Ep 15. Ellie

The West Wing Season 2 episode 15 titled "Ellie" is an emotional, character-driven episode that unveils the personal life of President Bartlet's youngest daughter, Ellie Bartlet. The episode is written by Aaron Sorkin, the creator of the show, and is directed by Bill Johnson.

The episode begins with the President's daughter arriving unannounced at the White House, only to find out that her father is in a meeting, and nobody is available to take care of her. Ellie, who is a medical student, requests to shadow the Presidential physician for a day. However, after observing an operation, she is questioned by the press, and soon-after, the President's staff fear that the President's daughter could become a political liability.

Meanwhile, Toby's sister is in town and is about to have a baby. Josh is tasked with helping Toby's family, but as they go through the birthing process, they are forced to confront their religious differences. They discuss issues such as prayer and circumcision, which causes tension between the two.

Back at the White House, Ellie has a heart-to-heart with her father, and we get a glimpse into their relationship and the challenges of being the child of a president. Ellie vents her frustration with the lack of independence, and the media coverage of her every move. President Bartlet understands her concerns and tells her that she is a grown woman and encourages her to follow her dreams.

The episode is an emotional roller coaster of highs and lows. There are moments of humor, particularly during the birthing process when Toby's sister is discussing her birthing plan with Josh. There are also moments of tension and drama when the staff begins to worry about the potential political damage from Ellies's unexpected media exposure.

Overall, "Ellie" is an excellent episode that showcases the dynamic personality of the Bartlet family. It is an excellent portrayal of the strain of being a child in a high profile and heavily scrutinized family. The episode masterfully balances the emotional family drama with the political intrigue of the President's inner circle. The episode is well written and acted, making it one of the standout episodes of The West Wing's season 2.