20 Most Intense TV Scenes Ever

18. In The Shadow Of Two Gunmen - The West Wing

The West Wing In The Shadow Of Two Gunmen
NBC

From a grim political drama to a largely inspiring one, The West Wing did take its own dark turn with a shooting at the end of Season 1.

The two-part Season 2 premiere - In The Shadow Of Two Gunmen - picks up in the aftermath of this event, and it's a scene of complete panic and confusion. It's revealed that President Bartlet has been shot in the back, while Josh has suffered an even worse gunshot wound to the stomach.

It's a race to the hospital, and a genuine sense of worry that he might not make it. The West Wing's thrills usually came from grandiose speeches and triumphs for the good guys, but in this instance it was total dread and devastation.

Advertisement
Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.