Crinkled Gift Wrapping Paper (wrapping for Danny's goldfish gift)

A small, crinkled square of glossy wrapping paper—thin and slightly torn—with hurried folds and sticky tape flecks. It envelopes a tiny, improvised parcel, flattened by nervous hands. Danny presses it across the desk; C.J. rips the paper open in one swift motion, letting a plastic container of goldfish food tumble into view. The paper's battered edges and fresh creases record the haste and intimacy of the exchange and trigger immediate, visible reactions from the characters.

2 appearances

Purpose

To conceal a miniature gift and function as a tactile reveal device that produces a momentary surprise when opened.

Significance

Operates as a comic-emotional pivot: the mundane prop catalyzes Danny's earnest confession, punctures professional armor, and converts flirtation into a revealing personal beat that reshapes the scene's tone.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S1E10 · In Excelsis Deo

Goldfish Food and Guarded Affections

A crinkled square of wrapping paper encases the tiny gift and is torn open by C.J. so the reveal (goldfish food) can land as a physical gag that underscores the playful intimacy between the characters.

Before: Wrapped around the small cylinder in Danny's possession.

After: Torn open and discarded or left on the desk after the reveal.

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S1E10 · In Excelsis Deo

Dial Down the Rhetoric

Crinkled wrapping paper functions as the reveal device: C.J. rips it open to disclose the trivial gift, heightening intimacy and levity; the torn paper visually marks the transition from private play to professional interruption.

Before: Intact around the small cylinder within Danny's coat pocket.

After: Torn and discarded on the desk or nearby surface after the reveal.

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