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sungrey

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  1. sungrey
    Hey everyone...

    As Nancy Hughes might have said on ATWT before CBS broke in with a news bulletin, "I gave it a great deal of thought..."

    I have decided to end production of Somerset on SON after 44 episodes. However, that is not the end of the serial as you knew it.

    I want to be careful how I say this, but next month Somerset can be seen on "another network", as they call it. What I am going to do is promote the show a bit better, keep up with the episodes, but more importantly I will relaunch the show from Episode 1 at its new location so viewers who have not seen it can get caught up.

    For those who think I may have run out of ideas, hardly. I actually have enough material for two years' worth of story. I'm looking forward to relaunching the show at its new site, and some of you post at it so you may know what it is.

    I can't thank Errol, Toups and company enough for allowing me to have Somerset at SON for its start. I'll still be posting here, so I'm not going anywhere.

    Take care.
  2. sungrey
    SOMERSET EPISODE 44
    Originally aired: September 13, 2007
    Written by: Steve Ungrey

    SCENE ONE

    FADE IN -- Giovanni’s

    Twilight has fallen on Somerset as Donna and Nick enter Giovanni’s. Giovanni and Rose aren’t out by the bar, prompting Nick to look around.

    NICK
    So what do you think?

    DONNA
    (Looks around) Nice. I like it. Reminds me of a trattoria that was just around the corner from my apartment. Clarke and I… (gets sheepish look on her face)

    NICK
    You can mention his name in front of me, you know.

    DONNA
    I’m sorry. I was going to say that Clarke and I went to that trattoria all the time, but this is Somerset. Time to make some new memories.

    NICK
    Yeah. (Pauses) You know, you could have come from work to meet me here. I didn’t mind.

    DONNA
    Hey, I felt like being a bit more casual outside the office. I got a short nap in and then freshened up, and now I’m ready to meet the Petterinos.

    NICK
    Better than meeting the Fockers, right? (Laughs)

    DONNA
    (Nods) Very funny. I want a sensitive guy for a friend and I end up getting a comedian.

    Giovanni and Rose come out from the kitchen area and see Nick and Donna, and before long they’re making their way to the entrance. Giovanni extends a hand to Nick.

    GIOVANNI
    Buongiorno, Nicholas. Welcome to Giovanni’s…

    NICK
    Thank you, Giovanni.

    Giovanni eyes Donna next to Nick and smiles. He takes Donna’s hand and kisses it.

    GIOVANNI
    And this must be the Bella Donna?

    DONNA
    (Blushing slightly) A regular Don Juan. (Turns to Nick) I love this guy.

    NICK
    At this rate, I’m glad he’s happily married. (Laughs)

    Giovanni and Rose laugh as they guide Nick and Donna over to a table and sit down. Music plays as we prepare to change scenes.

    DISSOLVE TO -- The Finial

    Over a bottle of wine, Zachary and George are having a quiet dinner and discussing the latest goings-on around the Cleybank Corporation and other places.

    GEORGE
    (Sips wine) Did I tell you Mike Wagner will be talking with me tomorrow regarding a big story on the X Project?

    ZACHARY
    Denise said you were taking a new tack when it came to the development in downtown Somerset. What are you trying to do, change the course of history?

    GEORGE
    (Brow furrows) Don’t tell me you actually agree with this cockamamie plan of Jack Martin’s.

    ZACHARY
    (Waves hand) I didn’t say that, Dad. I said the majority of people in this town seem to be behind Jack’s idea.

    GEORGE
    It all centers on one building. The Peoples Building is the key to everything.

    Zachary looks out the window, where he can see the skyscrapers of downtown Somerset and the white exterior of The Peoples Building shining in the twilight.

    ZACHARY
    And why in the hell would you want that building? It’s been sitting vacant for the most part.

    GEORGE
    I want the town to see that I’m not the bad guy. (Pauses) How is the relationship with the nurse at Somerset Hospital going?

    ZACHARY
    Slow. By choice.

    As Zachary continues nibbling on dinner, George can’t resist asking more questions.

    GEORGE
    So why aren’t you with her tonight? You’d rather eat dinner with your father than spend some quality time with…

    Zachary looks up at George like he’s asking too many questions.

    ZACHARY
    Uh, Dad? It’s all right. She’s studying for the last nurses’ exam she has to take. Once she takes that exam and passes it, the sky’s the limit as to what she can do.

    George takes a sip of wine and smiles slightly, obviously thinking that Zachary is dating beneath him yet not telling Zachary that to his face. Soft yet sinister music plays underneath, and the Somerset theme begins after that.

    We see an overhead shot of downtown, with the camera slowly pulling away from the buildings. The Somerset logo pops on the screen and goes into position at the center.

    BILL WOLFF: This… is Somerset. This portion of Somerset is brought to you today by Bounty, the paper towel that starts quicker so you finish quicker.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    SCENE TWO

    FADE IN -- Alana’s apartment

    Alana is on the couch watching a TV show when the doorbell sounds. Getting up, she finds she has more energy to walk over to the door and open it. When she opens the door, Mike is on the other side.

    Alana sees that Mike has takeout.

    ALANA
    Wagner, you gotta stop spoiling me. (Reaches and hugs him) After we eat, that is.

    MIKE
    This is an open invitation, I take it?

    ALANA
    It’s not our date. You’re not getting off that easily.

    Mike takes out two bags.

    MIKE
    Nor did I hope to get off scot-free. Chinese or Italian?

    ALANA
    What did you do, go ahead and order something from Column A and Column B?

    MIKE
    With sauce for both. How’s your appetite?

    ALANA
    Famished. I’ll take the Italian. Besides, I bet it’s Giovanni’s.

    Mike nods his head.

    MIKE
    You’re too predictable.

    ALANA
    Hey, when it’s Somerset’s best Italian hangout, I’d go there too.

    MIKE
    Well, then here you go. (Hands bag to Alana) And I will take the sesame beef. (Opens up his own bag) How are you feeling, by the way?

    ALANA
    I was noticing on the way to the door that I didn’t get tired at all. That’s the first time since I got sick that I’ve felt that way. Which means one thing…

    MIKE
    And what’s that?

    ALANA
    Dare we schedule our big date?

    Mike is about to dive into his sesame beef when he drops his fork. Looking up, he sees that Alana is serious about the date - not that he ever thought she wouldn’t be.

    DISSOLVE TO -- Police station

    Scott emerges from his office and grabs his coat, ready to leave for the day. As he’s about to exit, Jack enters the police station.

    JACK
    If you’re wondering, no, I didn’t come to pay any parking tickets.

    SCOTT
    (Chuckles) Then I suppose you’re here to see how I’m doing?

    JACK
    Well, Annabella’s over in Italy for the next several days - thought you could use a friend.

    SCOTT
    It just so happens I’m headed over to Bernard’s to grab a drink and possibly a bite to eat before heading home. Eaten yet?

    JACK
    As a matter of fact, I have not. Would you like some company?

    SCOTT
    Now I know why you came to the station. A dinner companion, perhaps?

    JACK
    (Laughs) No, I wanted to chat a bit about a few things that are related to the X Project and the police’s role in downtown. Willing to bend an ear?

    SCOTT
    Sure. Let’s go. I could use someone to listen to me, like the last time.

    Scott laughs as Jack and he leave the station, music playing us into the next commercial break. The picture fades to black.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    News from Nikolas makes its way through the hospital with unpredictable results. Be sure to watch Port Charles, part of the SONBC daytime lineup. Weekdays.

    A still shot of the Somerset logo is on screen with bumper music.

    BILL WOLFF: In just a moment, we’ll return with the second half of Somerset. Part two is brought to you today by Dawn, the dishwashing liquid that cuts through tough grease. Leaves grease off your hands and off your dishes.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    SCENE THREE

    FADE IN -- Alana’s apartment

    ALANA
    Any man that brings me breakfast AND dinner in the same day deserves a reward.

    Mike sets his food down and draws Alana in closer. Alana leans her head on Mike’s shoulder and closes her eyes.

    MIKE
    You know how much I care about you, right? Especially after that scare with meningitis.

    Alana opens her eyes, adjusts her head and looks at Mike.

    ALANA
    You act like you were going to lose me.

    MIKE
    Well, I didn’t know how bad off you were. But you rebounded pretty quickly once you were in the hospital.

    ALANA
    I guess being a patient for a change made me look at things a little differently. And I really appreciated all the company I had during my stay.

    MIKE
    You’re welcome.

    Alana is looking at Mike, soft music playing in the background. She leans in toward Mike and he approaches toward her face. The two close their eyes -- but the sound of a ringing telephone interrupts the moment.

    MIKE
    (Opens his eyes as Alana goes to get the phone and shakes his head) Long distance. It’s not the next best thing to being there.

    ALANA
    Hold that thought. (Picks up phone) Hello?… Oh, hey Taylor!

    As Alana is on the phone talking to Taylor, Mike laughs to himself and smiles as he sees Alana chatting on the phone. Yes, the immediate moment was ruined, but he hopes there are more chances around the corner. The music builds as we lead out of the scene…

    DISSOLVE TO -- Giovanni’s

    Nick and Donna are in one of the booths at the restaurant laughing and joking with Rose and Giovanni, with plates of pasta and a bottle of wine in front of them.

    ROSE
    Nick, I can’t believe you thought Donna wasn’t really there when you walked into Jack’s office!

    NICK
    (Shakes his head) Remember what happened to me? Having that dream that she was here in town? After that, I wasn’t taking any chances.

    DONNA
    Then he caught a whiff of my perfume…

    Donna flings her hair back and makes a hand gesture toward Nick, as if to say he was gone. Giovanni and Rose laugh.

    GIOVANNI
    You two said you’re taking it easy?

    NICK
    Yes. We call it friends with benefits. Donna’s getting used to Somerset and with our work schedules, things need time to develop. But when it comes to going out, I don’t think we’ve got plans to do it with anyone else.

    DONNA
    Not if I can help it, anyway.

    ROSE
    Is Jack working you pretty hard, dear?

    DONNA
    Not really. Today was just my first day and he’s got Susannah and I looking into the ownership of buildings here in Somerset. I’m slowly working up to more responsibilities and I have to start studying for the bar exam here in New York.

    GIOVANNI
    Sounds like we have another budding attorney.

    Donna laughs as she drinks her wine.

    DONNA
    I do. But I’m not necessarily interested in the seven-figure salaries or the exclusive club memberships. I want to make a difference in what I do -- to stay in touch with all walks of life.

    ROSE
    How very admirable. (Raises wine glass)

    GIOVANNI
    I’ll drink to that. My Bella Donna, you and Annabella would make great roommates.

    ROSE
    I think the same thing. You guys would get along great together.

    DONNA
    You know, I can’t believe Annabella is such a jet-setter. She’s got that great modeling career going…

    GIOVANNI
    And she does, but the one thing she wants to be when she’s here in Somerset is just an ordinary woman.

    ROSE
    Which she’s not, according to Giovanni. Annabella is the belle of his life, along with Tori.

    NICK
    (Turns to Donna) There’s another child too. They have a son Johnny, and he’s out in Denver running his own restaurant.

    DONNA
    Sounds like you have a successful family.

    GIOVANNI
    And it sounds like the two of you have a good future ahead, hopefully. (Raises glass) A toast to Donna as she begins her career here in Somerset.

    NICK
    (Raises glass) Hear hear.

    The four clink their glasses as the music builds and the picture fades to black.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    SCENE FOUR

    FADE IN -- Bernard’s

    Jack and Scott are nursing drinks at the bar and plates of food, discussing a few things business-related.

    SCOTT
    I thought you guys were fairly certain you knew who owned The Peoples Building.

    JACK
    We don’t want a surprise, that’s all. I’m starting to concentrate my purchases toward the area by the riverfront. Isn’t that the area you said has the biggest problem?

    SCOTT
    Well, we’re getting occasional reports of minor stuff… youth disturbances… panhandling… nothing major is going on.

    JACK
    That’s a relief. It beats the days of mob shootouts, I’m sure.

    SCOTT
    Well, thankfully I wasn’t around for that era, but I don’t want to live through that anytime soon.

    JACK
    How would you feel about the concept of a… community center?

    Scott’s face immediately turns toward Jack and nods.

    SCOTT
    That’s a fantastic idea. Has that been part of the plan all along?

    JACK
    No, but I’ve been doing some thinking about it. (Pauses) George Cleypool’s been trying to paint me as an elitist rich bastard ever since I sold Delaney Brands. Which, you know I’m not.

    SCOTT
    (Laughs as he sips from his glass) Elitist you’re not. Bastard you’re not. Rich -- I think he’s got you there.

    JACK
    I have always given back to the community when able. This might be a way that I can help those less fortunate and still be able to complete parts of my project. Might even curry favors with other people.

    SCOTT
    Aw, relax, Jack. I think Nick’s going to take good care of you.

    JACK
    That’s another thing. I don’t want people thinking Nick Barclay is my puppet. Yes, I’m grooming him for political office, but now he’s got Donna in his life. I don’t want him to sacrifice the best thing that came along since…

    SCOTT
    (Puts down glass) Alana?

    CUT TO -- Alana’s apartment

    Alana is still on the phone with Taylor before she hangs up.

    ALANA
    No problem. I figured you wanted to check in and see how I was doing. (Pauses) Okay, talk to you soon. I may stop by tomorrow for a visit when I get checked out by the docs. (Pauses) Looking forward to it. Night!

    As Alana hangs up the phone she turns toward Mike, who is finishing up his food.

    ALANA
    I’m sorry. I got the feeling a big moment was interrupted here.

    MIKE
    Don’t worry about it. Taylor needed to know how to write up the nurses’ schedule, it sounds like.

    ALANA
    Yes. It’s something I usually do. We’re shorthanded in some areas, so that’s why I’m looking forward to Tori and a couple of others passing their exams here in a bit.

    MIKE
    To take some pressure off of you?

    ALANA
    And have nights like this. What do you think?

    MIKE
    Sounds good to me.

    ALANA
    Anyways, I’m looking forward to tomorrow. If I pass with flying colors, then I say you and I should go out the next night. Is it workable?

    Mike is happy at having heard a day at long last.

    MIKE
    (Smiling) Now that’s the best news I’ve gotten in a long time.

    Music plays as Alana comes back to the couch, picks up her plate and digs back in. She snuggles in by Mike’s shoulder once again, and Mike is grinning as he finishes his Chinese. The picture fades to black.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    A shot of the Somerset skyline appears as the credits roll.

    BILL WOLFF: Jewelry courtesy of Stephen Dweck. Fashions by Junior Gallery of New York.

    Join us each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. And stay tuned for Point Palace, which follows immediately over most of these stations.

    This program was pre-recorded.




  3. sungrey
    SOMERSET EPISODE 43
    Original airdate: September 12, 2007
    Written by: Steve Ungrey

    SCENE ONE

    FADE IN -- Somerset Inn

    We see the camera panning up to an upper-floor room, and the camera cuts to Donna in front of the mirror, partially dressed. She’s leaning in applying mascara when there’s a knock at the door.

    DONNA
    (Under her breath) Somehow I knew he’d be on time. (Louder) Hold on a bit!

    As Donna goes toward the door, she ventures toward the bathroom and partially shuts that door, and she extends an arm out to open the hotel room door. Like before, Nick is left looking into an empty room.

    NICK
    Somehow I knew you’d be partially ready to go.

    DONNA
    What was that, handsome?

    NICK
    I could hear you muttering inside the room. I hope you were smiling when you said that.

    DONNA
    These walls must be thinner than Kate Moss… Well, since you’re here, maybe you can help me decide what to wear.

    NICK
    You could wear a sack and make it look like Gucci.

    DONNA
    Ha ha, very funny. But flattering, thanks.

    Nick goes over to a recliner and sits down, snickering to himself.

    NICK
    I don’t see why you’re obsessing. Jack isn’t the type of authoritarian boss that makes his employees wear suits and look like drones.

    Donna peeks her head out and smiles.

    DONNA
    Because I want to look nice on my first day there. You wouldn’t understand, you’re a guy.

    NICK
    Oh, so looking sloppy and wearing a ripped T-shirt and thong underwear won’t win me a job as Somerset’s city manager, huh?

    DONNA
    Now that I’d like to see. Can you hand me that skirt on the bed?

    Nick gets up from the recliner, looks over, sees it and tosses it in Donna’s direction. As he tosses, we see a hand stick out from the bathroom.

    DONNA
    (From inside bathroom) Somehow I knew you’d do that. You’re just very lucky I can catch these things, you know.

    NICK
    Relax. What time do you have to be into the office, anyway?

    DONNA
    I told Jack I’d be there around 9:30. What time is it, anyway?

    NICK
    (Checks his watch) 8:15. You’re doing fine.

    DONNA
    Oh, I know that. I was hoping to catch a bite to eat before we went over to Martin Enterprises.

    NICK
    There’s a coffee shop just down the street…

    DONNA
    They have a continental breakfast downstairs that’s free for hotel guests. I think they’d look the other way.

    NICK
    If they didn’t serve me, I’d order the place shut down.

    Donna emerges from the bathroom, fully dressed and ready to go. She reaches in her purse, spritzes a little Enchantress on her, and comes over to Nick.

    DONNA
    Now then, handsome…

    She wraps her arms around Nick and quickly kisses him.

    NICK
    You look very nice.

    DONNA
    Just very nice, huh? I thought you’d say I made your eyes pop out of their head.

    NICK
    No… that was Washington. And when you surprised me in Jack’s office.

    DONNA
    (Kisses Nick again) But there you didn’t think I was real.

    NICK
    You won’t let me forget that, will you?

    DONNA
    Not a chance. (Breaks the embrace and puts an arm around Nick’s side) All set to walk me to school?

    NICK
    (Laughing) Lead the way.

    As Donna and Nick exit Donna’s hotel room, the music plays softly at first -- but then it turns more scary as the scene transitions.

    DISSOLVE TO -- Outside Petterino house

    For some reason in this scene it is night. We see a car pull up and stop in Giovanni and Rose’s driveway. Victoria opens the door and steps out.

    Looking around, she looks up at the sky and sees how dark it is.

    VICTORIA
    Mom? Dad?

    She goes up to the front door to open it, only to find she can’t. Victoria can’t find her keys either.

    She returns to the driveway and comes down to the front, right by the sidewalk. The air is still, silent. The only thing we hear is scary music, presumably from an organ.

    Victoria slowly looks up as she sees the area around her getting darker. Then she screams, and the picture immediately cuts to black. We quickly cut to the Somerset opening.

    We see an overhead shot of downtown, with the camera slowly pulling away from the buildings. The Somerset logo pops on the screen and goes into position at the center.

    BILL WOLFF: This… is Somerset. This portion of Somerset is presented today by Pringles and new Pringles Cracker Stix, the light alternative to potato chips.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    SCENE TWO

    IMMEDIATE CUT TO -- Outside Petterino house

    Victoria is screaming because she sees something really odd -- a gigantic nursing textbook, roughly 10 times her size, is looming over her. Next to the textbook is the world’s largest hypodermic needle and a gargantuan pair of scissors.

    Victoria takes off running down the block. The textbook follows, with the needle and scissors not too far behind. Before long, papers -- presumably Victoria’s notes -- begin falling from the sky.

    She’s running as fast as she can, but Victoria can’t outrun the competition. She stumbles and falls down, looking up.

    The book leaps in the air, with the needle and scissors following, and the picture immediately cuts to black…

    CUT TO -- Petterino house

    Victoria bolts upright in bed, with a loud gasp. Her face is drenched in sweat and she’s still breathing heavily. Then she looks at her surroundings and bursts out laughing.

    Giovanni runs down the hall and into Victoria’s room.

    GIOVANNI
    Tori? Qualcosa non va?

    Giovanni runs over and hugs Tori, who is still giggling a bit.

    VICTORIA
    Nothing’s wrong, Dad. I just had a nightmare -- but when you think about it, it was actually pretty funny.

    GIOVANNI
    Cara mia… nightmares aren’t funny, especially if they make you like this…

    VICTORIA
    No, Dad, trust me. I got out of my car and you guys weren’t here. I didn’t have my keys and so I came back toward the road… and I saw this big textbook staring down at me. (Starts laughing) And a needle and scissors.

    GIOVANNI
    (Covers his eyes) E che cavolo.

    VICTORIA
    Oh, brother is right. I tried to outrun the book and everything but I stumbled and fell and got caught. I woke up just before the worst happened.

    GIOVANNI
    Cara mia… you’ve been studying too hard.

    VICTORIA
    Thank God the exam is tomorrow. I don’t think I can take much more of this.

    GIOVANNI
    How much sleep did you get?

    VICTORIA
    Enough. I think I crawled into bed about 1 this morning.

    GIOVANNI
    You’ve got enough. (Extends hands) Come with me. You need to have a good breakfast in you.

    VICTORIA
    Dad… that’s not going to solve my problems.

    GIOVANNI
    (Turns around and looks at Victoria) Humor me, OK? When was the last time I spent time with my daughter?

    Victoria weakly smiles and sniffles a bit.

    VICTORIA
    Now how can I refuse an offer like that?

    Music plays to transition scenes as Victoria and Giovanni walk down the hall toward the stairs.

    DISSOLVE TO -- Martin Enterprises

    Joanne is busy at the front desk when Nick and Donna step off the elevator. Joanne looks up and smiles.

    JOANNE
    Donna! Welcome to your first official day here at Martin!

    DONNA
    Thanks, Joanne. (Motions to Nick) I brought company in case things got rough.

    JOANNE
    I don’t think you have to worry . You look quite nice, by the way. I’d recognize Paisley’s anywhere.

    DONNA
    (Twirls in place) Thanks. You’re the second person that’s told me I look nice. I’ll take it as a compliment from both of you. Are you a Paisley’s shopper?

    JOANNE
    Loyal to the end.

    DONNA
    You and I might have to take an afternoon and get together sometime. (Laughs)

    JOANNE
    I’d love it. I may be Jack’s assistant, but I’m just one of the gang when it comes to being away from work. Just ask everyone here.

    NICK
    So is Jack.

    Jack comes out of his office with a whole pile of folders. Donna gets a worried look on her face.

    DONNA
    That’s not all for me, is it?

    JACK
    I’m… (struggles with pile) afraid… so. This… (almost loses his balance) piled up in… your absence… (several folders fall off the top) Whoa!!

    Donna kneels down to pick up the folders, with Nick picking up a couple of folders in the process.

    JACK
    Thanks, guys. I’ll set these on your desk, Donna. Unless you want to take a look at a couple now?

    DONNA
    (Rises to her feet) Well, let me see what’s in my hand.

    Donna opens the folder and gets a puzzled look on her face. She looks in the folder a bit further and then she gets a look on her face like she realizes what’s going on.

    DONNA
    Okay, Jack… is this a practical joke?

    Jack smiles at Donna.

    JACK
    April Fool several months early. (Sets the folders down) All the folders are blank. I couldn’t resist playing a joke on my newest employee. (Extends hand) I officially welcome you aboard.

    DONNA
    (Shakes Jack’s hand) Thanks. I think. Did I pass the initiation? Am I a member of the sorority?

    JACK
    With flying colors. I do have an assignment on your first day, but it is not what you think. In other words, no hundred folders to peek through.

    NICK
    Okay, this is where I get off the ride.

    JACK
    Actually, Nick, I’d like you to come in my office as well. You might be able to help out.

    Nick and Donna look at each other as the camera slowly pauses on Jack’s face. The picture fades to black.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    Dahlia gets a surprise she didn’t expect. Make sure to watch to the end on S*T*E*A*M, part of the SONBC daytime lineup. Weekdays.
    A still shot of the Somerset logo is on screen with bumper music.

    BILL WOLFF: In just a moment, we’ll return with the second half of Somerset. Part two is brought to you today by Lilt, the only home permanent with gripper sponges. The way to shiny and beautiful hair.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    SCENE THREE

    FADE IN -- Alana’s apartment

    We see Alana sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee as the doorbell rings. Alana rises from the couch, and she appears to have a little more spring in her step than before. She opens the door to see Mike there with two bags.

    ALANA
    Fast food for breakfast, Wagner?

    MIKE
    I was hoping you hadn’t eaten yet.

    ALANA
    (Eyes bags) Well, as long as it’s not loaded with cholesterol…

    MIKE
    At this stage when you’re getting your appetite back, who cares?

    ALANA
    Excuse me? I am a nurse for a living… what do you have in there?

    MIKE
    Take a look for yourself.

    Alana sees in the bag that there isn’t any pre-made food. The bags contain eggs, a package of sausage links and pancake mix.

    ALANA
    Wagner, what is this?

    MIKE
    Chef Mike at your service. Directions to your stove?

    ALANA
    Oh… (Embraces Mike) You didn’t have to do that for me.

    MIKE
    I insist. It’s the least I can do to help nurse a nurse back to health. How are you, anyway?

    ALANA
    Better. I’m driving to the hospital later today -- and before you say anything, Patrick said I could drive…

    MIKE
    (Raises hands in a hands-up gesture) Not guilty, Alana. I know you’re perfectly capable of operating a car. Now I’m afraid I’ll get run over.

    ALANA
    You get a free pass thanks to those bags. Need any help?

    MIKE
    Not a lick. Sit and enjoy. This is one time I wait on you.

    Alana smiles as she sits at the kitchen table, watching Mike take the items out of the bags, as the music plays to transition scenes.

    DISSOLVE TO -- Petterino kitchen

    Victoria is at the table eating a bowl of cereal and toast as Giovanni prepares his own cereal bowl. Once he is done, Giovanni comes over and sits at the table.

    VICTORIA
    (Looks up) Delicious, Dad. You didn’t have to do this, you know.

    GIOVANNI
    What, stay at home so I could have a heart-to-heart with my youngest?

    VICTORIA
    Well… that too.

    GIOVANNI
    If you’re wondering about breakfast (points at cereal) it came out of a box.

    VICTORIA
    (Giggles) Dad, I know. (Pauses) Do you know how long it’s been since you and I have had a sit-down talk like this?

    GIOVANNI
    Too long. Rose pointed it out to me.

    VICTORIA
    Oh, so you wanted to sit down and talk to me because Mom prompted you to do it?

    GIOVANNI
    (Taken aback) Tori! Relax! I’m here of my own free will. Why do you think I waited until Annabella had gone back to Italy for a week?

    VICTORIA
    You’ve never favored any of us, you know. You treat all of us as equals, and I respect that.

    GIOVANNI
    You’ve just been going through so much lately with studying and the hours at the hospital, that I feel I’m losing touch with you.

    Victoria’s mouth drops open as she drops her spoon.

    VICTORIA
    Daddy… My God, you know I’m always here for you and Mom. Just because I’m thinking of moving out on my own once I pass this last exam doesn’t mean I’m going to leave the family for good.

    GIOVANNI
    I know. But I miss the younger Tori. The one that was active in high school and had friends over at all hours making signs for Somerset Catholic’s football games. The one that ran for student council president and won, and she went on to show all of Somerset what a good president she was.

    VICTORIA
    I remember how proud you were of me.

    GIOVANNI
    You’d beat Hillary in a landslide if you ran for president.

    VICTORIA
    I’m way too young, Dad. I’ll leave the politics to Nick.

    GIOVANNI
    Right, right. Let him handle the civic duties. (Pauses) I just worry that you’re working yourself up into a lather over this.

    VICTORIA
    Dad…

    Victoria rises from the table and looks out the window.

    GIOVANNI
    All this stress isn’t good for you, you know.

    VICTORIA
    Dad… it’s healthy stress. That nightmare I had, now that I think of it, was hilarious. Being chased by a textbook, a needle and scissors? Priceless.

    GIOVANNI
    Still…

    VICTORIA
    (Turns to face Giovanni) Dad, what was it like when you and Mom opened the restaurant?

    GIOVANNI
    Long, hard hours. Making sure every last detail was taken care of and every I was dotted and every T was crossed. That the recipes I had were crafted to perfection.

    VICTORIA
    Being a nurse involves long and hard hours on the job. But I love what I do, just like you and Mom do. I wouldn’t change my profession for the world. Helping to heal people is what I love.

    GIOVANNI
    Then the case is closed. I will always cherish my stellina.

    Victoria is stopped cold by what Giovanni said. She has tears in her eyes as it’s obvious she’s about to cry.

    VICTORIA
    You haven’t called me little star in years.

    GIOVANNI
    I’m full of surprises. Now good luck tomorrow and go knock em dead.

    Victoria hugs Giovanni and embraces him tightly.

    GIOVANNI
    My little star.

    The camera focuses on Victoria, eyes closed and still hugging her dad. Very soft music plays in the background as the picture slowly fades to black.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    SCENE FOUR

    FADE IN -- Martin Enterprises

    In Jack’s office, Donna sits down with Nick as Jack gathers the folder he wants Donna to look at.

    JACK
    I wanted your first day here to be a memorable one, so I figured I’d stick you and Susannah with a good project.

    Donna takes her glasses out of her purse and puts them on, as she takes the folder from Jack and looks at it.

    DONNA
    This appears to be a… map of downtown Somerset.

    NICK
    My, you know your geography pretty well already.

    DONNA
    Knock it off, sexy. (Points) I just recognize the river right here and the highway coming in alongside downtown.

    JACK
    You’re very perceptive, Donna. It’s a current map of downtown. You’ve noticed I circled part of the downtown area… it’s the area I’ve reserved for the X Project and its spinoffs.

    DONNA
    All right. What do you want Susannah and I to do?

    JACK
    Find out the status of all the buildings in this area. I’m trying to find out if Cleybank Corporation owns anything that could stand in the way of this project going forward full steam ahead.

    NICK
    You’re going to have Donna and Susannah check on who owns the buildings, in other words?

    JACK
    Yes. I know we had a couple of foreclosure sales a couple years ago here…

    DONNA
    Well, wouldn’t Nick have those records in his office?

    NICK
    I have some. If an out-of-state buyer owns a building, however, there’s a chance it could be a Cleybank subsidiary. If Jack wants to buy a building and it’s Cleybank property, chances are George would either put the kibosh on it or ask for 10 times its value.

    DONNA
    We’ll get right on it for you. I’ll need to brush up on New York’s property laws…

    JACK
    It’ll help for when you’re ready to take the bar exam here, right?

    DONNA
    Every little bit helps.

    Donna studies the folder as the picture fades to black.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    A shot of the Somerset skyline appears as the credits roll.

    BILL WOLFF: Blouses by Regina Porter. Jackets by Ralph Lauren.

    Join us each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. And stay tuned for Point Palace, which follows immediately over most of these stations.

    This program was pre-recorded.


  4. sungrey
    SOMERSET EPISODE 42
    Written by: Steve Ungrey
    Original airdate: 09/11/07


    SCENE ONE

    FADE IN -- Ski’s Sub Shop

    Ski’s Sub Shop is the newest business our viewers get to see in Somerset. It’s a small sandwich shop located around the corner from Martin Enterprises, on the ground floor of the Wentworth Building.

    Patrick and Susannah have adjourned to Ski’s to have a light lunch and catch up on what’s been going on.

    SUSANNAH
    (Looks around) You know, I never saw this place before when I was making my travels through downtown. Talk about being out of the way.

    PATRICK
    Most of the hospital staff swears by the food. We sometimes sneak out and bring subs back if we’re trying to catch a quick bite between patients.

    SUSANNAH
    I’ll have to keep this place in mind. My 70-hour weeks might be coming to an end here shortly.

    Patrick laughs, albeit a bit nervously, when Susannah says this.

    SUSANNAH
    (Smiles) What… you think I’m kidding? And don’t tell me you’re 9-to-5 type guy who trades his white coat for a set of clubs and plays hooky in the afternoon.

    PATRICK
    I wish. The last time I played golf, I swear I had to check the foursome out afterwards for cuts and bruises.

    Susannah nearly spits out her coffee, laughing at Patrick’s joke.

    PATRICK
    You see? I got you to smile.

    Susannah cleans off her mouth with a napkin as soft music plays to transition scenes.

    DISSOLVE TO -- Cleybank Corporation

    Mike stands there in disbelief as George announces his intention to buy The Peoples Building.

    MIKE
    Oh, boy. This isn’t going to end well.

    GEORGE
    And why won’t it? I certainly have the money to purchase it.

    MIKE
    But what if it isn’t for sale? What if someone already owns it?

    GEORGE
    That’s not my problem.

    MIKE
    Well, what IS my problem, Mr. Cleypool, is that I’ve already done a story on Jack Martin’s intent to purchase the building.

    GEORGE
    Jack Martin doesn’t have a leg to stand on.

    MIKE
    He’s stronger than you think.

    George produces a folder with papers inside it. Handing it to Mike, he smiles.

    MIKE
    Is this what’s called bribing a reporter? You know I’m above…

    GEORGE
    It is NOT a cash bribe, Mr. Wagner. You know I’m above that.

    MIKE
    How do I?

    GEORGE
    What this is, Mr. Wagner, is a desire for Cleybank to do a special section on the opening of the new shopping center I’m building north of Somerset. Think of all the ad money that would be bringing the Register.

    MIKE
    I’ll have to run this by Norman first.

    GEORGE
    No need. I already did.

    Mike, by now, is growing visibly agitated. Is he going to be drawn into doing a story he doesn’t want to do? As he thinks about it, the Somerset theme starts.

    We see an overhead shot of downtown, with the camera slowly pulling away from the buildings. The Somerset logo pops on the screen and goes into position at the center.

    BILL WOLFF: This… is Somerset. This portion of Somerset is presented today by Gain, the detergent that leaves a sunshine-fresh smell on your clothes. Get clean at a lower price, and rid stains with Gain.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    SCENE TWO

    FADE IN -- Cleybank Corporation

    The conversation between Mike and George continues.

    MIKE
    I have a better idea for this story.

    GEORGE
    Well, sit. I’d love to hear it. (Points at counter) Coffee?

    MIKE
    Thanks.

    As Mike goes to pour a cup of coffee, George continues talking.

    GEORGE
    I sense you’re reluctant to do this story, Mr. Wagner, and I don’t know why.

    MIKE
    It’s because of one thing. I think the bigger story throughout this whole thread is that you and Jack cannot stand each other, and many people in Somerset would like to know why.

    GEORGE
    You know the answer to that as well as anyone else. You’re too young to recall it, but Jack sold Delaney Brands to a company that had no interest in keeping the property here in Somerset.

    MIKE
    But my readers don’t know that. I want to do a bigger story. I think people would love to know about the war between you two. I’m not saying I want to get you guys in the same room and talk, because it might trigger World War III…

    George thinks it over and nods.

    GEORGE
    I like the way you think, Wagner.

    MIKE
    And besides, you both want the same building, right?

    GEORGE
    Correct. Why don’t you talk with Denise about scheduling more time with me to talk about my desire to buy the building?

    MIKE
    And I can run my idea by Norman. I’m sure he’ll love it.

    George shakes Mike’s hand as music plays to transition scenes.

    DISSOLVE TO -- Ski’s

    Susannah is finishing up a half-sub with ham and salami while Patrick has the works. In between bites, the two are talking about work.

    SUSANNAH
    I get Donna in the office later this week, so I’ll be able to breathe a bit and concentrate on other matters.

    PATRICK
    Including having a social life?

    SUSANNAH
    Like what type of social life do you want me to have?

    PATRICK
    Well, let’s see… I know you’re into jazz music.

    SUSANNAH
    You remembered that from so long ago, I’m impressed.

    PATRICK
    I know you like sports from when you played softball. We’ve got some great minor league sports here in town.

    SUSANNAH
    If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear you were angling to take me out.

    PATRICK
    Well, listen… I know you’re not ready for anything more than just light chit-chat and friends thanks to your schedule, and I respect that. You think my schedule is any different?

    SUSANNAH
    If anything, it’s worse. (Laughs)

    PATRICK
    You got that right.

    As Patrick takes a bite of sub, the two switch conversation subjects.

    SUSANNAH
    I hear Alana is out of the hospital?

    PATRICK
    (Looks up) Yes, yes. She had an attack of viral meningitis, but luckily we were able to get to it in time and stop the fever from doing any damage.

    SUSANNAH
    What a relief. That’s nothing to sneeze at, no pun intended.

    PATRICK
    Well, she’s got a great guy taking care of her while she’s recuperating. About the only thing she’s lacking is someone to help clean her apartment.

    SUSANNAH
    Tell her if she absolutely needs help, I’ll volunteer my services.

    PATRICK
    I didn’t know you were a cleaning woman on the side.

    SUSANNAH
    I’m not. I just want to widen my circle of friends here in Somerset, that’s all. I’ll have Donna once she arrives, assuming she’s the type that likes to hang out after work…

    \PATRICK
    If all her time isn’t monopolized by Nick, that is…

    The two laugh and share a fun moment as the music builds into commercial break.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    The shareholders have come home to roost… will the news be good or bad? Tune in to Novi, part of the SONBC daytime lineup. Weekdays.

    A still shot of the Somerset logo appears with accompanying music.

    BILL WOLFF: In just a moment, we’ll continue with the second half of Somerset. This portion of our program is presented by digestible, all-vegetable Crisco, for foods that taste great without the cholesterol.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    SCENE THREE

    FADE IN -- City Hall

    Nick is working at his desk and has his back turned to the door. He’s on the phone with Mike, who has returned to the Register.

    NICK
    (Looks out window) George wants to buy The Peoples Building. I was afraid of that.

    MIKE
    I don’t want word to leak out that we talked, but my hands are tied. Apparently Norman and George have already talked and the paper will get some advertising for the new shopping center.

    NICK
    Isn’t that a bribe?

    MIKE
    In this day and age it’s called revenue. I know our owners in Denver will love to see that.

    NICK
    Whatever happened to the days of local ownership, anyway? (Laughs)

    As Nick is talking, we see a shadowy figure at Nick’s door and the figure creeps in behind Nick.

    NICK
    Anyhow, I’m sure Jack will be willing to cooperate.

    MIKE
    Oh, I know he will. In fact, when I sent him an e-mail on his PDA he responded back right away with three words. Bring it on.

    NICK
    (Laughing) Sounds like Jack. I think that will make for some good copy for you.

    MIKE
    I’m going to head in to talk to Norman since he just got back. I’ll keep you posted.

    NICK
    Sounds good. Take care.

    As Nick puts down the phone, a hand touches Nick’s shoulder. Instead of jumping out of his seat, Nick smiles.

    NICK
    I always wanted to get a shoulder rub from my secretary. (Turns around) But you’ll do.

    We see Donna’s smiling face, as she takes off her sunglasses.

    DONNA
    Considering you don’t have a secretary… You’re just lucky I wasn’t someone else, handsome.

    NICK
    Welcome back. I missed you.

    Nick rises and embraces Donna, lightly kissing her on the lips and then tightly holding on to her.

    DONNA
    Me too. See? This friends with benefits thing isn’t bad after all, is it?

    NICK
    (Breaks embrace) Naa. I’ll get used to it. So are you back to stay?

    DONNA
    You bet. Jack has me at the Somerset Inn for as long as I need to use it. I told him it’d hopefully be a couple weeks tops.

    NICK
    Annabella is back in Italy for a week, but when she gets back she said she’s dying to meet you in the flesh.

    DONNA
    I’m looking forward to getting settled in. Mom said she can’t wait to meet you either. I told her we weren’t exactly inseparable just yet, but…

    NICK
    Hey, the fact you’re back here is good enough for me. (Kisses Donna once again)

    DONNA
    Just wanted to stop in and say hi. I’ve got to get back and do some unpacking. Did you want to do the honors and walk with me to work on my first day?

    NICK
    You act like you’re in kindergarten and I’m walking you to school.

    DONNA
    Mom and Dad did that on my first day of kindergarten. Been there, done that. This is a new chapter of my life.

    NICK
    Then… (takes Donna’s hand and kisses it) I’d be delighted.

    Donna smiles and blows a kiss to Nick as she leaves the office. Nick sits down to start working again as the music builds to change scenes. Now if he can only recall what he was working on since he got so distracted…

    DISSOLVE TO -- Ski’s

    Victoria has taken up a corner table with a diet soda and a meatball sub, and she has numerous papers spread out in front of her. Taylor walks in the front door and sees Victoria and can’t help but laugh.

    TAYLOR
    (Walking over) You are going to be soooo glad when this exam is over, aren’t you?

    VICTORIA
    Don’t remind me. I take the exam Friday and I can’t wait until it’s behind me. I’m going to go out with Zachary that night and have a blast.

    TAYLOR
    How is the studying going?

    VICTORIA
    I think I have a decent grasp of it. I’m worried how I’ll adapt to the material since it’s pretty damn hard.

    TAYLOR
    You’ll manage. You’ve done a good job before.

    VICTORIA
    Hey. Sit with me and keep me company until I get the urge to start studying again.

    TAYLOR
    I think I can do that. Let me grab something to order.

    Taylor rises from the table and walks over to place an order as Victoria looks down at her notes, wondering how she’s doing. The picture fades to black.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    SCENE FOUR

    FADE IN -- Ski’s

    Victoria and Taylor are chatting over subs as Victoria has her books pushed to the side.

    VICTORIA
    I’m so glad I pushed my decision to move out to after the exam was out of the way. I’m going to lie low the night before the test because I just want to be as simple as possible.

    TAYLOR
    (Munching on sub) Well, you won’t have to worry. You’ll pass this exam.

    VICTORIA
    I’m not sure. Alana said she actually failed this test once before she passed it.

    TAYLOR
    Then if the worst happens you’ll have a built-in escape hatch, right?

    VICTORIA
    Right. (Pauses) Have you talked to Alana today?

    TAYLOR
    She’s lying low. Patrick told her not to really start moving around until later this week, so she’s catching up on TV, sitting at her computer, talking with her folks…

    VICTORIA
    In short, living her life for a change.

    TAYLOR
    I’ll tell you one thing. (Smiles) That date with Mike can’t get here fast enough for her.

    Victoria laughs as Taylor cracks up too. Music builds for the next scene.

    DISSOLVE TO -- The Register

    Mike is in Norman’s office pitching his idea for a bigger story.

    NORMAN
    So you think you can pull off a Jack Martin vs. George Cleypool story and their fight over The Peoples Building, huh?

    MIKE
    Jack’s already said he’d take part provided he didn’t have to sit in the same room with George. I can do a he said, he said type of story and have a great faceoff with both of them.

    NORMAN
    I like what I’m hearing from you. Let’s go ahead and do it on one condition.

    MIKE
    You name it.

    NORMAN
    You should investigate who really owns this property. Might make for a good third party story.

    Mike begins to see the merit of that idea as the music builds and the picture fades to black.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    The Somerset theme plays over the closing credits.

    BILL WOLFF: Men’s slacks by Dockers. Watches by Marvella.

    Join us again each weekday at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. And be sure to stay tuned for Point Palace, which follows immediately over most of these SONBC stations.

    This program was recorded.


  5. sungrey
    SOMERSET EPISODE 41
    Written by: Steve Ungrey
    Original airdate: 09/10/07

    SCENE ONE

    FADE IN -- Cleybank Corporation

    A new day has dawned in Somerset, and this day finds George sitting at his office desk with a mountain of paperwork in front of him. He gets a little overwhelmed and it almost looks like he’s going to make a sweeping gesture to clear the table. Then he thinks better.

    GEORGE
    No, I better not. It would take me days to clean that mess up.

    One of George’s associates -- or henchmen, whichever you’d prefer -- Doug Benedict, pops into the office.

    GEORGE
    You took a chance on showing up here, my friend.

    DOUG
    I figured you’d want this information firsthand. (Hands George a sheet of paper) This is the information you’re going to need for the hospital, in case you’re questioned.

    GEORGE
    Ah, I see. (Scans the paper) Good job, Doug. I’ll look this over right away and do what I have to do.

    DOUG
    Fine, Mr. Cleypool. (Turns to leave but remembers one other thing) Oh, by the way -- there’s some sniffing around at City Hall regarding a certain building here in Somerset. Up for purchasing the property?

    GEORGE
    Depends on how much it will cost me. What’s the building?

    DOUG
    I believe it’s The Peoples Building?

    George gets an inquisitive look on his face and nods.

    GEORGE
    Ah, yes. I suppose Jack is interested in that -- strike that, I KNOW he’s interested in that property. (Pauses) Now what to do to put the kibosh on that…

    DOUG
    Will that be all, Mr. Cleypool?

    GEORGE
    Yes, Doug. Good work, and remember we didn’t have this conversation.

    DOUG
    As you wish. (Walks out of office)

    George goes to his office window, where he can see The Peoples Building standing in a state of mild disrepair.

    GEORGE
    I suppose I could find a use for you. But if it means Jack’s dream gets destroyed… (Smiles)

    Sinister music in the background as the scene dissolves.

    DISSOLVE TO -- Giovanni’s

    Mike is at a table looking over that day’s Register when Nick comes in and makes a beeline for the table.

    NICK
    Greetings, friend. (Shakes hand)

    MIKE
    I’m so glad you could make it here. I’ve got a pressing problem that needs your expertise.

    NICK
    Does it have to do with your Restaurant Row story from yesterday?

    MIKE
    I wish it were that simple. (Drinks from his beer glass) How do I impress Alana?

    As Nick wonders why Mike would ask him that question, we hear the Somerset theme begin.

    We see an overhead shot of downtown, with the camera slowly pulling away from the buildings. The Somerset logo pops on the screen and goes into position at the center.

    BILL WOLFF: This… is Somerset. This portion of Somerset is presented today by Biz, the detergent with a full-strength bleach built right in. Why buy both? Buy Biz.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    SCENE TWO

    FADE IN -- Martin Enterprises

    Susannah comes down the hall to Jack’s office, wanting to talk with Jack on a variety of subjects. She sees Joanne at the front desk.

    SUSANNAH
    Hey, Joanne. Is Jack in now?

    JOANNE
    No, Susie. He got called away on a quick business trip over to Albany. Was it important?

    SUSANNAH
    Shoot. No, it wasn’t a big deal. I’ll just go back and leave a voicemail on his phone and (the elevator opens in the background) talk to him another time.

    Patrick steps off the elevator, one hand behind his back.

    JOANNE
    In the meantime, it looks like you have a visitor.

    Susannah turns and smiles when she sees Patrick.

    SUSANNAH
    Hey there! (Hugs Patrick) I didn’t know you were going to stop by.

    PATRICK
    I wasn’t. I happened to be in the neighborhood…

    SUSANNAH
    Then why do you have flowers behind your back?

    Patrick produces a bouquet from behind his back.

    PATRICK
    I’m not good at hiding things, am I?

    SUSANNAH
    They’re much appreciated, thanks. (Kisses Patrick’s cheek) Want some coffee in my office?

    PATRICK
    Have you eaten yet?

    SUSANNAH
    Come to think of it, that does sound good.

    JOANNE
    Duck out of here while you can, Susie. On days Jack isn’t in the office it gets a little light around here.

    SUSANNAH
    In terms of what, people playing hooky? Jack is the most easygoing boss I know.

    JOANNE
    You’re exactly right on both counts. (Phone buzzes) Excuse me… Martin Enterprises, this is Joanne?

    As Joanne types out a message Susannah continues talking with Patrick.

    SUSANNAH
    Well, if you haven’t eaten yet it sounds like lunch is in order then. What say you and I head out and grab a quick bite?

    PATRICK
    Good to go from here. I know a great little sub shop just around the corner…

    SUSANNAH
    Subs?

    PATRICK
    I figured Giovanni spoiled you rotten enough with his cooking.

    SUSANNAH
    Ooo, it’s so good, but you’re right. I could use something else. I’ll get my purse.

    PATRICK
    Let’s head on out, then.

    Susannah heads down the hall while Patrick waits by the elevator as music plays to transition scenes.

    DISSOLVE TO -- Giovanni’s

    At the bar, Giovanni and Rose are discussing Mike’s Register article as Rose is wiping off the bar counter.

    ROSE
    So how likely is it that this place can become a historic landmark?

    GIOVANNI
    Not just this building, my dear… the whole block. You remember when I said this was one of Somerset’s oldest buildings? It dates back to when Somerset’s downtown was a lot smaller than it is right now.

    ROSE
    So we get the benefits.

    GIOVANNI
    Exactly. And it leaves people like George Cleypool twisting in the wind. He absolutely wants this area to build his own… nasty project, whatever you want to call it.

    ROSE
    Like what can you envision, dear? (Smiling)

    GIOVANNI
    Black buildings. Tall. Ominous. Rising, oh, say, 50 or 60 stories above the ground. As if to say I’m better than all of you.

    ROSE
    Somehow I can’t see that happening here. Jack will take care of that with his X Project. It’s much more friendly to downtown.

    GIOVANNI
    Well, he had a meeting over in Albany today with a few people he has connections with in the state government. It was a two for the price of one meeting, I understand.

    ROSE
    Why, what does he have up his sleeve?

    GIOVANNI
    (Points) Nick’s a big part of that. I’m sure he knows it, but I think Jack is positioning Nick for a run at the state legislature.

    The camera focuses in on Nick, drinking his beer and listening intently to Mike as the picture fades to black.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    Hungry for a new beginning to All My Children? Apparently a lot of people are. Your favorite Pine Valley residents are as you imagined them in AMC: New Beginnings, now seen weekdays on SONBC.

    We see a still shot of the Somerset logo as music plays in the background.

    BILL WOLFF: And now, after this message, we’ll return for the second half of Somerset. This portion brought to you today by Prell Concentrate, the shampoo for shiny and beautiful hair.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    SCENE THREE

    FADE IN -- Giovanni’s

    Nick is having a beer with Mike at one of the tables, and the subject of Alana is on both of their minds.

    NICK
    So she’s doing pretty well, huh?

    MIKE
    Well as can be expected. She’s still in a bit of pain, but Patrick said it was more from being stiff and rigid than anything else.

    NICK
    Well, she’s got you taking care of her so it can’t be all bad.

    MIKE
    (Drinks) I’d like to think that’s the case. So anyway, you’ve told me about Jack’s trip to Albany… what about Alana?

    NICK
    Well…

    Nick acts as if he’s getting out a 1,000-page book on how to deal with her. He pretends to lift a big book and slam it on the table, much to the laughter of Mike.

    MIKE
    High maintenance, huh?

    NICK
    She can be at first. I think you’re past that stage already. If she’s interested in you, she tends to hold you away at arm’s length until she can determine how strong the feelings are. Obviously in my case it worked well enough to date for two years. In your case…

    MIKE
    I can only hope it’s that long and then some.

    NICK
    Well, when you guys have your first date, just remember a few specifics. (Drinks) If you try to impress Alana, she’ll see right through it. In other words, don’t take her to The Finial for a cosmopolitan or whatever the hot, new female drink is these days.

    MIKE
    I hear vodka tonic is something you’ve grown fond of these days.

    NICK
    (Smiles) And the person that drinks it. Alana is more of an everyday type of girl. I took her to The Finial for a drink when we first went out, and she loved the view but she wanted to go have some beers at a bar.

    MIKE
    Blue-collar broad, huh? (Laughs)

    NICK
    I’ll tell her you said that. (Pretends to get up from the table)

    MIKE
    Nick, get back here…

    NICK
    She loves her profession and she loves being one of the guys. But there are times when she loves to be feminine. And if you hit upon one of those times, treasure every last second of it.

    MIKE
    Hmm, I better write this down. (Jots a few notes on his pad)

    Nick starts to laugh to himself when he remembers the next part of the lecture.

    MIKE
    Uh, Nick… what’s so funny?

    NICK
    I was just remembering the time it happened to me. If Alana asks you to play doctor, two words.

    MIKE
    What?

    NICK
    Do it. You will not be disappointed.

    MIKE
    Hmm. (Jots more notes) Doctor, huh?

    NICK
    There are benefits from having a nurse as your girlfriend. Just don’t tell her I mentioned doctor to you or she’ll know I spilled my guts.

    MIKE
    Good to hear. I think we’re going out sometime next week after she’s had a few days to rest and feel better. She’s told me she wants to shed the scrubs and wear something nice out on our date.

    NICK
    She cleans up well for a nurse, I’m sure you know that.

    Mike checks his watch and sees he’ll be running late in a few minutes.

    MIKE
    Oops, I’ve got a meeting with a potential story source in about 10 minutes, so I better scram and take care of it. (Shakes Nick’s hand) Thanks for the advice, man. I think I can take it from here.

    NICK
    Just let me know how it turns out.

    As Mike leaves, Nick goes over to the bar and sits as Rose is overseeing the action.

    ROSE
    So… was that a big strategy meeting or something?

    NICK
    I wish. I’m just giving Mike tips on how to handle Alana when the two of them finally go out later this week.

    ROSE
    I knew she’d come to her senses. That man is a good one for Alana. Both of them are feisty, they can playfully talk back and forth…

    NICK
    Just like the two of us did?

    ROSE
    (Nods) Don’t think I haven’t forgotten how good a couple you and Alana made. But you’ve got a new woman on the horizon.

    NICK
    Yes. And she comes back tomorrow night and starts work on Wednesday. I may bring her here Wednesday night for a celebratory Italian dinner.

    ROSE
    Be my guest! You know we love your company. (Pauses) Hey, I was talking with Giovanni about Jack’s meeting in Albany today. Anything you can tell us?

    NICK
    He wants to fast track your historic landmark status with the state. That’s all I know. Oh, and yes -- I know he’s meeting with friends of his about me possibly running for office.

    ROSE
    And do you?

    NICK
    What -- want to run? Rose, don’t get me wrong. I love Somerset. I grew up here. But I’m young enough to imagine being a powerful senator, I’m sure.

    ROSE
    Just as long as you don’t lose track of your constituency.

    NICK
    Not a chance in hell.

    As Rose and Nick continue chatting, soft music builds to take us into break.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    SCENE FOUR

    FADE IN -- Cleybank Corporation

    As George is crunching some figures on the paperwork, his line buzzes.

    GEORGE
    (Picks up) Yes, Denise? (Smiling) Ah good, he is here. Bring him in.

    As George finishes the paperwork, the door opens.

    GEORGE
    (Looks up) Welcome to Cleybank’s inside secrets!

    As the camera pans over to the right, we see Mike is at the door. Inquisitive music plays.

    MIKE
    My meeting wasn’t with you. What’s going on?

    GEORGE
    No, but I wanted to get you out here so I could talk with you. You probably were wondering why Cleybank wanted a story in The Register, considering as I’m probably hated by about a third of the people in this town.

    MIKE
    You need to check your Gallup numbers closer, Mr. Cleypool. I’m afraid it’s closer to…

    GEORGE
    I’m being general, OK? (Visibly disturbed) My source called you because he had a scoop related to me.

    MIKE
    Which is?

    GEORGE
    I want to buy The Peoples Building.

    Mike gets that “oh oh” look on his face, as if a major catastrophe could be ahead for someone. The picture fades to black.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    The Somerset theme plays over the closing credits.

    BILL WOLFF: Men’s shirts by Izod. Women’s shoes by Circa Joan and David.

    Be sure to join us each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. Stay tuned for Point Palace, which follows immediately over most of these SONBC stations.

    This program was pre-recorded.


  6. sungrey
    SOMERSET EPISODE 40
    Written by: Steve Ungrey
    Original airdate: 09/07/07

    SCENE ONE

    FADE IN -- Washington D.C. skyline

    We see the footage of Washington D.C. with a graphic identifying the city. The scene then transitions over to Eleanor’s condominium, where Donna is sitting and watching something on the TV.

    We see Donna’s eyes misting over and she’s wiping away tears as Eleanor comes into the room.

    ELEANOR
    Oh, for heaven’s sake, Donna… you’re not watching Field of Dreams again, are you?

    DONNA
    (Crying slightly) I wish I were watching that. I don’t cry as much watching Kevin Costner as I do this.

    Eleanor turns to the TV screen and her mouth drops. Now her eyes are getting misty.

    ELEANOR
    Oh, you were such an angel back then.

    DONNA
    I was, wasn’t I?

    Donna is watching a home video recording of her “Sweet 16” party thrown by the family. What’s making Donna so misty-eyed is seeing herself dancing with her father.

    DONNA
    I can never hear “Special Lady” and not think of Dad.

    ELEANOR
    That song was popular when we conceived you. It was playing on the radio when he took me to the hospital. If your father could have gotten Ray, Goodman and Brown to sing that song live at your party, he’d have done it.

    DONNA
    (Wipes away tears) God, I miss Dad. I miss him so much.

    Donna and Eleanor embrace, as Donna finally unleashes the waterworks.

    ELEANOR
    He’d have been so happy for you, honey. His dream before he died was to finally see you pass the bar and become a lawyer.

    DONNA
    If only I knew how long law school would take. You can’t quite finish it like high school.

    ELEANOR
    Hey, you know something? We had a great time together. All of us. I tell myself every day that at least we knew the end was coming. It wasn’t like I got a call saying Paul had a heart attack at the office and died or something like that.

    DONNA
    Or got in a car crash on the Beltway. (Pauses) Lung cancer, however. And he didn’t even smoke.

    ELEANOR
    You don’t have to smoke to get it. One of my friends died from it and she never touched tobacco her whole life.

    DONNA
    (Turns back toward TV) I will always remember that dance. Always.

    We hear a few snippets of “Special Lady” as the scene dissolves.

    DISSOLVE TO -- Somerset Hospital

    Alana is sitting up in bed reading that day’s edition of The Register when Mike peeks his head around the corner.

    MIKE
    (Knocking on Alana’s room door) Ah, I see you’re a devoted follower of my work?

    ALANA
    I was just reading your story on the efforts to get Restaurant Row proclaimed a historical landmark. Good one, Wagner.

    MIKE
    I’ve got an even better one for you.

    ALANA
    I can’t wait to see this…

    Mike appears in the doorway bearing a wheelchair.

    MIKE
    You’re going home today, my dear.

    Alana’s eyes instantly widen and she smiles as we hear the Somerset theme begin.

    We see an overhead shot of downtown, with the camera slowly pulling away from the buildings. The Somerset logo pops on the screen and goes into position at the center.

    BILL WOLFF: This… is Somerset. This portion of Somerset is presented today by mild Ivory liquid, the dishwashing liquid that helps hands stay young-looking.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK
    SCENE TWO

    FADE IN -- Somerset Hospital

    Alana can barely contain her glee when she sees the wheelchair.

    ALANA
    Finally! I get to get out of here!

    MIKE
    Pending what Patrick says. He’s upstairs analyzing your last tests and he wants to make sure you’re 100 percent before he lets you go.

    ALANA
    I feel much better.

    As she steps out of bed she grimaces.

    ALANA
    Except for the pain, that is.

    MIKE
    What’s going on? Are you all right?

    ALANA
    Patrick said because my muscles became rigid during the meningitis, it’s going to take a bit of time for me to regain full use of my head. I’ll be able to twist my neck back and forth eventually, but right now I have to take it easy.

    Patrick enters the room with his charts.

    PATRICK
    And you are so right where that is concerned, Alana. The test results are back, and you have a clean bill of health.

    MIKE
    Meaning she can go, right?

    PATRICK
    Yes, indeed. She’s a free woman.

    Alana smiles and hugs Mike and Patrick, having successfully shaken off a bout of meningitis and appreciating her newfound good health. The scene dissolves.

    DISSOLVE TO -- Petterino kitchen

    Annabella is making a pot of coffee when Victoria comes downstairs. She looks both ways before entering the kitchen.

    ANNABELLA
    (Sits down with a coffee cup) Are you afraid of being struck by a car in your own house, Tori? (Laughs)

    VICTORIA
    No, sis. (Laughing) I was just wondering where Mom and Dad went.

    ANNABELLA
    They’re both at the restaurant this morning. Giovanni and Bernard met to go over some things about the article Mike Wagner wrote.

    VICTORIA
    Oh, that! The historic landmark designation?

    ANNABELLA
    Yes, that. Jack’s trying to get historic status on the buildings so that no other shenanigans take place in the war between the developers.

    VICTORIA
    And we know Jack will get the job done.

    ANNABELLA
    So anyway, you’re safe… enough tiptoeing around the subject. How was last night?

    VICTORIA
    Well… he’s a damn good kisser.

    ANNABELLA
    (Squeals like a teenager) Oooo, Tori… you got a chance to make out with him?

    VICTORIA
    Well, I wouldn’t say we were like two horny teenagers or anything. We were outside on the observation deck at The Finial and he made a remark about wanting a taste of brandy without drinking out of a glass.

    ANNABELLA
    Smooth. He’s pretty good.

    VICTORIA
    That’s what I told him. I couldn’t stop thinking about that kiss when I got in last night. I called him this morning and he said he had a great time, and I did too.

    ANNABELLA
    So I take it there will be more?

    VICTORIA
    He’s giving me a bit of space so I can study for the nursing exam, but yes… the night of the exam he’s going to take me out for a couple drinks to release the tension.

    ANNABELLA
    (High fives Victoria) Way to go, sis. You did an excellent job.

    VICTORIA
    I just hope you all say that after the exam’s done.

    Soft music plays under the scene as Victoria drinks coffee, and the picture fades to black.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    The Carringtons and the Colbys are back and better than ever. Be sure to tune in to Dynasty The Sequel, seen weekdays on SONBC. Consult your local listings.

    The Somerset logo is seen on screen…

    BILL WOLFF: And now, after these messages, we’ll continue with the second half of Somerset. Part two of today’s program is presented by the new Swiffer sweeper, the easy way to clean up messes around your house.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    SCENE THREE

    FADE IN -- Eleanor’s condominium

    Donna is putting the cassette back in its container and shutting off the TV when her cell phone rings. She sees Nick’s number on the phone so she presses talk.

    DONNA
    Hey, handsome. Miss me?

    Nick is at the office typing on his computer screen.

    NICK
    Like you don’t believe. When do you come back to Somerset?

    DONNA
    Early next week. I’ve already told Jack I’m going to start working on Tuesday. I may need to crash somewhere for a few days until the roommate situation is resolved.

    NICK
    Jack can probably take care of that. In the meantime… I may have a roommate for you.

    DONNA
    Nicholas Barclay! You did my dirty work?

    NICK
    (Gets a serious look) You’re not mad, are you?

    DONNA
    Of course not! If it’s one less thing for me to do then more power to you for helping me.

    NICK
    Good. I’ll explain everything when you return, except to say I think you’ll like my recommendation.

    DONNA
    All right, then.

    NICK
    Hey, I’m knee deep in work here, but I just wanted to call and say how much I missed talking to you. And spending time together…

    DONNA
    Both of which will take care of themselves in due time. (Pause) OK, sexy. I’ll see you when I get back. Take care.

    As she presses stop on her phone Eleanor comes back into the room.

    ELEANOR
    Your main squeeze?

    DONNA
    He’s not my main squeeze, Mom. We’re still in the opening stages.

    ELEANOR
    Yet you enjoy spending time with him, right?

    DONNA
    Well, of course I do. Nick knows the score, Mom. He and I had a great first date, if you want to call it that. But he knows I want to take things very slow.

    ELEANOR
    Just as long as you end up happy in the end, that’s all.

    DONNA
    I will. (Checks time) Hey, I promised I’d meet my friend Cheri for a congratulatory drink, so I’ll probably head back to my place and do some more packing.

    ELEANOR
    Call me tonight when you get back?

    DONNA
    Oh, I won’t be out that late. I’ve got a lot of things to take care of and miles to go before I’m all set.

    ELEANOR
    If you need help, let me know.

    DONNA
    I will. (Kisses Eleanor on the cheek) Love ya.

    ELEANOR
    You too, dear.

    As Donna leaves the condominium, Eleanor glances at the cassette sitting in its container and a tear rolls down her cheek.

    ELEANOR
    Sometimes I wish you still were a sweet 16.

    Soft music plays to transition between scenes as we switch.

    DISSOLVE TO -- Alana’s apartment

    Mike opens the door and helps Alana inside as she sits down and gingerly looks around.

    ALANA
    Not much has changed in here, I see.

    MIKE
    It’s probably just like you left it when you collapsed last week.

    ALANA
    Meaning I’ll have to do some housecleaning -- eventually.

    MIKE
    Caught yourself, huh? Hey, I’ll give you a hand.

    ALANA
    Now you don’t have to take time out of your schedule to help me. It’ll get done. I just need to slow down and not do a whole lot these next few days.

    MIKE
    And I’ll be glad to help you do that.

    ALANA
    (Looks at him and smiles) I’ll just bet you will.

    Mike smiles as Alana relaxes on the couch -- the music plays into commercial.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    SCENE FOUR

    FADE IN -- Alana’s apartment

    Alana has her hands around a cup of coffee as Mike sits down and checks his messages.

    ALANA
    You never slow down, do you?

    MIKE
    Trust me. When we’re finally ready to have that date you promised -- that date is still on, right?

    ALANA
    Oh heck yes. I’m not letting you get out of that now. (Smiles)

    MIKE
    This phone is being turned off and so is my pager. You are going to get my undivided attention.

    ALANA
    Something tells me I’m going to like that. (Pauses) Thanks for being here when I wanted some company.

    MIKE
    Hey, I almost lost you, remember? I didn’t know how seriously ill you were until…

    ALANA
    Well, it turned out it was much better than I thought. If I’d have had the bacterial kind of meningitis I’d have been in therapy for weeks.

    Mike moves over to the couch and sits down.

    MIKE
    Well, you’re here, you’re healthy and you still have that good sense of humor. And that’s what I love.

    Alana leans on Mike’s shoulder and closes her eyes, content. She appears to realize that she may have found true love again after Nick’s breakup. Soft music plays as the scene transitions.

    DISSOLVE TO -- Eleanor’s condominium

    Eleanor is doing some straightening up in her bedroom and she places the cassette back where Donna ostensibly obtained it. When she looks in her chest of drawers, Eleanor happens upon a picture partly uncovered.

    ELEANOR
    Well, well… hello there, gorgeous.

    The picture is of a young woman, in her twenties. It’s an old outdoor photo taken by a river.

    ELEANOR
    You looked good back then… just like you do now.

    She grabs the picture -- and for the first time, we see that part of the photograph has been torn away. Eleanor appears to have her hand around someone’s back, but we cannot see who it is.

    ELEANOR
    I did look great back then, didn’t I?

    Eleanor looks at the picture, as inquisitive music plays in the background. The scene immediately cuts to black.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    The Somerset credits roll over a picture of the city.

    BILL WOLFF: Men’s jackets by Abercrombie Sentinel. Jewelry courtesy of Irwin Pearl.

    We invite you to join us each weekday afternoon for the continuing story of Somerset. Be sure to stay tuned for Salem Lives, coming up next on most of these NBC stations. And don’t forget to watch Point Palace when it follows Somerset beginning Monday.

    This program was pre-recorded.



  7. sungrey

    HE'S BACK!

    By sungrey,

    Just when you thought he had given up... just when you thought he'd freeze his characters in time, never to return... HE'S BACK.

    Somerset creator and headwriter Steve Ungrey is here to tell the blog readers that reports of his departure were greatly exaggerated. He tells SONBC that Somerset is indeed returning with new episodes, beginning with Episode 40.

    SONBC: Tell us what prompted you to stop writing.

    Sungrey: It was those fans. Those damn fans, I tell ya. (Laughs) No, just kidding. Late winter is a terrible time for me because I'm busy at my other writing job, which prevented me from devoting time to Somerset. I'd rather write a well-received episode than a half-hearted one, so I elected to stop for a bit and breathe before resuming production. I'm into a much less busy time of year, so I can revisit the adventures of Somerset.

    SONBC: What did you learn from your time away?

    Sungrey: That I needed to create more story. More characters. More stuff so that I'm not relying on the same characters day after day. I think I've got it down here so that I can create some new characters without taking attention away from Giovanni, Rose, Jack, Donna, Nick and company. I'm going to slightly expand the cast and send some characters in different directions without taking them away from their original intentions.

    SONBC: So does this mean we'll see possessed characters and witches? Poisoned pancakes? Text-message killers that make no sense?

    Sungrey: Puh-leeeeeeze. I'm not going down that road. My grandmother and aunt were huge fans of Another World and my goal is to write a show that my grandmother and aunt would be proud to watch and still bring in the younger eyes. I believe in a strong focus on characters of all ages and that's not going to change.

    SONBC: Any news about these new characters?

    Sungrey: Only that you'll see them spread out over the next several weeks. A couple characters you will recognize. The others are going to be new, but you'll have fun discovering their quirks.

    SONBC: What about the fan feedback?

    Sungrey: I haven't gotten much feedback from the show, which I expected. Look, it's not like I'm writing a Days of our Lives blog. Not to take anything away from those blogs because they're all good, but people are familiar with the show because it's still on. People like Cody1990 and myself are writing about a show that was canceled in 1976. This is a new show for me, featuring the same town but with all new characters. Nothing is going to change.

    SONBC: Any advice for the fans?

    Sungrey: Stay tuned, sit back and enjoy. I hope you enjoy these new episodes as much as I did writing them.
  8. sungrey

    EPISODE 39 -- NEW!

    By sungrey,

    SOMERSET EPISODE 39
    Original airdate: 09/06/07
    Written by: Steve Ungrey

    SCENE ONE

    FADE IN – The Finial

    This is our first look at The Finial, a restaurant on the 18th floor of The Montgomery Building in downtown Somerset. The camera sweeps across the set and the décor and zeroes in on the bar, where Zachary is sitting and drinking a martini.

    The elevator at the back opens and Tori steps out, hair done up and wearing a tasteful late-summer dress that’s ideal for dining at places like Finial. Zachary rises to greet his dinner guest.

    ZACHARY: (Eyes Tori up and down) Wow. This is what you had to do?

    VICTORIA: What do you mean? (Looks down) Oh, go home and throw myself together? What do you think?

    ZACHARY: Not a nurse’s outfit, that’s for sure.

    VICTORIA: Hey, I have to take off the scrubs sometime. (Walks over to the bar as Zachary pulls out the chair for her to sit) Did you see about a table?

    ZACHARY: Yes. One will be available about 8:30 for us. Did you want to have a drink?

    VICTORIA: Sounds so good. (Motions bartender) Can I get a Jack Rose?

    Zachary appears a bit taken aback by Tori’s drink selection, as if he is a bit surprised.

    VICTORIA: What? (Smiles at Zachary) Can’t a girl have a good, strong drink once in a while?

    Victoria curves her lips as Zachary smiles. Obviously he knows tonight will be a good night.

    A music bridge plays as Zachary sips from his martini glass and the scene changes.

    CUT TO – Giovanni’s

    Down on ground level, at Giovanni’s, Jack is in dining with Scott as the two are discussing a few details of the X Project. The discussion centers around The Peoples Building, among other things.

    SCOTT: Have you found out anything about the previous owners of the building yet?

    JACK: No. Nick said he only knows George doesn’t have possession of the property. He said that if it’s in receivership or something along those lines I might be able to buy this building for a song.

    SCOTT: Oh, come on. You know you can buy the building for a better price than that.

    JACK: Yes, but I’d rather not.

    Scott isn’t surprised as he takes a drink from his beer glass.

    JACK: I’d rather buy low and sink more money into the insides. This building was beautiful in its heyday. And it can be again.

    As Scott looks at Jack describing the building, the Somerset theme begins and the city skyline is shown.

    We see an overhead shot of downtown, with the camera slowly pulling away from the buildings. The Somerset logo pops on the screen and goes into position at the center.

    BILL WOLFF: This… is Somerset. This portion brought to you today by Pantene, the shampoo made for all different types of hair with all different formulas, from dry to oily and in between. Pantene shampoo and conditioner.

    SCENE TWO

    FADE IN – Giovanni’s

    The conversation continues between Scott and Jack as Jack continues talking about The Peoples Building.

    SCOTT: You forget, I’ve heard about this conversation before. This isn’t all about architecture, is it?

    Jack appears mildly surprised.

    JACK: Why, Scott! What do you think this is about?

    SCOTT: Well… impressing Somerset for one thing… trying to restore a building to its former glory that may have seen better days…

    JACK: You forget I’m a hopeless romantic at heart. Underneath the steely exterior of a solid businessman like Jack Martin beats the heart of a ladies’ man.

    SCOTT: Which is why hearing you sit and wax rhapsody about a building long ago dilapidated could melt any woman into a puddle. Correct?

    JACK: You really need to get out more, Scott. (Laughs and drinks beer)

    SCOTT: I heard about the set-up job you did on Nick. The poor man never knew what hit him, probably.

    JACK: Oh, you referring to Donna?

    SCOTT: Donna – no, I was referring to Susannah. This was before you hired Donna. (Pauses) Come to think of it, you did set the poor bastard up when it came to Donna interviewing with you too.

    JACK: Not guilty, Scott. All Donna did was walk into my office for a job interview and then I discovered the truth about her. Then I set the two of them up.

    SCOTT: Speaking of setup, someone ought to set you up.

    Jack pauses in mid-drink and looks at Scott.

    JACK: And why would that be such a good idea?

    SCOTT: Because you could be occupied doing other things than trying to restore buildings to former glory. Of course, when it comes to The Peoples Building, that might not be so bad.

    JACK: Scott, my plan to bring Somerset back to its former glory is a lot closer to fruition than you might think.

    SCOTT: Oh, I know. And I know you’re serious when you hire a security detail to watch over The Peoples Building.

    JACK: You can’t blame a guy for wanting to get control of a building so badly, can you? Hey, maybe we can get the police a newer and more updated station.

    SCOTT: From your mouth to the voters’ ears, Jack.

    Jack drinks from his beer glass once again and looks out the window.

    JACK: No, Scott. I’m not interested in being set up with anyone. I had my chance at love and I blew it.

    SCOTT: Uh, hey… wait one minute here. I’ve seen dozens of pretty women on your arm over the last several years… some your age, some not…

    JACK: Et tu, Lt. Garfield? Since when can you lecture me about my dating habits when you’re hanging out with Giovanni’s daughter?

    SCOTT: (Pretends to clutch chest) Take the knife out of me, will you?

    The two laugh as the scene changes over and music plays.

    CUT TO – Somerset Hospital

    Taylor is in checking out Alana and making sure everything is all right as Alana sits up in bed.

    TAYLOR: (Takes out thermometer from Alana’s mouth) Good deal! Those antibiotics are really kicking in.

    ALANA: And I feel the best I’ve felt in a long time. My eyes aren’t so sensitive to the light now. My fever’s way down…

    TAYLOR: Hey, no one said you can resume work tomorrow.

    ALANA: I know, I know. (Holds up hand) But Patrick did say I could get out of here tomorrow, right?

    TAYLOR: (Checking chart) That he did. Provided you go right home and continue getting rest.

    ALANA: Oh, don’t worry. I have no plans to exert myself. I have something to live for now.

    TAYLOR: Yeah. What’s this I hear you finally knuckled under after all this time and asked Wagner out on a date?

    Alana blushes slightly as the music plays and the picture fades to black.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

    BILL WOLFF: We’ll continue with the second part of Somerset following station identification. This portion of today’s program has been presented by the moist desserts of Duncan Hines.

    ANNOUNCER: Sisters aren’t just doing it for themselves in song, they’re doing it on General Hospital. Be sure to watch GH Sisters, part of the exciting SONBC lineup. Weekdays!

    Music plays over a still picture of the Somerset logo.

    BILL WOLFF: We now continue with the second half of Somerset.

    SCENE THREE

    FADE IN – Somerset Hospital

    We return to Alana’s bedside as she describes finally giving in to her feelings.

    ALANA: Yes, yes. I finally said yes to Wagner to shut him up. (Laughs)

    TAYLOR: And because you have feelings for him, right?

    ALANA: Well…

    TAYLOR: I promise not to tell anyone on staff. (Giggles)

    ALANA: Taylor, truth be told… I’ve always liked Mike. I just never got around to asking him out because we both were so busy. Me more so than him – and then he went and got the investigative reporter job and I realized he was moving up in the world.

    TAYLOR: Just because he got a better job you went for him?

    ALANA: No, no. That’s not it at all. It was when I fell ill that I realized I was kidding myself. I kind of gave my feelings away when I was delirious with fever. He sat right by my bed as I nearly wrecked his right hand… and I must have said I loved him in my sleep.

    TAYLOR: You weren’t imagining things. Tori said you did that.

    ALANA: Yeah, where is Tori tonight, anyway? I thought you said she was on this evening.

    TAYLOR: No, she was on call but Patrick told her to knock off and focus on her studies for the nurses exam. So she went, got out one of her best dresses and went to The Finial to meet Zachary.

    ALANA: So she’s got a social life after all. Good for her.

    The music plays between scenes as we transition back to The Finial.

    CUT TO – The Finial

    Tori and Zachary have gone out on The Finial’s observation deck, which overlooks downtown Somerset. It’s kind of a cloudy evening, so the sun really isn’t visible, but the two have gotten some air.

    Tori sips from her Jack Rose as Zachary looks at her.

    ZACHARY: Next thing I know you’re going to be whipping out your Ernest Hemingway books.

    TORI: (Looks puzzled) Excuse me?

    ZACHARY: What, you never read The Sun Also Rises? Dad made both of us read literature when we were growing up.

    TORI: Oh, I did too… but not Hemingway.

    ZACHARY: The guy that narrates the book was drinking a Jack Rose throughout it.

    TORI: (Sips drink and smacks lips) I just love the taste of brandy. Dad introduced me to applejack when I was old enough to enjoy it.

    ZACHARY: Really… your dad encouraged you to drink?

    TORI: Not really. But he enjoyed applejack now and then with Mom. They’re mostly wine drinkers now, but they love to mix things up now and then.

    ZACHARY: No pun intended, right? Mix?

    TORI: (Catches what she said) Very funny.

    Tori turns to look out over Somerset. Zachary joins her at the observation platform. We see the camera as Zachary slowly takes his arm and wraps it around Tori’s shoulder. Tori turns to look at Zachary.

    TORI: You’re a smooth man, you know? I was wondering how long it would take you to put your arm around me.

    ZACHARY: Well, I operate to please.

    TORI: (Smiles) You’re certainly pleasing now, that’s for sure.

    She sips her drink and puts it down. Zachary smiles as Tori finishes drinking.

    ZACHARY: The taste of brandy on your lips, by any chance?

    TORI: Why do you ask?

    ZACHARY: Because I’m thirsty for brandy. And not out of a glass, either.

    TORI: Well then, how do you propose you get it?

    ZACHARY: I can think of one way.

    Tori laughs, but she also shudders with anticipation because she knows what’s coming. Zachary closes his eyes and wraps his arms around Tori’s back, drawing her closer in.

    Zachary and Tori share a deep, long kiss, the longest one they’ve had since they first started hanging out together. Their kiss is broken by the door opening to the observation deck and a host coming out.

    HOST: Excuse me, Mr. Cleypool? Your table is ready.

    ZACHARY: (Breaks kiss) Thank you. We’ll be right in.

    Tori smiles and is looking down before she raises her eyes in a come-hither stare at Zachary. The two kiss each other once again over a soft music background, and the kiss lingers into the next commercial break.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    SCENE FOUR

    FADE IN – The Finial

    Zachary and Victoria are sharing drinks at their table and waiting for their meals to arrive. Zachary picks up his glass and clinks it against Tori’s.

    ZACHARY: To a beautiful woman. To a nurse who has a great head on her shoulders. And a great body below it.

    TORI: You’re such a smooth talker, you know that? (Sips drink) But keep talking. I could get used to all of the compliments before too long.

    ZACHARY: Did I do enough to keep your mind off of the nurses’ exam coming up?

    Tori laughs as she thinks about her studies.

    TORI: You had to bring it up, didn’t you?

    ZACHARY: Oh, come on. I know you were looking forward to the break and getting a chance to unwind a bit.

    TORI: Why do you think I was so eager to accept your invitation? I’m about as ready for this exam as I ever will be. And I need to realize that.

    ZACHARY: You’ll be fine. I should keep you out a little late tonight so you can unwind. You don’t have a curfew, do you?

    TORI: Are you kidding? I don’t have to work tomorrow. (Leans in) And I intend on using tomorrow to explore different living options.

    ZACHARY: Problems with the family?

    TORI: No. It’s just time to strike out on my own. And I can have friends over when I want… (Leans in) and guys over when I want…

    ZACHARY: Oh, they’ll be tearing down your door to get in there. (Laughs)

    Zachary and Tori laugh again; they’re amazed at how well this date is going. The two smile as the music builds and the scene changes over.

    CUT TO – Giovanni’s

    Scott and Jack walk out of the restaurant and stand outside.

    JACK: I hope you weren’t thinking I was serious when I joked about you and Annabella.

    SCOTT: Naa, not at all. It’s bad enough her mom and dad are on her about it.

    JACK: Rose and Giovanni are kind of looking at you?

    SCOTT: Yeah. It’s stupid, right?

    Jack studies Scott’s face.

    SCOTT: Uh, Jack… it IS stupid, isn’t it?

    JACK: You’re going to think I’m funny when I say this, but I could see the two of you together.

    SCOTT: Well, she’s going back to Italy next week for several days, so maybe she’ll meet her mystery guy over there.

    JACK: One can wonder, right?

    Jack shakes Scott’s hand and says his goodbyes, leaving Scott to ponder whether Annabella would meet her mystery guy over in Italy. The picture fades to black as Scott is thinking.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    The Somerset theme plays as the credits roll over a still picture of downtown Somerset.

    BILL WOLFF: Women’s dresses by Piazza Sempione. Men’s jackets by Max Studio.

    Join us each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. And be sure to stay tuned for Salem Lives, coming up next over most of these same stations.

    Beginning Monday, be sure to also watch as Point Palace will follow Somerset. That’s Point Palace, starting Monday.

    This program was pre-recorded.







  9. sungrey
    Beginning with Episode 41, Point Palace will be listed as the soap following Somerset on the "SONBC daytime lineup".

    This change is due to the suspension of production for Salem Lives. Somerset wishes PhoenixRising05 and Roman all the best and hopes to see one or both of them back soon with new projects.


  10. sungrey
    With Somerset approaching the end of two months of episodes on the air, there will be some new additions to the canvas, one temporary and two permanent.

    "While sorting through story ideas for Somerset, I got an idea of the perfect person Jack could consult for the X Project," Somerset creator and headwriter Steve Ungrey said. "It's a character who has been on the canvas before on the original Somerset, with the same actor playing the role. I think people will be extremely happy with the choice made here given the history of the show."

    This character's return will also tie in to another character's appearance on the canvas, with a name soap actor playing this role as well.

    Finally, to up Somerset's bitchy quotient, look for the casting of someone with ties to Somerset's past as well. The identity of this actress?

    "Let's just say I'm keeping it a secret," Ungrey laughed. "But she's the last person you'd expect to play a role like this."

    All three characters will be in place within the next couple months. In the meantime, Episodes 39 and 40 will be in place shortly. --SONBC
  11. sungrey

    EPISODE 38 -- POSTED 2/24

    By sungrey,

    SOMERSET EPISODE 38
    Original airdate: 09/05/07
    Written by: Steve Ungrey

    SCENE ONE

    FADE IN – Petterino kitchen

    It is morning in Somerset as Rose is in the kitchen making breakfast. She hums to herself at the stove as Victoria comes downstairs with a couple of books in her hand.

    ROSE: (Looks over) How is the studying going, honey?

    Victoria looks up and grimaces, suggesting things aren’t going very well.

    VICTORIA: This is the hardest exam of all of them I have to take. Alana’s told me not to let the stress or the pressure get to me, but obviously if I ace this test I’m on the road to a full-fledged nurse’s position.

    Rose continues mixing egg yolks as Victoria talks.

    ROSE: I thought you were already there. You can’t let one test distinguish you from being a full nurse and not being one.

    VICTORIA: That’s just it, Mom. I want to distinguish myself. Alana has said some of the higher-ups on the hospital board are calling me one of the best nurses to go through the program since…

    ROSE: Who? Florence Nightingale?

    VICTORIA: I wish. No… since Alana. She was the last one to really wow the board to the point where they viewed her as God down at Somerset Hospital.

    ROSE: One step at a time, dear. One at a time.

    Rose sits down, still mixing yolks, before she puts the bowl down and picks up one of Victoria’s books.

    ROSE: Ay yi yi – incredibile. Pesante.

    VICTORIA: Mom, I know it’s difficult. You don’t need to tell me twice.

    ROSE: Well, you’ll do just fine.

    Victoria shuts the book and looks at her mom.

    VICTORIA: I do have a question. Are we back on good terms?

    ROSE: I never thought we weren’t on good terms, why did you?

    VICTORIA: Because of the way you lashed out at me when I said I was seeing Zachary Cleypool.

    ROSE: Oh. That.

    The music plays between scenes as Victoria has an inquisitive look on her face, wondering what her mother is thinking.

    CUT TO – An area north of Somerset

    Zachary is outside a trailer, ostensibly on a construction site. He sees a familiar face approaching him, as Mike has stopped by.

    ZACHARY: (Extends hand) Welcome to the future of retail in Somerset.

    MIKE: I see. (Shakes Zachary’s hand and cranes his neck to look over the site) What’s all going in here?

    ZACHARY: Shopping center, sites for several restaurants… it’s the new Cleybank Corporation way of doing business.

    MIKE: So has your dad given up on downtown?

    ZACHARY: Oh, hell no. He’s just having me work on this site to make sure it’s all right. Dad’s got a lot of irons in the fire. You saw the homes being built out here.

    MIKE: But will those homes sell?

    ZACHARY: I would think the credit crunch wouldn’t affect this part of Somerset. There are some higher-end properties and some very affordable ones as well. Are you here to see someone about this project?

    MIKE: Yes, actually. Got a front-page story going in the Register tomorrow.

    ZACHARY: I’ll hook you up in a second… but first, how’s Alana?

    MIKE: I’m glad you asked.

    As Mike starts talking, the Somerset theme begins and the city skyline is shown.

    We see an overhead shot of downtown, with the camera slowly pulling away from the buildings. The Somerset logo pops on the screen and goes into position at the center.

    BILL WOLFF: This… is Somerset. This portion of Somerset is brought to you today by Zest, the only deodorant bar that rinses you cleaner than soap. Zest is available in different colors and scents.

    SCENE TWO

    FADE IN – Petterino kitchen

    We directly pick up from the previous scene where Victoria is quizzical about her mother’s intentions.

    VICTORIA: I see you haven’t changed your position.

    ROSE: Actually I have. I was just hoping you’d forgive my boorish behavior of a couple days ago.

    VICTORIA: Yet I sense you still don’t approve.

    ROSE: Face it. He wouldn’t have been my first choice for you.

    VICTORIA: I didn’t know Italians arranged marriages, Mother.

    Rose gets back up with her bowl and puts it on the counter.

    ROSE: I was going to say what happened with Alana changed my way of thinking on a lot of things. Alana falling ill reminded me of how short life can be at times.

    VICTORIA: So it took an illness to make you realize it?

    ROSE: Honey, all I know is this. (She sits back down) I saw the look Annabella was giving me and I could tell I really struck a nerve. I thought Bella was going to have a fit there for a minute.

    VICTORIA: She was upset, Mom. And so was I.

    ROSE: Honey, I…

    Victoria rises and turns away, looking toward the kitchen window.

    VICTORIA: Do you realize all these years you’ve begged me to lead a normal life? You and Dad… pointed out eligible guys for me at restaurants… all but told people I was single and told me to get with the program before I became an old maid…

    ROSE: Since when did we ever tell anyone you were an old maid?

    VICTORIA: You never did, but you hinted it.

    ROSE: Honey! (Grabs Victoria and firmly plants hands on her shoulders) You stop talking about yourself like you’re going on 50, looking back at your life and wondering what you could have done differently.

    VICTORIA: I’m not there yet, Mom.

    ROSE: No, but… you’re in your early twenties. You’re gorgeous. You have an entire career ahead of you. You have your whole life ahead.

    VICTORIA: And you don’t?

    ROSE: Oh, Tori… you have no idea what’s ahead for me and your dad.

    She gets back up and finishes the eggs as she speaks.

    ROSE: Yes, I was in college when I met Giovanni. He was a smooth talker, but above all he was a principled family man. He may have been an only child, but he knew what he wanted when he was in school.

    Rose turns toward the table.

    ROSE: And I knew I wanted Giovanni to be a part of my life. I fell for him the minute he first touched my hand that day we first met.

    VICTORIA: What’s been the secret to your success?

    ROSE: To roll with the punches. Honey, we may have been married over 30 years, but that doesn’t mean life hasn’t been an adventure. I wouldn’t trade one second of it.

    VICTORIA: So you’re saying live my life like it’s an adventure?

    ROSE: Yes. (Pauses) If trying out a date or two with Zachary is what you want to do then I can’t stop you. If you fall, you know I’ll be here to catch you.

    VICTORIA: And Dad?

    ROSE: He won’t need a net. I have a feeling he’ll be holding on to you every step of the way.

    Victoria wipes a tear from her eye as she embraces her mother over really soft music. The picture fades to black.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

    BILL WOLFF: We’ll continue with the second part of Somerset following station identification. This portion of today’s program has been presented by the moist desserts of Duncan Hines.

    ANNOUNCER: A Beautiful Family joins the SONBC daytime lineup. Check out the newest daytime drama here, weekdays.

    Music plays over a still picture of the Somerset logo.

    SCENE THREE

    FADE IN – The construction site

    Zachary is working at the table inside as the door opens. George steps in and catches his attention.

    ZACHARY: (Looks up) Surprised to see you out here!

    GEORGE: Can’t a dad come visit his son out at a construction site? Or check out the site period?

    ZACHARY: ‘Course, dad. You’re always welcome out here.

    GEORGE: Good. (Looks outside) The site’s taking shape fabulously.

    ZACHARY: It is, isn’t it? Mike Wagner was out here interviewing someone earlier…

    GEORGE: Ah, good. I see Vickery must have gotten my hint that there were big doings going on out here.

    ZACHARY: When did you run into Norman, Dad? On the golf course?

    GEORGE: He and I played a round of 18 with two other people last week. Helps to have connections here in Somerset, you know.

    ZACHARY: (Nods in sarcasm) Oh, of course. You’re not planning on upstaging Jack’s big X Project, are you?

    GEORGE: Why, son… whatever gave you that idea?

    Zachary looks at his dad a bit warily as the music bridges scenes…

    CUT TO – The Petterino kitchen

    Victoria has left for her hospital shift, and Rose is in the kitchen scanning that day’s Register as Annabella enters the room.

    ANNABELLA: Morning, Mom.

    ROSE: My, you were a late sleeper this morning. Hot plans last night?

    ANNABELLA: (Slowly turns her head toward Rose as she’s pouring coffee) Well, mother… (smiles) if you must know, Scott and I went out for drinks and pool last night.

    ROSE: He’s a nice man, Bella.

    ANNABELLA: Enough with the matchmaking, okay? I got an e-mail from my Italy rendezvous earlier today.

    ROSE: (Surprised) I thought he’d be one and out for you, considering how you never talk.

    ANNABELLA: Mother, his job situation means he’s busy a lot. And don’t worry… like you said once, if I ever got screwed over by him I’d have guys falling at my feet around the clock.

    ROSE: (Laughing) I did say that, didn’t I?

    ANNABELLA: Yes, you did. (Changes subject as she drinks coffee) Did I tell you I might have a roommate?

    ROSE: No! That popped up awfully quick…

    ANNABELLA: Nick was talking about his new friend Donna needing a roommate when she moved to Somerset, and I thought why not?

    ROSE: What if you two don’t get along?

    ANNABELLA: I don’t think that’s going to happen. But to be on the safe side Nick’s introducing us when she comes back to Somerset. I’m going to be gone back to Italy for a week or so but I was hoping to get this wrapped up.

    ROSE: Well, then… more power to you.

    Annabella smiles as she finishes her coffee – the picture fades to black over music.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    SCENE FOUR

    FADE IN – Somerset Hospital

    Taylor is at the nurses station as Victoria comes down the hallway.

    TAYLOR: (Sees Tori, puts down phone) Hey there. How’s our patient nurse – or is that nurse patient?

    VICTORIA: (Laughs) Alana’s doing fine. Patrick is very pleased about her progress, enough so she might be out of here in a couple days. Her fever’s gone way down and she looks much better.

    TAYLOR: I heard she was grilling you in her room.

    VICTORIA: She’s pumping me up for the nurses exam… I hope everything works out.

    TAYLOR: I do too. You could use an opportunity to unwind.

    VICTORIA: I know. (Cell phone buzzes) Oop, I better take this. I’ll be back.

    Victoria ducks into the nurses lounge, sees the ID on the phone and opens up.

    VICTORIA: Hi there.

    On the other end is Zachary, busy poring over some sketches.

    ZACHARY: Thought I’d call to see how you were doing. How’s the studies going?

    VICTORIA: I’ll live.

    ZACHARY: Think you can arrange a break to go out to dinner tonight?

    VICTORIA: Ooo, sounds so tempting.

    ZACHARY: Come on. Your exam’s not tomorrow.

    VICTORIA: So true, so true. All right… I’m here until 6, so I’ll want to head home and change quickly. Where do you suggest?

    ZACHARY: I’d say Giovanni’s, but that might be pushing it.

    VICTORIA: You think? (Laughs) How about The Finial?

    ZACHARY: Wow. You must want some quiet time.

    VICTORIA: Why? That place isn’t that expensive. Despite it being on top of a high rise, that is.

    ZACHARY: Finial it is, then… I can check and see if they have an open table.

    VICTORIA: Figure on 8 for sure.

    ZACHARY: Sounds good. Wanna meet there?

    VICTORIA: Also good too. See you tonight?

    ZACHARY: Tonight it is then.

    VICTORIA: Take care… bye.

    Victoria hangs up, shuts the cell phone and briefly presses it to her, like a teenager in love would do. With a skip in her step, she heads back out to the fourth floor.

    CUT TO – Petterino kitchen

    ANNABELLA: I hear you and Tori came to an understanding.

    ROSE: It wasn’t easy, but I did it. I could see your eyes forming daggers at me.

    ANNABELLA: That wasn’t it, Mom. I just wanted you to know how I felt. I’ve met Zachary a couple times and he’s nothing like George. That’s a good thing.

    ROSE: I suppose you’re right. Now try telling that to Giovanni.

    ANNABELLA: (Nods) I know. I know.

    As Annabella realizes Giovanni might not approve of Tori’s blooming relationship with Zachary, the music plays and the program fades to black for the day.

    COMMERCIAL BREAK

    The Somerset theme plays as the credits roll over a still picture of downtown Somerset.

    BILL WOLFF: Hospital wear by Lydia’s. Men’s shirts by Perry Ellis.

    Join us each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. And be sure to stay tuned for Salem Lives, coming up next over most of these same stations.

    This program was pre-recorded.




  12. sungrey

    EPISODE 37 -- POSTED 2/9

    By sungrey,

    SOMERSET EPISODE 37
    Original airdate: 09/04/07
    Written by: Steve Ungrey

    SCENE ONE

    FADE IN – We see an overhead shot of the Washington D.C. skyline at night, with the word “Washington” at the bottom.

    CUT TO – A high-rise condominium that is the home of Donna’s mother, Eleanor Morgan. Eleanor is looking at herself in the mirror when the doorbell rings. Eleanor goes over to the door, opens it and sees Donna.

    ELEANOR: Oh, my precious… come on in.

    DONNA: (Sheepish grin) Hi, Mom. (Hugs Eleanor tightly)

    ELEANOR: How was the traffic?

    DONNA: I got back about 4:30… I was able to go back to my place and crash for a couple hours before I pulled myself together to come here.

    ELEANOR: Well, let me take a step back and admire my… (eyes Donna from top to bottom) smartly-dressed daughter. Let me guess. Paisley’s?

    DONNA: Yup. I went on a spending spree there yesterday.

    ELEANOR: Well, at least you have a good job lined up. I know Paisley’s isn’t that expensive, but…

    DONNA: Good for an up and coming lawyer to be, right?

    ELEANOR: Precisely. (Goes to the counter and grabs a glass) Figured you’d want this.

    DONNA: Mother! Isn’t that what we’re going out for?

    ELEANOR: Relax! It’s not alcoholic. Not yet, anyway. It’s club soda.

    DONNA: You figured out club soda gives me a pick me up. Nice. No, Mom, I feel fine. I was used to less sleep working those long hours at the law office.

    ELEANOR: And what about your new job?

    DONNA: Well, let’s go someplace and grab a bite to eat and I’ll fill you in on everything.

    ELEANOR: How about dinner at Maxfield’s?

    DONNA: (Gets big smile on her face) Oh, wow… you knew I had a hankering for their orange chicken, didn’t you?

    ELEANOR: Either that or a big, juicy steak. (Grabs her purse) I drive because you’ve had a long trip today. If you want to relax here tonight, too…

    DONNA: Good trade. And I was way ahead of you. (Smiles) Brought an overnight bag.

    ELEANOR: Then what say a mother and daughter go have a nice celebration dinner?

    DONNA: I am sooooo game.

    The music plays as Eleanor shuts out the condo lights and she and Donna exit.

    CUT TO -- We see an overhead shot of the Somerset skyline at night and the camera zeroes in on the hospital.

    CUT TO – Inside, where Alana is resting comfortably as Mike tiptoes in and sits by her bedside.

    Mike sits down and looks at Alana, sleeping in the darkened room.

    MIKE: You look like an angel lying there, you know that. (Pauses) I’m not used to being all sentimental, you know. I’m supposed to be this reporter with a nose for news and an eye for a story… not an eye for the ladies.

    We see Alana lying there asleep.

    MIKE: Something about you changed all that. I don’t know what it was, but I find myself unable to leave your side. (Pauses) You must be captivating.

    As Mike bows his head and looks away from Alana, the camera shows Alana opening her eyes and squeezing Mike’s hand.

    MIKE: (Turns back to look) Hey there.

    ALANA: (Smiles) You are so busted, Wagner.

    As Mike feigns innocence, we hear the Somerset theme.

    We see an overhead shot of downtown, with the camera slowly pulling away from the buildings. The Somerset logo pops on the screen and goes into position at the center.

    BILL WOLFF: This… is Somerset. This portion of Somerset is brought to you today by Pampers. Doesn’t your baby deserve Pampers dryness?

    SCENE TWO

    FADE IN – Somerset Hospital

    The scene continues with Mike at Alana’s bedside.

    MIKE: Heard every word, didn’t you?

    ALANA: Every syllable, every change in the tone of your voice. (Smiles) And I liked it.

    MIKE: Did this… meningitis give you a personality transplant?

    ALANA: (Points) There’s the door. Out.

    MIKE: Really?

    ALANA: (Smiles and laughs) I can’t even give you a hard time. I’m in too weak a condition to do it.

    MIKE: Feeling any better than this morning?

    ALANA: Yes, actually. (Sits up a bit and grimaces)

    MIKE: (Reaches out) Hey, hey, don’t exhaust yourself…

    ALANA: No, it’s all right. I have to give myself a little chance to move around. Patrick’s talking about having me walk around the corridors tomorrow.

    MIKE: Ooo. A few baby steps here, a few steps there…

    ALANA: Yeah. But I am feeling a bit better as time goes on, so that’s good.

    MIKE: Let me ask you something. (Sits back down) If you were supposedly asleep when I walked in here, why didn’t you wake up or open your eyes?

    ALANA: I wanted to see what you’d say.

    MIKE: I see. And did I pass the test?

    ALANA: (Takes Mike’s hand and squeezes it tightly) What do you think?

    Mike looks down and sees his hand linked with Alana’s and smiles at her. The music plays as we transition scenes.

    CUT TO – a cemetery in Somerset

    We see a car pull up and someone get out in the shadows. After a bit we see it is Scott. Light music plays as he heads over to a grave.

    On the grave we see “Julia Garfield 1962-2001”. Scott lays a bunch of flowers on Julia’s grave and kneels.

    SCOTT: Hey there. (Makes himself comfortable) It’s been a long time since I stopped by. I just felt like I needed someone to talk to, that’s all.

    Scott looks up at the late-summer sky and sees the sun setting on the horizon.

    SCOTT: You always loved this time of year. The first leaves falling off the trees, the changing colors… Somerset’s beautiful this time of year. And you said that every year. (Laughs) Every year. And I didn’t mind.

    He pauses and begins talking about work.

    SCOTT: You’d have been proud of the police force, Julia. Crime was down in Somerset once again. One of these days they’re going to throw a parade and make me mayor, but I have a feeling Nick’s being groomed for that spot. (Laughing) Here I am rambling on about nothing.

    He then touches the grave.

    SCOTT: But then I’m rambling on because I miss you. I miss your smile. I miss hearing you laugh at night when I get home from work and tell you how dumb some criminals can be.

    Scott doesn’t see it, but Annabella is laying flowers at someone else’s grave and sees him. She wipes a tear away from her eye and waits for him to finish talking. A soft music melody plays into the commercial.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    BILL WOLFF: This portion of Somerset was brought to you by Extra Action Tide. The extra action in Tide cannot hide from your tough stains. We’ll continue with the second half of Somerset following station identification.

    ANNOUNCER: Find your light… with Finding the Light, part of the SONBC lineup, seen every weekday on most of these stations.

    Music plays over a still picture of the Somerset logo.

    SCENE THREE

    FADE IN – Maxfield’s

    The camera slowly approaches a table where Donna and Eleanor are laughing over a vodka tonic. A waiter approaches.

    WAITER: How are you on drinks?

    ELEANOR: Refills when you get a chance? No hurry.

    WAITER: Right away. (He leaves the table)

    DONNA: (Looking at glass) Some people probably wonder if I’m permanently off the wagon.

    ELEANOR: I see. Was this your drink of choice that night at the bar?

    DONNA: It was. I sat at the bar and was watching the Marlins play and he was there. It was a fun night.

    ELEANOR: Bet you never thought you’d see him again, right?

    DONNA: Mom, it was funny. I’m talking to Jack and I see his picture on a table right behind him. I about fainted when I saw that.

    ELEANOR: I want to know about this Nick guy, but first – your job.

    DONNA: Legal associate. Jack’s been in need of help for the legal department so he’s been hiring a few new people. He hired Susannah Lucas a few weeks ago…

    Eleanor’s eyes widen as she drinks.

    DONNA: Something wrong with the vodka? Not enough tonic?

    ELEANOR: No, it’s perfect. Susannah? Sam’s daughter?

    DONNA: Yes. (Gets a quizzical look) Mom, you know Sam Lucas? Her dad works in Oklahoma City.

    ELEANOR: And he has quite a good reputation there. I’ve heard of Lahoma’s charity work.

    DONNA: I see. Anyway, it’s mostly a 9 to 5 type gig, but Jack has said he’s flexible on the hours as long as he knows we’re doing the work. Susannah said some days she comes in at 10 and stays until 6… or even 11 to 7…

    ELEANOR: Jack sounds like a good, honest man.

    DONNA: He is. He hates being branded as the corporate type. I tried calling him Mr. Martin and he about bit my head off laughing.

    ELEANOR: Sounds like… Jack has a fun atmosphere.

    DONNA: It is. It’s certainly a change from the stuffy atmosphere of my previous employer. And I won’t miss the 70-hour weeks on a regular basis. I’ll just be hitting 50 or 55 every so often.

    ELEANOR: Good to hear. It sounds like Somerset agrees with you.

    DONNA: It does. The people are so friendly.

    ELEANOR: One in particular?

    Donna blushes slightly as Eleanor asks the question.

    DONNA: You’re just dying to know about Nick, aren’t you?

    Eleanor smiles as she sips her vodka tonic. The music plays to change scenes as we head back to Somerset.

    CUT TO – Somerset Hospital

    Alana is drinking from a sanitary water glass as she talks with Mike.

    ALANA: Did you get yourself checked out?

    MIKE: Yes. Patrick warned me that since I’d been in contact with you that I might be capable of developing meningitis. Luckily the tests turned out negative.

    ALANA: Good. That way (takes Mike’s hand) I can do this without fear of you ending up in the next room.

    MIKE: Would that be such a bad thing?

    ALANA: Not at all. (Pauses)

    MIKE: Something… on your mind?

    ALANA: I guess you could say that. I have given you a hard time over the last several months, haven’t I?

    MIKE: Aw, it’s all in fun. I know that.

    ALANA: Well, part of me was trying to keep you – and other guys – at arm’s length while I sorted out some personal and professional stuff.

    MIKE: Breaking up with Nick hurt a lot, didn’t it?

    ALANA: It did. But Nick and I got to a peaceful place. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my personal life. (squeezes Mike’s hand) I am now.

    MIKE: Well then. Spill it.

    ALANA: It’s going to take me some time to recover from this… Patrick’s saying I won’t be at 100 percent for about two weeks… but when I get back to the hospital and to a normal routine I want us to go on a date.

    Mike’s eyes widen in surprise.

    ALANA: I left a reporter speechless. I can’t believe it.

    Mike and Alana smile at each other as the music plays into commercial.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    SCENE FOUR

    FADE IN – At the cemetery

    Annabella has approached Scott at Julia’s grave.

    SCOTT: (Looks up and sees Annabella) Well there! How are you? (He hugs her)

    ANNABELLA: I didn’t follow you, if that’s what you were wondering.

    SCOTT: Not at all. Were you here…

    ANNABELLA: Visiting my friend Raelyn’s grave. I can’t believe she died a decade ago.

    SCOTT: Nor what happened to her.

    ANNABELLA: I know. (Fights back a few tears) She’d dropped so much weight at the end of her life. No one knew she had an eating disorder until it was way too late.

    SCOTT: That’s when you threw caution to the wind, right?

    ANNABELLA: Oh Scott… I never had an eating problem. But that was the day I swore I’d never turn down a double cheeseburger if it was offered to me. If I gain a few pounds, well… I guess you’ll see me in the plus-size catalog.

    SCOTT: (Looking at Annabella) I don’t think we’ll see that anytime soon.

    ANNABELLA: I’ve talked in a few classrooms. Tori wanted me to get the message across that it wasn’t cool to starve yourself or binge and purge.

    SCOTT: Just like we used to get the don’t talk to strangers message across.

    ANNABELLA: I miss those days. (Looks down) I miss Julia, too.

    SCOTT: She adored you, you know.

    ANNABELLA: I know. (Wipes tears from her eyes) You up for a friendly game of pool?

    SCOTT: I could work some stress off, yes.

    ANNABELLA: Pool and a pitcher. My treat.

    SCOTT: I can’t turn that down.

    Annabella and Scott turn to head to their respective cars as the camera pulls back and the music bridges to the next scene.

    CUT TO – Maxfield’s

    Donna is drinking her vodka tonic as she hems and haws a bit about describing Nick.

    DONNA: Mom… he’s such a dreamboat. He’s an old-fashioned gentleman. I can’t describe how many times he held the door open for me… how many times he took my hand and kissed it when we were out last night.

    ELEANOR: Sounds like a man I once knew.

    DONNA: Who?

    ELEANOR: Your dad, silly. Your dad was a romantic at heart.

    DONNA: I really miss him. (She starts to cry a bit) He’d be so happy to hear how I got this job.

    ELEANOR: Quentin’s so happy for you, too. He’s happy to see you get away from that law firm.

    DONNA: Anyway… I told him that I really wasn’t in a position yet to leap into another relationship, so we’re going the friends with benefits route.

    ELEANOR: Does he know about Clarke?

    DONNA: Yes. I told him. I told him I’d just broken the engagement with Clarke a few weeks ago.

    ELEANOR: I see. (Finishes drink) And does he know that you’re still a bit torn over Clarke?

    DONNA: How am I a bit torn over Clarke?

    ELEANOR: You told him that if he changed his spots and obsessed a little less about politics, then you might change your mind.

    DONNA: Not going to happen. He’ll never change.

    ELEANOR: Just for the sake of arguments…

    Donna is getting visibly upset.

    DONNA: Mother! Are you happy for me or not?

    ELEANOR: (Takes Donna’s arm) Calm down, honey. Calm down. Of course I am insanely happy for you! I’m just being realistic.

    DONNA: Okay. Just checking.

    As Donna finishes her vodka tonic, she looks at Eleanor as if her mother senses something’s not quite right. Music plays into the commercial break, followed by the closing credits.

    Credits rolling

    BILL WOLFF: Men’s shirts by Alfani. Watches by Wittnauer.

    Join us each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. And stay tuned for Salem Lives, coming up next over most of these SONBC stations.

    This program was recorded.





  14. sungrey

    NEW EPISODE!!! NUMBER 36

    By sungrey,

    SOMERSET EPISODE 36
    Original airdate: 09/03/07
    Written by: Steve Ungrey

    SCENE ONE
    It is a new week in Somerset, but it’s still the same day – as we pick up the action with a visit to Giovanni’s. Nick has stopped in for a drink while waiting for a business appointment to arrive, and he sees Annabella at the bar. Nick stops over and takes a seat.

    ANNABELLA: (Sees Nick) Hey there, Nick… welcome to Giovanni’s!

    NICK: You sound like you’re trying out your hostess voice on me.

    ANNABELLA: Can’t a girl be hospitable anymore? (Laughs) What’ll you have?

    NICK: Considering I have to go over budget numbers with someone, ya better make it a scotch.

    ANNABELLA: Yikes… the hard stuff this early in the day?

    NICK: Oh come on… it’s only early afternoon. Can’t a guy start drinking this early?

    ANNABELLA: (Reaches for a bottle and pours) I suppose. Hey, did I tell you I’m thinking about cutting the apron strings finally?

    NICK: How so?

    ANNABELLA: (Sets the glass in front of Nick) I’m finally looking at moving out on my own.

    NICK: So where will you place your million-dollar mansion? Up on the hill by the Cleypools?

    ANNABELLA: Very funny. No, I’m actually thinking about living downtown here and finding a roommate to hang out with – what do you think?

    NICK: Oh, if only it were this easy all the time. (Laughs)

    ANNABELLA: What do you mean?

    NICK: (Sees his client coming in) Tell ya what… can we touch base again after my meeting? I got an offer you can’t refuse.

    ANNABELLA: If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear you were…

    NICK: Trying to pull a con job on you? Not quite. I’ll explain.

    Nick walks over with his scotch to greet his business appointment as the music plays. The scene changes…

    CUT TO – The Cleypool mansion

    George has the pictures of Zachary with Victoria in front of him and he’s looking them over. He shakes his head and looks out the window as Fenwick comes in with coffee.

    FENWICK: Your coffee, sir.

    GEORGE: (Looks up) Ah, thanks Fenwick. After seeing this package I wish you’d put a little something stronger in this.

    FENWICK: That can be arranged…

    GEORGE: (Holds up hand and shakes his head) No, I was kidding. I need my wits about me for the conference call I’m going to have later on today.

    FENWICK: As you wish, sir. (Walks away) The pick-me-up is in the pantry if you need it.

    George chuckles before he turns back to the photos and looks them over.

    GEORGE: (To himself) Ah, Zachary. You told me you were interested in a nurse at Somerset Hospital but you didn’t tell me who it was – and now I see why.

    He goes over to the window with his coffee.

    GEORGE: (Drinks coffee) You have all your choices in front of you. A blue-blood girl with wealth and social standing. And yet you choose… a Petterino.

    Sipping coffee, George’s face slowly furrows.

    GEORGE: And I, for one, am not happy.

    As George looks out the window, we hear the Somerset theme start playing.

    We see an overhead shot of downtown, with the camera slowly pulling away from the buildings. The Somerset logo pops on the screen and goes into position at the center.

    BILL WOLFF: This… is Somerset. This portion of Somerset is brought to you today by the man behind the shine, today’s Mr. Clean. Cleans your whole house… and everything that’s in it.

    SCENE TWO

    FADE IN – Martin Enterprises office

    Susannah and Jack are at a table in his office going over some documents, including the Peoples Building floor plan.

    JACK: So the Cleybank Corporation didn’t secretly purchase this building to make my life miserable?

    SUSANNAH: Nope. Joseph says the last known owner is D. Whitehead and Associates.

    JACK: (Looks up) That company went bankrupt six years ago! I wonder if the city took possession of the building?

    SUSANNAH: Wouldn’t Nick know that?

    JACK: (Picks up phone) I’m checking right now… (phone rings and it goes to voicemail before beeping) Nicholas, Jack Martin here. Can you see if the Peoples Building is listed among foreclosed properties in Somerset? The last listed owner is no longer operating and I don’t think George had a chance to buy this building. Give me a jingle back as soon as you can. Thanks. (Puts down phone)

    SUSANNAH: Think he’ll know the full answer?

    JACK: That’s what he’s getting paid the big bucks for, Susannah. If I can easily purchase the Peoples Building, the rest of the plan falls into place easily.

    SUSANNAH: I wish I knew what had you so psyched about that building.

    JACK: It was a jewel of its time, Susannah. Don’t tell me you can’t remember what that building looked like…

    SUSANNAH: Do you remember how old I was when Mom and Dad left Somerset? What was I doing, just learning the alphabet and watching Sesame Street?

    JACK: That’s right. I keep forgetting you were all of two when Lahoma split town with you in tow.

    SUSANNAH: I can imagine, though. Oklahoma City’s got some nice architecture and if that building was anything like I think, it was beautiful.

    JACK: Yes. It was beautiful, indeed.

    The camera slowly focuses on Jack’s face as he remembers back to what the building once looked like. His view from the night he peeked in the window – that of a decrepit, old shell of a grand ballroom – is replaced by an ornate wood paneled room brightly lit with chandeliers and a grand spiral staircase.

    JACK: People came from all around to attend events in this building. They could have been there for daytime conventions or lavish parties at night. But this was the central hub.

    SUSANNAH: How did this building get into disrepair?

    JACK: When this area fell into bad economic times. A couple of major Somerset companies used to have their corporate headquarters here, and there used to be a law firm on the ninth floor.

    SUSANNAH: Law firm, huh? Maybe we can eventually hang our shingle in that building.

    JACK: Who’s we? Are you and Donna planning on branching out into private practice?

    SUSANNAH: Well… that IS what you wanted us to do.

    JACK: Quite right. Anyhow… this building has been vacant for about 20 years, save for a few business going in and out on the ground floor. I’m going to have to sink some money into refurbishing and remodeling the entire building.

    SUSANNAH: I think it can be done. Let’s see what happens.

    As Susannah finishes her coffee, the music plays out of the scene and we find ourselves heading out to residential areas…

    CUT TO – Petterino house

    Rose is at the kitchen counter making zabaglione for Scott, who has agreed to be a guinea pig for her latest tweaking of a dessert recipe.

    ROSE: (Holding out spoon) Care to taste now?

    SCOTT: (Taking sample and licking lips) Thumbs up, Rose. You’ve done it again.

    ROSE: I always like you coming out here when I’m preparing my dessert items. You always tell me when they’re made perfectly or whether they need a little something.

    SCOTT: I figure I could put my time in doing this while helping Giovanni nurse the fact his children are getting older.

    Rose chuckles as she takes the zabaglione to the counter and continues preparing the mixture.

    ROSE: Is he giving you a hard time about it?

    SCOTT: Naa. Rose, it’s understandable. Annabella is facing 30 and she’s doing it very well and Tori is having fun of her own finishing up school and embarking on a nursing career.

    ROSE: Then there’s Johnny running his restaurant in Denver.

    SCOTT: Doesn’t talk about Johnny much, does he?

    ROSE: Not really. And it isn’t anything bad that Johnny did. I think it’s because Johnny is out of the house. Out of sight, out of mind. I’m worried that Giovanni won’t acknowledge Annabella or Tori by seeing their new places when they get them.

    SCOTT: What I don’t understand is why. Giovanni’s always been such a good family man. Or is he worried that the family is splinting?

    ROSE: One word, Scott.

    SCOTT: And that word is?

    ROSE: Grandpa.

    Scott’s eyes get a puzzled look as the music plays out the scene and the picture fades to black.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    BILL WOLFF: The first part of Somerset was brought to you by Old Spice. Old Spice is the deodorant embraced by generations old and young. We’ll continue with the second part of Somerset following station identification.

    ANNOUNCER: Casey Hughes is back, but he feels lost in Oakdale. A New World Turns, new to the MySonTV lineup weekdays.

    Music plays over a still picture of the Somerset logo.

    SCENE THREE

    FADE IN – Giovanni’s

    Nick has just finished his budget meeting and is checking his work voicemail. He happens upon the call from Jack so he rings up the office.
    Cutting back to Martin Enterprises, we see Jack pick up the phone.

    JACK: Thanks, Joanne. (A click on the other end, presumably Joanne hanging up) Nicholas! Thanks for getting back so quickly.

    NICK: You’re welcome. I’m a bit puzzled. Didn’t I tell you the Peoples Building was in the hands of a holding company?

    JACK: It may not be. I’m with Susannah and she said the last known owner of the building was D. Whitehead and Associates. I used to do business with the company but it went bankrupt in the last recession.

    NICK: Are you thinking its properties were parceled out in court?

    JACK: It could very well be. Nick, you weren’t city manager six years ago but obviously you can tell if the city bought the building at a bankruptcy sale or something.

    NICK: Well, it’s worth checking out. I’ll get right on it. (Jack says something off-camera) You bet, thanks. I’ll be in touch.

    Nick hangs up, puts his cell phone away and heads back to the bar. Annabella has just come out with someone’s order but she returns to the bar and rests her arms on the counter.

    ANNABELLA: I’m all ears, Nick. What have you got to say?

    NICK: When do you want to move?

    ANNABELLA: Probably within the next month. It all hinges on finding a roommate.

    NICK: (Smiles) What would you say if I told you I had someone in mind?

    ANNABELLA: I’d be interested.

    NICK: Good. It just so happens my friend Donna is looking for someone to share an apartment with when she comes back to Somerset.

    ANNABELLA: Is this the mystery woman that had you perplexed for weeks?

    NICK: The one and only. Still have the bump on my head to prove it.

    ANNABELLA: I’ll have to meet Donna, but from what I hear she sounds like a sweetie.

    NICK: She is.

    ANNABELLA: You’re biased.

    NICK: And that’s a terrible thing to be if you’re a politician, but not in this case. With your earnings and what Donna will be making, you guys could go condo and have a high-rise.

    ANNABELLA: I have thought about that. I haven’t told Dad, but Jack’s filled me in on some nice properties in the north part of downtown.

    NICK: I wouldn’t tell Giovanni. He’d go nuts.

    Annabella laughs as the music plays out and into the next scene…

    CUT TO – Cleypool mansion living room

    George is studying a folder as Fenwick comes in to alert him.

    FENWICK: Master Cleypool, your caller is on the line.

    GEORGE: Ah, good. Thank you, Fenwick.

    As Fenwick leaves the room, George picks up the phone and sits at his desk.

    GEORGE: About time you got back with me. Can you come over to the estate sometime today? (Smiles) Ah, yes. I’ll make it worth your trouble.

    George smiles as sinister music plays out into commercial. The picture fades out.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    SCENE FOUR

    FADE IN – Petterino kitchen

    SCOTT: Grandpa – oh. I get it. Is he afraid of becoming one?

    ROSE: On the contrary. He would love to spoil grandkids rotten, but none of the children are in any position to do it for him.

    SCOTT: And HOW long do you guys have to enjoy retirement?

    ROSE: Precisely. I’ve told him that. But he wants to make sure that the kids are in the right position in life. I think it’s why he and I give you such a hard time about Bella.

    SCOTT: Sure it is. (Laughs)

    ROSE: Well, Bella has her head screwed on right when it comes to a social calendar. I don’t know if I can say the same about Tori.

    SCOTT: Why not?

    ROSE: For starters, she’s kind of seeing Zachary Cleypool.

    SCOTT: (Eyes widen) Ah, an interesting choice of boyfriends indeed.

    ROSE: They’re not quite boyfriend and girlfriend yet, but they’re getting there.

    SCOTT: And your attitude is not good about it, I presume?

    ROSE: (Laughs) You think? Bella asked me if George and I had an affair and it ended badly and I told her no way. I just can’t fathom how George treats people and I’m afraid he’d be all over those two.

    SCOTT: Maybe not. You don’t know.

    CUT TO – Cleypool mansion living room

    George is still on the phone with his mystery caller.

    GEORGE: Listen, I’ll be in touch to set up a meeting time. But I’m wondering if you’re ready to cause havoc in Somerset for some people.

    Looking down at the picture, he adds one more line.

    GEORGE: Well, one in particular.

    As the camera slowly zooms in on the photo of Zachary and Victoria, the music carries the program out to a commercial and Somerset shuts down for the day.

    Credits rolling

    BILL WOLFF: Fashions by Junior Gallery. Jewelry by Swarovsky Design Group.

    Join us each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. And stay tuned for Salem Lives, coming up next over most of these SONBC stations.

    This program was recorded.



  15. sungrey
    The daytime drama Somerset has reached into Guiding Light's glory days of the 1970s to cast the latest role, which began on Somerset's 35th episode.

    ELVERA ROUSSEL, best known to daytime audiences as Hope Bauer from 1979-83, returns nearly 25 years later to soaps as she takes on the role of Eleanor Morgan, Donna's mother and the one who was making mystery calls to Donna before and during her return to Washington.

    "As it turns out, there was nothing suspicious about Donna's calls," said Steve Ungrey, Somerset's creator and head writer. "It was merely her mother checking up on Donna to see how the interview went. She's dying to hear more about Donna's new man and remind her that she's still sorting out some things about her love life.

    The role is contract. Welcome Roussel back to daytime, as she makes her full-time debut in the 37th episode of Somerset, which will premiere later today.
  16. sungrey

    EPISODE 35 (AIRED 08/31)

    By sungrey,

    SOMERSET EPISODE 35
    Original airdate: 08/31/07
    Written by: Steve Ungrey


    SCENE ONE
    We see the Petterino kitchen and Giovanni sitting at the table enjoying a cup of coffee. Victoria comes down from upstairs and goes toward the coffee maker, and Giovanni comes over and embraces his daughter.

    VICTORIA: Dad… are you still sentimental from a couple nights back?

    GIOVANNI: Ah, forgive your dad. He’s wishing both his daughters – and his son – weren’t so damn grown up.

    VICTORIA: If it’s any consolation, Dad, I’m still the youngest in the family. Annabella told me about the discussion you guys had.

    GIOVANNI: We’ll be fine, honey. We always are. How was work last night?

    VICTORIA: Good. Alana is out of danger.

    Giovanni looks up as if to say “Thank you, God”, clasps his hands together and bows his head slightly.

    GIOVANNI: That is wonderful news, darling. How much longer before she’s back prowling the corridors of the hospital?

    VICTORIA: At least a couple weeks. Patrick seems to think she’s out of danger and improving rapidly, so we’ll see where it goes from there.

    GIOVANNI: Which means you’ll probably be putting more time in at the hospital, right?

    VICTORIA: What else would I be doing?

    Victoria laughs and makes a cup of coffee. Music plays as Victoria goes to sit back at the table with Giovanni and we change scenes.

    CUT TO – Somerset Register

    Norman Vickery is coming into the lounge at the newspaper and he spots a male figure with his back to the camera. Norman goes over and shakes the figure, and as the face turns we see it is Mike.

    NORMAN: Must have been some big story to keep you here all night.

    MIKE: (Sits up) It’s morning? Lucky I brought a change of clothes with me.

    NORMAN: Did you come back to the paper after being at the hospital last night?

    MIKE: Yes. I wanted to check my messages and make sure I wasn’t missing out on anything important. I got a couple of stories finished and in the can for you to look at…

    NORMAN: That’s dedication, Wagner, but I honestly didn’t expect to see you in here until Alana was doing better.

    MIKE: She is. (Smiling) Her fever broke last night and I thought I’d come here…

    We see a brief flashback of Alana, feverish and delirious, crying out “I love you” to Mike. Cut back to the present.

    MIKE: To clear my head.

    CUT TO: City Hall

    Nick is just logging onto his account when he hears his cell phone buzz. Looking down, he smiles when he sees the number and he presses the talk button.

    NICK: Hey, you.

    We see a shot of Donna driving her car on the interstate.

    DONNA: Hey, handsome. You sufficiently recovered from last night?

    NICK: I think so. I’ve had to put cream on my lips, though – I think they were still burning this morning.

    DONNA: Oh, come on. I’m not that good a kisser.

    NICK: If you’re not that good, then why the hell couldn’t I stop thinking about that kiss last night?

    DONNA: Didn’t I tell you friends with benefits would be fine?

    NICK: You did. Where are you now?

    DONNA: I’m in Pennsylvania heading back south, but I wanted to call and say hi. Keep in touch with me so I don’t get too antsy, OK?

    NICK: When are you back in Somerset?

    DONNA: Toward the end of next week. I want to close down my apartment here, find a place to live up there…

    NICK: And a thousand things to do in between.

    DONNA: (Hears line beeping) Oop, I better get this. You have a super day, OK?

    NICK: You too, darling.

    DONNA: Ooo, pet names. I like. See ya. (Clicks line over) Hello? (Pauses) Yes, I’m on my way back… I swear you must have mental telepathy or something… you knew the exact moment I got back from my date last night, I’d swear you’re spying on me.

    Donna continues driving for a bit while the person at the other end is talking.

    DONNA: Of course I can see you tonight. Do you want me to come over there when I get back into Washington?

    The Somerset theme begins playing as Donna finishes her line.

    We see an overhead shot of downtown, with the camera slowly pulling away from the buildings. The Somerset logo pops on the screen and goes into position at the center.

    This… is Somerset. Part 1 of Somerset is brought to you today by Jif. The peanut butter with that fresh, smooth, roasted peanutty taste. No wonder choosy Moms choose Jif.

    SCENE TWO
    At the hospital, Mike is walking up to the front counter on the fourth floor, just as Taylor is walking out from the back area.

    MIKE: Hey, Taylor. How’s the patient?

    TAYLOR: Awake… and already asking where you are.

    MIKE: You’re kidding, right?

    TAYLOR: Why would I kid about something like this? Seriously, Mike, she’s in the same room and she wondered this morning how long you’d been there last night.

    MIKE: Oh. Well, then… I guess I’d better get back there and show her how grateful I am that she’s on the road to recovery.

    TAYLOR: Right back there… (realizes he knows) but then again, you knew that already, didn’t you?

    MIKE: I can’t forget it.

    Mike walks down the hall and peeks around the corner, where he sees Alana calmly sleeping in the darkened room. Coming in, he sits at the bedside and watches Alana. She slowly opens her eyes, looks over at Mike and smiles.

    ALANA: Hi.

    MIKE: Hey you… you gave us quite a scare, you know that?

    ALANA: That’s what I hear. Sorry for the darkness. My head still hurts a bit and Patrick told me I’d have a little light sensitivity for another day or two.

    MIKE: But you’re in the clear otherwise?

    ALANA: Not quite. My fever’s down, and that’s a good sign. But I’m still going to need plenty of antibiotics and bed rest. That’ll teach me to overwork myself.

    MIKE: It wasn’t your job that did this to you, was it?

    ALANA: Heck of a way to earn a vacation, right? (Laughs and slightly grimaces) No, the chances are I came in contact with someone who had this and it mushroomed from there. I’ve been fighting a small cold over the last week.

    MIKE: Well, I’m happy to see you’re talkative.

    ALANA: I hear my fever broke in kind of a dramatic way last night. You were here, Patrick said?

    MIKE: Uh… yeah, I was. I’m still trying to get the feeling back in my typing hand.

    ALANA: (Smiles) I’m sorry.

    MIKE: You’re forgiven. I’m just glad to see you awake.

    Mike smiles as Alana takes his non-typing hand and softly squeezes it. The music plays as the picture fades to black.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    The lives of Maxie, Robin and Georgie intertwine with those around them and create rich, powerful drama. GH Sisters, part of the MySONTV lineup. Weekdays on SONBC.

    We see a still shot of the Somerset logo with the accompanying music.

    And now the second half of Somerset, brought to you today by the easy, breezy, beautiful cosmetics of Cover Girl.

    SCENE THREE
    We see the Cleypool estate, nestled in its familiar perch high above Somerset. Going inside, we see George busy at the dining room table as Fenwick comes in with coffee.

    FENWICK: Refill, Master Cleypool?

    GEORGE: (Sticks the cup out) Please. I could use a pick-me-up this morning after looking at the financial news. Maybe I need to buy the Register and create my own good headlines.

    FENWICK: (Rolls eyes) If it were only that easy.

    GEORGE: Is Zachary here or did he take off early?

    FENWICK: He is upstairs getting dressed, sir. Do you need him for business purposes?

    GEORGE: No, it can wait. (Drinks coffee)

    FENWICK: Then I shall check on breakfast, Master Cleypool. It should be almost ready. (Fenwick turns and exits the dining room)

    As Fenwick leaves, George’s cell phone buzzes. Picking it up, he answers.

    GEORGE: This is George? (Pauses) Oh, good! You’ve got the package I wanted.

    Zachary comes in as George is talking, so George somewhat changes the subject.

    GEORGE: I shall look forward to seeing that document, then. Thank you very much. (Puts down phone) There you are! Were you at the hospital last night?

    ZACHARY: Yes… and Alana is doing much better now.

    GEORGE: Well, good to hear! I was wondering if she would come out of the woods anytime soon.

    ZACHARY: Those are good words from you, Dad… considering you think the hospital is largely staffed by incompetents. (Laughs a bit)

    GEORGE: Son, I haven’t changed my tune that much and I’m not a cruel, heartless bastard – am I?

    ZACHARY: You’ve had your moments.

    GEORGE: I see I asked the wrong person.

    ZACHARY: (Grabs coffee pot) You asked my opinion, I offered it. But all in all, it evens out in the end.

    GEORGE: That it does. Are you headed for the office today?

    ZACHARY: I’m heading out to a construction site you wanted checked before the end of the week. Your condo project on the north end of Somerset by the interstate?

    GEORGE: Ah, yes! It does seem like the growth is just exploding up that way. If I can’t have downtown the way I want it, then maybe Cleybank will have to settle for the suburbs.

    ZACHARY: I’ll grab something while I’m out. I want to check the site over before noon and then get back with you later today.

    GEORGE: Don’t speed on the way out. You’ve still got the walking boot on…

    ZACHARY: I’ll be fine. (He leaves the room)

    George smiles to himself as he sips his coffee. He’s obviously waiting for a package, but what’s in it? The music plays and the scene switches over.

    CUT TO – We see the Petterino kitchen, where Victoria and Giovanni are still talking over coffee.

    GIOVANNI: Are you thinking about moving out, dear?

    VICTORIA: The thought did cross my mind. (Sees her dad’s face sink) Dad, you know I’ll always love the both of you. I’m just thinking that eventually I’ll have a nurses’ salary and be able to live on my own. I have a chance to make some good money if I get into a certain specialty.

    GIOVANNI: It’s not about the money, is it?

    VICTORIA: No, no… it’s about the security. I might be entering the dating scene…

    GIOVANNI: (Pretends to clutch chest) Don’t give your father reason to go to the hospital.

    VICTORIA: Dad…

    GIOVANNI: I kid, I kid. (Embraces Victoria) I support you and Annabella in whatever decision you make. (Pauses) Have the two of you thought about living together?

    VICTORIA: No, Dad. She needs my space and I need mine. We still love each other, though. We’re two separate people. Annabella’s thought about getting a house, did you know that?

    GIOVANNI: I did. I hope she chooses wisely. We shall see. What about you?

    VICTORIA: If I choose to move, I was thinking about one of the high-rises by the hospital. I’ve always wanted to live downtown.

    GIOVANNI: Now that Jack’s X Project is slowly becoming reality, it might not be so bad.

    The music plays as the scene fades to black, as Giovanni and Victoria sit at the table finishing coffee.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    SCENE FOUR
    Nick is busy clacking away on his keyboard when he sees Susannah in the doorway.

    NICK: Susie! Come on in.

    SUSANNAH: Hey, there. (Leans down and kisses Nick on the cheek) Congratulations.

    NICK: Did you come to give me good wishes?

    SUSANNAH: Yes. You landed yourself a pretty good catch there. I met Donna yesterday and she’s such a sweetie. She couldn’t stop talking about you.

    NICK: You came all the way over here to tell me that?

    SUSANNAH: No, I was over here in a meeting with Joseph Reynolds. You’re right, he knows his stuff. We were talking renovation of the city blocks, the People’s Building… I think this is a do-able project for Jack.

    NICK: Great. That will make his day. (Pauses) You’re cool with what happened, aren’t you?

    SUSANNAH: Of course I am! Why do you ask? (Pause) Why, Nick Barclay… would you have asked me out again?

    NICK: You’ve got a lot to offer someone. Patrick, perhaps?

    SUSANNAH: You know I’m not ready to pursue anything serious. Had anything developed with you, I would have felt the same way.

    NICK: Don’t worry about it. I’ll see how it goes with Donna. Hopefully everything goes very well.

    CUT TO: Along the interstate

    Donna sees her cell phone vibrate and she picks it up.

    DONNA: Hello? (Looks) Passing through central Pennsylvania, just by Allentown. I’ll be in Washington by 4, probably. I’ll want to take a nap, I suspect… (Pause) What do you want to know about him? (Pauses) Well, we can do a little gossiping later.

    We cut to the other end of the conversation… we see that the person Donna is talking to is female.

    WOMAN: That’s good, dear. I’m looking forward to hearing about your new job. I am soooo proud of my daughter.

    As we slowly digest the caller is Donna’s mother, there is one final scene change…

    CUT TO – The Cleypool estate

    FENWICK: Sir, you have a package. (Hands it over)

    GEORGE: Ah, yes, Fenwick. Just what I was waiting for… thank you very much.

    FENWICK: I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.

    GEORGE: Thank you. (He opens the envelope and sees the contents) Oh, hell no.

    George has photos in his hand – photos of his son with Victoria.

    GEORGE: Now I see why you didn’t want to tell me the nurse’s name. (Shakes his head)

    The music plays in the background as George realizes Zachary’s interested in Victoria. We fade to black and end another week… the commercials air, followed by the Somerset theme.

    Join us again each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset.

    And don’t forget to stay tuned for Salem Lives, coming up next over most of these SONBC stations.

    This program was pre-recorded.

  17. sungrey
    Hey everyone -- yes, yes, it's a shameless excuse to move this blog back to the top, but Episode 35 will be up and on the air Friday. To those of you who are reading, I hope you enjoy this latest installment. Tell your friends and family!


  18. sungrey

    EPISODE 34 (AIRED 08/30)

    By sungrey,

    SOMERSET EPISODE 34
    Original airdate: 08/30/07
    Written by: Steve Ungrey

    SCENE ONE
    It is quiet solitude here in Somerset as the show opens with an exterior shot of a car on a hillside. Nick’s car is parked overlooking the city, and he and Donna are in the back seat. Donna has her head on Nick’s shoulder and her eyes are closed, and Nick has his arm around Donna.

    NICK: (Looks down) Comfy?

    DONNA: Mmm-hmm. (Nods, smiling) I’m sorry I’m wimping out on you. I’m just a little groggy. It’s been a long day.

    NICK: Hey, there will be plenty of time to get to know each other.

    DONNA: You got that right. (Looks up at Nick and out the window) I never knew Somerset had such a gorgeous skyline at night.

    NICK: What way did you come in here when you arrived last night?

    DONNA: The interstate.

    NICK: Okay, that explains it – you get a good look at the city when you’re coming down the hill, but there’s nothing like the view from up here.

    DONNA: You told me there were two scenic overlooks in this city. Where is the other one?

    NICK: See the hill over there? (Points) You can barely make out a few car lights. It’s on the other side of downtown. This is the quiet overlook. A few guys with convertibles come out here and park sometimes, but many times this area’s not busy.

    DONNA: (Smiling) Is that why you took me out here?

    NICK: Well, the thought crossed my mind…

    DONNA: Good. (She closes her eyes once again, resting her head on his shoulder) I can’t wait to tell my friends who I met today in Somerset. They didn’t want me to meet anyone on the rebound.

    Nick smiles to himself – until it is obvious Donna said something she shouldn’t have. His eyes spring open, with accompanying low-key music. The scene changes…

    CUT TO: Somerset Hospital, in Alana’s hospital room

    The lights are still dim in Alana’s room as Victoria stops by to check on Alana and sees Mike there.

    VICTORIA: How is she?

    MIKE: Fine… (Looks at clock) Hey, I didn’t realize visiting hours were over.

    VICTORIA: Sit. You’re fine. Patrick and I are here and we give you permission to be in here.

    MIKE: Much appreciated. She’ll like having someone to keep her company.

    VICTORIA: I’ll be down the hall if you need me.

    MIKE: All right.

    As Victoria leaves the room, Mike turns back to Alana and sees her eyes closed. He weakly smiles.

    MIKE: You see, honey? You see everyone waiting here for you to get better? You just better hear everyone, you know that?

    We see a shot of Alana lying there.

    MIKE: And I meant what I said. I want that cup of coffee. I want to share so much more with you. I –

    Suddenly Alana’s body begins trembling. It appears as if she’s going into a seizure.

    MIKE: Wha – wha – what’s going on – (Yells) Patrick! Tori!!

    Alana grabs Mike’s hand, clearly still unconscious but aware someone’s in the room with her. She’s squeezing his hand tightly.

    MIKE: Hey, easy on the typing fingers… (His hand is being squeezed)

    We see Alana’s forehead, which is perspiring. She’s broken out in a sweat, and she’s calling out.

    ALANA: Mike… Mike, no… don’t go…

    MIKE: I’m not going! I’m not going anywhere…

    ALANA: (Still unconscious) No… Mike… no, don’t… I love you…

    Now it’s Mike’s turn to be stunned by what he hears. He looks straight ahead at the camera in shock and then down at Alana. The Somerset theme begins.

    We see an overhead shot of downtown, with the camera slowly pulling away from the buildings. The Somerset logo pops on the screen and goes into position at the center.

    This… is Somerset. Part 1 of Somerset is brought to you today by Era. The detergent that uses protein to get out your toughest stains… and by Luvs, the diaper that gives your baby comfort at an affordable price.

    SCENE TWO
    A direct pickup from the previous scene, as Mike is agonizing over Alana’s sudden seizure and perspiration. Tori and Patrick both run into the room.

    VICTORIA: What’s going on?

    PATRICK: (Notices Mike’s hand) What the hell did you do?

    MIKE: Me? She grabbed my hand! Can you help pry my fingers loose?

    PATRICK: Sure thing. (Pries at Mike’s fingers)

    MIKE: She began shaking uncontrollably when I was talking with her… she’s sweating…

    PATRICK: (Looking surprised) Sweating? Tori, take her temperature and let’s see where this is headed.

    Victoria puts a thermometer in Alana’s mouth and leaves it there until the thermometer beeps. When Patrick sees it, he smiles.

    PATRICK: Ahh, this is good.

    MIKE: What’s good? Patrick, details.

    PATRICK: (Shows Mike the thermometer) 99.8 degrees. Mike, I think her fever has broken.

    The music plays as Mike musters a smile on his face. We change scenes back to the hillside.

    CUT TO: Nick’s car

    Nick pulls away from Donna, who nearly falls down in the back seat.

    NICK: Oh, I just KNEW there was a catch to this!

    DONNA: (Sits up and looks at Nick) Catch? Nick, what’s wrong?

    NICK: You said on the rebound…

    DONNA: Oops. I have to remember not to have too much to drink at times.

    NICK: It’s not funny, Donna. I need to know what’s going on.

    DONNA: Nick, please… what’s got you bothered?

    NICK: The fact that someone with a… great smile… great personality… (scans down) great legs…

    DONNA: Keep this up, hot stuff. I could get used to all these compliments…

    NICK: Is in a car with me, having a great time, and there must be some sort of catch. What is it? Do you have a boyfriend back in Washington? Are you engaged? Are you married?

    DONNA: Nick, calm down. (Smiles) I can explain everything.

    NICK: That has to be it. You must have a ring on your finger (notices Donna’s hand) and you don’t have a ring… on your finger… God, do I feel stupid…

    DONNA: (Snuggles up to Nick) I think it’s cute.

    NICK: That makes one of us.

    DONNA: Let me explain. I don’t have a boyfriend or a husband. When you met me in Washington, I had just broken an engagement three weeks before.

    Nick has a surprised look on his face as Donna admits her broken engagement and is ready to hear more details as the music plays and the picture fades to black.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    You loved her as Gina Capwell on Santa Barbara. Now a new day is dawning for Robin Mattson, who joins the cast of A New Day Dawning, seen weekdays as part of the MySONTV lineup. Only on SONBC.

    We see a still shot of the Somerset logo with the accompanying music.

    And now the second half of Somerset, brought to you today by Crisco Oil, for fried foods with no cholesterol and no grease.

    SCENE THREE
    Donna continues explaining her background to Nick, all the while holding his hand to make it more sincere.

    DONNA: That party where I was… that barrister’s party? It actually was my farewell party they were throwing for me.

    NICK: So you actually left your own farewell bash to come down to the bar?

    DONNA: Hey, I knew the Marlins were in town and I had to see how they were doing against the Nationals. A few of my friends didn’t want me to get drinks bought by guys or for me to hang out with anyone male that night.

    NICK: Sort of the all men are pigs theory? Or were they just hoping to set you up with one of their own?

    DONNA: (Laughing) I don’t know. When they came downstairs to grab me after I was talking to you, I wasn’t happy. I chewed out a couple of my friends when we left the bar. When I went back to see if you were there, you were gone.

    NICK: You came back – for me?

    DONNA: Someone had to, sweetie. Anyhow… (Pauses, hems and haws a bit) You’ll probably hear a lot about this guy in the next several days, so here goes. I was engaged to a Washington lobbyist… his name was Clarke. Clarke Freeman. And they were grooming Clarke for higher political office.

    NICK: I see.

    DONNA: I didn’t want to be a senator’s wife. Not yet, anyway. I also didn’t feel like having a husband who was going to be gone on trips and junkets all the time. So I backed away.

    NICK: Took guts to do it.

    DONNA: So… I’m kind of concerned because you’re Somerset’s city manager…

    NICK: (Nodding) I get it. And a politician. Donna, ask Jack. He’s grooming me for higher things but he’s also going to make sure I stay grounded. Well-grounded, if you get my drift.

    DONNA: So you can probably imagine I’m not in a hurry to jump into something major with anybody – that said, I want to tell you how wonderful a time I’ve had this evening and I’m hoping we can do this again a lot when I get back.

    NICK: You want to take it slow… sort of friends with benefits or something like that?

    DONNA: Does that sound bad?

    NICK: Not at all. Why didn’t you say so before? Donna, if you’re not in a hurry to get involved with someone right away, I can’t very well pressure you to do it. So we’d be friends with benefits.

    DONNA: Exactly. (Checks watch) The booze is starting to kick in again. Can you take me back to the hotel?

    NICK: Well, I guess…

    DONNA: (Smiles) You can walk me up, handsome.

    NICK: Well… (Opens door to get in the front seat) Let’s get you back downtown.

    As Donna and Nick get back in the front seat, the scene changes back to the hospital.

    CUT TO: Somerset Hospital

    Patrick is checking Alana over once again and has Tori take Alana’s temperature to make sure it’s staying down.

    PATRICK: (Checks thermometer) It’s back up to 100.6, but I think Alana’s out of immediate danger.

    MIKE: So her fever broke just like that?

    VICTORIA: It happens a lot. Sometimes when we give a patient antibiotics and the medicine builds up, it can overwhelm the infection.

    PATRICK: You told me Alana was shaking uncontrollably when her fever broke. I’m going to recommend we take Alana up to neurology for the night and have a CT scan done on her.

    VICTORIA: (Senses Mike’s apprehension) Mike, it’s strictly a precaution. The fact Alana’s fever broke so suddenly is a great sign. Patrick just wants to make sure there’s no brain dysfunction.

    MIKE: I see. Can I see her when she comes back down?

    PATRICK: We’re probably going to leave her up there overnight. Tell you what. I’ve got your cell phone – why don’t you head back someplace where you can relax and I’ll call if there are any changes? I really think she’s coming out of the woods, though.

    MIKE: (Stretches) Sounds good to me. If she wakes and asks for me…

    VICTORIA: I’ll tell her how good a guy you’ve been. (Hugs Mike)

    MIKE: Much appreciated, thanks.

    Mike’s relief is evident on his face, as it is on the faces of Victoria and Patrick, as the music plays and the picture fades to black.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    SCENE FOUR
    Mike has gone to Bernard’s for a beer, and he’s replaying the events in his mind from earlier in the show.

    ALANA: Don’t go… I love you…

    We hear Alana’s voice repeating “don’t go” and “I love you” a few more times. As Mike drinks his beer, we see the confusion on his face. Is this something where Alana was unconscious when she said it – or did she really mean it?

    CUT TO: Somerset Inn

    Nick is walking Donna back to the hotel room.

    DONNA: Thank you for the great escort back.

    NICK: It’s the least I can do. Sort of this friends with benefits thing, I guess.

    DONNA: (Smiles) I could show you another one of the benefits if you’d like.

    NICK: (With a resigned, happy look on his face) Okay, I’ll bite. What’s another benefit?

    DONNA: (Leaning in closely) Pucker up and you’ll find out, sexy.

    For the first time, Nick and Donna lean in close and share a kiss. Donna quickly overpowers Nick in the romantic clinch, delivering a kiss he’ll remember for decades if not centuries to come.

    Nick and Donna break free and Nick pulls back a bit, spent. Donna, breathing heavy, can only mouth the word “wow” as she opens her eyes.

    NICK: Who needs health insurance and a 401K? (Leans in and kisses Donna again, this time a lot quicker) I better let you get some sleep.

    DONNA: I had a lot of fun, I really mean it. You’ve got my e-mail and my cell… keep in touch with me while I’m in Washington so I don’t go stir crazy… and I’m going to need someone to help me find a place when I get back here.

    NICK: Count on it. Sweet dreams.

    DONNA: Sweet dreams, handsome.

    As they quickly kiss once again and Donna goes into her hotel room, she can feel her cell phone vibrating. As she shuts the door, Donna opens up her cell and sees the call on it. Her eyes widening, she clicks the start button and talks.

    DONNA: What were you doing all night, spying on me?

    A mysterious piece of music plays us into commercial break, followed by the Somerset theme.

    Join us again each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset.

    And don’t forget to stay tuned for Salem Lives, coming up next over most of these SONBC stations.

    This program was pre-recorded.

  19. sungrey

    EPISODE 33 (AIRED 8/29)

    By sungrey,

    SOMERSET EPISODE 33
    Original airdate: 08/29/07
    Written by: Steve Ungrey

    SCENE ONE
    Day has turned to early evening in Somerset, and this episode opens up with Mike returning to the hospital and running into Victoria at the nurses’ station.

    VICTORIA: (Looks up) Hey, Mike. Did you manage to get away for a bit and rest?

    MIKE: What do you think?

    VICTORIA: (Shakes her head) Me neither. I spent the majority of the day worrying and when I came in here the first thing I did was check on her.

    MIKE: How is she? Any change?

    VICTORIA: No. At least nothing drastic. Patrick took a break from here to catch a nap and he’s coming back in later to check Alana out. He told me her fever dropped about a degree and that’s a good sign.

    MIKE: What about complications? Do they still think anything serious could happen?

    VICTORIA: No, the viral kind of meningitis usually runs its course without serious aftereffects. Mike, she’s going to be fine. It just may take a bit for the fever to break.

    MIKE: Can I see her?

    VICTORIA: Yes. They’ve moved Alana to a private room and she’s resting. It’s a little dark in there, I’ll warn you. One of the symptoms of meningitis is an adverse reaction to light, so they don’t want to take any chances.

    MIKE: I’ll be down there if you need me. And Tori?

    VICTORIA: Yeah?

    MIKE: (Smiling) You’re going to make a fine nurse when you pass your last exams.

    Victoria hugs Mike as Zachary walks in. Victoria’s face brightens, and she goes over to hug Zachary as Mike goes down the hall.

    ZACHARY: How’s Mike? Is he holding up all right?

    VICTORIA: Yes. He’s worried sick about Alana. Now I know he really cares about her.

    ZACHARY: About as much as…

    VICTORIA: Yes?

    ZACHARY: (Sheepish) Uh – are you free for a coffee break?

    VICTORIA: You bet. (Puts down charts) I have to relax. And Zachary – if you say you care about me, I won’t be offended.

    ZACHARY: No?

    VICTORIA: No, I think it’s sweet. (Takes hand)

    Victoria and Zachary go down the hall to the nurses’ lounge as the scene changes.

    CUT TO: Interior hallway of the Somerset Inn

    The Somerset Inn, one of downtown’s landmarks, was restored several years ago. It is a cozy six-story property with nice rooms and a quiet setting in the midst of the hustle of downtown.

    Nick is going down the hall with a bouquet of flowers in his hand, and he’s looking for Donna’s room.

    NICK: Hmm. 440… 442… 444… ah, here we go. 446. (Knocks on door) Hey, beautiful. (Knocks on door again)

    DONNA: (Yells from inside) Just a second!

    As the door to the room opens, Nick hears another door close. When Nick enters, he sees the bathroom door is closed.

    NICK: Is it something I said?

    DONNA: Everything you said. (Laughs) I’m almost dressed, I’ll be right with you. I’m just putting the finishing touches on the package.

    NICK: You make it sound like I get to unwrap it.

    DONNA: Don’t go that far. I spent a lot of time putting myself together just for you.

    NICK: Ah, good. (Notices the Paisley’s bag in the corner) I see you made yourself at home at Paisley’s.

    DONNA: Opened an account, in fact. Hey, a girl’s gotta do her shopping.

    Donna emerges from the bathroom, suitably dressed for an evening out. Nick eyes her from head to toe and nods.

    DONNA: What do you think? (Twirls in place)

    NICK: I like.

    DONNA: (Notices Nick’s left hand holding flowers) Ooooo… orchids! You remembered!

    NICK: There’s some things a guy doesn’t forget. Especially a favorite flower.

    DONNA: (Takes flowers and notices the water tubes) Even good for transport back to Washington. (Kisses Nick’s cheek) I’m impressed. So where are you taking me?

    NICK: Someplace where you can get a sprig of parsley and a few sprouts?

    DONNA: (Gets a look of disgust on her face) You’re kidding, right? Where can a girl get a good steak and a beer in Somerset?

    Nick looks like he can’t believe his ears that Donna said the word steak – not that he’s a vegetarian, by any means. The Somerset theme begins.

    We see an overhead shot of downtown, with the camera slowly pulling away from the buildings. The Somerset logo pops on the screen and goes into position at the center.

    This… is Somerset. Part 1 of Somerset is brought to you today by Pampers. Doesn’t your baby deserve Pampers dryness… And by fresher than ever Lemon Fresh Joy. A nice reflection on you and your dishes.

    SCENE TWO
    At Giovanni’s, Jack is at the bar enjoying a glass of wine as Rose brings out a plate of chicken Vesuvio. Giovanni emerges from the back as well, putting his arm around Rose and pointing at the plate.

    GIOVANNI: Eat up, my friend.

    JACK: Mmmm. Your Vesuvio recipe hasn’t changed one bit in all these years.

    ROSE: And it certainly won’t as long as we’re around.

    JACK: Good. Did you guys hear I had a little excitement around my office today?

    ROSE: No. How’s the hiring process going? I hear you’re down a few employees.

    JACK: Well, I wanted to beef up my legal staff… and I hired someone this morning. Remember Nick’s mystery girl from Washington?

    GIOVANNI: Yes, yes – the one that put him in the hospital?

    JACK: Well, in so many words, yes. She’s now on my legal staff. She was my first interview today.

    Rose turns to look at Giovanni. Shaking her head, she smiles.

    ROSE: Isn’t that the dumbest luck? Nick has to be beside himself.

    GIOVANNI: I’m sure he’s been giddy all day.

    JACK: It kind of reminds me of a long time ago. I’m having Susannah check on the People’s Building and seeing if I can’t purchase the property to get the X ball rolling.

    ROSE: That building is important to you, isn’t it?

    JACK: You think? I’m trying my hardest to make sure this renovation goes off properly. I want Somerset to be bursting at the seams with growth in the next few years, and this is only the beginning.

    Rose and Giovanni continue chatting with Jack as the music builds between scenes.

    CUT TO: Somerset Hospital’s employee parking lot, where Patrick is parking his car. He gets out and is about to head for the door when he hears Susannah.

    PATRICK: Hey there! (Hugs Susannah as she approaches) Come to relieve my stress?

    SUSANNAH: Can you relieve mine instead? I came to see how you were doing and if you wanted to catch a coffee in the cafeteria before you went back to work.

    PATRICK: Can we have coffee in my office instead? I wanna quiz you about this date you went on last night.

    SUSANNAH: Oh boy. Word travels fast, huh?

    PATRICK: Relax. It was just a business dinner, I heard. And who am I to say who you can and can’t go out with for dinner?

    SUSANNAH: Well, it probably won’t happen again. Nick’s mystery woman is our newest employee.

    PATRICK: (Mouth drops) You’ve got to be joking. How the hell did that happen?

    SUSANNAH: Dumb luck. Anyways, I met Donna – that’s her name – and she’s a sweetheart. I wholeheartedly approve.

    PATRICK: Well, come on in. You can help take my mind off of Alana’s illness.

    As Susannah and Patrick go inside the hospital, the picture fades to black.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    A Hand of Hearts and Diamonds. The new soap opera dealing with the Delmedico family and the trials and tribulations of everyone who deals with them. Now part of the MySONTV lineup, weekdays on SONBC.

    We see a still shot of the Somerset logo with the accompanying music.

    And now the second half of Somerset, brought to you today by Gillette Fusion, the new razor with multiple blades for a smoother, cleaner feeling face.

    SCENE THREE
    The scene opens with an exterior shot of a steakhouse. The Cattle Ranch is a steakhouse out on the highway several miles away from Somerset, and Nick has taken Donna there for dinner.

    NICK: (Pouring a glass of beer for Donna) So did you enjoy your little tour of Somerset?

    DONNA: I know I have to see more of the city, but I loved what I saw. I couldn’t believe it when you said how much this city has grown.

    NICK: It used to be around 25,000 about 40 years ago. Add a one to that. We’re well over 100,000.

    DONNA: What brings people here?

    NICK: Well, the low crime… the quality of family life… people like you…

    DONNA: If they’re coming because of me, then boy are people going to be disappointed. (Drinks) By the way, you never did tell me today why you thought I wasn’t real when we were in the office.

    NICK: Well… (hangs head) You’re going to laugh…

    DONNA: I promise I won’t laugh. I might giggle, but –

    NICK: Very funny. Seriously, a couple days after I saw you in Washington, I went into a bar here for a drink and I heard your voice coming from the back. I turned around and there you were sipping a vodka tonic and wearing a silver cocktail dress.

    DONNA: A silver… (Catches on) Why, Nick Barclay – did you dream about me?

    NICK: Yeah, I’m afraid so. Did you?

    DONNA: No. (Sees Nick’s face) Don’t get a sad face. I rarely remember my dreams. I could dream about George Clooney and it wouldn’t register.

    NICK: Suuuuuuure you could. Anyway, I ran back to see you and I hit this wall – which turned out to be my head hitting the nightstand as I fell out of bed.

    DONNA: Oh, poor baby. (Reaches up and kisses forehead) Do you feel better?

    NICK: Much. Thanks.

    DONNA: Don’t mention it, handsome. What time is it, anyway?

    NICK: Do you turn into a pumpkin at a select hour? (Checks watch) It’s only 8:30.

    DONNA: Good. I wanna be back to my room by 11ish, because I’ve got a long drive back in the morning. (Smiles) But I don’t want to go back just yet.

    NICK: I’ll take that as a compliment.

    DONNA: Good.

    As Nick and Donna enjoy their last bit of dinner, the soft music plays and bridges the transition between scenes.

    CUT TO: The nurses lounge at Somerset Hospital, where Zachary is having coffee with Victoria.

    ZACHARY: Looking forward to your final exams, I take it?

    VICTORIA: It’s the last test I have to take. It’s not going to be a disaster if I don’t ace it, but it will prevent me from joining the full-fledged staff just yet.

    ZACHARY: You’ll do fine. How worried could you possibly be?

    VICTORIA: It’s the last test. I’ve aced some and done a little poorer on others.

    ZACHARY: But you passed them all, right?

    VICTORIA: Oh heck yes. I’ve done well enough for the hospital staff. They’re waiting to bring me aboard full-time and if I don’t pass this one, I can always take it again.

    ZACHARY: Well, don’t worry. You’re going to do just fine.

    VICTORIA: Somehow… having you here telling me that makes me feel better.

    Zachary and Victoria finish their coffee as the music plays out and the picture fades to black.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    SCENE FOUR
    In the darkened room, Mike is watching Alana asleep. He looks over at the IV bottle hanging there and down at Alana. He feels Alana’s forehead – she’s still burning hot, but her temperature has cooled a bit from before.

    Mike begins talking to no one in particular, hoping Alana can hear him.

    MIKE: Hey, gorgeous. (Leans down) You know, with my job I often thought I’d be the one coming in here to have you take care of me. (Pause) You never know. Maybe I might have gotten shot or something – or hit over the head with a bat. Heck, I might have ticked you off enough to have you swing a rolling pin at me.

    Mike straightens up and looks down at Alana.

    MIKE: I never thought you’d be the one lying there fighting off an illness and facing death. I know, I know – Patrick said you’d be all right eventually, but it’s just the waiting. It’s agonizing. I didn’t sleep much earlier this morning. All I could think about was you. You this morning, saying you wanted to take a rain check. (His voice is now breaking) And now you m… you might not get that chance.

    By now Mike’s eyes are starting to mist.

    MIKE: Here I am, this macho investigative reporter. I can talk trash with the best of them. I can shoot a basketball pretty well for someone who hasn’t played competitively in years. Yet put you in front of me in a hospital bed and I melt. (Takes Alana’s hand) I’m not sorry to admit it.

    Mike breathes in, pauses and squeezes Alana’s hand.

    MIKE: I’m not about to admit defeat here. You’re precious. I want that cup of coffee. I want more than just coffee. I want us to admit we have chemistry. (He’s losing it) You can’t leave me. Not now. Not before I get the chance to vent about why you’re in that bed. Heck, I’m already doing that.

    For a final effect, he pauses before finishing the thought.

    MIKE: All I want to say is I love you.

    The camera pulls back with no music as the picture fades out over Mike sitting by Alana. The Somerset theme plays following the commercial break.

    Join us again each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset.

    And don’t forget to stay tuned for Salem Lives, coming up next over most of these SONBC stations.

    This program was pre-recorded.

  20. sungrey

    EPISODE 32 (AIRED 08/28)

    By sungrey,

    SOMERSET EPISODE 32
    Original airdate: 08/28/07
    Written by: Steve Ungrey

    SCENE ONE
    This episode opens at the police department headquarters downtown, where Scott is at his desk looking at that day’s Register. He sees the story Mike has written regarding the X Project and is a bit surprised at some of the details. Scott dials over to City Hall.

    SCOTT: (Gets voicemail and realizes Nick is not at his desk) Probably making himself unavailable for comment. (Laughs) Nick, this is Scott over at the station. Wonder if you can meet with me regarding what you guys talked about. Obviously from a crime angle you’re going to need stats on how safe the city has been so Jack can get that to the appropriate parties.

    He sees Annabella at the door and motions her in.

    SCOTT: Give me a call when you get a chance. Thanks again. (Sets down phone) Hi! To what do I owe this pleasure?

    ANNABELLA: Could you use a friend to talk to this morning? I brought breakfast.

    SCOTT: (Looks inside bag) Mmm. Bagels and lox. How did you know I needed a fish fix this morning?

    ANNABELLA: Your favorite bagel. I didn’t forget.

    SCOTT: (Eating) Mmmm, I haven’t had one of these in a long time. So how is Alana? I heard she collapsed earlier today at her place.

    ANNABELLA: Well, I don’t know if you can call it a collapse. She was found nearly unconscious by Patrick. The last I heard from Victoria they were trying to bring her fever down. They’re pretty sure it’s meningitis.

    SCOTT: Hopefully they do it. You holding up OK?

    ANNABELLA: Trying. Alana’s like a sister to us. With Johnny in Denver it’s almost like having a third kid around the house.

    SCOTT: I know. (Pause) Speaking of around the house, did Giovanni take your moving out suggestion all right?

    ANNABELLA: You got a bit to talk about that? He took it rather well.

    SCOTT: I’m all ears. Fire away.

    As the music builds and dwarfs Annabella and Scott’s conversation, the scene shifts.

    CUT TO: Martin Enterprises

    In Jack’s office, Donna is looking her face over in her compact.

    DONNA: You sure I look all right?

    JACK: That answer would be grounds for a lawsuit in all 50 states.

    DONNA: I’m not filing, honest.

    JACK: You look just like you did one minute ago when you asked that question. (Phone buzzes) I think it’s your lucky day. (Goes over to desk and picks up phone) Yes, Joanne? (Pauses and then flashes thumbs-up) Okay. Stall him for a second until I figure out where to put Donna.

    DONNA: What are my options?

    JACK: (Sets down phone) You have a small closet you can hide in… or a small, private washroom I use.

    DONNA: Considering I’ll want to look myself over 100 times, I’ll take the bathroom.

    JACK: Okay. (Points) Right in there and I’ll summon Nick.

    Jack waits until Donna has hidden herself carefully, and then he opens the door to the reception area. Nick is standing there talking with Joanne.

    NICK: Hey, Jack.

    JACK: Nicholas, good morning! (Shakes Nick’s hand) You’re going to kill me. Idiot that I am, I left my notes down in the conference room. Can I go get them for a second?

    NICK: Sure, no problem.

    JACK: Good. Just wait in my office and I’ll be right with you.

    NICK: All right. (He enters Jack’s office)

    JOANNE: (Shaking her head and looking at Jack) You’re terrible.

    JACK: Ahh, he’ll thank me in about a few minutes.

    In Jack’s office, Nick is by Jack’s desk. He gets a faint whiff of perfume, causing his nose to wrinkle. He recognizes the scent of Enchantress – the perfume Donna is wearing – and he realizes he must be smelling things.

    Donna is in the washroom, nervous as ever. She gives herself one last look and tiptoes to the edge of the room before walking out a few steps. She turns to face Nick’s back.

    DONNA: Hey handsome. What’s a guy like you doing in an office like this?

    We see Nick standing there, back turned towards Donna. We can see Nick’s face, eyes widening as his mouth opens. Slowly he cranes his neck around to see Donna. The Somerset theme begins playing.

    We see an overhead shot of downtown, with the camera slowly pulling away from the buildings. The Somerset logo pops on the screen and goes into position at the center.

    This… is Somerset. Part 1 of Somerset is brought to you today by Charmin, the bathroom tissue so squeezably soft, it’s irresistible. And by Comet, the cleanser that disinfects as it cleans. Available in four sizes for kitchen and bathroom use.

    SCENE TWO
    A direct pickup from the previous scene, as Nick is facing Donna and can’t quite believe what he sees. He rubs his eyes – she’s still there. He blinks, same result.

    DONNA: Am I that blindingly gorgeous, or what?

    NICK: No. (Pause) You’re not real. My imagination’s playing tricks on me. (Turns back toward Jack’s empty desk) I thought this wouldn’t happen again.

    Donna is a little puzzled, but she takes a few more steps forward.

    DONNA: Now what makes you think I’m not real? What do you think I am, a ghost?

    NICK: I’m seeing things. I know it. I know you couldn’t possibly be here.

    DONNA: If you don’t think I’m real, then for crying out loud, come over here and find out for yourself.

    NICK: (Shaking his head) Jack will be back any second now, and I’ll close my eyes and you’ll be…

    By now Donna is right behind Nick. He turns around to see her face.

    Donna takes Nick’s hand and places it on her jacket. Slowly the expression on Nick’s face turns from bewilderment to joy.

    NICK: You… you’re… (whiffs air once again, getting scent of Enchantress) you smell so…

    DONNA: Yes, handsome?

    NICK: Real. (Eyes widen, like a kid opening Christmas presents) You’re real. You’re standing right in front of me. You’re... not my imagination. You’re real…

    DONNA: Well… now that you know I’m real, when do I get a proper welcome to Somerset?

    NICK: I can’t… I can’t believe… you’re here.

    Nick throws his arms around Donna to give her a big hug, picks her up in his arms and whirls her around. Donna’s giggling as she sees Nick so enthusiastic.

    DONNA: If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear I made someone’s day.

    NICK: God, you have no idea.

    Nick looks at Donna, who’s beaming with a huge smile right back at him. No dreams this time, no concussions suffered when his head bangs on the nightstand – Donna is in front of him in the flesh. The camera slowly fades to black as Donna tightly hugs Nick and closes her eyes with a wide grin on her face.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    And you thought Jim and Lynette were in the clear. Then why is Lynette drawn to Greg? You can’t miss a minute of Novi, part of the MySONTV lineup… weekdays on SONBC.

    We see a still shot of the Somerset logo with the accompanying music.

    And now the second half of Somerset, brought to you today by Prell concentrate. The only shampoo that produces shiny, beautiful hair from a concentrated tube.

    SCENE THREE
    Back at the police station, Annabella is munching on a bagel while talking to Scott about her conversation with Giovanni.

    ANNABELLA: I thought he’d break down and cry. Instead, he had me crying. He still thinks of me as a five-year old who is wearing a communion dress.

    SCOTT: That’s because you remind him of a happy time in his life.

    ANNABELLA: Can’t this be a happy time?

    SCOTT: Sure it can. There’s no reason why it can’t. I think he just doesn’t want to lose you. He senses Tori slipping away from him.

    ANNABELLA: Well, if he’s not careful… the way Mom reacted about Tori going out once with Zachary. It gave me chills. Mom’s never been like that.

    SCOTT: Your dad and the Cleypools don’t share a good history. Remember when George had a zoning dispute with Giovanni about expanding the restaurant into a place George owned?

    ANNABELLA: (Rolls eyes) You had to remind me of that, didn’t you? (Pauses) It’s time for me to strike out on my own. I don’t want a condo in Grant’s Preserve because I’d be too close, but I don’t want to be in something too opulent.

    SCOTT: Ever think about an apartment? Yeah, it’s rent, but with your supermodel’s salary… (Gets a devilish grin on his face)

    ANNABELLA: (Smacks him playfully) I’ll remember you said that!

    Annabella and Scott laugh as the music builds out of the scene. The scene shifts…

    CUT TO: Jack’s office, where Jack is walking in on Nick and Donna

    JACK: (Enters room) Well, Nick, I found my notes and – oh, I see you’ve met my guest!

    NICK: (Turns around) Well, Jack Martin. I smell a rat. A big rat.

    JACK: It can’t be her, because she’s wearing a perfume you love. What did you think I did, set this whole thing up?

    NICK: What do YOU think?

    JACK: All right. I’m guilty… of calling you over here, that is. The rest was done on her own when she walked into my office for an interview this morning. I think introductions are in order. Donna Morgan, meet Nick Barclay… Nick, this is Donna.

    NICK: (Takes Donna’s hand) Pleasure’s all mine. (Kisses her hand) Is that Donna as in prima donna?

    DONNA: Well, aren’t you the gentleman. At least I thought you were until now. (Laughs)

    JACK: He definitely is. Nick, meet my newest employee in the legal department.

    NICK: (Eyes widen) Nice. Jack, you hire very well.

    JACK: I’m afraid I need to borrow Donna before I go on my lunch appointment so she can meet Susannah.

    NICK: I have to run myself, but can I borrow Donna for a couple seconds?

    JACK: I’ll be outside. (Leaves the room)

    Nick and Donna look at each other, smiling, as the music fades to close the scene.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    SCENE FOUR
    Back at Martin Enterprises, Nick is ready to say something.

    NICK: I was wondering…

    DONNA: The answer is yes, hot stuff.

    NICK: (Eyes narrowing) You had no idea what I was going to ask.

    DONNA: I don’t care. The answer is yes, especially if you’re wondering if I’m free tonight.

    NICK: Well, the thought did cross my mind. When do you go back to Washington – or are you here to stay?

    DONNA: No, I go back to Washington for a few days to wrap up things. But I have tonight free, so would you be willing to squire a young woman around and show her the town?

    NICK: Depends on who she is and what she’s like – oh, you want me to take you around?

    DONNA: Very funny, handsome. What time do you want to meet?

    NICK: Does 6:30 sound good?

    DONNA: It’ll give me time to take a small nap… get ready… speaking of which, can you recommend anyplace for me to buy something for tonight?

    NICK: Unless you want to go to one of the malls on the outskirts, I think you’ll find Paisley’s Department Store a good choice.

    DONNA: They have a Paisley’s here?

    NICK: It originated in Somerset.

    DONNA: Well, I think I know where I need to open an account. (Leans in to hug Nick tightly) I’ll see you tonight. Room 446 of the Somerset Inn.

    NICK: I’ll be there.

    As Donna turns and walks away, Nick is overwhelmed with the realization that his romantic luck may have changed for the better. He has a spring in his step as he leaves the office, with the picture fading to black and the Somerset theme playing after the commercials.

    Join us again each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset.

    And don’t forget to stay tuned for Salem Lives, coming up next over most of these SONBC stations.

    This program was pre-recorded.

  21. sungrey

    EPISODE 31 (AIRED 8/27)

    By sungrey,

    SOMERSET EPISODE 31
    Original airdate: 08/27/07
    Written by: Steve Ungrey

    SCENE ONE
    In a direct pickup from Friday’s Episode 30, we are back at the hospital as Mike hears from Patrick that Alana is upstairs in neurology having tests done. Taylor is getting misty-eyed as Patrick tells Mike the news.

    MIKE: Patrick, did she have a stroke? (Pause) Is she going to… die?

    PATRICK: Not if I can damn well help it. (Turns and sees Taylor) Relax, both of you. Alana is in great hands.

    MIKE: You didn’t answer my question.

    PATRICK: What ques – oh, a stroke. No, this isn’t anything stroke-related. She doesn’t have a brain tumor, and she’s not suffering from anything neurological.

    MIKE: (Losing patience, he raises his voice) Then why the hell is she upstairs?

    PATRICK: Because I’m having her checked out for meningitis.

    Taylor audibly gasps behind Patrick.

    TAYLOR: Meningitis? She didn’t appear that sick earlier this morning!

    PATRICK: You know from your nursing studies. Meningitis can be a sudden-onset sickness. There is some good news here. I’m pretty sure Alana has the viral form of meningitis and not the bacterial form, which means her symptoms will be less severe and the chances for a full recovery are close to 100 percent.

    MIKE: You act as if there could be complications.

    PATRICK: There could be. We have got to get her fever down. She was above 105 up in neurology. If the fever stays at that level for a prolonged period, it could cause neurological complications, even brain damage.

    TAYLOR: (Shaking) You can’t let that happen, Patrick.

    PATRICK: (Looks in Taylor’s face) Look at me, Taylor. (Shakes her shoulders) Look at me! I’m bound and determined to save her from that. She’s not going to have anything happen like that on my watch. (Turns back to Mike) I just have to prepare you for a worst-case scenario. The odds are she’ll make the full recovery. Once Dr. Kellman confirms my diagnosis, we start the antibiotic treatment.

    Patrick looks at Mike and Taylor, who are slowly grasping how sick Alana might be but also hopeful that she got back to the hospital in time. The music plays as the scene changes.

    CUT TO: The front office at Martin Enterprises

    The other direct pickup is at Jack’s office, where we see Jack coming out to greet his first interview of the day – Donna Morgan, Nick’s mystery woman from the bar in Washington.

    JACK: Donna Morgan! Welcome to Somerset!

    DONNA: (Extends hand) Thanks, Mr. Martin. It’s a pleasure to be here.

    JACK: Did you find the office with no problem?

    DONNA: I did a dry run when I arrived in Somerset last night. I’m just down the street at the Somerset Inn, as it turns out.

    JACK: A great place to stay. Would you like coffee before we go inside?

    DONNA: Please.

    JACK: All right. Joanne, can we get a pot of coffee in my office?

    JOANNE: Right away, Jack. (Gets up and heads for the kitchen area)

    JACK: Right this way, Donna.

    The two make their way into Jack’s office as we hear the opening part of the Somerset theme.

    We see an overhead shot of downtown, with the camera slowly pulling away from the buildings. The Somerset logo pops on the screen and goes into position at the center.

    This… is Somerset. Part 1 of Somerset is brought to you today by Gleem, the toothpaste for adults. Fights cavities and freshens adult bad breath… and by Sure, the only deodorant that leaves you clean and dry all day. We’re Sure.

    SCENE TWO
    In Jack’s office at Martin Enterprises, Jack motions Donna to have a seat. She sets her briefcase on the floor by the chair.

    JACK: I should add that I don’t make my personal assistant get me coffee all the time like that.

    DONNA: (Holds up a hand) I know. She and I were talking out there before you came out and it sounds like she absolutely loves working for you.

    JACK: Well, let me look at your resume once again. I was quite impressed by what I saw the first time around…

    DONNA: Thank you, Mr. Martin, I appreciate that.

    JACK: I should add one thing… I’m not much for formality, even though I may be the CEO of this company. Please call me Jack, it will put you at ease.

    DONNA: Okay – Jack. I must admit to being a bit nervous meeting you. Martin Enterprises does carry a bit of weight around Washington. At least, it did when I worked at my previous employer.

    JACK: (Scans resume) You attended the University of Florida?

    DONNA: (Does a brief cheer as Jack laughs) Go Gators! (Pause) Sorry. You can tell I wasn’t a cheerleader in high school.

    JACK: But you have a lot of spirit. (Scans resume further) From there you went to Los Angeles and then ended up in Washington.

    DONNA: That’s correct. I spent about a year in LA helping my brother Quentin, he has a security agency he runs out there and I was his legal assistant while he got it off the ground.

    JACK: Then Washington. Donna, I must admit, the firm you worked for is pretty high-profile. I usually do not get people leaving DC for employment in Somerset.

    DONNA: I was ready to move on. I want to be a practicing attorney here soon and I wasn’t going to get that chance at the office I worked at. I have to take the bar exam yet to practice law in whatever state I end up in, and should I be employed here I’d take the New York exam.

    JACK: I see. (Puts resume down) I also see no reason why this interview should continue.

    Donna gets a momentary look of worry on her face as the music plays to change scenes.

    CUT TO: The Petterino kitchen

    Victoria is on the phone as Rose comes into the kitchen, and Victoria’s look on her face is one of worry.

    VICTORIA: All right, Taylor. Keep me posted as to what’s going on and let me know the minute you know anything. (Pause) Okay, take care. (Sets down phone)

    ROSE: Honey… what’s wrong?

    VICTORIA: (Turns toward Rose fighting back tears) Alana’s sick, Mom.

    ROSE: (Puts hand to mouth and gasps) What happened? I knew she had the flu.

    VICTORIA: She must have collapsed this morning at her apartment. Taylor sent Patrick over there and he found her semi-conscious on the couch. They think it’s meningitis.

    ROSE: My God… is she going to be all right?

    VICTORIA: Taylor said they’re worried about her fever. Last night at the hospital it was only around 100.5. It’s gone up about four degrees.

    ROSE: You tell Taylor that Giovanni and I are thinking about her. Bella too.

    VICTORIA: I’m glad I’m going in there later tonight. I’d be sitting around stir crazy wondering if there was anything I could do.

    ROSE: There is, honey. (Hugs Rose) Pray. Think good thoughts.

    We see tears running down Victoria’s face as she embraces Rose. The picture fades to black as the music plays out of the scene.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    Lorenzo and Anna share a night to remember when they give in to passions on Port Charles. Watch Port Charles, part of the MySONTV lineup. Weekdays on SONBC.

    We see a still shot of the Somerset logo with the accompanying music.

    And now the second half of Somerset, brought to you today by digestible, all-vegetable Crisco. For foods low in cholesterol and for flaky pie crusts, you can trust Crisco.

    SCENE THREE
    At Martin Enterprises, Jack is looking at Donna’s resume and then up at Donna.

    JACK: There is no way I can let a resume like this pass my desk without grabbing up that employee. (Extends hand) Welcome aboard.

    DONNA: (Visibly relieved) I can breathe again. You had me wondering there for a moment.

    JACK: Well, I don’t usually hire employees this quickly, but as it is my legal department has been understaffed for quite a while. I brought aboard an attorney several weeks ago, Susannah Lucas – you’ll get to meet her here shortly. But I can use someone with your expertise in the department.

    DONNA: That’s good.

    JACK: Plus with your eventual law background, you’ll be an asset to this company…

    As Jack is talking, Donna notices pictures behind Jack’s desk. She looks over a lot of the photos but is immediately transfixed by one. Her eyes widen as she sees a photo of Jack with a young man.

    JACK: Uh… something wrong, Donna? You act as if you have seen a ghost.

    DONNA: (Points at photo) How do you know that man?

    JACK: Which man? Which photo… (sees the picture) Oh! That photo. That is Nick Barclay, our city manager here in Somerset.

    DONNA: City manager? Wow, I’m impressed.

    JACK: He’s the youngest manager we’ve had here in Somerset and he’s been a great asset to this community. (Notices Donna has red hair) He was just in Washington attending a convention not that long ago, and… (starting to put two and two together)

    DONNA: Something wrong, Jack?

    JACK: By any chance, did you have an assignation with our city manager when he was in Washington? At a bar, I might add?

    Donna, visibly uncomfortable, gulps.

    DONNA: Uhhh… guilty as charged?

    Jack smiles at Donna and starts laughing, much to the surprise of Donna. The scene changes as the music plays into the next setting.

    CUT TO: Somerset Hospital, where Alana is in a hospital room already. Dr. Kellman is with Patrick.

    DR. KELLMAN: Good job on the diagnosis, Patrick. Your Dad would have been proud.

    PATRICK: He still can be. He’ll probably hear about it from a few people here at the hospital.

    DR. KELLMAN: Well, the good news is she has the viral form of meningitis, but you got her in here in the nick of time.

    PATRICK: (Looking down at an unconscious Alana) Now I can only hope we saved her life and she continues to have a life here at the hospital.

    Patrick touches Alana’s cheek as the music plays and the scene fades to black.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    SCENE FOUR
    At the hospital, Patrick comes out as Mike is waiting patiently in the lounge area.

    PATRICK: I thought you would have gone on to work.

    MIKE: I called Norman and told him what was going on. He said don’t worry about work, it’ll be here when I’m ready. How’s Alana?

    PATRICK: Have a seat. (The two sit) We diagnosed Alana with the viral form of meningitis. Don’t be alarmed by how sudden it came on because that’s how it usually happens. We’re working now on getting the fever down and her other symptoms under control. Once the fever breaks she’ll likely be on the sidelines for up to 10 days.

    MIKE: Can I see her?

    PATRICK: I’d say go back home and get some rest – or try to, anyway – I’ll call you if there are any major changes. Right now, we’ve got her on a heavy analgesic to get the fever down and acyclovir and phenytoin to prevent brain seizures from occurring. It’s strictly precautionary.

    The music plays as Mike digests what is going on, and the scene changes.

    CUT TO: Martin Enterprises

    Jack is laughing as he realizes who Donna is.

    JACK: Why do I have the sudden urge to sing It’s A Small World?

    DONNA: I don’t know, why? (Pauses) I suppose this ends my employment here?

    JACK: Are you kidding? (Realizes Donna is in the dark) Wait a second… you had no idea Nick was here, did you?

    DONNA: Not a clue. Right now I’m more nervous because I’m going to have to face Nick. (Smiles) And I’m loving every second of it.

    JACK: I tell you what… would you like to see Nick now?

    DONNA: (Looks down) Well, I look a whole lot different than I did at the bar… but Joanne thought I looked great, so why not.

    JACK: Hold on one second.

    He dials the phone number for City Hall and gets Nick on the line.

    JACK: Nicholas! Good morning. Sorry to do this to you, but can I get you to swing by to briefly discuss a little X Project business? (Pauses) You’ve got a lunch meeting at 11:45. Well, I’ve also got an appointment too, so I can promise you it won’t take long. (Pause as Jack’s eyes brighten) Brilliant! I’ll see you in about 10 minutes.

    Donna appears visibly nervous as Jack continues talking to Nick. The music builds in the scene as the picture fades to black, and the Somerset theme plays over the credits.

    Join us again each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset.

    And don’t forget to stay tuned for Salem Lives, coming up next over most of these SONBC stations.

    This program was pre-recorded.

  22. sungrey
    MYSTERY WOMAN IDENTITY REVEALED!!

    And you thought Nick Barclay had lost out on his chance at love. At the end of the Friday episode of Somerset, were you shocked to find Nick's mystery woman interviewing for a job at Martin Enterprises?

    The mystery woman, Donna Morgan, gets a chance to be fleshed out thanks to veteran actress AUBREY DOLLAR joining the cast of Somerset. Dollar is playing Donna, a contract role which is now full-time as of Monday's episode.

    "It was always our intention for this character to be a regular," Somerset creator Steve Ungrey said. "I specifically didn't include Aubrey in the opening cast because I knew Donna would be making a two-episode appearance and then another quick one the day of Nick's accident, but I knew she'd be off the canvas for about 15 episodes after that. So I didn't want to confuse the viewers. I wanted them to think Nick had lost out before we pulled the big surprise reveal on Friday."

    What led Ungrey to consider Dollar for this role?

    "Spunky redhead," Ungrey said. "The character description of Donna is a flirtatious, sensuous individual who has a serious side to her. She's a very hard worker but she also has a soft side and a very playful side. There's a reason she calls Nick pet names like 'handsome' and 'hot stuff'. I'm looking forward to writing the storylines with Donna as she integrates with other characters, especially Nick, Jack and the other Somerset residents. As far as I was concerned, I knew I wanted Aubrey for this role the minute I imagined it on the canvas."
  23. sungrey

    EPISODE 30 (AIRED 8/24)

    By sungrey,

    SOMERSET EPISODE 30
    Original airdate: 08/24/07
    Written by: Steve Ungrey

    SCENE ONE
    It is morning in Somerset, and we fade in on Grant’s Preserve as Susannah emerges from her bedroom dressed for work. As she is looking at her face in the mirror, the phone rings. She runs over to the kitchen wall and picks up the receiver.

    SUSANNAH: Hello?

    We see Nick at his office, turning on the computer screen.

    NICK: So you’re still among the living, huh?

    SUSANNAH: (Laughs) Hi! Yes, I am… I made it in last night, ran a bath, soaked in the tub for a while and then went in and went right to sleep.

    NICK: You weren’t tipsy at all?

    SUSANNAH: No, I felt just fine. Enough to come back in the car last night and… by the way, I’m sorry if you felt I overdid it with that kiss.

    NICK: Don’t sweat it. It’s your way of saying you had a good night.

    SUSANNAH: Well, then I won’t feel sorry. I’ll look forward to another time like this, if and when it happens.

    NICK: Me too.

    SUSANNAH: (Hears knock at door) Oops, I bet that’s Giovanni. I gotta run. (Pauses) Have a good day, okay?

    NICK: You too. Talk to you soon. (Hangs up)

    Susannah hangs up and goes over to the door, where Giovanni is waiting. She opens the door.

    GIOVANNI: Buongiorno, Susannah!

    SUSANNAH: Hi there. Thanks for offering me a ride into the city.

    GIOVANNI: I’d rather have you home in one piece than in pieces at the hospital. How was your date last night?

    SUSANNAH: (Laughs) Well, I wouldn’t call it a romantic date… but it was fun. I had to get out and enjoy myself.

    GIOVANNI: You picked a good guy to head out with and talk business. Are you all set?

    SUSANNAH: (Grabs purse) I am now. Let’s go.

    The music plays as Giovanni and Susannah exit the house and head for his car.

    CUT TO: The hospital, where Alana is rubbing her neck as she yawns and stretches. She puts a hand on her forehead, both because she’s warm and she’s experiencing a small headache. Mike comes in and notices Alana.

    MIKE: Judging by how you look, I’m going to guess you’re not up for coffee.

    ALANA: You guessed right. Can I take that rain check… I promise I’m good for it.

    MIKE: On one condition. Did you walk here last night or drive?

    ALANA: I walked over.

    MIKE: Then you’re getting a ride back and an escort up to your place. No questions, no hassles.

    ALANA: You’re sweet. I think I’ll take you up on it.

    Taylor comes out and is ready to leave before she sees Alana.

    TAYLOR: Heading home?

    ALANA: Yes. I’m going to sleep off this illness and hope my fever breaks.

    TAYLOR: OK. Don’t work at all, all right?

    ALANA: Not a chance. (Turns to Mike) Let’s get out of here.

    As Alana and Mike leave, Taylor goes back into the nurses’ lounge and dials a number.

    TAYLOR: Hi Patrick, it’s Taylor at the hospital… hey, are you coming in here today or not until tonight?... Before 10? OK, can you do me a favor and stop by Alana’s place? (Pauses) She just left here with Mike and I’m worried. (Pause) Yes. She’s not looking good at all.

    Taylor’s face looks frightened as the Somerset theme starts playing.

    We see an overhead shot of downtown, with the camera slowly pulling away from the buildings. The Somerset logo pops on the screen and goes into position at the center.

    This… is Somerset. Part 1 of Somerset is brought to you today by Cheer, for the way you wash in hot, warm and cold water. All-Tempa Cheer… and by Pert Plus, the shampoo for hair that bounces and behaves.

    SCENE TWO
    At Martin Enterprises, Jack is stepping off the elevator to a cup of coffee offered by Joanne.

    JACK: Well, good morning to you too!

    JOANNE: (Hands him a sheet of paper) I knew you had a busy day ahead so I took the liberty of typing out an itinerary.

    JACK: Geez, Joanne… you didn’t have to do that. (Scans the sheet) On second thought, I’m glad you did. Three interviews, a luncheon appointment… and I see I have to keep this appointment since I rescheduled it already…

    JOANNE: You haven’t had a busy day like this in a long time.

    JACK: Oh, relax, I certainly have. (Sees clock) What time is my first interview?

    JOANNE: At 10. Already called the office here and confirmed.

    JACK: Well, how conscientious. I better take this coffee and get the heck in my office to do a little homework.

    JOANNE: Do you want me to hold calls?

    JACK: No, you don’t need to do that. It’s called multitasking and if I haven’t mastered it by now…

    JOANNE: (Laughing) Okay, Jack.

    Jack enters his office as the music plays and the scene changes. We see an exterior shot of an apartment building.

    CUT TO: Alana’s apartment, where the door opens and Alana and Mike come in.

    MIKE: Are you sure you’re all right? You seemed awfully slow getting out of the car.

    ALANA: Relax. I had a long night. I’m going to go straight to bed and sleep this off.

    MIKE: Good to hear. You call me if you need anything, okay?

    ALANA: You’re so sweet. Why have I treated you so bad?

    MIKE: You haven’t. Yet, anyway. (Turns and opens the door) Take care of yourself.

    ALANA: I will. Thanks…

    Mike leaves the apartment, leaving Alana alone.

    Alana turns to grab a cup and run water from the kitchen sink to take cold tablets. She takes the tablets with water and heads toward the hallway.

    Near the bathroom, she stops, placing a hand on her forehead and grimacing. It’s clear she’s suffering from a more severe headache than she had when Mike brought her home. We see her run into the bathroom – it’s obvious she’s gone in to throw up – and when she emerges Alana is dizzy and unsteady on her feet.

    As the dramatic music plays in the background, Alana makes it back to the couch and lies down, taking the thermometer. When she sees the temperature, Alana’s eyes widen. Clearly her fever has risen dramatically.

    Her head hurts once again, prompting Alana to cover her eyes with one hand and cry out in pain. By now it’s obvious this isn’t the flu – what is it? The picture fades to black as the music swells to a climax.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    Marah sees something she shouldn’t on a gripping episode of Finding The Light. Find your Light – with Finding The Light, weekdays on SONBC.

    We see a still shot of the Somerset logo with the accompanying music.

    And now the second half of Somerset, brought to you today by Pantene. Pantene makes a wide variety of shampoos and conditioners for all types of hair – even yours.

    SCENE THREE
    At the Cleybank Corporation, George is busy at work in his office with Zachary also in his office. Both are reviewing a copy of that day’s Somerset Register, as Mike’s story has been printed.

    ZACHARY: Dad, it looks like Jack’s got some serious backing for this X Project.

    GEORGE: It’s all smoke and mirrors. He doesn’t have the backing yet. My sources are telling me his plan is no further along than mine.

    ZACHARY: Well, he does want to declare some buildings historic landmarks, Dad – including the ones you wanted to tear down.

    GEORGE: And you think that’s a good idea?

    ZACHARY: Dad, I’ve frequented some of those restaurants. Of course I think it’s a good idea. Don’t you think you can get some more sympathy with the public if you shifted your plans to the riverbank?

    GEORGE: What, offer up a competing vision of what downtown Somerset should look like? In a different place? Blasphemy!

    ZACHARY: I’m just saying, Dad… it might be a good idea…

    GEORGE: This is the man who singlehandedly destroyed Somerset when he sold Delaney Brands down the river. Do you know how long it took this town to recover its footing?

    ZACHARY: The last I knew, Dad… the town was still standing a long time ago.

    GEORGE: But it isn’t as vibrant as it could be. I wish I could figure out what was going on with this development.

    ZACHARY: Doesn’t it say something about the People’s Building in that story?

    GEORGE: It says Jack wants to buy the building. Why is beyond me. (Thinks about it) Actually, I have an idea why he’d want to do it, but he’s nuts if he does. (Pauses) Do me a favor. Do you have any major plans today?

    ZACHARY: Dad…

    GEORGE: You’re right. Forget I said that. I could sure use your help on a couple things here.

    ZACHARY: (Pretends to roll up sleeves) Well, then you’ve got it. Where do I start?

    The music builds as George pulls out a paper dealing with another project, ready to show off to Zachary. The scene changes.

    CUT TO: Outside Alana’s apartment

    Patrick is coming up the hall and knocks on the door.

    PATRICK: Alana? (Knocks again) Alana? (Knocks louder)

    ALANA: (Weak voice from inside the door) It’s open.

    Patrick opens the door and finds Alana on the couch semi-conscious.

    PATRICK: (Runs over) Hey Alana… (Bends over and kneels by her) Hey, how are you?

    ALANA: I’ve been better. (Grimaces)

    PATRICK: What’s wrong… what are you feeling? Can you speak all right?

    ALANA: Yeah. It’s my head… I’m nauseous…

    PATRICK: (Grabs thermometer and puts it in Alana’s mouth) Let me do a quick read here. (Waits and takes out thermometer, and his eyes widen) My God… 104.8. Can you stand?

    ALANA: I may need help.

    PATRICK: If I have to carry you down the stairs I’ll do it. You need to get back to the hospital and pronto. You shouldn’t have left there.

    ALANA: (Groggy) What’s wrong with me?

    PATRICK: I think I know. I don’t want to say anything, but I think I know.

    ALANA: Call Mike for me, would you?

    PATRICK: (Nods) Let’s get the heck out of here.

    As Patrick grabs Alana’s purse, he slings her right arm around his shoulder. She’s wobbly on her feet, but she can walk toward the door. As the music builds, the two leave the apartment… the picture fades to black.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    SCENE FOUR
    At Somerset Hospital, Patrick is at the nurses’ station when Mike runs in. He’s obviously agitated upon hearing the news about Alana.

    MIKE: Patrick, what happened? How is she?

    PATRICK: Hey. Have a seat over here. (Motions him over to the lounge area)

    MIKE: (Walks over and sits down) I just left Alana not more than a half hour ago! How did she deteriorate so quickly?

    PATRICK: She’s been sick for a few days. I thought it was a cold or a slight case of the flu, but a couple other symptoms have come to the forefront. I’ve got her upstairs with Dr. Kellman in neurology and he’s running a few tests.

    Taylor walks over as Mike and Patrick are talking.

    MIKE: Neurology? Patrick, what did she have, a stroke? (Pauses) Is she going to… die?

    Taylor’s eyes mist slightly as Mike’s agonizing words hit home with Patrick. Patrick puts a hand on Mike, and he turns and sees Taylor there. The music builds before the change of scenes.

    CUT TO: Martin Enterprises

    Jack is inside his office studying a file when the phone buzzes.

    JACK: (Picking up phone) Yes, Joanne? (Looks at clock) My 10:00 is here about 10 minutes early. That’s punctual indeed. (Pauses) No, I’m fine. I’ll be right out.

    Joanne is looking up at another person, whom we cannot see.

    JOANNE: He’ll be right with you.

    In the background, the song “Cherchez La Femme” can be heard playing again as Jack looks at the resume and sticks it back in a folder. He walks out into the reception area to greet his interview, whom we still can’t see.

    JACK: (Extends a hand) Donna Morgan! Welcome to Somerset!

    DONNA: Thanks, Mr. Martin, it’s a pleasure to be here.

    As the camera pans over to Donna, we see it is indeed a familiar face. “Cherchez La Femme” in English means Look for the Woman. She may be wearing glasses and a three-piece suit, but there’s no disguising it. The woman is Nick’s mystery woman from the bar in Washington.

    The picture does an immediate cut to black, and the Somerset theme plays following the commercials.

    Join us again each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset.

    Be sure to stay tuned for Salem Lives, coming up next over most of these SONBC stations.

    This program was pre-recorded.

  24. sungrey
    SOMERSET EPISODE 29
    Original airdate: 08/23/07
    Written by: Steve Ungrey

    SCENE ONE
    An exterior shot of the Martin Enterprises building in early evening opens up this episode, as we see Nick come off the elevator and go down the hall to find Susannah’s office.

    We see Susannah in her office, checking herself in the mirror and putting on earrings, as Nick stops by the door.

    NICK: (Checking out Susannah) Wow. You clean up nicely for a lawyer.

    SUSANNAH: I do, don’t I? Hey, I’m sorry Jack did this to you. I had a couple meetings with potential clients of my own this morning and couldn’t make the X Project meeting, so I guess this is my penance.

    NICK: You’re calling this a punishment?

    SUSANNAH: No way. I get to have dinner with the city manager of Somerset to discuss a project that has all of the city talking. How bad is that?

    NICK: Lucky you. (Laughing) Is there anyplace special you’d like to go?

    SUSANNAH: I was thinking we could hit Bernard’s if you’d like. Giovanni’s spoiling me rotten with his pasta so I need a bit of a break.

    NICK: Bernard’s it is. (Gives Susannah another look) You do look nice this evening, by the way.

    SUSANNAH: Keep it up. I could use the propping. (Smiles) Shall we?

    NICK: Let’s go. (He takes Susannah’s hand) Dinner awaits.

    Nick and Susannah exit her office as Susannah shuts out the lights, with accompanying music to trail into the next scene.

    CUT TO: The porch at the Petterino house, where Giovanni is sitting and looking out at the street while sipping a glass of wine. Rose pulls up in her car and gets out, sees Giovanni sitting there and comes up.

    GIOVANNI: Buongiorno, my dear. (Leans up and kisses Rose)

    ROSE: If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were off in space somewhere.

    GIOVANNI: I’m remembering back. I’m looking out at the street. (Sips wine) I see the little kids riding by on their bikes. Playing basketball in their driveways. And I think to myself…

    ROSE: What a wonderful world?

    GIOVANNI: If only my daughters were back at that age, I’d be happy.

    Rose sits by Giovanni on the porch deck and kisses him on the cheek as we hear the opening bits of the Somerset theme.

    We see an overhead shot of downtown, with the camera slowly pulling away from the buildings. The Somerset logo pops on the screen and goes into position at the center.

    This… is Somerset. Part 1 of Somerset is brought to you today by the man behind the shine, today’s Mr. Clean. Mr. Clean cleans your whole house and everything that’s in it… and by Millstone, the premium coffee without the premium price.

    SCENE TWO
    At the Petterino house, Rose and Giovanni are still on the porch looking out at the streets of Grant’s Preserve.

    ROSE: Annabella told me about today. She said you took it kind of hard.

    GIOVANNI: Ahh, forget it. We had a good discussion. And today… (sips wine) was the day I realized my little girl was a grown-up woman.

    ROSE: You’re realizing that just now? After she just turned 30?

    GIOVANNI: You forget, my Rose… she will always be the little girl who I shared father-daughter dances with every year… the teenager who had no trouble making friends…

    ROSE: And boyfriends. I swear that’s why your hair went gray…

    GIOVANNI: Hey, that’s what color is for, right?

    ROSE: You’re darn right. (Pauses) Annabella definitely has a lot of my spirit in her.

    GIOVANNI: (Turns to Rose) You think? God, I swore today that when Annabella defended her positions she reminded me an awful lot of the beautiful woman I fell for at the pizzeria.

    ROSE: And you love it. Every last bit of it.

    GIOVANNI: Well, now that you mention it…

    Giovanni laughs as Rose rests her head on his shoulder. The scene changes over to Bernard’s, where Susannah and Nick have a corner table and are comparing notes from their respective briefcases. The two are sharing a pitcher of beer and have already ordered.

    SUSANNAH: (Looking over document) So Mike’s going on record as saying Jack won’t do the project without the People’s Building?

    NICK: In tomorrow’s Register. I just talked to him a bit ago before I came to pick you up.

    SUSANNAH: I better look into who owns that building. I don’t want it to be a nasty surprise and turn out to be the Cleybank Corporation.

    NICK: No, it’s not them. I looked into that. I’m curious about how much it’s going to cost Jack.

    SUSANNAH: What’s the history of the building?

    NICK: I talked with our city historian this morning…

    SUSANNAH: Wait a minute – a city historian?

    NICK: Yes. Joseph Reynolds. We utilize him every so often. It’s not a glamorous position…

    SUSANNAH: Still, though… all that history.

    NICK: You bet. More beer? (Points to pitcher)

    SUSANNAH: Please.

    NICK: (Pouring into glass) I didn’t see you as a beer-drinking woman.

    SUSANNAH: What did you think I was, a stuffed shirt? I like to pop one back with the best of them now and then. Only last time I got a little tipsy I almost ran down a motorcyclist.

    NICK: (Laughing) I remember that. We won’t let that happen again.

    SUSANNAH: (Looking at document again) I’ll make a few calls in the morning. It shouldn’t be a problem for Jack to buy the building and begin working on the X Project from there.

    NICK: That’s wonderful.

    Nick puts his hand on the table at the exact moment Susannah has her hand lying on the table. Before long, the two have joined hands and are looking at each other. The music plays into commercial as the picture fades to black.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    A video that will change everyone’s life. The last will and testament of London will shock everyone, today on Point Palace. Weekdays on SONBC.

    We see a still shot of the Somerset logo with the accompanying music.

    And now the second half of Somerset, brought to you today by mild Ivory liquid. Our creamiest, mildest Ivory liquid ever still keeps hands young-looking.

    SCENE THREE
    Nick and Susannah are at the table in Bernard’s. We see their hands touching and their fingers briefly interlocking before they separate and laugh.

    NICK: Was that strange or what?

    SUSANNAH: (Laughs) I’m sorry. I may have had one too many.

    NICK: Don’t sweat it, Susie. You’re fine. Hey, we were holding hands when we left your office, remember?

    SUSANNAH: I know. (Looks down at the table, blushes a bit and then looks back up at Nick) Let me ask you an honest question. How the heck have you stayed single for this long?

    NICK: (Looks surprised) Wow! I never thought I’d hear the question coming from you.

    SUSANNAH: Forget about me. I’m too much of a workaholic.

    NICK: Well, when I broke things off with Alana a couple years ago I told myself not to get too wrapped up in my personal life. I decided to throw myself into working and getting into a prime position to make a difference in this community.

    SUSANNAH: And you think you have?

    NICK: I’m happy with where I’m at, yes. How about you?

    SUSANNAH: I’m realizing I need to get out more. (Laughing) No, I’ve been fine, Nick. It’s just that I get so caught up in work that sometimes I need to take a step back and relax.

    NICK: Funny you should say that. (Drinks beer) Alana said the same thing.

    SUSANNAH: Well, a bit of advice. Don’t let what happened with Alana keep you from seeking happiness. You’ve got a lot to offer someone. (Pauses) Question… I want to have a couple more drinks and continue this talk about the X Project. Would you mind taking me home afterwards?

    NICK: No, not at all.

    SUSANNAH: Good. (Takes out cell phone) I know Giovanni’s going in to the restaurant tomorrow for inventory, so I can catch a ride with him.

    Nick smiles as Susannah dials Giovanni’s number. He’s having a good time with Susannah, obviously, as evidenced by their smiles at each other. The music plays as we switch scenes.

    CUT TO: The Petterino house, where Giovanni is on the phone with Susannah.

    GIOVANNI: No problem, Susannah. I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning about 8?... (Pauses) Good to hear. I’ll see you then. Have a good night. (Puts down phone)

    ROSE: Susannah need a ride to work, dear?

    GIOVANNI: Yes. She’s out tonight having dinner with Nick Barclay.

    ROSE: (Eyes widen a bit) Nick? A date?

    GIOVANNI: No, Susannah said it’s just a business dinner. She couldn’t make the X Project meeting today.

    ROSE: You can spin it any way you want, but…

    GIOVANNI: I know, I know. She’ll realize it down the road. It was good for her to get out and enjoy herself.

    ROSE: Much like you wish we could?

    GIOVANNI: Hey, I don’t need to take you out to show you a good time. As evidenced by our wine drinking and lovemaking this week…

    ROSE: Mmm-hmm. (Nods) And I hope there’s more where that came from real soon.

    Giovanni embraces Rose as the music plays, and the scene changes again.

    CUT TO: Somerset Hospital, where Taylor is at the nurses’ desk as Alana comes out with charts.

    TAYLOR: Hey there. How are you feeling?

    ALANA: All right. I’m still running a small fever and I feel a little groggy, but otherwise I’m managing.

    Mike steps off the elevator and comes over to the nurses’ desk.

    MIKE: Hey you… (Reaches to embrace Alana, but she pulls back) Something I did?

    ALANA: No, I might be contagious.

    MIKE: You still have the flu?

    ALANA: Naaa, I don’t think it’s the flu. Just a small cold. I think I’ll live.

    MIKE: I was going to come ask if you’d want to go to coffee tomorrow morning when you get out of work, but…

    ALANA: I might be up to it. Stop by on your way into work and I’ll keep you posted. Did you come all the way here just to ask me that?

    MIKE: No, I’m here to see a friend in 426… Cavanaugh? In a car accident?

    ALANA: Ahh, yes. Head down the hall a few doors. You’ll be fine.

    MIKE: All right.

    As Alana points Mike down the hall, we see from her camera perspective that she is experiencing another round of dizziness. She’s doing a good job masking it, but the cold is obviously getting to her. The music builds at the scene’s end as the program goes to commercial.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    SCENE FOUR
    We see Nick’s car pull up in Susannah’s driveway and shut off. Susannah turns toward Nick in the car.

    SUSANNAH: Thank you for the ride home. And thanks for a nice evening. I didn’t know what to expect.

    NICK: Me neither. You really need to get out more, you know. You’ve got a lot to offer someone yourself.

    SUSANNAH: Well, if this was like taking the training wheels off the bike I’d say I rode it fine on my own. (Opens the door) Have a good night, okay?

    NICK: All right.

    He goes to start the car, but Susannah comes back in and sits down.

    SUSANNAH: I almost forgot one thing.

    NICK: What?

    SUSANNAH: This.

    Susannah reaches in, takes Nick and kisses him for about five seconds. Breaking the kiss, she opens her eyes and smiles.

    NICK: What was that for?

    SUSANNAH: For the evening. If you need to discuss business again soon, let me know.

    NICK: (Laughs) I certainly will. Take care.

    SUSANNAH: You too. (Gets out of car) Night.

    As Nick turns on the car lights, he sees Susannah walking up the steps to her home and smiles.

    NICK: Barclay, maybe you do have a future in dating after all. It may not be with Susannah, but this definitely gave you a confidence boost.

    He pulls away and goes down the street, disappearing into the distance as the music plays to commercial. The Somerset theme and credits roll following.

    Be sure to stay tuned for Salem Lives, coming up next over most of these SONBC stations.

    Join us again each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. This program was pre-recorded.

  25. sungrey

    EPISODE 28 (08/22)

    By sungrey,

    SOMERSET EPISODE 28
    Original airdate: 08/22/07
    Written by: Steve Ungrey

    SCENE ONE
    An exterior shot of the Martin Enterprises building opens the day’s episode, as we see Mike and Nick getting in an elevator on the ground floor and going up.

    Once they’re on the elevator and the doors have closed, we can hear the song “Cherchez La Femme” playing on the speakers. Both Mike and Nick look up with a strange look on their faces.

    NICK: God, I haven’t heard this song in a long time.

    MIKE: (Shakes his head and laughs) Get the feeling Jack’s stuck in a 1970s time warp?

    NICK: Hey, the 70s weren’t that bad!

    MIKE: We were both how old then? Of course they weren’t bad. We didn’t have a care in the world. We were either in diapers or just starting kindergarten, for crying out loud.

    NICK: Well, I doubt Jack controls the Muzak in this building, so I don’t think we have a conspiracy on our hands. (The doors open) Here we are…

    As Nick and Mike exit the elevator, we hear music and the scene changes.

    CUT TO: The Petterino house, where Annabella is enjoying a cup of coffee at the kitchen table as Giovanni is coming downstairs.

    GIOVANNI: Buongiorno, bella figlia. (Kisses Annabella’s cheek)

    ANNABELLA: Morning, Daddy.

    GIOVANNI: How did everything go last night?

    ANNABELLA: Well, Scott kept me company while he had a dish of your rigatoni…

    GIOVANNI: Ah, good! Hopefully they knew how to follow my recipe…

    ANNABELLA: They did, Dad. They did. (Laughs)

    GIOVANNI: Well, that’s why I’m glad you were there last night. It gave me some time away that I could spend with Rose.

    ANNABELLA: (Closes eyes as if to say here goes nothing) That’s what you wanted. (She rises and turns toward Giovanni) Which brings me to what we need to talk about.

    We hear the Somerset theme starting as Giovanni looks momentarily puzzled by Annabella’s words.

    We see an overhead shot of downtown, with the camera slowly pulling away from the buildings. The Somerset logo pops on the screen and goes into position at the center.

    This… is Somerset. Part 1 of Somerset is brought to you today by dry formula Secret. Strong enough for a man, but made for a woman… and by Scope, the mouthwash that leaves your breath minty fresh, not mediciney.

    SCENE TWO
    Giovanni is taken aback by what Annabella said as we resume the episode with a direct pickup on the last scene.

    GIOVANNI: Why, prezioso… what’s wrong?

    ANNABELLA: I think you know, Dad. (Walks across kitchen) I’m starting to get restless again. I always do this when I’ve been back in Somerset a few weeks. I’m going back to Italy in a couple weeks to shoot some more commercials and take care of other assignments…

    GIOVANNI: In other words, you’re not ready to retire.

    ANNABELLA: Not at all. And while it’s been fun working at the restaurant and helping out, I’m not ready for this yet. In fact… I think I’m about ready to be a bit more independent.

    GIOVANNI: As in… how independent?

    ANNABELLA: Dad, I don’t want to hurt your feelings… but I’ve been entertaining thoughts of moving out on my own.

    Giovanni looks at Annabella as the music plays and the scene switches once again.

    CUT TO: Martin Enterprises, where Joanne is at her desk as Nick and Mike come in for their meeting with Jack.

    JOANNE: Hey guys! Jack’s been expecting you, I’ll buzz him. (Picks up phone and presses button) Hey Jack… your 10am is here, Mr. Barclay and Mr. Wagner. (Waits) All right, gentlemen, head on in!

    MIKE: Thanks, Joanne.

    The two head through the door of Jack’s office, where Jack has the bar open and is awaiting their arrival.

    JACK: Gentlemen! A very good morning to you both.

    NICK: Indeed it is. Bright and sunny, not too humid…

    JACK: A nice late-summer morning, indeed. Mike, you are doing well?

    MIKE: I am now that I feel like I’ve been admitted to the inner sanctum.

    JACK: (Laughs as he hands Mike a whiskey on the rocks) I knew you’d say that.

    MIKE: How did you know I liked whiskey?

    JACK: (Motions to Nick) Little birdie told me. Your Manhattan, Nicholas.

    NICK: (Takes glass) Thanks, Jack.

    JACK: Okay, gentlemen. You’re here on a very good morning. I’m about to show you something not even my staff has seen yet. (Pushes button)

    A cabinet against the opposite wall moves away from the wall and shifts to the right, exposing a big-screen TV.

    JACK: Now to tap a few keys… (Works the keyboard)

    An image pops on the screen of downtown Somerset – only it is clear right away this isn’t really Somerset. There are several more skyscrapers in the city and more development along the river.

    MIKE: Nice. (Writes notes on his pad) How much in the future is this?

    JACK: Not much in the future if I have my way. I give you… the X Project.

    Both Nick and Mike look at Jack, who has a gleam in his eye as if he’s just opened up gifts on Christmas Day. The picture fades to black amid mysterious music.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    You knew her as Holly on Guiding Light. Miss her? Apparently Beautifully Bold did. Maureen Garrett joins the cast of Beautifully Bold, weekdays on SONBC.

    We see a still shot of the Somerset logo with the accompanying music.

    And now the second half of Somerset, brought to you today by Duracell. Duracell batteries provide long-lasting power to all of your favorite toys and appliances.

    SCENE THREE
    We fade in back at Martin Enterprises, where Mike and Nick are looking at the TV screen with Somerset’s picture on it.

    MIKE: OK, so you know how to promote Somerset, Jack. Have you ever thought about becoming president of the tourism and visitors bureau?

    JACK: If that’s what I get with one drink, Mike, I’d hate to see you at a bar.

    NICK: (Talking over both) What my esteemed colleague is trying to say is this is a picture of Somerset with some obvious buildings not already on the skyline.

    JACK: Exactly, guys. (Presses button)

    The picture of Somerset disappears and is replaced by a master plan.

    JACK: Guys, here’s part of the plan. (Points at the street where restaurants like Bernard’s and Giovanni’s are included) In order for this renaissance project to go off…

    MIKE: Don’t tell me you endorse Cleypool’s demolition plan.

    JACK: (Looks a bit surprised) So he has a demolition plan, huh? I’m impressed.

    MIKE: Well, that’s what my sources tell me.

    JACK: Hardly, Mike. I want nothing more for this street than historic status.

    NICK: You want to preserve this entire block? (Pauses to think) Hmm. I could see why. These are some of Somerset’s oldest buildings.

    JACK: Keeping this street historic status ensures that nothing can happen with those buildings. I have talked with Bernard, Giovanni, other building owners… Giovanni’s talked about some renovations to his property and Bernard’s willing to go along. I’d be happy to help sink dollars into this project to help it happen.

    MIKE: At what cost on your end?

    JACK: No cost other than dollars, Mike. These are old friends of mine. Sort of a you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours mentality.

    NICK: Not under the table, of course.

    JACK: (Turns to the board) Oh, of course. I don’t think it’s any secret that these guys are among my oldest friends in Somerset. (Fishes through messages) By the way, Nick… Susannah couldn’t make this meeting and she was supposed to sit in on it, so can you catch her up?

    NICK: Me? (Thinking) Well, I suppose I could.

    JACK: Good. Over dinner will suffice.

    Nick, momentarily taken by surprise, turns to Mike, who shrugs his shoulders. Jack presses another button to show off something else on the screen as the music plays and the scene changes.

    CUT TO: The Petterino house, where Annabella has set down her coffee and is looking out the window. Giovanni is thinking to himself and he shakes his head.

    GIOVANNI: Bella honey… I had no idea you felt this way about living here.

    ANNABELLA: (Turning back to Giovanni) Dad! I love you guys! (Runs over and hugs Giovanni) It’s nothing you did… I’m just realizing that as long as I’m under this roof, I’m always going to be wondering “what if” about certain things.

    GIOVANNI: So is this where you tell me you want to buy a penthouse downtown?

    ANNABELLA: Not a chance, Dad. (Places hand on heart, then on head) The values you instilled in me in both those places tell me not to pursue material stuff. You know better than that.

    GIOVANNI: Then what about the sports car?

    ANNABELLA: Well… a girl’s gotta have a flashy set of wheels. (Smiles) Dad, that’s the only luxury I’ve allowed myself since I started modeling. If I bought a condo, it’d be less flashy. Do you think I want to promote myself that much?

    Giovanni sits down at the table and motions Annabella to sit.

    GIOVANNI: Honey, you know that we’ll support you in anything you do. Does Rose know about this?

    ANNABELLA: She senses that I’ve not been happy. But Dad… you know me! This happens every time after I return from modeling overseas. I’m not ready to settle down. Heck, maybe if I go back to Italy I’ll see my boyfriend over there.

    GIOVANNI: The one you’ve only seen once.

    ANNABELLA: We spent a gorgeous weekend together. He has e-mailed me since… he says he misses me.

    GIOVANNI: Just so long as you don’t get hurt, honey. That’s all. (Thinking it over) So I guess we can’t retire yet, huh? (Laughs)

    ANNABELLA: Dad… I want you to retire when I can support the family. I will want to buy the restaurant and run it on my own. But… I just turned 30. I’m not ready to settle down yet.

    GIOVANNI: (Nods) Let me tell you a story. (Rises from the chair and goes to look out the window) I still think of you as my little girl. Both you and Tori. It only seems like yesterday that we had a party at the restaurant for your first communion. (Tears up slightly) And I still recall the sight of you in the communion dress.

    ANNABELLA: (Getting misty-eyed) Oh, Dad…

    GIOVANNI: Silence, Bella. Never let a dad be interrupted when he’s remembering the good times. (Smiles) Part of me wants you to be five years old again. You even had that face that could sell a million magazine covers back then. And when I took you on the dance floor – yes, only Giovanni Petterino could have a dance floor to celebrate your first communion – you were beaming with that radiant smile.

    ANNABELLA: Your memories are so vivid.

    GIOVANNI: You’ll be wearing white again someday. And trust me – I’m NOT looking forward to that day.

    ANNABELLA: I’ll get to dance with my father again. And I’m looking forward to that day.

    She hugs Giovanni, nearly in tears. There is no music to play as the scene ends, only the picture fading out in silence.

    We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment.

    SCENE FOUR
    We go back to Jack’s office, where Jack has just gotten off the phone with Susannah.

    JACK: (To Nick) She says it’s a date. She’ll see you here at 7.

    NICK: Uh, Jack… if this is your idea of a set-up…

    JACK: It’s not a set-up! Relax… Susannah knows it’s a working dinner.

    MIKE: Oh, is that what it’s called now?

    JACK: (Points, laughing) You keep quiet. The last I knew your love life wasn’t any better.

    MIKE: Can I turn around so you can get that knife out of my back?

    JACK: (Laughs) Okay, okay. Let’s get serious here. (Points at the screen) Here is the crown jewel of all the development. The piece de resistance.

    Mike and Nick see that Jack is pointing at the People’s Building.

    NICK: I should have known, especially when I hear through the grapevine that you hired a private security firm to watch the building.

    JACK: That’s not for public knowledge, Mike.

    MIKE: Doggone it. Well, everything else is on the record, right?

    JACK: You bet. Nicholas, I want to buy the People’s Building.

    NICK: I think we can arrange something. The city doesn’t own the building, but I can put you in touch with the holding company responsible.

    JACK: Good. Because if I can’t buy this building… there’s no X Project.

    Mike turns and looks at Nick, who is a bit surprised at Jack putting all his eggs in one basket. He’s thinking why does Jack want this particular building?

    The picture fades to black and the Somerset theme plays following commercials.

    Be sure to stay tuned for Salem Lives, coming up next over most of these SONBC stations.

    Join us again each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. This program was pre-recorded.

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