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The West Wing, Season 2, Episode 17 (Patreon)

Published:
2023-06-22 17:34:56
Imported:
2026-06
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Content

The Stackhouse Filibuster

Files

Previews only

The West Wing, Season 2, Episode 17

The Stackhouse Filibuster

Comments

Martin Nicholls

Couldn't put my finger on exactly why but I always remember this one as one of my favourites, like if you asked me to write a list of top x this one would be up there. Also Mr Willis of Ohio is another one of those, there's a theme and I'm not 100% sure what it is; it's not even that highly rated an episode, but I like it. If it counts for anything I'm a huge fan of The Newsroom - could be interesting if you guys haven't seen it and you get into it.

Skinny_Obelix
>>111299489

Yep, same here, those two and The Supremes are my top three even though they're probably not the best ones.

Aude M

So, as a French person (:D), I can only say that I didn't know "Tomate du Saltimbique". BUT. I've read on the internet (ty Internet) that it's in fact a meal inspired by the 3-Star Michelin Chef named Alain Passard: the recipe is called "Tomates confites aux 12 saveurs". 12 flavors confit tomatoes Simmer for 10 minutes in salted butter a thin stuffing, Then add the stuffing inside the peeled tomatoes and cook for 3 hours over a low fire, coat them with a sweet orange juice (300 grams per litre). Serve with vanilla ice cream while deglazing the orange syrup with lemon juice. However, Bartlet talked about "Cassoulet" and THAT I know. It's a very popular meal in France. It's "A meaty stew of poultry, sausage, pork, and beans". It's delicious, I highly recommend it : (though it's not exactly Provencal cuisine but whatever).

Pam Nail

HERE WE GOOOOOO! This episode sits at #14 on my big old ranked list of all the episodes in the series. The next episode is my #1. Like everyone, I love the structure here (apparently, Sports Night did an episode that's very similar to this, but I've never seen it). I also love that Donna got to do something of substance and be the one who figured it out. I don't think it's that Stackhouse wouldn't have been invested if he hadn't had an autistic grandson -- just not *as* invested. I.e., he might not have gone to such great lengths, to the point of risking his own health, to get people's attention if it hadn't been personal to him and I don't feel there's anything wrong with that.

Weird Magic

After watching Noel I got nostalgic for the whole thing and binge-watched until the end again - finally finished last week! Going to enjoy the ride with you guys but at this rate the series finale for J&K is going to be 9/11/2025 (literally, I did the math) :) Originally airing on March 14, 2001, 'The Stackhouse Filibuster' is Episode 17 of Season 2 of The West Wing. It is the 39th episode overall and has an IMDB rating of 8.8, placing it as the #8 ranked episode of this season and #9 out of all the episodes shown so far.

jimmy2k4o .

Finally Been looking forward to this one for a while like 47 years… Don’t ask questions…

Jack

I used to work for the Archbishop of Canterbury, not as big a celebrity as the President, but still a lot of official visits to all sorts of people and places, and lots of gifts exchanged. He got given some really amazing gifts, along with all sorts of gifts that were well-meaning but basically junk. I can only imagine how much worse it would be for the President. Every few months the staff got to take some of the junk if they wanted, which was fine as long as nothing unique ended up on eBay! I ended up with all sorts of random odds and ends.

Skinny_Obelix

The way I found out about the west wing is funny. This show never crossed the pond to Belgium until we were able to get HBO max, so I started watching this show about midway through the second season because I accidentally pirated the show. I actually was looking for Spin City, but I couldn't remember the name so I accidentally searched for "Presidential office tv show" because I simply forgot it was about the mayor of New York and not the president. So I downloaded the first season and I started watching what became my favorite show of all time. To this day, absolutely nobody in my social circles has seen or even heard about it other than me recommending them to watch it. Unfortunately the warranty on my friends has expired, so I can't return them for their broken sense of taste, as they refuse to take my word they would be interested in a show about US politics.

David
>>111307457

As someone in the USA, one of the things I often think about while watching this show is that I'd be really interested in what shows (or movies) are out there in other countries that are similar. Obviously there won't be an exact match of the style of writing or tone of the show, but something that's not too dark & edgy, more drama than comedy, and portrays the behind-the-scenes work of competent people trying their best to solve important problems.

Luca Siracusa (Bob)

Every time I watch this episode I get emotional: I have a very strong relationship with my grandfather and Stackhouse was an incredible representation of the sentiment that bonds family members, especially grandfathers and grandkids This episode again has so many funny moments like Bartlet and Leo at dinner (They are SUCH a couple. In the backstage of the show, the cast joked telling that Abbey was Jed's wife and Leo was his mistress and you can't unsee it). Martin Sheen and John Spencer had the best chemistry I've ever seen two actors having in a tv show. They felt real and close and every time one of them follows the other in a discussion, it's just a pleasure for ears "We don't raise hands" "Thought it's not the worst idea in the world". Then you have the cat statue curse, Sam and the intern, Josh and the "dude" calling and so many light moments Then here it comes the curve ball: they did not change their minds on the bill because Stackhouse's grandson was autistic; they changed their minds on his filibuster because of that. Him yielding was an act of love, not an act of politics. Him yielding was him showing that his grandson could trust him and lean on him: he would've continue to fight for him and for the cause. Jed said it in a way that can be misinterpreted, but we know the man and we know the administration: they joke on things in a way that almost seems too much, but always do the right stuff no matter what. Plus, the grandfathers speech of Jed was so beautiful and kind "We've been here before you and they'll be here after" is such an iconic piece of line As far as what's coming: let me tell you I've never ever fought so hard not to say anything to someone, but you're in for a great piece of The West Wing: the best piece of The West Wing. You may think Noel was where it peaked, you may think the start of Season 2 was where it peaked, but you will experience everything very soon and this episode is just a little yield before continuing to walk towards it

Mithroch

I know I'm in the minority here... but I'm not a big fan of this episode. Well... I shouldn't say not a fan... more I feel like this is a relatively weak episode in the middle of a string of just straight killers. Yes... cheesy is the right term. The narrative style feels forced and it kind of kills the emersion for me. It's also a reskin of a Sports Night episode. What saves it are the little pieces of the bigger story arc that are sprinkled in... and also the bit about grandfathers. It also doesn't help that it's kind of in the way of... the... next... episode...

Gayle Dick

The Newsroom is great for anyone who enjoys The West Wing etc i think. Not sure what issues i'd like to see Sorkin tackle in future projects, but you made me want to watch A Few Good Men for the hundredth time. The Death of Stalin is a film that reminds me of Sorkin, and I don't know why.

Taylor
>>111305898

I studied abroad in Canterbury for a semester in college! Loved it there.

Taylor
>>111311026

I saw an interview with Martin Sheen where he said that Bartlet was the father, Leo was the mother, and the staff were all their children. I’ve seen them that way ever since.

Taylor

“Tonight I've seen a man with no legs stay standing and a guy with no voice keep shouting. And if politics brings out the worst in people, maybe people bring out the best." - One of my favorite quotes of the whole series. And we’ve reached the tipping point. For me, the next five episodes are the best written string of episodes of any television show. I am so excited for you guys to experience them.

MarkyO

I fucking love this episode. Probably top 5 for me. Next episode is going to be an absolute fucking banger though.

MrRuss50
>>111302169

thought of sports night immediately when CJ starts talking because thats the exact premise of the SN episode. If I remember right its Joshua Molina doing the narrating over there. Its of course like 30 years old now but that show is still worth watching for any Sorkin fan especially

Youtalkingtome
>>111303334

We did the math a while ago and kind of forgot how long it's gunna be! We're in it for the long haul and hopefully you all are too!

MarkyO

BTW. Binging with Babish made a video trying to make "Tomate du Saltimbique". Also, been a while since I've dropped trivia. Remember that gold fish that Danny gave CJ? Well that fish bowl eventually became a 4th wall thing. The design inside the fishbowl was made to reflect the plot of the episode.

Zachary Loeser

Now it starts. (Remember before I told you to buckle up? Now comes the part where you strap on your helmet.)

Balazs Foldes

I really like this episode. Yes, I always had the nagging feeling that you mentioned - how is the fact that Stackhouse has an autistic grandkid such a game-changer? Was the issue less important till the moment? But I can graciously drop it, because I like when Sorkin shows us, he can make a light-hearted, comedic feeling episoe so easily. With CJ and Bast, CJ and her evil-minded co-conspirator, Josh and the new leather soles (ouch, I had that issue before with wet stair - you learn the hard way that you have to take leather sole shoes to a professional who can put a bit of rubber on the soles quickly), Bartlet and Leo as the old married couple, Josh being a fanboy for Mike Piazza... wonderful, entertaining. While having some really serious issues brewing, especially with Hoynes, Toby, and big oil, but it's still a very nice, light episode. And Sorking is a master of manipulating heartfelt emotions. The big moment in the end, with everybody standing up for the poor underdog senator, helping out the good cause, that just feels so catarthic, no matter what. I wonder if Sorkin paces his episodes consciously in a pattern according to mood. Like, having a ligh-hearted one after a stressful one, or before a dark one... I should do statistics.

Laura Dawson

Cheesiness be damned, I enjoy this episode! It’s nice to have an episode with so many light moments and the filibuster resolution may feel a bit ‘good job team - hi-fives all round!’ but honestly it feels earned after all the darker storylines we’ve had. I’m all here for our guys to have a feel-good win by the end. For me, the real strength of the episode is the Hoynes-Toby stuff. Richard Schiff is so great in this role and during his conversation with Hoynes you can see him prick up his ears when Hoynes says he will take on the oil companies. Toby is very smart and immediately knows something is off. From that moment I love watching him trying to work out what is going on. He knows Hoynes’ actions are significant and there is a broader picture he’s not seeing. I love seeing Toby switch into investigation mode - I literally get goosebumps! Looking forward to the next episode. As you must know from the other comments on here - things are about to get so good!

Youtalkingtome
>>111357545

To tell you the truth I kind of forgot about the fish bowl! It's great that they are using it in that capacity!

Youtalkingtome
>>111383013

The pacing does seem intentional. That's part of the genius. He knows when to give us a breather and knows when it isn't necessary.

Youtalkingtome
>>111416172

Yeah, Toby really is acting like a detective. His character by far is one of the most interesting characters on the show!

jimmy2k4o .

“if politics brings out the worst in people, then maybe people bring out the best in politics” CJ Craig That quote has been like a constant opposing council in my head when I become cynical about politics today. Also Alister Campbell the former uk press guy for Tony Blair (kinda like a British CJ Gregg but behind the scenes) said “as much as people hate politics and politicians, I could sit you down and explain to you that all the things in this culture you love came from politics. From Civil rights, to free speech, to clean water. To the ability to publicly hate politicians without fear of repercussions.”

jimmy2k4o .

“Don’t ever ever underestimate the will of a grandfather, we’re mad men we don’t give a damn. We were here before you and they’ll be here after you. We’ll make enemies, we’ll break laws, we’ll break bones. But you will not mess with the grandchildren” I’ll never forget my grans face watching this scene, she smiled and knew why I picked this episode to show her above all else. This episode is dedicated to the grandparents!

jimmy2k4o .

Are you guys really still pushing the Russia 2016 stuff??? Cmon a 2 year inquiry found no collusion. All the info leaked about Hilary was true, meanwhile the efforts to take down trump knew no limits. He won fair n square, it’s the dems fault, they ran the only candidate that was less palatable than Donald trump. Trump didn’t win. Hilary just lost………and trump won by default. All people engage in dirty campaign tactics, what’s worse exposing Hilary’s wrongdoing to win or covering up hunter Biden’s wrong doing to win? Surely there a moral difference between telling the public what their candidate is like and making an effort to conceal the seriousness of th crime of the son of the candidate…….. It’s always curious to me why Russian wants a republican president. All the aggressive expansions done were under democrats. Crimea in 2014 Ukraine in 2020 And Trump did more to undermine putin in Syria than anyone else, he attacked the Russian backed pro Assad rebels. He enforced the red line that Obama drew and never enforced. I’m not a trump fan, who in their right mind could be….. But as a non American, living in a country that is affected by the outcomes of your elections and the decisions of your president……….Trump wasn’t that bad, not nearly as bad as people make him out to be. Some people say he’s more corrupt that Nixon which is just hyperbole manifested. Internationally the world seemed ether with trump in charge, maybe it was A coincidence but north and South Korea had a summit (beautiful sight) Israel signed peace deals with many Arab nations, Kosovo and Bosnia signed a peace treaty as well I believe. Isis were practically wiped out Al baghdadi is dead We stopped sending cash pallets to Iran. I’m Not saying he was good but he. Wasn’t all bad, no president was all bad….. Nixon founded the EPA. LBJ passed the civil rights act. Clinton reigned over a period of unparalleled power and economic growth.

jimmy2k4o .

CJ: (quietly) oh and I broke your statue Two days later…. Phone call CJ:hello? President Nixon: you broke what?!?

jimmy2k4o .

When jed said that stackhouse should have told him it was his grandson You said “should it matter” I agree, weird the president is willing to change his mind because he knows someone affected. But then again that’s the reason stackhouse was so passionate about this particular issue. Stackhouse had a personal connection, and when Jed found out he realized he had a connection too, via stackhouse. Stackhouse and Bartlett were both pushing this issue because of personal connections. Maybe that’s wrong but government is composed of humans and humans have these sort of biases. Is it fair? Probably not. But of all the unfair and corrupt things that happen in politics because of personal biases, this is a good one. I care more about results, not motivations. End of the day there’s more money for autism research, even if the reasons for it are less than honorable. Like Lincoln using bribery, manipulation, lies etc in order to pass the 13th amendment. ““The greatest measure of the 19th century, passed by corruption, aided and abetted by the purest man in America.” Thaddas Stephens Many laws are passed because of congress being emotionally persuaded, eg kidnappings are the jurisdictions of the FBI because of the Limburg baby kidnapping. Many laws are passed because of the single crime that shocks the conscience of the country, often named for the victim. Like Matthew shepherd a victim of a homophobic hate crime murder. Bovill's Act (the Partnership Amendment Act 1865) Clare's Law. The Coventry Act. Crewe's Act. Deasy's Act. Denman's Act. Fox's Act. Handel's Naturalisation Act 172 And the patriot act…… And other laws are passed due to corruption, blackmail, threats, bribes etc. If everybody voted their conscience I think we’d end up with chaos, there would be no prioritization, no compromise, no majority probably. Politics is the art of compromise, with no compromise there could be no functional government.

Youtalkingtome
>>113219970

I would love to see a show that shows the seedy behind the scenes. Deals, bribes, corruption. A Game of Thrones type show set in our political landscape. It could be compelling!