The fifth season concludes with Donna in a military hospital in Germany and Bartlet facing a decision about the U.S. response to the terror attack in Gaza. The country (and Leo and Congressional Republicans in particular) wants a firm military response, but new NSC aide Kate Harper (Mary McCormack) offers different counsel. Later the president warms up unenthusiastically for first-ball duty at Camden Yards, while flashbacks recall his uneasy first meeting with Fitz (John Amos).