[instrumental music]
Alright, what's the bottom line?
It means that
for the duration of their visit
Grandma and Grandpa Wells
will be staying in Mary's room.
I'm gonna have
to get dressed for my meeting.
- Would you excuse me?
- Of course.
Does Abby go away
at night a lot?
Yeah, her job keeps her busy.
It is no wonder
they call her Abby.
She's a long way
from being their mother.
Since his mother d*ed,
you haven't been around.
And then you come
into this house
and you start
to give me advice.
This is no family here anymore.
[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 windowsill ♪
♪ And eight is enough ♪
♪ To fill our lives
with love ♪♪
[instrumental music]
- 'Where could Susan be?'
- 'I don't know.'
Well, I mean the hospital
is only ten minutes from here.
How could it take her
two hours to get here?
Well, maybe she had
some extra paperwork
to fill out or somethin'.
Oh, I didn't know
you'd be this excited.
I'm not excited.
Who's excited?
I mean,
Susan is bringing a baby home.
Babies have been brought home
to the Bradford house
before, you know.
Look at your feet.
Oh. Where is my other sock?
It's on your other foot.
- No, I mean my other sock.
- I mean your other sock. Look.
Oh, no, look what I did.
This is so stupid
for Pete's sake.
It's a good thing you caught
this before Paul saw it.
I mean, the man hates
to have his father-in-law
see him wearing
two socks on one foot.
Do you mean to tell me
after all these years
and all the grandchildren
you've given this guy
he still makes you nervous?
Oh, no, no.
He doesn't make me nervous.
Intimated.
You see, Paul was never really
too pleased when I married Joan.
In fact, he was even
less pleased
than your father
was when I married you.
Well, why didn't you
ask him to come
at another time or somethin'?
I mean,
it is a little awkward
well, I mean, with the baby
comin' home and everything.
I didn't have
the heart to do that.
Sandra Sue was their
very first great grandchild.
And the kids and I haven't
seen them since Joan's funeral.
So relax.
I'll protect you.
You're right.
I'm not gonna get excited.
- This is too wonderful a day.
- Right.
I'm afraid there isn't
going to be any work for you
at Bradford Construction.
Haven't you heard?
We're in a recession.
Yeah. And so is my social life.
I thought the band
had a gig this weekend.
No, it did,
but it fell through.
And it couldn't have happened
at a worst time either.
Have you thought
about getting a loan from dad?
Oh, yeah, and for my encore
I'm gonna change
water into wine.
Well, then I have only
one other suggestion for you.
(Tommy)
'What's that?'
Get a cute monkey
and a tin cap.
[scoffs]
You're a big help.
Oh, there you are.
Come on, you guys.
Dad's givin' instructions.
Alright, what's the bottom line?
It means that
for the duration of their visit
Grandma and Grandpa Wells
will be staying in Mary's room.
But, dad, that's not fair.
Mary's not here to vote.
No, no, no, Mary's on
the night shift at the hospital.
So she will be sleeping there.
Why didn't I think of that?
[telephone rings]
I'll get it.
Dad, does that mean Susan
and the baby
are staying in my room?
Let me put it this way.
Susan and the baby
are staying in your ex-room.
You're sleeping
out on the porch.
Oh, terrific.
Wait, I'll take the sun porch.
Nicholas snores.
I do not.
Jeremy, you just
stay where you are.
Let me point something out.
If conditions in this house
become claustrophobic
just remember,
there are four generations
living under one roof.
How many families can say that?
How many you want to?
Tom , it's for you.
It's your boss.
Jeremy, you were just
saved by the bell.
Geez! He really flips on
that family stuff, doesn't he?
So why don't you just
try to enjoy it?
Oh, sure, babies
and old people. My favorites.
Yes, Elliot.
A what?
Oh, you're putting me on.
Right here in Sacramento?
That outrageous.
I'll get on to it right away.
Thanks for the--
(Nicholas)
'Hey, everybody.
The baby's here.'
(Susan)
'Guys. Look who's home.'
Oh, hi!
[indistinct chatter]
(David)
There she is.
Hey, not too close, Nicholas.
The doctor said that children
carry a lot of germs
that can infect the baby.
Sorry.
You don't have
to stop breathing.
Oh, thanks.
You know, she really
does look like a Bradford.
You think so?
I see a lot of Merle in her.
(David)
'I don't know, I think
she looks more like you.'
Well, with no teeth,
no hair, and squinty eyes
'how can you tell
who see looks like?'
The kid's right, you know.
I think if you want
to be diplomatic, Susan
you ought to say
she looks like Grandpa Wells.
Hey, you know something,
she does, like..
'...like right around
the bald spot.'
(David)
'Get out of here!'
(Susan)
'Oh, that's right.
When are they coming?'
They will be here any minute.
Well, I'm afraid
they're just gonna have
to wait a couple of hours
to see Sandra Sue.
It's already
two minutes past her nap time.
[doorbell dings]
Tell her they can see her
when she wakes up.
- Guys.
- Okay, here they come.
- Okay.
- Ready?
(All)
Hi!
Oh, Larry.
Well, it's nice
to see you folks too.
Alright, come on in. We thought
you were my grandparents.
Well, everybody
makes that mistake
[indistinct chatter]
Oh, daddy,
could you do me a favor?
Would you tell everybody
to keep the noise down
while Sandra Sue
takes her nap?
Alright, but a baby doesn't
really need quiet to sleep.
- 'That doesn't make sense.'
- Oh, yes, it does.
I mean, if you give
a baby complete silence
then you're training it
to sleep through silence.
But if you just
let things be normal
then you're trainin' the baby
to sleep through noise.
- I don't believe that.
- It worked on you, kiddo.
Well, daddy, I hate
to hurt your feelings
but I have read a lot of books
and I've learned
how to do everything.
And I wanna do it
my way. Okay.
Okay.
I sure hope Sandra Sue
has read the same books.
(Joannie)
'There must
be something, Tommy.'
Hey, Larry, do you know
where Tommy can get a job?
Not off the top of my head.
Oh, can you think
a little harder
'cause this is really
important to him.
Are you really in trouble?
Yeah, major trouble.
- Well, I might know somethin'.
- Yeah?
But I don't think
you'd like it.
Sure I'd like it.
This friend of mine
opened up a night club
and he needs a guitar player.
- 'Oh, that's perfect.'
- Not so fast.
The place is really a dump
and the pay is peanuts.
Hey, peanuts is better
than poverty.
Well, okay,
I'll...give you
the address
and you can check it out.
Great.
Larry, I really appreciate this.
I'll get a pencil.
Don't appreciate it too fast
until you see it.
Hey.
Why, thanks. That was nice.
[baby cooing]
[clears throat]
Grandma and grandpa here yet?
Not yet.
(Susan)
'Nicholas, what are you doing?'
You look like
you're gonna rob a bank.
I don't wanna give
Sandra Sue any germs.
Is she through
with her nap yet?
Yeah. Come on in.
You can take that thing off.
Don't cough or sneeze though.
Alright.
- What's this?
- This is Sandra Sue's schedule.
Look, I have got
everything organized here.
I've got bathing,
diapering, feeding.
[Sandra crying]
Couldn't you leave out crying?
[doorbell rings]
- Gertie.
- Hi, honey.
- I'm sorry. We're late.
- Oh, it's so good to see you.
What's with Paul?
Discussion with the cab driver.
Here he is.
Hi, Tom.
How are you? It's good to see..
- Why, you're looking great.
- Really?
- Yeah.
- 'Grandpa!'
Nicholas. Well, look at that.
Nicholas, honey,
I'm glad to see you.
Say, I thought
I gave you strict orders
not to grow up
until I got back here.
I guess you just waited
too long to visit.
I guess I did.
[laughs]
Well, where is everybody?
Oh, well, I guess
they found things to do
while they were waiting.
Don't worry.
They'll all be here for dinner.
I can't wait to see them.
- Oh, here's a new face.
- Oh, yes. That's, uh, Jeremy.
Abby's nephew.
I wrote you about him.
Of course you did.
I'm glad to meet you, Jeremy.
- Welcome to the family.
- Hi, Jeremy.
Yeah, thanks.
Jeremy's not into talking.
Oh, what is Jeremy into?
Unfortunately,
just about everything.
'Oh, a trouble-maker?'
No, no,
Jeremy's not a trouble maker.
He's just going through
a rough time right now.
Hello, I'm Abby.
Mrs. Wells.
- Oh.
- Mr. Wells.
But p-please, it's-it's
Gertie and Paul. We're family.
Gertie, Paul.
Thank you.
- So, you're Abby, huh?
- Mm-hmm.
I didn't realize
from your wedding pictures
you were so...young.
Mm. Thank you.
That's very nice of you.
(Susan)
'Grandma, grandpa.'
Oh, it's the baby.
Hi. Here she is.
Miss Sandra Sue Stockwell.
Oh, Susan, honey.
Oh, look at that.
She is beautiful.
That's the most
beautiful baby I've ever seen
since the last time
I saw a Bradford baby.
- Hey, can I hold her?
- 'Sure.'
Careful.
- Hm. Hi there, cutie.
- Look at that.
Do you know who I am, hm?
Well, she looks a lot
like your mother did at her age.
[Sandra cooing]
I wish Joan could have
seen her first grandchild.
[instrumental music]
Well, you two must be tired.
Why don't you sit down
you've got a lot
of Bradfords to catch up.
Yeah, come on in here.
Oh, you are..
(Gertie)
'Oh, you are..'
[horn blaring]
Wow.
This place is too much.
Male strippers!
Definitely way too much.
What can I do for you, kid?
Oh, well,
I heard you were lookin'
for a new guitar player
and I was supposed
to see the manager.
That's me.
Lance Merlow.
You still have insurance?
Yeah.
You belong to the union?
- Not yet.
- You got the job.
You be here tomorrow
to rehearse at o'clock.
'You can start tomorrow night.'
Oh, Mr. Merlow.
See, what I'm trying to say--
Yeah, yeah, I know,
you're worried about the money.
Right? Times are hard, kid.
Now, if I charge people
too much to come in here
they can stay at home
and take their own clothes off.
'You follow me?'
'Now, the way I see,
you got two choices.'
'You can work here
and make a little bit money'
or stay unemployed
and make no money.
Now, what do you say,
it's up to you.
I guess you got yourself
a new guitar player.
Terrific! Welcome aboard.
Uh, what did you say
your name was?
- Uh, Tommy.
- Okay, Tommy.
See you here
tomorrow at : .
Yeah.. Uh, uh, Mr. Merlow..
...just one more thing.
What does the band wear?
What difference does it make?
What do you mean?
Well, I mean
what makes you comfortable?
Clothes, lots of clothes.
Suit yourself.
[laughing]
Did you get it?
- Yeah.
- I'll see you tomorrow, kid.
[instrumental music]
(Tom)
'Well, it's been a long time'
'since we've had
so many Bradfords'
'sitting around the table
at one time.'
Well, they didn't
separate long, did they?
Well, you have to remember, Paul
the kids
are getting older now.
They have their own schedules,
they don't have as much time.
Um, speaking of schedules
I'm gonna have to get
dressed for my meeting.
Would you excuse me?
- Of course.
- Sure.
Whatever happened
to the old-fashioned
family dinner?
Uh, Paul says that American
civilization started to decline
when they invented
drive-through restaurants.
Now, you think
about that, Tom.
Oh, I do, Paul, I do.
It might make a good idea
for a column.
Yes. Column! Oh, my gosh!
Oh, oh, please excuse me,
I-I have to make a phone call.
I don't mean to be rude,
I really don't.
Nicholas, clear up
the table. Bye.
I got it, I got it.
Do you clear up the table
all the time, Nicholas?
Practically, every time
I turn around.
Well, what about your
sisters and Abby?
They all got
their jobs and stuff.
Does Abby go away
at night a lot?
Yeah, her job keeps her busy.
[instrumental music]
She can't even
stay home nights.
Tom says she's had
this obligation for weeks.
She just couldn't
get out of it.
Traipses around
like one of the daughters.
Please, Paul, we just got here.
We can't know what's going on.
Or maybe you can't, but I see,
I see exactly what's going on.
Poor Nicholas.
Now, what do you mean?
It is no wonder
they call her Abby.
[sighing]
She's a long way
from being their mother.
[sighing]
[instrumental music]
Thirsty? How about a nice
cool drink?
That slob over there
will just have to wait his turn.
What's that all about, Nicholas?
Oh, I was just giving
my plants a drink.
My teacher says
they need water just like we do.
Sure.
Listen, how about
stopping all that
and helping me
do something very important?
What?
Spend the whole day
with my favorite grandson?
Wow! You really mean it?
Sh-sh-sh, don't wake anyone else
or we'll have
to take 'em with us.
Oh, yeah, right.
Just me and you, grandpa.
- Sure, just me and you.
- Alright.
Looks like you're gonna have
to get along without me today.
Nicholas?
I thought I heard sneaking
goin' on around here.
Well, Abby, grandpa's gonna
take me to the Penny Arcade
then to miniature golf, can we?
Of course, it'll be okay.
- We'll see you later.
- Bye, Abby.
(Abby)
'Okay, but be sure
to be home in time for dinner.'
And don't eat a lot of junk food
and ruin your appetite, okay?
See you.
- Good morning.
- Oh, hi ,dear.
Grandma, you shouldn't
let anyone
around here
know you can cook
you'll be
on the staff full time.
It's why God
made grandmothers.
Hey, you guys, dad's soapbox
is gettin' another workout.
- His soapbox?
- Yeah.
Yeah, it's his column. It's
required reading around here.
Oh, I'll love to read it
I'll bet it's about
drive-through restaurants.
No, it's about male strippers.
Male strippers?
Well, Paul says whenever a
civilization lets down its guard
anything could happen.
You know, they just opened up
a place not too far from here
called the Club Sacramento.
They specialize in exotic dances
by male persons.
No wonder
dad's on the soapbox.
It's kinda tacky,
don't you think?
Hey, Tommy,
weren't you lookin' for a job?
Maybe you should check it out.
- Oh, I already have a job.
- You got a job?
Well, just in this
little night club
where the guy still pays
his band members minimum wage.
(Elizabeth)
'Well, according
to dad's column'
'these guys make
a lot of money.'
And they probably have very
interesting fringe benefits.
No, thank you, Elizabeth,
I'll just stick to my dull
low-paying, mediocre job.
[rattling]
You mean you ran away
clear to San Diego?
Yeah.
Because of something Abby did?
No, because of something
the whole family did.
You mean, they all pick on you?
Yeah, but I was just
a little kid then.
Well, that kind of behavior
shouldn't be allowed, Nicholas.
Well, that's what
I tried to tell them.
You hungry?
Want somethin' to eat?
We just ate lunch.
Besides, Abby said--
Ah, never mind Abby.
This is our day. Come on.
Hey, lookin' good.
Hey, good sh*t.
[laughing]
Can I get
somethin' else to eat?
- A pizza or some ice cream?
- No, thanks.
Well, you just let me know.
You havin' a good time?
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
You know, when your mother
was your age
she and I used
to run around a lot together.
Just the two of us,
you know, like me and you.
Well, we would get out
and rough around all day
and...forget all about dinner
and come home
lookin' like somethin'
the cat dragged in.
Gertie, she'd be mad enough
to skin us both.
Do you miss your mother
a lot, Nicholas?
I try not to think
about it much.
Oh, you don't
wanna do that, you just..
You might forget
and block it out.
You always wanna remember her
because she was a very
special person.
Most important of all,
she's your real mother.
Ah, I better quit talkin'
like a silly old man.
'Or you're gonna begin
to think you can b*at me.'
[laugh]
Here. Go on and sh**t.
Thanks a lot, you guys.
I'll catch you later, huh.
- Hi.
- Oh, hi.
Oh! Hi. I..
You look different
with your clothes on.
- Chris Walker.
- Hi, I'm Tommy Bradford.
I was listenin'
to you earlier. You're good.
Oh, thanks.
I play a little bit myself.
As a matter of fact,
I started out in your job.
Yeah, well, everybody's gotta
start some place, right?
I know it must seem
a little strange to you.
This hasn't exactly
been my life's ambition either.
But money can be
very persuasive.
Oh, you guys make
pretty good money?
Are you kidding?
I worked my way up through
every job in this place.
I went from yours
to lights, then bartendin'.
And now
I've hit the jackpot.
I make more money than Merlow.
I haven't been hurtin'
for dates either.
Well, that sounds nice.
Well, look, I gotta run
but I'll catch you later.
Yeah, well, I guess I'll be
seeing a lot...more of you.
[both laugh]
- Good luck.
- Alright. Take it easy.
[instrumental music]
[typewriter keys clacking]
Tom, what are you doing here
on your day off?
Oh, hi. Well, you know,
there's a new baby in the house
and visiting in-laws,
I needed some peace.
Shouldn't have told me, Tom.
I was going to compliment
you on your diligence.
The complement is accepted.
As a matter of fact,
I'm putting
the finishing touches
on my next column.
Oh, uh, one
on the Club Sacramento?
- Yes, that's right.
- Great, Tom.
You cannot believe
the response I've had.
You really touched a nerve.
Well, it touched mine too.
I mean,
what kind of a society is this
when a place like that
can open up in Sacramento?
'I mean, not only is it
downright indecent'
but it's, it's..
What do you call it when
something gets worse and worse?
Progress.
[Sarah cooing]
Oh. Honey, I'm sorry.
One of these days,
I'll get you and your diaper dry
at the same time, I promise.
- Need any help?
- No, just three more arms.
Oh, let me hold her.
- Are you sure?
- Yeah, come on.
[Sarah cooing]
I haven't held a baby
since mom used
to let us hold Nicholas.
- Do you remember?
- Yeah, I remember.
Those days I was so sure
I could be a great mother.
David, it so much
more complicated
than it says in the books.
- You'll get the hang of it.
- Ah, don't count on that.
Sure, I mean, it's guaranteed.
They say
it gets easier every week.
[crying]
Could you take her back?
She's so cute.
Now, just relax,
you're doing fine.
Hey, honey.
It's okay, sweetie.
It's alright.
Nicholas, what's the matter?
Well, It's either
the chocolate banana
the caramel corn or the pickle.
What did I tell you
about eatin' too much?
Well, I didn't think
it was too much
until it was already
in my stomach.
(Abby)
'You feel pretty rotten, huh?'
Yeah.
Well, come on,
I'll see what I can do.
- Baking soda.
- I beg your pardon?
'Well, you just give a little
baking soda, he'll be fine.'
Well, I-I see
you don't understand
what I'm talking about, do you?
[instrumental music]
I'll take care of him.
Come on, Nicholas.
Nicholas, why don't you
just go on upstairs?
I need to talk
to your granddad, okay?
- Yeah.
- I'll be right with you.
I'll, uh,
see you later, Nicholas.
Maybe I should
let you take care of him
since you are the one
that fed him all that junk.
Well, that's wonderful.
You let the boy fend for himself
and suddenly I get blamed
for giving him one small day
the kind of attention
that he needs.
What would you know
about the kind of attention
that he needs?
Since his mother d*ed
you haven't been around.
'I mean, all you've done
is send him presents'
And then you come
into this house
and you start
to give me advice.
See, Mr. Wells, I don't
think you have any right.
I have every right.
He's my own flesh and blood.
I was wrong to stay away.
Very wrong.
'This is no family here
anymore.'
If Joan could see this,
she'd be crying.
[door shuts]
[instrumental music]
- Did he actually say that?
- Yeah, he did.
That this wasn't
a family anymore.
And that I don't give
Nicholas enough attention.
Oh, that's a terrible thing
to say.
He certainly
owes you an apology.
Listen, Tom, I don't
wanna start a feud or anything.
So, maybe I should
just go away for a few days.
And they can just visit
with you and the kids.
That's ridiculous.
This is your home.
I'll have a talk with him.
Maybe just a quiet discussion.
I'll take care of it.
And here is $
from Joannie and me.
It's not gonna buy
much of a baby gift.
I know.
A baby gift?
I almost forgot.
Here's, uh,
here's ten bucks, okay.
I thought you were broke?
Yeah, well,
I sort of got a raise
and an advance from work.
What a sort of raise?
It's when I can afford to throw
ten bucks into a collection.
Anybody complaining?
What kind of promotion
did you get?
Well, let's just say that
my future is getting brighter.
[instrumental music]
How's your stomach doing?
- It's okay.
- Glad to hear it.
'Cause one thing I can't stand
is people throwin' up on me.
I won't, I hope.
How's it goin' today?
You like it here?
What'd you say?
Oh, I was just talking
to this plant.
You're talkin' to plants?
I have to.
It's a school project.
That's weird.
Well, I don't talk
to both of them, just this one.
Boris.
Boris?
Yeah. See, I'm not allowed
to talk to this one. Horis.
- This is Horis?
- Sh-sh-sh.
You're not supposed
to talk to him.
You know somethin'
the sickness in your stomach
is now gone to your brain.
Alright. Thanks.
Are you sure
this is where Tommy works?
This is the address he gave me.
'"Club Sacramento."'
Nancy, this is the place
dad was trying to shut down.
- What?
- Yeah, remember?
No, no, no. No way.
Tommy wouldn't be workin'
in a place like this.
There's only one way
to find out.
I'm not goin' in there.
Oh, come on, Nancy,
where's your sense of adventure?
Elizabeth, grown men
with no clothes on
is not my idea of entertainment.
Well, Nancy, it's better
than popcorn and a movie.
[upbeat music]
[crowd cheering]
[music continues]
[women cheering]
I don't see him. Do you, Nance?
I can't see anything.
Well, Nancy,
that might help, you know.
Elizabeth, I do not
wanna be here.
Oh, come on.
Now, just sit down.
See, now, that's not
Tommy on the guitar.
(Nancy)
'Maybe he's resting.'
He did say
he got a promotion.
Elizabeth, that is ridiculous.
Isn't it?
[women cheering]
(Lance)
'Thank you, thank you, ladies.'
We got a special treat
in store for you.
[all laughing]
He is our newest attraction.
And I just know you're gonna
wanna see much more of him.
[laughing]
[drum roll]
Here he is now, ladies.
Club Sacramento's own,
the unknown stripper.
[crowd cheering]
[upbeat music]
Elizabeth.
You don't think.
Nancy, it's possible.
He has the same build.
[music continues]
Elizabeth, that's ridiculous.
There's no way in the world
Tommy would do
a thing like that.
You're right.
Th-there's no way.
- Right.
- Yeah.
Are you the manager?
I'm sure not the good
[indistinct].
What can I do for you ladies?
That guy in the bag. Who is he?
Well, now,
weren't you listening?
He's the unknown stripper.
Yes, but who
is the unknown stripper?
Hey, what's on third?
Look, ladies, why don't
you just take a seat
and enjoy the show.
Can I get you a drink?
No. Look, you don't understand.
We just wanna know
that guy's name.
Oh, well, you see, honey
if I told you the name
of the unknown stripper
he wouldn't
be unknown anymore.
It's kinda tricky
the way it works that way.
You see, nobody knows who he is.
Now, if you'll just excuse me.
[music continues]
[knocking on door]
Come in.
- Hello, Gertie.
- Oh, hi, Tom.
I, uh, was looking for Paul.
He took Nicholas out for a walk.
Oh.
Well, or I'll come back later.
Uh, Tom, could you chat
a little with an old lady?
Why? Do you have one outside?
[laughs]
I-I want to apologize.
I never should have
brought Paul here.
Oh, don't be silly,
we've all missed you
and we haven't seen you
for such a long time.
I know.
I apologize for that too.
I wanted so much to see
you and Abby married.
And when we couldn't make
David's and Susan's weddings
I almost d*ed, but..
...Paul just
hasn't been up to it.
You mean his health?
I didn't realize..
Oh, no, no, no.
He's healthy enough.
He's the kind of man who gives
ulcers, you'll never get him.
Uh, it's just..
Tom, Joan was his whole life.
You can't believe
how much he misses her.
I think I can.
No, no that's different.
You've got a whole new life.
I don't know, sometimes I think
if we'd had other children..
...if we were younger..
I've been afraid
how it would affect him
to, to come back here
to Joan's house.
So..
...if-if Paul
isn't quite himself..
I understand.
I knew you would.
Thank you, Tom.
[instrumental music]
[quacking]
Do you like
this place, Nicholas?
Yeah, it's pretty neat.
This used to be
your mom's favorite spot.
She used to bring you down here
when you were just a little kid.
Dip your toes
in the water there.
Oh, you used to squeal.
Any time she and your
dad would have an argument
he knew exactly
where to find her.
Right here.
Of course, the best thing
was when grandma
and I'd come here for a visit..
...and Joan and I'd
slip away, come down here
for a little father-daughter
picnic lunch together.
'Just the two of us,
right at this very spot.'
It seems strange
being back here.
I feel almost as though..
...she's gonna come
walking in any minute
and sit right down here
beside me.
'With a basket
full of fried chicken.'
You know, grandpa, I think
we better be getting back.
Abby wants us home
before bedtime.
Yeah, but your mother would have
want you right here with me.
[mellow music]
[quacking]
[Sandra Sue crying]
Hi.
- Is she alright?
- I don't think so.
I fed her, I burped her,
I've changed her.
I don't know what else to do.
Can I hold her?
Hey, Sandra Sue,
my buddy.
Oh. Yeah.
[baby stops crying]
[laughs]
Hey.
- What'd you do?
- I don't know.
Well, you must have
done something.
I guess I have hidden talents.
Yeah, I guess you do.
Or else I just don't
know how to be a mother.
But I don't understand,
what could be so important
to make me come down
to the office tonight?
Elliott, can you talk,
is there somebody there?
Alright, if you insist.
I'll be there in a half hour.
- There you go.
- 'Oh, minutes.'
'Alright, alright.
for Pete sakes.'
There you are. It's getting
late, I was worried.
Well, Nicholas and I had
some important talking to do.
Nicholas, it's your bedtime.
Get upstairs and go to bed.
Your grandfather and I have
to have a little talk.
That's just what I had in mind.
I'll be up to tuck
you in later, Nicholas.
I, uh, don't really have
too much time at the moment.
Well, that's okay.
I'll get right to the point.
I'm worried
about the situation with Abby.
Well, yes,
as a matter of fact
that's what I wanted
to talk to you about.
- I know how hard it's been--
- I understand your predicament.
My predicament?
Now, it isn't us that
we should worry about.
It's the children.
Of course, the old ones
are able to fend for themselves
but Nicholas..
I've been giving
this matter some thought.
And I feel I can
help the situation.
Why don't you let Nicholas come
and spend some time
with Gertie and me?
What?
Well, he's missing out
on a lot of things here.
We can give him the kind
of love and care that Joan did.
Abby gives him
love and care.
I know you feel like
you should defend her
but I've got eyes.
He doesn't get any appropriate
set of values here.
She worries more about her job
than she does about him.
Oh, that's ridiculous.
Abby is one of the best things
that ever happened to Nicholas.
Look, I don't wanna
argue with you.
Why don't you be
fair to the boy?
Just let him spend
a few weeks with us
and you'll notice
the difference.
Have you talked
to Nicholas about this?
Well, no, not yet,
but I will.
Oh, no, you won't.
I have to go to the office now
and talk to a publisher.
When I get back, I think
we should sit down and discuss
just how long your visit here
is going to be.
'It could be a lot shorter
than either of us planned.'
[door slams]
(Nancy)
'Larry, I don't have time.'
'We're havin' a family crisis.'
You always have
a family crisis.
And it's just
a quick cup of coffee.
Oh, Larry, I can't leave now.
Look, my grandfather's
disappeared and..
Well, we're really
worried about Tommy.
Tommy?
Yeah.
Larry, can I ask you somethin'?
Yeah.
Is Tommy the unknown striper?
Tommy?
Well, how would I know?
Well, you sent him
to the Club Sacramento.
Yeah, but the unknown striper
is unknown
that's the whole idea.
You think it's Tommy?
Hope I didn't take you away
from anything, Tom.
Just an emergency.
Good. I don't feel
so badly then.
This will be catastrophic.
Uh, Tom, this is Lance Merlow.
Mr. Merlow,
this is Tom Bradford.
Uh, Mr. Merlow is the manager
of the Club Sacramento.
Oh, I see.
Bradford, I'm gonna come
right to the point.
It seems to me that you have
no right launching an att*ck
on my place of business,
without ever having been in it.
'Now, if you could just hold off
your ranting long enough'
'to come and take a look
and see for yourself'
you'll see that it's nothing
but just clean,
harmless, all American fun.
Oh, really?
Listen, Mr. Merlow.
As Elly has already
probably told you
I am a very busy man.
I don't have time
to go running around to--
Tom, I assured Mr. Merlow
that you'd be very happy
'to take advantage
of his kind offer.'
Oh, this is the most ridiculous
thing I've ever heard!
Tom, let me put it another way.
Mr. Merlow has also mentioned
that unless you take
advantage of his kind offer
he is going to consider
bringing defamation sued
'against you and the paper.'
Where's my ticket?
Just mention my name
at the door.
Tom, you're going where?
Now, is that
the male strip place?
Oh. Alright, see you.
No, we haven't
heard from him yet.
Right.
Okay, well, call me
from the club.
Bye.
Tom is very worried
about Paul.
Do you think we should
notify the police yet?
Mm, not yet. Let's give him
time to simmer down.
I'm really awfully
sorry about this, Abby.
But you've got to understand
that it's not you
that Paul is fighting.
I think he's afraid
that if he accepts you
he'll have to let go of Joan.
That's why
he wanted Nicholas, you know.
A part of her,
something alive and growing.
Like it used to be.
But where could he have gone?
I mean, he's just out there
all alone in the dark.
Don't worry,
he does this all the time.
And you know,
Joan was the same way.
'Every time she and Tom
had an argument'
'she'd run off for hours.'
Abby?
I think
I know where grandpa is.
Elizabeth, I'm too old
to go dancing.
- Oh, no, you're not.
- Come on, let's go..
Oh, hi, grandma.
Hello. Where are you girls
off to?
Uh, well, we don't know,
We can't agree on anything.
What are you doing here
all by yourself?
Well, Abby has gone to look
for your wayward grandfather.
And if I understand correctly
your father has gone
to that male strip joint.
What?
Dad was going there tonight?
Well, that's what he said.
Oh, uh, it was nice
talking to you, grandma
but we really gotta go.
- We're gonna be late.
- O-oh for what?
- Uh, shopping.
- Movie.
School.
Bye.
- School?
- Well, I panic under pressure.
Never mind. We've got to find
Tommy before dad does.
He'll be the one in the bag,
just the bag.
Mr. Wells.
What are you doing here?
[clears throat]
Well, I thought it might be
a good idea if we had a talk.
Look, Mr. Wells, I have
no intention of trying
to take your daughter's place.
'I know how much you love her.'
I know how much you miss her.
Look, I've never lost a child,
but I've lost a husband.
So I know about loss.
See, I-I think
that's one of the reasons
that Tom and I are together
is because we both know..
...how empty you can
feel when the person
that you love most
just isn't there.
'Look, I-I have
to admit that..'
'...I resisted Tom
for a long time'
because loving him
felt disloyal to...to Frank.
And I spend a lot
of sleepless night
wonderin' if I could
fill Joan's shoes.
And then one day,
I realized that I never could.
But that-that's alright
because the kids need me, see..
They don't need a memory.
[dramatic music]
No matter how beautiful
the memory is.
Mr. Wells, this hasn't
been easy, you know?
But we're a family now.
[sighs]
I-I guess we're not
the kind of family
that-that you're used to
but we're the kind
of family that we wanna be.
[music continues]
I love those kids very much.
And I know, I know
how much they want you
to be a part of us.
See, 'cause I do too.
Do you think
you wanna come home now?
[music continues]
Here I am again.
I hope you don't feel
as stupid as I do doing this.
You said something?
I was just doing my homework.
You know, Boris, I like you.
I hope you had a good day
while I was gone.
Well, what kind
of homework is that?
It's an experiment.
Mrs. Rogers says
that if you talk to plants
they'll grow better and stuff.
What and stuff?
Oh, it's pretty weird.
Well, it can't be too weird
if it's from Mrs. Rogers.
Well, she says
it's not the words.
They might not
even know American.
'It's just that you're letting
'em know that you love 'em.'
Well, how you do that?
Well, she says that
if you feel it, they feel it.
Hm.
'Doesn't make sense.'
No, Nicholas,
it makes a lot of sense.
[crowd cheering]
Merlow wouldn't let me
backstage to find Tommy.
- Have you seen dad?
- No.
Oh, I sure hope we get
to Tommy before dad does.
[upbeat music]
[crowd cheering]
Oh, guys,
what are we gonna do?
[music continues]
Oh, you guys,
what are we gonna do?
- Dad, hi!
- Hi.
I'll give you just
seconds
to give me an excuse
that I'll believe.
Oh, well, dad, there really
is a very good excuse
but you'll live a lot happier
life without knowing it.
I don't believe this.
I mean, you all know
how hard I've been working
to close this place up.
I walk in here
and find my daughters
'sitting in a front row table!'
I mean, I would think
that if for nothing else
but respect to me,
you wouldn't.
Dad, we didn't come
here to see the show.
Oh, how silly of me
to jump to that conclusion.
[crowd cheering]
Well, is someone gonna tell me
exactly what you are doing here
just for the record?
- Promise you won't get upset?
- Please, I already am upset.
- 'We came to see Tommy.'
- Tommy?
This is where he works?
Tommy works here?
Doing what?
The unknown stripper.
[crowd cheering]
[upbeat music]
Tommy...is the unknown stripper?
Not for long, he isn't!
- Oh, dad!
- Oh, no!
[indistinct]
Hey, Bradford, what do you think
you're doin', huh?
I know you wanna
put me out of business
but don't you think
this is little unprofessional?
Mr. Merlow, I can explain.
Unfortunately, this boy is..
...not my son.
No foolin'.
- Larry!
- 'Hi, everybody.'
Nice of you to catch my act.
(Tom)
'I thought this boy
was my son.'
- Dad!
- Tommy!
- That's my son.
- Well, that's good.
Then I'm sure you won't
mind supporting him
now that he is out of work.
Now, would you kindly
all get out of here?
And you, get that paper bag
back on your head.
Get back out there before those
crazy women wreck the joint.
Whatever happened
to free enterprise.
Tommy, where were you?
I was working the lights,
my new job.
[music continues]
Oh, you guys didn't
think that I was..
You did say
you were being promoted.
[giggling]
I said my future
was getting brighter.
- Oh!
- Tommy!
Oh, you did.
[quacking]
[mellow music]
[sobbing]
I was just so afraid that
I won't be a perfect mother.
You know, I tried
everything that I thought
I was supposed to do.
[instrumental music]
Guess I was, I was so busy
worrying about it..
...I didn't think
about what you needed.
I love you.
I love you.
I doubt if he'll still
be there, Tom.
Well, the least
we can do is try.
- Yeah, I'll come with you, Tom.
- Oh, thanks, Gertie.
What's goin' on?
Why is everybody up?
Nicholas, we'll tell you
about it in the morning.
Now, please, get back to bed.
But I don't wanna
miss everything.
Nicholas, back to bed.
- Paul!
- Grandpa!
Do you realize you
had us worried sick?
Oh, Gertie, don't start on me.
Just because we've been
married a couple of centuries
doesn't mean I gotta
ask you for permission
every time go to take a walk.
Grandpa, do I have
to go to bed?
You heard what Abby said.
Go, Nicholas!
Abby..
I want you to know that..
It's okay.
I know.
[music continues]
Bye-bye.
- So long.
- Goodbye, grandpa.
Bye. Goodbye.
Hey, you be
a good boy now, Nicholas.
Don't give Abby any trouble.
I won't. I hope you come back
real soon, grandpa.
You bet I will.
And no more growin' up
behind my back, right?
Right.
Tom.
Abby.
[instrumental music]
- Come on, honey.
- Bye, bye.
[indistinct chatter]
Bye. Bye.
[music continues]
- Bread.
- Sixty-nine cents.
- Sorry dad, it's a $ . .
- Oh, you're kidding.
My first impulse was cents.
Dad, you are livin' in the past.
You have
a better place to live?
Nancy, there's somebody
here to see you.
Larry Bishop.
- Unknown Larry?
- Get rid of him.
I can't, he says he's gonna sit
on the front porch
till you come and talk to him.
- Never.
- 'He wants to apologize.'
(Nancy)
'I don't care.'
You guys, I can't
even look at him anymore.
Every time I do, I see him
without any clothes on.
- Nancy!
- Well, I do.
- Oh, great, I'll tell him that.
- No, no.
Well, I can't just let
him sit there, Nancy.
He's [indistinct]
Now, what do you want me to do?
Anything, just-just
get him out of here.
Relax. It's all taken care of.
Oh, you're gonna
handle him, huh?
Not me.
The unknown father.
[laughing]
(Nancy)
Dad!
[theme music]
05x05 - Generations
Watch/Buy Amazon
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.