The West Wing: Shots Fired On The White House

[@kalyarn]

I love Ron's twitch when Leo starts talking about the other incidents.

[@22metzfan]

Oh man, the look of pride on Bartlet's face when Charlie gets through the door is priceless.

[@cainster]

It's like Bartlett was just looking at his watch waiting to see how long it would take for Charlie to arrive. Funniest part is Bartlett probably knew the exact number of Secret Service agents on Ron's detail that Charlie would have to go through, and was mentally counting them down in his head.

[@cazia9]

That grin says it all ‘there’s my man, right on time’

[@amydixon2377]

You know I watched this clip last night, was mentally replaying it this morning, and suddenly realised... wait, one of Martin's sons is actually called Charlie (Estevez is the only bit they changed IIRC). Hmmm... maybe that made that gentle fatherly tone that little bit easier to pull off when he says, "Charlie... come here." Now I'm wondering if the character name was deliberate from the start on Sorkin's part, helping to imply and create a father-son dynamic.

[@patrickwaldeck6681]

Charlie would have taken on the entire secret service by himself to get to Bartlett if he had to.

[@HarrisonHollers]

@@amydixon2377 as obvious as that seems, I never ever put that together! Thank you for this input!

[@Bricriu20]

Lily Tomlin as Debbie Fidderer is just awesome!! Perfect replacement for the wonderful Mrs. Landingham.

[@TheHedgehogGiraffe]

LOVE that Toby and Will immediately both cover CJ.

[@F1_editzs]

Same

[@lethethirteen4072]

"It's bulletproof glass in the windows, okay? You wanna kill me, you're gonna have to do it from inside the building." I just love Bartlet's expression when he says that. Thank you Martin Sheen for being an amazing actor.

[@blastermasterguy]

Trying to crack a joke and reassure Charlie that everything is alright at the same time. God bless this show. It's so good!

[@TX1961]

During the time with the Orange Blob, I kept thinking how we deserved to have someone like President Bartlett.

[@homerjs225]

Also the expression on Bartlett's face when Charlie bursts into the room.

[@andrewgundy3045]

Martin Sheen was fantastic

[@flayremoon]

Bartlett knowing that Charlie was coming, and why, and how to reassure him was one of the best things about him. He knows his people

[@downtown_abown]

"Who's Will sir?" Not talked about enough.

[@TheTeddyZP]

I was just about to say that. Stop me if I'm wrong though but that seems like the kind of thing that can only happen on TV. I mean, the president was obviously joking but joking right after shots are fired on the White House seems like a no-no.

[@Blackwater_House]

@@TheTeddyZP Humour is an important part of crisis management.

[@Jomskylark]

@@Blackwater_House ehh seems like a weird time to be joking especially with the president

[@RavenheartIndustries]

@@Jomskylark depends on the president I guess...

[@nhussain720]

I thInk it was a subtle test to see if the guy remembered his own name. Lol.

[@tphillips37]

"You know what, I'm going to have to call you back." That cracked me up!

[@Kasino80]

Bartletts understanding of Charlie is heart warming. Goes to show that he's never far from the Presidents mind.

[@rgwak]

That's who Charlie is. He came to CJ's defense when the young kid called her a bitch. He rushed to protect Zoey when she was cornered by the drunk assholes.

[@coena9377]

They really have a strong father/son relationship that develops over the whole show.

[@2batgirl]

Also probably applied at least partially to his mother dying, shot in the line of duty.

[@Shalekitty]

I can only imagine what it looked like when Charlie overpowered the secret service to get to the oval. I picture men in black flung into the air like ragdolls.

[@theninjacat7200]

me too. I thought the same thing when Bartlett said 'if Charlie heard bullets...he's gonna overpower whoever is in his way to get here'...

[@goakiller900]

Somehow i imagine that there are at least a dozen knocked out secret service agents outside where Charlie was XD

[@2centschange]

There's not stopping the president's right and left hands from getting to him.

[@2centschange]

What amused me most, and it's a subtle thing, is the looks from the president when they come in. It's such a 'my faith in these two is well deserved' look

[@oatmealboy6]

goakiller900 And at least two dozen knocked out secret service agents outside where Ms. Fiderer was.

[@MrPeterpiper1969]

There was a long trail of large, unconscious guys in expensive suits and ear-pieces who STILL don't know what actually hit them. :)

[@kevaninthe4135]

Rumor has it to this day those secret service agents are still out cold.

[@marytaite3109]

Charlie didn't have a father and Jed never had a son. The devotion they had for each other was amazing.

[@DrLipkin]

Charlie's mother was also shot to death, so his reaction is understandable.

[@tomsurber2293]

You're 100 percent correct and their relationship provided one of the best aspects of any scripted television show ever.

[@Dmon3k]

Also last time there was gunfire, Charlie was the target but it was Josh and the President who got hit, so it's understandable if he has a little anxiety over it

[@marioramos4935]

While I know its a TV show, when the Prez says He's gonna overpower anyone.... you knew that Charlie was gonna bust through that door.

[@zippyzipster46]

It’s a TV show. Make believe. Certainly not the real world.

[@omarbaca3435]

1:38 “Come here”... reminds me the way my father used to call me when I was worried and he knew everything was ok and was going to calm me... miss him dearly

[@buddy3635]

I hope he rests in peace. I’m glad you had a good relationship

[@omarbaca3435]

DarkMaster Gaming Thanks for the kind words. Yes we did, great relationship. No regrets

[@TPRM1]

I’m very sorry for your loss.

[@omarbaca3435]

@@TPRM1 Thank you

[@TPRM1]

@@omarbaca3435 You’re welcome, Sir.

[@shihoblade]

This man knows his people. "You aint gonna stop Charlie or Fidderer", I swear there must be like 7 unconcious agents laying around who tried to stop those two. Feel like I just missed out on some prime action scenes.

[@waynecampeau4566]

Yep, you just know Charlie put them into a wall and clipped them on the back of the head, and Fidderer has a police stunner. :)

[@cainster]

@@waynecampeau4566 I see Charlie more of a gut puncher or in a pinch a knee to the groin type of fellow. After all at that point he already knows what guns the SS carry, how they are trained to use them and where they are located on a SS agent's body. All he has to do is go for the parts that don't have the guns and boom, they go down.

[@Vnachi8]

I love Debbie Fidder and thought the earlier scene with her playing poker and watching Will shuffle the cards was a masterclass in acting by Lily Tomlin. She said more with her body language and eyes than some actresses do with an entire script. However, the line "Ron, I hope someone is going to report this," is so clunky and out of place that it's like a speed bump in the middle of the highway.

[@Moponen]

@@Vnachi8 she first made sure that they knew CJ Toby and Will went to the media room. Then, since they were safe, she had to switch gears and just said that since she was still in a bit of shock and adrenaline is pumping and was trying to focus on the next thing. She's a secretary, not a combat veteran. The speech should be a bit janky

[@Vnachi8]

@@Moponen interesting perspective.

[@India.H]

"if Charlie heard there were bullets, he's going to overpower whoever-" BAM! xD Jed's face just lights up there with a "I was right. Charlie's awesome." expression.

[@beccalowry6437]

BEST entrance by a character ever! Nothing was gonna keep Charlie from getting to the president and making sure he was ok.

[@India.H]

Alexander Aslyn Totally agree.

[@AndreAFirenze]

you're absolutely right

[@nightthornkvala94132]

I have to wonder if any of the Grand Cheeto's staff would show that much loyalty and concern for him in a similar situation.

[@coucoureb]

Hеllо ууoutubееers wааatссh Тhее Wеst Wing оnlinе hеree => twitter.com/3ba5cd1602af3e890/status/858503757104947200

[@EpimethiusPSN]

The moment where Charlie runs through The White House to make sure that The President is ok is probably my favorite moment in the entire series. It shows that Charlie and Bartlett are no longer Employee/Employer but that they care about each like Father and Son. I love The President's wry smile when Charlie busts through the door.

[@Asurya1978]

I'll see that moment and raise you the end of Season 2, when Dire Straits is playing and the President gets soaking wet from the rain. Charlie arrives with his jacket (whilst wearing his own). As they leave, the President doesn't wear his jacket and so Charlie stops to take his off. Meanwhile, Leo, Josh, Sam etc all keep theirs on. Very subtle, but powerful.

[@antonbruce1241]

The height of the expression of their relationship is when Jed gives Charlie the customer made knife by - Paul Revere. Jed says "My grandfather passed it down to my father, my father passed it down to me, and now I'm giving it to you". That is a most definite father/son moment. Jed thinks of Charlie as his son. But I'll bet not so much later in the series when Jed caught Charlie sneaking out of Zoe's room first thing in the morning...

[@NinoNiemanThe1st]

Charlie's extreme subservience verges on being 'Uncle Tom' like. It's so over the top and hyper-emotional - nobody is like this in real life, or at least these days I'd hope. All the caricatures are wrapped up in this character. I think it's slightly 'problematic' as they'd say.

[@ninodino444]

@@NinoNiemanThe1st you are...boring

[@BBoC]

@@ninodino444 you are being too kind to that....individual...

[@jalowitz]

I love the devotion between Charlie and Bartlet that this scene depicts. It's almost as good as the Thanksgiving episode in which Bartlet gives Charlie the Bartlet Family carving knife...made by Paul Revere!

[@MNJester]

Agreed! Favorite part of this clip. lol

[@jillianbarry7017]

Also because of what happened to his mother... anything with guns would have freaked Charlie out...

[@Griezz]

Jillian Vice Well, that and the whole shooting incident that bridged Seasons 1 & 2, which (if I recall correctly) was partially caused by Charlie then-dating the President's daughter.

[@dcarr70]

David Scott I truly love the relationship between Charlie and the President. They don't make TV like this anymore and its a damn shame.

[@bethanybdavidson]

I came to this clip from watching the PR knife clip because the two demonstrate the deep relationship between Charlie and the president so well.

[@airdriver]

I always liked how Leo addressed Will Bailey by rank since he was in his uniform. It showed respect that, considering the situation, he didnt have to do.

[@TheAceOfTrace]

It also had to do with his "Who's Will?" response.

[@MatthewKearney69]

@@TheAceOfTraceso true. Will playing like he’s mixed up., plus how Leo was military and president isn’t . Will Bailey is a military officer as was Leo 👍👍🇺🇸

[@Vnachi8]

When Toby, CJ and a uniformed Will enter the Oval Office, Bartlett (never having served in the military) twice calls him by his first name, however Leo, a combat veteran, while giving orders to Will, in an instant switches to military protocol when addressing him. It's a minor part of the dialogue and has no bearing on the scene, but is just another example of the fine writing and character development that went into the show.

[@Leto617]

never noticed that before

[@davidphipps9331]

There are other small instances like that. *SPOILERS THROUGH SEASON 6* When Santos and Russel are at the White House discussing the DNC and debates and all, Santos sits casually, but immediately stands at attention. Small little details like that is part of what makes the show so damn good.

[@katesmith-thompson5500]

And Will responds with a "Yes, Sir" and immediately withdraws, no questions asked. He knows Leo outranks him and further, that the orders from Leo are from POTUS. I also think about how Will is the one who jumps into action in the press room. Gets everyone down, covers CJ, and has enough presence to tell the Secret Service where the shots came from, how many, and that everyone is okay. Will took his military training seriously, and he's the son of a general. Man, it runs deep for him.

[@Jallorn]

@@katesmith-thompson5500 Toby pulled CJ down, but otherwise, yes.

[@abigaildeeks8328]

@@Jallorn he said covers

[@geniehossain3738]

The second Leo and the President hear that their kids-I mean CJ Toby and Will-were in the line of fire, they were already halfway out the room. Love this show and the love these characters have for each other!

[@samanthahunter4720]

Jed reached for him too, just a little. Ugh, such good touches from the actors

[@madeleineclaire9257]

oh my god, I can't believe I never noticed that before. Its so parental, they're practically holding hands

[@eleanorabdo5583]

Oh my god I’ve watched it ten times now they really are just the dads of the staff aren’t they

[@djtexas4993]

Yeah it’s been said that Leo was the president’s mistress, and Abby was his wife! Ha. Not far off in a way. Leo and Jed had a deep understanding of one another. Jed would never have been president without Leo instigating it and leading him to run and become President.

[@sukhmanikaur8899]

Not only is the scene between Charlie and Jed heartwarming but it's also heartbreaking because Charlie's mom was a police officer who was killed in the line of duty. It adds a deeper layer to the father/son relationship they had which is why Jed said the glass was bulletproof.

[@MalakianM2S]

And a bit concerning if you think about it, don't know what to feel about secret service agents that can't stop a young man and an elderly woman.

[@txvj]

@@MalakianM2S It is surprisingly hard to stop a determined person without injuring them. Every agent in that hallway knew that if either of them got so much as a wrenched arm they would end up buried in the rose garden. And if they were very, very contrite Abigail Bartlet might do them the favor of killing them first 😆

[@MalakianM2S]

@@txvj What we know about R.Butterfield is that is a nonsense kind of guy, I think it would be ok by him to subdue a person that doesn't behave like they are supposed to during such an event. And we are talking about secret service agents, not a bar brawl, it's not that hard to stop a person if you know what you are doing. The script wanted to show the loyalty and determination of the characters, both entered the room basically untouched, so my observation is a moot point anyways.

[@SansMerci1013]

Thank you for the clarification- I could tell something emotional was up when Dule charged in.

[@ladyethyme]

I'm not crying you're crying

[@alialmuhanna4938]

I LOVE the bond between Charlie & Jed; it's beautiful, like a father & son

[@antourte1]

+John Doe After all he gave him his knives, passed down from his father and his father before him...

[@denniscassley9992]

+John Doe Receiving Paul Revere's knives as a gift says it all...

[@sreggird60]

I do too but would not want to be the secret service agents who let Charlie past them.

[@Burford1956]

the role of Ron Butterfield is widely under-appreciated. his straight forward actions are tempered with a quiet confidence that can be quite calming in a tense situation. Michael O'Neil is a fine actor.

[@develynseether4426]

His arrogance in NCIS was great, he just has this versatile presence for such a b-list actor.

[@NotEnoughBooks]

Damn it, Charlie has such a good and stupidly noble heart and he makes me cry.

[@fe5018]

Actually in tears right now. So heart warming.

[@verngriffiths5933]

Yup, me too...

[@andyt2k]

I like the fact that bartlett simply explains to everyone that it doesn't matter what their plans are, Charlie is going to get to the oval office to see if he's ok,

[@patricklesley7797]

And the Secret aren’t going to shoot anyone after they prev entered the Oval Office dressed in SWAT Gear…..NOT!

[@ValeriePallaoro]

What's little said about might only be recognised by healthcare heroes. Bartlett speaks clearly and calmly to each new person who enters the room, answering their queries with the words that matter, using gestures to make apparent where people are and not dismissing any one - a n y o n e s - concern. When trauma happens people can't see/hear/understand due to heightened adrenolin rush. Calm and clearly spoken words keep a head on stress. This scene is eminently well written. Just brilliant!

[@HarrisonHollers]

Great input of even further details this show added! The acting is all top notch as well!

[@petergaskin1811]

He was the President that America needed in 2016, instead of the Orange painted clown that you actually were lumbered with.

[@spaghettisluttt]

REALLY cool take

[@Kasino80]

I like how Debbie just gives orders to the secret service.

[@heisdeadjim]

As I understand the role, it is the President's Executive Secretary. She has every right to give those orders.

[@timothyrigney1319]

+heisdeadjim It really, I'd say, was a "messenger service" kind of duty; she merely passed on the decision that the head of the Secret Service detail made to the West Wing personnel.

[@pault1964]

Executive secretary has quite a high rank

[@2batgirl]

She gets to personally decide who gets to see or talk to the President most days? I say yes.

[@JPF941]

I suspect that the secret service agents do an awful lot of agreeing with people just to make them feel like the agents are listening. Someone going to report this? No shit....in the end the agents will do what is necessary to protect the president, and not even the president will be able to tell them no.

[@JustMe-ks8qc]

I got- and watched- the box set close to 20 years ago. I keep watching these clips knowing I'm going to have to watch it all over again. It's still better than anything on TV.

[@rabbit251]

I bought the set years ago after renting the whole series. (I had missed season 1 when it started and coming in on season 2 seemed out of place. Really must be watched from episode 1 until the end to get it.) I used to watch it again and again every year but now I just watch clips like you. I think my favorite is Josh in with the psychiatrist and he has PTSD. It was a great holiday episode and shinned a light on a problem many people develop when involved in traumatic event.

[@thisisme2476]

1:47 " You want to kill me, you are going to have to do it from inside the building" Charlie... "not on my watch" Deborah Fiderer..."Right there with you partner"

[@RogueBlackOp]

Charlie and Bartlett were really like a father-son relationship. Charlie desperately trying to get to him, and Bartlett assuring him everything was ok.

[@Bayougirl78]

@@dalriada7554 Good point. If something happened to President Bartlett, it would be like losing another parent to him.

[@RogueBlackOp]

@@dalriada7554 Fair point

[@amydixon2377]

Yep. And having watched this scene last night, I woke up this morning mentally replaying it, and suddenly had a moment... wait, Martin's son is actually called Charlie. Might help with that fatherly tone when he says "Charlie... come here". And also I wonder if it's the reason Sorkin called him Charlie in the first place...

[@codenamejinza]

I love this scene because it illustrates how everyone deeply cares for one another, conveyed in every way imaginable. It's a tense scene, but also heartwarming.

[@hellomoron]

1:33 Jed's just like, "Yep, there's my other kid. Zoey better marry him so I don't have to do the formal adoption paperwork."

[@joereaves544]

Think giving him the carving knife was his version of adoption paperwork.

[@hellomoron]

@@joereaves544 I approve of this interpretation!

[@jaycorbin5361]

@@joereaves544 And the Bartlett Bible at the end of the series aswell.

[@rjhaney2614]

I always love familial relationships between characters that aren’t related.

[@joereaves544]

@@rjhaney2614 Me too. Looking at your icon and the person who started this thread's icon and the fact I'm Ace too I'm amused that Bartlett/Charlie seems to be the platonic ship of choice of asexuals lol.

[@andrewhuckle803]

Jed Bartlet, the greatest President the US will never have.

[@strangerrrrrrr]

Automatic Oversteer I laughed we love a good laugh

[@2024Blue.]

Automatic Oversteer Wow. You are so idiotic and delusional.

[@buddy3635]

2020 blue, what did he say

[@Elthenar]

Meh, I'd have voted for Vinick

[@jaycorbin5361]

@@Elthenar Vinick was good, unfortunately he was in a Party that was not agreeable to him anymore, so whether he won or not, the Republican Party would've forcibly steered him away from his values, like they did near the end of his campaign.

[@johndavidmyself8039]

Drama, excitement, human emotion and with no explosions, no super heroes. This is an amazing piece of televsion.

[@privateuser9052]

Always loved how Will and Toby were familiar with gunfire and how to respond. Will because he has military training, and Toby because he grew up in a rough New York neighborhood. The best show ever made.

[@uncahay]

Toby was military too. Combat veteran even.

[@jimmy2k4o]

@@uncahay I don’t think so….? Where did he serve Grenada? Gulf? Somalia? Never heard him mention it

[@uncahay]

@@jimmy2k4o He mentions that he got better treatment at Panmunjom, which was a prisoner of war camp in North Korea during the Korean War. Now it's possible he was CIA or something, but it's likely he was just military. Also probably not old enough to have been in the Korean War, but that's a writer error. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ommUn4iKi82UrJo

[@chriscapano3406]

@@jimmy2k4o I wonder about that too. He mentions at one point that his draft number never got called during Vietnam but he during "In Excelsis Deo" from season 1. He mentions how long it took for the homeless Korean war veteran to get treatment and Toby says "I got better treatment at Panmunjon" which was in Korea. He's not old enough to have fought in Korea -- but maybe he served there at some point?

[@joemckim1183]

Toby was also there when the President and Josh got shot in season 1 finale.

[@shanem4703]

The look of "That's my boy." and the smile of a proud father Jed gives Charlie when he crashes in is simply epic.

[@danip3270]

I love, love, that Donna immediately thinks about getting Josh follow up psychological support. Everyone knows of Josh’s PTSD, and everyone supports him. I love that family mindset.

[@cedcole702]

To the ones who asked what crashing the White House details: 1. all people and vehicles inside the White House complex are halted and held where they are (in case there was more than 1 suspect); 2. All incoming and outgoing calls to the White House are halted (except for Secret Service traffic), and cell phone disruptors may be activated to prevent cell phone calls from being used. 3. All windows are covered: 4. All Uniformed and non-uniformed Secret Service staff are deployed around the outside and inside of the complex, with orders to report in every few minutes: 5. The Secret Service activates their crises command protocols (ICS): 6. If possible, POTUS and all other necessary personnel are taken to the situation room. Aircraft could be deployed above D.C. to search for any threat from above.

[@TheNukewarfare2]

Ced Cole Correct, though I think it'd be more likely that if the Secret Service had to move POTUS, they'd take him to the PEOC instead of the Sit Room. And I have to wonder why Bartlett said they wanted him to get into the motorcade. That would require him to go outside, which is the last thing the Secret Service would want if there were a shooter.

[@grovergarver3104]

+Ced Cole Very Interesting. Thanks for posting that.

[@Firan25]

+TheNukewarfare2 Possibly to move him out of the white house, but this is merely speculation. I think the idea of him getting in the motorcade, was only in case the shooter was inside the building and they need to remove him from the building. A precautionary action perhaps?

[@India.H]

+Firan25 what is the motorcade? sorry I'm British, this may be a stupid question

[@Firan25]

Indi Heaton Pretty much the president gets in his vehicle, and he is escorted by heavily armed secret service in their respective vehicles. (The motorcade in short is the presidents transport.)

[@woodlandwill]

One of my favorite scenes from the entire series. It sums Charlie up in a few seconds. Complete Love, Loyalty and Devotion to the man who proved himself honorable and worthy of it. Charlie would have followed President Bartlett off a cliff or used his own body as a shield without a second's hesitation. You can motivate someone to do just enough to keep from getting fired, but you can inspire someone to follow you anywhere and sacrifice everything.

[@Cmackie311]

This is one of my favorite scenes from the whole series. You get a sense of how much each character means to the viewer's. I remember watching the season 2 premiere "In the Shadow of Two Gunmen" and remember how freaked out I was when Josh(Bradley Whitford) was shot.

[@TimothyOBrien1958]

My favs are "So far up your ass!" and Sam firing the staffers.

[@Cmackie311]

Timothy O'Brien Oh, that was the episode when Ainsley(i think that is how her name is spelled) was hired. This show was so good, OMG

[@roadwarrior144]

"You're fired, S. Seaborn."

[@DaveTingwaldd]

Still gives me chills when Toby comes around the corner to find him.

[@Tigerman1138]

David Tingwald “Oh..,I need doctor!!!” Fun fact: that reaction of Toby swaying and scared was actually Schiff forgetting the line and being panicked. Sorkin, without missing a beat, used it as it was too genuine to remove.

[@ReaverLordTonus]

Leo: "Charlie, how did you get in here?" Ron: We had over a dozen agents in the hall" Charlie: "Those were ours? I mean oh my god, what happened to all those agents?"

[@sanosuke660]

Somebody's seen hellsing abridged.

[@shadowunifer]

Charlie goes for enthusiastic walks.

[@vlkafenryka788]

@@shadowunifer very enthusiastic

[@JamesPlaysJP]

Shawn: Gus! I never thought you had it in you to punch a guy! Let alone overpower White House Agent!, Pump it! 🤜

[@FerreusVir]

So happy I scrolled through the comments to find this.

[@dannytheman1313]

Damn after that scene I'm surprised no one offered charlie a job at the secret service.

[@dannytheman1313]

***** I'm well aware I'm referring to the context of the show.

[@dannytheman1313]

***** Not the literal interpretation of the word scene I mean scene as in that moment, that point in time. Thats what I was saying.

[@bootyman234]

***** I know right!? lol

[@Kathdath]

After dating Zoey, Charlie was to 'high profile' for the Secret Service.

[@dannytheman1313]

@@Kathdath If anything that makes him more of an asset he knows how she thinks and can train people to be better agents in regards to her.

[@meredithchandler73]

This scene never fails to make me tear up - Bartlett knows Charlie will stop at nothing to make sure he is safe.

[@michaelmedley6965]

West Wing was always one of my favorite shows. Great actors and great writing.

[@tychoman]

Jed’s face when Charlie bursts in. Pure love.

[@kulu3850]

After reading many comments here, I can only nod my head - with tears in my eyes at your amazing discourse. This clip will always be chillingly great TV.

[@MrDarryl61]

Charlie taught John Wick everything he knows about going through people lol

[@stevengoehring737]

one of the best shows ever broadcast on tv bar none

[@chriskratchman6130]

Steven Goehring who wishes there was a remake of this movie? Like if you agree.

[@erichall090909]

Chris Kratchman it’s not a movie

[@hamnchee]

Best show? Someone obviously has never watched Garfield and Friends.

[@varunhebli]

House? As good if not better!

[@rk1356]

Agreed. If only our current administration were run like this. With class and dignity. And oh, I don’t know, some intelligence and a smidge of experience.

[@Bayougirl78]

"Will, how many fingers am I holding up?"... "Who's Will, Sir?". Even in the most serious scenes they can make me laugh.

[@lmiller1413]

Right? Love this show.

[@Bibbington]

Love that Will grabs CJs head as she’s tackled down stopping her from hitting her head on the floor “he’s Lieutenant Will”

[@lmiller1413]

I know, right? That gesture and when he says, "stay down" is just so protective.

[@superkjell]

When Charlie bursts through the door at 1:30, you can see the Secret Service agent just standing there, they let him run to the president.

[@daverhoden445]

Considering the relationships between most of the characters, work would have been pretty uncomfortable for whoever stopped him.

[@SouthernFriedCyanide]

@@daverhoden445 Or the agent saw Charlie charging to the door and thought "to hell with that, I'm only wearing Kevlar"

[@johnpowers2921]

My wife and I watched the first episode of the West Wing for the first time. My wife said that she wished Martin Sheen was President now. I’d be happy with Charlie Sheen now!

[@adellepadua3770]

im with u bro

[@Kathdath]

I feel like so much of the Trump Administrations woes would hace been averted if they had been required to binge watch this show.

[@juddpalmer5445]

Kathdath Or even watching the Lisa becomes president episode of the Simpson’s.

[@cjay233]

LOL.

[@skyblue238]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJ6zfKWQisxsiq8

[@4primus]

You gotta love the loyalty of the staff to Bartlet. They moved heaven and earth to get to him in the Oval.

[@rachael7436]

it's so clear how much all of these characters care about each other. Toby and Will both diving to help CJ, Leo and Bartlet's first instincts to make sure everyone is ok and then Charlie and Bartlet, I love it so much

[@tychoman]

Debbie: Ron, someone's gonna have to report this. Ron: YES MA'AM

[@punknhead23]

Still think this is one of the silliest lines ever in TWW. Who are they going to report it to? The Principal? Like it was a playground fight! No, it was just a direct gunshot at the West Wing of the Whitehouse. No biggie.

[@TheLoneWolfofTruth3654]

@@punknhead23Pentagon. As it turns out it was a big deal. Leo informs that there’s been a string of terrorist offences including an assassination with a sniper rifle. So that means the SS assumes it’s part of an organised terrorist attempt and activates their emergency protocol and crashes the WW.

[@LordOfNothingreally]

Butterfield is one of my favourite characters of this show

[@sunshinegran]

This is a great clip. I loved Charlie from the get go and his display of loyalty, in this scene and others, to the President was always spot on.

[@vadasultenfuss6450]

“Three shots were fired one hit straight shot” so military and technical loved it

[@Nicholemccready]

I’m rewatching this show from the beginning. Top 5 best shows ever produced. ❤️

[@ScarlettM]

It warms my heart that both guys' instinct was to grab C.J. and cover her.

[@DoomedLich]

One is an army vet, and the other is in the air force reserve. So they both know a lot better than CJ in that situation and both they and CJ know it.

[@ari9638]

I'm like 99% certain Toby wasn't in the army.

[@andygrilz8497]

His sisters took him to Vietnam war protests when he was little, and he was too old to serve in the Gulf. I doubt he had a chance to serve.

[@TheWagnersDHandE]

He tells the one senator that the war ended right before his lottery number came up

[@tigqc]

Just like during the assassination attempt when she was taken to the ground and hit her head.

[@brethuffstickler788]

The deeper themes here are incredible. At face value it just seems like Charlie cares about his boss. But underneath all of this Charlie sees his family in the WW staff and is afraid of a repeat of what happened to his mother. Outstanding writing

[@blackout2189]

Goes even deeper. Charlie is afraid of a repeat of his mom AND a repeat of Rosslyn.

[@Biscuitchris7again]

I love the attention to detail the writers possess to have Leo address Will as Lieutenant Bailey in this scene, being an Air Force vet.

[@Arjay404]

Leo was also a soldier so it's a respect thing, no matter what branch or what rank it's something that soldiers share.

[@michaelmuldowney8]

"Who's Will" - genius !!

[@egdapo]

yes, definitely.

[@joemckim1183]

Will was really on money in the scene, giving specific details of what happened to the secret service. So even while he's in a hectic situation is able to keep his cool and be a service to the secret service helping giving them details to do their job ASAP.

[@mackjonsey4999]

_Will was a reserve lieutenant and that's probably why he was able to give that information so quickly_ Possibly. Or, more probably, he memorized his lines from the script. :-)

[@noblesquad485]

Mack Jonsey Even though it's fiction... Wasn't Will's dad the Supreme Allied Commander of NATO? I'm sure he would have been schooled in a lot of things military. Especially if he went to private boarding schools of that type.

[@noblesquad485]

Even being just a lawyer he still had boot camp, AIT, OCS, etc.

[@shaun375]

I agree that The West Wing is one of the best shows ever made, I would also include Hill Street Blues in that list

[@richarddarlington1139]

+Shaun Agreed. "Let's be careful out there."

[@samanthamogull1670]

I love this scene so much. Great writing and great acting. TWW did such a phenomenal job of sprinkling in just the right amount of comic relief to the serious moments. That coupled with the relationships in this show really make for a series I want to rewatch several times a year.

[@Burford1956]

Martin Sheen offers a sense of levity and humor as President, even during a tense moment; "Im surprised you kept Mrs. Fidderer in her seat" just before she burst in the room - "oh, there she is!"

[@ruthiebaechlin5237]

I love Charlie and President Bartlett's relationship. It's one of the best things about this show.

[@kylenielsen5341]

The Ron Butterfield actor is always so good.

[@heronpage3883]

Yeah when he says shut it down oh, I'm yelling yes sir at my TV, LOL!

[@barryschwarz]

It's a beautifully understated performance throighout the series. Absolute stalwart, and at the same time, incredibly well observed. Even the smaller parts were magnificent.

[@veralenora7368]

Some people thought he was a real Secret Service agent who'd been "loaned" to the show -- he was so impressive.

[@sassbrat]

He was. The scene in the 1st or 2nd season when the President was shot and his hand was butchered he never lost his composure and Barlett was concerned for him even when he was being put on the gurney telling the people to give Ron some aspirin and look at his hand. Just shows how good the show was with the actors. Starting to watch the series as i didn't watch it when it was on.

[@KLowe-of5yz]

Michael O'Neill is the actors name. 😊

[@stephen2583]

I would say 'one of the best scenes' from the show but this show was absolutely overflowing with scene as good as this. Amazing writing, amazing acting.

[@charliepruett1932]

lol! "yeah im gonna have to call you back"

[@Solodapper]

That was the funniest line outta the whole scene, like ummm yeah I'm gonna have to call you right back lol

[@forgottenfamily]

And when the pick up the phone again, he goes "if you turn on CNN..."

[@diligentone-six2688]

*"Sorry gotta call you later cause we're getting shot at by some Sniper."*

[@Solodapper]

Dan Wruck Twister!! One of my favorites movies lol

[@flowersgrewbackasthorns]

The president was like, “ no you don’t understand CHARLIE WILL BE HERE IF HE FINDS OUT SHOTS WERE FIRED.”

[@MikaylahRoggasch]

I love how much they all care about each other. I miss this show like crazy.

[@ashleyw5145]

This scene always makes me tear up. Bartlett always knows how Charlie operates and Charlie is so devoted to him.

[@YouMustbeJoking852]

That "Will How many fingers am i holding up?" "Whose Will" Still makes me laugh 15 years later

[@naptoniusmonk869]

When Charlie got through the door, you know some Secret Service guys were pink slipped that night.

[@salicemccool9268]

Anthony Harris As the President's "body man," he has the same level of access to him as the SS; at times, even higher.

[@akaSlasher]

Nah ... everybody in the White House knows about Roslynn. Everybody knows by now Charlie's loyalty and devotion to his President. I would imagine that they know that if they want to stop Charlie (or Fiderer), they're going to need more than just a couple of guys.

[@CorsetLebelle]

Most likely not he is the presidents personal assistant and has very high clearance and access to the president one of the few who can go to the residence area even

[@timmooney6910]

Not quite, when Charlie got through the door, you know some Secret Service guys were in traction that night.

[@MrCCollins1993]

Nah, the Secret Service know Charlie's always got the President's back. He's practically one of them.

[@Putaspellonyou]

I like how he called Will "lieutenant" because he was in uniform; a nod of respect from one airman to another.

[@kathyglass2922]

Will bailey... makes my heart skip a beat. He is the kind of guy you want protecting and caring for you. I miss this show.

[@HellsOnlyBelle]

Can I just say that I love how the boys scramble to cover and protect CJ? Very sweet touch.

[@lmiller1413]

Very sweet.

[@robertsnyder2252]

I love the show. This particular episode mentioned "codeword" clearance. There are 3 levels of security clearances; Confidential; Secret, and Top Secret. At the Secret and TS levels there are codewords for specific programs; i.e. operations, intelligence etc. At one time (a while back...1970's) you couldn't even mention the codeword. All that's changed. I was an enlisted staffer in the Intelligence Directorate @ HQ SAC. Every thing we touched or talked about was classified. Wasn't much talk with your friends or spouse about "how was your day"; my wife had a TS+ clearance but there was always the rejoinder......"need to know..."

[@hint0122]

Robert Snyder can you explain why shots fired would be classified?

[@tomsmith5584]

hint0122 The shots weren't classified, the response would be.

[@MrStoney]

An outstanding example of Sorkin at his best. TV drama like this doesn't currently exist.

[@nightthornkvala94132]

Amazing writing. Amazing cast. Amazing acting. Amazing show. Still holds up wonderfully after all these years.

[@babraacom6466]

Whar is the name of movie

[@nightthornkvala94132]

@@babraacom6466 Uhhhh...what movie?

[@Bayougirl78]

Something I always noticed about this scene... Leo instinctively referring to Will Bailey by his military title, even though he was kicking him out of the room, because he was in uniform at the time and Leo wanted to throw a little respect his way. Leo was a veteran himself, so he knows what's up.

[@faizantariq8656]

It’s coz Will was in uniform

[@charleschuckfinley3304]

its called a script.....

[@BornAScout]

I love how Toby and Will instantly jump to protect C.J. They obviously care for her a lot

[@salicemccool9268]

+Angelw/aShotgun And don't forget that it was Sam who "broke her necklace."

[@MrJoshlanier]

They would be charged with sexual assault today.

[@Wednesdaywoe1975]

@@MrJoshlanier Please go fuck yourself, because noone else will.

[@raywellswork]

That is what men do.

[@deckgun31]

I've seen the Secret Service detail and the protection they offer POTUS. These men and women are true patriots. They would give their lives to protect POTUS. They do not mix politics and business. They're razor focused when working. This detail is the best of the best. Much respect to all Secret Service agents.

[@Namath1000]

Amen to that.

[@jimmy2k4o]

Well said

[@katesmith-thompson5500]

USSS are the absolute vanguard. Kudos to them.

[@JnEricsonx]

@@katesmith-thompson5500 And god have they been fucked with. :(

[@katesmith-thompson5500]

@@JnEricsonx yeah, unfortunately. Hoping there's more recognition and respect going forward.

[@patburns3081]

This was one of the best shows on television and still holds up today

[@Kevin-tz2lv]

Absolutely. Only the first 4 seasons though lol

[@timmooney6910]

For a different clip I once described Charlie as a young knight loyal to his King. Here again Dule Hill knocks it out of the park.

[@TheUberlisa]

There was a scene when the truth about the MS came out. Jed took Charlie aside ordered him to tell the truth. I can't remember the exact line, but it was something like, "Do not lie out of love for me." I always loved that scene. It says so much about their relationship.

[@lyricaldali]

I'm lucky to have my own Charlie! Want to understand the love and awesomeness that is this show look at how the characters act in this scene. This is why the West Wing will always be the epitome of good tv!

[@meltz87]

Why can't anything be smart like this? Its all Duck Dynasty bullshit now.

[@BehindTheHarleyShop]

I thumbs up'd you but I gotta admit Si on duck dynasty is HILARIOUS!

[@AmberLynBigelow]

You need to watch The Newsroom.

[@stopthemadness99]

Amber-Lyn Bigelow Why? It's just The West Wing rewritten in a different time and setting.

[@As_Phil]

stopthemadness99 Not even close.

[@sloanNYC]

Charlie and Pres relationship is one of my favorite storylines ever.

[@lindalee6154]

so right meltz. WW was pobably the smartest written show in decades.

[@toddschneider847]

I imagine a wake of destruction behind Charlie and Fitterer....

[@cainster]

It probably looked like a combination of Kingsmen and the second Matrix movie when neo fights the army of clones.

[@RenaissanceM]

God I love this scene. This proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that Charlie is Jed’s Son in all but name. You can see the fear on Charlie’s face when he enters the room. He already lost one parent, he wasn’t about to lose another. Even better, you can see the pride in Jed’s eyes when Charlie comes rushing through the door just like he said he would. Knowing his boy would walk through fire if it meant protecting him. The way he comforts him afterwards he might as well have said “I’m okay Son, I’m okay…..”

[@kulu3850]

Your post left me in tears. Heartfelt.

[@cugamer8862]

I love how the Secret Service gets into the press room. Try the knob, find it locked, kick it in. No hesitation, no fumbling around, just doing what it takes to get the job done.

[@vadasultenfuss6450]

I could Kamala Harris’s female campaign SAIC entering the pres room and going full ninja to cover Chris,Toby,will,and evacuate

[@vadasultenfuss6450]

I could see sorry

[@vadasultenfuss6450]

And just the same way if not faster cause she’s badass

[@JoelWelter]

God I love the writing and acting for this show. Inject it in my veins! I have the series on DVD, but who has a player any longer?

[@rabbit251]

I have the whole DVD series, but not before I had rented and watched the whole series. BTW, I'm an American living in Japan.

[@clarkmacgowan5114]

I have two. One attached to my tv, and a portable one. Why wouldn't people have DVD players anymore? You can't stream everywhere. You can't stream everything.

[@JoelWelter]

@@clarkmacgowan5114 Yeah, the only thing I have that plays DVD's is my old MacBook Pro. One of the reasons I'm keeping it alive. I should have kept at least one of our BluRay players, but I didn't.

[@jeannebosse7137]

How Martin Sheen was nominated 6 times but never won an Emmy for The West Wing is nothing less than criminal.

[@Galactica-Actual]

I have said it before and will say it again, I love this show!

[@m.q.7149]

I watch Scandal which also involves the white house and I thought it was so great. Now I've been watching The West Wing on Netflix and I realize that Scandal doesn't come close. TWW is amazing!

[@marandabirmingham4177]

M. Padilla I am just like you. I first watched Scandal and I thought that was the best show ever. But I am starting to forget about it more and more as I watch TWW. Such an amazing show and an amazing cast!!

[@andreghouse6069]

M. Padilla Couldnt agree more! I have watched all 7 seasons about 4 times, and each time I pick up something extra that I missed the previous time. I too watch Scandal and do enjoy it, but it is nowhere near as good as TWW. The only other show that has writing that is as good is The Newsroom, another project written by Aaron Sorkin.

[@nightthornkvala94132]

I just checked. It's still on Netflix. It's WW marathon time!

[@brianwilliams4832]

Bartlett: No, you don't understand. Charlie's going to... *Charlie busts through the door* Charlie: DAD! Are you ok?!

[@cre8tivity87]

Love how Charlie runs in to check on "Dad' and "Dad" knew he was coming. By the way I just realized the mustached secret service agent played one on Scandal too.

[@JnEricsonx]

Transformers too.

[@jaimecortina1996]

CHARLIE!! Such a hero

[@jamescourt8497]

I always hoped that the future would actually hold people like this in the west wing. My younger self would be shocked at who is back.

[@luckyonos13]

Several years later, still gives me chills!

[@jamesjohnston1935]

Dule Hill as Charles Young was massively underrated.