Brianna’s mom, Diana, surprises her with a lavish baby shower, but the celebration comes with unexpected tension. Chanise wrestles with a mid-life crisis just as her son, Legend, drops uneasy news. Meanwhile, Hope’s script catches the showrunner’s attention, putting her under intense pressure in the writer’s room. And Faith finally reveals the true reason for her visit, leaving Hope with more questions than answers.
SEASON 3: EPISODE 19 (Meltdown Mayhem)
Written by: Charlie T. Savage
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Episode 19: MELTDOWN MAYHEM
Written By
Charlie T. Savage
SCENE 1
INT. WRITER’S ROOM - DAY
HOPE: (V.O.) Working as a writer's assistant in a writers' room can feel like walking a tightrope. You're supposed to be seen and not heard, but sometimes, you just know you have the missing piece everyone’s looking for.
RACHEL: (frustrated) Okay, so Brandy is at this point where she needs someone to step in. We need a man to show up for her, but it has to feel natural.
ALEX: How about her neighbor? They've had a few interactions; maybe he offers her help?
MAXWELL: Work through this.
RACHEL: It’s too predictable. We need something with more impact.
MAXWELL: (sighing) Rachel. We've been over this three times already. We need fresh ideas. I’m growing bored.
RACHEL: I can’t do this by myself! Come on, people. Our audience isn’t maintaining their interest in Brandy like in the first few seasons. We need something.
HOPE: (shyly) Um, I have an idea…
RACHEL: (huffing laugh) Hope, this isn’t your place.
HOPE: I know, but I really think this could work.
RACHEL: Then write it down in your little notebook and drop it on my desk, and I’ll let you know if it fits.
HOPE: Or I could just say it right here.
RACHEL: What did you just say?
MAXWELL: (interjecting, authoritative) Alright, everyone relax! Hope feels strongly about this, so I want to hear what she has to say. Hope?
HOPE: Season 2, Episode 3, Scene 13. Brandy meets Murray at a coffee shop, but then his character drops off. Maybe it's a good time to bring him back?
RACHEL: (nervous) Murray? I introduced that character, and he did not just fall off.
FX: PAGES FLIPPING BACK AND FORTH
ALEX: I checked the show bible. He smiled. Brandy giggled nervously, and then Murray just dead-ends. Hope’s right.
FX: CHATTER IN THE BACKGROUND; THE CHATTER STOPS
MAXWELL: Hope, can I see you in my office really quickly?
HOPE: Sure, Mr. Maxwell. Whatever you need.
INT. SHOWRUNNER’S OFFICE - DAY
FX: OFFICE DOOR CLOSES SOFTLY
MAXWELL: Take a seat, Hope. So, Hope, I read your script last night.
HOPE: (nervous) Oh, I hope it was okay. I mean, I tried to put a lot of heart into it, and—
MAXWELL: It was more than okay. It was fantastic. You have a real knack for dialogue and pacing.
HOPE: Thank you so much, Maxwell. That means a lot coming from you.
MAXWELL: Listen, one of our writers is going on maternity leave at the end of the month. We need someone to step in temporarily. I'd like to give you a shot to write a spec of our show.
HOPE: (V.O.) I think I just shit a brick. Can I do this? Now, I have the bubble guts.
MAXWELL: You’ll still need to double dip as the writer's assistant for now, but you'll have a seat at the table. I can see your passion, and I believe in nurturing talent. So, what do you say? Think you can handle it?
HOPE: Oh my God, yes! Absolutely! Thank you so much!
MAXWELL: Now, Hope, you're really new at this, and you have very little experience. It’s a shark tank in there. I believe in you, but I don’t need you getting stage fright.
HOPE: I won't let you down.
FX: STOMACH RUMBLES
HOPE: (V.O.) Oh my God, let me get out of here.
FX: STOMACH RUMBLES
MAXWELL: Alright. I trust you.
FX: CHAIR SCRAPES ON THE FLOOR AS HOPE RISES TO EXIT.
HOPE: (V.O.) Hope, just get outside the door at least.
FX: HOPE QUICKLY EXITS. THE DOOR CLOSES, AND SHE LETS IT ALL OUT.
FX: THE DOOR OPENS
MAXWELL: Hope, one more thing.
FX: HOPE FREEZES
MAXWELL: Damn, what did you eat? You wanna warn me next time?
FX: MAXWELL COUGHS.
FADE
SCENE 2
INT. LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE COUNTRY CLUB - DAY
FX: GENTLE CHATTER, GLASSES CLINK, LAUGHTER, SOFT MUSIC
CHANISE: Damn, Bri! I knew when you said your mom was throwing the shower and that it was going to be fancy, but did she have to do it on the most expensive golf course in LA?
HOPE: Yeah, this is… something. How are you feeling?
BRIANNA: It's overwhelming, in the best way. And very… Diana.
CHANISE: This seems more like a gala than a shower.
HOPE: Do you even know all of these people?
BRIANNA: A few girls from the salon are here, but most of them are investors of Diana. But I'm grateful. Plus, she did set up a game. Pin the diaper on the baby, right over there.
BRIANNA: Diana promised this is her last fancy venture until the kid’s 5th birthday.
CHANISE: I wouldn’t hold my breath.
HOPE: Is Jamie coming? I know he would have loved to see this.
BRIANNA: You know men don’t come to these things.
HOPE: Bri, it’s 2024. Try again.
BRIANNA: Okay, I didn’t tell him. And I didn’t tell Diana that I didn’t tell him either. So not a word.
DIANA: Hope! Chanise! It’s so wonderful to see you!
CHANISE: It’s Chanise, Diana. Nice to see you too.
FX: FRENCH KISS SOUNDS TO GREET THE LADIES
HOPE: This shower is beautiful, Diana. You've outdone yourself as always!
CHANISE: Impressive.
DIANA: It's a small fortune and a testament to how loved Brianna is, my dears.
BRIANNA: I think our definition of "small" needs to be revisited.
DIANA: Come now, I want you to meet everyone.
FX: GENTLE CHATTER CONTINUES
CHANISE: (whispers) Maybe Brianna should have invited Jamie. It feels a little strange without him here.
HOPE: (whispers) Godmothers should be okay with parents' choices, don’t you think?
SCENE 2A
INT. LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE COUNTRY CLUB - DAY
FX: TOAST CLINKING OF A GLASS; CHATTER DIES DOWN
DIANA: I want to raise a toast to my beautiful daughter, Brianna. You have blossomed into a remarkable woman, and I am immensely proud of you. Today, we celebrate not only the new life you're bringing into the world but also the incredible person you already are. And, might I add, I am far too young to be a grandmother, but I welcome it! To Brianna and the new additions to our family!
ALL: To Brianna!
FX: GLASSES CLINK, APPLAUSE (AD LIB DIRECTION)
BRI’S DAD: (slurring) A toast? Without your dear old dad?
BRIANNA: Daddy, are you drunk?
DIANA: This is neither the time nor the place. Please compose yourself!
BRI’S DAD: Oh, come on, Di! I just want to toast to my little girl too.
BRIANNA: Dad, please stop. I thought you were doing better. Just, just have a seat!
DIANA: For once, can you act like you weren’t raised in the… ghetto?
BRI’S DAD: Oh, did I break up your perfect little party? Afraid to let the world know YOUR shit does stink! Ha, perfect Ms. Diana, showing off yet again!
DIANA: (sarcastically) Let me get you some water.
FX: DIANA POURS BRI’S DAD A GLASS OF WATER
BRI’S DAD: I don’t need any damn water, Diana!
DIANA: Oh? Then let me just get rid of it for you!
FX: WATER POURS OVER DAD’S HEAD
BRIANNA: Mom! Not over his head.
BRI’S DAD: You self-centered cow!
DIANA: (sarcastically) You looked like you needed to cool off a little bit.
BRI’S DAD: This is why your daughter can’t hold on to a man. She’s just like you.
BRIANNA: Leave me out of this!
DIANA: Now, look what you’ve done.
FX: FIGHTING CONTINUES IN THE BACKGROUND. BRIANNA STORMS OFF, CRYING.
BRIANNA: (V.O.) I can't believe this is happening at my baby shower. Just like my parents—always making everything about them. It’s never about me. They've taken over every part of my life, leaving no space for me to just be myself. I don’t want to be in competition. I refuse to let what has happened to me happen to my babies.
DIANA: Get out of my face.
FX: HOPE PICKS UP THE MIC AND CHECKS IT.
HOPE: Ummm, is this thing on? Who wants to play Pin the Diaper on the Baby?
FX: FIGHTING CONTINUES | GLASS BREAKS
FADE
SCENE 3
INT. CHANISE'S LIVING ROOM - EVENING
FX: FRONT DOOR OPENS & CLOSES. CHANISE GETS SETTLED IN.
CHANISE: (V.O.) What a day. I’m so glad to be home. I’m putting on my pajamas and some slippers, pouring myself a glass of wine, lighting my candles, and wrapping up with a new read that Mikal turned me on to called “Failing to Success” by Patrick Williams.
FX: PHONE RINGS. FACETIME
CHANISE: Hello?
LEGEND: Hey, Ma!
CHANISE: Legend, baby! You have no idea how happy I am to hear your voice. It’s been a tough few days. Especially today.
LEGEND: How was Brianna’s shower?
CHANISE: It was a day. Fancy golf course, camels for the kids, and a very dramatic appearance by her dad. Shit, I’m exhausted.
LEGEND: Is she okay?
CHANISE: I’m sure she’s fine. Just a lot to handle.
LEGEND: How’s school?
CHANISE: I’m almost ashamed to say I failed my exam again.
LEGEND: (laughs) Really, Mom? I remember when an F in your house meant a Kunta Kinte beatdown.
CHANISE: (chuckles) Don’t you start with me. My belt has a few more miles on it.
LEGEND: But for real, Ma. I’m starting to think I got my study habits from Dad’s side.
CHANISE: Oh, so now it’s genetic?
LEGEND: You know I can’t wait to watch you cross the stage and scream out, "That’s my mamma!"
CHANISE: Well, you better start warming up those vocal cords, 'cause I’m gonna pass this damn thing if it kills me.
LEGEND: Good! Speaking of Dad, I just got off the phone with him and Anette. Did you know she had the baby?
CHANISE: I wasn’t really trying to know. Healthy?
LEGEND: Yeah, both she and the baby are good. I was thinking of coming home. You know, to meet my new sister.
CHANISE: (V.O.) Sister? My son has a sister. After everything—raising my son alone while his father was in jail—now he's getting a fresh start at fatherhood with someone else? It’s like a slap in the face, a reminder of all those nights I struggled alone, wondering if he’d ever come back, only to see him move on.
LEGEND: What do you think?
CHANISE: I love that for you, Legend. When are you coming?
LEGEND: Soon, in a few weeks. I’ve got exams this week. Don’t want to fail like somebody I know.
CHANISE: Oh, so you got jokes? You must be staying with your dad.
FX: THEY SHARE A LAUGH
CHANISE: I got jokes too.
FADE OUT.
SCENE 4
INT. HOPE'S APARTMENT - EVENING
FX: TV IN BACKGROUND, SOUND OF CHEWING, RUSTLING OF SNACKS
HOPE: (V.O.) She’s hogging the remote and sitting in my favorite spot. She never visits LA, so why is she really here? I swear, if she doesn’t start talking soon, I’m going to lose it. (GASP) Are those my ranch potato chips!?
FX: TV SHOW BLASTS FROM THE TV
FAITH: (excited) Hey, remember this movie? We practically wore out the VHS tape on this one—Clueless. How could I forget? Remember how we’d always fight over who got to be Stacey Dash’s character? You know I did it better.
HOPE: Whatever.
FX: THEY BOTH LAUGH
FAITH: Wanna watch it? Just try not to quote every line.
HOPE: No promises.
FX: PHONE BUZZING, INSTAGRAM NOTIFICATION SOUNDS
FAITH: And who is that interrupting our movie night?
HOPE: Nothing. Just Instagram.
FAITH: Instagram? Let me see.
HOPE: Faith, no! Give it back!
FAITH: “New Post From Tre.”
HOPE: It’s just a peek.
FAITH: Peek? You have notifications set up for this man!
HOPE: So, I snoop a little.
FAITH: Didn’t his fiancée already warn you? You better cut it out before the next trip I make to LA is your funeral!
HOPE: Yeah, I know. It’s just... hard.
FAITH: What’s even harder is watching you torture yourself. You're stepping into the middle of something you wouldn't want shattered if it were yours. You need to let him go, for the sake of all hearts involved, including hers, because—
(goes on a tangent)
—you don't want to be the reason one day they are sitting across from each other at the kitchen table talking about where they went wrong. They already have two soon-to-be-adult children, and she doesn't know who she is anymore because she's been everything to everybody and nothing to herself, but she can't even eat her own bag of Oreos without someone's hands out!
HOPE: Is this still about Tre?
FAITH: Hope!
HOPE: Fine! I turned them off.
FADE
SCENE 5
INT. LAVENDER BLUE LOUNGE - NIGHT
FX: VIBRANT MUSIC, CHATTER, AND LAUGHTER FILL THE ROOM
HOPE: (V.O.) It’s ladies' night, our monthly WineDown ritual. Everyone's here… except Bri. Where is she? But you know who is here? My intrusive sister.
FX: HUFFING AND PUFFING, BRI MUMBLING UNDER HER BREATH
HOPE: Ladies.
CHANISE: Ayyee! There she is!
BRIANNA: Seriously, guys? None of you could even text me?
HOPE: Bri, what are you talking about?
BRIANNA: The WineDown? Looks like it’s happening without me… but Faith gets invited?
FAITH: (smacking) Have you tried their wings? They have the best wings.
BRIANNA: You thought I wouldn’t find out? If you don’t want to be seen in a bar with a pregnant woman, then just say that!
CHANISE: Bri, it’s been every third Wednesday for years now. It’s not a secret.
BRIANNA: Exactly! So why would you move it to a Monday?
HOPE: Bri, it’s Wednesday.
BRIANNA: No, it's Monday! It’s been Monday all day! Look at my phone.
CHANISE: It says Wednesday.
HOPE: Yup.
BRIANNA: I made a mistake, okay! I’m pregnant.
HOPE: Don't sweat it. We're just glad you’re here, okay. Here, I got you a drink.
FAITH: Wait! Should you be drinking?
HOPE: Relax. It's just a "Mommy Mojito."
BRIANNA: Thanks, Hope. (whispers) What’s Faith doing here?
HOPE: (whispers) I couldn't leave her at the house. She’s been eating up all of my food. Groceries aren’t cheap!
FX: VIBRANT MUSIC, CHATTER, AND LAUGHTER FILL THE ROOM
CHANISE: Guess who has a baby sister now?
HOPE: Lionel had the baby?
BRIANNA: You’re a stepmom.
FAITH: Who’s Lionel?
CHANISE: Lionel is my ex who just had a child with his new girlfriend.
FAITH: Ewww… I remember him now. (beat) Have you seen the baby?
CHANISE: I have not. And will not.
FAITH: So no pictures?
BRIANNA: Chanise, I don’t think you should have all this animosity for Lionel. You are family, whether you like it or not.
CHANISE: It did shake me a little. I’m learning to keep it cute.
FAITH: (enthusiastically) Have you guys tried the appetizers here? They're amazing!
HOPE: Yes, Faith. We all have. Several times. What is it with you?
FAITH: (mouth full) Am I bothering you? Geez.
HOPE: You kind of are. I mean, you barged into my life two days ago, and I have no idea why. You’re judging me because I’m keeping tabs on what Tre is doing and eating up all my damn food.
FAITH: News flash, I’ve been in your life. (beat) I mean, this is what you do when you guys get together? Chanise, isn’t that the guy that was in jail for robbing a bank and still didn’t give you any money? Hope is over here still salivating over a man that is marrying someone else, and Brianna, shame on you! Ladies, I really feel like I’ve been listening to a real-life soap opera. (beat) Oh look, pickles!
FX: CRUNCHES ON PICKLES
CHANISE: Hope, don’t bring her ass around us no more.
FAITH: Cheers to family drama and mocktails that taste suspiciously like the real thing!
FX: GLASSES CLINK TOGETHER FOR A TOAST
BRIANNA: Faith, did you sip my drink?
FADE
SCENE 6
INT. FORKS CAFE - LATE AFTERNOON
FX: MURMUR OF CONVERSATION, CLINKING OF DISHES, SOFT MUSIC
BRIANNA: (V.O.) Bringing these babies into the world is nerve-wracking enough, but my support system feels like it’s crumbling. Hope’s been weird since I made Chanise the godmother, Dad’s a mess, and Jamie—well, he says he’s ready, but is he really mature enough? I guess we’ll have to find out.
FX: A CHAIR SLIDES ACROSS THE FLOOR, A FOREHEAD KISS
JAMIE: Hey, lady. How are you doing? How are the twins?
BRIANNA: I’m good. The babies are kicking a hole in my side, so healthy and clearly happy.
JAMIE: And your dad? How’s he holding up?
BRIANNA: He’s stable.
JAMIE: Good to hear. I know this hasn’t been easy for you or the babies.
BRIANNA: Thanks for meeting me. Where are you coming from exactly? A little too fancy to be leaving the gym.
JAMIE: An interview. I figured even if I’m not full-time in the twins’ lives, I can at least be a decent role model to them or something. First 6-figure position.
BRIANNA: (clears throat) So, how did it go?
JAMIE: It went well, I think.
BRIANNA: Confidence looks good on you.
JAMIE: Thanks, Bri. Oh, is this for me?
BRIANNA: Yup, I ordered it just like you like it. Earl Grey, a splash of almond milk, and two teaspoons of honey.
JAMIE: You do know me. So, what’s on your mind? I’m hoping it’s the same thing on my mind.
BRIANNA: First, no, I’m sure it’s not. But I’ve been doing some serious thinking.
JAMIE: About?
BRIANNA: With everything going on with my parents… (Break) I want you to be in the babies’ lives. I do. I just want to make sure you’re a safe place for them.
JAMIE: I feel you. You need to know I’m not just talking a good game.
BRIANNA: Being a dad is a full-time job.
JAMIE: I know, Bri. What do I gotta do to prove it to you?
BRIANNA: (sarcastically) Well, here’s your chance.
FX: DIGS IN A BAG | “MAMA” DOLL SOUND
JAMIE: Brianna? What the hell is this?
BRIANNA: We’re going to play a little game. Meet your baby.
JAMIE: You’re kidding, right?
BRIANNA: Today, you’re on dad duty with Baby Boris here. And you’re getting off easy because you only have to keep one baby alive.
JAMIE: Baby Boris? You named this thing… Boris?
BRIANNA: This thing is now your offspring, so be kind. Now, Boris is the world’s most advanced infant simulator. He does everything a real baby does, including crying when he needs to be fed, burped, rocked, or changed.
JAMIE: Even the other stuff? You know… the diaper stuff?
BRIANNA: I got the special upgrade specifically for the “diaper stuff.” Now, I want you to remember his routine. Diaper changes, feedings, and naps are all on this schedule right here. Oh, and I can track everything that’s happening on an app from my phone. And if you don’t stick to it closely, he can be a bit... fussy.
JAMIE: What do you mean “fussy”?
FX: THE BABY DOLL BEGINS TO CRY | BABY BURPS
JAMIE: Awww Boris, not the blazer!
BRIANNA: First lesson in parenting: never wear your good stuff.
FX: PASSING OF GAS BY THE DOLL
JAMIE: Was that? Ugh… Excuse me, we have to go to the potty.
FX: BRIANNA LAUGHS
FADE
SCENE 7
INT. HOPE'S APARTMENT - DAY
FX: TV PLAYING IN BACKGROUND, SOUND OF CHIPS RUSTLING
HOPE: (V.O.) Faith and I really haven’t spoken since the WineDown with the ladies the other night. I really wish she would just go home!
FAITH: Hope, I have to tell you something.
HOPE: That you ate the rest of the ice cream sandwiches? Shocker.
FAITH: Well, yeah, but no. It’s something important.
HOPE: Okay? Well, what is it?
FAITH: Well, I haven’t told anybody this yet. It’s just me and you. Not Mom, not my husband Kamal, not the kids. You gotta promise to not say anything.
HOPE: As long as it’s nothing that’s going to affect my freedom or require a polygraph, then deal.
FAITH: (deep breath) Well, I've been considering returning to LA to reignite my acting career. It’s been on my mind for about a year, especially now that the kids are older and more independent.
HOPE: That’s great! What’s so bad about that?
FAITH: This.
HOPE: Eeew, I don’t want to hold this pregnancy test. Did you pee on this?
FX: PREGNANCY TEST HITS THE FLOOR
FAITH: Yes, and I’m pregnant.
HOPE: I want to say congratulations, but you seem sad.
FAITH: It’s just… I’m not so sure.
HOPE: What’s not to be sure about? Expanding your fabulous family is all you ever talked about.
FAITH: I've spent more years being a mother than I have being Faith. Kamal has pursued his dreams, and I've been there for him through every success and setback. He’s been an exceptional father. But I don’t think I can postpone my dreams any longer.
HOPE: Faith, what are you saying?
FAITH: I want to get an abortion.
FADE