The Impossibly Bleak and Pessimistically Optimistic Task of Being Okay
Pilot
ACT I
INT. DJ’S APARTMENT – BEDROOM – EARLY MORNING
A MAN and a WOMAN are in bed together, sleeping. The woman is
JULIET (early 30’s, pretty, played by Elizabeth Olsen) on her
back in a comfortable position, her breathing is even.
The man is her boyfriend, DJ (mid 30’s, handsome), he’s
sleeping on his side and facing her.
Juliet moves, waking up and stretches, taking a deep breath
before rolling over on her side.
She sees DJ and peers at him, making sure he’s really asleep.
She sits up carefully and opens her phone camera. She pinches
her cheeks to make the rosy and wipes the eye boogers away
and rubs a finger across her teeth.
Carefully she places her phone down again and lays on her
side, facing DJ. She relaxes and smiles, staring at him for a
moment. Then reaching out to brush some hair out of his eyes.
This wakes him up and he blinks awake. He smiles at her and
she scooches closer to him when he moves the blanket and
opens his arms to her.
DJ
Good morning, beautiful.
JULIET
Good morning, David James Lancaster.
DJ hugs her to him and Juliet looks up at him in an expectant
way. He leans in to kiss her and they kiss passionately for a
moment.
He pulls away first and reaches is left arm out to pick up
his phone. He checks the time. It reads 8:03 AM. He sighs and
tucks Juliet back into his arms again.
DJ
I’ve gotta get ready for work, baby.
JULIET
I know.
DJ
I’ll go start the coffee.
Juliet gives him the puppy dog pout but moves to get up as well.
They both get out of bed and Juliet walks around to the front
of the bed towards the bathroom and DJ meets her in the
middle, not letting her pass.
He kisses her again and wraps his arms around her waist,
picking her up. Juliet is giggling through the kiss and then
squeals as he throws her back on the bed.
He pounces on her and they kiss passionately again.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREETS OF HOLLYWOOD – MORNING – SAME DAY
GENEVIEVE (mid 30’s, beautiful, played by Issa Rae), is
walking down the street, intermingled with a crowd of people,
in a power outfit, she’s on the phone with a client.
GEN
I know you really want to get in,
Chris, but it’s a private screening.
Not even Melissa McCarthy is getting
in for this one.
CHRIS
(On the phone)
Come on, Genevieve. Can’t you pull a
few strings? For me?
Genevieve smiles and rolls her eyes, looking both ways and
crossing the street.
GEN
Just because we slept together in
college a few times does not mean I
can get you into the private screening
of a movie that’s A. Not even been
previewed to the public yet, that B. I
shouldn’t even be talking to you
about, and C. By two brothers whose
name starts with “ruse” and ends with
“oh” that would kill you if they knew
you were even asking.
CHRIS
(Laughing)
It’s only 8 in the morning, Gen. Do we
have to do the death threats now?
GEN
Oh baby, you haven’t even seen how
threatening I can be. This is me on 2
cups of coffee. Imagine zero.
CHRIS
I don’t think I want to.
GEN
(Laughing)
Goodbye, Evans. Don’t ask me again or
I’m telling Tony and Joe.
Genevieve hangs up the phone as she enters a large building.
CUT TO:
INT. DOCTOR’S OFFICE – MORNING – SAME DAY
A woman, ANNIE (mid 20’s, played by Florence Pugh) is sitting
in a OBGYN waiting room next to her husband, KIETH.
They’re holding hands and looking hopeful.
She clicks open her phone and we see on the screen the time,
8:30am and a text from a contact name “DOULA MAY” the text
says, “GOOD LUCK!” with two hearts.
NURSE
Annie Archer?
Annie and Kieth look at each other and stand up. They follow
the nurse back and into a doctor’s office where they wait for
the doctor to come in.
Annie is taking deep breaths and obviously trying to remain
calm.
ANNIE
I’m nervous.
Kieth looks at Annie and puts a hand to her cheek. There’s a
wedding ring on his finger. She leans into his touch and
kisses his hand.
KIETH
So am I. But whatever happens,
whatever she says, we’ll handle it.
Annie nods her head and takes the hand on her cheek in hers.
The DOCTOR (late 50’s, woman with white hair, wearing a lab
coat) then comes in sits down at her desk in front of them.
She’s silent and opens a file. She folds her hands over the
file on her desk.
Annie and Kieth are waiting expectantly and they look very
nervous. Annie raises her eyebrows and makes a hand motion,
expectantly waiting for her to speak.
A smile breaks out on the Doctor’s face. Annie gasps and
grabs Kieth closer to her in excitement.
DOCTOR
Congratulations Mister and Missus
Archer. You’re going to be parents!
Annie screams and jumps up. Kieth also stands and they
embrace in happy laughs and tears. Kieth raises his hands in
the air.
KIETH
Woo!!!!
Annie jumps and wraps her legs around her husband. The Doctor
is smiling and laughing with them.
CUT TO:
INT. DJ’S APARTMENT – MORNING – 9AM
Juliet and DJ are brushing their teeth in the bathroom and
he’s tightening a tie around his neck. Juliet spits and walks
into the closet to grab a dress.
She comes out and pulls it over her head. DJ is putting on a
suit coat while she is slipping a pair of heels on.
They both are walking out the door at the same time, each
with a thermos of coffee in their hand.
We see the apartment building and the two of them walking out
the front doors.
DJ has a briefcase and Juliet just has her purse. They stand
at the front of the apartment building and kiss.
JULIET
The reservation is set for 8, right.
DJ
Yes. I’ll see you then.
DJ checks his watch and kisses Juliet quickly.
I’ve gotta run. Bye, Babe.
JULIET
Bye, have a good day. I love you.
DJ
You too.
DJ answers a phone call and starts to walk away.
Yes, Mister Howard, I have the files
with me and I’ll…
His voice trails off as Juliet looks puzzled for a brief
moment. She makes and about faces and heads in the opposite
direction of DJ.
She pulls out her phone and calls Genevieve.
INTERCUT – GENEVIEVE’S OFFICE – MORNING
Genevieve is in her office with an earpiece on her ear. She
is talking on the phone and moving about the office
GEN
Oh, hold on, Jen.
Genevieve taps the ear piece and answers the incoming call.
Hello?
THE SCREEN IS SPLIT IN TWO AS THE GIRLS ARE ON THE PHONE WITH
EACH OTHER.
JULIET
I swear to you, it’s happening
tonight.
Genevieve smiles and looks out the window of her top floor
office window.
GEN
I mean, it would make sense but I
don’t want you to get your hopes up.
JULIET
But what about the texts I saw? “No,
she doesn’t know.” “I’ll do it at
dinner this weekend.”
GEN
All signs do point to an engagement.
Juliet squeals and people near her look at her funny.
JULIET
Oh Gen! I can’t believe it. I’m
getting married!
GEN
Don’t count your chickens, Jules.
JULIET
How can I not count my chickens when
there’s so many eggs!?
GEN
That’s not quite how that saying
works, but sure.
JULIET
I don’t even care! I’m just so
excited!
GEN
Are we still on for lunch today? I’ve
gotta run, I’ve got Jen on hold.
JULIET
Anniston or Lawrence?
GEN
I can’t tell you that.
JULIET
Ugh! Then why even name drop?
GEN
Because it’s fun.
Juliet blows a raspberry.
GEN
Lunch?
JULIET
Yes! I’ll see you at noon. Love you,
bye.
GEN
Love you, bye!
GENEVIEVE’S WINDOW ON THE SCREEN SLIDES CLOSED AND IT’S JUST
JULIET AGAIN.
Juliet puts her phone in her purse and walks into a
Starbucks.
CUT TO:
INT. THE ASHER HOUSEHOLD – MORNING – 9AM
Annie and Kieth are sitting on their couch in their nice
home.
They’re on the phone with Annie’s mom.
Kieth has his arm around Annie while Annie has the phone on
speaker.
ANNIE’S MOM
(Happy crying on the phone)
I can’t believe I’m finally going to
be a grandmother!
ANNIE
We can hardly believe it ourselves
mom!
ANNIE’S MOM
All these years of IVF. It’s finally
worth it sweetheart.
KIETH
We couldn’t be happier.
ANNIE
Mom, we have like a million more
people to tell. I’ll call you later
tonight, okay?
ANNIE’S MOM
Alright, sweetie. I love you so much.
Congratulations.
ANNIE
Love you too, mom. Bye.
Annie hangs up the call and hands the phone to Kieth. He
starts to type in a number.
KIETH
Has Elizabeth called you back yet?
ANNIE
No, she’s probably still asleep.
The ringing tone sounds as Kieth calls another person.
CUT TO:
INT. AN APARTMENT BEDROOM – MORNING – SAME DAY
An alarm is going off, the clock reads 10:27am.
A woman, ELIZABETH FERGUSON (mid 20’s, kind of hippy like,
pretty, played by Zendaya), is startled awake and rolls over
onto her face as the alarm continues to go off.
Her hair is all crazy and her make up is smeared. She pushes
herself up and rolls over onto her back. She is clearly still
sleepy but she grabs the phone and turns the alarm off.
She’s scrolling through her phone with a bunch of missed
calls from a contact named “BOSS MAN” with a devil emoji by
the name.
As well as two missed calls from a contact named “ANNIE
BANANNY” and she taps the voicemail from Annie Bananny.
ANNIE
(On voicemail)
BETH! Get your skinny ass out of bed
and come meet me for breakfast!!! I
have the BEST news ever!!!
Elizabeth hits the Facetime button and calls Annie. It rings
a few times and then Annie picks up.
ELIZABETH
Hey Bitch, what’s up?
Annie speaks very fast and excitedly.
ANNIE
(On Facetime)
UGH! You take forever to call me! But
never mind that, I have something to
tell you but I can’t tell you over the
phone! Come to our usual Denny’s and
I’ll tell you everything. BUT HURRY
UP!!!!
ELIZABETH
Alight, calm your tits. I’ll be there in 30.
ANNIE
(On Facetime)
Make it 20 and I’ll buy you breakfast.
ELIZABETH
Deal.
Elizabeth ends the call and hops up out of bed.
She stands by her bed, takes a deep breath, and reaches up to
the ceiling in a big stretch. She exhales and bends over to
touch her toes.
She walks over to the bathroom but the camera doesn’t follow
her. All we hear is her peeing and then flushing and then
water running as she washes her hands.
She comes out of the bathroom with a tooth brush in her
mouth. She throws her hair up into a bun and puts some loose
funky hippy pants on.
She adjusts her tank top to be tucked in and then goes back
into the bathroom to spit.
She picks up her purse and puts some shoes on.
She grabs her keys and sunglasses that are on a little table
by the door that also has a Buddha sitting on it.
She kisses her fingers and then touches them to his head. She
pushes the sunglasses onto her nose and then opens the door.
She steps out and it closes behind her, slamming on our view.
CUT TO:
INT. DENNY’S RESTAURANT – MID MORNING
Elizabeth walks into the Denny’s and spots Annie sitting at a
table. Annie looks up and waves to Elizabeth with an excited
smile.
Elizabeth slides into the booth and she and Annie kiss each
other’s cheeks.
ANNIE
An offer for a free brunch and you’re
still late.
ELIZABETH
Hey, the traffic was bad.
ANNIE
You live across the street.
ELIZABETH
Foot traffic.
Annie rolls her eyes in a teasing way.
Okay, what’s the exciting news?
Annie’s smile gets wider and she places a hand on her belly.
ANNIE
You’re gonna be an auntie.
Elizabeth’s mouth drops open and she rips the sunglasses off
her face.
ELIZABETH
NO! YOU’RE JOKING!
ANNIE
I’m not joking! We had the appointment
to confirm this morning.
Elizabeth puts her hands on Annie’s tummy and smiles.
ELIZABETH
(Tearing up)
ANNIE! You’re gonna be a mommy!
ANNIE
(Tearing up)
I know!
Elizabeth gathers Annie into her arms and they hug and have
tears.
ELIZABETH
Oh, I’m so beyond happy for you. How
did Kieth react?
ANNIE
He cried the whole way home.
ELIZABETH
(Laughing)
Of course he did, the pansy.
ANNIE
He’s already ordered a stroller and a
car seat and a million onsies.
Elizabeth snorts.
He may even be more excited than me.
ELIZABETH
Have you told Gen or Jules yet?
ANNIE
Not yet. I was going to tell all of
you together but Jules has that dinner
with DJ tonight and Gen is… well
Gen.
ELIZABETH
Busy as ever.
ANNIE
(Nodding)
Love the woman to death but she is
married to her work.
ELIZABETH
What’s the deal with DJ and Jules
these days?
ANNIE
Last I heard, she’s thinking he’s
proposing tonight.
Elizabeth’s eye brows raise.
A waitress comes up to their table and asks what they would
like to drink. They both order waters and the waitress
leaves.
ELIZABETH
Don’t tell her I said this, but I’ve
always been kinda creeped out by DJ.
ANNIE
I’ve never liked him much either.
ELIZABETH
I get a bad vibe.
ANNIE
So do I, but if she’s happy then I’m happy.
ELIZABETH
I don’t entirely agree with that but
we can talk about it later. For right
now, tell me more about Baby Archer!
Annie’s face lights up.
ANNIE
Well you know we’ve had names picked
out for years! But I think Kieth wants
to revisit the boy’s names.
ELIZABETH
I think if it’s a girl, you should
name her Elizabeth.
ANNIE
(Laughing)
And if it’s a boy?
Elizabeth pauses for a second to think.
ELIZABETH
Elizabeth.
Annie snorts.
CUT TO:
EXT. OUTSIDE OF A CLASSY RESTAURANT – NOON
Juliet and Genevieve are walking up to a restaurant for
lunch. They’re chatting and Genevieve opens the door for
Juliet who steps inside and up to the hostess’s desk.
JULIET
Two for Juliet.
The hostess looks through her book and then nods her head
when she finds Juliet’s name. She picks up two menus.
HOSTESS
Right this way.
She leads them through the restaurant, out to the patio, and
to a table.
The girls sit and thank her.
HOSTESS
Jake will be your waiter. He’ll be
with you in a moment.
GEN
Thank you so much.
The two girls open their menus and start perusing their
options for lunch.
The restaurant is fairly packed and there’s conversation all
around them.
JULIET
So DJ really hasn’t asked you
anything?
Genevieve looks up from her menu.
GEN
No. I don’t think I’ve even heard from
him since your birthday four months
ago.
JULIET
That’s weird.
GEN
I’m sure if he’s planning what you
think he is, he’s wanting to keep it
between you and him. Besides, you know
he’s never really connected with us
girls anyway.
Genevieve shrugs her shoulders and looks down at her menu
again.
JULIET
I just keep imagining how he’ll ask
me, ya know? Will it be following a
beautiful heartfelt speech, will he
get down on one knee or just put the
ring on the table?
GEN
Baby, I would really advise not to get
ahead of yourself. You might just be
having a nice evening and then go
home.
JULIET
Yeah but I just feel like something
big is gonna happen tonight! I can’t
help but be exited.
GEN
I know. You better call me either way
when you’re back home.
JULIET
I will!
The waiter comes to their table and they both order a meal.
The waiter takes their menus and they thank him.
GEN
Are you guys ready for your trip?
JULIET
Yeah, kind of. I just bought the
rentals for Zion and then I talked to
my boss a few weeks ago about the time
off and she said that wouldn’t be a
problem.
GEN
That’s great, Jules. Is DJ excited?
JULIET
I think so! He hasn’t asked for the
time off yet though.
GEN
Wait, really? Don’t you leave like
this weekend?
JULIET
Sunday. But he said that his boss is
really lenient so he’s not worried.
GEN
Oh, okay. Well, I’m excited for you. A
cross country road trip is something
I’ve always wanted to do. Plus I’m
kind of jealous you get to go back to
Maine. I haven’t been home in years.
JULIET
Maybe when DJ and I are married, us
girls can do a trip like this or
something.
GEN
That’d be fun. Although, I think
someone would end up dead by the end.
JULIET
(Laughing)
You’re not wrong.
GEN
Is your mom excited to meet DJ?
JULIET
Oh yeah! She can’t wait. She keeps
asking dad to pull up his social media
on the computer so she can look at all
his pictures.
GEN
(Laughing)
I miss your mom.
JULIET
I miss her too.
GEN
So what are you gonna wear tonight?
Juliet giggles and shows Gen a picture of the dress she’s
wearing to dinner that evening.
CUT TO:
INT. A YOGA STUDIO – AFTERNOON
Elizabeth walks up to the front desk of a yoga studio. A man,
ROB (Early 30’s, Asian, fit) in loose pants is typing on a
computer and looks up at her.
His expression goes from welcoming and friendly to angry.
ROB
Elizabeth, where the hell have you
been? You had three classes to teach
four hours ago.
ELIZABETH
Robbbbyyyyyy.
ROB
You have a real life, grown up job,
Beth. We’ve been friends for years,
but that doesn’t mean I won’t fire
you.
ELIZABETH
You threaten to fire me every time I
come in.
ROB
Just shut up and go teach class.
You’re staying two extra hours today
and I don’t want to hear you complain.
Elizabeth puts her purse in the cupboard behind Rob and takes
her sunglasses off, putting them in there as well.
ELIZABETH
Sure thing, boss man!
Elizabeth gives him a salute and walks toward the back of the
studio where the yoga rooms are. There’s a group of people in
here waiting on yoga mats.
She goes to the front of the room by the mirror wall and
stands on her own mat.
Alright, ladies. Who’s ready for some
yoga?
CUT TO:
INT. JULIET’S APARTMENT – EVENING
Juliet is getting ready for her date.
She has curlers in her hair and is only wearing a button down
shirt over her underwear.
She is sitting in front of a mirror trying to do her makeup
and listening to some music.
She is applying lipstick and then she sits back a little and
looks at her reflection.
She sighs to herself.
JULIET
Missus Juliet Lancaster.
Juliet holds up her left hand and examines it. She looks back
at her reflection and her expression falters a little bit but
quickly becomes happy again.
She stands up from her mirror and walks to her closet. She
picks up a hanger that has a beautiful floor length, sparkly,
navy blue dress on it. She holds it to her and twirls once.
She hangs the dress back up and goes to take her curlers out.
CUT TO:
INT. GENEVIEVE’S OFFICE – EVENING
It’s dark outside and Genevieve is at her computer, typing.
Her office is kind of dark, one the light from the computer
illuminating the space.
Her phone begins to ring, it’s Elizabeth, and she answers
immediately.
GEN
Hey little hippy.
ELIZABETH
(On the phone)
Hiiii. What are you doing?
GEN
Working.
ELIZABETH
(On the phone)
Ew. It’s like 7:30.
GEN
Believe it or not, it’s still early
for me.
Elizabeth makes a sound of disgust.
ELIZABETH
(on the phone)
I could never. Anyway, I was wondering
if you’ve heard from Annie yet today?
GEN
Uh, no. Not today. Why?
ELIZABETH
(On the phone)
No reason. You just might want to give
her a call when you get a chance.
GEN
Sure thing.
ELIZABETH
(On the phone)
Also, have you heard from Jules yet?
Did the Dick Jacket pop the question
or not?
Genevieve snorts.
GEN
I’m pretty sure their date isn’t until
eight but I haven’t heard anything yet
so I’m assuming no news is good news?
ELIZABETH
(On the phone)
Would that really be good news?
GEN
If she’s happy, then we’re happy. So
yes.
ELIZABETH
(On the phone)
Yeah, so I’ve been hearing.
GEN
How’re you doing, Beth? You okay?
ELIZABETH
(On the phone)
Mmm… I’ve been worse. I think Rob
might actually fire me one of these
times.
Elizabeth laughs a little at her comment. Both girls are then
quiet for a moment.
GEN
Is it getting bad again?
ELIZABETH
(On the phone)
Not really. I have it under control.
GEN
Good, I’m proud of you. You know if
you ever need me, I’m right here.
ELIZABETH
(On the phone)
Yeah, I know. Love you, Gen.
GEN
I love you too.
ACT II
If you want to learn what happens, you will have to come to the show 🙂