A proposal for the production, marketing and distribution of a dramatic television series "Two steps back"

2015-06 We open on a stereotypical group therapy session where we meet DR. MAX REINER (55), FELICITY GRANT (25), PACEY HELLER (27), and newcomer JEHAN BAILEY (23). One by one, we go around the circle as patients introduce themselves. Finally, we get to Jehan, apprehensive about sharing the details of her life with strangers. She begins to tell the group what brought her here… ❧ We flashback to a busy coffee shop where Jehan waits for her longtime friend & unrequited crush, LOGAN (27). After they briefly catch up, Logan quickly rejects Jehan, siting her current state of misdirection and unemployment as reasons why he would never be interested in her. The next day, after finding out that her childhood nemesis recently got engaged, Jehan skypes with her cousin – and only close friend & family member - KELLY (27). She suggests that Kelly come and visit her in New York. A few days later, DR. DELMAR BAILEY (55), her Jamaican father with whom she rarely speaks, calls to deliver bad news – Kelly has committed suicide. This news triggers Jehan’s own mental downward spiral and she seeks the help of Dr. Reiner who suggests she join a “clinic”. After she is evicted, she has no choice but to move back in with her family. ❧ Jehan arrives home to find that her older bi-polar sister, LIVIA BAILEY (35), whom she has not seen for nearly 7 years, has also moved back home. Jehan tries to navigate her household by avoiding interacting with Livia. They inevitably clash and the entire family is involved in a violent fight that involves Livia trying to cut Jehan’s throat. Delmar and his wife, ARETHA, are torn between their two daughters. Realizing she is on her own in life, Jehan decides to try Dr. Reiner’s suggestion in order to help herself be happy. ❧ We cut back to the group where Jehan finishes her story. She goes home to find Delmar alone and drunk. He tells Jehan that Aretha had a stroke. He blames Jehan and gives her an ultimatum to get along with Livia and live by the rules under his house, or leave and fend for herself. Bitter at this ultimatum, Jehan implies that the stress that has befallen her mother might not be her fault, but rather because of Delmar’s extramarital affairs. Saying this, she has crossed a line and their relationship, already fragile, develops yet another crack in the armor.