Holly Hobbie (2018) s04e01 Episode Script

The Struggling Songwriter

Am I good enough?
Am I smart enough?
Will people like me?
These are the questions
that we ask ourselves
whenever we embark
on any new experience,
because, well,
all we want to do is fit in.
(rhythmic music)
I can't breathe.
I don't care,
I'm not letting go.
I have to suck up
as much Amy as I can.
Oh. Just think.
Next time I see you,
you'll be famous Nashville
songwriter Holly Hobbie.
Come on, it is just
one songwriting camp.
It's just one
Grammy nomination.
(laughing)
You're going to crush it.
Uh I still can't believe
that it's real.
Camp won't be the same
without you.
Oh, come on,
you are going to be the best
councillor in training
that place has ever seen, okay?
Oh, here!
- Yes.
(laughing)
I know that this is going to
be the best summer ever. Ugh!
(theme song)
(energetic pop music)
And there's live music
everywhere, all day.
Like you could be eating
your breakfast
and listening to the best slide
guitarist you have ever seen.
Oh, that sounds incredible,
sweetheart.
Did you eat the chicken yet?
No, and we've been here
for six hours.
I am so disappointed in you.
- I know.
- So sweetie,
are you nervous tomorrow
for your songwriting camp?
Aw, that little thing.
Getting the opportunity
to write songs
with actual professionals
for an actual recording artist
in Nashville?
The songwriting capital
of the universe? Ha!
No, no, I'm not nervous at all.
(laughing)
I feel like my stomach
is trying to climb out
of my throat.
Oh come on,
you're going to do great.
Ugh, I mean,
if this goes well,
I can get a song demoed,
which could get me noticed,
which could mean that I get
to make an album of my own
and then I could use
my success to help people.
Like Dolly, did you know
that she sends a book
to like, a million kids
every month?
Not putting any pressure
on yourself I see.
I think that what
your brother means
is that you should
be enjoying yourself, honey,
and just live in the moment.
Yeah, that's not really
Holly's style, Mom.
Uh, so how are things
going there?
Oh, I've made three new
jam flavours
and they are all winners.
Wait until you try
the raspberry rhubarb.
- Ooh!
And Heather got away
to camp okay?
Oh, you know, she couldn't get
out of here fast enough really.
(laughter)
Okay, well, we better go eat.
Yes.
- Bye.
- Break a leg, Holls.
- Bye bye.
- Love you.
Ciao, ciao.
Okay, so, what should our first
Nashville meal be?
At first,
I was thinking barbeque,
but now, I'm thinking
maybe hot chicken?
My gut and my soul
are saying hot chicken,
nay they are crying
for hot chicken.
Ugh, I hate
to do this to you, Dad.
I kind of want
to stay in tonight.
I want to go over
some of my song ideas.
I just want to make sure
that I'm at my absolute best
for tomorrow.
That's very mature of you.
The hot chicken can wait. Hmm?
Tonight, room service.
Tomorrow, the hot chicken.
Got it.
Hmm. Ooh! Surf and turf.
(laughter)
(indistinct chatter)
- Ugh, smell that?
- Old life jackets?
Industrial grade tomato soup?
- Freedom.
Alright, welcome, welcome!
Could I please get two lines?
My campers on the right,
my CITs on the left.
Thank you.
So how does it feel to be
a sidekick going solo?
I'm gonna choose to not get
offended by that.
No, no, no, I mean,
it must be weird
to be here without Holly.
I know you guys
always come here together.
No, I'm super proud of Holly.
Nashville is a giant
opportunity for her
and I'm sure
she's gonna crush it.
- It's not what I asked.
- Besides, I'm a C.I.T. now.
It's not about having fun,
it's about being a dependable,
responsible leader.
Tyler! Hey, okay, you're gonna
be with the Black Bears,
and Amy, you will be
with the Chipmunks.
The Chipmunks?
Youngest campers?
Look, I know you asked
for an older group
on your application,
but I really need someone
I can trust
with the little ones.
I can count on you, right?
- Of course.
- Great!
And I know you'll get along
with your co-C.I.T,
she's really great.
- Oh.
Hello!
(chuckling)
Savannah?
(chuckling)
Savannah!
Amy Abassi!
Are you ready to have
the best summer ever?
I just had this feeling
we would be put together,
so I wanted to commemorate
this once-in-a-lifetime
experience
we're about to have with this.
Hmm?
I got us matching
friendship scrunchies.
Oh. Thank you.
It's actually
really nice of you.
Um, we should probably
put our bags away
and get to orientation.
Hi, I was wondering
if you knew when the rest
of the people for
the songwriting camp
were going to get here?
I thought we were supposed
to start at 9.
Oh hun, you're here
for the camp?
Oh my goodness, you're so young,
I thought you were an intern.
Come on, right this way.
Um, does that mean
that everybody is already here?
You bet ya,
down the hall on your right.
Now he's a really cool,
young kid,
so we're gonna try
to keep it in that voice,
but try to find
something new to say.
So, that's the music brief,
now, go write!
Now shoot me a message
if you have any questions.
I'm counting on you folks
to make me look good.
(laughing)
Yeah, yeah, it's just
in that back room.
Yeah, good to see ya.
Excuse me. Hi.
Are you, are you Margot Sutton?
Yeah, that's me.
You must be Holly.
Yeah, I heard they were bringing
in a kid for the team voice.
That's me.
(laughing)
You want to write
with me this week?
Wow, uh Awesome.
Totally, yes!
Okay, alright, let's do it.
- Now?
- Yeah.
Um
What about a song that sounds
like an upbeat song,
but it's actually about
how someone is struggling
to have fun?
Okay, I get
what you're going for,
but it's a little generic.
Okay. Um
Oh, here. A ballad.
It's a love story,
but in the end,
we find out it's actually
a love story
that was just in someone's
imagination the entire time.
Uh, I'm not sure that's where
we should be aiming.
Anything else?
Okay. I was thinking
about the house
that I grew up in,
and how it shaped me.
What about flipping the idea
of building a house
to a house building me?
That's a great idea.
But it's also
a Miranda Lambert song.
Look, let's back up a bit.
So, you're here because
we're writing for a teenager
and you're a teenager.
So don't you have any fun,
contemporary, super authentic
teen stories that, I don't know,
we could use
as a jumping-off point?
Like an obstacle
you've overcome perhaps.
Well
Um
I'm sure it wasn't that bad.
Oh, it was. Believe me.
It was probably even worse.
Oh my gosh, my mouth is on fire.
Drink some of your juice.
You know, for what it's worth,
you're one of the most
interesting people I know.
You're like, legally obligated
to say that as my dad.
Well, that's true,
but I also happen to believe it.
(sighing)
I think I'm going to get us
some more napkins.
- Yeah, maybe grab a firehose
while you're at it.
(chuckling)
Oh, it's so hot.
If you can't stand
the Nashville heat,
maybe you should go back home.
Are you talking
about the chicken?
I've been here trying
to make it into music for years
and I've never even seen
the rooms you're talking about.
- You write songs too?
- Don't look so surprised.
But I've been reduced
to busking,
working doubles here,
and sleeping in my car.
- Is that like, a metaphor?
- No, it's a 2005 Sedan.
Today, we're gonna
make t-shirts
for everyone to wear
at the camp opening ceremonies.
But it's very important that all
the t-shirts look the same.
So, we're going to use
these stencils
to put a chipmunk on the front
of all your shirts.
Once the stencils
are taped down,
we'll use a sponge brush
to lightly dab paint
onto the shirt.
And then,
once all the paint's dry,
we're gonna peel
the stencil off and voila.
And don't forget to have fun!
And to tape your stencils
down properly.
Here you go.
(farting noises)
Elaina, you need help
with your chipmunk?
I don't want to make
a chipmunk shirt.
Oh no, why not?
They're not
my favourite animal.
I want to make a unicorn shirt.
Okay, but we're not called
the Unicorns.
We're called the Chipmunks.
Chipmunks are stupid.
Okay, let's not use
the "S" word.
But they are. And I don't
want one on my shirt.
What if you make
a chipmunk-a-corn shirt?
- What's that?
- Yeah, Savannah. What's that?
It's a chipmunk
with a unicorn horn.
We can have
the horn on with glitter
after we stencil
on the chipmunk.
Okay, but we're not called
the Chipmunk-a-corns,
we're called the Chipmunks.
We can't have the wrong shirt
at the opening ceremony.
I want to make
a chipmunk-a-corn!
I want a chipmunk-a-corn.
And everyone knows that
chipmunk-a-corns are glittery.
Okay, glitter is going
to make a huge mess.
Savannah, can you just keep them
on task, please?
But, isn't the task
to have fun?
No, it's to make
chipmunk shirts.
(indistinct chatter)
(sighing)
Hi. Please consider this
my formal request
for a new C.I.T. partner.
Or do you need me
to put that in writing
because I'm totally capable
of doing that too?
I'm sorry, Amy,
that's not possible.
Okay, but Savannah
doesn't listen.
And she doesn't care if
the campers don't listen either.
It's complete anarchy,
and the chipmunks,
and I don't know how much longer
I can hold
the operation together.
- Are the campers in danger?
- No, but my sanity is.
Look, I know you're used
to doing certain things
a certain way,
with certain people.
It's not that.
Okay, she just
Look, you're smart.
And you're so capable.
I know you'll work through this.
But what if I can't?
I'm just doomed
to fail as C.I.T.
and have a miserable summer?
You're never doomed
to be miserable.
You're in control of that.
- That is unexpectedly wise.
- Thank you.
But seriously, there's no one
for you to switch with anyway.
Sorry.
(indistinct chatter)
(sighing)
I was thinking the song
should have a driving beat
with lots of bass and a guitar
that kind of sounds like this.
(soft rhythmic guitar)
It tells the story of a waitress
trying to make it here,
in Nashville, as a singer,
all while sleeping in her car.
The verses would be upbeat
and optimistic,
telling the stories
of her hopes and her dreams.
And the chorus would be gritty
and frustrated
as we see the reality
of her situation.
This song would be called
Nashville Heat.
It's edgy and detailed and
Not very original.
I've heard ten songs
called Nashville Heat.
It just
It sounded so original.
Okay, it happens all the time.
But the real problem with it is
that it's not you, Holly.
You've been in Nashville.
what, 48 hours?
And do you sleep in your car?
We're staying at a hotel.
You haven't experienced
any of these things.
I mean, I'm all for writing
from different points of view,
but there has to be
an emotional authenticity
at the core of any song.
So, who are you, Holly?
If this is going to work,
you're going to have to dig deep
and access real feelings
that only you can write about.
(sighing)
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, I just
I'm pushing because
I think you're talented
and I really believe
you can get there.
Really?
So why don't we break
for lunch?
We'll regroup. Sound good?
Yeah.
She keeps asking me questions
like: Who are you?
And I mean, what kind
of question even is that?
Who are you? Who is anyone?
Who are you, Amy?
Right now,
I'm a very frustrated C.I.T.
with a co-C.I.T. who's trying
to ruin my life.
The kids' t-shirts are a mess.
And I just spent hours sweeping
glitter off the art room floor.
Aren't we supposed to be
having the best summer ever?
How am I supposed
to do that
when I'm being thwarted
at every turn?
You are the most capable
person I've ever met, Ames.
Okay, no one, not even Savannah
can stop you from doing
an amazing job.
So, who is Holly Hobbie?
Ugh. I have no idea.
I mean, sometimes I think
that I know, but other times,
I still feel like a total kid,
but I have all of these things
that I want to do.
And I know that I'm at least
a little good at music,
but what if I'm not good enough?
Then what?
And I know that I want
to help people
or at least try
and make a difference,
but, Amy, what if I never get
the chance?
I feel like that too.
Basically all the time.
Like, I'm so worried
about failing,
I'm scared to even try.
Hey, that's it, Amy.
This is real stuff.
Just like Margot
was talking about.
I gotta run. I love you
and I miss you,
but I have got a song to write.
Bye.
(calming guitar)
Take a step back
'cause I need to breathe ♪
Look into the mirror
what do I see ♪
Remember what I have
deep inside of me ♪
There's a light in me ♪
I love it.
(laughing)
Now, what if we switch it up
during the end of the song
and use second person?
So
Take a step back
if you need to breathe ♪
Look into the mirror
what do you see ♪
Remember what you have
most importantly ♪
Do you believe ♪
How did you know
that that tiny change
would make it so much better?
Well, that stuff's just
practice. From the top.
Sitting on this old couch ♪
Busy getting drowned out ♪
Everybody's so loud ♪
Can anybody hear me ♪
Take a step back
'cause I need to breathe ♪
Look into the mirror
what do I see ♪
Remember what I have
deep inside of me ♪
There's a light in me ♪
I am good enough
I won't give up ♪
I will rise above
even when it's tough ♪
I've just gotta be myself
instead of anybody else ♪
(soft music playing)
I was lying in your arms ♪
And we took it
all too far ♪
(cheering)
Thanks, y'all,
catch my next show in 30.
Tickets are selling fast.
You're amazing.
I just wanted to tell you
how incredible that sounded.
Thanks for that.
I gotta go move my car.
No, like, really,
really incredible.
Yeah, said that a couple
of times. So, just gonna
You know, I've learned
a few things since we've met.
Oh yeah, like how
to handle your hot sauce?
No. That in fact seems
to be getting worse.
(chuckling)
But I really think
that you can make it here.
If you just keep trying.
You're really gonna
stand there
and tell me my problem is
I'm not trying hard enough?
And how hard do you have to try
to score your opportunity, hmm?
Through what? Your daddy, aunt?
- Grandpa.
- Thought so.
There are thousands
of talented people
who don't make it
and some untalented who do,
it's just the way it shakes up.
It's not just what you know,
it's who you know.
But now you know me.
And maybe I can help you.
I'll think about it.
Alright, my precious
little chipmunks.
It may have taken me all night,
but I have a surprise for you.
What did you do?
Sacrificed an entire night
of sleep for our campers
is what.
Oh, Elaina, can you just
pick that up, please?
No, I don't want
that stupid shirt,
I want my chipmunk-a-corn shirt.
There goes
that "S" word again.
Maybe you should go
and get the old shirts?
Thanks for the support.
Elaina, it's important
that we all match.
- Why?
- So that we look like a team.
- Why?
- Can you please just
put the shirt on?
- No! No.
(crying)
- No. No. No, no, it's okay,
don't cry, don't cry.
It's okay if you don't like
the new t-shirt.
- No, it's not.
- Yes, it is.
Okay, guys,
let's just pause for a second.
Let it out.
Feel your feelings!
(laughing)
Sorry. Are you trying to be
the worst C.I.T. of all time?
I believe that title
belongs to you.
I've been saving
your butt all week.
By ruining all my hard work?
By actually thinking
about our campers.
I've been trying so hard
to be your friend
and a good c-C.I.T.,
but you're just mad at me
because I'm not Holly.
That is not true.
And why are you so obsessed
with doing everything perfectly?
You've totally forgotten
the point of camp
for these kids is to have fun.
Why don't you take a break while
I watch the kids for a while?
What if we use these shirts
to slide down the muddy hill
over there?
- Yeah!
- Let's go!
(gentle music)
You okay?
I'll give you some privacy.
Uh, no. No, wait.
You were right.
It hurt that Holly bailed
on coming to camp.
Even though Nashville
was totally
a once-in-a-lifetime thing.
I get it.
You two are so close.
Some might even say
co-dependent.
Hey, now.
Actually, maybe you're right.
I mean, sometimes I feel
like I can't even have fun
without Holly.
So, I guess I was trying to do
what I know I can do on my own.
Which is do a good job.
But I didn't do a good job.
I just kind of ended up
being a jerk.
I agree.
(chuckling)
I'm sorry.
Apology accepted.
Besides, you don't have
to try to have fun by yourself.
I'm here.
Alright.
It's time to get serious.
About having
the best summer ever.
Yes! Should we both dye
our hair purple?
Let's not get carried away.
(laughing)
No answer from Destiny.
I'm so sorry.
I'm sure that
she'll be here soon.
I don't know how much longer
we can wait,
we're doing
the recording studio.
I know, it's just, I mean,
Destiny's so talented.
She deserves a chance.
Look, I'm always happy
to give people a shot,
but we have stuff to do, Holly.
(sighing)
Something must have happened.
I mean, she was so excited
for this break.
I just don't get it.
Look, I believe you think
she's talented,
but talent isn't
the only thing that matters.
You have to be someone
people can count on.
If you're gonna go
to bat for somebody,
you got to be sure
they're gonna show up.
It reflects on you too,
you know?
I know. She's just had such
a tough time in Nashville.
She lives in her car.
It's okay,
there's lots to learn.
Alright, you ready to go hear
what song they chose to demo?
Maybe then,
we can actually figure out
what we're supposed to be
writing for this kid.
(laughing)
Come on.
(upbeat music)
Sitting on
this old couch ♪
That's our song.
That's our song!
(laughing)
Now, the rep still has
to present to
our mysterious teen,
so there's still a few steps
before it gets cut.
Oh my God!
(laughing)
You know what?
Why try and be
like everyone else
when you can be an original?
Forget about trying to fit in,
let's fit out.
(chuckling)
That's a saying, right?
Well, if it isn't,
it should be.
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