Ep 2. Manchester: Part 2

The West Wing season 3 episode 2, "Manchester: Part 2," continues where the previous episode had left us, with the President's staff in the middle of a political crisis. The first part of the episode had ended with President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) delivering an emotional speech at a fundraiser that had brought the crowd to tears.

The episode begins with President Bartlet meeting with his advisors in the Oval Office, discussing his decision to run for re-election. Senior staff members Leo McGarry (John Spencer), Toby Ziegler (Richard Schiff) and Josh Lyman (Bradley Whitford) argue that the President has no other choice but to run, despite his declining health. They explain that if he doesn't run, it will be seen as a sign of weakness, and their party will not win the election.

However, President Bartlet is not convinced. He is worried that his campaign will be seen as hypocritical, as he has previously advocated for transparency in politics, yet he has been hiding his illness from the public. He is also concerned about his health, and the possibility of becoming incapacitated during his second term.

Meanwhile, Vice President John Hoynes (Tim Matheson) prepares for his own presidential campaign. He meets with possible donors, hires staff, and cultivates relationships with the press. However, as his team starts to gain momentum, rumors of a scandal start to float around.

As the day progresses, each of the staff members struggles with their own individual challenges. Toby struggles with writer's block, Josh deals with the emotional fallout of his failed relationship, and C.J. Cregg (Allison Janney) comes to terms with the fact that her personal life has become a public issue.

In the final act of the episode, the staff is called into the Oval Office for a meeting with President Bartlet. He has made his decision about the re-election, and his announcement is sure to rock the political landscape.

"Manchester: Part 2" is a gripping episode that touches on themes of political maneuvering, morality, and personal relationships. It is a character study that forces each character to confront their own values and motivations, and find a way forward in a complex and ever-changing political landscape.

Overall, this episode is a must-see for fans of The West Wing. It flawlessly continues the story arc from the previous episode, and sets up events that will shape the rest of the season. It is a testament to the quality of writing and acting that this show is known for, and a reminder of why it is considered to be one of the greatest political dramas in television history.