Pilot (The West Wing)
"Pilot" | |
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The West Wing episode | |
Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 1 |
Directed by | Thomas Schlamme |
Written by | Aaron Sorkin |
Production code | 475151 |
Original air date | September 22, 1999 |
Guest appearances | |
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"Pilot" is the first episode of the American serial drama The West Wing. The episode aired on September 22, 1999 on NBC.
Plot
The
While Lyman and Marsh are discussing a proposed public debate on one of several religious wedge issues, President Bartlet enters and corrects one of the attendees on a theological point (namely, he quotes the First Commandment, settling a dispute on which one it is). He explains that he crashed his bicycle while distracted by anger after discovering that his granddaughter, after expressing herself as pro-choice during a magazine interview, was mailed a Raggedy Ann doll with a knife stuck in its throat. The doll was sent by an extremist group whose activities the attendees, to his displeasure, have not denounced. He tells them that not only will there be no debate, but that they will denounce the extremists publicly, and are barred from the White House until they do so. Bartlet implies to Lyman that he will be allowed to keep his job despite the gaffe.
Reactions
- L. Brent Bozell III wrote that he felt the episode promoted anti-Catholicism.[1]
Awards
Emmy Awards
- Won
- Outstanding Art Direction for a Single-Camera Series (recipients: Tony Fanning, Jon Hutman, and Ellen Totleben)
- Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (recipient: Thomas Del Ruth, A.S.C.)
- Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (recipient: Thomas Schlamme)
- Nominated
- Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (nominee: Aaron Sorkin; "In Excelsis Deo," in the same category, won)
References
- ^ Bozell, L. Brent III (1999-10-06). "Again, Faith Flogged in Prime Time". Media Research Center. Archived from the original on 2008-01-19. Retrieved 2007-09-08. (episode cited: "Pilot")
- ^ ASC awards
External links
- "Pilot" at IMDb