02x19 - Hard Hats and Hard Heads

[bunniefuu]

Come on, Nicholas. Come on.

I'll never get this on you.

Hold still.

- Good.

- Hey, come on, Nick.

You're being chosen honor guard

for third grade assembly

is real big stuff.

Very important.

But why do I have to wear a tie?

Because important people

wear ties.

You know, like dad for instance.

Isn't David important?

Yeah, yeah.

He's important, sure.

Well, how come

he doesn't wear a tie?

Because he is..

...he's different kind

of important.

He's a...he's funky important,

you know.

- Huh?

- Laid back important.

Well, one of these days it'll

all make sense, believe me.

Okay, there you go, Mr. Third

Grade Assembly Honor Guard.

- Important, huh?

- Very.

[instrumental music]

Sorry, Mrs. Dubwik,

I can't stay after school today.

I have a very important meeting.

Who says clothes

don't make the man?

[theme music]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

Uh, ahem. Abby?

Uh, can I speak to you

for a minute?

Sure, sure, sure.

What's happened?

Uh, could, could I talk

to you about these?

Oh.

Well, personally,

I think the red silk

with the Peter Pan collar

will go better

with your green sport car.

Very funny.

I'm sorry, it's just that

the drawers were so crowded

that I couldn't even

get them open.

So I figured that a little

reorganizing was in order.

Oh, yes. Well, where did you

reorganize my shirts?

Well, uh, well,

you're not gonna believe this

they're with my stockings

in the linen chest.

Um, behind the towels,

on top of your sweaters.

Great. You mean we have to keep

dressing out in the hall?

Or either that

or in the attic.

We just have too many things

for too few spaces.

See, it's just temporary

until I can talk you

into a new dresser.

I'm talked into it.

You talked me into it.

Go ahead and buy. And price,

as long as it's realistic..

- My, you're so easy.

- ...there's no objection.

- I'm very happy.

- It's lovely how easy you are.

Maybe we could have

a dresser built to order.

When I said realistically

priced, I meant cheap.

Lovely. We could have your, uh,

number one son build it for us.

You know, for a relative,

he's not untalented.

I don't know,

dressing in the halls

while David

is tryin' to find time

doesn't sound like

much fun to me.

Ah, but that's just it,

Mary tells me

that David is experiencing

what the construction industry

calls a seasonal slow down.

- He's laid off again?

- Yeah.

Boy, that's the third time

this year.

Maybe now is a time

that he should get interested

in one of those copy boy jobs

down at the newspaper.

Tom, give it up.

David likes what he's doing.

Yeah, I know. You're right.

I know you're right.

It's just wishful thinking.

Alright. I guess we can find

employment for David.

I thank you.

I thank you

and your son thanks you.

And I don't know, Tom,

I still think

the red silk

with the Peter Pan collar.

Morning, guys.

What's for breakfast?

Dr. Fitsu's

" Day Last Chance Diet."

His philosophy is,

"A moment on the lips

is a lifetime on the hips."

- That's dumb.

- Hey, who asked you?

Hey, Susan, whatever happened

to your high protein

low carbohydrate,

purified water diet?

I borrowed it.

And I'm hungry.

Well, I sure hope

it does you more good

than it did me.

Susan, when I go on a diet,

I don't cheat.

[squeaks]

I don't cheat!

- Well, I don't cheat anymore.

- That'll be the day.

I got an idea.

I bet I can lose

more weight on my diet

than you can on yours.

I bet you you can't.

How much?

Oh, I don't know.

How about the loser takes

the winner to the restaurant

of her choice?

You got a deal.

Hey, wait a minute,

wait a minute, you guys.

How can I get in

on this action, huh?

Why would you wanna lose

anymore weight?

If you do, you will dissolve

into nothingness.

[chuckles]

It's just.. Thanks a lot.

I mean, I didn't mean

that I wanted to diet.

It's just that

I have trouble gaining weight

and you guys have trouble

losin' weight, right?

So we could help each other.

Okay, uh..

How about we arrange it.

Whoever has the greatest

change in weight, okay?

Get's taken out to dinner

by the other two.

- What do we got to lose?

- Only weight, sister.

Only weight.

Hmm, in that case,

I better have another banana

and another banana.

Well, in that case,

hello, Dr. Fitsu.

Suffer, you guys...suffer.

Hey, you asked me my advice,

I gave it to you.

That's not advice,

that's a death sentence.

Look, I happened

to know for a fact

that Marlene

only goes out with Jocks.

You want a date with her,

you get on the football team.

Look, you're crazy.

Even if I make the team,

which I sincerely doubt

I'd come out of there looking

like a size football cleat.

Now, does Marlene go out

with size football cleats?

Maybe. She's weird.

Though, anyway,

I'm too small to play.

What about David? He was about

your size when he played.

He was good too.

Yeah, well, they made guys

smaller in those days.

[doorbell rings]

- I'll get it.

- Do that.

Nicholas?

[scoffs]

I'm small,

but I'm not that small.

Oh! Then you must be Tommy.

Tony Matheson.

Is David awake yet?

Tony Matheson,

I don't believe it.

Hi, Mr. Bradford.

Come on,

you can't be Tony Matheson.

Tony Matheson

had a pony tail, and a beard.

Well, the scruffy look

doesn't go over too big

in the investment

banking business.

'Uh, listen, I'm up here

from LA, visiting my folks'

for a few weeks,

doin' a little business.

I'm wondering to get

some of the old g*ng together.

- Is David around?

- Oh, now and then.

But he hasn't lived here

for a long time.

'Well, come on in, I'll give you

his phone number and address.'

Investment banking, huh?

Boy, you must be taking

Los Angeles by storm.

Well, let's just say

I'm trying really hard.

I mean, it's a great business.

The sky is the limit.

Hey, whose fancy new sports car

is out in the driveway?

- Some bum with expensive taste.

- Oh, Matheson!

Hi. Great to see you.

Oh, look at you.

Well, you look like

you just walked out

of a men's clothing magazine.

Oh, it's all part of the image.

I mean, the richer you look,

the richer you get.

What does that say about me?

Well, it says

that they haven't met your price

for selling out yet.

Tony, would you like

to stay for coffee?

Oh, I really can't stay,

Mr. Bradford.

I just came over to invite you

to a little reunion

we're havin' over

at my folks place tonight.

All the old guys

are gonna be there.

Oh, great and count me in.

I wouldn't miss it.

- Great. It's about :.

- Okay, can I bring anything?

- Beer, wine?

- No, just bring yourself.

- And all your old good stories.

- Okay.

Mr. Bradford,

it's been great seein' you.

Oh, yeah.

It was nice seeing you too.

And drop around again

before you leave town.

- That's a deal.

- Okay.

That is a terrific car

you got there.

Are you sure you didn't just

borrow that to impress us?

No, I got it about

three months ago.

- But I got a great buy on it.

- I guess.

I tell you what,

you take my van home

and I'll drive your car

to the party.

Oh, sure.

- I'll see you tonight.

- See you tonight.

Boy, do you believe Tony?

Guess a lot can happen

to a guy in four years.

Yeah, well it shows you

what you can do

if you set your mind to it.

You know, I always told you,

of all your friends

he would wind up being

the most constructive.

I don't remember hearing

you ever say that.

Because you never used

to listen to me in those days.

Oh, by the way,

it's time for you

to do something constructive.

Abby is upstairs right now

drawing plans for the bureau

that you're supposed

to be building for us.

Yeah, right.

She called and told me.

Look, I know it's not much,

but at least until

your construction job

picks up again

it'll keep you off welfare.

Oh, and listen,

you'll probably be eating dinner

with us a lot now.

So, I'll see you then.

Yeah.

[door closes]

Jason, Jason. Knee pads guard

the knees, not the thighs.

Knees, thighs.

At least I don't need a helmet.

Nothin' up here to protect.

You know, I must've been crazy

to let you talk me into this.

Hey, come on,

if my brother can play

the least we can do is try out.

I mean, the worst thing

that could happen to us

is we get cut from team, right.

(Jason)

'Yeah, we'll get cut...in half.'

Hey, look, I found a boat.

'What do you say

we sail out of this place.'

'That thing looks like

a size football cleat.'

Oh, that's a size . Thanks.

I've been lookin'

all over for it.

Are you guys goin' out

for the team?

- Yeah.

- What position?

Blocking Dummies?

[laughs]

See you guys on the field.

[laughs]

Well, at least

he seemed friendly enough.

I'm just glad

that guy is on our side.

Listen, come on in.

You won't believe who's here.

You got Cheryl, David is here.

Over at the bar.

Hey, you remember old man, Zief?

Who could forget.

Well, now

that I'm a fellow teacher

I get to call him Alfred.

It blows him away.

What are you up to these days?

Oh, same old thing.

Still swinging a hammer.

It's, uh, great that--

You guys havin' a good time?

Uh, yeah. Great. Super party.

Hey, there's Harry.

Listen, I'll, uh,

I'll catch up to you later, huh?

Right.

Isn't that Slow Eddie Seligman

over there with Pete and Jordan?

It's Doctor Slow Eddie now.

'He's really shifted

into high gear.'

'The guy has only been here

minutes after hours'

'at county emergency.'

He's already made a pass

at every girl in the room.

He's offering them

free physicals

with complementary lollipop.

Hello, David.

Sharen.

I don't believe it.

The campus couple of '

back together again

for the first time.

Well, if you'll excuse me, uh,

I think I'll spread a little

cheer among the other guest's.

Joyce, when did you go blonde?

Hey, you need a fresh drink?

No, just ice.

[indistinct chattering]

So, how've you been?

Okay, um, a little crazy

between law school

and work, I guess.

I take the bar this summer.

An attorney! That's terrific.

How about you,

did you ever go back

and get that degree?

Oh, no way.

When I left school,

I vowed never to return.

A man has to have

some principles.

So, the obligatory question is

um, what've you been doing

with yourself for five years?

Anything constructive?

Anything constructive?

It's twice today

I've heard that. Uh..

No, not constructive actually,

uh, more like construction.

It's not so bad,

I mean, I get to wear a uniform.

You know, safety boots,

tool belt, hard hat.

Ah..

You know what I hate most

about these, uh, reunion's?

No.

Everyone trying to go around

impressing everyone else

with their list

of accomplishments.

Well, I guess,

it's easier to put down

when you, uh...

have a list of your own.

Uh..

It was nice seeing you,

Sharen.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

(David)

'Dad, there's somethin'

I'd like to discuss.'

No, no, no. Don't even say it.

I know what it is.

You're presently unemployed.

I'd be very happy

to give you an advance

for the dresser you're building.

No, it's not about

the dresser or even money.

It's about me

and what I'm doing

and where I'm going.

Huh? What're you talking about?

What do you mean,

where you're going?

Where are you going?

Nowhere. That's just it.

- I don't understand.

- It's simple.

I've just decided that it's time

to reconsider a few things.

Mainly what I'm doing

with my life.

Wha-what brought this on

all of a sudden?

Oh, it's not

all of a sudden, dad.

This feeling's been growing

in me for sometime now.

The lay-off

and seeing Tony and..

Maybe a couple of other things

kinda pushed it to the top.

What are you gonna do?

Oh, I should know

in about four hours.

I applied for a job here

this morning as a copy boy.

They said they'll tell me today.

Alright! Hey!

[instrumental music]

Well, it really took me

by surprise though.

He doesn't say

a word to me, David.

He just goes right down

to the newspaper

applies for the job and

one, two, three, he's got it.

Oh, boy. Two famous newsmen

in the family.

What do you mean by two?

Well, it'll take him

a few years to develop.

Who's takin' about David?

Can you imagine? Ahem.

David Bradford here

reporting to you

from the White House.

And I was having breakfast

with President Carter

'just this morning

and he said--'

Girls, aren't you getting

a little carried away.

He's only a copy boy.

Oh, by the way, Tommy,

have you decided what

'to do about the football team?'

Oh, I've definitely decided

to go out.

'I think I got

a good shot at tailback.'

I don't believe it.

David is a reporter.

(Tom)

'He's only a copy boy.'

Well, he's gonna be

a reporter in six months.

- 'Three months.'

- 'Two months.'

- 'I bet you, he's editor.'

- 'Editor in chief, at least.'

(male #)

'Okay, you monkeys.'

'Let's get out there

mean and tough.'

For minutes,

I want you to become animals!

I wanna hear some bones crunch!

Alright.

Let's break up

into teams A and B.

Offense on that side.

Alright, Jack, here's the ball.

Come on, let's go.

Jack, gimme the ball back.

'Come on, defense.

Line a scrimmage.'

'Come on, let's go.'

[claps]

You're an animal!

You are an animal!

Down!

Ready!

Set!

[grunting]

Hut, two!

Just lie there, boy.

Come on and get up.

Scrape the mud

off your teeth.

- What's your name, boy?

- Tommy Bradford, sir.

Bradford?

You any relation

to a David Bradford

we had here

about six or seven years ago.

Yes, sir. He's my brother.

Is that right?

Oh. He's a pretty fair tailback

as far as I can remember.

If you're his brother,

we should be expecting some

pretty big things from you,

alright.

(male #)

'Ready! Get, set!'

'Hut, one. Hut, two.'

Well, if he's anything

like his father

he ought to do very well.

That's what worries me.

What do you mean, worries you?

I thought you'd be happy.

Oh, I am. It's just that..

See, every father harbors

a secret desire for his son

to follow in his footsteps.

But the newspaper business.

Why all of a sudden?

'Why not

the newspaper business?'

I mean, he's grown up

around journalism all his life.

'Stands to reason that little

would sink in, you know.'

It's osmosis.

You think you could be over

analyzing this a little bit?

Yeah, maybe I am.

- Actually, I'm thrilled.

- Good.

Now, let's get down

to important business, my God!

You're taking a shot

at pressuring David

into building our new dresser.

Oh, listen,

I forgot to tell you.

I talked to David about that

and what with this new job

and everything

he won't have time to do it.

- Oh, boy.

- But don't worry.

He's gonna have this friend

of his do it for him.

Oh, well,

any friend of David's--

Is a friend of David's.

No, really, you will learn

that in this house

don't take anything for granted.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[sighs]

[music continues]

[laughs]

- Thank God, it's Tuesday.

- I'll drink to that.

So, how's it goin'?

It's going, it's going.

Yeah, I'm reading up

on William Randolph Hearst.

You know,

studying how to be a Moghul.

[laughs]

Well, I bet it's very different

from pounding on plywood.

Yeah, a lot different.

I don't have

to eat my lunch on a board

laid out between

two sawhorses anymore.

You know, it's amazing.

How many guys go through life

just putting in their hours

cashing their paycheck

and hating it?

I know guys.

I'm talking about guys our age

come home at night

and down three Martini's

just to forget about work.

Yeah, was a couple of six packs

where I used to work.

[chuckles]

Let me tell you about

this guy I know.

Four years at college.

And he lands this fat job

with a tax assessor.

Tax assessor?

- Leonard Aaron?

- Yeah, right, right.

Well, it turns out...

that his entire job

at the assessors office

consists of

being wined and dined

by corporate big wigs,

big real estate developers.

'He calls himself

"Director Of Parties."'

[laughs]

Really?

Yeah. Oh, it's real creative.

I mean, the most intelligent

decision he has to make

is whether to choose

the snails or the pate.

[laughs]

Of course, every once in a while

he, uh, has to take

a little satchel in his hand.

An empty satchel

if you catch my meaning and..

...fill it up

with the green stuff.

Now that's

a challenging profession.

[laughs]

[doorbell rings]

- Ha, mornin'.

- Hi, who are you?

- Chris.

- 'Oh.'

'Well, if you're here

for a date'

they're all still sleepin',

except Mary.

She had to get up early.

No, I'm afraid not kid. I'm a..

I'm here to build a dresser

for Mr. and Mrs. Bradford.

Oh, yeah. They're not up yet.

Oh, yeah. Well, um..

What time you figure

they'll be up and around?

Oh, about...half hour.

Want some breakfast?

[chuckles]

Outta sight.

Get my, um..

Brain' cells workin'.

Set.

[whistles]

Okay, come on, hit it.

Fly, feet apart.

Come on, lock those arms..

Alright, you're mean.

You're an animal.

Push!

[whistles]

Okay, turn it around.

Okay, next.

(male #)

'Let's go, move!'

Alright...set.

[whistles]

[whistles]

Harder, son. Harder.

Don't kiss it. Hit it.

Yes, sir. Hit it. I'll remember.

Okay.

[sighs]

(male #)

'Set!'

[whistles]

[instrumental music]

Did you see it?

Isn't it terrific?

Uh-huh.

Hey, you don't seem

very excited about this.

You're son sprung a big story

'and you look like

he just got arrested.'

Oh, yeah. No, no, I'm excited.

I'm excited.

It's just, I can't believe it.

I mean, how did he do it.

He did it like

any good reporter.

By verifying

his sources, checking.

- Double checking his facts.

- Did you know about it?

(male #)

'Not until the copy

hit my desk last night.'

Just before we put

the morning edition to bed.

Well, of course,

I brushed it up a little bit.

I mean, uh, nothing substantial.

Comma here, comma there.

Are you gonna let him

run with it?

Look, I admit

that giving an inexperienced kid

a front page number

like this is unorthodox

but it's his story, Tom.

'I'm not gonna

pull it from him.'

'David, my boy,

I told him I want you'

'to follow this up

like a bloodhound.'

'Sniff out every skeleton

in Leonard Aaron's closet.'

A good reporter does not stop

until he's unearthed

every last bit of the truth.

[phone ringing]

Do you think he can handle it?

Well, he's Tom Bradford's son,

isn't he?

[crickets chirping]

Ah!

I'm proud of you.

You know something,

it took me almost a year

to get off the copy desk

and out into the field.

I was lucky, dad.

I got a lead and it panned out.

No, no. That's not luck.

That's ambition.

I mean, you saw your opportunity

and you grabbed it.

Tell me somethin',

what is it like to see

your own byline

out there on page one?

Weird. It's like it's some other

person's name up there.

Yeah, well, you don't

have to worry about it

around this house.

'Cause around here, you're

just plain David Bradford.

- Surprise!

- Congratulations!

- Congratulations.

- Let me shake your tie.

[laughs]

David, will you tell me

what it's like?

I never thought

you could even spell.

I can't,

that's what editor's are for.

Oh..

Hey, if you make it real big

you can go on TV

as an anchorman.

- Uh, an anchor person, please.

- Yeah.

Hey, I'll get it.

Uh, if that's

the press for David

tell 'em he is unavailable

for an interview.

What do you mean?

David is the press.

Does that mean that David has

to wear a tie all the time now?

Well, it sort of comes

with the territory, Nicholas.

Could I have your hard hat?

[laughs]

It's for you David, Tony.

Why didn't you tell him

to come in?

I did, but I don't think

he wanted to.

- Go do it.

- He looks good with a tie.

- I know.

- Certainly.

Hey, Tony.

Good to see you. Come on in.

No, thank you.

What's wrong?

This.

- Oh, yeah. Hey, listen--

- No, you listen.

I told you something

in confidence, as a friend.

I didn't think I'd have to go

off the record with you, David.

Well, I'm sorry, Tony.

but Aaron's a crook

and you know it.

That's not the point.

Aaron's assistant,

the guy I told you about

is out of a job

and he's blaming me.

You're story cost me a friend.

No, make that two friends.

[instrumental music]

Look, Tony didn't even

tell me the guys name.

I just used it as a lead.

Alright, then you didn't do

anything unprofessional.

So unprofessional, terrific.

Meanwhile I lose a friend and

I feel like a first class heel.

No, no, no, all you did

is write an article

about a man

who is breaking the law.

Now, what he was doing

goes far beyond you and Tony.

I mean, this man was affecting

everybody in this city.

The people have a right

to know the truth.

It all sounds so noble.

'I know how you feel.'

I've been in the same position

more times

than I care to remember.

But people get hurt by the truth

and well, that's a fact of life.

I know, I know, I just wish

it didn't have to touch

somebody I care about.

Well, you could have somebody

else finish the story for you

if that's what you want.

No.

Alright, then just do

the best job you can.

Oh, listen, you know

they're short of desk space

down at the office.

Do you still happen to have

that old typewriter

back at your apartment?

No, I hocked that two years ago

to buy a carburetor for my van.

Oh. Well, uh, you're welcome

to use, uh, this one here.

I mean,

it's full of old stories.

Might bring you luck.

Don't you need it?

Well, I happened

to be a couple of columns

ahead of myself at the moment.

Besides, if you

are working here in the house

I can come down

and give you a few pointer's.

You know, from an old newsman.

As long as it's not

too many pointer's, dad.

Uh, I wanna do

this story myself.

Oh, sure. I promise

to limit it to spelling.

And maybe a couple

of pointer's on construction.

[instrumental music]

You're kiddy bar or your life?

My life.

Ah!

Hey!

These are very fattening.

You could blow your whole diet

eating something like this.

Hm. Oh.

Definitely very fattening.

What do you think, Tommy?

Hmm, you're right.

Oh, oh. Ah, it's just so..

[music continues]

Nicholas, what're you doing

with those earmuffs on?

I can't hear you, dad.

I got earmuffs on.

I'll tell you

why he has earmuffs on.

It's so noisy around here,

you can't hear yourself think.

That's right, dad.

It's Bananasville, you know.

Wait a minute,

would you kids please tell me

what you're complaining about?

Or shouldn't I ask?

[thudding]

That.

It's been goin' on

all afternoon.

Off and on, but it always seems

to catch you by surprise.

Yeah, well, despite popular

belief, peace and quite

have never been exactly

household words around here.

[sighs]

Oh, hello.

Hi. I, I-I'm Tom Bradford.

You must be the carpenter that

I've been hearing about so much.

Uh, how's it going on in there?

Uh...great. Just great.

Uh, I, I really..

...feel it happening.

Oh. Well, that's nice.

Listen, do you think

you could tell me

when the dresser would be ready

for it's trial run?

[chuckles]

Um..

Mr. Bradford,

these things, uh...take time

and, uh, a-and dedication.

You see, carpentry is, uh..

W-Well, it's an art, you know.

Dating back thousands

and thousands of years.

'Now, you wouldn't want me

to, um, force it'

and wind up with

somethin' shoddy, would you?

Mm, no, no.

Believe me,

when it's finished..

...you're gonna love it.

I hate it!

Oh, Tom, he's just trying

to build something you'll like

something that'll

go with the room.

He's making a mess!

That's what he's making--

Well, I'm sure of..

By the time he's finished,

you'll love it.

Well, um,

what do you think so far?

Do you love it?

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Hey, David, what're you doin'

sleepin' in the middle

of the day?

Mm..

Abby, can I ask you a question?

You already have, Nicholas.

Huh?

Sure, wha-what do you want?

What can I--

Well, is David

gonna be just like that?

What do you mean?

Well, you know, all the time

he bangs on the typewriter

with his fingers

and then he goes to sleep

on the couch.

Well, David's really tired,

you know.

He's been working

very hard lately.

Yeah, but how come

he doesn't like

to joke around no more?

Oh, it's difficult trying

something new in life, Nicholas.

Oh, maybe I can try

somethin' new.

Sure, you're never

too young to change.

So, what did you have in mind?

Well, I used

to wanna be an astronaut.

How about a spy?

A spy.

That's a great idea.

Listen, for you first mission

why don't you...

sneak into the kitchen

and find out what

Mary's cooking up for dinner.

- Okay.

- Okay.

[instrumental music]

[whispers]

What do you see?

Shh.

Don't forget to come back

and tell me.

Come on,

hit the ground. Hit it.

- Hey, what're you doin' here?

- I'm catching my breath.

Would you believe Mrs. Bradley

kept the whole class minutes?

I had to break the sound barrier

just to get here.

- But didn't she--

- Bradford.

Can I see you a minute, please?

Tommy, did you have a look

at the bulletin board

outside the gym today?

No, sir.

Maybe better have a look at it.

Yes, sir.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Ta-da!

It's potluck, folks, I'm sorry.

But the day just,

uh...got away from me.

She makes the best potluck

dinner this side of--

- My apartment.

- Aa-ha-ha.

Take it from a man who knows.

It requires

a very creative person

to mix together

three days worth of leftovers

and come up

with something edible.

Yeah, I wish I could eat it.

These potatoes are delicious.

How's your article

coming, David?

Oh, fine, I think I've got

enough information

to nail Aaron to the wall.

David, do you have

to be so graphic?

You sound like

a frontier sheriff.

Well, Joannie, why not?

I mean, this,

this guy's a crook.

He doesn't deserve sympathy

from, from David

'or from anybody else.'

I don't know, that picture

of him in the paper

he looked like

a pretty nice guy.

Oh, but, Elizabeth, that

makes the man more dangerous.

I mean that's, that's a wolf

in sheep's clothing.

Eh-that's why David

has to expose him.

Hey, aren't you...blowin' this

out of proportion just a little?

You make it sound

like a crusade.

But why not,

I mean, Watergate started with a

a piece of tape

over a door lock.

Watergate?

He's only the tax assessor.

You go ahead and be modest.

I am proud of you.

And I think

everybody else is too.

Well...I'm proud

of Tommy over there.

'I hear you're doin' okay

on the football team.'

Yeah, he actually

was late for dinner.

Sounds pretty big.

Hey, listen, uh, you need a hand

on some of the plays,

I'll be glad to help.

That's right, David made

all city in his senior year.

All city? Why not all American?

You know, that's all

I've heard around this house

is how great you are at this

or how great you were at that?

'King David, Mr. Perfect, well,

let me tell you something.'

I'm gettin' sick and tired

of being the little brother

who can't do anything

as well as you did.

So, why don't you just

keep your advice

and stay out of my life.

[intense music]

Hey, haven't you learnt

how to knock?

You forget?

I lived in this house

for years.

Old habits die hard.

Yeah, would you please

get out of my room then?

I listened to everything

you said downstairs.

Now, you can listen to me.

I don't know

what got into you down there

but you said a lot of things

that hurt a lot of people.

I never tried

taking you under my wing.

I'm sure I've tried to help you.

But not because I didn't think

you could do it on your own

'it was because I wanted to.'

Maybe there are a lot of things

I can do better than you.

But there are whole

lot of things

'you can do better than me.'

'Well, if you only knew how many

ways you're way ahead of me.'

Tommy, you're an honest,

open person.

You got a warm heart. You got

a...great sense of humor.

That's something

to be proud of.

You're my brother,

I can't believe you think

I was tryin' to make you feel

like a failure.

[intense music]

I've always been proud

to be your brother.

Just as I've always

been proud to be your friend..

...till tonight.

You must've been holding

at him for a long time.

Yeah, not like Tommy,

to yell like that.

I'm starting to get used to

being yelled at.

Well, I think Tommy will get

over what's ever bothering him.

So will Tony,

given a little time

I think he'll reconsider.

- I'm not so sure he should.

- What?

Well, I'm not so sure

he's wrong.

Anyway, it doesn't matter,

I tried calling him

and he's gone back to LA.

Speaking of going,

I've got to get going.

I wanna catch Aaron

on his way to court.

Need a little more information

for my story.

Yeah, listen,

when you're through.

Can I, uh, proofread it?

Just spelling

and construction, remember?

Bye.

Okay, this is it,

the day has arrived.

- The moment of truth.

- Susan, no fair jogging.

None of that jogging

will do any good.

Is this wha..

The cake, please.

Okay, ladies.

- Is everybody ready?

- Ready.

- Alright.

- Ready.

Eyes straight ahead.

Ladies, mount your scales!

- Okay.

- Okay.

[snorts]

Dismount, please.

[Mary laughs]

Susan!

Dismount.

Well, would you uncover your..

Thank you.

Ah. Ahem. Dismount.

[sighs]

[laughing]

Let me see..

(Mary)

'What is.. There? Okay.'

Come on, you guys,

quit stalling.

'Come on.'

Um, are you sure you guys

are ready for this?

- Yup.

- Yeah.

Okay. Ta-da-da-ta-ta-da.

And the winner is..

Nobody.

Let's see,

Joannie has lost two pounds.

- What?

- Nancy gained one.

Susan, you've gained three.

Uh-oh.

(all)

Oh.

[indistinct chattering]

(David)

Yeah, I'm pretty new at this.

I-I got a lucky break.

- Should be out soon.

- 'Yeah.'

Been in there long enough.

(male #)

Mr. Aaron, would you like

to make a statement?

(Aaron)

I-not at the present time.

You have been in touch

with the mayor?

Mr. Aaron, I just have two

questions to ask you.

[indistinct chattering]

Mr. Aaron,

I just have two questions.

- Excuse me, Mr. Aaron.

- Mr. Aaron..

One more question, Mr. Aar..

Mister..

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Hi.

Oh, hi.

What can I do you for?

Uh, can I talk to you

for a second?

Sure.

[sighs]

You know, I...haven't told

anybody this yet

but, uh..

...I got cut

from the football team.

Oh.

Tommy, I'm sorry.

Hey, listen, these kind

of things seem pretty bad now

but in a few weeks, you--

Yeah, I know,

in a couple of weeks

I'll forget all about it

and everything

will be all better.

I've been telling myself that

but...I'm not very convincing.

[sighs]

You know..

...the reason I-I,

I couldn't tell everybody is..

...is I felt like I was

disappointing them all.

That...they all

expected so much.

'I felt like a real failure

and I hated you'

'because you made me

feel that way.'

I mean, you did all of this.

I-I couldn't do any of it.

I..

I just couldn't be you.

I...I felt like

they wanted me to.

Oh, Tommy,

you don't have to try to be me.

You couldn't

and I wouldn't you to.

Well, uh..

...I know that now

but...I-I didn't know that

when I blew up at you.

Hey...I'll make you a deal.

Why don't we both stop tryin'

to be something we're not?

Okay, you're on.

But, uh,

can we be friends again?

Better yet. Let's be brothers.

Thanks, brother.

[instrumental music]

I'd like you to read this.

[music continues]

David?

Abby?

(Abby)

'Up here, Tom. Come on up.'

[music continues]

[laughter]

Hey, kids, what's going on?

- Oh.

- What?

Uh. Heh.

Chris finished your dresser.

- Oh. Abby, have you seen David?

- No.

It doesn't look

any different than this.

Oh, that's nice.

The drawers.

[Nicholas laughing]

Oh, I don't believe it.

Well, now,

he, he did add more space.

The drawers

are definitely deeper.

- They are deeper.

- I still don't believe it.

Well, Mr. Bradford.

What do you think?

I mean...you gotta love it.

Yeah? Well, I don't love it.

I don't even like you.

But..

...but it's you.

Authentic, middle Sacramento.

Out, just get out.

W-well, it's not

quite done yet. I--

Yeah, but you are.

Well..

Hmm, I'll send you my bill.

Well, dad, look, um,

at-at least you can put

your clothes away now,

you know.

[laughs]

You can pick 'em up too.

No, wait,

where are you going?

- Please don't go.

- To hire a carpenter.

A carpenter. He is, he is, he's

gonna go hire a...a carpenter.

[laughing continues]

[knock on the door]

May I come in?

Yeah, come on in.

You can't change my mind.

I made my decision.

And if you're here

to talk me out of it

you're wasting your time.

No, no, David,

I haven't come here

to talk you out of it.

It's just that,

well, it-it took us

by surprise, I mean, uh..

...as-as an article,

this is, uh..

...quite a terrific

resignation letter.

I meant it, I really did.

I'm sure you meant it.

But I, I wanted to find out

what your reasons were.

'You see, we thought

that you liked it.'

So did I, for a while.

I'd even talk myself

into believing

it was heaven on Earth.

But I was fooling myself.

'I'm not made

for that kind of work.'

'I never was really.'

I guess I knew that the night

that Tony walked out

of the house.

You know I went

to Aaron's house this morning

after I talked to you..

...to get that final

little piece of information..

...to put that final

little nail in the coffin

I had built for him.

You know, he lives in a house

that's not too different

from ours,

it's...lot smaller of course

but it's really the same.

Seeing him there

at the house, I realized

that the man's a human being.

It's not a byline,

an opportunity

to see my name in print.

He has a wife and kids that..

I know I must feel his pain

as deeply

as he feels it himself.

I saw the pain in their faces.

Yeah, I know that people

have a right to know.

I know the story

has to be written

but I'm not the one

who's going to write it.

I can't.

David..

Dad, I'm sorry

if I'm letting you down but..

...I can't fit into your shoes

any more than Tommy

can fit into mine.

It, it wouldn't make me happy

you're being something

that you're not.

I just want you

to be David Bradford.

Because that's what you are.

Because that's who I love.

Hi.

- Oh, hi.

- What're you reading?

Oh, I'm re-reading.

David's, uh, resignation letter.

Do you know something, it's,

it's really pretty darn good.

Of course it is,

he's very talented.

You should be very proud of him.

I am. He went back to LA

to make up with Tony.

Talent, character,

takes after his father.

He certainly does.

[instrumental music]

What're you thinking about?

I'm just at

a funny age, you know.

I don't even feel old and yet..

...my eldest son is..

...a man, doesn't even

really need me anymore.

Mary's almost a doctor,

Joannie an actress.

Nicholas will be in college.

Tom, Nicholas is only

eight years old.

Dad, Abby,

I'm sorry to bother you

but Nancy and Elizabeth

are upstairs

about ready to k*ll each other

over a set of curlers.

Dad, dad, my hamster's sick.

Oh, well, don't worry, fellas.

- I'll be right there.

- Okay, come on, come on.

Well, between now and the time

Nicholas goes to college

I guess you have a lot

to take care of, huh?

So, tell me, Bradford,

do you love it?

I love it.

I love it.

[theme music]

[music continues