The Industry : Season One, Episode 4. Connecting The Dots

   It's been another week in Los Angeles, and at L.A. Hospital, Keith is in a private room, with his Father Sayyid by his side, as he is recovering from the liver transplant he received a few days earlier, and he awakes  as he sees his Father and asks him "Have you been here the entire time?" Sayyid responds "I haven't left Son. I've planted myself right here and watching that Pedro guy." Keith looks at his Father and asks him "I thought you said if he saved my life, then you'd ignore your order to kill him?" Sayyid looks at Keith and tells his Son "I have been watching him. He's a bit shady. Only one thing will make me go for blood, when it comes to that son of a bitch." Olivia meanwhile walks inside and looks at Keith's charts and tells him "Your new liver is accepting your body, and I think you may be able to go home today." Keith quips "Finally!" Sayyid looks at Olivia and asks "Did you operate on my Son, or Pedro?" Olivia, remembering what Sayyid told her in the OR waiting room (Flashback: Sayyid: If Keith dies at the hands of Pedro, he dies by my hands.), Olivia tells him "Both of us did the operation. Sometimes Hepatitis shows characteristics of cancer symptoms, which I would like for you to get treatment for Keith. That way we can get you back on your comeback trail. I am so ready for you to leave." Keith looks at Olivia and says "You're funny." Olivia tells Keith "You will have some blood tests done, and take antiviral medications, to make sure we keep it under control. And I can have a break!" Keith asks Olivia "Who was the donor?" Olivia laughs "The nun. Your new liver is like brand new!" Keith tells Olivia "Bring me my discharge papers!" Olivia laughs, as she glad that Keith's well, "Gladly." Olivia walks out and Sayyid asks Keith "Do you need help getting ready? Need me to help you gather your things?" Keith tells his Father "I can take care of things on my own Father." Sayyid smiles, as he walks out of Keith's room, and pats his pocket, as he goes to Pedro's office.
  At a Television Studio in Downtown Los Angeles, Clarence walks around the set, as Nick, Brittany, and Cassandra, and a few other singers arrive and Clarence tells them "It will be all of you that will be a part of The Next Icon. Our new judge is supposed to be here, but he hasn't arrived." Eve arrives meanwhile, as she tells Clarence "J.B. wrote this." Eve hands Clarence the letter, and he reads it and shakes his head and asks Eve "Just what in the hell is he thinking? He really did lose his damn mind!" Eve tells Clarence "I can't say anything else about it. He swore me to secrecy." Clarence looks at Eve and says with disgust in his tone "He would be a huge boost if he showed his ass up here at the studio." Molly meanwhile arrives and brings the latest edition of "The Exposer", Aretha Evans tabloid magazine, based out of Adam's Landing, and tells Clarence "It looks like Allan James is alive. How about him?" Eve is quiet, and she tells Molly "No No. Not him. J.B.!" Molly looks at Eve and tells her "Allan hasn't made a public appearance yet, and he could use the work." Clarence tells Molly "Call him!" Molly smiles and says "He is staying at The Hills Hotel, up a floor from me. I'll ask him." Eve paces the floor and screams at Clarence and Molly "Damnit I am telling you to hire J.B. Brown! If you don't hire him, then my ass is out of here!" Clarence looks at Eve and walks over and whispers "I am visiting Keith later." Eve snaps "Then do what the hell you want. Get the damn show started." Clarence tells everyone "Since Keith's recovering, and our new judge hasn't made his appearance yet, I will fill in for Keith." Clarence texts Jermaine, and tells him "Stand by, you may get your chance to be a judge."
  Meanwhile at J.B. Brown's Estate, outside of Los Angeles, in the heart of wine country, Nathan stands in the living room of J.B.'s main residence, as his servant tells him "J.B. is preparing himself." Nathan is quiet and Nathan's phone rings, and it's his Mother, and he ignores her call and says to himself "You made your choice, now my turn." The servant walks back into the living room and tells Nathan "J.B. is on his way." A man wearing a dark veil over his face, his hands covered, and dark sunglasses walks into the living room and he says "Nathan. Did you get the tape I gave Eve to give you?" Nathan nods, and J.B. tells Nathan "Do not tell anyone you know where I live. I mean it. Feldman wants to kill me. I know it." Nathan tells J.B. "That bastard isn't even my Father. Allan James is my Father. Mom is an idiot for staying with him." J.B responds "He is evil. Pure evil." Nathan observes J.B.'s clothing and asks him "Why don't you take off the get up and show me your face?" J.B. turns his head and tells Nathan "I can't Nathan. I can't do that. Accept it and deal with it." Nathan is a bit nervous and curious and tells J.B. "You have nothing to fear with me J.B. I hate Clint as much as most legends in this business does. But why are you keeping yourself covered?" J.B looks at Nathan and says "I don't want to talk about it. I haven't shown my face to anyone in 10 years." Nathan asks him "What are you hiding?" J.B. starts to cry, and takes off a glove, and his hand is snow white, with brown spots on it. Nathan looks and asks J.B. "Do you have vitiligo?" J.B responds "Universal. I started to get it after I signed with Nationwide Records. I fell off of a stage at a show, while doing my first solo tour, and afterwards, I noticed this white patch on my arm, and over the years, it grew worse and worse. I am now almost completely white, and..." J.B.'s voice trembles and he sits down and Nathan asks him "Is this why you went into hiding?" J.B. responds "Part of it. Feldman wants my copyrights and he told me if I leave, then I have to give him my songs. I wrote them. I played the instruments and produced them. They belong to me, and my three brothers and that snake won't touch them if I have anything to do with it." Nathan asks J.B., changing the subject "So are you scared to show your fans what you look like?" J.B. calmly tells Nathan, with his hands trembling "If I went out on stage, or TV, then my career is done. I did what I wanted to do, and I want to make one last album and leave the business. And since you are a good kid.."Nathan corrects him "I'm not a kid." J.B. tells him "You're smart and I want to help you beat Feldman at his game, so I am going to back you and this will be my final album, and then I plan to leave everything to you, and you'll be set for the rest of your life." Nathan is stunned and responds "You don't have to do that J.B.. I mean you earned what you have and.." J.B. grabs Nathan's hand and tells him "When I make a decision, I stick to it. Start picking a name for your label and Eve will visit you soon." Nathan leaves and J.B walks to his bedroom, where he takes off his sunglasses, and veil, and his wave cap, and looks at himself in the mirror and says with   tears in his eyes "I can't do this." as he looks at his face, which is completely white, due to vitiligo.
   At Clint's office at Nationwide Records Group, Clint sits at his desk, as he plays Latoya's recordings and says to himself "I have another winner." Clint makes a phone call to Tyrone and asks "Have you arrived at your destination?" Tyrone tells Clint "I have. I will be taking care of business very soon Clint." Clint hangs up the phone and an Attorney walks into the room and tells Clint "Nathan James is no longer a part of Nationwide." Clint screams "What? That bum bastard left my label? He knows what happens when he breaks my rules of command!" The Attorney tells Clint "He didn't re-sign so you don't have no options." Clint points to the door and warns The Attorney "The hell I don't." The Attorney leaves and Clint reads the papers and says to himself "The bastard's smart. Owns his own music, and now he wants to play me at my own game. If he lives long enough." Clair arrives at her Husband's office, and Clint yells at his Wife "Do you want to know how worthless your Son is? He doesn't have any respect I took time out of my life to play Father to him." Clair looks down and tells him "Clint he knows who his Father is and he hasn't spoken to me at all this week." Clint nods and responds "I plan to have him killed." Clair looks at her Husband and is taken back and says in a scared tone "No Clint. No No No. Nathan is my Son." Clint looks at his Wife and tells her "He messed up and I know that freak that used to be my prize is helping him and I should have both of them killed." Clair yells "I am about fed up with this Clint! I really am. Maybe my Daddy was right about you." Clint walks over and slams his Wife against the wall and asks "Really Clair, that old cowboy was right?" Clint slaps Clair across the face and screams "What does Floyd Jackson know Clair? Huh? What does his ass know? I trained you to forget your past. Your Father, Mother, all of your family!" Clair screams "You never even let me be with my Mama when she was on her Deathbed!" Clint slaps Clair again and screams "When I married you, I made it perfectly clear you belonged to ME!" Clair looks at her Husband, as he struts back to his desk and sits down, and says to him "If you ever lay another hand on me, I will be divorcing you." Clint laughs and responds "And then you'll lose everything, and Nathan, which will happen soon anyway. Remember who I am woman!" Clair walks out and Clint sits back and makes a phone call, as Clair calls her Son, but gets no response.
    At Rich's Mansion, Allan sits inside, as Rich's servant tells Allan "That was a nice check." Allan tells the servant "That came from my Mama." The servant heads upstairs, and the door opens and Rich walks inside, with a look of disgust on his face after meeting up with Clint's "associates" in Las Vegas, and Allan asks Rich "Why the sad look? Is it because I went to visit Clint?" Rich looks at Allan and pulls out a pistol and tells him "Now you don't have a choice. You have to die Allan. I have a comeback to make." Allan pulls out the pistol his Mother gave him, and says "Gigs in Vegas and standards will make you a washed up has been, but you must know the feeling by now." Rich turns off the safety and Allan tells Rich "You know I am supposed to take you to Clint, he wanted to watch you die. Nothing makes him more happier than to see people bite the dust." Rich turns on the safety and looks at Allan and tells him "I think he wants us to kill each other, so he can get the rights to our music." Allan yells "There is no our in it Rich! My copyrights and masters are MINE! And I will get them back!" Rich tells Allan "Both of us are being set up Allan. Clint is playing both of us." Allan looks at Rich and asks him "So what do you recommend?" Rich is quiet, as Allan quips "Do you know that Nathan James is my Son? We have spent some time together recently. He also wants out from under Feldman." Rich sits down and tells Allan "There's one other artist also that wants to leave Nationwide, J.B. Brown." Allan pulls out his pistol and walks over to Rich and sternly warns him "If you want to live, then you have to do something." Rich yells "I'm not giving them up Allan!" Allan responds "Either you call your Attorney right now, and bring him here and get the paperwork done, or else you'll die. Now it's up to you." Rich is quiet and sighs "No need for an Attorney, I have the deeds and all in my safe, I'll sign over your rights and everything now. We have a witness here so this will be legal." Rich walks over to his safe, which is behind a portrait, and unlocks it and has a look of horror, as he turns around and Allan asks "Well?" Rich looks at Allan and tells him "They're not here." Allan walks over to look and turns to Rich and Rich and Allan  both respond "Clint Feldman!" The servant returns and Rich asks him "Was anyone in here besides Allan while I was gone?" The servant responds "No Mr.Carroll." Rich and Allan both stares at the servant and Rich tells Allan "This place is secured very well." The servant panics and Rich and Allan both pull out their Pistols and aim at the servant and asks him "Do you know anything?" The servant responds again "No!" Allan looks at Rich and tells him "I know a way to make him talk." Rich and Allan grabs the servant up, and they all head upstairs to Rich's balcony.
   Meanwhile back at the Television Studio, Jermaine arrives and tells Clarence "I got your text. I was trying to find Latoya." Clarence looks at Jermaine and asks him "So how is Keith?" Jermaine responds "He's getting released tonight and he won't be able to do the show." Clarence looks at Jermaine and tells him "I think you will get your wish then and be a judge." Clarence walks over to talk to the directors and Eve rolls her eyes, as she tells Jermaine "So you can judge, but can't keep up with that slut you have for a Daughter?" Jermaine warns Eve "Don't forget I know you Eve." Eve responds "Ms.Mathis to you!" Molly yells at Eve "Shut the hell up you egotistical bitch! Shit, I can't stand you to save my life!" Eve responds with a grin "Feeling is mutual hillbilly!" The Host arrives and the director tells Eve, Jermaine, and Molly to take their places. Meanwhile in the waiting area, Clarence walks inside and Nick and Brittany, both frustrated, asks Clarence "Just what in the hell is going on?" Clarence sighs and says "Eve is on an ego trip. But we're about to get started. Nick you'll be first, then Brittany, then Cassandra, and on down until we reach our last contestant. After this show, we'll cut five contestants, and the final five will be the ones we will use for the show." Nick's name is called, and he hugs Brittany, as she tells him "Best of luck." Nick takes a deep breath and walks out on stage, as Eve, Jermaine, and Molly sits in their chairs at the judge's booth. Nick sings the song "I Believe" and as Molly watches on with stars in her eyes, Jermaine is quiet, as Eve rolls her eyes and once Nick's finished, Eve is the first to give her response and she asks Nick "Is that the only damn song you know?" Nick looks at Eve and says "I know more. I know that one Keith Ross wrote about his runaway lover." Eve yells "Look, don't dare sing that one in MY presence!" Nick sings a line, and Eve jumps across the booth and slaps Nick across the face and yells "I take it your ass wants to keep singing in smoky ass bars and honky tonks!" Nick looks at Eve and quips "Must have struck a nerve with you then didn't it?" Nick walks backstage and mumbles under his breath "Bitch." Eve screams "THE BITCH!" Clarence meanwhile runs out and yells "CUT!" He grows angry and yells at Eve "Are you losing your mind Eve?" Eve responds "I am fine. I won't be disrespected by that wannabe Country Singer though!" Molly yells at Eve "I have had enough of you always cutting down Country singers bitch!" Eve snaps "I have had enough of this and I'm going the hell on!" Eve walks off the set, and Clarence yells for Eve, but she ignores him and checks her phone and sees a text from her Son, and heads off to meet him. Back at the Television Studio, Clarence tells the singers and judges "Come back tomorrow and hopefully things will run smoothly." Everyone starts to head out, and Nick shakes his head with disgust and Molly tells Nick "I love it when you sing. Want to have dinner with me?" Nick accepts and Nick and Molly heads out, as Jermaine heads to Keith's and Brittany and Cassandra and the other singers heads to their hotel rooms.
   In Downtown Los Angeles, Latoya sits at the bar, and a young man sits next to her and asks "Latoya Shane? The next superstar?" Latoya smiles and responds "I am she." The young man tells her "I have watched you sing live before when you were in Adam's Landing. That's a popular video." Latoya blushes and says to him "Well thanks for the compliment. I could use one." Latoya asks the young man "So are you here for the new talent show?" The young man responds "No. I'm here to visit my Mom. She is here in town and I thought I would surprise her." Latoya tells him "I have no family. I did everything myself to get to where I am. My family is trash." The young man looks at Latoya and tells her "I hate to hear that." Latoya sighs "Yeah, that's how it goes when you're moving up in the world." Latoya asks the young man "What's your name?" The young man responds "My name is River." Latoya goes "River?" River responds "Yes. My Mom said it was the first thing that popped in her mind when I was born." Latoya laughs and Latoya and River has a cup of coffee and River asks Latoya "Do you know where The Hills Hotel is located?" Latoya nods and asks River "Want me to show you the way there?" River nods and they head out.
   Back at L.A. Hospital, Pedro sits in his office, as there's a knock at the door and he yells "Come in." Sayyid walks inside and tells Pedro "Dr.Pedro Del Mar. You saved my Son's life." Pedro looks at Sayyid for a moment and goes "Weren't you the "King Of The Streets"?" Sayyid responds "I am Keith Ross' Father, and I also have some friends looking for you Pedro." Pedro re-corrects "Dr.Del Mar." Sayyid pulls out his pistol and tells Pedro "I don't care what you would like to be called. I have an order from Mr.Jackson." Pedro freezes. In Keith's Room, Olivia walks inside and asks Keith "Has Sayyid returned yet?" Keith, who's dressed, tells Olivia "He's been gone for awhile." Back inside Pedro's office, Sayyid puts his pistol down and tells Pedro "I don't need a pistol. I promised I wouldn't kill you, but I did promise a swinging telegram from Xavier." Pedro cowers and Sayyid walks up and starts to beat Pedro and grabs his wrists and Pedro screams "You son of a bitch!" Sayyid breaks Pedro's hands and tells him "Stay in Los Angeles, and if you want to go after me, then you will be a dead man!" Sayyid walks to the door and tells Pedro "You really are a damn coward." Pedro falls to the ground as he screams in pain. A few moments later, Sayyid returns to Keith's Room, and tells Olivia "I went to thank Pedro and now it's time for Keith to head home." Sayyid and Keith walk out, as Olivia walks to Pedro's office, and finds him on the ground, as he's been severely beaten, and Olivia asks him "Did Sayyid do this to you?" Pedro looks at Olivia and tells her, as he's in pain "Yes he did."
   At Clint's office, he makes a phone call to J.B. and doesn't get a response and he pulls out a list of names and says coldly "I think it's time to destroy him. And he can blame it on himself." He calls the paparazzi and tells them "J.B. Brown lives on an Estate outside Los Angeles, catch him when he isn't wearing his veil." Allan and Rich walks inside Clint's office, and Clint is quiet, as Rich and Allan smiles and tells Clint "We decided instead of killing each other, we'd team up and kill you." Clint pushes a button underneath his desk, as he sits silently, staring at Rich and Allan, as his bodyguards arrive, as they pull out their pistols and Clint asks Rich and Allan "Now would it be wise to go against me?" At Nathan's Recording Studio, Nathan listens to the tape J.B. gave him, and he smiles and his Mother calls once again, and Nathan doesn't respond and then there's a knock at the door, and Nathan walks up to the door, and it's J.B., who's wearing a shroud, veil, and covered from head to toe, and J.B walks inside and asks Nathan "Is anyone else here?" Nathan responds "No there isn't." J.B asks Nathan "Would you freak out if I took this off?" Nathan tells J.B. "Do it." J.B. takes off his get up and Nathan is silent as J.B. cries "I look in the mirror and I don't even know who I am anymore Nathan." Outside, a gunman stands and watches on, as he tries to aim for Nathan and a shot is fired,and J.B. jumps on top of Nathan, as both of them look at each other and says "Feldman." At The Hills Hotel, Molly takes Nick to her suite and Nick asks Molly "I thought we were having dinner?" Molly looks at Nick and takes off her clothes and responds seductively "I am going to make you the next icon. Baby I believe." Nick and Molly jumps on the bed, as they begin to have sex." Down the hall, River tells Latoya, as they've reached his suite "I think Mom is busy. Want to come inside?" Latoya accepts and they walk in the suite, and River looks at Latoya and they start to kiss. Eve meanwhile walks down the hall and says to herself  "It will be nice to have my Son out here with me right now." Eve walks up to River's Suite, and notices the door's locked, and pulls out her card. In River's room, River looks at Latoya and he undresses her and they begin to have sex. Eve opens the door and walks inside, and she screams "What in the hell do you think you're doing whore?"

Next Week on The Industry:

Eve tears into Latoya.
Clair disappears.
Rich and Allan may have another ally, concerning Clint.
 
 
 

The Industry: Season One, Episode 3. The Beginning of The Great Comeback

   It's been another week in L.A., and as the sun comes up, in the early morning hours, an earthquake awakes everyone, though only minor, which as morning arrives and the day begins, at The Hills Hotel, Tenny sits in the living room to her suite at The Hills Hotel, smoking a blunt she got from Nathan, and Allan walks inside as Tenny looks at Allan, and Allan looks at his Mother and asks "When did you decide to become a stoner?" Tenny tells his Son "It calms me down. Relaxes me." Allan smiles as he sits down and Tenny asks Allan "Wanna take a hit with your Mother?" Allan takes a toke, and Olivia walks inside and she joins in, as she prepares to head to L.A. Hospital. Olivia sits on Allan's lap and looks at him and she says in a content tone "I'm glad your back." Allan looks at Olivia and kisses her and tells her "Me too baby." Tenny asks them "Did you feel that rumble this morning?" Allan tells his Mother as they pass around the blunt "It's common out here Mama." Tenny tells Allan and Olivia "It scared the hell out of me." Olivia tells them "I'm headed to the Hospital, and I will write you a prescription Tenny. I'll need one for myself." Allan looks at his Mother and Olivia, and he tells Olivia "May want to write me one as well for where I'm going." Olivia looks at Allan, as does Tenny, as she asks "To visit Clint?" Allan nods and tells them "He hates to see his agenda fail. I want to brighten his day." Tenny looks at Allan and tells him "I will go with you.." Allan tells his Mother "I need to do this by myself Mama." Tenny pulls out her pistol, and hands it to Allan and tells him "Use it if you have to." Olivia rolls her eyes, and heads out, and tells Allan "Be careful Allan." Tenny takes a toke and assures Olivia "He'll be fine. Because Mama's going with him." Allan sighs "Oh shit." Tenny looks at Allan and laughs "He doesn't want to mess with me."
   In Clarence's office at CL Records, Clarence sits in his office, as he reads off a list of names to replace Keith as judge on "The Next Icon" as Eve walks inside Clarence's office and asks him "So what are the plans Clarence? Are we going to do this show or not? I got a call from Las Vegas to do a gig at The Hills Las Vegas." Clarence looks at Eve and asks her "So when the going gets rough, you want to bail?" Eve reminds Clarence "I am a singer and I manage myself!" Clarence reminds Eve "I hope you haven't forgotten who gave you your big break 25 years ago." Eve is quiet as she sighs "I know. You did." Clarence nods and tells her "Before you went all jazz and crossing over, you were a R&B singer and had a lot of success, thanks to Keith and I." Eve looks at Clarence and tells him "I need to know if we're going to do this or not, I do have a career besides sitting on a panel, judging singers with Redneck Molly and my Ex." Clarence stares at Eve and asks "You still have feelings for him don't you?" Eve is quiet as Clarence adds "I know you've been to see him Eve. You don't like to admit your past." Eve tells him, in a shocked tone "I haven't seen Keith or checked on him." Clarence nods his head, as he asks Eve "Did you ever tell Keith about his Son?" Eve changes subjects again and Clarence tells her "I take it you haven't?" Eve yells "I didn't want Keith to know and you better keep your damn mouth shut also Clarence. Wouldn't want me to bring up some history would you?" Clarence stares at Eve and asks "What in the hell are you talking about?" Eve laughs "Commercial flights from L.A. to Sugar Creek usually involves a layover in Adam's Landing. And we know.." Clarence snaps at Eve "We made an agreement and that's all I will say." Eve looks at Clarence and reminds him "She's never gotten back with anyone since you." Clarence tells her "I know Eve. But what we had was over the moment she knew I was married." Eve reminds Clarence "And now you're divorced." Clarence snaps "Let's get back on the damn subject Eve! Who can replace Keith?" Eve takes a deep breath and tells Clarence "What about J.B. Brown?" Clarence asks "He went into exile." Eve laughs "I know where he stays these days. I could persuade him to do the show." Clarence tells Eve "He left music for a reason. He doesn't even do concerts or interviews and.." Eve tells Clarence "He's talking about a comeback. He was going to do a tour last year, but cancelled." Clarence quips "Exactly why I don't want him on The Next Icon. He has high demands and.." Eve tells Clarence "He wants to make an album, and you know if he makes a new album.." Clarence yells "Call him." Eve gets her coat and tells Clarence "I'll visit him. I've been staying with him since I've been in L.A." Clarence asks Eve "Isn't he signed to Nationwide?" Eve tells him "He's about to leave. He has been talking to Nathan James and has the funding to finance Nathan's new label." Clarence tells Eve "See what you can do. He would be exactly what we need on the show, if he will do it." Eve walks out and Clarence makes a phone call.
   At Nathan's Recording Studio, he sits in his office, as Clair walks inside with anger in her eyes as she yells at her Son "Didn't I tell you not to go to Texas?" Nathan looks at his Mother and tells her "Don't worry Mom. Grandpa wasn't there, but he will get the memo." Clair takes a deep breath and shakes her head with disgust as she tells Nathan "I don't plan to divorce Clint and I sternly warned you to stay away from Texas!" Nathan gets up from his chair, as he's working on some music, and yells "And do what Mom? Watch him keep treating you like shit? Let him hit you and you pretend nothing's wrong? No Mom, I will not do that! I am sick of it and I want it to stop!" Clair looks at Nathan and tells him "I left home many years ago because your Grandpa wasn't worried about anything but business and picking up women in bars! He never had any time for your Grandma and he hasn't never worried about you." Nathan screams "I've never even met him!" I  know who he is now though and I know if he knew of what's been going on, he's kill Clint and I'd help him. You have one powerful family and I want to know them more!" Clair sternly warns Nathan "It's already bad enough you know that old stoner woman!" Nathan re-corrects "Allan James' Mother." Clair quickly snaps "I know who she is!" Nathan asks "Why didn't you say anything?" Clair looks at her phone and tells her Son "I can't talk about it." Clair storms out, and Nathan sits at his desk, as he remembers Tenny, Allan, and Xavier Jackson all telling him "You look familiar" and Nathan calls L.A. Hospital and asks the person on the other line "I need to pick up a birth certificate for Nathan James Feldman." The person on the other line tells Nathan "There's no Nathan James Feldman." Nathan asks "Is there another last name?" The person gives him a name and he drops his phone, as he has a panic attack and says to himself "That explains everything."
   Meanwhile at a Restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles, Nick Dunn and Brittany Perry sits at a table as Brittany asks Nick "So are they cancelling the show?" Nick tells Brittany "I called Molly and she's on her way." Molly arrives and tells them "Clarence is looking for a replacement judge since Keith's having health problems." Nick snaps "We need to know because we're not rich and can't wait for all of you to make a decision! We came out here and put up a lot to see if we even could have a shot at this!" Molly sits and tells them "I understand. When I went to Music City to become a Country Singer, I did the same thing, but I had to work like hell to survive. We have to make huge sacrifices to make it in this business." Brittany tells Molly "All I've ever wanted to do was to be a singer. That's long been my dream. If this fails, then I'm throwing in the towel." Molly assures Brittany and Nick "There will be another judge for The Next Icon. Clarence told me they're talking to J.B. Brown." Both Nick and Brittany is stunned as Molly tells them "He's a man of few words and the most mysterious legend in Music History. He made 4 albums, all of them were smash hits. He performed his early days in a Funk Band called The Brown Brothers and they were hugely successful until J.B. went solo." Nick asks Molly "Didn't he go crazy?" Molly responds "Nobody really knows. He hasn't made a public appearance in over 10 years." Nick and Brittany, both frustrated tells her "We need to know what's going to happen and soon. We have to make plans if the show was to fail." Molly hands them each a check and tells them "Clarence will pay for all of your expenses while yall are out here." Nick and Brittany both thank Molly, and she tells them "I'm going to meet with Clarence later. I'll let you know what I find out." Molly leaves and Brittany looks at Nick, as both of them look at their checks and Nick tells Brittany "This is enough to convince me to stick it out." Brittany agrees with Nick, as they pay for their meal, and head back to The Hills Hotel.
   Meanwhile in Encino, Clint sits in his Mansion, as Tyrone arrives with Latoya and Clint smiles and goes "Latoya Shane. I heard you liked what Tyrone offered you." Latoya looks around and tells Clint "This is a huge home!" Clint tells Latoya "If you do everything right, you can have the same thing. And cooks, servants, all you ever wanted." Latoya tells him "I want to be a legend." Clint grins, as he says "I think that can happen, but you have to do something in order to get there." Latoya asks Clint "What do you mean?" Clint looks at Latoya, as he walks over to her, and checks her out and tells her "You are a stunning beauty, and you have a voice. You could easily become the next Queen of Pop. And I can make it happen." Latoya looks at Clint and Tyrone and asks them "What do I have to do?" Clint looks at Latoya and tells her "You have to give something up." Latoya looks at Clint and tells him "I have already slept with Tyrone!" Clint says in a distant tone "That's just the start." Latoya looks around, as Clint tells Latoya "We have to make a sacrifice in order to go to the next level. Then you're set for the rest of your life." Latoya asks "What sort of sacrifice?" Tyrone walks to the door and locks it, and Clint tells Latoya "Blood sacrifice." Latoya gets scared and Tyrone asks Latoya "How bad to you want it?" Clint asks the same question, and Latoya panics and Clint sternly tells Latoya "This is what you have to do in order to achieve your dreams." Latoya is silent as Clint tells her "This is what you have to do if you want to be a legend." Latoya is silent and then looks at Clint and Tyrone and tells them "I don't know." Clint walks over, and puts his arm Latoya and tells her "Sign the contract and you'll be in the studio, and I'll take care of everything else." Latoya agrees and heads out." Clint looks at Tyrone and tells him "I want you to make a quick visit to the Southeast." Clint gives Tyrone a gun, and tells him "I'll have my jet ready". Tyrone heads out and Clint says to himself "Now if I could get rid of Nathan." Outside, Allan and Tenny watches Latoya, and Tyrone pull out of the gates, and Allan drives through and looks at his Mother and says "Showdown time."
   At L.A. Hospital, Olivia arrives in Keith's room, as Jermaine and Keith's Father, Clemmon "Sayyid" Ross are in the room at Keith's side as Olivia sees Sayyid and they embrace in a hug as Sayyid tells Olivia "I'm glad to see you!" Keith quips from his Hospital Bed "I'm not. She won't release me." Jermaine tells his Best Friend "Olivia is going to save your life Keith!" Olivia asks Sayyid "When did you arrive in town?" Sayyid responds "A few days ago. I had to take care of some things before leaving." Pedro arrives in the room and tells everyone "I think we have found a match for Keith. A nun who's a perfect match." Keith asks "How long will I be out of work? I have things to do!" Olivia tells Keith "The main thing is making sure your body accepts the new liver, and hopefully we can manage the hepatitis." Keith quips "I guess I'll be celibate now."
Jermaine laughs, and Olivia and Pedro tells Keith "It can be transmitted sexually, but not all the time. You might be able to regain your crown." Sayyid laughs along with everyone else, as Olivia tells Keith "I've scheduled your surgery for tonight. And then with a few weeks to rest, you can get back to yourself again."
Pedro and Olivia leaves the room, and Sayyid tells Keith "I'm glad that Olivia is here. The other one I have orders to kill." Olivia looks at Sayyid and asks "What do you mean you have orders to kill Dr.Del Mar?" Sayyid tells Olivia "You know the story about his part with Leigh years ago. His name is on Xavier's hit list." Olivia looks at them and goes "I never thought he had one of them." Sayyid responds "He's right below his Brother, and we all know Xavier Jackson." Keith quips "Don't do nothing until the surgery's complete." Sayyid tells them "He best save my son, or his ass is dead!"
    Back at Clint's Mansion, Allan knocks on the door, as Tenny asks Allan "Do you have your pistol?" Allan nods, and Tenny tells her Son "I have mine." A servant opens the door and asks Allan and Tenny "Are you here to see Mr.Feldman?" Allan pushes the servant out of the way, as he tells the servant "I'd recommend you leave." Allan storms into Clint's study, and yells "Hey you son of a bitch! Look at Lazarus!" Clint looks at Allan and Tenny and pauses as he asks Allan "How did you get inside my house? You are dead!" Allan asks Clint "If I was dead, then would my Mother be here?" Clint looks at Tenny, as she has on her sunglasses, and a scarf over her hair as she tells Clint "It seems you are still the snake Allan told me about, and the slick hair doesn't work well. Ever considered calling a plastic surgeon for a nose job?" Clint yells at Tenny "Don't you dare insult me you senile..." Tenny walks over to Clint and slaps him across the face and asks "Are you going senile? Can't remember the past? I hate that because we are ready to send your worthless ass to the morgue." Clint gives an angry glaire to Allan and warns him "You know of my power. I can have your Mother killed." Tenny pulls out her pistol and turns off the safety and asks Clint "Women first Feldman!" Clint yells at Allan "You are supposed to be dead! Rich told me he killed you himself!" Allan responds "Death Valley. I went to Death Valley." Tenny holds her pistol and keeps it aimed at Clint, as he yells at Tenny "I'm not going to kill your Son so put the damn gun down." Tenny shakes her head and says "No I won't. I don't trust you. Nor will I ever trust you." Allan tells Clint "I want my copyrights and masters back and I will get them, whether or not you like it. And I know Rich was working for you." Clint looks at Allan and tells him "How about I make a deal with you. If you bring me Rich, then I will help you get back your copyrights and masters. He's already on a tight leash." Allan tells Clint "How about I kill him?" Clint smiles and tells Allan "Great idea. I love that." Tenny looks at Allan and warns him "Don't play his games." Clint asks Tenny "What would make you think I'm playing a game?" Tenny laughs "Hell everyone with brains knows you. Look at who isn't recording with your label anymore. Keith's gone, Allan left to join a commune to get away, and I don't keep with the modern shit, but all you have is Richie Rich." Clint smiles and says "Not for long. If you want to get what's yours, and want my help, then kill him. And I'd prefer it to be here."
Allan heads out and turns to Clint and says "I'd be glad to do that." Tenny walks out, as does Allan, as Clint sits at his desk and makes a phone call and says "Go to Vegas and pay Carroll a visit for me."
    Meanwhile, at The Coffee Shop, in Downtown Los Angeles, Nathan sits at a booth listening to his iPod and Latoya walks inside and walks over to Nathan and asks him "So you're the hot new producer I've heard about?" Nathan looks at Latoya and tells her is a dismissive tone "Leave me alone." Latoya looks at Nathan and asks him "Isn't your Father the head of Nationwide Records Group? I am his newest artist and I want you to produce my debut!" Eve walks inside and looks at Latoya and asks "Latoya Shane? Leave your baby behind to get to Hollywood. How many guys are you sleeping with?" Latoya looks at Eve with disgust and goes "How do you know about me Eve?" Eve snaps "Ms.Mathis bitch! And I know Aretha Evans well. Don't try your diva trip on me. I am THE DIVA! You are nothing so get lost!" Nathan looks at Eve and Eve stares at Latoya and asks "Do I have to tell you twice?" Latoya walks out as she has a look of anger in her eyes as Nathan asks Eve "Has J.B. called you yet?" Eve responds "I just left his estate. He is going to fill in for Keith on The Next Icon." Nathan tells Eve "It's good you're staying with him. He's one of the nicest people, but I think he needs some exposure and it will help with his new album." Eve tells Nathan "I have something for you that J.B. gave me." Eve pulls out a tape, and tells Nathan "He said he'd call you." Eve heads out and Nathan looks at the tape and says to himself "With his help, I can finally get out from under Feldman." Clair arrives a few moments later and asks her Son "What do you want Nathan?" Nathan pulls out a birth certificate and asks his Mother "Explain this to me. Your words." Clair looks it over and is silent, as Nathan tells his Mother "It looks like I may just finally found my family. And if you want to keep kissing Feldman's ass, then go ahead. But don't whine and bitch at me when he cheats on you and hits you again!" Clair screams "Clint is the only thing you've ever had for a Father Nathan Feldman!" Nathan screams "It's Sullivan!"
   At L.A. Hospital, Clarence arrives, as Keith's condition worsens, and Sayyid sits at his Son's side, as Jermaine tries to call Latoya, but no response. Olivia walks inside and tells them "It's time to do the liver transplant." At The Hills Hotel, Allan and Tenny returns to Tenny's suite and she tells her Son "Allan, I am going home tonight." Allan looks at his Mother and asks her "Why are you leaving Mama? I need you here with me. It's going to be a rough road going against Rich and Feldman." Tenny touches Allan's face and tells him "I know you will get back what's yours my little boy. I'm going to drive back to Adam's Landing tonight, and since I have my prescription, I can see when I drive." Allan reminds his Mother "At your age.." Tenny stops Allan and says "Age is a number. I am not a old senile woman. I live life to it's fullest and Mommy's got some things to do in Adam's Landing. And your Aunt needs to see me." Allan tells his Mother "Before you leave, I want to thank you for something else." Tenny asks "And that would be?" Allan tells his Mother with tears in his eyes "I don't know how you did it, but you found Nathan. And he's your Grandson." Tenny smiles and says "I know he is Allan. And I also know who his Mother is as well." Allan responds, as he hugs his Mother "I do too. Clint Feldman's Wife." Tenny looks at Allan and tells him "You bond with your Son, and I will keep in touch." Tenny walks out and Allan sits down as he finds an envelope on the table, and looks at Nathan's birth certificate and says to himself "Mama is always one step ahead."

Next Week on The Industry:

J.B. makes his appearance.
The war begins between Clint and Allan.
Eve confesses to Keith.

 

The Industry: Season One, Episode 2. Chances

   One week has passed and at The Hills Hotel, Clarence has arrived and has checked with the crew and directors to make sure everything is set for the first episode of "The Next Icon." Country Music Legend, Molly Lynne arrives first and yells to the crew "Howdy fellas." Clarence walks up to Molly and laughs "Damn they don't lie about you being the first to arrive and the last to go." Molly tells Clarence in a deep Southern Accent "I've always been on time when it comes to what most people would call work, but I would call this fun." Clarence tells Molly, as Keith and Eve hasn't arrived to the set "You know Keith Ross and Eve Mathis will also be judges on the show." Molly rolls her eyes and asks Clarence "The King of the Bedroom, and the biggest diva in the music business will be here too? I thought it would be more diverse than that?" Clarence tells Molly "I wanted the best of the best to judge these singers. All of you are well known and with the promotion I have going, this will be a huge hit on the UBC (United Broadcasting Company). They've ordered a full season." Molly asks Clarence "You really should of hired Rich to be a judge." Clarence sternly tells Molly "I won't let that bastard in this studio. He's best friends with Feldman, and signed to Nationwide, and.." Molly tells him "The only reason I'm doing this show is to boost my career. And maybe cross-over." Clarence reminds her "Just remember that this isn't about you, Eve, or Keith. It's about finding talent."
   At Clint's Mansion in Encino, Clair walks into the living room, as Clint is dressed and on the phone with Tyrone Gray, as he tells Tyrone "So you have started? Good. Tonight's the night. Don't mess up!" Clint hangs up the phone and Clair asks her Husband "So I talked to Nathan and he told me what you said. How many times do I have to remind you to treat my Son with some respect?" Clint sits back and tells his Wife "Nathan James is a loser. He looks like a bum and has some bad role models. He shouldn't take after losers like Allan James! He's also competition!" Clair gets angry and yells at Clint "You've never gave a damn about him Clint! We've been married for almost 20 years and you're the only Father he knows." Clint asks his Wife "And did you ever find the sperm donor?" Clair rolls her eyes and warns Clint "I will not keep up tolerating your hatred for my Son! So what if he starts a Record Label? He's my Son and you lay the hell off of him!" Clint snarks "I see your starting up with that damn temper again. I really hoped saving you would have changed you..." Clair snaps and yells "Changed me?" Clint gets up and walks up to his Wife and warns her "I  am your Husband Clair Feldman! You do as I say! And I demand you cut Nathan's worthless ass off!" Clair looks at Clint and slaps him in the face, and Clint turns around, and slaps Clair and warns her "Don't ever lay a hand on me again woman!" Clair runs out the door, and gets in her car and drives off, as Clint makes a phone call.
   At a Coffee Shop in Downtown Los Angeles, Nathan sits at a table listening to some of Latoya Shane's demos on his iPod. Tenny walks inside and sees Nathan sitting at the table and she orders a cup of coffee at the bar, and stares at Nathan as she says to herself "He looks like he might have some Marijuana." Tenny also reads the newspaper, where she sees the news her Grandson's "death", and she takes a deep breath, as she's run out of her Medical Marijuana and sits at Nathan's table, and asks him point blank "Are you a drug dealer?" Nathan looks at Tenny and asks her "Excuse me?" Tenny tells him "I can tell you smoke." Nathan asks "And just who are you? And why would I answer that?" Tenny asks Nathan "Are you scared I'm the Po-Po punk? Come on and help an old lady out. I am going blind." Nathan responds in a dismissive tone "Yeah, Right. I'm a Record Producer, not a Drug Dealer." Tenny sits back and asks Nathan, as she looks at a folder on the table "James?" Nathan responds "Will you leave me alone?" Tenny asks "Is that your first name, James?" Nathan asks "Why do you want to know?" Tenny quips "Stop being a smart ass and answer the damn question!" Nathan yells "My name is Nathan James! Originally Feldman! Now will you leave me alone?" Tenny asks "I take it you are a fan of Allan James?" Nathan tells her "He's my musical hero. He's a legend." Tenny smiles and tells Nathan "I am his Mother." Nathan asks "Your shitting me?" Tenny responds "He always dedicated each album to Tenny Sullivan. Here's my Driver's License." Nathan looks at it, and goes "Wow! You are Allan James' Mother! And I would be honored to smoke with you." Tenny tells Nathan "I will tell you some stories about him and we'll be best friends." Nathan turns off the iPod, and he tells Tenny "Let's go to my Studio, it's upstairs." Tenny and Nathan heads upstairs to his Recording Studio.
   Meanwhile at L.A. Hospital, Olivia walks into Pedro Del Mar's office, as she's started working and Pedro greets Olivia and tells her "Welcome to our staff Dr.North." Olivia tells Pedro "I am honored to be working here. It will be a good distraction from me." Pedro reads Olivia's resume and tells her "So you've worked at City Hospital back in Adam's Landing?" Olivia nods and Pedro asks her "Did you know Dr.Beth Jackson?" Olivia tells him "She's one of my closest friends. She's an excellent doctor." Pedro nods and agrees with Olivia, as he asks her "Have you read the files yet on Keith Ross?" Olivia tells Pedro "I have and I have met him, he's connected to my fiancee, Allan Sullivan. They owned a Nightclub together in Adam's Landing." Pedro responds "Hmm, sounds like you're really close to Beth's family. I can only imagine how she's feeling with Xavier being dead." Olivia looks at Pedro and asks "Why are you so interested in Beth?" Pedro responds "We dated for some time until my soon to be Ex came back to town and I'm sure you know." Olivia responds "She told me." Pedro admits to Olivia "I really made some mistakes, but I am making up for them and with Eve (Santiago) out of the picture, I might try to get back with Beth again." Olivia advises him "I think you blew it Dr.Del Mar." Pedro sighs and agrees with Olivia, as they get back on the topic of Keith, and Olivia tells Pedro "Keith will need a new liver soon if he's going to survive. It's the only way." Pedro tells Olivia "I got him at the top of the waiting list." Olivia walks out and tells Pedro "He was here yesterday and he's growing weaker every day." Olivia walks out and Pedro makes a phone call.
   At Rich Carroll's Mansion in the Hollywood Hills, Rich has gotten off the phone with Clint, and he sits in his living room, as he says to himself "I will produce myself. I don't need to be hip to have a hit." There's a knock at the door and Rich walks up to answer it and he's floored as he asks "How did you find me?" Allan laughs "Don't pay attention on who you hire?" Rich tells Allan coldly "I was nice enough to let you live you son of a bitch. If you keep pushing things, then I will have to kill you. Or someone else will." Allan grabs Rich by the throat and slams him against the wall, and yells "I want back what you stole from me." Rich tells Allan, as he's choking "Fair trade." Allan responds "Fair Trade? How about I kill you?" Rich pushes Allan off of him and yells "Look Allan, getting rid of you was my only chance for a career comeback! I had no choice." Allan looks up and sighs "Kissing Feldman's ass I take it? You and him were always tight knit. The two of you. I can't wait to make my appearance known so I can tie both your asses in litigation for years and years and get back my copyrights!" Rich yells "I sung those songs and I was way better than you ever were. At least I didn't run away from my problems!" Allan looks at Rich and laughs "Still playing innocent? Yeah, you're innocent. As innocent as my sex book. Tell that to an idiot somewhere who'd believe that bullshit because I sure the hell don't!" Rich warns Allan "If you test me, I will kill you." Allan tells Rich "What if I went to visit Clint?" Rich squirms, as Allan asks Rich "Are you scared? Rich yells "You are pushing it Allan, and everyone thinks you're dead. Olivia, Allison, your family, all of them thinks you're dead. I even sent your demented Mother a urn..."Allan punches Rich in the face and picks him up and begins to beat him, with rage in his eyes as Rich tries to fight Allan off, but without success.
   Meanwhile at the CL Records Headquarters, Latoya sits in the studio with her Father, as she records vocals for her first album and she yells at Jermaine, who's in the producer's booth "This is bland. How in the hell can this be a hit?" Jermaine takes a deep breath, and walks inside the studio and asks his Daughter "Just what in the hell is it with you Latoya?" You're not even a star and you're really making yourself look like an ass!" Latoya disses her Father, telling him "You were a one hit wonder Daddy. Who are you to judge me?" Jermaine tells Latoya "I am trying to protect you, but you are going to knock it off with this attitude! I mean it." Latoya laughs as she tells her Father "You and CL should just be fortunate to have me. I have gotten a better offer. I might take it." Jermaine asks his Daughter "What do you mean?" Latoya smiles and says "Nationwide Record Group. I was approached a few days ago by Tyrone Gray.." Jermaine freezes and slowly says "Tyrone Gray?" Latoya nods and Jermaine warns her "You don't want to do it. Clarence Lewis is one of the few good guys out here, and I can tell you right now that Tyrone Gray will exploit you and you won't have the opportunities you have here." Latoya tells her Father "$75,000,000 4-album deal. Money talks." Jermaine quips "And lawsuits talk also Latoya!" Latoya yells at her Father "I have a great chance and I am going to do it whether or not you like it!" Jermaine sternly warns Latoya "If you sign with Nationwide, then you will sell out big time! I can't help and protect you if you sign with them. And I won't!" Latoya looks at her Father and yells "You are just racist because a white man owns the label. That's all it is! You shouldn't be you hypocrite, you slept with my Mom and she's white!" Jermaine tells his Daughter "I am not a racist and I am telling you, all Clint Feldman and Tyrone Gray cares about is the money. They will build you up, and then destroy you!" Latoya tells Jermaine "I want to make my own decisions!" Latoya storms out and Jermaine punches the wall, as frustration grows inside of him due to his Daughter's choice.
   Back at The Hills Hotel, Keith has arrived and Clarence walks up to Keith and tells him "Are you ok Keith?" Keith shrugs and tells Clarence "I am fine! Stop worrying about me so damn much!" Molly walks over and yells "Keith Ross!" Keith rolls his eyes and says "Molly Lynne." Eve Mathis, a legendary singer in the R&B and Jazz field, who owns her own label, Blue Satin Records, arrives and yells at the crew "It's Ms. Mathis!" Keith looks at Eve and goes "The sellout has arrived!" Eve tells Keith and Molly "And I have the dubious unfortunate opportunity to be associated with the two of you. Whoopee." Molly yells at Eve "Don't pull that Diva shit on me Eve!" Eve hisses "Ms.Mathis redneck!" Molly slaps Eve and Eve slaps back and Keith rolls his eyes and he tells himself "Oh hell." Clarence yells at Eve and Molly "Knock it off! Take your seats!" Keith sits in the middle as Eve sits to the left end of the judge's table, and Molly to the right, and the first singer walks inside to sing. Molly looks at the singer and asks him "What's your name honey?" The man tells her "My name is Nick Dunn." Eve looks at Nick, as Molly asks him "You sound like you're from the Southeast?" Nick responds "I am. I'm from the town of Adam's Landing." Eve asks Nick "So what do you do?" Nick looks at Eve and asks "What do you mean? I'm a singer. I sing at the bars around the area." Keith quips "Karaoke huh?" Nick yells at Keith "Got a problem with that?" Keith rolls his eyes and says "Sing the damn song." Keith sings a song called "I Believe" and Keith watches on, as he's unimpressed, as Eve looks him over, as does Molly, who starts to cry. Nick finishes the song and Molly tells Nick "That was excellent!"
Eve agrees with Molly and adds "I don't care for Country, but I like you." Keith meanwhile tells Nick "You don't impress me." Nick looks at Keith and tells him "I was never a fan of yours anyway." Keith looks at Eve and Molly and both of them tell Nick "Welcome to The Next Icon!" Keith rolls his eyes and Nick thanks them humbly and walks back outside the banquet room, where the auditions are being held, and tells his best friend, Brittany Perry "Your turn. Don't lose your cool in there. Keith Ross is an asshole." Brittany walks inside and brings an acoustic guitar, and Keith eyes her and says "Another country singer?" Brittany tells Keith "I stick to the Top 40 thank you!" Molly asks Brittany "What are you going to sing?" Brittany responds "I'm singing one of my own compositions." Brittany sits on a stool and plays a song she wrote called "Raining Teardrops." Eve, Keith, and Molly grows quiet and all are blown away as Brittany sings and when she finishes, Eve, Keith, and Molly all tell her "You are in!" Brittany walks out with a smile and Keith asks Clarence "Where are the R&B singers?" Eve yells at Keith "You should broaden your horizons." Keith yells at Eve "At least I didn't forget where I came from, unlike you!" Molly rolls her eyes and a young female singer walks inside, and Keith smiles as she looks her over and quips "Damn girl you got one fine ass body on you.." The singer looks at Keith and says "And I am all yours Mr.Ross." The girl tells them "I'm singing a classic song from Ms.Mathis called "Overlove." The girl starts to sing and Keith and Molly enjoys the girl's soulful performance, as Eve glares at her and yells "That's my damn song!" The girl tells Eve "My Mama told me that was the jam back in the day." Eve tells the girl "And you don't have my vote!" Keith and Molly tells the girl "Welcome to The Next Icon!" Molly asks the girl "What's your name?" The girl responds "Cassandra
Fields." Cassandra walks out of the room and Clarence walks over and tells Keith, Eve, and Molly "They are impressive." Eve tells Clarence "I don't like that Cassandra bitch. She's singing my damn song!" Keith laughs "I wrote that and I make a ton of money off samples." Eve snaps "If she's going to be a part of this show, then I will make it hell on her!" Clarence looks at Eve and sternly tells her "You need to get over yourself Eve! This isn't about you, it's about giving a young singer a chance! And just because you have forgotten your roots, doesn't mean others have." Molly looks at Keith and notices he's pale and asks him "Are you ok?" Keith responds "I'm fine, just tired." Clarence also asks Keith if he's ok and Keith gets up and yells "I'm..." and collapses. Eve and Molly rush to Keith's side as Clarence calls 911 and tells the crew "Auditions are over for today!"
   Meanwhile at Nathan's Office and Recording Studio, he sits in his office with Tenny, as he rolls a blunt and as both are high, Tenny asks Nathan "That was some wild stuff!" Nathan responds "It's been great hearing about Allan." Tenny tells Nathan "Fire it up and let's talk about you." Nathan asks Tenny "Why do you want to know about me?" Tenny takes a deep toke and tells Nathan "Something's familiar about you." Nathan asks "Are you just stoned?" Tenny tells him "You remind me of Allan. Your hair, beard, you look like him." Nathan takes a toke and responds "My Step-dad considers me a bum and my Mom won't leave the bastard." Tenny asks "Step-dad?" Nathan tells her "I don't want to talk about him Ms.Sullivan." Tenny gently tells Nathan, as she notices a look of anger on his face "You must really hate him." Nathan responds "I do. He treats my Mom like a dog, and she won't leave him and he tries his best to turn her against me." Tenny looks at Nathan as he takes a toke and tells him "I don't do this often, but if you ever need someone to talk to, or a friend, I'm here. It means so much to me that you respect my Son and idolize him. He'd be so proud." Nathan starts to cry and tells Tenny "That means so much to me." Tenny hugs Nathan and Clair walks inside and asks her Son "I thought you quit doing marijuana?" Nathan notices a bruise on his Mother's face, as does Tenny, and Tenny tells Nathan "I'll leave now. Thank you." Tenny walks out and looks in her pouch, as it's filled with blunts and says to herself "I wonder." Back in Nathan's office, he asks his Mother "Did that bastard hit you?" Clair responds "He wants me to cut you off. I stood up to him and he hit me." Nathan pleads with his Mother "You need to leave him! Get the hell away! Call your family!" Clair tells her Son "I don't have no intentions of doing that!" Nathan tells his Mother bluntly "If Clint hits you one more time, I'm going to kill him!" Clair pleads with her Son "No Nathan! He will go after you and he has connections. Don't attempt it!" Nathan tells his Mother with tears in his eyes "I'm doing something Mom. This has went on too long, and I am sick of it! It will stop and I will see to it that it does!" Clair looks at her Son and tells him "Do not call my family Nathan!" Nathan responds "I make no promises!"
   At a restaurant in Los Angeles, Latoya meets up with Tyrone, and he asks Latoya "So did you make a choice?" Latoya tells Tyrone "I have. I want to sign with Nationwide Records." Tyrone smiles and tells Latoya "That's smart. Now let's talk about something else." Latoya tells Tyrone "If this is about sex, then NO!" Tyrone looks at Latoya and tells her "Every girl that has ever wanted to make it in this business had to sleep their way to the top.It's also made them legends. If you sleep with me, then I might be able to get you a better deal." Latoya looks at Tyrone and tells him "I'm not a whore." Tyrone tells Latoya "You have to take risks baby if you want to be a star." Latoya is silent, as Tyrone tells her "Me or Clint? Clint loves young women. And he wants you to be his star. He'll give you more promotion than Clarence will. And he's too focused on that talent show anyway. What's it going to be?" Latoya takes a deep breath and tells Tyrone "Where do you live?" Tyrone grins and tells Latoya "Good that you see things my way."
   Meanwhile, Keith has arrived in the Emergency Room at L.A. Hospital, and Olivia checks him out in the triage, as Jermaine and Clarence watches on, with worry and concern showing on their faces as Olivia tells them "I'm admitting him immediately. He's going downhill quickly and he needs a liver if he's going to live." Keith looks at Olivia and tells her "I have a show to do and an album to make." Clarence walks over and tells Keith "The main focus is your health Keith. You are in no shape to even be a judge on The Next Icon. You need to take care of you." Keith yells "This hepatitis isn't going to stop me!" Clarence tells Olivia "Put him in the private ward and make sure the media stays quiet and only his family will be allowed to visit." Olivia nods and Keith is taken to his room, as Olivia tells Clarence and Jermaine "The treatments aren't working. We only have one option and Dr.Del Mar has him on top of the waiting list. This is his only hope."
Olivia heads to Keith's room, and Clarence starts to follow, but Jermaine stops him and tells Clarence "Latoya wants to sign with Nationwide Records. I tried to talk her out of it." Clarence looks at Jermaine and warns him "She has a contract with me and I will fight Feldman all the way." Jermaine tells Clarence, with a look of regret on his face "Get ready then. She's hell-bent on signing with them."
   At Clint's Office at Nationwide Records Group, he gets off the phone with Tyrone and tells him "Good, this will be all we need to do." Nathan storms inside, as Clair follows her Son, trying to stop him and Nathan grabs Clint and punches him in the face and screams "Where do you get off with beating my Mother? Tell me bastard!" Nathan beats his Step-Father and Clair yells at her Son "Stop Nathan STOP!" Clint's Bodyguards walks inside and pulls Nathan off of Clint and Clint yells at Nathan "You blew it!" Nathan yells "Don't mess with me you son of a bitch and keep your hand off of my Mom!" Nathan's carried out and Clint grabs Clair's arm, and snarls "You better cut ties with your Son! Or else." At Rich's Mansion, Rich wakes up as he is sore after Allan's beating and says to himself "Allan Sullivan won't stop me from getting what's mine!" In Encino, Allan arrives at the gates of Clint's Mansion and tells the guard "I want to talk to Clint!" The guard asks "Are you on the list of visitors?" Allan laughs "I take it the bastard's not home. Don't worry. I'll be back. Then we'll  talk." Allan leaves and as he walks down the road, a black Camaro pulls over and Tenny asks "Need a ride?" Allan looks and goes "Mama?" Tenny is silent as she gets out of her car and grabs Allan and holds him and says with tears in her eyes "You're alive. I knew it!"


Next Week:
Allan confronts Clint.
Keith takes a turn for the worse.
Nathan looks for his family.

 

The Industry: Season One, Episode 1. Pilot

   In the City of Los Angeles, California.Where dreams are made,and broken. Glitz and glamour flow as does all of the above. Legends rise and fall,and new singers come to become legends,as the legends that inspired them had done in the past. Each person has come to Los Angeles searching for fame, fortune, and some come to start new lives, as others try to find a part of their life that is missing. Ladies and Gentlemen, from Daylight and Darkness, I now present to you, The Industry.

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   On an interstate, in a black Camaro, Tennessee (Tenny) Sullivan and Olivia Lane North reach the Los Angeles city limits. Tenny turns to Olivia and tells her "Well we have made it." Olivia turns and looks at Tenny and responds "Yes, because I was driving. Had you stayed behind the wheel,we would have been dead." Tenny lights up a joint and tells Olivia "Well I hope you know you're on my shit list right now Olivia."
Olivia laughs and tells Tenny "You'll get over it. We're here for one reason, and that reason is to find Allan." Tenny takes a toke and tells Olivia "He is here somewhere. I feel him. I know my son is here." Olivia and Tenny pulls into the parking lot of a Hotel and Olivia and Tenny gets out of the car and checks in.
   At the Diner back in Death Valley, Allan's memory has began to return, as he stands in the kitchen silently and the Waitress yells an order at Allan and he stands over the grill and is quiet for a moment as he says to himself "Where in the hell am I?" The Waitress walks back into the kitchen and yells at Allan "I told you there was an order Buddy! Stop standing there and start cooking!" Allan looks at the Waitress and tells her with a defiant tone "My name is not Buddy, and I'm not a damn cook!" The Waitress yells "I can have your washed up ass fired Buddy,Allan,whatever you want to call yourself. You sure as hell ain't Allan James!" Allan stares at the Waitress and screams "I am Allan James Sullivan and you can kiss my ass and cook the damn order!" Allan takes off his apron and throws it on the floor and storms out and The Waitress rolls her eyes as she says to herself "There goes my million dollars." Allan gets outside and as the day's turning into evening, he gets into The Waitress' car and hot-wires the cables to crank up the car and Allan looks up into the mirror at himself, and sees his hair cut short, and his beard shaved, leaving only a mustache and Allan has a look of anger in his eyes as he pulls out of the parking lot and heads to Los Angeles. Back at The Diner, The Waitress walks outside to her car to get a cigarette and notices her car is missing, and calls the Police.
   At the headquarters of CL Records, Keith Ross, Jermaine Watts, and Latoya Shane walks inside as Clarence Lewis, CEO and Founder of CL Records, greets them and asks them "How was the flight?" Keith tells Clarence" It was long. I'm pretty tired." Clarence notices that Keith looks faint and tells him to sit down, as he tells them "My first priority is your health Keith. You need to be healthy and well before we start working on your album. And this talent show will be a huge endeavor." Keith looks at Clarence and tells him "I will make that album. And I will be a judge on "The Next Icon". I'm not going to stop working because of this Hepatitis." Jermaine tells Clarence "If you would like me to, I could fill in for Keith." Clarence rolls his eyes and tells Jermaine "I need stars. I need people who know music and are well known. You're not that well known Jermaine. You're considered a one hit wonder." Jermaine reminds Clarence "I did have some Top 20 hits in my day on the R&B charts. And I was a regular on Soul Train." Clarence grows frustrated and tells Jermaine "That was over 20 years ago also. We need legends like Keith judging the show, and you should work with Latoya on her career." Latoya asks Clarence "So when do you want me to go into the studio?" Clarence tells Latoya "I am talking to a few producers and getting things arranged now. Most likely within the next week we'll start cutting your album." Clarence then changes the subject and tells Latoya "Where's Rashad and Sidney?" Jermaine grows quiet, as does Keith, as Latoya tells Clarence "They are in Adam's Landing. I want a career and I will do whatever it takes to be a star!" Clarence advises her "I think that move was a bad move. You shouldn't have left your son." Latoya yells at Clarence "You're not my Father! You have no right to judge me!" Clarence tells Latoya "Rashad Evans' Mother runs a tabloid. She could destroy your career and knowing Aretha Evans, she very well could do just that." Latoya snarks "She's busy taking care of her Mommy. Rashad is too much of a Mommy's boy to care about me!" Keith looks at Latoya and warns her "You're talking about my family girl. You knock it off! My family has always been close-knit, and you will not disrespect them in my presence." Clarence tells Keith,Jermaine,and Latoya "I've got all of you set up and here's the keys to your homes." Clarence hands Keith and Jermaine a set of house keys and Latoya yells "Where are my house keys? I want my own house! A mansion!" Clarence warns Latoya "Knock off this behavior now! This won't get you far in Los Angeles, and you need to stay with your Father." Jermaine tells his Daughter "Many singers have done the same thing you're doing, and their careers have all crashed and burned. You need guidance and I will be watching you." Clarence tells them "Go settle in and rest up. I've contacted Eve Mathis.." Keith asks Clarence "Eve? Sellout Eve?" Clarence looks at Keith and says "Yes Keith. That Eve Mathis. And Country Singer Molly Lynne will also be a judge." Keith rolls his eyes and tells Clarence" You know my history with Eve. And I am shocked you'd ask her to be a judge. Or that hillbilly." Clarence tells him "Get over your past with Eve. I did. And having Molly Lynne as a judge will add balance." Keith shrugs "Whatever you say Clarence." Keith,Jermaine,and Latoya heads out and Clarence tells them."Go check out the scene and relax." Jermaine and Latoya heads out and Keith starts to head out and Clarence stops him and tells Keith "I got an appointment set up for you tomorrow." Keith looks at Clarence and starts to cry and Clarence hugs him and tells him "We've got to get you well. And The Next Icon won't be nothing without you." Keith tells Clarence "Come hell or high water, I will be a part of The Next Icon." Keith walks out and Clarence heads to his office and makes a phone call to Eve Mathis, who's in Sugar Creek, Wisconsin, and tells her "Time to come out to L.A.. Everything's ready." Eve responds "I'm already at the Airport."
   At his office and recording studio, Nathan James, a major record producer and a young success in the music business, is in the studio, as he is working with Rich Carroll, and his new album for Clint Feldman's Record Label, Nationwide Records. Rich yells at Nathan "This isn't working for me. I told you who call the shots!" Nathan gives him the finger, and turns the music to a techno song, as Rich yells "Look asshole. I got a comeback to make! I know what I want!" Nathan tells him from the producer's booth, "I think you should hire another idiot to work with you. I don't like fake ass people like you anyway. The Allan James Band was a hell of a lot better without you!" Rich tells him" Thanks to them, I made a ton of money and I own the copyrights and masters because Allan left it to me in his will." Nathan laughs sarcastically "Yeah. Right."Nathan starts to laugh and Rich asks him "What are you laughing about? He committed suicide." Nathan tells him" I know the legend of Allan James Richie boy. And you were the biggest sellout ever in music. Dude, you're washed up." Nathan lights a joint and Rich yells "I don't like that kind of stuff in my presence." Nathan says as he sits back and takes a deep toke "My studio. I make money. But your fakeness
just doesn't make it fun." Rich yells "You are nothing. I have no idea why Clint would think we would work well together?" Nathan laughs" Because somebody is kissing somebody's ass.I wonder who?" Rich walks out and grabs Nathan and warns him"You shut up about that!" Nathan asks him "He knows you had Allan killed also? And we know him. And I know all about you."Rich lets Nathan go and tells him in a cocky tone " You don't know a damn thing about me you bum! " Nathan yells at Rich "Get the hell out of my studio and go to hell." Rich walks out and warns Nathan "I can tell Clint to destroy you." Nathan laughs "You are nothing but a one time deal old man." Rich walks out in a smug tone and Nathan's phone rings and he asks "Who is Latoya Shane?"
   In Encino, Clint sits in his home and a visitor arrives at his house. He tells him "Come in. Make yourself comfortable." Tyrone Gray walks inside Clint Feldman, CEO of  Nationwide Record Group's mansion and Clint tells Tyrone "Welcome to the new life." Tyrone tells him "I go where the cash flow goes." Clint tells Tyrone "As I recall you had a friendship with Keith Ross. You were friends years ago. Like brothers almost." Tyrone tells Clint "And he forgot about my ass after he crossed over and then left the label the way he did." Clint tells him "I think I can get what I want from Keith and Rich." Tyrone tells him "I heard they got this female singer who's mixed and they think she might be the next Queen of R&B." Clint asks Tyrone "You mean CL?" Tyrone tells him "Yeah. She is Jermaine Watts' daughter."  Clint is quiet and tells Tyrone "I want her. We need a great Pop singer on our roster. You know how the R&B singers and Rappers are, you show money, they start coming." Clint tells Tyrone "Let's stage a huge falling out at the premiere of Clarence's new TV show, and Keith and Jermaine could help you. And it would help me." Tyrone asks Clint "What's in this for me?" Clint puts his hand in his shirt pocket and pulls out 5,000 $100.00 Dollar Bills, which helps Tyrone make up his mind as he tells Clint "And you better pay me! Or else I'll come after you." Clint warns him, as he snaps his fingers, and two bodyguards walks into the living room and Clint tells Tyrone bluntly "And I can get you out of my way if you want to try me." Tyrone tells him "You don't scare me." Clint hisses "You should be scared. Now get ready for next week, we are going to make a scene at that premiere and you do as I ask." Clint points to the door, and Tyrone walks out, and says to himself "You won't get me you son of a bitch. Because Clair may be really pissed off." Back inside, Clint gets a phone call and it's Nathan and he tells Clint "Find another producer for Richie Rich." Clint laughs "Nice name." Nathan tells Clint "He can find somebody else. I can't stand him." Clint tells Nathan "I need to ask you something?" Nathan asks" What would that be Clint?" Clint asks "Is it true you're going to start your own label and become a rival?" Nathan tells Clint "I work for myself and you know also I have a contract renewal coming up." Clint tells him "I would renew. If you knew what was right for you?" Nathan warns him "Clint, There's nothing keeping me from blowing your ass in the dust!" Clint asks Nathan "How would your Mother feel about that?" Nathan screams at Clint "You leave her out of this!" Don't ever talk about my Mother!" Clint tells him in a cold tone  "She's my wife." Nathan tells him "I know about your dirty secrets. And what if I told Mom?" Clint warns Nathan "That would prove to me you are worthless. Just like I told her." Nathan hangs up the phone and Clint's Wife, Clair J. Feldman, walks inside and Clint kisses his wife and tells her" I think we should go upstairs and make a little magic. I need some relaxation after the day I've had baby." Clair strokes his face and starts to stroke his hair when her phone rings and Clint kisses his Wife and tells her"Don't worry about that phone call." Clair looks at her phone and Clint tells her "Call them later."Clair answers the phone.
   Back at The Hills Hotel, Tenny and Olivia begin to settle into their room and Olivia tells Tenny "We need to look for Allan together, and you be careful while we're here." Tenny reminds Olivia, as she takes a toke from her joint "I can handle myself." Olivia tells her "I am starting work tomorrow. L.A. Hospital wants me to work for them due to a request from The CEO of CL Records." Tenny tells Olivia "We are going to find Allan. I know we will. I have a feeling he is here." Meanwhile on the Interstate, Allan notices blue lights behind him and he tries to avoid the Police, but they set up a trap, which Allan hits, which blows out the front tires on the car,and spins into the woods, and hits a tree, but Allan is unharmed. He gets out of the car and runs in the woods, as the Police stop and a dozen state troopers and policemen chase him. At Rich's Estate, in the Hollywood hills, he gets a phone call from The Diner and The Waitress tells Rich "He's missing." Rich yells "You nobodies could ever do anything right. Thank god for airplanes and my inspiration to start a chain."The Waitress yells "It was sold too. I hear it's closing." Rich yells "You know nothing!" Rich hangs up the phone and yells "Can't some damn body get something right." Rich starts to panic and paces the floor.
   At a coffee shop in Downtown L.A. Latoya sits outside, as she sends a text to Summer, her best friend. Tyrone walks up to Latoya and asks her "Baby are you taken? Because if not girl....I'm available." Latoya yells "You are way too damn old for me." Tyrone tells Latoya "If you let me manage you girl, I will make you a legend!" Latoya grows silent as she considers the deal that Tyrone proposes as she tells him "After learning that, I may just consider it." Tyrone hands Latoya a card and walks away. Latoya reads the card and looks up, as she is quiet, with her mind heavy. At Keith's House in Los Angeles, Jermaine and Keith sits in the living room and Keith tells Jermaine "Why don't you go check out your own home? I need to rest." Jermaine asks "Are you feeling alright? You've been faint since getting off the plane."Keith walks to the door and Jermaine leaves and tells Keith "I'm scared man." Keith tells Jermaine "Don't be. I'm not worried. If it gets me, it gets me. And I'll die on top." Jermaine tells his best friend with tears in his eyes "Don't even talk like that." Keith starts to cry and he hugs Jermaine as he cries to Jermaine "I'm scared too my friend." At L.A. Hospital, Clarence sits in the Chief Of Staff's office, as he tells Dr. Pedro Del Mar, a new hire "Here's a check to convince you to move Keith to the top to the waiting list." Pedro tells Clarence "A new doctor starts work tomorrow who will be an asset to Keith, and I will name a wing of the Hospital for you." Clarence tells Pedro humbly "Name it after Keith. He is the real icon!"

Next week:
Eve and Molly arrives.
What is Latoya's choice?
Auditions start to take place for "The Next Icon."