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
NEXT TIME:
3rd of 3 parts of the 4th (final) fully scripted episode: Month 3, Week 3, Day 5 (a Friday), Acts 6-7
NOW: TALE CONTINUES
2nd of 3 parts of the 4th fully-scripted episode [Month 3, Week 3, Day 5 (a Friday), 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. MANCHESTER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL HALLWAY — LATE MORNING
As the scene opens, CATHY, age 42, wearing a beige, conservative outfit, is rushing down the hall, looking at an appointment book. CARL, age 50, dressed in a white doctor’s outfit, is walking in the hallway in the opposite direction, but at a rather leisurely pace. He is looking at some papers on a clipboard. As the 2 meet, they bump into each other. Carl drops the clipboard, but Cathy somehow manages to keep hold of her appointment book.
CATHY & CARL
Oh….Oh….I’m so sorry….so sorry….
CATHY & CARL
Oh, no…that’s OK….Don’t worry…It was my fault.
The 2 pause, rather disgusted by their own obliviousness to where they were walking. Carl & Cathy both bend down to pick up the clipboard. Carl waves Cathy to stand back up.
CARL
That’s OK. I’ll get it.
Carl stands up, having picked up the clipboard. Carl & Cathy look at each other & then share a good laugh.
CATHY
Are the papers on your clipboard all messed up now?
CARL
(looking through the papers)
No, no. They’re fine. Thank you.
CATHY
Oh, good. I’m really sorry. I just wasn’t watching where I was going.
CARL
Oh, don’t worry about it, Pastor Cathy. I wasn’t watching where I was going, either.
CATHY
I guess that makes me feel a little better.
The 2 share another little laugh. Then, there is a moment of silence, which Carl ends.
CARL
So, what brings you here, Pastor Cathy?
CATHY
Oh, I’m just visiting some church members who are hospitalized.
CARL
Oh, yes. Let’s see, that would include Mr. Zobrinksi, right?
CATHY
Yes. In fact, I was just heading to see him now. How’s he doing?
CARL
Well, I just came from his room myself. He’s doing fine. His 77-year-old heart is doing just fine. Good as new, in fact. Almost like he never had to have the by-pass surgery.
CATHY
Oh, that’s great! He must be in good spirits!
CARL
Why, yes. Yes, he is indeed.
There’s another slight pause.
CATHY
So, huh. How are you doing, Carl?
CARL
OK. I’m doing OK, I guess. Yeah, it’s stressful knowing that my folks want to get custody of Donnie, but I’m dealing with it.
CATHY
I know it must be difficult for you. If there’s anything I can do, please let me know.
CARL
(after thinking for a second)
Pray. Pray for our whole family.
CATHY
I will.
Carl & Cathy say “goodbye” & head off on their own ways.
ACT 3
Scene 2
CUT TO:
INT. MATTHEW’S OFFICE AT KMAZ-TV — LATE MORNING
As the scene opens, Matthew (as before) is sitting at his desk working. Tammy (as before) knocks on the door & slowly enters.
MATTHEW
(motioning her further in)
Tammy, come on in. What’s on your mind?
TAMMY
(somewhat timidly)
Well…I…I was wondering if you’d like to go to lunch & talk.
MATTHEW
About what?
TAMMY
Well, Donnie’s kidnapping.
MATTHEW
I’ve said all there is to say. I’ve told you that I’ve forgiven you.
TAMMY
Well, I know. But,…I…I feel the need to talk to you about it.
MATTHEW
OK. I’ll be ready in a few minutes.
TAMMY
Thanks.
Tammy exits.
ACT 3
Scene 3
CUT TO:
INT. KMAZ-TV STUDIO — LATE MORNING
As the scene opens, Amy (as before) is standing, looking at some papers in preparation for the noon newscast. An EMPLOYEE, age 28, dressed in work clothes, comes to Amy.
EMPLOYEE
Amy. You’ve got a phone call on line 3.
AMY
(without looking up)
Aagghh. OK. Thanks.
The employee walks away. Amy, still distracted by the papers that she is looking at, walks toward the phone on the high table in the middle of the floor & answers the phone.
AMY
Yeah? …. Oh, Christine. Hi.
Amy suddenly stands at attention, listening intently to Christine.
AMY
…. Yeah. …. OK. Well, you could come on over whenever you like, but I’m not planning to take a break until after the news. Like, around, 12:30. …. Huh? …. Yeah, so I gotta go. Sorry. …. OK. I’ll see you then.
Amy hangs up the phone & goes back to work.
ACT 3
Scene 4
CUT TO:
EXT. JACKIE’S RESTAURANT DOOR — NOON
As the scene opens, Jake & Laura (both as before) walk up to the door of the restaurant. The voices of Steve & Jackie are heard yelling at each other.
LAURA
(almost whispering to Jake)
Maybe we shouldn’t go in.
JAKE
(matter-of-factly)
Nonsense! The sign says they’re open. So, I say we go on in. It’s not unusual for people to be arguing in public.
LAURA
(somewhat reluctantly)
Well….OK.
Jake reaches out & opens the door, ushering Laura inside.
ACT 3
Scene 5
CUT TO:
INT. JACKIE’S RESTAURANT — NOON
There is no gap in time between scenes 4 & 5. Jake & Laura enter the restaurant to find Steve & Jackie (both as before) standing by the cashier counter arguing.
JAKE
(rather loudly; interrupting)
Um….Hello….Hey….Yo!
Steve & Jackie stop arguing & turn to look at Jake & Laura.
JAKE
Hi ya. Uh the sign said you’re open.
JACKIE
Yeah, come on in. Seat yourself.
Jake & Laura sit at a table close to the door.
JACKIE
(yelling towards the kitchen)
Julia! We have customers!
Julia (as before) rushes out of the kitchen & goes to wait on Jake & Laura. Steve & Jackie resume their argument.
STEVE
Look, Jackie. I’m so sorry for what this has done to our family. I really am. But, you’ve got to understand that I was obligated to push for the toughest sentence.
JACKIE
Against your own daughter?
STEVE
Yes. Against Alicia. It would’ve have looked very good if I’d been easy against her.
JACKIE
Oh! So, your job comes before your family, huh? & you wonder why we separated.
STEVE
(ignoring Jackie’s last sentence)
Look, that’s not true at all. You know I love you. You know I love Julia. You know I love Alicia. I’d do anything for all 3 of you.
JACKIE
(half to herself)
Oh, right. Sure. Anything. But not everything.
STEVE
(giving up)
Look, Jackie. You just don’t get it.
At this point, Julia walks by.
JULIA
(to Steve & Jackie; sarcastically nasty)
Oh, c’mon you 2. Why don’t you act grown up for a change? You’re beginning to scare the customers.
Julia continues walking & enters the kitchen. Steve & Jackie pause & look around, especially at Jake & Laura who are both looking at Steve & Jackie with a certain interest.
STEVE
(snapping at Jake & Laura)
What’re you lookin’ at?
FADE TO BLACK: END ACT 3. GO TO COMMERCIAL.
ACT 4
Scene 1
FADE IN:
INT. MANCHESTER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL HALLWAY — EARLY AFTERNOON
As the scene opens, Virginia, Desmond & Donnie (all as before) are entering the hospital. They meet Cathy as she is preparing to leave.
VIRGINIA
Well, hi, Pastor Cathy! It’s good to see you out on this lovely day.
CATHY
Good afternoon, Mrs. Rockingham. It’s nice to see you as well. How is everything?
DESMOND
Fine. Just fine. We brought Donnie to see Carl today.
DONNIE
I get to see Dad at work!
CATHY
I see. I bet your happy, aren’t you?
DONNIE
Oh, yes! Yes, I certainly am!
CATHY
& I suspect your dad will be very happy to see you, too!
DONNIE
I hope so!
VIRGINIA
I take it you are here visiting parishioners, Pastor Cathy?
Cathy
Yes, I am.
VIRGINIA
Good. Say, how is Mr. Zobrinski doing after his heart by-pass surgery?
CATHY
He’s doing just fine.
VIRGINIA
Wonderful!
CATHY
He’s in very high spirits. In fact, Carl says if he keeps up his good attitude, it may just rub off on the whole hospital staff!
DESMOND
Ha ha. That’s good ol’ Zobrinski for you.
CATHY
AND, Carl says that there is a slight possibility that Mr. Zobrinski will be able to go home in a day or 2.
DESMOND
Oh, that’s marvelous! What wonderful news for him & his family!
CATHY
Yes, it certainly is.
CATHY
(looking at her wrist watch)
Well, look. I’d better get going. I need to go see some of our home-bound members. Then, I need to get home before the storm hits.
DESMOND
Yes, the forecasters are calling for quite a storm this afternoon, aren’t they?
CATHY
That’s why I want to get going.
VIRGINIA
Of course. Don’t let us keep you.
Cathy starts to exit, then turns around.
CATHY
Oh, by the way. Carl is on the 3rd floor, I think. At least, he was when I saw him.
VIRGINIA
OK. Thank you.
DONNIE
C’mon….let’s go!!! I want to see Daddy now!
DESMOND
(soothingly)
OK. OK. We’re on our way….
Cathy exits & Desmond, Virginia & Donnie head toward the elevator.
ACT 4
Scene 2
CUT TO:
INT. JACKIE’S RESTAURANT — AFTERNOON
As the scene opens, Jake & Laura are eating. Julia stands at the cashier counter. Steve & Jackie are seated now at the table nearest the cashier counter. Matthew & Tammy (as before) walk into the restaurant. Jake & Laura look up & “stare” at Matthew & Tammy for a second or 2. Julia seats Matthew & Tammy in a booth off to the side.
STEVE
Look, I’m sorry I yelled at you, but Jackie, I love you. I need you. I don’t want to lose you. Please give us another chance.
JACKIE
(emphatically)
No.
STEVE
Why not?
JACKIE
How can I trust you after what you’ve done? Better yet, how can I live with you after you’ve torn our family apart?
STEVE
Now, hold on a minute. That’s not fair. I’m not the one who killed Jenna. Alicia is. Yes, Alicia is my daughter & I love her very much. But, there is no excuse for what she did.
JACKIE
Funny. That’s kinda what Julia said, too.
STEVE
Well, listen to her. She’s a smart girl.
JACKIE
Yeah, I know. But, still….Oh, geez, Steve, why?
STEVE
Why what?
JACKIE
Why did she kill Jenna?
Jackie breaks down into tears & the focus shifts to Tammy & Matthew, who have ordered.
MATTHEW
So, what is there to tell?
TAMMY
Well, I just want you to know that I had not preplanned the kidnapping. I was going by the house, & I saw this kid. I didn’t know who he was, so I picked him up & took him, figuring I’d help him. Then, I realized he was a Rockingham, & I got really scared. After all, I was only new in town. I didn’t know what they’d do to me.
MATTHEW
It’s all right. I believe everything works out for the best. &, it will. I promise.
TAMMY
Oohh, I’m so glad you’re a forgiving person. After seeing Amy this morning, I thought sure you were going to fire me.
MATTHEW
Fire you? What do you mean?
TAMMY
Oh, Amy made some rude comments to me. & then she said I wasn’t going to anchor the midday news anymore, &…& I thought that meant you were firing me….
MATTHEW
I’m sorry Amy put you through that. There was no need for that. I’ll talk to her.
TAMMY
Oh, no no no. Don’t, please. I mean, I don’t want to cause your family anymore trouble than I already have.
MATTHEW
Don’t worry about it. As long as I’m the boss at KMAZ-TV, you’ll have a job there. Unless, of course, you have more mischief up your sleeves.
Tammy checks her arms as if looking for more mischief.
TAMMY
(laughingly)
No, don’t think so.
The 2 share a laugh. Julia brings them their food & the focus shifts back to Steve & Jackie.
STEVE
Well, look, I need to go back to the police station. This conversation is far from over.
JACKIE
Oh, I think it is.
STEVE
Maybe for now, but later on, we shall talk more. Jackie, I love you. I want to work this out.
Jackie just closes her eyes & shakes her head. Steve sighs & gets up to leave. He says goodbye to Julia & kisses her on the cheek.
STEVE
(turning once again to Jackie)
Jackie, whether you believe it or not, I do love you, & I want to be a family again.
Jackie doesn’t respond. Steve sighs again & walks out with Jake & Laura peering up at him as he leaves. Julia sits down with Jackie, who now has her head in her arms on the table.
ACT 4
Scene 3
CUT TO:
INT. KMAZ-TV STUDIO — ABOUT 12:30p
As the scene opens, Amy is walking across the studio, away from the news desk. The midday newscast has just ended. CHRISTINE, age 43, wearing a rather flamboyant, red dress enters & meets Amy, who is walking around with a clipboard in her hand.
CHRISTINE
There you are!
AMY
(somewhat surprised)
Oh, hi, Christine.
CHRISTINE
What’s the matter?
AMY
Nothing. I just didn’t expect to see you so soon.
CHRISTINE
Oh. Well, if this is a bad time, I…I can come back later. But, you did tell me to come anytime after 12:30 right?
AMY
Yes. That’s fine.
Amy sets the clipboard down on the high table stand.
AMY
So, how are you?
CHRISTINE
I’m OK. I guess. It’s been rough. Uh, how is Carl doing?
AMY
Fine, I guess.
CHRISTINE
Good. I’m glad to hear it.
AMY
So, you hungry?
CHRISTINE
No, I already ate.
AMY
(somewhat confused)
Oh….so, why did you want to stop by?
CHRISTINE
Just to see you & talk, I suppose. I mean, I just wanted to…oh, I don’t know. I…I guess somehow I…I thought that by seeing you I’d see Carl.
AMY
‘Fraid I can guarantee that won’t happen. You still love him, don’t you?
CHRISTINE
Oh, yes. I love your brother more than anything. I’m dealing with my deep depression, but it would help to know he’s there, too.
AMY
I know….
CHRISTINE
(somewhat interrupting)
Tell me, is…is he seeing…someone?
AMY
(surprised at the query)
No, not that I know of.
Christine gives Amy a sort of “well, that’s good/it gives me an idea” look.
FADE TO BLACK: END ACT 4. GO TO COMMERCIAL.
ACT 5
Scene 1
FADE IN:
INT. JACKIE’S RESTAURANT — AFTERNOON
As the scene opens, Matthew & Tammy are still seated. They are eating & talking. Laura & Jake are preparing to leave. They walk up to the cashier counter, where Julia is.
JULIA
(to Jake & Laura)
So, how was your meal?
JAKE
Wonderfully delicious!
LAURA
Yes, it was very good. We’d come here more often, but….
JAKE
(interrupting)
But, aaahhh, Laura cooks SO well, that restaurant food doesn’t quite compare!
Julia just shakes her head in acknowledgement as she rings up the bill.
LAURA
Jake, that’s not true. The food here is much better than my cooking.
JAKE
Ah, c’mon Rox. Don’t be so modest!
Jake turns his attention to Julia & reaches for his wallet. Jake pays the check & then turns to Laura.
JAKE
Shall we go?
LAURA
Sure.
Jake & Laura go out the door just as MICHELLE, age 29, & TIMOTHY, age 29, enter the restaurant. Timothy is dressed in a nice pair of jeans & a short-sleeved, collared shirt, while Michelle is wearing a smart-looking, tan business outfit. Jake, Laura, Timothy & Michelle exchange pleasantries at the door. Jake & Laura then exit. Michelle then spots Matthew & Tammy sitting in the booth off to the side. She gasps a little.
TIMOTHY
(noticing his sister tense up)
Now, now, now. Calm down. Don’t over-react. It may just be a business meeting. Ya never know. Besides, he can eat with whoever he wants since you & I are eating together.
By this time, Tammy has spotted Timothy & Michelle at the door. Matthew pauses in his conversation, looks around, & glances at Michelle. Their eyes meet in an incredibly awkward moment. Michelle shakes her head, gives Matthew a dirty, “How could you?” look, & then turns her head away.
ACT 5
Scene 2
CUT TO:
INT. CARL’S OFFICE AT PACEMAKER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL — AFTERNOON
As the scene opens, Carl (as before) is sitting at his desk, while Virginia & Desmond (both as before) are sitting in chairs on the other side of the desk. Donnie is not in the room.
CARL
But, I don’t see why you 2 are fighting me on this.
VIRGINIA
Dear, it’s for your own good. Christine certainly cannot care for Donnie. & you, well….
CARL
(impatiently)
Well, what?
DESMOND
(noticing Virginia is upset)
Son, take it easy. Don’t talk to your mother like that.
CARL
(even more impatiently)
Like what?!
DESMOND
Like that! That, angry, defeatist tone. Why are you being so difficult?
CARL
Me? You’re trying to take my son away from me!
VIRGINIA
No, we’re not. We’re trying to help you out.
CARL
How?
VIRGINIA
You spend so much of your time working here at the hospital. We just want to be sure that Donnie has full-time care.
CARL
& what about you 2?
DESMOND
What do you mean, son?
CARL
Well, let’s face it. You’re not getting any younger. Are you sure you can really keep pace with Donnie?
VIRGINIA
Yes, I think we can. We’ve done just fine so far.
At this point, Donnie (as before) knocks softly on the office door & enters. Carl spots his son, jumps out of his chair, & goes to pick Donnie up.
CARL
Well, here’s my little guy!
DONNIE
(hugging Carl around the neck)
Hi, Daddy!
CARL
& just how is my little man?
DONNIE
Fine. I saw Mr. Zobrinski!
CARL
You did? Well….
At this point, Carl looks at his parents as if to say “how can you do this to me?” They just simply look at each other.
ACT 5
Scene 3
CUT TO:
INT. KMAZ-TV STUDIO — AFTERNOON
Amy & Christine are in practically the same place as they were in the previous scene.
AMY
Christine, I wouldn’t get any ideas right now, if I were you. Carl is having enough problems trying to keep custody of Donnie.
CHRISTINE
I know. That’s why I’m thinking that if he & I were back together, he, I mean we, would have a much better chance of keeping Donnie.
AMY
No, I don’t think so. C’mon Christine. Mom & Dad don’t want you to keep Donnie because of your depression. I doubt you’ll be helping Carl’s case at all.
CHRISTINE
Yes, but I’m dealing with my depression. You know that.
AMY
True, you are. But you’re not completely finished yet. C’mon, even you must know that you’re not exactly out of the woods yet.
CHRISTINE
Yeah, I know. But, doesn’t working on it count at all?
AMY
I would say so, but….
Amy glances at her wrist watch.
AMY
Ah, geez. I gotta get going. I’m sorry to cut this short, but I….
CHRISTINE
(interrupting)
Say no more. I understand completely. I’ll let you get back to work.
AMY
Thanks. Take care of yourself.
CHRISTINE
I will.
Christine leaves.
FADE TO BLACK: END ACT 5. GO TO COMMERCIAL.
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