Fabula
Theme

Institutional Power Struggles

Cliff Calley's prosecutorial narration and oath intensification on Donna escalates to diary handover under mutual destruction threats, paralleling Leo's rhetorical broadening of tribunal scope and treaty leverage against Adamley's defiant Pentagon safeguards, illuminating cultural frictions between congressional inquisitors, military brass, and White House diplomacy.

6 events exemplify this theme

Events Exemplifying This Theme

S3E5 · War Crimes
Cliff Calley Formally Confirms Donna's Deposition Oath

In voice-over against the exterior of the House Oversight Committee Building, Majority Counsel Cliff Calley methodically explains the deposition process to Donna Moss, clarifying the House reporter's transcription role and …

S3E5 · War Crimes
Cliff Intensifies Oath's Legal Gravity on Donna

In a deposition room lined with observers at a long table, Donna Moss affirms her oath with a terse 'Yes,' signaling compliance amid rising anxiety. Cliff Calley, the poised Majority …

S3E5 · War Crimes
Leo Nuances Tribunal Jurisdiction, Adamley Pounces on 'Technically'

In Leo's office, Chief of Staff Leo McGarry seeks to strategically broaden the War Crimes Tribunal debate, asserting it technically extends beyond war crimes alone—hinting at wider legal jurisdiction to …

S3E5 · War Crimes
Leo Leverages Treaty Ratification to Isolate Adamley, Met with Defiant Refusal

In Leo's office, as the camera pans across a globe symbolizing global stakes, Leo strides to his chair and weaponizes the treaty's momentum—139 signatories, 35 ratifications, threshold at 60—to corner …

S3E5 · War Crimes
Josh Hands Over Donna's Diary to Cliff Under Threat of Mutual Destruction

Cliff emerges from behind the fountain, catching Josh and a tense Donna off-guard on the park bench. Josh confronts him sternly, dictating strict terms: Cliff can review the diary in …

S3E5 · War Crimes
Josh's Awkward, Shivering Comfort for Donna

After handing off Donna's diary to Cliff under strict terms, Josh returns to the park bench where an exhausted Donna sits stiffly, staring ahead. Shivering in the post-rain chill, he …

Explore Other Themes