Main stories of the episode
As Christmas Eve approaches, President Bartlet eagerly sneaks out of the White House for some last-minute Christmas shopping,
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JOSH An hour with you in a rare bookstore? Couldn’t you just drop me off the top of the Washington monument instead?
BARTLET It’s Christmas, Josh! No reason we can’t do both.
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Toby learns about a forgotten Korean War hero who died alone on the district's cold streets while wearing a coat that he gave to charity. . Toby uses the President's name to get the vet buried at Arlington, and a melancholy Mrs. Landingham attends the funeral with him. Mrs Lanigham tells Charlie that she lost both her sons in Vietnam.
Sam and Josh ignore Leo's advice and consult Sam's call girl friend concerning her clientele when a political rival hints at exposing Leo's previous drug problem.
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MARGARET[lacking feeling] We like to spread holiday cheer.
Her tone clearly indicates that she and Leo have spread so much holiday cheer, that they have none left for themselves.
LEO
Who the hell is this guy and why do I care if he has a Merry Christmas?
MARGARET Just sign the damn thing.
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CJ is disturbed by the murder of a gay teenager, and gives Danny the opportunity to convince her that hate crimes don't deserve special status under the law.
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CJ's secret service name was changed to Flamingo, which resluts in a great conversation between her and Sam
Sam: The flamingo's a nice-looking bird.
CJ: The flamingo is a ridiculous-looking bird.
Sam: You're not ridiculous-looking.
CJ: I know I'm not ridiculous-looking.
Sam: Any way for me to get out of this conversation?
CJ: I'm going to talk to someone
Sam: Excellent.
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Useless facts time
During the funeral they only show 4 people. There should be at least one more. The Arlington Ladies are a group of volunteers dedicated to insuring that no soldier is buried alone. Each branch of the military has its own group that represents them. You can find more on them at www.arlingtoncemetery.net
Found this out on another West Wing site… Being not only a history buff but an Arlington Cemetery buff as well, I wanted to inform you of a cameo.... In the episode 'In Excelsis Deo' the guy who pulls up in the hearse at Arlington National Cemetery and attends the vet's grave side services is Arlington Superintendent John C. Metzler Jr.... Of some interest, it should be noted Mr. Metzler 'grew up' in the cemetery as his father, John C. Metzler Sr., also served as Superintendent of Arlington overseeing the JFK services." Interesting eh!
One of the unaccredited extras during the press conference is Rene Auberjonis [Odo on Star Trek]
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BARTLET Did you know that there’s an underground tunnel out of here?
JOSH Yes.
BARTLET I haven’t been able to find it even though I search almost everyday.
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This episode Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (Aaron Sorkin & Rick Cleveland for "In Excelsis Deo")
Laurie has moved appartments. she had a long hall in the pilot?
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C.J.You have plans yet?
LEOFor Christmas?
C.J. Yeah.
LEO My plan is to do nothing.
C.J. Want me to come cook you something?
LEO What are you my mother?
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