THIS IS US "First Loves"

THIS IS US "First Loves" Written By Grant Michael Stuart

Jonathan Gray Gray Schwartz 212.966.6700 gray@grayschwartz.com

ii PREVIOUSLY ON...

Another Pearson family mystery starts anew when we learn that Jack had a younger brother, Nicky, whom he served with in Vietnam. Kate inches closer to an improved relationship with her mother Rebecca. Deja, angry that her biological mother has given up her parental rights, allowing Randall and Beth to officially adopt her, acts out by smashing out the windshield on Randall’s car with a baseball bat. Kevin, recovering from an addiction to pills and alcohol, asks his new girlfriend, Zoe, to accompany him to Vietnam to see if they can discover what happened to his Uncle Nicky.

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ACT ONE EXT. HOLLYWOOD POST OFFICE - MORNING (PRESENT DAY) Kate drops a letter addressed to Kevin’s ex, SOPHIE PEARSON, into a mailbox. Walking back to her car, she notices a pretty TEENAGE WOMAN, (17), slightly overweight, looking into a shop window with her MOM, (45), both admiring a stylish dress.

Kate recalls her high school Homecoming dance.

CUT TO: INT. HIGH SCHOOL GYM - NIGHT (1997) TEENAGE KEVIN and TEENAGE SOPHIE slow dance, cheek-to-cheek.

TEENAGE KATE dances with her DATE, (17), stout-yet-fit, 6’2”, longish dark hair. Kate looks up at him, bright-eyed.

CUT BACK TO: INT. KATE’S CAR - PARKED (PRESENT DAY) Kate jumps into her car and snaps back to reality as her Bluetooth rings and the SCREEN SPLITS for a TWO-WAY CALL. KATE Hello, this is Kate.

BRENT Hi Kate, this is Brent, the talent scout you auditioned for last year?

KATE It’s great to hear from you!

BRENT My friend Phyllis tells me that you’ve been studying with her?

KATE Phyllis has really helped me!

BRENT I’m running a BMI Showcase event at Genghis Cohen. I’m looking for backup singers for a 50-year celebration of folk rock this fall at the Hollywood Bowl. Are you interested?

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KATE Folk rock? When’s the audition?

BRENT Tomorrow night. I have an opening, and it pays well. I remember I loved your tone, but that you needed work.

KATE Tomorrow at what time, Brent?

BRENT 8 o’clock. Go with something by Joni Mitchell. See you there, Kate.

As Brent’s image slides OFF-SCREEN, a look of worry sweeps over Kate. She is a mixture of determination and anxiety.

KATE (to herself) Dad, I need your strength.

INT. PEARSON FAMILY LIVING ROOM - DAY 1 (1987) Jack roars, lifting up Young Kevin and his dark-haired Australian friend, LOGAN, (7), by each bicep. As they fall onto the couch together, Young Kevin grabs a photo album from the coffee table, where toy soldier armies face-off.

YOUNG KEVIN You’re indestructible!

JACK Be careful with those pictures.

YOUNG KEVIN Dad, isn’t this Uncle Nicky?

He’s got really thick glasses! He was a photographer, right?

JACK He started early. Like your age.

His eyes went a little haywire looking through all those lenses!

Jack pretends to focus a camera lens, and makes funny expressions with his eyes. The boys laugh.

YOUNG LOGAN So you guys fought in Vietnam?

Jack cracks a smile, but goes quiet.

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YOUNG KEVIN Logan, look, my uncle was good!

JACK I totally forgot about this one.

Jack considers a photo of himself and Nicky with a Vietnamese woman.

YOUNG LOGAN Who’s that?

YOUNG KEVIN Dad, what happened to Uncle Nicky?

Off Jack, brow furrowing-INT. HO CHI MINH CITY TAN SON NHAT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DAY 1 (PRESENT DAY) Kevin and Zoe are greeted as they walk off the jet bridge by LOGAN, now 38, 6’2”, stout-yet-fit, with longish dark hair.

KEVIN Logan? You look good, brother! Zoe, this is the strapping Aussie that I went to high school with!

ZOE It’s a pleasure, Logan. I’ve heard a lot about you.

LOGAN The pleasure’s all mine. You’re an absolute stunner, if I may say?

ZOE With this jet lag? You’re too kind.

Logan reaches out to take Zoe’s carry-on bag.

Allow me.

LOGAN

Hands free, Zoe wraps her arms around Kevin. They kiss.

KEVIN Logan wrote for the school paper.

Always a history buff, too. Now, he’s your regular globe-trotting journalist! The Herald Sun, right?

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"First Loves" LOGAN Correct! So I understand you’re here in Vietnam because you got a letter from the Army?

They start to walk through the terminal.

KEVIN Back story, we planned a getaway to Thailand after wrapping the PR commitments for my movie with Sly. LOGAN You mean your blockbuster action hit with Sylvester Stallone?

ZOE Please don’t feed the ego.

KEVIN And in all the interviews, they asked me what my inspiration was for playing an MIA Vietnam vet.

LOGAN Your Uncle Nicky.

KEVIN Dad saved a bunch of photo albums from the fire...

LOGAN Kev, I was so broken up when your dad passed.

They stop at a customs line. Kevin takes Zoe’s hand.

KEVIN Closure was the name of the game for the Pearson family last year, so we requested a death certificate for Uncle Nicky.

And?

LOGAN

Kevin looks to Zoe, faltering.

ZOE According to the Army, for one Private Nicholas Pearson, there is no record of death.

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INT. KATE AND TOBY’S APARTMENT - DAY 1 (PRESENT DAY) Toby finishes his lunch and heads for the door when Kate breezes in with a shopping bag, and a new, Bohemian look.

KATE Guess who called moi?

TOBY Oooh, I love a French accent. Who? KATE Brent-the-talent-agent who said my Sinead sucked.

TOBY Ooh, le douche! I think that’s French, too.

KATE He wants me to audition for him tomorrow night!

Closing the door, she anxiously sets her bags down.

TOBY Thanks for the notice.

KATE Right? He wants me to pull a Joni Mitchell song out of my-TOBY --Kate of Ka-Toby? We talked about you getting an assistant gig to bring in some extra bacon. Plus, my doctor’s appointment is tomorrow at 6? Changing my meds is a big deal.

KATE Can’t we reschedule it?

TOBY No, the specialist is only in town this week. The one Sophie recommended?

KATE You’re right. I mixed up the days.

Don’t you want me to audition? I just picked-up the sheet music!

TOBY And a new wardrobe?

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"First Loves" KATE Says the master of I-just-spent-anentire-evening-shopping-online!

TOBY That toy you got for Audio at the pet store?

Audio enters the room, tail wagging.

KATE/TOBY Get it for less on Prime...

KATE So no audition because I could have saved ten bucks on Mr. Duckworth?

Audio looks to Toby.

TOBY Free shipping.

Audio looks to Kate.

KATE And a yearly subscription fee that’s going up!

TOBY Hon, I’m not saying don’t audition, but with my diagnosis? I have to trust my gut about my new boss.

Those two days I was out? I didn’t live it down for a month! And if she’s worried I can’t perform my job? I don’t want us staring down the barrel of financial ruin.

KATE That’s not fair to put on me.

TOBY My clinical depression doesn’t feel fair, either. It would be helpful if you understood the ins-and-outs of my new meds. Like we’re doing together to get pregnant?

KATE I really need this. Can’t you please support me?

TOBY Kate, I am supporting you.

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KATE OK. I’ll have just enough time to get across town to the audition.

Toby checks his temper.

KATE (CONT'D) Wait. I know you. You haven’t even told your boss yet, have you? That really stresses me, Toby.

TOBY I’m sorry the fact that I can barely get out of bed some days to get to work is stressing YOU out!

KATE Well it is! Please tell her today?

TOBY I don’t know. I asked Jim, to see when he thought-KATE --You mentioned your depressive disorder to Jim? Before your boss?

Someone who could turn around and say God knows what to God knows whom?

Toby’s stung. The DOORBELL RINGS. Audio BARKS. TOBY Saved by the bark.

Toby opens the door with Audio by his side.

TOBY (CONT'D) It’s my mother-in-law!

Rebecca enters holding two overflowing grocery bags.

REBECCA Did I come at a good time?

Kate takes a huge breath, overwhelmed.

CUT TO:

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INT. RANDALL AND BETH’S HOUSE - FOYER/LIVING ROOM - DAY 1 (PRESENT DAY) Randall peeks out a curtained window as Beth looks expectantly up the stairs.

BETH What’s he look like?

RANDALL Shhh! I can’t tell, he’s getting out of his dad’s car.

BETH Is that windshield broken, too?

Randall runs over to the staircase.

RANDALL Funny! As in Ha-Ha funny!

Deja walks down the stairway, a 15-year-old vision.

BETH You’re breathtaking, Dej. RANDALL Really a knockout.

The doorbell rings. An awkward pause as they take her in.

DEJA You guys gonna get that tonight?

RANDALL Get that tonight... That’s my girl!

Randall opens the door to reveal TRIPP, (16), 6’3’, goodlooking with sandy blond hair, brown eyes. Randall and Beth exchange a look.

RANDALL (CONT'D) (off guard) You must be...

Tripp.

TRIPP

DEJA Randall, I told you his name like a million times.

BETH Literally a million.

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"First Loves" TRIPP A million is a lot.

DEJA Get over yourself, pretty boy. You bring my corsage?

BETH (to Randall) Lady knows what she wants. Did I go to my Homecoming as a freshman?

Randall lets out a whimper as Tripp places a corsage on Deja’s wrist.

TRIPP You ready to roll, Dej? RANDALL (quietly to Beth) He calls her Dej, too.

DEJA Yes, please. Before their eyes burn a hole through you. Midnight, OK? BETH I think we said ten-thirty!

RANDALL And up early tomorrow because you volunteered to help us process those affordable housing applications.

BETH Volunteer? We’re paying the girl.

TRIPP No problem, Mr. and Mrs. Pearson.

My dad will get us back by 10:30.

Don’t worry, I’ll keep her in-line.

Deja walks out the door ahead of Tripp.

DEJA You think so?

Randall closes the door and turns to Beth.

RANDALL Don’t say it.

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BETH I’m impressed. In such a short time, she knows how to push my buttons. He looks exactly like...

RANDALL DON’T-SAY-IT! Kev--

BETH

YOUNG VIETNAMESE WOMAN (PRE-LAP) --vin Pearson!

INT. HOTEL CONTINENTAL LOBBY - HO CHI MINH CITY - (PRESENT DAY) A YOUNG VIETNAMESE WOMAN, (16), surrounded by FRIENDS, cries out when she spots Kevin as he walks into the iconic hotel.

She excitedly tells her friends in Vietnamese that it’s Kevin Pearson from “The Manny!” The girls shriek and rush Kevin.

YOUNG WOMEN Manny! The Manny!

Zoe gets pushed aside as the girls take selfies with Kevin.

ZOE I FLEW 15 HOURS FOR THIS! KEVIN Ladies, LADIES! Thank you. I have to go. Time to go...

Crestfallen, the girls depart. One runs back for a last shot.

ZOE This place is stuck in time!

LOGAN When Kevin sent me the photo of Jack and Nicky, I realized their Jeep was parked alongside this hotel’s old sidewalk bar, The Continental Shelf. It was a watering hole for journalists and photographers. The U.S. magazines had foreign bureaus upstairs here.

KEVIN I think my dad told us Uncle Nicky wanted to be a photo-journalist?

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"First Loves" LOGAN Makes sense that he may have sought out these news bureaus.

ZOE But what can we hope to find now?

LOGAN They’ve kept the Newsweek bureau eerily intact as a historical artifact! Seems there was a spy in their midst! She was a local. When the Viet Cong rolled in, she stayed behind and secretly operated the office.

ZOE The spy was a woman?

LOGAN Yes, and the first female foreign staffer for a U.S. magazine.

ZOE In 1968. Let’s hear it for the girls!

KEVIN But she was a spy...

LOGAN Progress is progress.

ZOE Amen to that.

LOGAN My contact provided a key.

They ascend a staircase to the second floor.

LOGAN (CONT'D) By the way, how’s Kate doing?

Zoe gives Kevin a look. What’s that about?

KEVIN Well, she’s married now. Good guy.

LOGAN Glad to hear she’s happy. Do you ever speak to Sophie these days?

Another look from Zoe. What’s THAT about?

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INT. SUBURBAN PITTSBURGH HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY (1997) Teenage Kevin and Teenage Sophie make out next to his open locker. Teenage Kate walks up and slams the locker door shut.

TEENAGE KATE How ‘bout them apples?

Excuse me?

TEENAGE KEVIN

TEENAGE KATE A line from any other film than “Titanic” to describe how ho-hum it is to see you two sucking face.

Teenage Kevin caresses Teenage Sophie’s hair.

TEENAGE KEVIN Can I draw you?

TEENAGE SOPHIE You’re the king of my world.

Gross.

TEENAGE KATE

TEENAGE LOGAN,(17), strapping, long dark hair, approaches.

TEENAGE LOGAN Pearson, you coming to practice today? Hey Sophie! Hey...

TEENAGE KATE Kate. Kevin’s sister.

TEENAGE LOGAN Where you been hiding this filly, Kev? TEENAGE KATE Super gross.

TEENAGE SOPHIE You two are destined for Homecoming!

TEENAGE KATE Who says I don’t have a date?

TEENAGE KEVIN You’ve got a date? That’s awesome!

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"First Loves" TEENAGE KATE No, I don’t have a date, but Kate Winslet over there shouldn’t assume that I don’t have one.

Teenage Kate turns to Teenage Logan.

TEENAGE KATE (CONT'D) You’re kind of a thoroughbred yourself. Wanna go to Homecoming?

TEENAGE LOGAN You’re assuming I’m dateless, too?

Teenage Kate suppresses a smile.

TEENAGE KEVIN This is gonna be good!

Flawless.

TEENAGE SOPHIE

INT. KATE AND TOBY'S APARTMENT - DAY 1 (PRESENT DAY) At her dining-room-table-turned-muisc-studio, Kate studies sheet music as Rebecca makes a sandwich in the kitchen.

KATE Mommy Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope!

REBECCA These organic coconut wraps with turmeric look delicious.

KATE We eat right when you’re here! (then) Can you believe I have a folk music audition? For the Hollywood Bowl?

REBECCA So how am I your only hope?

KATE Because I know you live for Joni M! She hands Rebecca sheet music to “Both Sides, Now.” A huge smile sweeps over Rebecca’s face.

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KATE (CONT'D) I need to learn that song today, step up my folk rock fashion game, and shake off the stress of a huge argument I had with Toby.

Rebecca looks at Kate, wanting more, but doesn’t get it.

REBECCA I love this song. I was a music virgin before Joni Mitchell!

Mom!

KATE

REBECCA Joni was my first music love. I used to listen to this over and over again with-KATE --A boy? You know, I always thought it would be so amazing if we could sing together!

Rebecca drops the sheet music and bites into a celery stick.

You did?

REBECCA

KATE Look, adolescent Kate was angsty and jealous of your talent, and preToby Kate wasn’t confident enough to pursue her dreams, but now...

Now?

REBECCA

KATE Now I need to make money.

She takes Rebecca’s hand.

KATE (CONT'D) And now, we’re finally connecting.

Audio enters the room.

KATE (CONT'D) Another hungry mouth to feed!

REBECCA Bug, I’m so proud of you!

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KATE This audition could be huge for me.

She begins to SING. Audio starts BARKING uncontrollably.

REBECCA Someone’s about to make a huge mess...

Kate leashes Audio and kisses Rebecca on the forehead.

KATE So you’ll help me?

REBECCA Hurry back, Princess Leah.

KATE I want to hear all about those hot, 1970s moustached guys that tripped all over you back-in-the-day! You know, your folk rock first love?

CUT TO: INT. CAPITOL RECORDS LOBBY - HOLLYWOOD DAY 1 (1969) Rebecca waits at an audition. Her eyes dart around the room.

She SEES a pretty YOUNG WOMAN, (19), who smiles at her.

Rebecca looks away, eyes landing on an achingly attractive YOUNG MAN, (20). They smile broadly at one another.

INT. REBECCA’S HOLLYWOOD APARTMENT - DAY 1 (1969) Looking at herself in a mirror, Rebecca, a perfect blend of mod and hippie, replete with high cut boots, tight-fitting pants, and a loose-fitting printed blouse, jams out with a hairbrush to Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides, Now.” A KNOCK. The young woman from the audition, PAIGE, enters.

PAIGE So we’re going to this industry mixer?

Rebecca takes Paige’s hands in hers. They kiss on the lips.

REBECCA You bet we are!

END OF ACT ONE

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ACT TWO INT. TOBY’S OFFICE - DAY 1 (PRESENT DAY) To Toby’s surprise, Kate walks in with Audio and a paper bag.

KATE I know you’re working late tonight to impress the powers-that-be, so mom and I packed you a healthy meal. And a snack!

TOBY Look, I’m sorry we fought.

KATE Me, too. Toby, I want to contribute. I just need some time.

Toby fights the urge to tell her time is running out.

TOBY They let you up with the dog?

KATE I sweet-talked the guard.

TOBY My new boss isn’t exactly my biggest fan right now. Or anyone else that preceded her.

KATE She doesn’t love dogs? Sounds like Cruella de Vil. Did you tell her?

Not yet.

TOBY

KATE Toby, I need to ask you a favor.

I’m rehearsing with my mom today, and Audio always barks when I sing.

TOBY Maybe he’s trying to tell you...

Toby stops short. Kate isn’t amused.

TOBY (CONT'D) Kate, the music industry is so fickle. Are you sure you want this?

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KATE Life’s too short for regrets. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll be personal assisting up a storm. Deal?

TOBY Make sure you find out how much I can make as your roadie.

KATE Best. Husband. Ever.

Toby takes Audio by the leash as Kate departs.

TOBY (to Audio) Got any social media skills? You need to earn your kibble around here, kid. Or I’ll have to crush your dreams, too.

Toby looks outside his office window. Everyone in their cubicles looks paralyzed with fear as the new boss, SHEILA, (30s), slender, on-trend, walks hurriedly down the hallway.

KEVIN (PRE-LAP) This place is like a mausoleum.

INT. OLD NEWSWEEK SAIGON BUREAU - DAY 1 (PRESENT DAY) Kevin examines dated war photography hanging on a wall.

ZOE There are tons of files here. We’re really on to something.

LOGAN Hey guys, I hit the mother lode!

KEVIN What is it?

LOGAN Isn’t this your uncle?

ZOE Kevin that’s him!

She hurriedly searches the file Logan uncovered.

ZOE (CONT'D) This whole file contains pictures of your father and uncle!

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We see numerous shots of Nicky and Jack together. And one photo of the brothers with a Vietnamese woman.

KEVIN There’s that woman from my father’s photo album again!

LOGAN But it means something to me now...

Tell us!

KEVIN

LOGAN That’s the Vietnamese spy who infiltrated this news bureau!

YOUNG KEVIN (PRE-LAP) So who is she, dad?

INT. PEARSON FAMILY LIVING ROOM - DAY 1 (1987) Young Kevin holds the family album. Jack deflects.

JACK That was a special friend of your Uncle Nicky’s and your dad’s.

YOUNG LOGAN You make friends in a war?

YOUNG KEVIN Yeah, that sounds weird. How did you guys meet her?

Jack is rattled. Rebecca walks into the living room.

REBECCA Boys, lunch is ready!

YOUNG KEVIN Dad made a lady friend in Vietnam.

REBECCA Oh he did, did he?

JACK Well, I wouldn’t say that, exactly.

YOUNG KEVIN You said she was special.

Jack looks lost in thought.

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REBECCA You two! Into the kitchen! There’s Sunkist in the fridge.

They go. Jack stands and begins to leave the room.

REBECCA (CONT'D) Wait, Jack? So how did you meet this special lady friend?

Off Jack, caught...

CUT TO: EXT. CONTINENTAL SHELF BAR - VIETNAM DAY 1 (1969) Jack, NICKY, (18), buzz cut, thick glasses, patches of facial peach fuzz that give away he can’t grow a beard, and their UNIT, three men, (18-24), rugged-looking, exit an Army Jeep.

JACK One week leave, gentlemen! As your commanding officer-UNIT SOLDIER #1 --Don’t you mean head mechanic?

The Unit laughs. Nicky adjusts his glasses.

JACK I highly recommend you avail yourselves to all the luxuries this town has to offer!

UNIT SOLDIER #2 I’ve seen some fine looking women...

UNIT SOLDIER #1 I just want to sleep in a real bed!

JACK What about you, Nicky?

Nicky looks up at the Continental Palace Hotel.

NICKY Newsweek and Time both have offices on the second floor.

UNIT SOLIDER #3 Make us famous, little man!

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UNIT SOLIDER #2 I sure hope you can sell those photos, Nicky. We seen some crazy shit these past ten months!

JACK Guys, I have to remind you, we could be called back at any time.

UNIT SOLDIER #1 Then we best start drinking now!

Jack hangs back with Nicky as the Unit disperses.

JACK You want me to go with you?

NICKY I’ll be A-OK big brother. You can’t do everything for me.

JACK What happens if they don’t like-NICKY --Then I guess it’s back to Pittsburgh after our tour.

JACK You know mom and dad will kill me if I don’t bring you home safely?

Nicky grimaces. Here comes the lecture. Again.

JACK (CONT'D) I’m looking out for you.

NICKY What are you talking about?

JACK I found this sticking out of one of your journals. Any one of the guys could have seen it!

He hands Nicky a folded flyer. Nicky opens it, revealing a picture of soldiers flashing peace signs with the headline: JOIN THE REVOLT! NICKY This war is bullshit, Jack! And if I can raise awareness back home to the atrocities we’ve seen over here, I’ll be saving lives!

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"First Loves" JACK Saving lives?

NICKY That’s right! You saw that U.S. tank dragging a dead civilian by a rope. I’ll never forget that image as long as I live. People need to know what’s going on over here!

JACK Nicky, I’m only going to ask you this once. Do you know anything about the fragging of our lieutenant before we went on leave?

NICKY The lieutenant who volunteered our unit be shipped-off to learn how to use Agent Orange? Don’t ask questions you don’t want answers to, Jack!

Jack watches Nicky disappear into the hotel. Nicky finds a staircase, but runs right into a local VIETNAMESE WOMAN, (22), 5’4”, short dark hair, brown eyes.

VIETNAMESE WOMAN Watch where you’re going!

Nicky is surprised the woman speaks perfect English.

NICKY Are the Newsweek offices this way?

VIETNAMESE WOMAN That’s where I’m headed.

Nicky walks up the staircase with her.

NICKY I’m a photo-journalist.

VIETNAMESE WOMAN I get that a lot.

NICKY I write stories for my hometown paper. Sometimes the Army picks them up-VIETNAMESE WOMAN --Is this your life’s story?

They arrive at the NEWSWEEK office.

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NICKY Is there anyone I can talk to about developing my shots? I’m Nick.

VIETNAMESE WOMAN They call me Sunshine. I’m a staffer here. You any good?

NICKY I think so.

Sunshine indicates a nearby desk.

SUNSHINE Wait by my desk until my meeting is over. Then you can show me what you’ve got. They like me around here. Maybe I can help.

Thank you!

NICKY

He awkwardly tries to shake her hand. She doesn’t bite.

SUNSHINE You’re polite for a soldier.

CUT TO: INT. KATE AND TOBY'S APARTMENT - DAY 1 (PRESENT DAY) Kate sets-up to rehearse as Rebecca reviews the sheet music.

KATE Let’s do this!

REBECCA Is Toby good with you taking over?

KATE I had to play Mistress of the Night... But he’s more or less totally supportive.

REBECCA More... Or less?

KATE Lately, less. We’re basically destitute if his condition forces him to quit his job. How’s that for pressure to nail this audition?

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"First Loves" REBECCA Kate, you both can’t stop living because of this diagnosis.

KATE I know, but my audition conflicts with a doctor’s appointment he has tomorrow night to review his meds.

REBECCA Can you audition another time?

KATE Not likely.

REBECCA Isn’t keeping up with household bills and paying the mortgage ontime with Toby’s job more important than a summer singing gig?

Kate looks at Rebecca, conflicted.

KATE Do you think I’m being selfish?

REBECCA You’re relying on Toby to support the family, and if you guys want to get pregnant, isn’t having one steady income essential?

KATE So give up my dreams when the going gets rough? He told a co-worker about his depression! But not his boss! He needs to deal responsibly with this situation, too!

REBECCA If he’s switching up his meds, maybe he’s not thinking clearly?

KATE So now you’re on Toby’s side?

REBECCA If he’s struggling to understand his meds just to get by each day, then yes, you should be there.

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KATE Wow. Of course! And you were the perfect wife! You actually think I might be better than you, don’t you? Singing, that is?

REBECCA This is my baggage, but when I tried to resume my singing career, and Jack didn’t approve, it almost killed him. He drove drunk for two hours to see one of my gigs.

The words land hard. Kate tears up.

KATE (softly) I remember that night. I told him to go! I didn’t realize... (then) I thought you were helping me learn a song for my audition?

Rebecca is overcome by guilt.

REBECCA Kate, I’m sorry, I’m just trying to say... In any marriage, a couple needs to be on the same page!

KATE Maybe we’re more miserably alike than either of us cares to admit!

Now I have a husband with an illness that could kill him, too!

Rebecca is speechless as a disillusioned Kate storms down the hallway and slams the bedroom door.

END OF ACT TWO

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ACT THREE INT. RANDALL AND BETH'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY 1 (PRESENT DAY) Randall and Beth watch TV on their sofa.

BETH 10:27. She’s pushing it.

RANDALL Do you think she’s dating him because he looks like Kevin?

BETH Lately, nothing would surprise me.

RANDALL (playfully) What was your first boyfriend like?

BETH A lot like you.

Really?

RANDALL

BETH You want to play Worst Case Scenario where I dated 32 guys before I finally found you?

RANDALL We’ve never talked about our first loves.

BETH OK, I’ll bite, who was yours?

RANDALL This redhead named Allison. She was there when my dad died, and she really helped me get through it.

BETH That’s deep. I had no idea.

RANDALL We dated into college. She loved history, so I took her to see my Uncle Nicky’s name on the Vietnam War Memorial. We couldn’t find it.

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"First Loves" BETH That helps explain Zoe’s documentary instincts kicking-in and following Kevin halfway around the world! (then) Baby, we could use our own Homecoming dance.

He inches closer to her.

RANDALL That’s true, we haven’t rocked each other’s sexy bodies lately.

BETH That would be a start! Randall, we haven’t connected on an emotional level in ages. Since William died.

Randall is stunned into silence. Deja lets herself in.

BETH (CONT'D) Dej is back! Where’s your man?

RANDALL Tripp didn’t want to say good night?

DEJA He kissed me good night. Are you guys waiting up for me?

BETH That’s what parents do. We’re your parents now.

RANDALL Why don’t you tell us a little about the dance before you go up?

DEJA That’d be nice.

Beth looks surprised. Deja sits across from her parents.

RANDALL So, you really like this guy?

DEJA Yeah, I do. Kinda.

BETH What’s he like?

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"First Loves" DEJA He’s really just sort of a goofball. He’s cool.

BETH He makes you laugh? Like “The Manny?”

Randall exchanges a “Don’t Go There” look with Beth.

DEJA Actually, can we talk?

Talk?

BETH

DEJA You know, the talk where the parents usually sit the kid down?

Deja pauses, unsure. Randall and Beth look petrified.

DEJA (CONT'D) I wanted to ask you guys if, down the road, I decided to do more with Tripp, you know, like sex stuff? I don’t know much about that.

RANDALL Sex stuff? Oh. OK. Right. We can talk about that.

BETH We can? Yes, yes we can. In the morning. In the morning we’ll talk about sex. In the light of day.

RANDALL Wait, Tripp’s not pressuring you?

DEJA No, no, nothing like that.

BETH Good! Because you’re only 15.

DEJA 16 soon. Hey, if I didn’t say it before, I’m sorry about your car.

RANDALL That took a minute.

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"First Loves" DEJA You told Toby’s mom to tell me that I looked like you. I was pissed!

Language!

BETH

RANDALL We never told Toby’s mom anything!

DEJA (disbelieving) You didn’t?

NO!

RANDALL/BETH

DEJA After she said it, I looked up and saw you guys staring right at me!

BETH Ever heard the News when they say, “It’s 10PM, do you know where the hell your children are?”

RANDALL It doesn’t go quite like that.

DEJA (earnest) I’m sorry, I was wrong.

They watch her start up the stairs, apology reverberating.

Deja turns.

DEJA (CONT'D) I’m really glad you’re my parents.

She goes. Randall and Beth let the moment sink-in.

RANDALL Did you say 32 boyfriends?

BETH That’s your take-away from the last five minutes? Meet me upstairs!

‘Cuz we need to wrangle up some sexual mojo before we start pretending to be experts on the subject!

RANDALL I’m all about authenticity.

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INT. OLD NEWSWEEK SAIGON BUREAU - VIETNAM DAY 1 (PRESENT DAY) Kevin reads Nicky’s clippings as Zoe approaches Logan.

ZOE So how did you make it to Pittsburgh from...?

LOGAN Melbourne. My dad worked in steel and got a job there. There weren’t any local rugby teams back then, but Kevin needed some blindside protection on the football field-KEVIN --Some good that did me!

ZOE You and Kate dated in high school?

LOGAN He kept his little sis a secret from me for almost a year.

KEVIN Because even back then you were a womanizer!

LOGAN Takes one to know one. Did you tell her about Sophie’s pregnancy scare?

Kevin stares daggers at Logan. Zoe gets in Kevin’s face.

ZOE Any children I should know about?

KEVIN She was late one month. We were seventeen and freaking out! Plus, that was a lifetime ago! You’re the only woman I want bearing my children now.

ZOE How eloquent, Shakespeare.

NICKY (PRE-LAP) Read these ones. They’re my best stuff.

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INT. NEWSWEEK SAIGON BUREAU - VIETNAM DAY 1 (1969) In the same location as Kevin, Nicky hands Sunshine a file.

NICKY I think I’ve found a home here.

SUNSHINE Oh, do you? Let’s see what develops in the darkroom first.

She leafs through Nicky’s written work.

NICKY Some of it’s pretty raw.

SUNSHINE It’s not all sweetness and light around here.

NICKY I’m not in favor of the war.

He hands her another file.

NICKY (CONT'D) I go by a different byline here.

She scans through copies of ATTITUDE CHECK, a Camp Pendleton, CA. DIY publication written by anti-war GIs. SUNSHINE This is more like it.

NICKY The photos are mine, too. I’m working on a story exposing a recently deceased high-ranking lieutenant who gave the green light for the massacre at My Lai. SUNSHINE A resistance fighter?

NICKY I didn’t come over here to murder women and children.

SUNSHINE You AWOL or something, Nick?

Nicky stands up and crosses to an open window. He motions for Sunshine to join him. Curious, she walks over.

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NICKY That’s my brother Jack with our Unit. Ten months so far. We’re on leave. JACK! UP HERE! Jack looks up and waves, giving Nicky the thumbs-up. Sunshine walks over to the darkroom. Nicky follows.

SUNSHINE You’re kind of young to be playing both sides, aren’t you?

NICKY I’m about to turn 19.

SUNSHINE Jesus, they’re sending them straight from the crib!

NICKY You believe in God? SUNSHINE The last 18-year-old through here was born again and saved my soul.

She opens the darkroom door. They enter together.

SUNSHINE (CONT'D) So what’s your plan, Nick? We like your snaps and you’ll desert your brother, your unit, your country?

She shuts the door.

NICKY My plan developed at a coffeehouse near Fort Dix, New Jersey, where we were deployed.

SUNSHINE Coffeehouse? Fragging Action?

NICKY You know it?

SUNSHINE Know of it. The coffee counterculture movement is exploding in the U.S..

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"First Loves" NICKY Some of the GIs deserted and headed for Canada. I decided the best way to use my skill set was to be here.

SUNSHINE You sound like you’re in a little over your head.

NICKY How old are you?

22.

SUNSHINE

NICKY You seem older.

Sunshine considers Nicky for a beat. She can’t phase him.

SUNSHINE Give it another 10 months, Nick.

You’ll feel older, too.

INT. PEARSON FAMILY LIVING ROOM - LATER (1987) Jack sits next to Rebecca on the couch.

JACK Talking about my brother is hard for me, Bec. Rebecca holds Jack’s hand.

REBECCA He didn’t come back, did he?

JACK (cracking) He was a spirited guy!

Young Kevin wanders into the foyer, eavesdropping.

JACK (CONT'D) Other than my mom, until you came along, my life was all about loving that kid up. I had to be a brother and a father to him.

REBECCA You’re wonderful at both, Jack.

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"First Loves" JACK When we took the Big Three home, and I rocked that little Katey girl to sleep every night? And seeing Randall in your arms, knowing we were meant to be his parents?

That’s when losing my brother stopped hurting so much.

RACK FOCUS to Young Kevin, who feels left out.

INT. KATE AND TOBY'S APARTMENT - LATER (PRESENT DAY) Rebecca fixes dinner. Kate offers up an apology.

KATE I’m learning a lot goes on between a husband and wife that no one else sees on the surface.

REBECCA Kate, I can only offer you my best advice based on two mostly perfect decades with your father.

KATE He wasn’t your first, was he?

Rebecca looks nervously at Kate.

KATE (CONT'D) I saw the look in your eyes when I asked you about your first love.

REBECCA I’m hesitant to go there right now-KATE --It’s OK. Really. Tell me.

REBECCA I moved to Hollywood in 1969.

KATE You packed up a bag and moved out here all on your own?

REBECCA A good friend came with me.

She was a singer. Her name was Paige. She was my girlfriend.

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KATE You mean, I-kissed-a-girl-and-Iliked-it kind of girlfriend?

REBECCA I was surprised myself at first.

But it just felt right. We were trying to jump-start our music careers. Which seemed impossible...

FLASHBACK TO: INT. CHATEAU MARMONT - CANOPIED COURTYARD - (1969) Over The Byrds’ “Turn! Turn! Turn!” Rebecca and Paige look like they’re trying too hard to get noticed.

PAIGE Two auditions in ten months? We can’t survive like this!

REBECCA Paige, c’mon, let’s mingle!

PAIGE I have a couple of Dolby cassettes to hand out to the right people!

REBECCA Last week my cousin’s contact at Elektra burnt my demo to 8-track!

PAIGE Geez, 8-track? You’re on top of it!

Paige notices an OLDER MAN looking over at them.

PAIGE (CONT'D) Hey, you see Mr. Gray Hair?

REBECCA Wow! That’s Janis Joplin and Big Brother’s manager Albert Grossman!

PAIGE No, that’s Mr. Dolby Cassette #1.

CUT BACK TO:

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INT. KATE AND TOBY’S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS (PRESENT DAY) REBECCA But our relationship was fleeting.

Just like my time in Hollywood.

CUT BACK TO: INT. CHATEAU MARMONT - CANOPIED COURTYARD - LATER (1969) Rebecca describes the scene to Kate.

REBECCA (O.S.) She sang for him, and met a couple of different music producers.

Paige sings (MOS) at the bar for another MALE RECORD EXEC. REBECCA (O.S.) (CONT'D) She even had a hand-shake deal to cut a new demo after she accompanied this producer and his band on their East Coast tour.

We see Paige placing her demo into the hands of MR. DOLBY CASSETTE #2, another older, 1960s music industry type.

Off Rebecca, sharing a loving glance with Paige-CUT BACK TO: INT. KATE AND TOBY'S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS (PRESENT DAY) Kate listens intently.

REBECCA She got into drugs on tour. Back in LA, the recordings all fell through.

And I had moved back to Pittsburgh.

KATE Do you keep in touch now?

REBECCA I never saw her again. She moved to San Francisco to re-connect with the band. A few months later, I found out she OD’d.

KATE Oh my God, that’s awful!

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"First Loves" REBECCA I had so much wrapped-up in that dream we shared, I struggled to find my own voice without her. My inner drive just vanished. Kate, don’t lose your light. Fight for it. For Toby, and for your music.

Kate takes her mother’s hand.

REBECCA (CONT'D) Thank God your father returned from Vietnam. I was singing the night we met. His smile lit me up again. I was dating someone else, but with Jack, I knew right away. He was everything. And I didn’t look back.

KATE I love you, mom. Did I ever tell you about my first?

REBECCA Was it the big, hunky guy on Kevin’s team? An offensive lineman?

KATE That was Logan! I mean, that accent!

REBECCA I knew it. Mothers always know.

KATE I poured all my energy into creating a relationship with Logan. I loved how he literally tackled life. He never second-guessed himself, he was always moving forward.

REBECCA I remember he’d hang out at the house after Kevin’s accident-KATE --In the basement? He was hanging out with me, too!

REBECCA I kind of knew what was going on, but you were always so private.

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KATE Well, he dumped me. He went off to study journalism and pursue his dream. And I had given up on mine.

I got lost in him instead of grieving for dad. Which really messed me up once Logan was gone. (then) I love Toby so much. He’s not the guy most girls dream of, but he truly loves me. I can see it every time he looks at me. And for me, that’s everything, too.

Off Rebecca and Kate’s breakthrough moment...

CUT TO: INT. RANDALL AND BETH'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - (PRESENT DAY) Beth paces, brushing her hair. Randall lies on their bed.

BETH I’m not getting all the feels from that Kevin clone!

RANDALL I think Deja is the one in control.

BETH What do we say? I don’t want to encourage them to use protection, because I don’t want her doing...

Anything! Think about it. We have no idea who Shauna brought home.

The type of intimacy or affection Deja witnessed!

RANDALL You wanted to adopt an older child.

BETH Don’t even start with me!

Come here.

RANDALL

Beth puts down her brush and reluctantly cuddles with him.

RANDALL (CONT'D) We’ll tell her she’s too young to have sex. And that we think it’s best if she waits until she’s 30.

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Randall!

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BETH

RANDALL Or at least 18. That we want her to be sure Tripp is the right guy.

Because they should be in love.

BETH I’m glad I married you. That’s why I’m so hysterical about Dej. I want her to choose well.

RANDALL Beth, if I hadn’t met you, nothing in my life would have meaning. It’s the way you think. The way you feel.

That’s why I love you. You broke my heart in all the right places.

BETH Can we get busy now?

RANDALL Thought that would do the trick!

Randall’s cell phone rings. He reaches to answer it.

BETH Don’t get that!

As Randall speaks, the SCREEN SPLITS for a TWO-WAY CALL with MARNIE, (60s), who sits at an office desk.

RANDALL Hi Marnie, what’s up?

MARNIE (O.S.) Sorry to call at this hour, but I don’t want you caught off-guard.

RANDALL Caught off-guard by what?

Beth looks curiously at Randall.

MARNIE (O.S.) Two angry prospective tenants have demanded that their fifty dollar application fee be returned.

RANDALL Marnie, there is no application fee.

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"First Loves" MARNIE (O.S.) Correct. I pulled the applicants’ list, and found a red check mark next to thirty-two names. They’d all paid the fifty dollars in-person.

To whom?

Deja.

RANDALL MARNIE (O.S.)

END OF ACT THREE

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ACT FOUR INT. NEWSWEEK DARKROOM - VIETNAM DAY 1 (1969) Nicky watches as Sunshine examines his photos.

SUNSHINE Your writing is good, and so are your photographs.

NICKY (laughs) Thanks, Sunshine!

SUNSHINE Why are you laughing?

NICKY Sunshine’s in the darkroom.

SUNSHINE You’re really a nerd, aren’t you?

NICKY I don’t know, do you like nerds?

SUNSHINE (re: Nicky’s photos) This one’s growing on me.

NICKY The photograph or me?

Both.

SUNSHINE

Nicky smiles and moves a bit closer to Sunshine.

SUNSHINE (CONT'D) I don’t know how to describe them.

They’re haunting. Like the subjects know they’re already ghosts.

Nicky starts to lean-in, but there’s a sudden, loud knock.

KEVIN (PRE-LAP) Anyone in here?

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INT. OLD NEWSWEEK DARKROOM - VIETNAM DAY 1 (PRESENT DAY) Kevin walks into the empty darkroom, trying to hide emotions that are welling-up inside. Zoe enters behind him.

ZOE I think we should take these pictures out to the streets to see if anyone might recognize her!

KEVIN You think she could still be alive?

ZOE It’s worth a shot.

Logan enters.

LOGAN It’s a good idea. This woman is key to finding out how your uncle died.

ZOE If he died...

KEVIN He went MIA. I can’t get my hopes up that we’ll find out the truth about him after all these years.

ZOE Maybe I’m just a sucker for love.

How about if we bring these?

See lays out a few shots of Nicky and Sunshine together.

KEVIN Let’s keep this one of dad and Uncle Nicky, too.

Kevin holds up the picture. Zoe puts her arm around him.

KEVIN (CONT'D) I know I sounded insensitive before.

I do want a family one day. I’d like it to be with you.

Zoe looks away. Logan notices the tension.

LOGAN So, are we spy-hunting?

JACK (PRE-LAP) Hello? Are you guys in there?

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INT. NEWSWEEK DARKROOM - LATER (1969) Jack walks in on Nicky and Sunshine.

JACK I was starting to get worried.

NICKY Sunshine, this is my big brother, Jack. Jack, Sunshine. She’s-SUNSHINE --the first Vietnamese staffer to work for a U.S. publication.

My relentless legwork and local knowledge enhances our journalists’ work with a level of credibility not achieved by our rivals.

JACK Quite the introduction!

NICKY And Newsweek is going to buy some of my photos, right, Sunshine?

JACK As in pay for them?

SUNSHINE Your brother runs a hard bargain.

We like his photos, and we’ll use some of his written work for research purposes. Sorry, Nick, no byline before I get one!

They step into the busy news bureau.

JACK Well, nice meeting you, Sunshine.

Jack has fun with saying “Nick” instead of “Nicky.”

JACK (CONT'D) ...but Nick and I here, we need to be getting back to our unit.

NICKY Can you join us later?

SUNSHINE Give me thirty minutes.

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Jack shoots Sunshine a worrisome look as they depart.

Sunshine returns to her desk, picks-up the receiver to her rotary phone, then pauses. She begins to dial a number.

INT. PEARSON FAMILY LIVING ROOM - LATER (1987) Jack opens up to Rebecca. Young Logan has now joined Young Kevin, eavesdropping in the foyer, both holding Sunkists.

REBECCA Jack, how did you meet this woman?

CUT TO: EXT. CONTINENTAL SHELF BAR - VIETNAM DAY 1 (1969) Nicky sits with Jack.

NICKY She actually ran into me on the staircase! Collided would be more like it! Lucky break, huh?

JACK Do me a favor, after you sell her your pictures, let’s just spend the rest of the week together, OK? Some quality time. Hey, Derek, take a few pictures!

Nicky hands his camera to DEREK, (21), a Unit member. Jack can tell Nicky looks skeptical. The frame of the last shot is an exact match to the one Kevin held in the darkroom.

INT. KATE AND TOBY'S APARTMENT - LATER (PRESENT DAY) Kate and Rebecca rehearse Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides, Now.” REBECCA If only your dad could see you. I’m loving your interpretation, Kate.

KATE So when we get back to the chorus, the octave is more of a high A on the word “both?”

Exactly.

REBECCA

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KATE (singing) I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now...

Rebecca nods her head “yes” as Kate continues.

KATE (CONT'D) (singing) From Win and Lose and still somehow...

REBECCA Yes, now your middle range!

KATE (singing) ...it’s life’s illusions I recall, I really don’t know life at all...

REBECCA That was terrific! Yes! They high-five.

INT. RANDALL AND BETH'S HOUSE - MIDNIGHT (PRESENT DAY) The house is dark. Deja, dressed, descends the staircase carrying her shoes so she doesn’t wake anyone up. At the foot of the stairs, she texts Tripp.

Deja:

You got the car?

Tripp: Already outside!

Deja slips on her shoes and leaves the house unnoticed.

INT. TOBY'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS - (PRESENT DAY) A groggy Toby enters his office from a darkened hallway, having taken Audio for a late night walk.

TOBY Audio, given your name, I find it ironic you don’t like listening to your mom sing.

A knock at the door. It’s Toby’s boss, Sheila. Toby tries to hide Audio under his desk.

Come in!

TOBY (CONT'D)

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"First Loves" SHEILA Toby, how are you?

She enters, closing the door behind her.

TOBY Sheila? I guess we’ll both be up for Employee of The Month!

His humor is lost on Sheila.

TOBY (CONT'D) Working so late and all?

Audio pooches his head out from under Toby’s desk.

SHEILA Oh! It’s take-your-dog-to-work-day?

TOBY Well, my wife had a last-minute thing and we didn’t have time to drop him off at doggie daycare.

SHEILA Daycare? For a dog? How nice. I didn’t realize you’re married?

TOBY Her name’s Kate. Trying to get home to her before the morning light!

SHEILA Toby, I’ll cut to it.

TOBY Please, have a seat?

She remains standing.

SHEILA This won’t take long. I’m going to need you to visit HR tomorrow.

TOBY HR? If it’s about the dog, this is a one-time thing.

SHEILA It’s not about the dog. We’ve been taking some time to see where the organization is top-heavy.

(MORE)

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"First Loves" SHEILA (CONT'D) Past management just went hog wild with all their social hires. I’m afraid we’re downsizing.

TOBY (teasing) You realize you just said “topheavy,” “hog wild,” and “downsizing” in the same sentence to a man of a rather large stature like myself?

SHEILA Oh, I didn’t mean anything by that.

I was just trying to say, nicely, that I’m letting you go. It was down to the wire, Toby. I literally just made the decision. Thank you for your service.

She turns to go.

TOBY Should I take my little dog, too?

Sheila puts her hand on the doorknob, but doesn’t turn to face Toby.

SHEILA I think you’ll find we have a very generous package for you. You can stop by in the morning to pick up your effects. Without the dog.

She departs. Toby is devastated.

END OF ACT FOUR

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ACT FIVE EXT. CONTINENTAL SHELF BAR - VIETNAM DAY 1 (1969) Sunshine joins Jack, Nicky and their Unit for dinner.

JACK What are you drinking, Sunshine?

SUNSHINE I can’t be seen drinking in public.

DEREK But you like a little sake, right?

NICKY Sake is a Japanese drink, Derek.

SUNSHINE If you’re adventurous, I’d recommend the Shelf’s snake wine.

The snake is steeped in alcohol to absorb its venom. It reportedly makes a man more virile!

DEREK If you’re not busy later, I’m the horniest guy I know! C’mon boys!

Derek shakes his head as the Unit heads to the bar.

JACK I apologize for his behavior.

Sunshine, I’m not sure how much my brother has told you about recent events back at our base camp?

SUNSHINE He’s told me a lot. Jack, your brother could have a very bright future here in Saigon.

NICKY (trying to diffuse) Bright future? Thanks, Sunshine!

JACK Maybe you’re not understanding my meaning. You see, I think you’re complicating an already difficult situation that Nick here has gotten himself into.

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NICKY Jack, that’s enough!

SUNSHINE The only complication I’m aware of is the U.S. Army covering-up the massacre of over 500 civilians for over a year. Sometimes people responsible for such horrors get what’s coming to them.

Jack leans-in.

JACK It’s not our responsibility to play judge and jury.

SUNSHINE All’s fair in love and war.

NICKY Jack, relax. Sunshine got Newsweek to pay me for my work. That’s money I’ll send back to mom and dad! This is the career I want! The life I want!

Forced smiles as Jack faces-off with Sunshine over Nicky-CUT TO: EXT. HOTEL CONTINENTAL AREA - VIETNAM DAY 2 (PRESENT DAY) Kevin and Zoe show pictures to the locals. Logan guides them with a GPS app while reading a magazine on the Vietnam war.

ZOE Pardon a woman’s intuition, but it sure looks like they were in love.

Kevin shoots Zoe a look like she’s crazy.

KEVIN Seriously? How long were they even here together? A few days? A week?

LOGAN Get this, her name was Sunshine!

She was well-respected, but she was a double agent. She kept her cover by telling truths to both sides.

ZOE But was she a killer?

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"First Loves" LOGAN There’s no evidence to support that. The story goes that she stayed behind when the Viet Cong arrived. The U.S. forces didn’t want to leave her, but she claimed a sick mother, and that she’d survive by blending back in.

ZOE What happened then?

LOGAN It gets fuzzy. At that point, everyone just wanted the war to be over.

KEVIN But it’s not over. We don’t have any solid answers about Nicky! Was he MIA, was he murdered?

ZOE Kevin, look at this picture. Do you think this woman purposefully meant to harm your uncle?

Kevin looks at a picture of Nicky and Sunshine, laughing.

INT. KATE AND TOBY'S BEDROOM - MORNING DAY 2 (PRESENT DAY) Toby analyzes pill bottles. Kate preps for her audition.

KATE Are you OK? You got in so late.

Audio lays at the foot of their bed, sleeping.

TOBY I’ve just got a lot of work now.

KATE Well, that’s a good thing. Did you tell your boss?

TOBY Um, no. How did rehearsal go?

KATE Up and down! I returned the clothes. Mom got me everything I need at a thrift store.

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"First Loves" TOBY Groceries, clothing, can she balance our checkbook, too?

KATE I promise I’m going to watch our pennies from now on.

TOBY That’s one way to put it.

Kate leans-in for a hug.

KATE You were right, my handsome, wonderful, talented husband!

TOBY I wouldn’t go that far...

KATE What is it?

TOBY I’m thinking we should see someone.

Therapy?

KATE

TOBY What if we can’t handle my illness?

KATE What are you doing?

TOBY I’m sorry, I’m just on-edge. Do you know what I really think?

KATE No, I really don’t.

TOBY I think I’ve got a super-hot, folkrock-music-fest-Hollywood-Bowlbound-babe!

Toby hugs Kate back, but she looks shaken.

INT. RANDALL AND BETH'S HOUSE - UPSTAIRS - DAY 2 (PRESENT DAY) Randall knocks on Deja’s closed door.

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RANDALL Dej, you up? We wanted to have that talk with you. Deja?

He opens the door to discover her bed hasn’t been slept in.

Snooping, he finds a shoebox at the foot of a closet door. He opens the box and finds a stack of cash.

Oh, Dej.

RANDALL (CONT'D)

INT. TOBY'S OFFICE - LUNCHTIME - DAY 2 (PRESENT DAY) Toby walks in with JIM, (30s), a tall, handsome co-worker.

JIM So, Tobes, how’s your health?

TOBY My health? Down on the farm? Back in Mizzou? Doing great, thanks!

Jim chuckles.

TOBY (CONT'D) Hey Jim, did you happen to share anything with Sheila about my health? It’s fine, I just thought she was acting strange yesterday.

JIM Toby, I’m sorry... I may have let something slip, but I guess I wasn’t sure if you had told her?

TOBY When was that?

JIM A couple weeks ago?

An HR rep, CLAIRE, (20s), petite, knocks on Toby’s door.

CLAIRE Hi Toby! I was expecting you today?

Sheila said she asked you to stop by?

JIM I’d better be going.

TOBY Jim, wait. Claire, did you know that Jim told Sheila a couple of (MORE)

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"First Loves" TOBY (CONT'D) weeks ago about my depressive disorder?

CLAIRE I- I... didn’t know who had told her... But I can assure you that had no impact on Sheila’s decision.

TOBY So Sheila told you about my health issue two weeks ago? And she just decided to fire me yesterday?

Fire you?

JIM

CLAIRE Toby, can we talk privately?

TOBY Claire, when you found out that I’m dealing with a difficult health situation, why didn’t you stop by my office to see how I was doing?

Or refer me to available health care resources? Absolutely no communication with me for the past two weeks? Isn’t that a bit heartless for human resources?

Jim heads out the door.

JIM I’ve got a meeting. Sorry, Toby.

CLAIRE I think we’d better talk to Sheila.

TOBY Claire, I’ve got work to do. Talk to Sheila about how she planned to let me go upon finding out I have a condition that’s treatable with proper medication. How any court in the land will consider it retaliation if she attempts to fire me. Yes, talk to Sheila. Have a good day.

Triumphant, Toby watches Claire slink out of his office.

END OF ACT FIVE

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ACT SIX EXT. HOTEL CONTINENTAL AREA - VIETNAM DAY 2 (PRESENT DAY) Kevin shows photos to vendors. Zoe hangs back with Logan.

ZOE I know it’s been years, but are you still carrying a torch for Kate?

LOGAN That’s direct.

That’s me.

ZOE

LOGAN I can’t say I don’t think of her.

But...

ZOE

LOGAN But I’m married. Well, separated.

ZOE Kevin never mentioned your wife?

LOGAN It’s complicated. And, he doesn’t know about her.

ZOE Why is that?

LOGAN Because my wife Allison is Randall’s ex-fiancée.

ZOE Spoiler alert, my cousin Beth is Randall’s wife. Pretty sure she doesn’t know about an ex-fiancée.

They catch up to Kevin. He’s on FaceTime with Kate.

KEVIN Wait a second, Kate, I told you we have a guide? Guess who it is? Say hi to your former dance partner!

Kevin passes his phone to Logan. There’s an awkward silence.

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KATE Logan? Is that you?

LOGAN You look beautiful, Kate. We should catch up proper some time?

KATE Um, OK? Hey, I have an audition!

Then I’m meeting my husband-LOGAN --I can’t believe it! You’re still singing?

CUT TO: INT. HIGH SCHOOL GYM - NIGHT (1997) Teenage Kate and Teenage Logan dance.

TEENAGE LOGAN Everyone’s going up to Blueberry Hill, or whatever you Americans call it...

TEENAGE KATE I told you. Principal McCadden promised to let me sing tonight.

Logan stops dancing and indicates Teenage Kevin and Teenage Sophie, who are leaving the gym with a few other COUPLES. TEENAGE LOGAN Look, they’re already going. C’mon!

Logan pulls away, taking Kate by the hand. She lets go.

TEENAGE LOGAN (CONT'D) Wouldn’t you rather be together than sing some silly song at a high school dance? Unless you’ve got a crush on the old man?

Kate looks to the stage. PRINCIPAL MCCADDEN, (60s), balding, smiles and waves at Kate.

TEENAGE KATE (to Logan) You’re right. Let’s get the hell out of here!

CUT BACK TO:

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INT. KATE AND TOBY’S KITCHEN - EVENING DAY 2 (PRESENT DAY) Kate looks at Logan’s image on the phone.

Kate?

LOGAN

KATE That’s right. I’m still singing.

And I’m married now. Blissfully happy! Logan, put Kevin back on.

Zoe notes Kate’s tone. Logan hands the phone to Kevin.

KATE (CONT'D) I hope you find something out about Uncle Nicky. By the way, Toby and I meet tonight with the doctor Sophie recommended. She left me a voice mail after she received a thank you card I sent her. I guess she’s trying to connect with you about an old money market account? Call her!

Gotta go, love you!

Zoe avoids eye contact with Kevin as he shuts off his phone.

EXT. RANDALL AND BETH'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY 2 (PRESENT DAY) Deja sneaks-in. She pours herself a bowl of cereal, grabbing milk from the fridge, and sits down at the kitchen island.

As they enter, Randall and Beth are surprised to see Deja.

DEJA Good morning!

Beth and Randall share a disappointed look.

DEJA (CONT'D) We gonna have our talk?

RANDALL Let’s talk about this. Where’d you sleep last night?

BETH And where’d you get the sixteen hundred dollars in your closet?

DEJA You’re looking through my things?

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"First Loves" BETH We take you into our home and you steal from us? And stay out all night?

DEJA I can explain...

RANDALL You’d better!

DEJA You know my foster sister, Raven?

BETH You’ve mentioned her, yes?!

DEJA She gets abused by her foster dad!

I’m helping her get out of there.

BETH By helping yourself! You don’t think we would help you?

DEJA She needs the money fast! To find her own place!

RANDALL So you’re planning to give Raven all that money, and what happens when it runs out? You take more?

DEJA I don’t know! It gives her four months to figure things out!

BETH And you couldn’t have come to us to ask for help? We’re your parents!

DEJA I MESSED UP! I GET IT!

She runs upstairs. Beth picks-up the phone.

BETH The social worker will get Raven out of there.

RANDALL So she spent all night... Where?

Dej is grounded. For life!

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INT. CONTINENTAL SHELF BAR - VIETNAM DAY 2 (1969) Nicky stands at the bar alone as Sunshine approaches.

SUNSHINE Are you mad at me?

NICKY Why would I be?

SUNSHINE I wasn’t too friendly with Jack.

NICKY He’s just being the protective older brother. He’s got to let me go someday.

SUNSHINE I can tell he’s a good man.

NICKY The best. (then) You were right. I’m in over my head. But I feel something-SUNSHINE --I do, too.

NICKY I’m very honest. I say what I mean.

SUNSHINE I don’t get that a lot.

NICKY When I talked about finding a home?

I can do my country more good here than I could ever do in Pittsburgh.

SUNSHINE What’s your life like there?

NICKY Not worth going back to. Our father is abusive. He drinks. My mom doesn’t have the strength, or the resources, to leave him. She’s only stayed because of us boys.

SUNSHINE How would it even work for you to be with me here in Saigon?

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NICKY Would you like that?

Very much.

SUNSHINE

NICKY Our tour lasts another two months, then I’ll get discharged. Even if it’s dishonorable. Jack’s already said he’ll be my alibi. Then I’ll come back. Maybe I can get a visa if Newsweek hires me...

SUNSHINE Want to go up to the darkroom?

Nicky smiles as they walk hand-in-hand.

KATE SINGING (PRE-LAP) Bows and flows of angel hair...

INT. GENGHIS COHEN STAGE - BMI SHOWCASE - (PRESENT DAY) At a mic, Kate sings the Original 1969 Studio Version of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides, Now” with an ACCOMPANIST on guitar.

KATE (singing) And ice cream castles in the air...

In the audience, Brent watches closely.

KATE (CONT'D) (singing) ...and feather canyons everywhere, I’ve looked at clouds that way.

KATE SINGS AS WE FLASH AROUND TO OUR VARIOUS STORIES...

INT. EREWHON GROCERY STORE CHECK-OUT LANE - CONTINUOUS (PRESENT DAY) Waiting to check-out, Rebecca picks-up a travel guide on San Francisco.

KATE SINGING (O.S.) But now they only block the sun, they rain and snow on everyone...

Setting the guide down, Rebecca logs-in to a travel app on her phone.

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EXT. SUBURBAN HIGH SCHOOL - CONTINUOUS (PRESENT DAY) Randall and Beth pull-up curbside to Deja’s school.

KATE SINGING (O.S.) So many things I would have done, but clouds got in my way...

Deja exits Randall’s car. She turns back to her parents.

DEJA No more sneaking out. And I’ll be home right after school. Thank you for helping Raven.

KATE SINGING (O.S.) I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now, from up and down, and still somehow...

Tripp walks up and reaches for Deja’s hand. Instead, she hands him her school bag. Randall and Beth watch, hopeful.

EXT. HO CHI MINH CITY STREETS - VIETNAM DAY 2 (PRESENT DAY) A local VIETNAMESE MAN, (70s), nods and points at Sunshine in a photo shown to him by an incredulous Kevin.

KATE SINGING (O.S.) It’s clouds illusions I recall, I really don’t know clouds at all...

Kevin yells out (MOS) to Zoe and Logan, who run over to him.

KATE SINGING (O.S.) (CONT'D) Moons and Junes and Ferris Wheels, the dizzy, dancing way you feel...

Led by Kevin, the trio excitedly run down the street.

INT. GENGHIS COHEN STAGE - BMI SHOWCASE - (PRESENT DAY) KATE (singing) As every fairy tale comes real, I’ve looked at love that way.

INT. OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM - CONTINUOUS (PRESENT DAY) Toby actively participates in a meeting as Sheila watches.

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KATE SINGING (O.S.) But now it’s just another show, you leave ‘em laughing when you go...

Claire watches Toby successfully interact with CO-WORKERS. KATE SINGING (O.S.) (CONT'D) And if you care, don’t let them know, don’t give yourself away.

Toby’s phone vibrates. His EX-WIFE’S image appears on-screen.

Caught off-guard, he loses his train-of-thought as he speaks (MOS). Sheila shoots Claire a “Gotcha!” look.

EXT. CONTINENTAL SHELF BAR - VIETNAM DAY 2 (1969) As Jack and the Unit laugh (MOS), an explosion rocks the street, with glass, tables, chairs and people literally flying through the air.

KATE SINGING (O.S.) Tears and fears and feeling proud...

We see the hotel doorway has been blown-out. Jack, dazed and lying on the ground, shouts out (MOS) for Nicky.

KATE SINGING (O.S) (CONT'D) ...to say I love you right out loud...

INT. CONTINENTAL SHELF BAR - CONTINUOUS (1969) Nicky lies in a pool of blood, cradled by Sunshine. Jack heroically charges-in, holding his palms on both sides of Nicky’s head to calm him. Nicky winces in pain.

NICKY Jack, please. If you love me. You know what happens if I go back...

KATE SINGING (O.S.) Dreams and schemes and circus crowds, I’ve looked at life that way.

INT. PEARSON FAMILY LIVING ROOM - LATER (1987) Jack sobs in Rebecca’s arms. Young Kevin taps Young Logan on the shoulder, and they quietly move off.

JACK I didn’t know how to save him.

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Rebecca comforts Jack as he finally breaks down over the trauma that’s been haunting him all these years.

EXT. CEMETERY - LATER (PRESENT DAY) An older woman’s hands come to rest on a tombstone.

KATE SINGING (O.S.) But now old friends are acting strange, they shake their heads, they say I’ve changed...

We REVERSE to reveal Rebecca at the grave of PAIGE PAULSON, 1950-1971. The epitaph reads “She Sings With The Angels Now.” KATE SINGING (O.S.) (CONT'D) Well something’s lost but something’s gained, in living every day...

EXT. MODEST SAIGON HOME - VIETNAM DAY 2 (PRESENT DAY) Kevin knocks repeatedly. A door Sunshine. Kevin gasps and shows Nicky and Jack. Kevin points at NAME (MOS). Zoe and Logan stand

opens revealing 72-year-old her a photo of herself with himself and MOUTHS HIS FULL in stunned silence.

SUNSHINE It’s The Manny.

KATE SINGING (O.S.) I’ve looked at life from both sides now, from Win and Lose and still somehow...

A VIETNAMESE WOMAN, (30s), appears behind Sunshine.

VIETNAMESE WOMAN Má? (English: Mom?) KATE SINGING (O.S.) ...it’s life’s illusions I recall...

SUNSHINE (to Kevin) Linh. Your cousin.

Kevin tries to fathom. Zoe and Logan are shocked.

LINH Ba! Ba! (English: Dad! Dad!)

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A BEARDED AMERICAN MAN, (60s), with thick-rimmed glasses and a cane hobbles slowly towards the doorway. It’s Nicky.

INT. GENGHIS COHEN STAGE - BMI SHOWCASE - CONTINUOUS (PRESENT DAY) KATE (at the mic, singing) ...I really don’t know life at all.

Brent smiles broadly at Kate.

Thank you.

KATE (CONT'D)

END OF EPISODE