BRECKMAN RODEO

"Pilot"

Written by

Steve Lerner

CAA/Leah Yerushalaim
Brillstein/Natalie Covault

FXP/Freeform
Executive Producers:
Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields

5TH STUDIO DRAFT 2.21.18

 TEASER

ON BLACK:

The rising murmur of a CROWD. Whistling. Clapping.

As the crowd builds to a ROAR, we --

SMASH TO:

EXT. RODEO ARENA - NIGHT

A GIANT BULL. White and brown mottled. Filed-down horns.

2000 POUNDS of heaping, thick MUSCLE. It WHIPS AROUND like
an electrified spring, murder in every stuttered jump.

The arena floor's dirt is chunky, fresh, has the rich,

honest smell of livestock. SPONSOR BANNERS -- Skoal, Boot
Barn, etc. -- line the ring and the stadium.

BRIGHT STADIUM LIGHTS draw HUNDREDS OF FANS in stark relief,

casting shadows through the arena. The fans shout, stamp
their feet, pray.

And the rider -- VINCENZO (18) -- handsome, wiry, cocksure.

Rodeo personified. Riding like a master.

A JUMBOTRON counts up milliseconds -- 6.8 ... 7.1... 7.9...

A BUZZER SOUNDS and applause erupts. 8 seconds.

ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
Wow! What a ride!

Finally, near a STAR-EMBLAZONED BARREL central in the ring,

Vincenzo rolls off the bull, into the soil --

The bull turns on him, incensed, not finished yet --

Vincenzo looks up at it, fear cresting his features for the

first time -- I could die right here --

And MILES (16) BURSTS OUT OF THE BARREL. His face pancaked
in greasepaint, his baggy denim overalls fringed, Miles is
not an easy clown to ignore.

Which is exactly what Vincenzo is counting on. Miles darts

between Vincenzo and the bull, drawing its eye --

The bull turns its malevolent attentions on Miles and

CHARGES AT HIM --
 2.

And Miles CLAMBERS UP THE ARENA FENCE. The bull's horns

stab only air.

PA ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
Whoo! That's some angry beef!

A SCORE appears on the Jumbotron -- 81.6.

PA ANNOUNCER (O.S.) (cont'd)

81.6! That's a first-place score
for Vincenzo Rodriguez!

The crowd cheers accordingly. Vincenzo PUMPS HIS FIST.

Then turns toward Miles, who's returned to the bull ring
dirt, the bull safely penned away.

Vincenzo slaps his shoulder and they run at each other,

launch into a MID-AIR SHOULDER BUMP, whooping.

VINCENZO
You see that? You see that?!

Vincenzo hooks an arm around Miles's neck, yanks him close.

VINCENZO (cont'd)
You're my boy Miles! You're my
goddamn boy!

Vincenzo shoves Miles free and turns to the crowd. THRUSTS

HIS MUSCLED ARMS UPWARD, exhorts their cheers with a BELLOW.

The crowd eats it up. This is masculinity; this is rodeo.

EXT. RODEO ARENA - LATER

But rodeo's not just masculine. Not just about dominance.

Three smaller barrels -- all emblazoned "WRANGLER" -- are

set up in a wide triangle through the ring.

ASHLEY (17) sits astride a muscled MARE. She walks it

sideways to the starting line, a stuttering shuffle, barely
keeping it reined in. This horse wants to run.

And then -- the horse does. She SPRINTS, Ashley leaning

over her, long dark hair STREAMING BEHIND HER --

The horse gets to the first barrel, then, with the smallest
of thigh pressure from Ashley, executes a TIGHT 270 DEGREE
TURN, then turns for the second barrel --
 3.

Executes another turn -- the barrel TILTS and the crowd

GASPS, but it rattles around and stays upright --

Ashley rounds the last turn of the cloverleaf pattern and

SPRINTS STRAIGHT FOR HOME --

And blazes in, the whole sequence less than 20 seconds.

Applause is drowned by the heavy CHUFFING of the sweaty
horse. Ashley gently rubs the horse's forehead, her back.

Rodeo's about love, too.

EXT. RODEO ARENA - LATER

But not now. Right now we're at BAREBACK BRONC, over at the
rough stock pens. The most physically taxing rodeo event.

Ashley coaches up BRANT (17, All-American) as Brant calmly

straddles a pen -- a FEARSOME BRONC chuffing inside.

ASHLEY
She's gonna bust right out the pen,
and she tends to lean low --

BRANT
Ash.

ASHLEY
You really gotta be careful to stay
off your rope --

BRANT
Ash. Babe. I got this.

We're going to see plenty of insecurity in Brant over the

course of the show, but right now he's all confidence. He
flashes a smile destined for a GQ spread.

Then he leans in and gives Ashley AN ABSOLUTE TOE-CURLER OF

A KISS. Ashley can't suppress a pleased blush.

ASHLEY
Stay tough out there, cowboy.

Brant WINKS.

BRANT
Toughest guy you know.

Brant LOWERS HIMSELF ONTO THE BRONC.

 4.

The Bronc BUCKS against him in the pen but Brant holds fast.
Bites down on his MOUTHPIECE. Leans back to a 135 degree
angle. Cocks his right arm upright at 90 degrees, grabs a
THIN STRAP with his left. Locks his chin to his chest.

Then -- sharply, with authority -- Brant NODS.

BANG! The door SLAMS OPEN and the horse LURCHES out,
bucking furiously -- WHIPLASHING Brant's whole body
violently, mercilessly, but Brant's staying on --

We briefly notice Ashley, watching her boyfriend with an

expression of more than support. Closer to envy.

We might not be experts, but we can tell Brant is very good

at this --

But at 6 seconds -- BRANT FALLS. Rolls on the ground.

The horse PIVOTS -- REARS UP, ITS FRONT HOOVES PINWHEELING

OVER BRANT --

AND STOMPS DOWN.

END TEASER
 5.

ACT ONE

INT. BRANT'S ROOM - MORNING

The vestiges of a rural (but spacious) teenage room --

Sturgill Simpson posters, rodeo calendars -- are covered by
AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHS, thumbtacked to any open wall space.

BUZZ! Our photographer -- Brant -- slaps the alarm clock.

He drowsily sits up, and we see his rider's body -- lean but
wiry, strong. We also see a DEEP PURPLE BRUISE blossoming
from his shoulder. He rubs it out.

He checks his cell phone -- it's CHOCK FULL OF

NOTIFICATIONS. He quickly scrolls through them, and we get
the gist -- they're HAPPY BIRTHDAY TEXTS/MESSAGES.

A VOICE comes from downstairs:

CHUCKY (O.S.)
Let's go kid! It's new truck day!

Brant grins.

EXT. TYRELL MOTORS FORD - LOT - DAY

We're in the NEW CAR section of a local-feeling lot, full of

handwritten signs promising great deals.

Brant, in a SOFT SHOULDER SLING, walks around a new F-150,

admiring its lines.

CHUCKY (43, weathered, permanent limp) crosses his arms

proudly as his son checks out the truck.

CHUCKY
Well, kid? That the truck takes
you to fame and fortune?

Brant puts his hand on the bed. Smiles.

EXT. I-25 - DAY

Two pickups soar down the otherwise empty freeway, lone

moving blips in a rolling green-and-yellow expanse. THE
ROCKY MOUNTAINS tower in the distance. We move --
 6.

INT. BRANT'S TRUCK - SAME

Where Brant drives the truck, delighting in the new-car

exhilaration, squeezing the steering wheel leather.

His CELL PHONE RINGS -- "DAD." He picks up, and looks in

the rearview -- makes eye contact with Chucky, driving the
"old" truck (about 4 years old) right behind him.

BRANT
Yeah Dad.

CHUCKY
You keep driving like a grandma and
we're gonna be late for practice.

Brant grins into the mirror. FLIPS HIS FATHER THE BIRD.
And GUNS IT.

Chucky guns it in response, and we FOLLOW THEM THROUGH --

EXT. CHEYENNE - DAY - MONTAGE

Where we see:

- The "Welcome to Wyoming" sign, featuring the slogan:

"FOREVER WEST"

- A 40-year-old sign for the "Cheyenne Motel" featuring a

faded, cartoony waving cowboy

- The train depot, with PAINTED 4-FOOT-TALL BOOTS out front

- CATTLE MOOING across the street from a strip mall

And finally, the trucks turn into a RODEO COMPLEX sporting a

NEW SIGN: GRAY BRECKMAN RODEO FACILITIES.

SMASH TO:

EXT. BRECKMAN BULL RING - AFTERNOON

WHUMP! TUFFY (16) hits the dirt, hard. Tuffy's big-

boned -- about 60% Longbottomed -- and more than a little
bit white trash. He grabs two handfuls of arena dirt.

TUFFY
Shit.
 7.

Miles -- the rodeo clown from the teaser, now out of makeup,
looking like a typical scrawny high schooler -- draws the
disinterested bull away from Tuffy.

Chucky watches from the edge of the bull ring.

CHUCKY
That bull's half-dead, boy! How
you gonna let it throw you?

TUFFY
Got a bad mount. It jumped on the
mount.

CHUCKY
Whose fault is that?

Tuffy grunts. Chucky turns and jogs off toward his truck.

CHUCKY (cont'd)
All right! It's that time!

Miles gives Tuffy a hand up.

MILES
Rough mount.

TUFFY
Yeah, yeah.

We move to the --

LONG TRACK

Where Brant and Vincenzo (the bull rider from the teaser)
hold lassos near a PLASTIC CALF ROPING DUMMY.

Brant's left arm is in its sling; Vincenzo holds his own

left arm behind his back. (Roping is definitely a two-
handed endeavor; imagine using a lacrosse stick one-handed.)

But still, Brant manages to twirl a loop above his head, and
weakly THROWS IT -- over the neck of the dummy.

BRANT
Does it bother you that I'm better
at roping with one good arm than
you are with two good arms?

VINCENZO
No, cause I ain't got two good
arms.
 8.

Vincenzo throws his own one-arm loop -- misses badly.

VINCENZO (cont'd)
I got two great arms. Muscular,
defined, gentle.

Brant snorts.

VINCENZO (cont'd)
Any man can be strong. Takes a
great man -- with great arms -- to
be gentle.

Brant shrugs. Might be right.

Chucky emerges from his truck holding A CUPCAKE WITH A LIT

CANDLE IN IT.

CHUCKY
(loud)
Okay, birthday bronc time!
Eighteen years, eighteen seconds on
the bronc!

And now, we move to the --

BLEACHER AREA

Where Tuffy talks with KIRBY (28, assistant rodeo coach,

Shoshone). Kirby smacks her stomach.

KIRBY
Engage your core more, squeeze your
stomach to your...

Kirby watches as Brant makes quick eye contact with

Ashley -- our barrel racer from the teaser. Ashley nods as
she moves toward the bull ring.

KIRBY (cont'd)
Stomach to your spine. That's your
power. Gotta do your sit-ups.

Kirby jogs off toward the bull ring. Tuffy follows.

TUFFY
(grumbling)
Hell you know about riding bulls.

BULL RING

A series of loud metallic BANGS ring out as fences open,

marshalling a BRONC into a rough stock staging pen.
 9.

Brant quickly BLOWS OUT the cupcake's candle.

BRANT
Dad, I ain't gonna ride today.

CHUCKY
What are you -- it's birthday bronc
time, you always do birthday bronc.

BRANT
My shoulder, I can't move it right.

CHUCKY
Doc cleared you.

BRANT
I know what he said, but I'm
feeling it, it ain't moving right.

CHUCKY
So you're -- this is rodeo,
everybody rides hurt. There's a
horse in the pen for you. Get on
the horse.

As Chucky and Brant argue, Ashley quietly moves up to the

staging area, behind Chucky. Kirby runs up to her.

KIRBY
I haven't even got to ask him about
it.

ASHLEY
You ask him he's gonna say no.
Come on. Brant's stalling for us.

KIRBY
Just not sure it's the best time.

ASHLEY
Coach I'm gonna do this right now.
I'd appreciate your help but I'm
going either way.

Kirby sighs and jogs down into the ring. Positions herself
in front of the bronc's pen.

Ashley runs to the staging area. Pops in a MOUTHPIECE and a

NECK PAD, RUBS HER FACE. Then CLIMBS ONTO THE HORSE.

One by one, our characters notice Ashley as she MOUNTS THE

HORSE. She assumes the pose -- back at 135 degrees, arm
locked at 90 -- like she's been practicing. Like a pro.
 10.

Brant stares beyond his father at her. His smile betrays

more than pride -- a bit of awe, too. He loves this girl.

CHUCKY
I don't understand why this is even
a question...

Chucky turns and follows Brant's eyes to Ashley.

CHUCKY (cont'd)
Oh what is this circus shit --

BANG! Kirby YANKS OPEN THE DOOR and --

Ashley rides a bucking bronc. The first time anyone here

has seen a woman ride one.

The men and Kirby all watch her ride, with varying
expressions -- excited surprise from Miles, disdain from
Chucky, etc. -- but most importantly --

She stays on. She's not great. But she rides.

For about five seconds, anyway. The horse WHIPS SIDEWAYS,

sending Ashley AIRBORNE. She hits the ground on hands and
knees, rolls over. Punches the dirt, disappointed.

Kirby gives her a hand up.

KIRBY
Not too terrible.

EXT. BRECKMAN COMPLEX - NIGHT

Brant's brand-new headlights are on and Luke Bryan BLARES

from the parked truck's cab. Brant, Ashley, and Vincenzo
lean against the hood.

In the light, Miles country swing dances with SAMANTHA (18,

striking, not a rodeo "type"). Or he tries to, anyway.

Miles is all elbows, and it shows -- particularly as he

twirls Samantha the wrong way and BONKS her into his arm.

SAMANTHA
No, come on, you know when it feels
right. Try again.

MILES
Literally none of this feels right.
 11.

But Miles twirls her the right direction, and they resume
for a bit, until Vincenzo steps forward.

VINCENZO
Miles I'm sorry! The music's in my
bones! I gotta dance!

Miles doesn't bother hiding his relief as he steps aside.

Vincenzo takes Samantha's hands --

And they're electric. They dance fluidly, effortlessly, so

damn beautiful that even their friends are impressed.

BRANT
(to Ashley)
Hope you don't expect any of that
from me.

ASHLEY
I sure don't love you for your
dancing, babe.

A SHITBOX JEEP pulls up and parks. Tuffy hops out, a big

bag of Taco John's and a carrier of drinks in hand. He
hands Brant a credit card and a few burritos.

TUFFY
(routine)
Thank you for dinner, Brant.

BRANT
Thanks for grabbing it.

The song ends and Vincenzo pulls Samantha into a dip and
KISSES HER DEEPLY. Tuffy clears his throat.

TUFFY
Putting your root beer by the
passenger wheel, V.

VINCENZO
(muffled through
kiss)
Thank you.

Vincenzo pulls Sam up and they join the rest distributing

food on the hood of Brant's truck. As they eat:

SAMANTHA
So does this whole Ashley bronc
thing mean Ms. White is gonna get
fired?
 12.

ASHLEY
Kirby will be fine.

TUFFY
I ain't ever seen Coach Jamison
that mad.

BRANT
That's why we did it today. Can't
get that pissed at me on my
birthday.

MILES
Is it a genetic thing to get that
red? Brant, can you do that?

BRANT
When the Broncos lose.

Samantha poaches a tater tot from Vincenzo's carton.

Vincenzo grabs a spare carton and offers it to her.

SAMANTHA
I just want yours.

Vincenzo rolls his eyes and pours some extra tater tots into
his pile. Samantha kisses his cheek.

TUFFY
So Ashley.

ASHLEY
Yes Tuffy.

TUFFY
Who pissed you off? Was it Brant
or Coach Jamison?

ASHLEY
...what are you talking about.

TUFFY
You rode the best event of your
boyfriend and your coach. Which
one are you getting back at?

BRANT
Oh boy.

VINCENZO
Tuff...
 13.

MILES
Tuffy have you ever met a woman
before.

ASHLEY
You think I got on that bronc for
them? To show someone up?

TUFFY
I mean...

ASHLEY
I got on there because I want to
ride bronc.

SAMANTHA
Ashley, when you brushed your teeth
this morning, what man did you do
it for?

Tuffy's flushing, feeling the tide of the conversation

turning against him --

TUFFY
I'm just saying --

MILES
Last time you went to the bathroom,
which man gave you permission to do
it? Was it Tuffy? Because he is
not authorized, we've been over
this, we've had multiple security
breaches at Man Headquarters, and
if these protocols --

Samantha SLAPS THE HOOD.

SAMANTHA
Miles Monologue!

BRANT
Miles Monologue here people! We
got a live one!

MILES
That was like two sentences! It
needs to be at least five before
you call Miles Monologue.

The group is laughing, Miles included; making fun of Miles

and Tuffy is part and parcel.

Samantha grabs Vincenzo's soda, but he doesn't see.

 14.

VINCENZO
I do love me a good Miles
Monologue --
(notices Samantha)
No, wait --

Samantha sips from Vincenzo's cup -- then SPLUTTERS

EVERYWHERE. The group goes silent. Sam GLARES at V.

SAMANTHA
God damn it.

Samantha storms off. Vincenzo chases after.

VINCENZO
Hey -- babe, you don't gotta --

As they leave, Ashley sniffs Brant's cup.

BRANT
Come on.

EXT. BRECKMAN COMPLEX - LATER

Samantha leans against the hood of Vincenzo's truck, arms

crossed. Vincenzo sits inside the truck, equally sullen.

Brant and Ashley come out, assess the situation.

ASHLEY
Sam, you want a ride?

VINCENZO
No, god dammit. I can take my
drama queen girlfriend home.

Brant leans in the passenger window.

BRANT
You good to drive?

VINCENZO
Yes.

Brant stares at him for a bit, then nods to Ashley.

BRANT
He says he's good to drive, he's
good to drive.

ASHLEY
We can still take you home, Sam.
 15.

Sam sighs.

SAMANTHA
It's okay. Thanks though.

She climbs into Vincenzo's truck.

INT. VINCENZO'S TRUCK - NIGHT

Vincenzo and Samantha drive in sullen silence. Finally:

VINCENZO
Picked up some onesies for your
cousin's baby shower, by the way.
Got little aliens on 'em.

SAMANTHA
Thanks for doing that.

Sam stares out the window. Vincenzo chews on his cheek.

They pull up outside of Sam's run-down house. Dead yard.

VINCENZO
What do you want, Samantha? I'm
sorry, all right? Do you want me
to beg? What do you want?

Sam sighs.

SAMANTHA
You always make me feel like I'm
some shrieking drama queen. But
I'm not. I just have one condition
and I'm done fighting you on it.
Thanks for the ride.

Sam unbuckles and opens the door.

VINCENZO
Hey -- we ain't done talking.

SAMANTHA
Yeah we are. Bye, Vincenzo.

Samantha shuts the door and heads towards her house.

VINCENZO
The hell is that supposed to mean?

But she doesn't look back.

 16.

INT. SAMANTHA'S LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

And now we understand why Samantha is so hung up on alcohol.

The grimy, worn house looks like a boozy hurricane hit it.
At least 12 empty beer bottles scattered throughout. You can
almost see the stale-beer stench.

At a central couch, unshaven and snoring, lies Samantha's

FATHER (50). A mostly-empty bottle in his hand. Drooling.

Samantha moves to her father and, in a practiced motion,

drapes his arm over her shoulder and pulls him upright.

SAMANTHA
Come on. Bedtime.

He MUTTERS AND SPITS, leaning heavily on her, as Samantha

walks him to his bedroom.

INT. FUNES BARN - DAWN

Dawn light spears through high windows in the reasonably

modest family barn. A SHEEPDOG sits alertly in the corner.

Ashley and her father ZANE (40's) GROOM HORSES in

preparation of morning chores. OLIVIA (5) helps out as best
as she can, squatting over a PLASTIC GROOMING KIT.

ASHLEY
(to Olivia)
Ok, now which one?

Olivia points at a SOFT BRUSH. Ashley scrunches up her

face. Olivia points at a DANDY BRUSH and Ash nods with a
wink. Olivia hands over the dandy brush, grabs her own.

ZANE
Tough to find good help these days.

ASHLEY
You could always hire a ranch hand.

ZANE
Just as soon as one of your
mother's scratchers pays out.

Zane smiles at his daughters.

ZANE (cont'd)
Hey, Pastor Timothy says you hopped
on a bronc at practice.
 17.

ASHLEY
Got tossed pretty quick, but. Felt
good to get up there.

ZANE
Goodness, I'da loved to see the
look on Chucky's face. Very funny
prank.

ASHLEY
Wasn't a prank. I'm gonna ride.

Zane frowns.

ZANE
This some kind of rebellion thing?

ASHLEY
No. I break horses out here.
Might as well do it for money.

Zane shakes his head as he tosses a saddle onto his horse

and secures the ties.

ZANE
People are gonna talk.

ASHLEY
Can't help that.

Zane thinks about saying something else. Decides against

it. He hops onto his horse and trots out of the barn.

Ashley and Olivia continue grooming. After a moment Olivia

looks up at Ashley, eyes big.

OLIVIA
You're gonna ride bucking bronco in
the rodeo?

ASHLEY
Yes ma'am.

Olivia nods somberly, then returns to the horse's legs.

After a moment Olivia's hand snakes into Ashley's. Ashley

looks down at her little sister with a smile.

They groom the horse together.

END ACT ONE

 18.

ACT TWO

EXT. BRECKMAN BULL RING - MORNING

We're at a DROP BARREL -- basically a seesaw with a barrel

on one end and a handle on the other.

Ashley straddles the barrel as Brant PUMPS THE HANDLE,

sending Ashley up and down in a reasonable facsimile of
rough stock riding. Kirby stands nearby, coaching.

KIRBY
Back on your pockets... you're
rounding your back, keep your core
tight... stay off your rope! How
many times I gotta -- stay off your
rope, dammit!

Ashley tries to slide back and goes too far -- loses her
hip-hold -- and FALLS TO THE GROUND. Hard.

Brant jogs over as Kirby stands over her.

KIRBY (cont'd)
If you ain't gonna take this
seriously I'm not gonna waste my
time coaching you.

Kirby storms off. Brant watches after, perplexed.

BRANT
Wonder what's got into her.

Brant offers Ashley a hand up but she ignores it, gets up on

her own. Dusts herself off.

ASHLEY
Let's go again.

BRANT
Maybe we oughta take a break.

ASHLEY
You need one?

Brant pats his bicep.

BRANT
With these guns?
 19.

ASHLEY
Then let's go. We can take a break
when I get it right.

Brant looks at her admiringly as she remounts the barrel.

BRANT
Mighty rodeo of you, Ms. Funes.

ASHLEY
Darn tootin.

INT. GRAY BRECKMAN'S OFFICE - DAY

GRAY BRECKMAN (52, magisterial) sits at his desk. His

office is opulent, full of pictures of Gray with various
celebrities -- including Wyoming's own Dick Cheney.

Ashley, still a bit dusty from hitting the dirt, sits across
from him, swallowing her nervousness.

ASHLEY
I know it's unusual, Mr. Breckman,
but I've been training with Coach
White for months, and there's
nothing in the rules against it --

GRAY
Ms. Funes, I admire your moxie, but
let's be serious here. I created
this rodeo syndicate to celebrate
rodeo, not to mock it.

ASHLEY
Mock it? Sir, I want to honor
rodeo by riding, not mock it --

GRAY
We're not experimental, and we're
not into stunts. I brought you on
as a barrel racer, and Breckman
Rodeo will happily pay your stake
if you want to barrel race.
Anything else, you'll have to pay
your own way.

Ashley takes that in. Takes a breath. Then nods firmly.

ASHLEY
Thank you for your time.
 20.

INT. GYM - AFTERNOON

Brant, Vincenzo, Miles, and Tuffy work out together, doing

DUMBBELL SHRUGS.

Miles, though the weakest, works the most intensely. Tuffy,

the youngest, is the strongest by a mile. Between sets:

MILES
Saw Purity Ring is coming to Denver
next month. Anyone wanna go?

TUFFY
What ring?

VINCENZO
Nobody knows the bands you like
Miles.

MILES
Heathens. You are all heathens.

BRANT
I would, but. Gonna be on the road
next month.

MILES
Definitely going pro, huh?

BRANT
That's what the truck's for.

MILES
Well, not to be that guy, but in
case you don't have that guy, it's
never not a good idea to get your
high school diploma. Nobody is
ever like "I wish I didn't get that
diploma."

VINCENZO
People might say, "I wish I didn't
waste that year of being a rodeo
star in social studies," though.

BRANT
Sorry, which one of you is the
angel on my shoulder?

Vincenzo shoots a sultry glare at the mirror.

VINCENZO
I'm no angel.
 21.

Miles notices Tuffy picking up TWO HEAVY DUMBBELLS.

MILES
Jesus Tuffy. Was your Dad a bull?

Tuffy considers.

TUFFY
Well. Suppose it's possible.

BRANT
Thank you for putting that image in
my head, Miles.

Miles tips an imaginary cap.

MILES
What's Ashley think of you going
pro?

VINCENZO
I thought we said we weren't
talking about girls today.

MILES
We said we weren't talking about
Sam. Our bronc rider's fair game.

BRANT
She's the boss. I wouldn't do it
if she didn't want me to. But
she's behind me.

MILES
You aren't worried about long
distance or all that?

VINCENZO
Jesus Miles. We're all gonna miss
him, but let the man make his
choice.

BRANT
Well. I am, but. Think I got a
way to have my cake and eat it too.

INT. FUNES HOME - KITCHEN - EVENING

Ashley's home is quaint, rural; old couches, faded scratchy

quilts, Bible-verse needlepoints on the walls.
 22.

Ashley and her mother KYLA (40's) put the finishing touches
on a homegrown dinner. Olivia sets the table. Zane comes
in and beelines for the sink, washes his hands.

ZANE
Something smells good.

The family brings the plated food to the table. Ashley

looks to her father.

ASHLEY
Can I have two hundred bucks?

Zane blinks.

ZANE
Not gonna butter me up or anything
first?

ASHLEY
Gray won't pay for me to ride this
weekend.

ZANE
Ride barrel racing? Or bronc?

Ashley frowns as they sit down at the table.

OLIVIA
Ashley's gonna ride bucking bronco
in the rodeo.

ZANE
I know what we're discussing, dear.
(to Ashley)
Honey, if you wanted to dye your
hair purple, I wouldn't stop you,
but I wouldn't pay two hundred
dollars for it either.

ASHLEY
That's not -- Mom, will you --

KYLA
Say grace, Ashley.

ASHLEY
Mom.

KYLA
Say grace.
 23.

Ashley looks at her mother. Then reluctantly folds her

hands and closes her eyes.

EXT. FANTASTIC SAM'S - PARKING LOT - EVENING

Sam stands in front of the raised hood of her BEAT-UP JUNKER

TRUCK, fiddling with the engine. She's good with this sort
of thing, good at fixing stuff that breaks --

SAMANTHA
Shit! God damn it!

-- but this truck, and its HISSING HOSE, are beyond simple
fixes. She wipes oil from her hands onto her shorts, then
pulls out her cell phone. Two rings, then --

VINCENZO (O.S.)
Hello?

SAMANTHA
Truck broke again. Can you pick me
up?

VINCENZO (O.S.)
Wait -- but I... I was under the
impression we were broken up.

He's speaking slowly and carefully, but it's obvious --

SAMANTHA
Jesus. It's five. You're drunk?

INT. VINCENZO'S BACK HOUSE - SAME

Vincenzo's back house (think converted shed) is as messy and

clothes-strewn as you'd expect. A number of CRUCIFIXES on
the walls. WHISKEY AND BEER BOTTLES throughout.

He shoots to his feet, KNOCKING OVER A WATER GLASS -- he

scrambles to control the spill and put it upright.

INTERCUT AS NECESSARY

VINCENZO
I'm not drunk, I had two drinks,
but I'll come --

SAMANTHA
No. Do not come. I won't get in
the car with you.
 24.

VINCENZO
Sam --

SAMANTHA
Why do I have to tell you to not
drive drunk?! Why is that a thing
someone has to tell you?! Jesus!
I'll call someone else.

VINCENZO
Sam!

But she's hung up.

Vincenzo stares at the phone in his hand.

VINCENZO (cont'd)
God damn it.

INT. MILES'S SEDAN - SUNSET

Miles drives his excessively suburban Civic as Samantha

stares sullenly forward.

Suddenly Sam reaches for her purse.

SAMANTHA
Pull over.

MILES
We're like five minutes --

Sam pulls out a FLASK.

SAMANTHA
I'm about to open container you.
Pull over.

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - SUNSET

By sheer cinematic coincidence, Miles has pulled over at a

vista overlooking the city. It stretches for a few miles --
malls, schools, parks -- but wilderness lies just beyond.

Miles and Samantha sit on the trunk of his car. Miles

sniffs the mouth of the flask.

MILES
One part bad whiskey, two parts
cinnamon.
 25.

SAMANTHA
I know. I love it.

Sam takes another swig. Eyes the flask.

SAMANTHA (cont'd)
I'm such a hypocrite.

MILES
If anybody's earned the occasional
after-work drink, it's you.
Frankly, you've earned a better
alcohol. And if I were to --

SAMANTHA
Don't Miles Monologue me. I like
what I like. Hipster.

A comfortable beat. Then Sam digs around in her purse.

SAMANTHA (cont'd)
Wanna see something funny?

Sam hands over an OPENED ENVELOPE. Miles takes out the

enclosed paper and scans it, his eyes widening.

MILES
Wait -- what the hell is this?

SAMANTHA
That is the most selective cosmetic
school in the tri-state area,
accepting my application.
(shakes her head)
I'm such an idiot.

MILES
Wait -- how did I not know about
this? How am I just finding out
about this now?

SAMANTHA
I didn't think I'd get in! I only
ever told Vincenzo. And it's not
like I can go. I can barely afford
to live now, so it's not like I can
add on tuition, or leave my Dad, or
Vincenzo right now... it was stupid
to apply.

MILES
Where is this school?
 26.

SAMANTHA
Colorado Springs, U.S.A.

MILES
Sam. Sam, Jesus. You need to go.
We'll figure out the rest. Get
your Dad in a home, get a job out
there, leave Vincenzo behind.

SAMANTHA
Miles --

MILES
Him not making you better is one
thing. We know he's not making you
better. That's established. Him
holding you back, though... Sam,
you need to do this.

Sam looks down. She's knows he's right.

MILES (cont'd)
You're already the best est... est-
the... beautician.

SAMANTHA
No, come on, we practiced this.
Aesthetician.

MILES
Fine. That. You're already the
best one of those in Cheyenne.
This, this will make you the best
one in the whole tri-state area.

SAMANTHA
All three states.

MILES
Yeah. I said it. All three.
People will come from miles around
to have their hair done by the
brilliant Samantha Brown.

Samantha takes a swig. Lets herself think about it.

MILES
Listen. I'll come with you. We'll
live together and have a white
picket fence and a whole litter of
kids and be in love.

Sam grins up at him.

 27.

SAMANTHA
Can you imagine? Living in a city?
A place where more than one person
can know you're gay?

MILES
As a matter of fact, yes I can.

SAMANTHA
God, you could be a typical gay
friend. That'd be nice. You could
watch The Bachelor and tell me when
my butt looks good in jeans or
whatever.

MILES
Your butt always looks good, Sam.
You're frustrating that way.

Sam smiles at him. Bops his shoulder with hers. He bops

her shoulder back.

They watch the sunset.

FADE TO:

INT. BRANT'S ROOM - NIGHT

A very un-porny ORGASM.

Ashley, propped up on her elbows, reaches down and pulls

Brant's head up from between her legs.

These kids are virgins, but they know exactly where that sin
line is.

Ashley, panting, offers a high-five. Brant accepts.

ASHLEY
Nice... nice work there, buddy.

BRANT
I'm no hero, ma'am. Just doing my
job.

Brant pops down on his back next to Ashley. Puts an arm

around her, stares at the ceiling as she curls into him.

ASHLEY
Hoo. I am gonna miss that.
 28.

BRANT
Well, um. I've been thinking.

Brant pauses. Takes a breath. Suddenly nervous.

ASHLEY
Oh?

BRANT
I was thinking what if there was a
way... you didn't have to. Miss
me.

ASHLEY
If I didn't have to miss you?

Brant leans over the side of the bed and digs through his
BACKPACK. Having a tough time finding what he wants.

BRANT
Um. Well. Imagine this went
really smoothly. Ah.

Brant produces two FOLDED PIECES OF PAPER. Hands them to

Ashley. She scans them, brow furrowed --

ASHLEY
Is this...

BRANT
PRCA permit. All paid for. Just
needs your signature.

ASHLEY
(stunned)
That's so expensive.

BRANT
Well. What's money for.

Ash keeps staring at the permit. Still taken aback.

BRANT (cont'd)
With that permit you can ride bronc
in any pro rodeo. You deserve to
ride more than anybody, Ash. So
come with me. We'll ride every
rodeo from Washington to Texas,
just you, me, and a new truck.

Brant takes a breath.

 29.

BRANT (cont'd)
I love rodeo, but it doesn't feel
right without you there too. So
forget about Gray. Come with me.
We'll be the most American love
story anyone's ever seen.

Ashley finally meets Brant's eyes.

ASHLEY
Brant...

Brant's face falls.

ASHLEY (cont'd)
This is about the sweetest thing
anyone's ever done for me, but I
promised my family I'd stay around
until Olivia was old enough to hold
her own on the ranch. I can't go
back on that. But I mean... in
another world...

BRANT
Yeah, I. I know.

ASHLEY
But thank you. Truly.

Brant takes a deep breath.

BRANT
Do you... would you want me to
stay? Because I would. I'd stay
for you.

ASHLEY
No. Not for me. Brant I want you
to be a rodeo legend. I want you
to win millions out there. And
when you have a weekend off, I want
you to come back here to me.

BRANT
I just... long distance...

ASHLEY
Hey. We're going to be fine.
We'll make it work.

BRANT
I mean... everyone thinks they'll
be fine, but --
 30.

Ashley kisses Brant sweetly.

ASHLEY
It won't be like that for us.
Okay? It won't be like that for
us.

Ashley smiles at him. Brant tries to smile back.

INT. JAMISON LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

The room is high-ceilinged but narrow, white walls

yellowing, curtains fraying. An aging version of opulence
from a poor man's idea of what riches should look like.

RODEO HIGHLIGHTS loop on the TV. Chucky SNORES IN AN EASY

CHAIR. Brant and Ashley TIPTOE PAST him.

Ashley gives Brant a goodnight kiss. Gently shuts the door

as she leaves.

Brant's eyes move past the room's main feature, A GIANT

DOUBLE BOOKSHELF converted into a TROPHY CASE. One half,
chock full of buckles and trophies, features Chucky's
picture above it.

The other half -- with a respectable number of buckles, but

plenty of empty space -- sports Brant's picture.

This is a room -- a house, a life -- dedicated to rodeo.

But Brant's focusing on a small framed photo --

Brant and Vincenzo, both 7, holding up LIL' BRITCHES

BUCKLES, wide gap-toothed smiles. VINCENZO'S PARENTS flank
him; Chucky stands beside Brant.

An WOMAN'S ARM is draped over Chucky, but the rest of the

person has been artfully CROPPED OUT.

Brant focuses on the arm.

Brant turns to Chucky. His Dad, normally an imposing

figure, seems small, engulfed in his chair.

He seems alone.

Brant stares at his father.

 31.

INT. FUNES HOME - FAMILY ROOM - NIGHT

Ashley quietly shuts the front door behind her. She finds
Zane reading a book by lamplight on the couch.

ZANE
Evening honey.

ASHLEY
Hi Daddy.

ZANE
So. You cool off a bit?

Ashley's face sets.

ASHLEY
I'm gonna ride, Daddy.

ZANE
Honey, I know you want to, but...
if you do, you'll be a sideshow.
This whole family will be a
sideshow.

Ashley doesn't respond.

ZANE (cont'd)
Why is this so important to you?

Ashley takes a beat.

ASHLEY
Because none of you think I can do
it.

Zane meets her eyes.

ZANE
That's not a good enough reason to
do something.

They stare at each other.

END ACT TWO

 32.

ACT THREE

EXT. PASTURE - EARLY MORNING

Wyoming mornings are quiet, tinged with oranges and yellows.

The air is sharp, cool. DEW SPARKLES.

We're in a pasture that could be mistaken for a gone-to-seed

yard. Dandelions, ragweed.

And SHEEP. A bunch of dirty, grey-white sheep meander

through the grass, chewing, baaing. Central among them --

JEFFY (6), blonde, chubby, in ten-year-old hand-me-downs.

He sits astride a bored sheep, trying to keep his balance.
The sheep MOVES -- Jeffy struggles to stay on top --

This is called mutton busting. And it's adorable.

But here, Jeffy fails at it. He tumbles off the sheep,

barks his arm on the tough dirt. His LIP TREMBLES --

TUFFY (O.S.)
Hey.

A low wooden fence separates the pasture from a SHITTY

TRAILER PARK. On the trailer park side, we find Tuffy and
Brant. Tuffy puts in a HEFTY DIP OF CHEW.

TUFFY
You gonna cry? You gonna be a
crying cowboy?

Jeffy scowls and shakes his head, bites back tears.

JEFFY
No.

TUFFY
Goddamn right you're not. You're a
Meiners, and Meiners don't cry.
What do we do when we get bucked?

Jeffy climbs -- flops, more like -- back onto the sheep.

Brant and Tuffy applaud.

TUFFY (cont'd)
That's my boy. That's my brother.

BRANT
Get 'em, Jeffy.
 33.

Jeffy gives the high schoolers a proud nod. Gets back to

work.

TUFFY
That kid is sure gonna miss you
once you're gone.

BRANT
I dunno.

TUFFY
You don't think he'll miss you?

BRANT
Don't know if I'll be gone.

Tuffy raises an eyebrow.

BRANT (cont'd)
Been thinking I might stick around
for senior year. Get my diploma.

TUFFY
So... you could leave here, but
you're not gonna?

Brant shrugs at him.

TUFFY (cont'd)
I mean shit, I know you got Ashley
and all...

Tuffy spits out a gout of tobacco juice.

TUFFY (cont'd)
It was me, I could get out of here?
You'd blink and I'd be in Vegas.
Montana. Someplace else.

Brant smiles tightly. Claps Tuffy's back.

BRANT
Stick around awhile.

They stare out at the sheep until --

MAY (O.S.)
Thomas! You making breakfast?

MAY (36), Tuffy's mother, stands outside her trailer in

athletic shorts and a tank top. Far past her prime.
Cigarette in hand. Flanked by two excited PIT BULLS.
 34.

TUFFY
Ma, I put eggs in the fridge --

MAY
I ain't got time to cook. I gotta
get ready for work.

TUFFY
Ma, I...

Tuffy shakes his head.

TUFFY (cont'd)
(to Brant)
Five minutes?

Brant nods. Tuffy heads inside, walking beside his mother,

not touching her.

MAY
You need to buy cigarettes too.

TUFFY
I know.

Brant watches them go.

EXT. WOODS - DAY

Tuffy, Chucky, and Brant walk parallel lines through some

sparsely treed woods.

Brant holds a CAMERA, periodically SNAPPING PHOTOS. The

other men hold CROSSBOWS.

They tread carefully, stealthily. Chucky periodically blows

into a HANDHELD ELK CALL.

Brant slowly angles so that he's walking beside Chucky.

Hushed:

BRANT
Dad. I...

Brant takes a breath. Here goes.

BRANT (cont'd)
I think I want to stay and do my
senior year. Here.

Chucky says nothing.

 35.

BRANT (cont'd)
I figure it can't be a bad thing to
get my diploma, and...

CHUCKY
High school diploma or pro rodeo
career. You're choosing diploma.

BRANT
It's not like I won't go pro in a
year, I just want to, you know, be
a senior.

CHUCKY
Be a senior... Kid, nobody has the
resources and the talent to go pro.
Except you. You can be a pro right
now. You can win. And you want to
keep competing against fifteen-
year-olds?

BRANT
It's not about --

Chucky stops.

CHUCKY
You've spent your whole life
working for this moment. Now you
can finally get rich and famous and
be appreciated for all that work.
And you want to put that off? Just
because you're worried about losing
your girlfriend?

BRANT
It's not Ashley, it's that I want a
senior year --

CHUCKY
Brant. Respect me enough to be up
front about this.

Brant bites the inside of his cheek. Looks down.

CHUCKY (cont'd)
She say she was gonna break up with
you if you go?

BRANT
No.
 36.

CHUCKY
Then what's the issue?

Brant finally meets Chucky's eyes. With some fire.

BRANT
Can you think of a long distance
relationship that didn't work out?

Chucky closes his eyes. Now it's clear.

BRANT (cont'd)
Because I can think of one.

CHUCKY
Brant, that's... that's not why she
left.

BRANT
Okay, then why?

CHUCKY
It's never just one...

Chucky looks at his son. Takes a deep breath. Then pockets

his elk call and turns back the way they came.

After a beat, Brant follows.

INT. BRANT'S TRUCK - AFTERNOON

Chucky drives, staring straight ahead, 10 and 2. Brant

gazes out the passenger window. Tuffy, in the middle bench
seat, wills himself invisible.

A silence stretches. Finally --

CHUCKY
You can be so special, kid. You
can be a legend. But you just...
you can't bank your whole future on
one girl.

BRANT
Yes, you can. You just chose not
to.

Chucky exhales, long and deep.

They drive on.

 37.

INT. MILES'S ROOM - EVENING

We find Miles in his hipster-teen bedroom. Courtney Barnett

vinyls, Shep Fairey posters. He browses Facebook.

He looks at an action shot of himself in full rodeo regalia,

posted by Brant (who really is a good photographer).

Miles focuses on a comment, from VINCENZO -- "my hero."

An inauspicious comment, but we see from Miles's face -- the

intensity of his stare -- it means something more to Miles.

Without warning THE DOOR OPENS. MILES' MOM (40's, business

suit) leans in, taking out her earrings. Miles JUMPS.

MILES
You gotta knock.

MILES' MOM.
Sorry. Dad says noodles are ready.

She leaves. Miles takes a few breaths.

He wasn't doing anything wrong. But he still feels caught.

Finally, after a beat --

MILES
(loud)
No sauce on the spaghetti, please!

MILES' DAD (O.S.)

It's already on the noodles!

INT. ASHLEY'S TRUCK - EVENING

Ashley drives as Sam stares straight forward, biting her

lip, deep in thought. EMPTY BANKER'S BOXES in the back.
CLASSICAL MUSIC blares from tinny speakers.

SAMANTHA
Can we give the violins a rest for
a minute?

ASHLEY
It's actually cellos, but.

Ashley turns off the radio. After a beat:

ASHLEY (cont'd)
Listen. I know it's hard.
 38.

SAMANTHA
Ash.

ASHLEY
But you have to be the most
important person in your own life.
That's what this is.

SAMANTHA
Ash I appreciate the ride, but I'm
really not looking for a pep talk
right now.

Ashley raises her eyebrows. All right.

They pull up in front of Vincenzo's back house. Sam takes a

breath. After a beat:

ASHLEY
You want me to come in with you?

SAMANTHA
I should do this alone.

Sam gives Ashley a weak smile, real gratitude in it. Ashley

smiles back.

ASHLEY
I'll be here.

EXT. VINCENZO'S BACK HOUSE - EVENING

Sam stands outside of Vincenzo's place, Banker's Box in

hand. Steels herself. This won't be easy.

She knocks. Vincenzo, bleary-eyed, opens the door -- and is

shocked to see Samantha.

VINCENZO
Sam -- I -- did you text me you
were coming? I didn't get a text.

SAMANTHA
No.

Sam pushes past him into --

INT. VINCENZO'S BACK HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER

Where she beelines for his bathroom. Vincenzo follows,

confused.
 39.

VINCENZO
Are you... what's going on?

She emerges from the bathroom and Vincenzo gets a glimpse of

the box -- it now has a TOOTHBRUSH, some other toiletries --

VINCENZO (cont'd)
Wait -- what are you -- Sam. Sam.
Hey. Come on. We're forever.

Sam moves to a SHELF OF DVDs. Starts picking out hers. She

determinedly ignores PHOTOS of her and Vincenzo in cheap
frames.

Vincenzo, panicked, goes to his cabinet. Takes out TWO

CHEAP HANDLES OF WHISKEY.

VINCENZO (cont'd)
Sam, if it's you or the booze --

Vincenzo opens both handles and UPENDS THEM IN THE SINK.

Brown liquid GLUGS out.

VINCENZO (cont'd)
Sam. Sam, come on, look.

But Samantha's not looking. She's holding a SHEAF OF

PAPERS. We see them: ZILLOW PRINTOUTS.

SAMANTHA
What are these?

VINCENZO
Oh... I was looking at some places
for us in Springs.

SAMANTHA
(softly)
But... I wasn't going to get in.

VINCENZO
Of course you were.

For the first time, Samantha looks up at Vincenzo. He moves

toward her.

VINCENZO (cont'd)
Those places... they're not big,
but if I win three or four more
rodeos, and you keep on at the
salon, we could put a down payment
on one. Get us out of here.
 40.

SAMANTHA
I don't want you to save me,
Vincenzo.

Vincenzo nods toward the emptying handles in the sink.

VINCENZO
You're not the one needs saving.

Sam finally looks at the handles. Looks at Vincenzo.

VINCENZO (cont'd)
We can do this, babe. We can do
this together.

SAMANTHA
And you'll...

VINCENZO
Cold turkey. Cold turkey. For
you.

Samantha slowly leans into Vincenzo, the printouts still in

her hand. She caves.

VINCENZO (cont'd)
We'll do this together. We're
forever. You and me. Forever.

They hold each other as the handles GLUG their last.

END ACT THREE

 41.

ACT FOUR

INT. JAMISON LIVING ROOM - MORNING

Brant comes downstairs. Looks to the kitchen, sees Chucky

eating breakfast. A FULL PLATE waiting for Brant.

Then Brant looks to the Lil' Britches picture on the wall.

Focuses again on his mother's arm. Sets his mouth.

And walks out the front door.

INT. GRAY BRECKMAN'S OFFICE - AFTERNOON

Brant sits across from Gray, who is barely keeping himself

from rolling his eyes.

BRANT
...so obviously the ticket sales,
but we should also factor in the
publicity. She starts winning,
we'll get all sorts of coverage.

GRAY
Mr. Jamison, I appreciate that
you're thinking like a businessman,
but I think like one too. This
syndicate of mine is already a
pretty radical idea. I don't need
to add in circus stunts.

BRANT
Well can I offer you a business
proposal then?

GRAY
By all means.

BRANT
I've been your biggest draw and
your biggest winner for the last
three years. You're gonna have a
tough time replacing me.

Gray nods, a smug smile creeping at the side of his mouth.

Brant takes a breath. Commit.

BRANT (cont'd)
If you put Ashley on as a bronc
rider, I'll sign a contract
(MORE)
 42.

BRANT (cont'd)
committing me to riding for
Breckman Rodeo for the next year.

GRAY
Just want to make sure I'm clear.
You're offering to sign a legally
binding contract. Just so she can
ride.

BRANT
Yes.

GRAY
You understand that I am a
litigious man, and I will hold you
to this?

Brant nods. Gray shakes his head.

GRAY (cont'd)
You must really like this girl.

He looks at his lap for a beat. Considers.

GRAY (cont'd)
I'll stake her for three rodeos.
She places in one of them, I'll
front her for the rest of the year.
She doesn't, I cut her, but you
still ride under my banner. Yes?

BRANT
Yes.

GRAY
All right then.

Gray extends a hand to Brant.

BRANT
And... let's not tell Ashley about
this.

Gray nods with a smirk. Brant shakes his hand.

GRAY
I'll get those papers drawn up.

INT. BRANT'S ROOM - EVENING

Brant holds Ashley's hands in his as they sit on the bed

(fully clothed). Brant's smile is warm; Ashley is confused.
 43.

ASHLEY
I don't understand.

BRANT
I'm staying. I'm doing my senior
year here. With you.

ASHLEY
Is this... it's not because of me.

Brant bites down the hurt. Smiles convincingly.

BRANT
No, no, Miles got in my head. And
I do want to have a senior year.
Just... not ready to leave yet.

Ashley's face betrays her worry.

BRANT (cont'd)
Gotta say, this is really not the
reaction I was hoping for.

ASHLEY
No, I mean -- it's great, of course
it's great, it's just -- you've
been planning to go pro forever.

BRANT
I'm still gonna go pro. But I'll
do it after we graduate. For now,
I mean... what's the hurry?

Brant smiles at Ashley. She smiles back, a bit weakly.

Ashley's PHONE RINGS, breaking the moment. She looks at it.

ASHLEY
It's Gray.

Ashley picks up. Brant atches, quietly proud, as we hear

Gray on the other end:

ASHLEY (cont'd)
Hello?

GRAY (V.O.)
Why is riding bronc so important to
you?

Ashley considers.
 44.

ASHLEY
Because I'm rodeo.

An interminable beat.

GRAY (V.O.)
You get three rodeos to place.
Don't embarrass me.

ASHLEY
(containing
excitement)
Yes, sir. I won't, sir.

CLICK. Ashley hangs up, stunned. Her eyes find Brant's.

BRANT
Yeah?

Ashley can't keep the slow smile from spreading across her
face. Brant moves in for a congratulatory hug.

BRANT (cont'd)
Yeah? You're gonna ride?

ASHLEY
I'm gonna ride.

Ashley finally gives herself over to the triumph of the

moment as we head into a WESTERN EXCELLENCE MONTAGE:

EXT. JAMISON RANCH - EVENING

- The guys have removed the RUBBER TIPS off of some LACROSSE
STICKS and stuck LIT BOTTLE ROCKETS into the hollow shafts.

In slow motion, Tuffy and Vincenzo SHOOT HIGH ARCING BOTTLE

ROCKETS INTO THE PLAIN.

Ashley and Miles, DRIVING BOUNCING 4-WHEELERS, chase the

rockets, FIRE EXTINGUISHERS in hand.

- Kirby and Chucky tend to RACKS OF RIBS on a HUGE BARBECUE

GRILL. Chucky and Brant studiously avoid each other's gaze.

- Tuffy offers a shot to Vincenzo. Vincenzo, arms around

Sam, shakes his head. Tuffy hands the shot to Miles.

- Brant and Samantha SHOOT ROCKETS from their lacrosse

sticks. They react to the RECOIL, laugh to each other.
 45.

- Tuffy and Miles DO A SHOT then FINGER GUN QUICK DRAW on

each other. Tuffy wins; the shot treats Miles badly.

Vincenzo watches them. His CLENCHED FIST betrays his

otherwise happy face.

- Ashley and Miles HEROICALLY POSE as they BLAST A

SMOLDERING BOTTLE ROCKET with their fire extinguishers.

- The riders EAT MESSY RIBS. Brant sneaks a look at his

father, cleaning the grill. Then looks away.

Samantha wipes RIB SAUCE from Vincenzo's face. V responds

by rubbing a FULLY SAUCED HAND across her cheek. She
recoils as they LAUGH.

Miles watches, conflicted, as he TAKES A DRINK.

- Two more rockets ARC INTO THE AIR, EXPLODING in the now-
night sky, and we move down...

EXT. JAMISON RANCH - NIGHT

To three of the cars, now parked alongside one another.

BLANKETS are pinned under windshield wipers. Our six young
leads lie two to a hood and look up at the METEOR SHOWER.

Tuffy and Miles, our third wheels, look upward. Miles

sporadically POINTS AT SHOOTING STARS.

MILES
There's one!

TUFFY
Where?

MILES
Right over there! Oh, you missed
it. Wait there's another one!

TUFFY
Wait -- I didn't --

MILES
Oh look there's two! They're
spelling out your name.

Tuffy realizes what Miles is doing.

TUFFY
Dick.
 46.

We move to Vincenzo's truck, where Sam and Vincenzo lie.

Samantha stares up at the sky. Vincenzo stares at Sam.

SAMANTHA
They have so many different gyms
there. And they have Soulcycle,
I've always wanted to try that --

VINCENZO
That's the culty one, right?

SAMANTHA
Don't judge. But yeah. And
there's all these concert venues,
and I saw Eric Church's coming
through there in December -- so
many tours go through Springs --
and they have Benihana, that's the
one with the funny chefs... what
are you looking at.

VINCENZO
You.

SAMANTHA
You're missing all the stars.

VINCENZO
Yeah.

Sam looks at him. Kisses him with everything in her.

Finally, we move to Brant and Ashley, on the new truck.

ASHLEY
I still can't believe... I never
expected Gray Breckman of all
people to change his mind. Why do
you think he did?

BRANT
I guess sometimes it just takes a
while for an old dog to come around
on a good idea.

ASHLEY
Yeah, I mean... it's weird, but
gift horses. I'm gonna ride!

Brant kisses the side of her head.

BRANT
You're gonna do great.
 47.

Ashley sighs happily. A SHOOTING STAR arcs across the sky.

ASHLEY
Look at this. Is there any place
you'd rather be right now? Any
place in the world?

BRANT
No. Not one.

Brant hugs her to him. They watch the stars together.

EXT. JAMISON RANCH - LATER

The aftermath. Tuffy, Ashley, Brant, and Samantha are

nowhere in sight. Miles sleeps on the car hood.

Vincenzo picks up empties, trash bag in hand. He looks

pale. Clenching his teeth, his fists.

He picks up a SMALL BOTTLE OF JAMESON near Miles's car. A

FEW GULPS OF WHISKEY still slosh around the bottom.

Vincenzo stares hard at the whiskey. Struggling.

FROM MILES' POV, we SWIM INTO FOCUS -- Vincenzo, staring at

the bottle like Yorick, so goddamn handsome --

MILES
Hey.

Vincenzo JUMPS, drops the bottle. Takes a few steps.

VINCENZO
Jesus Miles.

Miles slides off the hood, stumbles a bit. Clearly STILL

DRUNK. Smiles widely, walks toward Vincenzo --

MILES
I was just thinking about you
actually. I was wondering if you
ever think about, ever thought
about, I know you and Sam are happy
right now, but if you ever wondered
if there was something else --

VINCENZO
Miles I can't do one of your faggy
Miles Monologues right now.
 48.

Miles freezes. Vincenzo picks the bottle back up, tosses it

into the trash bag.

MILES
What.

VINCENZO
Buddy I love you but my head's
goddamn killing me, I can't deal
with one of your queer little
speeches right now.

Miles stares at him for a beat. Processing.

Then MILES SHOVES VINCENZO. Vincenzo takes a few steps --

VINCENZO (cont'd)
What the --

MILES
Don't CALL me that.

Miles SHOVES Vincenzo again, this time in the chest --

Vincenzo squares up on him, not gonna happen a third time --

VINCENZO
Miles what the hell are you --

MILES
I am not a FAGGOT --

VINCENZO
I didn't --

Miles SWINGS AT VINCENZO.

Misses badly.

Vincenzo doesn't.

He COUNTERPUNCHES MILES IN THE FACE. Hard. Miles goes

down. Vincenzo's trash bag falls with a CLATTER.

The weight of the punch falls on both of them.

Miles, suddenly far more sober, glares up at Vincenzo,

ignoring his reddening cheekbone.

Vincenzo rubs his knuckles, open-mouthed, stunned.

VINCENZO (cont'd)
What are you doing?
 49.

Samantha comes out, sees the situation. RUNS TO MILES,

kneels beside him. She looks up at Vincenzo.

SAMANTHA
What did you do?

VINCENZO
He swung on me.

Samantha looks at Miles, who continues to glare at Vincenzo.

MILES
He called me a faggot.

INT. VINCENZO'S TRUCK - NIGHT

Vincenzo and Samantha drive in stilted silence, staring

straight ahead. After a beat:

VINCENZO
For the record, I never called him
a faggot. I called him faggy. Not
the same thing.

SAMANTHA
You shouldn't have called him that.

Vincenzo looks at Samantha. Putting it together. Just as

he's about to ask --

SAMANTHA (cont'd)
You shouldn't call anyone that.

They drive on.

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - NIGHT

Miles's sedan slowly meanders along a country road and DROPS

OFF THE SHOULDER. Comes to rest a few feet into some brush.

The horn periodically BLEATS as Miles POUNDS ON IT.

Finally he rests his head on the wheel.

END ACT FOUR

 50.

ACT FIVE

EXT. RODEO ARENA - SUNRISE

The sun rises on the empty arena, already in motion. RANCH

HANDS till the dirt. USHERS place fliers on empty seats.

Rodeo day.

INT. JAMISON LIVING ROOM - MORNING

SCRAMBLED EGGS SIZZLE on a pan as Chucky slides them onto a

plate. He brings the plate to Brant, who sits at the
kitchen table, staring at his lap.

Chucky grabs his own plate and cup of juice and sits down
across from him. They eat quietly for a bit.

BRANT
I'm sorry. For what I said the
other day.

CHUCKY
I always said I'd rather you talk
straight with me than pussyfoot
around things. Can't be mad if it
ain't what I want to hear.

They return to their food. After a beat:

CHUCKY (cont'd)
You are a shit negotiator, though.

Brant looks up.

CHUCKY (cont'd)
You ain't a lock to place in one
rodeo out of three, and you're the
best bareback rider in the state.
Ashley's unproven at best --

BRANT
That contract was supposed to be
confidential.

CHUCKY
From Ashley. And I won't tell her.
But Gray didn't want to go behind
my back.
 51.

BRANT
I'm eighteen years old.

CHUCKY
Which is why I'm not stopping you.
You know how I feel. But you're an
adult. You can make your own
choice.

BRANT
Okay. I will.

Chucky stares at his orange juice for a bit.

CHUCKY
I will say, though, if you're
making this choice because you're
worried you'll lose Ashley if you
leave, well... that would be a
decision made out of fear. And
decisions made out of fear
generally don't go the way you want
them to.

Chucky takes a long breath.

CHUCKY (cont'd)
If there's one thing I've learned.
People are gonna feel the way they
feel. And sometimes there's
nothing you can do to make them
feel how you want.

Brant meets his father's eyes.

BRANT
I really am sorry, Dad.

CHUCKY
Nothing to be sorry for. I just...
want to make sure you know what
you're giving up.

BRANT
I'm still gonna go pro, Dad. Just
in a year is all.

Chucky smiles tightly.

CHUCKY
That's the thing about rodeo. You
never know when your last ride's
(MORE)
 52.

CHUCKY (cont'd)
gonna come. Only that it's gonna
come too soon.

INT. VINCENZO'S BACK HOUSE - MORNING

Vincenzo stirs awake in a messy bed, Samantha conked out

beside him. He squints against the morning light.

He stumbles to the bathroom, RIPS OPEN the medicine cabinet,

grabs an ASPIRIN BOTTLE and SWALLOWS TWO DRY.

Samantha stirs, notices him.

SAMANTHA
You okay babe?

Vincenzo squeezes the counter. Looks in the mirror, sees

mussed hair, bloodshot eyes. I could really use a drink...

VINCENZO
Toughest guy you know.

Off this mirror staring, we move to:

INT. MILES'S BATHROOM - MORNING

Miles, doing the same thing.

His left eye is PURPLE AND SWOLLEN. Vincenzo really popped

him.

Miles stares at himself for a long beat.

Then he reaches down for a MAKEUP SPONGE covered with white

foundation. Paints over the bruise.

INT. FANTASTIC SAM'S - DAY

Ashley sits in Sam's salon chair, hair wet, as Sam goes to

work. Other STYLISTS buzz around, all watching, critiquing.

STYLIST ONE
You giving her bangs?

STYLIST TWO
Girl you better not be, that hair's
gonna be in the paper tomorrow.
 53.

SAMANTHA
Gonna be something else in the
paper tomorrow if you all don't
back up and let me do my job.

STYLIST ONE
Ain't no rodeo star with bangs in
my chair, I'll tell you that. You
come sit over here, honey.

SAMANTHA
Ashley, do you want one of these
fine ladies to cut your hair?

ASHLEY
I'll stick with you, Sam.

SAMANTHA
Thank you. Step off, ladies.

Sam smiles and goes back to work. Ashley smiles too, but
there's some uneasiness in her eyes.

EXT. RODEO ARENA - AFTERNOON

It's starting to feel like a rodeo.

EARLY BIRDS fill into the bleachers, fanning themselves with

PROGRAMS in the hot sun. A RANCH HAND drives a Zamboni-like
cart over the dirt, combing it into furrows.

Some COWBOYS pal around near the staging area. They GUFFAW
and shove each other, seemingly all looking over at...

MILES. In full clown regalia, next to his barrel, leaning

against the wall of the ring. Not sure if they're all
laughing at him or if it just feels like it.

ASHLEY (O.S.)
Hey!

Miles JUMPS to see Ashley, who's snuck up on him. She leans

down to him from the bleachers.

MILES
Hey there, superstar.

ASHLEY
Ugh, don't call me that.

MILES
You nervous?
 54.

ASHLEY
A little. Yeah.

MILES
Me too.

Ashley chuckles.

ASHLEY
What could you have to be nervous
about?

Miles smiles tightly. Not about to answer that.

We PAN UP to an AIR FORCE FLYOVER, and we segue into a RODEO

MONTAGE:

- A PRECOCIOUS KID belts the national anthem as FIREWORKS

BURST OVERHEAD

- The crowd stands respectfully as the PA Announcer prays

PA ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
...we thank the Lord Jesus Christ
for His many blessings and ask that
He watch over our brave rodeo
riders and keep them safe...

- DANDIES -- high school horsewomen -- ride a tight

formation, a SPONSOR FLAG lodged in each of their saddles

- A GOOFY COWPOKE walks through the aisles of the bleachers,

doing GUN-SPINNING TRICKS

- RODEO QUEENS ride through the stadium, doing the princess

wave, their SADDLEBAGS glittery and colorful

- We see some of the COWBOYS in the staging area, some

dressed drably, some in COLORFUL, EXCITING CHAPS

EXT. RODEO ARENA - LATER

And now -- IT'S TIME FOR BRANT TO RIDE.

He lowers himself onto a SWEATY BAREBACK BRONC. SLAPS HIS

FACE. Gets himself ready.

We can see on his face -- satisfaction. Confidence. I

belong here.

BANG! The door BURSTS OPEN and BRANT RIDES.

 55.

And he is masterful. His neck locked down, his arm up, his
hips in tune with the horse --

This is what rodeo should look like. This is the logo.

And as the BUZZER SOUNDS, signaling 8 seconds --

PA ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
Wow! That's an amazing ride from
Brant Jamison!

Brant rolls off to a healthy round of applause. A CHEER

RISES as his score posts -- an 87.3. A HUGE score.

Brant tips his hat to the appreciative crowd as he jogs back

to the staging area, where he meets Chucky.

CHUCKY
Helluva ride, kid. Would've won
most any pro rodeo you entered.

Brant nods, pleased with himself.

CHUCKY (cont'd)
You sure showed him.

Chucky nods to a YOUNG COWPOKE (14), too small for his

chaps, his supportive family standing around him as he
shakily mounts his bronc.

PA ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
And now, competing in his very
first high school rodeo, Ben Carr!

Brant grimaces as he watches his terrified competition.

EXT. STAGING AREA - MOMENTS LATER

Kirby has pulled Ashley aside, away from the crowds at the
staging area.

Ashley's taking noticeably deep breaths.

KIRBY
Okay. Remember. Fluid but strong.
Fluid, strong. Squeeze your core.

PA ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
Oh! Good effort, Benny. Now, that
fall brings us one bronc closer to
the end of this section, and you
know what that means!
 56.

A ROAR rises from the crowd. Ashley's eyes widen.

KIRBY
That's for you.

ASHLEY
That's for... they already heard...

KIRBY
That's for you. That's for you on
that horse.

Ashley nods a few too many times. Nerves.

KIRBY (cont'd)
Now listen. I've been hard on you.
I've been hard on you because
you're not the only girl that
wanted to do this. You're the one
that got the shot. You understand
what happens if you fall off after
one jump? How long it'll be until
one of us can get back on?

Ashley meets her eyes. Betrays her nervousness. Kirby jabs

her in the sternum.

KIRBY (cont'd)
You wanted this. Now do your job.
Show 'em all how rodeo you are.
Stay on that goddamn horse.

Ashley nods. Getting pumped up. Getting ready.

KIRBY (cont'd)
Let's go.

EXT. RODEO ARENA - LATER

Ashley sits astride the BUCKING, SWEATY, ANGRY BRONC in the

staging pen. Assumes the posture as Kirby and Brant ADLIB
SUPPORT. Chucky, nearby, pointedly looks elsewhere.

Ashley focuses on her horse until --

PA ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
And now, at last -- Ashley Funes!

The crowd's ROAR makes Ashley look up, and she REGRETS IT --

HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE stand for her. Moms, Dads, kids. LITTLE

GIRLS WITH SIGNS. Ashley is stunned --
 57.

BANG! The door opens, surprising her, and the horse LEAPS
OUT --

It STUTTER-STEPS, CREATING DISTANCE BETWEEN ASHLEY AND ITS

BACK -- ASHLEY TILTS LEFT, HER HAT FALLS OFF --

Jesus, she's gonna fall after one jump --

But she manages to REESTABLISH CONTACT WITH THE HORSE,

hanging off the side, her form loose and sloppy --

This is not a good ride, BUT SHE'S STAYING ON --

And THE BUZZER SOUNDS. Ashley FLOPS OFF THE HORSE, falls to
the dirt.

She grabs two handfuls of arena soil and POUNDS THE GROUND.

A SCOREBOARD SHOWS: 59.1. Far from a winning score.

She gets up, head bowed, and walks to her hat. She smacks
the dust off of it, finally looks up --

TO A STANDING OVATION.

Not from everyone. Maybe a third of the crowd sits,

ignoring or frowning at her. But the rest... THEY ROAR.

She didn't win. Maybe she never will. But she earned a
score. She stayed on.

Ashley looks at the crowd.

Fuck it.

SHE PUMPS HER FIST. Exhorts the crowd. My fuckin' arena.

Brant runs up to her as she reenters the staging area and

wraps her up in a big hug.

BRANT
Attaway! You did awesome!

ASHLEY
Was a crap ride. Gotta do better.

BRANT
Hey. You stayed on. You stayed on
the bronc. You belong here.

Ashley allows herself a small smile. Nods.

 58.

INT. ARENA TUNNEL - MOMENTS LATER

The cheers echo through the grimy, bare, fluorescent-lit

tunnel, nothing but a large TRASH CAN for decoration.

And Vincenzo is decorating the trash can. He VOMITS, light

and stringy. He shudders, squints his eyes shut.

Miles, in full costume, approaches Vincenzo.

MILES
Vincenzo. You okay?

VINCENZO
You have any blow?

MILES
...no.

Vincenzo spits.

VINCENZO
Shit.

MILES
V, don't ride today. Or at least
ride with the pads and helmet.

VINCENZO
Miss me with that faggy shit,
Miles.

Miles shuts down. Face goes stony.

Vincenzo turns to him, a cruel smile on his pallid face.

VINCENZO (cont'd)
That word sure bothers you, huh.

Miles's face doesn't betray an inch. Vincenzo turns back.

MILES
You shouldn't ride, Vincenzo.
You're not yourself.

VINCENZO
And who are you exactly?

Miles nods. Lets it land on him. Hardens up. And leaves.

Vincenzo squeezes the rim of the trash can. Sets himself.

And stands.
 59.

EXT. RODEO ARENA - NIGHT

Vincenzo, pale but upright, SLAPS THE HELL OUT OF HIS FACE.
Almost looks like himself. He mounts the KINETIC, ANGRY
BULL, as it SLAMS ITS REAR HAUNCH AGAINST THE PEN WALL.

PA ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
And now, last month's champion,
Vincenzo Rodriguez!

A CHEER rises through the crowd, and Vincenzo surveys the

fans, the arena -- and Miles, standing up in his barrel,
staring blankly back at him.

BANG! THE GATE SLAMS OPEN and THE BULL BURSTS OUT OF THE
PEN. This bull is MAD, his leg kicks violent, his spine
fluid and serpentine.

BUT VINCENZO IS STAYING ON. His right hand on the flank

strap, his left raised high, his powerful hips squeezing the
bull, his back almost parallel with it --

This is a special ride. And everyone watching knows it.

Four seconds... five... six...

Then Vincenzo's hand SHAKES OFF THE FLANK STRAP.

He loses his balance -- loses his thigh grip, LIFTS HALF AN

INCH OFF THE BULL, which is all the distance it needs to
KICK INTO HIM, SENDING HIM FLYING OVER THE HORNS --

The stadium GASPS as Vincenzo hits the ground and rolls

forward, the bull in pursuit --

Miles sees it, pops out of his barrel, hat in hand --

AND HESITATES, ONLY FOR A MILLISECOND --

AND THE BULL GORES VINCENZO IN THE BACK.

The sound whooshes out of the stadium.

Miles WHIPS HIS HAT at the bull, who still has Vincenzo
skewered -- it RAISES ITS HEAD, lifting him a foot into the
air before he slips off the horn and flops to the dirt.

The hush extends as the bull gallops toward Miles, its

attention waning. Every eye is on Vincenzo. Silent.

Only one voice, echoing through the arena --

 60.

SAMANTHA (O.S.)
You're okay. Get up, baby. You're
okay. Come on. Just get up.

Sam, in the front row, growing increasingly desperate --

SAMANTHA
Baby GET UP!

And maybe -- could he actually -- he HEARS HER. Even as a

RED BLOSSOM spreads across his shirt, he STIRS.

He looks around, GASPING -- sees his STETSON, GRABS IT --

And incredibly, a force of adrenaline, PUSHES TO HIS

KNEES --

And Vincenzo raises his hat. SALUTES THE CROWD.

AND FALLS.

His hat bounces in the dirt.

Silence.

INT. HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM - NIGHT

The waiting room is terrible. Faded green wallpaper, muted

infomercials on a grainy TV. Lots of empty seats.

In a corner of the room, we find a few SETS OF ADULTS,

central among them VINCENZO'S PARENTS (50's), clutching
ROSARY BEADS, muttering prayers, Chucky offering comfort.

In the other corner, we find Miles, Tuffy, Kirby, Brant,

Ashley, and Samantha. The riders are silent, introspective.

Sam is a razor. In Miles' direction, but really to nobody:

SAMANTHA
Guess I should've let him drink,
huh?

Nobody responds. Nobody looks at anyone else.

Sam jerkily gets to her feet. Goes to a TRASH CAN. Takes

out her ADMISSION LETTER. Looks at Miles.

SAMANTHA (cont'd)
It was nice, you know? Having
plans?
 61.

She throws the letter away.

Miles meets her stare, and we see on their faces -- Sam

blames Miles for this.

Miles does too.

Tuffy, eyes red, a little drunk, awkwardly tries to put a

comforting hand on Sam's shoulder. She turns to him.

SAMANTHA (cont'd)
You and me, Tuffy. People like you
and me, we don't get to leave here.
And God punishes us for trying.

Tuffy looks at her, eyes glassy. Removes his hand.

Brant abruptly stands up, stalks out of the room.

Chucky and Ashley make eye contact. After a beat, Chucky

follows Brant out.

Ashley stays.

EXT. HOSPITAL - DAWN

Sunrise rips reds and oranges across the clouds.

STREETLAMPS stay on.

Brant has grabbed a handful of WOOD CHIPS from beneath a

tree and wings them, one at a time, at a TRASH CAN.

Chucky comes out, stands a few paces from his son. Puts his
thumbs in his pockets.

Brant doesn't look at him. Throws another chip.

BRANT
Never know when your last ride's
gonna be. Only that it's gonna
come too soon.

CHUCKY
She worth it?

Brant looks at his father.

The hospital looms over them.

END PILOT