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“BIG LITTLE LIES”Episode #1“Somebody’s Dead”Written ByDavid E. KelleyREVISED PAGE: 53Based on the book: “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty. 2015 Home Box Office, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No portion of this script may beperformed, published, reproduced, sold or distributed by any means, or quoted or publishedin any medium, including on any web site, without the prior written consent of Home BoxOffice. Distribution or disclosure of this material to unauthorized persons is prohibited.Disposal of this script copy does not alter any of the restrictions previously set forth.PRODUCTION DRAFT – 01/03/16FULL BLUE Revision – 01/07/16PINK REVISION – 01/09/16YELLOW REVISION – 01/23/16GREEN REVISION – 05/22/16
BLL – EP 1 - “Somebody’s Dead” – FULL BLUE – 01/07/16CAST LISTMADELINE MARTHA MACKENZIECELESTE WRIGHTJANE CHAPMANPERRY WRIGHTED MACKENZIENATHAN CARLSONBONNIE CARLSONRenata KleinGordon KleinZiggy Chapman (minor)Chloe Mackenzie (minor)Amabella Klein (minor)Max Wright (minor)Josh Wright (minor)Abigail Carlson (minor)Skye Carlson (minor)Joseph BachmanDetective Adrienne QuinlanDetective Walt GibsonPrincipal Warren NippalMs. Emily BarnesDi ChapmanLoriTomJulietteGabrielleHarper StimsonJackieBernardOrenMattSamanthaStuThea CunninghamDr. Leo Chang
BLL – EP 1 “Somebody’s Dead” – FULL BLUE – 01/07/16SETS LISTINTERIORS:MADELINE’S HOUSE- DINING ROOM – SUNSET- HALLWAY OUTSIDE ABIGAIL’S ROOM - NIGHT- ABIGAIL’S ROOM – NIGHT- FAMILY ROOM – NIGHTCELESTE’S HOUSE – SUNSET- DEN - NIGHT- HALLWAY - NIGHT- LIVING ROOM – NIGHTJANE’S TOWNHOUSE - NIGHT- ZIGGY’S BEDROOM – NIGHTBONNIE’S STUDIO – DAYJANE’S PRIUS – MORNINGMADELINE’S SUV - MORNINGBLUE BLUES CAFÉ – DAYEXTERIORS:OTTER BAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – MORNING- SCHOOL TERRACE – MORNING & MID-DAY- PARKING LOT – AFTERNOONMADELINE’S HOUSE, BACKYARD BEACH – SUNSETCELESTE’S HOUSE- PATIO – DAY- DECK – SUNSETJANE’S TOWNHOUSE – NIGHTRENATA’S HOUSE – SUNSET- DECK – SUNSETFISHERMAN’S WHARF- PARKING LOT – DAY- BOARDWALK – DAY*
BLL – EP 1 - “Somebody’s Dead” – FULL BLUE – 01/07/16EXTERIORS: (CONT’D)MONTEREY – BIXBY BRIDGE – MORNINGROAD BY THE OCEAN – MORNINGBEACH – NIGHTSONG LIST:“BRIGHT LIGHTS” – GARY CLARK JR.“VICTIM OF LOVE” – CHARLES BRADLEY“KING KONG” – BABE RUTH“CALL ON ME” – JANIS JOPLIN*PIANO MUSIC - TBD (CHLOE & MADELINE PLAY)“SEPTEMBER SONG” – AGNES OBEL“WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A B.A. IN ENGLISH?” – Avenue Q (Madeline)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - FULL BLUE - 1/7/161.BIG LITTLE LIES"Somebody's Dead"100OVER BLACK WE HEAR THE SOUND OF SOMEONE BREATHING OVERDISTANT, SPORADIC POLICE RADIO CLIPS; IT CONTINUES AS WEFADE IN ON BLURRY FLURRIES OF FLASHING LIGHTS AND AS WEINTRODUCE GLIMPSES OF DIFFERENT MALE AND FEMALE FACESDAZZLED BY THE LIGHTS. WE DO NOT SETTLE ON THESE PEOPLE,THEIR IMAGES ARE FAST, FLEETING, BUT WE DO HAVE TIME TONOTICE SOMETHING: THE MEN ALL LOOK LIKE ELVIS PRESLEY; THEWOMEN LIKE AUDREY HEPBURN.100AS WE HEAR A CAR DOOR BEING SHUT.101101EXT. SOMEWHERE - NIGHTWE WHIP PAN ON A POLICE CAR WHERE DETECTIVE ADRIENNEQUINLAN, forties, IS MET BY PARTNER/COLLEAGUE DETECTIVEWALT GIBSON, also forties. THEY WALK PAST A FIRE TRUCK, ANAMBULANCE, THROUGH A CRIME SCENE.GIBSONIn the back.QUINLAN(re: all the people)What is all this?GIBSONSome Costume night, or something.School fundraiser.AS QUINLAN SURVEYS THE SURROUNDINGS, WE GET OUR FIRST GOODLOOK: DIFFERENT WHIP PANS REVEAL THE YARD LITTERED WITHELVIS PRESLEYS RANGING FROM LATE TWENTIES TO MID-FORTIES; ABUNCH OF AUDREY HEPBURNS AS WELL, SAME AGE-RANGE, ALLSHAPES AND SIZES. A FORTUITOUS COSTUME FOR SOME OF THEWOMEN; LESS SO FOR OTHERS.GIBSON (O.S.) (CONT’D)Victim's on the back terrace.AND WE WHIP PAN BACK TO THE DETECTIVES. We get it now. Thisis the POV of someone watching them. And we can still hearhis or her breathing.QUINLANWitnesses?Plenty.DET. GIBSONThough not a lot of clarity.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - FULL BLUE - 1/7/161012.CONTINUED:101QUINLAN(no nonsense)How contaminated is this scene?GIBSONThey did a pretty good job of it.They arrive on top of a staircase and stop, stare down atwhat we can only surmise is a dead body. EMT’S AT WORK BUTTHERE'S NO PENDING EMERGENCY. WHAT'S DONE IS DONE.GIBSON (CONT'D)Already dead when we arrived.Quinlan stares at the ground, shakes her head.QUINLANMy god.CLOSE ON GABRIELLElate thirties, in what appears to be a police interrogationroom. NOTE: ALL FREE-STANDING CLOSE-ONS ARE IN THIS SETTING.GABRIELLEIt wasn't just the mothers.the dads, too.It wasCLOSE ON STU, fortyishSTUThe thing about fundraisers.vicious.They'reCLOSE ON samantha, fortySAMANTHAEverybody wants to prove who's therichest.CLOSE ON STUSTUAdd alcohol to the mix. and thefact that. women don't let thingsgo. They're like the Olympicathletes of grudges.CLOSE ON THEA, fortiesTHEAIt’s sexist how the women always getblamed.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - FULL BLUE - 1/7/161013.CONTINUED: (2)101CLOSE ON HARPER, fortyishHARPERI’m telling you. It all goes back tothe incident on Orientation Day.AN ELECTRIC GUITAR STARTS TO PLAY THE FIRST NOTES OF “BRIGHTLIGHTS” FROM GARY CLARK JUNIOR AS WE CUT TO:102102EXT. MONTEREY - BIXBY BRIDGE - MORNINGAN SUV CROSSES A BRIDGE BY THE OCEAN WITH A SPECTACULARVIEW.HARPER (V.O.)And at the root of it was Madeline.103103INT. MADELINE'S SUV - MORNINGA TIGHT SHOT OF MADELINE MARTHA MACKENZIE, DRIVING.HARPER (V.O.). the Herculean talker.forty, a whirlwind of a human being, quakes with goodintentions, bright, bossy. The contrast between Clark’ssexy, rock n roll track and Madeline’s face is interesting,not an obvious match, but quite an intro. There is nothingapparently rock n roll about her, but sexy.MADELINEThere's really nothing to be afraidof. Your sister had a great time andso shall you. No need to be nervous.She speaks rapid-fire, perfect enunciation. NOW, SEEN FROMBEHIND, FROM HER SIX-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER’S PERSPECTIVE:MADELINE (CONT’D)You should be excited, you know why?MEET CHLOE, seated in the back of the SUV, moving her headto the MUSIC AS THE BEAT EXPLODES. Glittery, bossy, justlike her mother; precocious beyond her years, with a rockstar quality. WE'RE ON A WELL-TRAVELED ROAD IN MONTEREY,CALIFORNIA, NEXT TO THE OCEAN, BLUE SKY, BRIGHT SUN. CHLOEMOUTHS THE FOLLOWING:MADELINE (CONT’D)This is the very first day of therest of your life.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - FULL BLUE - 1/7/161034.CONTINUED:103CHLOE(some eye-roll)Okay, woman.MADELINENot a hundred percent sure about thattone.(then)Would you, please?Chloe immediately LOWERS THE VOLUME OF THE MUSIC from heriPOD that is connected to the car radio when suddenlyMadeline jams on the brake, LEANS ON THE HORN.REVEAL IN FRONT OF HER, A BLUE MITSUBISHI, TEEMING WITHYOUNG PEOPLE, TEENAGERS, slowly moving behind other carstowards a stop sign at an intersection.MADELINE (CONT'D)Mother-CHLOEFucker!MADELINEChloe Adeline Mackenzie!CHLOEYou were thinking it.MADELINEOnly ‘cause that scared me. You wantto see how teenagers die, this ishow, that girl in front of me isdriving her car and texting at thesame time.MADELINE LEANS ON THE HORN, YELLING OUT THE WINDOW:MADELINE (CONT'D)You are going to die!!THE DRIVER SPIES MADELINE IN HER REAR-VIEW MIRROR, ASMADELINE JAMS HER FINGER INTO HER PALM, SIMULATING TEXTING.It's illegal!MADELINE (CONT’D)It's against the law!!THE DRIVER, A TEENAGE GIRL, COOLLY EXTENDS THE FINGER: "UPYOURS," with the poise of a veteran bird-flipper.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - FULL BLUE - 1/7/161035.CONTINUED: (2)103MADELINE THROWS THE CAR INTO PARK, JAMS ON THE EMERGENCYBRAKE, AND IS OUT OF THE VEHICLE IN A FLASH. CHLOE SIMPLYTURNS UP THE MUSIC. She’s seen this before.104EXT. ROAD BY THE OCEAN - CONTINUOUSMADELINE STORMS UP TO THE OFFENDING CAR, BANGS ON THEWINDOW. THE DRIVER, LORI, SEVENTEEN-ISH, WHITE SKIN,SPARKLY NOSE-RING, CLUMPY MASCARA, SLIDES DOWN THE WINDOW.LORIWhat is your problem?MADELINEYou put down that phone. You couldkill yourself and your-- Abigail?A stunned beat.MADELINE (CONT’D)What have I told you about ridingwith texters, young lady?!On the back seat, a SIXTEEN YEAR OLD GIRL drops her headinto her hands.ABIGAILMom!MADELINEIt's worse than drinking!MADELINE SNATCHES THE PHONE, THEN WINGS IT ONTO THE FLOORIN FRONT OF THE GAPE-JAWED PASSENGER.MADELINE (CONT'D)You must stop it.Lori looks back at this alien. As Madeline turns and headsback, she HEARS THE EXPLOSION OF LAUGHTER FROM WITHIN THEMITSUBISHI. Upon which, MADELINE NOTICES ANOTHER CAR,STOPPED BEHIND HERS; SHE THROWS OUT AN APOLOGETIC WAVE,BEGINS TO TROT BACK TO HER CAR, PROMPTLY FALLS. SPLAT.CLOSE ON GABRIELLEGABRIELLEIt's possible that had she notfallen, nobody would've gottenkilled.104
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - FULL BLUE - 1/7/161056.105INT. JANE’S PRIUS - MORNINGJANE CHAPMAN, twenty-four, behind the wheel, her tired oldPrius idling behind the parked SUV. There's a palpablefragility to Jane. No makeup, no effort made to drawattention to herself. A hint of anxiety on her face;through it all she oozes a fundamental kindness.JANEOuch.STRAPPED INTO THE BACK SEAT, HER SIX-YEAR-OLD SON, ZIGGY.Big eyes, the image of innocence and gentility. He couldpass for a puppet.ZIGGYDid you hurt yourself?No.JANEThe lady tripped, she fell down.THE MITSUBISHI ZOOMS OFF after doing its stop at theintersection. JANE PUTS ON HER SIGNAL, BEGINS TO NAVIGATEPAST THE PARKED SUV.ZIGGYWhere are we going?JANEWe don't want to be late forOrientation.ZIGGYBut shouldn't we make sure the lady'sokay?JANEWell.(then)You're right, we should.JANE PULLS THE PRIUS OVER, DEBOARDS, under-106EXT. ROAD BY THE OCEAN - CONTINUOUS106JANE(calling to Madeline)Are you okay?As Jane helps her up--(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - FULL BLUE - 1/7/16106CONTINUED:7.106I'm fine.little.MADELINEI just rolled my ankle aJANEYou should probably get ice on it.MADELINEI've got to get to school. Mydaughter's first day, they have athing about tardiness.JANEAt Otter Bay? That's where I'mgoing, my son, Ziggy, is startingthere.MADELINEZiggy? Like Ziggy Stardust? What agreat name.(indicating)That's my little Chloe, shrinkingfrom embarrassment right there. Areyou new to Monterey?JANEJust moved here. Two weeks ago.MADELINEI'm Madeline, by the way, MadelineMartha Mackenzie. I only go byMadeline, but for some reason Ialways mention the Martha.Jane.JANEJane-no-middle-name Chapman.MADELINEI already like you, Jane-no-middleChapman. You're an intrinsicallynice person, I have a nose for thissort of thing.CLOSE ON BERNARD, forties.BERNARDWhat Madeline had was a nose foreverybody else's business.CLOSE ON OREN, also forties.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - FULL BLUE - 1/7/161068.CONTINUED: (2)106OREN(times ten)Oh my god.107107INT. JANE’S PRIUS - MORNINGJane drives, Madeline rides, her injured foot elevatedabove the dashboard. Chloe sits in the back, next to Ziggy.MADELINEI’m a stay-at-home myself so I’m gladto welcome another full time motherinto the ranks. It can be us againstthem sometimes, the career moms inthis town, they put more into theirvarious board meetings than they doparenting, trust me.CHLOEMy Mom's an active talker.JANEI actually have a part-time job.MADELINESo do I, but it doesn’t really count,the over-under in this town is ahundred and fifty thousand. I work inthe community theater twenty hours aweek, so I’m an “under,” what do youdo?JANEBookkeeping. So I guess I’m an“under” too.CHLOE(to Ziggy)When I grow up, I’m going to run amassive Label. Do you have plans?ZIGGY BLINKS HARD, TWICE: A NERVOUS TIC HE HAS WHEN THINGSJUST DO NOT COMPUTE.CHLOE (CONT’D)I'm effervescent, which makes for agood leader. Do you have anadjective you like to go by?ZIGGYNo.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - FULL BLUE - 1/7/161079.CONTINUED:107CHLOEWhat kind of music do you listen to?I’m into soul. And rock n roll.Ziggy blinks again.JANEHe’s a bit nervous.CHLOEThere's nothing to be scared about.There aren't even that many rules tofollow. We have to wash our handsbefore going into the classroom. Andwe're allowed only one paper towel.AS ZIGGY BLINKS TWICE-CHLOE (CONT'D)No peanut butter allowed, 'cos somekids are allergic. You can't evenhave it in your lunch box. I gotJanis on mine. Joplin, of course.My sister made it. Who's on yours?Don’t tell me Bowie?Jane takes a deep breath of anxiety.JANEWill he be teased if he brings hislunch in a bag?MADELINEOkay, darling, you need to relax.Ziggy will be walking in with Chloe,that's like arriving with the goldenticket.The golden ticket smiles as she shows her iPOD to Ziggy,and presses play.107A107AAN EXTREME CLOSE UP OF A FEMALE FINGERGENTLY HITTING THE HEAD OF A MICROPHONE THREE TIMES. THEINSTRUMENTAL BEGINNING OF A CHARLES BRADLEY SONG STARTS TOPLAY. Good old soul sound.CLOSE ON HARPERQUINLAN (V.O.)An autopsy is still beingconducted.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - FULL BLUE - 1/7/16107A10.CONTINUED:107ACLOSE ON GABRIELLEQUINLAN (V.O.). to ascertain the exact cause ofdeath.CLOSE ON SAMANTHAQUINLAN (V.O.). but at this point we can confirmthat the victim.CLOSE ON THEAQUINLAN (V.O.). suffered a broken pelvis.CLOSE ON DETECTIVE QUINLANin front of a microphone.Perhaps a press conference.QUINLAN. and a fracture at the base of theskull.SMASH CUT TO:GLIMPSES OF HARPER, GABRIELLE, SAMANTHA AND THEA, alllooking like Audrey Hepburn, only now, they are not dazzledby FLASHING POLICE LIGHTS but by camera flashes, and theyall have huge smiles on their faces. Then another AudreyHepburn appears, one that we haven’t seen yet, as we’restartled by the voice of Charles Bradley who screams hisheart out: I’M A VICTIM OF LOVIN YOU! Meet CELESTE WRIGHT.108108EXT. CELESTE'S HOUSE, PATIO - DAYA tall, statuesque beauty, mid-forties; she’s stunning,even without her Audrey Hepburn look. We enjoy watchingher as BRADLEY KEEPS SINGING OUT LOUD his broken heart.Her eyes closed, it looks like she’s listening to the musicand appreciating it. Perhaps retreating into it. Thistime, the match between sound and face seems perfect untilsomething bounces off her forehead. She opens her eyes andclearly doesn’t have the look of someone who isappreciating the moment.CELESTE’S POV: her SIX-YEAR-OLD TWINS, JOSH AND MAX, scamperabout the patio, firing Nerf missiles at each other.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - FULL BLUE - 1/7/1610811.CONTINUED:108CELESTEC'mon, guys, put down the weapons,we're going to be late.(kneeling before Josh)Let's get your jacket zipped, c'mon.THUMP: A NERF MISSILE BOUNCES OFF HER FOREHEAD.HER EYES AGAIN AND SHAKES HER HEAD.SHE CLOSESCELESTE (CONT'D)(calling out)Perry!!JOSHHe's my POW.CELESTEPut down the gun, and grab yourjacket. We need to go.Josh fires again, as PERRY, forties, suit and tie,Hollywood good looks, enters with a suitcase. THE MISSILEHITS CELESTE IN THE EAR.CELESTE (CONT'D)Dammit.PERRY(to the Twins)Hey, hey, hey! What did we say aboutshooting Mom before noon?As Max beams-CELESTE(slightly amused)Can you help me out a little?PERRY(pointing an imaginary pistolat his boys)Bang bang!The TWINS DROP LIKE FLIES, PLAYING DEAD.CELESTEThank you.PERRY(to the Twins)First one to the car gets a dollar.And THE BOYS POP UP; IN A FLASH THEY'RE OUT THE DOOR.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - FULL BLUE - 1/7/1610812.CONTINUED: (2)108PERRY (CONT’D)(charming)Just takes money.CELESTE(with a smile)You’re bad.PERRYI thought you liked me bad.(tenderly; covertly)We make a “bad” team.A smile. A kiss. A loving look.very much in love.These two are clearlyPERRY (CONT’D)I wish I didn't have to go.CELESTEDo you really have to?A look. Another kiss. This one a little hungrier. hishand slides to her buttocks, this could lead to the table,seems like it has before.CLOSE ON THEATHEAThere should be like a five-yearlimit on how long couples get to begooey.(adding)My opinion.109109EXT. OTTER BAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - MORNINGMORNING RECEPTION IN PROGRESS. THE TERRACE AND YARD AREBUBBLING WITH ENERGETIC FIRST GRADERS AND THEIR PROUDPARENTS. A bright building, manicured landscaping, theDISTANT SOUND OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN: public school meets abit of paradise.Gosh.JANEIt's all just so beautiful.MADELINERight?JANEI mean, it’s so spectacular.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - FULL BLUE - 1/7/1610913.CONTINUED:109As Gabrielle passes-GABRIELLEMadeline, hello, hi.Hi, Gabby.MADELINEGood summer?GABRIELLEFantastic, you look wonderful.(covertly, re: Madeline'sface)Did you.?MADELINEI didn't, but you're sweet to think so.GABRIELLEWell, you just look fabulous.MADELINEYou are so nice.As Gabrielle heads off-MADELINE (CONT'D)(to Jane; re: Gabrielle)A gossip, we don't like her.As Bernard and Oren play through, both distracted.BERNARDHey Maddie, have you seen Justin?MADELINE(pointing)Just ran by me, whoosh.BERNARD(to Oren)That way.As Bernard and Oren depart -Where's Ziggy?JANEI've lost him.MADELINEHe's fine, Chloe's got him.As RENATA, forty-eight, appears. Beautiful, sophisticated,affluent, with a finely-tuned self-awareness of all of it.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - FULL BLUE - 1/7/1610914.CONTINUED: (2)109A crisp, symmetrical haircut, stylish glasses, PradaPacific blue pantsuit; a woman of power.MADELINE (CONT’D)(warmly)Renata, hello.RENATA(big smile)Madeline!So friendly, they can only hate each other.MADELINE(claiming dominion)Please meet my friend, Jane Chapman,she's new here.JANE(to Renata)Hello.RENATARenata Klein. A pleasure, andwelcome.(to Madeline)How was your summer?MADELINEFlew by, how 'bout yours?RENATAThe same. Joined the Board atPayPal, don’t ask me why.AS HER CELL PHONE GOES OFF-Hold on.RENATA (CONT’D)My “Hamilton” tickets.MADELINE(spotting Celeste)Celestee!THEIR POVCELESTE IS AIMING HER SMARTPHONE, HAVING THE BOYS POSE FORA PICTURE.MADELINE (CONT’D)(to Jane)Come meet my best friend.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - PINK - 1/9/1610915.CONTINUED: (3)109Madeline takes Jane by the hand.MADELINE (CONT’D)(hello!)Oh my god.CELESTEMadeline!MADELINEWhen did you get back?CELESTELast night.They embrace, then-MADELINEYou total bitch, you got even morebeautiful.So did you.bought you?CELESTEIs that the dress IMADELINEDamn straight, got my new dress, newshoes, new friend. Meet JaneChapman, we already love her.CELESTEHi, Jane.MADELINEShe came to my rescue after I fell,trying to save young lives. Her sonis Ziggy, he’s the one with Chloe, socute.CELESTECan you believe they’re in firstgrade?Upon which, NATHAN CARLSON, forties, and his wife, BONNIE,twenty-seven, arrive. Nathan wears his customary lightblue shirt: "Carlson Premium Landscaping" embroidered overthe left pocket. Bonnie is cheerful, pretty, physicallyfit, a beautiful, sensitive soul. makes Madeline ill.NATHANHey, Maddie.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - PINK - 1/9/16109CONTINUED: (4)15A.109MADELINENathan, Bonnie, meet Jane.(to Bonnie)That dress is so gorgeous, oh my god.BONNIEThank you, I made it.MADELINEOf course you did.BONNIE(to Madeline; eagerly)Listen, I'd love to arrange a playdate for Chloe and Skye.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - FULL BLUE - 1/7/1610916.CONTINUED: (5)109Madeline puts an over-my-dead-body-face on, covering withthe brightest of smiles.BONNIE (CONT’D)They're not just classmates, butbasically half-sisters, y'know.MADELINEAre they, now, am I missing the math?NATHAN recognizes Madeline's undercurrent of hostility.BONNIEWell, Skye is Abigail's half-sister,and Abby is Chloe's half-sister,so. y'know.CLOSE ON HARPERHARPERWe were all concerned about Bonnieand Madeline both having their girlsin first grade together.CLOSE ON JACKIEJACKIEWhat it would do to the classroomdynamic.RESUMENathan pulls Madeline aside.NATHANListen, are you okay to swap weekends? Let Abby come with us Friday?MADELINEWhy?NATHANWe're going to see Bonnie's mother inCamarillo and Abby hates missing out.She and Bonnie's mom have kind of aspecial connection.Madeline feels a twinge of vomit burn on her esophagus.MADELINENo problem.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - YELLOW - 1-23-1610917.CONTINUED: (6)109NATHANYou sure?MADELINE(forced sweet)Do I not look and sound sure?CLOSE ON DETECTIVE QUINLANQUINLANWe're looking at all angles.has been ruled out.NobodyCLOSE ON SAMANTHASAMANTHASo we're like seriously using theword. "murder"?110110EXT. FISHERMAN’S WHARF - PARKING LOT - DAYWe’re inside a car watching the ocean, the hue, the waves,the mood. unpredictable, powerful, frightening,beautiful. the ultimate intoxicant: fear and beauty.That is Celeste’s POV as she sits still being the wheel,just watching. We hear a CAR DOOR being shut. Celesteturns to look at.Jane and Madeline in the distance, getting out of Jane’sPrius as they walk away, but we can’t hear them, they’retoo far. Of course, Madeline is speaking non-stop.That puts a smile on Celeste’s face. She stares back atthe ocean for a moment. The sadness comes back. Shewashes it away and gets out.111111EXT. FISHERMAN'S WHARF - BOARDWALK - DAYMadeline and Jane walk on the boardwalk. Hobbled a bit bythe turned ankle, Madeline walks, arm locked with Jane.Already intimate friends, it seems.MADELINE(to Jane)I actually like Nathan.(then)Okay, “like” might be a strong word,but I admit he’s a decent person. Ijust wasn’t prepared to see himthere, he certainly wasn’t forAbigail’s first day.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - YELLOW - 1-23-16111CONTINUED:17A.111JANEAnd Bonnie’s the new wife?MADELINEYes, and she’s wonderful. In fact,she’s so nice and pretty and perfectand sweet I could just, y’know.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - YELLOW - 1-23-1611118.CONTINUED: (2)111JANEPunch her in the face.That startles Madeline; she stops, and spots Celeste in thedistance, approaching.MADELINE(shouting, to Celeste)We love her!112112INT. BLUE BLUES CAFE - DAYFunky, charming, a bit distressed. a great little gem ofa salty beach cafe. TOM, thirties, proprietor-baristaextraordinaire, is there as the three girls arrive.Madeline!TOMWhat's happened to you?MADELINEI am gravely injured, Tom.ankle.Turned myTOM(with a wink to Jane)Oh, calamity.MADELINEThis is my friend, Jane. She's myknight in shining armor, rescued melike a wounded dog, and you know whatelse, she's funny.TOMNice to meet you, funny Jane.MADELINEShe’s just moved here, I’m guessingfor your special coffee, could youbring us some, and throw in somethingchocolate that won't make my ass fat.TOMYou got it.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - YELLOW - 1-23-16112CONTINUED:19.112MADELINEEverybody comes here for the schools,you’re not alone, private schooleducation at a public school price.Anyway, you're going to love it here.Do you surf? What about your husband-- or partner, I should say, orboyfriend, girlfriend -- I'm open toall possibilities.JANENo husband or partner.Just me.MADELINESo. Ziggy's dad.?CELESTE(to Madeline)Easy, girl.JANEIt’s okay.(then)He's not in the picture.(then)He was actually never in the picture,we weren't. g Jane’s discomfort)Where'd you move here from?Santa Cruz.there.JANELived with my parentsMADELINEShe’s a part time bookkeeper, isn’tthat great?(to Jane)We actually hire freelanceaccountants at the theater when we gointo production, I'll see if we haveanything for you.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - YELLOW - 1-23-1611220.CONTINUED: (2)112JANEWow.(a beat, a bit overwhelmed)You’re so. nice.MADELINEThis is Monterey, we pound peoplewith “nice.”CELESTENot to death.Madeline and Celeste seem to have some sort of complicity.JANEYou guys are long-time friends?Madeline and Celeste look at each other.MADELINEWe met what. four years ago?CELESTE(to Jane)She saved one of the twins fromdrowning.MADELINEOh, please, he was in a swimmingclass.CELESTEMadeline. You jumped into a pool tosave my child.MADELINEAnd I’d do it all over again.(to Jane)She bought me a new outfit after.CELESTE(to Jane)You could say we’re lifetime friends.Jane is just staring back at Celeste.stare. An awkward beat.She then diverts herCELESTE (CONT’D)(to Jane)Are you alright?(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - FULL BLUE - 1/7/1611221.CONTINUED: (3)Jane nods.112Madeline and Celeste exchange a look.MADELINETell us, honey.JANEIt’ll sound stupid.They just stare at her; they’ll wait for it.JANE (CONT’D)Sometimes when I go to new places.beautiful and lovely places. I getthis sensation, if only I were here.A beat.How odd.MADELINEBut you are here.JANEI know, it’s so weird. I feel likeI’m on the outside looking in. Atthis other life, I guess. One thatdoesn’t really belong to me.ANGLE CELESTEShe knows exactly what Jane is saying. In fact, the wordsalmost pierce her. This stranger with her raw, naked face - suddenly, Celeste feels like she’s known her forever.RESUMEJANE (CONT’D)(to Celeste)And when I look at you. I’m sorry,I don’t mean to embarrass you, butyou are so beautiful it makes me feelalmost ashamed.MADELINEAshamed?JANEYou both seem so exactly. right.Which makes me feel, I don’t know.wrong, I guess.The honest vulnerability of that is stunning to bothMadeline and Celeste; they can only stare back.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - FULL BLUE - 1/7/1611222.CONTINUED: (4)112We suddenly SEE them from outside, THROUGH A WINDOW, from aWALKING POV, JOSEPH BACHMAN’S, late thirties, as he arrivesat the cafe. When he spots them, he stops.JOSEPH’S POVJANE (CONT’D)(muted through the glass)You probably think I’m crazy now.MADELINE(muted)Of course not, but if you are, you’llbe right at home in this town.Some laughter.ANGLE JOSEPHWho turns. and leaves.112A112AINT. BONNIE’S STUDIO - DAYBonnie is getting ready to leave, gathering her purse andjacket as Nathan waits in the doorway. He’s bristling.BONNIEHoney. It’s fine. Go back to work,I’ll pick up Skye.NATHANIt’s not fine. She can be hostile tome. But not you. I’m coming.BONNIE(Zen)And should she bottle up her emotionsinside, what would that serve?NATHANCan’t she see? You didn’t doanything to her.BONNIENone of us really see things as theyare. We see things as we are.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - FULL BLUE - 1/7/16112A23.CONTINUED:112ANATHANWith Skye and Chloe in the sameclass, it’s only a matter of timebefore Madeline really gets to knowyou. Once she figures out you’resmart, the shit’s gonna hit the fan.BONNIEThe shit’s gonna hit the fan. if Idon’t tell her about the petition.NATHANYou’re not gonna do that?No answer.She’s gone.Suicide.113He exits.NATHAN (O.S.) (CONT’D)This is suicide.EXT. OTTER BAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, TERRACE - MID-DAY113THE KIDS ARE EMERGING; FIND ZIGGY, CHARGING TOWARD JANE,STILL WITH MADELINE. THE PARENTS HAVE ALL REGATHERED.ZIGGYMommy!Hey, baby.Fun.JANEHow was it?ZIGGYI made friends.JANE(hugging him tightly)That's so wonderful.MADELINEHe's beyond adorable, you do knowthat.(then)Where's the Chloe?(then; spotting)Ah, there, look at her, totallynetworking.RENATA(arriving)Jane. Renata, hello, we met earlier.JANEHello.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - FULL BLUE - 1/7/1611324.CONTINUED:113With Renata is a YOUNG WOMAN, twenty.RENATAI wanted to introduce you toJuliette, my Amabella's nanny.JULIETTE(French accent)Pleased to meet you.RENATAShe's French. I always think it'snice for the nannies to get to knoweach other. A little support group,shall we say.MADELINEJane's not a nanny, Renata, she's amother, only young. Like you used tobe.Oh.RENATAI didn't mean.TWO SIX-YEAR-OLD BLOND BOMBERS CHARGE BY, HEADING FORCELESTE WHO BENDS DOWN TO HUG THEM BOTH, as Bonnie arrives-BONNIEMadeline. Hi.(pulls her aside)I just found out you're working atthe community theater, which isgreat.(then; delicately)There's a petition going round.Bonnie spots Nathan who is watching from a distance,shaking his head endlessly.MADELINEWhat do you mean, a petition?BONNIEAbout the play. There's some concernabout whether it's appropriate, Iknow, it’s ridiculous.MADELINEThere's a petition to stop theproduction?(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - FULL BLUE - 1/7/1611325.CONTINUED: (2)113CLOSE ON THEATHEAThat play was kind of a life-line toMadeline. Like it tethered her to apurpose.CLOSE ON HARPERHARPERShe grew up wanting to be BettyGrable.(fighting a snicker)Ended up Betty Crocker.RESUMEBONNIEI signed it.MADELINEYou signed it?Nathan bites his lip, hoping the bomb won’t explode.BONNIENot because it’s inappropriate, Ijust didn’t think it was any -(catching herself)I had no idea that you were involved.MS. BARNES (O.S.)Excuse me.AND THEN, A RISING WAVE OF COMMOTION: MADELINE SEES ASOBBING, CURLY-HAIRED LITTLE GIRL, SHOULDERS HUNCHED,CLUTCHING HER NECK. EMILY BARNES, twenty-four, known toall as Ms. Barnes, stands alongside her.MS. BARNES (CONT’D)Could I have everybody's attentionfor a moment?Renata rushes to the distraught curly-haired child.Juliette follows, but hardly in a rush.MS. BARNES (CONT’D)Both children and parents please.MADELINE(to Jane)Uh oh, teacher voice.(CONTINUED)
BLL - EP 1 "Somebody's Dead" - FULL BLUE - 1/7/1611326.CONTINUED: (3)113MS. BARNES(teacher voice)We've had such a lovely morning, butwe need to have a little chat aboutsomething. And it's a little bitserious.WE HEAR SOME MUTTERING, WHISPERS: "What's going on?"etc.MS. BARNES (CONT'D)Someone just hurt Annabella. Excuseme, Amabella. And I'd like whoeverit was to please come over andapologize because we don't hurt ourfriends at school, do we? And if wedo, we always say sorry, becausethat's what first grade children do.SILENCE. SOME KIDS STARE BACK. SOME STARE AT THE GROUND.SOME BURY THEIR FACES INTO THEIR MOTHERS' SKIRTS. Thereare no apologists forthcoming. Finally-RENATAWho was it, Amabella?baby?Who hurt you,The child mutters something inaudible.MS. BARNES(steering the witness)Was it an accident, maybe?RENATAIt wasn't an accident, for God'ssake, look at her neck, it has marks.ANGLE ON BERNARD AND OREN, watching the others.BERNARD(whispering)I bet it’s Timmy Collins.ORENWay too much screen time.Ms. Barnes kneels to talk to the little girl, whispers inher ear. The room is f
NOTE: ALL FREE-STANDING CLOSE-ONS ARE IN THIS SETTING. GABRIELLE It wasn't just the mothers. It was the dads, too. CLOSE ON STU, fortyish STU The thing about fundraisers. They're vicious. . "Big Little Lies" by Liane Moriarty. * INTERIORS: OTTER BAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL : * BIG LITTLE LIES MADELINE. GABRIELLE ". MADELINE.
