Josh starts off this episode by rescuing Sam from his boring lawyer job — much the same way he did the first time around (see Season 2, Episodes 1 & 2) — and asking him to be his Deputy Chief of Staff in the new Santos administration. Sam says, “I thought you’d never call,” and walks out of a meeting to be with his true love, Josh. Once outside, Sam hedges a bit and says he’ll have to think about the offer. Josh asks Sam to come back to D.C., just to hear him out, and Sam does.

Josh is also handing out jobs like Halloween candy to almost everyone except poor Otto, who gets yelled at unfairly for trying to update Josh’s Blackberry. Sam witnesses this harsh side of Josh and pulls out his own ultimatum. He’ll sign on to be the Deputy COS but only if Josh takes a much needed vacation. Like most of us, Sam does not want to work for a grouchy, ill tempered boss.

President-Elect Santos makes a few international waves by having a conversation with Chinese officals and laying a bit of smack down that’s at odds with the established Bartlett Administration policy. CJ flips her very nicely coiffed wig at the call and sternly asks Josh to have a talk with Santos. For her part, the First Lady-to-be is looking at mansions to live in during the transition. She also asks Donna to be her Chief of Staff, which nicely solves the problem of Josh and Donna not having to work together anymore now that they’re getting it on.

In the end, Josh takes Sam’s advice and goes for a little vacation…without his Blackberry and with Donna! It’s cute.

Only three episodes left, fans. Ideas on what will happen in the finale? Also, what did you think of Sam’s return?