"The West Wing" actor Martin Sheen said the cast "felt like orphans" when the show's creator Aaron Sorkin walked off the team at the end of last season.

But Sheen, who plays President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet on the show, said Wednesday's premiere will prove the show, now in its fifth season, has rebounded from the loss.

"Honestly, it's one of the best episodes we've done," the actor said Friday. "I suggest watching it with a lot of Kleenex."

The three-time Emmy winner for best drama lost some of its strong ratings and critical praise in its fourth season but still managed to snag 15 Emmy nominations.