Dc Pilot Presentation

7/31/2019 Dc Pilot Presentation

1/43

D.C.

PILOT PRESENTATION

written by

John August

1/5/99


2/43

dcPRESENTATION SCRIPT -- 2/16/99 *

ACT ONE

INT. GYM SHOWERS - DAY1 1

A shower curtain WHIPS back, revealing MASON SCOTT (22), wetand dripping.

MASON

My Fellow Americans...(explaining)You have to start with My FellowAmericans.

PETEGiven.

PETE KOMISKY (also 22) is toweling off. Mason grabs his owntowel, drying off as he continues his speech -- practiced,but sincere.

MASON

On this, the occasion of myinauguration, I am reminded of mychildhood growing up in the woods ofVirginia...

PETE...a mansion in the woods inVirginia...

MASON(ignoring)

Among those trees, some hundreds ofyears old, one could sense the ghostsof fallen patriots, still fighting forthe ideals they were willing to diefor: truth, freedom, and the nobilityof every man and woman. These are thevalues I look to uphold as I begin mypresidency.

PETEIm crying. I have actual tears.


3/43

MASONFine. Lets hear yours.

PETEMy Fellow Americans, absolute powercorrupts absolutely. So forgive me inadvance for the next four years.

A beat.

MASONDo you remember the exact moment youridealism was crushed?

Pete thinks, a long beat. He almost answers, then stops.Finally...

PETENo. No, I dont.

OMIT FROM PRESENTATION2 2 *

INT. GYM PARKING GARAGE / BOOTH - DAY3 3

A line of cars waiting to get out, the PARKING ATTENDANTlooks over, someone KNOCKING on the window behind him.

Its FINLEY SCOTT (22). Merely frantic on an ordinary day,

today she has enough caffeine in her that if she died thisinstant, her body could keep running for another two weeks.

FINLEYHi. Hello. Im parked over there...

She points to her fathers old Volvo, its flashers going.Its parked in front of a large NO PARKING sign.

ATTENDANTYou cant park there.

FINLEYI know, thats why I wanted to talk to you.Do you notice how the car is full? Howevery cubic inch is occupied, except for atiny spot I left for myself to sit in andthus drive all night?

The attendant looks over. What Finley says is true.

2.


4/43

FINLEY (contd) *All of my earthly possessions are inthat car. So even though you dontknow me or my whole deal, if you couldput yourself in my position -- justpretend you are me, in this state andwith these needs and hopes and fears --and guard that car with your verylife, I would so appreciate it.

ATTENDANTYou cant park there.

Some horns HONK, people wanting to pay and get out. Finleychecks the attendants name tag

FINLEY

Frank, your name is Frank?(he nods)Frank, Im going to be here 20minutes, but theyre a reallyimportant 20 minutes. About asimportant of a 20 minutes as are goingto happen in or near this garage ever,short of a murder or somebody givingbirth, and neither is particularlylikely because its a garage, isntit?

ATTENDANT

Yes.

She takes that as an okay to park there.

FINLEYYoure a star. Twenty minutes.

She heads for the elevators.

INT. GYM FRONT DESK DAY4 4

Taking a towel, a GUY moves away to reveal Finley.

FINLEY(to check-in worker)

Im looking for Mason Scott. Is hechecked in?

The WORKER isnt sure if shes supposed to say.

3.


5/43

FINLEY (contd) *Mason. Scott. Its an emergency.

Finally relenting, the worker types in the name.

INT. MENS LOCKER ROOM - DAY5 5

The door opens to reveal Finley. Without a moment ofhesitation, she heads in, looking for Mason. We follow heras she weaves among half-naked (and fully naked) men,looking into each locker bay.

Near the showers, she literally bumps into a BEEFY GUY. Shehas to say something.

FINLEY

Im a comparison shopper.

IN A LOCKER BAY

Mason and Pete are getting dressed.

PETESo hes in the elevator with FredGrandy -- the Love Boats Gopher, butstill, a Congressman -- hes in theelevator with him and he turns to himand says, Lido Deck, please.

MASON(disbelieving)

No.

PETEHe was out on his ass before lunch.

FINLEY(from behind)

Mason?

He turns to see her. A beat, astonished.

MASONFinley, what are you doing here?

FINLEYI drove all night. I had arevelation.

(introducing to Pete)Hi, Im Finley.

4.


6/43

PETEPete.

(they shake)Youre the notorious twin sister.

FINLEYAnd you sleep with everyone.

Pete nods, guilty. Mason pulls Finley into the bay, turningher head so shes only looking at lockers. He and Pete arestill in their underwear. Some OTHER GUYS are looking over.

MASONWhat are you doing here now?

FINLEYI went by your apartment. Your

neighbors said you always go to thegym before work.(turning to Pete)

Hes very habitual.

PETEIve noticed that.

Mason turns her head back, then continues dressing.

MASONYoure supposed to be at graduateschool. What, are you running away?

FINLEYIm running towards. Like I said, Ihad a revelation. Its been a longtime coming, weeks and months, maybemy whole life -- but just last night Irealized that all this preparation,all this schooling has kept me fromactually living my life. Im like abutterfly trapped in the chrysalis.If I dont break free now, Ill die.

MASONYou were watching Mariah Carey: Behindthe Music, werent you?

A beat.

FINLEYYes. But thats unrelated.

5.


7/43

EXT. FRONT OF THE GYM - DAY6 6

PETESee you later. Good to meet you.

Pete takes off with a wave. His hair still wet, Mason staysbehind with Finley, ready to have it out.

FINLEYI know this is sudden, but arent mostgreat ideas sudden? I mean, do youthink Einstein sat around ponderingthe theory of relativity?

MASONYes. He did. And what great idea do

you have, specifically? Come to D.C.and mooch off your brother?(not letting her interrupt)

Just because we shared a womb for ninemonths does not give you first dibs onmy life. Im sick of being your fall-back plan.

FINLEYJust let me stay with you for a fewweeks while I figure out whatspecifically I want to do. You knowthat if I dont stay with you, Mom and

Dad will freak out.

MASONTheyll freak out anyway.

FINLEYTheyll freak out less. They trustyou. Youre responsible. You got allthose genes.

A beat. A few PEDESTRIANS look as they pass by, wonderingwhat the disagreements about.

FINLEY (contd) *Mason, your entire life, all youveever talked about is coming here,doing this, and eventually freeing theworld or something. Yes, I mock you,but on many levels I respect that.You have this razor-sharp vision ofwhat you want to do with your life. Idont.

6.

(MORE)


8/43

But everything is telling me that Iwont find it in grad school. Soplease. Just let me crash for awhile. I wont be any nuisance, Iswear.

Mason checks his watch, already running late. Finallydeciding, he digs out his keys, hands them over. She hugshim.

FINLEY (contd) *You wont regret it.

MASONIts only because I know youre goingto change your mind. And by nextweek, normal life will resume.

OPENING TITLES and MUSIC run over the montage:

EXT. CONVENIENCE STORE/DELI NEAR CAPITOL HILL - DAY7 7

Mason emerges with a bagel and an apple, eating the formeras he nearly jogs, late.

EXT. NORTH EDGE OF THE MALL - DAY8 8

He cuts through a bus group of MIDDLE-AGED TOURISTS, allturning their cameras sideways. As we follow their focus,we can see whats so impressive --

THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT

towers in the distance, the shadow falling like Godssundial. *

TRACKING WITH MASON

He checks his watch, walks faster. Beyond him, we seenothing but marble steps and ornate pillars, the feet ofmassive monuments. The city is majestic in the way Americancities never are.

STOPPED AT A CROSS-WALK

Amid the TOURISTS, we see two other GUYS who could be clonesof Mason: shirt, tie and khakis. Mason leads the way *across, against the light.

7.

FINLEY (contd)


9/43

We let him pass us, looking right to see

THE CAPITOL

in the distance, shining like a palace.

INT. RUSSELL BUILDING / SECURITY CHECKPOINT - DAY9 9

A line at the metal detector. Mason holds his apple in hismouth as he takes off his bookbag, showing the GUARD hishard-card pass.

INT. RUSSELL BASEMENT HALLWAY - DAY10 10

Mason grabs a Roll Call newspaper off the shelf by the postoffice. Seeing the CROWD at the elevator, he heads for thestairs.

INT. RUSSELL BUILDING 3RD FLOOR - DAY11 11

Mason emerges from the stairs. The hallway is lined withflags in front of each office. He tosses his apple core inthe trash can as he heads into the office of

SENATOR WILLIAM ABBOTT

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

The door shuts behind him. END OF TITLES.

INT. SENATORS OFFICE - DAY / LATER12 12

CLOSE-UP: On video, we see live coverage from the Senatefloor on C-SPAN. Graphics superimpose, the results of avote.

A hefty stack of mail THUMPS down in front of the screen.PULLING BACK, we see that were at

MASONS OVERSTUFFED DESK,

one of eight in the crowded front office. TVs play ondesks throughout the office, all tuned to track the news: C-SPAN 1 and 2, MSNBC and CNC (Cable News Channel).

Flipping through the letters -- constituent mail -- Mason ishorrified.

8.


10/43

MASONThese cant all be for us.

NEILNot for us. For the endangered RedRing-Tailed Squirrel of JacksonForest.

NEIL (25) is Masons pudgy, prickly supervisor. Mason flipsthrough the letters.

NEIL (contd) *I want three replies. Jackson 1: Imas concerned about the environment asyou. Jackson 2: My support forresponsible industry is unparalleled.Jackson 3: Jobs, jobs, jobs. I

understand and Im working my ass off.

MASONWhats the turnaround?

NEILGive me all three by noon.

MASONCan I get Chang?

They both look up to bewildered intern CHANG (17), whosstanding near the door with a sheet of paper.

NEILChang, what are you doing?

CHANGRobert told me to hold this until hegot back.

MASONHow long has he been gone?

CHANGAbout an hour.

NEILYoure with Mason.

A beat as Chang tries to decide what to do with the paper.He finally sets it down on the floor where he was standing.

9.


11/43

INT. SENATORS OFFICE - DAY13 13

Chang feeds letters into the auto-pen while Mason works onthe boilerplate, copying and pasting from other documents.

Coming in from the hallway, a RECEPTIONIST calls out --

RECEPTIONISTIncoming.

The office that was busy-but-casual suddenly becomes frantic-and-military. The other three LAs (like Neil) scramble toget their notes together, while LCs and INTERNS throw awaylunch containers and mash down the trash cans.

NEIL

(to Mason)Do you have them?

MASONPrinting.

CLOSE ON the printer, the first page emerging. The second.Neil SNAPS his fingers -- he needs it. But then, a blinkinglight.

MASON (contd) *It jammed.

Like a Marine breaking down his rifle, Mason opens theprinter, rolls the gate, whipping out the crumpled sheet ofpaper, and slamming it back shut.

We WHIP BACK to the door, where SENATOR WILLIAM ABBOTTenters. White-haired and solid, hes either your favoritegrandfather or a fiery old son-of-a-bitch, his mooddetermined by unseen forces.

He sweeps through the room like a hurricane, headed for hisoffice. LAs and LDs (Legislative Directors) swirl aroundhim, trying to get a moment of his attention.

The page finally emerging from the printer, Mason hands itoff to Neil, who tries to cut in. But the CHIEF OF STAFFblocks the door to the inner office.

A moment later, the Senator re-emerges, heading back out.The process repeats in reverse, Neil never getting a chanceto hand off the drafts to the Senator.

10.


12/43

After the Senator is gone, a happy calm returns to theoffice. The danger is over.

INT. COPY ROOM / LATER - DAY14 14

Mason is making copies when the Receptionist looks in,panicked.

RECEPTIONISTWheres Neil?

MASONI dont know. Why?

RECEPTIONISTRoberts with the Senator at

committee. They need some P-31 file.Theyre freaking out.(deciding)

Ill page Neil.

MASONNo, I know what it is.


Mason roots through Neils desk, finding the file inquestion. He quickly skims through it, making sure its all

there.

MASONTell Robert Ill be there in twominutes.

RECEPTIONISTI already paged Neil.

MASONWhen he calls in, tell him I took careof it.

He grabs his jacket as he leaves.

INT. THIRD-FLOOR HALLWAY - DAY16 16

Mason runs for the stairs...

11.


13/43

INT. STAIRWELL - DAY17 17

...jumping the last three steps of each flight.

INT. RUSSELL BASEMENT - DAY18 18

Near the security checkpoint, he hangs a left, headingfor...



INT. CAPITOL HALLWAY - DAY21 21

Two ornate elevator doors open, revealing Mason. He movesas fast as he can without actually running, squeezing pastgroups of TOURISTS, inevitably crossing a few flashbulbs.

He checks the doors, looking for the right room. Finallyfinding...

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY22 22

The meeting has yet to start, just a few SENATORS up on thedais. The others mull about, their STAFFERS busily runningthrough the agenda.

Abbotts Legislative Director, ROBERT (30), waves Masonover, taking the file from him. He flips through it, sayingonly...

ROBERTAlright.

His job finished, Mason should head back. But he doesnt.

Like a freshman at his first frat party, Mason tries to looklike hes supposed to be there, not staring too long at anyone thing. Hes just waiting for someone to kick him out.

The Senator is just two feet away, in the middle of aconversation with a fellow COMMITTEE MEMBER. Mason islistening.

12.


14/43

SENATORChrist, I went on safari there.

(to Robert)Three years ago, I met with thatAfrican. Masura, Masire -- whatcountry was that? The diamond place.

ROBERTI dont remember.

Suddenly...

MASONBotswana.

SENATORBotswana.

(beat)You want to know how to get re-elected-- hire smart kids.

He knocks Mason in the shoulder. Mason smiles, surprised tobe noticed by the Senator.

A few GAVEL KNOCKS. Our attention goes to the front...

COMMITTEE CHAIRMANIf we can get started now.

The other staffers gather near a table at the side of the

room, a few REPORTERS taking seats. Mason follows Robert tothe staff table. A few looks shot his way -- hes theyoungest person in the room.

As the senators take their seats, Masons pager goes off, ashrill BEEPING. He checks the number, reluctantly heads forthe door.

One last look back, taking it all in.

EXT. STEPS OF THE CAPITOL - DAY23 23

Heading back to the office, Mason revels in a tiny triumph.


Mason enters to find Neil sitting on his desk, waiting forhim. The Receptionist looks away, knowing something bad isabout to happen, and she played some small role.

13.


15/43

Stuttering a step, Mason comes up to Neil.

MASON(matter-of-fact)

Robert called and said he needed the P-31 file.

Neil holds up a file folder.

NEILThis P-31 file?

A heart-stopping moment while Mason wonders if he grabbedthe wrong file. He turns his head to the side, reading thelabel.

MASON

No. This was before the riders weresplit off. I took the right file.

NEILBut you could have taken the wrongfile. Which would have been bad foryou, and a hell of a lot of worse forme.

One by one, the other STAFFERS have stopped their work towatch the slow-speed brawl at Masons desk.

MASON

I didnt take the wrong file. Ivebeen paying attention.

NEILNo, evidently you havent. If you hadbeen paying attention, you wouldrealize that you are a LegislativeCorrespondent. You are responsiblefor constituent mail. They write theletters, and you answer them. That isyour job, and that is your only job.Do you understand?

MASONI understand.

NEILHave you been paying attention?

MASON(you dick)

Rapt attention.

14.


16/43

Neil hands Mason his squirrel letter drafts, soaked throughwith red marks.

NEILI made some corrections. Type typetype.

He moves aside, letting Mason back to his desk. He takes aseat, quite literally put in his place.

15.


17/43

ACT TWO

EXT. STEPS OF THE CAPITOL - DAY25 25

A LONG-HAIRED WOMAN with a megaphone addresses about a dozenDEMONSTRATORS.

LONG-HAIRED WOMANThe veal cow lives its life inDarkness, in a Box so small it cantturn around, never knowing the Touchof another creature.

Down a few steps, Pete hands out press kits. This show is

mostly for the TOURISTS, some of whom stop to watch, andNEWS CREWS, of which there are only two.

From behind him...

A WOMANS VOICEPete?

He turns to see SARAH GOLDMAN (24), a junior-level fieldproducer for CNC. Shes there with a much older and more-experienced CAMERAMAN.

PETE

Hi.

We see a spark of recognition -- hes met her before, butcant remember where.

SARAHSarah.

(beat)We met in high school.

(still nothing)National debate championships. AnnArbor?

PETESarah. Wow. Exactly. AssistedSuicide...

SARAH...Or murder by another name.

PETEWhich side were you on?

16.


18/43

SARAHDoes it matter?

PETENo. Look at you.

SARAHLook at you.

PETELook at us all grown up. You, youwork for the network? Youre areporter?

SARAHField producer. Junior fieldproducer, Im often reminded.

Her Cameraman gets her attention.

CAMERAMANWe through?

SARAHRex this is Pete. Pete, Rex.

Rex doesnt give a shit. Neither does Pete. Sarah motionsthat shell follow Rex in a sec.

PETE

You live here now?

SARAHI just moved down from New York.Still sleeping on couches. If youknow a place...

To the right, Petes SUPERVISOR is throwing a glare -- getback to work.

PETEIll keep an eye out. Listen, let megive you my card.

SARAHI can do the same.

They trade business cards.

Petes Supervisor is about to come over. Sarah notices thestare.

17.


19/43

SARAHGet back to work. Its good to seeyou.

PETELikewise.

She follows after her cameraman. Pete looks down at thebusiness card, then back up at her walking away.

INT. THE FOUR HORSEMEN - NIGHT26 26

A dart hits the board. We TURN TO REVEAL the Capitol Hillbar, a classic brick-and-brass rail affair. Its happyhour, and spirits are being lifted.

Mason and Pete retrieve their darts from the board.

MASONSo, did you sleep with her?

PETEOver lunch?

MASONBack in high school.

PETEI dont know.

MASONWhat do you mean?

PETEI cant remember. I mean, I have agenerally positive impression of her,but cmon. It was senior year in highschool. Most of those brain cellsdied an herbal death.

Finley arrives with three pints. Taking his beer, Petetrades her for his darts.

PETEI hereby deputize you to kick yourbrothers ass.

He heads off for the restrooms. Its just a look, buttheres palpable chemistry between Pete and Finley -- theyrun at the same speed. Noticing her gaze...

18.


20/43

MASONIf you do, I will kill you. I willkill him, and then I will kill myself.

FINLEYYou worry too much.

MASONI have enough stress at work, I dontneed two little pheromone factoriesrunning in my apartment.

FINLEYNothings going to happen.

They each throw a few darts.

FINLEYQuestion. If you hate your job somuch, why dont you quit?

MASONQuittings your thing, remember?

(throws)Its a crappy job, but its aprestigious crappy job. Abbott iswell-respected, and hes on three bigcommittees. If you want to learnpolicy, thats where to do it.

FINLEYYoure a cog in the machine. If youwant to get anywhere, you have tostrike out on your own.

She throws. OFFSCREEN, we hear a guy HOLLER. It didnt hithim, but it scared the hell out of him.

FINLEYSorry. My bad.

INT. MASON AND PETES BATHROOM - DAY27 27

Groggy and decaffeinated, Finley sorts through the towelshanging on various hooks, sniffing to find one thatsacceptable. Deeming none fit, we

CUT TO:

19.


21/43

A ROLL OF PAPER TOWELS.

Finely perches it on the back of the toilet, ready for hershower. Still in her robe, she gingerly pulls back thegrimy shower curtain. Turning the knobs unleashes ahorrifying SHUDDER. The pipes gear up for what can only bea geyser.

But in fact, its just a trickle. And a rusty one at that.No matter how far she turns, thats all the water there is.

The pipes still RUMBLING, Finley cranks the knobs off.

A KNOCK at the door before it opens. Its her brother.

MASONShower doesnt work. That why we usethe ones at the gym.

FINLEYWhat am I supposed to do?

MASONGo back to graduate school.

INT. CONVENIENCE STORE / DELI - DAY28 28

Looking grubby, Finley gets coffee with Pete. Mason isalready at the counter, paying.

FINLEY(low, conspiratorially)

Youre aware that youre living inthird world conditions.

Pete drinks half his cup before re-filling, much to thechagrin of the MANAGER whos watching. *

FINLEY *We should be living someplace great,like Georgetown.

PETEFirst, whats with we? Second,Georgetown is too far. Its fifteenminutes just to get to the Metro.

He finds the right-sized lid, heading for the counter.Mason is reading the headlines, still out of earshot.

20.


22/43

The Manager gives Pete a look about drinking the coffee.

FINLEYWhere would you want to live?

PETEDupont Circle. Adams-Morgan. Buttrust me, we cant afford it.

(off reaction)What?

FINLEYYou said we.

PETEYoure stretching and you smell.

FINLEYIf I found a place, would you back meup?

PETESure. But only because I know youcant.

He heads off with Mason, who waves goodbye to her. As shepays for her coffee, we see a look of determination.

EXT. DUPONT CIRCLE / MONTAGE - DAY29 29

Finley emerges from the Metro station to a crowd of foodcarts and incense vendors.

LEAVING KRAMERBOOKS

Finley sorts through a folding map of the city, trying toorient herself.

20TH STREET

Finley makes her way down the sidewalk, tall trees andtownhouses on either side. Its a beautiful part of town.

VARIOUS DOORWAYS

Finley is turned away by several prospects. She finishestalking with one LANDLADY:

FINLEYAnd thats in American dollars?

21.


23/43



Mason skims and marks red squirrel letters, coding whichresponse goes with which. Pete sits down beside him.

PETEHey.

MASONHey. What are you doing here?

PETELobbying. Im a lobbyist. I had a

meeting with Piedmonts new LA.

MASONKristi?

PETEOh yeah.

MASONNever happen.

PETEThats what they said about space

travel, but look at us now. And I *found out about your squirrel. Wehave a file on it.

He digs it out of his bag, handing it over. Mason flips *through it. *

MASONDid you make a copy of this, or are *you just giving me the original? *

PETE *Why are you busting me down on this? *

MASON *Im not, Im just... *

A look. A look. Whatever. *

PETE *Re: the squirrel. Yes its endangeredand yes its a forest.

22.

(MORE)


24/43

But what no ones saying is that thesquirrel in question only lives in thenorth-east part of it. Two-thirds ofthat forest it is squirrel-free.

MASONSo you could just set the one partaside.

PETEAnd permit away.

MASONThe squirrels get a home, people getjobs and suddenly there is no problem.

PETEAll because of a plucky young LC who

took some initiative.

Mason skims through the file. Pete checks his watch, getsup.

PETEGotta go. I got a WOW.

MASONA what?

PETEA WOW. Wealthy Old Widow. Later.

MASONLater. Thanks.

He flips through some of the letters in his pile, finding acertain letterhead. Hitting a new line, he dials out.

While it rings, he glances over to the far side of theoffice, where Neil is berating Chang for some offense.

MASON(on phone)

Yes, Im calling from Senator Abbottsoffice in Washington. I wanted toconfirm some information.

CROSSFADES, various shots overlapping. Mason takes notes,dials new numbers, rechecks his facts.

23.

PETE (cont'd)


25/43

MASON(on phone)

So theoretically, a set-aside would bepossible. Uh-huh.

(another)Now, I just talked with Dr. Rayborn,who led that study...He spoke well ofyou, also.

(another)What you tell me goes in a memo. Imjust trying to gather the facts.

(another)Im glad you think it makes sense,because it makes sense to me too.

A glance, Neil looking over. What are you doing? Masonshakes his head, nothing.




EXT. STREET IN DUPONT CIRCLE - DAY35 35 *

Finley is at a pay phone.

FINLEY(on phone)

Amelia! Its Finley...No, dont gethim...In D.C. with Mason, you canttell him. Swear to me...Listen, mymother was saying last week about somefamily friends who got appointedambassadors to something...Lithuania!Thats it! Who was it?...I rememberthem. Vaguely. Do you have theiraddress?

Finley smiles as she writes it down on her hand, a brilliantplan forming.


24.


26/43

EXT./INT. FRONT STEPS OF DUPONT CIRCLE TOWNHOUSE - DAY37 37

A door opens to reveal Finley, dressed to dazzle. Its asimple black dress, but its a winner. Tip to toe, shesthe perfect socialite daughter.

FINLEYHello. My name is Finley Scott. Ima family friend of the Sorensens. Is *Mrs. Sorensen available? *

REVERSE to LUPE the housekeeper, who eyes her suspiciously.


EXT. FRONT HALL OF APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT39 39

Arriving home from work, Mason checks the mailbox, sortingthrough bills. He turns to see Finley and Pete haulingboxes down the stairs.

MASONWhat happened?

PETEWere moving. Finley found a place. *

FINLEY *Were housesitting. *

Mason is bewildered.

FINLEYBefore you complain, you at least haveto see it.

EXT. TOWNHOUSE - NIGHT40 40 *

We TILT UP to see Mason, surveying the townhouse. If *anything, its even better by night, lamps glowing in the *windows. *

Pete and Finley stand behind him, convinced hell approve.

FINLEYAdmit it. I did very, very, verywell.

25.


27/43

PETEPlus, theres a guest apartment we canrent out. *

Mason looks over, incredulous.

PETEOkay, you have scruples. We find thatcharming. But I know this great girl *whos looking for a place. Wed be *helping the homeless. *

Finley dangles the key in front of Masons face, attempting *hypnosis. He smiles, shaking his head. *

MASONOkay.

With a small woo-hoo, Pete kisses Finley on the forehead.

PETEIm calling a room.

He snatches the key, charging up the steps. Finley hugs her *brother. *

FINLEY *Youre the best. *

At the top of the stairs, Pete gets the door open. A *

thunderous WOOF sends him scrambling back down the steps. *

A MASSIVE GREAT DANE

stands in the open doorway, watching them with an eerie *sadness, a giant bone in its mouth. Its the Largest Dog onTelevision.

PETEWhat is that?

FINLEYThats Lucy. We just sort of have towatch her for a while. Until they canship her over.

Lucy drops her bone with a CLATTER and THUNK. She thenlooks up at Pete, who backs away.

26.


28/43

ACT THREE



INT. CNC OFFICE HALLWAY - DAY43 43

Sarah and Pete come around a corner, walking towardsdispatch. *

PETE

Its a guest unit with its ownentrance. Youd have to share akitchen.

SARAHIt sounds great.

PETEItll be four of us, but theresactually enough space.

A beat, something catching her strangely. *

SARAHOh. Okay. Heres where it getssuddenly awkward. When I saw youyesterday, I honestly wasnt sure Idever see you again, so I didnt moveinto full disclosure mode.

PETEYoure dying.

SARAHI have a boyfriend. Lewis. Hesclerking for the Supreme Court.

On Pete, trying not to visibly react to her news.

SARAHWe met at Yale, but hes from here. Iactually moved down with the intentionof moving in with him, once we found aplace.

27.


29/43

PETEThis place is big enough for two.

SARAHYoure sure?

Hes not, but hes gone too far to back away.

PETECome over tonight and check it out.Hey -- its always good to have alawyer in the house. We live inlitigious times.

He hands her the slip of paper. *

INT. SENATORS OFFICE - THE SAME DAY44 44

Mason watches as Neil flips through the memo hes written.

NEILSo you set aside a thousand acres andthe squirrel is fine?

MASONNo ones objecting to the rest of theplan. Its actually fairlyconservative.

NEILAnd everybody wins.

(beat, considering)Listen, let me call these people andmake sure theyre game. If it checksout, Ill give it to the Senator.Ill have to put my name on it sohell take it seriously...

(preemptingobjection)

...but Ill tell him you helped out.Im not trying to bone you on this. Ijust want it to actually happen. *

We hold on Mason, not entirely convinced. *

28.


30/43

INT. GUEST APARTMENT - DAY45 45

Lucy the Dog wanders around sniffing as Sarah and herboyfriend LEWIS, mid-twenties and black, check out the muchsmaller apartment. Its nice for the size, and smartlyfurnished.

Finley and Pete watch from the doorway.

SARAHYes.

Lewis GRUMBLES.

SARAHNo. Sorry.

(explaining to Finley andPete)I wasnt supposed to say yes. Ittakes away our leverage.

Lewis steps into the bathroom, checking it out. While hisback is turned, Sarah mouths a yes to Pete. Finley is abit annoyed by Sarah.

Coming out of the bathroom, Lewis motions for a sidebar withhis girlfriend.

LEWIS

Do you really like it?

SARAHYes. I love it. And not just becauseIve been sleeping on couches.

LEWIS(to Finley and Pete)

Theres a lease we can sign? Anactual, physical lease?

FINLEY(a lie)

Absolutely.

ANGLE ON Pete, reacting to her shameless lie.

A beat, Lewis weighing his decision.

LEWISWell take it.

29.


31/43

PETESold.

SARAHDont you have one more roommate toconsult?

PETEWhats he going to do, filibuster?Youre in.

Pete and Finley head back up the stairs, leaving Sarah andLewis alone. Around other people, they seem like justfriends, but when theyre alone, theyre a close andaffectionate couple.

SARAH

Im going to sleep here tonight.

LEWISYou are?

SARAHAnd tomorrow night, youre going tosleep here with me. In our apartment,together.

LEWISThats redundant.

SARAHIm happy. Im joyfully happy.



INT. MASONS ROOM - NIGHT48 48 *

From another room, we hear BANGING. A CLATTER. Mason wakesup, groggy. He checks his clock. Its 3:08 a.m.

INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT49 49

In boxers and an old Harvard t-shirt, Mason looks in to findSarah digging through the cupboards, finally removing a pot.Seeing him...

30.


32/43

SARAHYou must be Mason. Sarah.

MASONGood to meet you.

SARAHDo you know how this stove works?Its some sort of freaky professionaldeal. I mean, I know how to use a *normal stove. *

Shes right. Its a very intimidating stove. She turns theknob for the burner, but nothing sparks. *

MASONIve seen people use one.

Hes kidding, but not by much. Over her shoulder, Masonspots --

MASONWait. Matches.

SARAHYou have to light this?

MASONMaybe?

SARAHWhat is this, Russia?

(beat)Here.

She takes the matches from him, turns on a burner -- we hearit HISSING loudly. It takes three strikes to get her matchto flare, but when she holds it to the burner, it doesntcatch.

MASONIs that the right burner?

SARAHI dont know. Theyre not labelled.

Her fingers burning, she waves out the match. The stovecontinues to HISS. Mason reaches to shut it off, but Sarahstops him.

SARAHMove back.

31.


33/43

MASONWhat?

SARAHTrust me.

She backs into him against the far counter. With him justwearing boxers, its a little awkward. Not that hescomplaining.

Taking out a wooden match, she strikes it, then throws it atthe stove. She misses, hitting a pot. The match goes out.

SARAHBut the idea was sound.

The stove continues to HISS.

She strikes another match, then hands it to Mason. He holdsit for a beat, knowing this is a bad idea. But he has tothrow it or burn his fingers.

He finally tosses it. Sarah turns to face him, shieldingherself.

A cloud of fire POPS over the stove.

Just as quickly, all is calm. A happy blue flame curls inthe burner.

Sarah smiles, fiddling with the knob to get it to the rightlevel. We hold for a beat on Mason, still a little unnervedby the fireball.

INT. KITCHEN - LATER50 50

Tomato soup spills into a mug -- Masons. Sarah puts thepot back on the stove.

SARAHFor the record, Pete and I neverhooked up.

MASONOh.

SARAHI dont know what he said.

32.


34/43

MASONHe didnt say.

(actually...)He didnt know.

SARAHIm going to let him wonder.

MASONYoure evil.

SARAHEvil women do not make boys soup.

Sarah takes a seat on the counter. Theres a palpablechemistry between them, but neither openly acknowledges it.

SARAHYou work for Abbott, right?

MASONI do.

SARAHSo Im at the Capitol today, trying to get into talk with this representative. Im onthe phone back to the office -- you knowthose phones on the first floor byVandenburg?

(he nods)

Im there, and theres a zillionpeople and Congressmen and touristsand I look around suddenly it hits me.This is my life. I work here.

Mason smiles.

SARAHIt was like this sudden sugar rush, Iwas giddy. There was this high schoolfield trip going through -- girls withthe hair -- and I could see myself inthem but I wasnt them anymore. Iwas the grown-up wage earner. Me. Itwas bizarre.

MASONThat happened to me last week. Itslike this moment.

SARAHWhere were you?

33.


35/43

MASONIt was at work. This woman called inbecause her husband died and then hisSocial Security got screwed up. Thewoman was kind of a nightmare, and hadclearly been hung up on by everyoneelse who should have dealt with her.But I do it, I make the calls. Imcalling her back to let her know thatits all worked out and she breaksdown sobbing. I mean like, throughthe phone sobbing. Its maybe $75 amonth shes going to get, but thatsall the money in the world to her.Im here in the Capital secretlyannoyed to be doing this grunt workand shes in Roanoke overjoyed that

shell be able to buy food again.

SARAHIts great that you could help her.

MASONWhat freaked me out was realizing that if Ididnt do it, maybe no one else would have.I mean, in college you learn to beresponsible for yourself, but suddenly Iwas responsible for people I didnt know.If I screwed up, the consequences werentjust my own.

Mason finishes his soup. A long beat. Sarah suddenly leansforward, turning him around to look at the back of his neck.She pokes at his shoulders.

MASONWhat?

SARAHYoure carrying the weight of theworlds problems. Figure it ought togive you some good muscle tone.

He smiles, embarrassed. She takes his mug away.



34.


36/43

INT. SENATORS OFFICE - DAY53 53 *

The Receptionist calls over to Mason, whos still flaggingletters.

RECEPTIONISTWheres Neil?

MASONWith the Senator. Why?

RECEPTIONISTCan you take this call? The guy hasquestions about some Jackson Forestcompromise.

MASONSure.

He picks up the line.

MASON(on phone)

Hi, can I help you? Uh-huh. Oh,okay. Im actually not the person whospeaks to the press, I can transferyou over to...

Mason stops, listening. His expression changes, dropping.

Its the first early heartbeats of panic.

MASONThats not actually the case. Again,Im not the person you need to talkto, but I think the Senator was justinterested in looking for solutions tothe problem, not trying to forceanything on anyone. Uh-huh. Really.Okay, thats the first Im hearing ofthis.

We continue to PUSH IN on Mason, claustrophobically tight.

Looking around the office, everything else is normal and *calm. Masons desk is a small island of panic.

*


35.


37/43

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY55 55

While the committee meeting continues, Mason leans down toNeil at the aides table, whispering into his ear. This isimportant.

INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY56 56

Sorting through the papers, Neil follows Mason out. Neil isperplexed -- hes not clear what the problem is.

MASONWhen you called these people, what didyou tell them?

NEILI asked them if they could make thiscompromise.

MASONDid you say you were calling on behalfof the Senator?

NEILI gave them that impression. Thatshow you get things done.

MASON

I just got a call from the RichmondHerald, asking about this deal theSenator was trying to make on JacksonForest.

NEILWhat was the spin on it?

MASONIt turns out the Senators brotherowns 3,000 acres of Jackson Forest.This deal goes through and he profitspersonally.

The news hits Neil like a shotgun blast.

NEILWhy didnt you check into this?Robert has a list of the Senatorsinvestments.

36.


38/43

MASONIts not the Senator, its theSenators brother. I cant beexpected to have information that Icould not conceivably know.

(not letting him interrupt)If you would have let this go throughthe proper channels, the Senatorhimself would have seen there was aconflict.

A few beats as Neil tries to think of way out of this. ATOURIST GROUP passes, a few people looking at them.

NEILYoure fired.

MASONIm what?

NEILYoure fired. I want you out of theoffice by the time I get back.

MASONThis is eighty percent your mistake. Iwasnt the one speaking on theSenators behalf.

NEIL

But guess what? You dont have as farto fall.

Neil heads back into the conference room, leaving Masonalone in the hallway. If he had something to throw, hedthrow it now.

A TOURIST WOMAN approaches with her NEEDING-TO-PEE DAUGHTER.

TOURIST WOMANExcuse me, do you work here?

A long beat. *

MASONNo. No, I dont.

Mason slowly walks away.

37.


39/43

ACT FOUR




EXT. FRONT OF TOWNHOUSE - DUSK60 60

Sarah and Finley unload the Volvo, watching as Mason helps

Lewis maneuver a trunk down to the guest apartment.

SARAHWe should do something for yourbrother. Cheer him up.

FINLEYHe got fired. He didnt get cancer.

A beat, unloading more stuff.

SARAH(genuinely curious)

Have you ever had a job?

FINLEYBelieve me, Ive been fired manytimes.

SARAHNo, I believe you.

INT. GUEST APARTMENT - DUSK61 61

Mason and Lewis slide the trunk against the far wall, takinga moment to catch their breath.

LEWISSo whats your plan?

MASONYou mean about my job?

(a nod)Flattered you think I have a plan.

38.


40/43

LEWISSome advice? Not legal, just goodadvice?

MASONSure.

LEWISDont go out like a dog.

(beat)Easiest thing to do now is to rollover and play dead. Whats done isdone. The trouble is, if you dontmake this right, and make it rightsoon, thats as good as being wrong.

MASON

I cant make it right. Its out of mypower.

LEWISThen go talk to the Senator.

MASONHe cant give me my job back. It waspartly my fault.

LEWISYou dont want your job. You wantyour potential. I mean, look at your

old job. You were underpaid,overworked. You didnt have any realpower. The only thing you had was thepotential to be getting a better job,and then a better job after that.

MASONI was paying my dues.

LEWISExactly. Take some of your dues back.

We hold on Mason for a beat, thinking it over.

INT. SENATORS OFFICE - NIGHT62 62

Opening the door, Mason finds the office nearly empty, justChang and the Receptionist closing up shop. They handleMason delicately, perhaps afraid hell go postal.

39.


41/43

MASONWheres the Senator?

RECEPTIONISTThe Senators gone. Hes at that *dinner party.

MASONHow about Neil?

A look between Chang and the Staffer.

RECEPTIONISTRobert fired him, like an hour ago.The papers going to run that story.

(beat)Im supposed to get your ID.

On Mason, disbelieving. He hands over his pass, heads forthe door. Apprehensive, Chang calls out after him.

CHANGMason...Whats your password? I haveto do all your letters.

Mason smiles, sympathetic.

MASONDemocracy.







40.


42/43

EXT. GEORGETOWN STREET / FRONT OF TOWNHOUSE - NIGHT69 69

Mason sits on the curb, watching through windows as a dinnerparty winds down inside. Mason stands as TWO GUESTS leave,heading down the steps. A few moments later, the Senator isat the door, shaking his goodbyes and putting on his coat.

Crossing the narrow street, Mason stops at the bottom of thesteps, not wanting to startle him.

MASONSenator?

He turns, surprised to hear someone addressing him.

MASON

Im really sorry to be bothering you.I just wanted to apologize and explainbefore it became too late to doeither.

(beat, gathering thoughts)What happened was partly my fault, butit wasnt because of misguidedambition or some sort of power trip.I genuinely believed I could fix asituation, quickly and effectively,not costing anybody anything. I mean,I came to DC because I wanted to bepart of a system that could make

peoples lives better on a macroscale. Even if its often confusedand frustrating, thats what I thinkgovernment is supposed to be -- a wayto help guarantee the safety, freedom,and nobility of every person. Iknow, Im rambling. To summarize, Iknow I screwed up, and Im deeplysorry about that. But I dont want tobe knocked out of the game just fortrying too hard.

Thats it. Hes spoken his peace.

SENATOR(overwhelmed)

Well. I appreciate your conviction.

MASONThank you.

41.


43/43

SENATOR(a beat, still sorting out)

Now, youre saying you used to workfor me?

A beat. Mason very nearly laughs.

He could explain, but really, whats the point?

MASONListen, Im very sorry to bother you.Have a good night.

He turns and starts walking away, disbelieving.

Back on the steps, the Senator shrugs, still not clear onwhat just happened. From inside the townhouse, GUESTS are

beckoning him to rejoin their conversation. But instead, hecalls out after Mason, who is by this time halfway down thestreet.

SENATORSon! How old are you?

MASON(stops, turning)

Twenty-two.

A beat, nothing said. Was the Senator just curious?

SENATORI was your age when I came here, andfull of the most impractical ideas. Itruly believed I could change theworld.

(beat)What you see here, my career,everything. Id give it all up to beyou right now.

Mason takes that, weighs it.

With a nod, he smiles. Another look to the Senator, whothen goes back to the other guests.

Mason heads back down the quiet streets of Georgetown,unemployed but never more optimistic.

42.

Documents

Dc Pilot Presentation