Melissa Marsala

Lois anticipates a civilized evening of adult conversation when she accepts a dinner invitation from Stevie's parents.

President Bartlet faces a political minefield when seeking to replace a deceased Supreme Court justice; Josh proffers a liberal judicial nominee (Glenn Close), while the president meets with a bright, conservative judge (William Fichtner).

The president engages in a war of wills with the House speaker (Steven Culp), resulting in a government shutdown; Bartlet seeks to end the fiscal crisis by challenging Republicans in the halls of the Capitol.

Bartlet ponders a lengthy list of prisoners eligible for a presidential pardon; Charlie shares insider tidbits with an attractive woman (Gabrielle Union); Toby joins a pollster (Marlee Matlin) on a tour of Middle America.

President Bartlet sanctions Toby's hush-hush mission to reform Social Security, then backpedals when details are leaked to the press; female staffers complain to Josh about a new co-worker.

A rival congresswoman uses Bartlet's daughter (Nina Siemaszko) to suggest a conflict of interest with funding of a medical study; the first lady does a public service announcement with The Muppets from "Sesame Street."