Original subtitles

Welcome, friends.

She means it, too.

Friendship is very important in this house.

Does she have a lot of friends? Well, it's not about having a lot of friends.

It's about being a good friend to the ones you've got.

And she's a good friend?

Maybe too good.

What is she doing?

What are you doing?

It's a surprise.

Nobody ever mentioned insanity in the family at the wedding. I told them not

I wanted to keep a little mystery in the marriage.

Well, it's working.

Just try and control those outbursts at the press conference, though.

You ready?

Mm -hmm. Sam.

Come on, we got a big day. I know, I know. I just want you to know something.

No matter what happens from now on, whether we win or lose, I will never

Everything you've done to help me get this far.

No one has ever done anything like that for me before.

Come on, you sentimental crazo.

I love someone who would feed birds.

It says they have a kind heart.

A human heart, as tender as carries, is a very vulnerable thing.

It's so busy out in the world, loving the whole world, that...

It can't even imagine that anyone would come along and just wash it.

But someone could.

Someone could.

I will rise and I will walk with you.

I'll walk with you till the sun don't even shine.

Walk with you every time I tell you I'll walk

with you.

Believe me, I'll walk with you.

Hello, I have an appointment with Mr. Carver.

No,

the 20 extra lines are just for the campaign.

Thank you. What do you need, Sam?

There you are.

How long until the phones are up?

We announce at 2 o 'clock, you make the 6 o 'clock news, and by 6 .30, the

volunteers are ready to go. What do you think, Sam?

I don't know how you define it.

Hi. Hello, I'm Monica.

Monica? Oh, yes, Monica.

All right, we're all set. Good to meet you. Have you met Terry yet? Not yet.

Listen, it's really good of you to jump in at the last minute like this. There

are some places where being the husband and the campaign manager don't mix.

Sandy, do you have that speech?

No, I took a look at it, but I still think it needs some polishing.

Carrie, Monica.

Hi, Monica. Nice to meet you. Okay, listen up, everybody. We've got about

hours before the storm hits, and it's going to last until November.

So if anyone has to use the bathroom... Now, seriously, if you've never been in

an election campaign before, there's nothing quite like it.

It's exciting and exhausting.

And if you win, it only gets worse.

But I have to admit, though, I think we all agree we have the best woman for the

job.

And I'd like to introduce a new member to our team. Her name is Monica.

Yay.

And she is Carrie's new speechwriter.

Or is that spinmeister?

Monica, would you like to say something?

Yes, thank you.

I just want to make sure that in the heat of the campaign, we don't lose that

fresh sincerity, which has become Carrie's trademark.

Excuse me, Monica.

Yes, what is it? Mrs. Carver has a phone call. Can you take a message and no

more calls, please?

Sorry, Monica.

That's okay.

Also, to make sure that our choice of words be active, not passive. For

rather than saying Carrie would like to increase school support, we should say

Carrie is committed to increasing...

Monica,

please forgive me. Sam, I've got to go.

No, you can't go.

Monica, we'll work in the car.

Sam, I'll see you at the...

Have confidence.

It's not a bad speech.

I just think you shouldn't apologize here.

Where? The part about being a lawyer. I would leave that out completely.

And then if you're asked a question about it, just tell the truth.

I thought you were a spin expert.

I am.

Truth is the best spin you can put on anything.

Most people never see it coming.

Do you mind if I ask you where we're going?

To an old college hangout of mine called Frodo's.

There are only two people in the world who could have gotten me out of that

meeting today.

And one of them is waiting for me there.

If you're ever up a tree, don't you hear?

If you're ever.

Down a well, ring a bell.

If you're ever out to dine, borrow mine. Okay, we got this. Don't go so fast.

Let's drink.

We need another glass, please.

She hasn't got her ID.

She's been coming here for four years. Then she ought to know she needs her ID.

It's okay, Billy.

Listen, we're graduating tomorrow.

This is the last night that we're going to be together.

We laughed here. We cried here. I bet you've even seen us sing here.

And after tonight, we performed for the last time. We're walking out of here,

and it's never going to be the same again.

I mean, these are the good old days.

Shoot, these are the good old hours.

I just want to toast them with my best friends.

Please.

If you're ever in a jam, here I am.

If you're ever in a mess, F .O .S. If you ever feel so happy you land in jail,

I'm your bail.

Friends forever.

I'll wait here.

You look wonderful.

How long has it been? A year? At least.

Are you okay?

I don't know.

Oh, Tom.

Thank you so much for coming.

I feel ridiculous.

But I just couldn't sit here and wait for the call all by myself.

Tom, I'm your friend.

And that's what friends are for.

I thought you were in remission.

I was.

I am. I mean, I've had two good years, but I wasn't feeling right again.

So I went in for some tests, and, uh, I don't know.

I just didn't want to be sitting at my desk reading some legal brief when the

call came.

So?

We'll wait together.

Am I keeping you from anything?

Nothing more important than this.

Shirley Temple, two umbrellas. Ah, nice to have a friend that knows the real

you.

Are you here for Tom?

I don't know yet.

I'm still waiting for the call.

So, you are still coming to the reunion?

I don't know. I thought about it. You've got to come.

Billy's coming.

We'll sing. We'll laugh. It'll be great.

You mean it'll be good for me?

Yes.

Tom Larson.

Hi, Doctor.

Uh -huh.

Yeah, right.

Yeah.

Thanks.

Still negative.

Looks like I'm going to make it to the reunion, at least.

One day at a time.

I've got to go.

This is not going to be much longer.

Where the hell have you been?

Tom was afraid that the cancer was back. He was waiting for a call from his

doctor.

Is he all right? He's fine. He just needed someone to be there for him.

The day of all days.

I have made some promises in my life, Sam, and I keep them, even when it's not

convenient.

Well, now I know we're in trouble.

A politician who keeps her promises.

She's going to make a great man.

Good afternoon!

My candidacy for the office of mayor.

I have a unique understanding of our city, having served the Board of

and as director.

This is my promise.

A better Olympia.

And I will keep it.

Thank you. I'll take some questions.

The Dynamic Carpet, credited with revamping the anti -drug program in

schools, as well as leading a citizen's movement to revitalize Old Town.

Roger Bartlett, Timeline News. What's she doing?

It's a surprise, like everything else she does.

Nice job on the speech.

Thanks. I was inspired.

Okay, let's get on those phones, people. We are up and rolling.

Good evening. I'm calling on behalf of Carrie Carver, who is running for mayor

of Olympia. We're voting November.

How does this sound for your speech to the teachers' union next week?

Um, Carrie Carver cares is not just a slogan, it is my creed. And the things I

choose to care about are what distinguish me from my opponent.

Good teachers cost money, fair money.

Recent polls indicate that Carver's aggressive campaign has placed her

even with incumbent Jeff Hart.

In sports news today, Seattle Mariners...

I

hate college reunions.

I didn't even go to my own.

Well, don't think of it as a bunch of people you don't know, but rather a room

full of voters who already like Carrie.

Ah, the spinmeisters speak.

So are you all set to meet the incredible Billy?

He sounds very special.

Well, he better be.

After all this buildup.

Come on, Carrie, we're late.

Coming, I'm coming, I'm coming.

Oh, Carrie, you look beautiful.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Come on, Carrie.

Coming.

Let's go.

How are you? I'm so good. You look great.

Carrie Nichols Carver. Most likely to succeed.

Best hair, best grades, best boyfriend.

Oh, and she is running for mayor of Portland. If there's a camera in my

must belong to Beverly.

Hi. Sam.

Tom. Long time. Good to see you. Tom, this is Monica. Hello. Hello.

Tom is the best attorney in town.

So if you're ever in trouble, he's your guy.

I'll remember that.

Is he here yet?

I haven't seen him. Would he be Billy?

Yes, the last member of the horrible threesome.

The terrible trio.

We sang in college pubs. Well, we drank mostly. That's where the terrible part

came in.

Anyway, Billy took a teaching job in California, and we don't see much of

other, but we still feel close.

Congratulations.

I should have married her myself, but I forget. When did we get married?

All your other girlfriends didn't let you.

Ah, yeah. It's all coming back to me now.

Carrie,

it's our song.

You have your own song.

Can I borrow her, please? I promise to bring her back when I'm through.

You don't mind, do you?

No. Oh, go ahead.

I thought they just fanged together.

no idea they were this close.

Looks like a happy reunion.

I wonder why it doesn't feel like one.

for the first time in 16 years, backed by popular demand.

Terry blackmailed me.

The class of 82 proudly presents The Terrible Trio.

If you're ever in a jam,

here I am.

If you're ever in a mess, M -O -S.

If you ever Feels so happy you land in jail I'm your bail It's

friendship, friendship Just the perfect planship When other

friendships have been forgot Ours will still be hot La -da -la -da -la -da -dee

-dee -dee Another one? A little more fez this time,

please.

No, Angel Girl, I'm cutting you off at six umbrellas. You're here to listen.

Well, I think they sound pretty good.

They do, after all these years.

Now, what does that tell you?

Some things you never forget, I guess.

Some things never change.

Sometimes, memories keep people harmonizing together long after the

music is over.

Best friend is his man. Best friend is his man. Best friend is his friend.

A man's best friend is his friend.

Ours will still be a father.

Okay.

Okay, last time, I promise.

You were great.

You understand now.

I mean, I'll have to admit, though, at first I didn't quite get it, but seeing

the three of you together tonight, there's obviously something very special

going on.

Tom's a great guy, and Billy seems like a lot of fun.

I mean, was he always that crazy?

Oh, that's just Billy.

We're an odd bunch.

I'd do anything for those guys, and they would do anything for me.

to california huh yeah he lost his job and he was hoping to um give it a try up

here i told him i'd pull some strings at the board of education well just be

careful kiddo you're not just a citizen anymore you're a candidate i also

offered and i know i should have talked to you first but um would you mind

if billy stayed in the basement for a little while just till he gets on his

Sure. Great.

He can't get an apartment?

Oh, he will.

He got divorced last year. Money's really tight right now.

Carrie. Huh?

Before he moves in here with us, there's just one thing I'd like to know.

Was he really like a brother to you or... Or a boyfriend?

Freshman year, this guy walks up to me while I'm studying for biology.

tells me his girlfriend broke up with him. He's been too depressed to come to

class. Could he pretty please borrow my notes?

I said, sure, if you can make any sense out of them.

He smiles, leans over and whispers in my ear, everything makes sense up on the

roof.

The next thing I know, we're sitting on the roof of the frat house looking at

the stars.

He kissed me. We fooled around. It lasted two weeks.

We realized we'd make better friends than lovers.

And the rest is history.

I was never in love with him.

Or anyone else.

To you.

If you're like I am, you read the newspapers and you ask yourself, what on

is going on in our high schools?

Why are parents afraid to send their children to school?

As mayor, I promise this... Cut!

I'm sorry, honey. We've still got a sound problem.

It's going to be a one, all right?

Okay, I'm just going to go inside for a minute.

Hey, Monica, you want to see something?

Sure.

Quality of mercy is not strange.

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath.

Okay.

So what's being said here?

Mercy isn't strained.

Like what? Like a twisted ankle?

Like strain like baby food? Mercy is strained peaches?

Yeah, actually.

Because when you strain something, you separate stuff and you get only part of

it back.

Mercy is like 100%. The whole nine yards.

He's very talented.

He should have been an actor.

Just baby food.

Now, Portia goes on to say... I should think being a teacher

satisfies all of us.

Oh, maybe you're right.

Well, he's definitely a natural.

You can tell. The kids love him.

You're a good friend to help him.

Oh, what are friends for?

I'll be right out.

Okay.

I'm going to skip this period and go buy some jeans.

You can, Emily.

Captain's giving a quiz.

What difference does it make? I'm flunking everything anyway.

Not English.

Yeah, can you believe that?

Hamstead's really going to give me a C after everything that I did.

Yeah, well, so much for the quality of mercy.

Yeah, well, he's going to be sorry.

There's no mercy for Billy.

I'm going to pay.

Only cooking I'm going to do tonight is when I take the pizza out of the box and

put it on the plate. Hi, Billy. I thought I'd make you guys a romantic

dinner. Oh, that is so sweet.

But, oh, we got a pizza coming and a lot of work to do.

What's this?

Uh, not much. It's an IOU for the rent. I can't pay you now, but I want you to

know that I will.

Billy, you're our guest.

I feel much better this way. You guys have been so wonderful.

Who on earth could that be this late?

I'll get it.

You sit here. You're so lovely.

Does a William Hampstead live here?

Billy?

That's me.

William Hampstead?

I have a warrant for your arrest.

You have the right to remain silent, make any mistakes, and will be used

you in the court of law. You have the right to speak to an attorney. If you

cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one for you.

Excuse me, what are the charges?

Sexual misconduct with a minor.

Yes, we'll pick it up, but not before the morning paper.

If he's released on bail before then, you can avoid television cameras. And

after that, you tell the truth.

No. I say that we distance ourselves as much as possible.

We say he was a renter, a tenant.

And if pressed, we could say he was a vague acquaintance from college. No,

If I can't be his friend now, then I never really was one.

Okay.

He's in lockup.

And he's going to have to spend the night.

Have you seen him?

Yes.

He's scared.

It's not pretty in there.

What's the bail going to be? We'll find out at the arraignment tomorrow.

My guess is $100 ,000.

Oh, special circumstances.

He's a teacher in a position of trust.

Was a teacher.

He's never going to be able to get another job now, no matter what.

It's unbelievable.

What supposedly happened?

Well, allegedly, he seduced a 17 -year -old female student.

She walked into the principal's office and reported it this afternoon.

Tom, this morning at his school, I overheard a girl named Emily telling a

of hers that she was going to get even with Billy for giving her a low grade.

She made it up. It's not true.

What does Billy say?

Carrie, I'm going to do everything I can to help him. You know that.

But things have just changed.

I'm still your friend, but now I'm Billy's attorney.

And I can't talk about the case with you.

Okay, great, yes. Thank you so much.

All right, Ben Licata down at First National says he can refinance. He'll

check ready for us in an hour.

And I'm cashing in our bonds.

Carrie, that's our life savings, our whole future.

But we'll get it back.

He's not going to jump bail, but if we wait too long, the press will catch him

coming out of jail.

If we leave him there, it'll only look like we don't believe in him.

Yes, if Carrie's going to be branded as his friend, then she should be branded

as a loyal woman.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

I'll go down to the back.

You know, right after college, when my parents died in the crash, Billy was

in Mexico bumming around.

And he hitchhiked for three days straight and got as far as Las Vegas.

And then he borrowed the money to fly the rest of the way here.

And he walked into that funeral all dirty and scruffy and half dead.

But he was there for me.

was his bail today, putting down $100 ,000 in cash to release her friend from

custody. So far, there has been no statement from Carver headquarters.

This is Roger Bartlett, Timeline News.

Stupid Beverly.

Never could trust her with a camera.

I don't know what to say.

I feel terrible. Carrie, you are the last person on Earth to deserve this.

It's not your fault, Billy.

It's just a strange world out there.

Used to be kids would put tacks on a teacher's chair if they didn't like

Now they just destroy their lives. Uh -oh.

The vultures are gathering.

I'm ready.

You going to make a statement?

I don't have any choice.

Just a brief shock, concern, confidence that the truth will come out.

Meanwhile, the campaign continues.

Yeah, good.

Keep it simple.

Don't say too much.

I think Billy and I should go out the back.

Carrie,

try to get away and meet me at Frodo's tonight.

Ladies and gentlemen, please, please.

Miss Carver would like to make a brief statement.

I am shocked and dismayed by the allegations that have been made against

William Hampstead.

I have known him for 20 years since we were classmates in college.

I consider him to be a wonderful teacher and a good friend.

Mr. Hampstead was indeed arrested here last night, but was released within

several hours on his own recognizance.

He has offered to leave our home, and I have accepted reluctantly.

I have every confidence that there will be a speedy resolution to this matter.

I want you people to be very careful here.

A man's reputation is on the line, his livelihood, even his life. I know Billy

Hampstead, and I know in my heart that he did not do anything wrong.

Please, give him the chance to prove it. Thank you.

The girl says it happened here. Is it true?

What did you say?

The girl alleges the act took place in your home. How does that make you feel?

Don't answer.

There'll be no more questions, and perhaps I can help to clarify some

Hello? What?

Sam?

Why would that kid say something like that if it wasn't true?

To make it sound true.

The crazier something sounds, the more the press is going to jump on it. And

more they talk about it, the truer people are going to think it is.

Carrie, did Billy ever actually say he didn't do it?

He didn't have to, Sam. I love you, honey.

And I know that being a good friend means everything to you, and I respect

But the problem is, being your husband means everything to me.

Billy is your friend, not mine.

I'm just your husband.

And I'm starting to wonder what matters more for you.

I need some... Sam!

Carrie, I was wondering.

That story about Billy borrowing money to go to your parents' funeral.

Do you ever pay it back?

Tom, where is Billy?

I put him up in a hotel.

Have you heard what that girl's saying now? She says it happened at the house.

My house. I know.

It was in her statement in the police report.

The press go through those like leeches.

What I want to know is why did I have to hear it from them and not you?

Carrie, I told you before.

There's an attorney -client privilege I can't break.

Not for anyone, not even you.

Tom, is there something that Carrie needs to know that you can't tell us?

If I answer that question in any way, It would compromise my client.

Oh, I don't believe this.

If I were a reporter and wanted to know what the lawyers know, what would I do?

A reporter would check the baskets in the courthouse to see what cases have

filed with the clerk.

Or they'd read the police report.

And anyone can do that?

Yes.

What are you trying to tell me?

That I care about you.

It doesn't mention Emily by name. She's a minor, but the police report says

everything else.

Oh, this is ridiculous.

The minor says she was lured to the Carver home by a suspect on the night of

October.

That night you gave a speech to the Chamber of Commerce.

Lured.

I don't believe this.

Just because we weren't home that night does not mean...

On October 5th, suspect offered to help her with her homework.

When Minor complained that the homework was too hard, the suspect said, things

always make sense up on the roof.

Suspect invited Minor to look at the report.

Oh my God, Monica.

He did it.

She's 17.

She told me she was 18, and believe me, she's like 18 going on 30.

17, 18, what difference does it make? Billy, she was your student.

Nobody got hurt.

A 17 -year -old girl looking for love from an adult male teacher has already

been hurt somewhere along the line.

What she needed from you was help, and all you gave her was the old Billy line.

Look, I'm not proud of this, okay?

But it only happened once, and I thought it was over.

And then you gave her a C.

She wanted a B.

She should have gotten a D.

I said to give her anything higher would have been unfair to the rest of the

class. That's very ethical of you. Oh, come on, Carrie, give me a break.

If there's any way I could undo all this, I would.

But I could go to jail for this.

I'm going to have a record.

I'm going to have to register wherever I go for the rest of my life.

It's over for me.

Unless you help me.

Billy, you did it. I know, but she lied.

She didn't do anything she didn't want to do.

My God, the hearing's tomorrow. She's going to be 18 next month.

I can't lie for you. You don't have to.

Just tell them what you heard.

She said she wanted to get even with me. It's her word against mine.

If someone heard her threaten me, that's reasonable doubt.

Now, Carrie, we sat in the same restaurant 20 years ago and promised

be there for each other.

Well, I need you now.

I'm scared.

I have to think about this.

I knew you'd come through for me.

Do you remember when my folks died?

What? When you came to the funeral, you borrowed money from somebody to get

there.

Oh, yeah.

Did you ever pay them back?

Oh, yeah, sure.

I'm sure, yeah.

Where have you been?

Out.

Looking for the truth.

Did you find it?

I honestly thought that I was the best person for the job.

But you are.

No.

When the chips are down, I go with my heart, not my head.

Carrie Carver cares, but Carrie isn't cynical enough or suspicious enough to

make the tough calls.

You know what to do, Carrie.

It's not that difficult a decision. It's just a painful one.

What kind of lie? It's just telling the truth about what I heard.

And not what you know.

Monica, he's my friend.

He was your friend, but you've turned friendship into some kind of a religion.

No one has the right to ask you to compromise who you are for the sake of

times.

You can't sacrifice yourself at the altar of good memory. Why not?

What is an altar anyway?

A place where you bring the best part of yourself and you offer it up.

It's also a place where you bring the saddest and the weakest part of yourself

and you ask for it to be lifted up.

There's only one friend who can do that.

What's happening, Monica?

I'm an angel, Carrie.

God has sent an angel to help you.

I'm having some trouble with this, Monica.

But you know it's true, don't you?

God loves you, Carrie.

He gave you a good and loving heart, and it pleases him so to see you this

generous with your husband, with Tom, with the people of the city.

But the heart that he made for you is precious, and he doesn't want to see it

get broken.

So is he going to tell me what to do?

You know what to do.

God just wants to help you understand why you need to do it.

You see, you think that no one knows Billy better than you or cares about him

more than you, but you're wrong.

God loves Billy more than anyone possibly could, and he knows him better.

You spent your whole life catching Billy when he fell.

Carrie, if children never learn to fall, they never really learn to walk.

And Billy has spent his whole life stumbling through the world, letting

like you hold him up.

You called it friendship.

But the truth is that it was comforting to you to know that some things like

Billy never changed. But it's crippling him.

Carrie, God wants you to get out of the way.

You cannot fix Billy. God can, but in his own time, in his own way.

You have to let Billy fall so that God can pick him up, so that God

can lift him higher and make him stronger than you ever could.

It's going to break his heart.

He's going to think that I betrayed him.

Today, perhaps.

But one day, he'll understand what a good friend you were.

Let's go this way.

Hey, how are you feeling?

I got another call from my doctor.

I go back for more chemo tomorrow.

You're in a jam.

Here I am.

I know.

In a mess.

S .O .A.

This is just a hearing.

You don't have to testify, but I need to know if you're willing to later.

It will affect how we plead today.

I need some time alone with Billy.

Okay.

Thank you.

What for?

You never said I told you so.

I never would.

I love you.

You're the best friend I've ever had.

what's the verdict uh billy i love you

oh carrie i'm begging i need your help i just made a mistake you made a choice

you knew what you were doing and just like you always have you figured

was going to help you out of it somebody was going to loan you the money or give

you the right answers to the test or pull the right strings but i

can't do that for you anymore billy

I trusted you. I defended you. And you committed a crime in my home.

And I still forgave you.

And then you jeopardized my career and my marriage and even my house. And I was

still willing to go to the wall for you.

But this is it, Billy.

This is the wall.

And I have to leave you here.

And I

will miss you.

Carrie, I know I'm just a screw -up, but I can change.

I will.

I know you will.

You're going to grow up.

By the way, the person that you borrowed the money from, it

was me.

And I expect you to pay it back someday.

Hello. Ms. Carver will be making a statement, and afterwards she will take

questions.

I have been informed today that Mr. William Hampstead has pled guilty to a

lesser charge in court this morning and will receive a jail sentence.

As you know, Mr. Hampstead was a friend of mine.

And I am deeply troubled by his behavior, but encouraged by his

of responsibility.

It is my hope that at some point he will get the help he needs.

We got a Hampstead William, Two Years County.

Good.

Just in time. The bus was just about to pull out. We've been waiting for you,

Mr. Hampstead.

As for myself, I am not convinced that my campaign has been irreparably harmed

by this unfortunate event.

And I will press on to the finish.

I had nothing to do with this case except perhaps be guilty of believing in

friend at the expense of truth.

I won't do it again.

Question. Ms. Carver, was this a case of bad judgment on your part?

Yes.

Next question. A recent poll showed you losing nearly 15 points to the

incumbent. Do you feel you can make up that loss in such a short time? Yes, I

do.

I feel that the voters will have a clear understanding of the case and will see

that I have always been truthful with them.

The important poll is the one taken on Election Day.

be the main focus of your campaign in the final week before the election.

I will continue to speak out on city government's reform.