The West Wing: Season 5
The fifth season of the television series The West Wing continues the overarching saga of the fictitious Democratic administration of President Josiah Bartlet across 22 episodes. The drama is set primarily in the West Wing of the White House in the nation capital, where the Oval Office and offices of presidential senior personnel are located. The series features an ensemble cast including Martin Sheen, Stockard Chann
Season 5 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- The series is set primarily in the West Wing of the White House.
- The administration is a fictitious Democratic presidency led by President Josiah Bartlet.
- The location contains both the Oval Office and the offices of presidential senior personnel.
- The show features an ensemble cast portraying presidential and political staff members.
Season overview
The fifth season of the television series The West Wing continues the overarching saga of the fictitious Democratic administration of President Josiah Bartlet across 22 episodes. The drama is set primarily in the West Wing of the White House in the nation capital, where the Oval Office and offices of presidential senior personnel are located. The series features an ensemble cast including Martin Sheen, Stockard Channing, Rob Lowe, Dulé Hill, Allison Janney, Richard Schiff, John Spencer, Bradley Whitford, and Janel Moloney. The dramatic series provides a glimpse into presidential politics and was authored by Aaron Sorkin.
Episode Guide
Season 5 Progress Shield
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Sep 24, 2003
As the search for Zoey continues, Walken takes a hard line against the kidnappers that could contribute to her death; Danny releases the Shareef story, and the revelation creates a
The Dogs of War
Oct 1, 2003
Bombs drop on Qumar upon Walken's orders; as the hours pass without any word on Zoey's whereabouts, tensions increase within the Bartlet family; Walken and Leo clash after Josh's s
Jefferson Lives
Oct 8, 2003
When he realizes that his first choice for Vice President faces an uphill fight for nomination, Jed nominates a congressman that none of the staff can get excited about; Josh is le
Han
Oct 22, 2003
Josh fails to sway an unruly congressman who insists on voting against the administration on the vice presidential confirmation, but Ryan reaches out to get him to change his mind;
Constituency of One
Oct 29, 2003
Will Bailey receives an offer to become Vice President Russell's top aide. Amy Gardner does some skillful lobbying for domestic violence prevention which gets the wrath of Bartlet.
Disaster Relief
Nov 5, 2003
The fallout on the Hill from Carrick's switch to the Republican party exiles Josh deep into a White House doghouse, so C.J. gives Donna some tips on how she can support him; Jed ge
Separation of Powers
Nov 12, 2003
As Chief Justice Ashland's health problems continue to mount, Joe Quincy, Ashland's former clerk, is pressed into service to persuade him to retire; as C.J. prepares Zoey for a sit
Shutdown
Nov 19, 2003
Jed's decision not to be held hostage by Haffley shuts down the federal government; unable to get through to Jed and fearing the worst, Leo calls in the reinforcements, and Abbey r
Abu el Banat
Dec 3, 2003
The Bartet clan attempts to gather for a holiday dinner. Jed must deal with a hostage situation in Sudan, an assisted suicide in Oregon, his son-in-law's yearn to run for the House
The Stormy Present
Jan 7, 2004
President Bartlet attends the funeral of a former president with other former presidents Glenallen Walken and D. Wire Newman, while monitoring a possible situation in Saudi Arabia.
The Benign Prerogative
Jan 14, 2004
In the days leading up to the State of the Union address, Toby gets crucial voter feedback when he accompanies Joey as she mall-tests the speech around the nation; Jed and the staf
Slow News Day
Feb 4, 2004
Toby gets Jed's support to seize a controversial window of opportunity to save Social Security, but is hampered by Jed's mandate to keep the operation under wraps; desperate to fee
The Warfare of Genghis Khan
Feb 11, 2004
An unlikely party comes to the aid of the administration as it seeks to discover the party responsible for nuclear testing in the Indian Ocean; Will is unhappy, but his boss doesn'
An Khe
Feb 18, 2004
When five navy E-2C Hawkeye crew members are stranded in North Korea, Bartlet orders a risky Navy Seal rescue attempt. C.J. agrees to one on one with a motormouth conservative talk
Full Disclosure
Feb 25, 2004
He's back, Former VP John Hoynes, who resigned in sex scandal, makes a bid for political resurrection by trashing Barlet and Leo in a tell-all book. But it's C.J. who's taking the
Eppur Si Muove
Mar 3, 2004
When a conservative Republican Congresswoman targets Ellie's research project in an effort to discredit Jed, Toby discovers that the source of the leak is uncomfortably close to ho
The Supremes
Mar 24, 2004
Jed and the staff vet potential Supreme Court appointees; Toby and Andy don't see eye-to-eye on her fact-finding trip to the Middle East; Donna's parents are the unlikely inspirati
Access
Mar 31, 2004
A documentary camera crew follows C.J. around for a not-so-typical day in the White House.
Talking Points
Apr 21, 2004
Hail the conquering hero. Josh returns after nailing down details for a trade agreement. But the devil in the detail, including information kept from Josh. C.J. fights megamedia ow
No Exit
Apr 28, 2004
An airborne contamination alert locks down the West Wing, forcing staffers to stay put until the all-clear is sounded; Toby and Will face off over Will's working for the vice presi
Gaza
May 12, 2004
Donna Moss, Percy Fitzwallace, Andrea Wyatt and a couple of congressmen are in the Middle East on a fact finding mission when their cars are blown up. President Bartlet considers p
Memorial Day
May 19, 2004
Jed weighs his options for responding to the bombing as Israeli and Palestinian forces face off against each other; Josh has an interesting reaction when Colin arrives at the hospi