What's Next by Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack

WHAT'S NEXT by Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack lives up to its subtitle: “A Backstage Pass to The West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service.” Fitzgerald played Carol on The West Wing and is known for her work as an actor, producer and social justice advocate (affiliated with organizations like Voices in Harmony and All Rise). McCormack, another actor, producer and activist, played Deputy National Security Advisor Kate Harper. Together they have compiled a series of stories and interviews which cover the inception of the show, the casting decisions, various episodes and the many, many service projects supported by the cast. The provocative and excellent Aaron Sorkin television series first aired twenty-five years ago (9/22/99) and still has impact today, as described, for example, in this recent New York Times opinion piece. True fans (“wing-nuts”) may already know much of what Fitzgerald and McCormack share, they will love purusing this book and the many memories it evokes. I began happily re-watching the first season – the pilot is still amazing.