Fabula
S2E22 · Two Cathedrals

C.J. Confirms Special Prosecutor Bombshell Amid Press Pandemonium

In the State Department briefing room, amid mounting scrutiny over Bartlet's MS cover-up, reporter Frank pierces the tension by probing C.J. on rumors of a Special Prosecutor. With commanding poise masking the administration's peril, C.J. starkly confirms the President's order to the Attorney General for tomorrow, detonating a frenzied reporter clamor. Visibly overwhelmed—'I can't see. Joan!'—she battles to regain control, this revelation serving as a seismic turning point that amplifies the legal crisis, erodes political capital, and underscores C.J.'s frontline role shielding a faltering presidency.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Frank probes C.J. about the looming legal threat, directly asking if there's been discussion of a Special Prosecutor.

neutral to tension

C.J. confirms the President will order a Special Prosecutor appointment tomorrow, triggering a media frenzy as she struggles to maintain control of the press scrum.

tension to chaos

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

6
Press Pool
primary

frenzied

Clamor frenziedly in response to C.J.'s confirmation.

Goals in this moment
  • press for more details on the announcement
Follow Press Pool's journey
C.J. Cregg
primary

Overwhelmed poise cracking into raw disorientation amid high-stakes frenzy

Gripping the podium amid scrutiny, C.J. delivers the stark confirmation of the President's Special Prosecutor order to the Attorney General, faces erupting reporter clamor, admits visual disorientation from chaos, and urgently calls for Joan to restore order.

Goals in this moment
  • transparently disclose the prosecutorial directive to preempt leaks
  • regain briefing control despite personal strain
Active beliefs
  • honest reckoning strengthens long-term credibility
  • administration must face legal fire to survive politically
Character traits
resilient under fire strategically transparent vulnerable in overload
Follow C.J. Cregg's journey

Professionally braced for crisis escalation off-screen

Directly invoked by C.J.'s announcement as the recipient of President Bartlet's imminent order to appoint a Special Prosecutor by morning, positioning the AG as the linchpin for independent MS investigation.

Goals in this moment
  • execute presidential directive on prosecutor appointment
  • navigate Justice Department scrutiny amid White House scandal
Active beliefs
  • independent probe upholds rule of law
  • loyalty demands swift compliance in national crises
Character traits
institutionally dutiful legally pivotal
Follow Attorney General's journey

determined

Probes C.J. by asking if there has been any discussion of a Special Prosecutor.

Goals in this moment
  • obtain confirmation on Special Prosecutor rumors
Character traits
disciplined strategic commanding incisive persistent unflinching
Follow Francis St. …'s journey

Announced by C.J. to direct the Attorney General to appoint a Special Prosecutor tomorrow morning.

Goals in this moment
  • order the appointment of a Special Prosecutor
Character traits
protective resolute self-aware principled
Follow Josiah Bartlet's journey
Joanna
primary

Called by C.J. for assistance during the chaotic press response.

Character traits
influential strategic discreet reliable responsive indispensable
Follow Joanna's journey

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
State Department

The State Department briefing room hosts the high-pressure press confrontation where Frank targets C.J., she unleashes the Special Prosecutor revelation, and reporters explode in clamor; it amplifies external scrutiny on the administration, exiled from White House sanctuary amid repairs and grief, embodying public trial by media.

Atmosphere Frenzied pandemonium of shouting reporters and disorienting chaos
Function press briefing venue for crisis disclosures
Symbolism Arena of unfiltered accountability, contrasting insulated executive power
Access Populated by White House press corps, restricted to credentialed media
erupting shouts from clamoring reporters podium anchoring C.J.'s strained command

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

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Key Dialogue

"Frank: "Has there been any discussion of a Special Prosecutor?""
"C.J.: "Tomorrow morning, the President will direct the Attorney General appoint a Special Prosecutor, yes.""
"C.J.: "I can't see. Joan!""