ROCKLAND COUNTY – EPISODE #46 – NOVEMBER 23, 2005

“THANKSGIVING IN ROCKLAND COUNTY”

 

WRITTEN BY

Roger Newcomb

 

STARRING (in order of appearance)

Ryan Chandler as Elijah Phillips

Wendy Hammer as Miranda Phillips

Barbara Thomas as Eve Morgan

Angela Mazziotta as Arden Morgan

Jeffrey Richardson as Dr. Brian Morgan

Delaina Dixon as Dr. Angela Givens

Rick E. Edwards as Manny Ramos

Nick Sullivan as Paul Ramos

Erika Crocco as Caroline Hart

Anne Sayre as Barbara Whitman

Stephen Seidel as Dante Ramos

Na’Vell Lee as Damien Givens

 

INT. RAMOS ESTATE KITCHEN - DAY

ELIJAH is talking with MIRANDA who is helping CARLOS with Thanksgiving dinner.

 

ELIJAH

It looks like people are starting to arrive.

 

MIRANDA

Why on earth Paul invited that awful Caroline or his so-called brother today, I’ll never know.

 

ELIJAH

Barbara told me that Dante talked him into it.

 

MIRANDA

Are you becoming friends with that woman?  Stay away from her, Elijah, she’s a leech.

 

ELIJAH

Mom, whatever she is, she isn’t that way with me.  She treats me like an adult, which is more than I can say for most people in my life.

 

MIRANDA

Meaning your mother?

 

ELIJAH

Meaning most people.  But I don’t understand why you have to always help Carlos with Thanksgiving dinner.  Isn’t he capable to making it on his own.

 

MIRANDA

I like to help Paul and Dante on days like today.  It makes me feel good, son.

 

ELIJAH

Well, how do you think it makes me feel knowing that you and I will have Ramos leftovers as our Thanksgiving meal?

 

MIRANDA

Oh, don’t start, Elijah.  What is wrong with you lately?  You’re always upset about one thing or another.

 

ELIJAH

Mom, have you ever thought that your erratic actions lately have made me this way.

 

MIRANDA

Son, if you’re going to bring up that hit and run accident again, then I’m going to have to ask you to leave.

 

ELIJAH

No, Mom.  The police have no evidence and I know you’ll talk about it when you’re ready.

 

MIRDADA

There’s nothing to talk about because I had nothing to do with it.

 

INT. RAMOS ESTATE GUEST HOUSE - DAY

ARDEN, BRIAN and EVE are waiting for ANGELA to arrive so they can go to the main house for Thanksgiving dinner.

 

EVE

Brian, where is that girlfriend of yours?  I’m starving.  And I’m dying to get a better look at that main house.  Judging by this guest house, it must be spectacular.

 

ARDEN

I thought you saw it before when you went to see Aunt Barbara.

 

EVE

I saw one room.  That witch obviously wasn’t going to give me the grand tour.

 

BRIAN

Angela will be here any minute.

 

ARDEN

Brian, how did you guys leave things with her best friend?

 

BRIAN

Well, we agreed not to talk about it today.  But it’s definitely a dark cloud hanging over our heads.  I’m not sure what to make of the entire situation.

 

ARDEN

I like Angela.  And Damien has been a good friend to me too.  I hope it all works out for you.

 

EVE

If it’s this much trouble already, I saw cut ties and run.

 

BRIAN

Thanks, Mom, but another piece of your worldly wisdom.

 

They hear a knock on the door.

 

BRIAN

That must be Angela.

 

Brian runs over to the door and opens it and sees Angela.

 

ANGELA

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

BRIAN

Angela, you look great.  Come in.

 

Angela walks in.

 

EVE

Oh my God.  She’s black.

 

ARDEN

Mother, you did not just say that.

 

ANGELA

Hello, Mrs. Morgan.

 

EVE

Hello.  Brian, can we go now?  I need some grub.

 

 

INT. RAMOS ESTATE FAMILY ROOM - DAY

PAUL and BARBARA are talking to their Thanksgiving Day guests, CAROLINE and MANNY.

 

MANNY

Paul, I have to say that I was very surprised to get Dante’s call about Thanksgiving dinner.  I wasn’t exactly expecting an invitation from you this year.

 

PAUL

Dante insisted, and despite what some may think, my son’s happiness is important to me.  So important, that I would even tolerate you today. 

 

CAROLINE

And what about me, Paul?  I’m sure Dante had to plead with you to invite me as well.

 

PAUL

He promised me that you would keep your accusations to yourself today and I hope you plan on doing just that.

 

CAROLINE

I want to have a nice, family dinner with my nephew, nothing more.

 

BARBARA

Can I get anyone something to drink?

 

PAUL

It’s only noon, but I’m sure Manny would be up for a cocktail.  He always is.

 

MANNY

Not anymore, Paul.   I’m fine, Barbara, but thanks.

 

Damien and Dante walk into the room.

 

DANTE

Hi everyone.

 

PAUL

Hello son.  Damien.   Will your guests be arriving soon?

 

DANTE

Any minute.

 

DAMIEN

Hi you guys.

 

CAROLINE

Hi Damien.

 

The doorbell rings.

 

DANTE

We just stopped by the kitchen.  Everything smells amazing.

 

BARBARA

No nibbling before dinner.

 

MANNY

Dante, thanks for setting this up.  I appreciate it.

 

DANTE

Hey, it’s about time, the Ramos estate hosted a big family Thanksgiving, right?

 

Brian, Arden, Angela and Eve walk in.

 

ARDEN

Hi.

 

DANTE

Arden!

 

BARBARA

(shocked to see her)

Eve!!!!!!

 

EVE

Hello Barbara.

 

ARDEN

Aunt Barbara, Mom is staying with me for a few days.

 

BRIAN

Long story.  We’ll get into all that later.

 

ANGELA

Things sure smell good around here.

 

Miranda walks in.

 

MIRANDA

Excuse me, everyone.  Dinner is served.

 

INT. RAMOS ESTATE DINING ROOM - DAY

PAUL, BARBARA, DANTE, ARDEN, BRIAN, ANGELA, EVE, MANNY, DAMIEN, CAROLINE, MIRANDA and ELIJAH are all seated at the dining room table.

 

MIRANDA

Paul, thank you so much for inviting Elijah and me to join you for dinner.

 

ELIJAH

Yeah, thanks Mr. Ramos.

 

PAUL

You are like family, Miranda.  We’re happy to have you here.  Right Barbara?

 

BARBARA

Oh.  Right.  Sure.  Of course.

 

DANTE

Listen up, everyone.  Before we chow down on this enormous turkey, I want to make a toast, if you don’t mind.

 

CAROLINE

That would be lovely, Dante.

 

DANTE

Since it’s Thanksgiving and all, I want to take this chance to say what I’m thankful for this year.  To be able to be here today, surrounded by family and friends means a lot to me.  Normally it’s just me and my Dad, and we have a great time arguing over football, but this is extra special.  I’m thankful my Aunt Caroline is here today sharing this with us.  I’m happy to have my Uncle Manny back in Rockland County.  I’m thankful my Dad has found some happiness this year with Barbara.  You really make him happy, Barbara.  I appreciate that.  I’m thankful to have met Arden Morgan, the most beautiful girl in the world.  And to have her family here sharing this day with us.  I’m thankful for the best “best” friend in the world in Damien Givens.  This guy has saved my as….  Well, you know, so many times.  And so has his sister, the talented Dr. Givens.  Let’s see, I’m thankful for Miranda and all she does for this family.  (jokingly) And I guess that’s about it.  Just kidding.  I’m glad to have you here with us today too, Elijah.  So if you’ll all raise your glass, I want to make a toast.   To all of us.  Happy Thanksgiving.

 

EVERYONE

(toasting)

Happy Thanksgiving.