Loyalty

"Loyalty" is the fourth episode of *Life With a Voice Actor* (season one). It was performed on February 13th, 2021 as the second segment of Show LXVIII. It has not yet been released on the podcast.

Written by Jerome Wetzel

Directed by Nick Arganbright

Previous episode: "The Bathroom Remodel"

Next episode: "Couple's Counseling"

## **The Story**

As this episode begins, Terry La Fontaine has accepted Jerry La Fontaine's animated acting role, but Jerry left him anyway. Terry has lunch with his friend, Marti Knox, and laments about it. Terry complains that he did everything for Jerry, and Jerry would be nothing without Terry, but does admit that he's been a bully. Marti takes Terry's side after every statement, clearly not liking Jerry, and equally clearly very into Terry, at one point even calling him a god that should be worshipped. That makes Terry uncomfortable. Marti says Terry needs someone who isn't the best so he can make them the best because he has so much to give to this world. Terry says she's right, deciding to march up to Jerry and make him see how good they had it. Marti would rather Terry make her see him.

In a producer interview, Jerry feels empowered after the breakup. He still loves Terry, but they're supposed to be equals, and Terry acts like a show mom. If Terry wants Jerry back, Terry will need to treat him like a person, not a project, and give him a sincere apology for the lemon water stunt.

Emily Cooper and Victoria Callihan have lunch and talk about the La Fontaines. Emily and Victoria commiserate about their too-supportive spouses. When Emily asks if Victoria is thinking of leaving Ben Callihan, she says of course not because the bathroom remodel isn't finished and she has no personal income. Emily brings up that the show pays them, but Victoria calls it crass to talk about the show on the show. Emily wonders if Terry will be fired from the show, and Victoria says they should hook Terry up with another voice actor to make sure he isn't. Things get a little tense when they disagree over what being a friend is, as Emily thinks friends should be supportive, but Victoria says that's husbands and friends should interfere. Victoria worries Emily will blow up again.

Another producer interview has Jerry asked about Terry's good qualities. Jerry says he has many but struggles to think of any right now. Maybe he cares too much?

At Fact Broke Studios, Ben and Logan Cooper wonder where Jerry is, as it's not like him to be late to work. Fred Stanley comes in excited to meet them, having just been hired this morning. He reveals that he's playing Bazzle, which is Jerry's role. This upsets Ben. The director, Laura Fennell, arrives and tells them to take their places. She says Jerry had a scheduling conflict and they'll loop him in later, but Fred is being paid to sub in today. Ben doesn't like this, and stops a scene they red about friends being loyal, saying it feels wrong. Laura makes them continue.

In another producer interview, Jerry says he hopes he and Terry can work things out, but the chasm seems wide. The producer asks if the fact that Jerry may be let go from the show if they don't reconcile factors into his decision. Jerry asks if he's being fired. The producer says nothing has been decided yet, but asks if that *would* factor in. Jerry is at a loss for words.

A short time later, outside the studio where the interviews are conducted, Jeryr runs into Terry and Marti. Marti asks if Jerry said nasty things about Terry during his interview. Jerry, who doesn't like her, says it's none of her business. Terry asks Marti to give them a minute, and while Jerry says that isn't necessary, Terry begs and Jerry agrees. Marti is reluctant to go until Terry gets firm, which she really likes. The cameras can't be sent away, per their contracts.

Terry apologizes to Jerry, saying he loves him and got carrier away. Jerry asks if Terry loves him or managing him? Terry says he really loves Jerry and agrees that he can't keep treating Jerry the way he has been. Terry says he'll do whatever Jerry wants if Jerry gives him another chance. Jerry asks if Terry is only saying this because they'll be fired if they don't get back together. Terry is confused, having been offered a contract extension that morning, and didn't know Jerry's job was in jeopardy, expressing real sympathy. Jerry says if Terry isn't being pressured, he's willing to give their marriage another try.

In a producer interview, the producer asks why Jerry decided to take Jerry back. Jerry says Ben told him about the recast and isn't throwing his career away just because Terry is an asshole.

## **Guest Starring**

* Rachel Cagle as Marti Knox
* Wayne Jay as Fred Stanley
* Megan Overholt as Laura Fennell

## **Trivia**

* Last names were not given for Marti and and Laura in the episode. Per Jerome, all of the following is true:
	+ Fennell is for writer/director/performer Emerald Fennell.
	+ Marti Knox is for writer/producer Marti Noxon, who is likely a lovely person and not at all like the character, hence the spelling difference. Knox could also be short for Noxious, which the character is.