walks by, 'Hey, Joe, it's me can you help me out?' And the friend jumps in the hole. Our guy says, 'Are you stupid? Now we're both down here.' The friend says, 'Yeah, but I've been down here before and I know the way out.'"

"Yo Yo Ma Rules!"

"the streets of heaven are too crowded with angels" gets me everytime. I'm not afraid to say that i tear up everytime from that. Probably the best speech written after 9/11, I'm almost sorry to say.

You can't consider a speech in a fictional television show to be the best speech since 9-11. Of course they are going to write good speeches, they make up the circumstances for which the speech is written. In order to qualify as one of the best speeches since 9-11, I think it should be required the speech not be given by a character of fiction.
That being said, it was a good moment in television.

And if you want a real good speech, from the real-world... try listening to George W. Bush's bullhorn speech on September 14, 2001 again.

Toby: I don't want to alarm you or anything, but I'm Dad.

And later,

Jed: So what do you know now that you didn't know before?
Toby: Babies come with hats.

Because of the shift to Sunday, which I think got it cancelled, I was unable to continue watching the episodes as they aired on NBC. Last night, for example, I just watched the Two Cathedrals episode. Dang, what a powerful episode. To me, that entire episode is full of powerful moments.

Since, I didn't begin watching the show until season 4, I have bought all of the seasons, that are out so far, on DVD. I just completed Season 2. I will begin Season 3 in about 30 minutes.

I forget the details of the scene and the episode... but Bartlett was in China during season 6, and his MS began flaring up. There was a scene where he was on the floor in the bathroom and he couldn't move. I believe Abby was with him. That was a powerful scene.

I never fail to tear up when "Little Drummer Boy" is being played in the background as the funeral for the homeless man is going on.

I was just about to say The little drummer boy scene when I read your entry. Seeing Miss. Landingham at the funeral as a mother who lost sons in war was heartbreaking.

heres one not mentioned .How 'bout in Crackpots and these women when Josh is talking to CJ about his sister, Smallpox, and the nsa card,and the musics playing...or how about when Bartlet drops his drinks and photos when finding out about Zoey's kidnapping..

THE SERIES IS FULL OF MOMEMENTS LIKE HAVE BEEN MENTIONED TWO MEMORABLE ONES FOR ME ARE IN THE OPENER OF SEASON TWO WHEN TOBY FINDS JOSH SHOT, JUST THE WAY HE REACTS IS STUNNING AND THE ONE THAT GETS ME THE MOST WHEN JED GIVES LEO THE NAPKIN WITH "BARTLETT FOR AMERICA" ON IT AND LEO'S EMOTIONAL REACTION TO IT.

One of my favorite moments is in "Somebody's Going to Emergency Somebody's Going to Jail". At the end after Sam finds out the grandfather was a spy he tells Donna. She says "it was people pushing papers fifty years ago why does it matter." Sam is all choked up and gives his line about high treason and quotes Lincoln and the Last Full Measure of Devotion.

Hello everyone,

This is my first post like the rest of you I hate to see this show come to an end. My favorite powerful moments are as follows:

1. Two Cathedrals is by far my favorite episode I think the whole show was very powerful and well written. The scene with President Bartlett in the church was very well done. As was the ending where he had to announce whether or not he intended to run for a second term.

2. I think the finale to season 3 was very powerful as well. The president had to decide whether or not to assasinate the terrorist. The song Hallelujah was played as they told CJ about Mark harmon's character (Sorry can't remember his name). This too was a very powerful moment.

3. There is also one episode in season one where a homeless Vietnam Vet is layed to rest. Toby and Mrs. Landingham go to the funeral at the end. This too was very powerful.

There are so many more than this but these are the ones off of the top of my head.

I totally agree with all the powerful moments which you all have listed. Especially with "man falls into a hole" speech and the Two Cathedral tongue lashing speech to god.

I also like the small townhall meeting which Bartlet was being honest for screwing the dairy farmers which won over Josh to join his campaign. He thens go back to fetch Sam.

And when Josh father's died after they won Iowa, Bartlet surprisingly shows up at the airport to be with Josh and offers to fly with him. Then, he tells Leo that he's ready to be President.

Bartlet gives Charlie his priceless family heirloom Paul Revere carving set. And recently, The Constitution book which he gotten from his father and gives to Charlie for law school.

ok, 1 more (there are SOOO many!) Bartlet receives a latin translated book about the State of The Union given by Chief of Agriculture. Before leaving, he asks the guy. ..

Bartlet: "do you have a best friend?"
C of Agric: "yes sir."
Bartlet: "is he smarter than you?"
C of Agric: "yes sir!"
Bartlet: "do you trust him with your life?"
C of Agric "yes sir."
Bartlet: "he's your chief of staff"
<scene cuts to show Leo>

For me one of the most powerful scenes in the whole series is in the opening episode of season 2 (In The Shadow of Two Gunman) when everyone is at the hospital after Josh and the President get shot. They are in the waiting room and Donna shows up. I think Janel Moloney is just amazing in that scene and when she finds out Josh is shot...it so moving and really shows Donna's devotion and connection to Josh.

Leo is a good actor. His reaction to the napkin with "BARTLETT FOR AMERICA" was so touching and I also got tears in my eyes.
Some guys told me he was dead in last X'mas time. Is it true?

When Bartlet addresses the Democratic Convention to the "4 More Years" chant always brings a tear to me eye! Very powerful, also "Your gonna win New Hampshire!" In his re-election episode is great!

I haven't seen the final episodes in which Santos is elected but I doubt it will deliver as much power as Bartlet did. Leo's Death might though!!

New to this and writing from England.

TWW is the best drama I have watched. Someone said earlier that they are mezmerised by it - me too.

The powerful moments seem common to all. May I add CJ's realisation of the extent of her father's deterioration due to Alzheimers - small I know but handled with the writer's brilliant light touch.


As far as continuing is concerned and although I love it I think it has come to a natural end with Bartlett finishing.

But there must be possibilities for spin offs and I am hoping for "happy ever after" moments for all the main characters.

Sam Seabourne in the Senate has a nice ring to it. President Santos could do a hook up with Jack Bauer.

The fabulous writing must be there - but also the really great character actors (watch Commander in Chief to see how NOT to do it).

The show has had many powerfully emotional moments; almost too many to count, but here are some of the most powerful:

1. When Bartlett, gives Leo the napkin with BARTLETT FOR AMERICA writen on it.

2. At the end of the last episode, when Bartlett, gets the napkin back.

3. When Zoey is abducted, and eventually found.

4.When Leo gives the 'guy fell into a hole' speech.

5. And Leo's funneral.

The show has had many powerfully emotional moments; almost too many to count, but here are some of the most powerful:

1. When Bartlett, gives Leo the napkin with BARTLETT FOR AMERICA writen on it.

2. At the end of the last episode, when Bartlett, gets the napkin back.

3. When Zoey is abducted, and eventually found.

4.When Leo gives the 'guy fell into a hole' speech.

5. CJ and her father's Alzhiemers.

6. And Leo's funeral.

I've always wondered this, and they never explain it in the show....

Who took Zoey and why? I assume it had to do with the Shareef thing, but it isn't made clear.

Did Jean-Paul have anything to do with it actually, or was he simply a pawn?

I am feverishly going through the 6th season DVDs, enjoying every minute. What a great show this was..

hey party people,

when did leo give back the napkin?

i especially enjoy the xmas episode where toby's dad comes to see him. the shot of toby turning around in his office to see his father is captiviating. its the only shot i've even seen whereby you can see in absolute clarity and detail, toby's curly locks and his corse beard. the lighting obviously adds to that.

in the same episode, the music at the end that follows each of the cast members goings on at the conclusion of the day is unreal. the music alone is wicked, but i particularly like the shot as it shows danny at his laptop. we know what he's working on and i got a strange sense that it was depicted like a bad moon was approaching or a hungry wolf had just gottn wind of a scent and was on the prowl.

when leo asks josh he hoped he wasn't rude by telling donna to catch helicopter to meet reeves. josh in trying to explain how its ok and leo say's "get a grip" josh resonds "i'm trying."
from my recollections, its the first time you hear josh show feelings towards donna.
that episode was before the episode where all the men, barring sam go to donnas house in their tuxedos and josh is trying to get her to come to the ball. i love how they all throw the snow balls and you can see danny laughing for real. it places him out of the acting role and into the regular go-blow guy doing what he does for a career. a
anyway, back to point, josh says "you look amazing" and that she'll have to sit on someones lap.

do we believe they'll hook up. is amy out picture?
i haven't seen any of episode 7, other than pictures. what happens to toby?? he's in only one photograph in entire catologue of photos!!!
does he never get over josh not approaching him before josh has "a conversation" with santos??

Whew!!!

There's a lot going on there...


I'll answer your first question (possibly the only one you asked, I'm not sure..)..

During the last episode ("Tomorrow"), the President receives the framed napkin back.. I won't tell you how, or from whom, in case you are still in the dark about the last season, and what has happened to one of the actors...

hey party people,

bigal: i know leo has a heart attack, but i'd liked to be kept in the dark about whom gives it to jed.
but i would like to know what happens to toby and whether josh and donna hook up??

cheers

see you on the beach


arse

Donna and Josh do get together, finally...

Toby is pardoned by the President on his last day in office.

hey party people,

bigal: whats does the pardon do and why does toby need it/ask for it??
am happy josh and donna end up together.
thanks for responding.

a powerful moment would without doubt be when josh and toby fight in toby's office. and secondly, when cj comes into his office with the glass of ice. when you see they're both crying, that was pretty powerful.

see you on the beach

laga

Toby confesses to being the leak to the press (Greg Brock) about the military shuttle that goes to space to fix the space station when there are astronauts up there (end of season 6). My wife believes he is covering for CJ, who lets him take the rap.. I guess we'll never know, now..

Whoops..

The pardon sets him free from prosecution.

John Spencer, the actor who played Leo, died of a heart attack on December 16, 2005.

I have been told that the "Bartlet for America" napkin is now in the Warner Brothers museum.

hey party people,

i agree with you. when annalise first told toby about the leak from brock, a faint smile or smirk came across his face. then when the blonde national security chick has done all the interviews re who may have leaked story in white house, she tells toby the fbi has finished interviewing and has an interesting theory that hes not going to like. i believe he knows thats cj leaked it.

so it would make sense, and i can imagine doing that for cj. you could ponder forever as to the reason why.

anyway,

see you on the beach

lagavulin

I completly agree with all the great moments mentioned so far...so here are a few more...

1 - In the episode Gaza (season 5) seeing how everyone gets told about the bombings and especially when Andie calls Toby to say she is ok and Josh keeps trying to find out what happened to Donna...also later in that epsiode (or is it the next) when Josh arrives at the hospital in Germany.

2 - I really love the end of "Heartsfield's Landing" (season 3). Josh has had Donna out trying to make sure that a family in the small town of 52 people votes for Bartlett...he gives up after deciding to let vote how they want. Josh and Donna go back inside and all the West Wing staffers stand around and watch as the the town votes...about the second or thrid person who comes up to vote is an 18year old girl and they clap when it is announced that its her first time voting...not so dramatic as personally meaningful because I remeber the pride I felt when I voted for the first time.

I agree with all of the greatest moments listed so far. But one that has not been listed is very touching. I don't remember what season or the episode name.
Jed has has a full day, naturally. He is trying to attend a formal function at the White House, listen to reports about a hurricaine, and a third thing that has slipped my mind. The hurricaine is the most devasting to him because of the Navy ship that is a sitting duck and in harm's way. Jed is waiting to speak with someone on board this ship. Abby walks up to him and says somethig to the effect she knows when she has stayed away too long. He thinks he can fix everything. She tells him how much she enjoys watching him try.
To me this shows that despite their differences, she is devoted to him. She loves him and will be by his side no matter what.
I too am missing WW. I don't have sattelite or cable. For the first time ever I am considering getting a dish just so I can wat the repeats on the dish. And am looking forward to the DVD's.

The episode is "The State Dinner", from season 1. It is, in fact, the first episode in which we see The First Lady. The President had sent the ships out of the Harbor they were in (Norfolk?) because of the Tropical Storm/Hurricane, only to have the storm turn out to sea, directly at these ships.

Very touching. You could see the hurt / pain on his face as he sat there, talking to the radio man from the small boat (he refers to it in the "Two Cathedrals" rant at God, but I can't remember what he calls it...)...

President Josiah Bartlet:

More than any time in recent history, America's destiny is not of our own choosing. We did not seek nor did we provoke an assault on our freedom and our way of life. We did not expect nor did we invite a confrontation with evil. Yet the true measure of a people's strength is how they rise to master that moment when it does arive. 44 people were killed a couple of hours ago at Kennison State University. Three swimmers from the men's team were killed and two others are in critical condition. When, after having heard the explosion from their practice facility, they ran into the fire to help get people out. Ran into the fire. The streets of heaven are too crowded with angels tonight. They're our students and our teachers and our parents and our friends. The streets of heaven are too crowded with angels, but every time we think we have measured our capacity to meet a challenge, we look up and we're reminded that that capacity may well be limitless. This is a time for American heroes. We will do what is hard We will achieve what is great. This is a time for American heroes and we reach for the stars. God bless their memory, God bless you and God bless the United State of America. Thank you.[i]

And recently, The Constitution book which he gotten from his father and gives to Charlie for law school.

I was sniffling up to that point in the show but when Jed gave him the copy of the Constitution, I started bawling.......

[quote name='travarse' date='Jul 19 2006, 09:42 PM' post='670072']
hey party people,

when did leo give back the napkin?

Leo didn't give it back. In the very last episode Mallory stops by the WHite House with a gift for Bartlett-- she tells CJ she had been cleaning out her Dad's things. SHe hands over a gift box and asks CJ to give it to Jed. Jed doesn't open it until he is on the plane heading to NH because he's behind schedule --they just put it in his briefcase....It's the framed napkin that he had given to Leo.

hey guys im trying to find the episode where Jed is speaking to a group of people in circle and he is repremanding this woman and he says, "When I come into the room everyone stands up" or something similar Thanks

Jenny

"The Midterms" - Season 2

I think when Santos is being sworn in and the removal men are taking everything out of the oval office including Bartlett's portrait. I watched the trailer on the NBC website and bawled my eyes out.

I can't remember the quote but Richie says something dumb during a concert interval, and Bartlett says, as they leave their brief meeting: (Something to this effect)

"By the way, "guns...boy I don't know" was when I decided to kick your ***".

The whole Bartlett/Richie debate is both funny and powerful.

It was "crime" instead of "guns", and that is a good quote..

The soul wrenching tortire on Jed's face as he carries Leo's coffin

1. Josh telling Charlie that the president was not the target of Assains attempt

2. Leo testifing about the President's MS, and managed to convince Donna's boyfriend to call the session off.

3. The whole funeral scene of the homeless man.

4. CJ's breakdown after learning that one country did to their women

My favorite moment is definitely the interaction between Josh and Donna. What a great writing! And of course the "guy in the hole" speech from Leo. And what about his hart attack in Camp David? Any D.C. residents in here... how is it like to live there? Is it worth visiting? (from the Netherlands...)

just watched season 7 AGAIN! and great to see the interaction between sam and josh, either you get on a plane or i do... josh is close to a breakdown and shouting at everyone, and needs a vacation, and sam (aka phwoooar rob lowe) gives a definition of 'vacation' great to see him back to his old QUICK lines.....

hhmmmm can think of anymore at the mo, or is it a case of there are too much to write about here??!!

I live in uk and 2 yrs ago I went to the states, spent a few days in NY, which was great, but hot, humid and smelly...but would highly recommend the helicopter flight over manhatten, then we spent 4 days in Washington DC, a great clean city, ppl very friendy.. spoke to some senators at dupont circle, they were having a bagle and latte (i think!) they were as they are in the programme, very involved in policy etc.. it was great to have an insight into their world... i would defo recommend you visit.. we then went to orlando - way too commercialised for my liking!

"Bartlet For America", season 3, prod.# 227210.
This one episode has everything I look for great drama. The works.
John Spencer at his very, very best while walking the thin line between fiction and truth.
As I watched it again, there was a moment where my heart and mind were as one. I won't try to explain that moment because I can't. Fans of the show will understand. Once more, I cried with Leo.
I was compelled to pay tribute.