02x01 - Episode 1

[bunniefuu]

[Cian] What do you think love is?

Love is a dagger.

A pretty thing,

a thing that enchants, but also hurts.

[jaunty music sting]

-[Cian] Welcome back.
-Yes, I am back.

-[Cian] Should we get started?
-Let's get started.

-Oh, Cian!
-[Cian] Yeah?

-How's this smile?
-That's pretty good.

[Cian] Why do you wanna find love?

I have so much love to give.

When there's love, there is a right match,
feels like the slipper fits.

I really would like to have
someone special

with whom I can share
the best moments of my life.

[inhales deeply]

[narrator] Finding love
can be hard for anyone.

It's finally my turn! My turn!

To second chances at finding love.

[narrator] And for some people,
it can feel like an impossible dream.

[man] Mmm...

My heart still goes with him.

-Just look for that fish in your pond.
-Oh yes.

[narrator] This series follows
people on the autism spectrum...

Quite a grip you got.

So magnanimous marvelous.

...as they navigate
the confusing world of relationships...

This is very interesting.

...and dating.

-Are you a little nervous?
-Uh... Mm...

He says yes. I'm going on a date!

[tinkling music plays]

[jaunty suspenseful music playing]

I, um...

{\an8}Uh...

{\an8}Do I just intro... introduce myself?

{\an8}[Cian] Yeah, go for it.

Hello. I'm Connor. I live in Georgia.

Uh... uh...

And... I'm interested in starting
a romantic relationship.

[Cian] What does autism mean for you?

Well... for me, it means,

in short words, a more vivid imagination.

I know that sounds corny,
but... it's how I feel about it.

[Cian] How long
have you been single, Connor?

Oh, I... I've been single my whole life.

Loneliness, it follows me wherever I go.

{\an8}[dramatic percussive sting]

{\an8}[squeaking]

[foreboding music playing]

I'm watching Transformers.

Right now, Optimus is showing
a holographic depiction of Cybertron

and the Decepticon capital city of Kaon

where Megatron ruled
as Lord High Protector.

[music stops]

I will say this about Michael Bay.

He really has a flair for explosions.

Now, if you'll kindly follow me,

I'll show you my room.

[choppy upbeat music playing]

[Connor] Here's my sword collection.

My most recent addition,

the ulfberht.

It's made of high carbon steel,

or crucible steel, if you will.

A truly magnificent weapon.

[Cian] How do you feel about being single?

I feel kinda left out

because all my siblings
found significant others.

Yeah. All of them except me.

I don't wanna spend
the rest of my life alone.

[sweet piano music playing]

[dog snuffling]

[man 1] Who all wants coffee?

-Connor.
-[woman 1] Connor, you wanted some, right?

-[man 1] Anyone else?
-[woman 1] I'm good.

[narrator] Connor lives
with his mom, Lise,

stepdad, Tony, and his three siblings.

Thank you.

So, Connor, is there anything
you're nervous about starting to date?

Well, it's a big thing.

Although there is no change in my facade,
I am quite excited.

Who knows? Maybe I'll meet
a girl who actually knows a thing or two

about the Greeks
or maybe even the Vikings.

One can only dream,
but I'm sure she's out there.

Ooh! Or I could tell her

about how democracy got started.

-That would be riveting.
-If you wanna put her to sleep!

-Maybe not on the first date.
-[Lise] That would be a snorefest.

Save that for date two, maybe.

Maybe I should ask her if she likes pets.

Considering we have three dogs,
that's a good question.

Who wouldn't love
that sweet, adorable face?

-[sneezes]
-[Connor] Look at that.

Oh, all right, all right.

Coco. Aw, look at you! Aw.

[Lise] So Connor is my firstborn child.

We have a big family, siblings.

We all adore him.
I mean, he is just a total rock star.

What's your little German nickname?

I call Coco my Liebchen,

my little love.

Yeah. You two are ridiculous.

[Connor chuckles]

As a child, he got bullied
because he was different.

We actually pulled him out of school
in eighth grade

'cause it was... it was so cruel,
what he was experiencing.

-Look at her.
-[Connor] Yeah.

[Lise] She just loves her mans.

Connor has expressed a loneliness.

When I'm off with my husband on a date

or his siblings are off
with friends or on dates,

he is just sitting in the house
with the dogs.

[Cian] Does he have friends?

[Lise] No, um, not really.

[Cian] That can be tough.

Yeah, sorry.

That one hurts.

But he has us.

And, uh, we're pretty cool.

So, Connor, for a girlfriend, like,
what do you want her to look like?

Well, I'm usually into brunettes,

but... I... I could settle for a blonde.

-[sister] Settle!
-[laughter]

[Connor] I... I don't know.

Preferably dark-haired women

and maybe blue eyes.

[Cian] Are you describing your mum?

-[Lise laughs]
-What?!

[Connor] Maybe younger.

-[laughter]
-Someone... someone younger.

Hopefully.

No offense, Mom.

None taken, Connor, never with you.

[jaunty suspenseful music playing]

{\an8}-[Cian] Hello, Dani.
-Hello, Cian.

{\an8}[Cian] Welcome back.

{\an8}Welcome back.
I can't believe it's been a while.

[Cian] So, last season,
you sort of found love but not quite,

and ultimately you ended up single again.

Oh yes.

I have learned many lessons.

It's best for me
to get to know the person first

before approaching for the kiss.

[Cian] How's your dating life
at the moment?

Well, my dating life is, um...
imagine crickets sound effects.

Yep, no dating life right now,
but the search for love continues.

I've been receiving
a lot of dating inquiries on social media,

but the biggest majority
of them are creepy.

Like, for example, some guy messaged me

saying, "Wanna come over to Colorado
to go on a date?"

Kinda creeps me out.

{\an8}[sweet suspenseful music playing]

[Cian] What's happening today, Dani?

Well, I'm going on a blind date.
Another blind date in Venice.

And I'm looking for a nice necklace
to go with.

[Cian] How do you feel about
going on another blind date?

Oh my goodness.
This is gonna be another exciting one.

I can't wait. Who will it be?

Elasticity stone
or the goo shifter stone from Kid Cosmic?

You know what?
I'll just stick with the elasticity stone.

[Cain] Who's this?

"Hi. The name's Captain Eron."

He's a mythical creature
called an Earthian Blablex.

I was 13 when I created him.

He's, like, a photoheterotrophic organism.

I just put him away. Okay.

I am pumped and ready.

I still live with my aunt and uncle,

but it would be nice for me
to live on my own,

and especially if I find the right match.

I would like a guy who is independent
with, like, for example... own a home,

capable of driving.

If he has a degree,
if he has a plan, he has a job.

[Cian] So basically, you want a guy
who has his sh*t together?

Oh yes. [chuckling]

Language!

[indistinct chattering]

[narrator] Dani has lived
with her aunt Sandy and uncle Patrick

since she was 12 years old.

[Dani] Sugar, spice, and everything nice.

The ingredients to make
the perfect girlfriend.

-I'm just doing a Powerpuff Girls parody.
-[Patrick] I see.

Yeah. All right, but how are you feeling
about this blind date?

I'm not so nervous anymore.
Now I know what a blind date is all about.

Good. What kind of person
do you hope that this new date is?

Well, I hope this new date
already has an animation job

and already has his portfolio together.

[Patrick] Yeah, but what about him
as a person?

Hoping he's properly groomed.

What do you mean?
Like he's taken a shower?

Like taking a shower. He doesn't smell.

He knows how to brush his teeth.
Respect my boundaries.

-That's a good one.
-[Dani] Respect my boundaries.

-Don't be creepy.
-[Sandy laughs]

I don't want him to be, like, creepy.
Like, "Hey, how are you, baby? I love ya."

-Something like that.
-[laughter]

[Sandy] Let's hope not.

-[Patrick] Yes.
-I hope not.

-[Sandy] Ready for this?
-[Dani] I'm ready.

-Okay, here we go.
-Okay.

Thank you, Uncle Patrick.

-Behave yourself.
-Thank you.

-And thank you, Auntie Sandy.
-[softly] Don't behave yourself.

-All right. Hey!
-[Sandy chuckles]

[uplifting string music playing]

[music stops]

{\an8}-[Cian] Hello.
-Oh yes. Hello, how are you doing?

{\an8}-[Cian] Good. Good to see you again.
-It is very good to see you all.

So much has happened
since we last saw each other.

A lot of people have been recognizing me.
That's pretty cool. I... I do like it. I...

Of course, I don't wanna
sound like a glory seeker,

but I don't mind the attention.

I'm a... I guess
I'm kind of a pseudo-celebrity, actually.

That's not too bad. Mm-hmm.

I have returned

because I am still continuing
my search for love.

I'm still looking,
still hoping to find that special someone,

someone with whom I could share
the best moments of my life.

Because I don't think
I have much that is new at this point.

Oh, and I don't think
I showed you this last time.

See, my brother and his wife got me
this walking stick for Christmas.

They had the vendor wood-burn
my name into it,

and he also wood-burned
two spiders into it.

It wasn't varnished when they got it.
When they gave it to me, it was bare wood.

But, yes, I varnished it, of course.

I like having my wood varnished
so it'll better survive the elements.

[Cian] What d'you use the stick for?

Oh, when I go out hiking, I just...
I have it with me just in case, you know,

for balance or support
or supposing the rare chance

I ever encountered
any hostile wild animals,

I could use it to fend off... fend them off,

or, I suppose,
other hikers who are hostile.

Yes. [chuckles]

I was absolutely certain that I would have
both my own house and a wife

before I was 30, and now I'm 35.

I still do not have either of those. Mm.

[Cian] So, what have you been doing
to try and find love lately, James?

Oh, practically everything.

I've been to, like,


And, no, I haven't had any matches,
which is a bit unfortunate.

I have to wonder, maybe I have,
and the organizers simply didn't tell me,

but I don't want to believe
that anyone would be deceptive like that,

but I just think

it's statistically highly unlikely
I would have no matches.

But I am not allowing myself
to be discouraged.

I, um, have to keep looking.

[jaunty suspenseful music playing]

Meet a nice, understanding lady
that can appreciate you for who you are.

Oh, I sure hope so.

-Oh, hello, Dad. How are you doing?
-I'm doing great, thanks. How are you?

Yes, okay, not too bad.

-[Lawrence] Yep.
-That's not bad.

[narrator] James lives with his parents,
June and Lawrence, just outside Boston.

There are eight billion people
on this planet. I...

There has to be some...
at least one person who's a match for me.

I have accounts on... [sighs]

...um, no less
than six different online dating services.

And sometimes I have conversations
with women, but they don't last too long...

-Th...
-Aren't your feet cold?

[James] No, my feet are fine.
Do not worry.

[Cian] Have your thoughts changed
on the person you're looking for?

You want someone that's understanding.

Shouldn't that be
an automatic presumption?

Not all the time.

Sometimes people will look and say,
"Oh, she's beautiful. That's who I want,"

and she could be
a... a stupid airhead or something.

I don't want to sound too shallow,

but physical attractiveness
isn't everything, but it is important.

-Yeah, I know.
-[James] I put effort into my appearance.

I brush my hair, brush my teeth.
I try to keep my face clean.

I'm not so self-centered to think
that I'm the most attractive of men,

but I don't think I'm that bad-looking.

[Lawrence and June chuckle]

No, honey, you're not.

Uh, I'm not going
to stay attractive forever.

You know, I... when I... as I get older,
I'm going to lose my looks.

-Who said this?
-Well, uh, I... it's just part of aging.

-You don't look as good as you get older.
-I beg your pardon!

-[James hesitates]
-[giggles]

I've been told many times
I'm a good-looking 73-year-old man. Okay?

[James] All right. Well, um... um...

James, you will retain,
uh, an aura of... of...

-Mystique.
-Charm and handsomeness.

-I sure hope so.
-And masculinity.

No matter... no matter how old you are.

I hope I don't lose my hair.

-I love my hair.
-[laughing]

-You know how fond I am of my hair.
-I... I know.

Oh, heavens!

Wait. Did your father still have
most of his hair when he died?

-He did.
-Okay, good, good.

All right, and... Wait.
Did Grandpa still have most of his hair?

[chuckles] Um... he lost a little.

Oof. [sucks in breath]

Ooh... ah...

Ugh. [sighs]

[jaunty music playing]

-Hi!
-[Cian] Hello!

{\an8}-Hi!
-[Cian] Good to see you again.

-Good to see you again too.
-[Cian] How've you been?

I've been pretty good. What about you?

[Cian] I've been good.
It's been a while since I've seen you.

It has. Why, thank you.

[Cian] How've you been
since we filmed season one?

I've been amazing. I've been so good.

I just started a new job yesterday.
I'm volunteering at a thrift store.

I got to go on my first...

very first cruise
to Ensenada, Mexico, and ate escargot.

Then my mom got a detached retina,
and my brother graduated from college.

And so we had to drive to Indiana
'cause we couldn't fly

'cause my mom
would've gone blind in one eye.

It was the... the best year ever.

How do you feel these days
about being on the spectrum?

I feel like I'm learning to manage
my disability even more,

because it was much harder
in my childhood.

I felt like I was...
'cause I was so feeling... living...

like I'm living in a world alone.
I felt a lot like a mermaid back then.

People who are older than me were on land,
and I was in the water.

[Cian] But now you've made it to land?

Yep. I'm not a mermaid anymore.
Now I feel like a human.

-[jaunty suspenseful music]
-[dog barks]

{\an8}[narrator] Abbey lives with her mom,
Christine, in Los Angeles.

[barking]

-What? What does she want?
-[Christine] What do you think?

-She wants to eat.
-Yes.

She always wants to eat.
You're gonna be a fat dog.

[growling softly]

-We have had some issues with...
-This morning, she shitted in the house.

She pooped in the house.

-[growling softly]
-[Abbey laughing]

-Bad dog!
-I woke up early. There was a big pile.

She didn't do it on purpose.
There's something going on.

Maybe she needs to go,
you know, gluten-free vegan or something.

-[growling]
-[Christine] Don't talk back to me.

Don't be sassy with me.

[Cian] What do you think love feels like?

It feels like I'm a princess.
I feel like I'm a... I'm a part of the world

'cause I've always wanted to be,
and now I am.

-[Cian] In love?
-Yep.

-[Cian] Who are you in love with?
-David, of course.

{\an8}[Cian] So, how long
have you guys been together now?

{\an8}-Two years.
-Almost two years.

{\an8}Well, like, one and a ha...
one and a half year.

-[Cian] And how's that feel?
-Good.

-Feels amazing.
-[Cian] You guys happy together?

-Yes, we are.
-Yes, we are.

-We're still together.
-[Cian] So, David, tell me about Abbey.

Well, let's see. She's as sweet
as all of my favorite desserts.

[squealing] Aw! Thank you!

I'm the boy with autism
who loves a girl with autism.

Oh, that means a lot to me.

-Thank you.
-Mm-hmm.

[sweet piano music playing]

[Abbey] She is cute.

[Christine] It's been incredible
on a hundred levels.

And David is amazing,

and she's in her safe space with him,
which is something I just dreamed of.

Who is she looking at?

[Cian] You?

Today, David is coming over,

and he has a really...
[chuckles emotionally]

...big surprise for Abbey.

I can barely believe it's even happening.

I think that she's going to be...
overwhelmed.

And I also think
it might take a while to sink in,

but it's, like, Abbey's dream come true

and mine too. [chuckles]

Peace.

[whispers] So... much.

I have these... these giant stuffed lions,
they're really big.

-[Christine] In your room? Yeah.
-[Abbey] Yeah.

[Abbey] Well, they stare at me.

David thinks they're looking at me 'cause...
they're probably thinking how cute I am.

You two are really sweet together.

[sweet suspenseful music playing]

Oh, I see someone.

Hold on. I gotta go check.

[suspenseful music fades]

{\an8}[Dani] Do you have a clearer idea
of the kind of person you're looking for?

{\an8}Oh yes. Someone who is ambitious
and passionate as I am,

like, we're destined to be a power couple,

but also have an animation company,
a successful animation studio,

like, a big animation team.

{\an8}-[seagulls calling]
-[jaunty suspenseful music playing]

[narrator] In Venice Beach,

Dani is arriving for her blind date.

[breathing deeply]

[Dani] That him?

[narrator] Dani is meeting Matt.

He likes vehicular cleanliness

and World w*r II history.

Hup. Hup.

[narrator] He doesn't like
celebrity obsession

or hunting trophies.

[braying]

Well, it's really nice to meet you.
Good evening. I'm Dani.

-I'm Matt. Nice to meet you.
-Nice to meet you.

Love your blazer.
Goes so well with the purple.

-Thank you.
-Shall we have a seat?

All right.

You been to this hotel before?

It is my first time here at this hotel.

I love the panoramic view,

and it's sunny, so I'll just
take off my jacket while I'm at it, so...

Anyway... So, Dani, where you from?

-[Dani] Pasadena.
-[Matt] Ah, I do like Pasadena.

I love going up there
for a lot of the scenery.

I'm from lovely San Diego.
It's been a wonderful drive up here...

That's where San Diego Comic-Con is from.

Ah, yes. I'm very much,
uh, into San Diego Comic-Con.

I've been attending every year since 1994,

and it's my absolute favorite place
in the world to be.

But, you know,
I just love comics, cartoons, geeky stuff,

and it's pretty much
just what makes my life go.

Oh yes. [chuckles softly]

Are you into comics, too, or cartoons,
or science fiction, or geeky stuff?

I like anything science fiction,

and I like...
I do like comics and animation.

You know, like Disney television,
Nickelodeon, um, Cartoon Network.

[Matt] Oh yeah,
I'm a big Cartoon Network fan.

-Very big. Dexter's Lab, Samurai Jack.
-Oh yes.

Uh, I have picked up on Sonic Prime. Uh...

Sonic Prime is, um,
definitely an epic one right now.

[Matt] I'm liking that.

One of my homeboys, Omar,
actually, is a writer for the show.

-So I've been watching that...
-Wow! He's a writer? On Sonic Prime?

Mm-hmm. And he plays Pokémon cards with me
on weekends because we're huge dorks.

[chuckles]

Whoa!

[sweet piano music playing]

[seagulls calling]

[Abbey] Have you seen
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse?

[Matt] I have. I'm a big fan
of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

I think he's just
the greatest superhero of all time.

-I especially love the '90s cartoon.
-Oh yes.

That's what I modeled my haircut after.

Peter Parker?

[Matt] Peter Parker in the '90s.
It's what I'm passionate about.

It's what I like.
Comics, and cartoons, and animation stuff.

I know, I tend to be
hogging the spotlight right now.

-Dani, I wanna hear you talk more...
-Right. Thank you so much. [chuckles]

Now that you're conscious
about what you're talking,

I know you feel carried away
about the entire conversation.

So, uh, how old are you?

I'm 37.
People are kind of shocked by my age.

It's like, "You're 37. You're not 26?"

"No, I'm 37."
I don't know how I do it either. I just...

I was gonna say the same thing.
People are shocked

because I look so young.
I still look like a teenager. I'm 28.

-It's a good problem to have.
-Yes.

[Matt] Maybe it's just something
about people like us,

always indulging
in the things we love so much.

Oh yes.

So, what actually got you into animation?

Well, it's because I have
my own little animation company.

We help educate, elevate,
empower youth on the autism spectrum

by helping them turn their passion
in animation into a career.

That's actually really cool.
Uh, that's really cool.

Like, oh my gosh.

By the way, I am on the autism spectrum.

You can easily tell I'm on the spectrum,
too, from the way I talk about Spider-Man.

I can tell you're on the spectrum.
I hear it in your voice

and the way you talk
so intensely and passionately,

and I think it makes you
even more beautiful.

Oh yes.

[heartwarming music playing]

-[Abbey] Thank you.
-[Matt] Good job.

-Cheers.
-All right, cheers.

-Wow. The taste is perfect.
-Ooh!

Oh, not too shabby. That's right about
what I was looking for today.

Getting a little nippy.
I'll put my jacket on.

Ah, much better.

So, anyways, what do you expect
from a date?

Well, I just expect a good time
and someone I can really click with,

be myself with, and be happy.

And I don't really want someone in my life
who I feel is gonna be dragging me down.

I don't think you are. You're very nice.

Thank you so much.

Very friendly. What are you looking for
in your love life?

What I'm looking for
in a love life who is dedicated,

always, um, motivated to keep the job.

I know getting your life together
can be easier said than done.

I graduated from college
and had to move back home with my parents.

And then I just was hanging out and about,
like, just kind of just being a lazy slob.

And I had to work my way up,
getting a job as a chauffeur.

Now I work at a trading card company,
and so it's...

And you earn money how?
Like, you earn some income?

Oh yeah. I have a living
just working for a trading card company.

But will it work
for the animation industry as well?

Ugh! The animation industry...

I don't know.

[ominous music sting]

{\an8}-[birds singing]
-[dramatic movie intro music playing]

{\an8}[woman] Connor.

Connor.

You gotta get ready.

Uh...

Get ready, that, uh...

I am ready.

[sighs] My pants are sliding down.

Need a belt?

[narrator] Connor's sister, Anna,

is helping him
prepare for a night of speed dating.

A belt is not a fashion statement.
It is a tool...

Okay.

...that keeps your pants from falling down.

-[Anna] All right.
-[Connor] Over here...

How are you feeling?
Like, what are you... Nervous? Excited?

A bit...

bit frustrated.

Why are you frustrated?

I was just starting a movie
when all of a sudden, I am...

[Anna] I know, but this is gonna be
a new chapter in your life,

and I get that it can
kinda mess with your routine, but...

I understand change is good for you,
but come on!

[sighs] Hope can be dangerous,
and if things don't work out,

well...

[Anna] Connor, I feel like you should
go into this with an open mind.

Maybe don't go in there
expecting to marry this person.

Just go in there expecting to have
a fun, different experience

meeting new people.

I'm okay. Don't be doubtful.
Just... have fun with it.

-You're gonna have fun.
-Yeah.

-[Anna] You're ready?
-Yes.

[Anna chuckling] Okay.

[Connor] Mm... I, uh...

Just give me a moment.

I just need to step out for a bit.

[Coco whining]

[Connor groans, sighs]

[inhales slowly]

[exhales deeply]

I think he's gonna do a great job.
I think right now, he's a little bit...

maybe nervous, not used to the change.

But, like, there's no one more deserving
of this experience than Connor.

He has the biggest heart,

and I feel like he hasn't had a chance
to share that with somebody else.

He won't come to me
and say that he's lonely,

but he's always wanted to have somebody,
and I think it's hard sometimes

watching his siblings
be with other people romantically.

[exhales deeply]

[Anna] I'd do anything for him, honestly.

Literally my favorite person.

[Connor] Okay.

[Anna] I really hope he finds love.

-You feeling better?
-[Connor] Yeah.

I hope someone gets Chewey down.

{\an8}[tense music playing]

-[knocking on door]
-[dog barking]

-Hi!
-Hi, Abbey.

Hello there.

What did you buy me?

-Would you, uh, like me to read it to you?
-Sure.

[tense music stops]

"Abbey."

[suspenseful music playing]

"Since you have been
an extra amazing girlfriend,

I want to take you somewhere special."

"Bring your candy
to snack on the aeroplane."

"We are going somewhere where
we will see lots of our favorite animals."

"I am bringing you,
your mom, and my sisters with us

on a wonderful trip across the world."

"I want to make your dream come true
by taking you on a fun vacation."

"Kenya say yes to coming with me to Africa
to see our favorite animal, the lion?"

Yes!

[heartwarming music playing]

-Thanks.
-You're welcome.

[Christine] Do you know
what David just asked you?

To go to Africa!

Maybe once we sell the house.

This isn't in the future.
This is happening now.

The trip has been booked to go to Africa.

[gasps] Oh my God!

We're going to Africa!
It's really happening.

[Christine] You're gonna see
lions in the wild.

Yes.

[Christine] And what else?
Elephants, giraffes.

[David] Yes, and hippos,
and zebras, and rhinos, and croc...

[Abbey] Monkeys.

Yeah, and crocodiles,
antelopes, and wildebeests,

and buffaloes, and meerkats,

and warthogs, hornbills, and baboons.

This is so romantic.

-[chuckling]
-[Abbey] Thank you!

[David] You're welcome.

Thanks.

Let's go get those big lions.

They both want this so badly.

What's the first thing Abbey said to David
when she met him?

He said, "I've been to Africa,"

and she said, "I wanna go to... to Africa,
but my mom has no money." [chuckling]

Which is pretty much the case.

So it was...
that this is happening now, just amazing.

-[Abbey] What's she saying?
-"I love you. I love you. I love you."

[Christine] It's been a year,

and she has progressed,
and progressed, and progressed

in getting close to him, which is...

[emotionally] ...a huge thing.

You know, she loves
spending time with him,

and he's so kind to her,
and he lets her be her.

God, why is she staring at me?

[David] 'Cause she loves you.

For me personally, as her mother,
and I know I speak for a lot of parents,

a lot of parents,

it's what's gonna happen
when we're not here? You know?

Will they be alone? Or I have to spend
the rest of my life taking care of her.

And I don't feel that anymore.
I actually feel like she's gonna launch.

It... it rocks you to your core
when they... when they win.

[heartwarming music playing]

[both moaning happily]

I love puppies.

Same.

[exciting music playing]

[Johnny] Down here
is where all the fun starts.

[James] Oh, very good, very good.

[narrator] In New Hampshire,
James is at his friend Donny's house

preparing for a get-together.

-[Johnny] May I offer you a drink?
-[James] Oh, yes, please. Thank you.

-Here you are.
-Ooh, yes, thank you.

{\an8}-Why don't you use the bottle opener?
-[James] I can get the...

{\an8}Just angle up a little more,
till you get a hook.

[James grunts]

That's it.

Oh, there, got it.
Let's hope no hair got in the drink.

-Cheers to that.
-Cheers.

What do you say we start a fire?

Yes, yes, I do like fire. [giggles]

{\an8}[Cian] Do you sometimes worry
that you won't find love?

Uh, yes, I do.

Sometimes if I find... if I meet a woman
who seems to be a good match for me

and then is not,
I... I keep thinking to myself,

"Oh, I thought for sure
she was the one, but she wasn't."

"What? Am I ever going to find the one?"
You know, that kind of thing.

[Cian] So, last season, you dated Emma.

Did you hope there was
still something there romantically?

Uh, yes, of course I did.
I certainly did hope that,

but, well, there wasn't, unfortunately.
It's... it's too bad.

We still hang out. We... we still...
we still speak with each other.

We're still friends,
so that's pretty nice.

And, yeah... [mumbles]

-[Johnny] Let there be fire.
-[James laughs]

Yes. Better make sure
my hair doesn't get too close to the fire.

Yeah, same here. I'm wearing hairspray.

Ooh!

The reason why
I have my pompadour and sideburns

is because I am
an avid fan of Elvis Presley.

[James] Oh nice.

He's a real inspiration to look for love.
A lot of women dig Elvis.

Yes, yes, so I've noticed.

[Johnny] And look who's here.

-Hey, guys.
-[James] Yes, hello. How are you doing?

-[Emma] Good. So good to see you guys.
-Great to see you also.

-Hey, that's a very nice hat, Emma.
-Oh, thank you.

-[James] Yes, of course.
-[Johnny] Lovely hat.

-Good to see you again.
-Hello, how are you doing?

-Good, how are you?
-How are you doing, Julia?

-[Julia] Good.
-[James] Good, yes.

So, what's new? How have you been?

Oh, I'm still working. Still find time
to spend with my friends, everything,

but nothing too much out of the ordinary
has happened recently, I guess, yes.

Actually, as a... a matter of fact,

I'm going to be... [chuckles]

...I'm going to be going on a date soon.
Yes, isn't that great?

-Nice!
-That's awesome!

-[Emma] Nice!
-Yes, I mean, I don't know...

-Way to go, James.
-Yes, I... I...

My man James.

Yes, I mean, I hope it's okay for me
talking about this in front of you, Emma.

-I hope you don't mind.
-Oh, no, it's okay. No, I'm...

Please... please talk about it.

I'm... I'm here for it, so...

Okay, good, good.
I'm glad you're... you're okay with it.

So, mm... but...

[sighs]

Yes, um... Oh, ooh.
God, oh, awkward silence now.

All right, Sparky.
Here's what you gotta do, James.

If you wanna court the little lady,
you gotta be a straight sh**ter, got it?

[laughter]

-I'm wishing you the best of luck.
-Thank you very much.

In fact, we all are.

-Yeah, we really are.
-Good. Yes. Thank you very much.

Oh good. Good.

{\an8}[jaunty music playing]

And, uh... if you don't mind me asking,

when did you learn
that you were on the spectrum?

I learned that when I was 11
when I moved in with my aunt and uncle.

I used to live with my parents, uh,
but the, um... it didn't last that long.

-It's a sad story.
-[Matt] Oh, yeah.

-I won't get into things there.
-Mm-hmm.

All right, excuse me. I'll be right back.

-Cheers! Thank you.
-One moment.

Dani is actually
a very pretty, very sweet girl.

We do share a lot of common interests.
It's really nice.

I do think
that there is some potential there.

I do like her. I do think she's sweet.

She's a little on the shy side,
but I guess that's what happens

on a blind date for the first time, right?

-All right, and back again.
-Okay.

You miss me?

Well, I miss you.

-Then you better work on your aim.
-Oops!

-Sorry, lame joke.
-[giggles]

-No, you don't have to take shots at me.
-Sorry.

Well, you are from San Diego, right?

But do you, um, live...
how far is the drive from you?

Ugh, it's like, you know,
two and a half hours to be up here.

-Two and a half hours?
-[Matt] Yeah.

But I like coming up here.

Do you think about
moving from San Diego to LA?

Uh, I've thought about it a couple times.
But I really love what I get to do,

and I really love where I am.

Have you ever been on a blind date before?

Believe it or not,
I have never been on a blind date before.

Sometimes they don't work out

and sometimes it's,
"Face it, tiger, you hit the jackpot."

Little Spider-Man reference there.

Of course, that's how Peter met Mary Jane.
On a blind date.

Yeah.

Do you think I'm cool?

-You're looking cool.
-[Matt] Okay, yeah.

And now, as the sun sets,

I think it's just, you know,
a little golden hour fun, you know.

-[Dani] Mm-hmm.
-But I could do something like this again.

Oh yes, maybe. [chuckles awkwardly]

[Matt] As it turns to twilight,
you okay with just watching the sunset?

Oh yes. Mm-hmm.

-Oh my, the sun's almost completely gone.
-[Matt] Mm-hmm.

-Okay.
-I had a nice time with you.

Yeah, I had
a really nice time with you too.

And I've never had a blind date before.
You put my nerves at ease with this.

-Thank you so much.
-Would you like to do this again sometime?

Well, we could. I'll let you know.

Yeah, I would be happy
to see you again soon, Dani.

Maybe we'll see each other.
We'll... we'll see.

Oh...

thanks for the hug.

-Call the evening adjourned.
-[Dani] Adjourned.

-Thank you so much. I'll see you soon.
-Thank you. Bye-bye.

[Dani sighs]

[train horn toots]

{\an8}[sweeping string and piano music playing]

[narrator] Connor is arriving
at a speed-dating event

hosted by a local autism organization.

[grunts softly]

[exhales sharply]

[narrator] It will be
his first-ever dating experience.

Just have fun with it.
You're gonna be fine.

You're gonna be okay. Deep breath.

[inhales deeply]

[exhales slowly]

-[woman 1] Hold on! Quiet!
-Oh.

Hello, welcome to Table Talk.
Thanks so much for being here!

[scattered applause]

We've got about five minutes per table,

and when I ring the bell...

[bell dings]

...the ladies are on the move tonight.

All right? So all the ladies will start
and move through the line.

And you'll take your dating cards,
and you'll check yes or no

if you like that person
and maybe wanna meet up with them again.

We hope you have so much fun tonight.
Your first five minutes starts now.

[inaudible]

[indistinct chattering]

[inaudible]

Hey, how are you?

Hi, "Jaylene." I'm Connor.

It's Jalene.

Oh, Jalene. So sorry.

Okay, thank you. Yeah.

Yes, uh...

So, anything you want to talk about?

Sure. Do you... have any hobbies?

Yes, I do.

What kind?

What kind?

Uh...

Uh...

my hob... my hobbies is...

uh...

listening to music.

I like listening to music.

[Jalene] Oh.

[Connor] Do you have any pets?

I used to have cats.

Um...

Um...

So,

is there anything you'd care to ask me?

-No.
-[Connor] Oh.

Uh... [hesitates]

Right, so sorry.

-[dinging]
-[Connor] Oh.

All right. Ladies are on the move.

-It was nice talking to you.
-It was nice talking to you too.

See you again.

Uh...

[inaudible]

[inaudible]

Ah.

-[woman] Hi.
-Hello.

-[woman] Hi.
-Emily. I'm Connor.

Nice to meet you, Connor.

So, um...

uh, so what would you...

what should we talk about?

Um...

Well, first of all, do you have any...

what are your hobbies?
What do you like to...

Oh, well...
well, I... I like collecting things.

[Emily] Oh, what kinds of things?

Well, this is gonna sound crazy,
but I enjoy collecting swords.

-[Emily] Swords?!
-Yeah.

So cool!

Yeah.

So, uh, do you have
any allergies of any kind?

Interesting question to ask. Um...

Why do you ask? Is my nose...

Oh, no, no, no, no, no.

It's just I was wondering if there are
any... any foods you were allergic to.

Not that I can think of, no. I just...

I really don't like
the smell of... peanut butter.

I don't know... how it happened,

but every time I see
a thing of peanut butter

or ketchup, it's like, "Ugh!"

Oh.

Okay, let's, uh...

[exhales sharply] Hmm...

Do you, um...

do you like nature, by any chance?

That is a very good question.
I've never really thought about that.

I guess I am more of a city person.

I just... I prefer the hustle and bustle.

-[dinging]
-All right, everybody, it's time to move.

-[Connor] It was nice meeting you.
-Nice meeting you too.

Thank you.

[inhales slowly]

[exhales heavily]

-[Cian] Hey, Connor.
-Yes?

[Cian] Are you writing yes or no
while they're sitting there?

Am I not supposed to?

[Cian] You might wanna wait
till they've left. They can probably see.

Damn! I knew I'd mess that up.

[anticipatory music playing]