The White House staff shifts into crisis mode after Bartlet collapses prior to his first State of the Union address. The tension between India and Pakistan heightens when Pakistan gives its commanders control of the nuclear weapons, which leads to the staff once again consulting Lord John Marbury. Meanwhile, Leo publicly discloses his past alcohol abuse and both Sam and C.J. have romantic encounters.

Episode Viewers and Ratings

Season 1 Episode 12 of The West Wing resulted in a 0.00 rating in the 18-49 demographic.

The West Wing Season 1 Episodes...

• s01e01 - Pilot
• s01e02 - Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc
• s01e03 - A Proportional Response
• s01e04 - Five Votes Down
• s01e05 - The Crackpots and These Women
• s01e06 - Mr. Willis of Ohio
• s01e07 - The State Dinner
• s01e08 - Enemies
• s01e09 - The Short List
• s01e10 - In Excelsis Deo
• s01e11 - Lord John Marbury
• s01e12 - He Shall, From Time to Time
• s01e13 - Take Out the Trash Day
• s01e14 - Take This Sabbath Day
• s01e15 - Celestial Navigation
• s01e16 - 20 Hours in L.A.
• s01e17 - The White House Pro
• s01e18 - Six Meetings Before Lunch
• s01e19 - Let Bartlet Be Bartlet
• s01e20 - Mandatory Minimums
• s01e21 - Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics
• s01e22 - What Kind of Day Has It Been?

The West Wing Show Summary

In a unique glimpse of the inner-workings of Presidential politics, The West Wing takes viewers inside the White House and follows the lives of the staff as they help President Jed Bartlet make the crucial decisions that shape the nation and the world around it. Working closely with the President are close friend and Chief of Staff Leo McGarry; Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman; Josh's assistant Donna Moss; Communications Director Toby Ziegler; and his Deputy, Sam Seaborn; Press Secretary C.J. Cregg; First Lady Abbey Bartlet; and Charlie Young, Bartlet's Personal Aide.

As season 6 unfolded, the show shifted its focus from the current administration to the Arnold Vinick vs. Matthew Santos race for the presidency, presidential election, and transition to the new administration from the Bartlet administration.