The West Wing - In the Center of Power / Season 1

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Season 1 of The West Wing
The West Wing logo.png
Episodes 22nd
Country of production United StatesUnited States United States
First broadcast 22 Sep 1999 - May 17, 2000 on NBC
German-language
first broadcast		 May 12, 2008 - Oct 13, 2008 on FOX
Season 2   ▶
► Episode list
main actor
supporting cast

With the first season began in September 1999 in the United States, the television series The West Wing - In the center of power . In Germany and Austria, the first broadcast started in May 2008 on the pay-TV channel FOX .

action

The first season begins about six months after the inauguration of Democratic President Josiah Bartlet. While the deputy communications director Sam befriends a prostitute, press officer CJ has to fend off the romantic advances of a reporter. Chief of Staff Leo is overtaken by his past due to his alcohol addiction. Meanwhile, communications director Toby is doing everything possible to nominate a nominee for the Supreme Court . President Bartlet not only confesses to his chief of staff Leo that he is suffering from MS , he also wants to bring peace between the warring governments of India and Pakistan . On the domestic political level, the president is confronted with his own deadlocked neutrality and inability to govern, which is broken up towards the end of the season. At the end of the season, the president's baton is targeted by extremists at a public event.

occupation

Main cast

Richard Schiff plays Toby Ziegler

Supporting and guest cast

Episodes

No.
( total ) 		No.
( St. ) 		German title Original title First broadcast in the USA German language first broadcast (D) Director script
1 1 The bicycle accident pilot 22 Sep 1999 May 19, 2008 Thomas Schlamme Aaron Sorkin
While senior White House staff learn of the President's bicycle accident, Josh faces job fears after an unfortunate television appearance. He had verbally attacked a member of the Christian right on a talk show . In addition to a wave of refugees arriving from Cuban Havana and the fact that Sam spent the last night with a call girl , the team also has to deal with a potential opponent in the next presidential election. On this occasion, Josh meets with his advisor Mandy, who is also his former girlfriend. Sam wants to impress his supervisor's daughter's daughter on a children's sightseeing tour, which is why he makes some mistakes when giving a talk on the history of the White House. Ultimately, he has to find out that Leo's daughter Mallory is the teacher of the school class, to whom he accidentally reports about his night with the call girl. In the afternoon, the President's Advisory Board meets with the Christian Right, which Josh uses to apologize. President Bartlet joins the group amid a heated discussion of the Ten Commandments . Almost recovered from the bicycle accident, he interrupts the conversation and is furious that his granddaughter was sent a doll with a knife in her throat by Christian rights, thus declaring the discussion to be over. At a final meeting with his advisory staff in the Oval Office , the president swears his staff to be productive again with regard to the Cuban refugees. He asks Josh in a one-on-one interview not to repeat his mistake on the talk show. Josh agrees and keeps his job.
2 2 Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc 29 Sep 1999 May 26, 2008 Thomas Schlamme Aaron Sorkin
Because the president let himself be carried away with a joke, the Ryder Cup team canceled a photo opportunity in the White House, which is why the advisory board is considering hiring a media advisor. Josh, who managed a deal to prevent the president's potential opponent from running for president in the next election, fears the employment of his former girlfriend Mandy, who lost her only client as a result of the deal. Ultimately, however, he has to give in, which is why he makes her the job offer and she accepts it. At a press conference, CJ is confronted with a comment from the Vice President on an issue. Josh then expresses concern that there might be an argument between Leo and the vice president. It comes to that too; In a conversation with Leo, the Vice President emphasizes unease about his weak role in government. Josh learns of Sam's relationship with the call girl and suspects that Sam wants to convert her. After Toby brings up the same suspicion, Sam tries to contact her again that evening. At first it seems that he actually wants to save her from her job. However, he gives in after she expresses her satisfaction with her job situation. Despite her job, he wanted to continue to be friends with her. On the same evening, word reached the White House that a military plane had exploded as part of an attack . Among the fatalities is a doctor and family man who treated the president a few hours earlier. In response, President Bartlet said, he will "with the wrath of God sweep those responsible from the face of this earth forever."
3 3 An adequate answer A proportional response Oct 6, 1999 June 2, 2008 Marc Buckland Aaron Sorkin
Three days after the American transport plane was shot down, the President urged a military counter-attack. In the presence of the General Staff, he questions the usefulness of a proportionate response by favoring a disproportionate response that would result in a “total disaster”. However, since the goal of such a reaction would result in the deaths of thousands of civilians and international incomprehension, President Bartlet opted for the proportionate reaction. Meanwhile, Josh is interviewing Charlie Young, whose mother was shot dead five months earlier in the police force. CJ learns of Sam's acquaintance with the call girl Laurie and fears negative coverage. Reporter Danny Concannon confesses his knowledge of it, but refrains from publishing it. In return, he is the first reporter to receive information about the recent bomb attack. Before a televised address to the nation, the president cannot find his glasses, whereupon Charlie, who is also in the room, gives him a crucial clue. Like the staff, however, Charlie also falls victim to the president's tension. In a conversation, Leo can convince the president of the government's military approach. After the interview, President Charlie promises to outlaw the gun and ammunition that killed his mother. Charlie then accepts the job offer.
4th 4th Five votes to a majority Five votes down Oct 13, 1999 June 9, 2008 Michael Lehmann Synopsis : Lawrence O'Donnell ,
Patrick Caddell
Acting : Aaron Sorkin
Two days before an important vote in the House of Representatives , five MPs change their minds. Leo also forgets his wedding day when he is received by his wife at home late in the evening. The next day Toby is accused of stock market manipulation and thus of a federal crime. A block of shares , for which he had applied $ 5,000 a year, is worth 125,000 US dollars now. On suspicion, he instigated a friend to mention the company on the trade committee. Josh, meanwhile, meets with one of the five MPs and successfully threatens to make his re-election more difficult. He secured the vote of another MP by offering one of his former college friends an exclusive photo opportunity with the president. Since Leo would have to call in the vice president for another vote, he meets with an African-American MP instead. The planned law on the control of firearms does not apply to all weapons, which is why it rejects the law. At the end of the day, Leo has to accept the separation from his wife, who cites her dissatisfaction with Leo's workload as the reason. In the subsequent conversation with the Vice President, he assures him of his support within the framework of the law. At a meeting in the Oval Office, the staff was discussing Toby's stock problem when the back pain-ridden president suddenly came in with an overdose of painkillers and was unable to help solve the problem. Vice President Hoynes can convince the last MP of the law and is ultimately portrayed in the media as the winner of the law passage. Finally, Leo attends an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting previously recommended to him by the Vice President.
5 5 Madmen and women The Crackpots and These Women Oct 20, 1999 June 16, 2008 Anthony Drazan Aaron Sorkin
Josh gets into a crisis of meaning when he receives a card about what to do in the event of a possible nuclear attack - a privilege most of his colleagues are denied. Meanwhile, Leo ensures that the staff meets with special interest groups . Before an important press conference, Toby speaks out strongly against the President's trip to California . He later learns from a rumor that he should not have been the president's first choice for the communications director's job. Meanwhile, President Bartlet orders his staff to taste some of his prized chilli when he receives his daughter, who is about to be studying in Georgetown .
6th 6th Mr. Willis from Ohio Mr. Willis of Ohio Nov 3, 1999 June 23, 2008 Christopher Misiano Aaron Sorkin
Toby and Mandy are busy trying to convince some MPs of a commercial law with an adequate method of census. Among the MPs is Mr. Willis, who took over from his late wife. The president's daughter gets into a tumult with Josh and Sam in a public bar. Meanwhile, CJ disregards her pride and asks Sam if he can explain the basics of the upcoming census to her, and an angry president starts an argument with Leo when he tells him about his breakup.
7th 7th The state banquet The State Dinner Nov 10, 1999 June 30, 2008 Thomas Schlamme Aaron Sorkin,
Paul Redford
On the evening of a state banquet in honor of the Indonesian President , President Bartlet is confronted with major problems: a hopeless hostage-taking with dozens of militant survivors, a Category 4 hurricane that could hit a carrier group on the open sea, and an impending nationwide strike by truck drivers. Behind the scenes, the first lady prepares the banquet while a pushy reporter flirts with CJ. Josh and Toby meanwhile ask a member of the Indonesian government a favor and Sam unexpectedly meets his prostitute girlfriend at the banquet.
8th 8th opponent Enemies Nov 17, 1999 July 7, 2008 Alan Taylor H : Rick Cleveland,
Lawrence O'Donnell,
Patrick Caddell
S : Ron Osborn,
Jeff Reno
A major banking law is at stake as President Bartlet's political rivals add a land use clause that would allow open pit mining in the Montana wilderness . Meanwhile, CJ tries to dispel rumors of an argument between the president and his deputy during the cabinet meeting. An overworked Leo wants to prevent his adult daughter from meeting Sam. CJ continues to fight a reporter's romantic advances by arranging for him to meet the president. Mandy and Josh argue over the land use clause that would ruin part of the far more important banking law.
9 9 The shortlist The short list Nov 24, 1999 July 14, 2008 Bill D'Elia H : Aaron Sorkin,
Dee Dee Myers
S : Aaron Sorkin,
Patrick Caddell
When a Supreme Court judge retires, President Bartlet has a unique opportunity to influence the composition of the court by nominating a preferred judge. But after further research, his favorite reveals a contradicting interpretation of the law, which could lead to a change of opinion. In addition, an MP is making the headlines by attaching a drug problem to White House staff - this is a particularly sensitive issue for a key staff member.
10 10 In Excelsis Deodorant In Excelsis Deodorant Dec 15, 1999 July 21, 2008 Alex Graves Aaron Sorkin,
Rick Cleveland
Just before Christmas Eve, President Bartlet sneaks out for some final Christmas shopping while Toby learns more about a forgotten hero of the Korean War who died in the cold wearing a coat that once belonged to Toby. Sam and Josh ignore Leo's advice; they consult Sam's girlfriend and consider their exclusive clientele when a political opponent threatens to publicize Leo's past drug problems. CJ is amazed when the president speaks publicly about a hate crime . But when she is questioned by the persistent reporter Danny, her personal resolve fades.
11 11 Lord John Marbury Lord John Marbury Jan 5, 2000 July 28, 2008 Kevin Rodney Sullivan H : Patrick Caddell,
Lawrence O'Donnell
S : Aaron Sorkin,
Patrick Caddell
The powder keg on the Kashmiri border threatens to explode as Indian troops invade Pakistani territory. India threatens a nuclear confrontation, which President Bartlet takes very seriously. He then calls on Lord Marbury, an eccentric British diplomat who maintains contacts with the two warring nations - and has a weakness for alcoholic beverages. An enraged Josh is summoned to testify while the substance abuse investigation focuses on its intended target: Chief of Staff Leo McGarry. Meanwhile, Mandy is launching a test balloon to test the reaction of her colleagues. She pretends to represent a Liberal Republican. The President is surprised when Charlie asks if he can go out with his daughter.
12 12 The President in distress He Shall, from Time to Time Jan. 12, 2000 Aug 4, 2008 Arlene Sanford Aaron Sorkin
White House staff is in full crisis mode when President Bartlet is found unconscious while preparing for the State of the Union address . While the president's condition is officially attributed to the flu, the first lady knows more about it. Toby, on the other hand, is too busy to take notice as he has to work on the president's speech. Equally distracting is Leo's public statement on his past drug problems, as is the reappearance of the amusing Lord Marbury - a bewitched womanizer who is also an important advisor in the Indo-Pakistani conflict. Despite the crises, CJ and Leo's daughter Mallory express their romantic feelings for two very different men.
13 13 The great clearing out Take Out the Trash Day Jan. 26, 2000 Aug 11, 2008 Ken Olin Aaron Sorkin
While the President and his staff debate an appropriate response to a controversial study of sex education , sections of staff fear that the father of a hate crime victim may be ashamed of his son's homosexuality . Josh and Sam meet with members of the budget committee investigating Josh's lack of cooperation in the drug addiction affair - which was only initiated to expose Leo's previous drug problem. Toby enjoys a verbal duel with some MPs trying to hold up the latest public television schedule. CJ is advised to save some embarrassing stories from being posted for Friday to alleviate the aftereffect caused by the weekend. However, she also finds time to continue her playful flirtation with a reporter.
14th 14th The hot iron Take This Sabbath Day Feb 9, 2000 Aug 18, 2008 Thomas Schlamme H : Lawrence O'Donnell,
Paul Redford,
Aaron Sorkin
S : Aaron Sorkin
After the Supreme Court declines to suspend execution , President Bartlet must decide whether to commute the sentence in the remaining 48 hours. Therefore he appoints a priest known to him from childhood for religious advice. Toby also becomes involved in this controversial subject by overhearing a sermon from his rabbi . Elsewhere, a contentious campaign manager calls for an audience with the president as her Democratic candidate for a seat in Congress is underfunded by his party, even though he could defeat the incumbent Republican in the upcoming election.
15th 15th The secret plan Celestial navigation Feb 16, 2000 Aug 25, 2008 Christopher Misiano H : Dee Dee Myers,
Lawrence O'Donnell, Jr.
S : Aaron Sorkin
Sam and Toby are dispatched to Connecticut for damage control when they learn of the arrest of their nominee for the Supreme Court. Allegedly, he is said to have driven a car under the influence of alcohol and resisted arrest. Meanwhile, Josh is giving a college lecture on his work for the president; there he remembers the mishaps of the previous week. When he tries to replace CJ as spokeswoman, he cheerfully recounts a secret plan to fight inflation . The media have no mercy either with the Afro-American Minister for Housing and Urban Planning, who is being torn apart by the media for publicly branding a Republican as a racist .
16 16 Sleepless in LA 20 hours in LA Feb 23, 2000 Sep 1 2008 Alan Taylor Aaron Sorkin
President Bartlet and certain members of his staff travel to Los Angeles for a brief visit . The visit is to be rounded off by a donation gala attended by stars. The organizer is the boss of a film studio who, however, threatens to cancel the event. The reason: Bartlet is in favor of a law that should ban homosexuality in the military. Leo has to grapple with a stubborn vice president in Washington and convince him to clear the way in the Senate on an ethanol tax favored by the White House. Meanwhile in Los Angeles Josh learns that campaign manager Joey Lucas is staying at his hotel; he can't wait to see her again. The President takes part in a meeting whose initiators want to ban the burning of the flag. He also ensures that his daughter Zoey receives adequate protection from the Secret Service .
17th 17th From woman to woman The White House Pro-Am 22 Mar 2000 8 Sep 2008 Ken Olin Lawrence O'Donnell,
Paul Redford,
Aaron Sorkin
The President and First Lady staff battle over conflicting interests when their public statements on overseas child labor inspire a MP. She is planning an addition that would torpedo a long-delayed customs law favored by the President. In addition, the president comes under pressure when suddenly the esteemed president of the central bank dies. The successor is a man in the room who went out with the first lady during his school days. Based on recent hate mail, the Secret Service recommends that Charlie and Zoe not appear together at the opening of a club, which leads to an argument. Before negotiating with key MPs, Josh asks a stubborn Toby to watch out for him.
18th 18th A lot of work until the break Six Meetings Before Lunch Apr 5, 2000 Sep 15 2008 Clark Johnson Aaron Sorkin
After Zoey, the president's daughter, attends a college party where one of her friends is caught using drugs, CJ tries to keep the unpleasant story secret. The White House staff meanwhile celebrates the confirmation of Judge Mendoza whom they have nominated for a seat on the Supreme Court. Josh needs to have a conversation with a potential Attorney General's assistant on civil rights matters. This advocates that African-American families affected by slavery in the past should receive financial reparations payments . Meanwhile, Sam is discussing vouchers for private schools with Mallory and Mandy is working to ensure that the national zoo can add two new panda bears to its population.
19th 19th Let Bartlet be Bartlet Let Bartlet Be Bartlet Apr 26, 2000 22 Sep 2008 Laura Innes H : Peter Parnell,
Patrick Caddell
S : Aaron Sorkin
Rumors are circulating in the White House of a damning memo highlighting the weaknesses of President Bartlet's administration. CJ discovers that the memo was penned by a staff member and is now in the possession of a reporter who she tries to prevent from publishing. Sam and Toby have a meeting with officers and MPs to discuss the current “ don't ask, don't tell ” principle. When two members of the Federal Election Commission step down, Josh sees an opportunity: he meets with senatorial staff and suggests that the president nominate two reformers to replace them instead of accepting the proposals of the Senate leadership. Not only does Leo have problems with the White House's error-prone email system; he confronts the president with a challenge that could define or destroy the government.
20th 20th Mandatory minimum penalty Mandatory minimums May 3, 2000 29 Sep 2008 Robert Berlinger Aaron Sorkin
Contrary to tradition, President Bartlet appoints two reformers to the Federal Election Commission. His political opponents are threatening with a precarious law. However, the president goes one step further and brings a new and controversial drug policy into discussion. Meanwhile, Joey Lucas manages to get Josh's attention again. Toby approaches a MP who is also his ex-wife and tests her reaction to a potential narcotics law.
21st 21st Party donations Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics May 10, 2000 Oct 6, 2008 Don Scardino Aaron Sorkin
As the president and staff nervously await the results of a popularity poll, ambassadors and members of the Federal Election Commission interact with each other. In doing so, he initiated the reform of campaign financing and the cover-up of an external incident. He encounters a crisis when a photo of Sam and his secret girlfriend becomes public. Meanwhile, CJ strides through the corridors of the west wing, worried after she last made some mistakes. Josh clashes with pollster Joey Lucas.
22nd 22nd What a day What Kind of Day Has It Been? May 17, 2000 Oct 13, 2008 Thomas Schlamme Aaron Sorkin
The president prepares for a public lecture to students while his own military has to find a crashed American pilot in the Iraqi desert. CJ takes no pleasure in misleading the press about this. Toby does not want to know any information about the fate of his brother, who is aboard a space shuttle that can no longer close its cargo doors. Josh tries to convince the vice president to reconsider his position on campaign finance reform.

reception

Awards

At the Primetime Emmy Awards 2000 , the first season was nominated 18 times. The relay won the award in nine categories. Awards include Richard Schiff as best supporting actor, Allison Janney as best supporting actress and Aaron Sorkin for best screenplay for the episode In Excelsis Deo . The first season of the series also won the award in the category of best drama series. There were also awards for directing, theme music, camera work, equipment and cast. Furthermore, were Martin Sheen for best actor, John Spencer as best supporting actor and Stockard Channing nominated for best supporting actress.

Web links