Don't Lose Hope

Hope Jennings – a 36-year-old, do-it-all soccer mom. She is a no-nonsense real estate agent who is always a top producer in her office. At home, however, her life is ruled by organized chaos – most often the fault of her husband, Frank, a sports-nut attorney. She is determined, competent, and compassionate, but can be very competitive. Hope has two major problems in her life. Frank’s obsession with fantasy football and her daughter’s desire to join the Army instead of becoming an attorney. But this year, she just might have a plan that will get her life back and save her family.

Frank Jennings – a 38-year-old, egotistical, chauvinistic, junk-food loving attorney and die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan. Frank has a lovable streak but is better know for his screw-ups. He wants nothing more than to dominate his fantasy football league and have daughter Becky join his law firm after going to law school. He also doesn’t mind annoying his sister-in-law, Darlene as much as possible.

Becky Jennings – The 17-year-old daughter of Hope and Frank, Becky dreams of following in his grandfather’s footsteps by becoming an Army paratrooper after graduating from high school. Although ahe knows it will break her dad’s heart if she doesn’t become an attorney, she also knows it will break her own if she does.

Darlene Horton Basra – Hope’s 34-year-old sister. A jock in college, Darlene is a Green Bay Packers fan who is constantly at odds with her brother-in-law, Frank – a die-hard Vikings fan. Darlene is a third-grade teacher, but dreams of joining the Peace Corps and making a difference in the world. She is married to Moe Basra.

Moe Basra – Darlene’s easygoing, pun-loving 34-year-old husband. Moe, who was born to Pakistani immigrant parents, is a whiz with a hammer, but can barely tell his elbow from his ankle otherwise. He is happy with his life, with one exception, he would love for Darlene to fill out her Packers jerseys more.

Papa Ed Horton – a no-nonsense, retired, Army veteran. Hope and Darlene’s father, Papa Ed is the rock of the family. Although he loves his daughters deeply, it is sometimes hidden behind the stern military bearing that made him the respected Sgt. Major he was when he retired.

Diana Horton – Hope and Diana’s mother and wife to Papa Ed. Diana is a creature of habit who often appears to be a few seconds behind the rest of the world.

Debbie Matthews – A longtime friend of Hope and Frank. She and her husband, Phil are the owners of the Tower of Pizza Restaurant. This 32-year-old mother of Nick dreams of opening a second restaurant.

Phil Matthews – The husband of Debbie and father of Nick, Phil is a hard worker, but at 35 years old realizes the toll owning a restaurant can take. He would love to be able to spend more time with his family, outside the restaurant.

Nick Matthews – a thoughtful, outgoing and sensitive boy. He is Debbie and Phil’s 17-year-old son. He has grown up with Becky and has had a crush on her for years. He works in his family’s pizza restaurant after school and on weekends. Because it would take her far away, Nick is opposed to the idea of Becky joining the Army. He also is opposed to his mother’s plans to open a second restaurant.

Brenda Davis – A happy-go-lucky, 45-year-old housewife, Brenda enjoys life and wants nothing more than to experience it to the fullest. She constantly finds herself at odds with husband, Bob because of his homebody tendencies.

Bob Davis – A mid-50s sports reporter who has stepped back from the spotlight covering sports for several national sporting publications. He is now content to cover sports for his local newspaper. Married to Brenda, Bob wants nothing more than to slow down his life and spend his days with a cold beer and warm recliner.