Degreasing Solvent Mixed with Drain Cleaner

Lab analysis uncovers degreasing solvent mixed with drain cleaner as key contaminants in the sedative administered to Charlie. President Bartlet reviews the forensic report alongside Charlie, Agent Ron Butterfield, an unnamed security agent, and Mike in the Oval Office. The detail emerges during a tense briefing on fresh evidence and a ransom fax, prompting urgent debate over naval deployment.

2 appearances

Purpose

Contaminants or components in the chemical makeup of the sedative used on Charlie

Significance

Transforms personal incident into national security crisis; sharpens Bartlet's resolve to order the 5th Fleet into the Gulf despite risks of escalation

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E23 · Twenty-Five

Ransom Fax — Zoey Held; Bartlet Orders the 5th Fleet

The forensic detail that the GHB was contaminated with degreasing solvent mixed with drain cleaner is reported, suggesting a clumsy or improvised drug delivery and adding forensic trace leads for investigators.

Before: Contained in lab report; not yet disclosed to senior staff.

After: Revealed aloud in the Oval Office, sharpening investigators' hypotheses about supplier and method.

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S4E23 · Twenty-Five

Bartlet Sends the 5th Fleet — A Calibrated Escalation

Lab detail that the GHB was mixed with degreasing solvent and drain cleaner appears in the forensic briefing, implying degradation and possible malicious adulteration — a grim technical detail that underscores brutality.

Before: Constituents present in the administered substance prior to lab analysis.

After: Reported to the President and advisors; becomes part of the forensic record and suggests culpability and cruelty.

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