West Wing timeline: favorite highlights (and lowlights)
Sept. 22, 1999
A handsome president and his smart staff. The first storylines: Cuban refugees and a staffer's fling with a call girl.
Fall 1999
President Bartlet acts both hawkish and loopy. C.J. spars with the press. Toby and Josh show their neuroses. Leo shepherds the flock.
Dec. 15, 1999
The "In Excelsis Deo" episode. Toby's donated coat is found on a homeless, dead Korean vet.
May 17, 2000
Shots fired at the president, daughter Zoey and his staff.
September 2000 to Spring 2001
Crises in the Persian Gulf, Africa, a Russian missile silo, Josh's head. The president juggles the AIDS threat, the nuclear test ban, asylum — and visits Portland. The president also reveals he has multiple sclerosis.
May 2001
The lovable Mrs. Landingham dies.
The show remains superb, and it has the Emmys to prove it. Outstanding drama wins in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003.
February 2003
Sam Seaborn (Rob Lowe) leaves D.C., runs for Congress.
May 2003
Zoey kidnapped.
Toby has twins.
Spring 2003
Writer-creator Aaron Sorkin quits the show, which isn't even cracking the top 20.
Fall 2003
President John Goodman?! Bombs rain in Qumar.
February 2004
Ex-V.P. Hoynes writes sex-scandal book.
May 2004
Gaza bombing: Chairman Fitzwallace (John Amos) killed; Donna injured.
October 2004
Camp David peace talks success.
Leo McGarry suffers heart attack.
C.J. becomes chief of staff
November 2004
Matt Santos, with Josh at his side, eyes the presidency.
December 2004
President Bartlet suffers paralyzing effects of his MS
January 2005
GOP presidential candidate Arnold Vinick (played by Alan Alda) introduced.
Toby is the NASA shuttle leaker.
November 2005
The Santos/Vinick debate — live!
December 2005
Actor John Spencer dies.
April 2006
Leo McGarry dies.
A Latino president is elected
May 2006
Sam's back. Arnie Vinick as Secretary of State. Lovebirds, finally: Donna and Josh; C.J. and Danny. President Bartlet packs up. Farewell.
Sources: Westwingepguide.com; www.nbc.com/The_West_Wing;
