04x03 - Abundant Grace

[bunniefuu]

- ["Destination" by Nickel Creek playing]
- ♪ You don't owe me ♪

♪ One more minute of your wasted time ♪

♪ You act like it's all fine ♪

♪ It isn't hard to leave ♪

♪ Knowing that I'll be getting life
On track ♪

♪ I wanted to believe ♪

♪ I've gotta make a destination ♪

♪ Find where I belong ♪

♪ This time I've got no hesitation ♪

♪ I'll be movin' on ♪

♪ To where I belong ♪

♪ I'll be movin' on ♪

♪ Over the line I've drawn ♪

♪ I'm already gone ♪

[music fades]

[upbeat music playing]

[seatbelts unfasten]

I love having you as my personal driver.

We should get you one of those
chauffeur hats. You would look so cute.

Mmm. Not half as cute as you.

Not one-quarter as cute as you,
my precious buttercup.

Oh, not one millionth as cute as you,
my gallant knight.

- Oh.
- [Ty] Hey, hey.

No PDA on school grounds.
You know the rule.

Sorry.

Well, thank God
you two got your acts together

and made this official.

Finally. Now, onto a double date.

- Oh.
- Whoa, whoa. You're moving too fast.

No. You move too slow, okay?

This relationship
has been centuries in the making.

So where should we go?

May I commence the bidding with mini golf?

Ooh.

We all know your name's listed
in Patty's Putt-Putt Hall of Fame.

Is that fear I smell?

Let's do something bold, legendary.

[Lily] Scale the Eiffel Tower?

- Swim the English Channel.
- Ooh.

Oh, uh,
build werewolf traps down by the river.

- [Lily laughs]
- That's actually not a bad idea.

At Halloween,
Grandma Iris told me a pretty freaky story

about a werewolf and a vampire
that had a baby.

- A "were-bat" baby? [laughs]
- [laughing] Yeah.

Protecting Serenity from the supernatural.

- The perfect first double date.
- [Ty chuckles]

Guys! Guys, it's him. It's... it's Marol.

Dude, sick stream last night.

That sneak attack?

[mimics expl*si*n] Hail to you.

Hail, fellow Harengon. May luck be
your companion this fine morning.

- Thank you.
- [Kyle] Thank you.

It's Marol!

Who'd have thought
that streaming your campaign

would make you the new big man on campus?

Uh, not so much. Those are the 4-H kids.

A good king
loves all his subjects equally.

Thanks for the ride, chauffeur. Let's go.

Don't mention it.

Oh, okay. Yeah.

[upbeat music playing]

[hesitates] No PDA on school grounds.

But I don't go here.

So you can't kiss me,
but I... I can kiss you.

Throw out the rule book.

He's a rock star now,
and I'm the guitarist's girlfriend.

Yeah.

There you go. [chuckling]

[upbeat music fades]

It was a heart attack.

Mercifully quick.

I'm so sorry, Bonnie.

Fortunately, Kathy has been
a tremendous support.

She is such a blessing in our lives.

However,

poor Kathy is under the impression

that Bill desired
to be buried here in Serenity.

So I am mainly here to sort
this nonsense out with that lawyer.

Bill ought to be laid to rest in Texas
with the rest of our family.

Well, I... I will say,

when Bill and I were married,
we did decide to be buried in Serenity.

Things change, don't they?

[cutlery clanking]

Chamomile for comfort, my dear.

[Cal] And a peppermint tea

with two slices of lemon

- and one drop of honey.
- [Bonnie] Mmm.

Uh, so where are you staying
while you're in Serenity, Mrs. Townsend?

[scoffs] Here, with my son's children.
In my son's house.

It's Maddie's house now.

Of course. Of course you should stay here.

In that case, it's my pleasure
to take your bag upstairs.

Uh, to Bill's childhood room.

Ty can stay with Kyle.
We'll bring out the air mattress.

[whimsical music playing]

[inaudible]

[whimsical music fades]

Of course I didn't wanna fire... [hesitates]

..."name redacted" because "name redacted"
is a glorious soul

who... who does so much for Serenity.

[hesitates, groans]

Balancing this budget

feels like... like death by a thousand cuts,

and... and each cut represents
someone I care about deeply.

Respectfully, ma'am,
I'd like to remind you

that I was instructed to distract you
from work talk during nonwork hours.

[chuckles] Yeah. And you are far,

far too accomplished
at being a distraction.

- Oh, am I?
- You are.

[cell phone chimes, vibrates]

Get your hands off. [chuckles]

Hey, no business.

[chuckles]

This isn't business.

["Come On Come Over"
by Jeff Taylor playing over radio]

♪ Come on ♪

♪ Come over... ♪

I can't figure what in heaven's name
you are making over there, Erik Whitley.

Does that belong
in a kitchen or a hospital?

- [chuckles] Beetroot caviar pearls.
- Ooh.

Had a dream last night
about a deconstructed borscht.

Ooh. [laughing]

♪ I know you told me... ♪

♪ Oh yeah ♪

♪ I didn't want to waste your time ♪

♪ I'm here to show you... ♪

Oh no.

- [music stops]
- Everything all right?

I have to go. An emergency.

Um--

sh**t, my class. I'll... I'll...

- I should cancel.
- No, go.

Go, go, go, go.
I'll substitute for the day.

Are you sure? Some of these teenagers
can burn ice cream to a crisp.

Who doesn't love a Baked Alaska?

[exhales]

[somber music playing]

[door creaking]

- [Maddie] You got here so fast.
- I may have run a red light or two.

As "Temporary Town Whatever,"
I'll pretend I didn't hear that.

Helen.

- Oh.
- [Bonnie] Oh.

[exhales] I have missed you, dear girl.

Mrs. Townsend.

I am so sorry
for the circumstances of our reunion.

[Bonnie groans] Mmm.

Oh, hello, Dana.
I hear your life is going very well--

Kathy says nice things
about your restaurant.

- You talking about Kathy Sullivan?
- [Bonnie] Mmm.

[clears throat]

You and your family are in my prayers.

You all are.

What... what can we do?

The kids.

I have to go get them.
They don't know yet.

Let's divide and conquer.
Maddie, why don't you and I go get Katie?

I'll go get Ty.

I'll be happy to pick up Kyle
if it would be a help.

What about Noreen?

Oh, Noreen.

I'll... I'll go talk to her,

but I... I have to get the kids first.

- I'm happy to--
- No.

I mean,

I think it's best coming from me.

In person.

You mentioned that you wanted
to go see Tom, Bill's lawyer.

Maybe Helen could go with you?

[somber music playing]

I'd be honored, ma'am.

[dramatic music playing]

I'll meet you outside, dear.

[door opens]

[dramatic music fades]

You, um... gonna let your mom drive?

I know you think
you have your emotions in check, but...

You're wonderfully thoughtful,
and I am wonderfully grateful,

but I'm okay.

Really.

If you say so.

See you back here.

- [footsteps departing]
- [cell phone keyboard beeping]

[door closes]

[somber music playing]

Hi.

Can you meet me at the spa?

[somber music continues]

[inaudible]

{\an8}- [somber music continues]
- [inaudible]

[somber music intensifies]

[inaudible]

[Tom] In this side letter to his will,
Bill did request to be buried in Serenity.

But there must be
some recourse to contest.

Contesting is a lengthy,
often painful process.

And in my honest opinion,
you wouldn't be successful, Mrs. Townsend.

He prepared this side letter
four months ago.

After he came home?

[inhales, exhales]

Tom, uh, what...
what's the status of the will?

I'll file it with probate court
this afternoon.

In the meantime,
I'll make you copies of this side letter.

Bill left very specific requests
for his funeral service.

How specific?

[exhales]

He asks everyone
to wear Serenity blue, for one.

And he picked "How Great Thou Art"
as the recessional hymn.

Beautiful song. Great choice.

I'll only be a moment.

[mournful music playing]

Is that a special hymn to you too,
Mrs. Townsend?

When Bill was a boy,
I'd sing it to him every night before bed.

[sobs]

I'd just gotten him back.

Now I have to leave him here.

[Bonnie sniffles]

Bill will be with you always.

Anywhere.

[softly] Thank you.

[gentle music playing]

It's awful news.

But

I decided it was best if it came from me.

Noreen?

I'll speak to her next.

[mournful music playing]

Should I tell Peggy?

If you're up for it.

No. This isn't fair. This isn't right.
There was supposed to be time.

Timing was never his strong suit.

[mournful music continues]

Your kids?

Stunned. Hurting.

But they're at home with Cal and my mom.

And... Bill's mom. [softly scoffs]

The infamous Bonnie.

How's that going?

No lack of salt for the wounds.

And she is working hard
to try to convince us all

that Bill should be buried in Texas.

What? He wanted to be buried here.

Yeah.

Man's gotta have a plan, Noreen,
even though I wanna grow old with...

Bill will have his way,
but she's gonna go down fighting.

Dear Lord.

Suppose I finally have to meet her.

You've never met her?

How can that be?

She chatted with Bex
over video calls with Bill,

but she never had any interest
in talking to me.

You may have been the failed wife,
but I was the harlot.

I promise you,

when the time does come
to meet her face-to-face,

I will be there for support.

Or protection.

Might need both.

Come here.

[hopeful music playing]

Anyone thirsty?

Need refills?

Honey, I don't think
anyone's finished drinking

what you poured five minutes ago,
but thank you.

Should I tell Skeeter
I'm not coming to work tomorrow?

It's totally up to you.

If you want to go in, you may.

But if you need more time,
that's fine too.

The same goes for you two in school.

I think I'll go in. I've got a math test,
and I've been studying all week. So...

[Katie] Me too.

Tomorrow's a really important rehearsal
for The Nutcracker,

and Miss Wendy says,

"The lead sets the tone
for the rest of the cast."

Miss Wendy is wise.

This is outrageous.

[Bonnie scuffs]

You've always been a lenient parent,
but you're not even gonna teach

my grandchildren
the etiquette of grief and mourning?

They're her children, Bonnie.

[tense music playing]

Who wants ice cream?

[Dana Sue] May the Townsends
find comfort in their memories

and certainty in the resurrection.

- Amen.
- [Ronnie, Annie] Amen.

[Ronnie inhales]

How did everyone seem
when you dropped off Kyle, Mom?

In shock, mostly.

It can take a day or two
for the true weight of

a loss to settle in.

I texted Ty multiple times

because I feel like I should do something.

Bake his favorite cookies,
watch his comfort movie together,

but he doesn't seem into any of it.

This version of us is still so new.

I don't know how to help him.

We're so fortunate to have a daughter
with a generous heart.

That we are.

When my daddy died, people wanted to make
all sorts of grand gestures,

but what I really needed was patience.

Just wait.

Listen to what Ty needs.

[sighs]

I don't think I can eat. May I...

Of course. It's been a long day.

[kisses]

- [footsteps departing]
- [door opens]

- [door closes]
- You've been awfully quiet over there.

Penny for your thoughts?

We're the same age.

[chuckling] No, we're not.

No, I mean Bill and I.

He was so young,
always seemed to be in good shape,

and then all of a sudden,
a few bad heartbeats,

and poof, he's gone.

[mournful music playing]

Dust in the wind.

Exactly.

And suddenly, I feel like

I'm staring down the barrel
of my own mortality.

Hey. Hey.

You are never leaving me again,
Ronnie Sullivan.

[Ronnie] Mm-hmm.

[hopeful music playing]

I shouldn't even have to justify this,
but it's my room.

I'm the big brother.

I out-benched you in the gym last week.

I was just tired from work
'cause I have a real job.

Are you serious? Get off. Come on!

[both grunting]

[Ty laughs]

- [Kyle grunting]
- Oh God.

Je-- Okay, you can have it. Jeez.

[Kyle scoffs]

What about this is remotely funny?

It's just... it's weirdly nice
to know that even after

your whole world flips upside down,
some things never change.

Like fighting
with your annoying older brother.

[Kyle sighs]

You wanna talk about it?

No.

[sucks teeth]

[cell phone chiming, vibrating]

[cell phone unlocks]

[inhales, exhales]

[cell phone beeps]

[Katie] Hey, no fair!

You guys get to have a slumber party.

Trust me, Katie. This is no party.

Hey, hey. I had to fight for this bed.

Fair warning. He snores. Big-time.

That's okay. I can plug his nose.

- [Ty] Mmm.
- [chuckles]

[Ty groans]

[mournful music playing]

Amen.

[mournful music continues]

You know, the hardest part
about all this is that

Bex will never have the choice
of having a relationship with her dad.

[mournful music intensifies]

[rings clanking]

[mournful music subsides]

[exhales]

[Maddie sobbing]

[mournful music crescendos]

[mournful music subsides]

Peggy, I think I've... I've found something.
There are dozens--

Is that...

Grass.

- [Henrietta scoffs]
- How'd it get--

Why?

It seems to be Clayton Jr.'s statement
regarding his father

being dumped by town hall.

Clayton Sr. quit.
Excuse me. He wasn't fired.

Y'all should fire town hall security
for letting Clayton Jr. slip by.

Wouldn't have happened
on my watch. No, ma'am.

I am stunned
that they would take it this far.

[scoffs] I'm not. This town can get ugly
when it sets its mind to it.

The messes men make
that women have to clean up.

Truer words have never been spoken.

[footsteps in the background]

I sought this job because I love Serenity,

and I wanna make it even better.

But Serenity's fighting me
every step of the way.

We're gonna fight back.
Starting with the entitled men

who've had their way, unchecked,
for far too long.

Sweetheart deals, like Clayton's,
are bleeding this town dry.

I've found quite a few.

I'm sure I can find more.

The sheer audacity.

But where-- How do we find the others?

I could tell you where to start digging.

[file cabinet closes]

Don't look so surprised.

While being treated like wallpaper
by generations of Lewises,

I learned where bodies get buried.

[groans, pants]

Peggy?

I'm fine.

The women of Serenity

can handle anything that comes our way.

[Helen] Mmm.

Especially if we stand together.

[Henrietta] Mm-hmm.

That's right.

Let me help you.

[Henrietta scoffs, groans]

Single-origin dark roast

for covering my vo-tech class.

- [chuckling] Thank you.
- [chuckles]

No coffee shop in Serenity
sells beans like this.

[Dana Sue] Egret Falls.

You're worth it. [chuckles]

[Erik chuckles, inhales]

[yawns, sniffles]

Apparently, you need it right this minute.

[both chuckle]

Barely slept a wink.

[Erik inhales, exhales]

I kept having nightmares
about deep-fried Twinkies.

- They asked.
- [hesitates]

- I didn't let them.
- Oh no. Were the kids a menace?

Oh, I wouldn't say a menace.

They were just...

[inhales]

...a complete and total menace.

[chuckles] I have no clue how you managed
to teach them anything at all

and gotten them to like you.

They like me?

I don't know whether to apologize
that I didn't also teach them manners

or just be thrilled.

They like me?

Willow couldn't stop gushing
about how incredible you are.

- Seems to think you can walk on water...
- [both chuckle]

...of which I have no doubt.

[exhales] You don't know
how hard I've been trying.

Working with these students
feels like a new adventure,

and I don't want them to see me
as the uptight, cranky schoolmarm.

I want them to see Dana Sue 2.0.

- Wise, but super cool and fun.
- [chuckles]

I've even considered
getting an electric blue streak.

[chuckling]

Remind me to show you a picture
of my thrilling, albeit brief, metal era.

- [mimics rocket] Yeah.
- [laughs]

Well, I'm offended
I haven't seen one already.

- Oh. [laughs]
- [laughs]

Well, you're busy. I should go.

[inhales] Before I hang up
my substitute teacher hat...

- Mm-hmm.
- ...hopefully for good,

may I offer one last piece of advice?

Don't salt mushrooms
before they're browned.

[Erik] Mmm.

- And... just be you.
- Mm-hmm.

You're already divine,
completely and totally.

[softly] Thank you.

For that and for saving my hide yesterday.

After I got the news
about Bill's death, I...

[inhales, hesitates]

Oh no. No one told you.

I... I should have told you.

But then again,
I didn't know how well you know...

knew Bill.

I... I don't... didn't.

[Dana Sue] Oh.

I'm just sad for

Bill's family.

[gentle music playing]

[keyboard clacking]

[footsteps approaching]

[gentle music fades]

[gasps]

[exhales]

- [Maddie] Can I help you with something?
- [gasps, chuckles]

[Bonnie] Uh, no.

I just wanted to make sure
everyone has appropriate funeral attire.

And you asked
not to be disturbed while writing.

[Maddie] This is

definitely not a disturbance.

You know, I simply can't fathom
why Bill requested

that guests wear Serenity blue.

This is not a baseball game.

Do you have your dress?

I didn't bring a funeral outfit.

I didn't expect to need one here.

I can arrange an appointment for you
at Wally's Dress Shop.

Or perhaps some place in Charleston?

It might be nice for you to...
get out, get some fresh air.

[Bonnie] Mmm.

I need to be right here
to supervise all arrangements.

Set an appointment for me at Wally's.

I expect Wally himself will assist me.

I'm sure he'd be delighted.

That'll give me a chance
to purchase a new outfit for Katie.

Oh, poor girl.

The way you dress her.

- [gentle music playing]
- [Maddie inhales]

[knife slicing]

[gentle music fades]

- [knife slicing]
- Isaac.

Take it you've heard the news?

I have.

And I'm here for you.

Whatever you need.

Telling Peggy was definitely rough.

But other than that, I am fine.



It's not like Bill was really my dad.

He was the donor of some DNA.

[chuckles]

I hesitate to point out
that you're being a little haphazard

with your normally superb knife skills.

Maybe redirect some of that energy
into some safe, blade-free dough?

No can do, Chef. I am determined
to perfect this carrot and ginger soup.

We open in less than a week.

[slicing intensifies]

Yeah.

I just talked to Cal.

We're postponing the opening.

Not because of me?

No. No.

Out of respect for the Townsends

and Bill's service.

[knife slicing]

It's okay if you're not okay.

Great.

Because this sucks.

This really sucks.

Bill Townsend is hurting
the people I love.

Again.

And I don't know what to do.

[sad music playing]

[knife slicing slowly]

Hand me that ginger.

[sad music continues]

[knives slicing]

Dad?

[Ronnie] Annie!

You're home. Finally.
I have something I wanna show you.

[Ronnie inhales]

Introducing the master calendar!

This tracks
all college application deadlines,

holidays, school functions,
town functions, birthdays,

and "buy one, get one
milkshake Wednesdays" at Wharton's.

[Annie chuckles]

Why exactly did you do this?

I'm just so proud of you, hon,

and I support your dreams
wherever they may take you.

Wait. Don't tell me I missed one.

Uh, "DDT. DTT."

- Uh, uh, deadline debate tomorrow?
- Mmm.

Donut donation timetable?

- [laughs]
- [Annie chuckles]

Daddy-daughter time.

Every Saturday morning
from now until graduation.

[gentle music playing]

- All right. Who needs another drink?
- [Maddie, Dana Sue] Mmm.

Feels like a two-pitcher kind of night.

Or maybe three.

I need some creative inspiration

so I can find a place to hide
while I write. [laughs]

[Helen laughs]

Keep-- Make it-- There you go.
Pour it like you mean it.

[Helen] Dana Sue.

[all laughing]

Look, I'm just impressed
that you're trying to work

on your next book
with all that's going on.

Mmm. I desperately need
to think about something else.

Not that anything I'm writing
feels particularly kid-friendly.

Unless kids wanna read
about overbearing ex-mothers-in-law

who criticize everything
and snoop in closets.

If Bonnie poked her nose in my closet,
we'd be planning two funerals.

Girl, amen.

- [Maddie] Mmm.
- Phew.

- I know she's grieving.
- As many are.

And I am trying my best
to extend her grace...

- [Helen] Mm-hmm.
- ...but, dang, she makes it tough.

- Ah. Your grace is admirable.
- [Maddie sighs]

- [Dana Sue] Mm-hmm.
- [Helen] Even if she's in pain,

it doesn't mean that she's justified
in inflicting it upon others.

To Maddie's abundant grace.

Oh, okay.

- [glasses clinking]
- [laughs] So,

I have to give Bonnie a bit of credit.

When Tom confirmed that
it was Bill's desire to be buried here,

she... she took that in stride.

Well, of course she was on
best behavior for you.

You were always Mama Townsend's favorite.

Mmm. That woman is not without taste.

Even on the day I married Bill,
Bonnie made sure to tell me

that Helen was the most impressive girl
in all of Serenity.

- No.
- Yes!

Let the record show that I am
and will always be Team Maddie.

- [Maddie] Mmm.
- [Helen laughs]

All right. I have poured it out
and then some.

Someone else share. Please?

No, no. No, no, no. We shall not.

[inhales] Even if, as you claim,
you no longer need to grieve,

you still deserve to vent.

I've shed my tears.

But the only grief I feel
is for my children.

I'm glad that Ty and Kyle
kept their double date with the girls.

Joy is crucial,
even in the midst of sadness.

Lily and Annie are committed
to distracting them,

even for just a few hours.

[chuckles]

[Helen] And this?

This... is why we're worrying about you.

- What?
- [Helen] Mm-hmm.

You're gonna get burn marks
on your fingers,

the speed you keep shifting those rings
back and forth.

Fidgeting is a classic sign of stress
for you,

and you are "capital F" fidgeting,
plainer than a pig on a sofa.

These are just my "wicked ex-mother-in-law
is in town" fidgets. I promise.

[laughing] Oh dear Lord.

I just realized at Halloween,
we said her name three times.

We summoned Bonnie!

I did not summon Bonnie Townsend.
That was you two.

- It was us.
- I told you. I told you.

I cannot stand it when you're right.

Come on, say it. "Helen was right."
Say it. Say it with me.

- Say what?
- [Helen] "Helen was right."

[all laugh]

[Cal] How you doing over there, Katie?

Another glass of juice?
Wanna chat about your feelings?

I'm still working on my apple juice,

and I'm still not ready
to talk about my feelings.

Take your time with both.

Or spill it out now.

Share.

We should all be talking about Bill
and how much we miss him.

Or not.

Talk, I mean.

Just because you live in town, Paula,

it doesn't give you more authority
over Katie's behavior.

I am her grandmother too.

And how lucky is Katie
to have both her grandmothers in town?

What is wrong with you people?

The boys are out
gallivanting with their girlfriends.

Maddie's out whooping it up,

having a martini night.

[Katie, Cal, Paula] Margarita night.

Speaking of c*ck...

For you, ladies.

Let me know how they taste.

Oh, I am loving this color palette, Katie.

I recently learned, through you,

that dinosaurs were
not only brightly colored,

but they also had feathers.

Isn't that interesting, Grandma?

Nana?

Maddie should be here.

It's shameful.

You have the gall
to sleep under my daughter's roof

and eat at her table
while criticizing her every move?

- [chair whirring]
- What gives you--

I'm going upstairs.

I need quiet to focus.

Uh, do you want me to join?

- [Paula groans]
- [Cal] Oh.

[Cal grunts]

[upbeat music playing]

[teenagers cheering, laughing]

You don't have to sit here and babysit me.

Go. Have fun.

I am having fun.

Because I'm with you.

And we're focusing on what you need.

So if... you wanna just sit here,

we can sit all night
and enjoy the best seat in the house.

[upbeat music continues]

[Lily chuckling]

- You wanna try a trick? All right.
- [Kyle] Yeah, maybe.

Now you.

[chuckles]

[pants] Try again in a little bit.

Can you believe
I'm responsible for this yahoo now?

Who would've thought that
building werewolf traps down by the river

might be
the less dangerous double date option?

- [romantic music playing]
- [Annie chuckles]

You're a good big brother
for agreeing to come out.

I knew it would mean a lot to the yahoo.

[upbeat disco music playing]

I'm so glad they're together now.

It's awful to go through
something like this alone.

Yeah. [inhales] You know,
we're lucky to have top-notch girlfriends.

[Lily chuckles]

I'm happy we kept the date. This is fun.

Shockingly fun.
I didn't know how much you'd be up for.

[upbeat disco music continues]

I know everyone expects me to be all sad,

but my dad and I left things
in a really good place.

Better than ever.

Remember he even took me
to see Hamilton last spring?

Oh, I remember. I couldn't say the words
"how does" without you breaking into song.

- How does--
- [laughing] No! Please. Please.

Plus, my brother needed a night out.

You know, it hit him so hard,

so it's my responsibility
to make Ty smile at least once tonight.

[upbeat disco music continues]

♪ I live in danger... ♪

[Kyle grunting]

- [music ends]
- [Annie chuckling]

[gentle music playing]

[birds chirping]

[Cal] No, no...

Oh, this pot roast looks tasty, Bonnie.

Um, I... I could do
a grocery trip and get, um

everything.

How about pizza from Wharton's?

There's a great Thai spot in Egret Falls.

They make a green curry
that will knock your socks off.

Tripp's tone was so strange
when I called him

to tell him the funeral will be here.

Perhaps he wishes I fought harder.

When do Tripp and Kathy arrive?

It's hard to tell since they're driving.

Tripp insisted on
escorting Bill's remains from Texas.

I'm so glad Kathy is with him.

But I suppose arranging transport of my...

[voice breaking] ...deceased son

has robbed me of my appetite.

[somber music playing]

No mother should ever go through
what you're going through.

But you have to keep your strength up.

We'll just keep brainstorming

until we find something
that appeals to you.

If Sullivan's was open,
I'd be amenable to eating there.

Kathy has raved
about the chicken pot pie. [chuckles]

Oh, I'm sorry, Miss Bonnie.

We postponed the opening
out of respect for Bill's service.

Oh.

Maybe we can pull some strings
with the owners?

[gentle music playing]

Sullivan's and Friends it is.

[Dana Sue] Bless your hearts
for volunteering

to spend Saturday
cooking for a friend and his family.

Kyle would do it for all of us.

[knife slicing]

Today's lesson is about a vital ingredient

you must learn to infuse
in all your dishes.

Yourself.

- [students chuckle]
- Anyone can follow a recipe,

almost anyone,

but to be a chef,
you must take your diners on a journey.

The flavors tell your story.

The plating reflects how you see the world
and how you want it to see you.

Someone tell me a dish you'd like to make
that expresses who you are.

Oh. Sullivan's strawberry shortcake.
I order it every birthday.

Thank you, Willow. It's an honor
to be part of your special tradition.

Agreed. But, Willow, I want you
to create something all your own.

Who else?

My two favorite foods are pizza and sushi.

- [Dana Sue] Mm-hmm.
- So what about a spicy tuna pizza

on a crispy rice crust?

That sounds original and delicious.
Sophie, we'll have to try it.

Chef, I have an amazing idea

about combining funnel cake
and chili dogs and--

Noted, Bailey. But you best focus
on melting those marshmallows,

or they're only gonna be good for s'mores.

All right, let's get to work.

Willow, you're on appetizers with me.

Score.

- Isaac?
- I'm good, Chef.

[knife slicing]

[inaudible]

Um, uh, you two work on your knife skills
and help Chef Erik with the entrée.

Sophie, why don't you pitch in
with Bailey on the grasshopper pie?

[softly] Grasshopper pie.

[upbeat music playing]

Do I k*ll these grasshoppers?

Only if you want to.

First up, we need to decide

what sort of herb pesto
to make for the flatbread.

What do you think? Basil? Parsley?

I like whatever you like.

[chuckles, inhales]

You know what?
I'm gonna get started on the tomatoes.

You take the pesto. We need four cups.

Wait, no.

Sophie, help.

I'm gonna wash my hands.

Of everything.

[water running]

[upbeat music fades]

[Helen humming "Hail Mary"]

I was nervous
how everyone would get along,

but our motley crew is cooking with gas.

Even so, this is a big step
for my vo-tech kids.

I'm praying the meal is edible.

I'm sure it will warm
bellies and hearts. [chuckles]

I'm still in shock
Bonnie requested Sullivan's,

and on Kathy's recommendation, no less.

Is the apocalypse nigh?

Are Four Horsemen
about to gallop through here? [laughs]

I don't hear hooves just yet.

- [laughs]
- [Erik] Chef, for the entrée, do you--

Helen.

Hi. I didn't realize
you'd be here so early.

Hello, Erik. I'm dropping off flowers.

Beautiful.

[Dana Sue] The entrée?

Yes. Uh, do you know what kind of wine
you'd like to serve with the eggplant?

Uh, still debating. I do, however,
have a special bottle in mind

for when my sister-in-law arrives
so we can toast

to this new and improved Kathy
I keep hearing about.

Kathy may have changed
since she's been gone.

Oh, well,
that would be lovely if it's true.

[laughs]

Especially with Ronnie,
fragile as he is after hearing about Bill.

The last thing he needs
is drama with his sister.

Well, let's just wait
till Kathy gets here.

I know from experience
that true love can change a person.

- [romantic music playing]
- [Dana Sue chuckling]

[kitchen door opens]

[Dana Sue talking indistinctly]

Um,

I have one more thing to take care of...

[kitchen door closes]

...and then I'll be back in time for dinner.

Excuse me.

- [inhales, exhales]
- [door opens]

[door closes]

[romantic music fades]

- [sighs]
- [birds chirping]

[door opens]

- [door closes]
- [Alexander] Hey.

Mmm.

When you asked when my meeting was over,
I didn't expect an in-person greeting.

Hi.

[birds chirping]

What are we doing, Alexander?

Well, I'd like to think
that this is a discussion about dinner,

but... it seems a bit more urgent.

What are we doing as a couple?

Do you believe that... that

I'm your... your true love?

sh**t, I know this conversation.

It never ends well.

Alexander, I need to know.

I care for you, Helen. Deeply.

[sad music playing]

Alexander, at our age...

time is valuable.

I want-- [hesitates]

I need more.

[birds singing]

[sighs] I... I guess I'm going to Baltimore.

Baltimore?

Yeah. I got a great job.

I wasn't gonna go.

I was gonna stay here and design offices
for Serenity's finest dentists.

- Or so they claim. [chuckles]
- [laughs]

But since there's
nothing keeping me in Serenity,

I do love me
some Maryland blue crab cakes.

[sad music continues]

Tsk. Oh. [sniffles]

I wish you

all the best things
that life has to offer.

You're a special lady, Helen.

You deserve to find
exactly what you're looking for.

[sad music intensifies]

[sad music fades]

[upbeat music playing]

[knife slicing]

[Dana Sue] Oh.

Oh, I never thought to use fennel fronds
for pesto. Impressive.

Thanks. My granny grew fennel
in her garden.

I always loved how it looked like
buried gnomes with crazy green hair.

[both chuckling]

Oh, it's that time already.

I need to join our guests,

but I am immensely proud of
and thankful for this group.

I cannot wait
to enjoy your gustatory journeys.

[Dana Sue chuckles]

[chuckling]

Isaac. You okay?

I'm fine. I just, uh...

Nervous around this many teenagers.
I know the feeling.

Let's just be happy
no one's set the kitchen on fire. Yet.

[Erik, Dana Sue chuckling]

I'll help out here, Chef.
Please, go entertain our guests.

They're more afraid of you
than you are of them.

- [footsteps departing]
- [kitchen door opens]

[cutlery clanking]

[slurping]

Alex... He'll be here shortly.

[hesitates] ...designed
the whole renovation.

We wanted the place
to feel sleeker and bolder.

Well, it's not bad,

but I prefer the old wallpaper.

- That was almost a compliment.
- [door opens]

- Noreen, Bex, you made it.
- [door closes]

Thanks for the invitation, Kyle.

Oh, I'm sorry.
I didn't realize it'd be 14.

Uh, these two are for Helen and Alex.
Would you--

- I'll grab more chairs.
- [Ty grunts] I got you, bro.

Glad you're here.
I don't think that you've met Bonnie yet.

Bonnie, this is Noreen,
and, of course, you know Bex.

Hello, Noreen.

And hello, Rebecca.

Oh! [inhales]

You are even lovelier in person.

Oh, look at you.

You have Bill's beautiful eyes.

- [humming]
- [door opens]

[kisses]

- [Bonnie hesitates]
- [Helen] Well, goodness.

Forgive my t*rd.
It was a time-sensitive matter.

- Putting out a fire?
- Well-stated.

You're right on time.
Food should be out in a jiff.

Will, uh, Alex be joining us?

Miss Bonnie was admiring his work.

Oh, um... [spluttering]

Alexander will not be joining us.

Since we're all here, I'd like
to say a few words. [clears throat]

[gentle music playing]

I look around this table, and I realize

I'm surrounded by many
of the most important people in my life.

And, uh, with everything that's happened,

I just wanna make sure

you all know how much you mean to me.

Now.

While we're all still around.

I love every one of you.

[Maddie chuckles]

Well, that was... that was very nice.
We love you too.

May we all celebrate the good times

and the good people.

- [Dana Sue exhales]
- To Bill.

[all] To Bill.

Thank you, Ronald, for those kind words.

It's nice to know
that someone in this town

- understands how to grieve properly.
- [Helen] Mmm.

How dare you, Bonnie!

How dare I?

How dare you
even show your face here tonight.

I'm here because I loved your son once,
and I love Maddie and her family now.

All of these people.
Let me tell you something.

Most of us
have been grieving Bill for a while.

For one reason or another.

You don't get to dictate
how we grieve him in this moment.

[kitchen door opens]

Apologies for interrupting,
but dinner is served.

[Helen] Thank the Lord.

For our first course,
our Sullivan's crew and my students

whipped up a flatbread with tomato compote
and a delightful fennel frond pesto.

- [Dana Sue clears throat]
- [Annie] Mmm. Yum. It looks good.

- [Isaac] Okay.
- [Ty] This looks good.

Bex. Hi. Hi.

Oh, Erik. Look at that beautiful dish.

You're a wonderful chef

and an even more wonderful friend.

Well, I appreciate
our friendship too, Ronnie.

[gentle music playing]

Okay.

And you have been a tremendous addition
to this restaurant and our lives.

Appreciate you, Isaac.

You're Isaac?

Yes, ma'am.

[tense music playing]

The promising young chef?

Yes, ma'am.

Bill's other son.

- [chair whirring]
- You're what?

[tense music crescendos]

[tense music fades]

[closing theme music playing]

[closing theme music ends]