Game On (The West Wing)

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

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 cantankerous 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. This provides a repeat of the situation from the final debate of Bartlet's first Presidential campaign when he damaged his tie by setting fire to it having a cigarette just prior to going on stage.

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. Sam also stated that if Will's campaign was successful, Sam would stand as the Democratic candidate in the special election that would follow.

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.

Prior to the 2002 congressional election, California's 47th congressional district accurately matched the district described in this episode. However beginning with the 2002 congressional election – as a result of the gerrymandering of districts following the 2000 census – the California 47th became the only Democratically held district in Orange County.

External links

• The West Wing Episode Guide