05x14 - The Way We Were

[bunniefuu]

Ernie.

- Is it really you?

- It's me, alright.

It's just like old times, huh?

Jill's here, you're here.

My life's getting back

to what it used to be.

It's like the month since

high school didn't even happen.

There's another guy?

I don't want you

to blame him for this.

- Anybody I know?

- Ernie.

Ernie?

Tommy, please

it just happened.

The whole thing's very clear,

the two people I counted on most

just stabbed me in the back.

[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 ♪

♪ Oh 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]

Alright great, now you

really look to pry.

I'll even give you

the eight ninety-nine.

Uh, I'll take it.

Are you kiddin'?

I'm more deprived than you look.

Come on, let's go.

Oh, no, Nicholas,

What happened to your shirt?

- Moths.

- Moths?

Giant ones.

Yeah, they must have come

from outer space.

Well, actually, it could've

happened in the washing machine.

The fact is he needs .

for new shirt.

Yeah, that's it,

the washing machine.

- I don't believe that.

- Who could?

You tell me,

why you really need the money

then maybe

I'll give it to you.

"Honesty is the best policy."

Well, I guess,

it's worth a sh*t.

- I want a new soccer ball.

- Oh, absolutely not.

Well, so much for honesty.

A new soccer ball is something

you have to pay for yourself.

Plus a replacement

for that shirt.

With my allowance?

By the time

I save up enough money

I'll be too old

to play soccer.

Well, you could earn the money.

Get a job.

You mean, work?

Jeremy, I know that's one

of the few four letter words

that you don't approve off.

But I do.

Now look, Nicholas, you could

learn some real responsibility.

You owe me for a new shirt and

you want a soccer ball. Okay.

Why don't you find an honest way

to earn the money?

Moths.

[honks]

Ernie?

- Is it really you?

- It's me, alright.

Well, what do you think?

I think, when you decided

to go to college

you really went college.

Don't tell me,

that's a fraternity pin?

- I won't.

- Good.

It's just a pledge pin.

What kinda brain washing did

they use on you at Berkeley?

Well, you know me Bradford.

If you're gonna

enjoy the music

you gotta play along

with the group.

And the truth is,

I really dig it.

Uh, don't spread it around but

I even gotta couple of A's.

- No, you?

- Old Ern himself.

Hey, I missed you.

You were gonna

come spend weekends?

Yeah, and you were gonna

come visit a lot.

Well, here I am.

Two whole weeks

till next quarter.

We can catch up

on everything.

That'd be great.

Uh, but can you meet me

some place in a couple of hours?

What's up?

Well, I just got this

open audition at BJ's.

[scoffs]

BJ's, you really know

how to impress a guy.

Can I come?

It's really not that

big a deal, Ernie.

Come on, Bradford,

I've never been inside BJ's.

And we can talk on the way.

- Do you still ride in vans?

- Only yours, Bradford.

- Only yours.

- Yeah, I know. Only mine.

- David's living in paradise?

- "Paradise Manor."

It's a swinging

single's apartment.

- Well, David is single.

- He's separated.

- Same thing.

- Well, maybe for some people.

I've seen the ads

for that Paradise Manor place.

- It's not for our David.

- Why not?

''Cause, he's probably under

a lot of emotional stress'

since he broke up with Janet.

I don't think he needs

a fast lane.

He needs some love

and understanding.

Good, hot meal.

Maybe the salvation army

was all booked.

You can be casual if you want,

I'm concerned.

You know I think I'm gonna

stop by there this afternoon

'and see if he wants

to come over for dinner.'

Well, that's a good idea.

I hate to think of him

in the clutches of some--

- Swinging, separated.

- Yeah.

[instrumental music]

Where is everybody?

Oh, uh, little early yet.

The way night's

go around here

people kinda like to sleep in.

Oh, really? I gotta different

impression from the brochure.

- Round the clock fun.

- Uh, yeah, brochure.

Uh, round the clock fun, yeah.

Well, I tell you, uh-uh..

Just wait, you know,

fun can start anytime now.

'I-I know you're gonna

love it here.'

Well, with the prices I'm

paying, I better love it.

Uh, oh, oh, oh, wait.

Oh, you're not

going in are you?

That was the plan.

Oh, well, uh,

could you wait a few hours?

Uh-uh, just till

the chlorine level gets down.

We have a lot of trouble

at the health department.

- Sorry about that.

- Me, too.

[instrumental music]

- So you miss making music?

- A little.

But what I don't miss

is having my dad on my back.

These days he even brags

about me at the rotary club.

[chuckles]

Congratulations.

How are you comin'

on the song writing?

- Great!

- Published anything?

- Not that great.

- Well, how's your new band?

They'll get it together

in a few months.

Hey, listen, Bradford

I got this feelin'

your luck is changing.

You're gonna be lead guitar

at BJ's and you're gonna have

to hire a small army

to fight off the women.

Women?

What are women?

Well, the last I remember

you were about to take off

with one to San Francisco.

- Yeah, Holly.

- Did you ever hear from her?

Just that she married

a bass player and moved to LA.

Bass player?

And I always had her figured for

nothing less than a lead singer.

- Yeah.

- What about, Jill?

Jill?

'As I remember,

the class prophecy'

practically guaranteed you two

would be married by now.

Yeah, well, when I was seeing

Holly, I quit writin' her

and when she found out about it,

she quit writin' to me.

- 'Too bad.'

- Yeah.

You ever thought

about calling her?

She's probably back

in Sacramento.

UCLA has vacations too.

Uh, she probably wouldn't

even speak to me.

Hey, you're not talkin'

about most girls.

You're talkin' about Jill.

[guitar music]

Relax, Bradford,

I'm gonna bring you luck.

- Oh, great.

- What's wrong?

Well, you see the guy over

there with a $ Les Paul?

His name is Rick Solari

he's b*at me out on

every audition so far.

Say the word and I'll

break his fingers.

He's a black belt.

So I'll clap so loud,

you'll have to win.

Ernie, you couldn't

clap that loud.

Excuse me,

do you have a quarter?

- Yeah.

- Thanks.

- You have a name?

- David Bradford.

Do you have plans

for dinner?

Uh, well, I, I hadn't really

thought that far ahead yet.

Well, think about this?

My place seven o'clock?

Well, I'm not exactly

Julia Child

but no one's gone away hungry.

Sorry, I have

another engagement.

- Too bad, maybe next time?

- Sure.

- You do very good laundry.

- Oh, thank you.

Oh, David, hi.

Glad I caught you.

Joannie, what are you

doing here?

Oh, I was just

in the neighborhood.

I thought I'd drop by and tell

you this is your lucky day.

You have just won a free meal

at the Bradford Family Inn.

- Special occasion.

- What occasion?

Well, it's the, "We hardly ever

see David Bradford anymore

and we miss him" night.

Well, thanks,

but no thanks.

I, uh, already

had a dinner invitation.

Oh, well, how about,

tomorrow night?

I'm busy tomorrow night.

Joannie, look, I know

you're all concerned about me.

But I'm a big boy now,

I can take care of myself.

I hope so, David.

I really want you to be happy.

- I'm ecstatic.

- You don't look very ecstatic?

Well, I was until

my sister came around

acting like I'm some

kind of charity case.

Oh, I didn't mean it

that way.

Joannie, just go home and tell

everyone not to worry about me.

I've gotta few days off,

I'm in paradise

and I'm loving it.

[sighs]

Hey, guys, I really I wanna

thank you very much for coming.

And to tell you that

it's not gonna be

easy to make a choice.

As a matter of fact,

we're going to have

to do this with call backs.

So will the following

please come back

tomorrow at two o'clock.

Hardy, Cunningham,

Johnson, Simon, Solari

and Bradford.

Congratulations.

And thank you all again

very much.

Don't get too excited, Ernie.

It always ends up like this.

I get called back

with the same five or six guys

and Solari always wins.

You can't expect to become

Mick Jagger

nine months out of

high school.

And the important thing is

you're hanging in there.

Can we just drop it, Ernie?

Hey, look..

They still have

the atomic anchovy experience.

You remember the night,

you ate seven of 'em?

I remember 'em.

Going down and coming up.

Let's eat one

for old times' sake.

No, you eat one, I don't even

want to think about it.

Hey, isn't that our old

table over there?

- No, it's over there.

- Let's grab it.

Come on, Ernie.

- Tommy.

- Jill.

You're right, Bradford.

That's our old table.

- Hi, Ernie.

- 'Hi.'

- Well, sit down you guys.

- Sure.

I, uh, I-I figured this would

be a great nostalgic trip.

But this place

has really changed.

I mean, you guys

were the first people

I even recognized.

It's great to see you.

You're right, Ernie,

you bring me good luck.

And I think that port goes

over the other port over there.

Maybe it'd be easier

if you just did it

instead of tellin' me.

There's no sense in

both of us gettin' dirty.

Hello, boys.

Nicholas, I thought we agreed,

no more ruined shirts.

Dad, I'm just doin'

what you told me to.

Yeah, that's right,

this time he took your advice.

Go on, tell him, Nicholas.

- I got a paper route.

- Really?

Oh, that's wonderful.

Imagine, my own flesh and blood

out there parading

the side walks

delivering the paper

that carries my column.

Yeah, well, cool your engines

Mr. Bradford.

Dad, I'm not gonna be delivering

for "The Register."

Not "The Tribune."

But that's treason.

Jeremy, was this you're idea?

No, it was your idea.

This morning remember?

I remember. If I don't,

you'll never let me forget.

And when we got home there was

people at the house

'and cops everywhere.'

Hey don't you want

anymore of that?

No, thanks, doesn't taste

the way I remember.

How about somethin' else?

No, thanks.

I mean, I really gotta run.

Listen, before you do..

Ernie, would you mind

paying the check?

- It's good to see you, Jill.

- Good to see you.

- He really looks different.

- Yeah, well, you look great.

- Can I see you tonight?

- I don't know, Tommy.

I mean, it's been great

to see you but..

I don't know if I wanna

rush back into something.

Okay, we won't rush

into anything.

We'll have a normal day,

like we used to.

Oh, I don't know.

Look, if it makes you

feel any better

we'll have Ernie along

and we'll double date.

'Come on, for old times' sake.

What do you say?'

- Okay, call me.

- Alright.

Thank you.

- Good-bye.

- See ya.

Ernie, you're gonna need

a date tonight.

- Jill's goin' out with me.

- Yeah?

It's great, it's just like

old times, huh?

I mean, Jill's here,

you're here.

My life's gettin' back

to what it used to be.

It's like the month since

high school didn't even happen.

It's great.

They happened, Tommy.

Did you guys

ever think that maybe

David just wanted to be

left alone?

Abby, if David wanted to be

alone then why he would've

moved into a swinging

singles building?

I don't know,

maybe it's a cover.

I remember when I was alone

It seemed like every time

I turned around

somebody was at the door.

Somebody who just happened to be

in the neighborhood, you know.

Everybody wanted to mother me.

And the truth was,

I really wanted to be alone.

'To sort things out.'

Well, Abby, I don't think

we're tryin' to mother David.

We're just concerned.

(Abby)

'I know, but maybe'

you should just give him

some breathing space.

I mean, if he wants us,

he knows we're here, right?

She's got a point.

Maybe we shouldn't butt in

where we're not wanted.

- Well, call Connie Barnes.

- She moved to Red Bluff.

Nancy Matloff.

I don't think her husband

would appreciate me

asking her out

on such short notice.

Well, call somebody Ernie,

I've gotta see Jill tonight.

- She's gorgeous, isn't she?

- She always was.

How could I forget?

Well, this is more like it.

I'd just about given up

on this place.

- You had?

- Hmm, yeah.

I was beginning to think

they had

switched Paradise Manor

into a retirement home.

Retirement home?

Could they do that?

Not really.

Uh, it was a joke.

Oh, right a joke.

- So where do you work, Ginger?

- Where?

- Right, where?

- She's on unemployment.

That's another thing I'd like

to talk to you about, Ginger.

Oh, Gordon, you're so boring.

She thinks I'm boring.

- Hi, I'm Gordon.

- I'm David.

How you're doin', Dave?

I like to keep tabs on all

the men in my wife's life.

- Your wife?

- Only technically.

- We're suing for a divorce.

- We're separated.

Yeah, I just came down

for a brief visit.

Y-you live up north?

He lives upstairs

just above me.

You both live here?

I didn't know

she was movin' here

and she didn't know

I was livin' here.

- And he won't move out.

- 'Yeah.'

(Gordon)

Now it's part

of the divorce fight.

We can't settle on

whoever gets stuck

with custody

of Paradise Manor.

Alright, I hope it works out

for you both. See ya.

[instrumental music]

Watch it.

Watch it.

[car revving]

Wait, here he comes.

Just keep throwing, okay?

Nicholas, what's going on?

Oh, I'm just practicing, dad.

A paper boy is only

as good as his throw.

Wait a minute, aren't you

supposed to be

delivering these things?

Yeah, but I figured, you know,

it'll go faster

once I get my pitch down.

Nicholas, I really do not enjoy

having the whole front

of my house

infested with Tribunes.

- What about my new shirt?

- Oh, wonderful.

Yeah, isn't it?

'You told me to get a new shirt'

and they gave one to me. Free.

Nice people at The Tribune.

Nicholas, please don't

rub it in. Just throw.

[glass shattering]

I told you I needed practice.

[sighs]

[indistinct chatter on TV]

(male # on TV)

'Gretchen, will win $ ,

and she also gets..'

[sighs]

[knocking on door]

[grunts]

[clearing throat]

- Hi, David.

- What are you doing here?

Well, I was just in

the neighborhood

so, I thought I'd say hello.

Hmm, hello. Goodbye.

- Is that a hint?

- Yeah, something like that.

I have some friends waiting.

Oh, people who you met here

in Paradise?

- Yeah.

- Uh, David.

I was just thinkin',

um, the other day

I met your old girlfriend

Linda Stafford.

Hmm, what about her?

Well, I thought in case

you were lonely

maybe you'd like to

call her up.

I just happened to have

her phone number right here.

[sighs]

Thanks, I think I can fill

my own social calendar.

So, next time don't call me,

I'll call you.

That's what you want,

huh, David?

Yeah, thanks for finally

getting the picture.

- Okay, bye.

- Don't worry about me.

Ernie, you should've

called me.

I could've gotten you

a date.

But, I keep tellin' Tommy that

I really don't

wanna tag along.

You won't be tagging.

With no date,

I'm really tagged.

Hey, look, maybe we can

double tomorrow night.

Come on, Ernie, I wanna hear

all about Berkeley.

I can mail you

the catalogue.

No, I wanna hear about

Berkeley tonight.

And this is great,

we can all be together.

I hear you pledged a house.

Which one?

- Lambda.

- Lambda?

I'm a little sister at Lambda.

- Hi, sis.

- Hi.

Come on, you guys.

[drums b*ating]

Honestly, pre-law?

Well, actually, I'm taking

kind of pre-everything.

English, a little psych.

But if I say pre-law

it makes my dad feel great.

Ernie, that's really impressive.

I mean, I had no idea

you were even interested

in anything like that.

Isn't he great?

[all applaud]

Ahoo!

Tommy, how are you doing?

I thought I recognize you.

- How's it going?

- Real good.

I brought you some friends,

this is Jill and this is Ernie.

- Hi, friends.

- Hi.

Tommy, you feel like

sittin' in with us?

Oh, no,

I just came to listen.

Oh, we'd really feel great

if you'd play with us.

Go on, Tommy,

we'd love to hear you.

Yeah, Bradford, you oughta show

Jill how great you sound.

- Okay, just for a set.

- Great.

Hey, I hear you made

call backs at BJ's?

- Yeah, so far.

- Way to go.

Maybe, you'll take

Solari this time.

I swear that guy's got a jinx

on every lead guitar

in Sacramento.

[indistinct chatter]

- Can you see?

- Not too well.

- Is that better?

- Much better.

[rock music]

[both laughing]

- Thanks, Mary.

- You're welcome, Nicholas.

Isn't this past

your bed time, Nicholas?

I know, dad, but if I'm gonna

pay for that window

I need to sell

one more subscription.

You're selling those

subscriptions here?

Yeah, I sold one to

Mary, Joannie

Elizabeth, Nancy and Susan.

'Oh, and Abby promised.'

And we'll be getting six copies

of The Tribune every evening?

Yeah, until I can

sell one to Tommy.

Then we'll be getting seven.

Wonderful.

See, I'm trying to learn

responsibility...like you said.

[rock music continues]

[all applaud]

Let's hear it

for Tommy Bradford

who played some

great licks for us.

- Tommy, that was wonderful.

- She's right, Bradford.

- You're a star.

- Thanks.

Do you guys think

you could handle

a couple more hours of it?

Sure.

Jeff told that

the manager of BJ's

comes in every night

after closing.

It would really help my chances

if he heard me play

with the full band.

Tommy, I'd really love to stay,

but I can't.

- Oh, you can't.

- No, I gotta get up early.

My folks have plans.

Can I take a rain check?

You mean, like lunch tomorrow?

Yeah, sure, call me.

Uh, do you have time

to take me home?

Uh, not really.

Ernie could do it.

- Do you mind, Ernie?

- No, I'll be right back.

Thanks, uh, I'm really sorry,

but there's a lot at stake.

Don't worry about it.

I'll see you tomorrow.

I'll see you real quick,

Tommy.

Okay.

Thanks Ernie.

Tommy, you're friends

had to leave?

Oh, yeah,

my girlfriend had to.

She's your girl?

Since when?

Oh, since the junior picnic.

Years ago.

How come I haven't seen her?

Well, we broke up

for a little while

and she went away to school.

You know I really didn't realize

how much I missed her.

[both laughing]

Thank you, Ernie, for making

this a wonderful evening.

- My pleasure.

- Goodnight.

Goodnight, Jill.

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

Jill, you remember this?

Jill.

I'm sorry, Tommy,

what did you say?

I was askin' you

if you remember the tree?

Oh, this is

the mistletoe tree.

That's right.

You told me this whole tree

was mistletoe.

And you told me it didn't

make any difference

what kinda tree it was

and why did I

need an excuse.

- Do I?

- Do you what?

- Need an excuse.

- Tommy, please.

What's wrong?

I have a lot of thing

to figure out.

I know, I know,

you're wondering about Holly?

Well, it's over between

her and me.

She just made me realize,

how much I need you.

How can you say that?

You don't even know me.

- Yes, I do.

- No, Tommy.

See, last night--

Hey, I'm sorry

about last night.

It was a mistake to stay.

The guy from BJ's

never even showed.

Besides, now that

you're here to inspire me

I'll knock 'em dead

at the audition.

[instrumental music]

- Exciting, isn't it?

- Oh, yeah.

Don't know how long I can

keep up with this mad pace.

- You might try John Smiths?

- Who's he?

And why does he need

an alias?

Where have you been, Dave?

John Smiths is only

the hottest singles bar in town.

I'm goin' there tonight.

You oughta come with me.

We'll get there early

the prospects will be fresh.

- Well..

- Oh, okay.

Unless, you'd rather

stay around here

and watch

the chlorine count come up.

Well, sounds like

a pretty good idea.

Uh, why don't you

pick me up when you're ready?

You got it.

(Abby)

'I'm afraid Nicholas isn't

feelin' very well this morning.'

(Tom)

'Oh, yeah and he wants

to stay in bed all day.'

(Abby)

'Yes, as a matter of fact

he does.'

Yeah, I know the problem.

David had it and Tommy had it.

It's called,

"The Paper route syndrome."

Oh, Tom--

(Tom)

'It strikes during

the first week.'

When the novelty wears off

and the boredom sets in.

But, he's not going

to get away with it.

I'll bet, Jeremy

put him up to it.

They figured if Nicholas took

a Tribune route

that I would back down,

but it isn't going to work.

Nicholas took that job,

and he's going to keep it.

He has a certain responsibility

to his subscribers.

And you can tell him that.

What should I tell

him about his fever?

- His fever?

- A .

Oh, well then you mean it isn't

"The paper route syndrome?"

No, Joannie had it,

Mary had it.

I think it's called

"The Flu."

Well, in that case,

Jeremy will have to

take over his paper route.

Gee, you know, Jeremy's fever

is higher than Nicholas'.

Well, somebody has to show

responsibility around here.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

- That is you.

- Hello, Elliot.

Well, I had to see this

free enterprise

system at work.

The little merchant.

Inspiring, Tom,

absolutely inspiring.

Oh, you don't have to

enjoy it so much.

Well, what are you

doing here?

Oh, well, when you left

the office early

I thought you might have that

flu that's been going about.

So I called your house,

and they informed me

that I could find you strolling

here on Sycamore Avenue.

Elliot.

Does your contract permit you

to do this work?

I.. This is a family matter.

I can explain it.

I'm sure you can, Mr. Arnold.

- Arnold?

- Benedict Arnold.

Well, how do we tell Tommy?

Hey, Bradford, old buddy

I know things are going a little

rough for you right now

but I've, I've got

some great news.

I always thought

I was in love with Jill

but now I'm positive.

Sounds worse

when I try to say it.

Tommy, I think I'm falling

in love with your best friend.

Well, what are friends for?

- Right?

- Right.

[guitar music]

[audience applauding]

Hey, thanks, Rick.

I'm going to need

another call back

'before I can

make a decision.'

Same time tomorrow

I'd like to hear

Solari, Cunningham

and Bradford.

Look, I know you would all like

to settle it as much as I would

but.. Hey, at least we're down

to the finals. huh?

Thanks again.

[instrumental music]

Well, what did I tell ya?

Is this place great or what?

I see what I want.

Later.

[music continues]

Uh, scotch and soda.

Divorced?

Who? Me?

Uh, separated.

Divorced.

Welcome to the real world.

This is it?

It only looks like

the twilight zone.

I'm Stephane Rogers.

David Bradford.

You know, I live close by.

If we leave now, we could

still get back in time

for the late night action.

Do you mean, uh..

No dinner or movie first?

Well, I prefer to skip

the amenities.

'It's cheaper.'

After you.

Hey, Dave.

- Leavin' so soon?

- Yeah.

I'll meet you up front.

I see you met Steff.

- You know her?

- Yeah.

Hey.

I was beginning to think

you changed your mind.

Well.. Yeah.

I see.

'Cause deep down you're just

really an old fashioned guy.

I guess so.

Maybe some other time.

That's right, Jill.

It's all up for grabs

until tomorrow.

Yeah, well, I really

wanna see you tonight.

Great.

Yeah, I have a lot

to tell you too.

Okay, I'll see you tonight.

Love you.

Bye-bye.

[clearing throat]

Linda?

It's David Bradford.

Um, fine.

How about you?

Yeah, it has been a few years.

Look, uh, I was wondering

how would you like

to get together sometime soon?

Is an hour from now too soon?

'It got to the point

where we couldn't'

'agree on anything anymore.'

'Not on values,

or, or ambitions'

'or lifestyles.'

We became two strangers

living under the same roof.

I guess this part was

for the best.

Now I'm living

at Paradise Manor.

[chuckles]

I don't think I could handle

all that debauchery.

It grows on you.

Not that I don't miss Janet.

Back to Janet again, are we?

Well, she's a fine woman.

She's bright, attractive

fun, open.

A lot like you.

Thank you.

I think.

She's also stubborn

and, uh, narrow minded

'and uncompromising.'

'And determined to a fault.'

I spoke too soon.

Linda.

Look, David

there's no need to explain.

And there is no time

to explain.

'I have to get up very early.'

'I have a big presentation

to show our biggest client'

tomorrow at : am sharp.

Just like Janet.

Well..

It was nice seeing you

after all these years.

Maybe we can do it again

sometime soon.

Uh, look, David, I..

Is a year from

next Thursday too soon?

[chuckles]

Make it a year from next Friday

and we'll talk about it.

And not about Janet.

I promise.

You're learning, David.

Am I learning?

[door slams]

Jill, there is obviously

something bothering you.

Would you just tell me

about it?

Maybe you should

just go home.

And get a lot of rest

before your audition tomorrow.

I wouldn't sleep,

I'd just be up all night

wondering what's bugging you.

Tell me.

- You sure?

- Yes.

Well..

You know how badly I wanted us

to be like we were

and I keep pulling back.

Well, there is a reason.

- The usual reason.

- Yeah.

There's another guy.

I'm sorry, Tommy.

We're just not

who we used to be.

- We really haven't tried.

- That wouldn't help.

I mean, you and I don't even

speak the same language anymore.

The truth is that I have not

been to a night club

since I left Sacramento.

And your whole life

revolves around them.

That's where

they make music.

I know.

I-I guess I have always

respected your music

but I figured that

one day you'd put it in

a proper perspective

and become more like..

Like the guy

you're interested in.

I'm beginning to think

that maybe that's right.

Tommy.

I don't want you

to blame him for this.

Why should I care

about some guy in LA?

He's not in LA.

- He's here?

- Yeah.

Great. Anybody I know?

Ernie.

Ernie?

Tommy, you don't understand.

It just happened.

Oh, I understand.

The whole thing's very clear.

The two people I counted on most

just stabbed me in the back.

[door slams]

[instrumental music]

(Abby)

'Poor little Nicholas.'

Poor..

Oh, no.

Oh, Nicholas.

Your temperature

is normal.

- Are you sure?

- I'm sure.

Jeremy.

You're normal too.

I'd like a second opinion.

How about Tom's?

Forget it.

Well, do we have to tell dad

we're normal.

No, I'll tell him.

And I'll tell Tommy that he can

move back into his room, okay?

I sure am glad

y'all are around.

- Hiya, Tommy.

- Hi, dad.

Well, I hope you're not getting

Nicholas and Jeremy's bug.

You seem a little

under the weather.

I feel okay.

Oh.

Well, maybe you're just

a little nervous

about your big audition today,

right?

There is not gonna be

any audition.

I'm shining it on.

I don't understand. I thought

that you really wanted that job.

Yeah, that's just another

bad decision I made.

What decisions

are we talking about?

Um, playing guitar,

not going to college.

Ernie's life seems to be

working and mine isn't.

'Everything I've done

out of high school'

'has been a waste of time.'

- Oh, I don't agree.

- Yeah, you wouldn't.

After all you're the one that

didn't make me go to college.

I thought that's what

you wanted.

I wasn't very smart.

Besides, you never told me

it was gonna get like this.

Like what?

Everything has changed.

Everybody is going on

without me.

Why didn't you make me go to

college like Ernie's father did?

Now listen, Tommy,

I'm not gonna take the blame

for that decision,

we discussed it.

I didn't agree with it.

'But I knew that you would

be more miserable'

'if you didn't try

to make it in music.'

You were wrong.

Well, it's not too late.

You can go back to college now

if that's what you want.

Okay.

Tell me to go.

Tommy, I can't, I..

Why don't you be my father?

I am your father.

And I'd like to

protect you from

whatever it is

that's hurting you.

But you're not

years old anymore.

I can't decide

your life for you.

If I did then we'd

wind up hating each other.

And, I-I can't handle that.

You may just have to.

[knocking on door]

Can you stand some company

for a few days?

- What's up?

- Oh, nothin'.

I just had a fight with dad

Ernie's picked up on Jill,

and I just realized

my life is going down

the tubes.

- Hit bottom, huh?

- Yeah, beyond bottom.

Well, then you've come

to the right place.

If you think the outside

world is depressing

you should try a few days

at Paradise Manor.

Oh, great. I was hopin' you

could cheer me up.

Sorry. Big brother

is totally out of cheer.

You want me to leave?

You know the old

depressing platitude?

Misery loves company.

You got it.

I don't understand.

I mean, you've got your freedom

and now you've got this place.

What are you depressed about?

I was just going to ask you

the same question.

Are you kidding?

I've got no future.

No friend and no girl.

Now, wait a minute.

What do you mean, no girl?

You've haven't really been

involved

with Jill since high school.

I was hoping

it would start over.

Look.

I know it's tempting

when things get a little shaky

to go back to someone

you were once involved with.

But, uh..

It's like chasing

an old dream.

I tried it last night

and it was a disaster.

- You tried it?

- 'With Linda Stafford.'

Linda Stafford?

Chill, Cassidy.

Sounds kinda dumb

when you put it like that.

Well, it sounds dumb when

you put it the way you put it.

[both chuckle]

No fair, Tommy. You're ruining

the gloom around here.

Well, you started

ruining it first.

I apologize.

So let's just forget

the old sweetheart syndrome

and, uh, just start from

where we are.

- Now that's depressing.

- Yeah.

But it beats chasing

old dreams.

Oh, uh, hold it boys.

Nicholas.

I had a very interesting

conversation yesterday

with my publisher.

He happened to catch me

while I was wearing this.

Oh, you out of a job?

No, but Nicholas is.

That's the breaks.

Gentlemen, I think

that we can be perfectly

frank with one another.

You know, that I know

that this

entire situation

is a conspiracy.

Conspiracy?

What's that?

That's when you tell Nicholas

that he doesn't have to

keep the job that

I ordered him to get

if that job is

with my competitor.

Oh, that's a conspiracy.

And Jeremy's right.

Cool it, Nicholas.

(Tom)

Nicholas, guess what?

You are now going

to be a paper boy

with The Sacramento Register.

Beginning : a.m.

tomorrow morning.

: a.m.?

Early rising makes

good character.

Hey, don't wake me at : a.m.

I like my character.

(Tom)

'You're going to

like it even more.'

Since I cannot possibly allow

Nicholas to resign from his

job with "The Tribune"

'until they have enough time

for a replacement'

you are going to take over

his paper route

until further notice.

Congratulations to both of you.

Ernie.

Go ahead, Bradford.

Clobber me.

We both know you can do it.

I'm not gonna clobber

you, Ernie.

Wait a minute.

You are not mad?

- I'm mad.

- I don't blame you.

I'm mad at Tommy Bradford.

I don't get it.

It took me a long time

to figure it out too

but David finally

pounded it into me.

Ernie, I've been going through

a real hard time.

'When you and Jill came back'

I could see how far

you'd gone.

I hadn't gone anywhere.

I felt left out.

- Listen, Bradford.

- 'No.'

I really didn't

take a good look at myself.

When you and Jill

first went away to college

I wasn't even getting

called to the call backs.

Which means I must've learned

'a little something

since high school.'

I'd say you learnt a lot.

I meant music.

That too.

Thanks.

You wanna share an atomic

anchovy experience?

No. Do you?

No.

How about we go to

an audition?

- How about it?

- Okay.

(Elizabeth)

'Does "Tsp" stand

for teaspoon or tablespoon?'

- Why do we let her cook?

- I give up.

Why do we let her cook?

Because I volunteered.

Now would you quit bugging me?

Us quit bugging you?

Come on, we would never do that.

No, Elizabeth,

it's all for your own good.

Oh, I can testify to that.

Oh, hi, David.

- Hi, David.

- Hi.

I was just in the neighborhood.

Well, we're gonna

have dinner real soon.

Oh, I thought you'd never ask.

You mean, you actually

want to stay?

You are not afraid

we will butt into your life?

Yes, um, but, uh..

Tommy made me realize something

and I wanted to come over

and tell you I appreciate

your trying to help me.

'Even though it didn't seem

like it when I chased you away.'

But I really wanna thank you

for worrying about me and uh

and tell you that I love you.

- Oh, David.

- David.

Oh, we love you too.

Does that mean

we're gonna see more of you?

Yeah, and we get to mother

you a little bit?

Oh, yeah, you can mother me

all you want, uh

starting with you Elizabeth.

- Me?

- Yeah.

Do you know any beautiful

co-eds I could meet?

Uh, that's not mothering.

Well, how about you?

What's the secretary situation?

Channel .

I think he's getting better.

Does anybody want

more spaghetti?

[phone ringing]

- Phone, Elizabeth.

- I'll get it.

Oh, no.

Tommy, it's for you.

Thank you, Elizabeth.

Looks like there's enough

for tomorrow too.

That was the manager

from BJ's.

It's bad news.

I'm gonna have to miss all

this fun. I got the job.

[all cheering]

- I start tonight.

- Great.

Thanks, dad.

And, uh, I apologize.

Ah, forget it.

Congratulations.

See you guys later.

(Elizabeth)

'Hey, Tommy,

I'll save you some.'

Does your horse

eat spaghetti?

Jeremy, I couldn't do that.

Hi, Jill.

You got a minute?

Well, um..

I know Ernie's here.

I saw his car out in front.

It's okay, I just wanna

talk to you both.

Okay, come on in.

- Hi, Ernie.

- Hi, Tommy.

I-I really can't stay too long,

I gotta go to work.

I got that job down at BJ's.

Hey, Tommy, that's great.

Listen, uh, if you two

aren't too busy tonight

and since it is my first night

maybe you'd like

to come down to BJ's.

It'd be kinda nice to have

the moral support

of my two best friends.

[rock music]

♪ I go on and on ♪

♪ And on and on ♪

♪ And on with you ♪

♪ I go on and on ♪

♪ And on and on ♪

♪ And on with you ♪

♪ And on with me ♪

♪ And on with me ♪

♪ And on with me ♪

[crowd cheering]

Tom.

We're all alone.

The kids are gone,

do you know what that means?

I'll dry the dishes

and you'll wash them?

Tom.

I will wash them

and you'll dry them?

No, it means that we don't have

any responsibilities.

We can leave the dishes,

we can go to the movies.

No, please, Abby, not tonight.

I-I-I have to get to bed.

I have a very busy

day tomorrow.

You really are

working too hard.

I mean, you should cut back

on some of those special

assignments and those

extra meetings.

No, it has nothing

to do with the office.

Nicholas has a

field trip tomorrow.

Jeremy has detention.

I'll have to carry

both their paper routes.

[theme music]

[music continues]