Good on Paper

Andrea Singer is introduced as a stand-up comedian and aspiring actress living in Los Angeles. She feels frustrated by the success of another woman in her field, leading to her feelings of inadequacy and desperation.

On her way home from an audition in New York City, Andrea meets Dennis Kelley at the airport after he helps her retrieve a missing boarding pass. This chance encounter sets the stage for their evolving relationship.

During the flight to Los Angeles, Andrea and Dennis sit next to each other and engage in conversation. Dennis shares details of his life as a Yale graduate working in hedge funds, making her see him as both pompous and relatable.

After arriving back in LA, Dennis begins hanging out with Andrea as a supportive friend. He assists her with her auditions, and their bond deepens as he becomes a reassuring presence despite her not being romantically interested in him.

Following a gig at The Comedy Store, Dennis awkwardly asks Andrea to be his girlfriend over a fancy dinner, only for his credit card to be declined. This embarrassing moment highlights the disparity in their lives at that moment.

Andrea's career takes a significant turn when she receives a call granting her the lead role in a Vancouver series titled Space Cadet. Elated, she tries to share the good news with Dennis, but he suggests celebrating on a night she already has plans.

On the night of her date, Dennis unexpectedly interrupts her evening, claiming a family emergency regarding his mother. Their night ends with them hooking up, leading Andrea to agree to officially be his girlfriend the next morning.

As Andrea and Dennis' relationship develops, she and her friend Margot grow suspicious of his claims about his life. They make plans to investigate his background after discovering discrepancies in his stories.

In their investigation, Andrea learns that Dennis had fabricated details about his living situation. They find out that the house he claimed was his is actually occupied by a woman named Denise, revealing his deceit.

After uncovering the truth, Andrea confronts Dennis regarding his many lies, including those about his sick mother. This confrontation escalates the tension between them as she starts to doubt everything about their relationship.

Andrea and Dennis spend a weekend in Santa Monica with her relatives, both doctors and Yale alumni. While trying to maintain the facade, Dennis fakes an injury to avoid participating in a round of golf, increasing Andrea's distrust.

That evening, Dennis gifts Andrea a gaudy ring, which he claims is meant to symbolize their commitment. This 'pre-engagement' ring only deepens her suspicion of his motives, pushing her to question his sincerity.

Back in LA, Margot discovers more concerning information about Dennis just before Andrea's table read for her pilot. Despite their frustration with Serrena's presence at the reading, they decide to enlist her help for further digging into Dennis's past.

After obtaining details from Dennis's roommates that confirm his lies about his education and work, Andrea confronts him. Tensions rise, culminating in Margot's prank leading to an unintended injury to Dennis.

Following the fallout from their confrontation, Dennis reacts by taking Andrea to court for kidnapping him. She finds herself the focus of negativity, which she later turns into material for her stand-up routine, flipping her misfortune into comedy.