When Dodger Met Fagin/Transcript

Oliver and Company: The Series

When Dodger Met Fagin

(The houseboat, at sunset. DODGER is slumped on his armchair, watching the TV. RITA sidles up to him, followed by the rest of the GANG. He jumps down, and greets them, and they do likewise.)

DODGER: Hi guys. How's ya day been?

FRANCIS: Quite extraordinary, my good chap! We--

RITA: What he means to say is, we were good. So, how was your day with Oliver?

DODGER: Cool, ya know. Caught up with the kid, also had a good time annoying Georgette, as per usual.

RITA: I'm happy you enjoyed yourself.

(FAGIN enters, carrying bags of takeout.)

FAGIN: Alright, guys. Dinner's on me.

(The gang settle down to share their meal with Fagin.)

FRANCIS: (speaking with his mouthful) So, Dodger, have you ever told us the story about you met Fagin?

DODGER: Bear with me, here. It'll be long! See, I was just a pup...

(Flashback. A young DODGER runs through the backstreets of New York. He seems out of breath.)

DODGER: I'd run away from home, I had no idea where my parents were. Just one thing: how to make it in New York City.

(A male Australian Shepherd puppy approaches Dodger, smiling.)

PUPPY: You alright, pal? Looks like you're in a bit of a jam.

YOUNG DODGER: No, I'm fine. Just had a bit of a run-in with some guy after I tried to steal his breakfast.

PUPPY: You've got guts. (chuckles) My name's Charlie. And you are?

YOUNG DODGER: Dodger.

CHARLIE: Let me guess, like the baseball team?

(DODGER nods.)

CHARLIE: That's pretty cool. So, what are you doin' out here an your own?

YOUNG DODGER: Well, see, I-I got separated from my mom and dad.

CHARLIE: I see. Same here.

(He turns away from DODGER, who follows him.)

YOUNG DODGER: Wait! I mean, can I come with you?

CHARLIE: Sure! I could teach ya what I know.

(The two run off together.)

DODGER: (narrating) Charlie and I became the best of friends. We got up to so much mischief together!

(CHARLIE and DODGER exit a fast food restaurant, running hell for leather, each carrying half of a hamburger. The two stop to eat their meal.)

CHARLIE: You aren't half bad, Dodge!

YOUNG DODGER: Thanks!

CHARLIE: I think you'd make an excellent street dog.

YOUNG DODGER: I don't think so. I know so.

CHARLIE: Aren't we confident?

DODGER: (narrating) Charlie and I thought we'd make a great gang. Take on New York. But, life has a funny way of changing.

(Later that day, DODGER and CHARLIE are laughing and talking as they head through the streets of the Bronx. They stop and see FAGIN, who is haggling passersby, trying to sell his wares. He holds up a TEDDY BEAR to a man's face; the bear has obviously seen better days.)

FAGIN: It's a bargain, I tell ya! Your kids'll love it.

MAN: (not buying it) You can forget it, Fagin! I'm not letting my kids sleep with that mangy thing. (storms off)

(Meanwhile, CHARLIE gives DODGER a look.)

CHARLIE: Go and see if he's got something juicy worth taking.

YOUNG DODGER: You don't even have to ask.

(As FAGIN haggles two pedestrians, DODGER sneaks behind him, snatching his wallet out of his jeans pocket. FAGIN cries out, and takes off after the two dogs, who run at breakneck speed.)

CHARLIE: You really are something, aren't ya, Dodger?

(They take off through the streets, weaving through pedestrians, as Fagin gives chase. Eventually, they end up in an alleyway.)

YOUNG DODGER: (drops the wallet) I think we lost 'im.

(Suddenly, Fagin comes barreling into the alley, practically out of breath. CHARLIE hides behind a dumpster. DODGER freezes in place, as Fagin approaches.)

FAGIN: You...you're good!