Table Read - PV & FRANNY - Part 2

Episode Date: April 28, 2026

PV & FRANNYA girl with a glockenspiel. A boy with a guitar. A high school full of weirdos, mascots who may or may not be unhinged, and a mystery that isn’t what anyone thinks it is.A dead-serious love story… that refuses to behave like one.One flier turns into a band. One band turns into obsession. And before they ever play a real set, everything is already ridiculous.ACT TWOIf Act One is about starting a band, Act Two is about what happens when everything immediately gets in the way.Franny does what any rational person would do.He writes a love song.Which would be fine… except for the rule.No romance. Ever.And PV means it.What follows is a series of perfectly logical decisions that somehow make everything worse.A love song that says too much.A date that shouldn’t exist.A plan to fix things that only complicates them further.Because if PV won’t date a bandmate, there’s only one solution:Make the competition part of the band.Which works.Until it doesn’t.As alliances shift, rules get enforced, and Franny finds himself deeper in a situation he cannot control, the band becomes something else entirely.Not just music.Not just friendship.Something closer to a test.Of loyalty. Of identity. Of whether you can separate what you create from how you feel.And in the middle of it all, the stakes quietly expand.A school competition that suddenly matters.A partnership that feels more intense than anything either of them expected.And a realization that success might not look the way they imagined it.Act Two is where the band takes shape, the lines get blurred, and the consequences of those rules start to land.Because sometimes the only thing more complicated than love……is trying to avoid it.🎭 CASTNARRATOR – Ty BurrellAJAY – Rahm BraslawJUDY – Samantha MorelosMARIAN – Eileen FogartyPV – Kensington TallmanRYUZO – O’Neill MonahanFRANNY – Liam RichardsonGROUNDSKEEPER – Fred ArmisenDALE – Ruben RayTAP WATER BOTTLED WATER JINGLE – Chris Mann🎬 PRODUCTIONWritten by Tommy WallachDirected by Mark Knell & Jack LevyExecutive Produced by Shaan Sharma, Jack Levy, and Mark KnellTable Read is a Manifest Media production.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Start at the top of your voice. Welcome back to Prev. So start at the top of your voice, and then we'll get into it. Awesome. Great. A little more. That was very awesome. Thank you.

All right. Welcome back to PV and Franny. Last time. Wait, hold on. They divided this into two podcast episodes. Looks that way. Why? It's a 30-minute television pilot.

Capitalism, Franny. Studio time doesn't pay for itself. Fine, but why are we doing a recap? All that really happened in the first episode, is that you and I met and decided to start a band together. Also, you told me someone from the school orchestra left you a hate note in your locker, but you're not sure who. Whom? Who?

Also, you told me in no uncertain terms that you don't date bandmates, which is fine, because I definitely don't have a crush on you that's threatening to blow up into a full-on obsession. Good to know. Say, weren't you about to play me a song? I was. So, let's get back to it. Act two.

Interior Peevee's bedroom day Franny's tuning his guitar That's always the B string It's like it hates me Okay Here we go He takes a deep breath and plays Hold on one second

It's out of tune now It is Everybody chill I thought that was the chance That's what we get Does the moon look so big And other times look so small Why is it up there at all?

And how come this sun gets so hot And other times it is not Like nighttime winter and fall I don't know Anything Dents through the night sky sometimes Does that magical swirl Somehow explain how a girl

Can shimmer, sparkle and shine Why do I A beat while Franny waits for PV's reaction Peev smiles. Then Franny smiles. Then... That was depressing. Peev and Franny looked to the doorway.

Standing there is Joanna, 18. One of PV's infinite sisters. Get out of my room, Joanna. Fine. But Franny, you should consider a diminished three chord instead of the minor four. It's less trite. Joanna leaves.

Who was that? And how did she know my name? That's Joanna. She's one of my sisters. She doesn't look like you. And she has awful taste in music. Maybe she's adopted. Or I am.

Now, let's take a look at this. PV takes out a photograph. What is it? The Overton Orchestra. We need to figure out who wrote my hate note. Oh, okay. In set, a picture of the Overton Orchestra. The handwriting definitely belongs to a boy, so we can eliminate all the girls.

Two faces in the photo were exed out. Not super helpful. What else do you know? Well, the text of the note wasn't particularly brassy, and, Everyone owes string players struggled to express themselves in words. Brass and strings are axed out, leaving only the percussionists,

timpony and triangle. That leaves the timpony and the triangle. The timpanist is Max Angler. He's good, real good. Interior Music Room, Day, the band is playing. Max Angler is reading a biography of Buddy Rich. With his left hand, he hits the timpani in time with the music and turns a page.

Interior, P. P.V.'s bedroom, continuous with before. The Trianglist is Ryuzukibe. Immaculate timing, but his dynamics can be questionable. We'll interview both of them tomorrow. Okay. Why is this so important to you anyway? I don't know. I just hate the thought that someone hates me.

Wouldn't that bother you? No. I assume most people hate me. They probably do. Somehow, at some point, Joanna has re-entered the room. Get out of here, Joanna. Remember, Franny. She holds up three fingers and uses them to make one of those I'm watching you gestures, then leaves.

Sorry, though she's probably right about the cord. Interior Overton High hallway. Just outside the music room, the members of the orchestra have begun to file in for practice. PV and Franny wait outside until they spot Max. Oh, hey, Max. Max notices Franny and approaches. What's up? Do you hate PV?

Who's PV? PV raises her hand. Do I know you? Wait, didn't you come to our practice last week and say we all suck? I did. Yeah. I guess I do sort of hater. Oh, so you wrote the note.

What note? P.V. holds up a folded note. Nah. The only notes I write look like this. He holds up his sheet music and points to a musical note, then heads off. I guess that means it's Ruzzo, the Trianglist. Unless our methodology is flawed. Well, we're about to find out.

Which one's Ruzzo? Franny points him out. I'll handle it this time. She goes off to talk to Ruzzo. Franny watches. They talk for a few moments. Then P.V. comes back. Was it him?

Yeah. What do you say? That it was him. Then he asked me out on a date. Then I said yes. What? A date. Like a movie or dinner.

I know what a... Let me see that note. PV hands over the note. Franny unfolds it. Inset. The note is written in a small and serious hand. PV, I think you are extremely beautiful. This isn't a hate note. It's a love note.

I guess I read it more ironically, you know? Like, I think you're extremely beautiful. Why would you read it that way? Anyway, mystery solved. Thanks for your help, Franny. Fannie looks on helplessly. Interior Franney's house, evening. Franny sits on the couch staring at the TV, which isn't on. His mother enters.

Marion Blevins is a loving but strident woman who believes the world can be shaped by those with the fortitude to bother trying. I love this show Hey mom Something's wrong What's wrong? I like a girl That's the problem

Yes No Marion sits down on the coward She says we can't date Since we're in a band together She's right You should never date a neighbor Or a co-worker

Or a yoga instructor But I really want to date her Because she's amazing So don't be in a band with her But I really want to be in a band with her Because she's amazing Oh, hmm, that's tough. She sounds amazing, though.

She is. Marion puts an arm around Franny. I just wish... Quiet. Marion gestures towards the TV, which still isn't on. This is the best part. Franny smiles. Interior, Overton High, gymnasium.

A dodge ball game is on. Franny's with AJ. They dodge balls as they talk. And now, PV and Ruzzo are going out on a date. I'm sorry, Franny. That sucks. AJ pegs a kid hard in the stomach. You're an embarrassment to this court, walk off, bitch.

The worst part is that he's my fault. I agreed to be in a band with her. I shook on in everything. Why can't you be in a band and date at the same time? Fleetwood Mac did it? That's what I said. AJ being someone else. Ha, ha, I bet your mama felt that.

I bet her mama felt that. I just shook your whole family trees, son. Anyway, there's no arguing with her. He's dating Rousseau now. I have to accept it. Unless... AJ spots someone about to throw a ball at him. I dare you.

I'm begging you to throw that ball. To throw her chickens out. Yeah, that's what I thought. He turns back to Franny. If PV won't date a bandmate, you just need to convince Riuzo to join your band. Of course. AJ, you're a genius.

I know. AJ hits Franny with a ball. Ow! We're on the same team. And? Interior Overton High Lunchroom later PV is at the front of the lunch line paying for lunch, a butterfinger,

two packages of Reese's peanut buttercups, and a red ball. New State law says I have to tell you to eat a salad. Okay. Eat a salad. That's my ringtone. He eats the line and runs him to Franny. Oh, hey.

Franny notices PV's lunch. You know, sugar's really bad for you. I've got a book about it. it, but you don't have to read it. You know, I'll probably just burn it. Anyway, I had an idea. What's that? What if we added Ruzzo to the band?

You said his triangle playing was dynamically uneven. Yeah, we can work on that. Hmm. We could use a percussionist, and now I know he doesn't hate me. Fine. Suddenly, Aaron Coltrera, editor at large of the Overton Free Press, appears behind PV and Pranny. You guys are in a band?

Oh, this could make for a great trend piece. What's the trend? Bands are popping up everywhere. Look. Aaron points toward a table of nerds playing a board and dice game. One of the nerds rolls the dice. They make a cool clattering sound that everyone picks up on. He rolls him again.

Another nerd shuffles a stack of cards and rhythm. Someone else taps metal figurines together. The improvisation concludes with a collective distant explosion noise made by all the nerds at once. Wicked beat, yo. We're back on Aaron. See? So, do you plan to enter the gentle mediation of the bands next week? What's that?

Aaron points to a poster on the lunchroom wall. The title reads, Gentle Mediation of the Bands, many will enter. Only everyone will receive a participation trophy. Principal Kinney thinks Battle of the Band sounds too violent. So, are you guys in? Of course.

And we're going to win. Uh, Aaron, would you excuse us? for a moment. All of this was off the record. Franny drags Peevy away accidentally knocking into the bulldog mascot on the way out of the lunchroom. Can I... Hold on. Sorry, that's my fault. Sorry. I wrote it wrong.

It's clearly PeeV drags Fannie away. Oh, yeah. Okay. Yeah, I'm done. Peev drags Franny away, accidentally knocking into the bulldog mascot on the way out of the lunchroom. Can I at least cite you as anonymous source?

One more. Well, and anonymous. An anonymous? Anonymous? As an anonymous source. Okay, got it. I thought you as an anonymous source? No.

Democracy dies in darkness. Interior Overton High moments later, P.V. drags Franny to the hallway outside the lunchroom. What's wrong? We've only had one rehearsal, Franny. We shouldn't be entering competitions or doing interviews. Why not? Just talk to Ruzzo, okay? We need to get our lineup in place before we start thinking about winning prizes.

Okay. PV walks off. Franny looks over to trash can and sees a kid hidden inside. I'm playing hide and seek. I've been in here since yesterday. Nobody's found me. Impressive. Yeah.

It isn't as satisfying as I'd expected. They both consider this. Interior, Overton High practice room afternoon. A very small practice room with soundproof walls and a grand piano. Ruzzo, who is very serious, sits with his eyes closed listening to a mastering the triangle tape. Franny enters. Ruzzo switches off the tape deck. Franny, how are you, my friend?

Sorry to interrupt. I just wanted to let you know you have been invited to join my band, our band, me and PV. Peevi wants me to join her band? Yes, we both do, our band. So, rehearsals are on Thursdays. I'll text you the address. Ruzo suddenly hugs Franny. Thank you, my friend.

friend, my brother, my bandmate. I'm going to treat Peevi just like my triangle. Okay. Franny leaves. Ruzo joyfully taps the triangle. Interior, PV's bedroom following Thursday. Franny enters. PVee is at her recording station.

Hey, PV. Where's Ruzzo? He isn't here yet? He's out of the band. What? Why? I ran into him yesterday at school. Exterior, Overton High, hallway, flashback. P.V. wearing a face mask is spray painting the inside of her locker black. Ruzzo approaches.

PV, I just wanted to tell you how excited I am to be in the band. More excited, too. They shake hands. Also, I thought we could perhaps plan our date now? PV takes off the mask. Didn't Franny tell you? I don't date my bandmates. It's a rule I have.

But what about Fleetwood Mac? Exception that proves the rule. Okay. Then I don't want to be in the band. It was good having you. They shake hands. So we can still go out on Friday? Looking forward.

Interior, PV's bedroom, continuous with before. Franny's... Franny is... Franny is shell... What's Franny? Franny is shell-shocked at his plan's failure. But I... It's fine.

I heard him play the triangle, and you were right. Dynamics all over the place. Besides, I think we're better as a duo. We are, aren't we? And you know what? This, right here? This relationship between... bandmates, that's the most intimate relationship there is. Way deeper than some stupid boyfriend.

Totally. Wait, Ruzzo's your boyfriend now? Anyway, I guess we should start rehearsing. That gentle mediation of the bands isn't going to win itself. I thought you didn't want to enter. I know it's a long shot, but I believe in us. Sure, it won't be easy. There will be setbacks. It might even take the whole season. The whole what? All a fall semester. But it'll be worth it when we hoist that first place participation trophy over our heads, knowing that we accomplished something nobody thought we could. Smash cut to Interior Auditorium Knight, Liu Chen, a small Chinese girl wearing an accordion,

receives an extremely large trophy from Principal Kinney. Forties, the audience applauds wildly. And our winner is Liu Chen for that stirring rendition of Gorka Hermosa's fragilissimo. Liu raises the massive trophy overhead. PV and Franny watch from the audience. They each hold a very small participation trophy. On the other hand, early success can have its own drawbacks.

The weight of the trophy causes Liu to fall over backward. Students rush to help her. Yeah, I think that's very true. You want to go write a song? I do. They walk out of the auditorium. On the way, they throw their participation trophies in the trash. We stay on the trophies for a beat.

Then a large, fuzzy mitt reaches into the trash and pulls one of the trophies back out. Pulling back, we see it's the Bulldog mascot. He scans the plaque on the front of the trophy. It reads, Congratulations, PV and Franny. It is better to have participated in Lost than never to have participated at all. The Bulldog looks up,

watching his PV and Franny leave the auditorium together. Who's in there anyway? What's he thinking? We don't know, and maybe we never will know, because that's the end of this unproduced television pilot. The end.