"...The friend says, "Yeah, but I've been down here before, and I know the way out."
ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 20th December 2000
EPISODE NUMBER: Season 2, Episode 10
WRITTEN BY: Aaron Sorkin & Peter Parnell
Noel is a quiet, unassuming episode of The West Wing. It doesn't have any exciting crises or major events. But there is a certain intimacy about it. It's definitely one of the best character studies of the show, and a showcase for great acting.
As hard as it is to pick favorites in the West Wing cast, I've always been a big fan of Bradley Whitford. This was the season he won the Emmy, and it's not really a surprise. He's really the central role here, as we see him in therapy coming to terms with the aftermath of the shooting. Any detractors that storyline had for being too unrealistic should be satisfied with how real and humane Josh's trauma is.
It is rather unusual for the show to focus on one character, but in this case it's worth it. The show tries other things it doesn't normally do, such as play with time, and even showing us altered memories (it takes a while for us to find out the real reason Josh hurt his hand).
At first, Josh does not want to admit he needs help. And the intrigue in deciphering the reasons for Josh's breakdowns keep the episode interesting throughout. Throw in one of the greatest monologues in the show's entire run, courtesy of Leo, and you have an outstanding episode. I didn't even need to mention that Yo-Yo Ma was in it. Has a show ever had such a random, cultured guest star?
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