05x10 - The Darlene Dilemma

[bunniefuu]

- Is this your family?

- 'That's my family.'

It must be great

for you to all to be together.

Maybe someday you can

come for dinner.

Maybe you can come next week.

How about tonight?

You took her to your house?

I'm convinced I can help Darlene

and I'm not

about to give up on her.

I wouldn't want

that girl around my kids.

She scares me.

Don't let her break us up.

I won't let anybody break us up.

I promise.

- Darlene told me everything!

- You've seen her?

I'm gonna see her

every chance I get.

[theme song]

♪ There's a magic in the early

morning we've found ♪

♪ When the sunrise smiles

on everything around ♪

♪ It's a portrait

of the happiness ♪

♪ That we feel and always will ♪

♪ For eight is enough

to fill our lives with love ♪

♪ Oh we spend our days like

bright and shiny new dimes ♪

♪ If we're ever puzzled

by the changing times ♪

♪ There's a plate

of homemade wishes ♪

♪ On the kitchen windowsill ♪

♪ And eight is enough ♪

♪ To fill our lives with love ♪♪

[instrumental music]

Nicholas, aren't you afraid

you'll take off?

Elizabeth, can I borrow

your hair dryer?

Are you kiddin'?

It's still full of hamster hair

from the last time

you borrowed it.

I didn't know they shedded.

Uh, Nicholas, why the sudden

interest in your appearance?

Oh, I don't know.

It's my new slogan.

In order to do your best,

you have to look your best.

Oh! New girlfriend, huh?

[instrumental music]

Phew!

It must weigh a ton.

Well, we're a very heavy group.

[scoffs]

With jokes like that

you're lucky

you're playin' the Boondocks.

Hey, don't knock the Boondocks.

With a couple

of more gigs like this

we can hire somebody

to do the work.

They're payin' that much

for one night at Citrus Heights?

No, not yet, but maybe soon.

The band's really

comin' together.

Besides, we finally got a look.

We finally got personality.

What do you think?

Well, the fringe is nice.

Aren't you afraid

these rhinestones

may spook the buffalo?

Your problem is is

you just don't know class

when you see it. I'll be beatin'

the girls off with a stick.

Wowie!

You look just like Wayne Newton.

- Good morning.

- Oh, hi.

Did you see what was just

goin' on in the driveway?

Oh, you mean Tommy

overloading his van?

No, I mean, did you see

who was helping him?

Jeremy was helping him.

Jeremy? Helping?

It's amazing.

No, Tom, it's wonderful.

I think he's finally

beginning to feel

like a part of this family.

Yeah, well,

he has you to thank for that.

I never had much hope for him.

You worked a miracle.

No, we had a lot to work with.

Uh, go right ahead.

I'll keep my eyes closed.

Well, why don't

you stick around?

You might learn somethin'.

I'm sorry,

but I'm late for an audition.

Audition?

Don't you have work today?

'Well, this is work, dad.'

See, the brokerage house

is doin' a TV commercial

and they're using

real employees.

Little do they know

that a star is in their midst.

Well, I gotta get goin'

or I'm gonna be late.

Um, you can keep on doing

what I wasn't watchin'.

Thank you.

[instrumental music]

[school bell ringing]

(Abby)

Darlene Scott.

Listen, you have made

terrific, terrific progress.

I'm really proud of you.

I mean, you didn't miss

a single day of school last week

you got a B

on your history test.

It's great.

It's great improvement.

Mrs. Youngblood's

gonna be really pleased

when she gets back.

I don't have to go back to her,

do I?

But she's your

regular counselor.

But look how much better

I'm doing with you.

You make me wanna work hard,

Dr. Bradford.

Well, um, ahem,

we'll think about it, okay?

- Is this your family?

- 'It's my family.'

It must be great

for you to all be together.

- Which one's your favorite?

- Well, I don't have a favorite.

I mean, people don't compare.

Come on. You can tell me.

No, Darlene. They're unique.

There're as unique as you are.

If you met them,

you'd see what I mean.

You mean,

maybe I could get to meet them?

Well, sure. Maybe someday.

Yeah, sure.

What's the matter?

Well, nothing.

That's just one of those things

people say to be nice.

No, Darlene, I meant it.

Maybe someday you can

come for dinner.

Maybe you can come next week.

Oh, I can't.

My grandmother's

operation is next week.

So then, the week after?

How about tonight?

- Tonight?

- Yeah, I'm all alone tonight!

Okay. Tonight it is.

[instrumental music]

That's, uh, super, Bernice.

Just super.

We'll let you know, sweetheart.

Well, thank you.

Next girl, please.

- Hi. I'm Nancy Bradford.

- Hello.

- Hello. Hi.

- Hi, Nancy.

I, uh, don't suppose you've had

any modeling experience, Nancy?

Um, well, if you count

the Miss Sacramento pageant.

Who's countin'?

Uh, walk a little for us, Nancy.

Walk?

Yeah. Big smile, please.

That's easy. Okay.

Thanks.

- Uh, super, Nancy. Just super.

- Thanks.

Uh, we'll let you know,

sweetheart.

Oh.

Mm-hmm. Bye.

Wait a minute.

Hey..

Super.

Nancy, sweetheart..

...I don't wanna

break your heart

but you are wrong for this spot.

However,

and it's a big however

I have a client.

Very heavy TV.

Who's looking for someone

to do his commercials.

A-and we think

you'd be just super.

Me? Super?

At the very least.

[chuckles]

[whispering]

Go on. Ask her.

[whispering]

I will.

You're a chicken.

- I am not.

- Then ask her.

I'm waiting

for the right moment.

Yeah, like next Tuesday.

[whispering]

Let's get out of here.

- I don't understand.

- Here.

[instrumental music]

[baby cooing]

- Susan?

- Hmm.

Don't forget to set

an extra place for Darlene.

Oh, but Tom is up

in Citrus Heights, so it's even.

Oh, right. Thanks, yeah.

[doorbell dings]

I'll get it.

I-I'm looking for the Bradfords.

Well, you couldn't

have come to a better place.

You have an epidemic

at Bradford's

of various shapes and sizes.

Come on in. I'm Jeremy.

I'm Darlene.

Are you a Bradford?

Nah. Just a trainee.

Hi.

Hi.

So I walked in,

Easy Art took one look at me

and said I was perfect

for the part.

Easy Art. Who is that?

Oh, you know, dad, Easy Art

of Easy Art Heating And Cooling.

(Jeremy)

'Sounds like

a real class operation.'

Oh, Jeremy,

I know it's not Tiffany's

but the pay is good

for a few hours of work.

[laughing]

Easy Art. Easy Art.

Why does that name

sound so familiar to me?

Dad, you probably

saw the commercials

in the little stores.

You know, the ones that say

"Seven convenient locations

throughout that greater

Sacramento area."

Aren't those the ones with

the little igloos on the top?

- 'That's them.'

- Ah! Isn't that something.

I used to live right by one

when we first moved here

from Oklahoma.

Oh, so, um, Darlene,

what'd you do in Oklahoma?

Oh, just about what

I do here I guess.

My dad was in the oil fields.

You mean,

with gushers and everything?

Sure. I even saw one once.

It was where my dad

was k*lled in.

Darlene, I'm sorry.

Oh, don't go feeling bad

on my account.

That was a long time ago

and I really don't

remember him too much.

Except how he used

to pick me up

and throw me way up

over his head and catch me.

I bet you used to do that,

didn't you?

Oh, yes, I have done a lot

of throwing around here.

'I still have the bad back

to prove it.'

But it was all worth it.

(Darlene)

Yeah.

I bet my dad

was an awful lot like you.

Oh, thanks, Darlene.

I'm flattered.

(Darlene)

Oh, I'm the one

who is flattered.

For bein' invited here.

This is the best evening

I've had in years.

Ask 'em if they need

another trainee.

[indistinct chatter]

Hey, uh, Bartley.

I'm ready.

Art is ready. Everybody ready?

Uh, well, we're, uh,

we're having a minor problem

with the girl, Art.

Art's not gonna like that.

Well, what problem? What?

Oh, well, uh, ahem, she's, uh..

Nancy, come on. Please.

We have a deadline.

I know. I know.

It's just that I feel

a little stupid.

It just takes some

getting used to, that's all.

Okay.

Great. Just great.

- Doesn't she look great?

- Great.

She looks super.

I'm afraid

she'll melt the igloo.

- Helen.

- Hi.

Hi, how are you doin'?

Glad you're back.

How're you feeling?

Well, stupid

that I ever tried roller skates.

Abby, I've given up

on recreation.

It's too dangerous.

- I'll stick to work.

- Well, that's good.

In that case, I'll give you back

most of your case files.

- Most?

- Yeah.

Darlene Scott has asked

to stay on with me.

Do you want her?

Oh, yeah, very much.

She's made terrific progress

in the past three weeks.

Let me tell ya, Abby.

With Darlene

nothing is ever what it seems.

'You think she's improved

because that's what'

'she wants you to think.'

No, no. I have proof, Helen.

Her grades, her attendance.

Oh, she has the ability

to do the work

but she doesn't do it

without a reason.

'She can connive

and manipulate a person'

'like no one I've ever seen.'

I find that very hard

to believe.

Well, I believe it enough

to recommend that her case

be turned over

to a psychiatrist.

A psychiatrist?

Helen, that seems a bit extreme.

Abby, please don't be fooled.

You're very good,

but this is only your first

job in the field.

Now, look, Helen,

I'm convinced I can help Darlene

and I'm not

about to give up on her.

She responded beautifully

when she came

to the house for dinner.

You took her to your house?

Yeah.

You have a lot more courage

than I have.

I wouldn't want

that girl around my kids.

She scares me.

[telephone ringing]

Bradford residence,

this is Jeremy.

Oh, hi.

Yeah. Tonight?

Are you kidding?

I'd love to!

Great. Just tell me where.

Uh-huh. Alright,

I'll see you there. Bye.

Do you believe it?

I got a date.

With who?

Darlene. Darlene!

'Whoo!'

[instrumental music]

Alright.

Well..

Wait, do you realize

we're about to eat

the down payment for my car?

[gasping]

It only cost three dollars?

Yeah, well,

I just started saving.

Here's to your car.

I'll eat to that.

I hope I get to ride in it

a lot.

Yeah, me too. A lot.

Oh!

Do you think

that we could have sent

the payment checks

to the bank already?

Is that possible?

Abby?

Abby?

Well, I can see why this

is a futile effort

until Jeremy gets home.

Tom, I'm sorry,

I was just wondering..

I was wondering if Helen

could be right about Darlene.

I checked her records, and, uh,

she has a very rough history.

'Jeremy doesn't need

that kind of influence.'

Oh, how much influence

can she have on one date?

Come on, you guys.

Nancy's commercial is on.

Oh.

Nicholas, don't you have

some homework to do?

Dad, this is homework.

If it's good,

I'm gonna do a report on it.

Shh. It's time. It's time.

Hi, there, Art Simpson

'president of Easy Art

Heating And Cooling'

with some great news.

Friends, we've just opened

up our eighth friendly store

in the east Roseville

shopping centre

and we're gonna

have a special winter sale

on air conditioners.

So, why don't

you do yourself a favor

and stop in any Easy Art store

and enter our giant opening

'sweepstakes,

where the grand prize'

is a trip to Honolulu, Hawaii.

'We'll also be giving away..'

Cute.

(Art on TV)

'...air conditioners.'

'Plus, uh, hundreds

and hundreds of prizes'

'and soft drinks and balloons..'

[laughing]

So, friends, come on by

and see us here.

If you need some heat,

or you need some cold

Easy Art

won't be undersold. Yeah.

Well, so much for my report.

Nicholas.

Uh, Nancy, I thought

it was really very interesting.

Yeah. Interestin'.

You looked pretty.

Very pretty.

Oh..

It's awful!

(Nicholas)

'She shouldn't be so upset.'

I could do my report

on something else, you know.

I really had a good time.

Thanks.

Yeah, same here.

Your paint's peelin'.

I know.

Yeah, I figured you did.

I mean,

it's kind of obvious the way..

Goodnight.

Hi, Jennifer.

You don't know me, but..

Hello, Jennifer

you don't know me,

but we have study hall together.

Allow me to introduce myself.

Hey, I kind of like that.

Allow me to introduce myself.

Oh, wait a minute.

Don't tell me.

The last time this was washed

was when Mary was going out

with that doctor,

the married one.

It's called working off anxiety.

Tom, I'm really concerned

about Jeremy.

'I'm afraid he's gonna lose

the progress he made'

since he came here,

and I don't think

he and Darlene

should see each other again.

Do you plan on telling him that?

Yeah. Yeah.

If he ever comes home.

Well, you know,

he's really not all that late.

Why don't you wait

until his first date is over?

Maybe he'll make

that decision by himself.

How can you be so philosophical?

It's easy. You're using up

all the worry around here.

[Jeremy whistling]

Oh.

- Hi.

- Hi.

- I guess I'm late.

- Yes.

I'm glad you noticed that.

Have you been with Darlene

this whole time?

Huh. Yeah.

Listen, Jeremy, we should

talk ab-about Darlene.

I already know about her.

She's the greatest girl

I ever met. The greatest.

Thanks for introducing us, Abby.

You made my world.

Jeremy..

[sighing]

Do you wanna trade

some of that cheap philosophy

for some of that worry?

[telephone ringing]

Is Mr. Bailey ever

on the warpath this morning?

And guess who he's looking for?

I don't know, Bernice. Who?

You.

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

[sighs]

Allow me to introduce myself.

Well..

Well what?

I'm allowing.

Yeah.

Well, I'm Nicholas Bradford.

And I think we should go out

for hamburgers Saturday night.

Why should I?

Well, I don't know.

Because I asked you, I guess.

Mmm, I'm really

used to older boys.

They're much more sensitive,

you know.

And I'm into sensitive men.

Well, I'm sensitive.

I get a rash every time

I wear polyester.

I mean, a man who's not afraid

to show his feelings.

A man who's..

...not afraid to cry at movies.

A man who's at home

in the kitchen

as well as the garage.

- The kitchen?

- Of course the kitchen.

A man who can cook

is my kind of man.

Well, maybe Saturday night

I can cook dinner for you

instead of hamburgers.

- Can you?

- Sure.

I'm very good in the kitchen.

Very good.

Then I'll see you

Saturday night. Ciao.

Right. The chow. I'll call you.

Well, what happened?

I'm not sure.

You mean she said maybe?

I mean, I got three days

to become her kind of man.

Come on, Merle. What is it?

- A pink dress.

- Oh, how feminine.

At least it's not

a baseball bat.

Hey, everybody, I'm home.

What do you say we all run out

and unload my van?

We pull together,

we can get her done in no time.

No way, Tommy. You still

owe me from the last time.

- Yeah, me too.

- Me too.

And Sander Sue's

not a candidate.

I don't believe this.

Whatever happened to my loving,

cooperative, helpful sisters?

- They left.

- Never heard of them.

Nancy, I was just about to--

Tommy, look,

just don't bug me, would you?

I just quit my job

at the brokerage.

You quit the only job

you've ever kept?

You'd quit too, dad.

Do you know what

Mr. Bailey said?

He said that the commercial

was degrading and derogatory

to the good reputation

of Bates, Callahan and Chester.

And if I didn't quit

the modeling immediately

'he'd fire me.'

Well, I told him what he could

do with his good reputation

and I walked out.

He can't do that.

I think you ought to talk

to a lawyer, Nance.

Yeah, w-why don't I call Janet?

Wait a minute.

There's more, there's more.

I got a message at the office

to call Easy Art.

Starting tomorrow, I'm gonna be

in all his commercials.

I'm gonna be a full-time Eskimo!

I hope you didn't break

your woofer.

I beg your pardon?

Your woofer.

Like in tweeter and woofer.

They're components

in your speaker.

'I hope you didn't break them.'

Yeah, well, actually

these aren't the kind

of speakers

that have woofers and tweeters.

Oh.

Well, even if they don't

you shouldn't drop them

on the ground.

Well, then,

maybe you'd like to help me.

No, I'm not very good

at hard labor.

Is that right?

What are you good at?

Mmm, huh,

wouldn't you like to know?

Yeah, that's why I asked.

Who are you anyway?

Now, wait a minute. Shouldn't I

be asking you the same question?

[chuckles]

Maybe, but I asked you first.

Alright, then.

I'm Tommy Bradford.

Ah, a Bradford.

I'm Darlene Scott.

Well, have you been hanging

around our driveway long?

[chuckles]

No. I just came by to see Abby.

Oh, I don't think she's here.

Then, I guess you'll just

have to drive me home.

Ow! Oh!

[instrumental music]

[van engine revving]

[music continues]

Hey, you've seen Tommy yet?

He isn't home yet.

- He isn't home yet?

- That's what I said.

Listen, where you come from

did you ever hear of a dessert

called chocolate mouse?

It can't be what it really

sounds like, you think?

I don't know, but Melvin said

his uncle had chocolate ants--

Hey, just knock it off!

What's wrong? You on a diet?

[doorbell rings]

- Yes, what is it?

- Hello, Mr. Bradford.

Johnny Johnson,

Easy Arts Heating And Cooling.

Oh, oh, we are not interested.

Oh, Mr. Johnson, I'm sorry.

I didn't realize.

No sweat. Happens all the time.

Yes, come in.

You must want to see Nancy.

Nope, I just need someone

to sign for this

air conditioner.

- Air conditioner?

- Mm-hmm.

- What air conditioner?

- That one.

Nancy!

Dad, how can you turn down

a free air conditioner?

Like this.

Thank you very much

for your trouble

but we don't need

an air conditioner.

Why not?

Well, in the first place,

it's the middle of the winter.

Yeah, but,

summer will be here soon.

Yes, and when summer gets here

we already have

air conditioners.

They're called windows

and you'll find them

conveniently located

throughout the Bradford house.

Uh, Mr. Bradford, it is very

important to Easy Art

that Nancy use the product

so that she can be

a legitimate spokesperson.

Right, and if I refuse,

I'll probably lose my job

and I'll have to

mooch off people

and borrow lots of money.

Where do I sign?

(Tom)

'You know,

cooking dinner for a girl'

is a pretty big undertaking

on your first date.

Face it, dad. I'm growing up.

Yeah, I guess you are.

Does that mean I get

a bigger allowance?

No, no, it means that

now you're mature enough

to appreciate your

present allowance.

Hi. Sorry, I'm late.

I got a little side-tracked.

It's okay, I left some

dinner in the refrigerator

for you and Jeremy.

Wasn't Jeremy with you?

No, but I was

with a friend of yours.

- Who?

- Darlene Scott.

- Darlene Scott?

- Yeah.

Tommy, what happened?

Tell me exactly what happened?

What could happen?

I gave the girl a ride home.

No, Tommy, this is important.

Yeah, come on, Tommy.

Tell us all about it.

Jeremy, wait a minute.

I'll talk to Tommy, okay?

Wait a minute?

My girl comes to visit.

This creep's trying

to hustle her away!

Hey, what's going on?

Hey, don't play innocent to me!

I ever catch you near her again,

I'm gonna flatten you--

Now, Jeremy,

you go to your room.

- Take it easy. Come on.

- Oh, that's just great!

He is the back stabber,

and I get punished!

Would somebody mind telling me

what's been happening

around here?

I think it's obvious that Jeremy

has fallen for this girl.

Well, how was I

supposed to know that

with the way she was

coming on to me?

- She did?

- 'Sure.'

That's great.

Tommy, you see,

Darlene has a lot of problems.

She was sent to Abby

for counseling.

Well, you should counsel her

not to chase

two guys in the same house.

I better apologize to Jeremy.

It's my responsibility. I'm the

one that brought her home.

Oh, you had no way of knowing

what the girl would do.

No, I could have

checked her records earlier

but I was so taken in by her.

I mean, if I'd been aware enough

I could have anticipated

this whole thing.

For heaven's sake,

you're a counselor

not a mind reader.

I'll tell you one thing.

It's not gonna happen again.

Nicholas, what are you

doing out here?

Oh, Jeremy needed more room

to throw stuff.

What?

Listen, are you gonna be here

Saturday night?

No, why?

Phew! I didn't want you

hustling Jennifer.

- Look, Jeremy--

- Just save it, huh, Bradford!

[instrumental music]

Hi, Dr. Bradford.

Hi, Darlene.

You always do the nicest

things for me.

History is my favorite class

to get called out of.

Why don't you sit down?

We have a lot to talk about.

- Sounds serious.

- Yeah, it is.

I think that the two of us

need to come to a..

Well, to a new understanding.

About what?

'Let's just start with Jeremy.'

I don't know

what he's told you

but see he's come out of

a very bad time in his life.

Then he's really lucky

he has you.

[chuckles]

I don't know about that.

See, uh, I may have let

situation occur

that's hurt him very much.

I want you to try

and understand this, okay?

See, I feel the need

to protect Jeremy

and, uh, I don't wanna hurt you.

What do you mean?

I want you to take a look

at how your behavior with Tommy

has created

a very big impact on Jeremy.

Why? What did I do?

You know what you did, Darlene.

I'm talking about

the game with Tommy.

Now, Tommy can handle it,

but Jeremy just can't.

Wait a minute.

Are you his counselor or mine?

Well, I've thought

a lot about that

and I think what

would be best for both of us

is if you go back

to Mrs. Youngblood

as your counselor.

No!

Look, Darlene, the feelings

of my family are involved now

see, and I just can't be

objective for you.

In other words,

you're dumping me.

No, I'm not dumping you,

and you know that.

You know I care about you.

I only want what's best for you.

I've heard that before.

And every time

it was the same old lie!

I mean it.

Oh, sure.

I thought you were

something special.

But you're just like

all the rest.

Nicholas, it's only Thursday.

Aren't you starting

a little bit early?

- Well, I'm just practicing.

- 'Oh.'

- Do you need any help?

- No, that's okay.

I'm just having a little trouble

with the tbls and the tsps.

You're what?

See right there,

"tbls" and "tsps".

No, Nicholas, uh,

those are abbreviations.

See, now a tbl, uh, a tbl

is a tablespoon, right.

And a tsp is a basic teaspoon.

Oh, no wonder

I couldn't find them.

Now, where do we keep

the cog-nac?

Cognac?

Yeah, whatever, I need

eight tbls of it.

What are you making?

Boudoir spice souffle?

What kinda cookbook is this?

"The Sensuous

Bachelor's Cookbook?"

Yeah. I got it at the library.

See, Jennifer's into

sensitive men.

So I figured

it was a good choice.

Oh, uh, well, um, sensuous

and sensitive aren't exactly

the same thing.

Oh, yeah? What's the difference?

The difference? Well--

Is it something I need to know

for Saturday night?

- No, no.

- Good.

I don't think so.

[humming]

[knock on door]

Yeah, come on in.

Oh, boy, that look

on your face says

you didn't drop in

for chit-chat.

- It's that obvious, huh?

- Yeah, what's on your mind?

- Can I talk to you?

- Sure. Come on in.

Pull up a chair.

Uh, Nance, how serious are you

about this job with Easy Art?

Well, considering it's my

only job at the moment

I'd say rather serious.

Why?

Well, I-I missed your

commercials, you know

and I wanted to see it

so I asked the station

if they had a tape

and...they said

they refused to show

Easy Art commercials.

Refused? Why?

Um, well, here.

I got these out of

the morgue at the station.

What?

He's a crook, Nance.

'Oh, Joannie,

these are very old articles.'

Well, maybe he's reformed.

Look, Joannie, the man gave us

a very expensive

air conditioner

so his advertising would be

perfectly honest.

[chuckles]

Now that doesn't sound

like a crook to me.

Look, I know

you're trying to help me

but I know what I'm doing,

so just..

[sniffing]

- Do you smell something?

- Yeah.

Look, it's smoke!

sh**t!

[coughing]

It's jamming.

No, it's the air conditioner.

[coughing]

What's wrong? What's wrong?

Hi, dad, uh,

it's the air conditioner.

We're having a little problem.

Well, I wanna talk

to that Easy Art.

He has a big problem.

- Jeremy, hi, can we talk?

- Yeah, well I'm real busy.

Why don't you just go

talk to Tommy?

Wait a minute.

I know how it looks,

but it's not my fault.

Not your fault? I didn't see

anybody force you into his van.

You know it all, huh?

Then maybe you know the whole

thing was Abby's idea.

- Abby? Not Abby.

- 'That's right.'

She told Tommy to take me home.

- But why?

- It's pretty obvious, isn't it?

She wants to split us up.

- No.

- Sure.

She called me into

her office today

and said I couldn't see you.

'Just watch. She's gonna

lay it on you next.'

Promise me

you won't listen, Jeremy.

Don't let her break us up.

I won't let anybody break us up.

I promise.

[instrumental music]

[coughing]

Not to worry, Mr. Bradford.

It's just a loose fan belt.

Caused it to overheat.

You're sure that's all it is?

Well, no,

but I'm probably pretty close.

You want real close, huh?

Well, see,

I don't normally do this

but Easy Art was so insistent..

What I can do

is I can cut the air off

and have a serviceman

out here in a couple of days.

Couple of days?

First thing tomorrow?

Right away.

Sorry, dad.

[door opens]

Jeremy, I've been

waiting for you.

- Yeah, I knew you would be.

- Well, I gotta talk to you.

- I figured you'd say that.

- You know what I figure?

I figure you're still

real upset about Darlene.

Come on, Abby. Tell the truth.

You're upset about her.

That's right,

I am upset that she hurt you

and I want you to understand

where she's coming from.

Look, why, why don't you

just save the lecture

because Darlene

told me everything.

You have seen her? When?

Just now, and I'm gonna see her

every chance I get.

Jeremy, I don't think

that's wise.

I wasn't exactly

asking your opinion.

Well, maybe you better hear it.

Now listen, Darlene has more

problems than I can handle

or you can handle.

'She can only be

trouble for you.'

Now, I want you to think about

what I'm trying to tell you.

There's nothing to think about.

It didn't work when you tried

to break us up through Tommy

and it isn't working now.

[instrumental music]

[door slams]

- Dad, I'm freezing.

- Oh, I know, I know.

Yeah, dad,

what happened to the heat?

I'll bet Easy Art's head klutz

turned off the heat

instead of the air conditioner.

Oh, I'll get

some more blankets.

Well, save some for me.

Oh, you're still up.

Yeah, I can't sleep.

Why? Because of the cold?

No, because of the trouble

I've created for Jeremy.

You know you haven't

read that book

since you finished your thesis.

I know. I'm looking for answers.

There aren't any.

I feel so awful.

Jeremy's back where he was

when he started.

He doesn't trust us anymore

and I'm afraid of what Darlene

might try to do next.

Why? Like what?

Well, she was

real angry with me.

See, I think in her mind,

she thinks I was rejecting her

so I'm afraid she might try

to get back at me

through Jeremy.

But do you really think

she is capable

of doing something like that?

Yeah, I do.

Helen tried to warn me,

but I didn't listen.

See, 'cause I thought

we had such a deep rapport.

You know, sometimes,

I just see what I wanna see.

You know what I mean?

Do you have any suggestions?

Well, yes, just two.

The first one is this.

We've got to hope

that Jeremy trusts us

and if he doesn't trust us

well, then we've got

to trust him.

You've brought him a long way.

'He should be able

to figure out Darlene.'

That's wishful thinking.

Suggestion number two?

Uh, well, we'll discuss that

after a good night's sleep.

[instrumental music]

[dishes rattling]

- Tom.

- 'Hmm?'

- Tom!

- 'Hmm?'

Did you hear that, Tom?

- What?

- Did you hear that?

- Hear what?

- That noise.

What noise?

That noise.

Go back to sleep.

It's just the milkman.

Tom, we don't have a milkman.

[instrumental music]

Oh, hi, dad.

That's it, Nicholas.

Get to sleep.

Oh, dad, can I stay up please?

I've got the whole menu

counted off to the split second.

If I go to bed, I'll ruin my

whole schedule for the day.

It's o'clock in the morning.

You'll freeze to death.

Dad, I'm young. I can take it.

Besides, if I had a paper out

I'd be out on

the mean streets freezing.

At least now I can freeze

in the safety of my own home.

Oh, alright, Nicholas.

Just keep the noise down.

(Nancy)

Repairmen are

all finished, dad.

I don't think you'll be having

any more trouble, Mr. Bradford.

Well, what is this?

- It's the bill.

- Bill? What bill?

Eight hundred dollars!

This is the most

ridiculous thing

I've ever heard of

in my whole life!

Wait a minute.

This is new equipment.

It should be under

warranty or something.

Warranty? Are you kidding?

You don't make any money

on a warranty.

'Well, don't you understand?'

Yes. I'm beginning

to think I do.

Oh, that's where

you've been hiding.

Hey, just stay out of my way

if you know what's good for you.

I know what's good for me.

The question is do you?

Yeah, I know.

'Cause I know

what really happened

between Darlene and you.

If you knew what really

happened, you'd be apologizing.

I should apologize because Abby

made you take Darlene home?

Abby? Is that what

Darlene told you? She's lying.

Hey, one more cr*ck like that

and you'll be

playing guitar in crutches.

Don't push your luck, Jeremy.

Darlene isn't worth it.

- You take that back.

- I'll take it back.

But you just think

about everything

that Abby's done for you.

Then you tell me

who's really lying.

[instrumental music]

(Artie)

'Yeah, I see the problem.'

[Artie grunts]

Well..

...somebody..

...uh, gave you our special

instead of our top of the line

which you're supposed to get.

Just a, uh, clerical, uh, error

and I'll replace the unit

as, as soon as possible.

Oh, and, Mr. Bradford,

as for this..

Here, now, uh, everybody happy?

Everybody happy?

And, uh, how about my little

gold mine. Are you happy?

Well, there's something I just

don't understand, Artie.

What's the difference

between your special

and your top of the line?

Oh, well, in, uh, simple terms

the, uh, top of the line

has, uh, more metal

uh, thicker bearings, and the,

uh, special has more plastic.

You ready to go, Johnny?

Not just yet, Johnny.

Then the special must

wear out more quickly, huh?

Ooh! Let's just say

they don't last forever.

You wanna grab the stuff,

Johnny?

Just a minute, Johnny.

And then when they do break down

and people call you out

to fix them

you fix them 'cause they think

they're under warranty, right?

But you charge them a bundle

because there is no warranty.

[Artie laughs]

You got quite a head

for business, little lady.

No, for this kind of business,

I think I need a nose.

'Cause it stinks.

And I don't wanna

have any part of it.

You can take your

air conditioner, and your job

'and get out of here.'

Now, Johnny.

[instrumental music]

Hi.

Am I glad to see you.

Me too.

I was afraid you wouldn't

get my message.

My grandmother's

kind of forgetful.

Oh, I got it,

but I didn't understand it.

I know.

I was kind of mysterious.

I didn't want her to know

how stupid I was.

- Stupid?

- Yeah. Would you believe it?

I locked the keys

in my grandmother's car.

She has a car?

Yeah. Right over here.

She sent me to do her shopping.

When I got out,

I left the keys under the seat

and locked all the doors.

Pretty dumb, huh?

Well,

doesn't she have another key?

Uh, that's the problem.

I lost it last month.

You gotta help me, Jeremy

or she'll never let me

drive her car again.

Yeah, what can I do?

Well, isn't there some way

people can get in without a key?

Yeah.

See, I knew you could help.

That took a lot of courage.

I'm very proud of you.

Yeah, but I'm still

out of a job.

And the way I see it

it's better to be out of a job

than to be out of principles.

Thanks, dad.

You know, despite everything

I think modeling was

the best job I ever lost.

But who says you have to stop

just because Easy Art

was such a hard beginning?

If it's the career you want,

go for it.

You really think

I could make it?

Of course, I do.

You're beautiful.

Well, that's something

I inherited.

From my dad.

You made your phone call?

Yeah.

Grandma worries if I'm late.

How's it coming?

Oh, you won't be too late.

[indistinct

police radio chatter]

What's going on?

She, uh, locked the keys inside.

Really? It's your car?

No, it's hers.

Her grandmother's.

May I see your driver's license?

I don't have one.

And that's not my car.

He just said we'd get some

wheels and go for a ride.

'I told him we could

get into trouble.'

Wh-what's wrong with you?

He says he does this

all the time.

Wait, she's lying.

I'm lying? Who's breaking in?

Don't let him hurt me, officer.

Just hold it, son.

Put your hands on the car

and spread your feet. Come on.

- Wait, you don't understand.

- Just move it!

His poor Aunt Abby will be

so embarrassed.

Abby?

Don't be surprised

when she lets you down too.

You did all this just..

...to hurt Abby.

Why not? She hurt me.

I'm sorry for you, Darlene.

'Real sorry.'

[instrumental music]

I really hate him making you

come down here to get me.

I've seen police stations

before. Don't worry.

I will worry for a long time.

She really pulled

one over on me.

Hey, she pulled one over

on all of us.

I wanna tell you something,

okay?

I want you to imprint this

on your brain.

I love you, Jeremy

and I would never ever

lie to you.

I know, but...at the time..

...I really could have liked

Darlene, you know?

I know. I saw how you felt.

I guarantee you

that hurt will go away.

I just keep wondering

what's gonna happen to her.

It's probably for the best

I mean, Helen and I

recommended the judge

that, uh, she get

the psychiatric care

that she really needs.

I'm glad I got you, Abby.

I'm glad you're back, Jeremy.

I'm real glad.

So, things are cool?

Things are cool.

[instrumental music]

Oh, why, Nicholas!

Simply scrumptious!

And the entry.

Gateau de crepes

a la Florentine.

And for dessert..

...mousseline chocolat.

Oh, oh, muchas gracias,

Nicholas. Muchas gracias.

Oh.

I didn't think he could do it

but that was a very good dinner.

He's so sweet.

I bet he's really tired.

Ah, the things we

Bradfords do for love.

[Abby giggles]

Mmm, Nicholas..

...it's all so heavenly.

I propose a toast.

To our chef.

Nicholas?

'Nicholas?'

[theme music]

[music continues]