Ep 14. Take This Sabbath Day

In The West Wing season 1 episode 14, titled "Take This Sabbath Day," the team at the White House faces a moral dilemma when President Bartlet is asked to commute the death sentence of a convicted murderer who is scheduled to be executed in two days. The case is complicated by the fact that the man is a Catholic, and his priest has come to the President seeking clemency on the grounds that killing him would violate the sanctity of life.

As Bartlet wrestles with his decision, the episode delves into the personal and ethical implications of capital punishment. Toby, the President's Communications Director, struggles with his own Catholic faith as he tries to reconcile his beliefs with his duty to support the administration's policies. Meanwhile, Sam, the Deputy Communications Director, works to build a case for clemency by interviewing the victim's family and finding evidence of the man's rehabilitation.

Throughout the episode, the show explores the complexity of the justice system, highlighting the ways in which laws and procedures can sometimes conflict with higher moral values. As the clock ticks down to the execution, tensions rise among the staff, culminating in a powerful scene in which a character delivers a passionate plea for the President to do the right thing.

Overall, "Take This Sabbath Day" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged episode that challenges viewers to consider their own views on the death penalty and the nature of justice. With strong performances from the entire cast, and a compelling storyline that is both timely and timeless, this episode is a standout in an already excellent series.