Look One Way and Row Another
The show begins with a couple wide shots of beautiful water surrounding Hope Island. A man is on a ferryboat looking at the island in the distance.
Daniel: Voice Over (V.O.) Oh boy. Okay, okay Daniel, you're almost there. It's going to be great. A fresh start. Looking obviously seasick. All I need to do is survive the boat ride. Come on, Daniel.
The Tarquin II heads for the dock. The scene cuts to the Hope Island water tower, with, population 1,997 written on it. A young man with a black knit hat is walking up to the peer. He is holding a hand-made sign that says, "DANIEL COOPER."
Daniel Hooper gets off the boat with his duffel bag and guitar in hand, he is looking for the person picking him up.
At the same time an older gentleman is walking up from the dock, he smiles and reaches out his hand to shake the hand of a young man. The young man salutes him.
Kevin Mitchum: Hey, Pop.
His father salutes him, and Kevin takes his bag.
Meanwhile, a fly starts bothering the young man holding the sign for Daniel. He starts swatting at the fly with his hands, and then begins to use the sign. Daniel looks around for the person meeting him at the dock. The young man continues to chase the fly finally squishing it with his sign. Daniel walks off on his own.
Opening Credits
Commercial Break #1
Daniel walks through the center of town, and looks at all the people busy with their work. He sees the spire of a beautiful church.
INTERIOR OUR LADY OF THE SEA CATHOLIC CHURCH
He opens the door, looks in, and turns to walk away.
Father Mac: Well, come on in. You're letting all the heat out.
Daniel looks around, a bit confused, and walks into the church. He opens a door and looks in.
Father Mac: Come on, come on. What are you waiting for? Kneel down on the kneeler.
Daniel kneels down next to a space heater.
Father Mac: Well?
Daniel: I'm Daniel Cooper.
Father Mac: No...no names in here.
Daniel: I'm looking for the other church.
Father Mac: Well, there isn't another church. Well, there used to be... years ago. Now, shall we continue with your confession?
Daniel: I'm not catholic. I'm... On fire! Ow! Help!
Daniel runs out.
INTERIOR WIDOW’S WALK
Daniel and Father Mac rush up to the bar at the Widow’s Walk.
Father Mac: Quickly, Alex. This man's in desperate need of a bucket of ice... and bring a stiff one while you're at it.
Daniel: It's okay, I’m fine. It’s not that bad.
Harry the Fisherman: Duck!
Harry the Fisherman throws a dart right past Daniel to a dartboard on the other side of the room.
Man at Bar: There you go!
Father Mac: Nonsense. Alex will take care of you.
Alex hands Father Mac a drink.
Father Mac: Thank you, Florence Nightingale.
Alex: I heard that.
Alex makes an ice wrap for Daniel’s leg.
Father Mac: I'll be right back.
Harry the Fisherman: Watch it, Father.
Man at Bar: Oh, just on target.
The men playing darts walk over to the target on the wall.
Daniel: You seem pretty good at that.
Alex rolls up the ice pack.
Father Mac: You're not the first one who's sautéed his shins on Father Mac's space heater.
Daniel: You too, huh?
Alex: Me? In Father Mac's church? Not likely. I haven't seen you around here before.
Daniel: No, no...I just got here. Daniel Cooper.
He reaches out his hand to shake hers, and she hands him the ice pack.
Alex: Alex Stone. I’m owner, proprietor, designated driver.
A young boy runs past the bar.
Alex: Hey!
Boy stops and turns.
Alex: No running inside, Dylan. Your lunch is on the table. Afternoon session's in 15 minutes.
Dylan rolls his eyes and leaves.
Daniel: Who's the human cyclone?
Alex: That's my son, Dylan.
Father Mac returns.
Father Mac: So why were you looking for the other church?
Daniel: I'm the new minister.
Alex begins to laugh.
Alex: Well, Father Mac, looks like the holy man population just doubled.
Father Mac leaves, looking disgusted.
Alex: So, I'm going to go check on my son. Can I get you anything else?
Daniel: Yeah, if you could just point me in the right direction.
Alex: I kind of thought that was your job.
Harry the Fisherman: You need directions?
Harry throws the dart he’s been playing with, past Daniel on to a map of Hope Island. The dart hits its target, Hope Community Church.
The scene dissolves from the map, to the scenic church on the hill. Daniel is again walking through the center of town. He sees a man walking a pet crab! He turns and begins to walk up to the church on the hill.
KEVIN’S HOUSE INTERIOR
A woman hands Kevin’s dad a cup of coffee.
Molly Brewster: I was beginning to forget what you looked like, Jake. Don't let six more months go by without a visit. What've you been doing?
Jake Mitchum: Believe it or not, I've been taking tango lessons. Good exercise.
Molly: Tango lessons?
Jake: Come on.
He gets up and gestures to Molly to come dance with him.
Molly: No.
Jake: Come on. Come on.
Molly joins him in the Tango.
Jake: One, two, three, four... Da, da, da, da, da. One, two, three, four... Da, da, da, da, da. One, two, three, four...
Kevin enters the room.
Kevin: Well, if it isn't John Travolta.
Molly and Jake stop dancing.
Molly: You better watch out, Kevin. Jake has some pretty smooth moves.
Jake stops and stares at Kevin in his police officer uniform.
Kevin: Pop?
Jake: Oh, it's the uniform. It gets me every time.
Molly: Yeah. I have to get to work. There's probably already a crowd waiting for you, Jake. I’ll see you both there?
Kevin: We'll be right behind you, Molly.
Molly: All right.
She kisses Kevin on the cheek.
Jake: I was kind of hoping we could spend some time together.
Kevin: You're here all weekend. Besides, the guys would never forgive me if you came and went without sharing a few stories.
EXTERIOR OF HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH
Daniel, still carrying his duffel bag and guitar, walks up to the dilapidated entrance of the Hope Island Community Church. He reaches to open the door, and the whole door falls in. Birds scatter.
Daniel: Come on, God. You call this a start? I hope you're planning on giving me a hand here.
Daniel hears echoing voices coming from the side of the Church. He walks outside to see what is causing all the commotion.
Two men are working at the side of the church.
Brian Brewster: No! Over there! Not there, right here.
Brian notices Daniel.
Brian: Oh, excuse me? You're trespassing on private property.
Daniel: I'm the new minister.
The man with the black knit hat is trying to carry something very heavy on his back.
Brian: Oh, Reverend Cooper. I'm Brian Brewster.
Daniel: I must have missed you at the ferry.
Brian: Nub said you weren't on the ferry.
Daniel: What's a Nub?
Brian: That... That would be a Nub.
Pointing to Nub trying to carry a very heavy slab of cement on his back.
Daniel: What happened here?
Brian: Oh, well, you know... when the fishing industry was at its height, this place was packed, believe me! Whoo. Packed. Every Sunday. But then, when the industry declined, so did the population.
There wasn't any minister.
Nub, now on the ground, is waving to Daniel.
Brian: Now, all the Protestants go to worship on the mainland. It's a shame-- a crying shame. But that's all going to change now, now that you and I are running things.
Daniel: Mr. Brewster-
Brian: Oh, Reverend, please, call me Brian!
Daniel: Brian, the minister and the entire congregation decide church policy.
Brian laughs.
Brian: Right. Well, that's what we'll tell everybody else. You know, they said that it'd take six months before we got a minister here, then right out of the blue they said you were on your way. What happened?
Daniel: My schedule suddenly freed up. And anyway, once they saw that half the island signed a petition for a new minister, the need was obvious. I'm looking forward to meeting everybody.
Brian: All in good time, Reverend. All in good time. Come and have a look at this. This will be our first entrepreneurial adventure. This is going to get your ministry off the ground and rolling.
Callie Pender arrives on the scene ready for her exclusive story.
Callie: Oh, they're so big!
She is trying to get a picture of the slab of cement.
Brian: Oh, Callie? This is Reverend Cooper. Callie Pender runs the island newspaper.
Callie: Oh, yeah, hi. Maybe, um... maybe I could ask you some questions for your obituary.
Daniel: I'm not dying.
Callie: We're all dying, Reverend. Now, I've written an obit for everyone on the island. That way, I'm ahead of the game.
Brian: Callie, he looks healthy enough to me. Can we focus on the footprints, please?
Daniel: Whose are they?
Brian: Only the holiest man who ever lived.
Daniel: Jesus?
Brian: Hey, Callie, you hear that? Reverend Cooper recognizes those feet. Atta boy.
Nub Flanders walks around to where Daniel is standing.
Nub: You know, I'm pretty good with accents. You're from New York, right?
Callie: How did you get a hold of them?
Brian: They're on loan. Part of a world tour. Here. Here's the press release.
Callie: Yeah, okay. I'll read this over. Stay healthy, Reverend. We'll chat later.
Brian: And, Callie, don’t forget the tagline okay? "For a mere five bucks, you too can be in step with Jesus!" Oh, first rule in advertising-- grab 'em with a catchy phrase!
Daniel: Listen, Brian, I need a hand, not feet. What's next, John the Baptist?
Brian: Hey.
Nub: Oh.
Brian: I like your thinking, Rev.
Daniel: Listen to me-- get these off my property.
Brian: This is my property, and if you so much as touch one of those holy heels, I'll have you arrested.
Commercial Break #2
INTERIOR WIDOW’S WALK
A group of people have gathered at the Widow’s Walk to hear Jake’s stories.
Jake: So one night, I tailed the arsonist into this rundown flophouse and I followed him into the basement. As soon as I got inside, I smelled it. He'd pulled the gas hose...
Daniel walks up to Molly and Kevin.
Daniel: Excuse me.
Molly motions, just a second.
Jake: So I knew I had to do something pretty quick, or the whole damn place was just going to go "Boom!" So I... I, uh...
Jake stares and stops talking in mid-sentence.
Kevin: Pop. Pop? Come on. You're in the middle of a story. This is the best part.
Jake: I know where I am, son.
Molly and Kevin look concerned.
Jake: I haven't eaten today yet. When my blood sugar gets a little low, I get a little cranky.
Jake continues with his story.
Jake: So I smell the gas... So how do I nab him?
Harry the Fisherman: You draw your gun.
Jake: No, guns and gas don't mix. I pulled out my lighter and told him I was going to set us both on fire, and I kept talking to him and talking to him until I got close enough, and then I clobbered him with a wrench.
The crowd breaks into clapping and cheers.
Kevin: Show them what the department gave you for that one, pop.
Jake: I just happen to have it right here.
Kevin: That is the highest honor an officer can receive.
Jake: I've been carrying this around for 27 years. Now, I swear to you, this is a true war story.
Jake continues his stories, Molly turns to Daniel and says…
Molly Brewster: Okay, what can I get for you?
Daniel: I'm the new minister here, and my phone isn't working.
Molly: Oh, Reverend Cooper.
Daniel: Daniel...call me Daniel.
Molly: I'm Molly. I've really been looking forward to your arrival.
Daniel: You must've signed that petition.
Molly: Petition?
Molly looks puzzled, the crowds breaks into laughter and cheering again.
Jake: Now we have to get this animal back into the barn...
Daniel looks back at Molly.
Daniel: Look, about my phone?
Molly: Oh, I'm sorry. It really should have been installed before you got here.
Daniel: Well, it seems my crackpot landlord has more important things on his mind. He wants to turn my church into a theme park.
Molly: That crackpot's my father.
Daniel: Oh.
Molly: You should have been around last summer when he tried to start a Club Med on the island. He's still trying to sell off the-- has he said anything to you about a Tiki Bar?
Daniel: I need to call California.
Molly: There's a phone in the lobby.
LOBBY OF THE WIDOW’S WALK.
Daniel looks for the phone in the lobby. He lifts up a coat hanging on the wall, and reveals the phone.
He picks up the phone and dials. The scene changes to a beautiful portrait of an older minister.
Woman’s Voice: Daniel's on line three.
Assistant: Daniel, don't tell me you're in trouble again.
Daniel: Tell my father not to worry. There's just a few minor complications.
Assistant: Like what?
Daniel: Well, the church is a wreck, there hasn't been a parish here in 30 years, and Brian Brewster's a total con artist. Aside from that, everything's great.
Assistant: Well, you wanted to make amends, this is your chance. Let's not forget Las Vegas.
Daniel: I haven't forgotten Las Vegas, but I just need a hand, that's all.
Alex Stone, the proprietor of the Widow’s Walk abruptly hangs up the phone.
Assistant: Daniel, hello?
The assistant turns to talk to Daniel’s Father.
Assistant: I don’t think this is going to work out Reverend Cooper.
Alex is looks very upset and annoyed.
Alex Stone: Molly told me that you were calling California. California is not a local call.
Daniel: But it's a church emergency.
Alex: What do you think? You just wave your Bible around here and get things for free? There's a public phone at the general store. You'll find it works for all kinds of emergencies-- secular and non-secular.
Alex hangs the coat back over the phone.
Daniel: Just a guess-- you didn't sign the petition, did you?
The scene shifts to Daniel walking up to the General Store. As he enters the store, he sees a woman using the phone.
INTERIOR HOPE ISLAND GENERAL STORE
Ruby Vasquez: Uh-huh... Uh-huh... Uh-huh...Uh-huh. Mm-hmm.
She completely ignores him. Daniel walks over to the lady at the counter.
Bonita Vasquez: Help you?
Daniel: I need to use the phone.
Bonita: Somebody's already using it.
Daniel: I can see that. Do you know her?
Bonita: Yep. That's my mom. We own the place.
Daniel: Would you mind asking her to finish up her conversation? I really need to make a very important call.
Bonita: Can't do that.
Daniel: Why not?
Bonita: We haven't spoken to each other in 16 years now.
Daniel: You work together, and you haven't spoken in 16 years?
As Daniel and Bonita are talking, Ruby, Bonita’s mother is quickly writing on a chalkboard, and holds it up so Bonita can see it.
Bonita: I stand corrected-- 17 years, time sure does fly.
Daniel: Why aren't you speaking?
Bonita: Oh, we don't like to talk about it. Just suffice to say, it works out a whole lot better this way.
Bonita writes a note on her chalkboard and hands it to Daniel.
Bonita: Here. See if this does any good.
Daniel walks over to where Ruby is talking on the payphone. He holds up the chalkboard that says on it,
I NEED THE PHONE.
Ruby: Uh-huh... Uh-huh...Uh-huh. Uh-huh...
Ruby looks at the sign.
Ruby: And I need to lose 30 pounds, but it's not going to happen.
She continues talking on the phone.
Ruby: Uh-huh... Uh-huh...
Daniel leaves the store and stands on the porch. It begins to rain, very hard. Daniel looks disgusted.
INTERIOR OF HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH
Dylan is looking at a postcard. You can hear the hard rain outside. Daniel enters the church for the first time. Now we see that Dylan is in the balcony, he tries to see who entered the church. Daniel looks very wet and very frustrated.
Daniel: Okay, God. I'm still waiting on that hand.
As Daniel is talking to God, Dylan falls from the balcony on to the floor below.
Daniel: Not a foot, not a kid... a hand!
Daniel picks up Dylan from the floor.
Daniel: Dylan, right?
Dylan: Yeah.
Daniel: Are you okay?
Dylan: Yeah. You're here to fix the place up?
Daniel: That would be someone who performs miracles. I'm just a preacher.
Daniel picks up the postcard from the floor.
Dylan: That's mine!
Daniel: Oh.
Suddenly, Kevin, the local police officer bursts through the door.
Kevin: Hold it right there, Dylan! Come on, I'm taking you in.
Daniel: You're arresting a child?
Kevin: Truancy patrol's part of my job. Dylan, it's for your own good.
Daniel: Actually, Dylan is here to give me a hand.
Kevin: Is that so? And you are...
Daniel: Daniel Cooper. I'm the new minister.
Kevin: What exactly is Dylan here to help you with?
THE WIDOW’S WALK
The scene shifts to the Widow’s Walk. Kevin is eating a sandwich.
Alex: What's an acolyte?
Kevin: He says it's like an altar boy.
Alex looks annoyed.
INTERIOR HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH
Daniel: Acolyte or suspension. It's your call.
Dylan: What's an acolyte do?
Daniel: Lights candles, drinks the leftover grape juice. It's got to be better than suspension.
Alex opens the door to the church, and storms in.
Alex: Dylan, get in the car!
Dylan: Great.
Alex: Now!
To Daniel.
Alex: Who gave you the right to force religion on my son?
To Dylan.
Alex: We'll talk at home.
Dylan walks out of the church.
Daniel: That's not what I was doing.
Alex: If and when we need church, we'll let you know.
Daniel: Great.
INTERIOR KEVIN’S HOUSE
Kevin, Molly and Jake are playing a game of Scrabble. A storm is brewing outside.
Jake: Ah, here we are... "Prop..." becomes... "Proposal."
[Telephone Rings] Kevin gets up to answer the phone.
Kevin: Hello? Yeah, I got it. 10-4.
Kevin hangs up the telephone.
Kevin: Rockfish Road's been flooded. I've got to help Mrs. Sloan move to higher ground. Sorry, pop, I'm going to be a while. Drive home safe, Molly.
Kevin leaves.
Jake: Three years. I don't know what it's going take for that son of mine to pop the question.
Molly: It'll take more than a hint in a scrabble game.
Suddenly lightning flashes and the lights go out.
Molly: Stay right here, Jake. I'll get some candles.
As Molly walks back in the room, Jake’s mood and thoughts have suddenly changed.
Jake: I wonder if Kevin is going to join the force, like his old man?
Molly: What are you talking about, Jake?
Jake: When I first started walking the beat, Seattle was a different kind of city. It's not safe anymore, Mildred.
Molly: It's Molly. It's Molly, Jake.
Jake: I'm not in the mood to play games, Mildred. I'm going to bed!
Jake gets up and leaves the room. Molly looks worried. Thunder and lightning continues.
EXTERIOR HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH
Daniel opens the door to the church, and walks out into the cold rain. He notices someone working out by the "Footsteps of Jesus." As he walks over, Nub turns on the electric Jesus sign. He realizes he is standing in the footsteps of Jesus. Over a loud speaker he hears:
"Well, for the first time in the Western Hemisphere, Brewster Enterprises proudly invites you to walk in the Lord's footsteps. It's your first step in the righteous direction."
Nub gives Daniel the thumbs up sign. Daniel is soaking wet!
Commercial Break #3
INTERIOR KEVIN’S HOUSE - KITCHEN
The next morning. Molly and Kevin are talking in the kitchen.
Kevin: Maybe it just sounded like he called you Mildred.
Molly: No. He thought I was your mother. There's something wrong with him, Kevin.
Kevin: There's nothing wrong with him.
Molly walks over to where Jake’s muddy shoes are sitting. She picks them up.
Molly: Did Jake go out in that storm last night?
Kevin: He was asleep when I got home.
Molly: Then why are his shoes wet?
Kevin: I...I don't know.
Jake enters the kitchen.
Jake: Morning, kids.
Molly: Morning.
Kevin: Hey, pop.
Jake: What happened to my shoes?
Molly: We were wondering that ourselves. Did you go out in that storm?
Jake looks confused.
Kevin: It's no big deal, pop. It's okay, really.
Jake leaves the kitchen.
Kevin: I can’t believe you're interrogating the poor guy over a wet pair of shoes?
Molly: I'm worried about him, Kevin.
Kevin: Well, don't be. He's fine.
INTERIOR WIDOW’S WALK
Alex is waitressing and walks over to Daniel looking at a menu.
Alex: What'll you have?
Daniel: A word with you.
Alex: It's not on the menu.
Daniel: Coffee.
He pauses.
Daniel: I was just trying to save Dylan from a truancy ticket.
Alex: But you didn't think of asking me first?
Daniel: You're absolutely right, I should have. Is there any way you'd allow Dylan to help me?
Alex: No.
Daniel: Is that your final answer?
Alex: Yes.
Daniel: All right then, tell him I won't need him after all.
Alex: You want me to tell him that?
Daniel: I think it would be easier coming from you.
Alex: Yeah, easier for you! He's upstairs right now practicing lighting candles.
DYLAN’S BEDROOM
The scene shifts to Dylan’s bedroom. He is using a blowtorch to light various candles in his room. Daniel knocks, and opens the door. He rushes in to turn off the blowtorch.
Daniel: Why don't we put this away?
Dylan: I'm just trying it out. I'm not sure if I'm doing it yet.
Daniel: We still light candles the old-fashioned way.
Alex is in the hallway listening to the conversation between Daniel and her son.
Daniel: Listen, Dylan, as it turns out, I won't need your help after all.
Dylan: What about the candles?
Daniel: I'll take care of that. Besides, you should be concentrating on school.
Dylan: There's no school on Sundays.
Daniel: No, but I'm new here, and people need to see that I can handle things on my own.
Dylan turns to the candles on the stand, and blows them out.
Daniel: It's my fault. I should have thought this through.
Dylan: Whatever.
Daniel: What a cool room.
He walks over to a wall filled with postcards from around the world.
Daniel: Who sent you these?
Dylan: My dad.
Daniel: He's been everywhere.
Dylan: Except here.
Alex is still listening outside the door. Daniel walks over and sits on the edge of the bed.
Daniel: You, too, huh? You know, all my life, it felt like my father was always saying goodbye to me. There were times when I really needed him and he just wasn't there. But I had a great mom... And I think you do, too. Dylan, I may not need an acolyte, but you know what I do need? A friend. I could use one.
Alex leaves the hallway.
EXTERIOR HOPE ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH
Daniel walks up to the church. A busload of locals arrive to view the newest tourist attraction. Brian runs out of the bus. Nub follows after him.
Brian: Reverend, this is just a run-through with some of the locals. Nub, watch the feet.
Nub walks around the concrete feet.
Brian: A little something to jazz up your service here.
Brian opens the box Nub is carrying and pulls out a Elvis jumpsuit!
Daniel: There's no way I'm wearing that. Brian, come on, this has to stop.
Brian: What do you mean? This is why I brought you here-- to help build up this island, sell real estate.
Daniel: I didn't come here to sell real estate. I will not let my church be used this way!
Brian: Actually, it's my church. I own it, so, technically, you work for me.
Daniel: I work for the people that signed that petition.
Brian: I've got news for you, Reverend. He pauses. Nub and I made up every name on that petition. So... now you know where we stand, are you in or out? Because if you're out, you might as well pack your bags.
INTERIOR KEVIN’S HOUSE
Jake is looking at his Medal of Honor, Molly enters the house.
Molly: Hi. I brought you some lunch-- chicken salad on rye. Now, I know you like sweet pickles, but we didn't have any, so I threw in a dill, and for dessert, the best piece of cherry pie you'll ever have.
Jake is still staring at the medal. Molly walks over.
Molly: It's Alzheimer's, isn't it? How bad is it?
Jake: I can remember my name most days. It was just little things at first. Then things like where I lived, or if Mildred is still alive. Some days, it'd just be fine, and then other days...
Molly: Have you seen a doctor?
Jake: He got me on some medication that's supposed to slow it down and told me to exercise.
Molly: Oh...the tango lessons.
Jake: Why is it easier to tell you than Kevin?
Kevin enters the room and wonders what is going on.
Kevin: Tell me what?
Molly is crying silently.
Molly: I'm going to go make some tea.
Molly walks into the kitchen.
Kevin: Tell me what?
Jake: I'm selling the house and I'm moving into a retirement community.
Kevin: What? You can't live in a place like that. It's full of old people.
Jake: I can't live by myself anymore Kevin. I have Alzheimer's. I'm sorry, son.
Kevin: No. No. No. We can fight it together, pop. And you should move in here.
Jake: I've already made my arrangements.
Kevin: I'm not going to let some strangers take care of my own father!
Jake: You will be a stranger-- everybody will be. I've seen it happen.
Kevin: Well, I won't let it happen.
Kevin is visibly upset. Molly is crying in the kitchen.
Jake: You can't stop it, and I've made my plans.
Kevin: No! You're staying here, and from now on,
Jake: Kevin...
Kevin: Pop, it's going to be okay. I promise.
The teakettle whistle begins to blow.
Kevin: I'm going to check on the tea.
Kevin joins Molly in the kitchen, they both begin to sob.
INTERIOR HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH
Daniel is putting things in his duffel bag. He grabs his coat off a pile of junk, and reveals the Tiki Bar.
[ Knocking at the door ]
Daniel opens the door.
Molly: Can I talk to you?
Daniel: Sure, come on in.
Molly: Kevin's father has Alzheimer's, and I thought who better to go to than the new minister?
Daniel: Molly... I'd like to help, but I'm no longer the minister here. I refused to go along with your father's scheme. He fired me.
Molly: He can't fire you.
Daniel: He owns the church, Molly.
Molly: He gave you a 10-year lease, Daniel. It's a tax write-off. The church is yours.
Daniel: Yeah? Well, the truth is, I don't belong here any more than this Tiki Bar does.
Molly: Well, at least the Tiki Bar is still here.
Daniel: Molly, I think it's best that when that ferry leaves tomorrow, I'm on it.
Molly: You know, you're right. You probably don't belong here.
Molly leaves.
HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH - NIGHTTIME
The scene changes to later that same evening at the church. Daniel opens the door and walks into the church. He looks up to see Jake sitting in a pew. He walks up to talk with him.
Jake: Your light was on.
Daniel: Those work, anyway. He pauses. I hope you don't mind, Molly told me what was going on.
Jake: I can't ignore it. There's no fighting it. All there's left is to fear it. You'd think with 30 years on the police force, I'd know something about fear... but I'd rather take a bullet than face what's in front of me right now.
Daniel: That doesn't sound like the man Molly talks about.
Jake: He only exists in stories now.
Sounds of a car pulling up and a car door closing.
Daniel: Is there anything I can do?
Jake: You could give me back my health.
Kevin bursts through the door.
Kevin: There you are. Can you tell me the next time you go out, please?
Jake: You can't be worrying about me all the time. You have a job to do.
Kevin: I'll figure something out.
Jake: Like what?
Kevin: I'll quit.
Jake: Quit being a cop?
Kevin: Just for a while.
Jake: You can't quit your job.
Kevin: We'll talk about this later. It's getting late.
Kevin laughs nervously and tries to assure Daniel.
Kevin: There's nothing to worry about. He's going to be fine.
Daniel: Why don't you give him what he wants, Kevin?
Kevin: I can’t.
The scene suddenly shifts to Daniel’s father. He is standing in Hope Community Church.
Rev. Cliff Cooper: So, you're really leaving?
Daniel is at the door of the church. He is holding his guitar and duffel bag. He is leaving.
Daniel: What are you doing here?
Rev. Cooper: Checking up on you.
Daniel: It's not my fault.
Rev. Cooper: It never is, is it?
Daniel: This just isn't the place for me.
Rev. Cooper: How can you be sure? You're leaving before you even open the doors.
Daniel: What's the point? Nobody's coming, dad.
Daniel’s father turns away, and then disappears. Suddenly a loud buzzing is heard, and we realize Daniel is dreaming. He rushes to get up, he gather his things, and goes down to meet the ferry.
HOPE ISLAND DOCK
Daniel is running to the dock, looking for the ferry. Jake is sitting by himself in a rowboat, out in the middle of the water. Daniel looks concerned.
Harry the Fisherman: You waiting for the ferry, Reverend?
Daniel turns to look at him.
Daniel: Yeah.
Harry: You've got about half an hour to wait. It's always late on Sundays.
As Daniel turns around, he notices the empty boat where Jake was sitting.
Daniel: Jake? Jake!
He dives in the water and begins to swim towards the empty boat!
Commercial Break #4
THE WATER NEAR THE HOPE ISLAND DOCK
The boat Jake was in is empty. Daniel is swimming towards the boat. He is obviously struggling.
Daniel: Jake! Jake!
Daniel continues to swim.
Daniel: Talking to God. You must know I'm a really lousy swimmer.
Daniel dives to look for Jake under the water. He comes up for air and looks around again.
Daniel: Jake!
He dives again, and comes up for air. Looking to God he cries…
Daniel: I really need that hand now, God.
Daniel is struggling in the water, having trouble swimming, and begins to sink in the water. The water is murky with thick seaweed. Suddenly a bright light shines through the water, and a hand reaches down and grabs Daniel to safety.
The scene shifts to the dock. Kevin comes running into the scene.
Kevin: Pop! Pop! Pop, are you okay? What happened?
Captain Elias Grundy: He jumped in, and the Reverend dove in after him.
Kevin: Pop, what were you thinking?
Jake: I can't be dependent on you, son. I just can't.
Kevin: Okay. Okay, we'll do it your way... If you promise never to do something stupid like this again.
Jake: I promise. If I remember.
Kevin smiles, and they walk away. Daniel is still sitting at the Dock.
INTERIOR WIDOW’S WALK
Brian and Nub are eating at a table.
Brian: So where did you wind up hanging the sign, Nub?
Nub: What sign?
Brian: The one that says "No Church Service Today."
Nub: Oh... that sign.
Brian: Go on, get up there and tell them.
Nub gets up and leaves. Molly walks over to Brian.
Molly: Tell them what?
Brian: Oh, nothing. Just no church today.
Brian continues to eat.
Molly: And who's going to tell them why?
Brian: Well, they don't have to know all the details, Molly.
Molly: You fired him. You're going to tell them why.
Molly urges Brian to get up, and they both leave.
HOPE ISLAND DOCK
Daniel is still at the dock. The whistle for the ferry blows, and he gathers his belongings. As he is walking away, he hears on the loudspeaker…
Loudspeaker: Ferry to the mainland, now departing.
Dylan: You can't leave now.
Daniel turns to see Dylan standing on the dock.
Dylan: You've got people waiting.
The church bell begins to ring.
EXTERIOR ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH
Ruby, Bonita and Callie are standing outside of the church looking at the sign.
Bonita: The sign does say 9:00 service, doesn't it?
Callie: He's only 10 minutes late.
Ruby: 12 and a half.
Nub tries to get by them.
Nub: Hi. Excuse me.
Nub walks past them to make Brian’s announcement. The other people enter the church and sit down.
There are many people sitting in the church.
Nub: Well, the, uh... the town had to leave the reverend unexpectedly, but we should be getting a couple of weeks in a new one.
Molly and Brian enter the church.
Nub: He left.
Molly: Tell them, Dad.
Bonita: Now we've missed church on the mainland, Brian!
Ruby: Well, that's it, Brian. It'll take a miracle for me to believe anything you say, ever again.
The door of the church opens, Daniel and Dylan enter from the front of the church.
Daniel: If you're ready, I'd like to begin.
Nub sits down with the congregation. Jake and Kevin come in and sit down with Molly.
Daniel: Hey, Dylan, I want you to help me out just this once.
He hands Dylan matches for the candles.
Daniel: I'm Reverend Cooper, and I am your new minister. I have to admit, I don't have anything prepared-- mostly because I didn't believe that anybody would be here to listen. Here you are, and I am truly in awe of God's power. Since the moment I got here, I've found myself, on more than one occasion, asking God for His help. In fact, I have been so busy needing Him that I couldn't see that there were people who needed me. We all need someone to lean on from time to time-- a son needs a father one day, and then the next, a father needs his son, a boy needs a friend, a minister needs someone who's a really good swimmer. When we lean on each other and, ultimately, when we lean on God, we find the strength to face whatever comes our way. Now, I realize I hadn't... I truly hadn't opened the doors to this church until this moment, but they are open now. He pauses. Since we don't have any hymnals yet, does anyone have a request?
Ruby: A request?
Daniel: Sure. A request.
Bonita stands up and begins to sing Amazing Grace. The rest of the congregation joins in.
Amazing Grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved,
Daniel nods to Dylan, and he helps Dylan light the candles.
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believed.
Dylan turns around and sees his mom standing outside the church looking in. She smiles and shakes her head. Dylan smiles back.
Music continues.
Daniel notices Alex standing on the outside watching what is going on in the church, he walks back to talk to her.
Daniel: I told him, just this once.
Alex: Well, just because I don't go to church anymore doesn't mean that he can't.
Daniel: Thank you. And there's always the chance you'll find your way back.
Alex: Oh, how you clergy love to believe in miracles.
Singing continues
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind but now I see.
Alex gets in her truck and starts to leave, as she backs out, she bumps into Brian’s "Footsteps of Jesus" sign. The sign begins to fall over. As the singing continues in the church the sign sparks and falls to the ground.
Through many dangers toils, and snares
I have already come,
'Tis grace that brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home.
The ferryboat leaves. Daniel is where he belongs.
