05x19 - The Idolbreaker, part 2

[bunniefuu]

(Tom)

Here are some scenes

from the first part

of tonight's story.

(Tim)

'Can I have

your attention please?'

'I'd like to make

an announcement.'

I have just booked the guys

for a national tour.

- Tommy, that's wonderful.

- Congratulations, son.

I gotta tell you this because

I don't know what else to do.

Tell me what?

I'm pregnant

and you're the father.

You gotta get rid

of this girl.

Do whatever it takes.

Tommy, you've come so far.

You can't afford

to louse it up now.

Ellen and I

are gonna be married.

'We were hoping

you'd all be at the wedding.'

(Abby)

Of course, we will.

- I don't wanna get married.

- Ellen.

Tommy..

...I was scared when I first

found out I was pregnant

and I thought

I couldn't talk to my parents

so that when you asked me

to marry you

I thought

it was the only solution.

It is.

No, it is temporarily.

I think you're wrong

about this.

So what I've decided to do is

live with my parents

until the baby's born.

I'm leaving next week.

- Are you comin' back?

- I don't know.

[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 ♪

♪ Oh 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 ♪

(Tommy)

She said she didn't

wanna get married.

She wasn't so sure

it would work.

And what did you say?

[sighs]

Not much.

I gotta tell you, Tommy, I'm not

sure how I feel about this.

Dad, I made a decision

that I felt good about.

And when she told me

she didn't wanna get married

the first thing

that I felt was..

...relief.

'I told her she was wrong'

but I'm not so sure

I even believed in what I said.

- And you've changed your mind?

- I don't know.

Also, I keep thinking about is

her raising that child alone

and feeling like

I ought to be there.

'Should I?'

Look, Tommy, I couldn't answer

that question before

and I can't answer it now.

'What I do know is

that if you let her go'

you can't allow her to assume

total responsibility

for that child.

I know that.

If I go back to her now,

there's no turnin' back.

That's true.

Then why are we sitting here

having this discussion?

- I know what I'm gonna do.

- And what's that?

- Get married.

- Are you sure?

Yeah, I think I am.

I know I am.

if she'll have me.

(Curtis)

'Joannie Bradford,

you lucky girl.'

(Joannie)

Why am I lucky?

You've just been awarded

a lunch date

at the Channel snack bar

with the escort of your choice.

Oh, I choose Paul Newman.

A Channel employee escort

of your choice.

Well, as long as

I have to settle

I'll take, uh, Bruce,

the cute copy boy.

I assume you have

no high regard for charm.

Come on, let's go grab

a sandwich, huh?

I'm busy.

- Doing what?

- Oh, the usual.

Trying to figure out

how to get Koppel

to put me on

some decent stories.

- Oh, not again.

- I know.

But I was just sitting here

having visions of myself at

still doing

human interest stories.

- That's ridiculous.

- It is?

Of course.

They'll make you retire at .

Thanks a lot.

'Look, I've got an idea.'

I'm suppose to cover

the governor's

press conference tomorrow

but I'm really swamped.

Curt, do you think Koppel

would really let me

cover a political story?

It's worth a try.

You're right.

It is worth a try.

- I'm gonna ask him right now.

- Hey, hey, hey, don't mind me.

I can find myself

another lunch partner anytime.

Well, who did you have in mind?

I thought I'd try Bruce,

the cute copy boy.

I have thought about this.

I want you to stay.

Tommy, we've been through

all this.

You've been through.

I haven't had a chance.

Look, I know there are a lot

of things goin' against us

but I think we owe it

to ourselves and our child

to at least try

and make it work.

You're not making this

very easy.

I'm not tryin' to.

- You said you love me.

- I do.

Then you gotta marry me.

I'll pay for the ducks

and everything.

[chuckles]

Stay.

And I thought since

it would be so hard on you

finding a replacement

on such short notice

that I would make a suggestion

if you don't mind.

No, of course not.

Go right ahead, Joannie.

Well, I was thinking

and it's just a suggestion,

of course.

But what if we send someone

who was not quite so experienced

in those kinds of things?

I mean, someone

who's not bored

'by the routine

of press conferences.'

Uh, somebody whose,

whose excitement

will lend a whole new

perspective to the story.

Did you have anyone

particular in mind?

Oh, uh, no.

I'd leave that to your

good judgment, of course.

Uh, but have you ever thought

of sending a woman?

A woman?

Yes, well, Channel

doesn't have any women

covering political stories and..

Well, just think of it,

Mr. Koppel.

When the governor looks out

across that sea of faces

who is he more likely

to call on?

That is an interesting idea.

[phone buzzes]

Yeah.

Of course. Send her in.

Anyway, if she happens to ask

particularly interesting

and well-researched questions

she might even attract

enough attention

to get the governor on camera

after the press conference.

Joannie, I couldn't agree more.

I think

it's an excellent idea.

Oh, thank you,

Mr. Koppel.

Good morning, Mr. Koppel.

Melanie, come in.

Joannie, I want you

to meet Melanie Ferrell.

She just arrived

from our Chicago affiliate

and I think

she's the perfect person

to send to the press conference.

Don't you agree?

[groans]

D-do you have to take

everything you own?

I left Nicholas

my Bozo Billy boxing bag

but I'm takin' everything else.

Don't you think

that's a little unnecessary?

I'm sure dad would give you

visiting privileges

with some of these things.

Oh, that's not the point.

I wanna move out altogether.

Oh. Yeah, I guess I felt

that way when I moved out too.

Uh, it's kind of symbolic.

Well, I think

this is the last of it.

Your father told me

to tell you

not to leave

without saying goodbye.

Oh, where is he?

Well, you know

how sentimental he gets.

I think he's tryin' to see

if he can get your bed bronzed.

You, uh, guys need

any more help?

Oh, no, I think David and I

can handle it. Thanks.

- Alright, good luck.

- Take it easy.

- You don't mind, do you?

- No, of course not.

Uh, but I still don't understand

why you're in such a hurry

to move into Ellen's apartment?

Well, I'm not gonna have

much time to spend with her

before the tour and I don't

want her to be alone.

I wanna be with her.

I admire you, Tommy.

I don't know what I'd do

under the same circumstances.

Well, it's not like

I'm making any great sacrifice.

I mean, I didn't plan

my life this way

but I feel real good about

what's happening now.

No, David, really, I do.

My career's going great,

I'm gonna have a home

and a family on top of it.

Actually, I'd say

I was pretty lucky.

'I think it can work, David.'

- I hope so, Tommy.

- I'll make it work.

(Jeremy)

'So what do they

usually do around here'

'for somebody's birthday?'

Well, they usually pretend

like they don't know

it's your birthday and then

when you walk in the living room

everyone's standin' there

with presents.

You get a birthday present

from everyone in the family?

- Yeah.

- That's great.

Uh, Jeremy, does everyone know

when your birthday is?

Well, if they don't,

I'll make sure they do soon.

Just watch.

Sorry I'm late.

I guess I just don't

get around as quick

as I did in my younger days.

Alright, sit down and eat

your food. It's getting cold.

And afterwards, we could

have a reception here

with champagne and finger

sandwiches, stuff like that.

(Susan)

'We could use

the caterer that Abby'

'and dad

used for their wedding.'

He was good.

(Elizabeth)

'Or we could do a lot

of the work ourselves.'

Uh, say, has anybody seen

my birth certificate?

- I seem to have misplaced it.

- What about flowers?

Mary, you could

take care of that.

- You're not doing anything.

- Okay.

You know, I've been misplacing

a lot of things lately.

I guess it's true that you

become forgetful with age.

- What's the matter, Mary?

- I don't know.

I'm just having trouble getting

enthusiastic about all of this.

This isn't exactly the way I

pictured Tommy getting married.

Say, as a matter of fact,

I can't even remember

what date this is today.

Does anyone know

the exact date?

Well, be that as it may,

Tommy needs our support.

We want him to have as nice

a wedding as he possibly can.

(Abby)

'That's right, you guys..'

You see, no one knows

but me, and I'm broke.

Yeah, I guess

this calls for plan B.

- What's that?

- Shh.

(Ellen)

'Hmm.'

Well, this is good.

Oh, thanks.

Called it in myself, you know.

Something missing.

Nice.

- Meaning feeble but sincere.

- Hmm.

You know, I've been thinkin'

after I get back from tour

we ought to look in

to gettin' a bigger place.

- Think we can afford it?

- Yeah, sure.

It'd be no problem if things

keep going the way they are.

We might even be able

to get a little house.

With a little, white

picket fence, right?

Mm-hm, and a car porch

for the station wagon

and a big backyard

for the cocker spaniel.

Where do I sign up

for a den mother duty?

I just want us

to be a real family.

I'm convinced already.

You think I'm overdoing it

a little, don't you?

Oh, you want me

to tell you honestly?

Yeah, absolutely.

I think you'll make

one terrific father.

Thank you.

I think you'll make

one terrific den mother.

[both laughing]

[knock on door]

Hello.

Is this Ellen Gregory's

apartment?

- Yes, it is.

- Then what are you doing here?

Oh, you must be

Ellen's parents.

You must be Tommy.

- Yeah. Come on in.

- Well, thank you.

- We weren't expecting you.

- Obviously.

- Uh..

- Is my daughter here?

Oh, yes. She's in the..

I'll go get her.

- Mom?

- Oh. Ellen!

It's so good to see you.

- Dad, we weren't expecting you.

- We know.

Well, I'm glad

you decided to come.

Me too.

We had to see you, Ellen,

we couldn't let you just

get married without even

meeting your fiance.

We just didn't expect

to meet him so soon.

[chuckle]

Well, we weren't

expecting you at all.

Listen, why don't you

all sit down

and I'll get us some breakfast

and we can get

to know each other?

- Good.

- Better.

Thank you.

Oh.

- Why do I have to do it?

- You're both women.

And you're familiar

with the layout

and I thought if you got

to know her a little bit better

you wouldn't be so judgmental.

- I'm not judgmental.

- You're not?

Arbitrary and opinionated maybe,

but not judgmental.

- Did you want to see me, Curt?

- Hi, Melanie.

I think you've met Joannie,

haven't you?

- Sure. Hi.

- Hi.

I thought it would be

a good idea

if Joannie showed you

around the newsroom

on your first day at work.

That would be nice.

Well, let's get going then.

Uh, this is the coffee machine,

Melanie.

Seems like most of the men

in the office get paralyzed

from the wrist down whenever

they come near this machine

so the women

usually make the coffee.

Did you say you wanted

sugar with that, Melanie?

- That's fine.

- Anytime.

These are the teletype machines.

Uh, we're very informal

around here

so whenever they need clearing

whoever's there

at the time does it.

Looks like

they need clearing now.

- Um.

- Oh, Melanie, let me do that.

You'll get your hands

all dirty.

And that's for research,

that's the worst of all.

Melanie, it's that information

you needed.

Melanie, you're wanted

at makeup right away.

Where is that?

(all)

Oh, I'll show you!

[indistinct chattering]

Jeremy, you look troubled.

Can I talk to you, Mr. Bradford?

Sure, what's on your mind?

- Old age.

- Why?

- Do I look that old already?

- No, I'm serious.

The thought of getting old

really bothers me a lot.

Oh, Jeremy, I mean, getting old

is nothing to look forward to

but in your case,

isn't it a little early

to be overly concerned?

Well, I don't know,

I mean, after all

I'm not getting any younger.

- Jeremy, come on.

- No, it's true.

It's true

that days go by so fast

you don't even know

where they went to

and before you know it,

there's not enough room

for the candles

on your birthday cake.

Boy, oh, boy,

I had no idea

that you were this hung up

about old age.

There's a lot of things

you don't know

about me, Mr. Bradford.

I guess it's just that time

of year, I'm sure it'll pass.

Oh, sure, it will.

Listen, I always get

very depressed

around wintertime too.

Don't worry about it.

Right.

We'll probably be playing

every major city in the country

and we end up

with two weeks in New York.

- Hm, that sounds exciting.

- Oh, it is.

I'm really

looking forward to it.

What happens

when the tour is over?

Oh, Tim, my manager,

he says he's almost positive

with all the exposure

we're gonna get from this tour

he can book us somewhere else.

Sounds like you're

gonna be pretty busy.

Yeah.

Sounds like

you and Ellen won't have

much time to spend together.

(Tommy)

'Oh, no.

We'll have lots of time.'

How?

Well, there's the days

and after rehearsal

we can go sightseeing together.

It'll be great.

Besides, we can always

talk on the plane.

Dad, he's just kidding.

Oh, I see.

May I have a roll, please?

Thank you.

I mean, the men in this office

they act like they've never seen

a beautiful woman before.

She can't lift her fingers

somebody wants to put

a ring on it.

Well, it sounds like

you've given up the fight.

I lost the battle

before it started.

This is the age

of cosmetic journalism.

If you look like Bo Derek

and can read a cue card

you're a reporter.

You can always do

something about it.

Come on, Nance.

How can I compete with somebody

who looks like, like you?

You can fight fire with fire.

Right, thanks, bye.

Hi, Joannie.

- Joannie.

- Oh, hi, Gerald.

You're real late

and Mr. Koppel's been screaming

for that story.

[blows nose]

Joannie, Joannie, Joannie.

Coffee?

- Oh, I would love some.

- Well, good. So would I.

Would you mind making some?

I take mine without sugar.

Oh, Melanie,

you look lovely today.

- Thanks, Rick.

- What a cute outfit, Melanie.

Thank you, Joe.

Melanie, I-I really

love your hair like that.

(Melanie)

'Thanks, Bruce.'

- Bruce.

- Yeah.

- Do you still want your coffee?

- Sure.

Oh, Joannie! What..

[screaming]

[knock on door]

- Hi.

- Hi.

Come on in.

Oh, have we come at a bad time?

No.

I just thought you were

gonna visit with some friends.

Oh, we thought we'd rather

visit with you for a while.

Is Tommy around?

- No, he's at rehearsal.

- Oh.

It's what this is about,

isn't it?

- What's that?

- Tommy.

You don't like him, do you?

Oh, yes, we do, we do like him.

He seems like a very nice boy.

- We just have reservations.

- What sort of reservations?

We want you to be happy, Ellen.

And you don't think

that Tommy can accomplish that?

Well, for a while maybe.

Honey..

...he's a musician.

The more successful

he becomes, the less time

he'll be at home

with you and the baby.

And with the way the marriage

is starting out

how long do you think

it'll last?

We want you to come home

with us, Ellen.

We'll take care

of you and the baby.

Tommy wants to marry me.

Now isn't that enough?

Does he really want to

or does he have to?

- He wants to.

- Well, I don't think so.

Well, I don't care

what you think.

Ellen, don't talk

to your father like that.

Look, I want you two

to come to the wedding.

But whether you approve or not

Tommy and I

are gonna get married!

Well, I'm not gonna watch you

throw your life down the drain.

Come on, Lorraine,

let's go home.

'Come on.'

Hi, Mary. You're just in time

to help us.

- Great.

- Hi, everybody.

- Hi, Jeremy.

- Hi.

[humming

"Happy Birthday To You"]

I said help, not eat.

This stuff is awful.

It tastes like, like liver.

It is liver.

Oh! I need something to drink.

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

♪ Happy birthday dear.. ♪

(Nancy)

'We're gonna have so much food,

we could feed an army.'

It's okay, Tommy's friends

eat so much, we'll need it.

[humming

"Happy Birthday To You"]

- Hi.

- Hi.

How was rehearsal session?

Well, band practice was fine.

What did you do today?

Oh, I went shopping

and cleaned the apartment.

Oh! That doesn't sound exciting.

Mm, not really.

Yeah, well, I thought

of something that'll put

a little excitement back

into both of our lives.

Yeah, what's that?

We're gonna go pick up

your parents

and then we're gonna take them

over to my house

and introduce them to my family.

Meeting my family's

always been an experience.

'Listen, why don't you

give them a call'

and give me a chance

to get cleaned up?

Tommy, we can't.

We can't what?

Pick them up,

they may not be there.

Where may they be?

Something came up,

an emergency.

They had to leave right away.

What could be

more important than

their own daughter's wedding?

I don't know.

Ellen, what happened?

They don't wanna go

to the wedding because

they don't want you and I

to get married.

Is that it?

Is it?

What time did they leave?

Two o'clock.

Tommy, where are you going?

[knock on door]

You don't look very surprised

to see me.

I'm not.

Ellen warned me you were coming.

You might have

missed us otherwise.

I'm glad she called.

I can't let you leave.

How do you propose to stop us?

Any way I have to.

Mr. Gregory, your daughter's

getting married

and whatever you think of me,

I believe you should be there.

I'm not going to a wedding

I don't approve of.

You don't approve of me? Why?

I don't have to justify

my reasons to you.

I disagree. If you're gonna

ruin what should be

one of the happiest days

of your daughter's and my life

'the least you can do

is explain why.'

Tommy, we don't

disapprove of you.

We just don't believe

this marriage will work.

Why won't it work?

'Look, I know

we're not getting married'

'under the best

of circumstances'

but I'm gonna

do everything I can

to be a good husband

to Ellen

and a good father

to our child.

I think

if I'm willing to do that

I at least deserve a chance,

don't you?

Curt, Curt, you'll never guess

what happened.

You were sitting

at the counter at Schwab's

minding your own business--

No, I'm serious.

You know, I went to that meeting

at the State Legislature--

Oh, you were sitting

in the state house minding--

No, that's just

what happened.

See, I was sitting there

just minding my own business

someone taps me on the shoulder,

I turn and look, it's him.

- No!

- Yes!

- Him who?

- The governor.

And you know what?

It was this outfit that did it.

- He liked the outfit?

- Well, not exactly.

He thought I was a rock singer

and he wanted my phone number.

Well, snicker all you want to.

I just happened to have talked

to the governor of California

into doing a live

on camera interview

for our news show tonight.

Joannie, that is fantastic!

I know. Isn't it great?

Oh, Mr. Koppel!

Mr. Koppel, wait!

You'll never guess

what happened.

I have arranged for a live

interview with the governor.

He's expecting

our crew at p.m.

Joannie, that is quite

an accomplishment.

- I'm very impressed.

- Thank you.

- Have you told Melanie yet?

- Melanie?

She's gonna have to hurry

if she's gonna

make it across town by : .

Don't worry about it.

I'll tell her.

Ellen?

Ellen?

- Hi.

- Hi.

Where have you been?

Oh, to the doctor's.

The doctor's?

'What did the doctor say?'

Ellen, what's wrong?

I had a miscarriage.

What happened?

It started to bleed and..

...I drove myself

to the hospital.

I, I lost the baby.

It's okay.

It's okay.

Look, maybe you should lie down

and get some rest, huh?

No. I can't rest.

You're gonna have to get some.

You've got a couple

of big days ahead of you.

Why?

You forgot

we're gettin' married?

- Oh, Tommy. You don't have to--

- I know.

I want to.

Tommy, I love you.

And observers feel that

this change is only the first

in a series of shake ups

at the corporation.

The state legislature met today

and here with that story

is our roving reporter,

Joannie Bradford.

Thank you, Melanie.

The voice of our new legislature

appeared to be an angry one

as the session began.

'Earlier today, we were

at the state house.'

- Roll tape. We're away.

- 'Tape on monitor one.'

Uh, Melanie, I'm not

a roving reporter.

I'm a political reporter, okay?

You're a roving,

political reporter.

- I don't rove.

- What do you do then?

Well, I move around a lot.

[buzzer]

Three seconds, ladies.

Two, you're on.

Well, that session certainly

wasn't a very friendly one,

was it?

You haven't seen anything yet.

I spoke later with some

congressmen on The Hill.

Roll tape. We're away.

You're angry

about my doing the interview

with the governor, aren't you?

Well, whatever

makes you think that?

You have my name on your script

with a dagger through it.

Oh, that's, uh, not a dagger,

it's a machete.

What do you have against me?

If you had any sensitivity,

you'd know.

It doesn't take a genius to

recognize professional jealousy.

Well, I guess that's why

you're able to figure it out.

- You're admitting it then?

- Three seconds, girls.

- The only thing I'm admitting--

- 'One.'

The governor is going to have

a very hard time getting

'this legislation through

the new state assembly.'

- Hi.

- Hi.

- You sleep okay?

- Mm. Fine, thanks.

Good, I didn't wanna

wake you up.

I thought

you could use the rest.

I'm fine, really.

I mean, emotionally, it's gonna

take me some time to adjust

but physically,

I feel pretty good.

Good. I made you something.

It's not much, but I'm afraid

cornflakes are about the extent

of my culinary abilities.

That was sweet of you.

I told ya I'd be a good catch.

Oh, Abby called and said

that we had to be at the house

by : for rehearsal.

Oh, okay.

Uh, and then after that,

we're gonna have

the after rehearsal dinner

with your folks and my folks.

Oh. That should be fun.

Yeah. It'll be great.

Um, why don't I get my breakfast

and you and I can have

soggy cornflakes together?

Doesn't that sound romantic?

How do you feel?

You mean other than neglected,

forgotten and unwanted?

- Yeah.

- Angry, bitter and frustrated.

But I still I don't see

why you just don't

tell them it's your birthday.

Because that's the whole point

of birthdays.

People are supposed to remember.

I mean, reminding people

about your birthday

it's like planning

your own funeral.

Takes all the fun out of it.

But I still think

you should celebrate.

Why?

Well, it'll make you

feel better.

The only thing that'll make me

feel good is, if I open

that door and the whole family's

out there yelling surprise.

I mean anybody,

please, standing there

ready to spend this

special day with me.

It doesn't have to be

the whole family.

Any sort of gesture will do.

Jeremy, would you mind

keeping it down?

Some of us have work to do.

It's not exactly

what I had in mind.

Oh, man, am I depressed.

Depressed city.

Happy birthday, Jeremy.

You got another one

of those hats?

Sure.

[sighs]

What're you doin'?

- Just workin' on a new song.

- Oh, what about?

I'm gonna go over and see mom.

I think she feels cheated that

we haven't had one of those

pre-wedding mother-daughter

chats, you know.

- Tommy.

- Huh?

- Will you listen for a second?

- Oh, I'm listening.

What did I say?

You said somethin' about, uh..

...something.

[laughs]

Not bad.

And oh, I thought that you

weren't paying attention.

Sorry, it's just, I'm trying

to figure out this line.

Damn it, why does Tim expect me

to just crank out a new song

with everything goin' on?

[sighs]

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

It's just rough trying to work

with all of this pressure.

- Tommy, you're sure that's all?

- Yeah, I'm sure.

Because if there's

something bothering you--

Hey, you worry too much.

What else would be bothering me?

- Excuse me, this is my desk.

- I know.

Well, don't you think

it's about time you moved?

Don't you think

it's about time we talked?

Look, we're going to have

to work together.

So I think it's time

we at least attempt

to straighten out

our differences.

I agree.

I just wanna know what it is

you dislike so about me.

I don't dislike you, really.

I guess I just dislike

what you stand for.

The whole influx of sex

into journalism, that..

I mean, the attitude

that, that in order to attract

an audience,

you have to be attractive.

I mean, it's not good enough

to be a good reporter anymore.

And you think

that's what I represent.

- Shoddy journalism.

- Frankly, yes.

You think you should've

gotten this job, don't you?

'May I ask you a question?'

- Sure.

- How old are you?

Twenty four.

And you've been at the station

how long, about three years?

Yes, almost that.

- I'm .

- So?

So let me tell you a little

something about myself.

I started when I was .

I worked as a secretary

in a small station in Chicago.

I was hired because the owner

of the station thought

I was pretty and would look good

answering his phone calls.

It took three years before

I was able to convince him

to give me a chance

at doing research.

And a long time after that

before anybody was able to see

that there was a brain

underneath this blond hair

and give me a sh*t

at being a reporter.

Oh, Melanie, I..

Maybe, maybe I did get

this job because I'm pretty.

But you know something?

I don't really care.

'Because after years..'

...I damn well deserve it.

Ellen, I want you to know

how sorry I am.

I hope you'll be able to

forgive your dad and me.

Yeah, I'm just glad

that you decided to stay.

Tommy is very convincing.

Yes, he is.

[sighs]

I know that we haven't made

this any easier for you.

But you know this whole thing's

been very rough on us too.

I didn't expect dad

to understand.

Hey, don't be so hard

on him, Ellen.

He only wants

what's best for you.

The only reason he did

what he did was

because he doesn't want you

to make a mistake.

You mean another mistake,

don't you?

No.

I mean, the mistake of..

...mistake of pretending.

Pretending?

To be happy.

For the sake of the marriage,

for the sake of children.

What does dad think, that Tommy

and I are doing that now?

Yes, he does.

Well, do you agree with him?

If you tell me that you're not,

I'll believe you.

But if you are or if Tommy is..

...then I hope

from the bottom of my heart

that you won't go through

with this marriage.

I can't allow you..

I can't allow you to live your

life the way I've lived mine.

You and dad?

But you always look so together.

I know.

But no matter

how good you get at..

...at playing the roles..

...it just doesn't make up

for what isn't there.

And it never will.

(male # )

'Alright, now the family

will line up along the aisles'

as they walk down.

Okay, Mr. Gregory, you'll give

your daughter to Tommy

then go stand with your wife.

We'll do the traditional

ceremony that is unless

you two have written something

you'd like me to say.

Um, no, we haven't

written anything.

- Is it too late?

- 'No, no.'

Not as long as you show it to me

before the wedding.

What do you think?

Should we write something?

- I don't think so.

- Yeah, you're right.

I wouldn't know

what to say, anyway.

Will you excuse me?

Tommy, is something wrong?

I don't know.

- Ellen, what's the matter?

- This is crazy.

- What?

- The ceremony.

Well, you have to have a wedding

in order to be married.

I realize that,

I just don't think

I wanna get married anymore.

Wait a minute,

what're you talking about?

Look, you feeling sorry for me

is not a good reason

to get married.

I'm not feeling sorry for you.

Will you stop it?

Well, you wanted to get married

because you want your child

to have a father,

that's just not a problem now.

I still wanna marry you.

Look, Tommy, I think you just

convinced yourself of that.

Look..

Tommy, do you love me?

- Yes.

- No, I mean, do you really?

Can you honestly say that

our going through this wedding

is the right thing to do?

Tommy?

Then I don't think

that we should get married.

What do we do now?

Well..

We walk out there

and we tell our families.

I feel strong now.

I'm gonna be fine.

I wanna thank you

for everything.

[sighs]

Ready?

Yeah.

- Come on, let's go.

- Okay.

(male # )

'...we're gonna have to cut it.'

- 'Cut it right here.'

- 'I like that story.'

(male # )

'Yeah, it's a great story,

but just long.'

Well, can't we figure out

something to keep it in--

Excuse me.

Melanie, can I talk

to you for a minute?

I'll talk to you later.

- Look, Melanie, I just--

- Don't even say it.

Before you say anything,

could you do me a favor?

Oh, sure, what?

Well, Mr. Koppel gave me

this assignment

and it's just such a nuisance

because I don't know

if I have the time to do it.

What assignment?

Oh, some nonsense about

a high level official

who's accused

of embezzling state funds.

Melanie, you're kidding.

Oh, this is a great story!

Listen, you don't have to

give this to--

I want to.

You deserve it.

You're good.

We both know that.

And if I hadn't have

come along--

Somebody else probably

would have.

I have a lot to learn, Melanie,

especially about judging people

before I know all the facts.

I really appreciate you

offering me this assignment.

But I honestly feel I'm not

ready for one this tough yet.

It's a big story though.

If you need any help..

Well, I, I do need somebody.

'Do you happen to know

of anybody'

'who might be interested?'

Well, if you can't

find anybody better

I might consider for a price.

- What's that?

- Lunch.

You drive a pretty hard bargain.

- As long as you're buying.

- Hey.

- Hi.

- Hi.

What're you doin' up so late?

Worrying about you.

Are you okay, Tommy?

Yeah.

I just keep thinkin'

about Ellen.

I feel so bad.

Ah, I think

Ellen's gonna be just fine.

Do you think

we did the right thing?

I just don't know.

There's no way

to know for sure.

But, you see, every decision

that you've made

you've made unselfishly.

And when you do things

for the right reason..

...well, that's usually

the right thing.

I hope so.

'Tommy.'

Through all this excitement, I..

...I forgot

to tell you something.

What's that?

I'm very proud of you.

- Goodnight.

- Goodnight.

Oh, Jeremy,

dad's been looking for you.

- Uh, no. He's down here.

- I know.

Yeah, well, I think

you better talk to him.

He said it was really important.

Well, if it's about my report

card, I've a very good excuse.

- Oh, yeah, what?

- I don't know.

I'll think of something.

Where is he?

Oh, boy, that usually

means big trouble.

(all)

Surprise.

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

♪ Happy birthday dear Jeremy ♪

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

[all cheering]

Jeremy, I'm sorry

we were a little late.

Well, you can understand,

Jeremy, with everything

that's been going on,

we all just forgot that..

'Nicholas reminded us

this morning.'

Oh, uh, you didn't have

to go and do all this.

Oh, don't be silly,

we wanted to.

Yeah, we wanted to get

your birthday cake too

but we didn't have time.

Oh, that's okay,

this is terrific.

You knew it all the time.

Jeremy, it just doesn't seem

right, so we made a compromise.

- Da-dang!

- Ta da!

Happy birthday, Jeremy.

[theme music]