Ep 13. Take Out the Trash Day

Take Out the Trash Day is the thirteenth episode of the first season of The West Wing. In this episode, the White House staff prepares for their annual "take out the trash day," where they release all of the unflattering news stories about the administration that they have been holding onto throughout the year. Chief of Staff Leo McGarry and White House Counsel Lionel Tribbey work together to ensure that the scandalous information is released strategically so that it does not harm the administration's public image too much.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman and his assistant Donna Moss uncover a potentially devastating memo that suggests the President may have a history of substance abuse. They must navigate their way through the complicated legal and ethical implications of potentially releasing this information to the public. The situation is made even more complicated when they discover that the memo was leaked by a senator who is seeking revenge against the President for not supporting his pet project.

Elsewhere, Press Secretary C.J. Cregg faces a personal crisis when her dad, a retired judge, is arrested for drunk driving. She must decide whether to use her White House connections to help him, or to let him face the consequences of his actions.

The episode also explores the personal lives of some of the White House staff. Communications Director Toby Ziegler struggles to connect with his ex-wife and her new husband, while Chief of Staff Leo McGarry attempts to reconcile with his estranged daughter.

Overall, Take Out the Trash Day is an engaging and thought-provoking episode that delves into the complex politics and personal relationships at play in the White House. It also raises ethical questions about the role of the press in revealing potentially damaging information about public figures, and the responsibilities of those in power to maintain their integrity and public image.