02x06 - Dark Horse

[bunniefuu]

[instrumental music]

Nicholas, what's the problem?

Did you know

a man landed on the moon?

I sure did.

I wish, I knew that an hour ago.

I just made a fool of myself

in Mrs. Duffek's class.

How did you manage that?

Because this book

is my history book.

It says some day man

will land on the moon.

Oh, he already did.

Why wasn't I told?

Well, uh, it happened

before your time.

Let me see the book.

Oh, gosh.

You know that this is the same

book that Mary used to use.

I hope, it did her

more good than it did me.

What's this world coming to?

A guy can't even

trust his own school book.

[laughs]

Oh, my gosh.

I wonder if Alaska

will ever become a state.

Wow.

[theme music]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

Here's your order.

- Hello.

- Hi.

I'd like six double cheese

burgers, two without pickles.

Four hamburgers, one without

onions, three fish fillets

'two with extra sauce.'

Seven orders of French fries,

four large and three regular.

Four oranges, three root beers

and a little glass of milk.

Four orange juice

and-and one milk.

'Uh, will there be anything

else?'

I didn't think,

you had anything else.

Hi. You guys should

pick the short lines.

Perfect timing, you're here

just in time for our food.

Your food.

- I can't stay.

- Why?

Oh, Tom, I'm really sorry, but

the deadline for the proposal

for the remedial reading

project has been moved up again.

- Again?

- Yeah.

I'm really sorry,

will you call me later?

Yes, yes, I'll call you,

I'll get the beep

and I'll leave the message.

Bye.

[sighs]

Oh, boy.

I hope you guys are hungry.

Oh, no. It's not all for me.

Uh, maybe you would

like to join us.

I never eat here.

[clamoring]

Here's your drinks.

- Alright, Tommy, I'm starving.

- Okay, good.

[clamoring]

Mary is not gonna show up,

so who gets the extra hamburger?

Alright, you know who's gonna

get the extra hamburger?

I'm gonna think

of a number from one to six.

- Whoever gets the number. Okay

- Okay.

- Start guessing.

- One.

- Five.

- Four! Four!

Alright,

we have a lucky winner here.

He gets an extra hamburger!

[clamoring]

I'm not that hungry.

Why did you bother to guess?

Alright, we'll do it again,

take a number from one to five.

(Tom)

'Count away. Did you say two'

Three! Three!

Will you stay

out of this, please?

You don't wanna win, why guess?

Hi.

Uh, you're on a date with Abby.

Yes, can't you see, I'm having

a marvelous time too.

- Stood up again?

- Oh, please.

Reserve that term

for your brothers and sisters.

Abby is working overtime,

so she had to break our date.

Well, then, I don't suppose

now is the time

to break some big news to you.

Oh, no. Hit me, it's alright,

she's not home anyway.

Alright.

Dad, I want you to know that

I've thought a lot about this.

I wanna run for a seat

on the Board of Education

in the upcoming election.

I thought you said you had

thought a lot about this.

I have.

Dad, I've been going

to those board meetings

the last few Mondays.

Do you know what the board

members do there? Nothing.

Well, they do a lot of talking,

but nothing ever gets done.

And you think, you can be

the one to change all that.

I must've been out of town.

I thought that you were planning

on a career in medicine.

I feel I can do both.

Both? You think that you can

have a full-time career

in medicine and be a full-time

public servant?

Uh-uh. You'd have

to compromise on both jobs.

Okay, okay, look.

Dad, I didn't come here

to be talked out of this.

Has it ever occurred to you

that I just might do a good job?

Look, Mary, I'm only

concerned with your future.

Well, I'm concerned

about my present.

Listen, thanks for your support.

And who knows?

You might even vote for me.

You know,

just for old times sake.

Ask not what your father

can do for you.

Ask what you can do

for yourself.

(Susan)

'Okay, everybody up, let's go.'

'Rise and shine.'

'Up and Adam.

Reveille with Beverly.'

'Come on, let's go.'

'What time is it, Susan?'

- Come on, Mary.

- Let's go!

- Move your butt.

- Okay. Okay.

- Who's got the petitions?

- Right here.

Well, let's go.

I don't wanna miss rush hour.

- Well, what are you wearing?

- Yeah.

- Clothes.

- Oh, oh.

That's what you're wearing.

Well,

you can't go like that, Mary.

We're going after voters,

not spare change.

Put something nice on.

Nancy, I-I want people

to-to vote for me, not date me.

Yeah, well,

the way you're dressed

you're not gonna have

to worry about either of those.

Look, I'm the campaign manager

and I say go change.

Hey, I'm sorry I can't get out

of rehearsal today, you guys.

I'd love to go with ya.

Hey, don't worry about it.

We have got a special job

for you.

You are our media image

communications consultant.

- Speech writing, huh?

- Well, you got it.

Alright, I can't wait.

- Is that what you're wearing?

- Oh.

Look, I don't care

what any of you guys say

I wanna paint an honest picture

for the public.

Well, fine. Then, let's get

the public's opinion.

There's some public.

Hey, public?

What do you think about

what our candidate is wearing?

Looks fine to me,

she'd have my vote.

- I'll be right back.

- Where are you going?

To change into

my first compromise.

- Alright.

- See ya.

[instrumental music]

Okay, Mary, get someone

to sign the petition.

- Yeah, Mary.

- Okay.

Uh, you're not moving.

Su-Susan, I-I don't think

I ever thought

it was gonna be like this.

(Susan)

'Uh, like what?'

Weird! I-I..

I mean, you know that these

people are absolute strangers

and how do I get 'em

to-to sign this?

Be direct, assertive,

tell 'em exactly what you want.

Exactly what I want.

Exactly what you want.

Go on, Mary, you can do it.

He never signs anything

without his attorney.

I think, I should

stick to medicine, huh?

It's your body language.

- It's my what?

- Your body.

It's telling everyone

that you are Mary Bradford.

Scared political candidate.

- Oh, is that right?

- Mm-hmm.

Well, Nancy, what is my

body telling you now?

Eh-eh-eh. Come on, you guys.

Uh, let's get a hold

of our dignity here.

We happen

to be in the public eye.

Well, if you're so good, Nancy,

come on, show her how to do it.

It's a piece of cake, Mary,

a piece of cake.

- A piece of cake?

- Now, watch this.

[indistinct chatter]

- Piece of cake.

- Piece of cake.

Piece of cake.

Try it, Mary. It's fun.

Go and get 'em.

There is one right now.

Looks cute.

Hi.

- Hi there.

- Hi.

How does it look?

Looks good. Real good.

Hey, dad. Hey, dad.

Did you see David's

campaign contribution?

- How could I miss it?

- Woo! Flashy, huh?

Oh, boy, I can see us now,

driving through Sacramento.

'Mary Bradford

for school board!'

Well, I'm sure you'll do it the

first thing on Sunday morning.

That's a good idea. That way

we'll catch everybody at home.

How fortunate for them.

Dad! Dad! Look at my sign.

Oh, hey, that's great, Nicholas.

Only you know what?

I think you would get more votes

if it said

instead of "Vote for Mary"

if it says, "Vote for Bradford."

Yeah, I know,

but that's four more letters.

And my sign wasn't big enough.

Hey, Nicholas,

we'll get you another piece.

He's our director

of advertising.

Fine choice.

- Hi, dad.

- Oh.

Tommy.

Campaign still needs

a business manager.

- Good, I'll go find one.

- Uh..

Someone to keep

the finances straight.

- No.

- Uh..

Someone to keep

the donations official?

No!

Someone who owes me ten dollars.

Okay, where do I sign?

See Mary, she's right outside.

Bye.

I think I've just seen

the first bribe of the campaign.

[laughs]

Welcome to campaign

headquarters, daddy.

I don't believe it, there used

to be a living room in here.

Hey, hey, don't worry,

you can use it anytime.

And what do I do? Break in

in the middle of the night?

Daddy, this isn't

the Watergate.

Uh, is this

the Aaron residence?

Hi there, I represent

the Vote for Bradford committee.

Ah, the right job

for the right person.

Thank God,

it's a small school district.

Oh, dad, I'm glad you're here.

I need a ride home.

Oh, I'd love to,

but I can't.

I have to get

my clothes changed.

I have a date with Abby.

Oh, not tonight,

uh, she called earlier

and left a message that

she'd have to break the date.

Again?

Said something about a project

she had to work on.

She wants to have lunch

with you tomorrow though

if you can fit it in.

- If I can fit it in?

- Here.

[instrumental music]

I-I don't understand.

I do not get this.

Mr. Bradford, the-the research

folder was right here yesterday.

I know.

Uh, I-I'm-I'm gonna retrace

my steps.

Okay, just a minute.

Wait a minute.

Okay.

I-I-I came in the office,

alright.

Put your coffee down right here.

And I used your private line

to call my sister, Mr. Bradford

because I had a twinge

on the top of my-my shoul..

Did you ever get a twinge

on the top of your shoulder

because you knew that you had..

Donna, look at my face.

Do I appear interested?

No.

Just mildly upset.

Yes, and I'm going to be very

upset very shortly

if you don't find this folder

for me right away.

Now, I have to find it.

Alright, Mr. Bradford, looking.

I'm looking.

I don't understand this..

[telephone ringing]

Mr. Bradford's office.

Oh, yes. Yeah.

Yeah, hold on, one second.

Mr. Bradford, sir, it's for you.

Oh. Hello.

Oh, yes, Abby,

I was just about to..

As I was saying, I was just

about to order lunch in

'instead of having

a nice leisurely lunch'

with a charming lady who is too

busy to have a date with me.

Yes, I am mad, if you knew

what I went through today

to rearrange my work

so that I could do this.

I'm gonna be so far behind..

Alright, please, Abby,

don't apologize.

It's alright, I understand, yes.

No, I'm not angry.

Yes, right. Yes-yes.

Very nice. Ha-ha. Bye-bye.

Mr. Bradford, you are not gonna

go out to lunch?

No.

Could you do me a favor, please?

Look for the folder?

But I didn't lose it, you did.

I know that

but, uh, I lost it

after I promised Mary

that I would do some

neighborhood canvassing

on my lunch break.

Everybody get's a lunch break

around here except me.

Thank you, Mr. Bradford.

I knew you'd understand.

See you later.

[instrumental music]

"Thank you, Mr. Bradford.

"I knew you'd understand.

See you later."

I don't understand.

Yeah?

I'm Tom Bradford

with the Bradford

for the School Board Committee.

I'd give you a card except for

I seem to be out at the moment.

Oh. Well, uh..

Maybe you'd like to order

some more?

Uh, no, I'll have

my executive secretary

take care of that for me later.

I came to pick up the campaign

posters and stickers.

Oh, yes, yes, they are right

over here, they're ready, uh..

That will be, uh, $.

Fifty five dollars?

You told us twenty five.

That's right.

Twenty five dollars

for the plates.

Thirty dollars

for the paper and the ink.

Hmm, well, uh..

Let me get a look at these.

Hmm, excellent.

Very nice work.

Great.

Oh, oh.

Oh, there seems to be some

discrepancy here.

That's Branford, with an N.

We can't use these.

Branford with an N.

Now, what am I supposed

to do with them?

Beats me.

But, uh, since neither of us

can use them

what do you say

I take 'em of your hands

for let's say, uh, $?

Wait a minute, wait a second.

The purchase order here says

Bradford with a D.

You see?

Signed by S. Bradford,

campaign manager.

Uh, look, I don't think

you realize

the overall importance you have

in this total picture.

You, sir, are a cog

and a political machine.

A machine that moves

ever forward

with only one goal in mind

and that goal is to elect

a candidate.

A candidate that will work

for the good of the people

for the school board,

for our country.

Wait a minute, hold it there,

just a second, Uncle Sam.

Come here.

Just between us.

How much are you short?

Twenty five bucks.

Uh, the campaign

will pay you back

as soon as the big money

starts rolling in.

Or we could just,

uh, do you a little favor.

If you catch my drift.

[instrumental music]

What are you gonna do

about the energy crisis?

Well, as I said before

I'm running

for the Sacramento School Board

and I really don't have much

control over those--

Well, if you did,

what would you do?

Well, I think that energy

conservation begins at home

and personally I have

seven brothers and sisters.

We can all, uh, conserve

a little bit of energy..

Vote for Mary Bradford.

School board election.

School board election,

coming up very shortly.

I hope you vote

for Mary Bradford.

Mary Bradford, vote for Mary

Bradford, school board election.

Hi, uh, would you like

to vote for Mary Bradford?

School board elections.

Oh, alright.

Hi, vote for Mary Bradford

in the school board elections.

Hi. Vote for, uh, Mary Bradford.

she's running for the school

board elections.

Hi, vote for Mary Bradford.

She is running for

the school board elections. Um..

Mary, Mary, Mary!

There's Patrick Danvers.

He want's an interview

with the candidate.

- Hey.

- A thousand votes.

Hey, wait, I don't know

if I'm ready for this.

Oh, my sister is terrified.

Hey, what happened

to Blood 'n Guts Bradford?

I don't know what happened

to blood..

- Excuse me.

- Hi.

Which one of is,

uh, Mary Bradford?

- This one.

- She is.

- Alright, Mrs. Bradford.

- What?

- Come with me.

- You can do it, Mary.

Come on, come on, come on.

- Alright.

- Mm-hmm.

I'm Patrick Danvers.

Now, I want you to talk to me,

but look in the camera.

- And smile a lot.

- Smile a lot.

Thousands of people will be

watching everything you do

'so, just try to relax.'

- We are ready to go, Patty.

- Okay.

Why don't we try to get

the whole family in this shot?

Come on up here

and gather around us, kids.

Rolling.

I'm here with Mary Bradford.

Low key opponent to school board

incumbent, William Flanagan.

Now, hers is a simple

grassroots campaign.

Her sister's her campaign

manager.

Her other brothers and sisters

make up to campaign committee.

It's a unique set-up, but one

that appears to be working.

Right, Ms. Bradford?

Right.

Um, well, I think that

the enthusiasm that we've shown

and our sincere desire

to improve

the education for all children

like my brothers

and sisters here

has definitely made some points

with the voters of Sacramento.

Now, Ms. Bradford, how do you

feel about the fact

that your own father

and the paper he writes for

the "Sacramento Register"

will not endorse you

in your own campaign?

[instrumental music]

How many sandwiches

do you figure

thirty five campaign workers

can devour?

Listen, I wouldn't be surprised

if no one even

has as appetite

after last nights fiasco.

If you're referring

to Mary's interview

it was hardly her fault.

- Mm-hmm.

- Threes, you're saving threes.

- Huh?

- Threes?

Listen, I never said

I wasn't supporting Mary.

Patrick Danvers did.

And on television, yeah.

Yeah, well, that being

premature.

Our paper hasn't endorsed

anybody yet.

Miller is just speculating on

the registers previous

track record.

That's so typical

of TV journalism.

Then you are endorsing her.

No, I said I haven't

made a decision yet.

And that's typical

of print journalism.

Non-committal

till the last minute.

Oh, Jacks, thanks.

That makes four of 'em.

Look, I said, I'm not sure

whether Mary is ready

for the job yet.

You know, last nights interview

is a perfect example.

(Dr. Maxwell)

'She's a fighter,

she'll handle it.'

I love Mary very much.

I just don't wanna see her

get trampled

by Flanagan's people,

who believe me

pack a much bigger wallop

than Nancy and Elizabeth.

Could we change the subject,

please?

I'll tell you what,

why don't you and Abby

have dinner with us,

Friday night?

Oh, thanks, Daisy,

I'd love that believe me

it's just that Abby

is so busy lately

she can't even squeeze me

into her schedule.

Boy, with Mary running

for office

and Abby working on her project

I really feel left out.

And you are.

- Gin.

- Oh, no.

A triple blitz,

Tom, you're in big trouble.

It's a big disaster. Ten.

You have got to learn

to stop talking

and start paying attention.

Twenty. Thirty. Gulp.

- Keep counting.

- Forty.

I hate this game.

It's so aggravating.

It just kills time

and that's it.

[knock on door]

- Good evening.

- Good evening.

[instrumental music]

Well, would you,

uh, like a pillow?

The meeting lasted

from one o'clock to just now.

- Do you believe that?

- Ah.

Well, come on in and sit down.

You sure you want to go

to a movie?

I don't wanna break

another day.

You know, I think

that you might enjoy

the film more

when you have your eyes open.

No, I'll be alright,

really, I just need a minute.

Just to relax.

Well, you go sit down

and make yourself comfortable.

I'll fix you up

a nice little drink.

That sounds terrific.

So, how is the campaign going,

huh?

Fairly well, I suppose.

I see her posters

all over town, you know?

It looks like

she has a lot of supporters.

Yeah, everybody, that is,

except dear old dad.

Huh, I think

I'm the only Bradford now

'that doesn't have

a campaign title.'

[giggles]

You know, it's just that I

don't wanna see her do anything

that's going to hurt her.

After all, I've covered politics

in this town

for at least years.

You'd think that they would

want my advice.

You'd think that by now,

one of them would've come to me.

What do you think I..

[glass clinks]

And like it or not,

the split sessions

are a major inconvenience

to our children.

'And I don't think

we should give children'

'a reason to resent school.'

Tom Bradford,

"Sacramento Register."

Could you spell that, please?

[laughing]

Uh, Ms. Bradford,

are you for or against

the proposition that would

rezone the school district?

Well, I really don't know.

Frankly, I-I haven't

looked into it.

Mr. Flanagan?

Uh, Tom, currently

there is a sub committee

looking into that very matter.

And we hope to publish

some results in a few weeks.

James Wells,

"Sacramento Dispatch."

Exactly, where do

each of you stand

on the proposed

school budget hike?

'Bill?'

Well, Jim, as you know

I've supported

a school budget hike each year

for the past eight

and I intend to do so again.

'Our, uh, children deserve

education'

'and education costs money.'

'The American people have always

been willing to pay'

'for quality education.'

Ms. Bradford?

Well, as an American person

I am for raising

the school budget.

Eventually.

Year after year, the board

generously raises its budget.

And yet, my youngest brother

is using

the very same text book

that I used.

I propose that instead

of blindly raising the budget

we re-evaluate it.

Cut out the waste.

And we might just have

an old budget that would be

as affective as the proposed

new budget.

[cheering]

Thank your daughter for me,

Bradford.

She just gave me

tonight's headline.

(Mary)

'I don't believe it!'

How can people be so simplistic?

Okay, okay, you're upset

because your statement

about the budget hike

was misunderstood.

And misquoted. Everything I

said, melted down to a headline.

You're just gonna sit there

and gloat?

No, not if you'll allow me

to make an honest

non condescending opinion.

The voter's can't be anything

but simplistic.

'Don't you understand

there are so many candidates'

so many races,

so may issues.

How would you expect

the average voter

to keep all of that in his head?

He can't.

That's a political reality.

So, what are you saying?

What I'm saying

boils down to this.

School budget increase.

Flanagan for, Bradford against.

But don't be upset, I know

at least one voter who is there

and was very impressed

with what he saw.

Thanks, daddy.

And now, if you'll excuse me,

I have to go and get ready

for my nightly date

with the phantom.

Oh, hey.

Mary, can I ask you

a serious political question?

Only if you promise to listen

carefully to what I have to say.

I promise.

Well, you know,

how much I've been

helping you out

with your campaign, right?

Couldn't have done it

without you.

Yeah, well,

that's what I thought, you know.

Well, I was thinking

when you become elected

for the school board, you know

do I have to do all my homework?

Nicholas, you know,

I love you, right?

But, if and when I decide

to make my first political deal

it will not be

with a third grader.

Not even your own brother?

No.

[sighs]

I guess I just don't understand

politics.

Well, that makes two of us.

Oh.

Well, you can't blame a guy

for trying.

[chuckles]

Are you sure she knew

it was for tonight?

Oh, of course she knew.

Maybe I should phone and change

the reservation?

[knock on door]

Oh.

- Well, good evening.

- Where is she?

What? Where is who?

Abby, we have a date tonight.

Don't you..

- Abby.

- There she is.

Our past ten years,

there have been four attempts

to revaluate the school budget,

all unsuccessful.

- Eh, I knew that.

- Fine.

And are you also aware

that if this year's

school budget is not passed

that the schools

will be short of funds

and we'll have to go

on austerity budgets?

Do you have any idea

of who will be affected

by those budgets cuts?

- No.

- Children.

(Abby)

'That's who, children.'

There are children

in this district

who are in need

of special programs.

See, there are, there are..

Well, there are handicapped

children

and there are Ret*rded children,

and there are problem children.

I'm sorry, Abby, I wasn't aware.

Aware?

Mary, it is your responsibility

to be aware.

You are a political

candidate now.

Listen, Abby,

the quality of education

stopped growing years ago.

Text books are old,

facilities are deteriorating.

Well, how are we gonna improve

those problems

without raising the budget?

Abby, we've raised the budget

this year, last year,

the year before.

Abby, tell me,

where is that money going?

(Mary)

'Where is it going?'

Am I to understand

that you just don't think

that special programs

are that important, is that it?

No! That is not what I'm saying.

If you would stop taking it

so personally--

Personally?

How are the children

who receive help

supposed to take this.

How personally are they supposed

to get involved, Mary?

How are-how are they

supposed to feel

when we tell them

that they're, that they're

just not gonna

receive help anymore?

How do we explain to them?

How do we explain to them

that they had been,

that they had been, uh

traded all for some

new text books?

I would like very much for you

to reconsider your position.

Abby, I can't back down.

I wanna help all the children.

[instrumental music]

- Where are you going?

- Out of here.

I have some campaigning

of my own to do.

But, Abby, I..

[upbeat music]

Hey. Janice and Lowell, hi.

- Oh-oh, hi.

- Well..

- What are you guys doing here?

- Hey.

- Hi.

- Hey.

Right, we had to dig this

with our own eyes.

(Lowell)

'Mary Bradford,

scourge of the city'

and joining the establishment.

Well, you know,

if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

Hey, dig it, we're not

putting you down.

Yeah, we-we figured

anyone who got arrested

with us deserves our helps.

[laughs]

Thanks.

We thought maybe we could knock

on some doors or something.

Janice, that's a really nice

idea, you know, but..

...but the school districts

around here

they're just not like Berkley.

Oh, oh, you mean like

they might not dig our acting

"Suburbia," huh?

- Right. Right.

- Well, that's cool.

What if we hit the campuses?

Hit the campuses, that's it,

that's a good idea, really.

That would be terrific.

Yeah, for sure, you know

we got some friends around.

We flunked out of three schools.

[laughs]

That-that's nice, okay.

Well, I-I appreciate that,

thanks.

- Alright.

- Okay.

- Forward.

- Forward.

[chuckles]

What are you guys waiting for?

Uh, energy, man.

Energy.

[laughs]

Right. Energy.

And lastly,

I wanna thank everyone

who has supported me

and made this victory a reality.

[cheering]

Don't you think rehearsing

a victory speech

is a little premature?

Shh, Mary, this might be

my only chance to hear this.

Yeah, really.

You know, Joannie is getting

so good at this

I think we ran the wrong sister.

That's very encouraging,

coming from my campaign manager.

- But you might be right.

- Oh, it's alright.

I'll teach you, kid.

We are just kidding, come on,

lets go work on this.

- Okay.

- Listen.

[indistinct chatter]

A-okay and B, now the smart

money is running in.

Uh, would you mind translating

that for me, please?

That translates into big bucks.

We're getting donations

from every direction.

You're kidding.

I never kid about money.

Anyway, you're becoming

very popular

after that press conference.

Oh, yeah, with who?

Well, here's a donation from

the "Veterans of Distant Wars."

I knew you'd like that one.

And here is a donation

from the "Young Republicans."

"The Young Republicans?"

Hey, you are the next

Ronald Reagan.

Terrific.

'And this one

really interest me.'

We're being endorsed

by the zero population growth.

- Are you Mary Bradford?

- Yes.

Oh, I am Mrs. Paul.

I'd like you to have a piece

of my campaign contribution.

- Oh.

- It's home made.

- Thank you.

- You are my kind of candidate.

And apparently,

you're my kind of supporter.

- Oh.

- Thank you.

She's so sweet.

Oh, boy, I think I should start

getting involved

in this campaign. Thank you.

- How are you doing?

- Hi.

- How is it going?

- Good, good.

Good. I came by to make

a small campaign contribution.

Oh, no, no, no, my family

does not accept handoffs.

But our campaign will.

Come on, he's only doing that

because it's my daughter,

please.

This is strictly

a political donation, period.

Now, stop being

so over sensitive.

And stop grabbing

for the cheque.

Here we are and I should like

two seats to the inauguration.

You got it, two on the isle.

Tom?

Can I speak to you for a minute?

Tom, I'm really sorry

about the other day.

Yeah, yeah, don't say it.

Oh, you really shouldn't be

so understanding, you know.

I'm not, not after

the lack of consideration

that you showed me last night.

Meaning what?

Meaning that you came in here.

You picked a fight

with my daughter.

The two of you have your battle

and I wind up the loser.

Tom, I don't understand.

You storm in here

and you make a complete fool

out of me

in front of my friends,

the Maxwells.

You upset everybody's evening

and you did it all

without even saying hello.

Tom, I've been working really

hard lately.

I mean, aren't I entitled

to have a bad mood?

No, it's not a mood.

It's a trend.

I've been breaking my back

to accommodate you lately.

And last night was my thank you.

I say, no thank you.

You keep telling me

that I have eight kids.

I don't have time for you.

(Tom)

'I think it's

the other way around.'

You have a kids.

And you don't have time for me.

[instrumental music]

Tom?

You want a piece of my cake?

No, thanks, kid.

I think I'll just have

a straight shot.

No chaser.

You don't look so happy.

I'm not.

This whole campaign

is turning into a mess

and it's all my fault.

What did you do?

I wish I knew.

Are you still gonna win?

Between you and me, Nicholas

'I'd almost rather lose.'

All the kids in my school

like you

and even my teacher,

Mrs. Duffek.

Mrs. Duffek?

You have Mrs. Duffek?

Mrs. Duffek.

Maybe..

- Hey, where are you going?

- Back to school.

- On purpose?

- Yup.

On purpose.

[instrumental music]

- Mrs. Duffek?

- Yes?

Hi. I'm Mary Bradford.

Mary Bradford.

Oh, for goodness sake.

Why, I haven't seen you

since my hair was jet black.

Sit down, my dear.

Thank you.

[giggling]

Nicholas told me that he had you

for a teacher.

Yes.

You know, Nicholas is the eighth

Bradford I have taught.

Don't worry, Mrs. Duffek,

Nicholas is the last.

Well, I don't know, for seven

years, Tommy was the last.

[chuckles]

My dear, I was really very sorry

to hear about your mother.

But, let's talk

about happier things.

I was tickled pink to learn

that you're running

for the school board.

That's why I'm here,

Mrs. Duffek.

You-you see, I-I decided to run

for the position

because, well, I thought

some fresh

young blood would be good.

- And now I..

- And now what?

Now I wonder

if I've done the right thing.

I-I've interviewed more parents

and children

than I have teachers

and I was hoping

'if you could clear

some things up for me.'

I'll try.

You see, I came out for holding

the line on the school budget

and I seem to have alienated

some people.

Yes, I-I read about

that press conference.

Well, frankly I'm for tightening

the purse strings myself.

Money alone can't buy

a good education.

Mrs. Duffek, exactly who would

be affected

by an austerity budget?

Oh, that's hard to say.

There'd have to be priorities,

of course

and I suppose certain people

could lose their jobs.

Would teachers have to be

let go?

Well, specialty teachers,

uh, music, dance

Speech impairment.

What about travelling tutors?

Yes, I'm afraid their jobs

might be in jeopardy.

Do you happen to know

a Sandra Sue Abbott?

Yes.

Well, could she, you know..

Yes, Mary, she could.

Why, is she a friend of yours?

She was.

[instrumental music]

Thank you, Mrs. Duffek.

- Oh.

- Big help.

Your very welcome, my dear,

good luck to you.

Thank you.

[music continues]

Some campaign strategy. The

candidate didn't even show up.

Hey, look, what are we needed

here for anyway?

I mean, we're the mechanics

of this political machine.

Oh, Tommy, would you just stow

it or I'll pull your plug.

Alright, alright.

That's-that's it.

I've had it with this campaign!

I quit!

Oh, come on, Tommy. We're not

in the mood for this, huh.

Sit down. Now, look, you guys.

This is a professional campaign,

right?

We start squabbling internally

the people out there

are gonna know.

We're under pressure.

You're under pressure.

I'm under pressure.

Mary's under pressure.

Let's just keep it cool

and calm!

If she doesn't show up

in five minutes

we'll convene

the first meeting

of the assassination committee.

Good idea?

- Hey, is your name Bradford?

- Yes, it is.

- That Bradford?

- Yes.

- What?

- Yes, that's him.

Only he's shorter on television.

Yeah, you're the guy

that wants to

close down main street

for a year.

No, no, no, he's the one

for lowering the school budget.

(male #)

'Oh, yeah and for lowering

our taxes.'

Let me explain..

Now, what about

this overcrowding

in the junior high schools?

Build more school.

That's a simple solution.

Push for building more schools.

(David)

'Construction is the answer.'

What about bussing?

Well, any form of transportation

is fine as long as people build

garages to put

their vehicles into.

[laughs]

Building garages is the answer.

That's right.

I'm all for you, pal.

Well, if it isn't the candidate.

Oh.

No, thanks.

Come on, it's almost over.

Don't be so gloomy.

Smile.

Hmm.

- David.

- Oh, it's still the same spot.

Don't you.

- Hey. Come on.

- Come on, come on.

[grunts]

[laughs]

- Stop!

- Okay, okay.

Stop. Truce.

Truce.

Hey, are you Mary Bradford?

Yes.

Mary Bradford, the candidate?

Yes.

Well, I've got a message

from the people.

- Whoo.

- Stop!

David, man!

[instrumental music]

[sighs]

I, uh, wanted to call you

last night.

Then why didn't you?

I thought maybe you could

drive me to work.

What happened to your car?

Well, David borrowed it.

The kids needed his van.

So, why didn't David drop you

to work?

He had to do a friend a favor.

So, how'd you get over here?

I'm the friend

and that was the favor.

[laughs]

I have to thank him.

You wanna make up?

I could be talked into it

over breakfast.

Care to drive?

[music continues]

Let's skip breakfast.

And don't forget, Mr. Zadek

the polls close

at eight o'clock tonight.

You don't wanna miss the

opportunity to cast your vote

for a stronger Sacramento

School Board.

Yes, she is a woman.

What difference does that make?

(Elizabeth)

'Oh, well, I don't know if

you know this or not, Mr. Zadek'

'but women got the vote

in this country in .'

You've voted against it.

Well, that's just terrific.

You know, I hate

to tell you this

but some of us even drive cars.

Yeah, you'd be surprised

at what women are capable of.

Elizabeth, Elizabeth.

Jerry Boldman's outside

in his new car.

Jerry Boldman's outside?

Excuse me, Mr. Zadec.

I've got some knitting to do.

Yeah, way to go, ace.

Hello, Michelle.

Yeah, this is Tommy Bradford.

I've been trying to talk

to you for days

but our phone's been

out of order.

Yeah, remember that homeroom

teacher you didn't like?

Well, I think I'm in a position

to do something about it.

[indistinct chatter]

- Want some potato chips?

- Oh, thank you, thank you.

Listen, would you pass

some of my cards out for me?

- Would you do that please, huh?

- Yeah.

- Thank you.

- Hm.

- What's going on?

- Look, look, look, look.

[clamoring]

- We're doing great.

- Hi.

- Good luck.

- Thanks a lot.

[chuckles]

- Mary, hi.

- Hi.

- You got a sec?

- Yeah.

Listen I need your signature on

my disability insurance claim.

Me? Why me?

Well, we were knocking on the

dormitory doors for you, right?

And Lowell had, like,

an industrial accident.

It threw his thumb

out of joint.

[chuckles]

Um, listen, guys,

I have a little bit

of last minute

campaigning to do.

Why don't you help yourself

to the food in the kitchen?

Oh, no, no, no, no.

I gotta maintain.

I just started

that predigested protein diet.

Really healthy,

you know what I mean?

Yeah. Sure.

Uh, um, yeah.

- Mary. Hey.

- Oh, Mary.

- How are you guys?

- How exciting.

What would it be without you?

- All set for tonight?

- Sure. Have a drink.

- Absolutely.

- You voted?

- Twice.

- Twice.

[laughs]

- Hi.

- Oh, hello.

- Uh, dad?

- Yes?

I'm gonna drop the tray, ugh.

Oh, no, no, no. Look, go inside

and get one of your sisters.

- Alright?

- Okay. Hi, Abby.

Hey, Nicholas.

- It's great to have you here.

- It's great to be had.

[chuckles]

We laugh, but, uh

do you think Mary will ever

speak to you again?

Not about politics,

but there's always religion.

[laughs]

- Why are we laughing?

- I don't know.

[laughs]

(Dr. Maxwell)

Yeah, she will.'

- I'm pretty sure. Tom.

- Oh, hey.

Are you all set

for the big win, huh?

- Abby.

- Hi. How are you?

It's gonna be

a great evening, eh?

[phone ringing]

Mary. I'll get it.

Hello.

Oh, hi, John.

Mary, you remember John Barry?

He was the first person

that signed your petition.

Oh, of course, how could

I have forgotten John.

Come on in, have a drink.

[giggles]

- 'Mary.'

- Oh, hi.

- How are you doing, hot rod?

- Uh, how about a movie?

I'd like you to meet Alice.

'Alice doesn't know anything

about politics'

'but, uh, she loves you.'

- Uh, you must be Mary Bradford.

- I'll admit to that.

- I am so glad I could meet you.

- Same here.

This is all so exciting.

You must be so thrilled.

Um, doesn't have to be

a good movie.

[chuckles]

- Excuse me?

- Nothing.

Come on.

Well, uh, why don't we all go

into the living room, huh?

Yeah, come on and have a drink.

Lot of drinks out there.

Wonder what laundromat

he found her in.

Right.

[trumpet blowing]

Hey, Ma-Mary, Mary,

will you tell Susan to be quiet?

This is my first personal

phone call in weeks.

- Oh, that's terrific. Come on.

- Let's go.

[indistinct chatter]

Oh, I'm so excited for you.

(man on TV)

'It seems the incumbent

in this..'

'is holding a substantial lead'

which is a surprise

since Saul was expected to be

a heavy favorite.

Swinging over

to the th school district

'we find Bradford has taken

a slight lead.'

[all cheering]

'Five to two, but that,

of course'

'reflects only a partial tally'

'of the write in votes.'

[indistinct chattering]

- Oh, Ms. Bradford.

- Yes.

Yes, I wanted to give you

one of my cards.

Oh, and by the way,

take it from me

Flanagan doesn't stand

a chance. Not a chance.

I mean, did you see

the quality of his posters?

Cheap. Really cheap.

I'm a printer.

I know these things.

I'm sure you do, mister..

- Uh, Kaminsky.

- Kaminsky.

And by the way, when you get

ready to start printing

those new school books,

come and see me.

I'll give you

the best deal in town.

Alright?

- Thank you and good luck.

- Thank you.

Then you add half a cup

of melted milk chocolate

to the frosting.

Uh, Tommy,

excuse me, Mrs. Paul.

- It's alright.

- Um..

You don't have to worry

about expenses.

The campaign's over.

The expenses.

The heck with the expenses.

- I just want the recipe.

- Oh.

- Oh. Hello.

- Oh, hello.

Hey, Mary, how about that?

You got five real people

to vote for you.

- 'Yeah.'

- Yeah.

Well, we're running out

of voting Bradfords.

Uh, Mary, I think

we should go upstairs now

and rehearse

your acceptance speech.

Uh, not yet, Joannie,

there's plenty of time for that.

Okay. But pretty soon.

(Joannie)

'Really.'

[chuckles]

It's gonna be a long evening.

Proposition A,

the urban rezoning project.

Heavily supported by the mayor

seems on its way to victory.

Although, only five percent of

the raw vote has been counted.

'In the th Congressional

District'

'we're ready to project'

'Todd Benson as the winner'

with % of the popular vote.

Moving over

to the school board races..

Here it comes.

In that hotly contested battle

between William Flannigan

and Mary Bradford, with now over

% of the votes in

KEBX projects the winner

as William Flannigan.

'Now, let's take a look at some

of the propositions'

'on the ballot.'

'Proposition A,

the controversial'

'urban rezoning project'

'heavily supported by the mayor'

'seems on its way to vic..'

- Tom, let me..

- Abby, I don't think--

No, now's the time to see

if she and I'll ever talk again.

It will be okay, really.

- You know what I think?

- What?

I think I'd like to be a doctor.

A miracle here, a miracle there.

[chuckles]

Trying to be a politician..

I wind up spending

most of my time

trying to stay out of trouble.

Abby, why didn't you tell me

that my-my stand on the budget

could have cost you your job?

Because we weren't

dealing with my job.

We were dealing with, um,

with principles.

I-I mean, there I was

so wrapped up

in my so called political career

that-that I didn't even see

what was happening.

I didn't mean to hurt you

or anybody else for that matter.

Especially not the kids.

You know, Abby,

you-you did have a point.

So did you.

But then, uh, that's what

politics is all about, right?

So, tell me, uh, if you'd known

would you have changed

your stand?

Oh, I don't know, but I'm glad

I didn't have to find out.

So am I.

[laughs]

So, well, what do you say

we forget all this

and just be, uh,

old Abby and old Mary again?

Old Abby and old Mary.

Yeah, that sounds really nice.

- Friends?

- Friends.

Okay.

Now, what are we gonna do

about them?

Who do you mean?

W-well, you saw what happened

in there when I lost.

Everybody was on the verge

of tears.

They all worked so hard

and landed up with nothing.

Oh, don't let them

get you depressed.

Depress me? I'm not depressed.

Abby, I-I feel guilty.

They're upset

because I lost

and...I couldn't be happier.

Maybe this will help you out.

Um, I have a confession to make.

I didn't vote for you.

I have a confession to make.

I didn't vote for me either.

[laughs]

You know, it's funny

how things work out.

After all said and done

dad's probably the only one

that ended up voting for me.

Well, my constituents await.

What did you say to her?

Nothing much. I just listened.

Oh, maybe I should

try that sometimes.

Maybe so.

Hello.

You said hello to me

six hours ago.

I guess I just can't believe

that you're still here.

I'm not going any place.

Mm.

I love you.

- I've missed you.

- I've missed you.

- I love you.

- I love you.

I wanna marry you.

I wanna marry you.

[laughing]

Why do you laugh?

- Well?

- What do you mean, "Well?"

[chuckles]

[instrumental music]

Pretty exciting night, huh, dad?

Yeah. You must be exhausted.

Yeah, I am.

You know, someday I think

I wanna be elected something.

Yeah? What have you got in mind?

Well, something really,

really important.

Oh. Like the, uh,

Board of Education?

Nah, something more fun.

More? Like the mayor?

Well, something more important.

More important than the mayor?

Oh, the President

of the United States?

Well, maybe, but you know

what I'd really like to be?

No. I haven't

the slightest idea.

The boys room monitor.

Oh. Well, now.

There's power.

Yeah. There's power.

[theme music]