[instrumental music]
Hey, what's wrong, pal?
You look like you just lost
your best friend.
- I did.
- What do you mean?
Well, Ervin J. More doesn't have
time for me anymore.
But I thought you two
used to be real close.
That was before he started
hanging around with Patty Roth.
Oh! So, she is
the fifth grade fox, huh?
'Well, Nicholas, let me
tell you a little something'
about life in the fast lane.
A guy may stray from the pack
when he's chasing a fox
but sooner or later
he'll give it up and he'll come
on back to his friends.
You think so?
'Yeah, they always come back.'
Well, I hope he does
so I can punch him in the nose.
Why would you wanna do that?
Because last week Patty Roth
was hanging around with me.
[instrumental music]
[theme song]
♪ There's a magic
in the early morning ♪
♪ We've found ♪
♪ When the sunrise smiles ♪
♪ On everything around ♪
♪ It's a portrait
of the happiness ♪
♪ That we feel and always will ♪
♪ For eight is enough
to fill our lives ♪
♪ With love ♪
♪ Oh we spend our days ♪
♪ Like bright
and shiny new dimes ♪
♪ If we're ever puzzled ♪
♪ By the changing times ♪
♪ There's a plate
of homemade wishes ♪
♪ On the kitchen window sill ♪
♪ And eight is enough ♪
♪ To fill our lives ♪
♪ With love ♪♪
[instrumental music]
(Nicholas)
'Hey, Marvin,
you want some hot chocolate?'
(Marvin)
'I'll take anything
just so long as it's hot.'
My hands still frozen.
Mine too.
So what do you
wanna see tomorrow?
Hey, there's a matinee
at the plaza.
"Screams From Beyond The Layer."
Hey, look what's playing
at the mainland.
Alright, "Wild Summer Nights"
starring Audrey Gilmi.
[whistling]
Marvin, that's rated R.
Your brother Tommy can get us in
he's seventeen, isn't he?
Forget it.
'We can't go?'
I can't go. I'm broke.
What happened to your allowance?
Two comic books, a couple of
candy bars and a box
of cr*cker Jacks wiped me out.
How much do you get a week?
Buck .
My five year old sister
gets that much
and she doesn't even collect
football cards.
[indistinct chattering]
- You too.
- I think the wind blow in the--
It is. It is. It is.
My hands are about to fall out.
- Anybody home?
- Oh, yes, in here, Mary.
Hey, what do you think
of this weather?
It's cold.
Just the word I was looking for.
They say it's a record low
for Sacramento.
I hear it may go down
below freezing tonight.
Oh, I think it already has
in here.
Well, you better get used to it
because we have
to keep the thermostat
set at degrees.
Tom, you turned the heat on
over an hour ago
and I don't feel a thing yet.
Oh, that's because
it takes a while
for the warm air to circulate.
Don't worry about it.
I'll say, it hasn't even made it
to the vents yet.
I think something's broken.
[instrumental music]
Gonna have to tell my wife
your secret.
She never gets our sheets
this bright.
Will you quit trying to be funny
and just tell me the story.
I told you, Baltimore wants
to take a look at me
in the, uh, winter league.
When did you find out?
Coach Gravis
called me yesterday.
I fly to Puerto Rico
this Sunday.
I guess I can forget about
the big leagues next year.
What are you talking about?
You had a great season.
Then how come
they didn't ask me to play?
Come on,
they know what you could do.
Now a guy like me, I gotta go
down there, I gotta show 'em.
Knock it off, Chapper.
You know as well as I do,
if they want you
to play winter ball,
you got a good sh*t
at making it into majors.
Come, on, buddy,
come next spring
you and me both
gonna be major leaguers.
I don't know what you're getting
so worked up about?
Now what do you say?
Let's get down to business.
You got anything
to eat around here?
Uh, take whatever you want.
What is all this stuff?
Sprouts, squash, avocado.
Haven't you got any baloney?
You eat this stuff?
Don't you have any Twinkies?
Susan, doesn't like them
in the house.
What? She got something
against real food?
Hey, come on, bro.
What do you say?
Let's go get a burger.
No, you go ahead, I still
gotta do the grocery shopping.
[sighs]
- Hey, Joannie.
- Hey.
- Been waiting long?
- Oh, no.
Actually I got here early
on purpose.
Thought I'd allow myself
a little...nostalgia.
[sighs]
It's been nippy out here.
Oh, yeah. Yeah,
let's get to the car, come on.
Brrr.
[laughs]
Well, are you gonna tell me
what you're smiling about, huh?
You're such a ass.
Remember that research project
I did on children
from broken homes?
You got an A on it.
Congratulations!
Well, actually, I got an A minus
but my professor said it's
the most thorough paper he got
and he offered me an internship
at the state agency
next semester.
Susan, that's fantastic! Wow!
Do you realize this means
I could actually get a job
in my field when I graduate?
Ah! That is really fantastic.
Hey, why don't you come over
for dinner
and help me celebrate?
Aw! Sorry, I got a dinner date.
But listen, let's go get a glass
of wine or something.
Unless, you're in a hurry to get
home and celebrate with Merle.
Are you kidding? Merle doesn't
even know what I'm majoring in.
[both sigh]
(Susan)
'Merle! Honey!'
Sweetheart, you home?
Hi.
You used to kiss me
when I came home.
- So, how was your day?
- Swell.
- Oh, what did you do?
- You know what I did.
I did the wash,
the shopping, the bathrooms.
'The least you could do
is make it home on time.'
Merle, I was just with Joannie.
You've been out
playing with your sister
while I've been waiting
for my dinner.
Alright, alright.
I'll cook you dinner.
What do you want?
Steak.
- I beg your pardon.
- That's right.
If I'm gonna do
the grocery shopping
I'm gonna get what I want.
Well, Merle,
if you wanna eat meat
let's go out to a restaurant.
No way.
Why should I have to go out?
This is my house
and you're my wife.
Merle, what's gotten in to you?
You know I'm a vegetarian.
Well, Susan, I happen to be sick
and tired of vegetables
I want some meat, now fix it.
- Forget it, Merle.
- Listen here, Susan.
I'm am through
doing everything your way.
It's gotten to the point
where I don't even have a say
on how to run my own house.
- That what you think?
- 'That's what I know.'
Then you know what you can do
with your steak.
You can eat it raw.
[sighs]
[tapping]
It's been dropping at the rate
of seven degrees an hour.
I can't get a repairman
who'll come before Monday.
Hmm. Looks like it's gonna be
a brisk weekend.
Alright, well, I guess
it's just time to call David.
I did, there's no answer.
Well, we've gotta keep trying
to reach him.
And what if we don't?
Don't look at me,
I'm no good with heaters.
Hmm. Well, uh, why don't you
let me give it a try?
You?
[laughs]
Come on..
It's too cold to joke.
No, no, we'll just break out
the blankets, start a fire
and bundle up
and keep calling David.
Hmm.
Nicholas, aren't you cold
in just a shirt?
I'll survive.
Nicholas, what's the matter?
Well, it's I wanna go
to the movies
tomorrow with Marvin
and I don't have any money.
Did you lose
your allowance again?
No, I just spent it.
A dollar fifty a week last
about three and a half days.
Is that all dad's giving you?
A dollar fifty?
[scoffs]
Boy, that's what he gave me
when I was ten years old.
Yeah, well,
that's what he gave everybody.
- It's his system.
- Well, that's not fair.
According to an article
I read in "Business Week"
inflation has caused
the average price level
'to more than double
in the last ten years.'
What does that mean?
'It means, compared
to the dollar fifty I got..'
...yours is only worth cents.
'Sorry.'
[instrumental music]
[sighs]
I'm sorry, honey.
Hey, look, uh,
if you still want that steak..
Forget the steak.
That's not what's bugging me.
Oh, what is, sweetheart?
[music continues]
Nothing.
Oh.
I know I might have been
insensitive to your needs.
I apologize.
It's just, I don't think
we'd fight like this
if you try to respect
my feelings a little bit more.
What do you think
I've been doin'?
I've made more sacrifices
and compromises for you
in the past four months than
I've made in my entire life.
It's not what I mean.
I-I am talking about
the way you treat me.
Oh?
And-and how do I treat you?
Like an 's house wife.
Uh, that's a laugh.
I'm the one who's been wearing
the apron around here.
Merle, you're not even
listening to me.
That's the problem,
we never really talk.
I mean, do you even know
what kind of a person I am?
Do you know what
I want out of life?
I just don't think
we relate as people.
"Relate as people?"
Oh, don't give me any
of that psychology stuff.
Whatever happened
to plain old living together
'as husband and wife?'
You mean like Tarzan and Jane?
Well, it sure beats
the way we're living.
Is that the way
you feel about it?
That's right.
Okay, fine.
Where the heck do you think
you're going?
Well, thanks very much.
It was
an interesting evening, really.
- Goodnight.
- ...picante.
Oh, picante, oh!
Yes, well, goodnight.
Uh, Joannie, have I told you
how refreshing it is
to find a chick who is both
beautiful and smart?
Uh, yes. Three times.
You still don't wanna
come to my place?
Well, you know how it is
with us smart chicks.
Goodnight.
[sighs]
[shivering]
[sighs]
[instrumental music]
[instrumental music]
(Joannie)
You mean you had a fight
about a steak?
Well, it wasn't really a fight,
it was more of
a difference of opinion.
Uh, but the difference
was great enough
that you had to spend
the night here, right?
Yeah, where else could I go?
I mean, look, Joannie,
it was really..
Wasn't really a big deal.
I just needed to get away
and give things time
to get back to normal.
You know what I mean?
Oh, yeah, I know.
Good.
I mean, everything's okay
between you and Merle, isn't it?
Oh, yeah.
I don't know though,
sometimes it really hits me
we're just
such different people.
There's something
keeping us together
I just don't know what it is.
Oh, I don't know..
[chuckles]
Well, what're you gonna do
today, hang around the house?
- Yeah. Ow!
- Oh, I'm sorry.
I just needed a little time
to get away from him, you know?
Yeah? Well, dad's always sayin'
how much he misses you.
Uh, Joannie, um, one more thing.
Nobody saw me come in last night
so, let's just pretend
I got here this morning
and came right up to your room.
I don't want anybody
get uptight.
Will you cover for me?
Sure.
[chuckles]
[instrumental music]
Dad, I think
it's absurd to spend
one more night in this ice box.
I know, but David is tied up
all day at the job site.
I told you,
I think I can fix it.
Oh, Mary,
what do you know about heaters?
When you think about it,
what's the difference between..
...a heart that pumps blood
throughout a body and a heater
'that sends warm air
throughout a house?'
Oh, well, in that case,
I'd better call Dr. Max.
Dad, essentially
they're both machines.
I mean, the way that they work
is based on simple logic.
'Look, all you need
to get that heater fixed'
'is, uh, a logical mind'
which I have and a repair guide
which I could get.
Oh, look, Mary.
You see, what you're trying
to do, you're just
trying to prove a point.
Now, look, I'm not a chauvinist.
I know that you could fix
the heater
but I'd just rather have
David do it.
Well, David won't be here
till tomorrow.
So what's wrong
with waiting until tomorrow?
Because it's going down
to the low s tonight.
So she ran back home
on you, huh?
Yeah, I checked over there
this morning sure enough.
I don't know how
you put up with it.
That's what I told her.
That I'd had it up to here
with her nonsense.
Man's gotta have some pride.
I hear you, ol' buddy,
you gotta lay down the law.
[laughs]
And if she thinks I'm going
over there to get her..
'...she's got
another thing comin'.'
Right on.
[instrumental music]
[telephone ringing]
Well, pal,
I b*at you three games to zip
say, let me buy you a beer.
Hello.
Don't drown your sorrows
in the suds.
Hey, Merle,
you got a phone call.
Tell her I'm not here.
What "Her?" It's Eddy Gravis.
Eddie Gravis..
[music continues]
Hey, coach, uh,
what can I do for you?
No foolin'.
The plane leaves tomorrow?
Yee-haw!
Thanks a lot, coach.
I'll show 'em what I got,
don't worry about me.
Uh...so long.
Coach, uh..
...thanks for everything.
(Chapper)
Hey, Merle.
What happened?
Where are you going?
To find my sweet wife
and tell her the good news.
Hey, Nicholas.
How was Audrey Gilmi?
They wouldn't let me in.
'You're gonna be done soon?'
No, I just started.
I can't believe you got to do
all this crummy chores
and all you get is a buck .
Yeah, well, my dad won't budge
till I'm eleven.
'Sounds like there's only
one thing left to do.'
What's that?
- Go on strike.
- Huh?
Stop doing your work
until your dad gives in.
What if it doesn't give in?
You think he wants to do
all this crud work himself?
'Yeah, no one else in your
family wants to rake leaves.'
You really think it'll work?
Aye, how do you think
I got more money?
- Alright!
- Yeah!
(woman on TV)
'Jim, I wish you'd
stay home more'
'I'm, I'm having trouble
with the twins.'
(man on TV)
'I've got to go, I..'
Hey, Tommy, I was right
in the middle of a movie.
- You weren't even watching.
- I was too.
Susan, you've been sitting
in front of the TV all day
can't you do it at your place?
Look, Tommy, don't give me
a hard time, alright?
(Tommy)
'All I wanna do
is watch a football game.'
- 'Well, I don't.'
- Nice attitude.
Alright, now why are you two
acting like children?
Good question.
Susan, are you alright?
'I mean, is everything okay?'
I'm just fine, dad. Really.
[sighs]
Gee, I can't remember
the last time
I was at a Weenie Roast.
Oh, I can, I was a girl scout
and all my merit badges
went up in smoke.
Hi, does anybody know
what Susan is doing out there?
What do you mean, dad?
Why is she hanging
around here all day?
Tom, you're the one
who's always complaining
that she's never around enough.
Oh, I-I know that, but she
was so cross with Tommy
I think
maybe something is wrong.
- No, no. She's fine.
- Where's Merle?
Um, Merle had things to do
and so Susan decided
to spend the day with us.
Oh! Well, if that's the case.
It is.
[doorbell rings]
I better get that, excuse me.
Yeah.
- Merle?
- Hi, Joannie. Can I see Susan?
Um, yeah, she's in there
watching television, I think.
Uh, thanks.
Susan..
Merle.
Honey, I'm not
the best apologizer
in the whole world,
but I want you to know
I'm real sorry.
Heck! It was all my fault,
I know that.
I was just frustrated.
As far as I'm concerned
last night is history.
From now on it's gonna be
different, I promise.
Really, Merle?
I know it is
because we're going
to Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico?
That's where I'm gonna play
winter ball.
Then with any luck at all
it'll be right on
to spring training
with Baltimore.
Susan, I'm gonna pitch
in the big leagues.
Wait a minute, Merle, back up.
Don't you see? This is
the big break. I can feel it.
Come on,
let's get home and pack.
Merle.
Oh, sorry to interrupt you.
Uh, that's okay, everybody
should hear the good news.
'Susan and I are going
to Puerto Rico.'
- Puerto Rico?
- 'That's right.'
(Merle)
'To pitch in the winter league.'
Oh, that's wonderful.
Well, at least you'll be going
some place where it's warm.
[laughs]
Yeah.
The league starts next week
and I gotta report
in a couple of days, so,
we'll be takin' off tomorrow.
Not we, Merle!
If you wanna go to Puerto Rico
you can go by yourself.
Susan.
[dramatic music]
Okay, Susan, what is really
going on with you and Merle?
I don't wanna talk
about it, Joannie--
Susan, come on.
Now, I've stood by you.
It's time you told me
the truth.
I'm not going with him
that's all there is to it.
I mean, I just
can't believe him.
He comes over here
all smiles and apologies
and then he springs it
on me, "Hey, honey
we're going to Puerto Rico."
Susan, you must have known
that Merle's career
might mean you'd move around.
Yes, I did, Joannie.
I guess I just didn't expect it
to happen so soon.
I mean, Joannie,
I only have a semester and
a half till I graduate.
What about my career?
Okay, so you don't go with him,
where does that leave you?
Look, Joannie, it hasn't been
all champagne and roses
with Merle and me,
maybe this is what we needed.
What?
What, a separation?
Look, I might not be the one
to give you an advice
on this but..
...you can't hide
in your old room.
No, Susan, really.
You just stay here
until you cool off..
...and then go home...and when
you've really thought about it..
...talk to Merle, okay?
Will you?
Please?
[sighs]
Joannie.
[sighing]
[sighs]
I always knew the day would come
when one of my children
would have to move away.
Sure gonna miss Susan.
How do you know she's leaving?
Well, because she loves Merle
and Merle is her husband.
But what about
what just happened?
Oh, no, no, they're just
going through the process
of sailing into their
first year of marriage.
Don't worry,
they'll work it out.
I don't know, Tom,
maybe you should talk to her.
Oh, absolutely not.
The one thing parents should
not put their nose into
is their children's
marital squabbles.
- I know--
- 'Abby.'
Do you remember when Susan
wanted to move out of the house
and I told her to wait
until she could afford it.
'What did she do?'
- She moved out.
- Exactly.
And how about the time I calmly
told her to maybe reconsider
rushing into marriage?
What happened?
She and Merle ran away to elope.
See my point?
Yeah.
(Tom)
'Oh, for Pete's sake.'
Who was supposed to empty this?
Nicholas, before you take
one bite, young man
I want you
to come in the kitchen
and take out your garbage.
I can't.
(Tom)
'And why can't you?'
- Well, I'm on strike.
- What?
I won't lift another
finger around here
until I get more allowance.
Atta boy!
Alright.
Okay, Nicholas.
No work, no hotdog.
Here you go, honey.
You sure it's not too cold
for ice cream?
Oh, heck, no.
It'll even out the body heat.
Besides, flavor of
the month is zucchini.
Hey, now,
that's a nice outfit, huh?
Susan, we have to talk.
Not now, Merle,
I need more time to think.
What is there to think about?
Everything.
My job, my diploma
my family, my life.
My life is you and baseball
and since baseball's
in Puerto Rico
that's where you should be.
So what if I don't want
to go to Puerto Rico, Merle?
I don't care. You are going,
you understand that?
I have made sacrifice
after sacrifice for you
now it's your turn
to make one for me.
And if I don't
are you gonna break my arm?
[sighs]
But.. But you're my wife.
Of course I am, Merle.
But I'm more than that,
I'm a person too.
I have a right to make
my own decisions about my life.
If you loved me,
you'd understand that.
If you loved me,
you'd make the sacrifice.
Maybe we just don't
love each other enough.
[dramatic music]
(Elizabeth)
'Do you think Susan
will go with Merle?'
(Mary)
I don't know.
You know, it's weird, I mean..
I'm rooting for them
to work things out
but if they do, it means
our sister will spend the winter
three thousand miles away.
- You know something?
- Hmm.
It's times like this
I'm glad I'm single.
Here.
[sighs]
(Elizabeth)
'But on the other hand,
if we were married'
our husbands would be
fixing the heat.
It's a long road to liberation,
Elizabeth.
[chuckles]
- Ugh!
- Watch the spiders.
Spider webs. Yuck!
Alright, well, let's see..
Well, there it is. Open furnace.
Brilliant observation.
Now, how do we fix it?
Hah! Never fear.
Everything we need to know
is right here
in the handyman's guide
to simple household repairs.
Yeah, but what we need
is the household repair guide
for the simple handyman.
Pessimist.
Okay. "Chapter twelve.
"Fixing your furnace.
Step one, locate the unit."
We mastered step one easy
enough. Bring on number two.
Okay. "Step number two.
Locate and check
the pilot light."
You have any idea
where that might be?
[instrumental music]
[sighs]
Susan..
[music continues]
Things always look better
in the morning, don't they?
I mean, I'm real happy
to see you packin'.
This does mean you're going
with me, doesn't it?
[sighs]
No, it doesn't Merle.
It means I've decided
to move back home.
[music continues]
[sighs]
Uh..
Okay, Susan,
if that's the way you want it
fine with me.
I'm through. It's over.
Okay.
And-and don't you try to come
crawling back to me
when you realize
how stupid you're bein'.
I won't.
Uh..
I-I mean it, girl. I-it's over.
[music continues]
Oh, Nicholas. How can you stand
to be in this filthy room?
Looks fine to me.
Well, it doesn't to me.
So, will you kindly clean it up?
Dad, you know I can't do that.
What do you mean you can't..
Oh, no,
don't tell me you're still
carrying on that silly strike.
I am and it's not silly.
Okay. Two can play the game.
If labor is going to strike
'then management will just
have to flex its muscles.'
What does that mean?
That means, that as long as
your silly strike continues
then your allegedly
inadequate allowance
will just have to be
completely cut off.
'And your old bed time is going
to be lowered to o'clock.'
Seven o'clock?
That's before primetime.
Okay, then just
cut out the strike.
No way.
Okay, then you're just gonna
have to miss
your favorite TV shows.
- Dad.
- Yes, Nicholas.
When do I get
my bread and water?
[instrumental music]
Susan!
Hi, dad.
What's the suitcase for?
Thought I'd move back home.
What?
Dad, I've left Merle.
Look, dad,
I'm not gonna uproot my life
and move to Puerto Rico
just so he can play baseball.
Susan, I-I don't think that
you're fully aware of what
marriage is all about.
You made a vow.
It's your responsibility to try
and live up to that vow.
I tried, dad.
Four months? That's nothing.
Four months is a long time
when you're miserable.
I'm sorry, I..
All I can see
is an immature little girl
trying to run away from it all.
Now, I-I-I happen
to think that..
...marriage is not something
that you can just run away from
when things don't go the way
you think they should.
'You know, I wasn't
completely overjoyed'
when you rushed into matrimony.
But now you're married..
...and you have an obligation
to give it a chance.
Dad, my mind's made up.
No matter where Merle and I live
we won't be happy
with each other.
Susan, you've made yourself
a new life.
If it's not right
'you gotta go back
and make it right.'
Are you saying
I can't come home?
What I'm saying is..
...this is not
your home anymore.
Your home is with Merle.
[instrumental music]
[music continues]
Hi, Tom. Did you come up
for warmth or affection?
Neither.
What I need
is a sympathetic ear.
Take your pick.
Abby..
[music continues]
...I just did the hardest thing
I've ever had to do.
I turned away my own daughter.
She just stood there..
...with her suitcase
looking up the stairs.
I guess she just wanted
to run up to her bedroom.
She figured everything
would be okay then.
And I wanted to carry
her suitcase up for her.
[music continues]
But I had to take a stand, Abby.
I, I-I couldn't let her just
run back to us like that.
I figured that
she and Merle would never
get back together again.
So..
...I had to say something
that would shock her
into realizing that she's not
a little girl anymore.
'She can't just come
running back'
'every time
things don't go right.'
She's a married adult.
And she has grown up
responsibilities to herself..
...and to her husband.
Tom, it was a no win situation
and you did what
you thought was right.
Well, if I did what
I thought was right..
...why do I feel so rotten?
[sobbing]
[shivering]
What a time for the heater
to be broken.
Really. Uhh.
Whoa, either there's been
a cave in the mines
or they're joining
a minstrel show.
Go ahead, make fun.
Oh, I'm sorry. I know how
frustrated you must be.
But have no fear,
big brother is here.
Now step aside,
and I'll have it fixed
before you can set your hair.
Just forget it, He-man.
The heater's now been
officially repaired.
Way to go!
(David)
'Impossible.'
Check the vents.
[gasps]
Oh, I'm very proud of you two.
Now, all I wanna do is
take a nice hot bath
get this stuff of my face
and look as feminine as I can
before I gloat all over dad.
Yeah, we really showed him what
two determined women can do.
I can't listen to anymore
of this. Come on, Janet.
Don't mind David.
He always behaves this way
when he feels threatened.
Oh.
Something wrong?
Yeah. Management muscles
are too big.
Nicholas, you want to explain
that statement?
Yeah, well,
I needed more allowance.
Yeah?
- 'Dad said I didn't.'
- Oh.
But Nancy says I should get it
because of inflation.
- Right.
- 'Dad says I shouldn't.'
Figures.
But Marvin said
if I went on strike
I could get it.
Okay.
And I did, but I haven't.
Ahh.
So now I'm eating leftovers
watching day-time television
and getting no allowance at all.
Nicholas,
what you need is someone
familiar with labor litigation
and help you reach a settlement
with your father.
And since that happens to be
Janet's field of expertise
I think you just got lucky.
You mean,
you'll talk to dad for me?
I think I could effectively
plead your case.
Great!
Now, exactly
what are your demands?
Well, three dollars a week
and no lights out
until after the good shows.
Nothing excessive there.
Okay, Nicholas.
Now, the first thing
you have to do
is call off the strike.
What? How come?
Well, as a sign of good faith
while I negotiate.
Now, trust me, Nicholas.
Just let me do the bargaining
and everything
will work out fine.
I haven't let a client down yet.
Susan.
I just came back to pick up
a few things.
Oh.
[car horn honking]
Uh, that's Chapper
and his wife.
Well, then,
I guess you're ready to go.
Yeah, guess I am.
Well, um...
take care of yourself
and, uh, keep your arm warm.
Susan, forget what I said
about not comin'.
I-if you change your mind,
there's plenty of money
in the checking account
for, uh, plane ticket..
I mean, if you change your mind,
you just take the first--
Merle, I don't think
I'll be changing my mind.
Okay.
Well, then I guess, uh..
[crying]
I guess this is goodbye.
Yeah. Goodbye.
[mellow music]
[music continues]
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[sighs]
Oh, can you believe
how hot it is?
[Joannie sighs]
I think I've got prickly heat.
I keep getting this urge
to go to the beach.
No, no. I want a nice,
midnight swimming break.
Oh, that would be great,
but it's degrees outside.
I know,
but it's degrees in here.
Ah, I think I liked it better
when the heater wouldn't go on.
(Abby)
'Well, it's trying make up
for lost time.'
You guys, there's still
no answer at her apartment.
And the supervisor said
she didn't show up
at the day care center today?
Maybe something's wrong.
M-maybe she went with Merle.
(Joannie)
'Dad, she's not gonna do that'
without calling first
to say goodbye.
Well, she's, she's probably
waiting to get settled in
before calling.
I hope he's right.
[Mary grunts]
- Oh, Elizabeth.
- What are these things are for?
I don't know but this isn't..
Well, you girls have done
a great job with the heater.
I haven't sweated this much
since Korea.
(Mary)
'Dad, look, we figured out
how to turn it on.'
Now we can figure out
how to turn it off.
I have no doubt about that
but once you get it off
will you get it back on
when it gets cold again?
Of course, we will. Look,
the problem is alright here.
Right here in the thermostat.
Oh, no, no, the problem was
letting you girls
try to fix it
in the first place!
[knocking on door]
Susan?
Susan?
Susan?
Oh, Susan.
[sighs]
He left, didn't he?
Susan..
How long have you been in bed
like this?
Why haven't you been answering
the phone?
I didn't feel like
answering the phone.
I need time to be alone.
I think you need to be
with your family.
Come on. Get dressed
and come home with us.
Nancy, that isn't
my home anymore.
What do you mean?
Of course, it is.
Look, can't you see that
I just wanna be left alone?
I just wanna be myself.
[knock on door]
Yes?
Um, dad, could I talk to you?
Sure. Come on in.
Dad, Susan is still
at her apartment.
What?
You mean she didn't go
with Merle?
No, she's not going to either.
Oh, I'm worried about her.
She's really hurting.
She won't get out of bed.
'She won't even
answer the telephone.'
'Nancy and I asked her
to come home with us'
and do you know what she said?
She said this wasn't
her home anymore.
'Now, why would she say
something like that?'
That's because..
...because I told her that her..
...home is with her husband now.
Oh..
Oh, dad, you always used to say
that home was wherever you knew
you'd be taken in, remember?
I mean, we didn't
stop being Susan's family
just because she got married,
did we?
I..
I just wanted her
to give it another chance.
I know. I know.
Believe me, so did I.
But it's too late now, dad.
'It really is.'
[instrumental music]
What's wrong, dad?
You don't look very happy.
Oh. No, no,
I-I'm okay, Nicholas.
Just got a lot on my mind.
Would it make you feel better
if I went off my strike?
You would do that,
just to make me feel better?
Well, I kind of went off already
because Janet told me to.
But I would have went off sooner
if I knew it was bothering you
like this.
Thanks, Nicholas.
Come here.
What for?
Just come here.
[instrumental music]
[music continues]
Hi.
Dad?
I went by your apartment
but there was no answer, so..
...I t-took a chance that maybe
I could find you here.
Guess you know Merle left.
(Tom)
'Yeah.'
I'm sorry I let you down, dad.
Oh, no, you-you didn't
let me down.
It's just..
When Merle and I got married
I was so sure it was right.
I just can't understand
how it went so wrong.
Yesterday, when I wanted
to come back home..
...I felt like I'd failed.
I was so ashamed.
Susan, about yesterday--
No, dad. You were right
not to let me come back.
I was running away
from my problems.
But, dad, I...
I just couldn't try anymore.
I didn't have anything left.
Well, I hope you're not
giving up completely.
I mean, I-I hope
there's still a chance.
I'm not sure.
I still love Merle, dad.
It's just, I don't know..
I don't know right now.
Okay.
Let's go home.
My home or your home?
Our home.
[instrumental music]
[instrumental music]
Well, Janet, you certainly
drive a hard bargain.
Well, you weren't exactly
pliable, dad.
Well, what happened?
- We got the $ a week.
- Alright!
(Janet)
'Plus an extra hour
before your bedtime.'
Really?
Tell him what
the extra hour is for.
Yes, uh, well, to get
the increase in allowance
I had to make a few concessions.
'But that's what negotiating
is all about. Give and take.'
Tell him, counselor.
You might need the extra hour
to do a few extra duties.
Extra duties!
Yes, extra duties like, uh
"Helping with the dinner dishes
'"mopping the kitchen floor'
"vacuuming the upstairs hallway
and on Saturdays,
washing the family cars."
Twice as much allowance
and half the time to spend it!
[laughs]
Hiya, girls. Listen, you did
a great job with the heater.
Better late than never.
- Here, dad.
- What is this?
- 'A bill.'
- A bill. Why?
Your brother David
never gave me a bill.
He just did his manly duties
around the house
and that was it.
Yeah, well,
we women prefer to get paid.
Oh, really?
Well, in that case,
there's a few bills
that I would like
to discuss with you.
Like what?
Like, um..
...your share of the fuel
for this month.
And the bills for the food
that you two eat.
And we might even consider
your tuition.
If you don't like it
you can take it up
with my attorney.
[instrumental music]
[theme music]
[music continues]
04x11 - Separate Ways
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The show was modeled on the life of syndicated newspaper columnist Tom Braden, a real-life parent with eight children, who wrote a book by the same title.
The show was modeled on the life of syndicated newspaper columnist Tom Braden, a real-life parent with eight children, who wrote a book by the same title.