Original subtitles

I would say the biggest hurdle for me,

is gettin' past the embarrassment of it all.

It's hard to talk about who I used to be.

Not a day goes by

that I'm not grateful,

I mean, I mean to my bones

about how my life turned around.

Shoot.

We've been into some pretty dark places together.

I mean,

you turned it around,

made a life for yourself.

I guess I just wanted to know

how you did that?

You hear these rare stories, you know?

Of how the impossible happened.

Well,

this is one of those stories.

Hey!

It was the 1950s, but if you pulled up to our yard,

you would've thought it was the 1850s.

That's how poor we were.

Dad spent most of his time workin' in the oil fields.

I wish you didn't always have to go.

Hell, that's life, Phil.

It's time you grew up.

Take care of things around here.

You got it?

Yes, sir.

Who's a man?

I'm a man.

Mama provided a different set of challenges.

- When she had one of her spells, - Mom, stop it!

- Get outta here! - You'll go back

to the hospital again!

Get out!

All we could really do is get outta the way.

No one's takin' me to the hospital.

You gotta calm down!

Please!

Get outta here!

Go!

I started at a young age, a very young age.

Come to the woods and bringin' back somethin' you could eat.

Squirrel, ducks, quail, doves, whatever was there.

The woods became my home.

Sometimes I would just sit there for hours,

listen to the woods.

They would talk and I would try and talk back.

I could get lost in them.

They were my refuge.

But sooner or later, the real world always comes knockin'.

No, no!

No, no! - Phil!

They're takin' her away again! - You can't make me!

You can't make me, you can't!

No!

Phil!

Phil, don't let 'em take me!

She ain't done nothin' wrong!

Judy, Judy!

Phil, Phil, Phil!

Mom!

Phil!

Phil, Phil!

She was gone for months at a time.

Mama?

While they tried the only medicine they had,

shock treatment.

Mama?

Why does she keep doin' this stuff

if she knows they'll lock her up?

She can't help it.

It's in her blood or somethin'.

We got that blood in us?

Don't know,

but we'll always look out for each other, won't we?

You mean that, Phil?

Of course I do, Jan.

Si, go get some taters from under the house.

Nah, nah, nah.

Hey, last time that possum ran after me,

his teeth were like this big.

I didn't know it at the time,

but just up the road a few miles lived

a girl who would soon become

the most important person in my life,

Kay Carroway.

Damn it!

Language, Mom!

Kay, pick up your toys, they nearly killed me,

and then you go get those over there.

- Compared to us, - Stay on your feet,

- Kay was rich. - Gonna be stockin'

the store tonight, and I can't do it without you.

They owned the general store in town,

so we equated that with filthy rich.

Y'all could close stores on Sundays and come to church.

It'd be good for your soul, Daddy.

Sunday's our best day, Katie-bug.

You may say a prayer for us,

especially about sellin' them three roasts today

before I have to throw 'em out and lose money on 'em.

Hey?

Don't you get caught readin'

them pioneer books in church again.

Just in case.

"Little House on the Prairie," new edition.

I don't have this one.

I know.

Says there's all kinds

of new maps and drawings in there.

Thanks, Daddy.

Kay wasn't like the other kids.

They judged us.

She didn't.

I guess she saw somethin' else.

Look like the riff-raff's blowing in from the field.

Y'all should be ashamed of yourselves.

Wowie, look at this.

What are these called?

Hubcaps.

Dang!

Pa's truck ain't never had these.

Must be a load of millionaires here in town.

Turns out there was somethin'

besides huntin' I was actually good at.

I was born with it.

That's how I became the high school quarterback.

Down, set, hut!

Hey, way to play fellas.

You gotta stop runnin' like that.

You put me out of a job.

Pretty sure you gotta get on the field

before you can lose that job, son.

Talk about your pioneer man, Kay.

Maybe he'll walk you off the field after the game.

Phil Robertson, the quarterback?

You gotta be kiddin' me.

I seen the way he looks at you.

Hey, Phil Robertson, can I get a statement?

Nah, nah.

You wanna talk to Si Robertson right here.

Real hero of the game.

Si Robertson?

Did you even play?

Boy, did I even play?

I was so fast like lightning,

that's why it probably didn't even feel

like you saw me out there on that field.

Miss Kay Carroway.

Hey, Phil.

Hey.

Look, I know we don't know each other all that well,

but think maybe I could walk you off the field tonight?

I'd like that.

Okay.

So we walked off the field together

and she offered me a ride home.

I didn't even have the luxury of goin'

on my first date without at least one third wheel.

And that's when I went down to pet

what I thought was a dog, and no way, okay?

Turned out it was a five-pound squirrel.

Sorry about this.

I mean, I really do despise beavers,

but I also respect their work ethic and determination.

You're gonna stay in the car.

- What do you mean? - This is my date,

so you're stayin'.

I'll be skin and bone if I don't eat.

I hate to break it to ya, honey, but you already are.

Hey Jack, I am wastin' away.

All right, fine, fine.

Quit your yappin'.

I'll get you somethin', but you're stayin' here.

All right.

All right.

Sorry about that.

I know girls are supposed to act

like they don't eat nothin' on these dates,

but I am absolutely starvin'.

Hey, Rachel?

Hey, Kay.

Could I get two muffy sandwiches and a large fry?

What you want? I can pay.

Hey, no, come on.

You drove, I got this.

You know, I don't really eat after the games anyway,

so I think I'm just gonna get something for Si, so.

You know what?

I changed my mind.

Could you just gimme one of those single grilled cheeses,

and Rachel, you owe me a fry from last week,

so don't go cheatin' out on me again.

Okay.

Fries are for skinny bones.

In those days,

it was a nightmare dealin' with Mama.

Where is it?

When she was good, she was great. Funny, sharp, kind.

Ma, what are you lookin' for?

The money.

Where's the money?

I keep tellin' you, we ain't got no money.

At least not in the way you're sayin'.

No, from your pa.

He's been sendin' it.

But when it wasn't her day-

I got back from the hospital and-

Life was hell for all of us.

Yes, Mama, and Pa did send it.

We've been usin' it.

Jan needed actual clothes for school,

Si needed shoes for football.

Everything around us costs money.

Why are you wearing that?

Why are you all dressed up?

'Cause I got a date tonight.

You got a date?

Baby, with who?

Kay Carroway.

Carroway?

That rich family in town?

Well, that's nice.

You gonna leave me, Phil?

You gonna leave me, Phil?

Is that what you're gonna do?

- I'm not leave- - You gonna leave me?

I'm not leavin'!

Don't go.

Don't go.

Don't go like your father.

- Hey. - Hey, you ready to go?

What's wrong?

Nothin'.

Everything's fine.

No, I can tell you look like you've seen a ghost.

What...

My Mama's been actin' up again is all,

but it's fine, we got our date tonight.

It's...

There's just a lot goin' on.

Hey, whoa, it's okay.

We can figure it out together.

No, no, all right?

You shouldn't...

No, you're not gonna have to deal with any of this.

Hey, who needs another muffy at Fertitta's?

I've got an idea.

Thank you again for bringin' all this.

Well, just because my parents own a grocery store

don't mean I know how to cook anything in it.

Well, honey, that I can teach.

Always start with some butter here.

Baby, okay?

Give us a snack, all right?

No one- - Coca-Cola?

Dang, she is rich. - Jan!

Where's the tea?

Hey, grab me somethin', would ya?

Hey, I hear that.

You steal a bite before it's ready,

I'm gonna swat you upside the head with this spatula.

Hand me those beans, will ya?

Okay, so make sure this is lump free.

- Smells good. - Thank you,

now get out.

Okay, take one of these and make sure

that's against the knives.

Soaked up with flour.

However you wanna do that.

I do it kinda messy, but some people...

Kay, thank you for tonight.

It really meant a lot to my mama,

and though she probably won't admit it,

she really misses my pa when he's on the job.

Yeah, yeah.

You know, she seemed okay.

There's this other side to her, you know?

And you can't predict it.

It just kinda-

You ain't never have to be ashamed of that.

Wait, shh, shh.

- What is it? - Hear that?

That's a pintail.

You love it out here.

I do.

It is beautiful.

We can get a place out here, you and I,

a little shack up on the river

and I could spend my days fishin'.

I...

I'm sorry.

A girl like you definitely don't wanna spend

her time like that.

My dad used to read me pioneer stories every night.

What's a pioneer story?

You know, like movin' out west, livin' off the land,

makin' your own butter, that kinda thing.

There's always a good love story too.

I used to go to bed dreamin'

about how amazin' that kinda life would be.

So, yeah, a little place by the river would be just the thing.

You really are the perfect woman, Miss Kay Carroway.

Kay fell right in with my family.

In my mind, we were a perfect fit.

Phil has been an All-State quarterback this year.

They've been saying he's gonna

get lots of offers from colleges to play.

Football is such a rough sport to me.

Seems like a waste of time.

I mean, are they gonna pay you a lot of money to play?

I'm sure they got scholarships and such.

Am I right, Phil?

Yes, Sir.

Yes, Ma'am.

See, there you go, Wanita.

You know, that reminds me.

Kay, guess who came into the store today?

Mrs. Watson.

Now, her boy is nearly outta medical school.

A doctor, you know?

And I remember, oo, he used to come around.

He had eyes for you.

Wanita, you look like you're runnin' empty there.

Well, so is my beer.

I would love another.

Phil, wait!

I'm sorry about my Mama.

Phil! - You ain't gotta

be polite anymore, Kay. - Please!

Just, I'm sorry about my Mama, okay?

This not gonna work.

It's huntin' season. - No.

- I gotta go. - No.

So, you just broke up with her just like that?

It was huntin' season.

- That's a bad move. - Yep.

One of many.

How'd you get her back then?

Hey!

Now!

Phil!

Phil, it's Kay!

The death of Kay's father came out of nowhere

and left a big hole in her family.

Kay,

I love you.

I'm sorry for runnin' off like that.

It wasn't long after her daddy died

that her mama spiraled down quickly.

She fought a hard battle with alcohol,

and the alcohol eventually won.

I was all she had,

but in a lot of ways she was all I had.

Wait.

You think it's right that we're doin' this

when we ain't married?

I, Phil Robertson promise to love and be with you forever.

I, Kay Carroway promise to love and be with you forever.

So after all that,

because of my skillset throwin' a football,

I headed off to Louisiana Tech.

Great game, boys!

Kay was only a junior in high school at the time,

but we had a baby on the way,

and it was pretty rough on Kay.

Tried to balance takin' care of my family

and school and football, but it was too much.

Eventually I had to quit football.

You ever think about that, man?

You coulda been big.

I'm talkin' like cereal box big.

Wheaties big.

"The" Terry Bradshaw was your number two.

"The" Terry Bradshaw.

I say it worked out pretty good for him.

Yeah, I'd say so.

Hey, you and him get along?

Can I take this thing off now, Phil?

No.

Can I at least sit up?

I told ya if you wanna come out here,

this is how it's gonna be.

Yeah, I thought you were joking.

I never joke about fishin'.

Can't be givin' away my secret spots,

not even to you.

All right, take it off.

- Yeah? - Yeah, now.

Woo!

Got my hair all messed up and everything, man.

You're fine.

Take a look.

Sorta special.

- Yeah, that's called a fish. - Woo hoo!

I think my release is gettin' a lot better.

I've been hangin' around after practice every day,

workin' on it.

You really love football, don't you Bradshaw?

Yeah, I do.

More than anything.

Just feels like it's part of my blood or somethin'.

I feel like that with huntin'.

That's why I ain't playin' next year.

What?

Are you serious?

NFL scouts have been watchin' you all year long.

Everybody knows you'll go pro.

Nah.

I'm done.

It's your turn.

You think I'm ready?

Of course you're ready.

No one can throw a bomb down the field like you.

You're the Blonde Bomber.

The Blonde Bomber?

Guess that's better than the name you gave Johnson.

What, you mean Old Stubby?

Why you gotta do him like that, Phil?

It ain't my fault he got them stubby little legs.

- Shoot. - So, I lost my scholarship,

but still managed to finish college.

It was easy enough to find a job in those days.

The hard part was findin' one that paid enough.

Our family was growin'.

Hey, boys!

And so were the bills.

Aw, I missed you boys.

Come here, come here.

How you been?

Boy, you gettin' heavy.

Those feet smell?

Boy, they smell bad!

You need to take a shower.

I'm gonna say hi to Mama, okay?

- Hey, baby. - Hey.

How was your day?

It was good, until Alan tried to stick

a crayon up Jase's nose.

Did it fit?

Hey! Phil!

How's it lookin'?

I can feed you out in the woods.

I just need to make sure we got enough money

to keep a roof over our heads.

I just don't wanna be gone all the time like my dad was.

You won't.

You got two degrees from Louisiana Tech.

You can do just about anything

you set your mind to, Phil Robertson.

Hey,

I'm proud of you.

I love you.

And I love you.

I wouldn't change anything about us.

We gonna make it.

Stick with me, Miss Kay.

I'll put that long green in your pockets.

Kay was definitely nervous

about me havin' a job interview in a bar.

Was that me?

Was-the bar interview was me?

Yeah,

it was you.

I had a feelin'.

Yeah, sorry about that.

Good to see ya, Frank.

Keep your hands to yourself, Big Al.

You know I can't.

Hey, Sally, why don't you go ahead

and grab me a shot of whiskey?

Hey, you know, make it two.

One for my friend Phil here.

Hey, make it quick.

- You got it. - He's just catchin' up.

Thank you, Mr. Bolen.

Mr. Bolen?

You must be lookin' for my daddy.

You can call me Big Al.

Okay, sure, Big Al.

So, Phil, tell me about yourself.

I got a wife and three kids I need to support

and teachin' always seemed like a respectable thing to do.

No, no, no, no.

I don't mean that shit.

I mean, tell me about you.

What kinda man is Phil Robertson?

Well, I love to hunt.

Now, that's what I'm talkin' 'bout.

Huntin's sure good up around Junction City.

Keep you real busy on the weekends.

Somethin' to relieve the stress of the teacher man.

Need a smoke?

I don't really smoke.

Man, you got a sense of humor, Phil Robertson.

Hell, I knew we were gonna get along just fine

the moment I shook your hand.

Thank you, Sally.

Hey, and you best keep these comin'.

We got a lot to celebrate tonight.

All right.

That's it?

Did I get the job?

My name is Mr. Robertson.

If y'all could turn your handbooks to page 45...

Hey, there's my guy.

How 'bout a drink, celebrate the first day?

I can't.

Miss Kay's got a special dinner waitin' for me tonight.

Yeah, of course she does.

She's a classy gal.

Well, you ain't a dang derelict.

I'm just talkin' about one drink.

Hey, Fred.

You didn't hear nothin', Fred.

One drink?

One drink.

Come on, then.

Woo!

- Yes! - Woo!

- All right. - Woo!

Line 'em up!

This is as fresh as it comes, Appaloosa catfish.

That's the filet mignon of the river.

- Jan! - Hi, Kay.

It's good to see you, sweetheart.

- Hey, Phil. - Hey, Jan.

How you doin'?

- I'm good, how are you? - It's good to see you.

You too.

- Hey, hey, how you doin'? - Hey.

I'm Al.

You must be one of Kay's friends.

I know Phil ain't got no good lookin' friends.

Well, except for me, of course.

That's my sister.

Okay, okay.

Yeah, okay.

All right.

I mean, I was just bein' friendly.

Why don't you be friendly

in that direction over there, Al?

Okay.

- Sorry about him. - No, I'm good.

Hey, congratulations on your new job.

I'm so proud of you.

Thanks, Jan.

Did Kay tell you we took the boys

to church last weekend?

They seemed to really enjoy it.

You should come with us next time.

Yeah, well, I like to spend

my Sunday celebratin' God in other ways.

Who needs a pew when you can be out in His creation?

Hey, y'all, how 'bout a toast?

To my man Phil Robertson here,

the newest remedial English teacher at Junction City High.

He ain't smart but he pretty.

I can't do, I can't deal.

- Four ducks? - Yeah, four ducks.

Four ducks.

One bullet can't take down four ducks.

It can if you're Phil Robertson.

Who's this new friend with him?

That's Al.

He's from his work.

- He runs their school. - Okay.

Yeah, it's that easy.

- Woo ee! - Woo!

Woo! - Told you boys.

One thing I'm better at than fishin' is shootin'.

You okay?

- Yeah. - This here

is some genuine Three Creeks moonshine.

All right.

Daddy?

You goin' huntin'?

You bet ya.

Can I come?

You don't know the woods.

You don't know huntin'.

You could teach me.

Go back to bed.

The next few years were a bit of a blur, I must admit.

You said you know the guy that owns this property?

Yeah, I met him once.

Well, I met his sister.

It was that feeling again,

being pulled in multiple directions.

Huntin', partying, family.

The drinkin' began to overtake everything else.

"Airplanes follow duck."

I thought it was freedom to my worries,

but it didn't free me from 'em.

It just made me forget about them.

She just will not leave me alone.

I've heard of worse problems than that.

And all I could think was,

"Man, I gotta lay off the sauce."

They respected Phil Robertson.

They know Phil Robertson was a man.

Who's a man?

You're so beautiful, Marleen.

You wasn't callin' them ducks in, Phil.

You was commandin' them to come in.

Back again?

You don't even have the decency to hang around here?

I'm cookin' you dinner,

I'm cleanin' up after the kids-

Keep your mouth shut!

What, you can't even have a conversation with me?

Y'all don't need this.

Class dismissed.

Who's a man?

I was hell-bent on doin' things my own way.

I always had been.

So, when I had to figure out other ways

to provide for the family,

I went back to the places that have always provided,

the woods, and the river.

Take care.

Miss Abaleen.

Phil Robertson.

You been stayin' outta trouble?

Yes, Ma'am.

How's your mama?

She doin' just great.

Kay and the kids?

It's all good.

Hey?

Got a fresh catch for ya.

You back on the water?

I thought I heard you teachin' down

at that school in Junction City?

Yeah, yeah.

Sabbatical, you know?

Just a short break.

I got myself plenty for the shop today.

You know I don't like throwin' out no unsold fish.

This here's as fresh as it comes.

You could put this on special right up front.

Caught no more than an hour ago.

Have a look.

I appreciate you-

You best make sure Miss Kay and the boys get this.

Yes, Ma'am.

Absolutely.

Do.

I'm ashamed to say most of that money

I was makin' didn't go to Kay and the kids,

but we always found a way to make more.

Hey, if nothin' else, we were creative.

All right, y'all, all bets are in.

Got a rivalry as old as time.

Man versus machine!

Steel versus muscle!

Rubber versus some bare feet.

Yeah, Phil!

- All right. - Let's go, come on!

Let's get this show on the boat!

Come on, Phil!

- On your mark, - You got this, buddy!

Get set,

go!

What you doin' there?

Woo!

Just like old times, gentlemen.

Don't give me that sour look like I'm tryin' to cheat ya.

It's Hank's car and he bet against me.

You think he hamstrung his own bet?

Hey, come on, now, pay up.

Fair and square.

Hey, don't be bitter.

You and I both know Hank's car

ain't got the gun to come even close

to outrunnin' you if you only give him 20 yards.

You give him 25, he's got you smoked.

Well, that's their fault for not askin' for 25.

Man, ever since I known you,

you ain't never changed.

Hey, Phil?

Double or nothin'.

Hold my beer.

Hey, Babe.

Guess you decided to finally come home.

I know it's late, I was...

I was,

workin'.

Sell some fish?

Yep.

What is this?

That's money I made.

Well, how much fish you sell?

What do you mean?

There's $11 here.

I know, I musta spent some of it, all right?

Phil, we have three hungry boys.

You put all this pressure on me to stretch a few dollars.

It is embarrassing havin' a line

of people behind me in the grocery store waitin'

for me to put stuff back because I can't afford it.

It's fine.

We're fine.

The kids are fine.

I don't think we are, Phil.

I told you boys, I'm blessed.

I cannot lose.

Jesus don't be playin' no dice.

Only person who can play dice

like that is the devil,

which will explain why you riskin' your neck in this bar.

Nah, it's 'cause I like the music and the company better.

If you went next door,

you'd think they closed the bar and opened up a morgue.

Really?

Well, I heard that the owners are lookin' to sell.

Really?

Well, it just so happens I'm in need of a job.

I said they were sellin',

not hirin'.

They here now?

Jim Perkins?

Yeah.

Phil Robertson.

Nice to meet you.

I heard y'all might be interested

in doin' a little business.

What, you wanna buy the bar?

Well, thought we could talk about

a bit more of a creative strategy.

Hold on.

Hold on. - Phil!

Keep 'em closed.

Come on.

- Can I open them? - Not yet.

Just a little further, little further.

Keep 'em closed.

Stand here.

Don't open 'em till I tell ya.

Why does it smell like urine?

Hold on.

Phil?

Okay, open 'em.

It's a bar.

You bought a bar?

Sort of.

Phil, we can't afford a bar.

I can't even afford groceries.

Don't worry about that.

Look at this.

This is a new start for us as a family.

You been complainin' about money,

we'll make some more money here.

You been complainin' about not spendin' time together,

well, we'll all be here as a family.

I don't know, Phil.

Hey,

I'll make it up to you.

Kay, I'm gonna make it up to you.

I know things didn't work out with the teachin' job,

and I was tired.

I wasn't treatin' this family well.

But this is a fresh start for the Robertson family, okay?

Alan and Jase, they can even help.

Look, I know you're a good man.

I fell in love with that.

But it's the drinkin'.

How's bein' in a bar gonna help with that?

'Cause I'll be workin', not drinkin'.

Look, you'll keep an eye on it, I'll keep on it.

I'm gon' make this work, I want it to work.

You know you're the only one for me.

I love you.

I love you.

First thing we gotta do

is get that pee smell outta here though,

'cause that is horrible.

I agree.

I thought I had it figured out.

Finally I had arrived.

A way to spend time with my family,

makin' more money, and still get to hang

with my buddies and run with them all night long.

Daddy, when have I dried enough glasses?

That's the point.

They drink 'em, we clean 'em,

and the whole cycle starts all over again till closin' time.

You're doin' great, keep goin'.

Hey, get some more peanuts in here.

Okay.

Hey, Phil, get over here.

I got a couple of friends I would like

to introduce you to.

Miss Kay, I'm dyin' here.

Hold on, Billy.

Don't think I don't see you there actin'

like you haven't already drank the Mississippi

and spent your paycheck tonight.

Why don't you scoot on over a little bit.

I'm tired of your disrespect!

What is disrespectful about askin' you

to spend one day with your family?

That's all you do!

Nag, nag, nag, nag, nag!

The boys wanna see their daddy!

Don't use your boys to guilt me!

Don't act like I don't know what you've been up to.

You been out drinkin' that moonshine again.

I can see it in your eyes.

What the hell does that matter to you?

'Cause it makes you act like a wild animal.

You wanna see a wild animal?

Here you go!

Uncle Si!

Come here, boys!

What about it?

Man.

Look at you.

Man, y'all growin' faster than green grass through a goose.

We missed you, Uncle Si.

Buddy, I missed you, too.

I missed you, too.

Where's your mama?

- Inside. - Miss Kay!

You can't catch me, Jase.

- Get him, Alan! - Tag, you're it.

- Tag. - I got you back.

He becomes the devil, Si.

I've seen it in his eyes.

But it ain't him.

You know that ain't your brother.

Yeah, well, maybe not, but I mean, come on,

you don't deserve this.

You're raisin' three boys on your own.

I don't know what I deserve.

Besides, what would leavin' do to the boys?

They love their daddy.

Go long, Jase!

Okay.

I know it sounds crazy, Si,

but I just know deep in my heart

this family is gon' work out.

Well,

you know he ain't gonna change,

not unless he stops drinkin'.

I know.

But you know, my Nanny told me that someday

you gonna have to fight for your marriage.

When things get tough, that's what you do.

You fight.

Excuse me, ladies, gimme one second.

Hey, Phil?

There's someone here to see you.

Who's responsible for this?

Do you know where you'd go if you die tonight?

Jan?

Hi, Phil.

What you doin' here, Jan?

Well, you ain't returned my calls in forever,

so I thought I'd check in on you.

This your new boyfriend?

Phil Robertson, this is Pastor Bill Smith.

How you doin' there, Phil?

What ya sellin' preacher man?

Naw, we ain't sellin' nothin', just offerin'.

Just God and the good news.

Don't you read "Times Magazine?"

God is dead.

Yeah, that's not been my experience.

But I have been in here less than maybe

a minute or two and I can already see

you got one mighty chip on your shoulder.

I should knock you out right here.

You can try.

Tall words from a preacher man

who can't do nothin' about it.

Jesus says I got to forgive you,

but that don't mean he won't forgive me, too.

Phil.

Jan, why you bringin' a preacher man around here?

Well, I heard you might be needin' one.

Preachers ain't welcome 'round here.

Let's go, Jan.

He ain't ready yet.

How you doin', Ma'am?

Excuse me. - Jan, you should stay.

Have a drink.

I'm gonna be prayin' for you.

Then you'll be wastin' your time.

All right then.

All right, God bless yourself.

You put her up to it.

I didn't.

I swear, I didn't know she was comin' around.

Don't lie to me.

I saw the way she was lookin' at you.

This is just you tryin' to control me.

All of you.

Phil, please, please.

I swear to God, you better hold that tongue of yours.

Phil, you're hurtin' my arm.

If I found out you been tellin' people about our business-

Phil, you're hurtin' me.

What'll it be, boys?

Hey, sweetheart, that pie recipe she gave me,

my boys, they go crazy for it.

They do.

Where you been?

Pretty late for grocery shoppin'.

Well, when am I supposed to go?

Been at the bar all day, Phil.

You were with him, weren't ya?

What are you talkin' about?

That guy from the bar.

Phil, I'm tired.

It's been a long day and you been drinkin'

through most of it.

My drinkin' ain't got nothin' to do with it.

How long you been runnin' 'round on me?

Answer the damn question.

I ain't runnin' around on you.

I know you're lyin'.

Phil, I ain't havin' this conversation now.

Not when you're drunk.

I ain't the problem.

You're the problem.

You're ruinin' my life!

Yeah?

Well, you been ruinin' mine for 10 years!

Get out.

Get out and take your kids with you.

Good Lord, Phil.

I can't hardly believe that.

I can't believe the thought of what I did most days.

But that was a point where I'd lost it all.

Kay,

the boys,

the bar.

Bingo.

Just like that.

Kay, what's happenin'?

What's goin' on? Come in.

Come on in.

Thanks.

You can stay as long as you want.

I can't trouble you like that.

Trust me, it's no trouble at all.

You're not worried about Phil findin' out?

He kicked you out.

Why don't you go freshen up?

I'll listen for Willie.

Thank you, Jan.

Of course.

Are you okay, Mama?

Mama?

Hey.

What's goin' on?

It's Mama.

Okay, okay, just go back to bed, all right?

Back to bed.

I'll check.

Kay?

Kay, are you all right?

I was thinkin' about somethin' real stupid.

I was about to do it.

I just kept thinkin' about those boys.

I'm their mama.

I can't just leave 'em alone.

No, you can't.

I really believed it was gon' work out with Phil.

I really did.

But it's over.

I just don't know what to do.

Well,

you can start by gettin' up off the bathroom floor.

When I was little, and Mama was in the hospital,

and Daddy was on the oil rigs,

I used to cry myself to sleep every night.

And then

one Sunday,

I heard the preacher down at church sayin'

that at some point in our lives,

we are all going to feel desperately alone,

like we're the only soul in the whole entire world,

and that that would be the most important moment

in our whole entire lives

because when we realize that with Jesus,

we ain't never alone.

So,

I stopped cryin' myself to sleep at night,

and I started prayin' instead.

I'll watch the boys tomorrow.

There's someone you gotta go see.

Hey, that was a good one.

I appreciate ya.

God bless ya, I'll see ya on Wednesday.

Pastor Smith?

Yeah?

Hi.

I'm Kay Robertson.

Right.

Jan told me you might stop by.

It's good to see you again, Miss Kay.

It's been a bit.

I'm really sorry about my husband.

The first time at the bar-

Would it surprise you if I told you

I get that reaction a lot?

I guess not.

How's your husband?

He kicked us outta the house yesterday.

Me and my three boys.

Sorry to hear that.

Look, Jan said to come talk to you,

maybe you might be able to help us out.

But I don't really know what I'm doin' here,

or what even to say and...

I guess I got into some trouble last night,

thinkin' about some things

I shouldn't have been thinkin' about.

And...

I'm really sorry.

You must be so busy.

It's not a problem.

Truly.

You know, Miss Kay, it's the strangest

thing you should come by.

I was just now right now in a meetin'

and we was talkin' about what

to do with one of our little places

that just became vacant.

In fact, it's right over there.

It's right across the street.

Now, does that sound like somethin'

you and your boys might be interested in?

I don't know what to say, Pastor Smith.

Just Bill is fine.

Or Pastor Bill if you wanna be formal?

Come on.

So we live here now?

Yeah.

This is a gift.

We're gonna take real good care of it, you hear?

Kay got a job and took care of the boys.

She was determined to make somethin'

of a life for them.

As for me, I finally had my freedom,

but it certainly didn't feel like I thought it would.

Phil!

Phil, you in there?

As I live and breathe.

Man, I got a call from Nancy down at the sheriff's station.

They found your truck completely totaled

but couldn't find your body.

I done a lotta crazy things in my life

but I ain't never done smashed

my truck up good enough to be canned

and put on the shelf in it.

Who's a man?

Hell, I'd offer to help you clean up,

but this is a lost cause.

This a gar hole, son.

What's the day?

Sunday.

Mama, can we take those?

No, Alan.

Those are for kids that don't get

no presents at Christmas.

Okay.

But just a few.

Leave some for the other kids.

Get outta here!

Go!

She can't help it, it's in her blood or somethin'.

We got that blood in us?

Don't know, but we'll always

look out for each other won't we?

You mean that, Phil?

Of course I do, Jan.

- Are we there yet? - Are we there yet?

- Are we there yet? - Not yet.

- Are we there yet? - Not yet.

Uncle Si, how much further?

Lord.

What did I say?

If we come, no complainin'.

What are you doin', Alan?

Jase, what's he doin'?

Complaining.

That's right,

Phil, it's Si, are you in there?

You made it back.

I did.

I did.

It's good to see ya.

Look, I knew I'd find you out here,

but maybe I shoulda called,

givin' ya time to clean up the place a bit.

Ya ain't gotta live like no wild man anymore, Phil.

It's better for me out here.

Phil, how's that?

I don't have to be anything but me.

Well, that may be true,

but hey, I think you should come back.

You know?

Work on some things.

And what work would I need?

Well, I been hearin' about a lotta things.

Ain't much from fit to talk about

in front of little ears, though.

Daddy?

Al?

Jase?

What you doin' here, boys?

Come on, now.

Ain't ya gonna give your pa a hug?

What?

What, you don't recognize me?

Hey, Jase, hey, hey, hey, hey, it's okay, it's okay.

You all right?

I think y'all should leave.

Yeah.

Say hi to your mama for me, boys.

- You change your mind- - I'll see ya around, Si.

Come on, boys.

All right, boys, hungry?

- Eat, eat! - Yeah.

Alan, you wanna lead us?

Good boy.

Dear Jesus, I miss my daddy.

Please make him a good man.

Amen.

All right.

What do you want?

Some of this?

They're yum.

All right.

Thank you.

You're the only girl for me.

You gon' make a good dad.

I'm proud of you.

I love you.

I can't.

I can't!

I can't!

You drunk right now?

Nope.

I think I saw him, Miss Kay.

Who?

The devil.

I think he might be me.

I'll quit drinkin' this time.

I promise.

No.

I'm done with promisin'.

Kay!

I'm sorry.

I messed it all up.

Miss Kay!

Phil,

you need help.

More help than me and the boys can give ya.

You need to change.

Miss Kay,

I'll do anything for you and the boys.

Anything.

I swear.

Gimme a minute.

It's really okay, Phil.

You know,

it's beautiful out back.

You wanna?

How 'bout you meet me out there?

Nah.

Not quite sure what to say.

Just say whatever's on your mind, Phil.

I guess it were...

Everything I ever touch is goin' to hell.

You know what I would do if everything

I touched went to hell?

What's that?

I'd quit touchin' things.

Do you know what most stories have in common?

Most of 'em are about

climbin' the mountain,

becomin' a God,

provin' just how good you are,

that you're good enough.

It's a whole different story.

This is about God comin' down from the mountain,

comin' to you, tellin' you,

"Phil, you ain't got nothin' to prove."

Hey, that chip on your shoulder,

shame you've had your whole life.

It don't mean nothin' to Him.

In fact,

He come down to take that away.

That sounds too good to be true.

It's too good for all of us.

How's it happen?

You got to die, Phil.

And then you need to be born again.

I'm ready.

Your daddy's lived a hard life.

That ends today.

We gon' bury that old man.

This dirty river water represents a grave.

But, a new man is gonna rise up.

Phil, from this day forth,

who's gonna be the lord in your life?

Jesus Christ.

With that confession,

I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son,

and Holy Ghost for the forgiveness of your sins.

You ready?

All right brother!

Woo!

Good boy.

I know.

Daddy?

When do you have to leave?

What you mean?

Don't you got somewhere to be?

I ain't got nowhere to be.

You good with that?

All right.

Smells good.

Hey, Jase, lemme see that.

Thanks, buddy.

You gonna buy Jase a new one now you broke it?

I didn't break it, just fixin' it.

You know, I had a moment today.

Maybe bein' sober for the first time in a long time.

Lots of people make duck calls, right?

They sound like ducks, sure,

but pintails sure don't sound like a mallard,

just as much as I don't sound like you when I talk.

So what?

"So what?"

Thanks for bein' here today.

Meant a lot to the boys.

I've been tryin'.

You been tryin'.

I know it ain't been perfect.

No.

Truth is, I been fightin' for us for 10 years.

I just had nothin' left in me.

Then I saw you get baptized in that river

and I was

I was full.

I was so full of joy.

My heart was so full,

and I had this little voice.

This naggin' voice sayin'

it's just gonna start all over again.

And you was gonna break our hearts.

I'm sorry, Miss Kay.

Truly.

I never wanna put you through that again.

You remember why you quit football?

It was huntin' season.

Well, partly 'cause you are stubborn

as an ox stuck in mud.

But the other part, that was 'cause you wanted

to take care of us.

Take care of your family just like you always had.

Now look, I know you're gonna stumble.

I know it ain't gon' be perfect.

But maybe if you just keep that in mind,

how much you really do love your family.

Yeah.

Maybe it might be right to get away from it all.

Old friends, temptation.

We'll get ourselves a little place.

I could fish the river.

Well now, that might be an idea, Phil.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Miss Kay.

Before I came along, everyone thought the duck calls people

were makin' were great,

but truth is, they were missin' somethin'.

They looked the same.

You know, one duck call looked like another,

but on the inside, somethin' had changed.

Turns out,

that could make all the difference.

Phil?

Phil?

There he is.

My man.

Keep it down.

Everyone's still sleepin' in there.

Well, they're missin' out on the best fish, then.

We come to get ya, get your things.

It's a day after Christmas tradition.

We'll hit the water,

and head to State Line Road for a party after.

I ain't drinkin' anymore, boys.

The Phil you come lookin' for is dead and buried.

Dang, you startin' to scare me, Phil.

Look, it's been ages since you partied with us.

Come on, now.

You know it's gon' be a grand time.

Get your freedom back for a night.

Well?

What's it gonna be?

Who's a man?

Daddy?

Shh, wake your brother.

Put your warm clothes on.

Your mama said it was okay.

Come on.

Come on, boys.

Stay close to Daddy.

Good boy.

Shh.

Look right there.

You try.

You try boy.

I started taking the kids to the woods a lot more,

teachin' 'em about huntin'.

I'm just down here, fishin', huntin',

tryin' to sell these duck calls.

In the end I guess Kay got her pioneer lifestyle

and I got my family back,

not because I deserved it.

Lord knows I didn't.

But that's the thing I learned about God.

We don't have to be good enough

'cause he's good enough for us.

I finally figured it out.

Just took a little time.

Yeah, well,

seems like I might not have as much time as I thought.

How so?

Well, I ain't told anybody else this but,

it's my heart.

I got a aneurysm.

Doctor said it could be two years,

two months.

Heck,

two days.

Any moment, really.

You called me up and asked me to tell you

what I'd heard, how I got out,

made a life for myself.

Well, that's the secret, I didn't do it.

Only God can pull off a move like that

because of Jesus.

Stop always makin' it only about me.

That's what I finally learned,

how to give my life away.

Funny thing is, once I gave it up,

that's when I got it all back.

Everything I been chasin' all these years.

Funny how that works.

How you gotta come to the end of yourself

to find the beginning of God.

I gotta tell you, Phil,

that's startin' to make a lotta sense.

Come on, boys.

Hey.

- Gravy? - Gravy.

We're happy to have you.

Thank you.

Hello.

Thank y'all for comin'.

Why don't we say a little prayer?

Father,

we thank you for another great day on planet Earth,

for the bunch of ducks we killed this mornin',

and the grub on this table.

In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Amen.

Y'all dig in.

Who got that apple butter?

Stop hoggin' the corn down there, will you pass it down?

Y'all have just witnessed

what happens when Satan controls a man.

You've seen it in living color.

It's embarrassing and shocking,

but y'all saw the initial me.

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious.

Y'all just saw the acts of the sinful nature.

They're obvious.

Jesus beat death for us, removed our sin,

cleans us up and guarantees he'll raise ya from the dead.

I wanna remind ya of the gospel I preach to ya,

which you received, I did, 50 years ago.

And on which you've taken your stand, I did.

I'm standin' on the death barrel and resurrection of Jesus.

You really can have love, joy, peace,

patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

You can have those qualities for your own life

if you come to Jesus through faith,

believe he died before he was buried

and raised from the dead.

He's seated at the right hand of the Father right now.

It's a wonderful thing,

and I highly recommend you just start walking by faith.

My question is, you got a better story?

I'd love to hear it.

We could be wrong, but I doubt it.

A lotta people said,

"If you played ahead of Bradshaw at Tech,

and he went on to win four Superbowls,"

they said, "Man, what in the world happened to you?"

I really don't know what to tell 'em except Bradshaw

went after the books and I went after the ducks.

And I think we're both pretty happy, so.