Object

Hazing Bicycles

Bicycles clutter workspaces as prank props in a staff hazing ritual targeting Will. Elsie deploys them metaphorically to depict the bruising welcome from voters, Founders, and family like Grandpa, steeling Will against cynicism. Placed alongside Ron the goat, they spark comedic chaos; Will startles, Josh collides mid-crisis, and C.J. with Carol revel in the absurdity that punctures Oval Office tension.

4 appearances

Purpose

Prank props to haze new deputies through office clutter and surprise

Significance

Comic pressure valves that humanize Will's insecurities and staff dynamics, shifting gritty politics to levity while echoing themes of rough initiations into power

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

4 moments

S4E12 · Guns Not Butter

Joke, Cynicism, and an Unexpected Goat

Hazing bicycles are invoked verbally as part of Elsie's reassurance—she promises that the workplace pranks will stop once Will is part of the 'family,' using them as shorthand for initiation and staff culture.

Before: Present in the office culture as prank props and symbolic detritus from Will's predecessor.

After: Unchanged materially but rhetorically diminished by Elsie's reassurance that they will stop.

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S4E12 · Guns Not Butter

Goat in the Office

Hazing bicycles are mentioned as part of the office's welcoming pranks (bicycles and Seaborn posters). They act as background symbolism for the bruising, jokey initiation Will has endured and that Elsie predicts will stop as he 'fits in.'

Before: Referenced as existing around the office as part of past hazing rituals.

After: Remains part of the office lore; their mention helps contextualize the goat as another pranklike artifact.

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S4E12 · Guns Not Butter

Buying a Vote and a Fishhooks Pep Talk

Hazing bicycles are name-checked by Will as examples of the prank clutter in staff offices; they provide a sensory detail that rounds out the atmosphere of levity and disorder that contrasts with the moral seriousness of Josh's confession.

Before: Placed around staff offices as prank props.

After: Remain in place, serving as background noise and visual comic relief as staff continue work.

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S4E12 · Guns Not Butter

Buying the Vote, Fishhooks, and Ron the Goat

Hazing bicycles are referenced as part of the prank ecosystem used to disorient and welcome staff; they add sensory absurdity and signify internal culture of ribbing.

Before: Placed around offices as prank props.

After: Remain deployed as teasing elements; serve to distract and amuse staff.

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