Game On (The West Wing)

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“Game On”
The West Wing episode

Episode no.	Season 4 Episode 71
Written by	Aaron Sorkin & Paul Redford
Directed by	Alex Graves
Guest stars	Hal Holbrook James Brolin Joshua Malina Kathleen York Joanna Gleason NiCole Robinson Danica McKellar Tony Amendola John Aniston
Production no.	175306
Original airdate	October 30, 2002
Season 4 episodes
20 Hours in America, Part I 20 Hours in America, Part II College Kids The Red Mass Debate Camp Game On Election Night Process Stories Swiss Diplomacy Arctic Radar Holy Night Guns Not Butter The Long Goodbye Inauguration, Part I Inauguration Over There The California 47th Red Haven's on Fire Privateers Angel Maintenance Evidence of Things Not Seen Life on Mars Commencement Twenty Five
List of The West Wing episodes

"Game On" is episode 71 of The West Wing.

[edit] Plot

One day before a debate between Bartlet and his Republican rival, Governor Robert Ritchie (James Brolin), even skeptical Toby must admit that Bartlet is ready. After a debate rehearsal, Toby meets with his ex-wife, Congresswoman Andrea "Andy" Wyatt, who is advising on the campaign. Toby also tells C.J. that the Undersecretary of State, Albie Duncan (Hal Holbrook), a rather old, slightly crazy Republican, will help Bartlet deal with the aftermath of the debate. Later, the staff joyously watches Bartlet trounce Ritchie in the debate. Meanwhile, Leo and attorney Jordon Kendall negotiate a peaceful settlement to the escalating Qumar-Israel conflict. And Sam attempts to persuade an idealistic campaign manager, Will Bailey, to remove a recently deceased Democratic candidate from the Congressional ballot in the Republican stronghold of Orange County, California.

In this episode there is a recurring motif regarding ties. Charlie has to tell the president his "lucky tie" was damaged at the dry cleaners. This tie was originally given to him by Josh in a previous sartorial emergency. During a brief meeting with his wife, Abbey, just seconds before he is due to appear on TV for the debate, he bemoans the loss of his lucky tie. She replies "tough" and promptly cuts the tie he is wearing in half. With only seconds to spare, the entourage must find another tie, and it is Josh who provides one, thus another "lucky" tie is found.

Similarly, Sam gently tells Will "The tie doesn't go" with his suit and offers him his own, just as he is about to start a press conference. That evening after the President's triumph Will tries to return it, but Sam waves it off; "Keep it" he tells him, as he leaves the bar.

[edit] Trivia

This is Joshua Malina's first appearance as Will Bailey. Credited here as a special guest star, he does not appear in the opening montage until episode 76.