This is such an intimate gift to all of your fans. I enjoyed your observations so much.
Stockard and Martin really did have chemistry . But then, they are both actors who are capable of spinning subtext with a carton of milk. Allison had that chemistry with Timothy and later, briefly, with Mark.
But Donna and Josh were a chemical reaction that evolved over time, so beautifully written and such a relief for fans when it was finally confessed.
I was so happy for Josh. I was so delighted to see Donna being the best that she could be professionally and personally. You made that happen. I am confident that you could do it again. I think that story arc came about because the writers saw something in you and Brad. It amused me when I read an article that said Bradley Whitford almost wasn’t cast. They didn’t think he was sexy enough.
HA!
But I think that you also started out as a pretty, smart secretary and became something else as the seasons rolled by.
You even managed to make brushing your teeth look interesting!
You ran in an elite crowd of actors and looked like a contributor. In time, I hope to see you do that again.
The whole goldfish bit in that episode is such a delight. 🐠 And the Danny/CJ connection is one of my favorite ongoing storylines throughout the whole series.
Your ponderings about revisiting the show, and about life in general, are also a delight. Thank you for sharing them. ✨
Again, so lovely. I love being sad and laughing while reading the same post! Looking back on our younger self is never easy, but you have captured the joy of it! Keep dreaming and recreating! I think you could be a successful author!
i loved reading this! you write about ur cast mates with such love! i found this piece humorous as well. u have such a gift. also lol i was thinking of going to law school but also proactively planning an exit strategy 😭
My friend and I, both mostly desk bound government employees, have considered the building trades as our retired lady target jobs. Personally I’ve always wanted to learn how to tile. And I know she has the smarts required for anything.
I picture Donna and Josh, who have traveled different paths than the President and Abbey, in that same easy, sexy space. I just wish someone would write it.
Finally: I say thee yea, Janel Moloney, you and your turtleneck still got it.
My parents told me I shouldn't judge myself against others; I should judge myself against myself. Are you behaving with decency? Are you using your gifts well? Are you leaving things better than you found them? Nothing's ever perfect, but from where I'm sitting you're doing pretty well.
And as for a second career, maybe you should open an Italian restaurant. Kind of full circle from your hostess days. You could still work the room, only now people would go whoa! Look who that is!
Janel, I found you! Your writing is so sparkling and I feel lucky to have talked to you over dinner one magical evening. Hope we cross paths soon and in the meantime, I'll be here eating up all your words!
hi Janel from Australia. After watching the episode "War Crimes" (S3E6) i was thinking what would donna write in a diary and i posted this on "The West Wing Fans" Facebook Group.
“Dear Diary, Another Mundane day at the office but Josh brightened it up by completely missing his Chair and fell because i took it to the shop to get repaired”.
The final scene, with Roger Tribbey, where Bartlet gives his briefing, if the worst happens, is great. Bartlet is sincere, Leo is genuinely moved and Tribbey (played by Harry Groener from Buffy!) is friendly, open and supportive, and gives Bartlet a copy of the constitution translated into Latin by a student in his home town! Is this normal in the education system in the USA?
1. My god, I love your writing. 2. Something I always loved about Jed and Abby on TWW was how they always kinda seemed like kids in love. Their relationship was, of course, so layered and mature and raw at times, but when they're in that bed together in this episode, they're just such great friends. Friends who love and like each other. Those scenes between them are so intimate and human, and so very far from the presidency and it's just so delicious. You're so lucky you also got to know them as Martin and Stockard. :-) 3. I always include CJ/Danny when I write Sam/Ainsley fanfiction, something that, yes, I'm openly admitting I do here.
This is such an intimate gift to all of your fans. I enjoyed your observations so much.
Stockard and Martin really did have chemistry . But then, they are both actors who are capable of spinning subtext with a carton of milk. Allison had that chemistry with Timothy and later, briefly, with Mark.
But Donna and Josh were a chemical reaction that evolved over time, so beautifully written and such a relief for fans when it was finally confessed.
I was so happy for Josh. I was so delighted to see Donna being the best that she could be professionally and personally. You made that happen. I am confident that you could do it again. I think that story arc came about because the writers saw something in you and Brad. It amused me when I read an article that said Bradley Whitford almost wasn’t cast. They didn’t think he was sexy enough.
HA!
But I think that you also started out as a pretty, smart secretary and became something else as the seasons rolled by.
You even managed to make brushing your teeth look interesting!
You ran in an elite crowd of actors and looked like a contributor. In time, I hope to see you do that again.
Definitely stand up comedy. Your delivery is deadpan spot on.
Yes, and even the timing beats are evident in this silent format. Spot on, indeed.
The whole goldfish bit in that episode is such a delight. 🐠 And the Danny/CJ connection is one of my favorite ongoing storylines throughout the whole series.
Your ponderings about revisiting the show, and about life in general, are also a delight. Thank you for sharing them. ✨
Janel, you have such a gift as a writer. I love reading your accounts of our time together. Please write more!! I love you so.🙏🏼🩵
Again, so lovely. I love being sad and laughing while reading the same post! Looking back on our younger self is never easy, but you have captured the joy of it! Keep dreaming and recreating! I think you could be a successful author!
Cat breeder is hilarious 😂
i loved reading this! you write about ur cast mates with such love! i found this piece humorous as well. u have such a gift. also lol i was thinking of going to law school but also proactively planning an exit strategy 😭
You make me smile again, Janel . . . more than once, and particularly at "later-in-life adjacent."
Also, hunger arises for snickerdoodles.
My friend and I, both mostly desk bound government employees, have considered the building trades as our retired lady target jobs. Personally I’ve always wanted to learn how to tile. And I know she has the smarts required for anything.
I picture Donna and Josh, who have traveled different paths than the President and Abbey, in that same easy, sexy space. I just wish someone would write it.
Finally: I say thee yea, Janel Moloney, you and your turtleneck still got it.
My parents told me I shouldn't judge myself against others; I should judge myself against myself. Are you behaving with decency? Are you using your gifts well? Are you leaving things better than you found them? Nothing's ever perfect, but from where I'm sitting you're doing pretty well.
And as for a second career, maybe you should open an Italian restaurant. Kind of full circle from your hostess days. You could still work the room, only now people would go whoa! Look who that is!
Thank you! ♥️
You just inspired me!
Season 1 Episode 1 loading!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Janel, I found you! Your writing is so sparkling and I feel lucky to have talked to you over dinner one magical evening. Hope we cross paths soon and in the meantime, I'll be here eating up all your words!
hi Janel from Australia. After watching the episode "War Crimes" (S3E6) i was thinking what would donna write in a diary and i posted this on "The West Wing Fans" Facebook Group.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B4UKWZcGZ/
“Dear Diary, Another Mundane day at the office but Josh brightened it up by completely missing his Chair and fell because i took it to the shop to get repaired”.
There are a few "diaries" there. https://www.facebook.com/groups/402346703440780/user/1035606382
Loved stumbling across your Substack. Your writing is sublime. A light in the dark that is so needed.
Currently watching Season 3, episode 8.
The final scene, with Roger Tribbey, where Bartlet gives his briefing, if the worst happens, is great. Bartlet is sincere, Leo is genuinely moved and Tribbey (played by Harry Groener from Buffy!) is friendly, open and supportive, and gives Bartlet a copy of the constitution translated into Latin by a student in his home town! Is this normal in the education system in the USA?
1. My god, I love your writing. 2. Something I always loved about Jed and Abby on TWW was how they always kinda seemed like kids in love. Their relationship was, of course, so layered and mature and raw at times, but when they're in that bed together in this episode, they're just such great friends. Friends who love and like each other. Those scenes between them are so intimate and human, and so very far from the presidency and it's just so delicious. You're so lucky you also got to know them as Martin and Stockard. :-) 3. I always include CJ/Danny when I write Sam/Ainsley fanfiction, something that, yes, I'm openly admitting I do here.