Object

Ed's Laptop

Ed balances the laptop on his lap in Air Force One's staff cabin at night, fingers tapping keys to search regional events like 'Wildfire Week at Shenandoah National Park.' C.J., Larry, and Will lean in as he reads results aloud, the screen delivering facts for their rushed cover story on Blue Ridge lights spotted by reporters.

2 appearances

Purpose

Internet research for regional festivals and events to fabricate media diversions

Significance

Fuels the staff's frantic spin on visual anomalies, buying time as Bartlet shifts focus to soldier deaths and Colombia briefing demands

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E19 · Angel Maintenance

Blue Ridge Diversion: Scrambling the Cover Story

Ed's laptop is the tactical research engine for the spin: he pulls up regional events, reads aloud 'Wildfire Week at Shenandoah National Park' and color notes that could plausibly explain lights seen from the plane. The screen supplies concrete language the team could give reporters, turning speculation into an actionable cover story.

Before: Open on Ed's lap, connected and in use for quick web searches; displaying regional event results.

After: Remains on Ed's lap, having been consulted and read from; still available as a reference should the team continue to craft their explanation.

View full event

S4E19 · Angel Maintenance

In-Flight Briefing: Casualties, Cover Stories, and Colombia

Ed's laptop supplies the factual anchor for the improvised cover story: he searches regional events, finds 'Wildfire Week at Shenandoah National Park,' and reads descriptive language aloud that C.J. can use to explain any lights observed below. The laptop functions as immediate research, verification, and copy source.

Before: Powered on and balanced on Ed's lap in the staff cabin, ready for ad hoc research.

After: Still in Ed's possession, having provided the necessary search results; remains available for further reference or press copy.

View full event