49 Comments
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Tom Greeves's avatar

Thank you for reminding me that it's okay that my interest in The West Wing is inexhaustible.

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Christine's avatar

Loving this read especially during Women’s History Month! big slay! also my sister’s ap gov class started watching the west wing this week, and i’m excited for them!

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Lemonlymancom's avatar

Just so you know, about the coat, the comedic timing even after 25 years is PERFECT!!! 😂😂 Totally on board with hip hop classes. Sending lots of love x

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ana's avatar

Another lovely article! Thank you so much for sharing it with us, Janel. I really love this episode, and I’m glad you enjoyed it as well. The Josh and Donna banter was there from the beginning!

Also, your last paragraph really hit close to home for me. New experiences can be so nerve wrecking, but if we don’t try them, we’ll never know what it could have been. Sometime we just got to give it a try (and maybe fail a couple times) to find things that will be very meaningful in our lives.

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Larry Robbins's avatar

Love this. Your kids rolling their eyes at hip hop dancing mom rings a universal truth.

Donna and Josh's chemistry was a wonderful part of the seasoning drawing us into every episode. You clearly belonged at the big table early on.

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Alan Stamm's avatar

This is an impostor/spammer. The real account is at @Janel Moloney.

You should block this user (click on three dots at top right of reply), who has been reported.

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Larry Robbins's avatar

The imposter's comment is gone. Saw it in email notification, but not here. thanks for the head's up.

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Erica Murdoch's avatar

Great read , Janel. Loved all the women in TWW- all inspiring!

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Alan Stamm's avatar

This is an impostor/spammer. The real account is at @Janel Moloney.

You should block this user (click on three dots at top right of reply), who has been reported.

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Arly H's avatar

Another beautiful read! The final line got me. I hope you take the hip-hop class! Never take shame in being the novice in a room. It just means you’re up for the challenge!

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James's avatar

I laugh and cry while reading this… to know that the friendships were more than just great acting. Thanks for letting us have even a moment to see it from your memories.

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jacquie's avatar

Every once in a while you come across a quote that completely shifts your perspective of the world. "Post hoc ergo propter hoc" was one of those for me. Now, "but only because it’s my very first time" has rocked me.

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Julia Lauren's avatar

So lovely! This notification came as I was swapping tasks and so happy I took the time to stop and read. Take the hip hop class! I’m convinced that whenever I something new it gives me this nice mood/energy boost.

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Nina's avatar

“I pulled up to the big oak table with the lead cast and producers and sat my ass down next to Allison Janney. It didn't occur to me to sit anywhere else.” This really struck me - such an important lesson to remember. I tend to downplay myself sometimes but we all have to know our worth. Amazing read!!

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Alan Stamm's avatar

This is an impostor/spammer. The real account is at @Janel Moloney.

You should block this user (click on three dots at top right of reply), who has been reported.

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scarlettbama's avatar

Interesting you mention NiCole and Suzy. Always wondered why their parts not expanded. Margaret was perfect casting. Josh's nuances well documented by Donna. Equal for Leo and Sam. Their personalties flushed out by external situations. Keep sharing, Janel. We sooo appreciate you!

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anto's avatar

Another really easy to read and entertaining article. I have to say, you walking into a read through and singlehandedly deciding you’ll be a main cast member, I will treasure that anecdote as if it were my own, thank you for that.

Finding myself at a similar crossroads of whether staying where I am, comfortable, or attempting to change things and maybe try something new (professionally), I really appreciate the last paragraph. Thank you!

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Trish's avatar

I'm absolutely loving all the behind-the-scenes memories you're sharing with us. One of the best things about The West Wing is you really could tell the cast was like a family. That energy just shined through onscreen. I can't wait for your next write up.

"Screw those kids."

Too funny! LOL.

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The Bird Soup Diaries's avatar

Such lovely writing Janel! Thank you for sharing these precious memories with us all. I’m re-watching the West Wing at the moment, and Donna has just come back from surgery in Germany after an unfortunate incident in Gaza… So many things I’m seeing on the show seem weirdly prescient right now. Good luck with the hip hop, you’re going to be great 😊

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Glenn Smith's avatar

Can’t wait to read the next one

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