Episode 22: I’m Not Going to Kuala Lumpur
12. The newsroom. Natalie is at her desk when Dana passes at speed looking upset. Natalie follows her. Dana enters her office and heads straight for the couch with Natalie following behind.
NATALIE: Dana?
DANA: I’m ok.
[Natalie walks over and sits beside her]
NATALIE: No you’re not. What’s wrong?
DANA: [Sighs] I think I just broke up with Calvin.
NATALIE: What? But why? When?
DANA: The when is fifteen minutes ago. The why....[shakes her head]....I’m not sure I know.
NATALIE: You’re not making sense, Dana.
DANA: That’s because there is no sense to it. He came in and offered to take me to Kuala Lumpur and the next thing I knew we were yelling at each other.
NATALIE: Kuala Lumpur?
DANA: It’s in Malaysia.
NATALIE: I know. But why did that upset you?
DANA: It wasn’t that. It was the casual way he assumed, yet again, that I would fit my life into his schedule.
NATALIE: I guess he’s used to people asking how high when he says jump.
DANA: That’s what I said. [sighs] Maybe I’ve been fooling myself. The signs were there right from the start.
NATALIE: I remember you being worried about being an accessory to his life.
DANA: And I was right. [pause] Or maybe I wasn’t. Maybe he’s right. Maybe I want to be the one in control, the successful one.
NATALIE: No you don’t. You just want to be in a relationship of equals. And Calvin will come to see that.
DANA: I think it’s too late for that, Natalie.
NATALIE: Dana, this argument doesn’t sound like that big a deal. I’m sure that if you and Calvin talked you could work it out.
DANA: I don’t think so, Natalie.
NATALIE: Sure you could. You two are good together, you just need to learn to compromise.
DANA: That’s the problem. I’m not sure Calvin knows how to compromise. In business and in life he either wins or loses. One of us would have to give in....and I know for sure that it wouldn’t be him.
NATALIE: You’re sure it’s over?
[Dana just nods. Natalie squeezes her hand]
NATALIE: I’m sorry, Dana.
DANA: What’s wrong with me Natalie? Why can’t I find a man I can be happy with?
NATALIE: I’m not sure I’m the best person to answer that, Dana.
[They look at each other and exchange a small smile]
NATALIE: You’ll find someone. We both will. [A sly look crosses Natalie’s face] I mean, there’s always.....
DANA: Don’t say it, Natalie.
[Natalie shuts her mouth]
DANA: And don’t say a word to him about me and Calvin.
13. Studio. Isaac is seated in Casey’s chair at the anchor desk. Dan approaches and takes the other seat.
DAN: Hey Isaac.
CASEY: Hello, Dan.
DAN: Enjoying a last sit in the anchor chair?
ISAAC: Enjoying a first sit in the anchor chair.
DAN: You sat in the chair before.
ISAAC: I sat in your chair before, not this one.
DAN: Did I mention I was happy you’re leaving?
ISAAC: I knew you were faking it.
[There is a pause]
DAN: Soooo....
ISAAC: So.
DAN: Last day, huh?
ISAAC: I sure as hell hope not. I have a vacation in Tijuana planned.
DAN: I meant......You’re going to Tijuana?
ISAAC: Any reason why I shouldn’t?
DAN: Several.
ISAAC: I’ve heard them.
DAN: Then I won’t repeat them. You’re over twenty-one.
ISAAC: Only just.
[Dan smiles and silence descends. Isaac gives Dan an appraising look]
ISAAC: How are you, Danny?
DAN: Aren’t I supposed to ask you that?
ISAAC: Don’t. People keep on asking me that. Makes me feel like I’m dying instead of retiring.
DAN: I could tell you how I am instead.
ISAAC: Please do.
DAN: I’m good.
[Isaac looks at him]
ISAAC: Is that it? Good?
DAN: It pretty much sums it up.
ISAAC: No problems at all?
DAN: Not really.
ISAAC: No problems with the show?
DAN: No.
ISAAC: Not worried about your profile?
DAN: No.
ISAAC: Oh. [pause] Everything going ok with Rebecca?
[Dan looks slightly surprised by the question]
DAN: Rebecca?
ISAAC: Your girlfriend. So I’m told.
DAN: Everything’s going fine with Rebecca.
ISAAC: Really?
DAN: Why wouldn’t it be?
ISAAC: No reason. You just don’t seem like a man in love.
DAN: We’re doing fine.
[Isaac nods slowly]
ISAAC: I’m glad. But do you mind if I give you one last piece of advice?
DAN: Sure.
ISAAC: Don’t settle for anything less than you really want in life.
DAN: [Frowns] What does that mean?
ISAAC: Exactly what it says. You’ll know if and when it’s appropriate.
DAN: [Smiles] Who am I going to go to for advice when you’re gone?
ISAAC: You know, giving advice wasn’t actually my job.
DAN: I know that.
ISAAC: Good.
[Pause]
DAN: What was it you did again?
ISAAC: Get out of here.
[Dan smiles]
DAN: Seriously though. What am I going to do for advice?
ISAAC: Talk to a friend. Talk to Casey.
DAN: Somehow the thought doesn’t inspire confidence.
ISAAC: Then talk to all your friends. Between them they should be able to equal one Isaac. Dana will give it to you straight. Casey will tell you what he thinks you need to hear. Jeremy will define the problem on a quantum level and give you options you never even considered and Natalie......Natalie will give you unconditional support. You’ll get by.
DAN: [Smiles] Yeah, I think I will.
[Isaac holds out his hand]
ISAAC: I’ll miss you, Dan.
DAN: Me too.
[They shake hands, then Dan gives Isaac a brief hug and slap on the back]
ISAAC: Well, I guess I’d better leave and let them get the studio ready.
[He stands and starts to go]
DAN: Isaac?
ISAAC: Yes, Dan?
DAN: Are you really going to Tijuana?
14. Casey’s office. Casey is there, Natalie enters.
NATALIE: I’m about to not tell you something.
CASEY: Really?
NATALIE: Yes. I was specifically asked not to tell you so I want to make absolutely clear that I’m not going to tell you.
CASEY: Tell me what?
NATALIE: I’m not telling you.
CASEY: Ok.
NATALIE: But I’m only going to not tell you once, so you’d better listen carefully.
CASEY: Right.
NATALIE: [Quickly] Dana broke up with Calvin.
CASEY: What?
NATALIE: What?
CASEY: Did you say Dana broke up with Calvin?
NATALIE: Absolutely not.
[Natalie walks out leaving Casey looking thoughtful]
15. The show. Casey and Dan are bringing it to a close.
CASEY: That’s the sports for today. But before we go we have a special announcement.
DAN: Yes we do. Today sees the retirement of a true giant in the world of sports. A man without whom we simply wouldn’t be here.
CASEY: Our Managing Editor Isaac Jaffe, the driving force behind Sports Night since it’s inception is hanging up his notebook after a career in sports journalism spanning over forty years.
DAN: He saw Cassius Clay win his first title.
CASEY: He saw Bob Beaman jump into history.
DAN: He saw the Giants win the pennant.
CASEY: He saw it all, and he shared the experience. Have a good and long retirement Isaac, you earned it.
16. The newsroom. Isaac’s party has started but is not yet in full swing. There is music playing and the usual food and drink. Natalie is sitting on her soon to be former desk, staring out into air. Dana approaches.
DANA: [handing Natalie a drink] Here you go.
NATALIE: [startling out of her reverie] Thanks. [gets the drink] Strange... I don’t remember having asked you for a drink.
DANA: It’s natural that you don’t.
NATALIE: Is that so?
DANA: It is. You haven’t asked me anything, you see...
NATALIE: And you’re bringing me a tequila out of the kindness of your heart.
DANA: [shrugs] What can I say? It’s this sappy, retirement party atmosphere. It makes one want to spoil their friends.
NATALIE: [smiles] Awwww, Dana. I promise I’ll make it up to you later.
[They lift their drinks, as in a toast]
DANA: In one shot?
NATALIE: In one shot.
[And do they do]
NATALIE: Wow.
DANA: My words exactly.
NATALIE: Actually, it was just one word.
DANA: The rule still applies. [pause] So, what was in your mind?
NATALIE: You’ll have to be more specific.
DANA: A minute ago, when I approached you... You were far away.
NATALIE: I was here.
DANA: Physically, you were.
NATALIE: Technically, my mind was here as well.
DANA: No one would guess that by the look on your face.
NATALIE: And how did I look?
DANA: Like someone reminiscing.
NATALIE: I was thinking about my very first day of work.
DANA: The day you were introduced to the craziness that is work on Sports Night. [pause] You looked like a sixteen years old...
NATALIE: You can say I still do.
DANA: Not likely, Natalie. [smile] Early twenties, maybe?
NATALIE: I can live with that.
[They laugh]
NATALIE: God Dana, I wasn’t very good back then.
DANA: Which wasn’t unexpected. You made some mistakes...
NATALIE: Damaged some material...
DANA: Very true, but you wanted to learn.
NATALIE: Then you taught me.
DANA: And boy, did you catch up really fast... And here you are, five years from that day, about to produce the show where you got your first internship.
NATALIE: Thanks to your help and support.
DANA: No, thanks to your hard work. You earned the position, Natalie and I won’t forget that.
NATALIE: I foresee working long hours and you demanding my best.
DANA: I wouldn’t ask for less.
NATALIE: And I wouldn’t dream on refusing.
DANA: That’s my girl.
NATALIE: That I am, Dana, that I am.
[Switch to: Dan, Casey, Will, Chris, Dave and Kim are gathered. Kim looks around and notices somebody is missing]
CHRIS: Hey, where’s Jeremy?
WILL: He’s…..I don’t know.
ELLIOT: I saw him about a half hour ago.
CASEY: Last I saw he was talking to.....Oh, wait, here he comes now.
[Jeremy enters the newsroom from the elevator lobby. He is not alone]
DAN: Oh, my God.
KIM: Is that….?
DAN: Yep. It’s Jenny the choreoanimator.
WILL: I thought she was a porn star.
[Dan gives him a look]
WILL: Oh I get it. Tact.
DAVE: I thought they broke up.
KIM: They did. I wonder what made him decide to get back together with her again.
CASEY: That would be me.
[They all look at him]
CASEY: I told him to. [pause] I was on a roll, advice-wise.
KIM: [under her breath] They’re coming over.
[Jeremy arrives with Jenny]
JEREMY: Hi guys. You all remember Jenny.
[There is a mixture of greetings from the group to Jenny]
JENNY: Hello again. I’m afraid I’ve forgotten all your names.
DAN: That’s probably for the best.
JEREMY: Let me re-introduce you. We have Dan, Casey, Kim, Dave, Chris, Will. [sees Elliot approaching] Oh, and Elliot. Elliot, I don’t think you’ve met Jenny.
ELLIOT: No, but I heard about her. [To Jenny] Nice to see you in the flesh.
JENNY: [Smiles] That’s what they all say.
JEREMY: C’mon, lets go say hi to Natalie.
[Jeremy leads Jenny away leaving the group staring at Elliot]
KIM: You jerk.
ELLIOT: What? What did I say?
17. Later. Natalie approaches Jeremy.
NATALIE: Hey.
JEREMY: Hi, Nat.
NATALIE: [Smiles] You’re just full of surprises aren’t you?
JEREMY: I try.
[Natalie continues to smile at him]
JEREMY: What?
NATALIE: Nothing. Except, well done. I’m proud of you.
JEREMY: I haven’t done anything to be proud of.
NATALIE: I disagree. It took guts to bring Jenny here knowing that people know what she does for a living.
JEREMY: Well, I can’t say I wasn’t worried. You guys are my friends but....I wasn’t sure how everyone would react.
NATALIE: Everyone is being nice.
JEREMY: To her face. But what about after?
NATALIE: Well I can’t speak for everyone but I certainly won’t condemn her for using sex to get what she wants.
JEREMY: You approve?
NATALIE: Well, her way isn’t my way. But we’ve all done it. I used to twist you round my little finger with sex. [Smile] Till you got tired of it.
JEREMY: I never really got tired of that part.
NATALIE: Glad to hear it. But that’s my point. Sex, desire, we all use it in our own way.
JEREMY: You’re being very liberal-minded.
NATALIE: I am liberal.
JEREMY: I know, but..... Admit it, you were shocked when you found out what she did.
NATALIE: I was surprised, sure. [smiles] Surprised she was dating you.
JEREMY: Thanks a lot.
NATALIE: I don’t mean it like that. It’s just that, somehow I expect porn stars to date guys who are.....you know. God, I’m thinking in stereotypes.
JEREMY: Very much.
NATALIE: But, I mean, how the hell do you meet a porn star anyway?
[Jenny has approached unseen]
JENNY: I could introduce you to one if you like.
NATALIE: Oh, hi, Jenny. We were just....
JENNY: [smiles] I heard. It’s ok. I have a unusual job, people talk about it. It’s a great ice-breaker at parties.
NATALIE: I was saying only nice things. Wasn’t I, Jeremy?
JEREMY: [To Jenny] She was being very liberal.
JENNY: I expected nothing less from what Jeremy has told me about you. [pause] So, do you want me to?
NATALIE: Do I want you to what?
JENNY: Introduce you to an adult movie star.
NATALIE: Actually there was this one guy. You remember Jeremy, we were watching this porn movie one time and I said......
JEREMY: I remember what you said. And it was most unsporting of you to say it in front of your boyfriend.
18. Later. Dana’s office. Jenny and Jeremy enter.
JEREMY: Here we are, privacy. What was it you wanted to say?
JENNY: What are we doing here, Jeremy?
JEREMY: What do you mean?
JENNY: I mean, why did you invite me here?
JEREMY: Because I wanted to see you, to be with you.
[Jenny is silent]
JEREMY: Don’t you believe me?
JENNY: I don’t know.
JEREMY: Even after all the effort I went to find you again?
JENNY: I don’t know.
JEREMY: Then why did you come?
[Jenny looks away then back at him]
JENNY: I was curious.
JEREMY: About how I would react?
[She nods]
JEREMY: [understandingly] You’re testing me.
JENNY: I have to, Jeremy. [pause] I know you are a good man, that you don’t mean to feel ashamed or uncomfortable by my presence; I guess you even believe in being able to deal with what it means to date me but the thing is... The thing is I’ve been there with men as well intentioned and willing as you and it hasn’t worked.
JEREMY: It might work this time.
JENNY: You couldn’t handle it before. Why should it be any different now?
JEREMY: You have to give me that tonight is an improvement over last year’s visit.
JENNY: [smiles sadly] It is and I’m glad about that.
JEREMY: Good.
JENNY: I’m not sure it is enough though.
[There is a pause]
JEREMY: That’s a very high wall you’ve built around you, Jenny.
JENNY: I...
JEREMY: It’s all right to be afraid. I am too.
[There is another pause]
JENNY: Facing your friends, your colleagues, meeting people who might recognize me... you do know that this social interaction isn’t cracked up to be the main problem, don’t you?
JEREMY: I know. Believe me, I realize that most men are likely to feel threatened by your ... greater experience...
JENNY: And you won’t?
JEREMY: I’ll try not to obsess about it.
JENNY: You better not, because I’m still working in the same business.
JEREMY: Okay.
JENNY: I won’t be apologizing for my job. Ever.
JEREMY: Okay.
JENNY: And I don’t need to be saved. My life style may be unusual but that is my choice.
JEREMY: Okay. [pause] Are you finished?
JENNY: For now, I’m sure other things will come to my mind later.
JEREMY: Positive things, I hope.
JENNY: They might.
[Neither say anything for a while]
JENNY: Jeremy?
JEREMY: Yeah?
JENNY: Were you serious about being afraid?
[Jeremy nods]
JENNY: Because I’m terrified.
[He smiles and reaches out for her hand]
JEREMY: Let’s be afraid together, then.
18. The newsroom. Later. The party is now livelier. Elliot, Will, Dave and Kim are gathered talking.
ELLIOT: It works. Your mother’s maiden name and the name of your pet. That’s your porn star name. Try it.
WILL: Solomon Cain. [grins] Hey!
KIM: Susumo Fluffy.
ELLIOT: Perfect.
DAVE: I’m Taylor Wolf.
KIM: That’s pretty good too.
[Jeremy has approached]
JEREMY: Hey guys. What are you doing?
ALL: Nothing!
[Switch to Dana sat alone in a corner. Casey approaches her]
CASEY: Hey.
DANA: Hey.
CASEY: You look nice.
DANA: Thanks. You look pretty dapper yourself.
CASEY: Thanks. [pause] Care to dance?
DANA: No thanks.
CASEY: Drink?
DANA: I have one.
CASEY: Right.
[There is a pause while Casey looks around]
CASEY: I gotta say, I’m a little surprised Calvin didn’t show tonight.
DANA: Why?
CASEY: Well, Isaac’s leaving. You’re looking hot. Two good reasons to come.
DANA: You know how it is with Calvin. Business comes first.
CASEY: I know. And if you remember I told you what a fool he was.
[Dana gives him a look but says nothing]
CASEY: And something tells me he’s been a bigger fool than usual today.
[Dana stares at him]
DANA: She told you.
CASEY: Who told me what?
DANA: You know what. And you know who too. Natalie.
CASEY: Natalie didn’t tell me.
DANA: Nobody else knew.
CASEY: She didn’t tell me. She was most emphatic about it.
[Dana shakes her head]
DANA: I don’t know who I’m more mad at, her or you.
CASEY: Natalie only had your best interests at heart. [pause] When she didn’t tell me.
DANA: Fine. I’ll just be mad at you. That’s good, it focuses the anger.
CASEY: What did I do?
DANA: You walked over here just hours after I’d broken up with my boyfriend and tried to hit on me.
CASEY: I didn’t hit on you. [pause] You didn’t give me a chance.
DANA: See? How insensitive can you get?
CASEY: Dana, I’m sorry if I upset you. I was just trying to cheer you up.
DANA: By hitting on me.
CASEY: By flirting. By making you feel good about yourself.
DANA: I feel just fine about myself. And what makes you think I would ever consider dating you anyway?
CASEY: I was hoping to catch you off-guard in your emotionally fragile state.
[Dana is about to respond angrily when Casey puts up a hand to silence her]
CASEY: Forget I said that. You want the truth? The truth is that I didn’t think you would agree to go out with me. In fact, I was pretty sure I’d get the reaction I got. But even though I knew it was too soon, and I knew you’d probably say no, I had to try anyway because I love you and I didn’t dare wait in case some other guy got there first again.
[Dana stares at him, astonished]
DANA: You love me?
CASEY: Don’t look so surprised. I said it before.
[Dana just looks at him]
CASEY: Don’t you have anything to say?
DANA: What do you expect me to say?
CASEY: You could say you loved me too. That’s what you said when I worked this conversation out in my head.
[Dana shakes her head slowly]
DANA: I can’t say that, Casey. I’m all mixed up right now. I know I have feelings for you but....I’m not sure what they are.
CASEY: Then take a chance to find out. Have dinner with me tomorrow.
DANA: No, Casey. It’s too soon.
CASEY: Next week, then.
DANA: I don’t.....
CASEY: Next month.
DANA: Casey....
CASEY: St. Swithen’s day.
[Dana looks at him for a long time]
DANA: I think it’s probably best if you leave me alone right now.
[Casey looks as if he is about to argue but decides to accept it. He turns and starts to walk away. Dana watches him for a moment then calls after him]
DANA: Casey!
[Casey turns to look at her]
DANA: When exactly is St. Swithen’s day?
[Switch to Natalie. She is standing alone until Chris approaches her]
CHRIS: Care to dance?
NATALIE: Sure.
[They head out to the "dance-floor" but no sooner do they start than the music ends to be replaced by something much more romantic]
NATALIE: It’s a little early for the slow numbers isn’t it?
CHRIS: You want to sit it out?
NATALIE: [Shrugs] I’m game if you are.
[Chris takes her in his arms and they "slow dance". They do the traditional, slow-circling, movement and, as they do, Natalie’s eyes are drawn to Dan who is watching the couple intently. Finally, he abruptly turns away and heads off towards the editing room. Natalie stares after him then stops dancing]
NATALIE: Do you mind if we stop, Chris? I have to do something.
CHRIS: Ok, but you owe me one for later.
NATALIE: You’re at the top of my dance card.
[Natalie leaves the floor and enters the editing room. Dan is on the couch staring into space]
NATALIE: Hey.
[Dan looks at her]
DAN: Hey.
NATALIE: Can’t take the pace?
DAN: Just taking a breather.
[Natalie makes a show of looking around]
NATALIE: Rebecca not coming tonight?
[Dan just shakes his head]
NATALIE: Well she didn’t really know Isaac. I guess she figures it’s more of a thing for our team.
DAN: That’s not the reason.
NATALIE: Too much work?
DAN: No.
[There is a pause]
NATALIE: Sick grandmother?
[Dan gives her a look]
DAN: You’re not going to quit are you?
NATALIE: Do I ever?
[Dan gives a big sigh]
DAN: The reason Rebecca isn’t here is because we’re not dating.
[There is a pause]
NATALIE: Oh.
[Another pause]
NATALIE: I thought you were.
DAN: I know.
NATALIE: Everybody thinks you are.
DAN: I know. I let them think it. [Glances at her] And now you’re going to ask why.
NATALIE: That’s your business, Dan. I’m sure you had your reasons.
[Dan nods. There is a pause]
NATALIE: So are you going to tell me or not?
DAN: [Smiles briefly] It’s a simple enough reason. I didn’t want people to know that I’d failed to maintain a relationship again. Worse, that I’d failed to even start one.
NATALIE: But you went out.
DAN: We went out, we had dinner, we talked, we both realized we were kidding ourselves, we went home. But not before we annoyed the waiter by paying with two credit cards. [Glances at Natalie] She insisted, which removed any lingering doubt I might have had.
[There is a long pause]
NATALIE: I’m confused. Why did she bother coming to see you if she felt like that?
DAN: [Shrugs] She said she wanted to be sure.
NATALIE: So she messes with your head because she doesn’t know her own?
DAN: It’s not her fault. I understand what she meant. It helped me too in a way. I can finally stop wondering what would have happened if I hadn’t binned her number.
NATALIE: [Frowns] When did you bin her number?
DAN: I’ll tell you about it sometime. [Sighs] For now I’m dateless Dan again.
[There is a pause]
NATALIE: You don’t have to be dateless. We can go out if you like. Like we used to I mean.
DAN: I’d love to. And we will. But it would be nice to have a real date too.
NATALIE: We can pretend. [Smiles] I’ll even let you pay if it will help.
DAN: [Smiles] When we’re out everyone thinks we’re a couple anyway. [Pause] Want to hear a confession?
NATALIE: Not if you’re gonna tell you you’ve killed Rebecca and everyone at the party is eating bits of her on cocktail sticks.
DAN: [Smiles] It’s not that.
NATALIE: Then you can tell me.
[Dan pauses before replying]
DAN: I did used to pretend, you know. A little. [pause] I quite liked people thinking we were an item.
[Natalie pauses before replying]
NATALIE: Not ashamed to be seen with me then?
[Dan fixes her a serious look]
DAN: I couldn’t be prouder.
[Natalie stares at him so long he gets nervous. He forces jollity into his voice]
DAN: So, when do we have our non-date?
NATALIE: Huh?
DAN: Our non-date. You said we would go out and pretend.
NATALIE: Oh. [Pause] Well, why don’t we start tonight?
DAN: Tonight’s a party.
NATALIE: So? We could see if we can fool our friends.
DAN: [Smiles] Ok.
[They start to leave but Natalie stops as she reaches the door. She turns]
NATALIE: Before we go out there......can I ask a favor?
DAN: Sure.
NATALIE: You can say no.
DAN: I won’t.
[Natalie takes a deep breath]
NATALIE: You know, there’s a lot of alcohol out there.
DAN: It’s a party.
NATALIE: Well, you know what I’m like when I get drunk so......[she bites her lip]
DAN: So?
NATALIE: Would you see me home tonight, Dan?
[Dan is silent, looking at her. She hurries to fill the silence]
NATALIE: If you’d rather not then that’s totally fine and we can just......
DAN: [Interrupts] I’ll see you home. [smiles] I’d like nothing better.
[Natalie smiles back]
19. The newsroom. Later. Dan is fixing himself a drink from the table, Casey joins him.
CASEY: Ok, Dan. What’s the deal?
DAN: Huh?
CASEY: You and Natalie. I’d swear you guys were holding hands a minute ago.
DAN: We’re pretending to be on a date.
[Casey stares at him]
CASEY: Are you guys eight or something?
DAN: It’s nice. We pretended on her birthday too remember?
CASEY: Oh.
[Casey suddenly frowns and looks around]
CASEY: Is Rebecca here?
DAN: No.
CASEY: Oh. Only I got so used to you mooning after Natalie that I forgot for a moment that you’re actually going out with Rebecca.
DAN: Understandable.
CASEY: But she isn’t here.
DAN: No.
CASEY: And you don’t seem to mind too much.
DAN: No.
CASEY: In fact, you’re looking indecently happy.
DAN: I am happy. I have reason to be happy.
CASEY: Because you’re Natalie’s pretend date?
DAN: Actually that’s not such a bad thing to be. But I’m especially happy because Natalie asked me to see her home.
CASEY: [Sarcastic] Wow.
DAN: She expects to be drunk you see.
CASEY: Oh.
DAN: And you know what she’s like when she gets drunk.
[Casey just nods. There is a pause]
CASEY: So, Isaac’s last day.
DAN: Yeah.
CASEY: It’s going to be weird.
DAN: Yeah.
CASEY: Dana and Natalie in charge. Working for two women.
DAN: Much like now then.
CASEY: Yeah. But we always knew Isaac was there. If we needed him.
DAN: Yeah.
[There is a pause]
CASEY: Dan.
DAN: Hmm?
CASEY: When is St. Swithen’s day?
DAN: I have no idea. Why?
CASEY: Because I think Dana may have agreed to go out with me on a date on St. Swithen’s day.
DAN: A date?
CASEY: Well, dinner.
DAN: [Smiles] Way to go, Casey. [frowns] But what about......?
CASEY: He’s out of the picture. But I didn’t tell you that.
DAN: Then who did?
CASEY: Natalie, probably. You know what she’s like when she’s drunk.
DAN: [Grin] I sure do.
[There is a pause]
CASEY: How do I find out when St. Swithen’s day is?
DAN: The usual way. [shouts] Jeremy!
[Jeremy isn’t far away and he turns]
DAN: When is St. Swithen’s day?
JEREMY: July fifteenth.
DAN: Thanks. [To Casey] July fifteenth.
CASEY: That’s about four months.
DAN: Long time.
CASEY: I’ll wait.
[Dan pats him on the back]
DAN: Good for you.
[Dan picks up a glass and starts to leave]
CASEY: Where are you going?
DAN: To take Natalie another drink.
20. The newsroom. Later. Dana and Dana are talking
DANA: I was watching you and Dan earlier.
NATALIE: Yeah?
DANA: Yes. You know, if I didn’t know better I’d swear you two were......
NATALIE: We’re just pretending.
DANA: Really? Only you look like.....
NATALIE: Let’s leave it at pretending for now.
DANA: If you insist.
NATALIE: I do.
[There is a pause]
NATALIE: I noticed you and Casey talking.
DANA: Yes. Remind me to be mad at you about that by the way.
NATALIE: I’ll put it on my Monday list. Did he....?
DANA: He mentioned something about St. Swithen’s day. I don’t know if I’ll be free.
[Natalie just nods. There is a long pause]
DANA: I'm worried, Natalie.
NATALIE: Why?
DANA: Everything is going too well. It’s all too neat.
[Natalie considers]
NATALIE: I see what you mean. The shows going great. You got promoted.
DANA: You got promoted.
NATALIE: You and Casey have a chance of a chance.
DANA: You and Dan are.....
NATALIE: Pretending.
DANA: Right.
NATALIE: Jeremy has a porn star girlfriend.
DANA: Something big has got to go wrong soon.
NATALIE: It just has to.
[They look at each other and smile]
NATALIE: Screw it!
DANA: Whatever it is. We can deal.
21. Everyone is gathered around. Dana has presented Isaac with his retirement gift and he is making his farewell speech. A silence falls as he stands in the middle of the room and looks around.
ISAAC: I‘ve changed my mind. I’m not going.
[Everybody laughs]
ISAAC: But I suppose it’s too late for that. Now you know I’m not one for making speeches....
[More laughter]
ISAAC:....but I’ll do my best. [pause] Well, what can I say? I’ve been in this business now for over forty years, as Dan and Casey so kindly told the nation.
[Laughter]
ISAAC: I’ve worked in a lot of places in those years. From a rundown room in a condemned building that had no windows and no heating, but also no rent, to the smartest offices in New York. And I’ve met all sorts of people. Some of the best, and some of the worst. But of all the places I’ve worked, none have been more exciting, interesting, and downright weird than right here at Sports Night.
[Laughter]
ISAAC: And of all the wonderful people I’ve met along the way, none have meant so much to me, as the people in this room right now. I will miss you all.
[There is silence, some tears are being shed]
ISAAC: So now I suppose all that remains is to thank you all for the wonderful clock. It’s exactly what I wanted.
DANA: I chose it.
ISAAC: I can tell.
[Laughter]
ISAAC: I was going to say at this point that I like the clock because it will give me something to remind me of all of you. But I look at you now and I know that’s not true. I don’t need anything to remind me of you. Because you’ll always be in my thoughts, and in my heart. [pause] And now I’d like you all to join me in a toast. Does everybody have a glass?
[He looks around to ensure everybody has, then continues]
ISAAC: It’s not a toast to you, it’s not a toast to me. It’s a toast to something that we all created, that made us all so many new friends, and which means so much to so many people. [raises his glass] To Sports Night.
[Everyone raises their glasses]
ALL: To Sports Night.
[They drink the toast and everyone gathers around Isaac, shaking his hand and hugging him. The sound of their words of congratulation fades to be replaced by.....]
There are places I remember all my life
Though some have changed.
Some forever not for better
Some have gone, and some remain
All these places had there moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all
But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I will never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I'll love you more.
In My Life - Lennon/McCartney
END.