Frasier - That's Why They Play the Game Act 2

7/31/2019 Frasier - That's Why They Play the Game Act 2

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Final Draft 8 Demo

Final Draft 8 Demo

ACT TWO

SLUG TITLE CARD READS: THERES NO BYE IN TEAM

FADE IN:

INT. FRASIERS LIVING ROOM - DAY - DAY /3(FRASIER, MARTIN, DAPHNE, EDDIE, TIM (V.O.), ELISABETH(V.O.), WHOOPI (V.O))

FRASIER ENTERS HUMMING AND IN A CHEERFUL MOOD. MARTIN IS INHIS CHAIR WATCHING TV WITH EDDIE IN HIS LAP AND DAPHNE ISBRINGING IN BREAKFAST.

FRASIERGood day everyone, isnt it just asplendid morning?

MARTINIt sure is son. Did you sleep well?

DAPHNEMorning Dr. Crane. Your usual?

FRASIERNo thank you Daphne, Im going to tryand go into work a little early today

and Ill just grab a bite on the way.

A SMILING MARTIN STANDS TO INTERCEPT FRASIER.

MARTINOh cmon Fras. Have breakfast withyour old man. Its been a while sinceweve sat down and ate together.

FRASIERWell, if you insist Dad.

MARTIN

I do. I do.

DAPHNEWhy arent you two just getting alongswimmingly. Its like two peas in apod all of the sudden.

MARTINAfter yesterday Daph, I swear...


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DAPHNEHey, isnt that a picture Matt on thetelly?

EVERYONES ATTENTION TURNS TO THE TV.

MARTINYoure right. His brother is talkingabout him. Let me turn it up and seewhat their talking about.

FRASIERHis brother?

MARTINYeah, his brother used to play too.Hes on the NFL show that comes onESPN everyday. He must be talking

about the game on Sunday. Hold on.

MARTIN PICKS UP THE REMOTE AND INCREASES THE VOLUME.

TIM (V.O.)I cant understand for the life of mewhy he would be so irresponsible. Tomiss practice without permission isinexcusable. Even if he is my brotheryou dont make irrational decisionslike this before the NFC ChampionshipGame! There are 51 other people thatare counting on him. Not to mention a

city full of shocked and disappointedpeople.

EVERYONE IS IN SHOCK AND SLOWLY MARTIN BEGINS TO CUT FRASIERA HARD LOOK AS FRASIER GLANCES QUICKLY OUT OF THE CORNER OFHIS EYES.

TIM (V.O.)I talked to his wife Sarah earlier andshe said some radio quack told him togo fly a kite and he bought it. Nowhe cant be reasoned with. Imflabbergasted.

MARTIN TURNS DOWN THE VOLUME WITH THE REMOTE. HE HANDS THEREMOTE TO DAPHNE IN DISGUST. SHE CHANGES THE CHANNEL.

MARTINPlease turn that Daphne! Hes not theonly one whos pissed. See what youdid Fras!

FRASIER - "THAT'S WHY THEY PLAY THE GAME" 2.


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DAPHNEWhat happened? Why are you blamingDr. Crane?

MARTINDidnt you hear his show yesterday?

DAPHNEUhh, no I didnt. Since you were gonetoo I thought I would enjoy myafternoon for a change with some peaceand quiet.

MARTINWell Dr. Feelgood here told Matt toscrew the team the and go fly a kitewith his kids at the playground!

FRASIERI said no such thing! A mere momentago you were treating me like I was asaint! You were there yesterday andheard what I said. Tell me what did Isay that you wouldnt have in the samesituation?

MARTINWell, I guess I would have justphrased it differently so the guywouldnt have abandoned us.

FRASIERUs? Who is this us? You rabidfanatics that would want him to ignorehis own children for the sake of asilly game!

MARTINIts not some silly game. It may notbe opera but means something to me anda lot of other people around here.

FRASIERLook Dad, I know its important to

you. But I couldnt help but think ofhow much I regret not being moreinvolved Fredericks life. You heardhim yesterday. The both of us canrelate to what hes going through. Doyou remember missing Me and Nilesrecitals? How about the sciencefairs? It was always just Mom alone!



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MARTIN IS VISIBLY STUNG BY FRASIERS COMMENTS AND FRASIERRETREATS.

FRASIER (CONTD)Look Dad, I didnt mean to hurt yourfeelings but I meant what I saidyesterday and Im sure its just acoincidence that Matt is nowunaccounted for. Im sure hell beback soon and this will all beforgotten. Now let me get to work andjust to make sure there wasnt anymiscommunication I will see if I canget in contact with him.

MARTINYou reach him when his brothercouldnt? Yeah right. Well, I hope

youre right Fras. For your sake andthe teams.

DAPHNEHey you two, dont look now buttheres a picture of Matt on The Viewtoo!

DAPHNE POINTS THE REMOTE AT THE TV AND TURNS UP THE VOLUME ASEVERYONES ATTENTION AGAIN TURNS TOWARD THE TV.

ELISABETH (V.O.)So I tried to tell Sarah not to let

Matt listen to these liberal blowhardswith their matchbook degrees on pyscho-babble. But you know how thoseborderline hippies are up in Seattle.

FRASIEROh for Pete's sake, I went to Harvard!This is really getting out of control!

DAPHNEIt sure is Dr. Crane. I cant standthat Elisabeth Hasselbeck either.Shes such a blowhard and a snob!

FRASIERHasselbeck? My God, this family mateslike rabbits!

FRASIER STORMS OUT AS DAPHNE CONTINUES TO LOOK ATTENTIVELY ATTHE TV AND MARTIN SITS AS HE PUTS HIS HEAD IN HIS HAND.EDDIE JUMPS BACK IN HIS LAP.



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WHOOPI (V.O.)Girllll, I hate to agree with you butthis guy sounds like a real piece ofwork. Probably some New Age phonytelling him whatever he wanted tohear. I would bet money hes baldingwith a baby ponytail.

DAPHNEClose enough! You tell her sister!

MARTIN LOOKS UP FOR A BEAT IN RESPONSE TO DAPHNE AND SHAKESHIS HEAD NO AND PUTS IT BACK IN HIS HAND. EDDIE MIMICS THESAME NO HEAD SHAKE WHILE CONTINUING TO WATCH TV WITHDAPHNE.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

INT. RADIO STUDIO - DAY - DAY/ 3(FRASIER, ROZ, KENNY, BULLDOG, MATT (V.O.), MAN 1 (V.O.)WOMAN 1 (V.O.))

A DEPRESSED AND DEFEATED FRASIER ENTERS TO FIND ROZ THUMBING

THROUGH THE SEAHAWKS MEDIA GUIDE IN THE CONTROL ROOM. ROZQUICKLY HIDES THE BOOK WHEN SHE NOTICES FRASIER HAS ARRIVED.HE QUICKLY MAKES HIS WAY TO THE BOOTH AND PUTS ON HISHEADPHONES.

FRASIERSorry, Roz. I know, I know twominutes. I was in Kennys officeseeing if he might know anyone whocould get in contact with Matt.

ROZMatt? Why? Did something happen?

FRASIER SITS AND CUTS A LOOK AT ROZ.

FRASIERAre you trying to tell me you dontknow what happened?

ROZMaybe. Maybe not. But I do know whatwould be a big help to you right now.



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Final Draft 8 Demo

FRASIERWhat in the dickens are you talkingabout Roz? Wait. Do you know whereMatt is?

ROZMaybe. Maybe not. But youre goingto have to give me that press pass ofyours to find out either way.

FRASIERRoz! I cant believe you of allpeople would blackmail me! If youknow something just tell me.

ROZI believe that you New Age people callit bartering. The clock is ticking

Fras. One way or another Im going toget it. Im just trying to help youout.

FRASIER PULLS THE PASS OUT OF HIS BRIEFCASE AND SHOWS IT TOROZ.

FRASIERFine Roz. If thats the way you wantit. But you wont get this pass nowunless its from my dead clinchedfist! Is that clear enough?

ROZBe careful what you wish for. Are youready for the show? Were on inthirty.

FRASIER STRAIGHTENS HIMSELF UP AND CLEARS HIS THROAT AND NODSYES. AFTER A BEAT ROZ COUNTS DOWN WITH HER FINGERS FROM FIVETO ONE.

ROZ (CONTD)Two, one. Youre on.

FRASIER

Greetings Seattle, this is Dr. FrasierCrane. Before we start taking calls Iwould like to take a moment to clearup some rumors that may be spreadingthat label me as the cause for thingsI had nothing to do with. As anyonewho was listening yesterday canattest, nothing could be further fromthe truth.


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This is simply the perfect example ofhow a coincidence can bemisinterpreted and blown out ofproportion in todays world ofunreliable media that deals in halftruths instead of facts.

ROZ PUTS UP A PIECE OF PAPER UP TO THE WINDOW THAT READS:LAST CHANCE. FRASIER SMIRKS AND TURNS AWAY.

FRASIER (CONTD)It is a truly, truly sad day whenthings like this show what society hasbecome. But lets see if we can turnthat around and make a positivedifference and take some calls. Whosour first caller Roz?

ROZWe have Matt on line one. He wants tothank you for something.

FRASIER TURNS PALE AS ROZ SMILES FROM THE BOOTH.

MATT (V.O.)Hello? Frasier? Frasier are youthere?

FRASIERUh, Im sorry. Do we know each other?

FRASIER MAKES THE CUTTING GESTURE WITH HIS FINGER AT HISTHROAT TO ROZ WHO IGNORES IT.

MATT (V.O.)Its me doc. Matt Hasselbeck fromyesterday. Sorry Im on a cell phone.It might be a little distorted.

FRASIEROh, of course. How can I help youtoday?

MATT (V.O.)

I just wanted to thank you again foryou advice yesterday. Mallorycouldnt have been happier to see mehere today. The look on her facealone makes up for all the flack Imgoing to catch for missing practicetoday. But it was worth it.


FRASIER (CONT'D)


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Final Draft 8 Demo

Final Draft 8 Demo

FRASIERAs pleased as I am to hear that, Ithink you misinterpreted my advicesomewhat.

MATT (V.O.)Really? How so? I thought you saidfamily first and foremost right?

FRASIERUh, yes I did but we must also takeour responsibilities to others inaccount as well. It is truly adelicate balancing act but we must notignore our many other vitalcommitments in life because in the endthat too is a exercise in selfishness.Do you understand what I mean Matt?

MATT (V.O.)Yeah. I think so Frasier. I hadntreally looked at it like that. I havesome people to apologize to.

FRASIER LOOKS PLEASED AND STICKS HIS TONGUE OUT TO ROZ.

FRASIERExactly. Now were on the same page.

MATT (V.O.)Annabelle and Henry deserve some time

and attention too. I cant just focuson Mallory. Youre right again doc!Dont worry Anabelles got a schoolplay tomorrow and Henrys got aconcert on Saturday. I can just skippractice a couple of more times andstill make the game on Sunday. ThanksFrasier wait till I tell them!

FRASIERNo! No! Thats not what I meant! Iwas talking about the team!

SFX: A DIAL TONE

FRASIER SITS PARALYZED IN SHOCK UNTIL ROZ KNOCKS ON THE GLASSAND STARTLES HIM.

ROZWow, Ive never seen this before butthe entire board is lit up. Lookslike we have a caller on every line.Ready for your next call Frasier?



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Final Draft 8 Demo

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ENRAGED, FRASIER GRABS THE MICROPHONE.

FRASIERDoes this thing even work!

ROZIll just take that as a yes. Next upwe have Travis from Renton on linethree. Hes got a problem with, wellits with you actually.

FRASIERWith, with me? I think we should goto another call.

MAN (V.O.)Hello, am I on? Dr. Crane are youthere?

FRASIERYes. How can I help you today Travis?

MAN (V.O.)Oh wow, I cant believe Im on! Im alongtime listener Dr. Crane and I justwanted to let you know that everyonein Seattle isnt out to get you.

FRASIER EXHALES AND IS RELIVED.

FRASIER

Thats good to hear.

MAN (V.O.)Yeah, after that last bit the entirePacific Northwest is gonna want yourhide! And if I ever see you, man Imgrab you by your.

SFX: DIAL TONE

FRASIER IS NOW MORTIFIED AND COVERING HIS MOUTH WITH HISHAND.

ROZDont worry Fras. I got rid of thatone for you. Kinda scary wasnt it.I guess you should be careful what yousay these days. And what you wishfor. Our next caller is Flo fromCottage Lake she has a issue with hermistrust of men.



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Final Draft 8 Demo

Final Draft 8 Demo

FRASIERFinally, a real issue. Yes, Flo?This is Dr. Frasier Crane and Im...

WOMAN (V.O.)Listening? I hope you are listeningyou putz! You just cost us a chanceat the championship idiot! I used tolike you too! The chick on The Viewsaid you were a bleeding heart wellIm going to catch the next train intodowntown and see if shes right! ThenIm going to...

SFX: DIAL TONE

KENNY RUSHES INTO THE CONTROL ROOM WITH ROZ.

KENNYGo to commercial! Go to commercial!

ROZ PUSHES A BUTTON.

ROZWere off. Getting kind of uglythere! I dont know how many more ofthose calls well get today.

KENNYNone. Im pulling the show. Now!Cmon lets go tell doc.

ROZ AND KENNY CROSS INTO THE RECORDING BOOTH. FRASIERSTANDS.

FRASIERDid you hear all that Kenny?Everyones lost their minds!

KENNYWere pulling the show Doc. Sorry butits for your own good. I dont wantyou getting hurt just for giving badadvice. Until you hear otherwise, Im

giving you a emergency vacation.

ROZ LOOKS AT HER WATCH AND THEN THROUGH THE WINDOWS OF THESTUDIO SEEMINGLY LOOKING FOR SOMEONE. FRASIER AND KENNYDONT NOTICE.

FRASIERBut you cant do that Kenny! Ihavent done anything wrong!


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Just because every miscreant in thecity seems to want to threaten medoesnt mean theyll follow through.Im not going to live in fear! Illgoing to go clear all this up rightnow.

FRASIER OPENS THE DOOR TO THE BOOTH BULLDOG RUSHES IN FROMTHE HALL WITHOUT WARNING AND TACKLES FRASIER TO THE GROUNDMID-SENTENCE.

FRASIER (CONTD)Ahhh! Help!!

AS KENNY TRIES TO BREAK THEM UP ON THE FLOOR. ROZ STEPS OVERTHEM BOTH AND GRABS THE PRESS PASS OFF THE DESK.

ROZ

Damn hippies. When will they everlearn?

ROZ EXITS OUT OF THE OPEN BOOTH DOOR AS KENNY CONTINUES TOTRY AND PULL BULLDOG AND FRASIER APART.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO


FRASIER (CONT'D)

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Frasier - That's Why They Play the Game Act 2