1. THE NEWSROOM: "PANDORA'S BOX: THE LOST EPISODE"
TV Spec Category
© 2013

2. ACT ONE
FLASHBACK-EXT. FRONT YARD - AFTERNOON
On a summer's afternoon in 1971, a small neighborhood in
Nebraska is decorated in red, white, and blue to commemorate
the Fourth of July holiday. With sparklers in hand, four
children happily gallivant in the front yard of their quaint
home. The next-door neighbor lends a watchful eye, as he
grills hotdogs for his family. A vintage navy blue Buick GS
Riviera pulls into the driveway, where the children are
playing. All but one child run towards the blue Riviera. The
father of the four children staggeringly steps out of the
driver seat. He walks towards the house cuffing his jacket
and tie under his left arm; he raises his right arm to wave
at the neighbor, grilling next door. The oldest son surveys
the father from head to toe and notices a bottle of Dewar's
under his jacket. The son drops his sparkler and his eyes
proceed to follow the father up the stairs into the house,
while the rest of the kids trail him.
END FLASHBACK.
INT. ACN NEWS NIGHT CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
MACKENZIE, JIM, MAGGIE, NEAL, KENDRA, GARY, TESS, and JESS
stare at WILL at the conference table.
MACKENZIE
Will ... Will ... Will!
To gain his attention, MacKenzie places her hand upon Will's
shoulder. The News Night staff notices he is daydreaming.
Will jolts out of his flashback.
WILL
What?
MACKENZIE
Tell us what you think.
WILL
I like it!
MacKenzie rolls her eyes.
NEAL
Has anyone ever heard of Pandora's
Box?
The group gives Neal a collaborative look of confusion.

3. NEAL (CONT’D)
It’s a Greek myth. Pandora is a
woman, who releases all the evils
of the world, without thinking of
the consequences. The only thing
that remained in the box was hope
for a better future.
KENDRA
What does this have to do with
anything?
NEAL
What hope do we have if one person
has control over everyone's
information on a worldwide scale?
WILL
It's a little early to be
discussing Greek mythology don’t
you think?
NEAL
Okay, but here's the connection.
Earlier this year, a group called
ANONYMOUS decided to destroy Aaron
Barr, head of HBGARY Federal.
TESS
How?
NEAL
They posted his phone number, home
address, social security number,
and 50,000 of his personal e-mails.
Then, they proceeded to leak 70,000
HBGary e-mails.
The staff stares nervously at their electronic devices.
NEAL (CONT’D)
How can we prevent similar things
from happening with technology as
advanced as it is today?
WILL
Well, at least it's not Big Foot.
Come on guys! What else do we have
on Sandusky?
MACKENZIE
Jim, what have you got?
2.

4. JIM
I just got an e-mail that confirms
the interview with Penn State's
Assistant Coach. He’ll be here at
8:30. Oh, and get this, the guy has
just been arraigned and posted
bail.
WILL
Don't tell me…
JIM
Yep. Jerry Sandusky.
WILL
Alright, Maggie contact Mr.
Johnson's publicist and give her
the list of questions.
MAGGIE
I'm on it.
Will snatches the marker from MacKenzie's hand.
MACKENZIE
I'm in charge of the marker. I
delegate the assignments.
WILL
Jim, work on booking Sandusky. The
rest of you report back to me if
you find any new information.
MACKENZIE
How dare you undermine my
authority.
Will gives her a confusing look.
MACKENZIE (CONT’D)
You didn’t even hear a word we said
because you were too busy
daydreaming.
MacKenzie kicks the easel, grabs her foot, and growls in
pain. Will shakes his head and condescendingly pats her on
the back. The rest of the staff looks in amazement.
INT. WILL’S OFFICE - DAY
MacKenzie hobbles into Will's office; Will places his feet
upon his desk.
3.

5. MACKENZIE
You have no compassion.
WILL
Compassion? I just gave you a pat
on the back. What else do you want?
MACKENZIE
I need you to be more focused.
Especially when you’re the one who
wanted to cover the Sandusky
scandal in the first place.
WILL
I am focused.
Will intently stares at his laptop, which features a news
article, pertaining to Sandusky.
WILL (CONT’D)
I can't believe this shit! How
could someone in his position get
away with this for so long?
MACKENZIE
What happened to being innocent
until proven guilty?
WILL
Are you fucking kidding me?
MacKenzie gasps in amazement.
WILL (CONT’D)
I have a 94%...
MACKENZIE
(whining)
A 94% conviction rate, I know, but
you're not a prosecutor anymore.
You're a journalist. A brilliant,
dedicated, and respected
journalist.
WILL
My job is to uncover the truth.
Will looks at MacKenzie with sincerity in his eyes.
WILL (CONT’D)
I need you to trust me. I know he's
guilty and by the end of this
interview, so will the world.
4.

6. MACKENZIE
Alright, but you need to relax
before the Greg Johnson interview.
I'll start prepping your notes.
MacKenzie exits. There’s a knock at the door. LONNIE enters.
WILL
It’s not time to go to Jack’s is
it?
LONNIE
No, somebody’s here to see you.
Will’s sister, SARAH, enters the office. Instead of seeing
her as an adult, he perceives her as a young child.
YOUNG SARAH
Hi, big brother. Hey, Mack!
Still startled, Will rubs his eyes and sees Sarah as an
adult. She is blonde, mid 30’s, and in business attire.
MacKenzie waves and politely exits.
SARAH
Are you okay Will? It looks like
you’ve seen a ghost.
WILL
I’m fine. I’m just surprised to see
you.
SARAH
It’s been a while. I’m surprised
you even recognize me.
WILL
It hasn't been that long.
Sarah shakes her head. She examines Will's office.
SARAH
Your office is so depressing.
WILL
Uh, huh.
SARAH
Why don't you have any pictures on
the walls?
Will puts his face in his hands and sighs.
5.

7. WILL
Is there a particular reason why
you’re here?
Sarah’s eyes widen.
SARAH
Well, I’m here on a layover from
London. I was there for an
advertising convention.
WILL
How was that?
SARAH
Okay. Made some good connections.
WILL
That’s good.
SARAH
Anyway, I was hoping that maybe we
could have lunch, unless you’re too
busy.
Will smiles and laughs.
WILL
I have an appointment, but I’m
never too busy for you. Let's get
something to eat.
INT. ACN RESTAURANT - AFTERNOON
Will and Sarah sit at a table at the ACN restaurant. The
WAITER sets a basket of bread on the table.
SARAH
It must be crazy working with
MacKenzie and having a relationship
with her at the same time.
WILL
MacKenzie and I have been through
worse.
SARAH
Worse?
WILL
It’s really nothing to worry about.
6.

8. SARAH
Okay. So stranger, you hit the big
time, and then you forget about
your family?
WILL
Of course I haven't forgotten about
my family.
SARAH
I’m just saying, it would be nice
to be invited to some of those red
carpet events or big parties that
you throw.
Will takes a bite of bread. The waiter places their drinks on
the table.
WILL
What are you digging at?
SARAH
The rest of us get together at
least once a year for the holidays,
except for you.
Will takes a sip of scotch.
WILL
Look, we'll all get together soon.
I've just been so busy with work.
SARAH
Perfect! We're meeting at Teddy's
for Thanksgiving.
Will spews some of his drink.
WILL
Nebraska?
SARAH
Why not?
WILL
It's where we grew up.
SARAH
What’s wrong with that? It's home.
(lowers voice)
Remember when our neighbor Mr.
Adams got drunk and hit the fire
hydrant.
7.

9. WILL
Yeah, the whole neighborhood had a
free water park.
SARAH
We played all day and night!
WILL
Yeah, until dad pulled up drunk and
made us get in the car and go home.
SARAH
It was kind of late Will.
WILL
You guys always try to fucking
defend him. I know who dad was. He
was no damn Mr. Rogers.
Will takes another swig of his drink and grabs Sarah's hand.
WILL (CONT’D)
I'm sorry Sarah. I just remember
things differently.
SARAH
Maybe you need to stop holding on
to all the bad memories.
WILL
What do you mean?
SARAH
Everybody else has been able to
forgive dad.
WILL
That’s easy for you to say.
SARAH
Look, I just want my brother back.
Why don’t we use Thanksgiving as an
opportunity to get the whole family
together.
WILL
We’ll see.
Will looks at his watch.
WILL (CONT’D)
Oh shit, it's already 8:30. I've
got to get prepped for my
interview.
8.

10. SARAH
I have to get going too. My plane
leaves in an hour.
Sarah rises from her seat.
WILL
Where are you going? Get over here!
Will hugs Sarah. She rests her chin on his shoulder.
SARAH
I love you, and I'll see you soon.
WILL
I love you too kiddo.
Sarah leaves. Will turns to see Lonnie, walking towards him.
Lonnie takes a bite out of one of the biscuits on the table.
Lonnie pats his suit pocket.
LONNIE
Oh shit. I forgot to give your
sister her ID.
WILL
You’d better hurry!
INT. THE NEWS NIGHT DESK - NIGHT
At the News Night desk, Will and GREGORY JOHNSON wait for the
show’s music to cue. The music plays.
WILL
Good evening. I’m your host Will
McAvoy, and this is News Night. The
world is still in shock with the
latest allegations made against
former Penn State Coach Jerry
Sandusky. Tonight, our guest is
said to have witnessed firsthand an
instance of the sexual child abuse.
Here is Penn State's Assistant
Coach Gregory Johnson. Thank you
for joining us tonight.
GREGORY
Thanks for having me.
WILL
Now, Mr. Johnson, describe for us
what you saw the night in question.
9.

11. GREGORY
I was dropping off a pair of shoes
in the locker room and heard some
smacking sounds. At the time, I
thought that was odd because
everyone was supposed to have gone
home.
Gregory takes a sip of water.
GREGORY (CONT’D)
I went to the locker, and I turned
to look over my right shoulder. I
saw Sandusky pinning a young boy
against a wall.
WILL
Exactly where were you?
GREGORY
I was looking through the locker
room mirror.
WILL
Why didn’t you stop him, or call
the local authorities?
GREGORY
I was in shock! I was an emotional
wreck. The next day, I contacted
the head coach, and he said he'd
report it.
WILL
You waited until the next day?
GREGORY
(stuttering)
I didn't just leave. I slammed the
locker doors, and looked back,
Sandusky and the boy were standing
a few feet apart from each other.
The next day, I followed protocol.
WILL
And the protocol was?
GREGORY
To report to my superior. I mean,
there wasn't anything else I could
do.
10.

12. WILL
I could think of a million things
you could’ve done.
Will loosens his tie. INTERCUT WITH:
INT. CONTROL ROOM - SAME TIME
MACKENZIE
(in her IFB)
Will, calm down.
MacKenzie paces the control room floor.
GREGORY
I didn't think this could happen to
me.
WILL
This didn’t happen to you! It
happened to that boy, and you did
nothing to help him.
GREGORY
I never experienced anything like
this before. I tried my best.
WILL
But that wasn’t good enough.
Gregory sweats and breathe heavily.
WILL (CONT’D)
People like you fear those in
authority. What happened? You
thought you'd lose your job for
exposing that son of a bitch.
MACKENZIE
Will calm down!
Will removes his IFB.
WILL
Answer me God dammit!
One of the secretaries hands MacKenzie a package. She reviews
the contents of the package. There is a frightened look upon
her face.
GREGORY
I'm not the only one responsible
for what happened that night!
11.

13. Will stands.
WILL
You’re all fucking responsible! You
were responsible for that kid. You
were supposed to get him to safety.
You were supposed to call his
parents. You were supposed to stand
up and be a fucking man.
Will throws his notes on the floor and walks away from the
News Night desk. Will spots MacKenzie.
WILL (CONT’D)
I don't have time for a fucking
lecture right now.
MACKENZIE
We need to talk.
Shocked, MacKenzie shoves the pictures from the package in
Will’s hands. The pictures fall and so does the package. Will
looks down at personal images of him and MacKenzie from the
past. The photo on top is a picture of MacKenzie and Will
making out on her parent’s couch.
WILL
Who took these?
MACKENZIE
Obviously, not me.
WILL
If you didn’t, who did?
Will looks down and notices there’s writing on the back of
the package.
WILL (CONT’D)
“Tell your boyfriend, I said hi.
Love, Charizma”.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
12.

14. ACT TWO
INT. CHARLIE’S OFFICE - DAY
CHARLIE, Lonnie, Will and MacKenzie gather around Charlie’s
desk. Lonnie shuffles through the photos.
LONNIE
This guy's been following you for a
long time.
Lonnie examines a photo of Will at North Western University.
Focusing through his glasses, Charlie pieces the photos
together.
CHARLIE
Here's one of you two at Yankee
Stadium.
WILL
That was almost five years ago.
CHARLIE
Here's one from your house party in
April.
WILL
These could have easily been taken
by the press.
MacKenzie pulls the photo from the table of her and Will at
her parents house. She holds the picture up to his face.
MACKENZIE
I highly doubt the paparazzi would
be interested in this.
(whispering)
No one knew we were at my parents
house that night.
WILL
Well, you'd be surprised…
MACKENZIE
From the looks of these photos, he
or she is obsessed with you and is
planning something.
WILL
(sarcastically)
Really?
13.

15. MACKENZIE
How can you be so casual about
this.
WILL
I told you it's a part of the job.
CHARLIE
Well, that may be the case for you,
but not for her. We're gonna need
more people on this.
The three men look to MacKenzie.
WILL
Look, we don’t need the police. We
got Lonnie. Nothing bad is going to
happen.
Lonnie smiles.
MACKENZIE
Oh please, when you first saw him,
you kept on about how he was
worthless, now you think he's going
to protect us?
Lonnie frowns. MacKenzie turns to Lonnie.
MACKENZIE (CONT’D)
His words, not mine.
INT. SLOAN’S OFFICE - DAY
SLOAN is on her computer as DON peaks into her office.
DON
Hey, Charlie’s looking for you.
Sloan continues typing.
DON (CONT’D)
Are you really not going to talk to
me anymore?
Sloan keeps typing.
DON (CONT’D)
Fine. It’s your loss.
Don slams the door. Sloan shakes her head and smiles.
14.

16. INT. CHARLIE’S OFFICE - SAME-30 MINUTES LATER
Lonnie, Charlie, and MacKenzie are sitting around Charlie’s
desk. Will is pacing back and forth.
WILL
Listen, I’m just saying that we
don’t need to go overboard.
MACKENZIE
(sarcastically)
Really?
Will gives MacKenzie a hard look.
WILL
I’ll handle it.
MACKENZIE
Uh, huh.
WILL
I can protect this show and this
staff. I've got my best man on the
job.
LONNIE
What? Who?-
Neal peaks through the door, while knocking at the same time.
NEAL
You asked for me?
WILL
I was going to say me, but my
number two man will suffice. Come
on in Neal.
Neal notices the photos on the table.
WILL (CONT’D)
So what’s going on with this
Charizma guy?
NEAL
Uh, well, he hasn't posted anything
new.
WILL
Does that matter?
15.

17. NEAL
Well, that’ll make it hard to track
him.
CHARLIE
Any new information on his
identity?
NEAL
Well, it's not like a blue Facebook
link where you can just click on it
and his personal life is exposed.
CHARLIE
(sarcastically)
I get it...
MACKENZIE
Can you do this?
NEAL
Me?
Neal hesitates. He looks at Will.
NEAL (CONT’D)
Probably, given enough time, I
think I can.
WILL
See. Just give Neal a few more
days.
CHARLIE
I want you to stay in contact with
Charizma. Can you hack him?
Neal takes a deep breath.
NEAL
(nervously)
Uh, yeah, yes I can.
CHARLIE
I want you to report anything you
find immediately to Lonnie or me.
NEAL
Okay.
CHARLIE
If something more drastic happens,
I’ll call the police.
16.

18. Charlie gathers all of the pictures and hands them to Will.
CHARLIE (CONT’D)
This conversation and information
discovered in this room does not
leave here. Agreed?
Everyone gives a collaborative nod of agreement. MacKenzie
storms out of the room. Neal paces back and forth. As always,
Lonnie is serious. Will is the only one that looks satisfied.
Charlie sits, pulls out a bottle of scotch and loosens the
top.
CHARLIE (CONT’D)
Good. Go back to work then.
INT-NEWS NIGHT BULLPEN-DAY
MacKenzie spots Sarah talking to Lonnie by the elevators and
rushes to greet her.
MACKENZIE
I thought you’d left town
yesterday?
SARAH
I missed my flight because I forgot
my ID.
MACKENZIE
Well, it’s nice to see you. How are
you?
SARAH
I'm great. I see you and Will are
still mixing business with
pleasure.
MACKENZIE
More business than pleasure these
days, but we can talk about that
sometime later.
SARAH
By chance, did Will mention any
Thanksgiving plans to you?
MACKENZIE
No...
SARAH
(sadly)
He's not coming.
17.

19. MACKENZIE
Where?
SARAH
To Thanksgiving dinner with his
family in Nebraska.
MACKENZIE
Really? Umm, I'll make sure he's
there.
SARAH
I would really appreciate that.
Sarah looks down at her watch.
SARAH (CONT’D)
I'm sorry to cut our conversation
short, but I must catch the next
flight.
Sarah pushes the down elevator button and then suddenly turns
back to MacKenzie.
SARAH (CONT’D)
You should come too.
MACKENZIE
(sarcastically)
Sure.
MacKenzie turns around and mumbles to herself.
MACKENZIE (CONT’D)
Will’s going to kill me.
INT. CHARLIE’S OFFICE - AFTERNOON
While talking on the phone, Charlie motions Sloan forward.
CHARLIE
I’m happy to do this story for you,
Matt. I am about to tell my
reporter. Talk to you soon.
Charlie hangs up the phone.
SLOAN
(awkwardly)
I can come back another time.
18.

20. CHARLIE
No, No. Actually, that phone call
was about you.
SLOAN
Did I do something wrong?
CHARLIE
No. Not this time.
(chuckles)
I promised a buddy of mine that I’d
cover his boy's home charity on
Thanksgiving.
SLOAN
I love charity as much as the next
person, but I normally cover
economic news.
CHARLIE
I know, but it’s Thanksgiving.
SLOAN
How did I get recommended for this
story in the first place?
CHARLIE
Actually, Don recommended you. He
thought it would give you a chance
to practice your interviewing
skills, especially after that
tsunami interview earlier this
year.
Sloan has a surprised look on her face.
CHARLIE (CONT’D)
Besides, I am sure you can relate
this story to the economic status
of the US.
Sloan gives a forced smile.
SLOAN
Of course Charlie, anything for
you.
INT. OUTSIDE OF CHARLIE’S OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Don peeks in Charlie’s office window. Then, he turns and sees
LISA carrying Tupperware towards Jim and Maggie. The three of
them are chatting, as Don approaches.
19.

21. DON
Hey. No goodies for Don?
MAGGIE
Did you just refer to yourself in
third person and say goodies in the
same sentence?
Jim leans in closer to Lisa.
JIM
Jim would like some of Lisa's
goodies.
Lisa playfully punches Jim in the arm. As she watches the
closeness between Jim and Lisa, Maggie has disappointment
written all over face. Don hugs Maggie from behind.
DON
Hey! How about we all have dinner
at our place?
LISA
Great!
MAGGIE
(reluctantly)
Greaaattt.
INT. NEWS NIGHT BULLPEN - AFTERNOON
The office phone rings. Jessica answers and puts the caller
on speaker phone.
JESSICA
Good afternoon, this is News Night.
My name is Jessica. How can I
direct your call?
NANCY (V.O.)
Hello, my name is Nancy Gibson,
representative of Jerry Sandusky.
Mr. Sandusky will no longer be a
guest on tonight’s show.
All the News Night staffers look at the phone with worry on
their faces. Mackenzie rushes to take the caller off speaker
phone.
MACKENZIE
Hello, Nancy. This is Mackenzie
McHale.
20.
(MORE)

22. When we originally spoke, you
expressed how Mr. Sandusky was
looking forward to explaining his
side of the story on our program.
Why the sudden change?
NANCY (V.O.)
After Mr. McAvoy's interview with
Gregory Johnson, my client and I
fear that he will be very biased
and try to humiliate him on
national television.
MACKENZIE
Nancy, I can promise you that Mr.
McAvoy will not humiliate your
client.
NANCY (V.O.)
It seems to us that you have very
little control over Mr. McAvoy's
actions, Ms. McHale.
Mackenzie closes her eyes, grips the phone, and takes a deep
breath.
MACKENZIE
(tensely)
Nancy, I personally assure you that
your client will get a fair
opportunity to explain his side of
the story. What can we do to make
your client more comfortable about
coming on the show?
NANCY (V.O.)
Even if we wanted to do the show,
Penn State has set boundaries on
who our clients can give interviews
to, and News Night is no longer one
of them.
MacKenzie stares at the phone in amazement.
MACKENZIE
(dejectedly)
Thanks for letting us know Nancy.
Mackenzie hangs up the phone. She closes her eyes and rubs
her forehead. Will enters the newsroom floor and walks
towards Mackenzie.
WILL
What's with all the long faces.
21.
MACKENZIE (CONT'D)

23. The staffers give each other a nervous look.
MACKENZIE
(whispering)
We lost Sandusky.
WILL
What?!
MACKENZIE
(yelling)
We lost the interview with
Sandusky.
Jim is staring at his laptop.
JIM
According to our source at NBC,
Sandusky is already booked for an
interview with Bob Costas.
WILL
Get him back on the show now!
JIM
No one from the university wants to
be interviewed by you.
WILL
The victim?
JIM
What victim?
WILL
Find the guys that made the
allegations against Sandusky and
book one of them on the show.
MACKENZIE
(wearily)
Just having the victim on the show
would be biased.
WILL
Who isn’t fucking biased these
days?
MACKENZIE
Do you really think that either of
the victims want to relive this
nightmare on national television?
22.

24. WILL
(yelling)
It can be the victim's relative for
all I care. Just find someone that
can prove that Sandusky is guilty.
Will storms off to his office and slams the door.
FLASHBACK-INT. WILL’S CHILDHOOD HOME - NIGHT
Inside Will's childhood home, Will's mother is retrieving
dessert from a vintage stove. The father throws his jacket
and tie on the kitchen table. He sticks a half full bottle
under the kitchen sink without her noticing. He then eases up
behind the mother and begins to grope on her body. She
playfully pushes him away. With lust in his eyes, the father
grabs her close and forcefully kisses her. The mother looks
at the father with disgust and forcefully pushes him off of
her. In return, he shoves her to the ground. She is not
surprised by her husband's actions. She composes herself and
walks towards the family room, where her three younger
children are playing. The oldest son puts his arm on his
youngest sister's shoulder. He turns and stares at his
mother, as she sadly drops a tear.
END FLASHBACK.
INT. NEWS NIGHT BULLPEN - NIGHT
Jim and Mackenzie exit the control room to sit with the rest
of the group. NBC's ROCK CENTER begins. Neal is the only one
not paying attention to the broadcast. He’s busy typing on
his computer. The JANITOR enters with his cleaning cart. As
Bob Costas and Sandusky begin to speak, Will and Charlie sit.
Will grabs the scotch. It's a bottle of Dewar's.
WILL
I could have done more to protect
them.
Charlie turns to Will.
CHARLIE
Who? The staff?
As he pours the scotch, Will struggles to find the right
words.
WILL
I could’ve made this guy confess.
23.

25. CHARLIE
I know.
Charlie continues to talk, but Will isn’t paying attention.
He takes a sip of the drink, then looks at the label on the
bottle. It’s his father’s favorite drink.
FLASHBACK-INT. WILL’S CHILDHOOD HOME - DAY
As a boy, Will is inside the kitchen opening all of the
drawers and cabinets. He tosses pots and pans from under the
sink and finds a full bottle of Dewar’s. He looks at the
bottle, not quite knowing what to do. The back door closes
loudly, Will turns to see his father watching him. The father
takes off his belt and grips it tightly. With a terrified
glare, Will undoes the bottle top and drains the contents
into the sink. The father approaches him.
END FLASHBACK.
INT. NEWS NIGHT BULLPEN - SAME - 30 MINUTES LATER
Out of nowhere, the screens on each television goes black!
All of the computer screens flicker uncontrollably.
Panicking, the staff runs to each of their computers. The
janitor sees the commotion and puts away his gear. Neal stops
typing at his computer. The TVs all stream the same image.
It's a live feed of the staff in the building. There’s a
message at the bottom of the screen. Lonnie reaches for his
gun.
LONNIE
"I am always watching……Charizma"
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
24.

26. ACT THREE
INT. CHARLIE’S OFFICE - NIGHT
Charlie, Will, Neal, and Lonnie gather around Charlie’s desk.
WILL
Don’t you think calling the police
is a little bit excessive?
CHARLIE
You can’t downplay this anymore.
There’s a live feed of all of us
and we don’t know where is coming
from.
LONNIE
We need to address that issue as
soon as possible.
MICK knocks on the door and walks into the room.
CHARLIE
This is Mick, our IT guy. He's
going fix all of our problems.
Mick gathers more information from the staff, as he fixes the
server.
MICK
Maybe "Charizma" used Telnet to
access the building's server.
Mick types quickly at Charlie’s computer.
NEAL
What’s that?
MICK
It’s a remote hacking tool that was
made by Microsoft. He's been
remotely controlling the server.
CHARLIE
So, he can access...?
MICK
All the security cameras,
television monitors, and computers
here in the building.
25.

27. NEAL
This guy really knows what he’s
doing.
MICK
The IP address used to hack into
the system is from China.
NEAL
China?
MICK
Probably to cover his tracks.
NEAL
I thought our firewall protection
would prevent someone from hacking
into our system so easily.
MICK
It’s rare, but it can be done.
NEAL
How is that even possible?
MICK
Charizma most likely gained access
to the administrator's account. I
don't know how...
NEAL
Wouldn’t he need a password for
that?
MICK
Yes, he would, which means this
could be an inside job.
WILL
Wait a minute... An inside job? As
in someone here at ACN?
MICK
Exactly.
WILL
Shit!
The TVs in Charlie’s office return to their normal channels.
The computers reboot.
26.

28. MICK
Well, I got the server back up and
running.
WILL
So, you can’t figure out who this
guy is?
MICK
He's piggy backing off of other IP
addresses. So, there’s nothing more
I can do.
WILL
Damn it!
CHARLIE
Thanks Mick, we really appreciate
all your hard work.
INT. NEWS NIGHT BULLPEN - NIGHT
REESE exits the elevator with the POLICE behind him. The
newsroom is in pandemonium.
REESE
Where the hell is Charlie?
MACKENZIE
He’s in a meeting right now.
Reese heads for Charlie’s door.
MACKENZIE (CONT’D)
You can’t go in there.
REESE
The hell I can’t. I’m taking
control now.
MacKenzie stares back at Reese in disbelief.
INT. CHARLIE’S OFFICE - SAME- 10 MINUTES LATER
As Mick exits, Reese enters the room with the police behind
him. Lonnie, Charlie, Neal, and Will stare at Reese in
disbelief.
REESE
What the hell is happening to my
television station?
27.

29. LONNIE
One of Will's stalkers hacked into
the building’s server.
REESE
From outside, it looks like there’s
been a damn crime scene in here.
WILL
Well, there’s no show here.
REESE
Are you really trying to be
sarcastic right now?
WILL
(sarcastically)
Not at all.
REESE
(yelling)
There might not be another show
with you as host!
WILL
What the hell does that mean?
Will moves closer towards Reese.
REESE
For God's sake, you're chasing away
our potential guests with your
antics! The FCC is breathing down
my neck.
Reese moves closer towards Will.
WILL
Oh, give me a break!
REESE
You’ve got a serial stalker who's
trying to sabotage my station!
You’re the fucking problem, not me.
Will lunges at Reese. The police hold Reese back, while
Lonnie restrains Will.
WILL
(yelling)
Why in the hell would you care?
You're just worried about your
precious fucking station, not the
lives at stake here.
28.

30. Charlie turns to Reese.
CHARLIE
Step outside right now!
The police officer releases Reese. He adjusts his clothes,
and exits the office with Charlie. Will storms out of
Charlie's office.
INT. WILL’S OFFICE - DAY
Will sits at his desk, while MacKenzie paces back and forth.
MACKENZIE
I think we need to talk about last
night?
WILL
I don’t.
MACKENZIE
How does he know so much about us?
WILL
It could've been one of the
staffers for all I know.
MACKENZIE
Maybe he’s making his presence
known because of your blow up with
Greg Johnson.
WILL
I highly doubt that.
MACKENZIE
If he’s obsessed with you, then
most likely, he watches the show.
WILL
(sarcastically)
Well, at least someone’s watching
the show.
MACKENZIE
I don't think you really understand
how unprofessional you were.
WILL
Don’t lecture me on being
professional.
29.

31. MACKENZIE
You verbally murdered the man and
then you stormed off stage.
WILL
He deserved it. You know it, and
the rest of the world does too.
MACKENZIE
As journalists, we need to remain
objective.
WILL
I was just trying to get the facts.
MACKENZIE
That doesn’t matter Will. Somewhere
during that interview, you lost it.
MacKenzie pauses, and stares at Will.
MACKENZIE (CONT’D)
You snatched out your earpiece on
national television!
Will looks towards MacKenzie and buries his faces in his
hands.
WILL
I've been having a really bad week.
MACKENZIE
Listen, Will. You can talk to me
about anything, but you never do.
WILL
I don’t need to.
MACKENZIE
I tried to calm you down during the
interview, but...
WILL
I know! I snatched out my earpiece.
MACKENZIE
Exactly. I can't believe Charlie
hasn't said anything to you, yet.
WILL
Like I said before, I told the
facts, and I allowed him to share
his side of the story.
30.

32. MACKENZIE
That still doesn’t justify your
behavior.
WILL
Maybe, I got a little aggressive
with him, but sometimes people need
to be riled up.
MACKENZIE
Yes, I agree, but on national
television? That’s not being
objective!
WILL
It was the only way.
MACKENZIE
Let's calm down. I have Jim working
on securing the interview for
tomorrow night's show.
Will's phone is buzzing. He checks his jacket, pants pockets,
and then searches his desk. MacKenzie slyly places Will's
phone on his desk.
WILL
Why did you have my phone?
MACKENZIE
You dropped it outside Charlie’s
office yesterday. I’ve been meaning
to give it to you.
Will stares at the phone on his desk. He notices two new text
messages. Will reads the words in the text.
WILL
"WILL: Hey guys, I would like if
you all would join me at my place
for Thanksgiving. (All expenses
paid by me!) See you soon, Love
Billy."
Will looks up to see MacKenzie quickly exiting his office.
WILL (CONT’D)
“Sarah: I can't wait to come to New
York for Thanksgiving!!! Everyone
else is on board. TTYL.”
31.

33. WILL (CONT’D)
MACKENZIE!!!!!!!!!
INT. NEWS NIGHT BULLPEN - NIGHT
MacKenzie stands in front of the entire News Night staff.
MACKENZIE
(raises her voice)
I need everyone's attention!
The staff stops working on their assignments to give their
full attention to MacKenzie.
MACKENZIE (CONT’D)
First, I want to thank you all for
your patience and cooperation. The
police have been trying their best
to get more information about
Charizma. The building is safe and
I doubt we will have another
incident to interfere with the
stations operation.
Will slowly creeps behind MacKenzie.
MACKENZIE (CONT’D)
I know you all can get this done.
We have done it before. We won't
let some crazy obsessed stalker
stop us from doing our jobs will
we?
TESS
(Awkwardly)
Yes?
MACKENZIE
NOOOOO! We will have a good show
tonight!
WILL
(yelling)
Not if I don't have anyone to
interview!
MacKenzie jumps.
MACKENZIE
(Mumbles)
I know Will; that was point of my
pep talk.
32.

34. WILL
(Mumbles)
I would really love to kill you
right now.
Will looks at the staffers.
WILL (CONT’D)
Listen guys, I will fire every
single one of you if you fail me on
this.
Will looks at MacKenzie.
WILL (CONT’D)
You too! Do what you have to do to
get me an interview.
MacKenzie and Will walk a few feet. Maggie gets a phone call.
WILL (CONT’D)
So that was your best impression of
Dulicinea de Toboso?
MACKENZIE
You've been no Don Quixote yourself
these days.
WILL
I didn't invite your family to
Thanksgiving dinner without your
permission, and how did you steal
my phone?
MACKENZIE
I didn't steal it. I told you I
bumped into Sarah and she told me
how disappointed she would be if
you didn’t show up. So….
WILL
So you decided to invite them to my
house?
MACKENZIE
Everything will be fine. I feel it.
Will stares at MacKenzie, while Maggie jumps from her chair
in excitement.
33.

35. MAGGIE
(yelling)
I booked one of the victim's mother
for tonight's show.
The staff applauds.
MACKENZIE
Can I say…told you so.
Will rolls his eyes.
WILL
Just have that much confidence when
you plan, cook, and host
Thanksgiving dinner.
MACKENZIE
You have got to be kidding!
WILL
(sarcastically)
I'm sure you'll figure it out.
I feel it.
INT. NEWS NIGHT STAGE - NIGHT
Will and LILLY wait for the News Night music to cue. Lilly
looks nervously around at the cameras. The music plays.
WILL
With the recent Sandusky scandal,
we’ve heard very little from the
victims. We have one of the
victim’s mother, Lilly. Her
identity has been withheld. Thanks
for joining us, Lilly.
LILLY
Thanks for having me.
WILL
How did you and your son first meet
Jerry Sandusky?
LILLY
The school has a mentoring program.
Sandusky took a special interest in
my son. At first I was thrilled,
but then things got weird, and I
began to doubt his intentions.
34.

36. WILL
How so?
LILLY
My son’s behavior began to change.
He used to be so outgoing.
Lilly sobs.
LILLY (CONT’D)
Now, he flinches if anyone tries to
touch him.
WILL
Were you ever able to get your son
to talk about his time with
Sandusky?
LILLY
Yes I did.
WILL
And what he say?
LILLY
He said that Sandusky forced him do
things that made him uncomfortable.
WILL
Uncomfortable? How?
Lilly sobs harder. Will gives her a tissue.
LILLY
When I questioned him, he would
break down and cry. (beat) The
situation became worse when
Sandusky would pull him out of
school.
WILL
You never gave him permission to do
that?
LILLY
No, he never had my permission. The
school didn’t notify me of these
occurrences. (beat) I found out by
accident when I went to pick him up
early for a doctor appointment.
(beat) He was nowhere to be found.
35.

37. WILL
Was the school able to explain how
he had that much access to your
son?
LILLY
They said that this was normal. As
part of the mentor program, he was
allowed to take children off campus
without their parent’s consent.
WILL
A school doesn’t have the right to
authorize that.
LILLY
I know, which is why I sent my son
to a safe place, to be with his
grandparents.
WILL
Was Sandusky ever able to explain
why he pulled your son out of
school?
LILLY
He told me that he wanted to show
my son the ropes at the university.
I never believed him though.
WILL
Why?
LILLY
A mother’s intuition. I felt
something bad had happened to him.
The pain on my son's face.
WILL
How is your son now?
Lilly reaches for more tissue.
LILLY
He’s not been able to form any
solid relationships, and he’s tried
to numb himself with various drugs.
WILL
I’m sorry to hear that.
LILLY
It hurts me to see him suffer alone
like this.
36.

38. Lilly breaks down in tears. When Will looks at Lilly, he does
a double take and rubs his eyes. Next to Lilly, he sees his
MOTHER placing her hand on Lilly’s shoulder. They lock eyes
with each other.
WILL
(Whispering)
Mom?
WILL’S MOTHER
Help her!
FLASHBACK-INT. WILL’S CHILDHOOD HOME- BEDROOM - DAY
Will investigates the noises coming from his parent's
bedroom. As he walks past, he sees his father slapping his
mother and pushing her to the bed. The father grabs her by
her throat, while she notices Will at the door.
END FLASHBACK.
INT. NEWS NIGHT STAGE - NIGHT
Will and Lilly are in a daze from their inner turmoil.
MACKENZIE (V.O.)
Will! Say Something!
WILL
You don't need to say anymore. I
want to thank you for being so
brave.
Will turns from her and looks at the main camera.
WILL (CONT’D)
Now, it’s in the hands of the jury
to decide whether or not Jerry
Sandusky is guilty. Like Lilly
expressed, no verdict can ever take
away the scars those boys will
carry for the rest of their lives.
We'll be right back.
INT. CONTROL ROOM - SAME TIME
MacKenzie gazes at Will through the main camera.
TECH GUY
And we're clear. Sixty seconds till
we're back.
37.

39. MacKenzie sees him thanking the woman and helping her off the
stage. Will sits and looks right back at the camera. The two
stare at each other without even realizing it.
INT. DON’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Don is sitting on the couch, watching the news, relaxing with
a beer. In the kitchen, Maggie is heard cursing. Pots and
pans are heard falling to the ground.
MAGGIE
Dammit!
DON
Is everything okay in there?
Doesn't sound too…safe.
Maggie doesn’t respond.
DON (CONT’D)
Guess not.
Maggie emerges from the kitchen, looking amazing, wearing a
red dress and red lipstick.
MAGGIE
Where the hell is my can opener?
DON
There’s one on the counter,
sweetheart.
MAGGIE
(sarcastically)
I don't like that damn can opener
sweetheart!
Don still has not taken his eyes off the TV.
DON
I'm sorry, didn't know there was a
difference between can openers.
MAGGIE
I can never find anything in this
place!
Maggie stomps back into the kitchen.
MAGGIE (O.S.) (CONT’D)
It would be nice if I had some help
with the cooking! This was your
idea.
38.

40. DON
I cleaned! Well actually the house
was already clean.
Don takes a sip of beer.
DON (CONT’D)
Besides, you're the one making your
famous spaghetti.
MAGGIE (O.S.)
It's just (beat) they're going to
be here any minute.
The doorbell rings.
DON
I got it.
Don invites Jim and Lisa inside. They look adorable together.
DON (CONT’D)
Hey guys, come on in. Let me take
your coats.
Maggie comes out to greet them. Jim is caught like a deer in
the headlights when he sees Maggie.
LISA
Look at you girl!
Lisa and Maggie hug.
JIM
Hey Maggie.
Jim and Maggie hug, a second too long.
MAGGIE
Sorry, dinner isn't quite ready
yet. Do you mind helping me Lisa?
LISA
Sure!
Maggie and Lisa go to the kitchen. Don is on the couch
watching a basketball game. Jim sits and the two share in an
awkward moment of silence.
JIM
Is this the Giants game?
Don smirks and takes another sip of beer.
39.

41. DON
No Jim, that's football, this is
basketball.
More awkward silence, and in the background, the ladies
laugh.
DON (CONT’D)
How about a beer?
JIM
Okay!
As Don gets up for the beer, he hears a familiar knock at the
door. He rushes to the door. Jim notices Don acting
strangely.
JIM (CONT’D)
You okay?
Don looks through the peep hole and opens the door. A woman,
ELYSE, in a trench coat opens her coat to reveal a red
negligee.
ELYSE
Hello, Don.
DON
Oh, fuck.
Elyse tries to go into the apartment. Don pushes her out the
door.
DON (CONT’D)
Maggie’s here!
ELYSE
I don’t give a damn about Maggie!
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
40.

42. ACT FOUR
INT. DON’S APARTMENT- LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
By the front door, Jim can't help but watch Elyse and Don.
Maggie and Lisa return from the kitchen, and Maggie notices
Don’s absence.
MAGGIE
Where’s Don?
Maggie looks at the half-opened door.
MAGGIE (CONT’D)
Who's Don talking to?
Elyse pushes past Don into the apartment.
ELYSE
You really prefer plain Jane over
there to this.
Elyse starts to remove her coat again. Don grabs her and
pushes her out the door.
DON
Don't come back!
As Elyse buttons up her coat, she smiles at Don.
ELYSE
Fine, but you know you'll be back.
You always come calling when things
go wrong with her.
Elyse stalks off to the elevator. Don closes the door and
turns to Maggie.
DON
Maggie, I can explain.
Don approaches Maggie. Maggie turns away and walks to the
bedroom.
DON (CONT’D)
Wait!
Don grabs Maggie to turn her around. Maggie slaps Don across
the face.
MAGGIE
I gave up everything for you!
41.

43. Maggie turns to Jim, and bursts into tears. She runs to her
bedroom. Don goes after her. Lisa intervenes.
LISA
Don't you think you did enough!
She pushes past Don.
LISA (CONT’D)
Maggie, it's me. I'm coming in.
Lisa enters the bedroom. Don turns and sees Jim on the couch.
JIM
(sarcastically)
I guess good guys can finish first
after all.
DON
The hell with all of you.
Don grabs his coat and storms out of the apartment.
EXT. LONNIE’S CAR IN GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT - DAY
Lonnie and Will are waiting in the car.
WILL
Is this place always this packed?
LONNIE
It's full of people, like you,
doing last minute shopping for the
holidays.
Will glances at his watch a few times.
WILL
I can't believe I'm going through
with this.
LONNIE
I know, spending time with your
family on Thanksgiving. The nerve.
WILL
Hey, you know what I did for
Thanksgiving the past three years?
LONNIE
The news?
42.

44. WILL
Yeah, but besides that?
LONNIE
What?
WILL
Absolutely nothing. It was
glorious.
LONNIE
That’s sad. You sound like Scrooge.
WILL
There was nothing wrong with
Scrooge.
LONNIE
It’s Scrooge!
WILL
The man was business minded. He was
a realist, and unfortunately, his
past came back to haunt him.
LONNIE
Reminds me of someone I know.
MacKenzie jumps in the car. She's breathing heavily, holding
a giant frozen turkey.
MACKENZIE
Drive! Drive!
Lonnie speeds away.
WILL
What happened?!
MACKENZIE
It was chaos! Pure chaos!
LONNIE
Are you okay?
MACKENZIE
There were only two turkeys left.
It came down to me and this old
woman with our hands on this
turkey. So, I may have shoved her.
Lonnie laughs.
43.

45. WILL
Wow Mack, I didn't know you had it
in you. Most importantly, is the
turkey okay?
EXT. DANIEL E. BECK BOY’S HOME CHARITY - AFTERNOON
Sloan tries to apply her makeup in front of her pocket
mirror, but she keeps messing it up. Charlie approaches
Sloan.
CHARLIE
You don't have anything to worry
about.
SLOAN
It's hard not to. The last time I
did an interview, it nearly cost me
my job.
CHARLIE
We all make mistakes. It's what we
learn from them that counts.
Sloan puts down her makeup and smiles.
SLOAN
Thanks for the vote of confidence.
I guess I should get started then.
Sloan puts on her IFB, grabs a mic, and waits for her cue.
Charlie watches the broadcast in the background.
SLOAN (CONT’D)
Good Afternoon. This is Sloan
Sabbith from ACN. As the holiday
seasons approaches, it’s wonderful
to see people, especially young
children, giving back to the
community.
Three boys, playing tag, run into Sloan and nearly knock her
to the ground. A little taken aback, Sloan dusts herself off
and continues the broadcast.
SLOAN (CONT’D)
As you can see, I’m here with the
rowdy young men from the David E.
Beck Boy's Home.
The three boys shoot spit balls at Sloan. With a forced
smile, she continues with her broadcast.
44.

46. SLOAN (CONT’D)
Every year, they help to deliver
turkeys to underprivileged
families.
The number of spit balls fired against Sloan intensifies.
Sloan stops, takes a deep breath, and continues the
broadcast.
SLOAN (CONT’D)
The Boy's Home delivers over 5,000
turkeys, city wide, each year.
There are some families here today
that want to share how this
charity’s helped them through
difficult times.
As Sloan interviews the families, Charlie grabs the little
boys by their collars, and pulls them to the side.
CHARLIE
You ungrateful punk nose brats. Get
out of here before I kick your
asses.
The little boys run away. Charlie winks at Sloan. She smiles
back, while she continues her broadcast.
EXT. CONCESSION STAND - AFTERNOON
After the broadcast, Sloan walks over to the concession
stand. A woman, OLIVIA, approaches her.
OLIVIA
Excuse me, did you say your name is
Sloan Sabbith?
SLOAN
Yes. Have we met?
OLIVIA
My name is Olivia McBride. We used
to attend Duke University together.
SLOAN
Oh my, I didn't recognize you. It’s
been what like 5 years? How are
you?
OLIVIA
I’m fine. I’m working as a
financial analyst for Wells Fargo.
45.
(MORE)

47. I finally got married, and we have
two beautiful girls.
SLOAN
I’m happy for you.
OLIVIA
I heard that you had a rough patch
when you ended your engagement with
Henry.
Sloan tightens her fist. With a forced smile, she continues
talking.
SLOAN
Things are going wonderful for me.
I have a segment on ACN every night
where I broadcast news about the US
economic state.
OLIVIA
Is marriage in your future?
SLOAN
I’m currently engaged to the
executive producer of The News Hour
with Elliot Hirsch.
Olivia openly glances at Sloan’s left ring finger.
OLIVIA
Where’s your ring?
SLOAN
I’m getting it fitted.
OLIVIA
(surprised)
Oh. Well, I am glad everything
turned out so well for you.
SLOAN
(tensely)
Yes, things are great for me now.
OLIVIA
We should definitely keep in touch.
SLOAN
(tensely)
I look forward to it.
As Olivia leaves, Sloan notices Charlie smirking at her.
46.
OLIVIA (CONT'D)

48. SLOAN (CONT’D)
You're a little old to be
eavesdropping on others
conversations.
CHARLIE
I just find it interesting that you
used Don in your cover story.
Sloan's face turns red, as Charlie smiles.
VARIOUS LOCATIONS - MONTAGE
MUSIC CUE: “Hometown Glory” by Adele
Neal and Jim are at the bar. Neal drinking beers. Jim has his
laptop open. He taps Neal and points to the headline on the
screen: "Is Romney a Presidential Hopeful for the Republican
Party?"
Maggie and Lisa are having dinner at Maggie's parents' home.
The table is filled with lots of food and is surrounded by
Maggie's family members. Lisa talks with Maggie's relatives,
while Maggie looks over at the empty seat next to her with a
tear coming down her face.
Sloan is outside of Macy's looking at the displays and sips
her coffee. She turns to leave and runs into the person
behind. She falls backwards and her coffee and shopping bags
fall all over the place. She hurriedly grabs at the bags. She
reaches for one, but another hand grabs it first. She looks
up and see's Don. He gives her his hand and pulls her up.
They walk into Starbucks and Don buys them coffee.
Will is celebrating Thanksgiving with his siblings, nieces
and nephews, Charlie, and MacKenzie. Will is wrestling with
one of his nephews. MacKenzie is talking with Will's sisters.
She looks at Will and smiles. Charlie is chatting with Will's
brother.
END MONTAGE.
INT. CHARLIE’S OFFICE - NIGHT
Neal knocks on Charlie’s door.
CHARLIE
Come on in!
47.

49. NEAL
Hey, I got good news.
WILL
Spill it.
Neal is tightly gripping a folder.
NEAL
This folder may contain Charizma’s
identity.
MACKENZIE
No? How?
NEAL
Process of elimination. See, we
never ruled out if Charizma could
be someone from Will's lawyer days,
so he gave me his prosecution
files.
MACKENZIE
Was that helpful?
NEAL
After hours of research and little
bit of help from one of my friends,
I think we may be able to make a
positive ID.
Neal places one of the files on Charlie's desk. Charlie is
sitting at his desk, as MacKenzie and Will hover.
NEAL (CONT’D)
This is Anna Gramm. She was found
guilty of blackmail in 2001. She is
now residing in the New Jersey
area.
WILL
Yeah, she was the one who was
obsessed with her boss.
Will looks at MacKenzie.
WILL (CONT’D)
He turned her down, and she went
crazy.
NEAL
She was accused of hacking into her
job's security cameras and
digitally altering the footage.
48.

50. MACKENZIE
How so?
NEAL
She altered the video to make it
seem like her boss was sexually
assaulting her.
MACKENZIE
Okay. So why her?
WILL
During my cross examination she
asked me out on a date.
MACKENZIE
A date?
WILL
Weird. I know, but I doubt she's
Charizma. I mean, I think she
wanted to screw me, not kill me.
Neal clears his throat.
NEAL
I did add her for that reason, and
because of her manipulation of the
security cameras.
CHARLIE
Who else you got?
Neal places another file on the desk.
NEAL
Donald Larson.
WILL
Looks familiar.
NEAL
He was charged with embezzling a
half million dollars from his
employer in ‘98. He has extensive
knowledge on hacking and wire
transfers.
CHARLIE
Where is he now?
49.

51. NEAL
After serving a five year sentence,
he was released from prison in
2003. He currently resides in New
York.
WILL
It's not like I quit prosecuting
that long ago, but I don't remember
anything that stands out about him.
NEAL
Yeah, nothing stood out to me
either. I didn't rule him out
because he lives in New York.
CHARLIE
I agree, but we would need the
police to check him out.
Neal places the third file and looks at Will.
NEAL
I suggest you explain.
Will examines the file.
INT. NEWS NIGHT HALLWAY - NIGHT
The janitor looks around to make sure no one is looking. He
walks over to Neal's desk and plugs a flash drive into his
computer. The janitor removes the flash drive after a few
minutes.
INT. CHARLIE’S OFFICE - SAME - 15 MINUTES LATER
Will finishes going through the file and puts it on the
table. He paces back and forth.
WILL
In the late 80's and 90's, New York
was the mob capital. Ralph
Carmichael was a hit man for the
mafia, and then became an informant
for the police.
MACKENZIE
What made him switch sides?
50.

52. WILL
His younger brother was killed for
owing a debt to one of the big
bosses. The Mafia wanted to put a
hit out on the Mayor. Multiple
informants, including Carmicheal,
came forward.
CHARLIE
What happened to him?
NEAL
A prosecution team was assembled. A
week after the trial, Carmichael
was killed. His family sued the
prosecution office and police for
not protecting Carmichael.
MACKENZIE
So, why would they come after you
after all these years.
WILL
I’m the lawyer who urged Carmicheal
to testify.
The room gets silent.
CHARLIE
That doesn't necessarily mean that
Charizma is a product of that case.
WILL
A month after Carmichael's death,
several lawyers and I received
death threats, which I keep in my
possession.
Neal places the threats on the table.
WILL (CONT’D)
Carmichael’s sons had assembled
their own crime family to punish
those responsible for their
father’s death.
Will holds up a picture of Carmichael and his sons at the
trial. MacKenzie examines the picture closely.
MACKENZIE
They all share the same smile. The
resemblance is uncanny.
51.

53. CHARLIE
So why did you keep the death
threats?
WILL
I kept them just in case something
bad was to happen to me. I mean,
hell, who wouldn't be afraid of the
mob?
NEAL
I asked my friend to do a
background check on Carmichael's
sons. He promised me he'd have them
in the next hour.
CHARLIE
After you get the info, we need to
update the police.
MACKENZIE
How would that explain the screens
and the servers?
WILL
Someone in this building has
pictures and the live feed of us.
CHARLIE
Who? Is the question that needs to
be answered.
MACKENZIE
The police have interviewed almost
everyone here at the station.
WILL
Almost everyone.
Charlie looks at Neal.
CHARLIE
Let us know when your friend gets
the info, and then we'll inform the
police.
Neal nods and exit.
WILL
The police? What are they really
going to do? Most of them are
connected to the mob.
52.

54. CHARLIE
That's just a risk we're going to
have to take. I suggest you keep
Lonnie with you at all times, until
this bomb is diffused.
INT. NEWS NIGHT BULLPEN - NIGHT
Neal is at his desk, on his laptop, as he and Lonnie notice
Mackenzie and Will walk past them.
NEAL
I thought you’d be in Charlie’s
office when I gave the news.
LONNIE
I couldn’t.
NEAL
Why’s that.
LONNIE
Too much Thanksgiving food.
Neal gives him a confusing look.
LONNIE (CONT’D)
Bubble guts…..
NEAL
Say no more. I think my friend is
sending something now.
INT. WILL’S OFFICE - NIGHT
MACKENZIE
What are we going to do Will?
WILL
I don’t know.
MacKenzie paces the floor.
MACKENZIE
I don't think you understand how
serious this is. This guy has been
following us for a long time. He
knows where you and I live.
WILL
Could you please calm down for a
sec.
53.

55. MACKENZIE
Calm down Will? The man I love is
in danger, and you expect me to act
like all of this is normal.
WILL
Go back. What did you just say?
MACKENZIE
That this isn't normal.
WILL
No, before that. You said the man
you love is in danger.
MACKENZIE
You know I love you Will.
MacKenzie cries.
MACKENZIE (CONT’D)
I've never stopped loving you. I
hurt you deeply, but I don't know
what else to do to earn your trust
again.
WILL
MacKenzie I…
MACKENZIE
Since the Sandusky case and this
Charizma ordeal, you've changed.
I'm worried about you.
WILL
Me too.
MACKENZIE
And now I'm worried about all of
us. I mean, what if he knows where
our families stay, our staffers…
Will embraces MacKenzie as she cries. He looks at the picture
of his family from Thanksgiving at his condo. He drops a tear
and hugs her tighter.
WILL
Everything's going to be okay.
INT. NEWS NIGHT BULLPEN - SAME - 30 MINUTES LATER
Lonnie stands behind Neal, as he tries to upload the files on
his laptop.
54.

56. NEAL
Perfect! The arrest record for the
Carmichael brothers are coming in,
but the fax is loading backwards.
LONNIE
Frontwards. Backwards. At least we
have it. Now what does it say?
NEAL
Vito Carmichael age 33. Convicted
of impersonating an officer and
grand theft auto. Brown eyes.
Brown hair. 5'9. 147 lbs. Tattoos:
Letters CB on right hand.
LONNIE
And the other brother?
NEAL
Alfredo Carmichael age 30 Brown
eyes. Brown hair. Brown eyes. 5'11,
154 lbs. Convicted of computer
hacking. Tattoos: Letters CB on
right hand.
Neal suddenly loses his internet connection.
Neal (CONT’D)
Dammit! Not now.
Lonnie locks eyes on the Janitor. He notice writing on the
janitor's right hand as the janitor pulls out a large bag of
trash.
LONNIE
What'd you say those letters were?
NEAL
CB.
Lonnie slowly walks toward the janitor. The Janitor slowly
turns around.
LONNIE
Was he interviewed?
Neal is steadily typing with his eyes glued to the computer
screen as he tries to get the internet to reconnect.
NEAL
Who?
55.

57. Neal looks at Lonnie. Lonnie points towards the Janitor. The
Janitor begins slowly walking towards the exit
LONNIE
No. I believe the night shift
janitors were off that day.
Lonnie speedily walks towards the janitor.
LONNIE (CONT’D)
Hey buddy! I need to ask you a few
questions.
The janitor speeds up. Lonnie chases the janitor. The Janitor
throws the trash bag at Lonnie. The janitor then tries to
escape down the stairs. Lonnie hurriedly follows. Neal rises
from his desk and runs towards the exit. A gunshot is fired.
Neal stops. MacKenzie and Will turn towards the office door.
Neal slowly approaches the staircase. He sees a puddle of
blood and Lonnie gripping the stair rail.
EXT. ACN BUILDING - NIGHT
The ACN security officers handcuff the janitor. Will,
MacKenzie, and Neal hover over the gurney Lonnie is lying
on.
WILL
Lonnie you know you didn't have to…
LONNIE
It's part of the job description.
Don't mention it.
MACKENZIE
What you did tonight was very
courageous. Thank you Lonnie.
Lonnie nods.
NEAL
I can't believe he was right under
our nose the entire time.
Neal looks at the janitor.
WILL
Well, I guess this is goodbye.
Will gently shakes Lonnie's hand.
LONNIE
Do me favor and lose my number.
56.

58. Will and Lonnie chuckle.
WILL
Until next time.
The paramedics push the gurney into the ambulance. Will
salutes Lonnie. The paramedics close the doors to the
ambulance. Will walks towards the police car as the janitor
is being arrested.
POLICE OFFICER 1
You have the right to remain
silence.
Will holds his hands up to the police.
WILL
Wait a minute.
Will faces the janitor
WILL (CONT’D)
I'm sorry about your father. We
tried our best to prevent him from
being.
The janitor lunges for Will, but the police holds him back.
JANITOR
Your best? You ruined our lives.
Nothing you say will ever change
that.
The police push the janitor in the police car. Will and the
janitor lock eyes as the police car drives away.
INT. JACK’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Jack is sleeping in bed with his wife. He is awakened by his
ringing cell phone. He looks at the clock on his nightstand.
It reads 3am. Jack answers.
JACK
Dr. Habib
WILL (V.O.)
I need to talk.
JACK
You have an appointment next week.
57.

59. WILL (V.O.)
My actions from years ago nearly
got my body guard killed tonight.
Jack removes his cover and slowly walks out of his bedroom.
JACK
I'm sorry to hear that Will. Is
your bodyguard alright?
WILL (V.O.)
He’s fine.
JACK
How are you feeling?
WILL (V.O.)
I feel like everything I've ever
done was wrong. I've done so much
damage. I'm no better than him.
JACK
Better than who Will? INTERCUT
WITH:
INT. WILL’S CONDO - SAME TIME
Will gulps some scotch.
WILL
My father.
JACK (V.O.)
You're not your father Will. People
make mistakes. Nobody is immune to
mistakes.
WILL
I know. I want to forget about the
past. I was starting over and then
here comes Mackenzie, then my
sister, and now this.
JACK (V.O.)
You can't escape your past Will.
Here's my advice. Go spend some
time with your loved ones.
WILL
But.
58.

60. JACK (V.O.)
You've let the past control you so
much. Take the time to appreciate
what you do have.
WILL
What’s that?
JACK (V.O.)
Life. I'll see you next week Will.
INT. WILL’S CONDO-- NIGHT
Will and Sarah are on the couch in front of the fireplace.
They are sipping wine.
WILL
You didn't have to take a flight
back out here.
Sarah turns to Will and starts to chuckle.
WILL (CONT’D)
What?
SARAH
You could have been killed last
night and you go on as if nothing
has happened.
WILL
Nothing did happen.
SARAH
Could it kill you to be vulnerable
for a change.
WILL
I'm not about to burst into tears
for you Sarah.
SARAH
That’s not what I meant.
WILL
What do you mean?
SARAH
I know you were expected to take
care of everyone at an early age
and its unfair, but you don't have
to do that all the time.
59.

61. Sarah takes Will's hand.
SARAH (CONT’D)
Let me be here for you.
Will removes his hand from Sarah.
WILL
Do you ever regret our childhood.
FLASHBACK-INT. WILL’S CHILDHOOD HOME - LIVING-ROOM
Will's sister Sarah is smiling at him. She runs and gives
Will a big hug. The rest a Will's siblings hug him and shake
his hand.
SARAH (V.O.)
Why?
WILL (V.O.)
It's like I opened Pandora's box
and all the decisions that I have
made from back then have come back
to haunt me and those around me.
Will's mother is the last to approach him. She is teary eyed.
She kisses Will and hands him a brown paper bag.
WILL (V.O.)
I just wish I can close the damn
box and move on.
SARAH (V.O.)
I think you missed the point of the
story.
WILL (V.O.)
Really?
SARAH (V.O.)
No matter how much chaos is there
in our lives, hope always carries
us through.
Teenage Will looks up the stairs for a few seconds. He shakes
his head and waves farewell to his family. He then opens the
front door and closes it behind him.
FADE OUT.
THE END
60.