INT. ADAM FRIEDLAND SHOW - DAY
ADAM FRIEDLAND, a witty, articulate podcast host, sits across from JADAKISS, a successful, confident rapper. The studio is full of energy, decorated with memorabilia of Adam's past guests. The lighting is soft and warm.
ADAM
(introducing)
And we're back. With me is the one and only, Jadakiss.
Jadakiss gives a nod, cool and confident.
ADAM (CONT'D)
(leaning back, casual)
You know, Jadakiss, before the show, I was just back there, smoking a big joint...
Jadakiss raises an eyebrow. The studio audience chuckles.
JADAKISS
(smiling, interrupts)
Pause.
Adam looks momentarily confused but then breaks into a wide grin. The audience laughs louder.
ADAM
(laughs)
Ah, the old school 'pause' game, huh? Noted, Jadakiss, noted.
Adam looks momentarily confused after Jadakiss interrupts him with a 'pause.'
ADAM
(looking puzzled)
Pause? Wait, why did you 'pause' me there, Jadakiss?
Jadakiss grins, clearly enjoying Adam's confusion.
JADAKISS
(relaxed)
It's a thing we used to do, man. Back in the day, in the urban community. If someone says something that could be taken out of context or sound a bit... you know, suggestive, we'd say 'pause.' It's like a playful check.
Adam nods, now understanding the context. The audience laughs along with the interaction.
ADAM
(smiling)
Ah, I see! Learning new things every day.
Adam still looks puzzled, scratching his head as Jadakiss explains.
ADAM
(nods, still confused)
I get it, but... why 'pause?' What's the connection?
Jadakiss leans back, a look of amusement playing on his face as he realizes he's going to have to delve deeper.
JADAKISS
(grinning)
Alright, let me break it down.
He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. The audience leans in, eager to hear his explanation.
JADAKISS (CONT'D)
(back in the day)
Back in the day, in the hip hop community, language was – and still is – a big thing, right? Words have power. We express ourselves through words, but words can also be twisted and misunderstood. Sometimes intentionally for humor, sometimes not.
He takes a moment to let that sink in before continuing.
JADAKISS (CONT'D)
(explaining)
The 'pause' game was a part of that language culture. When someone says something that could be taken the wrong way, or sound, let's say, unintentionally sexual or suggestive, someone else would say 'pause.' It's like hitting the pause button on a video or a track - stop and rethink what you just said, or how it could be taken.
Adam nods, his face slowly clearing as he begins to understand.
JADAKISS (CONT'D)
(in depth)
'Pause' is like a way of challenging each other to be more mindful of our words, and at the same time, it's a playful thing. It's not meant to shame or embarrass, just a friendly check-in between guys.
He leans back in his chair, satisfied he's explained as much as he can.
JADAKISS (CONT'D)
(final thought)
And that's why I 'paused' you, Adam. No harm intended, just a bit of playful banter.
Adam breaks into a grin, finally understanding the meaning behind the term.
ADAM
(nods, smiling)
Got it! I appreciate the lesson, Jadakiss.
Suddenly, Adam's smile fades. His eyes narrow, his brow furrows, and his whole demeanor changes from playful to upset.
ADAM
(serious, upset)
You know what, Jadakiss, I'm not finding this amusing. As a matter of fact, I see it as a form of bias.
Jadakiss looks surprised, clearly not expecting this reaction. The audience falls silent, picking up on the tension.
ADAM (CONT'D)
(angry)
I see this 'pause' game as a potential form of anti-Semitic bias. As a Jewish man, I have to be vigilant about these things.
Jadakiss appears taken aback, quickly trying to defuse the situation.
JADAKISS
(trying to defuse)
Hey, Adam, that wasn't my intention at all...
But Adam interrupts, his voice growing louder and more stern.
ADAM
(cutting off)
That may not have been your intention, Jadakiss, but it's the impact it had. And I'll be raising this issue with the Anti-Defamation League. We'll see how they feel about it.
The studio falls silent, the tension palpable as Adam's words hang in the air.
FADE OUT.
INT. THE BREAKFAST CLUB - DAY
Charlemagne, DJ Envy, and Angela Yee sit behind the table. Across from them is JADAKISS, looking relaxed but serious.
CHARLEMAGNE
(introducing)
So, Jadakiss, we heard about your experience on the Adam Friedland Show. What happened?
JADAKISS
(shaking his head)
Man, it was wild. I just mentioned the 'pause' game, you know, old school stuff...
He stops, shaking his head again, as if still processing the events.
JADAKISS (CONT'D)
(bewildered)
But then, Adam got furious. Said I was being anti-Semitic, said he'd contact the ADL...
Angela Yee gasps, DJ Envy looks surprised, and Charlemagne raises an eyebrow.
JADAKISS (CONT'D)
(concerned)
And honestly, the way he reacted... it was unhinged. I mean, I worry about the guy. That kind of anger, it's a danger to society.
The hosts nod, absorbing the weight of Jadakiss' words.
Suddenly, Charlemagne breaks into a grin, catching Jadakiss off guard.
CHARLEMAGNE
(smiling)
Hey, Jadakiss, you've got your legs crossed there... pause!
Jadakiss throws back his head and laughs, bringing a touch of levity to the serious conversation.
FADE OUT.
INT. ADAM FRIEDLAND SHOW - DAY
Adam is back in his studio, his expression serious as he addresses his listeners.
ADAM
(serious)
I've heard the recent slander from Jadakiss on the Breakfast Club. I just want to say, this sort of defamation is unacceptable.
He takes a deep breath, collecting himself before continuing.
ADAM (CONT'D)
(announcing)
In response, my lawyer, Rabbi Tommy Georgioni, has filed a lawsuit against Jadakiss and the production company behind the Breakfast Club for defamation.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. COURTROOM - DAY
The judge BANGS the gavel. Adam, Jadakiss, and the Breakfast Club team are all in the courtroom, looking serious.
JUDGE
(solemn)
Having reviewed the case, the court rules in favor of the plaintiff, Mr. Adam Friedland.
There's a murmur in the courtroom. The judge continues.
JUDGE (CONT'D)
(sentencing)
As a unique resolution and considering the circumstances, Jadakiss and the Breakfast Club team are sentenced to spend five years in Israel to gain better understanding and sensitivity towards diverse cultures and religions.
FADE OUT.
INT. ADAM FRIEDLAND SHOW - DAY
Adam is back on his show, a look of satisfaction on his face.
ADAM
(vindicated)
Justice, ladies and gentlemen, has been served. This is a lesson for all - words have consequences.
FADE OUT.
INT. ISRAEL - DAY
Jadakiss and the Breakfast Club team are seen standing amidst a crowd of Palestinians, lending their voices and influence to the resistance. After a long and arduous struggle, they manage to effect a political change, and Palestine is officially recognized as an independent state.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. USA - DAY
Back in the USA, news of the political shift in Israel and Palestine spreads. The Hassidic community in Brooklyn is abuzz with talk, and blame quickly falls onto Adam Friedland.
FADE IN.
EXT. BROOKLYN STREETS - DAY
Adam is seen walking down the streets of Brooklyn, unaware of the brewing storm. Suddenly, a group of Hassidic men begin to chase him, their voices rising in anger.
INT. BROOKLYN - DAY
The group of Hassidic men catch Adam, and in their fervor, subject him to a second, symbolic bris ceremony. Their anger and frustration clear, they say they're 'finishing the job.'
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. ADAM'S APARTMENT - DAY
Adam, now physically and emotionally devastated, confronts his girlfriend, MAIA.
ADAM
(pleading)
Maia, I need you to understand...
But Maia interrupts him, her face resolute yet teary.
MAIA
(cutting him off)
Adam, I can't... I just can't do this anymore.
She leaves him, the door closing behind her with a finality that leaves Adam alone and broken in the apartment.
FADE OUT.
INT. ADAM'S APARTMENT - DAY
Adam, desolate and heartbroken after Maia's departure, finds support in NICK MULLEN, his long-time friend and co-host. As they spend more time together, their relationship deepens.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. NICK MULLEN'S APARTMENT - DAY
Nick and Adam are seen together, their dynamic having changed significantly. They live together now, and Adam has taken on a different role in Nick's life. He becomes a nurturing, caring partner - essentially, a good wife.
FADE IN.
INT. NICK MULLEN'S APARTMENT - EVENING
Nick comes home from work to find Adam cooking dinner. He wraps his arms around him from behind.
NICK
(smiling)
I must admit, Adam... You're a very good wife.
Adam chuckles, the sound tinged with a touch of sadness and acceptance.
ADAM
(now Adam Mullen)
And you, Nick, are a good husband.
FADE OUT.
INT. ADAM'S APARTMENT - DAY
Adam's eyes flutter open, and he sits up with a start. He looks around, confused and disoriented. It takes a moment for him to realize where he is - in his apartment, on his couch. He's been dreaming.
He brings a hand to his forehead, wiping away the sweat that has gathered there. The dream - the sequence of bewildering events, the accusations, the transformations - it had felt so real. But it was just that. A dream.
Adam stands up, shaky on his feet, and walks over to the kitchen. He pours himself a glass of water and takes a long, slow sip. As he looks out the window, he realizes the sun is high in the sky. It's midday, and he has an important task ahead of him.
He has to interview Jadakiss.
Taking a deep breath, Adam heads into his studio. His mind is still buzzing with the remnants of the dream, but he pushes it away. This interview is important - not just for his show, but for his career. Jadakiss is a legend in the hip-hop industry, and getting to sit down and talk with him is a unique opportunity. Adam cannot afford to mess it up.
He sits down in his studio chair, pulling his notes towards him. He's spent days preparing for this interview, doing research, jotting down questions. But now, with the echo of the dream still lingering in his mind, he feels a new sense of uncertainty.
Can he really do this? Can he take on such a giant of the industry?
But then, as he reads through his notes, he feels a spark of excitement. This is what he's been working for, this is the culmination of his efforts. He's going to interview Jadakiss.
And he's going to make it count.
As the time draws closer, Adam makes a few final preparations. He checks his recording equipment, adjusts his microphone, smooths out his notes. His heart is pounding in his chest, but he feels ready. He's going to do this. He's going to interview Jadakiss.
And he's not going to let a strange, disconcerting dream distract him from that.
With a final deep breath, Adam begins the interview. And as he does, he feels a sense of confidence wash over him. Despite everything - the surreal dream, the nerves, the pressure - he knows he can do this.
Because this is what he was meant to do.
FADE OUT.