The Inner Circle 01192011 Script - Zen 134237

THE INNER CIRCLE"Pilot"Written byWill FettersJanuary 19 2011

ACT ONEOVER BLACK WE HEAR--BRYCE O/S“Are you in a relationship?”ANDREW O/SI’m in politics. Half the job isbuilding relationships.INT. POLICY -- NIGHTSMASH INTO: The most popular bar on the U Street Corridor.Crowded with political PLAYERS and SPECTATORS. All young,good-looking, stylish. All here to see and be seen. Welcometo The Nation’s Capital in 2011, where raw intelligence andproximity to power are the top rungs on the social ladder.BRYCE O/SThe other half?ANDREW O/SRepairing them.ANDREW PIERCE, 29, handsome, effortlessly charming, is at thebar sipping his second scotch. Sitting next to him is BRYCEJOHNSON, 28, her horn-rimmed glasses accentuate inquisitiveeyes. She’s reading questions off her reporter’s note pad.BRYCE“What do you do for fun?”ANDREWI mess with reporters. Dodgequestions, give outlandish answers.BRYCEYou’re on-the-record, you know. Icould print these smart ass answersif I wanted to...ANDREWYou won’t.(off her friendly smile)What are you doing here?BRYCEYou were named one of our “50 MostBeautiful”. Basically I’m herebecause of your abs.

3.BRYCEYou’re such a tease. You never giveme anything that’s worth anything.ANDREWThe day I give you a quote to bringto your boss is the day I stopdoing my job.INT. THE WEST WING -- NIGHTA cluttered office. That Live News Feed on a small TV in thebackground. The volume is down. SAMANTHA "SAM" WHITMAN, 29,high energy, pretty without trying, is straightening up theoffice while talking on the phone. We notice The PresidentialSeal on the MEMOS and BINDERS that she’s organizing.SAM...so we'll see The Ambassador atthree? Great. Again, I'm so sorryfor the delay. Entirely my fault.She hangs up the phone. Makes a note in her Planner. A momentlater her boss, White House Senior Adviser MICHAEL KLINE, ayouthful 42, fiercely intelligent, enters the office in ahurry. Michael is always in a hurry.MICHAELI can’t find my glasses...SAMHow much money do we owe China?Like as a country?MICHAEL900 billion, give or take. Why?SAMI'm just curious how much ourcountry would have to owe anothercountry for The President's SeniorAdviser to remember running intotheir ambassador at the KennedyCenter last month...(off his concerned look)It’s fine. They’re not gonna callour debt. He’s coming in tomorrow.Michael notices the News Feed over Sam’s shoulder. He turnsup the volume. They watch together as the ‘Yea’ count hits216. The Bill has passed. We hear CHEERS from other offices.

4.MICHAELI need you to get the rest of TheJunior Staff here. The President isthrowing a little party at hisplace, he wants everyone there.The look on Sam’s face tells us this is a once-in-a-lifetimeinvite. She stares, there’s no way she heard that right.SAMWhen you say ‘his place’? You meanthe residence? Like The White Houseresidence? That residence?He nods. Sam grows a smile. As Michael hurries off, Sam whipsout her Blackberry and starts typing out an e-mail.INT. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS -- NIGHTPETER BROOKS, 28 but looks barely out of puberty, is alone inthe basement stacks. RESEARCH TEXTS lie open all around him.He’s typing up a MEMO on a Mac Book at a feverish pace. Anold lady LIBRARIAN approaches. Hands him a slip of paper.LIBRARIANLooks like we don’t have this inhard copy anymore. Another casualtyof the ‘Digital Conversion’...PETER(exasperated)Who makes these decisions, Alice?No books. No libraries. You’reputting yourselves out of business.LIBRARIANIt’s a sign of the times. Everyonewants everything fast, easy. Hardwork is an antiquated notion.PETERWe wonder why our kids are fallingbehind the rest of the world...HARPER 0/SCome on, Pete, who has time to readan actual book, when you’re busytelling all your friends what youjust did or are about to do?Peter finds HARPER HAWLEY, 24, a cute EMO girl, smiling athim with an ARMFUL OF BOOKS. Peter behaves around her the waynervous guys behave around cute girls they have crushes on.

5.PETERHarper. Hey. What are you doing?HARPERAndrew checked these out when hewas writing The Inaugural Address.They’re ready to issue a warrant.Peter laughs a little too hard. It’s awkward.HARPER (CONT’D)Anyway. I don’t want to bother you.Just wanted to say hi.PETEROK. Well? “Hi”...Harper smiles to herself as she walks off. Peter sighs.LIBRARIANYou should ask that girl out. It’sobvious she likes you.PETERNo. No. I can't. We work together.She's my best friend's assistant.It would be... untoward. Just not--you really think she likes me?The Librarian smiles as she walks away. Peter’s Blackberrybuzzes. He reads Sam’s e-mail. Gets that same look that shehad. He shuts his Mac Book and hurries out of the library.EXT. ROOFTOP BAR AT THE W HOTEL -- NIGHTA soon-to-be iconic hotel bar. Rivals anything you’d find inNew York City, only this place has The White House and TheWashington Monument framed in its floor-to-ceiling windows.NIKKI ARGO, 28, looks like a model because she was a model,is suffering through a blind date with an arrogant DOCTOR wholoves the sound of his own voice.DOCTOR...I'm an ear, nose and throatdoctor, you're a spin doctor. It’sjust what you do. I’m not sayingthere’s anything wrong with it.He think he’s being cute. She doesn’t. Nikki finishes hermartini. Holds up the empty glass to a passing WAITER.

6.DOCTOR (CONT’D)But I'll tell you what I told“Lizzy” when she called to set usup, all the people want is straighttalk. We can handle hard truth, wedon’t need to be handled.His sanctimonious smirk is the last straw.NIKKIYou want straight talk? OK. This isthe first and last date we'll goon. We won't ever be anything morethan people who avoid each other atparties. Not because you're a badguy, because you're "that" guy. Thesad thing about guys like you isn'tthat you're redundant, it's thatyou all think you're unique.The Doctor is speechless. Nikki’s Blackberry buzzes. Shereads an e-mail. Gets that same look Sam and Peter had.NIKKI (CONT’D)I’m sorry, I have to go. Also, whenyou name drop The First Lady, callher by her full name. She hasn’tgone by “Lizzy” since grade school.INT. POLICY -- NIGHTAndrew poses for a cell phone picture with a drunk collegeagedDEMOCRAT. He doesn't notice THE GORGEOUS GIRL stealingglances at him from across the bar, but we do.COLLEGE DEMOCRAT...top of my class, President ofthe Georgetown Democrats, I’vevolunteered on four differentcongressional campaigns. What’s thesecret, man? How do I become you?ANDREW(considers for a beat)I drink a lot of scotch.The guy’s FRIEND takes their picture. Andrew shakes boththeir hands. They walk off. He turns back to his scotch. Amoment later Andrew’s Blackberry buzzes. He reads Sam’s e-mail. His expression doesn’t change at all. He deletes it.

7.A Channel Five NEWS CREW enters the bar and starts setting upfor one of those gimmicky “real people react to history” livereports for the late local news.Andrew notices the platinum blonde REPORTER. Time to go. Hedowns his drink, throws down cash, gets up to leave.GORGEOUS GIRLSo, I know who you are...He finds The Gorgeous Girl taking the empty seat beside him.GORGEOUS GIRL (CONT’D)And I know why you're leaving. WhatI don’t know is why you’re drinkingall alone on a night like tonight.Shouldn’t you be out celebrating?ANDREWYou a reporter?GORGEOUS GIRLI'm just a girl trying to start aconversation with a cute boy in abar. How am I doin'?She smiles at him the way a groupie smiles at a rock star.INT. THE WHITE HOUSE -- NIGHTThe Yellow Oval Room. Where a late night celebration is beingheld for THE WEST WING STAFF. Lots of smiles and champagne.White House Chief of Staff VINCENT FEIG, 45, larger-thanlife,runs on adrenaline and caffeine, is holding court bythe bar. An unlit cigar in his teeth, martini in hand. PEOPLEkeep coming up to shake his hand and congratulate him.Peter wanders around, taking it all in. He approaches the barwhere Feig is holding court.PETERCan I get a ginger ale please?FEIG(overheard that)No, no, no. What are you pregnant?(holds up his martini tothe BARTENDER)Do this again.

8.PETERNo. But, the thing is, I don'treally drink that much and I don’twant to get drunk in The WhiteHouse. Seems kind of disrespectful.FEIGYou know someone once characterizedUS-Soviet relations under Rooseveltas the "four martinis and lets havean agreement" era...Feig puts the fresh martini in Peter’s hand with a smile.FEIG (CONT’D)We don’t disrespect our forefathersby drinking, we honor them.Communications Director GALE SULLIVAN, 42 and motherly,perpetually calm, has found the only TV in the residence.Gale is watching an interview with SENATOR CAROLINE WALLACE,45 and pretty, the GOP minority leader, much more shrewd thanher "regular southern gal" affect would lead you to believe.SENATOR WALLACE..."something this important shouldbe bipartisan", those are hiswords, not mine. He invited me toprom then left me standin' on theporch with my hair done...Nikki comes in with champagne. Gives a glass to Gale.GALEShe’s good.NIKKIPlease. She's a faux populisttrafficking in faux provincialism.GALEYou’re right. She’s really good.(sips her champagne)You know she’s coming in tomorrow?I want you in the meeting. Nomatter what comes out of it, we'regonna have to run an all out mediablitz to support our position,you’re gonna head up that campaign.NIKKI(smiles)Really?

9.GALEWe don’t have to do the whole “I’mcounting on you... you won’t let medown” thing. Right?NIKKII’ll start laying the groundworkwith my people tonight.Peter and Feig are still at the bar. Peter’s martini glass isempty. His cheeks are flushed and he’s talking the way drunkpeople talk about the things they’re really passionate about.PETER...yes, we'll take some heat fromthe environmental lobby, but theprinted word is an endangeredspecies. It really is. It should beafforded some protections. Right?Feig just stares at him for a beat. Turns to the bartender.FEIGGet him a ginger ale.Feig walks away. Sam approaches Peter. She looks concerned.SAMHey, I can’t find Andrew...(notices his flushedcheeks, glassy eyes)Are you drunk?PETERNo. I’m honoring our forefathers.Nikki walks over. Still glowing from her talk with Gale.NIKKIGuess who’s in The Wallace Meeting?SAMHave you talked to Andrew?NIKKINo. Just guess.SAMSenator Wallace?(off Nikki’s annoyed look)That’s great. You’ve earned it. Buthe’s not here and he’s notanswering his phone.

10.NIKKIDid you try Harper?PETER(a little slurred)I saw Harper at the library. Shesmelled really good.(hears himself)Yeah. I’m drunk.SAMShe hasn’t heard from him. It’sweird. He always answers his phone.NIKKII think it’s adorable that youstill keep tabs on him. Kind ofsad, but adorable.Sam gives her a look. Nikki smiles.PETERHe’ll be here. There’s no way he’dmiss this. What could possibly bemore important?INT. POLICY -- BATHROOMA sleek, club-style bathroom that looks like it was designedfor people to have sex in. And that's exactly what Andrew andThe Gorgeous Girl appear on their way to doing. He has her uppressed against the mirror. They kiss hungrily, drunkenly.GORGEOUS GIRL(undoes his belt)You never answered my questionbefore. Why aren't you celebrating?ANDREW(takes off her shirt)This isn’t celebrating?GORGEOUS GIRLIt’s a historic legislativeachievement. You should be proud.ANDREWReally? This is your dirty talk?GORGEOUS GIRL(unhooking her bra)I find it stimulating. Don’t judge.

11.ANDREWYou wearing a mic or something?GORGEOUS GIRLThink you would’ve found it by now.(rips open his shirt)What’s wrong with The Bill?ANDREWThere's nothing wrong with TheBill, there’s just not enough rightwith it. It is as good as thesystem would allow it to be andthat isn't nearly good enough...(off her sexy smile)Stimulated?They pick up where they left off as we hearMICHAEL O/SYou know people have been comparingtonight to election night...INT. THE WHITE HOUSE -- NIGHTThe Staff has gathered around Michael who is making a toast.MICHAEL...for me, there's no comparison.Elections are about makingpromises. Tonight we kept one. Wecouldn’t have done it without you.Any of it. Tonight is your night.Michael raises his glass in Sam’s direction. She smiles.INT. POLICY -- NIGHTAndrew and The Girl make their way through the crowd. PEOPLEwhisper as they pass. They reach the bar. Andrew looks up atthe TV where that interview with Senator Wallace is on:SENATOR WALLACE...this isn't about an imperfectpiece of legislation, this is abouta President who was supposed to bedifferent...The drunk College Democrats boo loudly. Andrew and The Girldon’t. The Channel Five REPORTER starts her live report.

12.SENATOR WALLACE (CONT’D)...a President who was supposed totranscend the petty arguments thatare suffocating our democracy...The Girl notices The Blonde Reporter moving through the barin Andrew's direction.GORGEOUS GIRLAndrew. You gotta go. Seriously.But Andrew doesn't move. Wallace has his full attention.SENATOR WALLACE...a President who was supposed tomake reason and compromisepolitically viable again... no, hedidn't 'cause our problems, but, hegave us hope we could solve them.Tonight he took it away....The Reporter is only a few steps away.Andrew?!GORGEOUS GIRLThe Girl takes Andrew’s hand and pulls him toward the exit,but it's too late. The camera floodlight hits him, before hecan even take a step. Andrew's got a MICROPHONE in his faceand he's live on Channel Five.REPORTER...celebrating with supporters,Andrew Pierce, tell me how did itfeel to see that 216th vote cast?ANDREW(after an awkward beat)It was great... you know this Billreigns in excesses and abuses. It’sa hundred years in the making...it’s history... it feels great.REPORTERWell let me be the first to saycongratulations on doing what youcame here to do.The Gorgeous Girl breathes a sigh of relief as The Reporterstarts to throw it back to her anchor.All Andrew has to do is stay quiet for another seconds.Instead, he leans over and interrupts The Reporter.

13.ANDREWThis isn’t what we came here to do.INT. THE WHITE HOUSE -- NIGHTSam is out on The Truman Balcony overlooking The South Lawnon her Blackberry. She’s leaving Andrew yet another message.SAMIt’s me. Again. Where are you?Sam hangs up and heads back inside. As she walks through TheYellow Oval Room we notice less people there, the ones thatare there aren't smiling anymore. Something is going on.Sam finds everyone gathered around the only TV watching acable news network that's just picked up a breaking story.The headline reads: SPEECHWRITER GOES OFF SCRIPTSam walks up beside Nikki and Peter who watch in stunnedsilence as grainy footage of Andrew in the bar comes on. Wepick up where we left off with the Channel Five Reporterthrowing it back to the news desk. Andrew interrupts her:ANDREW...this isn't what we came here todo. They can boo Wallace all theywant, they haven't read The Bill,she has and she's right. It couldhave been better, it should havebeen. We got a win tonight. That’sall. But we didn't come here towin, we came to lead. We weresupposed to change the game... welet the game change us. We failed.The last two words set off a murmur in the room. People takeout their Blackberrys. The party is over. Sam looks ashen.Nikki looks pissed. Peter is still smiling drunkenly.PETERFound Andrew.All three of them look up from the TV and find Vincent Feig,Michael Kline and Gale Sullivan - The President's InnerCircle - all staring at them. And they don't look happy.END OF ACT ONE

14.ACT TWOINT. THE TOWNHOUSE -- EARLY MORNINGA stately red-brick row house where Sam, Nikki, Peter andAndrew all live together. “The Real World" by way of DuPontCircle. It’s the kind of place everyone dreams of living intheir 20's. Their BEER PONG TABLE is covered in memos bearingThe Presidential Seal.It’s still dark when we find Sam in just an oversized teeshirt walking through the hallway. She passes Nikki asleep inher well-decorated room, designer clothes in the closets.She passes Peter snoring on top of an IKEA bed that he neverquite finished putting together. Eventually she reaches--INT. ANDREW’S ROOM -- EARLY MORNINGHis bed hasn’t been slept in. Sam’s not surprised. She picksup a PHOTO: Of Election Night - Peter is dumping champagneall over Nikki, Andrew has his arm around Sam’s waist. Neverseen brighter faces or bigger smiles. Sam’s eyes tell us thatthis photo was taken a long time ago.MORNING ANCHOR O/S...Andrew Pierce is one of theyoungest people to ever hold thetitle of Director of Speechwritingfor The White House...INT. GORGEOUS GIRL’S BEDROOM -- EARLY MORNINGA CABLE NEWS MORNING SHOW on a small TV. The headline at thebottom of the screen reads: “THE INTERVIEW”MORNING ANCHOR...rumors are swirling this morningthat he will be one of the youngestto lose that title...Andrew buttons his shirt while watching the TV. The Girl liesnaked in bed. The sheets cover what needs to be covered.GORGEOUS GIRLI know I'm probably gonna be in theminority on this, but, I thought itwas brave...Andrew checks his Blackberry - hundreds of e-mails, dozens ofvoice mails. We see the regret in his eyes.

15.ANDREWIt was a lot of things but itwasn't brave. It was a mistake.Pretty much everything I did lastnight was a mistake.That came out harsher than he intended.ANDREW (CONT’D)Sorry, I didn't mean...GORGEOUS GIRLIt’s OK. I get it. If you everwanna get drunk and go on livetelevision again, look me up.INT. THE TOWNHOUSE -- SUNRISEThat CABLE NEWS MORNING SHOW is on TV on the kitchen counter.Sam, Nikki, and Peter watch together. All dressed for theday. Sam is already on her second cup of coffee. Nikki tapsaway at her Blackberry. Peter eats a bowl of fruit loops.PETERI don't get what the big deal is.All he did was speak his mind.NIKKIHe speaks for the President. Lastnight, he spoke disrespectfully,critically and drunk. You don’t seea problem there?PETERHe wasn’t that drunk.NIKKIYeah. That doesn’t make it better.That makes it worse.PETER(after a beat)You don't really think they'll firehim, do you?NIKKIWe'll be lucky if we all don't getfired just for knowing him.(off his concerned look)Don’t worry. They’re not gonna getthe chance to fire him because I'mgonna murder him.

16.PETERWhat do you think, Sam?SAMI think none of us would have jobswithout him. Including ThePresident. That should count forsomething.NIKKIWell it doesn’t. Look, Andrew'sbrilliant and we couldn't have wonwithout him. Yes, in the past, hisantics have been amusing. Everyoneloves a bad boy. Especially, Sam...Peter laughs. Sam gives him a hard look. He stops laughing.NIKKI (CONT’D)But this isn't shirtless, keg standpictures online. This was too far.Even for him.SAMQuiet. Both of you. He’s on...Sam turns up the TV volume as the handsome and charismaticLEN FOSTER, 39, appears live VIA Satellite from his DCoffices. Peter stops eating. Nikki puts down her Blackberry.MORNING ANCHOR...joining us now “The UltimateInsider” and founding editor ofPoiticalCapitol.com, Len Foster...Len, what was your reaction whenyou saw "The Interview"?FOSTERShock. I mean Andrew Pierce hasbeen one of the last guys in theroom with The President beforeevery major address, he’s very mucha part of The Inner Circle...Nikki, Sam and Peter hang on Foster’s every word. They’re allso focused on him that they don’t notice Andrew coming home.FOSTER (CONT’D)...nevertheless, my sources insideThe White House are telling me thatThe President will ask Andrew toresign before the end of the day...The room deflates. Sam turns off the TV. It gets quiet.

17.ANDREWWell it was a pleasure working withyou all.They all turn and see him standing there. Andrew and Samexchange a look that says a lot, but neither says anything.NIKKIWhat were you thinking?ANDREWThe same things I usually do. Theproblem appears to have been sayingthem out loud on television.He smiles. No one else does. Andrew sits. Looks at Nikki.ANDREW (CONT’D)How bad do you think this will befor ‘him’? Big picture.NIKKIYou stepped on the news cycle forhis most significant legislativeaccomplishment two months before anelection. You’re the wunderkind...you know exactly how bad this is.ANDREWIsn't it your job to make thingssound better than they really are?NIKKIStraight talk. It’s my new thing.Nikki gets up and walks out. Peter stands to follow her.PETERWell you totally screwed me. I wasgonna ask Harper to have a drinktonight. I saw her at the libraryyesterday and there were... well,maybe not sparks, but...ANDREWYou can still ask her.PETERNot with her boss’s head on achopping block. It’ll seem crass...like picking somebody up in ahospital waiting room.

18.Andrew smiles for the first time all day. Peter gives him areassuring pat on the back on his way out of the kitchen.Andrew and Sam look at each other, a lot of history here.SAMThat was stupid. Epically stupid.Just a special kind of stupid.I know.ANDREWSAMYou pretty much gave him no choicebut to fire you.I know.ANDREWSAMSo? How do we give him a choice?ANDREWI don’t know.Sam starts packing back and forth. They both think it throughfor a beat.SAMIt's all about Michael. If we canconvince him to keep you on, he canconvince The President.ANDREWHe needs a narrative, something hecan sell publicly.SAM“Team of Rivals”?...(as if writing the pressrelease)The President has a well-documenteddesire to surround himself withpeople willing to challenge him, hewelcomes other points of view...ANDREWMake it a teachable moment.SAMShow that people can disagreewithout being disagreeable, eveninside The White House.For the first time all morning there is hope in Sam’s eyes.

19.ANDREWYou think Michael will buy it?SAMIf I’m selling it.CUT TO:Peter and Nikki on their way out the front door. Peterglances back at Sam and Andrew. He can’t hear what they’resaying, but their body language says it all.PETER(wistfully)Man, they’re good together...NIKKIThey were.INT. STUDIO APARTMENT -- MORNINGBryce is in bed watching that Morning Show where the ChannelFive Reporter from "The Interview" is being interviewed. HerGIRLFRIEND comes out of the bathroom wearing a sexy nightie.GIRLFRIENDYou promised no work today.BRYCEThis isn’t work. This is masochism.GIRLFRIENDIt’s all I want for my birthday.The Girlfriend turns off the TV and climbs into bed. Theystart kissing. Things start to heat up. Bryce’s phone rings.She moves to answer it. Her girlfriend just gives her a look.BRYCEIt’s Foster. I have to.INT. POLITICAL CAPITOL OFFICES -- MORNINGModern day 'reporter pit'. The office is swarming with eageryoung REPORTERS filing and chasing stories. Len Foster movesamong his minions. He's on the phone with Bryce whilechecking a Blackberry. We'll intercut their conversation.

20.FOSTERYou know I don't have a problemwith you being a mouthpiece foryoung Democratic DC, as long as yousay what they're going to saybefore they tell the entire world.BRYCEI asked him, he held the partyline, what was I supposed to do?FOSTERAsk a follow up. That's your job.BRYCEMy job is to write puff pieces...FOSTERYou know why you're still in Style?Because after missing a story lastnight, you’re not at your deskright now looking for the next one.He hangs up on her. Bryce stands there staring at her phonefor a beat. She sighs. Then starts getting dressed.GIRLFRIENDYou’re not going in...Bryce pulls on her jeans, a wrinkled shirt.GIRLFRIEND (CONT’D)If you go into that office, don’teven bother coming home... it’s meor him. I’m serious.BRYCE(finishes getting ready)I’ll make it up to you.Bryce heads out. Leaves her Girlfriend sitting there fuming.INT. KLINE HOME -- MORNINGA well-appointed Tudor. Michael Kline is at the kitchen tablescribbling notes in a leather-bound JOURNAL. His nine-yearoldTWIN DAUGHTERS sit across from him eating cereal. Samfinishes making Michael's coffee. Walks it over.SAM...we should own it. Keep Andrew inthe fold.(MORE)

21.SAM (CONT'D)It's what LBJ would tell us to do:"...better to have him inside thetent peeing out, then outside thetent peeing in."The twins giggle. Michael just looks at Sam: “nice”Sorry.SAM (CONT’D)Michael takes a sip of the coffee. Makes a face.MICHAELWhat’s in this?SAMOne percent. You’re on a diet. Dealwith it. We can’t just fire him...MICHAELNothing's been decided yet.Good enough for Sam. DEANNA KLINE, Michael's wife, earlyforties but still a stunner, comes into the kitchen.DEANNAGirls go get your bags, Mommy’slater than usual.(after the twins leave theroom)You’ve got Jessie’s conferencecovered this afternoon. Right?Michael and Sam share a look. Deanna knows that look.Right.DEANNA (CONT’D)SAMI’ll just be...Sam goes to wait outside. Michael and Deanna speak quietly.MICHAELThings come up. This is the job.DEANNAThe job is why I never ask.Deanna walks out without another word. Michael follows amoment later. We see that he's left his journal on the table.

22.INT. CHIEF OF STAFF’S OFFICE -- MORNINGThe nerve center for The White House. Run with militaryprecision. ASSISTANTS take calls, roll calls. Everyonehustles. At the center of it all is Vincent Feig. He'sbarking into the phone when Peter approaches.FEIGBrooks. Get in here. Shut the door.Peter does as told. He sits down. Feig doesn’t.FEIG (CONT’D)Look, I'll make this quick. Recentevents have clarified the need fora staff shake-up around here. Yourdepartment is one of the targetareas for streamlining...PETER(his heart sinking)Oh. I see. Is this about whathappened last night?Before Feig can respond, Peter starts talking very fast.PETER (CONT’D)Can I just say that, yes, Andrew isone of my best friends, and myloyalty will always be to him. Yes,I did know he wasn't happy with TheBill. But I didn't know he would dosomething so reckless. Had I hadany clue something like that couldhappen. I would've warned you.FEIG(just stares at him)Are you still feeling that martini?Peter realizes he's made a miscalculation.FEIG (CONT’D)Your department has too many workerbees, I need a queen... you’ll havea team of analysts that will reportto you and you’ll report to me. OK?(Off Peter’s blank look)I’m promoting you, Brooks. This isthe part where you say ‘Thanks,Vince. You won’t regret it’Peter still can’t find any words.

23.FEIG (CONT’D)How about you just nod so I knowyou’re not having a stroke?Peter manages to nod. Feig's phone rings.FEIG (CONT’D)I need a Briefing Book put togetheron Green Energy incentives. Make itcomprehensive. Get it on my desk bythe end of the day.INT. COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR’S OFFICE -- MORNINGThe eyes and ears of The White House. Several TVs tuned tothe major news networks - CNN, Bloomberg, etc. Gale Sullivanis just wrapping up her morning meeting with the PRESSSECRETARY as Nikki walks into her office.NIKKII just did the background briefingfor The Wallace Meeting and it leftme with kind of a stupid question.GALEYou don’t ask stupid questions.NIKKIWhy are we even having The WallaceMeeting?GALESo it’s gonna be one of those days.(matter-of-fact)We need a bipartisan bill. It’swhat the voters want. SenatorWallace says she wants one too.NIKKIShe doesn’t. She's only saying thatto score points for the midterms.GALEMaybe. But once she comes to thetable today, if we play it right inthe press, the polls won’t let herwalk away. Likely Voters want us towork together.It takes Nikki all of two second to connect the dots.NIKKISo? You’re setting her up?

24.GALENot necessarily. There’s a chanceshe’ll work with us because it’sthe right thing to do.NIKKI(smiles)You’re totally setting her up.GALEWe need Republican support on this.One way or the other. If she won’twork with us willingly, it’ll be upto you to force her hand.INT. THE WEST WING -- MORNINGAndrew passes through metal detectors. Takes his walk ofshame through The West Wing. STAFFERS avoid eye contact. Hereaches his office where Harper, his longtime assistant,can’t hide the concern in her voice.HARPERHow are you?ANDREWI’d be better if you weren't usingthe same tone people use at wakes.He heads into his office. Finds an expensive BOTTLE OFCHAMPAGNE on his desk. He reads the CARD off the bottle.ANDREW (CONT’D)“There's only one right move forthem to make, come see me afterthey make it. At The W.” --MontyHARPERThe body's not even cold and he'salready hitting on the widow.ANDREWYou gotta give him style points.Harper's phone rings. She goes out to answer. A moment laterPeter comes in on the verge of a panic attack.PETERI can't manage people. I'm not theguy in charge. I'm not even the guybehind the guy, I'm the guy behind'the guy behind the guy' ... that'smy niche, he took my niche!

25.ANDREWOK. Calm down. First of all: What?Harper comes back in. Sees Peter. Smiles.HARPERHey you. Congrats on the promotion.PETEROh. Hi. Yeah. Thanks.ANDREWHe’s a little nervous about losinghis niche.PETERI'm not nervous. Who said nervous?ANDREWAnybody can be in charge. It’s allabout confidence. You don't have toknow what you're doing, they justhave to think you do.HARPERYeah, whenever you ask for a reportor something, just ask the same wayyou would ask a girl on a date...you've asked girls on dates, right?PETERYes. Once. In seventh grade. We saw“Jumanji”. Her mom drove.HARPEROK...(has an idea)Ask me out.What?PETERHARPERAs an exercise. Unleash theconfident leader inside.ANDREWYeah, I don't think this is...HARPERThis is the muscle he’s gonna beusing. We need to warm it up.

26.Peter clears his throat. He tries to sound confident, ends upsounding like a bad soap actor trying to sound confident:PETERWe should date. You and me. Howwould you like to...(hears himself)I’m gonna get fired.Peter looks even more nervous.ANDREWOn our first day together, I tookHarper to lunch at some restaurantI could hardly afford, and I toldher I didn't know what I was doinganymore than she did, so we weregonna have to figure this place outtogether. You remember that?(she does)Just be honest. Level with them.You’ll be fine.Peter looks a little less nervous. Sam appears in the door.SAMThey’re ready for you.INT. SENIOR ADVISER’S OFFICE -- MORNINGMichael Kline’s Office. The closest to The Oval. Feels morelike a Professor's study. Sam leads Andrew into the roomwhere Michael, Gale and Feig are waiting. They sit. A beat.ANDREWSo? How was everyone's evening?FEIGI swear to God if you try to jokeyour way out of this...ANDREWWhat do you want? A pound of flesh?(looks at Michael)I screwed up. I’m sorry.SAMPersonally I think cutting Andrewloose sends the wrong message.

27.FEIGAs much as it pains me to admit,and as much as I'd like to causeAndrew physical pain, I agree. Ifwe're still supposed to be the postpartisangrownups, we gotta eat it.GALEObviously you'll have to do damagecontrol, print, TV. Sober thistime. We make it a teachablemoment. Move on.Sam smiles. Michael doesn’t.MICHAELThe President wants to keep Andrew,but, he wants to use this as anopportunity to change tact...Gale and Feig share a look. Sam's smile fades a little asMichael looks at Andrew.MICHAEL (CONT’D)You'll do press, but you'll comeout swinging: "We failed” becausethe other side made a politicalcalculation to say no to everythingwe proposed. Country be damned.(off Andrew’s look)We’re done trying to change thegame, we’re playing to win.ANDREWWhat? No. Wait. Come on, Michael.In the beginning. Iowa. What did wesay? "How can you love yourcountry, if you hate the other halfof it?" If this President can'tbridge the divide, if he can't fixthe system, then...MICHAELNo one can.ANDREWHe can’t sink to their level.MICHAELHe has tried harder than...ANDREWTrying is not enough.

28.MICHAEL(explodes)It's not enough to have onereasonable person reaching acrossthe aisle, you need someone on theother side willing to take hishand. And he doesn't have that.Silence. Andrew and Michael stare each other down. Finally:ANDREWI meant what I said. I won’t lie.MICHAELYou can either accept ThePresident's new direction or he'llaccept your resignation.INT. ANDREW’S OFFICE -- MORNINGAndrew packs his things in a CARDBOARD BOX. Sam comes in.SAMDo what they’re asking. Swallowyour pride. Save your job. Godknows you've done it before.ANDREWWell I don't want to do it anymore.Is that so insane? To not want todo things like go on TV and lie?SAMHow did this job go from being “themost important thing any of us willever do”, to being a job that youcan just walk away from?ANDREWIt’s not the job I signed up for.Not anymore.She takes a breath. Watches him pack his box for a moment.SAMSo? What are you gonna do?ANDREWI don't know. I just lost the job ahalf hour ago. Probably the DNC,maybe the private sector. It’d benice to make a little money.

29.SAMOh yeah. Totally. You couldprobably get your own cable newsshow out of all this. At least abook deal. Cash in, baby. Get paid.ANDREWNot everyone is as fortunate asyou, Sammy.(off her cold stare)It's not a character flaw. It'sjust a fact. You're basicallyroyalty, Sam. You never have toworry about ‘getting paid’. For Godsakes your father was...SAMThis isn't about my father. And itisn't about me. It’s about you.This is what you do. When thingsdon't turn out exactly the way youwant them to, you find a reason towalk away... you'd rather chase anideal than deal with reality.ANDREW(after a beat)Don’t make this about you and me.SAMI wasn’t talking about you and me.(she was)Why? Do you see a pattern?Andrew knows better than to say anything to that.SAM (CONT’D)What do you want out of life,Andrew? You want to write poetry?Travel Europe with a backpack?ANDREWI know what I don’t want.He’s being sincere but she thinks he’s being a smart ass.SAMFine. Give up. Run away. Go findyourself. Write your book. Dowhatever you want. I’m done caring.She slams the door. Leaves him alone packing up his box.END OF ACT TWO

30.ACT THREEINT. PENTHOUSE AT THE W HOTEL -- DAYThe most expensive suite in the hotel has been turned upsidedown. The remnants of a party. Top-shelf bottles on tables.MONTGOMERY “MONTY” KNOX, 30, handsome, is pacing around thesuite on a wireless earpiece wearing only a hotel bathrobe.A small staff of BROKER types attends to several computers.The door is propped open. Andrew walks into the room.MONTY...these companies are gonna keepmaking money as long as people keepgetting sick. Let everyone else runscared. We're holding...(sees Andrew. Smiles big.)I gotta go. There he is!Monty runs over. Wraps Andrew in a big hug.ANDREWThe champagne was a classy touch.MONTYYou probably need something alittle stronger, huh?Monty starts looking through those top-shelf bottles.ANDREWIt’s ten in the morning, Monty.MONTYNever stopped you before.(to his staff)Sophomore Year. Marketing 351final. This guy gets hot on thecraps table at Foxwoods the nightbefore. We end up staying 'til 10in the morning. Get into classhalfway through the test, can't seestraight. He still aced it.ANDREWWhat are you doing here?MONTYYou fell down last night, I’m hereto pick you up.

31.ANDREW(knows what he means)I can’t work for you. You’re noteven wearing a shirt. And sincewhen do you have offices inWashington?MONTYSince Washington started tradingstocks.(that got his attention)This fund wouldn't be here withoutyou. We built the model together.ANDREWIt was theoretical for me.MONTYWhich is why my name will always befirst when they write about us.(off Andrew’s smile)I want to leave my mark on history.I know you do too, that's why youcame here, that's why everyonecomes here. But, face it, the onlytime anybody remembers anystaffer's name in this town is whenthey're getting indicted...ANDREWThat’s not fair to the people whohave affairs.(beat)What’s this about? You’re not hereout of loyalty, you want something.Monty smiles. Loving that he knows him so well.MONTYYou know how much money thegovernment spent last year? About$1.4 trillion. Discretionary. Lineitems in the billions. And whose‘discretion’ are we talking about?You have a unique insight into theCEO of the single largest economicdriver in the world.ANDREWYou want me to tell you where Ithink the government is going, soyou can get there first?Monty smiles. He knows he’s got Andrew on the hook.

32.MONTYThis is our chance to buildsomething special, you and me. Likeit was always supposed to be. Likeit would’ve been if you hadn'tfollowed that girl to that speech.(can’t help himself)How is Sammy by the way?ANDREWI’m not really her favorite personright now.MONTYI’m still her least favorite personthough, right?They share a smile. Andrew considers it all for a beat.ANDREWI have a DNC lunch meeting alreadyset, so, I can’t say yes yet.MONTYTake the day. I'm having a thing atthe bar tonight. Say yes there.INT. KOMI RESTAURANT -- DAYA foodie Mecca. Impossible to get a reservation. Price fixedmenu. The place is crowded, busy, loud. Peter and his TEAM OFANALYSTS are sitting together. Everyone looks confused. STACYKRISTOL, 31, smarter than most but thinks she's smarter thaneveryone, looks more annoyed than anything.ANALYST #1How’d you get us in here? Isn’tthere like a 6 month waiting list?PETERWell I wanted our first team lunchto be special, so I pulled somestrings. Before I forget, if anyoneasks, The President is consideringhaving his birthday dinner here.They all look a little less confused.PETER (CONT’D)Look I'm gonna be honest with youguys, I don't know what I'm doing.(off the confused looks)(MORE)

33.PETER (CONT’D)So we all have to figure it out.Together. As a team.ANALYST #1How are we supposed to figure outyour job?PETERWhat I’m trying to say is, I'm notqualified to do this, I didn't evenwant the job, I only took it ‘causeI thought I was getting fired.A murmur of unrest. Peter can feel himself losing them.Honesty isn't working. He shifts to projecting confidence:PETER (CONT’D)It doesn't matter how I got thejob. I have it. I’m in charge.(he has them for a moment)There are too many worker bees inthis department. We need a queen.And he's lost them. The offended Analysts all get up and headfor the door, mumbling to each other under their breath.PETER (CONT’D)Wait, no. Listen we need to puttogether a Briefing Book on shortand long term incentives...Too late. They’re gone. The only person who stays behind isStacy Kristol. Peter assumes it’s because she wants to help.PETER (CONT’D)Thanks for staying, Stacy. On thisBook, if you take the long term, Ican handle the short term...STACYYeah I’m not gonna do that. I justwanted to let you know that whenyou fall on your face. I’ll be hereto take your job.Stacy walks out. Leaving Peter all alone when the HEAD CHEFpersonally delivers the first course.INT. ‘POLITICAL CAPITOL’ OFFICES -- DAYBryce is on the phone in her cubicle. She looks stressed.

34.BRYCEHow was the blind date?INT. THE WEST WING -- DAYNikki is reviewing her notes for The Wallace Meeting, whileon the phone with Bryce. We’ll intercut their conversation.NIKKII told him he was redundant.BRYCENice. What’d “she” think of that?NIKKII’ve managed to avoid her today.Only six years to go. So what’s up?BRYCEI need a story. Something to get meout of the dog house. You gotanything? Can I swing by?NIKKIYeah. But not now. I’ve got TheWallace Meeting.BRYCEYou’re in that? Look at you, bigtime.NIKKICome by for lunch. We’ll find yousomething.BRYCE(hesitant)It can’t just be talking points toreformat. It’s gotta be exclusive.NIKKIAnything I give to you, I won’tgive to anyone else. I promise.BRYCEYou’re the best. I wish you likedthe girls.NIKKIMe too. Is there like a procedure Ican have? Or a pill I can take?

35.INT. THE OVAL OFFICE -- DAYWe come in as the last MAN on The President’s SECRET SERVICEDETAIL is heading out. Michael is the last man in the room,he’s reviewing a draft of a SPEECH with a red pen. Severallines are crossed out, he’s scribbling notes in the margins.Sam walks in as Michael sets aside the speech with a sigh.SAMHow’s the speech coming along?MICHAELI’m starting to remember why we putup with Andrew for so longThey share a smile. Sam notices all that red ink.SAMWhat about the ideas you sketchedout at breakfast?MICHAELThey’re still at breakfast.SAMI’ll go over at lunch.MICHAELThey weren’t any good anyway, don’tworry about it.SAMDon’t be ridiculous. I’ll get...MICHAELI said don’t worry about it.Sam is startled by his tone. He gets up and gathers himself.SAMSenator Wallace is in The RooseveltRoom.INT. EMPTY OFFICE -- DAYPeter walks in. He’s surprised to find Harper there. She'sorganizing desk supplies and rearranging furniture.PETEROh. Hi. Sorry. Feig told me thiswas my new office?

36.HARPERIt is.(just keeps organizing)That exercise we did this morninggot me thinking, about you and me.It did?PETERHARPERYeah. I mean we've known each otherfor so long, we're complements, itjust makes sense. I've been waitingfor you to come ask me officiallyall day, I got tired of waiting.He thinks she’s talking about them dating.PETERWow. I didn't know you felt thatway. I would've made a move.HARPERYou should have.PETERI was actually planning to. Butwith Andrew...HARPERHe would want us to be together.He smiles. Can’t believe this is happening.HARPER (CONT’D)So? Are we doing this?PETERYeah. Sure.HARPERGreat. I already ran it by Feig,but you should talk to him.What now?PETERHARPERI’ll be your assistant, but I stillofficially work for him, so...PETER(realizing what he’s done)My... assistant.

37.HARPERWe’re gonna be great together.Peter sighs. Shakes his head. What else could go wrong?INT. SENIOR ADVISER’S OFFICE -- DAYSam returns to her desk just as an INTERN leaves a box ofAndrew’s files for Michael to review. The expensive bottle ofchampagne is conspicuous. Sam picks up the bottle. She findsthe note. Her eyes narrow as she reads it. Sam grabs herpurse. Walks over to one of Feig’s ASSISTANTS.SAMI have to run over to Michael’s,can you cover my desk?INT. THE ROOSEVELT ROOM -- DAYThe most austere meeting room in The West Wing. Portraits ofFDR and Teddy hang on opposite walls. Senator CarolineWallace and her GOP ASSOCIATES sit across from Michael, Gale,and Feig. Nikki hands out BINDERS (that contain memos, stats,etc.) to Wallace and her people. She sits beside Gale. Startsdiligently taking notes. Her eyes never leave The Senator.MICHAEL...if you’ll introduce a ReformBill, we’ll support it. This is oneof those issues where we can findcommon ground for the common good.Wallace smiles to herself. Nikki and Gale both catch it.GALEDo you disagree, Senator?SENATOR WALLACENo. We have consensus. We've hadconsensus. That's not the issue.The issue is it’s in your interestto compromise before the election,it's in mine not to. Am I wrong?FEIGHonestly, Caroline. I think you'repissed about being shut out on thelast one, so you’re gonna take itout on this one.

38.No one denies this.SENATOR WALLACEHonestly, Vincent. If y'all hadn'tscrewed up the politics so bad onthe last one, we wouldn't even betalking about this one.SENATOR WALLACE (CONT’D)We can work together on this. Weshould. But not before November.Nikki makes no effort to mask her contempt.FEIGWe don't need you, we have thevotes, we're in the majority...SENATOR WALLACEFor now. And if you didn’t need me,I wouldn’t be here.Nikki can feel the tables turning. Looks at Gale.SENATOR WALLACE (CONT’D)Why should I help you out after youjust shut me out?NIKKIBecause it's the right thing to do.Everyone turns and looks at her. Wallace smiles pleasantly.SENATOR WALLACEIt's real easy to talk aboutbipartisanship, when y'all are theonly ones who benefit from it.MICHAELYou really gonna put the politicsbefore the policy?SENATOR WALLACEYou really gonna lecture me aboutit after you just did it?And that’s that. Michael smiles ever so slightly.MICHAELAlways good to see you, Caroline.

39.EXT. PENTHOUSE AT THE W HOTEL -- DAYMonty reviews property listings with his REAL ESTATE AGENT.MONTY...no, I don’t need five bathrooms,but I like the location. Offer twomillion, see what they say.The Real Estate Agent heads out to the balcony to make thecall. We hear several loud knocks at the door. Monty'sASSISTANT answers it. Sam walks in. Monty sees her. Smiles.MONTY (CONT’D)Sammy. I was wondering how long itwould take you to come find me.SAMHow much did you offer this time?MONTYMore than I needed to. You lookgreat. Did you change your hair?SAMWhen are you gonna give this up?He’s never coming to work for you.He’s not like you.MONTYEveryone is like me, most peoplejust won't admit it. And if youreally believed he’d never work forme, you wouldn’t be here.SAMYou haven't changed since college.MONTYNeither have you. Only I mean thatas a compliment.(that almost got a smile)He’s coming by tonight. You shouldtoo. It'll be like old times.SAMI’ll pass.MONTYHe says you’re pissed at him. Youshouldn't be. He didn't quit you,he quit a job.That landed with her. She looks away.

40.MONTY (CONT’D)He's never going to be the guy youthink he is, Sammy.SAMHe's already so much more than theguy you think he is.INT. THE WEST WING -- DAYNikki and Bryce are having lunch together in Nikki’s office.Bryce has her reporter’s note pad open. Nikki’s eyes keepdarting to her TV where cable news is running clips ofSenator Wallace answering reporter’s questions at the pressstakeout following the meeting.SENATOR WALLACE...they’ll try to pressure me todeal hastily, but the voters knowthis is too important to rush...BRYCEWhat about Andrew? Any word onwhere he’s gonna land?Nikki’s eyes are on the TV. She’s not paying attention.SENATOR WALLACE...I'm sayin' let's take our timeand write the best bill we can...BRYCENikki? Hello? My exclusive?NIKKI(eyes still on the TV)God. She's unbelievable. You shouldhave heard her in there. Shebasically threatened to stall untilafter the election to spite us.Really?BRYCENIKKIShe’s disgusting.Bryce can't believe Nikki just said that. She gets quiet.INT. RESTAURANT -- DAYAndrew is at a table by himself, waiting for someone.

41.JACK MCMANUS, 30, basically a Southern Conservative versionof Andrew, walks in. He sees Andrew. Approaches his table.MCMANUSYou don’t return my calls anymore?Been leavin’ messages all morning.Wish I could say I was sorry tohear what happened.It’s clear from the look on Andrew’s face when McManus sitsat his table that there’s no love lost between these two.ANDREWYou just stop by to gloat, McManus?MCMANUSI got a meeting for you.ANDREWThere's no meeting you could setthat I would take.MCMANUSSenator Wallace is a fan. We got anopening. She wants you to fill it.Andrew laughs. McManus doesn't.ANDREWYou’re serious? No. Absolutely not.MCMANUSJust take the meeting, hear herout. What do you got to lose?ANDREWWhat does she have to gain?McManus pulls up a chair.MCMANUSYou’re here to meet with someonefrom your side. Right? DNC?(off Andrew’s nod)And they’re gonna find you a goodjob where you can keep doin’ good.And that revolving door will justkeep on turnin’... And we allwonder why nothin’ changes.McManus gets up to go. Gives Andrew a BUSINESS CARD.

42.MCMANUS (CONT’D)The offer expires at the end of theday. If you ever meant any of thatcrap you wrote, give her a call.He reads the card: “The Office of Senator Caroline Wallace”INT. KLINE HOME -- DAYSam lets herself into Michael’s house with her key. She findsMichael’s Journal on the table right where he left it. Sheturns to go, but stops when she notices a MAN’S SUIT JACKETlying in the foyer. She picks it up.A moment later a SHIRTLESS MAN with a post-coital calm abouthim walks into the hallway. He and Sam stare at each other.Then Deanna emerges with her blouse unbuttoned.Sam...DEANNASam turns and practically runs out of the house.END OF ACT THREE

43.ACT FOURINT. SENIOR ADVISER’S OFFICE -- LATE AFTERNOONMichael is on his couch, looking like a writer with writer'sblock. He’s got another draft of that SPEECH in-front of him,red ink all over it. Nikki and Gale are in the room trying tohelp him work through the problem.MICHAEL...the speech just needs toreaffirm The Bill without soundinglike we’re defending it. It has tobe subtle, maybe a quote?Sam walks in. She’s got Michael’s Journal in hand. She’sstartled to find Nikki and Gale there. She stays in thedoorway, holding The Journal, out of Michael’s sight.MICHAEL (CONT’D)There you are. Everything OK?SAMSorry. I got caught up. I’m here ifyou need me.Sam sits at her desk. After a beat of consideration, sheburies Michael’s Journal in one of her desk drawers.NIKKIWhat about Lincoln? “Governmentshould do for the people what theycannot do better for themselves”(off their intrigued look)You can argue about people beingable to do a lot of things betterfor themselves, but fixing a 33trillion dollar insurance system?Kind of had to be us.Michael and Gale share a smile. A nod. That will work.MICHAELSam? Can you get the writers?Nikki is grinning from ear-to-ear when Feig comes barginginto Michael’s office and turns on his TV.FEIGWe have a problem.ON TV: Len Foster is live VIA satellite from his officesgiving an ‘exclusive’ breaking story to a CABLE NEWS HOST.

44.FOSTER...an Aide who was in the meetingwith Senator Wallace, saying shethreatened to stall Reform out ofspite... calling The Senator quote“disgusting”...CABLE NEWS HOSTSenator Wallace just released astatement denouncing The WhiteHouse for not only leaking, butdistorting, what were supposed tobe closed-door negotiations...Feig turns off the TV. Everyone looks at Nikki as the colordrains from her face.INT. PETER’S OFFICE -- LATE AFTERNOONPeter is holed up in his office surrounded by books, typingfeverishly fast on his Mac Book. Harper walks in. She watcheshim working like a mad man for a moment.HARPERDelegate the long term incentives.It’ll be done in like an hour.Peter types even faster.HARPER (CONT’D)Talk to your team.PETERI’m done talking. Talking is whatgot me into this. I accepted apromotion, I didn't want and am inno way qualified for. I lead oneteam meeting that my entire teamwalked out on when I compared themto drone bees. And, to top it off,I hired you to be my assistant sonow there's no way I can ever askyou out without coming off as asleazy...(realizes what he said)...not that I'd ever want to askyou out, not because you're notattractive. You're very attractive,oh God, that's sexual harassment,isn't it? I'm sexually harassing myassistant, I'm such a cliché...He turns bright red.

45.PETER (CONT’D)You can quit, you should quit...no, you know what, I'll quit.Peter shuts his Mac Book, gathers his research books andleaves his own office before Harper can even say anything.INT. ‘POLITICAL CAPITAL’ OFFICES -- SUNSETBryce is reading her story that’s driving the news cycle.Thousands have read it, but she doesn’t look happy about it.Her phone rings. She checks the ID. Braces herself.INT. THE WEST WING -- SUNSETNikki’s in her office on the phone with Bryce. She’s furious.NIKKII'm just calling to tell you tonever call me again. For anything.BRYCEI didn’t think they’d jump on the“disgusting” line. Honestly, I...NIKKIYou made me look like an amateur. Iwas talking to you as a friend.Like always. You sold me out.BRYCEYou were on-the-record. What was Isupposed to...NIKKIRationalize it however you want.You sabotaged me to get yourselffeatured on the home page.BRYCENikki, I’m sorry, just...NIKKIGo to Hell.Nikki slams the phone down. Bryce sighs. Looks regretful.INT. CONFERENCE ROOM -- SUNSETSomewhere in the basement of The West Wing. Peter is byhimself, surrounded by books, typing on his Mac Book.

46.His eyes keep darting to the clock on the wall. Sam finds himthere. She walks in with a smile.SAMSo Harper's looking for you,apparently she’s worried you quit?Peter just gives her a look that says “Don’t ask”. Sam sitsdown next to him. He keeps typing. So he’s only halflistening to Sam as she struggles to talk about Michael.SAM (CONT’D)So, hypothetically, say you'refriends with someone you work with,and you know something that theyneed to know, but, this thing willbe painful for them to hear andawkward for you to tell them, don'tyou have a professional obligationnot to tell them? Since tellingthem will affect your workingrelationship? Or...(frustrated)Is any of this making sense?Peter stops working and looks at her with understanding.PETERIt is. And we don't need to talk inhypotheticals. We both know whatthis is about.We do?SAMPETERAnd I'm glad you're facing it headon, we're all thinking it.We are?SAMPETERLet's get it out on the table. Youand Andrew broke up because of hisjob and now he doesn't have the jobanymore, so it's like "Are you guysback together now?" I meanobviously you still love him. So Isay screw work, screw politics, youshould just tell him how you feel.The world was a better place whenyou guys were sleeping together.

47.Silence. He can tell from the look on her face that:PETER (CONT’D)This isn’t about Andrew, is it?(off Sam shaking her head)I really gotta stop talking.He goes back to typing. Sam sits there thinking for a beat.SAMYou hear Monty's in town?PETER(knows what that means)You don’t think Andrew would...SAMI don’t care. Contrary to popularbelief I'm not in love with him.(off his concerned look)If he wants to skim millions offour economy and sleep with models,that's his choice. He’s a grown up.PETERNo. He's not. He’s Andrew. He’s agenius and all that, but he is notgood at making good choices.(beat)You gotta talk to him. I’m serious.SAMWhat do you want me to say?PETERWhatever you always say when he’sabout to do something stupid.Sam considers for a beat. Gets up to go. On her way out:SAMIt wasn’t just the job.INT. ROOFTOP BAR AT THE W HOTEL -- NIGHTMonty has rented out the entire bar. The vibe isn't so muchstuffy political fundraiser as it is New York City club.Andrew is out on the terrace that overlooks The White House.He just looks at it for a moment. Monty walks up beside him.MONTYYou ready to say yes?

48.Andrew finishes his drink. Looks away from The White House.ANDREWNo contracts. I can walk awaywhenever I want. I hire my ownpeople. And you wear clothes toevery meeting we have...MONTYI can handle that.ANDREWThen I’m not ready to say no.Monty nods. Good enough for him. He takes Andrew’s emptyscotch glass and heads off to the bar.A moment later Sam walks out on the terrace. Andrew sees herwalking over. He starts to say something. She stops him.He smiles.SAMJust let me talk for a minute. Iwas wrong to make what happenedtoday about you and me. And, yes,in some deep dark, repressed place,I'm probably still pissed about theway we ended, but I shouldn't havemade this about that... I’m sorry.(beat)“This is more important than youand me. This thing that we’redoing.” Your words.ANDREWPoorly chosen.SAMNo. You were right then and I’mright now. You're too valuable tobecome just another self-centeredmillionaire. Whatever it is insideyou that made you join the campaignor wrote "we work today for someoneelse's tomorrow" is still there.SAM (CONT’D)Look if you really think we failed,that the fight is over, then you'resmart to walk away.(MORE)

49.SAM (CONT’D)But if you think there's even achance that the tone can change,that rational adults can cometogether to solve real problems,don't you owe it to yourself tokeep throwing punches?She leaves him that thought. Andrew watches her walk away.After a moment he reaches into his pocket and pulls outSenator Wallace’s business card. He looks at it.EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. -- NIGHTThe Monuments. The Memorials. The Capitol Building. We end upat a SENATE OFFICE BUILDING, most of the windows are dark.INT. SENATE OFFICE BUILDING -- NIGHTAndrew is waiting in an office looking at a PICTURE of RonaldReagan when Senator Caroline Wallace walks in.SENATOR WALLACESo sorry to keep you waiting, youknow how it goes around here...She walks over and extends her hand. He takes it warily.ANDREWNice to meet you, Senator.SENATOR WALLACEOh please. Call me Caroline.END OF ACT FOUR

50.ACT FIVEINT. SENATOR WALLACE’S OFFICE -- NIGHTAndrew sits across from Senator Wallace. There’s a genuinecharm and ease to The Senator that her public persona lacks.ANDREWDue respect, Senator. But what’sthis about? What's the angle here?Make headlines? Steal a news cycleor two heading into the midterms?SENATOR WALLACEYou don't mean that much, honey.I'll be Majority Leader in twomonths with or without you.ANDREWWhy I am here? Why do you want meto write for you?SENATOR WALLACEShort answer. The President gavegood speeches when he was in thischamber, he gave great speeches onthat campaign. The difference? You.ANDREWWhat’s the long answer?SENATOR WALLACEIt’s been awhile since I’veconducted a job interview, but I’mpretty sure I’m supposed to ask thequestions. You don’t mind, do you?(off his apologetic nod)Why did you drop out of Yale?ANDREWTo work on the campaign.SENATOR WALLACENow you’re not gonna start lyin’ tome on your first day, are you? Youleft in December. The Presidentdidn't announce his candidacy 'tilFebruary. There was no campaign towork on. So? Why'd you drop out?ANDREWA friend of mine was starting abusiness. He wanted me to run it.

51.SENATOR WALLACEDid the business fail?ANDREWLast I checked, he was managingaround ten billion in assets.SENATOR WALLACEAnd you gave that up to make phonecalls and knock on doors?ANDREWThere was also a girl...SENATOR WALLACEThere always is. I remember readingsomewhere you grew up in a prettysmall town... West Virginia, right?You do a good job hidin’ theaccent, but it’s still there, ifyou know what you’re listenin’ for.Andrew is taken aback. Clearly this isn’t a part of his pastthat he likes to talk about.They share a smile.ANDREWDoesn’t mean I’m not proud of whereI came from.SENATOR WALLACESo we’ve got something in common.SENATOR WALLACE (CONT’D)I grew up on a farm in Georgia. Mydaddy raised cattle. His neighborand rival, Jack Ford, did the same.There was an old fence along theproperty line. Every now and then,it would break and our cattle wouldwander over and get mixed in withthe Ford cattle or vice versa.Whenever that happened, Daddy andJack and their men would go out andthey’d have to separate the cattleand fix the fence. This was no easytask. We’re talkin’ hundreds ofcows, spread out over dozens ofacres. It cost money and time. Butthey didn't have ten meetings aboutit, or worry whose side the breachcame from. No fingers were pointed,not a mean word exchanged.(MORE)

52.SENATOR WALLACE (CONT’D)They just got to the business ofseparating and fixing.(off his intrigued look)There are people in this world whoknow how to fix a fence and thereare people who don't. I think youknow how.This gets a smile from him. She returns it.SENATOR WALLACE (CONT’D)That was the long answer.McManus comes in. Points to his watch. She gets up. Scribblesan address down on a post it.SENATOR WALLACE (CONT’D)I’m sorry, I have to run. There’s afundraiser tonight. If your answeris yes, I'd like you to come by. Ifit’s no, you should still come bybut you’ll have to bring $500.They share a smile. She hands him the post it.INT. CHIEF OF STAFF’S OFFICE -- NIGHTPeter walks in looking completely exhausted and disheveled.Feig is just finishing up a call.PETERAbout The Briefing Book...(bracing himself)I wasn’t able to finish.FEIG(picks up a BRIEFING BOOK)This came down from your office ahalf hour ago. Are you telling methese aren't comprehensive?Peter flips through the book masking his total surprise.PETERNo... I’m not...FEIGWhat are you telling me?PETERI wasn’t able to finish...reviewing them, so they might notbe that polished. Typos and such.

53.FEIGYou had one day. Frankly I'm amazedyou were able to delegate and getit done. Knowing you, I figured tryto do the whole thing on your own.Peter laughs a little too laugh hard.INT. PETER’S OFFICE -- NIGHTHarper has decorated the drab empty space with furniture, afew plants, it’s a proper office now. She’s got her coat onand his just finishing up for the day. Peter walks in. He’slooking at her with a “what did you do?” smile.HARPERI only did it to buy you time.Vince won't even read 'til theweekend, if you want to finish onyour own, I can have one of hisassistants swap out the binderswhen you're done. I tried to tellyou but I couldn't find you.PETERHow’d you do it?HARPERI asked your team. A revolutionaryconcept, I know. They all pitchedin. Well, almost all of them...Peter follows her disapproving gaze to Stacy across the hall.Peter takes a breath for the first time all day.PETERThank you.HARPERIt’s what I’m here for.PETERI’m sorry about that whole sexualharassment thing, that was not mybest moment interacting with awoman. Sadly, not my worst either.HARPERIt’s fine. And for the record I’vealways thought you were“attractive” too.Peter smiles. The moment is there. He decides to seize it.

54.PETERYou want to go get a drink? Or...Before Harper can say anything, her DATE, a tall handsomeStaffer, appears in the doorway.DATEYou ready? Movie starts at eight.Harper smiles sweetly at Peter as she heads out.HARPERAnother time?PETERAnother time.They leave. Peter sits there a moment longer. Kind of bummedbut proud of himself.INT. MICHAEL KLINE’S OFFICE -- NIGHTMichael is putting on his suit jacket and fixing his tie whenSam walks in and closes the door.SAMI need to tell you something.He turns and sees her standing there holding his Journal.MICHAELI told you not to worry about that.SAMPlease. Just listen. When I got tothe house. There was a man...MICHAELHis name is Roger Meeks.Sam stops talking and just stares at him.MICHAEL (CONT’D)He’s a partner at her firm. She’sin love with him. Or so she says.You know?SAMMICHAELOur marriage has been over forawhile. What you see is aperformance for you, for the girls.

55.SAMI don’t understand. If it’s overwhy haven't you...MICHAELWe're working on it. Quietly.Nothing will be official ‘til afterthe midterms. I don't want to be adistraction to The President. He’llfeel responsible. He'll lose focus.We can't afford that right now.SAMAre you OK?He puts on a brave face. Manages a smile for her.MICHAELYou look like you need a drink.He pulls out the expensive bottle of champagne. Gives it toher. She smiles appreciatively.MICHAEL (CONT’D)I'm sorry you had to find out thisway. But I'm glad you did... Idon't like lying to you.Sam walks over and gives him a hug. It surprises both ofthem. They hold each other just long enough for us to notice.INT. THE WEST WING -- NIGHTNikki is sitting in her office in the dark. A beautiful,elegantly-dressed WOMAN, 47, walks in and sits down.ELEGANT WOMANYou know you all spend way too muchtime here as it is. If you’re goingto wallow, you should wallow in thecomfort of your own home...(off Nikki’s slight smile)You were wrong, you know.NIKKI(smile fading)I have to watch what I say toaround reporters...ELEGANT WOMANYou weren't wrong for saying it toa reporter. You were wrong to sayit. You called her disgusting.(MORE)

56.ELEGANT WOMAN (CONT'D)Not her politics, not her behavior,not her wardrobe... you get me?NIKKIYes, Ma’am.ELEGANT WOMANIf Caroline wants to compromise,she'll compromise. If she doesn't,then she won't. It really is thatsimple. People can always find areason not to do something hard...(beat)We're not here to win news cycles,we're here to govern.Nikki nods appreciatively, can’t quite manage a smile. TheWoman gets up and heads for the door. Stops. Turns back.ELEGANT WOMAN (CONT’D)I almost forgot. How was the date?What did you think of Alexander?NIKKIIt was nice. He was...ELEGANT WOMANI believe the word you’re lookingfor is “redundant?(off Nikki’s smile)Did he really call me “Lizzy”?Nikki nods. The Woman just shakes her head with a sigh. Incase we didn’t know by now The Woman is THE FIRST LADY.INT. ‘POLITICAL CAPITAL’ OFFICES -- NIGHTThe reporter’s pit is empty, but Foster is still working thephones. Bryce walks into his office as he gets off a call. Hesees the world weary look on her face. Knows what it’s about.FOSTERYour friend screwed up. All you didwas your job. Don’t let anybodytell you different.BRYCE(nods halfheartedly)You wanted to see me...FOSTERYeah. You’re done with Style. Iwant you in the field.

57.BRYCEJust like that?FOSTERYou did good today. Keep it up.Bryce allows herself a smile.INT. THE TOWNHOUSE -- NIGHTAndrew and Peter are playing BEER PONG in the living room.Andrew has just told Peter something that has him lookingconflicted and confused. They play in silence for a moment.Peter makes a shot. Andrew drinks.PETERYou know Sam is gonna...Yeah.ANDREWPETERAnd Nikki, I mean she’ll just...ANDREWI know. What about you?Andrew makes a shot. Peter considers as he drinks.PETERYou could write for The Sith Lords,I'd still love you.Andrew smiles appreciatively. Nikki and Sam come home. Beforethey even put their purses down, they start in on Andrew.NIKKIMonty? You’ve got to be kidding me?ANDREWI’m not...NIKKIYou're the one who's always talkingabout changing things. You're theone who said we have to be better.You stuck a knife in our backs lastnight, now you’re gonna twist it?ANDREWI didn’t...

58.SAMMonty is everything that’s wrongwith the world in one, admittedlykind of hot, body.ANDREWYou might say he's "disgusting"?They both glare. That really ups the animosity level.SAMThat was cheap.NIKKIYou’re a fraud.ANDREWYou’re yelling at me for somethingI haven’t done yet. Can we at leasttry to be level-headed adults here?SAMSays the drunk guy on nationaltelevision.ANDREWFirst of all, it was localtelevision. And second...Enough!PETEREveryone is startled by the authority in his voice.PETER (CONT’D)I’m sooooo tired of this. We'regonna start leaving work at work.Not letting what we do determinewho we are, because, in case youhaven't noticed, what we do makespeople cynical and mean...(emphatically)We got into this insanity asfriends. We're gonna leave asfriends!Everyone is kind of stunned to silence. No one looks moresurprised than Peter.Wow.ANDREWSAMI know. Right?

59.NIKKIThat was like “Norma Rae”.Somehow everyone is smiling again.INT. STUDIO APARTMENT -- NIGHTBryce returns home carrying an “I’m Sorry” BIRTHDAY CAKE andBALLOONS. She walks in and finds her clothes packed in aSUITCASE by the door. Her Girlfriend is ignoring her.Really?BRYCEGIRLFRIENDYou can keep the rest of your stuffhere until you find your own place.BRYCEWhere am I supposed to stay?GIRLFRIENDStay at your office. He’ll probablypromote you again.EXT. THE TOWNHOUSE -- ROOFTOP TERRACE -- NIGHTA rooftop patio that looks out over the city. Andrew is justfinishing up a call with Monty. Sam comes out carrying thatexpensive bottle of champagne and two mismatched glasses.ANDREW...I appreciate the offer, Monty. Ipromise when I’m ready to sell out,you’ll be the first guy I call.Andrew hangs up as Sam approaches. She pops the bottle. Fillsthe glasses. They taste it at the same time.SAMHe might be everything wrong withthe world, but he knows champagne.(off Andrew’s weak smile)You’re gonna land on your feet.I’ll call my dad if I have to...ANDREWI’ve got something lined up.He downs the rest of his champagne in one gulp.

60.ANDREW (CONT’D)I was wrong then and you were wrongtoday. Nothing is more important tome than you. Nothing ever has been.She’s been waiting a long time to hear him say that.ANDREW (CONT’D)Sammy, the person I'm going to workfor... just know that I'm doing itbecause of what you said.(he meets her eyes)You're my best friend. You're thereason I came here, you're thereason I'm staying... and as muchas you're going to hate me for whatI'm about to do, just try toremember... I'm doing it for you.He heads inside. She watches him go, touched but unsettled.INT. POLICY -- NIGHTHappy Hour. Tables of STAFFERS having drinks. Bryce is in abooth by herself. Her suitcase at her feet. Her phone rings.She checks the ID. Smiles to herself as she answers.BRYCEYou just calling to absolve me ofmy sins?EXT. SIDEWALK -- NIGHT -- INTERCUTAndrew is on his phone walking in a ritzy DC neighborhood.ANDREWActually, after last night, Ifigured I owed you.(beat)You want an exclusive?Bryce listens. She grows a “holy shit” smile as she pulls outher reporter’s note pad.INT. WEALTHY DONOR’S HOME -- NIGHTWhere a GOP FUNDRAISER is underway. Andrew is walking amongstthe various STAFFERS, SUPPORTERS and POLITICIANS. We see themrecognizing him, wondering why he’s there, etc.

61.Senator Wallace is at the center of it all. Jack McManus isat her side. They see Andrew approaching. She smiles.SENATOR WALLACEWhat's your drink?ANDREWScotch rocks.SENATOR WALLACEJack, would you mind?Clearly he does, but he dutifully walks off to the bar.Andrew and The Senator sit. Size each other up for a beat.He smiles.She smiles.SENATOR WALLACE (CONT’D)So? Do you owe me $500?ANDREWYou know there’s a question that’snagged me since my first socialstudies class... if government iscompromise, and both sides areworking towards the middle, whydoes it matter so much whichdirection we start from?SENATOR WALLACEI want to introduce you to someone.INT. POLICY -- NIGHTBryce is reading notes off her pad and typing away on herLAPTOP in that back booth. Sam, Peter and Nikki walk in.Nikki sees Bryce from across the bar. Her blood boils.NIKKII’m gonna kill her...PETERNo, no, no. This way. We're gettingyou an FDR special. Let’s go.Peter takes Nikki’s hand. Leads her to the upstairs bar. Samwalks over to Bryce’s table. They share a smile.BRYCEWould it help if I said I was sorryagain?

62.SAMYeah. But not tonight.Bryce goes back to writing. Sam notices her intensity.SAM (CONT’D)You working on anything I need tobe worried about?BRYCEI don’t know. You tell me.Bryce turns the laptop around so Sam can see it. She readsthe headline of Bryce’s story: SPEECHWRITER FLIPS THE SCRIPTSam’s smile fades in the glow of the computer screen.INT. WEALTHY DONOR’S HOME -- NIGHTAndrew is being led through the crowd by Senator Wallace.SENATOR WALLACE...she just started at Georgetown.Your campaign was her teenagerebellion. She’s dyin’ to meet you.They walk into another room where WALLACE’S DAUGHTER istalking to someone with her back to us.SENATOR WALLACE (CONT’D)Honey, I want you to me the newestmember of my team...We stay on Andrew’s shocked expression as The Daughter turnsaround to shake his hand.SENATOR WALLACE (CONT’D)Andrew, this is my daughter, Erica.Reveal that ERICA WALLACE is The Gorgeous Girl from the bar.She and Andrew stare at each other like deer in headlights.McManus arrives with Andrew’s scotch just in time.END OF PILOT