This is my version of "Esther... The Girl Who Became Queen". Special thanks goes to user Jordangaming101 (who also programed a loose interpretation of my version of the episode "The End of Silliness?") for typing up the opening and closing countertop sequences. These will be used as part of my re-write (See Trivia below). I ask that you please do not re-write what I'll be typing up. Enjoy reading!
OPENING LOGOS
2000 Original logos -
- Big Idea "Why we do what we do" full logo
- Big Idea presents logo
Current version logos -
- Dreamworks Animation SKG logo
- Big Idea presents logo
COUNTERTOP 1 (Introduction)
NOTE: This opening countertop was written by Jordangaming101.
(As soon as the theme song ends, the screen fades from black revealing Mr. Nezzer and Mr. Lunt on the countertop.)
Mr. Nezzer: Hey kids, and welcome to "VeggieTales"! I'm Mr. Nezzer.
Mr. Lunt: And I'm Mr. Lunt.
Mr. Nezzer: And we're here to answer your questions.
Mr. Lunt: Yep.
Mr. Nezzer: (After a brief moment of silence) I bet you're wondering where Bob and Larry are.
Mr. Lunt: You see, they're currently shooting their first scenes for our very first theatrical film. We can't tell you any more than that, but you'll find out more about it in our next show! In the meantime, we've agreed to fill in for the two while they're away.
Mr. Nezzer: Now, today's letter comes from Eric Smith of Utica, Michigan, who's just started 9th grade, and has a little bit of trouble fitting in. (pauses) I don't blame you, Eric. I remember my first time in high school. (another pause) Anyways, Eric says that there's a very mean teacher in his Algebra class, who constantly picks on one of his friends. Now, Eric wants to help his friend and tell the principal, but he doesn't want to get in trouble for lying. What should he do?
Mr. Lunt: Yikes, that sounds like a big problem! Do you suppose we have a story that talks about this situation?
Mr. Nezzer: As a matter of fact, we do. Remember? We both star in it, after all!
Mr. Lunt: Oh, that's right.
Mr. Nezzer: Well, Eric, sit back and prepare to be amazed at the story of "Esther... The Girl Who Became Queen"!
(Screen fades to black)
Prologue ("ESTHER... THE GIRL WHO BECAME QUEEN")
(A sad somber trumpet plays as the screen fades from black revealing the outside of a palace in Persia at night)
Narrator: A wiseman once said not to be afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some of greatness thrust upon him.
(Scene switches to the outside windows of the palace, where Mr. Lunt, in silhouette, knocks on the door of the Queen's bedroom.)
Queen Vashti (Off-screen): (Wakes up groaning) Who is it?
Mr. Lunt/Haman (As a silhouette): Um... Your highness? Uh... (Queen Vashti turns on her bedroom light) The king was wondering... if you could make him a sandwich.
(Queen Vashti answers the door, in silhouette.)
Queen Vashti: It's three o'clock [3:00] in the morning.
Haman: Uh... Yeah. But uh... he says that he's the king and whatever he says goes.
Queen Vashti: Well I'm the queen, and the king can make his own sandwich. (Slams the door and shuts off the light)
Mr.Lunt/Haman: Okay.
(Mr. Lunt throws Queen Vashti out of the palace)
[THUD!]
Queen Vashti (Outraged, her face isn't shown): (Mr. Lunt slams the door on her) You can't do this to me! I'm the queen!
Mr.Lunt/Haman: (Opens the door) Oh-ho, you wanna bet? (Throws a suitcase at Queen Vashti, but she ducks and misses) The king can do whatever he wants! (Mr. Nezzer appears at the door) He's the king. (Queen Vashti gives a "Hmph!" expression and leaves) And don't come back!
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: Don't you think that might have been a little harsh?
Mr.Lunt/Haman: Oh, no way. If she got away with that, no one would listen to you.
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: Well, What am I gonna do now?
Mr. Lunt/Haman: It looks like we're gonna have to find you a new queen.
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: Hmm. Make me a sandwich. (Hops back to his room)
(The screen fades revealing the outside view again)
Narrator: This is the story of a great person. It's hard to say whether our hero was born that way, or was just placed in the right place at the right time and decided to to the right thing. I suppose you could be the judge of that. Oh, and one more thing, our hero isn't a king. Just an ordinary girl.
(The camera zooms to the palace as night turns to day. As this happens, subtitles say "Big Idea Productions Presents", and then the episode's title is revealed. A rooster crow can be heard in the "Heroes of the Bible!" version as night turns to day.)
The Marketplace/Esther gets taken away ("ESTHER... THE GIRL WHO BECAME QUEEN")
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Now wait a minute, wait a minute, Essie.
Esther: Yeah?
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Let me see if I got this. You saw your friend steal an apple.
Esther: Yeah, that's right.
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Now, it wasn't hers, but she took it.
Esther: Yep.
Pa Grape/Mordecai: And now you don't know what to do.
Esther: Yeah what should I do?
(Sheep baas in the background)
Pa Grape/Mordecai: What do you think you should do?
Esther: Well, uh. I suppose I tell her it was wrong and that she should pay for it.
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Sounds like a good answer!
Esther: Yeah but I'm...I'm too scared.
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Esther.
Esther: Yeah, Cousin Mordecai?
Pa Grape/Mordecai: How long have I been your cousin?
Esther: Well, uh... pretty much forever.
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Eh, give or take. Have I ever steered you wrong?
Esther: Well, no I guess.
Pa Grape/Mordecai: You never need to be afraid to do what's right. Do you remember that song your grandmother used to sing?
Esther: Um... You mean the one about God being on our side and not having to be afraid? Yeah, I remember that one.
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Good.
Esther: But what if she doesn't want to be my friend anymore?
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Oh, Essie. You can do the right thing, and there are problems out there, a lot bigger than stolen apples.
(Mr. Lunt comes with his car, with the peas hopping in place of wheels.)
Pa Grape/Mordecai: (Gasps) Like that one! It's Haman [Hay-man]! That guy hates me! I gotta get scarce! (Hides behind the bulletin board)
Crony Pea: Ahem! Make way for Haman, the king's right hand man!
Mr. Lunt/Haman: (Jumps on the trunk, which opens, and Haman lands on the roof of the wagon and smiles.) Hello people of Persia! His royal highness, King Xerxes [Zer-ck-sis], finds himself for reasons that do not concern you, in need of a new queen! (Crowd gasps) So, I would like to ask all eligible young ladies to please come with me! (Opens the wagon door and four of the ladies in the square get inside. Esther tries to get away, but Haman notices her) Um, young lady? That means you!
Esther: If it's all the same to be king, I think I'd rather stay right here.
Mr. Lunt/Haman: I did not ask you if you were interested. The king needs a queen. (Jumps in the driver seat) Get in the wagon.
Pa Grape/Mordecai: (Pops his head out) Um, Essie. For your own good, you should probably go!
Esther: What, but I? (To Mr. Lunt) Sir, I need to stay here so I can take of my-
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Shhhh!
Mr. Lunt/Haman (Questioning Esther): Did you shush me?
Pa Grape/Mordecai: What? No, (Gets out from behind the bulletin board) I was shushing-
Mr.Lunt/Haman: Hey I know you. You're Mordecai.
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Hello, Haman.
Mr. Lunt/Haman: You can call me "sir"! You know, we both work for the king. But compared to me, you are a g-nat!
Pa Grape/Mordecai: There's a G, silent. It's "gnat" [nat].
Mr. Lunt/Haman (Offended): Are you calling me a g-nat?!
Pa Grape/Mordecai: No! Just correcting your pronunciation.
Mr. Lunt/Haman (Angry): (Jumps out of the driver's seat) ARE YOU CALLING ME STUPID?!
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Uh, no!
Mr. Lunt/Haman (Angry): (To Esther) YOU, GET IN THE WAGON! (To Pa Grape/Mordecai) YOU, BOW TO ME!
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Uh... no!
Mr. Lunt/Haman (Angry): BOW!
Pa Grape/Mordecai (Defensive): No!
Mr. Lunt/Haman (Angry): BOW!
Pa Grape/Mordecai (Angry): No!
Mr. Lunt/Haman (Angry): BOW!
Pa Grape/Mordecai (Angry): I bow to no one except my God and my king!
Mr. Lunt/Haman (Angry): Hrrrrrggg! Get in the wagon!
Esther: But I want to stay with my-
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Shhh!
Mr. Lunt/Haman (Angry): DID YOU SHUSH ME AGAIN?!
Pa Grape/Mordecai: No! Oy! Essie, go. I'll explain later!
(Esther gets in the wagon and Haman backs up the truck as the door closes. A crash is heard, along with a woman scream, then the truck drives forwards, and out of the village.)
Mr. Lunt/Haman: Mark my words, old man! One of these days!
(Screen wipes over to King Xerxes's palace at night)
Balcony Scene 1 ("ESTHER... THE GIRL WHO BECAME QUEEN")
(Pa Grape is shown on some vines and he is calling for Esther)
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Essie, Essie, are you there?
Esther (Panicking): Cousin Mordecai? Mordecai, what's go-
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Shhhh! Okay, okay. Sorry about all the shushing. But look, Haman hates us, hates our whole family. If he knew I was your cousin, he'd hate you too. And then, you could be in grave danger! Esther, you mustn't let anyone here know that you're a part of our family.
Esther: But I don't even want to be here. Why do I have to be here?
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Oh, Essie. I don't know the future. But God does. Maybe there's a reason. I'll come visit you again.
(Climbs down the tower)
"Tell me why" ("ESTHER... THE GIRL WHO BECAME QUEEN")
Esther: ♪Tell me why I don't understand.♪
♪Tell me why, or show me your hand.♪
♪Tell me why because I can't see my way through, what now should I do?♪♪
(The camera pulls away from Esther as the screen fades to black)
"Lost Puppies" ("ESTHER... THE GIRL WHO BECAME QUEEN")
NOTE: My version uses "Lost Puppies" in its full uncut length. Click here or here to listen to the uncut version of the song.
("Lost Puppies" starts to play, and after the first four seconds, the black screen cuts to Miss Achmetha on a stage singing the song as she plays her accordion.)
Miss Achmetha: ♪Puppies are cuddly, puppies are cute. They're never nasty or mean.♪
♪I'd give a home to all the lost puppies, if ever one day I were queen.♪
♪Puppies, puppies, bouncing happy puppies. Puppies, puppies of love.♪
(Mr. Lunt and Mr. Nezzer look unamused and shake their heads in disapproval)
♪Puppies, puppies, tender puppy puppies. Lost puppies, I love you, love, love.♪
♪Puppies are cuddly, puppies are cute. They're never nasty or mean. (Sniffles)♪
♪I'd give a home to all the lost puppies, If ever ONE DAY I WERE QUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNN!!!!!!!!!!♪♪
(Her screeching long note shatters the glass windows. Microphone feedback is heard after which.)
Arf!
(Cricket chirps are heard as Mr. Nezzer and Mr. Lunt look dumbfounded)
Esther comes on stage ("ESTHER... THE GIRL WHO BECAME QUEEN")
(Scallion #1, who plays the announcer, hops up to the mic in the middle of the stage and talks into it.)
Scallion #1/Host (Embarrassed): Yes, that was contestant number thirty-seven [#37] Miss Achmetha [Ack-me-th-a].
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: What am I gonna do with all those dogs? (Mr. Nezzer pulls out a thumb down sign, then Mr. Lunt pulls out a thumb down sign. After which, the king bellows) Next!
(Miss Achmetha goes away, offended.)
Scallion #1/Host: Ah, yes. Ahem. Now, all the way from Babylon, home of the hanging gardens... Miss Babylon!
(The camera flies to the left end of the stage, where spotlights shine and a fanfare is heard. Then, the camera flies back to Scallion #1, who is waiting for Esther to come out. The same fanfare plays again, only with just one trumpet. Scallion #1 then hops to the left of the stage.)
Scallion #1/Host (Whispering): Go ahead.
Esther: (Pops her head out from behind a curtain) What am I supposed to do again?
Scallion #1/Host: A song. You're supposed to sing a song. Didn't you prepare anything?
Esther: I guess I wasn't expecting to get this far.
Scallion #1/Host: Well, please! Sing something. You're making me look bad.
(Mr. Nezzer starts looking impatient)
Esther: Let's see.
Pa Grape (In Esther's thoughts): Do you remember that song your grandmother used to sing?
Esther: (Finally gets an idea) Okay I got something. (She nods at someone off-screen, telling the band to play "The Battle Prelude".)
"The Battle Prelude" ("ESTHER... THE GIRL WHO BECAME QUEEN")
(Esther hops up to the mic and gracefully sings into it)
Esther: ♪The battle is not ours. We look to God above.♪
♪For he will guide us safely through and guard us with his love.♪
(As Esther sings in front of the king, Scallion #1 smiles in delight. Then the camera rotates around Esther during the second half of the song.)
♪So do not be afraid. We need not run and hide.♪
♪For there is nothing we can't face when God is at our side.♪♪
(After the song ends, Mr. Nezzer and Mr. Lunt give a thumbs up by raising their "thumb up" signs at the same time.)
Scallion #1 (Crying happily): Oh yes! (Shouts into the mic) We have a new queen! (Turns back to Esther) What's your name, dear? (Esther whispers her name into Scallion #1's ear, although her whispering isn't heard.) Your majesty, Haman, I present to you... Queen Esther!
(Scallion #2 and Scallion #3 hand Scallion #1 a pillow with a tiara on it, then Scallion #1 places it on her head as she gets her picture taken. Then we fade back to the balcony of the tower. Although Esther won, she still feels down and takes off her tiara.)
Balcony Scene 2 ("ESTHER... THE GIRL WHO BECAME QUEEN")
The Peaoni Brothers ("ESTHER... THE GIRL WHO BECAME QUEEN")
"Haman's Song" ("ESTHER... THE GIRL WHO BECAME QUEEN")
Balcony Scene 3 ("ESTHER... THE GIRL WHO BECAME QUEEN")
(After the song ends, Pa Grape/Mordecai hops by the bulletin board)
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Huh? (Notices his picture and hops back) What's this? (Sees his edict and takes it off to show Esther) Oy! (Hops back to the balcony as fast as he could) Essie!
(The screen fades back to the balcony with Esther, who hears Mordecai shouting as he climbs up.)
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Essie! Essie!
Esther: Cousin Mordecai? What is it?
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Oh, he's done it! He's finally done it!
Esther: Who? Done what?
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Look! (Shows Esther Mordecai's edict)
Esther: What's this?
Pa Grape/Mordecai: It's an edict! In just a few days, all of us, our whole family will be sent to the Island of Perpetual Tickling!
Esther (Outraged): What!? Who... who did this!?
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Oh, who do you think? Haman! I told you he hates us! Hates our whole family! And now he's done it! He got the king to sign this, and... and... we'll all be banished!
Esther: Oh! What are you going to do?
Pa Grape/Mordecai: That's just it, I can't do anything. I'm just a guard. (Then realizes Esther is the queen) But you! You're the queen.
Esther: What do you mean?
Pa Grape/Mordecai: You must go to him! You must go to the king!
Esther: WHAT!? Don't you know what happens to people who appear before the king uninvited?
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Esther...
Esther: Remember the Peaoni brothers?
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Esther, there is no other way! You are the only one who can stop this!
Esther (Frustrated): No! No, I'm not not gonna, I... (Takes off her tiara and slams it down in frustration) I didn't even want to be the queen! Look, you're smart, Mordecai. Think of another way.
Pa Grape/Mordecai: Esther, there is no other way.
Esther (Frustrated): I... I wasn't even brave enough to go to my friend about the apple. And... and now you want me to go to the king? Even if he doesn't banish me for showing up, why would he listen to me? I mean, Haman is his right-hand man!
Pa Grape/Mordecai: I can't tell you what to do, but I can tell you this. You wanted to know why you were here. Why you became queen. I told you God must have a reason. Esther, perhaps he put you here for such a time as this. Perhaps this is the reason! Esther, you never have to be afraid to do what's right. I'll pray for you. We'll all pray for you.
(As soon as Mordecai climbs down the vines, "Tell me why" starts to play.)
"The Battle is not ours" ("ESTHER... THE GIRL WHO BECAME QUEEN")
Esther: ♪Tell me why I don't understand.♪
♪Tell me why, or show me your hand.♪
♪Tell me why because I can't see my way through, what now should I do?♪
(The music begins to alter with notes playing "The Battle Prelude" in the background, with drums banging to the beat of the score as Esther puts her tiara back on.)
♪The battle is not ours. We look to God above.♪
♪For he will guide us safely through and guard us with his love.♪
♪I will not be afraid! I will not run and hide!♪
(Esther starts showing a little bit more of a smile at this point)
♪For there is nothing I can't face when God is at my side.♪
♪No, there is nothing I can't face when God is at my side.♪
(The sun starts to rise and Esther starts feeling a little more courageous and confident as she watches the sunrise.)
♪The battle is not ours. We look to God above.♪
♪For he will guide us safely through and guard us with his love.♪♪
Esther shows up uninvited ("ESTHER... THE GIRL WHO BECAME QUEEN")
(Screen fades from the balcony to the outside of the castle during morning. Then fading to Esther heading to the king in his courtroom.)
Narrator: Another one of them wise guys once said, that in a moment of truth, a great person doesn't have to think much about what they're going to say or do. They just speak and do what's right. Esther knew what she had to do was right, so, she figured she didn't have to be nervous. (Esther looks back, debating whether to go for it or not.) Alright, so she was a little nervous, but give her a break.
Larry: Hi queen. (Opens the door and enters)
(Behind Mr. Nezzer and Mr. Lunt's backs, Esther actually is frustrated without them noticing. This is because she wasted her chance to expose Haman to the king. Then the screen fades to the outside of the castle at night.)
A dinner at Esther's place ("ESTHER... THE GIRL WHO BECAME QUEEN")
Narrator: Now, don't get me wrong. Showing up uninvited before his highness is a very brave thing to do. But telling the king that his right hand man is a weasel is especially difficult. What if he doesn't believe her?
(We fade to inside Esther's place, and the camera flies to the right, where we see all sorts of Chinese food lined up on a table. It stops as we see Mr. Nezzer and Mr. Lunt playing "Trivial Pursuit")
If the weasel stays, well, let's just say it wouldn't be so hot for our girl.
(Esther hops up to Mr. Nezzer and Mr. Lunt with a platter full of soft drinks in cups with straws)
No. Esther was looking for just the right moment to spring the news on him.
Mordecai Confronts Haman at the gates ("ESTHER... THE GIRL WHO BECAME QUEEN")
Mr. Lunt/Haman:
(Pa Grape sighs and just hops to another part of the gate, trying to ignore Mr. Lunt.)
You know, it wouldn't be too hard to show me that you like me. Just a little bow, that's all. Is that so hard? (A tea kettle whistle is heard as Pa Grape is about to lose his temper.) Who knows? I'm a very influential guy. I might be able to work something out for you and your family.
Pa Grape/Mordecai (Finally loses it): ARROGANCE IS NOT FITTING FOR A FOOL, HAMAN! MUCH LESS IS LYING (Mr. Lunt drops his Trivial Pursuit cards in shock) FITTING FOR A RIGHT-HAND MAN! I WILL NEVER BOW TO YOU, HAMAN!
Mr. Lunt/Haman (Angry): (Angrily grunts) OH YEAH!? WELL THEN MAYBE THIS "FOOLISH RIGHT-HAND MAN" CAN ARRANGE FOR YOU TO TAKE YOUR TRIP TO TICKLE TOWN TONIGHT! (Storms off)
(Pa Grape gets horrified of what Mr. Lunt will do to him. Then the camera focuses on the floating card flipping over revealing the answer "Janet Jackson".)
Haman's parade idea ("ESTHER... THE GIRL WHO BECAME QUEEN")
(We cut over to Mr. Nezzer's bedroom. Mr. Nezzer his shown in bed wearing a red nightcap resembling a jester's hat.)
Larry (Reading the scroll he wrote): "Nine-twenty-eight A-M [9:28am], King puts on his slippers and brushes teeth". "Nine-thirty-two [9:32am], King cuts himself shaving.".
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: Ouch. I remember that one. How about something more recent? You got anything more recent? (Larry rolls the scroll up more) Thanks again for doing this. You know, it really does help me sleep.
Larry: "One-forty [1:40pm], King is joined by Haman in the throne room.".
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: I really like it when you read me these records. I guess you could say it's the story of me.
Larry: "One-forty-five [1:45pm], Haman leaves to get Queen." "One-forty-seven [1:47pm], Chef arrives with Wedding Cake.". "One-fifty [1:50pm], King stands up to eat cake.".
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes (Excited): Ooh, this is a good one! Excitement! Drama!
Larry: "One-fifty-one [1:51pm], The King's life is saved by the guard, Mordecai.". "One-fifty-two [1:52pm]"...
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: Wait, wait, wait! Did you say Mordecai saved my life? He's that little grape with the mustache, right?
Larry: Uh, yep.
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: Mordecai, huh? Did we ever do anything to thank him for that?
Larry: Uh, nope.
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: That's a shame. Maybe I oughta give him a card or something. You know, to show my appreciation for him. (Hears Haman knocking on his door) I wish I were more creative with things like that. Come in!
Mr. Lunt/Haman: (Opens the door) King, I have a most urgent request! I'm wondering if you can...
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait a minute, there, Haman! Let me ask you something. I need a little creative advice.
Mr. Lunt/Haman: Uh... okay. What is it?
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: Okay, there's this really great guy that I really wanna thank. You know, show him my appreciation for something he did. You got any ideas?
Mr. Lunt/Haman: (Smiles) Oh, heh. Well, King, I'm flattered. I...
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: I was thinking of a card or something.
Mr. Lunt/Haman: Oh no no! No, cards are nice and all, but this sounds like a very special guy.
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: Uh-huh.
Mr. Lunt/Haman: It sounds like the kind of guy who deserves a... a parade!
(As soon as Mr. Lunt brings this up, parade music plays in the background.)
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: A parade? Hmm...
Mr. Lunt/Haman: Yeah! (Hops out of the room) I think this guy should be dressed royal robes, (Hops to the left, then to the right of the hallway outside the doorway) And be marched through the whole city on your horse! (Hops back to the middle of the door frame) And... and-and maybe you should even let him wear one of your crowns.
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: I guess he is pretty special.
Mr. Lunt/Haman: And one of your most noble princes should lead this man through the streets proclaiming, "This is a really neat guy! The king really likes him! He's brave and has ragged good looks!"!
(One the final notes of the score, Mr. Lunt smiles. Then during the quiet triangle solo at the end, Larry blinks.)
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: You see Haman, you're the creative one around here. What would I do without you?
Mr. Lunt/Haman: (Bows his head down) Well, you know. Thank you, your highness. I...
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: All those things you mentioned, every last one, do that for the good guard Mordecai.
(Mr. Lunt gets shocked as Mr. Nezzer mentions Mordecai)
The guy who saved my life.
(Mr. Lunt squeals)
And you'll be the one to go with him on that parade okay?
(Mr. Lunt squeals)
I knew I could count on you. Lucky thing you dropped by. Now, what was it you wanted?
(Mr. Lunt squeals)
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes (Getting sleepy): You know, maybe you should just ask me tomorrow. I'm getting kind of sleepy. Good night.
(Larry slams the door on Haman on the last note of the score)
Narrator: They say that pride comes before a fall. It looks like nobody told that to Haman.
(We fade to the front doors of the castle)
But if Mordecai, Esther, and their whole family are gonna be saved, Esther's gotta come through. And she's only got one more chance.
(With the camera staying at the front doors, night fades to day with birds tweeting. Then day fades to night.)
Esther finally shows courage (Classic) ("ESTHER... THE GIRL WHO BECAME QUEEN")
NOTE: This is the classic version of Esther finally standing up to Haman. If you'd rather see the extended version of this scene, ignore this version and scroll down.)
(We then cut over to the front of Esther's place, where she and Mr.Nezzer/King Xerxes are having pizza.)
Esther: I wonder where Haman could be?
Pa Grape/Mordecai (Off-screen): See you, Haman! Thanks for the parade! (Laughs)
Mr. Lunt/Haman: Laugh all you want (Opens the door), you won't be laughing tomorrow! (Evilly laughs, but then stops.) No wait, you will. Oh, never mind. (Turns to Esther and Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes) Hi. Sorry I'm late. (Closes the door)
Esther: The real reason I called both of you here again tonight is to... (Starts feeling nervous) is to... to...
Pa Grape (In Esther's thoughts): Esther, you never have to be afraid to do what's right. I'll pray for you. We'll all pray for you.
(With that thought, Esther finally shows courage and asserts herself.)
Esther: Your highness, someone is plotting against my family. Tomorrow, my people and I will be banished to the Island of Perpetual Tickling!
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: What? Banish my queen? Who would dare?
Esther (Angry at Mr. Lunt): It's Haman!
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes (Questioning Mr. Lunt): Is this true?
Mr. Lunt/Haman: I don't know what she's talking about. She's crazy!
Esther: It is true!
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: (To Esther) Can you prove this charge?
Mr. Lunt/Haman: I'm telling you, she's making it up!
(Esther shows Mr. Nezzer the Edict paper)
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: Wait a minute, that's Mordecai. I just gave him a parade.
Esther: Mordecai is my cousin. His family is MY family!
(Mr. Lunt squeals)
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes (Angry): You had me banished a man who saved my life and my new queen?!
(Mr. Lunt squeals again)
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes (Angry): For your punishment Haman, you're the one who should to be sent to The Island of Perpetual Tickling, along with everyone else who dares to scheme against my queen and her family!
(The Grim Tickler slams the door open to Esther's home, taking Haman.)
Mr. Lunt/Haman (Scared): (Gasps) You wouldn't!
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes (Angry): I would and I will! Because I'm the king! (Pushes Mr. Lunt into the Grim Tickler's feather) And don't come back!
(The Grim Tickler tickles Mr. Lunt/Haman with his feather and Mr. Lunt/Haman laughs as he is tickled out the door, just like with the Peaoni Brothers.)
Mr. Lunt/Haman (While laughing): Oh no, ple-he-he-ase stop it! Please sto-ha-ha-hap! I'm feeling...
(Fades to black, then fades to Mordecai at the palace.)
Esther finally shows courage (Alternate/Extended) ("ESTHER... THE GIRL WHO BECAME QUEEN")
NOTE: You don't have to read this scene again unless you didn't read the classic version on top. This is an alternate version of Esther finally standing up to Haman. I wanted to extend this scene more with confessions added it.)
(We then cut over to the front of Esther's place, where she and Mr.Nezzer/King Xerxes are having pizza.)
Esther: I wonder where Haman could be?
Pa Grape/Mordecai (Off-screen): See you, Haman! Thanks for the parade! (Laughs)
Mr. Lunt/Haman: Laugh all you want (Opens the door), you won't be laughing tomorrow! (Evilly laughs, but then stops.) No wait, you will. Oh, never mind. (Turns to Esther and Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes) Hi. Sorry I'm late. (Closes the door)
Esther: The real reason I called both of you here again tonight is to... (Starts feeling nervous) is to... to...
Pa Grape (In Esther's thoughts): Esther, you never have to be afraid to do what's right. I'll pray for you. We'll all pray for you.
(With that thought, Esther finally shows courage and asserts herself.)
Esther: Your highness, someone is plotting against my family. Tomorrow, my people and I will be banished to the Island of Perpetual Tickling!
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: What? Banish my queen? Who would dare?
Esther (Angry at Mr. Lunt): It's Haman!
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes (Questioning Mr. Lunt): Is this true?
Mr. Lunt/Haman: I don't know what she's talking about. She's crazy!
Esther: It is true!
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: (To Esther) Can you prove this charge?
Mr. Lunt/Haman: I'm telling you, she's making it up!
(Esther shows Mr. Nezzer the Edict paper)
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: Wait a minute, that's Mordecai. I just gave him a parade.
Esther: Mordecai is my cousin. His family is MY family!
(Mr. Lunt squeals)
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes (Angry): You had me banished a man who saved my life and my new queen?!
(Mr. Lunt squeals again)
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes (Angry): For your punishment Haman, you're the one who should to be sent to The Island of Perpetual Tickling, along with everyone else who dares to scheme against my queen and her family!
(The Grim Tickler slams the door open to Esther's home, taking Haman.)
Mr. Lunt/Haman (Scared): (Gasps) You wouldn't!
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes (Angry): I would and I will! Because I'm the king! (Pushes Mr. Lunt into the Grim Tickler's feather) And don't come back!
(The Grim Tickler tickles Mr. Lunt/Haman with his feather and Mr. Lunt/Haman laughs as he is tickled out the door, just like with the Peaoni Brothers.)
Mr. Lunt/Haman (While laughing): Oh no, ple-he-he-ase stop it! Please sto-ha-ha-hap! I'm feeling...
(As soon as Grim Tickler leaves with Mr. Lunt, Mr. Nezzer turns to Esther with guilt and calms down.)
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: Esther, I'm so sorry about Haman's plot. Why didn't you tell me right away?
Esther: Because Haman was your right-hand man. I was afraid that if I told you, you wouldn't believe me. Or worse, you would banish me too.
Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: Esther, you're my new queen. I shouldn't be upset with you. You just started. I didn't pick you because you sang so beautifully, I picked you because, in your eyes I saw a brave soul who would follow her heart and do what's right. And you did. You proved Haman was evil behind my back, even when I wasn't looking. Because of your bravery and courage, I think we should something special for you.
(Esther becomes happy, and she and Mr Nezzer kiss on the lips as the screen fades to black.)
Ending (Classic) ("ESTHER... THE GIRL WHO BECAME QUEEN")
NOTE: This is the classic version of the ending.
(Screen fades to black revealing Pa Grape in Haman's desk)
Narrator: So Haman got what was coming to him, and then some. And Mordecai, this is my favorite part, (Larry gives Pa Grape a paper) he had Haman's old job. The number two guy in the whole kingdom! Not bad.
(Pa Grape hands Mr.Nezzer the paper and draws a diagonal line on the 3 O's, winning Tic-Tac-Toe. Then we cut over to the castle balcony, where Esther is shown smiling and proud of doing the right thing as she watches the sunrise.)
And Esther, what a gal! She showed more courage than ten [10] kings and saved her people! Now, she wasn't born for greatness, she didn't go to school for it, she just learned that sometimes God has plans so big only he can see them. All she had to do was believe. Yep, she was just a regular kid, just like you.
(Screen cuts to black at the start of the final note of the closing score)
Ending (Alternate)/"The Battle is not ours (Reprise)"
NOTE: You don't have to read this scene again unless you didn't read the classic version on top.
(Screen fades to black revealing Pa Grape in Haman's desk)
Narrator: So Haman got what was coming to him, and then some. And Mordecai, this is my favorite part, (Larry gives Pa Grape a paper) he had Haman's old job. The number two guy in the whole kingdom! Not bad.
(Pa Grape hands Mr.Nezzer the paper and draws a diagonal line on the 3 O's, winning Tic-Tac-Toe. Then we cut over to the castle balcony, where Esther is shown smiling and proud of doing the right thing as she watches the sunrise.)
And Esther, what a gal! She showed more courage than 10 kings and saved her people! Now, she wasn't born for greatness, she didn't go to school for it, she just learned that sometimes God has plans so big only he can see them. All she had to do was believe. Yep, she was just a regular kid, just like you.
Esther (Singing Happily): ♪I proved I can be brave! I did not run and hide!♪
♪For there is nothing I can't face when God is at my side.♪
(Mr. Nezzer and Pa Grape hop over to Esther and join in on the balcony.)
Esther and Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes: ♪No, there is nothing we can't face when God is at our side.♪
(The camera slowly pulls away from the balcony as the three watch the sunrise together and sing.)
Esther, Mr. Nezzer/King Xerxes, and Pa Grape/Mordecai: ♪The battle is not ours. We look to God above.♪
♪For he will guide us safely through and guard us with his love.♪♪
(Screen fades to black on the final note of the closing score)
COUNTERTOP 2 (Ending)
NOTE: This is the closing countertop that was also written by Jordangaming101.
(Screen fades from black revealing Mr. Nezzer and Mr. Lunt on the countertop again.)
Mr. Nezzer: Oh, that was beautiful! What do you think, Mr. Lunt?
Mr. Lunt: I'll say! Even though my sides hurt from all that laughing.
Mr. Nezzer: Uhhh, right. Anyways, we're over here by QWERTY to talk about what we learned today.
(As soon as Mr. Nezzer says this, the "What we have learned" song plays.)
Woman: ♪And so what we have learned applies to our lives today, and God has a lot to say in his book.♪
Mr. Nezzer: Does this always happen?
Mr. Lunt: You'll get used to it.
Woman: ♪You see, we know that God's word is for everyone, and now that our song is done, we'll take a look.♪♪
Mr. Nezzer: Esther learned that even though Haman was the king's right hand man, she didn't have to be afraid to tell the truth about him, because God was at her side. It wasn't easy, I'll admit, but it was worth it! Let's see if QWERTY has a verse for us today.
(QWERTY pulls up a verse about courage)
Mr. Lunt (Reading): "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them. - Deuteronomy 31:6".
Mr. Nezzer: So you see, Eric, you don't have to be afraid to tell your principal about your teacher, just as long as you remember that God is watching over you.
Mr. Lunt: Well, we're all out of time for today. But remember...
Mr. Nezzer: God made you special, and he loves you very much.
Mr. Nezzer and Mr. Lunt: Goodbye!
(They both hop out of the shot and the screen fades to black as the credits start rolling)
COUNTERTOP 2 (Ending) (Alternate Bible Verse)
NOTE: This is an alternate version of the closing countertop. This version of the ending features the Bible verse used for the "Happy Together" version. You don't have to read this ending again.
(Screen fades from black revealing Mr. Nezzer and Mr. Lunt on the countertop again.)
Mr. Nezzer: Oh, that was beautiful! What do you think, Mr. Lunt?
Mr. Lunt: I'll say! Even though my sides hurt from all that laughing.
Mr. Nezzer: Uhhh, right. Anyways, we're over here by QWERTY to talk about what we learned today.
(As soon as Mr. Nezzer says this, the "What we have learned" song plays.)
Woman: ♪And so what we have learned applies to our lives today, and God has a lot to say in his book.♪
Mr. Nezzer: Does this always happen?
Mr. Lunt: You'll get used to it.
Woman: ♪You see, we know that God's word is for everyone, and now that our song is done, we'll take a look.♪♪
Mr. Nezzer: Esther learned that even though Haman was the king's right hand man, she didn't have to be afraid to tell the truth about him, because God was at her side. It wasn't easy, I'll admit, but it was worth it! Let's see if QWERTY has a verse for us today.
(QWERTY pulls up a verse about courage)
Mr. Lunt (Reading): "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. - Isaiah 12:2".
Mr. Nezzer: So you see, Eric, you don't have to be afraid to tell your principal about your teacher, just as long as you remember that God is watching over you.
Mr. Lunt: Well, we're all out of time for today. But remember...
Mr. Nezzer: God made you special, and he loves you very much.
Mr. Nezzer and Mr. Lunt: Goodbye!
(They both hop out of the shot and the screen fades to black as the credits start rolling)
"Lost Puppies (Credits version)"
(After the instrumental portion of "Haman's Song", "Lost Puppies" plays once again, this time without SFX.)
Miss Achmetha (Voice-over): ♪Puppies are cuddly, puppies are cute. They're never nasty or mean.♪
♪I'd give a home to all the lost puppies, if ever one day I were queen.♪
♪Puppies, puppies, bouncing happy puppies. Puppies, puppies of love.♪
(Mr. Lunt and Mr. Nezzer look unamused and shake their heads in disapproval)
♪Puppies, puppies, tender puppy puppies. Lost puppies, I love you, love, love.♪
♪Puppies are cuddly, puppies are cute. They're never nasty or mean. (Sniffles)♪
♪I'd give a home to all the lost puppies, If ever ONE DAY I WERE QUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNN!!!!!!!!!!♪♪
Arf!
CLOSING LOGOS
2000 Original logos -
- Big Idea logo (The screen fades from black showing Bob and Larry in front of the "BIG IDEA" letters, which are very small. The letters get big during Miss Achmetha's long note. Bob and Larry look at each other confused, but then smile in their trademark poses. Then Miss Achmetha's "Arf!" at the end of the song makes the "A" in "IDEA" bounce. The logo is a still frame until it fades to black.)
Current version logos -
- Big Idea logo (The screen fades from black showing Bob and Larry in front of the "BIG IDEA" letters, which are very small. The letters get big during Miss Achmetha's long note. Bob and Larry look at each other confused, but then smile in their trademark poses. Then Miss Achmetha's "Arf!" at the end of the song makes the "A" in "IDEA" bounce. The logo is a still frame until it fades to black.)
- Dreamworks Animation logo (The screen fades from black after the Big Idea logo as we see a still frame of the 2018/2019 Dreamworks Animation logo until it too fades to black.)
THE END
Trivia/Fun Facts
- A blog post for Countertop scenes of this rewrite was for fans who had ideas for a proper and relevant opening and closing for this episode. Only two users tried so far, Kirby + Veggie Fan and Jordangaming101. In the end, I chose Jordangaming101 because he followed my concept closely, providing his own original and unique lines that stayed true to Mr. Nezzer and Mr. Lunt.
- On a related note, the line he wrote for Mr. Lunt "I'll say! Even though my sides hurt from all that laughing." could imply that like all the other stories (not counting "Larry's Lagoon" and "The End of Silliness?", as those stories took place in real life), "Esther" was a filmed production in different sets, like how Hollywood produces movies.
- Scallion #2 and Scallion #3 were added as silent characters. I figured that if Scallion #1 hosted the contest, his cohorts would assist him.
- Jimmy and Jerry Gourd were originally planned to be in the contest scene eating hotdogs and Jimmy saying, "We left the buffet for this?", only for them to later enjoy Esther's singing. But I decided to not add them since this would be just for King Xerxes and Haman to see who should be queen.
- They also were to be in the scene where Esther stands up to Haman. Before Esther finally shows courage, Jimmy and Jerry would've been happy that Esther ordered pizza for them all to eat for the second dinner party Esther invited the boys too.
- Archibald was originally going to host the contest, but because his new render wasn't finished at the time, Scallion #1 took his place.
Moral(s)
"You never need to be afraid to do what's right." - Pa Grape's line as Mordecai
Remarks
- While the original ending doesn't show what happened after Haman's banishment, an alternate cut gives Mr. Nezzer a reason why he even picked Esther in the first place.
- By reading the alternate version of said scene, this would mark the first time two characters from "VeggieTales" kissed.
- Reginald the Camel can be seen on a poster, as his character was to be used in "Jonah".
(W.I.P.)