Esther starts college in Kentucky. Effie is racially profiled. And a young Black co-ed meets Spencer Wilson in this flashback to 2007.
THE ROAD TO PARTITION
Esther starts college in Kentucky. Effie is racially profiled. And a young Black co-ed meets Spencer Wilson in this flashback to 2007.
Season 2 Cast (bold denotes cast appearing in this episode):
Natalie Wachen as Ashley Allen (Ester Edelman)
Chris Osbrink as Spencer Wilson
Joe D. Reitman as Stephen Sly / Elijah Edelman
Janora McDuffie as Monica Edelman
Andia Winslow as Effie Edelman
Brian N. Taylor as Vinnie Valient
Nan McNamara as Elizabeth Ellis
Eddie Goines as Wahlid Walid /Tommy
Ashley Chaney as Charlie Cole
John Kassir as Coach and Rabbi
Christian L. Scott as Tanya and Desiree
Rebecca Johnson Wendy Wilson and Yael
Jacques Derosena as Jamie Johnson
CREDITS:
Written & Directed by Natasha Lewin
Produced by DaVida Chanel Smith of Creating, Etcetera
Engineered by Tom Fritze
Casting Director Medge Ross
Music courtesy of Brian Babylon
Copyright 2021
WARNING: This episode contains adult content.
INT. CAR
Car DRIVES. Bluegrass MUSIC switches from stations, then OFF.
ESTHER EDELMAN I get why this is called Bluegrass State.
ELIJAH EDELMAN Actually it’s because of the grass.
ESTHER Kentucky’s blue?
MONICA More like red.
ELIJAH EDELMAN Another hour and we’re there.
ESTHER EDELMAN Hope Janelle shows up.
ELIJAH EDELMAN Who??
ESTHER EDELMAN
The girl I’m sharing my dorm with. She never called me back.
ELIJAH EDELMAN Maybe she’s busy.
ESTHER EDELMANMaybe. She wants to be a journalist too. She’s coming all the way from Detroit just to be on the Herald.
MONICA EDELMAN Honey, I know you’re excited about all those Pulitzers they’ve won...
ESTHER EDELMAN Pacemakers. They’re like Pulitzers but for student-run publications. Although like a dozen grads have won actual Pulitzers. WKU’s journalism program is no joke.
MONICA EDELMAN Boston has a good program too.
ESTHER EDELMAN
You said it was too expensive.
MONICA EDELMAN
All that matters is you go to school.
ESTHER EDELMAN Now you want me to go to Boston. What’s wrong with Kentucky?
MONICA EDELMAN Nothing’s wrong with Kentucky, it’s just different than LA. Boston’s at least a big city, you might feel more at home there.
ESTHER EDELMAN I’ll be fine.
MONICA EDELMAN
I know, but it’s small town here. So don’t be telling everybody your business.
ESTHER EDELMAN Like what?
MONICA EDELMAN
Like anything. You’re here to go to school. People don’t need to know your personal stuff.
ESTHER EDELMAN
So I shouldn’t have friends.
MONICA EDELMAN
Of course you should have friends,
but they don’t need to know everything about you. The only thing that matters is you graduate.
ESTHER EDELMAN That’s the plan.
MONICA EDELMAN
And if you don’t like it here, Boston doesn’t start ‘til next month. You can still enroll.
ESTHER EDELMAN
Okay you’re really freaking me out.
MONICA EDELMAN
There’s nothing to freak out about.
Just, your dad and I met in Indiana...
ESTHER EDELMAN So?
MONICA EDELMAN So we know Kentucky. It’s small-minded. And Bowling Green isn’t a major city like Louisville.
ESTHER EDELMAN
I don’t need a big city. It’s not like Orange County is Chicago.
MONICA EDELMAN That’s not the point, Esther.
ELIJAH EDELMAN
Honey, all your mom’s saying is you can call us anytime. Especially now that you have that fancy iPod.
ESTHER EDELMAN It’s an iPhone dad. iPods are 2006.
MONICA EDELMAN Stop changing the subject!
ESTHER EDELMAN I’m not. What?
MONICA EDELMAN Don’t tell anyone who you are.
ESTHER EDELMAN Like my name?
MONICA EDELMAN Like your religion. People don’t need to know your dad is Jewish. It doesn’t matter.
ESTHER EDELMAN
So what do I say if someone asks?
MONICA EDELMAN Tell them you’re Christian.
ESTHER EDELMAN And lie??
MONICA EDELMAN
It’s not lying. I’m Christian.
ESTHER EDELMAN Dad??
ELIJAH EDELMAN
She’s right. Better to be safe than sorry.
Car DRIVES in silence.
INT. GYMNASIUM
Shoes SQUEAK on the floor. Basketballs DRIBBLE.
COACH
Get ‘em up, get ‘em up! You’re not gonna get off the bench with hustle like that, Smith. Go go go!
A WHISTLE blows.
COACH (CONT'D) Alright, red team water break. Blue, lay-up drills. Get moving!
SQUEAKS of shoes, FOOTSTEPS on linoleum.
SPENCER WILSON This Cav practice?
Catching his breath --
TOMMY THOMPSON Yeah man, what it look like?
SPENCER WILSON What his mood today?
TOMMY THOMPSON
Bad, always. You watch the games?
SPENCER WILSON
Of course. I grew up in Richmond.
TOMMY THOMPSON
Then you know Coach don’t play.
Best to show up on time, bro.
SPENCER WILSON I’ll take my chances.
TOMMY THOMPSON Your funeral.
SPENCER WILSON Coach Maven?
COACH Yeah, what.
SPENCER WILSON I’m here to try out.
COACH
Nice try kid. We’re twenty minutes into camp.
SPENCER WILSON I’m Senator Wilson’s son.
COACH
Ohhhh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were related. I forgot to add “fuck you.” Now get off my court.
SPENCER WILSON Excuse me??
COACH You’re excused.
SPENCER WILSON
Do you know who you’re talking to?
COACH
Do you know how many politicians’ kids wanna be a Hoo? All of ‘em. Know how many make it? None. No hustle, no drive, no fashion sense. It takes a lot more than nepotism to make my team. Now beat it.
SPENCER WILSON
You’ll be hearing from my father.
FOOTSTEPS. WHISTLE blows. GROANS.
COACH
Alright, tie them shoes tight, boys. You have Senator Wilson’s spawn to thank. Four hundred laps. A hundred for every God-awful year until we vote that sonofabitch out.
WHISTLE blows.
SPENCER WILSON Screw you.
TOMMY THOMPSON Told ya asshole.
COACH
Here we go. Move it! Move it! Left! Go left! Against Mr. Wilson’s tide. WHISTLE blows. SNEAKERS.
INT. DORM ROOM - MUSIC plays. iPhone RINGS.
ESTHER EDELMAN Hey.
EFFIE EDELMAN Can I have your Blackberry?
ESTHER EDELMAN
Oh my God Effie, no! I told you.
EFFIE EDELMAN
You don’t need it anymore, you got an iPhone now. Come on, please?
ESTHER EDELMAN No and don’t be in my room.
EFFIE EDELMAN
I’m not! I’m at Desiree’s. Lemme talk to dad.
ESTHER EDELMAN They just left for the hotel.
EFFIE EDELMAN You in the dorm?
ESTHER EDELMAN Yup.
EFFIE EDELMAN (in phone)
How is it?
ESTHER EDELMAN
Fine. My roommate hasn’t come yet though.
EFFIE EDELMAN
Maybe she won’t show. Get the place to yourself.
ESTHER EDELMAN
She better. At least I have an immediate friend with her.
EFFIE EDELMAN
What about those two guys from the football team? Don’t they go there?
ESTHER EDELMAN
That’s right! How’d you know that? Jamie’s a year older than me and Dan was a senior when I was a freshman. You weren’t even in school then.
EFFIE EDELMAN Your yearbooks.
ESTHER EDELMAN Stay out of my room!!
EFFIE EDELMAN
I am! God! You wouldn’t’ve even remembered if I didn’t tell you.
ESTHER EDELMAN Wonder if I’ll run into them...
A KNOCK on the door.
ESTHER EDELMAN (CONT'D) Oh! Maybe that’s Janelle.
Door OPENS.
EFFIE EDELMAN Is it her?
ESTHER EDELMAN
No. Somebody dropped off a flyer.
EFFIE EDELMAN For what?
ESTHER EDELMAN Uh, a party tomorrow. BYOB.
EFFIE EDELMAN
Looks like you made some friends.
EXT. UVA GROUNDS - Birds CHIRP. Phone RINGS.
SENATOR WILSON VOICEMAIL (O.S.) You’ve reached Senator William S. Wilson. Please leave a message.
SPENCER WILSON Maven’s a dick. Call me back.
CLICK. DIALING a number. Phone RINGS.
WENDY WILSON (in phone) Spencer. How’s UVA?
SPENCER WILSON You with dad?
WENDY WILSON Yes. We’re at the club. Why?
SPENCER WILSON He’s not answering his phone.
WENDY WILSON What happened?
SPENCER WILSON Maven won’t let me try out.
WENDY WILSON What did you do, Spencer?
SPENCER WILSON
Told him I’m telling dad. Lemme talk to him.
CLUB LADY 1 (O.S.) We’re on the patio, Wendy.
WENDY WILSON Be right there, Jillian. (sotto to Spencer)
Don’t you fuck up your father’s career.
SPENCER WILSON What??
WENDY WILSON
You know how much we paid to get you in that school? You’re not even good at basketball.
SPENCER WILSON Geez, thanks mom.
HEELS. FOOTSTEPS.
WENDY WILSON (O.S.) Oh, you’re here! (to Spencer)
Spencer darling, Joanie and Mumford just arrived so I --
Click. He hangs up.
SPENCER WILSON Fucking bitch.
He STOMPS off. Birds CHIRP.
INT. EDELMAN HOME
Home ALARM blares. A drawer OPENS.
EFFIE EDELMAN Where’d she put that thing?
DESIREE
You said the alarm goes off after a few seconds.
EFFIE EDELMAN It does
DESIREE It’s been minutes.
EFFIE EDELMAN
Calm down, Desireé. Ah! Found it!
DESIREE Fine, let’s go.
RUN DOWNSTAIRS. POLICE SIREN.
COP
Put your hands up!
Desiree SCREAMS.
COP (CONT'D) Don’t move!
EFFIE EDELMAN I live here!!
COP Hands up!
EFFIE EDELMAN
Look at the picture to your left!
COP That’s a white girl.
DESIREE That’s her sister!
EFFIE EDELMAN Your left, stupid!!!
COP Shut up!!
EFFIE EDELMAN This is my house!!
COP Get down! NOW!
DESIREE Effie, get down. Please.
SHUFFLING. Heavy BREATHING. CRACKLING of RADIO.
COP (in radio) Officer Lang with a 211 at 38-01 Coast Drive. Two Black suspects in custody. Calling for back up. Over.
EFFIE EDELMAN This is my house.
Desiree CRIES.
INT. CAFE - Busy CROWD noise.
SPENCER WILSON Someone sitting here?
PERSON Yeah.
SPENCER WILSON How about this one?
MAN Taken.
SPENCER WILSON (sotto) Asshole.
SPENCER WILSON (CONT'D) And you’re saving this one too?
TANYA THOMPSON Nope. All you.
SPENCER WILSON Really?? Thanks. It’s crazy here.
CHAIR SCOOTS OUT.
TANYA THOMPSON Welcome to the Corner. It’s always poppin’. You touring the Grounds?
SPENCER WILSON
Sort of. I start in a few weeks.
TANYA THOMPSON Me too. I’m Tanya.
TANYA THOMPSON
What’s your major? I’m Poli-Sci.
SPENCER WILSON
I don’t know. Do we have to choose that now?
TANYA THOMPSON Probably best to have some idea. What do you like?
SPENCER WILSON Basketball.
TANYA THOMPSON You play??
SPENCER WILSON Does it look like I don’t?
TANYA THOMPSON I mean, you’re tall.
SPENCER WILSON Great. Do they sell booze here?
TANYA THOMPSON Aren’t you first year?
SPENCER WILSON Yes, and?
TANYA THOMPSON Aren’t you 18?
Spencer LAUGHS.
SPENCER WILSON You’re funny. Oh. You’re not kidding. You don’t drink?
TANYA THOMPSON No, but apparently you do.
SPENCER WILSON
All the time. It’s almost expected.
TANYA THOMPSON Who expects you to drink?
SPENCER WILSON It’s a country club thing.
TANYA THOMPSON
Wow, white folks start early, huh?
SPENCER WILSON Look at the French.
TANYA THOMPSON
Okay, but we’re American. Well I am.
SPENCER WILSON I’m American. A proud American.
TANYA THOMPSON Me too.
SPENCER WILSON
Then it’s agreed. We’re patriots.
TANYA THOMPSON I can dig that.
SPENCER WILSON You want a coffee? My treat.
TANYA THOMPSON
Sure, thank you. Two sugars please.
SPENCER WILSON
Wow, pretty girls like sweets, huh?
TANYA THOMPSON Ha-ha.
SPENCER WILSON Be right back.
Chair SCOOTS out. FOOTSTEPS exit. FOOTSTEPS arrive.
TOMMY THOMPSON Wassup l’il sis?
Chair SCOOTS in.
TANYA THOMPSON Hey T. Oh, someone’s sitting there.
TOMMY THOMPSON Yeah, me.
He sits.
TOMMY THOMPSON Ohhh shit.
TANYA THOMPSON What?
TOMMY THOMPSON That fool at the counter.
TANYA THOMPSON
Um, the guy with the coffees?
TOMMY THOMPSON Clown Prince of Bel-Air.
FOOTSTEPS
SPENCER WILSON Two sugars.
TANYA THOMPSON Thanks.
TOMMY THOMPSON You know this guy??
TANYA THOMPSON
Spencer, this is my brother, Tommy.
TOMMY THOMPSON We met.
SPENCER WILSON We did??
TOMMY THOMPSON
I had to run 400 laps cause of you.
SPENCER WILSON
Oh, yeah. You’re not in uniform.
TOMMY THOMPSON
And we all look the same, right?
SPENCER WILSON I didn’t say that.
TOMMY THOMPSON
He tell you who his daddy is?
TANYA THOMPSON No....
TOMMY THOMPSON Wack-ass Wilson.
TANYA THOMPSON You’re the senator’s son?
SPENCER WILSON Perfect parents don’t always produce perfect kids, and assholes don’t always beget assholes. Take you for instance, Tanya, your parents probably aren’t assholes. But your brother on the other hand--
The chair SCOOTS back. The CROWD silences.
TOMMY THOMPSON What’d you say?
STUDENT (whispering) That’s Tommy Thompson.
TANYA THOMPSON (through her teeth) Tommy, sit down!
SPENCER WILSON
Yeah Tommy. You don’t want to lose that spot on the team, do you? Bro. (to Tanya) Nice to meet you, Tanya.
FOOTSTEPS. The CROWD kicks back up again. Chair SCOOTS.
TOMMY THOMPSON Prick.
TANYA THOMPSON That was rude.
TOMMY THOMPSON Yeah it was.
TANYA THOMPSON Not him, you.
TOMMY THOMPSON
Me?? I don’t know how you got to talking to that silver spoon bitch and I don’t care. But I better never see you with him again. Hear me??
TANYA THOMPSON
Calm down. People are staring.
TOMMY THOMPSON
I don’t give a fuck! He’s bad news.
Listen to a new episode of WHITE PRIVILEGE: RADIO PLAY every Friday for the next 6 weeks.