Charles's Napkin
Charles's Napkin is a napkin containing Charles Boyle's secret pancake recipe, given to Pawbert during the pack's first visit to Precinct 99. It represents unconditional acceptance from someone who had no reason to trust a Lynxley.
Description
A simple napkin with Charles's handwritten pancake recipe, including his secret ingredient (cardamom). In the corner, Charles wrote "NINE-NINE!" — the squad's rallying cry.
History
S01E11 - "Precinct 99"
Charles Boyle, Precinct 99's most enthusiastic detective, gives the napkin to Pawbert during the pack's visit. Charles's cooking is his love language, and sharing a secret recipe represents profound trust and acceptance. The gift comes without judgment or hesitation — Charles simply recognizes that Pawbert needs food, family, and joy.
S01E12-S01E24
The napkin becomes one of Pawbert's treasured possessions. During intake at Zootopia Correctional Facility, it is stored with his other personal effects.
Season 2
In "Safehouse", when Pawbert's belongings are retrieved from ZCF, the napkin is recovered. Pawbert mentions its significance to Charles in "Nine-Nine": "I still have your napkin. The one with your pancake recipe. It's on the corkboard at the safehouse."
Season 5
In "The Job", Charles visits Pawthorne Mansion and discovers that Pawbert has framed the napkin. His reaction — "YOU FRAMED IT?!" — captures his surprise and delight. The napkin has been moved from the corkboard to the kitchen wall, now displayed in a proper frame.
Significance
Charles's Napkin represents:
- Unconditional Acceptance: Charles gave it freely, without knowing Pawbert well
- Food as Love: A recipe is an intimate gift in Boyle's world
- The Nine-Nine's Welcome: The "NINE-NINE!" inscription marks Pawbert as accepted by the squad
- Joy Over Judgment: The napkin was given during a visit focused on play (the heist), not interrogation
The framing of the napkin ("The Job") demonstrates how much the gift meant to Pawbert — what Charles gave casually, Pawbert treasured and preserved.
Current Status
The napkin is framed and displayed on the kitchen wall at Pawthorne Mansion.
Related Items
- The Corkboard — Original display location
- Heist Trophy — Another B99 crossover memento
- Precinct 99 — The napkin's origin