S5E1 · 7A WF 83429

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 rift that separates Jed from Abbey and Liz; tensions arise between Walken's staff and Bartlet's staff; the Democratic leadership in Congress assails Leo for allowing Jed to step aside; in retaliation for Shareef's death, a movie theater in Turkey is bombed, and eighty people, including American soldiers, are killed.

Plot summary and ending

Spoilers ahead. Coverage follows the scope labeled below.

Complete story — includes the ending

The world watches the desperate search for Zoey Bartlet while rival administrations form an uneasy alliance as a result of President Jed Bartlet invoking the 25th Amendment, causing Speaker of the House Glen Allen Walken, a Republican, to become acting President. The staffs of both men, now forced to work together in the West Wing, weigh options that include a preemptive military strike at terrorist targets — a move that could doom Zoey. Also, the full story behind the assassination of Abdul Shareef is revealed, and a deadly terrorist attack occurs in Turkey. Note: The code in the episode title refers to Zoey Bartlet's FBI case file number. Stockard Channing submitted this episode as an Emmy nominee for Outstanding Supporting Actress. Also submitted as a nominee for Outstanding Drama.

Sources and content license

Source and revision history · Adapted from Wikipedia contributors, The West Wing season 5. HTML formatting and reference markers removed. · Content license