Ep 4. The Red Mass

In The West Wing season 4 episode 4, titled "The Red Mass", the Bartlet administration is dealing with the aftermath of a Supreme Court retiree and possible replacement. The episode outlines the decision-making process that the administration goes through when deciding who to nominate to the Supreme Court, as well as the various political factors that come into play.

The episode opens with Josh Lyman discussing the Supreme Court vacancy with various senators, including the conservative Senator Gaines. Throughout the episode, viewers see negotiations and discussions among staff members of the Bartlet administration, as well as with outside parties like lobbyists and senators. We see the impact of political pressure and how it affects the decision-making process of the administration.

Throughout the episode, the new potential Supreme Court Justice is introduced to the administration, showing his brilliance in his field, but as the episodes go on, it is clear that the nomination and confirmation process will not be a smooth one. There are concerns over his former opinions, and he is not well received by some of the administration’s key players, including Bartlet himself.

The episode covers quite a few important topics surrounding the Supreme Court nomination process, including religion, social policies, and politics. There is also a subplot where CJ Cregg deals with a crisis in Sudan when two American diplomats are kidnapped and held hostage. With barely any leads to follow, CJ is put to the test and must think outside the box to find a resolution.

Throughout the episode, the show’s familiar witty humor is sprinkled in, providing a bit of relief from the more intense scenes. It is a great example of how The West Wing uses its unique style to combine politics, drama, and comedy seamlessly.

One of the more interesting aspects of the episode is the portrayal of religion. The Red Mass is a Catholic Mass held annually in Washington, D.C. on the Sunday before the Supreme Court begins its new term. It is attended by several prominent government officials, including some Supreme Court Justices. This becomes a complicated issue as some of Bartlet’s staff members are Jewish and do not feel comfortable attending a religious ceremony. This creates a conflict as the staff members are concerned about the political implications of not attending. In the end, Bartlet goes alone, emphasizing the importance of certain traditions in politics.

Overall, The West Wing season 4 episode 4, "The Red Mass", is a great example of how the show tackles difficult topics surrounding politics. The episode helps to frame the complex decision-making process that the Bartlet administration deals with when nominating a Supreme Court Justice. It shows how political pressure can influence the process, and how individuals from different backgrounds and beliefs can come together to work for the greater good. The subplot involving Sudan keeps the audience engaged, while the comedic moments help to lighten some of the more serious scenes. It is an excellent episode and one that is well worth watching.