The Last Speakeasy.

How the season unfolds

Each beat scaffolds into a real scene + shot when you start the project. Edit, rearrange, or drop any of them as you write.

1. S0101
   Last Set of the Night

   Vera finishes her closing number in a sequined gown. The room cheers. She bows. Walks past a packed table she does not look at.

   Cliffhanger

   On the table — her husband's drink, untouched. He is missing from behind the bar.

   1920s speakeasy1 cast
2. S0202
   The Dressing Room Door

   Vera opens her dressing-room door to change. Inside: the police commissioner is slumped in her chair. A pistol on the floor. Her lipstick on the rim of his glass.

   Cliffhanger

   She does not scream. She locks the door from the inside.

   1920s speakeasy1 cast
3. S0303
   The Detective Arrives

   Detective Bruno arrives. He used to love Vera. He used to BE Vera's. He sees the lipstick. He says nothing.

   Cliffhanger

   'I'm taking the gun. We never had this conversation.'

   1920s speakeasy2 cast
4. S0404
   The Husband Returns

   Bartender Roberto comes back from the cellar. Vera asks where he was. He does not answer.

   Cliffhanger

   He hands her a letter the commissioner wrote his wife. 'He was leaving her tonight. For you.'

   1920s speakeasy2 cast
5. S0505
   The Newsroom Calls

   The morning edition is in the typewriter. Vera's photograph is on page one — taken last week, but printed today.

   Cliffhanger

   The headline: COMMISSIONER LOVES TORCH SINGER. The story dropped before the body was found.

   newsroom bullpen1 cast
6. S0606
   The Casino's Counting Room

   Vera traces the leak to the casino mob. She walks in alone in her red gown. They are counting bills the commissioner was meant to deliver.

   Cliffhanger

   The boss looks up. 'You're the alibi we were going to plant.'

   casino floor2 cast
7. S0707
   The Interrogation

   Bruno questions the commissioner's wife. She knew about Vera. She did not know about the casino. She has been crying for hours.

   Cliffhanger

   'He was leaving me. I was glad. So who needed him dead?'

   police interrogation1 cast
8. S0808
   The Last Number

   Vera sings her closing song again. Roberto pours the bourbon. Bruno stands at the door. The mob waits at the curb.

   Cliffhanger

   She finishes the song. She picks up the revolver. She walks out the front door singing.

   1920s speakeasy3 cast