ALONE TOGETHER

Written by

Benji Aflalo

Esther Povitsky

Eben Russell
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 1.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16

TEASER

EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - MORNING

BENJI, pathetic but confident, drives up to the curb of an

apartment building. ESTHER, cute but gross, exits the
building and gets into his car. Her window is down.

BENJI
Saved you from a walk of shame.

ESTHER
The walk of shame is an anti-
feminist construct. By having you
drive me home, I’m making a
political statement.

BENJI
You’re not a feminist. I think you
just don’t like walks.

ESTHER
If you walk home after sex, is it
shameful? No, just extremely rare.

BENJI
Can you talk toward the window,
please? Your breath is terrible.

ESTHER
Didn’t stop me from having sex last
night with a guy who’s basically
Ryan Gosling.

A troll-like BRO-GUY leans out of a window holding a bag.

BRO-GUY
Esther! You forgot your leftovers!

ESTHER
It’s just a side salad. Not worth
it. Text me!

BENJI
Ryan Gosling really let himself go.

ESTHER
He’s my Ryan Gosling. Chubby, hairy
guys make me feel like Rachel
McAdams.

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 2.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

BENJI
(driving away)
You gotta fix your breath. Like if
an old lady died, and then a possum
moved into that dead lady’s mouth,
that’s what your breath is like.

ESTHER
Fine, I want to try that alfalfa-
mint cleanse at the place on Third.

BENJI
I know a way you can cleanse your
body. Try brushing your teeth and
not putting pesto on everything.

ESTHER
Unless you have a practical
solution, leave me alone.

INT. JUICE STORE - LATER

Benji and Esther are in line with LA types: man buns, yoga
pants, etc. Basically, Runyon Canyon is in line with them.

ESTHER
See anyone from high school who
doesn’t remember you?

BENJI
You mean like the guy behind us? He
mooned my Shakespeare festival
troupe every day like clockwork.

As Esther approaches the counter, she sees the gorgeous woman

in front of her buy a bag of spirulina crisps from a display
next to the register. Esther turns to a hot BARISTA.

ESTHER
I’ll try the alfalfa-mint detox,
please. Also, what are those chips?

BARISTA
They’re spirulina crisps.

ESTHER
Is that what hot girls eat? Will I
glow?

BARISTA
Anyone can eat whatever they want.

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 3.
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CONTINUED:

ESTHER
(leaning into Benji)
Hot girls have secrets they don’t
tell anyone.
(then, to barista)
I’ll take these, too.

Esther grabs six bags of crisps and hands the barista cash.
The barista directs a BARBACK to grab Esther’s juice.

BENJI
Can I borrow twenty dollars?

ESTHER
What? Your family is so rich. How
are you so poor?

BENJI
My parents think if you give your
kids too much money they’ll just
spend it on cocaine and psychics.
I’ll get you back.

ESTHER
How are you gonna get me back? You
get paid in gift cards to manage
your parents’ apartments.

BENJI
I’ve been skimming quarters from
the vending machines. The cash is
yours after I Coinstar, homey.

Esther rolls her eyes and hands him a twenty. The barback
gives Esther her juice as Benji steps up to the barista.

BENJI (CONT’D)
One vitality shot, please.

BARISTA
Twelve dollars.

BENJI
(handing over the twenty)
Keep it. I like your nose ring.
Most noses can’t make them work.

ESTHER
(to Benji, sotto)
Stop. You know you can’t talk to an
LA nine without embarrassing
yourself and ruining everything.

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 4.
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CONTINUED:

BENJI
(ignoring)
But you’re making it work. And I
have a nose for noses that can
handle nose rings. You got one.

Benji smiles weakly. Esther reacts, sad for him.

BARISTA
Just in case this is leading up to
you asking me out, I’m a lesbian.

BENJI
I date lesbians. I went to a
liberal arts college.

BARBACK
(to the barista)
You’re a lesbian?

BARISTA
I am to guys under five-ten.

BENJI
Sooo funny. I hope you get E-coli
from your lettuce juice.

Benji heads for the exit. Esther is not having it.

ESTHER
You know, shaming a guy because
he’s short is like shaming a woman
because she’s overweight.

BARISTA
Yeah. We do that here, too.

ESTHER
Well, it’s wrong!

Esther sees Benji exit. She turns to the barista, hopeful.

ESTHER (CONT’D)
Any chance you guys are hiring?

The barista’s icy glare means “no.” Esther gets strident

again as she exits.

ESTHER (CONT’D)
It’s just wrong!

END OF TEASER
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 5.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16

ACT ONE

INT. HOLLYWOOD HILLS HOUSE - LATER

Benji and Esther enter a gorgeous Hollywood Hills house.

ESTHER
Is your brother home?

BENJI
I never have any idea where he is.

ESTHER
Your family is so weird.

BENJI
You wear your dad’s old boxers.

ESTHER
They’re vintage, who cares. All the
greats have daddy issues. Mine is
that I’m a constant disappointment
because I’m a grown adult and don’t
have a real job.

BENJI
Well, I don't have a real job. And
I'm a guy so it's worse. Women can
sniff out that I'm not a provider.
You're fine.

ESTHER
I’m not fine. Unlike you, my life
has consequences. If my car breaks
down I can’t just borrow one from
my dad’s collection.

BENJI
Like he’d ever trust me with one of
his vintage convertibles. Besides,
they’re all stick shift.

ESTHER
(sarcastic)
Ohhh, so you do see where I’m
coming from. If I don’t have a job
to pay down my student loans by the
end of the year, my dad says I have
to move back to Illinois and work
at my uncle's cork board factory.

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 6.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

BENJI
Yeah, I can’t relate to that at
all. But I DVR’d a “Daria”
marathon.

ESTHER
Cool, what season?

Benji grabs the remote, but the TV won’t work.

BENJI
Is this broken?

DEAN, Benji’s rich, handsome older brother, enters with his

gorgeous model girlfriend, TARA.

DEAN
I put the parental lock on so all
my stuff wouldn’t get deleted by
your dumb cartoons.

TARA
(to Dean)
This is your brother?

DEAN
Yeah, and his squatter friend.

ESTHER
I just crash here sometimes.

DEAN
Then explain the jelly bean clog in
my bathtub.

ESTHER
That was an accident. I’m sorry. I
know for a fact they’ll dissolve.

TARA
(sad, to Esther)
Are you homeless?

ESTHER
No, I Airbnb my place for side
cash.

BENJI
There’s an oxycontin addict renting
out her living room.

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 7.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

ESTHER
You don’t know that. He’s sleepy.

TARA
Oh my god, you guys are so cute!
How long have you been dating?

ESTHER
Just because we’re both small and
undesirable doesn’t mean we should
date.

BENJI
Everyone just assumes it since we
always sit on the same side of the
booth at restaurants.

ESTHER
It’s easier to share food that way.

DEAN
I’ll give you each five hundred
dollars to go have sex right now.

ESTHER
I’d rather let an entire Greyhound
bus spit in my mouth than have sex
with Benji.

BENJI
Yeah, not everything is about sex.
You’re gonna get the Zika virus
with that attitude.

DEAN
(to Benji)
Well then you need to get a real
girlfriend, instead of whatever
Esther is. You should come to
Alia’s pool party later. You both
look like feta.

ESTHER
(perking up)
I usually avoid the sun. I want
good skin when I’m old. But yeah,
I’ll be there.

TARA
You’re like twelve. Why are you
worried about aging?

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 8.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

DEAN
Actually, they’re both pushing
thirty.

BENJI
I look young because I spend most
of my time alone and don’t have to
make a lot of facial expressions.

No one gets this.

DEAN
Oh, and they’re comedians.

TARA
Oh yeah, comedians dress weird.

ESTHER
Thank you.

There’s a noise of a truck outside the house.

DEAN
My racing fuel is here! I’ve been
driving around with 91 octane like
a freakin’ normy.

Dean and Tara exit. Esther turns to Benji, excited.

ESTHER
This is perfect. I heard Alia’s
hiring a new assistant. I’m gonna
get a job at the coolest fashion
company in LA. And the best part is
I earned it, by being at the right
party.

BENJI
Every girl wants to work for my
sister. What makes you think you’re
qualified?

ESTHER
It’s a fashion assistant job. All
you need is a charged laptop and a
fake personality.
(fake personality)
And I can, like, totally already
pull that off from, like, my level
four improv classes.

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 9.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

BENJI
Terrifying.

EXT. HOLLYWOOD HILLS HOUSE - POOL AREA - LATER

The party is in full swing. Hot people are everywhere. Benji

hangs off to the side. Esther approaches him in a long coat.

BENJI
A Syrian refugee could dress more
appropriately for a pool party.

ESTHER
It’s the most fashionable thing I
own. You’re one to talk. You’re
wearing basketball shorts.

Esther sees ALIA holding court with her SQUAD: CLARA,

SCARLETT and VIVIAN.

ESTHER (CONT’D)
There she is. Complimenting her
swimsuit is my icebreaker. Then, I
move onto social media talking
points.

BENJI
Esther, when I was little there was
a kid who wore a jacket at pool
parties. We all made fun of that
kid.

Esther nods and takes off her coat. She has gray cotton
undergarments and dad boxers on under it. She walks over and
looks for a place to wedge herself into Alia’s posse.

CLARA
Something smells like cheese and
onions.

Esther pushes her way in. Benji lags behind, intimidated by

the ladies.

ALIA
Hi Sarah!

ESTHER
(fake personality)
Hey everyone! This party is like
everything. I can’t.
(MORE)

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 10.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:
ESTHER (CONT'D)
(to Alia, normal)
By the way, it’s Esther.

ALIA
Is that a sports bra?

ESTHER
(fake personality)
To some. I am living for your
bikini right now. That pattern is
so OG.

ALIA
Thanks. Why do you guys look like
Russian exchange students?

Benji looks at Vivian and tries to be “charming.”

BENJI
(bad Russian accent)
Halo. I need to borrow graphing
calculator.

VIVIAN
(to Esther)
You’re adorable. I love your hair.

ESTHER
Oh my god thanks! I, like, don’t
wash it ‘cause of an article I read
on Instagram.

BENJI
Esther’s way of being cute is
making it look like she doesn’t
care.
(to Esther)
You’re lazy chic.

ESTHER
(can’t help herself)
No, you’re lazy. You gave back your
rescue dog Schnitzel because you
didn’t want to walk it.

BENJI
I’m sorry you don’t get to french
kiss him anymore.

ESTHER
A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a
person’s!

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 11.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

ALIA
Ew, gross.

ESTHER
Don’t listen to him. He lives off
Visa gift cards from your parents.

Benji sees the hot girl scoffing. Searching, he blurts out:

BENJI
Esther has a permanent fat wrinkle
on her stomach. We call it her
equator.

Esther shoots him a look, “shut up!” Clara holds up her

phone.

CLARA
No way. Look who ripped us off.

The ladies all look at the phone, squeezing out Esther.

Pissed, she drags Benji aside out of Alia’s earshot.

ESTHER
What the hell are you doing?

BENJI
I don’t know. I was just trying to
be funny. You know what LA nines do
to me.

ESTHER
God, you’re like Chris Farley with
a little coat. I’ve gotta do this
solo. C’mon, I’m gonna do what I
should’ve done a long time ago.

BENJI
Exfoliate your upper lip?

Esther self-consciously covers her upper lip.

ESTHER
No. Use my hot girl game to help
you. Let’s go, my little runt.

Esther scans the women. She sees CHARLOTTE, a pretty redhead

with a fancy handbag and a vape pen, talking to another
GUEST. Esther smiles and drags Benji over. As they go:

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 12.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

ESTHER (CONT’D)
She’s pretty, but trashy enough to
put up with a guy in basketball
shorts.

CHARLOTTE
(to guest)
...Miss Chanel is way better than
going through a middle man --

ESTHER
(to Charlotte)
Hi! Sorry to interrupt. I’m Esther,
and he’s Benji. This is his house.

CHARLOTTE
Really? That’s so cool. I’m
Charlotte.

BENJI
Hey.

ESTHER
That’s a great bag.

CHARLOTTE
Thanks, it was a work gift.

ESTHER
Whoa. What do you do?

CHARLOTTE
I’m a nanny.

ESTHER
Lucky. When I nannied all I got
from the parents were maternity
clothes. They fit me great.

CHARLOTTE
You live here alone, Benji?

BENJI
(looking at Esther)
Kinda. I sometimes open the place
up to the poor and pathetic.

CHARLOTTE
Aw, that’s really kind of you.

ESTHER
Take her on a tour, stupid!

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 13.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

CHARLOTTE
Yeah, stupid!

Charlotte leads Benji inside. Esther turns back toward Alia.

She grabs a some fried shrimp skewers from a caterer and
heads back. The circle is closed, but Esther listens in.

CLARA
No offense, Alia, but I can’t eat
any of the food here.

VIVIAN
So unhealthy.

Esther quickly ditches the shrimp in the pool skimmer.

ALIA
I know. I wanted to get fun pool
party food and didn’t even think
about how I wouldn’t eat any of it.

Light bulb going off, Esther exits on a mission.

INT. HOLLYWOOD HILLS HOUSE - BENJI’S ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Benji shows Charlotte his sad, sparse room. He points to a

framed baseball card -- the only thing hanging on the wall.

BENJI
That’s my Nolan Ryan rookie card.
You like baseball?

CHARLOTTE
I like Laker floor seats.
(then, losing interest)
So who were those ladies I saw you
hanging with before we met?

BENJI
Oh, that was my sister. She started
a fashion company called
Vindication and --

CHARLOTTE
Your sister is Vindication?! Tell
me more about your family.

BENJI
Okay.

Benji opens a door revealing a closet full of toilet paper.

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 14.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

BENJI (CONT’D)
I go to Costco once a week with my
grandma.

CHARLOTTE
(suggestive)
So when do I get to see your room?

BENJI
My room. Right. I just keep all my
clothes and stuff here. This way.

Benji leads Charlotte out of his room.

CHARLOTTE
And on the way, introduce me to
your sister. She’s like my Nolan
Ryan.

EXT. HOLLYWOOD HILLS HOUSE - POOL AREA - LATER

Esther bee-lines for Alia and her posse carrying all of her
spirulina crisp bags, which cover up her midsection.

ESTHER
(fake personality)
Crazy question, do you guys like
spirulina chips?

ALIA
Edna, you’re a life saver!

ESTHER
(fake personality)
Straight up, I never leave my house
without them. P.S. love your
bikini. That pattern? Hate you
forever!
(normal)
And my name is Esther.

ALIA
You know, you’re the second person
here to compliment my bikini.
(looking around)
It was someone... not sure who.

ESTHER
(fake personality)
Oh my god, weird. I bet she was
just so chill she’s forgettable.

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 15.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

Alia laughs. Esther beams.

ESTHER (CONT’D)
(fake personality)
Wait, so like I heard you were
hiring --

BENJI (O.S.)
Alia!

The group turns to see Benji and Charlotte approaching.

BENJI (CONT’D)
Meet my friend, Charlotte. She
wants an autograph.

CHARLOTTE
You’re embarrassing.
(to Alia)
It’s so cool to meet you. Love.
Your. Top.

ALIA
Thanks! I’m dying to talk bikinis
with someone. Yours is just.

CHARLOTTE
You know who else loved it? Don
Karan, that’s Donna Karan’s son. I
was just on their yacht.

Charlotte moves in between Esther and Alia to continue

talking. Esther turns to Benji.

ESTHER
You had to bring her back here?

BENJI
What am I going to do? Deny a fan?

Esther rolls her eyes and turns back to Alia, but finds that
she’s now mid-conversation with Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE
I’m nannying now, but I’ve been
looking to get into fashion.

ALIA
Really? You must come work for me.
I need a new assistant.

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 16.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

CHARLOTTE
Okay! Awesome!

Esther looks on helplessly. Clara turns to her.

CLARA
You’re the chip girl, right?

Clara reaches into an open bag and takes a few out.

CLARA (CONT’D)
That’s plenty for today.

Scarlett hands Esther her drink glass.

VIVIAN
Can we have some more cups?

Esther, looking like a caterer, shoots daggers at Benji.

ESTHER
I can’t believe this is happening.

BENJI
I know. This could be my first
girlfriend since sixth grade.

Esther stews as Benji basks, on cloud nine.

END OF ACT ONE

ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 17.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16

ACT TWO

INT. COMEDY STORE BAR - THE NEXT DAY

Esther signs a clipboard on a table: “OPEN MIC SIGN UP.” She

then crosses to the bar and sits next to Benji. Their hefty,
lovable loser friend JEFF sits a few seats down.

ESTHER
(to Benji)
Aren’t you going up tonight?

BENJI
Nah, I’m taking Charlotte to
Mastro’s. I’m wearing my prom
shirt.

ESTHER
I want to go to Mastro’s.

BENJI
Then save up and go.

ESTHER
You don’t even pay! They have your
grandma’s credit card number.
Someday I want to try filet
medallions!
(then)
Ugh, Charlotte. First my dream job,
then my dream entree.

BENJI
You’re still mad about the job? Why
don’t you try to find something
more in your wheelhouse? Have you
thought about being a notary?

ESTHER
Something doesn’t add up about that
girl. All her clothes are designer
but she vapes. That’s unheard of.

BENJI
Not in Orlando.

ESTHER
That Miss Chanel she nannies for
must be crazy rich if they give her
Celine purses.
(MORE)

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 18.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:
ESTHER (CONT'D)
I’ve been nannying for two years
and my purse is a Trader Joe’s tote
bag.

Jeff perks up and heads over as Benji gets up from his seat.

BENJI
Hey Jeff, what’s up?

JEFF
Everything’s great!

BENJI
Really?

JEFF
Well, my dad is sleeping with his
dog groomer, so my mom calls me
everyday crying.
(to Benji)
Where you headed?

ESTHER
Benji has a date with a girl who
only likes him ‘cause he lives in a
cool house.

BENJI
I only like me because I live in a
cool house. Why would I judge her?

Benji leaves and Jeff takes a seat next to Esther.

JEFF
Did I hear you talking about Miss
Chanel?

ESTHER
Yeah, the girl who stole my perfect
life works for her.

JEFF
Miss Chanel isn’t a person. It’s an
escort website.

ESTHER
(eyes going wide)
What?! I knew she was trash! I come
from trash, and I can sniff it out.

Esther pulls up the Miss Chanel site on her phone.

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 19.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

ESTHER (CONT’D)
Oh no, Benji thinks she likes him.
And it’s my fault for introducing
them. I need proof. How do I find
her profile?

JEFF
Only subscribers can see them.

ESTHER
I don’t have that kind of money. I
just spent it all on crisps.

JEFF
Well, if you make yourself a
profile, you can connect with the
other ladies and see them that way.

ESTHER
You can?

JEFF
Yeah, it’s a safety precaution, so
the women can get info on clients
and make sure they won’t end up
stuffed into a mattress.

ESTHER
Smart. I love the sharing economy.

Esther begins typing away on her phone.

JEFF
So you’re making a profile?

ESTHER
What choice do I have? If I don't,
I put Benji and my favorite
clothing company in danger. It’s up
to me to save our friend from a
criminal.

JEFF
You’re just trying to get that girl
fired to get your dream job back.

ESTHER
The whole point of doing good
things is that good things come
back to you.

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 20.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

JEFF
But what if dudes start messaging
you?

ESTHER
Oh I know how to keep the pervs
away. I’ll just mention how much I
love bread bowls.

INT. HOLLYWOOD HILLS HOUSE - LATER

Benji enters. Esther is waiting for him, holding a laptop.

ESTHER
She’s an escort.

BENJI
What?

Esther spins the laptop toward Benji. REVEAL: a profile pic

of a redhead with her face blurred out holding a fancy bag.

ESTHER
Charlotte’s not a nanny, she’s an
escort!

BENJI
(off laptop)
The face is blurred out. That could
be anybody.

ESTHER
Really? Same hair, same height,
same fancy handbag.

BENJI
Oh no, same Ohio State tattoo.

ESTHER
Now I know you’re, without
competition, the most desperate guy
in LA, but you have to end it.

As Benji stares at the photo, Esther’s phone buzzes with a

message. She looks at it. There’s a text from MISS CHANEL:

“I saw your profile. I like Midwestern girls. Can I take you

to dinner for $250? -W”

ANGLE ON her phone as she hits send:

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 21.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

“New phone. Who dis?”

BENJI
I’m not ending it. She smells like
tangerines.

ESTHER
It’s apricot. Benji, this is
dangerous. You’re just not the type
of person who can roll with shady
people. What if a pimp shows up
here and wants money?

BENJI
That’s crazy.

ESTHER
Is it? Do you even know what a
shank is? It’s street talk for
knife.

BENJI
I’ll be honest. Now that I know
she’s dangerous, I’m into her even
more. It’s like dating Catwoman.

ESTHER
I can’t support this decision. It’s
unsafe and irresponsible.

Esther sees a new text:

“Mastro’s at 6? You can wear sweats. -W”

As she talks, she types.

ESTHER (CONT’D)
And I don’t want an escort around
here. She’ll use the laundry
machine, our underwear will touch,
and I’ll get HPV.

BENJI
Everyone has HPV.

ESTHER
I don’t! I’m the last person
without it. It’s a selling point,
and you know I don’t have many of
those.

She hits send on a response:

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 22.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

“Listening...”

BENJI
I’m not breaking up with Charlotte.
She’s hot, she smells good, and
rumors are spreading in my family
that I’m not gay.
(pointing to the door)
If you have a problem with that,
you can go back to your Airbnb
crack house.

ESTHER
I’ll tell your mom you steal change
out of their vending machines.

BENJI
(cornered)
I hate you!

ESTHER
(satisfied)
Don’t play manipulation games with
a female only child. You’ll lose.
Every. Time.

Benji and Esther stand firm, neither budging. Then:

ESTHER (CONT’D)
And I’m telling Alia. I don’t want
my favorite brand getting ruined.

BENJI
No, you can’t tell Alia. Charlotte
will definitely get fired and break
up with me.
(off Esther’s smug look)
Just give me one more day with her.
You get to make out with guys all
the time. I haven’t done under the
pants stuff with a girl since my
ska band broke up.

ESTHER
Okay. I saw on Alia’s Insta that
she’s at Joaquin Phoenix’s house
tonight, and I don’t want to ruin
that for her ‘cause I’m a good
person!

BENJI
Thank you.

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 23.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

ESTHER
But I think what you’re doing is
disgusting!

BENJI
Yeah, that’s fine.

Benji exits to his room. Esther sees a new text on her phone:

“Dessert’s included! -W”

Excited, Esther types into her phone:

“See U tmrw @Mastro’s! Yelp says we might see Larry King!”

INT. MASTRO’S - THE NEXT NIGHT

Esther, dressed in sweats, sits across from WARREN, an odd,

earnest older man. A WAITER gives Warren a bowl of soup and
Esther a plate of filet medallions and a plate of sides: mac
and cheese and truffle fries.

ESTHER
Is this too much food? I think I
over-ordered.

WARREN
No no, you’re a growing girl. Eat.

ESTHER
Thanks. I’ve just been frustrated
lately. My friend won’t listen to
me and it’s costing me a shot at a
real job, so a free dinner is nice.

WARREN
You do stand-up. That’s a real job.

ESTHER
Not to my dad. He says I’m failing
‘cause by my age Amy Winehouse was
already famous and dead.

WARREN
Nonsense. You’re surviving in LA.
Most people like you end up back in
the Midwest within a few months.

ESTHER
I’m really not doing well. I’m a
loser. I own one towel.

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 24.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

WARREN
Well, we could go to Bed Bath &
Beyond after this. Unless you think
that’d be weird.

ESTHER
Are you kidding? If I was back in
Illinois that’s exactly what me and
my dad would be doing. So no, none
of this is weird at all.

WARREN
Good, have some of my soup.

ESTHER
Yes please.

Warren reaches across to give Esther some soup.

EXT. HOLLYWOOD HILLS HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - LATER

Benji and Charlotte wait for an Uber in his driveway.

BENJI
I’m glad the job is working out.

CHARLOTTE
I love it. I’m getting tons of free
clothes. Although, I’m pretty used
to getting free clothes.

BENJI
Yeah, I have older siblings, too.

Warren drives up and Esther jumps out, holding a doggie bag

and a Bed Bath & Beyond.

WARREN
Thanks for a great evening, Esther.
I’ll PayPal you.

Warren drives off. BACK ON Esther, caught and embarrassed.

ESTHER
Hi guys!
(re: bag)
Sorry, melting gelato. Gotta run!

Esther abruptly heads in the house. Benji turns to Charlotte.

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 25.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

BENJI
That was weird. Who was that guy?

CHARLOTTE
Some creep. He used to go out with
one of my work friends.

Benji is struck with a realization. The Uber pulls up and

Charlotte gets in and Benji bolts back inside to find Esther.

INT. HOLLYWOOD HILLS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Benji enters and finds Esther on the couch, eating dinner

rolls out of her doggie bag. He grabs one from her.

BENJI
“Melting gelato.” When do you not
finish your dessert? You’re such a
hypocrite!

ESTHER
What are you talking about?

BENJI
You were acting all worried about
me for dating Charlotte, but what’s
more dangerous than you being an
actual escort?

ESTHER
I’m not. We ate mac and cheese. He
got me a shower caddy. That’s it.

BENJI
You should be ashamed! Ruining your
family name for free bathroom
essentials.

ESTHER
Don’t you dare judge me! I only got
into this to protect you. But you
wouldn’t listen to me, so now why
should I listen to you?

BENJI
I hope you figure that out when
that guy kidnaps you and locks you
in a basement forever.

ESTHER
Whatever. Free rent.

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 26.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

BENJI
You could literally get your head
cut off!

ESTHER
Warren’s not cutting anyone’s head
off! Not with his rheumatoid
arthritis.

BENJI
This is really bad and you know it!

ESTHER
Every pretty girl in LA gets free
dinners and owns a loofah. Why not
me?!

BENJI
They don’t all do it as escorts!

ESTHER
Stop calling me that! There’s no
sex involved.

BENJI
I’ve seen you eat mac and cheese.
It’s very sexual.

ESTHER
You don’t understand. I'm getting
exactly what I need in life, a job
to pay my loans and emotional
support from a male baby boomer.

BENJI
Fine, if that’s all you need, then
why are you here?

ESTHER
I don’t know. I’m leaving!

BENJI
And you better not saying anything
to Alia.

ESTHER
Too late. I already sent an
anonymous tip. Have a nice life!

Esther storms off as Benji goes to his room.

ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 27.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16

EXT. HOLLYWOOD HILLS HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - MOMENTS LATER

As Esther orders an Uber, she hears a coyote howl as it goes

through trash cans nearby. Terrified, she bolts back inside.

INT. HOLLYWOOD HILLS HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER

Esther opens the door to a guest bedroom. It’s trashed from

the party. Frustrated, she backs out.

INT. HOLLYWOOD HILLS HOUSE - BENJI’S ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Esther enters and sees Benji in his sleepwear in bed.

BENJI
What are you doing here?

ESTHER
Look, I hate you but there are
coyotes outside.

BENJI
Sleep in the guest room.

ESTHER
It’s all gross. People from the
party did drug and sex stuff on the
bed.

Esther forms a barrier of pillows down the middle of the bed

and flops down on the other side.

BENJI
You smell like a child’s P.E. shirt
got left in a Slim Jim factory.

ESTHER
And yet, I’m still the classiest
woman who’s ever been in this bed.

Still pissed at each other, they close their eyes.

END OF ACT TWO

ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 28.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16

ACT THREE

INT. HOLLYWOOD HILLS HOUSE - THE NEXT DAY

As Benji watches cartoons, Charlotte storms in, upset.

CHARLOTTE
Your sister fired me.

BENJI
(faking ignorance)
Really? Oh no. She can be mean. She
used to lock me in dark closets as
a kid and tell me my dead uncle was
gonna hug me.

CHARLOTTE
I’m so upset. Console me.

BENJI
(opening his arms)
Come lay with me.

CHARLOTTE
Lay with you? “Console me” means
buy me a present.

BENJI
Well, can you wait? I’m seeing my
parents in a couple days and I’ll
get a fresh round of gift cards.

CHARLOTTE
Oh. Maybe I should go home then.

BENJI
No! Stay!
(searching for it)
There’s so much leftover booze from
the party. We can make fun mixed
drinks or something.

Benji heads for the kitchen.

CHARLOTTE
Okay. Thanks for being so sweet.
Who likes you for you?

BENJI
You do?

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 29.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

CHARLOTTE
Duh.

BENJI
(psyched)
I knew it! What are you drinking?
Besides the Benji Kool-Aid.

CHARLOTTE
I’ll have a vodka red bull, and you
have a vodka vodka.

BENJI
Vodka vodka vodka! That’s a Fozzie
Bear joke.
(then)
I’ll just make our drinks.

EXT. BEACH - SAME TIME

Esther walks along the beach with Warren.

ESTHER
I feel like everyone in LA is so
much prettier than me. It’s
intimidating. I have to drive to
Van Nuys just to take a spin class.

Warren puts a fatherly hand on her shoulder.

WARREN
Come on, Esther. I will not let you
talk about yourself that way. You
are a beautiful young woman.

ESTHER
Really? And my cheekbones? You can
see them?

WARREN
Ray Charles can see your
cheekbones.

ESTHER
I don’t know him, but he sounds
nice. Thanks for making me feel
supported. I’ve missed that.

WARREN
I want you to never doubt yourself.
You promise?

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 30.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

ESTHER
I guess.

WARREN
Not good enough. I need you to
pinky swear.

Warren holds out his pinky for Esther.

ESTHER
Okay.

Esther puts her pinky around his. As she does, Warren leans
in close for a kiss. Esther pushes away.

ESTHER (CONT’D)
Oh my god, what are you doing?!

WARREN
What? Aren’t you feeling what I’m
feeling?

ESTHER
No! Gross!

Skeeved out, Esther runs away. As she goes,

WARREN
At least those towels were on sale.

INT. HOLLYWOOD HILLS HOUSE - BENJI’S ROOM - LATER

Esther rushes in and finds Benji lying on his bed.

ESTHER
Benji, wake up.

Esther notices that Benji hasn’t moved. She shakes him.

ESTHER (CONT’D)
Wake up!

Still pretty wasted, Benji slowly rouses and sits up.

BENJI
He-ey. Sorry, I’ve been drinking.

ESTHER
Well I’m really freaked out.

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 31.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

BENJI
Why?

ESTHER
The old guy I met online who paid
me to eat macaroni and wear pajama
pants turned out to be a total
creep.

BENJI
(sarcastically)
Really?

ESTHER
Ugh, god, we shared soup! I
should’ve listened to you.

BENJI
I accept your apology.

ESTHER
Um, when did I apologize?

BENJI
Look, you have to accept it. You’re
not a fashionista, you’re not an
escort, you’re an Esther.

Esther nods, resigned. Benji looks around.

BENJI (CONT’D)
Wait, where’s Charlotte? We’re
supposed to go to a farmer’s market
like all the tall couples do.

ESTHER
The house was empty when I got
here.

Benji notices something else missing.

BENJI
Oh no. My baseball card is missing.

ESTHER
(smug)
Oh, did Charlotte rob you?

BENJI
(sarcastic)
No couldn’t be. Of course she
robbed me.

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 32.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

ANGLE ON the wall. The spot where the card had been hanging
is now bare.

ESTHER
So I was right. You’re lucky all
she took was a baseball card.

BENJI
And you’re lucky you’re not tied up
in someone’s trunk.

ESTHER
Right. That’s true. Okay, we need
to make a deal. No more escort
stuff for either of us.

BENJI
Pinky swear?

ESTHER
(shuddering)
Ew. Just... you have my word.

INT. AFFORDABLE RESTAURANT - THE NEXT NIGHT

CHYRON: THE NEXT NIGHT

Benji sits alone in a booth Facetiming with Jeff.

BENJI
Thanks for telling me about the
site. I found someone who was cool
with being paid in gift cards.

JEFF (IN PHONE)

No prob. Don’t feel too guilty
about it. You’re on the rebound.

ANGLE ON the restaurant entrance, where Esther enters and

walks up to the MAITRE’D.

ESTHER
Hi, I’m Rose. I’m here to meet
Nolan.

The Maitre’d points Benji out to her just as Benji looks over
at her. They lock eyes, both caught and ashamed.
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 33.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16

INT. AFFORDABLE RESTAURANT - LATER

Our pair now sit next to each other in the booth.

BENJI
When you suggested Applebee’s, I
was like, finally an escort Esther
would approve of.

ESTHER
I still want those gift cards.

BENJI
That was Nolan’s agreement with
Rose.

ESTHER
I can be Rose.

BENJI
Well, I can be Nolan and Nolan’s
upset that Rose lied on her profile
and said she had an athletic frame.

ESTHER
My options were “skinny,”
“athletic,” or “BBW.” Tell me I
made the wrong choice.

BENJI
Are you done? Let’s go.

ESTHER
And abandon this sampler?

BENJI
You have abandonment issues, but
they only apply to not finishing
foods.

ESTHER
(re: self)
Midwest, thanks.

A long beat. Then:

BENJI
Well, if we’re going to be here a
while, I found this shady European
website that has all the episodes
of “Daria.”

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 34.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:

They slide closer together as Benji holds up his phone for

both of them to watch.

ESTHER
Are we going to die alone?

BENJI
Yeah, but I’ve accepted it.

ESTHER
Small talk with dying people is
uncomfortable anyways.

BENJI
When my grandfather was dying, out
of habit I said, “How’s life?” It
was really awkward.

As they continue bantering, the camera PULLS OUT...

INT. FASHION OFFICE - LATER

Clara talks with Alia by an assistant’s desk.

CLARA
I need someone to bring the samples
to the show room. Where’s that new
assistant you just hired?

ALIA
The hooker? I had to fire her.
(re: computer)
Check it out. There was an escort
website in her browser history.

Clara pokes around on the website.

CLARA
No way. How did you know?

ALIA
I got a really weird anonymous note
written on the back of a to-go
menu.

CLARA
Well are you going to replace her?

ALIA
My brother has been bugging me to
help out his sad friend Ethel.
(MORE)

(CONTINUED)
ALONE TOGETHER - PILOT 35.
Writer's Draft - 1st Revised 6/25/16
CONTINUED:
ALIA (CONT'D)
I think I’m gonna give her a
chance. We need a size medium for
diversity purposes.

CLARA
(laughing, re: site)
Wow. Some of these profiles are
hilarious. Look at this one.

Alia leans over to look.

ALIA
(off computer)
Oh my god. I’d know that equator
anywhere.

FADE OUT.

END OF EPISODE