Episode 47: The Wrong Kind of Right

COLD OPEN

Chuck Octagon—Jeff Van Dreason
What’s your favorite theme park ride or state fair snack? [Pause.] Carnival food, like funnel cake or anything like that? You have a favorite of those? 

 

Interview 1
I like the dough, the fried dough. It’s one of my favorites. When I’m at an event. I always just go straight for fried dough. The smell of that in the air. Nothing else.

 

Chuck Octagon
Do you like roller coasters a little bit?

 

Interview 1
I’m more of a bumper cars-type of person, but I will do some roller coasters.

 

Chuck Octagon
Do you have a favorite?

 

[“Charlie on the MTA” begins.]

 

Interview 1
I think it’s called the Spider Man one. It has all different types of excitement, and so it’s going up, it’s going down. You’re just not really certain about what’s going to happen, and that’s the good part about it, and it’s everyone’s favorite. Not just mine. 

Chuck Octagon
I believe you.

PREVIOUSLY IN

Kelly McCabe
Previously in Greater Boston.

Dimitri Stamatis – James Johnston
You could transform the place open to the public.

Isabelle Powell – Jessica Washington
You might be onto something, Mr. Stamatis. 

Omi Owagawa – Julia Morizowa

He’s given it away your honor. He’s signed ownership of Wonderland over to all the people currently squatting there.

Philip West – Michael Melia
I’ll still try to run, obviously.

Judge Stone Anderson – Todd Faulkner

Mr Foreman, what’s the word from the jury?

Mark Whalberg – Felix Trench
The word is guilty, your honor. 

Narrator – Alexander Danner
Gemma thought about gripping the ball but no.

 

SEASON 4 TITLE SEQUENCE

Braintree
(Arlington)
Peabody
Third-Sight Media

Lowell
(alright)
Jamaica Plain
Uhhh… I’ve lived in Lemonster my whole life.
The Underground
Wellesley
(Worcester) 

Hanson
Mattapan Trolley Line
(I can’t say that one without a Boston accent, it’s just impossible)
Guy’s Food Truck
Arlington
Framingham
Newton
Lowell
Red Line

Uhh, I’m from Somerville
Roslindale
Former Headquarters of Filene’s Basement
Worcester
Andover
Now you can tell everybody
Medford 

(laughter)
That this is my truck
Dorchester
This is…

This is…
This is…
Greater Boston

 

[“Charlie” fades out slowly.]

 

Alexander Danner
This week in Greater Boston Episode 47. The Wrong Kind of Right.

 

No Cheese, No Questions

 

[Carnival and crowd noises.]

 

[Michael queues up in line. We hear Guy distantly shouting out orders.]

 

Guy with Truck—Mike Linden [distantly]

CHARLES. MEXICAN STREET CORN. READY. LIBBY. POTATOES. DONE. KEON. HAMBURGER. PICK UP. [Pause—louder.] NEXT ORDER.

 

Michael Tate—James Oliva

Hi. Can I have a cheeseburger please?

 

Guy

No.

 

Michael

Uhh. Okay. What else do you have? 

 

Guy

Sign. 

 

Michael

You have… I’m sorry, you have signs?

 

Guy

Read. Sign. 

 

Michael

Um… Oh. Sure. Okay. No problem. Umm. So—you do have hamburgers?

 

Guy

Hamburger.

 

Michael

But I can’t get cheese.

 

Guy

No cheese. 

 

Michael

Alright, well, do you, do you just not have cheese, or—?

 

Guy

No questions.

 

Michael

No cheese and no questions, got it. [Pause.] See, this is my mistake, but—I’m on this date with this girl, I really really like her, and she has a son and I kinda—I kinda promised him a cheeseburger, so—?

 

Guy

NO CHEESE. 

 

Michael

Do you happen to know where a fella could grab a slice of cheddar just to slap on that bad boy and get on my way, or—?

 

Guy

NO QUESTIONS. NO CHEESE. NO ORDER. NEXT! 

 

Michael

Whoa, whoa, whoa, come on! Clearly—clearly I am messing this up. Look, you clearly have some cheese—you put some on the corn—can’t you just sprinkle some onto the ham— 

 

Guy

No substitutions! 

 

Michael

Okay. Okay, fine. I’ll do it myself. One hamburger and Mexican street corn please. 

 

Guy

No order. Next!

 

Michael

Oh, oh come on! [Pause.] Look, I’ll pay you double. 

 

Guy

No order.

 

Michael

Triple?

 

[Pause.]

 

Guy

We do not take credit cards. 

 

Michael

Hah! I have cash!

 

Guy

Cash only!

 

Michael

I have cash!

 

[Michael hands Guy a wad of cash. A pause.]

 

Guy

Order up! Number forty-seven! Mexican Street Corn. Hamburger. 

 

Autumn West—Beth Eyre

Hey there. Everything okay?

 

Michael

Oh, yeah, sure, just, uhh—just a bit of a complicated ordering process.

 

Autumn

Very kind of you to get this for Ada. Very kind of you to invite us both here too.

 

Michael

Oh, not at all. C’mon, I figured you could both use a distraction after the last few days.

 

Autumn

And you as well. You were friends with the woman convicted, right?

 

Michael

Yeah, I was… I am, I am. I’m hoping to maybe run into her brother here. I, uh—I hope that’s okay.

 

Autumn

Of course.

 

Guy

Order forty-seven! Mexican street corn! Hamburger! Ready!

 

Michael [picking up food]

 

Thank you. Just gonna… scrape… some of this cheese off the—off the bun here. And, uhh. 

 

[Michael struggles to sprinkle and scrape the cheese from the corn onto the hamburger—lots of frustrated muttering, sound of food dropping to the floor.]

 

Autumn

Umm?

 

Ada West—Julian Danner

What are you doing?

 

Michael

Well, uhh. Well, you see, I promised you a cheeseburger. But this guy?

 

Guy

No cheeseburgers. 

 

Michael

But! He does sell Mexican street corn with cheese. You know, with uh, aioli? So I ordered some of that and I’m just scraping it off here… so…

 

Ada

A hamburger with corn grease?

 

Michael

Michael went through a great deal of trouble to get you that corn grease—eh—cheese!

 

Michael

Here, bud. Maybe just, I don’t know, give it a shot. 

 

[Michael hands over the burger. Ada takes a bite.]

 

Ada

Kinda spicy. 

 

Michael

I’m sorry.

 

Ada

I like spicy! 

 

Michael

Great! Should we head inside?

 

[Carnival music transition.]

 

Dead to Rights

 

[Carnival music—crowd noises.]

 

Gemma Linzer-Coolidge—Lydia Anderson

Still don’t feel good about this. 

 

Dimitri Stamatis—James Johnston

When’s the last time you’ve seen your wife?

 

Narrator—Alexander Danner

Gemma couldn’t help wondering if Dimitri was on to her using the ball to see her family. 

 

Gemma

What do you mean?

 

Dimitri

What do you mean, what do I mean? When was the last time you spent time with her?

 

Gemma

We went on a date… a couple months ago.

 

Dimitri

Yikes. 

 

Isaiah Powell—Mario da Rosa Jr 

Yeah. Gotta take a break before you break. 

 

Gemma

What are you two doing here? I imagine you’re going to check in on your aunt.

 

Isaiah

Yep. And I’m going to try to convince her to help us break out Nica Stamatis.

 

Narrator

Fascinating. 

 

Gemma

You what?

 

Dimitri

Seriously?

 

Isaiah

Seriously. 

 

Gemma

I might delay seeing Charlotte just to make sure I can witness the look on Isabelle’s face when you come to her with that request. 

 

Isaiah

You don’t know my aunt that well. 

 

Gemma

Uhh, I know she wasn’t too happy with the person responsible for getting you unjustly locked up. 

 

Isaiah

Even if Nica was somewhat guilty of that— 

 

Gemma

She is!

 

Isaiah

—you act as though one person is capable of committing such a gross act of injustice. That’s not how it works. Personal responsibility matters, but it’s an entire system comprised of many people, and it’s designed to work in a very specific way for very specific people. It’s not Emily Bespin we’re fighting in Red Line; she’s just a golden cog in an overpriced machine. Hell, if she knew what we were doing, she might thank us.

 

Gemma

Come on, Isaiah. 

 

Isaiah

Red Line can’t function without cheap labor, which we’re providing with our Red-sistance, sneaking people in just so they can get paid too little to work too hard. For all the fighting we claim to do, we’re pumping blood into Red Line’s circulatory system. We might be better off telling everyone to stay home and strike. 

 

Gemma

And how would they make enough to eat, provide in the meantime?

 

Dimitri

Well, we could bring them here. We could integrate them into this co-op model Wonderland developed. Everyone contributes, everyone reaps the benefits. 

 

Gemma

You guys have stars in your eyes. And I still don’t see what any of this has to do with Nica Stamatis. 

 

Isaiah

Let’s just say I know how easy it can be for our justice system to lock up a wrong someone because a right someone points a finger. And so do you. 

 

Narrator

Oh, he’s got you dead to rights, doesn’t he, Gemma? And that makes you so angry. You so desperately want to be right, especially when you know you’re not. 

 

Gemma

Touche. 

 

Dimitri

Isaiah, can I join you after you meet up with Isabelle? I want to check in with my friend Mallory, but I’d really love to try and help you convince her. 

 

Isaiah

Sure thing. The little ticket booth, next to the House of Mirrors. 

 

Gemma

Isaiah. Do you really think all we’re doing is keeping Red Line going?

 

Isaiah

In a lot of ways, yeah. 

 

Gemma

Then why do it?

 

Isaiah

Because it’s better than nothing. 

 

Gemma & Narrator

Is it?

 

Isaiah

Yes. And don’t tell yourself it’s not.

 

Narrator

Too late.

 

Isaiah

But there’s a point when we’ll have to ask ourselves what’s next. And I think that point is now. 

 

[Carnival music.]

 

Here, There, & Nowhere

 

Louisa Alvarez—Julia Propp

I can’t believe it. I just can’t believe it. 

 

Wendell Jorgenson—Mike Linden

Why is it so hard to believe?

 

Louisa

You just… you seem more of a Beatle! You even look like you could be one. Your name makes you sound like a Beatles name. 

 

Wendell

A Beatles name?

 

Louisa

I don’t know. Wendell sounds more like a Beatle name than a Stones name. Wholesome. Cute. Tasteful. Everyone in The Rolling Stones sounds like serial killers. Mick JAGGER. Keith RICHARDS. Brian… Jonestown… Massacre. I mean, you literally like to dress up in costume and sing. That’s a Beatles thing!

 

Wendell

The Stones did that too! I mean, everyone who performs rock and roll is wearing some kind of costume. Have you seen Keith Richards? He’s an eyepatch away from being a guitar pirate. 

 

Louisa

No eyepatch jokes, please.

 

Wendell

Sorry. 

 

Louisa

Yeah, kidding. But seriously—The Stones have songs about like gross stuff. Serial killers? 

 

Wendell

“Maxwell’s Silver Hammer”?

 

Louisa

That’s a cute song!

 

Wendell

Oh, the cute song about murdering people with hammers. Plus, what about Charles Manson?

 

Louisa

You can’t blame The Beatles for Charles Manson! 

 

Wendell

All I’m saying is that The Stones never inspired a serial killer. 

 

Louisa

That we know of. I don’t know. I mean have you heard the lyrics to “Brown Sugar”? It’s gross! 

 

Wendell

Sure. But what about “Run for Your Life”? “I’d rather see you dead little girl than to be with another man”?

 

Louisa

They were riffing on an Elvis song!

 

Wendell

“Getting Better”? “I used to be cruel to my woman, I beat her and kept her apart from the things that she loved?”

 

Louisa

Just be lucky I don’t know any Rolling Stones well enough to quote them back at you. 

 

Wendell

Wow. Look at these vegetables. 

 

Louisa

These look incredible!

 

Lily of the Valley—Lucy Valentine

All freshly grown, right here on Wonderland grounds. 

 

Wendell

Hey—salad for dinner tonight?

 

Louisa

As long as you do the chopping. How much for the radishes? 

 

Lily of the Valley

Dollar twenty-five. 

 

Wendell

Ehh. 

 

Louisa

What? That’s a good price. 

 

Wendell

Just not a big radish fan. It’s too peppery. 

 

Louisa

Too… Sergeant. Peppery? Eh? EH?

 

[Wendell and Louisa laugh.]

 

Louisa

Okay, we’ll take a bag, some cucumbers, some dill and a lemon. 

 

Lily of the Valley

You got it. 

 

Wendell

Alright, one thing I will admit: the Stones might have been edgier and just a better rock and roll band overall, but The Beatles had them beat with the romance and ballads. I mean for the longest time, I’ve wanted “Here, There, and Everywhere” to be the first song I dance to at my wedding. [Pause.] Have you heard that one before?

 

Louisa

Uh, I don’t think I know it.

 

Wendell

Off Revolver? It’s the prettiest song ever. Do you want me to sing it for you?

 

Louisa

Hey! Let’s go on one of those new rides! They look so much better now that they’ve been de-cheese-ified! 

 

Wendell

Okay. Sure. Yeah, let’s go. 

 

[Carnival music.]

 

Tree Roquefort

 

Autumn West—Beth Eyre

This is beautiful. Look at the artwork. Do you know all of these people?

 

Michael Tate—James Oliva

Some of them. Not to brag, but I live over there. 

 

Ada West—Julian Danner

You live here?

 

Michael

The dream, right?

 

Ada

Totally!

 

Michael

Yeah, well, after my last place got torn down by a train with a canopy and I was stuck inside an office for almost a year, Wonderland took me in until I found something new. I sleep in the old tree-roquefort playground. Guess I got used to sleeping in nets. 

 

Autumn

Tree… roque… fort?

 

Michael

Yeah, it used to be a tree fort, but the last guy who owned this place was obsessed with cheese. So he made everything cheese themed. The tree-fort became the tree-roquefort or rock-fort—honestly, you can do either one. You were supposed to, like, climb through the holes and sleep on the slices and crumbles. 

 

Autumn

Roquefort barely even has holes. You lead an interesting life, Michael Tate. 

 

Michael

Well, I bet you never thought you’d be hanging out with a man who sleeps on cheese. 

 

Autumn

You’re lucky that roquefort happens to be one of my favorites. 

 

Dimitri Stamatis—James Johnston

Michael?

 

Michael

Dimitri! I’m so glad I ran into you!

 

Dimitri

Likewise! Thanks for reporting on the trial. 

 

Michael

Yeah… I’m sure that wasn’t easy for you. 

 

Dimitri

I’m fine. It’s Nica I’m worried about now. 

 

Michael

Uhh, Autumn? Let me introduce Dimitri Stamatis. He… he saved my life. 

 

Dimitri

Nice to meet you.

 

Michael

And this wonderful young man, standing right over here, that is Ada. 

 

Ada

Hi! Mom? Can I go climb through Michael’s house?

 

Autumn

I’m not sure it’s open to the public. 

 

Michael

Oh, it’s fine; you know guests are welcome especially—especially today. Here, take my keys. Just don’t go through other people’s things. Particle Physics is particular with how they’ve got their yoga equipment set up. So that’s a slippery slope you don’t wanna go down. That’s all I’m saying.

 

Dimitri

I haven’t seen you much since you got out of the hospital. You’re bouncing back nicely. 

 

Michael

Trying the best I can. 

 

Dimitri

I’m… I’m sorry, maybe this isn’t something you talk about?

 

Autumn

Oh, yes, not only am I aware that he was a prisoner in a secret publishing office for a year, it was my ex-husband who did it!

 

Michael

And now we’re dating!

 

Autumn

Are we, now? Cheeky. 

 

Michael

Uhh—is this—is this not an actual—?

 

Autumn

Just keeping you on your toes, Tate. Nice to meet you, Dimitri. Thanks for saving a good one. I’m gonna go look after Ada. He’s crunking on someone’s dresser. 

 

Michael

How’s Nica?

 

Dimitri

Not great. I’m going to talk to Wonderland leadership about what’s next. But the scary thing is, I almost think Nica… feels like she deserves it. 

 

Michael

She doesn’t. Not like this.

 

Dimitri

Sh —she told me to give you something, the last time I spoke to her. She said she opened her letter. The one you sent her before… when you thought— 

 

Michael

Oh? S-she read it? Um, uh, recently?

 

Dimitri

It meant a lot to her. And… she asked to give you this. Do you remember the puzzle boxes I gave away at my goodbye party? 

 

Michael

Sure. Yeah, of course, I could never open mine. I think it’s at the bottom of some Red Line track by now.

 

Dimitri

Well, Nica and I opened ours—opened Leon’s too. And we found these little trinkets inside. She wanted to give you Leon’s. We both thought you might like it. 

 

[Dimitri brings out the tiny crystal ball.]

 

Michael

A marble? 

 

Dimitri

It’s… it’s a crystal ball. Just a… a tiny one. 

 

Michael

Oh. You—you said you—you gave these… before you left?

 

Dimitri

I bought them from a fortune teller. I thought they were junk.

 

Michael

Dimitri. I don’t think I can accept that. I—I know we talked about the real crystal ball. I don’t know if you believed me, but it took a lot for me to let go of that. To let go of… him.

 

Dimitri

I understand. But I don’t think this has any magic qualities. And could only serve as a little reminder of Leon.

 

Michael

I’m sorry, but how can that be? It foretold the future, right? 

 

Dimitri

I suppose that’s true. I completely understand if it’s too much for you. 

 

[Pause.]

 

Michael

No. I accept. Of course I accept. The last time I saw Nica… she… she wasn’t herself. And I was really, really worried about her. It means a lot that she’d want me to have this. 

 

Michael [narrating]Reaching out. Reaching out. Almost touching it. Will it—will it affect me? Will I hear his voice? Will I…?

 

[Picks it up.]

 

Nothing. Thank goodness. Just me and my own voice, clear as the sun bouncing off Wonderland’s rides. 

 

Dimitri

You okay?

 

Michael [aloud]

I’m great. Thanks for giving me this. And thank Nica for me. If you need help with her—no matter what it is, you know where to find me. I… live in that little tree roquefort over there. 

 

Dimitri

How could I forget? Nice to see you, Michael. Take care of yourself.

 

[They hug.]

 

Michael

Thanks again, Dimitri. For everything. 

 

The Proper Term

 

Paul Montgomery Chelmsworth—James Capobianco

Ah, here we are. Here we are! An example of a discarded district of rejected residents, bonded from their banishment, commonality in their confinement, cast-aways coming together to create something curiously conspicuous! 

 

Vincenzo—Esther Ellis

Why are you talking like that?

 

Chelmsworth

Like what?

 

Vincenzo

Like… that. Words… fancy. 

 

Chelmsworth

Ah, well, sometimes when I get agitated I tend to become… alliterative.  

 

Vincenzo

Yeah. I get that way too.

 

Chelmsworth

Alliterative? You, my dear son? I hadn’t noticed. Can you provide an example?

 

Vincenzo

I meant agitated. 

 

Chelmsworth

Ah. 

 

Vincenzo

Being homeless kinda does that to me. 

 

Chelmsworth

Oh, we are not not homeless.

 

Vincenzo

Ehh?

 

Chelmsworth

Besides, I believe the proper term is “unhoused”.

 

Vincenzo

Well, isn’t that us? Unhoused? Un… FileneBasement’ed?

 

Chelmsworth

CHELMSWORTH

Our home was not Filene’s Basement. Our homes are inside us, the bond forged between us. Where our weary heads rest is our home. Why, take this Wonderland community. Removed from Red Line, but did they retreat from their rooms?

 

Vincenzo

Uh, yes?

 

Chelmsworth

In a sense, I suppose, but they saw oppression as opportunity. Not unhoused, no. Uprooted but never undone, they recognized that home was something not physical, not practical, not built from wood or cement or train. Their homes were each other, and as long as they provided for each other, they could never be without a home. An inspiration! And now here we are, hot off the press honorees of this humble habitat of heaved-ho humanity!

 

Vincenzo

I suppose it’s better than sneaking into Pizza Ghost customers’ homes when I know they’re gone so we can get a good night’s sleep.  

 

Chelmsworth

A minor indignity long behind us now. The myth is that the people of Roanoke vanished. But no, they more likely uprooted themselves and merged with a brand new community. 

 

Vincenzo

You think they’ll accept us here?

 

Chelmsworth

Well, why wouldn’t they?

 

Vincenzo

We haven’t exactly done a lot to earn their trust. You know?

 

Chelmsworth

Then let us go forth and make good on that, shall we? 

 

Vincenzo

Heh. Sure. We shall! 

 

Chelmsworth

That-a-boy! 

 

[Circus music—crowds and games.]

 

Someone in their Corner

 

Narrator—Alexander Danner

What was Gemma doing here? She was excited to see Charlotte and Monty. Touch them, hold them, actually see them, not the facsimile she’d arranged with Leon. But every second she was in Wonderland felt like a betrayal. And the words Isaiah had left her with riddled her with self-doubt. Was it all for nothing? Was she risking her life, her family, all to pump blood into Red Line’s circulatory system?

 

[Evil chuckle.]Oh, you poor confused creature. That’s all there is. That’s all you could ever hope to do or be. 

 

She reached for the ball, wanting validation from Leon—but stopped short. She knew she had to tell Dimitri. Soon. Leon deserved that. And she felt especially guilty approaching her family knowing she was burying this secret deeper every day. And Leon hadn’t been the same lately. He seemed… sick. 

 

[Evil chuckle.]

Pawns, Leon. That’s all you’re playing with now. Pawns to a board full of bishops, knights, and queens. 

 

Monty Linzer-Coolidge

Mama!

 

Gemma

Oh, baby! Look at you! How did you get this big? How did I used to wear you all the time?

 

Charlotte Linzer-Coolidge—Summer Unsinn

You look tired. 

 

Gemma

Hey, Char. 

 

[They hug.]

 

Charlotte

Are you okay?

 

Gemma

I can’t let it go this long next time. I miss you both so much.

 

Charlotte

You know you can come home whenever you want. 

 

Gemma [emotional] 

Yeah.

 

Charlotte

Hey! What’s going on?

 

Monty

Are you okay, Mama?

 

Gemma

Just… something in my eye.

 

Charlotte

Monty, I think I see some kids playing in the cheese puff pit. Do you want to join them?

 

Monty

CHEESE BALLS! [Runs off.]

 

Gemma

It’s just something Isaiah and Dimitri were talking about. It’s messing with my head. 

 

Charlotte

Are you all getting along?

 

Gemma

Yeah, they’re great. [Pause.] I just realized that in the end I had this… vision of myself. Helping. Risking my life to help people. And it felt good. It felt right. But what if that’s just a delusion? A lie I tell myself to help me play my part? I’m literally sneaking people into work for a city that does not care for them. At all. Wouldn’t they be better off just… leaving? Wouldn’t we all be better off if we cut the city off from its workforce? 

 

Charlotte

Oh, first of all, you’re talking about a much bigger dragon than Red Line. And that particular dragon is not one you can slay by yourself, Lancelot. Second of all, these people need income. If you want to talk about trying to help them find it outside of Red Line? We can do that. And you’ll have Wonderland’s support. I don’t even have to ask. But in the meantime, they’re still going to need to work. Don’t doubt yourself so much. At the end of the day, you’re helping people in a system that needs them but doesn’t care for them. That alone brings them validation. Someone in their corner. 

 

Gemma

Kinda like you are to me. 

 

Charlotte

Always.

 

[They kiss.]

 

Gemma

Thanks, baby. 

 

Charlotte

You look hungry. Let’s find you some food. There’s an incredible food truck outside the main gates. Just gotta watch out for the chef. He’s… surly. 

 

Gemma

I’ll grab Monty. 

 

[Circus music, crowds, games, etc.]

 

Funny Acting Bro-dents

 

[Squeaking noises.]

 

Mallory—Johanna Bodnyk

Hey! Scent Wipe! Good to see you. Hand me that rat, would-ya?

 

Dimitri Stamatis—James Johnston

Mallory! Uhh. Hand it to you?

 

Mallory

Yeah. Squeeze your mit over that squirmy little cutie fucker and hand it here.

 

Dimitri

Is that… safe?

 

Mallory

What? Sir Dimitrius Von Venturefuck, human treasure map, turns pale at the thought of picking up a rat?

 

Dimitri

I have to admit, I’ve never done it before.

 

Mallory

Yeah, well, that’s why we’re friends. You hang out with Mallory, you get yourself experiences. Hand it here. 

 

[Dimitri scoops up the rat and hands him over—some light squeaks—Dimitri sounds like he’s being careful and possibly a little grossed out.]

 

Dimitri

There… there you go, little fella. 

 

Mallory

She’s a girl, but good job; you didn’t drop her. 

 

Dimitri

Are these all someone’s pets?

 

Mallory

More like a pet project. There are plenty of commune members with rats for pets, but all these rat fucks live on the grounds. And they’ve just been behaving a little… off. So I’m running some experiments. See that, right there? She’s trying to touch her nose to the other one. Notice that?

 

Dimitri

Yeah.

 

Mallory

That’s one of the ways rats communicate. If one knows where to get some food, they dip their snout in the happy meal and pass the scent on to their bro-dents. But this little fucker is being all rude and not taking it. Like, he’s not laying down what she’s picking up. He has his own agenda, but he’s also refusing to share it with anyone else. A lot of them are.

 

Dimitri

Huh.

 

Mallory

I’m trying to figure out what’s the difference between these no-nose rat fuckers and Princess Shares-a-scent over here. Some of them live on the grounds but disappear at night. I’ve tracked them to a few locations to lead to an abandoned subway system they slip into. This one doesn’t roll with these boys, though, do you? No, you’re a good little ratty, aren’t you? Yes. 

 

Dimitri

Fascinating. I wish I could explore it with you. 

 

Mallory

Why can’t you?

 

Dimitri

Well… how long do you think it’ll take?

 

Mallory

It depends on what we find.

 

Dimitri

Let me talk to Gemma. I need to make sure I’m helping out with the city. And with the trial and Nica.

 

Mallory

I get it. But I miss hanging, Scent Wipe.

 

Dimitri

Same.

 

[Mallory hugs Dimitri.]

 

Mallory

And thanks for the hook up. I really dig this gig.

 

Dimitri

Uh. You’re welcome.

 

Mallory

What?

 

Dimitri

You… hug.

 

Mallory

Yes, I fucking hug. What the fuck of it? What, do you think Mallory is some kind of fucking ice queen? Nah man, my friends are my family. Ride or motherfucking die. 

 

Dimitri

Mallory? Never change.

 

Mallory

Why the fuck would I?

 

Dimitri

Exactly. I need to go find Isaiah and Isabelle. Wanna come with?

 

Mallory

Sure. Let’s bounce. 

 

INTERVIEW MONTAGE

Chuck Octagon—Jeff van Dreason

What’s your favorite theme park ride or a state fair snack?

 

Interview 2

Roller coasters. Any of them that is tall and fast and get my blood running.

Interview 3

There are two levels of theme park. There’s like, “hey, we’re rolling into town for a week”, and then there’s, “we’re here year-round.”

 

Interview 4

When we were kids, I’d get the fried dough a lot. Haven’t had that in years, but I enjoyed that as a kid.

Interview 5

Fried dough is amazing. It’s so good. And I now know how to make a gluten-free version. So amazing.

Interview 6

The humble funnel cake. It’s so messy and so bizarre. It’s not a practical thing to eat. It’s not a practical thing to have at any phase of your life. And yet it is the apotheosis of American-like fair food. It’s fried, it’s covered in too much sugar. It’s off the chain.

Interview 3
And that the one that would roll into Brockton—there is this, like, shoddily put together, like a county fair rollercoaster of like Indy 500 cars. And it goes way too fast for the construction quality.

Interview 7

I love the drop rides so much. Nobody ever wants to go with me on the drop rides, but I love drop rides, to scream on them.

Interview 3
And you know, and it’s so shoddy that when you take the turns, you think the whole thing is gonna fall apart. Those are great.

Interview 7

And every time I go on, like, Dr. Doom’s Fear Fall, which is like this huge, like, fucking drop, it—every time I’m like, “wow, I’m going to die.”

Interview 3

I know that’s part of the—that’s part of the fun. Part of the fun is the feeling that you may die at any moment, and this may be your last experience.

Interview 8
I don’t have much to say about that?

Chuck Octagon

Not a fan? Okay!

 

Supergroups

 

Wendell Jorgenson—Mike Linden

Okay, so for bass you’ve got John Deacon—excellent choice, by the way, Your Majesty. 

 

Louisa Alvarez—Julia Propp

Thank you, squire.

 

Wendell

For drums, you’re going with Ringo, for some reason.

 

Louisa

It’s not about technical skill, it’s about heart.

 

Wendell

For vocals you’re going with Prince, but then you’ve—for guitar you’ve got… Lindsay Buckingham?

 

Louisa

He’s an underrated guitar player!

 

Wendell

But you’ve got Prince right there!

 

Louisa

Well, he can play guitar too!

 

Wendell

He sure as hell can. He’d make Buckingham sound like Tiny Tim.

 

Louisa

Well, okay, what’s your supergroup, then? Who’s your lead singer?

 

Wendell

Probably Jon Anderson.

 

Louisa

Who?

 

Wendell

No, Yes.

 

Louisa

What?

 

Wendell

Yes!

 

Louisa

There’s seriously a band named What?

 

Wendell 

YES!

 

Louisa

I’ve never heard of them.

 

Wendell [cracking up]

No, Yes! The band is called Yes! Jon Anderson was the lead singer!

 

Louisa

OH! Yes! “Roundabout”! 

 

Wendell

Roundabout indeed! Speaking of roundabouts—that Ferris wheel looks like it’s open. I—uhh. You wanna get stuck on the top with me? Get a good view of the whole grounds?

 

Louisa

Sure. I’d love that. 

 

Wendell

There’s uhh… there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.

 

Louisa

Oh. Um. 

 

Wendell

Well. It’s kinda difficult to begin…

 

Louisa

Hey! It’s Michael! Michael and Autumn! [Calling] Michael!

 

Wendell

Who’s Autumn?

 

Louisa

Remember when we went to Providence for that investigation? Well, we interviewed this woman, and she and Michael really hit it off. Now they’re dating!

 

Wendell

Oh.

 

Louisa

What?

 

Wendell

Nothing. I’m just… surprised you didn’t tell me.

 

Michael Tate—James Oliva

Hey, guys! Funny finding you here!

 

Louisa

Hey! Autumn and Ada West, this is my fella Wendell. 

 

Autumn West—Beth Eyre

Pleasure to meet you. 

 

Louisa

How are you enjoying the Wonderland launch?

 

Autumn

It’s really quite something!

 

Ada West—Julian Danner

Michael is silly! He bought me corn cheese so I could have a cheeseburger, but then he brought me to a place where there is cheese EVERYwhere! They even hand out free slices outside of a ride called The Grater!

 

Michael

Yep. And I sure did forget how cheese-themed this place is. 

 

Louisa

They’re working on stripping it away.

 

Wendell

What’s, uhh… what’s corn cheese?

 

Autumn

A long story, but Ada let me have a bite and it was delicious. 

 

Wendell

So great to meet you. And Michael, thanks again for your advice on the phone the other day.

 

Louisa

What?

 

Michael

Don’t mention it! We’ll have to circle back to that at some point, but— 

 

Louisa

Hold up. You guys… talked?

 

Michael

Yes. 

 

Louisa

About getting some Red-ugees out?

Wendell
No, although that happened before.

Louisa
About what, then? 

 

Wendell

Uhh. 

 

Louisa [not asking]

About what. 

 

Michael

It was, uhh. It was about….

 

Wendell

I’ve been asking Michael for some advice. About… about you, Wonderbug. 

 

Louisa

Advice about me. 

 

Michael

It was well-intended advice, Louisa. It was— 

 

Louisa

I’m sure—I’m sure it was. It just… it just feels a little too close to a secret. 

 

Wendell

It wasn’t anything like that.

 

Louisa

So why couldn’t you tell me?

 

Wendell

Well, you didn’t tell me Michael was dating anyone.

 

Louisa

That just happened!

 

Wendell

Well, so did this!

 

Michael

Louisa? I think maybe we should — 

 

Louisa

I’m—I’m sorry. I think I need to take a little walk for a bit. 

 

[Walks away.]

 

Autumn

Um. Well. I, uhh—I think perhaps …

 

Michael

I am so sorry. This is the worst date ever, I know. Corn cheese, my house is made out of nets, and I gave you a front row seat to a best-friend fight.

 

Autumn

And somehow, despite all that, I’m having such a good time. What do you think that means?

 

Wendell

I, uhh—I think I’ll go after Louisa.

 

Autumn

I’m not sure that’s such a good idea, Wendell. 

 

Wendell

I just feel I ought to explain.

 

Autumn

I think she may need to be alone at the moment. But there should be opportunities for explaining later. 

 

Wendell

Thank you. I think—I think I may need a bit of a walk too. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your afternoon. 

 

Michael

Well. Should we go check out the bake sale?

 

Autumn

I think I’ll take Ada there for a little treat. And you?

 

Michael

You think I should look after my friend.

 

Autumn

Spoken like a man who used to write psychic advice articles. 

 

Michael

So, why me and not Wendell?

 

Autumn

Some things are easier to wrestle with a friend. 

 

Michael

Ah! Like a tag team.

 

Autumn

Royal rumble, baby. 

 

Under Advisement

 

Isabelle Powell—Jessica Washington

So let me get this straight. It’s not enough that you’ve partnered up with the woman who literally turned the key on your cell. You now want to risk your life busting out the woman who got you framed in the first place?

 

Isaiah Powell—Mario da Rosa Jr

She didn’t frame me.

 

Isabelle

She played enough of a part in that, though, didn’t she?

Isaiah 

What about you? Star Trek night with the mayor you once called a—

 

Isabelle

OKAY, okay; that’s a bit apples and oranges, though. What’s next? What about the man who is responsible? He’s not in jail yet, but after that show at the trial, Emily is gonna create something worse than jail for that boy. We gonna bust him out too?

 

Isaiah 

Aunt Izzy? Abolition isn’t only for the people we love. 

 

[Pause.]

 

Isabelle

When did you get to be so smart, anyway?

 

Isaiah 

I always had a great teacher.

 

Isabelle

Flattery gets you everywhere, as usual. 

 

Isaiah 

So you’ll approve it?

 

Isabelle

I’m gonna think about it. And talk it over with key members of the council. Not enough to cause a panic or a public outcry. Last thing we need is talk of a Red Line jailbreak at a Wonderland community meeting. Lord row-boating in heaven. 

 

Mallory—Johanna Bodnyk

Knock knock! It’s the wonder-vet. 

 

Isabelle

Come in! Mallory. Figure out anything about those rats?

 

Mallory

Boys Life Magazine over here and I are gonna investigate it, as long as his Red Line buds won’t miss him too much for a day or two.

 

Isaiah 

Fine with me. 

 

Dimitri Stamatis—James Johnston

What about Nica?

 

Isabelle

It’s under advisement at the moment.

 

Dimitri

If there’s anything I can do to make a case for— 

 

Isabelle

Mr. Stamatis? There’s nothing you could add that hasn’t been covered by my nephew already. Trust me. 

 

Dimitri

I don’t doubt it. 

 

Isabelle

Let’s get back to the grounds. I should be more present during the opening. Come on, I’ll buy you something good from that truck out front.

 

[Carnival music.]

 

The Only Code I Know

 

[Carnival music.]

 

Michael Tate—James Oliva

Hey! You okay? What happened back there?

 

Louisa Alvarez—Julia Propp

I don’t like you talking about me behind my back.

 

Michael

It wasn’t behind your back. He called me up and asked me for advice. What was I supposed to do? Immediately pick up the phone and call you?

 

Louisa

Is this some kind of bro-code thing? Like—

 

Michael

Louisa, look at me. Do I look like someone who speaks bro-code? There’s only one code I know. It’s all I’ve got. It’s my numbers. And… and I guess Klingon now, but even that’s pretty new!

 

Louisa

What did he ask you about? You need to tell me.

 

Michael

Well. I think he was worried. About our relationship, for one.

 

Louisa

I’ve told him a thousand times, we’re just friends. He doesn’t believe me, is that it?

 

Michael

He was worried that you may be more open with me than you are with him.

 

Louisa

I’m open with him!

 

Michael

About your past. About your family.

 

Louisa

That’s none of his business!

 

Michael

Okay. I mean. Ever? Does he talk about his family?

 

Louisa

Yes.

 

Michael

Because you’ve never spoken about them with me either. 

 

Louisa

Do I have to?

 

Michael

No, but I think for someone who really cares about you, it’s kinda— 

 

Louisa

He’s just getting a little too close lately, and I don’t know if— 

 

Michael

Are you having second thoughts about your relationship with— 

 

Louisa

NO, I just, do we have to—does it—do we have to—?

 

Michael

It’s part of growing intimacy with someone. They expect you to give back what you’re getting. 

 

Louisa

Why does everyone think they’re entitled to knowing every little thing about me?

 

Michael

I’m not entitled, and you don’t need to tell me. 

 

Louisa

But Wendell needs to know so badly that he goes behind my back to ask you and— 

 

Michael

Am I really behind your back? Is someone who genuinely cares about you reaching out and talking to me, your best friend, about how to get you to open up more really going “behind your back”? Come on, Louisa. I’m where I’ve always been and hope to always be. I’m right in front of you, as long as you’ll have me there. Your boyfriend noticed you shut down when he touches on certain subjects. A wall comes up. It’s the same wall I’m running into right now. And if you need it to be there, well… that’s fine. I’m just telling you it’s there. And it’s preventing a relationship you know you really care about to move forward. And you should know that. 

 

Louisa

What if I don’t want it to move forward? Like, what if—what if I don’t want to get married? I mean, Christ. All those weddings for all those years. You know what it taught me? I hate them. I HATE weddings. I shot so many of them I ended up despising them. I ended up—I ended up despising myself a little for working them, you know? And… and marriage? Well.

 

[Pause.]

 

You know, my parents are still married. Quote unquote “happily” married. They were perfectly servable parents. They took care of me. They supported me, although it felt more out of obligation than any kind of love. Because that’s just the kind of people they are, you know? That’s why they’re still together. There—there—there’s no deep dark secret. No drugs. No alcohol. No abuse. Just obligation. Obligation, which might as well be another word for addiction, because it sure as shit wasn’t healthy! Can you imagine? Just day after day, year after year, acting fine while living with someone that you FUCKING despise! Can you believe it? And for what? For what? Because what will the neighbors think? Because the alternative is just too socially unseemly? It’s their LIVES! It’s their lives. It’s the only ones they have and they’re wasting it and I REFUSE to let that be me! I just absolutely REFUSE to, okay?

 

Michael

Okay.

 

[Pause.]

 

Thank you. 

 

Louisa

For yelling at you?

 

Michael

For telling me. 

 

Louisa [sighs]

I—I gotta go. I gotta be alone for a bit.

 

Michael

I’ll be here when you’re ready to talk. And so will Wendell.

 

Louisa

Yeah. If he doesn’t think I’m nuts already.

 

Michael

He doesn’t. 

 

The Wrong Kind of Right

 

Narrator—Alexander Danner

Gemma walked with Charlotte towards the main gate, surveying the grounds, wondering if any of it was worth it. There was a simple beauty to what Wonderland had set up, even if the wares these sewer-rat, rinky-dink hippies were selling were… uhh… charming… at best. And Isaiah’s words were echoing in her head. Had they really been fighting for Red Line the whole time? Was it time for her to accept that this was her home now? And why was that so hard to accept?

 

[To himself]Oh, the board is set for the pieces to turn on each other. Simplistic beauty indeed. 

 

Charlotte Linzer-Coolidge—Summer Unsinn

You okay?

 

Gemma Linzer-Coolidge—Lydia Anderson

Yeah. Yeah, just thinking about stuff. 

 

Charlotte

Once you have this hamburger, it’ll clear your mind.

 

Gemma

It’s that good?

 

Charlotte

You’d be surprised. 

 

Gemma

Can I get cheese on it? 

 

Charlotte

Don’t ask. But there’s plenty of cheese inside the park.

 

Gemma

Naturally. 

 

Paul Montgomery Chelmsworth—James Capobianco

Charlotte?

 

[Pause.]

 

Charlotte

Uhh?

 

Gemma

What the fuck are you doing here?

 

Chelmsworth

I won’t lie. I… I need your help. Vincenzo and I? We’ve been evicted and we desperately need shelter. 

 

Gemma

Look around you. You see all these people? Most of them are here—forced into displacement inside a cheese-whiz roller coaster all because of what you did, you absolute coward. 

 

Narrator

Yes, yes, glorious division! 

 

Charlotte

Gemma.

 

Vincenzo—Esther Ellis
What’s she talking about?

 

Gemma

Haven’t you been told off once already? I know Charlotte put it as plainly as she could, but maybe it didn’t take. 

 

Charlotte

Gemma!

 

Chelmsworth

I deserve every ounce of your ire. But the boy. My boy. I know he worked for you, Charlotte. If you don’t take me in, please consider giving him shelter here at least. 

 

Charlotte

Your… son?

 

Vincenzo

Hey, boss. Former… boss. Uhh, surprise!

 

Gemma

Father, son, holy spirit, doesn’t change shit! In case it wasn’t obvious, you’re not welcome here!

 

Charlotte

Gemma. Let them in.

 

Gemma

What? Are you crazy?

 

Charlotte

No. I’m not. They’re homeless. Who are we to turn them away?

 

Vincenzo

Technically the term is “unhoused”. But yeah, that’s us.

Gemma

Let me guess, kid. You followed your pops thinking he’d take care of you, and all that happened was it led you to this point here. Because that’s all he knows what to do. Run on to the next adventure. 

 

Charlotte

You’re welcome to stay here as long as you need. But we’ll expect you to earn your keep. Everyone here contributes to the community. 

 

Gemma

And you need to answer my questions. Did you get evicted or did he just up and leave because he felt like it?

Chelmsworth
We were evicted. Two weeks ago.

Charlotte
Oh my god. Where have you been staying?

Vincenzo
Uhh, I’m a Pizza Ghost employee? And we’ve been kinda crashing the houses of some of my customers. 

 

Gemma
Uh-huh. And as you were three-bearsing it with extra pepperoni, what was your dear old man doing to pay the bills besides pontificating like Professor Mushroom? 

 

Vincenzo

Uhh. He was… he was reading a lot.

Gemma
Sounds. About. Right. 

 

Charlotte

Gemma! [to Vincenzo] Why don’t you report to the ticket booth, up the central walk, at the old token booth. Mouse is there. They should be able to help get you settled with available units. 

 

Chelmsworth

Charlotte. Thank you. I hope we can maybe speak later. There’s much I feel I need to say, first and foremost— 

 

Charlotte

I think that’s enough for now. I’m not ready to hear anything else yet.

 

Chelmsworth

Understood. Until next time. 

 

Gemma

I can’t believe you’re just going to forgive him like that.

 

Charlotte

Who says I forgave him? It’s just not up to me to turn people away. We’re a transient community. They’re transients. 

 

Gemma

You have enough sway to show them the door if you wanted to.

 

Charlotte

I don’t want to. 

 

Dimitri Stamatis—James Johnston

Gemma, there you are. We spoke to Isabelle. She’s going to bring the situation with Nica to the council.

 

Gemma

Great. More bleeding hearts for dangerous friends. 

 

Dimitri

What?

 

Gemma

Nothing. That’s swell, kid. Should we report back to the front lines?

 

Dimitri

Well, I think I’m going to go on a mission with my pal Mallory here for a bit.

 

Mallory—Johanna Bodnyk

Rats are acting weird, and Scent Wipe and I are gonna fuck around and find out why. 

 

Gemma

Uhh. I understood about half of that, but sure, what the hell. 

 

[Pause.]

 

Wait. Dimitri. Before you go. There’s… there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you. 

 

Dimitri

Yeah?

 

Gemma

I—well, this isn’t easy. But. I uhh. 

 

narrator

Oh, no, no, no. You need him still. Whatever good work you’re trying to do in Red Line will be meaningless without Leon and his power. 

 

Gemma

I jus —I just need t — 

 

Louisa Alvarez—Julia Propp [distantly]

Oh, no. No, no, no—absolutely not. Go! GO! 

 

Charlotte

Is that Louisa?

 

Gemma

She’s over there. Let’s go.

 

[They run over.]

 

Louisa

Not today. Not today, not ever, not especially now. Get out!

 

Philip West—Michael Melia

You don’t even live here.

 

Louisa

It doesn’t matter.

 

Phil

I turned over this whole place in your name so you could be safe!

 

Louisa

• DOESN’T. MATTER!

 

Phil

I need help. 

 

[Pause.]

 

Please. If they catch me. They’re… they’re going to arrest me. 

 

Isabelle Powell—Jessica Washington

What’s going on?

 

Gemma

This is Phillip West. He’s the reason we’ve had so much trouble and the reason Wonderland is now ours. He also lied to Louisa, manipulated her, and blew tea in her eye, temporarily blinding her. But he’s a transient. And we’re a transient community. So we should just let him in, right?

 

Louisa

No!

 

Charlotte

Don’t do this. Just don’t do this right now. 

 

Gemma

I’m just pointing out that there should obviously be limits to our forgiveness.

 

Ohil

I helped you. I fed you information, risked my life to provide you with intel, stole back your crystal ball, and then I gave up everything I had so you could be safe. 

 

Dimitri

What did you say?

 

Louisa
I don’t care if you stole the Isabelle Gardner paintings…

Phil
Well, that one was my dad and my uncle, not me, but Gemma’s crystal ball? The one Ethan Bespin had? I stole it originally, sure, but in an effort to make it right, I stole it back and gave it to Gemma. It’s hers, after all. 

 

Dimitri

When…when was this? 

 

Phil

Weeks ago. More than a month, honestly.

 

Gemma

I— 

 

Dimitri

You—you…?

 

[Pause.]

 

How could you? 

 

Gemma

I’m sorry.

 

Louisa
All of this—ALL of your manipulations have led up to this, Gemma. 

 

Dimitri

How could you lecture this man about the limits of forgiveness when—when? 

 

Gemma

It’s mine, though. It’s my ball. It’s my — 

 

Dimitri

THAT’S MY BROTHER! 

 

Mallory

Dimitri. It’s okay. We know now. We know.

Louisa
It’s okay, kid. That’s her whole deal. She uses people like they’re possessions. Get used to it or split, that’s my advice. 

[Pause.]

 

You know? You all do what you want. You’ve already placated this creep enough. If you let him stay here, we’re done. 

 

Michael Tate—James Oliva

Louisa. What’s going on?

 

Louisa

I can’t right now, Michael. I just can’t. 

 

[Louisa leaves.]

 

Dimitri

Do you have him with you? Have you had him with you the whole time?

 

Gemma

Yes.

 

Dimitri

Take it out. Let me talk to him. 

 

[Pause.]

 

Now!

 

Mallory

You don’t want to do this right now. Not while you’re so angry.

 

Dimitri

I have—I… you weren’t there when I found out. You were not there— 

 

Mallory

I wasn’t. But is this really how you want it to be?

 

Dimitri

I just — I just have to. 

 

[Pause.]

 

I wasn’t here, do you understand? He died and I wasn’t here.

 

Gemma

Okay. Okay, I will. 

 

[Gemma takes out the ball. Silence other than the inappropriate carnival music and children laughing/playing.]

 

Dimitri

Well?

 

Gemma

He’s—he’s not feeling well at the moment. 

 

Dimitri

He’s not feeling well?

 

Gemma

He’s… he’s been struggling lately. It’s like he’s too connected. Too many lives, too many thoughts. 

 

Dimitri

Except to me. Except to Nica. His family. Thanks to you. 

 

Gemma

I have been connected to you too, Dimitri. Thank you for coming home. Don’t be …

I’m not going to say that. I don’t deserve it.

 

Dimitri

Say it.

 

Gemma

He said… he said don’t be too hard on me. We made a deal. He’d help me, I’d give him back to you. 

 

Dimitri

I… I need to go. Tell him I’m sorry. Tell him I’ll be back.

 

Mallory

Come on, buddy. Let’s hunt some rats.

 

[Pause.]

 

Phil

So. Uhh. Hi. Where does this—where does this leave me, exactly?

 

Isabelle

Well. It seems we have a decision to make. Isaiah. This is the man who framed you with beans. Do we fight for him too? Do we forgive him? Abolition isn’t just for the people we love. 

 

[Pause.]

 

Isaiah

No. It isn’t. But he can’t stay here. I’ll help him pack up and sneak him out of town, away from Emily, where he can be safe. 

 

Gemma

I need to go.

 

Charlotte

Gemma!

 

Gemma

I’ve spent way too much time and energy on a wrong kind of right. I need to be alone for a bit. Please. 

 

Charlotte

Be safe. And don’t forget to come back for your heart.

 

Gemma

I promise. My word is still good for that, if you still believe me.

Charlotte
I do. I believe in you.

Gemma
Still?

Charlotte
Always.

Gemma
I love you. I’m sorry. 

 

[Credits]

 

Greater Boston is created by Alexander Danner and Jeff Van Dreason with help from T.H. Ponders, Bob Raymonda, and Jordan Stillman. Recording and technical assistance from Marck Harmon.

This episode was written and sound designed by Jeff Van Dreason. Dialogue editing by Bob Raymonda.

Portions of this episode were recorded at The Bridge Sounds and Stage with recording engineers Javier Lom and Alex Alinson.

CAST

This episode features:

• Mike Linden as Guy and Wendell 
• James Oliva as Michael Tate
• Beth Eyre as Autumn West
• Julian Danner as Ada West
• Lydia Anderson as Gemma Linzer-Coolidge
• James Johnston as Dimitri Stamatis
• Alexander Danner as The Narrator
• Mario de Rosa Jr as Isaiah Washington (he/them)
• Julia Propp as Louisa Alvarez
• James Campobianco as Professor Chelmsworth 
• Ester Ellis as Vincenzo Chelmsworth 
• Nora Van Dreason as Monty Linzer-Coolidge
• Summer Unsinn as Charlotte Linzer-Coolidge
• Johanna Bodnyk as Mallory
• Jessica Washington as Isabelle Powell (she/her)
• Michael Melia as Philip West (he/him)

MUSIC

• Charlie on the MTA recorded by Emily Peterson and Dirk Tiede
• Tam Lin Set by Adrienne Howard, Emily Peterson, and Dirk Tiede
• Drums by Jim Johanson 

You can support us on Patreon at Patreon.com/GreaterBoston

Content Notes

• Emotional distress
• Discussions of prison and prison abolitionism

 

Cookie

Mike Linden [as little kid]
Michael is silly. He brought me corn cheese so I can have a cheeseburger, and then he brought me to a place where it’s just, she’s everywhere.They even hand out free slices outside of a ride called The Grater.

Julia Propp

I’m happy to do Autumn for you. [Laughs.] So you don’t have to talk to yourself. Yeah. Yeah. No, I’m happy, happy to do my part to.

Mike Linden [cockney accent]

Maybe it would work real better if I did a really bad cockney accent. Well, thank you. I think I might need a bit of a walk, governor.