Liz's Manila Routing Folder (Leo handoff — S01E08)

A slim, letter‑size manila routing folder with softened corners and faint scuffs along its fold; it contains a few stapled memos and a single folded note. Liz places the folder on Leo McGarry's desk late at night; hands linger on its edge as Charlie asks about a last‑minute birthday letter. The folder rustles when Leo redirects the item, functioning as a compact, mobile prompt that travels briefly between staff hands.

1 appearances

Purpose

To carry short memos, routing notes, and an immediate administrative request between White House staff for quick handoff and assignment.

Significance

Serves as the tangible trigger for a quiet personnel decision: the folder reframes a routine administrative task into an interpersonal choice, exposing friction around Communications, telegraphing Leo's private trust in Sam, and seeding resentments and loyalties beneath the administration's larger crisis.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

1 moments

S1E8 · Enemies

Leo Redirects the Birthday Letter to Sam

The manila routing folder is physically delivered by Liz and placed on Leo's desk, acting as the tangible trigger for the exchange. It contains the stapled memos and the folded note prompting the birthday letter, making the abstract request concrete and mobile within the office.

Before: In Liz's possession, containing a folded note and memos; edges softened from handling.

After: Left on Leo's desk briefly and effectively filed into the decision process when Leo assigns the task to Sam; remains in Leo's custody as the immediate carrier of the request.

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