“General Benjamin Bradley
Episode 3.3
Previously on Sports Night
Dana
This is really becoming a problem though, Isaac.
Isaac
I know. And it’ll still be a problem tomorrow. Stop worrying about it.
Dana
OK. But—
Isaac
Stop worrying about it. (Pauses and looks at her) Is everything alright?
And the Nominees Are…
************************************************************************
Dan (to Rebecca)
I’m glad you’re here.
Rebecca
Me too.
(Casey and Dan start walking)
Casey (watching Dan)
She really likes you, huh?
Dan
It’s almost hard to believe
And the Nominees Are…
************************************************************************
Casey
CSC is releasing a statement in the morning. They finalized the papers. We’re officially sold.
Dana (she is visibly shocked and doesn’t look happy)
We are?
And the Nominees Are…
*******************************************************************************
General Benjamin Bradley
Episode 3.3
(Dan and Abbey are sitting in Abbey’s office. Abbey looks frustrated as Dan speaks.)
Dan
I want to tell you a story.
Abbey
Then get an apartment in Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. I’m not your niece, Dan, I’m your therapist.
Dan
Which is why I think you’ll benefit from this story.
Abbey
Is the story at least about you?
Dan
It’s partially about me. It’s partially about Dana. It’s partially about a Civil War general named Benjamin Bradley.
Abbey
Alright.
Dan
It’s mostly about the fact that QVV is just a really stupid acronym. (Abbey stares at him) It’s a good story, Abbey.
Abbey
When does it take place?
Dan
A long, long time ago in a village far away.
Abbey
Or?
Dan
Last month.
Abbey
After the ESPY Awards?
Dan (shaking his head)
Last month was the S.P.A.s
Abbey
That’s what I’m saying, right? The ESPY Awards? The ESPYAs?
Dan (smiling in realization)
No, not the ESPYAs. It’s the S…P…As. The ESPYs are something totally different.
Abbey
Is any of this the point of your story?
Dan
I don’t know. What were we talking about again?
Abbey
We were talking about the fact that you fired me.
Dan
See, that’s not the way I remember it.
Abbey
Well, that’s very revisionist of you, Herodatus, but you fired me. I still have the voicemail to prove it.
Dan
I come in here twice a month.
Abbey
Yes.
Dan
Last month I came in once and then you went on vacation.
Abbey
Yes.
Dan
And now you’re back from the Cayman Islands – with a very nice tan I might add – and I am resuming my bi-weekly schedule.
Abbey
Yes.
Dan
So?
Abbey
See, you’re leaving out the important detail that while I was on vacation you fired me.
Dan
And now I’m back.
Abbey
But you still fired me.
Dan
I think you’re focusing way too much on that.
Abbey
Whereas I should be focusing on the story of Benjamin Bradley?
Dan
Actually, you’re going to start out focusing on the letter V.
Abbey
Why V?
Cut to—one month earlier: Natalie and Casey are walking together from the control room into the newsroom as they talk
Natalie
Because Dana says it’s V.
Casey
V?
Natalie
Yep.
Casey
Not C?
Natalie
She says V.
Casey (making a face)
V? It’s a V?
Natalie
That’s the word on the street.
Casey
You’re sure?
Natalie
About what?
Casey (looks confused)
What do you mean about what? What are we talking about?
Natalie
You asked me if I was sure. I’m sure that Dana told me it was a V. But if your question is “am I sure it is a V” I can’t answer that because I only know what Dana told me.
Casey
Which is that—
Natalie
It’s a V.
Casey
I don’t know. QVV is just a weird name for a television station.
Natalie
Well you better get used to it. You know why?
Casey (stops walking and turns and looks at her)
Because it’s ours now.
Natalie (gives small smile and raises her eyebrows)
Bingo.
(Natalie breaks off and goes the opposite direction as Casey walks into the editing room)
(Dan is sitting in the editing room staring at the monitor.)
Casey
Dana says it’s V.
Dan (absently)
OK.
Casey
Are you listening to me?
Dan
Does this look like holding to you?
Casey (looking at the screen)
No, not really.
Dan
That’s what I thought. That’s exactly what I thought. (Shakes his head and gives a small laugh) It’s starting, Casey.
Casey
I have no idea what you’re talking about and I can assure you, I don’t want to find out.
Dan
The universe is smiting me.
Casey
But it looks like I’m going to find out anyway.
Dan
Things with Rebecca are going to be good. She came over last night after the awards. We talked. She stayed over. Things are good with Rebecca, Casey.
Casey
So what’s the problem?
Dan
Things are good with Rebecca.
Casey
Your problems are different than other people’s, Danny.
Dan
The universe has to achieve balance. Good things are afoot for me, so the universe had to even the metaphysical playing field. The universe is talking to me, Case, and it’s saying there’s no such thing as a free lunch.
Casey
And it’s saying that by making sure that the Detroit Lions, a team to which you have no connection, got a bogus holding call?
Dan
The natural state of the universe is balance. The smart money said Rebecca and I were done, but we’ve managed to stay together. This has thrown the universe out of balance. Now the universe has to compensate by making bad things happen. It’s a complicated theory, Casey.
Casey
Yeah, so complicated I don’t think you’re entirely grasping it.
Dan
The natural state of the universe—
Casey
Please don’t explain it to me again.
Dan
The natural state of the universe—
Casey
Uh, Yoda? Do you think there might be another explanation for why the officials blew
a call at the Lions game than the fact that you have a girlfriend?
Dan
No, Casey, I do not.
Casey
Yeah, I think you should let this go.
Dan
I’ll let it go when the universe lets it go.
Casey
I’m going away now.
(Casey walks out of the editing room, but Dan follows him. Casey stops and turns and sees Dan staring at him and rolls his eyes).
Casey
Hi.
Dan
How ya doin?
(Casey continues walking toward their office and Dan follows)
Casey
Well, I’m fine, but I’m not the one the universe has chosen to smite.
Dan
You’re going to see that I’m right.
Casey
You’ve given this way too much thought. You know what you should do?
Dan
What?
Casey
Let it go.
Dan
I can't let it go, Case, it's bigger than both of us.
Casey
The universe?
Dan
Yes.
Casey
It is bigger than both of us.
Dan
That's what I'm telling you.
Casey
It's infinite, Danny. Much like, apparently, the length of this
conversation.
Dan
Casey, this happens. Things are good and then they just have a way of imploding.
Casey
You think that you and Rebecca are going to implode?
Dan
Things are going well.
Casey
They are.
Dan
This is usually the time the wheels come off the wagon for me, but I'm fine.
Casey
I'd get a second opinion on that.
(Elliot walks by on his way to the studio)
Elliot
Hey, we have to redo the intro in the 20s. Missett collapsed.
Casey
No kidding? (Elliot shakes his head as he keeps walking. Casey turns to Dan.)You have anything to do with that one?
Dan
I’m not going to get any support from you on this, am I?
Casey
I can’t see how you possibly could. Hey, before I forget, I can’t make it tonight. I have Charlie.
Dan
You have Charlie next weekend.
Casey
He wanted to switch; apparently he has something he needs to talk to me about. His school is having a dance for the fifth and sixth graders. I think he needs to talk about a girl.
Dan (grinning)
Really?
Casey (looking nervous)
Didn’t that happen kind of early?
Dan
He's almost 10. It's not that early for a first crush. [a beat] Do you need me to talk to him for you?
Casey
My son? Do I need you to talk to my son for me?
Dan
Yeah
Casey
No, Danny, thanks, I think I can handle it.
Dan
I’m just saying. He might need advice from someone who’s a little more successful than you are in the ways of love.
Casey
You think your relationship is responsible for the wrath of the universe. I think I can handle it.
Dan
Suit yourself. [a beat] QVV? Are you sure it’s not C?
Casey
Pretty sure.
Dan
Whatever. QVV is just a weird name for a network.
Cut to—Conference Room
Everyone except for Isaac is seated around the table for the rundown
Dana
Vision. It stands for Quo Vadimus Vision and I really can’t get over how stupid that sounds.
Kim
I think it’s nice.
Dana
Sports Night on Quo Vadimus Vision. It’s too long. Don’t you think it’s too long?
Casey
Yeah, but we’ll probably just shorten it to QVV.
Dana
Vision? The V was bad enough, but it stands for vision? What kind of V in any name has ever stood for vision?
Casey (laughing)
I don’t think the V is T.V. is going anywhere.
Dana
Yeah, moving on. Bumpers in and out at—
Jeremy
Wait, what else?
Dana
What else what?
Jeremy
You and Isaac met with reps from Quo Vadimus all morning and the only thing you have to report from the meeting with our new owners is their name?
Dana (setting down her pencil)
Calvin Tregar will be involved with programming—
Casey
How involved?
Dana
Well, I’m not sure, but my guess would be, more involved than we want him to be.
Casey
Great.
Dana
Hey, we’ve been here before. CSC? Luther Sachs? We got through that and we’ll get through this. Now, Calvin is currently out of the country, but Richard Briggs, who is his J.J., wants to come by the show tonight. (She shrugs) We’ll take it from there. The important thing right now is to think positive.
(Everyone is quiet for a minute)
Natalie
Well this is gonna suck.
Dana
It really is.
Casey
Bright side? I think we can blame it on Dan.
Jeremy
What did Dan do?
Casey
I’m not clear on the details, but essentially he had sex and cursed us all.
Dan
It’s not—
Natalie
Danny, I think you might be doing wrong.
Cut to—Abbey’s Office
Abbey
This is a good story.
Dan
I figured you’d like that.
Abbey
You are all extremely resistant to change.
Dan
Everyone’s resistant to change.
Abbey
Change can be good, Dan.
Dan
See, people say that, but they don’t mean what they want you to think they mean. I say, “change can be good” and what you think is, “wow, he’s well adjusted.” But what I mean is “maybe this change will only affect the stuff I didn’t like anyway.”
Abbey
I think you’re probably right. People get used to things. It’s in our nature to form habits that are hard to let go of.
Dan
It’s more than that. We get used to being certain people. We get used to the identities. They can be destructive identities, but we cling to them because they’re ours. They’re who we are. It’s a hard thing to let go of, Abbey.
Abbey (looking at Dan curiously)
What’s this story about, Dan?
Dan
General Benjamin Bradley.
Cut back to—One month earlier: Dan and Casey’s office.
(Casey is at his desk writing when Jeremy walks in.)
Jeremy
Hey.
Casey
Hey. What’s up?
Jeremy
I’m waiting on Natalie to approve my segment on the Chargers.
Casey
Did you hear? Misset collapsed.
Jeremy
I know. This segment is a fill.
Casey
Did you need me?
Jeremy
Dan said you needed some help.
Casey
Is Bariano playing with a pulled hamstring or a torn ligament?
Jeremy
Neither. He’s not playing at all. He pulled his hamstring and it’s worse than they thought. Vashnivik is their shooter tonight. They’re saying he’ll be back, but it looks like Vashnivik’ll probably start the season.
Casey
Bariano, Misset…the Yankees might get rained out…is anything we talked about in this morning’s rundown still true?
Jeremy
It’s still a V.
Casey
Yeah.
Jeremy
Bariano wasn’t what Dan thought you needed help with though. He thinks you need help with Charlie.
Casey
I do not need help with Charlie
Jeremy
That’s not what Dan says.
(Casey walks out of the office to where Dan is standing at the copy machine)
Casey (standing next to Dan and turning to Jeremy)
Of the two of us, who knows more about my life, me or Dan?
Dan (gives a small laugh)
Seriously?
Casey (yelling)
I do not need help giving advice to my son! (looks at Dan) Can you please drop this?
Dan
Fine.
Casey (surprised)
Thank you.
Dan
It’s dropped.
(Dan starts to walk away and then turns back)
Dan
Oh, I forgot, Lisa called. Charlie wanted to come by here tonight to talk to you and then the nanny is taking him to your place. He’ll be here at 6.
Casey (stunned)
He’s coming now?
Dan
Casey?
Casey
I need help giving advice to my son.
Dan
This is what I’m saying.
(Dan follows Casey back into their office and gestures to Jeremy who follows as well)
Cut to—Isaac’s Office
(Dana and Natalie walk into Isaac’s office. Isaac is talking with another man who stands when the women enter the room)
Isaac
Dana, Natalie, I’d like you to meet Richard Briggs, who works with Calvin Tregar. He’ll be Quo Vadimus’ representative at today’s budget meeting.
Dana (extends her hand)
Nice to meet you. I’m Dana Whitaker, Executive Producer of Sports Night, and this is Natalie Hurley, my Senior AP.
Natalie
Nice to meet you.
Richard (shaking their hands)
It’s very nice to meet you both. Dana, I’ve heard fantastic things from Calvin. (Turning to Natalie) I didn’t realize the Senior AP attended budget meetings.
Natalie
It’s actually my first one (looking at Dana) we just decided—
Dana
I can’t imagine you have a problem with my decision to have her attend these meetings, Richard.
Richard
I’m sorry. I wasn’t clear. I’m glad to see it. I think it’s wise to have your second-in-command attending. It’s a good investment in the future of the show.
Dana
We should get started.
Richard
Actually, I…I don’t really have anything for you right now. Someone was supposed to have called you earlier. We haven’t approved a budget yet, but I can tell you this. Your budget will substantially improve with Quo Vadimus. We can talk about it in more detail next month when our board meets, but you can expect raises for the staff and a much larger operating budget.
Dana
And much of that money will be coming from West Coast Update?
Richard
Well, nothing has been made final yet—
Dana
But much of that money will be coming from West Coast Update.
Richard
It’s most likely that Quo Vadimus will be cutting West Coast Update and reorganizing our programming to serve our West Coast viewers. We will likely be rerunning portions of Sports Night with on location reporters filling in the rest and updating the late scores, yes.
Dana
And putting Sally Sasser, Peter Lasker, and Paul Schapp out of a job. To say nothing of the rest of the staff working on the show.
Richard
I hope you understand, Dana, this isn’t a decision we came to lightly. But at the end of the day, we had to think about what made more sense. And Sports Night had too much potential to remain as underfunded as it has been. I do understand, though, that because of how close-knit a network can become, people at Sports Night may take this hard.
Dana
Yeah.
Richard (eying Dana)
Though, honestly, given what I’ve heard about your relationship with Sally, I didn’t expect you to take it quite so hard.
Dana (looking surprised)
With all due respect, I think you have no idea what the hell you’re talking about.
Richard
With all due respect, I think you know that I do.
(There is uncomfortable silence for a minute and Natalie looks down while Richard and Dana stare at each other)
Richard (clearing his throat)
I apologize that we didn’t get word to you sooner that a budget wouldn’t be finalized yet. I’ll let you know by the end of the day when we can meet next month to talk about specifics. It was very nice to meet you all.
Isaac
Thank you, Richard
(Richard leaves and Isaac looks at Dana)
Isaac
I honestly don’t think he meant anything by it, Dana.
Dana
I think we should talk seriously about bringing some people on from West Coast Update to ease their transition.
Isaac
I think that’s a good idea. We’ll talk about it. How’s tonight looking?
Natalie
Bariano’s done. Probably till post-season.
Dana
Damn.
Isaac (looking at Dana)
He’s young. He’ll be back.
Dana
He was supposed to start this season. Everyone was saying –
Isaac
He’ll start next season.
Dana (looking distracted)
He’ll…yeah. We’ll talk about West Coast Update?
Isaac
Yeah.
Dana
OK. (smiling and turning to Natalie). Let’s go.
(They leave and Isaac looks after them concerned).
Cut to -Dan and Casey’s Office
(Jeremy, Dan, and Casey are sitting around the office talking about Charlie)
Casey
I don’t know what to tell him. He’s going to ask me how to get women and I don’t know what to tell him because I don’t know how to get women. I have no experience on which to draw.
Dan
True.
Casey
I thought you were supposed to be helping.
Dan
Lisa.
Casey
I honestly don’t remember. I mean, I remember our first date, I remember…I don’t remember how I got her to go out with me.
Jeremy
Sally.
Casey
Sally!
Dan
Do you really want to advise your ten-year-old son to get a girl drunk?
(Kim walks in)
Kim
I got a message that you needed to see me?
Casey
Kim! How do men get you?
Kim
They spend money on me.
Jeremy
How about when you were younger?
Kim
They spent money on me.
Casey
Thanks, Kim.
(Kim walks out as Natalie walks in)
Natalie
What’s up?
Casey
Natalie, how do I get women?
Natalie
Me. I get your women.
Casey
When have you ever gotten me women?
Natalie
I got you Dana.
Casey (rolls his eyes)
Yeah. I’ve been meaning to thank you for that. Hey, what about you? How did you get Jeremy to notice you?
Natalie
I threw myself at him.
Casey
OK, this is not helping.
Natalie
Rundown’s in five minutes, and Dan, the car will be out front right after to take you over to take you to Shea Stadium. Dana wants me to remind you—
Dan
I know.
Natalie
Stick to the approved questions.
Dan
When I said, “I know,” I meant that—
Natalie
Luke Cunningham, Danny.
Dan
I only went off the approved questions with Cunningham because I was sure he was considering a post season trade.
Natalie
Yeah, but what happened?
Dan
I was wrong.
Natalie
So he wasn’t so much considering a post season trade as he was?
Dan
Not considering a post season trade.
Natalie
And then what happened?
Dan
We not only looked liked idiots, but we never got the pre-interview questions we were supposed to get.
Natalie
So today you’re going to?
Dan
Stick to the approved questions.
Natalie (smiling)
Thank you. Five minutes.
Cut to – Isaac’s Office
(Casey walks in and Isaac looks up from his desk)
Casey
You weren’t at the rundown.
Isaac
Did you need me at the rundown?
Episode 3.3
Previously on Sports Night
Dana
This is really becoming a problem though, Isaac.
Isaac
I know. And it’ll still be a problem tomorrow. Stop worrying about it.
Dana
OK. But—
Isaac
Stop worrying about it. (Pauses and looks at her) Is everything alright?
And the Nominees Are…
************************************************************************
Dan (to Rebecca)
I’m glad you’re here.
Rebecca
Me too.
(Casey and Dan start walking)
Casey (watching Dan)
She really likes you, huh?
Dan
It’s almost hard to believe
And the Nominees Are…
************************************************************************
Casey
CSC is releasing a statement in the morning. They finalized the papers. We’re officially sold.
Dana (she is visibly shocked and doesn’t look happy)
We are?
And the Nominees Are…
*******************************************************************************
General Benjamin Bradley
Episode 3.3
(Dan and Abbey are sitting in Abbey’s office. Abbey looks frustrated as Dan speaks.)
Dan
I want to tell you a story.
Abbey
Then get an apartment in Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. I’m not your niece, Dan, I’m your therapist.
Dan
Which is why I think you’ll benefit from this story.
Abbey
Is the story at least about you?
Dan
It’s partially about me. It’s partially about Dana. It’s partially about a Civil War general named Benjamin Bradley.
Abbey
Alright.
Dan
It’s mostly about the fact that QVV is just a really stupid acronym. (Abbey stares at him) It’s a good story, Abbey.
Abbey
When does it take place?
Dan
A long, long time ago in a village far away.
Abbey
Or?
Dan
Last month.
Abbey
After the ESPY Awards?
Dan (shaking his head)
Last month was the S.P.A.s
Abbey
That’s what I’m saying, right? The ESPY Awards? The ESPYAs?
Dan (smiling in realization)
No, not the ESPYAs. It’s the S…P…As. The ESPYs are something totally different.
Abbey
Is any of this the point of your story?
Dan
I don’t know. What were we talking about again?
Abbey
We were talking about the fact that you fired me.
Dan
See, that’s not the way I remember it.
Abbey
Well, that’s very revisionist of you, Herodatus, but you fired me. I still have the voicemail to prove it.
Dan
I come in here twice a month.
Abbey
Yes.
Dan
Last month I came in once and then you went on vacation.
Abbey
Yes.
Dan
And now you’re back from the Cayman Islands – with a very nice tan I might add – and I am resuming my bi-weekly schedule.
Abbey
Yes.
Dan
So?
Abbey
See, you’re leaving out the important detail that while I was on vacation you fired me.
Dan
And now I’m back.
Abbey
But you still fired me.
Dan
I think you’re focusing way too much on that.
Abbey
Whereas I should be focusing on the story of Benjamin Bradley?
Dan
Actually, you’re going to start out focusing on the letter V.
Abbey
Why V?
Cut to—one month earlier: Natalie and Casey are walking together from the control room into the newsroom as they talk
Natalie
Because Dana says it’s V.
Casey
V?
Natalie
Yep.
Casey
Not C?
Natalie
She says V.
Casey (making a face)
V? It’s a V?
Natalie
That’s the word on the street.
Casey
You’re sure?
Natalie
About what?
Casey (looks confused)
What do you mean about what? What are we talking about?
Natalie
You asked me if I was sure. I’m sure that Dana told me it was a V. But if your question is “am I sure it is a V” I can’t answer that because I only know what Dana told me.
Casey
Which is that—
Natalie
It’s a V.
Casey
I don’t know. QVV is just a weird name for a television station.
Natalie
Well you better get used to it. You know why?
Casey (stops walking and turns and looks at her)
Because it’s ours now.
Natalie (gives small smile and raises her eyebrows)
Bingo.
(Natalie breaks off and goes the opposite direction as Casey walks into the editing room)
(Dan is sitting in the editing room staring at the monitor.)
Casey
Dana says it’s V.
Dan (absently)
OK.
Casey
Are you listening to me?
Dan
Does this look like holding to you?
Casey (looking at the screen)
No, not really.
Dan
That’s what I thought. That’s exactly what I thought. (Shakes his head and gives a small laugh) It’s starting, Casey.
Casey
I have no idea what you’re talking about and I can assure you, I don’t want to find out.
Dan
The universe is smiting me.
Casey
But it looks like I’m going to find out anyway.
Dan
Things with Rebecca are going to be good. She came over last night after the awards. We talked. She stayed over. Things are good with Rebecca, Casey.
Casey
So what’s the problem?
Dan
Things are good with Rebecca.
Casey
Your problems are different than other people’s, Danny.
Dan
The universe has to achieve balance. Good things are afoot for me, so the universe had to even the metaphysical playing field. The universe is talking to me, Case, and it’s saying there’s no such thing as a free lunch.
Casey
And it’s saying that by making sure that the Detroit Lions, a team to which you have no connection, got a bogus holding call?
Dan
The natural state of the universe is balance. The smart money said Rebecca and I were done, but we’ve managed to stay together. This has thrown the universe out of balance. Now the universe has to compensate by making bad things happen. It’s a complicated theory, Casey.
Casey
Yeah, so complicated I don’t think you’re entirely grasping it.
Dan
The natural state of the universe—
Casey
Please don’t explain it to me again.
Dan
The natural state of the universe—
Casey
Uh, Yoda? Do you think there might be another explanation for why the officials blew
a call at the Lions game than the fact that you have a girlfriend?
Dan
No, Casey, I do not.
Casey
Yeah, I think you should let this go.
Dan
I’ll let it go when the universe lets it go.
Casey
I’m going away now.
(Casey walks out of the editing room, but Dan follows him. Casey stops and turns and sees Dan staring at him and rolls his eyes).
Casey
Hi.
Dan
How ya doin?
(Casey continues walking toward their office and Dan follows)
Casey
Well, I’m fine, but I’m not the one the universe has chosen to smite.
Dan
You’re going to see that I’m right.
Casey
You’ve given this way too much thought. You know what you should do?
Dan
What?
Casey
Let it go.
Dan
I can't let it go, Case, it's bigger than both of us.
Casey
The universe?
Dan
Yes.
Casey
It is bigger than both of us.
Dan
That's what I'm telling you.
Casey
It's infinite, Danny. Much like, apparently, the length of this
conversation.
Dan
Casey, this happens. Things are good and then they just have a way of imploding.
Casey
You think that you and Rebecca are going to implode?
Dan
Things are going well.
Casey
They are.
Dan
This is usually the time the wheels come off the wagon for me, but I'm fine.
Casey
I'd get a second opinion on that.
(Elliot walks by on his way to the studio)
Elliot
Hey, we have to redo the intro in the 20s. Missett collapsed.
Casey
No kidding? (Elliot shakes his head as he keeps walking. Casey turns to Dan.)You have anything to do with that one?
Dan
I’m not going to get any support from you on this, am I?
Casey
I can’t see how you possibly could. Hey, before I forget, I can’t make it tonight. I have Charlie.
Dan
You have Charlie next weekend.
Casey
He wanted to switch; apparently he has something he needs to talk to me about. His school is having a dance for the fifth and sixth graders. I think he needs to talk about a girl.
Dan (grinning)
Really?
Casey (looking nervous)
Didn’t that happen kind of early?
Dan
He's almost 10. It's not that early for a first crush. [a beat] Do you need me to talk to him for you?
Casey
My son? Do I need you to talk to my son for me?
Dan
Yeah
Casey
No, Danny, thanks, I think I can handle it.
Dan
I’m just saying. He might need advice from someone who’s a little more successful than you are in the ways of love.
Casey
You think your relationship is responsible for the wrath of the universe. I think I can handle it.
Dan
Suit yourself. [a beat] QVV? Are you sure it’s not C?
Casey
Pretty sure.
Dan
Whatever. QVV is just a weird name for a network.
Cut to—Conference Room
Everyone except for Isaac is seated around the table for the rundown
Dana
Vision. It stands for Quo Vadimus Vision and I really can’t get over how stupid that sounds.
Kim
I think it’s nice.
Dana
Sports Night on Quo Vadimus Vision. It’s too long. Don’t you think it’s too long?
Casey
Yeah, but we’ll probably just shorten it to QVV.
Dana
Vision? The V was bad enough, but it stands for vision? What kind of V in any name has ever stood for vision?
Casey (laughing)
I don’t think the V is T.V. is going anywhere.
Dana
Yeah, moving on. Bumpers in and out at—
Jeremy
Wait, what else?
Dana
What else what?
Jeremy
You and Isaac met with reps from Quo Vadimus all morning and the only thing you have to report from the meeting with our new owners is their name?
Dana (setting down her pencil)
Calvin Tregar will be involved with programming—
Casey
How involved?
Dana
Well, I’m not sure, but my guess would be, more involved than we want him to be.
Casey
Great.
Dana
Hey, we’ve been here before. CSC? Luther Sachs? We got through that and we’ll get through this. Now, Calvin is currently out of the country, but Richard Briggs, who is his J.J., wants to come by the show tonight. (She shrugs) We’ll take it from there. The important thing right now is to think positive.
(Everyone is quiet for a minute)
Natalie
Well this is gonna suck.
Dana
It really is.
Casey
Bright side? I think we can blame it on Dan.
Jeremy
What did Dan do?
Casey
I’m not clear on the details, but essentially he had sex and cursed us all.
Dan
It’s not—
Natalie
Danny, I think you might be doing wrong.
Cut to—Abbey’s Office
Abbey
This is a good story.
Dan
I figured you’d like that.
Abbey
You are all extremely resistant to change.
Dan
Everyone’s resistant to change.
Abbey
Change can be good, Dan.
Dan
See, people say that, but they don’t mean what they want you to think they mean. I say, “change can be good” and what you think is, “wow, he’s well adjusted.” But what I mean is “maybe this change will only affect the stuff I didn’t like anyway.”
Abbey
I think you’re probably right. People get used to things. It’s in our nature to form habits that are hard to let go of.
Dan
It’s more than that. We get used to being certain people. We get used to the identities. They can be destructive identities, but we cling to them because they’re ours. They’re who we are. It’s a hard thing to let go of, Abbey.
Abbey (looking at Dan curiously)
What’s this story about, Dan?
Dan
General Benjamin Bradley.
Cut back to—One month earlier: Dan and Casey’s office.
(Casey is at his desk writing when Jeremy walks in.)
Jeremy
Hey.
Casey
Hey. What’s up?
Jeremy
I’m waiting on Natalie to approve my segment on the Chargers.
Casey
Did you hear? Misset collapsed.
Jeremy
I know. This segment is a fill.
Casey
Did you need me?
Jeremy
Dan said you needed some help.
Casey
Is Bariano playing with a pulled hamstring or a torn ligament?
Jeremy
Neither. He’s not playing at all. He pulled his hamstring and it’s worse than they thought. Vashnivik is their shooter tonight. They’re saying he’ll be back, but it looks like Vashnivik’ll probably start the season.
Casey
Bariano, Misset…the Yankees might get rained out…is anything we talked about in this morning’s rundown still true?
Jeremy
It’s still a V.
Casey
Yeah.
Jeremy
Bariano wasn’t what Dan thought you needed help with though. He thinks you need help with Charlie.
Casey
I do not need help with Charlie
Jeremy
That’s not what Dan says.
(Casey walks out of the office to where Dan is standing at the copy machine)
Casey (standing next to Dan and turning to Jeremy)
Of the two of us, who knows more about my life, me or Dan?
Dan (gives a small laugh)
Seriously?
Casey (yelling)
I do not need help giving advice to my son! (looks at Dan) Can you please drop this?
Dan
Fine.
Casey (surprised)
Thank you.
Dan
It’s dropped.
(Dan starts to walk away and then turns back)
Dan
Oh, I forgot, Lisa called. Charlie wanted to come by here tonight to talk to you and then the nanny is taking him to your place. He’ll be here at 6.
Casey (stunned)
He’s coming now?
Dan
Casey?
Casey
I need help giving advice to my son.
Dan
This is what I’m saying.
(Dan follows Casey back into their office and gestures to Jeremy who follows as well)
Cut to—Isaac’s Office
(Dana and Natalie walk into Isaac’s office. Isaac is talking with another man who stands when the women enter the room)
Isaac
Dana, Natalie, I’d like you to meet Richard Briggs, who works with Calvin Tregar. He’ll be Quo Vadimus’ representative at today’s budget meeting.
Dana (extends her hand)
Nice to meet you. I’m Dana Whitaker, Executive Producer of Sports Night, and this is Natalie Hurley, my Senior AP.
Natalie
Nice to meet you.
Richard (shaking their hands)
It’s very nice to meet you both. Dana, I’ve heard fantastic things from Calvin. (Turning to Natalie) I didn’t realize the Senior AP attended budget meetings.
Natalie
It’s actually my first one (looking at Dana) we just decided—
Dana
I can’t imagine you have a problem with my decision to have her attend these meetings, Richard.
Richard
I’m sorry. I wasn’t clear. I’m glad to see it. I think it’s wise to have your second-in-command attending. It’s a good investment in the future of the show.
Dana
We should get started.
Richard
Actually, I…I don’t really have anything for you right now. Someone was supposed to have called you earlier. We haven’t approved a budget yet, but I can tell you this. Your budget will substantially improve with Quo Vadimus. We can talk about it in more detail next month when our board meets, but you can expect raises for the staff and a much larger operating budget.
Dana
And much of that money will be coming from West Coast Update?
Richard
Well, nothing has been made final yet—
Dana
But much of that money will be coming from West Coast Update.
Richard
It’s most likely that Quo Vadimus will be cutting West Coast Update and reorganizing our programming to serve our West Coast viewers. We will likely be rerunning portions of Sports Night with on location reporters filling in the rest and updating the late scores, yes.
Dana
And putting Sally Sasser, Peter Lasker, and Paul Schapp out of a job. To say nothing of the rest of the staff working on the show.
Richard
I hope you understand, Dana, this isn’t a decision we came to lightly. But at the end of the day, we had to think about what made more sense. And Sports Night had too much potential to remain as underfunded as it has been. I do understand, though, that because of how close-knit a network can become, people at Sports Night may take this hard.
Dana
Yeah.
Richard (eying Dana)
Though, honestly, given what I’ve heard about your relationship with Sally, I didn’t expect you to take it quite so hard.
Dana (looking surprised)
With all due respect, I think you have no idea what the hell you’re talking about.
Richard
With all due respect, I think you know that I do.
(There is uncomfortable silence for a minute and Natalie looks down while Richard and Dana stare at each other)
Richard (clearing his throat)
I apologize that we didn’t get word to you sooner that a budget wouldn’t be finalized yet. I’ll let you know by the end of the day when we can meet next month to talk about specifics. It was very nice to meet you all.
Isaac
Thank you, Richard
(Richard leaves and Isaac looks at Dana)
Isaac
I honestly don’t think he meant anything by it, Dana.
Dana
I think we should talk seriously about bringing some people on from West Coast Update to ease their transition.
Isaac
I think that’s a good idea. We’ll talk about it. How’s tonight looking?
Natalie
Bariano’s done. Probably till post-season.
Dana
Damn.
Isaac (looking at Dana)
He’s young. He’ll be back.
Dana
He was supposed to start this season. Everyone was saying –
Isaac
He’ll start next season.
Dana (looking distracted)
He’ll…yeah. We’ll talk about West Coast Update?
Isaac
Yeah.
Dana
OK. (smiling and turning to Natalie). Let’s go.
(They leave and Isaac looks after them concerned).
Cut to -Dan and Casey’s Office
(Jeremy, Dan, and Casey are sitting around the office talking about Charlie)
Casey
I don’t know what to tell him. He’s going to ask me how to get women and I don’t know what to tell him because I don’t know how to get women. I have no experience on which to draw.
Dan
True.
Casey
I thought you were supposed to be helping.
Dan
Lisa.
Casey
I honestly don’t remember. I mean, I remember our first date, I remember…I don’t remember how I got her to go out with me.
Jeremy
Sally.
Casey
Sally!
Dan
Do you really want to advise your ten-year-old son to get a girl drunk?
(Kim walks in)
Kim
I got a message that you needed to see me?
Casey
Kim! How do men get you?
Kim
They spend money on me.
Jeremy
How about when you were younger?
Kim
They spent money on me.
Casey
Thanks, Kim.
(Kim walks out as Natalie walks in)
Natalie
What’s up?
Casey
Natalie, how do I get women?
Natalie
Me. I get your women.
Casey
When have you ever gotten me women?
Natalie
I got you Dana.
Casey (rolls his eyes)
Yeah. I’ve been meaning to thank you for that. Hey, what about you? How did you get Jeremy to notice you?
Natalie
I threw myself at him.
Casey
OK, this is not helping.
Natalie
Rundown’s in five minutes, and Dan, the car will be out front right after to take you over to take you to Shea Stadium. Dana wants me to remind you—
Dan
I know.
Natalie
Stick to the approved questions.
Dan
When I said, “I know,” I meant that—
Natalie
Luke Cunningham, Danny.
Dan
I only went off the approved questions with Cunningham because I was sure he was considering a post season trade.
Natalie
Yeah, but what happened?
Dan
I was wrong.
Natalie
So he wasn’t so much considering a post season trade as he was?
Dan
Not considering a post season trade.
Natalie
And then what happened?
Dan
We not only looked liked idiots, but we never got the pre-interview questions we were supposed to get.
Natalie
So today you’re going to?
Dan
Stick to the approved questions.
Natalie (smiling)
Thank you. Five minutes.
Cut to – Isaac’s Office
(Casey walks in and Isaac looks up from his desk)
Casey
You weren’t at the rundown.
Isaac
Did you need me at the rundown?
Casey
No. I was just noting. So.
Isaac (looking up confused)
So?
Casey
How did you get Esther to marry you?
Isaac (eyes Casey and then gets up silently and heads for his bar)
You know why I hate the Mets?
Casey
You were a Brooklyn fan. You were pissed when they left.
Isaac
No. [a beat] Well, yes, but that’s why I usually hate them. You know why I hate them today?
Casey (realizing)
Because Dan’s at Shea Stadium.
Isaac (reaches the bar and pours a drink)
Whenever one of you is on assignment the other one always wanders in here with something ridiculous to bother me about.
Casey
Charlie’s going to come here tonight and ask me how to get women and I don’t have any clue.
Isaac
Ask a woman.
Casey
Yeah, I guess I could try that. (Starts to leave). I’ll see you.
Isaac
Casey. (Casey turns back). You’re his father – there’s no way you can screw this one up. He idolizes you.
Casey
Thanks. Isaac, how did you get Esther –
Isaac (simply)
I’m good with women.
Casey (rolls his eyes)
Of course you are. (Leaves)
Cut to – Dana’s Office
(Dana is sitting at her office when Richard knocks on the open door)
Dana
Richard. I thought you left.
Richard
I did. But I’d really like to watch the show tonight. I mean, here at the studio.
Dana (she clears her throat)
I don’t have a problem with that. But I don’t want my team to feel like they’re being evaluated.
Richard
Well, we’re always being evaluated, Dana. We’re competing with two other shows.
Dana
You know what I mean, Richard.
Richard
I’d like to watch the show as a fan, Dana. I’m not here to report back to the network. Believe it or not, I like Sports Night. Do you have a problem with me?
Dana
I have a problem with people telling me and my staff how to do our jobs. The jobs we’ve been doing well for almost four years now. The jobs we love.
Richard
My job is to help you! You know, this isn’t my first rodeo, Dana. I worked in broadcast sports for four years as a reporter and then was EP for six before I met Calvin. I know what it’s like to be in your chair. But when I used to do it, we looked at our competition as the enemy, and the network as our home.
Dana (clearly angry)
Follow me.
(Dana gets up and walks out of her office through the newsroom and into the control room. Richard follows her).
Dana (pointing at her chair)
You see that? That’s my chair. That’s my chair. That’s where I’ve sat for going on four years every night. I’ve lived and died with this show. And we’ve been counted out over and over again. You were EP at Fox for a tiny show that never needed to be anything besides better than the infomercial it was up against. We compete with ESPN and Fox nightly for a coveted spot and demo. And we’ve been underfunded, underappreciated, and underestimated every night. You have no idea what it’s like to sit in my chair.
(Richard looks at her and walks out. Dana sits down in her chair).
Cut to - Newsroom
(Casey walks out of Isaac’s office into the newsroom and sees Rebecca sitting in his and Dan’s office)
Casey
Hey, Rebecca.
Rebecca (standing up quickly)
Hey, Casey. I was just—I don’t really know which desk is which so I was just…
Casey (shrugging)
No problem. We don’t really know that either. I usually just work on whichever one is cleaner.
Rebecca
Oh. OK.
Casey
You know, you can wait in here, but Dan’s doing a pre-interview for the Mets feature tonight and, I’m not really sure when he’ll be back.
Rebecca
I actually was waiting for you.
Casey (surprised)
Oh. What’s up?
Rebecca
I’m done with Steve, Casey.
Casey (confused)
Okay?
Rebecca
That came out differently than I meant it but—
Casey
You’re done with Steve.
Rebecca
I am.
Casey
OK.
Rebecca
I just – I didn’t want you thinking that I’m going to break his heart. I know you guys are – I didn’t want you thinking I’m going to break his heart.
Casey (smiling)
I appreciate that.
Rebecca
I can head out—
Casey
Rebecca, you like Dan, don’t you?
Rebecca
Very much.
Casey
But why? How did Dan get you to like him?
Rebecca
He followed me around and asked me out constantly until he wore me down.
Casey
Danny stalked you, Natalie threw herself at Jeremy…the relationships in this building are not helpful.
Rebecca
Healthy. You meant to say the relationships in this building are not healthy.
Casey (turning to leave)
Yeah, that too. (Casey stops and turns back) You should wait for him here. He’d like that.
Rebecca
Thanks.
Casey
Thank you…for the other thing, I mean.
(Casey leaves and Rebecca smiles and sits back down at the desk in the office)
Cut to – the Control Room
(Casey walks into the control room where Dana is still sitting in her chair. Casey stands next to her. They both stare into the studio instead of looking at each other).
Dana
He’s almost here. It took you this long to come to me?
Casey
I didn’t think you’d have any insight.
Dana
I have the most insight, Casey. (She looks at him for a moment and then turns back to the studio) I remember how you got Lisa to like you.
Casey (smiles at her)
How?
Dana
Me. I talked to her for you (Casey begins to nod as she says this)
Casey
I had completely forgotten.
Dana (standing up)
So (she clears her throat). There ya go.
(Dana starts to walk out and Casey speaks without turning around)
Casey
How did I get you, Dana?
Dana
You didn’t.
Casey (turning to face her)
No, I know we never actually—
Dana
No. I mean, you didn’t get me to like you. You didn’t have to. (Dana walks out and Casey looks out after her)
(Casey walks into his and Dan’s office where Dan and Rebecca are sitting)
Casey (grinning)
Hey.
Dan
You’re happy.
Casey
I am happy.
Dan
You know what you’re gonna tell Charlie?
Casey
I’m going to tell him that McCall men aren’t good at getting women to like them. So the trick is finding the ones you don’t have to convince.
(Natalie walks in)
Natalie
Charlie’s on his way his up.
Casey (smiling)
I’m going to go and talk to my son.
Natalie
Isaac wanted Dana.
Casey
She’s in the control room.
(Casey and Natalie walk out of the office. Casey heads for the elevators and Natalie heads for the control room. They give each other five as they separate).
Cut to – Isaac’s Office
(Dana walks in and before she can say anything, Isaac speaks)
Isaac
I want you to give Richard, Calvin, and QVV a break.
Dana
Did you talk to someone?
Isaac
No. I’m talking to you.
Dana
Isaac –
Isaac
I mean it, Dana.
Dana (pauses and then looks scared)
I just don’t trust them yet, Isaac.
Isaac
Dana?
Dana
What?
Isaac
You know the story of General Benjamin Bradley?
Dana
Is this one of those stories you tell where the moral is leave you alone and let you work?
Isaac (gives a short laugh)
No. It’s a real story. Sit down.
(Dana sits and Isaac looks at her.)
Cut to – Abbey’s Office
Dan
Dana told me this story that night after the show. That’s when I decided that my firing you may have been premature.
Abbey
Who was Benjamin Bradley?
Cut to – Isaac’s Office
Isaac
Benjamin Bradley was a general during the Civil War. He fought for the Union, but the rest of his family fought for the South.
Dana
Why?
Isaac
It worked like that sometimes.
Dana
What did he do that was so important?
Isaac
He ended the Civil War.
Dana
See, then, I’m pretty sure I would have heard of him.
Cut to – Abbey’s Office
Dan
Not the way he ended it.
Cut to – Isaac’s Office
Dana
But he ended the Civil War? Why wasn’t he famous?
Cut to – Abbey’s Office
Dan
Benjamin Bradley was only nineteen when he joined the army and he joined as a private. His first battle was in 1861 in Athens. It was a small battle because the Union soldiers who were there were actually needed in Lexington. They were marching through, and they were attacked; completely outnumbered and completely outarmed.
Cut to – Isaac’s Office
Isaac
Bradley’s CO told him the real battle was in Lexington and that all they needed was to get by. But Bradley didn’t see it like that. He said “the real battle is where I stand.” And he led his men to victory in the Battle of Athens. He was placed in charge of his squad, but he didn’t get a promotion. His CO said he wasn’t ready. He was at a place called HJigh Bridge in Northern Virginia when he was made general. He was outnumbered three to one, but he was going to have his men fight. Then he received word that something was happening, but they didn’t know what. So he had to make a choice.
Cut to – Abbey’s Office
Dan
So he had to make a choice.
Cut to – Isaac’s Office
Isaac
He could charge ahead, and see if he could pull off another miraculous victory, or he could wait. And he waited. He told his men to stand their ground, but to wait. The next day Lee surrendered.
Cut to – Abbey’s Office
Dan
See, the Confederate soldiers were carrying badly needed rations to the capitol, and if Bradley’s men had fought and lost, they would have marched to Richmond and Lee never have surrendered to Grant.
Cut to – Isaac’s Office
Isaac
Benjamin Bradley was made a general the day the war ended.
Dana
Isaac, I don’t –
Isaac
Casey
Hey, Rebecca.
Rebecca (standing up quickly)
Hey, Casey. I was just—I don’t really know which desk is which so I was just…
Casey (shrugging)
No problem. We don’t really know that either. I usually just work on whichever one is cleaner.
Rebecca
Oh. OK.
Casey
You know, you can wait in here, but Dan’s doing a pre-interview for the Mets feature tonight and, I’m not really sure when he’ll be back.
Rebecca
I actually was waiting for you.
Casey (surprised)
Oh. What’s up?
Rebecca
I’m done with Steve, Casey.
Casey (confused)
Okay?
Rebecca
That came out differently than I meant it but—
Casey
You’re done with Steve.
Rebecca
I am.
Casey
OK.
Rebecca
I just – I didn’t want you thinking that I’m going to break his heart. I know you guys are – I didn’t want you thinking I’m going to break his heart.
Casey (smiling)
I appreciate that.
Rebecca
I can head out—
Casey
Rebecca, you like Dan, don’t you?
Rebecca
Very much.
Casey
But why? How did Dan get you to like him?
Rebecca
He followed me around and asked me out constantly until he wore me down.
Casey
Danny stalked you, Natalie threw herself at Jeremy…the relationships in this building are not helpful.
Rebecca
Healthy. You meant to say the relationships in this building are not healthy.
Casey (turning to leave)
Yeah, that too. (Casey stops and turns back) You should wait for him here. He’d like that.
Rebecca
Thanks.
Casey
Thank you…for the other thing, I mean.
(Casey leaves and Rebecca smiles and sits back down at the desk in the office)
Cut to – the Control Room
(Casey walks into the control room where Dana is still sitting in her chair. Casey stands next to her. They both stare into the studio instead of looking at each other).
Dana
He’s almost here. It took you this long to come to me?
Casey
I didn’t think you’d have any insight.
Dana
I have the most insight, Casey. (She looks at him for a moment and then turns back to the studio) I remember how you got Lisa to like you.
Casey (smiles at her)
How?
Dana
Me. I talked to her for you (Casey begins to nod as she says this)
Casey
I had completely forgotten.
Dana (standing up)
So (she clears her throat). There ya go.
(Dana starts to walk out and Casey speaks without turning around)
Casey
How did I get you, Dana?
Dana
You didn’t.
Casey (turning to face her)
No, I know we never actually—
Dana
No. I mean, you didn’t get me to like you. You didn’t have to. (Dana walks out and Casey looks out after her)
(Casey walks into his and Dan’s office where Dan and Rebecca are sitting)
Casey (grinning)
Hey.
Dan
You’re happy.
Casey
I am happy.
Dan
You know what you’re gonna tell Charlie?
Casey
I’m going to tell him that McCall men aren’t good at getting women to like them. So the trick is finding the ones you don’t have to convince.
(Natalie walks in)
Natalie
Charlie’s on his way his up.
Casey (smiling)
I’m going to go and talk to my son.
Natalie
Isaac wanted Dana.
Casey
She’s in the control room.
(Casey and Natalie walk out of the office. Casey heads for the elevators and Natalie heads for the control room. They give each other five as they separate).
Cut to – Isaac’s Office
(Dana walks in and before she can say anything, Isaac speaks)
Isaac
I want you to give Richard, Calvin, and QVV a break.
Dana
Did you talk to someone?
Isaac
No. I’m talking to you.
Dana
Isaac –
Isaac
I mean it, Dana.
Dana (pauses and then looks scared)
I just don’t trust them yet, Isaac.
Isaac
Dana?
Dana
What?
Isaac
You know the story of General Benjamin Bradley?
Dana
Is this one of those stories you tell where the moral is leave you alone and let you work?
Isaac (gives a short laugh)
No. It’s a real story. Sit down.
(Dana sits and Isaac looks at her.)
Cut to – Abbey’s Office
Dan
Dana told me this story that night after the show. That’s when I decided that my firing you may have been premature.
Abbey
Who was Benjamin Bradley?
Cut to – Isaac’s Office
Isaac
Benjamin Bradley was a general during the Civil War. He fought for the Union, but the rest of his family fought for the South.
Dana
Why?
Isaac
It worked like that sometimes.
Dana
What did he do that was so important?
Isaac
He ended the Civil War.
Dana
See, then, I’m pretty sure I would have heard of him.
Cut to – Abbey’s Office
Dan
Not the way he ended it.
Cut to – Isaac’s Office
Dana
But he ended the Civil War? Why wasn’t he famous?
Cut to – Abbey’s Office
Dan
Benjamin Bradley was only nineteen when he joined the army and he joined as a private. His first battle was in 1861 in Athens. It was a small battle because the Union soldiers who were there were actually needed in Lexington. They were marching through, and they were attacked; completely outnumbered and completely outarmed.
Cut to – Isaac’s Office
Isaac
Bradley’s CO told him the real battle was in Lexington and that all they needed was to get by. But Bradley didn’t see it like that. He said “the real battle is where I stand.” And he led his men to victory in the Battle of Athens. He was placed in charge of his squad, but he didn’t get a promotion. His CO said he wasn’t ready. He was at a place called HJigh Bridge in Northern Virginia when he was made general. He was outnumbered three to one, but he was going to have his men fight. Then he received word that something was happening, but they didn’t know what. So he had to make a choice.
Cut to – Abbey’s Office
Dan
So he had to make a choice.
Cut to – Isaac’s Office
Isaac
He could charge ahead, and see if he could pull off another miraculous victory, or he could wait. And he waited. He told his men to stand their ground, but to wait. The next day Lee surrendered.
Cut to – Abbey’s Office
Dan
See, the Confederate soldiers were carrying badly needed rations to the capitol, and if Bradley’s men had fought and lost, they would have marched to Richmond and Lee never have surrendered to Grant.
Cut to – Isaac’s Office
Isaac
Benjamin Bradley was made a general the day the war ended.
Dana
Isaac, I don’t –
Isaac
You’re most comfortable when you’re fighting.
Dana
That’s not true, Isaac. That’s not – I just got used to fighting.
Isaac
I know it started that way. Dana, you’re a beautiful, blond woman in sports. It’s an occupational hazard. You were too young for your job and your job was to run a show that was destined to fail. You’ve been the underdog for so long, you forgot how to be anything else. And now even when things can be easy for you, you create situations so they’re not. Like that stupid-ass dating plan.
Dana
How did you know about the –
Isaac (gives a small laugh)
Dana the things I hear about around here that I wished I hadn’t... Dana, those people will go to battle with absolutely anyone you tell them to. And I know you’ll go to battle for them. But they don’t need a hero right now. They need a general.
Dana
I don’t know how to be a general.
Dana
I don’t know how to be a general.
Isaac
Yes you do. You just don’t know it yet.
Dana (nodding)
I’m going to ask Richard to stay for the show tonight.
Isaac
Good.
Dana
Good show, Isaac.
Isaac
Good show.
Cut to – Abbey’s Office
Abbey
So you don’t know how to deal with being happy. The thing with Rebecca. That's your...you don't know how to deal with being happy. That’s a huge realization, Dan.
Dan
So you can fix me?
Abbey
Well, hiring me back was certainly a step in the right direction.
Dan
What’s the next step?
Abbey
Working on it.
Cut to – Conference room
(Dana walks by and looks in and sees Richard pacing in the conference room talking to himself. He’s clearly practicing a conversation he wants to have with her. She smiles and stand in the doorway watching him)
Richard (to himself)
You seem to be under the impression that I’m out to get you and that’s just –
Dana (standing in the doorway)
I thought you left.
Richard (surprised)
I – how long have you been standing there?
Dana
Richard, I’m –
Richard
No. I’m going to say this.
Dana (sitting down)
Alright.
Richard
I’ve been watching you guys all day today and the unyielding loyalty you display is –
Dana
Impressive.
Richard
Stupid. Loyalty is great, but it presupposes that someone else is out to get you and I’m not. Natalie knew you were being crazy during that meeting, but she wouldn’t dare say that in front of me, so she let you pick a fight that didn’t need to be picked. You were so busy proving to me that you would choose even Sally Sasser over me, that it didn’t even register that I had just told you everyone on your staff is getting a raise.
Dana
You think we should be less wary of new people.
Richard
I think that if you were all stuck in a burning building every last one of you would suffocate to death, demanding that everyone else take the last breath before it would ever occur to any of you to open a window.
Dana
Wow.
Richard
I’m on your side.
Dana (comes closer to Richard and they look in each other’s eyes as they speak)
I know.
Richard
You know?
Dana
You said “we.” [off Richard’s look] You said “we’re up against two other shows.” And “we’re always being evaluated.” You said we. You’re on our side.
Richard
But you still let me go through this whole –
Dana
I’m learning how to be a general.
Richard
I don’t know what that means.
Dana
That’s OK. But you should come watch our show.
Richard (smiling)
Thank you.
(Dana steps back and is flustered by how close they were standing. There’s a moment where they lock eyes again)
Dana (nodding)
I’m going to ask Richard to stay for the show tonight.
Isaac
Good.
Dana
Good show, Isaac.
Isaac
Good show.
Cut to – Abbey’s Office
Abbey
So you don’t know how to deal with being happy. The thing with Rebecca. That's your...you don't know how to deal with being happy. That’s a huge realization, Dan.
Dan
So you can fix me?
Abbey
Well, hiring me back was certainly a step in the right direction.
Dan
What’s the next step?
Abbey
Working on it.
Cut to – Conference room
(Dana walks by and looks in and sees Richard pacing in the conference room talking to himself. He’s clearly practicing a conversation he wants to have with her. She smiles and stand in the doorway watching him)
Richard (to himself)
You seem to be under the impression that I’m out to get you and that’s just –
Dana (standing in the doorway)
I thought you left.
Richard (surprised)
I – how long have you been standing there?
Dana
Richard, I’m –
Richard
No. I’m going to say this.
Dana (sitting down)
Alright.
Richard
I’ve been watching you guys all day today and the unyielding loyalty you display is –
Dana
Impressive.
Richard
Stupid. Loyalty is great, but it presupposes that someone else is out to get you and I’m not. Natalie knew you were being crazy during that meeting, but she wouldn’t dare say that in front of me, so she let you pick a fight that didn’t need to be picked. You were so busy proving to me that you would choose even Sally Sasser over me, that it didn’t even register that I had just told you everyone on your staff is getting a raise.
Dana
You think we should be less wary of new people.
Richard
I think that if you were all stuck in a burning building every last one of you would suffocate to death, demanding that everyone else take the last breath before it would ever occur to any of you to open a window.
Dana
Wow.
Richard
I’m on your side.
Dana (comes closer to Richard and they look in each other’s eyes as they speak)
I know.
Richard
You know?
Dana
You said “we.” [off Richard’s look] You said “we’re up against two other shows.” And “we’re always being evaluated.” You said we. You’re on our side.
Richard
But you still let me go through this whole –
Dana
I’m learning how to be a general.
Richard
I don’t know what that means.
Dana
That’s OK. But you should come watch our show.
Richard (smiling)
Thank you.
(Dana steps back and is flustered by how close they were standing. There’s a moment where they lock eyes again)
Dana
Oh, and Richard? QVV? (shaking her head and smiling) I don’t like it.
Richard (gives a small laugh)
Have a good show, Dana
Dana (smiling)
Yeah. Good show.
(Dana walks out and Richard watches her leave and smiles)
Fade out
Oh, and Richard? QVV? (shaking her head and smiling) I don’t like it.
Richard (gives a small laugh)
Have a good show, Dana
Dana (smiling)
Yeah. Good show.
(Dana walks out and Richard watches her leave and smiles)
Fade out
