The West Wing characters: Donna Moss
”Knock knock. Who’s there? Sam and his prostitute friend.”

Isn’t she divine? I call Donna the Josh whisperer. More than any other character, I think it’s fair to say that the evolution of Donna was organic. I think Janel had the biggest effect on her character of all of the cast too. Starting out as nothing more than Josh’s assistant, Donna was soon a series regular and fan favorite. It speaks volumes for Janel’s performances, which proved to be more mature and evocative with each new season. Both Janel and Donna truly earned the eventual position of chief of staff to the First Lady. I also felt that it was important within the romantic relationship Donna has with Josh that, before they did seal the deal, they were on a more equal footing professionally.

Janel’s brought some seriously emotional performances over the years, but I have to confess a particular love of the silly and hilarious banter that was in pretty much every episode of the early seasons. I feel like Janel and Brad played off each other so incredibly well, both dramatically and comedically. It kind of sizzled on-screen really. I think they kept this gorgeous balance of Donna’s innocence, her brilliance and the depth of her feelings for Josh. It’s just nice to have a character present who you feel a trust with so completely. She may even be the truest of heart of all the characters, bringing the best out of her colleagues on countless occasions (notably the end of 20 Hours in America). When you watch Donna, there’s no doubt of her competency and Josh’s dependence on her. It would have been a shame if we hadn’t got to see her potential fulfilled by the finale, so it’s a truly deserved moment as she observes that grand office of hers. That, on the same day as waking up beside Josh Lyman. I kinda love that the two of them end up the power couple of the White House! The country’s in safe hands, circa Tomorrow.