SOMERSET EPISODE 8
Written by: Steve Ungrey
Original airdate Wednesday July 23, 2008
SCENE ONE
FADE IN -- Susannah’s house
We see a morning scene outside establishing that this is Grant’s Preserve before we fade inside to see Sam and Lahoma bringing a couple of suitcases to the doorway. They are on their way back to Oklahoma City.
Susannah knows this moment is coming, but she’s totally unprepared for it.
SUSANNAH
(Fighting back tears)
God, I’m going to miss you guys. Before we were always in the same city, even if we weren’t under one roof.
LAHOMA
Well…
Lahoma sniffles herself and laughs a bit as she hugs Susannah.
LAHOMA
You’re the one who decided she just had to go back to Somerset!
SUSANNAH
Mother, you’re not making it any easier on me.
SAM
Susie, you sure you’re going to be okay here? I mean, the trauma surrounding the accident last night and everything…
SUSANNAH
It wasn’t that bad. And I can handle George Cleypool and whatever he chooses to throw at me. (Laughs) Provided it isn’t anything bad.
LAHOMA
Well, you just call if you need an ear to bend, would you?
SAM
Or e-mail. Your mom forgets there are other much quicker ways to stay in touch.
LAHOMA
(Playfully teases Sam)
You do forget I’ve used computers before, dear. And Sam, if I didn’t know any better I'd swear you were trying to cut the cord.
SAM
No, dear. Just acknowledging the fact Susie’s more than ready to stand on her own two feet. She’s been ready. It’s just that…
SUSANNAH
Mom, Dad. I can take care of myself. And besides, Jack's pledged to keep an eye on me. He’s going to let you guys know if anything major happens.
SAM
Speaking of which, have you decided on Jack's job offer?
Susannah shakes her head, but she’s a bit confused at the same time.
SUSANNAH
I haven't decided completely, but I'm leaning toward saying yes.
She checks her watch.
SUSANNAH
You guys better get going if you want to get back to Oklahoma City. Your flight's in how many hours?
LAHOMA
Later this afternoon out of Chicago. Sam will be back in court tomorrow.
SAM
Lahoma dear, they can even start that case without me. I've got good associate help.
SUSANNAH
All right. If you need some advice, Dad, you know where to turn.
She gets a bit misty-eyed again.
SUSANNAH
You guys...
Susannah hugs both of her parents.
SUSANNAH
I'm going to miss having you here.
LAHOMA
We're a phone call away.
SAM
(Winks as he picks up the suitcases)
Or an IM.
Sam disappears out the door.
LAHOMA
You and your technology.
We see an outside shot of Sam and Lahoma at the car, waving goodbye to Susannah. She waves goodbye back as the car pulls down the street.
Susannah puts a hand to her mouth and then to her eyes, wiping the tears away. Susannah shuts the door.
SUSANNAH
(Looking around)
Hello, life as a single gal.
She goes toward the phone to dial Martin Enterprises, but before she can pick up the phone there is a knock at the door.
SUSANNAH
(Runs back to door and opens it)
Did you guys forget something?
Patrick peeks out from behind the flowers.
PATRICK
No, but it looks like my housewarming gift is only going to be seen by one person instead of three.
Susannah smiles as the sees the flowers, with accompanying light music taking us to the break. 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 the cosmetics of easy, breezy, beautiful Cover Girl.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE TWO
FADE IN -- Somerset Hospital
At Somerset Hospital, we see Victoria starting her shift for the day and she is at the front desk checking charts. She's speaking with another nurse, Taylor Kendrick, about her ice cream social with Alana the night before.
VICTORIA
It was the least I could do.
TAYLOR
Hey, you've got the right idea. If you can't get ahead in your job then (laughing) bribe the head nurse.
VICTORIA
It wasn't a bribe, honest! Alana's like family to the Petterinos and she's always said she's a bit lonely when she goes home at night.
TAYLOR
I know, I know. We've taken turns inviting Alana places. Men have bought her drinks. She appreciates the attention but I don't know if she's ready to move on yet.
VICTORIA
Well, I know one guy who would like to take her mind off of work. (Smiles) What's going on so far? Is it going to be a rough day at the Skeleton Hotel, as Patrick calls it?
TAYLOR
Well, that room over there…
Taylor points toward the corner.
TAYLOR
The patient in there is being discharged today if everything works out. Might want to give him a once-over.
VICTORIA
On my way.
Music plays as Victoria takes her equipment and a clipboard and heads toward the door. The scene changes.
DISSOLVE TO -- Martin Enterprises
Joanne, Jack's assistant, is sitting at her large front desk when the phone rings, jarring her from her work on the computer keyboard. She grabs her headphones and punches the front button.
JOANNE
Martin Enterprises, Joanne speaking?
CUT TO -- Sam’s car
SAM
Morning, Joanne. Sam Lucas. Is Jack around?
JOANNE
I wish I could say yes, but he had to go over to Johnson City this morning for a meeting on some property he owns. He’ll be back later today.
SAM
Oh, shoot. He told us his schedule can get a little crazy.
JOANNE
And I’m the one that’s here to clean it up a lot of times.
SAM
Tell ya what… do you have Jack’s cell phone?
JOANNE
He probably won’t answer it until his meeting is done, but I can give it to you.
SAM
(Memorizes number) OK, Joanne. Thanks, and tell Jack hello. Tell him not to work you too hard, either.
JOANNE
From your mouth to his ear. Have a good day.
SAM
You too, thanks.
Lahoma comes back to the car with two cups of coffee as Sam writes down Jack’s number. Sam starts the car and the two take off again.
LAHOMA
Did you get a hold of Jack yet?
SAM
No, Joanne said he was over in Johnson City. That man has come a long way from the junior executive I knew.
LAHOMA
You look so proud.
SAM
Well, I DID mentor him. It was one of the few things I did right when I was with Delaney Brands.
LAHOMA
Are you amazed at how far he’s gone?
SAM
And how far he has to go. I told Susie to keep me in touch about this mysterious project of his. I think it sounds very intriguing.
Sam notices Lahoma is still a bit misty-eyed in the other car seat.
SAM
Aw for pete’s sake… Lahoma, do you think we should move back to Somerset?
LAHOMA
No no, honey. I’m just used to having Susie be in the same city as we are.
SAM
You forget, for a few years she lived away from Oklahoma City.
LAHOMA
No, I didn’t forget. I just didn’t think it would turn out like it did.
SAM
Well, she came back to Oklahoma City for several years and now she’s expressed a desire to go back out on her own. I can’t blame her for that.
LAHOMA
Well… I guess we’ll have to let her go and watch her spread her wings, then.
SAM
We shall. Now let’s drink our coffee and rev our engines up to get back to Oklahoma. The busier we stay…
LAHOMA
The more we can let Susannah get off to her fresh start.
Sam and Lahoma smile as they drive along, with light music guiding us into the fade out. The picture fades to black.
We'll return to Somerset in just a moment.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
(We see “From These Roots” title card)
"From these roots grow branch, leaf, and flower, children of the sheltering earth, ripening into the tumult of the seasons--generation unto generation." One of daytime’s most cherished dramas is back. From These Roots, 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 Camay, the soap that feels like you’re washing your face in cold cream. Available in scented and unscented.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE THREE
FADE IN -- Somerset Hospital
The action is a direct pickup from Scene 1, as Victoria opens the door and sees a patient sleeping. The patient is Zachary Cleypool, and he awakens upon seeing a nurse come into the room.
ZACHARY
Thank God, does this mean I'm getting out of here?
Victoria hooks up Zachary to a blood pressure cuff.
VICTORIA
One second and I’ll find out.
ZACHARY
Wait, wait. Why are you checking me out there? I feel fine.
VICTORIA
Standard operating procedure… (scans chart) Mr. Cleypool. You may feel fine, but I'm the authority where that's concerned.
ZACHARY
Since when? (Catches what he said) Never mind. I trust you. Fire away.
VICTORIA
Now just be still. (Takes off the cuff) Normal there, that’s good. Have you had any discomfort or pain since the accident last night? What happened anyway?
ZACHARY
Oh, it was nothing. I was riding my motorcycle into Somerset to meet some friends and I had to swerve because I was in the way of a car.
VICTORIA
No pain in your extremities?
ZACHARY
Just a couple bumps and scrapes. Wanna check those out?
VICTORIA
Love to, but that’s not my job. I have to have an attending do that. Let me hand off this chart to the attending and you'll probably get sprung here in the next hour.
ZACHARY
Good. No offense, but I'll take my home over Somerset Hospital any day now.
VICTORIA
I understand completely. Think of how I feel having to be here every day...
ZACHARY
Yes. But you're getting paid for it.
Victoria smiles as she grabs the clipboard.
VICTORIA
So true. So true…
Zachary is sitting up in bed and looking a little impatient about when he wants to leave as the scene changes with accompanying music.
DISSOLVE TO -- Susannah’s home
Susannah is setting the flowers Patrick brought on the dining room table, making the perfect centerpiece for whenever she decides to have her first meal at home.
SUSANNAH
I'll have to tell Mom and Dad you stopped by. You just missed them.
Susannah looks up, smiles to herself and then turns to look at Patrick.
SUSANNAH
Or did you plan it that way?
PATRICK
Hey now, Susie. No ideas there. I intended to come over to bid your parents farewell and wish them a good trip back to Oklahoma, but I must have been a bit late.
SUSANNAH
No problem. (Goes toward the refrigerator) Want something to drink?
PATRICK
Got any cold pop?
SUSANNAH
I think so. I did some shopping for the basics yesterday before we met Jack for dinner.
Susannah checks the refrigerator.
SUSANNAH
And pop was one of them. Catch.
Susannah fires a can over in Patrick’s direction, surprising him. He drops the can because he wasn’t expecting it this quickly.
PATRICK
I guess I'll have to wait until the fizz disappears inside. I didn't know you had a rocket arm like that.
SUSANNAH
I wasn't all books and nerdy-looking sunglasses in school. Which you wouldn't have known because you went to school in Arizona.
PATRICK
Now what does that have to do with your law career? You forget I saw you when you were a teenager...
SUSANNAH
Ace pitcher, Bailey Grove High School Red Devils of Oklahoma City. We won the state title in my junior year, remember?
PATRICK
Ah, yes. You talked about playing softball the few times we got together as families.
SUSANNAH
And the couple times we went out by ourselves, I might add.
PATRICK
I might have to recruit you for the hospital's ball team.
SUSANNAH
And what makes you think I'd play?
PATRICK
It’s called networking. I’m sure you’ve heard of it.
SUSANNAH
You sound like Jack Martin. He uses that word a lot.
PATRICK
Yes. Now that you’ve met the great, the powerful, Wizard of Somerset, you’ll be speaking all that is good and grand about Jack Martin.
SUSANNAH
Not only met him, he offered me a job at Martin Enterprises in legal. He knew my corporate law background. Come to think of it, I don't know what the job will entail...
PATRICK
Well darn it. The hospital could have used an attorney like you.
SUSANNAH
Well, we'll be traveling in the same circles now, won't we?
PATRICK
I guess. Wait until I tell Mom and Dad who returned to Somerset.
SUSANNAH
You might be too late. Stanley was going to get in touch with Sam on a personal call and I'm sure that will be the first words out of Sam's mouth.
PATRICK
Well, then look out, Somerset. Susannah Lucas is here!
Susannah laughs as she takes a drink of pop and the picture fades to black over light music.
[i]We'll return to Somerset in just a moment. [/i]
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE FOUR
FADE IN -- Somerset Hospital
At Somerset Hospital, Mike has stopped by to check in on Zachary's condition for a small story in the paper. He is at the desk talking to Victoria.
MIKE
(Writing on notepad)
So there are no complications?
VICTORIA
Well, I really can’t say anything specific like that due to privacy issues, but you didn't hear from me that he's doing okay. He'll be leaving later this morning.
MIKE
Good. Another crisis averted for the Cleybank Corporation.
VICTORIA
You'll have this in tomorrow, Mike?
MIKE
Yes. Now obviously, if something changes, I'll check in with the hospital.
Mike digs in his pocket after he shuts off his recorder.
MIKE
While I'm at it, though, I might as well combine business with personal. (Produces note) Can you give this to a certain female?
VICTORIA
(Holds note to body)
Ooooo, I feel like I'm back in junior high school passing notes around the class. I'll make sure she gets this in her cubicle.
MIKE
Thank you, my dear. I'll be at the office and I might check in later in the day.
Victoria smiles as she turns to the cubicles.
VICTORIA
Okay, Mike. Have a good day.
MIKE
You too.
Mike hops on the elevator as the doors close.
VICTORIA
(Looks at note)
You don't know how lucky you are.
She puts the note in a cubicle. As she removes her hand, the camera catches the mailbox area and we see the note is meant for Alana. Soft, somewhat romantic music plays as we dissolve scenes.
DISSOLVE TO -- Zachary’s room
Zachary has gotten up and used the bathroom without any problem, but on the way back he bangs his left foot and ankle on the bedside.
Zachary grimaces at first, having banged himself pretty hard. He goes back toward the bed but we see his face contort in pain. He stumbles, falling down by the bed.
Zachary tries to get up, but he feels like a hot poker is pressing against his left foot and ankle. He notices it swelling.
ZACHARY
God... (Grimaces) Now you've done it, Zachary Cleypool.
It is obvious Zachary has broken something or at the very least suffered a bigger injury than he already had. A dramatic piano background accompanies Zachary as he tries to stand and fails. The picture fades to black.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
We see the credits of Somerset rolling.
BILL WOLFF
This... was Somerset.
Nurses wear furnished by Nurse Mate. Blouses by Regina Porter.
Stay tuned for Harpers Falls, which follows immediately over most of these same stations.
And join us each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset.
This program was pre-recorded.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Thursday, July 11, 2013
EPISODE 7 -- CONFRONTATION
SOMERSET EPISODE 7
Original Airdate: Tuesday July 22, 2008
Written by: Steve Ungrey
SCENE ONE
FADE IN -- Somerset Hospital
A dramatic piano background shows off the tension in the highly charged first scene, which is a direct pickup from Monday’s broadcast. In the last scene Monday, George Cleypool had been talking with Sam and Lahoma before Susannah came out.
When George sees Susannah, he immediately comes over and goes one on one.
GEORGE
(Yelling)
Are you the irresponsible fool who nearly killed my son?
Susannah appears momentarily shocked at George’s outburst, but she recovers her footing.
SUSANNAH
I drove the car, yes. But your son only has a few bumps and scratches... Dr. Kurtz said he’s going to be fine…
George comes in closer and gets right in Susannah’s face.
GEORGE
He could have been killed because of you!
Sam attempts to intervene.
SAM
Now wait one damn minute here…
GEORGE
(Turning to face Sam)
This doesn’t concern you!
LAHOMA
Mr. Cleypool, that is enough. How can you stand there and make accusations like that?
GEORGE
(Momentarily flustered)
Acc… ACCUSATIONS? Did your daughter hit my son or not?
LAHOMA
Susannah swerved to avoid something in the road.
GEORGE
Something? Oh, that’s just wonderful. You treat my son as if he’s some piece of trash or a paper cup lying in the road.
SAM
Had she not swerved, Mr. Cleypool, who knows what would have…
George whirls around to face Sam.
GEORGE
Don’t tell me you’re going to say who knows what would have happened. I know what would have happened.
He turns back toward Susannah as Jack steps off the elevator. Jack sees the commotion and can’t believe his eyes. For the moment he stays out of it.
GEORGE
This person who shouldn't be driving after having a few glasses of wine would have hit the motorcycle and killed Zachary. Why are you even driving??
SUSANNAH
Mr. Cleypool, your son is fine. He's...
GEORGE
(Raises his voice again and yells at Susannah)
No thanks to you! He's in a hospital bed because you didn't see him? DIDN'T SEE HIM?? How could you not see...
Jack decides he’s had enough. He comes into the waiting room area.
JACK
Well, well, George. I see you’re at it again.
GEORGE
What the hell are you doing here? Don’t tell me you know these people.
JACK
Well, golly George… I was going to say if you care to browbeat my friends, at least have the common decency to yell at a defenseless woman, wouldn’t you?
Jack gives George a sarcastic grin, and Susannah turns toward Jack.
SUSANNAH
Jack, I can take care of...
JACK
Susannah, there is no defense against someone like George Cleypool.
Jack approaches George, eyes narrowing. It is clear he and George definitely don’t like each other, much less being in each other’s company.
JACK
I believe you know your son is okay and that he swerved to avoid the car. Which was driving in a straight line and Susannah was not drunk. They were all fine and walking a straight line when I left the restaurant.
GEORGE
Wow, Jack. Plying your friends with a little booze and liquor. Is that the only way you can get support these days?
Jack smiles and begins laughing.
JACK
Oh no, no, no. George, I’m not falling for that routine. I suggest you save your voice for someone who really needs to hear it...
Patrick has come back from the exam area and sees the commotion, but he notices it is dying down so he intervenes.
PATRICK
Are you all about finished with your discussion, if that’s what they’re calling it these days?
GEORGE
(Turns to face Patrick)
Are you about finished with your smart-aleck remarks? I swear Stanley had more class than you did. Even if his brother was a common criminal.
SAM
Damn you… Mr. Cleypool, if you have any issues you need to take up…
PATRICK
Sam, don’t worry about it. I’m used to this. Your son is asking for you, by the way. He’s been awake and alert now for the last couple hours.
GEORGE
Thank you. (Points at Susannah) You have not heard the last from me. Count on that.
George exits the waiting area, leaving Susannah a bit shaken but none the worse for wear.
SUSANNAH
Man, Jack... what did you do to upset him so much?
JACK
To hear him talk, I destroyed this town.
Light music takes over for the piano background as the picture fades to black.
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 as the familiar theme plays.
[i]BILL WOLFF
This… is Somerset.
This portion brought to you today by Head and Shoulders. The shampoo that relieves problem dandruff and dry scalp for fresher, cleaner hair. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.[/i]
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE TWO
FADE IN -- Somerset Hospital
Jack and Patrick are making sure the Lucas family is all right as we resume the scene.
JACK
Is everyone all right?
SUSANNAH
Considering I just got examined by Patrick and told everything was okay, I think so. Although I’m beginning to think I need another checkup after this go-round.
PATRICK
I think you’ll be fine. Like I said, if you feel lightheaded in the next several hours or so don’t hesitate to ring me up. (Produces his business card) Keep that handy.
SUSANNAH
Wow! I feel so honored. (Playfully pushes Patrick’s shoulder)
PATRICK
You guys have time for a little catch-up session?
LAHOMA
Sure, Patrick. Is it your break?
PATRICK
Working a shift that takes me into the overnight hours, so yes... I need a meal in me. Come... I know you've eaten, but you need to see the hospital cafeteria.
SAM
Lead the way. I’m glad we ate.
JACK
I’m going to take my leave and let you guys get caught up. Patrick, good to see you again.
PATRICK
Always a pleasure, Jack. You sure you don’t want to stay?
JACK
I’ve had my catch-up time. Now it’s your turn. In the meantime, I think a clothes pin will take care of the stench in my nostrils known as George Cleypool.
Everyone laughs as Jack bids adieu and heads to the elevator. The Lucases and Patrick head down the hall to the accompaniment of light music.
DISSOLVE TO -- Grant’s Preserve
It is a quiet night out in the Grant’s Preserve subdivision as Rose is sitting outside on the back porch of her home, overlooking the family‘s spacious backyard. Giovanni arrives home and a door slams.
GIOVANNI
Rose... Rose, honey... where is my bella?
ROSE
Out here, dear. Enjoying a nice evening, or what's left of it.
GIOVANNI
Ah, I see. (Appears in doorway) There she is.
Giovanni comes over and takes Rose by the shoulders, planting a long kiss on his wife. It is clear Viagra’s not needed here with this couple’s robust marriage.
GIOVANNI
You look as good as you did the day we met.
ROSE
Yes. I recall I was slaving over a hot stove at the college cafeteria wearing just jeans and a T-shirt?
GIOVANNI
Oh, you know better than that. (Sits down) You were working at the pizza parlor just off campus. I came in and ordered a pizza with anchovies, mushrooms and sausage... And you were there with your long, dark hair tied back…
ROSE
So all these years I thought it was me, and it was the pizza. All these years I thought you couldn't resist me.
GIOVANNI
You too. (Kisses Rose) You looked so attractive with pizza sauce on the apron.
ROSE
And all these years later, here you are.
Giovanni looks around the house. Obviously only one of the three Petterino children are in Somerset, but he can’t believe the stillness.
GIOVANNI
It's a little quiet here tonight. Where's Victoria?
ROSE
I sort of encouraged her to take a pint of ice cream over to Alana's apartment.
Giovanni gives Rose a cockeyed look, as if he senses she’s trying to keep an eye on Alana.
GIOVANNI
Rose Giulia Albertson Petterino…
ROSE
Wow! I’m impressed. You haven’t called me that in months. You usually say that when you think I’m up to something.
GIOVANNI
I am. Are you trying to bribe the head nurse at Somerset Hospital to pass Victoria?
ROSE
Why, absolutely not. Alana's just talked lately about feeling a little lonely. She works long hours at the hospital and then she goes home for a bite to eat, a bed to sleep in and then she’s back at it the next day.
GIOVANNI
And this is your hint she should get out more? She’ll adjust. She should think about getting a cat... a dog... a companion to keep her company...
ROSE
Well, she DID have someone in her life, but it didn't quite work out.
GIOVANNI
I didn't say the companion had to be a male human being.
ROSE
Oh, I know. Alana can take care of herself, anyway. She's working all those hours at Somerset Hospital and Victoria really looks up to her. Besides, once Tori's up to speed, Alana's mentioned something about giving her more hours and taking some time to do other projects...
GIOVANNI
I know. Does she still harbor dreams of being Dr. Alana Singleton?
ROSE
No, she likes her nursing job. Now Tori... I think she could be a doctor in an instant.
GIOVANNI
Try again, honey. It takes how long to become a doctor?
Rose nuzzles and kisses Giovanni.
ROSE
Oh, you know what I meant...
The two turn and look at the sky as light music plays and the picture fades to black.
[i]We'll return to Somerset in just a moment.[/i]
COMMERCIAL BREAK
(We see “The Market” title card)
And you thought life at your neighborhood supermarket revolved around self-checkouts and how to stock the deli. You’re wrong. The Market. A completely different type of market than just groceries. Part of the Daytime Royalty lineup, weekdays.
(We see “Somerset” title card and hear a soft version of the theme)
[i]BILL WOLFF
And now, following station identification, we’ll return with the second half of Somerset. This portion of today’s program is brought to you by the moist, delicious desserts of Duncan Hines.[/i]
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE THREE
FADE IN -- Somerset Hospital
In the cafeteria at Somerset Hospital, Lahoma, Sam, Susannah and Patrick are around a table. Jack already has bid his friends goodbye for the night and returned to the condo.
LAHOMA
God, Patrick. I couldn't believe how that man acted.
Patrick sips from a cup of coffee and shakes his head.
PATRICK
George Cleypool, head of the Cleybank Corporation. He does a lot with the hospital, but he's got an awful bark. You didn't hear it from me, but I think he and his wife are estranged and that might be why he's acting like a...
SAM
Jerk?
SUSANNAH
(Laughs)
Good one, Dad. So how are your mom and dad, Patrick?
PATRICK
I just talked with Dad a few days ago. He and Mom are enjoying semi-retirement in Arizona. He's still at it, though.
SAM
Not surprising. Stanley was always a good doctor here in Somerset, and I was surprised to hear he married Teri. That happened after we left Somerset, right?
PATRICK
They wed here in Somerset. Her father had a stroke out in Arizona, and they both left Somerset to take care of him. When they were out there Mom found out she was pregnant.
LAHOMA
That must have been hell. She was over 40 when I knew her.
PATRICK
My mother was 44 when she had me. That was what was so shocking about it. They had me, and I must have been such a handful they stopped.
SUSANNAH
(Laughs)
I can understand that.
PATRICK
Hey, you already wanted my lab coat. You're pushing for the shirt, aren't you?
LAHOMA
Excuse me?
Patrick catches himself while Susannah blushes a bit.
PATRICK
Doctors' humor. Your daughter's always had the gift for the zinger where I'm concerned.
SUSANNAH
Not really. It's just good to see a familiar face. It'll make the transition to Somerset less daunting.
PATRICK
If that's the case (raises coffee cup) then I'll be glad to be of assistance.
SAM
Worth a toast to me!
The four raise their cups of coffee as light music plays into the commercial. The picture fades to black.
[i]We'll return to Somerset in just a moment.
[/i]COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE FOUR
FADE IN -- Petterino residence
Giovanni and Rose have gone by the staircase area, where the two are holding each other.
ROSE
You know, Tori still isn't back yet. You feel like being back in our twenties and fooling around a bit?
GIOVANNI
Just a bit? I was thinking…
Giovanni leans in and kisses Rose over and over before whispering something inaudible in her ear. The sound of it makes Rose look shocked.
ROSE
My, Giovanni, are you a naughty boy tonight. Come on up before I change my mind.
The camera dissolves to Rose kissing Giovanni as she unbuttons his shirt, and Giovanni is quick to strip Rose of the shirt she is wearing. It is obvious the couple has a healthy life outside the restaurant, which is a good thing.
Amorous music is playing, but we leave the scene before it gets too hot and heavy. The picture dissolves.
DISSOLVE TO -- Somerset Hospital
In Zachary’s hospital room, he is being held overnight for observation. George is by his son's side.
ZACHARY
Dad, I’m the one that made the mistake. I may have been in the other car's way.
GEORGE
You weren't over the limit, were you?
ZACHARY
Two scotches after dinner? Hardly. I was heading into town to meet some friends for beers and I never got there. If I didn't feel like driving back, I'd have stayed with a friend or had someone drive me back.
GEORGE
Well, Fenwick could have gotten you...
ZACHARY
Dad, Fenwick had already retired to his quarters for the night. I can take care of myself.
GEORGE
Humor me, okay? I almost lost you tonight. On top of getting divorce papers from Wendy.
Zachary gets an incredible look on his face.
ZACHARY
Well, the papers were the worst part of your night. It was only a small cycle accident. It wasn't like I crashed into a car and rolled over its roof. Dad... I know you're worried about losing me from the house too, but I'm not going anywhere.
GEORGE
Well, good thing. I need a partner in crime to assist me in my latest quest.
ZACHARY
Which is what?
We hear sinister music as the camera slowly focuses in on George’s face.
GEORGE
Making sure the one who nearly ran into you pays. Dearly.
Zachary looks at his dad with seriousness as the picture fades to black.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
We see the credits of Somerset rolling.
[i]BILL WOLFF
This... was Somerset.
Men’s wear by Nolan and Company. Shoes by J&M of New York.
Stay tuned for Harpers Falls, which follows immediately over most of these same stations.
And join us each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset.
This program was pre-recorded. [/i]
Original Airdate: Tuesday July 22, 2008
Written by: Steve Ungrey
SCENE ONE
FADE IN -- Somerset Hospital
A dramatic piano background shows off the tension in the highly charged first scene, which is a direct pickup from Monday’s broadcast. In the last scene Monday, George Cleypool had been talking with Sam and Lahoma before Susannah came out.
When George sees Susannah, he immediately comes over and goes one on one.
GEORGE
(Yelling)
Are you the irresponsible fool who nearly killed my son?
Susannah appears momentarily shocked at George’s outburst, but she recovers her footing.
SUSANNAH
I drove the car, yes. But your son only has a few bumps and scratches... Dr. Kurtz said he’s going to be fine…
George comes in closer and gets right in Susannah’s face.
GEORGE
He could have been killed because of you!
Sam attempts to intervene.
SAM
Now wait one damn minute here…
GEORGE
(Turning to face Sam)
This doesn’t concern you!
LAHOMA
Mr. Cleypool, that is enough. How can you stand there and make accusations like that?
GEORGE
(Momentarily flustered)
Acc… ACCUSATIONS? Did your daughter hit my son or not?
LAHOMA
Susannah swerved to avoid something in the road.
GEORGE
Something? Oh, that’s just wonderful. You treat my son as if he’s some piece of trash or a paper cup lying in the road.
SAM
Had she not swerved, Mr. Cleypool, who knows what would have…
George whirls around to face Sam.
GEORGE
Don’t tell me you’re going to say who knows what would have happened. I know what would have happened.
He turns back toward Susannah as Jack steps off the elevator. Jack sees the commotion and can’t believe his eyes. For the moment he stays out of it.
GEORGE
This person who shouldn't be driving after having a few glasses of wine would have hit the motorcycle and killed Zachary. Why are you even driving??
SUSANNAH
Mr. Cleypool, your son is fine. He's...
GEORGE
(Raises his voice again and yells at Susannah)
No thanks to you! He's in a hospital bed because you didn't see him? DIDN'T SEE HIM?? How could you not see...
Jack decides he’s had enough. He comes into the waiting room area.
JACK
Well, well, George. I see you’re at it again.
GEORGE
What the hell are you doing here? Don’t tell me you know these people.
JACK
Well, golly George… I was going to say if you care to browbeat my friends, at least have the common decency to yell at a defenseless woman, wouldn’t you?
Jack gives George a sarcastic grin, and Susannah turns toward Jack.
SUSANNAH
Jack, I can take care of...
JACK
Susannah, there is no defense against someone like George Cleypool.
Jack approaches George, eyes narrowing. It is clear he and George definitely don’t like each other, much less being in each other’s company.
JACK
I believe you know your son is okay and that he swerved to avoid the car. Which was driving in a straight line and Susannah was not drunk. They were all fine and walking a straight line when I left the restaurant.
GEORGE
Wow, Jack. Plying your friends with a little booze and liquor. Is that the only way you can get support these days?
Jack smiles and begins laughing.
JACK
Oh no, no, no. George, I’m not falling for that routine. I suggest you save your voice for someone who really needs to hear it...
Patrick has come back from the exam area and sees the commotion, but he notices it is dying down so he intervenes.
PATRICK
Are you all about finished with your discussion, if that’s what they’re calling it these days?
GEORGE
(Turns to face Patrick)
Are you about finished with your smart-aleck remarks? I swear Stanley had more class than you did. Even if his brother was a common criminal.
SAM
Damn you… Mr. Cleypool, if you have any issues you need to take up…
PATRICK
Sam, don’t worry about it. I’m used to this. Your son is asking for you, by the way. He’s been awake and alert now for the last couple hours.
GEORGE
Thank you. (Points at Susannah) You have not heard the last from me. Count on that.
George exits the waiting area, leaving Susannah a bit shaken but none the worse for wear.
SUSANNAH
Man, Jack... what did you do to upset him so much?
JACK
To hear him talk, I destroyed this town.
Light music takes over for the piano background as the picture fades to black.
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 as the familiar theme plays.
[i]BILL WOLFF
This… is Somerset.
This portion brought to you today by Head and Shoulders. The shampoo that relieves problem dandruff and dry scalp for fresher, cleaner hair. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.[/i]
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE TWO
FADE IN -- Somerset Hospital
Jack and Patrick are making sure the Lucas family is all right as we resume the scene.
JACK
Is everyone all right?
SUSANNAH
Considering I just got examined by Patrick and told everything was okay, I think so. Although I’m beginning to think I need another checkup after this go-round.
PATRICK
I think you’ll be fine. Like I said, if you feel lightheaded in the next several hours or so don’t hesitate to ring me up. (Produces his business card) Keep that handy.
SUSANNAH
Wow! I feel so honored. (Playfully pushes Patrick’s shoulder)
PATRICK
You guys have time for a little catch-up session?
LAHOMA
Sure, Patrick. Is it your break?
PATRICK
Working a shift that takes me into the overnight hours, so yes... I need a meal in me. Come... I know you've eaten, but you need to see the hospital cafeteria.
SAM
Lead the way. I’m glad we ate.
JACK
I’m going to take my leave and let you guys get caught up. Patrick, good to see you again.
PATRICK
Always a pleasure, Jack. You sure you don’t want to stay?
JACK
I’ve had my catch-up time. Now it’s your turn. In the meantime, I think a clothes pin will take care of the stench in my nostrils known as George Cleypool.
Everyone laughs as Jack bids adieu and heads to the elevator. The Lucases and Patrick head down the hall to the accompaniment of light music.
DISSOLVE TO -- Grant’s Preserve
It is a quiet night out in the Grant’s Preserve subdivision as Rose is sitting outside on the back porch of her home, overlooking the family‘s spacious backyard. Giovanni arrives home and a door slams.
GIOVANNI
Rose... Rose, honey... where is my bella?
ROSE
Out here, dear. Enjoying a nice evening, or what's left of it.
GIOVANNI
Ah, I see. (Appears in doorway) There she is.
Giovanni comes over and takes Rose by the shoulders, planting a long kiss on his wife. It is clear Viagra’s not needed here with this couple’s robust marriage.
GIOVANNI
You look as good as you did the day we met.
ROSE
Yes. I recall I was slaving over a hot stove at the college cafeteria wearing just jeans and a T-shirt?
GIOVANNI
Oh, you know better than that. (Sits down) You were working at the pizza parlor just off campus. I came in and ordered a pizza with anchovies, mushrooms and sausage... And you were there with your long, dark hair tied back…
ROSE
So all these years I thought it was me, and it was the pizza. All these years I thought you couldn't resist me.
GIOVANNI
You too. (Kisses Rose) You looked so attractive with pizza sauce on the apron.
ROSE
And all these years later, here you are.
Giovanni looks around the house. Obviously only one of the three Petterino children are in Somerset, but he can’t believe the stillness.
GIOVANNI
It's a little quiet here tonight. Where's Victoria?
ROSE
I sort of encouraged her to take a pint of ice cream over to Alana's apartment.
Giovanni gives Rose a cockeyed look, as if he senses she’s trying to keep an eye on Alana.
GIOVANNI
Rose Giulia Albertson Petterino…
ROSE
Wow! I’m impressed. You haven’t called me that in months. You usually say that when you think I’m up to something.
GIOVANNI
I am. Are you trying to bribe the head nurse at Somerset Hospital to pass Victoria?
ROSE
Why, absolutely not. Alana's just talked lately about feeling a little lonely. She works long hours at the hospital and then she goes home for a bite to eat, a bed to sleep in and then she’s back at it the next day.
GIOVANNI
And this is your hint she should get out more? She’ll adjust. She should think about getting a cat... a dog... a companion to keep her company...
ROSE
Well, she DID have someone in her life, but it didn't quite work out.
GIOVANNI
I didn't say the companion had to be a male human being.
ROSE
Oh, I know. Alana can take care of herself, anyway. She's working all those hours at Somerset Hospital and Victoria really looks up to her. Besides, once Tori's up to speed, Alana's mentioned something about giving her more hours and taking some time to do other projects...
GIOVANNI
I know. Does she still harbor dreams of being Dr. Alana Singleton?
ROSE
No, she likes her nursing job. Now Tori... I think she could be a doctor in an instant.
GIOVANNI
Try again, honey. It takes how long to become a doctor?
Rose nuzzles and kisses Giovanni.
ROSE
Oh, you know what I meant...
The two turn and look at the sky as light music plays and the picture fades to black.
[i]We'll return to Somerset in just a moment.[/i]
COMMERCIAL BREAK
(We see “The Market” title card)
And you thought life at your neighborhood supermarket revolved around self-checkouts and how to stock the deli. You’re wrong. The Market. A completely different type of market than just groceries. Part of the Daytime Royalty lineup, weekdays.
(We see “Somerset” title card and hear a soft version of the theme)
[i]BILL WOLFF
And now, following station identification, we’ll return with the second half of Somerset. This portion of today’s program is brought to you by the moist, delicious desserts of Duncan Hines.[/i]
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE THREE
FADE IN -- Somerset Hospital
In the cafeteria at Somerset Hospital, Lahoma, Sam, Susannah and Patrick are around a table. Jack already has bid his friends goodbye for the night and returned to the condo.
LAHOMA
God, Patrick. I couldn't believe how that man acted.
Patrick sips from a cup of coffee and shakes his head.
PATRICK
George Cleypool, head of the Cleybank Corporation. He does a lot with the hospital, but he's got an awful bark. You didn't hear it from me, but I think he and his wife are estranged and that might be why he's acting like a...
SAM
Jerk?
SUSANNAH
(Laughs)
Good one, Dad. So how are your mom and dad, Patrick?
PATRICK
I just talked with Dad a few days ago. He and Mom are enjoying semi-retirement in Arizona. He's still at it, though.
SAM
Not surprising. Stanley was always a good doctor here in Somerset, and I was surprised to hear he married Teri. That happened after we left Somerset, right?
PATRICK
They wed here in Somerset. Her father had a stroke out in Arizona, and they both left Somerset to take care of him. When they were out there Mom found out she was pregnant.
LAHOMA
That must have been hell. She was over 40 when I knew her.
PATRICK
My mother was 44 when she had me. That was what was so shocking about it. They had me, and I must have been such a handful they stopped.
SUSANNAH
(Laughs)
I can understand that.
PATRICK
Hey, you already wanted my lab coat. You're pushing for the shirt, aren't you?
LAHOMA
Excuse me?
Patrick catches himself while Susannah blushes a bit.
PATRICK
Doctors' humor. Your daughter's always had the gift for the zinger where I'm concerned.
SUSANNAH
Not really. It's just good to see a familiar face. It'll make the transition to Somerset less daunting.
PATRICK
If that's the case (raises coffee cup) then I'll be glad to be of assistance.
SAM
Worth a toast to me!
The four raise their cups of coffee as light music plays into the commercial. The picture fades to black.
[i]We'll return to Somerset in just a moment.
[/i]COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE FOUR
FADE IN -- Petterino residence
Giovanni and Rose have gone by the staircase area, where the two are holding each other.
ROSE
You know, Tori still isn't back yet. You feel like being back in our twenties and fooling around a bit?
GIOVANNI
Just a bit? I was thinking…
Giovanni leans in and kisses Rose over and over before whispering something inaudible in her ear. The sound of it makes Rose look shocked.
ROSE
My, Giovanni, are you a naughty boy tonight. Come on up before I change my mind.
The camera dissolves to Rose kissing Giovanni as she unbuttons his shirt, and Giovanni is quick to strip Rose of the shirt she is wearing. It is obvious the couple has a healthy life outside the restaurant, which is a good thing.
Amorous music is playing, but we leave the scene before it gets too hot and heavy. The picture dissolves.
DISSOLVE TO -- Somerset Hospital
In Zachary’s hospital room, he is being held overnight for observation. George is by his son's side.
ZACHARY
Dad, I’m the one that made the mistake. I may have been in the other car's way.
GEORGE
You weren't over the limit, were you?
ZACHARY
Two scotches after dinner? Hardly. I was heading into town to meet some friends for beers and I never got there. If I didn't feel like driving back, I'd have stayed with a friend or had someone drive me back.
GEORGE
Well, Fenwick could have gotten you...
ZACHARY
Dad, Fenwick had already retired to his quarters for the night. I can take care of myself.
GEORGE
Humor me, okay? I almost lost you tonight. On top of getting divorce papers from Wendy.
Zachary gets an incredible look on his face.
ZACHARY
Well, the papers were the worst part of your night. It was only a small cycle accident. It wasn't like I crashed into a car and rolled over its roof. Dad... I know you're worried about losing me from the house too, but I'm not going anywhere.
GEORGE
Well, good thing. I need a partner in crime to assist me in my latest quest.
ZACHARY
Which is what?
We hear sinister music as the camera slowly focuses in on George’s face.
GEORGE
Making sure the one who nearly ran into you pays. Dearly.
Zachary looks at his dad with seriousness as the picture fades to black.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
We see the credits of Somerset rolling.
[i]BILL WOLFF
This... was Somerset.
Men’s wear by Nolan and Company. Shoes by J&M of New York.
Stay tuned for Harpers Falls, which follows immediately over most of these same stations.
And join us each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset.
This program was pre-recorded. [/i]
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
EPISODE 6 -- A REUNION
SOMERSET EPISODE 6
Airdate: July 21, 2008
Written by: Steve Ungrey
SCENE ONE
FADE IN -- Susannah’s car
The first scene of the day is a direct pickup of Friday's final moments, with Susannah having just swerved the car.
SAM
Susie, were you a bit shocked by his job offer?
SUSANNAH
Not so much shocked as I was flattered, Dad. Jack’s right. I need to…
Susannah’s thought is interrupted as we see a brief flash of headlights.
SAM
Susie, look out!
Susannah swerves the car just in time to avoid a head-on crash. She pulls over and stops the car.
Lahoma recovers in her seat, a little worse for the wear but otherwise all right.
LAHOMA
How much wine did you have with dinner, dear?
SUSANNAH
Mom? You’re not implying I’m drunk, are you?
SAM
Ladies, ladies! Wait a minute. Susie, you’re OK?
SUSANNAH
I certainly didn’t have enough liquor to impair my driving. I'll get out and see what happened, if anything.
Susannah gets out of the car. She looks around and then she looks back several yards. What she sees horrifies her.
SUSANNAH
My God…
There is a body lying in the street face down, next to a motorcycle that is still running and intact.
She turns the body over... and we see it is Zachary. Susannah momentarily freaks before regaining some composure.
SUSANNAH
Oh my God… what have I done?
Sam bends down by Susannah as he checks out Zachary.
SAM
Susie, is he okay?
SUSANNAH
(Checking for pulse once again) Yes, as far as I know. He’s unconscious, but he’s stirring around a bit.
Zachary regains consciousness and starts to move his head and look around.
ZACHARY
Wha… whaaa… what happened? Where am I?
SAM
Don’t move. You don’t know if you're hurt or not.
ZACHARY
Relax. I feel all right. I’m just sorry I almost crossed your path.
We see blue and red lights illuminating their faces.
ZACHARY
Oh, boy, it looks like we’ve got company.
Ominous music plays as Susannah looks up and back at Zachary, who is conscious but still a bit dazed. The picture fades to black.
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 as the familiar theme plays.
BILL WOLFF
This… is Somerset.
This portion brought to you today by Crest. The only toothpaste with the seal of the American Dental Association. You can’t beat Crest for fighting cavities.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE TWO
FADE IN -- Jack’s condominium
For the first time, we see a more sweeping view of Jack’s condominium, which is located on the 24th floor of the Mutual Building and offers a grand, sweeping panorama of downtown Somerset from his patio.
His view of the town is spectacular, much like the vision he has for the community. He's looking down at the same building we saw on Friday and remembering the same piece of Glenn Miller music. His “Moonlight Serenade” is accompanied by a sip of scotch, but he’s momentarily startled by a knock on the door.
Jack leaves the patio and crosses the living room as the door knocks again.
JACK
Coming. (Hears another knock) Oh, hold your horses, whoever you are.
Jack opens the door to see Nick standing there.
NICK
Evening, Jack. Too late for a nightcap?
JACK
Well, Nicholas! Come on in. No, it’s not too late at all, I was just having one myself. I was just out entertaining my newest -- well, hopefully newest -- associate.
NICK
Someone finally answered your want ad after all these months, huh?
JACK
After doing everything but begging, pleading, cajoling and handing over half my company to this person... no, no, on a more serious note, I hope that she will come aboard. I need some help in the legal relations department.
NICK
Ah, hiring an attorney, it sounds like?
JACK
Yes. And someone to help with my company acquisitions.
He fixes Nick a Manhattan, which is Nick’s drink of choice, and hands it off to Nick.
JACK
Her name is Susannah Lucas. If she sticks around and comes aboard, there’s a good chance you’ll eventually meet her. And hey, she might even be worthy of your time and maybe your arm to walk her around Somerset.
NICK
What did I tell you about playing matchmaker, Jack Martin?
JACK
Just that you have to climb back on the horse eventually, even if the last bucking bronco left you with a shattered hip and broken bones and stuff. By the way, what brings you around these parts for a nightcap?
NICK
I was just headed home myself. Thought I'd stop by to see if you were around.
JACK
Well, good! Join me on the patio, my friend.
The two walk towards the patio with glasses in hand.
JACK
It’s actually a nice night out for the middle of summer.
NICK
I can’t complain. Central Illinois is always nice this time of year.
JACK
Are you looking forward to Thursday?
Nick’s mood instantly deteriorates at thinking of the trip he is taking.
NICK
The convention. (Raises one finger and circles it around) Yippee. Whoo-hoo.
Jack feigns mock indignation.
JACK
Nicholas Barclay, this is how you're going to make yourself known outside of Somerset. You've got a bright future ahead of you. It's called mingling. Mixing. Networking.
NICK
For that U.S. Senate job that may never come open?
JACK
You don’t know unless you try.
NICK
Well, Mike Wagner has said to me that his sources think I’d make a good political candidate. I could see myself making like Robert Redford.
Nick changes the subject.
NICK
Speaking of... I hear you talked to Mike earlier today about Project X?
JACK
That’s not what it’s called.
NICK
All right, then stop me if I’m warm. The Manhattan Project? Operation Bulldozer? Wrecking Ball Blues?
JACK
(Laughs)
Now you’re being sarcastic.
NICK
Well, what do you want me to do? Swallow a cyanide capsule and don't tell a soul what I know?
JACK
That would be very bad for your career prospects, my friend.
NICK
It beats being in limbo.
JACK
Now come on. Will you just relax? I'll let you know in due time. Mike doesn't know anything yet either.
NICK
Well, let me make another mean Manhattan and I'll hear you out.
As Jack and Nick head back to the wet bar, light music plays and we change scenes.
DISSOLVE TO -- Somerset Hospital
Susannah is on an exam table lying down, waiting to be seen by a doctor in the emergency room. She’s growing a little impatient that no one is around.
SUSANNAH
What the heck do you have to do to see a doctor around here? If this is how HMO's are going to be...
LAHOMA
Relax, would you? Nothing's going to happen. But honey, I have to ask something. Why were you so quick to have the officer administer a Breathalyzer on you?
SAM
It's called being smart, Lahoma. She blew a .04. She’s had a few drinks, but that’s not even close to intoxicated levels. She had three glasses of wine. By offering to take the breath test now it completely cancels the case the motorcyclist might have against Susie.
LAHOMA
(Turns with surprise)
Since when do you monitor your daughter's drinking habits?
SAM
Lahoma, we all had three glasses! Jack brought a second bottle of wine out for us, but we all had so much food that it muted the effects of the alcohol somewhat.
A doctor enters the room to check Susannah, but his face is buried behind a clipboard.
DOCTOR
And is this the patient I’m supposed to examine?
SUSANNAH
Look around, Doc. Do you see anyone else in here?
DOCTOR
Well, well. I see we have a patient here who…
The doctor uncovers his face and Susannah, Lahoma and Sam’s faces all smile at seeing him.
DOCTOR
Is all grown up.
Sam shakes his head.
SAM
Well, I’ll be damned. How many doctors are there in Somerset Hospital and she draws you?
DOCTOR
Not just any doctor. (He smiles and shows off his name tag) Patrick Kurtz at your service.
Susannah smiles at Patrick as light music plays and the picture fades to black.
We'll return to Somerset in just a moment.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
(We see “My So Called Life” title card)
Kyle experiences a memorable session with Dr. Grandon on the latest episode of My So Called Life; Return to Three Rivers. Part of the Daytime Royalty lineup, airing 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 of today’s program is brought to you by Pert, the shampoo plus conditioner that gives you bouncing and behaving hair.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE THREE
FADE IN -- Jack’s condominium
Jack and Nick are on Jack's couch watching a baseball game on TV and enjoying cocktails.
NICK
I wish the Yankees would do a little better this year.
JACK
Hey, they’re trying. The team that could be one to watch is Boston. Would you root for them in a World Series once again?
NICK
(With a bad accent) I could sip a little chowdah in Havahd Yard. Then again, where I'm at I better root for the Cubs or White Sox.
Jack nearly spits out his drink laughing.
JACK
A Boston-ite you are not. Leave the accent to the Kennedys. Hey, maybe you could see Washington’s team when you’re there later this week.
NICK
Wish I could, but they’re playing the Marlins in Florida. Maybe I’ll head someplace and watch it if I need to clear my head.
JACK
Do that. All work and no play makes Nick a dull politician.
NICK
(Sips drink)
I think I’m already there.
JACK
Well, don’t worry about it. Single or not, you’ll be busy real soon. I'm about ready to unveil some details of my project. I don't want too many people aware of what's going on, though. Don't want the enemy camps to get any ideas.
NICK
I know. Can't let Cleybank Corporation get the upper hand, right?
JACK
Not just George. There are a few others in Somerset who would like nothing more than to capture my ideas and make them my own.
He takes a drink from his glass and changes his demeanor, eyes steeled with determination.
JACK
And I, for one, won't stand for it.
NICK
Well, neither will I.
Jack’s phone rings once again.
JACK
Hold that thought. (Picks up phone) Hello?
Jack’s mouth drops open. Nick turns around and instantly suspects something is wrong.
JACK
Holy… are you guys okay? (Pauses) No, I’ll be right down, the hospital’s not far from me. Thanks for letting me know.
Jack puts down the phone and runs to grab his jacket.
NICK
(Rises from couch)
Hold that thought until later?
JACK
Yes. My dinner guests from this evening were involved in a minor accident on the way back. I want to go down and make sure they're all right.
NICK
Go. Get outta here. I'll head home and get a good night's sleep. We'll talk later.
JACK
Nicholas, pleasure as always. Thanks for understanding.
The two leave Jack’s condominium and head for the elevator as music plays underneath the scene.
DISSOLVE TO -- Somerset Hospital
Sam, Lahoma and Susannah are startled to see it is Patrick Kurtz who has come to examine Susannah. Patrick, the son of Stanley and Teri Kurtz, has been a doctor at Somerset Hospital for the last decade ever since he came back to town, just like Susannah did.
Patrick gets hugs from Lahoma and Sam and a hug and kiss from Susannah before he settles down to business.
PATRICK
So I’m in my office and imagine the shock I get when Taylor tells me who was just brought in here.
SUSANNAH
I’m fine. I swear everything’s all right.
PATRICK
Relax. Your prelim tests check out just fine. You didn’t hit anything. It’s Zachary that’s in rougher shape.
LAHOMA
Patrick, how bad is he?
PATRICK
(Smiles)
Oh, relax. It’s not too bad. He took a pretty bad spill on the pavement when he swerved to avoid you guys, but he’s going to pull through just fine.
SUSANNAH
What a relief that is. I couldn’t imagine how I’d feel if something worse happened.
Patrick gets a sheepish look on his face.
PATRICK
This is the part of the job where I have to tell Mommy and Daddy to leave the room for a bit. I want to look at Susannah.
LAHOMA
How much of a look do you want?
SUSANNAH
(Her head rises from the table)
Mother!
SAM
(Laughs)
Methinks the wine has gotten to Lahoma. We’ll be outside.
PATRICK
It’s nothing major. In fact, Susie, you can sit up.
SUSANNAH
Finally! Thank you.
Sam and Lahoma leave the room while Susannah sits up on the gurney, with light music taking us into the break. The picture fades to black.
We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE FOUR
FADE IN -- Somerset Hospital
We pick up with Susannah and Patrick alone in the ER.
SUSANNAH
Obviously I’d hoped to surprise you under better circumstances than this.
PATRICK
Hey, just be lucky you ended up with my bedside manner. Now then...
Patrick produces a stethoscope.
SUSANNAH
(Smiling)
Are you always this forthright with your patients?
PATRICK
Hardly. In fact, I won’t ask you to strip. Just the top button will do.
SUSANNAH
Well, all right. If you insist.
Susannah undoes the top button on her dress, enabling Patrick to briefly get a listen to Susannah’s heart at the same time he’s taking her blood pressure.
PATRICK
You happy to see me?
SUSANNAH
Why would you say that?
PATRICK
Because it‘s beating a little fast. Did you know that?
SUSANNAH
Relax, Dr. McDreamy. It’s not you. It’s a combination of several glasses of wine, almost being in a car crash, wondering how he was doing…
Susannah’s face relaxes and then she smiles.
SUSANNAH
But yes, part of me is glad to see you.
PATRICK
Well, good. Everything else is checking out fine. You're alive... You're good to go.
SUSANNAH
(Buttons her dress once again) I am?
PATRICK
Yes. Did you want to stay here? You're not dizzy... no headache... pulse is normal... I'd say everything' s good. But if you feel anything out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to come back here.
SUSANNAH
All right. Now when do I see you out of the white coat?
PATRICK
(His face snaps up from the clipboard)
I beg your pardon?
SUSANNAH
Hey, you asked me to undo one button. I think I should have the coat.
PATRICK
Can you spare me my shirt underneath? If you guys can stick around a bit I have a break for food coming and I'd love to see why you guys are in Somerset.
SUSANNAH
I think I can spare your shirt, although as I recall from our teen years you look pretty good without one…
Patrick’s face is getting a little flushed.
SUSANNAH
Now who’s hot and bothered? (Laughing) Well, I'm here to stay. It's Mom and Dad who are leaving tomorrow.
PATRICK
(Nods head) I'm impressed. I'll sign off on your chart.
SUSANNAH
Good deal.
Susannah hears commotion from the hallway. She quickly gathers her purse and leaves the room, only to see Sam and Lahoma engaged in a spirited conversation with another man.
The man, who turns out to be George Cleypool, turns around, veins ready to pop out of his neck. He takes his wrath out on Susannah.
GEORGE
(Yelling)
Are you the irresponsible fool who nearly killed my son?
Susannah is shocked, while Sam and Lahoma have frustrated looks on their faces, as the picture fades to black.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
The Somerset theme is playing over the closing credits.
BILL WOLFF
This... was Somerset.
Women’s dresses by Betsy Johnson. Purses by Coach.
Stay tuned for Harpers Falls, which follows immediately on most of these same stations.
And join us each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. This program was pre-recorded.
Airdate: July 21, 2008
Written by: Steve Ungrey
SCENE ONE
FADE IN -- Susannah’s car
The first scene of the day is a direct pickup of Friday's final moments, with Susannah having just swerved the car.
SAM
Susie, were you a bit shocked by his job offer?
SUSANNAH
Not so much shocked as I was flattered, Dad. Jack’s right. I need to…
Susannah’s thought is interrupted as we see a brief flash of headlights.
SAM
Susie, look out!
Susannah swerves the car just in time to avoid a head-on crash. She pulls over and stops the car.
Lahoma recovers in her seat, a little worse for the wear but otherwise all right.
LAHOMA
How much wine did you have with dinner, dear?
SUSANNAH
Mom? You’re not implying I’m drunk, are you?
SAM
Ladies, ladies! Wait a minute. Susie, you’re OK?
SUSANNAH
I certainly didn’t have enough liquor to impair my driving. I'll get out and see what happened, if anything.
Susannah gets out of the car. She looks around and then she looks back several yards. What she sees horrifies her.
SUSANNAH
My God…
There is a body lying in the street face down, next to a motorcycle that is still running and intact.
She turns the body over... and we see it is Zachary. Susannah momentarily freaks before regaining some composure.
SUSANNAH
Oh my God… what have I done?
Sam bends down by Susannah as he checks out Zachary.
SAM
Susie, is he okay?
SUSANNAH
(Checking for pulse once again) Yes, as far as I know. He’s unconscious, but he’s stirring around a bit.
Zachary regains consciousness and starts to move his head and look around.
ZACHARY
Wha… whaaa… what happened? Where am I?
SAM
Don’t move. You don’t know if you're hurt or not.
ZACHARY
Relax. I feel all right. I’m just sorry I almost crossed your path.
We see blue and red lights illuminating their faces.
ZACHARY
Oh, boy, it looks like we’ve got company.
Ominous music plays as Susannah looks up and back at Zachary, who is conscious but still a bit dazed. The picture fades to black.
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 as the familiar theme plays.
BILL WOLFF
This… is Somerset.
This portion brought to you today by Crest. The only toothpaste with the seal of the American Dental Association. You can’t beat Crest for fighting cavities.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE TWO
FADE IN -- Jack’s condominium
For the first time, we see a more sweeping view of Jack’s condominium, which is located on the 24th floor of the Mutual Building and offers a grand, sweeping panorama of downtown Somerset from his patio.
His view of the town is spectacular, much like the vision he has for the community. He's looking down at the same building we saw on Friday and remembering the same piece of Glenn Miller music. His “Moonlight Serenade” is accompanied by a sip of scotch, but he’s momentarily startled by a knock on the door.
Jack leaves the patio and crosses the living room as the door knocks again.
JACK
Coming. (Hears another knock) Oh, hold your horses, whoever you are.
Jack opens the door to see Nick standing there.
NICK
Evening, Jack. Too late for a nightcap?
JACK
Well, Nicholas! Come on in. No, it’s not too late at all, I was just having one myself. I was just out entertaining my newest -- well, hopefully newest -- associate.
NICK
Someone finally answered your want ad after all these months, huh?
JACK
After doing everything but begging, pleading, cajoling and handing over half my company to this person... no, no, on a more serious note, I hope that she will come aboard. I need some help in the legal relations department.
NICK
Ah, hiring an attorney, it sounds like?
JACK
Yes. And someone to help with my company acquisitions.
He fixes Nick a Manhattan, which is Nick’s drink of choice, and hands it off to Nick.
JACK
Her name is Susannah Lucas. If she sticks around and comes aboard, there’s a good chance you’ll eventually meet her. And hey, she might even be worthy of your time and maybe your arm to walk her around Somerset.
NICK
What did I tell you about playing matchmaker, Jack Martin?
JACK
Just that you have to climb back on the horse eventually, even if the last bucking bronco left you with a shattered hip and broken bones and stuff. By the way, what brings you around these parts for a nightcap?
NICK
I was just headed home myself. Thought I'd stop by to see if you were around.
JACK
Well, good! Join me on the patio, my friend.
The two walk towards the patio with glasses in hand.
JACK
It’s actually a nice night out for the middle of summer.
NICK
I can’t complain. Central Illinois is always nice this time of year.
JACK
Are you looking forward to Thursday?
Nick’s mood instantly deteriorates at thinking of the trip he is taking.
NICK
The convention. (Raises one finger and circles it around) Yippee. Whoo-hoo.
Jack feigns mock indignation.
JACK
Nicholas Barclay, this is how you're going to make yourself known outside of Somerset. You've got a bright future ahead of you. It's called mingling. Mixing. Networking.
NICK
For that U.S. Senate job that may never come open?
JACK
You don’t know unless you try.
NICK
Well, Mike Wagner has said to me that his sources think I’d make a good political candidate. I could see myself making like Robert Redford.
Nick changes the subject.
NICK
Speaking of... I hear you talked to Mike earlier today about Project X?
JACK
That’s not what it’s called.
NICK
All right, then stop me if I’m warm. The Manhattan Project? Operation Bulldozer? Wrecking Ball Blues?
JACK
(Laughs)
Now you’re being sarcastic.
NICK
Well, what do you want me to do? Swallow a cyanide capsule and don't tell a soul what I know?
JACK
That would be very bad for your career prospects, my friend.
NICK
It beats being in limbo.
JACK
Now come on. Will you just relax? I'll let you know in due time. Mike doesn't know anything yet either.
NICK
Well, let me make another mean Manhattan and I'll hear you out.
As Jack and Nick head back to the wet bar, light music plays and we change scenes.
DISSOLVE TO -- Somerset Hospital
Susannah is on an exam table lying down, waiting to be seen by a doctor in the emergency room. She’s growing a little impatient that no one is around.
SUSANNAH
What the heck do you have to do to see a doctor around here? If this is how HMO's are going to be...
LAHOMA
Relax, would you? Nothing's going to happen. But honey, I have to ask something. Why were you so quick to have the officer administer a Breathalyzer on you?
SAM
It's called being smart, Lahoma. She blew a .04. She’s had a few drinks, but that’s not even close to intoxicated levels. She had three glasses of wine. By offering to take the breath test now it completely cancels the case the motorcyclist might have against Susie.
LAHOMA
(Turns with surprise)
Since when do you monitor your daughter's drinking habits?
SAM
Lahoma, we all had three glasses! Jack brought a second bottle of wine out for us, but we all had so much food that it muted the effects of the alcohol somewhat.
A doctor enters the room to check Susannah, but his face is buried behind a clipboard.
DOCTOR
And is this the patient I’m supposed to examine?
SUSANNAH
Look around, Doc. Do you see anyone else in here?
DOCTOR
Well, well. I see we have a patient here who…
The doctor uncovers his face and Susannah, Lahoma and Sam’s faces all smile at seeing him.
DOCTOR
Is all grown up.
Sam shakes his head.
SAM
Well, I’ll be damned. How many doctors are there in Somerset Hospital and she draws you?
DOCTOR
Not just any doctor. (He smiles and shows off his name tag) Patrick Kurtz at your service.
Susannah smiles at Patrick as light music plays and the picture fades to black.
We'll return to Somerset in just a moment.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
(We see “My So Called Life” title card)
Kyle experiences a memorable session with Dr. Grandon on the latest episode of My So Called Life; Return to Three Rivers. Part of the Daytime Royalty lineup, airing 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 of today’s program is brought to you by Pert, the shampoo plus conditioner that gives you bouncing and behaving hair.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE THREE
FADE IN -- Jack’s condominium
Jack and Nick are on Jack's couch watching a baseball game on TV and enjoying cocktails.
NICK
I wish the Yankees would do a little better this year.
JACK
Hey, they’re trying. The team that could be one to watch is Boston. Would you root for them in a World Series once again?
NICK
(With a bad accent) I could sip a little chowdah in Havahd Yard. Then again, where I'm at I better root for the Cubs or White Sox.
Jack nearly spits out his drink laughing.
JACK
A Boston-ite you are not. Leave the accent to the Kennedys. Hey, maybe you could see Washington’s team when you’re there later this week.
NICK
Wish I could, but they’re playing the Marlins in Florida. Maybe I’ll head someplace and watch it if I need to clear my head.
JACK
Do that. All work and no play makes Nick a dull politician.
NICK
(Sips drink)
I think I’m already there.
JACK
Well, don’t worry about it. Single or not, you’ll be busy real soon. I'm about ready to unveil some details of my project. I don't want too many people aware of what's going on, though. Don't want the enemy camps to get any ideas.
NICK
I know. Can't let Cleybank Corporation get the upper hand, right?
JACK
Not just George. There are a few others in Somerset who would like nothing more than to capture my ideas and make them my own.
He takes a drink from his glass and changes his demeanor, eyes steeled with determination.
JACK
And I, for one, won't stand for it.
NICK
Well, neither will I.
Jack’s phone rings once again.
JACK
Hold that thought. (Picks up phone) Hello?
Jack’s mouth drops open. Nick turns around and instantly suspects something is wrong.
JACK
Holy… are you guys okay? (Pauses) No, I’ll be right down, the hospital’s not far from me. Thanks for letting me know.
Jack puts down the phone and runs to grab his jacket.
NICK
(Rises from couch)
Hold that thought until later?
JACK
Yes. My dinner guests from this evening were involved in a minor accident on the way back. I want to go down and make sure they're all right.
NICK
Go. Get outta here. I'll head home and get a good night's sleep. We'll talk later.
JACK
Nicholas, pleasure as always. Thanks for understanding.
The two leave Jack’s condominium and head for the elevator as music plays underneath the scene.
DISSOLVE TO -- Somerset Hospital
Sam, Lahoma and Susannah are startled to see it is Patrick Kurtz who has come to examine Susannah. Patrick, the son of Stanley and Teri Kurtz, has been a doctor at Somerset Hospital for the last decade ever since he came back to town, just like Susannah did.
Patrick gets hugs from Lahoma and Sam and a hug and kiss from Susannah before he settles down to business.
PATRICK
So I’m in my office and imagine the shock I get when Taylor tells me who was just brought in here.
SUSANNAH
I’m fine. I swear everything’s all right.
PATRICK
Relax. Your prelim tests check out just fine. You didn’t hit anything. It’s Zachary that’s in rougher shape.
LAHOMA
Patrick, how bad is he?
PATRICK
(Smiles)
Oh, relax. It’s not too bad. He took a pretty bad spill on the pavement when he swerved to avoid you guys, but he’s going to pull through just fine.
SUSANNAH
What a relief that is. I couldn’t imagine how I’d feel if something worse happened.
Patrick gets a sheepish look on his face.
PATRICK
This is the part of the job where I have to tell Mommy and Daddy to leave the room for a bit. I want to look at Susannah.
LAHOMA
How much of a look do you want?
SUSANNAH
(Her head rises from the table)
Mother!
SAM
(Laughs)
Methinks the wine has gotten to Lahoma. We’ll be outside.
PATRICK
It’s nothing major. In fact, Susie, you can sit up.
SUSANNAH
Finally! Thank you.
Sam and Lahoma leave the room while Susannah sits up on the gurney, with light music taking us into the break. The picture fades to black.
We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE FOUR
FADE IN -- Somerset Hospital
We pick up with Susannah and Patrick alone in the ER.
SUSANNAH
Obviously I’d hoped to surprise you under better circumstances than this.
PATRICK
Hey, just be lucky you ended up with my bedside manner. Now then...
Patrick produces a stethoscope.
SUSANNAH
(Smiling)
Are you always this forthright with your patients?
PATRICK
Hardly. In fact, I won’t ask you to strip. Just the top button will do.
SUSANNAH
Well, all right. If you insist.
Susannah undoes the top button on her dress, enabling Patrick to briefly get a listen to Susannah’s heart at the same time he’s taking her blood pressure.
PATRICK
You happy to see me?
SUSANNAH
Why would you say that?
PATRICK
Because it‘s beating a little fast. Did you know that?
SUSANNAH
Relax, Dr. McDreamy. It’s not you. It’s a combination of several glasses of wine, almost being in a car crash, wondering how he was doing…
Susannah’s face relaxes and then she smiles.
SUSANNAH
But yes, part of me is glad to see you.
PATRICK
Well, good. Everything else is checking out fine. You're alive... You're good to go.
SUSANNAH
(Buttons her dress once again) I am?
PATRICK
Yes. Did you want to stay here? You're not dizzy... no headache... pulse is normal... I'd say everything' s good. But if you feel anything out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to come back here.
SUSANNAH
All right. Now when do I see you out of the white coat?
PATRICK
(His face snaps up from the clipboard)
I beg your pardon?
SUSANNAH
Hey, you asked me to undo one button. I think I should have the coat.
PATRICK
Can you spare me my shirt underneath? If you guys can stick around a bit I have a break for food coming and I'd love to see why you guys are in Somerset.
SUSANNAH
I think I can spare your shirt, although as I recall from our teen years you look pretty good without one…
Patrick’s face is getting a little flushed.
SUSANNAH
Now who’s hot and bothered? (Laughing) Well, I'm here to stay. It's Mom and Dad who are leaving tomorrow.
PATRICK
(Nods head) I'm impressed. I'll sign off on your chart.
SUSANNAH
Good deal.
Susannah hears commotion from the hallway. She quickly gathers her purse and leaves the room, only to see Sam and Lahoma engaged in a spirited conversation with another man.
The man, who turns out to be George Cleypool, turns around, veins ready to pop out of his neck. He takes his wrath out on Susannah.
GEORGE
(Yelling)
Are you the irresponsible fool who nearly killed my son?
Susannah is shocked, while Sam and Lahoma have frustrated looks on their faces, as the picture fades to black.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
The Somerset theme is playing over the closing credits.
BILL WOLFF
This... was Somerset.
Women’s dresses by Betsy Johnson. Purses by Coach.
Stay tuned for Harpers Falls, which follows immediately on most of these same stations.
And join us each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. This program was pre-recorded.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
EPISODE 5 -- THE ENCOUNTER
SOMERSET EPISODE 5
Written by: Steve Ungrey
SCENE ONE
FADE IN -- Cleypool Mansion
Evening has fallen on Somerset as we pick up the episode at the same time Thursday’s left off.
Zachary and George are in the living room enjoying an after-dinner drink. Zachary reaches for the bottle of scotch, surprising his father.
GEORGE
Son, I didn’t know you were into scotch.
Zachary raises his glass and smiles.
ZACHARY
There's a lot you don't know about me. I enjoy a fine scotch... a cigar now and then...
GEORGE
There’s my boy, the spitting image! (Downs his scotch) Bottoms up, as they say. Thanks for sticking around and keeping your dad company through these last months. You didn't have to do that.
ZACHARY
No problem, Dad. There were times, however, when I almost felt like I took sides.
GEORGE
No one took sides.
George rises from his seat to refill his drink. He’s looking away, soap-style, and he shakes his head.
GEORGE
Wendy and I just wanted to take a break from each other.
ZACHARY
You refer to Mom like she's just someone you tossed aside at the curb.
George is slightly miffed at this remark and he whirls around to face Zachary.
GEORGE
Now how can you say that, son? I did no such thing. Your mom was the one who left. And she took Emily with her.
ZACHARY
Dad, Emily didn’t leave because of what was going on. She got that PR job in New York and wanted to experience life in the big city.
GEORGE
Mmm, yes. New York, New York. The biggest city in this country. Compared to New York, Somerset is a little stepchild.
ZACHARY
And how big is Somerset right about now? It’s grown a lot, hasn’t it? We’re up to 150,000 and climbing every day. Besides, Emily could have gone to Chicago. It's only about an hour and a half east.
GEORGE
I guess you’re right. If you’d seen this town 30 years ago, you’d have run screaming back to New York.
ZACHARY
I understand. Dad… if things are meant to work out in the end, they will. Both with Mom and with Emily.
GEORGE
One can only hope.
Zachary checks his watch and realizes he’s lost track of time.
ZACHARY
Geez, I promised a few friends I’d meet them in town. Better haul out the motorcycle.
GEORGE
Any idea when you’ll be back?
At that point, George catches himself.
GEORGE
Sorry, I realize you’re a grown man.
ZACHARY
I’ll let it slip. This time.
Zachary laughs as he walks out of the room. George chuckles to himself too, as light music carries us to the fadeout.
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 as the familiar theme plays.
[i]BILL WOLFF
This… is Somerset.
This portion is brought to you today by Jif. The only peanut butter with that fresh, roasted, peanutty taste. Choosy moms choose Jif.[/i]
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE TWO
FADE IN -- Giovanni’s
We see Giovanni’s exterior once again, as the camera advances toward the restaurant and we fade inside the building. There, Jack, Sam, Lahoma and Susannah are going over the latest in Somerset and his master plan.
JACK
Now, understand something. I don’t want to reveal too much now. But if I have my way, Somerset's going to have a big urban renewal coming. No building will be safe... well, except a lot of the old construction.
LAHOMA
You want to revive downtown Somerset?
SAM
Jack, this sounds like a big thing to do on your own. Do you have the financing for it?
JACK
Hopefully I can get it once economic conditions start to improve.
LAHOMA
So you admit you’re not quite ready to get this started.
Jack sips from his wine glass and shakes his head.
JACK
No, not quite. I do have plenty of money I can throw behind the project. Now mind you, I’m not a billionaire by any means…
SAM
But you are worth about what… $200 million right now?
JACK
Well, try again. When NutraSource approached me to buy Delaney Brands all those years ago, they wanted to pay me $425 million for the company. But I wanted to preserve the land under the plant.
SUSANNAH
Preserve. I get it. Is this how Grant’s Preserve came into being?
JACK
They lowered the offering price to $350 million because I wanted to keep the land. I sold it, and then I paid the price for it many months later.
SAM
Was that when Delaney Brands left town?
JACK
NutraSource essentially folded Delaney’s products into their own product line, closed the plant here and took all the jobs with it. They imploded the factory and the executive offices a couple years later. It was one of the darkest days of my life.
LAHOMA
But how could you have known they would do that?
JACK
Robert told me not to sweat it. He said the economy was going to the point where any company would have done the same thing NutraSource did.
LAHOMA
It’s nice that you had someone watching your back to help out.
JACK
Most everyone in Somerset was sympathetic to me. This town used to have a lot more manufacturing than it did. Then plants closed. Jobs were lost. Most of those jobs came back in other sectors, but for a few years Somerset was not a pleasant place to be.
SAM
So you came through it all right.
JACK
The last I checked my net worth, it was over $500 million.
Susannah nearly spits out her wine that she’s drinking.
SUSANNAH
I’ve never known someone with that much money in my lifetime. Now Dad’s doing pretty well, but…
SAM
Susie, honey, I’d have to work a thousand lifetimes to approach Jack.
JACK
But the thing Susannah will see… and I hope you have… is I don’t treat my money as if it’s my own. The project in question is going to transform Somerset.
LAHOMA
More than it’s already been transformed? We nearly died when we saw the skyline. It looks so much different than it did back when we lived here.
SAM
So hopefully you’ve got a plan in place to transform it even further, Jack.
Jack takes a drink of wine and then looks toward Susannah.
JACK
Yes. And I want Susannah to help me.
Susannah appears momentarily stunned at Jack’s proposal. A bit of stinger music plays on piano as the picture fades to black.
[i]We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.[/i]
COMMERCIAL BREAK
(We see “At End of Day” title card)
Four families in Glenview, Illinois experiences the trials and tribulations of everyday life in Daytime Royalty’s drama At End of Day. Part of the DRtv lineup, weekdays.
(We see “Somerset” title card and hear a soft version of the theme)
[i]BILL WOLFF
And now, following station identification, we’ll return with the second half of Somerset. This portion of today’s program is brought to you by White Cloud, the toilet tissue that gives you more sheets for less money.[/i]
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE THREE
FADE IN -- Giovanni’s
The scene is a direct pickup from the second scene, as Susannah is momentarily taken aback by Jack's proposal. She points to herself.
SUSANNAH
Me? What did I do to deserve this?
JACK
Susannah, Sam said you wanted to go into private practice. You're going to need something to keep you occupied while you hang your shingle. Do you have office space yet downtown?
SUSANNAH
Well, I do have an option to lease an office in the Wentworth Building.
JACK
Okay. You're going to need something to keep the money coming in for the short term. I'm looking for people to join my legal staff at Martin Enterprises. You help me, I help you. I will set you up with an office inside my office space, and you can eventually seek clients or accept new cases when you’re not dealing with Martin business.
LAHOMA
But Jack, Susannah wants to make it on her...
Susannah quickly hushes Lahoma, as she realizes Jack wants to put her on a sort of retainer while she works for Martin.
SUSANNAH
Mom, hush. Yes, I do want to make it on my own, but Jack's right. People here don't know me yet. Only one person remotely knows who I am, and I haven't had a chance to drop by the hospital yet to say hi.
SAM
(Smiles)
Oh, that’s right. Patrick Kurtz doesn’t know you’re in town.
JACK
You know Patrick, Susannah?
LAHOMA
Yes. They’ve kept in touch over the years and enjoyed a few dates here and there when we’ve been in the same town, but it’s been more off than on.
SAM
And there goes the social butterfly, hoping to have our daughter married by the age of 40.
All the while Susannah is looking a little embarrassed, but Jack understands.
JACK
Well, it’s a big city. But it’s small enough so that you’ll run into each other soon. Listen, you don't have to give me an answer right away. Sleep on it, talk it over. Sam, Lahoma, when do you leave?
SAM
We leave tomorrow to go back across the country. I'm due back in Oklahoma City middle of next week.
JACK
Okay. I'm sorry I have to be secretive about parts of the plan, but I haven't told too many people yet. There will be something in tomorrow's Register, but it's just sketchy details.
LAHOMA
All right then! I guess we'll have to be kept in the dark until you're ready to unveil the truth.
JACK
It won’t be long, I promise. Now then, shall we enjoy ourselves even further?
SAM
Hear, hear. Let’s eat.
The scene transitions as light music plays while the foursome discuss further things that are happening in Somerset.
DISSOLVE TO -- Cleypool Mansion
At the Cleypool mansion, George is smoking his pipe and studying some folders when Fenwick walks in.
George looks up and is surprised to see Fenwick standing there with an envelope in hand.
GEORGE
I thought you'd retired to the east wing for the night, Fenwick.
FENWICK
Well, Master Cleypool, I did.
He produces the envelope for George to take.
FENWICK
But I wanted to wait until Master Zachary was out of earshot to give this to you.
GEORGE
You didn’t have to leave this out, Fenwick. I could have had this with the other mail.
FENWICK
It was special-delivered earlier this afternoon, sir. And if it’s what I think it is, discretion is the better part of valor.
GEORGE
I see. Thank you, Fenwick.
FENWICK
You bet, sir. Good evening. (Turns to leave and looks back) And if you need them sir, the libations are still in the refrigerator.
As George opens the envelope, he sees the label and realizes it is from Wendy. Suffice to say she didn’t send a birthday or a holiday card -- these are legal documents.
GEORGE
I should have known.
George slaps the papers to the floor. He’ll pick them up shortly, but for now he can’t believe it.
As the camera pans down, we can see the documents are divorce papers from Wendy. The picture fades to black.
[i]We'll return to Somerset in just a moment.[/i]
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE FOUR
FADE IN -- City street in downtown Somerset, at night
We see what is assumed to be an exterior shot of Somerset, as Jack is walking along on a downtown street to head back to his condo. As he walks, he stops to look off in the distance. He is looking at the same area that he saw from his office in Monday’s premiere episode.
JACK
Look at you, my old friend. Look… at what you've become.
We can see he is not talking about himself. Instead he is staring at a building, which appears to have survived the test of time but is still a bit worn with age.
We can hear “Moonlight Serenade” one more time. Jack closes his eyes and smiles, as if he’s being taken off to an old familiar place, but he returns to the present just as quickly.
JACK
Just wait, old friend. It’s you. You’re at the center of this.
We continue to hear “Moonlight Serenade” as the scene changes and Jack walks away.
CUT TO -- Susannah’s car
Susannah, Sam and Lahoma are in Susannah’s car going back to Grant’s Preserve.
SUSANNAH
I have never been so stuffed in my life.
LAHOMA
Well, Jack certainly knows fine food. You'll have to go there every so often to keep us updated on Giovanni’s recipes.
SUSANNAH
That shouldn’t be a problem. Giovanni told me he lives a few streets away.
LAHOMA
Well, what do you know? Maybe you’ve already made some friends here in Somerset!
SAM
Susie, were you a bit shocked by his job offer?
SUSANNAH
Not so much shocked as I was flattered, Dad. Jack’s right. I need to…
Susannah’s thought is interrupted as we see a brief flash of headlights.
SAM
Susie, look out!
Susannah swerves the car just in time to avoid a head-on crash. She pulls over and stops the car.
Lahoma recovers in her seat, a little worse for the wear but otherwise all right.
LAHOMA
How much wine did you have with dinner, dear?
SUSANNAH
Mom? You’re not implying I’m drunk, are you?
SAM
Ladies, ladies! Wait a minute. Susie, you’re OK?
SUSANNAH
I certainly didn’t have enough liquor to impair my driving. I'll get out and see what happened, if anything.
Susannah gets out of the car. She looks around and then she looks back several yards. What she sees horrifies her.
SUSANNAH
My God…
There is a body lying in the street face down, next to a motorcycle that is still running and intact.
She turns the body over... and we see it is Zachary.
Shocked, Susannah bends down to feel for a pulse, with Sam and Lahoma running up behind her. Dramatic music is playing as the picture immediately cuts to black.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
The Somerset theme is playing over the closing credits.
[i]BILL WOLFF
Women’s dresses by Betsy Johnson. Men’s suit jackets by Alfani.
Stay tuned for Harpers Falls, which follows immediately on most of these same stations.
And join us each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. This program was pre-recorded.
[/i]
To see more episodes of SOMERSET, visit us at our new website: Soap TV! The best of indie soaps and fiction, all at a new location.
http://w11.zetaboards.com/SoapTV/index/
Written by: Steve Ungrey
SCENE ONE
FADE IN -- Cleypool Mansion
Evening has fallen on Somerset as we pick up the episode at the same time Thursday’s left off.
Zachary and George are in the living room enjoying an after-dinner drink. Zachary reaches for the bottle of scotch, surprising his father.
GEORGE
Son, I didn’t know you were into scotch.
Zachary raises his glass and smiles.
ZACHARY
There's a lot you don't know about me. I enjoy a fine scotch... a cigar now and then...
GEORGE
There’s my boy, the spitting image! (Downs his scotch) Bottoms up, as they say. Thanks for sticking around and keeping your dad company through these last months. You didn't have to do that.
ZACHARY
No problem, Dad. There were times, however, when I almost felt like I took sides.
GEORGE
No one took sides.
George rises from his seat to refill his drink. He’s looking away, soap-style, and he shakes his head.
GEORGE
Wendy and I just wanted to take a break from each other.
ZACHARY
You refer to Mom like she's just someone you tossed aside at the curb.
George is slightly miffed at this remark and he whirls around to face Zachary.
GEORGE
Now how can you say that, son? I did no such thing. Your mom was the one who left. And she took Emily with her.
ZACHARY
Dad, Emily didn’t leave because of what was going on. She got that PR job in New York and wanted to experience life in the big city.
GEORGE
Mmm, yes. New York, New York. The biggest city in this country. Compared to New York, Somerset is a little stepchild.
ZACHARY
And how big is Somerset right about now? It’s grown a lot, hasn’t it? We’re up to 150,000 and climbing every day. Besides, Emily could have gone to Chicago. It's only about an hour and a half east.
GEORGE
I guess you’re right. If you’d seen this town 30 years ago, you’d have run screaming back to New York.
ZACHARY
I understand. Dad… if things are meant to work out in the end, they will. Both with Mom and with Emily.
GEORGE
One can only hope.
Zachary checks his watch and realizes he’s lost track of time.
ZACHARY
Geez, I promised a few friends I’d meet them in town. Better haul out the motorcycle.
GEORGE
Any idea when you’ll be back?
At that point, George catches himself.
GEORGE
Sorry, I realize you’re a grown man.
ZACHARY
I’ll let it slip. This time.
Zachary laughs as he walks out of the room. George chuckles to himself too, as light music carries us to the fadeout.
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 as the familiar theme plays.
[i]BILL WOLFF
This… is Somerset.
This portion is brought to you today by Jif. The only peanut butter with that fresh, roasted, peanutty taste. Choosy moms choose Jif.[/i]
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE TWO
FADE IN -- Giovanni’s
We see Giovanni’s exterior once again, as the camera advances toward the restaurant and we fade inside the building. There, Jack, Sam, Lahoma and Susannah are going over the latest in Somerset and his master plan.
JACK
Now, understand something. I don’t want to reveal too much now. But if I have my way, Somerset's going to have a big urban renewal coming. No building will be safe... well, except a lot of the old construction.
LAHOMA
You want to revive downtown Somerset?
SAM
Jack, this sounds like a big thing to do on your own. Do you have the financing for it?
JACK
Hopefully I can get it once economic conditions start to improve.
LAHOMA
So you admit you’re not quite ready to get this started.
Jack sips from his wine glass and shakes his head.
JACK
No, not quite. I do have plenty of money I can throw behind the project. Now mind you, I’m not a billionaire by any means…
SAM
But you are worth about what… $200 million right now?
JACK
Well, try again. When NutraSource approached me to buy Delaney Brands all those years ago, they wanted to pay me $425 million for the company. But I wanted to preserve the land under the plant.
SUSANNAH
Preserve. I get it. Is this how Grant’s Preserve came into being?
JACK
They lowered the offering price to $350 million because I wanted to keep the land. I sold it, and then I paid the price for it many months later.
SAM
Was that when Delaney Brands left town?
JACK
NutraSource essentially folded Delaney’s products into their own product line, closed the plant here and took all the jobs with it. They imploded the factory and the executive offices a couple years later. It was one of the darkest days of my life.
LAHOMA
But how could you have known they would do that?
JACK
Robert told me not to sweat it. He said the economy was going to the point where any company would have done the same thing NutraSource did.
LAHOMA
It’s nice that you had someone watching your back to help out.
JACK
Most everyone in Somerset was sympathetic to me. This town used to have a lot more manufacturing than it did. Then plants closed. Jobs were lost. Most of those jobs came back in other sectors, but for a few years Somerset was not a pleasant place to be.
SAM
So you came through it all right.
JACK
The last I checked my net worth, it was over $500 million.
Susannah nearly spits out her wine that she’s drinking.
SUSANNAH
I’ve never known someone with that much money in my lifetime. Now Dad’s doing pretty well, but…
SAM
Susie, honey, I’d have to work a thousand lifetimes to approach Jack.
JACK
But the thing Susannah will see… and I hope you have… is I don’t treat my money as if it’s my own. The project in question is going to transform Somerset.
LAHOMA
More than it’s already been transformed? We nearly died when we saw the skyline. It looks so much different than it did back when we lived here.
SAM
So hopefully you’ve got a plan in place to transform it even further, Jack.
Jack takes a drink of wine and then looks toward Susannah.
JACK
Yes. And I want Susannah to help me.
Susannah appears momentarily stunned at Jack’s proposal. A bit of stinger music plays on piano as the picture fades to black.
[i]We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.[/i]
COMMERCIAL BREAK
(We see “At End of Day” title card)
Four families in Glenview, Illinois experiences the trials and tribulations of everyday life in Daytime Royalty’s drama At End of Day. Part of the DRtv lineup, weekdays.
(We see “Somerset” title card and hear a soft version of the theme)
[i]BILL WOLFF
And now, following station identification, we’ll return with the second half of Somerset. This portion of today’s program is brought to you by White Cloud, the toilet tissue that gives you more sheets for less money.[/i]
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE THREE
FADE IN -- Giovanni’s
The scene is a direct pickup from the second scene, as Susannah is momentarily taken aback by Jack's proposal. She points to herself.
SUSANNAH
Me? What did I do to deserve this?
JACK
Susannah, Sam said you wanted to go into private practice. You're going to need something to keep you occupied while you hang your shingle. Do you have office space yet downtown?
SUSANNAH
Well, I do have an option to lease an office in the Wentworth Building.
JACK
Okay. You're going to need something to keep the money coming in for the short term. I'm looking for people to join my legal staff at Martin Enterprises. You help me, I help you. I will set you up with an office inside my office space, and you can eventually seek clients or accept new cases when you’re not dealing with Martin business.
LAHOMA
But Jack, Susannah wants to make it on her...
Susannah quickly hushes Lahoma, as she realizes Jack wants to put her on a sort of retainer while she works for Martin.
SUSANNAH
Mom, hush. Yes, I do want to make it on my own, but Jack's right. People here don't know me yet. Only one person remotely knows who I am, and I haven't had a chance to drop by the hospital yet to say hi.
SAM
(Smiles)
Oh, that’s right. Patrick Kurtz doesn’t know you’re in town.
JACK
You know Patrick, Susannah?
LAHOMA
Yes. They’ve kept in touch over the years and enjoyed a few dates here and there when we’ve been in the same town, but it’s been more off than on.
SAM
And there goes the social butterfly, hoping to have our daughter married by the age of 40.
All the while Susannah is looking a little embarrassed, but Jack understands.
JACK
Well, it’s a big city. But it’s small enough so that you’ll run into each other soon. Listen, you don't have to give me an answer right away. Sleep on it, talk it over. Sam, Lahoma, when do you leave?
SAM
We leave tomorrow to go back across the country. I'm due back in Oklahoma City middle of next week.
JACK
Okay. I'm sorry I have to be secretive about parts of the plan, but I haven't told too many people yet. There will be something in tomorrow's Register, but it's just sketchy details.
LAHOMA
All right then! I guess we'll have to be kept in the dark until you're ready to unveil the truth.
JACK
It won’t be long, I promise. Now then, shall we enjoy ourselves even further?
SAM
Hear, hear. Let’s eat.
The scene transitions as light music plays while the foursome discuss further things that are happening in Somerset.
DISSOLVE TO -- Cleypool Mansion
At the Cleypool mansion, George is smoking his pipe and studying some folders when Fenwick walks in.
George looks up and is surprised to see Fenwick standing there with an envelope in hand.
GEORGE
I thought you'd retired to the east wing for the night, Fenwick.
FENWICK
Well, Master Cleypool, I did.
He produces the envelope for George to take.
FENWICK
But I wanted to wait until Master Zachary was out of earshot to give this to you.
GEORGE
You didn’t have to leave this out, Fenwick. I could have had this with the other mail.
FENWICK
It was special-delivered earlier this afternoon, sir. And if it’s what I think it is, discretion is the better part of valor.
GEORGE
I see. Thank you, Fenwick.
FENWICK
You bet, sir. Good evening. (Turns to leave and looks back) And if you need them sir, the libations are still in the refrigerator.
As George opens the envelope, he sees the label and realizes it is from Wendy. Suffice to say she didn’t send a birthday or a holiday card -- these are legal documents.
GEORGE
I should have known.
George slaps the papers to the floor. He’ll pick them up shortly, but for now he can’t believe it.
As the camera pans down, we can see the documents are divorce papers from Wendy. The picture fades to black.
[i]We'll return to Somerset in just a moment.[/i]
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE FOUR
FADE IN -- City street in downtown Somerset, at night
We see what is assumed to be an exterior shot of Somerset, as Jack is walking along on a downtown street to head back to his condo. As he walks, he stops to look off in the distance. He is looking at the same area that he saw from his office in Monday’s premiere episode.
JACK
Look at you, my old friend. Look… at what you've become.
We can see he is not talking about himself. Instead he is staring at a building, which appears to have survived the test of time but is still a bit worn with age.
We can hear “Moonlight Serenade” one more time. Jack closes his eyes and smiles, as if he’s being taken off to an old familiar place, but he returns to the present just as quickly.
JACK
Just wait, old friend. It’s you. You’re at the center of this.
We continue to hear “Moonlight Serenade” as the scene changes and Jack walks away.
CUT TO -- Susannah’s car
Susannah, Sam and Lahoma are in Susannah’s car going back to Grant’s Preserve.
SUSANNAH
I have never been so stuffed in my life.
LAHOMA
Well, Jack certainly knows fine food. You'll have to go there every so often to keep us updated on Giovanni’s recipes.
SUSANNAH
That shouldn’t be a problem. Giovanni told me he lives a few streets away.
LAHOMA
Well, what do you know? Maybe you’ve already made some friends here in Somerset!
SAM
Susie, were you a bit shocked by his job offer?
SUSANNAH
Not so much shocked as I was flattered, Dad. Jack’s right. I need to…
Susannah’s thought is interrupted as we see a brief flash of headlights.
SAM
Susie, look out!
Susannah swerves the car just in time to avoid a head-on crash. She pulls over and stops the car.
Lahoma recovers in her seat, a little worse for the wear but otherwise all right.
LAHOMA
How much wine did you have with dinner, dear?
SUSANNAH
Mom? You’re not implying I’m drunk, are you?
SAM
Ladies, ladies! Wait a minute. Susie, you’re OK?
SUSANNAH
I certainly didn’t have enough liquor to impair my driving. I'll get out and see what happened, if anything.
Susannah gets out of the car. She looks around and then she looks back several yards. What she sees horrifies her.
SUSANNAH
My God…
There is a body lying in the street face down, next to a motorcycle that is still running and intact.
She turns the body over... and we see it is Zachary.
Shocked, Susannah bends down to feel for a pulse, with Sam and Lahoma running up behind her. Dramatic music is playing as the picture immediately cuts to black.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
The Somerset theme is playing over the closing credits.
[i]BILL WOLFF
Women’s dresses by Betsy Johnson. Men’s suit jackets by Alfani.
Stay tuned for Harpers Falls, which follows immediately on most of these same stations.
And join us each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. This program was pre-recorded.
[/i]
To see more episodes of SOMERSET, visit us at our new website: Soap TV! The best of indie soaps and fiction, all at a new location.
http://w11.zetaboards.com/SoapTV/index/
Sunday, January 6, 2013
EPISODE 4 -- FEMALE BONDING
SOMERSET EPISODE 4
Writer: Steve Ungrey
SCENE ONE
FADE IN -- Alana’s apartment
In a section of Somerset near the hospital sits a complex of multi-story apartment buildings. This is the home to several dozen tenants, including one Alana Singleton, who lives alone in the complex.
Light music plays as we fade in on the empty apartment, but we hear a rustling of keys and an unlocking door.
Alana walks in with takeout food and turns on the light, setting the food on the counter. Pouring herself a glass of wine, we see her getting out the takeout she ordered and sitting at the dining room table.
Alana looks around and smiles.
ALANA
Home sweet home.
She’s just about to take a bite when the phone rings.
ALANA
How do they always know to call at dinner?
She rises from the table and heads over to the phone, picking it up.
ALANA
Hello?
Victoria is in her bedroom at the Petterino house, having an opportunity to take it easy after time on the hospital floor.
VICTORIA
Ahh, I see you answer your phone differently than "fourth floor, nurse Singleton" at home.
ALANA
(Laughs) Hey, Tori! I thought you were off duty.
VICTORIA
I am. Actually, I just stopped by the restaurant for a bit to check on things, came home, read a bit of LaVyrle Spencer and wondered if you were up for a little company.
ALANA
Ahh, don’t worry about it. You don't have to come over and keep me entertained.
VICTORIA
What if I brought a pint of ice cream?
ALANA
What flavor and what time can you get here? (Laughs)
VICTORIA
I take it that’s a yes. Mint chocolate chip it is and I’ll be over within a half hour.
ALANA
Fine and dandy. I’ll be looking for you then. See ya soon.
As Alana puts down the phone and returns to her takeout, she looks around and realizes this is the life. Opening the package, she begins eating -- light music plays and the picture fades to black.
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 as the familiar theme plays and announcer Bill Wolff speaks.
BILL WOLFF: From New York. This… is Somerset. This portion is brought to you today by mild Ivory liquid. Our creamiest, mildest Ivory ever. Still helps hands stay young looking.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE TWO
FADE IN -- Exterior shot of small restaurant building
We see the outside of a restaurant and hear cars honking in the background. It’s a busy night in Somerset as people are scattering to different places around the map.
The restaurant being shown is Giovanni's, downtown Somerset's finest purveyor of Italian cuisine. We dissolve to inside the restaurant, where Jack is meeting Sam, Lahoma and Susannah for dinner.
JACK
Gang, welcome to Giovanni’s!
LAHOMA
I can’t believe what’s been done with this place. It had a different name when Sam and I lived here in Somerset, but they had the best pizza I ever tasted outside of Oklahoma or Bay City. And I just loved the architecture of this building.
SAM
Yes. This is one of the buildings I vividly remember from our old days here.
JACK
Yes. I think the place was called Arturo’s before this?
SAM
That was it! Arturo’s Pizza!
JACK
Arturo retired about 25 years ago. Giovanni was one of the managers here and then he bought the building. Arturo ran an Italian restaurant here before he retired and Giovanni wanted to buy it right away and fulfill a dream of owning his own restaurant. He succeeded.
SAM
With your help, I’m guessing?
JACK
Actually, I wasn’t guilty of this. Giovanni and Rose did this all by themselves. Which was quite a trick considering they were building a family by that time. They’d already had Annabella and Johnny and I think Rose got pregnant several years later with Victoria.
A gentleman in his fifties, Giovanni Petterino, comes out from the back.
GIOVANNI
Bongiorno, Jack! (Grabs him and gives him a hug) Welcome to Giovanni’s!
JACK
Giovanni, your positive outlook never changes one bit.
GIOVANNI
And why should it? Mmm. Life is good. I see you've brought dinner guests?
JACK
Absolutely. Your finest table for four, if you do have one tonight. Nice to see the place so busy.
GIOVANNI
For you, anything. Considering you’re one of our oldest friends and you’re in here practically every day, even if it’s for a drink. (Grabs four menus) Right this way, my friends.
Giovanni seats the party at a big table for four and looks at Jack’s guests.
GIOVANNI
Jack, don’t be antisocial. And your guests are?
JACK
Giovanni, this is Somerset's newest lawyer, Susannah Lucas and her parents, Sam and Lahoma.
GIOVANNI
(Looking at Sam) You used to work in Somerset, didn’t you?
SAM
Am I that memorable a person? (Laughs)
GIOVANNI
No, I remember a Sam that Jack talked about many years ago. Something about an executive development program at Delaney Brands?
SAM
Then, yes, that would be me. I’m amazed you can recall back that far.
GIOVANNI
You probably guessed Jack and I go way back. Jack mentioned a few times about how your mentoring got him far in business.
LAHOMA
Then Sam must have done something right.
GIOVANNI
Right you are. Lahoma, it is so good to see you. (Looks at Susannah) And this is your darling daughter?
SUSANNAH
(Blushes) Charmed, I’m sure.
GIOVANNI
Ah, don’t mind me. Two darling daughters myself and a fine son. I’m a proud family man. You may run into Tori here soon.
JACK
Actually, you guys may run into each other before you know it. Susannah bought a house in Grant’s Preserve.
GIOVANNI
(Eyes widen) Wonderful! Now that deserves a bottle of the finest. Your choice.
SAM
Sure thing. Your choice, Giovanni. Susannah, Lahoma, that fine? (Both nod) Surprise us with something vintage.
GIOVANNI
Ah, good. Coming right up.
As Giovanni turns to head back toward the wine storage area, Susannah looks at the menu.
SUSANNAH
Well, there goes the diet. I can see where I'll be eating a lot when I need my Italian fix.
JACK
Provided they don’t feed you with other things. They have a tendency to cook and surprise their friends with way too much food to eat.
LAHOMA
It looks like this town has just exploded in growth in the last several years. What about other restaurants in the area?
JACK
Well, we’ve got Bernard’s just down the street. He runs a watering hole that also happens to serve some fine food as well. Some people tend to hang out there after work. We also have a couple good steakhouses, some Chinese...
LAHOMA
Oh, stop, you’re killing me already. What about the Hayloft and the Riverboat? Those were two really good places.
JACK
Actually, the Hayloft is Bernard’s. He bought it from Bill Greeley about 30 years ago and turned it into a one of a kind. They shut the original Riverboat down after all that violence years and years ago.
SAM
You mean AFTER Ike Harding’s death there?
JACK
Yes. It got to be a place where known criminals hung out. But someone rehabbed the original boat and reopened the property on Lake Sinclair several years ago. So same restaurant, new location.
LAHOMA
That was a nice place to eat.
JACK
Well, so is this. That’s why I wanted to bring you here. Eat. Then I tell you about everything I’ve got planned.
Susannah, Sam and Lahoma all have a look on their face as if they can't wait to hear it, as the picture fades to black.
BILL WOLFF: We'll return to Somerset in just a moment.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
(We see “Somerset” title card and hear a soft version of the theme)
BILL WOLFF: And now, following station identification, we return to the second half of Somerset. This portion of today’s program is brought to you by Bold Plus, the full-strength powder detergent with the fabric softener built right in.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE THREE
FADE IN -- City Hall
An exterior shot of a modern-looking office building is shown on screen. Somerset City Hall, which is located inside one of the city’s taller buildings that houses other government offices, is home to Nick Barclay, the youngest city manager in Somerset’s history.
We see Nick as he is getting ready to turn out the light after a long day on the job. Just as he's about to douse the lights, Mike comes knocking on the door.
MIKE
Don't tell me Somerset's youngest city manager is ready to call it a day.
NICK
You thought I'd be burning the candle at both ends as usual?
MIKE
Come on. You know the old saying. All work and no play...
NICK
Yes. Yes, I know that one. You're the one that ends up dull, unfortunately.
MIKE
(Feigns shock) Et tu, Nicholas? I just thought I'd stop by and drop off this folder.
Nick picks up the paper off his desk and looks at Mike a little strangely.
NICK
Somerset's Bid For Bachelors? Is that a hint?
MIKE
Hey, there will be bachelorettes there too. Sort of like Somerset’s version of The Dating Game. And it’s a fundraiser for the hospital.
NICK
(Looks it over) Now I remember this from a while back. And I should remember it for sure. How did you come across this folder? Don't tell me you're on the committee again.
MIKE
No, but they did leak me an advance copy. Relax, it’s not like I’m volunteering you tomorrow. I don’t think this is scheduled until October. They're still in the planning stages.
NICK
Good, because time right now is something at a premium.
MIKE
I hear you. Many hours in the day and not enough time to get everything done?
NICK
(Nods furiously) Don't you know it. Actually, I am looking forward to my first trip away from here next week.
MIKE
Ah, a junket. Let’s see, Nick. I better get out my notebook. (Reaches inside jacket) And just how is Somerset’s taxpayer money being wasted? Fruit fly research? The mating calls of Netherlands geese?
NICK
Stop, you’re killing me.
MIKE
I’ll be in Vegas all next week if you’d like to come see me.
NICK
Jack thought it would be good for me to get my feet wet at this convention in Washington. It's a convention for middle-population cities like ours. Mayors, city managers from all across the country are going to be there. It’s a way to network, that’s for sure.
MIKE
Ah, yes. Networking. Now are you any good at it?
NICK
Well, Jack’s hoping I am. I presume nothing will come of it, but it's not bad to get the name out there.
MIKE
So nothing eventful. In other words, perfect Register story.
NICK
Feel free to drop on by if you want a story on it.
MIKE
I'll be sure to come by when I'm on duty. Anyhow, take a look at that when you can. They’d love to have you.
NICK
I just bet they would.
Light music plays as Nick studies the paper, and we change scenes.
DISSOLVE TO -- Alana’s apartment
Tori has also brought takeout food over with her, in addition to a bottle of wine and the ice cream. The two are sharing the wine and eating their respective takeout.
ALANA
So what led you to ask if it was all right to come on over? Trying to score brownie points with the head nurses?
VICTORIA
No, not at all. Just need to unwind.
ALANA
I know that. Just giving you a hard time. Actually, you’re doing the right thing. You need to do this so you’re not constantly worrying about the hospital.
VICTORIA
You innocently mentioned something about going home, watching a DVD, chatting on the computer... I figured you could do that another night.
ALANA
I see. (Sips wine) And in the meantime, check and see how I'm doing here alone?
VICTORIA
Now did I say any such thing?
ALANA
(Sighs) Rose must really be worried about me.
VICTORIA
Well, she DID say it might be good if I checked on you.
Alana gets a sly grin on her face and laughs.
ALANA
Now the truth comes out. Tell Rose I'm doing just fine. I know how to relax, have a good evening away from the hospital...
VICTORIA
You know my mom. She just worries a bit, that's all.
ALANA
I'd have told you that you didn't have to drop by, but when you said the words ice cream I couldn't say no.
VICTORIA
Mint chocolate chip. You like?
ALANA
Me like. Open the box. Let's eat...
Alana and Victoria laugh as playful music fades us out of the scene to black.
We'll return to Somerset in just a moment.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE FOUR
FADE IN -- Alana’s apartment
We fade back in on Alana and Victoria each digging into a bowl of ice cream, knocking back and relaxing.
VICTORIA
I could get used to this.
ALANA
What, mint ice cream?
VICTORIA
No, the time away from the hospital. I'm not on duty again until tomorrow night, so I'm enjoying every last bit of freedom.
ALANA
Well, enjoy it while it lasts. As you get more years on the job, it seems like they want you more and more. Of course, I enjoy it.
VICTORIA
I do too. I keep telling myself when is enough enough, but I still have so much to learn.
ALANA
(Puts down bowl) And you're a fast learner. You'll be a pro in no time.
VICTORIA
Ah, I'm not worried. I'll be fine. Now you, on the other hand…
Alana shoots Victoria a dirty look.
ALANA
And just what do I have to learn?
VICTORIA
Just kidding.
Alana laughs, having been fooled by Tori's seriousness, as light music plays and the scene changes.
DISSOLVE TO -- Giovanni’s
Jack, Sam, Lahoma and Susannah are busy dining on Italian food and drink.
LAHOMA
Mmm... God, Jack, you weren't kidding.
JACK
Heavenly, or what?
SUSANNAH
No, I was thinking the other place. Sinful. Absolutely sinful. (Smiles) But good.
SAM
So Jack… you mentioned something in the office a couple days back about this grand scheme of yours, a plan that will turn Somerset on its ear. What’s going on with it?
JACK
Patience. Finish eating, and then you hear about the grand scheme of things.
SUSANNAH
To hear you talk, it's the plan that will change everything.
JACK
Exactly.
Jack smiles as he sips from his wine glass, looking intently at Susannah, Lahoma and Sam. Mysterious music plays as the picture fades out for the day.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
The Somerset logo reappears with the closing theme, accompanied by credits.
BILL WOLFF: Women’s dresses by Betsy Johnson. Sportswear by Alfani.
Join us each weekday at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. This program was pre-recorded.
(For more quality drama be sure to check out OnTV, a site often imitated but NEVER duplicated.)
Writer: Steve Ungrey
SCENE ONE
FADE IN -- Alana’s apartment
In a section of Somerset near the hospital sits a complex of multi-story apartment buildings. This is the home to several dozen tenants, including one Alana Singleton, who lives alone in the complex.
Light music plays as we fade in on the empty apartment, but we hear a rustling of keys and an unlocking door.
Alana walks in with takeout food and turns on the light, setting the food on the counter. Pouring herself a glass of wine, we see her getting out the takeout she ordered and sitting at the dining room table.
Alana looks around and smiles.
ALANA
Home sweet home.
She’s just about to take a bite when the phone rings.
ALANA
How do they always know to call at dinner?
She rises from the table and heads over to the phone, picking it up.
ALANA
Hello?
Victoria is in her bedroom at the Petterino house, having an opportunity to take it easy after time on the hospital floor.
VICTORIA
Ahh, I see you answer your phone differently than "fourth floor, nurse Singleton" at home.
ALANA
(Laughs) Hey, Tori! I thought you were off duty.
VICTORIA
I am. Actually, I just stopped by the restaurant for a bit to check on things, came home, read a bit of LaVyrle Spencer and wondered if you were up for a little company.
ALANA
Ahh, don’t worry about it. You don't have to come over and keep me entertained.
VICTORIA
What if I brought a pint of ice cream?
ALANA
What flavor and what time can you get here? (Laughs)
VICTORIA
I take it that’s a yes. Mint chocolate chip it is and I’ll be over within a half hour.
ALANA
Fine and dandy. I’ll be looking for you then. See ya soon.
As Alana puts down the phone and returns to her takeout, she looks around and realizes this is the life. Opening the package, she begins eating -- light music plays and the picture fades to black.
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 as the familiar theme plays and announcer Bill Wolff speaks.
BILL WOLFF: From New York. This… is Somerset. This portion is brought to you today by mild Ivory liquid. Our creamiest, mildest Ivory ever. Still helps hands stay young looking.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE TWO
FADE IN -- Exterior shot of small restaurant building
We see the outside of a restaurant and hear cars honking in the background. It’s a busy night in Somerset as people are scattering to different places around the map.
The restaurant being shown is Giovanni's, downtown Somerset's finest purveyor of Italian cuisine. We dissolve to inside the restaurant, where Jack is meeting Sam, Lahoma and Susannah for dinner.
JACK
Gang, welcome to Giovanni’s!
LAHOMA
I can’t believe what’s been done with this place. It had a different name when Sam and I lived here in Somerset, but they had the best pizza I ever tasted outside of Oklahoma or Bay City. And I just loved the architecture of this building.
SAM
Yes. This is one of the buildings I vividly remember from our old days here.
JACK
Yes. I think the place was called Arturo’s before this?
SAM
That was it! Arturo’s Pizza!
JACK
Arturo retired about 25 years ago. Giovanni was one of the managers here and then he bought the building. Arturo ran an Italian restaurant here before he retired and Giovanni wanted to buy it right away and fulfill a dream of owning his own restaurant. He succeeded.
SAM
With your help, I’m guessing?
JACK
Actually, I wasn’t guilty of this. Giovanni and Rose did this all by themselves. Which was quite a trick considering they were building a family by that time. They’d already had Annabella and Johnny and I think Rose got pregnant several years later with Victoria.
A gentleman in his fifties, Giovanni Petterino, comes out from the back.
GIOVANNI
Bongiorno, Jack! (Grabs him and gives him a hug) Welcome to Giovanni’s!
JACK
Giovanni, your positive outlook never changes one bit.
GIOVANNI
And why should it? Mmm. Life is good. I see you've brought dinner guests?
JACK
Absolutely. Your finest table for four, if you do have one tonight. Nice to see the place so busy.
GIOVANNI
For you, anything. Considering you’re one of our oldest friends and you’re in here practically every day, even if it’s for a drink. (Grabs four menus) Right this way, my friends.
Giovanni seats the party at a big table for four and looks at Jack’s guests.
GIOVANNI
Jack, don’t be antisocial. And your guests are?
JACK
Giovanni, this is Somerset's newest lawyer, Susannah Lucas and her parents, Sam and Lahoma.
GIOVANNI
(Looking at Sam) You used to work in Somerset, didn’t you?
SAM
Am I that memorable a person? (Laughs)
GIOVANNI
No, I remember a Sam that Jack talked about many years ago. Something about an executive development program at Delaney Brands?
SAM
Then, yes, that would be me. I’m amazed you can recall back that far.
GIOVANNI
You probably guessed Jack and I go way back. Jack mentioned a few times about how your mentoring got him far in business.
LAHOMA
Then Sam must have done something right.
GIOVANNI
Right you are. Lahoma, it is so good to see you. (Looks at Susannah) And this is your darling daughter?
SUSANNAH
(Blushes) Charmed, I’m sure.
GIOVANNI
Ah, don’t mind me. Two darling daughters myself and a fine son. I’m a proud family man. You may run into Tori here soon.
JACK
Actually, you guys may run into each other before you know it. Susannah bought a house in Grant’s Preserve.
GIOVANNI
(Eyes widen) Wonderful! Now that deserves a bottle of the finest. Your choice.
SAM
Sure thing. Your choice, Giovanni. Susannah, Lahoma, that fine? (Both nod) Surprise us with something vintage.
GIOVANNI
Ah, good. Coming right up.
As Giovanni turns to head back toward the wine storage area, Susannah looks at the menu.
SUSANNAH
Well, there goes the diet. I can see where I'll be eating a lot when I need my Italian fix.
JACK
Provided they don’t feed you with other things. They have a tendency to cook and surprise their friends with way too much food to eat.
LAHOMA
It looks like this town has just exploded in growth in the last several years. What about other restaurants in the area?
JACK
Well, we’ve got Bernard’s just down the street. He runs a watering hole that also happens to serve some fine food as well. Some people tend to hang out there after work. We also have a couple good steakhouses, some Chinese...
LAHOMA
Oh, stop, you’re killing me already. What about the Hayloft and the Riverboat? Those were two really good places.
JACK
Actually, the Hayloft is Bernard’s. He bought it from Bill Greeley about 30 years ago and turned it into a one of a kind. They shut the original Riverboat down after all that violence years and years ago.
SAM
You mean AFTER Ike Harding’s death there?
JACK
Yes. It got to be a place where known criminals hung out. But someone rehabbed the original boat and reopened the property on Lake Sinclair several years ago. So same restaurant, new location.
LAHOMA
That was a nice place to eat.
JACK
Well, so is this. That’s why I wanted to bring you here. Eat. Then I tell you about everything I’ve got planned.
Susannah, Sam and Lahoma all have a look on their face as if they can't wait to hear it, as the picture fades to black.
BILL WOLFF: We'll return to Somerset in just a moment.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
(We see “Somerset” title card and hear a soft version of the theme)
BILL WOLFF: And now, following station identification, we return to the second half of Somerset. This portion of today’s program is brought to you by Bold Plus, the full-strength powder detergent with the fabric softener built right in.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE THREE
FADE IN -- City Hall
An exterior shot of a modern-looking office building is shown on screen. Somerset City Hall, which is located inside one of the city’s taller buildings that houses other government offices, is home to Nick Barclay, the youngest city manager in Somerset’s history.
We see Nick as he is getting ready to turn out the light after a long day on the job. Just as he's about to douse the lights, Mike comes knocking on the door.
MIKE
Don't tell me Somerset's youngest city manager is ready to call it a day.
NICK
You thought I'd be burning the candle at both ends as usual?
MIKE
Come on. You know the old saying. All work and no play...
NICK
Yes. Yes, I know that one. You're the one that ends up dull, unfortunately.
MIKE
(Feigns shock) Et tu, Nicholas? I just thought I'd stop by and drop off this folder.
Nick picks up the paper off his desk and looks at Mike a little strangely.
NICK
Somerset's Bid For Bachelors? Is that a hint?
MIKE
Hey, there will be bachelorettes there too. Sort of like Somerset’s version of The Dating Game. And it’s a fundraiser for the hospital.
NICK
(Looks it over) Now I remember this from a while back. And I should remember it for sure. How did you come across this folder? Don't tell me you're on the committee again.
MIKE
No, but they did leak me an advance copy. Relax, it’s not like I’m volunteering you tomorrow. I don’t think this is scheduled until October. They're still in the planning stages.
NICK
Good, because time right now is something at a premium.
MIKE
I hear you. Many hours in the day and not enough time to get everything done?
NICK
(Nods furiously) Don't you know it. Actually, I am looking forward to my first trip away from here next week.
MIKE
Ah, a junket. Let’s see, Nick. I better get out my notebook. (Reaches inside jacket) And just how is Somerset’s taxpayer money being wasted? Fruit fly research? The mating calls of Netherlands geese?
NICK
Stop, you’re killing me.
MIKE
I’ll be in Vegas all next week if you’d like to come see me.
NICK
Jack thought it would be good for me to get my feet wet at this convention in Washington. It's a convention for middle-population cities like ours. Mayors, city managers from all across the country are going to be there. It’s a way to network, that’s for sure.
MIKE
Ah, yes. Networking. Now are you any good at it?
NICK
Well, Jack’s hoping I am. I presume nothing will come of it, but it's not bad to get the name out there.
MIKE
So nothing eventful. In other words, perfect Register story.
NICK
Feel free to drop on by if you want a story on it.
MIKE
I'll be sure to come by when I'm on duty. Anyhow, take a look at that when you can. They’d love to have you.
NICK
I just bet they would.
Light music plays as Nick studies the paper, and we change scenes.
DISSOLVE TO -- Alana’s apartment
Tori has also brought takeout food over with her, in addition to a bottle of wine and the ice cream. The two are sharing the wine and eating their respective takeout.
ALANA
So what led you to ask if it was all right to come on over? Trying to score brownie points with the head nurses?
VICTORIA
No, not at all. Just need to unwind.
ALANA
I know that. Just giving you a hard time. Actually, you’re doing the right thing. You need to do this so you’re not constantly worrying about the hospital.
VICTORIA
You innocently mentioned something about going home, watching a DVD, chatting on the computer... I figured you could do that another night.
ALANA
I see. (Sips wine) And in the meantime, check and see how I'm doing here alone?
VICTORIA
Now did I say any such thing?
ALANA
(Sighs) Rose must really be worried about me.
VICTORIA
Well, she DID say it might be good if I checked on you.
Alana gets a sly grin on her face and laughs.
ALANA
Now the truth comes out. Tell Rose I'm doing just fine. I know how to relax, have a good evening away from the hospital...
VICTORIA
You know my mom. She just worries a bit, that's all.
ALANA
I'd have told you that you didn't have to drop by, but when you said the words ice cream I couldn't say no.
VICTORIA
Mint chocolate chip. You like?
ALANA
Me like. Open the box. Let's eat...
Alana and Victoria laugh as playful music fades us out of the scene to black.
We'll return to Somerset in just a moment.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE FOUR
FADE IN -- Alana’s apartment
We fade back in on Alana and Victoria each digging into a bowl of ice cream, knocking back and relaxing.
VICTORIA
I could get used to this.
ALANA
What, mint ice cream?
VICTORIA
No, the time away from the hospital. I'm not on duty again until tomorrow night, so I'm enjoying every last bit of freedom.
ALANA
Well, enjoy it while it lasts. As you get more years on the job, it seems like they want you more and more. Of course, I enjoy it.
VICTORIA
I do too. I keep telling myself when is enough enough, but I still have so much to learn.
ALANA
(Puts down bowl) And you're a fast learner. You'll be a pro in no time.
VICTORIA
Ah, I'm not worried. I'll be fine. Now you, on the other hand…
Alana shoots Victoria a dirty look.
ALANA
And just what do I have to learn?
VICTORIA
Just kidding.
Alana laughs, having been fooled by Tori's seriousness, as light music plays and the scene changes.
DISSOLVE TO -- Giovanni’s
Jack, Sam, Lahoma and Susannah are busy dining on Italian food and drink.
LAHOMA
Mmm... God, Jack, you weren't kidding.
JACK
Heavenly, or what?
SUSANNAH
No, I was thinking the other place. Sinful. Absolutely sinful. (Smiles) But good.
SAM
So Jack… you mentioned something in the office a couple days back about this grand scheme of yours, a plan that will turn Somerset on its ear. What’s going on with it?
JACK
Patience. Finish eating, and then you hear about the grand scheme of things.
SUSANNAH
To hear you talk, it's the plan that will change everything.
JACK
Exactly.
Jack smiles as he sips from his wine glass, looking intently at Susannah, Lahoma and Sam. Mysterious music plays as the picture fades out for the day.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
The Somerset logo reappears with the closing theme, accompanied by credits.
BILL WOLFF: Women’s dresses by Betsy Johnson. Sportswear by Alfani.
Join us each weekday at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. This program was pre-recorded.
(For more quality drama be sure to check out OnTV, a site often imitated but NEVER duplicated.)
Thursday, January 3, 2013
EPISODE 3 -- OLD MEMORIES
SOMERSET EPISODE 3
Writer: Steve Ungrey
SCENE ONE
FADE IN -- Cleypool Mansion
We see a shot of an imposing Gothic-style mansion nestled on a hill with sweeping views of downtown Somerset. This is the Cleypool mansion, formerly the Moore estate. Emily Moore and Philip Matson owned the house before both left Somerset in the mid-1970s. The house sat vacant for several years before the Cleypool family bought the property.
It is now the home of George and Zachary Cleypool, a father and son duo who are responsible for the day-to-day duties of the Cleybank Corporation.
George is inside sitting in his richly decorated study, smoking a pipe and looking at what appears to be a legal document amid the darkly-lit room. His butler, Fenwick, interrupts.
FENWICK
Excuse me, Master Cleypool. You have a package waiting for you.
George looks up from his documents and sees Fenwick’s package, and a broad smile breaks out on his face.
GEORGE
Oh, good! I hope it's the special one I've been waiting on for a while. The guy that designs these said he could make one for me but it might take some time.
Fenwick lifts up the package to bring it in, setting it close to George.
FENWICK
It better be good, sir… because this is one of the heaviest packages I've ever seen you get. I swear your collection of packages has gotten heavier by the day.
George takes the pipe out of his mouth and shakes his head in mock disappointment.
GEORGE
Fenwick, you know I'll compensate you for it.
FENWICK
With combat pay, I hope. My wine collection could use a new bottle or two. (Dryly smiles) Will that be all, Master Cleypool?
GEORGE
Yes, Fenwick, you may go. (Laughs)
As Fenwick exits, a younger man enters the study. The young man is Zachary Cleypool, George’s son. After exchanging pleasantries with Fenwick, Zachary approaches his dad.
ZACHARY
Afternoon, Dad. I haven’t seen you this excited in a long time.
GEORGE
Wait until you see what this is. That is, if it’s what I think it is.
ZACHARY
Uh, Dad? You want to run that by me again? Define the word is for me.
GEORGE
Oh, no, son… we’re not going down that road again. Never mind.
George opens the package and pulls out a large model of a city. He sets it on the table. It is what George believed it was. Inside is a model of downtown Somerset.
ZACHARY
Dad, other millionaires collect model trains. Planes. Cars. What are you doing collecting miniature cities?
GEORGE
Son! Take a closer look at the city.
George points down at the model and Zachary takes a look at the landscape. Once he sees downtown, he recognizes it immediately.
ZACHARY
Uh, Dad… what are you doing with a model of Somerset?
GEORGE
Son. I’m playing God, that’s what. Playing God.
Somewhat sinister music plays as George and Zachary look over the model of the city. The picture fades to black.
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 as the familiar theme plays and announcer Bill Wolff speaks.
BILL WOLFF: From New York. This… is Somerset. This portion brought to you today by Lilt, the only home permanent with gripper sponges. The way to shiny, beautiful hair.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE TWO
FADE IN -- Grant’s Preserve
We see a tree-lined street with leaves blowing as the camera focuses in on Susannah’s house. Sam and Lahoma are there helping Susannah move packages into the property.
Sam brings in some small furniture and sets it down, while Lahoma is at the counter unpacking dishes and glasses for the kitchen. The moving van arrived yesterday, and the three are busy putting stuff in Susannah’s new house.
SAM
Susannah, honey, where would you like this picture?
He shows a picture of the three of them off.
SUSANNAH
Dad, that goes right where I can see it at all times. Put it on the table right there and I’ll do some straightening out later.
LAHOMA
Your dishes survived the move perfectly, honey. Hope the glasses did, too.
Susannah goes over and looks in the box.
SUSANNAH
Oh, we did a good job with the packing. Everything looks just fine. Dad, what do you think?
Sam is looking a little misty-eyed.
SAM
I think… it looks beautiful.
Susannah is a little puzzled why Sam looks that way, and then she realizes what Sam is looking at. In one of the boxes he has seen an old photo of him with Lahoma and Susannah. The photo is from the early 1970s, likely just after Lahoma gave birth.
SUSANNAH
Oh, Dad… you should know I kept that photo for a long time.
SAM
I know. I figured anything related to family you kept. Isn’t there a few teddy bears in your collection still?
SUSANNAH
Well, Dad… I don’t sleep with a bear if that’s what you’re asking me. It always helps to keep these around if I should decide someday to have children.
SAM
I see. (Pauses) Guys, would you mind if I took off for a bit and cleared my head?
LAHOMA
Honey, are you okay?
SAM
Oh, just getting a little… sentimental, that’s all. I won’t be gone very long.
SUSANNAH
We’ve got it covered here, Dad. Don’t worry.
SAM
Good. Figured you two would like a little girl time.
He laughs, takes the keys and goes out the front door.
Susannah looks a little concerned as music plays to close out the scene.
DISSOLVE TO -- Another street in Grant’s Preserve
A nice, three-story, unassuming middle-class home with a few Italian-inspired touches is the home of the Petterino family. The Petterinos live in another section of Grant’s Preserve, just around the corner from Susannah Lucas.
We see a car driven by Victoria pull up in front of the home. She gets out of the vehicle and goes inside.
CUT TO -- Petterino kitchen
Inside the family’s kitchen is Rose Petterino, the matriarch of the family. Actually, matriarch may be too rough a word because Rose is only in her early 50s, but she dotes on her three children. She’s especially doting on Victoria because she’s the only one of the children home at this time.
Rose is in the kitchen, testing a sauce in a pan when Victoria walks in.
ROSE
Mmm mmm. Tori dear, taste.
VICTORIA
Well, I can see I’ll have to go to the gym for a workout later. (Kisses Rose on the cheek) And hello to you too, Mom.
She tastes off the spoon and gives a thumbs up.
VICTORIA
How many different kinds of pesto can you make?
ROSE
Oh, honey, it’s not pesto. It’s a different sauce Giovanni is thinking about testing in one or two dishes. What do you think, is it good?
VICTORIA
Well, if you say it's not pesto then it's not... it's good.
Rose’s brow furrows in mock disappointment.
ROSE
Are we not a fan of pesto, Tori?
VICTORIA
Of course I am! I grew up on Dad’s cooking and yours. Heaven forbid I say anything bad about it.
ROSE
Oh, we’ve made our fair share of bad dishes once in a while. Now THIS one, I shall tell Giovanni it means with your seal of approval. How was work today?
VICTORIA
It was good, Mom! I got to sit in the vaunted nurses lounge for the first time.
ROSE
Alert the media. My stars… you act as if the nurses lounge is a state secret.
VICTORIA
Well, before this, the student nurses just had coffee in the hospital cafeteria. Now I feel like I’ve been admitted to the inner sanctum.
ROSE
Oh, dear, the other nurses will get to use that lounge too.
Victoria reaches for the cupboard to grab a cup and then gets coffee from the counter.
VICTORIA
Mom, trust me. Seeing the lounge for the first time is a big deal. After this it’ll be second nature.
Rose sits at the counter as Victoria sips from her coffee cup.
ROSE
Honey, I think Alana really likes you as a nurse. She's raved about your abilities every time she stops in for takeout.
VICTORIA
I like Alana too. She’s a great mentor. She and Annabella are good friends. They haven’t done a lot together lately with how their jobs have fared...
ROSE
Honey, with Annabella in Italy that’s very hard.
VICTORIA
I know. Annabella has mentioned going out for a girls night out with Alana when she returns.
ROSE
She’s almost like family to us, honey. And the family socializes very well. Alana's almost like a sister to both of you and another child to us with Johnny in Denver.
VICTORIA
Alana thinks I’m jealous of Annabella at times, that I’m in her shadow. I'm not... am I?
ROSE
Oh, Tori. It couldn’t be farther from the truth!
She stands, comes over and puts a hand on Victoria’s shoulder.
ROSE
I know it's been hard listening to Giovanni moan on and on about Annabella this, Annabella that. But Giovanni and I love our children equally.
VICTORIA
Trust me, Mom, I’m not complaining. It will show in the end. (Pauses) Need a hand with the sauce?
ROSE
Sure honey, roll up the sleeves.
Victoria rises from the chair and helps Rose prepare more sauce as we hear light music in the background. The picture fades to black.
BILL WOLFF: We'll return to Somerset in just a moment.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Want to see more of SOMERSET and other soaps? Visit us at OnTV, a site often imitated but NEVER duplicated. And tell your friends about us. We'd love to see you where the drama is always on!
(We see “Somerset” title card and hear a soft version of the theme)
BILL WOLFF: And now, following station identification, we’ll continue with the second half of Somerset. This portion of today’s program is brought to you by Ivory, the soap without a lot of extra ingredients. For a pure, natural kind of clean… lather up with Ivory!
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE THREE
FADE IN -- Susannah’s house
Lahoma and Susannah are sitting at the kitchen counter, surveying the scene.
SUSANNAH
When did I get this much stuff?
LAHOMA
You forget your apartment in Oklahoma City had a lot of knick-knacks in it.
SUSANNAH
Well, this is a house with a lot more room. It will look better when I’m finished with it.
LAHOMA
Of that I am confident, honey. (Pauses) Now why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind?
SUSANNAH
Why did Dad decide not to help us and take off with one of the cars?
LAHOMA
Oh, Susie… I don’t think it was anything you did. I think he got a little misty-eyed looking at Somerset and how much it had changed. Realizing these houses are built on top of the plant where he worked for so long took a little getting used to and he wasn't ready.
SUSANNAH
These are just houses. Admittedly, they’re nice houses, but…
LAHOMA
Well, they’re not just houses to Dad. This town was a big part of his life. OUR life. This is the town where you were born. I know you didn't live here too long, honey, and I really admire your desire to come back to Somerset and start a new chapter...
SUSANNAH
But you think coming back here opened up a lot of wounds?
LAHOMA
Not wounds, honey. Memories. We came here thinking things were going to be so good. Sam had a great job at Delaney Brands, all was right with the world, I became pregnant and we had you…
SUSANNAH
Okay, now you’re going to make ME misty-eyed.
LAHOMA
Relax, honey. This isn’t bad. It’s just we had some tough times here in Somerset, and most of them were connected with Delaney Brands. When you and I left town, I thought we'd have to start a new life without Sam.
SUSANNAH
Then you had second thoughts and told people where we were.
LAHOMA
It got to the point where I couldn’t live without Sam. Yes, he had an affair…
SUSANNAH
But it was very brief. And if I’m not mistaken, didn’t the mob have something to do with it?
LAHOMA
Yes. Good old Leo Kurtz tried to break up our marriage. But we became stronger in the end because of it. God… when I called Ada and said where we were, I swore Sam broke the land speed record getting back to Oklahoma.
SUSANNAH
And I have a faint memory of him arriving back in Oklahoma and the two of you dancing around our living room.
LAHOMA
It only showed how much he loved me and you. But for a long time in our household, Somerset was a bad word.
SUSANNAH
Well, I intend on making it a good one.
Lahoma and Susannah lean in and share a tight hug. Soft music plays and the picture fades to black.
BILL WOLFF: We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.
SCENE FOUR
FADE IN -- Bernard’s
After going back to the office for a bit and finishing some work, Michael has returned to Bernard’s, this time for a beer.
Another gentleman, in his mid 30s, walks in. The man, Nick Barclay, bellies up to the bar for a beer.
MICHAEL
Well, if it isn’t Somerset’s youngest-ever city manager. Off duty?
NICK
Yes, I am. On the prowl for a story, Mike?
MICHAEL
Naa. I was here earlier talking with Scott Garfield on a story about crime in Somerset.
NICK
Or lack thereof. We’ve been very lucky there. (Raps the tabletop) Knock on wood, of course.
Michael comes over and knocks on Nick’s head.
NICK
Very funny, man.
MICHAEL
Relax, Nick. You’re well-liked by us. I wouldn’t joke like this if we didn’t care for you.
NICK
I’ll keep that in mind.
MICHAEL
Hey, I’m talking to Jack tomorrow and he mentioned his big project. Any light you can shed with me on it?
NICK
On or off the record?
MICHAEL
Your choice.
NICK
Well, either way I couldn’t help you out. Jack has yet to brief ME on what's going on and I'm like a son to him.
MICHAEL
Ahh, he’ll tell you what’s going on. I think we all will.
NICK
That’s Jack’s plan, anyway. I’ve heard about this grand scheme of his and the more I hear about it, the more I think he’s serious.
MICHAEL
Indeed.
As Nick and Michael sip their beers, the scene dissolves.
DISSOLVE TO -- Cleypool Mansion
Zachary and George have put the model on a table and are studying it.
ZACHARY
Dad, whoever worked on this model really knew what he was doing.
GEORGE
Pretty lifelike, isn’t it son?
ZACHARY
Soon I'm going to wonder if you've got little people running around this model.
Zachary takes one look at the model and realizes some buildings are there that do not belong.
ZACHARY
Wait a minute. These buildings aren't a part of downtown Somerset. Nor are those. (Looks at George) What is this?
GEORGE
Oh, don’t worry, Zach. It’s Somerset. (Pauses) When I’m done with it.
The music swells to its conclusion as the picture fades to black and the Somerset credits roll.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
BILL WOLFF: Furniture by Rooms Today. Automobiles furnished by Pontiac.
Join us each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset.
This program was pre-recorded.
Writer: Steve Ungrey
SCENE ONE
FADE IN -- Cleypool Mansion
We see a shot of an imposing Gothic-style mansion nestled on a hill with sweeping views of downtown Somerset. This is the Cleypool mansion, formerly the Moore estate. Emily Moore and Philip Matson owned the house before both left Somerset in the mid-1970s. The house sat vacant for several years before the Cleypool family bought the property.
It is now the home of George and Zachary Cleypool, a father and son duo who are responsible for the day-to-day duties of the Cleybank Corporation.
George is inside sitting in his richly decorated study, smoking a pipe and looking at what appears to be a legal document amid the darkly-lit room. His butler, Fenwick, interrupts.
FENWICK
Excuse me, Master Cleypool. You have a package waiting for you.
George looks up from his documents and sees Fenwick’s package, and a broad smile breaks out on his face.
GEORGE
Oh, good! I hope it's the special one I've been waiting on for a while. The guy that designs these said he could make one for me but it might take some time.
Fenwick lifts up the package to bring it in, setting it close to George.
FENWICK
It better be good, sir… because this is one of the heaviest packages I've ever seen you get. I swear your collection of packages has gotten heavier by the day.
George takes the pipe out of his mouth and shakes his head in mock disappointment.
GEORGE
Fenwick, you know I'll compensate you for it.
FENWICK
With combat pay, I hope. My wine collection could use a new bottle or two. (Dryly smiles) Will that be all, Master Cleypool?
GEORGE
Yes, Fenwick, you may go. (Laughs)
As Fenwick exits, a younger man enters the study. The young man is Zachary Cleypool, George’s son. After exchanging pleasantries with Fenwick, Zachary approaches his dad.
ZACHARY
Afternoon, Dad. I haven’t seen you this excited in a long time.
GEORGE
Wait until you see what this is. That is, if it’s what I think it is.
ZACHARY
Uh, Dad? You want to run that by me again? Define the word is for me.
GEORGE
Oh, no, son… we’re not going down that road again. Never mind.
George opens the package and pulls out a large model of a city. He sets it on the table. It is what George believed it was. Inside is a model of downtown Somerset.
ZACHARY
Dad, other millionaires collect model trains. Planes. Cars. What are you doing collecting miniature cities?
GEORGE
Son! Take a closer look at the city.
George points down at the model and Zachary takes a look at the landscape. Once he sees downtown, he recognizes it immediately.
ZACHARY
Uh, Dad… what are you doing with a model of Somerset?
GEORGE
Son. I’m playing God, that’s what. Playing God.
Somewhat sinister music plays as George and Zachary look over the model of the city. The picture fades to black.
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 as the familiar theme plays and announcer Bill Wolff speaks.
BILL WOLFF: From New York. This… is Somerset. This portion brought to you today by Lilt, the only home permanent with gripper sponges. The way to shiny, beautiful hair.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE TWO
FADE IN -- Grant’s Preserve
We see a tree-lined street with leaves blowing as the camera focuses in on Susannah’s house. Sam and Lahoma are there helping Susannah move packages into the property.
Sam brings in some small furniture and sets it down, while Lahoma is at the counter unpacking dishes and glasses for the kitchen. The moving van arrived yesterday, and the three are busy putting stuff in Susannah’s new house.
SAM
Susannah, honey, where would you like this picture?
He shows a picture of the three of them off.
SUSANNAH
Dad, that goes right where I can see it at all times. Put it on the table right there and I’ll do some straightening out later.
LAHOMA
Your dishes survived the move perfectly, honey. Hope the glasses did, too.
Susannah goes over and looks in the box.
SUSANNAH
Oh, we did a good job with the packing. Everything looks just fine. Dad, what do you think?
Sam is looking a little misty-eyed.
SAM
I think… it looks beautiful.
Susannah is a little puzzled why Sam looks that way, and then she realizes what Sam is looking at. In one of the boxes he has seen an old photo of him with Lahoma and Susannah. The photo is from the early 1970s, likely just after Lahoma gave birth.
SUSANNAH
Oh, Dad… you should know I kept that photo for a long time.
SAM
I know. I figured anything related to family you kept. Isn’t there a few teddy bears in your collection still?
SUSANNAH
Well, Dad… I don’t sleep with a bear if that’s what you’re asking me. It always helps to keep these around if I should decide someday to have children.
SAM
I see. (Pauses) Guys, would you mind if I took off for a bit and cleared my head?
LAHOMA
Honey, are you okay?
SAM
Oh, just getting a little… sentimental, that’s all. I won’t be gone very long.
SUSANNAH
We’ve got it covered here, Dad. Don’t worry.
SAM
Good. Figured you two would like a little girl time.
He laughs, takes the keys and goes out the front door.
Susannah looks a little concerned as music plays to close out the scene.
DISSOLVE TO -- Another street in Grant’s Preserve
A nice, three-story, unassuming middle-class home with a few Italian-inspired touches is the home of the Petterino family. The Petterinos live in another section of Grant’s Preserve, just around the corner from Susannah Lucas.
We see a car driven by Victoria pull up in front of the home. She gets out of the vehicle and goes inside.
CUT TO -- Petterino kitchen
Inside the family’s kitchen is Rose Petterino, the matriarch of the family. Actually, matriarch may be too rough a word because Rose is only in her early 50s, but she dotes on her three children. She’s especially doting on Victoria because she’s the only one of the children home at this time.
Rose is in the kitchen, testing a sauce in a pan when Victoria walks in.
ROSE
Mmm mmm. Tori dear, taste.
VICTORIA
Well, I can see I’ll have to go to the gym for a workout later. (Kisses Rose on the cheek) And hello to you too, Mom.
She tastes off the spoon and gives a thumbs up.
VICTORIA
How many different kinds of pesto can you make?
ROSE
Oh, honey, it’s not pesto. It’s a different sauce Giovanni is thinking about testing in one or two dishes. What do you think, is it good?
VICTORIA
Well, if you say it's not pesto then it's not... it's good.
Rose’s brow furrows in mock disappointment.
ROSE
Are we not a fan of pesto, Tori?
VICTORIA
Of course I am! I grew up on Dad’s cooking and yours. Heaven forbid I say anything bad about it.
ROSE
Oh, we’ve made our fair share of bad dishes once in a while. Now THIS one, I shall tell Giovanni it means with your seal of approval. How was work today?
VICTORIA
It was good, Mom! I got to sit in the vaunted nurses lounge for the first time.
ROSE
Alert the media. My stars… you act as if the nurses lounge is a state secret.
VICTORIA
Well, before this, the student nurses just had coffee in the hospital cafeteria. Now I feel like I’ve been admitted to the inner sanctum.
ROSE
Oh, dear, the other nurses will get to use that lounge too.
Victoria reaches for the cupboard to grab a cup and then gets coffee from the counter.
VICTORIA
Mom, trust me. Seeing the lounge for the first time is a big deal. After this it’ll be second nature.
Rose sits at the counter as Victoria sips from her coffee cup.
ROSE
Honey, I think Alana really likes you as a nurse. She's raved about your abilities every time she stops in for takeout.
VICTORIA
I like Alana too. She’s a great mentor. She and Annabella are good friends. They haven’t done a lot together lately with how their jobs have fared...
ROSE
Honey, with Annabella in Italy that’s very hard.
VICTORIA
I know. Annabella has mentioned going out for a girls night out with Alana when she returns.
ROSE
She’s almost like family to us, honey. And the family socializes very well. Alana's almost like a sister to both of you and another child to us with Johnny in Denver.
VICTORIA
Alana thinks I’m jealous of Annabella at times, that I’m in her shadow. I'm not... am I?
ROSE
Oh, Tori. It couldn’t be farther from the truth!
She stands, comes over and puts a hand on Victoria’s shoulder.
ROSE
I know it's been hard listening to Giovanni moan on and on about Annabella this, Annabella that. But Giovanni and I love our children equally.
VICTORIA
Trust me, Mom, I’m not complaining. It will show in the end. (Pauses) Need a hand with the sauce?
ROSE
Sure honey, roll up the sleeves.
Victoria rises from the chair and helps Rose prepare more sauce as we hear light music in the background. The picture fades to black.
BILL WOLFF: We'll return to Somerset in just a moment.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
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(We see “Somerset” title card and hear a soft version of the theme)
BILL WOLFF: And now, following station identification, we’ll continue with the second half of Somerset. This portion of today’s program is brought to you by Ivory, the soap without a lot of extra ingredients. For a pure, natural kind of clean… lather up with Ivory!
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE THREE
FADE IN -- Susannah’s house
Lahoma and Susannah are sitting at the kitchen counter, surveying the scene.
SUSANNAH
When did I get this much stuff?
LAHOMA
You forget your apartment in Oklahoma City had a lot of knick-knacks in it.
SUSANNAH
Well, this is a house with a lot more room. It will look better when I’m finished with it.
LAHOMA
Of that I am confident, honey. (Pauses) Now why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind?
SUSANNAH
Why did Dad decide not to help us and take off with one of the cars?
LAHOMA
Oh, Susie… I don’t think it was anything you did. I think he got a little misty-eyed looking at Somerset and how much it had changed. Realizing these houses are built on top of the plant where he worked for so long took a little getting used to and he wasn't ready.
SUSANNAH
These are just houses. Admittedly, they’re nice houses, but…
LAHOMA
Well, they’re not just houses to Dad. This town was a big part of his life. OUR life. This is the town where you were born. I know you didn't live here too long, honey, and I really admire your desire to come back to Somerset and start a new chapter...
SUSANNAH
But you think coming back here opened up a lot of wounds?
LAHOMA
Not wounds, honey. Memories. We came here thinking things were going to be so good. Sam had a great job at Delaney Brands, all was right with the world, I became pregnant and we had you…
SUSANNAH
Okay, now you’re going to make ME misty-eyed.
LAHOMA
Relax, honey. This isn’t bad. It’s just we had some tough times here in Somerset, and most of them were connected with Delaney Brands. When you and I left town, I thought we'd have to start a new life without Sam.
SUSANNAH
Then you had second thoughts and told people where we were.
LAHOMA
It got to the point where I couldn’t live without Sam. Yes, he had an affair…
SUSANNAH
But it was very brief. And if I’m not mistaken, didn’t the mob have something to do with it?
LAHOMA
Yes. Good old Leo Kurtz tried to break up our marriage. But we became stronger in the end because of it. God… when I called Ada and said where we were, I swore Sam broke the land speed record getting back to Oklahoma.
SUSANNAH
And I have a faint memory of him arriving back in Oklahoma and the two of you dancing around our living room.
LAHOMA
It only showed how much he loved me and you. But for a long time in our household, Somerset was a bad word.
SUSANNAH
Well, I intend on making it a good one.
Lahoma and Susannah lean in and share a tight hug. Soft music plays and the picture fades to black.
BILL WOLFF: We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.
SCENE FOUR
FADE IN -- Bernard’s
After going back to the office for a bit and finishing some work, Michael has returned to Bernard’s, this time for a beer.
Another gentleman, in his mid 30s, walks in. The man, Nick Barclay, bellies up to the bar for a beer.
MICHAEL
Well, if it isn’t Somerset’s youngest-ever city manager. Off duty?
NICK
Yes, I am. On the prowl for a story, Mike?
MICHAEL
Naa. I was here earlier talking with Scott Garfield on a story about crime in Somerset.
NICK
Or lack thereof. We’ve been very lucky there. (Raps the tabletop) Knock on wood, of course.
Michael comes over and knocks on Nick’s head.
NICK
Very funny, man.
MICHAEL
Relax, Nick. You’re well-liked by us. I wouldn’t joke like this if we didn’t care for you.
NICK
I’ll keep that in mind.
MICHAEL
Hey, I’m talking to Jack tomorrow and he mentioned his big project. Any light you can shed with me on it?
NICK
On or off the record?
MICHAEL
Your choice.
NICK
Well, either way I couldn’t help you out. Jack has yet to brief ME on what's going on and I'm like a son to him.
MICHAEL
Ahh, he’ll tell you what’s going on. I think we all will.
NICK
That’s Jack’s plan, anyway. I’ve heard about this grand scheme of his and the more I hear about it, the more I think he’s serious.
MICHAEL
Indeed.
As Nick and Michael sip their beers, the scene dissolves.
DISSOLVE TO -- Cleypool Mansion
Zachary and George have put the model on a table and are studying it.
ZACHARY
Dad, whoever worked on this model really knew what he was doing.
GEORGE
Pretty lifelike, isn’t it son?
ZACHARY
Soon I'm going to wonder if you've got little people running around this model.
Zachary takes one look at the model and realizes some buildings are there that do not belong.
ZACHARY
Wait a minute. These buildings aren't a part of downtown Somerset. Nor are those. (Looks at George) What is this?
GEORGE
Oh, don’t worry, Zach. It’s Somerset. (Pauses) When I’m done with it.
The music swells to its conclusion as the picture fades to black and the Somerset credits roll.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
BILL WOLFF: Furniture by Rooms Today. Automobiles furnished by Pontiac.
Join us each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset.
This program was pre-recorded.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
EPISODE 2 -- THE COMMUNITY
SOMERSET EPISODE 2
Written by: Steve Ungrey
SCENE ONE
FADE IN -- Somerset Hospital
Our first view today is an outside shot of a high-rise building that is clearly a hospital campus, as the camera zooms in on one of the higher floors.
Somerset Hospital is bustling with activity at midday, and nurse Alana Singleton is holding down the fort at the fourth floor nurses station when the phone buzzes.
Alana picks up the phone.
ALANA
Fourth floor, this is Nurse Singleton?
She cradles the phone on her shoulder while grabbing a notepad and some charts.
ALANA
Ah yes, Mr. Poindexter, I’ve been waiting for your call. We’ve been waiting for those test results and let me see (leafing through charts)… Dr. Kurtz wants to talk with you about your case, but the good news is it’s good news… no, nothing special showed up. He just wants to go over some preventive forms of treatment.
She checks a wall schedule.
ALANA
Yes, Dr. Kurtz will be here this afternoon. We’ll look forward to seeing you then.
Alana puts down the phone. As she finishes the call, we see a young woman in her early twenties come around the hall, file away a few clipboards and proceed toward the nurses station. The woman, Victoria Petterino -- nicknamed “Tori” for short -- is a student nurse at the hospital who is just finishing up the last parts of her learning program before joining the staff full-time.
Victoria sits in a chair and leans forward, rubbing her ankles. Alana sees her and comes over, smiling.
ALANA
Hey there, Tori. Feet hurt?
VICTORIA
(Shaking head) Naa, it’s getting used to all this walking. Before I was just cracking book after book and now it’s like pounding the pavement. You can’t accuse me of not getting exercise.
ALANA
Beats heading to a health club midway through the day. Free exercise here on campus. And besides, you know your dad is very proud of what you do.
VICTORIA
I know. He’s told me on more than one occasion. (Smiles) And just how do YOU rate staying at the nurses station?
ALANA
(Laughing) Someone has to answer these phones! They’re constantly ringing! And you should see me here when it gets chaotic. Which you will shortly when you finish all of your training. How'd it go today?
VICTORIA
I'm slowly getting the hang of some stuff that didn't come clear to me before. I know I’m almost working 40 hours a week these days as it is, but I can't believe my training is almost over.
ALANA
Believe it. And also believe that the whole staff is looking forward to having you on board.
VICTORIA
Why, because my father makes the best Italian food in all of Somerset?
Alana laughs heartily at that remark.
ALANA
Okay, you got me. It was the spaghetti. How about we indoctrinate you in another way of life for nurses?
VICTORIA
Does it involve changing bedpans?
ALANA
We have orderlies for that, you know that. We’ve all had to change them at one point or another. No, this involves a cup of coffee. Come on, it's time you saw the nurses' lounge for more than just a couple seconds at a time.
VICTORIA
Ooo, I can’t wait.
She walks away with Alana as light music plays, and the picture fades to black.
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 as the familiar theme plays, and we hear the voice of announcer Bill Wolff.
BILL WOLFF: From New York. This… is Somerset. This portion brought to you today by digestible, all-vegetable Crisco. For fried foods that taste great without cholesterol… and for pie crusts that are flaky… you can trust Crisco.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE TWO
FADE IN -- Somerset Register
A small high-rise in downtown Somerset is shown, with the words “The Register” on the outside. These are the offices of The Somerset Register, Somerset’s longtime newspaper. Once run by Julian Cannell, it has a long history of strong investigative reporting.
Inside the busy newsroom, we zero in on a cubicle where a 40ish-man is sitting at his keyboard, taking notes on a story. The man, Michael Wagner, is a metro reporter for the Register, and he is talking with Jack.
MICHAEL
Didn’t think I’d hear from you right away, Jack.
Cut to Jack, who is sitting on the balcony of his high-rise condo in downtown Somerset.
JACK
I didn’t think your workday would be quite finished yet. Besides, you know you have an open-door policy with me as long as you write the truth.
MICHAEL
I’d never go over to the dark side, you know that. Anyway, word’s starting to get out that you’ve got some projects cooking up, and I tried you at the office yesterday, but you were busy with other stuff.
JACK
I’ll have to tell Joanne I could have talked with you. I got surprised at the office yesterday by an old friend whose daughter is moving to Somerset, so I was talking with them for part of the afternoon.
MICHAEL
Ahh, I see. Welcoming a new resident to Somerset is always good, especially since it helps our runaway population growth. If I have to do one more story on how the suburbs are bursting at the seams…
JACK
It’s good for you, you know that.
MICHAEL
I’ve told Norman that I’m ready for more substantial stuff. The thing is, nothing ever happens around Somerset.
JACK
(Laughs as he sips from a wine glass) You better watch that remark, Mike. Soon we could have a whole boatload of stuff to write about. Especially when I get my long-term project underway.
MICHAEL
Now that’s what I like to hear. Do you want to meet tomorrow around 3:30 or so? I can recommend any place around town to meet or we can do this in your office, whichever is best.
JACK
Why don’t we play it by ear. I’ve got a couple other appointments that day and maybe a late lunch is in order if I haven’t eaten yet.
MICHAEL
That’s fine by me. (Taps a few keys) Whatever new details you can pass along are great. Thanks as always, Jack.
JACK
Look forward to the chatter. Take care.
As Michael puts down the phone he is surprised by a face leaning over the cubicle wall and smiling. Michael raises his hands in the air to feign innocence.
MICHAEL
I didn’t do nothin’, officer… I swear…
The man, Lt. Scott Garfield, laughs.
SCOTT
In your line of work, shouldn’t it be I didn’t do anything?
MICHAEL
Next I know, you’ll be a professor teaching all of this. What’s going on?
SCOTT
Relax, you’re not in trouble. I was here to see one of the editors on a completely different manner. Tanda had that idea on the cleanup of the Tremont district a while back?
MICHAEL
(Nods his head) Ah yes. Tanda’s been pursuing that story for a while.
SCOTT
But now that I’m here, didn’t YOU want to talk to me?
MICHAEL
You’ve got to check your messages more often. I was trying to speak to you a while back about a press release you were putting out.
SCOTT
Sorry. I'm still not computer-savvy. I'm an old-guard police officer.
MICHAEL
Your office was talking about a new way of life in Somerset. I’d be interested in going to Bernard’s next door and talking about it.
SCOTT
A liquid lunch for the lieutenant? We’re both on duty, you know.
MICHAEL
Relax. One beer won’t hurt, right?
SCOTT
I’m game if you are. Let’s go.
MICHAEL
Just a second while I tap my computer screen (taps keys) to show I’m out of the office.
He takes his recorder and a notepad out.
MICHAEL
Now then… all set?
SCOTT
Yup. Let’s go.
The two exit the office, with light music in the background, as we change scenes.
DISSOLVE TO -- Somerset Hospital
We see the vaunted nurses’ lounge for the first time. It looks a little shopworn, definitely not glamorous, and certainly no place where nurses dish about themselves like on Grey’s Anatomy -- well, most of the time.
Alana and Victoria each have cups of coffee and they come in and settle themselves around the center table.
ALANA
Welcome to the quiet respite of the lounge.
VICTORIA
I always assumed this place was more for the veterans on the staff.
ALANA
Look around. It says nurses’ lounge, doesn’t it? (Laughs) You’ve been welcome here for quite a while. You’ve been on staff logging hours for what, about a year now?
VICTORIA
And making some decent money. That’ll help pay back those student loans.
ALANA
Dad didn’t pay for college?
VICTORIA
He offered. I declined. Dad is a proud man and he wants to help his children just like he helped himself when he started the restaurant, but I told him I wanted to do this all by myself.
ALANA
Your mom and dad are very nice people. They’ve basically taken me in as a surrogate child at times.
VICTORIA
You’re Johnny’s substitute.
ALANA
Except I wear women’s clothing. In his case, that would be a no-no. (The two laugh) No, with Johnny in Denver running his own restaurant I think your parents have basically taken me in.
VICTORIA
And you’re working just as hard as I am.
Alana stretches and sips her coffee, laughing.
ALANA
It's been a long week here for me, that's for sure. I've logged about 50 hours and there’s more to come.
VICTORIA
Can’t you limit your work week if you wanted to do it?
ALANA
I’ve been told I can by the higher-ups, but I’ve got to be here at least 50 hours a week to supervise other nurses. The truth is I love it here. Not much of a relationship person, you knew that.
VICTORIA
You’ve got to get out and enjoy yourself once again like you used to do before.
ALANA
Don’t worry. When the right guy comes along, I will. Now you on the other hand... I've seen the way you turn faces around here when you walk around the halls.
VICTORIA
And most of the faces I turn are under 30, is that what you're telling me?
ALANA
Tori, don’t get me wrong. Don’t take it the wrong way. You’ve got strikingly good looks and a brain to match. You’d be a huge catch for someone.
VICTORIA
Most guys I know would prefer to forget the brains.
ALANA
I think you’re selling all of Somerset short. This is a pretty smart community.
VICTORIA
I’ve been told my Mom and Dad that I have flawless features, and a great face, but I’ll let Annabella do all the modeling, thank you.
Alana laughs as she sips her coffee. Light music plays as the picture fades to black.
BILL WOLFF: We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
(We see “Somerset” title card and hear a soft version of the theme)
BILL WOLFF: And now, following station identification, we’ll continue with the second half of Somerset. This portion of our program is presented today by Cheer. Fight for the bright with the new varieties of All-Temperature Cheer.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE THREE
FADE IN -- Somerset Hospital
We continue the conversation between Alana and Victoria, who are in the nurses’ lounge enjoying coffee.
ALANA
How is Annabella, anyway?
VICTORIA
Miss Drop-Dead Gorgeous? (Laughing hysterically) No, seriously, you know we get along just great. She’s wrapping up a modeling assignment in Italy. She's talking about returning to Somerset after that for a few months. I know it'll make Dad happy.
ALANA
Come on. He loves you too. He loves all his children equally.
VICTORIA
Oh, I know that, Alana. I think he’s happiest about me because I went to nursing school and am nearly finished with my education. Annabella's taken some college but she got distracted by the modeling...
ALANA
How come she’s never thought about coming back here?
VICTORIA
She’s making great money over in Italy. She has freedom. She’s dated over there, but she likes keeping a low profile too. But Dad's after her to settle down, find a guy to make her happy, run the restaurant...
ALANA
Mmm hmm. So Mom and Dad can retire, right?
VICTORIA
Yeah. Dad's talked about retiring, but I think he'd rather have Annabella running the restaurant before he makes any moves.
ALANA
Let me give you a piece of advice. (The camera zooms in) Men. They're not worth it.
Victoria is taken by surprise as the next scene cues up, accompanied by a bit of stinging piano music.
DISSOLVE TO -- Bernard’s
Bernard’s is a combination restaurant and bar, a popular watering hole in Somerset but also a place where people can grab dinner. Michael and Scott have retired to the restaurant to talk a bit.
Bernard, the restaurant owner, is at the bar chatting with both of them.
BERNARD
What can I get you gentlemen? Tap or bottle?
SCOTT
Tap for me. Make it the weak stuff, I still have to go back to the office and file a few reports.
BERNARD
I'll have you know, Lt. Garfield, that I always keep the strong stuff around.
MICHAEL
He’s not kidding. Many a late night of mine has been spent here watching sports on the TV or poring over notes for a story.
BERNARD
That’s right. One drink order from you and I can sleep better at night knowing my restaurant's in the black. Coming right up.
As Bernard leaves the area to fix drinks, Scott turns and laughs at Michael’s reputation.
SCOTT
(Laughing as he opens a folder) You have a reputation in this town as a hard drinker?
MICHAEL
A hard drinker and a hard reporter, as you may find out one day.
SCOTT
Allow me to stay on your good side for this story. It has to do with Somerset's crime rate being at its lowest level in nearly 25 years.
MICHAEL
Well, there’s an A1 story for tomorrow! I know that will make some people in this town happy. Especially Nick. He’s been waiting for a press release like this. As chief, that has to make you happy.
SCOTT
Somewhere, Lt. Price is smiling. Will was one of the best. He didn't want to retire until the crime rate started going down. You never knew Will, did you?
MICHAEL
No, but two of our more memorable investigative reporters worked with him. Greg Mercer was a tiger, and I'm sorry I didn't work back in the era when people like Greg and Steve Slade were dogging the cops about the syndicate's presence in this town.
SCOTT
Thankfully we won't have to worry about the mob this time around. You're stuck with me, I guess. Can you put up with me?
MICHAEL
As long as you have some good ideas, we’ll take them.
Michael and Scott sip from their beers as the picture fades to black.
BILL WOLFF: We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE FOUR
FADE IN -- Somerset Hospital
The last of the conversation unfolds between Alana and Victoria.
ALANA
Geez, sorry if I sounded so harsh about that. I didn't mean to be.
VICTORIA
Wait until a certain gentleman hears how you really feel.
ALANA
Tori Petterino, don’t you dare tell him.
VICTORIA
(Smiles mischievously) Pass me and my lips are sealed. (Laughs) I'm just kidding. I know. I've had the opportunity to go on a few dates here and there and I always turn them down. It drives my mom nuts.
ALANA
Someday, your prince will come. Either that, or you'll take my job when I take over this hospital.
The nurses laugh as the light music plays to transition between scenes.
DISSOLVE TO -- Bernard’s
MICHAEL
Thanks for the good story. This will work in nicely with another idea I'm working on.
SCOTT
It wouldn’t involve Jack Martin by any chance, would it?
MICHAEL
(Appears a little startled) It would. Why do you ask?
SCOTT
No reason. I know he's really gung-ho about renovating certain parts of downtown and this story will play right into the hands of his investors.
MICHAEL
If the Cleybank Corporation doesn’t get its hands on properties first, that is.
SCOTT
We can only hope it doesn't happen. (Sips beer) For Somerset's sake.
Michael nods his approval as he downs the last of his beer and the picture fades to black.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
The closing credits roll on Somerset as the theme music plays.
BILL WOLFF: This... was Somerset. Shirts by Perry Ellis. Nurses wear by Nurse Mate.
Join us each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. The preceding program was recorded.
(For more episodes of SOMERSET or to check out other talented writers visit OnTV, a site often imitated but NEVER duplicated)
Written by: Steve Ungrey
SCENE ONE
FADE IN -- Somerset Hospital
Our first view today is an outside shot of a high-rise building that is clearly a hospital campus, as the camera zooms in on one of the higher floors.
Somerset Hospital is bustling with activity at midday, and nurse Alana Singleton is holding down the fort at the fourth floor nurses station when the phone buzzes.
Alana picks up the phone.
ALANA
Fourth floor, this is Nurse Singleton?
She cradles the phone on her shoulder while grabbing a notepad and some charts.
ALANA
Ah yes, Mr. Poindexter, I’ve been waiting for your call. We’ve been waiting for those test results and let me see (leafing through charts)… Dr. Kurtz wants to talk with you about your case, but the good news is it’s good news… no, nothing special showed up. He just wants to go over some preventive forms of treatment.
She checks a wall schedule.
ALANA
Yes, Dr. Kurtz will be here this afternoon. We’ll look forward to seeing you then.
Alana puts down the phone. As she finishes the call, we see a young woman in her early twenties come around the hall, file away a few clipboards and proceed toward the nurses station. The woman, Victoria Petterino -- nicknamed “Tori” for short -- is a student nurse at the hospital who is just finishing up the last parts of her learning program before joining the staff full-time.
Victoria sits in a chair and leans forward, rubbing her ankles. Alana sees her and comes over, smiling.
ALANA
Hey there, Tori. Feet hurt?
VICTORIA
(Shaking head) Naa, it’s getting used to all this walking. Before I was just cracking book after book and now it’s like pounding the pavement. You can’t accuse me of not getting exercise.
ALANA
Beats heading to a health club midway through the day. Free exercise here on campus. And besides, you know your dad is very proud of what you do.
VICTORIA
I know. He’s told me on more than one occasion. (Smiles) And just how do YOU rate staying at the nurses station?
ALANA
(Laughing) Someone has to answer these phones! They’re constantly ringing! And you should see me here when it gets chaotic. Which you will shortly when you finish all of your training. How'd it go today?
VICTORIA
I'm slowly getting the hang of some stuff that didn't come clear to me before. I know I’m almost working 40 hours a week these days as it is, but I can't believe my training is almost over.
ALANA
Believe it. And also believe that the whole staff is looking forward to having you on board.
VICTORIA
Why, because my father makes the best Italian food in all of Somerset?
Alana laughs heartily at that remark.
ALANA
Okay, you got me. It was the spaghetti. How about we indoctrinate you in another way of life for nurses?
VICTORIA
Does it involve changing bedpans?
ALANA
We have orderlies for that, you know that. We’ve all had to change them at one point or another. No, this involves a cup of coffee. Come on, it's time you saw the nurses' lounge for more than just a couple seconds at a time.
VICTORIA
Ooo, I can’t wait.
She walks away with Alana as light music plays, and the picture fades to black.
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 as the familiar theme plays, and we hear the voice of announcer Bill Wolff.
BILL WOLFF: From New York. This… is Somerset. This portion brought to you today by digestible, all-vegetable Crisco. For fried foods that taste great without cholesterol… and for pie crusts that are flaky… you can trust Crisco.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE TWO
FADE IN -- Somerset Register
A small high-rise in downtown Somerset is shown, with the words “The Register” on the outside. These are the offices of The Somerset Register, Somerset’s longtime newspaper. Once run by Julian Cannell, it has a long history of strong investigative reporting.
Inside the busy newsroom, we zero in on a cubicle where a 40ish-man is sitting at his keyboard, taking notes on a story. The man, Michael Wagner, is a metro reporter for the Register, and he is talking with Jack.
MICHAEL
Didn’t think I’d hear from you right away, Jack.
Cut to Jack, who is sitting on the balcony of his high-rise condo in downtown Somerset.
JACK
I didn’t think your workday would be quite finished yet. Besides, you know you have an open-door policy with me as long as you write the truth.
MICHAEL
I’d never go over to the dark side, you know that. Anyway, word’s starting to get out that you’ve got some projects cooking up, and I tried you at the office yesterday, but you were busy with other stuff.
JACK
I’ll have to tell Joanne I could have talked with you. I got surprised at the office yesterday by an old friend whose daughter is moving to Somerset, so I was talking with them for part of the afternoon.
MICHAEL
Ahh, I see. Welcoming a new resident to Somerset is always good, especially since it helps our runaway population growth. If I have to do one more story on how the suburbs are bursting at the seams…
JACK
It’s good for you, you know that.
MICHAEL
I’ve told Norman that I’m ready for more substantial stuff. The thing is, nothing ever happens around Somerset.
JACK
(Laughs as he sips from a wine glass) You better watch that remark, Mike. Soon we could have a whole boatload of stuff to write about. Especially when I get my long-term project underway.
MICHAEL
Now that’s what I like to hear. Do you want to meet tomorrow around 3:30 or so? I can recommend any place around town to meet or we can do this in your office, whichever is best.
JACK
Why don’t we play it by ear. I’ve got a couple other appointments that day and maybe a late lunch is in order if I haven’t eaten yet.
MICHAEL
That’s fine by me. (Taps a few keys) Whatever new details you can pass along are great. Thanks as always, Jack.
JACK
Look forward to the chatter. Take care.
As Michael puts down the phone he is surprised by a face leaning over the cubicle wall and smiling. Michael raises his hands in the air to feign innocence.
MICHAEL
I didn’t do nothin’, officer… I swear…
The man, Lt. Scott Garfield, laughs.
SCOTT
In your line of work, shouldn’t it be I didn’t do anything?
MICHAEL
Next I know, you’ll be a professor teaching all of this. What’s going on?
SCOTT
Relax, you’re not in trouble. I was here to see one of the editors on a completely different manner. Tanda had that idea on the cleanup of the Tremont district a while back?
MICHAEL
(Nods his head) Ah yes. Tanda’s been pursuing that story for a while.
SCOTT
But now that I’m here, didn’t YOU want to talk to me?
MICHAEL
You’ve got to check your messages more often. I was trying to speak to you a while back about a press release you were putting out.
SCOTT
Sorry. I'm still not computer-savvy. I'm an old-guard police officer.
MICHAEL
Your office was talking about a new way of life in Somerset. I’d be interested in going to Bernard’s next door and talking about it.
SCOTT
A liquid lunch for the lieutenant? We’re both on duty, you know.
MICHAEL
Relax. One beer won’t hurt, right?
SCOTT
I’m game if you are. Let’s go.
MICHAEL
Just a second while I tap my computer screen (taps keys) to show I’m out of the office.
He takes his recorder and a notepad out.
MICHAEL
Now then… all set?
SCOTT
Yup. Let’s go.
The two exit the office, with light music in the background, as we change scenes.
DISSOLVE TO -- Somerset Hospital
We see the vaunted nurses’ lounge for the first time. It looks a little shopworn, definitely not glamorous, and certainly no place where nurses dish about themselves like on Grey’s Anatomy -- well, most of the time.
Alana and Victoria each have cups of coffee and they come in and settle themselves around the center table.
ALANA
Welcome to the quiet respite of the lounge.
VICTORIA
I always assumed this place was more for the veterans on the staff.
ALANA
Look around. It says nurses’ lounge, doesn’t it? (Laughs) You’ve been welcome here for quite a while. You’ve been on staff logging hours for what, about a year now?
VICTORIA
And making some decent money. That’ll help pay back those student loans.
ALANA
Dad didn’t pay for college?
VICTORIA
He offered. I declined. Dad is a proud man and he wants to help his children just like he helped himself when he started the restaurant, but I told him I wanted to do this all by myself.
ALANA
Your mom and dad are very nice people. They’ve basically taken me in as a surrogate child at times.
VICTORIA
You’re Johnny’s substitute.
ALANA
Except I wear women’s clothing. In his case, that would be a no-no. (The two laugh) No, with Johnny in Denver running his own restaurant I think your parents have basically taken me in.
VICTORIA
And you’re working just as hard as I am.
Alana stretches and sips her coffee, laughing.
ALANA
It's been a long week here for me, that's for sure. I've logged about 50 hours and there’s more to come.
VICTORIA
Can’t you limit your work week if you wanted to do it?
ALANA
I’ve been told I can by the higher-ups, but I’ve got to be here at least 50 hours a week to supervise other nurses. The truth is I love it here. Not much of a relationship person, you knew that.
VICTORIA
You’ve got to get out and enjoy yourself once again like you used to do before.
ALANA
Don’t worry. When the right guy comes along, I will. Now you on the other hand... I've seen the way you turn faces around here when you walk around the halls.
VICTORIA
And most of the faces I turn are under 30, is that what you're telling me?
ALANA
Tori, don’t get me wrong. Don’t take it the wrong way. You’ve got strikingly good looks and a brain to match. You’d be a huge catch for someone.
VICTORIA
Most guys I know would prefer to forget the brains.
ALANA
I think you’re selling all of Somerset short. This is a pretty smart community.
VICTORIA
I’ve been told my Mom and Dad that I have flawless features, and a great face, but I’ll let Annabella do all the modeling, thank you.
Alana laughs as she sips her coffee. Light music plays as the picture fades to black.
BILL WOLFF: We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
(We see “Somerset” title card and hear a soft version of the theme)
BILL WOLFF: And now, following station identification, we’ll continue with the second half of Somerset. This portion of our program is presented today by Cheer. Fight for the bright with the new varieties of All-Temperature Cheer.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE THREE
FADE IN -- Somerset Hospital
We continue the conversation between Alana and Victoria, who are in the nurses’ lounge enjoying coffee.
ALANA
How is Annabella, anyway?
VICTORIA
Miss Drop-Dead Gorgeous? (Laughing hysterically) No, seriously, you know we get along just great. She’s wrapping up a modeling assignment in Italy. She's talking about returning to Somerset after that for a few months. I know it'll make Dad happy.
ALANA
Come on. He loves you too. He loves all his children equally.
VICTORIA
Oh, I know that, Alana. I think he’s happiest about me because I went to nursing school and am nearly finished with my education. Annabella's taken some college but she got distracted by the modeling...
ALANA
How come she’s never thought about coming back here?
VICTORIA
She’s making great money over in Italy. She has freedom. She’s dated over there, but she likes keeping a low profile too. But Dad's after her to settle down, find a guy to make her happy, run the restaurant...
ALANA
Mmm hmm. So Mom and Dad can retire, right?
VICTORIA
Yeah. Dad's talked about retiring, but I think he'd rather have Annabella running the restaurant before he makes any moves.
ALANA
Let me give you a piece of advice. (The camera zooms in) Men. They're not worth it.
Victoria is taken by surprise as the next scene cues up, accompanied by a bit of stinging piano music.
DISSOLVE TO -- Bernard’s
Bernard’s is a combination restaurant and bar, a popular watering hole in Somerset but also a place where people can grab dinner. Michael and Scott have retired to the restaurant to talk a bit.
Bernard, the restaurant owner, is at the bar chatting with both of them.
BERNARD
What can I get you gentlemen? Tap or bottle?
SCOTT
Tap for me. Make it the weak stuff, I still have to go back to the office and file a few reports.
BERNARD
I'll have you know, Lt. Garfield, that I always keep the strong stuff around.
MICHAEL
He’s not kidding. Many a late night of mine has been spent here watching sports on the TV or poring over notes for a story.
BERNARD
That’s right. One drink order from you and I can sleep better at night knowing my restaurant's in the black. Coming right up.
As Bernard leaves the area to fix drinks, Scott turns and laughs at Michael’s reputation.
SCOTT
(Laughing as he opens a folder) You have a reputation in this town as a hard drinker?
MICHAEL
A hard drinker and a hard reporter, as you may find out one day.
SCOTT
Allow me to stay on your good side for this story. It has to do with Somerset's crime rate being at its lowest level in nearly 25 years.
MICHAEL
Well, there’s an A1 story for tomorrow! I know that will make some people in this town happy. Especially Nick. He’s been waiting for a press release like this. As chief, that has to make you happy.
SCOTT
Somewhere, Lt. Price is smiling. Will was one of the best. He didn't want to retire until the crime rate started going down. You never knew Will, did you?
MICHAEL
No, but two of our more memorable investigative reporters worked with him. Greg Mercer was a tiger, and I'm sorry I didn't work back in the era when people like Greg and Steve Slade were dogging the cops about the syndicate's presence in this town.
SCOTT
Thankfully we won't have to worry about the mob this time around. You're stuck with me, I guess. Can you put up with me?
MICHAEL
As long as you have some good ideas, we’ll take them.
Michael and Scott sip from their beers as the picture fades to black.
BILL WOLFF: We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCENE FOUR
FADE IN -- Somerset Hospital
The last of the conversation unfolds between Alana and Victoria.
ALANA
Geez, sorry if I sounded so harsh about that. I didn't mean to be.
VICTORIA
Wait until a certain gentleman hears how you really feel.
ALANA
Tori Petterino, don’t you dare tell him.
VICTORIA
(Smiles mischievously) Pass me and my lips are sealed. (Laughs) I'm just kidding. I know. I've had the opportunity to go on a few dates here and there and I always turn them down. It drives my mom nuts.
ALANA
Someday, your prince will come. Either that, or you'll take my job when I take over this hospital.
The nurses laugh as the light music plays to transition between scenes.
DISSOLVE TO -- Bernard’s
MICHAEL
Thanks for the good story. This will work in nicely with another idea I'm working on.
SCOTT
It wouldn’t involve Jack Martin by any chance, would it?
MICHAEL
(Appears a little startled) It would. Why do you ask?
SCOTT
No reason. I know he's really gung-ho about renovating certain parts of downtown and this story will play right into the hands of his investors.
MICHAEL
If the Cleybank Corporation doesn’t get its hands on properties first, that is.
SCOTT
We can only hope it doesn't happen. (Sips beer) For Somerset's sake.
Michael nods his approval as he downs the last of his beer and the picture fades to black.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
The closing credits roll on Somerset as the theme music plays.
BILL WOLFF: This... was Somerset. Shirts by Perry Ellis. Nurses wear by Nurse Mate.
Join us each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. The preceding program was recorded.
(For more episodes of SOMERSET or to check out other talented writers visit OnTV, a site often imitated but NEVER duplicated)
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