09x08 - Love In

[bunniefuu]

So, Abby Fairgate and Karen Cooper.

[chuckles]

Twenty years, and you haven't changed a bit.

[Karen laughs]

Well, I don't know if that's bad or good,

but our-our names have changed.

I'm Karen MacKenzie, and...

And Ewing.

Hmm. Yes, I know.

Oh, I read about you and Lotus Point in the papers.

I hope you don't believe

everything you read in the papers.

If I did, I wouldn't have come here

to book a convention.

Well, we're glad you did.

Maybe we could get together later tonight,

for old times' sake.

All of us.

Oh, uh, I can't.

I'm... I already...

I-I can't.

Abby,

you were a pretty cute kid, Abby.

You should have told me you were going to turn out beautiful.

[Mack] You know, Karen, you're acting

as though Eric has never eaten here before.

Well, things might look different to him.

College changes people.

Yeah, you're right. I forgot, you know.

He probably won't like the house or the cooking.

He won't like us.

Alright, maybe I'm overdoing it a little bit.

Yeah, just a little bit.

I mean, he is coming back from college.

Not Mars.

[chuckles]

Coming back from college.

What?

We had a-a visitor at Lotus Point today.

-Yeah. -Someone from my University of Pennsylvania days.

Oh, an old flame.

Actually, it was an old boyfriend of Abby's.

You should have seen her face.

Talk about things being different.

[old rock music]

[indistinct]

Then you have to get involved, Sid.

I mean, change just doesn't happen all by itself.

[Sid sighs] Neither do auto repairs.

[Karen sighs]

So you're not coming?

Karen, I'd really like to go to this [indistinct],

but we working stiffs don't have the luxury

of changing society the way you college coeds do.

The only thing I'll be changing today is oil.

Okay, okay.

Fascist.

I love it when you talk mean to me.

No, [indistinct] right down.

Hey, Abby.

Don't look.

Okay, you two have until ten.

One, two, three...

-Four, five, six... -[both giggling]

...seven, eight,

nine, nine, nine...

ten.

Hi, Charles Scott.

Hi.

I came to find out what's wrong with my car.

Over there.

[Abby chuckles]

He's supposed to be checking out my car.

Well, we're a friendly Philadelphia business.

Brotherly love.

Well, that's not brotherly.

Well, it is in a way.

He's my brother.

Sid Fairgate's kid sister, huh?

Why don't I just check with him about my car?

Hey, Sid.

Karen.

-You see that guy over there? -[Karen] Uh-huh.

I think I'll marry him.

Well, that was quick.

What happened to your 6'4" linebacker?

-Who? -See you, kid.

Well, that's a fine romance.

I'm not worried.

He'll be back.

His car's still here.

[Abby laughs]

How about enchiladas for dinner? They're my favorite.

[Abby] Anna we'll make whatever you and Brian want, honey.

I'm going out.

[Olivia] Where are you going?

I'm going to have a late dinner at the club with an old friend.

Who?

Just someone I knew a long time ago.

Is it Charles?

[Sid] Remember Charles Scott?

Charles Scott.

Yeah, I think I remember him.

He was supposed to be here an hour ago to pick up his car.

I told Karen I'd meet her.

Well, why don't you just leave the invoice with me?

-I'll take care of it. -Great.

Um, the car runs great now.

She gets better mileage, too.



[suspenseful music]

[typewriter clacking]

Hi.

You're here. Finally.

I've been running late all day. Where's Sid?

Oh, um, he had to leave,

but he gave me your invoice.

Here.

Thanks.

Don't tell your brother, but he's a great mechanic.

[Abby chuckles]

[engine clicking]

Hey. It won't even start.

Well, it was fine a few minutes ago.

Why don't you try again?

[engine clicking]

Great. Now I won't just be late. I can't get anywhere.

Well, here. Here.

Uh, why don't you just stay in the car

and pop the hood and let me have a look?

Sure. You look like a mechanic.

[Abby chuckles]

Let's see.

[eccentric music]

There. That should do it.

Try again.

[engine starting]

Just a loose wire.

Shouldn't give you any more trouble.

You are pretty good at that.

I'm sorry I got upset.

Oh, it's okay.

[laughs] Gosh, look at me.

I am.

Um, I was about to grab some lunch.

Can you join me?

Um...

Abby. [chuckles]

Well, thank you.

But actually, I have a lot of work to do around here.

Maybe another time, Mr. Schott?

Scott.

Charles.

Sure, Abby.

Do you mind if I take your phone number?

[Valene] You can each have one cr*cker,

but Mommy made a big, yummy dinner for everybody,

and I don't want you to be too full of crackers

to eat it, alright?

There you go. One for you, one for you.

And give me the meanie. Attagirl.

All right, now let me have all these toys

so we can put it away.

-What time is it? -I don't know, Mama.

Oh, is this fastened?

I don't know. Let me see.

Alright, wait a minute, wait a minute.

-Yeah, it's perfect. -Yeah?

-Oh, Mama, you look so pretty. -Yeah?

-What time is your date? -Date?

It's not a date, sweet pea. We're just going out for dinner.

-I'm probably overdressed. -No, you're not.

Now, don't you have second thoughts

about your date with Gary?

It is the right thing to do.

Mama, it is not a date with Gary and you know that.

He's just coming over here to see the kids.

So stop it, alright?

Oh, then why is Gary getting out of his car

carrying flowers and gifts.

Mama, he is not.

[indistinct].

Oh, Mr. Baker.

Oh, Mrs. Gibson.

-Hi. -[Valene] Hi.

Oh, hi, kids.

Lilimae, your date has arrived.

[gasps] Oh, thank you.

-[Valene clears throat] -Hi.

Oh, hi, Gary.

Uh, I brought you these.

-For me? -Yeah.

[kids giggling]

What are you laughing at?

You know, I can't wait to meet your parents.

Yeah, you know, my mom's probably going to ask you

about every detail on how I saved you.

You know, my son, the hero.

Oh, you are.

Michael.

Oh, Mom. Mom.

-Hi, Mack. -How you doing?

This is Jody Campbell.

-Jody, how are you? -[Mack] Hi.

You know, your son is the bravest, kindest,

most wonderful person I've ever met.

You must be so proud.

[laughs] I am.

-Why don't we, uh, sit? -Oh, yeah. Yeah.

-[Karen] Sit. -Yeah. Relax.

[Michael chuckles]

Oh... Ha ha.

I understand you met

under unusual circumstances.

Uh, yes. Underwater.

-Don't go there. -Yeah, uh, he told us.

[Michael laughs]

-You want some iced tea? -Iced tea.

Would you like some iced tea? I make great iced tea.

Freeze the glasses.

-I'd love some. Thank you. -Okay.

He always forgets the ice.

So, um...

Mack, that girl.

-She's right on top of Michael. -Yeah.

He didn't look too unhappy.

But his circulation.

Oh, I'm sure he's circulating just fine.

Hey, look. Right there.

Relax. Have a good time.

And you look great.

Mack.

Don't hand it to her.

Make her stand up to get it.

You're right.

Oh, you're gonna love this. The chilled glass.

I keep them right down in the freezer.

[doorbell dinging]

Oh, I wonder who that is.

-Hey. -Hey, there you are.

How you doing?

Come here, you.

Got a surprise for you guys.

There's somebody I'd like you to meet.

Mom, Mack, this is my wife.

Oh, I'm so happy for you.

And I'm so surprised.

[laughs]

-Welcome to the family. -Yes.

-What's your name? -Linda.

-Linda. -Linda.

-Hey, way to go, bro. Alright. -Hey, thanks.

I'm Michael's girlfriend, Jody.

-Yeah, yeah. -Nice to meet you, Jody.

Well, um,

when did this happen?

I-- I didn't even know you were dating.

-Last weekend. -Oh.

Didn't even invite the family.

[Linda] Oh, we don't believe in big weddings.

They're just so impersonal.

Well, there's just, you know, the four of us.

[Linda] Well, yes, but my family's endless.

I mean, my father would have had at least 300 people there.

It's really better not to get him started.

I see.

So, uh, where did you meet?

-[both] At school. -At school.

Of course, at school.

[Linda] On the very first day, actually.

I couldn't help but notice Eric eating in the student cafeteria.

-Hmm. -[Karen] Yeah, he is pretty cute.

Yeah, that too.

But mostly I couldn't believe his eating habits.

What's, uh, wrong with him?

Well, he was stuffing himself

with red meat and refined carbohydrates.

I mean, finally I had to sit down across from him

and add up the grams of saturated fatty acid

on his plate.

-That's how you met? -Mm-hmm.

Yeah, I was really flattered

that somebody took the time to do that, you know?

I'll bet.

Well, I think I'm gonna, uh, go check

on the, um, meatloaf.

That's all we had in the house. [chuckles nervously]

Oh. Well, that's okay.

I mean, he hasn't had any meat in weeks.

And it's pretty high in potassium.

And if you use oatmeal, it's almost healthy.

-Right, Linda? -Right.

Let's set another plate.

Yeah, I'll get another plate.

Oh. Mack made this stuff?

-Yes. -Oh, you gotta try this.

My baby.

Oh, he's married.

Oh, Karen, come on.

No, no, no, no.

Remember, you haven't lost a son.

-You gained a, uh-- -A spokesperson for the FDA.

[laughs] Come on.

And that other one, Mack, out there, she's--

she's all over Michael.

Oh, come on. You know how young people are.

How?

They're, uh, interested, you know.

But you, Karen, undoubtedly were a saint.

[Sid] I wish you were a little more patient about these things.

-Are you complaining? -No.

It's just it's a little warmer

around my house this time of year.

Oh, mm-hmm. And a little more crowded.

-Mm-hmm. -[Karen laughs]

Well, you're always worried about your sister walking in.

I just thought of something.

Abby has a key to this place, too.

[laughs] Don't worry about her.

She's out with her latest heartthrob.

-Oh, the [indistinct]. -Mm-hmm.

Charles Scott III.

Yeah. They're probably at the opera.

-Well, in that case. -[Karen laughs]

[Abby sighs]

Oh, you're gonna look great tonight.

Of course, you always do.

You always have.

Oh, no, honey, not always.

No, when I was younger, I...

You're much prettier.

Mother, I've seen your pictures.

You looked great.

[Abby laughs]

That's because you only saw the ones I didn't tear up.

[Abby sighs]

What does Charles look like?

Why are you meeting him so late?

I'm meeting him so late

because he had to speak at a convention first.

And... [sighs]

...actually, he looks the same.

And you sound more like a parent than a daughter.

I just want to know about your date.

Don't I have a right to be curious?

Honey, it's not a date, really.

It's just dinner with an old friend.

No.

[Abby sighs]

[music playing on radio]

I didn't expect a Wharton boy to take me bowling.

-I didn't expect you to beat me. -[Abby chuckles]

You shake hands with the ball.

My place is only a few minutes from here.

I don't think I'm ready for that.

I'll help you get ready.

I think--

I think I'd rather go home.

I mean, my brother's probably waiting for me.

Please.

[Betsy] He's using his fingers.

I know that.

Now, you use your fork, not your fingers.

-Yes, ma'am. -No, I meant the twins.

-Do you want some more rice? -No, no, thanks.

Okay.

It was very nice of you all to invite me to dinner tonight.

-Why? -Why?

Because it's nice to see you.

-Why? -Why?

Because I don't get a chance to see you very often.

-Why? -Why?

[groans] Uh,

uh, because I don't live near here.

-Mama, are we on a date? -On a what?

-[Bobby] On a date. -[Betsy] On a date.

No, honey, we're not.

We're just having a nice...

nice time together.

[kids giggling]

Well, I hope you didn't mind watching those old movies.

Oh, no, I prefer the old black and white.

You know, these days, you go to a movie

and the actors have pink and green hair.

I'll be [indistinct] to see that.

Yeah, well, don't forget, even in our time,

people thought that Carmen Miranda was outrageous.

[chuckles] You know, I had a pair of platform shoes.

This-- well, this high.

You? [laughs]

♪ And I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I like you very much ♪

♪ I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I ♪

♪ Chick chick-a-boom, Chick chick-a-boom ♪

[both chuckling]

Boy, I want to tell you something.

It sure is great to talk to somebody who understands.

-Understands what? -Everything.

Like, when I said we're going to a Garfield movie,

you knew it was John and not the cat.

[both chuckling]

You know, I love my daughter and my grandchildren.

But I do get tired of explaining things.

Amen. I know exactly what you mean.

Like Gravity Heat?

The Dust Bowl.

Margaret Whiting.

[indistinct]?

String of Pearls.

[Lilimae singing]

That was my wife's favorite song.

-You were married? -Who wasn't?

-[Lilimae chuckles] -Shall we?

Well...

Actually, married students

really did quite well in college.

You know the myth of the struggling young couple,

overburdened and undernourished?

It's absolutely fallacious.

Well, we knew the undernourished thing was wrong.

[Eric laughs]

Married students are more settled

and better able to concentrate.

Don't you think that's true, honey?

Why'd you say I wasn't concentrating?

[all laughing]

Eric, how are you doing in school?

-Oh, he's doing okay. -Oh, uh, just okay?

Well, some of my classes are pretty tough.

Oh, honey, don't worry. You're very bright.

Um, you know, just apply yourself.

You know, I used to say things like that to Eric.

He's such a worrier.

-Is he? -[Linda] About everything.

But then I read this study about attitudes.

Seems that old idea about a positive attitude

always leading to success

is just another misguided notion.

Some people actually do better when they assume they'll fail.

Why is that?

Well, subconsciously,

they set up strategies to overcome what they see

as horrible deficiencies within themselves.

I know it sounds crazy, but it works for them.

That's why I think it'd really be better

if you didn't encourage Eric anymore.

It interferes with his system.

Hmm.

[door clicks open]

Paige!

-[Mack] Paige! -Hi.

Are you hungry?

-Uh, meatloaf. -Yes.

-No. -No.

Oh, wait a minute. I gotta wipe the face.

Oh, thank you, everybody, for helping me clear the table.

[Gary laughs]

-Sorry about the vegetable bowl. -[Abby] Oh, that's okay.

I should have told you not to give him anything breakable to carry.

Okay, kids, tell Uncle Gary thank you for the toys.

-Thank you. -Thank you.

-You're welcome. -It's bath time.

Wanna give him a hug before he goes?

-No. -No.

No? You wanna say good night?

How about blowing him a kiss?

-[Betsy] No. -[Gary laughs]

-Wave bye-bye. -No.

-Nothing? -Nothing.

Well, uh, that's okay.

I'll, uh--

maybe I'll, uh, see you again later sometime.

-Okay? -[all screaming]

Oh, no!

[Valene] Bobby! No, wait! Don't knock Gary over!

Kids, come on! It's his bath time.

Let him go. Bobby!

Stop it, all of you!

It's bath time.

Alright, alright, let me, uh--

let me give them a ride upstairs, okay?

Okay, go on upstairs.

Come on, Bobby, don't pull his hair.

Come on, come on. Here you go. Up you go. Come here.

[indistinct] Gary to start you bath.

Go ahead.

Start your bath and then Gary's going.

Do they, uh, always ask for so many drinks of water

right before they go to sleep?

[Valene chuckles]

Yeah. [laughs]

But they always say "I love you" first,

so, you know, you can't turn them down.

[laughs] Good strategy.

Yeah, definitely.

Um...

Uh, Lilimae's not back yet?

No. [chuckles]

Not yet. [chuckles]

-Want me to hang around until she gets here? -No, that's okay.

Why don't you go ahead, because I know Jill's gonna be waiting.

Oh, well, she went to a movie.

Oh.

Well...

Oh.

Well then, uh...

do you want me to heat that up for you?

Maybe?

-Yeah. -Okay.

[Gary chuckles]

I told Eric enough tofu and honey.

Tonight I wanted a non-nutritive dessert.

Oh, well, I'm glad you like it.

It is so refreshing to see you two like that.

You know, touching's been documented to be therapeutic.

It's emotionally healthy to be demonstrative.

Oh, you're not Lutheran, are you?

Do you believe in premarital sex?

I'm gonna clear this table.

Yeah, I'll help.

Well, you have to be careful.

[Karen] You have to be very careful.

It's not a question of-of morals today.

It's-it's a question of...

-But if you're not worried-- -...health.

Well, if you really trust someone

and you really love them,

-do you think you should wait? -We didn't.

What about you, Paige?

Have you ever been in love?

Love?

I'm not sure I believe in it.

[indistinct shouting]

Hi, how are you doing? [indistinct].

Peace rally. Wednesday at eight.

Abby!

-[Abby] Hi. -Hi.

What are you doing here? Don't you have classes?

No, we're boycotting today to protest the dress code.

You still have a dress code in junior college?

Yeah, women can't wear pants to class.

[sighs] But they don't tell men what to wear, do they?

-No. -Well, fight it.

It's only the tip of the iceberg.

Yeah?

Well, I'm wearing my boycotting outfit.

Well, good.

Because after dress codes,

we have to fight everything else for being denied.

Equal jobs, equal pay.

Don't forget, equal sex.

Hey, I think that men and women

probably have to have sex in fairly equal numbers.

I mean, they pretty much have to by definition.

But you're missing the point. It's okay for men to have sex.

-Karen. -But face it.

If a man isn't a virgin when he gets married,

no one thinks the less of him.

In fact, if he's not experienced,

people will talk behind his back.

Now, why should a woman be expected to wait?

-I don't think she should. -And don't tell me

that it's because she's the one who gets pregnant.

They make birth control pills, you know.

You don't think she should what?

I don't think a woman

should have to wait until marriage.

You better not let your brother hear you talk that way.

Well, I do think that she should wait

until she's in love.

I mean, really in love.

You giving me one of those?

-[Karen laughs] -Bye.

Was Charles the first man you ever really loved?

Yes, he was.

Was he your first lover?

[sighs] Olivia.

[romantic music playing]

There is no loop.

None. [sighs]

Later. Let's go hiking.

You're going hiking in sandals?

-What's wrong with that? -You can't hike in those things.

You'll slip and break your ankle.

Well, how was I supposed to know?

I've never been backpacking before.

What?

You told me you loved this stuff.

No, I didn't.

All I said was that all my friends

are going backpacking this summer.

And then you said, "Do you want to go?"

And I said, "Sure."

I hate backpacking.

Well, I hate bugs.

You've never done this before, either.

No.

You're kidding.

[laughs] No.

You must have had lots of boyfriends before me.

Well, I did.

Well, what were you waiting for, for heaven's sake?

Didn't you know what you were missing?

Yes.

I was missing you.

[Abby chuckles]

[instrumental music]]

[Abby sighs]

Open the oven. Blow out the pilot.

-Turn on the gas. -Oh, come on.

Those are my sons out there.

I've loved them. I've nurtured them.

And they do this to me.

They bring those-- those two women into my house

to pontificate and bawl.

It's not that bad.

Step aside.

[whimsical music]

Is Michael's mother always like that?

-Like what? -So open.

Oh, she's even more open once you get to know her.

Don't you really like her?

No, I'm sure I'll like her, but how could you just do it?

Easy.

Man, you're too young to retire.

Especially with somebody you barely know.

There's some people you just know how you feel

right from the beginning.

So your first impression was negative. So what?

That doesn't mean you have to k*ll yourself.

Me? I'm not talking about me.

Call those two women in here.

Then we'll run out and toss in a match.

Do you need some help in the kitchen, Mrs. MacKenzie?

[Karen] Not yet.

Oh, please. Second-hand smoke.

I can wait.

Wait? Wait for what?

Until you get to know them a little better.

You're right.

Then no one will blame me.

[Michael] Well, at least mom can't blame you.

She got married in college,

and she hadn't known dad very long.

And look how well that worked out.

Yeah. That's true. Well, she got us.

-See? -[both laughing]

I am going to sue those boys

for every penny I've ever spent on them.

Karen, Michael saved someone.

Eric married someone. What's wrong with that?

It's not the what. It's the who.

I just can't stand those--

-Hi. -Hi.

I just wanted to say

I'm so happy to be a part of this family.

[Linda chuckles]

I smell gas.

[romantic music]

Remember when Fred and Ginger did the karaoke?

There's not a foxtrot or a polka.

I'm too young to remember that.

-Oh. -[both chuckling]

Remember when John Travolta did this?

Well, I'm too old to remember that.

You better be careful, you put your back out.

Oh?

-I didn't know you cared. -Well, of course I care.

I'd have to carry you out on my back.

Oh. She cares.

She said she cares.

Stop that.

I will

if you say you'll marry me.

Well, don't be ridiculous.

I am not being ridiculous.

Lilimae, marry me.

Marry you?

I don't even know you.

Well, we're bound to get acquainted

if you marry me.

[both laughing]

How come you and Charles never married?

It was so long ago.

I-I don't really remember.

Thanks, honey.

-[groans] Goodnight. -Goodnight.

-[Karen] Hi, Abby. -[Abby] Hi, Karen.

[Karen sighs]

-Abby? -Yeah?

I, um, think you should read this.

Later. I've got to get this done so I can go meet Charles.

[somber music]

I, uh, thought I was kidding

when I warned you not to trust a blueblood.

[Karen sighs]

I'm sorry.

I really am.

[Abby sighs]

I could make some more coffee, but I--

No, no, [indistinct] float away.

[both laughing]

Tell Lilimae I don't approve of the hours she keeps.

I will.

[sighs] Well...

Um... [sighs]

Thanks for the dinner.

It's okay, you're welcome. I know that the kids enjoyed it.

[romantic music]

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

[somber music]

[Charles] You said you never read the Society pages.

Karen showed it to me.

I would have told you.

But the topic of marriage never came up.

What were you doing,

waiting for me to propose to you?

We've spent all our time together.

I never dreamed that you were even seeing someone else.

Let alone getting engaged to her.

She's someone the family knows.

I thought you loved me.

I do love you.

And you love her.

God, you are so naive.

What does love have to do with marriage?

Judith is not what you are, Abby.

You are the most exciting thing that's ever happened to me.

I love you more than you know.

[Abby breathing heavily]

Then why are you doing this?

Please, don't.

In the long run, we'll all be happier.

Don't hate me.

I don't hate you.

I don't hate you.

I love you.

I've never loved anyone the way I love you.

I love you.

Please, don't leave me.

Oh, Abby.

I don't want to leave you.

I need you too much.

Let's go somewhere.

Now?

You don't have classes this afternoon.

-I won't be married for months. -[Abby groans]

I don't need classes anymore.

Goodbye, Charles.

-Hello? -Hi.

Hi.

I just wanted to make sure Lilimae got home alright.

No, not yet.

I was just gonna give up and go to bed, but--

You know, she's probably just having a good time.

Yeah, probably.

Um...

I had a good time tonight.

I'm glad.

Well, um, goodnight.

-Night. Gary? -Yeah.

I had a good time, too.

[chuckles] Good.

-Night. -Night.

-Hello, Rod. -Good evening, Mrs. Ewing.

Mr. Scott is waiting for you on the patio,

and we did keep the kitchen open.

Thanks.

[classical music]

We will order later.

Yes, ma'am.

Hello, Charles.

Hello, Abby.

I'm so glad you could arrange our schedule

to meet me this late.

I ran out of good books to read.

[Charles laughs]

Oh, well, I think you may wish

you'd stayed at home with a-with a bad one.

Turns out I can't stay long.

I had some unexpected business to turn up,

and I have to catch a plane tonight.

I debated calling you, but I-I decided...

Oh, you made the right decision.

Oh, good.

Well, so let's, um...

let's talk till then.

Okay.

I've looked forward to this all day.

There's so much to say.

So tell me about you.

The last 20 years.

...I had this opportunity,

so my first husband and I started a small business

here in California.

It grew, and I grew.

-Then we grew apart. -Well, we're no longer involved in the business,

but, uh, we're still proud of it, I think.

We're now headquartered in three countries.

And we're branching out in other directions, too.

Yes, I have two.

-It's been a challenge. -Olivia and Brian.

They are the two most beautiful things in my life.

I lived in New York a while, and then London,

-and back to New York again. -...some adjustments when Sid died.

-Your brother? -Yeah.

I feel I've spent some important years here,

so I-I consider it my home now.

I never dreamed that it would all pass so quickly.

And here we are.

What about your plane?

Oh, yeah.

Look.

Could I make this up to you tomorrow night?

I can bring the plane back in time for dinner.

And this time, without interruptions.

I promise.

Alright.

But you have to tell me one thing before you go.

Anything. To make you happy.

Tell me your life has been frustrating,

and lonely, and unfulfilled all these years.

Tell me your wife is a bore.

And your work is meaningless,

and your dog chews your slippers.

You can spare me the details, just so I know...

that your life has been miserable,

and that leaving me

was the biggest mistake you ever made.

Then I'll be happy.

Let's make a toast.

To the most miserable man in the world.

Me.

[glass clinking]

[theme music]