Sports Night episode 3.4: "Out With The Old" - Mythical Airdate: November 8, 2000

Open on the Sports Night studio. Dan and Casey are sitting at the anchor desk. Casey is making notes on his script as Dan looks at him.

Natalie (over intercom): "2 minutes live."

Dan: "Don't you think it's a little strange?"

Casey: "Dan, we're been over this a million times."

Dan: "Well, Casey, here we sit, it's November 7th and we still haven't gotten an offer from CSC. Our contracts run out in less than a month."

Casey: "November 28th..."

Dan: "November 28th! That's right! Our contracts expire in 21 days."

Casey: "Three weeks."

Dan: "And yet, here we sit, without an offer."

Casey: "I'm not going to worry about it right now."

Dan: "How can you not?"

Casey: "We've got a show to do Danny, I'm trying to focus on that."

Dan: "Well, has it ever occurred to you that this might be one of our last shows?"

Casey: "All the more reason to focus."

Dan throws his arms up in frustration as we cut to the control room. All the usual crew is in their chairs, except Dana, who is not in the room.

Jeremy: "He just won't stop about this, will he?"

Natalie: "Well, do you blame him?"

Jeremy: "No, not really, but he's driving me crazy. So, I can only imagine how Casey feels right now."

Dana walks in

Dana: "Okay, let's do this guys, good show tonight."

Natalie: "Well, well, well, if it isn't the new Managing Editor."

Dana: "Will you stop with that? I'm the Executive Producer of this show and that's not changing..."

Jeremy: "Until the end of December."

Dana: "Right. So, Natalie, stop calling me that."

Natalie: "Fine, all I'm trying to do is give you a little credit for getting the job."

Dana: "Yeah, I'm sure your enthusiasm has nothing to do with the fact that my current job is up for grabs."

Natalie: "No, not at all."

Natalie smiles at Dana as we cut back to the studio, where Casey has a "help me" look on his face

Dan: "Listen Casey, let me present it to you like this."

Casey: "And this is going to be something I haven't heard before?"

Dan: "Right."

Casey: "Somehow, I find that hard to believe."

Dave (off camera): "15 seconds..."

Dan: "Dana's the new Managing Editor of Sports Night at the end of the year. So, therefore, there's going to be a new Executive Producer. So, why not get new anchors, why not get a fresh start? And that's not to mention the fact that this show has moved into second place and gained five-tenths of a point without us even here. We're back and now ratings have flattened. They're not going down, but they're not going up either. So, as you can see, I think I have ample reason to be worried."

Casey: "Is that all?"

Dan: "That's it. Worried now, aren't ya?"

Casey: "Not really."

Dan shakes his head and then straightens his script

Dan: "I find myself very frustrated with you."

Casey: "It's show time."

Dave (over intercom): "In 3...2..."

Casey: "Good evening, from New York City, I'm Casey McCall, alongside Dan Rydell. Those stories plus, we'll take you to South Bend, where the Irish shook up their backfield."

Dan: "We'll take you to Boston where the Bruins shook off their slump. And we'll take you to Toronto where the Raptors shook down the Pacers. All that coming up after this. You're watching Sports Night on CSC, so stick around."

Dave (over intercom): "We're out."

Kim (over intercom): "90 seconds back."

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

Open on Isaac sitting at his desk, doing paperwork, when in walks Sally Sasser.

Isaac: "Sally? What brings you here?"

Sally: "Isaac, I need to talk to you."

Isaac: "Okay, have a seat."

Sally sits down in front of the desk as Isaac puts his pen down

Isaac: "So, what's on your mind?"

Sally: "Well, I'm not sure if you heard, but I've been offered a position over at MSNBC."

Isaac: "I heard something."

Sally: "Well, I have been and I think I'm going to take it."

Isaac: "Okay..."

Sally: "But, I thought I'd come to you first because, well, if I'm going to get Sports Night, then I don't want to leave."

Isaac: "Now Sally..."

Sally: "I know, you can't promise me anything, but I need to know I'm the front-runner. If I lose the job in the process, then so be it, but I don't want to turn this opportunity down for Sports Night when I don't have a real chance for the job. Now, I know that you're partial to Natalie..."

Isaac: "That's not true."

Sally: "Yes, it is, and that's fine, but I need to know where the rest of the management team stands and I thought if anyone could find out for me, it's you. So, if you wouldn't mind..."

Isaac: "Okay, I tell you what, I'll make a couple of calls, and I'll see what I can find out."

Sally: "I have to give them an answer by next Friday."

Isaac: "You'll hear from me before the end of the day."

Sally: "That fast?"

Isaac: "I'll do my best."

Sally: "I really appreciate it. Thank you, Isaac."

Isaac: "You're welcome."

Sally gets up to leave

(SCENE CHANGE)

Open on the editing room where we see Jeremy and Casey working on tape as Dan paces in the background

Dan: "And you haven't heard anything from your agent?"

Casey sighs

Casey: "For the last time, no, I haven't."

Dan: "Well, I find this to be very insulting at the very least. I mean, if they don't want us, then they should let us know."

Casey: "Danny, Calvin Trager is in Italy, he's been in Italy for 2 weeks and he's going to be in Italy until the first week in December. If we don't get an offer when he gets back, then, and only then, am I going to be insulted."

Dan: "The first week in December!? That's after our contracts run out!"

Jeremy: "How can you stand this?"

Dan: "I can't!"

Jeremy: "I was talking to Casey."

Dan: "Casey, the first week in December is after our contracts run out."

Casey: "Seriously?"

Dan: "Yes, Casey! Do you know what that means?"

Casey: "It means we'll go a week, maybe 10 days, without contracts, that's not unheard of. It's like a vacation."

Dan: "Except we're not getting paid."

Casey: "Well, true, but I think we can get by."

Dan: "So, you have absolutely no worries about this?"

Casey: "None whatsoever."

Dan: "I can't believe this...that's it, I'm done talking to you. I'm going to write my show."

Dan walks out, shutting the door behind him

Jeremy: "Thank god! For four days now, it's been non-stop."

Casey: "Tell me about it."

Jeremy: "How do you put up with it?"

Casey: "Well, Jeremy, we're been doing this to each other for a long time, I'm kind of used to it at this point. Plus, to be honest, I agree with him. I would be completely insulted if I hadn't gotten an offer."

Jeremy looks up, surprised

Jeremy: "Wait...you're saying you got an offer?"

Casey: "What?"

Jeremy: "You just said you'd be insulted if you hadn't gotten an offer."

Casey hits the desk, realizing he slipped up

Jeremy: "Casey?"

Casey: "They sent it to my agent before Calvin left for Italy, it's a good offer, it's a nice raise and more benefits."

Jeremy: "So, you've signed it?"

Casey: "No. And I'm not going to unless Dan gets an offer. We're a package deal and if CSC won't take us that way, somebody else will."

Jeremy: "You've got to tell him, Casey. If you don't, he's going to find out sooner or later and then what will happen?"

Casey: "I know, I know, but I'm hoping he'll calm down about this first."

Jeremy: "Well, that doesn't really seem like it's going to happen anytime soon, does it?"

Casey: "No, not really."

Jeremy: "So, you should tell him."

Casey: "Let's get back to work."

Jeremy punches something up on the editing machine

(SCENE CHANGE)

Open on Dana and Natalie sitting in Dana's office, Dana is at her desk, Natalie is on the couch.

Dana: "I can't believe she got an offer from MSNBC."

Natalie: "Who cares? Let her go, you don't like her anyway."

Dana: "I know, but..."

Natalie: "But what? If she goes to MSNBC then she won't be working here anymore and she won't be the new Executive Producer for our show, which means we won't have to work with her."

Dana: "And it makes you the front runner for this job."

Natalie: "I don't want to talk about that."

Dana: "Why not? Aren't you excited?"

Natalie: "Well, I was, but now, not so much."

Dana: "What?"

Natalie: "I've been listening to Dan for the last couple of days and the more I think about it, the more I realize he has a point. They haven't gotten offers Dana and that means that all signs point to Dan and Casey not being here anymore."

Dana: "Well, first off, I think you're worried about nothing and, secondly, if they do leave, you'd still be the Executive Producer."

Natalie: "Yeah, but it seems kind of selfish to get excited about this when they might not be here much longer. It's undeniable Dana, they haven't gotten offers."

Dana: "Dan hasn't gotten an offer."

Natalie: "What?"

Dana: "Dan hasn't gotten an offer. Casey got his contract last week."

Natalie: "And he signed it?"

Dana: "Well, no, but he they offered and he's not signing unless they sign Dan."

Natalie: "Does Dan know about this?"

Dana: "No, Casey doesn't want him to."

Natalie: "Wow..."

Dana: "I'm only telling you this to get you to stop worrying, so don't spread it around."

Natalie: "Of course..."

Dana: "So, as I was saying, Casey won't sign unless they sign Dan. They've made it clear they want Casey back, so it's just a matter of time before they make Dan an offer."

Natalie: "I guess you're right..."

A big smile comes over Natalie

Natalie: "...I'm going to be the Executive Producer of Sports Night."

Dana: "If Sally takes the job, you're a virtual lock."

Natalie: "Even if she doesn't Dana, I'm not going to lose this shot. I will be the next Executive Producer, that's all there is to it."

Dana: "Well, you've got my vote and I'm 99 percent sure you've got Isaac's, so you're off to a good start."

Natalie looks around

Natalie: "This office is going to need some work."

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

Open on Sally walking down a hallway when up walks Isaac

Isaac: "Can I talk to you?"

Sally: "Sure."

They head down a hallway and into Isaac's office.

Isaac: "I've talked to several people and I honestly can't get a straight answer."

Sally: "Nothing at all?"

Isaac: "Not a word, they all say they haven't decided yet. They've all told me you're a candidate, Natalie's a candidate, and there's a third."

Sally: "Who?"

Isaac: "It doesn't matter."

Sally: "Fine...so, what do you think I should do?"

Isaac: "In all honesty, if I were you, I'd take the offer. You're taking a big risk if you turn this down and then don't get Sports Night."

Sally: "I think you're right."

Isaac: "So, this is it?"

Sally: "It looks that way..."

Isaac: "Well, Sally, we've had our ups and downs, but it's been a pleasure working with you. You're a hell of a talent and I'm sure you'll do well."

Sally: "Thank you."

They shake hands and then Sally turns to leave as Casey walks in Isaac's office. They glance at each other and then Sally walks out as Casey sits down.

Casey: "What was that all about?"

Isaac: "Sally's taking the job."

Casey: "With MSNBC?"

Isaac: "Yep."

Casey: "Good for her. Listen, do you have a minute?"

Isaac: "Not really, but I don't think it matters."

Casey: "Dan's really upset about this contract situation Isaac."

Isaac: "Because you got an offer and he didn't?"

Casey: "Well, I haven't actually told him about that yet."

Isaac: "Why not?"

Casey: "You know how he's going to react Isaac. He's going to take it badly. You remember what happened with the Sport Report list."

Isaac: "You're still got to tell him. You owe him that."

Casey: "I know...why haven't they made him an offer, anyway?"

Isaac: "I don't know."

Casey: "Isaac?"

Isaac stands up and walks over to the door and shuts it as Casey stands up. Isaac walks over to the bar and begins fixing a drink.

Isaac: "This stays in this room."

Casey: "Of course."

Isaac: "All right. Calvin Trager wants to make a change. He wants to go with you and Bobbi Bernstein. He feels that having a female anchor was the key to September's ratings surge and he feels that it's the best move for the show, long-term."

Casey: "What!?"

Isaac: "That's what I know Casey."

Casey: "So, you're telling me that they're not going to make Dan an offer at all?"

Isaac: "It doesn't look that way. Now, I know you haven't signed the deal, I know that you think of yourself and Dan as a team, but you need to ask yourself if you're willing to go all the way with this because, to be completely honest, I think the only way you're going to be working with Dan is if it's somewhere else."

Casey looks shell-shocked by this and slowly sits down

(SCENE CHANGE)

Open on the Sports Night studio, Dan and Casey are sitting at the desk

Dan: "You've been awfully quiet all show. What is wrong with you?"

Casey: "After the show."

Dan: "If it's about the contracts, I've decided..."

Casey: "After the show."

Dan: "The show is over in like 30 seconds Casey."

Casey: "I know, we'll talk about it then."

Dan: "All right, fine."

Dave (over intercom): "In 3...2..."

Casey: "That's going to do it for us tonight."

Dan: "For Casey McCall, I'm Dan Rydell, and you've been watching Sports Night. We'll see you tomorrow."

Casey: "Good night."

We pull back to see the credits begin on a monitor

Dave (over intercom): "And we're out."

Dana (over intercom): "Good show everyone."

Dan and Casey unhook themselves

Dan: "Okay, the show's over. What's up?"

Casey: "Come with me."

Casey heads out of the studio as Dan follows. They walk through the newsroom and into their office, Casey shuts the door as Dan sits down on the couch.

Dan: "Why do I get the feeling that I'm not going to like this?"

Casey: "You're not."

Dan: "You got an offer didn't you?"

Casey: "Yes, I did."

Dan: "They sent it to you today?"

Casey: "I got it last week."

Dan: "Last week!? And you didn't tell me! You've let me walk around here like a damn..."

Casey: "I didn't sign the contract, Danny."

Dan: "Wait...you didn't sign it?"

Casey: "That's right."

Dan: "Why the hell not?"

Casey: "Danny..."

Dan: "Because they didn't give me an offer."

Casey: "Right."

Dan: "Casey I don't want your charity..."

Casey: "Danny, listen to me. 6 months ago we were this close to being done. You were going to Los Angeles, I was staying here."

Dan: "I was there Casey, I remember."

Casey: "Well, I'm not going to let that happen again. We're a team. If CSC doesn't keep you then they're not getting me and that's all there is to it. This isn't charity. This is just as much for me as it is for you."

Dan: "So, it's clear they want you right?"

Casey: "Yes."

Dan: "So, it's just a matter of time until they make us an offer."

Casey: " I wouldn't be too sure about that."

Dan: "What are you talking about?"

Casey: "This wasn't supposed to leave Isaac's office, but from what he's been told, Calvin Trager wants the show to be hosted by Bobbi Bernstein and me."

Dan: "Oh..."

Casey: "Danny, listen, I know you're upset about this."

Dan: "I'm not even sure if upset is the right word, Casey. I'm numb at this point."

Casey: "I feel the same way."

Dan: "So, what are we going to do?"

Casey: "Well, we like it here, I think we're both in agreement on that. So what if management doesn't want us..."

Dan: "Doesn't want me."

Casey: "If they don't want you, then they don't want me, end of story."

Dan: "Fine."

Casey: "So, if they don't want us, big deal. Dana, Isaac, Jeremy, Natalie, Kim, Elliot, the list goes on and on. They all want us here, so I say we wait it out. We're going to get other offers, but we can put them on hold. We'll wait until Calvin gets back from Italy and if he makes us an offer, we're going to take it. If he doesn't, we'll go somewhere else."

The office door opens and Dana pokes her head in.

Dana: "Guys, we're going down to Anthony's, you coming?"

They look at each other

Dan: "Absolutely."

Dana shuts the door, they stand up and grab their coats.

Dan: "Well, let's look at it this way, no matter what happens, we've got three more weeks here."

Casey: "Right."

Dan: "Let's make them count."

Casey smiles and nods and they walk out of the office as we fade to black

--

"Sports Night" is the creation of Aaron Sorkin and the writer of this story has no affiliation to him, nor to Touchstone Television, ABC, Disney, or anyone else for that matter.