West Wing's C.J. Promoted
As reported by TV Guide Online last month, Leo McGarry's sudden heart attack will prompt The West Wing's President Bartlet to appoint himself a new chief of staff: C.J. Cregg. In tonight's episode (9 pm/ET on NBC), the spunky press secretary learns the stunning news of her promotion. Yeah, we can just hear you asking, "Isn't the choice of a PR flack to fill Leo's shoes just a bit silly?" Well, here's what the flack in question thinks...
"I'm sure it came up with [the writers]," says Allison Janney, "and yet, they found it a fascinating way to go and not that far-fetched. At the White House, job descriptions don't necessarily define who trusts your input. It's more relationship-driven, and C.J. has proved herself a respected member of the administration.
"When I first heard about it, I was terrified," she admits. "Then I thought, 'Why not? It's TV.' C.J.'s a great role model. This is very positive for women. I don't think there's ever been a female chief of staff before, so why not?"
Speaking of White House staffing problems, we'll wager the current cast is angsty about talk that a new administration may come in to replace Martin Sheen's Bartlet. Wouldn't that mean the show's stars will lose their jobs?
"It does make for some paranoia," the 43-year-old Janney chuckles. "We're all like, 'Are we gonna have a job?' But as John Wells has said, it's unrealistic that C.J. would be press secretary for that many years. The turnover is high in these [White House] jobs.
"Anything is possible," she continues. "I certainly hope that if they go into the next administration, and if there's room for C.J., they'd ask me to be a part of it. If not, I'm happy with the ride I've had so far, and I'd go on and do something else. I don't know what's gonna happen. It's a little scary, but you never know what's next."
Meanwhile, Janney looks forward to new challenges for C.J., as well as new love. "There are plans underway to bring someone in for C.J.," she confirms, although she'll spill no specifics on whom. In case you're wondering, it's not Jimmy Smits.
"[Smits] certainly fits the height requirement for C.J.," the 6-foot-tall actress laughs, "but his character is happily married. Although we're trying to get C.J. happy in her personal life, I don't think she'll go there. But boy, he's nice to look at."
