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Dan walks into JoAnne's apartment, and she closes the door behind them.

Dan: I've got tickets to the New York Ballet.

JoAnne: Great.

Dan: They're for next Friday night, and they are really good seats. Then we'll have dinner at Maggiano's.

JoAnne: That all sounds wonderful.

Connor walks out from the spare bedroom.

Connor: This is a really great place.

JoAnne: Thanks.

Dan stares at Connor.

JoAnne: Connor? This is Danny, my boyfriend.

Connor: Hi, Danny.

Dan: Dan.

Connor: Dan.

The two begin shaking hands.

Dan: What brings you here? How are you two related?

Connor: We're not related.

JoAnne: I'm checking out potential roommates.

Dan: You are?

JoAnne: Yes, I have the extra room.

Dan: Okay. (pauses) Connor? Would you like a drink?

Connor: No, thank you. I'm fine.

Dan: Hungry? I bet a big, tall, strapping young man like yourself could go for a little snack.

Connor: I'm fine, but thank you.

Dan looks at JoAnne, then at Connor, then back at JoAnne.

Dan: Well, I'm thirsty. And hungry.

JoAnne: You can help yourself to the fridge.

Dan watches JoAnne and Connor.

JoAnne: Aren't you hungry, Danny? The kitchen is over there.

Dan casually strolls toward the kitchen, while keeping his eyes on JoAnne and Connor.

Dan: Are you sure you don't want anything, Connor?

Connor: I'm sure.

JoAnne: I could go for a glass of ice water.

Dan: Yeah? Where's the ice?

JoAnne: In the freezer.

Dan slowly walks into the kitchen.

JoAnne: Go ahead and have a seat.

Connor: Thanks.

Connor sits on the couch.

Dan: (from the kitchen) You got any grape jelly?!

JoAnne: It's in the fridge!

Dan: (from the kitchen) I don't see it!

JoAnne: It's on the second shelf!

Dan: (from the kitchen) I still don't see it!

JoAnne: Excuse me for a minute.

Connor: Sure.

JoAnne goes into her kitchen.

JoAnne: I know it's in the fridge.

JoAnne opens the refrigerator and starts moving things around inside.

Dan: Here you go.

Dan hands her the chilled jar of grape jelly.

JoAnne: What's your problem?

Dan: What's my problem?

JoAnne: Yes.

Dan: I didn't know you needed a roommate.

JoAnne: Melanie did move out.

Dan: Yeah, but I didn't realize you were hard up for some money. If you had told me, I would have spotted you the cash each month.

JoAnne: I don't need the money. I make a pretty good living at what I do.

Dan: All that aside... have you really considered who you want as a roommate?

JoAnne: Yes, I have.

Dan: What I'm saying is... have you broadened your search?

JoAnne: To include?

Dan: Ugly people.

JoAnne: Uh-huh. Ugly people?

Dan: Or even women. How about the elderly? You know, they say geriatrics is a problem, but with the average lifespan increasing and advancements in medical technologies, I'm sure you can find someone who won't die off on you.

JoAnne: You have a problem with Connor.

Dan: I didn't say I have a problem with Connor.

JoAnne: He is a bit of a hunk.

Dan: Okay, I have a problem with Connor.

JoAnne: He is saving money right now so he can attend Mount Sinai.

Dan: So he's going to be a doctor?

JoAnne: Kim felt that we could live together-

Dan: Kim's in on this?

JoAnne: She introduced us. She's known Connor for a little while now.

Dan: Where did you meet him?

JoAnne: We went to a Chippendale performance last night.

Dan: At a Chippendale performance? Oh. Ooohhhh. I understand completely now.

JoAnne: You do?

Dan: He's into men.

JoAnne: He's not gay.

Dan: Then what... was he... doing...

JoAnne: He's one of the performers.

Dan: I thought he was going to be a doctor.

JoAnne: He's only working for a few years, then he will attend college.

Dan: They do have student loans. What about scholarships? Sallie Mae? Has he ever heard of Sallie Mae?

JoAnne: He makes a lot of money.

Dan: Taking off his clothes and feeling up women.

JoAnne: They don't do that.

Dan: He might be a risk-taker.

JoAnne: He's a clean-cut, down-to-earth guy.

Dan: On the outside.

JoAnne: You're jealous.

Dan: I'm not jealous. Let me ask you this. Has he gone up to you and said, "I want to try this move during our show tonight. Do you mind if you critique this little number?"

JoAnne: You think he's going to pull off his shirt and dance in front of me?

Dan: You know... just for practice.

JoAnne: Have you ever sat me down and told me you want to try something different on your show? "How about those Orioles of Baltimore sweeping a three-game series from the Tigers of Detroit?"

Dan: Well, no.

JoAnne: Then I don't expect that from him, either.

Dan: I don't know.

JoAnne: Danny? You're usually cute, but not when you're jealous.

Dan: Well, how would you like it if I were to take my clothes off on-the-air?

JoAnne: I would expect the ratings to go up- especially with the women viewers. Eat your sandwich. We'll talk about this later.

JoAnne leaves the kitchen.

Dan: You forgot-

JoAnne walks back into the kitchen and grabs the glass of ice water Dan had already prepared. She exits the kitchen.

-----

Casey is carrying a briefcase as he walks into a restaurant. He spots where Dan is sitting, and he goes over to the table.

Casey: Hey.

Dan: I've got a problem.

Casey: Good afternoon to you, also.

Casey sets his briefcase on an empty chair, and he sits across from Dan.

Dan: Sorry.

Casey: Have you ordered?

Dan: Not yet.

Casey: Are you in a hurry?

Dan: No.

Casey: Let's talk about it after we've ordered, okay?

Dan: Alright.

Dan looks around the restaurant.

Dan: What's in the briefcase?

Casey: I've got some paint, wallpaper, and border samples.

Dan: You're redoing your place?

Casey: Actually, Dana has to redecorate a room in her house.

Dan: Why?

Casey: Well... she just wants something different.

Dan: Different?

Casey: Yeah, and I'm helping her out.

Dan: That's good. Speaking of different...

Casey: Yeah?

Dan: Jo is looking for a new roommate. Actually, she's found a new roommate.

Casey: Is this what you wanted to talk about?

Dan: Yes.

Casey: Are you ready to order?

Dan: What does that have to do-

Casey: Here comes the waiter.

A waiter approaches the table.

Waiter: Good afternoon, gentlemen. Would you care to hear about our specials?

Casey: No, thanks.

Dan: I'll take it.

Waiter: But I haven't even told you-

Dan: I'm sure whatever it is, it is fabulous. That's my order. And some hot tea.

Waiter: Yes, sir. How would you like it done?

Dan: Surprise me.

Waiter: Yes, sir. And what would you like today sir?

Casey: I'll have the grilled catfish with a baked potato. I'll have dinner rolls instead of bread, and I'll have the salad instead of the soup. I'll have some hot tea to drink, also.

Waiter: Thank you, sir. We'll have your orders out shortly.

Casey: Thanks.

The waiter leaves the table.

Casey: You were saying Jo has a new roommate.

Dan: And they're getting along really well.

Casey: I guess that's the unfortunate result of having a good roommate.

Dan: Too well. They get along too well.

Casey: What? Is isn't like she's seen him naked or something.

Dan: Almost.

Casey: She's already seen him... you know?

Dan: Practically. You know what he does for a living?

Casey: No, but I'm sure you're going to tell me it has some form of nudity as a job requirement.

Dan: He's a Chippendale dancer.

Casey: That's good... well, not for you. I hear it pays pretty well.

Dan: And he's not gay.

Casey: Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Dan glares at Casey.

Casey: I take it as a bad thing.

Dan: He's a dancer... he's single... he makes good money...

Casey: I'm sure he's in shape and very good looking.

Dan: It's not a good thing.

Casey: Could you find out something for me?

Dan: Sure.

Casey: Find out how often he has to shave his chest. I was just wondering because I think one would have to do it daily.

Dan: Have you heard anything I said?

Casey: Yes. You're girlfriend's new roommate is a Chippendale dancer.

Dan: Yes.

Casey: I'm sure all the ladies won't mind visiting her place then.

Dan: I'm sure.

Casey: And you think he's going to take her away from you.

Dan: The thought did cross my mind.

Casey: We'll just have to see how this plays out.

Dan: I was afraid you were going to say that.

Casey: And could you also find out if they have to oil their chests before performing?

Dan buries his face in his hands.

-----

Isaac knocks on Dana's door.

Isaac: I've got some news for you regarding Casey.

Dana: He didn't try to climb the building, did he?

Isaac: No.

Dana: That's a relief.

Isaac: Cooler heads have prevailed in this situation, and they've agreed to let Casey visit the set. So you can inform him that he can visit-

Dana: Great.

Isaac: But he has give the network at least 24 hours notice before each visit.

Dana: He has to make an appointment?

Isaac: It's better than being forbidden from visiting.

Dana: I guess so.

Isaac: Casey works for another network. Whether you like it or not, he's working for our competition.

Dana: I know.

Isaac: They just want to be cautious in this instance.

Dana: Alright.

Isaac: Good.

Dana: But what's to keep another network from paying off housekeeping to spy on us?

Isaac: Nothing.

Dana: That's what I thought.

-----

Dan and Casey are in the middle of lunch.

Casey: Has the stripper started school, yet?

Dan: He said he is going to start in a few years.

Casey: Does he know about school loans?

Dan: That's exactly what I suggested.

Casey: And he says he's going to be a doctor.

Dan: His goal is to attend Mount Sinai.

Casey: That's a pretty competitive school, and it might hurt him to be out of school for that long of a time period.

Dan: He said he's going to be a doctor; he didn't say he was going to be a genius.

Casey: But you trust Jo.

Dan: Yeah. It's Connor that I'm concerned about.

Casey: Who's Connor?

Dan: The stripper.

Casey: That's his name?

Dan: Yeah.

Casey: But he seems pretty nice.

Dan: I guess.

Casey: And Jo is pretty nice.

Dan: Yeah.

Casey: She's friendly with everybody, so there shouldn't be any problems, right?

Dan: I don't know. I don't approve of her befriending a male stripper.

Casey: They're just friends, right?

Dan: Yeah.

Casey: Didn't you and Jo start out only as friends?

Dan begins to cough and choke on his food. He takes a big gulp of water.

Casey: Are you okay?

Dan: Thank you very much.

Casey: But Jo wasn't dating anybody when you first met her.

Dan: But I was.

Casey: So?

Dan: I know how men are because I am one.

Casey: Another keen observation.

Dan: And given the same circumstances, I might try to make some moves on Jo. I know because in the past, I did some of those moves.

Casey: Are you trying to tell me you were a stripper at one time?

Dan: No. I know if I was a hunk like Connor, I would definitely try to get somebody as beautiful as Jo.

Casey: So what if he tries? Jo could turn him down or even kick him out.

Dan: Yeah, but I don't want it to come to that.

Casey: Sounds like you're going to need a plan.

Dan: Yeah.

Casey: I'm thinking about Napoleon.

Dan: You're going to give me that piece of advice- Napoleon's battle plan?

Casey: It's worked before.

Dan: And there have been times when it hasn't worked.

Casey: Well, what are you going to do?

Dan: I don't know. I might end up waiting and seeing what happens.

Casey: Just like-

Dan: Nnnnnnn! I don't want to hear it.

-----

The evening's show is about ready to begin as everyone is working inside the control room.

Anthony James: All right, folks. We are at VTR, 60 seconds live.

Will: Seven, eight, and nine are on standby.

James Anthony: Provo, you are hot.

Dana: Everybody, let's have a good show.

Elliott walks into the control room.

Elliott: I've got lollipops. Who wants one?

Elliott starts handing out the lollipops.

Dana: Elliott? You got anything that's tangy?

Elliott: I've got tangerine.

Dana: I'll take it.

Elliott hands Dana the lollipop.

Will: Cherry, my favorite.

Will opens his lollipop.

Dana: Say, where did you get these?

Elliott: From Natalie's desk.

Dana: Does Natalie know?

Elliott: After what she's done to us, I think we are long overdue.

Anthony Toney enters the control room.

Anthony Toney: The Suns have stretched their lead to twelve.

Anthony Toney hands the note to Elliott, who hands it to Will, who hands it to another staffer.

Dana: Anthony? Are these the updated shot sheets?

Anthony Toney: I don't know.

Dana: Not you. Him.

James Anthony: Me?

Dana: Yes.

James Anthony: I'm James.

Elliott: I guess it's a good idea not to suggest going to Anthony's after the show.

"What?" "What?" "What?"

Dana: That's it! I'm tired of having to work with Darryl and his other brother Darryl! From now on... you are Sparky! You are Rusty! And you... you're... Leopold! Sparky, Rusty, and Leopold!

James Anthony: I'm Sparky?

Dana: Yes!

Will: Could I be William?

Dana: No! Leopold, count us down!

Anthony James: Live in 5, 4, 3...

Dan: (on-air) Good evening. From New York City, I'm Dan Rydell. Those stories plus more major trades in the NBA; you're going to need a program when attending these games. You're watching Sports Night on CSC...

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Jeremy looks into the window of the temporary editing bay. He sees Natalie sitting there and watching the tape of women's figure skating. Natalie wipes her nose on her sleeve. Chris walks up to Jeremy.

Chris: Natalie in there?

Jeremy: Yes.

Chris: Still sick?

Jeremy: Very much so.

Chris: What is she doing?

Jeremy: She's watching the short program of Alice Howard.

Chris: That's from last night, isn't it?

Jeremy: Yeah.

Chris: We did the feature on her, didn't we?

Jeremy: Right.

Chris: Why is she watching it?

Jeremy: Well, look how beautiful she is skating. Watch her land her jumps. All this while recovering from a sprained left ankle.

Chris: She's in third place right now.

Jeremy: It was a beautiful program.

Chris: Plus she did it with all the pressure of having the world watching, and especially after having to go through the emotions of losing her father in that car accident a few months ago.

Jeremy: Yeah.

Jeremy stares at Natalie watching the tape.

Chris: Are you alright, Jeremy?

Jeremy: I'm fine. I just realized something.

Chris: What's that?

Jeremy: She could have just pulled out of the competition. She could have used her personal loss or injury as an excuse not to compete. She took a chance because this was her opportunity to shine. Nothing was going to stop her, Chris. Nothing was going to stop her.

Chris: Are you sure you're alright?

Jeremy: I'm just fine.

Chris: Well, I'll see you later.

Jeremy: Okay.

Chris walks away as Jeremy opens the door to the editing bay.

Natalie turns around and stops the tape as Jeremy walks in. Jeremy reaches over to a shelf, grabs a box of tissues, and hands it to Natalie. Jeremy sits next to Natalie and restarts the tape. They sit and watch the short program together.