AN AMERICAN HOME IN IRELAND Summary

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AN AMERICAN HOME IN IRELAND is an enjoyable romance story that offers likeable characters. The script has a fun concept and a solid hook with the idea of a home improvement celebrity who is offered a TV show to rehab a building but has no clue how. This is a delightful set up for humor, drama, and conflict. The story also offers a “fish out of water” tale. The goal is clear and the stakes are personal and financial, as well as love. The story also explores the theme of fate and overcoming the odds. This is exactly what the protagonist Thomas has to do – he has to overcome the odds. What’s so smart is the idea that he is known as the home improvement guru, but in “reality” he has no idea how to rehab a home. The audience is hooked. However, …show more content…

Consider the idea that Terry adds more obstacles for Caitlin. Revealing she’s a nun, as explained, doesn’t create a strong twist or create compelling tension. If she knows a secret about Caitlin, it needs to be stronger and it needs to have an impact on the relationship between Thomas and Caitlin. Or, Terry can’t just show up and she agrees to marry Thomas (maybe he proposed before he left). Or, a character can be created that is a rival for Caitlin’s affection. Thus, there should be a compelling tension, misunderstanding or conflict that drives them apart and then Thomas needs to find a way to win Caitlin’s love back. This normally requires a moral sacrifice like giving up another show, money, and giving Caitlin the credit. He has to prove to her that he loves her. While the structure, the pace, and the plotline should be strengthened, what works are the characters. While Thomas is flawed, he’s likable. The audience roots for him. The idea of him not knowing anything about rehabbing a house is smart and fun. It’s a solid hook. He also has inner conflict. He likes fame, but he uses it as a substitute for making real friends, connecting to family, and falling in love. He has conflict with his father. He learns at the end that money can’t buy him love or happiness. He just needs to show this a bit more. Add more humor and wit to his voice to make him more

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