High Fidelity Season 2 Episode 1: Late Night Longings
INT. CHAMPIONSHIP VINYL - NIGHT
Rob (after closing) is organizing records while listening to 'So Lonely' by The Police.
ROB (V.O.): So, here I am – 11 PM at Championship Vinyl. Because God forbid I have an actual life outside of this little shop. Lately, it seems all my nights are consumed with vinyl's imperfections instead of human ones.
PHONE RINGS.
Rob hesitates before answering.
ROB: Championship Vinyl, mildly stocked and not always the friendliest — what can I do for you?
CUT TO:
INT. UNKNOWN APARTMENT - NIGHT
We see the back of a woman's head as she's talking to Rob through the phone. Let's call her MYSTERY WOMAN.
MYSTERY WOMAN: (voice slightly altered) Hey, Rob. I'm looking for a specific album. I know it's late, but I just can't get the songs out of my head.
CUT TO:
INT. CHAMPIONSHIP VINYL - NIGHT
Rob seems intrigued but still playing it cool.
ROB: Well, you called the store that cares about your sleep — just tell me which album and why. No reasons, no records.
CUT BACK TO:
INT. UNKNOWN APARTMENT - NIGHT
Mystery Woman chuckles.
MYSTERY WOMAN: I knew there'd be a catch. Well, the album is 'Unknown Pleasures' by Joy Division - it takes me back to my college years. A wild and unforgettable time.
CUT BACK TO:
INT. CHAMPIONSHIP VINYL - NIGHT
A smile cracks on Rob's face.
ROB: Memories, huh? Give me a sec.
Rob searches through the records and finds it.
ROB: Got it. I'll throw in an extra nod for your college days. Now, who am I talking to?
CUT TO:
INT. UNKNOWN APARTMENT - NIGHT
Mystery Woman hesitates.
MYSTERY WOMAN: Let's leave that for when I pick up the record. Goodnight, Rob.
She hangs up.
CUT TO:
INT. CHAMPIONSHIP VINYL - NIGHT
Rob, now genuinely curious.
ROB (V.O.): Alright, mysterious late-night lady. You've got my attention.
Rob goes back to organizing records.
TO BE CONTINUED.
High Fidelity - The Missing Record
EXT. CHAMPIONSHIP VINYL - DAY
Rob is standing outside of the store, smoking a cigarette.
INT. CHAMPIONSHIP VINYL - DAY
Simon and Cherise, Rob's coworkers, are inside, debating about music. Cherise plays a record on the turntable.
SIMON
How can you seriously think that 'In Utero' is better than 'Nevermind'?
CHERISE
Because it's raw, emotional, and it didn't sell out.
The front door opens, and a BORED CUSTOMER enters, browsing the records.
ROB (V.O.)
Cherise has a point, but I have to admit - there's just something about 'Nevermind' that keeps it at the top of my list.
Rob enters the store, putting out his cigarette.
ROB
Morning. You guys arguing about Nirvana again?
SIMON
She's got it in her head that 'In Utero' is better.
CHERISE
It is! Not everything's about commercial success, you know.
ROB
'In Utero' is more aggressive and cathartic, sure. But it doesn't have the same magic. Anyway, let's not have this fight again.
Bored Customer approaches the counter, holding a rare vinyl.
BORED CUSTOMER
How much is this?
Rob takes the vinyl, inspecting it carefully. His eyes light up with excitement.
ROB
This is 'London Calling' by The Clash, first UK pressing. It's rare. $80.
BORED CUSTOMER
(typical bored tone)
Cool. I'll take it.
ROB
Excellent choice. As you may know, this is one of the best punk albums of all time, combining rock and roll, reggae, and ska elements. It's a game-changer.
BORED CUSTOMER
Yeah, I just like the cover.
Rob sighs and rings up the sale. Bored Customer exits the store.
ROB
(to Cherise and Simon)
This is why we lose the good records. To people who can't appreciate them.
The door chimes as the BORED CUSTOMER proceeds to leave, they bump into a STRESSED CUSTOMER who enters with a frantic demeanor.
STRESSED CUSTOMER
I need your help. There's this song stuck in my head but I can't remember the name of it or who sings it.
SIMON
Can you hum it? Maybe we can figure it out.
Stressed Customer begins to hum the tune. Rob, Simon, and Cherise exchange knowing glances.
ROB
That's 'Tempted' by Squeeze.
STRESSED CUSTOMER
(gasping)
Yes! That's it! Thank you!
Rob grins, proud of his musical knowledge.
ROB
No problem. Let me grab it for you.
Rob searches for the record on the shelves, but it's not there.
ROB (V.O.)
This is the moment I realize my prized Squeeze collection has been stolen. And my obsession with tracking it down begins.
TO BE CONTINUED
High Fidelity - Record Deal
INT. CHAMPIONSHIP VINYL RECORD STORE - DAY
Rob (mid-30s, dreadlocks, intense) is at the counter organizing CDs when Simon (latent 40s, scruffy, lanky) walks in.
SIMON
Another day, another dollar.
ROB
(sarcastic)
Yeah, I wish. Did you remember to order that shipment of 90s indie vinyl we talked about?
Simon cringes and shakes his head.
SIMON
Oh, crap. I totally forgot.
ROB
(exasperated)
Well, it might not matter anyway. Sales have been crap lately.
As Rob and Simon bicker, a MYSTERIOUS CUSTOMER (40s, slicked-back hair, well-dressed) enters the store.
MYSTERIOUS CUSTOMER
Excuse me, are you the owner?
ROB
Yeah, that's me. Can I help you?
MYSTERIOUS CUSTOMER
(smiling)
I'll say. I own a chain of record stores, and I'm looking to expand. I'd like to buy this place from you.
Rob and Simon exchange incredulous looks.
SIMON
Buy us out? No fuckin' way, man.
ROB
(considering)
What's the catch?
The mysterious customer moves closer to the counter.
MYSTERIOUS CUSTOMER
No catch. Just a generous offer. Think it over.
He hands Rob a BUSINESS CARD and exits the store. Rob and Simon look at each other.
ROB
Well, this is unexpected.
SIMON
It's a sellout, Rob. We're not some corporate chain.
ROB
I know... But it might be nice not to worry about money for once.
INT. CHAMPIONSHIP VINYL - LATER
Rob, Simon and Cherise (mid-30s, funky, energetic) are discussing the offer.
CHERISE
You can't be serious about this right now. We have a brand to protect.
SIMON
Exactly! Look at this card, it even smells like a corporate sellout.
Rob weighs their words. He's torn.
ROB
But how long can we keep going like this? Maybe it's time we change things up a bit.
Simon’s phone rings - obscure punk ringtone - interrupted, he steps aside to answer it.
SIMON
(to Rob before leaving)
Don't you dare make any decisions until I'm back.
Simon exits. Rob and Cherise are left alone at the counter.
CHERISE
You don't really want to give up control, do you?
ROB
It's not about control. It's about survival.
CHERISE
You have the final word, but think about how much we pour into this place. It's part of us.
Rob nods and stares at the business card.
TO BE CONTINUED
High Fidelity: Hearts & Harmonies
INT. CHAMPIONSHIP VINYL RECORD STORE - DAY
Rob, a record store owner, is organizing vinyl records behind the counter. His employees, Simon and Cherise, are helping customers.
ROB (V.O.):
I've been thinking a lot about music recently. Surprise, surprise. And what I've realized is that love and music are a lot alike – full of ups and downs, hits... and occasional misses.
A customer approaches the counter to ask Rob a question.
CUSTOMER:
Hey, do you have any recommendations for underground indie bands?
ROB (smirking):
How underground are we talking? 'Cause I've got a few records that are *literally* buried in the basement.
CUT TO:
INT. CHAMPIONSHIP VINYL RECORD STORE - LATER
The store is busy, and the trio works together to help the customers. They banter back and forth about their favorite break-up songs.
CHERISE:
Rob, what's your number one break-up song of all time?
ROB (grinning):
Ah, that's a tough one. But I'd have to go with 'I Will Always Love You' by... wait for it... Dolly Parton.
SIMON (rolling his eyes):
Of course you would. Even when you're heartbroken, you can't resist a classic.
Just then, a new customer walks into the store. Rob immediately notices this attractive stranger as their eyes meet. A little flirtatious smile is exchanged.
ROB (V.O.):
And sometimes, you find a new song... or maybe a new love, that makes you feel like the world is singing.
Simon and Cherise notice the interaction between Rob and the stranger.
SIMON (whispering to Cherise):
Are we witnessing the birth of a new...'Top 5 Romantic Encounters' list in the works?
CHERISE (whispering back):
Wouldn't surprise me. Let's give them space and see what develops.
Rob approaches the stranger, trying to maintain a cool composure despite being visibly smitten.
ROB:
Hey, can I help you find anything in particular?
STRANGER (smiling):
I was just looking for something unique, something that you won't hear on every radio station.
ROB (grinning):
Well, you've come to the right place. Follow me, I have just the thing in mind.
Rob leads the stranger to a special section, filled with rare and lesser-known albums.
ROB (V.O.):
And so begins a new beat, a new rhythm... the possibility that love and music will, once again, harmonize perfectly...
TO BE CONTINUED
High Fidelity: Soundtrack of Our Lives
INT. CHAMPIONSHIP VINYL - DAY
ROBYN (aka 'ROB') is behind the counter, organizing LPs while grumbling to herself. SIMON is flipping through the albums in the store, looking uninterested.
ROB:
When you spend half your life obsessing about music, it's the soundtrack to everything, even the mundane.
SIMON: (rolling his eyes)
A-ha, you've made this very clear numerous times.
CUT TO:
INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
ROB is standing in line, staring at the overhead menu. An instrumental version of an 80's hit song plays in the background.
ROB: (voiceover)
The soundtrack of my life... Right now, it's the perfect song for trying to figure out if I want a large or medium dark roast. It's like Sisyphus meets the Breakfast Club...
CUT TO:
INT. CHAMPIONSHIP VINYL - DAY
ROB: (snapping back)
I think today, we're gonna make a playlist that represents the spectrum of human emotion.
SIMON: (unimpressed)
Oh, something new and groundbreaking, obviously.
A CUSTOMER enters the store, eyes glued to her phone as she walks. She stops just in front of the counter.
CUSTOMER: (without looking up)
Do you have any Billie Eilish?
ROB: (chuckling)
Yeah, but you'd be better off with something from the golden age of music, like... (slips a vinyl from the shelf behind her) Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours'. Or maybe something from David Bowie?
CUSTOMER: (looking up briefly)
Uh, no thanks. Just the Billie Eilish, please.
SIMON: (snickers)
One day they'll listen to you, Rob.
ROB: (smirking)
One day.
CUT TO:
INT. CHAMPIONSHIP VINYL - DAY
ROB and SIMON are working on their 'Spectrum of Human Emotion' playlist together.
SIMON: (holding a record)
You can't be serious. 'I Will Always Love You' for heartbreak?
ROB: (shrugging)
Clichéd or not, it works.
CHERISE enters, grooving her way in and overhearing the conversation.
CHERISE: (grinning)
What? No love for 'Tainted Love'?
ROB: (smiling)
Never said it's not on the list, Cherise.
CUT TO:
INT. BAR - NIGHT
ROB and SIMON sit at the bar, nursing their drinks. The SONG from the playlist 'Tainted Love' plays in the background.
ROB: (voiceover)
I guess our lives are made of the soundtracks we create. And like any good playlist, there's a mix of the predictable and the completely unexpected...
Just then, an OLD FLAME walks into the bar, eyeing ROB.
TO BE CONTINUED.
High Fidelity: Soundwaves of Destiny
INT. CHAMPIONSHIP VINYL - MORNING
ROB, a 30-something record store owner, is organizing vinyls at the front of the store while talking directly to the CAMERA. SIMON, his nerdy co-worker and friend, is browsing a music magazine in the background.
ROB (V.O.):
Top 5 whirlwind romances of all time.
ROB:
Number 5: Yoko and Lennon. We all know how that ended up.
SIMON smirks.
SIMON:
Yeah, well, you know what they say - all you need is love.
ROB:
Number 4: Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee. Sex tape aside, they were a trainwreck.
SIMON chuckles and turns the page of the magazine.
ROB:
Number 3: Britney Spears and Kevin Federline. In hindsight, we should've been more concerned for our girl, Brit.
SIMON:
Amen to that, brother.
ROB:
Number 2: Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. I'll never be able to watch Mission Impossible the same way again.
SIMON:
He sure was jumping, if you know what I mean.
ROB:
And number 1: Rob and...
Before ROB can finish his sentence, the door bells jingle and a MYSTERIOUS WOMAN enters the store. She's dressed in a black leather jacket, sunglasses, and wears fire-red lipstick. She has an air of no-nonsense confidence about her.
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN:
Hey, I need a specific record. Are you the owner?
ROB:
Yeah, that's me. Name's Rob. What are you looking for?
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN:
The Sounds of Seduction. It's an obscure band from the 70s. Been searching for this record for years.
ROB (clearly intrigued):
Ah yes, The Sounds of Seduction. A rare find. Let me check if we have it.
ROB starts looking through the piles of records. MYSTERIOUS WOMAN follows and watches ROB perusing the vinyls.
ROB (V.O.):
I knew that we had a copy of The Sounds of Seduction the second she asked for it. It's just too perfect. But I needed to know more about her.
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN:
You're into vinyl, huh?
ROB (chuckling):
Well, it would be kind of weird if I wasn't considering I own this place.
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN:
Okay, fair enough. Why music?
ROB:
I've just always been drawn to it. No matter the situation, there's a song that feels like it was written just for that exact moment in my life.
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN:
Same here.
ROB finally pulls the requested record and hands it to MYSTERIOUS WOMAN.
ROB:
Merry Christmas. It's your lucky day.
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN (smiling):
Thanks! I'll remember this day forever.
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN approaches the counter to pay. ROB and SIMON exchange glances.
SIMON (whispering):
Dude, she's got to be in your Top 5 most intriguing customers ever.
ROB:
She's definitely up there.
The door bells jingle again, and the MYSTERIOUS WOMAN leaves, but not before exchanging a smile with ROB. ROB debates whether he should follow her or stay in the store.
ROB (V.O.):
If life has taught me anything, it's that sometimes you just have to take a risk.
TO BE CONTINUED
