Hidden Palms s01e01 Episode Script

Pilot

Hey there.
Whatcha doin'? Homework.
Trig.
Ooh.
Trig.
Ouch.
Damn numbers.
You're too good at math.
Umph.
Somebody's drunk.
Come on, you don't need that math crap.
You don't wanna be stuck doing numbers your whole life.
It's bad on the stomach.
Don't be that smart.
- I'll dumb it down.
- Exactly.
You dumb it down.
Be creative, feed the soul.
That'syour move.
You should play an instrument or paint something.
I always wanted to play the trombone or tuba.
Or the flute.
I wanted to be a fluter.
Flutist.
"ist.
" Is-- Delicate, I know.
I'll start with pastels tomorrow.
I wanted to be a poet once too.
I wanted to write poems like that Pablo guy.
- Pablo Neruda? - Yeah.
Him.
I gave it up, though.
It was a little too pansy for me.
More than the flute? Yeah "Tonight I write "the saddest lines To think that I do not have her" Come on! Dad.
Sorry.
I'm going.
No, no problem.
It's just-- it's getting late.
Yeah, it is.
Too late.
Go easy on the numbers, son.
They're too damn accurate.
Life shouldn't be so expected.
Got it.
Night, Dad.
Whoo! My God, the heat.
I can swallow the air.
I swear, it has texture.
Get used to it, babe.
What do you think, Johnny? It works for me.
Here's that.
Johnny.
The new family's moving in.
There's a boy.
He's cute.
Only one kid,thank God.
We should go over.
They're not going anywhere.
I can't.
I have work.
I like the way you're embracing this summer job.
Yeah, great idea.
Thanks, Dad.
Like I had a choice.
I love waiting on rich kids.
You are a rich kid.
Yeah, a rich kid with a name tag.
Mmmwa! Told you she'd be funto have around.
Ah, we got a yapper.
That's gonna get old.
It officially did.
Soit's just me.
What do you really think? No, it's great, Mom.
You scored.
This is one of the younger developments.
And, uh well, the realtor told us that there's several families with kids you age.
Are you okay? I want this to work, honey.
For both of us.
Well, you want it to be easy.
Is that so horrible? I'm tired of hard, Johnny.
It's not horrible, Mom.
It's just unrealistic.
All these cabinets, I will never fill them.
Ooh, I think you'll figure out a way to fill them.
Uh, what's up for you tomorrow, Johnny? You gonna check out your new town? It seems spread out.
It's kind of a hike.
Well, you get your license back in six months.
That's not so long.
You can put some air in the tires and my bike is yours.
Well, I was thinking about going to a meeting.
Dr.
Hill gave me the name of a place.
So soon? We just got here.
Well, they suggest I go every day.
It doesn't seem very practical.
That was the plan.
I think we should stick to it.
Absolutely, if that was the plan,then that's the plan.
In fact, you know what, I'll drive you.
You know, if you want.
New town, new home.
I thought we were done with all that.
That's not how it works, Mom.
Karen, he should go.
I mean, if that's what the farm suggested It was a ranch, Bob.
It was a drug and alcohol rehab-- actually.
Well, then, we have a plan.
Lucy, get over here.
Right now! Liza! Liza! I'm--I'm fine, Dad.
Damn it, Liza! Hush, George.
What happened? Too much nitrate.
Too much nitrate? Back inside, George.
We're gonna die in our sleep! You know I support that brilliant mind of yours, but let's try to find some quieter chemicals to play with, huh? Okay.
Okay.
Oh! Uh! Have you seen my hand? Hey! I'm Cliff Wiatt.
Thisis Anita Grave.
She's my friend, confidante Real crowd pleaser at Halloween.
- Johnny.
- John! I used to be friends with Eddie.
He--he lived in your room.
Before you.
We played pranks on each other all the time.
Keep things hoppin'.
Palm Springs isn't exactly the most happening place.
I, uh-- I picked up on that.
Good.
It gets better when school starts.
It's just summers tend to suck around here with all this heat.
It makes people crazy.
- What grade are you in? - 10th.
I'm in 11th.
Yeah, I should be, but.
.
I'm in 10th.
Right.
Well, Johnny, the thing about this town is it's all retir grays, gays, and streets named after dead people.
Which means we're in the minority.
People come here to die, so it's the short end of the stick for us.
Great.
Butnow you're here.
Which is good 'cause we're in desperate need of fresh blood.
It's good to meet you, Johnny.
I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot of each other.
Yeah.
Cool.
All right, come on, Anita, let's go.
Let's get out of here.
- Later.
- Bye.
Hey! Who are you? Johnny.
?? I don't know.
You move into the Nolan house? And you are? I ask the questions.
Well, come on if you're coming.
Where are we going? That sounded like a question to me.
Is this? Uh! So I gather you walk the golf course at night.
Who are you? Cliff! Sugar baby, I need ya.
No, no, it's too soon to take that off.
Nonsense.
I am not sitting in this house another day.
Mom The doctor should do it.
You're gonna do it.
Now, just be careful 'cause the blood is dried.
??? Ow.
Ow, ow, ow.
Hurry! Hurry! Oh.
All right, how's it look? It's bruised, but it looks like the nose,two noses ago.
Well, that's what we want.
Yes.
All right, a little makeup and it's good to go.
You have any idea what goes on in that house? Peeking through the hedges again? I maintain my own yard, you know that.
I tried your gardener, he's lazy.
Oh, look, there's our new neighbor.
Hello! Oh! Oh, I'm sorry.
Are you okay? Yeah, I'm fine.
Here, let me-- That's okay.
Sorry.
That's me, I'm a klutz.
It's okay.
I got it.
I'm--I'm Johnny.
Just moved here.
I know.
I'm Liza.
Oh, hi, Liza.
Nice meeting you.
- See you around.
- Okay.
We are so happy to have you, Karen.
We never thought the house would sell so quickly-- Helen is the president of our Homeowners Association.
- Be warned.
- We'll get you involved.
It's a great way to meet everybody.
We have some wonderful families.
And if they're not,the Madam President here will quickly plan their demise.
Blaire, stop.
I'm overly protective of our little community.
It only takes one wrong element.
I'm the Mayor's wife.
She can't touch me.
Yes, you are.
His third wife.
I'm waiting for the fourth.
Hey, new kid.
I'm Michelle.
Johnny.
I just wanna thank you, Johnny.
See, your arrival marks my passing.
I'm no longer the new kid.
Oh, glad to be of help.
Shelly Shell,how are interest rates? You're funny.
Hey, I got my cell phone paid off.
Great.
Use it, call me.
He's such a flirt.
Oh! Bye, Shell.
I like that Shell, she's a quality girl.
Oh, God.
Mm.
That would be Greta.
Name doesn't fit though.
She's much more than a Greta.
Don't you think? You know her? ???? As much as one can know Greta.
She's a bit of an enigma.
?? stay away from her.
She can be well, enigmatic.
Good shot.
You're good.
Delete.
Nice.
Delete.
Nice.
Delete.
That's my camera.
Nobody likes a stalker.
I see you've met.
So here I am, in a trailer park in Amarillo, drinking wine out of a box with some redneck named Rufus.
Or maybe it was Leroy? Lord, I was a vain drunk.
Angry, lonely.
Sad.
Not fit for public consumption.
I was too weird for the mainstream and I was too normal for the fringes.
Hell, I didn't fit in anywhere.
I did notbelong.
And you know? All I ever wanted was just to belong.
Well, that and--and to be Tammy Wynette.
Oh, yes, ma'am.
I ain't seen you around here.
What's your name? Uh, Johnny.
How much time you got? A little over three months.
Oh, you're just a baby.
Well, it's nice to meet you, Johnny.
My name is Jesse Jo.
Don't let this outfit scare you.
It's bingo night at the Rawhide.
I call the numbers and then I do a little set.
Starting over is a bitch, ain't it? You hang in there, precious.
It's gonna get worse before it gets better.
Am I ever gonna see my camera again? You should ask before you take someone's picture.
It's rude.
Point taken.
I'm sorry.
(Greta) Hey, whoa.
Okay, before you settle in there, sport, let me just say that last night was a moment.
Okay? Moments work really great.
Anything beyond that really doesn't.
Solet it go.
So pessimistic.
See? We're not compatible.
You don't even know me.
Okay, fine.
Let's get to know you.
Okay.
Believe in God? Yes, but not in a religious context.
So evolution over the Bible? Without question.
Okay, wait.
Let's switch gears.
You're channel surfing, and you find Ti-- You're channel surfing, and you find Titanic, Leo and Kate.
It's half over.
On the other channel is a Will Ferrell comedy you haven't seen yet.
Which do you watch? Leo and Kate.
Ugh.
I hate romantic saps.
Me too.
I wanna watch the ship sink.
Are you a virgin? Yes.
Why? The first time is inevitable, which makes it predictable, which makes it boring.
Is that it? How'd I do? Not bad.
Okay, your turn.
No, I pass.
I have no questions.
Yours were revealing enough.
How so? My instant analysis? You ask a lot of questions.
Which suggests: A--You have very few answers of your own, B--It gives you the upper hand which provides a false sense of power, And C--You play games.
Evolution over the Bible tells me that you have a high IQ and you prefer logic over the unexplained.
You're a tangible girl, you like things that you can feel and touch, i.
e.
water sprinklers.
Well, don't let me stop you.
The virgin question was simply just thrown in there, once again, as a test-- to see how honest I answered all the other questions-- you can't tolerate deceit.
And, finally, you are a sap, because only a hopeless romantic would ever even think of referencing the Titanic.
Well, see ya.
(Bob) Hey! Hi.
How was the meeting? Okay.
You knowdifferent.
[clearing throat.]
You're gonna really hurt yourself if you keep doing that.
Yeah, Greta can be dark.
Hot, but dark.
She's never liked me much.
She always liked Eddie more.
(Tess) Johnny You're are such a dream for helping out, but that hibiscus is gonna have to go in the shade.
Jos?can do this, Mom.
And when I learn to say aesthetics in español, he will.
Most people just rearrange their living rooms.
[phone ringing.]
Johnny, would you please tell your mother I can't wait to meet her.
Coming! And why are we doing this? We're floating the front yard.
My mom likes to rotate the plants.
Your mom's got way too much time on her hands.
Welcome to Palm Springs.
Let's get that thing.
Yeah.
Yeah, Greta runs hot and cold.
I never liked the way she treated Eddie.
She led him on, screwed with his head.
Why did Eddie move? Uhhe didn't move.
His family did.
But, uh, Eddie died.
How'd he die? Oh, it was an accident.
I don't really like talking about it, you know? It sucks.
I mean, uh, I still miss the guy.
[buzzing.]
Toxic gas, don't come in.
(Helen) Well, honey, I-- I need to get to my car.
Uh, just a second.
[music stops.]
What are you working on? Some new test trials.
How's it going? [laughing.]
Um Not so good.
[car engine running.]
[camera shutter clicking.]
[camera shutter clicking.]
Nobody likes a stalker.
[camera shutter clicking.]
Okay, so I'm intrigued.
I know.
Lame.
What gives with the camera? It's important to have a creative outlet.
Oh.
Well, I hope you don't mind.
But I got creative with your outlet.
You wanna swim? You're not wearing a swimsuit.
Who needs a swimsuit? We're not alone.
[squealing.]
Lame.
[laughing.]
You are very bizarre.
Mm.
Very bizarre.
It's the heat.
Give it a few weeks.
You'll join the club.
Oh, there's definitely something off around here.
This place has a severe tonal problem.
Oh, and you don't? Talk to me.
Why are you so sad? Why do you think I'm sad? Oh, please.
You're textbook.
Oh, my God.
Do you just spit this stuff out randomly hoping something will stick? Is that it? Something's haunting you.
It's obvious.
You're trying to hide it, but it'salways there.
Peeking out around the edges, making you seem sad.
My dad killed himself.
Blew his brains out right in front of me.
And you're extremely honest.
[soft instrumental music.]
Which I like a lot.
(Karen) This is a lovely party.
How often does the country club do this? Twice a month.
I head the planning committee, if you'd like to join.
Oh, how sweet.
Here's to the lousiest golf swing I've ever seen.
I warned you guys, I'm not much of a golfer.
I know it's a blue hair convention, but you'll get used to it.
Hey, hence the open bar.
What's your poison, big guy? Uh, no, I'm--I'm cool.
Right.
[laughing.]
Ouch.
(Cliff) Come on.
Water, sir? You be careful with that boy.
He is shifty.
Excuse me? It's Jesse Jo.
We met yesterday.
No one recognizes me without my big bar hair.
You work here? Six shifts a week.
Cool.
Yeah, "real cool.
" I'd prefer to see you at a meeting.
What do you think? I love it.
(Helen) It looks the same.
I guess the hoof is gone.
You must be my new neighbor.
I'm--I'm Tess.
I'm right next door.
Your cheekbones are magic.
We're going to be good friends.
(Michelle) Okay, new kid, none of this loner stuff.
The party's this way.
Come on.
Wow! You certainly made an effort.
Go away, Cliff.
Be careful with him.
He's no dummy.
Don't worry, I'm not gonna say anything to him.
I can't imagine you would.
Intentionally.
But I wouldn't get too close if I were you.
Stay away from me, Cliff.
Of course.
That was the deal.
Screw you.
(Johnny) What are you doing out here all by yourself? I do best all by myself.
He's a popular guy.
And perfect.
Don't forget about perfect.
Good to know.
I mean, Cliff is a a great guy.
Just don't worship him, okay? Is that what Eddie did? What do you know about Eddie? Just that they were friends andhe died.
Did he tell you how he died? He mentioned an accident.
It wasn't? Uh It's not important.
Uh, you know I'm just not that into tonight.
I'm just gonna head off.
Look, I'm sorry if I said something wrong.
Come on.
Ah.
You could've at least told us you were leaving.
We looked everywhere.
Sorry.
I was ready to go.
It's not a big deal, is it? Bob stayed behind.
He's still looking for you.
He'll figure it out.
Common courtesy, that's all I ask.
That's funny coming from you.
You gonna blame me forever? I didn't put a gun to his head, Johnny.
No, Mom.
I don't blame you.
Dad had a screw loose.
He was gonna pull that trigger no matter how many men you slept with.
I was wrong to marry so quickly.
I rushed into it, I know.
But it's done.
Now, how can I apologize for it? Why did you marry Bob? I was alone and scared.
And you were drugged out of your mind.
And I didn't know how to help us.
Well, you-- you didn't have to marry him, Mom.
You didn't have to uproot and move us to the middle of the desert! It was a good decision.
Well, the man you marry should be more than a decision.
I care about him.
I love him.
You paused.
Are you sure about that? Yes, I'm sure.
Why else would I marry him? Did you love Dad? Of course I did.
That's you when you're sure, Mom.
(Bob) Hey.
Good, you made it home.
I was just going to bed.
Think about it.
Think about what? Nothing.
[soft instrumental music.]
[Lucy barking.]
Come here, I won't bite.
Come here, I won't bite.
[Lucy yelping.]
Little bitch.
[sprinklers sputtering.]
[Damien Rice's The Blower's Daughter.]
And so it is Just like you said it would be Life goes easy on me Most of the time And so it is The shorter story No love, no glory No hero in her sky I can't take my eyes off of you I can't take my eyes off you I can't take my eyes off you I can't take my eyes And so it is Just like you said it should be We'll both forget the breeze Most of the time [doorbell ringing.]
And so it is The colder water The blower's daughter The pupil in denial I can't take my eyes off of you I can't take my eyes off of you I can't take my eyes off of you I can't take my eyes off of you I can't take my eyes off you I hate you.
I know.
I can't take my eyes Ooh-ooh Did I say that I loathe you? Did I say that I want to Leave it all behind? I can't take my mind off of you I can't take my mind off of you I can't take my mind off of you I can't take my mind off of you I can't take my mind off of you
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