Backstage Rolling Program‑Return Monitor (State of the Union rehearsal, S01E04)

A matte‑black flat‑panel monitor mounted on a rolling stand, its thin bezel and small tally LED catching backstage light. Heavy video cables trail from its rear into a portable rack; the glass presents a crisp program‑return image of the President. The unit sits at shoulder height, throwing pale faces into relief as aides cluster close. During the late‑night run‑through Joshua Lyman and C.J. lean toward the screen, reading Bartlet's timing and delivery; when the President falters the monitor converts rehearsal into alarm, its program return freezing the moment staff must move from observation to intervention.

2 appearances

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S1E4 · Five Votes Down

Triumph on Stage, Crisis Backstage

A backstage monitor broadcasts the program return of Bartlet's speech to staff; it functions as the staff's visual connection to the stage while phones and urgent calls interrupt the live triumph, enabling characters like Toby to critique delivery in real time.

Before: On and tuned to the speech feed, illuminating faces of backstage staff who watch the President.

After: Still live as staff begin making calls and reacting; continues to provide a visual anchor as backstage activity escalates.

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S1E4 · Five Votes Down

The Votes Vanish

A backstage T.V. monitor relays Bartlet's speech into the anteroom; it provides the sensory overlap where applause collides with incoming bad news, allowing Leo, Toby and others to experience the public moment while phones scream with private crisis.

Before: On and displaying the live feed of Bartlet's speech; faces of staff lit by its glow.

After: Still displaying the speech as staff move from celebration to crisis coordination; continues to contrast public triumph and backstage panic.

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