Manchester: Part 1 (10 Oct. 2001)

The staff is hunkered down in the Bartlets' hometown of Manchester, N.H., where they work with political consultants Bruno, Doug and Connie on the president's official announcement that ... See full summary »

Director:

Thomas Schlamme

Writers:

Aaron Sorkin (creator), Aaron Sorkin,

Stars:

Rob Lowe, Stockard Channing, Dulé Hill

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Rob Lowe	...	Sam Seaborn
Stockard Channing	...	Abbey Bartlet
Dulé Hill	...	Charlie Young
Allison Janney	...	C.J. Cregg
Janel Moloney	...	Donna Moss
Richard Schiff	...	Toby Ziegler
John Spencer	...	Leo McGarry
Bradley Whitford	...	Josh Lyman
Martin Sheen	...	President Josiah 'Jed' Bartlet
Oliver Platt	...	White House Counsel Oliver Babish
Ron Silver	...	Bruno Gianelli
Marlee Matlin	...	Joey Lucas
Anna Deavere Smith	...	Nancy McNally
Evan Handler	...	Douglas Wegland
Connie Britton	...	Connie Tate

Storyline

The staff is hunkered down in the Bartlets' hometown of Manchester, N.H., where they work with political consultants Bruno, Doug and Connie on the president's official announcement that he'll be seeking a second term; meanwhile, they all lament various W.H. events of the previous four weeks, including a huge strategic mistake by Josh, a pivotal FDA announcement scheduled for the same day as the president's speech, an ongoing battle between then president and first lady, and a major press room gaffe by C.J.

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Plot Keywords:

haiti | new hampshire | airforce one | tobacco lawsuit

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English American Sign Language

Release Date:

10 October 2001 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Stage 23, Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

John Wells Productions, Warner Bros. Television, thinkfilm

Technical Specs

Runtime:

44 min 44 min (DVD)

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Goofs

The dialogue at the conclusion of "Two Cathedrals" is: - Reporter Sandy: Mr. President, can you tell us right now if you'll be seeking a second term? - President Josiah Bartlet: I'm sorry, Sandy, there was a bit of noise there. Could you repeat the question? - Reporter Sandy: Can you tell us right now if you'll be seeking a second term? - However, when this scene is repeated at the start of this episode, the exchange is: - Reporter Sandy: Mr. President, can you tell us right now if you'll be seeking a second term? - President Josiah Bartlet: I'm sorry, Sandy, there was a _little_ bit of noise there. _Can_ you repeat the question? - Reporter Sandy: _Yes sir._ Can you tell us right now if you'll be seeking a second term?

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Quotes

Toby Ziegler: [after Charlie beats him at a game of pool without Toby picking up his cue] Nice game. It was fun to watch.

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Connections

References The Oprah Winfrey Show (1986)

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Soundtracks

"West Wing Main Title"
(uncredited)
Written by W.G. Snuffy Walden
Performed by Pete Anthony

User Reviews

I'm from the United States of suck my-

What, we couldn't have had another terrorist attack, to put off this season-opening clunker for another couple weeks? Sorry if that was in bad taste, but you know what they say the difference between tragedy and comedy is. Anyway, nothing gels in this one. Nothing snaps. Sorkin wasn't proud of his writing...and for good reason. As the campaign for re-election gets going, three political strategists join the inner circle, led by Bruno Gianelli (the inestimable Ron Silver - REVERSAL OF FORTUNE, RHODA), who would do eighteen episodes over the rest of the run. Silver had some brilliant moments, but overall he never quite popped. His lieutenants are played by Evan Handler (STUDIO 60, CALIFORNICATION) and Connie Britton (SPIN CITY). Fine performers, but probably due to their guilt-by-association with this two-parter, they were dropped after a few episodes. Connie had some potential chemistry with Sam, but again the producers avoid that road for Mr. Seaborn. C.J. makes a huge press room gaffe, and offers her resignation. Joey Lucas and Oliver Babish and the regulars have some decent moments, but this episode never rises out of the muck it calls home.