Raising Hope: The Business Venture
EXT. CHANCE GROCERY STORE – DAY
Jimmy and Sabrina are stocking shelves while chatting.
JIMMY
You know, I've been thinking, maybe it's time we started our own business.
SABRINA
Our own business? Like what?
JIMMY
I'm not sure yet. But something we can run as a family.
SABRINA
An all-family business? That could be chaotic.
JIMMY
But fun too! Think about it, Hope is growing up quickly, and it would be great for her to see her family working together.
SABRINA
I guess that's true. Let’s discuss it with everyone at dinner.
CUT TO:
INT. CHANCE FAMILY LIVING ROOM - EVENING
Jimmy, Sabrina, Burt, Virginia, Maw Maw, and Hope are all there, discussing possible business ideas.
JIMMY
So, any ideas for a family business?
MAW MAW
(shouting)
We could run a secret spy agency!
VIRGINIA
Maw Maw, that's not a realistic idea.
MAW MAW
(angry)
You just don't want me to be a spy because you think I might uncover your secret lair.
VIRGINIA
(stifling laughter)
Right, Maw Maw. Sabrina, any ideas?
SABRINA
Well, using Burt's cleaning and lawn mowing skills, we could start a home maintenance business.
VIRGINIA
I like that. Burt, what do you think?
BURT
Sounds promising. And maybe Jimmy could handle marketing and advertising.
JIMMY
Yeah, I can definitely give it a try.
CUT TO:
INT. CHANCE FAMILY KITCHEN – DAY
Burt, Virginia, and Jimmy are working together to create homemade business flyers, cards, and signs.
BURT
I think we need to emphasize 'affordable' and 'trustworthy' on these flyers.
VIRGINIA
And don't forget to mention our family-oriented approach.
JIMMY
I’ll create a catchy slogan. How about 'Chance for Change: Affordable Home Care that Makes a Difference'?
BURT
I like it. Let's get these printed and start distributing them around town.
CUT TO:
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREET – DAY
Jimmy and Burt are going door to door, putting flyers up and talking about their new business venture.
JIMMY
I didn't realize how many people were interested in yard work and home maintenance services.
BURT
I bet they're just excited about the idea of supporting a family-run business.
JIMMY
Or they want to save money on hiring professionals. Either way, it's a win.
BURT
I’m excited to see where this leads us! Who knows, maybe we'll become the go-to family business in town.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Raising Hope: The Great Escape
INT. CHANCE KITCHEN - MORNING
The Chance family sits at the kitchen table. VIRGINIA pours cereal into bowls. BURT reads a newspaper. JIMMY tries to feed baby HOPE a bite of applesauce, but she consistently turns her head away.
VIRGINIA
Darn it, we're out of milk again. Maw Maw must have drank it last night.
BURT
(looking over his newspaper)
Maybe we should start hiding it.
JIMMY
(feeling discouraged)
Hope just won't eat this applesauce. I think it's been in the fridge too long.
VIRGINIA
How about we pick up some groceries later? Gotta make sure Maw Maw hasn't drank all the coffee too.
INT. GROCERY STORE - DAY
The family walks down an aisle. VIRGINIA picks up an item and places it in the shopping cart. BURT and JIMMY head to the other side of the aisle to grab something.
MAW MAW (O.S.)
Hey! You, you squirreled away my coffee beans!
The family looks to see MAW MAW standing a few feet away, pointing at Virginia, Hope on one arm and a grocery basket in the other.
VIRGINIA
(confused)
Maw Maw, what are you doing out here? Aren't you supposed to be at home?
MAW MAW
I came to get my coffee! You sneaky people took it away.
BURT
Maw Maw, how about we get your coffee and go home together? That way, everyone gets what they want.
JIMMY
How did Maw Maw even get here?
VIRGINIA
She's craftier than we thought, I guess.
INT. CHANCE KITCHEN - NIGHT
The Chances are back home. Burt and Virginia try to make dinner, while Jimmy tries to feed Hope again. Maw Maw watches TV.
JIMMY
(sad, looking down at Hope)
I can't get her to eat anything. I think she's on a hunger strike.
VIRGINIA
Don't worry about it, Jimmy. She'll eat when she's hungry.
MAW MAW(passionate)
And I'm always hungry!
The doorbell rings. Burt opens the door to reveal their neighbor, BARNEY.
BARNEY
Hi there! Did my invitation to my weekend barbecue make it to y'all?
VIRGINIA
Yes, we're looking forward to it.
BARNEY
Great! I'll see you then - with my special barbecue sauce!
EXT. BARNEY'S BACKYARD - DAY
The families attending the barbecue enjoy the sunny day. Barney stands proudly by the grill.
JIMMY
(pointing at the grill)
Hope, see that delicious food? I hope you're in the mood for some now.
TO BE CONTINUED
Lost and Found
INT. CHANCE HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING
The Chance family is gathered around the kitchen table for breakfast. JIMMY serves scrambled eggs to BURT, VIRGINIA, and MawMAW, and three-year-old HOPE looks excitedly at her plate.
JIMMY
So, guys, I found out about a town-wide scavenger hunt happening this weekend. I think we should join! It would be a fun family outing.
VIRGINIA
(groaning)
Ugh, I dunno. I'm wiped out from working all those extra hours at the store.
MAWMAW
(wiping her mouth)
Well, I am always game for a treasure hunt! Just the other day, I found a jewel in my pocket. Turns out, it was just a cough drop!
Burt cracks a tiny smile.
BURT
You know, Jimmy, that actually sounds like fun. It's been a while since we did something as a family. Count me in!
JIMMY
(smiling)
Great, it starts at noon tomorrow. We'll meet at the community center. All we need now is some team spirit and luck.
INT. COMMUNITY CENTER - DAY
The family (minus MawMaw) arrives at the community center. The parking lot has been set up with various tents for event registration. The atmosphere is festive. They enter the registration tent marked "Scavenger Hunt Sign Up".
REGISTRATION WORKER
Welcome! It's a $25 fee per family to participate. The scavenger hunt kicks off in about 20 minutes.
VIRGINIA
(skeptical)
Twenty-five dollars? What do they think we find as the grand prize? A golden goose?
JIMMY
(reassuring)
C'mon, mom. It could be fun, and we've already made the trip out here.
Virginia begrudgingly hands over the cash.
EXT. COMMUNITY CENTER - DAY
The scavenger hunt begins with a HYPE PERSON on stage reading the rules and handing out the first clue.
HYPE PERSON
When the clock strikes two and a certain place is empty. With locks and handles you will find the key.
JIMMY
(pondering)
Hmmm, what could the clock have to do with it?
BURT
(tapping his chin)
Maybe it's a place that closes at two, and it's empty after that.
VIRGINIA
(smacking her forehead)
The school! It lets out at 2 pm on Fridays!
The family jumps in their truck and heads to the school.
EXT. SCHOOL PARKING LOT - DAY
They arrive at the empty school parking lot and split up to search. Virginia finds a key inside a bicycle lock on the school's bike rack.
VIRGINIA
(shouting)
I found a key!
The family gathers back at the truck and finds a tag on the key.
The tag reads "130 — XOX-92M-192".
JIMMY
(oscillating between excited and confused)
This is a storage unit number! Maybe the grand prize is hidden there!
TO BE CONTINUED
Raising Hope Episode: A Day at the Park
INT. CHANCE HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING
The Chance family (JIMMY, VIRGINIA, SABRINA, BURT, and baby HOPE) are seated at the table. There's a local newspaper spread out in front of them.
VIRGINIA
(points to newspaper)
Burt, look! The city is sponsoring a family day at the park. There'll be games, food, and live music.
BURT
(grinning)
Ya know what that means? Cheap, I mean, free entertainment, and a chance to showcase Hope's cuteness!
SABRINA
(skeptical)
Don't you think it might be too hot for her outside?
JIMMY
(worried)
Yeah, we don't want her to get sunburnt or something...
VIRGINIA
(rolling her eyes)
You two need to lighten up! Y'all are acting like those overprotective parents who put their kids on leashes.
BURT
(smirking)
Oh, come on, Sabrina! If we can survive a heat wave with no AC, then a day at the park would be a breeze for Hope.
SABRINA
(defeated)
Fine, but we're taking plenty of sunscreen and hats.
INT. PARK - DAY
The Chances unload their truck, setting up a picnic spot under a tree. BANG! A noise sounds. Hope starts crying.
BURT
Oh, no! We've got a scaredy-baby on our hands.
VIRGINIA
(scoffs)
Like father, like daughter. Remember when we took you to the fireworks and you hid under the blanket for hours?
JIMMY
(to Sabrina)
Let's take her for a walk in the stroller. She might calm down if we keep her moving.
SABRINA
Good idea.
EXT. PARK - LATER
Jimmy and Sabrina push the stroller past various games and stalls, but Hope is still crying.
SABRINA
(distraught)
Maybe this wasn't a good idea after all.
JIMMY
(stressing)
Mom was right, we're helicopter parents! We should have put her in a helmet and took her to that daycare more often.
SABRINA
(radical change in tone)
Hold on a second! I think she stopped crying!
JIMMY
(checking)
Hey, she did!
They see a Mime interacting with the crowd. Hope giggles as they watch him.
JIMMY
(sighs in relief)
The power of mimes, huh? Who knew?!
INT. PARK - FOOD TENT - LATER
Burt and Virginia chow down on hotdogs, their mouths full.
VIRGINIA
Where do you think they wandered off to?
BURT
(shrugs, mouth full)
Mmph, they'll be back. Anyways, we got it good here: free food and no crying.
TO BE CONTINUED
Season 4, Episode 12: 'Captive Audience'
INT. CHANCE HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
The camera pans across the cluttered living room. VIRGINIA is flipping through channels on TV, while BURT is tinkering with one of his projects. JIMMY sits on the couch, browsing his phone as SABRINA enters the room carrying HOPE.
SABRINA
Jimmy, your mom's asked us for like, the fifth time, to clean up the living room. It looks like a warzone.
JIMMY
(sarcastic)
Oh, really? I hadn't noticed.
VIRGINIA
(annoyed)
I've been telling you all week! It's getting out of control. We can't keep living like this.
BURT
(defensive)
Speak for yourself, I'm having the time of my life.
As they continue bickering, the TV reveals a NEWS REPORT about an escape from a local wildlife center. A CAPUCHIN MONKEY named CAPTAIN JACK has gone missing. They all stop arguing and pay attention.
TV REPORTER:
...authorities are urging the residents to be cautious, as Captain Jack might be wandering around town...
JIMMY
(mutters)
What are the odds of a monkey coming around here?
BURT
(prophetically)
Don't underestimate the whims of fate, Jimmy.
VIRGINIA
I've always wanted a monkey. Captain Jack, if you're listening, come find me.
SABRINA
(smiling)
Maybe he's hiding in all that clutter.
CUT TO:
INT. CHANCE HOUSE - KITCHEN - LATER
The family is cleaning the living room when Maw Maw enters, wearing a feather boa and pirate hat, holding a mop like a sword.
MAW MAW
(shouting)
Ahoy, ye landlubbers! Captain Maw Maw's ready to pillage and plunder!
Hope LAUGHS, pointing at Maw Maw. Jimmy notices a SHINY OBJECT on the floor and picks it up. It's Captain Jack's COLLAR.
JIMMY
(gasps)
Guys, look! That escaped monkey must have been in our house!
They all gather around the shiny collar, eyes wide with surprise.
VIRGINIA
See, I told you Captain Jack should come find us!
BURT
(whispers)
Never doubt the prophetic powers of Burt Chance.
SABRINA
Wow. We actually have a monkey running around inside our house?!
MAW MAW
(grinning)
He must be after me buried treasure!
Everyone rolls their eyes at Maw Maw's pirate antics.
JIMMY
(mocking)
If there really is any treasure in this mess...
They share a LAUGH, but the reality of the situation dawns on them.
VIRGINIA
(taking charge)
Alright, everyone. Operation Monkey Catch is in effect. We have to find Captain Jack before he causes more chaos in our already chaotic lives.
TO BE CONTINUED
Finding Love in Unexpected Places
INT. CHANCE FAMILY LIVING ROOM - DAY
JIMMY, a young single father, is sitting on a couch with his baby HOPE, watching TV. VIRGINIA, his mom, enters the room holding a newspaper.
VIRGINIA
Look at this, Jimmy! There's a singles' night at the bowling alley this Friday. I really think you should go.
JIMMY
I don't know, Mom. I'm not really into the whole dating scene right now. I've got Hope to look after.
VIRGINIA
Sweetheart, you can't just wait for the perfect woman to come to you.
(winking)
Sometimes you gotta put on your bowling shoes.
Burt, Jimmy's dad, walks in and notices the conversation.
BURT
If it helps, I can babysit. Maybe your mom and I can have a date night at home.
JIMMY
(sighs)
Fine, I'll give it a try. But only for one night.
INT. BOWLING ALLEY - NIGHT
Virginia accompanies Jimmy to the bowling alley; they approach the SIGN-IN table. A chipper EVENT COORDINATOR greets them.
EVENT COORDINATOR
(angrily)
That's not how we do things around here!
Jimmy goes to his lane and starts to bowl. Virginia reminisces about her own past dating experiences.
VIRGINIA
(sarcastic)
Well, this is certainly better than the 'Sons of Hercules' film festival your father took me to on our first date...
JIMMY
(smiling)
You should be grateful. You love those guys now.
Virginia notices a LADY sitting alone at the bar.
VIRGINIA
That woman looks nice. Go talk to her.
Jimmy nervously walks towards the lady as Virginia watches from afar. He strikes up a conversation, and they chuckle together.
INT. CHANCE FAMILY LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Burt is feeding Hope while they watch a movie.
BURT
You know, maybe this singles' night will be good for your dad. Maybe he'll even find someone...
HOPE
(babbling)
Bah bah bah!
INT. BOWLING ALLEY - NIGHT
Jimmy is laughing and enjoying the conversation with the kind LADY. Suddenly a HANDSOME, CONFIDENT MAN interrupts them.
HANDSOME MAN
Excuse me, I saw you from across the bar and just had to come say hi.
The lady is smitten, leaving Jimmy out of the conversation. Virginia notices and consoles him.
VIRGINIA
Don't worry, honey. There are plenty of women here tonight. Why don't you go mingle?
Jimmy hesitates, but finally agrees. He approaches a GROUP OF WOMEN and attempts to join their conversation.
CUT TO:
INT. CHANCE FAMILY LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Burt is telling Hope about his first date with Virginia.
BURT
And that's the night your grandma and I had our first date! I've loved her ever since.
HOPE
(babbling)
Mama dada!
INT. BOWLING ALLEY - NIGHT
Jimmy returns to Virginia looking discouraged.
JIMMY
It's not going well, Mom. Maybe tonight's just not my night.
VIRGINIA
Oh, honey, don't worry about it. You're a great guy. The right woman will come along when least expected.
Suddenly, they hear a loud crash as a disheveled WOMAN clumsily makes her way into the bowling alley.
JIMMY
(squinting)
Is that...?
TO BE CONTINUED.
Hope's New Friend
EXT. CHANCE HOUSE – DAY
We see the Chance family outside having BARBECUE in their lawn.
VIRGINIA (28, mother) flips burgers on the grill, BURT (27, father) plays with HOPE (1, baby), and Maw Maw (84, great-grandmother) rocking in her chair, aimlessly looking at the sky. JIMMY (23, son) arrives home on his bike.
1. VIRGINIA
How was work at the grocery store, Jimmy?
2. JIMMY
(sighs) Same ol', same ol'. Can you believe Mr. Finley wanted me to clean out the expired yogurt again?
3. BURT
(playing with Hope)
Sounds like crappy management.
4. VIRGINIA
(angry)
Burt, don't use that word around the baby!
5. BURT
I meant garbage management! Besides, look how much our little girl's growing--learning a word or two.
Maw Maw suddenly jumps from her rocking chair.
6. MAW MAW
(frantically)
Where’s the ice cream man? He said he'd be my lover tonight!
7. VIRGINIA
(rolls eyes)
Maw Maw, that didn’t happen. Sit down and enjoy the barbecue.
Just as Maw Maw sits back, a NEW NEIGHBOR (32, female) walks by with her CHILD (2, boy). They stop to talk.
8. NEW NEIGHBOR
Hi, I'm Lisa, and this is my son, Max. We just moved in next door.
9. BURT
Hi there, welcome to the neighborhood! I’m Burt, my wife, Virginia, my son, Jimmy, my grandma Maw Maw, and this here's Hope. We're having a barbecue, come and join!
10. LISA
(smiles)
Thanks, but we don’t want to intrude.
11. VIRGINIA
Nonsense, we got plenty of burgers! Plus, Hope needs more friends her age.
Lisa and Max accept the invitation and join the barbecue.
CUT TO:
EXT. CHANCE BACKYARD – DAY
Everyone is now in the backyard, enjoying burgers and talking. Max and Hope are playing together.
12. LISA
(to Virginia)
You know, my husband and I were a bit worried about moving here. We didn’t know if there’d be other toddlers and nice neighbors around.
13. VIRGINIA
(reassuring)
Oh, don’t you worry about that, we’re one big family around here.
Burt and Jimmy are now in the background chatting.
14. BURT
So, Jimmy, you thinking about finding a new job soon?
15. JIMMY
Thought about it, but it's hard, you know? Plus, I need the flexibility for Hope.
Suddenly, Maw Maw starts waving her burger in the air.
16. MAW MAW
(shouting)
It’s an invasion! You're all aliens! The barbecue was a trap!
Virginia tries to calm Maw Maw down, while Jimmy and Burt share an awkward look with Lisa.
TO BE CONTINUED.
