(Tom)
Here are some scenes
from the first part
of tonight's story.
(Tim)
'Can I have
your attention please?'
'I'd like to make
an announcement.'
I have just booked the guys
for a national tour.
- Tommy, that's wonderful.
- Congratulations, son.
I gotta tell you this because
I don't know what else to do.
Tell me what?
I'm pregnant
and you're the father.
You gotta get rid
of this girl.
Do whatever it takes.
Tommy, you've come so far.
You can't afford
to louse it up now.
Ellen and I
are gonna be married.
'We were hoping
you'd all be at the wedding.'
(Abby)
Of course, we will.
- I don't wanna get married.
- Ellen.
Tommy..
...I was scared when I first
found out I was pregnant
and I thought
I couldn't talk to my parents
so that when you asked me
to marry you
I thought
it was the only solution.
It is.
No, it is temporarily.
I think you're wrong
about this.
So what I've decided to do is
live with my parents
until the baby's born.
I'm leaving next week.
- Are you comin' back?
- I don't know.
[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 windowsill ♪
♪ And eight is enough
to fill our lives with love ♪
(Tommy)
She said she didn't
wanna get married.
She wasn't so sure
it would work.
And what did you say?
[sighs]
Not much.
I gotta tell you, Tommy, I'm not
sure how I feel about this.
Dad, I made a decision
that I felt good about.
And when she told me
she didn't wanna get married
the first thing
that I felt was..
...relief.
'I told her she was wrong'
but I'm not so sure
I even believed in what I said.
- And you've changed your mind?
- I don't know.
Also, I keep thinking about is
her raising that child alone
and feeling like
I ought to be there.
'Should I?'
Look, Tommy, I couldn't answer
that question before
and I can't answer it now.
'What I do know is
that if you let her go'
you can't allow her to assume
total responsibility
for that child.
I know that.
If I go back to her now,
there's no turnin' back.
That's true.
Then why are we sitting here
having this discussion?
- I know what I'm gonna do.
- And what's that?
- Get married.
- Are you sure?
Yeah, I think I am.
I know I am.
if she'll have me.
(Curtis)
'Joannie Bradford,
you lucky girl.'
(Joannie)
Why am I lucky?
You've just been awarded
a lunch date
at the Channel snack bar
with the escort of your choice.
Oh, I choose Paul Newman.
A Channel employee escort
of your choice.
Well, as long as
I have to settle
I'll take, uh, Bruce,
the cute copy boy.
I assume you have
no high regard for charm.
Come on, let's go grab
a sandwich, huh?
I'm busy.
- Doing what?
- Oh, the usual.
Trying to figure out
how to get Koppel
to put me on
some decent stories.
- Oh, not again.
- I know.
But I was just sitting here
having visions of myself at
still doing
human interest stories.
- That's ridiculous.
- It is?
Of course.
They'll make you retire at .
Thanks a lot.
'Look, I've got an idea.'
I'm suppose to cover
the governor's
press conference tomorrow
but I'm really swamped.
Curt, do you think Koppel
would really let me
cover a political story?
It's worth a try.
You're right.
It is worth a try.
- I'm gonna ask him right now.
- Hey, hey, hey, don't mind me.
I can find myself
another lunch partner anytime.
Well, who did you have in mind?
I thought I'd try Bruce,
the cute copy boy.
I have thought about this.
I want you to stay.
Tommy, we've been through
all this.
You've been through.
I haven't had a chance.
Look, I know there are a lot
of things goin' against us
but I think we owe it
to ourselves and our child
to at least try
and make it work.
You're not making this
very easy.
I'm not tryin' to.
- You said you love me.
- I do.
Then you gotta marry me.
I'll pay for the ducks
and everything.
[chuckles]
Stay.
And I thought since
it would be so hard on you
finding a replacement
on such short notice
that I would make a suggestion
if you don't mind.
No, of course not.
Go right ahead, Joannie.
Well, I was thinking
and it's just a suggestion,
of course.
But what if we send someone
who was not quite so experienced
in those kinds of things?
I mean, someone
who's not bored
'by the routine
of press conferences.'
Uh, somebody whose,
whose excitement
will lend a whole new
perspective to the story.
Did you have anyone
particular in mind?
Oh, uh, no.
I'd leave that to your
good judgment, of course.
Uh, but have you ever thought
of sending a woman?
A woman?
Yes, well, Channel
doesn't have any women
covering political stories and..
Well, just think of it,
Mr. Koppel.
When the governor looks out
across that sea of faces
who is he more likely
to call on?
That is an interesting idea.
[phone buzzes]
Yeah.
Of course. Send her in.
Anyway, if she happens to ask
particularly interesting
and well-researched questions
she might even attract
enough attention
to get the governor on camera
after the press conference.
Joannie, I couldn't agree more.
I think
it's an excellent idea.
Oh, thank you,
Mr. Koppel.
Good morning, Mr. Koppel.
Melanie, come in.
Joannie, I want you
to meet Melanie Ferrell.
She just arrived
from our Chicago affiliate
and I think
she's the perfect person
to send to the press conference.
Don't you agree?
[groans]
D-do you have to take
everything you own?
I left Nicholas
my Bozo Billy boxing bag
but I'm takin' everything else.
Don't you think
that's a little unnecessary?
I'm sure dad would give you
visiting privileges
with some of these things.
Oh, that's not the point.
I wanna move out altogether.
Oh. Yeah, I guess I felt
that way when I moved out too.
Uh, it's kind of symbolic.
Well, I think
this is the last of it.
Your father told me
to tell you
not to leave
without saying goodbye.
Oh, where is he?
Well, you know
how sentimental he gets.
I think he's tryin' to see
if he can get your bed bronzed.
You, uh, guys need
any more help?
Oh, no, I think David and I
can handle it. Thanks.
- Alright, good luck.
- Take it easy.
- You don't mind, do you?
- No, of course not.
Uh, but I still don't understand
why you're in such a hurry
to move into Ellen's apartment?
Well, I'm not gonna have
much time to spend with her
before the tour and I don't
want her to be alone.
I wanna be with her.
I admire you, Tommy.
I don't know what I'd do
under the same circumstances.
Well, it's not like
I'm making any great sacrifice.
I mean, I didn't plan
my life this way
but I feel real good about
what's happening now.
No, David, really, I do.
My career's going great,
I'm gonna have a home
and a family on top of it.
Actually, I'd say
I was pretty lucky.
'I think it can work, David.'
- I hope so, Tommy.
- I'll make it work.
(Jeremy)
'So what do they
usually do around here'
'for somebody's birthday?'
Well, they usually pretend
like they don't know
it's your birthday and then
when you walk in the living room
everyone's standin' there
with presents.
You get a birthday present
from everyone in the family?
- Yeah.
- That's great.
Uh, Jeremy, does everyone know
when your birthday is?
Well, if they don't,
I'll make sure they do soon.
Just watch.
Sorry I'm late.
I guess I just don't
get around as quick
as I did in my younger days.
Alright, sit down and eat
your food. It's getting cold.
And afterwards, we could
have a reception here
with champagne and finger
sandwiches, stuff like that.
(Susan)
'We could use
the caterer that Abby'
'and dad
used for their wedding.'
He was good.
(Elizabeth)
'Or we could do a lot
of the work ourselves.'
Uh, say, has anybody seen
my birth certificate?
- I seem to have misplaced it.
- What about flowers?
Mary, you could
take care of that.
- You're not doing anything.
- Okay.
You know, I've been misplacing
a lot of things lately.
I guess it's true that you
become forgetful with age.
- What's the matter, Mary?
- I don't know.
I'm just having trouble getting
enthusiastic about all of this.
This isn't exactly the way I
pictured Tommy getting married.
Say, as a matter of fact,
I can't even remember
what date this is today.
Does anyone know
the exact date?
Well, be that as it may,
Tommy needs our support.
We want him to have as nice
a wedding as he possibly can.
(Abby)
'That's right, you guys..'
You see, no one knows
but me, and I'm broke.
Yeah, I guess
this calls for plan B.
- What's that?
- Shh.
(Ellen)
'Hmm.'
Well, this is good.
Oh, thanks.
Called it in myself, you know.
Something missing.
Nice.
- Meaning feeble but sincere.
- Hmm.
You know, I've been thinkin'
after I get back from tour
we ought to look in
to gettin' a bigger place.
- Think we can afford it?
- Yeah, sure.
It'd be no problem if things
keep going the way they are.
We might even be able
to get a little house.
With a little, white
picket fence, right?
Mm-hm, and a car porch
for the station wagon
and a big backyard
for the cocker spaniel.
Where do I sign up
for a den mother duty?
I just want us
to be a real family.
I'm convinced already.
You think I'm overdoing it
a little, don't you?
Oh, you want me
to tell you honestly?
Yeah, absolutely.
I think you'll make
one terrific father.
Thank you.
I think you'll make
one terrific den mother.
[both laughing]
[knock on door]
Hello.
Is this Ellen Gregory's
apartment?
- Yes, it is.
- Then what are you doing here?
Oh, you must be
Ellen's parents.
You must be Tommy.
- Yeah. Come on in.
- Well, thank you.
- We weren't expecting you.
- Obviously.
- Uh..
- Is my daughter here?
Oh, yes. She's in the..
I'll go get her.
- Mom?
- Oh. Ellen!
It's so good to see you.
- Dad, we weren't expecting you.
- We know.
Well, I'm glad
you decided to come.
Me too.
We had to see you, Ellen,
we couldn't let you just
get married without even
meeting your fiance.
We just didn't expect
to meet him so soon.
[chuckle]
Well, we weren't
expecting you at all.
Listen, why don't you
all sit down
and I'll get us some breakfast
and we can get
to know each other?
- Good.
- Better.
Thank you.
Oh.
- Why do I have to do it?
- You're both women.
And you're familiar
with the layout
and I thought if you got
to know her a little bit better
you wouldn't be so judgmental.
- I'm not judgmental.
- You're not?
Arbitrary and opinionated maybe,
but not judgmental.
- Did you want to see me, Curt?
- Hi, Melanie.
I think you've met Joannie,
haven't you?
- Sure. Hi.
- Hi.
I thought it would be
a good idea
if Joannie showed you
around the newsroom
on your first day at work.
That would be nice.
Well, let's get going then.
Uh, this is the coffee machine,
Melanie.
Seems like most of the men
in the office get paralyzed
from the wrist down whenever
they come near this machine
so the women
usually make the coffee.
Did you say you wanted
sugar with that, Melanie?
- That's fine.
- Anytime.
These are the teletype machines.
Uh, we're very informal
around here
so whenever they need clearing
whoever's there
at the time does it.
Looks like
they need clearing now.
- Um.
- Oh, Melanie, let me do that.
You'll get your hands
all dirty.
And that's for research,
that's the worst of all.
Melanie, it's that information
you needed.
Melanie, you're wanted
at makeup right away.
Where is that?
(all)
Oh, I'll show you!
[indistinct chattering]
Jeremy, you look troubled.
Can I talk to you, Mr. Bradford?
Sure, what's on your mind?
- Old age.
- Why?
- Do I look that old already?
- No, I'm serious.
The thought of getting old
really bothers me a lot.
Oh, Jeremy, I mean, getting old
is nothing to look forward to
but in your case,
isn't it a little early
to be overly concerned?
Well, I don't know,
I mean, after all
I'm not getting any younger.
- Jeremy, come on.
- No, it's true.
It's true
that days go by so fast
you don't even know
where they went to
and before you know it,
there's not enough room
for the candles
on your birthday cake.
Boy, oh, boy,
I had no idea
that you were this hung up
about old age.
There's a lot of things
you don't know
about me, Mr. Bradford.
I guess it's just that time
of year, I'm sure it'll pass.
Oh, sure, it will.
Listen, I always get
very depressed
around wintertime too.
Don't worry about it.
Right.
We'll probably be playing
every major city in the country
and we end up
with two weeks in New York.
- Hm, that sounds exciting.
- Oh, it is.
I'm really
looking forward to it.
What happens
when the tour is over?
Oh, Tim, my manager,
he says he's almost positive
with all the exposure
we're gonna get from this tour
he can book us somewhere else.
Sounds like you're
gonna be pretty busy.
Yeah.
Sounds like
you and Ellen won't have
much time to spend together.
(Tommy)
'Oh, no.
We'll have lots of time.'
How?
Well, there's the days
and after rehearsal
we can go sightseeing together.
It'll be great.
Besides, we can always
talk on the plane.
Dad, he's just kidding.
Oh, I see.
May I have a roll, please?
Thank you.
I mean, the men in this office
they act like they've never seen
a beautiful woman before.
She can't lift her fingers
somebody wants to put
a ring on it.
Well, it sounds like
you've given up the fight.
I lost the battle
before it started.
This is the age
of cosmetic journalism.
If you look like Bo Derek
and can read a cue card
you're a reporter.
You can always do
something about it.
Come on, Nance.
How can I compete with somebody
who looks like, like you?
You can fight fire with fire.
Right, thanks, bye.
Hi, Joannie.
- Joannie.
- Oh, hi, Gerald.
You're real late
and Mr. Koppel's been screaming
for that story.
[blows nose]
Joannie, Joannie, Joannie.
Coffee?
- Oh, I would love some.
- Well, good. So would I.
Would you mind making some?
I take mine without sugar.
Oh, Melanie,
you look lovely today.
- Thanks, Rick.
- What a cute outfit, Melanie.
Thank you, Joe.
Melanie, I-I really
love your hair like that.
(Melanie)
'Thanks, Bruce.'
- Bruce.
- Yeah.
- Do you still want your coffee?
- Sure.
Oh, Joannie! What..
[screaming]
[knock on door]
- Hi.
- Hi.
Come on in.
Oh, have we come at a bad time?
No.
I just thought you were
gonna visit with some friends.
Oh, we thought we'd rather
visit with you for a while.
Is Tommy around?
- No, he's at rehearsal.
- Oh.
It's what this is about,
isn't it?
- What's that?
- Tommy.
You don't like him, do you?
Oh, yes, we do, we do like him.
He seems like a very nice boy.
- We just have reservations.
- What sort of reservations?
We want you to be happy, Ellen.
And you don't think
that Tommy can accomplish that?
Well, for a while maybe.
Honey..
...he's a musician.
The more successful
he becomes, the less time
he'll be at home
with you and the baby.
And with the way the marriage
is starting out
how long do you think
it'll last?
We want you to come home
with us, Ellen.
We'll take care
of you and the baby.
Tommy wants to marry me.
Now isn't that enough?
Does he really want to
or does he have to?
- He wants to.
- Well, I don't think so.
Well, I don't care
what you think.
Ellen, don't talk
to your father like that.
Look, I want you two
to come to the wedding.
But whether you approve or not
Tommy and I
are gonna get married!
Well, I'm not gonna watch you
throw your life down the drain.
Come on, Lorraine,
let's go home.
'Come on.'
Hi, Mary. You're just in time
to help us.
- Great.
- Hi, everybody.
- Hi, Jeremy.
- Hi.
[humming
"Happy Birthday To You"]
I said help, not eat.
This stuff is awful.
It tastes like, like liver.
It is liver.
Oh! I need something to drink.
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
♪ Happy birthday dear.. ♪
(Nancy)
'We're gonna have so much food,
we could feed an army.'
It's okay, Tommy's friends
eat so much, we'll need it.
[humming
"Happy Birthday To You"]
- Hi.
- Hi.
How was rehearsal session?
Well, band practice was fine.
What did you do today?
Oh, I went shopping
and cleaned the apartment.
Oh! That doesn't sound exciting.
Mm, not really.
Yeah, well, I thought
of something that'll put
a little excitement back
into both of our lives.
Yeah, what's that?
We're gonna go pick up
your parents
and then we're gonna take them
over to my house
and introduce them to my family.
Meeting my family's
always been an experience.
'Listen, why don't you
give them a call'
and give me a chance
to get cleaned up?
Tommy, we can't.
We can't what?
Pick them up,
they may not be there.
Where may they be?
Something came up,
an emergency.
They had to leave right away.
What could be
more important than
their own daughter's wedding?
I don't know.
Ellen, what happened?
They don't wanna go
to the wedding because
they don't want you and I
to get married.
Is that it?
Is it?
What time did they leave?
Two o'clock.
Tommy, where are you going?
[knock on door]
You don't look very surprised
to see me.
I'm not.
Ellen warned me you were coming.
You might have
missed us otherwise.
I'm glad she called.
I can't let you leave.
How do you propose to stop us?
Any way I have to.
Mr. Gregory, your daughter's
getting married
and whatever you think of me,
I believe you should be there.
I'm not going to a wedding
I don't approve of.
You don't approve of me? Why?
I don't have to justify
my reasons to you.
I disagree. If you're gonna
ruin what should be
one of the happiest days
of your daughter's and my life
'the least you can do
is explain why.'
Tommy, we don't
disapprove of you.
We just don't believe
this marriage will work.
Why won't it work?
'Look, I know
we're not getting married'
'under the best
of circumstances'
but I'm gonna
do everything I can
to be a good husband
to Ellen
and a good father
to our child.
I think
if I'm willing to do that
I at least deserve a chance,
don't you?
Curt, Curt, you'll never guess
what happened.
You were sitting
at the counter at Schwab's
minding your own business--
No, I'm serious.
You know, I went to that meeting
at the State Legislature--
Oh, you were sitting
in the state house minding--
No, that's just
what happened.
See, I was sitting there
just minding my own business
someone taps me on the shoulder,
I turn and look, it's him.
- No!
- Yes!
- Him who?
- The governor.
And you know what?
It was this outfit that did it.
- He liked the outfit?
- Well, not exactly.
He thought I was a rock singer
and he wanted my phone number.
Well, snicker all you want to.
I just happened to have talked
to the governor of California
into doing a live
on camera interview
for our news show tonight.
Joannie, that is fantastic!
I know. Isn't it great?
Oh, Mr. Koppel!
Mr. Koppel, wait!
You'll never guess
what happened.
I have arranged for a live
interview with the governor.
He's expecting
our crew at p.m.
Joannie, that is quite
an accomplishment.
- I'm very impressed.
- Thank you.
- Have you told Melanie yet?
- Melanie?
She's gonna have to hurry
if she's gonna
make it across town by : .
Don't worry about it.
I'll tell her.
Ellen?
Ellen?
- Hi.
- Hi.
Where have you been?
Oh, to the doctor's.
The doctor's?
'What did the doctor say?'
Ellen, what's wrong?
I had a miscarriage.
What happened?
It started to bleed and..
...I drove myself
to the hospital.
I, I lost the baby.
It's okay.
It's okay.
Look, maybe you should lie down
and get some rest, huh?
No. I can't rest.
You're gonna have to get some.
You've got a couple
of big days ahead of you.
Why?
You forgot
we're gettin' married?
- Oh, Tommy. You don't have to--
- I know.
I want to.
Tommy, I love you.
And observers feel that
this change is only the first
in a series of shake ups
at the corporation.
The state legislature met today
and here with that story
is our roving reporter,
Joannie Bradford.
Thank you, Melanie.
The voice of our new legislature
appeared to be an angry one
as the session began.
'Earlier today, we were
at the state house.'
- Roll tape. We're away.
- 'Tape on monitor one.'
Uh, Melanie, I'm not
a roving reporter.
I'm a political reporter, okay?
You're a roving,
political reporter.
- I don't rove.
- What do you do then?
Well, I move around a lot.
[buzzer]
Three seconds, ladies.
Two, you're on.
Well, that session certainly
wasn't a very friendly one,
was it?
You haven't seen anything yet.
I spoke later with some
congressmen on The Hill.
Roll tape. We're away.
You're angry
about my doing the interview
with the governor, aren't you?
Well, whatever
makes you think that?
You have my name on your script
with a dagger through it.
Oh, that's, uh, not a dagger,
it's a machete.
What do you have against me?
If you had any sensitivity,
you'd know.
It doesn't take a genius to
recognize professional jealousy.
Well, I guess that's why
you're able to figure it out.
- You're admitting it then?
- Three seconds, girls.
- The only thing I'm admitting--
- 'One.'
The governor is going to have
a very hard time getting
'this legislation through
the new state assembly.'
- Hi.
- Hi.
- You sleep okay?
- Mm. Fine, thanks.
Good, I didn't wanna
wake you up.
I thought
you could use the rest.
I'm fine, really.
I mean, emotionally, it's gonna
take me some time to adjust
but physically,
I feel pretty good.
Good. I made you something.
It's not much, but I'm afraid
cornflakes are about the extent
of my culinary abilities.
That was sweet of you.
I told ya I'd be a good catch.
Oh, Abby called and said
that we had to be at the house
by : for rehearsal.
Oh, okay.
Uh, and then after that,
we're gonna have
the after rehearsal dinner
with your folks and my folks.
Oh. That should be fun.
Yeah. It'll be great.
Um, why don't I get my breakfast
and you and I can have
soggy cornflakes together?
Doesn't that sound romantic?
How do you feel?
You mean other than neglected,
forgotten and unwanted?
- Yeah.
- Angry, bitter and frustrated.
But I still I don't see
why you just don't
tell them it's your birthday.
Because that's the whole point
of birthdays.
People are supposed to remember.
I mean, reminding people
about your birthday
it's like planning
your own funeral.
Takes all the fun out of it.
But I still think
you should celebrate.
Why?
Well, it'll make you
feel better.
The only thing that'll make me
feel good is, if I open
that door and the whole family's
out there yelling surprise.
I mean anybody,
please, standing there
ready to spend this
special day with me.
It doesn't have to be
the whole family.
Any sort of gesture will do.
Jeremy, would you mind
keeping it down?
Some of us have work to do.
It's not exactly
what I had in mind.
Oh, man, am I depressed.
Depressed city.
Happy birthday, Jeremy.
You got another one
of those hats?
Sure.
[sighs]
What're you doin'?
- Just workin' on a new song.
- Oh, what about?
I'm gonna go over and see mom.
I think she feels cheated that
we haven't had one of those
pre-wedding mother-daughter
chats, you know.
- Tommy.
- Huh?
- Will you listen for a second?
- Oh, I'm listening.
What did I say?
You said somethin' about, uh..
...something.
[laughs]
Not bad.
And oh, I thought that you
weren't paying attention.
Sorry, it's just, I'm trying
to figure out this line.
Damn it, why does Tim expect me
to just crank out a new song
with everything goin' on?
[sighs]
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
It's just rough trying to work
with all of this pressure.
- Tommy, you're sure that's all?
- Yeah, I'm sure.
Because if there's
something bothering you--
Hey, you worry too much.
What else would be bothering me?
- Excuse me, this is my desk.
- I know.
Well, don't you think
it's about time you moved?
Don't you think
it's about time we talked?
Look, we're going to have
to work together.
So I think it's time
we at least attempt
to straighten out
our differences.
I agree.
I just wanna know what it is
you dislike so about me.
I don't dislike you, really.
I guess I just dislike
what you stand for.
The whole influx of sex
into journalism, that..
I mean, the attitude
that, that in order to attract
an audience,
you have to be attractive.
I mean, it's not good enough
to be a good reporter anymore.
And you think
that's what I represent.
- Shoddy journalism.
- Frankly, yes.
You think you should've
gotten this job, don't you?
'May I ask you a question?'
- Sure.
- How old are you?
Twenty four.
And you've been at the station
how long, about three years?
Yes, almost that.
- I'm .
- So?
So let me tell you a little
something about myself.
I started when I was .
I worked as a secretary
in a small station in Chicago.
I was hired because the owner
of the station thought
I was pretty and would look good
answering his phone calls.
It took three years before
I was able to convince him
to give me a chance
at doing research.
And a long time after that
before anybody was able to see
that there was a brain
underneath this blond hair
and give me a sh*t
at being a reporter.
Oh, Melanie, I..
Maybe, maybe I did get
this job because I'm pretty.
But you know something?
I don't really care.
'Because after years..'
...I damn well deserve it.
Ellen, I want you to know
how sorry I am.
I hope you'll be able to
forgive your dad and me.
Yeah, I'm just glad
that you decided to stay.
Tommy is very convincing.
Yes, he is.
[sighs]
I know that we haven't made
this any easier for you.
But you know this whole thing's
been very rough on us too.
I didn't expect dad
to understand.
Hey, don't be so hard
on him, Ellen.
He only wants
what's best for you.
The only reason he did
what he did was
because he doesn't want you
to make a mistake.
You mean another mistake,
don't you?
No.
I mean, the mistake of..
...mistake of pretending.
Pretending?
To be happy.
For the sake of the marriage,
for the sake of children.
What does dad think, that Tommy
and I are doing that now?
Yes, he does.
Well, do you agree with him?
If you tell me that you're not,
I'll believe you.
But if you are or if Tommy is..
...then I hope
from the bottom of my heart
that you won't go through
with this marriage.
I can't allow you..
I can't allow you to live your
life the way I've lived mine.
You and dad?
But you always look so together.
I know.
But no matter
how good you get at..
...at playing the roles..
...it just doesn't make up
for what isn't there.
And it never will.
(male # )
'Alright, now the family
will line up along the aisles'
as they walk down.
Okay, Mr. Gregory, you'll give
your daughter to Tommy
then go stand with your wife.
We'll do the traditional
ceremony that is unless
you two have written something
you'd like me to say.
Um, no, we haven't
written anything.
- Is it too late?
- 'No, no.'
Not as long as you show it to me
before the wedding.
What do you think?
Should we write something?
- I don't think so.
- Yeah, you're right.
I wouldn't know
what to say, anyway.
Will you excuse me?
Tommy, is something wrong?
I don't know.
- Ellen, what's the matter?
- This is crazy.
- What?
- The ceremony.
Well, you have to have a wedding
in order to be married.
I realize that,
I just don't think
I wanna get married anymore.
Wait a minute,
what're you talking about?
Look, you feeling sorry for me
is not a good reason
to get married.
I'm not feeling sorry for you.
Will you stop it?
Well, you wanted to get married
because you want your child
to have a father,
that's just not a problem now.
I still wanna marry you.
Look, Tommy, I think you just
convinced yourself of that.
Look..
Tommy, do you love me?
- Yes.
- No, I mean, do you really?
Can you honestly say that
our going through this wedding
is the right thing to do?
Tommy?
Then I don't think
that we should get married.
What do we do now?
Well..
We walk out there
and we tell our families.
I feel strong now.
I'm gonna be fine.
I wanna thank you
for everything.
[sighs]
Ready?
Yeah.
- Come on, let's go.
- Okay.
(male # )
'...we're gonna have to cut it.'
- 'Cut it right here.'
- 'I like that story.'
(male # )
'Yeah, it's a great story,
but just long.'
Well, can't we figure out
something to keep it in--
Excuse me.
Melanie, can I talk
to you for a minute?
I'll talk to you later.
- Look, Melanie, I just--
- Don't even say it.
Before you say anything,
could you do me a favor?
Oh, sure, what?
Well, Mr. Koppel gave me
this assignment
and it's just such a nuisance
because I don't know
if I have the time to do it.
What assignment?
Oh, some nonsense about
a high level official
who's accused
of embezzling state funds.
Melanie, you're kidding.
Oh, this is a great story!
Listen, you don't have to
give this to--
I want to.
You deserve it.
You're good.
We both know that.
And if I hadn't have
come along--
Somebody else probably
would have.
I have a lot to learn, Melanie,
especially about judging people
before I know all the facts.
I really appreciate you
offering me this assignment.
But I honestly feel I'm not
ready for one this tough yet.
It's a big story though.
If you need any help..
Well, I, I do need somebody.
'Do you happen to know
of anybody'
'who might be interested?'
Well, if you can't
find anybody better
I might consider for a price.
- What's that?
- Lunch.
You drive a pretty hard bargain.
- As long as you're buying.
- Hey.
- Hi.
- Hi.
What're you doin' up so late?
Worrying about you.
Are you okay, Tommy?
Yeah.
I just keep thinkin'
about Ellen.
I feel so bad.
Ah, I think
Ellen's gonna be just fine.
Do you think
we did the right thing?
I just don't know.
There's no way
to know for sure.
But, you see, every decision
that you've made
you've made unselfishly.
And when you do things
for the right reason..
...well, that's usually
the right thing.
I hope so.
'Tommy.'
Through all this excitement, I..
...I forgot
to tell you something.
What's that?
I'm very proud of you.
- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.
Oh, Jeremy,
dad's been looking for you.
- Uh, no. He's down here.
- I know.
Yeah, well, I think
you better talk to him.
He said it was really important.
Well, if it's about my report
card, I've a very good excuse.
- Oh, yeah, what?
- I don't know.
I'll think of something.
Where is he?
Oh, boy, that usually
means big trouble.
(all)
Surprise.
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
♪ Happy birthday dear Jeremy ♪
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
[all cheering]
Jeremy, I'm sorry
we were a little late.
Well, you can understand,
Jeremy, with everything
that's been going on,
we all just forgot that..
'Nicholas reminded us
this morning.'
Oh, uh, you didn't have
to go and do all this.
Oh, don't be silly,
we wanted to.
Yeah, we wanted to get
your birthday cake too
but we didn't have time.
Oh, that's okay,
this is terrific.
You knew it all the time.
Jeremy, it just doesn't seem
right, so we made a compromise.
- Da-dang!
- Ta da!
Happy birthday, Jeremy.
[theme music]
05x19 - The Idolbreaker, part 2
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The show was modeled on the life of syndicated newspaper columnist Tom Braden, a real-life parent with eight children, who wrote a book by the same title.
The show was modeled on the life of syndicated newspaper columnist Tom Braden, a real-life parent with eight children, who wrote a book by the same title.