We Killed Yamamoto

"We Killed Yamamoto" is episode 64 of The West Wing. The title refers to Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, who commanded the Japanese Combined Fleet during World War II. He died in 1943 when the airplane carrying him was shot down over Bougainville Island by American P-38 fighter planes.

Plot

Bartlet visits the grave of his longtime secretary, Mrs. Landingham, killed by a drunk driver at the end of season 2, and instructs aide Charlie Young to begin the search for a replacement. Bartlet agonizes over whether or not to forfeit the principle of diplomatic immunity for Abdul ibn Shareef, Qumar's Defense Secretary, who is known to be plotting terrorism. He must decide on whether to cancel an impending trip to the White House of the Defense Secretary, or whether to keep him close, even though he is furious that he cannot be brought to justice. However, Admiral Fitzwallace proposes another "option" to deal with the official. Josh debates with his lover, feminist activist Amy Gardner, over a key welfare reform bill. This ends up with her mobilising her forces within 24 hours to oppose a bill that would provide incentives for marriage. This action would compromise another bill the President wants to pass. Meanwhile, Bartlet is advised not to attend a fundraiser for a politically sensitive cause. He decides to go anyway, despite the fact that he will be likely to meet Ritchie, the Republican candidate.

Sam must reject ecologically friendly legislation for the Everglades. C.J. gains new respect for her Secret Service bodyguard, Simon Donovan. And Donna travels to North Dakota to represent the Bartlet administration at a meeting to change the state's name.

Notes

Those familiar with Military Cemeteries know that when the spouse is buried, the name is engraved on the reverse side of the stone from the service member. Of course, this wouldn't have worked since the camera wouldn't have been able to see both names in a single shot.

On the same day as the original airdate of this episode, The History Channel also premiered a special about the death of Admiral Yamamoto called, Dead Men's Secrets: The Mysterious Death of Admiral Yamamoto.

External links

• The West Wing Episode Guide