The West Winger

Transition

The funeral was for Leo McGarry, but the tears were for John Spencer.

But contrary to the impression left by the teaser last week (which I wish I hadn't erased on the tape), this episode was at least as much about the transition to the new presidency as about Leo. Spencer's image never appeared, except in the opening credits. That was realistic, of course. Or in this video age, was it?

Anyway, Josh is going to be chief of staff, the v.p. isn't going to be anyone we've seen, and although many figures of the past were seen at the funeral mass, only a few appeared in the story. Marie-Louise Parker, whose character was offered a post, Timothy Busfield, who is now strictly C.J.'s love interest, and the blond who is asking to be White House counsel but really can't since she's a regular on one of those CSI shows I don't watch.

All in all, a pretty tame, pretty disappointing episode for one so close to the end.