Original subtitles

This was my brain.

This was my brain on drugs.

This? This was my brain in rehab.

And this?

This is my brain now.

Because a day without brain cells is like a day without sunshine.

Morning. Oh, I'm afraid to ask what this is for.

Did you bomb back?

Uh, five, four, three, two, one.

Ah, well, sometimes it takes an extra lap.

Yeah.

So what's the public service announcement?

Oh, the admissions guy at NYU said that if I submitted something extra, like a

tape or a photo essay, it might help.

Here, help me out.

So what do I do?

Tell them who you are and what you're doing now.

I'm Scott Tanner.

I'm Mark's dad, and I am the chief coffee -pouring person.

Tell them how that started.

Well, if it'll get my son into your college, which makes me seriously

your admission standards, we are performing the daily ritual known as

Coffee Time.

I am...

hostage negotiator with the police force.

My wife, Michelle, is an artist.

And Mark, well, Mark is quite simply the coolest dude I know.

Morning. Oh.

Mom, look into the camera and tell them we're normal.

Who? It's for my college application. Just tell them about Tanner Coffee Time.

Oh. Well, we started this tradition.

It's okay. They know about the drugs.

We started this tradition during a difficult time in our family, and we

promise that no matter what else happened, we'd keep the tradition going.

Why?

Because tradition is something that you hold on to during the bad times until

the good times come back, which they always do. And you can turn that off

I've been thinking a lot about tradition and ritual since I've been here.

And? I think that family tradition is a beautiful way to remember who you are,

where you've come from, and what you've come through.

Well, this family's come through a lot.

Yes, they have.

They've survived a war against drugs, but at a terrible cost. What you see

is not peace, just a ceasefire.

The family has been wounded terribly, Tess.

They've never really healed.

This could take a while.

Well, take all the time you need.

No.

Don't waste any time.

When you walk down...

Heavy burden, heavy load 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.

We're out of here. Great.

You know, I thought this job would be more demanding.

Well, you gotta take it one day at a time.

First you survive two weeks as my partner.

Then tonight comes the real test.

Hostage situation?

Nope. I'm inviting you over for dinner.

That doesn't sound too dangerous.

Oh, you're wrong, you're wrong.

I'm cooking.

I'd wear a flag jacket if I were you.

May I say that I haven't known him long, but I've gotten to know him really

well. And it is my belief that Mark Tanner would be a wonderful addition to

school. And don't believe me just because I'm wearing him.

I bet you.

Thank you, Monica.

Anytime. We are almost there.

What time did your mom say she'd be home? Any minute.

Well, you've got mail out there.

Then why you?

It won't bite.

I'm afraid to look.

If I get in, everything will be okay again.

Again? It's been a long time since I gave my parents something to be proud

I should think that overcoming your drug problem made them very proud.

Yeah, but it was still really stupid. I mean, I did all the stuff that kids do

when things are weird at home.

I mean, my folks were fighting a lot, and I just tried looking for ways to

them out.

It's funny, though. I mean, sometimes I wonder what would have happened to them

if they hadn't had to get together to help me.

You're not responsible for their happiness, Mark.

A marriage has to be between two people, not three.

Get on with your life.

Listen, I used to work for Poison Control, so if you're not feeling very

No, thank you. It's lonely, really.

You should bring Monica home more often.

Nice to see you at dinner time.

Like the old days.

I think Mark has something he'd like to tell you.

Um, yeah.

This letter from NYU.

It's thick.

Congratulations, champ.

I could not have done it without you guys. Well, you know what this means.

Oh, yeah, that's right. Come on. No, no, you guys, we have a guest.

No, no, that's all right. Come on, Monica. Let's go. Come on. Let's go.

Oh, look at this.

Oh, my.

It's Marcus Tanner time.

It's Marcus Tanner time.

This is your special day.

It's Marcus Tanner day.

Yeah.

You still remember how to play.

Well, once you've got it, you never lose it.

Now look, Monica can make a mean pot of coffee and I can put together a little

peanut butter and chocolate.

Well,

party's over.

It's a 911, we gotta go. Yeah, the other family tradition. Don't start.

I'll be back home when I can.

Thanks for dinner.

Ah, the famous memory box.

Why do you keep these things?

I mean, baby shoes, baby teeth.

Gross, Mom.

This stuff is important to me.

Our entire family history is in this box.

What's this?

Your dad gave me that watch on our first anniversary.

I bought him the matching one for Christmas that year. You know, his dress

watch?

He was going to have them engraved, but, um...

I guess he just didn't get around to it.

So he's not the greatest at remembering the little things.

That doesn't mean he doesn't love you.

A lot.

Are you guys going to be okay?

What do you mean?

Well, when I'm gone, you're not going to start fighting again when I'm not

around anymore, are you?

That was in the past.

And, um, this letter, going into this box at this very moment, is the

of your wonderful future.

If you're happy there, we will be, too.

That one okay?

Yeah. Basic domestic disturbance.

You know, when you get there, everybody wants everybody else arrested. And by

the time you leave, everybody's crying and hugging each other.

Sounds like one of our fights.

You know, next month when Crestball retires,

there'll be a duck job opening up.

You're not a desk job kind of guy, Scott.

Good night.

remember my anniversary.

You just did.

Hey, look, I'm sorry you ended up at ringside last night.

Believe it or not, compared to where we've been, these are the good times

now.

Domestic dispute.

You two back up Walker and O 'Brien. That's the address.

We're rolling.

Would you sit still, please?

I am holding still.

Your lips are moving.

It's hard to talk when your lips don't move.

Yes.

I saw a piano downstairs.

Are you a musician?

Oh, no. My husband is. Well, he was.

Was? Once a musician, always a musician.

I met him in a jazz club.

He could play anything.

Piano, guitar, saxophone.

when we first got married money was kind of tight i was just starting out i

hadn't sold anything yet and then the baby came along and someone had to earn

living so scott became a policeman and the musician part of him just sort of

went away that must have been hard it was it was or it

is what is it about you i have never had a client get me to talk about myself

like this I've never had anybody get me to sit still this long.

This long?

Mom,

where's Dad's black jacket?

It's up there. Keep looking.

No.

What is?

Divorce papers.

So they're getting a divorce?

Not necessarily.

This is a piece from the past that could mess up their future if it's not

handled well and fast.

That poor baby.

He tried his best to give his parents a stable home.

Okay, I'll get you the money as soon as I can.

Hey.

I gotta go.

No, no, I'll call you later.

Who was that?

Uh, nobody.

Just a friend from school.

Sweetie, are you okay?

You've been acting a little... I'm fine.

Trust me.

Oh, fine. Trust you?

I'm just curious. I am still your mother.

Yeah, and your dad's wife.

It's Tanner coffee time. You still want to do that, right?

I'm going to close down the bridge on Madison.

Mom, where's my bank book?

It's at my desk. Why?

I just want to see how much money I'll have to blow on college girls.

Why don't you save a little for frivolous things like, I don't know,

Oh, I found this in your pocket yesterday when I was doing laundry.

Ivan, 3 o 'clock. Oh.

Yeah, thanks.

Who's Ivan?

Uh, the guy I know.

The guy you know from where?

What is it, 20 questions or a third degree?

What's going on?

That's the problem. You don't even have a clue.

Hey.

Mark.

Secret friend, looking for money. It's happening again.

Let's not jump to conclusions.

That's what we did last time, and remember what happened?

Of course you are.

You shouldn't call it work. You should call it hide. You're going to hide.

Anyway, the counselor said that it might be two steps forward, one step back,

but nothing like that ever happened with Mark. He just kept going forward until

now.

Maybe Mark feels threatened.

Well...

Scott and I have been a little, I don't know, two steps back lately.

But we try really hard to keep it together for Mark.

We almost got divorced once.

Mark never even knew a thing about it.

So how's it going now?

We're coming along.

We don't talk about it.

You know, it's funny.

I never got around to tossing out the divorce papers.

Why not?

I'm not sure.

You know, maybe this isn't a good time for me right now. Let me check my

calendar and we can reschedule.

I don't usually do this, but my concentration is a little...

Thank you.

Is something wrong?

Um, no, no, not really.

How's, uh...

How's Tuesday at 10? It's fine.

But, honey, as long as divorce is an option in your marriage, those papers

like having a loaded gun in your house.

Get rid of them before somebody gets hurt.

560, 580, 600.

Can I help you with anything else today? No, they have to take care of it.

Everybody on the floor, now!

Down! You, hands where I can see them. Touch that alarm button and you're dead.

Hold it right there.

Wait, man.

Everybody shut up and stay on the floor!

You, fill the back!

What part of this gets down on the floor that you understand?

Lieutenant Tanner. Scott.

Mark took the bank book. He took our watches. It's really happening again.

Tanner!

Armed robbery at Syracuse Federal on Main went bad.

Two shooters. We got hostages.

Move! Syracuse Federal on Main. We're there.

I'll be in the car.

Oh, my God! Scott, that's our... I'm sorry.

I gotta go.

We will talk about this.

Whose party is it?

These guys are whacked out of their minds. This has got to be crack.

We've got a sniper's place, but there's no way. There's just way too many people

inside.

Anyway, I've got you passed through to a closed line here, so you just, you

know.

All right, everybody hold tight. We're going to try to talk them down. First

thing we do, establish contact with the suspects and then try to calm everybody

down.

Hello?

Yeah, this is Scott Tanner. I'm a negotiator with the Syracuse PD.

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Settle down. Settle down. I just want to talk, that's all.

Yeah. We're both having a crazy day today, huh?

Yeah, what's your name?

Wayne. Ah, good to meet you, Wayne.

Say, Wayne, you catch any of that Giants game last night?

Look, I'll sit here all night.

I'll sit here all week if that's what it takes.

The important thing is, Wayne, nobody gets hurt.

Right?

Okay.

Where's Scott?

Michelle, he's talking with one of the suspects.

This is dangerous. No, you don't understand. I need to see him now. Mark

be in that bank.

Talk about it with your friend and I'll hang up, all right?

Scott. Michelle, what are you doing?

What are you doing here? Please listen to me. Michael's with guns in there. Now

go on home. Listen to her.

This is our bank.

Mark took his bank book. He's not in school. I think he's in there. I think

she's right.

All right, Wayne.

Everything's cool, right?

Everybody, empty your pockets.

Let's see him inside out.

Hey, inside out.

I can't.

No, I can't. I can't give you this money.

What's the matter with you, man?

Mark, give him the money. I can't.

I need it. I really need it.

Shots fired.

Shots fired.

Shots fired. Swat, move in. I repeat, move in. Move in.

You're going to help me.

I need you to find Ivan.

Okay. He has everything.

Stay on the floor. Don't move.

Yeah,

thanks. Thanks. No, we're okay.

wears a blue suit.

21 is your book picture.

I don't know.

I don't know.

I never saw them holding hands before.

Sometimes when parents lose a child, they lose each other too.

We've got to keep them holding on to each other.

No morning jog, huh?

I don't have the strength.

Maybe tomorrow.

Huh.

Look at that.

Four kids are graduating from high school this year in the...

Scott?

I can't do coffee time.

If we stop now, we'll never do it again.

No, I'm sorry.

I think I'll just take my coffee at work.

Are you ready for this?

That's everything.

$600? That's the amount he withdrew that day.

Five and three o 'clock.

Hey, if you're trying to reach Mark, you got the right place but the wrong time,

so leave me a message at the beep.

Hey, if you're trying to reach Mark, you got the right place but the wrong time,

so leave me a message at the beep.

If you're trying to reach Mark, you got the right place at the wrong time. So

leave me a message at the beep.

I wanted to hear his voice.

Michelle, don't.

Sunday, 12 a .m.

It's Ivan. I know you don't want me calling you here, but I need the money

today.

Messages.

It's Ivan.

Are you sure you don't know him?

You know who he is.

The phone calls, the bank book, the missing watches.

Mark was using again, and Ivan was his demon.

I know you don't want me calling you here, but I need the money today.

phone records, and a list of all the pushers named Ivan.

I'm going to find this guy, and then I'm going to... Scott, today is your

wedding anniversary.

Yeah, well, thanks for remembering, but that's the point now, huh?

I know how precious Mark was to you, but before you loved him, you loved

Michelle.

I watched you during those negotiations, and you were willing to stay all day,

all night, all week if you had to, that's what you said.

Doesn't your marriage deserve the same effort?

You remember?

Yes.

Where's Mark Pantering?

Well, it's at the station.

Why? I want to hear his voice. Why did you take it away?

I'm trying to find this Ivan guy.

Mark's dead. What difference does it make?

What?

Look, if I can stop one more kid from being... This isn't about one more kid.

You just want somebody to blame.

And if you really want somebody to blame... Well,

say it.

Scott. Well, you've hated my job all these years. Now's your chance to blame

for not even doing it right.

I don't know what you're talking about.

Fifty -seven hostage negotiations, Michelle.

And the one that really counted, I got my son killed.

That's what you think. That's what you want to say, isn't it?

No. Say it. No. Say it. No. Say it. Yes!

His life was in your hands.

I didn't know that.

I tried to tell you, but you wouldn't listen.

You never listen. You never listen to me. You just did what you always do. You

went back to work.

What's that?

I'm filing for divorce.

You got it.

This is beginning to feel like a hostage situation.

What do you mean?

We'll stay here all day, all night, all week, if that's what it takes.

Just as long as no one gets hurt.

And we will stay, Miss Wings.

But it shouldn't be long now because Andrew says he's ready.

Man, what a day.

I just broke the Syracuse Police Department record for paperwork.

They may even give me a blast. So, who moves out?

God, Michelle, I don't know.

You know, up until a few days ago, I thought things were going pretty well.

So did I.

But you kept the divorce papers around just in case.

I was going to throw them away.

I thought about it just the other day.

You know, we do a lot of thinking in this family, Michelle, but

we never do much talking.

I've seen this happen a lot at work. A couple loses a child and

that's when they find out what their marriage is really made of

and what was always missing.

See, you always check out the fire escape when you go into a building

so that when the fire comes, you don't have to think about it. You already know

where to run.

When you're too frightened to think.

I never did that in this marriage, Michelle.

I wasn't your safety net and you were never mine.

You were always at work?

You were always on our class.

Because you were always at work.

Well, I didn't want to come home to an empty house and wonder where my wife

Or who she was with.

What's that supposed to mean?

There was nothing going on. How many times do I have to tell you?

That's ridiculous.

Oh, you're right.

You would actually rather believe that was true than take responsibility for

ignoring your family. I was providing for my family. 24 hours a day, 7 days.

Come on, Michelle.

Criminals don't take hostages just on business hours, you know. Don't blame

schedule. You checked out of this marriage a long time ago. No, no, no. I

checked out right after you did, lady. Well, maybe we should have filed those

papers a long time ago.

Our son needed us, and we were there for him.

Right.

Like we were there at the bank.

We saw the signs.

We saw the signs. And what happened? I don't know what happened. I don't know!

If you want to know what happened, you ask Ivan. You ask that no -good son of

a...

You were right.

We never had a marriage.

We just had a family.

Yeah?

Mr. Tanner?

Do I know you?

No.

But I knew Mark.

May we come in?

I don't really think this is a good time right now. Mrs. Tanner, my name is

Andrew. And this is... This is Ivan.

Ivan. How dare you come into my home, you... You all right?

I'm Lipinski.

Ivan Lipinski.

I'm a freelance film editor.

Videotape, Super 8, local news, commercials.

Anyway, look, Mark was supposed to pick this up from me.

I was going to charge him $600 for it, but, well, I just don't feel right about

that now.

It's on the house.

$600? Yeah.

Look, I just want to say I'm really sorry about your loss.

What do you have to do with all of this?

I was with Mark when he died.

It's me?

It's not possible.

I interviewed all of the customers. Personally, I scanned the security

I never saw you.

That's because I'm an angel.

Okay, get out.

Scott.

Monica. We've been here all night, Tess and I.

Andrew's been searching for Ivan.

Tess and I have been here praying for you and for your marriage.

We are angels.

And we're very sad angels because the Father has given us a job to do that we

can't do alone.

We need each other. We need him.

And we need you, too.

Slow, slow down.

I'm a little bit confused here.

Angels don't bring confusion, Mr. Tanner.

We bring the truth. And what you're feeling is the spirit of God. He's in

with us.

And he is concerned about your marriage. He doesn't want it to end.

I can't believe that God is watching us.

Better than that, God is loving you.

Mom, Dad, happy anniversary.

Now I guess the odds are that Mom's crying already.

The truth is, this really wasn't going to be your anniversary present.

I know you guys want me to save all my bucks for college, but I guess sometimes

you've just got to make a different kind of investment in your future.

I decided to make this tape instead of saying it in person because I thought

have a better chance of maybe getting it all out.

You see, I was...

Borrowing your jacket, that, you know, the leather one, and I, uh, I found

something that I guess I wasn't supposed to see yet.

Uh, it's funny, I guess if I ever thought you guys would get divorced, it

have been a couple of years ago, and not now.

Oh my God, you found them.

Maybe I put you guys through so much.

No, no, no.

You thought it was just too late.

But, you know, I really thought things were going pretty good.

I'm sorry I'm not doing pretty well.

But, I mean, it's like they said back in rehab. Go back to all the pain and

don't cover it up.

Let it out.

I don't know all the pain you guys have been through, but I do know that I can't

fix it for you.

All I can do is remind you of why it's worth it to try.

Watch this, and I'll be back after the show.

We've been through everything there is.

Can't imagine anything we've missed.

Can't imagine anything the two of us can't do.

Through the years, through all the good and bad. I know

how much we have.

I've always been so glad to be with you.

Through the years.

my tears away as long as it's okay

I'll stay with you through the

years through

the years you've never let

me down you turned my

I'll stay with you.

I'm glad I'm not there right now to see your faces.

But I guess sometimes you just gotta go for it, you know?

Like you guys went for it with me.

I would not be going to college next year if it weren't for you.

And when I'm gone, I want to know you guys are still gonna be there.

So, promise.

Come on, I know it won't be easy, but promise.

You gotta start somewhere.

I can't hear you.

I promise.

Come on, you gotta do it. I'm serious. I'm not kidding.

I do. I promise.

Okay, and one more thing.

Remember Tanner coffee time?

I mean, what was it you said, Mom, that traditions are what you do during the

bad times while you're waiting for the good times to come back?

Well, uh, trust me.

You'll be back.

I promise.

I guess that's it. Dad, come outside and tell me when it's safe to come in.

I love you guys.

Happy anniversary.

We had a lot of things to say to you, but I think your son has said it better

than any angel could.

Why didn't I throw the papers away?

Why didn't I follow him out that morning?

He might have told me that he found them.

The what ifs and if onlys will only stop you from healing.

Don't ask those questions.

The question that you might want to ask is... Mark

ripped up those divorce papers a week ago.

What?

Mark

didn't

steal the watches.

Forever, Scott.

Forever, Michelle.

And that's where your son is right now.

Forever in the father's arms.

And if you put your marriage there too, it will be safe.

It will survive.

It will even shine.

Will you trust him?

Yes.

Yes.

I think it's Tanner.

Coffee time.

We'll leave the two of you alone.

You know what to do.

Come on, Angel Girl.

Happy anniversary.