This episode points out an inherent weakness with the concept of this series. All the action takes place within the White House walls. So, while they are dealing with conflicts that have dire consequences, we don't get to see those conflicted situations. It's a group of people being informed of the situations and then acting upon the information.
In this episode, we get a Waco-like standoff in Idaho. Yet, we never see the situation unfold. We just hear about it. Then, when the FBI negotiator is killed in this conflict, we don't really feel anything since we've never even met this individual. We are distanced from the action. We are so far removed from the situations that they don't register.
Now, they do a good job with the ship caught in the hurricane. The President talks to a crewman who is facing impending death aboard the ship. We hear him on a radio as he tries to explain what's happening. It's emotional but of course the impact would be much greater if we got to see this situation unfold.
The show is well-written but, being grounded in reality, we're dealing with a group that never has to face the action, never has to take part in the action, never has to involve themselves in the action. They simply sit in a room and make decisions. It's a testament to how great the writing is for the show to be this entertaining.
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