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EPISODE 1
DETAILED OUTLINE
"ABOUT ED RICKETTS"
written by
P.J. Palmer and Eric Enno Tamm
OUTLINE
1948 ~ Cannery Row ~ Open with John Steinbeck's VO, slowly, a whisper:
JOHN (V.O.)
Cannery Row in Monterey in California is a poem, a stink, a grating noise
a quality of light, a tone, a nostalgia, a dream.
We glide behind a taxi as it motors through a deserted Cannery Row. The cab stops in front of a dilapidated building. JOHN STEINBECK (46) exits the cab with a leather briefcase embossed with his name. He climbs the steps of the old building, retrieves a hidden key and lets himself in. He wanders through this well-lived in space and comes to a desk covered with items: photos of a younger version of himself and others in distant places, a framed New York Times review of one of his books, boxing glove pendant, a new watch, floor plans for a large laboratory, notebooks titled "Queen Charlottes" and a leather briefcase that matches his - but embossed "EDWARD F. RICKETTS".
John has returned to mourn the tragic death of his best friend, ED RICKETTS (51) - whose car is struck by a train in a horrific accident - his car crushes in around him while it is dragged by the locomotive. Ed's mangled body is pulled from the wreckage - voices can be heard: "Is that Doc?" "That's Ed, alright" and "Why did he stop on the tracks?" Ed is laid in the tall grass next to the tracks. He struggles to stay conscious and focuses on a monarch butterfly that alights near him - in the distance he can hear his name called out by a YOUNG MAN: "ED!, Ed...!"
...and we fade away to darkness...
John's voice-over tells the story of their friendship, starting in:
1930 ~ Pacific Grove ~ Ed (31), a self-made biologist, collects specimens before dawn in the Great Tide Pool. He drives his loud, old roadster along the coastal road back towards Monterey, but is blocked by SHERIFF LARSON (50's) who wields a shotgun. Ed's roadster backfires to a stop. Sheriff was called because of a noisy jalopy was keeping the town awake at odd hours. He questions Ed and we learn that Ed is moving his business, Pacific Biological Laboratories, to Cannery Row. Sheriff is suspicious of Ed with all his specimen bottles, odd hours and lab alcohol. Ed supplies his alcohol permit and explains it is for preserving animals. Sheriff tells Ed that he runs the "driest town in America" and then warns Ed against bootlegging his lab alcohol. Sheriff takes a bottle as "evidence".
Cannery Row ~ Ed arrives to his new Lab on Cannery Row - his backfiring roadster wakes GABE (40s), a violently drunk vagabond who is passed out on the sidewalk. Gabe throws punches but misses - then realizes it's Ed who is trying to offer help. Gabe stumbles off and is nearly hit by a truck before disappearing among into the overgrown Vacant Lot across the way to be with the other Vagabonds including GAY (40s) and HAZEL (20s). MR. WON YEE (50's) witnesses the whole ordeal as he opens his Wing Chong Market for the day. He shakes his head in disapproval.
The Lab ~ Ed unpacks his roadster and notices that FRANKIE ABBEVILLE (6) - a poverty stricken 'Row-Rat' with a learning disability and speech impediment - is sleeping in the moving boxes again. Frankie looks to Ed for protection from his rough life on the streets. Ed coaxes Frankie out of the boxes - like a feral animal - by offering to let him help preserve the colorful creatures Ed has collected that morning, but when Frankie accidentally breaks a glass he runs away in a panic.
Cannery Row ~ John (28), with his dog, TILLIE, breaks mussels off pilings under the canneries. He is in a glum mood as he walks through a bustling and crowded Cannery Row with his bucket of mussels. John stops in at Wing Chong Market to trade mussels with Mr. Won for a few cigarettes. Mr. Won offers him a bootlegged beer, but John declines. He intends to get some writing done before he drinks.
Carmel ~ Ed parks - with a backfire - at a backyard art studio where he is introduced to XENIA (18), the beautiful younger sister of his former mistress, SASHA (26) - an artist and the wife of his friend and writing partner JACK CALVIN (28). Xenia is posing nude as Sasha paints her portrait. Xenia notices that Jack in not bothered by Ed and Sasha's intimacy.
Jack encourages Ed to share his vast knowledge of the marine life in a book for the everyman. Jack says Ed's Lab Catalogue is an excellent start on such a project. Ed is not so sure.
Monterey, Ricketts House ~ Ed's wife NAN (30) is cold to him. She is clearly unhappy in their relationship - but their three young children are unaware.
Pacific Grove Cottage ~ John walks home where his wife, CAROL (27), is typing up handwritten manuscripts. John hands over the bucket of seafood he collected as their dinner - they are that impoverished. He opens the mail to yet another rejection letter on his manuscripts, which stings. The poverty and the rejections combined with his tooth that is going bad - all of it is making his writer's-block even worse. He is discouraged that he is already 28 and has nothing to show for it beyond a poorly reviewed first novel. Carol reminds him that Hemingway is 40 and has only written four novels so far. This helps to reassure John... a little.
Lover's Point ~ Frankie meets up with Ed at the tide pool to collect specimens. Frankie doesn't speak much but he loves spending time in the tide pools with Ed, who teaches him about sea anemones as a way to get closer to Frankie to inspect the abrasion and bruise on his face. Xenia appears in a revealing bathing suit, surprising both Ed and Frankie. She is obviously interested in Ed. Frankie, being shy, wanders off. Ed shows Xenia how to insert fingers into the anemone - the sexual tension builds between them until they are interrupted by a large wave that rains down and soaks them. Ed uses the moment to get a closer look at Frankie's wounds and ask him about them - but Frankie recoils and runs off - it's too much for him. Xenia is happy to have Ed to herself now, but the moment is over for Ed who is now all business. Xenia leaves, insulted.
Pacific Grove Cottage ~ John spends his days writing with a green pen on yellow legal pads. When Carol isn't busy typing John's manuscripts and working odd jobs to support them, she attends political meetings with her friend BETH INGALLS (30) and Beth's lover PEG (30) and a charismatic local blacksmith, FRANCIS WHITAKER (35) - John his happy for Carol and her new, eclectic friendships. Carol is happy to see John writing. Now, in a lighter mood, John lets his humor shine with Carol and they soon are making uninhibited, joyful love.
Monterey, Ricketts House ~ Ed stares at himself in the bathroom mirror. He is conflicted about Xenia - and tries to talk with Nan in bed about what is troubling him but Nan is not interested - she has heard it all before. She shuts out the light and turns away to sleep, leaving Ed alone with his thoughts.
Pacific Grove Cottage ~ Carol and John are woken up by John's parents who have arrived unannounced. We learn that the house is their summer cottage and that John and Carol are only there temporarily. John's mother, OLIVE (60s) is not impressed with John's ambition to be a writer, or with his decision of marrying Carol. JOHN SR (60s) is happy for his son and supplies him with more legal pads for writing on and a small amount of cash to get them by.
The Lab ~ Ed arrives and is surprised to find Xenia in the Lab, sitting at his desk, sketching and listening to his music. She explains the she has come to deliver Jack's edits for the Lab Catalogue. The sexual tension is even stronger. Nan arrives as they get physically close. Ed tries to play it off and introduce Xenia to Nan in this very awkward moment. Xenia leaves and Nan tells Ed off for his past infidelities. As she speaks, Ed notices the sketch that Xenia had left on his desk: an intricately drawn sea-anemone with a man's fingers inserted into its cavity - the word "Deflower" is scrawled with Xenia's signature. Ed slips the highly provocative drawing under other files before Nan notices it. Nan tells Ed that she doesn't trust him because of his history of infidelity. Their marriage has been on the rocks for some time, and Xenia is not helping.
Carmel River Beach ~ John and Carol attend a wild beach-bonfire (that turns to a skinny dipping party) with all their friends including Xenia, Sasha, Jack, Beth, Peg, Francis, TAL LOVEJOY (26) and RITCHIE LOVEJOY (26). At the party, John feels threatened by the recent successes Jack, a lifelong rival who has been published, even though Jack is a less talented writer. Ritchie, who looks up to both John and Jack, shares with the group that John told Carol: "Marry me and you will be swathed in furs, have your own swimming pool, and your name up in lights." John is humiliated further. Carol sees this and sticks up for him. Ed provides the booze for the party but John withdraws into himself and never formally meets Ed that night.
Pacific Grove Cottage ~ Hungover after the party, John has a disturbingly real nightmare - then wakes and burns all his own manuscripts. In a raw and vulnerable state, he tells Carol that he intends to give up writing and go back to manual labor. Carol calms him. She encourages him to start over with the writing - to take on Hemingway. She gives him the good news that he got a commission check, so he can finally get to the dentist. Oh, and..... she is pregnant.
The Lab ~ Ed brings his family to see the new Lab on Cannery Row. Gabe offers to protect Ed's alcohol from the Sheriff (and from Gabe) for a price. Mentions that other bootleggers on the Row do the same. Nan is upset at hearing of this - and is not happy that a bordello is directly across the street. She threatens Ed that she will do whatever it takes to protect their family - from bootlegging and from other women.
Monterey, Dentist Office ~ John takes his commision money to see the dentist, where he happens to run into and officially meet Ed for the first time. They walk together with sore teeth towards...
Lone Star Cafe (AKA: bordello) ~ ...where John and Ed become fast friends over beers at the bordello across from Ed's lab. John confesses that he is terrified of writing but that he wants to at least try to match Hemingway by the time he is 40 and have four novels written. He tells Ed that his family is about to grow so he may never reach that goal.
The Madame, FLORA (50s), tells Ed that Sheriff Larson is coming to raid the Row. John and Ed run across to...
The Lab ~ ... to conceal Ed's distillery - and watch from the window as Mr. Won is arrested for selling bootlegged beer out of his market. Ed has a sinking feeling it was Nan who tipped off the Sheriff.
John takes in Ed's expansive library. He is impressed with the collection - Ed may be the best read person John has ever met. Ed offers John access to his library anytime, day or night. Whatever it takes for him to beat Hemingway.
Ed mentions that he is thinking of writing a shore guide, sharing his insights with a broader audience. John offers his help with the shore guide, while he tinkers with Ed's roadster, fixing the muffler. Ed tells him he is going out for dogfish in the morning and could use some help if he'd like to join. John jumps at the chance.
Lover's Point ~ We end as we started, with Ed at night at the tide pools collecting alone - this time surrounded by thousands of floating paper lanterns from a local Chinese Festival.
Xenia climbs down the rocks to join Ed and we... fade out.
EPISODE 2
"THE LAB"
written by
P.J. Palmer and Eric Enno Tamm
OUTLINE
1948 ~ Sitka, Alaska ~ A phone rings, Jack Calvin (46) answers. He listens then turns to Sasha (42) and says:
"There's been an accident..."
Another phone rings...
San Francisco, Dress Shop ...Xenia (36) answers - she listens to the bad news.
Another phone rings...
Seaside Motor Lodge (and brothel) ...Flora (70's) answers. He face falls as she is told the news about Ed's accident. She barks out at one of the Girls: "Fetch the car. Now."
Another phone rings...
Washington Coast ...Nan (50's) comes in from the cold to answer. After a moment of listening she drops the phone...
We cut to:
Monterey Hospital ~ A large crowd, including Mr. Won (70's) and Gabe (60's) has gathered to donate blood as doctors frantically work on keeping Ed alive in the aftermath of the train accident. A WOMAN (we will learn that this is JEAN, at 40) enters and embraces Ed Jr., then makes her way to Ed, who is breathing with difficulty. She whispers in his ear that she is here for him whatever lies ahead - he opens his eyes and looks up at her with gratitude and acceptance - she gently kisses his brow and he calms while a YOUNGER WOMAN (we will eventually learn that this is Ed's most current wife, ALICE, 24) looks on unhappily.
New York, "21 Club" ...a concierge brings a phone to a table where John (46) and GWEN CONGER-STEINBECK (34) chat with friends. Alarmed, John takes the phone and listens: "John. It's Carol..."
Carmel, Carol's home overlooking the sea ...Carol (45) tells John there has been a terrible accident involving Ed.
New York, "21 Club" ...John says he will catch the next flight. He hangs up in shock. Gwyn, angry and humiliated to have John take a call from his ex-wife while at the table of drinks with friends, says he should not be so impulsive and wait to hear more before running off to California. John agrees that it makes sense he should wait. But he is overwhelmed with concern and excuses himself from the table.
Gwyn finds John outside on the rainy streets of Midtown smoking anxiously. Lost in thought, he says "I have to go." He tries to hail a cab. Gwyn angrily accuses him of running back to Carol. John tells her "I need to see him." A cab arrives and John holds the door for Gwyn, but she turns away and storms back into the club. John jumps in and tells the cabbie "Airport. Stop on the Upper East side first."
...and we fade to:
1930 ~ Cannery Row ~ John's voiceover brings us back into the story:
JOHN (V.O.)
Cannery Row's inhabitants are, as the man once said, 'whores, pimps, gamblers, and sons of bitches,'
by which he meant everybody. Had the man looked through another peephole he might have said,
'saints and angels and martyrs and holy men,' and he would have meant the same thing.
This VO is over the action of the next scene:
Wing Chong Market ~ HORACE ABBEVILLE (30's) comes into Wing Chong Market to settle his family's enormous grocery deb. Horace mentions that Mr. Won probably wouldn't even let the Abbeville kids buy a pack of spearmint because of the debt. Mr. Won agrees the debt is high. Horace offer to sell the Fish Meal Shed he lives in with his family (currently made up of his two current wives and too many children) to Mr. Won in exchange for clearing the debt. Mr. Won carefully considers the arrangement then agrees - and throws in a bootleg bottle of whiskey as a bonus.
Fish Meal Shed ~ With the Abbeville family debt paid off, Horace walks past his son, Frankie, in the Vacant Lot and shoots himself in the doorway of the Fishmeal Shed. Frankie is catatonic as Gabe, Hazel, Gay, Mr. Won, Flora and Ed respond to the incident. Frankie goes to live with his mother at a brothel down the Row.
The Lab ~ John, having taken Ed up on his offer to use his expansive library, is often at the Lab - even at odd hours - letting himself in to return a book, read a book, borrow a book, write, share and explore his work with Ed.
Great Tide Pool ~ John also joins Ed in the tide pools with Frankie - who has withdrawn further into himself from his trauma (that said, Frankie does chews on a fresh pack of spearmint gum). John mentions to Ed about the effect of Horace's death on Frankie: "Life cannot be cut off quickly. A man cannot be fully gone until the things he changes are dead, which are the only evidence of his life." Ed responds: "A commotion in a still pool dies after the little waves spread and grow back toward stillness." John jots these conversations down in his notebooks.
The Lab ~ A close group of friends has formed over the weeks - the Lab Group - with John and Ed, Carol, Jack, Sasha, Xenia, Beth, Peg, Francis, Tal, Ritchie and even Gabe, Flora and Mr. Won - who all meet on a regular basis at the Lab for cheap wine, music, bull-sessions and mayhem.
Carol, happily pregnant, takes a job at Ed's Lab. She collects baby clothes from trashcans to mend and wash and store-away for later. She is at the Lab when a WOMAN (30s) arrives and pays Ed to allow her to feed one of the rattlesnakes. The Woman oddly mimics the rattlesnake as it dislodges its jaw to eat its prey. She then leaves without saying a word. Carol and Ed are both alarmed by the incident. Carol jots it down to share with John - she knows he can make a good short story of it.
Monterey, Ricketts House ~ Ed's parents have moved to the area to help with the children as Nan and Ed work on their marriage. Ed's father, DAD RICKETTS (60s) works in the Lab while Ed's mother, MA (60s) assists Nan.
The Lab ~ BRUCE (30) and JEAN ARISS (22), a newlywed couple, has moved to Monterey and attend a makeshift pot-luck Thanksgiving with the Lab group - everyone goes out to steal foods like artichokes, tide pool creatures, someone brings firewood and of course cheap wine.
Carol and John arrive with a paper-mache turkey. Ritchie found that they could buy a live sheep for three dollars - the group pools its resources and now owns a sheep that none of them has the heart to slaughter. But Ed cuts its throat with no emotion whatever, and even explains to the rest who are upset that bleeding to death is quite painless if there is no fear involved. The pain of opening a vein is slight if the instrument is sharp, and he had opened the jugular with a scalpel and had not frightened the animal, so all the empathic pain was probably much greater than that of the sheep. Jean is quite enthralled with Ed, who butchers the animal and cooks. They fill the paper-mache turkey with lamb-sandwiches and have a feast.
During the Thanksgiving, Sasha announces that she and Jack are moving back to Alaska. Xenia feels anxious about the pending abandonment. Sasha invites her to move with them, but she feels that she should remain in Monterey.
Xenia also notices that Ed is very interested in Jean. Ed cuts off his affair with Xenia to save his marriage but she knows it is because he has found someone new to catch his attention.
Pacific Grove Cottage ~ Carol is increasingly consumed with political and social injustices - as "Hoovervilles" of homeless families pop-up across the country she urges John to attend political meetings with her and Beth, who has a habit of telling her many stories about life in the area to John. When John asks if he could develop a few of her short stories, Beth is flattered.
Fish Meal Shed ~ AKA: The Palace Flophouse ~ Horace's two WIDOWS and the kids have vacated the Fish Meal Shed (they also have as much credit at Wing Chong Market as they will ever want.) Gabe, Hazel, and Gay make a very polite offer to protect Mr. Won's newly acquired property from any broken windows or, God forbid, a fire, if he rents it to them to live in. Mr. Won agrees to $5 per week, which he knows he will never see - but his property will be protected. Gabe hangs a hand-painted sign above the door of their new residence: The Palace Flophouse and Grill.
The Lab ~ John and Ed stand in the windows in real-time watching a montage of action spanning the past few weeks in the Vacant Lot - the action is narrated as John's VO explains:
JOHN (V.O.)
Ed and I watched a piece of social cruelty which has never been
bettered on the Row. When the sun was warm the bums would
come out to sit like lizards on the timbers. There they held social
commerce. They borrowed dimes back and forth, shared tobacco,
and if anyone brought a pint of liquor into sight, it meant that
he not only wanted to share it but intended to. But as much as
we liked the bums, we were grieved at their social cruelty toward
George, the pimp of the whorehouse. They considered a pimp as
abysmally beneath them socially. When George wandered up
through the weeds and sat with the boys they would turn away
from him. George recognized his ostracism and he was sad and
hangdog about it. The bums accepted George’s bribes but they
would not accept George. Ed shook his head over this injustice.
He had hoped for better from the boys.
Pacific Grove Cottage ~ John confesses to Carol that he knows he won't make it as both a writer and as a father. That he will have to make the terrible and impossible choice of one over the other. Reluctantly and sadly they both decide to terminate the pregnancy - and plan for a family later after they are better established.
Monterey ~ Ed and Nan appreciate the gestures of help from Pop and Ma, but it mostly helps Ed and Nan avoid each other and live even more separated lives.
Pacific Grove Cottage ~ John finishes his collection of short stories - while a charismatic and handsome writer, JOSEPH CAMPBELL (26), arrives at the Steinbeck cottage -
Joe knows Carol from a teenaged fling one summer a few years ago in Hawaii...
EPISODE 3
"BREAKING THROUGH"
written by
P.J. Palmer and Eric Enno Tamm
OUTLINE
1925 ~ Great Smoky Mountains ~ Ed (18) hikes along a stunning, wildlife-filled trail as the sun sets. Thunder rolls in the distance and raindrops fall. Women sing to their children in nearby shanties. Ed wanders into an old gothic cemetery next to the shacks, pitches his small tent on a grave and crawls in - and happily listens to the thunderstorm with the women's angelic voices singing southern gospels, while lying among the tombstones.
We fade to:
1948 ~ Monterey Hospital ~ Where Ed (51) lays unconscious in his hospital bed, head wrapped in surgical gauze. The Doctor tells Alice, Jean, and a few others the prognosis and Carol repeats it into a phone: "Ed's lung is collapsed, his nine broken bones are now set and another skull surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure, but he is doing better." ...
St. Louis, MO ...John (46) sits in an airport phone booth and listens: "How is that better?" he asks. A tornado siren wails outside. John tells Carol that his connection in St. Louis was cancelled due to tornados in the west. Carol encourages John that Ed is doing better because he knows John is coming. As John listens, he finds a Burgermiester bottle cab in the phone booth - he picks it up and runs his fingers over its ridges then slips it into his coat pocket. He asks Carol: "Had Ed been in good spirits lately?" She admits that she hadn't seen Ed in some time and doesn't know. He tells Carol he should be in California tomorrow...
Monterey Hospital ...Carol tells John that CHARLIE (Charlie Chaplin, 69) is walking in now. However, she refrains from mentioning that Joseph Campbell (44) has also entered - looking stricken. Carol tells John that she must go and hangs up.
This takes back to:
1932 ~ The Lab ~ Joseph Campbell (26) wakes up at dusk - his arms wrapped around a sleeping Carol - after an epic all-day party in the Lab - most of the others are still passed out. Ed sits with Jean, listening to John reading to them a passage from one of his manuscripts. Joe has discovered a bohemian paradise with the Lab group.
Joe is impressed with John's writing and wants to be like John so much he has begun to dress like him. This is endearing at first. Carol and Joe have rekindled their friendship and enjoy each other's company. This is also endearing... at first.
Xenia feels left out now that Jean has Ed's attention and Joe wants Carol.
Today's party had been a celebration for Jack and Sasha, who are moving to Alaska... by canoe (the move is partially a way to protect their marriage by putting distance between them and the Lab group). Now the party has shifted to a celebration for John - although his most recent novel has been rejected yet again, his collection short stories, PASTURES OF HEAVEN (based on stories he got from Beth) has been purchased. Ed cooks steaks and the party continues. Gabe and the boys arrive. Mr. Won brings a string of fireworks and a jar of whiskey. And a new shift of Girls arrive with Flora (the Lone Star is switching shifts every few hours so each Girl has a chance to attend the party at Ed's).
Jack puts John on-the-spot by asking him to read one of his stories to the whole crowd. John is terrified about sharing and performing his work in such a way. But he also wants to prove to Carol and everyone that he is better than Jack - and Joe at this. There seems to be far more people in the Lab than normal. The pressure is on. John musters his courage and tries. It is rough at first, but then everyone is thrilled with the stories and encourages him.
Everyone is building up for the party later tonight for Joe who is turning 26 and has never been drunk before.
Frankie impresses with his ability to serve beers - until he spills a tray of beer on Jean - horrified, he runs to hide.
As the party grows, a few unknown FISHERMEN arrive in the Lab and ask:
FISHERMAN
Ain't this a whore house?
Cab driver said they was one down here.
GABE
You made a mistake, Mister.
FISHERMAN
Well, what's them dames in there?
The Fisherman points to Flora and her Girls. And, happily, the battle begins: the Fishermen rush the party - each of the Girls slip off a shoe and hold it by the toe - Flora grabs a meat grinder from the kitchen and Ed flails a piston and connecting rod. Gabe and the boys use their fists. The Franklin stove gets knocked over, and two front windows are broken. The Fisherman grab large books to defend themselves.
George, the bouncer, rushes in from across the street with a small baseball bat. The fight rages down the stairs and into the street and the Fishermen are ran off. The front door hangs limply from one hinge. Ed's shirt is torn and Gay's mouth is bleeding.
Sirens are heard - everyone barely has time to get back inside, prop up the broken door and turn off the lights before the Sheriff and DEPUTIES arrive - only to find a dark and quiet Row. Everyone sits low in the Lab giggling happily and drinking wine in the dark. The shift changes at the Lone Star, and the party gets really going, The Deputies return, without the Sheriff this time. They shake their heads at the riotous party - then join in themselves.
Gabe and the boys take the patrol car to find more wine - George wants to join, but they leave him behind. George overhears Gabe and the boys talking about how they are disgusted by him.
And the Fishermen creep humbly back and join the party - embraced and admired. Hazel and one of the Girl's wrestle on the floor. A breeze flows through the broken windows. And that is when someone lights the twenty-five foot string of firecrackers...
The Great Tide Pool ~ Joe joins Ed, John, Carol and Jean in the tide pools. Joe is amazed at the kinship and wisdom that comes out of this odd little community on the Row - and sees the parallels to life in the tide pools - everyone must rely on each other. John starts to think that Ed likes Joe better than him, which hurts. But when John realizes that Carol has really fallen for Joe - he is crushed.
Cannery Row ~ Gabe and the boys work up schemes on Flora, Mr. Won and Ed to gather items to make the shed a real home - including having the kids of the neighborhood sell cats to Ed for embalming, only to have other kids return later to claim the cats back as pets without refunding Ed. George tries to be included in the scheming but is rejected and heartbbroken for it.
Palace Flophouse ~ Ed confronts Gabe and the boys as they sit on the timbers to sun themselves:
ED
Why don’t you be nice to George? He’s a lonely man.
He wants to be friends with you. You are putting a mark on
him that may warp and sour his whole life. He won’t be any good to
anyone. I wouldn’t be surprised if you were responsible for his death.
WHITEY No. 2
(there are two Whiteys, known as Whitey No. 1 and Whitey No. 2)
Now Doc, you're not asking us to associate with
a pimp, are you? Nobody likes a pimp.
The Lab ~ Ed finally figures out the cat-scheme after the same bright yellow cat with a broken tail is sold to him and then retrieved - this time the boy is brought with his WASPY MOTHER who tells Ed she likes cats very much, if they were the better sort of cats. About Ed's embalming of cats to sell to schools she says:
WASPY MOTHER
Of course I realize that these things are necessary. I am very
broad-minded. But, thank heaven, you do not get pedigreed cats.
ED
Madam, that’s about the only kind I do get. Alley cats are too quick
and intelligent. I get the sluggish stupid cats of the rich and indulgent.
You can look through the basement and see whether I have yours—yet.
Lone Star Cafe ~ George, truly saddened, tells Flora he may as well bump himself off. She jokes: "Do it on your own time and don't mess up the rugs."
George confides in EVA FLANNIGAN (20's), one of Flora's girls, that Horace had the right idea bumping himself off. She screams at George: "That's a dirty, lousy, stinking sin. Wouldn't it be just like you to get the joint pinched when I got almost enough kick to take a trip to East St. Louis. You no-good bastard."
The Lab ~ Xenia is feeling her own pain, as her sister and Jack are moving, adding to her feeling discarded.
Carol and Joe's affair really heats up - John catches them kissing in a tree. He is broken hearted. Xenia recognizes John's pain and clings to him, but he isn't interested in her.
Ed vows to take it slower with the drinking as it has slowed his work on his book. Everyone laughs at the idea.
Lone Star Cafe ~ George tells LOU (40's), the Greek cook at Flora's, that he is thinking of offing himself. Lou replies: "I'll tell you what, George. I hear like the fella talks about it don't never do it."
George picks up an ice pick. Lou stares at him with amusement, then with horror as he realizes George would do it. And seeing that realization, George sadly knows he must do it. He raises the pick and horrifically snaps it into his own heart.
The Lab ~ Before leaving for Alaska, Jack accuses John of stealing stories from Beth and that he should share his profits with her. Beth becomes upset that John has found a success with her stories. Carol adamantly defends John.
China Pointe ~ Ed and John help Mr. Won finish digging up a grave in a small, humble cemetery of simple crosses and wooden Chinese markers overlooking the ocean. Frankie watch as they remove a small coffin. Mrs. Won burns incense. Gabe, Hazel, Gay, Whitey No. 1 and Whitey No. 2 share a bootlegged beer as they clear weeds and tidy up the gravesites with Mrs. Won. Each of them are affected by the recent back-to-back suicides on the Row. Ed and John talk about the idea that wanting, instead of accepting, can lead to misery and even death as in the cases of Horace and George. One of them mentions that it is quite generous of Mr. Won to donate the gravesite.
Horace's TWO WIVES (30s) arrive in all-black, carrying an urn of Horace's ashes - with several children in tow - none seem particularly sad. Especially when Mr. Won hands each of them their own pack of spearmint.
Flora, also carrying an urn of George's ashes, arrives with Eva, several Girls and Lou the cook. They are each truly distraught. The group stands at the gravesite.
As the two urns are spilled into the grave, George's ashes blow all over Gabe. Hazel mentions that no one knows what was in either man's head. Mr. Won reminds them that "...it is a man's God-given right to end his life." Everyone agrees. Ed pointedly adds that sometimes, however, "...a friend can make it unnecessary." The boys stand silent with guilt. Gabe tries to save face and points out that "...earlier civilizations found it necessary to impale the heart of a suicide with a stake." Ed retorts: "As if it wasn't broken already."
Gabe - covered in ash - is overwhelmed with guilt and leaves. And soon, everyone else leaves too.
Whitey No. 1 stops and tells Ed: "Hell, we can't help it, Doc. You just can't be friendly with a pimp."
Ed remains to fill in the grave as Mr. Won removes the bones of his long-past grandfather from the coffin and into a box to be sent back to his homeland to rest in peace.
Pacific Grove Cottage ~ John makes a valiant stand for his wife, which Joe respects. Joe decides to stop his relationship with Carol even though Carol would rather keep it going...
But Joe and John have decided her fate for her. She is to stay with John...
EPISODE 4
"VAGABONDING THROUGH ALASKA"
written by
P.J. Palmer and Eric Enno Tamm
OUTLINE
1948 ~ Oklahoma ~ John drives on Route 66 towards Oklahoma City Airport in an attempt to get through the tornadoes that have grounded his flight. An ominous supercell darkens the sky and and the path of destruction is devastating but he pushes west through it all.
John's voice-over sets up more of the story in...
1932 ~ Texas ~ John and Carol ride a train through the Mid-West, past destitute, abandoned farms buried in sand and dust. Carol takes pictures and John jots down notes.
1932 ~ Pacific Northwest ~ Ed and Joe ride a train through the Pacific Northwest. Knowing that John and Carol need space, Ed has taken Joe away on a collecting expedition, meeting Jack and Sasha's boat in Seattle to head to Alaska through the Inside Passage. This is a good break for Ed and Nan too.
Xenia telegrams that she is coming to meet the boat in Alaska.
Ed and Joe form a deep relationship as their own life philosophies begin to form. Ed is a mentor to Joe, discussing the native cultures and how stories are the great unifier between cultures and individuals - all while they collect specimens in some of the most dramatic settings on Earth - grizzlies, bald eagles, moose and whales abound. But this is also a world where whaling is becoming industrialized - Ed and Joe see first hand that industrialized slaughter has a clear potential to become catastrophic.
Xenia surprises the expedition by sunbathing nude on the rocks where they are supposed to meet up with her. Xenia has decided to move back. Sasha is happy. Ed and Xenia have put their past behind them - she now pursues Joe and succeeds. Ed tries to focus on writing his marine life book, but has complications with Sasha.
Constant strange dreams bring back emotional memories and cause Ed to worry about his mental health. He writes to John about his concern. He also confides in Joe about his nightmares - and together they try to understand the symbolism to get at their deeper and possibly holistic truths. Ed spends all free time writing.
Ed, Joe, Jack, Sasha and Xenia attend a service at the Russian Orthodox Church where Xenia and Sasha's father is the minister. The small choir sings hauntingly beautiful songs. Inspired, Joe notes that the symbolism and stories told in the church are in many ways is similar to the symbolism seen in the totems and tribal villages they visit as well. He is finding his call in life...
Jack grows less comfortable about the situation between Ed and Sasha. Xenia finds that being back in her home State is stifling. And Joe realizes that he does not want to be novelist - and that he will move back to New York to study mythology. Ed decides it's time to end the trip before any real damage is done his friendship with Jack over Sasha - also he wants to get back to pursuing Jean. Xenia goes with Ed back to Monterey. She believes she can create the family she needs, maybe in San Francisco, rather than unhappily stay static in the one she has in Alaska.
Texas ~ John and Carol try to patch up their relationship while doing research on new political project that Carol has in mind for John based on the brutal conditions that Okies are living in. Texas is desolate and dead. The house they've rented is haunted and they somewhat rekindle their broken relationship over the comedy of it - which is a relief from the epic Dust Storms and depression in the area. Carol invites John to tea parties she throws with stray cats to keep him in a light mood. But she is hurt and angry over the events of the past year and struggles to move past it all. They make plans to move to Los Angeles permanently, where he can write and they both can stay clear of the temptations of the Lab group. But when they learn that John's mother had passed, they rush back to Monterey to be a help to his father, who soon also passes.
Monterey ~ Ed and Xenia arrive back at Cannery Row by train. Nan is hurt to see that they had travelled together. Ed starts to explain, but there is no use.... Nan kicks him out of the house - he will now live at the Lab permanently.
EPISODE 5
"SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED"
written by
P.J. Palmer and Eric Enno Tamm
OUTLINE
1930 ~ Washington Coast ~ Elegant stingrays drift in over eelgrass past Ed, Nan and the children standing in knee-deep water collecting floating jellyfish in the shallows of a remote and idyllic cove. The eelgrass tangles around Ed's leg - he reaches down to free himself but the eelgrass tightens and pulls him under a whirlpool - he fights to reach the surface where his family calls his name in a panic - but the eelgrass becomes long yellow hair - and it pulls him deeper into the dark waters. Ed breaks free of the hair and swims through the surreal darkness - lights far below catch his attention - he is now swimming through dusk colored clouds above the...
... Monterey Peninsula ~ where Ed swims across the sky lit by floating jellyfish. Whales breach the clouds like the surface of the ocean, and splash into the open sky. Beautiful and surreal. Ed swims across the sky with dolphins that resemble different women he has known. The sun rises from under the ocean, its bright light blinding Ed - his vision blurs...
1948 ~ Monterey Hospital ~ Ed's vision comes back into focus - as the doctor shines a light in his eyes in his hospital bed - he looks worse than ever. Ed asks him how bad it is, the doctor tells him it is dreadful. Ed is interested in the details of what is happening to his body - the doctor does not hold anything back. Although the news is grim, Ed is very interested in the experience of it all from a scientific angle. He mentions that John would find this interesting too - Jean tells him that John should arrive soon...
TWA Flight ~ John holds the bottle cap he found as the plane hits intense turbulence. The lights flicker on the plane. Lightning flashes. The stewardess tells the passengers that they are re-routing to Denver for the night and will complete the trip to San Francisco in the morning. The plane is tiny against the towering storm clouds as it descends into the darkness in search of safe landing.
John's VO takes us back to:
1933 ~ The Lab ~ Ed has finished his book, BETWEEN PACIFIC TIDES, but he is only receiving rejections because of his lack of a degree - he is not a doctor and never finished University - which don't recognize his work as legitimate. Ed tries to practice his own philosophy and take it as just what "is", but it is much harder in practice.
Palace Flophouse ~ Gabe knows that Ed is feeling down and, over a gallon of 'punch' (a concoction scavenged by Eddie with all the leftover drinks where he tends bar) plans a surprise party in honor of Ed to cheer him up.
The Lab ~ Gabe convinces Ed to give him gas credit so he can go collect frogs in Mr. Won's truck (which he plans on using without Mr. Won's knowledge) and then sell the frogs Ed at a nickel a piece (money to be used for the surprise party). Ed agrees cautiously.
John has hit a string of success, selling THE RED PONY and TO A GOD UNKNOWN - and his first big success with the publication of his new novel, TORTILLA FLAT, changing his and Carol's life - they now have money. And their position in the 'Lab Group' changes because of this. John confides in Ed that he got this story from a teacher in Monterey - and he worries that Jack was right, that he does not have an original story of his own to tell. Ed encourages John to take Carol's advice and just write down something that happened.
The Lone Star Cafe ~ Flora hides a hungry, migrant Mexican family as Sheriff Larson conducts deportation raids.
Pacific Grove Cottage ~ Carol continues to edit and type John's work, while working and searching for property for them to invest their money into. She finds a ranch in Santa Cruz that she wants to remodel. All while she struggles with her anger and hurt about the abortion - and the way the Joe thing ended - she drinks more to numb it all.
San Francisco ~ Carol's political life continues to grow and she is in the city for a protest. She waves goodbye to John and Ed who have boarded a ferry past the partially constructed Golden Gate Bridge on their way to Point Reyes on a short collecting road-trip - they also have invited Bruce and Jean - and John's dog, Tillie, as well. John keeps Bruce company while Ed gets to know Jean better. Ed and Jean are very attracted to one another.
Carmel Valley ~ Gabe's frog collecting trip becomes chaos - including Gay being arrested while Gabe and the guys get wasted on whiskey - but they manage to collect a record number of frogs.
Cannery Row ~ Gabe convinces Won Yee into buying the frogs in return for whiskey for Ed's surprise party - Mr. Won knows Ed will buy the frogs no matter what, so it is a safe bet for him. Gabe, Hazel and the boys decorate the lab in anticipation of Ed's return, while also sampling the whiskey. News arrives that prohibition is officially over - a huge party engulfs Cannery Row - Flora, Won and Gabe and everyone else party in the street. Sheriff tries to break it up - so Gabe moves the party to the Lab.
Pointe Reyes ~ John reads aloud his newest work titled "Something That Happened" (AKA: OF MICE AND MEN) at campfire with Ed, Jean and Bruce. They weep at the end. Ed is deeply inspired by John's great talent. Only then do they all realize that Tillie has eaten most of the manuscript while they talked.
In the tidepools, Ed comes across a beautiful dead girl with flowing yellow hair. Ed is shocked. Ed tries to keep accept things as they are - but it is increasingly difficult.
San Francisco ~ Ed, John, Jean and Bruce stop back in San Francisco where Ed goes to the Russian Orthodox Church to listen to the choir with Jean while John takes Bruce to meet up with Carol and Francis at the Embarcadero during a bloody union strike - where Carol joins in on the march and leads the workers in a strike song she wrote. John is recognized by a fan that wants an autograph. John is in awe of Carol's passion and bravery.
Monterey ~ Ed drops off Jean with Bruce at their place. He drives to his family's home to find that Nan has moved out with the kids. The house is empty.
The Lab ~ Ed finds it a complete mess: lab glass broken, animals set free, booze bottles everywhere. Gabe enters looking very hung-over and still drunk. He begins to explain what happened but Ed snaps: and beats Gabe, who takes the punches without fighting back. Frankie appears and makes loud, painful sounds as he witnesses Ed's violence. This stops Ed who realizes what he is doing - he breaks down and holds Frankie as he apologizes to Gabe.
OUTLINE
1937 ~ San Joaquin Valley ~ John works in a migrant camp; researching the life of the migrants for a series of articles he is writing for the San Francisco Chronicle. Women in the camp are devising plans to save toilet tissue because it is so scarce. People are starving to death. Farmers are cruel. It is horrific. John vows to write his next, massive novel about the subject - in 100 days.
Monterey Peninsula ~ Millions of bright orange Monarchs swarm amongst the tall pines of Pacific Grove. Ed, Nan, Ed Jr., Nancy, Frankie and Gabe capture the butterflies with nets as Ed explains that they swarm for defense, like sardine and seabirds and Gabe and the boys do. Gabe agrees with this assessment. The children have grown quite a bit over the past 5 years. Both Ed Jr. (14) and Frankie (14) are teenagers. Ed thanks Nan for her help on this harvest, and says that this order will help him catch up on his payments to her to help her move to Sitka, Alaska. Nan tells the children it's time to go and to say their goodbyes. Ed Jr. protests, saying he wants to go live with his father. Nan tells Ed that Ed Jr. has been impossible. Ed says that maybe Ed Jr. should come live with him. Nan isn't so sure, but she will consider it given how difficult he is being. Ed says he can come for the week.
A flu outbreak has hit the area. Although Ed is not a doctor, everyone who can't afford a real doctor relies on him to tend to their sick families. Ed makes rounds from shanty to shanty.
The Lone Star Cafe ~ Business is booming as there is a huge sardine season which means many more fishermen with money. Also a new regimet has moved into the Presidio, so the place is flush with new soldiers. Eva Flanegan is on vacation in East St. Louis, PHYLLIS MAE (30s) broke her leg getting off the rollercoaster in Santa Cruz and ELISIE DOUBLEBOTTTOM (20s) is practicing lent - so she is useless to Flora who needs all the help she can get right about now. She complains to Ed: "Some of them don;t turn three tricks a month but they go right on eating three meals a day." She also tells Ed that he looks terrible - he hasn't slept or ate much in a week, he has been so busy making rounds. Flora offers to help. She has Lou make endless pots of stew for the Girls to deliver to sick families between shifts. Flora also buys groceries from Mr. Won - at a wholesale price - to feed the families with. Gabe calls Ed "Doc", and the nickname sticks. Flora leaves Ed a case of his favorite bootlegged beer, Burgermiester, at his front door as a thank you for caring for the Row.
Los Gatos Ranch ~ John and Carol now live in a small ranch house in Los Gatos - he has sold IN DUBIOUS BATTLE - a strike novel and OF MICE AND MEN, which is going to Broadway. They are nearly wealthy at this point, and he is famous. They no longer spend their days as bohemians with the rest of the group in Monterey. John finds that working here is difficult - as his new fame and their financial status mean they must become accustomed to a different sort of life with constant callers and construction and distractions that come with it all. He misses their quieter life in Monterey.
The Lab ~ Ed Jr. finds Pop dead in the lab - heart-attack. John comes to be with Ed and Ed Jr. The death of Pop is a blow to Ed and he finds it difficult to be "Zen" about it. The Row is saddened for Ed and Ed Jr.
Monterey ~ Gabe, lying drunk in the gutter, is woken up by the sounds of strange, melancholy music coming from the sewer below - it is haunting and otherworldly. He tells Gay and Hazel to come with him to listen, but the strange sounds aren't there when others are present. Gabe considers swearing off drinking.
The Lab ~ The inetcom between the basement and Ed's upstairs room wakes Ed. Although it is the middle of the night, he answers the intercom - and hears his father's voice on the other end. Ed is horrified - then wakes to find it was a nightmare.
Los Gatos Ranch ~ John gets back to work writing at the ranch. On Thanksgiving day, Charlie Chaplin arrives unannounced - he is a great fan of John's work - and has been driving the countryside trying to pinpoint the locations depicted in John's novels. Carol makes a huge dinner but is overwhelmed - so John takes Charlie to...
The Lab ~ John tries to leave to get back home and back to writing but Xenia arrives at the Lab - and has brought John Cage. She announces they are newlyweds - and that Cage is bisexual, and so is she. Flora and the girls, Won and Gabe and the boys arrive to meet Charlie. A classic lab party ensues. Gabe confesses that he feels that God is speaking to him through the sewer pipes, and he has sworn off drinking beer, spooked by the sounds. He now only drinks hard liquor. Ed follows up that he has nightmares about his father calling him on the intercom. John suggests they unplug the intercos so no one plays a practical joke. Ed decides to immediately remove the intercoms, "It would be worse disconnected, I couldn't stand that."
Jean and Bruce arrive to the party. Jean pulls Ed aside to tell him that she is pregnant with his child. Ed is overwrought with competing emotions. Jean tells him to never let Bruce know.
John finds Ed Jr. down at the water's edge behind the lab, practicing his trumpet while sitting in a large drainage pipe. Gabe's God is revealed. But John keeps it to himself.
Ed awakes to the sound of the intercom buzzing from the box he put it in. Frightened, he opens the box and fire leaps out at him - he suddenly wakes from the nightmare to find that the Lab is actually on fire. He grabs his typewriter narrowly escapes in his car, pantless - before the building crashes down. Everything he has ever had is lost in the fire, which was started in the Canneries. After the ashes had cooled, the safe is found lying on its side in the basement where it had fallen when the floor above gave way. John comes to see him as he picks through the rubble of the destroyed Lab. John and Ed pry the safe open and find half a pineapple pie, a quarter of a pound of Gorgonzola cheese, and an open can of sardines—all of them except the sardines in good condition. The sardines were a little dry. Ed mentions that the safe is remarkable - if valuable things had been in the safe it would surely have protected them. “Think how delicate Gorgonzola is. It couldn’t have been very hot inside that safe. The cheese is still delicious.”
The loss of his library and business is devastating. Ed is having a hard time holding it all together. But he does. And starts to rebuild right away.
John gets back to his writing. Ed builds.
The Lone Star Cafe ~ Mr. Won, Flora, Gabe, Hazel, Gay and John surprise Ed with a small Christmas tree - and everyone gives him books wrapped in Christmas paper to help replenish his lost library. Ed is deeply touched. The Sheriff arrives - and says that he has arrested Frankie. Ed goes down to the jailhouse to see Frankie and learns that he had stolen a watch from a jewelry store as a gift for Ed's surprise Christmas party. Ed asks him why he did it, Frankie replies simply: "I love you." Ed is speechless. Sheriff tells Ed that now that Frankie is in puberty, they have to send him away; he will become a danger to society. Ed leaves in shame for not being able to help Frankie.
1948 ~ Monterey Hospital ~ Joe tells Carol that he has been staying in Big Sur. Carol explains that she is married and lives in Carmel. She knows Ed is holding on to see John, even though he is in great pain.
San Francisco Airport ~ John, worn out from his travel, departs a small bus at Monterey Airlines terminal. He asks the gate agent for the next departure time. She is less than friendly, and tells him it depends on when the fog decides to lift. He says he will rent a car and drive. The agent tells him that there are no more rentals left for the day. He will "just have to wait. Or walk." and then dryly: "Welcome to San Francisco."
"GOD IN THE PIPES"
written by
P.J. Palmer and Eric Enno Tamm
EPISODE 6
EPISODE 8
"SEA OF CORTEZ"
written by
P.J. Palmer and Eric Enno Tamm
OUTLINE
1940 ~ Monterey ~ The whole town buzzes with excitement for the Sardine Fiesta and Feast of Santa Rosalia - where boats are covered in flowers and flags and blessed by priest - the patron saint of Sicily is paraded around Monterey, fisherman compete in the greased-log-walking contest and a huge dance party goes late into the night - all as Ed, John and Carol prepare a large fishing boat, The Western Flyer, for an expedition with Captain TONY BERRY (30's). Ed and John outfit the boat with a mobile lab, cases of collecting jars, microscopes, chemicals and a library of books. Jean, Bruce, Ed Jr (17), Won, Gabe, Flora, the Girls, Ritchie and Tal, Tiny and Sparky and many others celebrate on board in the harbor. Spencer Tracy is there to join the expedition, but cancels at the last minute because of his schedule. Spencer has Gwen with him, who pouts because she would rather it was her going instead of Carol. John tells her to go home as he sees that Carol is nearby.
John hires Ed Jr. to take care of his and Carol's matching new and expensive Packards while they are gone. And John throws his money around paying for all the drinks and food for the parties. It is also well known that he has paid for this trip. Flora pulls John aside to tell him to stop being such an asshole with his money and let others contribute too - even if they can't afford it financially. Their dignity is worth more than money. John comes to realize that giving can be a selfish act. The Western Flyer leaves Monterey Bay for the open ocean with great fanfare and camaraderie and hangovers.
Sea of Cortez ~ On board the Western Flyer, Sparky and Tiny are cold to John - they believe that John's writing propaganda for the AFL-CIO. It comes out that Carol was the writer. She is mad at John for letting this out, and refuses to sleep with him. She locks herself in the stateroom for two days. John must sleep in the hot engine room. The crew becomes close with John and Ed right away - talking over beer and steaks about Hemingway, women and more women. Sparky and Tiny hold a grudge against Carol for not cooking as she promised. They admire John for his stories of Monterey because they are true - they know he didn't steal the stories - John feels vindicated.
The sun rises over "deep ultramarine blue" water. Sea turtles ride the current and huge Rays leap out of the water. Tiny and Sparky excitedly harpoon large tuna while the Western Flyer goes off course. The waters are filled with sea life. Tony steers the boat back on track and past the two Friars at the tip of the Cape at San Lucas.
Ed, John and Carol spend their days collecting and discussing how interconnected the world, life is. They are in unison, as they once used to be years ago. The crew notices their harmony and joins in the collecting - which is very hard and painful work. It takes many hours back on board to preserve all the animals. Mexican officers board the Western Flyer with weapons, but soon are having smokes and drinks with everyone on board.
Ed makes a habit of taking long baths on the deck of the Flyer. Carol - and the others - notice that he has no qualms about being naked in front of them. John watches Ed and Carol flirt with each other. Carol has night terrors and Ed goes to her cabin to soothe her. Sex between them is simply to enjoy. John tries his best to drown out his feelings with whiskey.
1948 ~ The Lab ~ Ed is in the Lab, but it is unusual. The animals in the jars are as alive as they were when he captured them. Including the embalmed cats and even the fetus. Bright light beams through cracks between the boards of the walls, as if the Sun were right outside. Ed sees Mr. Won dressed as Pop working in the Lab, entertaining the animals. Mr. Won speaks with Ed's voice - saying that Ed's fractured family was what it is suppose to be - and his new families are what they are suppose to be also. There is no disappointment. Only what is. And as Mr. Won speaks he becomes Pop - but with the same expression of stern yet peaceful fulfillment- Pop fills with bright light and fades to...
Monterey Hospital ... Ed Jr. stands at Ed's bedside looking at him with the same expression as Pop/Mr. Won. Ed gives a slight smile as does Ed Jr.
1948 ~ San Francisco ~ John sits in the airport bar coffee in hand. Two young women approach, having recognized him. He tries to ignore them but they ask for his autograph. He asks "Why do you want an autograph?" They insist. He bursts out:
JOHN
The greatest man I ever knew is lying in a hospital, dying,
and there is nothing I can do about it.
They still want the autographs. John relents, on condition that they disappear. The bartender, overhearing, offers him something stiffer. He accepts and drinks it in a gulp, drowning his feelings. The bartender pours another when John overhears "Final boarding call for Monterey Airlines..." - He pushes the drink away and hurries for the gate.
EPISODE 9
"LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS"
written by
P.J. Palmer and Eric Enno Tamm
OUTLINE
1940 ~ Sea of Cortez ~ The Western Flyer rolls gently under a vast star field. Below the boat, phosphorescent sea-life glows in the black waters. It seems the boat is drifting through space. On deck, John, Tiny, Tony, Sparky and Carol drink near Ed who is busy preserving the day's collections.
Ed mentions that they have collected far more than he expected - maybe $18 - $25 thousand worth of inventory. Tony angrily claims that he should have been paid more for the expedition. It's been over a month, and the expedition has had great effects on everyone - both positive and negative.
They all go ashore and drink in a small town - but first Tony sprinkles everyone with shaving lotion to cover their lack of proper bathing. Tiny and Sparky visit the brothels and Tiny signs up for a boxing match that night in the bar. He drinks all day, and enters the ring drunk. He goes several rounds but loses.
John and Carol's relationship has not gotten any better. But the days spent collecting are still beautiful.
Carol drinks with Tiny and Sparky - she falls into the water fully clothed. She pulls herself up on deck and removes her top. Tiny and Sparky are both excited and nervous but appalled that she ruined her expensive watch, which had been a gift from John. Tiny and Carol end up having an affair on the boat while John and Ed are out collecting - only adding more tension to the situation.
Ed, John, Carol, Tiny, Sparky and Tony swim in the bright waters of a shallow cove lined with Mangrove trees. In the distance, the sounds of children singing in a church drift across the calm waters. The group wades into a shallow mangrove forest along the water and collect - it is peaceful. Ed discusses he views on 'is' thinking with the others, and how everything is connected in a larger whole. It is a beautiful moment.
Sparky and Tiny bring Mexican girls on board - everyone is drinking. Carol cooks up some lemon pies - which makes everyone happy - but there are only four pies, so they must ration. Yet every time she turns around, another slice is missing.
Tiny, a little drunk, talks about race. He tells everyone a story about his past that he is not proud of...
1920's ~ Cannery Row ... Tiny (10) and Sparky (11) walk the row throwing rocks at corrugated metal. Tiny picks on Sparky a bit - trying to start a fight or something for excitement. As dusk takes over the Row, a very old CHINESE MAN (80s) walks up from the shore and crosses the Row towards the vacant lot. Tiny stands in the way of the elderly man and yells racist teases in the man's face. The man fearlessly stares directly at Tiny with a look of strength beyond anything Tiny has experienced before. The man says something but Tiny can not quite grasp the words - the look is enough for him to realize how awful he is being to the man. Tiny runs off and the man makes his way through the vacant lot...
Sea of Cortez ~ 1940 ~ ...Tiny finishes up his remorseful story with: "Kids are awful sometimes". Under the table, Sparky puts his hands on one of the girl's thighs - the girl does not react. Carol sees this and puts her hand on Sparky's. Tony, watching the whole ordeal says "Come off it, Carol - your kind are a dime a dozen". John stands up for Carol saying "You can't talk to my wife like that" - John and Tony nearly come to blows when Ed says: "Hey, another pie is missing!", breaking the tension.
Later, the missing pie is found hidden in Ed's bed - he had planned to eat it in the middle of the night. They all decide that no more pies should be made, or else a mutiny may break out.
The Western Flyer makes it way back towards California - and comes up on a large Japanese fishing boat that is dragging the bottom of the ocean for shrimp. This method of fishing is devastating to the environment. John and Ed board the ship, and see first hand the destruction it is capable of. Ed mentions that this will cause another Dust Bowl - this time under the sea. Ed is passionate about this. Tony says maybe they should just ignore it because it is what it is -proving how hard 'is' thinking can be in practice.
Now, closer to the U.S., the radios work again and the crew receives news that the U.S. has entered the war. John stays close to the radio, taking down notes. Carol and John's relationship remains strained, as he is aware of her affairs. He is also distant to Ed. Tony and the rest of the crew is anxious to get the trip over with. They pull into San Diego and find that the war machine is at full strength with large ships and planes headed out into World War II. The waters are very choppy and Ed is extremely sick. He wants off in San Diego. Sparky says to Tiny: "He looks dead. With that beard he looks like Jesus Christ!" Ed opens one eye and says: "No, I'm not Jesus Christ. I'm only half-dead."
1948 ~ Monterey Hospital ~ Xenia and John Cage arrive. Carol leads Xenia in to see Ed. Xenia gives Ed a handmade get-well card with drawing of what are clearly mans hands gently holding a beautiful and intricate sea-anemone that somewhat resembles a heart. It is inscribed, "Flowered - Xenia". She places the drawing on his heart and gently kisses his brow. Ed struggles to reach for Xenia. Jean suggests they let him rest.
EPISODE 10
"THE WRATH OF CAROL"
written by
P.J. Palmer and Eric Enno Tamm
OUTLINE
1941 ~ The Lab ~ Ed's lab is overfilled with more than 600 specimens from the Sea of Cortez trip. Ed Jr., Gabe and the guys help him pack up new orders. Ed has a new girlfriend, TONI JACKSON (28).
HENRY MILLER (50's) walks into the Lab - looking to find a way to meet John. Ed explains that John is in Mexico City working on a new project rather than completing the SEA OF CORTEZ. Ed and Henry become fast friends as Ed shows Henry the results of the Sea of Cortez trip. Ed mentions that there should be a new expedition north to the Queen Charlottes. Ed gets a letter from John, inviting Ed to join him and Carol in Mexico. He isn't inclined to.
Jean stops by to see Ed. She tells him that she is pregnant again with another of Bruce's babies. Ed angrily accuses Bruce of keeping Jean pregnant to keep her from having a relationship with Ed. He decides to take up John invitation to Mexico. He takes Toni and heads south.
Ed and Toni arrive at a dusty small town overrun with a Hollywood film crew where John is working on "THE FORGOTTEN VILLAGE". This is the first time Ed has had a hard time getting his attention. Ed delivers to John a screenplay he has written titled "THE FORGOTTEN VILLAGE - ANTI-SCRIPT". The Director of the film is worried about Ed being on set distracting John and discussing his misgivings about the story: Ed feels that the film philosophically goes against everything they experienced on their expedition. And wants to know how this will affect their collaboration on their expedition book. John isn't interested in discussing it. Carol is also at the film shoot, but is cold towards Ed. So, Ed leaves with his girlfriend, dejected.
Mexico City National Library ~ Ed works hard on the SEA OF CORTEZ notebooks as fighters take to the streets in violent protests. Nazi pamphlets and propaganda litter the city. Ed argues with John to finish what they started - to work on the SEA OF CORTEZ book. But John cannot be bothered - he is busy working on the movie while also devising a plan to help the U.S. Government flood Germany with counterfeit money and ruin its economy. Ed realizes that he cannot connect with John any longer; they have grown into different men with different lives. Carol drinks heavily - she is also frustrated with John - their relationship seems to be getting only worse. Carol tell Ed she knows that the reason he brought Toni was to make sure he was protected from her. John mentions that he and Carol will be flying back to California soon and that it would be better if he and Ed saw each other there. Ed leaves Mexico with Toni, bound for home and saddened by the turn of events in his friendship with John.
Los Gatos Ranch ~ Now, back in the States, John and Carol's relationship has further deteriorated, and yet they still remain heavily in each other's orbits. In celebration of John winning the National Book Award and even more impressively, his Pulitzer Prize win, a lavish surrealist party is hosted with Salvador Dali at the Steinbeck ranch. Everyone is invited, including Ritchie and Tal, Jean and Bruce, Flora, Mr. Won and Gabe, Tony, Sparky, Tiny, Ed, Toni, Ed Jr (18), Beth and Peg, Francis, Xenia and John Cage, Meredith Burgess, Charlie Chaplin, Henry Miller, and Spencer Tracy. John has invited Gwyn as his date.... while Carol has invited a date who looks remarkably like Joseph Campbell - but far less interesting or threatening - (what could possibly go wrong?). Ritchie, Tal, Beth and Xenia have all pitched-in on a gift for Carol, as she too deserves praise for these accomplishments. The friends are anxious to reveal the gift to Carol but she is nowhere to be found. John, annoyed, tells them to just reveal whatever it is. Ritchie tells the crowd that back-in-the-day, John had famously told Carol:
RITCHIE
(mimicking John's voice)
"Marry me and you will be swathed in furs, have your own swimming pool, and your name up in lights."
(then)
And sure enough, she has her pool, and her furs. And now...
On that cue, Tal flips a switch and the backyard lights up with a large sign made of lights over the swimming pool that reads: "CAROL". Everyone gasps - stunned to see Carol and Sparky having sex on the diving board. John, embarrassed and drunk yells: "That is enough!"
A fight breaks out between Carol and John and Gwyn. Everyone leaves. Ed takes Gwyn away to Monterey. Carol lashes out at him too, saying he will have John's little trophy. He gives a reassuring headshake to John. And that is all John needs to trust him. Carol says Ed fucked her on the Flyer. John says he had asked him to do it as a favor. The fight gets even uglier.
The Lab ~ John arrives at the Lab a few days later in terrible condition. He tells Ed that he can't go on like this. Both Carol and Gwyn claim to be pregnant. He feels so ill, that he is dying. Ed has him lay down on a cot in the main room. Then Ed puts on BACH, and sets the volume high enough to drown out the noise of the Row. Ed tells him to rest and listen and breathe. Ed makes up a stew. And plays records for his friend, helping him heal. Ritchie stops by to apologize for the party. John tells him that like true friends, they have always shined a light on what needed to be seen by he and Carol - both the beautiful and in this case the ugly. He then tells Ritchie that in return, he is giving the $1,000 Pulitzer Prize money to him to help him have time to finish his novel. Ritchie is floored at the gesture.
Pacific Grove Cottage ~ John has both Carol and Gwyn meet with him at the cottage. He tells them that they must decide who will keep him. He will leave it up to him, as he cannot make such a terrible choice. He leaves and the two women go after each other verbally. Carol tells Gwyn she knows she isn't pregnant. And that if she is, John will take custody and they will raise the bastard themselves. Gwyn admits she is not pregnant. Carol admits the same. Gwyn says Carol loves women, so she should give John up. Carol responds that she has only turned to women for affection because John turned away from her when Gwyn stole him. Carol also tells Gwyn that she will kill her rabbits if she continues to come between her and John. Gwyn gives up - and lets Carol have him. Carol comes in to tell John that although she won the argument with Gwyn, it's over. Gwyn has his heart and there is nothing Carol can do to force it back, if she ever had it.
Waves pound the shore in the distance as a charcoal portrait is created of John Steinbeck - who sits in a chair smoking and writing - pouring over Ed's Sea of Cortez notebooks. Gwen enters from the kitchen with a brunch she has made up for them - Carol has been replaced.
1948 ~ Monterey Hospital ~ Ed has trouble breathing. Sparky (29) is there, with his girlfriend and a few other girls from Flora's. He holds a rosary. He takes off his silver boxing glove necklace, and places both the rosary and gloves in Ed's hand. He then makes any angry comment to his girlfriend that "John is too fancy now to be bothered to come say goodbye to the one man who loved him."
EPISODE 11
"A HERO'S JOURNEY"
written by
P.J. Palmer and Eric Enno Tamm
OUTLINE
1941 ~ The Lab ~ Ed opens the front door of the lab to find a pack of cold beer and a copy of the morning New York Times. A note from Flora says: Congratulations. A few of the Girls outside Flora's look at Ed with awe. THE LOG FROM THE SEA OF CORTEZ has finally been published and reviewed by the Times... it is a great review, comparing John and Ed to Hemingway. Gabe asks for an autograph (he'll just sell it anyway). Everyone on the Row is ecstatic for Ed, and he feels great. Ed has been studying Sardine decline - and is feeling good about his work. Things are going well for him. Elated, he asks Toni to marry him. She laughs it off and says, what would Jean think?
New York City ~ John and a pregnant Gwen live on the Upper East Side. John angrily tells his publisher that they must keep Ed's name on all copies of SEA OF CORTEZ, which is indeed a collaboration. John has a copy of the NYT review and a picture of him and Ed on the trip framed and has it sent to Ed as a gift. As he sends the package, news comes that Pearl Harbor has been bombed. A gloom falls on the city.
Cannery Row ~ Everyone on the Row - cannery workers, fishermen, vagabonds and even Ed (44) and Ed Jr .(19) are drafted into the war effort - even though Ed tries his best to avoid the draft agents until his 45th birthday which will exempt him. They catch up with him and draft him with only a few days left before his birthday. Women take over the work at the canneries. Men go to the presidio. Ed closes Pacific Biological - it is now just his home as he works for the presidio now.
Ed gets a letter from John saying that he has been sent overseas by the President as a correspondent. He will continue to write letters, but will not be allowed to send until he returns. He will keep him in his thoughts.
Italy, WWII ~ John is on a secret elite Marine team, ran by Douglas Fairbanks Jr - the small team of less than 12 make a landing on a Nazi controlled island filled with hundreds of soldiers. They fool the commanders into thinking there is an entire U.S. fleet with them and get them to surrender. However, there are some skirmishes in the village - John is under heavy fire - explosions going off next to him cause him to lose hearing. He sees a little girl get shot multiple times, her guts are pouring from her body. John is deeply affected by this - "is" thinking can't help him. He desperately longs for the better days on Cannery Row. He tells the other soldiers, one dying, that he will write them a comedy when he returns.
John receives letters from Gwyn saying she is unhappy that the war is more important to him than she is and
that other men are courting her in his absence.
Cannery Row ~ The Lab Group has changed - Ritchie and Tal still stop in, but now it is more soldiers and new faces. Flora is having trouble keeping the Lone Star open as the Canneries continue to close up. Sheriff Larson holds a party at Flora's to celebrate his re-election (again), bringing back a little of the energy from days gone-by. Ed is the life of the party with the women. Toni finds that it is impossible to change Ed, who has been giving "lab lessons" to various married women in Monterey - and spends his time counting sardine. Toni is unhappy but unsure of her next move.
1948 ~ Monterey Hospital ~ Carol and Jean watch as Frankie (23) arrives to Ed's bedside. Frankie has a crew cut, a hold over of the war. He has a GIRLFRIEND (25) with him. Ed is barely conscious. Tears fall from Frankie's stoic face as he gives Ed a watch - the same watch he tried to steal as a gift for Ed years ago. Frankie leans in and apologizes. Ed squeezes Frankie's hand and whispers in his ear. Frankie's shoulders heave with silent weeping has he stays in close with Ed, listening.
EPISODE 12
"CANNERY ROW"
written by
P.J. Palmer and Eric Enno Tamm
OUTLINE
1948 ~ Monterey Airport ~ John's plane flies above Monterey bay. Low clouds roll past. Breaks in the fog reveal the beautiful, magical land below. A large cloud resembles a whale breaching the ocean, nearly exactly like the flying dream Ed had in Episode 5.
Carol waits for John at the tarmac. They embrace deeply. All is forgiven and accepted. She leads John to the car.
Monterey Hospital ~ John arrives with Carol, and rushes inside. Ritchie and Xenia are outside Ed's room with grim expressions. John walks with a panic, repeating himself: "It's too late. It's too late. I've missed him. I've missed my Ed." Carol cannot move any further towards Ed's room. John turns into the room to find an empty bed. John's shoulders droop, his head drops. Ritchie explains, "He passed just an hour ago." It is a devastating moment for each and every one of them.
And we fade to:
Cannery Row ~ John stands at the door of the lab - just like the beginning. He enters the unlocked door and walks through the vacant lab until he finds Ed, working at his desk (It is 1945). The two men embrace. John apologizes for the surprise. He has brought his boys to meet Ed. And Gwyn too. It is a happy reunion. John tells Ed he has brought him a gift: he hands him a copy of CANNERY ROW. Ed opens the book and sees that it is dedicated: "For Ed Ricketts, who knows why or should". Ed sits and reads the book - which is a very much the story of his life on the Row.
John walks through Cannery Row with Ed. Everyone is reading CANNERY ROW and make comments to "Doc". John learns of Ed's deep research in the decline of the sardine and the devastating loss to Cannery Row - canneries are closing - fishing boats are bringing in small catches. People are out of work. Cannery Row is dying off. A cannery worker calls out to Ed:
CANNERY WORKER
Hey Doc, where did all the fish go?
ED
They're in the cans.
John has bought an adobe in Monterey for his family. But no one will sell him items to renovate - he is disliked in Monterey. CANNERY ROW has made it even worse.
The Lab is in disrepair - the war years were bad on business. Ed is nearing bankruptcy.
Mr. Won has a brisk business selling and autographing copies of CANNERY ROW. Tourists have begun to find the Row. Gabe and the vagabonds enjoy the attention at first. But the slum-tourism does in fact disrupt his lifestyle. Some of the Vagabonds are jealous of Gabe and angry at John for not mentioning them. Tiny and Sparky also try to cash in on the fact that they are in a Steinbeck novel, but no girls have read SEA OF CORTEZ.
Jean comes to visit Ed. They make love in the Lab - a tourist lets himself into the lab, interrupting them in the act. Ed is angry but the tourist insists on meeting "Doc". Ed pushes him outside when Toni arrives finding him naked with Jean. Toni is not shocked - but she is also over it. She tells Ed she can't live like this any longer, competing with the woman he loves most, Jean. She leaves him.
Ed has a lock installed on the door of the Lab for the first time.
Joe Campbell returns to Monterey for visit - brings Ed a copy of his manuscript for HERO WITH A THOUSAND FACES - and thanks Ed for the trip they took years before, as their conversations then were the genesis of the book.
Gwyn is unhappy in Monterey. She feels awkward at the Lab and judged by the group.
The Lab Group, though different now, still consists of some original members including Ritchie, Tal, Francis and others. They are less receptive to CANNERY ROW, as it marginalizes Ed as a superficial character - and the novel does not tell the truth (nor does it mention anyone in the Lab Group). Ritchie accuses John of not just selling out himself, but selling out his community. He calls John greedy. And says that he has always agreed with Jack: John's work is derivative and that he will use anyone to get ahead.
John is offered a large sum to do a story for LIFE magazine about real life on Cannery Row - he refuses, not wanting to add any more chaos to the lives of people he knows and cares about. Ironically, Ritchie takes up the offer himself - cashing in on CANNERY ROW - and yet everyone is happy for Ritchie doing it.
John researches EAST OF EDEN, taking Ed for a drive out into the country as he did early on when writing TO A GOD UNKNOWN in Episode 2. John is saddened by the cold reception he has found in Monterey. And how Ritchie, whom he gave his Pulitzer money to, had turned on him - yet is publicizing the book on the literal backs of the people who are all bothered with John. Ed helps him to realize that he must embrace his new life as a world-class writer - with all the trappings of success and celebrity and jealousies that come with it - because his journey is important for the larger picture. Ed tells not worry about the people of Monterey who do not understand him.
As John prepares to move Gwyn and the boys back to NYC, adds money to the Lab - and asks Ed to draw up plans for a larger, modern lab near Hopkins on the tide pools. John also asks that Ed use the money to research a follow-up book to SEA OF CORTEZ - the new adventure to the Queen Charlotte Islands that Ed had wanted to do for years. John's deposit on theses costs make Ed's life much more manageable and he is deeply grateful.
New York City ~ John, having taken Ed's advice on embracing his status - arrives with Gwyn at the posh dinner party at the home of his agent. The small gathering is impressively attended with several well-established New York socialites, writers and artists. The guests of honor: John Steinbeck and... ERNEST HEMINGWAY (55). The host explains to a guest that John had written Ernest a letter telling him how he admired his latest short story, and Ernest had then reached out wanting to meet John in person. So here we are - although, the host quips, John had played hard-to-get for weeks. John is shy at the party and withdraws into himself. When the host raises a toast, John heads off embarrassment by saying:
JOHN
I'll confess. After reading Hemingway, I set out on my own private quest to follow the trail he forged ahead of us all -
and to do my damn best to take him - only to find what I should have known from the start:
no mortal can possibly take Hemingway.
Everyone feels warm with the publicly expressed affection. But, Ernest ignores the toast and compliment - turning the moment unbearably awkward - and John recedes further into himself. Then, Ernest says:
HEMINGWAY
I could understand why Grapes of Wrath was burned - after the last scene wherein a starving man seeks food at the breast of the dying woman - that's hardly the solution of our economic problem.
Everyone looks to John, who bursts out with laughter as he finds the remark genuinely funny - letting air back into the room. Ernest raises a glass and a nod to John - who now feels assured of himself.
Sitka, Alaska ~ Ed, ALICE (24) and Ed Jr. (23) arrive by boat on their way to the Queen Charlotte Islands. They are greeted by Jack and Sasha, who are impressed with how Ed Jr has grown into a tall young man and they assume Alice is Jr's girlfriend. But she is actually Ed's. Nancy and Cornelia come running up too - they are both young women. They embrace Ed and Ed Jr. Nan holds back. It is an awkward moment for her and Alice. Nan and Ed keep it professional, only discussing work and the child-care / alimony payments Ed has thankfully caught up on.
New York City ~ John works in large Upper East Side house. Gwyn takes care of their two boys. She is deeply resentful of John, as he has managed to keep his career while she has just become an average housewife. John reminds her that their life is anything but average and in order to keep up this life, he must work. Gwyn is angry about his plans to leave on an expedition with Ed to the Queen Charlotte Islands. During an argument about divorce, John falls from the second floor balcony and seriously injures his leg.
Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia ~ Ed, Alice and Ed Jr. travel through these stunning islands filled with exotic life - the "Galapagos of the North". Ed researches the area and makes travel plans for John to join him. Ed and Alice watch the arrival of a seaplane from the deck of a ferry - which delivers a package from John for Ed's birthday: a leather briefcase embossed with his name. Inside the briefcase is a letter from John that tells Ed he misses him and that he has looked forward to their expedition to the islands and to collaborating on another book, but he has fallen and hurt his leg and cannot travel - he must postpone yet again.
Cannery Row ~ Ed long back from his trip north, continues his research on the decline of the sardine. And continues to give "lab lessons" to lonely women in Monterey. A few friends linger around the lab as Ed finishes up work for the day. He offers dinner and runs out to buy steaks.
Ed drives up Cannery Row and sees Ed Jr. and Alice taking photos in the low tide. Ed tells stops to say he he going out to buy steaks and they will be ready in about an hour. Ed Jr. snaps a photo of Ed. Then, Ed drives off.
Ed Jr. and Alice walk towards the Lab. Behind them, Ed's car slowly works it way up the short steep hill when the Del Monte Express comes from behind a blind corner and violently strikes Ed's car. Ed Jr. and Alice turn to see the car being dragged along the tracks by the locomotive. Ed Jr. calls out: "ED!" as he runs towards the accident. He keeps calling out: "Ed!, Ed!..."
EPISODE 13
"LAYING THE GHOST"
written by
P.J. Palmer and Eric Enno Tamm
OUTLINE
1948 ~ Cannery Row ~ We glide behind a taxi as it motors through a deserted Cannery Row. The cab stops in front of a dilapidated building. JOHN STEINBECK (46) exits the cab with a leather briefcase embossed with his name. He climbs the steps of the old building. He retrieves a hidden key and lets himself in. He wanders through this well-lived in space and comes to a desk covered with items: photos of a younger version of himself and Ed in Mexico, a framed New York Times review of SEA OF CORTEZ, the boxing glove pendant from Sparky, the new watch from Frankie, floor plans for the new large laboratory, notebooks titled "Queen Charlottes", a signed copy of A HERO WITH A THOUSAND FACES from Joe, a stack of CANNERY ROW novels autographed by Ed.
There are stacks of opened letters from John. He then finds an unopened letter from Ed to him (this is the letter Ed dictated to Jean earlier.) John reads the very personal letter from Ed - we hear the letter in Ed's VO, telling John how much he thanks him, how much he admires him, how he is moving forward in his journey, ready to swim across the sky and break through. He is not afraid - he has learned from John and every single person he has met, ever loved, ever listened to. Everything is connected. We all found each other because we needed each other, we formed each other. Ed writes that John's work has changed the world, and will continue to for generations - that this is the most important thing anyone could aspire to, and that he is deeply grateful to be a part of John's life. Ed writes that he has never loved anyone as profoundly as his friend, John. And that they will always be connected. Forever.
Alone in the lab, John burns letters and notebooks in the furnace. Some items he keeps and places in Ed's briefcase. Ritchie comes in. The two men embrace; everything is water under the bridge. Soon Jean arrives. And Xenia. Ed Jr. Someone plays BACH. Soon Gabe and the vagabonds filter in too. Jean takes several notebooks from the burn pile and keeps them for herself. They crack open the Lab safe, to find only a note that reads: "What did you expect to find here?" They all laugh at Ed's lasting humor. Ritchie's laugh turns to tears. He calls out Ed's name. It is silent for a moment. Jean finally says -
JEAN
We’ll have to let him go. We’ll have to release him and let him go.
Everyone who knew Ed arrives solemnly at the Lighthouse Chapel for a funeral - including: Sheriff Larson (70's), Gabe (60's) and the vagabonds, Mr. and Mrs. Won (70's), Frankie (24), Jack and Sasha (40's), Xenia (36) and John Cage, Toni, Alice (27), Ed Jr (26), Nan (48), Nancy (23) and Cornelia (19), Carol (45), Tal and Ritchie (40's), Beth and Peg (40's), Francis (50's), Flora (70's) and quite a few Girls (20's - 40's), Tiny and Sparky (30's), Tony (60's), Bruce and Jean (40's), Joe (44), Henry Miller (70's), Charlie Chaplin (70's), Burgess Meredith (40's), Salvador Dali (70's) and about a dozen unknown Women without their husbands.
During the meditative service, John notices a monarch butterfly outside the chapel window. He walks out of the crowded chapel and follows the monarch butterflies as they drift towards the nearby Great Tide Pool where we first met Ed in Episode 1. Carol sees this and follows. Then Xenia, Joe and Gabe follow. Soon, the rest of the funeral wanders to the tide pools.
The tide is low, and the pools are filled with colorful sea life. The group explores. Carol walks into the water fully clothed, like a baptism. Xenia explains an anemone to John Cage. John watches waves crash in the distance. A school of dolphin passes nearby and way out there, a whale breaches.
A lone sardine boat pushes out to sea as the sunsets.
John's VO discusses Ed's great influence on everyone. And how difficult it will be to lay the ghost. Under this VO we see the following:
- Gabe gets on a bus out of town.
- Frankie works as Holman's as a bag boy.
- Jean gives birth to another baby.
- Ed Jr. returns to University.
- Flora works at her Seaside Motor Lodge brothel.
- Mr. Won sells the store to a younger man.
- Carol sits in her Carmel beach home watching the sea.
- Sparky and Tiny fight in a Monterey bar.
John locks up the Lab, never to return. A "For Sale" sign in its window.
John enters the old cottage in Pacific Grove. A new dog, 'Charlie' is with him. He uncovers the furniture, lights a fire. And settles in to write with a pad of legal paper and a green pen.
We pull back and up away from the cottage - an aerial view of Monterey at dusk - from up here, it looks similar to a tide pool. The Chinese Festival sends up glowing lanterns into the sky like an ocean filled with phosphorescent jellyfish. Soon we have pulled back into the Universe - everything looks similar to the world of the tidepool... everything is connected.
###
End title cards and archival footage and photos:
- John has critical successes with EAST OF EDEN, which becomes a film starring James Dean.
- John wins the Nobel Peace Prize and Presidential Medal of Freedom.
- John finally meeting his true love, Elaine.
- Ed's BETWEEN PACIFIC TIDES, in its 5th edition, is still Stanford's bestselling book 80 years later.
- The Monterey Bay Aquarium was built in Ed's honor at the end of Cannery Row.
- Ed Ricketts Memorial Award is awarded each year by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
- Western Flyer II, a oceanographic research vessel used by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) is equipped with the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) named "Doc Ricketts "
- The Western Flyer Foundation has renovated the original Western Flyer vessel as a US Historical Monument and state-of-the-art teach lab for underprivileged children from the Sea of Cortez to Alaska.
- Ed's statue sits at that site of the train accident - people put fresh flowers into the hand of the statue every day.
- Ed's Lab still sits on Cannery Row, mostly unnoticed by the thousands of tourists each day. (Although some do know what the old building is, as evidenced by the lipstick kiss stains still placed on the exterior walls)