08x09 - Brothers and Mothers

[bunniefuu]

[theme music]

[birds chirping]

-Oh, morning. -Good morning.

-Nice shirt. -Thanks.

Looks expensive.

It was a gift. She said it looked like me.

Oh?

Yeah, well, she's right. It does look like you.

Honey, do you think it's-- it's right for you

to accept an expensive gift?

Mom, I can hardly give back a gift, can I?

Well, all I was trying to say--

Yeah, well, it was a present

to me, and I like it.

[Karen] Michael, that doesn't mean

I can't express my own opinion.

Michael! M--

Hey, hey, what happened?

[Michael sighing]

-Morning. -Oh, hi.

Well, I'd say you look great in that suit,

but I'm afraid of offending you.

Mom, I've been wearing a suit to work for months now.

Oh, yeah?

Yeah, I just want to reflect well upon my parents.

[chuckling] Oh, come here, you.

Come on, she didn't mean anything by it.

-She treats me like a kid. -You are a kid.

You'll always be her kid, no matter how old you get.

-I'm just tired of it. -Hey, Michael.

We're talking about your mother here.

You know, she's been through a lot lately.

You just have to show a little more patience.

[sighing]

What do you want me to do?

I've got an idea.

Listen, Michael came up with a great idea.

We're going to have dinner tonight at, uh, Esperangus.

-Esperanzas? -Yeah.

-Okay, see you later. -Have a good workout, Mack.

-Yeah, thanks. -Good idea, Michael.

I'd love to.

You can be sure that the concerns of our senior citizens

are my concerns and will be among my highest priorities

in the state legislature.

[applause]

Well, I want to thank you all for coming,

and I also want to assure you that I will make

myself as available to the press as humanly possible.

Thank you.

[applause]

What a hell of a performance.

Couldn't even see Sumner's lips moving.

-Ben? -Senator!

It may surprise you to know

that I don't have my brother's approval on everything I do.

Is that on or off the record?

I'll see you guys back at the station.

You don't like me very much, do you?

I endorsed you.

Yeah, and I can't figure out why,

if you think I'm Greg Sumner's puppet.

Maybe you just didn't like the other candidate.

I don't know.

But you are right about one thing.

Greg Sumner did pull some strings.

But I was his employee. Until recently.

The next line, I believe, is, but I'm my own man now.

Ben, Greg Sumner is the head of a fairly important corporation

and a former United States senator.

I'd be an idiot not to take advantage of his experience.

Besides, we happen to think alike on a lot of issues.

But I don't work for him anymore.

If you think I'm lying, why don't you say so publicly?

Put a reporter on me. Put 12 reporters on me.

In fact, why don't you follow me yourself?

Do one of those famous in-depth pieces on me.

If I'm not independent of Greg Sumner,

I think the public has a right to know.

[nostalgic music]

I didn't expect to see you here.

I didn't expect to be here.

Why'd you come?

[man #1] Mr. Sumner?

Poor Phil.

Hard to hate a guy who never grew up.

Hard for you, maybe.

Think all the good old times turn out like this?

Good old times? Or just good old memories?

Sounds like something I'd say.

What is it? We're getting older?

I hope we're getting smarter.

I hope so.

Will there be any other mourners?

I wouldn't hold my breath.

Would you like to have a reading at the grave site?

Sure, if you've got Camus or Kerouac.

Something with a lot of answers.

I understand, sir. You'd rather not have a reading.

You're proposing to spend an awful lot of time

and money on this profile of Peter Hollister.

Do you think you can be objective?

Yes.

I mean, after all, you did endorse him.

All the more reason I feel personally

compelled to keep the man honest.

I'm not doing him any favors.

I'm gonna publish whatever I come up with.

Are you looking for anything in particular?

Does he have a mistress?

Does he keep chickens in his backyard?

A simple profile on the man.

If we find chickens, then we tell that story.

I don't intend to prejudice this thing.

When he's right, I'll say so.

But if he's not the straight arrow he appears to be,

we'll tell that story, too.

And you really feel it's necessary to do

all these interviews yourself?

Some of the interviews.

With his campaign workers and his employees?

-I like to keep my hand in. -And his mother?

I mean, do you really think anyone's gonna care?

Well, she's a piece of work. I met her at your party.

She's a story if there ever was one.

An ex-mistress to big industrialists

becomes mother of politician?

Come on, Ben. Don't make this sound like a tabloid.

Hello?

What did Abby say about my money?

[Peter] Morning, ma. How you feeling?

Stop avoiding my question.

I want to see my money.

You'll get your money as soon as Abby gives it to me.

Now, did you take your medicine?

Yes, I took a pill this morning.

You sure?

Of course.

How many capsules are supposed to be here?

Three. I take my next one at noon.

There's still four here.

I don't believe it.

You forgot again.

-But I just... -You just forgot again.

Now, mom, you're gonna have to start

taking better care of yourself.

You want to be around to enjoy all that money.

[instrumental music]

[Karen] Oh, no, I haven't seen it.

[Mack] Oh, yeah. Good action.

-[Karen] Really? -[Mack] Yes, good action.

-[Eric] Hello. -Oh, hi, honey.

-Hello. Oh, great. -Give me a kiss.

-Long day, huh, pal? -Oh, yeah. I'm sorry I'm late.

No problem. Don't worry about it.

I was working with Abby, and I...

-I mean... -It's okay.

I know you work with Abby. I do, too.

[chuckling] We were working on some of the landscaping plans.

It got delayed because of the closing.

-Oh. -Oh. The landscaping plans.

Do you think I'll be able to see

the landscaping plans before they're implemented?

-[Eric] Of course. -Karen...

Well, it's just that people seem to be...

doing things without consulting me.

Well, how about consulting the menu?

Mom, just because you don't get along

with Abby doesn't mean I can't try.

Oh...

[Karen] Abby and I have a perfectly good

professional relationship.

She doesn't fool around.

She realizes that running a corporation

isn't like running a democracy.

-Hey, Karen. -What's that supposed to mean?

I think I'll have the fish.

Where's Michael?

Maybe I'll have the chicken.

My mom is gonna k*ll me.

Look what time it is. I can't believe I did this.

Uh, socks?

[sighing]

Thanks.

Well, you're already late, right?

You're already in trouble, right?

Yeah.

So...

[sentimental music]

Yeah...

We've got to get back on the right foot.

So let's have what I like to call...

a hopes and aspirations meeting.

Hmm. Let me see.

My hopes and your aspirations?

Good. That's very good.

I want you to know that I put a lot of thought

into what is the right committee for your long-range goals.

My goals or yours?

You're getting a lot of mileage out of pretending

there's a difference between what you want and what I want.

You want to vote on your future?

You've always had one. You can walk away.

So don't get carried away with your own rhetoric.

You want for yourself exactly what I want for you,

because I want everything for you.

And we'll get it...

if you're careful and you listen to your big brother.

Forget about ways and means for now.

Take the spot on environmental and human resources.

And be patient.

And be prudent.

Don't do anything impulsive.

Take it from a guy who's done

an impulsive thing or two in his life.

I can tell you, be prudent.

And nothing will stand between us and the White House.

You know, it's not just... Thank you.

It's not just that she's my daughter, you know.

Well, she is my daughter.

You don't have to explain.

She is your daughter.

And she's living in a hotel, and she shouldn't be.

No, it's not. It's-- It's really expensive.

Well, that doesn't matter. She should be with her father.

Yeah, her father. I mean, my daughter.

You know, this will only work if we all agree to it.

I agree.

How about you, Eric?

Sure, it's fine with me. Yeah.

-Ah, Michael. -You went ahead without me.

Well, you are only an hour and a half late.

Look, Mike, we've been talking about the possibility--

-Where were you, honey? -I thought you said 8 o'clock.

-Well, sit down. We'll talk. -No.

-I'll eat at home. -No, no, no. Come on, sit down.

I wanted to ask you something. Listen.

We've been talking about the possibility

of Paige moving in with us.

But only if we all agree. So...

Well, if, uh, everybody else thinks so...

I guess, yeah. Sure.

-Good. Then it's settled. -Terrific.

Yeah. All right, I'll tell her in the morning.

[Karen] No.

I think it would be nice if it came from me.

Oh, yeah. Yeah, that would be nice.

Thank you.

[Paige] It was my father's suggestion, wasn't it?

As a matter of fact, I don't know who said it first,

because we're all in agreement.

We want you to come live with us.

Oh, that's so sweet.

Well, tell him thanks. And thank you.

Well?

Oh, I don't want to be in the way, Mrs. MacKenzie.

Karen, and you're not.

[sighing]

Oh, I don't want him to feel any obligation to me.

Oh, he doesn't feel an obligation.

He really wants to get to know you.

And so do I, and so do Eric and-- and Michael.

-Oh, I'd like that as well. -Good.

[Paige] But I'm so used to living alone.

I think I'd rather stay here.

[Karen] Oh, well, we're just worried about

how you're going to get along.

Oh, please, I never even considered

asking you for financial support.

But this place must be costing you a fortune.

Before mother died, she left me a very generous trust fund.

Money's not a problem.

Oh. That's very nice.

Mother was good at planning ahead.

Mother was...

Well, mother was a good person.

I'm sure she was.

And I'm sure she'd be very, very proud of you.

Thank you.

Okay, Murray, I will.

Yes. Okay, thank you.

Bye-bye.

-Mama? -Huh?

-They want it. -What?

Capricorn Crude. They want Capricorn Crude.

Who does?

Bramallar Studios.

They want to option my book to make a TV movie.

Oh, my! Oh, I'm happy for you.

Oh, who's going to be in the movie?

I have to tell my friends.

Nobody yet. They're just optioning the book.

Optioning? What does that mean?

Well, they pay for the option to make a movie out of it.

Well, hadn't that always been an option?

Well, it's always been an option, but they're paying

for the exclusive right to that option.

It means they...

they think they want to do it.

You mean they're paying for something they don't know

if they want to do?

Well, they pay the option against the sale of the movie

to a network, and if they sell the idea,

then the network pays for the movie.

Well, what if they can't, uh, sell your idea to the network?

Do you get to keep the money they gave you to let them try?

-Yes. -Oh, well, that's good.

-Yeah. -Ah, that part is good.

-I'm off bowling. -Okay.

[screaming of joy]

[giggling]

[Eric] This is the low bid on the PVC

for the new irrigation system.

This is terrific.

Well, I did exactly what you said.

I told them that we were talking to a couple Japanese firms

about alternatives, and they came back with a lower figure.

I suggested that?

And here's the report from our Sacramento lobbyist.

Most of what we want can be handled to

the Environmental and Human Resources Committee.

Oh. Not the Ways and Means Committee?

Nah, she said bills with ways and means

always get more scrutiny.

Hmm. Well, Eric, you have done a very thorough job.

-I'm impressed. -Thanks.

Why don't you take the rest of the day off?

-Well, there's... -Go on. Live it up.

-Okay. Thanks. -Sure.

[phone ringing]

-Peter Hollister. -The Peter Hollister?

-State senator-elect? -Uh-huh.

Well, Senator Hollister, this is one of your constituents.

Hmm. The one who wants me on the Ways and Means Committee.

Peter, I don't like fighting with you. I really don't.

I'd like to think about our little disagreement

over your committee assignment as a misunderstanding.

Why don't you go ahead and take the appointment

Greg wants you to take?

I don't take orders from him.

Well, let's just say you don't take his orders seriously.

But you know, he's right about

the high visibility of that committee.

And besides, anything we want to do can be introduced

as legislation to protect the...

I don't know, scissortail swallow or whatever.

I don't take orders from you, either.

Well, I don't give orders.

I just make suggestions.

As a matter of fact, one of my suggestions

is that you keep a closer eye on your mother.

Unfortunately, you were rash enough

to agree to an interview by Ben Gibson for her.

Thanks... for the, uh, suggestion.

But Mother is under control.

[alarm buzzing]

[intriguing music]

Abby?

I just got the bids on the PVC irrigation pipes.

It's incredible. It's so low.

I don't see how they can make any money.

Well, you can thank Eric.

-He got it. -What?

-Yeah. -I-- I was just looking for him.

-Oh, I sent him home. -Why?

Well, I gave him the rest of the day off.

He's been working very hard lately.

Especially while you were away.

You'd have been proud of him, Karen.

I am proud of him. That's not the question.

Well, I just thought he deserved a little time off.

Eric reports to me, Abby.

I thought he was an employee of the corporation.

An employee who reports to me.

Well, golly whiz, Karen. What would you like me to do?

Get him back?

[sighing]

Anybody home?

[upbeat music on radio]

Hey, Mike?

[sighing]

I thought you said nobody would be home for another two hours.

He's not supposed to be home this early.

You think he'll tell your parents?

Nah.

-I think I better go, Michael. -Why?

It's just my brother. He doesn't care.

I've got to go. Coming here was not a good idea.

-Bye, Eric. -Bye.

-You'll call me later? -Yes.

See you later.

[Michael sighing]

Stupid, Michael.

-What? -Stupid.

-Jealous? -This is our house.

That's Mack's daughter. That's stupid.

I didn't plan it, Eric.

Oh, and just because you didn't plan it,

that makes it all right.

-I love her. -Give me a break.

I do!

You don't know the first thing about love.

And if Mom and Mack find out about this--

-Hey, wait-- wait a minute. -Hey, Eric!

Don't tell me how to run my life, okay?

-Mind your own business. -This is my business.

This is my family you're messing with.

And I'm not telling you what to do with your life.

I'm telling you what not to do, because obviously

you're too stupid to figure it out for yourself.

Oh, and you're perfect.

No, I'm not perfect, but I'm not stupid either.

[clattering]

Hey!

[Eric groaning]

[both groaning]

[ripping]

[Michael] Hey!

[shattering]

Enough, Michael. Enough--

[Michael grunting]

Eric! Eric! Come on!

[both groaning]

[dramatic music]

[both grunting]

[smashing]

[Eric] No, let go.

[crying]

Stop it.

Please.

Well, obviously there has been some mistake.

And maybe you made the mistake.

I have never been overdrawn in my life.

Now, please check your figures again,

or I may just take my business to another bank.

[sighing]

[Karen] I want an explanation, and I want one right now!

-Well... -[Karen] Well what?

-It was an accident. Yes. -Yes?

-Mike-- What happened to you? -It was an accident.

Stop acting as if none of this is going on!

I have a right to know what is going on,

and I don't want either of you to tell me it was an accident.

It was my fault.

Did you have a fight?

-It was my fault. -What did you fight about?

-It's personal. -I have the right to know.

You have the right to have it fixed up.

[doorbell ringing]

And I'm going to fix it up.

Sorry about the mess.

Hello!

Oh. Oh, Max, bring in my ba-- bags.

What's this I hear about a profile on my boy?

His first try at electoral office, and he wins.

That's news.

The up-and-coming brother of a former U.S. Senator.

He's news, Greg.

Well, for both our sakes,

let's make sure that all the news is good news.

[sighing]

[ringing tone]

[phone ringing]

[automated message] Hi, this is Peter Hollister.

I'm not here right now, so please leave a message

at the tone. Thanks.

[beep]

What are you doing out so late, Peter?

Ma?

[ominous music]

Ma?

[groaning]

Ma?

[door closes]

I just hate the thought of my sons fighting.

Yeah, well, they don't fight, you know.

No, they don't.

Things have changed, Mack. I just-- I hate it.

Well, one fight is not the end of the world, Karen.

But since I've been kidnapped, since I've-- I've been back,

I-- I just, I've noticed a difference.

Karen, you're not blaming yourself

for being kidnapped, are you?

No, I just blame myself for not being able to figure out

what's wrong with my family.

Not being able to make things right.

[sentimental music]

-Hey. -What?

Thanks for the pajamas.

Sleeves are a little short, but thank you.

You're welcome.

Everything will work out.

You're just saying that because you want to go to sleep.

No.

It'll all work out.

[Karen] It's too bad Paige has to move in

when there's so much tension in the house.

[sighing]

Tell Val I said congratulations on her movie deal.

What?

Oh, I'm sorry. I...

[chuckling]

...I guess I'm a little premature on that one.

Well, my superiors did want me to tell you that they approve

of your plan to do a profile on Greg Sumner's brother.

Ah, well, your superiors have far more insight

into ulterior motives than I do.

Do you want me to believe you didn't plan this

so that you could get closer to Sumner's own brother?

I don't want you to believe anything

you don't wanna believe.

By the way, Ms. Hackney, uh,

tell your superiors, or whoever it is you're telling things to,

that all the information I can dig up on Gregory Sumner

indicates that he's doing a terrific job

managing his company.

Your information is wrong, Ben.

You'll realize that when you get closer to him.

Maybe.

But then maybe you're asking me to prove

something that isn't true.

Just give us the facts, Ben.

That's my job.

What're you doing sneaking around?

I thought you might be asleep.

Why do you say that?

Have I ever been asleep this time of day?

Peter, I'm worried.

-The strangest thing happened. -What?

I, uh...

I fell asleep at the table.

I don't understand. What do you mean?

Well, here, sitting here.

It was awful.

I-- I don't even remember going to sleep.

And here I was, sitting at the table.

That's not like me, Peter.

Maybe we should call a doctor.

I called for an appointment tomorrow.

Good.

-Peter. -Hm?

I keep forgetting to take my pills.

Our system isn't working?

Well, it works to remind me... that I'm forgetting.

You see...

I thought I had taken my pills yesterday.

But there are still two left.

It's scary.

You'll be all right.

I know.

I have to keep my strength up for tomorrow.

Why? What's going on tomorrow?

Oh, that reporter from Abby's Station is coming over.

That, uh, Ben... Ben, what's his name?

-Gibson. -Yeah.

He wants to do a story

about you when you were a boy.

He said you know all about it...

and, uh, you had given your permission to go ahead.

Right, right, but if you're not feeling very well...

maybe we should reschedule the interview.

Peter...

But...

Yes, but ...

Well, shall I keep working on it?

I see.

Yeah, okay.

No, no, no. I-- I'll keep writing.

Thanks, Murray.

No, I understand.

Yeah.

-I think... -Val?

They just broke off negotiations.

What?

My agent just stopped negotiating...

with a production company.

All that money?

Well, Murray says if they offered that much...

then that means they'll pay that much more.

Well, if they'll offer that much

then why does he break off negotiations?

I don't know.

Murray says sometimes you have to walk away to make your deal.

-Walk away to make your deal? -Yeah.

Break off negotiations to negotiate?

Oh, I-- I don't understand show business.

Neither do I, mama.

Maybe it's like that general...

who said you had to destroy the town in order to save it.

You're right. Maybe it is.

Yeah.

-Well, hi again. -Hi.

Now, your mother couldn't have used that prescription already.

No, no. Just the opposite.

She dropped a bunch of them down the sink

when she was setting them out.

Too bad. I'll call her doctor.

No, you don't have to. I think she's got another refill left.

You're right. This will only take a minute.

Thanks.

[dramatic music]

[ominous music]

They withdrew the offer?

Yeah, just like that.

That's terrible. Thank you.

Yeah, I guess it just wasn't meant to be.

But it was sure fun while it lasted.

Oh... I bet.

If you want to know the truth,

it was just awful while it lasted.

I hate being in negotiations.

Did they say why?

Nah, they never ever really say why.

I guess they just decided

that they didn't want to make the movie.

Honey, maybe they just thought...

it wasn't going to get enough of those...

Chairs.

-Hey, I'm sorry. -That's okay.

It's all right.

How's it going with you?

Well, I asked Paige to move in with us.

-Oh, that's nice. -Yeah.

Yeah, and Mack, he's just so thrilled.

You know? And-- and she and Michael really hit it off.

Oh, you mean they really hit it off?

Will you stop it? I mean, just...

Okay.

-I don't know how to say this... -What?

I mean, it-- it's not that I mind sharing the attention of...

Mack, or that I'm jealous of her mother's memory because I'm not.

But?

But I've been wondering about Paige, you know?

I mean, what is she doing here?

What do you mean? She just came here to be with her father.

No, I know that, but why now?

I know this probably doesn't mean anything...

but she's supposed to have a ton of money...

and she actually said, "Money's not a problem."

I mean, who talks like that?

I don't know. Not me.

Not me either.

And then the-- the hotel called me

and told me that her check bounced.

Well, that happens.

Oh.

The boys had a fight last night.

So?

They didn't tell me what it was about.

Well, brothers and sisters fight.

It doesn't have to be about anything.

No, I know that, but this was a real fight.

This was a fistfight.

If-- If it doesn't have to be about anything...

they could tell me about it.

But...

Well, maybe they just

think they're getting too old to talk to their mother.

I hate that. You know that?

Oh, come on. They still love you.

Well, they certainly don't show it.

Come on.

They love me. They don't need me.

[Val] They're always going to need you. You silly.

I guess you better put that in a doggie bag.

[both laughing]

[sentimental music]

What have you been doing with your time, Miss Bennett?

-Oh, I've been very busy. -Indeed.

[knocking]

Come in.

Hi, Peggy.

It'll take me the rest of my life to answer these.

-[Gary laughing] -It's not as bad as it looks.

A lot of them are from Peter Hollister.

Peter who?

Um, next time he calls, Peggy, tell him that it'll be...

a cold day in hell before I return his calls.

-Or something to that effect. -Of course.

I gotta go.

Thanks for lunch. See you tonight?

Uh, no, tomorrow.

I told Brian and Olivia I'd take them to the game.

I'll see you.

-Hey, Mack. -Hey, Gary, what's going on?

Hey, what's going on?

Hey, get me the file on Elaine Massick.

[Peggy] Right away.

Hey, what's going on?

Oh. Take a couple of weeks off around here,

and the place falls apart.

Are you finding it hard to get back to work, Mack?

Oh, no. No, I'm finding it nice to get back to work.

I'm finding it hard to catch up.

All around me, I see ways I need help

from the governor's office and the legislature.

Well, you're well-connected.

Yeah, but I've been out of touch.

We're gonna have to work like hell to restore the credibility

of this operation and get the support from the legislature.

-I'm gonna need a lobbyist. -I'll see what I can do.

-Elaine Massick. -Oh, good. Thank you.

Yeah, anything you can do would be appreciated, Counselor.

-[Jill] Peggy. -Yes?

Get Peter Hollister on the line.

Uh, right away.

[phone ringing]

[automated message] Hi. This is Peter Hollister.

I'm not here right now, so please leave

a message at the tone. Thanks.

-[beep]

-Peter, Jill. I just... -Oh, hey.

I didn't think you were there. I'm just returning your call.

-Which one? -Number 28.

Look, I want to get together.

-Name the time. -Tomorrow, lunch?

Tomorrow, lunch.

Jill?

Thanks for calling.

I don't think you could understand

how glad I am you called.

[intriguing music]

Ma?

Sylvia?

[dramatic music]

[Val] Cannot believe it! I mean, what a day!

Right?

[Val screaming]

[whispering] Shh, the kids!

[laughing]

Here, come on.

At 5 o'clock they called me back,

and they said that they wanted the book again.

And so Murray, bless his heart...

Murray, my agent, said that now they're

gonna have to option more than the book.

And so you know what?

They did, and they want me to write a script!

You're gonna be a TV writer now?

-Rich, famous, richer, famouser. -Mm-hmm.

Oh, stop it. Yes.

-Whoa. -[Val giggling]

-I'm proud of you. -Thank you.

-Didn't even notice. -Yes, I did.

-What? -Okay, what?

[laughing] I treated myself to something to celebrate,

and you didn't even...

-Oh, me. -Like it?

-I-- I kind of like it. -It's not too fussy?

At 6 o'clock, I raced down to your friend's boutique,

to Jean's, and she kept the store open for me.

-Wait a minute. Wait-- wait-- -She even gave me...

I think there's something you ought to know.

What?

I don't really like Jean very much.

-Why not? -Well...

I would just prefer that you and she don't become friends.

Okay.

You're not keeping something from me, are you?

-About Jean? -Mm-hmm.

She's not carrying a torch for you, Flash,

and I didn't notice, huh?

She's just not our kind of people, okay?

Okay.

[intriguing music]

[man] You saw Gibson today.

[Jean sighing]

-Yes. -I knew it.

You're never as good as after you've seen him.

Oh, God, you're never gonna win any prizes for good taste.

Hey, don't get offended.

-I don't mind. -Oh, shut up.

It's hard enough getting him to agree to spy on Sumner.

Imagine how he's gonna react...

[chuckling]

...when he finds out his real assignment is to k*ll the man.

[theme music]