As winter comes to Newport, the town prepares for the annual ball; Julie and Jimmy spend time together chairing the host committee; Sandy edges closer to uncovering Caleb's secret.

Mike Delfino remembers scenes from his past; problems at Scavo's Pizzeria cause conflict in Lynette and Tom's relationship; Orson reveals his hidden past to Bree.

Old and new relationships meet at a crossroads, and Zach is left at the airport.

Gaby accuses Carlos of sabotaging her new relationship; Tom and Lynette try to make Kayla feel like part of the family; Bree's dinner guest shocks the Wisteria Lane residents.

Sandy must choose between his old love and his life now.

The Cohens set aside recent difficulties to focus on having a good holiday, but Chrismukkah is nearly ruined when secrets surface.

Susan declares her love for Ian; Gaby and Carlos try to regain what they have lost; Bree must confront Orson's past.

Residents of Wisteria Lane gather for the grand opening event at Scavo's Pizzeria; one resident meets an untimely fate; surprise marriage proposals are in the air.

When a man presumed dead walks away from Ethan's examination table, he opens up a whole new investigation, leading the team to make another discovery.

President Bartlet's naming of two Democrats to the Federal Election Commission meets with negative reaction, especially from pollster Al Kiefer.

Sookie makes a shocking discovery. Eric and Pam make an unlikely alliance.

President Bartlet engages in what may be the final debate of his political career.

Bartlet returns from overseas, and arrives amid controversy over Surgeon General Griffith's implications that marijuana may be legalised.

Cheryl's psychic busts Larry for a naughty massage; a restaurant owner catches Larry stealing forks.

President Bartlet and his staff count exit poll results on election day. Sam pays close attention to a conservative congressional district in California.

As the White House staffers rejoice following Bartlet's victory, the outcome of a bizarre congressional race in a conservative California district provides them with a surprising idea.

An Israeli air strike in Qumar interrupts Bartlet's preparations for presidential debates. The staff reflects on the administration's early days in Washington, DC.

After Emily's biggest take-down goes awry, she relies on help from an unlikely source. Victoria tries to secure her independence, and Nolan heads to Florida to find out more about Patrick's past.

The president works on a speech to give at Zoey's graduation, several suspected terrorists disappear, and Charlie decides whether to follow through on a romantic promise he made to Zoey when they were dating.

Brennan and Booth return for season nine as a question mark hangs over their relationship. Booth is reunited with a former colleague.