sungrey

To Roman and Phoenix, don't let the friendship go away and I/we hope to see you back in some form soon. In the meantime, I shall have to find a new show to promo after Somerset. If you come back with something new, I promise you'll get the promo.

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

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.

DAMN! Good job, guys!! If I didn't promote you in every Somerset chapter (which there will be more of) I'd have gotten you a small commercial during it. NICE!

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.

No, I wasn't on strike... lol Here is a new episode, and I can definitely promise you they'll be coming at a much faster clip. And now... THIS... IS SOMERSET!!!

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.

HA HA HA... I got a kick out of that. Somerset is not on strike, I promise you that. I'm gearing up to restart it here this week. Thanks!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ditto for Somerset. Six weeks into the show and now I'm starting to heat things up.

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."

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.

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.

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.

SOMERSET EPISODE 27 Original airdate: 08/21/07 Written by: Steve Ungrey SCENE ONE Annabella is taking care of some empty glasses and a few plates at Giovanni’s as the evening rush has concluded. Scott walks in and sits down at the bar. Annabella notices Scott and runs over behind the bar. ANNABELLA: Hey, you. (Kisses Scott on the cheek) In for your usual? SCOTT: I had a meeting with a couple of my fellow lieutenants tonight. Jack is wondering about putting a security detail around the Peoples Building. ANNABELLA: Why would Jack want… SCOTT: I don’t know. All I know is he’s willing to pay for it. I think he’s starting to put the pieces together for his X Project, so he’s wanting nothing but the best. ANNABELLA: Hopefully so. What’ll you have? SCOTT: A menu, for starters. (Takes menu) I am famished. ANNABELLA: I can tell you about our specials… SCOTT: How about a plate of your dad’s famous rigatoni? ANNABELLA: With a cold one? (Tapping keys at the computer to input order) SCOTT: You got it. (Sets down menu) ANNABELLA: (Drawing beer) I’m so glad you stopped by tonight. I’ve been kind of in a funk all day. SCOTT: Well, allow me to draw you out of it. ANNABELLA: I wish you could. Can you talk to Mom for me? Scott takes the beer, with a look on his face like Annabella has just asked him a loaded question. CUT TO: The hospital nurses lounge, where Alana is resting on the couch with a thermometer in her mouth. Victoria enters. ALANA: (Takes out thermometer) Hey, Tori. VICTORIA: (Turns) Oh, hey. (Notices thermometer) Coming down with something? ALANA: There’s a bug floating around the hospital – some late summer bug, I guess – and I think I’m getting a small fever. VICTORIA: How small is small? ALANA: (Looks) 99.3. I guess that’s not bad. VICTORIA: If you call that a fever, I guess. Alana laughs as the opening notes of the Somerset theme play. 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. This portion brought to you today by the easy, breezy, beautiful cosmetics of Cover Girl… and by Crisco Oil, for fried foods that are practically grease free. SCENE TWO We see the exterior of the Petterino house at night… inside, Rose is looking at TV when Giovanni enters. GIOVANNI: Buongiorno, bellissimo. ROSE: (Rises from the chair and walks over to entrance) I thought you’d never get here. (Kisses Giovanni) GIOVANNI: I take it the girls are gone for the night? ROSE: Annabella is at the restaurant helping out and it’s Tori’s shift at the hospital. Odds are neither will be home for a while. GIOVANNI: Did you eat? ROSE: Yes. I didn’t know what time you’d be home. How was Albany? GIOVANNI: Come sit, I’ll tell you all about it. As Giovanni and Rose make their way back toward the living room, Giovanni begins to talk about the trip. GIOVANNI: We ate on the way back… I got a couple good recipes for the restaurant… and it was a worthwhile seminar. I’d like to think about making improvements to the place down the line. ROSE: You should see about remodeling parts of the building. GIOVANNI: I have thought about it. It’s going to take some money, but it shouldn’t be too bad of an expenditure. Anyways… I took an awful lot away from that seminar. We all did. ROSE: Good to hear, honey. It sounds like the trip was worth the day away from town. GIOVANNI: It was. I cleared my head… yet all I could think about was getting back home to you… especially if no one was home. ROSE: Well then, hold on a second. (Disappears into kitchen) Giovanni shakes his head and checks the mail out, as Rose reappears with a bottle of wine and two glasses. GIOVANNI: You want to taste test here? ROSE: Uh-uh. (Motions upstairs) GIOVANNI: I’m right behind you. (Kisses Rose as she turns and heads up the stairs) The music plays to change the scenes as the action goes back to Giovanni’s. Scott is drinking beer as Annabella is wiping down part of the bar. SCOTT: What did Rose do now? ANNABELLA: You should have seen Mom come down on Victoria earlier today because Tori went out last night for drinks with someone. SCOTT: Wait a second… Tori actually went on a date last night? ANNABELLA: I’ll call Mike and have it put in the Register. (Nods in sarcasm) She went out with Zachary Cleypool. SCOTT: (Face turns serious) Ohhhh. And Rose didn’t approve? ANNABELLA: It’s almost like she’s hiding something – like maybe she and George had an affair – SCOTT: You can’t be serious, can you? ANNABELLA: No, I’m not serious. (Laughs) I’m just trying to figure out why Mom is so dead-set against the Cleypools. Besides the business with Jack Martin, I mean. SCOTT: I’ve had my share of dealings with Zachary… he’s got a bit of the smugness his dad has in him, but otherwise I’ve never had reason to believe Zachary is anything but a decent person. ANNABELLA: That’s the whole thing. That’s what I’m trying to tell Mom… SCOTT: You actually want me to talk to her? ANNABELLA: No, I was just kidding. (Changes subject) Now, Dad on the other hand… Scott laughs as the picture fades to black and the music plays into commercial. We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment. S.T.E.A.M. launches a big surprise today as the identity of Mona is revealed. Don’t miss this gripping episode, complete with a shocking twist at the end. S.T.E.A.M., 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 Dreft. Dreft is the only detergent that gets clothes of all babies’ ages clean and soft, without bleaching. SCENE THREE Alana is on the couch at the hospital as Tori is taking a break for coffee. Alana sits up and drinks water. VICTORIA: How do you feel? ALANA: Better, thanks. I hope I’m not coming down with something bad. I’d hate to be away from this place for a long time. VICTORIA: Heaven forbid you might have to rest a while? ALANA: Now, I don’t spend all my life here… VICTORIA: Then how much? Remember what we were talking about earlier with you and Mike? ALANA: I remember. I’m definitely keeping an eye out on that. VICTORIA: Good. Hey, Zachary hasn’t stopped by here, has he? ALANA: I haven’t seen him. Then again, I’ve been resting a bit in here. I’m sort of on call this evening, so I’m able to catch a little shut-eye or rest in between patients. VICTORIA: How long have you been here? ALANA: Since 9 this morning… VICTORIA: Alana! Get the heck out of here before you find yourself in a hospital bed… ALANA: I’m heading home in the next couple of hours. I’ve got tomorrow off before I come in here at night, so I’m taking advantage of it. VICTORIA: Good. I’ll head out and let you know if you’re needed. ALANA: Good to hear. (Victoria leaves) Alana is feeling better, but she puts the thermometer back in her mouth for good measure. She notices it says 100.2. Standing up, we see the camera from her perspective swaying a bit. Alana is feeling a little dizzy and almost loses her balance. ALANA: (Sits back down and reaches into her purse for cold tablets) Overwork. (Reaches for water) Tori’s right, Alana. Get the hell out of here while you still have a life. Alana slugs down water and stretches her neck out before turning on her on-call buzzer and catching a bit of shuteye. CUT TO: Upstairs at the Petterinos. Giovanni and Rose are in bed having just finished a round of lovemaking, and Rose reaches for her wine glass. ROSE: That was a fine idea I had, wasn’t it? (Kisses Giovanni, sips her wine and rests her head on Giovanni’s shoulder) GIOVANNI: Best welcome home I had in years. (Smiles at Rose) I should go away more often. ROSE: Not a chance, Giovanni. I couldn’t let you get away for longer than a day or two without me tagging along. GIOVANNI: If I could ever get Annabella to commit to running the restaurant maybe we could get away. ROSE: You know that’s a sore subject with her now. GIOVANNI: Well, I had a blast from the past last night that took me back years. I told ya Jack stopped by, right? ROSE: Yes. You said he seemed a little restless. GIOVANNI: He was. He brought up the Delaney Brands Christmas parties. ROSE: (Gets a strange look on her face and turns toward Giovanni) Those parties? God, that was a long time ago. GIOVANNI: And you were just as gorgeous back then. I still recall that velvet dress you wore to that party in 1975. ROSE: You’ve got that good a memory, huh? GIOVANNI: No, it was just an eventful night, that’s all. (Pauses) And I think Jack’s been thinking an awful lot about that lately. ROSE: Is that why he’s ready to finally unveil the X Project? GIOVANNI: He could be. I can’t wait, that’s for sure. ROSE: Indeed. As she sips her wine, Rose thinks back to the party itself and shakes her head at all the memories of long ago. The picture fades to black. We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment. SCENE FOUR Back at the restaurant, Annabella is venting to Scott about her father while Scott is munching on rigatoni. ANNABELLA: He thinks I’m ready to chuck my modeling career and retire from the profession and I don’t think I’m ready yet. SCOTT: Annabella, it’s what makes you happy. No one else. If you’re not ready to settle into a business rhythm yet, so be it. ANNABELLA: (Finishes wiping off the countertop) Thank you for stopping by. It’s not very often I get to vent to my family. SCOTT: Ah. (Bites rigatoni) So I’m your scratching post, huh? ANNABELLA: No, you’re a good friend. (Leans in to kiss Scott on the cheek) I think I’ll talk to Dad about whether or not I’m ready to commit. Scott continues eating, aware he may have opened a can of worms with his rigatoni, as the music plays and the picture fades to black. Following commercials, the Somerset theme and credits roll. 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.

SOMERSET EPISODE 26 Original airdate: 08/20/07 Written by: Steve Ungrey SCENE ONE As the music begins playing and the picture fades in, we see a shot of Susannah working at her desk and drinking a cup of coffee. Jack walks by in the hallway and takes a couple steps backwards once he realizes Susannah is in her office. SUSANNAH: (Looks up) Jack! Awfully early to see you here. JACK: I thought you were a wee bit early in arriving here. It isn’t even 8:30 yet. SUSANNAH: I’d be here a little after 9, but I’m just catching up on some paperwork. JACK: Well, I promise you that you’ll have a little help. I’m conducting a few interviews at the end of the week to fill some legal associate positions, so you’ll be more of a 9-to-5 type person. SUSANNAH: Don’t worry about it. One of the things I wanted to do was work when I got here, so you’re not keeping me from anything. JACK: (Smiles) I’ve heard nothing but praise from colleagues about you. You’re a fine asset to Martin Enterprises. SUSANNAH: Means a lot coming from you. JACK: (Feels cell phone vibrating) Oop, better take this call. I’ll talk to you later on today. Susannah flashes the thumbs-up signal as Jack opens the phone. JACK: Jack Martin? We see Nick at his desk, turning on his computer as he’s talking. NICK: You’re finally ready to talk a bit about this mysterious project, I hear? JACK: (Smiling as his eyes brighten) Yes! Yes! When can you and Michael come over jointly to discuss the X Project? NICK: I’ll clear a spot in my calendar as soon as you want to meet with me. JACK: I’d like it to be tomorrow if at all possible. I want Mike to have some time to clear his schedule, because we could be talking for an hour or more. NICK: Boy. You’re ready to spill your guts, huh? JACK: Yes. Let’s just say I finally had some inspiration. As Nick laughs, Jack turns and looks out the window at The Peoples Building. CUT TO: An exterior shot of the Cleypool mansion, as we slowly zoom in and fade in on the dining area. Fenwick is setting down a carafe of orange juice as George is reading the morning’s Register. FENWICK: Will Master Zachary be joining you today, sir? GEORGE: Not sure, Fenwick. He got in rather late last night. Just as George says that, Zachary comes bounding into the room. ZACHARY: But not late enough to enjoy breakfast with Dad. Good morning, Fenwick! How are you this wonderful morning? FENWICK: (Smiling) Wondering how well your night went, for one thing. GEORGE: Ah, that’s right. Zachary had drinks with a young woman last night. How did that go? We slowly focus in on Zachary, who is understandably sheepish to tell his dad who he went out with last night-- as 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. This portion brought to you today by Crest Pro Health Night, the clear mint mouthwash that takes great care of your teeth… and by Camay, the soap that feels like you’re washing your face in cold cream. SCENE TWO Annabella is at the kitchen counter at home, making a pot of coffee and whistling to herself as she has breakfast cooking. Victoria descends the stairs, looking like she’d been up all night. ANNABELLA: (Turns to look) Good morning sleepyhead! VICTORIA: I’m definitely glad I have a night shift this evening. ANNABELLA: How’d you sleep? VICTORIA: Oh, just fine… (takes cup and pours coffee) once I got to sleep. I couldn’t close my eyes for a while. ANNABELLA: That good last night? VICTORIA: (Smiling) Well… let’s just say I had a better time than I thought I would. Rose descends the staircase, coming into the kitchen. ROSE: Morning, girls! (Looks at stove) Bella honey – you made breakfast? ANNABELLA: (Kisses Rose) You act like I’ve discovered a cure for cancer. ROSE: If only your cooking could be that simple. (Kisses Victoria) Morning, Tori. You look like you just went to bed. VICTORIA: Love you too, Mom. I got some sleep… I’ll probably take a nap before I head into work. ROSE: How was last night? You didn’t get in until after 2. VICTORIA: It was fine, Mom. (Sits at table) I went out for drinks with a friend… and we agreed another round of drinks might be something special. ANNABELLA: In other words, you’re going out again? VICTORIA: (Nods) Eventually, once I can get another free night on my schedule. We’re talking about dinner. ANNABELLA: Where’s Dad? ROSE: Oh honey – this was the morning he and a couple employees were heading to Albany to attend some hearings on restaurant safety. They left about 7:30. ANNABELLA: That’s right. So do you guys need help tonight? ROSE: If you’re volunteering. ANNABELLA: Sure. Be happy to help. ROSE: (Turns back to Victoria) Who is this guy you’re going out with, Tori? Has he been in the restaurant? VICTORIA: Well… (Looks a bit sheepish) ROSE: Come on, honey. As long as you’re not dating the devil he can’t be that bad. VICTORIA: Well… if you think Zachary Cleypool isn’t the devil then I guess that’s fine. Rose’s face drops a bit as Victoria looks on – the exact reaction Victoria thought her mother would have. Annabella notices Rose’s reaction and looks a bit puzzled. The music plays into the next scene. CUT TO: The Cleypool dining room ZACHARY: (Drinking orange juice) Things went well, Dad. We’re probably going to go out again for drinks soon. FENWICK: A splendid idea, Master Zachary. About time you went out and socialized… (George gives Fenwick a dirty look) Well it is, Master Cleypool. GEORGE: (Laughs) That’ll be all, Fenwick. FENWICK: Quite right, sir. Let me know if anything else is needed. (Walks out of room) GEORGE: Anyhow, who is this person? Is she the blue blood of Somerset? Is she from an outstanding social family? ZACHARY: Well, no – Dad, she’s a nurse at Somerset Hospital. George nods and is somewhat surprised to see his son involved with a hospital nurse. Before he can ask the identity of the nurse, his cell phone rings. GEORGE: (Turns away from table as he answers) George Cleypool?... Hi Ken… no, I’m at breakfast now… ZACHARY: (Thinking to himself) Saved by the cell. The music plays as Zachary realizes his dad might not approve of his choice of friends… the picture fades to black. We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment. Today on Point Palace… the test results Nate didn’t want to hear about. You don’t want to miss the end of this gripping episode. 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 Oxydol. Oxydol bleaches as it washes… for sparkling whites. SCENE THREE An exterior shot of City Hall as we fade in on Nick at his desk, poring over a few budget reports. There is a knock on his cubicle. NICK: (Looks up to see Mike) Hey there. Did you get Jack’s message? MIKE: Partially. Joanne said he was in a meeting when I called, but I gather he’s ready to spill his guts about the X Project? NICK: That’s what I hear. You free tomorrow morning? MIKE: I certainly can be. This is the meeting I’ve been waiting for all my journalism career. I’m sure as hell not going to miss it now. What do you know about this? NICK: As much as you do. Jack’s told me nothing about his project, except to hint that it’s going to involve some urban renewal work. MIKE: Then I guess we’re going to find out together what the heck this is all about. Hey, did you get a chance to look over the bachelors’ brochure? NICK: I did… and I accept. MIKE: Wow! Two revelations in one day. (Shakes Nick’s hand) What made you change your mind? NICK: The fact it’s for a good cause and the fact that I’ve got to put myself back on the market. When is it, once again? MIKE: Not for another few weeks yet. We’re getting some support right now from the business community. People coming forward – do you think Jack would want to take part? NICK: I haven’t approached him. Good luck. He’ll probably decline. MIKE: Or at least help out with a cash contribution… we hope. NICK: (Nods) He’s been so wrapped up in work lately though… maybe this would be a good thing for him. I might broach it with him tomorrow, so hold off. MIKE: Gotcha. Well, good to see you aboard at least. NICK: A pleasure. Now if I only could find someone as appealing as Alana was… Mike laughs as the music plays and the scene changes. CUT TO: The Petterino kitchen, where Rose has just realized who Victoria’s friend is. ROSE: You could have your choice of all the eligible guys in Somerset – and you found him? ANNABELLA: Mother! What’s wrong with Zachary? He’s nothing like his dad, or at least what his dad was like when I left for Italy this time. ROSE: He hasn’t changed, Bella. And his son is likely cut from the same cloth. VICTORIA: Mom! (Stands up) I found Zachary to be nothing but a gentleman last night. He held my hand… he complimented me on how I looked… and he seemed genuinely happy to be with me. ROSE: It was probably the liquor talking. ANNABELLA: (Shocked) Mom! What did George Cleypool do to this family to make you so sour on Zachary? ROSE: Well, George and Giovanni go way back. I don’t think George likes Giovanni too much because Giovanni’s been a staunch supporter of Jack Martin. VICTORIA: That’s Dad’s problem, not mine. ANNABELLA: She’s right. Why should the next generation be punished? ROSE: (Sees her daughters aren’t budging) I just realized – I’d better call Leonard and see how things went last night. (Turns and leaves the room) Annabella turns back toward Victoria, who is brushing a couple tears away from her eyes. VICTORIA: Is this how it’s going to be? I’d best stick to nursing. ANNABELLA: (Reaches down from behind to hug her sister) Stick with it, Tori. If it makes you happy, then what the hell. Victoria shakes her head, in disbelief at how her mother reacted, as the picture fades to black. We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment. SCENE FOUR Susannah is working at her desk as Patrick comes to the door. Knocking on the door, Patrick draws Susannah’s attention. SUSANNAH: Hey! How long have you been standing there? PATRICK: Long enough to watch you hard at work. Got time for coffee? SUSANNAH: Wish I did… but I’m poring over these files for Jack on Somerset property. PATRICK: Then… (Produces the containers) I brought the coffee to us. SUSANNAH: Good man. Bring me mocha. (Takes cup and sniffs) Oh, great… you always know the way to my heart. PATRICK: How are things? SUSANNAH: Great, why do you ask? PATRICK: Because you’ve been burying yourself in work the last several days. It’s almost like you’re afraid to go home – SUSANNAH: (Looks up suddenly) Why do you say that? PATRICK: For fear your desk will be doubly crowded with paperwork when you walk in the next morning. What did you think I meant? SUSANNAH: Oh nothing. Nothing at all. The music plays as the picture fades to black, and the Somerset logo and credits roll following the final 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.

The music plays in the background as we open the 25th episode of Somerset in the nurses’ lounge at Somerset Hospital. We see a half-dressed Victoria emerge from the bathroom, as she is changing out of her nurse uniform to meet Zachary for a drink. Taylor enters the room and catches Victoria looking at herself in the mirror. TAYLOR: The mirror isn’t going to crack, you know. VICTORIA: (Turns around and smiles) Who said it would? TAYLOR: You’d best get yourself together in a hurry, because your date’s here. VICTORIA: What? (Looks at clock) I told him 10:30! Which… it is right now. I’d best get in there and finish up. Stall him, would you? TAYLOR: Aye aye, captain. (Salutes Victoria humorously) Taylor walks back out where Zachary is standing and engages him in conversation. ZACHARY: She’s not ready, is she? TAYLOR: Close, Zach. Close. ZACHARY: I know she probably had a hard day here, but… Victoria emerges from the nurses’ lounge, all dressed and hair fixed up. Taylor shoots her a look as if to say “how did you do that so quickly”. VICTORIA: Was someone talking about me? (Goes over to Zachary) Hi there. Been waiting long? ZACHARY: Naa, a few minutes. All set? VICTORIA: You bet. Where did you want to grab a drink? Have you eaten? ZACHARY: Yeah, I figured dinner would be too late, but we can always snack on something if you’d like. VICTORIA: I know where we can go. Follow me. The two leave the fourth floor nurses’ area, leaving Taylor behind still wondering about how Victoria pulled off the Houdini act. CUT TO: The scene changes to Jack’s condo, where Jack is on the couch taking a nap. As the camera pulls in closer, we can see a dream sequence is about to unfold. In the dream, Jack, looking considerably younger, is wearing a tuxedo and smiling. We can’t see who, if anyone, he is looking at… we hear piano notes, which turn out to be the opening notes of “Could It Be Magic” by Barry Manilow. As the music plays, we see Jack holding up a glass of champagne and the background unfold. It is darkly lit, but it appears to be a balcony with a sweeping ballroom below. Before we can see any more, the dream ends, and Jack’s eyes flutter open. Jack rises from the couch and silently shakes his head. The Somerset theme begins playing as 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. This portion brought to you today by Gleem, the toothpaste for adults. Fights cavities and freshens adult bad breath… and by the moist, delicious desserts of Duncan Hines. SCENE TWO A brightly-lit boat is shown on the waterfront. This is The Riverboat Club, our first glimpse at one of Somerset’s hot spots. Inside, Zachary and Victoria have taken a table seat on one of the elevated platforms and are waiting for a waitress. ZACHARY: You look very nice, by the way. VICTORIA: Thanks. I love seeing Taylor get all confused like that. ZACHARY: Why, what happened? VICTORIA: Well… a guy wouldn’t understand these things, but about a minute before Taylor came out to see you I was half-dressed. I was still deciding what I wanted to wear. ZACHARY: Well, you wear it well. VICTORIA: It’s the demure look, right? ZACHARY: Hey, as long as you’re sitting in front of me, I don’t mind. VICTORIA: (Looks down) You’re getting along fabulously on the ankle, by the way. ZACHARY: It’s healing nicely. No more motorcycles for me for now… at least not until this heals. Even then I’ll be careful. VICTORIA: You just better. A waiter comes up to the table. WAITER: Evening. What’ll we have tonight? ZACHARY: What’s on tap, thanks. VICTORIA: Tom Collins. WAITER: Right away. (He walks off) ZACHARY: (Looks at Victoria) I didn’t picture you as a gin girl. VICTORIA: Well, maybe I have a hell-raising side and you don’t know it, now do you? ZACHARY: Guess I’ll have to find out. Victoria smiles as the music plays and the scene changes. CUT TO: Giovanni’s, where Jack is coming in and sitting at the bar. After a couple seconds, Giovanni emerges from the back and sees Jack. GIOVANNI: Buona sera, Jack. (Shakes hand) Welcome to Giovanni’s! JACK: Buona sera to you too. GIOVANNI: I didn’t think I’d see you out late like this. Aren’t you usually up in the condo by now? JACK: Ahh, I don’t melt if I’m out after 10. GIOVANNI: Have you eaten? JACK: Yeah, earlier tonight. I just came for a scotch. GIOVANNI: (Nods head) I figured you still drank the stuff. Over 30 years and you haven’t changed a bit. JACK: I just had a memory tonight that jogged my mind. GIOVANNI: I always thought your mind was sharp as a tack. (Pours scotch and serves it) Thinking back in time to make sure you don’t go sour on us? JACK: Ahh, yes. (Drinks from glass) Smooth as silk. (Smiles) Remember the Delaney Brands Christmas parties? GIOVANNI: (Appears surprised) How the heck could I forget? They were lavish affairs. I even catered one of them while I was dating Rose. JACK: And you two made a really cute couple. No, I was just thinking about the past because I think I’m about ready to release my details on the X Project. Giovanni appears surprised that Jack is finally ready to talk. The music builds as the camera closes in on Giovanni’s face… the picture fades to black. We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment. Return to Santa Barbara… a new version of the hugely popular 1980s soap opera. Get your Capwell fix once again 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 Ivory Soap, the soap without a lot of extra ingredients. For a pure and natural kind of clean, lather up with Ivory. SCENE THREE We pick back up at Petterino’s, where Giovanni is surprised to hear Jack talk about the project. GIOVANNI: You’re finally ready to commit to this? JACK: Yes. I’m going to talk to Nick Barclay and Mike Wagner next week to let them in. Are you with me? GIOVANNI: Through thick and thin. (Shakes his hand) Refill? JACK: One more for the road. (Laughs) Now how many times have I heard that before? GIOVANNI: I’m just happy to hear you finally talking about the project in concrete terms. Rose said you had all these dreams about restoring Somerset to glory. JACK: Dreams I intended on pursuing. (Drinks scotch) It’s just that I needed something to get my mind going. GIOVANNI: And you found it? JACK: Let’s just say… it came to me in a dream. As Jack sips his scotch, Giovanni has a puzzled look on his face… and then he slowly gets what Jack is talking about. CUT TO: The area by Somerset Hospital, as Victoria and Zachary have come back from The Riverboat Club to the hospital entrance. ZACHARY: I hope you had fun tonight. VICTORIA: I did. (Pauses) And next time, I buy the drinks. ZACHARY: (Looks surprised) So I didn’t scare you off? VICTORIA: Are you kidding? It takes an awful lot more to scare off Tori Petterino than just a guy offering drinks. ZACHARY: Well then… I’d say tonight was a success. VICTORIA: I’d agree. Let’s hope the second time is a charm. Zachary and Victoria smile as the music plays and the picture fades to black. We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment. SCENE FOUR Back at the hospital, Zachary is smiling and looking at Victoria. ZACHARY: You really did look nice tonight. It was fun seeing Taylor’s face when you walked out all dressed and ready to go. VICTORIA: I’ll have to do that again next time we go out for drinks. Heck, maybe we can go all out and splurge for dinner. ZACHARY: I’ll hold you to that, then. VICTORIA: And you too. Good night. Zachary leans in and gently kisses Victoria on the cheek. She returns the favor… and the two share a slight peck on the lips. Obviously, the two want to take it one step further, but both are a little gun-shy. As Zachary walks away, Victoria covers her cheek with her hand and touches her lips. Like a giddy teenager, she walks into the hospital with a spring in her step. CUT TO: Jack is walking home and he happens to stop by The Peoples Building. He looks up with a wistful eye at the building and its weathered exterior. He then sees a window, half covered over in dust. He peeks inside, just as a cop car flashes its lights. OFFICER: Stop right there… JACK: Officer… (holds up hands) I look in peace. OFFICER: (Squints) Jack Martin? What brings you out here? JACK: I was walking by. No malicious intent. OFFICER: Okay. Just checking because that’s private property. JACK: I know. I had no intention of setting foot inside. OFFICER: Don’t worry about it. I trust you. Have a good night. JACK: You too. As Jack walks past the building, the camera peeks back at the window and then closes in on the window, as if to go inside the building. The interior of the building has fallen into extreme disrepair, but as the camera pans around it’s easy to make out features. The final notes of “Could It Be Magic” play as the camera looks around… And it’s obvious this was a ballroom at one point with a balcony – the same ballroom in Jack’s dream. As the final note plays, the picture fades to black. The Somerset logo and credits roll following commercials. Stay tuned for Salem Lives, coming up next over most of these SONBC stations… Join us each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. This program was pre-recorded.

Episode 24 of Somerset picks up in Nick’s apartment, as the music begins playing while Nick is looking at the Bid for Bachelors brochure Mike has dropped off. NICK: I don’t know, Mike. Bid for Bachelors? MIKE: (Takes a sip of beer) Hey, Nick… remember a few years ago when you took part in this? Who bid $2,300 for a night with you that included a tour of Somerset’s wine country and an eight-course dinner at Giovanni’s? NICK: (Nods) I know, I know… and Alana and I ended up spending three wonderful years together. Newsflash, Mr. Journalist… we’re two years broken up and, if I recall, you’re the one interested in going after my ex? MIKE: With your blessing, of course. NICK: Oh, of course. Look, am I committed to this? MIKE: Absolutely not. If you want, you can donate money… NICK: Afraid I can’t. I can’t put myself in any compromised position with the city. MIKE: Even with personal donations? NICK: Any gift I give is considered anonymous. Prying eyes like you can’t look into my giving history. MIKE: All I’m saying is it’ll help take your mind off of things… or certain people you met in bars out of town. NICK: I know that, too. (Looks at brochure again) You’re going to think I’m nuts, but can I think this over for a few days? MIKE: Take all the time you need. As Nick looks at the brochure, the music plays and the scene changes over to Giovanni’s, where Annabella is busy doling out drinks to the bar patrons. Patrick walks in and takes a seat. ANNABELLA: (Coming over to seat) Hey, stranger, want a brew? PATRICK: (Looks up and smiles) Wow! (Hugs Annabella) Welcome back to Somerset… how long have you been back? ANNABELLA: Several days now. I’ve been keeping a low profile. PATRICK: They’re probably happy to have you back. ANNABELLA: You talking about Mom and Dad? PATRICK: Who else? ANNABELLA: Yes, they are. They even took some time off tonight to get away. I’m running the bar while they’re gone. PATRICK: You actually got them to take time off? ANNABELLA: Yes. Am I a genius or what? Patrick snickers and lifts his beer to drink… The Somerset theme begins playing as 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. This portion brought to you today by Jif, the only peanut butter with that fresh, roasted, peanutty taste. Choosy Moms choose Jif… and by Charmin, the squeezably soft, irresistible tissue your whole family will love. SCENE TWO At the Petterino house, Giovanni and Rose have come through the door just as Victoria was talking about the drink with Zachary. GIOVANNI: Victoria, have you accepted somebody’s offer for a date? VICTORIA: Dad… while I was out with the girls someone bought me a drink, and we’re going to head out tomorrow night after I’m done with work. GIOVANNI: Well now… I’m glad to see the phrase “all work and no play” doesn’t apply to my bella figlia. VICTORIA: It’s nothing major, Dad. Don’t order the wedding dress or anything. ROSE: Your dad’s just giving you a hard time. (Yawns) I don’t know about you, honey, but I think we’d best leave Alana and Tori to talk about whatever it is nurses talk about at this hour. GIOVANNI: You’ve got that right. Buonanotte Stella, you two. VICTORIA: Buonanotte, Dad. (Giovanni and Rose exit upstairs… Tori turns to Alana) Thanks a lot… are you trying to get me into trouble? ALANA: Me? What did I do? VICTORIA: I don’t want Dad knowing Zachary asked me for a drink. I don’t think he and Zachary’s dad have had a good history together. ALANA: Oh… kind of like sleeping with the enemy? VICTORIA: Except I’m not Julia Roberts and this isn’t going to involve a bed. Alana nods as Victoria looks up, hoping Giovanni and Rose didn’t hear the last part of the conversation. Without music, the scene cuts back to: Giovanni’s, where Annabella is wiping down a counter as Patrick is drinking a beer. PATRICK: So how was the latest visit to Italy? ANNABELLA: Oh, not bad. A couple of modeling assignments and much talk about a TV campaign where I pitch makeup. In short, just another boring day in the life of Annabella Petterino. PATRICK: I can’t believe you can keep quiet like that over here. Especially with the internet. Someone’s going to see your face on there one day and freak when they see you here in Somerset. ANNABELLA: That’s not going to happen, if I have anything to say about it. I’ve done a good job of keeping my Italian life over there and my life here something separate. Did I tell you I met a guy over in Italy? PATRICK: No! Congratulations… only when do you get back there to see him? ANNABELLA: He lives over here. He said he’d eventually look me up. He also told me that if it wasn’t going to work out he’d break my heart gently. PATRICK: And Scott (sips) can pick up the pieces. ANNABELLA: Oh no… not you too. PATRICK: What… what did I do? ANNABELLA: My mom and dad wondered about Scott and whether or not he’d make a good boyfriend for me. I told them we’re not interested in anything like that. PATRICK: Stood your ground, huh? Good for you. ANNABELLA: What about you, Dr. Kurtz? Any patients causing you to feel flush and weak in the knees? PATRICK: Well… an old family friend is working here in Somerset now. You’ll eventually meet her. Her name is Susannah… ANNABELLA: Lucas? Sam and Lahoma’s daughter? PATRICK: (Sets empty glass down) I didn’t think you knew the family! ANNABELLA: I know the Lucases through Mom and Dad. Well, I’ll have to play catch-up with Susannah when she comes around. PATRICK: She’s a really good person. Just moved here from Oklahoma City, and we’ve had opportunity to hang out a bit. Nothing more… we’re both too busy. ANNABELLA: A likely story. Patrick smiles as Annabella takes the glass he had and fills it with beer; the music plays and it’s a commercial break. We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment. Have you missed The City? Did you watch when it was on before and were you upset when it was canceled? Don’t be disappointed any longer. New to SONBC, The City is back in all its glory. Consult your local listings for time and station. SCENE THREE At Nick’s apartment, Nick is alone reading the brochure. He thinks back to the bar, to the young woman with whom he shared fleeting moments and a few drinks. The scene then changes to time he spent with Alana. We see Alana and Nick in normal flashback scenes, like kissing as they’re walking along the river, etc., as Nick remembers back to happy times. Cutting back to the present, Nick looks at the brochure again. NICK: Don’t be too rash… but maybe this would be a good thing for you. The scene changes as Nick settles in on the couch and sets down the brochure… we cut back to the Petterino house, as Victoria has brought down two items of clothing. VICTORIA: What do you think, Alana… (holds up short skirt) ALANA: (Shakes head) You don’t want to give off a flirty aura, do you? VICTORIA: Okay… (holds up longer skirt) ALANA: Good. Pair that with something demure and you’ll be fine. VICTORIA: I wish this drink were here and gone. ALANA: Why? VICTORIA: Because if it doesn’t work out then I’m going to look like a fool. ALANA: Just because you told a guy you’d meet him for a drink. Puh-leez, Tori, give yourself more credit than that. VICTORIA: Then why are you holding Mike at arm’s length? Don’t you have more feelings for him than I do for Zachary? ALANA: Well… VICTORIA: You know something, Alana… I think you may be denying yourself true happiness. And you can quote me on that. (Smiles and takes the clothes back upstairs) As the music plays, Alana gets a quizzical look on her face, wondering if indeed she is costing herself a shot at happiness. The scene fades to black, and the Somerset logo and credits appear following commercials. Stay tuned for Salem Lives, coming up next over most of these SONBC stations… Join us each weekday afternoon at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. This program was pre-recorded.

The 23rd episode of Somerset opens up with Victoria at home in the Petterino kitchen, reading a magazine while drinking a cup of coffee. The music softly plays in the background as Victoria flips pages. We hear a knock on the door. VICTORIA: Coming… hold on… (Opens door to see Alana) Hey there! In the neighborhood, I take it? ALANA: I figured you brought ice cream to me, so I’d return the favor. Only I didn’t have any ice cream in the refrigerator. VICTORIA: (Pointing below) What’s in the bag, then? ALANA: Chocolates. VICTORIA: Oh God, get in here. (Laughs) You’re going to wreck my diet, what’s left of it. ALANA: What’s a few chocolates between friends? (Looks around) Where the heck is everybody? VICTORIA: Mom and Dad have a night off, believe it or not… Dad took Mom up to the overlook area. Annabella is at the restaurant helping out so they could have a night free. ALANA: Well, isn’t she the generous sister! VICTORIA: I’d have gone down there, except I worked earlier today so I thought I’d take advantage of the peace and quiet. ALANA: Until I wrecked it. VICTORIA: Don’t be silly. (Waves hand off at her) You’re family. Now let’s dig into these chocolates before they melt. (Laughing, the two open up a box and nibble on the contents. The music plays in the background as the scene switches over to the scenic overlook.) We see several cars parked at the scenic area, overlooking downtown Somerset. The camera slowly pans in on Giovanni’s dark blue sedan, with he and Rose in the back seat. ROSE: Mmmm. This was a great idea you had, honey. GIOVANNI: Leave it to the signorina. Victoria’s the one who came up with this idea. ROSE: (Leans in and whispers) I think she just wanted to get us out of the house. GIOVANNI: She knows we haven’t had a lot of free time lately. (Leans in and kisses Rose) ROSE: Careful… I think this is how we conceived Annabella… GIOVANNI: (Puzzled) In the back of a car? Are you sure? ROSE: I’m trying to recall… GIOVANNI: Hey, at least we were married… (kisses Rose) How long did we come up here before the restaurant got in the way? ROSE: It’s been a while. GIOVANNI: And I think Bella’s looked forward to running the show for a night. (Kisses Rose) I can only hope that she changes her mind and decides to join us full time as a manager. Rose finishes kissing Giovanni and pulls back slightly, shaking her head… The Somerset theme begins playing as 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. This portion brought to you today by Zest, the deodorant bar that rinses you cleaner than soap. And by Dawn Plus… the only dish detergent that gets grease out of the way and leaves your hands soft and smooth. SCENE TWO In the car up on the scenic overlook, Rose is still shaking her head. GIOVANNI: I don’t like it when you get that look on your face. ROSE: It’s not a look, Giovanni. It’s just telling you that you still don’t get it. GIOVANNI: I don’t get what… I don’t get women? I’d like to think I mastered the art of that by now. ROSE: You might have. But you still don’t get that Annabella wants to continue her modeling career. GIOVANNI: She’s made how much money about now? ROSE: And saved every penny of it, pretty much. The sports car is about the only perk she’s afforded herself. I still think she has the looks to pull it off, so I don’t think we should interfere. GIOVANNI: How much longer can we run the restaurant before we want the break? ROSE: Bella will be ready in due time. She’s expressed an interest in taking over the property when we’re ready to step back. Trust her. GIOVANNI: I was afraid you were going to say that, my dear. (Leans in and kisses Rose) ROSE: You know me very well, don’t you? Enough to stay married to you over 30 years. GIOVANNI: And hopefully many, many more where that came from if I have anything to say about it. As Giovanni and Rose continue to snuggle in the back seat, the music plays and the scene switches back to the Petterino kitchen. Victoria is sampling a chocolate bar and her eyes are closed. VICTORIA: Alana Singleton, I’ll never forgive you for this. ALANA: We’ll all go have a workout at lunch tomorrow. Anyhow… (changes subject) What’s this I hear about you finally breaking down and saying yes to some guy? VICTORIA: (Looks a bit surprised) Was this why you brought the chocolates over… to talk me out of this? ALANA: Not at all. It just is a bit shocking coming from you… Miss I Can’t Have Anyone In The Way of My Career? VICTORIA: You know that’s not true. I never really had the chance to entertain anyone like the proposal Zachary gave me… and besides, it’s just… ALANA: Wait a minute. Zachary… Cleypool? VICTORIA: Well… yeah. ALANA: Are you nuts? The camera focuses in on Victoria, who has a surprised expression on her face as the picture fades to black. We’ll return to Somerset in just a moment. Now SONBC features programming devoted to past and present soap operas, including Guiding Light, The Brotherhood… a celebration of TV’s longest running daytime drama. All part of the new SONBC lineup. Also check out MySONTV, with original entries such as Point Palace and Novi. SCENE THREE Nick is on the couch at his apartment when he hears the doorbell. Getting up and gingerly walking over to the door, he sees Mike there with beer. NICK: Nice. Wagner, you know I can’t drink. MIKE: Read the label. NICK: (Takes bottle and scans it) Oh, thanks! Non-alcoholic… I feel like I’m sneaking a drink from the kitchen or something… come on in. MIKE: Thanks. That won’t affect your prescription, will it? NICK: Actually, I took the last of it earlier today. Patrick gave me a clean bill of health and he told me I’m back to normal. MIKE: Watch out, Somerset. (Laughs and twists off the cap) Here you go. I come bearing gifts and a brochure. NICK: What type of brochure? (Takes it from Mike and his face crinkles) Somerset’s Bid for Bachelors and Bachelorettes? Mike has a smile on his face as Nick looks at the brochure and then him again. CUT TO: The Petterino kitchen, where Alana and Victoria are having a discussion about Zachary. VICTORIA: Alana… Zachary is nothing like his dad. ALANA: Oh, I know that. Actually, he was a pretty good patient. It was his dad that caused the commotion. VICTORIA: All it is we’re doing is meeting for a drink. I get off work tomorrow night around 10 and I’m meeting Zachary at Bernard’s. All we’re going to do is have a drink and maybe a small bite to eat… ALANA: Before long it’s dinner, then afterwards… VICTORIA: Alana, whoa! If you’re trying to steer me away from Zachary… ALANA: I’m not. But remember it’s two for the price of one. If George Cleypool gets wind that his son is dating a hospital nurse… VICTORIA: What, so I’m beneath him? Please. ALANA: I didn’t mean it that way, Tori. I’m more concerned with what (the Petterinos walk in) your mom and dad will think. GIOVANNI: Tori! Something wrong we need to know about? Victoria gives Alana a look like “thanks a lot” and smiles at Giovanni and Rose. The picture fades to black and, following commercials, the Somerset theme and credits roll. Stay tuned for Salem Lives, coming up next over most of these SONBC stations. Join us again each weekday at this time for the continuing story of Somerset. This program was recorded.