How much o'keefe is in this episode?? Well, not miles, but Michael. The delightful Mr. O'Keefe (CADDYSHACK, THE GREAT SANTINI) has developed into a fine performer in his maturity, as he plays a reporter temporarily and begrudgingly assigned to the White House. He chooses integrity over sensationalism, and his scenes with C.J. sparkle. Leo and an old military friend (Gerald McRaney - SIMON AND SIMON, MAJOR DAD - in the first of two appearances) debate a new war crimes bill, and Leo learns he participated in a civilian massacre. After a shooting in Texas, Jed asks Hoynes to publicly reverse his position on gun control. Donna, Josh, and Cliff meet at the fountain used in the opening credits of FRIENDS. Yes, i realize some of you would rather i'd have kept that information to myself.
2 Reviews
Josh and Donna dance in the fountain (deleted scene only)
robrosenberger16 November 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Strong episode, of course, with oddly nuanced performance by O'Keefe
jeffdstockton20 January 2024
As has happened with several of the guest actors on The West Wing, Michael O'Keefe seems to trying to hard to make an impression. Instead of losing himSELF in the role, he sounds and appears to be ACTING the role. Apparently, Sorkin's writing leads some actors to deliver their dialogue with a sing-song cadence ant intonation. This disrupts their scenes, and interrupts the flow of the narrative - not greatly, but unnecessarily. It belies an eagerness to impress and fit in to this great ensemble.
Felicity Huffman was another egregious performer in this way, and we can note that, though her character had significant opportunity for return visits, she didn't reappear. Evan Handler was probate worst. Connie Britton is given disproportionate opportunity to get it right, and though she never does, her 'cutie pie' quirks and mannerisms apparently took longer to grate the nerves of decision-makers.
Maybe somebody has done a research project on the various guest appearances, and the outcomes of their performances... seems like there's something there to dig into.
O'Keefe's appearance seems a bit contrived, built for him rather as an organic piece of the narrative. The appearance of the character isn't necessarily a clinker, but O'Keefe's poor delivery elevates the oddness to an annoyingly noticeable level.
Tim Matheson gives one of his many outstanding performances in this episode, and it's always a pleasure to be reminded of his his tremendous talent in being able to embody a character, to make it his own, so to speak - and to make it realistic while being powerful. His is a role that could have been, like many of the characters in this amazing series, reduced to easy stereotypes and cliches. Matheson is a master - an expert, and amazing talent, here. To deliver with this strength and nuance and subtlety, despite appearing less frequently than other core characters, is - or should be - award-worthy.
Felicity Huffman was another egregious performer in this way, and we can note that, though her character had significant opportunity for return visits, she didn't reappear. Evan Handler was probate worst. Connie Britton is given disproportionate opportunity to get it right, and though she never does, her 'cutie pie' quirks and mannerisms apparently took longer to grate the nerves of decision-makers.
Maybe somebody has done a research project on the various guest appearances, and the outcomes of their performances... seems like there's something there to dig into.
O'Keefe's appearance seems a bit contrived, built for him rather as an organic piece of the narrative. The appearance of the character isn't necessarily a clinker, but O'Keefe's poor delivery elevates the oddness to an annoyingly noticeable level.
Tim Matheson gives one of his many outstanding performances in this episode, and it's always a pleasure to be reminded of his his tremendous talent in being able to embody a character, to make it his own, so to speak - and to make it realistic while being powerful. His is a role that could have been, like many of the characters in this amazing series, reduced to easy stereotypes and cliches. Matheson is a master - an expert, and amazing talent, here. To deliver with this strength and nuance and subtlety, despite appearing less frequently than other core characters, is - or should be - award-worthy.
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