Disposable Protective Gloves

Used by Margaret to handle a disputed muffin, providing a comedic moment.

2 appearances

Purpose

To protect hands and prevent contamination while handling food or potential evidence prior to sending it to a lab.

Significance

Serves as a comic, grounding detail that undercuts the surrounding political crisis — the gloves translate bureaucratic caution into a tactile, absurd beat and enable the practical action of preparing the muffin for lab inspection.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S1E19 · Let Bartlet Be Bartlet

Muffins, Polls and a Reckoning: Let Bartlet Be Bartlet

Disposable gloves are mentioned as a joking, precautious detail for handling the muffin — a small physical gag that punctuates the early comedy and emphasizes the staff's tendency to ritualize even absurd cautions.

Before: Likely on Margaret's desk or available in the office as an ordinary supply.

After: Remain unused and symbolic; their comic function is complete as the scene pivots to the Oval.

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S1E19 · Let Bartlet Be Bartlet

Polling Meltdown — Let Bartlet Be Bartlet

Disposable gloves are advised for handling the muffin—another small, absurd prop that punctuates the scene's early levity and underscores Margaret's practical mindset before the crisis escalates.

Before: Laid out or referenced on Margaret's desk, ready for use.

After: Left on Margaret's desk or put away once the staff's focus shifts to politics.

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