That was awfully nice of you

[@themetacrisis]

I wish John Spencer were alive to see the love people still have for The West Wing and his performance as Leo McGarry. He was an incredible talent.

[@situated4]

Do you?

[@luvshak3095]

Great. First I wasn't crying then I read this.....

[@Jambon99]

if you listen to the DVD commentary for this episode John Spencer starts to choke up during this scene and says something to the effect of "this is the kind of writing an actor waits his whole career for". I couldn't agree more.

[@WilliamWallace817]

That really brings a tear to my eye. R.I.P. John - you were a true acting tour de force.

[@adammckay9109]

Link? I just watched the last episode and would kill for this. I'll start looking!

[@ericmiller93]

Jeff Daniels says it about Sorkin’s writing. Lots of people do.

[@Dewebje]

@@ericmiller93 i wanted to say that. And if you can hear that once as an weiter from someone great you're good. But uf you hear that more often..you're a great writer On the other side: much great writers will never hear this i'm afraid.

[@douglastaylor6171]

It's not bad for the audience, either. It's the type of scene necessary to understand the character to relate to him. You, as an actor, need to make it human -- it's not the Presidency or his political career, though that will end, too--but disappointing his friend, his worst habits exposed for all to see in the public square, and all I can think is about is Jenny -- "Not more important than your marriage!" "Right now, yes, this is more important than my marriage..." "Pills." When he's telling the story, it's the end, and he is as close to crazy as I've ever seen him. If there was ever a moment for a drink....it's when he gets back to the office, alone, crying that you exposed yourself to someone you care about, for no reason--experienced the high with no catharsis--and Jed knew it. That man was headed for a bender.

[@deanl3236]

There are actors. There are good actors. There are great actors. There is John Spencer. What a man. RIP- John.

[@SimoneAAA]

John Spencer's performance on the West Wing were a tour de force. His talent will be missed forever.

[@ronaldtant3196]

Could not agree more.

[@paulschrum9222]

Agreeing with you, but that scene in particular is one of the best 83 seconds in all of television. Spencer truly was brilliant.

[@unclebob53703]

my favorite moment in this show. everyone should have a friend like that. I love how Jed leaves so his friend can break down in private. priceless

[@Ladco77]

I love Leo. In my life I've never wanted to be "the guy" in the spotlight. I've wanted to be the guy "the guy" depends on to get stuff done.

[@rgwak]

I see what you did there. 🤨

[@slewofdamascus]

it is a tantalizing nuance upon which you shone your light...

[@axucaroso]

I wish I had a Leo in real life for advice and stuff. Plus he wore a double breasted suit like a boss!!!

[@jackrickard6865]

That scene later spawned its own show for a little while 😂

[@Seemlypseudonym]

This is Jed’s way of saying not just “I love you” but “I see you” - This is who you are. The one who saw this for me and made it real. Not the alcoholic, but the man who wanted a President he could believe in. And that was awfully nice of him.

[@ianmcinally5110]

OMG one of the many many scenes that never fails to choke me up, no matter how many times watched. The knife scene with Charlie.....Leos story to Josh about both being stuck in a hole........OMG

[@kbflorida888]

Ian McInally The West Wing was magnificently written.

[@samsung3254]

Same here! I just... I am welling up thinking about those scenes. Sure it's fiction but it's a fiction that helps me to aspire to be better despite the challenges. Thanks with much appreciation for posting! Stay Safe! 👍

[@Lovelylizzette]

I know it’s fiction but it feels so real. Tears every time.

[@mattpope1746]

Since it’s getting near Christmas my wife and I just re-watched In Excelsis Deo last night. The closing scene of the honor guard funeral Toby arranges for the homeless veteran against the choir singing Little Drummer Boy is a real gut punch in the feels also.

[@stevethomas2285]

That knife scene was amazing.

[@b991228]

On of TWW most powerful yet subtle scenes. It showed what stress Leo was going through. Showed Jed’s concern as well.

[@paulino8472]

The loyalty that Leo had for Bartlett is so moving. I love in the next episode 'HR 172' how he says "I take a bullet for the President, he doesn't take one for me." That is devoted friendship!

[@robincoffman6723]

And most inportent he MEANS it, every word, he WOULD if it came to that not thinking HIS life matters too

[@danstana7492]

Shows the true friendship of Leo & Bartlet. Throughout the first couple of seasons, Leo would alude to friends, but they always let him down. Bartlet refused to do that and was always thoughtful and sincere with him.

[@samsonguy10k]

One thing Leo always had to keep himself standing throughout this time was to be able to look in the mirror and say, "My best friend is President of the United States." That sort of thing would carry me through my worst days.

[@steveC2307]

This show had some real emotional gems! Mrs Landingham talking to Charlie about losing her boys. Toby arranging the funeral for a homeless vet in the little drummer boy episode and Leo talking to Josh about the man in the hole. Just a few but there were many.

[@simonburns1799]

Sir, You have identified the most moving scenes for me as well. I have the opportunity to teach and use these scenes. Humanity and humility are character traits that contribute to a better world.

[@steveC2307]

@@simonburns1799 Well said Sir. Well said indeed!

[@lekoman]

John Spencer, man... what a frickin pro.

[@trin223]

My view: At the end of a long day of hearings where he was to be held up to public scrutiny and shame about his alcoholism (which would call into doubt years of service in various parts of the government), he comes back to the office. All day long he was on high alert. Anxiety is exhausting. And he comes home to be greeted by his best friend, the President. And he gives him this gift, this memento of trust, loyalty, and faith in the other. To receive such a gift of love after a day like that...

[@stanleyramirez4422]

Steve Last you write well

[@trailblazer225]

He spends the whole day feeling sorry that his friends and coworkers have are going to be hurt and embarrassed because of his own shortcomings and wondering if the world wouldn't be better if he had nothing to do with the Bartlet presidency to begin with, and then he narrowly escapes public humiliation and finally comes back to his office only to have Jed tell him, silently, that the Bartlet presidency wouldn't even exist without him, and that Jed and the world are both better for having Leo around.

[@macblastoff7700]

You noticed the tears, right? No, I'm talking about mine, every damn time I get suckered into watching this scene again...😭

[@blainemonaco2092]

That was awfully nice of you and walks out. Brilliant!

[@gerrynightingale9045]

*it was Bartlett's way of telling Leo "I remember who was the first...who was my champion" in saving a wrinkled napkin of no worth, something disposable, and he kept it all this time as a symbol of friendship that will never end*

[@linzzyy]

I can't get enough of the friendship between these two

[@barbarawalsh2875]

This always gets me. The two best friends to respect each other holds the other in. And the history that that little frame napkin will make it some thing that we would only wish could happen to us. To have a friend so true that you would trust him with your life what a wonderful feeling that must be. I miss the show I miss Leo McGarry and I most certainly miss John Spencer.

[@GaryM67-71]

' To have a friend so true that you would trust him with your life what a wonderful feeling that must be.' Just believe in Jesus the resurrected son of God, get baptised, and you have that friend.

[@hothotheat3000]

Hand of the King.

[@jan-olofharnvall8760]

I cry a bit everytime I see this... damn good acting😢

[@deke76]

I've seen this scene fifty times and it still gets me.

[@FriendofSonic]

This was a perfect scene in so many ways. Amazing way for Leo to have no choice but to surrender his emotions, for a little bit, after all he's been through for the Bartlet campaign and presidency.

[@darrellgarrett72]

I love the friendship between Leo & Jed, as well as the one between Josh & Sam!

[@googoo-gjoob]

the GREATEST show in the h i s t o r y of television.

[@thedavecorp]

See BOSTON LEGAL.

[@thedavecorp]

*and the final season of THE PRACTICE.

[@googoo-gjoob]

@@thedavecorp , i own the complete set. its a hoot. splashes of brilliance.

[@thedavecorp]

@@googoo-gjoob Excellent. It's the best I've ever seen in public broadcast.

[@kevinedie4119]

It's definitely up there

[@radioman312]

Of all the dramatic and grandiose literary devices this show used, the napkin was the simplest but most effective dramatic punch to the gut. Man I miss this show.

[@tsurdyk]

Agreed. The Revere knife given to Charlie was close.

[@gregorymurphy9378]

This scene shows how just in under 90 seconds the power of the writing and acting done in this show.. John Spencer and Martin Sheen were made for these roles.. One of the if not the best show ever on TV

[@dirdib69]

Leo was the source. The one man in whom Bartlett could believe in enough to be talked into running for a job he didn't want.

[@atatsumi]

I cry every time I watch this... and I've watched it a gazillion times

[@TomUK737]

John Spencer really was one of a kind.

[@markog1999]

Imagine your best friend hands you a napkin that says "(Your name) for America" and then actually goes and gets you elected what a madman.

[@JodyFrancisWall]

And you keep that napkin even though you had no chance of winning.

[@jesusthroughmary]

​@@JodyFrancisWallthat's the thing, he's like holy shit, you kept a napkin all these years

[@michaelmuldowney8]

The box set DVD of this episode contains a commentary with John Spencer who actually chokes up while discussing this scene.

[@danthefan5378]

Thankyou Michael!

[@timirish2563]

TV seems so damned bad now because this shows us how good it can be.

[@joejohnson273]

More heart, soul, positivity, kindness & empathy in 1.5 minutes than our current administration has shown in 3.5 years.

[@benwu7980]

I won't spoil the context, but the scene never fails to make me emotional.

[@cutekiltchaser]

Me too and then when it comes back in the finale 😭

[@fonsa9o]

@Sarcasmses I think it was pure emotion more than joy. Anyway, outstanding John Spencer, what a performance.

[@mattpope1746]

This scene for me is a good insight into the exchange of sentiment between men in our world. Discouraged from the time we are boys from showing vulnerable emotions it often plays out as depicted here: some good natured ribbing followed by a muted and unspoken statement of affection. Only when he is alone does Leo break down a bit.

[@samsung3254]

For those of us who especially treasure this scene and show, a sort of spoiler. In the recent reenactment of Hartsfield Landing, did anyone else well up when they saw this frame in scene? Such a wonderful understatement of recognition without stealing a scene, I thought. A class act like the man and the show, if I may say. Have Hope! Stay Safe! Thank You!

[@hpjustadad]

In the last episode of the series,"Tomorrow", Leo's daughter gives the present back to the president who opens it on his flight home. Also a great moment.

[@vidyasagar86svce]

always been taught that grown men don't cry and then you come up against stuff like this !!!

[@ered203]

I like how Jed left him alone to be with his emotions so Leo could retain his dignity.

[@Puckosar]

Why would a man lose his dignity by being swept up in an emotional moment? To cry during a profound moment in front of a close friend is to lose dignity? Sounds bizarre to me

[@ered203]

@@Puckosar Because Leo is not the guy to lose control in public, and we are allowed to choose how we deal with things. It sounds bizarre to me that you would assume that how YOU choose to deal with your emotions is how EVERYBODY should deal with theirs.

[@blainemonaco2092]

The president knew all Leo had been thru war etc. And give all of his support to an individual knowing and trusting he was the man for the job of president. With that it also cost him his marriage. So many layers. Just incredible!

[@bphantom64]

@davidwalmsley I never saw it that way. Earlier in the episode, as I recall, Leo privately declared, unabashedly, that he loves Bartlett. This scene is an acknowledgement that the affection is returned. And yeah, after a hard day, it means a lot.

[@LawrenceNealsGeekLifeRules]

John Spencer was an American treasure

[@leiaslizzy]

This moment. This moment right here is what made Jed and Leo's friendship my favourite fictional friendship ever. ❤️

[@cinematicadventures1]

JOHN SPENCER YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A LEGEND

[@richarddarlington1139]

Funny how something as ubiquitous as a cocktail napkin can have such meaning. At the end of the day, it's the little things that really count.

[@mnfrench7603]

Richard Darlington and that same napkin comes back in one of the final shots of the show.

[@samsonguy10k]

@@mnfrench7603 I bet one of the cast members or crew still has it.

[@tyu3456]

bro love at its finest :)

[@mfisher1952]

I firmly believe we are living in the Golden Age of Television. And this show - along with its cast and scripts - is not the least of the reasons.

[@unclebob53703]

the best scene in this show, and in the history of television

[@lysechrist1947]

One of my favorite WW moments!

[@robertshewmaker1442]

And the Emmy goes to...John Spencer.

[@MichaelDarlingCo]

It was Leo all along. Well played, Mr. Spencer.

[@emily51805]

I miss John Spencer so much.

[@mezza001]

John Spencer is the ultimate Chief of Staff to POTUS

[@jeffreyshort4531]

I have seen this scene several times -- and the one thing that I just noticed... When Jed walks out of Leo's office, he doesn't close the door between them. That could be symbolism ... that could be so that Leo has a visual cue that Jed is right there ... or, of course, it just could be a missed part in the script. :)

[@hanscombe72]

@davidwalmsley Wow I never looked at Leo that way. The last thing I ever would have considered McGarry being was fragile. His military service, his success in the private sector and his role as COS make him a giant, albeit a very human one.

[@JustinSIsTank]

Man, John Spencer was something else. I saw the Hartsfield Landing stagin on HBOMax. Sterling K. Brown was excellent, but couldn't hold a candle to Spencer.

[@khymaaren]

To be fair, if Sterling had been the original casting choice, he would have grown into the role just as well. John Spencer had been playing Leo for almost three years by the time he shot this scene.

[@JustinSIsTank]

@@khymaaren Fair.

[@PanzerMold]

"You mind if I make some calls, make sure Tennessee is still one of the states and stuff?"

[@ers586]

For those who don't know, this handkerchief will make an appearance again much later in the series. But I won't say where.

[@zachj9359]

haha thats funny Rapid. Last Scene of the Series

[@mac30robtc]

It was a paper cocktail napkin, not a handkerchief... that made it even more special that Jed had saved it.

[@shadowthoughts7959]

When Star Trek came out, kids raced into the sciences to become doctors and engineers because they're heroes showed them what they could do. DeForest Kelley couldn't afford his dream of being a doctor, but got to play one on TV, and got letters from viewers who fulfilled his dream on his behalf after being inspired by the show. He said it made it all worth it. I wonder if the actors here felt even a granule of hope for even local government, or activism, or just running a proper house; that the viewers took to heart what they saw here. The medical field didn't change much besides an influx of workers, and I doubt the political scene would or has either as far as its running goes...But I wonder if the actors gave this any thought when they walked off the set, especially for the last time.

[@scottdelinger1]

Beautiful.

[@laurenmallon4963]

I miss the series and I miss Mr. John Spencer!

[@TimothyOBrien1958]

I miss John Spencer. What a guy.

[@audreykennedy90]

I am sad he never go to be VP. He would have been superb.

[@carpballet]

Can you imagine having a White House with 10% of what this show portrayed?

[@leonkernan]

Truth is he cried because he wanted a scan DVD player with mp3 playback, not a regifted napkin.

[@leoniousmumblescraper1311]

When a fictional White House administration is better than what we could ever hope for in real life.

[@KjartanAndersen]

Category: Pets & Animals...? Because of Leo? :-) Great acting by two giants!

[@92Laeti]

@92Laeti here's the second part of the commentary: I personnally think for one, Bartlet gave this particular present to Leo in order to show him that he will always trust Leo, and second, Leo cries not out of joy, but saddeness, and even maybe self loathing, because he almost killed his best friend's president jut to get a drink one night.

[@robincoffman6723]

and no one should hold Leo s relapse againgest him just like Leo didnt hold it againgest Bartlett for not telling him from the very start he had M.S. at lest Bartlett KNEW Leo was in Recovery and a relapse COULD happen

[@sculptormills]

Leo "dodged a bullet" because congressional hearings were going on and they were about to cricify Leo for his drinking habit in the past (for no reason other than to spite the Democrats), but at the last minute, a recess was called in the hearings until after the holidays. When Leo first approched Bartlet about running for president, he wrote "Bartlet for America" on a napkin and Bartlet saved it all those years. On another note, thank you for your service to our Country. We appreciate it!

[@cartoonking461]

Kind of like what the Democrats did to Trump with the fake Russian fiasco .

[@leemarlin9415]

We can use real people in the White House with the quality of these characters.

[@jackfordtrousers]

When I first saw that napkin I thought it said 'BARLET PORN AMERICA' and I was all 'what a shitty present'

[@mikefan09]

beautiful

[@92Laeti]

actually, that is my take of the scene:Earlier in the episode, Leo confesses to his lawyer about a night during the campaign, when Leo weakened and got drunk, while Bartlet had an episode of his MS before some kind of debate. And the problem was that a man who now was a republican senator being part of the commission who interrogated Leo about Bartlet's MS knew about Leo's night, and wanted to use that to kill Leo, and hurt the president pretty bad.

[@Athanase48067]

I miss him so much

[@Sarcasmses]

@PHANTOM1OF1OPERA ...have you never cried with joy?

[@lilshortkid100]

My best friend started watching this series. After the first Christmas epsiode he asked me if they're all tear jerkers, I tell him just the next one. I forgot about Season 3 here. Oops

[@LMays-cu2hp]

That was good!!!

[@wiredog64]

being in the military and several deployments...I have missed alot of the show...someone tell me about this scene...Also missed oout on boston Public and Brothers and sisters...thank SSG us Army

[@johntoth9042]

I could not read what was written on the gift nor do I understand what the gift was. Can someone help?

[@b1j]

Me too, Leo.

[@strlightcutie521]

@Jambon99 is there a video of this online?

[@sanctious]

Between Leo in TWW and Doug Stamper in House of Cards, why chiefs of staff have to be alcoholics? lol

[@henrybutchy3242]

This is exactly the deep human caring and goodness displayed by Donald Trump. Not.

[@McRocket]

Could someone please tell those of us who have not seen the episode why the gift meant so much to Leo?

[@gslindstrom]

When Jed was governor, Leo approached him with the idea of running for President. The napkin was Leo's way of letting Jed know "what he was thinking".

[@McRocket]

@@gslindstrom 👍

[@MrKco63]

humans in the white house........what a concept now eh?

[@McRocket]

What was the thing that Bartlett gave to Leo?

[@steampunker7]

A memento. Back when Bartlett was governor Leo was scribbling ideas for what to do next and jotted down "Bartlett for President" on a cocktail napkin and gave it to him. Basically, it was Leo's idea Jeb ran for office. Jeb is giving it back to him, framed, as a reminder and keepsake that he wouldn't be in the Oval Office if it weren't for Leo.

[@McRocket]

@@steampunker7 Thank you.

[@unclebob53703]

Me too.

[@Jmorgan176]

Omg I don't remember the lead in for this scene. Can anyone give me a idea what the episode was about

[@dp1669]

3 -09 Bartlet for America Leo is supeoned to the hill to testify about President Bartlet's health.

[@ttlms]

Leo had to testify to the Congressional committee investigating Bartlet's MS. He was getting ready to have to testify about a drunken episode at the debate site (when Bartlet has an MS attack) when the Republican chairman suddenly adjourned the hearing until after the holidays. This scene happened after Leo came back to the White House.

[@GOWRISANKARAS]

is this from the series "The West Wing"?

[@GOWRISANKARAS]

+danbh84 thanks man! I'll add it to my watch list :-)

[@geraldleerilea]

Thanks for everything! Here’s a little something for fun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioK4hXqdj8ehg8k

[@asalmog]

@davidwalmsley Wow. I have been accused of attrubuting too much depth to songs or tv shows, and I always viewed the accusers as shallow. Now I know how they felt. I would like to think that the creators of TWW were deep enough to think of your interpretation and insert it to a scene, but I doubt it. I think the obvious interpretation- Leo cried of joy- is the valid one.

[@PHANTOM1OF1OPERA]

guys why was leo crying? wasnt that a good thing?

[@johndoe9450]

I dont even think the crying is an act...

[@jermed2001]

Context?

[@pauldockree9915]

I tried the 1st episode of Fawlty Towers just now. Brilliantly funny still but I have changed. It wears me out. I cannot speak languages. Basil - please admit - you cannot either. Or at least Spanish. ¿Qué? Rest in peace Andrew Sachs and Ballard Berkley. Heck it even had Robin Ellis later of Poldark and The Europeans fame. Nope. Real life I swear has got weirder than that hostelry in Torquay. ¿Qué?