Take This Sabbath Day

Great episode and what treat to see Karl Malden, in what I now realize, was his final acting appearance.

It's easy to see why "The West Wing" won the most Emmys any show had ever won in their first season. Everything is top notch; from the writing, pacing, directing and cast. Even Rob Lowe, who I'm not fond of, sparkles in his role.

Of a great first season, this would be the one episode to show someone who had never seen it before. Each episode deals with some issues the White House has to handle. This one deals with the death penalty.

President Bartlett, a devout Catholic, must decide whether to stay a prisoners execution or let it proceed. While his religion tells him one thing, the population of the US tells him something else. He seeks guidance from different religions and trusted aides, which only muddy up the waters even more. He even calls the Pope. Finally he calls for his old Father ( Karl Malden in his last screen role ever) to help him wrestle with the final decision.

Aaron Sorkin brings so much realism to The West Wing. ( It's true the US won't execute a prisoner after sundown Friday. Hence the episode title) And the Bible passages are all authentic too. While it does deal with a Dem president (Haters used to call it "The LEFT Wing"). The policies and issues on the show are reality based so you kinda get an idea of what the White House goes thru.

While the show deals with serious issues, there are still some humor in every show. Usually at someone's expense who deserved it.

Regardless how one feels about the death penalty, this episode will make you think, a sign of GREAT TV. There are consequences either way Bartlett decides and he has to take all into consideration.

People are too fast to label a TV show "best ever!" (I'm only thru Season 2 but I will finish series) Sorkin left after the fourth season so hopefully the shows quality won't suffer that much. But I will say the first two season of West Wing is easily one of top NETWORK dramas I've seen. Is it as good as "The Wire", "Breaking Bad" or "Sopranos"? (all cable dramas) Weeeeeeeeell knocking off Omar, Walter or Tony is a tough challenge!!

Hands down this is the finest episode of any television show ever. Doesn't matter if you are Democrat or Republican, this episode shows the struggles every President and his advisors must go through when considering to stay an execution. It illustrates the human side to being President and staff during the debate. Do you follow your heart, mind, and religion and stay the execution? Or do you follow what the American People want? And allow it? Do you follow the Commandment that says "thou shall not murder?" And while Simon Cruz (the killer in this episode) is a murderer, does that then allow the President the right to murder him for his crimes?

I especially liked when the president just appears behind Joey, and also everything with Joey and the interpreter in it, and also when Joey is talking to the president in the oval office.

The writing just flows so well. Esp in the oval office scene with Joey.

The heavy weight of the office rests on Sheen's shoulders in this strong segment, reflecting Sorkin's ability to make his point without preachiness. And that even with very powerful performances by Sheen's boyhood priest (Karl Malden, a terrifically effective guest star) and Toby's rabbi (David Proval, cast against type and, for me, delivering a career highlight).

The subject is capital punishment, and while there is no question about Sorkin's liberal position on the subject (which I steadfastly share), he puts the president on the opposite side. That's a bit surprising, but works wonders dramatically to show how ambivalence, second thoughts, and as Janney demonstrates, not really caring can be fatal when it comes to making the right decision.

Marlee Matlin is funny and forceful in her West Wing debut, setting her up as a semi-regular for the series' future.