Leo Brushes Off Charlie's Shock at Crazy Ukrainian Visitor

As they walk through the White House lobby, Charlie expresses bewilderment at Vasily Konanov, the drunken Ukrainian reformer's unannounced arrival, questioning diplomatic protocols. Leo pragmatically explains Konanov had an appointment—not with the President—and admits he's 'crazy' but 'our kind of crazy,' revealing Leo's seasoned tolerance for chaotic allies amid the Test Ban Treaty crisis. Charlie flirts about Konanov's companion, prompting Leo's wry warning of her lethality, injecting levity while underscoring the unpredictability piling pressure on the staff. This setup beat highlights diplomatic absurdity and Leo's unflappable command.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

Charlie and Leo discuss the unexpected arrival of a Ukrainian government official, highlighting the chaotic nature of diplomatic protocols.

curiosity to resignation ['White House lobby']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

7
C.J. Cregg
primary

indignant and nervous

in the Communications Office briefing Leo on the State Department's proposed vocabulary shift from 'rogue nations' to 'states of concern', explaining benefits and downsides, resisting Danny Concannon's access request due to recent critical editorials, and answering her phone

Goals in this moment
  • gain Leo's approval for new State Department messaging
  • deny Danny Concannon access to the President
Character traits
resilient strategic poised terse dutiful
Follow C.J. Cregg's journey

Bewildered curiosity laced with lighthearted attraction

Walks alongside Leo through the lobby, halting at a door after expressing confusion over Konanov's breach of protocol, flirtatiously commenting on the companion's appearance, and seeking reassurance on her potential threat before heading to work.

Goals in this moment
  • Clarify the irregularity of Konanov's visit
  • Assess the danger posed by the companion
Active beliefs
  • Diplomatic visits require strict presidential protocols
  • Unconventional foreigners bring inherent risks
Character traits
Bewildered Curious Playfully flirtatious
Follow Charlie Young's journey

Implied chaotic and bold

Central subject of Charlie and Leo's dialogue, portrayed as a drunken reformer who bypassed norms with a non-presidential appointment, deemed 'crazy' yet strategically embraced.

Goals in this moment
  • Force engagement via unorthodox visit
  • Advance Ukrainian reformist agenda
Active beliefs
  • Bold intrusions yield diplomatic leverage
  • U.S. tolerates 'crazy' for alliances
Character traits
Eccentric Disruptive
Follow Vasily Konanov's journey

Implied calm lethality

Discussed as Konanov's alluring yet perilous companion, drawing Charlie's admiration and Leo's explicit warning of her lethal skills, heightening the visit's intrigue.

Goals in this moment
  • Accompany and protect Konanov
  • Intimidate through presence
Active beliefs
  • Beauty masks deadly competence
  • Proximity to power demands vigilance
Character traits
Dangerously poised Enigmatic
Follow Konanov's Companion's journey
Donna Moss
primary

persistent

catching up to Leo, complimenting his suit, and pitching Occupational Safety and Health Administration initiatives on repetitive stress injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome

Goals in this moment
  • advocate for OSHA ergonomics standards and repetitive stress injury regulations
Character traits
diligent observant resilient exasperated
Follow Donna Moss's journey

Washington Post reporter requesting access for a three-part feature, whose paper's editorial staff recently criticized Leo and the President (significantly discussed)

Goals in this moment
  • gain access to the President for a feature story
Character traits
persistent probing confrontational principled
Follow Danny Concannon's journey

not the appointee for the Ukrainian's visit, to be consulted by C.J. about Danny Concannon's access (mentioned)

Character traits
protective resolute self-aware principled
Follow Josiah Bartlet's journey

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Roosevelt Room (Mural Room — West Wing meeting room)

Leo strides past the Roosevelt Room doors en route from lobby talk, marking a transitional beat that funnels the duo's exchange into broader West Wing frenzy without entering.

Atmosphere Implied high-stakes tension beyond doors
Function Background transit point signaling ongoing policy clashes
Symbolism Gateway to ethical and geopolitical battlegrounds
Access Senior staff and advisors
Flashing doors Proximity to conference intensity

Organizations Involved

Institutional presence and influence

1
Ukrainian Government

Ukrainian Government manifests through Konanov's provocative arrival, sparking Charlie's protocol shock and Leo's pragmatic reframing—exposing erratic diplomacy clashing with White House order amid treaty strains.

Representation Via dispatched reformer Vasily Konanov
Power Dynamics Intruding boldly on host protocols for leverage
Impact Highlights wildcard volatility in post-Cold War alliances
Internal Dynamics Embracing reformist eccentricity for global positioning
Secure U.S. engagement via unannounced pressure Position as chaotic yet valuable ally Unconventional envoy deployment Companion-enhanced intimidation

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

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Key Dialogue

"CHARLIE: A member of the Ukrainian government... LEO: Yeah. CHARLIE: Can just show up?"
"CHARLIE: The guy's a little crazy, Leo. LEO: No, he's just... yeah, he's crazy, but he's our kind of crazy so...."
"CHARLIE: Do you think she knows how to kill me? LEO: Yes."