The West Wing
S2E15
· Ellie

Leo's Brutal Resignation Ultimatum to Griffith

Outside the White House, Chief of Staff Leo McGarry intercepts Surgeon General Millicent Griffith with ruthless efficiency, issuing a non-negotiable ultimatum: resign by 8 PM or be fired at dawn. This high-stakes confrontation embodies the administration's desperate damage control amid the marijuana scandal's conservative backlash, compelling Griffith—a beacon of medical integrity—to grapple with the brutal clash between her unyielding principles and raw political necessity. As a pivotal turning point, it propels her toward resignation, testing loyalties and escalating the crisis toward Bartlet's defining choice.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

Leo McGarry delivers an ultimatum to Surgeon General Griffith: resign by 8 PM or face termination.

pressure to defiance

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

1
Millicent Griffith
primary

conflicted

intercepted by Leo McGarry outside the White House and receives ultimatum, grappling with principles versus political necessity

Goals in this moment
  • • uphold unyielding medical principles against political pressure
Character traits
witty sarcastic principled humorous composed
Follow Millicent Griffith's journey

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
White House Mess

The White House exterior establishes the dramatic confrontation site under Friday daylight, its manicured hush turned battleground where Leo McGarry corners Millicent Griffith. The massive facade frames the political maelstrom, symbolizing institutional power strained by scandal's conservative backlash and internal principle clashes.

Atmosphere Taut anticipation amid daylight normalcy, siege lights hinting at encroaching media frenzy and crisis ignition.
Function Staging ground for high-stakes ultimatum and damage control showdown.
Symbolism Monument to expediency devouring idealism, columns unyielding as loyalties fracture.
Access Heavily secured for staff, reporters swarming perimeter amid leak frenzy.
Daylight flooding manicured grounds Massive facade under pressure-laden glow Friday temporal marker heightening weekend crisis urgency

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."

Bartlet Rejects Griffith's Resignation, Reigniting Their Alliance
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."

Bartlet Rejects Griffith's Resignation, Reigniting Their Alliance
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

"Leo: "Dr. Griffith.""
"Leo: "Eight o'clock tonight, you resign. Or tomorrow morning, you're fired.""