3.21: We Killed Yamamoto

Josh and Hrishi discuss a few conflicts central to this episode, and its making: Amy vs Josh, President Bartlet vs moral absolutes, and script deadlines vs directing schedules.

Here’s a link to buy tickets for our live “Celebrity Celebrity” game night, a benefit for The Pablove Foundation on September 24 — thewestwingweekly.com/celebrity. 

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footnotes —
“Cool Sorkin Jams” playlist on Spotify, now with more Van Morrison
“[I've Had] The Time Of My Life” by Jennifer Warnes & Bill Medley
Josh Lyman’s little shimmy (I listened to Josh Malina cackling as he watched this over and over):

JoshLyman-Prance.gif

3.20: The Black Vera Wang (with Mark Harmon)

We’re joined by Mark Harmon to discuss all things Simon Donovan. Our interview with him spans the rest of Season 3, so if you're watching The West Wing for the first time, be warned that spoilers abound during that part of this episode.

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footnotes —
Miles Morales / Black Spider-Man
Thanks to Lyn Paolo (@LynPaolo) for insight into the title.
”A Brief History of Catholic Claims to Shakespeare” in The Atlantic
Donna drinking water [screenshot]

3.19: Enemies Foreign and Domestic

A correction: Eli Attie's teacher, Mrs Morello, is alive. A reminder: Paxton Whitehead, who played Bernard, is also alive. Josh and Hrishi discuss Russians being played by non-Russians, Tom Lehrer, and the Sorkinism of having nothing to do. Plus, to accompany the story of the letter that gets sent to the President, we're thrilled to present one of our favorite episodes of 99% Invisible, “Ten Letters to the President.” It’s a perfect companion for this episode of The West Wing. Big thanks to Roman Mars (@romanmars) and the folks at Slate’s Working podcast for letting us share it with you.

Tom Lehrer - Lobachevsky
Tom Lehrer - Who’s Next?
Paxton Whitehead and his daughter Alex

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3.17: Stirred (with Eli Attie and Fmr Deputy Labor Secretary Chris Lu)

This week we're joined by Chris Lu (@ChrisLu44), who served as the White House Cabinet Secretary during the first term of the Obama administration and the Deputy Secretary of Labor during the second term. He gives us some real-world insight into Presidential Proclamations. Plus, we use the special West Wing Weekly Hotline to call Eli Attie (@EliAttie) to get the inside scoop on the writing of this episode.

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footnotes —
‘Vice Presidential Swaps Throughout History’ (ABC News)
Mr. Moto
Word by Word
Parks and Recreation