Los Angeles — In Wednesday's powerful season finale of "The West Wing," beleaguered President Josiah Bartlet lashed out at God � in two languages. First in English and then Latin, Bartlet lamented life's cruel twists, including the death of his longtime secretary in a drunken-driving accident, and reproached God.
The monologue took place in the National Cathedral, just after Dolores Landingham's funeral and before the president appeared on TV to admit he has hidden a disease, multiple sclerosis, from the public.
His nerves raw and his faith tested � he has been shown as a devout Catholic in the NBC drama � Bartlet sat impassively through the funeral service, then asked for time alone. The president, played by Martin Sheen, then proceeded to fill the vast cathedral with his anger. "She bought her first new car and you hit her with a drunk driver. What? That's supposed to be funny?" Bartlet asked, then added bitterly: "Have I displeased you, you feckless thug?" He wasn't through. The next 20 seconds of his tirade were delivered in Latin.
Here's the translation included with "The West Wing" shooting script: "Am I really to believe that these are that acts of a loving God? A just God? A wise God?" Bartlet exclaims. "To hell with your punishments. I was your servant here on Earth. And I spread your word and I did your work. To hell with your punishments. To hell with you."
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