The S team
Selina’s political dream team are the perfectly disorganised group to keep the US leader on top in ’s White House.
From small-state senator to US Vice President, the careerdriven powerhouse Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) couldn’t have done it without her diligent staff in satirical political comedy series Veep (2012- current; seasons 1- 4 are available on internet streaming service Showmax). Her crew of misfits have pulled strings, lined pockets and burnt bridges keeping their boss in charge to make power plays. “Her staff can be dysfunctional… they are dysfunctional! They keep her going but they are a mess,” jokes Julia.
Selina’s incompetency makes for great entertainment though thanks to her crazy crew. “The focus on the Vice President’s role is funny because it’s a powerful position that no one necessarily seeks,” adds the Emmy Award-winning Julia. “I believe that ambitious politicians aren’t looking to become a VP. The position is powerful and also powerless – so close and yet so far. The show is a big comedy with a great team to be a part of”. Except if you’re Selina… because then it’s all about the “I” in “team”…
PROTÉGÉ PRIVILEGES
Gary (Toni Hale) is more than just a personal aide, he manages Selina’s life. Her daily nagging doesn’t stop him from seeking her approval and he will do anything to keep the Vice President happy. Gary describes himself as Selina’s “calendar”, “I’m your Google and I’m your Wilson the volleyball”. Without him, she would be completely lost… literally. And all without a thank you, laughs Toni: “Even when Selina treats him badly, he doesn’t quit. Not only because the gig is too good, but they have been working together for years and he latched onto her personality – Gary doesn’t have his own identity and leaving his job would be emotional suicide and he would lost.” By the time Selina is running for the Presidency and is later tied with her opponent in season 4, Gary assures her that he will work even harder to get her the win, crying out, “I have broken my body for you, I have let myself be laughed at, I have let myself be humiliated, and I’m happy to do it!”
THE DREAM TEAM
Chief Of Staff and campaign manager, Amy (Anna Chlumsky, Vada Sultenfuss in the iconic 1991 movie My Girl) shares the same devotion as Gary. She’s put her life on hold to focus on saving Selina’s reputation but resigns in season 4 after a disagreement with her boss. “Usually Amy is level-headed but after keeping everything inside for too long, it finally comes out,” explains Anna. Like a loyal servant, Amy returns to help Selina with her campaign but one thing is for certain, she isn’t one to be messed with and her self-absorbed ex-boyfriend Dan (Reid Scott) is well aware of that. As Deputy Director Of Communications, Dan is in charge of everything said by the Vice President’s office. While being ambitious and enjoying to work for Selina, he wants his own political power. His boss, Communications Director Mike (Matt Walsh) is the opposite and unlike his colleagues, his life doesn’t revolve around working for Selina. Everyone around him thinks that he lacks ambition, but he knows how to juggle personal and work life as he gets married to a journalist in season 4 and goes on to become the White House’s Press Secretary.
SECRETARIAL SUPERSTAR
And who better to keep Selina and Co. in check than her personal secretary Sue Wilson (Sufe Bradshaw)? Sue’s nononsense attitude helps her to manage the team, Selina and the President too. That’s because she’s the “third most powerful person on the planet because I decide who sees the President and Vice President and in what order,” jokes the actress. And she’s rewarded for doing everything by the book; a promotion by season 4 proves she’s good enough to plan “two military invasions before lunch – and still be able to organise any meal you want”.
WHAT IS SHOWMAX?
Streaming service Showmax is Africa’s largest online TV provider with over 35 000 show episodes, doccies and movies for just R99 a month, R49 for DStv Compact subscribers or free on your DStv Premium account*. Go to showmax.com, sign up for your free two-week trial and get access to shows like SMILF, The Wire, Veep and many more this month!