The next in an ongoing series of lists of favourite episodes from TV, here’s my Top 20 West Wing episodes!
It was very hard to just pick twenty from the West Wing, as there’s so many great episodes… but here’s my best attempt!
I’ve cheated a little by counting some two part episodes as one story, but even then there’s plenty I’ve left out.
I did notice that my picks skew in part to the first season – which opens incredibly strong – as well as seasons 5 and 6, which are favourites of mine. Not a lot from seasons 2 and 3 made it in, and whilst The Ticket and Duck & Cover from season 7 were on my maybe list, that season misses at as well.
But to the list!
- In the Shadow of Two Gunmen Pt 1&2
It’s a big dramatic episode, but makes the smart choice to mix it with our first “how the band got together” flashback. Lifting heavily (and sometimes directly) from the Reagan shooting, putting Josh’s life on the line adds stakes that wouldn’t be there if it was just the President. Memorable.
- NSF Thurmont/The Birnam Wood
The depiction of a David Camp summit over peace in the Middle East is fascinating, and the conflict between the President and Leo works. A little heavy handed though, so its in the top 20 but not the top 10.
- 20 Hours in American Pt 1&2
This is a really fun episode, but also with something to say about the way Washington insiders think about – and ignore – middle America.
- Bartlett for America
A feel good episode, and one that warns a fan’s heart. The ending is all little too unrealistic and easy for it to be truly great, but worth a place at 17!
- Freedonia
I’m a sucker for all the primary campaign stuff, and this one really gets into the vibe of the New Hampshire primary, and also lands a point about political debates.
- 17 People
It’s a Toby spectacular, and raw and honest, with tension building. My pick of this mini-arc.
- Five Votes Down
A very early episode that really introduces the characters properly, as well as showing how West Wing Washington works. Plus, I’m a huge fan of Vice President Hoynes, and he’s great here!
- Debate Camp
The show really hits its stride in early season 4, and this is a really watchable and fun episode, but also contrasts the team of now with the team at the start of Bartlet’s term.
- Manchester Pt 1 & 2
The start of season 3 brings a level headedness and interest that for me works far better than the forced melodrama of the end of season 2. This 2 parter really breaks down the difference between campaigning and governing, and show’s the limits of the staff.
- Election Night
Falling just outside the top 10, as Game On really stole its thunder (smartly – see below!), but Election Night is the feel good episode we all wanted and deserved at this point in the series. If you’re not feeling a lump in the throat at the end of this, why are you watching?!
- In Excelsis Deo
This was the episode which at the start turned me from a viewer into a fan. Its magical. Simple, and lovely.
- Game On
We all knew that eventually Bartlet would win a second term, so Sorkin is clever enough to put the effective moment of victory here rather than in Election Night, adding real surprise and excitement to the moment. It also lets us see the Full Bartlet in action on the stage!
- 7A WF 83429/ The Dogs of War
I love President Walken. I love the way he slowly earns the respect of (some of) the staff. I love the grittiness of this story. There’s a lot going on here, and its all great.
7. In the Room
The one not only has Penn and Teller, but has them giving a wonderful lesson on free speech. It introduces Arnie Vinick, who is immediately awesome. Plus it kicks off the mini-arc with China.
- The Constituency of One
This is a perfect example of multiple plot strands, all on the same theme, but all working on their own. One of the strengths of the West Wing is the ability to let the characters fail, and this is the great example of how that works.
- The Stormy Present
Into the top 5, and this is a very personal choice because I simple love the interaction with Presidents Bartlet, Walken, and Newman.
- In God We Trust
This is a Vinck tour-de-force, and amazing for it. The subject matter – and resolution of it – is a credit to the series. But the scenes between Bartlet and Vinick alone would make this a top 5.
- Celestial Navigation
Hilarious. Heart-warming. Sincere. And did I say funny?! Plus it has Edward James Olmos back as Judge Mendoza, and the point he’s there to make is excellent.
- King Corn
Raw politics with great characters. A personal choice for my number 2.
- The Supremes
My favourite episode, and the West Wing at its best – hard politics mixed with pure idealism and hope. In turn dramatic, and witty. The discussion on the future of the court is perfect, plus you have Robert Picardo, William Fichtner, and Glenn Close all turn up and give pitch perfect performances. And that final couple of scenes… brilliant. Number 1!
I know many will disagree when there’s so much good to choose from! So let me know your thoughts!
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