As a long-time fan of “The West Wing,” I found myself utterly captivated by the emotional depth and raw talent displayed in these episodes. Each one showcases not only the characters’ growth but also the actors’ impressive range.
The TV series “The West Wing” has never made American politics feel more comforting, just like a genuine compliment.
Back in 1999, when Aaron Sorkin introduced his fast-paced portrayal of White House operations, many Americans were genuinely intrigued about how government functioned. For a brief period, they received weekly lessons on politics and history – though sometimes fantastical – from the administration of President Jed Bartlet, brilliantly played by Martin Sheen. This was before today’s widespread cynicism and disillusionment with the democratic process.
For those who grew up watching “Schoolhouse Rock’s” “I’m Just a Bill” repeatedly, “The West Wing” was the perfect TV show as an adult. It became a cultural sensation that made being interested in government trendy, thanks to its charming cast of characters and a dose of well-crafted, dramatic intrigue. Over time, the series has been lauded as a top example of television at its finest, winning four consecutive drama series Emmys. However, it’s also been criticized as an overly idealistic and naive portrayal of our democracy. Despite this, throughout its seven seasons, it held an undisputed position during the golden age of TV viewing.
Approximately a quarter of a century has passed, and it’s likely that many Americans are wishing for a political climate as comprehensible and respectful as the one during President Bartlet’s tenure. Remarkably, the series has maintained its relevance, with its actors effectively advocating for democracy in recent elections. In fact, most of them came together in 2020 for HBO’s “A West Wing Special Benefitting When We All Vote,” a live stage performance based on a significant episode, aimed at promoting voter registration.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the show, EbMaster has compiled a list of the top 25 episodes from “The West Wing”. Like many series that have run for nearly a decade, the quality of this show noticeably decreased in its later seasons, particularly following the exit of three crucial figures – Sorkin, lead actor Rob Lowe, and director Thomas Schlamme – after Season 4. However, there were still some standout episodes post-Season 4, but for our list, we’ve focused on the best moments during the Bartlet administration.
“The Supremes” (Season 5, Episode 17)
This may be a controversial pick right out of the gate, but it’s hard to deny the performance Glenn Close delivers as a potential Supreme Court Justice nominee Season 5 is one of the show’s weakest, but this laughably optimistic exercise in Supreme Court maneuvering was still entertaining for its insistence that nominating a candidate from each party to the Supreme Court in order to appease everyone would ever actually work. That being said, it also gave Close some dynamite opportunities to act circles around … everyone. Today, this is considered one of the most divisive episodes in the entire series’ run, but it gained renewed prophetic relevance in 2016 because of its notable similarities to the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and the subsequent nomination of Merrick Garland by President Barack Obama.
“Celestial Navigation” (Season 1, Episode 15)
Sometimes, “The West Wing” allows its characters to temporarily take on their colleagues’ roles during emergencies, often with unexpected outcomes. One such instance occurs in Season 1 when press secretary C.J. Cregg (Allison Janney) needs a root canal, forcing deputy chief of staff Josh Lyman (Bradley Whitford) to step into her shoes in the press room. Almost immediately, he stumbles by hinting at a non-existent secret plan to combat inflation, causing a frenzy in the White House that lasts for 24 hours. Fortunately, Josh recovers and shares his experiences of representing the president and the nation with a group of students. Allison Janney’s impressive post-dental surgery acting performance should also be noted. Additionally, Edward James Olmos delivers a compelling portrayal as Bartlet’s obstinate Supreme Court nominee, while CCH Pounder impresses as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in guest roles.
“The Debate” (Season 7, Episode 7)
The highly anticipated showdown between presidential hopefuls Arnold Vinick (played by Alan Alda) and Matt Santos (Jimmy Smits) is included in our list due to its courage and originality. Partially scripted, partially improvised, this episode was designed to mimic a real presidential debate and was broadcast live on two coasts. Only Alda, Smits, and real-life journalist Forrest Sawyer were visible on screen during the event. The spontaneity of the format would likely be rejected by actual candidates, but it provided an electrifying stage for Alda and Smits to shine. Intriguingly, MSNBC conducted a viewer poll after the debate to determine the winner. Truly, their dedication to the performance was remarkable!
“Life on Mars” (Season 4, Episode 21)
During his time on “Friends,” the late Matthew Perry temporarily stepped away from life in the West Village to make an intriguing visit to the White House. There, he played Joe Quincy, a conservative attorney who stumbled upon a shocking revelation: Vice President Hoynes (Tim Matheson) was having an affair with a socialite that resulted in leaked classified information. By the end of the episode, Hoynes had stepped down, removing one of Bartlet’s most loyal allies – and frequent sources of irritation – from the equation. This event had far-reaching political consequences (especially two episodes later), but it was also exciting to see Perry demonstrate his quick-witted dialogue skills over several episodes, serving as a testament to why he was chosen to spearhead Sorkin’s subsequent series, “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.
“Duck and Cover” (Season 7, Episode 12)
Being president involves making decisions that impact millions, but campaigning for presidency comes with additional complexities. For instance, in this episode, President Bartlet is dealing with a potential explosion at a California nuclear plant. Meanwhile, the presidential candidates Vinick and Santos are formulating their responses, which could influence election outcomes. Vinick faces a difficult challenge since he was involved in launching the plant 25 years ago. On the other hand, Santos aims to maintain his message while allowing the media to scrutinize Vinick’s ties to the plant crisis. Throughout the series, we see two election cycles: Bartlet’s reelection and the current race between Vinick and Santos. The intriguing aspect of this episode is how decisions made before assuming the presidency can have far-reaching consequences when you finally take office. Unlike Bartlet’s campaign, this situation presents challenging dilemmas.
“Process Stories” (Season 4, Episode 8)
When an incumbent administration wins an election, they celebrate just as enthusiastically as if they had lost. The Bartlet team’s relief was a welcome change in the series, particularly following the tense build-up to Election Day. However, there was still plenty of drama once the dust settled. Deputy White House Communications Director Sam Seaborn (Lowe) is thrown into panic when his casual agreement to run for a congressional seat in California becomes a concrete plan –– complete with endorsement from friends. Amy (Mary-Louise Parker) is revealed to be betting on various races further down the ballot. And as the president celebrates his victory with supporters, his multiple sclerosis flares up, serving as a reminder that his second term will be more challenging than his first, alongside First Lady Abbey (Stockard Channing).
“Posse Comitatus” (Season 3, Episode 21)
Following the September 11 events, the portrayal of terrorism within the universe of “The West Wing” predominantly focused on the fictional Middle Eastern nation of Qumar. In the Season 3 finale, the president grapples with the idea of using a meeting with the Qumari defense minister Abdul ibn Shareef as an opportunity to eliminate a known terrorist, an act that would breach multiple international laws. This was one of the most morally conflicted moments for Bartlet, who is typically depicted as the series’ moral backbone. As his order to carry out the assassination takes effect while a production of “The War of the Roses” plays in the background, it marks the beginning of a new phase for the administration. Moreover, he also has his initial, yet secret confrontation with his Republican opponent in the reelection campaign, Josh Brolin’s character, Florida Governor Robert Richie. Coinciding with all this, CJ’s burgeoning romance with Secret Service Agent Simon Donovon (Mark Harmon) ends tragically when he is murdered during a robbery shortly after their first and last kiss.
“In The Room” (Season 6, Episode 8)
In a typical day, a president faces political disagreements and international conflicts. However, President Bartlet had an additional burden during his tenure at the White House –– the fear that Multiple Sclerosis might one day render him incapable of performing his duties. An episode focused mainly on Air Force One underscores the precarious nature of his good days. Essentially, a pressure cooker, this episode depicts Bartlet grappling with his condition during a trip to China, where he experiences a severe attack that highlights the fragility of his health.
“Manchester” (Season 3, Episodes 1 and 2)
In Season 2, the viewers were left in suspense as President Bartlet deliberated over whether to seek reelection after revealing his Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis to the nation. However, this episode, which felt like an exhilarating field trip, swiftly resolved that dilemma and plunged everyone into a crisis situation instead. Set in rural Manchester, New Hampshire during the preparations for Bartlet’s official reelection campaign kickoff, the episode showcased the initial confrontation between the current staff and the team led by campaign adviser Bruno Gianelli (played by Ron Silver). It hinted at future conflicts with its portrayal of the contrasting objectives of governing the country and securing another term in office. Moreover, it concluded with one of Bartlet’s signature motivational speeches that left you eager to find a voting booth.
“What Kind of Day Has It Been” (Season 1, Episode 22)
Even a series as cerebral as “The West Wing” wasn’t immune to the temptation of closing its first season with a huge cliffhanger. But Sorkin was smart about how he played it. The episode starts with the chaos and then rewinds, hanging it over the heads of anxious viewers for the next hour. He also puts the president in the crosshairs of an assassin’s bullet, but ultimately making Bartlet collateral damage in an attempt to kill his personal aide, Charlie (Dulé Hill). White supremacists are targeting Charlie, a young Black man dating Zoey (Elisabeth Moss), the president’s daughter, and the administration who elevated him to a position just feet from the Oval Office. It gave the episode a chilling reality check that even with the president within range, some people’s prejudices run deeper than mere political differences.
“Somebody’s Going to Emergency, Somebody’s Going to Jail” (Season 2, Episode 16)
Celebrating “Big Cheese Day”! This fictional tradition, a staple in the series, draws inspiration from an actual event where President Andrew Jackson made the White House more approachable by having a large cheese block available for anyone to eat. (It’s interesting to note that the real-life tale was inspired by a massive cheese gift given to Thomas Jefferson in 1802 by Cheshire, Massachusetts.) In the show, Chief of Staff Leo McGarry uses this fabricated tradition annually as a way to bring senior staff into contact with less frequently heard groups at the White House. This year, Sam is faced with the challenging emotional journey of discovering his father has been involved in a 28-year affair, while also working tirelessly to secure a pardon for a former White House employee accused of espionage and treason. Using his influence and understanding of the case, Sam stirs up a storm at the FBI, who have evidence supporting the man’s guilt as a spy. Swallowing a bitter pill as he grapples with his own father’s shortcomings on this difficult day, Lowe delivers an outstanding performance that showcases his talents at their best.
“In This White House” (Season 2, Episode 4)
As a dedicated cinephile, I must acknowledge that this particular episode deserves a spot on my list due to one standout factor – the remarkable portrayal of Ainsley Hayes by Emily Procter. In an outstanding debut, Ainsley is introduced as a Republican lawyer from North Carolina who leaves Sam reeling during a political talk show debate over public education. Her performance is so compelling that the Democratic administration feels compelled to recruit this talented lawyer into their legal team, creating a fascinating dynamic for her character as she navigates the waters of Washington as a conservative fish-out-of-water. Admittedly, it’s a delightful escape from today’s partisan politics, but it offers an engaging platform for Procter to showcase her acting prowess. Notably, her twelve appearances on the show remain among its most captivating character arcs before she was tempted away to star in CBS’ “CSI: Miami.
“Pilot” (Season 1, Episode 1)
Initially setting the stage was an episode where the character Bartlet, later known as a beloved president in pop culture, confronted a rigid Christian group, telling them to leave his White House until they disavowed extremists within their ranks, using colorful language. While this scenario might seem questionable in reality, it made for an exciting debut when the team and cast were already well-oiled. This episode demonstrated that Bartlet was a man whose staff would be ready to fight – both literally and metaphorically – and one whom viewers could support throughout the following seven seasons.
“Hartsfield’s Landing” (Season 3, Episode 14)
Reflecting on this episode, I’ve found myself appreciating it even more after witnessing its 2020 reprisal by the main cast in a live-staged production emphasizing the significance of voting. Upon rewatching, it truly embodies the essence of a classic “West Wing” episode. The president engages Sam and Toby (Richard Schiff) in intense, emotionally charged chess games; a tense international crisis unfolds in the Situation Room; Josh and Donna (Janel Moloney) deliver a compelling lesson on American political history that is so well-crafted it seems almost real. Even the playful prank war between CJ and Charlie adds a touch of humor to the mix.
“Shibboleth” (Season 2, Episode 8)
In this beloved sitcom moment, Allison Janney’s character uses a camera flash to assess the photo-worthy qualities of two turkeys named Troy and Eric. As Thanksgiving nears, she keeps these potential candidates in her office as contenders for the president’s actual pardon ceremony. However, her compassion for Troy leads to an unexpected twist: the president enlists Troy into a sort of military service! If that wasn’t already side-splittingly funny, the episode also features the president phoning the Butterball hotline for advice on stuffing recipes, only to stumble over his attempt to sound like a typical resident from Fargo, North Dakota. Frankly, this episode is laugh-out-loud funnier than an entire season of “The Bear.” For those craving a dose of emotional depth, don’t miss the touching scene where the president presents Charlie with a knife once owned by Paul Revere!
“Twenty Five” (Season 4, Episode 23)
The burden is lifted, Mr. President.” For four years, the sagely wise Jed Bartlet had been our guide through numerous domestic and international crises. However, the revelation that Zoey was kidnapped left us stunned. Bartlet then invoked the 25th Amendment, temporarily stepping down to focus on her safe return. This allowed the Republican Speaker of the House, Glen Allen Walken (John Goodman), to take over. He swiftly dismissed his predecessor, marking one of the darkest episodes in the show’s history, considering that even Season 1 ended with gunfire. In “The West Wing,” the aim was to educate viewers about government and the command structure. This sudden power shift was a harsh reminder, to put it mildly. It also represented Aaron Sorkin’s final note on the series: after four seasons, he left due to creative differences, and John Wells (“ER”) took over for the remainder of its run.
“Dead Irish Writers” (Season 3, Episode 15)
As a cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but empathize with Abbey in this captivating episode that earned Channing an Emmy. Unlike the usual White House flutters we see from her, this time she confronts a challenging situation – a birthday bash with 300 friends, all demanding her attention, just before a critical ethics hearing that could revoke her medical license nationwide.
“In Excelsis Deo” (Season 1, Episode 10)
After a homeless Korean War veteran is found dead wearing a coat he donated to Goodwill, Toby finds himself drawn into the man’s story, and somewhat misguidedly wields his proximity to the president to get the man a proper funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. In a show of “The West Wing’s” instantaneous popularity, the moving burial scene was filmed on location at Arlington with the cooperation of the United States Department of Defense. But what’s most memorable about the Christmas episode is the unexpected pairing of Toby and the president’s secretary, Mrs. Landingham (Kathryn Joosten), who reveals she lost her sons in Korea and joins him for the man’s funeral.
“Bartlet for America” (Season 3, Episode 9)
In this episode, viewers were continually reminded of the loyalty shown by senior staff towards the President throughout the series. However, what made this installment stand out was its exploration into Leo’s personal history with Bartlet. This episode took us back to the crucial moment when Leo proposed Bartlet as a presidential candidate –– he had jotted down “Bartlet for America” on a napkin. The narrative also delved into Leo’s struggle with alcohol during Bartlet’s third debate, and how this affected both their lives. This portrayal of their tumultuous journey to the White House was masterfully presented by Spencer. It was hard not to feel moved when the President gave Leo the framed napkin as a Christmas gift.
“17 People” (Season 2, Episode 18)
The president’s MS diagnosis and the subsequent cover up while he ran for and served in office dominated the series in its early seasons. As a narrative device, it was at its most effective in installments like this, when an ever-inquisitive Toby deduces something is going on. It forces Bartlet and Leo to make him the 17th person aware of his condition. Whereas most of those previously told people were largely supportive of the president’s efforts to keep it under wraps, Toby outwardly detests the predicament it puts everyone in. His sound, albeit insensitive, objections strike such a cord with Bartlet, he will end up confessing to the nation four episodes later. Infamously soft-spoken until the time called for it, Toby knew this was one of those moments.
“20 Hours in America” (Season 4, Episodes 1 and 2)
The comedy series hit its peak of confidence when it found Josh, Donna, and Toby stranded in a Republican county in Indiana, which apparently forgets Daylight Saving Time. Alongside guest stars Amy Adams and John Gallagher Jr., they navigated their return to Washington via truck, train, and car, all while resolving their disagreements about debate strategy as they traversed the heartland of America. Although it may be blatantly obvious, this season premiere offers a powerful one-two punch, combining lighter moments in the White House with more serious stories involving the staff – Bartlet avoiding stock market superstitions and CJ dealing with the fallout from Simon’s death.
“Let Bartlet Be Bartlet” (Season 1, Episode 19)
In this pivotal moment during the show’s first season, an internal memo cast doubt on the president’s ability to lead due to his shy demeanor. This criticism sparked introspection within the Bartlet administration about their goals and direction, ultimately altering the entire series. With Leo issuing a new decree that gave the staff and president more freedom, “Let Bartlet Be Bartlet” became their guiding principle for the following terms and a half. For good or ill, this change began here.
“Noël” (Season 2, Episode 10)
Holiday episodes often struggle to avoid using timeless tales like “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Carol” to impart last-minute lessons for their characters. However, in this special Season 2 episode, Josh isn’t having a tranquil night at all. Instead, he must grapple with the reality that his PTSD from being shot during the Season 1 assassination attempt is getting worse. The tension between Whitford and recurring trauma specialist Dr. Stanley Keyworth (Adam Arkin) was captivating and poignant for a character who usually brings humor to the show. Yet, Whitford demonstrated his versatility. It’s understandable that anyone would feel overwhelmed with carolers blasting Christmas songs just feet away from your office all day long.
“In the Shadow of Two Gunmen” (Season 2, Episodes 1 and 2)
As a movie reviewer, I’m utterly captivated by this two-part season opener. It’s nothing short of extraordinary how the show deftly navigates the aftermath of the shootout involving the President and his team, while simultaneously delving into the backstories of key characters – their initial encounters with the Bartlet administration. The way each character is portrayed, isolated in their natural environments before joining the team, is both engrossing and thought-provoking.
“Two Cathedrals” (Season 2, Episode 22)
Every exceptional television show boasts an outstanding episode that ticks all the right boxes – it’s superbly scripted, skillfully directed, and delivered with remarkable performances. “The West Wing” achieved this triple feat in the finale of its second season. The plot was dense: President Bartlet, his wife Abbey, and their staff were planning to disclose his Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis to the nation (and manage the subsequent fallout) while dealing with the tragic death of Mrs. Landingham, a beloved and long-serving secretary, who was killed by a drunk driver shortly after purchasing her new car.
The impact of tragedy can be profound, leaving individuals weakened yet resilient. This was evident in President Bartlet, as the demise of Mrs. Landingham, who had been instrumental in keeping him grounded throughout much of his life, affected him deeply. We witness this through flashbacks to his college years, when he was battling an abusive father (portrayed by Lawrence O’Donnell, then a political advisor turned “West Wing” writer, now a host on MSNBC). However, it is in his sorrow that we see the devout Catholic president challenge God over Mrs. Landingham’s untimely death – even doing so in Latin, adding a poignant touch to his raw emotion. This powerful performance by Martin Sheen, filled with vulnerability, sets the pace for the series, leaving viewers and America on the edge of their seats as they wait for the president’s decision regarding reelection. Remarkably, despite six nominations, Sheen never won an Emmy for this series, though Whitford, Schiff, and Spencer did win statues for other episodes. Nevertheless, his performance is undeniable. If there is a moment that solidified “The West Wing” as one of the greatest shows ever made, this was undoubtedly it.
Adam B. Vary contributed to this list.
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2024-09-22 18:19