Toby Ziegler's ritualized anxiety vs. rare staff jubilation: an internal struggle (message-discipline, fear of tempting fate) that becomes visible through his enforcement of decorum, sudden glee, and subsequent deflation when work intrudes.
Toby Ziegler's ritualized anxiety vs. rare staff jubilation: an internal struggle (message-discipline, fear of tempting fate) that becomes visible through his enforcement of decorum, sudden glee, and subsequent deflation when work intrudes.
Events in This Arc
In the Oval Office at night, amid the Taiwan Strait crisis, President Bartlet and Toby Ziegler resume their chess match. Bartlet delivers sly, backhanded praise—lauding Toby's 'spunk' and 'pluck' while …
In the Oval Office at night, Bartlet pours coffee as Toby recounts Abbey's story of his post-Nobel humility—bragging about Ellie's multiplication tables to King Gustav—urging him to drop the 'folksy' …
Just as the staff tiptoes into celebration over a tentative confirmation vote, Toby bursts into the mural room, confiscates champagne and delivers a sharp, anxious lecture about jinxing the result. …
Fresh off a political victory, Toby strolls through the Northwest lobby in a surprisingly buoyant mood. He greets Margaret with an almost performative cheer and lilts into song as staff …
In the communications bullpen Toby's rare, sustained elation—his post‑"Day of Jubilee" high—is on display as staffers marvel at his mood. Mandy intercepts him, leverages the celebratory atmosphere, and hauls him …