there are so many true GT fans and character experts that i thought this would be something interesting to try on this board. With each "create an episode" thread, there will be a social issue/topic that the episode must address.

The way it works: as a board, we will create an episode. Each poster only gets one line of dialogue which should look like the following -

Thelma: Get of the way, JJ!

Feel free to provide any directions (physical or body) with your post OR set the scene as necessary-

JJ: Leave me alone.
-Crosses and picks up his paints and smiles.

The only rules are that you can not:
-Post back to back. Allow someone else to post before you repost to keep it interesting
-Create any new characters, but are free to use any and everyone that has appeared on the show

I think it will be interesting to see what kind of things we can come up with. So get your creative juices flowing and let's try to create an episode that would do the show some justice. We must also watch out for when a commercial can occur and whoever calls it, calls it. Remember that this is a 1/2 hour show.

TOPIC: Teen pregnancy

Let's go...................

Scene:
In the morning. Florida is in the kitchen picking up the breakfast dishes.

Florida: Thelma! You've been in there for over an hour. Now come on, you're going to be late.



BTW - you get more than a line. You can say as much as you want, but only as one character.

Thelma(shouting out from the bathroom):"You can't rush beauty,mama!"

-Florida chuckels and shakes her head at the comment as James emerges from the bedroom tucking in his shirt.

James: Morning, baby. (kisses Florida on the cheek). I'm going to have skip breakfast (goes over to pour himself a cup of coffee) today. Got a lead on a good job and I don't want to be late. (looks around)
Hey, where is everybody?

JJ: Forget about her ma, what's for breakfast. Today I want pancakes, ham, bacon, sausage, salmon cakes, eggs, orange juice and home fries.

Florida: Sorry, JJ. None of that is on today's menu. But, the special for today is oatmeal.
-clumps a huge amount in his bowl
Now stop messing around and eat your breakfast so you can go to school. (snatches off his hat so he can say grace before eating)
-Thelma emerges from the bathroom looking a little flushed.
Thelma, are you alright?

JJ: Don't worry about her ma. She always looks that way when she leaves her mirror.

(Michael opens the door and runs into the apartment with a picket sign)

Michael: Sorry i'm late Ma, I was finishing my sign out in the hallway.

-Florida half looks at Michael and is focused on Thelma as she speaks.

Florida: That's ok, baby. Come in here and get some warm oatmeal before you go to school. James...she don't look too good.

-James crosses to take a closer look.

Michael: Okay Mama. (walks over to the table, and sits down)
What's wrong Thelma? Are you sick again? (starts eating)

Thelma:"I think I got a little stomach flu."A look of anger rushes over James' face...

JJ: I told you we shoud've went to McDonalds instead of letting her cook last night Dad. I had a big mac attack.

-Both James and Florida look worried at one another.

Thelma: Ma, dad...I'm okay. I think I may have a touch of the stomach flu or something. Don't worry.

-Sits down and starts helping herself to the oatmeal.

-Florida continues to look at her worriedly. James glances at his watch.

James:"I gotta run now,but this "stomach flu" better not have nothing to do with that scrawny boy Leroy you been hangin out with.."

JJ: "YEAH THIS BETTER NOT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH "(James give JJ that look). I think I'll have some Kool-Aid.

Florida: Now, both of you hush up with that nonsense. (rubs Thelma's back)
JJ & Michael, hurry and finish up so you can go to school.
_James goes and gets his coat in prep to head out.
Thelma, I don't want to take any chances with this flu spreading...so I want you to stay home today and get some rest. I need to pick up a few things and I'll pick up something to maybe settle your stomach.
(rummages thru her purse)
Will you be ok until I get back?

(Michael eats a spoonful of oatmeal, grabs his coat and books and kisses his mother on the cheek before he goes)

Michael: Bye ma, hope you feel better Thelma. (closes the door behind him)

-James winks and walks out with Michael. JJ runs and slips out right before the door closes. Thelma nods to Florida's question and Florida leaves. Thelma, now alone, begins to slowly clean up what's left on the table - still looking quite ill and unsteady.

There is a knock on the door.

Thelma crosses to open the door and it's Leroy, the boy she is dating.

Leroy: Is everybody gone yet?

(ooooh ,this is getting good!:D )

Thelma wraps her arms around Leroy and pulls him in.He kicks the door shut with his foot and they share a long passionate kiss.


Thelma:"Being away from you for 12 hours was pure agony!"

Leroy is very nice looking, looks like a true player. Very slick and charming.
Pulls back from long embrace.

Leroy: Awwww baby, I've missed you too. (strokes her face) Now, what was it that you needed to talk to me about that was so important?

Thelma looks down at the ground and looks a little nervous.

Baby...now you can tell me anything. Last night you acted like it couldn't wait, that's why I came over here as soon as I could. We're all alone now (rubs her leg). Cat got your tounge, baby?

Leans back into the couch, almost posing.

Thelma looks at him,dead straight in his eyes"I'm pregnant!"

Slowly, a cocky smile appears on Leroy's face...

audience gasps, hoops, laughs, says "uh un"

Leroy, still smiling, stands up. Says as a cool as a cucumber-

"Whatchoo telling me for? It's not mine."

Thelma stares at him in disbelief.

(JJ walks in)

"See, what I tell ya. If there's anyone who can make Thelma well, it's Leroy (slaps him five). She was walking through here this morning looking ugly as usual, only worse. She did a better acting job than Sidney Poitier".

*Michael enters in a hurry*

Michael: I forgot my history book! (sees Leroy and then see Thelma looking upset) What'd you do to my sister!!

Leroy,getting up and walking towards the door than opening it and speaking in a snide tone"Did what half the guys in Chicago did to your sister!Later!"
He leaves.

Breaks down hysterically mumbling to herself on the couch. JJ and Michael look at eachother over her head, reeling from what just took place, still both very confused. She begins to get hysterical, rambling, crying and mumbling to herself.

Thelma: What am I going to do? I can't do this by myself? How could he just walk out on me? How am I going to do this? I need to talk to him, then he'll see that we need to do this together.....yea....if only...

-Then she turns her wrath on her brothers.

Thelma: This is all your fault! You never mind your business. You're always so worried about everybody else. And now you've both ruined everything. So you want to know? Now you know....I'm pregnant! Now what am I going to do?

whails and runs into her room and shuts the door.

WHAT AM I GOING TO DO???????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michael and JJ look at each stunned.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Michael, forgetting how old he was and his stature, started for the door in rage.

Michael: I'm gonna rip Leroy's head off!
you stay here and wait for Thelma!

He runs out the door , slamming it, leaving a stunned J.J. alone.

JJ: Pregnant??? How did it happen? (She gives him a crazy look). I know how it happened, but to you?? I thought you were smarter than that. Have you thought of a way of telling mom and dad? Espeically dad.

Thelma: "They can never find out-Ever!"She paces around for a bit and looks at JJ.""Aunt Maxi always wanted me to come up to Detroit and look after her.The school year just started,so I can transfer easily.I'll tell mom and dad that Maxi is getting older and may not have a long time left.I'll tell them that my conscience tells me to go there and care for her.Dad will be thrilled..it's his only living relative..."JJ and Michael look at each other in disbelief.

Michael: Dad will find, You know he will.

He insisted as he plopped himself down on the couch.

Thelma paces around some more. Her hands grabbing at her head like she's going mad.

THELMA: This has to work. It just has to. Oh JJ...Michael...promise you won't tell Ma and Dad! My plan has just got to work.

Michael stares straight ahead with an angry expression. JJ looks at Thelma with a now compassionate expression.



(BTW knl9674, this is a great thread):wave:

JJ: "I'm in your corner, little sister. You've been there for me in the past. I confided in the both of you when Mad Dog wanted me to join the Satan Knights, remember. Michael, we need you to make it unanimous".

Michael sighed heavily as he turned to his sister with tears in her eyes. He got up off the couch and hugged her tightly.

Michael: Thelma, I won't say a word to Mom and Dad, You've always been there for me.

Thelma smiles at them both.
Wologna breezes in with a small bag in her hand looking as sharp as ever. She barely acknowleges Michael and JJ but goes straight for Thelma.

Wologna: You and me? We need to talk. C'mon. (goes to Thelma's bedroom and holds the door open for her. Quickly shuts the door behind them).

-Michael and JJ just stand there looking at the shut door.
-Scene shifts to Thelma's bedroom. Thelma sitting on the bed, Wologna standing in front of the desk. Places the small bag on the desk.

Now, you know, that I know, what you know.

-Thelma opens her mouth to dispute but Wologna shushes her by continuing to talk.

Don't give me no jive, Thelma. They don't call me the Rona Barrett of the projects for nothing. You couldn't keep this little secret for too long. Now....I love you all like you're my own kids and I'm not here to come down on you. It's not my place to tell your parents so I'm going to leave that up to you. But, before you break the big news, I want you to be 100% sure.

-Crosses to bag

This dude I know...did I ever tell you about that doctor that wanted to take me to Hawaii? Girllllllll.....now he is fine. Tall, chocolate brother with hands the size......(starts staring off into space)
-Thelma clears her throat and brings her back to reality.

Well, anyway. He works down at the free clinic and gave me this (presents box). It's a pregnancy test. They'll soon have these in drug stores...can you believe that? (marvels at the box).

Now, you go on in there and use this. Follow the directions and....and....I'll just sit in here and wait.

-Grabs her quickly and gives her a short, tight hug. Thelma takes box and leaves the room headed to the bathroom. Scene shifts to the front room where JJ and Michael have started playing checkers at the table. They notice Thelma going into the bathroom but don't pay much attention to it. She goes in and shuts the door behind her.

-Florida walks in with a bag of groceries. JJ and Michael look at eachother wide-eyed.

Florida stops midway and stares back at JJ and Michael.

Florida: Well what's wrong with the both of you. You look like
you both seen a ghost or suh'm.

JJ places a hand on his chest, laughs and struts toward Florida placing a hand around her shoulder.

J.J.- Helllooooooo mother dear. How was your trip to the grocery store?
Florida- Well, the meat was tough, the greens was too high. Put up these groceries J.J. while I check on Thelma.

Florida walks back in thelma's room.

Florida- Wilona! What are you doing here?

Wilona stumbles to find words.

Wilona- Chile I just had to come by and tell somebody about the news I heard!!! She slaps Florida on the shoulder.

Thelma not knowing Florida is home comes out of the bathroom, with the pregnancy test results in her hand with tears in her eyes.

Florida- Thelma, what's wrong baby?

While a wonderful story (getting juicy!!!) You have broken the rules. You can only do ONE LINE of dialogue as ONE CHARACTER.

We can only take your first line of dialogue as a submission.

SO......

the next post should pick up after JJ's line to greet his mother.

-Florida gives JJ her usual look and shoves the groceries into his chest. JJ crosses to start unpacking the goods and Florida crosses to remove her coat and hang up her purse.

Thelma bursts from the bathroom elated...without realizing who is in the room.

Thelma: Guess what you guys? I'm NOT PREGNANT! Can you be......

-She notices that Florida is home and stops mid sentence in her tracks.

- Wilogna, upon hearing the news, runs out screaming and hugs her. She also notices Florida, same time that Thelma does and pulls away from her and begins rubbing the back of her neck looking in the distance.

Oh sorry, i guess I should have payed attention to the rules. :p

Florida: J.J., Michael, go to your homework!
Wilona leaves.
Florida: Thelma, I am so hurt, why didn't you tell me about this?

Michael: Oh boy...Um...J.J. Why we go to McDonalds, you owe me a big mac. I don't wanna be here when dad gets home.

Michael heads for the door.

JJ: "Big Mac"? I can just taste those famous fries. Let's go".

Michael: I'm ready, let's go.

Michael and J.J. run towards the door and open it to find James on the other side. They squeeze past him saying hi and bye on the way out, leaving him with a confused look.

James hangs up his coat and hat, looks towards the door then looks at Florida and Thelma.

James: What's going on around here. Why did JJ and Michael
bolt out of here like lightnin'.

He walks up to Florida and gives her a kiss on the cheek but notices her troubled look.

James: What's the matter, baby? And Thelma, why you lookin'
like you done burned up the oatmeal?

-Thelma looks at James then looks at her mother. Florida looks to the heavens (you know the look), chews her bottom lip then nods to Thelma. Knowing exactly what she means, Thelma goes in the bathroom to get the pregnancy test. James looks bewildered b/c he doesn't know what's going on. Thelma returns and hands it over to Florida. She's too embarrassed to share the events with her father but knows he must know. She sits on the couch and waits to see what will become of her.

Florida takes the pregnancy test, sighs heavily and presents it to James. Not knowing what it is, James turns it over and over in his hands still looking like, "AND?"

Florida: James, this is a pregnancy test.

At McDonalds, J.J. and Michael are sitting at a table eating their big macs.

Michael: I wonder what's going on at home? You think Dad found out about Thelma yet.

JJ: Of course he did. And he probably hit the roof. I kinda feel bad for abandoning her like that. She has done things for me in the past. Remember the Satan Knights with Mad Dog. Or how about the time I was arrested for that liqour store robbery. Who tried to explain it on my job, Thelma. She's ugly and a horrible cook, but she's our sister. Let's finish this and get back to the apartment".

Michael: Yeah, you're right. She's a really good sister, even though she hogs the bathroom. Let's go.

They get up and throw the papers in the garbage and head home. When they reach the lobby, they can already hear James yelling and decide to go to Willona's until things calm down.

James looks bewildered and starts to yell.:" Florida,,I thought we were careful..We too old to be having another little mouth to feed..I work my butt off everyday and now you're telling me I'm gonna have too keep working this hard for another 18 years.."Florida looks at him with an angry look on her face.

At Willona's Apartment..

Michael: I wonder how long this will take, I gotta get my homework done.

"James!"yells Florida"It's not me...it's Thelma!"

James (to Florida real soft with that deranged look on his face, head cocked to the side, eyes slit): What you mean, "it's Thelma?"

Florida walks over to stand behind Thelma, who is sitting on the couch.

James: You hear me talking, woman? I SAID, what you mean it's THELMA?! (to Thelma in a near scream) What she mean, IT"S THELMA?!?!?!

HUH?! HUH??

-They both just look at him.

HUH?!?!?!!?!?!?!? (Deafening scream as he reaches and grabs Thelma up by her throat)

Florida screams out and painful cry and Thelma gives a limp cry as well.

Scene blacks out with James holding Thelma looking like the devil is in him, Florida behind the couch reaching out crying (her usual wail J-A-M-E-S) and Thelma in her father's vicegrip looking petrified.

TO BE CONTINUED..............................................................

Opening credits: Scenes from last weeks episode.

Continuation.

JJ and Michael stand outside the door about to go in. They here that it's quiet so JJ slowly opens the door.

JJ: (peeking inside) Is everything alright?

Then he and Michael see James holding Thelma and look scared.

Michael runs over and tries to pull James away from Thelma, only to get held back by Florida who's holding him tightly.

Michael: No Dad! Please don't hurt her!

JJ: "No dad (JJ runs over and PUSHES James off of Thelma). Let her go".

THE AUDIENCE IS GOING CRAZY WITH THEIR USUAL COMMENTS AND SIDEBAR ANTICS

-James is reeled back from JJ's forceful push that he goes into the wall, knocking down Florida's beloved picture of God. After the pic fall, the scene is strangely still. Florida holding Michael back in near tears while Michael has now buried his face in his mother's bosum. JJ is holding Thelma, one eye on James. Thelma is standing holding her neck still in shock clutching to JJ. James is the only one standing alone looking down at the following picture. Averts his eyes from the pic and looks at his family..shame all over his face. He is tortured.

James walks over to JJ pats his shoulder as if he's proud he took over the situation and slowly sits down on the couch and buries his head in his hands.

James: Uh...why don't everybody go on over to Wologna's for a little while. I uh...need to talk to Thelma alone.

JJ looks at Thelma as if to say, "Are you ok with that?". Thelma nods and pats his hand. JJ goes to Michael and hugs him in and they begin to walk out. Florida goes to James with her wailing look.

James: Now go on, baby. It's gonna be alright. (kisses cheek)

Florida still teary eyed takes a quick look at Thelma and nods her agreement for them to be alone. She too, exits the apartment.

Thelma is standing still looking apprehensive to her father. James has sat again and is looking up at her.

James: Baby girl, sit down. I....I...just don't know what came over me.

Florida, J.J. and Michael knock on Willona's door. She answers and they walk in. She asks them what's wrong and Michael speaks up.

Michael: Dad almost killed Thelma! *looking stressed*

Wilona: W H A T ! ! !

Michael: Dad..found out and...

Florida hushed him and the boys sat down still reeling from the incident. Florida composed herself, sat down and revealed the whole story to Willona.

Back at the Evans' apartment. James is slightly rocking on the couch and rubbing his hands on his knees. Thelma remains standing.

THELMA: I think I prefer to stand Dad, if you don't mind.

Thelma looks like she doesn't trust sitting next to James after what he just did.

James looks at her with that pained look.

At Willona's Michael and J.J are playing a game of checkers while Willona and Florida talk.

Michael: It's awful quiet over at home J.J., I wonder what's going on.

Back at the Evans home James stands up and walks around the room.

"Why babygirl? Why would you do this to yourself? I work hard trying to provide for my kids, I want to see you go to college. Why would you let some jive talking fool take advantage of you?"

James sit down and tries to hold back tears. There is a knock at the door, it's Thelmas boyfriend.

Thelma looks to the door and then her father and runs over to him and puts her hands around his neck.

Thelma: But, daddy! That was what we were trying to tell you. I'm NOT pregnant. I thought I was but Wologna gave me a pregnancy test and it came up negative.

James looks up at her, almost relieved.

Thelma: So I guess I had the stomach flu all along (she half smiles). I'm sorry I let you down, Daddy. But I have every intention of going to college and I'm not going to let anything stand in my way.

Thelma looks down at the floor.

Thelma: I just wish that Leroy would've been more supportive. When I told him I might be pregnant, he just got up and walked out. I shoulda never got involved with him. But....I trusted him and I thought he loved me. Oh, Daddy (hugs him again). I hope I never see him again!

There is a louder knock at the door again.

James crosses to open the door. He opens it and looks like "Yea?"
Thelma looks up and says with complete astonishment.

"Leroy?!?!"

COMMERCIAL...........................

Leroy sees James and attempts a fast getaway.

Leroy: I see your busy, I'll come back later!

Heads for the stairway but James catches him and now has his hands around Leroy's neck much like he did with Thelma earlier.

Thelma runs to the door to see James grab up Leroy and is stunned. James has Leroy up against the wall in mid-air. Leroy is kicking and thrashing for air causing all kinds of noise. James is enraged.

Upon hearing the commotion in the hall, Wologna, Florida, James and Michael head out to see what's going on.

Florida runs to James wailing.....

Florida: James, for the love of God....what's going on? James, please! Put him down. J-a-m-e-s......

James drops Leroy to the ground. Leroy is on his back sputtering around and grasping for air. James is standing above him with Florida holding onto 1 arm. Michael is standing in front of JJ off to the side. Wologna is at Florida's side. Thelma is in the doorway.

Everyone is looking at Leroy.

Leroy, still gasping for air, manages to speak.

Leroy: Man!! You crazy?!? What'd I do?!

Everyone is stunned by his stupidity. James breaks free of Florida and lunges at Leroy with murderous rage in his eyes.

Florida grabs one arm and Thelma runs to grab the other. Leroy struggles up and is pressed deeply against the wall so he is no longer in James' reach. James has calmed in the grips of his wife and daughter.

James: Aw...I wasn't gone hurt him. That bad. (mean mugs Leroy).
Man, what you want here anyway?! You had your chance to split, what you sniffing around here for now?

Leroy opens his mouth to speak.

James: Whatever it is, she ain't interested. See, my baby girl needs a man. And you ain't no man. Don't no man run out on his responsibilities. If you grown enough to lay down, then you're damn sure grown enough to be down. Dig?

Leroy, trying to compose himself, utters an unthought response.

Leroy: Yeah, I dig I dig. Just one thing...Can you spare change for the bus?

Unfortunately, Leroy goes one step too far.

JJ: "Here's a quarter".

Leroy slowly takes the quarter from JJ and looks down at it.

Leroy: Look, man....I uh....I ain't come back here for no busfare. I uh...came to talk to Thelma. When she told me about......well, I just flipped, man. I ain't ready to be no daddy. But...I started thinking about how my old man wasn't there...and I just can't do that.

Looks at Thelma

Leroy: So I'm here now, baby.

Michael: You had your chance Man! You blew it!

Florida quiets him down and insists that he and J.J. go into Thelma's room and listen to records so she and James can talk to Leroy calmly.

The family slowly walks back into the house with James eyeing Leroy. JJ quickly snatches his quarter back (audience laughs) and runs into Thelma's room. Michael huffs by Leroy and joins him. Florida and James stand behind the couch. Leroy and Thelma sit on the sofa.

Florida: Leroy, I don't particularly like how you handled this situation. But it takes a bigger man to recognize his mistake. And I can respect that. Thelma, I think now is the time to tell him.

Thelma smiles unsurely.

THELMA: Okay Ma.

She turns to Leroy and places a hand on his shoulder.

THELMA: Leroy....I'm not pregnant. See, all the worrying was for nothin'.

A look of relief takes over Leroy's face as he sighs.

Leroy: Wow man, I don't know what to say, except, Thelma, I'm glad you ain't pregnant and I'm sorry that I got mad and ran out on you like that. That goes for you too Mr. and Mrs. Evans.

He continued to apologize to James and Florida, Michael and J.J.
for upsetting them and causing trouble.

Thelma looks at him and nods.

Thelma: You know Leroy...teen pregnancy is at its highest in our community. Young girls are getting pregnant and they have no one to turn to. And it's even harder when the guy that got them pregnant is nowhere around. It takes more than one person to make a baby.

(crowd catcalls in agreement. that's right, uh hnnn, light clapping)

Now, we can still eachother.....as friends. (puts hand on his shoulder).

Gets up and walks over to her parents.

Thelma: Ma, dad....you don't have to worry. I'm not going to become a statistic. I'm going to go to college and make you proud. You'll see....you'll see.

All 3 embrace. Leroy on the couch looking up at them.

Scene blacks out.

END OF EPISODE