Sunday Sighs...The West Wing, Josh & Donna
Every time I watch an episode of The West Wing, I think I find my favorite line from the whole show. But, the romance reader/writer/lover knows that there's only one answer to this question. It's in the second season, during the episode titled "17 People." This is a fantastic episode--one that shows the incredible talent of Richard Schiff (who plays the curmudgeonly, patriotic Toby Ziegler)--in which, among other things: Toby is made the 17th Person to discover that President Bartlet has MS; Ainsley Hayes (my favorite Republican on television) reveals that she is a Smithie; and Sam & Ainsley have a fantastic argument about the need (or lack thereof) for the Equal Rights Amendment.
But the very best moment in the whole show is when Donna and Josh peel off from the rest of the group, and she confesses that she came to work for the White House not (as he's always believed) when her boyfriend dumped her, but when she dumped him--because the tool stopped to have a drink with friends on the way to pick her up from the hospital after she had been in a car accident:
Josh gets superior (as he does), and says:ok. le sigh.
"I'm just saying that if you were in an accident, I wouldn't stop for a beer."
Donna replies:
"If you were in an accident I wouldn't stop for red lights."
But if that weren't enough, here's the kicker. The audience knows in that moment (if they didn't already) that Josh and Donna are destined to be. But the stellar writing staff of the show doesn't give in to what I am certain was an overwhelming desire to just-get-them-together-already-and-have-them-make-out. They go another five seasons before we get the smooch we want here in season two.
And OMG it's worth it.
And that is just one of the many reasons why I think The West Wing is the greatest thing that has ever been on television.
Labels: dream boys, inspiration, on the tube, sigh
posted by Sarah MacLean at
9:22 PM
5 Comments:
That is such a fantastic line. I get goosebumps just reading it. (Were they in the dark or something in that scene? I remember the office being dark...)
I think Donna's one of the greatest female characters ever. She's smart and sassy but also can be totally gullible and vulnerable. And she totally knows how to handle Josh, which deserves major points.
Though I think my favorite Josh line is "Bring me the finest muffins and bagels in all the land!"
So totally with you. Almost nothing makes me happier than that picture of the two of them you posted.
Oh, and Kathleen - no, they're just in Josh's office - just that it's *always* dark in West Wing episodes!
yeah, it's SO DARK in Josh's office. No wonder he has PTSD.
I like how they always used Donna as a tool to explain the government to the viewer. And how she's such an unapologetic populist. Almost as nice as when they use Leo and he's like "Oh, interesting. Tell me more, because I've really taken an interest in politics recently."
Honestly? I feel like Donna can do better than someone as f-ed up as Josh, but then, I've only seen through season 4. (My fave boyfriend of hers was the Republican prosecutor.)
Yay! So happy to find West Wing fans! I literally cannot write without a daily dose of TWW. So I just watch all 7 seasons, then start fresh with the pilot. In a constant haze of Aaron Sorkin and Bradley Whitford.
@Kathleen - My favorite Josh moment is in the first season when he sleeps in his office overnight and ends up having to wear Sam's Gordon's Fisherman pants for a meeting with Joey Lucas. Hilarious. Of course, I say that now...but I have a new favorite Josh moment for every episode.
@Claire - I love that photo. LOVE IT. You would think these people were my friends for how much I love that photo. Also, you're totally right about darkness...especially in the early seasons--they kind of hit you over the head with themes using light. I forgive them for it, though.
@Diana - I know you didn't just come over to my house and insult Joshua Lyman. But, since you're only up to Season 4, I will allow you to stay, and offer you a latte while you chill and watch Season 5, 6 and 7. You are totally right about Donna's role in explaining politics. She's a great tool...and a fantastic example (like all of the characters) of how to write something in long form and keep the characters true to themselves.
I learn something new from Aaron Sorkin every episode.
Sarah, you might be my new best friend!!
I also use the West Wing to kick off my writing after it started happening completely unintentionally - in fact, I think Aaron Sorkin is single-handedly responsible for my discovery of English as a beautiful language... (I had mistakenly thought only French really qualified.) What do you write? A little taster of the novel I'm working on is at www.brusselsclaire.blogspot.com...
And as for Brad, well, he is the inspiration for my main character, and I have to say it is not difficult to put myself in the shoes of someone falling in love with someone who looks like him!!
I identify fully with the constant haze of Aaron Sorkin and Bradley Whitford - what a great way to live your life! I'm about to finish series 7 again so back to the beginning... am hoping it never gets old even though I think I might now know all Josh and Donna scenes verbatim...!
Yes - I know exactly what you mean about that photo - I feel the same way!
and @Diana - I will follow in Sarah's footsteps and also extend forgiveness. Yes, Josh is messed up, but who wouldn't be after living through all the things he has? And really, truly, trust me when I say he and Donna are meant for each other.
Wistful sigh...
For the truly obsessed, check out the facebook group! http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=119668758613&ref=ts
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