The West Wing-Season 5ep17 The Supremes. Mainly through Josh Lymans initiative and a helpful idea from Donna the President is able to appoint the countrys first ever female chief justice in Evelyn Baker-Lang
That moment when Glenn Close manages to convey the enormity of the moment just by hesitating to add the words "Chief Justice" on a piece of paper brings me to tears. What an incredible actress.
Someone who could hold a stance, but see the merits of opposing views, and wouldn't let his own beliefs color his decisions. In other words, what a judge (especially a Supreme Court Justice) should be.
*This is one of my fave episodes in the entire series. I regularly rewatch it, haha. And you're right, the casting for the two justice nominees was spot on. Casting director/executive's brilliant.*
@@davepullin8572 *Nope. This only happened because there were 2 vacant seats, one was a conservative justice who died, the other was the Chief Justice's who resigned because he wanted to see another young, liberal lion. The President must always choose a justice nominee who she or he thinks will serve the Court and the people well.*
@@fatboy1333 While a fraction of what you say may have merit. Let's be real though, while the left may use them as a voting block it is only because the right purposely passes legislation made to disenfranchise them. That is like flyover states constantly voting against their own interest and believing being educated is wrong and leftist. While I am a centrist at heart who swings both ways on the pole I can see hypocrisy in both parties.
@Thor Swenson The point he was making was that if you want to convince someone of your argument, you're not going to do it by raising the same argument they've rejected multiple times, but rather try a different tack. In this case, that affirmative action should be done because it works. African Americans who benefit are more likely to contribute to society. They get better paying jobs-that reduces minority poverty. Reducing poverty means there are fewer angry black men who want to work, but can't get a decent job because they don't have the skills. And Charlie is bright enough to see where that argument is heading.
*This remains one of my favorite episodes in the entire series. I regularly rewatch it, haha. Brilliant, spot-on casting of Close and Fichtner for the two justice nominees. Always a joy to watch this episode.*
I have always loved the small handshake at 2:09 between Fichtner and Close' characters. Just a subtle detail to capture respect and awe for the moment for them. It's two people who are the top of their field and have polar opposite views, at times, yet are about to set off on an adventure together. Just love it for some reason.
I think it's because, although they hold opposing views, they are each honest about those views and respect that honesty in the other. Politics in the 20th and 21st century seems to have become less about doing what is right for the country and more about what the individual politician can gain from his/her actions. Honesty and respect for others seem to have disappeared somewhere (probably out looking for morality and integrity which also seem unknown to modern politicians). What I like most about the West Wing is that from Jed Bartlett on down all of the characters try to be guided in their action by what is morally right - even if sometimes expediency gets in the way and doing the right thing has to give way to just doing the best they can.
I am a moderate republican.... but I keep watching these wonderful excerpts from West Wing.... and wish that we had a president as erudite and caring as this one... even if I would disagree with some of his policies.
As shown in this episode, it's the debating of ideas and finding a balance that is good for all Americans not just one party. I vote on actions not party, more research but I feel good about my vote.
I always thought it was a missed opportunity to not see more of Chief Justice Evelyn Baker Lang! This show had so many minor characters that would have made amazing recurring roles.
The exchange between Mulready and Charlie on AA is a wonderful example of the intellectual honesty needed by our top decision-makers. You understand and attack the strongest counter to your position. Moreover, you encourage the people on the other side of a debate to bring their best game. That is the only way the conversation moves forward.
Unfortunately, the intellectualism once prominent on the right side has continued to dwindle, with conspiracy theories and bigotry the prevailers. As a 22 year old watching this nearly 20 years ago, I have looked forward to a scene such as this. Instead, we got Merrick Garland's nomination held up for half a year and got Gorsuch, who I still can't follow where his reasoning comes from, and Kavenaugh, who couldn't hold his temper during questioning, in a position where we often think you should be level headed and intellectual.
@@lordhawkeye I have never willfully withheld required disclosures, I have never said one thing during an interview and did the complete opposite, I have never lost my temper in front of a live judiciary on TV, I have never taken away rights from others, not sure what kind of projection or confession you're talking about
@@shahmask Amusing that you fail to see that both sides of the political aisle have devolved into mudslinging and personal attacks. Your stance is precisely how we got here: refusing to acknowledge that one's own party is actually guilty of many of the misdeeds they accuse the others of.
The entire story was a masterpiece of TV drama and it still makes me proud. The appointment of two Justices... a decision made in compromise... and it is all due to Donna's parents and their inability to decide which pet to chose. Masterpiece
I can't tell you how much I wish there had been a spinoff following clerks in the supreme court and those two as justices. It would have been amazing to see the discussions and debates behind the scenes.
@@robertchandler4033 The White House had already made a deal with the Senate Judiciary Committee guaranteeing Justice Baker-Langs confirmation, hence Toby had no reason to be superstitious.
Having her write "chief Justice" and therby makeing sure you could show how it hits her? AND doing it in a confined space behind the scenes of a pressconference and making it personal with a caliber like Glen Close? jeah..DAMM indeed.
This was one of - if not *the* best - episode from a casting standpoint in a show that was consistently excellent in casting even the most minor characters.
I’ve seen this clip a number of times and I just realized that this is the only time that by having her sign using the title of Chief Justice that Toby has tempted the “wrath of whoever from high atop the thing”. Not his usual behavior.
well considering that the deal had already been made with the republican party that they could have who they wanted and Bartlett then got who he wanted it was a fate a complie
The situation we find ourselves in is her fault. She should've retired after Obama won his first term. He had a suoer majority in both houses & could've easily replaced her with a like minded justice. Instead she hung on until we git stuck with Trump appointees.
@@wthwasthat8884 Actually yes, it is her fault. She'd had major health issues for years. She didn't die suddenly from some random event. Her health had been in decline for quite some time.
@@wthwasthat8884 well tyro apache isn't wrong. Obama tried to get her to retire before the midterms in 2014 but she wanted to stay because she was afraid she would be bored at home since her husband died and because she hoped that a woman (Hillary running in 2016 was the worst kept secret in Washington at the time) would name her replacement. As much as I feel for her, that was selfish on her part. Thurgood Marshall made the same mistake and look who ended up being his successor, Clarence freaking Thomas who was nominated at age 40. Conservative judges do play the long game. Look at how Kennedy retired. I just hope that Breyer doesn't make the same mistake.
Ahhh! Evelyn Baker Lang! One of my all time favourite characters on that show, even if it was just one episode! Christopher Mulready was also an awesome character! Excellent acting on both of them!
When Santos is sworn in as President in the final episode the Chief Justice is a blonde female. Chief Justice Lang is still there even if she’s not portrayed by Glenn Close.
@@Manolo0528 Actually, if you put caption, you can read that it is Evelyn Baker Lang as Chief Justice who sworn Santos as President, that type of details it is amazing and it is why The West Wing is one of my favorite shows in TV
@@nataliasepulveda8957 Except in the episode where they appointed Lang & the new AJ, WW read off the names of the sitting Justices & Mendoza, who was appointed by Bartlett in Season 1, was not listed.
it really shows character development when Toby, who wanted to avoid tempting fate in the first season of the West Wing, is now willing to tempt the wrath of high above to ask for the inscription of the first nominated female chief justice
"The 5th season basically sucks except for The Supremes which was AWESOME!" One of the sharpest episode-to-rest-of-season contrasts in all of television I think haha.
I liked the show, even though I'm a bit more conservative than Sorkin et al. This was the best episode I ever saw. Close really dominates every scene she's in. Great writing, from the most trivial scene (they got both cats) to the end. The scene where Josh watches Lang walk out after the first 'interview' is just great wordless acting. The problem with TWW is how small our real-life politicians seem in comparison!
The best series I have watched ni TV in my life! Aaron Sorkin created a legacy and model not only about a series but about what a leader should be! When I hear what we have and what they show in the series I wonder how can we get there...
It's moments like this that remind me how much I love this show... The West Wing had it all... humour, drama, the ability to tug at heart strings... showing that good people can have flaws and rise above them.
I love this episode. The debating between Fichtner and Glenn Close was so brilliantly written. Showing that a conservative ideologue could also be invested in interpreting the Constitution without their own personal agenda was brilliant but also, as evidenced lately, a bit of wishful thinking. Or, maybe just hope in the future of our country.
@@talavb9301 History will prove the error of this statement. They are bought and paid for and base judgements not on the constitution but on the self interest of the millionaires/billionaires who purchased the seats.
It can run like this but not yet in the US. The Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia (equivalent of the US Supreme Court) is a woman. It will happen eventually.
Canada here; we did this back in 2000. She was originally nominated in 1989 as a justice and in a few days is just retiring. Her name is Beverly Maclachlin, born in Alberta, raised in British Columbia. She legalized same sex marriage and also is widely regarded as our greatest Chief Justice.Your move America,
That show was SO GREAT! Highlighting what American politics SHOULD BE, what staffs MUST BE, and what OFFICE HOLDERS NEED TO RETURN TO BEING! THE BEST, BRIGHTEST, MOST DRIVEN, MOST DEDICATED, MOST WILLING TO LEAD THIS COUNTRY. SHAMEFULLY, our current crop of politician ended, when this show ended (and is no longer there to REMIND US), which is what politicians/politics SHOULD/COULD/NEED TO BE!
its the closes thing to a perfect episode. though you know the endgame, but the script and performance from everyone was just brilliant. never ever gets old.
This series is worth rewatching every few years if only for the reminder of what we're supposed to be as a country. Is it a bit too saccharine and idealistic at times? For sure. But, that's also what makes it so great. With a huge dose of integrity and caring for others, it could, in some ways, be reality.
This is the best post Sorkin WW episode. Although it fails to mention the Bartlett appointed Justice Alberto Mendoza at any stage which always irritates me. Imagine a spin off show featuring Close, Fincher and Olmos going at it - wow.
One of the best things about this scene, is how Mulready seems open to arguments that hold up liberal standards. He was portrayed as a conservative, yes, but a conservative who knew how to uphold the law and not make decisions based on ideology.
I have loved the West Wing since I first saw it. As a Brit who knows next to nothing about the US system of government I was always impressed when, as in this episode, we see a President who is prepared to make the decisions he believes are right; no matter how hard they may be to implement. And here we see two candidates for the Supreme Court who, despite having opposite views, nonetheless respect the other and are able to put the needs of the country above their own ambitions or party. Superb writing; If only life was really like that.
It would be interesting to see a future President to appoint two Supreme Court nominees in a "package deal",one of them is a liberal, the other as a conservative.
Current Republican senate would make sure they voted on the conservative first, approved them, then Moscow Mitch would refuse to have a vote on the liberal.
Adam R. Wyss what really disconcerting is that if things stand as is I don’t think RBG has another 4 years and Thomas will likely retire pushing the court farther right.
IIRC this is modeled on an actual event from the pre Civil War era. A pro and anti slavery justice were both replaced together to maintain the status quo.
I honestly think this is how it should be done. The President’s staff negotiated with the Republican controlled Senate Judiciary Committee and Chamber to guarantee Baker-Lang’s confirmation, so long as they got to fill the other seat. Imagine, the majority gets a seat, the minority gets a seat. I think it would take a lot of contention out of the process.
It's not very often that more than one seat comes open. This only worked on the show because they had an aging liberal Chief Justice would could be convinced to step down if they could get a liberal like Lang to replace him. In the real world, it's normally only one seat that comes open at a time, there are instances where the Chief Justice steps down or dies and an Associate Justice is nominated to replace him, but even then only one seat is being filled at a time because the Associate Justice isn't kicked off the court if he or she ins't confirmed to be the new Chief Justice. Would it be nice to see Democrats and Republicans come together to preserve the balance of the court by allowing say Justice Ginsberg and Justice Thomas to retire while filling their seats with people of similar ideology, of course it would. But it can't happen because the Court has been turned into a weapon by both sides and neither of them would be willing to give up the chance of gaining a seat and further swinging the balance of the court in their favor.
Zackery Baum Well had the Republicans not committed a judicial coup by not even giving Garland a hearing, it might have been possible. The dems base is already pissed of about how they let Gorsuch through without a fight. A deal like the one Josh struck would be political suicide in today's political climate.
@@yao052 - How is it a coup to not click your heels when Messiah Obama gives orders? Do you want a list of all the other presidential SCOTUS picks that didn't get confirmed?
I wish i lived in this universe instead our shity one. Silica dies the first thing you here is one side celebrating and the other rushing to promise a block on obamas appointment. We dont talk it out anymore, we dont even ask we just generalize and hate each other.
I always thought Fichtner might have gotten his role on 'Mom' based on his guest role in The West Wing. But from what I've read, they've known each other for a long time.
Pretty sure that in the background at the ceremony they announce Chief Justice Lang and the stand-in is a blonde woman. Perhaps she was unavailable for the episode.
I went to Harvard, where there was considerable opposition to affirmative action. However, people from "good families" were admitted solely on the basis of that. (I had to earn my way in.)
Such incredible attention to detail, but they didn't show the podium used in the Brady Press Room that is used when the president speaks. Well when he is scheduled to speak. He does sort of photo bomb the room once in a while.
Remember during the Mendoza confirmation vote, Toby was concerned about premature celebration and was worried about tempting fate? How interesting to see the development of his character here four years later, with no reservations whatsoever about asking the not yet even announced nominee to sign as Chief Justice. Talk about growth and progress. What an example for all to follow.
I AM A RIGHT LEANING LIBERTARIAN AND I BELIEVE THREATS TO BURN IT DOWN BY BLM AND ANTIFA ARE MUCH BETTER THAN COMPROMISE...WOULD LOVE TO HEAR BARTTLETS THOUGHTS ON "MOSTLY PEACEFUL PRROTESTS"
I’ve been on a bit of a West Wing TH-cam clip bender recently, and can’t help being unable to imagine anything resembling any of them taking place under our current so called administration*. And not in a good way.
Honestly, had this actually happened it would have been so momentous that there might have been overwhelming applause -- what with both ends of the political spectrum placated and the act of an profound reinvestment in the critical discourse a democracy (and judiciary) deserves.
The great thing about the result of this episode, which would have to rate up in the top ten of the best episodes of the WW, is that Donna and her parents cats is what led to it all. Hows do you like them apples?
Watching this show reminds me of the Marlo Stanfield quote "You want it to be one way, but it's not. It's the other way". 'The West Wing' is how we want it to be, but we are always kneecapped by those who will burn it to the ground rather than admit that there's a better way.
That moment when Glenn Close manages to convey the enormity of the moment just by hesitating to add the words "Chief Justice" on a piece of paper brings me to tears. What an incredible actress.
These were some of the best moments on TV.
It strikes me that the real art in acting is often about what is it not said rather than what is said...
@@ZATennisFan Claire Foy in The Crown does silence brilliantly
there were some incredible guest stars on the West Wing but she is up there with the best of them
I always liked Fichtner's character. He was so smart he, basically, debated himself most of the time.
Yeah, like how Bobby Fisher would play chess with himself because who else could he find to challenge him?
Someone who could hold a stance, but see the merits of opposing views, and wouldn't let his own beliefs color his decisions. In other words, what a judge (especially a Supreme Court Justice) should be.
And he was fabulous as the Accountant in Drive Angry...
AND he was a fan of chain-yanking.
The court works best when there are ethical many different opinions?
I find it funny that Toby "you're gonna jinx it" Ziegler asked her to sign her title prematurely. That's how much it means to him.
I loved the West Wing's storyline of choosing Supreme Court justices. William Fichtner and Glenn Close were something like perfect together.
I would gladly watch an entire episode devoted solely to the two of them debating some issue.
You're dead on there, Duke. I hoped we'd see more of them in later episodes but it wasn't to be
*This is one of my fave episodes in the entire series. I regularly rewatch it, haha. And you're right, the casting for the two justice nominees was spot on. Casting director/executive's brilliant.*
@@anjaplushenka5995 May be this is what should be done in real life: the president must nominate 2 - one acceptable each side.
@@davepullin8572 *Nope. This only happened because there were 2 vacant seats, one was a conservative justice who died, the other was the Chief Justice's who resigned because he wanted to see another young, liberal lion. The President must always choose a justice nominee who she or he thinks will serve the Court and the people well.*
“Hang on, I gotta write this down...”
God damn I love this show.
He sounded sarcastic to me.
@Thor Swenson What in the hell does being transexual or bisexual have to do with Dule Hill? Get a grip...
@@Heckleburger the left has to make everything about minorities or lgbt+ to pull sympathy for their backwards and impossible ideologies.
@@fatboy1333 While a fraction of what you say may have merit. Let's be real though, while the left may use them as a voting block it is only because the right purposely passes legislation made to disenfranchise them. That is like flyover states constantly voting against their own interest and believing being educated is wrong and leftist. While I am a centrist at heart who swings both ways on the pole I can see hypocrisy in both parties.
@Thor Swenson The point he was making was that if you want to convince someone of your argument, you're not going to do it by raising the same argument they've rejected multiple times, but rather try a different tack. In this case, that affirmative action should be done because it works. African Americans who benefit are more likely to contribute to society. They get better paying jobs-that reduces minority poverty. Reducing poverty means there are fewer angry black men who want to work, but can't get a decent job because they don't have the skills. And Charlie is bright enough to see where that argument is heading.
*This remains one of my favorite episodes in the entire series. I regularly rewatch it, haha. Brilliant, spot-on casting of Close and Fichtner for the two justice nominees. Always a joy to watch this episode.*
I have always loved the small handshake at 2:09 between Fichtner and Close' characters. Just a subtle detail to capture respect and awe for the moment for them. It's two people who are the top of their field and have polar opposite views, at times, yet are about to set off on an adventure together. Just love it for some reason.
I think it's because, although they hold opposing views, they are each honest about those views and respect that honesty in the other. Politics in the 20th and 21st century seems to have become less about doing what is right for the country and more about what the individual politician can gain from his/her actions. Honesty and respect for others seem to have disappeared somewhere (probably out looking for morality and integrity which also seem unknown to modern politicians). What I like most about the West Wing is that from Jed Bartlett on down all of the characters try to be guided in their action by what is morally right - even if sometimes expediency gets in the way and doing the right thing has to give way to just doing the best they can.
@@chriscarter5720 The reason is the huge historic change in our information ecosystem in the early 2000s caused by social media
I am a moderate republican.... but I keep watching these wonderful excerpts from West Wing.... and wish that we had a president as erudite and caring as this one... even if I would disagree with some of his policies.
As shown in this episode, it's the debating of ideas and finding a balance that is good for all Americans not just one party. I vote on actions not party, more research but I feel good about my vote.
We've probably had a few already, just possibly not in the last 50 years or more.......
Love ur comment Johnny.
Let us live in hope that in 2020 we might get one.
erudite and caring… you said it, buddy… the rest can all be debated in good faith
I always thought it was a missed opportunity to not see more of Chief Justice Evelyn Baker Lang! This show had so many minor characters that would have made amazing recurring roles.
She wouldn’t come back for the finale because they wouldn’t pay same reason John Amos left the show. The show really turned the dogshit post Sorkin.
The exchange between Mulready and Charlie on AA is a wonderful example of the intellectual honesty needed by our top decision-makers. You understand and attack the strongest counter to your position. Moreover, you encourage the people on the other side of a debate to bring their best game. That is the only way the conversation moves forward.
Unfortunately, the intellectualism once prominent on the right side has continued to dwindle, with conspiracy theories and bigotry the prevailers. As a 22 year old watching this nearly 20 years ago, I have looked forward to a scene such as this. Instead, we got Merrick Garland's nomination held up for half a year and got Gorsuch, who I still can't follow where his reasoning comes from, and Kavenaugh, who couldn't hold his temper during questioning, in a position where we often think you should be level headed and intellectual.
@@shahmask Confession through projection much?
@@lordhawkeye I have never willfully withheld required disclosures, I have never said one thing during an interview and did the complete opposite, I have never lost my temper in front of a live judiciary on TV, I have never taken away rights from others, not sure what kind of projection or confession you're talking about
@@shahmask
Amusing that you fail to see that both sides of the political aisle have devolved into mudslinging and personal attacks.
Your stance is precisely how we got here: refusing to acknowledge that one's own party is actually guilty of many of the misdeeds they accuse the others of.
@@mjsteele42 please tell me what rights have been taken away of others that have harmed them within their own home?
I fell down the rabbit whole of watching clips of the West Wing. I really miss this show and miss what our country could be!
Well we have millions "Making America Great Again," whatever the Hell that is.
I miss noncrazy politics
Same! But I think the current generation will reject crazy and turn it around
I love the look on her face when she adds her title - the enormity of what she's about to become sinks in. Gets me every time!
The entire story was a masterpiece of TV drama and it still makes me proud. The appointment of two Justices... a decision made in compromise... and it is all due to Donna's parents and their inability to decide which pet to chose.
Masterpiece
I can't tell you how much I wish there had been a spinoff following clerks in the supreme court and those two as justices. It would have been amazing to see the discussions and debates behind the scenes.
One of my favourite moments in the entire program. Glenn Close did a fantastic job with the character she played
Easily one of my favorite actresses on one the greatest shows of all time. What a job she did. When I saw her I cheered.
Agreed, one of my favourites too. i love the arguments between the potential justices too.
When doesn't she?
It's a tribute to the show that they were able to get an actress of Glenn Close's character for one program.
She did a season of the show The Shield. Blew my mind seeing her show up in the new season trailer.
What's really amazing is they were able to get her back for a non-speaking cameo to swear in Santos in the series finale.
@@mxg75 The role of "Chief Justice" in the episode "Tomorrow" was credited to Ann Ryerson.
Its the writing. You give the pages with that lines to a real actress? That woman knows when she is handed gold...
Matthew Geer sadly that wasn’t her. Just a lookalike. I wish they had though
Oh, To give your daughter a copy of the fourteenth amendment signed by the first female chief justice. This show was. Just.
my only problem with this scene is that previous shows showed Toby to be superstitious
@@robertchandler4033 The White House had already made a deal with the Senate Judiciary Committee guaranteeing Justice Baker-Langs confirmation, hence Toby had no reason to be superstitious.
there are lots of them in US...
Having her write "chief Justice" and therby makeing sure you could show how it hits her? AND doing it in a confined space behind the scenes of a pressconference and making it personal with a caliber like Glen Close? jeah..DAMM indeed.
geniusfollower : brilliant🤓🇸🇪🇺🇸☑️
Gave me goosebumps when she finished signing and looked up. what an actress Glenn Close is.
This was one of - if not *the* best - episode from a casting standpoint in a show that was consistently excellent in casting even the most minor characters.
The best scene in this episode is when Mulready and Lang are arguing in front of Toby and Josh. THAT is how SCOTUS is supposed to work.
I’ve seen this clip a number of times and I just realized that this is the only time that by having her sign using the title of Chief Justice that Toby has tempted the “wrath of whoever from high atop the thing”. Not his usual behavior.
Omg yes! We do not tempt fate. :)
well considering that the deal had already been made with the republican party that they could have who they wanted and Bartlett then got who he wanted it was a fate a complie
He went outside, turned round 3 times and spat, and cursed.
And rumor has it... it froze
the true masterpiece of Josh as deputy chief of staff.
RIP RBG. Immediately thought of this episode.
The situation we find ourselves in is her fault. She should've retired after Obama won his first term. He had a suoer majority in both houses & could've easily replaced her with a like minded justice. Instead she hung on until we git stuck with Trump appointees.
@@keitht24 It's her fault she didn't have a crystal ball essentially......
@@wthwasthat8884 Actually yes, it is her fault. She'd had major health issues for years. She didn't die suddenly from some random event. Her health had been in decline for quite some time.
@@keitht24 Any chance you could give me the lottery numbers for next month since you have such amazing foresight?
@@wthwasthat8884 well tyro apache isn't wrong. Obama tried to get her to retire before the midterms in 2014 but she wanted to stay because she was afraid she would be bored at home since her husband died and because she hoped that a woman (Hillary running in 2016 was the worst kept secret in Washington at the time) would name her replacement.
As much as I feel for her, that was selfish on her part. Thurgood Marshall made the same mistake and look who ended up being his successor, Clarence freaking Thomas who was nominated at age 40. Conservative judges do play the long game. Look at how Kennedy retired.
I just hope that Breyer doesn't make the same mistake.
Unbelievable. A television show that made us smarter.
01:56 Two heavyweight actors showing how to act with just by their eyes. Wonderful moment.
So right.
Ahhh! Evelyn Baker Lang! One of my all time favourite characters on that show, even if it was just one episode! Christopher Mulready was also an awesome character! Excellent acting on both of them!
When Santos is sworn in as President in the final episode the Chief Justice is a blonde female. Chief Justice Lang is still there even if she’s not portrayed by Glenn Close.
@@Manolo0528 Actually, if you put caption, you can read that it is Evelyn Baker Lang as Chief Justice who sworn Santos as President, that type of details it is amazing and it is why The West Wing is one of my favorite shows in TV
@@nataliasepulveda8957 Except in the episode where they appointed Lang & the new AJ, WW read off the names of the sitting Justices & Mendoza, who was appointed by Bartlett in Season 1, was not listed.
I miss these people being in my house once a week.
I am so happy it is able to be found in TH-cam clips!!
Me too
One of the best episodes of The West Wing. Made even better with Glenn Close and William Fichtner.
Fichner was awesome. His scenes were the best in the episode.
it really shows character development when Toby, who wanted to avoid tempting fate in the first season of the West Wing, is now willing to tempt the wrath of high above to ask for the inscription of the first nominated female chief justice
I think that is probably more of an oversight, than a character development.
“The supremes," is the stand out episode in the 5th series and maybe one of the best episodes of the WW. Thanks for posting this (bit.)
totally agree...
Agree one of the best episodes of the show, and certainly the last 3 seasons
"The 5th season basically sucks except for The Supremes which was AWESOME!" One of the sharpest episode-to-rest-of-season contrasts in all of television I think haha.
I liked the show, even though I'm a bit more conservative than Sorkin et al. This was the best episode I ever saw. Close really dominates every scene she's in. Great writing, from the most trivial scene (they got both cats) to the end. The scene where Josh watches Lang walk out after the first 'interview' is just great wordless acting.
The problem with TWW is how small our real-life politicians seem in comparison!
One of the best episodes ever. Close and Fichtner were perfect
Oh, how I love this series. The benchmark to brilliant television.
Remembering a time when the Supreme court was held with such reverence and respect.
The best series I have watched ni TV in my life! Aaron Sorkin created a legacy and model not only about a series but about what a leader should be! When I hear what we have and what they show in the series I wonder how can we get there...
It's moments like this that remind me how much I love this show... The West Wing had it all... humour, drama, the ability to tug at heart strings... showing that good people can have flaws and rise above them.
Some of these clips bring me to tears. This is one.
Loved this episode, how they were able to bring in someone from both sides.
I love this episode. The debating between Fichtner and Glenn Close was so brilliantly written. Showing that a conservative ideologue could also be invested in interpreting the Constitution without their own personal agenda was brilliant but also, as evidenced lately, a bit of wishful thinking. Or, maybe just hope in the future of our country.
Our current justices are damn good I'd say. Gorsuch, Roberts, Kagan, and Breyer are all top-notich jurists imho
@@talavb9301 History will prove the error of this statement. They are bought and paid for and base judgements not on the constitution but on the self interest of the millionaires/billionaires who purchased the seats.
If only real life could be like this in today's political scene.
@@talavb9301 they're brilliant....if you're a facist
Kagan and Breyer are fascists?
Best thing the post-Sorkin writers wrote
+Casey Decker I liked the election arc fine, but hands down best of season 5 :)
Couldn't agree more!
and better than a lot of the ones he did...
I always forget that this is after Sorkin.
Casting made a massive difference though, two great guest stars
Oh, were the real world to run like this.
+Dennis S Ditto
It can run like this but not yet in the US. The Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia (equivalent of the US Supreme Court) is a woman. It will happen eventually.
If half this show happened how would ANYTHING GET ACCOMPLISHED WITH ALL THE CHEERING AND CRYING (for joy not sadness)
The show was aspirational, after all. 😊
Has there ever been another television show that had so many incredible inspiring scenes such as this?
No. No, no, no!
I think this was my favorite episode. It was just what two sides should be--able to discuss their differences, not just yell at each other.
What a great scene and great episode. I especially enjoyed William Fichtner’s character arguing both sides of Affirmative Action. Brilliant writing.
Canada here; we did this back in 2000. She was originally nominated in 1989 as a justice and in a few days is just retiring. Her name is Beverly Maclachlin, born in Alberta, raised in British Columbia. She legalized same sex marriage and also is widely regarded as our greatest Chief Justice.Your move America,
We just elected a TV personality as our President. Then he stacked our Supreme Court with 2 conservative judges. Your move, Canada.
That show was SO GREAT! Highlighting what American politics SHOULD BE, what staffs MUST BE, and what OFFICE HOLDERS NEED TO RETURN TO BEING! THE BEST, BRIGHTEST, MOST DRIVEN, MOST DEDICATED, MOST WILLING TO LEAD THIS COUNTRY. SHAMEFULLY, our current crop of politician ended, when this show ended (and is no longer there to REMIND US), which is what politicians/politics SHOULD/COULD/NEED TO BE!
its the closes thing to a perfect episode. though you know the endgame, but the script and performance from everyone was just brilliant. never ever gets old.
This series is worth rewatching every few years if only for the reminder of what we're supposed to be as a country. Is it a bit too saccharine and idealistic at times? For sure. But, that's also what makes it so great. With a huge dose of integrity and caring for others, it could, in some ways, be reality.
This is the best post Sorkin WW episode. Although it fails to mention the Bartlett appointed Justice Alberto Mendoza at any stage which always irritates me. Imagine a spin off show featuring Close, Fincher and Olmos going at it - wow.
Glenn Close on the West Wing. Wow.
Among my most favorite episodes, great writing
3 plus years later Matt Santos is sworn in by that Chief Justice. They should have gotten Glenn Close for that scene too.
This makes me cry every single times I watch it, and it’s a lot.
This is one of the BEST episodes of this epic show.
One of the best things about this scene, is how Mulready seems open to arguments that hold up liberal standards. He was portrayed as a conservative, yes, but a conservative who knew how to uphold the law and not make decisions based on ideology.
Yeah, I like how he brings up to Charlie a better argument for affirmative action.
I have loved the West Wing since I first saw it. As a Brit who knows next to nothing about the US system of government I was always impressed when, as in this episode, we see a President who is prepared to make the decisions he believes are right; no matter how hard they may be to implement. And here we see two candidates for the Supreme Court who, despite having opposite views, nonetheless respect the other and are able to put the needs of the country above their own ambitions or party. Superb writing; If only life was really like that.
It would be interesting to see a future President to appoint two Supreme Court nominees in a "package deal",one of them is a liberal, the other as a conservative.
And both of them as intelligent!
Current Republican senate would make sure they voted on the conservative first, approved them, then Moscow Mitch would refuse to have a vote on the liberal.
Adam R. Wyss what really disconcerting is that if things stand as is I don’t think RBG has another 4 years and Thomas will likely retire pushing the court farther right.
@@carltontaylor6500 Don't worry, President Biden will appoint RBG's successor. And Breyer's, AND Thomas'
IIRC this is modeled on an actual event from the pre Civil War era. A pro and anti slavery justice were both replaced together to maintain the status quo.
I honestly think this is how it should be done. The President’s staff negotiated with the Republican controlled Senate Judiciary Committee and Chamber to guarantee Baker-Lang’s confirmation, so long as they got to fill the other seat.
Imagine, the majority gets a seat, the minority gets a seat. I think it would take a lot of contention out of the process.
It's not very often that more than one seat comes open. This only worked on the show because they had an aging liberal Chief Justice would could be convinced to step down if they could get a liberal like Lang to replace him. In the real world, it's normally only one seat that comes open at a time, there are instances where the Chief Justice steps down or dies and an Associate Justice is nominated to replace him, but even then only one seat is being filled at a time because the Associate Justice isn't kicked off the court if he or she ins't confirmed to be the new Chief Justice.
Would it be nice to see Democrats and Republicans come together to preserve the balance of the court by allowing say Justice Ginsberg and Justice Thomas to retire while filling their seats with people of similar ideology, of course it would. But it can't happen because the Court has been turned into a weapon by both sides and neither of them would be willing to give up the chance of gaining a seat and further swinging the balance of the court in their favor.
Zackery Baum Well had the Republicans not committed a judicial coup by not even giving Garland a hearing, it might have been possible. The dems base is already pissed of about how they let Gorsuch through without a fight. A deal like the one Josh struck would be political suicide in today's political climate.
@@yao052 - How is it a coup to not click your heels when Messiah Obama gives orders? Do you want a list of all the other presidential SCOTUS picks that didn't get confirmed?
One of the great shows in a mountain of great shows
This was one of Joshes finest moments. The ending where they plan to him is perfect.
How many Joshes?
I wish i lived in this universe instead our shity one. Silica dies the first thing you here is one side celebrating and the other rushing to promise a block on obamas appointment. We dont talk it out anymore, we dont even ask we just generalize and hate each other.
It's a matter of principle. Garland never had a chance because McConnell simply decided to not follow suit.
The writing, the acting, the optimism.
The *GREATEST* show in the _HISTORY_ of television.
Bravo to WW - great writing and great casting (Glen Close) and their constant sprinkling of guest stars.
Patty Hewes is on the Supreme Court! Awesome!!!!
Very few television shows regularly put a lump in my throat. Here is one of them.
“OMG, you put my parents’ cats on the Supreme Court.” ~ Donna to Josh
This show should return to TV.
easily one of my top 5 episodes of The West Wing
Such great writing.
Funny watching him as Allison's character's love interest on MOM !
I always thought Fichtner might have gotten his role on 'Mom' based on his guest role in The West Wing. But from what I've read, they've known each other for a long time.
i know the show wasnt as phenomenal since sorkin left, but, it still clearly had moments that reached the heights of the sorkin years.
I was a bit sorry that when Santos took the oath of office Glenn Close didn’t have a cameo as Chief Justice
Did anyone from WW try to get Glenn to cameo?
@@williammassey8514 valid question but have no idea
@@alexius23 It would have been nice.
Pretty sure that in the background at the ceremony they announce Chief Justice Lang and the stand-in is a blonde woman. Perhaps she was unavailable for the episode.
One of my favourite ever TV moments ☝️
In these troubled times, I very much hope that the voices of moderation prevail, for the sake of judicial balance within our great country!
I went to Harvard, where there was considerable opposition to affirmative action. However, people from "good families" were admitted solely on the basis of that. (I had to earn my way in.)
That was a very great clip. Thanks
Jed Bartlet has such a commanding speech voice.
Josh and Tony coming through in the clutch to make this happen.
Such incredible attention to detail, but they didn't show the podium used in the Brady Press Room that is used when the president speaks. Well when he is scheduled to speak. He does sort of photo bomb the room once in a while.
the casting was superb !
Remember during the Mendoza confirmation vote, Toby was concerned about premature celebration and was worried about tempting fate?
How interesting to see the development of his character here four years later, with no reservations whatsoever about asking the not yet even announced nominee to sign as Chief Justice.
Talk about growth and progress. What an example for all to follow.
Amazing!! Compromise, something ALL of our politicians should learn to do.
I AM A RIGHT LEANING LIBERTARIAN AND I BELIEVE THREATS TO BURN IT DOWN BY BLM AND ANTIFA ARE MUCH BETTER THAN COMPROMISE...WOULD LOVE TO HEAR BARTTLETS THOUGHTS ON "MOSTLY PEACEFUL PRROTESTS"
I love this episode - it shows Josh as Coming to age and nailing his own plan
And we got Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Coney-Barrett. We lost.
Good job, Josh!
The best TV programme ever to come from the U.S.A and possibly the world.
oh, I hope so!!!!
I’ve been on a bit of a West Wing TH-cam clip bender recently, and can’t help being unable to imagine anything resembling any of them taking place under our current so called administration*.
And not in a good way.
DON'T WORRY , BIDEN WILL FIX EVERYTHING. REMEMBER,YOU WANTED THIS GUY!
The thing that's always bugged me about this scene is the press gallery applauding. That does not happen.
And even if they did, why doesn't the President wait for them to stop before talking?
Not in this universe, at least
Honestly, had this actually happened it would have been so momentous that there might have been overwhelming applause -- what with both ends of the political spectrum placated and the act of an profound reinvestment in the critical discourse a democracy (and judiciary) deserves.
I love this show.
The great thing about the result of this episode, which would have to rate up in the top ten of the best episodes of the WW, is that Donna and her parents cats is what led to it all. Hows do you like them apples?
I'd like to think that at President Barlet 's funeral, both Lang and Mendoza would be there.
Its through compromise this was achieved. Lesson to be learned.
Honestly they couldn’t have picked a better woman to play the new chief justice of the Supreme Court
See the judge is better known for his role as the Bank Manager in the second Batman film opposite heath ledger
Watching this show reminds me of the Marlo Stanfield quote "You want it to be one way, but it's not. It's the other way". 'The West Wing' is how we want it to be, but we are always kneecapped by those who will burn it to the ground rather than admit that there's a better way.
Some of the Who is Who of Hollywood appeared in this show. Just great.
I rewatched this episod immediately after I hear the news.
This was one of several post-Sorkin episodes that were every bit as good as the Sorkin years.
RIP Justice Ginsburg