05x05 - Aim Big

[bunniefuu]

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

♪ One more minute of your wasted time ♪

♪ You act like it's all fine ♪

♪ It isn't hard to leave ♪

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

♪ I wanted to believe ♪

♪ I've gotta make a destination ♪

♪ Find where I belong ♪

♪ This time I've got no hesitation ♪

♪ I'll be movin' on ♪

♪ To where I belong ♪

♪ I'll be movin' on ♪

♪ Over the line I've drawn ♪

♪ I'm already gone ♪

[music fades]

[romantic music playing]

Have a great day.

Thanks. [chuckles]
But why the special send-off?

For bringing that trophy back to Serenity.

Huh.

And for showing Castlewood
what we're made of.

This is for good luck
for your big meeting with Jodie.

Whatever it ends up being about.

Good morrow, sweet parents.

- Good morrow.
- Good morrow.

Where were we?

I'm going to the library.
I qualify for the summer reader challenge.

[Maddie chuckles]

[Cal sighs]

- That's everybody, right?
- Right.

[Paula] Good morning.

- Am I interrupting something?
- No more than anyone else.

Call your mother.

- [Maddie] Is something wrong?
- He didn't invite her to the alumni game.

Oh dear.

It never occurred to me that she would be
interested in our rivalry with Castlewood.

What interests her
is her son's return to baseball.

I told her to hurry up
and come for the Fourth of July,

but I think she'd like
a formal invitation from you.

Right away.

[chuckles] See you, honey.

See you. [kisses]

Just how often do you and my mom talk?

Wouldn't you like to know?

[Maddie and Cal chuckle]

Go see Jodie and find out why she's here.

- Maybe I should send your mom.
- [Maddie chuckles]

[romantic music ends]

I appreciate your support,
and I want to be transparent,

but that moment at the game
was just an enthusiastic conversation

between partners about priorities.

Sorry it looked like anything else.

What are your priorities, Ronnie?

Being a good partner.

To…

Courtney and Jeremy.

And to you. Being a good dad to Annie.

That's why it's so important for me
to get this right.

We… found a few bumps along the way,

but we're… grinding them out.

"We."

Yeah. Me, uh… me, Courtney, and Jeremy.

Well… mostly Courtney and Jeremy,
and I'm in the middle.

What's their problem?

Well, they're both really focused,
but they don't always agree.

You know how that goes, right?

I mean, I remember when Brad
was at the restaurant, and you two--

Brad was a liar, a drunk,
and a thief, and I fired him.

Are things that bad?

No. No, no. Of course not.

Never mind, Dana Sue.
I'm just trying to share.

And I'm just responding.
Can't this be a conversation?

You have enough to worry about,

and part of my job is to stay focused,
smooth things out,

not add to anyone's worries.

[gentle music playing]

You're gonna be proud of me, Dana Sue.

You and Annie.

I'm sure we will.

Here you go, ladies.

- Thank you, Uncle Erik.
- Mm-hmm.

He's showing off just a touch.
We don't eat like this all the time.

[Helen chuckles]

- Jessica?
- You don't have to change for me.

- [gentle music ends]
- I've caused enough trouble already.

Not a bit. We're glad you're here.

It's just the way
that Dad talks about the two of you

and about the summers that you
and he spent with Grandmama in Georgia.

Uncle Erik,
I got in my head that coming down here

would be some magical escape,

and… I didn't consider

how disruptive my presence must be.

- Hmm.
- [Helen] Hey.

You stepped away
from a difficult situation to regroup.

- We support that.
- Mm.

Your arrival was a… a delightful surprise,

and we want your stay to be as renewing

and as refreshing as it can be.

[Erik exhales]

Thank you.

Wanna go someplace
that might soothe your soul?

Somewhere full of love
and warmth and peanut soup?

Ideal because no one ever argues
at Sullivan's and Friends.

- [Helen and Jessica laugh]
- Hey, we do not argue.

We have strong,
occasionally opposing points of view.

The teamwork is actually quite impressive.

Well, please. When can we go?

Well, I suggest Sunday brunch.

Oh, I brunch really well.

Then brunch you shall.
Right after church tomorrow.

Yeah.

But I don't wanna be any trouble.

Hmm. Not at all.

[gentle music playing]

Thank you for making room for me.

- Congratulations on the restaurant.
- [gentle music ends]

This Bolognese is incredible.

Thanks. It's, uh,

Dana Sue's.

Hm.

It's one of our classic items on our menu.

Mmm.

We're actually famous for our…

Brownies?

That's right.

But

I'm not bringing them out

until you…

tell me the real reason why you're here.

Still so impatient.

Okay.

So I am talking to the backers

of a new independent baseball team.

And they are looking
for a general manager.

Uh, you want me to recommend someone?

I want to recommend you.

- Me?
- Mm-hmm.

As a GM of an independent team?

Yes, you are a perfect fit.

They've already done the preliminary work.

I mean, they've hit a few snags,
but you would be such an asset to them.

[pensive music playing]

- Where?
- They're looking at a few places.

Mostly around South Carolina
and North Carolina.

But I don't see how they can do better
than Serenity and you.

Here?

If you're interested.

They can come
and visit after the Fourth of July.

[pensive music builds]

[camera shutter clicking]

[camera shutter continues clicking]

[camera shutter clicks]

Excuse me.

[Annie gasps] Oh!

Oh my gosh. Here.

[water splashing]

I'm sorry I startled you.

But I wanted to warn you

that the current along here
is faster than it looks.

- The rocks are…
- Slippery.

- Yeah.
- [Annie laughs]

I agree.

Here.

[Annie chuckles]

Careful.

The rain patterns in this area
have changed in the last few years.

So the shape of the river
is changing gradually.

It's one of the issues Dave and I
are charting as we assess bank erosion

and, you know, its impact on wildlife.

That's why cartography is so, um…

[water dripping]

Here.

Come here.

[romantic music playing]

Thanks.

Sorry, I didn't mean
to go into lecture mode.

Please continue.
Really, I'm curious about everything.

It's the best way to go through life.

So what brings you to the river?
I haven't seen a baseball player all day.

[laughs]

I'm trying something new.
Nature photography.

I don't know why I didn't see this before.

We do the same thing.

Throw ourselves into our work?

[both laugh]

Capture a moment before it's over.

I mean, you do it with a photograph.
I do it with a map.

People think of maps as static,

but they're snapshots of something
that's about to shift.

So we can remember where we were
in the moment before it shifted.

- [romantic music ends]
- General manager.

- Yeah, it's pretty wild, right?
- But you're a coach.

I mean, you've been a coach.

General manager's a different job.
It's… more of the business stuff, right?

I've been finding my way
around spreadsheets pretty well

at the restaurant
and interacting smoothly with ownership,

which is also a big part of being a GM.

You'd be doing the hiring?

At the restaurant
and back at the high school,

the thing I loved best
was helping talented people thrive.

I had no idea that you'd be interested
in something like this.

I never thought about it.

And ever since Jodie asked me,

I've been feeling butterflies.

Eastern tiger swallowtail? Monarch?

It's too early to tell,

but there are wings
poking out of the soup.

Well, congratulations.

Whoa, whoa. One step at a time.
First, I need your support.

Well, that goes without saying.

So you'll help me win over town hall?

Oh, uh, sorry.

I… I thought you wanted
my emotional support.

Well, that too.

But who else but you
could mount a campaign to convince Peggy

and the rest to bring
an independent team to Serenity?

- Thank you, but--
- Is the team not a good idea?

No, no, no. It is. It's lovely.

It's just Helen, Dana Sue,
and I have a lovely idea of our own,

and I am late to meet them.

So I'd love to talk this through when…

You know what?

I'll just call them
and tell them I'll be late.

No. No, no. Go.

We'll talk about this,
all sides of this, when you get back.

I did, after all,
vow to never interrupt Margarita Night.

[kisses]

[door opens, closes]

[door opens]

[Dana Sue] Sorry I'm late.

Oh, you're fine. Get on in here.

Oh, I'm not late if I beat Maddie.

[both chuckle]

Is Jessica here?

Upstairs,
under noise-canceling headphones.

So? Did he call?

Not yet. I told Ruth to tell Clark,

politely but firmly,
that we wanted an answer tonight.

And no answer's good, right?

- He's doing last-minute math.
- [door opens]

- I don't know what Clark is thinking.
- [Maddie] Sorry I'm late.

Then again,
Clark Bellson is always up to something.

Maybe he's thinking he can take us down
to the wire and then up the price.

Cal and I had to talk about something big.
What did I miss?

Nothing. What did we miss?

No call from Clark yet?

Not yet.

He has to come around.
That is the perfect location.

And our offer is respectful.

Clark's going from playing baseball
to playing hardball.

Let's not get grim yet.

I have a distraction.
Let's talk about baseball.

Oh, are we thanking Cal once again
for winning the alumni game?

No, we are grappling
with Cal being the general manager

of a new independent baseball team
here in Serenity.

Living room.

Cal's friend Jodie
came to town to talk to him

about a new team she's helping package.

- [text tone]
- [Helen] Oh, wait. Ooh.

Clark? Ruth?

Uh, no. Peggy.
Thoughts about wedding shoes.

- Thank you.
- [Dana Sue] Mm-hmm.

A new baseball team? Here?

That's the pitch. Pardon the expression.

Thoughts?

Cal is thrilled.

Me, I… I barely had time to process it.

[text tone]

Oh, come on.

Peggy. She wants my thoughts
about a state grant, but that can wait.

Come on, quick, before Peggy texts again.
[chuckles]

[all] Pour it out.

Speaking of Peggy,
Cal wants me to help him

convince town council
of the value of the team.

So I told him
the three of us were planning something.

- But…
- [text tone]

Just call her. It's fine.

[groans] It's not fine.

It's not Peggy. It's Ruth.

Oh no.

[Helen] Yeah.

Clark rejected our offer.

- Why would he do that?
- Says he didn't give an explanation.

- He just said no.
- He didn't even counter?

Why do men end conversations
before they begin?

We're no longer talking about Clark,
are we?

Ronnie is flailing,

and I wanna be supportive, do something,
but he's shutting me out.

I… I wanna talk to him,
really talk to him,

but he doesn't have the time
or the energy or maybe the inclination.

And it breaks my heart
to watch him suffer.

Our marriage is like a balloon animal.

I twist it and turn it and make it pretty.

But I'm afraid it's about to pop.

I'm sorry. [chuckles]

It just… It feels so good to say it
and be heard.

Hm.

I share your frustration.

Something going on with Erik?

He's not letting me in to

the truth about his family.

And now that Jessica is here,

it's like they have a language
that I… I… I don't know.

She shuts down so quickly,

and he's doing the same,
but… I don't know.

Maybe it's another family trait.

If it is, it's a trait
that he needs to release for you.

I want communication, not evasion.

You know? True engagement, warts and all.

Let's get back to something cheery.
Tell us more about Cal's new venture.

I don't know how cheery it is.

I mean, truthfully, I'm worried about Cal
getting back into baseball.

I saw the joy that coaching
the alumni team brought him,

and I've heard the fond memories
of his playing days,

but baseball also broke his heart.

And if I say so,
am I also breaking that heart myself?

To the three of us choosing men
with big, complicated hearts.

And to the three of us working hard
to help them seize happiness.

We need to seize our own happiness.

- Mm-hmm.
- Take another run at Clark.

Make him see our vision.

Clark has never struck me
as the kind of man

that enjoys changing his mind.

I at least wanna know why he said no.

- One of us should ask.
- [Dana Sue scoffs]

I nominate the woman
who beat him for class president.

You want me to get that condescending,
raccoon-enabling hardhead to come around?

Uh, yes, please.

Sounds like fun.

- [upbeat music playing]
- You're on.

[Helen, Maddie laugh]

- [upbeat music fades]
- Soufflés make me nervous.

Me too, which is why
they aren't on the regular menu.

But Chef Erik designed this meal
especially for his niece,

and we'll not let him down.
He skipped church and everything.

What do you think?

- Beautiful.
- [Erik] Mm-hmm.

Need to be discreet.
Everyone will wanna order from this menu.

We'll pay extra attention
to Helen and Jessica

but never at the expense
of our other guests.

Our food is an expression of comfort
and appreciation to one and all.

- Some just get an extra helping.
- Yeah.

Chef, your guests have arrived.

Here we go.

[jazz music playing]

Ladies. Pleasure to have you
with us this morning.

Thank you.

It's nice to be an invited guest
this time instead of a party crasher.

[all laugh]

- You did make an indelible entrance.
- Yeah.

But now,
you get to make beautiful memories.

- Allow me to show you to your table.
- Yeah, thanks. Come on.

Thank you.

Now, today's brunch is a combination

of Sullivan's and Friends standouts
and Whitley family classics,

including a raspberry soufflé
at the end of your meal.

Really? Whose recipe?

I wouldn't dare serve you two anything
but Grandmama's recipe.

Welcome, madams.

[Kyle] Enjoy your sparkling cider.

Let us know if there's anything else
your hearts desire.

[Isaac] Good morning, ladies.

We begin
with Chef Erik's shrimp and grits,

a cornerstone
of the Sullivan's and Friends menu.

You four aren't gonna hover over us
the entire meal, are you?

[Isaac softly] Oh. We should…

Amazing. I know exactly what your father
would say if he were here.

- What is that?
- May I?

Please.

Hot damn.

[Erik, Jessica laugh]

[jazz music ends]

[sentimental music playing]

[sentimental music fades]

Chefs, thank you all
for a mind-blowing meal.

The vibe was perfection,
and the food was even better.

Also, the best soufflé I've ever had.

My only regret is being too old to lick
the raspberry syrup off my plate.

[all laugh]

We all learned from your incredible uncle.

[Jessica] I'm so grateful
that I finally got the chance

to experience the restaurant
that lured Uncle Erik away from us.

[pensive music playing]

[pensive music fades]

If you don't want me to do this,
tell me now.

- I didn't say that.
- You're not excited.

I'm overwhelmed.

This is a whole new idea, new direction,

and… I'm still trying to understand.

Well, let me help you understand,
because I need your support and your help.

You don't need me.

Of course I do.

My zest for the game and your ability
to sell people on a concept?

It's an unstoppable combination
if you ask me.

- [gentle music playing]
- And you're not afraid?

Of course I am.

You're brilliant

and charming,
and look at what Lucas did to you.

I know it's a big swing,

but I'm not gonna take it
if you're not as excited as I am.

- Oh, come on.
- [Jessica laughs]

- Seriously?
- [gentle music fades]

[laughing] The kid just keeps…

- Hey! [laughs]
- Hey.

Jessica is helping me perfect my game
so I can beat Miss Eustice.

Perfection eludes.
I've won six times in a row.

[Helen laughing] Yes.

[dice rattle]

- [Helen] Seven.
- [Jessica] Yeah.

[Helen chuckles] All right.

More practice tomorrow?

It would be my pleasure to keep winning.

Keep winning… Little smarty-pants.
Get out of here.

Uncle Erik, today was wonderful.

I loved eating at Sullivan's and Friends.

Your status as the coolest person
in the family is 100% confirmed.

Thank you, Jessica.

[kisses]

[Helen] Good night.

[kisses]

See that?

[door closes]

You're the loving uncle
that she needed in this difficult time.

[tense music playing]

I was not lured away from my family.

Give Jessica grace, Erik.

She's a lost child who looks up to you.

- This isn't about her.
- Then who?

When she said I was lured away,
all I could hear was my father.

Your father?

Those are his words, not Jessica's.

My father has convinced my family
that I was lured away and rejected them.

As if I belonged to them
and not to myself.

Erik… Erik, breathe. Slow down and--

My family has never understood

that this restaurant,
this town, this life,

it didn't lure me away.

It called me home.

Erik.

[tense music builds]

[softly] Oh my God.

[tense music fades]

And everything has to be about him,

or he causes a problem
to make everything about him.

Are we gonna talk about Timothy all day?

Probably.

He shows off, especially for Lily,
instead of focusing on the play.

- It's all my fault.
- Why? You're not encouraging him.

I'm the one
who talked her into doing the play.

If not for me, her last summer
before college would be carefree.

And more importantly, Timothy-free.

- What about--
- Did you ask Lily about how she's feeling?

If you talk it through,

you can use what you're learning
to address the problem.

There's no m*rder scene in Shrew.

Didn't you say
that to do a good job as Petruchio,

you need to figure out what makes him
the chaotic character he is?

Yes.

Yes, so… so I analyze Timothy

not as sweet Lucentio
but as the villain of the piece.

Sometimes, the villain
is just misunderstood.

Exactly, this way Lily and I
can figure out Timothy's goals,

his motivations, and just react to him
as a character during rehearsal.

And steer clear of him
outside of rehearsal.

Isaac, you're brilliant.

[gentle music playing]

[gentle music fades]

- [footsteps approaching]
- [knock on door]

- You wanted this?
- [Annie] Thank you.

Remember I told you Miss Paula
taught me how to press flowers?

I asked Miss Allie
if I could have a sunflower

from the community garden,
and I pressed it.

So you came up with a recipe
that uses pressed sunflowers?

[chuckles] No, a recipe for happiness.

The recipe book is about you and me,

but the sunflower will remind me
of the whole town and

that my soul is planted here.

May your tender heart continue to bloom
wherever you go.

Yours too, Mom.

[sentimental music playing]

You know, Helen and Noreen have been
talking about Miss Eustice's quilts.

You want to talk to her about making you
a quilt out of some old T-shirts,

maybe take it to school?

That's a nice idea, Mom.

But first, let me think about what to keep
and what to get rid of.

Okay.

[sentimental music fades]

And you'll love the chili cook-off,
but you should stay long enough

to see Kyle in his play. And my swim test!

- I'll be moving up to Marlin.
- Oh my goodness.

Uncle Ronnie
has this new bike tour business…

Whoa, Katie. Grandma just got here.

And I am so excited about everything
that we're going to do together.

Come here. [laughs]

Hey, Katie, why are there
so many stuffed animals in Ty's room?

To make it more of a girls' room
so Grandma feels comfortable.

Mmm. I could barely find a place
for Grandma's suitcase.

Could a few go back in your room?

I don't mind. [chuckles]

We're all very excited you're here.

And I'm very sorry about the game.

- I'll just… I'll go help Katie.
- No, please stay, Maddie.

I admit, when Paula mentioned the game,

I was worried you hadn't wanted me here.

You're always welcome here.

Thank you.

Honestly, it was just a fun little game.

- I didn't think you'd care.
- Which makes me so happy.

To think that you've gotten to the place
where baseball is fun again.

That you going back to coaching
is no big deal.

Sweetie.

[chuckles] I'm so proud of you.

[emotional music playing]

[emotional music fades]

[knocking on door]

- Gentlemen.
- [both] Sì, capo.

Commence anniversary dinner.

[tango music playing]

- Hey.
- Hello.

- Hi.
- Benvenuto, signorina.

Remember, there is no signorina.
Noreen is me, and Jeremy is Michael.

Michael, um, how are the spreadsheets?

Beautiful, Isaac. Well-balanced.

- Come on. We are not that boring.
- [snaps fingers]

[chuckles]

Don't worry.

Once this glass is empty,

I will ask Michael to dance,
and I'll even let him lead.

Hmm.

[in Italian accent] Signore Michael,
I present you

spaghetti and meatballs
with fresh herbs, and--

Oh, no. That plate is Noreen's.
Uh, I mean, mine.

Jeremy-- Sorry. [chuckles nervously]
Michael has an aversion to parsley.

Kyle, Bailey.
Anniversary Dinner Dream Team huddle. Now.

Okay.

Let's review.

Order of service.

Menu, music.

Music. There's supposed to be
Dean Martin playing.

I don't hear "That's Amore."

That's amore.

I love you so much.

- I love you too.
- [romantic music playing]

I'm supposed to say "I love you" first.
That's what all of this is building to.

Okay, bro,
here's a different theater lesson.

We want life to be
a beautifully scripted play,

but sometimes it's an improv show.

["I'll Be with You"
by Johnny Lloyd and Nathan Coen playing]

♪ Every step you have to make
I'll be with you every day ♪

I can offer you a range
of big, bold flowers

that will complement the dresses.

- [Helen chuckles]
- Coral peonies.

Red Amaranthus.

Purple dahlias.

Or a mix of several.

- That sounds glorious.
- [Deb laughs]

[Helen softly] Erik.

What do you think?

What if we tried

understated and elegant
instead of big and bold?

Bright hues befit a summer wedding.

But this is your special occasion.

[softly] Yeah.

And should reflect the colors
that fill you both with joy.

Could we look at white orchids?

- [Deb] Mm.
- So no color?

- [Erik sighs]
- I'll let you two discuss. [chuckles]

[Deb giggles softly]

You care to tell me
where this is coming from?

I don't want anyone in attendance

to misjudge what we're saying
about who we are.

If they're judging us,
what are they doing coming to our wedding?

- I could have said that better.
- Well, you go right ahead.

I want the flowers
to underscore your elegance,

not compete with it.

But I'm bold, Erik.

[softly] We're bold.

I see these flowers as symbols
of the power of our passion.

[tense music playing]

Is this a concession?

Can we talk tonight? I… I actually have
to go to work, all right? [kisses]

[tense music fades]

Welcome to happy hour, Mr. Bellson.
Chef Dana Sue is waiting for you.

Bailey, if there's a raccoon
at this table, I'm not paying its bar tab.

[scoffs] Raccoon stroganoff?

Raise the cloche and find out.

[Clark exhales deeply]

[chuckles] Holy cannoli.

More precisely, savory cannoli
with prosciutto and Parmesan.

- I haven't had these since--
- We took them off the menu a decade ago.

[crunches]

[Dana Sue chuckles softly]

- Since the last time with my mom.
- [Dana Sue] They were your favorite.

You two would always cut
the third cannoli in a perfect half

so one didn't get more than the other.

Yeah, only because you refused
to serve them in an even number.

I have fond memories
of hosting you and your mom.

Across the years, you seemed
so deeply connected to each other.

[Clark] Yeah, we were.

You are.

That kind of love
lives on in our hearts forever.

I have that bond with my daughter.

And the big moments are important,

but what I cherish most
are those small, shared times

that gather in our hearts and…
form a legacy.

Dana Sue.

Clark.

You know, I didn't stop coming in here
because of old grudges or rivalries.

As good as your food is,
I can't come in here without feeling

the weight of all of those moments.

Those memories.

My parents are gone.
My sister's moved away.

I'm the only Bellson left in Serenity.

I know that's hard.

[crunching]

That look on your face right now,

that's the look I want students to have
in my teaching kitchen.

It's the look Maddie wants readers to have
when they browse her bookshop.

I made you the cannoli
to remind you of the power we have

to connect the past
to the present and the future.

How Proustian of you.

[chuckles] Oh, I pegged you
as more of a John Grisham guy.

Well, I contain multitudes.

Can I be honest with you?

Let's see.

[melancholy music playing]

I can't bring myself
to sell the Bellwether.

I keep searching for the perfect way

to enshrine
the Bellson legacy in that space.

[inhales deeply] What is that legacy?

That's the problem. I'm not sure.

My grandfather
named his bar the Bellwether

because that's the sheep
that leads the herd.

He was proud of being a leader.

My dad didn't do as well,

started selling off the property
a storefront at a time.

And if I sell what's left,
what does that say about the Bellsons?

I can't do it.

A man who puts his family above all else.

I respect that.

What, that's it?

Helen and Maddie aren't gonna show up
like the Ghost of Christmas Future?

[chuckles] They'll understand too.

And I'll even let you take the cannoli.

[laughs]

[melancholy music fades]

For those who haven't met yet,
this is Iris, Maddie's mother-in-law.

It's nice to meet you, Iris.
Your son is a delight.

[laughs] I agree, Eustice.

Miss Iris, I know you're a seamstress,
but do you have other artistic interests?

She does fiber arts.

[Iris] Macramé is my favorite.

I love seeing
how knots create strength and beauty.

Tonight, I would like to focus on--

What happened to that tall woman
that knit those ponchos?

Oh, the one who ran off
with a mailman in 1974.

I can't remember her name,

but I still smell patchouli
every time I walk by her old home.

- [all laugh]
- Ladies, Maddie has a request.

Let's hear her out.

Thank you, Noreen. I wanted to see
if some or all of you would be interested

in designing the posters
for The Taming of the Shrew.

It'd be a terrific way to announce
to the town that the Art Guild is back.

I took some rehearsal photos
that could be inspiration.

Grand idea.

And then we put on a show of our own.

A new art walk, like the one
you told me about, Miss Eustice.

We could embrace a wide array of arts,

including the mediums represented
in this very room.

Miss Eustice's quilts,

Miss Paula's oils, Annie's photography,

Miss Grace's silk-screening,
perhaps some macramé from Miss Iris.

Miss Grace, did you make that scarf
that you're wearing?

It's gorgeous.

Thank you, I did, and it's yours.

- What? No, I can't take that.
- [Paula] Oh my.

They're your colors.

[Helen] Which ones?

All of them, my dear.

[gentle music playing]

And they should be seen by everyone.

[indistinct chatter]

Max.

Keep it going. I'll be right back.

[Maddie chuckles]

Oh.

It's looking good up there.

Thanks. I told them
not only do they need to work hard

but have to treat
the playhouse with respect,

or the Parks Department
will come for them.

Well, I'm sure Peggy
and Miss Henrietta will appreciate that.

Sure, but we're all doing our best
to make you proud.

Me? I'm already proud.

Oh, and I've got good news.

The Art Guild has agreed
to create the poster for the show.

Of course, you'll get final approval.
They're gonna do it for free.

Well, actually, for love.

I don't know how to thank you, Maddie.
There would be no play without you.

There would be no play without you
and William Shakespeare, in that order.

[both chuckle]

- I gotta get back to it. Thanks.
- Yeah.

For one moment.

- I'm just--
- Can we please get on with it?

Just because you're ready
doesn't mean everybody else is.

I just need a moment.

[Timothy] Okay, Mr. Juilliard.

- Make everything more complicated.
- I'm not the one complicating things.

Kyle. Can we try
that new acting exercise you taught me?

A new exercise? What kind?

Stanislavski? Chekhov?

Oh, oh, you're not going
Method on us, are you? Like…

- Just experimenting.
- Oh, just experimenting.

Okay. That guy wouldn't
know Method if it hit him in the face.

You know, he…

- Remember, we can't change him.
- We can only change how we react to him.

Analyzing him as a character gives us
emotional distance, better acting skills.

My analysis of this Timothy character
is that he makes me want to scream.

Agreed, but I've been
giving it a lot of thought,

and I think his constant need
for attention masks his insecurity.

Okay, so

being loud makes him feel less vulnerable.

- Exactly.
- [Sophie] Wait, wait, but…

Hey. If either of you is changing
your interpretation, I need to know.

Do I have to adjust how I play Lucentio?
Maybe he should be bolder with Bianca.

[scoffs softly]

Kyle's helping me to

let go of unimportant details

and focus on what really matters.

In the scene.

Is there a problem?

Some people need to experiment
with fancy technique.

Some of us were just born to do this.
I'm ready.

- [claps]
- [Lily scoffs]

Everybody good?

And getting better.

[gentle music playing]

[Dana Sue groans]

- [dramatic music playing]
- [Dana Sue gasps]

- I'll never take a bath again.
- [dramatic music fades]

I promise to protect you
from evil spirits on one condition.

You watch the next five
Nightmare on Elm Street movies with me.

No.

- [car horn beeps]
- [Annie gasps]

[laughs] Hey, it's just a car.

Just a car. You think
I haven't seen the movie Christine?

[romantic music playing]

Still scared?

Yes.

But… maybe after one more kiss,
I'll be okay.

[romantic music builds]

No.

Still scared.

Try again.

[cell phone ringing]

[both laugh]

[romantic music ends]

Uh…

[cell phone continues ringing]

It's my mom.

Do you really have to answer?

[cell phone continues ringing]

I should.

- Okay.
- [cell phone beeps]

Mom?

[dramatic music playing]

Oh my God. I'll be right there.

We can talk freely
now that Jessica's upstairs.

[dramatic music fades]

Am I supposed to bring it up,
or are you going to?

- Is this about the flowers?
- Yes, it is.

You said that we were gonna talk tonight,
and I want us to talk tonight.

I'm sorry my perfectionism is coming out,

but I want our wedding
to be just that. Perfect.

And so do I.

I am marrying you
because we are perfect together.

We cover each other's imperfections

to… to create something greater
by coming together passionately.

Beautifully.

[sighs]

Colorfully.

[Helen exhales]

So why does it feel like we're not aiming
for the same goal anymore?

[dramatic music playing]

I love you.

- I just need--
- You need what, Erik?

What more do we need
than our love for each other?

- I want everyone to be--
- Who is everyone?

And why are we pleasing anyone
but ourselves?

- In my family.
- [softly] Will you stop right there?

I am about to be your family.

Erik.

Yes.

[Helen sniffles]

This wedding

is about you and me

coming together forever

in the eyes of God

and our loved ones.

[Jessica sobbing softly]

The ceremony

is our statement,

our pledge, as we become…

our family.

If that's not what's happening here,
I don't know what we're doing anymore.

Helen. What are you saying?

Until we are on the same page,

until we are reaching for the same goal…

we're postponing this wedding.

[cell phone ringing]

No, please. Don't answer that. Not now.

Dana Sue.

I'll be right there.

I'm so glad
you invited your mom for a visit

because she gets a lot of credit
for what I'm about to say.

- Is she actually upset with me?
- Not at all.

She's proud of you for being brave.

And I should be too, but

I've been scared.

Why?

Baseball broke your heart.

And I love that beautiful heart of yours.

I don't want to see it get broken again.

Baseball broke my heart

before I had you
and the kids protecting it.

[cell phone ringing]

Okay.

I will help you get things rolling
with town council.

- [Maddie chuckles]
- [kisses]

And we can figure out a way forward,
cheering each other on.

[cell phone ringing]

Should you get that?

She probably just didn't leave
a message the first time.

I'm here with you now.

I wanna get on the same page
'cause I want what's best for both of us.

- How…
- [cell phone ringing]

[dramatic music playing]

Dana Sue?

[dramatic music builds]

[siren blaring]

[flames crackling]

[shouting indistinctly]

I need to go back in.
I need to go back in!

- It's not safe.
- I can do it.

There's a picture of Annie on the piano.

I promise that's the only thing
I'll grab. Please!

[Dana Sue] I called
right when I walked in.

You did the right thing.

It wasn't enough.
That fire, it spread so fast.

- [siren blares]
- Let's get you back a little further.

[Dana Sue] Oh God, I wanted to stop it.

[sobbing] I'm sorry. I didn't know how.

[dramatic music continues]

I love you so much. I'm so sorry.

Mom. Look.

Your friends are here.

Dana Sue. Annie. Are you hurt?

I couldn't think. I don't…
I don't know if I got the right things.

We'll worry about all that later.

♪ Whoa ♪

♪ Whoa ♪

♪ Whoa ♪

[firefighter shouting indistinctly]

♪ When you're falling
We'll catch you ♪

♪ Take my hand
And we'll sail away ♪

Why did it all go wrong?

Why?

We're here for you.

[sobbing]

- Hey, lean on us.
- [Dana Sue exhales deeply]

You lean on us.

♪ When you're feeling so frustrated ♪

♪ Don't give up, keep on chasing ♪

♪ 'Cause it's all, it's all or nothing ♪

[dramatic music ends]

[closing theme music playing]

[closing theme music ends]