S1.E3

A Proportional Response

Name: A Proportional Response
Genre: Drama
Released: 1999-10-06
Duration: 43 min
Rating: 8.6
Cast: Rob Lowe, Moira Kelly, Dulé Hill

Episode aired Oct 6, 1999
TV-14
43m

IMDb RATING

8.6/10

1.6K

YOUR RATING

Janel Moloney and Bradley Whitford in The West Wing (1999)

Drama

After being offered "a proportional response" to the Syrian military's downing of a U.S. military plane on a medical mission (and carrying his newly named personal physician), the president ... Read allAfter being offered "a proportional response" to the Syrian military's downing of a U.S. military plane on a medical mission (and carrying his newly named personal physician), the president demands an option that will have greater impact. Leo gradually must talk him down, while B... Read allAfter being offered "a proportional response" to the Syrian military's downing of a U.S. military plane on a medical mission (and carrying his newly named personal physician), the president demands an option that will have greater impact. Leo gradually must talk him down, while Bartlet snipes at everyone, including Abby. The president ultimately agrees to the initial ... Read all

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

8.6/10

1.6K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Photos9

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User reviews5

8.61.6K

Featured reviews

10Hitchcoc

Excellent in Every Way

I won't get into current politics. This episode shows the realities of being the President. Perhaps Bartlet should have known more, but this is what a Chief of Staff does--he advises and, in many ways, protects his boss. As unfair as it is, one can't respond in kind when civilians' lives are at stake. I was impressed with the portrayal of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. John Amos has been good in every role he has played. Dule Hall moves into position to be an intriguing character. The pacing of this episode is incredible. Aaron Sorkin has the knack of controlled chaos as the people bob and weave but seldom touch.

lor_

Serious and personal

Sorkin masterfully mixes serious issues -this week the planning of a military strike in Syria to react to killing of Americans in the air there, with both funny and heartfelt introductions to key White House staffers. In particular is the marvelously awkward but powerful debut of Dule Hill as the president's new bodyman.

The behind the scenes machinations of this staff is knowing and often amusing insights into how folks under pressure interact, as well as their foibles and idiosyncrasies. Changes in tone from personal issues to more earth-shaking matters are smoothly handled by a great cast, who seem to have inhabited these roles forever, even though it's only Segment 3 of the series. And Sheen's magnetism and perfect delivery of the Sorkin dialogue makes one wish he was the real president.

10bkvalsvik

A superb recap of politics as they should be.

Well I'm supposed to write 600 letters here but I would've done with less.

Now watching west wing for what I think is the fourth or fifth time. So I know what will happen and how.

Every time I feel that the us politics or presisdentics as of now I need to watch this show again. The dialogue the drama the humor. It's all so well written despite all haters telling different. I wish us politics was like this. A mix of seriousness and drama and conflict and humor. This is by far the show to revisit when current conditions are as they are now. I feel ashamed that bipartisanship has been reduced to what it is now and am still hoping for a bright United States of America. There is nothing united as of now and I sincerely hope that this will change in the months to come.

Trivia
In the movie The American President (1995) (also written by Aaron Sorkin and considered the catalyst for creating this show), the president must deal with a very similar situation. In the movie, Libya bombs a US missile defense system and the president is pushed to make a "proportional response", at the end of which he ruminates "Someday someone's going to have to explain to me the virtue of a proportional response". The events are very similar to those in this episode, including that line, mirrored almost word for word by President Bartlet.

Goofs
Josh tells Charlie, during his interview, that Ms. DiLaguardia was instructed to keep an eye out for special applicants for the personal aide to the president position. In a later season, it is revealed that Ms. Fiderer is who referred Charlie to Josh for the position. However, when Ms. Fiderer is first introduced she specifically points out that she was, but is no longer, Mrs. DeLaGuardia due to a divorce. She's the same person.

Quotes
Leo McGarry: The President's personal aide. They're looking at a kid. You have any problem with a young black man waiting on the President?
Admiral Percy Fitzwallace: I'm an old black man and I wait on the President.
Leo McGarry: The kid's got to carry his bags and...
Admiral Percy Fitzwallace: You going to pay him a decent wage?
Leo McGarry: Yeah.
Admiral Percy Fitzwallace: You going to treat him with respect in the workplace?
Leo McGarry: Yeah.
Admiral Percy Fitzwallace: Then why the hell should I care?
Leo McGarry: That's what I thought.
Admiral Percy Fitzwallace: I got some real honest-to-god battles to fight, Leo. I don't have time for the cosmetic ones.