On the eve of a summit with China, Jed accidentally accepts an independent Taiwanese flag, when M.S. has him half-blinded. Charlie must get the flag back from the gifts unit...now tended by Bernard Thatch (Paxton Whitehead - BACK TO SCHOOL)! He's as droll as ever, though the writing isn't as snappy as his last go round. Hoynes' pre-campaign book tour is in full swing, and he asks Josh to be his Leo. Russell invites himself to a presidential photo op. The underestimated Ed O'Neill (MARRIED WITH CHILDREN, DUTCH) debuts as candidate Governor Eric Baker. In one of the most magical musical moments in the show's history, James Taylor plays Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" at a White House banquet.
2 Reviews
The Return of John Hoynes
Sonatine9722 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
One of the questions that was buzzing around various West Wing forums back in the 00s, was why Josh - being deputy CoS - was never promoted to Leo's old job when he had to step down after suffering a heart attack. After all, what is the point of being called a "deputy" if you are going to have no chance of stepping up when the time comes.
Well, this episode is one example as to why he never made the cut. He lacks the pragmatism and diplomacy when things get awkward. So here, for example, he was asked to head the China trip delegation, but because of some gross error concerning a flag, coupled with an intransigent Democrat Senator, who wants the president to display the offending flag in the State Department, arguing that Taiwan should have its own democratic freedoms away from the tyrannical Chinese.
But Josh handles the problem badly. So much so that CJ benches him in favour of Toby. He is of course visibly shocked and taken aback, but it was the right call, and just confirms why Josh would never have made a good CoS.
However, this opens the door to new story arcs for him, as we shall see in future episodes. The Democratic nomination for the next presidency is just a few months away, and disgraced former VP, John Hoynes, offers Josh the job of Campaign Manager, because Hoynes wants to return to public service despite his many sex scandals.
Meanwhile, Bartlet and his senior staff are on their way to China, but during the flight he suffers partial paralysis due to his MS. This causes grave concern for Toby & CJ as it may jeopardize an already fractious confrontation with the Chinese PM.
Seeing Hoynes back on our screens was a joy, even though he is a bit of a cad. But he has far more charismatic charm than the bland Bob Russell, so it was good to see him offer Josh a new challenge away from the White House.
To watch the look on Josh's face when CJ benched him was dramatic in itself. Always self-confident and aloof, it was quite a shock to see him almost on the verge of tears despite trying to laugh it off.
The MS thing didn't really impress me at all. In fact the entire China/Taiwan flag thing was just a distraction, that brought some light relief between Charlie and Bernard, but not a lot else.
Well, this episode is one example as to why he never made the cut. He lacks the pragmatism and diplomacy when things get awkward. So here, for example, he was asked to head the China trip delegation, but because of some gross error concerning a flag, coupled with an intransigent Democrat Senator, who wants the president to display the offending flag in the State Department, arguing that Taiwan should have its own democratic freedoms away from the tyrannical Chinese.
But Josh handles the problem badly. So much so that CJ benches him in favour of Toby. He is of course visibly shocked and taken aback, but it was the right call, and just confirms why Josh would never have made a good CoS.
However, this opens the door to new story arcs for him, as we shall see in future episodes. The Democratic nomination for the next presidency is just a few months away, and disgraced former VP, John Hoynes, offers Josh the job of Campaign Manager, because Hoynes wants to return to public service despite his many sex scandals.
Meanwhile, Bartlet and his senior staff are on their way to China, but during the flight he suffers partial paralysis due to his MS. This causes grave concern for Toby & CJ as it may jeopardize an already fractious confrontation with the Chinese PM.
Seeing Hoynes back on our screens was a joy, even though he is a bit of a cad. But he has far more charismatic charm than the bland Bob Russell, so it was good to see him offer Josh a new challenge away from the White House.
To watch the look on Josh's face when CJ benched him was dramatic in itself. Always self-confident and aloof, it was quite a shock to see him almost on the verge of tears despite trying to laugh it off.
The MS thing didn't really impress me at all. In fact the entire China/Taiwan flag thing was just a distraction, that brought some light relief between Charlie and Bernard, but not a lot else.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
