The West Wing:

The West Wing: Life On Mars

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On his first day at work, Joe Quincy pieces together three news leaks and uncovers a scandal which forces Hoynes to resign. Add a recap »

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Stars:: Martin Sheen (President Jed Bartlet); Dul� Hill (Charlie Young); Allison Janney (Claudia Jean "C.J." Cregg); Moira Kelly (Mandy Hampton (Episodes 1-22)); Richard Schiff (Toby Ziegler); John Spencer (Leo McGarry); Bradley Whitford (Josh Lyman); Janel Moloney (Donna Moss (Episodes 23-, recurring previously)); Joshua Malina (Will Bailey (Episodes 78-, recurring previously))

Recurring Role:: Melissa Fitzgerald (Carol Fitzpatrick); Kris Murphy (Katie Witt); Mindy Seeger (Chris); Timothy Davis-Reed (Mark); Jeff Mooring (Phil); Nicole Robinson (Margaret); Tim Matheson (John Hoynes)

Guest Star:: Kimberlee Peterson (Lauren Shelby); Catherine Kwong (Lauren Chin); Mandy Freund (Claire Huddle); Andy Milder (Aide #1); Kiersten Warren (Blair Spoonhour); Claire Coffee (Cassie Tatum); John Apicella (Ralph Gish); Lara Phillips (Lauren Romano); Matthew Perry (Joe Quincy); Andy Umberger (Stevie)

One of the key plot points is Hoynes' relationship with Helen Baldwin, which is proven with a list of phone calls made by Hoynes. Joe has conveniently highlighted all the instances of Hoynes calling her, and he shows this to CJ. The camera shows us one page, then Joe turns the page and the camera shows us the second page. Except the second page is the same as the first, but with more names highlighted on it! Look at the first page more closely. Near the bottom, just before the shot changes, pause it and you can see other calls between Hoynes and Baldwin that aren't highlighted. No way Joy would have missed them. All the other names on the second page are the same as the first, in the same order. Obviously the prop guys made one page of names and printed it out several times, then selectively highlighted different lines on each one hoping we wouldn't notice it's the exact same page! edit »

Awards and Nominations:
This episode won the 2003 Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Drama Series along with many other episodes from the season (Aaron Sorkin, Thomas Schlamme, John Wells, Kevin Falls, Alex Graves, Christopher Misiano, Paul Redford, Kristin Harms, Llewellyn Wells, Neal Ahern, Jr.)

Tim Matheson received an Emmy nomination in 2003 for his portrayal here of Vice President John Hoynes.

Matthew Perry received an Emmy nomination in 2003 for his portrayal here of Joe Quincy. edit »

Will: I came in to show you the spots and to tell you I think we should run a counter-ad. I don't have an idea for one.
Toby: Well get one. Have an idea. Don't come in here with half a thing and not be able to...you know...after you walked me to the brink, and say "We've got to do this. It's important, though I have no earthly idea how." Like one of those guys who buys a big new thing, but doesn't really know how to get the most out of it.
Will: Toby, either get Andy to marry you, or kill yourself.
Toby: [beat] Yeah. edit »