02x06 - Intervention

Episode transcripts for the TV show "This Life". Aired: October 2015 - January 2017.*
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"This Life" focuses on a lifestyle columnist and single mother in her early forties whose terminal cancer diagnosis sends her on a quest to help her three teenage children get ready for the future, while trying her best to live in the now.
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02x06 - Intervention

Post by bunniefuu »

And then, you threatened all of my custody plans just so you could have more access with the girls!

That's not the way I wanted it to go, Natalie, you wouldn't talk to me!

Because I can't trust you.

I'm not giving away my rights.

I can't.

You ask me to live a lie; I'm just trying to find a way to believe in it.

Well, if that's what it takes for you to get behind my choices, to twist them into fiction, then please, stop trying.

I'll never be able to do this with you. [sob]

You're getting divorced?

Uh, well... for now, it's called separated, but.

You sure it's cool if I crash here 'til I get my own place?

Yeah, man, no problem.

These are the freelance gigs that aren't worth our time.

Go forth, my child!

Twenty now and twenty when it's done.

This totally fits with the esthetic of my parents' new pool furniture!

How long 'til I get an invite?

Travellin' light!

Since being evicted, I've been burning myself with everything except this baby.

Half's probably good for me.

[indistinct conversations]

I'm sorry to do this... but you're the only person that I can call right now, and I really need your help.

Well... what's going on?

This is good news?

Very good. Uh, what I'm telling you is that you're in partial remission.

♪ I got g*ns in my head and they won't go ♪
♪ Spirits in my head and they won't go ♪
♪ I got g*ns in my head and they won't go ♪
♪ Spirits in my head and they won't ♪

[instrumental bridge]

♪ I been looking at the stars tonight ♪
♪ And I think oh! How I miss that bright sun ♪
♪ I'll be a dreamer 'til the day I die ♪
♪ And they say oh! How the good die young ♪
♪ But we're all strange ♪
♪ And maybe we don't wanna change ♪
♪ I got g*ns in my head and they won't go ♪

[signal beeping and music faltering]

[hard impact]

OH!

Uh-oh! We're just gonna coast!

Ah... well, I guess one of us needs a tune-up!

[little laugh]

What now?

Why don't you guys run ahead and see if Grandpa's there.

Restaurant's around the corner.

He'll know what to do!

He better!

[little laugh]

[Natalie]: Oh, sh**t!

[soft music]

[breathless gasps and chuckles]

Hey! Where is my emergency "dad side" assistance?

Driving around, looking for cheap parking.

[chuckles]

So? How are you?

I'm great!

Great?

Yeah! I mean, I know it's just been one scan, but still!

[sirens]

Ha!

Yeah?

My emotions are waging w*r with logic, these days.

What's going on?

Nothing, it's all good, I mean, my doctor says that if I continue to respond to the dr*gs, then we'll just take a more aggressive approach to my treatment.

Which means..?

Double the dose.

Really go for it.

And that could b*at this?

That's amazing!

I know. I know!

It's stupid, but when I think about what I can do with that kind of second chance, it's just kind of overwhelming.

It's kinda like being in a dark basement and you come out in the bright sun and it is amazing!

But it's also blinding.

Yeah, but your eyes will adjust.

How are you?

Actually, there is something else we need to talk about and... I didn't wanna mention anything because I didn't wanna rush judgement, but...

Maggie, spit it out.

[sighing]: I'm really worried about Oliver.

Dude, seriously? Turn around.

[indescribable ambient music]

Well, it definitely makes a statement.

What kind of statement?

Like..: "Don't mess with me."

But it is not worth the $85 you do not have.

Be right back.

Hey! I thought you were at your cottage!

Ugh, my brother and his girlfriend cleaned it.

Your parents let them go alone?

It's a total double standard. Like, he could be up there hosting an orgy and they wouldn't even care.

Are you working this weekend?

Yeah, Sunday, 12 to 6.

We should hang out.

Definitely.

I gotta go, but, uh, text me.

What, did you heist the ridiculous thing?

Made a deal for it.

Well, congratulations, you are officially a pimp!

How long has the engine light been on? And... don't tell me it just lit up today.

Jeez, could he lay off on the mansplaining?

I could fix it, but you'd be lucky if it lasted a year.

I need a new engine?

How about a new car?

That'd be exciting, wouldn't it?

You deserve it.

[little quiet laugh]

You know, I had a jacket like that... in the seventies.

Wore it like a boss, too! I've seen the photos!

[chuckles]

[indistinct banter]

Natalie? Oh, it IS you!

I'm sorry, do we...

No, I mean, I feel like we do.

I read your column.

Oh!

Well, thank you. Nice to meet you.

Um, it's just that last time, you wrote you were about to get your scan results.

Oh yeah, I'm...

I guess I'm just... I'm waiting for the words.

Oh no, no, it's partial remission; there's still a lot of work, but the news is good.

[half crying, half laughing]: That's wonderful!

This is a new lease on life.

Yes, I know.

Well, we're all excited for what's next.

Thank you.

[theme music]

[squeaking chains]

[flapping of wings]

[popping sounds]

[sound of traffic outside with birds chirping]

[soft guitar music]

This is Dr. Matthew Lawson and I'm, uh, calling from unit 2-B.

I'm sorry to bother you on a Saturday, but it still reeks of paint in my apartment and I'm worried about the toxicity, could you please call me back? Thank you.

[big sigh] I'm sorry about the smell, you can go out on the terrace if you're getting a headache because, uh...

Matthew, it's fine.

It's, huh...

It doesn't even smell.

Are you expecting company?

Oh...

No, usually, I need the distraction, I smoke something on the grill but they're not allowed here, so...

It's all good, it's... it's helping me, too.

You could've been a sous-chef.

Well, maybe it's not too late!

People do keep telling me to look for the positive in my new phase, so...

[deep breath]

Sorry about missing dinner yesterday.

Yeah, what happened?

You said you were gonna be there.

Look, um...

I'm happy for you, I'm...

I'm really, really happy for you but it's, uh... just being around everybody, it's hard to... pretend for their benefit.

Tell me about it!

So?

Oliver?

You worried, too?

Well, Maggie definitely is.

And... [chuckle]...I don't have to tell you what happens when she wades into these things unmoored.

I'm not surprised it could come to this, I mean, we've been dealing with this issue for years.

We're all too afraid to talk about it.

And you honestly think all of us marching in there and confronting him is the right way to deal with it?

At this point?

Maybe there's no other way.

[birds chirping]

I just got here a couple of days ago, why do I have to leave already?

Honestly, you know what?

This is news to me.

Since when do you not love camp?

I tried telling Mom. I tried telling both of you.

Yeah well, last summer, on visiting day, you thought we were coming to get you. I mean, you were so upset, you were literally crying!

Dad, it's three years ago.

Really?

Well, you know, Kirby will be there.

We're not really friends anymore.

You'd rather be in Laval with your mom and your grandparents?

Why can't I stay with you?

What, be in the city? What are you gonna do all day?

It's not like you're teaching.

Look, when camp ends, you and I, we will have plenty of time together, I promise.

Yeah.

Buddy, look, this whole thing, this was planned way in advance. The money, at this point?

It's been spent. And your mother?

You mother would k*ll me if I let you back out of something you committed to.

But that's what she's doing to you! Backing out on something SHE committed to.

No, Jesse, that's not what she's doing. Mom just... she just needs a little space, that's all.

That's OK.

I hear her on the phone, complaining to her friends about you. She's such a bitch!

Hey!

You wanna repeat that?

Yeah, I didn't think so.

Get in the car. And watch your mouth.

[beeps from a backing vehicle nearby]

[knocking]: Oliver!

Oliver, are you there?

Ease up, OK? Let's not make this seem like an ambush.

Oh, I don't think he's home.

Hi!

Natalie?

[laughing]: You came!

[kissing]: Oh, look at you! You look so beautiful!

What is this, a party?

Brunch!

Nice! Come in, come in!

[sweet little guitar music]

Where should...

Here.

Picnic!

Hey.

That's some interesting stuff!

Thanks!

So, were you sleeping when we knocked?

No, I was focusing. I couldn't pull myself away.

I got this gallery slot coming up and so...

I just don't feel like I'm completely there yet, you know.

But I'm running out of time, so it's hard to pull myself away.

So, you feel like eating?

Yeah! Yeah-yeah-yeah!

No! Hey, hey, hey, Oliver! Got some... got some stuff!

Food. Oliver's getting a... a show!

Oh my God! When?

Soon! A place in the Mile-End!

Oh my God! Sorry!

It's good, I'll get a cloth.

There's, um... no water.

I... I know, yeah, sorry.

Is this the... tap, or the plumbing?

The city, um... [gibberish]

They're doing drain work and... I'm on a list.

What... what about the toilet?

Oh, café down the street. I shower at the Y.

Weren't you... You were so excited about fixing this place up.

I still am!

So, y... I mean, you're not... you're not bothered by the... the conditions?

Yeah, I mean, obviously, the mess is piling up, but I mean, my focus, it needs to be sort of, uh... uh, monastic.

Oh yeah, yeah, no, you gotta... gotta keep it simple, but you still require the basic necessities of life here and... various... you know, expensive art supplies...

Just...

How do you afford to live?

The bank gave me a home line of credit!

Oh, OK!

Did they come by and inspect the value of their security..?

Guys... what is this?

Eh... We're worried about you, Oliver, you know? It-it-it seems like, maybe, you've let things... spiral a little bit out of control and, um... you know, we just... we wanna help you sort yourself out!

Sort myself out of what? I don't understand.

dr*gs, Oliver!

Come on, you can't live like this!

I...

Oliver. Oliver.

You did, you sought me out for a bad trip a couple of months ago, remember?

I asked for your help one time, I'm a junkie?!

No, no, this is a pattern.

Your whole life. You start using, then spiraling.

Look, if it's not dr*gs, you know, if it's something else, then just tell us.

Why, so you can pass more judgement about my life?

A life none of you ever even bothered trying to understand!

Hey, hey, hey! This is not a trial, OK?

We-we-we're just talking.

Guys, I'm not using anything. I'm not even drinking.

Oliver, we wanna believe you, you have to tell us the truth!

I'M NOT A PROBLEM FOR YOU TO SOLVE SO YOU CAN FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOURSELVES!

YOU WANT US TO LEAVE YOU ALONE HERE, TO JUST WHAT, FALL APART?!

Is that what you want?

[Oliver laughs.]

OK! OK, fine, fine, no.

You can't treat the disease until you admit you have a problem and if he can't see this cesspool for the rock bottom that it is, then maybe he's not ready yet.

OK, you know what? Getting angry isn't helping, OK?

This isn't how this is supposed to go!

Matthew, don't go. Come on, we're not done here.

M-Maggie, you brought us here, how is it supposed to go?

You?!

Yes! OK, look, I came by a couple of weeks ago to see you.

The door was open, so I came in and, honestly, you know, I was freaked out! And... and now, I mean, look... look at this place!

You broke into my house to spy on me?!

You who won't let anybody say a single word about your life and the ridiculous choices that you make!

OK, you know what? If I ever become a walking trash pile, I-I-I give you full permission to comment on my life.

You are all hypocrites!

Here we go! Here we go! Here we go!

Hey! At least, my mess hasn't caused collateral damage to multiple families!

He has admitted his mistakes, OK?

And now, he's here...

We're here to help you.

Yeah, this from the woman who won't let anyone help her!

[snicker]

[Natalie]: Why is that funny?

Well... he did come back to this city for you, come on!

You barely let your own kids in, never mind us.

Well, in case you haven't noticed... your own issues have kind of gotten in the way!

My marriage is fallin' apart, and all you can think about is whether or not I can take care of your kids. And while I've been bending over backwards, trying to be everything to everybody, I've become NOTHING!!

TO ANYONE!!

I'm sorry for what's happened to you.

It happened. Ha ha!

And... and if I push people away sometimes, maybe it's because I don't want anyone to put their own pain on hold for me!

But it is what's expected?

I DIDN'T ASK TO GET SICK!!

I meant before that.

Before that, what?

The single mother abandoned by her husband.

You've always had the monopoly on pain.

Oh! Wait a minute, you all made your own terrible choices in life.

I didn't choose anything that happened to me.

I mean, you did choose how to react to it, and to live like a victim because of it.

My God, this from you again?

I've, what? I've wasted my life, right?

Maybe that's why you're so afraid of the future.

You know, 'cause if it's not... cancer or... or David coming back... then you have nothing to hide behind.

I can't believe you all think I'm on dr*gs!

[birds chirping]

[mellow guitar music]

[indistinct chatter]

Now, what do you say for after this, uh, trivia ping-pong and three dollar sh*ts, huh?

[general laughter and rock music]

[indistinct conversations]

Oh!

Sorry! [quietly]: Sorry.

[birds chirping and kids crying] Hey!

How would it work?

[with a chuckle]: How would what work?

You being in their lives again.

I wanna know what your plan is.

Uh...

Oh wait a minute, you haven't updated your column... what, does that mean... What does that mean?

No, actually, it's good news.

I'm in partial remission.

Oh, thank God!

I guess I should lead with that!

[David grunts as he hugs Natalie.]
Hi!

Hey.

How'd it go this morning?

[sighing]: It didn't. Is it OK if we don't talk about it?

It is OK. Pff!

Kinda have my hands full over here.

I'm pretty sure I made things worse.

I'm sure you didn't.

Did you meet with your supervisor?

Extension denied.

So you're working on your thesis now?

I should be, but I'm stressing out over this immigration application. They want photo documentation before they schedule our interview, so I'm going through our wedding photos.

Well, we have consummated the marriage... several times, in fact.

This is serious.

And we need to do this next step right, otherwise you could be charged with a crime.

And you could be deported, I'm sorry.

It's just, the second I get back home, I know precisely what the rest of my life is gonna look like.

Work, family...

All I'd be is a passenger.

Let me do this.

You go write your thesis.

If you wanna talk about what happened with you this morning...

I really don't.

Go!

OK!

[mellow guitar music]

[amused]: Hm!

[quiet laugh]

[sigh]

♪♪♪

[music and voices nearby]

Ugh! Hey!

Hello?!

[Pounds with her feet.] Anyone?!

Somebody... Hey! Hey!

Hey!

[Knocks loudly again.]

Can somebody help me?!

[barely audible vibration]

Hey! Don't Bogart that thing.

[coughing]

[Starts breathing fast.]

[in a hush]: One, two, three, four.

[breathing in, then out]: One, two, three, four, five, six, seven...

So, where are you parents anyway?

Uh, up north, in Sutton.

Sutton's south.

Do we look like bridge and tunnel to you?

[screaming]: Ah! No!

Sh! The neighbours!

Don't you dare!

[Miranda laughs.]

Chill, he's cool.

Even if he is, I don't know why you brought him here.

[A new song begins.]

Oh my God, I love this song.

[short laugh]

♪ Maybe a wider us knows the weight ♪
♪ Maybe some part of us hesitates ♪
♪ Maybe you do ♪
♪ Maybe they lied to us ♪
♪ One, they pushed us to be a taller us ♪
♪ They don't know us, maybe you do ♪

[phone ringing]

♪ Hold on the brain spit that sow ♪

What?

I am stuck in some putrid bathroom and I can't get out.

Wait... at home?

Obviously not!

I... kinda... took myself downtown.

Well, I'm busy, call Caleb.

He's not picking up!

But what am I supposed to do?

I don't know, but Mom will k*ll me if I have to call her.

Please!

If you don't help me figure this out, I could be in here all night.

So, you know, I could fix this place up
a little, you know, so if, uh, you know, the girls wanted, they could sleep over sometimes.

I'm gonna be there as much as you want.

And how would that be possible?

You'd move back?

I mean, I don't know!

Would you... be able to deal with that?

I mean, 'cause this only works if you're behind it.

Those girls are pretty loyal to you.

So, convince me.

Convince me to get behind this.

[nice mellow music]

You're mad.

Nope!

Do you actually even have your licence?

Why are you still here?

OK! God.

[same mellow music]

[same mellow music]

[click of locking doors]

[purring of engine]

[radio on]

Sh!

[beeping and tires screeching]

Assuming that I... can convince you... somehow... why?

Why now?

Why this woman who's been so intent on fighting me is suddenly prepared to... to entertain this?

Because that woman, the woman I became after you left, I don't wanna be her anymore.

OK.

Y... you're gonna miss her?

No.

[birds chirping]

I know she kinda hated me but...

Yeah.

She hated you because you were an assh*le to her.

Why do you get to be such an assh*le and get away with it?

Did I?

Did I get away with it? Ahem!

You know, anyway, you can be one too.

You know. Or... you know, whatever it is you'd like to be now anyway, now that you have the time.

[mellow music]

Ah... kinda sucks, huh?

You're telling me to get over myself?

Yeah, if, you know, it'll help you move forward.

[mellow music]

[indistinct voices]

[sigh]

You are crazy.

You realize you'll be tried as an adult for this?

Don't remind me.

How long were you stuck in there anyway?

Three pees.

And Nicole's sister's car... are you gonna explain what you're doing in it?

Not your problem. I'm gonna drop you up at home... and then, I will deal with it.

Emma... thanks.

"It's lovely to live on a raft. We had the sky, up there, all speckled with stars, and we'd lay on our backs... and look up at them and discuss about whether they was made or only just happened."

[mellow music]

All good?

[sighing]: Yeah.

His reading is really coming along.

Yeah. Except he still mixes his "B's" with his "d's" sometimes.

Yeah, well, I was the same way, so...

Oh!

So, we've got you to blame!

Yeah. [snicker]

But you grew out of it.

I "bib".

It's word play.

Yeah. [snicker]

I get it.

OK.

Why is every stupid road "barrée"?

My "interweb" machine doesn't seem to know.

Then, ask someone else.

[phone ringing]

Weird.

Thanks for calling hours after I needed you!

Is everything OK?

We are stuck downtown and we can't get out.

Stuck in what?

A car.

You mean you're trapped inside a car?

I'm driving and now we are lost.

But you don't have a licence.

OK, we've covered that ground already. Now we just need directions.

Well, since you're out, can you bring me a pizza?

I could go for some pizza.

OK, I don't know who you even are anymore or what you've done with my brother, but if you just called to laugh, then thanks anyway, but I'll pass.

OK, alright, don't hang up.

Where are you?

We're passing the Guy entrance to the 20, which is closed.

Everything is closed!

Stupid city!

All you need to do is make the next left.

I don't like left turns.

Then, how did you get all the way here?

Emma, we trained for this in my shitty standard car.

Degree of difficulty: much higher.

You can turn left, I believe in you.

You are the wind beneath my wings.

OK, I said I didn't like them, not that I needed the world's worst Ted Talk.

I found it oddly inspirational.

[ticking of turn signal]

Guys? What's going on?

OK, we're turning.

It's a miracle.

We are on the highway now, so thanks for eventually being semi-useful!


You two are hilarious.

So, are you, like, gone forever now?

Come on, man, everyone's waiting!

Miss you guys.

He's definitely gone!

Totally.

[Natalie lets out her breath.]

[With a whimper, she breathes deeply in...]

[...and blows it out.]

[Breathes out again.]

[something drops into the sink.]

[little laugh through the nose]

Hm...

[crickets chirping]

Hi, Mom.

Did I wake you?

Ah, your father and I just shut our eyes.

Right, yeah, I guess it's what, like, 9:30?

Sorry.

[little chuckle]

So, what's up?

You know, we...

We pretend to be this big... happy family, but really, we're not.

[mellow music]

What am I supposed to even say to that?

Look it, this is your life, Maggie.

What you do with it is up to you.


That's not why I called.

So, what is it, is something wrong?

No. Forget it.

[mellow music continuing]

Oh God.

How's the new place?

Oh, settling in...

Good.

...sort of.

I hate it.

You'll sort yourself out.

Glad you think so.

You can't fast track this stuff.

You're doing your best to make it all work.

That counts for progress.

Really?

[He sighs.]

So, what's going on with you and Kate?

[little laugh]

Uh, she's up here, you know, visiting her folks.

Jesse's, uh... he's gone to a camp a few hours north of here and so, I was, uh... I'm hoping that her and I could use the time to... fix things.

Well, you're off to a great start.

Yeah...

Natalie...

No.

[half sobbing, half crying]: The car needs a new engine.

You're upset 'cause your station wagon's broken?

We bought that car when Romy was a baby.

I know, I remember.

I wanted a... I wanted a pickup truck.

[whispered]: Unbelievable!

No, Natalie, you were right!

You needed that car, I mean, it... carried you well!

[little groan]

[cell phone ringing]

[sighing]: What?

Hm... Hey, Nicole! What's up?

She did what?

Um...

Yeah, I'm on my way.

Everything OK?

Yep!

Yep, all good!

I gotta go!

[She sighs.]

And you had to drive back from your week away?

And we're just lucky that the neighbour called my sister instead of the police.

What's with all the drama?

I gotta go home.

You should've already been home.

I was cleaning up!

You were in the pool.

And Will better not still be in there.

He jumped the fence. Coward.

Your mom was super pissed when she found us.

And... why did she call her friend over here?

Because that's not my mom.

The other one is.

And... this isn't even my house, so...

I vouched for her to take care of things while we were away.

Any damage to the house or the car, Emma's on the hook. And she will be here first thing in the morning to clean up any mess.

Ugh, look, I'm sorry...

Don't be!

If anyone should be, it's Emma!

Trust me, she will be. There will be consequences.

Oh, hey, Natalie...

I meant to tell you, I...

I'm so happy about your news!

Yeah, me too.

[little giggle] Thanks.

Mom, I know how all that looked, but I was just...

[She clicks on the radio and music comes out.]

♪ I got g*ns in my head and they won't go ♪
♪ Spirits in my head and they won't go ♪
♪ I got g*ns in my head and they won't go ♪
♪ Spirits in my head and they won't go ♪
♪ But the g*n still rattles the g*n still rattles oh oh oh ♪
♪ I got g*ns in my head and they won't go ♪
♪ Spirits in my head and they won't go ♪
♪ I spend a lot of nights on the run ♪
♪ And I think, Oh ♪
♪ Like I'm lost and can't be found ♪
♪ I'm just waiting for my day to come ♪
♪ And I think, Oh ♪
♪ I don't wanna let you down ♪
♪ 'Cause something inside has changed ♪
♪ And maybe we don't want to stay the same ♪
♪ I got g*ns in my head and they won't go ♪
♪ Spirits in my head and they won't go ♪
♪ I got g*ns in my head and they won't go ♪
♪ Spirits in my head and they won't go ♪
♪ But the g*n still rattles the g*n still rattles oh oh oh ♪
♪ But the g*n still rattles the g*n still rattles oh oh oh ♪
♪ And I don't want a never ending life ♪
♪ I just wanna be alive ♪
♪ While I'm here ♪
♪ And I don't want ♪
♪ A never ending life ♪
♪ I just wanna be alive ♪
♪ While I'm here ♪

We're getting a new car.

♪ And I don't want ♪
♪ To see another night ♪
♪ Lost inside a lonely life ♪
♪ While I'm here ♪
♪ I got g*ns in my head and they won't go ♪
♪ Spirits in my head and they won't go ♪
♪ I got g*ns in my head and they won't go ♪
♪ Spirits in my head and they won't go ♪
♪ But the g*n still rattles, the g*n still rattles oh oh oh ♪
♪ But the g*n still rattles, the g*n still rattles oh oh oh ♪
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