S01E21: Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics

I really don't know what to say about this episode. It's a nothing episode, where nothing of any note takes place. The fact that the Federated States of Micronesia musical chair situation is the most interesting thing that takes place is a damning incitement of the episode. Fortunately, the fact that the actors really have a feel for the roles now means that even mundane everyday activities around the White House means the time passes reasonably pleasantly. I suppose it gives us the resolution to the campaign finance issue and validates the decision to really go for it politically but other than that there's not much of substance.

Random observations:

CJ's optimistic prediction turning out to be pessimistic is a prime example of the show getting sentimentality wrong. Everyone else feeling things would get worse or hold steady makes the denoument even more of a Cinderella story, but it just doesn't ring true. What's worse, is it's totally predictable.

Why are Sam and Toby even having the discussion about Laurie, and what gives Sam the unmitigated gall to prioritise his feelings over giving the President a mini-scandal to deal with? Has he heard of FedEx?

Is the thing Rodney does the same thing the marines are doing at the beginning of A Few Good Men?

Laurie's friend is better known as Michelle Dessler from 24.

Margaret's joke is awful, and I mean really awful.

Is ployglot really a 760 SAT word? It seems a little easy.

I have a pretty dreadful opinion of the UK tabloid press, but take it from me, even if a senior staffer to the President was engaged in an illicit affair with a call girl it wouldn't make the Mirror, much less someone giving someone else a briefcase.

Gail's bowl has a telephone in it, which relates to the polling being done during the episode.

I really love the "language of Shakespeare" speech.

Episode grade: C-

So what did you all think?

Spoilers for the future follow.

How wonderful that as soon as Laurie ceases her criminal activities Sam appears to break off all contact with her. That makes sense.