A sitcom I use to write while I worked at Wal-Mart... I've got about 4 episodes typed up... somwhere on my comp. Then I kinda dropped it. But I've been longing to write. I still have some I wrote on paper, but need to type. I'll post the pilot later... but here's the information for now... It's not an original idea or anything, but I'm more character and joke based than I am story-based.



Show Title: The Associate
Location: Bedford, PA

This centers around lovable loser, Adam Hoosier, and his experience as a temp at the world famous retail and grocery center, Wick's. The first season revolves around a team of associates that has some newcomers working temporarily for a remodeling job on the long running store. Wick's started in the late 40's, as Art Wickem's project, "Wick's Warehouse." He was a big time family values man who believed in giving people the lowest prices possible. Not just as a gimmick, but for the better of the customer. After he passed in 1992, his son and successor took on the greedy business ways, and Wick became a global success, rising in stock, and dropping in morals. This show shows the misery that working in this place has caused.

Characters (and ages):

Adam Hoosier (19) - The awkward nerd type, who is nearly horrified with his co-workers. Between his disfunctional family, and his jungle of a work environment, Adam is always stressing. His only objective is to work his hardest, and try for once to make friends other than his mother.

Claire Klein (20) - Adorable personality... she's been working at Wick's for almost 3 years... and every year, she talks about how she's going to get out and go to college. She's often described as being a doormat for her co-workers, with no ability to stand up for herself. Throughout season 1, it revolves around Adam's feelings for her, and her feelings for a different co-worker. She was the department manager of the Lamp Department, but got to be one of the 4 co-supervisors for the remodel job.

Doug Benson (20) - Doug's a hot shot. He's good looking, charming, and he goes to Penn State. His intentions are to just find a part time job until he graduates, to pay for books and stuff. He and Claire have some classic sitcom will they/won't they tension. Also a temp hire.

Mick Young (25) - Every work environment has a spoiler. Mick is the epitome of misery and anger issues. The manager-hating, sarcastic grouch has been working at Wick's for 7 years, as a cart-pusher. His gruff exterior turns most off, but Adam tries to get into his head and figure out why he is the way he is. Mick is lifted from his position of misery to join Claire, Ashley, and Jared as co-supervisors.

Donovan Jones (20) - Every show needs a token black guy, right? Don't let Donovan hear you say that. He's the literature reading, voice of reason of the bunch, and befriends Adam early on. Also a temp hire.

Ashley James (21) - The manipulative, premiscuous, and hard to get along with cashier... Ashley is an enemy to most. Her stuck up attitude makes everyone hate her, but she and Claire form somewhat of a bond as the only females on the remodel team. Ashley and Mick are at each others' throats on a daily basis, due to the big personalities.


SUPPORTING CHARACTERS:

Bob Renaldo (53) - The head store manager of Wick's. He treats his employees like garbage, and only cares about 1 thing. Money. He and Mick clash heads on a daily basis, but he believes he's just trying to push them all to succeed.

Spider (19) - The man only known as Spider. His character is impossible to describe. He's just... unique. A temp hire that soon evolves into something more...

Carmen (42)- The somewhat pathetic security guard. He failed to make it as a real cop, so he got a job working security at Wicks. His creepy obsession with Ashley is one of the many comedic values this character has.

Jared Findler (45) - An assistant manager. Jared is constantly kissing Bob's ass, and is a grade A moron. He is the only store manager that is on the Supervisor team for remodel.

Sharon Boston (40) - The nicest of the managers. The only one who treats the workers as human beings. But she's also tough as nails when she has to be. Also, it needs to be said... she's hot.

Helen (70) - The store greeter... cheery to the customers, horribly horribly grumpy to everyone else. Spider has called her the only senior citizen with 'street cred.'

Sue Winter (30) - Bob's protege... the assistant manager with the same cutthroat attitude he had when he was younger. She runs a tight ship, and is completely apathetic towards the workers' needs.

Stanley Hoosier (51) - Adam's gruff father. He works night shift at a machine shop, and often frowns upon his son's (as he puts it) 'girly' personality.

Wendy Hoosier (49) Adam's mother, who is the complete opposite of her husband. The over-baring loving mother is often referred to as Adam's best friend.




I think that's all ya need to know. I'll post the pilot tonight... but my episodes are a huge chunk of writing... so I hope you can read a lot :P

WARNING: Some of the humor and language might be a bit much. It might be an eye sore, and I'm not a descriptive writer, I'm very dialogue heavy. Also, I haven't proofread much. But feedback would be nice :P





[The scene opens, showing Adam sleeping in his bed]

Inner-Voice: Today is a milestone in my life. My first real job. That's me... Adam Hoosier.

[Suddenly, a woman walks into the room, and wakes him with a big kiss]

Inner-Voice: That's my mom. .... She's very affectionate.

Wendy: Hurry up and get ready! You'll be late.

Adam: I'm hurryin.... I'm hurryin'.

Inner-Voice: My first job happened to be in the largest retail store in America. Wick's Supercenter. I had already been through the grueling faces of employment. Starting with a complicated electronic application.

[The next scene shows Adam sitting on a chair in front of a large computer screen, with a touchsoft screen.]

Computer: Touch each letter to spell your name.

[Adam touches a bunch of letters.]

Computer: Hello, Adam. Touch each number to enter your birthdate.

[Adam does this.]

Computer: You are 19. If this is correct... press here.

[Adam touches the area]

Computer: Ha Ha Ha Ha... That tickles!

[Adam backs off]

Adam: Weird.

Computer: That's my little joke. I got more where that came from. If you'd like to hear more jokes... press here.

[Adam rolls his eyes... but then shrugs, and presses]

Computer: What did Steven Hawking say when he leaned forward?

Adam: Uhhh, I don't know?

Computer: dgalkh;dshra

Adam: .... Wow.

Computer: Get it?

[The camera then shows Adam sitting at a table]

Inner-Voice: And then I went through an interview.

[Assistant Manager, Jared Findler is sitting across from him]

Jared: So Adam... where do you see yourself in five years?

Adam: Well, I'd like to think of myself as being--- I--- Umm, Here.

Jared: Good answer.

Inner-Voice: And another interview...

[Now, assistant manager, Sharon Boston is sitting across from him]

Sharon: How often do you masturbate?

Adam: Ummm... wow... what?

Sharon: It's standard procedure to question males. See... studies show that the more often men masturbate... the less of a chance there is that there will be an incident involving violence.

Adam: Oh, I see.

Sharon: Yeah, you never can really tell who may be a crooked sociopath....

[The camera focus changes on the Janitor (Marcus) behind her... who has an incredibly disturbing look on his face, as he robotically mops the floor]

Inner-Voice: And by the third interview... they were basically out of questions.

[Now assistant manager, Susan, is shown across the table from him]

Sue: If you were a character on Friends, who would you be?

Adam: Ummm... Chandler. Wait, no... Ross, I guess. Err... I don't know.

Sue: Right, I'm gonna put you down for Rachel.

Inner-Voice: And then came the paperwork.

[Adam is sitting at the same table, with a gigantic stack of papers, standing like a mountain in front of him]

Sue: Now I want that done by the end of the day. And keep SILENT please.

Inner-Voice: So I wrote...

[Shows the stack slowly getting smaller]

Inner-Voice: And wrote...

[Shows the dead pens piling up beside him]

Inner-Voice: ... And wrote.

[Shows Adam looking exhausted]

Adam: ... And wrote.

Sue: SHHHH!

Adam: Sorry, I thought that was in my head.

Inner-Voice: Then when it was all over with, I got the dress code and went home as a brand new temporary Bedford Branch Wick's Supercenter Associate! But I think I'll go with The Associate for short.

[The camera then shows Adam standing in front of his mirror, with khaki pants and a dark blue polo t-shirt.]

Inner-Voice: Today is the first day. Orientation and meeting my co-workers.

[He gets an intense look]

Inner-Voice: Let em' know you're all business.

[He then starts cracking up]

Adam: *laughs* I get it.... Stephen Hawking talks via keyboard... so when he leans over, he says "dgalkh;dshra" That computer is HILARIOUS!

[Adam walks down the stairs and into the kitchen, where his mother is making breakfast. A man is sitting at the table with a newspaper hiding his face.]

Wendy: Excited about your first day?

Adam: Sure am, Mom.

Wendy: We're very proud of you. Aren't we, Stan?

Stan: Those damn Browns... always trying to out-do us.

[Wendy snatches the paper from him, revealing his face]

Stan: What? It's retail. It's not like he's a doctor or lawyer or something. The kid's 19. It's about damn time he got a crappy job.

Adam: Ummm... thanks Dad.

Stan: Well, we sure as hell don't wanna feed and clothe you for the rest of your life.

[Stan opens the paper back up]

Wendy: I would GLADLY take care of you... *baby talk voice* Fow the west of youw wife!

Stan: Jesus.

Wendy: I'm sure you're going to make a lot of friends today.

[Adam stands up, with a pop-tart in his hand, as Stan reluctantly does as well.]

Adam: Gotta go, mom.

Wendy: Ok, good luck!

[She gives him a big hug, and a kiss on the cheek]

Wendy: And if you need ANYTHING... just text me!

Adam: Ok, mom!

Stan: Just let our daughter go to work, Wendy.

[The scene shifts to a quiet and awkward car ride]

Inner-Voice: Bedford is an interesting place. Within 2 blocks, it can go from quiet smalltown, USA to thug central. The middle class and the poor have no real integration... except at Wick's.

[Stan pulls into a parking lot, and stops the car in front of the store]

Adam: Thanks, Dad.

[Stan sighs, and unlocks the door. Adam steps out, and looks at the store in it's monumental stature.]

Stan: Oh, hey...

[Adam looks back at him, his eyes filled with hope for fatherly advice.]

Stan: Don't get fired.

Adam: ... Ok.

[Adam sighs and shuts the door. He makes his way into the store and sees HUNDREDS of people frantically shopping. Noise is everywhere. Voices, footsteps, and squeaky cart wheels overwhelm him. And not to mention the constant beeps from the checkout line. Adam looks terrified as people bump into him angrily. He gets a look of hope and smiles, as he sees an old woman greeter giving a young child a Smiley face sticker with a smile. She then looks at him, revealing her nametag that reads "Helen." Her smile turns to a mean look of death.]

Helen: What the hell are you looking at?

[Adam quickly turns away and pulls out his phone]

Adam: Text... Mommy!


(OPENING CREDITS/THEME)


[The next scene opens in Bob's office. Claire, Ashley, Mick, and Jared are in there with Bob himself.]

Bob: If you didn't already know... the four of you are chosen to lead the remodeling team.

Jared: This is going to be fun! I think it's going to be fun, guys.

[Jared puts his hand on Mick's shoulder, and is instantly shot with a dirty look]

Bob: We're not here to have fun. We're here to work.

Jared: Yeah... so no horsing around, clowns!

Bob: ... I've selected Jared to represent management. Claire to rep departments. And Ashley to rep the front end.

Mick: And what'd I do to get here?

Bob: You're a hardass. And this team needs a hardass in leadership. Jared sure won't step up.

Jared: It's a lot of pressure, really.

Bob: Shut up.

Jared: Shutting up.

Mick: Well... what if I don't wanna participate?

Bob: That's too bad, chief.

Mick: So let me get this straight... I have a bad reputation around here for customer service. I hate everyone and everything... yet you're putting me in a leadership position that requires much people interraction? Are ya dumb?

Bob: I've been store manager for 10 years. I haven't had a bad idea yet!

Mick: Not true. Remember that time you tried to kill all the jews?

Bob: Uhhh....

Mick: Oh wait... that wasn't you. That was Hitler. Sorry, I always confuse you two.

Bob: Okay... anyone other than Captain Smart Mouth have any questions?

Ashley: Me.

Bob: You with the skirt that violates dress code.

Ashley: Uhhh, yeah... what will happen to our current positions.

Bob: Sue will take the register for a while. Lamp department will be fine with one associate. And as for Cart-pushers... well, Mick is easily replaceable. It's bottom of the Totem Pole.

[Mick stands up.]

Mick: To hell with you, Bob. I bust my ass out there every day... while you sit in this air conditioned office, fondling your inflatable doll made of money. I'll be damned if some salary manager is going to tell me how unimportant my job is.

[Mick walks out.]

Bob: *sigh* He's gonna be trouble.

Jared: You want the star player... you gotta take the attitude.

Bob: What does that even mean?

[Jared looks down on the floor.]

Ashley: Another question. Does this lead to a promotion of any kind?

Bob: Well... one of you. Whoever impresses me the most... will get the new manager spot this summer. Be sure to tell Mick when you see him.

Claire: Whoa... that's huge.

Ashley: *smiles evily* Let the games begin.

[Ashley stands up, and walks out with a smile]

Bob: I love that skirt, by the way.

Claire: Well, I'm pleased to tell you that if you choose me... I will not be accepting the position. As I am finally starting college by the next semester, and moving out of here!

Bob: *laughs* I've heard that before.

Jared: *laughing just like Bob* Face it, you're never leaving.

Bob: Well, that's just rude.

Jared: *sincerely* I apologize.

Claire: I'm serious. Big things are coming for this girl.

Bob: I'm sure they are, dear. Now could you get me some coffee and go back to the lamp department?

Claire: I... yes sir.

[Claire stands up shamfully, and starts to walk out]

Bob: Oh, and Claire...

[She stops]

Bob: Don't forget your backpack.

[Bob hands it to her, and she walks off.]

Bob: Nice girl.

[The next scene opens with Adam sitting around a table with computers. Also sitting there are Doug, Donovan, and Spider. Susan is standing before all of them.]

Sue: Welcome to Wick's Supercenter. I'm Assistant Manager Sue. You're all about to do Computer-Based Learning... or "CBL"s. I would like you all to remain quiet at all times, or I will throw you out.

[Sue walks out. The 4 guys look at each other for a second, before the camera travels over to show another face sitting behind a desk.]

Sharon: No she won't. She doesn't really have that authority.

Spider: Who are you?

Sharon: I'm assistant manager Sharon. Who are you?

Spider: Spider.

Sharon: Not gonna work for me. What's your real name?

Spider: You deaf or something?

Doug: I'm Doug. I go to Penn State, so I won't be a permenant fixture.

Sharon: Splendid... you?

Donovan: I'm Donovan Jones... I'm not really going anywhere.

Sharon: I'll drink to that. And you?

Adam: I'm Adam. Hoping to stay.

Sharon: I'm sure you'll all do fine. Even Roach.

Spider: It's Spider. What kind of goofy name is Roach?

Sharon: Aaaaanyway.... It's time to do your CBL's.

[They all turn to their computers.]

Inner-Voice: So next came CBL's. They gave us the in's and out's of Wick's. Told us how to do things. Gave us the lingo of the store. And even a brief history lesson.

[The scene on the computer shows Art Wickem in black & white.]

Art Wickem: Why hello, valued associate! I'm Art Wicken. My dream in this little store you're sitting in... became the American retail giant that it is today, because I followed the same principals... ALWAYS! So think big, Valued Associate.

[He walks up to a Buddy Holly lookalike worker, who is pushing a broom with a smile on his face]

Art Wickem: Say, Valued Associate... you sure look tired.

[The man nods, and wipes sweat from his forehead.]

Art Wickem: Go ahead and take your break. You earned it!

[The man smiles and walks off. While Art has a smile on his face, and gives a thumbs up]

Art Wickem: Remember, valued associate... NEVER work off the clock! But the number 1 principal to live by... the customer ALWAYS comes first!

[Art sees a woman walking, and a puddle in front of her. He runs over dramatically and dives onto the floor, throwing his jacket over the puddle. The woman smiles gratefully and keeps walking. Art looks at the camera and gives a smile and thumbs up.]

Spider: This always confused me. How come there wasn't color TV before the 60's?

Doug: I don't know, Spider. Maybe color wasn't invented yet.

Spider: I'll ask Sharon. Yo, Cher...

Sharon: I wouldn't know. I'm 40.

Spider: Of course you are.

[He winks]

Sharon: I will throw you out of here.

Adam: I thought you couldn't throw us out...

Sharon: No, I said Sue couldn't.

Spider: Don't you two have the same authority, old lady?

Sharon: Get out.

[The next scene opens in the layaway area. Adam, Mick, Claire, Doug, Donovan, Ashley, Spider & Jared are all standing there. Bob walks in]

Bob: Hello, valued associates! I'm your store manager, Bob Renaldo. I don't exactly have a lot of time... but I want to tell you this. This is the greatest place to work on earth. And if you ever need ANYTHING... I'm your guy.

[Bob smiles, and the new employees smile back]

Bob: Nice seeing you all. Take a good look around. Because for the next few months... this will be your family.

[The members of the group are shown looking at each other, except Mick, who just looks at the floor. Doug and Claire lock eyes for a bit. Doug smiles at her, prompting her to shyly smile back.]

Bob: I'd love to stay and chat, but I have a store to run. I'll turn it over to your superiors now. Remember... if you need ANYTHING... I'm in my office.

[Bob gives Adam a pat on the shoulder, before walking to the back.]

Adam: He seems nice.

Mick: He's satan.

Claire: Well, anyway. Nice to meet all of you. I'm Claire Klein. I work in the Lamp Department. But now I'm apparently supervising. Woo hoo! But I hope you all don't see me as your boss... but more as a peer, and as a friend. You can talk to me about anything.

[Adam smiles at this, and appears to be infatuated with her]

Ashley: Translation... she has no life... and is desperate for friends.

Claire: I will ignore that, and keep on truckin'! But since big mouth is so anxious to take the stage... it's your turn.

Ashley: I'm Ashley... I'll repeat what Claire said... but chances are, I'll only listen to you if you're cute. So that rules all of you out. Except you...

[Ashley winks at Doug]

Ashley: Cart-pusher, you got anything to say?

[Mick is laying against the wall very apathetically, and raises a middle finger]

Jared: For the last time... No profanity!

Mick: Wait, actually... I got something to say.

[Mick stands up, and dusts his shirt off, before standing in front of everyone]

Mick: From what's been said, I'm sure you can gather this... Claire is easy to get along with, and Ashley is just easy. But me... well, I am the opposite. Don't come to me to talk about anything that's not work-related. In fact... nothing work-related either. You have 3 others you can report to. Just don't bother me... and I Won't bother you.

Inner-Voice: What a guy.

Mick: Oh, and another thing. I love how you were trying to be all condescending with the whole 'cart-pusher' thing, Ashley. But let me drop a bit of knowledge on you rookie punks. Cart-pusher may not be a glamorous job... but we're the hardest workers in this building.

Jared: You're outside of the building.

Mick: ... And we are not the bottom of the totem pole. In fact... we're the foundation of this place.

Doug: The bottom of the totem pole is the foundation...

[Claire laughs at this... Adam looks up jealously, as others laugh too.]

Mick: Excuse me? Who the hell are you?

Doug: Doug Benson... Penn State.

Mick: Well, I'll be. Because of your mouth... for the next few months, you'll be Doug Benson... Mick's personal bitch. Anyone else wanna be the funny guy?

[Mick looks around, as there is an awkward silence]

Inner-Voice: Looking back... I should've done things differently. But I wanted badly to impress Claire.

Adam: Funny guy? You're the one in the bright neon green vest.

[The background music changes to a more aggressive tone, as Mick gets right into Adam's face]

Mick: Doug... it's your lucky day. Because I'm releasing you in change for this one. The new bitch around here.

Adam: I---

Mick: -- I'd recommend you don't open your mouth around me ever again. You're only digging it deeper.

[Mick adjusts his vest, and walks off]

Claire: Don't let him intimidate you. He'll forget this by the end of the day.

Adam: Really?

Claire: Totally!

[As Adam turns around, her eyes widen, and she shakes her head "No"]

Claire: But hey... I got your back.

[Adam smiles]

Adam: Maybe I should go talk to him?

Ashley: *laughs* Yeah... that's a good idea.

[Adam walks off]

Doug: Yikes.

Claire: That was hilarious. Newcomers need to stand up to him more often.

Doug: Guy just seems like a tool.

Claire: He's actually a good guy deep down. Very, Very... VERY deep down.

Doug: I just get a bully vibe from him.

Claire: Well, only if you let him be. Good work though.

Doug: Why, thank you.

Ashley: Well, the two of you are boring... so I'm going to talk to Carmen.

[Ashley walks off]

Claire: Carmen's a very lonely and depressing security guard. Those breasts you see her flashing... she uses those to get him to do her bidding. Sweet girl. Loads of potential.

Doug: Wow.

[The scene shifts up to the front area, where Helen is greeting customers. Behind her is a small room where the carts are stocked, with a sliding garage door leading to the outside. Mick is there, pushing carts through the doorway, while Carmen stands beside him. Ashley walks up to them]

Ashley: Heeey Carmen. You look nice today.

[Carmen blushes]

Carmen: Thanks, Ashley... you look beautiful as always.

[Ashley does a flirty laugh]

Ashley: Thank you! Say, baby... can I use your car for my lunchbreak?

[Carmen instantly grabs his keys in and drops them on the floor. He quickly picks them up, trying to play it off, and hands it to her. Mick is watching this, and shaking his head]

Ashley: Aww, you're the best!

[She blows him a kiss, and walks off. Carmen catches the imaginary kiss with his hand, and puts it in his pocket]

Mick: You are SOOOOO gay.

Carmen: What?

Mick: I can't believe you let that skank manipulate you.

Carmen: Do NOT talk about my future wife like that.

Mick: You're like 20 years older than her.

Carmen: So? Ever heard of Woody Allen?

Mick: Ok... good luck adopting Ashley.

[Just then, Adam walks into their area]

Adam: I've been looking for you.

Mick: *sigh* You don't listen to warnings, do you?

Adam: Just hear me out.

Mick: You got 30 seconds.

Adam: I was just trying to impress Claire. Prince Charming was back there, winning her over...

Mick: Doug? Yeah, I hate that guy.

Adam: She's the prettiest girl I've ever seen. And when I looked into her eyes, all I could hear was Coldplay.

Carmen: Awwwww....

Mick: Coldplay sucks... but I'm a sucker for romantics... so I'll cut you some slack.

Adam: Thank you.

Mick: No problem. Just don't try looking like a big shot in front of the bunnies back there. I gotta keep em' scared.

Adam: Ok. So what do you know about Claire?

Mick: Well, she's a nice girl. A complete door mat for upper-management though. No spine. And she's a grown woman that carries a backpack. Not sure how that's suppose to help you, but I figured maybe you'd laugh at it like I do.

Adam: Uhh, ok. Well, I gotta get back... it's almost lunch.

Mick: All right. Just know one thing before you go.

Adam: What's that?

Mick: Don't poke the bear.

Adam: Poke the bear?

Mick: Watch this.

[Mick looks at Helen]

Mick: Hey, Helen... can you come here?

Helen: Shut the hell up, hippie.

Mick: That's a bear that has been poked too many times. Don't make me like that.

Adam: Ok.

Mick: Now get the hell outta here, rookie... I'm workin.

[Adam walks off, and Mick finishes pushing carts in]

Mick: Speaking of poked too many times...

Carmen: If you say one more bad thing about Ashley, we're no longer friends.

[Mick looks amused with himself, as the scene once again shifts. Claire and Doug are shown laughing and talking. Adam walks up and sees this, and walks to the back, sulking. The sad Charlie Brown music plays.]

[The next scene is back in the Personnel office. Adam is sitting behind a computer, next to Donovan]

Adam: This place sucks.

Donovan: Why's that, my man?

Adam: I think I've fallen for Claire.

Donovan: Why's that suck?

Adam: Because Penn State over there is makin' her swoon. I don't stand a chance.

Donovan: Why do you think he's better than you?

Adam: He's good looking... Charming... Goes to college... I play Guitar Hero all day and my only friend is my mom.

Donovan: I'll be your friend.

Adam: *smiles* Awesome. Hey! Wanna spend hte night at my house?

Donovan: Umm, No.

Adam: Right. Too soon for that. I'll tell mom to keep Candyland and Smore night for two.

[Donovan raises an eyebrow]

Donovan: Anyway... you just need some confidence. That's the only thing Doug's got that you don't got.

Adam: I'll try.

Doug: What are you guys talkin about?

Donovan: Bitches.

Adam: Candyland.

Spider: Groovy. I love bitches n candy.

[They turn their attentions to the screen, and the video is faintly talking about racial stereotyping and jokes not being welcome in the workplace.]

Adam: Why's the computer get away with it then?

Spider: Because... the computer's HILARIOUS.

[Flashes to Spider sitting at the application machine]

Computer: What do you call an asian that flies a plane?

Spider: I DUNNO!?

Computer: A Pirot. (Pronounced "Pirate")

[Camera flashes back to them all laughing]

Adam: *laughs* Man, pirates are awesome.

Donovan: I got one. What do you call a black man that flies a plane?

[There's an awkward silence, as everyone is scared to guess]

Spider: I DUNNO!?

Donovan: A pilot... you RACIST.

[Everybody starts cracking up again, and suddenly Sue bursts into the room, holding a butcher knife.]

Sue: Hey, I found this in the deli. Anyone wanna touch it?

[Everyone stares wide-eyed.]

Sue: I didn't think so. SHUT YOUR MOUTHS.

[Sue walks back out]

Spider: This job rules.

[They start laughing and talking again]

Doug: How about those interviews?

Donovan: *laughs* Yeah... what Friends character are YOU?

Spider: *laughs* I said Kramer.

[The laughs slowly fade, as they all look at him weird. Bob & Sharon then walk into the room]

Bob: Times up, troops! Go hit those time clocks!

[Everyone walks over to the time clock, and slides their badge through.]

Bob: Have a nice day, everyone! See you on Monday.

[They all say bye, and walk off]

Sharon: I love how you make all the newcomers think you're Mr. Rogers. I love it when they turn on you even more though.

Bob: Frankly, Ms. Boston.... I don't give a damn.

[The camera shows Adam leaving, as he and Donovan have their phones out]

Donovan: All right, my man. Call me, sometime.

Adam: Will do. See ya, bro.

[They both walk out of the front door. On the way, Adam sees Doug giving Claire a hug. His face instantly changes to depression, as he sulks through the parking lot, with the Charlie Brown theme going once again. A woman in a wheelchair yells for him a few times]

Woman: Excuse me... Sir? SIR!

[Adam turns around]

Woman: do you work here?

Adam: Unfortunately...

Woman: Could you please wheel me into the store?

Adam: Umm, sure.

[Adam pushes her wheelchair into the building, and the woman transfers to an electric cart.]

Woman: Thank you so very much. You're a saint.

Adam: Just doing my job, maam.

Woman: Well, God bless you!

[She drives off, as Adam hears the Art Wickem theme music in his head.]

Bob: And doing your job off the clock, I see.

[Adam turns around, and sees Bob there with his arms crossed... which causes him to jump]

Bob: You know the rules.

Adam: Well, sir... She was handicapped.

Bob: I don't care if she was on her death bed. Rules are rules.

[Bob looks over, as Mick does a Nazi salute to him. He then walks over.]

Mick: Bob, she was handicapped. Give the kid a break.

Bob: Rules are made to restore some order, so people don't run around brainless like you.

Mick: I told him to do it, to be honest.

Bob: You... what?

[Bob and Adam both look at Mick with surprise]

Mick: I told him to. She was a handicapped woman, that needed help, and my hands were tied. Sew me.

Bob: Why? Why must you be like this?

Mick: Because, Bob. I never wanted this lame remodel gig, and I told you that. You threw me there anyway... expect rebellion.

Bob: Well, it's not going to save you anything. Because you're doing it anyway. And because of this stunt... you've earned yourself a saturday evening shift.

[Bob looks at Adam]

Bob: Do yourself a favor. Fall in with the right crowd. Don't follow this futureless scum. He's bottom of the totem pole, and will never amount to anything.

[Mick gives Bob an extremely dirty look]

Bob: See you on Monday, Adam. And I'll see YOU, tomorrow.

[Bob walks off]

Adam: Wow, man... thank you---

Mick: Just leave it. See the way Bob Renaldo handles things? Did I not say he was satan?

Adam: I see it, man.

Mick: But I can't watch your back forever. You gotta have brass balls around here. See you on Monday, rookie.

[Mick takes his glove, and throws it down on the ground, before storming off to the back.]

Inner-Voice: It's amazing how much can change in the course of 9 hours. I guess the first impressions aren't really the most important aspect to judge a person by. But at least I can say this... by the end of the day... things got a little better.

[As Adam is leaving, Claire is walking out as well]

Claire: Have a nice weekend, Adam.

[She smiles and waves at him, as she walks off. Adam smiles, waves, and blushes.]

Inner-Voice: Ok... a LOT better.

[Adam walks off, with a smile on his face, as the show theme plays, and the end credits roll]