03x03 - She Got Game

[bunniefuu]

♪ Something tells me I've been dreaming ♪

♪ Of someone who was never real. ♪

♪ It seems I've changed a thousand ways, ♪

♪ I wish I looked the way I feel! ♪

♪ Braceface! ♪

♪ My life is complicated! ♪

♪ Boyfriend! ♪

♪ Don't want to talk about it! ♪

♪ Teenage! ♪

♪ I'll work it out in the end! ♪

♪ Braceface! ♪

Ugh! Pigger! (Sigh)

Spring cleaning weekend at the spitzes.

An annual tradition.

Samson, stop!

And no one could escape its clutches.

Adam: okay, lay it on us.

What's our t*rture this year?

Helen: josh, I need you to rake all the old leaves

Out of the garden.

Josh: yuck!

That's a huge job, and the leaves are all wet!

Sharon: I don't know, mom.

Josh is the youngest.

He probably won't do a very good job.

Josh: I can do it better than you!

Helen: adam, you're doing the windows.

Again?

Why am I always the one on the ladder?

Can't sharon do it?

Sharon already has a job.

That's okay, I can do the windows too.

I better get used to doing adam's jobs.

When he starts college,

We'll have to manage without him.

Somehow...

No, I'll do it.

I've got the longest arms anyways.

Helen: hm, reverse psychology?

Where did you learn that?

I don't know, but if it's working,

Maybe I'll try to make adam think

He wants to drive me to school!

Careful sharon.

Psychology is a powerful tool.

Don't worry, mom, I'm just kidding.

Helen: good. But knowing what makes people tick

Is a useful talent.

Hm. Maybe I have a budding psychologist on my hands.

Sharon: you know, I am pretty good

At getting inside my brothers' heads.

Maybe I do have a future in psychology.

That is, if I don't become a vet.

You could be a vet psychologist.

Tell me, fluffy,

How did you get along with the rest of your litter?

Ha-ha.

Alden: I can't believe you scored another hat-trick.

Keep it up and we'll make the finals for sure!

That's why I'm the captain!

Cause I can put the puck between the pipes.

Marlo: ladies, we are in the presence of hockey greatness!

Brock: marlo, you're too kind!

Marlo: not you, your girlfriend!

Maria, in honour of your amazing three goals

And four assists last friday,

The wapiti are honoured

To give you this token of our esteem.

It used to be a bowling trophy.

But now, it's for most valuable player.

Girl: thanks to you, we beat the toughest team in town!

Now we're the best

And that makes you the best of the best.

Speech! Speech!

Oh, thanks, guys. You shouldn't have.

For an mvp, you don't look very happy.

Well, I just feel funny about being called the best,

When I think I can play even better.

So you're saying that you don't feel challenged?

Exactly!

I want to keep improving my skills.

Brock: he deeks left... Then right!

Oh! And it's off the post!

Sharon: maybe you should try out for the boys team?

They're bigger,

So it might be more of a challenge.

(Gasp) you know what?

That's not a bad idea. Thanks!

Hey, what are friends for?

Yes! Way to go!

Maria: how was that?

I'm impressed!

All right, you're in.

We practice tomorrow at six.

I'll be there! Thanks!

(Squeals of excitement)

Thank you so much for suggesting I try out.

You were right.

This really is the challenge I need!

Sharon: maria was so excited.

Helen: it sounds like she feels good about her decision.

Sharon: yeah, and it was my idea!

I see why you like this counseling stuff.

It's rewarding, isn't it?

Josh: hey!

Adam: what?

I'm having a growth spurt.

Still?

I just hope playing with all those big guys

Doesn't intimidate maria.

You know, I've got just the thing!

How come you're sucking up to mom?

Are you flunking something?

No, I'm genuinely interested in psychology.

(Laugh)

Funny.

Helen: this is a fabulous book.

Maybe it'll help you help maria?

"Sports psychology, psych up to win"

Thanks, mom!

So? How'd practice go?

Maria: great!

The guys are really making me feel welcome.

Check this out,

It's a walkie-talkie!

So we can talk when I'm in the girls' locker room.

Doh!

They've been giving me noogies all night.

I think it means I'm officially

"One of the guys."

Hm. A bonding ritual. Fascinating.

Alden: sorry I bumped into you so hard at practice.

It was a total accident.

No prob. It was nothing.

You're lucky it wasn't dimitri,

He's huge.

I know I'm the smallest one out there. But--

Sharon: (pft) maria can handle it.

You're just feeling threatened

By an unfamiliar gender dynamic.

Uh, right. I think I need nachos.

Sounds good!

Well, sure I'm sure. You didn't know?

No! It's news to me.

Maria, are you really switching to the guys' team?

I was just working up the guts

To go over and tell you.

But why?

I thought you liked playing with us?

I do!

But I want to see if I can hold my own with bigger players.

I just feel like I need to try it.

Do you hate me?

Of course not!

If you really want to play with the guys,

Then I'm behind you a hundred percent.

But we're really gonna miss you.

Crowd: (cheering)

Brock: woooo! Yay! All right!

Alden: we rule!

All: (cheering)

That's his third goal!

Yeah! It's called hat-trick!

Too bad there aren't more people here.

We're doing great!

We've got a real attendance problem.

They don't know what they're missing.

Maria: well, I know what I'm missing,

Half the game!

Coach: patience, kiddo.

I'm just waiting for the right time to use you.

Sharon: try to channel your frustration!

Channeling. Still channeling.

The game's almost over!

Isn't maria going to play at all?

Oh! Of course she is. Right now!

Maria: you mean it?

Coach: you go get 'em, tiger!

Sharon: and remember to visualize!

(Cheering)

Sharon: woo! Yeah!

Way to go, maria!

Doug: so, the brock-man adds another hat-trick to his stats.

Hey, I had a little help!

And what about our rookie, here!

Would you quit with the hair?

There were six guys between you and the net!

How'd you score?

Maria: visualization.

Something sharon taught me.

I just pictured making the goal over and over,

And then, when I got out there, it just happened!

Doug: all right!

We got a team shrink.

Oof! (Laugh) I guess so!

Alden: hey, are we still going to go play foosball?

You know, I'd like to score some points tonight, too!

Lipton: excuse me?

Hi, lipton.

I cover spots for the elkford sun?

Coach: ms. Lipton was saying

She'd like to do a feature on the team.

Cool!

Lipton: I'd especially like to talk to maria

About what it's like being the only girl on the team.

Me? Right now?

Well, we we're kind of on our way somewhere.

An article in the paper

Would really help our attendance?

Sure, why not.

Great! We can use my office.

Maria: I guess I'll see you tomorrow.

Brock: say nice things about us!

Alden: c'mon! Let's foos!

Doug: you're coming, too, right?

I want to hear more about this visualization thing.

Brock: I can't believe it

Doesn't even mention my hat-trick!

It's all about maria.

Alden: at least it's a nice photo.

Male student: hey maria, when's the rookie card coming out? (Laugh)

Maria: (uncomfortable laugh) yeah.

That article is so embarrassing!

Being in the spotlight

Puts me under a lot of pressure to be good.

You are good!

Don't worry, it'll blow over.

It better.

Ooh, hey, sorry I stuck you with the guys last night.

Was it too much jock talk?

Are you kidding? I had a great time!

We talked about sports psychology,

And the guys were totally into it.

They even want me to come to practices,

So I can help them with their problems!

Coach: take five, rob!

Sharon: you know, there's a better way to deal

With your pent-up aggression.

Now, don't you feel calmer?

Stupid-stupid-stupid move!

That's enough negative self-talk.

I want you to try these positive affirmations instead.

"I am a talented athlete.

I forgive myself for my mistakes..."

So when guys are trying to score on me,

I suddenly picture them as the robots in cyborg invasion.

It freaks me out, man!

Is that normal?

Normal is such a subjective term.

Bring it on, cyborgs!

Sharon, whatever you're doing, keep it up.

When I took on maria,

I didn't know we'd be getting a shrink, too.

I like to be helpful.

Where is maria, anyway?

I sent her to the sports shop.

They donated our new jerseys,

And they wanted a photo of maria wearing one.

Maria: okay, I'm back! (Panting)

Just let me get my skates on.

Uh, don't bother. We're just finishing.

(Whistle)

That's it for today!

I missed the whole practice?

Sharon: rob's finally stopped breaking sticks,

And even the coach likes what I'm doing.

You know, I think I've really found my niche!

Alden: (beeps) yo, maria!

Maria here!

Alden: is sharon there?

Maria: it's for you.

Hey, what's up?

Alden: hey, we need you to settle a bet.

Is putting toothpaste in a guy's skates

Passive-aggressive or just constructive criticism?

Definitely passive-aggressive.

Yes! Thanks!

Any time!

They're always asking me stuff like that.

Hey, did you see our new jersey?

Yeah, poster girl was wearing it.

Brock: hey!

Doug: ow!

Brock: don't call her that. She's a good player!

Doug: sure, when she's here.

Be sure you get my good side!

Brock: I said, shut up!

Doug: ow!

I think what he meant to say...

I know what he meant.

You don't have to defend your buddy.

What's that supposed to mean?

Nothing.

I'm glad one of us is fitting in.

Various players: (laughing)

What's this supposed to do, again?

Synchronize them.

To improve their teamwork.

If you say so.

At least they're blowing off steam before the game.

Hello? Uh-huh...

Quit moving your main leg!

(Laugh) what's a main leg?

The one that's tied to mine, doofus!

Good news, guys! Curling got cancelled,

So our game's gonna be on community cable tonight!

Players: woo-hoo! Yeah!

Coach: they asked if they could interview

The team captains between periods.

Sweet!

Brock, I need you focused on the game.

I think we should let maria do the interview.

Why does she get to do it? I'm the captain!

She's hardly been on the ice.

Excuse me.

That's 'cause I'm always doing some stupid publicity thing!

I didn't join the elks to be a poster girl.

Despite what some of you think.

Well, I don't even know why I'm on this team anymore!

To challenge yourself!

By being on tv? Yay.

Maria, a publicity shot

Can be just as important as a slap shot.

Maybe.

But how's my game gonna get better

If I'm getting less ice time?

Brock's mad at me, the guys are making fun of me,

Maybe I should just quit.

You can't!

It's called self-sabotage.

You're afraid you won't live up to your expectations,

So you're finding reasons to give up! Whoa!

You really think so?

Yes, look at all the good stuff you've done.

New uniforms, better turnout to the games...

Being on a team means playing your position.

And right now,

Your team needs you to do the publicity stuff.

Do you want to let them down?

Of course not.

Then you'll do the interview?

Sure. Why not.

It'll give them another joke for the locker room.

They weren't laughing at you!

The poster girl thing was affectionate.

They love us!

I, I mean you!

They love you!

Ahhhh!

Ouch.

Sharon: I don't understand.

What's wrong with being a celebrity?

I wish maria could just be happy,

Instead of making me feel guilty.

What do you feel guilty about?

Nothing!

All I did was tell her not to quit the team.

Why shouldn't she quit?

Because she loves it!

Then why does she want to quit?

Can I just peel, please?

It sounds like you don't feel good

About your advice to maria.

Is it possible that deep down,

You think you pressured a friend into something

She doesn't want to do?

(Sigh) it's possible.

You're good.

A bit too good, but good.

Being a psychologist means asking tough questions.

And really listening to the answers.

Sharon: I guess I'm not so good at the listening part.

Would you be really disappointed

If I put this psychology thing on hold for a while?

Of course not! Why would I be?

I just know you'd be really proud

If I followed in your footsteps.

Honey, I'm already proud of you!

That's not going to change,

No matter what you choose to do.

Good.

'Cause I think I should forget about being a psychologist,

And stick to being a friend.

Players: (chanting)

Doug: yo, sharon!

You're just in time for our pre-game visualization.

Sorry guys, there's something I have to do.

Oh hey, do you think I should keep my helmet on

For this stupid interview?

Forget the interview.

Who are you,

And what have you done with my shrink?

She retired.

This is your best friend talking.

Though I haven't been acting like it.

I told you all kinds of stupid psychological reasons

To do the interview and stay on the team,

Even though you wanted to quit.

But the truth is,

I wanted you to stay,

Because I like us hanging out with the guys.

For some reason, they listen to me.

But I should have told you to do what was right for you.

Oh so what I'm hearing,

Is that you've resolved your,

What is it again? Oh, yeah-

Conflict about what you want

As opposed to what I want?

(Groan) okay. I deserve that.

Yes.

Let's go talk to the coach.

Now, the grizzlies are known for their offense,

So don't let your guard down for a second.

Maria!

Did sharon get you all psyched up for your interview?

Actually, no.

Coach: no?

Maria: I've been doing some thinking, coach.

I figure that my place is on the ice,

Not in front of a camera.

They wanted to interview the team captain,

And that's brock, not me.

I joined the elks to play hockey,

Not to be some media gimmick.

And I hope you're okay with that,

But if you're not,

Then I guess this isn't the team for me.

Coach: I'm sorry you don't wanna do the tv thing.

But I respect you for standing up for yourself.

It's what makes you a great player.

All right, you're off the hook.

Well, what are you all sitting around for?

It's game time!

Let's move-move-move!

Players: yeah! All right! Let's go get 'em!

Hey, I'm sorry I was such a jerk this afternoon.

I know you weren't trying to steal the spotlight.

If anyone's a glory-grabber, it's me.

Aw, forget it. It's ancient history.

(Laughs)

Sharon: um, hello?

Don't you guys have to be somewhere?

(Cheering)

Brock: 'scuse me, pardon me, heads up!

Wahoo! Good timing!

Sharon: way to go!

Yes! Wahoo!

Doug: all right, maria!

Alden: wicked!

Girls: maria, maria, maria!

Maria: what I'm trying to convey is that although I've uh...

Resolved my issues with the elks,

I've chosen a path that's more in line with my uh...

Personal goals.

She's quitting the elks

And going back to the girls' team.

Guys: what? No way! Oh, man!

Why?

Well, because they...

Sharon, help me out here.

She misses them.

They make her laugh 'til smoothie comes out of her nose.

Maria: thanks for the visuals.

I'll take it from here.

Look, it's great to know

I can hold my own on the guys team.

But I realized that I have something special

With the girls team, too.

We need her.

She raises the bar for the rest of us,

And it makes us play better.

So, I'm going to finish this season with the wapiti.

What about next year?

Ah, I'll let you fight over me.

We'll trade you alden for maria?

I don't know.

Who else do you got?

Hey! I'm in the room!

How about we throw in the shrink?

C'mon, you know I'm not doing the psychology thing anymore.

Yay.

Hey!

Sharon: I was going to miss hanging out with the guys.

But hanging out with my best friend

Sure made up for it!

Hey!

Sharon: I have always wanted to do that. (Laugh)