Absolutely Devoted to You (2026)

[bunniefuu]

[lively show opening plays]

[announcer] It's time for

Merrie & Mason in the Morning!

Today's guests include

from television's

longest-running series,

On Eagle's Wing,

Jon Rogerston!

Summer DIYs from lifestyle

master Daria Daniels!

And Mason and Merrie

take on the latest dance

challenge sweeping the nation.

It's time to wake up, America!

And now, New York's own

Merrie and Mason!

Happy Monday, everybody!

Did you have

a good Fourth of July, Mason?

Uh, a little too good, Merrie.

I think I succeeded

in busting the waistband

on my stretchy pants

at the barbecue.

h*-h*!

Well, I hope

your dance shoes still fit,

because today,

we're gonna teach you

how to shed

those extra

Fourth of July pounds

with the latest dance moves

that have gone viral...

-[Sara] Hey!

-[Kaitlin] Hey.

Was your family happy

to have you for the Fourth?

Oh, yeah. Mom whipped up

her red, white,

and blue Jell-o mold.

For some reason,

it had ham in it.

Wow. Nothing says "patriotism"

like pork for dessert.

Right?

She spent the entire trip saying

how I deserve to get

the executive producer promotion

for all the holidays

I've had to skip.

Mm!

Love the new intro, Fred.

So, have you talked to Merrie

about the job?

No. No, the meeting

this morning

was all about getting us

to the top-rated slot

by the end of the summer.

My gut says they're gonna

go with an outside hire.

You just need to show them

that they already have

the best producer in-house.

Kaitlin. What's the plan?

Okay, so, last night,

I saw this clip

of this rhino

at the Cincinnati Zoo

who saved this kid

who fell into the rhino pit.

I'm thinking,

"Rhinos:

America's surprising

new best friend."

And if she doesn't go for that,

there's always the hippo

with the crocheted hat.

Oh...

You know, that one

that everybody was sharing?

Yeah, definitely

sensing a theme.

Well, yeah,

I mean, you gotta,

you know,

keep it happy and light.

Something America

can get behind, you know?

[Sara] Yeah, I'm sure

that Merrie will love it,

and now

that Ronnie is retired,

It only makes sense

to bump you up.

Well, I hope so,

otherwise I'm gonna become

New York's longest-serving

segment producer.

It's time to sink or swim.

...and for some parents,

not fast enough,

but that means it's time

for my favorite summer hit

from the super-dreamy

'90s boy band

Absolutely Yeah!

Hey, whatever happened to them?

Oh! I don't know.

But I had a such a huge crush

on the lead singer,

Derrick Dane.

Mm-hmm!

[Mason]

I think maybe you still might.

Come on, audience,

let me hear you shout,

the greatest

summer album ever...

Hotter... Than... July!

She's hotter than July

With fire in her eyes

Woo! Oh, that beat!

She's got me

burning up inside

[Merrie] I like that group!

And, remember, I'm Merrie.

-I'm Mason!

-And...

[both]

...don't wake up without us!

You okay?

Yeah. Fine. Just...

[Lucille] Yeah. Crazy.

Hey, Derrick!

Morning, gentlemen.

You ready to get

these care kits packed up?

Yeah, you know it!

Awesome. I've got everything

set up for you in the kitchen.

All righty, then.

Let's do it.

So, uh, let's do

that whole clockwise

assembly-line thing.

Uh, grab a bag.

-Yeah.

[Derrick] Uh, so how

was everybody's Fourth?

-Really good.

-Awesome. -Okay.

We got to video chat

with my dad.

Yeah? How's he doing?

Good. He's counting down

the days till he's home.

His leave came through?

Three whole weeks.

Nice!

[guys chuckling]

[Lucille] Oh, I almost forgot,

I'm gonna need

your band of merry men here

to put up some more flyers.

Of course. Thanks, Lucille.

Okay.

Oh, how are we doing

on ticket sales, by the way?

Uh, well, um,

including you and me

and half a dozen parents,

roughly that.

All right, guys.

Well, you heard the boss.

Once we're done here,

we gotta get

the rest of those flyers out.

-[Lucille] Thanks.

-Aw, man.

We just put 'em out last week.

Yeah, I just gave

all mine to my grandma

to hand out

at her knitting club.

That might explain why

we need to put them up again.

Look, I know this isn't the most

exciting thing in the world,

but we gotta get the word out.

It's only a few weeks

till the show,

and we need these ticket sales

to pay for next year's programs.

We'll do it. Right, guys?

All right.

-Yeah, let's do it.

-Let's do it.

[Derrick] There we go!

That's the spirit!

Sounds good.



[knocking]

Come in.

Hey!

[Merrie] Ah, Kaitlin.

I'm not sure if you saw,

but Mason tripped

in the craft segment

and knocked Daria

into camera four,

and she nearly lost

a pinky toe.

Can't be losing pinky toes.

I already spoke

to the floor manager

to clear the lanes,

and Daria won't be

wearing sandals again on set.

[Merrie] Amazing.

I don't know

what I'd do without you.

Funny you should say that.

Um, do you have a minute?

Yeah.

Will you make it quick, though?

I have got a ratings call

in five minutes.

Great.

Um, I have a pitch

for the Summer Beach Bash.

Wonderful!

But you'll have

to save it for next year.

Oh?

Yeah, Mason and I

already booked it.

Winkles, the lifeguard dog.

Have you seen this video?

[Merrie squeals]

He's so cute!

It'll be a great finale.

You know, lifeguard dog

at the beach bash?

He's already cracked

10 million views with this one.

Wow.

And you're okay

with helping out, you know,

until we hire

the new executive producer?

About the executive producer--

Nabbing Winkles

before Today with Tabitha

was such a huge win for us.

He's really gonna

wrap our summer up

with a bang!

I don't wanna jinx it,

but I think

with this momentum,

we're on way to become

the number-one morning show

in the country!

Well, that's what we want.

You were gonna

pitch me something?

Oh, you know,

it can wait till next year.

-[Absolutely Yeah! ringtone]

-Oh, okay, okay.

This is Winkles's trainer.

Keep up the good work, Kaitlin,

oh, and you may want

to invest in

some dog biscuits, by the way.

[Kaitlin] Right.

[Merrie] Thank you. Hello!

Dog biscuits. Yeah.

How'd it go?

Uh, well, let's just say

now would be

a really good time

for me to find out

I had a rich uncle

who left his entire estate to me

so I didn't have to worry

about lifeguard dogs

or people tripping

over their own shoelaces.

[Sara] So, not well?

No. She didn't give me

any indication

I was gonna get the job.

Well, the day's young.

[Merrie]

This cannot be happening!

-Oh, boy.

-Oh, boy.

We shook on it.

You can't back out now.

What's happening?

Oh, it seems that Tabitha

from Today with Tabitha

found out about

Winkles the lifeguard dog

and offered his trainer

a huge bonus

to do their end-of-summer show

instead of ours,

so good luck.

This is a catastrophe!

Three weeks out,

and we've lost

our headlining act.

That's a cute necklace.

I'm gonna swoop.

I'm gonna swoop!

With what? Baby hippos?

That's all I got!

Okay, but she's in a mood.

[Kaitlin] I know!

Sink or swim.

[Kaitlin] Merrie?

I heard about Winkles.

Real tragedy.

We've been neck and neck

with Tabitha all year

in the ratings.

I should've expected her

to pull a stunt like this.

Okay, well,

we'll think of another idea

for the Summer Beach Bash.

If she pulls ahead

in the ratings,

then the sponsors

are gonna flock to her,

and it'll sink us

and everything

that we've built here.

We'll turn this around.

We need something

to turn it around!

Exactly. Yep. Um...

Okay.

I'm not sure if you've heard,

but there is this baby,

he's the cutest--

-[Absolutely Yeah! ringtone]

[Merrie] One sec.

What is it?

-The dog dropped?

Yeah! I know!

And we shook on it!

We need to replace the dog.

-What about that baby hippo?

-Baby hippos?

He could wear a crochet hat!

No, call me back when

you have a good idea. Okay?

Okay, you said you had

something to pitch me?

Oh, I, uh...

um...

uh...

I need a vacation!

-Yeah.

-[Merrie whimpers]

Your ringtone.

[Merrie] Mm-hmm?

Uh...

Absolutely Yeah, the, uh,

the band with

the one-hit-wonder album

from-from the-the summer...

You wanna get

Absolutely Yeah! on our show?

Yeah!

They can play

your favorite song

at the Summer Beach Bash.

Oh... oh, that would be

a dream come true!

Right?

And then the sponsors

would flock to us.

That's right.

I mean, this would be a job.

To produce it

and-and put it all together

would be something

for, like, you know,

an executive

producer-style role...

You want to be the new E.P.?

I do.

Only if you think

that I'm ready for it, Merrie.

Kaitlin,

you're my best segment producer.

And I would still keep

producing my own segments.

There's been rumors

of an Absolutely Yeah! reunion

for decades,

and it always falls apart,

so how are you suddenly

gonna make it happen

in the next three weeks?

Well, Merrie, if there's

one thing that I'm good at,

it's, you know,

bringing people together

and making things happen.

Uh, I got this.

Oh, Kaitlin! Ha!

Yay! Yeah.

I've always wanted

to meet Absolutely Yeah!

Absolutely Yeah!

Oh! Okay. Well...

Ahem.

It's a deal.

If you get them here,

you've got the job.

Okay.

-Okay? Okay.

-Yep.

What am I gonna wear

to meet Derrick?

I don't know!

Can you get Sara

in here, please?

-Yes. Copy that.

-Oh! Work on my wardrobe.

-Getting Sara.

-Okay, and Kaitlin, Kaitlin?

-Yep! Yep?

-Listen.

You're incredible,

and I believe you can do this,

but should it not pan out

and I have to hire

an outside executive producer,

they're gonna wanna

bring in their own team,

and likely

their own segment producer.

Noted.

I got that... locked away.

-[Merrie] Go get 'em, tiger!

-[Kaitlin] Okay.

She's got this.

Did you hear that?

Yeah. Yeah, I did.

I didn't know that you were

an Absolutely Yeah! fan.

I'm not.

I mean, I might've had

a poster or two of them

when I was younger,

on my wall.

And yet you staked

your entire promotion

on getting them

back together?

Yep.

Okay.

[groans] Ugh.

Where's Winkles

the lifeguard dog

when you need him?

Oh, I don't think

he could save you.

Going to get

a boy band back together.

If anyone can do it, you can!

[muttering]

How do I get a hold of you?

Do you have a manager still?

Nope.

Bingo.

[call ringing]

Hi there! My name is Kaitlin.

I'm enquiring about a boat.



I love

all the merchandise you have.

[laughs] Yeah. Our manager

went a bit crazy with the merch

when the album came out.

There you go. Cheers.

And I ended up with all of it

after we broke up.

But it's okay.

It's a good

conversation-starter.

Yeah. Well,

Merrie would love this.

She is such a huge fan.

[chuckles] Lucky for us.

I mean, I've always loved

the idea

of getting us back together.

I feel like

the world didn't have enough

of Absolutely Yeah,

in my opinion.

-Yeah! I mean...

-Yeah.

Who wouldn't want this, right?

Have you reached out

to the rest of the group yet?

I have, yep.

Uh, and I'm meeting with you all

individually

over the next few days.

You got everyone? Really?

Well, I mean, essentially.

I'm still...

I'm still looking

for Derrick Dane.

Oh, that tracks.

You wouldn't happen to have

his contact info, would you?

Nope. No idea.

But hey, three out of four,

it's still a reunion, right?

Huh? Aha!

[chuckling]

-Right.

-Right.

So you have no idea

where I could...

get in touch with him?

Oh, well, he asked me

not to share.

Okay, so you do know

where I can find him.

But I have to respect that.

-Yes.

-Mm-hmm.

I just...

if this is gonna happen,

I-I do just need to at least

have a conversation with him,

if not to cross him

off the list.

Okay. Let's say I was to be

somewhere,

and he was there...

[Juan Carlos] Mm-hmm?

...and I just kind of

bumped into him,

you know what I mean?

Like, you didn't tell me,

but I just bumped into him.

Casually.

-"Whoops!"

-Okay! Okay.

Yeah, um...

No one told me.

Of course not.

I would never do that.

But we could just go inside,

and you could point to exactly

where that is, and...

-Just the directions?

-General directions!

-I'm still a good friend.

-Yep!

-Best friends.

-That's right!



Thank you.



Great meeting, everybody!

Let's get those volunteers

here ASAP!

Okay...

[Kaitlin] Hello?

-Hi!

-Hi.

[Lucille]

Hi. How can I help you?

Yeah, I was looking

for someone by the name

of Derrick Dane?

Is he here?

-Sorry. Who?

Derrick? Oh, uh, actually...

[chuckling]

...uh, this guy.

Right in the middle.

He might not

look like that anymore, but...

-Nope.

-Um...

No. And who are you, may I ask?

Oh, I'm Kaitlin Thomson,

from the Merrie & Mason,

The Morning Show?

Oh, yeah. That's always on

at my dental office.

Oh.

Well, your dentist

has good taste.

I'm sorry, I don't know

anyone named Derrick Dane.

Sorry.

[teens laughing]

Oh! Where are

you kids off to?

To put up the flyers

you and Derrick gave us.

[Lucille] Oh, good, good!

I have a whole bunch more!

Hold on, guys. Get back here!

I want you to paper the town!

-[boys] Go, go, go!

-No! Come back!

You little...

[Lucille sighs]

Hi there.

[Derrick] Would you, uh...

could you hold

the other side of this net?

Uh, sure. I'm...

[Derrick]

A little straighter, please?

Okay, I'm looking for...

[Derrick] A bit more taut,

if you could?

Right. Um, I'm Kaitlin.

I didn't, uh...

I didn't get your name.



Kaitlin.

I'm Derrick.

Are you here to volunteer?

No, uh...

I-I, um...

Derrick Dane, right?

[he sighs]

Oh, uh, I saw your fliers

for the variety show fundraiser.

That looks like a great event.

Uh, are you organizing that?

I mean, that makes sense,

with your experience and all.

I don't know what you mean.

Oh, well, I'm a producer with

Merrie & Mason in the Morning,

and we're doing a segment for

our End of Summer Beach Bash,

and I was hoping

to talk to you about it.

Oh, you mean

about our variety show?

I'm sure we could get

some of our acts

to perform for you.

You know, the exposure would

really help the community center

bring in donations.

Right. Yes.

A, uh, a segment

for the community center

would be great, that's right.

I just, I'm actually here

to talk to you

about a reunion show

for Absolutely Yeah!

[she chuckles]

I talked to your other bandmates

and they're in,

but, of course,

it wouldn't be a reunion show

without... Derrick Dane.

Ah.

I mean, you are

Derrick Dane, obviously?

You want Absolutely Yeah!

to get back together, huh?

Absolutely!

Yeah.

Absolutely not.

Uh, well, absolute...

uh, okay.

What do you mean,

"absolutely not"?

[Derrick]

How else can I put this?

Uh, no? Negative?

Not, happening?

Okay, let me just get a chance

to state my case.

This would be so good for you

and your former bandmates.

You mean the bandmates

who told you where to find me?

Ah, let me guess.

It was Juan Carlos.

[scoffs] Producer

never reveals her secrets.

The last time somebody tried

to track me down like this,

they got my parents' address

and showed up

at my sister's bridal shower

while we were playing games,

and tried to interview me

as a toilet-paper bride.

And that...

is totally unacceptable.

Your family won't have

anything to do with this.

This is just a reunion

to remind people

just how great you were,

and that's it.

And give up

what little anonymity

I've regained in my life?

I don't think so.

The country is aching

to feel like it did

when "Hotter Than July"

came out,

and Absolutely Yeah!

can lift us all back up,

just not without you.

The community center

is closing.

And mean what I say about doing

a segment after the reunion

to help you

with whatever you need.

Donations, volunteers,

you got it.

No. I mean, literally,

it's closing time,

and Lucille doesn't

like to stay late.

Oh! Okay, all right.

Well, why don't we get a coffee,

or maybe something stronger?

Goodbye, Kaitlin.

And, uh, little word of advice,

you don't want to get

on Lucille's bad side.

No.

Oh. Okay.

Uh, all right.

I'm...

leaving.

But we should

pick this up again.

No, we're not.

We should. We really should.

Buh-bye.

Okay. I'll be in...

I'll be in contact.

Yep. That sounds good!

[laughing]

Another one

asking for a reunion?

Yup. But this one's definitely

been the most convincing.

Okay.

Okay! Let's get outta here

before you start

having second thoughts.

There's a better chance

of it snowing in July.

-You sure about that?

-Yeah.

Thank you, dahling. Ladies?

[Merrie] And we could do

some backstage clips

and add them to social media.

That will go viral

instantaneously!

I cannot believe

I am meeting Derrick Dane.

[she squeals and laughs]

Earth to Kaitlin!

Yes! Derrick.

Um, about Derrick...

Yes! When is he coming to our

first rehearsal, by the way?

Well, uh, he might just need

a little bit more convincing.

How much more convincing?

Well, he'll be here.

You gotta get him onboard,

Kaitlin,

because we are announcing

first thing next week.

-Next week? Already?

-Yes. Yes.

It's the first reunion

of Absolutely Yeah!

since they broke up!

Mason and I

are just gonna milk this!

I have to go.

I have a meeting with Chip.

Oh, I love Chip!

Me too.

Listen, I loved Derrick first.

He's my first official crush...

Yeah.

...but Chip's so charming.

-Isn't he?

Please tell him I say hi, okay?

Tell him I can't wait

to meet him.

-I will!

-Oh, and Kaitlin...

Yeah?

I can make

this announcement, right?

I mean, I can maybe hold off

on saying Derrick's name

for a little bit, but...

but it's not a reunion

if he doesn't show up,

and the sponsors

will not like that.

No, they won't.

[Merrie] Thank you.

Have a restful weekend!

-[door closes]

I'll be dancing!

[giggling] I'm so excited!

"To Madeline,

Stay cool, even when

it's hotter than July."

[chuckling] "Chip."

There you go.

[he chuckles]

-[woman] Thank you!

-Sorry 'bout that.

-No. No, no.

I hate disappointing my fans.

Right.

So, uh, where were we?

Uh, we were talking

about Derrick.

Right. Right.

Pretty impressive

that you found him.

You know his real name

is Derrick DeWitt, right?

I did not.

That might explain

why I couldn't find him

on social media.

Yeah, that, and he wants

nothing to do with it.

-Right.

-At all. Ha.

Okay.

I was hoping

that maybe you could help me

understand a little bit more

about that.

Mm. Okay.

You want me

to give you something

so that it'll convince him

to perform at the reunion?

Oh, no! No, no, no, no.

I don't want you to turn

your friend in or anything.

I just... I was just hoping

I could understand a little more

about why he's so secretive.

Yeah, um, you know,

"D" really started

keeping to himself

right after we released

Hotter Than July.

I mean, we wanted

to keep the band going,

you know, do another album,

but... I don't know.

I think all that attention

just didn't sit well with him.

How so?

Well, the more famous we got,

the bigger the venues got,

and the less we could

really connect with people,

and that's really important

to Derrick.

That's just who he is, you know?

Hmm.

At any rate, uh, I'm in,

whether you have Derrick or not.

-[both chuckling]

-Great.

Sorry. I gotta cut this short.

[Kaitlin] No.

[Chip] Promised my mom I'd

help in the backyard, so...

Oh. Well, um,

thanks so much, Chip.

[Chip] Pleasure.

I'll be in touch.

You bet.

[she sighs]

[phone ringing]

Hey.

Hey! How did it go?

Did you get any

useful information from Chip?

Uh, no.

No more useful information

than when I started.

Aw. Okay. Well,

what are you gonna do?

I'm gonna figure something out.

Well, if they bring in

an outsider,

are they gonna hire

a whole new team?

I'm not going

to let that happen.

'Cause we're a family.

That's right.

Sara...

you're a genius.

Thank you.

Wait. I am?

[Kaitlin] Yeah. Yeah.

I think... I think

I just figured out

how I'm gonna get Derrick

to do the show.

[Sara] Oh, okay! Call me back.

Uh, check?



[Derrick] So, what's

going on with you?

You wanna talk about it?

Um, we just found out

that my dad can't get leave

in August after all.

Aw, man.

I'm so sorry, Jordan.

My mom's real tore up about it.

[Derrick sighs] Yeah.

He was supposed to be here

for their 25th anniversary.

I know you were planning

a big party.

Now we just have a house full

of silver anniversary

decorations,

and my mom says we're gonna have

to call everyone and cancel.

She cried all night, but I--

I don't know what to do

to fix it.

[Derrick] Hey.

You can't expect

to take on all that yourself.

It's my job

to take care of my family

while my dad is gone.

It's your job to be a kid.

Let the adults take care

of the adult problems.

I'll talk to your mom,

help her

with the decoration returns.

You know, Jordan,

in times like these,

I try to find something

I can fix.

You know?

It makes me feel better.

Like what?

Well, you can help your mom

in other ways around the house,

but I was also thinking about

the Summer Variety Show.

Oh, man, I...

please don't make me

put up any more flyers.

[they laugh]

No more flyers.

You know, I was thinking

you and the guys

could perform in the show.

[laughing] Really?

-Yeah.

-That'd be--

good luck

trying to convince them to.

Luckily for me,

that's your job.

Look, I've seen the dancing

videos that you guys post.

They're... they're awesome.

You know, this is no different.

It's just live, in front

of actual people.

[footsteps approach] Hi.

[chuckles awkwardly]

It's me again.

-You!

-Yeah.

Again. Miss, uh...

Thomson.

Thomson, right.

Yeah. Uh, well, I'm...

back because

I want to help

the community center.

Oh? Really.

Yep. Yeah.

Uh, do...

do you think I could...

get a tour, or...?

Derrick, it sounds like

she wants

to help the community center.

Uh, he's always saying

we need everyone to lend a hand.

-Yes. Yes, I am...

-That's right.

...always saying that,

because it's true.

I like him.

Okay, sure. A quick tour.

[Kaitlin] Great!

[Derrick] After you.

[Derrick] The gymnasium's

right through here.

[Kaitlin] I didn't realize

that Derrick Dane

was your stage name.

Let me guess... again.

Chip.

He'll say anything

to impress a beautiful woman.

Our manager didn't think

that Derrick DeWitt

would sell as many albums,

but the boys don't know anything

about that part of my life.

I'd like to keep it that way.

[Kaitlin]

I will not say a word.

Not like they're old enough

to know who I am anyway...

who I was.

Your former bandmates

couldn't help

with donations

to the community center?

With what?

We didn't actually

own Absolutely Yeah!

You know, we were kids

when we signed that deal.

Turns out, everything

belonged to our manager

and the record company.

We all walked away

with virtually nothing.

I'm sorry that that happened

with your manager.

Ah, it's fine.

I wasn't in it

for the money anyway.

But I definitely

learned some lessons

about trusting people.

You know, I think I got it.

You have a plan

to help the community center,

and it hinges on me

doing your Absolutely Yeah!

reunion concert?

That was...

-Pretty close?

-Yeah, it was pretty close.

I know you want more exposure

for the community center, right?

I did.

I want to help

produce the variety show.

Our variety show?

[Kaitlin] Yep!

I know you don't

trust me yet... yet,

but it seems like you're in

a little bit of a pinch.

It's not me.

It's the community center.

And you're dedicated to that.

Just like

I'm dedicated to my crew.

Your crew?

Without going into

all the details,

if this reunion show

doesn't happen,

a lot of people that I happen

to be really partial to

are gonna lose their jobs,

including me,

so I'm doing this for them,

just like

you're doing this for your boys.

[he sighs]

Okay.

"Okay" you'll do the show?

I will think

about doing the concert

if you can boost ticket sales.

That sounds like a deal.

That... a deal.

It's leaning toward a deal.

Let's just, uh,

continue to look

at the rest of the center.

I like the way that

this conversation is going now!



[Kaitlin] Hi!

[Lucille] We don't open

until nine.

Oh, that's too bad,

because I have

this large iced

mocha latte with whipped cream

and chocolate sprinkles

that won't be "iced" by then.

h*, h*, h*.

You're in luck!

We're opening early today.

Come to Mama. Ha ha!

I have a special guest

coming in this morning.

Would you mind showing him

to the gym when he gets here?

I wouldn't mind at all.

And if you keep these coming,

you can bring in

a marching band of clowns,

for all I care.

-Thank you.

[chuckling]

Have a great day! Mm.

[door opening]

Hey! Not open yet. 9:00.

Shut the door!

Okay! Let's go! Go...

-Elbows?

-Guys?

I brought you in early

so you could show me what

you've been working on,

so let's see it.

-Let's do it.

-We're ready.

It's-it's good. You'll like it.

Watch this.

[dance song playing]



Wow.



All right. All right. Cut. Cut.



[turning music off]

Take five.

That bad?

Not great.

Double espresso.

Black... aside from

a dash of nutmeg.

Nice.

How did you know

my coffee order?

A producer has her ways.

Huh.

Hi, everyone.

Hi.

I'm Kaitlin Thomson,

and Derrick has asked me

to help get the word out

about your variety show,

so I'm here

to put together a routine

that will help people

wanna come and see the show.

Where'd she come from, Derrick?

Just, uh... just go with it.

Don't worry, man.

She's cool.

Then why has she not

brought us any coffee yet?

What's that...

what's that, Evan?

[Evan] Why didn't she

get us any coffee?

I can bring you

coffee tomorrow,

and if you really impress me,

I'll even bring donuts,

but for now,

I have brought someone else.

This is my friend. Hi.

Hey.

Paul Becker.

-Hey, Paul. Derrick.

-Hey. Pleasure.

[Derrick] Welcome.

[Kaitlin] And he's

a famous choreographer

who's worked with

some of the biggest names

in the entertainment business.

Oh, yeah? Like who?

Oh, pretty much

everyone, like...

Yeah, yeah.

We already got moves.

-Yeah. you saw us.

-Right, Derrick?

It's all right.

That's exactly what

the Jonas Brothers said

on the first day

of rehearsal.

-Wow.

-Like, the actual...

Jonas Brothers?

I will leave you to it.

All right, boys.

Let's get to work.

So, you sure you have time

to produce your summer TV thing

and a variety show?

You know, I was once captain

of both

my high school volleyball

and basketball team,

at the same time.

-Wow.

-Yeah, I know.

-Impressive.

-Isn't it?

[they laugh]

[Kaitlin] Not only is he

one of the best choreographers

in the country,

but he also happens to have

a very large

social media following,

and he's agreed

to do some fun posts for us.

Oh, so that's it?

Social media?

That's your... your home run?

Oh, well, to be fair,

I did try to get

the infamously reclusive

lead singer

of Absolutely Yeah!

but he's a little cagey,

so I decided to go with this.

I mean, unless somebody's

decided to play ball.

Still happy on the bench.

Besides, it seems like

you kinda know

what you're doing.

Oh. I do.

Thank you.

Can I continue...

doing what I'm doing?

-Be my guest.

-Okay. Great.

So, where'd you

find this guy, anyway?

Uh...

I love people who have

a passion to inspire.

Kinda like you.

Like a younger me, maybe.

Are you gonna tell me

why you and your band--

I'm not going there.

Okay.

Look, I'm happy where I'm at,

working here,

at the community center.

And I am not trying

to pull you away from that.

I... I am just trying to put on

an "A"-plus variety show.

Well, as far as producers go,

you're doing

a pretty good job so far.

Was that a compliment?

Maybe.

I feel like I...

I feel like it was.

What I really want to know

is how you knew my coffee order.

[they laugh]

Like you said,

I'm good.

Mm-hmm. And modest.

-[she laughs]

-Very, very modest.

[both chuckling]

[panting wearily]

I don't understand

these former star types.

-Doorbell?

-They write one fancy album,

and then, all of a sudden,

we have to go

to their fancy beach house

to do costume fittings.

Well, I offered.

I'm hoping he can

help us lock in Derrick.

Well, he's probably

just lying on the couch,

cashing in royalty checks

as we speak.

You good?

Yeah, I'm good.

[locks turning]

Sorry, I was just on the phone

trying to adopt a rescue puppy.

It's such a process.

[Sara giggles]

Hi.

Hi!

Hi. Kaitlin.

From the Merrie & Mason

in the Morning show.

This is my associate...

-Sara. I'm Sara.

Great to meet you in person.

Uh, please, come on in.

-After you?

-Oh. Yes.

-Hi.

-Wow!

Your wife did an amazing job

decorating this place.

[TJ] Not married.

Girlfriend?

Nope. All me.

A man of many talents.

Oh, yeah. Yeah.

We're just gonna...

take a few quick...

-Oh! Yeah.

-...measurements,

then we'll be out of your hair

real quick.

As long as she promises

to be gentle with me.

[Sara] Oh.

[Kaitlin] Hmm.

So, you've talked

to Juan Carlos and Chip?

I have, yes, and they are both

in for the reunion.

And Derrick?

Told you to... take a hike?

Ha! Yeah, he did.

At least he's consistent.

Mm. Yeah.

Um, actually,

you two were close

when you were in the band.

I was hoping maybe

you could give me some insight

as to why he's so...

Prickly?

Derrick comes

from pretty humble origins.

He was never comfortable

with the limelight.

Mm. That's what Chip said.

The media attention,

guest interviews,

you know, all that stuff,

he just hated it.

Just wanted to focus

on the music.

-Yeah.

-Just in case.

[Sara and TJ chuckle]

Ah, makes sense.

You two... stay in touch?

The occasional birthday card.

[chuckles sadly]

When he quit, it was, uh,

it was pretty tough on everyone.

Mm-hmm. You good?

Uh-huh! Yep. I'm good.

-You're good?

-Yeah, I'm good.

I'm-I'm awesome. Fine.

-Me too.

-[Sara giggles]

Okay, well,

this has been...

very insightful.

Thank you so much.

We're just gonna...

If you need anything else,

just let me know.

I'm happy to help.

-Okay.

I'll-I'll show you out.

-Those are cute!

-No.

Are those bobbleheads?

Oh, wow.

-It's right through.

-Oh.

[TJ] Bobbleheads.

Yup.

-[Kaitlin] I know.

-[Sara] That's very fun.

-[Kaitlin] No. No.

[traffic droning]

[Kaitlin]

And right through here,

we've got

the Merrie & Mason Show.

-[guys chuckling]

-Okay, okay, okay.

-[Juan Carlos] That's beautiful.

-[Kaitlin] Right?

Yeah. All the lights.

[Kaitlin] Pretty cool.

Hello, hello. Where's Derrick?

Derrick? Oh, he's not here yet.

Why?

He's just is a little shy

around media personalities.

But I do have Chip

and Juan Carlos here.

We're gonna do some

behind-the-scenes footage today.

It's an absolute pleasure.

Pleasure's mine!

What's up, Merrie? [kissing]

Oh! I cannot wait

for the performance.

And neither can we.

Right, guys?

Absolutely Yeah

[Merrie squeals]

[guys chuckling]

My heart is exploding!

[Kaitlin] Well, I would be

a bad producer

if I didn't say we have

a lot to do with a little time,

so I'm gonna steal these guys,

and we're gonna...

[Merrie] Of course, of course!

[Kaitlin]

...get right on it here...

Don't want to ruin the magic.

I can't wait

to meet Derrick in person.

Yeah. Absolutely yeah.

Absolutely Yeah

Where does it go?

Yeah

[announcer] And now

we're back with Merrie & Mason!

Welcome back, everybody!

Are you guys ready

for our big announcement

that we've been promising you?

If you're standing up,

you might want to put

some pillows down,

because you just might faint.

We like to top it all off here

every single year

at our End of Summer Beach Bash.

There's no way we're ever gonna

top this one, though, Merrie.

Oh, well,

should we give them a hint?

Oh, I don't know, Merr.

Should we?

[Merrie] Oh, come on, Mason.

Mm...

Drum roll, please?

-[drumming]

-Oh!

Roll it!

[song clip plays]

She's hotter than July

[Merrie gasps]

Hotter than July

She's hotter than July



Oh, what does it all mean,

Merrie?

It means that

in two weeks' time,

at the End of Summer

Beach Bash,

the hottest, hunkiest boy band

that has ever roamed this Earth

will be reuniting here

to sing "Hotter Than July"!

Ooh! Somebody wipe my brow.

It just went up

10 degrees in here.

If you're sweating now, Mason,

just you wait

till Absolutely Yeah! reunites

right here on this stage!

[Mason] Two weeks? No way

I can wait that long.

You're gonna have to!

[Mason] We're gonna head

to commercial,

but don't go anywhere,

when we get back,

we've got sophisticated

sun visors

that'll take you from day...

-Ooh! [snapping]

-...to night.

[Merrie chuckles]

You don't want to miss it!

[A.D.] And we're out.

Okay, so what's

going on with Derrick?

I'm working on it.

But at what point

does he just have to say yeah?

When I start selling tickets

to his show.

Oh! Maybe I can get TJ

to talk to him.

TJ?

Wait...

are you two dating?

Maybe we went

on a couple of dates.

Maybe? "A couple of dates"?

Unbelievable.

He's so great,

and he owns a surf shop.

-Does he?

-Mm-hmm!

Well, maybe he can

give me a job

after they inevitably

replace me.

You are being very dramatic.

-I need to get out of here.

-Okay.

[A.D.] We're back in five.

Um, Mason? Psst! Mason!

-[A.D.] ...two, one.

-[Mason] Oh. Right.

[Merrie] Welcome back!

Tenderloin,

beefsteak, and gravy.

-Oh...

-Bam.

-Dang it!

-Oh, my.

[Derrick] Hey, not so fast,

there, big boy.

I'm coming for ya.

Bam!

-Okay.

-You like that?

-Okay.

[all laughing]

Man.

So, uh, what's with

this Kaitlin person

you've pawned off on us?

She's, uh, helping us out

with the variety show.

Get more butts in the seats.

I like her.

Knows what she's doing.

{Derrick] Yeah.

So, when are you

gonna ask her out, Derrick?

How many times

have I told you guys

I'm not talking

about my personal life?

[laughter]

Whoa, whoa! Why not?

We could offer you

valuable advice.

Like what?

-Like asking out Kaitlin!

-[laughter]

I saw how you looked at her

when she got you your coffee.

[Jordan] Come on,

you can admit it to us.

We know you like her.

Like, like-like her.

There may be

certain things about her

that I find

somewhat likeable, yeah.

Who's likeable?

-[boys cough]

-Wow.

Uh, uh, we were just

talking about, um...

[Derrick sighs]

...uh, Lucille!

-Yeah. Exactly. Yes.

-Uh, on a good day.

[Lucille] I heard that!

Hi, boys.

-How're you doing?

-Good. How are you?

Good.

Um, I have Justin here,

and he's gonna be

doing some voice lessons

with you today.

But we can already sing.

Oh? Like

you could already dance?

Remember when you told me that?

-[laughter]

-Yeah.

If you pay attention,

you might learn something new,

so let's... let's do this.

[boys sighing]

Hey. Oh. Um, Derrick?

I-I was thinking,

having you and Kaitlin

watching, I think,

is gonna make me feel pretty

self-conscious about my voice,

so I think you should, uh,

you should go somewhere else,

on your... on your own.

[Derrick scoffs]

-Oh, yeah!

-The anxiety!

He gets like an anxious tummy...

[Derrick]

Okay! Okay. We're good.

-...voice cracks.

-We're good.

I think they're kicking us out.

Mm.

It seems so.

It's a beautiful day out there.

Would you, uh, care

to join me for a walk?

I mean, unless that is crossing

a professional boundary, or...?

Well, let me check my

"Not Crossing Professional

Boundaries" manual real quick.

[laughing]

Yeah. We're good.

All right. After you.

[laughs] Okay.

-[Derrick sighs]

-[Kaitlin] Okay.

[Jordan] Yes!

[laughing]

[Derrick] I've been working

at the center

for almost ten years now.

Before that,

I was doing music lessons

and volunteering on the side,

until Lucille offered me

a full-time position

as Activities Director.

[Kaitlin] Sounds like

it keeps you busy.

[Derrick] You could say that.

We offer a lot

of essential programs

to families in our community...

cooking classes,

basketball camps,

you know, childcare,

tutoring for our kids

during the school year...

and if the after-school

program closes,

all that goes away.

[Kaitlin]

Would you lose your job?

[Derrick] Likely,

but that's not

what keeps me up at night.

It's these boys.

You know, the center's

a lifeline for them, you know?

It gives them structure,

it keeps them on the right path.

After my life in music,

I wanted to do something

that mattered.

You know?

Give something back.

Mm. Your music

wasn't doing that?

Not in the way I wanted.

You wanna sit?

-Sure.

-All right.

You know, I know

a lot of musicians who say

that their music

brings people joy,

but I've never really felt that.

-Hmm.

-I mean, we had a lot of fans,

but I never got to connect

with them on a human level.

Not like I do at the center.

Well, I happen to know

for a fact

that your music

brings a lot of people joy,

but I hear

what you're saying.

Hmm.

Now, you bring people joy.

Oh yeah? [laughing]

Segments on baby animals...

-Mm.

...and the latest dance trends?

I may have watched

a couple episodes.

-Oh yeah?

-Yeah.

I know it sounds silly,

but we're the start

of a lot of people's day,

and it's our job to, you know,

wake 'em up

and send 'em out into the world

with just a little bit

of positivity,

and sometimes that means,

uh, dancing baby animals.

[they laugh]

Well, I get that,

and it's not silly.

It's actually

pretty important.

I picked morning TV

because I-I wanted to put

uplifting things out there

and fill people with joy.

It's sort of the show's

whole reason for existing.

Well, who can argue with that?

If I told you

you didn't have to do

any interviews or appearances?

You just get up,

sing a song, get out...

You don't quit, do you?

No.

I mean, you know you still

have to deliver on your end?

Oh, I'll deliver.

That... I never fail on.

Uh... I should get

back to the studio.

Hey.

Um, you know, I have

to pick up some donations

for the variety show

first thing tomorrow.

If you're coming in to see

the boys rehearse anyway,

maybe you'd want to join me,

help out?

You sure?

Then it's a date.

I mean, not a... not a date.

You know,

just another walk and talk,

and maybe some food.

Just walking and talking

and eating.

Okay.

Walking and talking and eating?

[he chuckles]

Sounds a little like a date.

Tsk. Yeah.

You trying to date me?

[chuckling] No.

[she chuckles]

I think you might be.

[exhaling] Ahh...

are you gonna wait for me

or what?

[chuckling]

Come on.

[Derrick] Ahh, hey.

[Lucille] Hi.

Um, interesting deal

that you've made

with this Kaitlin character.

[Derrick] She knows

what she's doing.

Besides, the boys love her.

Yeah. That's not what I mean.

You and I both know you're

not gonna do this reunion,

so why do you keep

stringing her along?

She's not gonna stop

trying to change my mind.

In case you haven't noticed,

she's pretty stubborn.

Kinda like your type.

[he chuckles]

And what're you gonna do

when she sells out the show?

I didn't promise her anything.

Uh-huh.

Okay, well,

mark my words, Derrick.

Um, that girl is gonna

see this thing through

to the finish,

and then you're gonna

have to pay up.

Just sayin'.

[sighing]

Five, six,

a-five, six, seven, eight.

One, two,

three, four, five, six,

seven, eight,

and one, two, three, four...

[Derrick chuckles]

...six, seven... good!

Yeah, you guys are getting it!

You guys are feeling it!

All right, good, good, good.

All right. Don't stop it.

Keep going. Keep going.

One, two, three, and four,

five, six, seven, eight.



[A.D.] 30 seconds, folks!

We're back in in 30.

[Mason] Oh, you're kidding!

[Merrie] What?

One of our sponsors

just pulled out.

What?

Well, I think

they're obviously concerned

that we haven't

mentioned Derrick Dane.

Without him, they don't think

our Absolutely Yeah! reunion

will be absolutely as big

as they were expecting.

-We're back in three, two...

-Okay.

...one.

Well, you're probably wondering

about our little costume change.

Things are

really heating up around here,

and we figured

we should dress the part.

Mm-hmm!

And, uh, only a week and a half

left to go until--

And I know our fans

have been a-twitter

with one big question.

Oh. And what's that?

Well, one member

of Absolutely Yeah!

has been under the radar

and out of the spotlight

for years.

He's seemingly disappeared.

Yeah, that... that's true.

But our fans want to know

if we're really delivering.

So, Mason, give us the truth.

Will Derrick Dane

be participating

in the Absolutely Yeah!

End of Summer

Beach Bash reunion?

[awkward chuckle]

Well, you know,

we really don't want

to disappoint our fans...

And so we won't!

Derrick Dane will be reuniting

with Absolutely Yeah!

at the End of Summer Beach Bash

reunion concert!

Well...

-[squealing] Yeah!

-Look at that!

[studio applause rises]

[Merrie] High five. High five!

[Mason] Wow.

[applause]

[Merrie]

We're going to do this.

[Mason] What a surprise!

[Merrie] We love you.

I'm so excited!

[Derrick] This place is one

of the best-kept secrets

on Long Island.

The owner was a program kid.

He donates pizzas

for the show's concessions

every year.

Says it's his way

of paying it forward.

-Hey, Derrick!

-What's up, Joel?

[chuckling] Hi.

-This is Kaitlin.

-Hey.

She's volunteering

at the community center.

-Nice to meet you.

-Nice to meet you.

Derrick

is the best of the best.

Listen, it's been

crazy here today,

so I don't have everything

gathered up for you.

All good.

Why don't I get you guys

a couple of slices...

Ah, that would be great.

[Joel] I will

get myself organized.

Sure!

And I will get you

those vouchers

in a couple of seconds.

-Sounds good, man. Thanks.

-Okay. Enjoy.

-[Kaitlin] Uh...

-[Derrick] Let's sit over here.

-[Kaitlin] Okay.

-[Derrick] Good, right?

Yeah. Pizza for breakfast?

It's been a minute.

Mm. Pizza's great

any time of day!

That's true.

Mm!

Right?

This is really good!

Joel's pizza is legendary.

[Kaitlin] Mm-hmm.

Have you had any word

on whether ticket sales have

picked up for the variety show?

I know that Paul's been posting

some videos of the boys

and rehearsals.

You know, honestly,

I haven't heard anything yet.

I mean, hopefully

that picked up.

I can sh**t Lucille a message

and let you know.

Okay, well,

what I want to know,

how did you become

part of a boy band

in the first place?

Started writing songs

in my garage,

and then

we entered this competition.

We didn't win,

but this guy who would

later become our manager

saw us and said

we had "potential,"

and before I knew it,

we were recording an album.

Well, that sounds exciting.

Yeah.

We went

from trying to find prom dates

to selling out arenas

all around the country.

Well, I bet it made

finding a prom date easier.

Yeah.

[both laughing]

Well, either way,

you made a great album

and an unforgettable summer

for an entire country.

[phone ringing]

Sorry.

Um, what's up?

Is everything okay?

Oh, yeah. Yeah, yeah.

It's just... work.

You know, in this business,

everything's an emergency

until it's not.

One of the many things

I don't miss about it.

Mm.

[Joel] Hey, Derrick?

Got those vouchers.

Be right back.

Okay.

[sighing]

[Joel and Derrick chatting]

[dance music thumping]

[Derrick Yeah!

Looking good, fellas!

I knew you'd find that swag.

That was good!

That was good! Yeah!

Ow! Ahh, my ankle!

[Derrick]

Jordan, you all right?

-Um...

-You all right?

-Sorry.

-What's up?

It hurts. It kinda hurts.

Uh, Marco,

can you go get some ice,

and Spencer,

can you grab the chair?

[Derrick] Easy.

-[Kaitlin] Thank you.

-[Derrick] There you go.

My jacket.

[Jordan inhales sharply]

-Owie.

-Here.

Okay, well,

I guess that's a wrap

on rehearsal for today.

[boys chuckling]

Just leave the ice on it,

keep it elevated,

and we'll see

about getting you home.

-Thanks.

-Can you guys not do the...

you know, chest-bumping...

-Chest bump?

...thing

that you like to do anymore?

I really need each of you

at least until the end

of the week

in one piece, okay?

Okay, well,

you guys hang with Jordan,

and I will

walk Nurse Kaitlin out.

[chuckling] Oh, right.

Okay.

Thanks, guys.

Be right back, guys.

Sorry, man.

[laughing]

You trying to take me out

so you can be

the star of the show?

I don't need to do that.

This face is always

the star of the show.

[laughing]

Hey.

Thanks for that.

Yeah.

And, uh, for everything

you're doing here.

You're, uh...

you're pretty impressive.

In a lot of ways.

As are you.

[they chuckle]

Jordan needs more ice.

You know where it's at!

[chuckling]

These guys.

[phone ringing]

I should probably... go.

Lucille just texted back.

She said we've only sold

a handful more tickets.

Oh. Okay.

Look, I-I know how hard

you're working on this,

so if it's not gonna work out,

maybe we should

just call it quits.

Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa.

Does this look like

a face of a quitter?

[she laughs]

No, no, no, no.

No, no, no, sir!

I do not quit!

No, sirree.

Plus, we have a deal, right?

Sure.

Yep. Okay, Jordan,

stay off that foot!

[guys] Okay!

Don't... say a word.

Hi.

Hi! I have been trying

to get a hold of you all day.

-I know. I saw.

-And?

And... Hi. Kaitlin.

I know he won't be doing

any reunion

unless I sell out

his show, so...

Okay, well, you have a way

of bringing people together

and making things happen.

[radio] Here's

an oldie but a goodie

summer anthem for you.

Oh, yeah

Hey, uh, Sara?

I'm gonna

call you back, okay?

Okay.

She's brighter

than the summer sun

[call ringing]

-Hi, TJ?

-Hello.

-It's Kaitlin.

-Kaitlin!

I have an idea.

[Merrie sighs] Where's Kaitlin?

I need the 411

on Mr. Derrick Dane.

I've seen all the other

Absolutely Yeah! guys here,

but I still haven't seen him.

[Sara] Really?

-Yeah.

-I've seen him a ton.

Ohh!

Oh, h*... [chuckling]

[exhaling]

Tell me what he's like.

Does he smell good?

Smell good?

[Merrie] Yes.

I imagine he smells like...

vanilla

and soft, fine

Italian leather.

Mm-hmm, yeah.

Just like that.

Oh! Is he as handsome

as he used to be?

I read in a magazine once

that when he laughs,

his eyes

turn from blue to green.

Oh... [chuckling]

You know, Merrie,

I... I didn't notice.

Well, I'm so excited

to meet him.

It is gonna be

the best day of my life,

better than when they crowned me

"Miss Americana."

-Merrie?

-Kaitlin.

Help me.

Got your 911.

Don't you look lovely in pink?

Kaitlin, how's it going

with Derrick?

-Derrick?

-Yeah.

Uh... everything's on track.

-It is?

-It is?

Yep.

[Merrie] Even Derrick?

I mean, I had to announce

that he was

going to be on the show,

because the sponsors

were gonna pull out,

so I need to know if Derrick

is really going to show up

for the reunion.

Can't imagine he won't,

but I will keep you posted.

Okay, Kaitlin,

I don't need to know

everything

my executive producer does,

but I need to know

that I can trust you.

Can I trust you with this?

Yeah. You can trust me.

Good.

I knew it! Crisis averted.

Yeah. I'm gonna

go back to work.

-Oh. Okay, you do that.

-Okay.

Thank you, ladies.

[Sara] All right. I'll be back.

I appreciate you both.

Good news all around. Okay.

I'll put the recording on,

and then you guys just

jump right in with the song,

and...

-[dance music thumping]

Derrick! Hey!

Come on. It's our time.

[turning the music off]

[Lucille] No...

[sighing]

Fine. We'll come back.

Sorry, guys.

Sorry. Really sorry.

All right. Great work, guys.

Let's make room

for the next act,

and maybe we can run it

one more time outside?

Uh, we kinda have

somewhere to be.

Oh. O-Okay. What, everyone

has somewhere to be?

Oh, we're going...

Mother's Day shopping?

For our moms.

-Yes!

Mother's Day was in May.

Yeah, but we,

we all forgot it.

So now we have to fix it.

Uh, together.

'Cause we're besties!

[all chuckling]

Maybe we could do it,

uh, one more time?

Yeah, but after that,

we definitely gotta go.

No, no, no. It's all good.

Just do what you gotta do.

It's fine.

I know you got it.

Hey, Derrick?

You all right?

Yeah. Yeah. Heck, yeah.

I just... I got a lot to do

to get ready for the show,

so, um, go get your mom

a Mother's Day present.

[chuckling awkwardly]

Okay. Um,

so he definitely knows

we're not buying gifts.

We can't worry

about that right now.

We gotta catch the bus,

or we're gonna be late

for Kaitlin.

I--

I don't know,

maybe we just should tell him.

But Kaitlin said no.

It'll mess everything up.

Okay. All-all right.

Let's do it.

They are my favorite boy band!

[Sara] Oh!

Sorry.

TJ!

What are you doing here?

Last-minute rehearsal thing

for the show.

Oh, is that why

you couldn't come to dinner?

Yes. And I'm lost.

Do you know where studio two is?

Oh, it is just that way,

around the corner.

-Okay.

-Hey, uh, hey.

So, Kaitlin is really

putting on a brave face,

but I can tell deep down,

that she is very worried,

and as her best friend,

that makes me very worried,

so don't you feel like

maybe it would be

in everybody's best interest

if...

you spill the beans,

tell me what's happening?

She said you'd try to break me,

and I'm not supposed

to fall for it.

I just want to know

what's happening!

It's TJ!?

It's Merrie! Gotta go.

Oh! Oh, come back later.

[blowing a kiss]

[Merrie] What?

He's my second favorite,

after Derrick.

[giggling]

-[door opening]

-Oh!

Okay!



[Derrick]

Come on, sit over there.

[Kaitlin] So you were saying,

um, about Jordan,

that his dad wasn't able

to get the leave?

[Derrick]

It's not looking good.

[Kaitlin] Aw.

[Derrick]

Jordan puts on a brave face,

but I know

it really gets to him.

Mm.

That must be hard for his mom.

And for Jordan.

All I can do

is lend that extra support

and try to give him

something to look forward to.

Mm. Well,

you're doing a good job.

Well, that's why the programs

at the community center

are so important.

Mm!

So... you've told me

how you joined the band,

but you haven't told me

how you started singing

in the first place?

Mm, no, enough about me.

Tell me about you.

I mean, you're literally

the most determined

and ambitious person

I've ever met.

Where does that come from?

What drives you?

Um... I don't know.

I grew up wanting

to do something special.

You know? Make a difference

in some way.

I was always

this bossy little girl

who just wanted

everybody to be happy

and have a good time.

Wasn't always that way

in my house,

so I think I...

I want to put that

into other people's homes,

and it wasn't gonna be

singing or dancing, so, ha!

Um, producing it was.

[background music playing]

Well, I get

wanting to be behind the scenes.

Mm.

But no dancing? Really?

Hmm? Dancing?

-No.

-[he laughs]

Well, that's too bad,

because I brought you here

specifically to dance.

-No, you didn't.

-I did.

-No, you didn't. No, no...

-[he laughs]

No. No.



Trust me. All right?

You want me to trust you, right?

Put myself back out there?

You gotta show me

you can do the same.

This is gonna get you

to do the show?

I have two left feet!

Well, luckily for you...

-[she laughs]

-...I have two right ones.

Come on. Let's do this.

[sighing]

-Get up here!

-Oh!



-I'm sorry, I tol--

-It's okay. Just relax.

I don't know how to relax.

Okay.

Everything's

gonna be all right

As long as

we're movin' things forward

So, this is...

starting to feel like a...

Like a date?

That was the plan.

That everything's

gonna be all right

Oh yeah?

[he chuckles]



Uh, is it true that your eyes

turn from blue to green

when you smile?

Nah, that's just

another rumor about me.

Oh, it's just a rumor.

Tabloid gossip.

Okay. Phewf!



Oh, no!

-Little dip?

-No! No...

[they laugh]



...and our Naval Ship

Open House

is a great opportunity

for the public to visit us

and learn more about what we do.

[Mason] Sounds perfect

for the whole family.

Absolutely. If you've got

kids who love ships,

this is the event for them.

Commander, thank you so much

for joining us

and for helping us

get the word out

about the National

Naval Ship Open House

that starts this weekend.

So get your tickets!

[Mason] Don't miss it.

-[applause]

-[A.D.] And we're out.

-[Merrie] Thank you so much.

-[Commander] My pleasure.

Hi. I'm Kaitlin,

the segment producer.

It's nice to meet you.

I was wondering if I could

ask you a quick question?

Of course.

What can I do for you?

Okay. Just come right over here.

[boys laughing]

[Derrick] Whoa!

Where's everybody

off to in such a hurry?

You can't be done

with the rehearsal already.

Yeah, no, we're-we're, I mean,

we're-we're meeting

Kaitlin later.

I wasn't aware of that.

Should I stick around

and lock up?

No. That's okay.

We're-we're not

meeting here anyway.

Okay. Well, you need a ride?

[all] No.

Thank you.

You know, I already bought

the whole

Mother's Day in July thing,

so what's the deal here?

What're you guys up to?

It's nothing, really.

Just kind of like a...

-I wouldn't worry about it.

-It's nothing, really. I swear.

You wouldn't lie to me,

would you?

No. Uh, no way.

I promise.

Okay. I believe you.

Just excited to see

the latest version of the act.

Yeah, that's all

we're working on,

around the clock.

It'll be good.

Okay.

-Man, that was close.

-Way too close.

[dialing]

[call ringing]

[Kaitlin]

Hey, Jordan. What's up?

Hey, Kaitlin.

Yeah, we just ran into Derrick,

and I-I think

he's onto something,

but I-I...

-Okay.

I can't do this anymore.

All right. Talk to me.

I can't lie to Derrick anymore.

He almost caught us.

I-I feel terrible.

Okay, just remember, Jordan,

we're doing this for Derrick.

Right?

I know, but...

look, it just,

it doesn't feel right.

Okay?

I'm sorry,

but he needs to know.

[Kaitlin] Okay. Um...

Then I guess

we'll just, uh...

we'll bring him in

on the surprise early.

Wake Street Community Center!

Got me burning up inside

Beyond compare!

The reunion of the year!

Hey, yo, we back!

It's the reunion of the year!

Yeah!

That's right! It's gonna

be hotter than July, guys!

Get tickets from Lucille

at the front desk!

She's the coolest!

She's ready for you! Oh yeah!

-Absolutely Yeah!

-Whoo!

[Kaitlin] Nice!

That's how

you do a livestream!

Amazing!

[guys chuckling]

You got my message.

What's, uh...

what's going on here?

What is this?

Well, uh...

-Surprise?

-{all laughing]

This is what we've been

working on with Kaitlin.

Yeah, she paired us up

with Absolutely Yeah!

to do promos

for the variety show.

We did a livestream!

Oh, you should've

seen the comments.

People are so excited

to see the show.

That's, uh... that's great.

[TJ] Hey, man.

Missed our lead singer.

The one thing

I asked you not to do,

that I specifically told you

I didn't want to happen.

We already knew.

Knew what?

About you and Absolutely Yeah!

Since, like, forever.

Oh, yeah? How?

-Our moms told us.

-[all laughing]

Dude, you used

to give lessons here,

and you were way too good.

And, you know,

the Internet exists.

We just knew

you were pretty private about it

so we didn't wanna bring it up,

but we all think

you're the coolest.

Why don't we...

take five, 'kay?

Just... be right back.

This is getting

a lot of attention.

Okay?

This is gonna

save the community center.

Maybe, but at what cost?

Now, all the attention

on social media, the fame,

I don't want these boys

idolizing that

and then waking up one day

and feeling like

they're not enough.

You're not even

giving them the chance.

You just decided for everyone!

For these boys,

for your band.

You talk about wanting

to connect with people.

Connect with them!

Why are you hiding?

They already knew!

Look, I already told you,

it's not about me.

It's about protecting them.

Is it?

I need some air.

Derrick...

[she sighs]

I'll talk to him.

[Derrick sighs]

[TJ exhales]

Well, you look good.

Maybe a little grumpier, but...

[chuckling]

Don't be mad at Kaitlin.

I am.

Okay, don't just

be mad at Kaitlin.

We were in on it too.

We wanted to help the kids,

to help you.

It's a good idea.

Is it?

Yeah. It is.

In case you didn't

know it already,

those kids adore you.

Everyone does.

You're upset. I get it.

But the way I understand it,

you and Kaitlin had a deal,

and she held up

her end of the bargain.

You might not like

how she did it,

but she basically

sold out that show,

and she seemed pretty convinced

that meant you'd do the reunion.

So if that was never

your intention,

you probably

should've told her that...

a while ago.

Whether you decide

to do the show or not...

...it's good to see you.

I'd like to see more of you.

[Derrick chuckles softly]



[exhaling heavily]



And how many more sleeps,

Merrie, until our big show?

Oh, I can hardly sleep

knowing that Absolutely Yeah!

will be reuniting

at our Summer Beach Bash!

[Sara]

Did you talk to him after?

No, he had to drive

one of the boys home,

so I didn't get a chance to.

[hushed] Well, wh...

what are you gonna do?

I don't know.

Working on it.

I mean, I already overstepped

and nearly blew things up.

I don't think

he wants to see me right now.

[phone ringing]

Uh, on the other hand,

maybe he does.

[gasping]

-Pick it up, pick it up!

-Okay, okay, okay.

Hi.

[Kaitlin] Hi.

[Derrick] Hi.

Listen, um,

I am so blown away

by what you've done here,

and the people you brought in

to work with the boys,

the social media promotion...

I mean, the show's

pretty much sold out.

That's wonderful.

Look, Kaitlin, um,

I am really,

really sorry, but...

...and-and I know

we had a deal...

...but I-I can't do the show.

I know you're angry

about the kids

and the band.

I-I get it.

I just,

I really thought you'd see

the good

that came out of this.

I mean, the show is sold out.

And that's what made

this decision so hard.

We had a deal.

And I considered it. I did.

You considered it?

Really?

'Cause it feels like

you didn't consider

anyone else but yourself.

It has taken me so long

to get back to myself,

my real self.

I've worked so hard for that,

and I have zero interest

in going back

to being that guy.

I am not Derrick Dane.

I never was.

I was never asking you

to be Derrick Dane.

I was just asking you

to be you.

'Cause that guy?

That guy is pretty great.

That guy brings

a lot of people joy,

and I don't think

you see that.

I'm sorry.

Mm.

Me too.



[door closing]

[sniffling]

[sighing]

[Lucille] Kaitlin.

I didn't know you were here.

Oh, I, uh...

I was just, um...

What? Is something wrong?

Derrick, he's, um,

he's not gonna, he's not

gonna do the reunion show.

Ah, yeah.

And a lot of people

are gonna be

really disappointed in me...

[chuckles sadly]

...and I'm probably

gonna lose my job.

Uh, what's the bad news?

-[chuckling]

-Sorry.

You know, I really thought

that I could...

get through to him.

I've built

this whole career and identity

on being able

to make things happen,

and I, um, I just... can't.

I can't, um, can't fix this one.

Right. Yeah.

Do you, um...

my mother,

very, very smart woman,

she used to have this saying.

"What's for you

won't go by you."

Right?

Sometimes you just gotta

let something go.

Just let it go

and see if it comes back to you.

Yeah. So easy to do. Not!

Letting go

is the hard part,

but you know, doing that,

just letting go,

it helps me sleep at night,

which is something I bet

you don't do a whole lot of.

-Mm-mm.

-Yeah.

Aww.

Just try it sometime.

For you, okay?

And, uh, you know,

if that doesn't pan out for ya,

just, um... not this...

what I suggest

is you take

this lavender mist

and spray it all over your face.

Go on, take it.

I want you to have it.

Just give it a little spray.

-[both laughing]

-Just, yeah.

Just try it. Try...

you know, to chill out.

What do you got to lose?

-Thank you.

-Yeah.

You know, you're...

you're not so bad.

[Lucille] Oh?

[chuckling]

Thank you.

[laughing]

You're not so bad yourself.

Hmm.

[he exhales deeply]

[microphone feeding back]

[fans cheering]

Hotter than July

She's got me

burning up inside

She's hotter than July



She's hotter than July

[Derrick]

What are you guys doing here?

We figured we should talk.

All four of us.

Yeah, D. Yesterday reminded us

that we never did

get an official debrief

when Absolutely Yeah! broke up.

[TJ] And how you felt

about things.

So maybe now is a good time

to clear the air?

Talk it out?

[chuckling]

[announcer] Merrie & Mason's

Summer Beach Bash

starts now!

Well, it's been

an amazing summer!

Full of late-night swims

and fireflies...

Popsicles

and coconut-smelling

sunscreen...

Warm sand between your toes...

And romance in your heart...

[together] Because

that's what summer is made of!

We've been promising

one last big summer send-off,

and I think it's finally time

to unleash... the heatwave!

[Mason] Performing with youth

from Wake Street

Community Center,

this is Absolutely Yeah! and...

[together] Hotter Than July!



Ooh, yeah

Ahh

Yeah

She's brighter

than the summer sun

She's my everything



I've never seen another one

I'll give her anything

There's something about

the way she moves

She turns up the heat

when she walks in the room

She's hotter than July

With fire in her eyes

She's got me

burning up inside

Where is Derrick?

I know, Merrie...

[sighing]

I announced

to the entire country

that Derrick Dane was gonna be

a part of

the Absolutely Yeah! reunion.

I told our sponsors,

the network,

all the fans!

I'm sorry.

If you need to let me go,

I completely understand.

What I need is Derrick Dane!

She's hotter than July

I wake up to another day

She's on my mind again

Oh, yeah

I see you

shining in the rain

We can be more than friends

Ah

There's something about

the way she moves

She turns up the heat

when she walks in the room

She's hotter than July

With fire in her eyes

She's got me

burning up inside

She's hotter than July

Got sunshine in her eyes

She's got me

burning up inside

'Cause she's hotter

than July-ly-ly-ly-ly

She's hotter than July

If you tell her

that you love her

She's as cold as ice

[Merrie shrieks]

I told her once

But I ain't gonna

tell her twice

He looks so good!

She looks into the mirror

and she knows she's fine

What's it gonna take for me

to make her mine?

She's hotter than July.

Hotter than July.

She's hotter than July.

Oh, my god! Kaitlin! He's here!

She's hotter than July

With fire in her eyes

She's got me

burning up inside

She's hotter than July

Got sunshine in her eyes

She's got me

burning up inside

'Cause she's hotter

than July-ly-ly-ly-ly

She's hotter than July

She's hotter

than July!

[studio cheering]

Bravo!

[cheering continues]

I want to set up a segment

about the community center

next week,

and I want to help personally.

I-I will set that up for you

in the morning.

And make sure you tell them

that my new Executive Producer

will be arranging it.

Really?

You bet.

Thank you.

[Merrie] You deserve it.

-I'm gonna go.

-Yeah, yeah, go meet him.

[laughing]

Congratulations, Kaitlin.

Thank you.

Ooh...

Aah!

[both giggling]

Derrick... Derrick...

I just want to thank you.

Was that summer-riffic,

or what?

[applause]

We were a little worried

you weren't gonna make it.

Yeah, it was a close call,

but I'm glad I'm here.

[Mason] Well, please, tell us

about these talented teens

that you've brought

with you today.

Okay, well, we've got Spencer,

Jordan, Evan, and Marco.

They're part of

the after-school program

that I oversee

at the Wake Street

Community Center

right here in Long Island.

And you run this program?

I'm just a small part of it.

But these young men right here

have worked incredibly hard

on this number,

and you can see them

perform it again

at the Wake Street

Community Center

Summer Variety Show.

Uh, special thanks

to our fantastic producer,

Kaitlin Thomson.

Uh, because of her,

we're able to fully fund

all of our programs this year.

-[Merrie gasps]

-[applause]

[mouthing words]

[applause continues]

Well, we can't think

of a better note

to end this summer on,

could we?

No, we couldn't.

No, we couldn't.

Right, Merrie?

[Merrie squeals]

Oh, my god!

Well, that's about it for

our End of Summer Beach Bash!

We hope you've had

a summer to remember.

I'm Merrie.

-And I'm Mason!

[together]

And don't wake up without us!

[applause]

[applause and cheering]



Wow!

Waa-ba-ba! Ba-da! Ba-ya-ya-ya!

[all] Ohh!



[Jordan] And then Kaitlin said

she knew someone in the Navy.

[man] Yeah, I just got in.

It's fantastic.

Oh, uh, actually, Kaitlin?

Uh, this is my dad!

Oh! Nice to meet you.

We can't thank you enough.

[Kaitlin] My pleasure.

You are literally the best!

[Kaitlin] Aww! You're welcome.

Come on, buddy.

Let's go find your mom.

[Kaitlin laughs]

Did you have

something to do with that?

Hi.

Walk with me?

Come on.

Likewise.

-So good to meet you.

-You as well.

Hey. Brilliant.

[Derrick] So, Kaitlin...

[Kaitlin] I know. I know.

Can I just say

I am sorry

for arranging rehearsals

between the boys and the band.

I mean, you specifically said

not to do that,

and I went ahead

and did it anyway,

like my job was

the most important thing,

and it is not

the most important thing.

It was selfish

and-and-and not good.

It was not good at all,

and, um, I totally understand

if you never want to talk to me

or-or trust me ever again.

I mean...

Are you finished?

I think so.

Good.

My turn.

You were right.

I was... hiding.

I think deep down,

I never truly

believed in myself

enough to really let people in,

that I was worthy of any of it.

Then this determined

and passionate woman

stormed into my life

and changed all that.

I mean, she might be

a little bossy sometimes, but...

[laughing]

...but I like that.

Matter of fact,

I like everything about her.

Really?

Really.

[he sings]

She's hotter than July

Got sunshine in her eyes

She's got me

burning up inside

Um...

...if you think

singing softly to me

is gonna make me melt

into your arms, then...



Correct.

[laughing]

You are correct.



[Derrick] Look, I know

you're this

big executive producer,

and I'm just a lowly

community center director...

Mm.

...but I thought maybe

I could take you out sometime.

Like, on a proper date.

No agendas.

Like a date-date?

Mm-hmm.

Absolutely. Yeah.

[they chuckle]