Oh, well, um,
sure, just a minute.
'Abby, it's Jeremy's father.'
His father?
He's in town.
He wants to see Jeremy.
The most important thing is that
you and I get to know
each other.
Everything else will
work out later. Trust me.
Maybe it's just possible that
he really does care for Jeremy.
What concerns me is how much
more he cares about himself.
I want you both to know
I really appreciate
what you've done with Jeremy.
You know, he's like
one of our family now.
He needs something a little
more permanent right now.
What are you getting at?
I want my son back.
[theme music]
♪ There's a magic ♪
♪ In the early morning
we've found ♪
♪ When the sunrise smiles ♪
♪ On everything around ♪
♪ It's a portrait
of the happiness ♪
♪ That we feel and always will ♪
♪ Oh eight is enough ♪
♪ To fill our lives with love ♪
♪ Oh we spend our days ♪
♪ Like bright and shiny
new dimes ♪
♪ If we're ever puzzled ♪
♪ By the changing times ♪
♪ There's a plate
of home made wishes ♪
♪ On the kitchen window sill ♪
♪ And eight is enough
to fill our lives with love ♪
[instrumental music]
[typewriter clacking]
(Tom)
'Friend or foe?'
Hungry friend.
Oh, why? Did the school
run out of food?
No, the counselor
ran out of money.
I have an hour off.
[phone ringing]
Hello?
Hi, Ann.
Really?
This afternoon, huh?
Well, yeah, okay.
No, it's-it's fine.
Hey, thanks for calling, okay.
Bye-bye.
So, what was that all about?
Jeremy. It seems
that he turned in
a less than
adequate term paper.
- That was Ann Cavalusi.
- And?
Well, she wants one of us
to come by this afternoon.
I guess I can cancel my
afternoon appointment, but..
Why? I can do it for you.
I have to bring my column
over to the office.
You could? That would be great.
Besides, I haven't had
a good battle with a teacher
since Tommy was
in tenth grade geometry.
Well, you sure have had
lots of experience.
Oh, yes.
Too bad he flunked.
[instrumental music]
[bike revving]
[tires screeching]
What do you think you're doing?
I got half a mind to wrap that
cycle around your neck!
Do you realize how clo..
Ozzie!
You never were too good
in a crisis, were you?
Ozzie! You big guy!
Oh, hey, you got fat.
Water retention.
- When did you get in?
- Couple of hours ago.
Phoned your old man.
Heard you got married.
Yeah.
- Divorced?
- Yeah.
Happens to the best of us, pal.
- You're kidding?
- Almost a year.
Well, listen, we're gonna
have a great time.
Oh, the reunion? Uh, you know,
I really didn't plan on going.
Are you kidding?
It's our -year reunion.
Well, Ralph, Johnski, Bobo.
- 'They're all coming.'
- You're kidding.
It's gonna be just like
it used to be.
The starting five,
back together again.
Boy, we were some
basketball team.
We lost every game.
Yeah, that was our
only weakness.
[chuckles]
[school bell ringing]
Pretty dismal, wouldn't you say,
Mr. Bradford?
Uh, well, at least
it's not too wordy.
Mr. Bradford, Jeremy had
three weeks
to complete this assignment.
I see.
And it's not the first time.
He has been warned before.
Is this true, Jeremy?
'I expect more than this
from my students.'
Especially when I think
they're capable.
Of course.
Now, Jeremy tells me that he has
a lot of problems at home.
'Problems that are keeping him'
'from concentrating
on his school work.'
'This is what I wanted
to talk to you about.'
He says they're
too personal to discuss.
'I was gonna fail Jeremy,
Mr. Bradford.'
He would have to make up
this class in summer school.
Unless, of course, there's some
truth to what he's saying.
Well, uh, if it means failing
and going to summer school..
...I guess it's not..
'...so personal
that we can't discuss it.'
Okay. Now, I'll just
be a minute.
I just have to bring in
this column.
- How come you did it?
- Did what?
You know. Cover for me
with old lady Cavalusi.
It's not like
I didn't screw up.
Oh, we all screw up.
Yeah, but it's kind
of a hobby with me.
Let's call it
a calculated risk.
I gambled that you'd rather
do a term paper
than go to summer school.
You don't wanna go
to summer school, do you?
No way, but I don't wanna do
that paper, either.
I know it's a pain, Jeremy,
but it's not that bad.
Think about it.
I have to get this in
before the deadline.
Here, they don't send us
to summer school.
Listen, you've never seen
a newspaper, have you?
No, but that's okay.
You might enjoy it.
- How?
- Come on.
Alright.
[instrumental music]
[inaudible]
[music continues]
[music continues]
- Well, what did you think?
- That was okay.
Wanna walk home?
It was okay in the sense that
it was a very educational
and personally rewarding
experience.
- Well put, Jeremy.
- Thank you, Tom.
I think it's about time
we put our relationship
on a first name basis,
don't you?
I don't know. I may need
a little more time.
Okay, okay. So Tom's
a little bit much.
It's just that "Mr. Bradford"
sounds so formal.
Yeah, you are right, Jeremy.
I should have thought
of that myself.
Nah, that's okay.
Hey, what about your initials?
I could call you T.B.
I don't like being
referred to as a disease.
- Right.
- I know.
Abby is your aunt.
Call me uncle
Oh, yeah. Uncle Tom.
Maybe we should keep
working on it.
Right.
(Ralph)
'Anywhere he wants to.
Heh heh heh.'
(David)
'You haven't changed
a bit, Ralph.'
[knock on door]
Mm, that's them.
The whole g*ng together again.
I can't believe it.
I can't wait to see Bobo.
I heard he turned into
a real freak in college.
- Bobo.
- Obviously just a stage.
- Johnski!
- Hey, David!
- Johnski!
- Hey, Ralph!
Johnski, your hair d*ed.
It's just thinning a little.
[all laughing]
The g*ng together again.
Can you believe this?
Alright. Calls for another beer.
So, uh, Johnski,
what are you doing?
- I'm in industrial lighting.
- Uh-huh?
'Fluorescent fixtures,
spot lights.'
That sort of thing. Primarily
supplied to the North West.
Sounds really boring, Johnski.
Alright. Okay. Well, we got
three whole days
until the reunion.
What do you wanna do?
Same thing we used to do.
Raise hell!
[all cheering]
- Hi, Abby.
- Hi.
Hi. You look b*at.
It was a long day.
Is Tom upstairs?
No, he's not home yet.
I think he was picking up
Jeremy at school.
Yeah, he had a meeting
with Jeremy's teacher.
But that was hours ago.
Well, that explains it, Abby.
He's just giving him
a little advice.
[all laugh]
[phone ringing]
Hello.
Uh, sure.
Oh, well, um,
sure, just a minute.
'Abby, it's Jeremy's father.'
His father?
He is in town.
He wants to see Jeremy.
And what if I don't
wanna see him?
That's up to you.
Yeah, well, what does
he want, anyway?
I don't know. He just said
he wanted to talk to you.
Uh-huh.
He was up North
sh**ting some film
and Sacramento's on his
way back to L.A., so..
Yeah, it figures,
it's convenient.
Listen, Jeremy,
I know how you feel
and nobody is gonna blame you
if you don't wanna see him.
Yeah, I don't know,
I'll think about it.
Okay.
How's your paper coming?
Well, summer school's startin'
to look better by the minute.
[both chuckling]
[instrumental music]
[whistle blowing]
(Ozzie)
Zowey!
How comes girls
never looked like that
when we were in high school?
Everything looks
so much smaller, you know.
What are we gonna do now?
I don't know.
Hey, we could look up
an old teacher.
Yeah. How about Phelps?
Remember the guy
who taught Driver's Ed?
He d*ed last year.
- No kidding?
- Traffic accident.
How about Alison?
Retired.
Sweeney.
Transferred.
- McDonald.
- Leave of absence.
[whistle blowing]
You guys know Canasta?
This is our reunion?
It's a fun game.
[doorbell rings]
Hello, Mr. Andretti.
- Mr. Bradford.
- Please, come in.
Thank you.
Jeremy should be home
from school any minute now.
Well, good, good.
Can I get you something
to drink or something?
Oh, no, no, thank you,
I'm-I'm fine.
How is he?
Oh, except for a little
trouble with English
he's not bad.
English. It wasn't
my favorite subject, either.
[door latch clicking]
Hi, Jeremy.
Hi.
How's school?
Okay, I guess.
Yeah. Well..
Can we talk?
I guess so.
I know I was wrong before,
Jeremy, about leaving
without saying anything.
And I figured
you wouldn't understand.
It was my easy way out.
Yeah.
But it was on my mind.
I mean, you were on my mind.
I just finally realized that..
Well, you deserve better.
So, why'd you leave?
Because I was
afraid of you.
Afraid of me?
Sit down, son.
I know that sounds ridiculous.
See, Jeremy when your mom d*ed
I got the call to come get you.
That you were here
at the Bradfords'.
I didn't know what to think.
I didn't even know you.
As soon as I got to Sacramento,
it began to sink in.
[laughing]
I was gonna be a father.
And then, you know, you..
Your excitement about L.A.
and making plans together..
Maybe it was just a bit
too much too soon.
You see, Jeremy, I've been
alone for so long..
...maybe it was just
a little too sudden.
[birds chirping]
Son, I've never been close..
...really close to anyone
in my entire life.
I just never thought
I had it in me.
That's what I was
afraid of, Jeremy.
I was afraid
that maybe I didn't.
Sure brings back
the memories, doesn't it?
Boy, it sure does.
The five of us out there
battling it out.
The band playing.
The fans booing.
And they never
understood us, Johnski.
They never appreciated
our brand of catch up ball.
That's because we never
caught up.
Well, at least we had
Coach Dooley.
He understood us,
he knew what we could do.
I know, I think that's why
he always left
after the first half.
(Ozzie)
'No, you guys aren't
being fair to us.'
We weren't that bad.
As a matter of fact,
we're pretty darn good.
You really think so, Ozzie?
Just a couple of bad breaks,
that's all.
You know, Coach Dooley really
wasn't that good
when you think about it.
Yeah, maybe with some better
coaching, we might--
Hey, look.
[instrumental music]
Hey.
[indistinct chatter]
[grunting]
Over here, come on, that's it.
[music continues]
- 'Hey, quick.'
- Right..
[Bobo screaming]
[music continues]
Come one. Over here.
Come one.
[Bobo screaming]
(Abby)
'He should be home by now.'
I'm sure he's okay.
How do you know that?
Abby..
[sighs]
I'm sorry.
That's okay.
This man just disappears
for nine months.
We don't even hear from him.
He practically deserts
his own son
and then he just...shows up.
Well, he is Jeremy's father,
whether we like it or not.
That doesn't give him
carte blanche
just to waltz in
and out of Jeremy's life
whenever he needs to.
I didn't say that it did.
He really did hurt Jeremy.
He hurt him when
he really needed somebody.
I'm not gonna let that
happen again.
Maybe he's changed.
Maybe he hasn't.
Anyway, he can't
just undo the damage.
Abby, you are the one
who's always reminding me
of people frailties.
Of the basic good in everyone.
Well, then,
maybe it's just possible
that he really does care
for Jeremy.
Maybe.
But what concerns me is how much
more he cares about himself.
Look at us,
this is ridiculous.
We should be having fun.
We know, that's the problem.
Half our teachers are either
buried, retired or transferred.
Yeah, and the freshmen
basketball team
laughed us off the court.
The security cop kicked us off
the campus for loitering.
And the yam tree that
our senior class planted
as a living reminder
of our eternal loyalty..
...d*ed of root rot.
Okay. So, things aren't
going exactly perfect.
Big deal!
We still got each other,
don't we?
Don't we?
What about the good times
we had?
The crazy things we did.
The sense of adventure
we shared.
They can't take
that away from us.
It's in here.
No, sir.
We gotta stop feeling sorry
for ourselves.
We gotta get out there
and kick the world in the can.
'We gotta find something that'll
bring us back to life again.'
Now what we need
is an event to remind us
of the kind of guys
we used to be.
It's coming back to me now.
We use to be delinquents.
Shh.
Johnski might
be right, Ozzie.
Kicking the world in the can
might not be the same anymore.
It's gonna be great.
I'm telling you, there's nothing
like a good paper job
to get your heart started.
Let's go.
[martial music]
- What if we get caught.
- Will you relax?
Coach Trevor never did more than
give anyone a boring lecture.
He's totally harmless.
Now, come on.
[music continues]
[alarm ringing]
- Oh, great.
- Oh, no.
- What?
- 'They'll eat us alive.'
[dogs barking]
We-we're surrounded!
Great idea.
(man over PA)
'Attention!'
'You are trespassing..'
Let's go!
(man over PA)
'Failure to vacate these
premises will result'
'in charges being
brought against you.'
[tires screech]
'You are trespassing.'
It's about time.
- 'Hi.'
- 'Hello.'
Did you forget
how to use a telephone?
No, sorry, I guess I kinda
lost track of time.
I think it's my fault.
We got talking and..
Well, I'll get my jacket,
we're going to a movie.
What about your term paper?
I'll get it done.
I don't think the movies
is a good idea.
- I said I'll get it done!
- 'Hey.'
Uh, maybe we oughta go to
a movie some other night, huh?
You better get your homework
done tonight.
- I'll see you later.
- Yeah.
I want you both to know
I really appreciate
what you've done with Jeremy.
It's our pleasure, Mr. Andretti.
We really enjoy having him.
He's like one of our family now.
Yes, uh, that's just the thing.
He needs something a little
more permanent right now.
'Don't you think?'
What are you getting at?
Well, uh, things are different
with me right now.
My career is really going well.
And I have this big house and..
'...I have a lot more time
to be with him.'
'And believe me, I've given it
a lot of thought.'
'And I think the decision
is right for both of us.'
I want my son back.
[dramatic music]
- Hi.
- Hi.
You waiting for your dad?
Yeah.
I thought you liked him now.
Oh, I do. It's just that..
Ah, you wouldn't understand.
You can't decide if you wanna
live with us or with him.
I don't know, it's, this
whole thing's all screwed up.
I mean, I like it here now.
I really do.
Well, especially
when you stay out of my hair.
On the other hand, I'd like to
have a family of my own.
You know?
Well, you have us
and I want you to stay.
Well, that's one vote.
- What do you mean?
- Nah, nothing.
It's just so confusing,
that's all.
I mean you guys aren't my real
family but in a way, you are.
My dad, he's my real family
and in a way, he isn't.
See what I mean?
Screwed up.
[whispering]
Yeah.
(Ozzie)
'"To a real cool guy
with a real cool car.'
"Good luck in college and have
a real cool summer ha-ha.
P.S. Don't sell the car.
Love and stuff. Laura Segara."
Laura Segara, I wonder
whatever became of her.
Well, if she didn't become
an English teacher
let's hope she married
a guy with a Ford dealership.
Hey you guys. There's Wheezer.
Remember good old Wheezer?
How could you forget a guy
who wore a box of tissue
on his belt?
[chuckles]
You all remember the noise
he made when he breathed?
It was so loud.
The poor guy had allergies.
Remember the time when
Miss Pasqual ask him the library
because no one
could concentrate?
That's right,
so he held his breath.
And when he passed out
nobody would give him
mouth to mouth.
No even Miss Pasqual.
Give the guy a break,
it wasn't his fault.
Listen to mister
humanitarian here.
Who's the one who nicknamed
him Wheezer anyhow, huh?
It was cruel.
And I was wrong.
We were all wrong.
[laughing]
You know you guys,
Johnski is right.
We were pretty mean to him.
Probably wasn't
such a bad guy.
I mean, we never
gave him a chance.
You know, he went
through high school
without ever having a date?
Too bad we can't make it up
to him somehow.
Maybe we can. There was
something in the newspaper
about him being associated
with that new hotel downtown.
Wheezer lives here?
Yeah, I guess,
he is the manager.
Hey, you guys, there he is.
Remember, it's Steve,
not Wheezer.
- Fellas.
- Hey, Steve.
When you called,
I couldn't believe it.
I mean, we weren't exactly
close in high school.
Yeah, that's kinda
why we are here.
Steve, uh, we know how rotten
we were and, well, we, uh..
We wanted to tell you
what jerks we were
and, uh, see if we could set
the record straight.
Gee, I don't know what to say.
Say you'll let us
buy you lunch.
'It's the least we could do.'
Nonsense, lunch is on me.
Now, what happened between us
was a long time ago.
We were just kids.
The fact that you came, well..
It took a lot of guts.
Come on, I'll show you
around first.
Sure is some place, Steve.
Well, I'm proud of it.
We got three gourmet
restaurants, all kinds of shops.
A beauty salon, barber shop,
a complete health spa..
Yeah, it's, it's quite a hotel.
You sound like
you own the place, Steve.
I do.
Hi, how is it going?
Just swell, I think I'm gonna
have it published.
Listen, can I help you
with anything?
Yeah, as a matter
of fact, you can.
You could count.
Count what?
Well, I need to have
at least , words
and I have to know
where I'm at.
Jeremy, think about
the content.
I mean, if you're worry about
how many words you've written
you'll lose track
of what you're trying to say.
I'm not gonna worry
about how many words
I've written, you are.
Well, you said
you wanted to help.
Okay.
One, two, three, four--
Silently.
What if I don't wanna go
with my dad, Mr. Bradford?
Do you?
Well, I don't know.
He is my father.
Yes, he is.
Well, what do you think?
This is a decision
that you'll have to make.
I wish I could help you.
I really do.
It will work out.
Whatever happens..
Yeah.
- Whoo.
- Whoo!
What a work out.
I feel great.
I got news for you, Johnski.
A sauna and a massage doesn't
qualify for a workout.
You know, I still can't
get over Wheezer.
I mean, after all the rotten
stunts we pulled on him
he buys us lunch, he gives us
free passes to the health spa.
Now, don't remind me, you know.
I feel guilty enough already.
Especially about the time
we de-pantsed him after school.
That was the worst of all.
The poor guy had to run
all the way home naked.
Didn't I have locker ?
Yeah, it's right next to mine.
Hey..
Does this means
what I think it does?
[elevator door ringing]
(woman # )
No!
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
So, I guess you, uh,
have a pretty good idea
of what I wanted
to talk to you about.
Well, I think I know
how you feel.
I guess you have grown
quite attached to Jeremy.
Yes, we have.
Well, I want you to know
when he leaves, you are welcome
to come and visit him
at any time.
That goes for your
whole family, too.
Thanks, I appreciate that.
Mr. Andretti..
...I hope that you've given
this a lot of thought.
Oh, well, I know it's not
gonna be easy. I know that.
I also know I have a lot
to learn about being a father.
I know that, too.
I wasn't talking about you,
I was referring to Jeremy.
'I mean, he's been uprooted
once in his life already.'
Well, he'll adjust.
Kids usually do.
Maybe.
The point is, he's doing
so well now.
I mean, he has a lot of friends,
he likes his school.
And...even though it's not
the one that he was born with
he...has a family
who loves him very much.
He's my boy.
He belongs with me.
In my opinion, the two
don't go hand in hand.
The important thing is,
what's best for Jeremy.
Like you said,
that's your opinion.
Now look, I realize it's
difficult for you and your wife.
I appreciate that.
But I think what Jeremy needs
is a family of his own.
He needs his own father.
Does he?
Or do you need a son?
I intend to take Jeremy
back to Los Angeles
right after the school term.
'I suggest you get used
to that idea, Mr. Bradford.'
Thanks for the coffee.
My wife told me
I shouldn't have come.
She said I was makin'
a big mistake.
Stop whining, will you?
If it hadn't been for you
feeling sorry for Wheezer
we wouldn't be
in this predicament.
If we only had our wallets,
we could call a cab. Or a bus.
Maybe we should try
hitch-hiking again.
Forget it, no one is gonna
pick up five guys in towels.
Maybe we should lose the towels.
Just an idea.
Well, what are we
gonna do, guys?
We gotta do something.
Okay, men, on the count
of three.
'One,'
'One.'
One, two, three.
[all screaming]
Hey, I'm starved.
do you want something?
Oh, no, thank you.
How is the work coming?
Oh, words.
Oh.
[door bell rings]
I'll get it.
Hi, is Jeremy home?
Ah, yes, he is.
I thought I like to see
if he wants
to take in a movie tonight.
Oh.
Listen, Mr. Andretti.
Would you do
me a favor, please?
Don't tempt Jeremy
with a movie tonight.
He has an important
term paper due.
(Mr. Andretti)
'Now, look Mr. Bradford.'
'I'm only gonna be here
few more days, you know'
'before I have
to go back to L.A.'
'And I'm sure
his teacher won't mind'
'if he misses
one day's homework.'
I don't think so, you see--
You see, I wanna see my son.
Look, the paper
is due tomorrow and if--
(Andretti)
'Look, I'm his father'
'and I have the right to decide'
'what's important for Jeremy
and what isn't.'
I think it's about time
you started
to take your son's
best interests into account.
I think it's about time
you began to realize
who Jeremy's father
really is here.
I know who the legal one is.
'You don't fit the bill in
any other sense of the word.'
(Andretti)
'I don't really care
what you think.'
(Tom)
'That's just it, you don't care
what anybody thinks.'
'Least of all, Jeremy.'
'Have you asked him what he
thinks about all of this?'
'Have you asked him
how he feels?'
[door slamming]
Good morning.
No word, huh?
- Nothing.
- Well, he'll turn up.
Probably just spent the night
at a friend's house
or something.
But with who? We've tried
everybody we know.
You know, we could still
call the police.
No, let's wait
a few more minutes.
[telephone rings]
Hello. Yes it is.
'He's..'
Oh, thank God.
'Well, where was he?'
Okay! Well,
we'll be right there.
Thank you very much.
Jeremy is at the county
shelter home for juveniles.
The police picked him up
for loitering at this
'all night newsstand.'
He's okay?
Yeah, he's just a little wet.
(Ralph)
'Well, this is just great.'
'The big reunion's tonight,
and look at us.'
I just don't know
if I have the strength
to remember people's names.
I know, the thought of matching
all those balding men
with their former hairlines.
Okay, fine.
You guys can stay here
and play Canasta.
Not me.
I'm not gonna let
all those people down.
[Johnski sneezing]
What are you talking about?
Are you forgetting what we meant
to that high school?
How we were looked up to
by the masses?
Now, we may have not been
the best basketball team.
But we were all those
poor slobs had.
I guess we were pretty popular.
(Ozzie)
'Are you kidding?'
We were practically idols.
Now a lot of people have
travelled a long way
'and spent a lot of money
on this reunion.'
How do you think they're gonna
feel when we don't show up, huh?
Think about it?
[blowing nose]
[inhales harshly]
I'm afraid so, we released him
to his father's custody
about ten minutes ago.
Yes, but you called us.
Well, that's the number
that Jeremy gave us.
I guess Mr. Andretti
called the police
and they told him where he was.
Well, you should have waited
until we got here.
Well, ma'am, when a legal parent
shows up to claim his child
we...we don't have any choice.
So, you just turn him over,
just like that, right?
It didn't matter what's best
for the child--
- Abby.
- No, Tom.
You know Andretti is not
capable of raising Jeremy.
But that doesn't matter
to you, does it?
'Just so long as he is legal.'
Mrs. Bradford,
try to understand.
We're not a court.
We're just an overcrowded
facility for kids
who have no place to go.
Believe me, for what they pay us
we wouldn't be here
if we didn't care.
I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean that.
It's just that..
'I know it's frustrating,
Mrs. Bradford.'
If you have reason to contest
Mr. Andretti's custody
well, there are channels.
What are they?
'Well, you can file
a petition for adoption.'
'For one thing, it will
get you a hearing.'
'Just make sure
you have a good lawyer.'
Now, if he can prove that, uh,
Jeremy's father is unfit
well, you may have a chance.
A chance?
Courts are very extremely
reluctant to separate a child
from his natural parents,
Mr. Bradford.
'Has he ever been violent
to Jeremy?'
No.
Does he have a criminal record?
I don't-don't think so.
Look, I don't know what
your circumstances are, but
'custody battles
can get pretty messy'
and they can take a long time.
So, just be sure it's worth it.
Because believe me
it'll be harder on Jeremy
than on anyone else.
You know, the Bradfords
have been very good to me.
Oh, Jeremy, I feel terrible
about the way I acted.
Mr. Bradford doesn't
deserve my yelling at him.
No, he doesn't.
And I know, he's just acting
in what he thinks
are your best interests.
I appreciate that.
I just wish I had a chance.
To do what?
Well, to be a father, to have
a family like the Bradfords.
Jeremy, you are my family.
Now, look. I know
I messed up before.
All I'm asking for is the
opportunity to try again.
Just one more cr*ck.
Well, I-I think that
could be arranged.
Say, how would you like
to go with me to L.A. tomorrow?
Tomorrow? What about school?
Well, listen there are plenty
of schools in Los Angeles.
I know, but it's right
in the middle of the term.
I got this big paper.
Jeremy, the most important thing
is that you and I
get to know each other.
Everything else will work out
later. Trust me.
And the sooner we do it,
the better it's gonna be.
I guess it'll be okay.
Oh, of course it will.
(Tom)
'It's for the best, you know.'
(Abby)
'Wish I could be sure.'
(Tom)
'Well, we have to give Andretti
the benefit of the doubt.'
Maybe he'll turn out to be
a very good father to Jeremy.
Why? What makes him
so capable now?
The difference is..
...he wants to be
with Jeremy now.
What about in a year?
I know this is difficult,
but what else can we do?
It isn't fair to put Jeremy
through a long court battle.
It seems like we could do
something. And we might win.
It would be worth it
if Jeremy could stay with us.
Fighting to keep Jeremy
because we want him
would be as selfish as what
we're accusing Andretti of.
We'd be doing it for us,
not for Jeremy.
It's just so hard.
I know it is.
I know it is.
Idols, huh?
Break their hearts, you said.
Some people have short memories,
it's not my fault.
Face it, Ozzie.
It wasn't some.
Almost no one
remembered who we were.
Not even Marsha Feldstein.
Will you stop talking about
Marsha Feldstein?
Who cares about
Marsha Feldstein?
I care. We went steady
for two years.
Yeah, I admit it. It wasn't
the reunion I anticipated.
No, it sure wasn't.
Well, what now?
Home, I guess.
- Yeah, let's go.
- I guess so.
You know,
it's still pretty early
and it is our last evening.
We oughta do something together,
don't you think?
I thought you had a cold.
You think I'm gonna let a few
sniffles ruin our reunion?
'No way.'
Okay, so where to?
Oh, we could see a movie.
(Ozzie)
I got a better idea.
Let's go back to the reunion.
And do what?
Introduce ourselves.
Hey.
[laughing]
Why not?
Okay.
Nice to meet you,
David Bradford..
- 'Hey..'
- 'Hello there.'
Here, I'll get these.
Okay. Have you got everything?
Well, I think so.
(Abby)
'Anything you forgot,
we'll send it to you.'
Okay.
Maybe we'll bring it ourselves.
- Yeah.
- That would be great.
Here.
Wh-what's this for?
Kind of a going away present.
Yeah, but Nicolas
this is your good one.
I know, but you always
borrow it so much
and I kinda got used
to the old one.
Hey, thanks a lot.
Well, I'll, um..
I'll write, I promise.
You ready?
Bye.
Well, um..
Goodbye Mr..
Uncle.
We never did get that
straightened out, did we?
[instrumental music]
See you, squirt.
[instrumental music]
I know you think
I'm doing the wrong thing.
But I want you to know
that I love Jeremy.
And I'm gonna do my best
to be a good father to him.
I-I don't doubt
your love for Jeremy.
Or your desire
to be a good father.
Well, I'm glad to
hear you say that.
But, yeah, I-I-I do
think that you're wrong.
'I mean, you're so
anxious to be a father'
that you're breaking
the first rule.
You're putting your
needs ahead Jeremy's.
I'm sorry
you feel that way.
[instrumental music]
Well, I guess this is it, huh?
Yeah, I guess so.
You sure I can't take
you guys to the airport?
Oh, that's okay, David.
We already called a cab.
It should be here in a second.
Hey, I'd save you
a couple of bucks.
Johnski insisted.
He wants to pick up the tab.
Yeah, if I don't spend
the money my wife gave me
I'll just have to give it back.
Well, I don't know what to say.
Sure was good seeing you guys.
Sure was like old times, huh?
Kinda?
[car horn blaring]
- I guess we better go.
- Yeah, right.
Don't forget anything, boys.
Thanks.
And uh, let's all
keep in touch, you hear?
- You got it.
- Okay, and..
Let's not wait another
ten years to do it again.
No way.
- You take good care.
- Take care of yourself.
See you, Johnski.
Bye, Ralph.
[instrumental music]
[typewriter keys clacking]
- I thought you could use this.
- Oh, thanks a lot.
- How do you feel?
- Okay.
I'm, uh, waiting for Nancy.
We thought we'd go shopping.
Just take my mind off Jeremy.
Yeah, that's a good idea.
I do, too.
What?
Miss him already.
I think I'll just
go outside or something.
Maybe a little
fresh air will help.
[door closing]
[typewriter keys clacking]
[instrumental music]
[sighing]
(Jeremy)
'How many words?'
Well, how many?
Oh, gosh, I don't know.
I can't remember.
Some help you are.
[instrumental music]
(Jeremy)
'Hey, squirt.'
Well, all he talked about
in the car was Sacramento.
His school..
His house..
And his family.
I guess I started catching on
when he brought up that
damn term paper again.
(Andretti)
'Now, I just know that
getting a term paper done'
'is not that
important to Jeremy.'
It's where he
gets it done that is.
[instrumental music]
You know that first
rule you talked about
is really a tough
one, you know?
Believe me I-I know.
I'd like to be able
to come back and visit him.
Maybe even have him
come to L.A.
Mr. Andretti, of course.
Thank you very much.
[laughing]
So I guess he's ours
for a while anyway, huh?
(Nicholas)
'I hope you're almost done.'
Why?
Well, because I
wanna go to sleep
and the light bothers me.
Then don't sleep
with your eyes open.
It gets through the cracks.
Well, pull the blanket
over your head.
How do I breathe?
Cut a hole
for your mouth.
I gotta finish
this term paper.
So just shut up, okay?
[sighing]
Hey, wait a minute,
what are you doing?
That's my bed.
- Oh, we switched.
- Since when?
Oh, when you were out,
I made a few changes.
I was only gone
for two hours.
Yeah, well, I didn't
waste any time.
Well, I'm back now.
Yeah, I know, and
you've got the top bunk.
Hey, Nicholas, man,
what's goin' on?
Oh, wait a minute,
wait a minute.
Maybe we can figure
something out to settle this.
'How?'
Maybe we could
trade for something.
Like what?
[humming]
Oh, no way man,
you gave me that mitt.
It was my goin' away present.
But you didn't go away.
I did so, for two whole hours.
It was very traumatic.
Goodnight, Jeremy.
Alright, you can have
your stupid mitt back.
Thanks a lot, honest,
I really appreciate it.
That's okay.
I mean, I didn't realize how
much that mitt meant to you.
Oh, it doesn't.
It just that
I hate the bottom bunk.
[instrumental music]
[laughing]
You little punk!
[theme music]
[music continues]
05x22 - Father Knows Best?
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The show was modeled on the life of syndicated newspaper columnist Tom Braden, a real-life parent with eight children, who wrote a book by the same title.
The show was modeled on the life of syndicated newspaper columnist Tom Braden, a real-life parent with eight children, who wrote a book by the same title.