The West Wing
S3E9
ยท Bartlet for America (Restructured)

Bruno Abruptly Dismisses a Disoriented Leo from the Stand

In the tense Capitol Hill hearing room, a visibly confused and disoriented Leo McGarry, reeling from prior grilling on his relapse and Bartlet's MS cover-up, stammers in disbelief as Chairman Bruno suddenly declares his testimony concluded for the day. Leo's hesitant query reveals his vulnerability and exhaustion, while Bruno's authoritative cutoff averts further exposure by Rep. Gibson, injecting momentary relief amid escalating stakes. This pivot shields Leo temporarily, amplifies suspense over unresolved threats, and underscores Bruno's strategic maneuvering in the political showdown.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Chairman Bruno abruptly informs Leo that his testimony is concluded for the day.

Leo, still disoriented, questions the sudden dismissal.

confusion to uncertainty

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3
Shanahan
primary

Bewildered disbelief masking profound relief amid mental fog

Leo sits at the witness table, visibly confused and disoriented, his exhaustion evident as he stammers a hesitant query seeking confirmation of the unexpected end to his grueling testimony, his posture slumped in lingering vulnerability.

Goals in this moment
  • • Confirm the reality of the testimony's abrupt conclusion
  • • Grasp the implications of this sudden break to regroup
Active beliefs
  • • The hearing's intensity demands constant vigilance
  • • Bruno's word carries absolute authority in proceedings
Character traits
vulnerable exhausted disoriented
Follow Shanahan's journey
Bruno
primary

Commanding assurance concealing calculated protectiveness

Chairman Bruno asserts firm control from his position, delivering a concise declaration that concludes Leo's testimony, his tone brooking no argument and signaling a tactical halt to protect the witness from further peril.

Goals in this moment
  • • End Leo's exposure to immediate threats like Gibson's questions
  • • Maintain procedural order while advancing committee objectives
Active beliefs
  • • Timing is critical in shielding allies from partisan attacks
  • • Institutional fairness requires measured interventions
Character traits
authoritative strategic diplomatic
Follow Bruno's journey
Leo McGarry
primary
Character traits
stoic assertive resolute loyal compassionate
Follow Leo McGarry's journey

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Capitol Hill

The Capitol Hill Hearing Room frames this pivotal beat as the stark stage for Leo's vulnerability and Bruno's decisive intervention, its formal layout amplifying the power imbalance between witness and chairman, while daylight underscores the public nature of the raw emotional pivot amid partisan tension.

Atmosphere Thick with residual tension and sudden, uneasy relief
Function Arena for high-stakes congressional testimony
Symbolism Emblem of institutional scrutiny and fleeting political mercy
Access Restricted to committee members, witnesses, counsel, and select observers
Daylight filtering through tall windows Hushed anticipation post-grilling

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

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Key Dialogue

"LEO: "I'm sorry...?""
"BRUNO: "You're done for the day, sir""