Throughout your run, West Wing fascinating and touching political stories were presented to even the most inveterate cynics. The fictional presidency of Josiah Bartlet (Martin Sheen) was inspiring, though wildly imperfect. IMDb users have compiled a rating of the best episodes of the series.
Some episodes, such as “Noel”, specifically focus on one character and their journey. Others, such as “In the Shadow of Two Gunmen, Parts I & II”, tested the ensemble of characters and completely changed the context of the series. Each episode contained a healthy dose of political intrigue and optimism.
10 “Election Day: Part 2” (season 7, episode 17)
This episode became the official starting point for Matt Santos (Jimmy Smiths) presidency. The elections came to a close, and two states decided the outcome. Unfortunately, his victory also came with the loss of his running mate Leo McGarry (John Spencer).
What makes this episode so special is how it pays tribute to Spencer. It was such a thoughtful way to honor this man and the impact he had on this series. The bittersweet tone of the episode made it one of the best episodes of the series.
9 “In Excelsis Deo” (season 1, episode 10)
West Wing always did such a good job on Christmas episodes and this one was one of the most heartbreaking. Toby (Richard Schiff) came into the spotlight after it was revealed that he was involved with a homeless Korean War veteran who died under tragic circumstances.
It was not only the series’ signature Christmas episode, but also a showcase of the best characters. In particular, Katherine JoostenDolores Landingham was a revelation. She has always been the backbone of this team and this episode proved why she was so sweet.
8 “Bartlet for America” (season 3, episode 9)
The story in this episode deals with the aftermath of President Bartlet’s revelation that he lived with multiple sclerosis throughout his presidency. Leo McGarry had to reflect on his history with the president. This episode was another example of how West Wing just knew how to make Christmas better.
The backstory shown in this episode adds extra depth to these characters and these stories. This was a critical episode in establishing the purest intentions of Bartlet’s presidency. In addition, the iconic napkin with the episode title “Let Bartlet Be Bartlet” has become one of the most famous visuals of the entire series.
7 “What a Day It Was” (season 1, episode 22)
“What a Day It Was” became one of the series’ most dramatic storylines. There was a lot of drama leading up to one of the most shocking cliffhangers on television. The White House had to deal with a downed US Air Force pilot and a mechanical failure of the space shuttle. When shots were fired, chaos reigned.
This episode would have had more than enough of the storylines that were laid out at the start. How the tension throughout the episode led to such an explosive conclusion was storytelling at its finest. Leaving the fate of these characters in the balance, the drama has reached a new level.
6 “Twenty Five” (season 4, episode 23)
After the president’s daughter Zoe Bartlet (Elisabeth Moss), was kidnapped, the White House had to deal with the crisis. Ultimately, the decision was made to resign the president in favor of his successor. This episode was a test of the US Constitution.
John Goodman has a legendary career of his own. Here he was given a chance to prove himself. It’s hard to imagine a better fictional speaker of the House of Representatives taking charge in a moment of such extreme vulnerability. This was a turning point for Bartlet’s presidency.
5 “Higher” (season 5, episode 17)
President Bartlet was forced to appoint new justices to the US Supreme Court. The fun comes as White House staff have to face an increasingly bizarre choice of roles. The answer to the White House dilemma comes from two unlikely sources.
This episode brings together what made the series so compelling. The show created a fictional United States outside of parties, and this episode showed it. Watching two judges from opposite ends of the political spectrum come together to interpret American law is a strange and touching take on the American judiciary.
4 In the Shadow of Two Gunmen: Part 2 (season 2, episode 2)
“In the Shadow of Two Gunmen: Part 2” was a heartbreaking and touching conclusion to this saga that shook West Wing. Like Josh LymanBradley Whitford) fate hung in the balance, each of his colleagues continued to reflect on how they got into the White House.
This whole storyline is set up West Wing as a classic show that has left its mark on television history. The sense of relief at the end of this saga that everything will be fine is palpable. It’s easy to see how this episode in particular gave fans a whole new appreciation for these characters.
3 “Noel” (season 2, episode 10)
After being shot by a white supremacist, Josh Lyman has faced a frightening physical and emotional recovery. “Noel” highlighted the character’s struggles with PTSD. It was an important continuation of Josh’s story.
Leo’s “Guy falls down a hole” speech alone makes this episode great. It highlighted how Leo supported his employees and had their back. Also, there were some very sweet interactions between Josh and Donna in this episode that further solidified them as a couple to root for.
2 “In the Shadow of Two Gunmen: Part I” (season 2, episode 1)
After the season finale cliffhanger, In the Shadow of Two Gunmen: Part 1 is back with a bang. It was revealed that both President Bartlet and Josh Lyman were shot to death after the President’s speech at the university. As White House staff waited to learn of their fate, they remembered where they came from and how Bartlet came to be president.
The drama alone made this episode exciting. However, what added to this story on a deeper level was that each character was reflecting on their journey to the White House. Obviously, one terrorist was not enough to destroy this team.
1 “Two Cathedrals” (season 2, episode 22)
This episode ended an exciting season with triumph and tragedy in equal measure. After the untimely death of Delores Landingham, President Bartlet had to think about his political future. After a tropical storm, the entire White House had to prepare for its solution.
This episode really highlighted everything that made President Barlet Martin Sheen great. Seeing Bartlet in his most flawed and most human form made him much more attractive despite his powerful office. This episode was the moment when Bartlet had to decide to continue to create his own destiny and use his past mistakes for good.
Source: Collider
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