"Upgrade"

TEASER

Fade in:

INT. ANNIE'S HOUSE – living room - DAY

ANNIE MACINTOSH (38) enters her new home, an attractive house in an attractive subdivision of an attractive suburb.  The living room features hardwood floors, crown moldings, and a fireplace.  There's a prominent stairway leading up to the bedrooms on the second floor.

Annie

I can't believe it. 

FIONA CHEN (25) Annie's real estate agent and close friend, follows her in.

Fiona

Believe it, Annie.  This is your house.

ANNIE

So we're really done?  No more escrow?  No more inspections?  No more paperwork?

FIONA

There is one last thing...

Fiona goes into the hall closet and takes out a large, framed painting.  She hangs it over the fireplace.

Close on the painting

A portrait of Annie and her family, dressed in their Sunday best.  There's Annie, her husband PHILIP (39), son MATT (14), daughter ASHLEY (17), and their mixed breed dog, CZONKA (5 if you're wondering).  The perfect all-American family.

FIONA

A little housewarming present.  I had it made from the Christmas card picture you sent out last year.  Is it okay?

AnnIE

It's perfect, Fiona.  Everything is perfect.

And it is.  This is Annie's perfect moment.  One she's worked for for her entire life.   Just then...

New angle - on the door

Annie's real family bursts into the house, laden with boxes.  They're far from the idealized images in the painting.  PHILIP looks harried and slightly henpecked.  He's juggling an arm-full of boxes while trying to hold the leash of their dog, CZONKA, a rambunctious, ill-trained, slobbery mutt.

Philip

Honey, where do you want this?

Czonka jerks his leash loose from Philip's feeble grip and jumps up on Fiona, nearly knocking her to the ground.

PHILIP

Czonka!  Off!

ANNIE

Just put it...

MATT, an uber-geek, all pimples, glasses, and bad attitude, dumps his box on the living room floor, no concern for the contents or the hardwood.  He goes straight for the phone jack.

Matt

Man, this sucks.  This place still isn't wired for DSL.  I thought you were gonna have them do that before we moved in.

AnNIE

I...

As Czonka tears off upstairs, ASHLEY roller-skates into the house.  She's a brunette underneath the blue punk dye job.  Smart but also smart-mouthed.  A real handful.

Ashley

Where did that painting come from?  I hate that dress.  It makes me look fat.

ANNIE

Sweetie, you look beau--

But Annie's cut off by a whizzing sound.  It's Czonka, pissing on the upstairs carpet (off screen).

PHILIP

Czonka!  Czonka no!

Annie can't stand it.  So much for her perfect moment.  She let's out a strangled shout of anger and frustration.

ANNIE

It's not fair.

She retreats to...

INT. kitchen – DAY

Annie pulls out a pack of Nicorette gum out of her purse.  You're supposed to kind of bite down on Nicorette and suck it to get a slow release of the nicotine.  Annie chomps on hers.  Philip, no fool, follows her into the kitchen. 

AnnIE

(re: the gum)

I hate this stuff.  I'd kill for a cigarette right now.

PHILIP

You're upset.

AnnIE

I'm not upset.  After all, you and I have only worked twenty years to afford this place.  Just because we've owned it for fifteen minutes and the hardwood is already scraped and the carpets are ruined, why should I be upset?

PHILIP

They're teenagers, Annie.  Just because we have a new house, it doesn't mean they're going to turn into new people.

ANNIE

Sometimes I wish they would.  The perfect family to go with the perfect house.  Is that too much to ask for?

PHILIP

You don't mean that.

ANNIE

All I wanted was for our lives to be better.  A better place to live.  Better schools.  Better everything.

PHILIP

And you're going to get it.  You found us the perfect house.  And we're all going to be very happy here.  I just know it.

Just then...

New angle - a dog

trots into the kitchen.  This isn't Czonka, though.  It's a pure-bred, full-sized French Poodle, perfectly coifed and clipped.

PHILIP

Hiya, Czonka.  Give your mommy some love.

The Poodle trots over to Annie and gently licks her hand, looking up at her with loving eyes.

AnNIE

Czonka?  This isn't Czonka.

Philip looks confused.

PHILIP

What do you mean?  Of course this is Czonka.  Watch.

(turns to the dog)

Czonka, sit.

The Poodle sits.

PHILIP

Now.  Down.  Roll over.  Play dead.

The Poodle executes each command perfectly. 

PHILIP

Good boy.

Philip rubs the Poodle's belly.

PHILIP

See?  What other dog do you know that can do all that?    

(to the Poodle)

That's my boy.  Who's my best in show?  Who's my champ?  That's right.  You are.  Czonka is.

Annie watches Philip scratching the Poodle's belly.  This is a happy, well-behaved dog.  And it's definitely not Czonka.  Stunned, Annie walks out into...

INT. LIVING ROOM – DAY

Movers are starting to bring in the Macintosh's furniture.  It's a bit threadbare, not really in keeping with the nice new house.

Annie, still a bit dazed, walks over and looks at the painting over the fireplace.  Instead of the old Czonka, the painting now shows the Poodle in his place. 

Fiona notices her friend's confusion.

FIONA

Annie, are you okay?

AnNIE

Fiona, is this the same painting you just hung up here?

FIONA

Sure.  Why?

AnNIE

I... I don't know.

The Poodle trots into the living room, followed by Philip.  Fiona greets the dog.

FIONA

Czonka.  How you doing, boy?  How do you like your new house?  Isn't it perfect?

Annie looks at the painting again, more confused than ever.

ANNIE

Perfect.

New angle - on one of the movers

He enters carrying a box that blocks his face, but when he puts it down we see that it's our Host.

Host

Consider Annie Macintosh.  Hospital administrator.  Wife.  Mother.  All she ever wanted was the perfect house in the perfect neighborhood.  But she's about to find out that upward mobility comes with a price.  Especially in that mysterious subdivision known as... the Twilight Zone.

And off this, we...

Fade out.

END OF TEASER

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. LIVING ROOM – DAY

Ashley and Matt are playing with the Poodle, putting him through his endless repertoire of tricks, while Annie searches through one of the unpacked boxes.

ANNIE

(while searching)

Okay, I get it now.  This is some kind of reality program.  Like "Big Brother."  "The Play-a-Trick-On-Mom Show?"  Or "America's Funniest Mom Videos?"

PHILIP

Annie.  What are you talking about?

ANNIE

You're going to play this right until the end aren't you?  Right until Louie Anderson or someone jumps out of the closet.

PHILIP

You're not joking, are you?  You really think this isn't our dog?

ANNIE

Who names a poodle Czonka?  Poodles are named Fifi or maybe Pierre. 

PHILIP

We agreed that you could pick out the dog if I got to name him.

ANNIE

This is not Czonka.  I'll prove it to you.

Annie pulls out an old photo album.  It's got pictures of the family around the Christmas tree, at picnics, birthday parties.

And the Poodle is in every picture.  The old dog is nowhere to be seen.

AnNIE

But... What's going on here?

Philip reaches into the box and begins pulling out awards and ribbons.

PHILIP

Annie, look. 

(re: the ribbons)

Best in breed.  Best in show.  Obedience award.  Champion certificate.  AKC papers.  You love this dog.  His stud fees helped pay the down on this house.  Hell, there are days I think you like him better than me.  Stop pretending you don't recognize him.

Philip looks genuinely concerned.  So do the kids.  Sensing Annie's agitation, the Poodle comes and lick her hand.

Annie

Get that thing away from me.

Annie blows in frustration.

ANNIE

This isn't funny.  And I'm playing this game anymore.

Annie storms off, leaving her worried family behind in the living room.

Int.  KITCHEN - EVENING

Fiona has come over to help calm Annie down.  Annie pops a Nicorette and looks out to the dining room where the Poodle is snoozing by the nicked dining room table and the unpacked boxes.

AnNIE

Look at him.  Just lying there. 

FionA

That's what dogs do.

Annie looks betrayed.

ANNIE

Fiona.  Don't.  I called you over here to help me.  Don't play along with this stupid joke.

Fiona can see the genuine confusion on her friends face.  And she wants to help.

FIONA

Annie, you trust me, right?

ANNIE

You're my best friend.  We spent two years looking for this house together.  Without you, we'd still be renting.

FIONA

Good, then listen to me very carefully.  I've seen this before.  Buying your first home can be very difficult.  Escrow, inspections.  And once it's all done, the reality sinks in.  You've got a lot of new responsibilities.  It's scary.

ANNIE

You think I'm losing it.

FIONA

Stress does funny things to people.  I've had clients forget their own names, what year it was, how many children they have.  I knew one guy, who, every day, for three months, drove back to his old apartment after work.  He kept blocking out the fact he'd bought a new house altogether. 

ANNIE

I'm not a whacko.  I'm a hospital administrator.  I have no imagination.  I vote Republican.

FIONA

You're going to be fine.  You just have to give it a few days.  And remember... we ran the numbers.  You got this place for a steal in probate.  So trust me, you are not in over your head.  That is your dog.  And this is your house.

Off Annie, not completely convinced...

INT.  BEDROOM – NIGHT

Philip brushes his teeth while Annie finishes making their bed.  Boxes are still everywhere.

Philip

(around toothbrush)

I really think this school will work out for Matt.  You know they have an Olympic size pool?  Matt was talking about joining the swim team.

AnNIE

Matt hates exercise.

PHILIP

Swimming is a no-cut sport though.  And he seems genuinely interested.

Philip goes and spits out his toothpaste.

PhILIP

Annie, I know I was reluctant to move, but I'm glad you talked me into it.  This place is terrific.  And it's going to be great for the kids.

Philip joins Annie in bed. 

PHILIP

I guess what I'm trying to say is thank you.

Annie brightens.  This is the first time Philip's acknowledged that the new house is a good thing.

AnNIE

I'm glad you're happy.  That's all I really wanted.  I...

But Annie is interrupted by a SCRATCHING SOUND at the closed bedroom door.

PHILIP

Czonka.  I'll let him in...

ANNIE

No.

PHILIP

Annie, not this again.  Czonka sleeps in our bed every night.  Hell, it was your idea.

The scratching continues.

AnNIE

Please.  Not tonight.

PHILIP

Whatever you say.

Philip turns out the light.  Annie lies back on her pillow, ready for her first night's sleep in her new home.

But she can't close her eyes.  Because the scratching at the door continues.  Scratch-scratch.  Scratch-scratch.

DissOLVE TO:

INT. KITCHEN – DAY

Annie comes down for breakfast.  Her daughter, Ashley, is in the kitchen eating cereal.  Matt is digging through the fridge, packing his lunch, but we can't see his face because of the refrigerator door.

AsHLEY

Hi Mom.  Feeling better?

AnNIE

Yeah, honey.  I think I am.

MATT (O.C.)

Ashley, I made you lunch.

Matt closes the refrigerator door...

New angle

And we see this isn't Matt at all.  It's a completely different boy.  Taller, better looking, clear complexion, fashionable clothing.  It's NEW MATT.

New matt

Darn, I forgot my pager.

The boy leaves the kitchen, kissing a shocked Annie on the cheek as he walks by.

NEW MATT

Morning.

Annie just watches him go, dumbfounded.

AnNIE

Who... Who was that?

Ashley

Mom, you're freaking me out.

Annie

You're freaked out?  We've been here less then twenty-four hours and you already have a boy over!

Ashley is starting to get a little scared now.  From her perspective, her mother is completely losing it.

ASHLEY

Mom, that wasn't funny yesterday when you were doing it with the dog.  And it's even less funny today with Matt. 

Annie

Matt?!  That wasn't Matt.  That boy was six feet tall.  Your brother is five foot six and never made you lunch is his life.

Annie backs away from her mom.

AnnIE

(calling out)

Dad!  Mom is freaking out again.  Dad!

Annie can see there's no reasoning with her daughter.  She heads out through the dining room and into...

INT. LIVING ROOM – DAY

Annie calls out to her son.

AnNIE

Matthew!  Get down here... right...

Annie pulls up short.  She can see...

The painting over the fireplace

But the Matt in the painting is now the New Matt.  Czonka is still a Poodle instead of a mutt.  And what's more...

The Ashley in the painting

Is now different too.  Instead of the grumpy-faced, blue-haired punk, the NEW ASHLEY is a drop-dead gorgeous blonde.

The New Ashley

Follows Annie into the living room.

New ashley

Mom?  What's wrong?

Annie is terrified to see that her daughter has changed too.  She backs away from her daughter in horror.

ANNIE

Matt?  Matt!

Annie runs upstairs...

Int. upstairs hallway - dAY

Where she pushes open the door to her son's room.  The New Matt is grabbing a coat out the closet.  It's identical to one of the old Matt's coats, but in a larger size so it fits the New Matt.  

New Matt's room is no longer in boxes.  Everything's been unpacked.  There are swimming trophies everywhere.

NEW MATT

Hey, Mom.

Annie backs away.  But just as she reaches the head of the stairs...

THE POODLE

Reacting to the strange signals she's giving out, begins to BARK from behind her.  Startled, Annie spins around toward the Poodle and takes a step back.  But she forgot about...

the stairs

Annie missteps, loses her balance... and goes tumbling down the stairs.  She crashes to the bottom with a thud. 

New angle - Annie's P.O.V.

Annie looks up, trying to get her bearings, struggling to stay conscious.  New Ashley bends down over her mother, her worried face filling up the P.O.V.

NEW ASHLEY

Mom?  Are you okay?  Mom?

For some reason, seeing her changed daughter doesn't help matters much.  Annie blacks out.

FadE TO BLACK.

Fade in:

Int. lIVING ROOM - DAY - later

Annie comes to and finds herself lying on her (slightly threadbare) couch.  Paramedics are packing up in the background.  Philip is watching her with concern.

PhILIP

Annie?  You gave us quite a scare.

Annie

What happened?

The Paramedics head out.

Philip

You took a little tumble, but you're going to be okay.  The paramedics say you've got a slight concussion.

Annie sits up slowly.  She sees the New Ashley and the New Matt watching her from the dining room.

ANNIE

Ashley... Matt...

PHILIP

Kids.  Your mom wants to see you.

ANNIE

No.  Please.  Send them away.  I... I still don't feel very well.

The kids wait for a signal from their father.

PHILIP

Go to school, you two.  You're late enough already.

NEW AshLEY

Come on.

The New Matt and the New Ashley head for the kitchen door.

AnNIE

Philip... Those are not our children.  Our children don't look anything like that.

PHILIP

That's the concussion talking.  The paramedics said you might have some short term memory problems are not uncommon.  You just need some rest.

ANNIE

This isn't a memory problem.

Suddenly, a horrifying thought occurs to Annie.

AnNIE

Oh my God.  What if I'm doing this?  What if this is my fault?

PHILIP

Annie?

ANNIE

Just listen to me.  When we moved in here, I told you that I wished I had the perfect family to go with my perfect house.  Now it's happening.  First the dog, then Ashley and Matt.  What if I'm doing it?  What if I'm somehow... making things change so my wish comes true?

PHILIP

Our kids aren't perfect.  Remember when Matthew lost that race and missed nationals?  Or when Ashley got a B in English last quarter?

ANNIE

A B?  When the old Ashley got a B, we used to celebrate.

PHILIP

You're confused, Annie.  But we can work through it.  You just have to stay calm and be patient.

Annie can't help but smile.

ANNIE

Still the same Philip at least.  Always logical.  And always there when I need you.

PHILIP

I'll always be here for you.

Annie has a horrifying though.

ANNIE

Oh God.  What if it happens to you?  What if you vanish next?

PHILIP

I'll never leave you.  You know that.

ANNIE

I don't know anything anymore.

PHILIP

Okay, look... you said you were afraid you were causing this.  That you were somehow changing reality to make your wishes come true.  Well... do you want me to change?

ANNIE

Never.  We've been together for twenty years.  You're the only man I've ever wanted.

PHILIP

So there you go.  I'm the man of your dreams.  And I'm not going anywhere.

Philip moves closer to Annie.  She closes her eyes and they kiss.  Despite all their years together, there's still passion and genuine affection here.  Annie and Philip really are just right for each other.

Annie ends the kiss and opens her eyes...

New angle - close on Annie

And her face goes ashen.

ANNIE

(whispering to herself)

No.  No no no no.

Annie backs away, looking in horror at...

A NEW PHILIP

Her husband has changed into ANOTHER MAN.  Handsome, polished, perfectly groomed... and nothing like the real Philip.

New Philip

Annie?  What's wrong?

AnNIE

What have I done?  Oh my God, what have I done?

And off Annie's look of horror, we...

Fade out.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

Int. Upstairs HALLWAY - DAY

Fiona knocks on Annie's bedroom door.  Annie's locked herself in and Fiona's trying to talk her out. 

Fiona

Annie, open up.  You can't stay in there forever.   

(knocks again)

Annie, please.

Annie cracks open the door.  She peaks out at Fiona.

AnNIE

At least you haven't changed.  Yet.

FIONA

Are you going to let me in?

Annie reluctantly opens the door and Fiona joins her in...

Int. bEDROOM - DAY - conTINUOUS

Annie seems quite calm, but it's a fragile calm.  Inside, she's definitely shell-shocked.

AnNIE

Philip called you?

FIONA

He's very worried about you.

ANNIE

And Matt and Ashley?

FIONA

Them too.  Everyone is.

ANNIE

But you didn't notice anything unusual about them.

FIONA

Should I have?

ANNIE

Aside from the fact that they've all turned into completely different people, no.

FIONA

Different how?  They seem like their same old selves to me.

ANNIE

Same old selves?  What color is Ashley's hair? 

FIONA

Blonde.

ANNIE

It was brown... before she dyed it blue.  The Matt I remember is six inches shorter than the one down there.  And he wears glasses. 

(shakes her head)

I don't know what's happening anymore.  None of this makes any sense.

(turns to Fiona)

Fiona, help me.

FIONA

You don't need help, Annie.  You have a wonderful life.  Everyone we know envies you. 

ANNIE

If my life is so perfect, why is this happening to me?

FIONA

Nothing is happening to you.  You have a wonderful new house, two beautiful children, and a husband who loves you very much.  Even if Philip weren't so rich, even if you didn't have all his money, you'd still be the luckiest person I know.

ANNIE

Rich?  Philip isn't rich?

Fiona can't help but chuckle.

Fiona

I'm sorry... It's just... Annie, I just sold you this house.  And you paid cash. 

Annie

That's impossible.  My family is struggling. 

FIONA

If that's struggling, then I want to struggle, too.

Annie loses her temper. 

ANNIE

Alright, if we're rich...

She storms out of the room.  We follow her into...

Int. upstairs HALLWAY - dAY

Annie's headed for the living room, Fiona in her wake.

ANNIE

...how do you explain...

Annie stops short.  She's on the landing overlooking the living room.

AnNIE

This?

INT. LIVING ROOM – DAY

The living room has been completely unpacked.  What's more, everything is decorated.  But not with Annie's shabby old furniture.  There's a thin screen TV, ultra-modern decorations, Persian carpets.  Expensive artwork and furniture are everywhere. 

Annie walks down into the room, in a daze. 

AnnIE

This isn't my furniture.  Our couch was fifteen years old.  This TV, Philip wanted this TV, but it cost seven thousand dollars.

 Fiona follows her.

Fiona

Okay, let's just say, for a second, that everything you've been telling me is true. 

Fiona, like Annie, is looking around at the furniture and art.  But where Annie is shocked, Fiona is envious.

FIONA

For the sake of argument, let's suppose that this isn't you original furniture. 

She walks over to the portrait, which shows Annie with the New Philip, Ashley, Matt, and Czonka.

FIONA

And this isn't your original family.  Everything has changed.  Annie, if that's true... it's not a nightmare.  It's a miracle. 

Annie examines the portrait.  In addition to the New and Improved family members, one other thing has changed.  Whereas before, the Annie in the painting looked a little distant, now she's smiling broadly.

Close on Annie

Lost.  Bewildered. 

FIONA

Whatever your life may have been before, you've upgraded.  And your new life... your new life is a keeper.

Off Annie, we...

Cut TO:

INT. DINING ROOM – night

The perfect dinner.  Crystal and fine china.  Everything is cooked to perfection.  The new dining room furniture is Italian inlaid wood.

New Philip and the kids are chattering away, talking about their perfect lives. 

NeW AshLEY

And the teachers say they won't carry over my grades from the old school.  So that B I got in English won't count.  I know I can get an A if I work at it.

NEW MATT

So have you decided yet?  Stanford or Harvard?

NEW ASHLEY

I'm not sure.  Harvard is closer to home... but the Pac-Ten has a stronger tennis league and my couch says I should play the best competition I can find. 

NeW PHILIP

What do you think, Annie?  Stanford or Harvard?

Annie looks confused.  She wants to play along with this perfect new life, but it's not easy.

AnniE

I thought you wanted to go to Tech?

NEW ASHLEY

Tech?  Why would I want to go there?

ANNIE

Well, we can't really afford Stanford or...

(stops herself)

Oh.  We can.  Can't we?

NEW phILIP

We can afford any place Ashley wants.  But even if we couldn't... the scholarships will cover it.

ANNIE

Scholarships.

New Ashley can see Annie's confusion.  And it hurts her.

NEW AshLEY

Mom, don't look at me like that.  It scares me.

NEW phILIP

Ashley, please.  Your mother hit her head.

NEW ASHLEY

(genuinely concerned)

This started before she hit her head.

(to her mom)

Tell me you recognize me.  Tell me know who I am.  Who Matt is.

Annie doesn't know what to say.  Everyone is looking at her.

New Philip

Honey, tell the kids everything is going to be fine. 

AnnIE

I... I'm trying.  I just...  I need time.

Annie can't deal with her new family right now.

AnNIE

I need time.

Annie retreats into the kitchen.

Int. KITCHEN - night

Annie opens drawer after drawer.

AnnIE

Cigarettes.  Where are my damn cigarettes?

Annie stops herself.

AnNIE

You don't smoke.  There are no cigarettes in the new house.  You quit six months ago.

Annie shakes her head.

ANNIE

Because you thought smoking was low class.

Right now, Annie could go for a little low class.

ANNIE

What's happening to me?

Annie looks at her reflection in the darkened window.  She looks stressed out.  Definitely the worse for wear.

ANNIE

It's the head injury.  That's what it is.  And the stress.  But it's all going to be okay.

She looks her reflection straight in the eye. 

ANNIE

(stern)

Annie Macintosh, those people out there love you.  That's all that matters. 

Annie is trying to be strong, but it's not easy.  She blinks back tears and tries to keep the fear and pain out of her voice.

ANNIE

They're your family.  So you get out back out there...

(sniffs)

And you love them back.

Int. DINING ROOM - nIGHT

Annie returns to the dining room.  No one's eating anymore.  She starts toward the living room, but then stops.  She can hear quiet voices coming from the upstairs hallway.

Int. lIVING ROOM - nIGHT

New Philip and the kids are on the upstairs landing.  New Philip hangs up a cordless phone.

New PhILIP

All right.  I called the hospital.  They said they may want to keep her there for a while.  But listen to me, no matter what happens, we'll be okay.  I'll always be here.

New Philip hugs his kids close.  He's a good father.  A perfect father.

Int. dinING ROOM - night

Annie reacts in horror to what she's just heard.

Int. KitCHEN - nIGHT

Annie frantically dials the kitchen phone.  The phone rings.  But an answering machine picks up.

FIONA

(answering machine)

This is Fi!  Leave a message!

AnNIE

Fiona, if you're there, pick up.

(nothing)

Fi, I can't stay here anymore.  I need to come over.  Please.  I just need a place to stay for a few days.

New Philip calls for Annie from the living room.

New Philip

Honey?  Honey?  Where are you?

Annie hears Philip walking toward the kitchen. 

Annie

They're here!  I have to go!

She hangs up and tries to run out the kitchen door, only to find herself in the --

Int. LIVING ROOM - day - CONTINUOUS

Not outside but in the living room.  It's as if the back kitchen door connects direction to the front living room door. 

AnNIE

No.  No.

Annie runs back out the front door, only to finds herself back in --

Int. KITCHEN - day - CONTINUOUS

She's back where she started.  Frantic, she leaves kitchen door once more, but ends up back in --

Int. LIVING ROOM - dAY

She can't get out.  The house has no exit.

AnNIE

No.  There has to be a way out.  There has to be...

Just then Annie's eye catches the painting. 

New angle - the painting

The painting now features a new woman in Annie's place.

Angle on the room

Annie's back is to us.  She's looking at the painting.  New Philip enters the room.

New pHILIP

Annie.  Are you okay?

Close on Annie

As she turns around.  But it's not the Annie we're used to.  It's a NEW ANNIE.

New annie

I'm fine.  I was just straightening up. 

(smiles)

Have I told you lately how much I love this new house?  And how much I love you.

NEW PHILIP

I'm glad you like it.  After all, we got it just for you.

They kiss.  Off screen, a voice calls out...

Woman's voice

Fiona!  Dinner!

Pull back to reveal:

Int. young girl's BEDROOM - DAY

A ten-year-old girl, the REAL FIONA, is playing a simulation on her computer.  The game is frozen on an image of the New Annie kissing the New Philip.  Over the kiss, the Computer Monitor reads: "Upgrade complete." 

Real fiona

Coming, Mommy.

The Real Fiona runs down stairs, her game over.  We pan back to the computer monitor.  And our HOST steps out of the shadows, holding a CD-ROM disk.  He looks at his reflection in the disk.

Host

Just a game.  But is it?  Every day the characters in our computer games become more life-like.  What will happen when we can no longer distinguish them from real people?  And neither can they?  And as virtual reality becomes less virtual and more real, how can we be certain that we ourselves aren't just simulations, images of light and shadow on some high res monitor... in the Twilight Zone?

From downstairs, we hear a dog bark.

real FIONA (O.C.)

Mommy?  We don't have a dog.

And off this, our Host smiles cryptically, and we...

FaDE OUT.

The end