Disclaimer

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A church is filled with people. Fans are attempting to blow cool air, but several people are fanning themselves with a small copy of the processional.

A minister stands in front of the altar. Chris waits nervously next to the minister. Will stands by his side as his best man. The groom's party also consists of Dave, Elliott, and Jeremy.

At the end of a pew, Isaac and Esther sit. Next to them are Natalie and her boyfriend, Michael. Dan sits at the end of the group.

Dan looks up and sees Casey and Dana walking over. He gets up to let Dana and Casey in the pew. The three sit down together.

Dan: You look beautiful, Dana.

Dana: Thanks, Danny. How did your speech go?

Dan: It went very well.

Casey: How well?

Dan: I received a standing ovation.

Casey: It must have been a great speech.

Dan: I think I've influenced and shaped a few lives.

The organist begins playing. Everyone waits in anticipation.

The bride's maids begin walking. Two maids walk down- each of them wearing a sky blue outfit and carrying a lovely spring bouquet. Following the two is Kim. As she passes the pew where the "Sports Night" crew is seated, she gives them a wink. Following Kim is JoAnne. Casey nudges Dan as JoAnne passes them. JoAnne's smile grows larger as she watches them from the corner of her eye. JoAnne reaches the altar and takes her position.

Will gives Chris some support by gently holding him upright with his right hand. Chris thinks he's going to be sick.

Everyone stands up as Melanie begins walking down the aisle. Everyone gasps at her gorgeous wedding gown as she is escorted by her father. Two small children, a boy and a girl, carry the train of the gown.

Once Melanie reaches the altar, her father releases her arm with tears in his eyes. He takes a seat with the rest of her family as the organist stops finishes. Chris gently raises her vail to reveal Melanie's glowing face. Chris' nerves quickly dissipate and are replaced with feelings of love and joy.

-----

Inside the reception hall, a few couples dance in the center as the wedding party sits at the head table. Everyone in attendance has had dinner and a piece of the wedding cake. Jeremy, Michael, and Natalie are standing and talking with each other. Kim and JoAnne are receiving attention from four men. Dave, Will, Chris, and Elliott stand and talk next to the dance floor. Melanie is dancing with the two children who carried her train. Isaac, Esther, and Dana sit together at a table.

Esther: Isaac has said he would really hate to lose you, Dana.

Dana: Thank you, Mrs. Jaffee.

Esther: Say something, Isaac.

Isaac: I'm here not to talk about business, but to have a good time.

Natalie walks up to the table.

Natalie: Esther, do you mind if I have a dance with your husband?

Isaac laughs.

Esther: Go right ahead, Natalie.

Natalie: Come on, Isaac. Let's show them some moves.

Natalie snaps her fingers in the air. She holds out her hand and helps Isaac from the chair. The two start walking toward the dance floor.

Dana: Mrs. Jaffee? I haven't made up my mind, yet.

Esther: That's all right, dear. You do what's best for you.

Dana: Thank you.

"Good evening, ladies."

Esther and Dana look up and see Sam standing next to them.

Dana: Sam Donovan. It's been a long time since I've seen you.

Sam: Dana.

Dana: Were you at the wedding?

Sam: I was in the back.

Esther: Did you need something more to drink, dear? Is that a Sprite?

Esther starts waving somebody over.

Sam: It is, but I'm fine.

Esther: Oh hush.

Jeremy walks over to Esther.

Jeremy: What can I do for you, Mrs. Jaffee?

Esther: Sam needs a refill on his Sprite. Would you be a darling and get him another one?

Sam: I'm fine. Really.

Esther: Well, could you at least get me something?

Jeremy: What would you like?

Esther: Isaac's driving me home tonight., so get me something with a little kick.

Jeremy: Yes, ma'am.

Jeremy heads toward the bar.

Esther: He's such a nice, young man.

Dana: Yes, he is.

Sam: Dana? Do you mind if I have a word with you?

Dana: Sure, I guess.

Esther: Oh, you two can go ahead and leave me. I'll have Jeremy keep me company when he gets back over here.

Dana: Okay.

Dana and Sam get up. They start walking across the room. In the background, Isaac and Natalie are seen dancing on the floor. Dana and Sam stop along the wall.

Dana: I'm sure Isaac has spoken to you about my situation.

Sam: He hasn't.

Dana: Okay.

Sam: I just wanted to ask you if you wanted to come back with me to the office.

Dana: That's a fifty-minute drive.

Sam: We can take my car.

Dana: Wait. You're going to talk to me, use some psychology, and try to convince me to stay with the network.

Sam: I'm not.

Dana: Yes, you are.

Sam: I just wanted to show you something.

Dana: Uh-huh. Show me how I need to stay with the network and how everyone couldn't survive without me.

Sam: I have to show you today.

Dana: Sam-

Sam: I'm leaving for good.

Dana looks surprised.

Dana: What?

Sam: Come with me to the office.

Dana: Okay.

Sam and Dana start walking.

-----

Dan and Casey are standing outside in the lit parking lot. The lights from passing cars periodically add additional light. They each have their suit jackets off. Dan has his tie off and sleeves rolled up, while Casey has only his tie off. Dan picks up a basketball. A metal backboard and rim is about twenty feet in front of Dan.

Dan: 18-16. Check ball.

Dan bounce passes the ball to Casey. Casey checks it back to Dan.

Casey: It's not over yet.

Dan: It's crunch time.

Casey: Don't choke.

Dan fakes to his right and dribbles to his left. Casey stays with him. Dan momentarily loses control of the ball- the slip causes by sweat dripping onto the ball from his hands. Dan regroups and takes a quick drive. He pulls back and takes a shot while Casey has a hand in face.

SWOOSH...ching-ching-ching
The ball goes through the hoop and metal net.

Dan: Game!

Dan and Casey turn their attention to some clapping. They see JoAnne standing off to the side.

JoAnne: I figured you two would be out here.

Casey: Just a friendly game of 21.

JoAnne: I've got next game.

Dan: What?

JoAnne: You and me, Danny. Let's go.

Dan: You can't be serious?

JoAnne: I've got game.

Dan: But you're dealing with me. I'd wipe the floor with you.

JoAnne: Let's see.

Dan: I'm not going to let you play.

JoAnne: Why not? Afraid you might get beat by a girl?

Dan: No. I'm afraid I might hurt you. Case? Show Jo the bruises I gave you from playing last time.

Casey: Mr. Flagrant Foul over there.

JoAnne: I want to play.

Dan: It's getting late.

JoAnne: Casey? Give me the ball.

Casey flips the basketball to JoAnne.

Dan: Why did you do that?

Casey shrugs his shoulders as JoAnne lines up a three-point attempt. She shoots the ball and makes the shot.

JoAnne: See? I've got game.

Dan: That was nothing. An open shot like that? Casey? Give me the ball.

Casey stares at Dan, but reluctantly passes him the ball.

Dan: Watch this. Left-handed shot, banked off the upper-right corner.

Dan shoots the ball, banks it off the upper-right corner, and makes the shot.

Dan: That's game right there.

JoAnne: Oh yeah?

JoAnne makes another three-point shot.

Dan makes a three-point shot.

JoAnne makes her third-straight three-point shot.

Dan makes another three-point shot.

Casey grabs the basketball.

Casey: How come I'm not shooting?

Dan: You lost. I'm showing Jo over there that I can make all of my shots. Plus, when she misses her shot, I'll still make my next shot.

JoAnne: Let's go, big man.

Casey: We're going to be here all night and into the morning.

Dan: Well, we need to make it interesting.

Casey: Why don't you just play her?

Dan: We are playing right now. And I'm going to beat her.

Casey: In 21.

Dan: No. This is clutch shooting. First person to miss loses.

Casey: You call this clutch shooting?

Dan: Okay. First person who misses not only loses the game, but also loses fifty bucks.

JoAnne: I already make more than you, Danny.

Dan: What? Well, put your money where your mouth is missy.

JoAnne takes the basketball away from Casey, dribbles back to the three-point line, and shoots. She makes the shot.

JoAnne: This will be the easiest fifty bucks I ever made.

Dan takes the ball without hesitation and dribbles back. He quickly shoots and makes the shot.

Casey: Okay. You've both proven you can try out for professional teams.

Dan: I'm a clutch shooter. Let's make it a hundred bucks.

Casey: How about this? This first person to miss has to strip.

Dan glares at Casey as JoAnne laughs at him.

Dan: Something good, Casey.

Casey: This isn't clutch shooting. Clutch shooting is having 40,000 fans screaming in your ear. It's down by one with five seconds to go. It's knowing that the outcome is directly related to your shot. It's overcoming your fear of missing the shot, and believing you can win the game. This is not clutch shooting, my friend.

Dan: Well, what do you suggest Mr. Expert?

Casey thinks about it for a moment.

Casey: Danny. If you miss the next shot, you walk away from Jo forever. No goodbyes, no more dating, no more relationship. You make it- you two are still together. You miss, and you two are history.

Dan: That's stupid!

JoAnne: Chicken.

Dan: I'm not chicken. This is stupid. You actually want me to take this shot?

JoAnne: Do you think you're going to miss?

Dan: No.

JoAnne: Chicken.

Dan: I'm not chicken.

JoAnne: Bawk... bawk-bawk-bawk... buh-wak!

Dan: What's in it for you? What happens if she misses her shot? Is she going to walk away from me forever?

Casey: Nope. If she misses, you two are going to get married.

JoAnne: What?!

Dan: The minister is still at the reception. I'm sure we could get a couple of witnesses and do it right now.

Casey: Jo, you make the shot and you get to decide when you and Danny become engaged. You miss the shot and you two get married, right here, right now.

JoAnne: Okay, Casey. This is really stupid.

Dan: It sounds like the hen is calling the rooster chicken.

JoAnne: This is ridiculous.

Dan: You just think you can't make the shot.

JoAnne: Well, if you miss yours, then we won't have to worry about my shot, will we?

Dan: Case?

Casey: You shoot first, Danny. Your outcome decides if Jo takes the next shot.

Dan looks at Casey, and he then looks at JoAnne.

Casey: Clutch shooting is the last shot and overcoming your fears.

Dan: Check ball.

Casey bounce passes the ball to Dan.

Dan: All I have to do is make the shot?

Casey: Yup.

JoAnne: Hold on.

JoAnne walks over to Dan. She puts her arms around his neck and gives him a giant kiss on the lips. Dan is left momentarily fazed.

JoAnne: It's either a kiss for luck or a goodbye kiss.

Dan: Yeah.

Dan holds the basketball in his hands.

Casey: Danny?

Dan: Okay.

Dan checks his spot behind the three-point line. He looks at the hoop and dribbles the ball a couple of time. He takes a deep breath, dribbles a couple more times, and shoots.

SWOOSH...ching-ching-ching
Dan makes the shot.

Dan: YES! Mr. Clutch! Just call me Mr. Clutch!

Dan runs around the court and celebrates.

Casey walks over, grabs the basketball, walks back to JoAnne, and hands it to her.

Casey: Your shot.

Maybe for the first time, JoAnne looks terrified.

Casey: Think you can make it?

JoAnne looks at Casey as her confidence returns.

JoAnne: Of course.

JoAnne starts dribbling the ball.

Dan: Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold on a second here. It's time to put the freeze on you.

Dan walks over to and stands in front of JoAnne. He reaches deep into his pocket. He pulls out an engagement ring. JoAnne is surprised at the sight of it.

Dan: See this? This is what you are going to be wearing. It might be sometime in the future or it might be tonight.

Dan leans over and sets the ring on the ground, placing it in a direct line between JoAnne and the basket.

JoAnne: This is a set-up.

Dan: It's not a set-up.

JoAnne: You! You're carrying that ring! And you, Casey! Plotting with Dan to do this! You two set me up!

Casey: We didn't set you up.

JoAnne: Yes, you did.

Dan: Jo, listen to me. I've been carrying this ring around for a little while now. I'm ready for us to get married, but I've been waiting for you to overcome your fear of marriage.

JoAnne: I don't have a fear of marriage. I have a fear of engagement.

Dan: Uh.. what?

Casey: Well, the minister is inside, so I guess this could be a quick engagement.

JoAnne: But I don't want to do it like this.

Dan looks at Casey, but all Casey does is shrug his shoulders.

Dan: What if we worked on it together?

JoAnne: I'm not ready for this.

Dan is beside himself.

Dan: What?! I put our relationship on the line for a three-point shot?!

JoAnne: I did say it was a stupid idea.

Dan: Why would I go along with this? Why would I go along with this? Because I am crazy about you. Because I would do just about anything to be with you. I need something from you, Jo. I need something that shows you feel the same way about me as I do about you. Just give me something. Anything, Jo.

JoAnne looks at Dan as he nearly sets up in a begging position.

JoAnne: I'll take the shot.

Dan jumps in the air.

Dan: All right. Thank you!

Casey walks over to the two. Dan and Casey take a few steps behind JoAnne.

JoAnne dribbles the ball a few times and spins it in her hands.

As JoAnne continues to dribble, Casey leans over to whisper something to Dan.

Casey: If she decides she wants to get married tonight, she just might miss it on purpose.

Dan thinks about it for a moment as Casey straightens back up.

JoAnne dribbles the ball, takes a deep breaks, and shoots...

-----

Sam and Dana are walking through the back of the studio.

Dana: This doesn't feel right. I haven't been here in so long.

Sam: It's 11:15. The show is on.

Dana and Sam stand off to the side and watch "Sports Night" being broadcast with two substitute anchors. Sam motions Dana to follow him, and the two walk out of the studio and down the hall toward the newsroom.

Dana: I'd hate for you to leave, Sam.

Sam: There are times when you need to move on.

Dana: You've been good for the network.

Sam: With the network changes, it's probably best.

Dana: What changes?

Sam begins walking down the hallway toward the control room.

Dana: Sam? What changes?

Dana catches up to Sam as he stops outside of the control room window.

Sam: Look inside there.

Dana looks through the window and into the control room. She sees "Sports Night" being produced by a crew led by executive producer, Sally Sasser.

Sam: That's the future of "Sports Night."

Dana: I'm not noticing a change in the format.

Sam: Those people are the future of "Sports Night."

Sam starts walking down the hallway. Dana tries to comprehend what Sam is saying.

Dana catches up to Sam just outside of his office.

Dana: Is that what you wanted to show me?

Sam: Yup.

Sam unlocks his office door and steps inside. Dana follows him.

Dana: This is a joke. You're saying that if I leave the network, Sally is going to take over the show?

Sam: I'm not joking.

Dana: Natalie and Kim are each qualified enough to take over for me.

Sam: Not according to the network executives.

Dana: Well, I know Natalie won't like working with Sally.

Sam: I didn't say anything about Natalie working with Sally.

Dana: What are you saying?

Sam: It's what I meant when I said that's the future of "Sports Night."

Sam hands Dana a memo.

Dana: What's this?

Sam: A summary of the quarterly review of your show.

Sam hands Dana a second memo as she reads the first one.

Sam: The second is the summary for the "West Coast Update."

Dana: This can't be true. If I come back, I still could be fired?

Sam: The network feels Sally is "head and shoulders" above everybody else.

Dana: That's because she wears high-heels.

Sam: Yeah.

Dana: I... I... I can't do this. I can't fight the network if they want Sally in my position.

Sam: Okay.

Sam takes the two memos from Dana.

Dana: What do you mean "okay"?

Sam: I think it's just a shame that you've grown and nurtured this show from the beginning only to let someone take your job because they wanted it more than you.

Dana: It's the network, Sam.

Sam: You've proved them wrong all these years.

Dana: I'm going to need help.

Sam: You've got all the help you need.

Sam starts leaving.

Sam: Close the door on your way out.

Dana: Is this goodbye?

Sam: Yeah.

Dana: Why are you leaving this time?

Sam: I have two weeks of vacation.

Dana: You mean...

Sam: I meant leaving the wedding reception. You thought I was leaving the network for good?

Dana: Yeah.

Sam: I'll see you in a couple of weeks?

Dana smiles.

Dana: Yeah. I'll see you in a couple of weeks.