05x05 - Generations

[bunniefuu]

[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]