Ep 12. The Two Bartlets

President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) is on a roll. He just delivered an exceptional State of the Union address that has everyone talking. He's feeling great about where he is and what he's accomplished. However, things take a sudden unexpected turn when he has to undergo a routine medical procedure. The staff at the White House tries to keep the news under wraps, but there's a problem. As it turns out, the President wasn't exactly truthful about his health status when he was elected to office several years ago.

This episode of The West Wing, titled "The Two Bartlets," delves into some dark and emotional territory as the President's health crisis takes center stage. As the news begins to break, the staff scrambles to spin the story in a positive light. However, this proves to be a nearly impossible feat as rumors and reports of the President's deteriorating health begin to spread.

The episode is incredibly tense, with each character struggling to come to terms with the news in their own way. The focus is primarily on the President and his staff, who are grappling with the realization that they may have to prepare for a future without the beloved President Bartlet. There's a lot of soul-searching and philosophical exploration as characters try to understand the implications of what's happening.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the episode is the exploration of the two Bartlets. On one hand, there's the confident, charismatic leader who just delivered a magnificent speech and seemed untouchable. On the other hand, there's the vulnerable, frightened individual who's facing his own mortality. The contrast between the two is stark, and it's fascinating to see how the different characters respond to each version of the President.

As always, the writing in The West Wing is top-notch. There are some truly excellent scenes in this episode, including a particularly poignant moment between the President and his Chief of Staff, Leo (John Spencer). The dialogue is sharp and witty, but it's also deeply emotional when it needs to be. There's a lot of heart in this episode, and it's impossible not to feel for the characters as they struggle to come to grips with the uncertain future ahead.

Overall, this is a fantastic episode of The West Wing. It's a dark and emotional exploration of what can happen when a leader is faced with his own mortality, and how those around him must reckon with the implications of that. The cast is outstanding, with all the main players delivering moving and nuanced performances. It's a testament to the quality of the show that it can shift gears so dramatically from episode to episode, and still remain compelling. If you're a fan of the show, or just looking for some expertly crafted drama, this is definitely an episode worth watching.