The post-Sorkin crew never understood Leo and his relationship with Bartlet. They would disagree, sometimes get heated, but always with clear affection and respect. Here, Leo just seems contemptuous of his friend.
If memory serves, this is after Leo had to take a larger role due to Bartlet’s MS. Leo got power and was not able to let go. “The only thing that people with power fear is losing their power.” Leo had to not be CoS anymore. The writers were setting up that departure with this scene and letting the audience know why.
I think you’re largely correct but this one scene/arc in S6 didn’t bother me. I felt like it was reasonable because it showed the first time Leo had real contempt for Bartlet in one of the most tense conflicts in the world.
They're not arguing opposite points of view. Leo is arguing for the same thing both times - a military strike on military targets as a proportional response to an attack on Americans. The difference is that in the first scene Bartlet, still a young President, was dealing with this for the first time and he was filled with righteous anger. In the second scene, an older and more cautious Bartlet, who in the intervening time had seen his youngest daughter kidnapped as retribution for a decision he made in the Situation Room, is less willing to strike and more moderate in his choices.
I get it. When you're not sure of the outcome for a decision regarding a potentially dangerous situation and you're in a position of power, you can second-guess and hesitate.
The post-Sorkin crew never understood Leo and his relationship with Bartlet. They would disagree, sometimes get heated, but always with clear affection and respect. Here, Leo just seems contemptuous of his friend.
If memory serves, this is after Leo had to take a larger role due to Bartlet’s MS. Leo got power and was not able to let go. “The only thing that people with power fear is losing their power.” Leo had to not be CoS anymore. The writers were setting up that departure with this scene and letting the audience know why.
the key to their friendship is they both think the other one is smarter than themselves
Couldn’t agree more. Post Sorkin WW didn’t understand many dynamics.
@@jared1750 And it's not that well written either.
I think you’re largely correct but this one scene/arc in S6 didn’t bother me. I felt like it was reasonable because it showed the first time Leo had real contempt for Bartlet in one of the most tense conflicts in the world.
Some of the finest acting in television history
They're not arguing opposite points of view. Leo is arguing for the same thing both times - a military strike on military targets as a proportional response to an attack on Americans. The difference is that in the first scene Bartlet, still a young President, was dealing with this for the first time and he was filled with righteous anger. In the second scene, an older and more cautious Bartlet, who in the intervening time had seen his youngest daughter kidnapped as retribution for a decision he made in the Situation Room, is less willing to strike and more moderate in his choices.
Thanks for sharing your opinion! Have a good one!
Thank you. You’ve salivated Leo’s reputation in my book.
I didn't realize that they switched roles when Fitzwallace was killed. Leo was gung ho about blowing up everything and Barlet would not go along.
I get it. When you're not sure of the outcome for a decision regarding a potentially dangerous situation and you're in a position of power, you can second-guess and hesitate.