Show notes
Amanda and Maggie are back in the West Wing for Season 3, Episodes 4–8 (or 3-7 depending on how deep your fandom goes), and things are getting increasingly messy for President Bartlet and his administration. From congressional subpoenas and the estate tax to war crimes, campaign challengers, soft money, a missing nuclear submarine, and Thanksgiving at the White House, these episodes prove that running the country is apparently one long exercise in putting out political fires.
In "Ways and Means," the investigation into Bartlet's MS disclosure heats up as subpoenas arrive and Donna finds herself dangerously close to a conflict of interest. Meanwhile, the White House is battling over the estate tax, while C.J. starts playing some very creative press games.
Then comes "On the Day Before," where Bartlet makes the first veto of his presidency by rejecting the repeal of the estate tax. With Republicans threatening an override, political maneuvering takes center stage—and the White House is also dealing with an international crisis involving a suicide bombing in Jerusalem.
In "War Crimes," the administration tackles the definition of war crimes while Leo confronts the consequences of his own military past. Meanwhile, a church shooting sends Bartlet and Vice President John Hoynes into an uncomfortable political showdown over guns, leadership, and what it actually means to be the VP.
"Gone Quiet" takes the stakes from political chaos to international crisis when an American submarine loses contact while operating in hostile North Korean waters. Bartlet and Leo have to grapple with just how much they can—and should—trust the people responsible for bringing the submarine home.
Finally, "The Indians in the Lobby" brings us Thanksgiving, questionable polling decisions, gourmet turkey drama, and two American Indians camping out in the White House lobby. C.J. takes on their concerns while Bartlet worries about where he should spend Thanksgiving—and whether the perfect presidential turkey is even possible.
Along the way, we're talking Donna's diary, congressional investigations, Dr. Abbey Bartlet's legal troubles, John Hoynes, Toby Ziegler, Josh Lyman, C.J. Cregg, Bruno Gianelli, soft money, political challengers, presidential polling, and the eternal question: how much chaos can one White House possibly handle?
So grab your brioche, hide your diary, trust the captain and the crew, and join Only Show Fans for a very unserious look at The West Wing Season 3, Episodes 4–8.
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