I was a little disappointed to see that after just a few performances, John Larroquette is out of The West Wing as White House Counsel Lionel Tribbey. He’s cool overall, and seemed to enjoy himself as the hothead Tribbey. One of the many things to love about this show is how they can use high-profile actors in smaller roles (Stockard Channing, anyone?) and mix them in so well with the regulars. In Larroquette’s place was new counsel Oliver Platt (I like him too, but still), in an episode that had about six too many subplots. The main plot, about the president’s MS, remains brilliant, especially as it becomes a funhouse mirror of the Clinton situation – the coverup is what gets you, not the act itself. Amazing writing and acting throughout. “Bring it on.”
Take that, TV Turnoff Week. (And Survivor tomorrow!)