"Wisenheimer" Part Six

Pilot/Episode 1: "The Phone Call" Part Six

Every week, a few pages post, in the spirit of serial storytellers like Dickens and Maupin—and this content is for paid subscribers only! Five bucks a month? C’mon, such a deal.

DISCLAIMER: “WISENHEIMER” is for adults over 18. If produced, it would bear an MA rating. It’s for grown-ups. There is sexual content and the story deals with strong adult themes, as well as socio-political satire and comedy. “WISENHEIMER” is an original work of fiction, written entirely by me, all rights reserved.

You can view the video pitch deck for “WISENHEIMER” here. And for a brief primer on basic screenplay stuff for easier reading, this is helpful.

IN HOSPITAL CORRIDOR

Ro and Ezra sit on a bench.

RO

It’s an ugly disease. She’s lucky you’re here.

EZRA

Naomi says she thinks I’m dead.

RO

I’m glad you’re not. So...your alter ego. He still--?

EZRA

Maxx? Yep. Mostly cam shows. No more films. The occasional club appearance, leather contest.

RO

Wow. I’m surprised. Well--maybe not.

EZRA

What? I should be too old for that shit?  Ro, didn’t you know?  Daddies are the new black.

RO

What about...partying?

EZRA

Okay, whose social worker are you? 

RO

Ez...

EZRA

Twenty years, and this is what we’re talking about? (beat) Look, it’s not the same as it was. I don’t do meth anymore. I am too old for that shit.

RO

Good. So. No more flirting with disaster?

EZRA

Flirting? Disaster and I have a deep and meaningful relationship.

RO

All these years later and I still worry about you.

They smile at each other.

MEMORY FLASH

San Francisco, late 90s. Outside a Castro bar, YOUNGER EZRA(20s), in the same leather jacket, and thin, androgynous YOUNGER RO(16) sit side by side on the curb, smoking.

They smile at each other.

END MEMORY FLASH

The exit door bangs open. Neil rushes in, car keys in hand, cell phone to ear.

NEIL

Okay, I’m here, sweetie!

MacKenzie comes out of Miriam’s room, coat on, cell phone to ear.

MACKENZIE

Finally!

She puts her cell away, and moves past Neil toward the exit.

NEIL

Hart?

Hart comes out, reluctantly putting her coat on as she glances back at Miriam.

Neil sees Ro and Ezra on the bench. He stops in his tracks. Blanches.

Ezra gets up.

EZRA

Hey. You must be Neil.

Neil stares, not breathing. 

HART

Dad...? Hello?! This is Uncle Ezra.

Ezra comes forward, hand outstretched.

Neil starts hyperventilating.

NEIL

I--I’ll be right out.

He backs away toward the men’s room.

MACKENZIE

Dad! Jesus.

Neil pushes through the men’s room door.