Disclaimer

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Casey sits on the couch inside his former office. Dan is straightening his jacket as he prepares for broadcast. The door is closed to keep their voices from being heard in the newsroom.

Dan: So you two have gone out how many times?

Casey: We've been over this, Danny.

Dan: Two times over the last four nights.

Casey lowers his head.

Casey: Yes.

Dan: You are such a wuss.

Casey: Danny, nothing has happened. We've gone out, enjoyed each other's company, and had a good time. There has been no physical contact whatsoever.

Dan: This is me you're talking to Casey.

Casey stands up.

Casey: No physical contact whatsoever. None.

Dan: I believe you.

Casey: Good. But here's the thing...

Dan: Yeah.

Casey: What if she wants physical contact? What if she is waiting for me to take the initiative?

Dan: What if she wants to sleep with you?

Casey: Yes.

Dan: You are such a wuss.

Casey: Danny. This is a complicated matter. I am devoted to Dana.

Dan: Casey, if you're going to be seeing different women at the same time, you need to lose your sense of commitment.

Casey: I am not seeing two women at the same time. I am in love with Dana, and I just so happen to have gone out with a coworker a couple of times.

Dan: That doesn't sound so complicated.

Casey: It is.

Dan: It wouldn't be if you realized one very important thing.

Casey: What's that?

Dan: You are such a wuss.

Casey: I... I don't want to hurt her feelings, Danny. She just got out of a five-year relationship, and she's constantly worried she's going to be fired, which is far from the truth.

Dan: Far from the truth of being fired or getting out of a relationship?

Casey: Okay, I could have worded it a little better. But you know what I mean.

Dan: Yes, you mean to say you are a really big wuss.

Casey: Danny. I don't want Alexis to think that I was thinking she wanted something more when all she really wanted was some dinner and company.

Dan: Wow.

Casey: I am not a wuss.

Dan: Okay.

Casey: I'm not. I just need some sort of signal. I need some guidance into what she is really thinking.

Dan: How about going up to her and asking, "Hey, do you want to sleep with me?"

Casey: Danny.

Dan: Too subtle?

Casey: Seriously.

Dan: Seriously?

Casey: Yes.

Dan: What you need to do is stop going out with this, this Alexis woman.

Casey: I know.

Dan: If she has no feelings for you, then it is no big loss. You two spent some time together and got to know one another.

Casey: And what if she has feelings for me?

Dan: Then it's a little more complicated.

Casey: See what I've been facing?

Dan: She knows about Dana, Charlie, and your ex-wife?

Casey: Yes, yes, and yes.

Dan: And that didn't phase her?

Casey: No. She's used to always getting what she wants, Danny.

Dan: Well, she's going to have to get used to not always getting what she wants.

Casey: How's that?

Dan: Stop seeing her.

Casey: Danny-

The conversation abruptly stops when Jeremy knocks on the door. Jeremy looks inside and opens the door.

Jeremy: Am I disturbing something?

Casey: No, nothing.

Jeremy: Because it looked like you two were in a debate.

Dan: Oh you know Jeremy, the Lincoln-Davis debates can get pretty heated.

Jeremy: I know what you mean. Which side were you arguing, Dan?

Dan: Nevermind.

Jeremy: Anyway, we've got 10 minutes. Natalie's calling places.

Casey: How's Natalie doing?

Jeremy: She's a nervous wreck that something is going to go wrong.

Dan: We do a live broadcast every night. It isn't like she can't handle the position.

Jeremy: She just has a feeling something is going to go wrong.

Dan: Well I'm sure that fills the rest of us with confidence in working with her.

Jeremy: By the way, do either of you know anything about British television?

Dan: I hear it's filmed in England.

Casey: Why do you ask, Jeremy?

Jeremy: Michael's next project is in London.

Casey: I thought he was living in Los Angeles.

Jeremy: He is, but his next project is in London.

Casey: What about Natalie?

Jeremy: He still wants her to move to Los Angeles.

Casey: While he's working in London?

Jeremy: Yeah.

Dan: Now there is a complicated matter.

Jeremy: Huh?

Dan: How much time?

Jeremy: About 9 minutes.

Dan: Thanks.

Jeremy closes the door as he heads back into the newsroom.

Casey: Poor Natalie.

Dan: And then there's you.

Casey: What?

Dan: Let me just say this. You've had a traumatic year. You've been downed, you've been upset, you've had people trying to knock you out.

Casey: Yeah.

Dan: When a pretty girl starts paying attention to you, don't tell me you don't enjoy it.

Casey: Well, I wouldn't say I hate it... completely.

Dan: She pays attention to you, makes you feel good, and enjoys your company. You just need to realize what you really want before you really start to complicate matters.

Casey: I want Dana.

Dan: Look, I've got an interview to do. Stop seeing Alexis, and we'll talk more about this later- and in that exact order.

Dan leaves Casey behind in the office.

-----

Natalie, Jeremy, Chris, Will, and Dave are inside the control room and preparing for their live broadcast.

Natalie: Show me chyron 6.

Chris: Showing chyron 6.

Will: 6 is up.

Dave: Five minutes live.

Jeremy: There is the BBC.

Natalie: Yeah, yeah, Jeremy.

Jeremy: I'm not sure what else airs in London, but I know they have television series.

Natalie: And I'm sure all the people have television sets, also.

Jeremy: I also hear they drink a lot of tea.

Natalie: Stop trying to be funny, Jeremy. Preview 9 and 10.

Dan enters the control room as 9 is previewed.

Dan: What's happening?

Jeremy: Clay and Rivera are already on the set. They seem to be getting along just fine.

Dan: Like best friends? Like chums?

Jeremy: Like mateys- there's another British word.

Natalie: Jeremy.

Dan: Ah. Michael's in London for his next feature?

Natalie: Only for a month.

Dan: I hear England has some good sports channels.

Jeremy: A 24-hour soccer network.

Dan: I said some, not all, Jeremy.

Rob Williamson strolls into the control room.

Rob: A great evening, one and all. How is it going, Dave, Will, and Chris?

Rob walks over and shakes hands with the technicians.

Rob: Good evening, Jeremy.

Jeremy: Good evening.

Rob and Jeremy shake hands.

Rob: Good evening, Natalie.

Natalie: Good evening, Rob. Could I have somebody double-check 14?

Jeremy: It's accurate.

Natalie: I just want to make sure.

Jeremy: We've been over it a dozen times.

Natalie: And I just want to go over it one more time.

Jeremy: Okay. I'll check on it.

Natalie: Thanks.

Jeremy starts typing on his laptop.

Rob: I know when the show is in capable hands. Good luck everybody.

Rob walks over and shakes Dan's hand.

Dan: How's it going?

Rob: Couldn't be better.

Dan: Get any sleep?

Rob: There's plenty of time to sleep after the match. I know you'll do a great job during the interview.

Dan: Thanks. I'm going to get out there and do my job.

Rob: It's good seeing you again, Dan.

Dan exits the control room. Rob walks to the back of the control room.

Rob: Natalie? Do you mind if I watch the program from back in here?

Natalie: Uh, sure. We have a few extra chairs in here.

Rob: Great. I just want to have the full experience from back in here.

Rob sits in a chair next to Natalie.

-----

Dan walks over to the specially-made set. A round, elevated platform holds three well-padded and comfortable chairs and an equal number of end tables. The chairs and tables angle toward a coffee table in the center of the set. The platform is halfway encompassed by a wood and brass railing, with the front completely open to the various camera angles.

Dan walks over to Hector Rivera, and he is surprised at his appearance. Rivera's suit and tie doesn't surprise Dan, but his well-worn, featured face exposes the beatings he has endured over the years. The makeup artist, Alyson gives her best effort to give Rivera the best appearance possible. Dan shakes hands with several members of Rivera's camp before coming face-to-face with Rivera himself.

Dan: Mr. Rivera, are you ready?

Rivera stares at Dan and nods.

Dan: Good. We've got plenty of water available for you on the set. Is there anything I need to know before we go on the air?

Rivera shakes his head.

Dan: This is a live interview. (laughs) You'll have to talk at some point.

Hector Rivera: Yes.

Rivera's deep, growling voice gives Dan a glimpse of the intimidation the champion's opponents have felt over the years.

Dan: Okay.

Dan walks over toward T.J. Clay. Like with the Rivera camp, Dan shakes hands with members of Clay's camp. T.J. Clay stands looking naive, but confident. He sways as if he is listening to a song in his head.

Dan: Good to see you, T.J. Are you all set for the interview?

T.J.: As set as I'll ever be.

Dan: We've got plenty of water on the set-

T.J.: Aquafina?

Dan: Uh, I'm not sure if it's Aquafina, Polar Springs, or even tap water.

T.J.: I only drink Aquafina.

Dan: Okay. Excuse me for just a moment.

Dan steps to the side and grabs Elliott, who happens to be walking by.

Dan: Elliott? Is there some technical provisions on the water?

Elliott: Yeah. The network received the request. Clay has an endorsement deal with Aquafina.

Dan: Okay. But it's been addressed?

Elliott: Water's water, isn't it?

Dan: Yeah, but I don't need to be getting into a fight with Mr. Clay over there.

Elliott: I'll double-check.

Dan: Good.

Elliott takes off as Dan steps back over to T.J. Clay.

Dan: I've been given reassurances the network received your request for your water.

T.J.: Good.

T.J. slams his right fist into his left palm.

Dan: Gr... great.

Dave: (over intercom) Two minutes live.

-----

Looking through camera two, one can see the black and white image of Dan in the midst of the interview. Going past the camera, you find yourself in the middle of the set.

Dan: Now, Hector, there are many doubters out there who feel you may be overmatched when compared with T.J. What's your response?

Hector: They are wrong.

Dan: Whether that is true remains to be seen, but you have to admit you may have lost a little bit of your quickness and strength when compared with your abilities, say, ten years ago.

Hector: I've lost nothing. Ten years ago, I was a contender. Now I am a champion. I've lost nothing.

Dan turns his attention toward T.J.

Dan: T.J., what is your opinion of those who feel you are an unworthy contender?

T.J.: These are all people who have never seen me fight. If they saw me fight, they would have known I was the next to fight Hector Rivera for the belt.

Dan: Tyrone Brown was originally the top contender until a leg injury forced him to pull out of the originally schedule fight.

T.J.: All I have to say is that people haven't seen me fight. And I thank Jesus for giving me my abilities. And I thank Jesus for giving me this opportunity to fight for the title. I feel this is all a part of Jesus' plan for me.

Dan: Okay-

Hector: Jesus wants you to learn some humility.

T.J.: Jesus is with me. You may not be a believer-

Hector: I believe you're going to find out who is with you.

Dan: Hey, I'm Jewish, so I may not have an opinion-

T.J.: You want to do this now?

Hector: I'll teach you to show some respect.

Both fighters lean forward in their chairs.

Dan: Okay, gentlemen. Let's save it for the match. Everyone's calm now, right?

T.J.: I'll pray to Jesus for you.

Hector: I'll shut you up.

The two men jump up from their chairs.

Dan: Gentlemen, gentlemen!

T.J. gives Hector a two-handed shove into his chest. Hector lunges after T.J. and knocks over the coffee table. Dan grabs the sides of his chair as the two fighters grab onto one another.

Dan: Break it up guys!

The two big men start to push and wrestle with each other. They hit the railing and it snaps like a twig, sending the two men, a chair, and a table to the floor. The fighters start to wrestle, punch, kick, grab, and attempt to bite each other.

Inside the control room, the crew is horrified to what is occurring.

Natalie: Somebody break it up!

Jeremy pushes out his chair, originally thinking of heading out to the set, but the mental image of himself being torn into pieces by the two fighters convince him to stay in his seat.

Natalie: Dave! Cut to commercial!

Rob: Don't cut to commercial! Keep it right there!

Natalie: This is my show!

Rob: Keep it right there, dammit!

On the set, Dan cautiously tries to intervene by laying a hand on each fighter. His attempt at intervention does nothing to stop the two men. Dan tries to separate the two, but he is no match for the ferocious forces the two men exert. Dan suddenly finds his leg intertwined between the two, and he is thrown to the floor of the set. Punches are aimlessly thrown by the fighters.

Finally, members from each camp jump in to break up the fight. Three or four men from each camp pull their respective fighters off each other. The fighters come to their feet and try to break free from their human restraints. Dan lies helplessly on the floor.

Back inside the control room...

Natalie: Oh my god! They killed him!

Elliott is seen running over to a gasping and twisting Dan. Dana, Isaac, and Casey run into the studio.

Natalie: Cut to commercial!

Dave: We've been at commercial.

Natalie throws off her headset and follows Jeremy and Rob onto the set.

Dan is sitting up on the floor still dazed and confused from the fight. Elliott holds him stable while Kim runs over with an ice pack.

Isaac: Everyone off the set right now!

Someone notices blood coming from T.J.'s right hand.

Rob: Dude, you're bleeding.

"Ma toof! You punt me in da mauf!"

Kim applies the ice pack to Dan's bleeding and already swollen upper lip. Natalie looks around the destroyed set. She notices the time clock shows 38 minutes remaining in the broadcast.

Isaac: Everyone off the set!

Isaac angrily points toward Rob.

Isaac: You! In my office right now!

-----

Dana opens the door to Isaac's office. Rob walks in followed by Isaac. Dana starts to close the door.

Isaac: Leave it open.

Dana: Okay.

Isaac: Oh what the hell.

Isaac slams the door shut with such a force it could be heard all the way through the newsroom.

Rob: Isaac, I am so sorry about this.

Isaac: You knew this was going to happen!

Rob: I didn't.

Isaac: You knew it, and you took advantage of us! In all my years in this business, I have never seen anyone stoop so low in order to promote a fight.

Rob: This isn't going to hurt the fight.

Isaac: We are a reputable news organization, and I will not stand for anyone turning this into a circus act!

Rob: I'm so sorry, Isaac. I thought it would have been a great idea to have an interview with these two. I honestly felt they would be able to conduct this interview without showing any anger or hostility toward each other.

Isaac: You're full of crap.

Rob: I'm sorry.

Isaac: Get out.

Rob walks over to the door. The live feed monitor in Isaac's office shows Bobbi Bernstein continuing the broadcast. A taped feature on Hector Rivera begins.

Rob: Isaac? Just remember, this footage is going to be shown on all sports broadcasts. ESPN, Fox, CNN, and every news outlet from here to Yakima, Washington will be making requests for your footage and showing it on the air. After tonight, everybody will want to see what these two will do to each other in the ring.

Rob opens the door and exits. Dana quietly walks over and slowly closes the door.

Dana: This isn't the way to get ratings, is it?

Isaac: It's not the right way.

Dana: But we're going to get them, aren't we?

Isaac: Yes, we are.

Dana: I'm going to go check on Danny.

Dana opens the door, steps out, and closes it behind her. A steamed Isaac sits in his chair and watches the live broadcast.

Isaac: Zippity-do-dah.