The Great West Wing Rewatch: 4.11 "Holy Night"
Joel: Most of Sorkin’s characters tend to have issues with their fathers. In each of his shows, at least one person seems to be estranged from their father, had issues as a child, or something that will cause a problem when their father shows up. In The West Wing we already have Bartlet’s father issues that we’ve explored in great detail, and Sam’s issue with his father which took up an episode in an earlier season. Charlie’s father abandoned his family. Now, Toby’s father is showing up, and what do you know? There is a strained relationship between the two and Toby wants nothing to do with his father. Not that Toby’s issues with his father aren’t valid, but you have to notice the recurring theme of sons disappointed in their fathers that seems to ring true through this whole show. In other news, Danny’s back! I’m honestly quite thrilled to have Danny back, but we only get fun Danny for maybe one scene before it’s all business, and Danny is going to uncover the secret eve...