Original subtitles

(water dripping)

(mellow music)

(mellow music continues)

- And so the newly widowed Mrs. Johnson

left for the Florida Keys, never to be heard from again,

leaving behind the idyllic life

she had worked so hard to create.

But after a year of living the good life,

the small fortune in gold futures ran out.

It was time to begin.

And so it was goodbye Mrs. Johnson, hello Victoria Paige.

My new home is a small college town

where tree-lined streets of lovely little houses

are filled with so many oh-so-happy families,

and where lives a handsome doctor, his pretty wife,

and their two clever, talented children.

They are the Stephens.

And they have something very special about them.

They are truly happy. Or so people think.

For one simple reason, and that reason's name is Samantha.

(gentle music)

- Just take the toast, hon.

- Honey, I haven't even read it.

Have your mom sign it. I gotta go.

- Oh, bye, sweetie. - Dad.

- Bye. Sorry, see you, kids.

What'd you do? Get a B again in math?

- Worse. She'll probably get kicked out of school.

- You were in my room.

- [Jake] Mom! Mom!

- Molly!

An F?

Molly, what's going on?

- I don't know what to say. I'm sorry.

- (sighs) Did you have a fight with Hannah?

Is it that boy? - Mom, it's not any boy.

It's her. Pukey Paige.

See, right at the bottom, she signed it.

- Your new teacher?

- She's such an old dragon.

She makes us do all of this weird stuff.

And if we're late handing in a paper

or we talk in class, she goes crazy.

Everybody hates her.

- I don't care that she's strict.

But I do care she didn't let us know you were struggling.

- She's a nightmare. You have to talk to her.

- I plan to. (car horn honks)

Oh, sweetie, you better hurry. Come on.

- Okay. Bye, Mom. - I love you.

- [Jane] I hate to gloat, but, gloat, gloat.

I told you so. Perfect Molly is no more.

- [Samantha] Okay, let me know when you've exhausted

your gloat quotient, okay?

Why don't you tell me about this teacher?

- Okay, well, uh, her name's Victoria Paige.

She's good. You should see her recommendations.

She's strict, demanding, and the kids can't con her.

Samantha, we know that Molly's bright,

but she's conned every teacher she's had since kindergarten.

Not anymore.

- Oh, so that's good, right?

- Yeah.

- But an F. Jane, Molly's never got an F before in her life.

She was devastated.

- Oh, I think you were devastated.

- On that too.

So you think I should go talk to this old bat?

- (laughs) Old?

Oh, honey, I can't wait for you to see her.

Come on.

(children squealing)

(Samantha clears throat) - Yes?

- Ms. Paige, I'm Samantha Stephens.

I know I'm early. Should I come back?

- No, no, of course not. Come on in.

I was just finishing up tomorrow's assignment.

Rome is always a good place to start.

I think children absorb everything at this age.

Don't you agree?

- Actually, I do.

- Especially the really bright ones like Molly.

I always say don't underestimate 'em.

Set the bar high and they will give you pleasant surprises.

- Well, you get surprises.

- Ah, the report card.

That was meant more as a wake-up call. Not permanent.

Now, about your underachieving daughter.

Molly's a skater, Mrs. Stephens.

You know, she's bright enough to skate over any subject

and still receive high grades

without exerting herself one iota.

I'd like to change that.

- Do you think maybe tutoring might help?

- Well, if you could find a good one,

it certainly wouldn't do any harm.

- You know, maybe a graduate student or somebody

at the university that could use the extra money.

- Well-

- Not a good idea?

- I'll tell you what. Why don't you let me work on it.

I'll ask around, and then I'll give you a call.

- Okay. Thank you so much for your time.

- [Victoria] Thank you for coming. I'll let you know.

(slow dramatic music)

- She knows the kids can't stand her,

but she's determined to make a difference.

I mean, I went in ready to give her a hard time

and came out agreeing with everything she said.

- (chuckles) So the old dragon charmed St. George, huh?

I think the tutor's a great idea.

- Well, I wish she could do it.

If she could find somebody she approves of,

it'd be just as good.

- Somebody she approves of?

Can we get to know this woman a little bit better

before we hand over all parental rights?

- Wait till you meet her. You're going to love her.

- (groans) What, the good teacher? Not a chance.

- Oh, yeah?

- Mrs. Stephens, Victoria Paige.

I hope I'm not disturbing you.

- Oh, no, no, not at all.

It's Saturday morning. Everyone's still asleep.

- [Victoria] It's about Molly's tutoring.

- Mm. Did you find someone?

- No, that's the problem.

Everybody that I located that was good was booked solid.

So you might wanna start looking.

- (sighs) You know, I hope you don't mind me asking this,

but do you think you could tutor Molly?

You know, just for a while?

- Oh, it's against school policy

to tutor students on campus.

- All right, what about here? Would that be okay?

- I suppose that might work.

Although I might wanna try a couple of initial sessions

to see how it goes first.

- Ms. Paige, I can't tell you how grateful I'd be.

- Well, how about Tuesday and Thursday of next week?

Say 4:45.

- Hang on a second, I'm not exactly sure

when Jake's soccer practice is, but yeah, that'd work.

- Great. I'll see you then.

- Terrific. Thank you so much.

- Bye, Mrs. Stephens.

And Samantha swallowed it whole, unaware of the nasty

little surprise that awaited her family.

- But if you're here, maybe she'll be different.

Mom, please don't leave me alone with her.

- Oh, Molly, you'll be fine.

For heaven's sake, you are so dramatic.

Where are the keys? - Right here, Mom.

- I gotta get Jake to practice.

- No, but Mom! - Mom, come on.

Coach will chew me out again.

- Hey, well, we can't have that, can we? Let's go, let's go.

- Mom, I don't wanna be alone with her!

- Sweetheart, love you.

- [Molly] Come on.

(slow dramatic music)

(doorbell rings)

- Hi, Molly. (dog growls)

- Hi, Ms. Paige. (dog barks)

Brooks, stop! Brooks, cut it out!

- He's not very friendly, is he?

- I've never seen him do this before.

- Well, he's certainly out of control now, isn't he?

- I'll put him in the back.

- Good idea.

Where's your mom?

- [Molly] Um, at my brother's soccer practice.

She'll be back in an hour.

(slow dramatic music)

I think I've got it. - Take your time.

- Okay, I'm done.

- Let's see.

Well, the answer is correct.

But you don't have to make it this hard.

Math can be simple, Molly. It's constant.

What you need to do is you need to learn the process

and not just solve the problems.

- I never thought of it that way before.

- That's because nobody ever taught you

to think of it that way.

Now, watch me.

See, you went around the long way. You understand?

- Yeah, I think so.

- Okay, why don't you do it again, and keep it simple.

Do you have any ice water?

- Yes, in the fridge - Okay.

(dog barking)

(dramatic music)

(dog barking)

- [Molly] Ms. Paige, am I supposed to do

the problem on page two?

- Yes, Molly. Do all the problems, please.

(dog barking)

(dramatic music)

(dog continues barking)

- Ms. Paige, I still don't get the third problem.

Whoa, you're a diabetic?

Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude.

It's just Jessie Clark has a kit just like that.

Well, not as nice as yours, but-

- Don't apologize, Molly.

It's a fair question when someone

is standing in your kitchen with a syringe.

And yes, I am diabetic.

But can we just keep it between you and me?

- Sure, Ms. Paige. I won't tell anybody.

- [Victoria] Thank you.

- Must be gross having to give yourself shots all the time.

- It's not so bad. You get used to them.

Where is your nearest bathroom?

- Um, there's one in the front entrance.

- Thank you. (dog barking)

And the Borgia were masters of poison.

Some say they were the first crime family

since they essentially ruled Italy

from the 14th to the 16th centuries.

And the way they disposed of their enemies was-

(Samantha speaking indistinctly)

Hello. (laughs)

- Hi. I'm so sorry I'm late, Ms. Paige.

- Not a problem, but I think I might've bored

Molly to death with the tales of the Borgia.

- It wasn't boring at all, Mom.

Lucrezia Borgia had all of these hollow rings.

She'd open them up and pour poison

into her enemies' wine glasses at dinner.

- Molly, will you please help Jake set the table?

I'm sorry about Brooks.

I've never seen him do that before.

- Oh, it's all right.

You know, I really enjoyed the time with Molly.

- Oh, yeah? - She's got a quick mind.

All she needs are the tools to use it.

- Well, you certainly seem to have won her over.

- You mean Ms. Pukey Paige the dragon lady

is human after all?

She really is a pleasure, Mrs. Stephens.

- Well, easy for you to say.

Please, would you call me Samantha?

I keep looking around for Nick's mother.

- Okay. (laughs)

- Victoria, shame on you for stealing my babysitting job.

What's a single parent to do?

- Hello, Jane.

- Would you like a grape? They're delicious.

- No, thank you.

- Sam? - No thanks.

- Oh, um, I can sit with the kids on your anniversary

as long as it's not too late.

- Great. - Samantha, I'll be by

on Thursday for Molly.

I think we made a great start today.

- Thanks. - Bye-bye.

- Hmm. So, um, she's tutoring Molly.

- [Samantha] Yeah. She couldn't find anyone else, so-

- I'm sure. By the way, I can't jog tomorrow.

The library called, they're short-staffed,

so I have to go in early.

- Okay. You wanna come in?

- I gotta unload the groceries.

- Okay, see ya. - Bye.

- I don't understand how she did it,

but Molly is now president of the Victoria Paige fan club.

Jane, however, has taken an instant dislike to her.

- Knowing Jane, I'd suggest her eyes are turning green.

- Why on earth would she be jealous of Victoria?

- Because Jane is the most possessive woman I've ever known.

- That's true.

Any news about becoming chief of surgery?

That meeting? Or is it a secret?

- There's no news.

- Oh, well. They say waiting can have its own rewards.

- Yeah. Waiting's the right word.

- Listen, sweetheart, what are we gonna do

about Jake's birthday?

- I thought we were getting him a skateboard.

- (sighs) No. You know how I feel about that.

- Every friend he's got has a skateboard.

Why do you want him to be different?

You know how that makes a kid feel?

- Yeah, I don't want him to be different.

I want him to be safe.

- (sighs) I think you're overreacting.

- (scoffs) Okay, obviously we don't agree about this,

so can we just give it a rest?

- [Nick] I'm going to bed.

- Samantha was happy she had a new friend,

and her bright little girl loved her good teacher.

Two down and two to go.

But that dog needs to be dealt with.

(dramatic music)

(twig snaps)

(footsteps rustling)

(dog growls and barks)

- What on earth is wrong with that dog?

(groans) It's two in the morning.

- I don't know. He hasn't been acting himself lately.

(dog barking)

(Victoria's lips smacking)

(dog barking)

Oh. (sighs)

I better go see what he's up to.

(dog barking)

(dog slurping)

(suspenseful music)

Brooks!

Here, boy!

(birds chirping)

(Samantha panting)

Hey. - Hi, Sam.

- I've never seen you here before.

- Well, I was using the track at school,

and then I heard about this place.

It's beautiful.

- It's a favorite part of my day. No kids, no arguments.

Just peace and quiet. Oh. (panting)

- You all right? - Oh, yeah.

I was up half the night looking for our dog, Brooks.

He seems to have run away.

- Oh. - And on top of that,

it's Jake's birthday next week, and Nick and I

have this running argument over

whether to buy him a skateboard.

You know, I think they're too dangerous.

And Nick thinks I'm being overprotective.

- Well, not that it's any of my business.

I have seen a lot of kids at school

get hurt on those things.

- You ever been married before?

- Me? No, no, not for me, no.

Do you, uh, run here every day?

- 6:00 a.m., rain or shine. - Good.

Well, maybe I'll see you here tomorrow.

- Great. - But either way, I'll be by

on Friday to tutor Molly. - Okay.

- Nice seeing you. - See you.

(Samantha sighs)

(dramatic music)

(telephone ringing)

- [Jane On Answering Machine] Hi, you've reached

the Robsons, Jane, Jessie, and Josie.

We can't take your call, so do the thing.

- Hello, Jane, this is Ann over at the library.

Listen, we're gonna be shorthanded Monday evening,

so we'd like for you to cover for us till about 10 or so.

Thanks, appreciate it. Bye.

(sinister music)

Cisplatin, five milligrams, effective antidote unknown.

Need further testing.

- Uh, yellow Labrador. Answers to the name of Brooks.

When will the ad be in the paper?

Tomorrow, great. Thank you so much.

(doorbell rings) - I'll get it.

- You know, I still don't understand how he got out.

Did we leave the back door open or something?

- I don't know. The point is, he's gone.

Ah, Victoria. Hi. - Hello.

- [Samantha] This is my husband, Nick.

- [Victoria] Hi, Victoria Paige. How do you do?

- Hello.

- Molly tells me that you have an anniversary coming up.

14 years, is it?

That's quite an accomplishment. Congratulations.

- Thanks.

We're spending a rare evening out alone

at Samantha's favorite restaurant.

- Nice. - Oh, I forgot to tell you,

Jane can't sit for us on Monday.

- What?

- Well, she has to work at the library.

- Oh. She didn't say anything to me about it.

- Jessie told me. - Oh.

- But of course you could still go if you let me babysit.

(Nick and Samantha laugh)

- No chance of that, kiddo.

- Come on. - Okay.

- Darn. I could find someone at work.

I could ask Lily. - Oh, no.

She's gonna feel obligated.

- I know, but...

Victoria? - Yeah?

Could you change your Tuesday session next week to Monday?

- Oh, no. Forget you heard that.

Just eat here.

- Actually, Monday would work better for me.

- [Samantha] Oh, Victoria, are you sure?

- I'd be happy to.

- But I don't have to do homework the whole night, right?

- Only if you want to. Excuse us.

(sinister music)

(upbeat music)

- Looks like someone stood you up.

- Does it?

- Men can be jerks.

- Really?

- Buy you a drink?

- Suit yourself.

- Bartender, two Jack rocks.

- Oh, you like it rough, do you?

- Rough is good. - Huh?

(dramatic music)

I think so too. (man chuckles)

(lips smacking)

Mm, that's nice.

- You be nice to daddy.

- I'll be right back.

- Don't take too long.

(dramatic music)

(Victoria panting)

(dramatic music)

- I have a surprise for you.

Get on your stomach. It starts with a massage.

- Do your thing, honey.

- Oh, I will.

You just relax.

Mama's gonna take real good care of you.

(Victoria moans) (man moans)

Are you ready for your surprise now?

(man sighs)

- Knock yourself out. - Mm.

(man groans)

You're not my daddy.

(man groans)

You know what I did?

I injected you with curare.

You can hear and see, but you can't move.

Paralyzed.

This dose should not leave a trace in your body,

so it'll be reported as a drowning in tomorrow's paper.

Wait a minute. I have here the antidote.

Do you want it? Well here, go ahead.

Take it.

Guess not.

You know something,

you're so stupid.

If it wasn't for your little daddy remark,

you probably would've walked outta here a happy man.

Oh, well.

I think it's gonna be so weird drowning

when you can't move, don't you?

(laughs) I guess we'll have to wait and see.

(birds chirping)

Well, I'll see you guys later. - See ya.

- That's one creepy woman.

- Why do you have such a problem with her?

- I don't know.

She shows up outta nowhere and suddenly

her car's in front of your house 24/7.

- That's creepy?

- Okay, don't laugh.

On your anniversary, the day before,

I get a message on my machine from the library

asking me to come into work.

When I got there, no one called.

I think it was Victoria.

- Oh, come on, Jane, that's...

Maybe the library made a mistake.

- No, she wanted me out of the way.

She wanted to sit with the kids,

and now she's running with us as well.

- I asked her to run with us.

- Why?

You've only known her for a few weeks,

and now it's Victoria says, Victoria thinks.

And I'm sick of hearing about Victoria.

- You're jealous.

- Okay. I'm jealous.

We've been friends for a long time

and now you're always with her.

- Listen, when you get home, I need that art book

about the Italian Renaissance back.

Could you return it to me?

- It's in your kitchen. - No, it's not.

I just looked this morning.

- Really? Well, I guess Victoria's outta luck then.

- Victoria's got nothing to do with this.

- Really, well then, I guess it's a coincidence

that she's teaching that next week,

and now the book's disappeared.

She probably took it herself.

- Oh, Jane, for God's sake. Jane.

(people talking indistinctly)

- [Person On PA] On-duty supervisor, please call

the nurse's station. - Victoria?

- Nick! - What are you doing here?

- Oh, well, my realtor is in for some testing,

and I've actually gotta get to radiology, I'm late.

It's great seeing you.

You know, I'm going shopping with Sam later

to get Jake's birthday present.

- Ah, so what's it to be? Let me guess.

Mittens, ski hat, long underwear?

You know, with the ski trip coming up,

it's quite predictable.

- [Person On PA] On-duty supervisor, please call

the nurse's station. - Sorry.

It's a bone of contention, I wanna get him a skateboard,

but she's dead set against him.

- But why?

I mean, he skateboards all the time at school

and he's really good.

(Nick gasps) Uh-oh.

I wasn't supposed to say that, was I?

Oh, please. I don't wanna get him in any trouble.

- No, are you kidding?

I gotta tell you, I didn't think Jake had it in him.

Look, I've got surgery in 20 minutes, so I've gotta run.

But go to reception on the second floor

and they'll direct you.

- Okay. Hey, happy anniversary.

- Thanks. I appreciate you watching the kids tonight.

- Anytime. - Okay, bye.

(dramatic music)

- Dad told me that him and Jane were never really serious.

They were just going out. Then he met Mom and fell in love.

- Well, I think it's great they stayed friends.

- They're best friends.

When Jane's husband died, we took care of Jane and her kids.

- Isn't it past your bedtime? - No.

- You know what, you guys, I have some papers to grade.

And Jake, it is nearly nine o'clock.

Molly, you have some homework upstairs that needs finishing.

- But can I just ask you a question

about the last algebra problem?

- Absolutely, next time. Goodnight, Molly.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight, Jake.

- Night.

(gentle music)

What are you doing?

- Just some schoolwork. What's the matter, Jake?

- I had a bad dream.

- What was your dream about?

- I saw Brooks across the street.

I called for him, but he just ran away.

I miss him a lot.

- Did you know that we can make good dreams?

All you have to do is you have to think about something

that you really, really like before you go to sleep.

Goodnight, Jake.

(dramatic music)

(gentle piano music)

(gentle piano music continues)

(dramatic music)

(car door slams)

- Where we gonna go from there?

- I know. - Hey.

Just checking on the kids. How was the night?

- Oh, fabulous.

- So how'd you survive? Okay?

- Not a problem. I just left my purse in the study.

- Oh, here, I'll get it. - Oh, no. Don't bother.

(dramatic music)

I hope you don't mind. I was just checking my email.

- Not at all. Wow, this is beautiful.

- Oh. Thanks.

- [Samantha] Gorgeous Italian leather.

- [Victoria] Well, I, I should really be going.

- Jake go to bed okay? - Right. Yeah.

He went right up. Thank you.

So I'll see you at the lake tomorrow morning?

- [Samantha] Yeah.

- Goodnight.

(dramatic music)

(Victoria sighs)

(birds chirping)

- Hey. - Hey.

- Man, it's cold this morning.

- Oh, you're not kidding. Here, try this.

- Oh, what's this?

- That's an herbal tea I invented.

It boosts the immune system. It's really good for you.

- This is delicious. What's in it?

- Oh, lots of stuff. I'll show you how to make it.

By the way, did, um, Jane ever return that art book to you?

- No, she didn't.

She insists she doesn't have it, but, um, I think she does.

- I hope that this isn't out of line,

but I heard that Nick and Jane used to be an item.

Is that true?

- Oh, well, we all went to the same college together.

You know, Jane introduced me to Nick.

I didn't steal him from her if that's what you heard.

- No, no. That's not what I heard at all.

- Well, whatever it was, if it was about Nick and Jane,

it's complete nonsense, we're all very good friends.

Our families take ski trips together.

As a matter of fact, we're supposed to go this weekend.

- Oh, good.

- All right. Ready to run? - Let's do it.

What are you, um, getting Jake for his birthday?

- [Samantha] Oh, it's a long story.

- Wow, thanks, Mom! Thanks, Dad!

- You can thank me too. I helped.

- Um, I don't see any elbow pads, a helmet, knee pads.

You are not to ride that without protective gear.

- The best there is.

- Whoa! Thanks.

- Don't worry, Jake.

She's not upset with you. She's angry with me.

Happy birthday, buddy.

You all right?

- You are the most selfish, arrogant.

I cannot believe you did that.

- [Nick] Sam, forget it.

- No, this is not just about skateboarding, Nick.

I mean, we're both his parents.

This is not just big doctor and little nurse.

What I feel has as much merit as what you feel.

- And I heard your feelings,

and then I went out and got him a skateboard.

Big deal. - Please.

- Don't ruin his birthday.

- You know, it's not me ruining it.

And Jane, my new ex-best friend Jane,

she bought him a membership to a skate park downtown.

It's like she and Nick got together

and planned this whole thing.

- (sighs) Sounds like that's exactly what they did.

- You said something the other day about Jane and Nick.

- Oh, no, I, I don't think

it's anything, Sam. - Come on.

- Okay. (clears throat)

I heard a couple of women at school talking.

They said they saw Jane and Nick

out at a restaurant together.

But I'm sure they were just planning Jake's birthday.

You're upset now. Do you wanna do this another day?

I'm sorry. - No, no.

Come on, it'll do me good, take my mind off of it.

I'm sorry to go on like this.

- It's okay.

- [Samantha] Oh, that's lovely. That's perfect for you.

- The interior needs a little bit of work,

but the garden is so beautiful.

It's got a huge yard too.

As soon as escrow closes, I'll take you in

for a look around. - Great.

- Yeah. We should go.

- [Samantha] How did you find this place?

I've lived here my entire life. I've never seen it.

- [Victoria] I found it while I was house hunting.

- Ah, lemon verbena.

My mother used to make sachets out of this.

- Oh, yeah? So did mine, and lavender.

- [Samantha] Mm.

(dramatic music)

- Oh, look, lemon balm, I love this-

- Ow! Ah!

- Oh, I am so sorry, Samantha.

- That's okay. - Oh my gosh.

Are you all right?

- [Samantha] Ah! Oh, ah.

- Is she okay? - That'd be no.

- Okay. All right, can you help me, please?

Nice and easy. Ready?

- All right, wait a minute. Okay.

- [Victoria] No skiing for you this weekend.

- I'll be the only one from the block not going.

It's kind of a neighborhood tradition, you know,

first snow of the season.

- [Victoria] Thank goodness nothing's broken.

- That looks really disgusting.

- It's comfrey.

It'll help reduce the bruising

and speed up the healing process.

It's not too hot, is it?

- No, it feels fine. How do you know when to use what?

- Well, I'll teach you if you like.

How's it feeling now?

- Actually, it feels a little bit better.

Am I imagining that?

- No, you're not imagining it.

Listen, I'd really like to go to the motel

and grab you some lavender tea, it'll help you relax.

- Oh, Victoria, come on. You've done enough.

- Nonsense.

You try and get some sleep and I won't be long. I promise.

(sinister music)

- Does it hurt a lot?

- No, sweetie. Not really, not anymore.

- Well, it's not broken, but you should've come to the ER.

You know, Victoria's not a doctor.

- It's really disgusting.

- You guys must be starving.

Victoria put a chicken on to roast,

and there are some veggies leftover from last night.

- Come on, kids. Looks like we're on our own.

- [Samantha] Mm.

- With Samantha confined to bed drinking my special tea,

the good teacher prepares for a day of skiing,

learned while staying with the Lawson family.

Footnote, see chapter four, The Ski Instructor.

(gentle music)

(objects clatter) - Aw.

(Samantha sighs)

(gentle music)

(Samantha gasps)

(Samantha groans)

(dramatic music)

(birds chirping)

Thanks for Jake's birthday gift.

I'll make sure he writes you a note.

Oh, um, and for returning the book.

- Excuse me?

- Oh, come on, Jane.

You didn't have to just drop it on the coffee table.

- I returned your book weeks ago,

so I couldn't have left it on your coffee table.

And I didn't- - Oh, so you had

one of the girls do it for you?

What is the matter with you? Why are you...

Are you so jealous? I mean, is this about Nick?

- Wait, jealous of you and Nick? You are joking.

Or do you mean jealous of you and Victoria?

No, I'm not.

(sighs) Sorry about your ankle.

It's a shame you couldn't come skiing.

Though I gotta say, she's a much better skier than you are.

Oh. You didn't know?

Yeah, your new best friend spent the day

skiing with your family.

You think I'm interested in Nick?

You are looking in the wrong direction, honey.

(garage door whirs)

- Jake said he was snowboarding pretty well today.

- Yeah, Molly too.

And after Victoria gave her a few pointers,

she was on the black diamond runs.

- Victoria was there?

- Yeah, Molly literally almost ran into her on the downhill.

But what she's doing wasting her time

on our local slopes is beyond me.

I mean, she's an expert skier. Anyway, I'm tired.

- Night. - Night.

- Glad you had a good time. - Mm.

(car engine rumbling)

(dramatic music)

- Mom, you're really late. What happened?

- I'm so sorry, honey. I lost track of time.

I'm really sorry. - It's okay.

We passed the time playing games.

- Oh, um, by the way, you see that van up there?

It's got Florida license plates. I keep seeing it around.

I think you should let the administration know.

- Oh, I will. Right away. - Thanks again.

- Sure. Bye, Jake. - Bye.

(dramatic music)

- Samantha can't even remember to pick up her son on time.

Of course it never occurs to her

that the more herbal tea she drinks, the more she forgets.

- I, I picked up the watch at the jewelers

and I put it in my purse.

Victoria saw me do it. And then we came straight home.

- Well, it's not here. - Wait minute. Let me see.

All right, I remember I put it in the side zipper pocket

so it wouldn't fall out.

(sighs) Nick, I'm so sorry.

- You know, my father gave me that watch

on my 21st birthday.

- Mom? Mom?

Mom, it took me a week to write that report

and now it's gone, what did you do?

- What are you talking about, Molly?

I wasn't anywhere near your computer.

- Then why was your stupid teacup on my desk?

(Samantha sighs)

(dramatic music)

(Victoria gasps)

- Get off of me!

- Well, you didn't seem to mind in Key West.

- Yeah. That diversion ended there.

- I don't think so. I've been following you.

I know who your next victim is. I read your book.

I know who your last victim was. Or victims.

What? You looking for this?

You know, I oughta give you a taste of your own medicine.

You can't stand a happy family, can you?

- Spare me the psychotherapy.

- Pick a town. Pick a happy family.

Become part of the family. Mom gets sick, mom dies.

And then you become mom.

But you like that part, don't you?

When that gets old, dad and the kids die

and you get the money.

And off you go to Florida or the Bahamas

and amuse yourself with low-rent parrotheads like me

until the money runs out, huh?

- What do you want?

- Well, let's see, $10,000 would make me disappear.

- Well, I don't have that kind of money.

- (laughs) Actually, you did.

But not anymore. Found it in the other room.

- Okay, fine. Fine, you got the money.

Take it and get out.

- And as a bit of insurance, I think I'll take this too.

What, "The Good Teacher," is it?

Can't wait for the next chapter.

(Victoria groans) Come on, come on.

Oh, you're good, you're good.

You're real good. But not that good.

I'd get out of this game if I were you.

(Victoria groans)

(Victoria panting)

- Mrs. Stephens.

- What do you want? - It's more what you want.

What you want is to hear what I have to say.

- You've been following me.

Who are you? - Look, that's not important.

You listen to me. She's dangerous.

- Who? What are you talking about?

- Your best friend. She's setting you up.

She's done it before and she's very, very good at it.

- Setting me up for what?

- She wants your family.

- That's ridiculous. - Oh, is it? You want proof?

$10,000 cash. You get it today.

And don't tell anyone.

Not your husband, not your best friend.

And you meet me tonight at 7:30, the lake where you run.

I'll give you all the proof that you need. All right?

(dramatic music)

- Look, I know it sounds a little crazy,

but things have been happening around here.

Your watch, right? Molly's report.

There are appointments that, that I made that got canceled.

I didn't cancel them.

Jane, right? I lent a book to Jane.

She denies having it, and then suddenly it reappears.

I'm not imagining this.

- So this is one big conspiracy and Jane's behind it.

It's called coincidence.

- Jane is the only one outside of the family

that has keys to our house.

- Jane has been your closest friend.

You know, you just haven't been acting yourself lately,

and I think it's time you go talk to somebody.

(Samantha scoffs)

- I'm trying to talk to you.

- Is Mom gonna be okay?

- Yeah. Mom's gonna be fine.

Hey, how come you didn't finish your salad?

- It's gross. You thought so too, you made a face.

Yeah. Go get the glasses, will you?

(dramatic music)

- I don't know why I'm telling you all this.

You must think I'm crazy.

- Believe me, you're not crazy.

And I'm, I'm glad you're telling me all this.

Well, what are you gonna do?

- I have no choice. I have to meet him.

- [Victoria] Well, then I'll go with you.

- No, no, you can't. He told me I had to be alone.

- Well, just be careful. - Thanks.

(gentle music)

- [Narrator On TV] The Tyrannosaurus rex inhabited

the eastern savannas.

- I'm gonna run to the store. Do you need anything?

- You want us to come with you?

- You meeting a secret admirer, Mom?

- (scoffs) No, Molly.

Um, no, I won't be long.

(gentle music)

(water lapping)

(footsteps clicking)

- Oh, you're early. Must be pretty anxious.

Where's the money?

- Hello, Daniel.

- Well, I should've figured.

Look, I didn't blow anything for you, all right?

I just hit her up for a little money.

- I already paid you.

(gun cocks) - Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.

Relax. Take it easy.

I'll give you your money back, all right?

I'll leave right now. - It's not the money I want.

- Well, if it's the book you want,

I got it right here in the van, all right?

- Okay, well, we can talk about that. Get in the van.

Now! - Why do you always

have to go and ruin things for me, huh?

- [Victoria] Keep moving.

- I'm not gonna drive somewhere just so you can shoot me.

- (sighs) Okay. (gun fires)

(Daniel groans)

(dramatic music)

(body thuds) (Victoria sighs)

(body thuds) (door slams)

(engine cranks)

(dramatic music)

(water splashes)

(dramatic music)

(car engine rumbling)

- Nick!

- I had the lab run an analysis.

Cytisus laburnum. Highly poisonous.

Symptoms include vomiting, convulsions,

oftentimes leading to coma and death.

Perfect for a family dinner salad.

- Wait, are you accusing me of poisoning my family?

- I didn't make the salad. The kids didn't make the salad.

You made the salad!

- I did not put laburnum seeds in the salad.

- No, I guess Jane just snuck over here while you were gone.

(Samantha sighs)

I don't want you preparing food

while you're in this state of mind, okay?

There's a board meeting at the hospital tonight.

It may run a late.

(knocking)

- Hey. - Can we talk?

I left Molly in the car.

- Yeah, sure, come on in. Oh, close the door.

What happened last night?

- He didn't show up. I, I don't know what to do.

He, he told me that he had proof that Jane was dangerous.

- Oh, come on, Sam.

She might be a little hostile, but dangerous?

- I don't know, Jane's done some things

in the past that weren't...

And I mean, how well do you really know someone?

- I'm not so sure she's been such a good friend to you.

You okay? - I'm okay.

- Sit down. Sit down.

You all right? - Yeah.

I'm sorry. - It's okay.

- I'm just a little worn down today.

- Of course you are. It's okay.

- Nick accused me this morning

of putting laburnum seeds in the kids' salads.

He honestly thought that I would deliberately

try to poison them. - Oh, no, he doesn't.

Sam, come on. He was just overreacting.

- I don't know. He doesn't seem to trust me anymore.

He could barely bring himself to leave me alone

with the kids tonight.

- Listen to me. You are the best mother I know.

(Samantha laughs) Yes, you are, okay?

And whatever Nick is going through,

he's gonna get over it soon.

It'll be fine.

- Thanks for being my friend.

(suspenseful music)

(clock ticking)

(objects clattering)

(suspenseful music)

(door squeaking)

(suspenseful music)

(door slams)

(suspenseful music)

(object bangs)

(suspenseful music)

(Samantha screams) - Sam! Sam, Sam, it's me.

- Okay. Oh.

- What is it? - Oh, good Lord.

I heard someone. There's someone in the house.

- What?

- There's someone in the house.

- Okay. Wait, wait, wait.

We'll call the police. Come on.

(indistinct radio chatter)

- [Officer] So what time did you first hear a noise, ma'am?

- Um, I think it was around 11:30.

I, I remember because I woke up

and noticed my husband wasn't there.

- [Nick] I was at the hospital. You can check that.

- Oh, there's no need for that, sir.

So you were saying, ma'am?

- I heard a noise and I came downstairs

thinking it was my husband,

and I noticed the lights were all off.

And then I saw a figure.

- Uh-huh. And what did you do then?

- Well, I couldn't get to the phone, so I,

I went into the study and I picked up a letter opener.

And just then my husband came home and, um, we called 911.

- And nothing's missing? - I don't know.

- [Officer] Anyone else is in the house? You got kids or-

- Yes, yes. Our children, they're asleep upstairs.

- [Officer] Lieutenant, could I talk to you?

- [Officer] Excuse me.

- Are you sure maybe you just didn't hear something outside

and think that, I don't know-

- [Officer] Dr. Stephens, would you come in here, please?

(dramatic music)

- Oh, no. Oh, no, you couldn't possibly think-

- [Officer] Lieutenant?

- Thank you for your time, officers.

Sorry to have bothered you.

I'll walk you out. - Good night, ma'am. Doctor.

(gentle music)

- Goodnight.

Just don't say it was Jane

because she's jealous of Victoria.

You know, Sam, you haven't been yourself, you've-

- Destroyed my own work.

Accused my ex-best friend of harassment.

Tried to poison you. Invented intruders.

- Even the cops didn't believe you.

- More to the point, you didn't believe me.

- You just haven't been behaving normally.

- And you're not bothering to find out why.

Because it's easier to believe that I'm making this up.

(birds chirping)

- Look, something's come up.

- What, you're sending the men in white jackets

to come and take me away?

- (chuckles) No.

I couldn't tell you last night, but, uh,

the board gave Benedict the golden handshake.

They've offered me the job. Chief surgeon.

- Oh, Nick! I am so happy for you.

You've worked so hard for this.

- Yeah.

Now the bad news is I have to go to Chicago for a few days

and I'm worried about leaving you here alone.

- You're kidding, right?

- Maybe Victoria could stay over.

- Nick, we'll be fine.

- I've already called her. I'll see you tonight.

(dramatic music)

- We added this for my mother.

She couldn't really get up and down the stairs.

- It's lovely. - Well, there's not much room.

- Oh, no. It's perfect. - Oh, house keys.

Um, there you go. Front and back.

There's a private side entrance, okay?

So make yourself at home.

- Thank you, Samantha.

- Thanks, honey. - Yep.

- My flight doesn't get in until noon,

so I won't be able to check into the hotel

until after the conference.

- Will you bring me back a hot dog?

- Are you kidding? He's kidding, right?

- Nick? - Yeah?

- Are you already packed? - No, no. Not yet.

- I'll, I'll go check and see

if you have enough clean shirts, hon.

- [Nick] Thanks.

- [Molly] Ms. Paige, can you take a look

at my science project after?

- [Victoria] Of course. I'd be happy to, Molly.

- That's right. - No, you cheated.

- No, no, no, no! - You're cheating.

- [Jake] No, look, okay, over this one

and then over that one. - That's the color I had.

- You skipped a space. Don't you know how to count?

- I did it right! - Okay, whose turn is it?

- [Victoria] I think it's mine, actually.

Well, see? - No, no, no, no, no.

Switch it. Go, go, go, go, go.

- Yeah. Okay. - Okay, here we go.

Watch this. - Okay.

- Green! - You want anything?

- Greedy, greedy. - Uh, no thanks, hon.

- Okay. - Do you wanna play?

- No thanks, hon. I'm beat.

I'm just gonna go up and go to bed.

- (laughs) All right. Night.

- Now, what is that? - No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

No, no, all right, start back here, it's my turn.

My turn. Wait now.

You stopped my turn. - I think you're a little

out of control with the cheating.

- Here we go. Here we go. - Somebody had Cheaties

for breakfast today, right? - No, look, okay, over this

one and then over that one. - Forgot what color I am.

No, no, no, no, no, switch it.

Go, go, go, go, go.

(footsteps thudding)

(glass shatters)

(knocking)

- Just give me one second!

(dramatic music)

- Everything okay?

- Hang on one second!

Come on in!

Hey. I'm such a klutz.

I dropped a glass in the bathroom and cut my foot.

- Here, let me take a look.

Oh, that's not so bad.

- Easy for you to say, Doc.

- I think we've got a first aid kit here somewhere.

- Watch out for the glass.

- I think you'll live.

(Victoria gasps)

- Thank you. All better.

- That should do you.

- Well, I guess I'll see you in the morning.

- Uh. Yeah.

Yeah. Goodnight. - Night.

Sweet dreams.

(dramatic orchestral music)

(doorbell rings)

- Ah.

(doorbell rings)

Nick, why didn't you wake me?

- Victoria gave the kids a ride. Said to let you sleep.

- Oh. - Call you from Chicago.

- Okay, have a safe trip, hon.

- [Nick] Love you.

- "Mrs. Victoria Paige."

(slow dramatic music)

Jane Robson, please.

Jane, it's me.

Would you do me a favor?

(doorbell rings)

- [Jane] Here. If anyone hears about this, I'll get fired.

- No one's gonna hear about this, I promise.

- Any chance you telling me why?

- No. I, I, I can't yet, Jane.

I'm just trying to figure out what's going on.

I owe you an apology.

I thought- - You thought it was me.

(scoffs) Victoria's been asking a lot of questions about you

and about me and Nick.

And now I see she's moved in with you.

What is going on, Sam?

- Well, she's just there while Nick's away.

- Oh, I wonder whose idea that was.

Look, I'm still right here, okay?

- Thanks. And thanks for doing this.

(sinister music)

- Hi, Mom, I'm going to Hannah's. She has one of my books.

- Okay, well hurry up. Dinner's in a half an hour.

Oh, and Mol, please remind Hannah's mother

she's taking Jake to practice tomorrow.

- [Molly] Okay, Mom.

- Never stops, does it? I was just making a salad.

Do you want me to help you with dinner?

- Well, it's just a jar of sauce and some pasta.

- Pre-made? Do you mind if I throw some fresh herbs in it?

- Actually, the kids prefer it plain.

- Oh. (telephone ringing)

I'll get it.

Hello? - Hi, it's Nick.

- Oh, hi. How was your flight?

- Fine. How are thing? - No, everything's fine.

- [Nick] Listen, I was just wondering, um, any messages?

- No, just the hospital. You have to call the chairman.

- Is this Victoria? - (scoffs) Victoria's here.

You just spoke to her.

- [Nick] Oh, Sam, I thought I was speaking to Victoria.

- No, I'm your wife. Victoria answered.

I'm talking to you now. - Sorry, Sam. Don't be angry.

I was just- - No, why,

why do you think I sound angry?

I'm not angry. You're just confused.

Bye.

- Anyway, I'm off to shower. Um, is this Nick's?

You might wanna put this someplace safe

so you don't lose any more of his stuff.

(slow dramatic music) (kids shouting)

Ah, the reappearance best friend Jane. Oh, dear.

And what was in that manila envelope?

Is Samantha delving into the past? Naughty girl.

(Victoria sighs)

- [Samantha] I'm looking for an old friend, Victoria Paige.

The last time I spoke to her,

she was teaching at your school.

- [Secretary] I'll check our records. What's the name?

- Victoria Paige. - I seem to recall her,

but she left a few years ago. - Ah. Yes, I see.

Do you know where?

- [Secretary] Are you seeking privileged information?

- No. - If so, I can transfer you-

- No, uh, all right. No, that's all right, I understand.

- Give me your name. - Um, Stephens, Samantha.

- [Secretary] Is there a number where I can reach you?

- Yes, 413-5- (car engine rumbling)

(knocks) Victoria?

What's wrong?

- (sighs) You've been so wonderful to me, Samantha.

And I so wanted to make a life here

and for us to be friends.

But I've lied to you.

(gentle music)

And I can't do it anymore.

I have to tell you the truth about who I really am.

When that jerk in the van, Dan Ellis,

told you that he thought your friend was dangerous,

you thought he meant Jane.

I let you think that. But he didn't, he meant me.

- I don't understand. - I know. (sighs)

He works for my husband.

Michael and I were married for about a month

before the first time he came home drunk.

And he beat me so badly

that I couldn't leave the house for days.

You know, when he sobered up, of course, he, uh,

he swore he'd never do it again.

And he didn't. For three years.

I was pregnant.

And the next time he beat me, I lost the baby.

So I left him.

But his family is very prominent and very powerful

in Florida, and he's their only son,

so they hired Dan Ellis to find me and bring me back.

And I'm so stupid. I went back.

And of course nothing changed,

so I left him again three years later.

Only this time I was more careful. I managed to stay away.

- But they kept looking.

- When you told me about the van with the Florida plates,

obviously I knew who it was.

Dan came to see me.

And when I refused to go back, he threatened me.

He set out to ruin everything.

He was gonna ruin everything in my life, starting with you.

When you told me that he came to get money from you,

I had to do something.

So I paid him the money to go back to Florida

and tell my husband that he'd lost me.

- So that's why he didn't show up that night.

- Yeah.

- So is everything okay? - (sobs) No.

He phoned me this morning from Miami

thanking me for the money and to tell me

that he preferred to continue working for my husband.

So he took my money and he sold me out.

And now they know where I am.

And Samantha, I would rather die than go back.

So I have to keep moving. - You can't.

You have a life here. You have a job, a house.

Nick and I'll help you. Okay?

You don't have to go back.

- I am so tired of running.

- You don't have to go back.

- I don't know. Maybe you're right.

(birds chirping)

- Mol, We had a deal.

You clean your room, then you get to go

see the movie with Hannah.

- Mom, I can clean it when I get home.

Everybody's seeing this movie.

And Hannah's mom's coming with us.

- Victoria, what are you doing?

The kids are used to just having cereal for breakfast.

- Well, I know, but I love to cook. Just sit down and relax.

- Mom, it's a matinee. I'll be home by like four.

Please? I promise I'll clean my room after.

Please? I promise. - All right.

- Thank you. Can I have some pancakes too?

- Sure. There you go.

- So what are your plans, buddy?

- You forgot?

You're taking me to Kyle's and we're going

to the board park and I'm sleeping over.

Do you have Alls-heimer's or something, Mom?

- It's called Alzheimer's, and that's not very funny.

So where's Kyle's house again, honey?

- [Jake] He says corner house above Sixth Street

on the right side. - Okay.

That's Victoria's new house.

Why is she taking the sold sign down?

Excuse me. I'm sorry to bother you.

I thought that this house was sold already.

- Oh, the financing fell through.

Such a shame. She just loved this place.

Oh, between you and me,

I thought they could've used something bigger.

- Really? How many bedrooms?

- Three.

But with four kids and one on the way,

you'd need a lot more space than that.

Would you like to see it?

- Um, no, no thank you. Thank you for you time.

- Pleasure.

(slow dramatic music)

- [Joanna On Answering Machine] Mrs. Stephens,

this is Joanna Walters from the Peyton School in New York.

I just spoke with Victoria Paige's brother,

and he informed me that she passed away over two years ago.

Obviously there's been some mistake.

Please call me as soon as possible-

(glass shatters) so we can straighten

this matter out.

I'll be in my office at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.

I look forward to speaking with you.

(dramatic music)

- Victoria?

- While the handsome doctor is out of town,

sweet Samantha waits at home for her best friend

to come and make supper.

The oh-so-happy Stephens family, until tomorrow

when Samantha gets a surprise heart attack while running,

and her loving husband, a surprise phone call.

We're sorry, Doctor, but your wife is dead.

(slow dramatic music)

(suspenseful music)

- Belladonna, aconite, laburnum.

These are all poisons.

(dramatic music)

(gasps) Oh my God.

My God. Molly.

(dramatic music)

(tires squeal)

(horn honks)

(dramatic music)

Molly? Molly, are you home?

- [Molly] I'm upstairs, Mom.

You have a message on the machine from Dad.

- Okay. I want you to come downstairs right away.

(answering machine beeps)

- [Nick] Hi, it's Nick.

Look, my plans have changed and I'm heading to the airport.

Give me a call on my cell when you get this. Bye.

- Mom, what's going on? - Oh, Molly, listen.

Listen to me very carefully.

I want you to go to Hannah's, and I want you to stay there.

Do you understand? - No, I don't.

- Oh, honey, please, just go to Hannah's

and stay there until I come and get you.

- But Mom, I'm not gonna leave you alone.

- Please don't argue. Just go, now.

(dramatic music)

- Operator. - Police department, please.

- [Operator] One moment, please.

- Metro Police, we just- - Um, yes-

- [Officer] Have some calls waiting. Can you please hold?

- Yes, I'll hold. - Thank you.

Metro Police, how can I direct your call?

- Um, I'd like to speak to a detective.

- One moment, please. I'll connect you to-

(phone clicks)

(suspenseful music)

- Victoria. What do you want?

You, you, you, you don't have to do-

- What do I want? (laughs)

You. Come on.

Into the study.

(suspenseful music)

Ah, there it is. Look at that pretty little carotid artery.

Hey, did I ever tell you what my favorite herb is?

Curare. It paralyzes you.

You want me to give you a demonstration?

- Then you'll never find it.

- (sighs) Sam, it's not gonna do you any good.

It's just a story. No one's gonna believe it's true.

Now give it to me and you'll never see me again.

- Tell you what.

Leave me your address and I'll mail it to you.

(Victoria grunts) (Samantha groans)

- Fine. - Ah.

- School's in session. (Samantha moans)

(Samantha gasps) Now, I'm just gonna try

to give you enough to keep you quiet.

There we go.

Now.

(doorbell rings)

(dramatic music)

Don't go anywhere.

Hello, Jane.

- I wanna talk to Sam.

- Oh, she's taking a nap right now.

Is there something I can help you with?

- No, there's nothing you can help me with.

I want to see Samantha.

- Well, I'll have her call you when she wakes up.

- I just tried calling before I came over

and the line's not working.

- Huh. That's odd.

Well, why don't you come in. We'll check it out.

(gentle music)

- It's unplugged. - Well, what do you know?

Samantha must've done that before she took a nap

so she could have some peace and quiet.

(gentle music)

- Well, could you tell Sam that Nick phoned

and he caught an earlier flight?

He's on his way home from the airport.

- Will do. Thanks for coming by.

(dramatic music)

It seems that Daddy Nick is on his way home.

So are you gonna behave yourself

and tell me where my manuscript is?

Okay. Let's try this a different way.

Come on, up you go. There you go.

Nice and easy, there you go. This way, come on.

(dramatic music)

- Hello! Anybody home?

Sam?

Oh, hi, Victoria. You know the phones are out?

I've been trying to call for an hour.

Where's Sam? - She's gone.

(dramatic music)

- Where are the kids? - I don't know.

I, I came home for dinner and there was no one in the house

and the front door was wide open.

(suspenseful music)

- Well, the truck's still here. Did you check with Jane?

- Nick. (sighs)

She left a note. I'm sorry.

- A note? Where is it?

- It's in the kitchen.

It's over there on the counter.

- [Nick] Victoria, this is the water bill.

There's, there's nothing here.

(Nick groans) (suspenseful music)

- (sighs) You know, for a doctor, you're incredibly dumb.

Well, we're all ready now, and we're gonna have a party.

Oh. And wait until you see the entertainment.

(Samantha yells)

(Samantha grunting)

(Victoria grunts) (body thuds)

(dramatic music)

(easel clatters) (Samantha grunting)

(Samantha panting)

(Samantha grunting)

(dramatic music)

- Come on, sweetie. Come on.

There you go. There you go.

There you go.

(indistinct radio chatter)

Hi. - Gotta call the kids.

- Oh, I did, Molly's gonna stay at Hannah's

and, uh, Jake is gonna stay over at Kyle's.

(gentle music)

- I don't know what to say. I'm just, just so sorry.

- Oh, sweetheart, come on.

- How did you know about the antidote?

- She wrote it down. She wrote everything down.

I have something for you.

- Oh! Where did you find this?

- She had it all along. She had us all along.

- Yeah, but you stopped her.

(mellow music)

(gentle music)

(gentle music continues)

(dramatic music)

(gentle music)

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music continues)