The Shocking Revelation Behind Mrs Landingham's Tragic Fate in The West Wing Season 2

Fans were devastated when the writers of The West Wing made the choice to kill off Mrs. Delores Landingham (Kathryn Joosten), a beloved character in season 2. Mrs. Landingham held a special place in President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet's heart, as well as in the hearts of the show's dedicated fans. She had been an endearing and wise presence in President Bartlet's life since their initial meeting when she worked as his father's secretary. Her sudden and tragic death caused an outpouring of grief from the audience, who had known and adored her since her introduction in the show.

The decision to remove Mrs. Landingham shocked and deeply affected the fan base, leading to a strong and enduring backlash. The admirers of The West Wing struggled to come to terms with the loss of this beloved character, who had captivated millions with her humor, warmth, and unwavering dedication. In an effort to ease the sorrow of the viewers, the show's creators introduced a new secretary for President Bartlet, Debbie Fiderer (Lily Tomlin), who brought her own unique brand of dry humor, distinct from that of Mrs. Landingham. Over time, Fiderer managed to win fans over, but the absence of the cherished original secretary was still profoundly felt.

The West Wing Killed Off Mrs. Landingham For President Bartlet's Arc

During season 2 of The West Wing, Joosten made the mistake of mentioning the possibility of a bigger role in a new pilot she was working on to creator Aaron Sorkin at a charity dinner. This led Sorkin to contemplate how to write off Mrs. Landingham, ultimately deciding on her death in a car crash. Sorkin believed that her death would provide emotional depth and shed light on President Bartlet's past without overwhelming the audience with grief. Although this loss successfully evoked sympathy for the iconic fictional president during the M.S. concealment crisis, fans were devastated by her passing.

The death of Mrs. Landingham created one of the most heart-wrenching moments in the series during The West Wing's season 2, episode 22, "Two Cathedrals." This pivotal scene showcased President Bartlet's emotional turmoil as he grappled with his grief and anger. Surprisingly, the reaction from fans to Mrs. Landingham's death was equally intense, as they saw their own maternal figures reflected in her character. Even years later, her death still resonates, demonstrating the profound and enduring connection that fans have with this remarkable character.

Why Mrs. Landingham Was So Important To The West Wing (Even After Her Death)

Mrs. Landingham's passing left a lasting impact on the show and its characters. Despite her physical absence, her influence remained, and her memory continued to have a poignant presence throughout The West Wing. In the powerful episode "Two Cathedrals," President Bartlet, faced with the decision of seeking reelection after the M.S. concealment crisis, had an emotional conversation with her memory. This heartfelt discussion with Mrs. Landingham's spirit became a turning point for President Bartlet, giving him the clarity he needed to commit to running for another term instead of avoiding the challenges ahead.

The importance of Mrs. Landingham's role in President Bartlet's political journey was further emphasized in later episodes. In season 3, episode 10, "Bartlet For America," and season 4, episode 5, "Debate Camp," she reappeared through flashback scenes. This reinforced her integral role in Bartlet's life as the governor of New Hampshire and during the early days of his presidential administration. Even in her absence and off-screen, her impact was felt in the search for a secretary to fill her shoes. Thus, the memory of Mrs. Landingham persisted throughout the series, serving as a testament to the deep connection she shared with President Bartlet and other beloved characters in The West Wing.

Sources: South Florida Sun Sentinel, L.A. Times