Ep 16. 20 Hours in L.A.

The West Wing season 1 episode 16, titled "20 Hours in L.A.," is a dramatic installment which follows President Bartlet, his staff, and a handful of journalists as they travel to Los Angeles for a string of fundraisers in a single day. The episode takes place almost entirely during the 20-hour period they spend in the city, and explores their relationships, motivations, and personal struggles.

As the President's entourage lands in L.A., tensions are already high. CJ, the White House Press Secretary and a former Hollywood publicist, is tasked with juggling a host of media obligations, including a press conference with a room full of notoriously aggressive Hollywood reporters. Meanwhile, Leo, the President's chief of staff, is dealing with a personal crisis of his own, and is reluctant to reveal the extent of his struggles to anyone.

As the day wears on, the President and the rest of his team are forced to confront a number of challenges. One of their fundraisers is abruptly cancelled, leaving them scrambling to fill the gap in their schedule. Meanwhile, CJ struggles to deal with the Hollywood press, who are more interested in probing the private lives of the President's staff than in covering his policies. In particular, they focus on a purported romantic connection between the President's deputy chief of staff, Josh, and a high-profile reporter, Ainsley. Josh is furious at the allegations, and Ainsley is equally incensed, leading to a heated encounter during the press conference.

As the day draws to a close, the President is presented with an unexpected challenge when he learns of a group of refugees who are being held in a detention center near L.A. The refugees claim to be fleeing persecution in their home country, but their requests for asylum have been denied. The President, already reeling from the challenges of the day, is torn between his desire to help these refugees and his obligation to abide by the legal process. He ultimately makes a decision which has far-reaching consequences, both for himself and for the country as a whole.

Overall, "20 Hours in L.A." is a tense and emotionally-charged episode which showcases the complex interplay between public and private life in politics. The tight timeline and high-pressure environment serve to heighten the drama, as the characters are forced to work through their personal struggles in real time. The episode also provides a nuanced exploration of the refugee crisis, highlighting the conflicting priorities and ethical dilemmas which underlie this often-polarizing issue. With its deft blend of politics, drama and human interest, "20 Hours in L.A." is a standout episode which will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.