SOMERSET EPISODE 11
Written by: Steve Ungrey
Airdate: July 28, 2008
SCENE ONE
FADE IN -- Petterino house
Light
music plays as the episode opens with Rose in the kitchen reading the
day’s Somerset Register. Victoria comes in through the back door, having
just arrived home from the hospital.
Rose looks up and removes her glasses, looking at the wall clock.
ROSE
Well, that was a long day at work.
Victoria shuts the door, puts her purse down on the counter and immediately goes to the refrigerator to see if there’s any milk.
VICTORIA
(Opens refrigerator door while talking)
No later than usual, Mom. Did you lose track of time? I was supposed to work until 9.
ROSE
And you left the house at... Did you work a 12-hour day?
VICTORIA
Mom, relax.
She pours herself a milk glass and comes over to the table to sit down.
VICTORIA
I don't work every day... I'm on the schedule just four days a week, and I have three days off.
ROSE
Whatever happened to the 9-to-5 type jobs that were out there?
VICTORIA
(Kisses Rose on the cheek as she takes a seat)
They
disappeared. Just like you and Dad at the restaurant. No, that’s how
the schedule is done. We get 40 hours a week, more if we want it, but
Alana and the senior nurses always make sure we have at least two to
three days off to recharge the batteries.
ROSE
Well, that’s good.
VICTORIA
I know a nurse in cardiology who only works three days a week. Now granted, she’s at the hospital from sunrise to sunset.
ROSE
Well,
as long as you have some time to recharge. Hey, by the way… we got some
good news from overseas. I got an e-mail from Annabella this morning.
She’s coming home for a visit.
VICTORIA
(Looks up from her glass and smiles)
All right! I get to pick on my older sister!
ROSE
Somehow I knew you'd say that. (Laughs) She’s not sure when it’s going to be, but she’s talking about sticking around a while.
VICTORIA
Well, how long was she gone for… three months?
ROSE
All that. She said she booked a ton of work while she was over there and was paid very well for it, but she needs a break.
VICTORIA
I’d like to make a million bucks nursing, that’s for sure. (Laughs)
Rose laughs as the music builds and transitions us out of the scene. The picture fades to black.
The
theme begins as we see an overhead shot of downtown as the camera is
pulling away. The Somerset logo pops into position and goes toward the
center of the screen.
BILL WOLFF
This… is Somerset.
This
portion brought to you today by Scope, the minty fresh mouthwash that
leaves your breath with a clean feeling, not the mediciney feeling other
leading mouthwashes provide. Available in several different flavors.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE TWO
FADE IN -- Washington D.C.
We
see the obligatory cityscape, the title card below that reads
“Washington” and then we dissolve the action back to the bar where Nick
is.
DISSOLVE TO -- J. Sullivan’s
The
action picks up from where it left off on Friday, with a young woman
having come to the bar and sat by Nick. She has long, ruby red hair and
is wearing a short black dress, and it was clear from the get-go on
Friday that Nick was a goner.
Nick is still engaged in conversation with the young woman as she flashes a big smile at him.
WOMAN
So, handsome… what’s a guy like you doing alone at a bar like this?
NICK
Nursing
a drink, waiting to eat and watching a ballgame. (Smiles) I could ask
you the same thing. Do you always come up and sit next to guys watching
baseball?
WOMAN
I loooooove the sport, are you kidding me? I think I got it from my dad.
NICK
Well, your company is welcome. Are you part of the action upstairs?
The woman sips from what by now is her second vodka tonic at the bar.
WOMAN
Yes,
but I had to come downstairs. These barristers' parties can be fun, but
it's worth it to escape the stuffed shirts. Besides, I had to come find
out how my Marlins were doing.
NICK
I might have to give you ground cover out of this bar, you know.
WOMAN
(Smiles)
Why?
NICK
You
realize where you are, right? Washington? The city that has a baseball
team already? Now you won’t get booed by me, of course, but…
WOMAN
(Makes a face as if to say “oh, please” and laughs hysterically)
Oh, handsome, please. Not with the way the Nationals are doing this year. The Marlins are close to first.
NICK
I’m going to take a stab that you’re from Florida?
WOMAN
I lived down there for a while. Graduated from Florida, in fact.
The woman pauses and stands in front of Nick. She puts her hands in the air and sings.
WOMAN
Gimme a G! Gimme a A! Gimme a T…
Nick
laughs as the woman, who still appears to have her wits about her
despite drinking vodka tonics like water, sits back down and exhales.
NICK
You weren’t a cheerleader, were you?
WOMAN
I couldn’t do the splits like that, honey. But I still get excited about Florida.
NICK
So I’m guessing you must be on cloud nine about the basketball team.
WOMAN
Damn
straight. That deserves another drink (motions to the bartender, who is
once again played by Eddie Steeples from “My Name is Earl”). Last year
was rough, but the two years before that were sweet.
NICK
You obviously love vodka, right?
The woman turns and raises her eyes at him.
WOMAN
You got a problem with that, sugar? (Laughs) I’m just teasing. It’ll be my third drink down here, but who cares…
The woman’s cell phone rings.
WOMAN
Doggone it, hold on. (Picks up) Hey, what’s up?
She looks up, as if she’s looking at the party going on.
WOMAN
You
couldn't come downstairs to tell me that? All right, I'll be right up.
(Puts phone away) Hey there, I have to split. My presence is required
back upstairs. (Motions to bartender) Can I settle my tab?
BARTENDER
I would if I could, Miss, but I'm afraid you have no tab.
WOMAN
No tab? What did I do, get these drinks for free…
It suddenly dawns on her. She leans in and kisses Nick on the cheek.
WOMAN
Well
there, hot stuff, you didn’t have to do that for me. (Smiles devilishly
at Nick) Thank you for the vodkas. I promise I’ll come back down for a
nightcap, OK?
NICK
I’ll hold you to it.
The woman
leaves the bar and heads back up the staircase. All the while Nick is
staring, first at the shape and then at the legs as they disappear
upstairs. Nick turns back to the bartender.
BARTENDER
I’m going to have to remember this one. I’ll put it on my list.
NICK
Of what?
BARTENDER
Memorable things I’ve seen. (Smiles) I’ve got a friend who has an even bigger list…
NICK
Wow. Now that’s a ball of supercharged energy.
BARTENDER
You aren‘t kidding. Another drink, sir?
NICK
Can I just have the seltzer button to spray myself off? (Laughs) Yes, I'll take a Manhattan.
As the bartender laughs, he begins preparing another drink and the picture fades to black.
BILL WOLFF
We'll return to Somerset in just a moment.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
(We see “Staring Down The Sun” title card)
The
life of Rayanne Graff was boring until Something More walked into her
life. What is that something more? Find out on Staring Down The Sun.
Part of the Daytime Royalty lineup, weekdays.
(We see “Somerset” title card and hear a soft version of the theme)
BILL WOLFF
And
now, following station identification, we’ll return with the second
half of Somerset. This portion is presented by Cheer, for the way you
wash now in cold water, warm and hot. All-Tempa Cheer.COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE THREE
FADE IN -- Petterino kitchen
Rose is finishing the paper while Victoria finishes her milk glass as light music plays behind the two.
VICTORIA
Mom, have you or Dad ever had any run-ins with George Cleypool?
Rose nearly goes white as a sheet when Victoria asks that question, but she answers it truthfully.
ROSE
(Puts down the paper)
Why do you ask, honey?
VICTORIA
His
son, Zachary, was in a motorcycle accident last night. I hear he lit
into the driver who supposedly caused the accident... then this morning
his son banged his ankle and foot on the hospital bed and suffered a
more serious injury. You'd think we committed malpractice or something.
ROSE
George Cleypool is not a nice man. The sooner you know that, the better.
Victoria is a bit surprised by Rose’s comments.
VICTORIA
Well, did he ever do anything to you or Dad?
ROSE
Numerous
threats. I’m going to tear down the block your restaurant is on and
reshape it my own way. I’ve got my own grand scheme for Somerset and
it’s better than Jack Martin’s. You know, those kinds of things.
VICTORIA
I see.
ROSE
George
and I go way back, along with Giovanni. I’ve known what he’s capable of
for a long time. And I don't like his tone when it comes to
improvements for Somerset. Giovanni is solidly on Jack Martin's side
when it comes to the new Somerset vision.
VICTORIA
The way it looks, Mr. Cleypool doesn't have an ally in town.
ROSE
Oh, he has some allies. But I think Jack has more of a leg to stand on.
Victoria finishes the last of the milk in her glass.
VICTORIA
Well, his son seems nicer. He's almost embarrassed at how his father acts from time to time.
ROSE
I would be too.
Music
builds as Victoria rises to put the milk glass in the area for
dishwashing, and Rose reads the paper. Victoria can’t see Rose’s face,
but Rose is thinking about something. The scene changes.
DISSOLVE TO -- Giovanni’s
Mike
has finished dinner and Scott is sitting at the bar with him, and the
two are keeping Joanne company as she finishes another drink. Mike sees
Alana walking in.
SCOTT
Uh oh. Is this my cue to scram?
MIKE
No, stay. You can stay here and vouch for me.
Mike motions Alana, who smiles and comes over.
ALANA
I see this is where the crime reporters hang out? (Shakes Scott’s hand) Hello, Lt. Garfield, is he bothering you?
SCOTT
No, not at all, Alana. Have a seat and relax.
ALANA
Thank you. Don’t mind if I do. (Sees Joanne) Hey there! (She reaches over and hugs Joanne) Is Martin keeping you busy?
JOANNE
Yeah, but I’m used to it.
ALANA
You up for a noon workout tomorrow?
JOANNE
Yeah.
We haven’t done anything together in a long time. Our hours have been
just so crazy. We’re in the same building, different floors, never see
each other…
ALANA
Well, stick and stay and maybe we can have a
mini girls night out once I’m done with this… this guy. (She points at
Mike and laughs)
SCOTT
I’m going to go over and say hi to Jack for a bit. I’ll be back. (Smiles at Alana and Mike) Have fun, you two.
Scott
smiles at Mike and walks over to Jack and Susannah’s table -- we can’t
see them since they’re not in today’s script, but it’s a way to get
Scott away from the bar action. Mike turns to Alana.
MIKE
Now why do you suppose he went and did that?
ALANA
Wagner, cut the act. (Laughs) How much did you pay him?
MIKE
Alana
Singleton, don’t you know bribing an officer of the law could get me
thrown in jail? Well, you must have gotten my note by now. When do I get
a drink thrown in my face?
ALANA
Wagner, I never said I'd throw the drink in your face. (Smiles) Now, maybe I’ll pour it over your head to cool you off...
MIKE
All I said in my note was asking you to meet me for a drink, nothing more.
ALANA
And I'm here, aren't I? (Smiles) You are a hard guy to understand. Did you think I was going to chew your head off?
MIKE
Well... (gulps) the thought did cross my mind.
ALANA
I
may have told you... and others... that I'm not ready for a
relationship with anyone, but it doesn't mean I can't have a good time.
MIKE
(Looks relieved)
I'll take your word on that.
Joanne
smiles and winks at Mike as if to say “go for it” while Alana can’t see
Joanne behind her egging Mike on. Bar music plays as we transition
scenes.
DISSOLVE TO -- J. Sullivan’s
Nick
has finished dinner and is looking at the final innings of the
ballgame, all the while scouring the staircase for the mystery woman to
come down.
NICK
I wonder if she was pulling my leg about coming down here?
BARTENDER
Naaa, I don’t think so. I've got a good view of that staircase and I haven't seen her come down.
NICK
The game's almost over, I guess that's why I was wondering.
BARTENDER
I’m sure she’ll… wait, I see her now.
As Nick turns, he sees the young woman on mid-staircase, draped around the arms of another guy.
NICK
Ah, I figured it was too good to be true.
Nick nurses his drink as the picture fades to black.
BILL WOLFF
We'll return to Somerset in just a moment.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE FOUR
FADE IN -- J. Sullivan’s
The
scene is directly picked up from before the break, as Nick turns back
to his drink. What he doesn't see is the young woman hugging the guy,
and he walks out -- without the woman on his arm.
BARTENDER
Stand by, I think you’ve got company coming your way.
The woman bounds down the stairs and back into the bar area.
WOMAN
Hey stranger. Miss me?
Nick is a bit surprised to see her. She is wearing an orchid on her wrist, a corsage that someone got her from upstairs.
NICK
Hey there! I thought you’d left the bar.
WOMAN
What,
with that guy? (Laughs) Oh heck no, I was just saying goodbye to him.
He’s got a wife and two kids in Bethesda. Bartender, another vodka
tonic.
BARTENDER
Are you both sober enough? Just gotta check.
NICK
I’m fine, thanks. Dinner helped.
WOMAN
There was plenty of food upstairs. It'll wreck my diet, but...
At that Nick turns and looks the woman up and down.
WOMAN
Hey there, sexy. You wouldn’t be checking me out, would you?
NICK
With that figure? What do you think? Wreck your diet. Now I’ve heard everything.
The woman looks a little incredulous, but in a good way.
WOMAN
What are you implying, hot stuff? That I have a killer body?
NICK
I never said any such thing. (Smiles) Now the red hair, that's another story.
WOMAN
You
keep it up with those comments and I just might have to believe it.
(Drinks her vodka tonic) I just wanted to come down and have another
drink before I took off.
NICK
So soon? And what’s with the flower?
WOMAN
Yeah,
the party’s finally breaking up upstairs. (Looks down) My favorite
flowers are orchids. (Looks up) How are the Marlins doing?
NICK
Still trailing, 4-3.
WOMAN
Damn. That'll teach me to follow a team like Florida. I should give you something…
As
the woman is in her purse, there is a commotion behind them. A whole
bunch of people are coming down the stairs, about 30 in all.
NICK
What’s going on?
WOMAN
(Turning to see the group)
Now?
NICK
Do you have to go?
WOMAN
I’m afraid so. (Leans in and whispers in Nick’s ear) I had a really good time. It was great talking to you.
Nick gets a whiff of the perfume the woman is wearing.
NICK
Well, you smell great, that’s for sure.
WOMAN
Enchantress. I’m sure you’ll always remember it. (She runs her fingernails down Nick's right arm)
NICK
Wait...
Nick locks his hand with the woman's right hand. The camera gets a close shot of the two hands locked close, holding on tightly.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN
Come on, the party's just starting.
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN
You coming or not?
The woman breaks the grip and blows a kiss to Nick as she backs up.
WOMAN
Go Marlins.
Nick realizes the grand opportunity is slipping away.
NICK
Go Gators.
The
woman joins her friends as they rush out of the bar, older and younger
crowd alike. As the crowd goes down the street, she looks inside through
the glass.
Nick, nursing his drink, realizes what just happened
and he curses himself. He opens his fist, on the same hand he had held
the woman’s hand with, and -- nothing.
NICK
Damn. No phone number. No business card. No name. Strike three, you’re out.
The bartender comes over and pats Nick on the hand.
BARTENDER
Oh man, that’s tough. That’s the saddest ending I’ve seen since Love Story. Need a refill?
NICK
No. (Motions to the seltzer trigger) Hit me.
BARTENDER
Lean in. I don’t want to get the bar dirty.
As
Nick leans in, the bartender sprays Nick in the face with water.
Disappointing music plays over the final part of the scene as the
picture fades to black.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
The Somerset credits roll.
BILL WOLFF
This... was Somerset.
Men’s shirts by Nautica. Women’s wear by Junior Gallery of New York.
Stay tuned for Harpers Falls, which follows immediately over many of these same stations.
Join us each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset.
The preceding program was pre-recorded.
