Love Story
Season 1 – Episode 1
Episode title: Pilot
Original release date: February 12, 2026
Plot: The pressure of the Kennedy name weighs on John. Carolyn impresses at Calvin Klein. An unlikely connection forms at a charity event.
Transcript
Note for Students & Writers: This transcript is archived here for educational purposes, critical analysis, and screenwriting study. All rights belong to the original creators.
[chattering]
[camera shutters clicking]
[person 1] Carolyn!
[person 2] Carolyn!
[person 3] Hey.
[person 4] Carolyn, over here!
[person 5] Come on, Carolyn!
[chattering continues]
I need a different color. Sorry, I just…
This isn’t gonna work for where I’m going. They’ll, um–
[manicurist] Do you want a different shade or–
No.
[♪♪ “Kiss Me” playing]
Let’s go with something safe. Um…
A neutral… A shade of nude. Sorry.
[sighs]
[knock on door]
Your sister-in-law is downstairs.
Tell her I’ll be down in a minute. I just need to change.
Thanks, Rosemarie.
[sighs]
[photographers] Carolyn! Carolyn!
[clamoring]
[clamoring continues, muffled]
[horns honking]
I don’t want her holding this weekend over me like she does every other family function.
[sighs] She’s trying, John. [scoffs]
This is her trying.
Just give her some grace.
I just… It’s a wedding, for Christ’s sake.
She acts as if I’m asking her to attend the Democratic National Convention.
Did you stay at the hotel again?
[scoffs] It’s not like she’s begging me to come home.
What happened? Supposed to leave an hour ago.
It’s a summer Friday. The tunnel was a parking lot. Hi.
You haven’t been on time a day in your life, but when it inconveniences you–
I’m just saying we’re gonna miss the welcome drinks.
My family’s gonna throw a hissy fit.
They’re gonna find a reason to throw one no matter what.
Guys, I’m not doing this with you. So if you wanna go there–
Okay, we both agreed to give each other the benefit of the doubt.
Where’s Jay? He couldn’t make it.
Who’s Jay? The instructor.
[door closes] And where are his crutches?
He complains about his recovery time, and yet he doesn’t bring them–
[whispers] Pick your battles.
I’m sorry.
I’m just anxious.
I love you.
I appreciate you being here.
I love you too.
Good. [chuckles]
Let’s go.
[chuckles]
[engine starts]
[John] Essex ground 9253 November, ready to taxi with Mike northeast bound.
[air traffic controller] 9253 November, target is clear for takeoff, runway 22.
[John] Runway 22, cleared for takeoff. Saratoga 9253 November.
[alarm clock ringing]
[♪♪ “Loaded” playing]
♪♪ Just what is it that you want to do ♪♪
♪♪ I’m gonna get deep down Deep down I said ♪♪
♪♪ I’m gonna get deep down Deep down ♪♪
♪♪ Whoo, hey ♪♪
♪♪ I don’t wanna Lose your love ♪♪
♪♪ I don’t wanna Lose your love ♪♪
♪♪ We wanna be free To do what we wanna do ♪♪
A pack, please.
♪♪ Oh, yeah ♪♪
Avert your eyes.
[giggles] How was that nightcap?
I ended up at the Tunnel rolling around in the ball pit with Mickey Rourke.
Like hooking up? I don’t know. I don’t remember.
But the sun was coming up when I left, so now I’m just bracing for impact.
You go home with that guy?
What guy?
The hot, tan one you were talking to with the forearms and the bad jeans?
I thought I saw you guys leave together?
I just went home. I was so tired.
Ugh. You’re so fucking cagey sometimes. Here I am pouring my heart out.
What do you want me to tell you?
That you fucked him. [chuckles]
And that I’m not alone on my path to self-destruction.
[person] Hold it, please.
By the way, I wore your Egyptian Musk last night, and I’m not kidding, three different guys, like, inhaled me.
One of them said I smelled like a Laundromat, which, like, weird, but I’ll take it.
[Carolyn] Shh.
[elevator dings]
♪♪ I don’t wanna Lose your love ♪♪
♪♪ I don’t wanna Lose your love ♪♪
Grace, he could hear you.
I thought the rule about not talking in the elevator was more of a myth.
Like his sexuality. [giggles] Shh. Shh.
[softly] He has cameras everywhere.
Give me a raise, motherfucker. [chuckles]
♪♪ Oh, yeah ♪♪
I didn’t.
I left two.
[chuckles] Fuck. Grace.
Why would he bother pursuing you if he knows he doesn’t have to?
I’ve tried playing hard to get, and apparently I play it too well.
Come here.
Come here.
Look at me.
You’re beautiful.
Okay?
Hey.
Exploit his insecurities.
I read that somewhere.
Until when? Until you’re bored of him, or he’s too old to leave you.
Can we save the powwow for after work, please?
We need those looks that we pulled for Demi pressed, bagged, and labeled, and her PR rep is gonna be here in, like, an hour.
Let’s go. Chop chop.
Thank you.
[boss] And don’t forget that we have that fitting with Annette at 11:00.
[both giggling]
Prime example. Tanya tries too hard to be authoritative.
Therefore, I have no respect for her authority.
I feel like her prisoner in this showroom, as much as I love helping Diane Sawyer accessorize.
Just tell Calvin you want to move to PR. He loves you.
[chuckles] Oh, yeah.
Company’s hemorrhaging money, and he just got out of rehab.
Now’s the time to make it all about me.
I haven’t even been here a year.
Well, you used to be folding his sweaters at the mall, and now look where you are.
I miss the mall. [laughs]
[♪♪ “Life’s What You Make It” playing]
♪♪ Baby Life’s what you make it ♪♪
♪♪ Can’t escape it ♪♪
♪♪ Baby ♪♪
♪♪ Yesterday’s favorite ♪♪
♪♪ Don’t you hate it… ♪♪
Yo, this look like a library? Fifty cents, man.
Yo, you get what you needed?
[reporter 1] John Kennedy Jr. has flunked his bar exam for a second time.
[reporter 2] His courthouse days may be numbered for John F. Kennedy Jr.
[reporter 3] John F. Kennedy Jr.’s flunked the New York State bar exam again.
[reporter 4] Kennedy will lose his job.
[reporter 5] Kennedy’s last chance.
[reporter 6] John F. Kennedy Jr. is facing a long, grueling prospect of studies…
[reporter 7] …the dashing son of the late president…
[reporter 8] He may have been called the sexiest man alive, but tonight he was just plain embarrassed.
[reporter 9] Strike three and he’s out of his job as assistant DA.
[reporter 10] What’s next for the famous heir?
♪♪ Don’t try to shade it ♪♪
♪♪ Beauty’s naked ♪♪
“So what if he flubbed the bar exam twice?”
Twice is in parentheticals.
“America’s uncrowned prince is facing 30 with a steady girlfriend, fabulous looks, even a movie role. But now it’s time to hit those law books.”
[sucks teeth]
If it makes you feel any better, anyone who knows you knows that you don’t have a steady girlfriend.
Fuck off.
I can’t show my face around the city with these headlines everywhere.
But you’ll show your dick to everyone at the gym.
Apparently this is all I’m good for.
Well, as your cousin, obviously I disagree.
Also, I’m an actual prince w-with a title and everything.
W-What is this obsession with anointing you?
You know, the funny thing is when I first saw the headline, “The Hunk Flunks,”
I thought to myself, “Wow, this is bad, but it couldn’t possibly get any worse.”
You’ll take it again.
The DA’s office has a three-strike policy for their assistants.
If I fail again, I’m out of a job.
Well, then I guess you better not fail.
[♪♪ “I Touch Myself” playing]
♪♪ I love myself I want you to love me ♪♪
♪♪ When I feel down… ♪♪
I-I mean, it’s… it’s beautiful. Uh…
Well, we can also try it with a shawl. We can do different styling options.
Is it the fit you’re bumping up against or the dress itself?
[stutters] Both. N-Neither.
I’m sorry, I’m really not very good at this kind of thing.
Um, what do you think?
Oh, I-I think we can find you something better.
Really? Yes.
[chuckles] You know right away if a dress works.
The confidence should wash over you.
Well, Calvin specifically had this dress in mind for her, Carolyn, so why don’t we try it with the shawl?
We can go from there.
[Calvin] I’m so sorry.
I was stuck on the phone with David Geffen.
How are you? [Annette] Hi.
[giggles]
Let’s have a look.
How do you feel?
Well, I mean, it’s, um– it’s beautiful.
Uh, but Carolyn was just saying we could try some other options.
Yes, the collection’s so wide-ranging, I just…
I just figured we could pull some alts.
Remind me, this is for the, um, Bugsy premiere, right?
[Annette] Yeah.
I mean…
This is something a little more charming.
You know? It’s a sexier option.
I had an idea.
Why don’t we let Calvin decide?
Well, what, does she not work here too?
[Tanya] N-No, I…
[Carolyn] One second.
Calvin designed this suit as part of the menswear collection, and I’m obsessed with it.
The detailing is just…
Tanya.
Here.
Okay.
Okay. So obviously, we’d have to take it in a bit, but I think it’s a bold choice, and a fun nod to the film noir, gangster genre.
I love it. Can I please take her home with me?
[Tanya] O-Okay.
[Annette laughs]
Are you and Warren planning on walking the carpet together?
Because– I-I only ask ’cause I wouldn’t want your outfits to clash.
All eyes are gonna be on you.
If he needs a different shade of suit, he’ll survive.
[Annette] Mm-hmm.
I saw his name on the guest list for the Amazon fundraiser.
Are you gonna be there? Oh, I can’t.
I have a-a stage reading at Circle in the Square.
[Calvin] Well, every major designer is gonna be there, so if I see Warren Beatty in Armani or Ralph Lauren, you’ll be hearing from me. [all chuckle]
Did you want to pull some accessories for Annette?
Sure.
No, I was talking to Carolyn.
[♪♪ “Weather With You” playing]
♪♪ Always take the weather With you Everywhere you go ♪♪
♪♪ You always take the weather With you Everywhere you go ♪♪
♪♪ You always Take the weather… ♪♪
[camera shutters clicking] [reporters clamoring]
♪♪ You always take The weather with you ♪♪
♪♪ Everywhere you go ♪♪
♪♪ You always take the weather ♪♪
♪♪ You take the weather ♪♪
♪♪ The weather with you ♪♪
[music ends]
You do know those pictures don’t help with the nepotism charges.
They said the same shit when your father appointed me
US Attorney of the Southern District of New York 30 years ago.
Do you think anybody’s questioning my credentials now?
How you holding up?
Great. Why? Did something incredibly embarrassing happen recently?
At least they called you hunky.
[scoffs] I’m not sure that qualifies as a silver lining.
Look, you’ll take it a third time. You’ll pass it.
This will all be ancient history.
I can still recite the editorials about my high school report card.
I can assure you it won’t be.
And by the way, I’m well aware that this is the least compelling sob story in the world.
You cannot let the people around you narrate your successes and your setbacks.
At a certain point you have to decide how you want to feel about them.
Her assistant’s picking that up at 3:00, so just double-check and make sure it’s good to go.
It’s ready. I got it.
Uh, and did that jacket come back from the tailor yet?
[Grace] Y-Yeah. Hey, Tanya.
Um, do you happen to know if there are any extra tickets to that Amazon fundraiser?
[smacks lips] Don’t confuse his little pat on the back earlier for your status at this company.
You’re a saleswoman, Carolyn. That’s it.
Strong candidate for an exorcism.
Whatever, I’m still going.
Really? What if she sees you?
If she wants to try and sideline me, have at it.
Fellas, the hyenas have set up camp, so don’t forget to suck in.
[shutters clicking]
Let’s go easy on John, all right?
Can’t have America finding out their favorite son has butterfingers.
Eat my ass, Colin.
Hey, I’d love to go where only Madonna’s gone before.
[friend 1] Oh! [all laughing]
Hey, hey, we have an odd number.
Then I’ll be designated QB.
Oh, so both teams can suck?
[blows raspberry] [all laughing]
[friend 2] Talk some shit out of the gate. Let’s go.
[camera shutters clicking]
[friend 3] All right, let’s go.
Hey, hang on a sec.
Hey, Troy. I thought I burned you in Columbus Circle.
I’m like white on rice, Johnny.
Prove it. We’re down a man.
[all chattering]
Hey, Murph, throw me the fucking ball, okay?
[all chattering, shouting]
[all exclaiming]
[laughs]
Up the side, up the side.
[all chattering]
[laughing, chattering]
Watch Happy Feet right here.
[cheering]
[person 1] Probably not. [giggles]
[person 2] Of course not. [giggles]
Mom…
Hi. Sorry I’m late. [John’s mother] Ah.
Where are you coming from? Well, I had a touch football game.
[scoffs] At least make something up.
[John chuckles] Hats off at the table, please.
Is your salmon cold?
Oh, you didn’t have to wait for me. We didn’t. It’s just cold.
Thank you, Eugie. Of course.
So is everyone planning on attending Teddy Jr.’s wedding this weekend?
I have to work, unfortunately.
I’ll be there. Really?
Can you imagine if I said no? Uncle Teddy would probably dispatch the Navy SEALs.
[John chuckles] Well, you two can be each other’s date.
How do you know I’m not bringing someone already?
[John’s mother] Well, the wedding’s in four days.
You cannot just spring your flavor of the month on them last minute.
He’s trying to get a rise out of you. Please don’t take the bait.
Well, maybe I should just become celibate and join the priesthood.
People magazine’s “Sexiest Priest Alive” doesn’t quite have the same ring to it.
[chuckles] Thank you, Eugie.
I see you’re eating meat again.
[John] Well, I never swore off meat, Mother.
I was experimenting with a vegetarian diet because Daryl made a very valid case for it.
Well, either way, it wasn’t sustainable.
My relationship or my diet?
You know, maybe if she’d been made to feel a bit more welcome–
Sweetheart– And despite your impressions, Daryl actually does care what you think of her.
Of course she does. She’s an actress. She cares what everyone thinks of her.
What decade are you living in? She’s an artist, Mom.
Oh, yes, I saw that recently she played a 50-foot giant. [giggles]
Maybe she’ll invite you to the Oscars.
Why don’t you just save us all a lot of time and tell me exactly who you’d like me to bring home to you, ’cause I guarantee inevitably you’ll find something wrong with them too.
There are lots of girls. Yeah, like who?
You act as if I’m the only thing standing between you and happily ever after.
Yeah, well, she’s back in LA now, so…
Bed-hopping with rock stars.
Mom. [John scoffs]
I love how you pose these questions like you don’t obsessively monitor my personal life.
Apple doesn’t fall far.
Hey, I read the shit that gets thrown in my face, all right?
Not everyone’s awarded the same privacy.
Well, that’s one way of looking at it.
Meaning what, Ed?
Would you prefer that I not be invested in my child’s personal life?
Well, you never seem to harangue Caroline for her life’s choices.
[scoffs] I think all of my psychiatrists would argue otherwise.
[chuckles]
Your sister is settled down with children.
Her personal life isn’t chronicled in every tabloid in the country like it’s an episode of Santa Barbara.
Yeah, this coming from a woman whose second marriage was condemned by the Pope.
[John’s mother sighs]
I worked too hard to watch you be… sucked into this pervasive narrative of entitlement and recklessness that’s plagued every other member of this family.
[on TV] Good evening. Dan Rather reporting.
Former Massachusetts Senator, Paul Tsongas, announced his decision today, again, at a news conference in Boston.
Tsongas said he will not reenter the race for the Democratic presidential nomination.
One thing everybody’s talking about this election year is the lack of affordable health care.
CBS News health correspondent, Edie Magnus, is here to tell us it’s a make-or-break issue now for people who thought they’d never have to worry.
[John] Contrary to what you might think, I don’t relish in being a constant source of anxiety for you.
I mean, I’m 31 years old.
You’re my son.
You’re going to be a constant source of anxiety for me no matter what you do.
I just want you to find your way.
[people chattering]
[paparazzo 1] There he is. It’s him.
[paparazzi clamoring]
[camera shutters clicking]
[paparazzo 2] Right here, John! Perfect! Gorgeous!
[♪♪ “Blood of Eden” playing]
[assistant] Mr. Kennedy. Mr. Kennedy.
♪♪ I caught sight Of my reflection ♪♪
♪♪ I caught it in the window ♪♪
♪♪ I saw the darkness In my heart ♪♪
[paparazzo 3] Mr. Kennedy.
[paparazzo 4] Lovely, thank you.
♪♪ I saw the signs Of my undoing ♪♪
♪♪ They had been there From the start ♪♪
♪♪ And the darkness Still has work to do ♪♪
♪♪ The knotted chord’s untying ♪♪
♪♪ The heated and the holy ♪♪
♪♪ Oh, they’re sitting there On high ♪♪
♪♪ So secure with everything They’re buying ♪♪
♪♪ In the blood of Eden ♪♪
♪♪ Lie the woman And the man… ♪♪
Hi.
Hey. Look at you. Did you make it in all right?
I had to give the guy 50 bucks. He had no clue who you were.
What?
Your face just now. I’m kidding.
Is this for the resort collection?
[friend 1] What, are the tiger stripes too much?
[friend 2] Well, it’s clear we overshot homage and crash-landed in caricature.
What are you doing back here?
Oh, I-I forgot the feathered hat at the office so she brought it.
[Carolyn chuckles]
Come have drinks with us.
I had this idea last night. You’ve been to Nell’s?
No, I’ve been dying to go.
It’s this fun little place downtown. It’s really kind of terrific.
And I got in at 1:30 in the morning from Washington, and Kelly called me.
She said, “A bunch of us are having a little fun downtown.
Why don’t you come and join us?”
So, I went and met up with them… Mm-hmm.
…and we were up most of the night.
And so on occasion, after 40, you can still have fun.
[Carolyn giggles]
You know, you’re gonna thank me for this.
[♪♪ “This Woman’s Work” playing]
[John] Oh, really?
Yeah? Oh. Oh, we would love to have you for dinner.
Oh– Sorry to interrupt.
John, this is Carolyn Bessette. She’s our VIP Whisperer at the company.
Carolyn, this is John Kennedy.
VIP Whisperer, that’s quite the moniker. What does that entail exactly?
Oh, it’s a real high-wire act. There’s a cape involved.
Oh, she’s underselling herself, which is ironic because Carolyn is responsible for millions of dollars in sales.
I don’t doubt it. I like your dress, by the way.
Thank you. You can’t help yourself, can you?
So I’m a bad boy. What are you gonna do? I’m so sorry.
I need to steal you for a minute.
Do you want to grab a drink?
Oh, technically I’m working.
Well, isn’t everyone here? [chuckles]
Wow, quite the shrewd observation coming from the belle of the ball.
The belle of the ball?
I know, like, five people here.
Well, you wouldn’t know that from the way everyone’s staring at you.
Oh, I think they’re all staring at you. [exhales sharply]
You just keep that in your back pocket, don’t you? [chuckles]
I’m sure there’s lots of people waiting to talk to you.
Oh, exactly, so you can’t abandon me.
[stutters] Whenever my mom is at a party or out to dinner, she always locks eyes intensely with whoever she’s talking to because she says that even the appearance of a recess in conversation will invite interlopers.
Well, then you better keep appearing to look interested.
Oh, fuck. What?
Nothing. Just my boss giving me the death stare.
Who? Calvin? No. Lesser boss.
Uh, I’ve really gotta go.
Oh, please take me with you.
I’m not sure that’s such a good look.
Ducking out of a charity event or going home with you?
It’s nice meeting you, John.
You think I can get your number?
I don’t give my number out to strangers.
I just met you. You could be a serial killer for all I know.
Oh, come on. That’d be way too much of a commitment.
How about I give you my number? That way the ball’s in your court.
I don’t want to get your hopes up.
Oh, please, I’m not above begging in front of all of my closest friends.
You know where I work.
Try reception.
[♪♪ “Free Your Mind” playing]
[people chattering]
Is he dreamy in like an off-putting, Manchurian-candidate kind of way, or like a “I can’t help but emanate sex, it’s in my perfect DNA”?
Okay, what if he does reach out?
You know he won’t. He was just bored… and innately flirtatious.
Sexy Doorman just arrived.
[friend 1] Ooh.
Can we please stop calling him that?
Hmm. Sexy Bellhop? [chuckles]
He’s-he’s actually an aspiring model.
[friend 2] That’s actually so much worse. [friend 1] Oh. Okay. Sure.
That being said, as an agent, I’d happily advance his career if he’d advance my orgasm.
Maybe if you unchained him from his futon once in a while and let us hang out with him, we might start to like Sexy Doorman.
I’m not ashamed of him. He’s great. We just… We don’t have that much in common.
Oh. Thank you.
[♪♪ “We Got A Love Thang” playing]
♪♪ Whoo Look what we got ♪♪
♪♪ We got a, we got a love We got a, we got a love ♪♪
♪♪ We got a, we got a love We got a, we got a love ♪♪
♪♪ We got a, we got a love We got a, we got a love ♪♪
What the hell was that?
What? I was just saying bye.
Do you know that I came down here to see you, and I waited in line for, like, an hour and now you’re leaving?
I would have come and gotten you if I knew you were out here.
That’s not really the point.
It looked like you were having a perfectly good time in there.
See, this is where I’m getting a little confused.
When we’re in public, you act like I don’t exist, but then when we’re alone, you’re suddenly about it, so it’s just–
Michael, this is exactly why I don’t want a boyfriend, okay?
I’m-I’m accountable for people all day, every day at work, and when I leave, I-I just wanna do whatever the fuck I want
whenever the fuck I want to. And whoever the fuck you want.
Look, I’m not trying to hurt your feelings. I just…
If you can’t keep this, like, cool and casual, I think we should just go back to being friends.
[♪♪ “Heaven Or Las Vegas” playing]
You’re just gonna leave me here?
I guess that’s kinda up to you.
♪♪ Singing On the famous street ♪♪
♪♪ I want to love a boy That won’t love me ♪♪
♪♪ Am I just in heaven Or Las Vegas ♪♪
♪♪ Heaven or Las Vegas ♪♪
♪♪ That’s why it is More brighter Than the sun is to me ♪♪
♪♪ Reaching this itch In my soul ♪♪
♪♪ Heaven or Las Vegas ♪♪
♪♪ That’s like any Old playing card ♪♪
♪♪ It must be why I’m thinking of Las Vegas ♪♪
[John] Hi. I’m here to see Carolyn Bessette.
If-If you could just point me in her general direction.
Thank you.
[employee 1] Hi there. Hi.
[employee 2] Hey. Hi.
Hi.
Hi, what a terrific surprise to s– Thank you.
[Tanya] Oh.
[door opens]
[Carolyn] And then it happens again, and then they say–
[Grace clears throat]
Hi. Hi.
Sorry, is this a bad time?
No.
No. Uh, I was just, um…
What’s up?
I need a new suit.
[chuckles]
[♪♪ “Total Control” playing]
Put your arms up for me.
[John] You’re the tailor too?
He’s on his lunch break.
Typically our clients make appointments.
I’m a 33 waist. I know that.
You’re 32.
Chin, up.
Geez. Your tailor this bossy?
♪♪ Maybe never with you ♪♪
♪♪ Over you ♪♪
♪♪ Total control over you ♪♪
It’ll be ready in a week.
♪♪ Over you… ♪♪
Is there anything else?
How about some ties? [chuckles]
What, you’re gonna deny my business? What kind of VIP Whisperer are you?
A busy one.
You’re right. I’m sorry. How can I make it up to you?
By swiping your credit card.
Or… you could let me take you to dinner.
[♪♪ “It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over” playing]
♪♪ So much time wasted ♪♪
[employees exclaiming, chattering]
♪♪ Playing games with love ♪♪
Oh, my God! [Grace chuckling] What was that?
♪♪ So many tears I’ve cried ♪♪
♪♪ So much pain inside ♪♪
♪♪ But baby, it ain’t over… ♪♪
What’s going on?
JFK Jr. was just here.
What? No one tells me?
Oh, no, he came to see Carolyn.
♪♪ But baby it ain’t over ‘Til it’s over ♪♪
♪♪ So many years we’ve tried To keep our love alive ♪♪
♪♪ But baby it ain’t over ‘Til it’s over ♪♪
♪♪ So many years we’ve tried To keep our love alive ♪♪
♪♪ ‘Cause baby It ain’t over ’til it’s over ♪♪
Are you sure I can’t start you off with anything while you wait?
[Carolyn] No, no, thank you, though.
[John] Carolyn. Carolyn, wait.
Please, Carolyn, wait. Don’t leave.
Please, don’t leave.
Please.
You didn’t think, maybe, call the restaurant?
I was waiting for 20 minutes. I know. I’m sorry.
Listen, please let me buy you dinner.
I mean, if I’m not worth waiting for, the food is. Please.
This your go-to date spot?
Yeah. I’m a sucker for a laminated menu.
That’s why you chose it?
The menus.
It’s okay. I’m not exactly eager to incur the wrath of every woman in America.
Well, it’s not just that.
It’s gay men too.
[scoffs, chuckles]
You went a little rogue with the order, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Well, I went backpacking through India after I graduated, and I learned very quickly that ordering chicken tikka masala is a surefire way to get made fun of.
You backpacked? Yeah.
[scoffs, chuckles] What?
Uh, nothing. I’m just…
I’m curious to know what your definition of backpacking is.
Same thing as yours.
What, did you think I was shuttled around on a motorcade?
Kinda, yeah.
Why India?
Well, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life after I graduated, and, uh, my mom always says that India’s the most beautiful place she’d ever visited, so I decided to, uh, take some time off, go explore the world.
God, I realize this story sounds–
Super relatable. [chuckles] [chuckles]
In your defense, I’m sure most of your dates swoon over that India story.
I wasn’t trying to impress you.
No, you made that very clear when you showed up 30 minutes late.
Oh, my God. I’m sweating. Have you noticed?
It’s not because of the food.
[chuckles]
You know, sometimes I find myself trying so hard to put other people at ease that I–
You have nothing to prove.
What do you think you’d be doing with your life if you weren’t who you are?
I probably wouldn’t be working at the DA’s office.
I don’t know if you’ve seen the news recently, but I’m not exactly a legal wunderkind.
Yeah, I’m sorry about that.
It’s okay. No, it’s not.
Publishing your exam results for other people’s entertainment is cheap and pathetic.
Yeah, it just kind of feels like I have this sign hung over my head that says, “The Hunk Flunks,” and that’s all that people see when they look at me.
Yeah, but everyone feels like they have a sign over their head.
Oh, yeah? What’s yours say?
[both chuckle]
I’m not gonna disclose my sign on a first date.
[John] Mmm.
What would you be doing?
Am I gonna be leading the conversation at any point?
I’m not the one being vetted here.
I guess, uh, when I think of where it was I was happiest is probably on stage.
Like acting?
Yeah, I did a lot of theater in high school and college, and I loved it.
Something about being a character, being up on stage.
I felt like I could do whatever I wanted, and no one could judge me.
Why didn’t you pursue it?
I did, actually… sort of.
I was in a play here after college called The Lovers.
And my mom was so scared that she banned any critics from attending, so needless to say, we had a very limited run.
Did she like it at least? She never came.
Oh… Not because she didn’t want to, just because it would have created this whole circus, and that’s exactly what she didn’t want to have happen.
How old were you when you realized you were the son of a president?
I don’t think anyone’s ever asked me that before.
I don’t know, really.
To be honest, I think I’ve been inundated with so many images and stories of my childhood that, uh, I can’t really differentiate from what I remember and what I’ve just been exposed to.
That’s sad.
[clicks tongue]
What about your parents?
Uh, my mom and stepdad are in Greenwich.
She’s a schoolteacher. He’s a doctor.
I actually introduced them 20 years ago when I was his patient, and I love to lord that over them. Mmm.
What about your dad?
Um, he’s in White Plains.
Is he remarried?
Nope.
I’m sorry. I-I didn’t mean to–
No, no, no. It’s just… It’s not a very interesting story.
How did you find your way to Calvin Klein?
Um…
I always wanted to make a difference in the world.
No, I was working at the mall. In Boston.
At a Calvin Klein? Okay, hey. At a Calvin Klein, yeah.
And one day this exec from corporate came in, and I had no idea they were there.
And there was this older female customer screaming, crying, melting down in the dressing room, wouldn’t come out, so I just sort of sat down on the floor and talked her down.
Anyways, the exec saw the whole thing, said, “If you can handle that, you can handle anything.”
And they brought me out for an interview in New York.
I remember in the waiting room, there were all these sort of, like, polished Upper East Side girls.
And I said to the HR person, “Look, these girls might have a pedigree, but I don’t have a plan B or a trust fund to fall back on…”
Sorry. And no offense.
You know, “I have– I have to make this work.”
And they offered me the job right then and there.
I can see why Calvin sings your praises.
Shit. Somebody stole my bike.
Well, was it locked?
Uh, no.
[laughing]
I’m sor…
I’m sorry. I don’t mean to laugh.
It’s just, what did you think was gonna happen?
That civility would prevail? In New York City? Don’t you live here?
Now I gotta buy another one.
How many bikes have you lost?
Ballpark? [lighter clicks]
[Carolyn] Do you want a cigarette? No, thanks.
I’ve already had my one for the day.
One? [chuckles] You have one cigarette a day?
Not all the time, but if I do, I try to limit it to one.
It’s a… discipline thing.
[Carolyn] Mmm.
Gotcha. So you have discipline when it comes to tobacco, just… not other people’s time?
I said I was sorry. Yeah.
You said it like you were expecting forgiveness, not asking for it.
[John scoffs]
[Carolyn] This is me.
Thought I had more time.
More time for what?
Can I see you again?
I had a nice time tonight.
So is that a yes?
Night, John.
Did you sleep with her?
No. Oh.
No, she barely even let me take her out to dinner. I had to buy a suit.
[chuckles]
I’ve never seen you have to woo someone before.
This is like watching, uh, an animal dance.
All I want to do is call her, but I don’t want to come on too strong.
What?
You’re in your head.
[chuckles]
Ladies and gentlemen, the uncrowned prince is beside himself.
Shut up, Anthony. [chuckles]
Does she know about the bike? No.
[♪♪ “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” playing]
♪♪ Give you everything you need To live inside A twisted cage ♪♪
♪♪ Sleep beside An empty rage… ♪♪
What are you doing here?
Missed you. [chuckles]
I shouldn’t have gone back to California. You were right.
You’d think after 40 years of attending these family functions, I’d be unflappable, but no.
I still somehow revert back to that same old 22-year-old doe-eyed debutante.
Have you heard from your brother? He cannot be late.
Last I heard he was coming, but…
Andrew, do you know if John arranged for a car service?
Yes, ma’am. He and Ms. Hannah scheduled one for this afternoon.
What did you…
Did you know about this?
I’m not your intelligence agent, Mother. John and I keep our own confidences.
Turn the car around, please, Andrew.
What? Are you serious?
I’m not going to smile and make small talk with the two of them like this prolonged saga shouldn’t have ended years ago.
So your solution is to boycott?
[sighs]
Consider my hands washed.
[alarm clock ringing]
[elevator dings]
[mouthing words] How’d it go?
[executive] I think Cindy’s our best bet.
To me, she’s the quintessential supermodel.
I agree. Girl-next-door, prom queen, all rolled into one.
[door opens]
Sorry, I don’t… I don’t mean to interrupt.
No, you’re fine. We were just talking about the new campaign.
What do you think of Cindy Crawford?
Are these the girls you passed on?
Yeah, that’s the dumping ground.
[scoffs]
[Carolyn] What about Kate Moss?
Well, she’s cute, but no one knows who she is.
Exactly. She’s almost unknowable.
She’s guarded, elusive.
She’s not trying to sell you anything or ham it up for the camera. She’s…
She’s just letting you in.
Just enough ’cause she knows better than to give it all away.
Well, let’s bring her in.
And, Carolyn, I want you there when we do.
[kids chattering]
[Caroline] Well done.
[kid] We turned the world upside down.
[John chuckles] Yeah? How did we do that? Yeah.
[Caroline] Give him a stick? Yeah. [John] Yeah?
Round and round.
She wants to marry me.
I’m sure she does.
You know, you only make things more difficult for me when you pull stunts like that.
[scoffs] Of the long list of issues plaguing your relationship, I’d say my stunts reside somewhere near the very bottom.
[clicks tongue] I’ve been thinking about what you asked me the other night.
About who it is I see you with.
I know you think I’m overbearing, but only one of us knows what it’s like to marry into this family.
To have to be perfect in order to offset your partner’s imperfections– imperfections that you, more than anyone, bear the brunt of.
[sighs]
You think that if you find someone who’s already in the public eye that you’ll be better equipped to withstand the scrutiny, but there isn’t enough exposure in the world to prepare a woman to be your wife.
Plus, anyone who’s already made a name for themselves will invariably resent trading it for yours, no matter how pretty it looks on their letterhead.
She’ll be under the illusion that she’s entering into a partnership when, in reality, she’ll be orbiting you just like everybody else.
Routinely made to feel like an obstacle or a stepping stone.
See, you have a gift, John.
One that can’t be taught or bequeathed, one that allows you to alter the composition of any room you walk into.
Now, you don’t want someone who’s looking to share in that power.
You want someone to help you wield it.
Someone who doesn’t feel beholden to you for choosing them.
Someone who loves you in spite of your last name.
Now, I don’t know who that person is… but I know who it isn’t.
[♪♪ “Set Adrift on Memory Bliss” playing]
♪♪ Set adrift On memory bliss of you ♪♪
♪♪ Baby you send me ♪♪
♪♪ Baby you send me ♪♪
♪♪ Set adrift On memory bliss of you ♪♪
♪♪ The camera pans The cocktail glass ♪♪
♪♪ Behind a blind Of plastic plants ♪♪
♪♪ I found the lady With the fat diamond ring ♪♪
♪♪ Then you know I can’t Remember a damn thing ♪♪
♪♪ I think it’s one of those Déjà vu things ♪♪
♪♪ Or a dream that’s trying To tell me something ♪♪
♪♪ Or will I ever Stop thinking about it ♪♪
♪♪ I don’t know I doubt it ♪♪
♪♪ Subterranean by design ♪♪
♪♪ I wonder what I would find ♪♪
♪♪ If I met you I let my eyes caress you ♪♪
♪♪ Until I meet the thought Of Mrs. Princess Who ♪♪
♪♪ I often wonder What makes her work ♪♪
♪♪ I guess I’ll leave That question to the experts ♪♪
♪♪ Assuming that there Are some out there ♪♪
♪♪ They’re probably alone Solitaire ♪♪
♪♪ I can remember when ♪♪
♪♪ I caught up with A past-time intimate friend ♪♪
♪♪ She said bet you’re probably Gonna say I look lovely ♪♪
♪♪ But you probably Don’t think nothing of me ♪♪
♪♪ She was right, though I can’t lie ♪♪
♪♪ She’s just one Of those corners In my mind ♪♪
♪♪ And I just put her Right back with the rest ♪♪
♪♪ That’s the way it goes I guess ♪♪
♪♪ Baby you send me ♪♪
♪♪ Baby you send me ♪♪
