04x11 - Separate Ways

[bunniefuu]

[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]

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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]

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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]

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