Joey Lucas's Office Alarm Clock

A compact desk alarm clock positioned in Joey Lucas's office that emits a clear, punctual chime at midday. Characters react to its sound as a functional cue: the clock's ringing cuts off conversation, prompts Joey and Kenny to stand and leave, and leaves Josh exposed in the moment. The device appears well‑worn and routinely consulted, sitting within easy reach on her desk.

2 appearances

Purpose

To keep time and signal a scheduled break (Joey's lunchtime), serving as an audible cue that initiates characters' exit.

Significance

Functions as a dramatic beat device: the alarm clock's ring punctures Josh's attempted personal intervention, enforces Joey's professional autonomy by triggering her departure, and amplifies Josh's embarrassment ahead of the subsequent briefing.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S1E20 · Mandatory Minimums

Clocked Out: Josh's Awkward Visit to Joey

Joey's compact desk alarm clock emits a punctual chime that cuts Josh off mid‑interaction. The ring functions as a literal and dramatic cue that ends the exchange, signals Joey's control of time and schedule, and heightens Josh's awkward exposure.

Before: Sits on Joey's desk, wound or set for midday, routinely consulted and unobtrusive.

After: Has just chimed; remains on the desk in Joey's possession as she and Kenny leave for lunch.

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S1E20 · Mandatory Minimums

Preempted Briefing — Joey Has Already Fixed It

Joey's compact desk alarm clock provides the only physical punctuation in the scene: occupying the desk, it rings at midday, cutting off Josh's attempted escalation and allowing Joey a perfectly timed, comic yet surgical exit — transforming a tense political exchange into a domestic, human moment.

Before: Sitting on Joey's desk, silent and unobtrusive; noted by Josh as a small personal item.

After: Has rung, prompting Joey and Kenny to depart; remains on the desk, having fulfilled its practical cueing function.

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