Potato (Impromptu Anecdotal Prop — The Short List, S1E09)

A russet, medium-sized tuber described only in recollection: oblong with knobbly brown skin and the dull, matte texture of a common potato. The potato never appears physically on-screen; Joshua Lyman mentions it as a makeshift smoking device in a gallows-humor anecdote. Other characters react with brittle amusement and mild embarrassment, treating the mention as a throwaway prop that momentarily loosens formality before the conversation pivots to a more serious revelation.

2 appearances

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S1E9 · The Short List

Door Slam and the Revelation

A potato is mentioned by Josh as a quip (his own makeshift smoking device), doubling the anecdote's effect and momentarily humanizing both interrogator and intern while allowing the scene to pivot to weightier disclosures.

Before: Not present; functions as a thrown-off line of self-deprecating humor.

After: Remains an anecdotal reference without physical consequence.

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S1E9 · The Short List

Leo's Recovery Threatened

The potato is mentioned in Josh's gallows‑humor exchange as a self‑deprecating aside; it functions narratively to disarm, humanize, and momentarily distract before the tonal shift to the more serious confession.

Before: Referenced only in dialogue, not present in the room.

After: Remains a throwaway line; its levity is eclipsed by the threat to Leo.

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