Communications Bullpen TV Remote

A palm-sized plastic television remote with a dark matte body, a grid of slightly concave rubber and plastic buttons, and an infrared emitter at its tip. Buttons show faint shine and wear from frequent use; the unit fits easily in a hand and moves quickly between desk and screen. It sits within arm’s reach of the bullpen TV and is snatched up during urgent moments: Sam yanks it forward and presses a button to flip or cut the live feed, its small click marking an abrupt change in the room’s attention and tone.

2 appearances

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S1E17 · The White House Pro-Am

Gambit for the News Cycle — Then the Fed Dies

A small television remote functions as the physical lever of narrative control: Sam reaches for it to change channels, and its click marks the literal and symbolic closure of Lilly's media moment when the feed is switched to the death bulletin.

Before: At arm's reach in the bullpen near the TV; available but not yet used while Lilly and Sam debate strategy.

After: In Sam's hand (or recently used by him) and used to flip the screen to the Channel 5 bulletin announcing Dahl's death.

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S1E17 · The White House Pro-Am

Fed Chairman's Death Steals Abbey's Moment

The bullpen television remote is the small control device that Sam seizes (and which Toby orders used) to flip from Abbey's segment to Channel 5; its click effects the literal and figurative channel change in priorities.

Before: Within reach on a table or credenza near the bullpen TV, idle while staff watch the program.

After: In Sam's hand (or under his control) having been used to switch the feed to Channel 5; remains available for further channel changes as the bullpen pivots.

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