The West Wing
S2E2
· In the Shadow of Two Gunmen Part 2

Toby's Guilt-Fueled Resolve to Challenge Ron Butterfield

In a brisk hallway walk-and-talk, Leo reveals C.J.'s refusal to face morning show questions about the President's unprotected open-air exit—a vulnerability tied to Toby's own memo that may have doomed Josh. Defying Leo's warning that the Secret Service will stonewall on procedures, a guilt-ridden Toby insists on confronting Ron Butterfield anyway, transforming personal remorse into a principled demand for accountability amid White House chaos.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

5

Toby reveals his intention to confront Ron Butterfield about the Secret Service's open-air exit procedure, showing his guilt over the memo he wrote.

guilt to determination

Leo predicts Ron Butterfield's response, emphasizing the Secret Service's policy of not commenting on procedure, highlighting institutional resistance.

frustration to resignation

Toby insists on attempting to persuade Ron Butterfield despite the odds, demonstrating his moral responsibility and loyalty to the team.

determination to resolve

Leo reassures Toby that he doesn't have to confront Ron, but Toby firmly insists, solidifying his commitment to accountability.

support to resolve

Toby watches Leo exit, symbolizing the weight of their shared responsibility and the unspoken bond between them.

resolve to contemplation ['front door']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

4
Toby Ziegler
primary

Righteously determined, fueled by remorse transforming into unyielding accountability drive

Toby walks briskly alongside Leo, explaining C.J.'s questions on the open-air exit and his memo's role, defiantly announcing his plan to confront Ron Butterfield despite warnings, then pauses to watch Leo depart through the front door, resolve hardening.

Goals in this moment
  • • Force Secret Service transparency on procedural lapses linked to Josh's shooting
  • • Absolve personal guilt through public accountability push
Active beliefs
  • • Transparency on security failures is essential for trust and prevention
  • • His memo's influence demands personal intervention despite resistance
Character traits
Determined Guilt-ridden Principled
Follow Toby Ziegler's journey
Josiah Bartlet
primary

referenced as having exited in the open air without the usual Secret Service tent or canopy

Character traits
protective resolute self-aware principled
Follow Josiah Bartlet's journey
Ron Butterfield (Secret Service Special Agent)
primary

target of Toby's planned confrontation regarding Secret Service procedures on the President's exit

Character traits
protective disciplined pragmatic guardedly tender
Follow Ron Butterfield …'s journey
C.J. Cregg
primary

refuses to do the morning shows due to questions about the President's open-air exit

Character traits
resilient strategic poised terse dutiful
Follow C.J. Cregg's journey

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
West Wing Front Door

The West Wing Front Door frames Leo's decisive exit, swallowing his silhouette as Toby halts in watchful isolation, punctuating their debate with a physical severance that underscores Toby's solitary commitment to confronting Butterfield amid the hallway's fading echoes.

Atmosphere Abruptly isolating, heavy with unspoken reckonings and transitional weight
Function Departure point marking divergence in paths and resolve
Symbolism Threshold between internal chaos and external accountability demands
Access Secure entry/exit for cleared personnel only
Heavy panels sealing off internal tensions Pre-dawn shadows heightening dramatic finality

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

No narrative connections mapped yet

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Key Dialogue

"TOBY: She says she's been getting a couple of questions about why the President exited in the open air. You remember the Secret Service usually constructs a tent or a canopy. I'm going to talk to Ron Butterfield."
"LEO: He's going to say the Secret Service doesn't comment on procedure."
"TOBY: I know. But maybe I can talk him out of it. I should try, anyway. [...] Yeah, I should, though."