Ep 3. Third-Day Story

The West Wing season 6 episode 3, titled "Third-Day Story," begins with the White House staff anxiously awaiting news on President Bartlett's condition after his multiple sclerosis (MS) flare-up. As they prepare for a press briefing, they are cautioned to stick to the script and not disclose any new information about the president's health.

Meanwhile, Josh Lyman is struggling with the aftermath of the previous episode's cliffhanger, in which he was shot by a white nationalist extremist. He is in the hospital recovering, but is eager to get back to work. Donna Moss is by his side, trying to manage his constant requests and ensure he takes his pain medication.

As the day progresses, the staff fields a series of calls from reporters and foreign leaders, all seeking updates on President Bartlett's condition. They try to walk a fine line between being transparent and not revealing too much. Toby Ziegler, always the contrarian, argues that they should be more forthcoming, while C.J. Cregg urges caution.

Meanwhile, the president's daughter, Zoey, returns to the White House for the first time since her kidnapping. She is understandably nervous and reluctant to draw attention to herself, but also wants to help her father in any way she can. Her boyfriend, Charlie, tries to reassure her and keep her spirits up.

The tension ramps up as the press briefing approaches. C.J. and the rest of the staff are on edge, knowing that one wrong word or slip-up could have serious consequences. The briefing itself is tense and fraught with awkward moments, but ultimately succeeds in conveying the right amount of information without revealing too much.

After the briefing, the staff gradually winds down for the night. Josh and Donna have a heart-to-heart about their relationship, while Toby and C.J. have a friendly debate about their different approaches to handling the press. Zoey and Charlie enjoy a quiet moment together, grateful to be reunited but still uncertain about the future.

Overall, "Third-Day Story" is a tense and emotionally charged episode that highlights the difficult balance between transparency and discretion in politics. It also explores the aftermath of Josh's shooting and the ongoing struggles of the Bartlett family, as well as showcasing the strengths and limitations of the various White House staffers. The episode is a solid entry in the sixth season of The West Wing, and is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.