Ripple (2025) s01e01 Episode Script

1
Do you hear it?
It's a pulse…
A heartbeat…
Reverberating…
Far beyond the grids,
weaving through the traffic
and the crowds.
What if we are all
a part of something larger
embodied by a living,
breathing tapestry
made up of fleeting moments?
What if a chance encounter
could make all the difference?
Imagine a surgeon on her way
to work, who hasn't slept.
She's running late,
but she decides to stop.
Someone!
Someone help, please!
And in turn,
a life is saved.
Or the 20-something
held up by the gathering crowd,
and those few extra seconds
generates a run-in
with an old friend…
Who needs to get home,
but instead they make
the decision to have
One drink.
And from
that choice…
They find love.
If it's such a small world,
then why does this city
feel so big?
Millions of us move through
these streets, all strangers.
But we're all strangers
before we meet.
Longest light
on the west side.
It's okay.
I always give myself a cushion,
unlike my husband.
Hah, yeah!
We gotta be somewhere at 6:00,
I tell my wife 5:00.
She blames the traffic
for everything.
Now she's talkin' about
movin' to Florida.
Sunshine every day, she says.
Well, you have to learn
how to appreciate the seasons.
Too much of anything, and you
start to take it for granted.
Even sunshine.
30 years!
Yes, I think that's how long
I've been standing here.
You are a lucky man,
Walter Valle.
Hey, yes, I am!
Mm-hm!
No one else
would put up with you.
No, I suppose not.
And yet…
Always, always.
Eh…
Muah!
We better hurry.
Restaurant is not going
to hold our reservation.
Wait a minute…
Now you want me
to rush up a hill?
Yeah, come on, come on.
Oh, no man.
Change of plans.
I spotted a nice little wine bar
on the way over.
-Hm?
-It's cute.
And most importantly…
Mm-hm…?
There are no hills.
Come.
But wait…
Wait!
Anna?
PJs.
Tomorrow.
Daddy's home.
Oh, hi!
Hi, hi, hi!
Someone's got a present for you.
Ah, yeah?
Oh, wow!
A heart!
Thank you.
Ah… okay.
PJs?
Yeah.
Bedtime.
Hey.
You might need, like, an
antibiotic at this point, huh?
Thank you.
I'm sure it'll pass.
She's, uh…
She's starting to notice
that you're not here.
Uh…
So, I got an appointment
with that attorney,
and I'm also gonna see
an apartment tomorrow,
that's that's close
to Anna's school,
in case she ever
wanted to sleep over.
What happened to taking it slow?
Well, it has been a year, so
Yeah, I know how long it's been.
Let's not raise our voice,
please.
Why?
She can't hear us!
Okay…
Our number-one priority
is Anna, right?
Yeah.
Sir, are you okay?
Uh, yeah, yeah,
I think I'm… oh!
Oh, you may wanna
get that checked out.
No, no, it's just
it's a cut.
Could be internal bleeding.
Or just a cut.
Ugh…
Okay…
Any dizziness?
Headache?
We'll get you stitched up.
And let's get a CT scan
to be safe.
How long have you had
that cough?
It comes and goes.
You a smoker?
-No.
-But… you did?
A few years in my 20s.
Wouldn't say
I was a smoker, though.
"Was… a… smoker."
Well, a lot has changed
since then.
I eat clean.
I… don't eat sugar.
Cut out alcohol years ago.
Choices we make now matter.
Choices we made also matter.
It's no judgement.
Except for the sugar part.
We all need a cookie
now and then.
It's not that I don't
like cookies, right?
I mean, I love cookies.
My mom used to make us these
whoopie pies when we were kids.
That's not true.
The nanny made the whoopie pies
and then my mom just said
that she did.
And then I eventually found out,
and my mom got a new nanny…
after that.
I'm not really good
with these long silences,
so feel free to tell me
to shut up at any point.
If I told you to shut up,
would you shut up?
Okay…
No sign of brain injury
or swelling.
All good there.
Great.
I also had them run a chest CT.
There's a nodule.
Left lung.
What?
What do you mean, "nodule"?
Most are benign.
But given its size, I'd like
to follow up with a biopsy.
Now, the nurses
at the front station
can book you in
for this procedure…
Morning.
Oh, hey.
Ah… honey…
Would you grab me
two painkillers?
My head is throbbing.
I probably shouldn't
have had that third glass
last night, right?
Yeah, that is true.
Here you go, my dear.
Ah, come here, you.
-Aw…
-Hey, come here.
-Yeah. Hmm?
-Mm-hm.
How's that?
I loved that place last night,
didn't you?
Yes, I did.
Very much.
We could have a bar like that.
We could!
Oh, my Brenda, always
lookin' for the next adventure.
Why don't we just, um,
try this retirement thing first?
-Fine.
-Mm-hm?
Mm-hm.
Okay.
Morning,
Ms. Aldridge.
Carrie, every time
you call me "Ms. Aldridge,"
it makes me feel like
some disowned
member of the royal family.
Imagine?
I can.
And I have.
How's it going with the chef?
He wants to move to LA.
He is obsessed with gastronomy.
How do you feel about that?
Well, I mean,
I don't see how foam is dinner.
Not that, darling.
About moving.
Oh, um…
I dunno, fine.
It's just, I have friends
here now, and I love this job.
I mean, one day,
I wanna do what you're doing,
um, and here I am,
learning from the best.
Got a minute?
Yeah.
Thanks.
What's up?
You go
to the Atomic Vandal show?
Nope.
Kris…
The team is… concerned.
It's been three years
since you signed a new artist.
Those cheeky little sods
are not artists.
You remember
when I first started here,
we'd go see someone play
in some hole-in-the-wall pub?
Their sound would
penetrate your skin.
That's when you sign someone.
-Can you give them a chance?
-No!
They're posers!
You've already signed them.
I was really hoping
you'd be on board.
Well…
I'm not.
You wake a little early,
lonely, some days ♪
Now you got
that funny feeling ♪
Will it ever go away? ♪
It might take another minute
but it's okay ♪
Baby, it's your blue hour ♪
You gotta hold on and wait
for that dawn to break ♪
Baby, it's your blue,
blue, blue hour… ♪
John says
we need to take a break.
I get it.
It's been a year.
But still…
I feel like everyone
around me is pregnant.
I should be happy for them.
It's okay
if you're not happy for them.
Look, if I'm putting myself
in your shoes, I'd be sad.
And angry.
Although, I'm not quite sure
that's where
your anger's coming from.
You know, Aria
You think I'm too young
to be a mom?
Do you feel that way?
I know what you're doing.
I shouldn't have said anything.
But you did say something.
You were numb when
you first came to see me.
Your words.
You also said
that music was the one thing
that could make you feel.
Maybe there's some grief
in your choice to give it up?
Can we drop it?
Sure.
You been venturing
out of the apartment, then?
Have you been taking
those walks we talked about?
Hey, I need to make
a quick stop at the post office.
-Okay.
-I made another sale.
This one's going to Whitesboro.
They should change that name.
What's with the face?
I don't know
what you're talking about.
-The face.
-Am I a sell-out?
You can tell me.
I can take it.
Ellis, we've talked about this.
It's T-shirts right now.
Soon your stuff's gonna be,
you know,
showcased
in some swanky art gallery.
It's gonna be great.
-Yes…
-It's gonna be great.
I do exude swank.
Indeed.
Yeah, and who doesn't
love a T-shirt?
Right?
Nobody I wanna know.
Here you go.
-Oh, is this for me?
-Yeah.
Are you trying to get a raise?
Please don't ask for a raise.
Oh, and lock the door?
Oh…
-Whoa!
-Oh!
-Oh, sorry.
-Did I get you?
Yeah, a little bit.
Why am I still carrying this?
I'd planned on throwing it away.
Not sure what's stopping me.
I'm not superstitious…
am I?
I don't know,
but we open in 30 minutes.
Oh, I won't be a bother.
I just need to put this down
for a minute.
It's been a day.
If you need to sit down,
you could go to the coffee shop
that's two doors down.
Are you also having a day?
Or are you just…
always like this?
My bartender will be back
Finest Pinot Noir, please.
Back in a few…
Or a Cab.
I'm not picky.
…few minutes.
Is there a Lumi East?
Not that I know of.
Why Lumi West, then?
It's just a name.
Ah.
How often do people play?
-Every night.
-Any good?
-I vet them myself.
-You're a musician?
-No.
-Huh.
My bartender's gonna be back
in a few moments.
Yeah, you said that.
Oh.
So you did hear me?
Hey, yeah!
Fantastic.
Okay…
Wake up…
Wake up, you sleepyhead.
Hey…
Hey?
Brenda…?
Baby?
Still… ♪
Falling ♪
Breathless and on… ♪
Again ♪
Inside… ♪
Today ♪
Beside me… ♪
Today ♪
Around, broken in two ♪
Great set.
Thanks.
It was my last one.
No, we have you booked
through till next Sunday, so…
Well, as of tomorrow at 9 am,
I will provide in-house counsel
for Novo Labs Pharma.
What?
Owen!
No!
We were supposed to
starve together, bro!
That's…
Oh, sorry.
That's not supportive.
Uh, that's very cool.
No, you're right.
It's gonna suck.
But no one's gonna
walk through that door
and discover me
any time soon, so…
Can I get a piece
of scrap paper?
Yeah.
See ya, man.
That guy
who was playing earlier…
Acoustic guitar, scruff…?
Oh, Owen.
Let me know
when he plays here again.
He was quite good.
But this guy…
Piano man?
Ah, decent overall, but…
He's not very special, is he?
I will make sure to tell him
that he's not very special.
This is your last one,
and then I am cutting you off.
This is a kiddie cup.
You're right.
That is the discounted size cup
that we give to all the kids
that come in here
who want a drink.
I don't want to go home.
Yeah, I get that.
I'm Nate, by the way.
Kris.
Nice to meet you.
You too.
I think my life is over.
Who am I without work?
Oh God, do you hear me?
Am I a cliché now?
Dreadful.
Won't you have a drink?
I don't drink.
-That's ironic.
-Is it?
Well…
Do you hear me screaming… ♪
Everything's gonna be okay.
How do you know?
I don't.
Worst pep talk ever.
…if nobody really dies? ♪
Because I seem to forget… ♪
You look sad, too.
When I get all worked up… ♪
There we go.
You're actually a nice guy.
Yeah, when people say
"actually" like that,
I don't think it's a compliment.
Here you go.
Oh, can't you
hold onto it for a bit?
Yeah, sure, I'll just find
a place for this tall plant
in my crowded bar.
I'll come back for it tomorrow,
I promise.
Okay.
Everything will be okay.
How do you know?
I don't.
But we all need someone
to tell us so.
What are you doing up?
Waiting for you.
Sorry I'm late.
I took a test today.
-Aria.
-I know, I know, I know.
It hasn't been easy for you
to be on the other side of this.
I hope you know…
I'm trying.
I know you are.
I know you are.
Thank you.
Ah, yes.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Excuse me, please.
Walter?
I'm Tara.
I knew your wife
from Righteous Hope.
She was a lovely woman.
Church, it was Brenda's thing.
I'm sorry, I…
I never know
when it's gonna hit.
I'm fine for one second,
then the next, I'm…
Can't keep my damn head up.
I haven't slept in days.
I just… gotta go inside.
You're not alone.
Anyone can join us.
Even if church
isn't their thing.
I believe God places
the right people in front of us
when we need them most.
Thanks, but not for me.
What doesn't bend, breaks.
They'll administer
a local an aesthetic.
Shouldn't take more than
30-45 minutes.
Some soreness is normal
after a biopsy,
but if you experience
any severe pain,
contact your doctor right away.
I used to love strawberries.
But I'm a blueberry guy now.
Strawberries and chocolate,
though?
Antioxidants, though.
Doesn't sound as good.
Doctor will be in shortly.
Augh!
Ahh…
Ow!
No more pretending ♪
Take me, I'm yours ♪
Said the woman
on the edge ♪
That's looking over ♪
What could be over… ♪
I'm stuck in a dream ♪
That somehow seems to be
a nightmare where I scream ♪
But I just can't wake up… ♪
I've left you
three voice mails.
No one uses voicemail, Mom.
I spoke to the head
of the music department
at my school.
There's an assistant position
opening up.
I know I need a job.
I don't expect John
to support us forever.
But I'm not commuting
to New Jersey.
I barely see him as it is.
Absence makes
the heart grow fonder.
Although, if that were true,
you'd be a lot happier
when I call.
Okay, that's a bit dramatic.
You could
come out and visit.
Some kids miss their parents,
you know?
So, the payment
did not go through?
I get it. I-I think I know…
what happened there.
I will I will handle it.
Okay, thank you, so much.
Yeah?
What?
Okay, just wait…
Just…
Thank you.
Here you go, hun.
Augh…
What?
I know.
I know we need to pay.
I…
I know!
Stop! Stop!
Anna, stop, stop!
Anna, wait!
Stop! Stop!
Is she okay?
Oh…
Oh, thank you.
Are you okay?
Um…
Oh my God, your knee!
Oh!
Oh, it's fine.
It's just… bleeding a little,
and a bit swollen, and…
It's not broken.
It is clicking, though…
Knees click, normally, I think.
Thanks again for this, Aria.
It's very kind of you.
Not a problem.
Do you live in the building?
My… friend does.
Who?
Maybe I know them.
Could I trouble
you for a glass of water?
Oh, yeah, of course.
Do you play?
I used to.
I'd love to hear something.
Ah…
I don't remember the last time
I played in front of someone.
Oh!
Well…
This'll be a treat, then.
-Hey.
-Hey, hey…
-What happened?
-I-I got angry, and she ran off.
But she's okay. She doesn't
have a scratch on her.
I just, uh…
I'm not exactly her most
favorite person right now.
-Okay…
-She only wanted you.
So I can wait
till the end of your shift,
if that… is easier.
Uh, no, no.
It's okay.
I got it.
I'll, um…
I'll take her to the playroom.
She'll love that.
So, I…
I got a call from Anna's school.
The last installment
check bounced.
Uh…
Oh, come on, Claire…
Look, I was gonna tell you,
but I knew that
you were gonna overreact.
No, I'm not overreacting.
Just, why does
this keep happening?
-She's reading
-What?
She's reading our lips
right now.
Okay.
Okay, alright.
Um…
Can we please
talk about this later?
-Yes, please.
-Okay.
Please…
Yeah, okay.
Okay.
In a world uncertain,
say you'll be my stone ♪
I'm rusty.
You're extraordinary!
Do you have originals?
I've, uh, never finished a song.
It's like I hear this voice
in my head, screaming,
"Who do you think you are?"
I'm a record exec.
-What?
-Well, I was.
No, I… I am.
It's complicated.
Look, I know this spot;
they book local acts.
I could secure a spot.
Tomorrow night?
Oh, I-I…
I don't think I'm
Just play the same cover.
Don't worry about originals.
Let's just get you
up on stage first.
I… feel like I'm sick
all of a sudden.
Finally, a true artist.
Alright, give me your number,
and I'll text you the details.
Okay?
Okay…
-Oh…
-Hello!
Uh, this is my husband, John.
This is Kris.
-Hi.
-Hi.
I feel like we've met.
Mmm…
Any investments at Kaplan?
Nope, definitely haven't met.
I'll text you.
Goodnight.
Well, she seems nice.
Wait…
Are those…
Oh, these?
Veggie dumplings?
Yes, they are.
Three orders, as promised.
-Thank you.
-You're welcome.
Wait, um…
Last time I was here,
my wife ordered this, uh,
fantastic red.
With a long French name.
Uh, cream-colored label.
I'm sorry, that's as far
as my wine knowledge goes.
It's not very helpful, huh?
-No.
-Wait, wait, Château…
-Oh!
-Château.
Yes.
I think…
this…
Mmm!
That is it.
Okay.
I get that.
But that's…
That's literally
double the rent.
At that rate, I'll have
to close the doors by…
No, I understand that.
But that's…
But what am I supposed to do?
Can you please,
just, like, work with me?
Uh, hi.
Hey.
Do you mind if I, uh…
You know what?
Be my guest.
I'm Walter.
You own this place?
I do.
I'm Nate, by the way.
Is there a Lumi East?
No.
Wow, I think I gotta
get me one of those.
It was the best
birthday present ever.
My wife gave this to me
knowing that I would
fix things on demand.
Smart lady.
And a little sneaky.
She was.
Hmm.
There.
Thank you again.
…stone is no match
for the air, my friend ♪
What doesn't bend breaks ♪
What doesn't bend breaks. ♪
Thank you.
La-da-da-da, da-da ♪
La-da-da-da, da-da… ♪
La-da-da-da, da-da ♪
La-da-da-da, da-da… ♪
I need a favor.
Oh. Well, hello.
How are you?
That's actually how we start
conversations in America.
Oh, I feel a little…
You are you okay?
Oh!
Isn't this all a bit much?
I had to catch you.
You're right.
You're my hero.
I would have died without you.
I'm so weak
and you're so strong.
Okay, that's that's enough.
I get it.
I think you're
probably dehydrated
from going on these long runs
in the cold without water.
It's not very smart.
Are you saying I'm not smart?
I should go.
What if you hung out
a little bit?
So you could maybe eat something
a little bit more substantial
than just…
crackers and water?
Right?
And you don't think
it's even that bad!
But wait, I'm sorry,
to clear it up…
So, you you face planted…
-Mm-hm.
-Smashed your knee…
Because you live
in a romantic comedy.
No! I fell first,
and then I heard singing.
You're not
listening to my story.
No, no, no, I'm listening,
I'm listening.
I'm just
I'm trying to visualize it all,
and there's so many visuals
to this tale.
Alright!
Uh, so, so…
Owen's usual slot is open.
What was your artist's name?
Aria.
Aria.
I have a good feeling about her.
You know when
you just have that…
Strong, gut thing?
I do.
I'm off.
I'll see you tomorrow.
My knight in shining armour.
Margaux left
and everything has changed. ♪
Ian, I think you wanted
to share something this evening.
Yeah.
I still take out her
coffee cup out in the morning.
Not on purpose…
But sometimes on purpose.
I've been leaving room
on her side of the bed.
I do that, too.
I swear my wife
still kicks me when I snore.
Hmm…
Hey…
I'm so glad you came.
Listen…
I don't want you to get
the wrong idea.
How so?
This is not the most
comfortable place for me to be.
Mm-hm.
See, I walked away from
the church a long time ago,
and I'm not
lookin' to come back.
But I know that it helps
some people sometimes, but…
I don't think
Brenda's watching over me.
Mm.
But no disrespect
if you believe your husband
is watching over you.
My wife.
Who I don't believe is watching
over me, for the record.
At least, I hope she isn't.
She'd be bored out of her mind.
I just don't think
this is for me.
I'm… sorry
if I wasted your time.
There's no need to apologize.
I felt a calling
to approach you,
given what we have in common.
But if I'm mistaken, it's fine.
I don't take it personal.
You take good care, Walter.
Okay.
Hey…
Do you like wine?
So much on my mind ♪
I think I think too much ♪
Read between these lines ♪
Unspoken weight of words… ♪
But time comes to rest
when you are by my side… ♪
Hello?
Yeah, this is he.
I-I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, Dr. Smith…
Could you just tell me now?
I will follow
where this takes me ♪
And my tomorrows
long to be unknown ♪
When all is shaken,
be my safety ♪
In a world uncertain,
say you'll be my stone. ♪
Dunno, maybe she got cold feet.
It happens.
-Hello!
-Hi.
-It's nice to see you again.
-You too.
Do you want the, uh,
Château Simone Palette Rouge?
Yes, but two glasses.
I'm expecting someone.
I hope she shows.
Oh, sorry,
I was talking to myself.
But I do hope
your somebody shows.
Okay, well, then, uh…
-Cheers. Right back at you.
-Cheers.
And I will follow
where this takes me… ♪
Hey, hey!
Taxi!
And my tomorrows
long to be unknown… ♪
Someone's
over-watering your plant.
Are you trying
to kill my plant on purpose?
I believe it's my plant now.
Go on and water it, then.
He literally just said
to not water it!
By the way, this is Walter,
jack-of-all-trades.
A fixer of faucets.
That was you?
No charge.
How lucky are you,
to be surrounded
by such helpful people?
I'm not sure
how helpful you are,
considering you just
tried to murder my plant.
Mm-hm.
When all is shaken,
be my safety ♪
In a world uncertain,
say you'll be my stone ♪
You'll be my stone ♪
In a world uncertain,
say you'll be my stone. ♪