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Still Life, "Disappearances" recap, from the beginning of the beta cam tape . . .
20th Century Fox TV
STILL LIFE
“Disappearances”
Ep. #1AJH03
EDITED MASTER
TRT = 44:53
2.09.04
Bart Simpson does the sound channel and phase check.
Previouslies (Jensen’s voice introducing the previouslies, btw):
Max & Maggie – Max apologizing for leaving the way he did and for coming on so strong when he came back; Maggie is the only thing that ever made him completely happy; she wants him to stay the night, he refuses, “Not like this.”
Introduction to Jonathan Gray as Charlotte’s campaign manager;
Introduction to Gideon as only guy Em has shown interest in in a long time;
Stack “crashing” Em’s date; Gid leaving suddenly; Em finding Gid’s trashed apartment.
Blue wash to:
Act I
Interior, Restaurant dining room, Day:
Em is sitting reading a newspaper. VOJ tells us . . .
VOJ: When Emily was little, she loved to be on her own. Babysitting for her was the easiest job in the world. I’d do my thing; she’d do hers. But every once in a while, she’d come into my room, sit down next to me, and just lean against me. She was a way cool kid.
Stack enters and sits opposite Em.
Stack: Hey, lady.
Em: Hey, buster. (She folds up the newspaper and sets it aside.)
Stack: So I was glad to get your message. I thought you might still be pissed at me. (He takes a bite of whatever is next to Em. A pastry? Muffin? Something small.)
Em: I was never pissed.
Stack: Sure you were. I horn in on your dinner with Gideon; the guy skips town? Such is my power to intimidate.
Em: (a small chuckle in her voice) Yeah, you wish.
Stack: But no, seriously, sorry if I cramped your style there. You hear from him?
Em: (shakes her head. And btw, she has pretty, clear gray eyes. The lighting in this scene really shows them off) I left tons of messages, didn’t hear back. Then yesterday I get a message on my cell, all casual, says he had to leave town. Last minute work thing. He’ll call me when he gets back.
Stack looks at her . . . kinda suspicious, like he’s not buying it. Or more like Gid isn’t good enough for her.
Em: He sounded so weird. And I saw his apartment the night he left. It was a disaster.
Stack: My place is a disaster, nothin’ bad’s happened to me.
Em: His place was more like ransacked.
Stack: He’s okay. He probably just took off and didn’t think to call. And you know what? You deserve better than that.
Em: (slightly defensive) He’s a good guy, okay? And I like him.
Stack nods acquiescence.
Stack: (blows out a sigh; adjusts his leather jacket) This place is a little to hip for me. I’m startin’ to sweat.
Em: (laughing) I didn’t call you to talk about Gideon anyway. [I] Have a proposition.
Stack: Yeah? (Leans in to listen.)
Em: You’re too talented to work in a strip club like Marlowe’s. So, I was thinking . . . maybe we should start a catering company together.
Stack: (with a smirk) You really want to look at this mug every day?
Em: I think we work pretty well together.
Stack: And I am great.
Em gives him a “goes without saying” look.
Stack: But catering takes cash and I don’t have—
Em: I have money saved from Marlowe’s.
Stack: I dig the idea—
Em: The first gig’s already lined up. My mom’s throwing a big fundraiser. So what do ya think?
Stack: Tell you what. I’ll cater your mom’s thing on my own, okay? If I’m a success, then you hire me. That way you can see if I’m actually capable.
Em: I know you’re capable.
Stack: It’d just make me feel better.
Em: (with a smile) Done.
They shake on it.
Stack: Done.
Dissolve to:
Exterior, Sidewalk, Day:
It’s raining, and both Stack and Em are carrying umbrellas. They part ways, and the camera follows Em.
VOJ: The thing about being a big brother was I was always the one watching over my younger siblings. In some ways, being dead has felt a whole lot like that.
As Em gets to the curb, a car pulls up in front of her and screeches to a halt. The driver rolls down the passenger window. It’s Gid.
Gideon: Em, get in!
Em: (perplexed) Gideon? What the hell?
Gideon: (looking over his shoulder) It’s okay. Just get in.
As Em gets into the car . . .
VOJ: Except now? No matter how much I want to, I can’t reach out and grab my little sister. I can’t keep her safe.
BLACK.
OPENING SEQUENCE:
Cast:
David Keith [Ben Morgan]
Jensen Ackles [Max Morgan]
Audrey Marie Anderson [Emily Morgan]
Jeanette Brox [Daisy Morgan]
Morena Baccarin [Maggie Jones]
Bryce Johnson [Jake Morgan]
and
Susanna Thompson [Charlotte Morgan]
Created by Kip Koenig
(Note: This ep written by Andrea Newman)
(Note: This ep directed by Michael Lange)
Act II
Dissolve up to:
Daisy and her friend in the hallway at school. Daisy, a mischievous gleam in her eye, says she’s totally going to pull the fire alarm. After a moment’s hesitation, she does . . . and nothing happens . . . until an alarm starts going off. They clap their hands over their ears and make a run for it, but when they reach the door, it’s locked. Then the sprinklers go off. When they turn around to take off in the other direction, the principle is standing there.
Daisy: We heard the alarm so we ran down the hall! The door is locked! That is so dangerous!
Friend: It’s a total fire code violation!
Principal is not a happy camper. Neither is he buying what they’re selling.
Cut to:
Interior, Post office, Day:
Gid leads Em into the post office and to the PO boxes.
Em: What the hell is going on, Gideon?
Gideon: It’s no big deal. I have it under control.
Em: That explains why you drove here like a crazy person.
Gideon: Alright. Um. There’s this guy who tracked me down.
Em: (very worried) Tracked you down? What does that mean? What, are you, like, a fugative?
Gideon: No, no, no. Let me explain, okay?
He pulls out the key to his PO box and opens it.
Em: Okay. Okay, I mean, I’m just freaked.
Gid pulls the mail out of the box, but apparently what he’s looking for is not there.
Gideon: Damn it. Okay, let’s get out of here.
Em: (takes a step back) I’m not going anywhere else until you tell me what’s going on.
Gideon: (he has what looks like a bruise from a punch on the left side of his face. It’s been turned away from the camera until now.) Okay, look. I’m not thinkin’ straight. I started a club in Chicago with this guy, Derrick, underground, totally off the books.
Em: Okay . . .
Gideon: Derrick started hangin’ out with these guys that were in some really, really bad stuff. So I took my share of the money [and] I left, I got hell out of Chicago. But now Derrick doesn’t care who the money belongs to. He just wants it back.
Em: What are you gonna do?
Gideon: (sighs, then sees something out the front window) We gotta go.
Em: (confused) What?
Gid grabs her by the arm and pulls her toward the back of the building. She looks over her shoulder out the window, and we see a black guy in a long coat walking purposefully to the PO.
Gid and Em get out through a back door to a back alley that’s gated off.
The suspicious-looking guy follows them through the door. By the time he gets there, Gid and Em are in Gid’s car driving away. He’s missed them.
Cut to:
Interior, Morgan dining area, Day:
Charlotte and Jonathan are at the table strategizing. Max is in the background sorting through his portfolio at the kitchen island. (He’s wearing his brown suede jacket, thus giving the impression that he’s going somewhere. He’s also very serious and focused in this scene.)
Charlotte: So, people will pay $250 a plate.
Jonathan: (with a shrug) Well, it’s an exclusive list. They’re very wealthy, and hopefully believe in what you have to tell them.
Charlotte nods and smiles at Jon.
Max: Hey, Mom?
Charlotte: Yeah?
Max: What do you think about this one? (He holds up a b&w photo to show her. It’s from a low angle, looking up at a framework or tower of some sort, with thick chains reaching toward the top.)
Charlotte: (with as much affection for the photographer as the photograph) I love it. Where did you take that?
Max: Uh, shipyards, East Bay. (The insert close-up of the pic shows that Max wears a silver ring on his right thumb. I’ve never noticed that before. Not sure he wears it all the time, but it’s definitely there, either silver, steel, or nickel, with almost what looks like a Greek key design. For those keeping track of such things.)
Charlotte: Put it in, definitely.
Max: ‘Kay. (He focuses on very carefully inserting the photo into a sleeve.)
Jonathan: The fundraiser’s important not only for the money you bring in but for the impression you make on the guests. I mean, if you pull this off, we have a real chance of winning this race.
Charlotte: Well, I’ll do my best.
Max: (to no one in particular, except maybe Mom.) Ookaaay. (Zips up his portfolio.) I’m off.
Charlotte: Alright, honey. (She stops him to give him a kiss before he leaves.) Good luck.
Max: Okay.
Charlotte: Okay.
In the front hall, Max meets his dad coming down the stairs.
Ben: You headin’ out?
Max: Yeah, job hunt today.
Ben: Oh.
Ben nods his agreement/approval.
Max: Hey, did, uh, did any of that stuff I told you about Jake following Eddie, did any of that help?
Ben: Well, it’s all new information. We don’t have anything yet.
Max: Alright. Well, if you want me to come down to the station and give, you know, and official statement, I—
Ben: We’re on it, Max. I’ll let you know if something turns up.
Max nods silently, shut down by his father’s reaction.
Ben: You just step back and look after yourself.
Max: It’s what I’m doin’.
Max leaves through the front door as Ben continues to the kitchen/dining room.
Ben tells Char that he doesn’t expect to be home until 8:00, so don’t wait dinner. How’s the fundraiser coming? Jon says that they should be starting to receive responses, so keep fingers crossed for a full house. Will do, Ben says.
As Ben starts out the back door, the phone starts ringing. He stops to see if Char is paying enough attention to answer the phone. It rings several times with neither Char nor Jon making the effort.
Ben: Why don’t I just get that. (He answers the phone) Ben Morgan. . . . Really. What kind of trouble? (That gets Char’s attention.) Well, obviously Daisy’s never done anything like that before. . . . Sure, I’ll be right down. (He hangs up the phone.)
Charlotte: What happened? What’s wrong with Daisy?
Ben: She’s been suspended.
Charlotte: Suspended? For what?
Ben: Pulling a fire alarm. They want one of us to go down there.
Charlotte: (incredulous laugh, rising from the table) Well, come on, there’s got to be a mistake—
Jonathan: We have to finish . . .
Ben: That’s okay. I’ll get it.
Charlotte: Are you sure? Because I can finish this up later.
Ben: Nono. No. I want to.
Charlotte: (knowingly) I bet you do.
Ben: I’m not gonna go crazy.
Charlotte: Thank you. (pause) A fire alarm. I . . .
Ben raises his hands in a “don’t ask me” gesture as he walks out the door.
Char returns to her place at the table.
Cut to:
CU of photos in spiral-bound book/binder being flipped through. Pull out to reveal:
Maggie sit-leaning against desk looking through Max’s portfolio. Max is looking over her shoulder, arms crossed in a pseudo-self-protective stance.
Max: So I thought I’d take it by a few photography studios and see if anybody wants to throw me a job.
Maggie: These are great, Max. They look so professional.
Max: Yeah?
Maggie: Yeah. What got you moving on all this?
Max: (shifting his stance, stuffing his hands in his jeans pockets. FYI, he’s wearing a dark, what looks like plum-colored, t-shirt under his brown suede jacket) Uh, it was time. Plus I told my dad I’d re-focus my energies, you know? Get my mind off all of Jake’s stuff.
Maggie: (as she closes the book and hands it back to Max) That’s probably a good idea.
Max: Yeah.
Maggie: (she has trouble looking him in the eye) So, um, anyway, Max? The last time we were together, I, uh—
Max: (he watches her carefully through this exchange) You don’t have to say anything.
Maggie: Yeah, I do. Um, I was a little drunk and emotional, um, and you didn’t take advantage. You were very respectful. Um. I . . . I appreciate that.
Max looks away briefly as he nods.
Max: It was a rough day.
Maggie: Well, anyway, thank you.
Max: You’re welcome. (I wish you all could see this exchange. Max is very accepting of the thanks. He appreciates it. He looks at her in such a way that it’s plain he cares about her.)
A man, distinguished, older than either Max or Maggie, enters. He says something that I can only catch the word “shop,” and then:
Man: The boss is back.
Maggie: (somewhat surprised) Whit.
Whit: (he speaks with a refined, cultured accent) A friend of mine was flying over, so—(he greets Maggie with a kiss to the cheek)—I caught a ride on his plane. (He steps back and looks her up and down.) You look great.
Maggie: (a bit awkward) Max, did you ever meet Whit Gaunier? He owns the gallery and a few others in New York.
Whit and Max shake hands.
Max: Hi. Nice to meet you.
Whit: I’ve heard a lot about you.
Max: (glancing at Maggie) Oh, yeah?
Whit: Max. You’re legendary.
Maggie huffs a laugh, while Max isn’t quite sure what to make of the statement.
Whit: (to Maggie) So let’s go out tonight. Check out some of the new exhibits in town.
Max tries to unobtrusively reach between them and gather up his book from the desk.
Max: (whispering) Excuse me.
Maggie: You’re leaving?
Whit: Hey, don’t let me run you off. If you have plans—
Max places the binder in the zip-up portfolio. Again with the evasive eye contact. He’s retreating back into his shell
Max: No, it’s okay. We’re—we’re done. (He glances up at Maggie and offers a tight, uncomfortable smile.)
Maggie: Well, give me a call later. Let me know how everything goes.
Max: (gathering his portfolio) Yeah, I will. (To Whit, making eye contact) Nice to meet you. (He leaves.)
Whit smiles at Maggie, obviously pleased to be back in her company. Maggie returns the smile somewhat shyly.
Cut to:
Interior, Principal’s office:
The principal explains that with the safety concerns this country’s facing, pulling a fire alarm is a serious offense. He would think that as a law enforcement officer, Ben would understand that.
Ben agrees that it was an irresponsible thing to do, but since Daisy’s never been in trouble before, he thinks a week of suspension is extreme.
The principal disagrees.
Ben is sorry to hear that, but does not press the issue.
The principal thanks Ben for coming in.
Cut to:
Interior, School hallway, Day:
Ben and Daisy are making their way down the hall (pedeconference) as he heads out and she returns to class. The halls are not empty as students and teachers go about their business.
Ben: So, what, are you poutin’?
Daisy: This whole thing is completely mortifying.
Ben: You ought to be mortified. What in the world were you thinking?
Daisy: Nothing, obviously.
Ben: (anger dissipating somewhat) I don’t get it. What makes you do something like that?
Daisy: Because, okay? I’m an idiot teenager. It’s not worth having a coronary over—
Ben: (stopping in his tracks, using the dad finger of reprimand) Watch your tongue with me.
Daisy: Fine. I’m sorry. (Yes, she’s the sulky teen, but maybe not completely insincere.)
Ben: Dais, we used to talk. Now you disappear into your room . . . over to Willa’s . . . What’s up with that?
Daisy does not answer, just rolls her eyes and storms off.
Cut to:
Establishing shot, Brick building, Day:
Cut to:
Interior, Unknown hotel room:
Gideon unlocks the door and lets himself and Em into the apartment. It’s a plain, non-descript room, a modest, low rent hotel room.
Gideon: I don’t think he was close enough to follow us, but give it half an hour, and I’ll take you home. Okay?
Em: You’re staying here?
Gideon: Yeah, just until I get the money together.
Em: What happened to it? (She sits down on the end of the bed.)
Gideon: I spent most of it moving around. I’m just waiting for a friend’s loan, I’ll get Derrick the money he’s after . . . I’ll get rid of him.
Em: I could talk to my dad. He’s a cop. Maybe he can help.
Gideon: Well, I thought about going to the police. I can’t. It was stupid of me to come back before the whole thing is over. But the truth is . . . I couldn’t get you off my mind. And that was selfish.
Em pops up off the bed, clearly shaken by this revelation.
Em: Gideon . . . It’s been a long time since I’ve been involved. With anyone. I’m just not good with complicated, and this just—
Gideon: Hey, it’s cool. I get it. It’s just . . . I just wanted to tell you the truth. Let me take you home.
And Em steps into his space, up close and personal, and offers herself for a kiss, which Gid obliges.
Em: I don’t want to go home. I want to stay here with you.
Much passionate kissing, and I’m just shakin’ my head. Em . . . you don’t know what this guy’s involved in . . .
BLACK
Act III
Interior, Morgan kitchen/dining area, Day:
It’s very active, with a delivery man dropping off a big delivery of glassware for the fundraiser, campaign materials scattered about, and Stack anxiously getting approval from Charlotte for his proposed menu. His suggestion, since it’s going to be a sophisticated, worldly crowd (and which I’m not even going to try to spell) is spring rolls with some sort of lime leaf dipping sauce, which Charlotte says sounds delicious.
Enter a frustrated Jonathan.
Jonathan: Problem. Two of our big ticket guests have bowed out.
Charlotte: Why?
Jonathan: Sullivan Children’s Hospital dinner. I know a couple of guys at the restaurant where they’re having it. Maybe I could get them to start a botulism rumor. Or Legionnaire’s Disease.
Charlotte: Jonathan, it’s a charity for the children’s hospital.
Jonathan: Well I was kidding. Pretty much.
Jon exits as Ben enters.
Charlotte: Did you talk to Daisy?
Ben: Not yet. You know, maybe it’s this Willa girl. Maybe Daisy’s just going along for the ride.
Charlotte: Maybe.
Ben: Daisy used to come to me with her problems.
Charlotte: Yeah, but it’s been a while since that’s happened.
Ben: (retrieving a canned beverage from the fridge) I just don’t get it.
Charlotte: Could be because she’s getting older. Could be for other reasons.
Jon re-enters with a stack of books that he drops on the kitchen island.
Jonathan: Ben! A few things. Why don’t we guest list a couple of your police buddies for the fundraiser. It will look good for the press.
Charlotte: (quickly) Only if you’re comfortable, honey.
Ben: It’ll liven up the party, that’s for sure.
Jonathan: Tomorrow night I’m gonna put you in the foyer greeting guests. Work that old Southern charm.
(It’s obvious that Ben does not like being ordered around by this guy.)
Jonathan: And Charlotte said you might know where the video camera is. We were gonna record her speech so she could practice.
Ben gives him a hard stare for a moment before . . .
Ben: I’ll look around. (He heads toward the front hall with his beverage.)
Charlotte catches up to him in the front hall and hugs him from behind.
Charlotte: Ben, thank you for taking care of everything while I’ve been stuck on this. And just ignore Jonathan if he starts to drive you crazy.
Ben: It’s alright, darlin’. You know if it helps you, you know I’m gonna do it. And after your elected mayor, I might just have to whip that little yuppie’s ass.
Ben heads upstairs while Charlotte returns to the kitchen, smiling.
Cut to:
Establishing shot, Brick building, the Dewey Hotel:
Cut to:
Interior, Gid’s hotel room, Day:
The digital clock reads 8:14. Gid’s cell phone rings, waking Em, who startles suddenly awake.
Em: (sitting up in bed, to Gid’s right) Oh my God.
Gideon: (reaching behind Em to retrieve his phone from the nightstand) Damn. (Answering the phone) Yeah, hello.
Em: Oh, God. My parents are gonna flip. Out. I didn’t even call. (She shoves the covers aside and gets out of bed as Gid continues his phone conversation.0
Gideon: (into the phone) I don’t know what to say . . . Alright . . . Bye. (He hangs up and leans back in the bed.)
Em: (as she’s buckling her belt) What is it? Was that Derrick?
Gideon: No. The guy who was supposed to lend me the money. Can’t get the cash together.
Em: What happened? (She sits on the bed.)
Gideon: I’m not sure. It just fell through.
Em slides up next to Gid, and he slides his arm around her.
Gideon: It’ll be fine. Okay? I’ll just track down a few people, find another way. (He brushes her hair away from her face.) I have to get you home. And I need to find another place to stay.
Em: I can help you.
Gideon: I’m taking you home.
Em: Gideon, I know what to do.
Cut to:
Interior, Morgan front hall, Day:
Em has brought Gid home with her. They let themselves in. Gid is carrying a duffle bag.
Em: It’s safe here. My dad’s a cop, my mom’s running for mayor, there’s press all around, so there’s no way Derrick would risk showing up here.
Gideon: Yeah, maybe—
Em: (taking his arm and walking him to the kitchen) Trust me. The real problem is going to be explaining to my parents where I was last night. (They enter the kitchen/dining area) Here we go. I’ll do the talking.
Charlotte: (very enthusiastic, jumping up and greeting Gid with a hug) Hey, Gideon. It’s good to see you again. (To Em) How’s Maggie?
This confuses Em until she sees Max.
Em: Maggie’s . . . fine . . .
Max mouths to Em, behind Mom’s back, “I told her you were at Maggie’s.”
Em: . . . I guess.
The phone handset in Char’s hand rings.
Charlotte: I gotta get back. (To Gid) Are you gonna be around for a while?
Gideon: Apparently.
Char answers the phone and steps away as Max joins the grouping. He looks . . . none too happy, very suspicious. Not someone you want to mess with, really. (Wardrobe notes, for those keeping track: Striped button-down shirt, white base, blue and yellow stripes, blue embroidered patches where pockets might go. Rather . . . Texan, if you ask me.)
Max: (to Em) I told Mom you were staying at Maggie’s. You owe me.
Em: (with a smirk) Like you don’t owe me a few hundred of those.
Then Max addresses Gid. He’s feeling things out. Not confrontational, but not exactly friendly. Keep in mind that to our knowledge, Max and Gid have never been introduced.
Max: Everything okay?
Gideon: (with a small shrug) Everything’s great.
Max: Em said you took off I don’t know where, and that your place was pretty wrecked.
Em looks a little uncomfortable at the questioning.
Gideon: Last minute business trip. Bad housekeeping.
Max: Really.
Gideon: Really.
Max gives them each a final look, then turns his back and walks away.
Em: (to Gid) Give me a minute.
She follows Max into the front hall.
Em: Max. (He stops and half turns toward her.) What’s the deal?
Max: (gesturing toward where Em left Gid) Whatever. I could ask you the same thing.
Em: I expect Dad to give my boyfriend the evil eye, not you.
Max: (looking past her, avoiding eye contact. His tone is self-defensive) Sorry.
He turns to go upstairs. As he mounts the steps . . .
Em: Hey.
Max steps back down and turns toward Em.
Max: What.
Em: (tone softening) What’s up?
Max: (after a pause) Nothin’.
Em: Come on.
Max: (with a shrug) I don’t know. Maggie’s boss is in town and he’s had a thing for her for years. I think he’s gonna ask her out, so . . .
Em: She likes him?
Max: (another shrug) I don’t know. He’s rich and good looking and . . . rich.
Em: (nods her understanding) So . . . what are you gonna do?
Max: (with a facial shrug, if that makes sense) I was gonna ask her to mom’s thing, but we’re kinda in that weird place right now—
Em: (with a smile) You’re always in a weird place. What difference does that make?
Max nods, agreeing.
Em: If you want to do something, do it.
Max: (subdued, maybe not entirely convinced, but . . . ) ‘Kay.
Em pats his arm before heading back to the kitchen.
Cut to:
Interior, Hall closet, Day:
Ben is looking for the video camera, and not finding it.
Cut to continuation of scene. Ben makes his way into Daisy’s room. He finds the camcorder on her bed. He picks it up and it turns on. Daisy’s most recent tape starts playing. He watches the tape play on the pop-out viewfinder screen . . .
Daisy: (to the camera) The list of things I want to do before I die. No, wait, you’re gonna go next, right?
Unseen voice (Willa?): No way. This is your idea. I think it’s a huge jinx.
Daisy laughs.
Daisy: Fine. My list: Um . . . mmmm . . . pull a prank at school. Smoke pot. I need to experience anti-gravity. And . . . kiss a girl. Make out with an older guy. Maybe have him be my first time. You know they do say that experience makes a better lover.
Willa’s Voice: Well, there’s always Mr. King.
Daisy: Oh my God! No! He’s scary! (laughs) Um . . . Jonathan. The guy my mom works with. There’s something about him . . .
Ben’s expression throughout this, as he’s watching his grinning teenage daughter on the screen, is unreadable. He’s obviously not happy. He finds the off button, drops the ‘corder back on the bed, and leaves the room, a man on a mission.
In the upstairs hallway, Em asks her dad if Gid can stay over, his apartment is being bug bombed. Ben ignores Em, calling, “Daisy!” as he heads downstairs.
Em watches him go as Gid steps out from the guestroom.
Em: That’s a yes. Basically.
Cut to:
Interior, Art gallery, Day:
Max is there, satchel slung over shoulder, talking to Maggie as she’s checking exhibits.
Max: Uh, I went to five different ones, and nobody was hiring, so, I’ll keep at it. Something will come up.
Maggie: Definitely.
Max: Uh, listen. Tomorrow night is my mom’s big bash, and it’s supposed to be great, you know, carnival rides, candy, monkeys. (Beautiful smile here as he breaks out of his reserve and is a little silly.)
Maggie: (laughing) Monkeys?
Max: Yeah.
Maggie: Sounds like fun.
Max: (hands back in his pockets, but he’s enjoying the moment) If you’re not doing anything I was thinking maybe we could—
Whit enters the conversation.
Whit: What sounds like fun?
Maggie: Max’s mom is throwing a big fundraiser tomorrow night.
Whit smiles at the information.
Max: (to Maggie, obviously) Anyway, if you’d like to come, I’m sure she would love to have you.
Maggie: That’d be great.
Max: ‘Kay. (You can see him lose his confidence in Whit’s presence.)
Whit: Uh, tomorrow night’s the, uh, opening for Trurrow (sp?) exhibit. We RSVPed weeks ago.
Maggie: Oh my God. I completely forgot.
Max: It’s alright. No big deal.
Maggie: I’m sorry. I would have loved to go.
Whit: I could call the Trurrow people. Explain.
Maggie: I can’t blow them off. I deal with them all the time.
Max: Don’t worry about it. It’s okay. (He’s clearly disappointed.) I’m gonna go back to the house. I’ll talk to you later.
Cut to:
Interior, dining room/family room area. Em has made sandwiches for herself and Gid. She mentions that the secret is balsamic vinegar. Gid comments that cooking is such a gift, to which Em replies, “This isn’t cooking. It’s sandwich making. Small children do it.” She hands him a stack of books and the phone—“Mom’s fundraiser calls. Start dialing, Shady.”
Stack enters with a box of foodstuffs. He looks a little awkward, maybe a little disappointed.
Stack: Guys.
Em: Hey.
Stack: I need to store some stuff in your fridge until tomorrow.
Em: (hopping up from where she was sitting) Can I help?
Stack: No. No way. Uh-uh. Them’s the rules. I’ve gotta have success on my own.
Em: Come on. I can help a little.
Stack: No. You can’t. But I have an awesome wait staff lined up. Everything’s comin’ together really well.
Em: Good.
Stack: Gideon just get back from his trip?
Em: Yeah. Everything’s good.
Stack: Great. (muttered to himself as he makes his way to the kitchen) I love happy endings.
Cut to:
Exterior, Patio, Day:
Ben and Daisy are having it out.
Daisy: Dad, that is such an invasion of privacy. I can’t believe you watched it.
Ben: We needed a camera, I went to borrow yours. Which we paid for, as I recall.
Daisy: That’s not the point. The point is that you watched my private tapes.
Ben: The thing just came on. Believe me, the last thing I want to see is my daughter’s plans for ruining her life.
Daisy: Oh, please.
Ben: (taking Daisy by the arms as she tries to walk away) Listen to me. Listen to me, Daisy. You’re just . . . you’re gettin’ way ahead of your years. You just . . . slow it all down a little bit.
Daisy: I can’t be going any slower. I still haven’t crossed one thing off my list. The prank I tried completely sucked, and now you’re gonna be on my back for everything. (She walks away.)
Ben: You’re grounded.
Daisy: What?
Ben: You don’t leave the house for a month without permission from me or your mother.
Daisy: Are you serious?
Ben: Oh, yes, ma’am, I am. I don’t like your attitude.
Daisy: Fine. (She mumbles something else as she goes back into the house.)
Cut to:
Interior, living area, moments later. Em is back where she was (sitting on the floor at the coffee table). Now Char has joined the group, sitting on a short couch, next to Gid, opposite Em. Jonathan is standing behind her, phone in hand.
Em: (as Daisy storms through on her way to her room) What’s up with Daisy? She’s had this whole “after school special” thing going on today.
Charlotte: She got suspended.
Em: (obviously surprised) Daisy? Got suspended?
Charlotte: Mm-hm. She pulled the fire alarm. (Em starts laughing, trying to cover it with her hand.) It’s not funny, Em.
Em: Oh, come on. It’s kinda funny. It’s just so lame.
Jonathan indulges in a smirk, and Char smiles at the humor, too.
We hear footsteps, and Max enters. He removes his satchel, placing it on the table behind the occupied couch.
Charlotte: Hey!
Max: Hey.
Charlotte: How’d it go?
Max: Aw, nothin’ so far.
Jonathan: We need a photographer for the fundraiser. Do you suck?
Max: (glancing at his mom, then looking back at Jon) No, I’m good.
Jonathan: You’re hired. (He looks to Char.)
Charlotte: (smiling, very pleased, almost as if it’s a coup) That’s a great idea.
Max gives his mom a small smile. (Girls, I wish you could see it. Jensen plays subtle so freakin’ well, it defies words. With nary but a slight lift of the corner of his mouth, he goes from neutrally expressed confidence in his work to accepting praise from his mother . . . it’s just . . . guh . . . )
Charlotte: (excusing herself) Alright. I’ll go see what’s happened with Daisy.
Cut to:
Interior, Art gallery, Night:
Maggie locks the door as Whit pulls out a bottle of champagne
Whit: Oh, my favorite hour—closing time. And this is to celebrate my return to Sullivan.
Maggie: (taking a seat at the desk) You’re celebrating yourself.
Whit: Can you think of a better cause? (He pours them each a glass of bubbly.) So, what time do I go off to the opening tomorrow night?
Maggie: Whenever you want. It’s up to you.
Whit hands her a glass and watches her.
Maggie: What?
Whit: Why don’t we, um, blow off the Trurrow thing?
Maggie huffs a laugh.
Maggie: We can’t.
Whit: We can. I’m the boss. I say let’s blow it off.
Maggie: Why?
Whit: Because you want to go to the fundraiser.
Maggie looks a little uncomfortable with where this is going.
Whit: I’ll support Charlotte Morgan’s campaign, I’ll buy two tickets, we can go together, and maybe grab some late dinner afterwards.
Maggie: (biting her lip, trying to be diplomatic) I’m not so sure that’s such a good idea.
Whit: I just want to make you happy, Maggie. I know all about you and Jake. You and Max. Maybe it’s time for you to put that stuff behind you now. Let me take you out.
Maggie: Whit, you know I like you, but I just don’t feel like I’m in the right place. Besides, we work together.
Whit: (with a smile) I could fire you.
Maggie laughs at the joke.
Maggie: You don’t even live here most of the time.
Whit: Oh, well that’s what first class is for.
Maggie: Whit.
Whit: Is it Max? (Maggie doesn’t answer, just puts her coat on to leave) Okay. I just thought I’d give it my bi-annual shot.
She nods.
Whit: Can we still go together? As friends and co-workers only.
Maggie: (picking up her glass and clinking it with his) Deal.
They drink to that.
Cut to:
Interior, Em’s room, night:
Em is in bed reading when Gid comes in.
Em: Gideon, I’m serious. My dad finds out you’re in here, he’ll go crazy cop, billy club stuff.
Gideon: I know. I just wanted to talk to you.
Em: (sitting up, giving him her serious attention) What’s up?
Gideon: (remains standing, moves across the room, to the foot of Em’s bed) I haven’t found anybody to help out.
Em: You’ve tried everyone?
Gideon: Yeah. Nobody has the extra cash.
Em: What about your family?
Gideon: My family’s not like yours. We never . . . never really took care of each other.
Em: You’ll find a way.
Gideon: (sits on the bed) I can’t stay here. Your house? I can’t risk putting you and your family in jeopardy.
Em: But it’s safe. I promise.
Gideon: We don’t know that. Emily, I should—I should go away for a while, you know? Track down some old friends. Put some money together.
Em: You can’t leave. That’s crazy.
Gideon: I’ll call you. Wherever I am. And I’ll come back.
Em: Yeah, you know, it’s hard, but you have a problem, but you don’t just run away. You try and figure it out.
Gideon: I would do anything to stay with you. Believe me.
Em: So stay. I’ve lost enough this year. I’m not going to lose you.
Gideon: You know I don’t want to go. I have to.
Em: No. No, you don’t.
She gets up and pulls a box off a high shelf. She takes out an envelope and hands it to Gid.
Gideon: What’s this?
Em: It’s the money I saved from Marlowe’s.
Gideon: (considers for a moment) I—I can’t take this.
Em: (sitting down next to him) Yes, you can. Stay, Gideon.
They offer each other a small smile.
Fade to BLACK
Acts IV & V
Still Life, "Disappearances" recap, from the beginning of the beta cam tape . . .
20th Century Fox TV
STILL LIFE
“Disappearances”
Ep. #1AJH03
EDITED MASTER
TRT = 44:53
2.09.04
Bart Simpson does the sound channel and phase check.
Previouslies (Jensen’s voice introducing the previouslies, btw):
Max & Maggie – Max apologizing for leaving the way he did and for coming on so strong when he came back; Maggie is the only thing that ever made him completely happy; she wants him to stay the night, he refuses, “Not like this.”
Introduction to Jonathan Gray as Charlotte’s campaign manager;
Introduction to Gideon as only guy Em has shown interest in in a long time;
Stack “crashing” Em’s date; Gid leaving suddenly; Em finding Gid’s trashed apartment.
Blue wash to:
Act I
Interior, Restaurant dining room, Day:
Em is sitting reading a newspaper. VOJ tells us . . .
VOJ: When Emily was little, she loved to be on her own. Babysitting for her was the easiest job in the world. I’d do my thing; she’d do hers. But every once in a while, she’d come into my room, sit down next to me, and just lean against me. She was a way cool kid.
Stack enters and sits opposite Em.
Stack: Hey, lady.
Em: Hey, buster. (She folds up the newspaper and sets it aside.)
Stack: So I was glad to get your message. I thought you might still be pissed at me. (He takes a bite of whatever is next to Em. A pastry? Muffin? Something small.)
Em: I was never pissed.
Stack: Sure you were. I horn in on your dinner with Gideon; the guy skips town? Such is my power to intimidate.
Em: (a small chuckle in her voice) Yeah, you wish.
Stack: But no, seriously, sorry if I cramped your style there. You hear from him?
Em: (shakes her head. And btw, she has pretty, clear gray eyes. The lighting in this scene really shows them off) I left tons of messages, didn’t hear back. Then yesterday I get a message on my cell, all casual, says he had to leave town. Last minute work thing. He’ll call me when he gets back.
Stack looks at her . . . kinda suspicious, like he’s not buying it. Or more like Gid isn’t good enough for her.
Em: He sounded so weird. And I saw his apartment the night he left. It was a disaster.
Stack: My place is a disaster, nothin’ bad’s happened to me.
Em: His place was more like ransacked.
Stack: He’s okay. He probably just took off and didn’t think to call. And you know what? You deserve better than that.
Em: (slightly defensive) He’s a good guy, okay? And I like him.
Stack nods acquiescence.
Stack: (blows out a sigh; adjusts his leather jacket) This place is a little to hip for me. I’m startin’ to sweat.
Em: (laughing) I didn’t call you to talk about Gideon anyway. [I] Have a proposition.
Stack: Yeah? (Leans in to listen.)
Em: You’re too talented to work in a strip club like Marlowe’s. So, I was thinking . . . maybe we should start a catering company together.
Stack: (with a smirk) You really want to look at this mug every day?
Em: I think we work pretty well together.
Stack: And I am great.
Em gives him a “goes without saying” look.
Stack: But catering takes cash and I don’t have—
Em: I have money saved from Marlowe’s.
Stack: I dig the idea—
Em: The first gig’s already lined up. My mom’s throwing a big fundraiser. So what do ya think?
Stack: Tell you what. I’ll cater your mom’s thing on my own, okay? If I’m a success, then you hire me. That way you can see if I’m actually capable.
Em: I know you’re capable.
Stack: It’d just make me feel better.
Em: (with a smile) Done.
They shake on it.
Stack: Done.
Dissolve to:
Exterior, Sidewalk, Day:
It’s raining, and both Stack and Em are carrying umbrellas. They part ways, and the camera follows Em.
VOJ: The thing about being a big brother was I was always the one watching over my younger siblings. In some ways, being dead has felt a whole lot like that.
As Em gets to the curb, a car pulls up in front of her and screeches to a halt. The driver rolls down the passenger window. It’s Gid.
Gideon: Em, get in!
Em: (perplexed) Gideon? What the hell?
Gideon: (looking over his shoulder) It’s okay. Just get in.
As Em gets into the car . . .
VOJ: Except now? No matter how much I want to, I can’t reach out and grab my little sister. I can’t keep her safe.
BLACK.
OPENING SEQUENCE:
Cast:
David Keith [Ben Morgan]
Jensen Ackles [Max Morgan]
Audrey Marie Anderson [Emily Morgan]
Jeanette Brox [Daisy Morgan]
Morena Baccarin [Maggie Jones]
Bryce Johnson [Jake Morgan]
and
Susanna Thompson [Charlotte Morgan]
Created by Kip Koenig
(Note: This ep written by Andrea Newman)
(Note: This ep directed by Michael Lange)
Act II
Dissolve up to:
Daisy and her friend in the hallway at school. Daisy, a mischievous gleam in her eye, says she’s totally going to pull the fire alarm. After a moment’s hesitation, she does . . . and nothing happens . . . until an alarm starts going off. They clap their hands over their ears and make a run for it, but when they reach the door, it’s locked. Then the sprinklers go off. When they turn around to take off in the other direction, the principle is standing there.
Daisy: We heard the alarm so we ran down the hall! The door is locked! That is so dangerous!
Friend: It’s a total fire code violation!
Principal is not a happy camper. Neither is he buying what they’re selling.
Cut to:
Interior, Post office, Day:
Gid leads Em into the post office and to the PO boxes.
Em: What the hell is going on, Gideon?
Gideon: It’s no big deal. I have it under control.
Em: That explains why you drove here like a crazy person.
Gideon: Alright. Um. There’s this guy who tracked me down.
Em: (very worried) Tracked you down? What does that mean? What, are you, like, a fugative?
Gideon: No, no, no. Let me explain, okay?
He pulls out the key to his PO box and opens it.
Em: Okay. Okay, I mean, I’m just freaked.
Gid pulls the mail out of the box, but apparently what he’s looking for is not there.
Gideon: Damn it. Okay, let’s get out of here.
Em: (takes a step back) I’m not going anywhere else until you tell me what’s going on.
Gideon: (he has what looks like a bruise from a punch on the left side of his face. It’s been turned away from the camera until now.) Okay, look. I’m not thinkin’ straight. I started a club in Chicago with this guy, Derrick, underground, totally off the books.
Em: Okay . . .
Gideon: Derrick started hangin’ out with these guys that were in some really, really bad stuff. So I took my share of the money [and] I left, I got hell out of Chicago. But now Derrick doesn’t care who the money belongs to. He just wants it back.
Em: What are you gonna do?
Gideon: (sighs, then sees something out the front window) We gotta go.
Em: (confused) What?
Gid grabs her by the arm and pulls her toward the back of the building. She looks over her shoulder out the window, and we see a black guy in a long coat walking purposefully to the PO.
Gid and Em get out through a back door to a back alley that’s gated off.
The suspicious-looking guy follows them through the door. By the time he gets there, Gid and Em are in Gid’s car driving away. He’s missed them.
Cut to:
Interior, Morgan dining area, Day:
Charlotte and Jonathan are at the table strategizing. Max is in the background sorting through his portfolio at the kitchen island. (He’s wearing his brown suede jacket, thus giving the impression that he’s going somewhere. He’s also very serious and focused in this scene.)
Charlotte: So, people will pay $250 a plate.
Jonathan: (with a shrug) Well, it’s an exclusive list. They’re very wealthy, and hopefully believe in what you have to tell them.
Charlotte nods and smiles at Jon.
Max: Hey, Mom?
Charlotte: Yeah?
Max: What do you think about this one? (He holds up a b&w photo to show her. It’s from a low angle, looking up at a framework or tower of some sort, with thick chains reaching toward the top.)
Charlotte: (with as much affection for the photographer as the photograph) I love it. Where did you take that?
Max: Uh, shipyards, East Bay. (The insert close-up of the pic shows that Max wears a silver ring on his right thumb. I’ve never noticed that before. Not sure he wears it all the time, but it’s definitely there, either silver, steel, or nickel, with almost what looks like a Greek key design. For those keeping track of such things.)
Charlotte: Put it in, definitely.
Max: ‘Kay. (He focuses on very carefully inserting the photo into a sleeve.)
Jonathan: The fundraiser’s important not only for the money you bring in but for the impression you make on the guests. I mean, if you pull this off, we have a real chance of winning this race.
Charlotte: Well, I’ll do my best.
Max: (to no one in particular, except maybe Mom.) Ookaaay. (Zips up his portfolio.) I’m off.
Charlotte: Alright, honey. (She stops him to give him a kiss before he leaves.) Good luck.
Max: Okay.
Charlotte: Okay.
In the front hall, Max meets his dad coming down the stairs.
Ben: You headin’ out?
Max: Yeah, job hunt today.
Ben: Oh.
Ben nods his agreement/approval.
Max: Hey, did, uh, did any of that stuff I told you about Jake following Eddie, did any of that help?
Ben: Well, it’s all new information. We don’t have anything yet.
Max: Alright. Well, if you want me to come down to the station and give, you know, and official statement, I—
Ben: We’re on it, Max. I’ll let you know if something turns up.
Max nods silently, shut down by his father’s reaction.
Ben: You just step back and look after yourself.
Max: It’s what I’m doin’.
Max leaves through the front door as Ben continues to the kitchen/dining room.
Ben tells Char that he doesn’t expect to be home until 8:00, so don’t wait dinner. How’s the fundraiser coming? Jon says that they should be starting to receive responses, so keep fingers crossed for a full house. Will do, Ben says.
As Ben starts out the back door, the phone starts ringing. He stops to see if Char is paying enough attention to answer the phone. It rings several times with neither Char nor Jon making the effort.
Ben: Why don’t I just get that. (He answers the phone) Ben Morgan. . . . Really. What kind of trouble? (That gets Char’s attention.) Well, obviously Daisy’s never done anything like that before. . . . Sure, I’ll be right down. (He hangs up the phone.)
Charlotte: What happened? What’s wrong with Daisy?
Ben: She’s been suspended.
Charlotte: Suspended? For what?
Ben: Pulling a fire alarm. They want one of us to go down there.
Charlotte: (incredulous laugh, rising from the table) Well, come on, there’s got to be a mistake—
Jonathan: We have to finish . . .
Ben: That’s okay. I’ll get it.
Charlotte: Are you sure? Because I can finish this up later.
Ben: Nono. No. I want to.
Charlotte: (knowingly) I bet you do.
Ben: I’m not gonna go crazy.
Charlotte: Thank you. (pause) A fire alarm. I . . .
Ben raises his hands in a “don’t ask me” gesture as he walks out the door.
Char returns to her place at the table.
Cut to:
CU of photos in spiral-bound book/binder being flipped through. Pull out to reveal:
Maggie sit-leaning against desk looking through Max’s portfolio. Max is looking over her shoulder, arms crossed in a pseudo-self-protective stance.
Max: So I thought I’d take it by a few photography studios and see if anybody wants to throw me a job.
Maggie: These are great, Max. They look so professional.
Max: Yeah?
Maggie: Yeah. What got you moving on all this?
Max: (shifting his stance, stuffing his hands in his jeans pockets. FYI, he’s wearing a dark, what looks like plum-colored, t-shirt under his brown suede jacket) Uh, it was time. Plus I told my dad I’d re-focus my energies, you know? Get my mind off all of Jake’s stuff.
Maggie: (as she closes the book and hands it back to Max) That’s probably a good idea.
Max: Yeah.
Maggie: (she has trouble looking him in the eye) So, um, anyway, Max? The last time we were together, I, uh—
Max: (he watches her carefully through this exchange) You don’t have to say anything.
Maggie: Yeah, I do. Um, I was a little drunk and emotional, um, and you didn’t take advantage. You were very respectful. Um. I . . . I appreciate that.
Max looks away briefly as he nods.
Max: It was a rough day.
Maggie: Well, anyway, thank you.
Max: You’re welcome. (I wish you all could see this exchange. Max is very accepting of the thanks. He appreciates it. He looks at her in such a way that it’s plain he cares about her.)
A man, distinguished, older than either Max or Maggie, enters. He says something that I can only catch the word “shop,” and then:
Man: The boss is back.
Maggie: (somewhat surprised) Whit.
Whit: (he speaks with a refined, cultured accent) A friend of mine was flying over, so—(he greets Maggie with a kiss to the cheek)—I caught a ride on his plane. (He steps back and looks her up and down.) You look great.
Maggie: (a bit awkward) Max, did you ever meet Whit Gaunier? He owns the gallery and a few others in New York.
Whit and Max shake hands.
Max: Hi. Nice to meet you.
Whit: I’ve heard a lot about you.
Max: (glancing at Maggie) Oh, yeah?
Whit: Max. You’re legendary.
Maggie huffs a laugh, while Max isn’t quite sure what to make of the statement.
Whit: (to Maggie) So let’s go out tonight. Check out some of the new exhibits in town.
Max tries to unobtrusively reach between them and gather up his book from the desk.
Max: (whispering) Excuse me.
Maggie: You’re leaving?
Whit: Hey, don’t let me run you off. If you have plans—
Max places the binder in the zip-up portfolio. Again with the evasive eye contact. He’s retreating back into his shell
Max: No, it’s okay. We’re—we’re done. (He glances up at Maggie and offers a tight, uncomfortable smile.)
Maggie: Well, give me a call later. Let me know how everything goes.
Max: (gathering his portfolio) Yeah, I will. (To Whit, making eye contact) Nice to meet you. (He leaves.)
Whit smiles at Maggie, obviously pleased to be back in her company. Maggie returns the smile somewhat shyly.
Cut to:
Interior, Principal’s office:
The principal explains that with the safety concerns this country’s facing, pulling a fire alarm is a serious offense. He would think that as a law enforcement officer, Ben would understand that.
Ben agrees that it was an irresponsible thing to do, but since Daisy’s never been in trouble before, he thinks a week of suspension is extreme.
The principal disagrees.
Ben is sorry to hear that, but does not press the issue.
The principal thanks Ben for coming in.
Cut to:
Interior, School hallway, Day:
Ben and Daisy are making their way down the hall (pedeconference) as he heads out and she returns to class. The halls are not empty as students and teachers go about their business.
Ben: So, what, are you poutin’?
Daisy: This whole thing is completely mortifying.
Ben: You ought to be mortified. What in the world were you thinking?
Daisy: Nothing, obviously.
Ben: (anger dissipating somewhat) I don’t get it. What makes you do something like that?
Daisy: Because, okay? I’m an idiot teenager. It’s not worth having a coronary over—
Ben: (stopping in his tracks, using the dad finger of reprimand) Watch your tongue with me.
Daisy: Fine. I’m sorry. (Yes, she’s the sulky teen, but maybe not completely insincere.)
Ben: Dais, we used to talk. Now you disappear into your room . . . over to Willa’s . . . What’s up with that?
Daisy does not answer, just rolls her eyes and storms off.
Cut to:
Establishing shot, Brick building, Day:
Cut to:
Interior, Unknown hotel room:
Gideon unlocks the door and lets himself and Em into the apartment. It’s a plain, non-descript room, a modest, low rent hotel room.
Gideon: I don’t think he was close enough to follow us, but give it half an hour, and I’ll take you home. Okay?
Em: You’re staying here?
Gideon: Yeah, just until I get the money together.
Em: What happened to it? (She sits down on the end of the bed.)
Gideon: I spent most of it moving around. I’m just waiting for a friend’s loan, I’ll get Derrick the money he’s after . . . I’ll get rid of him.
Em: I could talk to my dad. He’s a cop. Maybe he can help.
Gideon: Well, I thought about going to the police. I can’t. It was stupid of me to come back before the whole thing is over. But the truth is . . . I couldn’t get you off my mind. And that was selfish.
Em pops up off the bed, clearly shaken by this revelation.
Em: Gideon . . . It’s been a long time since I’ve been involved. With anyone. I’m just not good with complicated, and this just—
Gideon: Hey, it’s cool. I get it. It’s just . . . I just wanted to tell you the truth. Let me take you home.
And Em steps into his space, up close and personal, and offers herself for a kiss, which Gid obliges.
Em: I don’t want to go home. I want to stay here with you.
Much passionate kissing, and I’m just shakin’ my head. Em . . . you don’t know what this guy’s involved in . . .
BLACK
Act III
Interior, Morgan kitchen/dining area, Day:
It’s very active, with a delivery man dropping off a big delivery of glassware for the fundraiser, campaign materials scattered about, and Stack anxiously getting approval from Charlotte for his proposed menu. His suggestion, since it’s going to be a sophisticated, worldly crowd (and which I’m not even going to try to spell) is spring rolls with some sort of lime leaf dipping sauce, which Charlotte says sounds delicious.
Enter a frustrated Jonathan.
Jonathan: Problem. Two of our big ticket guests have bowed out.
Charlotte: Why?
Jonathan: Sullivan Children’s Hospital dinner. I know a couple of guys at the restaurant where they’re having it. Maybe I could get them to start a botulism rumor. Or Legionnaire’s Disease.
Charlotte: Jonathan, it’s a charity for the children’s hospital.
Jonathan: Well I was kidding. Pretty much.
Jon exits as Ben enters.
Charlotte: Did you talk to Daisy?
Ben: Not yet. You know, maybe it’s this Willa girl. Maybe Daisy’s just going along for the ride.
Charlotte: Maybe.
Ben: Daisy used to come to me with her problems.
Charlotte: Yeah, but it’s been a while since that’s happened.
Ben: (retrieving a canned beverage from the fridge) I just don’t get it.
Charlotte: Could be because she’s getting older. Could be for other reasons.
Jon re-enters with a stack of books that he drops on the kitchen island.
Jonathan: Ben! A few things. Why don’t we guest list a couple of your police buddies for the fundraiser. It will look good for the press.
Charlotte: (quickly) Only if you’re comfortable, honey.
Ben: It’ll liven up the party, that’s for sure.
Jonathan: Tomorrow night I’m gonna put you in the foyer greeting guests. Work that old Southern charm.
(It’s obvious that Ben does not like being ordered around by this guy.)
Jonathan: And Charlotte said you might know where the video camera is. We were gonna record her speech so she could practice.
Ben gives him a hard stare for a moment before . . .
Ben: I’ll look around. (He heads toward the front hall with his beverage.)
Charlotte catches up to him in the front hall and hugs him from behind.
Charlotte: Ben, thank you for taking care of everything while I’ve been stuck on this. And just ignore Jonathan if he starts to drive you crazy.
Ben: It’s alright, darlin’. You know if it helps you, you know I’m gonna do it. And after your elected mayor, I might just have to whip that little yuppie’s ass.
Ben heads upstairs while Charlotte returns to the kitchen, smiling.
Cut to:
Establishing shot, Brick building, the Dewey Hotel:
Cut to:
Interior, Gid’s hotel room, Day:
The digital clock reads 8:14. Gid’s cell phone rings, waking Em, who startles suddenly awake.
Em: (sitting up in bed, to Gid’s right) Oh my God.
Gideon: (reaching behind Em to retrieve his phone from the nightstand) Damn. (Answering the phone) Yeah, hello.
Em: Oh, God. My parents are gonna flip. Out. I didn’t even call. (She shoves the covers aside and gets out of bed as Gid continues his phone conversation.0
Gideon: (into the phone) I don’t know what to say . . . Alright . . . Bye. (He hangs up and leans back in the bed.)
Em: (as she’s buckling her belt) What is it? Was that Derrick?
Gideon: No. The guy who was supposed to lend me the money. Can’t get the cash together.
Em: What happened? (She sits on the bed.)
Gideon: I’m not sure. It just fell through.
Em slides up next to Gid, and he slides his arm around her.
Gideon: It’ll be fine. Okay? I’ll just track down a few people, find another way. (He brushes her hair away from her face.) I have to get you home. And I need to find another place to stay.
Em: I can help you.
Gideon: I’m taking you home.
Em: Gideon, I know what to do.
Cut to:
Interior, Morgan front hall, Day:
Em has brought Gid home with her. They let themselves in. Gid is carrying a duffle bag.
Em: It’s safe here. My dad’s a cop, my mom’s running for mayor, there’s press all around, so there’s no way Derrick would risk showing up here.
Gideon: Yeah, maybe—
Em: (taking his arm and walking him to the kitchen) Trust me. The real problem is going to be explaining to my parents where I was last night. (They enter the kitchen/dining area) Here we go. I’ll do the talking.
Charlotte: (very enthusiastic, jumping up and greeting Gid with a hug) Hey, Gideon. It’s good to see you again. (To Em) How’s Maggie?
This confuses Em until she sees Max.
Em: Maggie’s . . . fine . . .
Max mouths to Em, behind Mom’s back, “I told her you were at Maggie’s.”
Em: . . . I guess.
The phone handset in Char’s hand rings.
Charlotte: I gotta get back. (To Gid) Are you gonna be around for a while?
Gideon: Apparently.
Char answers the phone and steps away as Max joins the grouping. He looks . . . none too happy, very suspicious. Not someone you want to mess with, really. (Wardrobe notes, for those keeping track: Striped button-down shirt, white base, blue and yellow stripes, blue embroidered patches where pockets might go. Rather . . . Texan, if you ask me.)
Max: (to Em) I told Mom you were staying at Maggie’s. You owe me.
Em: (with a smirk) Like you don’t owe me a few hundred of those.
Then Max addresses Gid. He’s feeling things out. Not confrontational, but not exactly friendly. Keep in mind that to our knowledge, Max and Gid have never been introduced.
Max: Everything okay?
Gideon: (with a small shrug) Everything’s great.
Max: Em said you took off I don’t know where, and that your place was pretty wrecked.
Em looks a little uncomfortable at the questioning.
Gideon: Last minute business trip. Bad housekeeping.
Max: Really.
Gideon: Really.
Max gives them each a final look, then turns his back and walks away.
Em: (to Gid) Give me a minute.
She follows Max into the front hall.
Em: Max. (He stops and half turns toward her.) What’s the deal?
Max: (gesturing toward where Em left Gid) Whatever. I could ask you the same thing.
Em: I expect Dad to give my boyfriend the evil eye, not you.
Max: (looking past her, avoiding eye contact. His tone is self-defensive) Sorry.
He turns to go upstairs. As he mounts the steps . . .
Em: Hey.
Max steps back down and turns toward Em.
Max: What.
Em: (tone softening) What’s up?
Max: (after a pause) Nothin’.
Em: Come on.
Max: (with a shrug) I don’t know. Maggie’s boss is in town and he’s had a thing for her for years. I think he’s gonna ask her out, so . . .
Em: She likes him?
Max: (another shrug) I don’t know. He’s rich and good looking and . . . rich.
Em: (nods her understanding) So . . . what are you gonna do?
Max: (with a facial shrug, if that makes sense) I was gonna ask her to mom’s thing, but we’re kinda in that weird place right now—
Em: (with a smile) You’re always in a weird place. What difference does that make?
Max nods, agreeing.
Em: If you want to do something, do it.
Max: (subdued, maybe not entirely convinced, but . . . ) ‘Kay.
Em pats his arm before heading back to the kitchen.
Cut to:
Interior, Hall closet, Day:
Ben is looking for the video camera, and not finding it.
Cut to continuation of scene. Ben makes his way into Daisy’s room. He finds the camcorder on her bed. He picks it up and it turns on. Daisy’s most recent tape starts playing. He watches the tape play on the pop-out viewfinder screen . . .
Daisy: (to the camera) The list of things I want to do before I die. No, wait, you’re gonna go next, right?
Unseen voice (Willa?): No way. This is your idea. I think it’s a huge jinx.
Daisy laughs.
Daisy: Fine. My list: Um . . . mmmm . . . pull a prank at school. Smoke pot. I need to experience anti-gravity. And . . . kiss a girl. Make out with an older guy. Maybe have him be my first time. You know they do say that experience makes a better lover.
Willa’s Voice: Well, there’s always Mr. King.
Daisy: Oh my God! No! He’s scary! (laughs) Um . . . Jonathan. The guy my mom works with. There’s something about him . . .
Ben’s expression throughout this, as he’s watching his grinning teenage daughter on the screen, is unreadable. He’s obviously not happy. He finds the off button, drops the ‘corder back on the bed, and leaves the room, a man on a mission.
In the upstairs hallway, Em asks her dad if Gid can stay over, his apartment is being bug bombed. Ben ignores Em, calling, “Daisy!” as he heads downstairs.
Em watches him go as Gid steps out from the guestroom.
Em: That’s a yes. Basically.
Cut to:
Interior, Art gallery, Day:
Max is there, satchel slung over shoulder, talking to Maggie as she’s checking exhibits.
Max: Uh, I went to five different ones, and nobody was hiring, so, I’ll keep at it. Something will come up.
Maggie: Definitely.
Max: Uh, listen. Tomorrow night is my mom’s big bash, and it’s supposed to be great, you know, carnival rides, candy, monkeys. (Beautiful smile here as he breaks out of his reserve and is a little silly.)
Maggie: (laughing) Monkeys?
Max: Yeah.
Maggie: Sounds like fun.
Max: (hands back in his pockets, but he’s enjoying the moment) If you’re not doing anything I was thinking maybe we could—
Whit enters the conversation.
Whit: What sounds like fun?
Maggie: Max’s mom is throwing a big fundraiser tomorrow night.
Whit smiles at the information.
Max: (to Maggie, obviously) Anyway, if you’d like to come, I’m sure she would love to have you.
Maggie: That’d be great.
Max: ‘Kay. (You can see him lose his confidence in Whit’s presence.)
Whit: Uh, tomorrow night’s the, uh, opening for Trurrow (sp?) exhibit. We RSVPed weeks ago.
Maggie: Oh my God. I completely forgot.
Max: It’s alright. No big deal.
Maggie: I’m sorry. I would have loved to go.
Whit: I could call the Trurrow people. Explain.
Maggie: I can’t blow them off. I deal with them all the time.
Max: Don’t worry about it. It’s okay. (He’s clearly disappointed.) I’m gonna go back to the house. I’ll talk to you later.
Cut to:
Interior, dining room/family room area. Em has made sandwiches for herself and Gid. She mentions that the secret is balsamic vinegar. Gid comments that cooking is such a gift, to which Em replies, “This isn’t cooking. It’s sandwich making. Small children do it.” She hands him a stack of books and the phone—“Mom’s fundraiser calls. Start dialing, Shady.”
Stack enters with a box of foodstuffs. He looks a little awkward, maybe a little disappointed.
Stack: Guys.
Em: Hey.
Stack: I need to store some stuff in your fridge until tomorrow.
Em: (hopping up from where she was sitting) Can I help?
Stack: No. No way. Uh-uh. Them’s the rules. I’ve gotta have success on my own.
Em: Come on. I can help a little.
Stack: No. You can’t. But I have an awesome wait staff lined up. Everything’s comin’ together really well.
Em: Good.
Stack: Gideon just get back from his trip?
Em: Yeah. Everything’s good.
Stack: Great. (muttered to himself as he makes his way to the kitchen) I love happy endings.
Cut to:
Exterior, Patio, Day:
Ben and Daisy are having it out.
Daisy: Dad, that is such an invasion of privacy. I can’t believe you watched it.
Ben: We needed a camera, I went to borrow yours. Which we paid for, as I recall.
Daisy: That’s not the point. The point is that you watched my private tapes.
Ben: The thing just came on. Believe me, the last thing I want to see is my daughter’s plans for ruining her life.
Daisy: Oh, please.
Ben: (taking Daisy by the arms as she tries to walk away) Listen to me. Listen to me, Daisy. You’re just . . . you’re gettin’ way ahead of your years. You just . . . slow it all down a little bit.
Daisy: I can’t be going any slower. I still haven’t crossed one thing off my list. The prank I tried completely sucked, and now you’re gonna be on my back for everything. (She walks away.)
Ben: You’re grounded.
Daisy: What?
Ben: You don’t leave the house for a month without permission from me or your mother.
Daisy: Are you serious?
Ben: Oh, yes, ma’am, I am. I don’t like your attitude.
Daisy: Fine. (She mumbles something else as she goes back into the house.)
Cut to:
Interior, living area, moments later. Em is back where she was (sitting on the floor at the coffee table). Now Char has joined the group, sitting on a short couch, next to Gid, opposite Em. Jonathan is standing behind her, phone in hand.
Em: (as Daisy storms through on her way to her room) What’s up with Daisy? She’s had this whole “after school special” thing going on today.
Charlotte: She got suspended.
Em: (obviously surprised) Daisy? Got suspended?
Charlotte: Mm-hm. She pulled the fire alarm. (Em starts laughing, trying to cover it with her hand.) It’s not funny, Em.
Em: Oh, come on. It’s kinda funny. It’s just so lame.
Jonathan indulges in a smirk, and Char smiles at the humor, too.
We hear footsteps, and Max enters. He removes his satchel, placing it on the table behind the occupied couch.
Charlotte: Hey!
Max: Hey.
Charlotte: How’d it go?
Max: Aw, nothin’ so far.
Jonathan: We need a photographer for the fundraiser. Do you suck?
Max: (glancing at his mom, then looking back at Jon) No, I’m good.
Jonathan: You’re hired. (He looks to Char.)
Charlotte: (smiling, very pleased, almost as if it’s a coup) That’s a great idea.
Max gives his mom a small smile. (Girls, I wish you could see it. Jensen plays subtle so freakin’ well, it defies words. With nary but a slight lift of the corner of his mouth, he goes from neutrally expressed confidence in his work to accepting praise from his mother . . . it’s just . . . guh . . . )
Charlotte: (excusing herself) Alright. I’ll go see what’s happened with Daisy.
Cut to:
Interior, Art gallery, Night:
Maggie locks the door as Whit pulls out a bottle of champagne
Whit: Oh, my favorite hour—closing time. And this is to celebrate my return to Sullivan.
Maggie: (taking a seat at the desk) You’re celebrating yourself.
Whit: Can you think of a better cause? (He pours them each a glass of bubbly.) So, what time do I go off to the opening tomorrow night?
Maggie: Whenever you want. It’s up to you.
Whit hands her a glass and watches her.
Maggie: What?
Whit: Why don’t we, um, blow off the Trurrow thing?
Maggie huffs a laugh.
Maggie: We can’t.
Whit: We can. I’m the boss. I say let’s blow it off.
Maggie: Why?
Whit: Because you want to go to the fundraiser.
Maggie looks a little uncomfortable with where this is going.
Whit: I’ll support Charlotte Morgan’s campaign, I’ll buy two tickets, we can go together, and maybe grab some late dinner afterwards.
Maggie: (biting her lip, trying to be diplomatic) I’m not so sure that’s such a good idea.
Whit: I just want to make you happy, Maggie. I know all about you and Jake. You and Max. Maybe it’s time for you to put that stuff behind you now. Let me take you out.
Maggie: Whit, you know I like you, but I just don’t feel like I’m in the right place. Besides, we work together.
Whit: (with a smile) I could fire you.
Maggie laughs at the joke.
Maggie: You don’t even live here most of the time.
Whit: Oh, well that’s what first class is for.
Maggie: Whit.
Whit: Is it Max? (Maggie doesn’t answer, just puts her coat on to leave) Okay. I just thought I’d give it my bi-annual shot.
She nods.
Whit: Can we still go together? As friends and co-workers only.
Maggie: (picking up her glass and clinking it with his) Deal.
They drink to that.
Cut to:
Interior, Em’s room, night:
Em is in bed reading when Gid comes in.
Em: Gideon, I’m serious. My dad finds out you’re in here, he’ll go crazy cop, billy club stuff.
Gideon: I know. I just wanted to talk to you.
Em: (sitting up, giving him her serious attention) What’s up?
Gideon: (remains standing, moves across the room, to the foot of Em’s bed) I haven’t found anybody to help out.
Em: You’ve tried everyone?
Gideon: Yeah. Nobody has the extra cash.
Em: What about your family?
Gideon: My family’s not like yours. We never . . . never really took care of each other.
Em: You’ll find a way.
Gideon: (sits on the bed) I can’t stay here. Your house? I can’t risk putting you and your family in jeopardy.
Em: But it’s safe. I promise.
Gideon: We don’t know that. Emily, I should—I should go away for a while, you know? Track down some old friends. Put some money together.
Em: You can’t leave. That’s crazy.
Gideon: I’ll call you. Wherever I am. And I’ll come back.
Em: Yeah, you know, it’s hard, but you have a problem, but you don’t just run away. You try and figure it out.
Gideon: I would do anything to stay with you. Believe me.
Em: So stay. I’ve lost enough this year. I’m not going to lose you.
Gideon: You know I don’t want to go. I have to.
Em: No. No, you don’t.
She gets up and pulls a box off a high shelf. She takes out an envelope and hands it to Gid.
Gideon: What’s this?
Em: It’s the money I saved from Marlowe’s.
Gideon: (considers for a moment) I—I can’t take this.
Em: (sitting down next to him) Yes, you can. Stay, Gideon.
They offer each other a small smile.
Fade to BLACK
Acts IV & V
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2008-09-18 11:20 am (UTC)"Max gives his mom a small smile. (Girls, I wish you could see it. Jensen plays subtle so freakin’ well, it defies words. With nary but a slight lift of the corner of his mouth, he goes from neutrally expressed confidence in his work to accepting praise from his mother . . . it’s just . . . guh . . . )"
Oh, how I wish I could see this! This sounds like a great little scene. Thanks for providing not just the details about what's going on in the episodes, but I also appreciate your comments.
no subject
Date: 2008-09-19 12:26 pm (UTC)I'm glad my editorial comments add to your enjoyment of the project. :-)