Love on the Reef (2023)

[bunniefuu]

Have a good day, guys.

Good morning, Pete!

Dr. Waters, how are ya?

I'm good, how are you?

Oh, baby watch has

officially started, hasn't it?

I know, I'm gonna be

a grandfather,

can you believe it?

I can't, I'm so excited for you!

- Next.

- Hey.

Can I get

two black coffees, please?

Sure! That'll be $7.13.

It's been six months

since Bay Cove's very own

and world-renowned surfer,

Liam Smith,

threw the surf community

for a loop,

throwing in the towel

the same day

that he nearly won

the Pipeline Masters.

While we are speculating

as to why,

our sources can confirm

that Liam, as of today,

has not gotten back

on the board.

Excuse me, Mr. Smith,

can I get your autograph?

Yeah, of course.

- What's your name?

- Ally.

Ally, A-L-L-Y?

However you want to spell it.

Thank you.

You got it, have a great day.

You too!

Connie, hey!

Hello to our surf world bad boy!

I've been trying to get

a hold of you for days,

where have you been?

You know, just livin', laughing.

As you should be.

Listen, did you get my message

about the competition?

Yeah, I did.

I think I'm gonna have to pass

on that one.

Pass?

You're basically guaranteed

to win if you compete.

Just think about it, would you?

No, no, no,

I want to talk to him!

Hey, I gotta run.

Could you post one of

those pictures I sent you?

Gotta keep that image up.

Bye.

- Ah!

- Who are you?

Who are you?

I asked first,

why are you on my boat?

I'm Dr. Waters,

and this is my boat!

Look what you made me do!

I didn't make you do anything,

and no, this is my boat.

Base, this is Dr. Waters.

There's a suspicious person

on my boat...

Base, there is a suspicious

person on my boat.

Hey, what's going on here?

Who are you?

I'm one of the Marine

Institute's divemasters.

- Who are you?

- I'm...

beginning to believe

I might be on the wrong boat.

Oh, really?

I think you dropped this.

Oh, thank you, thank you!

All right!

Wait, you're that guy, right?

That surfer guy?

I think that you're confusing me

with some other

very handsome guy.

Anyway, this has been fun,

but I gotta run.

Swim.

That was weird.

Thank you for this.

Hey!

Mm, hey!

- Here you go!

- Thank you!

Cardboard straw.

Yup, Rise and Grind

took your words to heart.

No more plastic straws.

Mm!

You get used to it.

It's worth it

if it's for the reef.

Dr. Maris!

I noticed in your last report

- you're close to a breakthrough.

- Mhm.

What you've got here,

Dr. Waters,

something that could reverse

coral bleaching

would be massive

for the ecological community.

The Board was very impressed

with the idea.

The Board?

You showed the Board?

I may have given them

a sneak preview.

- And?

- I have a feeling

they're gonna choose

a certain top marine biologist

for the spot.

Wait, you're not talking

about Nancy, right?

Because she is brilliant.

I'm talking about you.

The Board has had

its eye on you for years.

This is the natural next step.

Thank you.

Mhm. Now, your 12 o'clock

is here.

Oh, great!

Thank you.

Thought that was gonna be

the WaterLight display.

Well, it was,

but in order for us

to keep our green certification,

we can only sell

environmentally safe products.

Okay.

How'd it go today?

Absolutely pointless.

But you got in the water.

Yeah.

Your agent called today.

She called you?

I guess you got an offer

to be a judge

at this year's Pipeline Masters.

And what'd you tell her?

That you'd call her back!

This could be

a good opportunity, a comeback!

I'm not looking

for a comeback, Dad.

I don't need a comeback.

Diving is fine, working

with you guys is fine, I'm fine.

It's all fine.

- Dad?

- Hm?

What's this?

Oh. It's nothing.

Dad.

It's all under control, Liam.

Yeah, well, that didn't look

under control.

Had a few tough months.

Let me help you guys out.

I know starting a business

in this market...

Everything is fine, son.

I have to have

some equipment washed down.

Do you mind holding the fort

while I go do that?

Yeah.

Hey!

Hey!

- What are you working on?

- Nothing.

Did inspiration for

the Wallston Art School

- application finally strike?

- I'm just doodling.

Seriously, it's nothing.

You know what you should do?

One of me,

but as a Grecian mermaid.

That would absolutely impress

the Admissions Council!

You sound like Dad.

Yeah,

'cause we're both geniuses.

Speaking of Dad,

we need to get to dinner.

Yes. Let's go!

Okay, what about one of me

but as a real estate agent

for aquatic properties

like Atlantis?

Are we brainstorming ideas

about Brooke's

grad school application?

We are,

and if I do say so myself,

it is going very well.

I cannot with you two.

She just doesn't

understand genius.

That's what I said.

Whatcha got there, Dad?

Oh, I found these

up in the attic.

Your mother must've

put them up there

and forgot about 'em.

I thought you each

should take one.

I have your mother's art

hanging all over my house.

- Thanks.

- I love that, thanks, Dad!

Oh, sounds like dinner's ready!

Got it, got it, got it!

How about me as a pirate,

but on a sunken ship?

Ooh, I love that,

like a mer-pirate!

Mhm!

Um, yup, that's it.

That's the winner! Done.

- I mean, I think it's brilliant.

- Mhm!

It is a masterpiece

waiting to be brought to life.

Great!

Yes!

Thank you!

Who was that?

Dr. Maris over

at the Marine Institute.

We are officially

the new temporary divemasters.

And if it all goes well,

this could lead

to a full-time contract,

which means that...

The shop will be able

to stay open?

I may or may not have done

some snooping.

Yeah, things have been

a little tight recently.

But this is exactly

what we need.

Now let's get this place

locked up,

because you have

an early dive in the morning.

Sounds good.

Well, I think it's great, honey.

- What's great?

- Hey!

Hey!

Isla turned in

her grant application

for her Save the Reef project

today.

Which means

your experiment worked.

Almost.

I've found a way

to help the coral regenerate,

but we're not seeing

the long-term effects

that we'd like,

so I need the grant,

and I'm hoping that Mayor Wade

will overlook the fact

that I'm your daughter.

I have no idea

what you're talking about.

Dad and Mayor Wade have had

this competition thing

for like the last 20 years.

They're exaggerating.

Literally since high school,

they have competed

for everything.

- The scholarship.

- Dad won.

- The valedictorian spot.

- Mayor Wade won!

Dad b*at out Mayor Wade

for Bay Cove's best pie

at this year's summer bake sale.

And the year before.

But there is

no competition there.

No, none.

You know,

they spend so much time

thinking about each other,

you'd think

they were secretly in love.

Sorry.

Hey, I just got

a new client meeting.

Congratulations!

And make sure you save room

for dessert,

because I made pie.

Wait, what kind?

Dutch apple, your favorite.

Do you believe in soul mates?

You mean those two?

Mhm.

Yeah, absolutely.

Why, do you not?

I think it's a nice idea

in theory,

but something about it

seems so unattainable.

I mean, statistically speaking,

the odds of finding someone

that you'll like

for that extended period of time

are astronomically low.

Honey, some things

you can't look at

with a scientific eye.

Sometimes you just gotta

go with the flow,

see where it takes you.

I've never done that.

I know you haven't.

Marsha!

Mayor Wade.

To what do I owe the pleasure?

I think I'm your nine o'clock.

Uh, not unless

you're Kenzie Robey.

That would be my assistant.

She must have given you

her name.

And she did give you

the right specs.

These are beautiful.

I mean, the color scheme

of the cushions is all wrong.

It's an easy fix.

Flower choice is impractical.

Adjustable.

The seating area that's here

is not quite right.

Nothing we can't tweak.

But I don't hate it.

Oh, isn't that a glowing review.

Hey, Dad,

I brought you a coffee.

Uh, Mayor Wade, hi.

Um, what's up?

Mayor Wade is

my new potential client.

Oh, well, that's unexpected.

On many levels.

I have to say,

I've been shopping

for landscape architects

for months.

No one's gotten my vision

the way you have.

I'll send you my notes

tomorrow morning.

I'm looking forward

to your pitch

at the municipal grant funds

hearing, Dr. Waters.

Your Save the Reef project

sounds very intriguing.

Thank you!

Uh, what just happened?

I have no idea.

Dr. Waters.

Paging Dr. Isla Waters,

your boat is ready!

You know you don't have

to call me Dr. Waters.

I'm proud of my sister, the PhD.

Paging Dr. Waters.

I'll let the divemaster know

you're on your way.

Thank you.

Hey, Pete, I...

You.

And you.

What are you doing here?

What are you doing here?

Why are you just repeating

what I'm saying?

I'm not,

I'm just asking questions.

That happen to be

the same ones you're asking.

I'm the new divemaster.

You? You're joking.

Serious as a shark att*ck.

You can't even tell

which boat is yours,

how are you gonna be my backup

on the open water?

Looks like you're just gonna

have to trust me, Doc.

Give me a minute.

Bay Cove Aquarium.

Brooke.

Isla? What's wrong?

Where's Pete? Is he okay?

Oh, yeah.

His daughter went into labor

a little early,

so he had to leave, why?

How long will he be gone?

A month. Why?

Do you know

who the new divemaster is?

Um, Liam something, right?

Yeah, Liam Smith,

that surfer guy that went MIA

after last year's

Pipeline Masters?

Oh, my gosh. Yes!

Wait, wait,

he's our new divemaster?

Uh-huh.

It looks like his shop

was the only one

on the approved list

from the Board

that had the availability,

so if you want to go out

to the reef in the next month,

he's your only option.

Okay, thank you.

Ready, Doc?

Yes, but I'm navigating.

What's wrong, Doc?

I think I forgot my hat.

Oh, I have one.

It would look

really good on you.

What is this?

A hat.

So what are we going out for?

No, thank you, I got it.

Um, we are not going out

for anything.

I am going out

to collect samples,

and you are driving.

And protecting your face

from the sun.

I will have you know

that this hat

is for emergencies only.

What are you doing?

Going diving.

No, no, the divemaster

stays on the boat

in case I have any problems.

Yeah, but your other guy

dove with you.

That was different.

How?

It just was.

Don't worry, Doc,

I'll keep the radio on me.

That's not how this works.

Sorry, I'm not done loading...

I'm not done loading that yet.

Thanks for the charter.

Yeah, well, it's my job now.

Speaking of, how did

a world-renowned surfer

become a boat driver

for scientists?

Just riding the wave of life,

I guess.

Hey, so those photos

you were taking,

what are they for?

Just keeping tabs

on what's going on down there.

That spot peaked my interest

a couple months ago.

Uh, could you send them to me?

I'm putting together a pitch

for the municipal funds grant,

and they could be

really helpful.

It is him. Liam?

Hey, how's it going?

Hey, can I please

have your autograph?

Yeah, of course.

What are your names?

- I'm Riley.

- Sarah.

Riley and Sarah,

it's a pleasure to meet you.

You are my favorite surfer!

Do you think

we could get a selfie?

- Yeah, of course!

- Thank you, thank you.

- Here, you want me to take it?

- Yeah.

Or actually, here,

why don't you snap it, Doc?

Are you serious?

Yeah, of course.

Come on.

Thank you!

Yay, thank you!

Thank you, hope to see you back

on the board soon!

Have a nice day!

Bet that never gets old.

You know, it doesn't, no

Okay, so about those photos.

Yeah, listen,

I'm gonna need something

in return for them, Doc.

You give my diving services

a glowing review.

From the dive we just took?

Yeah, my parents are up for

one of the full-time contracts

with you guys,

which would be pretty rad

for all parties involved.

Sure, I won't tell Dr. Maris

that you dove with me,

that you spent company time

taking selfies with your fans,

or about your incredibly

annoying attitude.

Great, then the pics are yours!

Speaking of, do you want

a selfie with me?

Content featuring my face

does very well

on other people's

social media pages.

I don't do social media,

but thanks.

If you could just

send the photos

to the email address

on this card,

that would be fantastic.

Aye-aye, Captain!

Thank you!

Dr. Waters.

Good afternoon,

Dr. Waters.

We received your application

for the municipal funds grant,

but you were missing a section.

I was?

Yes, it looks like

you were working

from an old application.

The guidelines for the grant

changed six months ago.

Everything else

on your application is correct,

it's just missing the portion

about the 100 community members

voting at the hearing.

I can process your application

without the information

of your 100 community members,

but we can't hear your cause

without their votes.

Okay, yes, go ahead

and process the application.

The 100 required voters

will be in attendance.

Mhm. Yes, we have field trips

every day,

including the weekends.

Yes, they...

I'm gonna have to put you

on a brief hold.

- What's wrong?

- What are you doing on the 30th?

Uh, something very important

that you need me for?

So it turns out I need

100 community members

to come vote at the hearing

in order to have

our cause heard.

Okay, how many

do you have signed up?

Well, that section

wasn't on the application

that I was working from.

Um, okay.

Do you know what you need?

A spokesperson.

Someone to get the word out,

get people excited to support.

What do you think

I've been doing?

Right, and you've been doing

a great job,

but do you remember

when you were trying

to get people involved

with your project

and you hosted

that Games and Gills night

instead of knocking on doors

and maybe like five people

showed up?

Well, six, if you count Dad.

My point exactly.

And that was with

the Marine Institute's

directory of contacts.

This endeavor,

as valiant as it is,

has historically not had

the best turn out.

So if you want people

to commit their time,

you need to give them something

to get excited about!

Just a thought.

Oh! Like that dog

that skateboards!

Sparky would get people excited.

Sparky.

Go call Sparky's agent.

Call Sparky's agent.

Is that something

I can find online,

the phone number?

You think it's...

Yeah, you'll find it!

- All right.

- Thank you for holding.

Thank you.

Hi, my name is Dr. Isla Waters

and I'm calling on behalf

of the Save the Reef project

at the Bay Cove

Marine Institute.

I'm interested in booking Sparky

for a few days.

$3,000 for one day?

Okay, I'm gonna have

to circle back with you.

Thanks.

Change your mind

about that selfie, Doc?

Absolutely not.

Listen, what if I told you

there was a way

that I could guarantee

your family the contract?

I'm listening.

You know that stuff is

really bad

for the environment, right?

Like it could k*ll off

entire ecosystems

of micro bacteria?

I was told that it's safe

for human use.

That doesn't mean it's safe

for the beings

we share the planet with.

Well, I'm building an empire!

Wait, are you sponsored by them?

Liam, you have a platform.

People in this community care

what you have to say,

and you're using it

to sell that?

That isn't just anything,

that is WaterLight.

It turns any water

that it touches

into medical grade cleaner.

There are not enough hours

in the day

for me to break down

how incredibly problematic

that sentence was.

I was gonna ask you

to be the spokesperson

of the Save the Reef project,

help me get people committed

to come vote

in exchange

for making your family

one of our permanent

divemasters.

However, upon reflection,

I now realize that

that was the wrong move.

Goodbye.

Isla, Isla, Isla, Isla, wait.

Okay, that is Dr. Waters to you.

Okay, sorry, Dr. Waters.

I'm in, I want to do it,

be the spokesperson

for your Save the Reef thing

in exchange for the contract.

While that is

incredibly generous,

the offer is no longer

on the table, so...

I am not above

pushing you off of this dock

and into the water

if you do not get out of my way.

As much as I would love

to see you try,

I just did my hair, so.

What would you need me to do

as a spokesperson?

Hypothetically, I would need you

to help me get people committed

to come vote

at the hearing

on municipal funds on the 30th.

That's it?

I could totally do that.

I know you can.

Which is why I asked.

Well, technically,

you didn't ask, I offered.

Are you always this infuriating?

Only to the people

that I really like.

Great. Goodbye.

Okay, I think that we may have

gotten off on the wrong fin.

"Fin."

Was that a fish pun?

I'm Liam Smith,

professional surfer,

and I don't normally do this,

but I would like to help.

Okay, look, I didn't know

that those products

were bad for the environment.

They just offered me

a lot of money.

Okay, look, I've noticed

the changes at the reef, too.

If we lose the reef, my parents

are gonna lose their business.

Let's do a trial run.

Meet me at Ocean Park

at nine A.M. sharp.

You got it, Doc.

Maybe don't call me that.

Connie, hey.

I was just wondering if you'd

had a chance to reconsider.

Connie...

I know, I know.

I'm just trying to keep

you relevant in the surf world.

Anyways, the new

WaterLight contract

should be in your inbox

this week,

so this is super hush-hush,

but they're planning on opening

a new packaging plant

right there in Bay Cove.

The PR team loves

this hometown thing

you've got going on,

and they want to put you

on a billboard

right on Main Street.

Right, right.

While that is

technically super cool,

and I would love to be

on a billboard in my hometown

and show the people

that I really made it,

I'm not sure

this is the kind of thing

I want my face

plastered next to.

Well, it's a little too late

for that, isn't it?

I've done some reading

on WaterLight,

and this stuff's not good at all

for the environment.

That's nonsense,

that's all just hearsay.

What really matters is that

the check clears,

and boy, did that check clear.

All right, well, the contract

with them ends this week,

you know, maybe we don't re-up

and we find another partnership.

When the new WaterLight contract

comes in,

we'll chat about it.

Oh, whoops.

Getting another call.

Gotta go. Don't be a stranger.

- Morning, Doc!

- Good morning!

So what are we doing here?

We are here

to get people signed up

to come support us

at the hearing in a few days.

Twelve! Cool.

We need how many?

A hundred.

So I was thinking that

you could introduce yourself,

say your role in the cause,

get people excited to show up.

This is Daphne, the Director

of Community Events.

It is a pleasure to meet you,

Liam.

- We are big fans.

- Thank you!

My son and I cannot wait

to see you back up on the board.

All right, um,

shall we get started?

Yeah, I'll just...

I'll make a quick intro

and then the floor is all yours.

Sounds good.

Great, so if we just

stick to the script,

I think we should be able

to get a few people to commit

to come show up and vote.

- Okay!

- Yeah.

"It is our esteemed honor

to invite you to participate

in a once-in-a-lifetime

opportunity

to show your support for

this incredibly sacred endeavor

on which we are embarking."

I'm not gonna read this.

What? Why not?

Come on, the back

of a cereal box

is more interesting than this.

We need to get people excited,

you know,

make them feel included

in the mission.

All right, good morning,

Bay Cove! Woo!

And welcome to the 25th annual

community summer field day!

Now, before the games begin,

I have a quick announcement.

We have a very special

guest with us

who has a worthy cause

and needs our help,

so please welcome

four-time Pipeline winner,

Liam Smith!

Wait, don't you need these?

What up, Bay Cove,

how you doing today?

When I say "Liam,"

you say, "Smith." Liam!

- Smith!

- Liam!

- Smith!

- Liam!

- Smith!

- Liam!

Smith!

Now that is what

I'm talking about!

Okay, listen, I need your help,

are you guys ready?

Is it true that you're hosting

the Pipeline Masters this year?

I heard you're judging it.

Nothing's decided yet. Now...

When's your book coming out

and are you gonna surf again?

Potentially.

Now, uh, back to the reef.

There's a hearing coming up

on the 30th

that we would love for you guys

to come out

and vote at Town Hall.

How's that sound?

Can... I have your autograph?

Yeah, sure.

Uh... all right, Liam.

Uh, let the games begin!

Come on, everybody, let's go!

I think that went well.

Did it, though?

We need to get all of these

people to agree to vote

and then have them

actually show up to do it.

All right.

I have an idea.

What?

- Absolutely not.

- Why not?

Because, Liam, now is

not the time for a break.

No, but now is the time to get

some attention for winning.

It works every time.

No!

Come on, just one game, Doc.

If we lose, we can call it a day

and we go back

to your way of doing things.

But if we win,

we do things my way.

Unless you're scared.

Scared?

Of losing

in front of the whole town?

I'm not scared.

Then let's do this, Doc!

Come on.

- Okay, fine.

- Yes!

Okay.

All right, everybody.

It is time for

the Bay Cove Challenge!

So grab a partner,

find a station,

let the games begin.

All right, here we go.

Okay.

Oh, good job, good job!

- Are you any good?

- Are you?

Touch.

So, underhand, overhand?

It'll be overhand.

Why don't you show me?

- Okay.

- It was close.

Nice!

Nice! There you go!

It's okay, it's okay.

Okay. One more,

and then we get back to work.

Unless we win.

Unless we win.

I think that we're

gonna win this, Doc.

Any "fin" is possible.

Was that another fish pun?

All right, everybody,

it is time for the baton race!

Runners, you ready?

Get set go!

Whoo, he's fast!

Come on, Isla!

Go, go, go!

Whoo! All right!

You did it, Doc!

The winners are Isla and Liam!

Congratulations! That was great!

That was great!

Go, Isla, whoo!

They're going down.

Ooh, is the doc

feeling competitive?

What? No. No!

It's... it's for the reef,

for the reef.

All right!

Here we go.

On your marks, go!

Let's go, Doc!

Let's go!

Oh! Congratulations!

We did it!

Isla... Isla and Liam

are the winners!

- Lemme get this.

- Thank you.

Okay, that was fun,

but we didn't actually

get anybody signed up.

Excuse me, guys.

My wife and I would love

to show support for the reef

by voting at the hearing.

- Oh!

- Yeah, just, uh,

just put in your name

and your contact info,

and then you hit "submit"

and the details on how to vote

will be emailed to you.

- Well, there.

- Great.

- Thank you so much.

- Thank you.

Thank you. Have a good day.

Whoo-hoo!

What?

I was right. It worked.

You got two people signed up.

Yeah, but it's more

than you had before.

So, my job here

is basically done.

What? No, no, you are committed

to this cause

until all 100 people

are signed up to come vote

at the hearing.

Otherwise, I'm not gonna

push you guys

through for the contract.

Are you always this literal?

Excuse me?

I'm... I'm joking, Doc!

Of course, I know that

two people isn't enough.

Lighten up a little bit, okay?

It didn't sound like a joke.

That's because you don't have

a sense of humor.

Well, that's extremely rude.

Can't help it

if the truth hurts, Doc.

We need to come up

with a better strategy

if we're gonna get

all 100 people

signed up to vote

at the hearing.

All right. Well, uh...

I'll think of something, okay?

See you later, Doc.

Sorry, what does

"think of something".

We only have a couple of days!

- Uh, Isla?

- Yeah?

You have a visitor.

What can I do for you, Liam?

I had a couple ideas

I wanted to run by you.

Please have a seat.

As the face of this movement,

I was thinking

that we could do a fish fry

where everybody dresses up

as sea creatures.

Or, or a water-based

obstacle course

that ends in a balloon fight.

"Gill" -iant, right?

Hm.

Does that enthusiastic reaction

mean yes

or does it mean no?

No, Liam.

Contentless flash

will not get people

to come vote at the hearing.

It will entertain them

for an afternoon

and that's it.

I tried.

Okay, please don't touch

anything.

Okay, stop, stop, stop.

What's this over here?

It is the reason the votes

are so important.

This formula could be

a game changer

for conservation efforts,

but I need more funding

to finish it.

How's it work?

Basically, it replenishes

the coral's food supply

and stops it from bleaching.

Stabilizes it and

makes it less susceptible

to environmental factors.

Wow. That's really impressive.

Yeah, we're seeing some

really promising results.

I mean, it's only about 65%

effective right now, hence...

Why you need the grant money.

Precisely.

Precisely.

- Just...

- I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

Who's this cutie?

Uh, that's my mom.

She did everything she could

to help the reef thrive.

She knew that without it,

none of this matters.

And I wanna leave a legacy

behind like that as well,

one where I do everything I can

to make the world

a better place.

How much do you know

about coral bleaching?

I can confidently say

that any previous knowledge

on that topic was not retained.

Great. Well, come on.

As the "face" of the movement,

you can help me get people

signed up at this demonstration.

Bring all of that

wondrous charm.

Follow my lead.

Okay, but you didn't even hear

my dunk t*nk idea.

- Is everybody ready?

- Yeah!

The coral reef.

It is a bright

and vibrant landscape

that is home to many species

and protects our coasts.

But when the coral

gets stressed,

it expels zooxanthellae,

the tissue that gives the coral

its bright color,

and it causes it to bleach,

which disrupts

the entire ecosystem

and sets off a chain of events

that affects everything,

including you and me.

Which is why

it is so important for us

to protect our oceans

and the aquatic beings

that call it home.

Ooh!

Does anybody have any questions?

Me! Me! Me!

Great. Uh, Ben.

What's faster,

a marlin or a dolphin?

A marlin.

Who's next?

Me! Me! Me!

Mia.

Do seahorses live

outside salt water?

So there are over 50 species

of seahorses,

and yes, some of them

can live in brackish water.

- Anybody else?

- Me! Me! Me!

Mila.

So how'd you do?

Uh, three. You?

Four.

Ooh, look at you, Doc!

Oh!

- Oh... that's okay.

- Sorry.

Um...

My bad.

It's okay,

it happens all the time.

My mom worked here on weekends

when I was growing up,

and I used to pack a lunch

and just sit

and watch them swim.

When I was growing up,

my friends used to hate

swimming with me,

'cause they said

I'd go underwater

and I wouldn't come back up.

All good?

Yeah, it's just my agent,

it's nothing.

Doesn't sound like nothing.

I'm trying to get out of my

situation with WaterLight.

But your empire!

It's not worth it

if it harms any of this.

You know, I used to wanna be

a marine biologist

when I grew up,

before surfing kinda

took over my life

over the past decade, but...

now, I don't know,

I'm just trying to figure out

if there's still space for it.

Sounds to me like

a classic identity crisis.

Well, you are the doctor.

I say that...

if you want surfing

to be part of your life again,

then make surfing

part of your life again.

You ever surf before?

Um, negative.

You wanna learn?

Not really.

- You sure?

- Very.

Really?

I feel like learning how to surf

from a former pipeline

champion is, like,

a once-in-a-lifetime

opportunity.

It seems like you really wanna

teach me how to surf.

I kinda do.

Just for the satisfaction of

seeing you fall off the board.

You know what?

I would love to learn to surf.

Oh.

Mm-hm. I'll make you a deal.

If you get us to 45 committed

community members

by the end of the day,

I will let you

teach me how to surf.

You have yourself a deal.

And I will see you

in the morning, Doc.

We'll see about that.

We will see about that.

We will see about that.

We will see about that.

What's up, Connie?

Liam, where have you been?

Have you seen the new

WaterLight contract?

I told you that I wanna pass.

As your agent,

I cannot advise you to do that.

Well, as my agent,

I'm asking you to do it.

I don't wanna work

with them anymore, Connie.

I don't think that's

really an option here, Liam.

They've already put a bid in

for the land

for the distribution site

and have purchased

the billboard space.

Well, there are better brands

out there

that we can partner with.

WaterLight was the only brand

to offer you

a sponsorship, Liam.

Great.

Then I won't be sponsored.

What has gotten into you, Liam?

People listen

to what I have to say.

I need to be careful with

who and what I'm promoting.

Not when they're offering you

six-figure contracts, you don't.

Look, I'm not signing

that contract, Connie.

The partnership is over.

You're making a huge mistake.

You know, for the first time

in a long time,

I actually feel

like I'm doing the right thing.

Pass on the contract.

Thank you, Connie.

Hey.

Whoa, Jumpy McGee,

what you working on there?

- Uh, nothing.

- Brooke, that is not nothing.

- That is beautiful.

- They're just...

they're just doodles.

Brooke!

Brooke, I love this.

You know what?

It might be cool

to use these as branding

for the pitch.

It could maybe give us an edge.

Well, I... could create a logo

using that design, if you want.

That would be amazing.

Thank you.

And in return,

I can offer you surf lessons

from a world-renowned surfer.

I told Liam that if he got

45 people committed to vote

by the end of the day

that I would let him

teach me how to surf.

You didn't think he could do it,

did you?

No, I didn't.

But I'm not gonna give him the

satisfaction of knowing that,

so I need you and Charlie

to come and help distract

from my lack of coordination

and athletic ability.

- You got it, sis.

- Thank you.

Those are beautiful.

I can't wait to see the logo.

- Morning.

- Morning.

Um... just felt like

giving it a wax?

I'm teaching a lesson, actually.

A surfing lesson?

Yeah.

Well, that sounds like fun.

Yeah. I think it will be.

Oh, and I, uh,

I reached out to everyone

on Mom's contact list,

got us to 45.

I'm, uh, I'm still waiting

to hear back

from the Wilsons

and the Wends, but, uh,

there's this thing

tomorrow night,

a charity event for

the Small Business Association.

That might be a good place

to get more people

committed to vote.

SBA loves this kind of thing.

That is a great idea.

Thanks, Dad.

All right, thank you so much.

All the voting info will be

emailed to you guys, okay?

Have a nice day.

Hey!

This is my sister Brooke

and her husband Charlie.

- Hi. Nice to meet you, man.

- Yeah.

- Heard a lot about you.

- Nice to meet you.

Uh... so let's go check out

the surf, bae, all right?

Is there a problem?

No problem at all.

Good.

Let's learn to surf.

Let's do it.

I got the boards over here.

Okay.

All right, so you're gonna start

on your belly,

and you're gonna paddle

like this,

and then, when you feel

the pull of the wave,

pop up.

You pop and glide, all right?

Now, don't worry if you

don't get up your first time.

Most people don't.

And usually,

the hand that you write with

is gonna be the foot that

goes in back for stability,

but I'm the opposite

and surf goofy,

so mine goes in front.

Well, that's fitting.

Obviously,

we're just learning here,

so I was thinking

we could give it

a couple rounds in the land,

then give it a quick go

in the water.

All right,

who wants to go first?

Um... we'll meet you

in the water.

- Yeah, let's do that.

- I thought that you guys di...

Have a good time, guys.

Oh, I forgot to tell you that

they already know how to surf.

So you made me give them

that whole demonstration

thinking that they were newbies

and you knew that they weren't.

Uh, maybe.

All right, so I'm gonna just...

Hey, this was your idea.

If you wanna give up,

I'm happy to go back to the lab.

We start with a paddle,

all right?

Okay, we're paddlin'.

- Paddle.

- Okay.

All right, here it comes.

You feel the wave pulling you,

and then you pop up.

Did I do it?

Yeah, Doc.

You nailed it.

I'm gonna just...

I'll do it...

I'll do it one more time.

Yeah, one more time.

We're gonna get that balance

thing squared away.

Oh, well that's probably

never gonna happen,

but it's worth a sh*t.

So we're back on the board

and we're paddling.

- Paddling.

- And we're paddling fast.

So how did you do it?

Do what?

Get the 45

to commit that quickly?

What can I say, Doc?

People love a local celebrity.

No, I called in

every single favor I could

with every single person

I could get a hold of

and begged them to come.

But hey. It worked.

Yeah. It did.

I, uh, ended my partnership

with WaterLight yesterday.

You did?

I mean, the relationship

had run its course.

Does this have anything

to do with what I said?

That the products are bad

for the environment?

No. I'm just ready for a change.

So what are you gonna do now?

Keep helping my parents

run the dive shop, I guess.

Maybe start surfing again?

This is my first time

back on a board

since my accident.

What happened, anyway?

If you don't mind me asking.

Usually, in the past,

when I fell,

I would just get back

on the board, you know?

The faster the better, but...

that last one got to me.

What was different about it?

When I first started surfing,

it was like

my way of processing things.

Like, nothing was too hard

when I was out on the waves.

I could just clear my mind,

find a way to solve any problem.

And the bigger the problem

or the madder I got,

the harder I'd push myself.

But then I started

to get attention for it,

which led to my image...

The "bad boy" thing.

Exactly.

But, you know,

I'm a different person now.

So what was different

about that last fall?

Well, I tried

to get back on the board

like I always do,

but for some reason, I couldn't.

And that, compounded with

the shame of the actual fall,

was a lot.

So I walked away.

And I know... I know

I'm gonna surf again.

I just... I know it'll have to be

as a different version

of myself.

So how do you feel now?

I was expecting

to feel something big.

Like terror or joy or something.

But instead, you realized

you're hollow inside?

Yes, Doc. Hollow.

No, I feel, uh... I feel calm.

Yeah. Like coming home.

It's not easy but it's familiar.

That's really poetic.

If you had told me the reason

that I'd be getting

back on the board

was because I was

working with a scientist

on what is basically

a grown-up group project,

then I'd tell you you're insane.

Well, sometimes life

can surprise you.

Ain't that the truth.

All right, you two. Play nice!

We will.

Thanks for coming, guys!

I gotta say, Doc, you looked

pretty good out there.

Oh yeah, thanks.

Once I found my sea legs,

really, uh... loved it?

Yes!!

Liam, Liam!

- Can we get a photo?

- Yeah, of course.

We're going to the billboard

reveal on the 30th.

We can't wait.

Thanks again!

Bye!

What was that all about?

I have no idea.

I wonder what's going on there.

We've been petitioning the city

to protect that land for months.

Why?

I'll show you.

So, these turtles,

they're endangered.

And this is their

favorite nesting spot,

so if this land sells,

it could mean

some big problems for them.

Hey. I got an idea.

You thirsty?

Yeah?

I haven't drank

straight from the coconut

since I was a kid.

Then you've been missing out

on years of the best water

on the Florida coast.

My mom used to say

the same thing.

You know, this Save the Reef

project is exactly

the sort of thing

she used to do.

She was on the board

at the Marine Institute.

A founding member, actually.

Wow.

I'm hoping to follow

in her footsteps

with a board seat.

She's what inspired me

to become a marine biologist.

It's funny how parents

will do that to you.

Yeah.

So there's this, uh,

this charity event

that my parents go to

every single year.

It's tomorrow, hosted by

the Small Business Association.

That's cool.

And I was thinking, you know,

maybe it'd be cool

if we went, we mingled,

we get some people to sign up

to come to the hearing.

That's... a really good idea.

Was that a compliment?

Absolutely not.

I'll talk to Brooke,

see if she can get us

some materials made up.

Yeah, this, this

doesn't exactly scream,

"Let's change the world."

Okay, I was in a hurry

and I will ask Brooke to fix it.

Good, because this is terrible.

So how long

have you been working

on your little

experiment thingie?

"Experiment thingy"?

You know what I mean.

Uh, about two years.

I came up with the idea while

I was on a dive in school,

and the idea's just been

rolling around

in the back of my brain

ever since.

And then, when I learned

that the board was

opening up a new seat

to a candidate with

a fully funded research project,

I got to work.

And now, here we are,

trying to get the grant from

the municipal funds hearing.

I'm worried

that the committee is

gonna look down on my product

because it's not 100% effective,

but I'm trying to get it up

to at least 90% effectiveness

by the hearing.

Which, speaking of,

I need to get back to the lab.

I'm testing out

a new phylo substance

on the coral today.

Sounds exceptionally nerdy.

But potentially world-changing!

I'll see you tomorrow.

- What's up, Mom?

- Hey, honey.

Did you go surfing today?

Just taught a lesson.

Anyway, is that ticket

to the charity event

still on the table?

I think we can make that happen.

What about two?

- Two?

- Yeah, one for me

and one for Dr. Waters.

Look, it's a long story, Mom.

Can we make two tickets happen?

- Sure, absolutely.

- Cool.

- Hey.

- Don't look!

Okay.

Making something for me?

I won't know

until it's finished.

Coast is clear...

What is going on?

Oh. Mayor Wade is

Dad's new client.

And apparently,

it's going pretty well.

- So, huge favor to ask.

- Huh-huh.

Well, two favors, technically.

One: How hard would it be

to make a new information page

for when people sign up

to vote at the hearing?

Oh, not hard at all.

What are we working with?

Yeah, that is bad.

That's why I need your help.

All right, if that's one,

what's two?

So Liam invited me to this

charity event thing,

and I was wondering

if we could have

some materials made up

to hand out.

What kind of things?

Like pamphlets, info packets,

that kinda thing?

Yeah, absolutely.

When do you need 'em?

Tomorrow?

Tomorrow tomorrow.

Yes.

Great. Sure!

Absolutely, I can do that.

Thank you, thank you,

thank you...

Well, if it gets you

that spot on the board finally,

it'll be worth it.

Thank you.

No prob.

So.

This morning was fun.

What?

Surfing! With Liam.

You know, when he started

at the Institute,

I thought for sure

you two would k*ll each other.

Uh, yeah, we definitely

did not start off

- on the right fin.

- Fin?

Foot.

Did you just make a fish pun?

Uh, Liam must be

rubbing off on me.

Uh-huh.

- What?

- Nothing!

It's just nice

seeing you like this.

Like what?

Relaxed. Chill.

- I'm always chill.

- Yes, I know, but...

there is something different.

You seem happier.

Do not read into it,

it is a good thing.

Whatever you say.

I will see you soon.

- All right.

- Thank you. I love you.

I love you.

- You are the best.

- I know.

Dr. Waters.

Oh, Dr. Maris. Hi!

- How's it going?

- Uh, good.

I'm just working

on my presentation,

and it's going really well,

actually.

The data is solid

and the plan of action is

thoroughly researched.

All we need is the 100

community members in attendance,

and with our new spokesperson,

I actually think

that that might happen.

About that.

The board is a bit hesitant

about the involvement

of Liam Smith.

What? Why?

His past partnerships

have raised some concerns.

They're worried he might be

sending the wrong message.

I understand your hesitancy,

and to be honest, I shared it.

But Liam is completely on board

with the mission.

He's given up

his WaterLight contract,

he's invested in the reef.

I hope you're right, Isla.

If not, you could have

hitched your horse

to the wrong wagon.

Liam can be trusted.

I'm sure of it.

Great.

I look forward to the hearing

and your presentation

to the board.

- Thank you.

- Mm-hm.

Oh, uh, Dr. Maris.

Do you know anything

about the sale of the land

at Pebble Beach?

No, I don't. Why?

There was a pending

for sale sign there.

Let me look into it.

- Okay. Thank you.

- You're welcome.

Hey.

Did you go surfing this morning?

What prompted that?

I don't know, just...

felt like time, I guess.

Really proud of you, son.

Oh, you know, we've got

a dive with Dr. Waters

- in 15 minutes.

- Oh, I can handle it.

- Are you sure? Cause I...

- No, no, no, no.

I got it.

All right.

And I'll see you soon.

Have a great dive!

Hey!

- One, um, your boat is ready.

- Thank you.

And two...

I have a surprise for you.

Can you stop by my studio

before the charity event?

Yeah, sure.

Have a nice dive.

Thanks, sis.

I'm Mr. Seahorse.

Yee-haw! Yee-haw!

And I'm Mr. Octopus.

You make me nervous and I ink.

Pew! Pew!

You like the octopus?

Here you go. He's all yours,

but if you promise

to keep him safe, okay?

All right, go run on back

to your parents.

Hey.

Is everything okay?

You were serious, right,

about ending your contract

with WaterLight?

No, Doc, I just agreed

to sell them my life rights.

Of course I was serious. Why?

I guess the board

is feeling hesitant

about you being

the face of our cause,

what with that partnership

being...

Environmentally damaging

and very off-brand

for a wildlife-based cause?

- Exactly.

- Look, I totally get it,

but seriously,

you have nothing to worry about.

As much as it pains me

to admit it,

you were right, okay?

I got a platform

and I should be using it

for things that matter.

Like, uh, saving the reef.

All right, Doc?

Let's do it.

Do you always park this far out?

All the boats should be

parked out this far.

We all gotta try to be better

about leaving no trace.

Which is why I mistook

your boat for mine.

You were parked

in my eco-friendly spot.

What's the story with that?

Well, I made that

right after I became

a certified dive instructor.

I found that when

I take people out,

there tend to be nerves,

especially in kids

and first-time divers.

And, uh, well, these guys here

help them to relax

and remind them

that this is supposed

to be fun, ya know?

So I've had it with me

ever since.

All right.

I'll be right here

if you need me, Doc.

You're not diving with me?

Well, it's the divemaster's job

to make sure that the diver

is safe.

But you have a radio.

So, I don't see the harm

in you coming with me.

After you, Doc.

Let's do this thing.

All right,

I will see you tonight.

See ya tonight.

Connie, hey.

Well, hello

to my favorite surfer!

Alright,

everything is good to go

for your extension

with WaterLight,

and good news, your billboard

will officially debut tomorrow.

Hopefully it will give your

mayor the push he needs

to sign off

on that packaging plant.

What are you talking about?

I told you!

WaterLight's new

packaging plant in Bay Cove

and the hometown billboard

to promote!

You're the face of the fastest

growing cleaning product

in North America!

I don't want to continue

the partnership, Connie.

That's not...

Look, I don't have anything

more to say than that.

I understand you're going

through an identity crisis

but this deal

is bigger than that,

so I went around you, Liam.

Sorry to say it but somebody's

got to save your career

and it's looking like

it's not going to be you.

My career doesn't need saving.

Shred the contract, Connie.

We can't.

We've reached a verbal

agreement with them, Liam.

If we don't move forward

they'd be well

within their right to sue.

I know this is hard for you,

but I'm just trying

to keep the door open

to the world of pro surfing

so whenever you've worked out

whatever it is

you need to work out,

you have a career

to come back to.

- Hey.

- Hey!

Do you know

what this is all about?

- I have no idea. You?

- No idea.

Great, glad we're

on the same page.

Hey, guys!

Thank you all for coming.

As you know, Isla gave me

free rein on the design

for the Small Business

Association event tonight,

which you will not regret,

hopefully.

Uh...

Okay, close your eyes.

Just...

She always does this,

doesn't she?

Every single time.

Anyway, I wanted

to create something

timeless and special

for the charity event

and my mind kept coming back

to Mom's painting.

Alright, three, two, one, open!

What do you guys think?

Oh my gosh, you guys hate it.

No, no.

It's stunning!

It's absolutely incredible.

Um, everything is printed

and ready to go.

I even had stickers made,

I mean, because who doesn't

love a sticker, right?

I was worried I had gone too far

finishing Mom's painting.

No.

No.

I'm so glad you did.

You know, you girls make up

the best parts of her.

You know, she would be so proud

of the women you grew up to be.

You two have given your mother

another chance

to be a part

of the efforts to saving

one of her favorite places.

I love you so much.

I love you too.

- Hey.

- Hey!

Look at you.

Don't you clean up nice.

Right back at ya, Doc.

Was that a compliment?

Absolutely not.

- Isla, there's something that...

- So I...

Sorry, ladies first.

What's this?

To replace the one

you gave away this morning.

We can't have the emergency hat

lacking in backup.

So what was it that

you wanted to tell me?

Um, it can wait until tomorrow.

Are you sure?

Shall we get going?

- Yeah.

- After you.

Thank you, thank you.

This is a beautiful house.

Thank you.

Oh, Liam. Look at this.

Look at this.

Yeah, don't worry, Brooke

made sure we were covered.

- What?

- You sign right here.

I may or may not have been

in on the surprise.

Hey!

Thank you for holding down

the fort.

Happy to.

You must be Dr. Waters.

- I'm Lana and this is Kevin.

- Hi!

Nice to meet you, Doctor.

Nice to meet you.

And please call me Isla.

My mom and my dad.

Hey, thanks again

for setting up.

It's our pleasure.

So nice to meet you.

You as well.

This looks beautiful.

Thank you again.

This is amazing.

- Check this out.

- Wait, Liam,

when did we get up

to 87 confirmed voters?

Turns out that my parents

would have made

a better spokesperson than me.

I told them about the cause

and they were happy to help.

- Shall we get to work?

- Please.

Uh, you take that side,

I'll take this side.

Sounds good, Doc.

Hi, you guys have a moment

to talk about our local reef?

All right, thank you so much.

We'll see you tomorrow.

Thanks, guys.

That looks like fun.

You know what?

It does.

You thinking what I'm thinking?

Are you thinking dancing?

I'm thinking dancing. Yeah.

Let's dance.

Okay, so you got any moves?

Yeah, I got this one right here,

it's called

the Thumbs to the Side.

Oh, I like that one.

This is almost like disco.

- The Isla Waters.

- Isla Waters?

Isla Waters, like the ocean.

- That's called the Robot.

- I know it.

Can I have this dance, Doc?

I would love that.

You know, when I first met you

I thought you were

this know-it-all,

fussy perfectionist

who didn't have any fun.

But I was wrong.

You're not so bad yourself.

You know,

I heard through the grapevine

that someone surfed

this morning.

It's a small town, people talk.

I'd love to give credit

to the humor-less scientist

who helped me

get back on the board,

but then I'd have

to admit to her

that she might be kinda great.

And you wouldn't

want to do that.

No, no, no.

Because I wouldn't want it

to get to her head.

She's got enough

going for her already.

I have a surprise for you.

You do?

Come check this out.

Wait, what?

We have 102 confirmed

community members

coming to the vote tomorrow.

Liam, are you serious?

As a shark att*ck.

Well, isn't that... "fintastic"?

Was that a fish pun, Doc?

Maybe.

Liam, thank you for all of this.

I couldn't have done

any of this without you.

I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Thank you for trusting me

to be your spokesperson.

I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Isla, there is something

that I need to tell you.

- Oh, sorry.

- Go ahead.

- I'll be quick.

- Okay.

Hello?

How'd we do?

You guys crushed it.

Seriously, you're hired.

I'm so happy we could help.

You know, this has been

really refreshing to see.

You reminded me

of your old self.

What do you mean?

The Liam before the awards

and the accolades.

The Liam

who just loved the ocean.

Look, I know coming back to Bay

Cove wasn't what you wanted.

That's the understatement

of the year.

But seeing you like this,

with a mission, a purpose,

working on something bigger

than yourself,

it's been really incredible.

She's one special girl.

Yeah, she is.

Did you see the email?

- No.

- The grant hearing

and the vote have been canceled.

What? Why?

I guess something came up

and they decided

to push it indefinitely.

But the board, what does this

mean for the board?

The board has held off

as long as they could

on making a decision.

Since you won't be presenting,

I'm afraid they'll have to go

in a different direction.

By the way,

I looked into the sale

of the land near Pebble Beach.

It looks like a packaging plant

is going up there.

I'm sorry, Isla.

We did all we could.

Hey, hey, is everything okay?

It's canceled.

The hearing tomorrow.

What? Why?

I don't know, Dr. Maris

just said that the mayor

pushed it indefinitely.

Well, they can't just do that,

can they?

Apparently they can.

Then, you know what?

We'll find another way. Okay?

There he is!

Liam, that reef demonstration

video you posted? Genius.

You've got the environmentalists

back on your good side.

Could be a nice rebrand.

"From bad boy to

conservationist."

Oh! It's you!

You look great on camera.

Ever thought about hosting?

You posted a video of my work on

social media without telling me?

I didn't think that

it'd be a big deal.

What you were doing was so

educational and if I thought...

Genius!

I couldn't have thought of

a better PR move myself!

Now, you know the mayor?

She's gonna be the one

leading the event.

What event?

The reveal of Liam's

new WaterLight billboard

right on Main Street.

We're gonna start there

for the press conference

then we're gonna move up

to their new site

right on Pebble Beach.

Sorry, Pebble Beach?

Yes, honey, WaterLight

has plans to buy that land.

Build a plant.

You knew that

that land was important.

I did not know that that

was the site for the plant.

But you knew about the plant?

Liam, you told me you ended

your WaterLight contract.

You said you were done.

Oh no, we re-upped

for another three years.

Liam, this lighting is perfect.

Give me one minute, okay?

Isla, please listen to me.

You told me you weren't

working with them anymore.

So what, you lied to me?

Not, exactly.

I don't want to work

with them anymore.

But you still have

a contract with them?

I tried to end my contract but...

They offered too much money.

I didn't have a choice.

So you used me?

You used my cause

to bolster your image?

Make yourself the face

of the Save the Reef Project

and share it all over

social media so what,

you could clear your conscience

about cashing

your WaterLight check?

I can't believe this.

Isla, wait.

Everyone

was right about you, Liam.

All you care about is yourself.

Okay, this is perfect.

Let's snap a couple of pics

of you two,

this lighting is fantastic.

Now, if I get this printed,

you'll sign it for me, right?

Excuse me.

Irving Conway is on his way.

The CEO of WaterLight? Why?

To make sure that everything

goes as planned tomorrow.

I mentioned to him

that you wanted out

and now he's threatening to sue.

Good. Let him.

For five million dollars.

So it's in everyone's

best interest

that you just see this through.

They need this to go well

for the mayor

to approve their request

to build on the coast.

Now get over there and give

everyone that megawatt smile

that you're known for.

I can't believe I trusted him.

You had no reason not to.

Well, I can't believe

I let this happen.

You had no way of knowing that

this was how things

were gonna shake out.

But if I'm being honest,

this doesn't sound

like Liam at all.

He came by the studio after you,

he asked me to help make

something for the booth

for the charity event.

He lit up

when he talked about you.

About the reef. About what

you two were doing together.

Right.

Trust me.

I was there.

He cares about you, Isla.

Just not enough

to tell me the truth.

I should get back.

I really need to finish

my presentation.

Okay. I'll come with you.

Hey, if it wasn't for you,

I would have missed the deadline

to apply to Walleston.

It's the least I can do.

Come on, let's go.

Okay, I'm almost done.

What do you think?

It doesn't matter what I think.

It matters what you think.

And what the board thinks.

Nothing is going to make up

for my lack of funding.

But at least you'll have

something to show the board.

We're live at Town

Hall with Mayor Wade

and four time Pipeline winner,

Liam Smith.

Uh... Isla?

Liam, do you have a few words

for our loyal viewers?

What's going on?

We have an incredible

opportunity here as a community

to show support for a cause

that can make a real difference.

The Save the Reef Project.

Now, the Save the Reef Project

is spearheaded

by the incomparable

Dr. Isla Waters

of the Marine Institute

which aims to protect and

preserve our precious reefs

and the ecosystems

that call it home.

But the grant hearing today

was cancelled.

We have an opportunity here

to demand change.

To hold our leaders accountable

to do what is best

for our community.

So I'm asking you

to join me at Town Hall

and show your support of

the Save the Reef Project

and demand that they hear

our presentation

as previously scheduled.

I'm sorry, I thought

we were here to discuss

a new billboard

for the WaterLight spot

and the pending packaging plant

in Bay Cove.

Right. About that...

This is no longer about me.

I urge you to head down

to Town Hall today

and cast your votes,

let your voices be heard.

We want that land protected,

not sold to WaterLight.

And I know you feel

the same way, Mrs. Mayor.

Of course.

Which is why the hearing today

is so important.

It's not up to me, Mr. Smith.

You wouldn't want to let down

your community

after they came all this way to

show their support, would you?

No. Of course not.

I know how hard Dr. Waters

and this entire community

has worked on this project

and the municipal council

would love to hear her speak

this afternoon.

Thank you. We're gonna continue

live from Town Hall.

This is a developing story.

You heard it first from us.

This is Christina Figueroa.

Back to you.

Um... I think we need to get you

to Town Hall.

- I think we do.

- Come on!

Yeah. Yeah, that's perfect.

Okay.

All right, I'll see you soon.

Bye.

Liam! What was that?

Me, doing the right thing.

Mr. Conway is

not going to be happy...

That's not my problem.

I never signed the contract

with WaterLight.

I don't owe them anything.

- You can't do this...

- I'm done.

With all of this, Connie.

Thank you for everything.

Excuse me?

You're fired, Connie.

Are all of these people here

to vote for our cause?

There you two are!

Hi, what are

you guys doing here?

Well, Liam called us.

Yeah, we came

as soon as we heard.

Already cast our vote.

Didn't he call you?

Um, I must have missed it.

Couple of times.

If you guys don't mind,

I'll be right back.

Thank you guys so much

for voting.

- I'll tell you later.

- Okay, what's going on?

I will fill you in.

- Oh, there she is.

- Hi!

Mr. Gregson,

what are you doing here?

Not that I'm not honored

that a member of the board

showed up to support.

I wouldn't have missed it!

As soon as the board heard

that the mayor

was pushing this hearing,

we had to support you

and give you our votes.

Thank you.

But how did you know about that?

I may have given them a sneak

peek at your presentation.

You did?

It was incredibly compelling.

It's a project

we'd love to get behind.

Thank you.

That means so much.

We'll see you inside, okay?

Okay. Thank you!

Hey.

Hey.

So, your billboard?

Yeah, I called in some favors

to get it replaced.

It's amazing what offering

an autographed photo will do.

What about your contract?

Well, I looked into it and

since I technically

never signed the contract

with WaterLight,

I don't owe them anything.

I'm a free agent.

You better get in there.

You've got a grant to win.

Did you hear? Could you

hear what I was saying?

- They loved it!

- It felt really good.

So, how'd it go?

- I think I crushed it.

- She totally crushed it.

Dad, this is Liam Smith.

- Good to meet you, son.

- Good to meet you too.

You know,

I used to love to shred

a big curl back in the day.

- Yeah?

- Dad!

We should totally

catch a wave sometime.

Dude, that would be awesome!

Never has he crushed a wave.

- Dr. Waters?

- Yes?

I wanted you to hear it from me.

I'm so sorry

but the committee opted

to go in a different direction.

What?

Your presentation was fantastic,

your voter turnout was great.

The committee just felt

that it wasn't the right use

of the community funds

at this time.

I'm so sorry, Dr. Waters.

But...

What happened?

It's over.

It's all over.

Liam, I am so sorry.

For what?

That you gave it all up

for nothing.

Come on, it wasn't for nothing.

This means I'm not getting

the board seat.

Right.

I'll find a way

to break the news to my parents.

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

Come on. Let's get out of here.

Okay.

Hey, it's gonna be okay.

I'm sorry.

It's kinda cool that he did.

Thank you.

Hey, buddy!

- Thank you.

- Thank you.

You know, you two could really

do something with this.

We could make it worthwhile,

add a link to a donation page,

get some more funding

for the research.

Since the grant is

no longer an option.

There's always next year, Isla.

What I'm worried about

is the Smiths

and their dive shop

and the reef.

I mean, at the rate

we're going, next year...

might be too late.

Then we might have

to do something about that.

Dad, Mayor Wade. Hi.

Dr. Waters. Hi, Brooke.

I have something

I'd like to present to you.

If you're open to it.

Of course.

The committee didn't feel

they were in a position

to release the funds.

I disagreed.

So I'd like to offer you

grassroots funding

as part of my campaign.

The Save the Reef Project

would be

one of the tent poles

of my campaign

and I guarantee that my first

order of business as Mayor

would be to fully fund

this project

in partnership with

the Marine Institute

and oppose the sale

of Pebble Beach to WaterLight.

I reached out to the board

before coming here

and got their approval

and they are 100% in favor.

So, the decision is yours, Isla.

I'll give you a moment

to think about it.

Can I get you

something to drink?

That would be great. Thanks.

This way.

- I have to go.

- Where are you going?

To find Liam.

I'll be right back!

Hey, um, is Liam here?

We haven't seen him.

Maybe check the dock?

Okay, thank you.

You have a really amazing son.

Like, he might be one of

the best people I've ever met.

Oh, and I'm looking forward

to our continued partnership.

Did she really just say that?

- She did.

- Oh my God!

That's fantastic!

Are you kidding me?

Don't worry.

It's my mom's formula.

Totally safe, I triple checked.

Good, we wouldn't want you

falling back into your old ways.

No, I have no time for that.

No, you don't.

Because as a divemaster

for the Marine Institute,

you are going to be very busy.

What?

Mayor Wade wants

to fund our project

as part of her campaign.

Liam, we did it, the

Save the Reef Project is a go!

The board is 100% behind us.

- You got the board seat?

- Yes!

Oh my gosh.

Oh my gosh! Yes!

Wow.

So now next time when

you climb into my boat,

it will be the right one.

And I guess this technically

means I'm your boss now.

I think since

we're contracted out

we're more like partners.

Partners implies that

we'll be working together.

Something I think

we're rather good at.

- Oh, do you now?

- Do you not?

I'll have to get back

to you on that.

Oh, so about the video.

I will take it down.

No, no! Don't!

While I don't agree with

the unethical practice

of posting without

somebody's permission,

you were right.

Giving people

something to engage with

is a great way to

get them involved.

And I was thinking

that maybe we could

turn the video into a series?

As long as we leave

the branding to Brooke.

Fair enough.

Look, Liam, I am so sorry

for what I said last night.

I was upset and I took it out

on you and that is not okay...

You had every right to.

I mean, you weren't

entirely wrong.

I was being selfish

and I cared

way too much about my hair

and I may have been

a little bit cocky.

But then I met this woman

and she showed me that

there's more to life

than just focusing on myself.

Plus she helped me

get back on the board

when nothing else could.

Hm, well, she sounds

pretty "fintastic."

And like she might be

your "sole" mate.

Get it, sole, like the fish?

Yes, you goof, I get it.

Can I kiss you now?

That would be absolutely

"krilliant."