‘West Wing’ must deal with Spencer’s loss

According to the pundits, Dick Cheney has more power than any vice president in U.S. history. The same might have been said for Leo McGarry, the vice-presidential candidate John Spencer played on NBC's "The West Wing."

McGarry, who served as chief of staff before joining Matthew Santos (Jimmy Smits) on the show's Democratic ticket, won’t be able to find out if the Dems are able to retain the Oval Office. Spencer died suddenly Dec. 20 of a heart attack just as the show's Election Day was nearing. His death will be addressed on the April 2 episode of the show.

NBC has been coy in revealing how executive producers John Wells and Lawrence O’Donnell will blend fact into fiction. McGarry had suffered a heart attack last season, so it makes sense that’ll be the reason behind his death.

The New York Post reported that his funeral has already been filmed, with the Air Force Honor Guard participating, and that the episode will air April 16. It might be the most emotional night of fictional television of the year.

Ultimate insider, ultimate underdog
McGarry always seemed to work best when everyone was counting him out.

Slideshow   Celebrity sightings Ginnifer Goodwin gets serious at the “Single Man” screening, Beyonce wows Berlin at MTV awards, Claire Danes is a BAFTA beauty and more. more photos

After collapsing in the woods at Camp David and becoming too impaired to continue with his chief of staff duties, he returned to the White House wounded, but far from politically impaled. While everyone was treating him with a “It’s nice to have you back but please stay out of my way,” he devised a vision for the remaining year of the administration in "Wing's" uplifting “365 Days” episode.

Similarly, this season, while preparing for the critical VP debate he seemed old, discombobulated and completely inarticulate while stumbling on policy issues. All an ingenious ruse, it turned out. As soon as McGarry saw the camera’s red light, he slaughtered his Republican opponent with both homespun charm and a clear analysis of where the country should be headed.

Now the question is where should the Santos team be headed? Who’s in the best position to take over the vacated VP spot, and how much of a blow will McGarry’s sudden departure be to the ticket?

Even though the VP is only a heartbeat away from the presidency, surveys show that voters really don’t concern themselves with who’s in the second chair. So it’s possible McGarry’s death won’t be a big deal when voters pull the curtain entering the polling booth.

But if the election is as close as the writers are letting on — after being down most of the race, Santos has pulled ahead ever so slightly in a few of the key battleground states — whoever Santos chooses could swing the vote one way or another.

MORE FROM DRAMA

'The Tudors' turns bloodier in season 2

'The Tudors' turns bloodier in season 2 Michael — or is it Kevin — returns to 'Lost' Typo puts 'ER's' Julianna Margulies back on TV 'Wire' creator reflects on show's end Quiz: Is there a true fan in the ‘House’? How well do you know ‘CSI’s’ Gil Grissom?   Add Drama headlines to your news reader: