The West Wing (TV Series) The Supremes (2004) User Reviews

Brilliant episode

[meriksen · 10/10 · 24 March 2007]

This episode leaves me with a good feeling. I have to admit that I had misty eyes all through the last half hour. And its difficult to claim that "West Wing" usually does that to the viewers.

The reason for my joy for this episode is two-folded. First of all there is Glenn Close, perfectly casted as a liberal judge. Second there is the message, that the gloomy impression of a Left and Right in USA, unable to communicate, is not true.

The beauty lies in the compromise that does not look like the usual compromise. Instead of victory for the mediocre, we see a victory of the genius.

This episode is also the last high peak before the series finally loses its momentum.

Excellent casting well written and funny

[griffsdad512 · 10/10 · 11 June 2019]

The sentiment of the episode is opposing political doctrines can be equally, successfully and rationally argued without causing wars- and they should be. The casting choices for the main guest characters could not have been better. It's too bad that in real life the middle of the road monotonous choices are preferred

One of the best

[swati4891 · 10/10 · 19 May 2019]

10/10 doesn't do justice to this episode. It's an excellent example of what this show set out to achieve, of bipartisan politics and compromise, and of the feeling that there's still hope.

Perfect episode

[kellielulu · 10/10 · 14 September 2022]

If a better hour of television exist I have not seen it . It's tightly scripted over a single topic of the Supreme Court. The clever maneuvering to make satisfying to all involved is what Josh Lyman must accomplish and it's no minor accomplishment. Without going into the entire episode as no one can do it complete justice ( certainly not me) Josh in particular and the staff navigate the egos and genuine concerns of those involved trying to get the right combination of idealism and practicality to make the most important of decisions and they do! With a little help from Donna ( who inadvertently) gives Josh the idea for a genius move. The humor is interwoven into the script is Sorkin at his best with a serious topic it's not tacked on it simply threaded in naturally.

Glenn Close adds to the overall sublime experience.

One of the best

[mlemmon-57694 · 10/10 · 9 December 2020]

This episode is breathtaking and perfect

During the tumultuous political climate we are in now, this episode is a reminder how we can come together. Expertly acted by Glenn Close and William Fictner, it's so awesome to see the brilliant interaction between political opposites and still be able to agree and challenge each other. It's especially touching to watch after the death of our own liberal lion woman justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The moment where Evelyn Lang signs a copy of the 14th amendment for Toby's infant daughter as the first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court is amazing.

Everyone should watch this episode

"Jed Bartlet! From New Hampshire! Had an idea!"

[midworld_traveller · 10/10 · 3 January 2021]

The fifth season of The West Wing is all over the shop, quality-wise, as the writers flounder post-Sorkin, and barring a couple of high points, don't find their feet properly IMO until the emergence of the Santos campaign in season 6... but no matter the complaints viewers might have holding it in comparison against the other seasons, 'The Supremes' shines forth as a beacon of West Wing spirit, humour, idealism and energy.

Glenn Close and William Fitchner aren't merely individually classy actors, but spark together in exactly the right way for the episode and the dialogue they're given, slotting perfectly into the West Wing convention of excellent peripheral casting choices. Milo O'Shea cracks me up as Chief Justice Ashland, new face Rylan Pierce has a role to play that isn't just irritation to Josh or Donna (and thus to the viewer) and is actually enjoyable, and the main cast are unlimbered from darker themes and conflicts. Two Cathedrals is the pinnacle of the show, but doesn't really work as a stand-alone episode. If I ever wanted to introduce someone to the show, I'd show them The Supremes.

Stupid and Pretentious-classic sorkin

[spicedoggydog · 1/10 · 8 April 2021]

In the liberal mindset, getting a conservative on the court because she is "brilliant" is more important than actually furthering your ideological agenda. This so is so obnoxious in its pseudo-intelligence that it almost makes you believe this decision makes sense, until you think logically for more than 2 seconds. For a show with such a sense of self-importance, you would think that they would have sent the script in for revisions. I hope that the women who can no longer get abortions in this universe appriciate that at least the judge was a genius!