Original subtitles

[tal music]

[mellow music]

[crickets chirping]

[music continues]

[indistinct chatter]

[indistinct chatter]

It's fine, Allison.

Dad, didn't I hear something like this

on one of your old cases?

I-I told you about the, uh, double-cold case.

- Didn't I? - No.

You certainly told the rest of the world.

I could've sworn I did.

Guess I'm getting old, Jimmy.

Well, get this. Will finally got a confession.

- You wanna guess who did it? - The guy you thought did it?

Damn right. Richard Paul.

- Just like I always said. - That's great.

Makes me wish I, I hadn't retired.

Um, you did more than your fair share of good, dad.

That job's gonna give you a heart attack.

It's time to enjoy life.

- This is very nice, Allison. - Thank you, Claire.

The chicken salad is dry as you usually make it.

Come on, mom.

Yeah. I noticed the china could use a good polish.

I'll come over this week to do it.

Oh, no. You do not have to do that.

It was my wedding gift to you.

I want it taken care of so that you can pass it down to Sydney.

[Claire] I don't mind.

[clears throat]

Mom, dad, we actually have some, some big news of our own.

Allison.

Well... I got a promotion.

Hey, that a girl.

- Vice president. - Whoa!

And there's something else.

Mm-hmm?

Well, the position is in New York

and we'll be moving there this summer.

Holy smokes! That, that is big news.

I love New York.

Oh, you gotta know, we're gonna come and visit a lot.

Well, we would love that.

[Allison] I know this is a really big change,

but Jim and I think, you know,

it could be an adventure for our family.

You know, I've been thinking about getting an RV.

We could ride out the scene, catch the sights on the way.

What do you think, Claire, huh?

Hm. Yes.

Congratulations, Allison.

[clears throat]

[crickets chirping]

[mellow music]

[footsteps approaching]

Car's put away.

Are you still pouting?

- I don't pout. - Oh.

Uh, your baby boy doesn't need you anymore.

He belongs to Allison now.

It'll be all right.

Oh. I'm teasing.

I'm gonna miss him, too.

Look at the bright side.

Finally, it will just be the two of us.

Why don't you... let me take your mind off of it?

I could take a little blue pill.

Claire...

- Yeah. - Oh.

[Bruce humming]

[door shuts]

[humming]

[knocking on door]

Are you decent? I hope not.

[chuckles] Hey.

Ugh! Just get away from me.

- What, what are you doing? - Go! Get away!

[groaning]

[groaning]

[dramatic music]

[sighs]

[Claire grunting]

[grunting]

[grunting]

[grunts]

[grunts]

[intense music]

♪ You surprised me today ♪

[man on radio] It's another beautiful morning.

Time to get up and enjoy the sunshine...

Sydney, you're gonna be late.

- You want some breakfast? - I'm not hungry.

I thought I was gonna be late.

Teenagers. Am I right?

Hilarious, dad.

She's right. You need some new material.

New material?

Hey, Sydney, take a look at these.

Wha... [chuckles] Oh, my God!

The concert tickets. You actually got them?

Th-thank you so much, dad. Thank you.

[Sydney] That is so awesome!

[chuckles]

♪ I-I-I ♪

♪ I'm running upside down ♪

Okay, have a good day.

[cell phone ringing]

- [keypad beeps] - Oh, hey, Charlie.

[Charlie] Hey, I know we're supposed to meet

for lunch today, but I've got contractors coming over

and who knows when they'll show up.

Oh, that's cool. We can reschedule.

[Charlie] Why don't we just eat at my place, instead?

I've got tons of food.

Okay, sounds like a plan.

See you later.

Why didn't you just tell him to do the dishes? [scoffs]

You're right. You're right.

It sounds completely ridiculous.

- Doesn't it? - Don't you find it interesting?

You have no problem asserting yourself at work.

Yet at home you bite your tongue?

[chuckles] All right. You're sounding like a shrink.

Jim's a good guy. Just tell him what you need from him.

Ah, but that's the thing. I don't wanna have to tell him.

I'm his wife, not his mother.

- Ah-ha! - "Ah-ha?"

It always comes back to your mother-in-law.

Okay, well, she's a little hard to avoid.

I mean, she stops by all the time.

I mean, she even comes over to make sure that Jim has

enough clean laundry. Did I tell you that?

See, this is exactly what I mean.

Pathetic, right?

That's the thing about biting your tongue.

Once you start, it's hard to stop.

As soon as I let her take over that wedding,

it was like she had [sighs] won the war.

"The war?"

Wow, Allison. [scoffs]

That is a lot of power to let someone have over you

for a long time. [scoffs]

What is her secret? I really need to meet this woman.

[giggles] You do not wanna meet this woman. Trust me.

Did you guys tell her about the move?

Last night, you know?

And I was dreading it because I thought she might get dramatic,

but she didn't have much to say at all.

It was kind of weird.

She's probably in shock.

I mean, Jim grew up here.

I don't wanna call him a mama's boy, but...

- [chuckles] - He's kind of a mama's boy.

A little bit.

And I love him, just so we're clear.

[intense music]

Who's that?

That is Bradley, the pool guy.

[chuckles] He's cute.

Yeah, I guess he is.

You're moving. I'm gonna miss you, by the way.

I'm gonna miss you, too, Charlie, so much.

[instrumental music]

Really, Jim? You still haven't done the dishes.

[Claire] I'll take care of the dishes, honey.

- You've been working all day. - Mom-mom, sit down.

[sighs] Allison is right.

No woman can stand a messy kitchen.

No, mom. The dishes can wait. Please.

[sobbing]

Hm?

- Something happened. - What is it?

He left me, Allison.

What?

Bruce...

ran off with another woman

after 38 years of marriage.

Oh, Claire. Are you sure?

Did he say anything?

He-he, he snuck off while I was doing my shopping.

Left me a letter.

I even brought him pork chops, his favorite.

[sniffles] I'm sorry, sweetie.

You shouldn't have to hear this about your pop-pop.

No, it's okay, grandma. Don't worry about me.

No, thank you, I-I-I...

That generic stuff you buy,

it, it-it's too rough for my skin.

[sniffles] He met her at the gym.

You know how I've been pestering him to exercise.

Well, he finally listened.

And look what happened.

Her name's Missy.

Who names a child Missy?

Well, Missy made him feel young again.

And Missy has a Winnebago.

And, apparently, the two of them are, I don't know,

touring the national parks or whatever it is people do

in those tacky things.

Uh, h-he'll come back, mom. He has to.

I-I should've known something was wrong.

Last night when we got home, he was so quiet.

And I thought maybe he was upset about you guys leaving.

But I think...

he realized that he could just go ahead and leave, too.

[sobbing] I'm gonna die alone.

Oh, mom, no. Don't say that.

No. [sobbing]

You're right, I shouldn't say these kinds of things

in, in front of you and Sydney.

I need to be an adult and deal with this myself.

Let me just take care of those dishes.

I will get out of your hair,

and I'm sure you have to start dinner...

Forget about the dishes, okay?

A-and it's my turn to cook, all right?

B-but none of that matters right now.

You cook now?

Yeah, you know that.

Oh, oh...

You are so lucky, Allison.

You know, Jim is right. You need to sit and relax.

I'll order us some food.

Well, let me cook. [sniffles]

It'll give me something to do.

Lord knows I need something to do right now.

No, Claire. I'm gonna order us something delicious.

I can't eat delivery.

It gives me indigestion

and it's always cold by the time it arrives.

Not to mention the cost.

Okay. I'm going to cook.

Are you sure? I-I-I don't mind.

It's fine. You guys relax.

Is there anything I can get you?

Maybe some wine?

I don't drink on weeknights

and I'm certainly not gonna start now.

No offence to you, Allison.

I know how you love your wine.

Yeah.

[mellow

This is very nice, Allison.

You're a dear.

I'm glad you like it.

The sauce is a little salty, isn't it? [scoffs]

I wonder what Bruce had for dinner.

Do you think Missy made him pork chops?

Why don't you stay here tonight?

Oh, nonsense. I-I couldn't impose.

No, you wouldn't be imposing.

Well, I don't even have my pills or creams.

I'll run to your house and pick up whatever you need.

- I don't know. - Mom, I insist.

Jimmy, you, you haven't even asked Allison.

I mean, I'm sure she doesn't want

the burden of company right now.

Oh, Allison doesn't mind, right?

No, of course not.

You're welcome to stay as long as you want.

Oh.

I do work in here sometimes.

I can move my stuff if you like.

Please. My mind is cluttered enough already.

I can't bear a cluttered room.

Who's Charlie?

[Allison] Just a friend.

I-I, I never denied him sex, you know?

Not once in 38 years.

Oh.

I can't imagine what you must be going through, Claire.

It wouldn't kill you to call me mom just once.

Oh. I'm, I'm sorry.

Don't mind me. I'm just still getting my bearings.

I understand. I-it's gonna take some time.

Um, Jim will be back soon with your things,

and, um, there's fresh towels on the bed.

Get yourself settled and let me know if you need anything.

[door shuts]

[sighs] What a mess.

[knocking on door]

Yeah?

- Hey. - Hey.

[sighs]

- You okay? - Yeah.

You wanna talk about what's going on

with your grandparents?

I don't know.

I mean, it's all just really weird.

I mean, why would pop-pop do that to grandma?

- I don't know, honey. - [door shuts]

Adults don't always behave rationally.

- Everything okay? - Oh, yes.

I was just gonna wash these sheets and towels.

Well, those are all clean.

Uh, they seem a little dusty.

You know my allergies.

Okay, um, let me wash them for you.

No, you've done enough already.

And I'm very particular about my laundry.

- Do you have fabric softener? - Yeah.

Is it that generic stuff?

Mm, I don't remember the brand.

Well, I'll make due.

And do you have any laundry

you'd like grandma to do for you, Sydney?

Oh, uh, no, thank you, grandma.

What about a snack? You barely touched dinner.

It seemed like you didn't care for it.

Um, yeah, sure. I'm a little hungry.

Sydney can make her own snack.

You really should take it easy, Claire.

These hands were not meant to be idle.

Fridge looked pretty bare,

but grandma will whip you up something yummy.

- Okay. - Mm-hmm.

Oh, and where are your cleaning supplies?

Under the kitchen sink.

Uh, what is it you need to clean?

[Bruce on voicemail] Bruce Palmer here.

Unless you're trying to sell me something,

leave a message.

Dad, what the hell is going on?

Call me as soon as you can.

I always thought my dad and I were really close.

Now, all of a sudden, I feel like I don't even know him.

It's gotta be some fleeting thing.

I mean, he-he's gotta come back, right?

I mean, my mom does everything for him.

Yeah, I hope so.

[scrubbing]

[eerie music]

[scrubbing continues]

Mm...

Grandma?

Ah. Hi, honey.

Um, what are you doing?

Oh, I don't know.

Just keeping my mind off your grandfather, I guess.

This floor needed it.

Between you and I, this whole house needs a good scrubbing.

You don't need to do that, grandma. You should go to sleep.

I like doing it.

I'm gonna be taking care of a lot of things around here

for you and your dad

and your mom.

I'm really glad that you're here.

Have no fear, grandma's here.

[chuckling]

- Goodnight. - Goodnight, dear.

[intense music]

Hm.

Ah, must be nice sleeping in like that.

It's 7 a.m.

Breakfast is on the table.

Dig in before it gets too cold.

I don't really eat breakfast. Thank you, though.

Well, that's what Sydney said, hm?

This is the best breakfast I've ever had, grandma.

Yeah. It is the most important meal of the day.

Well, all three of them are important,

but we'll call it a three-way tie.

The girl needed it. She is wasting away.

Oh, I guess you didn't know

that condiments expire.

Most people don't.

No, I don't.

[footsteps approaching]

It smells delicious in here.

- Aw, good morning, sweetie. - Hey.

- You didn't have to do all this. - Well...

Somebody's gotta take care of you guys.

Ooh, look at my little boy all grown up.

Did you iron my shirts last night?

Of course I did.

I snuck in while you two were sleeping.

[laughing]

Oh, and don't worry, Allison.

Your snoring will be our little secret.

Although, you might wanna get that checked out.

I know an excellent doctor who helped my friend's husband.

Saved their marriage. Eat, mister.

So how do you like that coffee?

I prefer it a little stronger.

It's decaf. Bet you didn't know that.

No, I didn't.

I would love to help you kick the caffeine habit.

You drink far too much.

It's giving you wrinkles.

- It's a double shot, right? - Yeah.

[Claire] So I feel like a fool.

Call me old-fashioned.

So I feel like a fool.

Call me...

old-fashioned.

I thought he still considered me,

well, [sniffles] sexy.

[scoffs] How embarrassing is that?

I thought he, he still considered me...

well, sexy.

How embarrassing is that?

Don't say that, Claire.

You're a beautiful woman.

Bless your heart, Will.

But I know you're just saying that to make me feel better.

No, I'm not. You're gorgeous.

- [sighs] Do you have a tissue? - Oh, sure, of course.

- Sorry. - Oh. Thank you.

No, I, I feel like an old car

that, that Bruce got sick of.

Everybody always wants the new model, you know?

Claire, [chuckles] you're gonna have to stop that kind of talk.

You are the most incredible person I've ever met.

- Really? - Yes, really.

Have you heard from him?

I-I wanna do something for you.

Well, maybe there's something you could do.

Name it. It's done.

I don't want to get you in trouble, though.

I'm a big boy.

It's not about Bruce.

It's, it's Allison.

I'm afraid she might be up to something.

Allison? [chuckles] Like, what?

Well, I caught a glimpse of a message on her computer

from some man named Charlie.

I got the impression

that they meetregularly.

Well, I mean, maybe it's someone from work.

Well, she said it was just a friend.

But who says somebody's just a friend unless they're,

well, something more than a friend?

Okay. I'll look into it.

Yes.

Hopefully, it's just nothing.

Oh, I didn't know you were here. Rough day?

Sydney wanted her grandma's famous chili.

Uh, Thursday night is pizza night.

Pizza?

- Every week? - Yup.

Well, I'm not one to break family traditions,

even unhealthy ones,

but I think Sydney's got her heart set on chili.

Isn't he adorable?

We stopped by and picked up a few things today at my house.

Ooh...

Let me tell you, Allison.

As soon as I walked in, I just, I started bawling.

Oh, hey. It's okay.

Oh, I'm so immature.

I just don't think I can ever go back to that house.

[mellow music]

My dad finally texted me back.

Wha-what did he say?

Well, it was weird.

Really impersonal.

Said he needed space.

I told him I was embarrassed for him.

Uh, he didn't respond to that one.

You think I should text my dad again?

Not right now.

They're sleeping.

We'll be real quiet.

[instrumental music]

[gasping]

Mom...

Oh, she's sleepwalking.

She used to do this when she got really stressed out.

We're not supposed to wake her up.

Come on.

Every single thing I do, she tears it apart.

I mean, I don't take care of Jim and Sydney properly,

I, I work too much, I drink too much,

I don't do the dishes or clean or do the laundry properly.

It's all so sexist. It just, it makes me wanna scream.

And the Leprechauns. Did I tell you about the Leprechauns?

[Charlie] You did.

Have you, uh, I don't know,

talked to her about any of this?

That's a no.

[Allison] You don't think I should just,

you know, try to keep the peace,

um, for the next few months until we move away?

You need to stand up to her.

- Before it's too late. - Yeah.

Put this crazy lady in her place.

Mm-hmm.

Okay.

I can do that.

I will let you know how it goes.

Hm.

[instrumental music]

[dramatic music]

Mm-hmm...

[door opens]

[Allison] Hi, Claire.

Oh, Allison.

Don't you just love this frame?

Uh, where'd our family photo go?

Oh, I changed it for this one.

Why did you do that?

Well, I just love this picture so much,

and I've been so sad lately,

it just makes me feel better to see it.

But I can change the other one back, if you like.

Yes. Please do that.

Of course. It's your house.

Wait, Claire, um, I'd like to talk to you.

Let's sit down.

First of all...

I understand what you're going through.

And I can't imagine

how disorienting this must all be for you.

And I'm happy to have you here.

- You are? - Yes. Of course.

But, um, I just think

it would be better for everyone

if you could just try to adapt a little

to the way we do things around here.

- Adapt? - Yeah.

You know, you don't have to do so much.

You should relax.

Relax?

Yeah, we have a certain way of doing things,

and it would just be s...

Claire?

Uh! [sighs]

It's not up to me. Maybe you finish your homework first.

- I don't have any. - You have to ask your mom.

She has fallen sick.

You're home early.

- What's wrong? - [footsteps approaching]

[dramatic music]

Mom?

Mom, what are you doing?

What's wrong, grandma?

Can you show me how to call an Uber, sweetheart?

I think it's best I not drive right now.

Where are you going, mom? What's goin' on?

Ask Allison.

Claire, I didn't say anyth...

It seems my being here has become a burden.

And that's the last thing I wanted.

I was just trying to help.

But... Allison is right, this is her house.

And it's time that I went back to my own home.

I didn't say anything like that at all.

[sobbing]

I don't want to be alive anymore.

[Jim] Oh, don't say that, mom. Please don't say that.

Everything's gonna be okay, grandma. Please don't leave.

[Claire sobbing]

Uh!

[Claire sobbing]

[mumbling]

[door opens]

[door shuts]

What the hell did you say to her?

I told her that she should relax, and, you know,

just try to go with the flow around here.

What does that even mean?

It means that we have a routine

and she's welcome to be a part of it.

- But I'd like to stick to it. - Jesus, Allison.

She is just trying to help out.

The man she's been with most of her life's out there

with some other woman. Think about how that feels.

I have thought about how that feels.

- And I told her that. - What else did you tell her?

- That's it. - That's it.

Yes. That's it, Jim.

Do you think I'm lying?

[Allison sighs]

[cat meows]

That was adorable.

Sydney, you always know how to cheer me up.

- Mm-hmm. - Mm-hmm.

Tell me, how are you feeling

about this big move to New York?

Um... I don't know.

I mean, it's kind of exciting, but it's kind of scary.

Hm. Of course it is.

You have so many nice friends here.

Well, mom says I'll make new friends.

Plus, we'll still come back and visit, so...

Hm.

[dramatic music]

What?

Well, it's just you'll be going into high school, and...

I hate to say this, but teenage girls,

they just love to find somebody new to pick on.

But I'm sure your mom's right.

You are so sweet. Who would wanna do that?

Well, part of the problem is that I have kept my mouth shut

for too long about too many things.

So what things are you talkin' about?

Just a bunch of little things.

Like, what?

Like, comments about me not being good enough.

Oh, she doesn't mean it. That is how she is with everyone.

No, that is not how she is with everyone.

And she always just feels like

it's okay to stop by unannounced.

Always.

You didn't even ask me before you gave her a key to the house.

And that was how long ago?

Y-y-you never said you had a problem with it.

No, you're right. I didn't. And I should have.

You never complained about the free babysitting

or how she looks after the house when we're out of town,

also for free. I bet you'll miss that when we're in New York.

All right, let's just stop

because you're not hearing me, Jim.

Yes, let's stop. Great idea.

You know what, I'm gonna take a shower.

[door opens]

[door shuts]

[door opens]

[Allison] Hey.

- How's it goin'? - Fine.

- How long has she been asleep? - Not long.

I should wake her.

She'll probably be more comfortable in...

Just leave her alone.

[dramatic music]

[mumbling]

Well...

I've got good news.

- Yeah? - Uh...

Yes?

Uh, Charlie turns out to be

Charlene Cansfield.

She's a woman, she's Allison's friend,

and they have lunch together.

Oh.

What's the matter? I thought you'd be happy at that news.

Oh. Of course, I am. I...

Well, as happy as I can be these days.

You know, Claire,

you look, um, you look really nice today.

Oh, I-I'm sorry, I just... Whoa.

Oh, God, you don't ever have to apologize

for paying me a compliment, cutie.

Well, ahem, the good news is that, uh,

not likely that Allison is sneaking around on Jim.

But this, uh, Charlie lady, on the other hand,

that's a totally different story.

Oh? Do tell.

Yeah, well, I saw her playing kissy face

with the, uh, pool guy

in spite of the wedding band on her finger.

- Is that right? - Mm-hmm.

I don't even own a pool.

I guess I'm doing something wrong.

You're adorable. [chuckles]

[dramatic music]

Oh, this is my lucky day.

What's that?

Will you excuse me a moment, Will?

Of course.

Mariah, is that you?

- Claire? - How are you?

So good to see you. It's been so long.

Oh. Look at you!

More beautiful than ever.

I always said you and Jim made the most gorgeous couple

I've ever seen.

You're too sweet. How is Jim?

He's great. I know he'd love to see you.

- You have to come for dinner. - No.

Yes. I won't take no for an answer.

[chuckles] Okay.

Then I won't say no.

Perfect. Perfect.

See you.

[instrumental music]

[Claire laughing]

[child on video] Oh, my goodness, you...

- [all laughing] - [cat meows]

[child on video] Oh, laser for you.

- Gross, guys. - What was that for?

- Well, I missed you. - Really?

Mm, I thought about some of the things you said last night,

and I think you were right.

I wasn't really listening to you, and I'm sorry.

Thank you.

Dinner's going to be ready soon.

Oh, I already ate.

Hm.

I'm gonna go take a bath.

- Allison? - Yeah?

Uh, next time maybe you could tell me if you eat elsewhere.

- I just hate to waste food. - I mean, she's a big girl, mom.

Big girls have good manners.

I hope that was supposed to be a joke rather we don't...

Don't say stuff like that, mom, please.

Sure, Claire. I'll let you know next time.

And there's nothing wrong with leftovers.

Bruce loved leftovers.

[dramatic music]

You mean loves them, right?

He's not dead, mom.

[music continues]

[moaning]

What's wrong?

- Nothing. - You sure?

Why are we whispering?

Because I don't want interruptions this time.

[doorknob rattling]

- What was that? - Nothing.

[doorknob rattling]

Okay. I heard that, uh...

Sydney should be in bed by now. I'll check.

[doorknob rattling]

[intense music]

[gasps]

[Jim] Oh, my God. Mom.

Jim.

Come, mom, to bed.

[doorbell rings]

- Hello? Can I help you? - Hello.

Um, I'm sorry to bother you, I-it's just...

I used to live in this house a long time ago,

back when my, my dear Richard was still living.

I, uh, I just had the most perfect life here.

How nice. We love it here, too. I'm Charlie.

Oh, it's nice to meet you, Charlie.

My name's Marilyn.

Would you... like to take a look inside?

- Well, maybe just a little peek. - Come on in.

[gasps] Oh, I love what you've done with this space.

Oh, well, this is how it was when we moved in.

We're getting ready to redo everything.

[Claire] Make it your own. That's good.

Ah.

How nice.

Is he your son?

Um, no.

He's our pool guy.

Is he even 18? Hm?

Don't tell me you're breaking child labor laws, Charlie.

Bradley's 25. Everything's on the up and up.

Twenty five.

Mm. Still a baby.

Oh, I lovethese countertops.

Hm. Your children?

Yes. Ten and seven.

Cherish them.

Before you know it, they'll be all grown-up

and you won't know what to do with yourself.

Take it from me.

Yes. That must be tough.

Mm-hmm. I have the best son in the whole world.

He treats me like a queen.

The only problem is his wife.

Oh? What's the problem?

Well, sometimes I worry

she's just a no-good, dirty bitch.

She's ungrateful, disrespectful.

[sighs] Some people seem to think she's pretty,

but I don't see it.

She drinks too much.

She's a lackluster mother

and she's probably a frigid wife.

Oh, yes.

You know her.

Well, what are you talking about?

I told a little lie.

It was very exciting.

Uh, m-my name's not really Marilyn.

It's Claire.

My daughter-in-law's name is Allison.

Not surprisingly,

her own parents are a couple of deadbeats

who couldn't even pay for the wedding.

Allison almost talked Jim into eloping.

Luckily, I got wind of that and I took care of everything.

It was beautiful!

[Claire sighs]

But do you think she thanked me?

Oh, yes, she thanked me, but she didn't mean it.

She resented it. She resented me.

Wow. [scoffs]

I knew you must be crazy,

but I had noidea.

Poor Allison.

This explains a lot.

Hm.

It's time for you to go, Claire.

How did it start between you two?

Excuse me?

You and-and Bradley.

[sighs] Bit tawdry, isn't it, sleeping with the help?

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

Oh. Listen, I get it.

I mean, I-I slept with the same man for 38 years.

Don't get me wrong, I'm no prude.

But after a while, it's like, "Enough is enough,"

and you just, you just want to shove your husband

into the nearest freezer.

You need to go now!

Does David know?

Well, h-how about Stella and Jack?

Do they know about mommy's special friend, Bradley?

My Bruce was a detective.

His ex-partner is still on the job.

He has a little crush on me.

And my, oh, my,

did he dig up some dirt on you, girl.

[chuckles]

Don't worry, the last thing I want to do

is break up a family.

There's no need for that to happen. Hm?

I just need a little favor, that's all.

[dramatic music]

So anything new with your mother-in-law?

Well, she showed up in our bedroom last night,

right when Jim and I were about to have sex again.

And, supposedly, she was sleepwalking.

I don't know why, like, I feel like

she might be doing it on purpose.

Well, that seems...

pretty far-fetched.

Well, I don't know, it seems to me like

everything she does is calculated.

And she is the master of manipulation.

She will provoke me on purpose

and then play the victim if I bite...

Are you, are you expecting a phone call?

What?

You keep looking at your phone.

[Charlie] N-no, no. I'm, I'm sorry.

I-I'm just thinking

of how to put this.

Oh?

There's only... one way to say it.

You're starting to sound

like a real bitch, Allison.

W-what?

I'm sorry...

but think about it.

Look, this woman's husband just ran out on her,

and you're mad about what?

Her doing the cooking, cleaning the house

and sleepwalking?

No. No. I mean...

Haven't you heard anything I've said?

Yes. I've heard everything you've said.

But when's the last time you listened to me?

I mean, when's the last time you asked

about David and the kids?

Oh, we talk about your family a-all the time.

Not nearly as much as we talk about you.

It's allabout you lately, Allison.

[mellow music]

Really? Really?

Yes. Really.

All right.

Well, um, if that's the case...

I am so sorry, so sorry.

Do you know how disinterested David's mom is in our lives?

I would love it if she cared half as much

as your mother-in-law does.

What is going on with you?

You have never said anything to me like this ever before.

And now, all of a sudden, what, is this all just been

a-a-a setup for this moment?

Not everyone is out to get you, Allison.

And stop being paranoid.

Paranoid?

Paranoid? Really?

[scoffs] You know, you were supposed to be my friend!

I am your friend.

I'm actually your only friend

because you drive everyone else away.

Okay. Okay.

[dramatic music]

[sighs]

[Claire laughing]

[Claire] Sorry about that.

[Sydney] It's okay.

- [Claire] Do you get... - [Sydney chuckling]

Hello! How was your day?

Huh. Not great.

Oh. I'm sorry to hear that.

Don't forget, Sydney.

- We're going out later tonight. - Do I have to?

You most certainly do, young lady.

And don't speak that way to her.

I think it's wonderful that the two of you

still have mother-daughter dates.

[chuckles] Don't call it a date. It's weird.

There is nothing weird

about spending quality time with your mother.

You understand?

Yeah. I understand.

Good.

So... are you excited about the concert

with your dad next week?

Uh, yeah. Yeah, of course.

Oh. Don't forget to bring your bathing suit.

Dad says there's a pool at the hotel.

That's cool, but, um...

You know...

What?

You guys don't have to keep trying so hard

to spend one-on-one time with me.

I mean, what's the deal?

Did you read that in a parenting manual or something?

[male commentator] But they've a second chance in the game

and number 13 hooks the ball

straight down the wing, it's a dangerous move

across the goal, it feels like

just a matter of time before they score.

And the cross is in, and he heads it in...

[cheering on TV]

Mom, what are you doin'?

I told you I'm ready to make dinner tonight.

Don't mind me.

[doorbell rings]

[remote beeps]

- Mariah. - Jim.

It's so good to see you.

Oh. You look fantastic!

There she is!

- [chuckles] Hi, Claire. - [Claire] Look at you.

Like a supermodel.

Thank you so much for inviting me.

Thank you so much for coming on such short notice.

It's been way too long.

You did know I was coming, right?

Yeah, yeah, of course, I-I just...

I-I, I lost track of time.

We're just, um...

I'mma go change real quick. [chuckles]

- For you. - Oh.

You brought

a lovely bottle of wine.

You are so thoughtful.

Let's crack this baby open.

- Shall we? - Sure.

I know I certainly could use a glass.

Or three.

[indistinct chatter]

So how's school?

It's fine.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Come on, Sydney.

You can tell me.

No.

You don't want to hear it.

What do you mean?

I mean, I'm worried about moving.

I'm worried about losing all of my friends

and I'm worried about starting high school

without knowing anybody.

But we have to... because of your job.

Well, you know, that makes a lot of sense.

I'd be worried about those things, too,

if I were in your shoes.

But you know your dad and I are gonna be there for you.

I know that's not saying much, but... we wouldn't be doing this

if we didn't think that, in the long run,

this was gonna be a really good experience for you.

Well, what about grandma?

What about her?

We're just gonna leave her here?

Alone?

That doesn't seem right.

I still think your grandfather's gonna come back.

And if he doesn't?

If he doesn't, then,

we'll make sure she's taken care of.

"Taken care of?"

What does that even mean?

To be honest...

I don't really know right now, Sydney.

It was an incredible meal, Claire. Thank you so much.

It was my pleasure.

It's so good to see you,

to see the two of you together again.

Just like old times.

You were the most perfect couple.

I always thought you might end up together. [chuckles]

- Little more? - Oh. I shouldn't.

Oh!

I just remembered I owe my friend, Susie, a phone call.

I'm gonna go do that right now.

Don't you dare go any place, okay? You two have to catch up.

Okay.

You really didn't know that I was coming over tonight.

Did you?

- You know what this feels like? - What?

That scene in sitcoms where the kids are trying

to trick their parents into getting back together.

I mean, she doesn't let just anybody eat off this china.

- Shh, shh, shh. - Stop it.

I can't think she's gonna hear us.

Hey. Easy now.

[sighs] Remember to breathe.

[chuckles]

Oh. [chuckles] Man.

I haven't laughed like that since...

Hey.

It's really good to see you.

It's good to see you.

And, well, if you want to talk about anything, I'm here.

Thanks, Jim.

[footsteps approaching]

[dramatic music]

[Jim clears throat]

Hi, Allison.

Uh, yeah. Yeah, no, this isn't a...

This isn't awkward.

Allison, uh...

What's going on?

Nothing. We just had dinner.

Yeah. I can see that.

Really, Allison, it's not what it looks like.

Oh, yeah? What's it look like to you?

Like... a romantic dinner.

Yeah. Basically.

But Jim didn't orchestrate this.

Oh. No, I can tell that Jim didn't make this meal.

Thank you very much.

This is Claire's handiwork.

Yeah, she called me and invited me over,

but Jim didn't know.

- Can Jim not speak for himself? - [Jim] Come on.

Mariah's just trying to explain.

That your mom tricked you both into a romantic dinner

and you were helpless to do anything,

except for eat the meal and hold hands?

Is, is that about right?

- You don't understand. - Uh, you know what?

- I should... - [Allison] Am I right?

- I should leave. - Yes, you should.

Allison, you're being rude.

Your daughter just saw you being intimate with another woman.

You realize that?

I realize Sydney saw me holding a friend's hand,

a-and I'm gonna explain to her exactly why.

I can't wait to hear that.

I'm sorry, Allison.

Oh, Mariah, you don't have to go.

Yeah. Yeah, I do, Jim.

Let me at least show you to your car.

- What a gentleman. - Would you shut up, Allison?

[door opens]

[door shuts]

Where is everybody?

Sorry I ruined your little scheme

before Jim and Mariah could fall in bed together.

My little scheme?

Oh, that's right.

You don't scheme against anybody.

You never have ulterior motives, do you?

[scoffs] I'm confused.

What is it you're implying, Allison?

I'm not implying anything.

I'm accusing you of setting up this dinner

in order to cause a rift between Jim and I.

My Lord!

I would never, ever,

ever do such a thing.

[door opens]

You did do such a thing, Claire.

And congratulations. It worked.

How was Mariah? I-I didn't get a chance to say goodbye.

She's okay.

It just, it just breaks my heart.

I mean, look at her. She seems so healthy.

What do you mean?

Jim?

I know she doesn't look it, but Mariah's been pretty sick

for a while.

I don't know how much time she has left.

It's just so sad.

Isn't it?

Why didn't you tell me?

I don't know. I should have.

I've had a hard time processing it myself.

She ran in to my mom a few days ago and texted me,

and... I've just been trying to listen to how she feels.

She's scared. I mean... of course, she is.

- [sighs] - I know what it must look like.

Like, my mom was trying to rekindle some old flame,

but I think she was just trying to make Mariah feel good

for an evening.

I'm gonna talk to Sydney. I need to explain what was going on.

- Allison? - Yeah. No, go ahead.

Oh. Hi, Will.

I just wanted to hear your voice.

Things have been a little tense around here.

To be frank, it's Allison. Yeah.

If I didn't know better, I-I would be worried.

Well, I just never realized

what a bad temper she has.

[scoffs] Uh, it's a little scary.

Oh. I'm sure it's nothing.

Just me being a worrywart.

How about you, sweetie?

How was your day?

[Allison sighs]

[mellow music]

[intense music]

[music continues]

[no audio]

[music continues]

At the concert. Send me lots of pictures.

- Okay. - I love you.

- Bye, grandma. See you tomorrow. - Miss you, baby.

- We'll call you later. - Take care of your daddy.

Bye.

You drive safe, you hear me?

No fighting, you two.

[scoffs] Us? Fight?

[laughing]

Bye.

Have fun.

[Allison sighs]

I'm gonna make us a nice dinner tonight, Claire.

We need to talk.

I thought I would cook tonight.

No. I'm gonna cook.

But first I'm gonna go for a run.

Since when do you run?

Since right now.

[dramatic music]

[doorbell rings]

Great. Now what?

[scoffs]

You destroyed my best friendship, Claire.

What else do you want from me?

[grunts]

[Claire grunting]

[crickets chirping]

Oh.

We're eating in the dining room.

And using the china.

If it's good enough for Jim and Mariah,

it's good enough for you and me, right?

Have a seat.

Stir-fry.

Looks very nice.

Though I never cared for it.

No, thank you.

It's not a weeknight. Live a little.

What shall we toast to?

To new beginnings.

If you say so.

Ugh, it's not that Two-Buck-Chuck stuff, is it?

Let's eat.

I called Mariah.

I needed to apologize

for the way I treated her.

Oh, good for you.

I know it's not easy for you to admit to your mistakes.

That was a good move on your part.

The way you made me look bad like that.

But it wasn't very fair to Mariah, was it?

Oh, Allison, I never tried to make you look bad.

Um, yeah, you have,

many, many times.

Why do I feel like I'm being ambushed here?

No ambush.

I just think it's time for the two of us

to be honest with each other.

I'm always honest with you.

Are you sure there's nothing you wanna get off your chest?

- Nope. - No problem you have with me?

Now is your chance. Anything you wanna say at all.

Is this dinner or a family therapy?

I made the mistake at the beginning

for not putting my foot down, for not setting boundaries,

starting with letting you take over the wedding.

That was my fault, and I shouldn't have done that.

Most brides would've killed for that wedding.

That's true.

But your son was marrying me.

And it's not what I wanted.

Is there a point to this, dear?

You're a wonderful mother.

You've raised a fantastic son.

He is respectful and caring.

And you're a fantastic grandmother.

Sydney adores you.

But either you treat me with respect...

or get out of my house.

Understood.

- Okay. - Mm-hmm.

Good.

Tell me, Allison...

did you use some meat tenderizer on this steak?

You know?

Whack! Whack! Whack!

Um, actually, I did.

Mm. I knew it.

Mm! Hm-hm!

Yeah. I think we really hashed some things out.

Yeah. Well, I think it went pretty well.

Yeah?

Well, I'm glad Sydney enjoyed the concert.

I miss you guys.

I love you. See you tomorrow.

Goodnight.

[dramatic music]

[Will on voicemail] Hello, it's Will.

Leave a message, please.

Will?

[whispering] I'm so afraid.

It's Allison.

I need your help.

Will...

Mm...

[sighs]

Hm...

[groaning]

Hm...

Claire?

You're sleepwalking again.

- What? - [grunts]

[whimpering]

What are you doing?

What am I doing?

What anybody would do if their daughter-in-law went crazy

in the middle of the night and tried to kill them.

I'm defending myself.

Oh, my God.

[intense music]

[screams]

[groans]

[groans]

[grunting]

Oh!

[grunts]

[groaning]

[grunting]

You ungrateful,

tacky little, naughty...

J-Jim is my son!

You never deserved him!

[choking]

You never ever deserved...

[groaning]

[grunting]

[groaning]

Oh... [screaming]

[breathing heavily]

[groaning]

[Will] Claire!

Oh! Oh, Will! Oh, Will!

Oh, thank God, you got my message. She went crazy.

She said she was gonna get rid of me

the same way she got rid of her friend, Charlie.

Charlie? What are you talking about?

You tried to stab me.

She tried to stab me.

She tried to kill me.

You are insane!

You don't know what you're talking about!

[Will] You stop right there!

Don't let me pull out my gun, Allison.

I don't want to, but I will.

Will, you don't understand. That's not what happened.

Yeah, yeah, fine.

You stay right there

and you show me your hands.

[Claire] Oh, Will.

You just saved my life.

[sobbing]

[gasps]

Is that, is that what [whispers] she used

to kill Charlie?

I believe it's the murder weapon, yes.

Wiped clean of fingerprints.

We found it in your closet, Allison.

Huh?

Oh, come on, Will.

Well, think about it.

If I did do it, well, why would I hold on to that thing?

You don't really believe

that I killed my best friend?

I love Charlie. Loved her.

Oh, my God, I can't believe this is happening.

[sobbing] You know what?

But, Will, you know me. You know me.

Why would I do something like that?

Uh, the pool guy said that you and Charlie

had a really big argument the other day.

Yeah. So what?

So what was it about?

It was about Claire.

Oh... God!

Yeah, yeah, somehow Claire put all this together.

Yeah.

Sh-she definitely has something to do with this.

Oh. It's always Claire's fault, isn't it?

The woman who raised your husband,

your daughter's grandmother.

A poor woman who's dealing with the fact

that her husband ran off with another woman

after nearly four decades of marriage.

When can I see Jim?

Who you really need to see

is a lawyer.

Please, Will, I just wanna see Jim.

Please.

Will, you're wrong.

[sobbing] Oh, my God.

[mumbling]

I think all the stress must have just got to her.

Her job, the move...

Lord knows I'm not the easiest houseguest.

I'm sure I just made things worse.

Jim?

Allison's not a killer, mom.

I know she's not.

Twenty-four hours ago I would've said

the exact same thing.

But, Jim, sh-she tried to kill me.

Do you understand that?

You do believe me, don't you?

Jim, I'm your mother.

Jim.

You can see her now.

[sobbing]

- Where's Sydney? - I took her over to Kelly.

She doesn't know what's going on here.

Okay, good. Good. That's good.

Allison, what is going on?

You know I didn't do it, right? Any of it.

Jim...

Listen to me very carefully.

It is time for you to make a decision.

You either choose me or you choose your mother.

I choose you. Of course, I do, Allison.

Okay. Good answer.

Well, now I need you to-to go to your parents' house right now

and-and-and before she has a chance to get rid of anything.

What, what would she be getting rid of?

Listen to me very carefully.

Look around. Check the entire house.

What am I looking for?

Jim, I hope that I'm wrong,

but I don't think that your dad ran off with another woman.

What?

I mean, do you really think

that your dad would do that to your mom?

I don't think so.

You know, and even if he did,

I mean, do you really think that, that he w-would

ignore youthis whole time?

No. He loves you more than anything.

You're the most important thing in the world to him.

He would at least want a chance to explain himself to you.

- Okay, okay. - Okay.

- All right. I'll go there now. - Okay.

Okay, good. Go.

I love you.

[dramatic music]

Great. She forgot to pay her power bill.

Flashlight. Flashlight...

I hope you're wrong about this, Allison.

Mm!

[music continues]

[gasps]

[glassware clinking]

Claire?

[gasps] Oh, Will.

Is everything okay?

[dramatic music]

Oh.

Oh, I see. I see.

It's a shame about the china.

It was such a lovely set.

[indistinct radio chatter]

[clears throat] I guess we start cleaning up

before, uh, Sydney comes home.

Yeah.

Are we okay?

Yeah. We're good.

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[dramatic music]