Object

Zoey's copy of 'A Hundred Years' (dust‑jacketed history book)

A hand‑held history book (partial title begins 'A Hundred...' / often cited as 'A Hundred Years') with a removable dust jacket. The volume shows light handling wear and folded corners; pages include Zoey Bartlet's handwritten notes and marginalia. In the story the book is passed between Zoey and Charlie in a diner conversation and later appears in the West Wing where staffers (including Leo) handle the jacket; the jacket's provocative blurb becomes the immediate focus of a political dispute. Serves both as an intimate prop (annotated copy) and as a symbolic catalyst for a public controversy.

3 appearances

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

3 moments

S1E17 · The White House Pro-Am

Levity Cut Short: The Oval Office Confrontation

The small volume "Hundred Years" is actively read aloud by Leo to Bartlet, providing a comic, anachronistic counterpoint to the Oval Office tension and serving as the scene's opening beat. Its absurd passage punctures the room's pressure, momentarily humanizing the principals before the quarrel resumes.

Before: Resting in Leo's hands while he reads aloud, visible and handled.

After: Left behind as Leo jumps up and exits; remains an inert prop marking the shift from levity to argument.

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S1E17 · The White House Pro-Am

Oval Office Blowup — Marriage, Media, and the Limits of Power

The "Hundred Years" book is the scene's opening prop; Leo reads a comic, anachronistic passage aloud that lightens the room before the fight. The book functions as tonal counterpoint, making the subsequent rupture feel sharper by contrast.

Before: On a chair in the Oval, being read aloud by Leo; pages lightly handled.

After: Left in the room (implied) after Leo exits; remains a silent, ironic witness to the argument.

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S1E17 · The White House Pro-Am

Fragile Truce in the Oval: Marriage, Politics, and Conscience

The 'Hundred Years' book provides an opening comic beat: Leo reads a bizarre passage aloud, creating tonal relief before the argument. Its oddity punctures the Oval's ritual, then the book is abandoned as the fight begins, marking the scene's tonal shift.

Before: In Leo's hands while he reads aloud to Bartlet, creating light amusement.

After: Left behind in the chair/desk area as Leo stands and leaves; it functions as a discarded prop once the confrontation begins.

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