I've always loved the way Bartlett leaves them in the Oval Office - he doesn't dismiss them beforehand and remain, and he doesn't walk out with them - he just leaves. So, we get this great, very brief moment of Santos and Vinnick standing there just looking around, and the Oval Office just seems so empty, hollow, and lonely. More like a prison than a prize. It's a great moment.
I like that Santos, former military, asks first about the deployment of troops; Vinnick, career diplomat, asks who they're talking to at the Kremlin. There is a reason Santos chose Vinnick to be his SoS.
I'm really happy that the first thing Santos and Vinick do is go into President mode and brainstorm scenarios instead of focusing on their own campaigns.
That moment at the end of the scene, with both Vinick and Santos staring at the President's desk, fully understanding the terrible weight of that office. Presidential ambition is one thing, but the burden of BEING President... is it worth it?
This scene is always chilling and compelling to me… best part, adults with completely different view points actually talking, reasoning, and little wrestling with each other--about a gravelly serious situation-- with enormous implications and ramifications-without it going straight to pure bickering and blame…. That comes later lol
You left out the best part, just before this scene. Debbie tells Vinick: "Make yourself comfortable", then under her breath says "But not too comfortable."
Once again, Alan Alda finds himself unwillingly involved in a land war in Asia....
Notice how both Santos & Vinnick seem to be on the same page. Not fighting with each other. Both having respect.
I've always loved the way Bartlett leaves them in the Oval Office - he doesn't dismiss them beforehand and remain, and he doesn't walk out with them - he just leaves. So, we get this great, very brief moment of Santos and Vinnick standing there just looking around, and the Oval Office just seems so empty, hollow, and lonely. More like a prison than a prize. It's a great moment.
I like that Santos, former military, asks first about the deployment of troops; Vinnick, career diplomat, asks who they're talking to at the Kremlin. There is a reason Santos chose Vinnick to be his SoS.
Who wished there was one more episode where we actually got to see Vinnick as Santos’s Secy. of State 🙏🏾
These armies are marching towards each other and someone must stand in the middle.That line gives me CHILLS.
I think Vinick was the best character addition to The West Wing in the entire series (not counting the original members).
Everyone here is great, but Alda is absolutely fantastic here. One of television's greatest actors, for sure.
One thing about this scene is looking at Martin Sheen and wondering just how OLD he got during this series. Even being a fake President can age you.
Leo’s last spoken word is “yeah”..😢
I'm really happy that the first thing Santos and Vinick do is go into President mode and brainstorm scenarios instead of focusing on their own campaigns.
Basically
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They kept Bartlet, Vinnick, and Santos separate for so much of the final season and their best scenes were always together.
That moment at the end of the scene, with both Vinick and Santos staring at the President's desk, fully understanding the terrible weight of that office. Presidential ambition is one thing, but the burden of BEING President... is it worth it?
This scene is always chilling and compelling to me… best part, adults with completely different view points actually talking, reasoning, and little wrestling with each other--about a gravelly serious situation-- with enormous implications and ramifications-without it going straight to pure bickering and blame…. That comes later lol
This scene shows just how perfect, as far as foreign policy is concerned, these two are. What ultimately ended up happening was perfect in my eyes
I don't care what your politics are the writing in this show was off the charts.
You left out the best part, just before this scene. Debbie tells Vinick: "Make yourself comfortable", then under her breath says "But not too comfortable."
That look both men give to the Resolute Desk at the end is so meaningful. “Oh crap, do I Really want the job?”