09x09 - Flight of the Sunbirds

[bunniefuu]

[narrator] Next on Knots Landing...

-Charles Scott hasn't called? -[woman] No, Mrs. Ewing.

Well, when he calls, don't put him through.

Whenever he calls, just tell him I'm not in.

Is that clear?

I want to talk to my wife!

Why is that impossible?

And then Gary or Val, or maybe both of them,

will tell you that the only reason that they get together

is for the sake of the children.

And then Gary will, uh, take her home.

And then they'll go to bed together.

[theme music playing]

[gentle instrumental playing]

Does your mother think it's any easier for me

looking at you than it would be looking at her?

Well, your mother's wrong.

Good morning, Mother.

Oh, good morning, Linda.

Is this decaf?

No.

But you are cutting down, right?

You know, coffee dehydrates the facial skin.

Do you have any herbal tea?

Oh, I-- I think we're out, actually.

Well, never mind, I'll just get some juice.

Oh, gosh, I really feel the need for some vitamin C.

-How did you sleep last night? -Like a log.

Eric and I put the bedspread on the floor.

And it was just as good as having a firm mattress.

You know, Mother... does it seem kind of funny

to have a daughter not calling you Mother?

Oh!

Well--

Gosh, I know my parents are just gonna blanch

when they hear Eric say, "Hi, Mom, hi, Dad."

You haven't told your parents?

Well, not exactly, no.

You see, if I had told them right away,

then they would have gone, and done something silly

like plan a reception or something.

And believe me, a reception is the last thing in the world

that we want right now.

-You were planning a reception? -Oh, no! [laughs]

I-- I was just...

planning a reception.

I'm so sorry, I really-- I should have asked you.

This is so sweet of you. Really.

Gosh, I'm probably just the luckiest

daughter-in-law in the whole world, really.

I'm sure it'll be perfect.

But I thought you-- you just said

the last thing in the world you wanted.

Oh, no, no, the last thing that we wanted was a reception

like the kind my parents would give.

I know you would never do anything like that.

I mean, who needs hundreds of dollars' worth of flowers

and a champagne fountain, right?

Oh, and an orchestra.

My parents' generation's really big on orchestras.

Oh, and prime rib.

If I have to look at another animal carcass... I think I'll just--

Well, I understand you not wanting it,

but, well, what if a guest--

Wants to eat red meat?

Well, that's certainly their prerogative, however misguided,

but, well, I don't want to be in the position

of letting people think that Eric and I approve of that sort of thing.

Really.

[instrumental music playing]

Flowers. Orchestra.

Animal carcass.

[upbeat instrumental playing]

I had a wonderful time last night.

-So did I. -And I look...

I look forward to the next time.

I look forward to getting married.

Why won't you marry me?

Oh, Al.

There are all sorts of reasons.

I've only felt this way about one other woman in my life.

And I married her.

May she rest in peace.

So I know.

All right, name another reason.

Right there.

I could never leave Val alone now.

She has to take care of those children all by herself.

She doesn't look so alone to me.

-[Valene] Mama. -Hmm.

You two.

When these two kids get to be teenagers,

I don't want them to tell me that "Guma stayed out all night, so why can't we?"

[Lilimae] We didn't plan it, sweet pea.

-Oh, hi there. -Did you stayed all night, Guma?

Oh, no, no, I--

You were asleep when Guma came home.

Go on inside, and get your Mimi and your jackets.

Go on. Scoot.

Gary promised to take us to the zoo, so we'll see y'all later.

[Lilimae] Have fun.

Now, don't look at me like that, Val is alone.

Hi.

-Hi. -[Gary] Hi.

What are you doing here?

Well, he promised to take the kids to the zoo.

No, I didn't, I told them the studio tour.

I told them the zoo, we've got everything all packed to go to the zoo--

Well, I'm sure you'll have a great time,

no matter what you decide to do.

And also,

at Eric's wedding reception.

-What? -What?

Yeah, he, uh-- He just-- He--

he eloped.

[Gary laughing]

Wow!

Look at it this way,

you haven't lost a son,

you saved a bundle on a wedding.

Karen, congratulations! What's she like?

Oh, well, she's, uh--

She's-- she's very cute.

[Gary laughing]

And, uh, well, this Saturday at two o'clock,

we're having the reception, and I want you to come.

Don't worry. We wouldn't miss it.

Okay, good.

Well, all right, this is a home, Al.

But it is a home for one person.

You don't have room in your car for another person to live comfortably.

You've been alone so long.

I don't know if you have room in your life

for another person, either.

[somber instrumental playing]

I already promised them that I'd take them to the studio tour.

But, Gary, there is gonna be such a line.

I mean, I absolutely refuse to stand in line all morning with those kids.

Not if we get there early enough.

It's already past early, come on.

Come here, hey, where do you want to go?

Studio tour? Say yes.

-Yes! -Yes!

Oh, come on, would you--

All right, we'll go on the tour.

But if we have to stand in line--

You're not, trust me, it'll be fine.

All right, sweetie, get in there, and buckle up.

In you go.

I hope you will come to the reception.

You're having it here at Lotus Point?

-Yes. -Good, do we need the business?

-Yes, we do. -[Abby chuckles]

Well, tell Abby will be there.

And Charles is welcome, also.

Ooh. Yeah.

Do you want me to invite him?

Oh, no, no, that's-- that's all right.

I'll, uh-- I'll see him, we're-- we're having a, um--

A business appointment tonight.

Another date.

[Abby clicks tongue]

I realize that.

You don't have to tell me that tonight's board meeting

has been on the schedule for weeks, I'm the one who scheduled it.

Yes.

Yes, I know, but I just...

I simply have too much work here at the office, I'm sorry.

Mm, this one.

[gentle instrumental playing]

[car honks]

[upbeat instrumental playing]

Let's take a ride.

Well, I don't mind if I do.

You have to go home early every afternoon.

Yeah, well, I have two children of my own.

-Well bring them with you. -Well, they're in school.

So, I'll go, and get a babysitter.

Well, I kind of wanna be there when they get home from school.

Well, we'll pay to have them brought over here.

Oh, thanks, I don't think that would be good for them.

What are you talking about? It'd be great.

They could ride the horses.

Well, I don't-- They have their routine at home, and--

Look, I-- I understand if you need someone who can work longer hours.

-My wife's in a clinic. -Gee, I'm sorry.

-[Greg] Yeah, so this could be temporary. -Yeah, I understand that.

How soon will you know about your wife?

I don't know how soon.

I don't know how long.

I don't even know what she's doing there.

I don't know what she had for breakfast.

[sighs] Well, temporary is fine with me.

"Temporary?"

Now, didn't you say that this position would be temporary?

Did I?

[somber instrumental playing]

I don't think she likes me.

She's real cute, Meg, really cute.

But I don't think she likes me.

She really is a cute kid.

What?

[instrumental music playing]

[Lilimae] You shouldn't have sold your car.

[Al] Yeah, you said you couldn't marry me, because I lived in a car.

And as far as excuse number two is concerned--

"Number two"?

Yes, you said you didn't know me well enough.

But my great-grandparents met the day they married,

and they stayed married till they died.

-Were they happy? -I never met them.

But my point is that you and I know each other

a lot better than most people know each other.

And I know-- I know you well enough

to know that I know you well enough.

Now, as far as excuse number three--

Reason number three.

You keep saying that Val is alone,

but every time I look around,

I see her with that Gary Ewing guy.

Huh? Bingo!

[indistinct chatter]

-No-- -No, it wouldn't be good for them.

So, what do newlyweds want these days?

Newlyweds?

Yeah, my best friend's son just got married.

Karen's son, Eric.

If you go to the reception, you should remember their names.

Yes, Eric and-- and Linda, right?

-Mm, Eric and Linda. -[Al] Right.

Is that Gary, uh, Ewing going to be at the reception?

-I don't know, probably. -Seems like a nice man.

So what would newlyweds not buy for themselves

that you know they could really use?

I don't know.

Uh, Lilimae, what would you like people to give us?

"Give us"?

Yeah, you know, when we--

If.

If what?

I've asked your mother to marry me.

[sighs]

Would anybody like some more pie?

[gentle instrumental playing]

[clears throat] Would--

would anybody mind if I finish my coffee

in the living room?

Oh, not at all. Please, go on in.

-Okay. Okay. -And make yourself comfortable.

Yeah.

[whispering] Mama, what-- I--

I told him no, of course.

-Of course? -Of course, of course.

Mama, that man lives out of his car.

I-- I don't even know anything at all about him, I--

Do you love him?

I don't know if I do.

Oh, my God, that means you might.

-No, it doesn't. -Yes, it does.

Has he said that he loves you?

Yes, but I wouldn't consider marriage right now.

Why not?

-Because... -Because why?

-Oh, Val. -No, Mama, tell me why not.

The, uh, empty cup, I thought I'd just--

-Oh, sure, let me, it's okay. -No, it's okay, I--

No, no, here, I got it.

-Oh, thank you, thank you. -There you go, now, hold on.

-Oh, thank you, thank you. -You okay?

-No, that's-- that's perfect. -Mm-hmm.

Yeah, and...

good coffee it is, too.

It's a-- It's a great cup of coffee.

-[chuckles] -Yes.

[Al laughs]

Yeah, well, it fits the bill after-- after a great dinner.

Yeah.

Well, thank you.

And-- and thank you, too.

[door clicks closed]

Why not?

I am not about to abandon you.

Here with the children, alone.

[clicks tongue]

[sighs]

[instrumental music playing]

-Good evening, Mrs. Ewing. -Good evening.

Uh, Mr. Scott isn't here yet, but your table's ready.

-Thank you. -Follow me, please.

[indistinct chatter]

-Champagne? -Please.

[waiter snaps fingers]

[instrumental music playing]

I don't want you to use me as an excuse.

I do have to think about you.

But I'm telling you not to, Mama, not in a case like this.

But you're all alone.

Oh, but, Mama, I'm not helpless.

-Well, I didn't say you were. -Well?

But I'm not any help around here?

Of course you are, Mama.

That's not what I'm talking about.

[sighs]

Mama, when I let myself think about it,

I get so angry with Ben, I can't stand it.

I can't, so I just-- I don't let myself think about it.

[sentimental instrumental playing]

I hate sleeping alone.

Mm-hmm.

And I hate having to raise these children without their father.

Well, sweet pea--

So, do you think that it makes

any sense in the world to have

two unhappy people in this house instead of just one?

Do you think that I want to see you moping around,

trying not to think about Al,

just the way I forced myself not to think about Ben?

No.

I don't want to be the one that kept you from being happier, Mama.

I want you to do this.

If you want to.

[instrumental music playing]

[Lilimae sighs]

[indistinct chatter]

[instrumental music playing]

[sighs]

[mellow music playing]

[knocking on door]

Excuse me, Mr. Sumner, uh, where shall I serve dinner?

I don't care.

I-- I'll bring it in here.

I'm very flattered

uh, by your marriage proposal, Al.

Ah, and don't say, "But."

-But... -Ah.

...I don't want to get married.

Why not?

Uh, I think we should try living together.

What?

I think we should live together.

-Is-- is that what they call it? -Call what?

When two people live together, what do they call that?

Uh...

living together, I-- I guess.

Well?

I'm-- I'm flattered.

But?

But I'm a little shocked, too.

Oh, why, for heaven's sake?

-We-- we're not going to have children, are we? -No.

You're not accepting my proposal.

Oh, I-- yes, yes, I accept.

I accept.

Oh, good.

[instrumental music playing]

Excuse me, Mrs. Ewing,

Mr. Scott's personal secretary called.

Mr. Scott sends his regrets.

He said, uh, an emergency

keeps him from joining you this evening.

He expects to return from overseas

within a few days.

Do you wish to order dinner?

[dramatic music playing]

[sobbing]

[clattering]

[crying]

[instrumental music playing]

[instrumental music playing]

[exhales]

Never again.

Never again.

[sighs]

Let me see a menu, please.

Of course.

[instrumental music playing]

[Lilimae] There's a spot.

-[Al] No good. -[Lilimae] Why not?

-[Al] I'd have to back out. -[Lilimae] Of course.

[Al] I'm not going to put this machine in reverse.

[Lilimae] You need to find a parking space

where you can drive straight into and straight out of?

[Al] In a forward gear, you got it.

Really nice party, Karen.

Thanks, so, Charles couldn't make it, huh?

-Charles who? -[Karen laughs]

No, he sends his regrets. A champagne, please.

[Karen] That's too bad.

How are things going between the two of you?

Well, we may be able to do some business, we may not.

I'm not talking about business, Abby.

I mean, well, you know,

I-- I know what was going on

between the two of you 20 years ago.

I was there, remember? So...

Karen, you're such a romantic, aren't you?

-Hey. -Hey.

-How you doing? -Okay.

Hey, Mr. Sumner, how you doing?

-Nice to see you. -This is Linda.

-Hi, Linda. -Hi.

I'm Greg. Thanks for inviting us.

Well, you're more than welcome.

-This is Megan. -Hi, Megan.

-Hi, Megan. -She still asleep?

[Linda laughing]

I wanted to invite Greg,

because I worry about him, and Meg,

I just think they should get out, and see people.

Yeah.

Might keep his mind off of Laura.

Oh, yeah.

[chuckles] She's cute.

Say thank you to Uncle Gary.

-[kids] Thank you. -You're welcome.

Why don't you walk over there?

[instrumental music playing]

Ask me next time.

I did. They did. We did.

Ask me before you give it to them.

It's just gum.

-Sugarless? -No.

I don't want them to have gum with sugar.

Then why did you say yes?

Because once you showed it to them,

I had to say yes.

[Gary] What is with you?

[Valene] I don't want them to have gum with sugar.

-Is this about gum? -Yes!

-[Abby] Hi. -Hi.

-Can I sit down? -Sure.

-You're looking well. -Well, thank you.

You're looking well, yourself.

Thank you, I do try.

God knows it gets more and more difficult, but--

[Gary laughing]

I do hope you're laughing with me, not at me.

Yeah, well, it was always my favorite outfit on you.

As I recall, it was always your favorite outfit

to take off of me.

Are you ever not performing?

You used to know the answer to that question.

[laughs] I set myself up for that one.

Let me buy you a drink.

Won't Valene mind?

Why would Valene mind?

I'm sure I don't know.

We're only seeing each other, because of the children.

Of course.

I just hope the children appreciate the effort.

-What are you drinking? -Champagne, of course.

[instrumental music playing]

[indistinct chatter]

Mom!

Mom!

[instrumental music playing]

Hiya, Greg.

-How you doing? -You hungry?

You got some food here. How about Meg, huh?

No, I think she's getting tired,

and she wants to go home, and take a nap.

Oh.

Have you heard any news from Laura?

Nope.

Thanks for having us, okay?

Come on, darling.

You ready?

-Bye-bye. -[Karen] Bye.

[Greg humming]

[Al] Well, why don't you try it?

[Lilimae] Try what?

[Al] Try driving this machine in reverse.

[Lilimae] I don't believe I'd want to.

[Al] It just so happens I choose

not to risk driving this vehicle in reverse.

[Lilimae] Ah.

[Linda chuckling]

Ah, the newlyweds. [laughs]

I wish I could like her more.

-I want to like her more. -You will, you will.

-How can you say that? -You will.

Well, I mean, you learned to like that sauerkraut and tofu stuff

and oatmeal in the meatloaf.

We're not talking about acquired taste here, Mack.

We're talking about my daughter-in-law.

-Relax. -"Relax"?

-She'll grow on you. -She will not.

She-- she's such a know-it-all.

-Well, she's well-informed. -She's undiplomatic.

She's self-righteous.

Look, she's the kind of person that is kind of like--

Well, she's like, uh-- How do you--

Will you stop it?

I hate it when you go out of your way to be so reasonable.

-It's disgusting. -Yeah, yeah.

I gotta work on that.

-Hey. -What? I mean--

Ah. [laughs]

Um, I mean, what, honey. Sorry.

People can get away with saying corny things when they get married, right?

Right.

I just wanted you to know you set a pretty high standard.

And until I met Linda, I never thought I'd meet a woman like you.

As good as you are.

You can say corny things like that to me anytime you want to.

-I love you. -I love you too, honey.

Thank you.

You don't want anything for yourself?

-No. -You thirsty? Hungry, huh?

I can't eat when I'm in front of you, Michael.

I can't believe I just said that.

You're gonna hate me now for sure.

Hey, hey, hey, come on, come on.

No, I just made a complete fool out of myself.

But you are not.

-You hate me now. -I don't hate you.

I like you, you know that, I'm nuts about you.

I-- I've never dated anybody,

I've never seen anybody as cute as you.

-Really? -Really.

No contest.

Then you're not mad at me?

[laughs] No.

[instrumental music playing]

You're a really good kisser.

Only when I'm inspired.

Do I inspire you?

You'll probably find him with the first Mrs. Ewing.

I just saw Val, and he's not there.

Oh, well, then he's probably playing with his kids.

Thank you for your concern.

It starts with kids, you know.

The kids are their excuse for getting together.

He buys them little things.

Animal crackers, chewing gum, whatever.

It's really very sweet.

I'll tell him that you said so.

I know your opinion means a lot to him.

And then Gary or Val

or maybe even both of them

will tell you that the only reason that they get together

is for the sake of the children.

And then Gary will, uh,

find an excuse to take her home.

Saying it's just to drive the kids home.

They'll go to bed together.

I'll watch out for those animal crackers.

Yeah, because, you know,

you were very exciting to him

when he was cheating with you.

Now that he doesn't have to cheat anymore...

Maybe that's Gary's problem.

It's the cheating, not the woman,

that he finds exciting.

[laughs] I'm probably dead wrong.

[instrumental music playing]

[Valene laughing] Oh, no, Bobby, that's silly.

[laughing]

-No. -Hi.

I thought the kids might be hungry, here you go, guys.

Look what he got you.

What do you say?

-[kids] Thank you. -You're welcome.

Oh, Jill was in here looking for you.

Oh, thanks.

Um, look, uh,

[sighs] I'm sorry we seem to fight all the time.

I don't mean to argue.

Neither do I.

Actually, it's really-- It's mostly been me, you know.

I don't think it's good when the kids hear

-grown-ups always, you know, going-- -Yeah.

Although, at least when we fight, people won't think that, uh--

Do they?

I don't know. Maybe?

Oh, no! [chuckles]

Probably not.

You know it's just for the kids' sake

that Gary comes over.

We're really not seeing each other.

Val is there, of course, but the only reason I visit is to see the twins.

To, you know, roughhouse,

and to let them be exposed to another adult.

Man.

Adult man.

Just so they won't be too sheltered or isolated,

just to be exposed to someone else.

Well, I'm just telling you this so you won't think that there's anything...

...at all going on between us...

...because there's not. [laughs nervously]

I never thought there was.

Well, you know...

thanks for telling me.

You know, I just-- [laughing]

Yeah, well, sure.

So, there you are.

-Oh, hi. -Hi.

Had anything to eat?

-No, I'm not hungry. -Hmm.

[upbeat instrumental playing]

I'm very glad you came.

I am, too.

Just wait.

Would you drive us home, Uncle Gary, please?

[Valene] Come on, now.

Just say goodbye.

-Please, please, please. -Please.

I'll give you a ride tomorrow, okay?

Oh, go ahead, it's okay, I brought my own car.

[both cheering]

Gary, you're gonna spoil 'em.

-It's okay, really. -You sure?

-Yeah, really. -Okay.

I'll see you later.

All right, you guys, let's get the seat in my car. Come on.

They really do seem to like him so much.

I know.

Bye-bye.

[instrumental music playing]

[instrumental music playing]

[Al] I wonder why we couldn't just leave from Lotus Point.

I bought it back for you.

The dealer said there wasn't a big demand for that kind of car.

Oh, Lilimae.

Thank you.

Oh, set the brake first.

[handbrake rattles]

[instrumental music playing]

I understand if you don't love me, Michael.

I mean, I'm-- I shouldn't expect someone like you

to fall in love with somebody like me.

Now, quit putting yourself down.

I like that sweater.

Look, I can change, I can be more like you want me to be.

I don't want you to change, Jody.

-Get off that. -You're mad at me again.

I'm not mad.

Then kiss me.

What?

-Kiss me to prove it. -Come on.

I'm not going to let you go until you kiss me.

[Michael laughs]

I mean it, come on.

Are you sure you have--

Uh...

-[Mack] Sorry. -[Eric] I got it.

No, I don't want you to hurt yourself.

[Eric] I'll be fine.

-Oh... -Mother.

Yes.

I'm so glad we had this visit.

Oh.

It really helps me understand Eric

to see him in this atmosphere.

-It does? -Absolutely.

Everything makes perfect sense now.

I understand why Eric is the way he is.

"The way he is"?

Yes, because of you.

-Me? -Yes.

Eric has this sweetness

and this healthy attitude towards women.

He doesn't have any hang-ups about that at all.

And it's all because of the way you raised him.

Oh...

You deserve a lot of credit.

And I just want you to know that I know it.

[instrumental music playing]

Thank you.

Uh, Airport Express, now departing.

She's really something, huh?

You're really something.

Come on.

-Well, you have a safe flight. -[Eric] Okay.

Linda...

[engine starts]

[indistinct chatter]

[instrumental music playing]

You feel all right?

No.

Well, I tell you what, let's do something special tonight.

Let's go to dinner.

I'll pick up the check this time, anything you want, you name it.

-You know what I feel like? -What?

Tofu and sauerkraut.

Dutch treat.

[both chuckling]

[phone ringing]

[phone ringing]

Are these all my phone messages?

[assistant over phone] Yes, Mrs. Ewing.

Charles Scott hasn't called?

[assistant] No, Mrs. Ewing.

Well, when he calls, don't put him through.

Whenever he calls, just tell him I'm not in.

-Is that clear? -[assistant] It is, Mrs. Ewing.

[sighs]

[sighs]

I don't wanna talk to my wife's nurse, I wanna talk to my wife.

Why is that impossible?

"Specific instructions,"

well, I'm giving you specific instructions

to hook me up with my wife!

Who the hell do you think is paying for this little vacation?

Who the hell do you think is paying your salary?

[receiver clacks]

[grunts]

As soon as your mother gets back,

I'm going to throw a huge party.

And then we're going to go on an expensive vacation.

And then we're going to live happily ever after.

[Gary grunts]

-Well, that'll do it. -Thank you.

Listen, if I were you, I wouldn't drive in reverse with this thing attached.

Oh, you're advising me not to drive in reverse.

I see,

recommending against driving in reverse.

Now, I'm going to call you every night during our trip

to tell you a bedtime story,

so I want you to be in your jammies,

and have your teeth brushed before I call.

-Is that a deal? -[Bobby] It's a deal.

-[Lilimae] Aw. -[Bobby] See you.

Did-- did you get married?

Okay, let's get this show on the road.

Um, no, honey,

but we are very good friends.

-Now, Mama. -Hmm?

I want you to have a wonderful trip,

and don't you dare worry about me.

-I'll try not to. -Well, don't you dare do it.

-I love you. -I love you, too.

You take good care of her.

[instrumental music playing]

-Say goodbye to Guma. -Bye. Bye-bye.

Ah, you'll remind me, uh, Lilimae,

that Gary said not to drive this thing in reverse?

I will, and you remind me

to stay near a church every Sunday.

Well, you-- you didn't tell me you were church-going.

I'm telling you now.

Bye.

-[engine starts] -Bye, Guma.

Bye-bye.

[Bobby] Bye.

[Lilimae] I've been meaning to ask you, Al,

do you have a valid driver's license?

[Al] I am not going to dignify that with an answer.

[instrumental music playing]

-[whispering] They're asleep. -Ah.

I had to tell them, "Uncle Gary went home."

They wouldn't settle down until they thought you were gone.

Well...

I guess I better leave before they find out the truth.

-Yeah. -Good night.

Good night.

Thanks for driving them home.

Oh, yeah, you're welcome.

[chuckles]

It's kind of, um--

Kind of interesting, um...

[laughing]

how, uh, everybody thought that, um, you and I...

were having an affair.

[both laughing]

[instrumental music playing]

[music continues playing]

[phone ringing]

Yeah.

[sighs]

Thank you.

[somber music playing]

[sighs]

[sighs]

It's just you and me, kid.

Just you and me.

[sighs]

[theme music playing]

[instrumental music playing]