The Corkboard
The Corkboard is a small wooden-framed display board where Pawbert pins meaningful items—cards, photos, and mementos that represent his connections to others. Originally purchased by Nick during S01, it has traveled with Pawbert through multiple locations and serves as physical proof that he has people who stayed.
Description
A small wooden-framed corkboard, approximately the size of a pizza box. Each item pinned to the board represents someone who chose to stay in Pawbert's life.
Contents
The corkboard displays several significant items:
| Item | Origin | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Lillians Recipe Card | S01E10 | Mother's handwriting; first item pinned |
| Maddies Card | S01E10 | "You are not what happened to you..." |
| Squad Polaroid | S02E14 (B99 heist) | Group photo from Precinct 99 |
| Park Photos | S04E06 (Deersneyland trip) | Day pass memories with Luther |
Note: Charles Napkin was originally displayed on the corkboard but was later framed and moved to the kitchen wall (S05E08).
History
Season 1
The corkboard is purchased by Nick at a thrift store during a shopping trip in S01E07 ("Home"). Nick's reasoning: "You'll want somewhere to put things." Pawbert hangs it empty in his room and observes: "Everything starts empty. That's potential."
Location changes in S01:
- S01E07-E13: Pawbert's room at the safehouse (above nightstand)
- S01E10: First items pinned—recipe card and Maddie's card
- S01E11: Charles Napkin added
- S01E14: Corkboard moves to living room wall when Pawbert starts sleeping in Luther's room
- S01E24: Items removed and packed for prison storage; empty corkboard remains on safehouse wall
Season 2
The corkboard stays at Site Two (the safehouse) during Pawbert's incarceration. New items are added during periods when Pawbert is out of prison:
- S02E14: Squad Polaroid from Jake added
Season 4
After Pawbert's release, the corkboard (or a new one) is set up at Pawthorne Mansion in S04E02 ("Unboxed"). Items that had been stored during incarceration are recovered and displayed again.
Location changes in S04+:
- S04E02: Set up in mansion
- By S05: Relocated to master bedroom
Season 5
By series end, the corkboard hangs in the master bedroom at Pawthorne Mansion, visible as part of the domestic space Pawbert and Luther share.
Significance
The Corkboard represents:
- Evidence of Connection: Each item proves someone chose to stay
- Potential: "Everything starts empty" — the board represents possibility
- Memory Preservation: Physical reminders that can be touched and seen
- Growth Tracking: The accumulation of items mirrors Pawbert's expanding circle
Nick's gift of the corkboard demonstrates his understanding of what Pawbert needs—not just practical items, but something to hold onto proof that his life is building toward something.
Current Status
The corkboard is mounted on the wall in the master bedroom at Pawthorne Mansion. Items continue to be added as meaningful moments occur.
Related Items
- Maddies Card — Prominently displayed on the corkboard
- Lillians Recipe Card — First item pinned to the board
- Charles Napkin — Originally on corkboard; now framed in kitchen
- STAY Notebook — Shares the "stay" theme