The West Wing
S2E16
· Somebody's Going to Emergency, Somebody's Going to Jail

Josh Praises Leo's Annual Andrew Jackson Speech Ritual

Over a fade-in to the White House exterior by day, Josh's voice-over casually praises Leo's beloved Andrew Jackson speech, playfully nodding to its yearly tradition that offers Leo steadfast continuity amid political tempests. Leo deadpans back in acknowledgment, their crisp exchange crystallizing the irreverent subordinate-loyal chief dynamic. This opener humanizes the power players, delivering wry levity as a tonal respite before plunging into the episode's crushing moral conflicts over betrayal and pardon.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Josh offhandedly compliments the Andrew Jackson speech, subtly ribbing Leo about the annual tradition.

neutral to playful ribbing

Leo deadpans acknowledgment of the reference, maintaining their established dynamic of exasperated authority.

playful to routine

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
Joshua Lyman
Deputy Chief of Staff
 primary

playful

voice-over casually praising Leo's Andrew Jackson speech

Goals in this moment
  • • praise Leo's annual Andrew Jackson speech ritual for continuity and levity
Character traits
proactive insightful combative frustrated strategic pragmatic resolute urgent decisive under pressure supportive authoritative concerned loyal empathetic protective politically calculating intense insistent anxious witty high‑strung / harried
Follow Joshua Lyman's journey
Leo Thomas McGarry (Chief of Staff)
White House Chief of Staff
 primary

deadpan

voice-over deadpanning acknowledgment of the Andrew Jackson speech

Goals in this moment
  • • acknowledge Josh's praise of his speech tradition
Character traits
partisan reserved creative sardonic dismissive decisive pragmatic resolute optimistic engaged informed impatient bewildered controversial disputed authoritative professional incisive loyal blunt attentive protective inquisitive skeptical historical
Follow Leo Thomas …'s journey

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
West Wing of the White House

The White House exterior establishes the episode's iconic opening visual, layering Josh and Leo's voice-over banter atop its facade to frame the power corridors within. It subtly nods to the West Wing's internal traditions and tensions, grounding the playful nod to Leo's speech in the seat of executive continuity and looming crises.

Atmosphere Bright, authoritative daylight hush evoking expectant stability
Function opener setting and visual anchor for voice-over exchange
Symbolism Embodiment of enduring political tradition amid tempests
Access Public exterior view, interiors sealed to tours and staff
Daylight bathing the facade Fade-in establishing shot

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

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Key Dialogue

"Josh (VO): "It's a good speech.""
"Leo (VO): "The Andrew Jackson speech?""