Episode 5.9 - ABU EL BANAT

[Lemon Lyman]

I can't believe that it is 1 o'clock on the day after a new episode and no one is talking about it.

I think it was another all round great episode. The tree falling on Toby who just doesn't get christmas spirit (does he ever get any spirit), Toby puting together the agenda and the state of the union (good for Toby ; Jed teaching us some arabic (makes a change from latin), nice touch with the whole euthanasia being in Oregan - where CJ's dad has alzehiemers- and her worrying about his christmas dinner very sweet; Doug Weston could also go to Mandyville; nice to finaly meet Liz who runs rings around all of the staff (CJ not being able to say No - very funny), and bless him little Gus (good name for baby) and him playing with the christmas lights at the end it touched my heart strings (I think it's my hormones)

Any one else have an opinion?

[Fitzwallace]

Hi Lemmon Lyman (& Bump)

I agree that it was a very solid, all-round episode. I think last nights episode had a lot to do with setting up a few future story lines. Toby kicking Will out of the office - Who will win the battle of wits? Donna and Josh's Christmas present banter - Will it lead to a long-awaited romantic moment? Zoë calling Charlie an angel, along with Jed's comments about his daughters dumping the good guys - Could they be getting back together?

My father (who does have some very spooky similarities with Jed) really liked the scene with Gus. He has a 3-year-old grandson (my nephew) who is the apple of his eye.

[Laura Lyman]

Thought it was an excellent episode. The best in series 5 so far. Also felt a lump in my throat at the end when Gus switched the lights on so its not just you Lemon Lyman.

[DarkHoarse]

EASILY my favourite episode of this season so far. I am historically a complete and utter sucker for the Xmas episodes but really wasn't expecting this to be in the same league as the previous four. However, it was excellent, particularly the second half. Bartlet's wonderful little moment dissing his daughters' choice of men made me laugh more than anything all season, particularly "Zoey left Charlie for the Frog". I don't know whether he would actually use such a derogatory term but I like to think it was used only because J-P was The Programme's Most Annoying Character Ever, rather than as a general term of abuse for the French.

And CJ on the phone to her Dad's hospital was very moving and a brilliantly thought out counterpoint to the 'father of daughters theme.

[sweetknees]

Agree with all- great episode with lots of personal story lines. Loved the 'wee lines' that made the show in the early days 'Leo to Josh bout carrying his school books. Funny moment. Good walking and talking scenes as well - agree best one so far. Keep them coming

[Yil]

It was a great ep. My favourite bit was:

(can't remember exactly what he said but...)

Bartlet to Debbie Fiderer: The Egyptians called me 'Abu El Banat'. They offered me tea. I offered to pay for it, but they refused.

Turns out 'Abu El Banat' means 'father of daughters'. The tea was the least they could do.