Mommy Dearest/Transcript

Oliver and Company: The Series

Mommy Dearest

Act I

(The scene opens outside the Foxworth house; it is late afternoon. Dodger and Oliver are outside.)

Oliver: I really enjoyed our day at the Central Park Zoo, Dodge.

Dodger: No problem, kid. Anytime ya wanna see me, you're more than welcome!

Oliver: Jenny's coming home from school, so I'm gonna wait for her.

Dodger: Take care, kid!

(The two go their separate ways. Dodger heads off down the street, talking to himself.)

Dodger: You are awesome, Dodge. Taking on that sea lion!

(He suddenly stops.)

Dodger: What?

(He runs ahead to get a closer look, stopping in horror at what he sees; it's an older female Jack Russell; she almost looks exactly like Dodger, save for a white spot on her right ear and faded brown front paws. She's out cold, but still alive.)

Dodger: Could it be...? (He lifts her onto his back) Alright, I gotta get you somewhere safe.

(He runs off. Cut back to the houseboat, early evening. Francis and Tito are wrestling on the floor. Rita watches on, disapprovingly. Einstein is watching TV.)

Rita: Honestly, I sometimes wish I didn't have to act as babysitter for you guys!

(Dodger comes down the stairs with the dog from earlier. He sets her down on the floor, as the gang approach.)

Tito: Hey Dodge, man!

Rita: Are you OK?

Dodger: I'm fine! I just got a bit...sidetracked coming home.

Francis: Are you alright? (He prods the dog with his paw.)

Dodger: Cut it out! I found her as I was leaving Oliver's place.

Rita: Is she OK?

Dodger: I think so.

(Suddenly, the dog wakes up.)

Dog: Where in the world am I? Who are you?

Rita: Don't worry. You're safe.

Dodger: Maybe I should introduce myself. I'm Dodger. (He gestures to each member of the gang) This is Rita, Frankie, Einstein and Tito.

Francis: (indignant) My name is Francis!

Rita: What's your name?

Dog: My name? I'm Tess.

(Cut to commercial break.)

Act II

(The gang are gathered around Tess, who still looks slightly disoriented. Suddenly, Fagin enters the boat, carrying a pizza box. The gang pile onto him, knocking him over.)

Fagin: (laughing) Yes, yes! I missed you too! (Tess approaches him, timidly) And who are you? (He strokes her ears) You're more than welcome to stay, fella. I picked us up a little something from Sonny's.

(He gets up and picks up the pizza box. He holds up a piece of pizza in Tess's face; she gingerly takes it and eats. The rest of the gang dig in; Dodger and Rita approach Tess.)

Dodger: Tess, would ya like some of mine? (He drops a slice of pizza at Tess's paws.)

Tess: That's lovely, thank you, but...you hardly have enough as it is...

Rita: Nonsense! You can have whatever you want.