When aballoonman opens fire in the press briefing room, the secret service puts the staff on lockdown until the situation is under control. While on lockdown, Josh interviews Joe Quincy, a lawyer who applied for Ainsley Hayes' old job, and though the interview goes well, Josh has a nagging feeling that something is off with Joe. Meanwhile, poker night also continues despite the lockdown, but Bartlet keeps getting interrupted after a spy plane is shot down over Russia.
Season 4 Episode 20 of The West Wing resulted in a 0.00 rating in the 18-49 demographic.
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.