Still angry about an American jet being shot down in the Mideast, President Bartlet overrules a plan for a 'proportional' military strike put together by the joint chiefs of staff. Bartlett wants a more severe attack, but the type of attack he wants would result in thousands of casualties. While Leo tries to cool Bartlet down, C.J. talks to Sam about the possible ramifications of his ongoing relationship with Laurie, the call girl. Meanwhile, Josh hires an African American teenager as an aide to the President.

Episode Viewers and Ratings

Season 1 Episode 3 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.