You're listening to The West Wing Weekly. I'm Rishi Kei Shereway.

And I'm Joshua Molina.

Today we're talking about Ellie. It's episode 15 from season 2.

Coming up in a little bit, we'll be joined by Nina Shamashko, who played the eponymous

role of Ellie in this episode. The teleplays by Aaron Sorkin, the story by Kevin Falls

and Laura Glasser. It was directed by Michael Engler and at first aired on February.

Damn it. I feel like I mentally backed up and I got up to the ramp and I just wasn't

ready for the jump. February 21st, 2001.

Here's the synopsis from TV Guide.

The president returns from Japan to learn his surgeon general has said some things about

marijuana that might prove troublesome. Then his daughter Ellie, a medical student, says

something about the controversy to reporter Danny Kinkannon. Meanwhile, Charlie's choice

of a movie for the president to watch proves controversial too. And Toby tries to enlist

his ex-wife, a congresswoman, in his effort to make peace with liberal Democrats over

the Social Security flap.

Michael Engler, a very good director, directed a lot of great comedy, 30 rock, Big C, four

Downton Abbies, including the 2015 Christmas special. A lot of great stuff.

I think it's Downton's Abbie. Nice. I suspect you're right.

I think that is correct. There's no mention in the synopsis of the Almond Brothers who

are basically supporting character in this episode.

Yeah, they get quite a few shouts out, I think it is. I think that's right.

The Almond's brother. At first, I had a reaction when the surgeon general says the line,

...