Charlie Bleeker’s life is unraveling—his writing career is stalled, his ex-wife is a cop who can't resist pulling him over, and his teenage son views him as a failure. When his reckless childhood friend Marcus proposes a dubious investment opportunity in Colombia, Charlie reluctantly agrees, setting off a chain of events that spiral hilariously out of control. From entanglements with a reformed cartel leader-turned-pastry chef to mishaps involving Pablo Escobar's pet rhino, Act One of Pablo’s Rhino introduces a midlife crisis comedy where absurdity reigns and every decision leads to deeper chaos. Starring: Tim Friedlander as the Narrator Jim O'Heir as Charlie, the beleaguered writer seeking redemption Darin Toonder as Marcus, the thrill-seeking trust-fund playboy Jeff Bergman as Sam, a man embracing his true self amidst the madness Wayne Lopez as Pablo Escobar, the notorious crime lord with a surprising new passion Andrea Savo as Lucia, the sharp-witted detective entangled in the chaos Dustin Green and Holden Myers as DEA agents Knowles & Martinez, whose investigative efforts are as misguided as they are comical Keylor Leigh as Audrey, Charlie's no-nonsense ex-wife who keeps him grounded Lynette Coll as Maria Chung Escobar, the formidable power behind the throne Written by Craig Goodwill & Sam Ruano, Pablo’s Rhino is an over-the-top, fast-talking, tequila-soaked thrill ride that blends midlife crises with international escapades, delivering a story as unpredictable as it is entertaining. Official Table Read Merch: https://thetablereadpodcast.myshopify.com/
Chapter 1: What is the setup of Charlie's life?
Pablo's Rhino. Written by Craig Goodwill and Sam Ruano. Inspired by a true story. Fade in. Exterior Pacific Coast Highway, California. Day 2003. A sensible Volvo cruises down an open stretch of California highway. Windows are rolled down. Wouldn't it be nice plays over the stereo. We move in closer for a look at the driver. Interior, exterior, Charlie's Volvo, day. Good old Charlie Bleeker, 42.
A middle-aged white guy in a short-sleeved button-down collar shirt and brown tie. Handsome if he tried harder. Charlie hums along with his hands gripped firmly at 10 and 2.
That was Wouldn't It Be Nice by our very own Beach Boys. You've got it tuned to the dial that makes you smile. Time for On This Day. We look back at 1993, making headlines. Ten years ago today, the space shuttle Endeavor launches. Notorious drug cartel leader Pablo Escobar was gunned down by the Ferales. And Canadian reggae was topping the charts with Snows and
Informer by Snow comes on. Charlie knows every word. Kinda.
Did you guys learn nothing from the last thing I did here?
Several car lengths behind him, we see a cherry red convertible. The driver is a beautiful sun-kissed surfer girl. Her surfboard is propped up in the passenger seat. She pulls up alongside Charlie, catching and bopping along, and smiles. Charlie's sunglasses flip down unintentionally, but it gets him a laugh. He plays it cool.
She gestures with her hand, mimicking a surfboard, as if to say, do you surf? Charlie raises a coy eyebrow. Doesn't everybody win? An 18-wheeler pulls up behind Charlie and honks for him to speed up. Charlie crooks an eyebrow at the surfer girl who bites her lower lip and beckons him to follow. She drives off. He steps on the gas but quickly swerves to avoid the truck that just cut him off.
Now he's stuck staring at this jerk's giant bumper sticker that reads, move it or lose it. Charlie honks. He tries to pass, but the truck blocks him at every turn. The trucker chuckles and flips him the bird.
Oh, you want to play?
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Chapter 2: How does Charlie's encounter with his ex-wife unfold?
A cop car is pulled up in front of him. Behind the wheel is a no-nonsense female cop, 38, we will come to know as Audrey, Charlie's ex-wife. She exits and approaches. Charlie curses his life.
Unbelievable. Were you following me?
License and registration.
Seriously, no.
What am I gonna say?
I have no idea what you're going to say.
Then why'd you roll your eyes?
Why were you following me? She lowers her mirrored sunglasses and peeks in the back seat. We see a pile of accounting for dummies type of books with Charlie's nerdy face on the cover.
Is this how you drive when you're with our son?
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Chapter 3: Why is Charlie's career in jeopardy?
The warning is this, Charlie. Stay in your lane, or you might get hurt.
Are we done?
Oh, we are so done. And don't forget about Ben's career day. He's expecting you.
Charlie salutes her and drives off. Cut to interior, Terrence Coleman's mansion day. A wall of mounted animal heads stare down at Charlie. They've all been stuffed to look like they're smiling. Charlie stares at a mount that has a mirror in place of a head. Beneath it is an engraved plaque that reads, You could be next.
Charlie turns to meet Terrence Coleman, 70s, an imposing man in a smoking jacket with a rifle tucked under one arm.
Hello, Terrence. How's my number one author doing, huh? Another bestseller in the works? Oh, yeah, yeah. I got loads of new ideas.
Terrence holds up a finger to gesture he's on a call. We notice he has an earpiece in. Charlie shuffles awkwardly.
Splendid. Can't wait to read.
Terrance hands Charlie the rifle. I'm not really into... Charlie holds it like a dead fish.
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Chapter 4: What unexpected event happens at Sam's party?
Hey, Chuck. Looks like I stole your spot again.
Sorry, Dad. She kind of just showed up. I tried stalling. You really should have been here sooner.
Ben runs off after his friends, leaving Charlie alone. Cut to exterior, Tropicalli Club, night. A bouncer lets a few people in through the double doors past a sign that reads, closed for private event.
Oh, Stacy and I are, well, we're just so happy to have our friends and family here.
Interior, Tropicalli Club, night. Sam, 41, stylish with boyish good looks, gives a speech while Stacy, 38, his frisky and perpetually drunk new fiance, keeps fondling his ass, making it even tougher for him to speak.
To help us celebrate our, oh, engagement like, like this and, well, we, we look forward to seeing you at,
Stacy sloppily nibbles on Sam's ear.
The crowd cheers for the story until he relents.
Well, okay, we were walking back to my place, a little tipsy and exhausted, so I turned to Stacy and I said, will you carry me?
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Chapter 5: How does Marcus propose his investment opportunity?
I've been living a lie. Charlie and Marcus exchange a look, a beat, they crack up.
So you guys knew? How? I only figured it out a couple of months ago. Who told you? Well, let's see. Your parents, teachers, mailman. Coach Riley, Pastor Tim, Shalumba, that foreign exchange kid back in eighth grade.
A barman comes over and whispers into Marcus's ear. He downs his drink and makes his way towards the kitchen.
You know how hard it was for me to admit? Oh, relax. Gay is the new black. Just ask Charlie's gay black wife. Yeah, the only reason we never said anything was because it seemed like such a big deal to you. So wait, this entire time I could have been just proud and loud.
Refill? Sam holds up two fingers. OK, I better go see where Marcus ran off to. Charlie makes his way to the kitchen. He's about to push through the swinging doors when he sees Marcus through the portal window in a heated discussion with two South American 40 mob guys. One of them shoves Marcus up against the wall before exiting past Charlie. Marcus sucks in his gut and follows them out.
Sure, yup, I'll call ya. What was that all about? That? Just one of my backers telling me he's, uh, he's back.
Sam walks up to them waving an empty glass.
Hey, here's the man of the hour.
Marcus throws an arm around both of them.
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Chapter 6: What is Carla's unusual method of teaching?
Charlie throws Carla a look.
What are you doing here anyway?
Well, I came by to tell Ben I won't be able to take him to the Civil War reenactment this weekend. Turns out I need to work.
The Ci- Okay. So first you almost kill our son, and now you're bailing on him. That's pretty low, even for you.
Charlie takes a knee. Ben doesn't want to show he's really not all that disappointed.
No. That's okay. I understand. I mean, since it's for work. Well, the pressure's on, but look, I'll make it up to you. All right, bud. So, I mean, is it okay then if Carla chaperones a camping trip with the other dads from school?
This one cuts deep, but Charlie concedes for Ben's sake.
The camping trip. He forgot? Yeah, absolutely. I just want you to have fun. Just don't let her tie you to any trees.
Ben nods and they hug before Charlie heads back to his car.
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