The West Wing Season 3 Posse Comitatus - Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley

The season 3 finale, set to Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah.

[@JennyLeeShee]

Every time I watch this I think, maybe this time he won't get shot. One of the most heartbreaking scenes in television.

[@Jules12310]

Amen.

[@caseysheleny2369]

+Jenny Lee Shee yeah :(

[@caseysheleny2369]

+Jenny Lee Shee yeah :(

[@sallybelknap824]

+Jenny Lee Shee I actually gasped out loud when I saw this. And then cried.

[@JamesGU4]

And still some Americans believe there should be no control of gun ownership. When will you look to successful models used elsewhere in the world and give your citizens proper and genuine protection.

[@AnnetteWarren]

After all these years, West Wing is still the best show I have ever seen.

[@reidflemingworldstoughestm1394]

The Sopranos was a good show, but it wasn't any West Wing.

[@theresechristiansen9769]

No wonder Alison Janney won so many awards thru these seasons: outstanding. She nailed every episode.

[@sandih29687]

V Kuchichana And not understanding why Martin Sheen NEVER won an Emmy.

[@gibtsdochgarnich]

He did. 2001. Look it up ;)

[@lisaallen9578]

Every episode

[@francescadesmond8846]

@therese christiansen Sometimes the Emmys blatantly play favorites, esp with women they like. Janney was one of them. Kathy Baker from "Picket Fences" was another as was Juliana Marga-whatever from "ER" when Clooney, Edwards & Wylie never won for their unbelievably great performances. Janney was very good but other women acting at that time were, too.

[@rgwak]

I've never wanted to hug a fictional character more than I want to hug CJ in this scene.

[@jkrasney1]

Me, too - especially as CJ looks upward to the heavens above.

[@josephveitch8898]

She needed a hug for sure

[@reidflemingworldstoughestm1394]

Heck, if you're going the 'if only I could' route, be a miracle healer and revive her secret service agent.

[@brentondisbrowe1435]

its honestly sad, i love the fact he tried helping out and some person just shot him

[@deltavoyage]

Far and away the best use of "Hallelujah" in any film or television show.

[@boudreauxbroletariat3959]

nah, shrek did it better

[@sarahswomley2580]

Leo's service was another, hit harder with a real death

[@reidflemingworldstoughestm1394]

that shrek bidness ...i don't even know

[@phishfearme2]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZvNgIaQaamNm9k

[@frenchydawg]

I've watched this maybe 10 times and I just realized how good the writing in this scene is: "a secret service agent walking into the middle of an armed robbery? That's just bad luck". If he only knew how really true those words were

[@jimgeiser1570]

It's time for Allison Janney to guest star on NCIS. It would be the first reunion of Ms. Janney and Mr. Harmon since The West Wing's third season.

[@crucisnh]

This is really a good idea that I've never seen suggested before. Particularly since the rumor is that Mark Harmon got the NCIS gig based on his performance on TWW.

[@ReelMeurik]

Absolutely agreed. They're both starring on CBS shows, shouldn't be too difficult to arrange. Maybe even have her play Gibbs new love interest, and someone he finally ends up married to?

[@erinmathews8070]

Woooah.... and hes always attracted to red-heads in NCIS....

[@PrisonerNumber9653]

Some of the best acting we've ever seen in the show, Ron's fantastic. We've watched him stone-faced through so much, even getting his hand half shot off. The only time you see emotion from him is when he tells Leo that Zoey's been kidnapped, and his face here as he's telling C.J. tells you how he feels about his people. CJ is fantastic, and the story lines crashing into one another like 6 things gone instantly wrong at 80 mph on the highway, just amazing writing, acting. Best show on TV.

[@cards0486]

This three episode arc got Mark Harmon his NCIS role. The CBS guys thought he was just a “pretty boy OK actor”. Although how they thought that after CHICAGO HOPE and the Ted Buddy movie I can’t imagine. This scene was a shock. We all thought all danger was over.

[@davidweihe6052]

The plastic surgeon from St. Elsewhere who came down with AIDS meant that he was just a “pretty boy OK actor”?

[@brandongalvin493]

This episode is where i first heard Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah. It's been one of my favorite songs every since then.

[@aa64912]

Brandon Galvin it’s a Leonard Cohen song bit Buckley does justice to it

[@minhtran2160]

OMG sam here

[@HyperBart]

This

[@asterix7842]

By far, the best version of this song ever recorded.

[@ericmiller93]

I agree.

[@RJSAMCRO]

This is still one of the hardest scenes ever watched ever seen and playing Hallelujah just rips the soul apart.

[@tracygarrett3952]

I'm reminded of the OG CSI season 9 ep 1 "For Warrick." The song they played "Come Tenderness" by Lisa Gerrard, the way Nick shakes his head as Catherine passes him in the alley, the way Grissom is with Warrick, it's all too sad. Perfect song.

[@rlco813]

It's impossible to state just how brilliant Allison Janney is. This is one of the best acted scenes I can remember seeing.

[@mlc2005]

The amazing thing part about The West Wing is that there are dozens upon dozens of moments just as brilliant and poignant as this one. I watch this show and literally cannot comprehend how they managed to pull it off so masterfully, esp. the first 4 seasons. As amazing as this scene is, the real electricity of TWW comes with the dialogue, and I think it's the best written drama of all time. And how much do we love Allison Janney as C.J??? What a character!

[@craighanson-rc1md]

I couldnt stand her still can't stand her. LOL I can't even think of who my favorite character would be then or now. Will maybe he after all as hard left as he was was realistic non the less & when it mattered like when he condemned the president for not sending troops to africa & pointing out how the president did for other times including his own daughter or cj or charlie & then again when he decided to accept the offer of the annoying new vp in Barlett's final term knowing that the vp would likely be the if not one of the top people for the party going forward & thus most able to keep the party moving forward especially in life after Barlett. While everyone else saw him & treated him as a traitor & betrayer & they remained stuck in the now lame duck president who would be pushed to the back even by his own party as the past living out the last few moments of his relevance & a president who would have only more & more issues not just from republicans but is one party as the president would be questions by even his party on most if not all of his decisions from here on. As people in his own party move to become his heir his replacement the next "king". A president's peak is the end of their first term if they get reelected its just downward from there regardless of how much they won by or how much people in both parties agreed with him or loved him.

[@leiaslizzy]

These five minutes always make me cry. I always loved CJ for her strength, and to see her break down meant so much to me, because it shows that even the strongest of us can break down. 💗

[@MikeRDar]

I've always been a fan, but recently completed watching the entire series, start to finish, all 7 seasons. Took maybe 6 months. Of all the books, movies, or TV shows I've ever seen, I think The West Wing taken as a whole is simply the greatest story I've ever known.

[@ascotberks2018]

MikeRDar absolutely agree.

[@fayesouthall6604]

I had surgery which meant sleep wasn’t easy and watched this show start to finish just awesome television

[@IAMTheNerdHerd]

I cry every time I watch this, but I continue to do so because this is one of the best scenes, in what must be one of the best shows of all time.

[@allanreginaldmichael3400]

Not one of the best. The best.

[@decadencewhimsyandsarcasm]

This is the only time I’ve been okay with a show using this song. Completely perfect without being emotionally manipulative

[@Jules12310]

The agent who tells CJ that Simon was killed also played a depressed/angry husband who went on a killing spree in "Grey's Anatomy." He's a wonderful actor.

[@RandalBauer11]

Michael O'Neil! He's fantastic in whatever he's cast in.

[@AdamG1983]

Also very first two episodes of S1 of 24. Small role but it left a big impression.

[@Jules12310]

I will have to go back and see those. IMO, West Wing is one of the best series ever. And I am awestruck by Alison Janney.

[@bobsteinzig]

+Julie Davis Look for cast interviews about working with her. and how she was discovered by Paul Newman Have fun searching. "my favorite scene's were any with Allison"

[@christopherdraper3692]

that actor was actually also killed in an episode of NCIS which Mark Harmon (Agent Donovan) is the lead character

[@robn3732]

I love Danny and CJ in the end but I still weep for Simon. So honorable and a shining example of measured masculinity. He runs along the lines of Gibbs from NCIS. As fictional characters go Simon Donovan makes me proud to be male and an American.

[@ldkellandshaw]

I love the West Wing, and Simon Donovan, despite only 4 episodes, is my favorite character.

[@avi2578]

Such a poignant scene with Buckley’s rendition of “Hallelujah” set as the backdrop. One of the first TV shows to use this song correctly! It was meant for a scene like this. And not as a freaking Christmas carol lol

[@katie2893]

Scrubs and WW are still the only shows to do it justice

[@BlueEyedAuthor]

I saw it used in an episode of Cold Case years ago. Brilliant and heartbreaking.

[@erica-cq7ns]

@@katie2893the oc too

[@MissHazelFlagg]

This makes me cry so much every time! Allison Janney seriously deserved every single one of those four Emmys she won.

[@Regifloat222]

This scene hit me so hard. I wasn't even expecting it.

[@AegisNova]

+Phelan We get your point, but he made a human mistake. The shop owner was scared, but did he not know there was an accomplice? Could he not say something, or point?

[@salicemccool9268]

+Phelan Given the context, we're perhaps meant to reason that his mind was not entirely on procedure and protocol at that moment; he's in a very good mood, and distracted by thoughts of the reason for it. This makes it even harder to take.

[@salicemccool9268]

+Phelan I completely agree with you; "Simon's" training would have come before any other thoughts; a sort of in-the-moment muscle memory? I just think that Sorkin was using poetic license in this regard. I was standing in a crowd once, waiting for a presidential candidate to walk into the Student Union at the university where I worked and to which I was headed for lunch. It started to sprinkle; I'd leaned down perhaps 40 degrees and was reaching to take my umbrella out of my tote bag, which I'd put on the ground, when a hand grabbed my right forearm very, very firmly. I can't believe that that SS agent covered so much ground so quickly - or had even seen me, three people back from the path the agents had formed for the candidate. He took me aside and quickly (and very politely!) searched me, my purse and bag. Great respect for these guys!! An article, w/a photo of my frisking, made the front page of the next day's student newspaper, and I had a very unique bruise for ten days!

[@sarahswomley2580]

Also aren't they supposed to wear bullet proof vests as well?

[@ldkellandshaw]

@@sarahswomley2580 At that range against a .45, it wouldn't matter much

[@Myke666]

This was the realest moment on the whole show for me..It hit me hard

[@carldrosa]

The best writing ever (my humble opinion) - the West Wing. And the way he was shot to death...completely unexpected. Just when he secured the robber and made a funny comment about the candy bar - gone. As in life. Completely unpredictable.

[@heorap]

this might be the most moving 5 minutes of television Ive ever seen. Yes, a lot if it has to do with the music, but CJ's anguish on that bench is palpable

[@johnthelesserofthethirdoft863]

It’s definitely in the top 3. This one is in my top 3. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKfde42ArbiLl9E

[@zoefschildpad]

In any other show this would be the best scene in their entire run. in the west wing it's not even the best scene in the episode

[@boudreauxbroletariat3959]

well, you're right that it's not the best scene, but wrong that any of it is objectively good at all

[@tomdavies9004]

@@boudreauxbroletariat3959 Are you one of those people who just goes around being negative in YT comment sections? That's kind of sad.

[@aidtim1350]

@@boudreauxbroletariat3959 Your statement is objectively false.

[@j.r.6427]

@zoefschildpad I dunno - it makes my top 5 or so for the series, along with the Brothers In Arms and The Little Drummer Boy scenes. Say, do you think they chose their music intentionally?

[@peterclemenza3654]

I don't know what the greatest tv show is but any list of the top has to include the West wing. Everyone always says "sopranos, the wire, breaking bad" but the West wing was as good as any of them.

[@RobynHarris]

Peter Clemenza Sopranos, The Wire, and Breaking Bad don’t have a built-in anti-constituency of hate driven people saying the show is the spawn of the devil because it often shows liberals trying to do good; and it sometimes shows “conservatives” succeeding in doing evil.

[@jbrhel]

Better.

[@copycatninjitsu]

1) the sopranos 2) the wire 3) the west wing My top 3 fave tv shows of all time.

[@dyneshv]

I see what you did there! (Paraphrasing Fitz)

[@barryschwarz]

It was better than those two. There's not much to equal it. Deadwood is excellent. The 6-part British series Edge of Darkness is also very fine indeed.

[@Ranblv]

Perfect example of Leonard cohen's brilliant music writing ability done to perfection by jeff buckley.

[@borjastick]

What I find amazing about this series, over and above the superb acting, scripting etc, was how they got the casting so good, so perfect. Each actor brought something special, something different and of such quality.

[@tracygarrett3952]

Everyone except Chenoweth. Her speaking voice is extremely annoying.

[@JulieStecker]

Whenever I need a good cry but can't conjure one up on my own, this scene does the trick.

[@jaspdx63]

The power and artistry of the West Wing at its best were on full display in moments like this one.

[@lucilemcgregor]

Watching in 2024. This series is the best ever made.

[@woodyellen1999]

Every time I watch this I think something different but this time all I could focus on was Josh, the chances are he didn't know Simon was no longer protecting C.J given that they had only just caught her stalker an hour or so before and so the fear that must have gone through him as he considered the possibility that something happened to C.J someone who he has a sister dynamic with on the show is perfectly encapsulated by Josh's pause, the way the scene goes from yelling to deadly silent in just a few words the way he stops breathing stops doing everything, even Amy stops because she knows the pain Josh must be feeling. Perfectly acted by them both

[@Potionsmaster]

This was the episode when I knew she would win an Oscar. I wanted nothing more than to crawl into my TV snd give her the biggest hug

[@nandhininarayanan2188]

This show used music in the best possible way to underline emotions. This, and "I don't like Mondays" from 20 Hours in America - I will never stop weeping.

[@sylviacrouch8073]

So many episodes I have sat and sobbed. This was one. The burial of the homeless veteran, ms landagan dying, Leo dying, president shot.

[@ellirambler6160]

i don’t think i’ve ever been more shocked by a character’s death than in this scene

[@judithkean5640]

And after West Wing, we got to see "Ron Butterfield" (Bartlett's chief Secret Service man) on NCIS. "Toby Zeilger" (communications director) played bad guy Harper Dearing on NCIS (after West Wing). Nice to see these talented people.

[@sarahjswomley7885]

Also other from WW guested on NCIS. Alan Dale, 1st Director of NCIS was in a couple of episodes of WW, Kathleen York who played Toby's ex, played one of Gibbs ex wives on NCIS, Steven Culp was in both NCIS & WW, Danica McKeller was on NCIS, she played Will Bailey's sister on WW, Terry O'Quinn was on both shows, and others

[@jackiepe5130]

This is some of the best acting on a television series

[@theolamp5312]

CJ won almost all the time in the White House. I just wish she won this one in her personal life. I know it's just a TV show, but, the West Wing always seemed to have a sense of reality to it. As far as I know, Mark Harmon & Allison Janney are alive & well.

[@downhomesunset]

If he continued on this show-he would have been highly missed on NCIS

[@tracygarrett3952]

I loved CJ with him. Not so much, Danny.

[@dawnbeaver3881]

If anybody is a fan of "NCIS", this song was on tonight's episode. I love this song, and as soon as I hear the first chords tonight, my mind went right back to this episode...the same hauntingly beautiful song, and the same great actor, Mark Harmon.

[@PasnThrou]

Yes! I time shift NCIS and just watched that NCIS episode yesterday. As soon as they started to play, I did the same thing- remembering this episode of West Wing. Up until the shooting, I thought the story arc with Janny was great. But when Harmon walked into the liquor store, I really hoped what I knew was going to happen, wasn't going to happen. I really liked the West Wing and have been a Mark Harmon fan since 240-Robert. This was probably the most powerful moment in the entire series.

[@salicemccool9268]

Was it also Jeff Buckley's version? It's the one - of so very many covers - which I downloaded. So sad how Jeff died.

[@andreaalcaraz3737]

hi, which season did mark come? im planning to watch NCIS but just the parts where he's there 😂

[@dawnbeaver3881]

Andrea, It was season 2. He played a Secret Service agent assigned to protect CJ. I don't remember exactly when in the season he started, but the one episode title I remember was "The Black Vera Wang", referring to a shopping trip where CJ tried on a Vera Wang ballgown.

[@andreaalcaraz3737]

+Dawn Beaver I mean in NCIS :)

[@jamesgoines7663]

Unexpected elements of a scene that just takes your breath away. Excellent acting and writing. Pure excellence!

[@bobojo37]

I thought this was one of Josh and Amy's best moments in the series. They're having a vicious argument about idealism vs pragmatism, practicality vs progress, and they drop it immediately because someone who neither of them knew, but knew was close to someone they cared about, was lost.

[@bmw128racer]

I've re-watched The West Wing multiple times over the years and I still can't sit through that scene in the store... I either fast forward past it or get up and walk away for a couple of minutes... Tragic.

[@gregfeneis609]

Allison Janney crying just breaks my heart

[@slayr399]

It wasn't until one of my rewatches that I realised how brilliantly Sorkin set up the dramatic irony of the dialogue on stage "Nay! Stay" being delivered at the moment that CJ is asked to step out to receive the bad news.

[@billleslie3838]

If there is someone who uses music better in drama than Sorkin, I haven't found them yet.

[@smartalek180]

+Bill Leslie Have you checked out "The Black List" teevee show?So many brilliant songs, none of which I'd ever heard before.

[@billleslie3838]

+smartalek180 No, seems to be a bit dark for me. Maybe I'll give it a try. Thanks.

[@theolamp5312]

+Bill Leslie - The use of Dire Strait's Brothers In Arms at the end of The Two Cathedrals episode might be the best I have ever seen, although I think It's been removed from KZbin.

[@bobsteinzig]

+Bill Leslie He wrote an episode of "The Newsroom" to a song

[@andreaalcaraz3737]

+Bob Steinzig what do you mean he wrote an episode of the newsroom to a song?

[@goblueinga]

Still the most amazing show on TV. Smart. Funny. And heart breaking.

[@brentyoungren8998]

Such a hauntingly beautiful song, fills me with emotion everytime. The video description credits Jeff Buckley, this is his cover, however the song was originally written and performed by Leonard Cohen, who died yesterday. RIP

[@sandih29687]

Brent Youngren And was sung as the Cold Open to SNL. By the woman who played Hillary.

[@kevinpatrick9539]

one of the things I loved about this show was how it could go from joy to pain or pain to joy in the matter of a few words and alomost always gave a reason for hope

[@WestfieldHoosier91]

This gives me chills every time. This series featured the best writing for television ever.

[@theknitwit7098]

A lot of talent thrown about in his ENTIRE episode! I get goosebumps whenever I see this clip and the, “England Arise” scene!

[@bjornsjoblad2200]

Briliant scene briliant .acting especially from Alison Janney shes amazing in this very touching scene, Briliant manuscpript briliant music and briliant use of the music. Shows like this doesnt exist today, Tjhe west wing in the best tvshow thats ever been made and this episode is one of the absolutely best episoes that ever been done in any show.

[@lindaterrell5535]

Always the best choice of music.

[@rhh3582]

Please NBC and Warner Brothers bring back to commercial television "The West Wing" - undoubtedly one of the best, if not the best series on television ever.

[@alekas8402]

When CJ Cregg cries, i cry

[@andreaalcaraz3737]

same shit :(

[@nigelft]

All who has seen this episode does ...

[@Lookup518]

I know it just a show,but hurt like hell i love his acting he's just so sexy and great.

[@jamesdesomma3639]

Such a great version of this classic song

[@englishruraldoggynerd]

Well that’s got me blubbing. The best series ever made, and the best acting. CJ’s heartbreak is superbly put across, and the music is just so, so perfect.

[@siddharthnaagar7028]

The gift Allison Janney possess as an actor is unbelievable it's a shame Hollywood doesn't give her the roles she deserve

[@antonyphoenix3829]

I know I'm late to the show but I've just watched this episode,so so sad but great choice of song.Brilliant Television

[@theolamp5312]

+Antony Phoenix - If you ever get a chance to watch the TWO CATHEDRALS episode, it ended with Dire Strait's Brothers in Arms. One of the best melding of music and film I have ever seen. I say film, because that episode was worthy of being a theatrical film. Best wishes, Ted

[@antonyphoenix3829]

+Theo Lamp Yea I remember that one as well.Dire Straits are one of my favourite groups so I agree 100%

[@sandih29687]

Antony Phoenix Aaron Sorkin said that when he heard "Brothers in Arms"as he was growing up, he thought wouldn't that make a wonderful ending.

[@larrybeckham6652]

The best drama in television history.

[@danrieke9988]

I remember watching this when it debuted. Devastated me. Dropped me to my knees.

[@thedevilsadvocate556]

This brings a tear to my eye everytime.

[@jezz312]

CJ Cregg is by far my favorite character in The West Wing

[@Ovrkyl]

@nyraider91 Considering the position the second robber had from where he shot, he still had a line of fire on the store owner. The store owner was already terrified and couldn't even alert Donovan to the existence of the robbers. Donovan figured that out from seeing the empty cash register himself. So the store owner probably thought he would still be shot if he said anything, regardless of Donovan being present and having revealed his status.

[@zepherdude]

That was just an unbelievable scene. I cried.....truly must see TV.

[@courtney5686]

Ever since I saw this scene for the first time it's stayed in the back of my mind and I come back to watch it every time I hear this song.

[@trevisonclark7135]

This and two cathedrals are the saddest moments in tv.

[@rgwak]

Josh and Amy arguing about politics, only to be interrupted by the crushing reality that Donovan was just killed. I'm reading too much into this, but it's a poignant example of how academic debate is one thing, but real life is something completely different.

[@chriskelly3481]

You're not (reading too much...). They're both good people, and their relationship is over now... But at that moment all the drama of THAT event is entirely superseded by a terrible (almost boring) tragedy. 😭😭😭

[@cholman4248]

I cried...just cried my eyes out. Really got to me. Hallelujah was the perfect song

[@paulamucha4378]

This is when I first heard this song. God Bless Leonard Cohen. I then went and looked up Cohen's version, so haunting and eerie, gives the chills, goose bumps. One of my favorites now.

[@tracygarrett3952]

Pentatonix - Hallelujah kzbin.info/www/bejne/goOzaZdtnc2jpbM

[@camcam225]

Am I the only one who screamed "Gibbs!!!" when Harmon's character was shot?

[@MrBraddles3128]

Probably, considering most people saw The West Wing before they saw NCIS.

[@marcziegenhain8420]

I'm always waiting for Tony and Ziva assisting Mark Harmon to arrest the guy in the shop.

[@aa64912]

I’m an old paratrooper combat veteran and this episode brought a tear to my eyes

[@marcusvachon845]

Because of Mark Harmon's time on West Wing, he was given NCIS.

[@danielwarren7110]

there are so many parts to this. Like Josh and Amy in the middle of an a full on argument and doesn't stop for a phone call, but as soon as she says "honey" showing that the argument is normal in the house and they both enjoy that kind of debate. But that one word "honey" changes his tone in an instant. TWW had such good writing and so many good messages.

[@DrownedInExile]

In the afterlife, Special Agent Gibbs gave Donovan the biggest headslap ever. "This is why you always secure the area!"

[@glennhenson6495]

I've seen this several times and always thought very sad, but today thinking about it again, Donovan was off his game for whatever reason. He cuffs one but never asks if more, never, as you say, thinks of 'securing the area'.

[@chrisp.9172]

I've been watching West Wing marathons, somehow I missed this episode 2x! But with the magic of UT, I don't miss a f**king thing!♥️🙏🇺🇸👍

[@falconfilmmaker]

Easily one of the most heart breaking moments of that show

[@larynanntapp6333]

Saw it when it first aired...the clips never get easier to handle.

[@papelpapi]

Just an incredible episode.

[@spikeep6141]

I hadn't noticed the Red+White Roses before - *THAT'S* clever.... Because what is The Play..?

[@sonyabykofsky2873]

I don't know...so, still don't get it

[@tadtranclere3729]

Sonya Bykofsky the play President Bartlet is watching in this episode is called “the war of the roses.” The two factions vying for power during “the war of the roses” both had a rose as a symbol of their faction. The house of Lancaster had red roses as their symbol while the house of York had white roses as their symbol: that’s why it was called “the war of the roses.”

[@brontewcat]

I had not noticed the connection before. But is this the one where he authorises Shareef’s murder. Because I think it parallels Richard III. A good man who stole the throne and probably ordered the death of his nephews. A flawed hero.

[@lefthandedhammer7473]

I'm currently on my first watch through of The West Wing and this shocked me so much

[@rt2255]

When i watched this live i wept like a little girl. Jeez music is strong.

[@Elthenar]

The one thing that bothered me about this scene and something that makes it clear Sorkin knew nothing about firearms or tactics, no way would one of the Secret Service's best not be aware of the possibility of a second gunman. He would have made god damned sure the store was clear before lowering his guard.

[@georgeprchal3924]

Butterfield's expression is perfect.

[@bigdog95355]

As a side note the Secret Service agent who told CJ the Simon was killed guest starred in NCIS as Riley in the two part Enemies Foreign and Enemies Domestic

[@cubswin3838]

Ron Butterfield! Head of the President's Secret Service security detail. Played by Michael O'Neill. He's so convincing, people think he is/was an actual agent.

[@salicemccool9268]

+David Miller He was just great in the role. My only problem with the final episode of the series - and it really bothered me - was the absence of a scene in which Bartlet thanked him, or handed a letter to someone to give to him.

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

CJ, who always found it difficult for a variety of reasons to connect with "the right man", is agonizingly close to a serious relationship, only to have him snatched away from her. Heart wrenching...

[@yoyoyojeremy]

Mark Harmon is a great actor. Ever since The Deliderate Stranger I've been a big fan.

[@CaptainPikeachu]

You aren't the only people who notice that this was unrealistic for a trained agent to not secure his surroundings. In fact, the secret service agent who trained Mark Harmon for the role called him up and asked Mark Harmon why didn't Donovan check the perimeter! Of course MH could only play it the way the writers wrote it. Honestly, I think they just wrote that scene for dramatic purposes, not really because of realism. Still, it was a powerful scene nonetheless.

[@kittyscratchesboo]

That's what I said. I mean I know this is only fiction and is a series, but when writing this good gets you involved to the point where you reach for the screen and our response is "Nooooooo!" Now THAT is something! I enjoy chatting with the folks who enjoy the same crime dramas (or any well written program). It's like being in a theater or sharing your living room with the neatest people in the United States. This is what makes the positive aspect of "You Tube" so very pleasant!!

[@jamespurs]

I legit cried so much when I saw this on tv

[@bbaker4117]

The clerk could have let him know there was a second guy.

[@GLH5MHIL]

A street cop would have assumed there was a second and even a third. Plus he should have had a ballistic vest on under the shirt... the shots still would have hurt a ton, but maybe he survives. Still this kind of thing happens even to experienced street cops...too often the guard is let down too soon.

[@georgehoyle8797]

Greg Hampton ....yes but the clerk could’ve signaled there was another shooter in the store.

[@glennhenson6495]

Just a thought, maybe the clerk didn't realize there were 2. I tend to lean that way since the clerk seemed slightly relieved with the one in custody. Hard to say.

[@sarahswomley2580]

@@GLH5MHIL True, a SS agent would know how to clear the room, plus he should've been wearing a vest protecting CJ. It might have been better if it was a drive-by shooting

[@josephineemmett2722]

I will never recover from this scene

[@boborsini433]

Ok so I'm all teary eyed from this😭😭😭

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

Crime.... boy, I don't know.

[@springmotor70]

"....is when I decided to kick your ass."

[@williamsprague8585]

Joe Foran, I honestly feel bad for you. Such anger shouldn't exist. I'm sure this is what your parents taught you. So this comment isn't your fault. You're a product of your upbringing. And for that, I feel bad for you.

[@raymondshutt1289]

Joe Foran Jesus Christ. Is that all you took away from this scene? My God.

[@almostfm]

It's not what I took from the scenes with Richie, but that was not some of Sorkin's better work. He's perfectly capable of writing smart, thoughtful Republicans who disagreed with the President. This was like a cardboard cutout of a politician. Every Republican who's a member of the State Assembly has a better answer than that.

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

That's the 10 word answer, Joe. ^_^

[@kittyscratchesboo]

Oh, I felt that. Many of us did NOT see that coming and that is more the reason for the shock and awe of it. Harmon should have also been in Major Motion Pictures, he has it all for the devotion of his talent and presence. I do like NCIS for the first 3-4 years, but the producers need to allow him greater range for what Harmon can truly perform. "And Never Let Her Go" brought me here today. He rocks in true crime drama. Time for an Emmy for Harmon. Long over due.

[@user-eo1vi2nt1o]

This is such a breathtaking scene. Reminds everyone of the worst moments of our lives.

[@pault1964]

When the head of the secret service gives you a tap on the shoulder you know it’s not going to be good news