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November 09, 2004
Saunders: Roles shift on 'West Wing'
by Dusty Saunders
Rocky Mountain News
The nation's presidents were busy last week.
One finished his campaign and was elected to a second term.
The other, already in a second term, attempted to work out a peace agreement at Camp David between Israel and Palestine while deciding to appoint his female press secretary as chief of staff.
Ah, the intriguing world of presidential politics.
The fact that President Josiah Bartlet (Martin Sheen) wants C.J. Cregg (Allison Janney) as his No. 1 adviser will raise eyebrows - at least among television critics.
Even in the world of presidential make-believe that exists on The West Wing (conservatives call it the Left Wing) the elevation of the press secretary to such a key position seems far-fetched.
Would Bill Clinton ever have made Dee Dee Myers his right-hand woman?
Can anyone see George W. Bush promoting Scott McClellan? Hardly.
Anyway, this is the TV White House where anything can happen to intensify dramatic scripts.
But Janney contends such a promotion is "not that far-fetched."
"It's relationship driven," the Emmy-winning actress said on the phone.
"The president has a lot of faith and confidence in C.J. He trusts her.
"And he needs somebody he can trust now that Leo (John Spencer) has suffered a severe heart attack."
In the final scene of last week's episode, Bartlet told C.J. he wanted someone who "will jump off the cliff for him."
She officially assumes that job in this week's episode.
Political realism aside, the promotion of Janney's character could add more story-line zest.
C.J. Cregg is more than just a former press secretary thrust into a position of power. She's a woman who undoubtedly will bump up against more obstacles in that key position than would a man.
"From strictly a script perspective, the promotion of C.J. should provide some intriguing White House situations," Janney said.
"I can't tell you exactly what will happen because, frankly, I don't know. That's part of the charm of this show for the actors."
Some critics and viewers contend The West Wing, now in its second season without the incisive writing of creator Aaron Sorkin, has suffered in quality.
Showing political skill, Janney deftly sidesteps any comparisons.
"Aaron was a genius . . . an amazing writer, Janney said.
"But we're so fortunate to have the talents of John Wells (executive producer) who cares so deeply about the show.
"He and the other writers have provided different voices for the scripts. We trust them all."
Janney has "no idea" what direction The West Wing will go regarding long-range, politically-oriented story lines.
But she does hear reports that C.J., whose romantic life has never been fulfilled, might find someone who cares.
Spencer will remain on the show even though Leo McGarry is going through tough times physically. He collapsed on the grounds at Camp David and nobody noticed (an unrealistic scenario, by the way).
Wednesday's episode also introduces Jimmy Smits, playing a Hispanic congressman from Houston, who has his eye on the White House.
Later this month, Alan Alda joins the cast, portraying a middle-of- the-road Republican senator from California with presidential dreams.
Also in the presidential mix is Gary Cole, as Bartlet's pragmatic vice president and former congressman from Colorado.
These characters should add to the intrigue, particularly if The West Wing has an election and goes into its seventh season next fall.
Such a jigsaw-puzzle situation could add a touch of political reality to the careers of major cast members.
If a new "president" is elected by scriptwriters, logic would dictate he'd surround himself with a new team.
That could mean Janney, Spencer, Richard Schiff, Bradley Whitford, Dule Hill and Lily Tomlin might leave the series.
"That does produce some paranoia," Janney admitted.
Her role on The West Wing has boosted Janney's career and revived her interest in politics.
"I grew up in the Watergate era and was pretty much turned off by politics and politicians.
"Working on The West Wing has changed all that."
She voted Nov. 2.
Posted by Jo at November 9, 2004 07:00 AM