S1E14 · Take This Sabbath Day

Complete story — includes the ending

Late on a Friday, the Supreme Court declines to set aside the death sentence of a federal prisoner for two drug-related murders and orders the execution to take place early on the following Monday at the Federal Penitentiary at Terre Haute, Indiana. One of the appellant's public defenders is Sam's former bully from high school, who places a last-effort call to Sam in hopes of saving his client through presidential intervention. Sam answers as he unsuccessfully tries to leave the White House for a weekend of sailing, and the two then meet in person. On Saturday morning, President Bartlet returns from Stockholm; Donna finds Josh asleep and hungover in his office after a bachelor party. Sam calls Toby at his temple, while his rabbi presents a sermon against capital punishment, as Sam's classmate found the rabbi and arranged for him to preach to Toby. Meanwhile, Josephine “Joey” Lucas ( Marlee Matlin ), the deaf campaign manager for a Democratic House candidate from Southern California, using American Sign Language through her interpreter Kenny, aggressively asks Josh why the White House has caused the Democratic National Committee to reduce the funding for her campaign, and then demands to meet the President. When Josh assures her that there is no way for her to meet the President, he appears at Josh's door and gives Joey a tour of the Oval Office. The President calls the Pope and sends for the parish priest ( Karl Malden, in his final acting role) whom he knew as a boy; he also discusses the death penalty separately with Charlie and with Joey, who is a Quaker. As Joey and Kenny leave their hotel to return to California, Josh, at the request of the President, offers Joey an apology and a suggestion. The President continues to agonize over his decision and makes a Confession to the priest. Note: Submitted as one of the package of episodes for The West Wing ' s first of four consecutive Outstanding Drama Series wins