Christmas Spark, The (2025)

[bunniefuu]

Christmas,

the most magical time of the year.

For most, it's a time to slow down.

To look back and reflect

on the year that's behind us.

But something tells me

you didn't come here to coast,

so my challenge to each

of you is to reach down deep.

Are you ready?

One, two, three, four, climb!

We don't want to coast through

the end of this year, do we?

Now's the time.

Dig down a little bit deeper.

Climb up a little bit higher.

How about some smiles on our faces?

It's Christmastime!

To get to the top of that mountain,

we need to climb consistently!

Little stronger, little faster.

To the top! Go, go, go!

Is this your day or not?

Ugh, it's down again.

Yeah.

But I was making a run for

the big guys and remembered.

This is your favorite latte, right?

Two pumps of sugar-free caramel?

[chuckling] Wow. Thanks.

Yeah. You're so welcome.

Hey, Adrian, you catch Walter

on his way out yesterday?

Ah, missed him.

-Had back-to-backs.

-What a run.

35 years.

[sighs]

And in other hockey highlights,

the Islanders game

was sealed in overtime

on a one-timer goal by Thacker.

An instant classic.

One-timer goal. Instant classic.

One-timer goal. Instant classic.

[approaching footsteps]

Edgar to Adrian.

Edgar to Adrian, over.

[laughs]

Hey, Edgar.

Scores! [Crowd cheering]

How 'bout those Islanders?

Three in a row for the

third...

Is there something I can help you with?

Just wanted to see if you peeped

the early Christmas gift I left you.

A congratulations of sorts.

Wow, you... you really didn't have to.

It's a pen.

Sorry.

I always ruin the surprises.

Thank you.

It's... it's really nice,

but a bit premature.

I haven't even met

-with...

-Reece is ready for you.

With 15 of my 20 years

happening right here at LegaTech,

I know I could step

in as director of litigation.

[snaps fingers] And not skip a beat.

Although, my first

order of business would

be to fix that espresso machine.

And then I'd see what I could do about

pulling a few strings to get us

that company Islanders box.

You know what I mean?

Islanders fan?

You seen the game last night?

You kidding?

That OT score last night by Thacker?

My god.

It was spectacular.

An... both: Instant classic.

[laughter]

[distant phone ringing]

[phone rings]

Hi, this is Adrian.

How's it going, big brother?

What's up, bro?

Ellie is looking for her cool To.

[chuckles] Cool uncle's

a little busy right now.

Well, could you tell him that Ellie,

she has her class Christmas

party today?

And her parents are

supposed to be there

and I'm kind of stuck.

-Well, where's Kate?

-Work trip. IDs.

Have your IDs out.

Look, I'm stuck on cadet registration.

It's the last course of the year.

No, dude, other side.

Other side!

I could really use cool uncle.

Unlike the rest of us, if you sneak out,

they're just going to think

you're meeting with a big client.

Billable hours, am I right?

To!

[chuckling] Hey!

Hey, Ellie.

Oh, I'm sorry I'm late, sweetie.

What are you doing right here?

I'm making cookies.

Oh.

OK.

Ready? One, two, three.

Hey, mine's the star of Bethlehem.

You see, there were

these three wise men...

I know the story, To.

I'm not a baby.

Excuse me.

What's yours, a manger?

It's a fire truck, like Daddy's.

That's great, Ellie.

Just don't eat too much of the red stuff.

It's not good for you.

-Oh.

-[chuckles]

All right, what do you want to do next?

We've got a photo booth.

There's a pin the nose on the Frosty.

We could pack a shoebox.

What do you think?

I want you to get in there.

[cheers and applause]

Oh, I...

[chuckling] I don't think so, sweetie.

Please?

Uh.

Oy.

[cheers and applause]

I surrender. [Laughter]

[people cheering]

Oh, I surrender.

Oh, Dad's arrived.

To is officially clocking out.

One more.

Wait, I know you.

Uh, I don't think so.

Yeah, no, where do I...

I live downtown.

You're probably mixing me up

with somebody else.

No, no, no, I definitely know your face.

I've always said

he has a very generic face.

Oh, did you used to sub at Creekview?

Oh, no. I'm an attorney.

Who are you, Shohei Ohtani?

She's my teacher.

P.E. teacher? Take it easy, Coach.

This is a new shirt.

Oh, I know.

The 30-day trial, a $200 value.

I mean, that's not something

I'm going to waste.

That's it.

Wait, wait. What is it?

You go to Pedal Point

downtown, don't you?

I-I don't... I don't think

you... you got the right guy.

On First and Cambridge?

-Wait, isn't that...

-for middle-aged ladies?

Excuse me?

And excuse me?

Middle-aged?

Yeah, sorry.

I'll have you know

there are plenty of men that

participate in group fitness.

Thank you.

Like Corbin. Oh, his class is the best.

Oh, my gosh, are you kidding?

-My legs the next day? Ugh.

-[chuckles]

Shot.

-Gone.

-[chuckles]

-[cheers and applause]

-[laughs] Look!

I got it on camera.

Oh, my gosh.

[applause]

Sorry. [Laughs]

[thumping]

Uh...

[chuckles] Are... are you OK?

Are you sure I can use these?

I don't want to take someone's stuff.

Trust me, they are super old.

No one's coming back for that.

[sighs]

[chuckles]

Gets worse.

I broke Mount Everest.

Close. Mount Kilimanjaro.

I-I can totally fix it. All good.

Watch this.

-Oh, here, sorry.

-Uh?

All right, there we go.

That all... yeah, we're

yeah, just make sure no one

breathes too hard in that area.

We'll be fine.

Yeah, I'll let my students know.

[both chuckle]

You a geography teacher?

At this grade, you teach

a little of everything.

Earth science, social studies,

some history.

Looks like you've seen a lot.

Oh, not me.

Yet.

These are my students.

You teach long enough

and they really scatter around.

Mm.

Kids grow up so fast.

Do you have any?

Me? No.

No, I'm... I'm the cool uncle. [Chuckles]

Spoil them with toys and sugar.

Leave the serious stuff to the parents.

Not a bad spot to be in.

-Mm.

-[chuckles]

Yours?

Yeah.

Although he does not

look like that anymore.

This was the last Christmas

with all of us together.

Um, don't forget your suit.

Yeah, right. Uh...

Well... [chuckles] I guess...

I guess I'll see you at spin, Ms...

Foster.

It's Sarah.

Adrian.

To some of you, is just a date.

That was the year

my father hired Walter Bates

as director of litigation

over 35 years ago.

[laughs] I know.

Wow. [Chuckles]

[sighs] You know, even back then,

good, old Bates was just closing deals

with his feet kicked up on his lucky desk.

We had his desk removed yesterday.

Well, I'm sure

it's around here somewhere.

Actually, we donated it to...

We'll circle back on that.

Now it's about the future,

and I can only dream

that our new DOL will give us

another 35 years of their own.

Certainly hope not.

I'd be like 80. [Chuckles]

Oh.

You didn't hear.

What?

I always ruin the surprises.

Well, I was going to wait for

the company Christmas party,

but I couldn't help it.

Please welcome your

new director of litigation...

Thomas Hanover!

Get on up here, buddy!

Sick.

Hey, hey! [Applause]

Mr. Reece, if I could just...

I know, I know.

It's a tough pill to swallow.

Uh, I literally just need

one moment of your time, sir.

[sighs] Look, how about this?

Why don't you just

take the rest of the year, huh?

To recharge, realign?

[chuckles] On us.

I don't want an extra week off.

I want the director job.

Why?

DOL is a tough job, you know.

Long hours.

Oh, hold that thought.

This is Reece.

Oh.

[laughs] Not a chance.

Look, we both know how

this is going to end, right?

Me winning and you

making excuses for your client.

So I'll see you at depo.

Sorry about that. Where were we?

The thing is, sir, I've

been here 15 years.

I see.

Let me put this in a way that you'll

you'll understand.

Oh, it's like when we drafted a winger

last year in the first round.

The Islanders, remember?

Yeah, not quite sure I do.

Well, we already had a

veteran on the roster, right?

But the GM was

thinking about the future.

And that, Adrian, that's my job.

Hey, Merry Christmas.

Hey, I'll see you at the party, right?

[sighs]

What do you mean you don't

want the director position?

DOL's a tough job, man.

Long hours.

[chuckles] Long hours?

I'm at the tail end of a 24-hour shift.

That's long.

I mean, you've been talking

about this director position

opening up forever.

Been there 15 years.

Maybe I want to try something else.

Like what?

I don't know, something new.

Maybe I'll try to do what you do.

Maybe try the new cadet course.

Who knows?

[laughs]

All right, stop.

Don't make me laugh.

I've seen my fair share of fire cases.

OK, pushing papers and putting out fires,

two totally different things.

Plus, you can't hack it.

All those abs and muscles are for show.

You're old as dirt on the inside.

Come on.

Dude, you're not just over the hill.

You're, like, over the hill,

through the woods,

on your way to Grandma's house.

All right, take it easy, take it easy.

Come on, man, I'm only

five years older than you.

Give me a break.

Dude, that's like half a decade.

Anyway, you should see this

new class of cadets we've got.

They are the future.

And getting old is nothing

to be ashamed of.

Maturity is a gift.

Hey!

Who ate all the honey buns?

Trust me, you don't need

any more honey buns.

Wow, OK.

Hey, bro, seriously.

You really don't think I could be a cadet?

Maybe a space cadet.

If NASA will take your application.

Man, I'm being real here.

Are you telling me we can't

do the things we used to do?

We've got something

these young guys don't.

Bad knees? Arthritis? Acid reflux?

No. Life experience.

[bell ringing]

-Engine three, ladder one.

-Structure fire reported.

Possible child inside.

Mobile home at 1420 Kensington Road.

[bell ringing]

That's a trailer fire!

They burn fast! Move, move!

[siren wailing]

[honk honking]

[siren wailing]

[beeping]

[sighs]

-Thanks. Thanks, guys.

-We're really proud of you.

-We're going to do big stuff.

-Yeah?

We're going to do big stuff here.

-[laughs]

-Things are going to change.

Mayday, mayday.

Ramirez has entered

the break room, over.

Hey, Edgar.

Care to join me?

I'm sure you're busy.

No. No, no, no. Please, sit down.

Well, this is awkward.

It's just... it was really pricey.

[scoffs softly]

[whispers] Sorry.

Look what I got you.

Come on, brother.

Yeah, no. [Laughter]

It's Christmas, people,

the time of year to believe.

Soak up that fresh, winter air.

Burning from the inside out. Let's go.

Believe that if you keep pedaling,

keep putting in that work,

you can reach the top of any hill.

You know what, Corbin?

It doesn't always work out like that, pal.

One, two, three, four, climb!

Yeah, don't get me wrong.

I love what you do

and I love your little

$13 berry blast shakes,

but hard work and consistency

doesn't always pay off.

Trust me.

Take this next hill like you mean it.

Stay the course.

Get to the top of that mountain!

Is there even anything at the

top of that mountain, Corbin?

You know, maybe you should tell people

not to count on hard work

and consistency.

-Maybe...

-Hey!

Hey.

-Last day.

-[chuckles]

Same.

[scoffs]

Welcome to the program.

Next.

OK... whoa.

What are you doing?

I'm in.

I'm sorry, what?

I said I'm in. Paid my dues online.

[scoffs] What dues?

Cadet dues.

Bro, we were joking.

I wasn't.

Someone cover real quick.

Come here.

This is a really tough course.

It's not something that you just...

Just let me get a shot, man.

You didn't let me finish.

It's not something I give you a shot

because you're bored at work.

These kids will eat you for lunch.

Yeah, I don't think so.

They didn't give it to you, did they?

Did you quit?

Time off.

To recharge, realign.

OK.

Second floor. Take your physical.

If you pass that and if you're serious,

I see you here tomorrow, 6:00 a.m.

Thanks, bro.

No, no, bro.

It's captain now.

I'm your captain.

Go ahead.

You know, buying a Porsche

would have been a lot easier.

[chuckles]

[chuckles softly]

Welcome to the

Twin District Fire Academy.

I am Captain Harrison.

Captain Ramirez and Captain Z.

We will be your training instructors.

The reason we hold this course

a week before Christmas is simple:

to weed out the weak before

we come back from break.

And if you do decide to quit,

march over to that bell,

and you ring it in respect for

those who are tougher than you.

Should you stick around long enough,

you will learn what it's like

to play with fire.

Hmm. This one was born

before fire was invented.

[scattered chuckles]

It is our goal to make you smarter,

stronger, and faster.

Welcome to day one.

Smarter, stronger, faster!

All: Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!

Don't stop! Four!

All: Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!

Five!

All: Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!

Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!

Pick it up. Move!

Come on already.

[overlapping shouting]

Your knee can predict the weather!

Let's hustle!

All: Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!

Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!

Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!

Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!

Grab the links!

Head up the stairs!

Keep moving! Keep moving!

[sighs]

Hey, we did that.

[scoffs]

Guys, made it through day one.

You should be proud of yourselves.

We have two standouts.

Little Red.

Hey. [All cheer]

Yeah, all right.

Old Ramirez.

[murmuring and applause]

Shower up!

[indistinct chatter]

Some retired guys from the

department set this place up.

Firemen eat for free.

Oh, you don't count, by the way.

Thanks.

Hey, what's with the kid?

What about him?

Well, why do they call him Little Red?

He's not a redhead.

His dad was.

He was a hero, man.

I was lucky to know him.

We all were.

Anyway, the kid's been waiting years

to be in the cadet program.

Saved up his own money and everything.

Oh.

I'm going to show you a whole

new side of firefighting today.

[keypad beeping] Thrilling, I know.

We've got to fit all these in

before Christmas break.

[alarm ringing]

All right, all right.

Nice job. That's what I'm talking about.

That's what I'm talking about.

Good job. Nice.

Oh, you left me hanging, kid.

Take it... hey, hey, take it easy.

[alarm ringing]

Daddy, it's cold.

Don't worry, sweetie, I'll make it quick.

Ah, hey.

All right. And then...

[chuckles]

They're letting you on a fire drill today?

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

You two know each other?

We met at the class Christmas party.

Adrian, this is my son, Charlie.

Oh.

Ellie told me all about this

little adventure you're on.

Hey, it's career day today?

Yeah.

You got a minute?

Mom.

We're kind of busy.

Well, I think we might

be able to make something work.

Right, Diego?

Yeah.

[chuckles] I crush career day.

-You guys are going down.

-[laughs]

I'm going to get my stuff.

As you can tell by what

I'm wearing, I am a fireman!

And this is called a turnout suit.

It's pretty thick, huh?

It keeps me safe in the heat.

It's like a giant oven mitt.

[laughter]

Now, this next part is going

to make me look a little silly,

but I promise you, it's me under here.

[muffled] It's called a self-contained...

You can keep that sweater, by the way.

I can tell you liked it.

-I look like a Latino Ant-Man.

-[kids laugh]

Oh, thanks.

Thought it looked kind of cute on me.

[laughs]

And I got this cool little speaker

so you can hear me better.

[imitates static buzz]

That's five cheeseburgers...

[kids laughing]

Three whoopie pies,

large fries, and a milkshake.

Come around. Window two.

So that's what it's like to be

in the boots of a firefighter.

Because you guys were

such great listeners,

I've got a special treat for you.

You guys are all honorary firefighters.

Say thank you, Captain Ramirez.

Thank you, Papa.

All: Thank you, Captain Ramirez.

[applause]

Good luck following that. [Both chuckle]

OK, next up, we have our

final guest before break.

It's his brother, actually,

Mr. Adrian Ramirez.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

All: Merry Christmas.

Are you a fireman too?

Well, technically, I'm an attorney.

Well, then why do you have

a fireman shirt on?

Yeah, I can see how that can

be a little confusing, but...

He's going through a midlife crisis.

Ellie Zahar Ramirez.

I heard you talking with Mommy

-on the...

-He's standing right there.

Hey, bro. You know, late night...

It's all good. It's all... it's all good.

Attorneys are very important, everyone.

They help people.

OK, why don't you give us a

little example of what you do?

Of course.

Thank you, Ms. Foster.

For example, last Christmas,

a family's thermostat

glitched during a snowstorm

and it cranked the heat to the max.

And by the time they

got home from vacation,

a few pipes had burst.

There was water damage everywhere.

And the system, totally shot.

Naturally, their insurance

blamed the thermostat company.

But when we investigated, we discovered

the homeowners had skipped

updating the software,

even ignored multiple warnings.

So my job

was to protect the thermostat company.

And while lawyers don't have cool masks

or cool air tanks, we... [chuckles]

We use these.

Our superpower is networking.

Um, I'm just going to

leave these right here

next to these cool stickers.

So what happened to the family?

Oh, they spent a lot of time

around their fireplace

that Christmas while we hashed out

who was going to pay for what.

[radio beeps]

-[indistinct radio chatter]

-Ooh. Copy.

Everything OK?

Yeah, nothing to worry about.

It's fine. Just routine stuff.

All right, well, it looks

like my ride is leaving,

so I'm happy to come

back anytime you'd like.

We'd love that, class, wouldn't we?

Uh, merry Christmas.

Um, everyone,

open your books to page 49.

We're going to end the day

talking about the water cycle.

[siren wailing]

[horn honks]

Networking's your superpower?

It's a skill set.

We're getting close.

We're meeting up with Engine One.

You two, stay in the truck.

[sirens wailing]

[indistinct radio chatter]

-Where are you going?

-He said to stay in the truck.

[indistinct radio chatter]

[sirens wailing]

I thought you said this was routine.

[indistinct radio chatter]

It is.

Let's go!

20 seconds.

Keep moving.

Every minute you waste

is a minute of someone's life!

10 seconds.

Let's go! Move!

-[sighs]

-Red's done.

Anyone else?

Time.

Those turnout suits are 40 pounds.

You add your gear, you're pushing 70.

You are expected

to climb a flight of stairs

without missing a step.

Tomorrow we'll go over

the firefighter carry

in preparation of

the burn house checkpoint.

Get some rest.

See you tomorrow.

Oh, we strolling?

Y'all better get used

to running in those suits.

Let's go!

Go ahead. Take, take, take.

Just remember who you've

got to thank for these.

You're welcome.

All right, man. I'll see you later.

-Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

-Where you going?

We're all going

to the Firehouse Pizza across the street.

Can't. I forgot I've got my

office Christmas party tonight.

Aren't you off?

You know how it goes.

If you're not there, it's a bad look.

I take it you don't

want to be my plus one?

Oh, heck no.

All those uptight, stuffy lawyers?

No offense. You're riding solo, bro.

Hey, Cap, is it cool we bring Gus in?

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Make sure he's comfortable in the office.

Wait, is that...

Yeah, yeah. Mrs. Stevens,

whose house burned down,

moved into an extended stay.

They don't allow pets.

So he's staying here for a little bit.

That's a bummer. For how long?

I don't know.

Till insurance sorts everything out.

Let's roll, fellas.

All right.

Have fun at the party, dude.

[phone chimes]

[sighs]

[sighs]

Gosh. [Sighs]

[phone ringing]

Hello?

Uh, hey, this is Adrian.

Oh, hi.

I got your number from

Ellie's emergency contacts.

I hope that's not too weird.

Oh, no. It's OK.

The guys really enjoyed the cupcakes.

Great. I'm... I'm glad they liked them.

And thanks again

for coming to career day.

Oh, my pleasure.

Next time, I'll bring stickers.

Yeah, I think that would help.

Uh, please hold.

OK.

Come on, Adrian, just ask her out.

Ask her.

[chuckles]

Uh, sorry, I'm here still.

I don't know that

you pressed the mute button.

Oh, uh... [clears throat]

I'm... I'm so sorry, but I've got to go.

OK. You called me. I...

I know.

I-I've got this office party thing

I've got to go to tonight.

-Uh, OK.

-Were you asking me on a date?

What? Uh, no.

Because I'd go.

Really?

Yeah, it'll be fun.

No, it won't, but OK.

Uh, should I pick you up or...

Uh, I will meet you there.

OK, great.

Uh, address coming your way.

Sounds good.

Oh.

[laughter]

So I get a call from my client, right?

-Uh-huh.

-Uh-huh.

And this homeowner

unscrewed the top of his pool filter,

claims the pressure busted the lid off

and hit him right in the face. All: Oh.

-Allegedly. I wasn't there.

-Right.

But he says he's hurt, can't

go to bed, can't go to work.

-Gotcha.

-Gosh.

Opposing counsel walks in

acting like it's a slam dunk.

Right?

Strict liability, defective

design, pain and suffering.

You know, the usual stuff.

Showed the whole jury

photo evidence

of the pressure release valve.

And he practically handed me the case.

Adrian.

Those Islanders last night, huh?

Oh, you kidding me? [Laughs]

Just incredibly disappointing.

Oh, tough loss.

Tough, tough loss.

We won.

Oh, are you two talking about the

the injury?

-Uh, brutal.

-Oh, yeah.

We... we can't do anything.

-You gotta have that guy.

-You gotta have him.

-You've got to have that guy.

-You watch that?

You watch that game? Dude.

Sorry about that.

You... you look beautiful.

Thank you.

Quite a party. [Both chuckle]

Real rager. Let me show you around.

Well, you got a taste

of the boss right there,

-so you know what that's about.

-[chuckles]

Over there, that group, that's accounting.

They always like to kind of

hang by themselves.

And in that corner, that's HR.

They hate accounting. Don't ask me why.

That's just the way it is.

And this is our dessert table.

Although I've never seen anyone

actually eat anything from here.

-Impressive.

-[chuckles]

I know, right?

It'd be like breaking ice

off an ice sculpture.

I mean you.

It's fun to see you in your element.

Oh, thanks.

Although you were totally

faking it back there.

I wasn't faking.

Uh, yeah.

OK, maybe I was bluffing a little,

but that's 90% of what it takes

to make a good attorney.

A performance.

-Really?

-Yeah.

Same reason no one eats these cookies

or no one uses the karaoke machine.

[gasps] There's a karaoke machine?

Yeah, but it's just for show.

-Adrian.

-[sighs]

Just the man I was hoping to see tonight.

-Thomas. [Fake chuckles]

-How you doing, buddy?

Good to see you. I'd like you to meet

oh, anyway, congrats again

on the, uh, director job.

[inhales deeply]

-Well deserved.

-I appreciate it.

Still, got lots to learn from you.

Please, if there's anything I can do to

help with the transition,

just let me know.

I'd love that.

That is, if you're still around.

We all know about your little PTO stunt.

I mean, using your time off

to take meetings

at the Manhattan offices?

It's genius.

There's some big changes

going on over there.

Oh. Huh.

Really?

If I was you, I'd be doing the same thing.

Hello.

Oh, yeah, it's on.

I heard this was just for show.

And now I can see why.

This is really scary. [Chuckles]

OK, uh, here goes nothing.

Yikes. Who brought her here?

[snapping fingers]

Uh, I'll be back.

Angels we have heard on high

What are you doing?

Sweetly singing o'er the plains

And the mountains in reply

Echoing their joyous strains

Shepherds, why this jubilee?

Why your joyous strains prolonged?

What the gladsome tidings be?

Both: Which inspire

your heavn'ly song?

Everyone!

All: Glo...

Ria

In excelsis Deo

[cheers and applause]

-That's very fun.

-You were good, by the way.

Stop. [Laughter]

-Oh.

-Oh, wait.

Wait, wait, wait.

[indistinct chatter]

OK. [Chuckles]

-Go, go.

-What?

No, you didn't.

I couldn't just leave them all there.

You'll chip a tooth eating that.

-[chuckles]

-Telling you.

No. No way.

They taste different.

I'm telling you, all

the icing is the same flavor.

Sugar.

I taste cherry.

Yeah. You see this right here?

Yes. It's a red ornament.

That's Fairmont icing

with unflavored red dye number three.

Uh-oh. Are you a health nut?

I'm their attorney.

Or I was until I lost the case.

Now red 3 is getting phased out.

-Oh.

-You'll be fine.

Were you paid to say that?

In one go,

I lost the biggest case of my career

and a long-term relationship.

Wow.

Turns out working 15 hours a day

trying to defend food coloring

doesn't exactly

scream marriage material.

I'm so sorry.

Eh, it's probably best

for everyone's health.

[chuckles]

Is it ever hard defending the

the wrong people?

Everyone deserves a fair defense.

But, yeah, that can

be a tough act to keep up.

So why do you do it?

-[sighs]

-Oh, come on.

You have to have a reason.

You know, you ask

a lot of tough questions.

Learn a few fancy phrases, and

you'd make a promising lawyer.

Teach me one.

-Burden shift.

-Burden shift.

What's it mean?

It means you answer first.

Why'd you become a teacher?

Honestly, for the summers off.

I figured I'd use them

to travel the world.

Favorite place?

I never did it.

I didn't have time.

-Really? Why not?

-[chuckles]

That's right. You don't have kids.

[chuckles]

But now I teach for my students

instead of for the time away from them.

This is me.

Oh, let me get this.

Thank you.

Of course.

-[sighs]

-[clears throat]

That party was actually really fun.

Yeah.

We should maybe do it again sometime.

If... if you want.

Yeah.

-Come here.

-OK.

Um, I just have to let you know that

I'm actually not ready for anything.

Um, I have a lot of, like,

family stuff going on.

OK, yeah, totally.

Yeah.

Thanks.

I just wanted to set that.

What's that?

You know.

Boundaries.

Why did you say it like that?

Like what?

Like in that weird, little robot voice.

Boundaries.

[laughs] OK, I haven't been out

or worn heels in almost six years.

These conversations make me nervous.

[chuckles]

You cannot laugh at my boundaries.

No, no, I'm not.

I'm... I'm just laughing

at how you said it.

-[chuckles]

-OK, I'm sorry.

[sighs] Well, uh, get home safe.

Thanks.

And, uh, I'll enjoy

all the red dye number three while I can.

Mm. You do that.

[engine turns over]

[engine revving]

[keys jingling]

Cool dress.

It's, uh, nothing.

I... had a work Christmas party.

At school?

I have cookies.

What you reading?

Calc.

OK, well, uh, have fun.

I'm going to go to bed.

Good luck with calc.

[cookie crunching loudly]

Left, left, right.

Bend the legs, cross the arms,

and in one smooth motion.

-Hey.

-Nicely done.

All right, partner up.

Little Red, Ramirez,

you'd make a great team.

-Got it. You got it?

-[groans]

OK.

Attaboy, Little Red.

Come on, you got this, man.

Can we just not talk right now?

[groans]

[groans]

[sighs]

Listen, I was taught to

respect my elders and all that.

I wouldn't exactly call myself an elder.

I don't know what you have

going on with my mom,

but my family's a little more

complicated than you'd think.

Oh, don't... don't worry, man.

She told me all about...

Just stay away.

Copy that, partner.

You know you're not my partner, right?

You're a white-collared lawyer

playing dress-up on his Christmas break.

You'll never be a firefighter.

Copy that?

Partner?

[sighs softly]

Check the board, check the board.

[jingle bells ring]

Hey, Gus.

How you doing, buddy? You OK?

You miss your mama?

I'll take care of you.

Here, let's see what you've got.

All right, clean water.

Gonna get you some munchies.

Let's get you on your walk here.

[blows air]

All right, any day now, buddy.

Any day.

[motorcycle chugging]

All right, Gus, let's get you

back to some warmth, all right?

Come on, buddy. Let's go.

Hey!

Hey. What are you doing here?

I was picking up Charlie,

but apparently

he's now out with friends, so

yeah.

Communication isn't exactly

his strong suit. [Chuckles]

I don't know how you do it.

I mean, it's hard enough

for me taking care of...

Everything OK?

Gus?

[phone rings] Gus?

Hello?

So you still walking

your favorite nephew?

Uh, yeah.

When you get a chance,

send me a Gus pic.

I want to show Mrs. Stevens

the cute jingle bells

I put on his collar.

I like to give her updates.

He's like family to her.

Gus!

Gus!

Hey, um, what's that?

Oh, nothing.

We're just, uh, we're just playing.

Outside? It's like 15 degrees.

Get him inside.

You don't think I know that?

Did you lose this woman's dog?

Man, this crate must be messed up.

You know she named him Gus

after her late husband, right?

Like, who does that?

She does, to honor him.

This woman has lost her

house and now her dog.

Look, you're not helping right now.

I-I got to go.

[sighs]

Hey, you didn't happen to have

seen where Gus was, did you?

Yeah, Ms. Stevens came in earlier.

Probably took him for a walk.

Sarah.

Yeah?

I think I have an idea

where Gus may have went.

-[jingle bells ringing]

-Come on, baby, come on.

Oh, we were looking for you two.

-Oh.

-[chuckles]

You two work at the station

or something?

Uh, yeah, kind of. I'm sorry, I'm Adrian.

-Hello.

-Cadet from the fire station.

I'm Sarah.

Hi.

I just swung by to take him for a walk

and, well, he wanted to come home.

Oh, I can't imagine.

It just doesn't seem real.

We had so many memories

in this house.

[sighs] Now the insurance company

is battling it out

with the toaster company.

It's all above my head.

Toaster?

Oh, that's what caused

the fire, I'm sure of it.

But I also had a few candles burning,

so now it's turning

into a whole investigation.

Well, sorry to say,

but it's going to really be dragged out.

They're going to point fingers

as to who should pay.

No kidding.

They couldn't be in any less of a hurry.

[Gus groans]

Oh, OK, honey, let's get going.

We'll get you back.

Come on, come on.

Uh, you don't happen

to have a manual for the toaster, do you?

Not anymore.

We'll walk you back.

I just got two texts from Charlie.

Where are you?

-I mean, I've seen it all.

-[chuckles]

You should see him around here.

-Hardest worker by far.

-Mm.

Yeah, he doesn't take it for granted.

That's for sure.

My husband, uh...

I know.

[sighs] Well, since then,

I've forbid him from ever

coming near the station.

But as soon as he was old enough,

he begged to do cadet training.

And he really got into it.

But a few heated hours later,

we came to a compromise,

and if he goes to community

college, gets good grades,

he can volunteer.

Shine the helmets, go on the fire drills.

Yeah, I get it.

Just, you know, be around the place.

I mean, the guys are like family to him.

But I could never let him

train to be a firefighter.

He's a good kid.

Tough kid.

Yeah. I wish he didn't have to be.

Would you keep an eye on him for me?

Course.

Well, thanks for seeing me home.

Hey, uh, I... I wanted to ask.

Yeah?

Do you have plans

for dinner tomorrow night?

Well, it's the last day of the semester,

so that probably means a ham

sandwich from the cafeteria

-and a stack of papers to grade.

-[chuckles]

I have a better plan.

Oh, yeah? What's that?

You like pizza?

Mm, depends what time.

And what kind of pizza.

Both are up to you.

Then I will see you tomorrow.

At 7:30.

7:30 it is.

[smooches]

Um, or 8:00?

I'll text you?

OK.

[door closes]

So I did some digging,

and it turns out that a lot of people

are having issues

with that particular toaster.

Mm-hmm.

I mean, their house didn't

burn down or anything,

but you know what I mean.

So I went back to Mrs. Stevens'

house this morning,

and check this out.

See those burn patterns?

Let me see that.

Huh.

Classic V pattern

from the kitchen counter.

Yeah, and the room where

the candles were, nothing.

You do know a thing or two about fire.

[clicks] Told you, man.

Huh.

Oh, that's an old-school bike right there.

Yeah, what is that, early '80s?

-'79.

-Oh.

Looks like you've gotten

a lot of use out of it too.

I used to ride.

Cool.

Well, uh, I'm going to...

Your mom doesn't know you're

in the cadet course, does she?

Unless those textbooks in your

locker are for night school.

I'm guessing you're skipping

class and going to training?

Use this thing to get back

and forth or what?

That's none of your business.

My bad. It's just, you know,

something I would have done

when I was your age.

Although, I wouldn't have

used that cheap thing.

You can't say anything to my mom.

If you're trying to stay under the radar,

I'd get a much quieter exhaust.

-Don't change the subject.

-What subject?

What are you talking about?

[chuckles softly]

It's aftermarket.

But gets the job done.

What about that one?

It was a Christmas gift. From my Dad.

My starter bike.

Does it run?

[motors whirring]

Remind you of something?

What?

Every drill we've ever done?

[laughs]

Try to keep up.

Whoo-hoo!

That exhaust is loud, man.

[engine revving]

It's freaking cold, man. [Chuckles]

So how long have you

been hiding it from her?

Few months.

It took me two summers

to earn enough money

to buy the bikes back.

She sold them after

you know.

You know she's going to find

out you're not just volunteering, right?

Yeah, but

figured it'll go over smoother

after I have my own place.

Talking to some of the guys

about renting a spot next year.

You OK?

It was never supposed to be this way.

It was the last call of his shift.

Turns out the pickup slid onto the lake.

Dad roped up, pulled the

driver out just in time.

But on his way back

the ice broke.

His rope snapped.

So he was a hero.

Yeah.

It's a lot to live up to.

As soon as he was gone,

everything changed.

There was this quiet, you know?

[geese honking]

After a couple of weeks,

the house smelled different.

His clothes used to make the

laundry room smell like smoke.

Mom always said she hated that smell.

But, um...

It was like the last thing

keeping him here.

You're right.

It's freezing. [Chuckles]

[phone buzzes]

You weren't kidding when

you said the place was close.

Well, you told me the time,

but you never told me what

type of pizza you like,

so since we've got

the place to ourselves,

today, we're the chefs.

[chuckles] Thank you.

Welcome.

-There you go.

-You did a good job.

-I think I've got this.

-OK.

Can you add more flour?

No, don't try to act like

you're all professional.

No, I exactly what I'm doing.

OK.

Yeah, I've made a pizza or two.

And if you can toss it.

-All right.

-Let's see what you've got.

First of all, I smack like this.

-Yeah, yeah, yeah.

-Yeah.

Yeah.

-Yeah, no, that's...

-You get the torso.

The momentum.

You get the... [laughter]

-Oh!

-No... oh!

I... all good.

I've got another one. That was practice.

That doesn't count, that doesn't count.

That doesn't count.

That doesn't count, that doesn't count.

Try to get fancy, see what happened?

-[sighs]

-This...

-don't judge me on that.

-[laughs]

Ooh.

-OK.

-Is that good?

I think so. I can start.

All right, let's see.

OK, it looks...

It looks pretty good, I think.

-Almost perfect.

-OK, but?

There's a but there.

I think it's missing like one thing.

Hmm.

Controversial.

Oh, and as the star,

you're going to go pineapples?

Ooh.

Got to say, very controversial.

[chuckles]

You might need a new fallback plan.

You know,

if your firefighter-lawyer

career doesn't work out.

I'll master the toss. You'll see.

[both chuckle]

Got big plans for break?

Sticking around.

Last-minute shopping,

Christmas, New Year's,

Charlie's birthday.

It's all back to back.

Can't imagine shopping for a teenager.

Yeah. [Chuckles]

He's been saving up for a car,

so I'll help him out a little.

But mostly, so it has working brakes

and isn't held together by duct tape.

[chuckles]

Maybe one of those boxy Volvos.

I heard they're like tanks.

[chuckling] Oh, yeah.

Wow. He's 18.

He'll be an adult.

Mm, might be time to dust off

that passport, take a trip.

It's probably expired.

Oh.

Maybe it's time you check.

You deserve it.

Thanks.

[groans]

Uh-oh. [Chuckles]

What's happening?

You're making noises

doing everyday tasks.

No, I'm just a little bit

sore from training today.

That's all.

Pedal Point not translating?

Give me a few weeks

and I'll be right there

with the rest of those young guys.

Is that what's next?

Being a firefighter?

I don't know.

How's that feel?

Exciting.

Kinda scary.

For the first time in my life, I...

I don't know the answer to that question.

Just keep pedaling. You'll get to the top.

I guess I'm just wondering

if there's anything up there.

I just figured that I'd...

I'd know by now.

Yeah, me too.

[bell ringing]

Um, the dessert.

The dessert is ready, so.

[chuckles] Yeah. I-I should go get it.

Yeah, I'm going to go get it.

[sighs]

Tighten it. Lock it down.

Make sure it's secure.

This is the real thing.

Sweep the stream under the

vehicle and move the line up.

Get it together, Ramirez. Pay attention.

A spark is a curious thing.

Equal parts beautiful

equal parts dangerous.

If left unattended,

it doesn't take much more than a curtain

for it to double in size

and reduce everything around it to ash.

Now, the burn house drill is designed

to test everything we've

taught you this past week.

Pass, you join us at the station

for the Christmas party,

return after the break.

Fail, this is where your journey ends.

Now, your partner's name

is taped to your locker.

I suggest you get some rest tonight.

Get ready to work tomorrow.

[fire crackling]

Dismissed.

[fire crackling]

[chuckles]

[phone rings]

Hello.

-Adrian, it's Reece.

-Do you have a moment?

[phone chimes]

You know what they say.

If you want to know who

truly cares about you,

disappear for a while

and see who notices.

Well

we've noticed. [Laughs]

[phone buzzes]

You hear about what's

what's happening

at the Manhattan branch?

Uh, no. What... what's happening?

Well, they're restructuring

some, uh, senior-level staff.

[phone chimes]

And when I say senior,

you know what I mean.

They called me for a rec, and...

I called you.

Yep.

You're reading that right.

Well... [phone chimes]

There he is. Missed you, buddy.

Sidebar lunch? [Phone chimes]

Uh, no I... I gotta go.

Hey, it's Charlie, leave a message.

[chuckling] My guy.

I hear that Christmas might

come early for you this year.

Lunch?

No, sorry. I... no lunch.

Busy man.

[thunder rumbling]

[sighs]

[indistinct radio chatter]

Hey, I got here as soon as I could.

Tires slipped on black ice.

You good? You all right?

Yeah, yeah, I'm fine.

How is it?

I'm not sure if it's going to start.

I was hoping you'd get here

before anyone else saw.

Charlie!

I'm fine.

Adrian?

Ran you through the system

and your license checks out.

Now, make sure to get your credentials

on your physical card and

keep it with you next time.

Don't worry, officer,

there will not be a next time.

-Thank you for the call.

-My pleasure.

Now, I'm issuing you a written warning

for failure to carry proper endorsement.

What's going on with that exhaust?

It's, um...

It's aftermarket

and loud as a freight train,

but it's road legal.

All right. [Sighs]

He called me to pick him up.

Did you know he was riding?

Look, Sarah. I'm sorry.

-Wait, wait, wait. Hold on.

-Have you been spying on me?

What?

I knew it. I knew

I shouldn't have kissed you.

You kissed my mom?

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

What, are you guys, like, together?

You've got to be kidding me.

Charlie, get back here!

You are in so much trouble.

In trouble for what?

For buying back Dad's bike?

For not being honest with me.

Oh, wow. Oh, that's really something.

You know, I always wondered

why you were in cadet training,

but now it makes so much sense.

I'm not spying on you.

Oh, and how you were always

coincidentally my partner?

Charlie, please, man.

Oh, are you in cadet training?

OK, everyone, let's just...

Are you in cadet training?

And did you know?

Son.

[sighs] Thank you, Officer.

You stay safe, OK?

You the father?

Not even close.

Merry Christmas, folks.

[engine revving]

I... I... listen.

I just found out the other night

that you didn't know

he was in the course.

When I said to keep an eye on him,

I didn't exactly mean to cover for him.

You didn't ride with him, did you?

Wow.

I gotta go.

Let me if you think of anything else

I don't know about my own kid.

For starters, he's the

best cadet in the course.

Yeah, well, his attendance is probably

going to take a hit when he's grounded

for the indefinite future.

Maybe try going a little easier on him?

He's almost an adult.

Wow, that is really

insightful parenting advice.

Thank you, Adrian.

Sarah, he's not a baby anymore.

You can't protect him forever.

You wouldn't know the first thing

about the love you have

for your own child.

That is something

I could never explain to you.

Sarah.

By the way, your boots

don't match your suit.

Why don't you pick a career

and stick with it?

[wind whistling]

[phone ringing]

[sighs]

Hey.

Hey, viejo.

Kate just got back from a work

trip and we were baking and...

To!

She insisted on showing you this.

Honey, be careful.

Look! It's a lawyer, like you.

Wow, that's, uh

thank you.

He helps people.

Dude, it's a cookie. Relax.

Got to go.

Charlie.

Honey.

[footsteps]

Charlie, stop!

It's freezing.

My bike won't start.

You got what you wanted.

But I'm not going

to miss that checkpoint.

Charlie, I got your report card.

Your attendance is terrible.

But apparently you're one of those kids

who can get straight A's

without studying.

Hey. I'm headed to the school.

The fire station is on the way.

This drill consists of four checkpoints.

First, you'll encounter

a wall of controlled fire

where you need to work the hose

together to clear a path.

Nice of you to show up, Red.

Where's your partner?

I don't think he's going to make it.

I'm here!

Bad start, Ramirez. Move!

Check your partner.

Hey, man, listen, I really don't...

Now, once inside, you'll go up the stairs.

You'll find a door blocking

access to the rescue room.

You'll need to break it down,

locate the training dummy,

form a firefighter carry to the window,

where your partner will help

you bring it down the ladder.

And since Ramirez and Little Red

seem to have it all figured out,

you're up.

We have water on the fire.

Clear, clear, clear!

[masks hissing]

Call again.

Here. Go.

You got this.

-Charlie, listen.

-Stop.

I know you think you have

to go through this alone, man,

but you don't.

Just stop.

Your dad's right here with you.

[strains]

[grunts]

Dummy located.

I've got the legs. Grab the arms.

Window's clear.

I'll take the ladder first.

Hand him over.

Time.

Textbook, gentlemen.

Textbook. [Applause]

Hey, listen.

Listen to me. Listen.

-Stop.

-Listen to me.

-What?

-Listen.

What?

He'd be so proud of you, man.

All right?

Listen to me.

If it counts for anything,

I'm proud of you too.

[sirens wailing]

[bell ringing]

Why don't we just put this

on the back burner

until after the new year?

I'll turn my book over

to whoever you'd like.

All the clients will stay in-house.

Frochs Trust, IntraSmart, Dynatech

these are big names, Adrian. [Chuckles]

Look, if this is about

the director position,

we can adjust your pain points.

Hold that thought. Just one second.

Hi, this is Adrian.

I heard he quit to be a firefighter.

No.

He's just going full immersion,

trying to get to know his clients.

No, I bet he's jumping ship

to another firm.

[chuckles] Sick.

-Merry Christmas, Reece.

-Wait, Adrian!

I'm working on that Islanders box.

[chuckles]

I hate to break it to you,

but I don't know anything about hockey!

I never watched it. I never played it.

I went to an ice skating rink one time

when I was in the sixth grade

for a birthday party, fell,

and broke some hard-to-

pronounce bone in my wrist.

But Adrian...

You know how hard it is

to write a five-page essay

left-handed in under 30 minutes?

Never again!

Adrian, wait, let's sidebar.

Can we circle back? [Sighs]

He doesn't like hockey?

Who doesn't like hockey?

[knock on door]

Adrian.

[Gus barks]

Oh, baby. Hi, pumpkin.

Well, are you going for a walk?

I'll get my coat.

Uh, Mrs. Stevens, I just got a call.

After reviewing the pictures

of the burn pattern,

your insurance agrees it wasn't a candle.

[gasps]

You can expect a fast settlement.

In the meantime,

there is a pre-furnished town home

that is all yours until

the rebuild is done.

And you want to know the best part?

[gasps] No way.

Yep, the landlord allows pets.

[laughter]

[barks]

You got the memo school's out, right?

-[chuckles]

-Oh, hey.

New desk?

Um, the district

made new inventory available.

Free stuff disappears fast.

Can I help?

Yeah.

You know, that party

at the firehouse starts soon.

I was kind of hoping you'd come with me.

Do all the cadets go to that?

If you're asking if

he's going to be there,

I don't know.

I wasn't.

Uh-huh.

He quit today after training.

But kind of think you already knew that.

You need to get better at hiding.

And parents are not the only

ones who see everything.

[chuckles] You could teach me

a thing or two about that.

You know, in training,

they teach us to always speak clearly.

And be direct.

And I just want you to know that...

I've always noticed.

Even if I didn't say anything.

How you held us all together

and watched over me.

[chuckling]

Sometimes from a parking lot.

But I got it from here, Mom.

And... [sighs]

I think it's time for you to

build something for yourself.

You are not as grown up

as you think you are.

[chuckles softly]

But you are off to a pretty amazing start.

And you smell like smoke.

I know.

Aw.

[phone ringing]

-Hey.

-Where you at?

We're all at the party.

-Just moved in Mrs. Stevens.

-We're about to play pinochle.

Hello? Can you hear me?

Yeah, can you hear you?

Did you miss the part where I quit?

It's a party for firefighters.

Dude, it's a family party.

You're my brother. I want you here.

And I think someone else does too.

Oh, she's there?

Show up and find out.

Look, save me a piece of cake

and I may swing by after

and say hi to the guys.

Eight, nine, ten.

Sorry about that.

Are you more of a bidder or a passer?

Excuse me?

In pinochle. What's your style?

Oh, uh, I've...

I've actually never played. [Chuckles]

Honey, something tells me

you shouldn't be spending your

night shuffling cards with me.

If I've learned anything from all this,

it's that stuff is just stuff.

But the things you love the most

you go back for.

Yeah.

Yeah, I should go.

Yeah.

You know...

I'd hate to go alone.

Would... would you care to join me?

Let me just put my face on.

You're a mess.

There's got to be something back here.

Yeah, let's have a good time.

[gasps] It looks great.

[indistinct chatter]

[upbeat clapping]

Dude, wow.

Hey, is she still here?

Uh, I don't know.

Ladies and gentlemen,

make some noise

if you're having a good time!

Let's go!

[all cheering]

Ramirez, man. Hey.

Look, man, you did really good this week.

If you really wanted it,

you could have made it through

if you didn't ring that bell.

Thanks, man, but I got other plans.

-Yeah, I know you do.

-You're still family, though.

[chuckles]

Hey, you mind if I borrow that real quick?

Go ahead.

Thanks.

You know, I like you a lot better

when you're not yelling at me.

[chuckles]

Uh... [clears throat] Excuse me.

If I could interrupt just for...

Oh, hi.

[chucking softly] Hey.

Uh, Merry Christmas, everyone.

[chuckles]

Oh, uh, Mrs. Stevens, I...

-I think I got this one.

-Ah.

Thanks.

[sighs] Listen.

I screwed up.

I should have never

kept anything from you.

And I definitely shouldn't have

dirt-biked down a bumpy road

with your son going 60 miles an hour.

60 miles an hour?

-It was probably more like 55.

-Right, Charlie?

Yeah.

[chuckles softly]

The point is

I know I'm not meant to be a fireman.

I'm a lawyer, and I'm

going to keep it that way.

That's the way I know

I can make a difference.

You know what else I know?

Your students, Charlie,

anyone lucky enough

to be in your life

comes out better for it.

And if I'm lucky enough

to be a part of that

even for just a little bit longer,

then I know I'm not going to waste it.

I still don't know if there's anything

at the top of that mountain,

but if there is...

I want to find it with you.

This sweater looks really nice on you.

Well, for heaven's sake, kiss her already!

[chuckles]

[alarm ringing]

-Suit up!

-Move, move, move, move, move!

[alarm ringing]

[alarm ringing]

Let's go, Red.

[alarm ringing]

Hey.

Take this, bro.

How you doing?

So good. I'm glad it worked out.

-What's up, Gus?

-[barks]

-[laughter]

-What's up, Gus?