FACE IN THE CROWD

created by OC,SH’s founder & Erika E, while in college, spring 1995
further written by OC,SH’s founder & now adapted for publication here

 

LAST TIME:
1st of 3 parts of the 3rd fully-scripted episode, Acts 1-2

 

NEXT TIME:
3rd of 3 parts of the 3rd (of 4) fully scripted episode: Month 2, Week 4, Day 4 (a Thursday), Acts 6-7

 

NOW: TALE CONTINUES
2nd of 3 parts of the 3rd fully-scripted episode [Month 2, Week 4, Day 4 (a Thursday), Acts 3-5 (of 7 total)] I wrote for my college honors thesis, spring term 1996. When Erika & I originally created this, we didn’t consider timelines or how long it would stake for the action to transpire on TV. Thus, when I started academic work on this, I had to consider how the action might work on screen. With a general breakdown, I mapped out action from Month 1 – Week 1 – Day 1 to Month 3 – Week 4 – Day 5.

 

Episode Structure
(minutes in bold are what are included in this post)

MINUTE ON AIR
1 FC (Act 1)
2 FC
3 FC
4 INTRO-FC / COMMERCIAL
5 COMMERCIAL
6 COMMERCIAL
7 FC (Act 2)
8 FC
9 FC
10 FC
11 FC
12 FC
13 FC
14 COMMERCIAL
15 COMMERCIAL
16 COMMERCIAL / FC
17 FC (Act 3)
18 FC
19 FC
20 FC
21 FC
22 FC
23 FC / COMMERCIAL
24 COMMERCIAL
25 COMMERCIAL
26 FC (Act 4)
27 FC
28 FC
29 FC
30 FC
31 FC
32 FC
33 COMMERCIAL
34 COMMERCIAL
35 COMMERCIAL / FC
36 FC (Act 5)
37 FC
38 FC
39 FC
40 FC / COMMERCIAL
41 COMMERCIAL
42 COMMERCIAL
43 FC (Act 6)
44 FC
45 FC
46 FC
47 FC
48 FC
49 COMMERCIAL
50 COMMERCIAL
51 COMMERCIAL / FC
52 FC (Act 7)
53 FC
54 FC
55 FC
56 FC / COMMERCIAL
57 COMMERCIAL
58 COMMERCIAL / FC CREDITS
59 FC CREDITS
60 FC CREDITS

ACT 3
Scene 1

FADE IN:

INT. HOPE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN NARTHEX — MORNING

As the scene opens, Cathy is standing in the Narthex, welcoming people to church. Desmond, Virginia & Donnie are the 1st to arrive.

CATHY
(extending her hand to Desmond)
Good morning. It’s good to see you here.

DESMOND
(shaking Cathy’s hand)
Thank you. & good morning to you, too.

DONNIE
(eagerly interrupting)
I got to come with my grandparents today!

Cathy bends down to shake Donnie’s little hand.

CATHY
I see that.

Cathy returns to her upright position.

VIRGINIA
(smiling)
Yes, Donnie was thrilled, as usual, to join his grandparents. Good morning, Cathy.

CATHY
(shaking Virginia’s hand)
Good morning, Mrs. Rockingham.

VIRGINIA
Where, may I ask, is your husband?

CATHY
He’s already in the sanctuary.

VIRGINIA
I see.

DESMOND
Well, shall we go in?

Desmond, Virginia & Donnie move on into the sanctuary as Steve, Jackie & Julia arrive.

CATHY
(extending her hand to Steve)
Good morning.

STEVE
(shaking Cathy’s hand)
Morning.

Cathy & Jackie do not shake, but do exchange a polite nod & “Morning.” Julia, however, is a little more forward.

JULIA
(somewhat curtly)
Good morning, Pastor Cathy.

CATHY
(shaking Julia’s hand)
Good morning, Julia.

Cathy quickly turns to Jackie.

CATHY
(to Jackie)
& where is Alicia this morning?

At the mention of her sister’s name, Julia turns & enters the sanctuary.

JACKIE
(ignoring Julia’s departure)
Oh, she’s not very happy right now. So, she decided she wouldn’t come to church. I wanted her to come, but she refused to.

CATHY
Oh, I’m sorry.

STEVE
It’s no big deal, really. I suspect she needs to be alone for a while anyway. She’s angry at me for having to have her mother investigated about Jenna’s murder. &, don’t forget she has suffered with Jenna’s death.

CATHY
Yes, I know. You’re probably right.

STEVE
(to Jackie; motioning towards the sanctuary)
Well, shall we?

Steve & Jackie enter the sanctuary. A brief moment of rest for Cathy follows before Jake & Laura enter.

JAKE
(beating Cathy to the “punch”; almost booming)
Good morning, Pastor Cathy!

CATHY
(shaking Jake’s hand)
Well, good morning, Jake. You seem to be in a good mood today.

JAKE
& why shouldn’t I be? The sun is shining & it just feels like a good day, if ya know what I mean.

CATHY
Yeah…yeah, I think I do.

Cathy looks at Laura who is still visibly concerned about the bills. Cathy reached out to shake Laura’s hand. Laura accepts, & shakes Cathy’s hand.

CATHY
(almost soothingly)
Good morning, Laura. & how are you today?

LAURA
(rather softly)
I’m fine.

CATHY
(not completely convinced)
Are you sure?

LAURA
(a little louder)
Yes. Yes, I’m fine. It’s just that I’m a little concerned about….

Jake notices Carl & Amy entering & quickly interrupts Laura.

JAKE
Ah, come now, Rox, uh, Dear. I’m sure Pastor Cathy doesn’t want to hear about our money troubles on this wonderful morning.

Jake hurries Laura into the sanctuary as Cathy is a little shocked by Jake’s sudden impulse, but quickly reverts back to greeting when she spots Carl & Amy.

CATHY
Well, good morning, Carl.

Cathy & Carl shake hands. Amy, at 1st, seems a bit preoccupied with watching Jake go into the sanctuary, but snaps out of it & shakes hands with Cathy.

AMY
Good morning, Pastor Cathy.

CATHY
Morning, Amy.

AMY
& a lovely one it is, too!

CATHY
Why, yes. Jake was just commenting on the weather, too.

AMY
Oh? He was?

CATHY
Yep.

CARL
Uh, is Christine here at all?

As Cathy answers, Amy ventures into the sanctuary.

CATHY
No. I haven’t seen her yet. Do you think she’ll come?

CARL
I don’t know. Richie said he was going to stop by the townhouse.

CATHY
Oh, I see.

As if “on cue”, Christine & Richie enter.

CATHY
(spotting them 1st)
Why, here they are, Carl.

Carl turns to look & sets his eyes on Christine.

CARL
Hello.

CHRISTINE
Morning, Carl. Your brother here took it upon himself to escort me to church. I hope you don’t mind.

During Carl & Christine’s following exchange, Cathy & Richie exchange morning pleasantries.

CARL
No, I don’t mind. Richie told me he was planning to stop for you.

CHRISTINE
Oh, I see.

CATHY
(politely interrupting; shakes Christine’s hand)
Good morning, Christine. I’m really glad you were able to come this morning.

CHRISTINE
Thank you, Pastor Cathy. & a good morning to you.

CATHY
How are you feeling today?

CHRISTINE
I’m doing OK. Better, I guess. Though it is frustrating that the police investigation is at a stand still.

CATHY
Yes. I know that must be rough on you…& Carl, not to mention the whole family.

CARL
Yes. Yes, it is very rough. I just hope the police come up with something, & the sooner the better.

RICHIE
Definitely.

At this point, Matthew & MICHELLE, age 29, dressed in Sunday attire, enter. Matthew & Michelle are walking arm in arm. Carl goes into the sanctuary with Richie & Christine close behind. Matthew shakes Cathy’s hand.

MATTHEW
Good morning, Pastor Cathy.

CATHY
Morning, Matthew. Morning, Michelle.

Cathy shakes Michelle’s hand.

MICHELLE
Good morning.

CATHY
(looking lovingly at Matthew & Michelle)
Boy, it’s nice to see young love this morning. I hope you 2 are together for a long time to come. I don’t think anything, or anyone for that matter, can get in your way.

At this point, TAMMY, age 32, dressed for church, enters the Narthex. Matthew & Michelle exchange nonverbal pleasantries with Tammy & then enter the sanctuary. Tammy stops to shake hands with Cathy.

TAMMY
Good morning.

CATHY
Good morning. It’s nice to have you here this morning.

TAMMY
Thank you.

CATHY
Well, if you will go on in, I think the organist is about ready to play the prelude.

Tammy starts to enter, but abruptly stops.

TAMMY
Is Erika already in there?

CATHY
(sounding curious)
Why, ye, I do believe she is.

TAMMY
(seemingly relieved)
Just curious. That’s all.

FADE TO BLACK: END ACT 3. GO TO COMMERCIAL.

 

ACT 4
Scene 1

FADE IN:

INT. MANSON SUBURBAN HOUSE FAMILY ROOM — MORNING

As the scene opens, Alicia, as dressed before, is lying on the couch watching TV. She keeps flipping through the channels. After a few seconds of each station, she gets disgusted with the topic & quickly changes the channel, until she clicks on the following.

TV PREACHER
(off-camera: in a preachy tone)
We must learn to repent for our sins. That’s the only way we will be saved, brothers & sisters. I lie to you not, so help me God. Take a look at scripture from John’s Gospel, chapter 8, verse 7. “If any of you is without sin, let him be the 1st to throw a stone.” None of us, brothers & sisters, can cast that 1st stone. None of us. Not even me.

Alicia seems a bit shaken by this & mutters to herself.

ALICIA
But…but. I didn’t do anything wrong. i have nothing to repent for. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone, I…I.

Suddenly, Alicia snaps out of it & quickly changes the TV station. After a few more tries to find something on TV that is interesting to her, Alicia gives up & angrily turns the TV off. She gets up & walks towards the kitchen. She enters the kitchen & heads for the cupboards. She reaches up, opens a door & grabs a glass, accidentally knocking 1 crashing to the floor. She screams.

ALICIA
Oh no! What am I going to do? I gotta get this cleaned up.

Frantically, Alicia rushes to get a sweeper & a dust bin to clean up the broken glass.

ALICIA
Oh….Oh…. What am I going to tell Mom? She’s not going to be very happy with me. Oh….oh….

After some doing, Alicia satisfactorily cleans up the mess. She puts the sweeper & dust bin away. Then, she goes back to the cupboard & successfully gets a glass.

ALICIA
Whew! …& to think, all this for a stinkin’ glass of water. Oh, but I’ve gone to even greater lengths for a glass of water, haven’t I?

Alicia looks skyward.

ALICIA
Right, Jenna?

Alicia fills her glass with tap water. She returns to the living room where she sits on the couch sipping her water. After a while, she turns the TV back on. She flips through the channels again, ending up at the same church service. This time, though, the congregation is just beginning to sing “Amazing Grace”.

 

ACT 4
Scene 2

CUT TO:

INT. HOPE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN SANCTUARY — MID MORNING

As the scene opens, Michael, Adam, Barry, Timothy, Erika & Tammy are all seated in the pew directly in front of the pulpit. Across the aisle, but a pew back, Desmond, Virginia, Donnie, Carl & Amy are seated. Behind them, Richie, Christie, Matthew & Michelle are seated. Steve, Jackie & Julia are seated a few pews behind Michael (& company). Jake & Laura are seated farther back in the same row of pews that the Rockinghams are seated. Other EXTRAS are seated in other pews. Cathy is standing at the pulpit.

CATHY
…Let our hearts release the pain, sorrow & hurt that, in this time of worship, we may receive the love & grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Let us worship together.

As organ music begins, Cathy turns back to her seat behind the pulpit. She doesn’t sit down but does pick up a hymnal & motions for the congregation to rise. As everyone stands up, Jake leans over to Laura & whispers in her ear.

JAKE
It’s a shame that Christine & Carl aren’t speaking in their time of need.

LAURA
(whispering back to Jake)
Well, I wouldn’t necessarily say that. As I understand it, she’s the one that basically ruined the marriage with her depression.

The congregation begins to sing the opening verse of “On Eagle’s Wings”.

DISSOLVE TO: SAME SCENE.

Later in the service, Cathy is standing at the pulpit giving her sermon.

CATHY
…(But) forgiveness is the key. We must forgive those who’ve trespassed against us. Forgiveness is our chance to grow & our chance to heal. Without forgiveness, we are unable to move forward in our lives. Yes, that even means forgiving our enemies….

As Cathy continues, Tammy & Erika exchange an “I guess we better listen” look, while Carl leans over & whispers to Amy.

CARL
But how can I forgive the one who killed my daughter?

AMY
(whispering back to Carl)
Sshh. Keep listening to Pastor Cathy.

CATHY
…(As Matthew says) in chapter 5, versus 44-45, “I say to you, Love your enemies & pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in Heaven, for he makes his sun rise on the evil & on the good, & sends rain on the just & the unjust.” It does no good to not forgive, but it does a wealth of good to forgive. & that’s true even in grief. In Psalm 22, it is asked why God has forsaken us. But, I say to you, He has not. He is always there with you, comforting you, strengthening you. Take that with you as you go on your way in the world. & yes, do grieve. But also forgive. Amen.

The organ begins to play an interlude & Cathy takes her seat behind the pulpit.

DISSOLVE TO: SAME SCENE

Later in the service, Cathy is standing out in front of the pews, taking prayer requests.

CATHY
For what do we need prayer this morning?

RICHIE
(standing up)
I ask for prayers for our family as we deal with Jenna’s death & murder. Prayers especially for Christine.

Richie sits down & Desmond rises.

DESMOND
I want to add to that a prayer request for the police, that they may find a new lead that will solve the case.

Desmond sits back down. There’s a bit of silence, broken only be a short squabble between Adam & Barry, which Michael stops just before it gets out of hand.

CATHY
Well, hearing no other requests, will you pray with me?

The congregation bows its head. Cathy begins to pray.

DISSOLVE TO: SAME SCENE

Later in the service, the congregation is standing, singing the last line of “Amazing Grace”. As the last line draws to a close, Cathy lays her hymnal down on her chair & walks to the pulpit. When the last line is finished, Cathy raises her arms over her head & gives the benediction.

CATHY
(closing her eyes)
Oh, God, you know our troubles. Be with us in the coming days, weeks, months, & years as we cope with tragedies & trials. Help us to become stronger because of those tragedies & trials & be able to better enjoy the good, loving times that much more.

Cathy puts her arms down on the pulpit, opens her eyes, & looks across the congregation.

ALL
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, & forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, & the power, & the glory forever. Amen.

There is a slight pause, then Cathy speaks again.

CATHY
(looking at the congregation)
Go now from this place to your daily tasks. & go in peace.

FADE TO BLACK: END ACT 4. GO TO COMMERCIAL.

 

ACT 5
Scene 1

FADE IN:

INT. ALICIA’S BEDROOM IN THE MANSON HOME — LATE MORNING

In the intervening time, Alicia (dressed as before) has decided to go & lie down on her bed. She has dozed off, not realizing it. She wake up, startled. She is somewhat dazed & confused at 1st, not exactly knowing where she is or how she got there. She looks around.

ALICIA
(to herself; softly; somewhat frightened)
Where?….Where am I?

Alicia looks around again, suddenly realizing where she is.

ALICIA
OH, thank goodness.

Relieved, Alicia lets her head fall back onto the pillow.

ALICIA
I’m in my own room. Oh, geez. What a relief! …. & what a dream! It was so real. I…I was in jail!

Alicia suddenly stirs from her state of “euphoria”, coming back to reality.

ALICIA
Wait a minute…. Just what time is it?

Alicia glances at her digital alarm clock radio & sees that it is almost 11:30 in the morning.

ALICIA
Oh, my gosh. I slept for almost an hour & a half!? Sunday school is just about over. Yeah, then there’s that stupid potluck. Like there’d be any good food there anyway. I don’t need them.

Alicia sits up in her bed.

ALICIA
I’m quite fine all by myself, thank you very much. I don’t need anyone in my life. Why, yes, I’m just peachy.

Alicia squirms a little at her last word.

ALICIA
Ugh….I hate that word. Everything is just “peachy”. Aye aye aye. Stop that Alicia. You hate that word, peachy. Ha. Whoever coined that to mean that things are great oughtta be killed.

Alicia turns to face her TV set.

ALICIA
Well, at least there’s always television. It keeps me company. Why I’ve got people like Katie Couric to keep me perky. Oh, & what a role model I have in Connie Chung. Ha ha. & what about Ted Koppel!? Course, there’s always Murphy Brown, Grace Under Fire, & Sam, in reruns of course, but he’s still great. At least he’s got somewhere where everybody knows his name!

Alicia leans over & switches her TV on, once again flipping through the channels. However, this time, nothing seems to quite interest her enough for very long. She goes through the channels at least twice, finally giving up.

ALICIA
Fine. So TV ain’t that great on Sunday mornings. But, it’s there unlike everyone else who just feels the need to go to church to “praise God” & all that. How sad that they feel they must worship to something, or someone, that they’ve never seen before. Don’t they get it that there’s nothing up there?

Alicia pauses & then looks skyward, changing to a desperate tone as she speaks again.

ALICIA
Oh, God. Help us….Please?

Alicia falls back into a lying position on her bed.

ALICIA
Oh….I’m so exhausted.

Alicia closes her eyes.

 

ACT 5
Scene 2

CUT TO:

INT. HOPE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN FELLOWSHIP HALL — LATE MORNING

As the scene opens, Virginia, Michelle & Laura are preparing the food table for the potluck.

VIRGINIA
(surveying the table; to Michelle & Laura)
I think that looks good, ladies. Beautiful job!

Michelle & Laura nod in agreement as Cathy walks in.

CATHY
Wow! The food & the table look great! I take it we’re ready?

Just as Virginia is about to answer in the affirmative, Adam races into the Fellowship Hall. Cathy reaches out to grab him.

CATHY
(disturbed at Adam’s running)
Adam! Hey! Slow down. We don’t run in church.

ADAM
Yeah, yeah, I know, Mom. I’m sorry. I just smelled the good food in here & got very hungry.

CATHY
OK. OK.

Michelle reaches out & rubs her little brother’s head. Barry enters, carrying his Sunday School workbook.

CATHY
Barry, honey, you should’ve left that in your classroom.

BARRY
Yes, I know, Mom, but I wanted to work on it.

CATHY
Not while we’re eating, you’re not.

BARRY
But, Mom.

ADAM
(trying to explain his brother’s actions)
Mom, he just got into this Gospel of John section.

CATHY
Oh, really? Well, then, Barry, we can talk about this later. Right now, put that away & go wash up. Go on.

Barry reluctantly leaves.

CATHY
You, too, Adam. Go wash up.

Adam exits. Everyone else (Desmond, Donnie, Amy, Carl, Timothy, Erika, Tammy, Christine, Richie, Steve, Jackie, Julia, Jake & Laura) enters the Fellowship Hall in a staggered order.

DESMOND
(to Virginia)
Well, looks wonderful, this afternoon. I can’t wait to eat!

VIRGINIA
(slightly laughing)
Well, then, dear, go get us a place to sit.

Desmond moves away to get a table for his family.

VIRGINIA
(to Michelle & Laura)
Well, ladies, let’s go sit so Pastor Cathy can say the blessing for the lovely meal.

Virginia, Michelle & Laura go take their seats as Michael, Adam & Barry come into the room.

CATHY
(to Michael)
Finally!

MICHAEL
Sorry. I was getting the boys ready.

CATHY
Oh, well, go ahead & find a spot. I’m ready to say the blessing.

Michael ushers the 2 boys to places at a table.

CATHY
OK. I think we’re ready. Let’s bow our heads.

FADE TO BLACK: END ACT 5. GO TO COMMERCIAL.

 

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