This is the first episode following the departure of creator Aaron Sorkin. It is widely considered part of an "uneven" transition period for the series.
Josh Lyman (Bradley Whitford) is terrified that the Republicans, under Acting President Walken, will use this opportunity to advance their own agenda and potentially make Walken look better than Bartlet. The_West_Wing_5x01_Il_codice_di_Zoey
The FBI continues looking for Zoey. The administration grapples with the information that the kidnapping may be linked to Qumari terrorists and the assassination of Abdul Shareef, orchestrated by Bartlet in Season 4. This is the first episode following the departure
While this episode sets up the crisis, the resolution occurs in the following episode, "The Dogs of War". If you'd like, I can: The FBI continues looking for Zoey
Visibly shaken, dealing with profound guilt as a father, not just a president.
A ransom note arrives demanding the release of prisoners and the withdrawal of American troops from Qumar.
Toby Ziegler (Richard Schiff) visits his newborn twins, while concurrently overseeing the drafting of two presidential speeches: one for Zoey's safe return and one in case she is killed.