I just watched the cast of The West Wing on yesterday's Ellen and it was wonderful. I don't care that NBC cancelled the retrospective because I doubt anything they would have done would be as lovely as that episode of Ellen. It was so nice to see the cast all together like that, laughing and having fun. And I loved the way they structured it, starting off with the remaining core four and then adding Janel and Dule, and then other late-comers. I also thought the clips were very well-chosen. And I totally sobbed when they brought out the flowers and mentioned John Spencer's roses. *sniffle*
Watching the clips, I realized that I didn't just love watching the show, I loved the shared experience of watching the show with a terrific group of smart, funny, amazing, wonderful people. I loved the way we'd quote lines back and forth to each other, the way we could relate almost everything that happened in our real lives to something that happened on the show, the spirited political discussions that we used to engage in. I loved the Great Olive War, the Redbird/Susannah campaign staff, the Fishboy Dance, the Horsepersons of the Anti-Yearning Apocalypse (with their coconuts!), the Harem Globetrotters, and the Pop-Tarts. I love that every Thanksgiving many of us name our turkeys either Eric or Troy (Troy doesn't like to be touched). I love that I still have my "Crackpots" tape, the one that went around to everyone and was copied and re-copied so many times during that first summer that you can't even hear the audio (oh, but you can see Josh's biceps, you betcha).
I know we did some of this a couple years ago when Testy's board closed, but in honor of the passing of this wonderful show that has given me so many dear friends over the years, I thought I'd dig up some of the stuff I saved from the old MB and post it here between now and Sunday. I know I've still got the Winger's Dictionary and some excerpts from the Gail thread, and a few assorted quotes. I don't have the campaign staff list, though, and if any of you old-schoolers still have that I'd love to see it.
Watching the clips, I realized that I didn't just love watching the show, I loved the shared experience of watching the show with a terrific group of smart, funny, amazing, wonderful people. I loved the way we'd quote lines back and forth to each other, the way we could relate almost everything that happened in our real lives to something that happened on the show, the spirited political discussions that we used to engage in. I loved the Great Olive War, the Redbird/Susannah campaign staff, the Fishboy Dance, the Horsepersons of the Anti-Yearning Apocalypse (with their coconuts!), the Harem Globetrotters, and the Pop-Tarts. I love that every Thanksgiving many of us name our turkeys either Eric or Troy (Troy doesn't like to be touched). I love that I still have my "Crackpots" tape, the one that went around to everyone and was copied and re-copied so many times during that first summer that you can't even hear the audio (oh, but you can see Josh's biceps, you betcha).
I know we did some of this a couple years ago when Testy's board closed, but in honor of the passing of this wonderful show that has given me so many dear friends over the years, I thought I'd dig up some of the stuff I saved from the old MB and post it here between now and Sunday. I know I've still got the Winger's Dictionary and some excerpts from the Gail thread, and a few assorted quotes. I don't have the campaign staff list, though, and if any of you old-schoolers still have that I'd love to see it.
- Current Mood:
nostalgic
Comments
There's a book by a Harvard political scientist named Robert Putnam called "Bowling Alone" that argues that Americans are losing important social capital--that we just don't connect with each other anymore. One of the data points he offers as evidence is that the number of Americans participating in bowling leagues has plummeted.
What Robert Putnam doesn't understand is that I don't have to go put on shoes someone else has been wearing in order to connect with people--thanks to technological advances, I can go find people who love what I love and bore them with lectures about Title IX. ;) Or end up laughing my brains out as we try to force Troy under the damn brine he doesn't want to sink into. I haven't seen the Ellen show yet (note to self: look for reruns), but I've always gotten the impression that one of the things that amazing cast is grateful for is that the show gave them the opportunity to work together. I'm with them--I'm grateful the show gave us each other.
And I totally wrote in the Redbird/Susannah ticket in 2004.
I have a tough time believing that it's been 7 years since I met you guys. But I'm so glad that our goofy little mb escapades have turned into friendships and goofy lj escapades that will last longer than the show.
Aw, you all are the best. I can't believe this show has brought us together for so many years and through so much.
{{HUGS}}