This episode is both a trenchant critique of our political process and an uplifting tale of honesty's triumph over cynicism and greed. It deserves to be counted among Early Edition's best.
Plot Synopsis:
When Gary rescues a schoolgirl from a rogue alligator at the local zoo, he attracts the attention of the press -- and this, in turn, attracts the attention of Supervisor Maguire, who has been looking for someone media friendly (and malleable) to replace Supervisor Callahan, who has been unseated by a recent scandal. Maguire approaches Gary at McGinty's; initially, however, Gary begs off, stating that he and politics don't get along. But then Gary must head out to save a little girl - Graciela - from getting killed by a cement truck, and he learns from Graciela's mother that local citizens repeatedly petitioned former Supervisor Callahan for a stoplight at the intersection of Wingate and Emerson and were repeatedly ignored. Ultimately, Gary decides he may be able to do some good as supervisor after all, and he takes Maguire's offer.
Upon being sworn in, Gary is immediately confronted with the brutal realities of Chicago politics. On one side, he must deal with the mockery of jaded Sun Times columnist Molly Greene; on the other, he must battle against the money and influence of Stan Covelesky, who has been aggressively lobbying against the Wingate-Emerson light so that his trucks can pass through the intersection unhindered. Despite Greene's cynical declaration that Gary's sole purpose is to "look pretty" in Callahan's seat, Gary does fight to put the Wingate-Emerson light on the board's agenda; indeed, he even takes the issue to the court of public opinion by appearing on the local news. This forces Maguire to take action: he decides at this point to let Gary have his traffic light -- if, of course, Gary agrees to vote for the construction of a new office building at Hamilton Place, a project that is slated to be awarded to none other than Stan Covelesky. Gary reluctantly agrees to the deal.
When Gary reads Molly Greene's critical column in his paper the following morning, though, he has an attack of conscience, and after visiting the Greek neighborhood that is likely to be destroyed by the Hamilton Place buy-out, he changes his mind. At the board meeting later that day, Gary backs out of his deal with Maguire, and Maguire in turn refuses to bring the Wingate-Emerson traffic light up for discussion. This makes nobody happy. Graciela's mother berates Gary for not agreeing to Maguire's "compromise", and Covelesky goes so far as to offer Gary a bribe in return for a yes vote on the Hamilton Place project. Said bribery attempt finally gets Gary riled up enough that he dramatically cuts all ties with Maguire.
After the above moment of pure awesome, Gary then goes to see Molly Greene and guilts her into helping him gain the votes of those Supervisors who are not Maguire's cronies. In the process, Greene starts to accept the possibility that Gary is completely sincere, so she has a drink with old Dutch, a politician who has been hanging around in the background of Chicago politics for forty years because he once accepted a bribe, and convinces him to use his extensive knowledge of Maguire's crew to help Gary get the one "hostile" vote he needs to have a majority. Later that evening, one of Maguire's men storms into McGinty's and, after declaring that he had nothing to do with last year's airport scandal, informs a nonplussed Gary that he will get his stoplight.
That is, Gary will get his stoplight if he can show up for the vote. Unfortunately, before Gary can head out to the critical board meeting, he reads in the paper that an explosion will take the lives of two men. Gary knows he can't ignore this story, so he tells Chuck to find some way to stall the vote on the Wingate-Emerson light while he tries to pull off the rescue. Chuck, ever a loyal friend, creates a big ruckus at the board meeting and is dragged out by security. Fortunately, Dutch is inspired by Chuck's enthusiasm and decides to take up his torch. Citing an obscure procedural guideline he wrote years ago, Dutch takes the floor, holding off the vote until a disheveled Gary rushes in with Stan Covelesky, whom Gary has just rescued, in toe. Covelesky is now behind Gary's cause, and he threatens to reveal Maguire's shady backroom dealings to the press. Gary then stands up and reminds the assembled that a supervisor's primary duty is to serve the needs of his constituents - especially the children. Gary's speech even convinces Maguire's friends to vote for Gary's light, and Maguire, seeing that the tide has turned against him, is forced to vote yes with the rest. Relieved, Gary resigns as supervisor and demands that Dutch be appointed to take his place.
The Skinny:
Stephanie S. - As you may have noticed, this is the point at which the writers decided to capitalize on Kyle Chandler's developing reputation as a modern-day Jimmy Stewart by producing a series of old Hollywood homages. This week, Gary finds himself in a municipal version of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and, to the writer's eternal credit, the episode faithfully cleaves to the social criticism that was the thematic mainspring of Capra's film as Gary battles - successfully - against a jaded press and a corrupt political machine to get a simple good accomplished.
Unfortunately for us, said social criticism is hardly out of date. Indeed, since the release of Mr. Smith in 1939, I believe the our situation has gotten even worse. As government has grown, so too has the "ruling class"; politics has become a profession rather than something we all do. When Gary proclaims his distaste for politics at the start of the episode, he reflects the attitude of today's Joe American -- and I believe this retreat of the ordinary citizen from the business of government - which has in large part been driven by the derision of our real-world Molly Greenes - has hurt our republic rather than helped it.
In an age in which career politicians pass monstrous pieces of legislation without even reading them - in an age in which the press paints ordinary American citizens as idiots or worse - a story like this in which sincerity wins out over the forces of cynicism and arrogance provides a much needed escape. I also believe this episode should be required viewing for grassroots movements, as Gary's persistence has the potential to inspire countless citizen activists.
SABR Matt - The joy of politics...I'm reminded of a Drew Carey episode in which Drew desperately tries to get the city council to approve the allocation of funds to get a pothole in front of his driveway filled. He's spends 20 minutes doing everything he can through normal political channels to get the thing fixed and finally, after his proposition fails to pass due to confusing wording at the ballot and a series of unfortunate events at his polling place, he loses his mind and starts trying to fill the pothole with dirt from his yard...in a driving rain...and he manages to break the water main in the process. :) "All I wanted was a stop light!" Gary moans...anyone who's ever tried to do honest good in politics knows his pain.
This episode is a picture of what politics would be like if the people involved were really in it for everyone else and not themselves. Think how much we would get done...how well we would thrive as a nation...if our public servants actually cared to serve the public. I particularly enjoyed how Gary's earnest good nature swings some jaded old men...the power of one positive voice to change the voices of others and save a lot of people from themselves. I think we all wish we had Gary's strength of conviction.
Writing: 9.5/ 9.5
Sean Clark has turned out a script that is both delightfully Capra-esque and classically Early Edition. This is a real achievement.
SABR Matt Chimes In: Semi-dark and semi-sweet humor and a generally crisp pace give this episode a lot of charm. And may I say...Chuck's moronic and yet sweet attempt to stall the vote is among the funniest things I've ever seen.
Acting: 9.5 / 9.5
The performances in this episode contain very few false notes; in a few places, Maguire's role as the principal antagonist is played up just a little too much, but I have no complaints otherwise. Kyle Chandler is at his best when he is given the opportunity to display some righteous anger, and he is well supported by Stevens, Lieber, and Murdock.
SABR Matt Chimes In: Fisher Stevens is a comic genius...at least it feels that way watching this episode. And of course, I very much enjoyed the performance of Don Stark...one of the better guest stars of the season.
Message: 10.0 / 10.0
If we don't get involved - if we leave the process of governing to our self-interested elites - we will deserve it when our cities, states, and country are run into the ground.
SABR Matt Chimes In: Even the VIEWER realizes he/she is too jaded when Gary starts talking about how the children (and the people in general) are his boss. We hear that kind of stuff all the time in politics and think "that opportunistic bastard...using the children to win votes!" Would we honestly know the difference if the real thing came along...a politician who actually cared about the people's best interests?
The Benevolent Hand:
The Force behind the paper provides the motivation to nudge Gary into politics, steers him around Maguire's backroom deals, and gives him an opportunity to win the support of Stan Covelesky himself. Meanwhile, Gary's entry into the fray gives Dutch a big chance to redeem himself and forces Molly Greene to recognize the possibility that some people really do care about the public good. I can't think of a better outcome. Can you?
Highlights:
GREENE: Congratulations, Supervisor. Molly Greene, Sun Times. Mind if I ask you a few questions?
MAGUIRE: Come on, Molly. Give him a chance to get his feet wet.
GARY: Oh, Molly Greene. (Gary holds out a hand.) Gary Hobson.
GREENE: (rolling her eyes) I know.
GARY: No, I mean, I know you know. I read your column, though. It's very good.
GREENE: Oh, wow, he can read! That's an improvement over Callahan.
MAGUIRE: All right, one question.
GREENE: Supervisor Hobson, what would you say is your strongest qualification for holding office -- other than gator monitor?
MAGUIRE: That's it! (Maguire starts to pull Gary away.)
GREENE: (not letting up) Because that would really qualify you more for a Congressman or Senator's job, wouldn't you say?
GARY: No, Ms. Greene. I-I'll tell you why I took this job: it's an opportunity to do some good. (Of course, no one believes him here. What a shame.)
GREENE: You don't look too good, sport. Maybe you should've thrown him some chicken fingers.
GARY: (muttering) Will chicken fingers get me a traffic light? (Greene chuckles and starts taking notes. Gary notices.) Don't write that down! That was off the record!
GREENE: Oh, you gotta say that before you make a statement, kiddo. That's the rule. If you don't want to see it in print, it's off the record. If it can be quoted but not attributed, it's on background.
GARY: What?
GREENE: Oh boy, you really did just fall off a turnip truck, didn't ya? Okay - pay attention, sport. You're not here to put up a traffic light. You're here because you look good on television. And after Callahan's ugly mug, that's enough for Maguire's outfit. You're not supposed to do anything. You're just supposed to look pretty and sit there and warm that chair for the next three months until the coming election. Maguire decides what's supposed to get done around here, not you. In this great big machine, my friend, you are but a cog - a very little cog. Chicago Politics 101. (That's one jaded woman.)
GREENE: What can I do for you, Supervisor Hobson?
GARY: It's Gary, and I want to talk to you about the article you're writing about me of the record.
GREENE: Who says I'm writing an article about you? (Gary gives Greene a Look.) Okay, let's say I am.
GARY: You have a good time making fun of people, don't ya?
GREENE: What makes you think I'd make fun of you?
GARY: Oh, I have a feeling that's what you like to do.
GREENE: Oh, look, you guys just run the circus. I review the act.
GARY: Well, maybe you've been reviewing the act a little too long, lady! Look, all I'm trying to do here is help some people. That's it.
GREENE: (cynical) How sweet.
GARY: Why have you got it in for me?
GREENE: Because you're in Maguire's pocket.
GARY: What are you talking about? I'm not in anybody's pocket!
GREENE: Oh no? How's that bar of yours doing lately? Got any problems with health inspectors? Any trouble getting your trash picked up? No? I didn't think so.
GARY: Now wait a second, I didn't ask for any of that -- look, all I want is a stoplight! That's it. In three months, I resign.
CHUCK: Hey! That's a hell of a way to start your political career: cut off the hand that feeds ya.
GARY: I don't want a political career. All I want is a stoplight!
CHUCK: Yeah, well now you've got neither, right? You gotta start listening to me when I tell you --
MAGUIRE: Give us a minute, will you?
CHUCK: Sure. (Chuck leaves.)
MAGUIRE: What the hell was that, Hobson? We had a deal.
GARY: Well, I-I changed my mind.
MAGUIRE: I don't know what you're game is. Either you're very clever, or you're just plain stupid. I don't care. You've got one more chance. Either you vote for that new office building, or you're gonna find the world of politics can be a very lonely place.
GARY: I'm not quite sure I understand.
MOTHER: It says right here you could've gotten the light if you'd voted for the Hamilton Place project.
GARY: Well, probably, but you see --
MOTHER: But what? How many more kids have to die before we get our light?
GARY: Now, wait, I-I'm gonna get the stoplight. It's just --
MOTHER: What are you doing? Holding out for a better deal?
GARY: No, I'm not holding out --
COVELESKI: (off-screen) Hobson!
MOTHER: I thought your were different, but you're not. (Ouch.)
(She leaves. Coveleski then comes up to the bar.)
COVELESKI: You got any idea how many people's plans you screwed up yesterday?
GARY: Huh?
COVELESKI: What's the problem? You were gonna get your stoplight. Not enough in it for ya?
GARY: Wait a second, I'm not gonna vote for something unless I have a reason to vote for it.
COVELESKI: Right. (Coveleski reaches into his coat and pulls out a fat envelope.) Reasons. (He drops the envelope on the bar.) With more to follow after the next vote. Nice talkin' to ya, kid.
(Next scene. Gary storms into Emmit's and throws Coveleski's bribe onto the table in front of Maguire.)
MAGUIRE: What's that?
GARY: That's a returned favor. (Gary moves to leave, then reconsiders.) Let me tell you something: I took this job so I could get some people a stoplight. And any way I've gotta do it, I'm gonna get that stoplight. (WAHOOOO! There's nothing better than righteously angry Gary.)
GREENE: You asking me for help?
GARY: You know a lot more about this than I do.
GREENE: I'm a journalist, Hobson. I call you people on your crap. I don't step in it.
GARY: (angry) No, you don't, do you? You sit up in your big newspaper office and pretend you're better than everyone and everything. You make a big joke out of all of all of it! (A beat.) Look, all I'm trying to do is help some people. That's it. All I want to do is to -- oh, what am I talkin' to you for? You don't give a damn.
(Gary starts to walk away.)
GREENE: (sighing) Hey, Hobson -- (Gary turns.) You want to start with Mary Richardson. You wanna get with her and you wanna talk about school improvements, particularly -- you got a pencil?
GARY: No.
GREENE: How did your mother ever let you out of the house? (This episode is one of the series' best because it features Gary telling off politicians and reporters. Awesome.)
CHUCK: Oh, man. This just gets better and better. Here. (He hands Gary the health inspector's report.)
GARY: Health inspection?
CHUCK: They're closing us down.
GARY: Shutting us down? For what?
CHUCK: For votin' the wrong way! You happy now?
GARY: What do you mean, am I happy? Look, what do you want me to do? You want me to take a bribe? Is that it?
CHUCK: It's called compromise, Gar. That is what this country was founded on. What is it that Patrick Henry said? 'You've got to give a little to get a little.'
GARY: I know how to get us out of this.
CHUCK: How?
GARY: I'll resign. After I get the stoplight, I'll resign.
CHUCK: Gary, they shut us down! You can't win. Forget about it.
GARY: Don't ever tell me what I can't do. (YES!)
DUTCH: He really got to you, didn't he?
GREENE: Who, Hobson? No, I just -- I think he's got a good issue, that's all.
DUTCH: Oh, there are lots of good issues, Molly. I've never seen you campaigning behind the scenes for one of them.
GREENE: I'm not -- well, maybe I am. It's just I think he really is who he says he is, Dutch.
DUTCH: So's the pope, Molly. Doesn't mean he should be mayor of Chicago.
GREENE: No - but I know someone who could've been once.
DUTCH: Oh yeah?
GREENE: Yep. Hard-nosed idealist. Had the respect of the old-liners, the reformers --
DUTCH: What's your point, Molly?
GREENE: My point is this guy was on his way, but then he tripped. Rumor was he took a penny ante bribe. Never came out in public, but it was just enough, you know, for the power brokers to drive him into the back room, where he stayed forty years.
DUTCH: Let me tell you a little story, Molly. Abraham Lincoln, when he was in Illinois politics, he was approached by a man trying to buy his influence. Well, Lincoln started to throw the man down the stairs. The man panicked and said, 'What's the matter with you, huh? I didn't offer you enough?' Well, Lincoln said, 'That's the problem. You were getting too close to my price.' Now, the difference between me and Abe, Molly, is that I didn't get my man to the staircase in time. (Nice scene.)
CHUCK: That's not fair!
MAGUIRE: I will clear this hall if there any further interruptions!
CHUCK: (standing) 'I'm madder than hell, and I'm not gonna take it anymore!'
MAGUIRE: I've warned you --
CHUCK: (continuing his desperate attempts to stall the vote) Four score and seven years ago, our forefathers founded upon this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal -- including Chicagoans! (Applause erupts. Maguire repeatedly bangs his gavel.)
MAGUIRE: Order! Order!
(Later.)
CHUCK: I'm outta order? You're outta order! And you're outta order! You're all outta order! (He takes off his shoe and starts rhythmically banging it against the podium.) Out. Of. Order! Out. Of. Order! (Security arrives and starts to drag Chuck out of the chamber.) ATTICA! ATTICA! ATTICA! Hey! This is an obstruction of the First Amendment! (Chuck is now in the hallway. In the chamber, Greene is bemused by the whole scene. LOL.)
MAGUIRE: (banging his gavel) There is a motion on the floor. Without further delay, call the question.
(Dutch looks up at a bust of Abe Lincoln and holds up his hand.)
DUTCH: Not yet.
MAGUIRE: What?
DUTCH: (standing up and walking to the podium) Table the motion for further discussion.
MAGUIRE: Once the question has been called, it's against procedure for further discussion.
DUTCH: Don't tell me about procedures. I helped write the damn procedures! As a representative of Supervisor Hobson, I may make a final address after the question has been called. I wrote it in case I had to use it myself one day - and I guess that day is finally here.
MAGUIRE: There is no such rule.
DUTCH: Prove me wrong. And until you do, I will not give up the floor. (Good for you, Dutch!)
GARY: Excuse me, Mr. Chairman. I-I have something to say. I want to say something, and-and then you can do whatever it is you want to do. First of all, no one here has to vote in any other way than what their conscience tells them to. Now second of all -- look, I just became a politician a few days ago, but, uh -- well, I have a confession to make. And that is that I work for a boss. But, uh -- well, it's not you. (He points to Maguire.) And it's not you or you or you or any of ya. (Gary then pulls little Graciela out of the audience.) This -- this is my boss. And I've gotta do right by her. We all do -- because if we don't, we're not doin' our job. And we should recognize that. Are you with me here? (We certainly are!)
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