Ep 3. Jefferson Lives

The West Wing season 5 episode 3, titled Jefferson Lives, begins with the staff of the White House still reeling from the sudden death of President Bartlet's secretary, Mrs. Landingham. As they try to cope with their grief, they are also faced with the task of finding a new secretary for the President.

Meanwhile, the President is dealing with the fallout from a recent interview in which he mistakenly claimed that a former President, Josiah Bartlet, had a fictional past as a fighter pilot. This has led to calls for a Congressional investigation, with some even calling for Bartlet's impeachment.

As the staff pushes to find a replacement for Mrs. Landingham, they also must deal with the ongoing problem of a deadlocked Congress that refuses to pass any meaningful legislation. Toby tries to rally support behind a bill to expand digital cable access, while C.J. is trying to keep the peace with India, which has just conducted nuclear tests.

In the midst of all this, Josh is dealing with a personal crisis as he struggles to come to terms with his feelings for his former assistant, Donna. He confides in Leo, who counsels him to be honest with her about his feelings.

The episode centers around Bartlet's efforts to clear the record about Josiah Bartlet's past, which leads to a showdown with a powerful Republican Senator, John Hoynes. As Bartlet fights to set the record straight, he also faces pressure from his own staff to take stronger action on issues like campaign finance reform and education policy.

Ultimately, the episode explores the tension between the President's desire to do the right thing and the practical constraints imposed on him by politics and bureaucracy. As Bartlet struggles to navigate these challenges, his staff rallies around him and tries to help him find a way forward.