running on empty - pilot script

8/14/2019 Running on Empty - Pilot Script

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Running on Empty Episode 1

Pilot Script

By

Julie Somoski



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Running on Empty

Pilot Script

OPENING SCENE

FADE IN:

INT. KAYNOR HOUSE – UPPER LEVEL – MORNING

JULIE KAYNOR is in her mid 30s. She’s a wife, mother, and

homemaker at the moment, currently searching for her new life.

At the moment, she’s finding it hard to talk to her husband

while trying to become independent of him.

DAVID KAYNOR is in his mid 30s. He’s a husband and father,

current working as an editorialist for a local newspaper. He’s

confused about his feelings, but still feels as if he should be

close to Julie.

SAM and NATE KAYLOR are 9 and 11 years old. They’re the songs of

Julie and David and are very mischievous. Both are confused by

their parents’ separation.

(The scene opens with the song “Running on Empty” and begins

with JULIE in bed as her alarm clock goes off. She hits it, gets

out of bed, and walks over to her closet. The scene switches to

DAVID hitting his alarm clock but remaining in bed. The scene

switches back to JULIE, who’s in her closet picking out outfits

to wear. The scene switches over to DAVID, who’s putting on a

tie and looking into a mirror. He pauses for a few seconds, towhich the scene turns once again to JULIE, who’s fixing her hair

and also looking into a mirror.

The camera then turns to DAVID walking down the hallway. He

passes JULIE’s bedroom door, to which he stops and looks in on

her. JULIE, not knowing DAVID is there, is sitting on the edge

of her bed looking out the window with a thoughtful look on her

face. “Running on Empty” gets softer and fades into background.)

DAVID

Good morning.

JULIE

(Slightly jumps up and turns around, only to look back out the

window.) Morning.

DAVID

Are you alright?



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JULIE

(Short pause, turns around) Why wouldn’t I be?

(JULIE turns back around and gets up. DAVID stares at her.)

JULIE

(Talking in a slightly higher pitch) Well, breakfast isn’t going

to make itself.

(JULIE then walks past DAVID and begins walking downstairs. DAVID

follows her. “Running on Empty” plays louder again.

JULIE stops at the stairs to open up the living room blinds.

DAVID goes outside to retrieve the newspaper. SAM and NATHAN are

sitting at the kitchen table pounding their fists.)

JULIE

Stop hitting the table. Breakfast is coming. (She turns on the

radio to “Picking up the Pieces” and then continues to make

breakfast and put on a pot of coffee.)

DAVID

(Sits down at the table with the newspaper. He opens is up as if

to read, but then puts it down) So how’s school going boys?

SAM

Good.

NATE

Fine.

DAVID

Anything interesting happening?

SAM

Dad, nothing interesting ever happens at school.

NATE

Dad, you can read your newspaper. It’s okay.

DAVID

Julie, can you get me a cup of coffee?

(Julie ignores him and stares down at the pan.)



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DAVID

Right.

(He then gets up and gets a cup of coffee. At this time, Julie

puts scrambled eggs and a piece of toast on the her, Sam’s, and

Nate’s plate, then sitting down in her seat.)

DAVID

I guess I’ll get me own breakfast, too.

NATE

Why aren’t you guys talking to each other?

JULIE

What? Of course we’re talking to each other. Aren’t we David?

DAVID

Well, I’m still talking to you.

(Julie gives him a stare. They sit in silence for about 10

seconds.)

JULIE

So what are you boys doing in school?

SAM

Mom, we just talked about this.

JULIE

I didn’t hear your answer.

DAVID

Nothing exciting ever happens in school.

JULIE

Guys, keep eating – David, can I talk to you for a minute, out

there?

DAVID

You know, I’d better be going anyways. Let me get my briefcase

and I’ll meet you by the door.

NATE

Mom, where’s our juice?



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JULIE

There isn’t any. I have to go shopping today. Say goodbye to

your father.

(The boys say bye as David passes by. Julie goes to meet him by

the front door.)

JULIE

So, when are you coming home today?

DAVID

I should be off early today. I just gotta finish my column by

3pm today and be on my way home.

JULIE

We need to tell the boys today, after school

DAVID

What? Why? This isn’t what we agreed on –

JULIE

I know, but they’re not stupid, David. We can’t keep this going

on without them knowing forever. It’s one thing to keep it from

our parents but these are our children, David. If we’re going to

. . . well, you know, do what – what we’re doing, then they need

to be in on it.

DAVID

(Pauses, looks up at the ceiling) Um, sure, okay. We can do that

today. I hope you know what we’re going to say to them.

JULIE

Sure, I have a script I wrote up this morning. I’ll make you

copies today.

(At this moment, “Running on Empty” starts playing again)

DAVID

So predictable. I, uh, I guess I’ll see you later then.

(JULIE gives a half-smile, then looks at the ground. DAVID nods

his head, then walks out the door. JULIE closes it, pauses for a

minute, then walks back into the kitchen.)

SONG LEADS INTO MAIN TITLE CARD.

END OF OPENING SCENE.



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SCENE 1

EXT. CAR – ON THE WAY TO SCHOOL – MORNING

KATE NEWLY – Early ‘30s, single, only one who knows about

separation, tries to get more details from Julie while staying

supportive; happy with being single but has dated numerous men.

JULIE is driving the boys to school. KATE is sitting up front,

the boys are sitting in the back.

(“Black Velvet” is playing on the car radio.)

KATE

So thanks for picking me up. I take it you want some company

today?

JULIE

Well, you need a few groceries and I need a lot of groceries.

And, it’s always nice to have company.

KATE

Well, it must get lonely for you now, at times.

JULIE

Kate, can we please not talk about this now?

KATE

Why, don’t they – (pauses, changes expression). You didn’t –

JULIE

(Interrupting) No, we didn’t. (Pauses). We’re going to, though.

Today. Hopefully. David’s getting off work early today. And,

well, they need to know.

KATE

But I don’t get it, Julie. Something happened. Something

happened and you’re not telling me. I want to know – I want to

be there for you, but I can’t.

JULIE

Nothing happened. Look, we’ll talk about it later. (Pause), I’m

sorry, I’m just as confused as you are, Kate. We’ll talk about

it later.

NATE

Mom, where are you going?



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JULIE

Where do you think I’m going Nathan? It’s a school day. You have

school. I’m going to your school.

NATE

But . . .

KATE

You passed their school Julie.

JULIE

Damn in! – Darn it!

KATE

I would have told you, but I thought you knew where you were

going.

JULIE

Yeah. Not a problem. I’ll just turn around. You guys have

everything?

NATE and SAM

Yes.

JULIE

Okay, okay.

SWITCH TO:

INT. GROCERY STORE – MORNING

(“Shop Around” is playing in the background.)

JULIE

Pass me the orange juice, Kate.

KATE

(Passes Julie the orange juice.) So, Julie, let’s talk.

JULIE

Were you always this interested in my personal life?



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KATE

This is a pivotal, not to mention shocking, point in your life.

This isn’t like buying a new brand of dish soap. I’ve never been

married before. I can’t even say I’ve been in love before. But –

JULIE

(Interrupting) But, you’re guiding me through my marriage and

separation, and probably soon to be divorce, from my husband of

15 years.

KATE

I think I can at least offer my help and advice on this subject.

(Adding more emotion to her voice) What happened Julie?

JULIE

(Sigh, Pause) It’s the little things. Well, that and a littlemore. I mean, waking up each morning lying next to him,

listening to his heavy breathing and watching his left eye

twitch – it’s something that would put any woman over the edge.

And, I – I just don’t think I – love him anymore.

KATE

Just like that?

JULIE

Well, I’m pretty sure he was cheating on me.

KATE

Amazing. Did you confront him about it?

JULIE

Yeah. But I’m not stupid. I saw the signs: secret phone calls

that I couldn’t listen to, late-night meetings that he missed

dinner for, perfume scents on his clothing. It’s just all so

obvious, and he denied everything.

KATE

But with who?

JULIE

I can’t say I know. I can’t say I want to know. He denied it the

entire time I was asking him. So, I started ignoring him myself.

One night he slept in the guest room and he’s been there ever

since. Then I told him this was it. This was the end.



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KATE

But it’s obviously not the end. I mean, you guys are still

living together, you’re still parents together, and you’re still

married to each other.

JULIE

This is the end, Kate. Things will never be the same again.

(Pause) Our marriage is over.

KATE

Just answer me this – do you still love David?

JULIE

(Pauses, walks to get something off the shelf) I don’t know. I

don’t know anything anymore. Does he still love me? I don’t know

that either. Our lives are just in this whirlwind right now thatI somehow need to pull myself out of. I need to get my life back

together, and the strangest thing is, only we know my life needs

getting back together.

KATE

I just feel so badly all this is happening to you. Fifteen years

of happiness to crumble like a burning building? It’s hard to

make sense of it. I just had no idea you were so unhappy.

(At this time, JULIE, holding a box of cereal, looks over at

KATE, then stares into the distance. “Shop Around” gets louderthan stops at the switching of the scene.)

SWITCH TO:

INT. KAYNOR HOUSE – MID-AFTERNOON

CHRISTINE NEWLY – 60s, strong-willed and still full of energy,

decides to get back into the dating scene herself, has no idea

about the separation of Julie and David

(JULIE and KATE are putting away groceries.)

KATE

So why not just get a divorce? Seems like everything would be so

much easier that way.

JULIE

But what about Sam and Nate? I can barely bring myself to tell

them their parents are separating, let alone divorcing. You have

to think these things out, you know? (Pause) Then there’s the



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money, the court battles, the anger, the emotions. It’s just not

something I want to deal with.

KATE

I understand. What does David think about all this? You just

sprung all this on the poor guy –

JULIE

(Interrupting) The poor guy? (Getting angrier) That same poor

guy who was doing god-knows-what with a woman he barely knows? I

thought we were on the same page here Kate.

KATE

But you said yourself you don’t know for sure if he cheated on

your or not. Just supposed he didn’t. Maybe you were just a tad

quick to make a conclusion.

JULIE

Look, if you think I have all the answers, I don’t. Can we just

drop this now?

KATE

Yes, sure, we can. (Sarcastically) So any plans for tonight?

JULIE

(In a snappy manner) No, of course not. (Voice softens) No

plans. (Looks down, hesitates, then looks back up) Why would mynights be any different now than they were before?

KATE

Well, I’m going out tonight. With a guy named Luke. I met him at

a gas station – he was pumping gas next to me.

JULIE

And do you always go on a date with random guys?

KATE

Who knew gas stations could give you more than gas?

JULIE

What if he’s a serial killer or an axe murderer or something?

KATE

There’s more to the story, Julie. We got to talking, and after

he paid for his gas he asked me to get coffee with him. So I



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did. Now we’re going out tonight. Julie, I think I’m in love

(sarcastically).

JULIE

I take it he didn’t have a job too?

KATE

What is that supposed to mean? And I’m currently unemployed, not

a bum living on the streets.

JULIE

Well, two people with no income going on a date? Who’ll pay for

dinner?

(Both give a sarcastic laugh to each other.)

JULIE

I wouldn’t put this whole thing past you, though. (Pause) Maybe

I should get back into the dating game.

KATE

(Laughs, then stares at JULIE) Yeah, that’ll be the day. You

haven’t dated anyone but David before. Take it from a woman

who’s been dating for 15 years – 2 weeks separated from your

husband, you’re not ready.

At this time, the song “Just Between You and Me” begins playing

faintly in the background.

JULIE

If I truly wanted to go on a date with another man, I could.

(Pause) That’s my point Kate. I have freedom again. I can choose

to go on a date with anyone if I wanted to. (Pause, looking

down) Who knows . . . maybe I will.

KATE

(Stares at her) Julie, do you have a date?

JULIE

(Looks down, says nothing)

KATE

What the hell were you thinking?

JULIE

So I made a mistake.



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KATE

Yeah, some mistake. God, what is wrong with you? You’re a

married woman!

At this time, Christine walks in through the door, dressed in a

jogging outfit with headphones in her hair

CHRISTINE

Am I interrupting something?

Both JULIE and KATE look up and stare intently at her as

CHRISTINE takes off the headphones. “Just Between You and Me”

gets louder and ends the scene.

FADE TO BLACK.

GO TO COMMERCIAL.

RETURN FROM COMMERCIAL.

CONTINUATION OF SCENE.

JULIE

Hi . . . Mom. (JULIE quickly passes her to get the rest of the

groceries)

KATE

Out jogging?

CHRISTINE

Sure was. I’m on a semi-diet, I guess you could say. Exercising

gives you so much energy, and I wouldn’t mind adding a few years

to my life. You should give it a try, Kate.

KATE

Yeah, I should, um, definitely do that. Jogging. (JULIE walksback in with bags in her hand)

CHRISTINE

Need some help Julie?

JULIE

(Trying to avoid CHRISTINE, with back turned) No, I think I got

it handled. (Silence) So what are you doing here Mom?



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CHRISTINE

Nothing in particular. Just out jogging. I couldn’t run past

your house without stopping by. So was I interrupting something?

KATE

You’re never interrupting, Mom. We were just discussing how herand David were, um, planning on inviting you to dinner sometime

soon.

JULIE

(Stares at Kate) Yes, that’s exactly what we were talking about.

CHRISTINE

That sounds like fun. We could make a dinner party out of it.

JULIE

Well, we’ll see. (Silence) Well Mom, it was nice seeing you

again –

CHRISTINE

Seems to me like you’re trying to get rid of me Julie. I think

there’s something you’re not telling me, something you’re trying

to hide from me – your mother. Are you trying to hide something

from me, Julie?

JULIE

Of course not, Mother. Nothing strange going on here. We were

just out shopping, doing a few errands.

CHRISTINE

And Kate was with you? Oh yes, I forgot. She doesn’t have a job.

KATE

Mom, I was laid off from my job. I could be getting a phone call

any day now from my boss telling me to come back to work.

CHRISTINE

It’s nice to see you so optimistic, Kate. Of course, this is the

real world. Maybe instead of spending all your time with men and

your sister you should be spending it looking for a stable job.

KATE

Well, maybe. I don’t see you working, Mom.



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CHRISTINE

You see, Kate, I lived in a time when women weren’t supposed to

have jobs. Let’s just say I’m in retirement.

KATE

And what do retired women do nowadays?

CHRISTINE

This retired woman has a date tonight.

KATE

(Begins laughing) Are you serious? Our mother has a date tonight

. . . with a man? What a coincidence –

JULIE

(Interrupting) Mom, that’s good news, I guess. So where did youmeet this man? I hear gas stations are becoming the place to go

to pick up men. (Gives a look to Kate, who looks back)

CHRISTINE

I met him at a bar last night. (JULIE and KATE look at her). No,

it’s not what you think. Actually, I was coming home from a

movie last night and my car broke down. This nice man came out

to help me, and now we’re going dancing tonight. It’s such a

cliché story, isn’t it?

KATE

Yeah, actually, it is. Very ironic. Don’t tell me he’s like half

your age.

CHRISTINE

He’s a little younger, but just a few years. Very handsome, very

pilot. I have goosegumps just talking about him.

KATE

You’re going dancing with this guy?

CHRISTINE

Yes, at that new disco club that opened up down the block.

JULIE

(Looks up in shock) Oh my god. You mean the one that had its

grand opening last weekend?



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CHRISTINE

That’s the one.

JULIE

Oh my god.

CHRISTINE

What’s the matter?

KATE

(Looks at JULIE, then smiles) (Sarcastically) Oh my god.

JULIE

I’m just . . . really, really happy for you, Mom. Still being

able to date at your age is truly . . . something.

KATE

Oh, it’s definitely something. Julie, I think there’s something

you want to tell Mom.

JULIE

(quickly) No, I have nothing to say. And neither do you.

(KATE laughs, then looks down. JULIE, looking dumbfounded, also

looks down)

SWITCH TO:

INT. DAVID’S PARENTS HOUSE – EARLY AFTERNOON

JUNE KAYNOR – Early ‘60s, still full of life and wanting to get

out more. She feels that her marriage with RICHARD, although a

long one, is now holding her back, and finds ways to have fun

without him. She tries to get him out, but in the end, she

always feels that her marriage is falling apart.

RICHARD KAYNOR – Mid-‘60s, perfect content with sitting at home

in front of the television. Although he was once an exciting

person, he no longer feels the need to do anything, and has no

idea that he’s having marital problems with June.

DAVID and JUNE are sitting in the kitchen. RICHARD is sitting in

the living room watching television.

JUNE

I can make you some coffee if you’d like, David.



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DAVID

No, I’m fine. I just stopped over to give you the money I owed

you for the candles.

RICHARD

Candles? Who’s selling candles?

JUNE

Richard, I’ve been selling Yankee candles for the past 10 years.

We couldn’t survive simply on your retirement checks week to

week, Richard. Honestly . . .

DAVID

Here it is. (Pulls out the money from his pocket and hands it to

JUNE) They’re great. I love the green apple-scented one.

JUNE

They really are great.

(Silence)

DAVID

So what’s on TV, Dad?

RICHARD

Ah, the usual.

JUNE

Yes, the usual. Is there anything else you wanted David?

DAVID

Mom, why is it that whenever I come over here to visit you never

seem to want to talk? Can’t we just visit with each other for a

little bit? We don’t seem to do that as often as we should.

JUNE

Sure, sure, we can – visit – with each other. So why are you off

work so early today?

DAVID

Just a short day I guess. My deadline was this morning, so all I

had to do was finish up my article. Won’t get a new assignment

until Monday.



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JUNE

Are you sure you don’t want anything to eat or drink? I have

cake in the fridge.

DAVID

Mom, I’m sure.

JUNE

Okay, okay.

DAVID

So you guys have any thrilling plans for tonight?

JUNE

Are you kidding? If you call sitting on the couch and watching

TV plans, then sure, we have lots of them. (Getting angrier) I’dlove to go out, David, to dinner, dancing, a movie, whatever,

but your father just isn’t into all that anymore. We just don’t

do that.

DAVID

Mom, did you just let out your anger?

JUNE

David, just forget that I’m your mother for a moment.

DAVID

I know, but it’s just that I really haven’t seen you do that

before. At least not in a long time.

JUNE

You wanted to talk person-to-person, that’s what we’re doing.

You and Julie go out a lot, don’t you? Sometimes I just wish I

was more like you guys. You seem to have the perfect marriage.

DAVID

You wish you were more like Julie and me? While I’m flattered,

you and Dad have a great marriage. Or, so it appears that way.

JUNE

I love your father, but sometimes he just makes me so mad with

his set ways. He makes my life boring. His life is boring, and

therefore so is mine.



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DAVID

Well, tell him that. Maybe he will end up taking you out. I

can’t believe we’re talking about this right now.

JUNE

Please David, I try with the man all the time. He’s like a rockthat can’t be budged . . . away from that television.

DAVID

Now, this is what I call a conversation. See Mom, I like talking

with you like this. And just to let you know, my marriage isn’t

so perfect, either. But what is perfect? (Pause, kisses her on

the cheek) Well, I have to go pick up the boys from school

today. ‘Bye. (Gives her a stare, then walks over to the door)

‘Bye, Dad.

RICHARD

See you David.

DAVID

Uh, Dad? Listen to Mom. (Leaves, closes door behind him)

JUNE

Richard, it’s a Friday. Let’s go do something tonight.

RICHARD

We are doing something.

JUNE

I don’t mean this –

RICHARD

(Interrupting, talking loudly) I don’t wanna hear this, June.

What is with you and going out anyway?

JUNE

I want to be like everyone else, Richard. Where’s the excitement

in our marriage? Since when are we boring people? We used to go

out dancing every Tuesday night years ago – remember that? I

loved doing that. Today, it’s nothing but me cooking and

cleaning and doing everything else for you, and you sitting in

front of that damn television.

(RICHARD ignores her. He picks up the remote and begins changing

the channels.)



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JUNE

Damn it, Richard. What is going on with our marriage? What is

going on with our lives? (Looks at him, pauses). Don’t you see

the obvious? If this is the way we’re going to live our lives

for the next 15 years, then, then . . . then I’m not so sure

I’ll be able to live it with you.

RICHARD

(Stares at television, then turns to look at JUNE) June, you

don’t really mean that. We’ve been married for over 40 years.

You wouldn’t leave me now.

JUNE

Are you sure about that? I could go out right now and get any

man I wanted to.

RICHARD

(Laughs) I’ll give you a hundred bucks to bring home a 20 year

old guy right now.

JUNE

Sometimes you just make me so mad. I want to go out, Richard!

Why are you so against leaving this house? Seriously, when was

the last time you did leave this house? I do everything around

here, and I can’t even get rewarded for it?

RICHARD

Please, babe, being married to me is your reward.

JUNE

And one hell of a reward that is.

SWITCH TO:

INT. KAYNOR HOUSE – MID-AFTERNOON

PICKING UP WHERE LAST SCENE LEFT OFF.

CHRISTINE is now sitting in the kitchen drinking a glass of

lemonade with KATE. JULIE continues to put the groceries away.

The song “Reach” is playing on the radio.

JULIE

So dancing, Mom?

CHRISTINE

What, you don’t think I can dance?



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JULIE

No, I’m sure you dance great. And I know you’ve always been into

the whole “disco never died” thing. You can never go wrong witha good classic ‘70s song, that’s for sure.

KATE

Agreed. Actually, Mom, I’m going to that same club tonight. I

have a date as well. Funny, isn’t it?

CHRISTINE

Wow, mother and daughter, both with dates, both going to the

same disco club? That is funny. Maybe we’ll – bump – into each

other, Kate.

KATE

Maybe we’ll share a dance, Mom. Better yet . . . I’ll get to see

the hunky guy you call a date. So Julie, any plans with David

tonight?

JULIE

No plans, with David, tonight. Just, you know, the same old.

KATE

Really? Weren’t you just saying, though, how you were going

dancing tonight as well?

JULIE

No, I never said anything about dancing. I think there’s

something I forgot to get from the car. I’ll be right back.

At this time, JULIE opens the door and at that moment, DAVID is

standing in the doorway. As she opens the door, they look at

each for a moment. JULIE, with her eyes, shows DAVID to leave

for a moment, but DAVID, looking back, refuses to do so.CHRISTINE turns around, as does KATE.

CHRISTINE

David, hi! Wasn’t expecting to see you here.

JULIE

(Starting off with a smile, but quickly loses it and looks down

at the ground) Yes, neither was I.



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KATE

Nor, was I. Just thought I’d throw that in there.

DAVID

Hello everyone. Hello, Julie. (He goes to kiss her on the lips,

but she turns to the side, causing him to hiss her very gentlyon the cheek. JULIE then looks back up at him, then sighs and

turns back around.)

NATE and SAM now come running through the door into the living

room.

CHRISTINE

I don’t even get a “hello” from your children Julie?

JULIE

Boys, come back in here and say hello.

The boys to do so, running over to CHRISTINE and KATE. JULIE

quickly pulls David to the side.

JULIE

Nice timing.

DAVID

And I knew they were going to be over here at this exact moment.

What is your mother doing here anyways?

JULIE

She was . . . jogging. I think she’s catching on. Let’s just

stay low, okay? If anyone knows about staying low it should be

you.

DAVID

And just what is that supposed to mean?

JULIE looks up at DAVID, staring into his eyes with a distraught

yet apologetic look. Instead of saying anything, KATE interrupts.

KATE

What a big mess this day turned out to be, huh? Full of twists

and turns and surprises.

CHRISTINE

David, I love that tie you’re wearing.

DAVID



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Thanks, Christine. What have you been up to lately?

JULIE

We were just talking about how Mom has a date tonight. Hard to

believe, isn’t it?

DAVID

Wow, a date? For a woman of your age, that’s a great thing to

see.

CHRISTINE

I suppose I’ll take that as a compliment.

DAVID

As you should.

KATE

I hear someone else also has a date tonight.

JULIE

Right, Kate also has a date. And get this – they’re going to the

same place. You know that new disco club that opened up a few

blocks away, David?

DAVID

Right, I just drove past it on my way home. Looks like a lot offun. You guys should have a great time.

KATE

We definitely will.

CHRISTINE

And on that note, I’d better get going. We plan on leaving in a

few hours, and I still need to get ready. I don’t have the

slightest clue what I’m even going to wear. I can’t even

remember the last time I actually went out on a date.

JULIE

Well, nice visiting with you mom. You can just leave the door

open on your way out.

CHRISTINE



23

Bye all – nice visiting. Julie, maybe you should consider having

everyone over for dinner soon. David, I’d love to see how your

parents are doing. Such nice people.

JULIE

Yes, we’ll definitely consider doing that. Sometime soon.

Hopefully. (Pause) Okay, ‘bye Mom.

CHRISTINE leaves, and KATE gets up, just as JULIE and DAVID both

let out a sigh.

DAVID

Well . . .

JULIE turns to walk away.

KATE

You’re not even going to tell him?

JULIE

I’m not exactly sure it involves him. And what were you thinking

pulling all that nonsense with Mom? You could have ruined our

entire cover, you know that? Please don’t tell me you’re that

immature.

DAVID

Okay, let’s back up. Tell me what?

JULIE looks at KATE, then turns to DAVID.

JULIE

David, please don’t take this personally. And don’t say anything

before I get entirely through.

DAVID

Don’t play this game with me.

JULIE

(Slight pause) Turns out that I, somehow, have a . . . a, date,

tonight.

DAVID’s eyes widen.

JULIE

But – I’m going to cancel.

KATE



24

What? Why?

JULIE

You were the one telling me all along that it was far too early

to go on a date. Me and David are still married. It’s only been

2 weeks since we first decided to separate. And, I’d be going to

the exact same place my mother and my sister are going to.

DAVID

Unbelievable. I just can’t believe what I’m hearing right now.

Even from you, Julie. I thought you had more respect for

yourself.

JULIE

David, don’t even start with me.

DAVID

Start with you? You have a date tonight. A DATE! What, 15 years

of marriage isn’t enough for you? You feel you need to . . .

proclaim yourself with some man you don’t know.

JULIE

This coming from the puppet-master himself.

DAVID

Stop right there. Whatever you may think I did, you don’t even

know that half of it.

JULIE

Then how about you tell me for once?

KATE

Everyone just stop for a minute. Just shut up, please. Look,

Julie, you’re absolutely right – you shouldn’t go on the date.

It is too early.

JULIE

You know what, I think I can make that decision for myself.

KATE

But I’m helping. Just let me help, Julie. And David, don’t you

think you owe it to Julie to at least tell her what happened?

DAVID



25

Please, Kate, you know nothing. For this, I have to agree with

Julie. How about you just leave as well.

KATE

Fine by me. I’m sorry I tried to help you act like grown adults

for once. Maybe instead of going on a date, and maybe instead of

acting like an ass, you both should sit down and work thingsout. Even though you may think you know what you’re doing, you

don’t, and you never will unless you just take one step back and

work through this.

KATE walks out the door and closes it behind her. JULIE and

DAVID are left standing together in the kitchen.

END OF SCENE.

END OF SONG. FADE TO COMMERCIAL.

SCENE 3.

CONTINUATION.

DAVID

A date? Really Julie? Is this nothing but a game to you?

JULIE

I met him, he was a nice a guy, he asked me out on a date, and I

said yes. And, as of now, I still plan on going. Is that a

problem with you?

DAVID

(Stares at Julie, making a “Y” form on his lips. Instead, he

ends up saying “No.”)

JULIE

Look, where do we stand right now?

DAVID

Meaning . . .

JULIE

We have to tell the boys today, David. Did you work out a script

or anything to follow?

DAVID

Yes, Julie, it’s 65 pages, typed neatly in a 12-sized font. I

made a few extra copies in case anyone else wants to read it.

Footnotes are included at the bottom.



26

JULIE

We have a comedian. We’ll just sit them down and tell them the

truth – Mommy and Daddy don’t love each other anymore.

DAVID

(Look of surprise and sadness in his face) And that’s theconclusion you reached?

JULIE

(Hesitates) Yes, yes, that’s what we have to tell them.

DAVID

That you don’t love me anymore . . . and I don’t love you

anymore.

JULIE

Right.

DAVID

Okay, if that’s the conclusion you reached, then I guess let’s

go tell the boys.

At this time, DAVID and JULIE walk into the living room, and sit

on two different couches. JULIE turns off the television.

JULIE

Boys, sit down here. We have something to tell you.

DAVID

It’s kind of important. We want your complete attention on us

right now, okay?

NATE

Sure. Is this about all the fighting you guys were just doing in

the kitchen?

JULIE and DAVID look at each other.

JULIE

Actually, yes, it is. Now, I know you guys are still pretty

young to understand all this. But, your Daddy and I are going

through a rough patch right now. We, well, we’re not exactly the

same as we were before.

DAVID

Yeah. You know what divorce means, right?



27

NATE

And you guys are getting a divorce?

SAM

Isn’t that when a mom and dad live in different houses?

JULIE

Yes, it is. But –

DAVID

(Interrupting) But that’s not exactly what’s happening to us

right now. We’re just going through a time right now that we

don’t exactly know what’s going on. But, we decided that we’re

not going to get a divorce.

NATE

So what exactly are you guys doing?

JULIE

We’re separating. Dad and I are separating. And, you’re looking

at us like that right now for a reason.

DAVID

This isn’t an easy concept to grasp, we understand that. I’ll

try to explain as best I can. A divorce is when a man and a

woman, who are married, split up for good. They move intodifferent houses and they see other people. They don’t love each

other anymore. A separation is different – your mother and I are

still going to be living together, but we’re going to be in

different bedrooms, and we’re not exactly going to be the nicest

to each other.

SAM

But are and Mom still in love with each other?

JULIE and DAVID give another glance to one another.

JULIE

Well, we’ve been married for a very long time. And, even though

our marriage isn’t exactly the same as it was before, a love

like ours just doesn’t go away. Your father and I are always

going to love each other. We’re just not “in love” with each

other. There’s a difference.



28

DAVID

You guys understand, though, that we’re not doing this to in any

way hurt you. We’re doing this because it needs to be done. Our

love just isn’t the same as it was before. And, we’re working

out a lot of important things between each other right now. If

you think you’re confused, we’re the exact same way.

JULIE

We’re just glad that you both are old enough to where we can sit

here with you and tell you all this. This just goes to show how

mature you both are. Now, are there any questions?

SAM

You still love us, right?

JULIE

Sam, of course we still love you. We’ll always love you, no

matter what you do. I hope you understand this. Nate, are you

okay with all this?

At this time, NATE runs off to his bedroom. JULIE runs after him.

The scene switches to upstairs, NATE’s bedroom. We see NATE

sitting on his bed. JULIE walks in his door and sits on the bed

next to him.

JULIE

You really are grown up, aren’t you? I can tell because you’re

handling all this just like I am – badly. I still love your

father. Actually, I still think your father loves me. While we

are separated now, who knows how things will change tomorrow. In

a few weeks, all could be well again. You just have no way of

knowing. (Pause) I am first and foremost a mother, and you are

first and foremost my biggest responsibility and my biggest

love. If you’re not happy, I’m not happy. I made sure that with

all that’s happening, I came out realizing that, because nothing

is more important to me than you and Sam. I’m so sorry if you’re

hurt by this, Nate. You’re going to make me cry, you know that?

NATE

(Finally turns around) I love you, Mom. I’m sorry, too. I can’t

believe this is happening. I never thought this would be

happening to my parents.

JULIE



29

We’re in the same boat then, because I didn’t see it coming

myself.

NATE

What did Dad do?

JULIE

Please, Nate, don’t in any way be mad at your father. He’s a

great man. I wouldn’t have married him if I didn’t think he was.

He thinks the same way I do – you are the most important thing

to him, as is your brother.

At this time, DAVID is standing in the doorway listening to the

conversation, with SAM right behind him. He comes in the room

and stands behind JULIE.

DAVID

She’s right, you know. I love you, Nate. I love Sam, too. And

your mother loves you. Your mother is a great woman. We both

will always be by your side whenever you need us, no matter what

is going in our own marriage.

JULIE

Now how about you guys go downstairs and get something to eat.

You must be starving.

NATE and SAM go to give JULIE and DAVID a hug. They then run

downstairs, leaving JULIE and DAVID alone once again.

DAVID

Well, shouldn’t you be getting ready for your date?

JULIE

Yes, perhaps I should be.

DAVID

So, is everything alright with you? I mean, what’s going on

right now?

JULIE

So now you want to talk?

DAVID

Do you think we should?



30

JULIE

To be honest, I really don’t have anything else to say to you

right now. My date’s picking me up around 6pm. We’re going

dancing, remember?

DAVID

That’s just like you. Always running off, always running into

new adventures.

JULIE

I . . . I have to go.

JULIE walks out of the room. DAVID stands there, smiles, then

looks down at the ground.

SWITCH TO:

INT. CHRISTINE’S HOUSE – LATE AFTERNOON

INT. KATE’S APARTMENT – LATE AFTERNOON

The song “I’ll Take You There” is playing in the background.

In a scene without dialogue, we first see CHRISTINE getting

ready for her date. She’s looking at herself in her bathroom

mirror, putting on make-up.

The scene soon morphs into KATE, also in her bathroom mirror

putting on make-up. KATE, after completing her make-up, takes a

look at herself, and then washes her entire face off with water.

The scene switches to CHRISTINE, having just put on her dress,

brushing her hair and looking beautifully. With a split-screen,

we see KATE doing the same. Both pick up the purses and walk out

the door at the same time.

Finally, the scene changes to the disco club. It first focuses

in on the disco ball, then focuses out to the club itself,

filled with people and low, colorful lights. Ending the shot is

CHRISTINE and her date, JERRY, having just walked in the door.

JERRY

Pretty great, isn’t it? I just love disco – just imagine my face

when I heard they were building one of these things just a few

houses away from me.

CHRISTINE



31

It’s definitely something in here. Seems like a lot of fun.

Shall we grab a table?

JERRY

I just want to start dancing. But yeah, let’s go grab a booth.

Anything for my lady.

At this time, they walk away, and entering the exact same shot

is KATE and her date, LUKE, enter the club.

LUKE

This place is incredible. Can’t ya just feel the rush Katey?

KATE

My name is Kate. And yes, it looks like a lot of fun. Just to

warn you now – we may run into my mother here. She’s also on a

date tonight.

LUKE

Wow, ain’t that something. A mother and her daughter both on a

date? You guys sure get around.

KATE

And my sister. She could be coming here as well. Although I

don’t think she will. She knows better. It’s a long story.

LUKE

Sounds like it. Can’t say I’m interested.

They also walk away. The camera then goes to show a large shot

of the disco club, showcasing people dancing, with “I’ll Take

You There” still playing in the background.

We next see CHRISTINE and JERRY on the dance-floor dancing. At

this time, JULIE ends up bumping into her from behind, causing

her to scream.

KATE

How did I know I’d eventually run into you here?

LUKE

Kate, is this your mother? Hello, I’m Luke, nice to meet you.

CHRISTINE

I can barely hear you. Let’s go take a seat.



32

They walk over to one booth, to which all four cram into.

KATE

Mom, this is Luke, like he was trying to tell you out there.

Luke, this is my mother, Christine.

CHRISTINE

Nice to meet you, Luke.

LUKE

Same to you.

CHRISTINE

This is Jerry.

KATE

Jerry, you’re a very handsome man. You’d better be treating my

mother with complete respect.

JERRY

(Laughs) I always treat any woman I like deeply with respect.

KATE

Well, Mom, I think you have a keeper there.

CHRISTINE

So how are you liking the club?

KATE

It’s lots of fun. Loud, of course, but fun. Great music.

CHRISTINE

You bet.

All four then sit there in a few moments of silence, all looking

straight ahead.

END OF SCENE.

SONG ENDS, LEADS INTO COMMERCIAL.

SCENE 4

INT. KAYNOR HOUSE – EVENING



33

JULIE is walking down the stairs in a beautiful black dress, her

hair in curls, ready to go on her date. DAVID, walking by, stops

to look at her as she walks.

DAVID

Julie, I know that things are different between us now, but as

still your husband, I have to say you look beyond stunning inthat dress.

JULIE

I’ll take that as a compliment, then.

DAVID

So you’re really going to go through with this? If you’re doing

this to prove a point, Julie, please don’t. I want you to do

what you want, and if you don’t want to go, then no one’s

stopping you.

JULIE

I know, David. Please, I don’t need you looking out for me. I’ve

gone this far – I think I’m going to give it a shot.

DAVID

Just let me say this. We’re still married, Julie. What you think

you know and what you do know are two totally different things.

It’s not like we’ve been divorced for 2 months. We’ve been

separated for two weeks, things have barely changed . . . whatis going on with you? And before you say anything, as your

husband, I have the right to tell you that yes, I want to talk.

JULIE

(Sighs, puts down her purse) David, you are the sole reason for

my confusion. I don’t get you. I don’t even know who you are

anymore. We’re too busy trying to make our own lives work that

we’re neglecting to see what’s right in front of us.

DAVID

What’s right in front of us, Julie?

JULIE

I don’t know – 15 years of marriage. 15 years of anniversaries,

memories, and 2 children that came out of it.

DAVID

Don’t go, Julie.



34

JULIE

(Walks over to the window next to the door, then sinks her head

down. She sighs, then turns around once more to face DAVID) I

made a mistake.

DAVID

You can still change that.

JULIE

But what if I don’t want to change that? Suppose I like the

direction my life is going. Suppose I want to go on this date

and see what if feels like to be a single woman again. But

here’s the thing – I don’t have a single clue what I want

anymore.

DAVID

You want change. To be honest, so do I. We’re going through a

time in our lives when our marriage is caught up in the center

of a storm that neither of us fault in. We’ve simply grown

apart. We want different things.

JULIE

(Walks over to the stairway and takes a seat on the first step)

David, did you cheat on me?

DAVID

So you do want to talk.

JULIE

Not if you’re going to answer me like that. Tell me, David. Did

you cheat on me?

DAVID

(Pauses, takes a deep breath) It was one time. That’s it – just

once. (Walks over and takes a seat next to Julie) About a month

ago. It was the end of a long day. I told you I had a late

meeting, but I instead went to the bar to just ease myself forthe night. And, I met a woman there. We talked for hours – as

bad as I felt for what I was doing, we kept talking. And

finally, she kissed me.

JULIE

And you kissed her back.

DAVID

Yes, I did. She asked me if I wanted to go home with her.



35

JULIE

And you did.

DAVID

(Pauses, looks to JULIE) No, I never did. I paid my tab, and I

left right after that. But you know what the worst part about itwas? The fact that I had to come home and lay in the same bed as

you, my wife, knowing what I had been doing just an hour prior.

Yet, everything went as if nothing ever happened. I slept, and I

woke the next morning to coffee and breakfast, and things went

on the way they always do – well, did.

JULIE

Why didn’t you just confront me about this instead of hiding it?

What did you think I was going to do?

DAVID

Divorce me.

JULIE

I couldn’t.

DAVID

I know.

JULIE

David, I’m so sorry.

DAVID

You have no reason to apologize to me. I’m the one who’s sorry.

What I did was wrong. I’m ashamed of it and I always will be.

And, I ruined the best thing I ever had.

JULIE

You’re right. We are changing. But we’re changing for the

better. We just have grown to want different things out of life.

(Pauses) You know what I’d love to do right now? Listen to some

great music with a great guy.

DAVID

So you are still going on this date?

JULIE

Actually, I was talking about you.



36

END OF SCENE.

SCENE 5

INT. KAYNOR HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – LATE NIGHT

JULIE and DAVID are sitting together in the living room,

watching the fireplace while listening to old music and talking.JULIE is still dressed up. As the end scene, it transitions into

an emotional ending.

“Shambala” is currently playing in the background.

DAVID

Remember dancing to this song at our wedding?

JULIE

How could I forget? You had not a clue how to dance. You were

stepping all over my feet.

DAVID

It sure was a great song, though. This was also the song playing

on my car radio the first time we kissed. I remember that day

like it was yesterday.

JULIE

It’s one of those things you never forget. God, I can’t believe

how many memories a simple song holds for us.

DAVID

So, are you sorry you missed your date tonight?

JULIE

I was never going to go, David. What you said to me out there

was exactly what I was thinking. I don’t know what exactly we’re

going through right now, but I do know I’d much rather spend a

Friday night doing this. And, what if I saw my mother there?

Just imagine how awkward that would be.

DAVID

What are we going through, Julie? I mean, look at us. We’re

acting like two – married people.

JULIE

We are married. I say for now, we just let this night be what it

is. Time will tell what’s in store for us.



37

DAVID

Maybe there isn’t anything wrong with us. Maybe our marriage is

actually okay after all.

JULIE

If that were only the case. I mean, my feelings along speak forthemselves.

DAVID

How do you feel?

JULIE

Well, I can honestly say that while I still love you, and while

I’ll love you no matter what happens, I’m just not completely in

love with you anymore. It’s a strange feeling, but it’s a

feeling I have. It’s undeniable.

As “Shambala” comes to a close, only the sound of crackling

embers can be heard. A few moments later, the song “Our House”

begins playing softly in the background. The lyrics, italicized

below, are choreographed with the dialogue. For the final scene,

we see all of the characters and where they end their night,

showing the meaning of where their relationships stand.

I’ll light the fire. You place the flowers in the vase that you

bought today.

JULIE

(Still lying down) Everything is okay. (Slight pause) Everything

is going to be okay . . . because it always is.

Staring at the fire, for hours and hours as I listen to you play

your love songs all night long for me.

JULIE

We’re going to get through this . . . because we always do.

Only for me. Come to me now, and rest your head for just five

minutes. Everything is gone.

JULIE



38

(Pause, small gasp) Well, I’m, a, (stuttering) going to, a . . .

go, now. (Pause) Goodnight, David.

(She leaves and David continues to stare at the fire.)

Such a cozy room. The windows are illuminated by the evening sunshine through them. Fiery gems for you. Only for you . . .

The camera goes to the front window of DAVID and JULIE’S house,

then to the window of JUNE and RICHARD’S house. The shot them

shows them in bed – JUNE is reading a book, and RICHARD is

watching television. JUNE puts down her book and turns over to

RICHARD, but RICHARD doesn’t acknowledge her. The camera then

focuses on her book.

Our house is a very, very, very fine house. With two cats in theyard, it used to be so hard. Now everything is easy ‘cause of

you.

The camera then goes to KATE, who is walking in through the door

from her date. She kicks her shoes off and hangs up her coat.

Her looks is of distraught and unhappiness, clearly showing her

date did not go as well as she would have liked. She goes over

to check her messages.

And I. la, la, la, la la . . .

Camera turns to the side. We then see CHRISTINE still at the

club with her date, dancing. She puts her head on the shoulders

of JERRY. The camera takes an up-close shot of her face. She

slowly smiles then looks up as the camera also looks up.

Our house is a very, very, very fine house. With two cats in the

yard, it used to be so hard.

We next see the boys sleeping in their beds. The camera turns totheir door, then goes back to DAVID, who is downstairs sleeping

on the living room couch.

Now everything is easy ‘cause of you. And I, I’ll light the

fire. Now you place the flowers in the vase that you bought,

today, ay, ay, ay.



39

The camera lastly goes back by the front door to JULIE, who we

see standing and staring out the window with a ponderous,

worried look on her face. She’s grabbing her hair and neck, with

the camera focusing on her. JULIE then stares down for a moment,

then turns around to look at DAVID. She finally turns back

around to look out the window for a moment, then stands up

straight, gathers her thoughts, and closes the blinds.

END OF SONG.

END OF EPISODE.

running on empty - pilot script

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