The West Wing: He remains an English man

The group surprise Ainsley Hayes with a present for her office. Sorry I've been pretty lazy with your requests but I'll be uploading more videos soon. Season 2 Episode 5.

[@RomanCoronado]

I feel as if Tobey is sitting there thinking "I am here.....for reasons passing understanding".

[@nikolatesla5553]

I don't think so. I think Tobey was being Tobey. His presence alone said a lot.

[@Tigerman1138]

Nikola Tesla Love your nickname.

[@sykeassai]

Toby is Toby, he's stoic but in every instance he puts his heart and soul into things even though he comes off dour. I think Nikola was right, his presence says a lot. I can't remember the context of this scene but definetly Toby being there to celebrate means somthing.

[@Vidrigsson]

He was there. His precense said enogh. Even the President had trouble makung him do stuff he did not want:)

[@sykeassai]

If i remember correctly, Bartlet has a harder time arguing anything with Toby than he does with Leo.

[@almostfm]

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you close out an episode.

[@mitchellneu]

Yes...yes it is, my friend

[@samsonguy10k]

Not just that, but I want to close out a bad day that way. Ainsley's was hell. She needed that.

[@infinitel00p94]

and a female ;)

[@gandalf4271]

One of the best scenes from the entire series. Ainsley Hayes was probably the best side character in the show. I like the simplicity of this scene, to end the episode playing the opera that was mentioned throughout the episode, and playing it in the foreground, with the character dialogues pushed to the background after her "Thank you!" Loved it!

[@tmitch1950]

The West Wing was one of the finest TV shows of all time!!

[@pbdye1607]

I still can't hear this without hearing Sideshow Bob's "high note" ending.

[@yorktown99]

As well you should! Kelsey Grammer is a national treasure,

[@patrickglover7506]

So true.

[@danwallach8826]

I felt so bad for her when she tried to get of Leo's office and walked into a closet. I felt so bad for her when those jerks left her weeds on her desk with that awful message. And I felt so proud for her with that G&S flourish. Great show!

[@jasonkoch3182]

She didn't go into the closet in Leo's office in this episode. That's the episode where she meets the president for the second time, and she thinks the closet is a bathroom.

[@ender26]

Such a sweet gesture, after what she was put through. Love this one.

[@theo67-ft3yx]

One of the simply sweetest moments in the show.

[@7775Kevin]

Loved this scene. Nice to see people being good to each other.

[@FredNerk57]

I especially like that Sorkin didn't overcook Ainsley's storyline by turning her into a Democrat in the whole Damascus Road cliché.

[@jimmy2k4o]

Sorkin doesn’t strike me as republican hater from his works. I think Will McAvoy from the newsroom is his way of saying he respects and admires the principles of the Republican Party, and the republicans that embody those principles. But he hates the empty heads that manipulate and contort those values for their own personal ends. Am sure he has a similar opinion for the extreme hostile left that disguise themselves as democrats, using democratic values and principles, without fully understanding them. Both types of people push the left further left and right further right. Which breeds tribalism, and tribalism can lead to violence and the breakdown of a plural society. I know it’s a hated episode but Isaac and Ishmael covers this quite well when the main message seems to be one of pluralism, con-existing with the people who vote/pray/dance/eat in a way you don’t do or approve of. I think sorkin believes in Voltaire when he said “I disagree with what you say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it”

[@patrickbyrne5070]

@@jimmy2k4owell said sir

[@areeklamthong]

Toby’s working the CD player. And avoiding all human emotional contact, obviously!

[@abigaildeeks8328]

But he’s not smoking a cigar?

[@chriskelly3481]

Also, he doesn't like humans, republicans (obviously), contact (sure) and music (yikes).

[@tsurdyk]

@@abigaildeeks8328 Not in someone else's office, no.

[@cdjhyoung]

Toby had one love in his life, and there is a long story arch of him trying to win her back. Tobey is not unloving, but he is distant from his co-workers as many of us find the need to be.

[@phildressel8865]

Scenes like this is what made and makes West Wing my all time favorite TV Show...

[@IAmTheWanderingSoul]

I always went through life thinking I'm a grouchy grandpa stuck in a 24-year-old girls body and then I watched this show. Changed everything. I'm going to be the Tobiest Toby to ever Toby for the rest of my life. Toby isn't just a fictional character on the greatest tv show ever made. He's a feeling, a state of being, he's my spirit fucking animal

[@TruckinForAnimals]

Omg that’s funny! Thanks for the amazing comment…truly made me laugh out loud. To you being the Tobiest Toby of em all!

[@cdjhyoung]

Cigar too? Got to see some pictures.

[@sharoncasey92]

That happy and relieved smile-wonderful.

[@paulwagner688]

I love how she snaps to attention when the music starts. Then does the Picard Maneuver.

[@elizabetholiviaclark]

I had to watch again to see the Picard maneuver. Good catch, there.

[@williamcostigan91]

Well we know Picard is quite familiar with Gilbert & Sullivan, seems appropriate.

[@WalterDWormack214]

@@elizabetholiviaclark I too, had to re-watch the clip to spot, *the maneuver in question.* When I see this maneuver, I couldn't help but *burst out laughing!*

[@badmusicchannel5519]

Quite natural to straighten one’s kit to G&S.

[@ebybeehoney]

Pull down to straighten your top.

[@nicholasinghamop2750]

Even after all these years, I agree. This was one of the best scenes in the series; and the loss of Ainsley Hayes character as a regular was unfortunate. Emily Procter created one of the best supporting characters in the series and in contemporary TV.

[@cdjhyoung]

Emily Proctor is a fine actress, with an obviously talent tongue, considering the verbal gymnastics she was tasked with early on with the introduction of her character. But her role here as Ainsley Hayes verse other TV roles she has highlights how important great writing and directing is for any of these performer's work. I don't think Procter has ever shined in another role they way she did as Ainsley.

[@MrStGeorgeIllawarra]

She got offered that role on CSI Miami. I don't blame her for not turning it down. Sorkin has said in the past regretting not making her a regular.

[@neilyaremchuk6798]

It’s the one about duty.

[@heorap]

They're all about duty.

[@Ellinillard]

It’s pirates of penzance

[@jedijape]

@@Ellinillard It's from Pinafore.

[@Tuneman1984]

LITTLE DRINKS I SHOULD BE HAVING RIGHT NOW

[@jacksonwillis8683]

SHISHKABOB!

[@youcanon]

This might be my favorite scene from The West Wing. I loved the Ainsley Hayes character too--and I loved the whole Gilbert and Sullivan subtext that ran through these episodes--"Were YOU the recording secretary for the Gilbert and Sullivan Society?" "No, but then I'm not a girl..." One of the few truly SMART American television series--thanks so much for posting

[@briesullivan883]

I love her too! That’s why I write fanfiction about her!

[@ianbrewer4843]

@@briesullivan883 she is a great character

[@samhooper]

@@briesullivan883 ooh, where can I read it?! 😀

[@samhooper]

@@briesullivan883 Thanks! Can’t wait to read!! 😀

[@MrCheesecake42]

You can find G&S subtext in most of Aarons shows

[@Buzzbar94]

I love this scene :) it's the rest of the team saying "welcome to the team." :)

[@williammassey8514]

That they acknowledge her duty to Country above politics. We got your back AINSLEY! Great TV.

[@petergaskin1811]

You're one of us and we've got your back.

[@billmasters385]

I think intelligent people miss bipartisanship - and those are the same people that tended to watch this show.

[@lindamerrill928]

I totally agree. People often say that viewers of this show were liberals, but I knew of many more conservative people who loved it as well.

[@terrygracy8345]

Yep. Some of the best characters on this show were Republican and some of the worst were dems. By which I mean, this wasn’t just a liberal fantasy. It was hitting us all correct

[@anitabalan2610]

@@terrygracy8345 who were the worst Dems?

[@FS2K4Pilot]

It's not just that. We miss friendship. This scene was not about bipartisanship. This scene was about honest to God friendship.

[@MsCiocia]

"Ainsley Through The Looking Glass" Classy, so incredibly intelligent and elevated public discourse, as well as dramatic sensibility.

[@rickyd0821]

Humans are capable of such beauty.

[@TheStuport]

Bravo Ricky.....that was indeed a very beautiful comment! I smile and tear up EVERY time I watch this scene. My only "problem" seems to be that this particular series had sooooooooo many of them!! Cheers

[@peterdunlop2092]

So many great scenes in The West Wing. Loved this one very much.

[@newsguy5241]

Best thing on TV. I wish our reality was as good as this fiction.

[@aacc6090]

had to grab a screenshot

[@Nyx773]

Fantasy is not reality

[@patrickbyrne5070]

@@Nyx773what a pointless and inept comment. He I assume was commenting on how people on both sides of the political establishment could find enough grace and humility to find common ground and goals whilst also having that kind whimsy that sadly only seems to occur now in fiction. What exactly was the point of your dense comment?

[@Nyx773]

@@patrickbyrne5070 Do you feel like a big man now that you "put me in my place"? Because you actually are a little man for making an extremely needless nasty comment. It's sad that you feel the need to go around scolding and insulting people. Stepping on others to feel good is ineffective. If you really want to feel good about yourself, then show positivity, not negativity. I am muting/blocking you and this conversation. I wish you the very best of luck having a fulfilling life if you continue with such a horrible attitude.

[@cdjhyoung]

@@patrickbyrne5070 The people you claim don't exist, reality actually do. But they are not the ones looking for the microphone or internet clicks with every passing minute. So we don't see them. Michigan has a number of Representatives from both parties that embody what you describe, but they spend their time doing the job, not looking to get their face on TV.

[@Tigerman1138]

I love how they made her office up with posters from the operettas. Nice to liven up “The steam-pipe distribution venue” or whatever it was called. Show me a show as smart with culture, humor, and heart today. I’ll wait.

[@muttleycrew]

There are no shows of today which can touch The West Wing. Been two years since you started on your vigil without any reply. Just so that you could last another two years I brought you an Ainsley Hayes cupcake.

[@mikebronicki6978]

Tigerman, you are going to have a very long wait.

[@samsonguy10k]

I can just see Ainsley sitting on there working on a project, feeling a little stumped, and she looks up at a random poster and draws inspiration from it. And tosses in some iambic pentameter just to give her boss a bit of a tic.

[@imadeanaccounttocomment7800]

Love how they intentionally left out the “for he could have been a Proooossian, a French or Turk or Roooossian, or even I-ta-lian.”

[@bovnycccoperalover3579]

Sam and Ainsley had such great chemistry! That relationship was an opportunity lost.

[@samsonguy10k]

@@charliesanders6930 It didn't have to be romantic. Build a good friendship while staying true to their political ideals. And then later deciding maybe to take it further when Bartlett's term is coming to a close.

[@briesullivan883]

That’s why I am writing a series about them.

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

@@briesullivan883 - Really??? Interesting

[@LeCheeZy]

They fucked many times, you just didn't get the jokes... all night pastry chef, had time to spill a lot of coffee, she found a peach that someone lost... bro

[@trruthawareness]

this scene still brings tears to my eyes, even after seeing the entire series probably 5 times.In remembrance of days when there was a middle path in politics, and respect was present in the air. The greatest of all television productions, what a fantastic cast.

[@dwightbrown2808]

Still makes me cry! My favorite character ever.

[@gjm1953]

Her smile at 0:57 is priceless.

[@manuelschneider1105]

The only better smile she gives is later when she meets the President, and he asks her if her father is proud of her. Touches my soul every time

[@hellstrombones7]

As an Englishman, I loved this scene. I regularly send it to my Welsh and Scottish friends, just to piss them off :D :D :D

[@somethingtojenga]

We need this show now.

[@Psychonaut316]

Bartlett for America

[@Psychonaut316]

Dead Meme honest mistake. Chill TF out.

[@Howyaduing]

“Ahhhhh SideShow Bob!!!!!” “I shall send you to Heaven. Before I send you to Hell”

[@linzzyy]

all I could think of as well!!!

[@GedUK]

The only problem I have with Bob/Kelsey's version is that he goes up at the end instead of down, and consequently every time I hear this, I expect it to go up and not down and I'm thrown every time! (It's on the last syllable of 'English').

[@libbyworkman3459]

This scene absolutely makes me cry.

[@sashaking9816]

One of my favourite scenes 😍

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

1:15 - If you read Josh’s lips he’s saying “This is actually bigger than MY office.” 😆

[@obiwanobiwan13]

One of the most memorable side characters...and this comes right after Sam and Lionel's epic firing of those bastards who harassed Ainsley. I'm a Democrat, but I LOVE Ainsley Hayes as a character--smart, tough, kind and she shows that Democrat OR Republican, it's all about serving the country as a whole... For in spite of all temptations, to belong to other nations, WE ARE ALL AMERICAN! ;)

[@williammassey8514]

HEAR, HEAR!!!!!!!!!!

[@mattcorcoran7082]

I hate it when Americans get on international websites and say we are all American

[@faolan1686]

You still feel that way 8 years later? I'm waiting to see of there will even be an America after November.

[@jeffreyeatonfnp]

@@mattcorcoran7082 Ich bin ein Berliner? Same thing?

[@walterhadley9268]

Well said.

[@freeline39]

I read ' Ainsley was the ' best temp character ' in TWW. Yes. Along with the 20 others. Imagine good writing and solid actors, geez Mom !

[@TheStuport]

2020 and it's STILL a Joy to come see these special scenes....guess it time to go Binge watch some West Wing!! Cheers everyone

[@cherylb6755]

The Stuport~ I’m re-watching - again - and am on Season 4. Cheers to you as well....😉👏🏻🎁

[@TheStuport]

@@cherylb6755 Smiles....I make sure to watch the the whole series at least once a year!! Cheers Cheryl

[@MrOccyc]

Amazing....people with differing views in Washington being pleasant to each other. The current “leaders” in DC should be more like this.

[@LordOfNothingreally]

0:17 I love her momentary deliberation on whether she's about to be murdered in the White House Steam Pipe Trunk Distribution Venue or not :'D

[@patrickmichael6638]

Ainsley’s scenes with Leo were always my favourite… It was great that Emily (as Ainsley) returned in ‘Requiem’ (S7) for Leo’s funeral. That was fitting as Leo was Ainsley’s champion from the start, before anyone else was (including Sam)

[@Tigerman1138]

There has been no other show like the TWW before or after. No other show had such dedication by me as following it. I *never* missed a show unless volunteering for a worthy cause and then it was taped (remember VCRs?)!

[@derricgreene]

Ainsley was my favorite.

[@zugrook101]

+Derric Greene What a great character. A symbol of duty and respect.

[@briesullivan883]

Mine too!

[@JD-ij5fi]

Why, why can’t we have shows like this now?!?!? I’m a fourth generation republican but I know every word to every episode of The West Wing!!!!!

[@jlyn8467]

I am a republican. My parents were republican. My grandparent on both sides were republican so on and so forth. But in my darkened house with all the drapes shut I watch this show and love it every minute!!!! I am so ashamed.😎.

[@scguycola]

J Lyn welcome to the dark side We have cookies

[@lughildana]

J Lyn I think republicans do just fine in this too. Goodmans president tempore, that plucky "I will wait in the long grass for your senator" guy

[@spiros7m]

Well in the real world, both parties fail to be as good public servants as the characters on this show. So I think that Democrats should also feel a little shame when they watch the West Wing. By the way, when I started reading your comment I totally thought that you were going to quote Ainsley Hayes.

[@CJ-im2uu]

Who would have thought WW as conversion therapy.

[@billmasters385]

In this polarized world, at least these fake humans seem to care.

[@randystolz]

I would have loved to see Ainsley and Sam together when Sam returned in Season 7: perhaps she could have helped prepare Secretary-designate Vinick for his confirmation hearings...

[@danbev8542]

They’re ALL about duty!

[@mrthingy9072]

"Mr. McGarry!" "Leo..." "Yes."

[@googoo-gjoob]

the *GREATEST* show in the _HISTORY_ of television.

[@leeinnyc182]

One of the best scenes from this show.

[@naomiwood7366]

So happy to find this! My all time favourite scene from my favourite mini-series - loved Josh!

[@kamwrites]

...pretty long mini-series. ;)

[@jinkagurl3594]

Ainsley was one of the very best characters ever on WW.

[@briesullivan883]

She really is!

[@samholder196]

The whole Ainsley arc was a beautiful part of this show. Demonstrated that THIS one (TWW) was also about duty.

[@WinstonRoyalNavy]

A very informative series.The characters were very interesting and credible.And as an Englishman it was an education to learn about the American system.Greta series.Watched all of it. I especially liked the fact that the characters were trmenedously loyal to one another.

[@verdew8181]

I never did watch this show before but this scene that pays respect to that wonderful music makes me want to.

[@punknhead23]

Dorothyellen w it really was a fantastic show.

[@Secretsandy]

Thanks so much for posting. This is one of my favorite West Wing moments.

[@bovnycccoperalover3579]

This makes me want to listen to Gilbert and Sullivan!😁

[@williammassey8514]

Bcause of this scene I did. LOL.

[@WalterDWormack214]

Ditto! I would, make that WILL 'buy' the recording that they're using in this clip, if I can ever manage to find it.

[@petergaskin1811]

Reminds me of the film "Chariots of Fire". G&S were big in that too.

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

“The president of........ what?”

[@msspi764]

I'm sure most US folks don't get this. We are all Americans.

[@digital_gravity]

Good flowers on the desk. Nice touch. 👍

[@nicholaspatrick4445]

absolutely loved this scene and she is so adorable

[@Nekulturny]

Ainsley was one of my favorite characters in that show, don't agree with her on most of her politics, but she was the kind of person you could have a fact-based argument with, which I love. too bad we don't seem to actually have Republicans like her anymore.

[@citoyen09]

Just a thought: if you start out with an insult, you've laid out some really poor groundwork for a meaningful argument.

[@AttyCPA1]

@@citoyen09 Name even one such Republican who is alive today.

[@atomicsquirrel6457]

@@AttyCPA1 Republican? Not sure, since John McCain died. Maybe Mitt Romney. I’d definitely have a conversation with John Roberts, George Will, or PJ O’Rourke. I guess Colin Powell’s technically a Republican.

[@barbaraloving1225]

Or democrats like Sam Seaborn.

[@mikeb621]

@@atomicsquirrel6457 now dead

[@Purfefun2]

One of the best television shows ever. So far nothing even close.

[@williamhogan3118]

The show was well written, and well acted. I was truly sorry to see it go, Thank God for Netflix.

[@dwightbrown2808]

This is my favorite scene from any show ever!

[@areeklamthong]

The Sopranos would have swept the board if it was not for The West Wing. Both excellent in their own way but I’ll admit I watch more repeat episodes of TWW. Pure genius.

[@smkalberta1]

A show from a time and era, when all of mankind strived to reach for the stars and intelligence

[@lasalleman6792]

Best scene in the whole series.

[@libertyann439]

Her office space is now nicely decorated!

[@cubswin3838]

Sorkin LOVES G & S and musicals. I also noticed he seemed to like Butch and Sundance a lot.

[@charlesoshea4803]

because William Goldman, who wrote the screenplay, was his mentor

[@cubswin3838]

Wrote the witty The Princess Bride, too!

[@wholeNwon]

Success makes strange bedfellows: G&S did not get along, to put it mildly.

[@nickcormier8571]

And now they are at each other's throats

[@DemonsSister]

One of my favorite TWW scenes.

[@heisdeadjim]

Ainsley does the Picard Maneuver!

[@pauldockree9915]

Toby Zeigler - read the room.

[@DoctorXander]

I'd never heard this song before this episode, then on the same day after I was introduced to it I watched Chariots of Fire for the first time, which this song was also used in

[@DavidHernandez-it5tj]

Este himno de la obra de Gilbert y Sullivan es el mayor regalo que se le puede brindar al difernte, al distinto por razón de pensamiento, raza, lengua o por cualquier otra condición, una absoluta y rotunda declaración a los cuatro vientos de que todos somos una sola unidad. Maravilloso.

[@raraszek]

This song is so wonderful

[@Gamarama8]

Sam is just the best.

[@martincook9795]

This was my favourite scene

[@johnmcilvain5538]

fave scene

[@evilmonkeyspeaks7801]

Been looking around for days and I still can't find anyone as good as Sideshow Bob...........

[@mosabhijazi671]

Everyone is like im a republican and i love west wing , Im not even American and i love this show lmao !

[@Kpelz]

I'm not even human but I love the show too

[@richardgriffin9676]

'Its nice too see that you appreciate at your work

[@cynthiaennis3107]

LOVED THIS! I can’t remember seeing this, nor can I possibly understand how I could’ve missed this! Thank you! I read a comment & came here right away! Great version! 🙏🏼✨♥️✨

[@spitfiremac]

Peanut butter & jelly, the Fourth & fireworks, Sorkin & Gilbert & Sullivan.

[@gkvogt]

A great scene.

[@JohnSmith-iu9zb]

Finally! A good place on culture for our beloved Sir W.S Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan.

[@chrisklimmer653]

i am a republican but i love the west wing for what it is

[@TheStuport]

+Chris Klimmer Me Too....Republican and all...proud too...but always willing to look at the other side for pointers! Cheers

[@SirGalaEd]

+Chris Klimmer Right! Smart and funny and warm and thought provoking In the end don't we all want to work with smart people who care passionately about what they do, who care about their fellow man, and their nation I for one do! I to am a Republican, but love the show.

[@chazzlucas6208]

good people are good... things get fucked up when we put republican or democrat in front of it

[@donaldpults1707]

I would also submit that the show does a decent job of showing Republican values/ideas can be a valuable part of the discussion. On more than one occasion, Ainsley shows Sam (and others) that her perspective is valuable, too. Especially when it came to the episode discussing the ERA.

[@TheStuport]

Donald Pults Wonderful response Donald.....perfect.....Salute!

[@byebye006]

Funny how Toby reaches across Ainsley's desk to shake hands (1:20), but got left out... It's most likely she didn't notice, but still...

[@punknhead23]

byebye006 Looks actually like hu just tossed something on the desk. If he wanted to shake her hand he would have stood up and reached for her.

[@00BillyTorontoBill]

Please dont sue us.. Please dont sue us.. Please dont sue us.. Please dont sue us.. Please dont sue us..

[@alisonoconnor6864]

I won't sue you but...you need three periods to make an ellipse. :)

[@lancer525]

@Alison O'Connor No, actually, you need to trace a series of points moving in a plane, so that the sum of its distances from two other points (the foci) are constant, in order to have an ellipse. You need three periods to make an ellipsis. :)

[@pauldockree9915]

Wipes piping eye.

[@SamuelPearlman]

I miss Emily, she needs to be on TV again.

[@petergaskin1811]

CSI Miami.

[@SamuelPearlman]

@@petergaskin1811 CSI Miami finished long before I made my comment. So she STILL needs to be on TV again :)

[@brettweidner4305]

Wish her character stuck around.

[@jon_warburton]

Sam really sent her to Heaven before he sent here to Hell!

[@sophiecooper1824]

By lucifers beard

[@jamesstrum1849]

this was so classically funny.

[@rgwak]

It's from Pinafore!

[@iamobeliskquake]

Bake him away toys.

[@gregwren691]

Just do what the kid said...

[@marcbarlow8099]

Breautiful epilogue to the episode!

[@clarktooncrossing3975]

Behold, something this show has that real politics desperately needs: respect.