Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Drop Dead Diva Rewritten Finale Episode

How Drop Dead Diva Should Have Ended

Season 6 Episode13 “You Were There”

Scene One
(Jane and Ian are in her room getting ready for bed. Jane is upset and beating her pillows.)

Ian
Am I getting the silent treatment too? Come on, forget Owen.

Jane
Ian, how can I forget that look of horror and disappointment on his face? It was like me and you a year ago kissing at me and Owen's wedding all over again only he had no right to react the way he did.

Ian
Because he wasn't being jilted this time or because he shouldn't still cares about you?

Jane
Ian-

Ian
Jane, look at it from his point of view. You chose Grayson- me- over him because you and he both knew that your heart belonged to Grayson. Now Grayson's dead-

Jane
Not dead.

Ian
Physically dead, and within a few weeks of losing him, you fall for someone else. He's confused and worried about his friend.

Jane
(Pauses to consider). What am I supposed to do? I can't just tell him that you are Grayson. Then I would have to tell him I am some woman he's never met before named Deb and you and I are soul mates trapped in the wrong bodies...he would never believe me.

Ian
I agree. So don't tell him. Let him get to know Ian and before you know it the three of us will all be friends.

Jane
You are such a dreamer, but I love that about you.

(They kiss. Jane and Ian hold each other in bed.)

Ian
Speaking of dreamers and dreams, now that you no longer work for Harrison and Parker, what are you going to do? As an ex-convict, my choices are a bit limited but you have the world at your feet. And you are brilliant and talented.
Jane
Well, I agree with you there. I don't know. I could try finding another firm. Or maybe I will work freelance. I don't have to decide now.

Scene Two
(Jane falls asleep. Suddenly, she wakes with a start to the sound of a gavel. She finds herself in a court room on the witness stand. Standing behind the left side table is Owen French. Seated next to him is Kim Kaswell.)

Jane
Um, what's going on?

Teri
Objection your honor!

Owen
You can't object! Jane is your client!

Teri
I know. Your honor, my client needs her breakfast before we can continue. Cappuccino and a doughnut with sprinkles? (Teri holds up coffee cup and bag.)

Jane looks at the judge and is surprised to find that it is Paula Abdul.

Jane
Judge Paula Abdul?

Paula Abdul
In the flesh. (Looks at Teri). I will allow the coffee and doughnut if you have extra for me.

Teri
(Smiles and picks up second bag and cup.) Of course, your honor. (Hands food to judge then Jane. Winks at Jane.)

Jane
(Grabs Teri's arm and whispers.) Teri, how are you my lawyer?

Teri
What? This lawyer stuff is easy. Try posing as an EMT trying to get into James Franco's house after accidentally poisoning his cleaning lady, trying to get a date with him and then call me. (Teri walks back to her chair.)

Jane
What?

Owen
Your honor, if we could please proceed.

Paula Abdul
This doughnut is amazing! Yes, counselor, proceed.
Owen
Miss Bingham, do you remember the conversation you had with myself and Miss Kaswell yesterday?

Jane
Yes I do, but what does that have to do-

Owen
And do you remember what was said?

Jane
Well, you and Kim came into my office and basically told me that my boyfriend, Ian was a con artist and was using me.

Owen
And how did you react?

Jane
I told you and Kim that I quit.

Owen
You quit. Do you think you overreacted?

Teri
Objection! Calls for speculation!

Kim
It doesn't count as speculation if the witness is recalling her own emotional actions.

Teri
Well! I guess I need to watch a few more episodes of Law and Order. (Sits down)

Paula Abdul
Witness will answer the question.

Jane
(Clears her throat.) I quit my job because I can't surround myself with people who don't accept that what Ian and I have is real.

Owen
As opposed to what you and Grayson had? Or you and I for that matter?

(Jane looks to Teri for help. Teri is sipping on a soda.)

Teri
What? I want to know the answer to this too. Ian is hot, by the way. Is it lust or is it something more?

Paula Abdul
Remember what I said before, Jane, stay true to yourself no matter what.

Jane
(To Paula) How can I tell them the truth?

Paula Abdul

Just tell them what is in your heart.

Jane
The truth is...the truth is that I'm sorry I reacted the way I did. Owen, Kim, you are both dear friends to me, (to Kim) despite all of our differences, (Kim smiles). I met Ian when my heart was broken into a million pieces from losing Grayson. Ian put me back together. Believe me though, Grayson will never, ever leave my heart.

Owen
(Smiling) So you'll stay?

Jane
Will you accept Ian?

(Kim and Owen glance at each other and nod.)

Paula Abdul
(Uses gavel). Very well. It is the decision of this court that Jane remain in her place of employment and I am ordering her and Ian to take a two week vacation effective immediately.

Jane
Wow! To where?

Paula Abdul
To anywhere your dreams take you. Congrats, Jane. You have finally grown up. I'm so proud of you.

Jane
Thank you Paula Abdul. (They hug. Suddenly the fire alarm goes off. The water sprinklers set off as well.)

Paula Abdul
Oh, my hair! Everyone, clear my court room!

(Everyone rushes out as Jane stares in confusion.)

(Jane wakes up. She is back in her bedroom and her alarm is going off. Frustrated, she grabs her alarm and turns it off.)

Jane
I guess I forgot to turn off my alarm setting after I quit my job. It was such a nice dream. Paula Abdul was there. I haven't seen her in my dreams in a really long time!


Ian
Paula Abdul? I remember those dreams. Did she offer you any advice?

Jane
Yes. She told us to take a vacation and that is exactly what we are going to do. Pack a bag, Ian.

Ian
Uh, where are we going?

Jane
(Smiling) Anywhere we want!

Scene Three

(Jane and Ian are driving in her car. Jane is at the wheel. They are listening to music and smiling. Suddenly, Jane reaches for her phone.)

Ian
Jane, what are you doing? Watch the road.

Jane
Relax, Ian, I can multitask. I just need to call Owen.

Ian
Why?

Jane
I have to apologize and ask for my job back. I can't leave things the way they are now.

Ian
But I thought you were moving on. Are you sure about this?

Jane
(Jane hushes Ian as Owen picks up the phone.) Hello, Owen? It's Jane.

Owen
(Switch to Owen in his office. He looks stern.) Hello, Jane.

Jane
Listen, I know things were said yesterday that can never be taken back. I just want you to know that I'm sorry.

Owen
Sorry for quitting or sorry for yelling at me?

Jane
Both. I'm truly sorry, Owen. I just want you to accept my choice to be with Ian. I think we can make this work.

Owen
You mean you want to come back?

Jane
If I can. Hold on. (Jane swerves around a slow driver and speeds ahead.)

Owen
Honestly, I'm not sure that I can, Jane, but as your friend I am willing to try. You are one of the best lawyers I have ever met. I would hate to lose you as a coworker or as a friend.

Ian
I don't like you driving like this, Jane. Give me the phone.

Jane
No, Ian, I've got this.

Ian
(Ian and Jane struggle over the phone) Jane, give me-

Jane
Let go! I'm almost done!

(The phone slips from their fingers and lands at Grayson's feet. Both reach for it.)

Owen
Jane. Are you still there?

(Ian gets the phone and he and Jane look up in time to see they are about to crash into a fruit truck.)

Jane
Not again!!!

(They scream.)

Scene Four

(Jane hears the sound of a heart monitor. Slowly, she opens her eyes. She sees she is in a hospital.)

Jane
(Faintly) Ian?

(To her left she sees an middle aged nurse facing away. She is on the phone.)

Nurse
I couldn't wait til my lunch break so I snuck into the coma girl's room. Did you hear what happened to Abby? She took yesterday off from work and found her husband in bed with her sister! Can you imagine?

Jane
Excuse me, nurse?

Nurse
(Not paying attention, still looking away.) Just a second! Lisa, gotta dash. Details to follo- (Nurse slowly puts down the phone and turns around in shock.)

Jane
What happened to me?

(Nurse gasps and rushes out of the room. Soon she returns, more composed.)

Nurse
Hello there, young lady. My, we weren't sure you were ever going to wake up. I've called for the doctor, he will be in shortly. How are you feeling?

Jane
Confused. I don't remember what happened. Wait. I was driving with Ian and I saw a fruit truck. Oh no! Ian! Where's Ian? Is he okay?

Nurse
Easy now. I will look up your friend for you. (Grabs her chart.) What's his last name, Miss Dobkins?

Jane
His name is Ian Holt. He...wait...what did you just call me?

Nurse
Miss Dobkins. Miss Deborah Dobkins?

(Jane stares back at her in shock. She raises her arms and sees they are slender. She sees the blue nail polish on her pinky finger. Jane tries to get out of bed.)

Nurse
(Restrains her.) Miss Dobkins, lie down. You just woke up from a coma. Your body isn't ready yet.

Jane
What??? Give me a mirror! Now!

Nurse
I don't know-

Jane

Now!!!

(The nurse reaches for her purse and pulls out a compact. Quickly but cautiously she hands it over. Jane slowly opens the compact and looks into the tiny mirror. She faints.)

Scene Five

Grayson
Deb? Deb?

(Deb wakes up. She sees Grayson next to her bed, holding her hand. Grayson smiles widely at her. He kissed her cheek. Tears glisten in his eyes.)

Deb
Grayson? Is it really you?

Grayson
Of course it's me. I would never leave you.

Bobbie Dobkins
He's been by your side everyday. Oh, my baby! (Bobbie hugs Deb.) I knew you would wake up, I just knew it! (She hugs her again.) I'm not hurting you, am I?

Deb
No. Bobbie, I- I mean Mom. I get to call you Mom!

Bobbie
Of course you do! Are you feeling okay? I should get the doctor to look in on you. I will be right back. (She smiles at Grayson, takes another look at Deb, then leaves the room.)

Grayson
Do you remember what happened to you?

Jane
Yes. I died. I mean, it felt like I died and became someone else. I was living as someone else for the past six years.

Grayson
Six years? It's only been six months! Here. (Grayson grabs a newspaper and hands it to Deb.)

Deb
(She reads the date). January 16, 2010. This can't be real.

Grayson
It's real, Deb. You are alive! I almost lost you six months ago when you had that car accident. I tried suing the truck company.

Deb
You did? On what grounds? You couldn't do a wrongful death suit since I wasn't dead.

Grayson
Wrongful death suit? Have you been listening to my practice speeches before court appearances?

Deb
No, I'm just smart.

Grayson
Of course you are. You are an amazing woman. I am so lucky.

Deb
Did you win your case?

Grayson
No, it was pretty embarrassing actually. But hey, I got the job at Harrison and Parker.

Deb
I knew you would.

Grayson
Thanks.

(Stacy enters the room, crying.)

Deb
Stac!
(Deb and Stacey hug.)

Grayson
I have to get back to the office but I will be back in a few hours. I love you. (Grayson kisses Deb and leaves).

Stacy
Oh my goodness! I was so worried that you would never wake up! You won't believe how hard it's been living without my best friend.

Deb
I feel like you have been with me this whole time. Of course, in my alternate reality you were engaged and pregnant with twins.

Stacy
Twins! Deb, come on. My body would never rebound from that.

Deb
So what have you been up to since I went away? Did your modeling career take off?

Stacy
Sadly, no. I did a few commercials, including one for a cat food company, can't remember their name. Anyway, it's been pretty pathetic. I've been doing some soul searching and found that I have other interests. In fact, I've met someone.

Deb
Really? Who is he? Is he a lawyer or a judge?

Stacy
Nope. He's...well...he's not the kind of guy I would typically date but I can't help it. I love him! He's here, actually. Would you like to meet him?

Deb
Yes, I would like that.
Stacy
(Stacy yells to the doorway) You can come in now!

(Deb is pleasantly surprised by the man who walks in the door. He smiles at Deb and puts his arm around Stacy.)

Stacy
Deb, this is-

Deb
Fred!

(Stacy and Fred look at one another in shock.)

Stacy
Sweetie, how did you know his name?

Deb
(Composing herself) Well, you look like a Fred.

Fred
Hello, Deb. It's nice to finally meet you. Well, I mean, I kind of know you already but you wouldn't know it-

Stacy
It's how we met! Fred was visiting the hospital to see a friend when he bumped into me. I was visiting you.

Fred
It was love at first sight for me. I asked her out.

Stacy
And of course I said no.

Fred
What do you mean, 'of course'?

Deb
Moving on, Fred.

Fred
Well I couldn't get Stacy out of my mind so I became a volunteer at the hospital. I looked for her everyday-

Stacy
He was persistent and eventually he wore me down so I agreed to a date.

Fred
And it's been magic ever since.
Stacy
(Stacy shows off her ring) We got engaged!

Deb
Wow! Stacy, that's amazing! I'm so happy for you.

Stacy
Now we own a pet salon for the pets of the crème de la crème to get their doggy do's and fluffing. My picture is featured on every ad, Stacy's Posh Paws! Kim Kardashian came in once!

Deb
Kim Kardashian, wow! But wait a minute. Fred, you said you knew me from before. How?

Fred
Oh! When Stacy and I first started dating, I used to visit you with her and read to you. Mostly fashion magazines but once I told you about the crazy day I was having and I looked at you and I could have sworn you smiled.

Stacy
Tell her about the incident.

Fred
Um, well, I was delivering flowers to your room-

Stacy
From Grayson.

Deb
Pink Roses?

Stacy
Naturally!

Fred
-when I saw your face was turning blue. You weren't breathing. No one was coming so I rushed out screaming for help. Finally, I found an intern-

Stacy
who rushed in, found that your breathing tube was disconnected from the machine, and got you breathing again!

Deb
Oh Fred! (pause) You are my guardian angel.

Scene Six

(Deb is still in the hospital and by herself. She is standing in front of the wall mirror, staring at herself. She touches her face, hair, lips, etc.)
Deb
(To herself) I never thought I would see you again.

(A knock on the door. Her mom enters.)

Bobbie
The cafeteria food here is horrible! I can't wait for you to get out of this place. I hate hospitals. Well, except for the hot single doctors. It will be so wonderful to have you and Grayson home together again. We should throw a party and invite all of your friends.

Deb
I'm not sure I'm up for that yet.

Bobbie
One step at a time, dear. You will be back to your old self in no time. Speaking of which, I have a surprise for you!

(Bobbie is interrupted by Grayson walking in.)

Grayson
Deb, I'm sorry I took so long! Court can be brutal.

Deb
I know.

(Another knock on the door. Stacy and Fred enter.)

Stacy
(To Grayson and Bobby) I would like you to meet my fiance, Fred.

Bobbie
Nice to meet you, Fred.

Grayson
(Grayson looks at Fred a moment.) Haven't we met somewhere before?

(Flashback: Fred is working in the hospital gift shop. Grayson enters.)

Grayson
Hey, could you do me a favor? My future mother-in-law bought this bear here for my girlfriend and it's the wrong name. She must have picked it by mistake. Can I exchange it?

Fred
The bear's name says Jane.

Grayson
Yes. My girlfriend's name is Deb.

Fred
(Typing at his computer) And Jane is nothing like Deb. Let me see here. Okay, we do not have any Deb bears in stock. Would you like me to order one?

Grayson
No. Can I return it?

Fred
I'm sorry. There are no returns.

(Grayson looks discouraged.)

How about I make an exception. One time. Our secret.

Grayson
Thank you.

(Flashback ends, return to present.)

Fred
You look familiar to me too.

Bobbie
I have wonderful news! I spoke with the people at The Price Is Right, told them your story, and they want to meet you! Isn't this great, honey? A second chance at an audition!

Deb
Well...yes it is. I'm just not sure that being a model is what I want anymore.

Grayson
But Deb, you have always wanted to model.

Bobbie
What's changed, sweetie?

Deb
Me, I've changed. I can't explain it, I just spent my time in a coma living another life and I want to be that person. I want to help people.

Stacy
You would be helping people, sweetie! You would be helping contestants win money!

Deb
No, I don't want that. It isn't enough for me anymore. I know I've always been a self absorbed beauty queen but I can be so much more than that. Everyone, I want to be...a lawyer!

(Everyone is silent. A knock at the door. A doctor enters)

Bobbie
Oh good, a doctor. Just what Deb may need right now.

Luke
Deb, I doubt you would remember me. I was your doctor a few months back.

Deb

Luke?

Luke
Dr. Luke Daniels, yes. How did you know?

Fred
She seems to have a gift for names.

Deb
Oh, uh, I read your name badge.

Luke

Well, I'm glad to see you are doing so well. I have to continue my rounds but I wanted to let you know that we were all pulling for you. It's a wonderful second chance at life. Don't ever take it for granted.

Deb

I won't. Thank you.

(Luke exits.)

Grayson
(Kneels down by Deb's bed and pulls out a ring). I was going to do this in private, but after everything we have been through, I don't want to wait another minute. I've been holding onto this ring for a long time, never giving up hope that we belong together. Deborah Dobkins, I love you will all my heart. Will you marry me?

Deb
Yes. Yes! I will! I love you!

(Grayson and Deb kiss and Grayson places the ring on her finger.)

Bobbie
It's about time. Congratulations my darling! Now we get to plan a wedding! I have so many ideas! I'd better get started finding you the perfect place. Then there's the flowers, caterer, and-

Deb
Actually Mom, I agree with Grayson. I don't want to wait another minute. I want to get married. Now.

Grayson
Yes. Let's get married now. As soon as they release you.

(Knock on door. Intern Paul enters.)
Paul
Hey everybody, great news! Deb was given the all clear. You can check out. Take care, Deb.

Deb
(mouths) Thank you, Paul. (Paul exits)

Bobbie
Is it just me or do the doctors keep getting younger and hotter?

Scene Seven

(Deb and Grayson's wedding at the court house. Stacy, Fred, and Bobbie are witnesses. Everyone is dressed up. They are next in line. The courtroom door opens and Teri walks out in uniform.)

Teri
Next in line! We are ready for you. (Teri holds the door open and winks at Deb as they pass.)

(Deb recognizes the judge.)

Owen
Do you have your marriage license?

(Grayson hands it to Owen.)

Deb
Judge Owen French. I've heard many great things about you.

Owen
Thank you, Miss Dobkins. Are we ready to proceed?

(Owen performs the ceremony. Deb and Grayson look lovingly into each other's eyes. Bobbie starts crying and dabs her eyes.)

Owen
Do you, Deborah Dobkins, take Grayson Kent to be your lawfully wedded husband?

Deb
I do.

Owen
And do you, Grayson Kent, take Deborah Dobkins to be your lawfully wedded wife?

Grayson
I do.

Owen
Then by the power vested in me by the state of California, it is my honor to pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride.

(Grayson scoops up Deb and twirls her around as he kisses her. Everyone claps and smiles.)

Scene Eight

(Nighttime. Grayson and Deb are back in their house on the sofa drinking champagne.)

Grayson
How are you feeling, Mrs. Kent?

Deb
I am feeling wonderful, Mr. Kent. In fact, I feel like dancing.

(Grayson and Deb begin to dance as the song, “Heaven Is A Place On Earth” takes over. Deb sings out loud as they dance around the room.)

Deb
When the night falls down
I wait for you
And you come around
And the world's alive
With the sound of kids
On the street outside

When you walk into the room
You pull me close and we start to move
And we're spinning with the stars above
And you lift me up in a wave of love...

(They move outside where it is daylight again. Suddenly all of their friends are there as well dancing in a big musical number. We see Stacy, Fred, Kim, Teri, Jane's mom, Bobbie, Paula Abdul, etc.)

Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth?
Ooh heaven is a place on earth
They say in heaven love comes first
We'll make heaven a place on earth
Ooh heaven is a place on earth

(Montage: fast forward to Deb graduating college, winning court cases, coming home and hugging her kids, petting the dog, etc. Deb moves to her room and looks in the mirror. In the reflection is Jane. Jane comes out and Deb and Jane dance. Then they hug and Jane returns to the mirror and disappears. The song ends.)

(Fade To Black)
The End



2 comments:

  1. Awesome ending....you should write professionally!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Excellent finale. I loved it much better than the one they showed on Lifetime. Nice work woman.

    ReplyDelete