02x08 - Mrs. Harris' Opus

[bunniefuu]

Okay, my little chickies.

Can anyone describe what they see

in this piece of modern art
in... five words?

-Sydney.
-I think of...

stars, darkness, chaos,
emptiness, and fate.

No, destiny. Nah, let's stick with fate.

Oh, Sydney, that is so beautiful.

(gasps) I must take a moment. (inhales)

Moment taken. (chuckles)

Okay, Olive, let's hear your five words.

Hmm.

I... don't... get... it.

Wait, that's only four.

Yuck.

Okay. (chuckles)

Well, you are all in for a treat tomorrow,

because we are going
on my favorite field trip

to the Modern Art Museum.

-(excited chatter)
-The Modern Art Museum.

Is that what she said?
I stopped listening after field trip.

-Virmani: Hello, students!
-(gasps)

Vice Principal Virmani!

Just want to remind you
to be on you best behavior at the museum.

Well, I can assure you that my class
is genuinely interested in the arts.

Love your passion, never lose it.

But, seriously, don't mess up.

(sighs)

Tomorrow, I want you each
to pick out an inspiring piece of art

and write a poem about it.

(bell rings)

Be sure to get your
permission slips signed,

and don't forget sack lunches.

But no tuna!

It's a long bus ride
and those windows don't open.

I'm gonna write about
The Jamzy Experience.

It's an installation by this artist Jamzy.

No one knows who he or she really is.

Wow. I can't wait
to take a selfie with it.

It's not just for pictures.

It's an immersive experience
that's meant to be a commentary

about our interconnection
with all of our--

Yeah, yeah. I'm taking me a selfie.

Mrs. Harris: Today we set sail
on the yellow boat of knowledge

to the Modern Art Museum.

She can color it up all she wants.
We're going on a bus to see some paint.

Obviously you don't understand modern art.

Let me explain it to you. It means...

no school today!

I am so excited to see
how our first-ever journey

to the Modern Art Museum will inspire us.

(gasps) I must take a moment. (inhales)

Virmani: Hello, students!

And moment ruined. (chuckles)

Now, I don't really understand
how art and English are connected,

so consider this field trip an experiment.

Well, the visual medium
is connected to the--

Love your passion, never lose it.

But one misstep and next year's
field trip will be to--

Just kidding! There won't be one.
(chuckles)

(vehicle rumbling outside)

Oh! (gasps) The yellow boat
of knowledge is here!

All aboard! Toot, toot!

Here's the plan.

Get off the bus, ditch the group,

head to the snack bar
and stuff our faces with nachos.

Nachos is my middle name.

Well, actually, it's Ruby.

But let's just keep that
between us, all right?

Mom, what are you doing here?

What? A mom can't miss her son?

Just kidding. I was forced to come.
a chaperon called in sick.

So cancel whatever trouble
you two have planned.

What? We aren't planning any trouble.

Yeah, we'll be with the group
the whole time.

But just to warn you,
I bought a new cologne,

it smells like nachos.

(theme music playing)

♪ Do do, do do do do ♪

♪ Like father, like daughter
we don't always agree ♪

♪ But looking at you
is like looking at me ♪

♪ The more things change
the more they stay the same ♪

♪ Like father, like daughter
from different times ♪

♪ Taking all the best
from your decade and mine ♪

♪ The more things change ♪

♪ The more they stay the same ♪

♪ Do do, do do do do ♪

♪ Do do ♪

♪ The more they stay the same ♪

Okay. We're here,
and the nachos are over there.

So, all we gotta do is take--

What's the dealio, my dudes?

You're gonna ditch the class
and get nachos?

What? No!

Why would you even think that, Pete?

'Cause you wrote on your map:

"Operation Ditch the Class
and Get Nachos."

Okay, Pete, just keep it down.

If anyone finds out, we're in big trouble.

-Who would ever find out?
-(screaming)

Um, this seems like
a family thing, so I should go.

Oh, look at that cool painting over there.

I can't believe you boys
were gonna sneak off.

You're just lucky I was here.

You two could ruined this whole field trip
for everyone.

Notice how the use of color and shape

defy our expectations.

Whoa. This painting's
actually pretty cool.

Wonderful, Max,
but how does it make you feel?

I don't know.

But it kind of makes my brain tickle.

That is what good art does.

It looks like a butt to me.

(students laughing)

Ms. Reynolds, please! We're in a museum!

And that is...

Oh, yeah, that's totally a butt.

(all laughing)

I'm sorry, but if you can't
control your students,

I'm going to have to ask you to leave.

Oh, please, no.

It's my fault,
but you're seeing what I'm seeing, right?

I mean... (laughing) It's a butt!

Okay, that's it. Everyone out.

Right, well, come on, kids. Let's go.

Field trip is over.

I'm sorry, but--

(laughing) I said "butt" again!

(laughing)

Okay, my little chickies. Hmm?

Go find a piece of art that inspires you.

And then, write your poem about it.

Let your imaginations soar,
free as a bird!

Ca-caw!

(screeches): Go!

Syd, look. It's The Jamzy Experience.

Oh, Mrs. Harris, uh, when are we gonna
go in and see the Jamzy installation?

Oh. Unfortunately, it's not part of our
field trip today.

-It isn't?
-No.

School groups aren't allowed into any
of the special exhibits.

Uh, but what if it was just me and Olive?

We're not a group.
We're, we're a two-some, a duo.

And sure, we go to school,
but that does not define us.

I'm sorry, but if I let you girls go in,
I'd have to let everyone go in.

You know, people always say that,

but is it actually true?

Please, Mrs. Harris?
We really wanna write our poems about it.

(sighs)

Remember? You told us to be free as birds.

-Ca-caw!
-Ca-caw!

(both cawing)

Okay, okay. Fly, little birds.

-(insects chirping)
-(birds twittering)

You have minutes.

No touching the installation,
and no talking on cell phones.

(cell phone rings)

Oh, hey, Linda.
Nah, I'm not doing anything.

Whoa.

The design, the rope,

the sounds, all of it-- it's beautiful.
I already feel so inspired.

Me, too. But it's way too big
for a selfie.

You take it.

Ooh, girl. Which one is the work of art?
I can't tell.

Check it out.

Uh, Syd, little problem.
My belt bag is caught.

Okay, um,

just stand still and I'll...

-(insect buzzing loudly)
-Wait.

What's that noise?

Is-- Is that a bee?

(screams) I hate bees!

Olive: Is it on me?! Is it on me?

-Olive, wait. No!
-(rope whipping)

Olive: I can't stop! It's a bee!

You know I hate bees!

Olive, you gotta stop!

Olive: I can't stop!
I used a honey-scented shampoo!

It wants revenge!

(buzzing stops)

That wasn't a bee.
It was just a sound effect.

Well, now I feel silly.

Um, Olive... (chuckles)

No!

Well, Mrs. Harris did want
a strong emotional reaction, so...

(both screaming)

(gasps)

What on Earth?

You wanna tell me what happened
on your field trip today?

I just talked to Mr. Virmani,
and he said because of you two,

the school is banned from ever
going back to the museum.

Both: What?

Hey, girls. How was the Jamzy exhibit?

I've got tix to see it this weekend.

You may want to get a refund on that.

-Why?
-Because...

they snuck away from their group
and destroyed it.

You destroyed it?

Maybe Jamzy will complain
and we'll find out who it really is.

My theory, Lady Gaga.

So, Dad, let's talk punishment.

I'm not looking for a deal,
but say you were willing to make one.

I'm not the one you need to worry about.

Whatever punishment Mr. Virmani gives you

is gonna be way worse
that anything I'd give.

-Yeah, I was afraid of that.
-I'm sorry, Syd.

He said he wants to see you,

Olive, and Mrs. Harris
first thing tomorrow morning.

How did he sound?

Was he more, "What a couple of goofs,"
or "Lock them up in the school dungeon"?

We have a school dungeon?

And poor Mrs. Harris.

Virmani said if she had anything to do
with this, she's gonna be fired.

And then he said, "Toodle-oo,"

which is a weird way to end
such a serious conversation.

Mrs. Harris.
We didn't even think about her.

I know. What are we gonna do?

We'll just tell Mr. Virmani
that we snuck off without asking her.

We have to take all the blame.

You're right.

So, is it really a dungeon,
or like detention without WiFi?

'Cause that's, like, way worse.

Mrs. Harris.

You're here early.
Isn't our meeting at eight?

That's why we're here.

When Mr. Virmani asks you,

don't tell him you gave us permission
to go into that room.

But I did give you permission.

I'm your teacher. I should know better.

I deserve whatever punishment I get.

But Mr. Virmani said if you had
anything to do with this,

he's gonna fire you!

Fire me?

Oh... (stammers) I can't get fired.

If I'm not a teacher,
I'm just a crazy lady

with a parrot named Jeffrey!

Mrs. Harris, we won't let you get fired.

We'll tell Mr. Virmani
that we snuck off without permission.

Wait. I can't lie to Mr. Virmani,
and I can't let you girls lie for me.

Hello, ladies!

I think you know why we're all here,
to get to the truth.

And I want you to know that I have
absolutely no preconceived notions

about what happened at the museum.

But what did you girls do?

-Mr. Virmani, it wasn't--
-Her responsibility at all.

We were the ones
who snuck into that exhibit.

Without permission. Mrs. Harris said no.

She was very clear.

-Girls, don't.
-Exactly!

"Girls, don't" is exactly what she said.

-But did we listen?
-No, we did not.

Okay, Mr. Virmani, I have to tell you
the truth--

-Which is, there was no controlling us.
-Frankly, we're little monsters.

And deserve the maximum
punishment possible.

That's enough, Syd.

Mrs. Harris, is this all true?

Mm-hmm.

Well, this Jamzy person is very upset,
and frankly, so am I.

This gives me absolutely no pleasure.

I'm giving you girls a month of detention.

I am so disappointed.

I was hoping that the museum

would be an enriching experience
for the class.

But instead,

you children were
more interested in butts.

Butts!

(laughing)

It's even funnier when she says it.

-(sighs)
-Mrs. Harris?

Oh behalf of a person I won't mention,

I want to apologize for my mom.

Well, thank you, Max.

But it wasn't just your mom.

It was everyone.

I'm gonna tell Mr. Virmani he was right.

We couldn't handle the Modern Art Museum.

(bell rings)

Mrs. Harris?

I want you to know
that I actually liked the painting.

Really?

Yeah. I was pretty bummed
when we couldn't hear more about it.

Well, I'll tell you what, Max.

Why don't you and your mom

meet me at the museum
after school tomorrow?

Cool. I'd love to.

You're not just doing this to cheer up
your favorite teacher, are you?

No. Oh, but you are.

Wait. Besides my pre-school teacher.

She gave me my first A, in "pants."

The test was, I just had to wear pants.

That was a good day.

Class, as you all know,

this field trip was our last visit
to the Modern Art Museum.

Sorry, again, everybody.

Yeah. That's on us.

Also, has anybody heard
about this school dungeon thing?

And today, we will be joined
by a special guest.

-(students gasping)
-Hello, students!

Ms. Harris said I would
want to hear your poems about modern art.

I'm kind of busy, so let's just start.

(gasps) Ooh! I rhymed!

Well, why don't I start out
by reading my own poem

about what I learned on our field trip.

I call this "A Rope Unraveled."

"Two girls walked into a room of rope.

When they asked to go,

I should have said nope.

Now, I must admit

to all who will listen.

It was my fault.

I gave them permission.

So let Sydney and Olive go free.

If anyone's to blame,

it should be me."

I see.

Mrs. Harris, please see me
in my office after class.

I understand.

Now, no decisions have been made,

but if any of you
have any farewell gifts for Mrs. Harris,

please bring them tomorrow.

(sighs)

-Syd, everything okay?
-No.

Mrs. Harris told Mr. Virmani
that she gave us permission

to go into that exhibit, and got fired.

-What? Why would she say that?
-Because we didn't sneak off.

The truth is that we begged her,
and she let us do it.

Why didn't you tell me?

I'm sorry, I just didn't
want my favorite teacher to be fired.

-I get it.
-You do?

Yeah. She was the best teacher I ever had.
She always believed in me,

even when I got my head caught
in the vending machine.

She said, "You got yourself in.

You can get yourself out."

And guess what? She was right.

See, I mean, what would
any of us have done without Mrs. Harris?

Also, really, Dad?

You know, I never thought
about how many people's lives she changed.

A good teacher does that.

Wait. I think I know
how to save Mrs. Harris.

But, Dad, I'm gonna need your help.

Anything for Mrs. Harris.

That woman got my head unstuck
from a lot of places.

Whazz up?

Whazz up?

So, um, Max,

what made you so drawn
to this particular painting?

That one lonely square in the corner.

Kind of reminds me of me.

It does?

Yeah.

I feel like sometimes
people underestimate me.

They just see me
as some dumb skateboarder.

It makes me feel different
than everybody else.

You know, Max,
I understand what you're saying.

I've always felt a little different.

I don't exactly teach the same
way the other teachers do.

That's why you're so cool.

You let me release a jar of flies
and sit on a throne for that book report.

Well, you obviously didn't read
Lord of the Flies,

but I appreciated your cleverness.

Looks like we're both a couple of squares
in a bunch of circles.

Max, may I take a moment?

Can I take one with you?

I would be honored.

(both inhale)

Both: Moment taken.

Well, I am happy to see at least
one student got something out of this.

Hey, if I can be into this stuff,
anyone can.

You can't stop doing
the field trip, Mrs. Harris.

I don't know.

Besides you, everyone else
just seemed kind of bored.

Hey! What's the dealio, Teach?

Pete! What are you doing here?

I wanted to come back
since the field trip ended early.

This art stuff is rad!

-Whoa. Check that one out.
-Ha.

See? Told you it was worth it.

You know, maybe I should
keep doing this field trip.

I'll convince Mr. Virmani.

What's the worst he can do? Fire me?

Mrs. Harris,

I was planning on waiting
in the car, but I realized,

-I really owe you an apology.
-Oh.

Judy, you don't need to.

Actually, you know what?

Go for it.

I'm sorry I laughed at that painting.
It was immature, and--

-You want to laugh again, don't you?
-No!

Okay, you know what?
I accept your apology.

Just do me a favor, and,

please, just take it outside.
-(whimpering)

-(crying): Okay.
-Mrs. Harris: Okay. Just go.

(Judy laughing)

I gotta teach that lady some manners.

I will miss each and every one of you.

Sydney, you made me a better teacher.

Olive, you kept me on my toes.

Tanner...

you were a student in my class.

Virmani: Hello, students!

Don't worry, Mr. Virmani.
I am just saying my farewells.

-Actually, I invited him.
-Happy to be here.

Also, I was told there might be cronuts.

I wanted him here for our goodbye tribute,
Mrs. Harris.

A tribute? Really?
That's, that's so sweet.

Olive?

All right, everybody, come in.

Mrs. Harris, these people and so many more
were the product of your teaching.

You helped shape them
into who they are today.

I was a better student,
and I'm a better person because of you.

Was he the best student? No.

Was he an underachiever who made you
just wanna pull your hair out?

Where was I going with this? Oh, right.

You really helped him.

I reached out to dozens of people

who all said Mrs. Harris
has changed their lives

more than any other teacher.

Sydney, this means so much to me.

(coughs): And Olive.

And you, too, Olive.

Mr. Virmani, seeing all these people
who Mrs. Harris has helped,

can't you please reconsider f*ring her?

I appreciate all this.

But an artist's work was destroyed.

I don't think Jamzy would want me
to let Mrs. Harris off that easy.

I disagree, and so does he.

What's the dealio, my dudes?

Pete? You're Jamzy?

Judy: I knew it!

No, I didn't, but I do now.
So what I mean is, I know it!

Pete, I am so proud of you.

Oh, but you revealed your secret identity
just for me?

When Sydney reached out,

I knew I had to come
help you, Mrs. Harris.

I fell in love with art on her field trip.

Without her, I wouldn't be who I am.

Wouldn't you say that I played some role
in who you are, too?

Not really.

Okay.

If he can forgive Mrs. Harris and us
for destroying his art,

Mr. Virmani, can you forgive her, too?

It takes a big man
to admit that he was wrong.

But I am not that man.

So Mrs. Harris,

-you can have your job back.
-Oh.

(cheering)

Oh, girls. Don't forget,
your one-month detention still stands.

And, uh, Mrs. Harris,
you'll be supervising them.

Me? I have detention, too?

Believe me, it brings me no joy.

Well, maybe a little bit. (laughing)

We did it. We saved Mrs. Harris.

(cheering)

Oh, good! I am back, baby!

(laughing)

To Mrs. Harris getting her job back.

And to discovering who Jamzy is.

It's you.

I'm just glad we get to keep you
as our teacher, Mrs. Harris.

You're the best.

Thank you, girls. (sighs)

I must take a moment. (inhales)

You know what? I'll take it later.
Let's party.

-Sorry about ruining your installation.
-It's not ruined. I took that pile of rope

and I turned it into a new piece called
The Jamzy Experience: Remixed.

Wow. I went from not understanding art
to creating world-famous art.

Hey, do I get a cut?

♪ Do do, do do do do ♪

♪ Do do ♪

♪ Do do, do do do do ♪

♪ Do do ♪

♪ Do do, do do do do ♪

♪ Do do ♪

♪ Do do, do do do do ♪

♪ Do do ♪

Man: Oh, yeah.