Beyond The Gates Transcript
Transcript provided by Suzanne and Thane
THIS STILL NEEDS SOME EDITING!
Chelsea just told me the news. You came over to watch me fall apart? [clears throat] Of course not. She told me you were totally supportive of her. Yay, me. I can’t believe she’s quitting modeling. Me, either. I’m nothing if not a good faker. You’re a good mom. It must be hard letting her go. Yeah. Very. I remember this magazine cover. How’d the frame get cracked? I didn’t smash it in a rage, if that’s what you’re worried about. Someone else broke it and I haven’t had a chance to fix it yet. There must be a reason you’re holding it, crying. Reminds me of my life. Broken and jagged. Well, maybe I can help you put it back together. What the hell do you think you’re doing? Paying my tab, then going home to soak in a tub. Not until you hear me out. My father told you about the lawsuit?
Of course he did. I’m his wife.
Ugh. Aren’t you tired of bragging about that? The suit impacts the both of us. After all, I am an employee at the firm, too. You know, you got a promotion that was promised to one of my clients. And given that you were sleeping with the head of the firm at the time, it’s more evidence that it’s an inappropriate, harassment-filled work environment. I earned my promotion. On your back, between the sheets with my dad? Okay, look, I’m going to ignore that. Okay. Lots of people work at the firm. You thought about how picking a fight with Bill affects them? Or is hurting your father your only goal, and anyone else is just collateral damage? My husband is always watching out for me, but sometimes we get our wires crossed. A reporting job at The Washington Record. My schedule has suddenly opened up.
That’s terrific news.
Yeah. Of course, I’m going to have to discuss it with Martin first because we always make family decisions together.
Evan: Oh, absolutely. I totally understand. All I ask is that you get back with me ASAP. I want you, but this is a choice gig, so there are a lot of candidates, and I really need to get an offer out there quickly. Absolutely. Thank you, Evan. Ah, no, thank you. All right. See ya. I can explain. I hope so, because I can’t think of one reason why you would turn down an incredible job offer on my behalf and not even bother to tell me. TED: Hey, sweetheart. Hey, Dad. Are you and Mom free for dinner tonight? I am, and I’m pretty sure Nicole is, too. Great. Meet me at Uptown. My treat. It’s been forever since I’ve had one-on-one time with you, and I want to catch up. What did I do to deserve you? What do you mean? I don’t know very many hip young women who still want to dine with their hopelessly unhip parents. Stop that, Daddy. You and Mom are the coolest. Normcore cool. Whatever that means, I’ll take it. Great. See you there around 8:00. This reminds me of when you were a little itty-bitty and we would split a pint. Yup, eat right out of the container. Mmm. The whole pint in one sitting. To me, that was the most extravagant thing in the world. I felt like a little princess in some royal court. Mm. Well, you’ve seen King Ted and Queen Nicole’s way of life. And you’ve also been cheated out of what the other kids have. And that’s the life that you deserved this whole time. I never should have let him talk me into leaving town. [scoffs] And keeping his dirty little secret. Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry. I’m sorry. That sounded terrible. It’s-it’s okay. I know what you meant. He made me feel so low, so cheap. And I’m finally gonna crawl out of my sunken place and expose Mr. “Family Man” Ted for the lying hypocrite he is. [scoffs] Boy, I’m gonna get a lot of bang for my buck, baby. [laughs] And everybody will know. ‘Cause I’m gonna tell them at Ted and Nicole’s anniversary party. Eat up. Mmm. Two creams, one sugar. How’d you know? I’m a big shot detective, remember? I pay attention, I get the intel. Thanks. You’re very welcome. Why are you being like this, man? Like what? Nice. I mean, you’re my partner. I was in the break room having some coffee, and I figured you might want some, too. Why else? Because you want something, and it’s gonna be something I won’t like. Suspicious much? I didn’t tell you about the job because I didn’t think it was the right opportunity for you. Why not? Because journalism jobs pay little and I’d be insulted? Any money I make would be more than I make right now as a stay-at-home dad. I handled it the wrong way, I admit. I was afraid of losing you to the work, the same way you hate losing me to politics. That is a crock. You… you don’t think what I do is as important as being a congressman. That’s not true. I do. I know how important the press is. It’s one of the reasons that the First Amendment exists. Thank you for your stump speech, but I’m not your constituent. I’m your husband. Be real with me. This isn’t the first secret you’ve kept. What are you talking about? Earlier tonight, I find out that you want to run for president? I feel like me being the last to know is becoming a pattern. I’m sorry. A “sorry” is not what I’m looking for. I want to understand why you did it. I was selfish. Both times. I was afraid you and I wouldn’t want the same thing, so I didn’t tell you. But I promise, I won’t keep anything from you again. That covers the future, but what about right now? Are there any other secrets you’re keeping from me?
Suspicious much?
You keep giving me reasons to be. Okay, we had a bit of a rough start. I was hazing you. I’m not pledging a frat. I know, but you’re new to Robbery/Homicide. Had to put you through the paces, see what you’re made of. Did I pass your test? Yeah, you, uh, managed to put up with me and still do your job. You proved you were cool. Now you get to see a kinder, more gentler Marcel. Really? You gonna be shocked at what a sweetheart I actually am. You know what, Marcel? Everything I’m hearing sounds like bull, so how about you keep it real and let me know what’s really going on? Well, I didn’t want to get into it this early in our partnership. Well, we into it now. Okay, okay. If you really want to know, once upon a time, I used to be just like you. [scoffs] Thank you. You’ve been the most devoted mom anyone could ever ask for. It’s you and me against the world, baby. Always has been and always will be. Well, I guess there was Alan. Oh, what a poor excuse for a stepfather he was. He tried. My patience. [chuckles] But I guess I shouldn’t speak ill of the dead. The point is, even when Alan was alive, you were my top priority. Thanks. You’re my top priority, too.
Mmm.
And that’s why I’ve been rethinking our plan. Oh? Hmm. Something that might make this really pop. In the long run, I wonder if it isn’t better that we tell Ted I’m his daughter in private. And why would I do that? Because embarrassing him in public might make you feel good short-term, but does that really serve our long-term goals? Of course it does. He stomped on my heart. I got pregnant with Ted’s baby, you, out of love. And he abandoned us. Left to go be with his high-society wife and her over-privileged family. Yeah, but if we expose him publicly, don’t you think that would make him less inclined to make things right? Financially speaking? Shaming him in public will force him to give you your birthright. He won’t be able to wiggle his way out of his obligations this time. Not again. Especially with his judgmental wife and family, her family, watching. No. He would do what it takes to pay just to make this embarrassment go away. I’m not sure about that. [computer chimes] [phone chimes] Who’s that?
Nicole.
[scoffs] She wants me to go by her house and make sure the computer is logged out of the hospital account. This is what I’m talking about. Over-privileged. There’s no way in the world that woman should have you working after hours. I’m her assistant. That’s the kind of job it is. Why can’t she do it herself? She’s going to be at a family dinner with Kat. Oh, at their little precious country club? No, actually. Tonight, they’re slumming, going to that place Uptown. And in order for your plan to work, I need to seem like the perfect assistant, so I’m gonna go and do what Nicole asks. You’re right. You need to go. But you need to accept that I’m right about blowing Ted and Nicole out of the water at their anniversary party. We were best friends, Naomi. I thought I knew you. That’s rich. I thought I knew you. Are you so bitter that you can’t see that these women…
My clients.
…are disgruntled former employees looking for a payout? You know, I really don’t like women who don’t support other women. Don’t you care
that they were harassed?
By Mike? I never had a problem with him. Maybe because you were busy sleeping with the boss. This isn’t about your experience at work, anyway. It’s about theirs. Your anger at Bill is clouding your judgment. Oh, it’s like that? You’re gonna psychoanalyze me now? I don’t have to. I know you… better than you want to admit. Look, Bill and I have a great life. But if I’m honest, my only regret is that you’re not in it. You’re the sister I never had. We weren’t sisters. I have a sister, Chelsea. And that sister is now suffering because you broke her parents’ marriage up. But you can’t say our friendship wasn’t real. Oh, our friendship was an illusion that you created to get next to my dad. It wasn’t premeditated. I fell in love. “Oh, I fell in love. It’s not my fault.” Are you really going with that? You know what? In some ways, I’m more angry with you than my dad. He betrayed my mom, but you? You betrayed me. I always wonder what my life would be like if I hadn’t met Bill. We need to move beyond Bill, Dani. If you ask me, he is the root of all of this. No kidding. If only he hadn’t been so charming. And handsome. And charismatic. One kiss, I was addicted. That’s exactly it, Dani. You’re an addict. What? It’s a figure of speech. There is tons of scholarship out there about love addiction. It’s called codependence. It has all the same hallmarks as any other addiction. Such as? Intense cravings like withdrawal. Check. As horrible as he’s been, I can’t stop thinking about him.
Tolerance for abuse.
Check again. Loss of control. Like shooting up a wedding? Yes. And neglecting every other part of your life that’s important. When was the last time you had a dream that made you happy? And please, do not say with Bill. But it was with Bill. He laid out this big plan for our lives. He was going to leave the D.A.’s office and found his law firm. I’d stop modeling and help him. I promised to leverage all of my contacts so that he could get his firm up and running. I also promised to be the perfect wife and perfect mother. It didn’t occur to you to say no? Of course not. I was all in on the whole picture until he left. I hope you hear yourself. Bill dragged you down. He used you until you weren’t the person he fell in love with anymore, and then he dumped you for a newer model. That is low. You know, I was sitting here, remembering what it was like when I used to be able to stop a man in his tracks. I know that’s shallow, but– But it’s real, Dani. You are still stunning. Your beauty, your aesthetics, it’s a big part of who you are. So why don’t you get props from where it feels good? How? Meet some decent men. Try dating, and you might see how many other men are out there who would love to be with you. Come on, Eva. I know you took the bait. Kat Richardson. I’m sorry, have we met? My name is Anna. I see. And you’re over here because? We have a mutual acquaintance. Who? Your mother’s assistant.
You know Laura Peterson?
No, dear. I’m talking about Eva Thomas. LESLIE: Now that you’ve seen King Ted and Queen Nicole’s way of life, you know you’ve been cheated out of what his other kids have. It’s what you’ve deserved this whole time. What are you doing? Anna, I’m not sure why you want to talk to me about my mom’s personal assistant. That’s too many degrees of separation. But is it? I was a good friend of Eva’s mom. She passed away. I’ve known Eva since she was a little bitty thing. Still, I think it’s inappropriate for me to discuss my mother’s employee with a stranger. I wouldn’t normally be so forward, but I feel like it’s destiny that you and I crossed paths. Destiny? Yes. Your mother is her boss, and I’m like a mother to her, and here we are. Destiny, see? Uh, not really. I’m a businesswoman, no nonsense, two feet on the ground. Nothing is preordained. It’s all hard work.
Hard work?
Mm-hmm. This is what I mean. Eva confided in me that she’s unhappy at her job. Well, if that’s true, nothing is stopping her from quitting. Technically, she’s a temp. She doesn’t even need to put in two weeks’ notice. [Leslie laughs] What I mean is, Eva enjoys the job itself. She even told me that she thinks it’s interesting and fulfilling. Then what’s her problem? She thinks you hate her. I can’t imagine why. [chuckles] So I thought I would be a peacemaker between the two of you. Is there anything, in your opinion, that I can do to smooth things over? Oh, hey, Ted. Sorry. Um, Nicole asked me to sign her out of her hospital email, and I just stopped because this candlestick was at the end of the mantle, and Nicole usually keeps it with the other one. Oh. The housekeeper probably moved it when she was cleaning. No worries. Always happens. But that’s not your job. I don’t need you around here, tidying things up. Well, you and Nicole have been so kind to me. It makes me want to go above and beyond. Everyone in the family loves the amazing job that you’re doing around here. Everybody but Kat, maybe. Look, I’ve tried to be friendly, but it’s like she despises me. She’s still upset about that dress, and that was Nicole’s idea. [sighs] And I tried to explain that, but it’s like she wasn’t buying it at all. So, things have gotten worse, not better. Yeah, and I’ve tried to bend over backwards to be friends with her. I do not know what else to do. Kat’s an amazing woman, but it takes her a while to open up to outsiders. Is that what I am? An outsider? Not to Nicole, not to me. But you have to understand that she wasn’t here to witness the amazing job that you did on her mom’s event. Right. She’s an entrepreneur, had a business meeting. Yeah, Kat’s very busy. She has a side gig that she’s doing with Chelsea and helping me to manage my practice. Let’s just say that she’s overworked and overprotective of our family. Must be nice to have a family to feel that way about. [chuckles] We’ve spoiled her. We’ve always given her everything that she wants. Kat is definitely a daddy’s girl. [scoffs] Just like me. Right. You wound me. I’m protecting you. I was a wide-eyed rookie once, aching to be top cop. I’m new to this department, not the force. I’m not a rookie, I’m just not you. I’m giving you some advice here. Ah, there he is. I’m sorry. My bad. Jekyll and Hyde much? I’m saying, you be you. You want to protect the public, get the bad guys? Don’t ever settle or look the other way. Like you did when Joey Armstrong took that payoff? Don’t be me. Be better.
Thank you.
Mm-hmm. Smitty, I am not keeping anything else from you, I swear. Okay. But I need you to get that it is not cool for you to unilaterally decide that I shouldn’t take that job. I get it. I do. And while I think that you understand the importance of media in general, I don’t think you understand the importance of journalism to me personally.
I know.
I don’t think you do. Otherwise, you would have never taken for granted that I would just give up my career when we become parents. You did that voluntarily. I thought it was just temporary. I always thought that when our kids went back to high school, I would jump back in the saddle, but for some reason, that never happened. You were the primary caregiver. Not by choice. By default. But you’re better at it than me. Because I put in the time. Okay. Yeah, you do. But I am every bit as concerned about them as you are. It’s hard enough being a teenager, but I’m afraid of any change to the stability of their lives. And yes, you provide the stability. It’s gonna mess things up. Isn’t you running for president gonna be a harder adjustment than me going back to work at a job that I can basically do from home? I guess, if it actually happens. If you want something to happen, Martin, it happens. Then we have to make sure to keep Samantha and Tyrell from the fray. Protect them at all costs. Family first. Eva’s job, Anna, is to assist my mother, not be my bestie. [scoffs] Sounds to me like she has her priorities messed up. You’re taking this the wrong way. I’m trying to figure out what’s going on. And… if Eva is being oversensitive or paranoid. Because of her sad childhood. But then I thought, everyone likes Eva. That may be true in her personal life, but she’s out of her element working as an assistant to someone as high-profile as my mother. She doesn’t have any prior experience, so, yeah, it has been a bit awkward. All I’m saying is that if you feel Eva isn’t up to speed, with you knowing what it’s like to have a new job, why not help her? You’d be helping your mother out, too. But you’re choosing not to. Why is that? You’ve got this all wrong. Eva is the problem, not me. EVA: I see why Kat has a hard time getting me. You do? Sure. I didn’t grow up in a house like this, for one thing. We’re really different. It doesn’t mean that you’re less than. Only to you, maybe. It means that you’re self-made. It means you’re resourceful and driven. That’s how you see me? Absolutely. I wish Kat saw me that way. [sighs] We haven’t exposed Kat to much of the world outside of Fairmont Crest. I can’t believe you’re sort of taking my side. No, I’m not taking sides. I just want everybody to chill. I want my home to be a sanctuary. You know what? I’m gonna meet Kat and Nicole for dinner. Maybe I’ll talk to her about it then. No, no, no, no. Please don’t. Look, she’ll know we’ve been talking and she’ll accuse me of turning her father against her. That is the last thing I want. Okay. I’ll keep this between us. Thank you. Friends? Yeah. [both chuckling] [sighs] Date? What, like find myself a vacay bae? I get my needs met. I was thinking of something a little more respectful. I am so not ready for that. Then maybe you should date yourself. Date myself? What does that even mean? It means figure out what makes you happy. Rather than being in the pits, this time of your life could be really fulfilling. Aren’t you little Miss Glass Half Full? I mean it, Dani. Your kids are grown. You don’t owe anything to anyone. You can draw your own map. Do Dani. And who is this Dani you see in your magic Nicole ball? An ex-model crying over a broken photo? Or-or a crazy woman who shot up the flowers and vases at her ex-husband’s wedding? Maybe it’s the Dani that did a spectacular job hosting my tribute event. All of those Danis are you. I’m gonna keep it real. Every single one of those Danis wants her husband back.
Oh, Sissy…
I know. I know, Bill is the scum of the earth, but the hold he has on me is like…
A black hole.
Maybe, but he’s my black hole. I have loved him for so long, I don’t know anything else. He is my first, my last, and my only love. I didn’t betray you, Naomi. Our friendship was the real deal. I couldn’t help falling in love with Bill. Like you had no choice? I’ve known you a long time. Besides, what did it matter if you fell in love? What about doing the right thing, huh? My dad was married. You could have kept your drawers on. Oh, you sure love passing judgment. I’m a home-wrecker. Bill subverts the law to get his clients off the hook, but you’re the one playing fast and loose with the law, bringing this frivolous suit so you can pursue your vendetta against your dad for the crime of falling in love with me. I didn’t think you were this petty. [scoffs] I’m just meeting my dad where he is. In the sewer with you. But make no mistake, our suit is not frivolous. You want to play it this way? Fine, but you won’t win this. Don’t start nothing won’t be nothing. But there is something, Hayley. Sexual harassment and discrimination. The law offices of Bill Hamilton, Esquire, will crush you in court. And when we win, we will sue you for attorney fees. We’ll bankrupt that tiny little firm and put you dead out of business. What problems could a sweet girl like Eva possibly cause? Well, she always has an excuse for being overly involved in my parents’ lives, for one thing. What’s going on between Eva and your parents? What kind of question is that? A logical one. Since you’re saying she’s over-involved, I’m asking for an example. Okay. One day, she popped up in my mother’s office at the hospital when she was supposed to be working at my mom’s house. She’s always got her hands in things that are outside of her duties. Not that it’s any of your business. She’s probably being diligent. Aren’t you, when you’re managing your father’s office? Sure, but… this is different. Anyway, time will tell if I’m right about this. Meanwhile, can you get a message to Eva for me? Sure. If Eva really wants to get along better with me, she’ll respect the boundaries of her job and stop crossing so many lines. LESLIE: Mm. You talked to him, didn’t you?
Who about what?
Marcel. You told him to take it easy on me, ’cause he went from being a jerk to bringing me coffee and telling me to be true to my ideals. He doesn’t even talk like that. Hmm. Wasn’t me. Pops, out of respect, tell me the truth.
Why would I lie?
To protect me. But I could fight my own battles. Maybe, but don’t fight this one. I don’t understand. There’s nothing to understand. Leave it alone or I’ll assign you a new partner. Do you know why I like journalism? It is one of the only ways to really speak truth to power, and I can’t wait to just roll up my sleeves and start digging in on a good story. Here’s a little thought experiment. What if you announce that you’re gonna run for president and my editor assigns me to investigate you? [chuckles] It wouldn’t happen. It’s a conflict of interest. And if my campaign takes off, you might be reassigned to restaurant reviews. Yeah, heaven help me. Unless it’s Orphey Gene’s, of course. Besides, you already know everything there is to know about my past. Yeah, probably. But do not give me or anyone else a reason to start digging. [chuckles]
Nicole: It’s possible to get back out there again, Dani. What’s the point? I feel what I feel.
And until that changes–
It’s valid to feel what you feel. Emotions just don’t go away overnight, and that’s okay. But sometimes, exploring those feelings and understanding them better, it can open the door to change. You sound like such a psychiatrist right now. Okay, let’s roll with that. Indulge me. For a moment, let me be your therapist. Oh, Nicole. For a role-play. It’ll be fun. You be you, and I’ll be a date. This is dumb. How many dumb things have I done to make you happy? And do you honestly think that Bill, of all people, is worth holding on to all this pain for? No, but– Then let’s pretend we’re on a date. This is why I always wanted a brother. A brother would pop a brew and tell you that you’re on your own. Exactly. He would let me wallow in peace. Dani… Fine, but I’m drinking a martini. [clears throat] Hi. Dani Dupree, right? You’re my online date. What are you drinking? Vodka and sadness. Okay, I see we have our work cut out for us. Let me ask you an honest question. Do you really love Bill, or do you just want him back because you can’t have him? Why would you ask me that? Because I’ve seen you do it time and time again. You go after something to show yourself, and the world, that you can get it. And then you decide you don’t want it anymore. It’s a sport for you. You’re saying I’m a tease? I’m saying you need to dig deep inside and ask yourself, could you really be with Bill again after the horrible way he treated you? When I think about Bill, I don’t remember the bad times. Selective amnesia. Let me remind you. He screwed Hayley, threw her in your face, and rejected you. Could you really let Bill back into your life, much less your bed? In a heartbeat. Like you said, I’m an addict. I tried to go cold turkey, but I still have cravings. I don’t think I’ll ever get over him. That makes me really sad. It makes me even sadder. You think your empty threats got me quaking in my boots? HAYLEY: If you were smart, you would be. Oh, you don’t want to compare your IQ to mine, Hayley. Mm-mm. The facts are on my side. Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal. The appropriate remedy to a civil offense is a lawsuit. My clients have every right to take Mike Davis, their harasser, to court, along with the firm that employs him. We will prevail. You know, I came to talk to you out of respect for the friendship we had. But if you are determined to go after the law firm… the gloves are coming off. I will stand beside Bill, and we will take you down. Bring it on. Hey, Samantha. How was school? Fine. That’s it? Yeah, it was school. Where’s Tyrell? Uh, he just went to bed a few minutes ago. I’ll go up and say good night to him. No, no. No, you can’t. You can’t do that. Yeah, I think we can. What’s going on with you? Don’t be mad at her. She’s got my back. [sniffles] I thought I’d be able to help a friend’s daughter out, but clearly, you’re too close-minded to give Eva a chance. Your loss. Anna, you seem genuinely caring and well meaning. Well, thank you. I hoped you’d see me that way. But I think Eva got over on you. You should be careful around her. There’s no point in continuing this conversation. I couldn’t agree more. So now you’re going after my daughter?
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