Addiction of Hope, The (2025)

[bunniefuu]

Hello, I'm Doctor Gaines.

So tell me what's going on.

Hello, I'm doctor Gaines.

So tell me what's going on.

Do you mind stepping outside

so I can talk to your wife alone?

Would you mind stepping outside

so I can talk to your wife alone?

No, no, of course I understand.

So tell me what's going on.

[Stuttering]

And the tremors.

When did the tremors start?

So tell me, when did the tremors start?

When did the tremors start?

And when did the tremor start?

[Soft piano music]

She'll be perfect.

Yeah. And

she's still young enough to be sexy.

Yeah. Okay, I'll call her agent.

Ready?

Uh, yeah.

Okay.

Hello, I'm doctor Gaines.

Nice to meet you.

Would you mind stepping outside?

I'd like to speak to your wife.

Uh, no.

I want my husband to stay.

Oh, no.

No. Of course.

So tell me what's going on.

That's great.

Thank you.

Huh?

Very good.

What about the tremors?

The tremors?

What about.

When did the tremor start?

You know the rest of the scene.

We're good.

Thanks for zooming in.

[Soft piano music]

[Music continues]

May I help you?

Wow.

Seriously? I'm Joanne Stock.

I'm a client.

I'm so sorry.

Will you tell Roger I'm here?

Let me see if he's in.

I can hear him.

Joanne Stock to see you.

Mhm.

Okay. He's not in.

Gotcha. Ha ha.

That's called a reversal of expectations.

Learned that in my writing class.

You can go in.

It's okay.

There she is.

Where did you find him?

It's Hollywood, Joe models,

actors, writers, whatever.

It's like Tumbleweed in Texas.

Maybe that explains why it

feels like a ghost town in here.

Nobody's going to work since the pandemic.

How'd it go?

They cast the role before

I even open up my mouth.

I know it's frustrating.

There's just not a lot of stuff

for women of a certain age.

What age is that?

Fossil six.

Fossil seven.

The right part comes along.

sh*t happens.

Look at Fyvush Finkel,

first series regular at 70.

He won an Emmy at 72.

That's not very helpful.

It's just dead right now.

Everything is younger.

Oh, come on.

Older people can m*rder younger people.

Trust me.

I've thought about it.

Joe.

Older people can teach younger people.

They can operate on them.

Prosecute, defend.

Younger people still have moms, don't they?

I mean, they're not spawned out

of some type of petri dish, right?

I mean, I could have a kid, Roger.

I could be a mother.

Do you want to have a second heart attack?

Relax. I'm just sucking out the nicotine.

Do you think it's over?

I mean, do you think I'm done?

Don't go there.

It's too late.

Hey,

Lenny.

I'm here.

Thought I lost you.

What's up?

Not much.

The boy's fighting again.

No, no.

Well, yeah.

I don't know.

They're brothers.

Will's been really down, and

Jake has no patience for anything.

Especially his brother.

They'll be fine, honey.

Yeah, said the woman with no kids.

I had a plan.

Hey. Come visit.

We really miss you.

We'd love to see you.

Uh. I vaguely remember my last visit.

I was told you're not my

mother, so stay out of this, okay?

That was so long ago.

Well, you can't hide from us forever.

I'm not hiding.

You're the one who moved all

the way to the a*s end of nowhere.

Well, so.

So what?

You're never going to visit again?

I didn't say that.

It's just,

you know, I've got a

lot going on, and I just, I.

There's a lot on my plate.

Lenny.

What?

Nothing, nothing.

I'm just.

I'm just tired.

You know?

Listen, um, why don't I talk it

over with my agent and move

some stuff around?

But I'm not making any promises.

No, of course not.

No,

but we'd love to see you.

Okay.

Bye bye.

[Soft piano music]

God.

Yes.

Morning. Silver Lake Termite.

Yeah sorry, I'm ten minutes early.

Hold on.

I'll be right there.

Not a problem.

Whatever.

You hear that?

Kind of like a hollow sound.

You might have some damage.

You said you saw droppings.

Uh, yeah.

Over here.

Yep. You got termites?

Perfect. How much is that going to cost?

Well, I'm going to need to look

around and see how bad it is.

It should take me about an hour.

Yay!

So how bad is it?

Well, I've seen worse.

Oh. That's good.

I've also seen better.

The good news is that

you're catching it early.

We can put you on the schedule ASAP.

All the information's

right here on the flyer.

You can't be here for three days.

But honestly, I'd make

it four just to be safe.

What? Where am I

supposed to go for four days?

Oh, I don't know.

Hotel. Uh, stay with your kids, maybe.

I have no kids.

Oh, really?

Oh, yes, really.

Can I ask you a question?

Aren't you that actress

from the coach's daughter.

Mhm. I knew it.

Yeah I used to watch that show.

Can I get a selfie.

Mhm. So whatever happened to you.

Apparently I died.

Listen I don't want to be

rude but I got to get going.

Oh. What about the termite.

I'll call the office.

[Soft piano music]

At least you made a living at it.

Made.

I can't afford this.

That's why I started

taking my pension early.

What gets you up in the morning?

Is this a trick question?

Uh, reruns of Soul Train and a box of wine.

Look, I've known you

for, what, like, 30 years?

I don't think I've ever seen you be happy.

Oh, come on, Cherise.

What about the trip to Hawaii?

I won when we were in Vegas.

You seemed more

embarrassed by that than happy.

Oh. Come on.

How about that time I booked

that spokesperson gig for the

credit card?

Oh.

The first thing out of your mouth.

Oh, it's just a commercial.

Do you know how many actors

would k*ll for just a commercial?

Yeah, actors who've

never been on a TV show.

I mean, I'm sorry.

There is a difference.

I mean, people used to call me

every day to talk about the episodes.

Did your mother.

Did she?

Oh, please don't analyze me.

Okay?

Just think about it.

All right.

My mother was a miserable alcoholic.

Who never said anything nice to you.

She would say things like,

you're never going to make it.

Yes. She would say,

you're never going to make it.

But she never said that to Lenny.

Linney.

Maybe it's because she

actually gave birth to Linney.

Wow.

Oh.

You're really 100% in

that therapy, aren't you?

Maybe.

Maybe my mother was jealous.

Jealous of what?

Of me.

Because I was strong.

I didn't need anyone to make me happy.

Because you're so happy on your own.

Joanne.

Oh, Kevin.

You remember me?

Roger wanted to fire you until

I pleaded with him, you know.

To let you stay until you screw up again.

Then I told him he should fire your a*s.

And that's what they consider a plot twist.

Something I learned in my

30 plus years in this business.

[Laughter]

You got me.

Okay, that was good.

That's fair.

Uh, I guess we could consider this a theme.

If you keep it up.

You can consider it conflict.

Noted.

Where is he?

He's finishing up a meeting.

But is he.

Oh, but he is.

Thank you so much.

Oh my God.

Joanne Stock.

I grew up watching reruns of

you in The Coach's Daughter.

My grandma's gonna flip

when I tell her that I met you.

Oh, actually, I.

I better jet.

It's a busy day.

You get it.

Bye, Skyler.

Bye.

You're not competing with her, Joe.

She's 30.

You know, it's funny.

I came here to see how you

felt about me leaving town for a

couple of days.

You know, if I miss anything.

But it looks like you've got that covered.

Oh. Come on.

There's a natural progression

of things in life, Joe.

You and I are progressing naturally.

Is that what this is?

Yes.

We should be grateful.

There's no sin in getting older.

Mm.

Take a break.

I'll call if something comes up.

I was so fun.

I caught it every Tuesday night.

I just loved your show.

Thanks again for the autograph.

All right, bye.

Have a good visit.

Thank you.

Bye.

Three years.

I think we're still in denial.

Will is for sure.

Melanie. You know, it's

just going to take time.

Hey, you ever hear from Curtis?

Mm, no.

It's been years.

I heard he got remarried.

Oh. Found someone he could control.

Probably,

but I get it, you know?

I mean, we all change.

I'm certainly not the

same person I used to be.

Who is?

[Soft music]

House looks great.

Is that a new roof?

Yeah. Metal.

Aaron said it would outlive both of us.

I gotta pee.

Okay. Very nice.

Oh, boy.

Oh boy. Okay.

What's all this?

Oh, I've been reading.

About mushrooms.

They're magical Joe.

It's not, not like in the 70s.

So what are they supposed to do?

Make your skin softer and shinier.

Do they take away wrinkles?

Yes.

And you believe that?

I do.

I do.

I think they might even help with cancer.

Wow. Okay.

Well, then they are magical.

Um.

I was going to tell you, but.

I had a breast biopsy, and,

um, there's a low grade spot.

Uh, so there.

The Bonnie, and it's surprises.

Um, I'm going to be okay.

Even the doctor is willing to wait and see.

Are you taking mushrooms

while you're waiting?

When did you know about this?

Um, it's been about three

months, but I just had another.

MRI, and I'm doing everything.

Why didn't you tell me?

Oh, because I don't know.

Because I know how you get.

I'm just.

I'm I'm.

I'm sorry.

They took me off my hormone

therapy, and I'm just an

emotional mess.

Plus, half the time I feel

like I'm living on the sun.

I don't know how you do it.

Amazon, and they use the same

batteries as used for your vibrator.

As if.

Oh.

Now, if it could only help me sh*t.

Well, it's not going to do that.

Oh.

I think that's Jake.

Come on, let's go see grandma.

Uh, have you told the kids yet?

Oh.

Uh, no, I will, but but just act normal.

Nobody knows yet.

What?

Joe, please.

This is why I didn't tell you.

Hi, honey.

Uh.

Hey. You made it.

Oh.

Oh, easy, big boy.

Handle with care.

Oh! Get out!

Sexy lady.

Right.

Leah, say hi to your Auntie Joe.

Oh, look how pretty you are.

Um, mom, I need you to

watch Leah for a couple hours.

I'm heading down to

Chuckanut to install these gates.

And then I got to head back to the shop.

Honey, your aunt just got here.

Mom. Come on.

It's not like you're going anywhere.

- Yeah but your aunt.

- Lynnie.

Don't stress it.

Next time, ask.

Okay. Thank you, Mom.

Leah, I'll see you later.

Shabam.

I'll see ya.

Oh, Auntie Jo, say hi to Chris.

He's always wanted to meet a movie star.

Oh.

Hey, Chris.

Hi. Uh, I saw you in that

commercial for the fluvoxamine.

I remember because I take that one, too.

It makes me constipated,

but I'm, uh, working it out.

Get it?

I'm working it out.

Um, yeah.

I really look like you had allergies.

Um, welcome to the Pacific Northwest.

A little different than LA, huh?

Oh, yeah.

More Subarus and a lot colder.

Oh, yeah.

It is colder out here.

Yeah. Well, uh, yeah, it's it's.

I like it out here.

I've been here for a while.

We'll see you later, Auntie Joe.

Good to meet you.

All right.

All right.

What's wrong with you?

You say you're constipated.

What is that about?

I'm so glad you're here.

No no no no no, you don't need to stop.

Oh. It's fine.

Don't want to overdo it.

Wow.

Renee, you've been busy.

I guess.

Not really.

I don't know.

It's an outlet.

Beats thinking about who'd be

here for the kids if something happens.

Want some tea?

Sure. Where's Leah?

Oh, she'll be asleep for another hour.

Trust me, grandma knows.

Oh, grandma.

We're old.

Better than the alternative.

[Soft music]

Funny that we both ended

up on the West Coast.

We got as far away as we could get.

I guess you, uh, went with isolation.

And what'd you go with?

Adulation?

Um.

I don't know.

Actor. Abandoned by two mothers.

Oh, mom didn't abandon you?

Our mom anyway.

Well, maybe you got it right.

The isolation part.

You're going to, uh,

talk to your doctor, right?

I will.

No, I mean, you're gonna

listen to what she has to say.

Please don't be like everybody else.

Don't tell me what's good for

me or bad for me or right for

me or wrong for me.

Really? I'm just so sick of

people telling me I'm crazy

because I believe in all possibilities.

Yeah. But mushrooms.

I mean, just try living in reality.

Thanks, mom.

You know, don't do that.

Have you read a lot

about alternative medicine?

About functional medicine?

Listen, I know.

Because I have.

I'm sure.

But I'm worried that you're.

Oh, stop.

I'm. Do you think I'm not worried?

I go to bed worrying.

I wake up worrying.

What's going to happen next?

Am I going to die?

Are they going to lop off my

boobs so I can live another

year and then die?

Will I ever see my granddaughter grow up?

Will my sons be okay?

Will they ever get along?

Who's going to be there

for them when I'm gone?

I'm so tired of worrying.

I'm so tired of being tired.

Okay. Is that enough reality for you?

It was a f*cked up thing to say.

God, damn it.

I love that photo.

Yeah.

Do you remember what year this is?

Um.

Dad was already gone, so, like 2005?

Yeah.

Wow.

She looks so happy.

Must have had a glass of wine.

Probably a box.

Oh.

Jake will be here soon.

Oh.

Yeah.

Jake's a hard worker.

Mom would have approved.

Yeah.

But she'd never let him know it.

Mm.

I wish she could have been better with you.

I mean, I know it was okay in

the end, but it took so long to

get there.

Yeah, it was a lot easier when

she couldn't remember who I was.

In the hospital.

Towards the end,

she thought I was one of her nurses.

Remember?

She told me she had two daughters.

I know a good one and an adopted one.

But she didn't know what she was saying.

Yeah.

- Oh.

- Hey, hey.

A working man in the house.

That's me.

Leah.

Oh, she's in the studio watching TV.

Oh.

Honey. Want to stay for dinner?

Your brother's coming.

Mom. Don't start.

Every time Will comes for dinner.

You know how it is.

Mm.

- Just like family.

- Joe.

You know, I know a guy who

knows a guy who can get you a g*n.

Joe.

Yeah, bro.

Hook it up, Jake.

Uh, you think you'd be

happier if Will were gone?

Do you?

Jesus Aunt Joe.

I don't want him dead.

I just want him to grow up a little.

Hey.

He's figuring it out.

Yeah, we're all figuring it out.

He builds, like, 1 or 2 bikes

a year, and he thinks he's

working his a*s off.

Jake, that's not true.

It is true, mom.

You're always defending him.

Lady, don't play favorites.

Don't do that.

Well.

Maybe you two could work together.

Yeah, right.

It's different with brothers.

He's too busy with sh*t like Burning Man.

Got a post for the Insta.

You sound a little bitter.

I'm not bitter.

I get it.

You got a job, a kid,

no time.

Will's life looks fun,

but we all make choices.

Yeah, well, you ought to know, Aunt Jo.

Like you say, your time has

come or your time is gone.

Thanks for watching Leah, Mom.

Leah. Sweet pea.

Time to go.

What the hell, Joe?

These are some tomatoes.

Mm. They're from the backyard.

Raccoon kept eating my

tomatoes, so I moved it inside.

But they're just dying.

Tough to grow tomatoes inside.

They need air.

Every time I hear that

motorcycle roll up, I feel relieved.

Act normal.

God, there's more acting here than in LA.

Miss me?

Hey, Auntie Joe, what up?

I'm gracing us with your

presence all the way from Los Angeles.

- Oh sweetie.

- I'm glad to see you.

Hi, honey.

What's going on?

What?

Uh.

Hey, you want a drink?

Uh, no.

I'm good.

Back in the wagon again.

Oh, cool.

All right.

Uh, Jake told me that you went

to Burning Man again, but you

still have some sand in your ears?

Yeah. Everywhere.

Dude.

I don't want to hear about that.

How'd it go?

Yeah. It was.

It was sweet.

You know, kind of the usual thing.

Uh,

a lot of crazy sh*t.

A lot of people trying to

figure themselves out, so.

So if you could get a bike

to Keanu or George Clooney.

Pink. She rides right.

So then when people see

them on a Will Turner bike, then

suddenly you just blow up.

That would be huge, dude.

I mean, do you know any of

them or any celebs that ride?

Um, you know, I'm going

to have to think about that.

I get it.

No worries.

Okay, cool.

Is mom okay?

Okay?

I will.

Goodbye.

[Crying]

They might have seen something else.

They want me to come in for more imaging.

And then

they want me to meet

with the surgeon in case.

What am I going to tell the kids?

It's barely three years since Aaron died.

Don't leave Joe.

This is going to sound worse than it is.

It's not.

I went to the doctor for my mammogram.

And they saw something.

I knew it.

A tiny spot, zero grade, they said.

Honey, that means that it's.

It is.

It's so early.

They're just going to do more.

Your brother thought you'd be here.

She's going to be okay.

How do you know?

My dad was supposed to be okay.

Honey, that was different.

Why?

Well, because he k*lled himself.

Because he was crazy.

Your father wasn't crazy.

The world was too much for him.

My mom can't die.

Auntie.

She can't.

I know.

I'm not ready for that.

None of us are.

But she's tough.

I mean, she gave birth to you

with your size ten head in the

living room with a midwife and no drugs.

Right.

You know,

your mom used to say that you

were cursed by the sign of the crab.

Tough on the outside,

but soft on the inside.

Her and her astrology.

You're a lot like her.

And your dad.

You're a true artist.

You just.

Seem to feel things more deeply.

It just hurts so much,

you know?

Yeah.

It's messed up.

Yeah.

I can build anything.

I can fix anything.

But I can't fix my mom.

It's okay.

Let it.

Out. It's okay.

Please. Not again.

Please.

It's okay.

Let's go home.

Let's go home.

But you said the spot was

unchanged and might even be

smaller than it was before.

Well, that's why I think we

could treat with lumpectomy and

radiation and have great results.

So you lied to me.

I didn't lie.

We took a wait and see approach

with your case and allowed you

to try alternative medicines.

Allowed me?

Oh. How kind.

Sorry. That's completely the wrong word.

We respect your choice

to try different things.

So what changed?

Well.

Fortunately nothing.

This MRI and your imaging from

three months ago are remarkably

the same.

In fact, I'd like to know more

about your supplement regimen.

But this is a real chance

to get ahead of your cancer.

And if I do nothing now?

Well, that,

that wouldn't be my recommendation.

But it's your decision.

I just want you to have the

best chance that medicine can

provide Western medicine.

Since nothing's changed, I'd

like to wait three more months.

Knock, knock.

David.

Hey, am I interrupting?

I just came by to see how it went.

Oh. I'm fine.

Hey, want to sit?

This is my sister, Jo.

The actress from California.

Huh? Yeah.

Lennie talks about you all the time.

Uh oh.

Only the good stuff.

David teaches Leah's art class.

We love David.

So.

Oh.

You know, just navigating the waters.

Want some tea?

Here, I'll get it.

No, no no, no.

You sit.

Talk to David.

Is she okay?

It's hard to tell.

Be better.

She filled you in.

Mhm. So you.

Um, are an art teacher?

Yep.

How'd you get into that?

Love art. Love kids.

Well, then you made the right choice.

I think it's nice to to do what you love.

You don't love being an actor?

I do when I'm working, but I

just feel like I'm fading away

into oblivion.

If you don't have a million

followers, you're just not legit.

Mm. Yeah.

Social media, death of civilization.

I actually thought that I'd be

making a living with my camera.

What happened?

It just seemed like a big pipe dream.

As opposed to the

sure thing that acting is.

Nice.

So teaching kids that

is a big responsibility.

Maybe.

But I think kids learn more from

who you are than what you teach.

Mm.

Right. Good luck.

Hey. Thanks, buddy.

Cheers.

What's the chicken for?

It's for the crabs.

You feed the crabs chickien?

If you want to trap something,

you got to make it tempting.

You sure you don't want to come?

Oh, I'm sure I would just get sick.

And you know how black

people feel about boats, so.

No. This is good for you.

You go.

Okay, everyone get together.

Careful. One. Two. Three.

[Soft music]

We got some.

Yeah.

Yes. All right.

Look at this guy.

Wow.

Six and a quarter.

It's a keeper, boys.

That's a keeper.

Definitely over the limit.

You know.

Toss her in the bucket.

Just put it in the bucket.

All right.

This one's feisty.

Oh. Holding on for dear life.

[Soft music]

Good job.

Okay hold on.

I know.

I know, you know, I'm just reminding you.

What's up?

Jake's a good dad.

Yeah. Pretty much.

He has his f*cked up moments.

Yeah, well, it runs in the family.

You would have been a good mom.

I don't know.

Pretty tough

putting a stamp on another human being.

Well, you don't stamp them.

You. You guide them.

Yeah, I think about it sometimes.

Making a contribution to the world.

You know.

That's not exactly how I

would describe having kids.

You know what I'm saying?

It's passing down knowledge.

Making a difference in someone else's life.

Yeah. You make a difference

by loving them unconditionally.

That's how it works.

Here's to my sister in combat.

I am armor and sword to you.

And comrade.

And always your comrade.

What?

Uh, just, uh, one of our

favorite comic books.

When we were growing up.

We had a routine.

Yeah.

Isn't it funny?

The things we remember.

That comic books are

probably worth a fortune now.

Yeah, well, your grandma trashed them.

What? Why?

She thought it was a waste of time.

She thought I should

learn how to type instead.

Yeah.

Mom wasn't exactly marching

for the women's movement.

Jeez.

Oh, I gotta check on dinner.

Mom, relax.

We're good.

Sweetie. Come, let's make cookies.

Ah,

she worries about everything these days.

Yeah, well.

Do you blame her?

You're doing a real good job with Leah.

With everything.

Oh.

No.

Thank you, I appreciate it.

I think it's important you hear that?

Mom likes it when you visit.

What about you?

Ah, I don't know.

Maybe I could get used to it.

No, it's a good start.

Yeah. Well, sorry.

I think we would have caught the big one.

The big kahuna.

Hey.

Hey, David.

Hey.

Need any help?

Oh no. I'm good.

- Good. Lynnie inside?

- Yeah.

All right.

See you in a minute.

Someone's got a crush.

What?

Oh, come on now.

Oh. Come on what?

You see what I'm seeing, right?

Oh, yeah.

- Lady b*ner.

- Lady b*ner.

Oh.

Auntie Joe, it's a grade A lady b*ner.

You know it, I know it, we all know it.

I want to get a picture of you guys.

Do we have to?

Stand with him.

Come on, Jake.

Fine.

Uh.

- Come on over here.

- Nice.

Nice.

Cheese.

Oh, sorry.

New phone. Who dis?

Very funny.

So, FYI, I got a call about

you from this NBC pilot.

I submitted you on.

A network pilot.

Really?

An aging hit man pulled out of

retirement back into the family

against his will.

A hit man.

His will.

Could be a man or a woman.

Or open to ethnicity, blah, blah bullshit.

They have no clue.

Look, Joe, I'm working on it.

I'll know by the end of the

day if it's going to happen.

But if they want to see you.

I'm not going to hold my breath.

But you know where to find me.

Thanks, Roger.

You're welcome.

[Calm music]

Have you heard about summer snow

When it falls on you

Your blood runs cold

But don't you sweat your pretty skin

Cause it melts away

For it sinks in

And you dream about this very night

When the moon rolls down the summer sky

Could it be the morning of the spring

When the sea runs

dry we'll start to sing

Have you heard

from the sky all about it

Down the river at high tide

Flows around it

Through the whispers of pines

I hear them saying

The more you love, the more you live

Have you heard from the sky

All about it

Through the whispers of pines

I hear them saying

The more you love, the more you live

This is truly a little slice of heaven.

Maybe you should throttle it back a bit.

What? Come on.

You're always known as

the last one to leave a party.

What does that mean?

Mm.

Oh, no.

Stop stop.

Stop.

Stop.

It means that you were known to have fun.

What is that a bad thing?

You should try it sometime.

Be happy.

Who says we have the right to be happy?

Oh, Lord.

Okay, right.

Okay, mom.

Oh, God.

Why do you do that?

Why do you do that?

All right.

Look, look, this is gonna

be a sibling smack down.

Maybe I'll leave a little early.

David. No, no. You stay.

I'm pooped.

I'm going to bed.

Oh, no, no, no.

I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry.

It was release drinking.

Maybe you should get a little sleep.

Yeah.

Okay.

Goodnight David.

Goodnight Lynnie. Thanks for dinner.

You bet.

Well, I just went from not

liking you very much, to thinking

okay, maybe she's all right.

Maybe.

Jury's out.

Yeah. Uh, maybe by your next

visit, I'll have a better opinion.

Oh.

Uh, that's why you're a teacher.

Release drinking?

I don't know, but I'm not drunk.

Just mean.

Ouch.

That's what my ex-husband used to say.

He used to say I

sounded angry all the time.

Why are you so angry?

Uh uh uh.

You see?

No no no no.

That's that's giving away the ending.

You must buy the book.

Well, Amazon lets you, uh, read

a chapter before you buy the book.

Well, I guess it was

just so angry because I,

got caught

by the bait,

and I was trapped, and I couldn't get out.

Just like those crabs today.

So stop being so crabby.

Mm. You know, move

forwards instead of sideways.

It's not that easy.

Something bothers you?

You change it.

Unless you're scared.

Scared?

Oh, my God, we're all scared.

Aren't we all scared?

I mean, because ultimately,

we're all just so f*cking fragile.

That's the gift of life.

Some gift?

No, it is. It is.

Because when you

realize that everything ends,

you find ways to.

You make ways to live a full life.

That's why you're a teacher.

You should come to my class,

teach your kids about acting.

Not qualified to do that anymore.

All right. How about photography, cameras?

Too much of a commitment.

Oh, you're afraid of commitment?

Terrified.

Why?

Because someone really smart

once told me everything ends.

But he also said.

What?

That's when you make ways

and live a full life.

I gotta go.

School night.

Oh.

Um.

Yeah.

So.

Yeah. Give me a call

when you're back in town.

I got a classroom of curious students.

Good night Joe.

Goodnight.

[Soft music]

- Hey.

- Hey.

I'm an as*h*le.

Yep.

I don't know what to say.

Nothing.

Are you mad at me?

I don't have the energy to be mad, Joe.

Um, so I got a text

from my agent last night.

They want me to audition for this thing.

Oh.

That's good right?

It's probably a waste of time.

Good attitude.

No, I mean, they don't know what they want.

They're looking at men,

women, open to ethnicity.

I mean, it's all bullshit.

It's just for them to feel

good about themselves.

I mean, look, see how diverse we are.

Anyway, um, I've got to get

back this morning, so I changed

my flight.

But I can come back soon, Lenny.

I mean, when you find out

what's happening, if you need me.

I don't need you.

I've got the boys.

And David's been great.

You two seem to hit it off.

David?

Yeah. No, he's very nice.

I'm just worried about you.

Are you going to be okay?

Look, Joe, I can't make

you feel better about leaving.

Just do what you have to do.

Can I ask you something?

Why do you keep doing it if you don't care?

Doing what?

Acting.

I don't know.

It's been my job for over 30 years.

The sick thing is, the only

thing I have to show for it is

a house in Silver Lake

and a old TV show poster.

- That's a little dramatic.

- Is it?

I have a shitty career.

I don't have a husband.

I don't have kids.

I don't have a family.

I mean, should I just ignore all of that?

Do what works for you.

You always have.

What's that supposed to mean?

Well, it's like when mom

and Dad were dying.

Oh, here we go.

I dropped everything and went to New York.

You didn't have a real job.

Like you did.

Hey, I was auditioning for stuff.

I was booking things.

Oh, right.

Fluvoxamine, a career maker.

Well, it was a money maker that

stopped me from sponging off of mom.

Unlike you.

She was helping me.

Well, she was ignoring me.

So that's why you took it out on her?

Maybe a little payback for all

the years she was shitty to you.

She treated you like crap.

It was unfair.

Yeah, well, we all make our choices.

We do?

Maybe you should think about

what you're doing and why.

You should do the same thing.

I got a pack.

[Sad music]

Thanks for coming in.

We're trying to zoom less

and room more these days.

Ready to go?

Okay.

Boss said we could count on you.

And I'm here.

sh*t. I'm sorry.

That's wrong.

I know that's wrong.

Um. And here I am.

It's okay.

It doesn't need to be word perfect.

Boss said we could count on you.

And I'm here.

At least your brain still works.

What's that supposed to mean?

Relax, grandma.

30 f*cking years of

experience means nothing.

Maybe it just means you've

passed your expiration date.

Listen, jackass, if this hadn't

been a personal ask from the

top, I'd be sitting on a beach in Hawaii.

Okay, I can stop you there.

I'm surprised we've never met before.

Sorry. We're behind the g*n.

We're got a room full of

actors, directors flying in.

It's good.

You're good to go.

Roger?

You sound surprised.

Didn't it go well?

She seemed more concerned

about clearing the room than finding

the right actor.

I barely got started before she stopped me.

Maybe she stopped you

because she got what she wanted.

It doesn't work that way.

Apparently it does.

They're calling you back

to work with the director.

Seriously?

She said she felt your

connection to the material.

See, I told you the

right thing comes along.

Fiveish Finkel.

It's the real deal, Joe.

Can I confirm you?

Okay.

I'll let you know.

Hey.

Am I interrupting?

No no no no no.

What's up?

How you feel?

I feel fine.

Uh, but the doctor called.

She's pretty sure there's

something there now.

Well, you know, I'm.

I'm sure it's nothing, Lynnie.

I mean, technology has advanced so far.

I mean, they're seeing things

now that they've never seen before.

Yeah. I feel like they're

trying to see something.

Like it's just about money.

I don't want to burn

through our savings on.

Your health.

No. I'd like to help the kids.

Oh.

These kids are grown men.

You've got to stop worrying.

You'll never understand.

That's why you live alone in LA.

And that's why you never had kids.

And that's why

you'll never understand what it

is to love somebody more than

you love yourself.

You're just too selfish.

It's called survival.

Anything else?

Oh f*ck off, Joe.

Can you at least promise

me you're going to tell

me what the doctor says?

You really got in there.

Almost keeps me sane.

Yeah. Art's like therapy.

You know, I think we're

happiest when we're most focused.

There's no room for distraction.

Oh.

If only.

You know.

What?

Nothing. I just keep thinking that.

Just say it, David.

I just wonder if the safest

thing to do is to be proactive

and get out in front of the cancer.

Did my sister put you up to this?

That's a little insulting.

Insulting? Is your friend

not supporting you?

Well, tell me I'm wrong.

I just did.

You don't want my

opinion. Don't ask for it.

Mhm.

No no no no, don't do that.

Don't blow me off.

I'm trying to support you.

Then do it.

Sometimes you make it so hard.

Because you are so committed to

your way that you make everyone

else the enemy.

Your husband was my best friend.

And I promised him that

I would look out for you.

I am not the enemy.

It's okay.

Yeah. You okay?

Yeah.

Ouch.

All right.

Cherise, you're my friend and a therapist.

Just tell me what to do.

Joe, I can't tell you what to do.

No one could ever tell you what to do.

But look, you're the only one

who knows what you want.

But I don't.

Ooh, I do.

Oh, no no no.

He is happily married with

three kids, two dogs and a cat.

Yo, Eric.

You drive.

Get away from you.

Yeah. You know, it's

just one of those days.

I know, been there, done that.

Yeah. Anyway, let me go find my ball.

And if I.

If I find a sandwich along

the way, I'll bring it back to you.

Okay? Why you do me like that?

- Take care.

- All right.

I'll see you later.

Just how happy in that marriage is he?

That's what I want to know.

Please focus.

I need your help.

Okay.

I once had a golf pro tell

me that with the perfect swing,

you should lead with your chest.

And then your head should follow.

And that helps me how?

Come on, Joe, just

let your head follow your heart.

You know, it was a metaphor.

All right, make a list.

Pros and cons.

Um, should you keep chasing

this dream or should you retire?

Travel. Take pictures.

It doesn't make any difference.

Whatever you choose.

It's not going to be wrong.

But you have to make the call.

Should have done that years ago.

Different life.

And here am I.

And here I am.

And here

and here I am.

And here I am.

[Soft music]

Here I am.

Who is this?

It's David, Joe.

David.

Lenny's having the surgery.

But I thought.

Is she okay?

Is it?

What happened?

She just changed her mind.

You know, it's the

smartest thing she can do.

Okay, so when is it?

Probably next week.

Uh, she's at the doctor now.

Look, she doesn't even

know I'm calling you.

Uh, I just thought you should

know so you can make plans.

Yeah. No, no. Of course.

Um, but this is an outpatient thing, right?

Joe.

It's your sister.

Mm.

I gotta go.

David.

What are you doing?

This was your audition in an hour.

How many?

Just a little chardonnay

to take the edge off.

Roger.

How many good years

do you think I have left?

A hell of a lot more when you're on a show.

- You think so?

- Yes.

Because there's no guarantee.

You can still die miserable and alone.

And be number five on the call sheet.

Shmata. You know what that is?

It's Yiddish.

It's like a rag.

Something you throw on the

floor or something worthless.

My father worked his a*s

off in the garment center so he

wouldn't be a shmata man like his father.

Six days a week, he works so he

can become something more than worthless.

Rags, doormats.

The day I got a scholarship to

private school was exactly two

days before they told him

he had six months to live.

Lung cancer.

So you're right.

There are no guarantees.

You can die miserable.

But he made a difference.

I do what I do because I love it.

And because as stupid as this

business is, every day there's

a little chance I can make a difference.

Maybe help change someone's life.

Go do this, Joe.

Let's change your life today.

[Soft music]

Listen, jackass.

If it wasn't a personal ask

from the top, I'd be on a beach

in Hawaii.

You are a big sack.

He is you.

I'm sorry.

Oh, wait.

Joe.

Yeah.

Tony D.

We worked together on,

um, uh, coach's daughter.

Oh.

Yeah. How are you?

I'm hanging in there.

Yeah. Yeah, that was fun.

Um, it was a lot of fun.

It was.

You were good.

- Yeah.

- You were good.

It's a lifetime ago, right?

Right.

Yeah. Well I'm good. I'm really good.

Okay, listen, I gotta go use the head.

- Oh no, no, no, go.

- Sorry.

All right.

Good to see you.

I'll see you in there.

All right.

All right.

Thanks.

Okay.

I'm sorry.

Oh my God, I'm sorry.

Wait wait wait wait, I need help.

Please, please, can you give me a hand?

f*cking diapers.

Shoulder won't go that way.

No. It's okay.

I'm sorry I should have locked the door.

Okay.

You know.

I'm to accept indignity.

You will too, if you haven't already.

My wife used to help me with this sh*t.

She's with the angels now.

Thanks for your help.

I'll see you out there.

Why are you doing this?

Hey.

It's Joanne Stock.

Hey, Vanessa Baron.

Well, ain't this a bunch of sh*t?

We just feel in a room, right?

How you been?

I haven't seen you in a while.

Yeah, well, I've been out of town working.

No.

Come on.

What you been doing?

I've been visiting my sister.

What is it Netflix?

They got you on an NDA.

Come on, spill it, girl.

Any roles for me?

My sister has cancer.

Who does?

My sister.

Oh, damn.

Been busy otherwise?

Other than visiting my

sister who has cancer.

Yeah.

Sorry.

That sucks.

Being kind of slow for me.

Yeah, well, maybe you'll book

this job and your life will be perfect.

Oh, well, at least I

got my real estate gig.

Best thing I ever did, huh?

Acting is pretty much a hobby now.

You know?

Real estate is my business.

Still got that, uh,

nice house in Silver Lake?

Baron. Real property.

You ever think that one through?

Joe Stock.

Oh, if you were ever

thinking of selling, hit me up.

Man, it's a good time to get out.

This is Joe Stock.

Joe, welcome.

Ready to work?

Yeah.

Let's do it.

Okay.

Any questions?

Well, yeah.

I was sitting outside

wondering, why do I keep doing

this if I really don't care?

Well, that's a good question,

because this character

has reached a crossroads.

Do I continue with the way

things are, keep swallowing the sh*t?

Or do I try shaking the tree

and just say, f*ck it, you know?

Yeah, I know, but I mean, I

can't make that call without

really knowing what happens in the end.

Excuse me?

Well, I mean, I can't commit to

the scene unless I know what my

character wants.

I mean, does she really want

out, or does she hope that this

is something that will keep her relevant?

Well, what do you think she wants?

I think that she's got caught

up in this for all the wrong reasons.

I mean, what she's trying

to make a point is she want

attention, but she can't admit

it because she's already on the train.

Exactly.

Yeah. To get off that train

just got to blow it up.

Great. I love that.

Good. Let's do the scene.

Blow up the train.

Come on.

Go right into it.

Boss said we could count on you.

And I'm here.

At least your brain still works.

What's that supposed to mean?

Joe, let me stop you here.

Um, she needs to be more of a threat.

She's dangerous.

Right? This is it for her.

We like what you did before.

Yeah, right.

No, I just I just thought

I'd try something.

No, no.

Trust the process.

Let me adjust you.

Okay. We're here to work, right?

Yeah.

Okay. Do you need that?

Okay. Come on.

We're here to work, right?

Yeah.

Let's do it from the top.

Boss said we could count on you.

And here I am.

Yeah. More.

More forceful, more presence.

Come on.

And here.

Listen, you know what it really should be.

And I'm here.

You know, she needs to let

her show her ovaries can confront

this head on.

Okay, great, I love it.

Go.

And I'm here.

At least.

At least your brain still works.

What's that supposed to mean?

Oh. Relax, grandma.

Over 30 years of f*cking experience.

And it means nothing.

Maybe it means you're

past your expiration date.

Listen, jackass.

If this wasn't a request, a

personal request from the top

guy, I would have been

on a beach in Hawaii.

Well, maybe you should pack

your bags, move on while you

still got a little tread

left on those tires.

Be thankful you're still alive.

Yeah.

Should have done that.

I should have moved on a long time ago

while I was younger.

While I had a chance for a

better life or a different life.

So you're gonna back out now?

[Soft music]

She just walked in.

I'll call you back.

Have you lost your mind?

Roger.

Do you have any idea how

hard it is to get you an audition?

Get anyone your age not named

Angela Bassett and audition.

Because I'll tell you, it's f*cking hard.

Seven out of ten episodes,

Jo probably bumped a series

regular, and you walk out of

a work session with a director.

Widgets. That's what we are.

They called everybody back.

Who cares?

That's your job.

It's what you do.

If you don't love it, get out.

But I think you screwed the

pooch before the pooch could

screw you.

Jesus, Jo.

Who walks away when their that close?

But you didn't come to hear this,

so let's have it.

Roger, this isn't easy.

I don't know how many years

it's been since I plucked you

out of equity waiver obscurity.

30 years.

30 years of selling you.

Fighting for you.

And my faith in you never wavered.

But yours did.

You stop believing yourself?

And so now.

Because you're done,

I have to be done.

And that hurts because

I watched you grow up.

But I'm just the agent.

And I'm just the product.

Always business.

I didn't mean it.

But it's what you said.

Don't be a stranger.

The door is always open.

[Soft music]

[Music continues]

[Music continues]

[Music continues]

Hey, mom.

It went better than expected.

Wouldn't lie to me.

I would.

But I'm not.

You did great.

I'm gonna text Jake.

I love you, mom.

I didn't know you were awake.

Hey.

Everything is okay.

I just talked to your doctor,

and she said it all went really well.

Oh.

It's gonna be okay.

We're here.

All of us.

Be spring before you know it.

Yeah.

Your treatments will be over.

Six weeks.

Scary.

Do you miss L.A.?

I think it's too soon to tell.

Are you gonna be okay?

Me?

Big changes.

For both of us.

But it was time.

When I was packing up her apartment.

I found it in mom's nightstand drawer.

I was going to give it to you,

but you were in such a bad

space, I thought I would

wait until a better time.

And then life happened and I forgot.

I don't think you know

how proud she was of you,

how much she loved you.

She just didn't know how to tell you.

[Crying]

Oh.

Okay.

Now tell me what you think

when you look at this photo.

Yes.

It makes me hungry.

It makes you hungry?

Okay. Um,

what about this one?

Yes.

It makes me feel safe.

Why?

Because he's with his brother.

Is that wrong?

It's perfect.

All right, everybody.

That was great.

That was great.

That's it.

Class dismissed.

Everybody have a good night.

See you tomorrow.

Bye.

Have a good night, everybody.

- Bye.

- See you tomorrow, Sergio.

Thank you, Isabella.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

So now what?

I don't know.

Maybe I'll take a few photos.

Get to know this place a little better.

Takes time.

Turns out I have that.

Will I see you soon?

You will.

[Soft music]

[Phone ringing]

[Music continues]

[Soft music]

[Music continues]