GOAL TO GO

Episode 1.9

“Goin’ Bowlin’ Part 1”

by David Polk
 2.

RECAP

We Recap events from Previous Episodes, ending on Cara

telling Dallas that she loves him.

TEASER

FADE IN:

EXT. DONAHUE HOME - DAY

Gale Donahue, Mathilda Weiss and DARYYL BANKS (37) the

construction foreman (from Episode One) are looking at an
area of land at the back of the house.

DARRYL
Mrs. Donahue, this is a pretty big
house already. I’m sure we could
expand off an existing room. It’d cost
a whole lot less and we could almost
certainly get it done in the timeframe
you’re looking for.

GALE
It has to be a stand-alone cottage,
Darryl. I want my mother to feel as
though she’s still at her home in
Texas. Can’t you do that, Darryl?

DARRYL
Of course we can do it, Mrs. Donahue.
It’s just, well, three months is a
pretty aggressive timeline.

GALE
The Coach and I have every confidence
in you, Darryl. And don’t you worry
about the cost. It’s my mother. Now,
if you’ll excuse me. You and Mattie
can work out the details.

She leaves. Darryl looks at Mathilda.

DARRYL
(holds up the blueprints)
Miss Weiss, please, you’ve got to talk
to her. Nobody can do this in three
months.

MATHILDA
I’ll talk to her...
 3.

DARRYL
(relieved)
Thank you!

MATHILDA
But don’t count on her changing her
mind. You’ll proceed as planned until
you hear otherwise from me.

She offers him a half-hearted smile then leaves.

DARRYL
Women.

INT. INDOOR PRACTICE FIELD – DAY

Phil Elliott is going through a passing skeleton drill with

his receivers. Bull Heffernan, Bob Garcia and receivers
coach ROMEO DUMARS (30) watch. Phil arcs a perfect 35-yard
pass to a RECEIVER on a fade route.

BULL
(calling out)
Nice touch, Elliott! That’s the way to
lay it in there!

DUMARS
He’s no Achilles, but if you give him
time he does throw a pretty ball.

GARCIA
Don’t count on him getting much time
against that BYU front four.

INT. HOSPITAL (MRI ROOM) – DAY

Achilles undergoes an MRI.

INT. DELTA HOUSE LIVING ROOM – DAY

Suzy Johnson and Riley Yamaguchi are telling a story to a

group of captivated pledges.

SUZY
And then he made the Pi Phi’s buy beer
and nachos for the whole team!
 4.

RILEY
You should’ve seen the look on Greg
Maynard’s face!

She makes a face and the girls bust up laughing.

SUZY
No, what you should have seen was
Achilles.
(bites her lip)
Mmmmmmm. Damn he’s hot! Any time, any
way you want it, baby!

The girls suddenly fall silent.

RILEY
Valerie.

Suzy turns into Valerie Kim’s ice-cold stare.

SUZY
(nervous)
Hi, Valerie.

VALERIE
You ladies don’t have anything better
to do?

PLEDGE #1
Sorry, Valerie.

ALL PLEDGES
Sorry, Valerie.

VALERIE
(looking at Suzy)
Ladies, if you came to college to be a
slut you should have pledged Gamma.

INT. WEST EGG – DAY

A popular hole in the wall breakfast joint. Lindsay comes

in. He spots Cara waiting for him at a table, gives her a
big smile. Her eyes belie her nervousness. He kisses her
before sitting down.

LINDSAY
Did you order yet?

CARA
No. I haven’t.
 5.

A WAITRESS comes over. Lindsay’s about to order when:

CARA
(to waitress)
Can you give us a minute?

WAITRESS
Sure, Cat. Just wave when you’re
ready.

LINDSAY
What’s up, Babe?

CARA
Lindsay...I’m sorry.

LINDSAY
(charming smile)
Apology accepted. Now, what is it
you’re sorry about?

CARA
I don’t think we should go out anymore.

LINDSAY
(laughs)
What? Cat, if it’s about that girl at
State, you have to believe me, nothing
happened. We were both stoned out of
our minds and I didn’t touch her. I
didn’t even grab her ass, I swear.

CARA
I believe you, Lindsay...Remember when
you asked me if I was sleeping with
Dallas. Well, I lied.

As the words sink in, Lindsay’s face reddens.

END TEASER
 6.

ACT ONE

INT. CAMPUS BOOKSTORE – DAY

The bookstore is packed with students. Hawai’i Bowl and

Sea Devils paraphernalia is plastered everywhere. “I got
laid in Hawai’i” t-shirts and Achilles’ No. 10 and Cole
Seavers’ No. 44 jerseys are the hottest selling items.

Cole, Dallas Morales and Pete Mitchell check out the

shopping frenzy from the “Used Books” aisle.

PETE
Shit, I’ve got more sacks than you
Seavers. Why aren’t they buying my
jersey?

COLE
‘Cause I’ve got sex appeal and you
don’t, Mitchell.

PETE
Shit, man, I got sex appeal coming out
of my ass.

DALLAS
That’s incontinence, shit for brains.

PETE
Incontawhat?

Dallas spots Cara leaving the store.

DALLAS
Catch you guys later at the Hoz.

Cole sees Cara, shrugs.

EXT. CAMPUS BOOKSTORE - DAY

Dallas comes up behind Cara.

DALLAS
Hey, Red. Wait up. Where you off to?

CARA
Ethics study group over in Wyndham.
Final’s tonight.
 7.

DALLAS
I’ve got some time. I’ll walk over
with you.

CARA
Dallas...do you mind? Not today.
Okay?

He understands. She offers him a small, sad smile. Kisses

him softly on the cheek. He watches her walk away.

INT. ACHILLES’ APARTMENT – DAY

Lindsay’s playing his electric guitar unplugged. He’s

composing a song. Something about love gone horribly
wrong. Achilles comes out of the kitchen with a
microwavable cup of ORGANIC OATMEAL.

ACHILLES
(frowns)
You know I can’t stand that crap you
call music, but man that’s really bad.

LINDSAY
(stops playing)
Did you know she was going to dump me?

ACHILLES
Which one?

Lindsay looks at him, serious.

LINDSAY
You’ve been spending a lot of time with
her lately. She say anything about us?

ACHILLES
You know how it is with the Lesbot and
me. She doesn’t care about my feelings
and I sure as hell don’t care about
hers. You bang all kinds of chicks so
it shouldn’t matter much, right?

LINDSAY
She says she loves that guy on the
team, Morales. What do you know about
him?
 8.

ACHILLES
Believe it or not, offense and defense
don’t mix that much off the field.

LINDSAY
I really fucked up, A. Cat’s the best
piece of ass I’ve ever had.

ACHILLES
(incredulous)
Really?

LINDSAY
Like a fucking porn star. I guess it’s
really true what they say. You don’t
know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.
Hey, A, you think I can get her back?

ACHILLES
(stuck on porn star)
Cara?

INT. DONAHUE LIVING ROOM – SUNSET

Gracie’s trying her best to be a proper young lady. Her

hair is as perfect as Fantastic Sam’s could make it, her
makeup passable, her dress well-fitting but showing too
much cleavage. J.R. sits next to her on the sofa, holding
her hand. Gale sits across from them poised, regal.

GALE
So, Grace, you’re a senior at Central?

GRACIE
Yes.

GALE
What are your favorite classes?

GRACIE
Um, well, I like History a lot.

GALE
I always enjoyed History when I was in
school. What else?

GRACE
Well, uh...

J.R.
She’s really good at Math too.
 9.

GALE
Math? Really?

GRACIE
(covering)
Johnny...Yeah, I guess I like Math too.

GALE
Johnny?

J.R.
Yeah, we think J.R.’s sort of, well,
babyish.

GALE
But, Sweetheart, it’s your name.

J.R.
It’s what you and Dad call me, and
that’s okay. But my friends don’t have
to call me that.

GALE
You don’t think your friends should
call you by your name?

J.R.
Well technically, Mom, my name’s John
and Johnny’s just ano...

GALE
I was there when you were born,
Sweetheart, and I filled in the birth
certificate. I think I know what your
name is. Technically.

GRACIE
J.R., your mother’s right. What people
call you is important. A lot of people
think my name is “Grace”, but my mother
actually named me Gracie. It’s on my
birth certificate, “Gracie Leigh
Wellington.”

GALE
What does your mother do for a living,
Gracie?

GRACIE
She works quality control at the Boeing
plant in Egan.
 10.

GALE
And your father, what does he do?

J.R. and Gracie stiffen. They saw this one coming.

GRACIE
Well, um, he hasn’t really been around
much, not since I was around 11.

GRACE
I see.

END ACT ONE

 11.

ACT TWO

INT. BRADLEY HALL (CORRIDOR) – SUNSET

Students move busily through the corridor on their way to

classes. Valerie stands outside a classroom appearing to
read a NOTEBOOK. Achilles comes down the corridor, sees
her and slows his pace. They exchange a long look as he
approaches, then he continues into the classroom across
from where she’s standing. Valerie waits, sighs, closes
the notebook, and walks away.

INT. CLASSROOM – NIGHT

Students are finishing their Ethics exam. Professor Elyse

Johanssen, the cool, attractive blonde from Episode One,
walks slowly up an aisle. When she reaches the front of
the class she turns to face the students. Their heads are
down, writing away. All of them but Achilles. He’s
looking at her, his pen down, test booklet closed. She
smiles almost imperceptibly at him.

ELYSE
Five minutes. Please begin wrapping up
your work.

Cara puts her pen down and closes her booklet. She looks
at Achilles, who shoots a smug grin her way. She smirks at
him and scratches the tip of her nose, using her middle
finger.

INT. CLASSROOM – LATER

Students file past Elyse’s desk handing in their exams.

Achilles drops his off.

ELYSE
I hope you read each question
carefully, Achilles. I threw in a few
twists.

ACHILLES
Read them twice, Professor. I’m pretty
sure I caught those twists.

ELYSE
(a pretty smile)
Enjoy the break, Achilles. And stay
out of trouble in Hawai’i.
 12.

He walks away. Cara drops off her exam next.

ELYSE
Thank you, Cat.

INT. BRADLEY HALL (CORRIDOR) – MOMENTS LATER

Cara walks behind Achilles.

CARA
(mocking)
I’m pretty sure I caught most of the
twists.

ACHILLES
(keeps walking)
Don’t hate, Lesbot.

She catches up.

CARA
I saw the way she looked at you.
You’re schtooping Professor Johannsen
aren’t you?

ACHILLES
Schtooping? What kind of fucking word
is that?

CARA
It’s Yiddish and it means fucking,
Einstein.

ACHILLES
Oh, I see, I’m getting a better grade
in Ethics than you so naturally I’m
“schtooping” the professor. Couldn’t
be that I’m just smarter than you?

CARA
(laughs)
What fantasy world are you living in,
Einstein?

ACHILLES
A pretty nice one if I’m nailing
Professor Johanssen in it.
 13.

CARA
Asshole.

They continue down the corridor together.

INT. STUDENT UNION – NIGHT

Cara and Achilles are in line with snacks. She’s got a

BOTTLE OF WATER, a BANANA and a PLAIN YOGURT. He’s got a
package of DING DONGS and a liter bottle of MOUNTAIN DEW.
She gives him a disapproving look.

CARA
What happened to the food I told you to
eat?

ACHILLES
You mean that birdseed and tree bark?
Come on, I lost almost 10 pounds eating
that shit.

CARA
Yeah, and your tissue healed faster
because you didn’t have the extra
weight and because your body was able
to absorb nutrients more efficiently.

ACHILLES
Blah, blah, blah. Save it for your
tree hugger grunge friends, Doctor
Cunnilingus. Now that I’m healed, I
can eat real food again.

CARA
Dick. Did Doc Fiorenza say anything
else after the MRI?

ACHILLES
Just what I told you. The bruise looks
completely healed and he was surprised
it healed so fast.

CARA
I meant about the game, genius?

ACHILLES
(shrugs)
Not his call. It’s Coach’s.

They buy their snacks and find a table to sit at.

 14.

ACHILLES
So you and Blum are history?

She looks at him, surprised he’d bring such a thing up.

CARA
Yeah.

ACHILLES
Sorry.

CARA
I thought you’d be glad. No more
having to hear Lindsay moaning like a
girl. Or maybe you like listening to
other people have sex?

ACHILLES
Oh, he’ll have another skank...

He catches himself too late, sees that his words hurt her.

ACHILLES
Cara, I’m sorry. Look, I know he’s my
roommate, but for what it’s worth I
think you’re better off without him.

Beat. She peels her banana. He opens the Ding Dongs.

CARA
(ref. the Ding Dongs)
You really shouldn’t eat that crap.
You’re an athlete for God’s sake.

INT. COACHES’ MEETING ROOM – NIGHT

Chinese takeout boxes and diet Coke cans litter the

conference table. Coaches are hard at work mapping out a
game plan for Brigham Young University.

BILLY
Running the ball’s not going to cut it,
Bull. They average 35 point a game and
we’re not going to stop them on
defense.
(looks at Joe Mercer)
Sorry, Joe, but facts are facts.

Mercer nods.
 15.

BULL
Elliott’s looking pretty sharp, Coach.
And the O-line is playing better than
we ever expected right now. I’m
confident we can put it up 30-35 times.

Billy catches Coach Garcia’s reaction.

BILLY
Bob, you have something to say, say it.

GARCIA
Coach, you’ve seen the film. We’ve all
seen it. BYU has 3 seniors and a
junior up front, two of them consensus
All-Americans, and they’ve got 30 sacks
this season.

BILLY
(pointedly)
You’re right, Bob, we’ve seen the film,
we know the stats. You just going to
rub our noses in it or do you have some
answers?

GARCIA
(feels the reprimand)
Coach, Doc says Achilles is healed.

BULL
Come on Bob! UCLA beat the shit out of
the kid! Doc said he needed 4 to 6
weeks and it’s only been 4. You want
to risk his entire career, not to
mention all of ours, for one game?

GARCIA
Of course not! But he’s a strong kid
and he’s a competitor. If he’s ready
to go, we should consider using him.

BULL
Careful, Bob, you’re wading into the
deep end.

GARCIA
What’s that suppose to mean?
 16.

BULL
It means there’s more to coaching at
this level than what your computer
spits out on a spreadsheet. Leave the
offensive game planning to the
offensive coordinator.

Garcia reacts.

BILLY
All right, cut it out! Both of you!
Listen, I’ve never lost a bowl game, as
a player or as a coach, and I sure as
hell don’t intend to start now. We
leave for Honolulu in 2 days and I want
a game plan...
(looks at Garcia)
a realistic one - finalized by tomorrow
afternoon.

INT. DONAHUE GUEST BEDROOM – NIGHT

Billy is brushing his teeth. Gale comes in. She’s wearing

her old Texas A&M t-shirt - the one she started wearing to
bed after they were married. He looks at her through the
mirror. The tension between them is almost palpable.

GALE
It’s cold tonight. I put an extra
blanket on the bed for you.

BILLY
Thanks.

GALE
Darryl believes he can finish the
cottage by spring. I think Mom will be
comfortable in the spare bedroom until
then.

BILLY
Good.

GALE
I had that Gracie girl over the other
day.

He turns to face her.

BILLY
How did that go?
 17.

GALE
(shudders)
She’s a horrid little trollop. She has
J.R. under her spell for now, but I’ll
take care of that in due time.

BILLY
Or you could simply let it run its
course.

GALE
You mean let him get her pregnant so
our first grandson shows up in 20 years
out of the blue?

Billy instantly looks beaten down.

GALE
Good night, Billy.

She leaves the bathroom. A door slams O.S.

INT. DONAHUE MASTER BEDROOM – NIGHT

Gale comes in, shuts the door and climbs into bed. She
starts to cry.

END ACT TWO

 18.

ACT THREE

INT. INDOOR PRACTICE FIELD – DAY

Achilles goes through a series of passing drills –

skeleton, avoiding tennis balls shot from machines,
dropping back into the pocket while strapped to a bungy
cord. He looks strong, sharp, ready. Doc Fiorenza, Billy,
Bull Heffernan and Bob Garcia look on impassively.

INT. LOCKER ROOM – DAY

Achilles is getting dressed at his locker. He exchanges a

look with Dallas, who is dressing at his locker on the
other side of the room.

INT. OUTSIDE OF LOCKER ROOM – MINUTES LATER

Dallas leaves the locker room first. Achilles comes out

after him.

ACHILLES
Hey, Morales. Can I have a minute?

DALLAS
Yeah, Q.B. What’s up?

ACHILLES
Cara.

DALLAS
What about her?

ACHILLES
She’s been through a lot.

DALLAS
I thought you didn’t like her?

ACHILLES
I think she’s a closet lesbo, but other
than that I think she’s all right.

DALLAS
Okay, closet lesbo. Got it. Is that
it?
 19.

ACHILLES
No. Look, Blum’s my roommate and as
roommates go he’s all right. But when
it comes to chicks he’s a dog. He
dogged Cara from Day One and she
couldn’t get past it.

DALLAS
What’s any of this got to do with me,
Addams?

ACHILLES
As teammates go you seem all right. So
I’m going to tell you something I never
got around to telling Blum...Fuck with
her and you fuck with me.

DALLAS
(a small smile)
I’ll keep that in mind, Q.B.

ACHILLES
Do that.

Dallas turns and walks away. Achilles starts to go when

ATTENDANT (O.S.)
(calling out)
Achilles.

He turns to the ATTENDANT.

ACHILLES
Yeah.

ATTENDANT
This was dropped off for you in the
lounge this afternoon by one of those
sorority pledges. Delta, I believe.

The attendant hands him a “Western Civilization” TEXTBOOK.

Achilles opens the book. A PINK ENVELOPE is taped to the
inside cover. His name is written on it. He recognizes
the handwriting.

EXT. QUAD – SUNSET

Achilles sits on a bench reading Valerie’s note.

 20.

VALERIE (V.O.)
Achilles, you left this at the house
after our last study session. You’ll
need it for Western Civ 2. Since you
haven’t returned any of my calls or e-
mails, I thought the best way to get it
back to you was to drop it at Hosmer –
isn’t it funny, after all this time I
don’t know where you live. Dr. Webb
tells me you’re doing well in your
classes. She also told me about our
“deal.” I suppose I should thank you
for that. Well, good luck on finals,
Achilles. P.S. I’m so very sorry you
got hurt in the UCLA game. I hope
you’re feeling better now. Wishing you
all the best, V.

Achilles folds the note, about to tear it apart. Then he

opens it again, stares at her writing. He folds the note,
puts it in his pocket and continues across the quad.

INT. DONAHUE KITCHEN – NIGHT

Gale is putting vegetables in the freezer. J.R. comes in.

J.R.
Yeah, Mom, what did you want?

GALE
Sweetheart, you know your father leaves
for Hawai’i tomorrow. We thought it
would be special if you went with him
and the team.

J.R.
But, Mom, they’ll be gone for 5 or 6
days.

GALE
It’s all right, Sweetheart. We’ve
already cleared it with the headmaster.
You can take the days off school and
make up your finals when you get back.

J.R.
Mom, I don’t want to go away for a
week. Gracie and me have things we
want to do.
 21.

GALE
Sweetheart, do you have any idea how
important this game is to your father?
How significant it is for both of you?
He was an assistant coach for Daddy in
the Fiesta Bowl 5 years ago. He’s never
been a head coach in a bowl game. He
wants to share this experience with you
like Daddy shared it with him.

J.R.
But I don’t want to leave Gracie.

GALE
I think Gracie would understand,
Sweetheart.

J.R.
(upset)
Why are you trying to keep us apart?

GALE
Don’t be ridiculous, J.R. I’m not
trying to keep you apart.

J.R.
You don’t approve of her, I know you
don’t.

GALE
Nonsense, why would I disapprove of
her? I hardly know the girl. Listen,
what if she were to go to the game?

J.R.
(wary)
What do you mean?

GALE
Well, if Gracie’s mother approves, she
can travel with me to Hawai’i and stay
with us in the suite reserved for the
head coach’s family.

J.R.
Really? You’d do that for Gracie?

GALE
I’d do that for you and your father.

J.R. whoops with joy. Kisses Gale on the cheek.

 22.

J.R.
Thanks, Mom! Thanks! I’ll call Gracie
right now and tell her!

GALE
Remember, her mother has to approve.

J.R.
Oh, that won’t be a problem!

INT. J.R.’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

J.R. dials his cell phone. It RINGS.

GRACIE (V.O.)
Hi, Johnny.

J.R.
You ever been to Hawai’i?

GRACIE (V.O.)
No. Why?

J.R.
You want to go?

GRACIE (V.O.)
What, you mean with you?

J.R.
Yeah, me and my folks.

GRACIE (V.O.)
Are you serious?!

J.R.
Totally! They want me with Dad on the
field for the Hawai’i Bowl – it’s like
a family tradition – but I told my Mom
I wouldn’t leave you for a week. So
she said if your mom says okay, you can
come with us. You can stay with the
family in our suite!

GRACIE (V.O.)
But I thought your mom hated me.

J.R.
I guess not. Maybe she just wants to
get to know you better.
 23.

GRACIE (V.O.)
Oh, Johnny! I’d love to go!

J.R.
I knew it! I figure your mom won’t
care, right? But you’d better ask her
anyway. If I know my mom, she’ll
probably call to ask her personally.

GRACIE (V.O.)
Okay, I’ll ask her as soon as I get
home.

J.R.
Where are you? It’s almost 10.

GRACIE (V.O.)
At the laundromat.

J.R.
Really? Well ask her as soon as you
get home. Wake her up if you have to,
okay.

GRACIE (V.O.)
I will, Johnny. I will.

EXT. LAUNDROMAT – NIGHT

Gracie clicks her phone off, still excited. Car headlights

approach and she looks down the street expectantly. A
Porsche Boxster pulls to the curb in front of Gracie. She
goes to the car, gets inside.

INT. PORSCHE BOXSTER – NIGHT

Cake is behind the wheel.

GRACIE
Let’s go.

CAKE
Go? Where the hell to?

GRACIE
Just drive. I’ll tell you where to go.
 24.

EXT. STREET – NIGHT

A quiet street in the bad part of town. The Porsche pulls

to a stop underneath a flickering street light. The
headlights go out.

INT. PORSCHE BOXSTER – NIGHT

Cake turns to Gracie.

CAKE
Did we really have to go all over town
for this, Gracie?

GRACIE
Your uncle’s the chief of police, Cake.
How do I know this isn’t a sting
operation or something?

CAKE
You’re kidding, right? Or are you
really that stupid? You seriously
think my uncle Sal is using his only
niece as bait to stop you from selling
me $200 of coke?

GRACIE
You said $400.

INT. MINI COOPER - MOVING – DAY

Valerie drives through downtown. Signs wishing the Sea

Devils “Good luck” are everywhere. She turns onto
Fraternity Row: more of the same. Frat boys and Sorority
girls are on their lawns and driveways painting giant signs
and decorating cars and vans. She pulls into her
“Reserved” parking spot at the Delta House.

INT. DELTA HOUSE GREAT ROOM – DAY

Deltas in pink Sea Devils jerseys are excitedly getting

ready. Valerie comes across her roommate and best friend
Nina Miller.

NINA
Where have you been? We’re just about
ready to go over to the Hoz to send the
team off. As hosts of the Bowl Bash
(MORE)
 25.

NINA (CONT’D.)
next month we get first crack at good
luck kisses for the cute players before
they leave for the airport.

VALERIE
(a rueful grin)
Think I’ll pass on that, Nina.

NINA
Don’t worry, Big Sis, after the bitch
slap you gave the pledges the other day
everybody in the house knows to keep
their lips off Achilles.

VALERIE
(sighs)
What difference does it make, Nina?
It’s time I accepted it and moved on.
I’m never going to get closure with
Achilles.

NINA
What about the book? He didn’t
understand the note?

VALERIE
(shakes her head ‘no’)
Or he didn’t bother to read it. And
when I waited for him outside his
Ethics final he looked straight at me
and didn’t say a word. Like I didn’t
even exist.

NINA
What an ass. See, that just proves you
should’ve screwed him when you had the
chance.

VALERIE
Do I even want to hear the logic behind
that statement?

NINA
It’s simple. If you’d given the
brother a taste of “that” he’d be the
one Jonesin’ now instead of you.

Valerie rolls her eyes and heads up the stairs.

 26.

NINA
(calling after her)
It’s lonely at the top, Big Sis.
Somebody’s got to tell you the truth.

EXT. HOSMER COMPLEX – DAY

Hundreds of fans surround the main entrance waiting for the

team to emerge. Camera crews, satellite trucks and
reporters are also on hand. Among them are Sandy Sanderson
and Gabrielle Woods. Sanderson does a standup with camera-
mugging fans in the b.g.

SANDERSON
In just a few minutes, Coach Billy
Donahue and the Sea Devils will take
their first steps into the post-season
in over a decade, when they leave the
Hosmer Complex and board buses that
will take them to Hart Field. There
they’ll board a chartered jet for the
6-hour flight to Honolulu, where
they’ll spend the next 4 days preparing
for a match up against the heavily
favored, 20th-ranked Cougars of Brigham
Young University. But if we’ve learned
one thing about Billy Donahue’s Sea
Devils this season, it’s that they’re
at their best when the odds are stacked
against them.

INT. PLAYER’S LOUNGE – DAY

The players hang out in street clothes, waiting for the

word to leave for the buses. Billy comes in with Gale by
his side. Seeing her, the boys immediately perk up.

GALE
Hello, boys!

TEAM
Hey, Mrs. D!

The team gathers round her. They’re all smiles.

GALE
How’s it feel to be going to your first
bowl game?
 27.

TEAM
(ad lib)
Great!

Gale exchanges a look with Phil Elliott then quickly shifts

her attention to other players.

GALE
Daddy always asked my Mom to say a few
words to the players before a bowl
game. I guess he thought it was a bit
of lady luck. Anyway, Billy Boy wanted
to continue that tradition, so here I
am.

JABARI
How’s Mrs. Ryan, Mrs. D.?

She smiles warmly at the big tight end Jabari Colvin.

GALE
She’s doing fine, Jabari. Thank you so
much for asking.
(beat)
So, boys, you know I leave the fiery
pep talks to the Coach. I just want to
tell you how proud I am of each and
every one of you. And I want you to
know that no matter what happens when
you get out there I’ll be in the stands
pulling for you on every down, every
tick of the clock.
(the boys react)
Oh, and one last thing: if you think
you had to beat the girls off you when
you were getting to this bowl game,
just think what you’ll have to do to
keep them off you when you win it!

They’re still smiling when she leaves the room.

INT. HOSMER COMPLEX – DAY

Gale, fresh from her pep talk with the players, is walking
down the hallway with her personal assistant Mathilda
Weiss. Up ahead, Gabrielle is talking to PR man Jim Flynn.

GALE
(smiling)
Gabrielle, hi!
 28.

GABRIELLE
(surprised)
Gale...

Gale kisses her on both cheeks.

GALE
You’re interviewing Billy before the
team takes off?

GABRIELLE
Yes. Jim was kind enough to get me an
exclusive before they arrive in
Hawai’i. Once they get there national
pretty much takes over everything.

GALE
I heard you’re moving up to national
soon. Congratulations.

GABRIELLE
Thank you, but its not quite national,
Gale. I’ll be in Los Angeles.

GALE
Well, I’m sure one day we’ll blink and
the next thing we know you’ll be
anchoring Sports Center.

MATHILDA
Gale, your next appointment is in 15
minutes and it’s 20 minutes away.

GALE
Gabrielle, I know you’ll be incredibly
busy, but please lets plan on having
lunch in Hawai’i. Mattie will arrange
something.

Mathilda has already made a note in her PDA. Gale kisses

Gabrielle on the cheek again and just like that she’s gone.

INT. STUDIO – DAY

Gabrielle is wrapping up her interview with Billy. They’re

both in high director’s chairs.

GABRIELLE
Thanks again, Coach. And good luck
against the Cougars.
 29.

BILLY
You’re welcome, Gabrielle. And thanks.

PRODUCER
And we’re clear.

The bright camera light is doused.

GABRIELLE
(to producer)
You get enough B-roll?

PRODUCER
Got it before you and Coach sat down.

GABRIELLE
I want some crowd reaction as the team
comes out.

PRODUCER
Already got it covered. Mr. Flynn
staked out a spot for us.

Jim Flynn is behind the cameraman. The unctuous PR man

nods and smiles. Gabrielle stands, begins gathering her
things.

GABRIELLE
Thanks again, Coach.

BILLY
Gabrielle, do you have a minute?

They lock eyes.

GABRIELLE
(to producer)
I’ll meet you guys outside in five.

The CREW clears out.

BILLY
Please, sit.

She does. Billy looks at Flynn, who hasn’t budged.

BILLY
It’s all right, Jim. I promise I’ll
only give her the plays for the first
half.
 30.

FLYNN
Sorry, Coach. See you outside,
Gabrielle.

He reluctantly leaves them alone.

BILLY
Gale told me you two ran into each
other.

GABRIELLE
Yes we did. She asked me to have lunch
with her next week. That was very
gracious of her, considering I just
threw myself at her husband a few days
ago.

BILLY
Gabrielle, she doesn’t know about that
and I had no idea she was coming back.

GABRIELLE
Then it must’ve been quite a pleasant
surprise.
(tries to remain composed)
I’m happy things are back to normal for
you, Billy.

She stands to leave before she loses it completely.

BILLY
But they aren’t back to normal, Elle.
(off her reaction)
Things haven’t been normal for more
than a year.

A CREW MEMBER pops his head in.

CREW MEMBER
Gabrielle, we need to take sound before
we set up for the crowd shots.

EXT. HOSMER COMPLEX – DAY

Fans cheer wildly and wave homemade posters and banners as

the Sea Devils exit the building. Cameras flash like
strobe lights. Pink jersey-wearing Deltas are lined up by
the buses waiting to plant good luck kisses on the players.

Warren “iPhone” Sitren freezes when he sees Suzy. She’s

wearing jersey number 27 (Dallas’ number). Dallas
 31.

accidentally bumps into iPhone, walks around him toward the

bus. Dallas leans for a kiss from Suzy and as he does he
catches a glimpse of Cara in the crowd. She rolls her eyes
and smiles. He smiles back, raises his hands as if to say
“Hey, what can I do?” and gets onboard. iPhone steps up to
the bus next, but another Delta has taken Suzy’s place. She
gives iPhone a peck and he gets onboard.

Achilles comes through the crowd toward a bus. The Deltas

see him and freeze. They all just stand and smile. As he
walks by Nina pats him on the arm and smiles. He climbs on
the bus.

END OF ACT THREE

 32.

ACT FOUR

INT. ALOHA STADIUM – DAY

SERIES OF SHOTS – FINAL GAME PREP

The Sea Devils are in shorts and shells going through

drills; Ricky “Burner” Turner and Dallas, in street
clothes, offer encouragement from the sideline; Phil,
Achilles and another QUARTERBACK drop back in unison and
fire passes downfield; television camera crews and
reporters are all over the place. Among them are
Gabrielle, Sandy Sanderson and DESMOND HOWARD.

EXT. ALOHA STADIUM – DAY

Howard is doing a live standup on the field.

HOWARD
As the Washington Tech Sea Devils go
through their last full day of practice
before tomorrow’s Hawai’i Bowl, many
are wondering if Coach Billy Donahue
will stick to his decision to start
fifth-year senior Phil Elliott at
quarterback. Freshman sensation
Achilles Addams has been medically
cleared to play and will dress for
tomorrow’s game, but Donahue insists he
is going to sit this one out. Addams
was expected to miss the rest of the
season when he suffered a severely
bruised sternum in a thrilling 35-27
loss to UCLA. But trainers say he’s
recovered well enough to be the number
2 quarterback tomorrow against BYU.

INT. HOTEL SUITE – DAY

J.R. is on his cell phone and he’s furious.

J.R.
Mom, I knew you were sneaky but this
beats everything you’ve ever done! You
promised you’d bring her before the
game and that we’d have time to see
Hawai’i together.
 33.

GALE (V.O.)
Sweetheart, I’m sorry but what could I
do? Mother had to see the doctor
before making such a long trip and we
couldn’t get an appointment.

J.R.
You never wanted to bring Gracie. You
just want to keep us apart!

GALE (V.O.)
J.R., we’re booked on the red-eye. We
land in Honolulu tomorrow morning.

J.R.
Right, Mom. It wouldn’t surprise me if
you “forget” to pick her up before
leaving for the airport.

INT. DONAHUE KITCHEN – DAY

Gale stands next to the marble counter.

GALE
That’s not likely, Sweetheart, since
Gracie’s here with me now.

J.R. (V.O.)
What?

GALE
If you don’t believe me, talk to her
yourself.

She hands the phone to Gracie.

GRACIE
Hi, J.R.

INTERCUT BETWEEN GRACIE AND J.R.

J.R.
Gracie, I’m sorry. I promised you
you’d get to see Hawai’i, but my mom
can be such a conniving bitch
sometimes.
 34.

GRACIE
Oh, no, J.R., don’t say that. Your mom
says she’ll stay for a couple of days
after the game so we can see the
islands. You can teach me how to surf!
(Gale smiles at her)
It’s going to be great, J.R.

J.R.
She said that? Really?

GRACIE
(smiling at Gale)
Yes, really.

INT. VISITING COACH’S OFFICE – SUNSET

Billy sits at the desk going over the game plan. The
television is on with the sound muted. Billy glances up
then does a double-take at the television. ON THE
TELEVISION SCREEN Gabrielle is reporting. The “ESPN 360”
logo is on the chyron. Coach Garcia sticks his head in the
partially open door.

GARCIA
Coach, you’ve been up for two days
straight. I think we’re as ready as
we’re ever going to be. Why don’t you
get some rest?

BILLY
Thanks, Bob. I’ll call it quits in a
few.

Garcia pauses at the door then leaves. Billy gazes

pensively at Gabrielle’s image on the screen.

INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT

Gabrielle and her crew are at dinner. A waitress is

clearing plates away. A CELL PHONE RINGS. Gabrielle pulls
it from her purse.

GABRIELLE
Hello?

BILLY (V.O.)
Have you had dinner yet?
 35.

GABRIELLE
(reacts to his voice, looks
at the half-empty plate in
front of her)
No.

BILLY (V.O.)
I want to see you tonight.

EXT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT

Gabrielle gets into a taxi.

INT. AIRPLANE – NIGHT

Gale is next to Rose in First Class. Gracie sits across

the aisle. She’s visibly nervous.

GALE
Gracie, dear, are you all right?

GRACIE
Yeah. Yes, I’m fine.

FLIGHT ATTENDANT
(to Gracie)
Would like something to drink before we
take off?

Gracie begins going through her PURSE.

GALE
Gracie, dear, you don’t have to pay.

GRACIE
(embarrassed)
Oh. I’ll have a Diet Coke please.

The FLIGHT ATTENDANT pours her drink and moves down the
aisle. Gale takes a sip of her Champagne and glances over
at Gracie. She’s gripping her armrest.

GALE
Have you flown before, dear?

GRACIE
No...I haven’t.
 36.

INT. GABRIELLE’S HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

A KNOCK on the door. Gabrielle goes to a mirror, looks at

herself. She’s in different clothes from when we saw her
at the restaurant - a tasteful but sexy camisole and a
short skirt that shows off her long legs. She takes a
breath then goes to the door.

She opens it and moves back as Billy steps inside. They

look longingly into each other’s eyes. He closes the door,
puts his hands on her waist. They kiss, tentatively at
first then with passion.

SERIES OF SHOTS – BILLY AND GABRIELLE MAKE LOVE

Passionately, lovingly and in many different positions.

INT. GABRIELLE’S HOTEL ROOM – DAWN

Gabrielle is sitting upright in bed, sheets wrapped around

her. Billy’s dressed, ready to leave. He sits on the edge
of the bed, cups her face with his hand. They kiss.

BILLY
I won’t have a chance to see you again
before we leave Honolulu, but I want to
come down to Seattle as soon as I can.
Maybe next week.

GABRIELLE
Billy, I just moved into my new place
in Santa Monica.

BILLY
Then I’ll come to Santa Monica.
(kisses her again)
I’d better get back before the team
breakfast.

He goes to the door.

GABRIELLE
Billy.
(he turns)
It won’t be easy.

BILLY
I’m sure we’ll find a way to get it
done.
 37.

GABRIELLE
I wasn’t talking about the game.

BILLY
(smiles)
I know.

After he leaves she smiles to herself.

INT. AIRPORT TERMINAL (BAGGAGE CLAIM) – DAY

J.R. waits anxiously by the escalator. His face lights up

when he sees Gracie gliding down. He makes a beeline for
her, barely acknowledging his mother and grandmother, who
are ahead of her on the escalator. Gale notices the snub.

GRACIE
(hugs J.R.)
Hi, Johnny!

J.R.
Hi, Gracie! I’m so glad you’re here!

As they make goo-goo over each other the driver, whose name
is SAM (50s), greets Gale. He’s well groomed with a highly
professional demeanor.

SAM
Good morning, Mrs. Donahue. I’m Sam.
Your bags are due to come on carousel
A.

GALE
Hello, Sam. Thank you.

INT. TOWNE CAR – MOVING – DAY

Gale, Rose and Gracie are in the back seat. J.R. is in

front, turned to talk to Gracie.

J.R.
Tomorrow we can go to Kauai and take a
helicopter ride over volcanoes and rain
forests. We can get in some surfing
too. It’s totally awesome! It’s going
to be great, Gracie!

GALE
There’s also the game this evening,
J.R. Don’t forget about that.
 38.

J.R.
I know, Mom.

ROSE
Billy, you know the Coach won’t stand
for you being late to the game.
(to Gracie)
Gale, Sweetheart, I’m counting on you
to make sure Billy’s on time. You know
what happened last time he showed up
late. I know that was your doing, Gale.

Gracie and J.R. shift their eyes downward.

GALE
Yes, Mom, of course we’ll make sure
he’s there on time.

ROSE
(to Gale)
Thank you, Alison. Coach thinks the
world of your boy, but one thing he
won’t abide is lateness.

GALE
Yes, I know.

J.R. and Gracie exchange a small smile then J.R. faces

forward. The car slows as it hits traffic.

GALE
How much longer before we arrive, Sam?

SAM
Another 20 minutes to your hotel, 30
tops, Mrs. Donahue. Kick off’s not for
another three hours. I’ll have you to
the hotel in plenty of time to freshen.
It’s just a 10-minute drive from the
hotel to the stadium.

GALE
Thank you, Sam.

SAM
You know, Mrs. Donahue, I don’t expect
you to remember me, but I drove you and
Coach Donahue about 5 years ago. I
believe it was your anniversary.

She looks at his face, framed in the review mirror.

 39.

GALE
Really?

SAM
Yes, Ma’am. Of course, back then I
didn’t own the limo company. I was
just out of the service then.

GALE
Well, I’m very pleased to meet you
again, Sam. Seems like you’ve done
well for yourself in those five years.

SAM
I’ve done all right. Well enough to
get my girls into college on the
mainland. One’s at Berkeley and the
other is at USC. You know, I have
drivers on all of the islands, Mrs.
Donahue, and I’d be more than happy to
have them drive this young man and his
young lady friend around. I’d make you
a good rate. Of course, there’d be no
charge for chaperoning them.

They exchange a knowing look in the rearview mirror.

GALE
Why thank you, Sam. I might just take
you up on that.

INT. HOTEL MEETING ROOM – DAY

Billy and Phil are reviewing the game plan.

BILLY
It’s a simple read of the weak side
corner, but that’s how they get you.

PHIL
I see. They want you to buy the zone
blitz and throw into Zone 2 coverage.

BILLY
Right.

A KNOCK on the door.

BILLY
Come in.
 40.

Gale comes in.

BILLY
Hi, Babe.

She walks over to him and they kiss lightly.

GALE
Hello, Phil.

PHIL
Mrs. Donahue.

BILLY
How’d Rose do on the flight over?

GALE
She’s fine.

BILLY
And the girl, Gracie?

Gale closes her eyes, shudders.

GALE
We need to talk about that.

BILLY
I’m afraid now’s not the best time.

GALE
(looks at Phil)
Phil, do you mind?

PHIL
Sure, excuse me.

Phil is at the door when Bull Heffernan bursts in.

BULL
Billy, we’ve got a problem.

BILLY
What is it?

BULL
I’m sorry, Gale. This is really
important.

Billy sees his opportunity to get out of talking about

Gracie.
 41.

BILLY
Gale, we’ll talk about J.R. and his
girlfriend when I get back, okay?

He doesn’t wait for an answer, leaves with Bull. Gale

looks at Phil. It’s an awkward moment for her.

PHIL
It was nice, you coming to talk to the
team the other day. The guys really
appreciated it.

GALE
Thank you. You played well against
Fresno State. I’m sure Jess was proud
of you.

PHIL
How have you been?

GALE
I’ve been fine, Phil.

PHIL
Gale, I miss you.

GALE
Phil, please...

PHIL
I know why you left, Gale.

She reacts. Does he know about Dallas?

PHIL
I can’t make love to Jess, either. It’s
like all the time we’ve been together
means nothing to me now.

He takes a step toward her and she puts out a hand to hold
him at bay.

GALE
Phil! Get control of yourself! What
if the Coach comes back in here?

PHIL
I can’t get you out of my head, Gale.
I think about you almost every minute
of every day.
 42.

GALE
Well you’ve got to stop! What happened
between us was a terrible mistake. You
have to accept that.

PHIL
But I love you, Gale.

GALE
I don’t love you, Phil. I never did. I
love my husband.

PHIL
Then why haven’t you had sex with him
in over a year?

GALE
(stunned)
Who told you that?

PHIL
It’s true, isn’t it?

GALE
Whatever you think you know about Billy
and me, you’re sorely mistaken.

She begins to walk away but he takes her arm, spins her
around. He kisses her.

GALE
(shoving him away)
Have you completely lost your mind!

She glares at him, then turns and storms out of the room.

INT. HOTEL SUITE (BEDROOM) – DAY

J.R. and Gracie are against the wall making out. He begins
unbuttoning her shirt.

GRACIE
Johnny, no.

J.R.
Why not? I missed you so much. Didn’t
you miss me?

GRACIE
Yes. But your grandma is right next
door.
 43.

J.R.
So what. She doesn’t know where the
hell she is anyway.

Gracie shoves him away.

GRACIE
(angry)
Johnny, don’t be an asshole! She’s
your grandma and she has Alzheimer’s

J.R.
I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. But,
Gracie, I really, really missed you.
Please...

She can’t resist him. She unbuttons her shirt all the way.
He looks at her bosom in awe. He caresses her breasts,
begins kissing them through the bra. She bites her lip.

GALE (O.S.)
J.R.!

He pops his head up. Gracie hastily buttons up.

GALE (O.S. closer)

J.R.!

When the door opens, Gracie is sitting on the edge of the

bed, J.R. in the chair across the room. Gale stands in the
doorway, looks at them suspiciously.

J.R.
Oh, hi, Mom.

GALE
Why didn’t you answer when I called?

J.R.
You called? Sorry, I didn’t hear you.
Did you hear her, Gracie?

GRACIE
No. I’m sorry, Mrs. Donahue, I didn’t
hear you either.

GALE
(not buying it for a second)
It’s time to get ready for the game.

END OF ACT FOUR

 44.

ACT FIVE

INT. LOCKER ROOM – SUNSET

An hour before kickoff, the Sea Devils are dressed in their

uniforms, mentally preparing for the biggest game of their
lives. Phil Elliott makes his way through the room,
stopping to chat up teammates and inspire confidence. Cole
Seavers is in front of his locker, sweating and in a
trance-like state, destroying opponents in his mind.
Tailback Roulon Jones talks quietly with Burner Turner, two
Playas kickin’ it. We find Achilles reading a TEXT MESSAGE
on his CELL PHONE.

INSERT – CELL PHONE MESSAGE

Lee, I know you’ll play today. I feel it. When you do, do
what you do. U-R 1st in my heart. Portia.

EXT. ALOHA STADIUM – SUNSET

In the stands, Gale leads Rose and Gracie to their seats.

She sees Maria Pennebaker, looking quite fetching in
Halston.

GALE
Maria!

MARIA
Gale!

They embrace.

MARIA
I’m so happy to see you.

GALE
Me too, Maria. Where’s Harold?

Maria looks down on the field. Smiles when she spots

Harold chatting up assistant coaches.

MARIA
He wouldn’t miss this for the world.

GALE
Maria, I want you to meet my mom, Rose
Ryan. Mom, this is my dear friend,
Maria Pennebaker.
 45.

ROSE
Hello, dear.

Rose can’t take her eyes off Maria’s cleavage.

MARIA
Hello, Mrs. Ryan. I’m so pleased to
meet you.

GALE
And this is Gracie Wellington, J.R.’s
girlfriend. Gracie, this is Mrs.
Pennebaker.

Gracie is impressed by Maria’s sex appeal.

MARIA
Hello, Gracie. I didn’t think J.R. was
old enough to have a girlfriend.

GRACIE
Hi. We only just started going out.

Maria sizes Gracie up – she knows a gold digger when she

sees one – and exchanges a look with Gale.

MARIA
I bet you did, honey.

INT. HELO’S PUB – SUNSET

Locals crowd the place, getting well lubricated before

kickoff. The pre-game show is playing on BIG PLASMA SCREEN
TELEVISIONS. Cara and Cake are at a table with a group of
GIRLS who are already on their third round of Margaritas.
As usual, Cara’s drinking water with a lime.

CAKE
(to Cara)
I’m going to hit the little girl’s
room.

CARA
Okay, but don’t get lost in there.
Kickoff’s in about 5 minutes.

Cake takes her drink. We follow her through the crowded

pub. She’s more than a little tipsy.
 46.

INT. LADIES’ ROOM – SUNSET

A girl leaves as Cake comes in. Cake stands in the middle

of the room, listens for signs of someone else. It’s
empty. She goes to the sink, checks herself out in the
mirror. She’s hot and knows it. She drains the Margarita.
Then she goes into a stall, locks the door. She closes the
toilet lid, takes a small MIRROR from her CLUTCH PURSE and
puts it on the toilet bowl. She takes out a BAG OF
COCAINE, forms big lines on the mirror, rolls up a DOLLAR
BILL and starts snorting.

EXT. ALHOA STADIUM – SUNSET

Cheerleaders shake and shimmy outside the tunnel, as

players appear, ready to storm onto the field. Just inside
the tunnel, Billy stands at the head of the phalanx of 75
players. J.R. is by his side. They exchange a look and a
smile. Jim Flynn signals to Billy just as the P.A. system
crackles

P.A. ANNOUNCER
And now, representing the Western
Athletic Conference, here come the
Washington Tech SEA DEVILS!

The crowd ROARS as Billy leads the team onto the field.

IN THE STANDS

Gale squeezes Rose’s hand and beams with pride at the sight
of Billy and J.R. taking the field together. Gracie smiles
and waves at J.R., even though he doesn’t see her.

ON THE SIDELINE

Gabrielle watches Billy across the field and smiles to

herself.

INT. HELO’S PUB – NIGHT

ON THE BIG SCREENS Cole Seavers, Boss Cheadle and Jabari

Colvin are at midfield for the coin toss with the BYU
CAPTAINS. The REFEREE is miked so the stadium and
television viewers can hear the ceremony.

REFEREE (V.O.)
Gentlemen, this is heads, this is
tails. Washington Tech, as the visitor
today you get to call it.
 47.

The ref tosses the coin.

COLE (V.O.)
Heads!

REFEREE (V.O.)
It’s heads. Washington Tech has won
the toss.

COLE (V.O.)
We want the ball!

The pub erupts with shouts of approval. “YES!”

Cara looks around.

CARA
Where the hell’s Cake? She’s going to
miss the kickoff.

Cara heads toward the ladies’ room.

EXT. ALOHA STADIUM – NIGHT

The football falls from the sky and Washington Tech’s KICK
RETURNER catches it. He sprints up the field, makes a few
moves before he is tackled at the 25-yard-line.

ON THE SIDELINE

Billy gives Phil lasts word of instruction before he takes

the field.

BILLY
This is your night, son. Get it done.

He taps Phil’s helmet and the quarterback turns and trots

onto the field. Achilles, wearing a ball cap and holding a
clipboard, watches him go.

INT. LADIES’ ROOM – NIGHT

Cara steps inside. No sign of Cake.

CARA
(to the stalls)
Let’s go, Cake. One wipe’s fine, two
is better, but three and you’re just
playing with yourself...Come on Cake,
we’re missing the kickoff.
 48.

She walks to the stalls.

CARA
Cake?

EXT. ALOHA STADIUM – NIGHT

The Sea Devils trot to the line of scrimmage. BYU’s

defense digs in as Phil steps under center and begins
barking the signals.

PHIL
Blue, 90! Blue 90!

INT. LADIES’ ROOM – NIGHT

Cara pushes on a stall door. It’s locked.

CARA
Cake?

She pushes harder.

CARA
All right this isn’t funny, Cake.
(worried)
I know you’re in there, Cake. Open up!

She shoves the door open with her shoulder. Cake’s slumped
on the floor, next to the toilet, unconscious.

CARA
Oh my god! Cake!

INT. HELO’S PUB – NIGHT

The crowd CHEERS at the action on the big screens.

FADE OUT.

On black screen SUPERIMPOSE: “To Be Continued.”

END OF EPISODE