This episode takes place during Season 2. I've always felt that Season 2 lacked a true Halloween episode like the one Season 1 had. Consequently, this was my first "Lizzie" script, and as such is 'rougher' than the ones I've written since then. But while the writing may not be as 'polished', I still think it works.

And remember: feedback is always good. -)

COLD OPENING

FADE IN:

INT. MCGUIRE HOME – KITCHEN – DAY

CLOSE ON: JO as she is just getting off the phone.

Enter LIZZIE coming in to show off her Halloween costume. It's a pink Renaissance Princess number.

LIZZIE
(twirling)
What do you think?

JO
You look beautiful honey.

LIZZIE
Do you really like it? I'm wearing it to the Halloween Dance tonight.

JO
Oh. About that…

Lizzie turns to her mom concerned – she knows she's about to hear something she doesn't like.

JO
(apologetically)
I just got off the phone with Grandpa Chuck. Nana's come down with a cold and he needs some help taking care of her. So your dad and I have to go. We probably won't be back until late.

LIZZIE
(hesitantly)
Uh, huh.

JO
(expecting an eruption)
So you'll have to take Matt trick-or-treating instead.

LIZZIE
What! But mom, I've been planning for this dance all week!

JO
I know, I know. And I'm really sorry honey, but I don't want Matt going out alone, unsupervised.

LIZZIE
But he'll be with Lanny. And besides, isn't it about time he learned to do things on his own?

LIZZIE (CONT'D)
(off look)
Ugh! Okay, okay. But can't you take him with you? I'm sure Nana and Grandpa Chuck would love to see him.

ANIMATED LIZZIE
And even if they don't, take him anyway!

JO
'Fraid not.

Lizzie is now clearly desperate.

LIZZIE
Then how about he comes to the dance with me? Like last year.

ANIMATED LIZZIE
Surely this act of desperation must earn me some sympathy points.

JO
It's because he didn't get to go last year that I want him to this year.

LIZZIE
(switching tact)
Matt's eleven now, don't you think he's just a little too old to go trick-or-treating?

JO
You were still trick-or-treating when you were eleven.

DIGITAL STILLS:

Lizzie in marching band uniform on a doorstep trick-or-treating with other kids.

Person putting candy in bags.

Close up of eleven-year-old Lizzie hugging bag to her chest with a rapturous look on her face.

BACK TO SCENE

LIZZIE
Buh—

JO
(interrupting)
Case closed. You take your brother trick-or-treating and keep an eye on him. We'll be back as soon as we can. You have Nana and Grandpa Chuck's number if you need us.

JO (O.S.)
Sam!

ANIMATED LIZZIE
Great. As if missing the dance wasn't bad enough, I have to baby-sit my skunkhead little brother. Talk about a Halloween trick.

Animated Lizzie gets hit on the head by a roll of toilet paper

FADE OUT:

END OF COLD OPENING