Ep 12. The Drop-In

The Drop-In is the twelfth episode in the second season of The West Wing. It originally aired on January 24, 2001. In this episode, President Bartlet makes an unexpected trip to the hospital for a routine exam, while Josh Lyman rushes to Washington D.C. to deal with a crisis in the Middle East.

As the episode begins, President Bartlet learns that his personal physician has discovered an abnormal EKG reading during his annual physical exam. Despite his reluctance, C.J. Cregg insists that Bartlet go to the hospital for further testing. As he awaits the results, Bartlet confides in his wife, Abbey, about his concerns for the future of his presidency and the country.

Meanwhile, Josh Lyman receives urgent news that Israeli and Palestinian militants have both claimed responsibility for the assassination of a world leader. To make matters worse, a Palestinian terrorist group has threatened to retaliate with a suicide bombing unless the Israelis release a group of prisoners.

Josh travels to Washington D.C. to meet with President Bartlet and the national security team to discuss their options and develop a plan for preventing further violence in the Middle East. In typical West Wing fashion, the team debates the merits and drawbacks of various military and diplomatic strategies, highlighting the complex and nuanced nature of international conflict resolution.

As the crisis unfolds, tensions rise and tempers flare between the Israelis and Palestinians. Meanwhile, Josh struggles to balance the demands of his job with his personal life, as his father is hospitalized in critical condition.

Despite the many obstacles facing them, the West Wing team works tirelessly to negotiate a delicate peace agreement between the warring factions. As the episode comes to a close, President Bartlet is relieved to learn that his health scare was just a false alarm, and he returns to work with renewed energy and determination to lead his country through the many challenges ahead.

The Drop-In is a compelling and thought-provoking episode that tackles some of the most complex and pressing issues facing the United States and the world today. Through its nuanced portrayal of international conflict and its focus on the human lives caught up in these struggles, the show shines a light on the crucial importance of leadership and diplomacy in times of crisis.