God Friended Me 1x01 - Pilot
God Friended Me 1x01 - Pilot
God Friended Me 1x01 - Pilot
"Pilot"
by
Steven Lilien & Bryan Wynbrandt
FADE IN:
MILES (V.O.)
See that guy right there sucking
wind? That’s me. About a million
miles away from where I thought my
life would take me.
MILES (V.O.)
My name is Miles Finer. You may’ve
heard of me. Not trying to brag,
but these days most people have.
That’s because what happened to me
kinda changed the world. Articles
have been written about it. Books.
Spielberg even wanted to make a
movie. I hear Michael B. Jordan was
attached. But the truth is, there’s
more to the story than anyone
knows.
MILES (V.O.)
Everything that’s happened to me
has led to this moment. But to
understand how I got here, we have
to go back to the beginning. The
day my life changed forever.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 2.
CONTINUED:
MILES
There is no proof of God anywhere
in the universe.
MILES (CONT’D)
We’ll debate that and more on
today’s episode of the Millennial
Prophet. I’m your host Miles Finer,
reminding you there is no God and
that’s okay. My guest is an old NYU
pal, one of my favorite people,
Rabbi Zoe Kleinman. Thanks for
coming on the podcast, Rabbi.
RABBI ZOE
(playful)
Thanks for having me, Miles. But
per usual, you’re misinformed.
There is proof of God in the Torah.
The miracles of Sinai for instance.
MILES
Really? What about the miracles in
the King James Bible? Or the
Quaran? Do they also prove to you
God exists?
RABBI ZOE
What they prove to me is human
beings crave a relationship with
God. You grew up in the Church, you
know that better than anyone.
MILES
It’s true. My father’s a Reverend.
We’ve got the whole Luke, Vader
dynamic going on.
RABBI ZOE
You’re Vader in this metaphor,
right?
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 3.
CONTINUED: (2)
MILES
No way. But whether it’s Luke
Skywalker or Jesus Christ, it’s the
same movie, just a different
poster. Be honest, if I told you
God sent me a message in the form
of a burning bush, you’d think I
was insane.
RABBI ZOE
Not necessarily.
MILES
Oh, come on, Zoe. I know it’s
comforting to believe there’s
someone watching over us. But there
is no external force that’s going
to reach out and solve our
problems. That’s the danger with
God, he gives people false hope.
RABBI ZOE
What happened to you, Miles?
MILES
Why do people assume something
happened to an Atheist? I just want
to help people take responsibility
for their own lives. I think we’d
all be better off if we did.
RABBI ZOE
The irony is that’s a very
religious pursuit. But you’re not
going to change anyone’s life
sitting behind your computer.
MILES
(smiles)
I don’t know. I think you
underestimate how good I am at
this.
BARISTA
Miles! Grande Americano
(as he hands it to Miles)
‘Checked out your podcast. It’s
dope! You making a living doing
that?
MILES
(clearly covering)
Oh, yeah. I got tons of listeners.
Advertising dollars are rolling in.
I’m really making a difference.
MILES
And where did you last see your
Visa VentureOne card, Mrs. Johnson?
Okay. Well, no, I’m not capable of
tracking it unless they use it.
Yes, the card does have a chip.
What am I good for? That’s a good
question. I’ve been asking myself
that a lot lately. Hello? Hello?
Miles takes off his headset. Shakes his head, over this --
RAKESH (O.S.)
Do you know how many people are on
the planet, Miles?
RAKESH (CONT’D)
Roughly 7 billion. Do you know what
the odds are of finding the one
right person for you?
MILES
Lemme guess -- your mom set you up
on another date?
RAKESH
She’s obsessed with trying to find
me a soulmate. And I’m like, hello,
there’s no such thing. But she
doesn’t care.
(imitating her)
You have a karmic destiny, Rakesh.
You have to marry an Indian girl.
MILES
You could take the honesty route.
Tell her you don’t believe in any
of that. That no one should dictate
who we love or how we love them.
And the most important quality for
you finding a partner is that she
likes Call of Duty.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 6.
CONTINUED:
RAKESH
(smiles)
You know me so well.
MILES
Holy crap... Sam Harris’s office
just emailed me.
RAKESH
Awesome. Who’s Sam Harris again?
MILES
Only my hero and the most important
voice in Atheism in America. I told
you about him. He’s starting a
channel on Sirius called
Revolutionary Thinking and he’s
looking for shows. A few weeks ago
I submitted the Millennial Prophet.
RAKESH
Sorry. Sometimes I glaze over.
MILES
I thought it was a pass. This email
says Sam listened to the podcast
and dug it. He wants me to submit a
deck by Friday to show him where
it’s headed.
RAKESH
That’s incredible. You’re about to
blow up. You think you’ll get to
meet Stern?
MILES
Probably not. But this is the break
I’ve been waiting for. I get my
show on the channel, I can finally
quit this place and work full time
on my podcast. It’s my dream.
RAKESH
Not to mention you’ll be able to
stuff it to your old man. Take that
Reverend Finer. People do care what
you have to say.
(off Miles)
Too far?
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 7.
CONTINUED: (2)
MILES
Little bit. But I love your
enthusiasm.
MATTHEW JAMES
I’ve surfed with Aboriginal
Priests. Broke bread with
scientists at CERN. And the one
constant. The one truth that
connected us all was our faith.
ANGLE ON Miles sitting at the bar watching the TV. Behind the
bar is Miles’ younger sister ALICIA, goes by Ali, (25),
bright, compassionate, never afraid to speak her mind. These
two are super close and always honest with each other.
ALI
Look who it is, your old BFF.
MILES
We weren’t BFFs. We went to Holy
Prep for two years. And he’s such a
fraud. He didn’t surf with
Aborigines, his dad got him lessons
at the Four Seasons in Sydney.
ALI
Congrats on the podcast, big bro. I
know how much this means to you.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 8.
CONTINUED:
MILES
Thanks, Al. I know you don’t
necessarily agree with the message
but your support means everything.
ALI
Good. Cause I want you to do me a
favor.
MILES
Of course. Anything.
ALI
I want you to go to Dad’s 25th at
the Church this Sunday.
MILES
Ali --
ALI
Miles, you and Dad haven’t spoken
in months. This is the perfect
opportunity for you guys to start
talking again.
MILES
(throws her a look)
How much longer until you get your
PhD? I think you need actual
patients.
ALI
Another year ‘til clinicals. So
you’ll have to do for now.
MILES
Why do I have to take the first
step? He’s the one who can’t get
over the fact I’m not on Team God.
ALI
See it from his side. He’s one of
the most respected Reverend’s in
the city and his son has a podcast
which flies in the face of
everything he represents.
MILES
I’m not doing this to make Dad look
bad.
ALI
No. You’re doing this because
you’re trying to prove him wrong.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 9.
CONTINUED: (2)
ALI (CONT'D)
Because you blame God for what
happened.
MILES
I don’t blame God. There is no God.
And if Dad wanted me there, he
would’ve invited me.
ALI
Of course he wants you there. You
know every Sunday after mass he
goes to Washington Square Park.
MILES
So? He goes there to play chess.
ALI
He goes there because that’s where
the two of you used to play. What’s
it gonna take to bring the two of
you back together?
MILES
I don’t know. But I gotta get home
to work on this presentation.
Thanks again for the beer, sis.
MILES (CONT’D)
Really?
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 10.
CONTINUED:
MILES
(eyes wide)
Holy Sh--
SHHHHH!!! The OWNER of the bodega sprays the bush with a fire
extinguisher. He yells at two kids who run past Miles --
BODEGA OWNER
Come around here again, I’ll call
the police.
But then he looks at his phone -- the Friend Request from God
-- and at this point even an Atheist like Miles’ curiosity is
piqued so HE ACCEPTS IT. And instantly --
MILES
Who’s John Dove?
MAN
Stacie, wait. Please.
JOHN DOVE
Sorry.
STACIE
You’ve changed, John. You’re not
the same man I fell in love with.
I’m sorry. I have to go to work.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 11.
CONTINUED: (2)
MILES
Hey! John Dove!
ON Dove making his way through the crowd. His eyes empty,
distant. He stops at the YELLOW LINE on the platform.
Contemplative. He looks to the end of a tunnel, sees a light.
DOVE looks from the train to the tracks. We see him step over
the yellow line. Right to the edge. Fuck! He’s gonna jump.
MILES (CONT’D)
Hey! Somebody stop that guy!
MILES (CONT’D)
What the hell, man?! Are you okay?
JOHN DOVE
Yeah... I-I think you just saved my
life.
(off Miles)
Thank you.
END TEASER
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 12.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
MILES
Ok, Miles. No way that guy was
really gonna jump. This is all just
an elaborate hoax.
He looks around the station. A few people wait for the next
train. But none of them seem aware of Miles. Off Miles,
suspicious. Trying to make sense of what just happened.
He hangs up. CLICKS OVER to the GOD account PAGE. Shakes his
head. TYPES a COMMENT on God’s wall --
MILES
(as he types)
Nice try, asshat.
MILES (CONT’D)
Alright, Neil DeGrasse Turtle, time
to refocus. Gotta get this deck
ready for Sam Harris.
MILES (CONT’D)
Oh, come on...
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 13.
CONTINUED:
MILES (CONT’D)
Who the hell is Cara Weiss?
CARA
God, if you’re listening, I will
never have another drop of tequila
so long as I live. Just let me
outta here.
OFFICER
Cara Weiss?
CARA
Thank you.
CARA
Thank you so much for bailing me
out, Parker.
PARKER
Of course. But I’m gonna need you
to Venmo me. I got rent due.
CARA
Last night is such a blur. I
remember there were shots. And I
think I requested the bartender
play Abba.
PARKER
You made a lot of song requests.
They don’t even play music at that
bar.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 14.
CONTINUED:
Face palm.
CARA
I got arrested for that?
PARKER
No. You got arrested for this.
CARA
(on the video)
I am not causing a disturbance.
That stupid bartender is.
(then, to the bartender)
Why won’t you play Dancing Queen?!
CARA (CONT’D)
Please tell me you didn’t Insta-
story that.
PARKER
Cara, you know I love you. But
you’ve been going HAM these last
few weeks. Now the drunk tank? What
the hell is going on with you?
Should I be worried?
CARA
No. I’m fine. I’ve just been really
stressed at work and needed to blow
off some steam.
(then, realizing)
Oh, crap. Work. I am so late.
Thanks again, P.
ON THE CUT we Find Cara, now put together, wearing the fall's
best trends, moving down the hall. She’s trying to be
stealthy passing her boss’s office when --
NATALIE (O.S.)
Cara. In my office, now.
NATALIE
Where have you been?
CARA
I was... Uh...
NATALIE
Yeah. I don’t care. Where’s my
story?
CARA
Working on it.
NATALIE
Do you see the hot board?
NATALIE (CONT’D)
You used to have the top trending
stories on our site every week.
CARA
I know. And I’ll get back there. I
promise.
NATALIE
I don’t want promises. I want
articles. You haven’t written one
in six weeks.
CARA
I’m working through a rough patch.
You know it took Hemingway ten
years to publish his second novel?
NATALIE
Is that true?
CARA
I think?
NATALIE
Look, you’re one of my best
writers. But I can’t cut you any
more slack. I want a story by the
end of the week.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 16.
CONTINUED:
NATALIE (CONT'D)
And it goes without saying, this is
one of those or else situations.
CLOSE ON Rakesh --
RAKESH
Let me get this straight. You’re
being catfished by someone calling
themselves God on Facebook.
MILES
Yes. And I need you to use your
hacker skills to get me their IP
address.
RAKESH
(looks around)
Keep your voice down. How many
times do I have to tell you I’m not
a hacker? I’m a video game
enthusiast. Besides, you said it
yourself. It’s a prank. Just focus
on your Sam Harris presentation.
MILES
I will, but first I need to figure
out who’s behind this.
RAKESH
Why? So they’re messing with you.
It’s not like it’s screwing with
your life. Let it go.
MILES
Everything I believe in is built
upon the idea there is no God. That
everything can be explained. Now
there’s someone out there going
through a lot of trouble to prove
me wrong. I can’t just let that go.
RAKESH
You really think someone paid this
Dove guy to pretend to jump in
front of that train?
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 17.
CONTINUED:
MILES
What other explanation is there?
It’s like ‘The Game’.
RAKESH
Great flick. Early Fincher.
MILES
I looked into Dove. His Facebook
account’s a ghost town. I ran him
through LifeLock’s database, but
there are over 50 John Dove’s in
Manhattan alone. My only lead is
Cara Weiss.
RAKESH
What do you know about her?
MILES
See for yourself. She went to Ohio
State, writes for Slate, runs
marathons --
RAKESH
Cute and accomplished. Why can’t I
ever match with someone like her?
MILES
This isn’t Tinder, Rakesh.
RAKESH
You mean Bumble. No one uses Tinder
anymore.
MILES
Look. She just checked into
SoulCycle. I’m going to go down
there and get to the bottom of
this.
RAKESH
That’s a bad idea, Miles. What are
you gonna tell her? God sent you?
INSTRUCTOR
There is no change in life without
challenge. Now tap it back and
climb that mountain.
MILES
Cara.
She stops and turns to him. Clearly has no idea who Miles is.
CARA
Yeah?
MILES
Miles Finer.
(off her blank stare)
Don’t pretend you don’t know who I
am.
CARA
I don’t. So have a nice day.
MILES
Are you God? I mean, not the God,
there is no God.
(off her confused look)
I want to know who’s behind the God
Account.
CARA
The God Account? What are you
talking about?
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 19.
CONTINUED:
MILES
Wow. You’re committed. Did you
study with Stella Adler?
CARA
Look, pal. I don’t know what you’re
on but I carry Mace. Follow me and
I will use it.
MILES
And I work at Lifelock. So you tell
whoever’s behind this if they
continue down this path, I will
destroy their credit.
Miles watches her go. He turns and SEES an OLD MAN staring at
him, gobsmacked --
MILES (CONT’D)
Be grateful you didn’t grow up with
social media.
MILES
(tells himself)
I’ll finish it in the morning.
MILES
What the --
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 20.
CONTINUED:
MILES
My presentation!
A FRIEND SUGGESTION for CARA WEISS sent from the God Account.
WTF?!
Somehow he’s still friends with the God Account even though
he deleted their friendship. His phone BUZZES again. And
again. AND AGAIN! All friend suggestions for Cara Weiss.
MILES (CONT’D)
No. No. NO!
And off Miles, the God Account now seriously screwing with
his life, we --
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
MILES
Hi. I’m a friend of Cara Weiss’s.
She asked me to come by. Where’s
her office again?
RECEPTIONIST
I’m sorry. Who are you?
MILES
Miles. We went to Ohio State
together. Go Buckeyes.
RECEPTIONIST
Ok, Miles, have a seat and I’ll let
her know you’re here.
MILES
No. You can’t do that.
(off her look, recovers)
Ok. Full disclosure. She doesn’t
know I’m coming. It’s a surprise.
So I’d really love it if you could
just point me her way.
RECEPTIONIST
Wait a minute. Are you the friend
from Ohio who ran the Park Slope
10k with her?
MILES
Yes. That’s me. What a run. Still
recovering.
RECEPTIONIST
It was three months ago.
MILES
I mean mentally.
RECEPTIONIST
I feel the same. I’ve been working
my way up to the New York, but I
don’t think it’s meant to be.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 22.
CONTINUED:
MILES
Nothing is meant to be. That’s a
lie you’ve been told.
RECEPTIONIST
Excuse me?
MILES
You either make things happen or
you don’t. You’re gonna train hard.
You’re gonna run that race. And not
because fate says so. But because
you want to.
RECEPTIONIST
Yeah. You know what? You’re right.
(then, with a warm smile)
Cara’s down the hall to the left.
CARA
Yeah.
MILES (O.S.)
Cara --
On Cara. That voice? It can't be. She looks up and sees that
it is Miles. Which is cause for alarm.
CARA
What the hell are you doing here?
MILES
This has gone too far. Hacking my
computer, my presentation, my
thermostat. Who is the God account?
CARA
Listen -- I don’t know anything
about a God Account or the
temperature of your apartment. How
did you get back here anyway?
MILES
Are they paying you? Is this for a
story you’re writing?
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 23.
CONTINUED:
CARA
A story? I’m staring at a blank
page. My career’s hanging in the
balance. So I’d say ‘no.’ Now if
you don’t leave, I’m calling the
cops.
And the way she says this -- for the first time Miles starts
to wonder... maybe I got this wrong.
MILES
You’re telling the truth. You’re
not in on this?
CARA
I don’t even know what ‘this’ is.
CARA (CONT’D)
Are you okay?
MILES
It doesn’t make any sense. Why
would they send me your name?
CARA
What do you mean send you my name?
MILES
Here, look --
Miles hands her his phone. ON IT: she sees Miles’ Facebook
Account with the Friend Suggestion for Cara sent by God.
CARA
Someone calling themselves God sent
you a friend suggestion for me?
MILES
It goes way beyond that, but yes.
NATALIE
Cara. Where’s my story?
CARA
Working on it. Making progress.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 24.
CONTINUED: (2)
NATALIE
Who’s this?
CARA
He’s... someone I’m interviewing...
for my story.
NATALIE
Really. What’s it about?
CARA
It’s a think piece. About the
intersection of faith and science
through the prism of social media.
NATALIE
I like it. I want a thousand words
tomorrow.
MILES
Hey, I didn’t say you could write a
story about this.
CARA
It’s not just about you, remember?
They sent you my name too.
(off Miles)
You want to know who’s screwing
with you? I’m a journalist. I know
how to find people. And I will. But
only if I get the story. Deal?
MILES
You find them, we’ll talk.
CARA
Good enough. I assume you’ve looked
into this God Account. What do you
know?
MILES
Not much. I tried to get my friend
Rakesh to track down the IP but he
wouldn’t do it for me.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 25.
CONTINUED: (3)
MILES (CONT’D)
But he might do it for you.
MILES
Rakesh. Cara. Cara. Rakesh.
CARA
Hey.
RAKESH
Hi...
(low to Miles)
What is she doing here?
MILES
She can hear you. And she’s not
involved. I told her everything.
She’s going to help me figure out
who’s doing this. But we need a
favor from you first.
RAKESH
This is my workout attire. I do 60
crunches every morning.
MILES
Look, I know you’re not a hacker
but if there was any way you could
get us the IP address --
RAKESH
No. I’m a hacker. A badass hacker.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 26.
CONTINUED:
CARA
Nice setup. RazorBlade Pro.
Barracuda Server.
RAKESH
You know your stuff.
CARA
I did a story on the guys who
hacked Playstation last year.
An ALERT from the computer pops up. Rakesh knits his brow --
RAKESH
Wait. This can’t be right. The God
account is being protected by a
firewall I’ve never seen before.
MILES
Don’t mess with me.
RAKESH
I’m not. The code is very elegant.
There’s only a small pool of people
on the planet who could write
something like this.
CARA
So there’s no way to track the IP?
RAKESH
I said a small pool. Lucky for us
I’m swimming in it. But if what I’m
seeing here is right, I think
there’s a good chance that Dove guy
really was going to jump.
MILES
Explain.
RAKESH
The closest thing I’ve seen to code
like this is from Cambridge
Analytica. They’re a data mining
company that uses predictive
analytics to determine the outcome
of events. Someone using that
technology theoretically could have
known Dove was depressed and
suicidal.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 27.
CONTINUED: (2)
MILES
Even if it were possible, there’s
no way they could’ve known I would
step in and save him.
RAKESH
Unless that’s the point of all
this. To see if you would.
MILES
No way. That would mean...
CARA
Slow your roll, fellas. I’m not
gonna jump in front of a train. I
don’t need any help. What we need
to do is find Dove. My money says
he’s in on it.
MILES
I already tried. Our best lead is
the IP address. Rakesh, how long
will it take to crack it?
RAKESH
I don’t know. I’ll keep working on
it, but I have a date in a few
hours.
(looks to Cara)
Don’t worry, she’s not my
girlfriend. I’m totally single, my
mom’s making me go.
MILES
Girlfriend... Rakesh, that’s it.
I know how to find Dove.
MILES
After Dove’s girlfriend broke up
with him she went inside. That’s
her.
He points through the WINDOW where they see Stacie (Dove’s ex-
girlfriend) in her waitress uniform.
CARA
When in doubt. Always find the ex.
Alright. I’ll be right back.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 28.
CONTINUED:
MILES
Hold up -- I’m gonna talk to her.
CARA
Miles, I’ve seen your approach. You
come off a little crazy.
ALI (O.S.)
Miles? What are you doing here?
MILES
(turns to her, surprised)
Al. Hey. I’m waiting for a friend.
What are you doing?
ALI
Heading to work. At the bar.
MILES
Right. Of course.
ALI
I tried calling you last night, but
it kept going to voicemail. How’s
the presentation coming?
MILES
I got a little sidetracked.
Technical issues.
ALI
Miles, what are you up to?
MILES
Nothing.
CARA
Well, that back-fired. But the
break-up was definitely real.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 29.
CONTINUED: (2)
MILES
What do you mean backfired?
STACIE
Bitch!
CARA
Hi, I’m Cara.
ALI
Ali. Miles’ sister.
MILES
What the hell happened in there?
CARA
I had to gauge if her relationship
with Dove was real so I used a
tried-and-true method to illicit an
emotional response. I told her I
slept with him.
MILES
And you were worried about my
approach? Did you get any info on
Dove? Where he lives? Works?
CARA
It’s irrelevant. He’s not involved.
Which means I guess you really did
save him. Good work.
ALI
Save who? Miles, what is she
talking about?
Miles and Cara sit at the bar. Ali across from them. She’s
been fully downloaded on the God account.
MILES
I have to redo my presentation for
Sam Harris by tomorrow and this
thing is spiraling.
CARA
(to Ali)
Was he always this dramatic?
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 30.
CONTINUED:
ALI
You should see him at a Yankees
game.
MILES
Ali, you swear this isn’t one of
your psych experiments? Right
before God friended me you were
trying to convince me to go see
Dad.
ALI
Miles, I’m not behind this. You
know I detest social media.
CARA
What happened with you and your
Dad?
MILES
Nothing.
ALI
Our Dad’s a Reverend. Miles is an
Atheist. Do the math.
CARA
That explains a lot.
MILES
Wait a minute. You don’t think
Dad’s behind this?
ALI
He can’t even use Netflix.
(then)
You know, what’s happening to you,
it’s kind of like the Prodigal Son.
Only God’s using Facebook to bring
you and Dad back together.
MILES
(to Cara)
You see what growing up in house of
religion does to the mind?
CARA
She makes an interesting point.
MILES
You can’t be serious.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 31.
CONTINUED: (2)
CARA
I’m just saying as a journalist I
have to consider all options.
MILES
So you believe in God?
CARA
I wouldn't call myself religious,
but I am spiritual.
ALI
Oh, boy. Here we go.
MILES
Spiritual? You mean the biggest cop
out in all of religion? You can’t
have one foot in the eternal plane
and the other in the “I’m cool”
category. It doesn’t work like
that. You either believe or you
don’t.
CARA
Or you recognize that there is
something else at work here.
That there is a grand plan
connecting us all. Otherwise life
seems kinda pointless.
MILES
The absence of God doesn’t make
life pointless. In fact, it’s the
opposite. It means the world is of
our own making. Not governed by the
whims of some being in the sky.
ALI
(to Cara)
He’s really fun at parties.
MILES
Rakesh, tell me you got something --
RAKESH
Miles! I did it! I found God. He’s
in Jersey.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
CARA
‘Doesn’t look like anyone lives
here. You sure this is the right
place?
MILES
(checks his phone)
25 Blackstone Drive.
Cara sees the address matches. As they head toward the porch--
CARA
So tell me something, Miles. How
does a preacher’s son lose his
faith in God?
MILES
Pretty easily.
CARA
Lemme guess, you felt religion was
forced down your throat so you
rebelled. Got your hands on
Hitchens and Dawkins, never looked
back. Sound about right?
MILES
Yeah -- something like that.
CARA
Maybe God moved?
MILES
Hello! Open up. Hello!
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 33.
CONTINUED:
CARA
There’s a light on. Look.
Miles walks over, sees the light. Moves back to the front
door. KNOCKS again. Still no answer.
MILES
Open up! I know you’re in there!
You’re messing with the wrong guy.
CARA
Step aside.
MILES
Why?
CARA
Because whoever’s inside is
obviously not going to answer.
She reaches into her bag, pulls out a TWEEZER and a HAIR PIN.
CARA (CONT’D)
Gimme some light?
CARA (CONT’D)
What?
MILES
Nothing. Just admiring your skills.
What’d you write an article about
picking locks or something?
CARA
It was more of a PSA on how easy it
is to break in your house. Went
viral in 15 minutes.
MILES
Impressive.
Miles uses his phone to light the way as they head for the
staircase -- his phone rings -- he sees the number.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 34.
CONTINUED:
MILES
Crap. It’s Sam Harris’ office. I
have to take this.
CARA
You’re kidding right?
MILES
(answers, upbeat)
Eric. Hey. Yes, you’ll have the
deck tomorrow as promised. No, it’s
coming along great. No issues
whatsoever. Ok. Thanks.
CARA
You done? Cause I’m guessing
whoever’s up there doesn’t want to
be found and might not be friendly.
MILES
I know that. I’ve got a plan.
They head down a long hallway where they SEE a BRIGHT LIGHT
streaming out from under the frame of a closed door like the
light of God. Tension mounting. Miles calls out --
MILES
Hey! This is Miles Finer. I know
you’re in there. Come out now.
CARA
Good plan.
CARA
Maybe this was a bogus lead.
MILES
Maybe not. Look at this.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 35.
CONTINUED:
CARA
Yeah. It’s Jersey. They’re tacky.
MILES
Or they knew I’d end up here
chasing my tail. That angel might
as well be giving me the middle
finger.
CARA
It’s a baby’s room. They’re
painting over it because they’re
selling the house.
MILES
They’re toying with me.
CARA
You know what I think? I think deep
down you’re afraid this could be
God and that freaks you out.
MILES
No. What freaks me out is someone
with a super computer has intimate
knowledge of me and you and John
Dove and they’re moving me around
like some chess piece on a board.
CARA
Ok. There is that.
JAYA
The food is really good.
RAKESH
Yeah. It is.
His phone BUZZES with a TEXT from Miles. It READS: Good work.
Looks like God was here but we were too late.
JAYA
Important message?
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 36.
CONTINUED:
RAKESH
(looks up)
It’s a friend of mine. He’s in
Jersey looking for God.
JAYA
You’re funny. Most of the guys my
parents set me up with are total
bores.
RAKESH
Why do they do this to us? We are
perfectly capable of making our own
decisions on who we want to fall in
love with. I mean don’t get me
wrong, you’re gorgeous, but I’m
sure there are plenty of other guys
you’d rather be on a date with.
JAYA
Actually, I’m enjoying myself. And
I think you’re pretty cute.
JAYA (CONT’D)
You know what I like to do to get
back at my parents?
RAKESH
What?
JAYA
Things they wouldn’t approve of.
RAKESH
I also like to do those things.
JAYA
Too bad we both live at home.
RAKESH
I know somewhere else we can go.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 37.
CONTINUED:
MILES
Lyft's 4 minutes away. Tina. Ford
Fusion.
MILES (CONT’D)
What?
CARA
It’s weird. I had the same exact
bench on my front porch growing up.
FATHER (O.S.)
It’s time to come in, sweetheart.
YOUNG CARA
Five more minutes, Daddy.
CARA
Every night I’d sit there waiting
for --
MILES
For what?
CARA
Nothing.
MILES
Doesn’t look like nothing.
(off her look)
I’ve been thinking about why I was
sent your name. I saved Dove. Maybe
there’s something they want me to
do for you.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 38.
CONTINUED:
CARA
You’re reaching, Miles. I’m fine.
Miles doesn’t quite believe her. His CELL rings. SEES it’s --
MILES
Rakesh. What’s up?
RAKESH
(through the phone)
You need to get back to your
apartment right now. I think Mr.
Robot hacked your computer again.
MILES
Why are you at my apartment?
RAKESH
(through the phone)
Not important. Stay focused. Your
iPhoto library is on loop and the
same song is playing over and over.
I can’t make it stop.
MILES
What song?
RAKESH
Believer by Imagine Dragons.
MILES
It’s the God account.
Miles, Cara, Rakesh and Jaya stand in front the computer. The
iPhoto slideshow’s on loop. The music still blasting. Jaya
looks to Miles. They speak over the music --
JAYA
(slightly embarrassed)
Your pictures are really great.
MILES
Thanks.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 39.
CONTINUED:
RAKESH
I already tried that. My guess is
they used a smurf attack. How many
times have I told you your wifi
needs to be on WPA-2?
CARA
Just pull the plug.
MILES
No. There has to be a reason
they’re doing this.
RAKESH
(to Miles, re: computer)
How’d you get it to stop?
MILES
I didn’t.
CARA
Where did you get that photo?
MILES
What do you mean? That’s me and my
parents after my mom’s chemo. Why?
CARA
Never mind. I... have to leave.
(off their looks)
I just remembered. I’m on deadline.
MILES
Cara -- wait. What’s wrong?
CARA
Nothing. I just have to go.
RAKESH
What was that all about?
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 40.
CONTINUED: (2)
MILES
I don’t know. She got all weird
when she saw the photo.
RAKESH
Why would that picture upset her?
It’s just you and your parents.
MILES
And my mom’s nurse.
RAKESH
Do you remember her?
MILES
No. I was eight.
RAKESH
Well, she clearly means something
to Cara.
MILES
(conflicted)
There is one person who may know
who she is.
ARTHUR (V.O.)
God is always testing us.
ARTHUR
And we know this from the Book of
James, Chapter One, Verse 12.
‘Blessed is the man who remains
steadfast under trial, for when he
has stood the test, he will receive
the crown of life.’
MILES (O.S.)
Getting ready for Sunday?
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 41.
CONTINUED:
ARTHUR
Miles?
MILES
When I was a kid, I loved to listen
to your sermons. I would sneak in
the back of the Chapel and watch
you practice. Until Mom caught me
and made me do my homework.
ARTHUR
I remember.
ARTHUR (CONT’D)
What are you doing here?
MILES
I need your help with something.
Miles takes out his cell, shows Arthur the PHOTO in question.
MILES (CONT’D)
Do you remember this nurse?
ARTHUR
What’s this about?
Oh, y’know, God friended him on Facebook and now he's trying
to figure out how this girl Cara fits into all this. NBD.
MILES
I just need her name.
Arthur holds his look -- he’s been hoping to see Miles and
now that he’s here he doesn’t want to push --
ARTHUR
Sure, son. Her name is Nicole
Albright. Always stuck with me
because Madeline Albright was
Secretary of State at the same
time.
MILES
Great. Thank you.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 42.
CONTINUED: (2)
ARTHUR
Miles. Wait --
ARTHUR (CONT’D)
Please don’t leave.
Miles can hear the pain in his father’s voice. Turns around.
ARTHUR (CONT’D)
I’ve been meaning to reach out to
you about Sunday. I’d like you to
be there.
MILES
Good thing I showed up so you could
ask.
ARTHUR
I deserve that. I should have
called. I guess I was afraid you’d
say no.
MILES
Or maybe you were afraid of being
judged by everyone for having a son
who doesn’t believe in God.
ARTHUR
How am I supposed to feel about
that, Miles? I’ve devoted my life
to God. And you’re spreading the
notion he doesn’t exist. I know you
think you’re helping people, but
you’re not.
MILES
That’s not true.
ARTHUR
Name one person whose life you’ve
changed?
MILES
It’s called a podcast, Dad. I don’t
have to see the person to know I’m
making a difference.
ARTHUR
You’re taking away people’s hope.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 43.
CONTINUED: (3)
MILES
And you’re lying to them. You say
God’s watching over us but you know
better than anyone that’s not true.
ARTHUR
What I know is that you’re angry.
You don’t think what happened made
me question my faith? But we can’t
keep having this argument.
MILES
Yeah. You’re right about that. I
gotta go, Dad. See you around.
RAKESH
You want to talk about it?
MILES
Not really.
RAKESH
Hey, look at this. Nicole Albright
moved to New York twenty years ago
from Ohio and changed her name.
MILES
What was it before?
RAKESH
Nicole Weiss.
MILES
(holy shit...)
She’s Cara’s mom.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
MILES
Hi. Can I come in?
CARA
Sorry I bolted like that. I’m just
stressed about work.
MILES
I know the nurse in the photo is
your mom.
MILES (CONT’D)
She left home when you were a kid,
didn’t she? That’s who you were
waiting for on the bench.
CARA
I don’t want to talk about this. Go
home, Miles. Finish your Sam Harris
presentation. Forget about the God
Account.
MILES
I can’t. Your mom was in a picture
with my mom. What are the odds?
This has to be the reason they sent
me your name. They want me to help
you find her.
CARA
Miles, you’re wrong.
MILES
How can you say that?
CARA
Because I already found her.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 45.
CONTINUED:
MILES
(taken aback)
When?
CARA
Six weeks ago. I was on the subway.
POP FLASH to Cara on the subway, sitting across from her mom,
NICOLE (50’s).
CARA (CONT’D)
And there she was. Just sitting
across from me.
(then)
You were right. She left home when
I was seven. ‘Few months later she
came back. Told my dad she got
sober. A few months after that she
took off for good. All I knew was
she moved to New York. So after
college I came here looking for
her. But nothing came of it. Until
I saw her that day.
MILES
What did you say to her?
CARA
Nothing. I froze. When she got off
the train, I followed her to St.
Vincent’s park.
POP FLASH to Cara watching her mom across the park. Nicole
sits alone on a bench.
CARA (CONT’D)
I guess I was thinking I’d work up
the courage to say something. But I
couldn’t.
CARA (CONT’D)
I’ve gone back almost every day
since. She’s always there at the
same time. I watch her for a few
minutes, but then lose my nerve.
Ever since I saw her, I can’t
write. Can’t sleep. Drink way too
much.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 46.
CONTINUED: (2)
MILES
Don’t you see. You have to go talk
to her. Things won’t get better
unless you do.
CARA
Why do you care anyway? You just
want to find out who’s behind this.
MILES
That’s not true.
(a beat, then --)
You asked me why I don’t believe in
God. When I was eight my mom had
breast cancer. The doctors told us
she had six months to live. I asked
my father what I could do to help
and he told me to pray. That God
would hear my words. So that’s what
I did. Every day I asked for a
miracle. And then it happened. She
went into full remission. Doctors
couldn’t explain it.
CARA
I don’t understand. If God answered
your prayers, why don’t you
believe?
MILES
Because on the way home from the
hospital, she died in a car
accident.
ON Cara as that lands. She sees the pain his eyes. How this
wound has never healed.
CARA
Oh, Miles. I’m so sorry.
MILES
The only way I could make sense of
it was that there was no God.
Because if there was, that would
mean he’s cruel. And I don’t want
to live in a world governed by
someone like that.
(then)
I don’t know who’s behind this. Or
why they’ve chosen me. But I know
your mom is out there. And you can
still have a relationship with her.
I’d give anything to say the same.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 47.
CONTINUED: (3)
OPEN ON Miles and Cara standing in the park. Kids play on the
playground. Her mom sits on the bench. Cara exhales a nervous
breath. Miles reads the tension in her face.
CARA
That’s her. Dark hair.
MILES
You can do this. I’ll be right
here. Unless I get hungry. Then
I’ll be across the street getting a
churro.
CARA
Hi.
NICOLE
Hello.
NICOLE (CONT’D)
(in disbelief)
Cara?
Hearing her mother say her name causes her eyes to well. The
emotion spilling over.
CARA
Hi, Mom.
NICOLE
How...?
CARA
It’s a long story. I heard you
became a nurse. That’s good.
NICOLE
Cara --
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 48.
CONTINUED:
CARA
Why didn’t you come home?
NICOLE
I tried. But I couldn’t.
CARA
Then you should’ve tried harder. I
grew up thinking you hated me. I
spent years in therapy trying to
figure out what I did wrong. I
deserve a better answer than, “I
tried.”
GIRL (O.S.)
Mom?
GIRL (CONT’D)
Is everything okay?
MILES
Oh, no --
CARA
Guess that answers that.
NICOLE
Cara, wait --
But Cara doesn't stop. Just takes off running. Crosses out of
the park --
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 49.
MILES
Cara! Hold on!
CARA
Leave me alone.
CARA (CONT’D)
Excuse me.
MILES
Cara!
DRIVER
She came outta nowhere --
MILES
-- Call 911!
The Driver nods. Miles checks her pulse -- doesn’t feel one.
MILES (CONT’D)
Oh, no... she's not breathing...
MILES (CONT’D)
What the hell’s taking so long?!
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 50.
CONTINUED:
DRIVER
I’m on hold.
John Dove. The man Miles saved in the teaser. WTF?! They lock
eyes. Both are in shock seeing the other.
MILES
John Dove?
JOHN DOVE
You’re the guy from the subway.
MILES
She got hit. She needs a doctor.
JOHN DOVE
I am a doctor.
Pick up with Miles walking and talking with John Dove. (Note:
Dove doesn’t work at this hospital)
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 51.
CONTINUED:
JOHN DOVE
I spoke with the attending. Cara’s
resting. It wasn’t pretty.
Punctured lung. A couple bruised
ribs. But she’ll be just fine.
MILES
That’s great news.
MILES (CONT’D)
So you just happened to be driving
by at that very moment. No one put
you up to it?
JOHN DOVE
Put me up to what? What are you
talking about?
MILES
Nothing. It’s just a helluva
coincidence, you being a doctor.
JOHN DOVE
Well, technically, I’m not anymore.
(off Miles)
After what happened on the subway,
I decided to take a leave. I had
just lost a patient on the table.
My girlfriend broke up with me. It
was like an avalanche. But when you
pulled me back, I realized I didn’t
want to die.
MILES
That’s good. And for what it’s
worth, you seem like a pretty good
doctor to me.
JOHN DOVE
Thank you, Miles.
MILES
By the way, you weren’t thinking
about patching things up with your
girlfriend, were you?
Off Dove --
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 52.
CONTINUED:
MILES
How are you feeling?
CARA
Like I got hit by a car. Really
hard.
MILES
I thought I lost you there.
CARA
I’m still here -- thanks to you.
(off his look)
You saved John Dove and he saved
me. You know what’d I call that?
MILES
A wild coincidence.
CARA
A grand design.
MILES
The only reason you got hit by that
car is because I got involved in
your life in the first place.
CARA
Miles. What time is it?
MILES
After midnight.
CARA
Your deadline. You didn’t send in
your presentation, did you?
MILES
I couldn’t leave until I knew you
were okay. Besides, it’s just a
podcast.
MILES (CONT’D)
Oh. There’s someone else here to
see you...
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 53.
CONTINUED: (2)
NICOLE
Hi.
CARA
(to Miles)
You called her?
MILES
(nods)
I’ll wait outside.
CARA
No. You stay.
(then to her mom)
What do you want?
NICOLE
I know you hate me. You have every
right to. But you asked me why I
never came home. I did.
(off Cara)
You were in 8th grade. I came to
one of your track meets. You were
running the 400. That was my race
in high school. You won and I saw
you hugging your father. You looked
so happy. I knew your heart had
finally healed. I was afraid if I
came back and things didn’t work
out, it would shatter you forever.
And I couldn’t take that chance. So
I walked away.
NICOLE (CONT’D)
I’ve thought about that moment
every day since. I know I screwed
up. I’m so sorry. But when you’re
ready, I just want you to know, I
want to be a part of your life.
CARA
I’d like that.
Cara holds out her hand. Nicole takes it. Off Miles, watching
this emotional reunion with a sense of pride knowing he
helped make it possible, we --
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 54.
MILES (V.O.)
People say that God has a plan for
all of us. That we’re all part of a
grand design.
MILES
I never believed that to be true.
But then God friended me on
Facebook and it sort of turned my
life upside down -- not that I
think it’s God. But in these topsy-
turvy times we live in, we owe it
to ourselves to ask the tough
questions. And open our minds to a
new way of seeing the world.
MILES (V.O.)
Where old wounds can heal and new
relationships can begin.
NICOLE
Liv, this is your sister, Cara.
CARA
Hi, Liv. It’s nice to meet you.
Liv hugs her tight. Off Cara, relieved. Her heart full.
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 55.
Cara looks up at the HOT BOARD. Sees her name atop of the
charts. Headline of her article reads: When Getting Hit By A
Car Is The Best Thing That Ever Happened To You.
MILES (V.O.)
A place where we can find our voice
again.
NATALIE
Impressive work. Don’t make me wait
six weeks for the next one.
MILES (V.O.)
Where we finally understand our
purpose.
Miles and Cara talk with Stacie (John Dove’s ex), explaining
Cara definitely did NOT sleep with Dove. Stacie gives Cara a
hug. That’s when John Dove walks up. She crosses over to him.
MILES (V.O.)
And rediscover love.
JOHN DOVE
I miss you.
STACIE
I miss you, too.
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 56.
CONTINUED:
MILES (V.O.)
It’s not going to be easy. Change
never is.
MILES (V.O.)
We just need to have the courage to
take the first step.
FADE TO:
MILES
I read your story about finding
your sister. It was really
touching.
CARA
Thank you.
MILES
‘Appreciate you not mentioning the
God account.
CARA
It was never my story to tell.
Besides, I like how you talked
about it on your podcast.
MILES
You’re not the only one.
(off her look)
Apparently, Sam Harris listened to
it and loved it. There’s still an
opening on his channel and he wants
to meet.
CARA
Miles. That’s amazing. I’m really
happy for you.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 57.
CONTINUED:
CARA (CONT'D)
(then)
Actually, I have some news about
your podcast too.
MILES
Oh, yeah? What’s that?
CARA
It occurred to me the person behind
the God account could be one of
your listeners. So I got a list
from Apple. Cross-referenced all
your subscribers with me and Dove.
MILES
You found a connection?
CARA
Yes. But not to us. To you.
As that lands, she shows him her phone and he SEES a photo of
Matthew James, the guy from the CNN report.
MILES
Matthew James. You gotta be kidding
me. We went to high school
together. I just saw him on TV. But
we haven’t spoken in years.
CARA
Well he’s listened to every one of
your podcasts. And that’s not all.
I reached out to a tech blogger in
the Bay Area, turns out he’s
working on a top secret project
called the Faith Initiative. He’s
billing it as AI with a soul.
Holy shit...
MILES
You think he’s using me as some
sort of a test subject.
CARA
That’s what we’re gonna find out.
MILES
We?
CARA
I told you I would help you get to
the bottom of this. And I will.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 58.
CONTINUED: (2)
CARA (CONT'D)
Besides, maybe we’ll do some good
in the process. Actually make a
difference in some people’s lives.
MILES
That wouldn’t be so bad.
CARA
I gotta go. My sister has a soccer
game. Crazy, right? The moment you
hear from the God Account, text me.
MILES
Look both ways before you cross the
street.
She turns and laughs. Miles watches her go. For the first
moment it dawns on him -- he likes her.
Bzz-Bzz. He stops.
He looks up but Cara’s gone. But his face breaks into a smile
knowing she’ll be a part of his life.
And off Miles, the CAMERA slowly PANS UP to the SKY. Perfect
blue. Except for one familiar puffy white cloud...
(CONTINUED)
GOD FRIENDED ME - "PILOT" 59.
CONTINUED:
BOY
Follow me. She’s been waiting for
you.
Miles nods. And we can’t help but wonder -- who “she” is?
MILES (V.O.)
Oh, you thought this was the end of
the story? Well, it’s not. You see,
this part of my journey is just
beginning.
And off Miles, following the boy across the peak and into the
valley below, we --
END PILOT