Larry's Wristwatch

Larry raises his wristwatch in the Oval Office, its face catching light as he checks the time and calls out '47 seconds.' The quick glance halts discussion among Bartlet, Sam, Charlie, Secretary Bryce, and himself, marking a precise pacing beat amid scandal triage and policy pleas. Staff react instantly—conversations compress, transitions accelerate—treating the watch as urgent cue in charged exchanges.

3 appearances

Purpose

Displays current time for rapid checks that synchronize interactions and signal timing cues.

Significance

Punctuates Oval Office tension, propelling shifts from personal outrage over Weinberger's leak to rebukes of Bryce and welcomes for Congressman Lien, enforcing narrative rhythm in presidential authority displays.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

3 moments

S4E1 · 20 Hours in America Part I

Weinberger Leak — Bartlet Draws a Moral Line

Larry's wristwatch is used indirectly as a pacing device when Ed looks at it and announces '47 seconds', compressing the meeting and signaling time constraints; the watch thus functions as a prop that governs conversational rhythm.

Before: On Larry's wrist, quietly available as a timekeeping prop.

After: Remains on Larry's wrist after the announcement; its temporal cue has altered the room's momentum.

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S4E1 · 20 Hours in America Part I

The Presidential Rebuff: Bryce, Greenhouse Exemptions, and the Assertion of Authority

Larry's wristwatch is glanced at by Ed as a precise timing cue; Ed announces '47 seconds,' which compresses the exchange and punctuates the Oval's rhythm, forcing efficiency and a quick exit for Bryce.

Before: Worn on Larry's wrist, passive until consulted.

After: Still worn; served its narrative function as a timekeeping cue and continues to indicate schedule discipline.

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S4E1 · 20 Hours in America Part I

Handshake and Hard Lessons: Bartlet Welcomes Congressman Lien

Larry's wristwatch is the timekeeping cue Ed references; its glance (through Ed's looking) and announcement of '47 seconds' compress the scene's tempo and forces conversational economy during the exchange about exemptions.

Before: Worn on Larry's wrist, visible when participants shift attention.

After: Remains on Larry's wrist after the timing cue; its function as a pacing prop is fulfilled.

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