Ancient, ailing Chief Justice Ashland (Milo O'Shea - BARBARELLA, THE VERDICT) ends up in intensive care, prompting Toby to send Joe, Ashland's former clerk, to ascertain whether he needs to step down. Joe balks, then covers for his former boss. The third of six episodes for Angela Blake (Michael Hyatt), a political operative who takes over Josh's legislative responsibilities. It can be easy to think that no WEST WING character ever derailed as unceremoniously as Mandie, but i guess every new executive producer gets one character that hits the ground splatting. Again through no fault of the acting or writing, but that's just the way these things go. Speaker Jeff Haffley (Steven Culp - THIRTEEN DAYS, ENTERPRISE) takes advantage of the President's weak approval ratings to push an ultra- conservative budget agenda. Steven would do nine episodes, and never missed a beat. Threatened with a government shutdown, Jed calls his bluff.
Review of Separation of Powers
