The West Wing
Pilot
Season 1, Episode 1 · Aired 1999-09-22
Synopsis
In the series premiere, the White House staff is being called into work in the early hours of the morning to the news that the President of the United States has crashed his bicycle into a tree, much to the enjoyment of the press. The staff must run damage control on this and a gaffe by Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman who, after provocation by Christian activist Mary Marsh on a televised debate, quips "Lady, the God you pray to is too busy being indicted for tax fraud." Also, Deputy Communications Director Sam Seaborn meets and spends an evening with Laurie (Lisa Edelstein), not knowing she is a call girl, and then accidentally tells White House Chief of Staff Leo McGarry's daughter, Mallory O'Brien, about it.
From the desk: The West Wing opens its catalog run with “Pilot” (1999-09-22). Peak network prestige drama and the fantasy of competent governance as entertainment. Sorkin exits, cast contract wars, and liberal wish-fulfillment debates.
In the series
This episode is part of The West Wing (1999–2006) on NBC.
Walk-and-talk idealism — the White House as workplace epic.
Key cast
- Martin Sheen as President Jed Bartlet
- Allison Janney as C. J. Cregg
- Bradley Whitford as Josh Lyman
- Richard Schiff as Toby Ziegler
- John Spencer as Leo McGarry
- Dulé Hill as Charlie Young