Ep 3. A Proportional Response

In The West Wing season 1 episode 3, titled "A Proportional Response," the episode opens with a young pilot accidentally flying into hostile territory and getting shot down. President Bartlet and his staff struggle to find a response that will signal to the world that the United States will not tolerate such actions against its citizens, while also avoiding further escalation of the conflict.

Sam Seaborn, the Deputy Communications Director, suggests a proportional response: bomb a military target in the country that shot down the pilot. However, General Fitzwallace, the Joint Chiefs Chairman, points out that such an attack could lead to a wider war. The President summons his National Security Council to the Situation Room to discuss the options.

Meanwhile, Leo McGarry, the Chief of Staff, argues with Mandy Hampton, a political consultant, over the Democrats' messaging strategy. Mandy thinks they should seize the moment and attack the Republicans for their lack of foreign policy experience, but Leo believes that focusing on partisan politics during a crisis is unseemly.

At the Situation Room, the President hears from his advisors, who offer a range of options from military strikes to diplomatic pressure. The group debates the merits of each approach, and tensions rise as the clock ticks down on their decision. Bartlet grows frustrated with the lack of a clear path forward, and ends up choosing a course of action that surprises everyone in the room.

As the episode concludes, the audience is left with a sense of the gravity of the decisions made by the characters, and a glimpse into the complex world of presidential decision-making. "A Proportional Response" showcases the show's signature blend of sharp dialogue, intriguing character dynamics, and high-stakes political drama.