Fabula
S2E3 · The Midterms

C.J. Endures Radio Trivia, Spots Jenna Jacobs Amid Tight Races

In the radio hosts' reception, C.J. Cregg politely endures a baffling, insular chat with two radio guys fixated on station formats, personalities like Imus and Stern, and their own faded glories, her boredom underscoring media superficiality against Election Day stakes. She excuses herself to check exit polls, then notices Jenna Jacobs' flashy arrival. Carol reports 12 races too close to call, propelling C.J. from distraction to urgent campaign focus, bridging media noise to political rivalry and escalating tension.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

C.J. endures a tedious conversation with two radio hosts about radio formats and personalities, highlighting the absurdity of media culture.

boredom to amusement

C.J. attempts to extricate herself from the conversation to focus on Election Day exit polls, showing her prioritization of duty over social niceties.

amusement to urgency

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

5
Dave
primary

Wistful resentment laced with defensive humor

Radio Guy 2 (Dave) contributes to the insular chat with C.J. and Radio Guy 1, noting format shifts to classic rock and 'Drive Time' evolutions, then somberly claims precedence over Imus as 'Dave in the Morning,' brushing it off as 'water under the bridge' when pressed.

Goals in this moment
  • Relive and assert past radio prominence
  • Casually drop rivalry credential without dwelling
Active beliefs
  • Past glories define broadcast legitimacy
  • Election Night is secondary to personal history
Character traits
nostalgic grudgingly serious self-aggrandizing
Follow Dave's journey
C.J. Cregg
primary

Bored detachment shifting to alert urgency amid political pressure

C.J. stands confused and bored, politely engaging in radio trivia before chuckling at absurdities, then firmly excuses herself citing exit polls; she approaches Carol, fluffs her hair self-consciously upon spotting Jenna Jacobs, and absorbs race updates with sharpened intent before glancing back and departing.

Goals in this moment
  • Extract herself from trivial conversation to monitor election data
  • Gather intel on key rival arrival and tight races to refocus campaign efforts
Active beliefs
  • Election Night demands prioritize over media socializing
  • Personal poise must hold amid superficial distractions and ideological threats
Character traits
polite wryly amused professionally focused resilient under distraction
Follow C.J. Cregg's journey
Carol
primary

Calm professionalism underscoring high-stakes vigilance

Carol stands nearby as C.J. approaches post-radio chat, crisply identifies the arriving Jenna Jacobs (noting her hair change), and delivers critical update on 12 too-close races including Thompson and Marinovich, propelling C.J. into action.

Goals in this moment
  • Brief C.J. on immediate threats and rival presence
  • Reorient C.J. from distractions to election priorities
Active beliefs
  • Timely intel sustains leadership edge
  • Rivals like Jacobs demand swift awareness
Character traits
efficient observant loyal aide
Follow Carol's journey

Nostalgic glee oblivious to C.J.'s disinterest

Radio Guy 1 animatedly dominates conversation with C.J. and Radio Guy 2, correcting station histories like K-Talk and Slam 100, reminiscing on formats from classic rock to news blocks in '82-'83, and speculating on Howard Stern's attendance tied to Imus rivalry.

Goals in this moment
  • Share arcane radio lore to bond with peers and impress C.J.
  • Probe for Howard Stern's presence amid Imus tensions
Active beliefs
  • Radio history trivia forges authentic connections
  • Personal broadcast anecdotes outweigh current events
Character traits
nostalgic insider pedantic chatty enthusiast
Follow Radio Guy …'s journey

Assured poise amid spotlight scrutiny

Jenna Jacobs enters the reception in a green business suit, drawing a swarm of photographers and explosive flashbulbs, commanding attention as C.J. notices her, queries Carol, and steals a final glance before exiting.

Goals in this moment
  • Make a bold entrance to amplify conservative presence
  • Leverage media flash for midterm visibility
Active beliefs
  • High-profile arrivals solidify political influence
  • Election Night spotlights reward bold ideology
Character traits
confident attention-drawing ideologically poised
Follow Jenna Jacobs's journey

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Radio Hosts' Reception Area

The reception area buzzes as a chaotic social hub where C.J. is cornered by radio hosts amid circulating chatter, then pivots amid Jenna Jacobs' disruptive entrance with popping flashbulbs; it starkly contrasts media insularity against Election Night's razor-edge tension, funneling C.J. from distraction to departure.

Atmosphere Superficially festive yet tension-laced with political undercurrents and blinding flashes
Function Venue for obligatory networking that exposes media-political disconnect
Symbolism Microcosm of media superficiality clashing with White House urgency
Exploding flashbulbs from photographers Nighttime indoor bustle with hors d'oeuvres implied

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

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Key Dialogue

"C.J. (chuckles) How are you "Dave in the Morning" before he was "Imus in the Morning"?"
"RADIO GUY 2 (taking it seriously) It was a very painful. I don't like to talk about it."
"C.J. Okay. Fellas, I'm sorry, but it's Election Day and I need to check in with the exit polls...and what not. Good meeting you both."
"C.J. Who's that? CAROL Jenna Jacobs."
"CAROL 12 races too close to call. Thompson, Marinovich...."