TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. MORGAN RESIDENCE - ESTABLISHING - AFTERNOON
VI (PRE-LAP)
Look, I'm sorry, Shane.
INT. MORGAN RESIDENCE - VI'S BEDROOM - AFTERNOON
Another day at the Morgan house.
Sounds of Penny YELLING at someone from another room set
the scene, as our plucky heroine VIOLET "VI" MORGAN talks
into the Morgans' cordless phone, pacing the length of her
room and wincing.
VI
I'm locked into this. Literally
locked, handcuffs and everything.
There's no way they're letting me
off this time.
She pauses, and through the phone the voice of SHANE EVANS
is audible, though barely.
SHANE (O.S.)
(filtered)
Oh.
(beat)
No, I get it. Your family's
important, don't worry.
VI
Sorry, what was that? The
volume's on eleven over here. Cam
cut up Penny's Louis Vuitton
purse.
SHANE
(a little louder)
Why?
VI
He says it was in the name of
science but I think it was more
to do with the purse being fugly.
SHANE
Wow. Anyways, I said it's good
you're doing stuff with your
family. They're important.
VI
No, not important! They just
control certain things, like
whether I get fed.
(beat)
I'd love to hang at Wicker today,
check out the new bands playing
and all that, but my mum's
practically got me to sign a
contract in blood.
Shane sighs, but lets it go.
SHANE
(forgiving)
It's alright, Vi. I'll see you
later, alright?
VI
(smiles)
Yeah. See you. Make fun of some
gender-confused singers for me,
will ya?
SHANE
Will do.
A CLICK. Vi sighs, and begrudgingly glances at her mobile
phone on her dresser. She grabs it and heads out the door.
CUT TO:
INT. MORGAN RESIDENCE - FRONT HALL - AFTERNOON
Vi comes down the stairs to see - -
- - CAROLINE MORGAN staring at the wall. She reacts
instinctively at Vi's presence, speaking without looking at
her.
CAROLINE
Sandy beach?
VI
We're actually at home, mum.
Vi looks at her mother strangely as she finishes her
descent, but as Caroline turns, we can see she is holding
colour slips.
CAROLINE
No, I meant, I'm thinking of
having the hall painted.
VI
You mean getting me to paint the
hall.
Caroline ignores her.
CAROLINE
(holding out slip)
So what do you think?
VI
I think Penny will skip out to
see her boy-toy of the week -
Jake Whatever, and Cam will have
some world-changing experiment
going on in his room, leaving me
to do the work.
(thinks)
Why don't I have a handy, work
avoiding excuse?
CAROLINE
Don't be ridiculous, Vi. You'd
all share the work.
As Vi rolls her eyes, Caroline turns back to the wall,
pressing the slip to it.
CAROLINE (CONT'D)
Now, Cam printed some colours off
the internet for me. What do you
think of Pale Violet?
(silence)
Lilac Thyme?
(silence)
Alright, how about Deep Rose? It
would go with the carpet.
VI
Honestly Mum? I think you'd be
better off planting a garden and
painting the wall an actual
colour. You know, like 'green' or
'blue'.
Before Caroline can respond, Vi jumps in.
VI (CONT'D)
(rushed)
I-have-to-go-out.
Caroline looks at her, puzzled.
VI (CONT'D)
Erm, I have a thing.
CAROLINE
(flat)
A thing.
VI
Yes. A school thing. With Shane.
CAROLINE
Hm.
(beat)
Well, do you need a lift?
VI
No!
(beat)
I mean, no, I can walk. Get the
exercise and all. Don't worry,
I'll be home by eight.
Caroline's eyes narrow.
CAROLINE
Six.
VI
Eight.
CAROLINE
Let's compromise. Six.
Vi rolls her eyes and sighs, leaning back to place one hand
on the doorknob.
VI
I'll be home at eight. Shane's
Mum said she'd make us dinner so
don't worry about that. I'll call
you at three to check in - -
(before Caroline can
interject)
- - so you don't have to.
CAROLINE
I don't have Shane's number, Vi.
Vi smiles.
VI
I'll be home at eight.
CAROLINE
Vi!
And she slips out the door, leaving her mother to stew.
CUT TO:
EXT. JESSOP HILL PLAZA - AFTERNOON
The usually-quiet plaza is teeming with people, as it would
be on a weekend. Amidst the crowd, we see Vi waiting. She
taps her foot against the ground, obviously impatient.
Two hands snake around her face and cover her eyes.
VI
Whoever that it, this is assault
and the police will be involved.
ANDREW (O.S.)
Damn, and I never even got to
shout 'peekaboo'.
Vi turns around to see ANDREW FRIAR grinning, and she gives
him an admonishing look.
VI
Where've you been? I had to
escape the Mummy Monster - what's
your excuse?
ANDREW
Broken washing machine. Spitting
clothes and detergent everywhere.
VI
(obviously not buying
it)
Ahunh, right.
ANDREW
My story, I'm sticking to it.
Vi doesn't press the issue, instead turning to look at the
building.
VI
So, we going in?
ANDREW
As mandated by the Ruler, King
Benson of Compania.
Vi starts walking towards the mall, and Andrew follows. She
looks back at him as she walks.
VI
(annoyed)
Do we have to do this? Can't we
just, I don't know, set Benson on
fire? That's amusement enough for
everyone. And he wouldn't die,
would he?
ANDREW
Actually, he sorta would.
VI
Oh. Never really got how that
worked.
ANDREW
We could still try it...
Vi ignores him as they enter the plaza.
CUT TO:
INT. JESSOP HILL PLAZA - ELEVATOR - AFTERNOON
Vi and Andrew stand side-by-side, almost awkwardly, in the
moving elevators.
VI
You know what? I'm a teenage
girl. I'm just a kid. I shouldn't
have to be subjected to this!
ANDREW
Preaching to the pope, here.
VI
To the choir.
(beat)
The saying is "Preaching to the
choir".
Andrew gives her a blank look and then:
ANDREW
Mine makes more sense.
VI
You know, if you're so starved
for conversation that you have to
mangle sayings, maybe this will
be good for you.
ANDREW
(sarcastic)
Sure. Next, I'll show up at
Benson's birthday party. Go team.
Vi and Andrew practically cringe as the inevitable DING on
the elevator bell sounds.
ANDREW (CONT'D)
Here goes.
On their faces as the door opens. We can hear muted MUSIC
and YELLING.
REVERSE ANGLE
In the reception office, a PARTY is in progress.
Various employees (in casual dress) wander around with
drinks - some with crazy hats or noise makers as well -
chatting to one another.
MUSIC coming from nowhere in particular plays loudly.
VI
(flat)
I hate this place.
Off her sullen expression:
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. THE COMPANY - RECEPTION - NIGHT
Vi and Andrew step out of the elevator, Vi looking a little
dazed and Andrew (already) looking bored. They begin to
weave through the crowd.
Now that we're in the thick of it - the party comes off as
being much more of a house kegger than it does a
respectable office get-together.
GLENDA
Hello, dears!
GLENDA MORRISON (wearing a wide sombrero) walks up to them,
smiling.
VI
(a little dazed)
Hi, Glenda...
GLENDA
You'll just need these.
Glenda presses something into Vi's hands and walks off.
VI
(to her retreating back)
Uh, thanks. Nice hat...
Vi looks down to see two 'MY NAME IS...' stickers. She
hands one off to Andrew, and pockets hers.
VI (CONT'D)
We do have the right place,
right?
ANDREW
Yeah.
VI
Okay, because remember how these
people are adults, and not
college kids house-sitting while
their parents are away for the
weekend?
ANDREW
Oh, yeah. I forgot that actual
office parties aren't like this.
(beat)
Trust me, by tonight you'll wish
it was more boring.
Vi glances out the window, and notes it's PITCH BLACK
outside. She shoots Andrew a glance.
VI
Yeah - by tonight, you mean what,
exactly?
The two reach a corner and turn down into:
INT. THE COMPANY - CORRIDOR 1 - CONTINUOUS
Here, the party is still going. Andrew shrugs.
ANDREW
Benson keeps it dark. This way,
people can pretend to stay up all
night - -
VI
- - And head home by eight to
wake up bright and early. Yup,
Benson mentality right there.
The two continue to walk down the corridor. Vi eyes the
party-goers awkwardly. Some appear to feel exactly the way
she does, while others...
GUY
Hey, Fry-man!
ANDREW
Hey, Jeez.
This is JESUS CONNORS, as his name tag tells us. He wears a
huge grin underneath a bit of a scruffy beard and carries a
drink.
JESUS
Who's the girl? Andrew, you
cradle-robber!
Jesus punches Andrew's shoulder lightly.
JESUS (CONT'D)
(to Vi)
You're not wearing a tag.
VI
Not my thing.
JESUS
I get that.
(to Andrew)
We'll hang later, natch.
And he blends into the crowd. Vi looks at Andrew, but he is
un-fazed.
As they walk, Andrew fields high-fives, complicated 'buddy'
handshakes, grins and nods. Vi just looks at him in a mix
of amazement and confusion.
VI
I thought you hated it here.
ANDREW
When your bored out of your mind
nine days out of ten, you tend to
do things that attract attention.
(beat)
On Benson's day off, I set a
chair on fire. Well, actually, I
convinced crazy Larry to do it,
but...
Vi looks at Andrew, confused.
ANDREW (CONT'D)
Hey, no judging!
VI
I'm just trying to process
"Benson's day off"...
The two turn through a wide doorway into...
CUT TO:
INT. THE COMPANY - CAFETERIA
As they enter, Vi sweeps her eyes across the large room.
The party is strongest here, with the tables moved moreso
to the sides. A stage, presumably for company-wide
meetings, is in-use as a karaoke stage. She winces as she
takes in the current singer's voice.
Vi eyes a table, on which is a row of BEERS. As she passes,
she swipes one.
VI
Gotcha!
As she reaches to open it, Andrew grabs it from her, opens
in, and takes a swig.
VI (CONT'D)
Hey!
She glares at him. He gives her a look.
VI (CONT'D)
I don't want to get drunk! It's
just, my mum sort of has a
stranglehold on my life, so I've
never even had a sip. Not fair -
right?
ANDREW
Just keep moving, junior.
Vi frowns as Andrew takes another gulp. Then, Andrew spots
someone.
JENNA COOKE sits alone at a table. She looks bored and
works halfheartedly on a crossword.
The two sit down at the table, causing her to look up. She
looks annoyed - but not at them, just in general.
JENNA
Hey, Vi.
(beat, notices Andrew)
And Andrew.
ANDREW
(teasing)
Well, someone looks like she'd
rather be working.
VI
(quick, defusing)
How long've you been stuck here?
JENNA
Feels like forever.
(beat, checks watch)
Since noon, actually.
ANDREW
You've sat here looking like
Benson ran over your puppy for
two whole hours?
Both girls just glare at him, and he sits back.
ANDREW (CONT'D)
(grumbles)
This sucks.
Vi turns to Jenna, but before she can say something a round
of APPLAUSE and a series of HOOTS and WHISTLES fill the
air. Andrew speaks again.
ANDREW (CONT'D)
(gesturing to stage)
Ah, Vi, I don't believe you've
met Diana. Queen of the scantily
clad blondes.
As Vi turns around, we see DIANA CROSS (23) step up to the
mic. She's gorgeous, in a 'women across Australia hate her
and heir husbands want to sleep with her' kind of way. Her
skirt/shirt ensemble isn't slutty, but it isn't so innocent
either.
Vi quirks her head at Andrew.
ANDREW (CONT'D)
You'll see why Di's Head Bitch
around here. Just wait.
Jenna snorts, and Vi turns to see Diana start to SING, with
a voice like crystal - a rendition of Gloria Gaynor's 'I
Will Survive". The three sit and listen to the song.
CUT TO:
EXT. PARK - DAY
BIANCA PARRY sits on a wooden bench, reading a book,
looking annoyed - whether at the fact she's reading or some
other reason is unknown. A shadow blocks her light--
--and ERIN FOWLER stands awkwardly, looking down at her.
ERIN
Uh, hi.
Bianca looks up, and smiles. But this isn't a happy smile,
oh no. It's the dreaded 'pissed off girlfriend' smile. Erin
has to work to keep himself from shivering.
BIANCA
Hi, Erin. How are you.
(before he can speak)
Sit down.
Erin sits, and smiles at her - but it doesn't work. It dies
on his lips.
BIANCA (CONT'D)
(dark)
We need to talk.
Erin just nods.
BIANCA (CONT'D)
Okay. We were supposed to have
this dinner. This nice, special,
anniversary dinner.
Erin watches his feet, and she glances at him to make sure
he's taking this in before continuing.
BIANCA (CONT'D)
Except my perfect boyfriend
decided to take us, completely
out of the blue, to some crappy
little dump in the middle of
nowhere and forced me to wait two
hours for a table.
(beat)
Now, I already know why. But
you're going to tell me anyway.
Because you are my boyfriend.
This seems to stop Erin in his tracks, and he doesn't seem
capable of looking up at her. She just keeps staring at
him, pissed.
ERIN
(quiet)
Bianca... I'm sorry.
BIANCA
Hell yeah, you are.
Erin slowly sits up, and smiles slowly.
ERIN
Hell yeah, I am.
He leans forward and kisses her on the lips. It's short,
sweet - more genuine than anything we've seen from Erin all
season.
ERIN (CONT'D)
I was a jerk last night. I don't
know what came over me. Either
way, I had no excuse. I shouldn't
have ruined the evening for you.
Bianca frowns for a moment - this was what she expected
he'd try, but she finds herself just slowly shrugging and
smiling back at him.
BIANCA
Well... Okay... I guess. Now,
what do you wanna do for lunch?
ERIN
Actually... I have plans.
And THUD - her good mood vanishes.
BIANCA
("of course")
Oh.
ERIN
Sorry, it's really important -
but I still want us to talk.
Again. Later. Ish.
Bianca's clearly taken aback.
BIANCA
Oh, well, okay. I mean, of
course. I can't stop you from
going or anything.
ERIN
Thanks. See you in a bit.
He leans down and gives her another peck on the cheek, and
walks off, leaving Bianca alone on the bench. Her eyes
follow him, completely unsure of how to respond.
CUT TO:
INT. THE COMPANY - CAFETERIA - LATER
Diana continues to sing on stage, capturing the attention
of every male in the room - including Andrew, which Vi
notices with amusement.
Jenna, fairly disgusted, grabs her crossword and stands.
She slips through the crowd and out of the door.
CUT TO:
INT. THE COMPANY - RANDOM OFFICE - MOMENT LATER
Jenna enters the dark office, crossword held to her chest
and breathing a sigh of relief. She reaches over to turn on
the light switch --
-- and gives out a YELL!
With the light on, ALISTAIR BENSON sitting behind the desk
is easily seen.
JENNA
You scared the crap out of me.
(remembering)
Sir.
BENSON
I thought you were attending the
office party, Ms. Cooke?
JENNA
Not all it's cracked up to be.
BENSON
Ah, yes. The noise that can
hardly be described as music,
people I'm sure I knew the names
of once and bowls of that
irritating coloured popcorn that
gets stuck in my teeth.
(thinks)
Its moments like these that I
really feel old.
JENNA
(laughing, embarassed)
And I wish I was old so I had an
excuse.
(beat)
So, You're not much of a people
person either?
BENSON
I'd say that's an accurate
assumption. This job, luckily,
keeps my interactions with others
short and succinct.
JENNA
I think I'd like that kind of
job.
She smiles. Benson looks at Jenna, pondering, then smiles
back.
BENSON
Well, I'm sure you'll make an
excellent Director someday, Ms.
Cooke.
JENNA
Thank you, sir. Though I'm not
sure whether I'd - -
(sees his look)
Could handle the pressure of such
a huge job.
BENSON
I know it sounds lonely, but you
get used to it, after being in
here for so long. You know?
Jenna shrugs. It's clear she knows exactly what he means.
JENNA
I guess. Yeah, I do.
A nostalgic look possesses her expression. The sound of
faint CHEERING can be heard in the distance.
CUT TO:
INT. THE COMPANY - CAFETERIA
Vi claps politely and watches Diana as the crowd around her
CHEERS. Diana seems very sure of herself - completely
unsurprised at the applause. Andrew claps as well. Diana
steps off the stage.
ANDREW
She's the one who puts the bug in
Grace's ear every year for
karaoke. She loves the attention.
VI
Grace?
ANDREW
Lex Grace, Benson's PA. College
age guy with no college to go
meet people at, so he uses the
office parties as a release.
VI
(eying the room)
Explains a lot.
As Diana passes, Andrew can't resist saying something.
ANDREW
(calls out)
Hey, Diana! You look nice.
Diana takes a moment to look around, and her eyes finally
fall on Andrew. She walks over to them.
DIANA
Ah, Andrew Friar. You do realise
you won't fulfill your years-long
quest to get into my pants by
stating the obvious, right?
Andrew is struck speechless. Vi blinks - shocked at Diana's
attitude.
VI
("Umm...")
You're wearing a skirt.
Diana turns to Vi as if she had spontaneously appeared from
thin air, and gives her a nasty smile.
DIANA
(to Andrew)
I assume you haven't mentioned my
policy on stupid people to the
new girl. You do remember my
policy, don't you?
ANDREW
(sighs)
... They're not allowed to talk
to you. Ever.
DIANA
Exactly.
(smiles)
Have a great time, you two.
Diana walks off into the crowd. An awkward pause between Vi
and Andrew.
ANDREW
I want to axe-murder her.
VI
(a little surprised at
herself)
I think... Me too.
The two sit in silence for a moment, before Andrew perks
up.
ANDREW
Hey! How about I introduce you to
the other Runners?
Vi is wary.
VI
Alright. It's gotta be better
than this.
CUT TO:
A SERIES of short scenes play out:
SCENE 1
Andrew and Vi talk to LYNNE CAMPBELL (40's, red hair, well
put-together).
LYNNE
My first assignment was spent in
a home for Seniors. It was so
exciting! I had to sneak into one
man's room privately to steal
prized possession and stash it in
another's room.
They eventually fell in love.
(beat)
I gave them sweaters at their
commitment ceremony. I've never
seen two men more in love.
Vi makes a face. Andrew shoots her a look.
CUT TO:
SCENE 2
Vi and Andrew walk through the crowd, speaking in hushed
tones.
VI
I am not a homophobe!
ANDREW
Then why the face, huh?
VI
Old people. Kissing. Gross.
ANDREW
Ah.
(beat)
Next one over here.
CUT TO:
SCENE 3
Vi stands talking to HANNAH MARSHALL (from last episode).
VI
So, you're a Runner, too. That's
cool.
HANNAH
Yeah. Looks like we're the
youngest ones here.
VI
Yeah.
(looking for topic)
And, you're British!
HANNAH
With the vocabulary all built in,
too. You know - bloody, sod it,
pram...
VI
What about 'eh'?
HANNAH
(chuckles)
The 'eh' thing is Canadians.
VI
Ah. Right.
(beat)
Oh! Shane's band! I forgot to ask
- how were they last night? I
only made the last song.
Hannah smiles, a little relieved at the change of subject.
HANNAH
Pretty damn good, for a teenage
band. BB isn't amazing, but he'll
get better the more gigs they
get.
VI
That's great.
HANNAH
Thought I expect, with both BB
and Vinkle around, I half expect
Shane to start ripping his hair
out.
VI
Well, if I see any bald patches,
I'll let you know.
The two girls smile at each other, obviously enjoying the
other's company despite the awkwardness of their
conversation.
SCENE 4
Vi smiles absently at LEX GRACE (early 20's). He's pointing
absently to various things in the room.
LEX
Set up a bit of a loners table
over there, for people who really
don't want to be here.
(beat)
Those people suck. Moving on, we
changed the stage for a karaoke
thing, which is always a hit.
You're not an employee here 'til
you've heard Andrew Friar drunk
butchering the theme from
Firefly. Good times, good times.
Vi chuckles at this, and Lex grins.
LEX (CONT'D)
By the way, didn't get your name,
little lady. Oh, and your age -
important if I were to ever hit
on you.
He winks, trying to be cute, but smiles at her like she's a
kid, however.
VI
Vi Morgan. I'm 16.
LEX
The big 1-6. Good for you. Well,
we both know I'll be Benson's
butt-monkey for years to come, so
when you turn 18 - we are so
going clubbing together.
He smiles, and offers her a sip of his beer, but she shakes
her head.
SCENE 5
Vi stands in a corner, and Jesus approaches.
JESUS
So, you and Andrew, huh?
She looks at him with a mix of confusion and disgust.
VI
No. No-no-no-no-no. God no.
(beat)
He's my mentor.
Jesus grins widely.
JESUS
(implying something)
Yeah, I get that. Teaches you a
lot, I bet.
VI
About assignments. And being a
runner.
JESUS
("yeah, right")
Mhm.
Vi gives Jesus a bit of a look, and slowly moves away from
him.
SCENE 6
Vi walks with Andrew, whispering furiously, as they make
slow progress to the exit.
VI
Just when this party seemed like
it wasn't sucking, your friend
the messiah starts... Yeah, not
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