S1E12 · He Shall, from Time to Time

Complete story — includes the ending

After rehearsing for the State of the Union address, President Bartlet collapses in the Oval Office. An admiral and medical officer from Bethesda diagnoses it as the flu, but the First Lady, Dr. Abbey Bartlet, cancels her trip and returns to the White House to treat her husband. Skirmishes continue along the cease-fire line in Kashmir; Pakistan gives control of nuclear weapons to their field commanders. Leo faces the news media about his alcohol and Valium addiction and recovery, then faces the First Lady about the President's health; Abbey eventually admits that the President has relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), and that a fever could be fatal. Josh and Toby continue to wrestle with the speech; C.J. watches Mallory kiss Sam, and has Danny come to her office. Lord Marbury advises the President on benevolent diplomacy, who sends India a message, which produces good results. Note: The episode title refers to Article II, Section 3 of the United States Constitution, which forms the basis of the State of the Union. Stockard Channing submitted this episode as a nominee for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.