Fabula
S2E15 · Ellie
S2E15
· Ellie

Bartlet Rejects Griffith's Resignation, Reigniting Their Alliance

Surgeon General Millicent Griffith, reeling from Leo's ultimatum, solemnly tenders her resignation to President Bartlet, offering principled self-sacrifice amid the marijuana decriminalization firestorm to spare him political damage. Bartlet decisively refuses, affirming her medical candor as truth worth defending despite conservative backlash, marking a pivotal stand for integrity over expediency. Their subsequent levity in the screening room—bridging tension with shared humor—reinforces their bond, echoing Bartlet's yearning for reconciliation with Ellie and propelling the administration toward public support.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Griffith tenders her resignation, but Bartlet unexpectedly refuses to accept it, signaling a shift in his stance.

resignation to determination

Bartlet and Griffith share a moment of levity in the screening room, their laughter bridging the professional and personal tensions.

tension to relief ['screening room']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

0

No character participations recorded

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
White House Mess

The White House exterior functions as the pivotal establishing shot in daylight on Friday, its unyielding columns and manicured grounds silently witnessing the Griffith scandal's escalation. Reporter swarms implied in the frenzy parry C.J.'s salvos as Bartlet returns amid Ellie's defiance and conservative backlash, transforming serene facade into a symbolic battleground for integrity versus expediency.

Atmosphere Ominous daylight hush laced with frenzied undercurrents of media siege and internal panic
Function Visual establisher setting temporal and spatial stakes for Friday's political inferno
Symbolism Monumental emblem of executive power engulfed in principled crisis and familial-political rupture
Access Public grounds heavily monitored amid press hordes and security protocols
Bright daylight illuminating massive facade Manicured grounds implying swarming reporters Friday temporal overlay heightening urgency Stone thresholds evoking besieged stronghold

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What led here 4
Causal

"The formal tension between Bartlet and Griffith leads to her attempting to resign, which he ultimately rejects, resolving their conflict."

Bartlet's Tense Formal Greeting to Dr. Griffith
S2E15 · Ellie
Emotional Echo medium

"Bartlet's refusal to accept Griffith's resignation echoes his deeper desire to reconcile with Ellie, both acts defying political expediency for personal principle."

Bartlet's Chaotic Return to White House Turmoil
S2E15 · Ellie
Emotional Echo medium

"Bartlet's refusal to accept Griffith's resignation echoes his deeper desire to reconcile with Ellie, both acts defying political expediency for personal principle."

Bartlet’s Agonizing Clash with Defiant Ellie
S2E15 · Ellie
Emotional Echo medium

"Bartlet's refusal to accept Griffith's resignation echoes his deeper desire to reconcile with Ellie, both acts defying political expediency for personal principle."

Leo's Brutal Resignation Ultimatum to Griffith
S2E15 · Ellie
What this causes 4
Emotional Echo medium

"Bartlet's refusal to accept Griffith's resignation echoes his deeper desire to reconcile with Ellie, both acts defying political expediency for personal principle."

Bartlet's Chaotic Return to White House Turmoil
S2E15 · Ellie
Emotional Echo medium

"Bartlet's refusal to accept Griffith's resignation echoes his deeper desire to reconcile with Ellie, both acts defying political expediency for personal principle."

Bartlet’s Agonizing Clash with Defiant Ellie
S2E15 · Ellie
Emotional Echo medium

"Bartlet's refusal to accept Griffith's resignation echoes his deeper desire to reconcile with Ellie, both acts defying political expediency for personal principle."

Leo's Brutal Resignation Ultimatum to Griffith
S2E15 · Ellie
NARRATIVELY_FOLLOWS medium

"The levity between Bartlet and Griffith transitions to his decisive command to Josh about publicly supporting her, closing the loop on the Surgeon General storyline."

Bartlet Orders Josh to Publicly Back Griffith; Josh Warns of Ellie's Shadow
S2E15 · Ellie

Key Dialogue

"Griffith: "Mr. President, I tender my resignation.""
"Bartlet: "No. I don't accept it.""
"Bartlet: "You're right, and I'm going to say so.""