Ep 5. The Hubbert Peak

The West Wing season 6 episode 5, "The Hubbert Peak," centers around the issue of energy independence and the country's reliance on foreign oil. President Bartlet and his team are forced to come up with a plan to address the looming energy crisis as oil prices continue to rise and the world's supply of oil dwindles.

The episode begins with a meeting between President Bartlet and his advisors, including Chief of Staff Leo McGarry and National Security Advisor Kate Harper, to discuss the latest news on oil prices. They are informed that the United States is now importing more oil than ever before and that the worldwide supply of oil has reached its peak, meaning that it will start to decline soon. The team knows that they need to take action to address this crisis, but they are unsure of where to start.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman is meeting with a group of energy executives who are pushing for the construction of a new oil pipeline from Canada to the United States. Josh is skeptical of the proposal, as he worries that it will only lead to greater dependence on oil and that the environmental concerns surrounding the pipeline will be too great to overcome.

As the President and his team continue to grapple with the energy crisis, they also have to deal with a political scandal involving a senior member of the administration. This subplot adds an extra layer of tension and drama to the episode, as the characters are forced to navigate difficult ethical and political waters while also dealing with the looming threat of an energy crisis.

Overall, "The Hubbert Peak" is a tense and thought-provoking episode that addresses some of the most pressing issues facing our country today. It raises important questions about our reliance on foreign oil, the impact of environmental concerns on the energy industry, and the role of government in solving these complex problems. Fans of The West Wing will not want to miss this riveting installment, which showcases the show's trademark blend of political drama, humor, and heart.