Original subtitles

Listen up, this is your play.

4 A.M. at K-Mart.

They have the best deals and people camp out.

Then, across town to electronics.

Then, to the mall.

The mall's gonna be a mad house,

so we should use the back entrance and park at the bank.

Now, we're dalts.

Don't let anybody push you around.

We'll be black Friday ninjas.

Full-contact shopping,

the true meaning of Christmas.

Yeah, well I need those black Fridays.

I've got a daughter in law school,

and it's not cheap.

Well, I have a father and a brother

with expensive taste.

Hey, third piece?

You already ate half the Turkey.

No, see, it's moms and sisters that have expensive taste.

Well, your mother wants something

that can't be found in a store this Christmas.

Oh yes?

She wants to win

the neighborhood house decorating contest.

He winner gets featuredt n west Michigan living magazinei

and it would really help your mother's business.

But mom does interior design.

Listen, if Judy Gage beats me again,

you know she's never gonna let me hear the end of it.

It starts tomorrow

and this lady's already out plotting

and scheming in her yard.

She takes great pride in beating me

because I'm a design person.

Which is why Jason and I are starting at dawn

while you two shop.

Nuh-uh, nope, not gonna happen.

Uh-huh, so we don't have to go shopping.

( Hat ridiculous themew ID the neighborhood associationd

vote for this year?

Christmas bells,

and I have had no time to plan,

so I am just thinking off the top of my head silver,

all silver, silver bells.

Oh no, no, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope.

What?

Darling, we're dalts. We never go for the silver;

we always go for the gold, for the win.

Speaking of which...

Off to work, we know.

Even on Thanksgiving.

The sports must go on.

♪♪♪

If you watched the central Michigan game yesterday,

then you know the play

michiganders are just celebrating tonight.

I hope you were able to feast your eyes on...

Feast your eyes?

Eighty-yard touchdown by Derek Jensen

that sealed it for the chippewas in the final quarter.

That is Jensen's fifth game-winning touchdown

in five straight games.

Now folks, I want to tell you something.

He is the one we are giving thanks for at our house.

Hat is your Thanksgiving dayt sports round-up.

Tomorrow, our ridiculous ref of the week award.

Here it comes.

I'm Bruce dalt, action 8 sports, for the win.

For the win.

Thank you, Bruce.

Very exciting. Well, tomorrow is...

I can't believe you're still letting him

do this ridiculous ref segment.

It's lowbrow.

It's the only segment we've been able to get viral.

Viewers love it.

You know what they would really love?

An exclusive with Derek Jensen.

Yeah, well that kid's a media hermit.

He doesn't let the press get near him.

He's a lock for the heisman this year.

We should have a home-field advantage;

he grew up in Garfield park.

If someone could get that interview,

would they have a shot at the on air desk?

Sure.

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

Hey, Arlo, Judy,

you know you can't start decorating 'til tomorrow.

It's 12:15, Bruce.

( Nd we're goinga or the win. F

♪♪♪

Jason, psst!

Jason, come on, get up.

Judy's got the jump on us.

Jason, wake up!

Come on buddy, don't you care about Christmas, huh?

We have a whole month. It's not a race.

Look, we can't let the gages get the psychological edge.

We both know...

Do not quote yogi berra.

Ninety percent of the game is half mental.

Now get up.

Come on!

♪♪♪

Where'd you even go?

I thought mom was still deciding on her design.

Well, we know she'll want lights,

so we'll start right here.

This whole competition is stupid.

It doesn't mean...

It's important to your mom.

Why do I get the feeling you're not in it to win here?

Because winning is overrated.

Winning will give you greater opportunities.

This is the year that'll determine your future, buddy.

If you win state, if you get a scholarship,

that scholarship will determine your school.

That school will determine your career

and your entire future.

We're still talking about the neighborhood contest, right?

Mm-hmm.

Alright, let's see here.

And we can't win like this,

so I will get a few more hours of sleep

while we wait for the stores to open.

See you in awhile, crocodile.

♪♪♪

( Do not understandi hy they needw

all these handicapped parking spaces.

Because we have handicapped people in America, dad.

( Hoa, there's onew ight over here. R

out of the way, man.

Ome on buddy, c ake your time! T

- there's another guy there. - I don't care.

E's smaller than us, h on't worry about it. D

ey, hey, hey, hey! H.

Et that little thingg ut of here, I got it! O.

What's the matter with you, huh?

I was there first! I'm bigger than you!

Come on, this is a big space.

For the win, right?

You're the sports reporter.

Yeah, Bruce dalt, action 8 sports.

No, I'm telling you,

you saw that we were first, right?

People get so crazy at christmastime.

They do.

They forget what's important, don't they?

Yeah.

( Hank you very much, t erry Christmas. M

merry Christmas to you, too.

Well, you can't do much good with pocket change, can you?

( Erry Christmas. M

tell me something,

this money doesn't go to buying those crazy uniforms, does it?

( O, the uniforms say we'ren vailable to people in need. A

the money goes to them.

Save to serve.

To each his own.

I don't care how it gets in the kettle.

It's all the lord's money now.

Somebody'll be blessed by it.

♪ Joy to the world, the lord has come ♪♪

Do you want the cheese plate shipped to aunt Mabel?

Yes, and that tea cozy goes to great grandma Rose.

She always sends us something and I always forget about her.

That's terrible.

You know the doilies she makes us?

[ On the first day of Christmas, ♪ reat grandma gave to me ♪g

a hand-crocheted doily ♪

- Beautiful. - She's 99, she's precious.

I know.

I was thinking that maybe we could do more things

as a family this year, like go to church.

Oh.

Church.

Like, church-church?

Yeah!

You know, it's Christmas.

Christmas is the birth of Jesus, right, right?

It sounds like a good time to go.

Sure, I agree.

If you want to do that, sure.

I have to drive back to school tomorrow,

end of term, so...

( Unday's alwayss big game day. A

I mean, there's a lot to cover.

I won't be able to go with you.

Lright, well maybea could go on Christmas Eve. I

Bruce, we can, you know...

( O, it's cool, mom. N

if it's not real enough to go every Sunday,

then why go on Christmas either?

I can go on my own.

Something I said?

Honey, how did it go with you two today?

It went great!

We put up the new lights.

Well, I mean, did you, you know,

have a chance to connect?

Like, what did you talk about?

What are you, speaking womanese?

( Ome on. C

well, what are you asking me?

No, I'm serious.

Bruce, he's gonna be out of the house before we know it

and he needs to know we support him.

I don't want to lose him.

Sweetheart, he is asking to go to church.

It's not like he's out drinking or something.

Unless he's asking because he feels guilty about something.

It's probably just a girl.

Look, he has a big game tomorrow night.

( Lready planning on it. A

come as a dad, okay?

Don't come as Bruce dalt, action 8 sports, for the win.

Don't I always?

♪♪♪

You just made it. They're about to come out.

Hold on, hold on one second.

Be right back.

Excuse me, good to see you, good to see you.

Hey everybody, how are you?

Bruce dalt, action 8 sports.

Hi, how ya doing?

Good to see you.

State's been off to an excellent start this season.

This could be your year, you guys.

Yeah, we think so.

You know, Jason dalt, number 4,

keep an eye on him.

He could be your ticket for next year.

Okay, right, number 4, got it.

Okay, good.

Good to see you again.

They're gonna come out man-to-man.

We gotta be ready for it.

We're gonna run flex one, flex two.

It's gonna happen between these two spots right here.

Jason, stay with me on the play calls, okay?

Bruce, is everything okay out there?

Oh, it's good, it's good, it's real good.

I just wanna say, guys, go get 'em, huh?

Now, there's a scout from state out there

and he has got his eyes on you boys,

so play your best, huh?

Especially you, Jason dalt, huh?

Alright.

Thanks, thanks Bruce.

Hey, can we get a minute here?

Oh yeah, sure, sure, yeah, go!

Alright guys, forget everything he just said.

Forget about the scout.

We're gonna play our gam.

Now, you with me?

Yeah!

- Jason? - Yeah, I'm with you.

Okay, this team is aggressive.

That's how they try to get in your head.

We're gonna be cool.

We're gonna play great defense.

Defense, defense, defense, defense, defense!

Spartans on three!

One, two, three, spartans!

♪♪♪

Go, go, go, go, go, go!

Come on, Jason!

Oh, moving screen!

Ref, come on!

Go, Jason, go, go, go!

Oh, oh, reaching, hey, ref!

Make a call here, will you?

What?

No, wait, Bruce, stay out of it!

Look, you gonna call something or what?

You're a referee, call something!

Smart defense, no fouls.

Take the cotton out of your ears

and call something, will you?

Bring it in, right now.

He's on his way to a ridiculous ref award.

Go Jason! Come on, buddy!

Jason, get your head in the game, come on.

Foot was on the line, two points.

( Wo? t

that was a three, what are you talking about?

I don't believe this. And he was fouled!

Are you an idiot or something?

You're from channel 8 action sports, right?

The guy who hands out the ridiculous ref award?

Yes, yes, because I know a bad call when I see one.

One, two, three, spartans!

- I really don't believe it. - You need to stand back.

You need to start calling some fouls, man.

What?!

We got a technical foul, white, interference,

red, two shots.

Are you kidding me?

Dad, get off the court!

You, out!

( Hen I said wew eeded to support him, n

here was a middle groundt n there I was shooting for. I

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, okay!

Just that... Well, you were there!

Not only was he clear of the three line,

he was fouled.

I couldn't just sit there

and watch them lose the game to bad call.

Oh, so they lost in a more humiliating way.

He's mad, I don't blame him.

His teammates are mad, Bruce.

Jason is furious.

I'll talk to him.

No, you won't.

Ou will not go in therey ight nowr

because you'll make it worse.

How could this possibly be worse?

♪♪♪

You, out!

All three competing networks carried it.

I pay you to report the news, not make it for other stations.

Okay, okay.

What do you want me to do?

An on-air apology?

I'm gonna have to take you off the desk.

What, why?

I need you to talk to Tony in legal.

The ref's pressing charges.

That's ridiculous, right?

I mean, you just saw the video.

Everybody's seen the video.

If you take me off the desk

it's like you're saying he's right.

It makes me look like a criminal.

Just until you get it worked out.

You've been here a long time,

but we just can't afford to lose viewers right now.

Oh, I'm sorry, I'll come back.

No, no, Lesley, what do you need?

Wardrobe was just wondering which dress

you want me in for the 6 o'clock.

Tough loss, Bruce.

Let's go with that one.

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho!

Aren't you supposed to be at school?

I drove home for the night.

Mom thought I should help.

I am working with the station attorney.

You just jump in your car, and turn around,

and drive right on back.

Dad, this is a no-win situation.

( O such thing. N

did you see the video, huh?

He guy ist otally overreacting. T

he has got a problem with my ridiculous ref award

so he's attacking me.

- He has a case. - A stupid case.

But still a case.

What did Tony say?

He said I should plead out as quickly as possible

if I want to get back on the air.

He's right.

No, he's not right.

You're a dalt.

I didn't raise you to back down.

I'm not backing down.

I'm coming to the meeting with the judge.

- Fine. - Fine.

- Yeah. - Yeah.

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

Gentlemen, tell me we have

something reasonable figured out here.

Mr. Dalt is prepared to pay medical expenses.

Your honor, the victim isn't interested in money.

We feel any kind of jail time would be unwarranted,

especially at Christmas.

As a first-time offender...

Not even an offender.

Your honor, have you seen the video?

I have.

Prosecutor, what are you thinking?

Community service and restitution.

So you want to put a bloody nose through my court system

so that he can watch this fellow pick up trash along the highway?

Your honor, the victim was publicly

called out and humiliated.

And injured.

He had to have his family Christmas picture taken

with this bandage on his nose.

They want your ego, not your wallet.

This is good.

Did I ever give you

the ridiculous ref of the week award, huh?

Is that what all this is about?

We'll take it. We'll take community service.

- What?! - Yes.

What happened to dalts don't back down?

She's right.

And restitution.

Done.

Okay, then community service and restitution it is.

They don't put people on the road crews in December.

Something as public as my incident would be preferred.

Well, it's Christmas.

The army can always use a little help this time of year.

The army?

You can't do that.

Report tomorrow to major lowell.

I'll tell him to expect you.

And next time, stay off the court, okay?

The army?

Uh...

Major lowell?

Bruce dalt,

action 8 sports, for the win.

Ome on in. C

I'm being saved to serve, aren't I?

Sit down.

You play an instrument?

I took saxophone in middle school.

It was hardly a community service.

I think I know exactly where you can help us out.

Oh no, no, no, not bells.

Oh, no, no bells if that's okay with you.

Why not?

You know, I can sort things at a thrift shop,

you know, old things?

I'm good at sorting.

My wife taught me how to wash dishes.

I'll bet you have a soup kitchen.

Why not bell ringing?

Well...

You know, people recognize me when I'm out and about,

you know, from the news,

and it sure might become a huge distraction.

People like to see someone they know at the kettle.

Honestly, I don't want to see people I know.

I think that's sad.

A lot of people enjoy bell ringing.

We got local service clubs who hold a friendly competition

to see who can ring more.

More power to 'em.

Sorry, Bruce.

Judge's orders.

I'll see you tomorrow,

10 A.M., at the K-Mart.

Ou remember the spot. Y

dress warm,

it really gets cold after awhile.

Yes, sir.

Good day.

- Merry... - Well, here I am.

Bruce?

You said it would be cold.

I didn't say we were robbing a bank.

Well, I've gotta protect my skin from windburn, you know?

I'm on the air, you know?

Not until your community service is up.

And I think the ski mask definitely gives

the "don't approach me" vibe.

Alright, alright.

- Excellent. - There.

Here's your apron,

and of course, your bell.

And don't ring it too much.

Just enough for people to notice.

A friendly smile.

Good.

And please be sure to thank the people

and say "merry Christmas."

Now, let's see it.

A little more.

I know how to ring a bell, alright?

And someone will be here to collect the kettle

when your shift is done.

Okay, okay, I got it.

Okay.

Thank you.

I know it doesn't seem like much,

but it means a lot.

Hey!

I'm just grabbing a picture

for my ridiculous reporter of the week award.

Oh, hilarious.

Ha, ha, ha, merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Lesley, welcome.

Thank you, Harold.

E have exciting news forw ll you chippewa fans tonight. A

entral Michigan'sc wn Derek jenseno

has been awarded the coveted heisman trophy.

Ensen is the... j.

( Oney, don't makeh ourself miserable. Y

do I look miserable?

( Es.y

she's prettier than me.

( Et's hope so. L

and younger.

You know what would make you feel better?

If you brought out your inner griswold,

and you got up on the roof,

and you put up the angels I bought today.

What happened to the reindeer we had?

Well, they got worn out in last year's blizzards.

But you know what? These are really beautiful.

They're motion activated.

They play music when people walk by and...

How much did you spend on some musical angels?

Please, Bruce.

You know there's gonna be a storm this weekend

and then they'll never go up.

Okay, your old, non-pretty husband

who has been out in the cold all day

will climb up on the roof in the middle of the night

and put up your overpriced musical angels.

Thank you, you're the best.

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

Huh, no bells.

Can't win without incorporating the theme.

We don't have enough twinkle lights.

( Hese are pretty, t hese are classy. T.

We're going to win with...

If we don't use these lights...

Twinkle lights will make the...

( Don't understand... i.

Okay, okay.

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

Thank you, merry Christmas.

You want to ring for awhile?

I'm very happy right here.

Nice and warm, egg nog latte.

Enjoy.

I will.

Your release is here!

Merry Christmas!

Yes, it's a cold one, isn't it?

The rug helps.

Yeah.

It just feels so good to give, doesn't it?

Yeah.

It really warms the cockles of your heart.

I'm so excited!

I just love to greet those shoppers,

and ring the bell, and say "merry Christmas."

I got all the other ladies from Bible study fellowship

to do it too.

We're gonna give the rotary

a run for the kettle awards this year.

Oh, you're from one of those service groups

that brings a bunch of people.

- Oh yeah! - Oh.

We have so much fun.

And every spring,

they throw a really wonderful banquet for the volunteers.

They give a silver bell award

to the group with the most volunteers,

most hours on the kettle, most money raised.

It can go to an individual, too.

Total raised, or per hour?

Well, of course that's not why we do it.

Of course not.

You know, I've got 1 or 2 minutes left on my time.

Excuse me.

Ir, sir, can I talk to yous bout making a donation? A

erry Christmas! M

♪♪♪

Hey you! You in the SUV.

Give to those who need for Christmas.

Help us do the most good, please!

♪ Joy to the world, the kettle is here ♪

♪ And I'm going for the win! ♪♪

Can we go now?

Hey big guy, you got a dollar, huh?

You got a dollar for me? Come on, man.

Excuse me, excuse me, the kettle is right here.

Please, make a donation.

Merry Christmas to you!

Alright, go away.

♪ Joy to the world, the kettle is here ♪

♪ And I'm going for the win! ♪♪

No, no, no, you got something for the kettle.

You know you do. Come on, you know you do.

Come on, give it to me.

Give us a little help here.

A little help to do some good.

Okay, we'll catch you another day.

Cheapskate.

$78.50!

Come on miss, every little bit helps.

This is for those in need. Really, this is for those...

Bruce!

What?

What are you doing?

I nearly cleared 300 bucks this shift!

Bruce, I think we need to talk.

- But I could have gotten more. - Come on.

I thought getting the money in the kettle was the point.

The point is to get people to understand the joy of giving,

and we usually don't do that through fear and intimidation.

I can stop singing.

Why do we celebrate Christmas?

It's the birth of Jesus.

But why was he born?

To grow up and to save mankind.

And why would he do that?

To defeat evil.

And how did he defeat evil?

Mighty power from on high.

With love, Bruce.

He came, he lived, he died because he loves you,

nd he lovesa ll these people. A

that's why we love all these people.

What is this?

Applications for Christmas help.

I want you to sort 'em alphabetically

so we can organize the pick-up.

No, no, no, you can't take me off the kettle.

I'm just gaining on the rotary club.

How many are there?

About 1,800.

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

You can quit for the night.

I know it's a big Jo,

but you and I both need to get home to our wives.

I'm sorry, I just got distracted.

What, reading them?

I know they're confidential.

I know you do.

Bit overwhelming, isn't it?

Even just this one here,

ingle dad workings minimum wage jobs, 2

6 kids, the power's been turned off on his place

twice in the last 2 months.

Are all the kids on the angel's tree list?

( Eah. y

and look at this kid here.

It's kind of funny.

Andre, he wishes he could play for the NBA,

but he knows that could take awhile,

so all he wants is a pair of basketball shoes

for a good start.

Yeah, I like this kid.

I know,

but you need to get home to your family.

Yeah.

I can finish this up tomorrow,

but if you want to do any more behind the scenes work,

y wife Roberta'sm rganizing a big sorting dayo

here we organizew nd unpack food donationsa

for the Christmas baskets.

Nd you coulda ring your family. B

would that still count towards my service hours?

Of course,

but it also counts towards loving others.

Get out of here.

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

- Hey. - Hi!

How much do you think all of this will add to our power bill?

Is it too much, too bright?

Oh, no, no, I was just thinking how much it costs

to have so much Christmas.

Did you just get fired?

No, no.

Good, that is good

because things have slowed down for me a little.

Well, you know, people aren't really

starting remodels this time of year.

Yeah, I mean, I hope so.

I've just... I've had a couple of comments from clients,

you know, about the video, your referee thing.

Seriously?

Yeah, but you know, I think you're right.

I think it's this time of year

and it'll pick back up in January.

Here, here, you want it up there?

( Eah. y

here it is. Let me do it.

( Hank you. T

- perfect. - There.

( Hanks. t.

It's so good to have you on the team.

Thank you, Harold. I'm excited.

You're a natural.

All set for the broadcast?

We're good.

We had to rewrite the copy you wrote for Lesley.

It wasn't quite her style.

Oh, well, I'm better out on the field

than I am behind the prompter, I guess.

Speaking of which,

about my assignment for tomorrow.

I don't remember us covering bowling that much in the past.

We covered it,

it doesn't always make the broadcast.

In fact, Chad, can you go as his camera op.

- Sure, yeah. - Okay, great.

Just tighten up on that shot a little bit and we'll be good.

Copy that.

Lucky us, right?

You don't deserve it, Bruce.

They have you on bowling

while Lesley gets the Derek Jensen interview?

We got an interview with Derek Jensen?

He doesn't give interviews.

She's trying.

She hasn't had any luck... Yet.

Thanks, Chad.

♪♪♪

What's all this?

These are fake presents for the yard

which don't use any electricity.

What are you working on?

Did you know that Derek Jensen grew up in this area?

The football star?

The key to getting my job back.

Just have to figure a way to get to him.

He doesn't do interviews.

Well, if he's from here, honey,

there might still be family in the area.

There might.

If you want to know what's going on with the son,

ask the mother.

Hey, that's a good idea.

Unless, of course, he's your son,

in which case I have no idea.

Why, what's happening with Jason?

I don't know.

I feel like he's avoiding home.

E's out late, h don't know where. I

what happened to going to church?

I think he's going.

He just barely talks to me unless he wants food.

Yeah, well, he's a teenage boy.

See, here he is.

Well, you try.

Jason, Jason!

Where were you?

Out.

Out where?

Practice.

Honey, what happened to your letter?

I caught it on something.

So, how was school?

Fine.

Can I have some dinner?

It's in the fridge.

Jason, hold on a second. Hold on a second.

I want to ask you cancel

any plans you might have on Saturday.

There's something I'd like the whole family to do together.

Not decorating.

No, no, no, no, no.

Major lowell asked if we could all come down

to the Christmas food drive at the salvation army,

you know, unpack and distribute food boxes,

that sort of thing.

Bruce, I love that idea.

That'll be some great time together as a family.

Yeah.

Yeah, sure, I'll do it.

Okay, I guess he'll talk to us again on Saturday.

♪♪♪

( Lright everybody, a

claim a table in groups of twos or threes.

Melvin!

You made it.

This is the family?

Yes, this is my wife, Piper.

- Nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you.

My son, Jason.

We've met. Hi, Jason.

Oh yes, at the kettle on black Friday.

Wow, good memory.

( Want to thank you alli or joining us todayf

to serve with joyful hearts.

That's my wife, gotta go.

Grab that table.

( Ow, just a few instructionsn efore we get started, b

but the main thing is we are going to have some fun.

Okay, if you notice, there's a stack of baskets on your table

ith a list of itemsw hat go in them. T

ou can assign one persony t your table to act as a runnera

o go and bring backt he food suppliest

hile the othersw egin to fill. B

are we ready?

Yeah, whoo-hoo!

( Lright, great, a et's get started. L

whoo-hoo!

Okay, team dalt, let's do this, huh?

Who wants to be the runner, hmm?

Looks like it's me.

♪♪♪

That's the guy from the basketball game.

What else?

Behind me is the guy who banged up the ref's nose

at my brother's basketball game.

Now, he's trying to be the super food packer.

Okay, canned yams.

Okay, what more do we need here?

We need flour.

Flour, come on, come on dalts.

We are falling behind. Go, go!

Oh, thank you so much, sweetheart.

Very good, alright.

Last one.

♪♪♪

Please, here.

Thank you. No, thank you.

Bruce, what are you doing?

Dad, you are fighting a little girl for flour.

( Hat is going on over here? W.

This is Bruce.

Oh!

What does "oh" mean?

Let's just get this mess cleaned up.

Jason, there's a broom closet

out in the hallway by the bathroom.

Piper, you can go clean up.

I'll have Bruce stand guard 'til you get back

so no one slips in this.

( E're probably gonna have tow tart all over again. S

Derek is leaving.

Everybody, everybody, hold things up a minute.

We have a friend here who eserves some congratulations. D

now, he has to leave right away,

so I want to get him up here before he goes.

Derek, come on up, and don't be shy.

You gotta be kidding me.

Some of you know that Derek Jensen

was just named heisman trophy winner.

But what you may not know

is Derek grew up right here,

just a few blocks from the corps,

and he played his first football

on our field outside in the back.

So somehow, e feel like we raised him. W

so, we just want to say how proud we are of you, Derek.

You're using your talents,

you're a shining light for the lord,

nd somehow, you find the timea o come back here every yeart

to pack baskets.

So, we thank you.

Alright, let's get back to work.

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

The house looks nice.

Thank you.

How was work?

Oh, it was fine, you know.

I'm sorry about the flour and...

You're an Internet sensation... Again.

Eighteen thousand hits?

How long has this been up?

Long enough for Jason to get 30 e-mails about it.

It gets even worse.

Remember Derek Jensen?

Yes, Jason told me he was there.

I didn't even get to see him until I was covered in flour.

Well, now you know something about him.

Yeah.

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

Mrs. Jensen?

Can I help you?

I'm Bruce dalt.

I'd like to have a word with Derek.

You know Derek?

( O, but I saw himn aturdays

and I've been trying to get in touch with him.

You're a reporter.

No, no.

Well, yes and no.

You can't even make up your mind.

I am a reporter, yes,

ction 8 news, a ruce dalt, for the win? B

wait, I know you.

You're the one that punched the ref in the nose.

No, that's not true.

Why would I ever let Derek talk to you?

Get on out of here.

Now, wait a second here.

Derek doesn't like reporters.

Neither do I.

You ever heard of calling first?

Well, of course.

I'd try, but I just didn't think you'd let me...

Well, you're right about that.

I just want to talk to him, that's all.

We have something in common.

Here's something you can have in common.

Derek isn't here,

so you make yourself not here either.

You want to see Derek?

Check out the instant replay.

Yes ma'am.

Yes ma'am.

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

( Ey, hey, hey, Melvin, h 'm here, I'm here. I

I am sorry, I am so, so sorry.

I had to do something for work, and I had to finish, and i...

Why are you here?

The last ringer called the office

and I came down

when I realized you were her replacement.

What's going on with you, Bruce?

You didn't tell me you knew Derek Jensen.

You're a sports guy.

I thought you knew his story.

Well, I need to get an interview with him.

Derek doesn't do interviews

and his mother is not fond of reporters.

Well, I do know that.

Look, I'm sorry about the whole flour thing

and I'm sorry about being so late.

I just...

You don't have to report this to the judge, do you?

I'm not worried about the assignment,

I'm worried about you.

I'm fine.

Really!

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

Where is everybody?

Assignment meeting is over?

Yeah, it's just a slow week with the holidays.

Here were you? W

I had to put an extra hour in on the bells.

That's probably for the best.

Why is that for the best?

Well, we went over the ratings for the last few weeks

nd they're up. A

that's good, right?

( Hat fact is, t.

Lesley's brought some fresh air to the broadcast.

She's getting great feedback

from the young male demographic and women.

And what does that mean for me?

My service hours are almost done.

That whole video thing should be over soon.

Bruce, I'm making the decision

not to put you back on the live broadcast.

You're firing me?

No, you'd still be in the field.

A demotion.

Well, if you want to look at it like that.

Well, how else could it look?

That's the business, Bruce. I'm sorry.

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

I heard from Kasey this morning.

She's coming home.

Great.

You got in late last night.

Mm-hmm, it was a bad night.

Oh, more bowling coverage?

Jim's taking me off the sport's desk permanently.

Why would he do that?

Lesley's ratings are higher.

People like her better.

He's gonna put me on field assignments.

( Ou have been therey lmost 20 years. A.

I know, I know, but honey,

they have to do what's best for the broadcast.

No, no, no, no!

This was fine when I came home last night.

Who would do this?

They left a pretty big clue.

"Quitter"?

( Hat's this all about? W hat does it mean, "quitter"? W

I'm sorry mom, I didn't think they'd do anything like this.

These were your friends, Jason.

Not friends.

Obviously.

Eammates? t

not anymore.

You quit the basketball team. That's what this is about.

And you didn't tell us?

I was only playing because you wanted me to.

You love basketball!

I loved it before it was the key to my entire future.

You have no idea what it's like being your son.

What happened out front?

( Ason quitsj he basketball teamt

and his friends wanted to say, "thank you."

You quit? Why?

Because it's not fun anymore.

God forbid you have to do something hard.

Oh, you wouldn't understand.

Oh really?

The team was mad about the loss,

or was it other kids at school? The coach?

No, no, no, the question is where have you been going

fter schoola f not to practice? I

it's none of your business.

Oh, as your parents it most certainly is our business.

I'm not doing anything wrong.

( Ason? j

that went well.

Congratulations.

I can't imagine for what.

You were here 3 hours today, right?

Well, that's the end of your community service.

I have to say,

I'm mighty proud of you for sticking it out.

I wasn't sure at first.

Everything okay?

Well, let's see, I got demoted from my work,

some teenagers trashed my wife's dreams,

my daughter's getting ready to sue the world,

and my son is... I don't know.

He quit his basketball team.

He's off somewhere, he won't say,

every day doing who knows what.

( Wouldn't worry about Jason, i ut you say he quit basketball? B

yeah, I don't get it.

Basketball's always been everything to him.

Bruce, you have some time?

I want to show you something.

Get in.

So, you never been to the kroc center, huh?

No, no, I never have.

Well, you're in for a surprise.

Well, we have church here on Sundays.

This is a church?

On Sundays.

The rest of the week it's community activities,

fine arts, and educational classes.

Yeah, well, Jason's been bugging me about church.

I don't get it.

Maybe you don't know what you'd be missing.

Well, if I go, I'll be missing sleep,

I'll be missing a lot of work.

Well, if you don't go,

you'll be missing the opportunity

to be in the presence of god.

With all due respect, Melvin, I'm really not interested.

Well, okay.

Let's take a little tour.

We got something here I know you'll be interested in: Sports.

Alright.

Jason did his service work for school here,

and when we needed help.

You know he didn't tell me?

Of course I didn't know it meant

that he quit his own team.

Hey, you're Bruce dalt, Bruce dalt from the news.

For the win, right?

Yes, I am.

Was just taking a tour withi ajor lowell of the kroc center. M

coach Jason says if I work hard enough,

you'll interview me on TV one day.

Really, you're that good, huh?

I've got some moves.

Here Andre, show him your stuff.

Ooh, pretty good!

What's your name?

Andre knight.

Andre knight, I think I've heard of you.

Aybe that's just a name thatm ounds like a star, you know? S

you better get out there and practice

if you want to be a star.

Yes, sir.

You listen to your coach.

He knows what he's doing.

Alright guys, let's see some hustle, hustle, hustle.

♪♪♪

He's a good kid.

He's better than me.

Just because your service hours are over,

doesn't mean that you have to stop giving.

What have you got for me?

Well, we always got something.

But I don't mean just here.

I mean at home and at work.

So you're not the star anymore.

So what?

Matthew 23:11,

Jesus says if you want to be truly great in his kingdom,

then you got to be the servant of all.

"Humble yourself to the lord, and he will lift you up."

Then you are a pretty great man, Melvin.

And you should give it a try.

♪♪♪

I should have told you, I know.

You know, I am really proud of you

for choosing to work with those kids,

but why wouldn't you tell me?

Why would you hide it?

I don't know.

I mean, I guess I was worried

ou were gonnay ry and convince met

not to quit the team.

Or worse, you'd try and take over

and teach me how to coach them for the win.

Well, it already looks to me like they are winning.

It's fun, dad.

Why did you have to quit the school team to do it?

You made a commitment to coach Larry,

to the rest of the guys.

( Ith the kids, it feels likew 'm doing something worthwhile. I

but with the team and the guys,

it's just not fun anymore, for me or them.

Because of what I did.

Anyway, I wasn't gonna get a scholarship,

and volunteer work looks just as good on a college application.

It's okay to change your priorities,

but Jason, you are not a quitter.

No, I'm not, but I can't go back now.

If they didn't want you on that team,

why are they so doggone mad about you quitting?

You should come watch the kids practice again tomorrow.

I think it really inspired them.

Well, actually, I am ringing bells again tomorrow.

I thought you finished your community service?

I did.

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

My attorney thought you were done.

Done with my hours.

Not done helping out.

They still have a lot of people to feed.

By the way,

did you get the check for your medical bills yet?

Yeah, thanks.

Are they gonna let you back on the air now?

Actually, no.

That's too bad.

You know, besides that ridiculous ref thing,

I actually thought you were pretty good.

My kids think you're really funny.

Hey, you've been going by this kettle

every day I've been here.

Right.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

I'm here at the starting line

at the annual lake Michigan reindeer run.

Now, normally you would see excited faces

and runners warming up,

but as you can see, there is...

Whoa, nothing warm about this morning.

Reindeer run officials ave canceled this year's raceh

due to the weather.

'M Bruce dalt, action 8 sports, i or the win. F

it's an official demotion

when you're sent out to interview the storm, isn't it?

I gotta admit, Bruce.

You handled this a lot better than I thought you would.

The storm doesn't usually give interviews.

I had to work an angle to get that one for you.

( Kay, so is thiso bout my decisiona

to keep Lesley on the broadcast?

Actually, I was wondering if I could have Chad

and a camera for a couple of hours.

Sure. What are you up to?

Defense, defense, defense.

Fast feet.

All right, go. Find your open man.

There you go, there you go, guys.

Be alive. Be alive.

Come on, I want your arms out.

Excuse me, coach, I'm here for an interview with the team.

All right, guys, take a break.

Go, go, go, go, go, go, go!

Hey, Andre, got a minute for the press?

Ready?

I'm standing here with Andre knight,

superstar of the grand rapids...

Jaguars.

Sounds fast.

Andre knight of the grand rapids jaguars.

Now, Andre, you're going up against the pistons tonight.

How do you think the jaguars are going to measure up?

Well, Bruce, we've got hunter on the post

and he can rebound all the baskets

the pistons are gonna miss.

And we've got shooting sensation, number 44,

Taylor mccovey, and the rest of the team.

We've been training hard in the pre-season,

and we're ready to take it to the championship this year.

Well, it's truly a formidable team,

strong on offense and defense.

Well, we're looking forward to the match-up.

Good luck tonight, fellas.

Thanks, Bruce.

Oh, oh, wait. Don't cut yet.

Do the thing.

What?

♪♪♪

This is Bruce dalt, action 8 sports, for the win.

All right, guys, get lost. Go, go, go.

Come on, guys. Get out of here.

Now, what about your own team?

♪♪♪

Jason, we're glad to have you back today.

And we have a special guest.

Hey coach Larry, boys.

Mr. Dalt is here with my permission,

so let's show him our respect, please.

I want to apologize to you

for my bad temper in the game the other night.

I was caught up in the wrong things.

You guys were playing a heck of a game,

despite the efforts of my new best friend, the referee.

I'm sorry I messed it up.

You lost us the game.

It's true.

Let me ask you something.

If one of you guys got a technical foul,

what would happen?

We'd have to run ten suicides.

And if you boys lost a game,

how would you start the next practice?

We'd run ten suicide lines.

Yeah, 10 plus 10, that's 20.

Who wants to count 'em out for me?

I will.

Then let's get to it.

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

Come on, put some muscle into it, pop.

Okay, tiger. I'm coming.

Where's that "for the win" attitude?

Listen to you.

Come on, slowpokes.

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

( Ow you doing? H

hello, how are you?

Here you go, sir.

Merry Christmas. God bless you, sir.

Thank you.

Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.

- See you at the gym. - Looking forward to it.

( Oach, coach, wait. C

thank you, coach.

My pleasure, little man.

♪♪♪

( Wish they couldi ll go like that, a

but then there's too many.

Thanks for making an exception.

While we're in this neighborhood,

there's another family I want us to drop in on.

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

Melvin, I don't think this is a good idea.

Why? Where are we?

♪♪♪

Major lowell, merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

What are you doing here?

My friends and I were out delivering Christmas boxes

and I wanted them to meet Derek.

As in, the heisman trophy guy?

Derek doesn't want to talk to any reporters.

He's not a reporter today.

He and his son were volunteering.

Volunteering because they knew

you would bring them by here?

Well, actually, he's been on bells for the whole month,

and he was there for basket-packing day

and for basket delivery.

( Didn't know melvini as gonna bring us here, w

I promise you.

Mom, what's going on, mom?

Major lowell.

What's going on, sir? How you doing, man?

Why are you out in the cold?

Mom, would you invite him in, please?

Come on, man. Come on, it's cold out there.

You have to excuse my mother.

♪♪♪

Derek, this man is a reporter.

But he's out on my business today, not his own.

( Understand. i

you don't do interviews.

'M not askingi or anything. F

wait a minute, you're the "for the win" guy, right?

Yeah, Bruce dalt.

Oh, man.

I saw the YouTube videos, man.

Both of 'em.

And you, you're the shooter, right?

You play ball?

Yeah.

You were totally behind that line.

That was 3 points for sure, man.

I mean, I don't even play basketball,

but anybody could see that.

Thanks, man.

Listen, mom, you should have seen this ridiculous call.

You would have flipped out, too.

( Hen it's your kid, you kind ofw ose perspective, right? L.

Look, she's a nut.

Listen, this one game,

this referee kept calling interference on me.

This woman, my mother,

stood outside of the referee's locker room door

after the game.

I just felt that he needed someone to lovingly remind him

that his optometrist appointment was overdue.

Well, I doubt if it was all that loving, mom.

Well, we all get a little crazy

when it comes to our kids, don't we?

We do.

And when your kid is as special as yours,

well, you want to protect him.

Derek, I'm curious.

Why don't you do interviews?

Lights and cameras, they make me nervous.

I lock up.

There are lights and cameras at games.

Yeah, but it's different.

Look, after everything my family's been through,

I'd just like to keep it private.

But maybe your story will help encourage some kid

who's going through what you went through years ago.

( Elvin, Melvin, it's okay. M

I mean, that's not the reason we came here, right Jason?

We've seen what happens when people get out there

and talk about what they believe.

They get crucified.

Wait a minute, wait a minute.

So major lowell, what do you think I should do?

Do you think I should do these interviews?

I'm not ashamed of what I believe.

Of course you're not ashamed.

I just think that you have a platform

that offers people hope.

Maybe you should use it.

You don't have to be a preacher.

I don't know.

I don't want to come off like a holy roller.

Bruce, what do you think?

Well, I can see that your faith is very real to you.

If others see it, too,

I really think they'll understand.

♪♪♪

Hey.

I have no idea how you scored this, Bruce.

I gotta tell you,

I tried every angle I could think of,

and nobody would let me through to the guy.

This angle is unexpected.

And why isn't Jim letting you do the interview?

That doesn't really matter right now.

Listen to me.

He's nervous about the cameras,

and he's gonna shut down completely

if you ask him too directly about himself.

If you really want to get him to talk,

ask him about Christmas.

This is a serious sports interview, an exclusive.

The entire nation is gonna be watching.

Trust me on this.

Christmas.

Esley, we're ready for you. L

♪♪♪

Thanks for being here, Derek.

We're honored.

We're gonna let you and Lesley have a conversation.

Just forget we're here, all right?

You're gonna be great.

We'll shoot your wraps when he's done.

If you would have pushed,

I'd probably have let you do this interview.

I know.

I'm enjoying Lesley's paranoia just a little bit.

Chad?

Okay, Lesley. Three, two, one.

Derek, you've had an amazing run this year.

Everyone is still talking about that 80-yard touchdown

at Thanksgiving weekend.

Thank you, ma'am.

Did you ever expect to be such a star at this level?

I'm not a star.

Well, many people would argue with that.

Look, I just catch a ball and run, you know?

Play the game.

For the heisman trophy.

You are the first player from central Michigan

who's ever done that.

Don't you consider that quite an accomplishment?

Sure.

Maybe Derek doesn't like doing interviews

because he's a lousy interview.

Be patient.

Christmas.

Anybody can see what's happening on the field.

Maybe we should talk about

what's happening behind the scenes?

Ou're home with youry amily for Christmas. F

what are some traditions you have with your family?

Well...

Well, Christmas is a great time of year for my family.

I mean, we always help out

with the salvation army gift center,

and we do it every year.

I mean, we never miss it.

You know, we also help distribute

some of the food boxes, as well.

And why is that so important to you?

That's how I got my start.

In football?

In life.

You know, I'll never forget it.

I was about 6 years old.

My mom, she got hurt on the job, so she couldn't work.

Me and my brothers,

we didn't think we'd have much of a Christmas at all,

but one day, these two guys in funny-looking uniforms,

they came to our porch

and they had these big boxes of food and Turkey

and those potatoes in a box,

which I thought tasted like cardboard,

but I still liked 'em, you know?

It was a feast.

Then these guys gave us some presents.

They were wrapped up in these big bows.

I'll never forget what they told us.

They said that, "it's because Jesus loves us."

That's why we're giving you this stuff."

Every year after that, when we started to do better,

we made sure we helped other kids get those boxes

with those big bows.

What was it?

What was in your box?

It was a football.

It was a football.

You know, that day,

I learned everything I ever needed to know,

that god loves me

and I can catch a ball.

♪ He rules the world with truth and grace ♪

♪ And makes the nations prove ♪

♪ The glories of his righteousness ♪

♪ And wonders of his love

♪ and wonders of his love

♪ and wonders, wonders of his love ♪♪

Thank you for reflecting with us tonight.

May his hope and peace be with you.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

♪♪♪

Oh, that Melvin.

Melvin.

Bruce, glad you finally made it.

You were right.

I didn't know what I was missing, but I do now.

( Hat was a great interview. T

thank you.

You know, we've gotten a lot of inquiries

from people this week about volunteering.

Well, Derek is a good role model,

even for someone like me.

This is our daughter, Kasey.

- Hi. - Melvin lowell.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

( 'M Mrs. Roberta lowell. I

- hi, merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

Oh, excuse me.

Ah, it's my boss.

- Oh, take it. - Excuse me.

Hello?

Hey, Bruce.

Sorry to call you on Christmas Eve.

I just wanted to make sure you're still in town.

Can you come in on the 26th?

What's going on?

There's not much to cover the day after Christmas.

No, I need you on the air.

I guess Lesley had applied to the affiliate in Atlanta,

and when they saw her interview with Derek,

they asked her to come right away.

So are you around?

Can you come in for us?

What, for a week?

No, no, for good.

I really appreciate the way you hung in there

with all those bum assignments.

I wouldn't ask anyone else but you.

Of course.

I'll be there.

Thanks, Bruce.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

♪♪♪

Okay.

Aw, more doilies from great grandma Rose.

( Ow we have a set. N.

( Erfect, perfect. P

h, it's your turn. O.

( Hat do you mean, w y turn? M

- dad's. - What?

- This one's for you, dad. - Oh, I'm excited.

This one's for you.

( Onder what this could be? W

it's not labeled.

It's yours.

- Yeah? - Yeah. - Okay.

Okay...

Very, very funny.

Who's gonna 'fess up for this one, huh?

- Nope, Santa claus. - Exactly.

Oh, wanna get it?

Who's up at this time of day?

It's cold outside.

It's Christmas.

It's the gages.

Look who's here.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

( Ow, thank you. W ookies? C

fruitcake.

Oh, thanks.

Hey, we wanted to let you guys know

that we weren't the ones that ruined your decorations.

Oh, we know. Don't worry about it.

And we sure do love what you did with it instead.

♪♪♪

- You didn't do this? - No.

♪♪♪

I have a guess.

Well, you didn't do this all by yourself?

There were some guilty basketball players

that were easy to recruit.

It's really, really beautiful.

Thank yo.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

♪♪♪

It's great. Thank, you, Jason.

Check it out.

♪♪♪