glee spec script - "spotlight"

7/21/2019 Glee Spec Script - "Spotlight"

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TEASER

INT. MCKINLEY HALLWAY - MORNING

EMMA is walking down the busy hallway, heels clacking onthe linoleum. WILL emerges from an intersecting hall and

joins her.

WILL You ready for Teen Mentor Week?Emma bounces.

EMMA Ive got my brochures, Ive got my door open, and Ive finally scraped all the wads of chewed gum off the underside of my desk.She shudders at the thought. SUE appears beside them,

falling in step. Shes chewing gum. Blows a large

bubble.

SUE That sounds unfortunate, Norma. You should probably lock your office at night. WILL Can we help you, Sue? SUE Oh, I just wanted to see if you two were prepared to get your soft, unsculpted rear ends handed to you this week.Will rolls his eyes.

EMMA For Teen Mentor Week? WILL Mentoring kids is not a competition, Sue.

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CONTINUED: SUE Of course it isnt. Not when Im up against Lord and Lady Sad Sack of Incompetence Manor. Thisll be cake.She parts, popping a large bubble with her teeth.

WILL I thought we didnt assign her any kids this year. EMMA We didnt.Will and Emma exit. SANTANA and BRITTANY walk through,on their cell phones.

SANTANA We had Coach Sylvester last year. She took us to some freak-ass hunting lodge and set us loose in the woods with only a knife. BRITTANY I killed a boar. And then I cried.A JOCK passes by, looks Brittany up and down, and wolf

whistles. Santana instantly glares at him.

SPLIT SCREEN CUT TO:

TINA walks with MIKE, cell phone to her ear. MERCEDES is

on the other line.

TINA Ive got Mr. Schue for a mentor. Oh god, hes going to make me try a rap song. Do you think I could pull off cornrows? MERCEDES Im gonna pretend you never asked that.

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CONTINUED:

All five converge in front of a door to the outside. It

opens. QUINN and RACHEL try to walk through at the same

time. They stop, and look at one another.

Quinn rolls her eyes, and walks through first, letting

the door fall. Rachel catches it, and follows. They

part.

The five-way phone callers all stare at them. Awkward.

The BELL RINGS.

END TEASER - TITLE

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ACT ONE

INT. TEACHERS LOUNGE - LATER

MRS. STURGILL, an imposing woman, staples a piece ofpaper to a bulletin board. It reads:

MCKINLEY HIGH DRAMA DEPARTMENT PRESENTS: THE SOUND OF

MUSIC. COUNTY-WIDE AUDITIONS THIS THURSDAY.

SUE sits at a table, suspiciously eying Sturgill as she

flips absentmindedly through a hunting supply catalog.

SUE(incredulously)

Do you teach at this school? STURGILL Drama teacher, Sue. Evelyn Sturgill. Ive been here for forty years. You tried to shut down my 1999 production of Camelot. SUE Ive never seen you before in my life. And that play is offensive - almost as offensive as your outfit right now.Sturgill exits in a huff, passing WILL as he enters,

checking his mailbox.

Sue has busied herself with her catalog, and doesnt look

up. She licks a finger and calmly turns the page.

SUE By the way, Will, its your ineffectual Glee kids Ill be taking under my impressive wing this week.Will stops in his tracks.

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WILL Whats your angle, Sue?Sue looks up at him. Smiles. Rolls up the magazine.

SUE No angle, William. I just think its high time your little band of mouth-breathers had a chance to learn from someone whos a little more experienced in the art of being excellent.Will rolls his eyes. Sue ignores him.

SUE (CONTD) As such, Ill be co-opting your Choir of Runny-Nosed Misfits this week and showing them what a real mentor looks like. WILL Nice try, Sue, but youre not a designated mentor this year -Sue stands, takes a swig of her protein shake, and exitsmid-sentence.

SUE It looks like a cat vomited on your head today, William.INT. EMMAS OFFICE - LATER

EMMA sits at her carefully organized desk, hands folded.

EMMA Okay, so lets discuss how I can help you with some of your problems this week. Feel free to open up to me, and tell me whatever is on your mind, or troubling you.

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CONTINUED:

She beams.

MERCEDES Im concerned that if you try and solve everyones problems, Kurt and I wont have anything to gossip about. EMMA Oh.CUT TO:

FINN I just feel like Ive got all these bottled-up emotions. And Im all confused, and its like life is really messing with my head right now, yknow? EMMA (beat) Maybe we should switch you to Mr. Schue.CUT TO:

SANTANA Im not sure you understood me the first nine times I told you: I dont have problems.Emma frowns.

CUT TO:

BRITTANY I think Im going to fail my math test this week. EMMA Oh! Well, I can help you with that. Why dont you find someone who can tutor you?

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BRITTANY My cat left me a note in my diary. She said I had to try and pass a test on my own for once. But Im scared. EMMA Its okay to ask for help, Brittany. Why dont you ask one of your fellow Glee clubbers? Maybe you could sing a song about it.She chuckles at her own wit. Brittany looks at her like

shes stupid. Emma gets back on track.

EMMA (CONTD) Set a goal for yourself. Whats your grade in geometry right now?Brittany thinks.

BRITTANY 37. But that's not counting the extra credit coloring assignments I turned in. Im really banking on those.Emma blinks, and clears her throat.

EMMA Okay, so maybe a good plan is to try for a D. And keep working on extra credit... opportunities, and you can bring your grade up. But your first step is to find a tutor. Ask around. Im sure someone will be willing to help you.Suddenly, SUE barges in the door.

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CONTINUED:

SUE Sorry Im late, Elmer. Brit. What seems to be the trouble?She sits down. Emma tries to discourage her.

BRITTANY Im failing math. SUE Well, thats not news, B. Ill just put in the good word with your math teacher like always.CUT TO:

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - DAY

SUE and A DIMINUTIVE MAN IN A SWEATER VEST are standing

underneath the bleachers. Next to Sue is a human-sized

container of protein powder.

DIMINUTIVE MAN A lifetime supply? SUE(smirking) I have an endorsement. DIMINUTIVE MAN Ill do anything! SUE Passing math grades for Brittany S. Pierce.The man nods furiously. They shake on it.

Sue walks away, smirking. The man bear-hugs the comically

large bottle in a futile attempt to carry it. Sue doesnt

turn back to help.

CUT BACK TO:

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CONTINUED:

INT. EMMAS OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

Emma frowns, quickly intervening.

EMMA Sue. Brittanys going to find a tutor, and see if she can bring her grade up through studying. SUE Well, thats not going to work. Ive had to bend over backwards to get her the grades she needs to stay on the Cheerios squad. Ill have you know, man-sized containers of protein powder dont just grow on trees. BRITTANY I dont want you to cheat for me, Coach. I want to pass the test on my own. SUE Well, go ahead and try, B. But I guarantee you, youre going to be grateful for my connections when I get you that A anyways.Brittany frowns. Emma begins to say something, but Sue

stands.

Sue exits into the hallway. She casually slaps a

breakfast burrito out of FINNs hands as he passes.

SUE (CONTD) Your arteries will thank me, Dough Boy!INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

SUE pushes past TINA, who dodges to avoid her. She hits

a bulletin board, accidentally ripping off a piece of

paper.

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CONTINUED:

Tina picks it up, looking down at it.

Its the SOUND OF MUSIC AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENT.

A grin spreads over her face. She smoothes out the

paper, folds it, and puts it in her pocket.

INT. SUES OFFICE - DAY

SUE sits at her desk, feet up, glasses on the end of her

nose. She has a needle and thread, embroidering.

There is a KNOCK at the door. BECKY pokes her head in.

BECKY I have your 2:30 appointment here, Coach. SUE Send them in, Becky.She sits up, setting down her needlepoint. QUINN and

RACHEL try and enter at the same time, then stop. Quinn

goes first.

SUE (CONTD) Come in, ladies. Sit.Rachel and Quinn obey, slightly puzzled. Sue removes her

glasses: to business.

RACHEL Coach Sylvester, isnt Principal Figgins our assigned mentor? SUE I believe he was, Short Round. But Im running interception. You spend your days in the padded walls of failure better known as William Schuesters Glee Club. (MORE)

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CONTINUED:

SUE (CONTD) Figgins couldnt help you with your problems even if he got all of Oprahs inner circle to sit you down on national television.Rachel and Quinn share a Look.

SUE (CONTD) Now. Its come to my attention that you two have more public drama than the Clinton Administration. Shared boyfriends, cheating, insults, lies... and the worst part is, everybody sees it. The light shining on you two is brighter than the bulbs in Liberaces tanning bed. Now, I know a thing or two about public feuding - Ive long had issues with forgiving Kirstie Alley. But its not 1995 anymore, and the Olsen twins got the brunt of that success anyways.She trails off, a far-off look in her eyes. QUINN Coach Sylvester?Sue snaps back to attention.

QUINN (CONTD) Do you have a point? SUE As a matter of fact, Q, I do. You two are constantly in the high school spotlight for an embarrassment of girl squabbles. Its humiliating, and a waste of perfectly good ambition. (MORE)

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CONTINUED: SUE (CONTD) Now, I know what youre thinking. Sue Sylvester has many enemies. But after awhile you have to ask yourself. Are your enemies standing between you and your goals, or is it just your own self? So, Kirstie and I are now e-mailing. Shes forgiven me for switching out her weight-loss bars, which, by the way, cant be proven in a court of law, and Im doing a little needlepoint for her godchildren.She gestures at her desk, grinning. Rachel and Quinn

stare at her, dumbfounded. Sues grin fades to a scowl.

SUE (CONTD) Well, I gave it a shot, and now I cant even pretend to care about this anymore. I have other singing boxcar urchins to deal with. Shut the door on your way out.Quinn rises as Sue picks up her needlepoint. Rachel

hesitates, opens her mouth to say something, but opts

against it.

She follows Quinn out. Quinn drops the door on her.

INT. AUDITORIUM - DAY

Tina stands on the empty stage, in front of empty seats.

Takes a breath. Smiles coyly... And begins to sing I HAVE

CONFIDENCE.

She moves quickly and vivaciously across the stage,

pouring her heart into every gesture, note, and

expression.

As she hits the final high note, beaming, a slow clap

breaks her concentration.

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CONTINUED:

WILL descends from the back of the auditorium.

WILL Youve come a long way since I tried to give you the solo in Tonight.Tina smiles bashfully.

TINA I care about this, Mr. Schue. I really want this part. WILL Of Maria? (beat) Im proud of you, Tina. And I want you to dream big, and go after what you want. But are you sure this is such a good idea?Tina crosses her arms.

TINA(challenging) Why wouldnt it be?

WILL Come on, you know why. Youre not the... classic Maria type. TINA Because Im Asian? Mr. Schue, you let Kurt sing Defying Gravity and hes not a girl. WILL Yeah, well, Kurt also wasnt dressing up in green paint and suspending himself from the rafters for the performance. He just sang the song. He didnt play the part.Tina frowns. Will sighs. A moment of impasse.

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CONTINUED:

WILL (CONTD) I just dont want to see you disappointed. TINA Look, I appreciate it, Mr. Schue. But Im tired of being in the background. I want to be onstage, front and center, and no one seems to notice that.She shrugs, and smiles good-naturedly.

TINA (CONTD) Its time to be noticed.Will smiles back, and squeezes her shoulder.

WILL Youre gonna knock em dead. Want me to help you with your yodeling?Tina laughs, and returns to the stage.

INT. HALLWAY - DAY

QUINN walks up to her locker, where she finds RACHEL

holding out a pre-calc book.

QUINN What are you doing? RACHEL Youre not the only one that can break into lockers, you know.Quinn eyes her, grabs the book, and starts walking down

the busy hall. Rachel follows, hurrying to match pace.

RACHEL Look, Quinn. (MORE)

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CONTINUED:

RACHEL (CONTD) I dont know your feelings about this hostility, but I happen to agree with Ms. Sylvester. I dont like that the whole school sees us as enemies. QUINN Arent we, though?Rachel stops abruptly, grabbing Quinn by the elbow and

yanking her back.

RACHEL No. QUINN Well then, what are we, Rachel? Please, enlighten me. RACHEL Friends. Two jealous people who got caught up in boyfriend trouble and baby drama. Teenage girls that are just trying to find their way and worrying too much about what other people think of them.Quinn scowls. Rachel has struck a nerve.

RACHEL (CONTD) Do a duet with me in Glee club. Maybe if we work towards a common goal - QUINN This is really not an option, Rachel. (beat) Sorry.Quinn unhinges her elbow from Rachels grasp and walks

away. Rachel frowns, sighs, and turns in the other

direction.

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COMMERCIAL

INT. LIBRARY - DAY

BRITTANY I really need someone to tutor me.CUT TO:

PUCK Brit, let me just steal the answer key for you.CUT TO:

ARTIE Halo marathon. Sorry.CUT TO:

RACHEL I would, Brittany, but Im currently trying to coerce Quinn into doing a duet with me for Glee Club so we can finally put our differences to rest. Youd think after all that Ive done to show that -Brittanys eyes glaze over.

SMASH CUT TO:

QUINN I cant, Brit, Im busy avoiding Rachel. Shes trying to make us duet for Glee Club and all my energy is devoted to making that nothappen. I swear, its like -Brittany nods politely.

SMASH CUT TO:

SANTANA If you get an A, do we get a gift certificate to Breadstix?

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CONTINUED:

CUT TO:

FINN Id love to help, Brittany, but you do realize my GPA is about as bad as yours, right?CUT TO:

LAUREN I bet Puckerman would steal the answers for you if you asked. Just be careful what he wants in terms of... payment.CUT TO:

INT. LIBRARY - CONTINUOUS

This leaves Brittany sitting in front of Mercedes.

MERCEDES Nobody said yes?Brittany shakes her head no.

MERCEDES (CONTD) Well, I guess I can help. Itll be like a fun game to test my patience. BRITTANY(relieved) Thank you, Mercedes. This is really gonna help me.

MERCEDES I cant believe that Santana didnt even say yes, though.PAN to reveal SANTANA sitting next to Brittany, a sneer

painted across her face.

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SANTANA Hey hey hey, Weezy. I never said I wouldnt help. I just asked if there would be Breadstix involved. Who do you think helps Brit get through all her other classes? MERCEDES I always assumed she slept with the teachers.Santanas mouth falls open in outrage. Brittany averts

her eyes, staring at her lap.

SANTANA Uh, excuse you, Moby Dick, but if thats the game youre gonna play, then we say good day to you.She tries to tug Brittany up by the sleeve. Brittany

stays put.

BRITTANY(mumbling) Everybody thinks that.

Santana freezes. Theres a brief silence.

MERCEDES I didnt mean it like that, Brit. BRITTANY Look, everybody knows Im super talented at dancing and singing and removing underwear with my teeth, but nobody ever listens to anything I have to say.Santana and Mercedes just stare at her.

BRITTANY (CONTD) I just want to pass a test. One math test.

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CONTINUED:

Santana looks expectantly from Brittany to Mercedes,

eyebrows raised.

MERCEDES Alright, lets do this.Brittany beams.

INT. HALLWAY - LATER

QUINN fiddles with the padlock on her locker. Opens it,

puts a book away, and pulls out a bright purple folder

with a gold star on it. She looks at it, bewildered.

INT. GLEE CLUB CLASSROOM - CONTINUOUS

RACHEL is standing at the piano, marking a piece of sheet

music. The rest of the club is assembled in their seats,

chatting.

QUINN storms in, dropping the purple folder in front of

Rachel.

QUINN What is this?Rachel doesnt look up from her work. She nudges the

folder out of her line of sight and continues making

notes.

RACHEL Its the sheet music for our duet. Were performing on Wednesday.Quinn stares at her, speechless. Rachel meets her gaze.

RACHEL (CONTD) Ive already arranged it with Mr. Schuester. He thinks its a great idea. Looks like youre stuck with me, Quinn.

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CONTINUED:

Rachel picks up her own copy of the music and sits in her

seat next to Mercedes. Quinn follows suit.

QUINN(mumbling) Fantastic.

END ACT ONE

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ACT TWO

INT. HALLWAY - THE NEXT DAY

TINA is drinking at the water fountain. SUE walks up.

SUE Tina Cohen-Loser. Come with me.Tina reluctantly follows.

TINA Thats not my name, Ms. Sylvester. SUE I know, I know. I just thought we were at the point in our friendship where we could be honest with one another, you know? Is that a new pair of gloves?Tina is baffled.

Sue leads them in front of an oversize trophy case.

SUE (CONTD) You see these trophies?Tina nods.

SUE (CONTD) Every single one of them is a cheerleading trophy. Ive never won anything else. In the early 90s, I went on an auditioning spree in Hollywood. I was young and naive then, with far-off dreams of winning Emmys and Oscars. Not a Tony, though. Tonys are gay. But every casting agent told me I was wrong for the part. (MORE)

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SUE (CONTD) I was too intelligent for Baywatch, too young for Golden Girls, too white for Family Matters... too human for Duck Tales. It was devastating. But I told myself that no matter what, I would set myself up for success based on ability, and not looks. And thats how I became a world- renowned cheerleading coach. Because theres nothing Im better at than leadership, unless you count my uncanny ability to fit into the air conditioning vents. TINA Why are you telling me this? SUE Youre not going to get that part. Theyre going to tell you that youre not skinny enough, not Caucasian enough, and certainly not leading lady enough. So save yourself the heartbreak, and try something you know you can achieve. Get yourself a trophy. Good talk.She claps Tina on the back and saunters off, checking the

screws on a vent before disappearing around a corner.

Tina eyes Sues trophies and bites her lip, faith shaken.

INT. SUES OFFICE - LATER

WILL barges into Sues office without knocking. SUE

stands over a WHIRRING blender. She shuts it off; grins

at her visitor.

SUE Hey, Will!

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CONTINUED:

Will begins to speak, but Sue turns on the blender again,

a gleeful smile on her face as the WHIRRING drowns out

his voice. He sighs, impatient. Sue switches it off.

SUE (CONTD) Sorry, buddy. Gotta get my protein. Hows uh, hows Mentor Week going for you?She smiles ingratiatingly again. Will is not amused.

WILL Sue, did you tell Tina not to audition for The Sound of Music? SUE Well, I dont know if Id quite word it like that, William. Id say that I did her a favor and saved her a waste of hard work and heartache. Youd know something about that, as a failed performer yourself, right buddy? WILL I thought I told you to stay away from my Glee kids this week. SUE You know, Will, I think maybe your hair products are slipping through to that Teflon brain of yours, because I dont remember it quite like that either. I told you Id humiliate you, and I walked away. WILL Sue, I dont go to any of your Cheerios and give them advice behind your back.Sue scoffs at the idea.

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CONTINUED:

SUE Of course not! You dont have to. Face it, Will, your kids are born lemons, and you, being a lemon yourself, are the least suited to bring them to their full capacity of success. Im doing them a favor. WILL Who else have you talked to?Sue feigns thinking, creating a mental tally.

SUE Pretty much all of them. Although Beistes kids didnt really need my assistance.WHIP TO:

INT. WRESTLING MATCH - EVENING

A COSTUMED BURLY DUDE flips his OPPONENT, slamming him on

his back. He roars in triumph.

In the crowd, COACH BEISTE cheers. She offers herpopcorn to SAM, whos sitting next to her. He grins,

takes it, and passes it along the line to PUCK, LAUREN,

and ARTIE. SUE sits between Artie and a SCREAMING

REDNECK WITH FACE PAINT. Shes ignored.

WHIP BACK TO:

INT. SUES OFFICE - DAY

SUE My maid couldnt get the flecks of blood and shame out of my favorite tracksuit. Despicable. WILL Look, Sue, I appreciate you taking an interest. (MORE)

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WILL (CONTD) But youre wrong about Tina. Shes going to audition for that musical, and shes going to get the part.Sue stands. Walks right in front of him. Stares him down.

SUE You know what, William? I hope youre right. But no theater production is going to let an Asian girl play Maria, and we both know it. Now get out of my office. I cant think in here with all the failure and naivet clouding the air.Will opens his mouth, but he is cut off. Behind Sue, the

blender suddenly starts WHIRRING again.

Smirking, she holds up a remote control in her hand.

COMMERCIAL

INT. RACHELS BEDROOM - AFTER SCHOOL

QUINN is perusing Rachels record collection as RACHEL

shuffles through her sheet music.

RACHEL So, there are definitely parts where well each sing the lead, but most of it actually will be both of us singing in harmony.Quinn doesnt respond.

RACHEL (CONTD)(wary) So... well just switch who takes which harmony.

She hands Quinn the papers.

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CONTINUED:

QUINN Who knew you were such a fan of country music?Rachel ignores her.

RACHEL Try not to let my voice overpower yours.Quinn rolls her eyes in amused annoyance.

MUSIC CUE: EVERYBODY KNOWS

Rachel begins to sing. Then Quinn.

CUT TO: MONTAGE

INT. HALLWAY - DAY

QUINN and RACHEL stand at opposite ends of the hallway.

Both are in a crowd of students, all of whom turn to look

at the girls. They move towards one another slowly, as

the crowd dissipates. Soon they are alone, but still

with a distance between them.

INT. AUDITORIUM - CONTINUOUS

QUINN and RACHEL stand on stage, sharing a single

spotlight and a single microphone. No one is watching.

Rachel smiles at Quinn, who affords a small smile back.

INT. GLEE CLUB CLASSROOM - CONTINUOUS

QUINN and RACHEL sit on stools in front of the Glee Club

as they finish the song. Their peers applaud.

They share a grin.

INT. LIBRARY - AFTER SCHOOL

BRITTANY sits at a table, next to SANTANA and across from

MERCEDES. A math book lays open before them. Santana is

filing her nails, bored.

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MERCEDES So geometry is just a lot of shapes, Brittany. Just pictures. And were going to look at the pictures to try and understand them.Brittany nods, brightly. MERCEDES (CONTD) Okay, so if you want to find out how long each of these lines are, you need to use this equation. BRITTANY(reading) A, little-two-in-the-air, plus B little-two-in-the-air, equals C little-two-in-the-air.Mercedes looks at Santana, who shrugs.

MERCEDES Uh, squared. That means you multiply the number by itself. BRITTANY Isnt that like... incest?Mercedes opens her mouth, but decides to move forward.

MERCEDES Okay, so if this side of the triangle is three inches, we need to multiply it by three. So how much would that be? BRITTANY Eight. Two threes equals eight.Mercedes looks at Santana again. Santana stops filing.

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SANTANA If you write them down and face them together, two threes look like one eight.Brittany grins. Mercedes takes a deep breath.

MERCEDES Oh my god. Maybe we should uh, call it a day. Take a break. Dont you guys have Cheerios practice now, anyways?Santana looks at Brittany.

BRITTANY Im not going. I want to keep working. Show me again.Mercedes shares a worried look with Santana, who shrugs.

Brittany pushes the book in front of Mercedes, who

reluctantly resumes instruction.

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - CONTINUOUS

THE CHEERIOS are jogging laps.

SUE stands, feet firmly beneath her, a scowl on her face.

The Cheerios all run past her. Contempt cracks through

her expression.

She knows exactly whos missing.

INT. SUES OFFICE - THE NEXT DAY

SUE is bent over her journal, peering at a list of theGlee kids nicknames. She forcefully crosses out ASIAN

and OTHER ASIAN.

MERCEDES steps into the office. Sue abruptly gestures

for her to sit, slamming her diary shut.

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MERCEDES You wanted to see me, Coach? SUE Oh, Aretha. You have trifled with the wrong Sue Sylvester.Mercedes blinks.

SUE (CONTD) Let me tell you a little something about our dear, sweet, stupid Brittany. Shes dumber than dirt. And yknow what? Thats fine. Everybodys got their strengths and their weaknesses - not me, Ive pretty much only got strengths - but that girls strength is on the Cheerio Squad. And I work hard to keep her there.Mercedes stares at her. Sue narrows her eyes.

SUE (CONTD) But imagine my surprise when Brittany throws that all away for a tutoring session. Look, I dont care what Brittany chooses to do with her soft, underdeveloped brain when shes not cheerleading. But I resent the fact that shes throwing away the one thing shes good at to beat her head against a wall. Shes going to fail that math test, and Im going to have to step in to keep her on the Cheerios, which should have been her first choice in the first place.Mercedes boggles.

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MERCEDES Hold up. Are you saying you rig Brittanys GPA? SUE Dont be so naive, Barbecue. Of course I rig Brittanys GPA. MERCEDES Does Brittany know about this? SUE Of course. Although it took some convincing at first. It was Santanas idea. She came to me when B got her first F, and I was more than happy to exercise my power and keep a winning team. I fail to see how you arent comprehending this. MERCEDES Santana? It was Santanas idea?INT. HALLWAY DAY - CONTINUOUS

SANTANA is standing at her locker, applying lipgloss.

Suddenly, her locker door SLAMS SHUT, revealing MERCEDES

on the other side. She is scowling. Santana grins.

SANTANA Whats up, Chunky? MERCEDES What the hell, Santana? You had me busting my ass trying to help Brittany pass this test, when you had already gone and pulled strings with Sylvester? Is it fun messing with me like that? SANTANA Im sorry; have you met me? Im Santana.

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She extends her hand condescendingly to Mercedes.

SANTANA (CONTD) Ive got a killer voice, a bangin bod, and I stop at nothing to get what I want. If you dont know this by now, perhaps we should consider finding you a tutor.Santana turns and starts walking. Mercedes follows her.

MERCEDES Santana, its cheating. SANTANA I dont care. MERCEDES And Brittany knows that this is how shes been able to stay on the Cheerios all this time? SANTANA Of course she does. Shes not stupid. MERCEDES I cannot believe you. Im done. Why should I waste my time trying to help Brittany the honest way when you guys are just going to manipulate everyone around you to get what you want?Santana stops suddenly, eyes narrowing as she turns to

glare down her opponent.

SANTANA Lets get a few things straight, 227. If I recall correctly, I skipped Cheerios practice too yesterday. (MORE)

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SANTANA (CONTD) Thats my ass on the line, just as much as Brits. But you? Youre only helping Brittany because you basically called her a slut and now you feel guilty about it. So dont try and get all high-and-mighty with me, okay? I help Brittany because I want her to be happy. Sure, shes not the brightest sparkle in the sun - MERCEDES Yesterday she asked me if Pythagoras was a snake. SANTANA - but shes the best Cheerio on the squad, and as far as Im concerned everybodys gotta be good at something, okay? And you know what? If Brittany wants to try and get a good grade on her own so that some people wont think shes a slut, well then Im going to risk Cheerios for that. Because Ive never called Brittany a slut. Got that?She turns and walks away, leaving Mercedes speechless.

COMMERCIAL


Music plays. TINA and MIKE are gliding across the stage.

MIKE Step, hop. Step, hop. And... under.Tina stumbles, and yells in frustration.

TINA Maybe this is a bad idea.

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MIKE No, you were getting it! Lets just try it again.He grabs Tinas hands and puts them back in hold. Tina

resists, and drops her arms.

TINA I dont mean that. Maybe I just shouldnt audition. Everyone seems to think I shouldnt do it. MIKE Well, they just dont have enough faith in you. TINA Mike, all the characters in The Sound of Music have blond hair and blue eyes. Kurt looks more like Maria than me. MIKE So? Just because its never been done before doesnt mean that it shouldnt be done at all. If you want to play that part, you should audition, no matter what you look like. And if youre the best - which I know you will be, then, youll get it.Tina avoids his eyes. Mike grabs her hands again, and

smiles at her earnestly. Forces her to meet his gaze.

MIKE If you want to do it, you should do it.Theres a pause. Tina considers. Then,

TINA Im gonna do it.

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CONTINUED:

They hug. He kisses her cheek. She smiles.

INT. STAIRWELL - DAY

QUINN heads down the stairs. RACHEL catches up to her.

RACHEL(enthusiastically) Hello, Quinn!

QUINN Hi. RACHEL I was thinking. After the fair amount of success we experienced with our duet this week, we might consider doing it again for Regionals. QUINN

(guardedly) Oh, really?CUT TO:

INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

BRITTANY holds her binder close to her chest as she

nervously makes her way down the hall.

MERCEDES, from her locker, spots her. She decidedly shuts

the locker door, takes a deep breath, and approaches the

other girl, readying herself with a smile.

MERCEDES(brightly) Its the big day!

Brittany bites her lip, nodding.

MERCEDES (CONTD) Youll be fine. (MORE)

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CONTINUED:

MERCEDES (CONTD) Just remember your equations, and youll be great. Its just pictures, remember?Brittany nods again. Mercedes pats her shoulder

encouragingly.

MERCEDES (CONTD) You can do this.CUT TO:


BLONDE after BLONDE stand in a queue, doing vocal warm-

ups. TINA is at the end of it, trying not to look at the

Caucasians surrounding her.

CUT TO:


SANTANA walks up next to BRITTANY and MERCEDES.

SANTANA Listen to Bubbachub, Brit. Youre gonna do great. Dont sweat it.She gives Mercedes a harsh look, and parts. Mercedes

gives Brittanys shoulder one last reassuring squeeze and

exits in the opposite direction.

CUT TO:


TINA takes a deep breath. She is a dark spot, dressed in

black against a long line of dirndls and blonde heads.

CUT TO:

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CONTINUED:


RACHEL and QUINN emerge from the stairwell and into the

busy hallway. Quinn is walking briskly. Rachel tries tokeep pace.

RACHEL I was thinking perhaps we could do a more emotional duet. I found the music for Mother and Child Reunion by Paul Simon and I thought itd be a - a fitting and unexpected duet for our voices. Especially considering what happened last year at Regionals.Quinn rounds on her quickly, a snarl on her face. Rachel

has struck a nerve.

QUINN I dont understand why you feel the need to keep harassing me like this, Care Bear. No one wants to be your friend, so you can just stop trying. We have nothing in common - nothing - and I dont want to sing another stupid duet with you.Rachel stops in her tracks, lip trembling. Everyone has

stopped, and is staring. Quinn powers on, and bumps into

Brittany, whos pacing outside her classroom door.

Brittany startles.

QUINN (CONTD)(yelling) Oh my god, Brittany, just go

inside and take the damn test! I dont know who you think youre fooling, though, because its not going to change anything. Youre still going to be a slut. (MORE)

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CONTINUED:

QUINN (CONTD) Im still a bitch; youre still a slut, and youre dumber than ever if you think that one little test is going to change that!Quinn stalks off, students jumping away from her as she

barrels through the crowd.

Brittany and Rachel stand in the hallway, holding back

tears. They lock eyes. Rachel holds up a hand: a hello.

Brittany ducks her head and finally enters the classroom.


The auditorium is empty, save for MRS. STURGILL, sitting

squarely in the middle of the expanse. She shuffles her

notes, peering at the pages. She squints.

STURGILL Tina Cohen- ...Chang?TINA steps tentatively out from the wings, walking up to

the microphone. She grins.

TINA Hi. Im auditioning for the part of Maria, and Ill be singing I Have Confidence.She clears her throat and takes a breath, smoothing her

hands over her skirt.

STURGILL Im sorry; youre auditioning for Maria?Tina stares; tries to recompose herself.

TINA Yes.The stern woman smiles condescendingly at her.

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CONTINUED:

STURGILL Im sorry, sweetheart, but youre not really right for the part. TINA Oh. Well, maybe if I sing for you, you can - STURGILL Okay, honey, Ill give it to you straight. There were no Asians in Austria during the German Invasion. As such, theres absolutely no place for you in this show. Okay? Ill write you a note to get you back to class.Tina is dumbfounded. She stands, rooted to the spot.

Silence.

The lights in the auditorium dim, and a single spotlight

clicks on, illuminating the sole figure onstage.

The string section begins: THE SHOW MUST GO ON.

As Tina starts to sing, the entire setting fades away.

Shes standing amongst blackness, dressed head to toe in

black. BRITTANY emerges to stand next to her. RACHEL and

QUINN, and SANTANA and MERCEDES follow, standing behind.

All dressed in black, all standing in their own

spotlights.

Together, they sing. Rachel takes the bridge, then Quinn

and Brittany divide the second verse.

FINN, PUCK, MIKE, ARTIE, LAUREN and SAM emerge on stage,rounding out the background voices.

Tina finishes the song, belting out the final notes as if

she were leaving her entire being onstage for all to see.

END ACT TWO

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COMMERCIAL

ACT THREE

INT. GLEE CLUB CLASSROOM - THE NEXT DAY

The club is assembled. All are at various levels of

outrage. QUINN sits silently in the back, isolated.

MERCEDES They did what?! RACHEL This is absurd. There are standard practices for equal opportunity at auditions!TINA shrugs, with a watery smile.

SAM They didnt even let you sing?Tina shakes her head.

TINA Its okay, guys. Really.MIKE squeezes her hand.

ARTIE Its not, though. You should have at least had the chance to try. TINA No, its alright. I should have seen this coming. Besides, I can try out for one of the concubines in The King and I. RACHEL Dont get me wrong, Tina; you would be fantastic in the role of Tuptim - but this is just inexcusable. QUINN I agree.

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CONTINUED:

RACHEL looks shocked, but recovers quickly, ignoring

Quinn and returning her focus to Tina.

ARTIE What are we going to do?WILL walks in.

WILL What are we going to do about what? PUCK Sturgill wouldnt let Tina audition for Maria.Wills face falls. Tina avoids his eyes.

SAM They didnt even let her sing! LAUREN

(shrugging) I say we key her car. Or put a raccoon down her chimney.PUCK smirks, proud. BRITTANY

(to Santana) Gross. WILL Wait, wait, wait, guys. We are not retaliating here. Let me talk to Principal Figgins and see what I can do. Until then, no one does anything. Got it?Puck scoffs. Rachel huffs with indignation.

Quinn turns from Rachel to Tina, frowning at Mr. Schue.

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INT. HALLWAY - LATER

RACHEL approaches her locker. QUINN is standing in front

of it, holding out a textbook with a bedazzled book

cover. Rachel doesnt take it, a frown on her face.

QUINN Hi.She prompts her with the book.

QUINN (CONTD) I need your help.Rachel turns her back and starts walking.

RACHEL Im sorry Quinn; I was under the impression that we werent friends.Quinn rushes to catch up, exasperated.

QUINN Im sorry, okay? I didnt mean anything I said. RACHEL Quinn, if I took everything you said to heart I would have had an emotional breakdown two years ago. Im just tired of trying to be nice to you in return.Quinn hesitates as the words hit her. She recomposes,

grabs Rachels elbow and spins in front of her so they

are face-to-face, Quinn blocking her path.

QUINN Its not for me.Silence. Rachel studies her, then sighs.

RACHEL What do you need, Quinn?A grin quirks across Quinns face.

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INT. FIGGINS OFFICE - LATER

WILL knocks, and enters.

FIGGINS William! WILL Do you have a minute? FIGGINS Is it urgent? I dont have time to deal with your petty arguments with Sue Sylvester!Will does a double-take, but moves past it.

WILL Look, I need to talk to you about the Sound of Music auditions. Evelyn Sturgill wouldnt let one of my kids try out. FIGGINS Ive heard about it already, William! The school board is down my throat! WILL How? Did her dad call them? FIGGINS Worse!SMASH CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE - EARLIER

A TERRIFIED SCHOOL BOARD EMPLOYEE sits behind his desk.RACHEL is on the edge of her seat across from him. QUINN

is sitting next to her, leaned back and legs crossed,

looking smug.

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CONTINUED:

RACHEL And I have two gay fathers, one of whom is a lawyer and both of whom are minorities! I dont think theyll be happy to hear that their daughters learning environment is supporting the propagation of inequality through the behavior of its teachers! Furthermore, I intend to contact the Actors Equity Association to inform them of the atrocities being committed in the name of the arts in our public school programs! I hope the Lima School System is prepared to deal with these consequences!The school board employee stammers. Quinn smirks.

WHIP BACK TO:

INT. FIGGINS OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

WILL stares at FIGGINS.

FIGGINS It took me twenty minutes to get the man to stop crying, William! This is worse than the time Sue Sylvester let her Cheerios loose in the wilderness! I cant have this kind of discrimination at McKinley! And during Teen Mentor Week of all times! WILL I agree completely. And I think we need to re-audition everyone. FIGGINS You deal with that, Schue. (MORE)

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CONTINUED:

FIGGINS (CONTD) I have to fire Sturgill before this makes headlines! I dont need a Vampire Hex on my school! The Asian ones are the worst kind! WILL What?Figgins freezes.

FIGGINS Nothing. Now get out!Will exits.

INT. LIBRARY - DAY

BRITTANY is sitting at a table next to a big stack of

books. One lays open in front of her.

TINA sits down.

TINA Mercedes told me about your test.Brittany looks up, frowning.

TINA (CONTD) Whats with all the books? BRITTANY Im trying to read. Its really hard. I dont like it.Tina chuckles.

TINA Brittany, if you dont like reading, you dont have to read. BRITTANY Yes, I do. (MORE)

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CONTINUED:

BRITTANY (CONTD) If I dont read then I wont be smart and then no one will ever take me seriously.Tina reaches across the table and shuts the book.

TINA You dont have to prove anything, Brit. Youre the best dancer in the school, and the nicest person. I dont care who you sleep with, or how many people you sleep with, or how many tests you fail. You try. And you should be whoever you want to be. Thats all that matters.Brittany looks at her with tears in her eyes.

BRITTANY Quinn called me a slut. TINA Quinn says a lot of things she doesnt mean. And shes really not the poster child for good sex-related decision-making, if that makes you feel any better. BRITTANY I think I still failed the test. I couldnt remember anything. TINA But you tried.She smiles, putting a gloved hand over Brittanys.

Brittany smiles back, sniffling.

QUINN walks up, fidgeting her fingers. Tina gets up.

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CONTINUED:

TINA (CONTD) I should let you two talk.Quinn sits. Brittany looks down at her closed book.

QUINN Look, Brit - Im really sorry. BRITTANY Its okay. I get called a slut all the time. QUINN Its not though. Its a stupid word. And I love you, and shouldnt call you that. I shouldnt be such a bitch. BRITTANY Well... yeah. QUINN

(quietly) I dont mean any of it. Theyre just stupid things I think I should say. I never mean them. BRITTANY I know. They still hurt though. QUINN I know.SILENCE settles between them. Then,

BRITTANY If Im not a slut, then youre not a bitch.Quinn laughs hollowly. Pauses, swallowing back a few

tears.

QUINN I hope youre right.

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COMMERCIAL

INT. GLEE CLUB CLASSROOM - THE NEXT DAY

The bell rings. WILL stands before the class.

WILL Alright guys, a few announcements. We have re-held auditions for The Sound of Music, and I am proud to announce that the role of Maria is going to our very own Tina Cohen-Chang!The group applauds. Hollers. TINA grins ear-to-ear.

WILL (CONTD) And, the role of Captain Von Trapp will be played by none other than Noah Puckerman!Confused looks. Polite applause. Heads turn.

PUCK looks smug.

SAM Seriously? PUCK Yeah, man. Im down with a school musical. Im 100% man enough to play a dude named Georg. Plus, Captain Von Trapp was a total stud who hated the Nazis. It doesnt get more badass than that. WILL Youre gonna make a great Captain, Puck. And now, I want to turn the floor over to Mercedes and Santana. I believe they have a little treat for us.SANTANA and MERCEDES share a knowing grin, and get up.

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CONTINUED:

MERCEDES Okay, so we worked really hard with Brittany this week so she could pass her math test.BRITTANY looks up. FINN creates a drumroll on his knee.

Mercedes shoots him a Look.

MERCEDES (CONTD) No. Stop.Finn ceases, frowning. Santana brandishes a piece of

paper. She grins widely.

SANTANA You gotsed a D, babygirl! BRITTANY

(brightly) Really? MERCEDES Honest-to-goodness.She jumps up, and hugs Mercedes and Santana. Everyone

applauds.

WILL Were really proud of you, Brittany. MERCEDES But we also prepared a little song for you to do with us, no matter what grade you got.The band strikes up the opening piano notes of DOO WOP(THAT THING). Brittany takes the first rap verse, and

Mercedes the second. Santana sings the chorus melody.

The whole Glee Club jumps up and starts dancing. Both

Mercedes and Quinn make it a point to hug Brittany during

the number.

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INT. CAFETERIA - LATER

RACHEL is sitting by herself, lunch in front of her.

QUINN takes a seat across the table.

QUINN So, Ive gotten really good at apologizing to people lately.Rachel looks up. Plays it cool.

RACHEL I certainly hope you apologized to Brittany for calling her a slut. QUINN I did. And... I owe you at least a hundred apologies by now. Probably more. RACHEL Probably.Quinn takes a deep breath. Looks Rachel in the eye.

QUINN Im sorry. For hundreds of things. Just in case that wasnt clear the first time I said it.Rachel is stone-faced. Quinn ventures forward.

QUINN (CONTD) I dont know if youve noticed, but I dont have a lot of friends. RACHEL Me neither. You made sure of that.Quinn winces, pushing out her chair. Scrambling to leave.

QUINN You know what, Im sorry. Ill just leave you alone.Rachel breaks into a small grin.

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CONTINUED:

RACHEL Wait, Quinn. (beat) I forgive you. For... hundreds of things.Quinn awkwardly sits back down.

QUINN We... make a good team. I couldnt have gotten Sturgill fired without you.Rachel laughs.

RACHEL Oh, thats not true. QUINN Okay, fine. I could have gotten her fired on my own. But if theres any two people in the school who could get a teacher fired, its us. RACHEL And Santana.Quinn chuckles, nodding.

QUINN And Santana.SUE leans against the cafeteria wall, watching them

converse. A smile plays at the corners of her mouth.

EMMA stands next to her.

EMMA I saw that. SUE (insulted) Saw what?Emma smiles knowingly.

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CONTINUED:

EMMA I heard that the School Board got a visit from two very irate teenagers who threatened to sue. If I didnt know better, that sounds like something you would do. SUE I dont know what youre insinuating. I had nothing to do with that. Those two were stinking up my hallways with the foul stench of their self-absorbed boy feuds and I merely told them to get their acts together and stop embarrassing all of womankind. Im fairly confident Ive succeeded, and will continue to wipe this schools linoleum with Will Schuesters hair grease. Youre becoming increasingly useless yourself, I might add. EMMA I dont know, Sue: Brittany got a D on her own, taking my advice. No bribery. SUE So I heard. Well, you two can enjoy the sweet taste of victory for the first time in your lives, then. Ive got my own successes to revel in.She turns and stalks off. But Emmas smile stays.

INT. AUDITORIUM - NIGHT

A CHOIR OF NUNS sings Climb Evry Mountain. The

curtain falls, and the ensemble comes together to take

their bows.

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CONTINUED:

PUCK, still mohawked, and TINA, in pigtails, step

centerstage, in full costume as the Captain and Maria.

RACHEL and BRITTANY jump to their feet, Rachel draggingQUINN up by her elbow. The entire GLEE CLUB follows suit.

MR. SCHUE whistles, and EMMA hollers.

Puck bows, then gestures at Tina as she takes her bow and

receives the applause.

MIKE approaches the stage with a dozen red roses. He

hands them to Puck, who turns them over to Tina.

Her grin lights up the whole room.


SUE stands in front of the trophy case, polishing the

golden cheerleader atop a trophy. She places it back in

the case.

The cheers from the auditorium faintly echo the hallway.

Sue grunts in acknowledgement. Stares at her trophies.

After a moment, she closes the case, turns her back, andretreats. She flips the light switch for the overheads.

She walks away.

Only the trophy case remains illuminated, glowing faintly

in the dark.

CUT TO BLACK

52

glee spec script - "spotlight"

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