Mr. Crocket (2024)

[bunniefuu]

[low-pitched, eerie sounds]

- [children's song playing]

- ...is a friend like me

A friend like us is a friend like we

[distorted]

Whenever you're in trouble...

[distorted singing]

[laughter]

[speaker] That was really good.

That was really good, boys and girls.

[laughter echoes]

[on TV] Oh, it's so good to see

my friends: Judah, Melanie, and Jane!

Yes! How's your day goin'?

- [Jane] Good.

- And you?

- Amazing, Mr. Crocket.

- Good! "Amazing, Mr. Crocket!"

And Judah!

- Incredible!

- Incredible!

- [footsteps approach]

- Let's do some numbers!

- Darren, dinner.

- [Mr. Emanuel Crocket] Now

One, two, three, it's easy to see

- Let's learn how to count in--

- [TV static]

...countries

Cuatro, cinco, seis,

can you pick up the pace?

Boy, don't make me get up from this chair.

It's more fun to learn

when ya make it a race

[stepfather] Now. You hear me?

Yes!

[laugh echoes]

I don't know what you waitin' on.

Eat up.

Try it, honey.

It's good for you. Here.

Don't baby the boy.

Eat!

Hey! Don't forget your veggies.

[deep rumble]

I'm sorry, I'm full.

Hey.

We both work our asses off

to provide for you,

and I'm not gon' be

disrespected in my house!

You wanna be treated

like a f*ck' baby?

- I'll treat you like a baby then.

- [Darren] No!

- [stepfather] Eat.

- I'm full!

- [stepfather] I said eat.

- I don't wanna!

- [mother] Stop!

- [TV static]

[stepfather] Now keep goin'.

[sighs]

- You gonna thank me for this sh*t one day.

- [door closes]

[muffled] Somebody's gotta teach him

how to be a man... Damn!

- [dark, unsettling music playing]

- [TV static]



[lights flickering]

[door creaks]

[creepy laughter]

Mr. Crocket?!

Who the f*ck are you?

Language.

Who's ready for a second course?

- [horror sting]

- [yelling]

- [Mr. Crocket laughs]

- [screaming]

- [Demonic Chair grumbling]

- [weakly] The f*ck?

Dessert for the young man

who ate all his veggies!

- [Darren] Wow, awesome!

- [laughs]

[panicking]

Let me go, man. Please, man.

Go?

But it's family dinnertime.

Aren't you gonna eat, Kevin?

[demonic voice] Yeah, Kevin.

You haven't cleaned your plate.

[Kevin whimpers]

- [stammers] Uh, I can't eat that sh*t!

- Such a dirty mouth. [laughs]

Ya know, nutrition is the cornerstone

of a healthy life and good attitude.

If you don't eat right,

you can get the grumpies,

and no one likes

a Grumpy Gus, right, Chair?

You betcha.

[Mr. Crocket, Darren laughing]

So, I'm going to help you step up

- and be a big, strong man, Kevin.

- [Kevin grunting]

You see, so far,

you've been a really, really

[whispers]

bad example for your stepson.

I'm going to give you a chance

to show him how it's done.

One last... chance.

[Kevin whimpering]

[Mr. Crocket mimics propeller]

[Kevin] [resisting]

Mm-mm. Mm. Mm.

[Mr. Crocket getting louder]

- [shouts] We're comin' in for a landing!

- No!

- No!

- [Demonic Chair laughing]

[Mr. Crocket] [muffled]

Come on now! You can do it, Kevin!

Yes, we are!

Open up!

Come on, open wide!

- You can do it! You can do it!

- [Kevin resisting]

Come on! Ahh!

Come on, say it.

Open up! Open up, Kevin!

I guess force-feeding doesn't

feel that good, huh, Kevin?!

- Fine!

- [spoon clatters]

- [heavy breathing]

- Guess we're going to have to do this

the more direct way.

- No. [whimpers]

- Uh-huh.

[knife slices]



- [entrails sloshing]

- [sing-songy] Yummy yummy

For your tummy

Here, you got to finish all your food.

Come on, let's go.

- In we go! Oh, go in there.

- [Kevin wailing]

Don't spit it out!

Oh, I think it's time

for Grandma's chicken!

- [Kevin wails]

- Oh, yeah!

Don't forget your iron.

That's a very good idea, Mr. Chair.

- [iron hisses]

- Ah. Ah.

Yeah! Yeah!

[laughs]

[sings] You gotta eat right,

you gotta eat well

[Demonic Chair, Darren] [singing]

Take a great, big bite

It's so good for your health

[Kevin]

[sobbing] Rhonda, help me!

[Mr. Crocket]

All that stuff about how to be a man!

- What happened?! Who's a man now?!

- [Demonic Chair laughing]

[screaming]

[TV static]

[screaming fades out]

- [children's song plays]

- A friend like you is a friend like me

[Mr. Crocket] [echoes]

Children, hear my song.

Whenever you're in trouble...

Call out to me.

You can call on me

I'll find you.

...in a heartbeat

- [TV static]

- I'll save you

from all the mommies and daddies

that don't deserve your love...

the way I do.

[TV static]

[TV clicks off]

[echoes] Who's next?

I'm always watching.

[soft, unsettling music playing]

[keys jingle softly]



[sighs]

[Major] Why are we here?

I wanna go home.

- [Major sighs]

- Because Daddy was sick

for a long time,

and we did everything we could...

and this is how we say goodbye.

This is how Daddy

would want us to say goodbye.

Okay?

Let's go.

[soulful organ music playing]

[door opens, closes]

- Baby.

- [Major] Hm?

- Come on.

- No. No, I'm not goin' in there!

Sweetheart, listen to me.

I know this is hard, honey...

[softly] but we have

to do this for Daddy... okay?

Can I have my game, please?

Yeah? Okay.

You behave.

Let's go, come on.



Well, thank you all for being here

to help celebrate my husband's life.

[sniffles] Um...

I feel like I'm lookin' out

at everybody that made him him.

As the absolute pride

of Shurry Bottom,

[sniffles] he got to be all up in

all y'all's business. [laughs]

[sniffles]

And, um, y'all gave him a lotta names.

Some of you knew him as Baby Bev.

Some of you called him Coach B.

A lotta you just called him J...

[sniffles]

[cries] but for me...

- [sniffles] he was my everything.

- [game trills and beeps]

[muffled voice echoes]

[solemn music playing]

Thank you.

[quiet, indistinct chatter]



[creepy, ominous music playing]

- [music fades out]

- [indistinct chatter]

I'm so bored.

Can I go outside?

Yeah, baby.

Stay where I can see you.

[upbeat music playing quietly]

Oh, he got a mouth on him.

You know, with Jerrel gone,

it's gon' be up to you

to keep that in check,

and a good whoopin's the only way.

Swear to Jesus, that's the best advice

I could ever give you.

[muffled]

What does that even mean, "I'm bored..."

- [dark, brooding music playing]

- [muffled chatter]

[muffled, echoes]

Spare the rod, spoil the child...

[radio static, channels changing]

[mumbling]

You like football?

My son loved football too.

You know, you remind me

of him, you really do,

but you're not gonna end up like him.

Nah, I swear, not if you're with me.

Hey, let me go!

[muffled chatter]



- [Major] Hey, let me go!

- [Rhonda] Come on.

Let me just get a closer look at you.

- No, stop!

- Don't you wanna be my friend?

We could all use more friends.

Oh, oh, do you wanna sing the song?

The song that friends sing together?

[sings]

A friend like you is a friend like me

A friend like us is a friend like we

- Let go of me! Mom!

- Good, good.

When he comes, you run!

You hear me?

[inhales] You pull hard

and you run as fast as you can!

[Major] [muffled yelling]

Get off of me! Mom!

- [normal] Mom!

- [screams] Get your hands off my child!

The f*ck is wrong with you?!

- [Rhonda] No, I-I--

- Get outta here!

I just wanted to warn him

to-to keep him safe. [inhales]

Get the f*ck off my property

before I beat your a*s!

He's comin'!

You understand?



He wants your boy.

He wants Major.

So don't you never let him go.

You hear me?

'Cause he will never come back.

[breathing heavily]

He'll stay with him forever.

[singing softly]

A friend like you is a friend like me

A friend like us is a friend like we

Whenever you're in trouble

You can call on...

[music fades out]

[light, unsettling music playing]

- [Major] Daddy, Daddy!

- [sniffles]

[bed rattling]

- [door creaks]

- Major? Major, hey, you're dreaming.

Hey, I'm here. Hey.

- [Major gasps, pants]

- Wake up.

- Hey, baby.

- No.

- I want Daddy.

- [Summer sighs]

[sighs]

Daddy isn't here anymore, honey.

I'm sorry.

I wish he was here, too,

but, um... maybe one day,

when the time comes,

we'll see him again.

Why can't I see him now?

[sighs] You want the truth?

I'm just as lost

and as sad as you are.

Between...

the bills, and taking care of you,

and keepin' a roof over our heads,

I honestly have no idea what to do.

[deep breath]

But I tell you what,

one thing is never gonna change, Major.

We will never be alone going through this.

You and me, we will

always, always have each other.

[sighs]

One second.

- [item rattles]

- Keepin' it real, I'd be a horrible coach.

- I was always sh*t at sports.

- [Major chuckles]

But...

if you ever have a scary dream again,

or if you ever need me for anything,

you just blow that whistle,

and I will do my best to pick up

right where Daddy left off.

And maybe sometimes,

when I really need you,

you can be a good boy

and help Mommy out too?

'Cause we're a team... right?

- Right.

- [Summer chuckles]

[kisses]

I love you.

[whistle blowing]

- Alright, scooch your big butt over.

- You're the one with the big butt.

- Says who?

- Me.

Okay.

Proud of it too.

Mm. [kisses]

- [whistle blowing]

- [hip-hop music playing]

Right at me?

The road gets rocky like Marciano

You think of givin' up,

but you can't though

The picture that you watch,

change the channel

- Load your brain with some...

- Dang it!

Oh, my God. Major, do you have

any idea how much that costs?

[yells] I don't care!

'Cause remember, y'all,

it takes two to tango

So don't let 'em try

to play ya like a banjo

[doctor] [on cassette player]

If your child is throwing a tantrum,

remember, it's just a means

of testing their own power.

So, if they're curious about

what it means to be in control,

let them be in control.

- [blows whistle]

- You can't catch me!

- You're too slow!

- Oh, oh, am I?

[blows whistle]

Major!

Not gonna chase you!

[doctor]

To truly connect with your child,

you must first connect with yourself.

Let go of any anger or frustration.

Achieve the Zen you need

to be a role model they deserve.

Let the people see my name

and see my chain

This is awesome.

You know, I think you

missed a spot over there.

Oh, I got it.

Be who you wanna be

if you seek out bliss

I know the world takes

a little time to see our best

[doctor] Radical tip.

Instead of spanking your child,

allow your child to spank you

in a hands-on demonstration

of the value of em--

[stops recording]

[running footsteps]

- [Summer] Major.

- [whistle blowing]

I'm begging you to please stop.

- [dark, brooding music playing]

- [whistle blowing]

[loud thunk]

[whistle blowing]

[soft, curious music playing]

[singers vocalizing]

[ambient nature sounds]

[door creaks]



Hm.

[dark, brooding music playing]

- [whistle blowing]

- Major.

Major... check this out.

I got somethin' for you.

Hello, boys and girls!

Welcome to Mr. Crocket's World!

[sings] And a friend like you

is a friend like me

A friend like us is a friend like we

Whenever you're in trouble,

you can call on me

I'll be there to protect you

in a heartbeat

Yes! [laughs]

Oh, it's so good to see my friends.

- I have a special treat for you.

- [Summer] Have fun, Major.

- [Mr. Crocket] Can you guess what it is?

- [children] What?

- It's Magical Marker Time!

- [group cheers]

And with my Magical Marker,

if you can think it, I can draw it.

- [Mr. Crocket laughing]

- [kids cheering]

A basketball. Woo!

Oh! [laughs]

- [TV static]

- Whatever you can do,

and you can bounce it

however you wanna bounce it.

And you know how

I feel about bullies, right?

- [Melanie] Not in Mr. Crocket's World!

- [Mr. Crocket] There you go, Melanie!

[unsettling music playing]

[static]

[Mr. Crocket speaks

indistinctly on TV]

[Judah] [on TV]

Move all of the things on the board...

[indistinct chatter on TV]



[Judah] [distorted] Does Squawky Bird

prefer vanilla cake or bread crumbs?

[distorted] Ooh, that is a good question!

What do you think, Tickles?

- [Tickles the Clock] Bread crumbs!

- Bread crumbs! [laughs]

[screams]

[video distorts]

[static]

[TV clicks off]

Hey.

[whines] No, come on!

[whining]

[Mr. Crocket] [distorted on radio]

...friend like you

Dad?

Daddy, wake up.

- Daddy.

- What the f*ck! What the f*ck!

[panting]

I told you to stay in your room.

The TV's broken.

You gotta come fix it.

You pull this sh*t with your mom?

[clicking buttons, smacks TV]

[exhales]

It's dead.

There's nothin' I can do about it.

- Grab a new one soon.

- But I was watching--

[screams] I don't care! Okay?!

It is one damn night!

You are a big enough girl

to entertain yourself, Carey, okay?

Now... I'm gonna go take care of

some important grownup stuff,

so you do not come out of here

until I open this door.

You understand?

[softly] Okay.

[bottles clinking]

- [Carey] [sings] A friend like you

- [dark, brooding music playing]

- Is a friend like me

- [distant siren wailing]

A friend like us

Is a friend like me

Whenever you're in trouble

- [deep rumbling]

- [lights buzzing]



- [knocks on TV screen]

- [TV clicks on]

[slow knocks on TV screen]

[scared] Who's there?

[pants]

- [horror sting]

- [glass shatters]

[rocking chair creaking]

You were supposed to "Just Say No."



Who the f*ck are you?

I'm just a friend.

I heard some raised voices

and wanted to see

if everything was alright.

Yeah, well, you must be

hearing things then, friend,

because... nobody was yelling here, okay?

So, I-I'm, I'm gonna need you to leave.

[Mr. Crocket laughing]

'Scuse me, what the f*ck

do you think you're doing?

Hey! I told you to leave.

Oh, but I'm enjoying your chair.

Uh, it feels great.

You know, hey, good taste, Bill.

You get a gold star.

[Mr. Crocket laughing]

- [g*n clicks]

- [Bill] You listen to me, as*h*le.

I'm gonna need you

to get the f*ck out of my house.

Oh, Bill... you're mistaken

about two things.

First, your g*n seems

to be having some issues.

[bubble echoes]

Oh, beautiful bubbles.

[laughs] You like bubbles, Bill?



And secondly...

this is my house now.

I'm going to be brutally honest

[whispers] with you, Bill.

[normal] I'm here because you failed

your sacred duty as a parent...

and I'm afraid for that slipup...

[softly]

I'm going to have to teach you a lesson.

[panicky] What the f--

What the f*ck is this?

What-- [panting]

What the f*ck is goin' on?

What? Why can't I move?

[normal] To start with,

something tells me that no one ever...

taught you about the magic of sharing.

Like, sharing your time

and your love with that little Carey.

Oh, but that's okay, Bill...

'cause I have a song

to teach you [whispers] all about it.

Huh.

[sings]

Sharing means caring, can't you see?

Sharing means trust

between you and me

- You give me what's yours

- [Bill panting]

And I'll give you what's mine

And we'll share together all the time

- Sharing means caring, can't you see?

- [Bill panicking, gags]

Sharing means trust

- Between you and me

- [g*n clicks]

- You give me what's yours

- [pulls trigger]

- [bubble pops]

- And I'll give you what's mine



[gagging]

And we'll share together

- All of the time!

- [blood splatters]

- [Carey] [sings] Is a friend like me

- [door creaks open]

[Mr. Crocket] [sings]

Friend like us is a friend like we

Whenever you're in trouble,

you can call on me

I'll be there to protect you...

in a heartbeat

[unsettling music playing]

[Rhonda] [softly]

When you see him, run, run, run.

[panting] No, Carey, run.

No, no.



[Rhonda gasps]

[breathing shakily, crying]

And your friend

next to you is staring at it!

Share to your left,

share to your right.

That's the best thing to do

and the most fun, so remember...

[sings]

Sharing means caring, can't you see?

Sharing is trust

between you and me

- [TV static]

- [distorted singing]

[deep, rumbling moan]

- [TV static]

- [normal] You and me...

f*ck' public television.

I want my damn donation back.

Alright, Major.

That's enough TV time.

- Yeah--

- [TV clicks off]

[angrily] Hey!

It is time for a Mr. Crocket break, alright?

Don't you wanna go outside?

We could play football.

I don't wanna play football!

I want Mr. Crocket!

You've been watchin'

this video for days now, honey.

It's not good for you.

[dark, brooding music playing]

You--

Major!

Don't you dare.

[glass shatters]

I swear to God,

if you don't put that down--

I want Mr. Crocket back!

[whispers]

I'm not playin' with you, boy.

You put your father's

trophy down right now.



[trophy rattles]

[yells]

What the hell is wrong with you?! Huh?!

Oh, my G-- I bust my a*s

every day lookin' after you,

and this is how you wanna act, huh?

This is how you wanna repay me

by bein' the biggest pain in my a*s?

Oh, my God,

I'm done with your sh*t!

I'm done, I'm done!

If this is how you're gonna act,

you don't wanna be on my team, fine!

Alright? I quit.

I quit being your f*ck' mother. I quit!

[tense music playing]

Don't start crying.

[scoffs]

Major, go to your room.

Stop lookin' at me

and go to your room right now.

[Major crying]

[door opens, closes]

[tense, brooding music playing]

[static]

[electricity warbling]

[crying]



- [music fades out]

- [dog barking]

[exhales]

[lights buzzing]

[unsettling music plays]

[Mr. Crocket, children] [singing on TV]

A friend like you is a friend like me

A friend like us

- Is a friend like we

- [deep rumbling]

Whenever you're in trouble,

you can call on me

I'll be there to protect you

in a heartbeat

- [Mr. Crocket laughs]

- [TV clicks off]

[remote thuds]

- [TV clicks on]

- Friend like you is a friend like me

- A friend like us is a friend like we

- What the f*ck?

Whenever you're in trouble,

you can call on me

- [TV clicks off]

- [remote thuds]

- [TV clicks on]

- In a heartbeat

- A friend like you is a friend like me

- Oh no. Uh-uh.

A friend like us is a friend like we

- [volume increases]

- Whenever you're in trouble

You can call on me

I'll be there to protect you

in a heartbeat

[TV crashes, shatters]

[panting]

[broken glass clinking]

[TV thuds]

- [thuds]

- [unsettling music playing]

[static]

[Mr. Crocket groans]



[spits]

[TV sparking]

[yells]

- Hello there.

- [horror sting]

[Mr. Crocket laughing]

[sparking, tinkling]

Hey!

- [bat clatters]

- [mother panting]

[VCR running]

[crunching]

- [flames whoosh]

- [yells]

[Mr. Crocket] [sings]

Friend like you is a friend like me

[Major] [sings]

Friend like us is a...

[screaming] Major! Major!

- [Mr. Crocket laughing]

- Major! Major!

[Mr. Crocket, Major] [singing]

Whenever you're in trouble

You can call on me

- Major!

- I'll be there to protect you

- In a heartbeat

- [Summer panicking]

Say goodbye to Mommy, Major.

Goodbye, Mommy.

Honey! Baby, no! Major, don't!

Major, don't go in there!

[Major] Whoa!

[Mr. Crocket laughing]

[hangers rattle]

- [hitting wall]

- [panting]

[softly]

Oh, my-- Oh, my God.

[soft, unsettling music playing]

Oh, my...

[siren wailing]

[police radio chatter]

[police officer 1]

Another runaway?

[police officer 2]

Who can blame him?

Junkie mom rantin' about

some people walkin' through walls.

[police officer 1] sh*t.

Sounds like he dodged a b*llet takin' off.

[police officer 2]

He's a smart kid.

[tense music playing]

[children] Major!

[laughter]

[Boogaloo Blue]

Welcome home, Major!

[laughter]

Yes! [laughs] He's right!

Welcome home, Major!

- [Major] Wow.

- In my world,

you don't never, ever have to worry

about bad grownups hurting you again.

- No, no, no, no, no, no!

- [laughter]

[Mr. Crocket, kids] [singing]

No bad grownups, no bad grownups

- No bad grownups, no bad grownups

- [sun laughing]

- [thundering]

- No bad grownups

[laughter]

- [horror sting]

- [screeches]

[tense, unsettling music playing]



[siren wailing]

[neighbor]

I'm next door, right over there.

Been watchin' this place for years.

Uh, hey, I'm sorry.

[neighbor]

Might just crack the case open.

- Okay.

- [Summer] Hey, can you, uh,

can you tell me

what all this is about?

Ooh, don't get me started.

I knew this was gonna happen.

I knew it!

Been tryin' to get the cops

involved with him for years.

- With who?

- This deadbeat junkie.

All types of lowlifes

in and outta there.

Cops think it was a suicide,

but I know that there's

some other sh*t involved.

Look at that place.

He's all over the walls.

Walked in on the whole thing,

and now, I ain't gon' be able

to sleep for a year.

- You got any idea who--

- They was long gone.

sh*t. All that and they

ain't even take nothin'?

Just busted out the screen on his TV?

f*ck' dope fiends.

Nothin' makes sense with them.

And the worst part is,

they can't find his little girl.

Eight years old.

g*dd*mn shame.

He's killin' parents

and takin' more kids.

Hey, where'd you say you lived again?

Hey, hey!

[eerie, unsettling music playing]

[reel clanks]



[clanks]



[clicking]

[softly] What?



[reel clanks]

[clanks]

[music fades out]

[children's song playing]

[Mr. Crocket] [sings]

A friend like us is a friend like we

Whenever you're in trouble,

you can call on me

I'll be there to protect you

in a heartbeat

A friend like you is a friend like me

A friend like us is a friend like we

Whenever you're in trouble,

you can call on me

I'll be there to protect you

in a heartbeat

A friend like you is a friend like me

A friend like us is a friend like we

- Whenever you're in tr--

- [TV static]

Well, hello there.

I see that you've been lookin' for me.

Well, here I am, silly goose!

Why don't you, uh,

come a little closer...

and say... hellooo!

[softly]

Stop looking for us, Summer.

Unless you want to join

your husband in hell,

believe me, Summer, I can arrange it.

[horror sting]

- [Summer screams]

- [Mr. Crocket laughing]

[ominous music playing]

[muffled eerie sounds]

[softly] Oh, my God.

[panting]

- [muffled speaking]

- [speaker] ...everything that you've

- been trying to tell me.

- I'm sorry. Who are you?

Sorry. My name is--

It's Eddie Briggs.

I saw your flyers about your boy.

Major, right?

Look, I believe it all, 'bout...

[softly] Crocket.

[soft, unsettling music playing]

[swings creaking]

[singers vocalizing]

I'm sorry, it's just--

[Summer takes deep breath]

It's a lot.

Yeah, believe me, I-I-I get it.

This is, [chuckles] uh...

my Lauren.

[sadly] Oh.

She's been missing five months now.

No leads, no... no traces.

The cops seem to think that

her mother took her, but I know better.

[sighs] [softly]

What does he want with them?

[Eddie Briggs]

I don't know... Family?

Yeah, maybe he thinks

that we f*cked up as parents.

- [children laughing]

- [Mr. Crocket laughing]

I mean, I read that

he died 20 years ago,

but somehow he can

come through the f*ck' TV?

- I, I don't know--

- I mean, how is any of this real?

[Eddie] But I can't explain it...

[voice muffles]

[laughter]

[Eddie continues muffled, indistinct]

- I feel like I'm losing my mind!

- Hey, you're not.

[Mr. Crocket singing]

- [Mr. Crocket laughing]

- [ominous music playing]

- Hey! Run away from--

- Stop, stop, stop!

Okay, it's alright.

- I thought that was--

- No, you need to relax.

Alright? Look, you know what

always cheers me up?

A little ice cream,

just some ice cream. [laughs]

What the f*ck are you talkin' about?

He has my son.

And we're gonna find him,

and my daughter too, I promise.

- [scoffs] You don't know that.

- No, hey, I know that you survived,

which is why I needed to find you.

Look, in all my searching,

you're the only person

who's seen him and come out alive

and that has to mean something.

He's comin'!

He wants your boy.

I'm not the only one.

- What?

- There was this homeless woman.

She was singin' the song

before I even got the VHS.

I mean, I thought that

she was trying to take Major...

but I think she was trying

to warn me about Crocket.

No, maybe she's like us.

Maybe she, she lost a kid.

She may have even filed

a missing child's report

with details that are just like ours.

I've actually got a couple

friends in the department.

If, uh, we can get a name on her,

and she's known around here,

we may be able to track her down.

Do you, uh, think

I could just get your info?

- Yes.

- Maybe we can attack this together.

Tomorrow, we comin' for his a*s.

[dark, brooding music playing]

[quietly] Babe?

I can't believe it. I can't. [gasps]

Oh, you don't understand

how much I miss you.

[sighs] How's Major?

How's little man holdin' up?

[sighs] He's... gone.

He was taken from me.

What?

Someone took our child?

You let someone take our child?!

No, I didn't.

You probably drove him away.

You never let him have any fun.

What?

- [horror sting]

- [squelching]

[unsettling music playing]

You might as well accept it, Summer.

He's never coming back.

[squelching]

He doesn't wanna come back.

He's happier...

[distorted] with me.

[yelling]

[skin peeling]

[gasps]

[maniacal laughter]

I told you I'd send ya to hell.

- [gasps]

- [growls]

[panting]

[knocking on door]

[unsettling music playing]

- [knocks on door]

- Christ!

[groans]



[knocking]

[speaker] [whispers]

Hey... Summer.

Boy...

don't you ever knock

on my door like that

- in the middle of the night again.

- Look, I'm-I'm sorry. I just,

just needed to talk to you.

- They invented phones for a reason.

- Yeah, I know, but I found her.

- Who?

- Turns out that there is,

there is a homeless woman

with a missing child who filed a report.

- Oh, my God.

- Yeah, Rhonda Harper.

They got a last known location for her.

- It's just a ways out.

- Let me get changed.

[Eddie] Okay, okay.

[engine starts]

- [children's music plays in car]

- sh*t. [chuckles]

Um, sorry. Th-That's--

It's, it's my daughter's.

- That's sweet. Mm.

- Yeah.

[unsettling, tense music playing]

[radio channels distorting]

[dog barking]

- [Summer] Rhonda?

- [Eddie] Rhonda?

- [Summer] Rhonda?

- [Eddie] Rhonda, if you're out here,

we don't wanna hurt you,

we just wanna talk.

- [cans clanging]

- sh*t.

- [tense music playing]

- [Summer whimpers]

Who sent you?!

What was him?

What the f*ck, Eddie?!

Drop the knife now.

Let her go.

[Summer pants]

This is my home!

Hey, Rhonda.

Hey, we've met before.

We've met before.

Crocket took my son,

just like he stole yours.

You tried to warn me,

but I didn't listen then,

and I'm so sorry about that,

but I am here now,

and I am, I am here to listen.

Major... lost his daddy.

So much pain in that boy.

Crocket feels it.

How'd you know he'd come for my son?



- [music fades out]

- [TV static]

[Eddie] Whoa.

- [distorted voices]

- [unsettling music playing]

[Rhonda] He used to come to me...

in my dreams...

told me to give up,

to let Darren go, but I can't.

What mother could?

So, I kept on looking,

hunting Crocket,

and I realized...

he must be watching us...

monitoring us through the airwaves

to see which kids he wanted to take.

I could almost feel it

running through me, his power,

and I wondered

if I could tap into that signal,

receive it somehow...

if I had enough power of my own.

So, I came out here and built this.

Are you saying you can connect

with him... with his mind?

If he's coming into our world...

But it's all jumbled,

a mess of flickering channels,

bad reception,

this endless stream of rage and sadness.

So, if you know where he's gonna be

and who he's gonna take,

- why haven't you stopped him?

- I tried...

but he's too strong.

And I lost everything the first time:

my son, my mind.

[crying]

It broke me, and I, I can't, I can't,

- I can't face him again.

- [Summer] Hey, it's okay.

You're not alone.

Rhonda, we've got your back...

but you have to try...

for our kids, for Darren.

We have to confront him.



Can you show us how?

- [dark, tense music playing]

- [TV static]

Rhonda?



[Tickles the Clock laughing]

[Rhonda] Right now, he's searching,

monitoring happy children.

They bring up happy memories

from long ago.

[Mr. Crocket laughs]

[distorted speaking]

[Mr. Crocket]

Go hide! One, two, three.

Where'd you guys go?

You guys are makin' this

really hard on Mr. Crocket.

Oh! [laughs] I found you, Anthony.

I found you, I found--

[TV static]

[Rhonda] Something's wrong.

His mind, it's everywhere.

[parent] [on TV]

Kelli, I'm talking to you! Stop it!

- [Rhonda] He sees a child in pain.

- [child yelling]

Her pain opens old wounds...

[distorted] Mr. Crocket--

[Rhonda] ...a bad memory.

I've seen it before.

Hello, girls and boys. [laughs]

I am your new best friend, Mr. Crocket,

and-and here to help me today is,

uh, my best pal, uh, Benny the Bison.

[as Benny]

Hello, boys and girls.

Uh, my name is Benny the Bison.

[chuckles]

[TV static]

[as Mr. Crocket] Um--

Whoa, whoa! Come on, man!

No, no, no!

I asked you to do one g*dd*mn thing.

Hold the f*cking string!

- [crew member] f*ck you.

- No, f*ck you! Where you going?!

You non-string-holding m*therf*cker!

- Holy sh*t.

- [as Benny] You're a failure, a joke,

and a loser.

You will never amount to anything.

- [TV static]

- [as Mr. Crocket] Oh.

[pins drop]

[as Benny] You're a loser,

loser, loser, loser, loser, loser.

[as Mr. Crocket] f*ck you, okay?!

Don't you ever talk to me that way,

you ignorant m*therf*cker!

- [as Benny] Loser.

- [as Mr. Crocket] Shut up!

- [as Benny] Loseeer.

- [Mr. Crocket screams]

[Rhonda]

His anger, he can't control it.

[Mr. Crocket] Say it with me! Loser!

I'm not a loser! I'm not a loser!

- [Mr. Crocket grunting]

- Why are we watchin' this?

It means he's gonna strike.

[Mr. Crocket]

I guess this ends our friendship.

[screams]

[parent] [on TV]

Kelli, I'm not gonna tell you again.

- It's bedtime.

- [Rhonda] There.

He's got a location.

[parent]

You have school in the morning.

- Stop it!

- [Rhonda] Did you see that?

- An address.

- [child screams]

Oh yeah? Make me!

[screams]

- [dark, brooding music playing]

- [TV static]

Rhonda.

[distorted laughter on TV]

Rhonda.

Rhonda, we got the address.

We know where he's gonna be.

Wake up, wake up!

[exhales]

You did it.

We know where to find him.

Now let's go get the f*ck.



- [Rhonda trembling]

- Rhonda.

Hey, Rhonda.

Hey, come on.

We need all the help we can get.

Do you ever wonder

if they're better off... with him?

With Crocket? f*ck no,

what are you talkin' about?

I should've stood up for him.

I shouldn't have... [crying]

What did you do...

that drove your boy away?

W-- [sighs]

He only comes when you've hurt them.

Summer... we gotta move.

We don't know when he got here.

Rhonda, listen to me. Hey.

What a boy needs is his mother.

- [soft, dramatic music playing]

- Do you hear me?

[dog barking]

Come on.

I got you.

[Rhonda breathes heavily]



[tense, unsettling music playing]

[door creaks]

[electricity buzzes]



[TV static]

[g*n clicks]

[hushed] I don't know what

you think you're gonna do with that.

[ominous music playing]

- [Rhonda gasps]

- [Summer] Shh.

[Kelli] [muffled]

Will Boogaloo Blue be there?

[Mr. Crocket] [muffled]

Oh yes, he will.

The whole g*ng will be there

waiting for you.

[Kelli] Wow!

[normal]

Go on, my child. Go on through.

I'll be there before you can say,

"Benny Bison's brains were battered"

10 times fast.

- [bright sound shimmering]

- [chuckles]

[nearby clattering]



[groans]

[heavy footsteps]

[Mr. Crocket groans]

[footsteps]

[tense sting]

[lights flickering]

I know someone's in here.

It is very bad manners

to not introduce yourself.

[footsteps approach]

Come out, come out

wherever you are.

- [grunts]

- [Rhonda yells]

- Ah!

- [Rhonda grunts]

- [Summer] Rhonda!

- [Eddie] This way!

[unsettling, tense music playing]

[Summer] Rhonda!

- [Mr. Crocket grunts]

- [Rhonda yells]

- We have to go back!

- It's--



f*ck. Come on.

Come on, come on.

- [sparkling sounds]

- [static]

[gasps]

[fire crackling]

[quiet, unsettling music playing]

[panting]

[singers vocalizing]

[music intensifies]

- [thunder cracking]

- [static]

- [heavy footsteps]

- [metal creaks]

[Mr. Crocket's laugh echoes]

[loud footsteps]

- [Boogaloo Blue roars]

- [Summer screams]

Blue, Blue, wait, wait, wait.

- [Boogaloo Blue roars]

- [Eddie screams]

[Mr. Crocket screeching]

[laughing]

[Boogaloo Blue grumbling]

You are such a good friend, Blue, mm?

- [Boogaloo Blue growls]

- [Mr. Crocket laughing]

Now go find me the other one.

[laughs]

- Welcome.

- [Summer gasps, screams]

[Summer panting]

You need a hug. Sit!

[ropes whipping]

[Demonic Chair] Comfy?

Enough...

Just restrain her, okay?

But leave it at that. [chuckles]

I have other plans for her.

- [bell rings]

- [child screams]

But first, it sounds like it's story time!

[Tickles the Clock]

Story time. Story time. Story time.

[Mr. Crocket]

Are you ready, boys and giiirls?!

Oh, come on in.

Come on in, come on in.

Oh, look at you guys.

You're so beautiful.

- Oh!

- Major, Major!

Major, sweetie. Honey, wake up!

Major, wake up! We gotta run!

Major, baby, hey. Wake up.

Listen to Mama, wake--

[Mr. Crocket]

Oh, so what story shall we tell today?

[mimics children] "Oh, please

tell us your story, Mr. Crocket."

[normal]

No, no, no, no, no, no.

I'm sure you're sick

of hearin' that by now.

[mimics children] "No, never, ever,

Mr. Crocket. It's our favorite."

[normal] O-kay, if you insist.

[laughing]

Truth be told...

it's my favorite, too.

[Demonic Chair growls]

[Mr. Crocket laughs]

O-kay.

- [angelic singing]

- Here we go.

[sparkling sound]

Once upon a time,

there was a little boy named Emanuel.

- Me.

- [children laughing]

And I was just your size

a long, long time ago,

and just like you,

I wished for better parents.

- My father was a very, very bad man.

- [father laughing]

He would hit me nearly every day,

for no reason at all

other than the fact that

I was the only one left

who couldn't run away.

But you know what?

I kept eating all the food I could find,

so that I can keep growing

bigger and stronger,

and soon, I made sure

my father never hit me again.

[Mr. Crocket, children laughing]

I made it look like an accident,

so the police couldn't put me in time-out.

[laughter]

And that's when I knew

that it was my calling

to protect all the girls

and boys in the world,

e-especially from those parents

who weren't any good

at loving their children.

And most of all,

I dreamed of having my own family,

so that I could be a good parent

to all the kids in the world.

[exhales]

Everything was going so well.

[through book] Hello, boys and girls.

Welcome to Mr. Crocket's World!

[normal] And then one day,

I met one special boy on my set,

a boy with sad eyes.

I knew there was something

wrong at his home.

So, I offered the boy, Anthony...

a place to stay,

but no one really understood

that I only wanted

what was best for the boy.

[through book]

Oh, what would I do without you, Squawky?

- [siren wailing, bangs on door]

- [police officer] Open up! Police!

[banging on door]

Freeze!

- [police officer 1 yelling]

- [stabbing]

[police officer 2 groans]

- [police officer 2 yelling]

- [stabbing]

[Anthony panting]

- [police officer 3] Hey!

- [g*nshots]

[slow motion yell]

[unsettling music playing]

- [body thuds]

- [Anthony sobs]

[singers vocalizing]

[Anthony cries out]

[Mr. Crocket]

But that wasn't the end of my story.

I made a deal to send

bad parents' souls to hell...

in exchange for a world of my own.

[dark music playing]

And now, I bring

good children, worthy children

to my paradise to play forever.

[inhales]

And I will protect you...

[giggles]

and I'll make you happy

in aaall the ways you ever desired.

[Mr. Crocket, children laughing]

No pain, no anger,

no yelling, no spanking,

no, no, no, no, no veggies,

or time-out, or bedtime!

[Mr. Crocket, children laughing]

[all] [chanting]

No bedtime, no bedtime!

No bedtime, no bedtime!

You're snatchin' kids over bedtime.

That's insane!

[sighs]

[panicking] Eddie, now, now. Get the kids.

Get the kids, save your daughter.

[dramatic music playing]

He was the only adult that ever loved me.

[chuckles]

When he came for me,

I... I wanted to stay with him...

[Demonic Chair growls]

...forever.

What's going on?

What are you doing?

I used to dream about this place, Summer.

I could... I could feel him out there.

I've been trying to come home to him

since I was nine years old,

and thanks to you, I've made it.

Oh, God.

You're Anthony.

I can't let you destroy this paradise,

and break up our family.

Oh, my G--

[heavy breathing]

Major, Major, wake up, baby!

You gotta run! Run, Major! Wake up!

I'm sorry.

[Demonic Chair]

Do it, p*ssy.



[Mr. Crocket] Anthony?

- Come here.

- Okay.

Get closer.

It's me, it's me.

Uh!

- Uh, no, no, no, no.

- Why?

What are you t--

- Who are you?

- I'm Anthony.

The, [chuckles] the boy from

the story book, do you remember?

Anthony?

No, no, no, no, no, no.

Anthony is an innocent young boy.

You are an old, bitter, insane man

who has done nothing with his life!

- You don't belong here.

- No, I do.

- No, you don't.

- I-I do!

- No, you don't.

- [screams] I do!

- [screams] You don't belong here!

- I do!

[children] [singing]

You don't belong here

- I do, I do, I do.

- You don't belong here

- You don't belong here

- [dark, brooding music playing]

- I do! I do, I do.

- [Mr. Crocket] No!

[exhales] Blue, Blue.

No, no, I'm your friend.

- [roars]

- [yelling]

Oh, oh, God!

[laughs]

- [growling, roars]

- [squelching]

[unsettling music playing]

[roars]

- [whimpering]

- Blue... don't play with your food

in front of the children.

You sick f*ck.

[softly] Oh.

I can sense that you're angry.

Sometimes our feelings can...

grow a little too big

for our bodies to handle.

You should try counting

backwards from five,

and taking big, deep breaths, Summer.

[inhales deeply]

[exhales slowly]

[laughs]

Remember, Summer, you're the boss

when it comes to your feelings.

- f*ck you.

- Mm.

Your friend's objective didn't

play out so well for him, Summer.

However, fairness is

one of my most important lessons.

So... I'm going to give

you a shot, Summer.

- [Demonic Chair growls]

- [Summer grunts]

[Summer gasping for air]

Major... come here.

Go on...

Take your son back.

Yeah? Bring him home,

if that's what he desires.

Major, I'm your mother.

He does not know you.

He does not love you.

But I do.

Major, you have to choose

who would you like your parent to be.



I'm sorry, baby.

Mommy was wrong to say all

of those things, but I didn't mean them.

Major, the only thing I want

in the world is what is best for you.

Please, baby. Just... trust me.

[soft, dramatic music playing]

[static]

Come on, baby.

Sweetie, it's me, it's me.

Look... Yes, there you are, yes.

I told you I would--

I will always be there for you.

- Mom?!

- Yes, sweetie.

[soft, touching music playing]

[Mr. Crocket whimpers]

[laughs] That was touching.

I am taking my son

and gettin' the hell outta here.

You hear me, you as*h*le?

But that isn't what he wants.

He wants to stay with me,

don't you, Major?

You see, he called out to me

after you said you wanted

to quit bein' his mother.

Major, you wanna be with

the person who would never say

he wouldn't wanna be a father to a boy

as special and as wonderful as you are.

[Summer] Major.

[soft, tense music playing]

I'm sorry, Mommy.

- [static]

- [Mr. Crocket] Yes! [cackles]

Well, it's been

so much fun having visitors,

but I think it's time

we say goodbye to our guest now.

But before she goes,

how about we play

one last game with her, huh?

What will it be?

Oh, Barrel of Monkeys?

- [children] No!

- No. Hopscotch?

- [children] No!

- No!

We wanna have more fun!

Hmm.

[gasps] Ah! I got it. [chuckles]

The greatest game of all.

Hide-and-seek.

[Tickles the Clock cuckoos]

Hide-and-seek time.

Yeah, hide-and-seek time.

I love hide-and-seek.

[Mr. Crocket]

But we'll make it even more fun.

Whoever lands the death blow

on Summer wins the game

and an endless bowl of ice cream!

- [cheering]

- Alright! Let's play!

Run!

- [children snarling]

- [tense music playing]

[Mr. Crocket]

Let's see how you do in the dark.

- Get her!

- [lights click off]

- [Summer panting]

- [children's laughter echoing]

[keys jingling]

[laughter]



- [child hisses]

- [Summer gasps]

- [metal creaking]

- [child laughs]

[indistinct whispering]

- [child snarls]

- [Summer screams]

[hissing]

[growls]

[panting, gasps]

- [horror sting]

- [Squawky Bird screeches]

[fighting, grunting]

[screeches]



- [slices]

- [screeching]

[Squawky Bird choking]

[Summer panting]

- [grunting]

- [screeching]

[panting]

[dark, dramatic music playing]

- [Summer yelps]

- Found you.

- [snaps]

- [lights click on]

[Mr. Crocket laughing]

Darren, listen to me.

Hey, hey. Um, I saw your mother.

She wants me to bring you home.

She loves you. She loves you.

She misses you.

I can take you to her.

Mr. Crocket says freeze. [laughs]

Major, come here, son.

What I'm teaching you today

is a lesson that I had

to learn the hard way too

when I was a little boy,

that sometimes... to grow up...

we have to say goodbye to our past.

Mm-hmm.

I did it with my dad too...

and now

it's time you become someone...

- [marker sparkling]

- ...special.

- [Mr. Crocket chuckles]

- Please stop.

- [blade slices]

- [Mr. Crocket chuckles]

[whistle blows]



[laughs]

[exhales]

That's my son. [sniffles]

[whispers] Go on.

[echoes] Move.



[singers vocalizing]

[Summer] Major.

[exhales] I love you, baby.

[cackling]

[sniffles]

[cackling]

[soft, dramatic music playing]

[static]

Huh?

[gasps, panics]

Major!

- [static]

- [singers vocalizing]

- What are you doing, Major?

- I am takin' the kids,

and we're gettin' the f*ck

outta this sh*thole!

- It's over.

- It's not over

until Mr. Crocket says it's over.

[laughs]

We still have more playtime.

[Mr. Crocket laughs]

You don't know

who the f*ck you're talkin' to!

Oh, that rainbow book m*therf*cker

is a candy-a*s b*tch next to me.

No, no, no, no, no!

I was forged in the fires

of hell and abuse!

- [roars]

- [slices]

- [gasps]

- [squelching]

[sobs]

Shurry Bottom, born and raised, b*tch.

[body thuds]

[zapping]

Let's go, kids.

We're gettin' the hell outta here.

- [portal zaps]

- Come on.

[dark, dramatic music playing]

[zaps]

[groaning]

[zaps]

Come back!

Major, come on, baby. Let's go.

No! [panting] Please.

Don't, don't leave me.

Let me go. Let me go!

Playtime isn't over.

[grunts]



[cries out, sobs]

Don't worry, son.

Wherever you go,

I'll be there in a heartbeat.

[zaps]

- [static]

- [light music playing]

[singers vocalizing]

[birds chirping]

I heard you pulled through.

You're a bad m*therf*cker.

[chuckles, sniffles]

I, uh, I brought someone

who wants to see you.

[chuckles, sobs]

Mom!

[slow, emotional music playing]

[Summer] All the other kids

are still being assigned homes,

but I just wanted to make sure

you two found each other.

I... I just-- I don't even have

the words to thank you.

Oh, no. Please don't.

Just will you promise me

that you'll let it all go?

Forgive yourself.

Nobody has all the answers.

We're all just doin' the best we can.

And we do it alone.

Okay?

I'm gonna do my best to try

to follow my own damn advice.

[both laughing]

Take care of your mama.

[Rhonda] [cries] Thank you.



["I'm Going All the Way"

by Sounds of Blackness playing]

Whatever it takes to make it

I'm going all the way, yeah

I may be down...

- Yeah, I got it, I got it!

- Oh!

- Alright!

- [both] Bam!

Who needs a VCR?

That was a horrible high five.

Let's do it again.

Alright, come on.

- Hike!

- I've had some problems

Heartache and pain

- [cheering]

- Tryin' to find the answers

I been rackin' my brain

- [blowing whistle]

- Oh, but as I thought about it

- Go Major! Go Major!

- Began to come clear

To get myself together

and go on from here

Whatever it takes to make it

I'm going all the way

- [pencil scribbles]

- Oh, yes I am, oh, yes I am now

I may be down sometimes...

[guidance counselor]

Mrs. Beverly, thank you so much

for meeting about Major's

situation at school.

I mean, I-I can't say

I'm surprised to hear

that Major's having some

trouble readjusting.

[inhales] He's been through

a lot the past few months.

As much as we wanna accommodate

Major's healing process...

- Mm-hmm.

- ...I'm afraid we can't put the safety

- of our staff at risk.

- What do you mean?

[dark, brooding music playing]

[counselor]

Major has severe issues

when it comes to

adult discipline and authority.

[Summer] [exhales]

Uhh...

There's no way

my Major's responsible for this.

I'm afraid the first place we always

have to start with this sort of thing

is the parenting.



Well, uh, I've always told Major

t-to stand up for himself,

- but I've n-never--

- No, Mrs. Beverly,

I wasn't suggesting you...

but is it possible that the influence

of the male parental figure in his life--

Well, Jerrel, Major's father,

he passed away recently, um--

I mean your new relationship.

Relationship?

What do you mean?

[counselor]

There's a lot of talk...

fear really, around the schoolyard...

about Major's new father figure.



The children keep away

from Major because...

they're afraid this man is

going to come and get them,

and snatch them up through their TVs.

[gasps] Oh, my God.

Can you... tell us

a little bit about this person?

Please help us.

[Major humming]



[box rattles]

[Mr. Crocket] [echoes]

That's my boy.

[Mr. Crocket's laugh echoes]

[screams]

- [static]

- [children's song playing]

A friend like you is a friend like me

A friend like us is a friend like we

Whenever you're in trouble,

you can call on me

I'll be there to protect you

in a heartbeat

A friend like you is a friend like me

A friend like us is a friend like we

Whenever you're in trouble,

you can call on me

I'll be there to protect you

in a heartbeat

Yes! [laughs]

That was really good.

That was really good, boys and girls.

[laugh echoes]

Now you know what you gotta do

when you see fruits and vegetables

in front of you, right?

You know the answer.

Ya got to eat right

Ya got to eat well

Take a great, big bite

It's so good for your health

Ya got to eat right

Ya got to eat well

Take a great, big bite

It's so good for your health

Fruits and vegetables,

they make your body strong

All of that junk food,

they do your body wrong

Fruits and vegetables,

they make your body strong

But beware of that junk food,

they do your body wrong

You know that junk food

never gave anybody any energy.

They'll just make you sleepy and tired.

[yawns]

[laughs] Alright, now.

You know when you got

a toy in your hand

and you got a friend

standing there staring at it?

Well, you know what to do.

Sharing means caring, can't you see?

Sharing means trust

between you and me

You give me what's yours

And I'll give you what's mine

We'll share together all the time

[laughs] Oh yeah!

Share to your left and share

to your right now, boys and girls.

That's the best thing to do

and the most fun!

Sharing means caring, can't you see?

Sharing means trust

between you and me

You give me what's yours

And I'll give you what's mine

We'll share together all the time

[ominous music playing]





[music cuts out]

[singers vocalizing]

[light music playing]

[music intensifies]

[music fades out]

- [children's song playing]

- Ya won't strike gold

From diggin' up your nose

It won't taste great

addin' boogers to your plate

Ya won't strike gold

From diggin' up your nose

It won't taste great

addin' boogers to your plate