I love this episode, because to me, it represents a wonderful and welcome shift for a few characters in "The West Wing"- most especially, C.J.. She is admirable, strong, professional and unapologetically fierce- and I absolutely love it. Watching C.J. in "The Women of Qumar," I feel just like Toby:
So, in the spirit of my recognition of C.J.'s ascension, here's my ranking of how each character's stocks are trending since S1e1 (Up, Down or Holding Steady):
C.J. Cregg- This episode, "The Women of Qumar," is a wonderful example of the extent to which C.J.'s stock has risen since the start of the show. Consider her rage at the decision to sell arms to the fictitious country of Qumar behind the scenes- reminding everyone that this is business with a country guilty of mistreating (a kinder word than it deserves) women. Still, she is able to persuade Toby, Leo and the President to alter their course on communicating the early information on potential Mad Cow disease, and maintains her professionalism in front of the Press Corps, touchingly and deservedly recognized by Toby at the end of the episode (see picture above).
Josh Lyman- Who will he date? Mandy Hampton- Joey Lucas- Donna Moss- newcomer Amy Gardner? Amazing that there are more romantic story lines for Bradley Whitford than there have been for Rob Lowe. A triumph for receding hairlines everywhere, Josh has had his ups (victory was his, bring him the finest muffins and bagels in the lands) and downs (being shot comes to mind, as does the Tobacco lawsuit and breaking the window in his apartment), but manages to come through it a writer's and audience's favorite.
Toby Ziegler- Defender of idealism, the left wing champion of a left-leaning administration and show. Bringing Yiddish back to the masses in the biggest way since "Fiddler on the Roof," and single-handedly responsible for increases in Pie sales around the country. Minimal long-arc storylines, but maximum impact as Sorkin's go-to opponent for anyone thinking about cutting the NEA, taking Julia Child off the air or doing anything vaguely reminiscent of Joe McCarthy.
President Bartlet- Considering he was only supposed to show up once or twice a season, he's not doing to badly. Now demonstrating disarming combo of Everyman (Butterball Hotline caller, willingness to speak poor french) and savant (economics, obscure latin phrases). Seems to be emerging from M.S. revelation relatively unscathed.
Donna Moss- Moved from "also starring" status to main character, and engaged in a "will they or won't they" with Josh that seems all but inevitable; still, she seems to have stalled somewhat into a role more secretarial. Dating Cliff Calley was a disaster from start to finish, but remained a sympathetic character. Season 3 hasn't been terrifically kind to her so far, but hope springs eternal that there are better days ahead.
Leo McGary- Occasional moments of glory ("Let Bartlet be Bartlet" and treatment of any staffer who wants to date his daughter) that are tempered of idealism-squashing reality-delivering. Master of one sentence witticisms with President Bartlet, but not occupying any major plotlines.
Charlie Young- As with Sam, enjoyed the sunshine in Season 1, but hasn't seen the light of day for quite some time. Busy with his studies (Modern American History does suck), but little focus on life outside of the office; gone are the days of clubbing with Josh, and doesn't seem to be dating Zoey any more.
Abigail Bartlet- A disastrous combination of plot and prominence. Perhaps hindered by the real-life broken leg, the First Lady has become more and more an opponent of series favorites, instead of her 1st Season role as ally. Add to this her weak-link position in the M.S. scandal, and it's hard to argue that her stock hasn't fallen.
Sam Seaborn- Moved from main story-arc prominence in Season 1 to Toby's crime-fighting partner and occasional quaint story-line favorite (eliminate the penny, date the boss' daughter, make everyone wear seatbelts). Needs more opportunities to say "Galileo" and rewrite speeches on the spot.
Gail the Fish- Is anyone feeding her? Without Danny around to check in on her, I worry.
What's Next? S3e9- Bartlet for America
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