The Drop-In

"The Drop-In" is the 34th episode of The West Wing. Leo tries to convince President Bartlet of the importance of supporting a missile defense plan. The episode begins with an important test where all of the technical systems work but the interceptor system misses the target missile--by 137 miles. This further sours President Bartlet on the notion of missile defense work while pro-missile defense Leo continues to push for the program to move forwa... more

"The Drop-In" is the 34th episode of The West Wing. Leo tries to convince President Bartlet of the importance of supporting a missile defense plan. The episode begins with an important test where all of the technical systems work but the interceptor system misses the target missile--by 137 miles. This further sours President Bartlet on the notion of missile defense work while pro-missile defense Leo continues to push for the program to move forward. As the President meets with appointed Ambassadors from Thailand, Sweden and Argentina in the Oval Office, Lord John Marbury is appointed British ambassador to the United States, much to Leo's horror. Lord Marbury is anti-missile defense and outlines his objections (violates the 1972 ABM treaty, costs a fortune, and doesn't work) but Leo's comments as well as his own military experience earn respect from Marbury. In the end, the issue is not settled. Sam and Toby end up having a clash over an environmental speech. Sam has been working... less