dead ends - pilot ep for returning series. unmade & available to option by ray & des brady

8/6/2019 Dead Ends - Pilot Ep for returning series. Unmade & available to option by Ray & Des Brady

1/37

(Name of Project)

by(Name of First Writer)

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Revisions by(Names of Subsequent Writers,in Order of Work Performed)

Current Revisions by(Current Writer, date)

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2/37

EXT. BENSON NEIGHBOURHOOD. DAY

Early morning as the sun is rising over a leafy suburban

setting. We settle on one particular household.

CUT TO:

INT. BENSON RESIDENCE, LIVING ROOM. DAY

The living room is beginning to brighten as the sun peaks in

through the curtains. A succession of household scenes begins

of each room over which a soft hissing sound can be heard.

CUT TO:

INT. MAIN BEDROOM. DAY

A couple, Matty (Female late 30s) and Jake (Male early 40s)

Benson, lie perfectly still in bed. The electric alarm clock on

the table next to them shows the time at 6.30 Am.

CUT TO:

INT. BATHROOM. DAY

Stillness except a tap dripping.

CUT TO:

INT. CASSYS BEDROOM. DAY

A pale thirteen year old girl with jet black hair, Cassy (12year old daughter of Matty and Jake) lies in bed facing

towards us. She is not awake. Posters of Emo bands cover her

bedroom walls and mostly black clothes hang over her chair

and open cupboard.

CUT TO:


3/37

INT. KITCHEN. DAY

Light from the large back window is starting to gradually

brighten the room. There is an eerie stillness about the

place until we begin to pan sideways to the kitchen cooker

and slowly zoom into the hob. As we do so the hissing sound

gets louder and we see the air disruption as gas pumps out of

the cooking hob filling the air with gas and emptying the

house of oxygen.

CUT TO:

EXT. BACK YARD. DAY

The Bensons small mongrel dog, Rio, paces back and forward

from his kennel to the back door as if agitated by something.

He stands up against the door and scratches manically whilst

yelping in hunger or distress.

CUT TO:

INT. CHRISS BEDROOM. DAY

A fifteen year old boy, Chris (Matty and Jakes oldest boy),

lies still on his bed. The room around him is a mess with

clothes, tissues, plates of half eaten food and empty cans of

soda liberally scattered around. Suddenly he snorts and

shuffles around in his quilt anxiously trying to find a more

comfortable spot. Still asleep, he frowns and opens and

closes his mouth as if tasting something unpleasant beforepulling the pillow over his face to hide from the light. We

pan around to the window where we see the curtains have been

left undrawn and are being blown softly by the breeze coming

through the fully open window.

CUT TO:

2.


4/37

INT. MAIN BEDROOM. DAY

Breaking the silence the alarm clock starts to chime an

electrical Cuckoo as the main display starts to flash. We

see Jakes eyes open blearily.

CUT TO:

INT. EN SUITE BATHROOM IN MAIN BEDROOM. DAY

Jake looks at himself in the bathroom mirror whilst turning

the water taps. He sighs deeply and tuts before bending over

to wash his face. But when he tries to splash water on his

face he somehow misses and throwing the water back he soaks

the back of his tea-shirt instead. Standing straight again,

he turns and looks at his reflection and his wet-through

back. Still tired and drowsy he doesnt dwell on it and

shaking his head tries again to clean his face, this time

more successfully.

CUT TO:

INT. BEDROOM. DAY

Jake grabs a T-shirt from the back of a chair and leaves the

room as quietly as possible so as not to wake his wife. As he

leaves, we pan around the room from the door back to the bed.

Lying there we see Jake still motionless with his wife next to

him.

INT. KITCHEN. DAY

Jake enters the kitchen and filling the kettle, heads to the hob

to heat the water. There he hears the gas hissing and frowning,

turns the knob off.

3.


5/37

He sniffs in deeply and smells the air around him. Sensing

nothing but being cautious, he opens the window and unlocks the

back door. Looking out in to the back gardens adjacent to the

house he takes a drink from the carton of milk he has opened and

is surprised by Rio who rushes in and leaps up to him. Jake

steps back quickly and spills milk all over the floor. He curses

the dog as it barks repeatedly at him before starting to whine.

JAKE

Whats wrong with you lad!? Be quiet,

will you.

Jake tries to make a cup of tea but keeps spilling everything.

He has trouble even holding the milk at first. Finishing the teahe pauses for a moment before saying to himself.

JAKE (CONTD)

Whats wrong with you today Jake?

INT. TOP OF STAIRS. DAY

Jake has just got to the top of the stairs after very carefully

carrying his wifes tea up to her. There she exits the bedroom

with an expression of shock and confusion.

JAKE

What!?

Matty says nothing merely pointing her head behind her back

towards the bedroom. Together they open the door and peer into

the room. Their expressions both change to complete

bewilderment. Matty has opened the curtains and sunlightradiates the room as we see their POV for the first time. On the

bed lie their two bodies, silent and unmoving. Matty and Jake

look at each other completely speechless. After ten seconds of

stunned silence Matty almost shrieks as she pushes past her

husband.

4.


6/37

MATTY

Oh my God, the kids!

Matty runs down the hallway to the first bedroom belonging to

their youngest child Tim.

CUT TO:

INT. TIMS ROOM. DAY

Matty bursts through the door only to find Tim (10 year old

youngest child of Matty and Jake) sitting up in bed opposite the

form of his still supine body. He has a Nintendo game in his

hands in which he is completely immersed. Eventually he looks up

and says quite casually.

TIM

Were dead arent we. I knew it.

He shakes his head in a world weary manner and returns to his

game just as casually. Matty backs out of the room shaking her

head.

CUT TO:

INT. HALLWAY. DAY

Matty is in denial and obviously not taking all this as well as

her son.

MATTY

This is a dream. Its alright Matty.

She holds her hand up in front of her face band pinches the skin

on the side of her arm. Feeling the pain she sighs sadly.

CUT TO:

5.


7/37

INT. TIMS ROOM. DAY

Jake is left staring at Tim as the truth slowly begins to dawn

on him and a pained resigned look takes hold of his face. He

kneels in front of his boy.

JAKE

You alright Timmy?

His son shrugs noncommittally and looks at him as if to say-

dont be stupid before returning to his game.

TIM

I knew this was going to happen.

Jake doesnt have time to react to Tims strange comment before

he hears a sound from the adjoining room and leaves hurriedly.

INT. CASSYS BEDROOM. DAY

Matty and her daughter stand looking from one another to the

dead body of Cassy still lying on the bed.

CASSY

What is happening!? Mum! Tell me what

the hells going on here?

MATTY

Calm down love. Im ...not sure whats

going on here but we all need to calm

down.

CASSY

Dont tell me to calm down mum! Im

stood here looking at my own body.

6.


8/37

Matty embraces her as Cassy starts to cry. Jake mumbles

something under his breath before rushing out of the room to

their oldest boys room. As he opens the door, Matty appears

behind him and they both stare in confusion. We see their POVagain as Chris is sitting up in bed holding his stomach.

CHRIS

Shit what time is it? Am I late for

football. (Looking from one to the

other of them) Whats wrong? Whatve I

done now? Jeez, was I blootered last

night. Totally off my chunk!

Chris stands and yawns theatrically before holding his stomach

again as his cheeks billow out. He covers his mouth to stop

vomit from coming out as he pushes past them and runs to the

toilet. Along with Matty and Jake we hear Chris violently being

sick and see their still confused expressions. Cassy joins them

turning up her nose in disgust.

CASSY

He is so gross! Will someone pleasetell me whats going on, this is

starting to really freak me out now.

Jake looks from his wife to the open window and billowing

curtains as he finally begins to put all the pieces together.

CUT TO:

INT. KITCHEN. DAY

The family sit around the large kitchen table with mostly

untouched tea, egg and toast in front of them. All are silent

except for Chris who is busily munching into his breakfast

oblivious to the rest of them. Tim is still playing with his

Nintendo as Cassy, Matty and Jake look from one to the other.

7.


9/37

Cassy turns to look at Chris with a look of disgust as he turns

to her and says.

CHRIS

You not eating that?

She says nothing so he reaches over scrapes all the food off her

plate and starts noisily munching it. Cassy sneers at her

brother and slowly shaking her head turns away, as if too

disgusted to even look at him. Jake shakes himself out of his

reverie and tries to force himself to say some reassuring words

to his family. He sits forward and coughs as if announcing

something but finding himself unable to, sits back with a

resigned look. Finally Matty sits forward to address the room.

MATTY

Well it seems we have a situation

here.

CASSY

A situation!!?

JAKE

What your mothers trying to say is...

It appears were all... well, it

seems...

CASSY

We all died last night? Duh!!

CHRIS

Yeah, dont be stupid Dad. How can you

be dead? Youre sat here arent you?

Not floating in some cloud somewhere.

MATTY

It appears your not dead Chris but Im

afraid we are.

8.


10/37

To demonstrate, Matty waves her hand up and down through the

solid kitchen table whilst looking at her son. Then looking at

her own hand she re-materialises it and rests it on the table.

Surprised and unsettled by the experience she shudders slightly.

CHRIS

Cool!

Even Tim looks up and joins the rest of the table in a

disparaging glance at his brother.

CASSY

But look. (She drinks some tea then

looks at her parents in turn) If Im

dead, and thats my body upstairs,

then wheres this going to?

Nonplussed Jake again tries to say something but is unable to.

Instead Tim answers without looking up.

TIM

It just disappears.

MATTY

And how do you know that Timmy?

TIM

Sam says no one knows where the food

and drink goes. It just goes.

Jake turns to Matty and mouths silently.

JAKE

Whos Sam?

9.


11/37

MATTY

His imaginary friend. Tim what have I

told you about Sam? Youre getting too

old for imaginary friends.

Tim looks up at her with a deadly serious stare.

TIM

Hes not imaginary.

Ignoring his son, Jake finally finds the words for his family.

JAKE

Well, theres nothing we can do aboutall this so we might as well just

carry on and get on with things.

Theres an awkward silence around the table only interrupted by

Tim tutting loudly at just losing on his game. Cassy is slyly

taking bits of food off her plate and giving them to Rio on the

floor next to her as Chris wipes his plate clean with the last

piece of bread.

JAKE (CONTD)

What I mean is, your Aunt Miriam is

coming round for Sunday lunch in a

couple of hours and its the one thing

she has to look forward to in the

whole week and... its the least we

could do for her after all shes done

for this family.

CHRIS

So we all just have to pretend

nothings happened? Thats mental.

What about Judy? Can I tell her?

10.


12/37

MATTY

We dont tell anyone anything until we

work out just what has happened..

Alright?

Matty is trying to be strong but the strain and weirdness of the

situation is getting to her and Jake senses she is about to

crack. Not wanting the kids to see her like this he stands up

quickly.

JAKE

Right.. Chris, no football today. Get

peeling the spuds; Tim, you help

washing the rest of the vegetables;

Cassy make your special Yorkshire

pudding mix and start to sort the

chicken out until me and your mum

finish having a little chat in the

front room.

Jake quickly looks at each of his kids in turn with an

expression that suggests it wouldnt be a good idea to give himany back chat. They all get up and start to prepare the dinner

with varying degrees of enthusiasm.

CUT TO:

INT. FRONT ROOM. DAY

Jake follows Matty into the room and as he closes the door

behind them she turns suddenly to embrace him. They hug as shesobs quietly whilst he tries to calm her.

JAKE

Cmon girl. Its alright now.

11.


13/37


14/37

When his eyes settle on the smallest shape he can barely contain

his anguish and turns away so Chris cant see his face. His son

senses this and says nothing for a few moments.

CHRISCmon dad. We better get this done.

Jake pulls himself together and they start to drag the bodies

into the freshly dug holes. They are heavy, taking some effort

and when they have finished, Jake puts his hand on Chris

shoulder.

JAKE

Its alright son. Ill take it from

here.

Jake watches as his son walks away and enters the house and

turns back to look at the bodies of his family. He thinks for a

moment then clears his throat and begins a quiet and solemn

eulogy.

JAKE (CONT'D)

No father should have to bury his own

family. No man should have to bury

himself but... The Bensons were a

good family, well they tried. They

fought sometimes but there was always

love there. Their time was cut

short...

Jake cannot continue for some time. As he remembers his family

he starts to well up but reigns the emotion in. He looks around

him then looks at his hands and body then cant help but smile.

He shakes his head then begins to laugh uncontrollably.

CUT TO:

13.


15/37

INT. KITCHEN. DAY

The rest of the family are busy cutting and peeling the

vegetables for lunch. As Matty places bacon strips on the

chicken she pauses for a moment and looks at her children. The

very normality and routine of their actions is reassuring to her

and she allows herself the smallest of smiles. Cassy looks up

catching her and they both share a moment with neither saying a

word. Then slowly they both turn to Tim who is in his own world

cutting up the carrots and the uncertainness returns to Mattys

expression. The boys return from their work in the garden to a

chorus of barking from Rio who has been trapped in the kitchen.

As they enter, he escapes from the house as father and son

stoically start to wash their hands. Jake and Matty look at each

other expressionlessly and say nothing as Cassy takes a long

drink from her glass of orange juice.

CASSY

Its weird. Im not hungry and I

havent eaten all day.

TIM

Me neither.

All the other dead family members nod in puzzled agreement.

JAKE

Maybe we wont ever get hungry again?

CASSY

And when I do eat or drink... I canttaste a thing. Like when youve got a

really bad cold or something.

Jake takes a couple of small chilly peppers from a basket on the

side and pops them into his mouth without a thought.

14.


16/37

The whole family look on in shocked amazement, watching as he

starts to chew the normally burning chillies.

JAKE

Nothing!

Disbelieving, Chris takes a couple also and throws them into his

mouth before starting to munch voraciously. Within seconds his

eyes widen as he leaps towards the sink with a burning mouth. In

pain he turns on the cold tap and starts to wash out his mouth

rubbing inside with his fingers. With no sympathy whatsoever,

the family burst into fits of laughter with Tim nearly falling

off his chair. Cassy can hardly breath as she points at her

brother. The shared laughter momentarily relieves the tensionthat had been building all morning and the family are together

again.

CUT TO:

EXT. BACK OF GARDEN. DAY

Rio the dog is sniffing around the newly dug earth at the side

of the shed where the bodies are buried. He whines and yelps a

bit before starting to paw at the clay. Then he quietens as he

starts to dig in earnest.

CUT TO:

I/E. TAXI CAB. DAY

Aunt Miriam and Ali, the Asian Taxi Driver, are having a heated

but convivial conversation. She sits forward in her seat to hear

his words more clearly.

15.


17/37

ALI

With all due respect Madam, you dont

understand or appreciate our

traditions and you dont understandour laws.

AUNT MIRIAM

I understand Sharia Law very well but

dont you think its unreasonable to

expect the people of this country to

allow another law to supercede their

own. You would never allow that in

your country, would you? And Iwouldnt even be allowed to be talk to

you in this manner would I?

ALI

Ha ha! That is where you are

mistaken...

AUNT MIRIAM

Im sorry Ali, but we will have tofinish this conversation another time

Im afraid. Were nearly there.

Ali nods and says nothing as if used to her idiosyncracies. As

Miriam sits back she seems to shrink and age. Her eyes go from

quick and alert to distant and confused as she assumes the

required traits and somehow changes into a completely different

looking woman.

CUT TO:

16.


18/37

INT. FRONT ROOM. DAY

Cassy and Tim sit at the windowsill looking out anxiously.

Suddenly Tim jumps up and runs to the doorway to the kitchen and

shouts excitedly.

TIM

Shes here!

Matty enters the room and looks out to where Cassy is pointing.

MATTY

Remember everyone... not a word to

Miriam or Judy when she gets here. And

try to eat something will you!

CUT TO:

EXT. ON THE DRIVEWAY OUTSIDE THE BENSON HOUSE. DAY

The taxi cab pulls up as Cassy runs to open the passenger door

excitedly.

CASSY

Nanny Miriam!

Matty extricates Cassy from Aunt Miriam and helps her out of the

taxi whilst Jake fishes in his pockets for money to pay. Unsure

if he can even be seen by the driver he approaches him gingerly.

JAKE

Um... hello there?

Ali looks at him with weary indifference as if every single

customer hes had that week has been a weirdo.

17.


19/37

Meanwhile Jake is moving about strangely, looking into his eyes

still trying to ascertain if he can be seen or not by anybody

but his family or another living being.

JAKE (CONTD)Could I pay for the ride please?

ALI

.... Yes, that is the customary

practice in such situations.

Jake smiles with relief and gives him an extra large tip to

which Ali looks at, but says not one word of thanks about,

before winding up his window and driving away. Tim has joined

his mother and Cassy in greeting Miriam and bringing her into

the house. Miriam seems a bit overwhelmed by the fanfare and

as the family all chat to her at once we get the impression

that she is slightly dotty and not all there mentally. Never

the less, the children hold onto one of her hands each and

both vie for her attention as she is bustled through the

front doorway.

CUT TO:

EXT. WOODS NEAR HOUSE. DAY

Chris and his girlfriend Judy are leaning against a tree and

kissing. Judy is fifteen years old with long brown hair and is

extremely pretty. The kissing gets more intense as Chris

attempts to take Judys jacket off her shoulders. Judy stops

suddenly and pulls away.

JUDY

No...

CHRIS

Whats wrong?

18.


20/37

JUDY

Nothing... (Long pause which implies

something is wrong).

CHRIS

Judy! We said no secrets.

JUDY

I know. Its just... Your mum wont

like us being late for lunch...

Sometimes I feel she doesnt like me

and I want her to like me but I think

she thinks Im just another one of

your girlfriends.

Chris remains silent and pulling away from her looks up at the

clouds, both sexually frustrated and unable to deal with the

emotional directness of the conversation he can sense unfolding.

He holds back a sigh and puts on his best listening face.

JUDY (CONTD)

I mean, just how serious are we Chris?

You say you love me but what does that

mean. Would you ever want us to live

together? Start a home together?

(Considered pause)... Maybe have a

baby together?

Chris reacts to this with an almost contemptuous snort.

CHRIS

Hold on baby! Dont you think its a

bit soon to be talking about houses

and babies and stuff..?

19.


21/37


22/37

Judy looks around the room sensing something is untoward but

having no comprehension why everyone has reacted do strangely to

Miriams comment. Miriam smiles knowingly but in an innocent

tone replies.

AUNT MIRIAM

The gas, from the cooker. Its like

the turkey at Christmas. It always

takes a bit longer to cook a meal on

Sunday afternoon because everyones

cooking at the same time.

The family are still a bit taken aback, unsure if their Aunt

somehow knows something and is having a laugh with them or is

merely spouting random, borderline senile statements. Jake

clears his throat in a vague attempt to clear the air.

JAKE

Miriam? You like the soft white meat

and a good bit of stuffing dont you.

AUNT MIRIAM

Oh yes. That sounds lovely. Any wine

at all?

CASSY

Theres your wine there in front of

you Nan. Here you are.

The family are used to Miriams laspses of reason so say nothing

and try to act as normal as possible. Jake turns to Judy and

somewhat overcome by her beauty, doesnt even realise he is

flirting with her.

21.


23/37

JAKE

And you Judy? You like the crispy skin

dont you and plenty of bacon. Is that

right dear?

Judy blushes and almost stammers.

JUDY

Thats right Mr. Benson.

JAKE

Please, please call me Jake. Its Jake

and Matty to you.

Mattys eyes narrow as she looks at her husband then turns to

Judy.

MATTY

Thats a lovely top youre wearing

there Judy.

JUDY

Thank you Mrs... Matty.

MATTY

It looks old. Where did you get it

from? A charity shop? Jumble sale?

Judy tries to ignore the undertones of bitchiness in Mattys

comment and answers her politely though slightly embarrassed

still.

JUDY

No, my Aunty gave it to me before she

died. She didnt have much but she

used to take care of her old clothes

and gave them all to me.

22.


24/37

MATTY

Lucky you were the same size... And

Chris? Where are you today?

Chris snaps out of his daydream and looks around the table in

confusion then to his mother.

CHRIS

Wha..?

JAKE

You like lots of everything dont you

Chris.

Jake piles the meat on the plate before handing it to him. Chris

doesnt even wait for the vegetables or the others to start

eating before attacking his food.

MATTY

Use a knife and fork darling please.

Matty smiles a tight smile at Judy leaving the girl confused and

a little hurt. After a few moments of strained silence, AuntMiriam leans forward and takes hold of Judys hand warmly

smiling to her.

AUNT MIRIAM

Dont worry love. Everythings going

to be alright.

Miriam then returns to placing carrots on her plate with no more

word of explanation. She whispers something under her breath

then appears surprised when she looks up and finds the room

staring at her. Judy blushes again as Chris and her look to each

other as if to say- how the hell does she know? Matty eyes them

both suspiciously but says nothing.

23.


25/37

TIM

You know, Im not particularly hungry

but it would be nice if someone here

noticed me once in a while. Maybe gaveme some food sometimes.

Jake and Matty realise they have not been trying hard enough to

appear normal, so jump into action, dishing out food and

generally being over polite to everyone.

MATTY

Sorry love, here you go.

TIM

Can I have some extra dark meat for

Sam?

His parents sigh resignedly but to keep the peace capitulate

just this once.

JAKE

Whatever Samuel wants, Samuel gets.

Aunt Miriam looks up and stares strangely at the space next to

Tim.

CASSY

Sams just Timmys.. (Quietly)

imaginary..(louder again) friend.

AUNT MIRIAM

(Almost sneering) Yes, I know who he

is and hes not welcome here.

Miriam holds the stare into space for a moment then returns to

her food smiling again as if nothing had been said. Matty

quietly sighs as if it was all getting a bit too much for her as

Jake smiles back at her bravely.

24.


26/37

JAKE

More wine anyone?

A chorus of glasses are over-enthusiastically raised as if

everyone is sensing the strangeness of the situation and wanting

some relief.

TIM

Sam says youre not welcome here. Sam

says youre not even part of the

family.

MATTY

Tim! How dare you talk to Aunt Miriam

like that!

Just then Cassy accidently spills her glass of milk over Tim.

Tim stands up quickly and we can see the milk has somehow not

touched his arm and passed straight through onto his chair and

the floor.

TIM

Its alright Cassy, you missed me.

Judy is now open mouthed, sure that the milk couldnt have

possibly missed him and shocked by the previous exchange of

words.

MATTY

Apologize to your Aunt this instant

then clean up that mess.

Appearing genuinely sorry whilst seeming confused as if it

wasnt really him that said the words that came out of his

mouth, Tim lowers his head and in a trembling tone mumbles.

TIM

Sorry Aunty Miriam.

25.


27/37

Miriam looks up from her plate completely bewildered. She

appears to not even know where she is.

AUNT MIRIAM

Whats that? Whos sorry...? Have we

had dessert yet?

Cassy strokes Miriams hand to calm and comfort her and the rest

of the room descend into silence. Chris appears to have missed

the whole incident though and after scraping his plate clean

looks up.

CHRIS

Any more of the breast left?

CUT TO:

EXT. GARDEN. LATER THE SAME DAY

The family are spread out sitting on chairs and blankets around

the patio and garden at the back of the house. Nearest the house

are Miriam and Matty, sat at the table drinking tea. Lying on

the grass away near them are Chris and Judy, ostensibly

sunbathing but really chatting and canoodling. Further from them

are Cassy and Tim playing tennis on a stick, whacking the ball

back and forth to each other. Then at the end of the garden we

can see Jake with his back to the house.

CUT TO:

EXT. BACK OF THE GARDEN. DAY

Jake pretending to be looking at the state of his hedges but is

really having a sneaky fag out of sight from the kids. He looks

tired and a bit stressed out at the days events and inhales on

his cigarette deeply.

26.


28/37


29/37

EXT. BACK OF THE GARDEN. DAY

Jake turns suddenly in surprise and stamps out his cigarette.

TIM

Smoking fags again? Mum wont be too

happy.

They look at each other for a while each waiting for the other

to speak first.

TIM (CONTD)

But she doesnt really need to find

out does she?... Does she?

A look of realisation dawns on Jakes face.

JAKE

No she doesnt Timmy. Now, what do I

have to do to make sure that doesnt

happen?

Tim smiles innocently then looks heavenward for inspiration.

TIM

Well....

CUT TO:

EXT. MIDDLE OF THE GARDEN. DAY

Chris and Judy are lying in a huddle whispering to each other soas not to be overheard. Judy keeps pulling at the hem of her

skirt as they speak.

CHRIS

I know my family are weird but theyre

not bad people.

28.

(MORE)


30/37

Well, Tim can be really nasty

sometimes but thats not him, thats

Sam.

Judy looks at him askance.

JUDY

What his imaginary friend!?

She realises her volume increase so starts to whisper again.

JUDY (CONT'D)

I mean, how weird is that? And whys

your mum so off with me all the time?

Whatve I done to her? And Cassy

doesnt even look at me never mind

speak to me. And your Dads just...

too friendly. And what was all that

with your Aunt? Its like... I dont

know. Its just freaky.

Chris looks back to the house to see if anyone can hear them.

CHRIS

Aunt Miriams always been weird. Well,

shes not really an Aunt. Or even

related to my mum, shes just always

been around. But since she went a bit

funny in the head over the last couple

of years, you never know whats going

on with her. Sometimes its like shes

away with the fairies and other times

its like... she can see into your

soul.

Judy looks at him slightly surprised by his eloquence and smiles

at him proudly.

29.

CHRIS (CONT'D)


31/37

JUDY

See, nobody knows you like I do. The

sensitive side of you that sees

things. I think youd make a greatdad.

Chris flashes a look of worry then recovers in time as Judy

turns her face to look at him again.

CHRIS

Whatever it takes, we can do this

together.

They stare into each others eyes for a moment then their faces

closen and they kiss.

CUT TO:

EXT. PATIO OF BACK GARDEN. DAY

Aunt Miriam is enjoying sitting in the sun drinking tea with

Matty who is looking at Chris and Judy thoughtfully.

AUNT MIRIAM

Weve started a bridge club at the

residential home.

MATTY

Yes, I know Miriam. With Suzanne and

Tom and whats her face?

AUNT MIRIAMYes, Whats her face. (Trying to

remember) Whats her face is very

friendly. Very nice. She lent me her

piano one time.

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32/37

Matty looks at her aunt with a combination of sadness and

tenderness, with a hint of a wry smile as if trying to work her

out.

MATTY

Miriam... Aunt Miriam? What did you

mean earlier when you told Judy it

would all be alright? And what was

that about Tims imaginary friend? It

was like you knew him or something.

But Miriam has gone again, lost in the daze of her fragmented

memories. She eventually turns back to Matty, smiling without a

worry in the world.

AUNT MIRIAM

I must get back soon. Its Coronation

Street omnibus on a Sunday night with

bakewell tart. Can you call my taxi

man. It is Sunday isnt it, dear?

Matty knows shes not going to get anything else out of her aunt

today so smiling, picks up her mobile from the table.

MATTY

Its on speed dial.

Matty waits as her mobile dials the number and looks again at

Judy and Chris.

CUT TO:

EXT. MATTYS POV OF MIDDLE OF THE GARDEN. DAY

Judy and Chris are kissing and giggling. They are obviously very

much in love.

CUT TO:

31.


33/37


Matty breathes out then slowly allows herself to smile. There is

a click as the phone is answered on the other end of the line.

MATTY

Hello. Can I have a taxi please...?

CUT TO:

EXT. BACK OF GARDEN. DAY

Tim and Jake stand facing each other.

TIM

So its agreed then?

Jake takes his time before nodding slowly, looking like hes

been had at the wrong end of a hard bargain. Tim spits on his

hand and they both solemnly shake hands before Tim turns and

runs back to his sister and the tennis pole game where she has

been waiting impatiently. Immediately, Jake turns around andpeers upwards at the window where the woman had been smoking. He

sighs unhappily and we know she has gone. He waits for a few

seconds just in case she reappears until his wife calls him.

MATTY

Jake! Jake! Miriam has to go now!

He pops a mint in his mouth before heading to her.

CUT TO:

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I/E. FRONT DOOR OF HOUSE. DAY

Matty, Cassy and Tim wave goodbye to Miriam as the taxi pulls

off. Matty heads out into the drive and mouths to Miriam that

she will visit her during the week.

CUT TO:

INT. CHRISS BEDROOM. DAY

Chris is on his hands and knees and pushing cans and bedroom

rubbish out of the way. Pulling up the rug in front of his bed

he picks at a loose floor board and finally managing to pry it

open, pulls out a plastic bag. Then with his back to camera we

see the movement of his arms as he appears to be filling it with

something. He then replaces the floor board and rug and stands

to head downstairs again.

CUT TO:


As Jake, Tim and Cassy play further down the garden Matty

watches Chris and Judy as she gathers her things to leave.

MATTY

Judy! Are you going love?

Judy simply nods wary of Matty.

MATTY (CONTD)Come sit here for a minute before you

go.

Nervously Judy sits next to her and says nothing at first.

33.


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36/37

MATTY (CONTD)

See you soon.

CUT TO:

EXT. DOORWAY TO HOUSE FROM GARDEN. DAY

Judy and Chris are holding hands walking away from Matty.

CHRIS

What the hell was all that about?

But Judy feigns ignorance and shrugs her shoulders as they enter

the house.

CUT TO:

INT. FRONT ROOM. NIGHT

The family are watching a wildlife program on TV together having

a cup of tea. Tim is asleep leaning against Matty as Jake looks

at the TV guide and Cassy texts someone on her phone. The front

door opens and Chris walks in and says nothing.

MATTY

Well, hello to you too.

Still he says nothing and grabbing the biscuits from the floor,

collapses down onto the sofa next to Cassy who groans at the

intrusion. Thirty seconds pass and Jake looks up at his wife.

While the rest of the family are occupied they stare at each

other for some time. At first with uncertainty until they both

slowly begin to smile, knowing that everything will be alright.

END

35.


37/37

36.

dead ends - pilot ep for returning series. unmade & available to option by ray & des brady

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