The West Wing:

The West Wing: Impact Winter

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As acting chief of staff, Josh calls Leo in for backup when the news about Jed's health hits; the staff follows the progress of an asteroid headed for earth; Jed struggles with his relapse as C.J., Kate, and Toby handle the repercussions of his illness on the progress of the China summit; Josh is outraged when Will uses Jed's paralysis as a political opportunity for Russell; Donna resorts to extreme measures when Josh avoids her repeated attempts to sit down for a personal discussion; after receiving some wise advice from Leo about the future, Josh makes a decision about the man he'll support in the upcoming presidential election. Add a recap »

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Writers:: Debora Cahn

Director:: Lesli Linka Glatter

Stars:: Martin Sheen (President Jed Bartlet); Dul� Hill (Charlie Young); Allison Janney (Claudia Jean "C.J." Cregg); Moira Kelly (Mandy Hampton (Episodes 1-22)); Rob Lowe (Sam Seaborn (Episodes 1-84)); Richard Schiff (Toby Ziegler); John Spencer (Leo McGarry); Jimmy Smits (Matthew Santos (Episodes 114-)); Bradley Whitford (Josh Lyman); Janel Moloney (Donna Moss (Episodes 23-, recurring previously)); Alan Alda (Senator Arnold Vinick (Episodes 123-)); Stockard Channing (Abbey Bartlet (Episodes 45-, recurring previously)); Mary McCormack (Kate Harper (Episodes 111-, recurring previously)); Joshua Malina (Will Bailey (Episodes 78-, recurring previously))

Recurring Role:: Ron Canada (Ted Barrow); Nicole Robinson (Margaret); Melissa Fitzgerald (Carol Fitzpatrick); Kim Webster (Ginger); Gary Cole (Bob Russell); Kristin Chenoweth (Annabeth Schott)

Guest Star:: Mary Kay Place (Dr. Millicent Griffith); Patrick Fischler (Walter Sprout); Cleo King (Marla Whorisky); Ben Murray (Curtis Carruthers); William Hootkins (American Translator); David Grant Wright (Edward Austin Kelwick); Raymond Ma (President Lian); James Kyson Lee (Chinese Translator); Ping Wu (Chinese Official); Jonathan Brent (White House Photographer); Janette Kim (New Reporter #1); Willie Gault (Secret Service Agent)

The Santos house features three different staircases in three different episodes.

In the season 6 episode "Impact Winter", the staircase inside the front door to the house can be seen leading away from the door to the left of the hall.

In season 7, in the episode "Running Mates", the staircase can be seen coming down from left to right behind the door in a number of scenes,

Later in season 7, in the two "Election Day" episodes, the staircase has changed yet again, now curving upwards from the right of the door. Either Helen Santos has been doing some extensive remodelling, or different sets were used in each episode. edit »

An impact winter is an unnatural winter that is caused by debris from an impact of an asteroid or comet obscuring the sun. It is believed that if an impact winter occured it could lead to the extinction of the human race. edit »

Bartlet (about to be carried down the stairs): I'm just saying, you drop me, that's a moment that follows you the rest of your life. edit »
Josh: So, we may be hit with a hunk of intergalactic rock, we don't know when or where, and there's no more information coming because in Maui it's cloudy?
Sprout: Welcome to my world. edit »
Sprout: I loved a man once. Never told him. edit »
Josh: What happened to the good old days when a couple of hacks with cigars chose the nominiee in a smoked filled back room?
Leo: They didn't do so bad, did they?
Josh: We need a back room. edit »
Margaret: There's someone here from NASA. He needs to speak to whoever's in charge, and at this point I have no idea who that is.
Leo: Maybe, keep the philosophical questions to yourself? edit »

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10
00
swanstoon
member since: Jan 28, 2006
Impact Winter
The Bottom Line: "Exactly why I watch this series"
President Bartlett's determination in the face of adversity as his condition begins to deteriorate is inspiring,moving and humbling and the reaction of his wife and staff is both rivetting and revealing. ...Continue »
07/08/08 06:31am | report abuse
9.5
10
natali23
member since: Jun 17, 2005
Impact Winter
The Bottom Line: "Pivotal"
Cliffhangers- can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em ...Continue »
06/16/05 11:17am | report abuse