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Two Cathedrals

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Two Cathedrals
Season: 2
Episode: 22
Written By: Aaron Sorkin
Directed By: Thomas Schlamme
Airdate: May 16, 2001
Guest Stars: Stockard Channing
Anna Deavere Smith
Kirsten Nelson
Jason Widener
Don McManus
NiCole Robinson
Lawrence O'Donnell
Gregalan Williams
John Bennett Perry
Kathryn Joosten
Fred Ornstein
Bill Gratton


The President) hardly seems to care about the important issues he is confronting through a day that consists of Mrs. Landingham's funeral in the morning and telling the American public about his MS that evening. Word of his condition has already leaked (both intentionally and unintentionally), so there is no backing out. Even in the situation room when they discuss the surrounded embassy in Haiti, he focuses on the memories of when he first met Mrs. Landingham, who worked for his father, who was the headmaster of the prep school he attended. After the service in the Cathedral, the President even has a conversation with God who, he imagines, must be punishing him for his sins. He decides not to run for a second term, telling the Almighty, "You get Hoynes."

As the hour of the press conference approaches, the staff anxiously awaits the President's decision regarding a second term. Leo (John Spencer) arranges for a job offer to come Toby's way. Meanwhile, an out of season tropical storm bears down on Washington, DC.

The President tells the staff he will not seek a second term. They prepare for the media frenzy that is about to descend on them all. While searching his conscience, Bartlet imagines one last conversation with Mrs. Landingham, during which she gives him advice.

Bartlet goes to the press conference in the middle of the storm. As the staff watches, the President is asked if he will run again. Leo tells Toby, "Watch this" as the President sticks his hands in his pockets and smiles.

Contents

[edit] Cast

[edit] Starring

[edit] Special Guest Star

[edit] Guest Starring

[edit] Co-Starring

[edit] Quotes

  • "You know if you don't want to run again, I respect that. But if you don't run cause you think it will be too hard or you think you're going to lose, well, God, Jed, I don't even want to know you." - Delores Landingham
  • "Look at you. You're a boy king. You're a foot smarter than the smartest kids in the class. You're blessed with inspiration. You must know this by now." - Young Delores Landingham
  • "What was Josh Lyman, a warning shot? That was my son. What have I ever done to Yours but praise His glory, praise His name?" Bartlet, speaking to God

President Bartlet's Latin "rant" in the Cathedral, along with its translation.

  • "Gratias tibi ago, domine. Haec credam a deo pio? A deo iusto, a deo scito? Cruciatus in crucem. Tuus in terra servus, nuntius fui. Officium perfeci. Cruciatus in crucem. Eas in crucem!"
  • "I give thanks to you, O Lord. Am I really to believe that these are the acts of a loving God? A just God? A wise God? To hell with your punishments. I was your servant here on Earth. And I spread your word and I did your work. To hell with your punishments. To hell with you!

[edit] Music

Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits

[edit] Other Episodes

  • President Bartlet's stormy relationship with his father is first portrayed in this episode. It will be explored more in Season Three, particularly in episodes The Two Bartlets and Night Five.
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