Dylan Baker

The festive Christmas spirit at the annual White House tree-lighting celebration is dimmed when the President learns that Christian relief workers have been jailed in Islamic Northern Sudan. Bartlet welcomes his three independent daughters, Zoey (recurring guest star Elisabeth Moss), Liz (recurring guest star Annabeth Gish) and Ellie (recurring guest star Nina Siemaszko), and is surprised to learn that Liz's husband, Doug Westin (recurring guest star Steven Eckholdt), wants to vie for Congress in New Hampshire. Meanwhile, when the licenses of some doctors in Oregon are suspended after they administer drugs in an assisted suicide, Toby tries to keep the President from being bogged down in a debate--and clashes with Will, whom he sends to convince the Vice President to address the political juggernaut instead.

Tensions are high as Peter's appeal trial begins and Alicia defends a wealthy client in civil court whose innocence she doubts, even after he's found not guilty in criminal court of murdering his wife. Meanwhile, Diane decides to take precautions when a felon she successfully prosecuted is about to be released from prison.

Eli Gold works on getting Peter's charges dropped, and Alicia defends Colin Sweeney, a client and accused wife killer, who claims self defense after she finds him handcuffed to a dead woman.

When a 200-year-old medicine jar shatters in a teenager's palm, she is admitted to the hospital with symptoms closely linked to smallpox; House must make a dangerous decision that puts his life in jeopardy; Wilson and Sam comfort a young patient.

When Alicia's key witness commits suicide, she must turn to the only person whose testimony can salvage her case: Colin Sweeney. Meanwhile, Eli makes big moves on Peter's behalf.