When a Supreme Court justice dies suddenly, Bartlet and his staff rush to find a nominee to replace the late Republican justice. As the staff go over hundreds of possible candidates, Bartlet begins to think the nominee will be a 'political minefield' until Josh comes up with a plan to get a liberal, Evelyn Baker Lang, approved by the Senate. Potential nominees are invited to the White House -- mainly to mislead the press -- but suspicions are heightened when Bartlet meets with a young, controversial judge.

Episode Viewers and Ratings

Season 5 Episode 17 of The West Wing resulted in a 0.00 rating in the 18-49 demographic.

The West Wing Season 5 Episodes...

• s05e01 - 7A WF 83429
• s05e02 - The Dogs of War
• s05e03 - Jefferson Lives
• s05e04 - Han
• s05e05 - Constituency of One
• s05e06 - Disaster Relief
• s05e07 - Separation of Powers
• s05e08 - Shutdown
• s05e09 - Abu el Banat
• s05e10 - The Stormy Present
• s05e11 - The Benign Prerogative
• s05e12 - Slow News Day
• s05e13 - The Warfare of Genghis Khan
• s05e14 - An Khe
• s05e15 - Full Disclosure
• s05e16 - Eppur Si Muove
• s05e17 - The Supremes
• s05e18 - Access
• s05e19 - Talking Points
• s05e20 - No Exit
• s05e21 - Gaza
• s05e22 - Memorial Day

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.