Original subtitles

[♪♪♪]

Mm...

Good morning, bobo.

M'wah.

Best alarm clock ever.

[Gasps] Do you know what today is?

[Barks]

That's right,

it's the office Christmas party.

Yeah! Come on. Come on...

Hang the stocking.

Do a snow angel.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

[Barks three times]

-Come on. -[Barks]

Oh, yes, you're a good girl. M'wah!

[♪♪♪]

Hey!

Have a Santa hat.

Darcy,

this is too much...

And you baked Christmas cookies?

You realize there's a buffet.

Let her have this.

Headquarters announces

creative campaign of the year today.

She is nervous.

Oh, come on, Darcy, you're a shoo-in.

Of course, but she is the first Kansas City publicist

to be nominated.

I'm nervous, and I'm not even the one who's nominated.

I'm not nervous,

and, Gary, you can never have too much Christmas.

Watch and learn.

"Evergreen bean casserole"

"stocking stuffers."

"Let it snowballs."

What, we were all emailed the menu.

Okay, I'm nervous.

Distract me.

-Um... -Just...

Oh, Darcy,

do you have the press release for...

Singular technologies is in your inbox.

-Genesis will be there by 4:00. -Amazing.

Now, before we get this party started,

have they announced the award yet?

[Cell phone notifications chime]

Right on time.

[♪♪♪]

Darcy, I'm sorry.

That's okay.

It was a competitive year.

Yeah.

Well, you took a tiny Kansas City medical start-up,

and put them in the national spotlight.

They raised millions more because of you.

You may not have won some fancy award,

but you helped save countless lives.

-Don't forget that. -Thank you.

Really, all of you.

I'll be back in a minute.

[♪♪♪]

[Cell phone chimes]

Are you seeing this?

The Austin inc. Piece?

What's going on? It's blowing up.

It's a wrecker of an article.

They accuse William Austin

of virtually disappearing as CEO.

That there's no vision, no leadership

ever since his father George passed away.

Man, I feel bad for whoever is in charge

of their communications department.

[♪♪♪]

[Woman] I told you to stop reading it.

"One would think growing up the son

of one of the world's most famous tech gurus

would make him a natural industry leader,

but all he seems to have learned to do

is play with his father's toys."

It's getting out of control.

I've got calls from CNN, NBC, business insider.

-Tell them we have no comment. -[Cell phone rings]

Glen Goodman's office.

We have no comment.

Thank you. Goodbye.

Also, the economist, bloomberg,

they all want to hear from the head of communications.

No comment.

It'll blow over.

And winona.

No comment?

Right. Good luck with that.

Yeah.

[Winona] As CFO, I'm telling you,

it is time to hire an outside PR firm.

[Glen] Absolutely not.

They want a CEO

who will double as a puffed-up celebrity frontman.

That's not an option.

Well then, we tell them it's not an option,

and we see what else they come up with.

We've never needed outside PR before.

The world doesn't know what we're doing.

They can't see the vision.

Customers don't need to see the vision.

They will see the genius in the product.

Investors need to see the vision.

They were already nervous.

This article shook their confidence.

Look, I agree with you.

We don't need a flashy CEO-led strategy,

but what we do need is an outside voice

to shake things up.

Hiding isn't working anymore.

I still don't like it.

You'll retain full veto power over pitches.

Fine.

[♪♪♪]

[Knocks]

How are you doing?

Really?

I just wish I knew

what I could have done differently, you know?

Work in New York or Chicago.

Have a client whose name rhymes with "carbucks".

[Chuckles]

It's late. You've had a long day.

Why don't you go home

and do something that recharges you.

I will.

What is all this?

I'm doing some research.

After that disaster of an article,

Austin, inc. Put out a call for pitches.

I saw.

I wouldn't give that request too much stock.

It is still William Austin's company,

and he's notoriously anti-publicity.

Get some sleep, Darcy.

But...

If someone from this office

were to land ai's business,

I'm sure headquarters

would need them to move to New York

and run the account.

Do we know anyone who might be interested

in something like that?

I don't know.

Well, if you know anyone,

tell them to send me a pitch deck by Monday.

Goodnight, Darcy.

Goodnight.

[♪♪♪]

And five, four, three...

Two...

-Hi, Darcy! -Hello!

-How are you? -Hey!

-We've got salad and garlic bread.

Oh, great!

Do you mind if I just pop this in the oven?

Yeah, top rack is fine. Thanks, Clara...

What's the deal with the lights outside?

You having trouble hanging them?

Oh, hi, Huck. Yeah, no, it's really, it's...

Don't worry about it. I got it.

Hey, sis, did you know your lights were out?

Oh, yeah, I was just telling Huck

it's not a big deal...

We brought Christmas cookies.

Oh, thank you.

Oh, honey, sorry we're late.

Oh, no, you're just in time for Christmas cocoa.

This looks like heaven.

Yeah.

Sugar-free for you, dad.

And paradise lost.

Ah, you can get started,

I'm gonna take these to the wonder twins.

Okay.

You know, normally,

I don't allow strange men on my roof

unless they're accompanied by nine tiny reindeer.

Brothers are not strangers, Darcy.

I said "strange," not "strangers."

Hey, uh, Emma told us about the award.

You doing okay?

Yeah, I'm fine.

You know, it happens.

I'm... I'm fine.

Did she do the thing where she...

Yeah, she did the eye thing.

What? No, I'm fine.

Who's the cutest dog in the world?

Bobo.

Who broke my Walkman in 1993?

Huck.

How do you feel about losing this award?

I'm fine.

[Gasps]

[Brothers chuckling]

Listen, sis,

sometimes, the first step

is admitting that you have a problem.

What...

I just feel so defeated

and small.

It was crazy to think I could compete on that level.

Maybe it's time to finally take a real vacation.

[Laughing]

You, my dear,

have a gift.

You're stifled at work, and that's hard,

but when one corner of the world

tries to dim our light,

we don't hide it under a bushel.

We find someplace else to let it shine.

It's Christmas,

and there are so many people in need

who could use your talent.

Yeah, you're right,

I just need to get out of my head.

Maybe I'll find a great charity,

do some pro-Bono work.

If you're looking for options,

Zeke and I love the emerald educational trust.

Oh, yeah, yeah,

they donated a bunch of computers

to our school system last year.

They mentor teachers,

connect at-risk schools with resources,

run outreach programs.

They're awesome.

Honestly, after last year's budget cuts,

I don't know what we would have done

without them.

I'll definitely check them out.

Okay, everybody, dinner is ready!

Why am I the only one decorating the tree?

Dinner!

Emerald education trust.

[Gasps]

Well, well, well, bobo,

would you look at who it is?

William Austin.

[Exhales]

Where are my highlighters?

I got this for you.

Oh, thank you.

I'll just have a sip.

I've got so much adrenaline,

I could pull Santa's sleigh myself right now.

Give me the news.

Headquarters loved your pitch.

Digging up William Austin's charity work,

and leaning into that really humanizes him.

-But... -I knew they'd get it.

But?

Unfortunately, they loved it so much,

they sent it to ai right away,

and we received a response

from their vice president of communications

this morning.

Mm-mm!

No, no, no, no, no!

He's completely misinterpreting my pitch.

I'm sorry, Darcy...

No.

This is a misunderstanding.

If I could talk to him,

I'm pretty sure I could get him to come around.

Well, you're welcome to try.

I will.

Okay.

Uh...

I'll see you back at the office.

Bye.

Hey, what's going on, Jade?

I've got Darcy Gale from gumm PR for you.

The Kansas City pitch we passed on?

Just, uh... I don't know, tell her I'm not available.

She's very... persistent.

Please take the call.

Okay, put her through.

Glen Goodman.

Mr. Goodman, Darcy Gale from gumm PR.

I believe we had a small misunderstanding.

No, there was no misunderstanding.

Mr. Austin felt the exploitation of his charity

was in poor taste.

That's why we passed on your proposal.

No, I would never exploit emerald.

I think it's a wonderful foundation.

I just thought it showed a crucial difference

between Mr. Austin's vision and his father's.

No, we don't want the public focusing

on their differences.

We want our customers to trust

that the legacy will continue.

But it's not.

Oh, well, if that's how you feel...

But I don't think it's a bad thing.

Mr. Austin has changed ai's focus fundamentally

to how it can make the world a better place,

and the media wants stories like that,

well, that's a lovely spin, Ms. Gale,

but investors aren't inspired by human interest pieces.

They care about cold, hard bottom lines.

You're choosing to see the worst in them.

Investors are still people.

And most people are usually out for their own self-interest.

That's business.

That's a pretty cold worldview at Christmas.

Well, isn't that what you're doing?

I mean, this is a lovely story

meant to appeal to our CEO’s ego,

with just enough to get you the job of a lifetime, no?

My personal connection to emerald

is what inspired this pitch,

not the other way around.

What do you mean, personal?

My brother and sister-in-law are teachers

and work with emerald.

I was looking to do some pro-Bono work.

Why?

Because it's Christmas,

and I have a gift for this,

and when you have a gift,

you don't hide it under a bushel,

you shine it wherever it can do the most good.

Okay, come. Make me a believer.

What?

Come work for emerald in Connecticut

for the next few weeks.

Let's me what you can do with our busiest season,

and then,

if by some Christmas miracle,

you can convince me I was wrong about gumm PR,

I could probably be persuaded

to get you a meeting with Mr. Austin.

Did the call drop?

Hello? are you still there?

Oh, sorry, I was pausing to take it all in.

Well, it's a relief to know you have a pause button.

Listen, just let me know in the next 24 hours,

and Ms. Gale?

Merry Christmas.

What if I get this job, and I have to move to New York?

Or what if I fail epically,

and no one ever wants to hire me again?

What if I come back, and...

These are good people

who work tirelessly at helping students in need,

and you're going there to help share their story.

Focus on that.

One step at a time,

and it will lead you

exactly where you're supposed to be.

Oh, but I'm gonna miss the holidays

with you guys,

and Zeke and Huck, and...

And we'll all be here when you get back.

But if I get homesick,

you have to promise to send me bobo updates.

[Chuckles] You got it.

You better get going.

Looks like there's a storm coming.

Well, see you in three weeks.

Okay, wish me luck.

You're not gonna need it.

You're gonna blow them all away.

Now, let's get you to the airport.

[♪♪♪]

[Jade] Her flight was delayed by weather.

Yeah, no worries.

I actually came down to the hotel bar instead.

I'll just, uh, I'll get some work done.

Yeah. Keep me updated.

Wow, this is something, huh?

People talk about Christmas in new England,

and you see it in those TV movies.

I always assumed it was Hollywood magic,

but this really lives up to the hype.

What brings you in?

Business.

And you?

Same.

Good.

I wasn't trying to eavesdrop,

but I was worried you got stood up.

Not that you look like someone who gets stood up often,

or ever, really.

By friends, I mean...

I...

Seems like you could use a drink.

Yeah, uh...

Pinot, please?

Sorry, I'm a little bit nervous.

Big meeting.

I came here a little early

to have a drink and calm my nerves.

The guy I'm meeting is a tough nut to crack.

He's gruff,

maybe even a little curmudgeonly.

[Winces] Curmudgeonly?

Should I scan the lobby

for guys wearing top hats saying, "humbug"?

[Laughs] Maybe.

Honestly, I don't even know what the guy looks like.

Thank you.

Really?

Oh, yeah, it's a whole thing with this company.

[Cell phone rings]

Uh, excuse me.

Mm-hmm.

Hey, how's it going?

She never got on the flight.

You don't say.

Well, I'm sure she'll turn up.

[Beeps phone off]

Where are you in from?

Kansas City.

Oh, wonderful town.

Mm-hmm.

Tell me something,

how does somebody make a curmudgeonly first impression?

This, uh... What's his name?

Glen.

Glen... [scoffs]

Did he snarl on the phone?

Did he threaten to shut down the building and loan?

Does he end his text messages with a period?

'Cause that is very passive aggressive.

[Giggles] No.

Although he is curt, that's for sure.

It's...

He's a "no" guy.

A "no" guy?

Yes.

I understand playing it safe,

but this guy's instinct

is just say "no" right out of the gate.

I can be a "no" guy.

Oh, you are no "no" guy.

-No? -No.

A "no" guy doesn't engage in a charming conversation

with a stranger at the bar.

Oh, let's not breeze past that.

You think I'm charming?

Honestly, I wish my client were more like you.

-I would... -[Cell phone rings]

-Excuse me, I have to get this. -Mm-hmm.

Hi.

Oh, I sent you the updated itinerary.

-Sorry. Yeah.

[Keystrokes tapping]

Oh, no, it didn't send!

I'm so sorry,

I got to the airport early and took an earlier flight.

I'm already at the hotel.

Oh, that's so nice of you,

and Mr. Goodman,

will he be meeting me at the restaurant or...

[♪♪♪]

You don't say.

Okay, thank you.

[Beeps phone off]

Glen Goodman.

VP of communications, Austin, inc.

Local curmudgeon.

Yeah.

Whoa, hang on, where are you going?

I don't know,

to dye my hair?

Slip out the back window,

re-introduce myself as Carmen San tropez

because, apparently, we're playing a game

where we pretend to be other people.

In my defense, I never lied.

No, you just let me do circus-worthy contortions

of foot-in-mouth syndrome

before you said anything.

I love the circus.

Very entertaining.

We curmudgeons, we enjoy so little.

Also...

Do I really sound that old on the phone?

Be honest.

Why didn't you just introduce yourself?

How often do you get to hear

someone's unfiltered first impression of you?

You'd have done the same thing.

In my line of work,

we earn an unfiltered opinion through trust.

Fair enough.

Start again.

Do you want to grab some dinner?

No.

Oh, now who's a "no" guy?

Come on, ai's treat.

We should probably go over the schedule

for the next few weeks.

[Quietly] That's not the way.

Okay, I don't know where I'm going.

[Sighs]

[♪♪♪]

Do you know what you want?

Yes.

Reciprocity.

Mm, suit yourself,

but the chicken is excellent.

You said we should start fresh,

so tell me something about you.

Where'd you grow up?

I don't see how that's relevant.

The work I do is about building relationships.

You already know a lot about me,

where I grew up, that I have siblings,

my aspirations...

All completely unsolicited, by the way.

The caprese salad is excellent.

So you're a caprese fan?

I like this restaurant's caprese.

Have you ever been to Italy?

There's this quaint little...

[Waitress] Good evening.

Hi.

I'll start with the caprese, please.

I'll start with the bruschetta.

-Thank you. -Thank you.

Now, as you know,

emerald has three Christmas events to promote.

A partnership with the troutman Christmas tree farm,

a children's Christmas pageant,

and our annual donor gala.

I've been looking into

the Christmas-tree-farm partnership,

and I think there's a lot of room for expansion...

No, no, no, no.

No, everything is set.

Your job is simply to generate media attention.

My job is to find the story in the event

worth sharing.

If you really want to capture the magic of emerald,

sorry, but your events need an upgrade.

You need more spectacle, more heart,

and definitely more Christmas.

More...

It's a Christmas-tree farm.

I would think on the spectrum of Christmas,

that's pretty high up...

Thank you.

A Christmas tree...

I don't think it really gets much more christmasy

than a Christmas tree...

What are you doing?

You like caprese, right?

[Laughs]

I just didn't expect to be stonewalled like this.

Well, you're just used to charming everyone immediately,

that's all.

Oh, that's not...

Well, okay, there's some truth to that.

He's a bigshot vp.

He's not gonna be around every day, right?

Oh, for sure not.

You're right.

Today, it's just about me and my new colleagues.

A whole horizon of yes.

That's our girl.

I miss you guys already.

How's bobo?

You're not giving her treats

first thing in the morning, are you, dad?

No...

Yes,

-but just one. -Dad...

We love you, Darcy.

Now, you go in there

and you show them what you're made of.

I love you, too.

[Beeps phone off]

[Sighs]

[♪♪♪]

Wow,

you're a bad laugh

and a hairless cat away

from being an action-movie villain.

What are you doing here?

Oh, I'm just here to make sure

everything runs as smoothly as possible.

Hmm.

Suspicious ai can spare their vp of communications.

Although you guys don't do that much communicating.

Mm.

Well, it is very important to Mr. Austin.

Feels more like you're babysitting.

Well, this pays better,

but you don't get to watch nearly as much TV.

Ooh, coffee. Thank you.

Okay...

"Hi, I'm Darcy Gale!

I'm so excited to be here!"

No.

"Hi, Darcy Gale, gumm PR.

Good to meet you."

[Woman's voice] The second one conveys power,

but it's a little cold and formal.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking...

-Wait, what? -But then again,

it's best to start professional and trust a rapport will come.

Or you could try a bit of both.

Hi.

I'm Darcy Gale from gumm PR.

That was great.

Jackie Crowe.

Oh, head of development?

It's a pleasure to meet you.

Is that how people greet each other

in Kansas City?

No, I just brought them as gifts.

Oh.

Well, it should be.

Wouldn't that be great if everywhere you went,

people said hello with coffees?

I'd never stop trying to make new friends!

Anyhoo.

Follow me.

No, put 'em up.

There.

Perfect.

Honestly, my back is too stiff for this.

Next year, you're hanging them.

[Whispering] You know I'm scared of heights!

Hello, everyone!

I'm Darcy Gale from gumm PR.

Pleased to meet you.

Hey, there you are.

I don't know who this is.

Oh, uh, Glen Goodman,

vp of communications at Austin, inc.

Oh!

Jackie Crowe, development.

Dr. Bridget tinsley, policy director.

We are so glad to have someone from corporate here.

Riley lyons, arts outreach director.

Great to meet you.

Wait, you've never met them before?

You know, we are so very, very proud

of the work you guys have done,

and we're very excited

because Darcy here has stepped up

and offered to help us get the word out.

Uh, all due respect,

isn't it a little late

to bring someone new into the mix?

Oh, rest assured, I have done my research,

and I am ready to hit the ground running.

In fact, good morning greenwich wants to do a spot

for the kids' Christmas pageant,

and Riley, as arts director,

I thought you would be the perfect fit

for the interview.

Me? On TV? No, no, no, no...

I don't... I don't think I could.

Oh, don't worry.

We'll work together,

and I'll make sure you feel totally comfortable.

Media training is a big part of what I do.

I also have a reporter

that would love to interview some of emerald's students,

to talk about how the foundation has helped them.

Dr. Tinsley, with your connections...

Apologies, Ms. Gale,

we are very protective of our students,

and we have a hard policy

against using them in media campaigns.

Using them? I... no, I...

They would be sharing their hardships,

surrendering their story.

This is tricky territory.

Yeah, agreed.

Once you share your story publicly,

it's not yours anymore.

It belongs to the audience.

These are kids.

I don't mean to be a naysayer.

We just, we love these kids.

We're pretty protective of them.

Oh, I think that's very admirable.

Yeah, don't worry.

There are plenty more ideas where those came from.

Jackie, perhaps we could start with the partnership

with the troutman Christmas-tree farm?

Sure. What did you have in mind?

Actually, would you mind taking a walk outside with me

to brainstorm?

I find I get my best ideas

with a little fresh air.

Great, we'll leave you to it.

Actually, while we have someone from corporate,

we would love to ask you some questions.

Oh, you could give them the treats I brought.

See you later.

Bye.

You are a lot more graceful than me.

I don't know how you did that.

I was just being professional,

but inside,

immediately, there was a small voice in my head,

saying, "I told you, Darcy.

You were foolish to think you could do this."

I know that voice.

And that's all it is.

A voice.

It's only as real as you let it be.

So, let's talk about the Christmas-tree partnership.

What's there to say?

10% of the sales at troutman Christmas-tree farm

are donated to the charity,

and that's that.

You don't sound very enthused.

Well, I feel like we could do better,

but we always do the same thing every year,

and whenever I pitch new ideas...

They say no.

So, you figure out how to break through.

This event just needs more of a media hook.

I know there's a maze of traditions to navigate...

A maze!

What if we had a Christmas maze?

Yes!

We could make it part of a whole family-friendly experience.

-We could do s'mores... -Ooh, we could get a Santa!

I love it.

Now we just have to figure out

how to make the story special to emerald at Christmas.

Darcy,

may I speak with you?

Jackie, would you give us a minute?

I want to apologize.

I should have had your back in there,

even if I didn't agree with you.

I appreciate that,

but why does it seem like

no one from ai has been at the foundation?

Mr. Austin has full confidence the charity is running...

Ooh!

We could ask people

to donate school supplies for teachers.

Families could put them into cute, little Santa bags

at the event.

Yes, we could call it

"Santa's secret classroom helpers."

We could use this as a model all over the country.

First, we should talk to...

I'll get that set up.

-Wait, what are you doing? -Pivoting.

Did you grow up around horses, Glen?

Can't say that I did.

Well, we have a saying in Kansas City.

What do you do when you get thrown off a horse?

People say that everywhere.

You coming or what?

Enjoy, guys.

Mr. Troutman?

Please, call me Bryan.

Bryan, good to see you again.

This is Darcy Gale and Glen Goodman.

-Hi. -Your farm is lovely.

Oh, thank you.

We're very proud of it.

How can I help you?

We are so appreciative

that you've agreed to donate 10% of sales to emerald

on December 10th.

Of course. It's a great tradition.

Can you feel it?

It's coming from the midwest.

There is a "but" coming.

Uh-oh.

Jackie and I had some ideas

to expand the partnership

into a bigger family-friendly event.

Oh, jeepers, I... I don't know.

We're spread pretty thin here.

Oh, well, you wouldn't pay for a thing.

Well, except for overtime for employees, if required,

and some permits might...

You would pay for very few things.

Jackie was thinking a maze, s'mores stations, Santa...

Look, that all sounds fun,

but that's not the kind of enterprise

my grandfather established.

The other guys down the road,

they have all kinds of flashy gimmicks.

We respect your commitment to your family's vision.

Darcy, a word?

A maze? S'mores stations?

We can't empty the coffers for one event.

We've still got the Christmas pageant

and the donor gala to promote.

And Jackie knows that.

Her whole job is to create partnerships

without eating into the budget.

She's got this.

[Whimpers doubtfully] Hmm...

Jackie, you've got this.

Bryan, did you know that your competitors

are outselling you by 11%?

11%?

If you want to boost your sales,

you need more marketing.

This would be free promotion,

and Darcy has a whole media plan.

We could set up potential partnerships, or...

Or those might be bad ideas.

Sorry.

Whatever you want, we'll do.

Bryan, we know it's a lot

to trust us with your family's farm,

but you can give these teachers and students

something no one else can give them...

A real touch of Christmas magic.

Like... Santa collecting donations here.

A hot-cocoa stand, and a s'mores station.

Families making memories,

and making a difference.

And this would become the model for emerald

nationwide,

and your family would have started it.

We trust you.

Do you trust us?

I do.

You won't regret it.

Now, let's look at that budget.

Okay.

[Sighs]

I feel an apology coming from the northeast?

It's a lot to promise.

I just hope you can deliver.

Oh, I can deliver,

I'm like the Santa of...

[Cell phone rings]

Oh, come on, I had a whole comeback.

Excuse me.

Winona.

I'm gonna have to reschedule.

I know, I just, uh...

I gotta see how this plays out.

I'll have Jade move some things around.

Yeah.

[Beeps phone off]

Bridget... May I call you Bridget?

I would prefer Dr. Tinsley.

Absolutely.

You've earned that.

These Santa bags would be directly meeting teacher needs.

Notebooks, glue sticks, pencils,

that usually come out of their pockets,

but with a Christmas angle and a family-friendly event.

It's, um... it's cute.

Great!

[Whimpers doubtfully] Hmm...

What's the matter with cute?

Cute initiatives capitalize on Christmas

to check the "spread the goodwill and cheer" box.

Now, I am concerned

that givers would feel good temporarily,

but there is so much more work to be done.

Sure, but we should encourage giving,

no matter how small, don't you think?

I think that supplies are needed,

but that's not going to stop teacher burnout

in rural and inner-city schools,

and it's not going to hold together

after-school tutoring programs that keep getting cut.

Wow, tell us how you really feel.

Okay.

I think that your boss

is so out of touch with his own charity,

that he keeps throwing a bunch of computers

at low-income students

who don't even have access to stable Internet.

Look, I'm sorry.

That was a little too humbug.

We are fighting for big changes,

and in my experience, most people stop at cute.

This work we do, it's massive.

It is relentless, and exhausting.

Look, if you believe in this,

and in her,

I believe in you,

but I'm going to keep a very close eye on the budget.

Thank you.

Jack-frost levels of cold in here.

I feel horrible.

What are you talking about?

That was a huge win.

But she didn't like the idea.

Jackie, she said yes.

She said a lot of other things,

but the important thing is she did say yes.

You are a miracle worker.

I'm officially a believer.

You say you work with on-camera stage fright?

Riley, a couple of training sessions with me,

and you'll be ready to host your own talk show.

Deal.

Let's keep the ideas flowing.

What else can we do?

Oh, something Bridget said did spark another idea...

Oh, no.

Do you remember that part outside

where I said goodbye,

because I was already running late

for this business lunch as it is?

Yes, but you haven't said "yes" yet,

and if you say yes now,

we could have the press release done for you

by the end of your lunch.

-No. -No?

The foundation is your client, not ai.

But a story about ai

boosting Internet access across the nation

would give you and your foundation

much-needed positive press...

Which, given our current situation,

feels a little desperate.

You do know

that if you don't take control of the narrative,

someone else will.

Glen, I was starting to worry.

Fiyero PR is waiting.

Fiyero PR?

That's gumm's biggest competitor.

Darcy, this is our cfo, winona west.

Winona, this is...

The famous Darcy Gale from Kansas City.

I'm so sorry we had to pass on gumm PR's pitch,

but thank you for your gracious offer

to help the foundation.

Now, if you'll excuse us, please.

Of course.

Lovely meeting you.

She's very pretty,

and charismatic, wouldn't you agree?

I don't know what you mean.

[Chuckles]

Shall we?

So, pop-up Christmas events nationwide like this

are the goal,

assuming all goes well.

[Reporter] This all looks great.

Yeah, it is great,

but, frankly, it's not enough.

As Dr. Tinsley was saying,

we are really grateful for the donations,

but it's just a drop in the ocean

compared to what's needed.

Yes.

Our most recent analysis

shows that material shortages are the least of our problems.

You know what would be a great Christmas angle?

Dr. Tinsley is delivering Christmas bags

to some of the local schools this week.

You should go together.

Interview some of the teachers.

She'll give you the inside scoop.

That's the second story

you've cracked for me today, Darcy.

You're the best.

Dr. Tinsley, I'll be in touch.

Thanks.

Alumni network database.

We Kansas folk have to stick together.

I cannot believe that you did that for me.

Thank you.

Well, the other day, you had me thinking

about the end of "a Christmas Carol,"

when scrooge learns to really engage.

Christmas changed his heart year-round.

You certainly made me see the big picture.

So I know if anyone can get people to care,

it's you.

Thank you.

Look, I know that I came across as cold and hard, and I...

You've had a lot of uphill battles.

Do not apologize

for fighting for the things you love.

Thank you.

I'll see you later.

[Riley] Our arts outreach program

instills much-needed confidence...

[Groans]

It helps some people

to picture the audience in their underwear.

Okay, not everyone.

Uh, sometimes I like to practice

while doing something relaxing,

like cooking, or dancing, or...

Dancing!

Dancing relaxes me.

Great!

Then try that again with a little movement.

Okay.

Our arts outreach program

instills much-needed confidence.

Like James Johnson,

who spent hours mastering his dance moves,

proving to himself that he can focus.

Great!

Keep practicing just like that!

Thanks so much, Darcy.

Hey.

Where have you been, stranger?

Just putting out some fires at the office.

I wanted to make sure

you hadn't given away the farm in my absence.

Oh, and here I thought

you were starting to trust me.

Surely, you could delegate this.

Well, maybe fiyero PR

doesn't like to get their hands dirty,

but that is not my style.

Besides, decorating?

That's the reward.

I see someone wasn't on garland duty

as a kid, huh?

More of a carry-the-tree guy?

More of a...

"Came home from school

and the house was magically transformed" guy.

Aw, decorating's the best part of Christmas

growing up.

Taking out the ornaments,

hearing my parents share the same stories.

Zeke and huck arm-wrestling

over who would place the angel.

Sounds like fun,

but that would require siblings.

Ah, only child.

Yeah, makes sense.

Why does that make sense?

You don't seem like you had to negotiate

hostage French-fry situations in the back of a minivan.

Oh, yeah.

Now, is that something

you would list under special skills

on a resume, or...

So, what were your traditions?

We weren't very traditional.

Oh, come on,

there had to be something you loved,

or want to pass on.

Books on Christmas Eve.

I got to open one present.

It had to be a book.

My mom would make gingersnaps and cocoa, and...

Yeah, we'd just stay up reading in the living room.

-Sounds amazing. -Yeah.

Gingersnaps were a must, but they had to be mom's.

Oh, my mom made the best snickerdoodles.

They were so good.

She would decorate them with our initials

so my brothers and I wouldn't fight over the extras.

She passed away when I was in college.

Um, I'm sorry, I didn't...

No. Oh, no, it's...

I mean, it was really hard,

especially being the only girl,

but then my dad met Emma,

and she's done such a wonderful job

keeping my mom's traditions alive,

and helping us make new ones.

We've rebuilt a tight-knit family

because we don't take one second together for granted.

[Footsteps approaching]

-We have a problem. -No Santa.

What do you mean no Santa?

He canceled.

We have to have Santa.

[♪♪♪]

Feelin' okay?

You look different.

Bad different?

You're all flushed.

I'm fine.

I might need you to move some things around.

Again?

I already consolidated everything to tomorrow.

If you could just free things up

the tiniest little bit.

Why don't we go over some messages, hmm?

Winona,

Vince,

winona, John,

winona, winona, winona.

Please call her back,

or she'll sic her flying monkeys on me.

Her assistants are relentless.

I'll handle winona.

In the meantime, I need a favor.

I need you to get ahold of Santa.

Sure.

I've also got the president on line one.

I believe in you.

[♪♪♪]

[Darcy] Thank you all so much,

from the bottom of our hearts,

for being here tonight,

and agreeing to be interviewed.

[Dr. Tinsley] Now please, enjoy the evening,

teachers and students,

do not forget your ticket vouchers.

All right, everybody,

who's ready to kick off

the first troutman tree farm Christmas maze!

[Cheering and applause]

-Yeah! -Whoo!

You know, I have been so entrenched in policy work,

I'd forgotten how good it feels to make a teacher's day.

Merry Christmas, Dr. Tinsley.

Please, call me Bridget.

Merry Christmas, Darcy.

You coming, curmudgeon?

Just might help you find a little Christmas spirit

in there.

Yeah?

You think?

Hmm... Well, anything's possible.

Hmm, all right.

[♪♪♪]

You're lost.

No, i'm...

I'm a certified Kansas-corn-maze master.

You could even say a maize-maze master.

Get it? Corn... maize...

You always ramble like this when you're nervous?

I'm not rambling, i'm...

Lost.

No!

-It's this way. -No.

There you go with the "noes" again.

You literally just came from that way.

Do you think they're gonna send someone for us eventually?

Eventually.

I mean, there are wild animals out here.

Lions and tigers?

No...

Definitely bears.

[♪♪♪]

Oh, my.

See, I was right!

Because you asked that kid for directions.

[Laughs]

You have got to see this.

Come with me.

Come on, come on.

How did Santa get here?

Oh, you know, dasher and dancer, and...

Where are you going?

It's Santa!

I don't get it.

Jackie said she couldn't get Santa.

You did this.

I called in a favor.

Rudolph's a huge fan of our cloud services.

Thank you.

Thank Santa.

Would you excuse me for a minute?

Yeah.

[Cell phone chimes]

Oh, Darcy!

We're almost finished decorating the Christmas tree.

Hi, Darcy!

What do you think?

Oh, it's amazing, as usual.

I love it.

How's it going there?

It's going really well.

Henry, Darcy says it's going really well.

-That's our girl. -Hey, hey, sis.

Hey...

What's up, superstar? How's your big event?

I'm happy with how it's going.

Hmm, no, she did the eye thing.

No, it's just...

A pang of jealousy

that I'm not there decorating the tree

and eating snickerdoodles with you guys.

I just miss you is all.

We miss you, too.

Go see if Clara and Maggie need some help.

[Zeke] You want her all to yourself, do you?

Oh, Emma...

Oh! Who is that behind you?

[Whispering] That's him.

Oh!

That's Glen?

Hey, Darcy?

Oh, you didn't say he was so handsome.

Shh!

Emma, I have to go.

I love you guys!

So I booked a morning-show interview

for the Christmas pageant,

still need an angle for the donor's gala,

but I was thinking...

Whoa, whoa, no work talk in front of Santa.

Today's been great.

You don't have anything to prove right now.

What?

You said it's been great.

Well, yeah, because of Santa.

Oh, of course.

I do have one question...

Have you been good this year?

Oh, I have been very, very good.

Very good?

Well, let's go see Santa then.

All right, if you get some spare time,

go over your words,

and don't forget the choreo next rehearsal, all right?

We'll see you later.

Bye.

Perfect timing!

Rehearsal just ended,

and the last of our munchkins were just picked up.

Oh, excellent.

So, Riley,

"good morning, greenwich" is in t-minus three day away.

How are you feeling?

Do you want to run through your anecdotes again?

Yes, please.

Okay...

"Our program instills much-needed confidence.

"Uh, like last year's runner-up for most detentions,

James Johnson,

who spent hours mastering his dance moves...

[Feet tapping]

...proving to himself

that he can, in fact, focus.

Or Katelyn latif,

silent as a mouse for fear of her stutter,

stepping up and singing...

♪ 'O Christmas tree o Christmas tree ♪

♪ how lovely are thy branches... ♪

Wow, you are good.

So, the reporter is gonna ask you

"why a Christmas pageant?

Why not a spring musical or a summer show?"

Because what other genre

lets you bond with grandma

over music you both love?

[Laughs]

Like our opening number.

A chorus of kids in perfect Harmony...

♪ Jolly old Saint Nicholas ♪

♪ lean your ear this way... ♪

Ah, that's the Christmas spirit, Darcy!

♪ Don't you tell a single soul ♪

♪ what I'm 'bout to say... ♪

Okay, okay,

come here, follow me.

Oh, okay.

Oh, here we go.

[Chuckling]

I gotcha.

It's a chasse to the left, okay?

Mm-hmm.

[Riley humming "jolly old Saint Nicholas"]

[♪♪♪]

[Laughing]

[Riley humming]

[Laughing]

Oh, that was so great.

You should do that at the pageant.

Me?

No, no, I couldn't.

Oh, no, it's a great idea.

I think the kids would be really inspired.

I'd be so nervous.

I can't let the kids see me like that.

You have the chance to show these kids

they never have to stop dancing,

to lead by example.

Lead by example?

What a great idea.

Oh... no.

Now, a publicist

who just doesn't push people into the spotlight,

but puts her own skin in the game for a client?

I mean, that's somebody

we could pretty much trust with anything.

No, no, no, no, I'm not a performer.

Would you, please?

I would feel so foolish

as the only adult up there by myself,

but with you...

All right, I will do it.

Yay!

[Laughing]

[Riley humming]

[Slow clapping]

Bravi tutti.

A word, Glen?

Explain your logic, please.

I am struggling to understand.

What we're doing here, it feels real,

and connected.

Important.

We have hired an entire staff to handle important work.

Honestly, if you need to take a sabbatical,

or you want to go and volunteer...

I am doing my job.

Now, I think Darcy's onto something.

We're so focused on the work,

we've disconnected from why we do it.

We can't be afraid to get personal.

Right.

George wasn't afraid to get personal,

and that's how he ended up with so many tabloid headlines.

I made a promise with George...

George doesn't run the business anymore.

Hiding isn't working.

You told me that.

Now, if we're going to shift the perception of ai,

we've got to get to know

the people who work for us again,

and I'm starting here.

That is my strategy.

Then I will send Langley p.R. Your apologies.

Is everything okay?

Fine, yeah.

Just, um...

You still want to go over the gala media strategy

tonight?

If that still works for you.

Yeah, of course, no, it's great.

Come on, let's see that number from the top again.

[♪♪♪]

[Darcy] Are you in trouble?

Me? Why?

With your boss?

Oh, winona.

No, she's not happy, that's for sure.

She thinks I've been too distracted with the charity.

Oh, I could never stand up to my boss that way.

The people-pleaser in me shakes just thinking about it.

Ah, being a "no" guy has its perks.

Especially when you feel like something's worth fighting for.

Okay, I know you don't like talking about yourself,

but the charity must mean something personal

for you to be this involved.

I was an at-risk student in a low-income school system,

before I got very lucky and was adopted when I was 10.

Things could have turned out very differently for me.

Now, I...

I don't know, I just wanted to share the luck.

That's a very generous mindset.

Well, it comes with a heaping side of guilt

and workaholic tendencies.

Here's to workaholic tendencies.

[Clink]

Glen Goodman.

Generous champion of the underprivileged.

Adoptee.

-Friend of Santa. -[Chuckles]

It's a shame you're not ceo.

Making you the face of ai would be a slam dunk.

What about you?

You talk so much about Kansas City

and your family,

but here you are chasing a job

that would have you relocate to New York City.

I made a choice a long time ago

to root myself

while everyone else was spreading their wings.

Wow, that's a lot of metaphors.

[Chuckles]

Anyway, I don't think the rest of the world

sees my rootedness as a strength.

They see it as small,

fearful.

Lately, I'm starting to believe they're right.

So...

I guess you could say I've got something to prove.

What?

Just hard to imagine

anyone describing you as fearful.

[♪♪♪]

You haven't had the local Christmas experience

until you've had the salted-caramel hot cocoa.

Mm, tourist-approved.

How long have you been a local?

Since I was adopted,

and I'm not about to divulge how many years ago that was.

Fair enough.

Question retracted.

Although,

they're thinking about

opening a second headquarters for ai,

which might mean a move for me.

Actually looking at some mid-sized cities.

Oh, you should consider...

Kansas City?

Okay, I guess I should pull back the hometown pride

two clicks.

Oh, I'm not sure if that's possible.

So, Christmas in new england still living up to the hype?

It's really beautiful.

But it's not home.

Silly, I know.

I'm just a little homesick.

I was gonna wait until we got back to your hotel,

but I think you could use this now.

A little taste of home.

Go on, it's not gonna bite.

I know it's not your mom's recipe,

or baked by Emma,

but hopefully...

It's a little taste of home.

-Mm! -Good?

Mm-hmm.

-Oh, that's good. -Yeah, it's good.

[Chuckling]

I just don't know what we can do.

Hey, what's going on?

The venue for the kids' Christmas pageant

was double-booked.

They dropped us.

Well, find another venue!

Everywhere else that I've called

is way outside of our budget.

All that rehearsing.

How are we going to break it to them?

Maybe we could reschedule for January?

Or we could divert some of the funds

from the gala budget, but that won't work because...

The gala!

Okay, one thing at a time.

No, no, no, that's just it.

We could do two things at a time.

Have the kids perform at the gala.

Let the donors see

exactly how important their donations are.

We could let the donors bring their kids

and make it fun for the whole family.

Now, that is the Christmas spirit!

[Laughing]

We could have cookie-decorating stations,

and a Santa photo booth.

Ooh, we could make snowflakes out of paper...

Jackie...

This is a donor gala

with its heart in the right place,

and I love it.

-[Laughs] -I love it.

Well, in that case,

I have another crazy idea.

I think William Austin should speak.

Look, I know it's a big ask,

but Darcy has shown me that if you ask,

the worst that can happen is they can say no,

but we have to try.

It's the 10th anniversary.

We need a message from our founder,

showing that our leadership

has their hearts in the right place.

Have any of us even met him?

Jackie, you've been here for 10 years.

Well, he should know you.

If William Austin

really got to know you the way I have,

there would be no way he could say no.

So you know what?

We're gonna take that invitation straight to him.

[♪♪♪]

You know, four's a crowd.

I could just wait in the car.

Excuse me.

We'd like to meet with William Austin.

I'd love to play poker with Rudolph.

I'll bet his nose is a tell.

Sorry, I thought we were saying things

that were never going to happen.

William Austin doesn't take unsolicited meetings.

[Glen] What are you guys doing here?

Glen...

We have a pitch to run by you and William Austin.

It can't wait.

[Winona] I'd love to hear it.

[♪♪♪]

I think it's a brilliant idea.

Really?

What a lovely opportunity to embrace true holiday spirit.

Exactly!

And you think

William Austin would be willing to speak?

If you don't mind,

I would love to have a moment with Darcy

to talk through Mr. Austin's availability,

but please,

don't hesitate to reach out

with anything else the gala might need.

Thank you.

Mm-hmm.

I'm staying.

I'm sorry, Glen,

remind me what your role is again?

Vice president of communications.

Fascinating,

and is that higher than chief financial officer?

Please, have a seat.

You seem like a smart woman, by all accounts.

You had to know

that there was no way Mr. Austin would do this.

It is the 10th anniversary,

and it is Christmas.

You can't blame us for trying...

Frankly, I think it shows

a disappointing lack of respect.

I'm sorry?

You leveraged the charity to go above my head

to reconsider your firm for Austin's PR work.

I was only thinking of the charity...

You may have charmed Glen Goodman,

but I see right through you.

You never saw this charity

as anything else but a means to an end.

Now, hold on just a second.

It was my idea to approach Mr. Austin about speaking,

not Darcy's.

Darcy has demonstrated how much she cares

over and over...

I was scared to come today,

and I did it for Darcy,

but why should I be scared

to see my boss's boss?

What kind of culture is that?

I have fallen in love with emerald

these past few weeks,

and when you love something, you show up for it.

You don't abandon it like Mr. Austin has.

Whether or not you hire me or my firm

to do your PR,

please convince Mr. Austin to show up

for the teachers and students

he claims to care about.

That was what we in the stage business

call a mic drop.

Boom.

Darcy, wait!

Will you give us a minute?

What were you thinking?

I don't know, but it...

It felt great.

I feel like my whole body is on fire right now.

I was assertive, and firm,

and honestly, thank you.

Me?

No, no, no, I do not endorse this.

Yes, you!

I know, I called you a "no" guy,

but you're a "take no nonsense" guy.

That's what you do.

You stand up for what's right,

even if it gets you in trouble with your boss.

You should have run it by me before you came here.

I wanted to take a big swing.

I struck out, but I feel great.

Darcy...

If you could meet William Austin,

what would you tell him?

With no-nonsense curmudgeonly energy?

I'd tell him

there are ways to uphold his father's legacy

without being in the spotlight.

But the ceo is the leader of the company.

Great leadership requires empathy, vision,

and transparency.

Winona doesn't want your agency representing ai...

But I will fight for you

to get a meeting with William Austin

if you still want it.

I came here because I believed

he genuinely wanted to make the world a better place.

Do you think that's true?

Deep down, yes.

At least...

That's who he wants to be.

I don't know how I feel about William Austin anymore,

but... if you believe in him,

I trust you.

[Kids singing] ♪ choose for me dear old St. Nick ♪

♪ what you think is right... ♪

Wait!

Wait, we have to do our bows...

I like confident Jackie.

[Chuckles]

...she got a glint in her eye.

She commanded the stage,

and now she exudes confidence wherever she goes.

That change?

That's why we do what we do here.

I can't believe you put me up to this.

You could drop out.

Really?

Just admit

that putting yourself out there isn't as easy as it seems.

Done.

It's not as easy as it seems.

Okay, now one for the camera.

No.

It's not the time.

Riley, you were incredible.

Really?

Thank you.

I'm so pumped, I feel like I can do anything.

You ready to run this number?

-Yes. -Oh, wow.

[Clearing throat]

Oh!

-Uh... -Stay right there!

-What size shoe do you wear? -You're not hurt, are you?

No, no, no, I'm fine.

The strap just broke.

I'm a size seven.

I knew this was a bad idea...

No. No, no, Riley.

You know the old show-business saying,

a bad rehearsal makes for a great performance.

That's true...

That's true.

-Yeah. -That's true...

Right?

[♪♪♪]

[Glen whistling Christmas Carols]

What do you know about dance shoes?

Is there a dance shoe store?

Just tell me her size.

She's a seven. Thanks.

Okay.

Wait.

That obvious?

You were whistling.

All that's missing

is a course of cartoon reindeer

and misfit toys.

I don't know what you mean.

Just be careful.

I'm always careful.

You can't just cut it off this time

if things get too close for comfort.

This is a horse of a different color.

So we keep it professional.

Yeah, good luck with that.

Thank you for taking care of the kids' door prizes

for the gala.

Who'd have thought,

in the same hotel bar,

curmudgeonly scrooge Glen Goodman

would be delivering toys for children?

You mean the night

I almost had to have my foot

surgically removed from my mouth?

Yeah, I'd say we've both changed a bit since then.

Oh, yeah.

I've moved from proud "no" guy to begrudging "maybe" guy...

And you are soon-to-be star of the gala stage.

Ten blissful minutes of not freaking out,

and you just popped 'em like a balloon.

You really that nervous?

Every time I imagine bolting for the Canadian border,

I remember Riley.

It's way easier to be brave for the right person.

Yeah, I get that.

My work family is very close.

There's nothing I wouldn't do for them.

And your family-family?

Well...

My wife and kids don't talk to me so much.

Shall we?

Um... did you say...

Wife and kids?

Oh, right. Um...

Yeah.

We don't really talk so much...

On account of them being non-existent.

Makes it hard.

No wife, no kids,

just me.

That is what you were asking, right?

I just hadn't heard you say anything.

I was curious.

Curious?

Well, obviously, you care about kids.

Feel like it might have come up.

What about you?

Curious , are we?

I have a habit of calling it

before yellow cards turn into red cards.

So you're a bit judgy.

No!

I just think small things are an indication of character.

People like you make me nervous to date.

What happens when someone finds out...

I don't always make my bed?

Oh, I once turned around in traffic

because I forgot to make my bed.

Ooh.

Now who's judgy...

But like you said,

it's easier to be brave for the right person.

Right.

I know I've given you a hard time about dancing,

but...

I left you a good-luck token at the front desk.

What is it?

Good night, Darcy.

Wait. It's bad luck

to wish someone good luck before a performance.

Okay, it's not for luck...

It's for triumph.

Excuse me. A package for room 415?

Thank you.

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

Why, why, why are there so many people?

Yeah, it's a shame to be so good at your job.

I heard that

and I have tucked it away in my brain

and will review it

when my heart doesn't feel

like there's a tiny man

trying to punch his way out of my chest.

[Applause]

May I have your attention, please.

Friends of the emerald educational trust,

thank you for coming tonight.

Every year,

you spread Christmas joy

to hard-working teachers and students

across the nation.

Recently, a friend taught me

that we all have

a responsibility to lead by example,

and I am going to do my best tonight.

Ready, kids?

[Cheering and applause]

♪ Jolly old St. Nicholas ♪

♪ lean your ear this way ♪

♪ don't you tell a single soul ♪

♪ what I'm going to say ♪

♪ Christmas Eve is coming soon ♪

♪ now, you dear old man ♪

♪ whisper what you'll bring to me ♪

♪ tell me if you can ♪

♪ when the clock is striking twelve ♪

♪ when I'm fast asleep ♪

♪ down the chimney broad and black ♪

♪ with your pack you'll creep ♪

♪ all the stockings you will find ♪

♪ hanging in a row ♪

♪ mine will be the shortest one ♪

♪ you'll be sure to know ♪

♪ Johnny wants a pair of skates ♪

♪ Suzie wants a Dolly ♪

♪ Nellie wants a story book ♪

♪ she thinks dolls are folly ♪

♪ as for me ♪

♪ I must say ♪

♪ on this special night ♪

♪ choose for me dear old Saint Nick ♪

♪ what you think is right ♪

[Applause and cheering]

That was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,

and, Riley, you were amazing.

Thank you, Darcy.

I never would have been brave enough to do this

without you.

Excuse me.

You were incredible!

Well, I had a little help in triumphing.

Mm-hmm.

Not the only dancer, I see.

Credit where credit is due.

I could not have done what you did tonight.

You put me up to it!

That doesn't mean I could have done it.

I don't know about that.

You've been full of surprises from the start, Glen Goodman.

Like what?

Like...

I didn't expect a "no" guy to be the harbinger of Santa.

Well, your enthusiasm is very infectious.

Or for the "no" guy sent to enforce boundaries

to become our biggest cheerleader.

You made it pretty hard to stay impartial.

I know William Austin wasn't ready,

but it's the 10th anniversary.

Somebody should speak.

It's a little late

for one more high-profile guest...

Oh, I'm sure we could invite someone

with charm, vision, charisma

closer than we think.

No, no, no, no. No. Not happening.

Mm-mm.

Come on, when you told me your story,

you are the perfect person to speak for ai tonight.

You really believe in me that much?

Absolutely.

Okay.

Yeah?

Yeah, yeah. I'll do it.

[Gasps]

Let me just go find Riley.

Amazing!

You are amazing!

For triumph.

It is my great pleasure

to introduce, on behalf of Austin, inc.,

our vice president of communications,

Glen Goodman!

[Applause]

You know, for the past three weeks,

I have had the pleasure

of watching this foundation at work.

And what I have seen has absolutely blown me away.

I...

See, I was an at-risk student in a low-income neighborhood

before I was adopted at 10 years old.

I was personally saved

by the dedication and the generosity of teachers

making twice the impact

with half the budget of other schools.

Everything that I have now

is because of what they so selflessly gave,

and I am so proud to be here tonight,

celebrating teachers and their students.

[Applause]

You know, I'd like to pull the curtain back

and show you some of

the hard-working people from emerald educational trust.

Jackie Crowe, could you please come up here?

[Applause]

The brilliance of Jackie cannot be overstated...

Or contained.

For the fun you had tonight,

you can thank our director of policy,

Bridget tinsley.

Dr. Tinsley, could you please come up?

[Applause and cheering]

She is the beating heart of this foundation.

[Applause and cheering]

Mr. Riley lyons!

[Applause and cheering]

There's no doubting Riley's talent after tonight,

but what has impressed me most...

Would have been his courage.

He fights for these kids with every fiber of his being.

[Applause and cheering]

Finally...

A big thank you to miss Darcy Gale.

Darcy, could you come up?

[Applause and cheering]

She graciously offered

three weeks of pro-bono work

during our most important season,

Christmas.

Now, when she got here from Kansas City,

we weren't really sure what to expect.

But she helped each one of us reconnect

with our sense of wonder,

heart,

and courage.

And I am so proud to announce

that gumm PR and Darcy Gale

will be handling

all of ai's publicity moving forward.

[Applause]

Glen, they're gonna fire you.

No, they won't.

I'm sorry.

You know, Darcy once told me

that great leadership

requires empathy,

vision,

and transparency.

And in the spirit of transparency,

I must confess that...

I am not Glen Goodman.

I am William Austin, ceo of Austin, inc.

And founder of the emerald educational trust,

and I could not be prouder

of this charity

and the students

and the teachers that it supports.

Thank you all so much.

Merry Christmas!

[Applause and cheering]

Darcy.

Say something.

I...

Am upset...

I deserve that.

...at myself for not catching on.

I thought I was smarter than that.

Oh, it was a very carefully-guarded secret.

I am upset that I allowed my heart

to get tangled up in someone else's games?

Insecurities.

For once, I had the courage

to throw myself out of my comfort zone,

and it was...

It was for nothing.

No, no. It wasn't for nothing...

It was all a lie.

I have spent the past decade hiding.

Trying to keep my head down

while I tried to keep my father's legacy alive.

I think I've probably spent my whole life hiding,

trying to shield myself

from a world that didn't seem fair.

Or good.

Or trustworthy.

This is the first time I've been just...

William.

But you weren't William...

No, it wasn't my name, but it was me.

I hope the world gets to know

the person I met these past few weeks.

He's a person worth knowing.

And I'm very grateful

you think I'm worthy of the job, but...

I'm referring the account to the New York office.

Darcy, please, please don't do this.

Do you want to know how I feel?

I feel hurt.

Merry Christmas, William.

[♪♪♪]

If you have a secret crime-fighting identity,

tell me now.

Not a chance.

Dogs are always genuine.

And in 5... 4... 3... 2...

[Door opens]

The conquering hero returns!

-Hi! -Hi.

Darcy, I'm so glad you're back!

Oh, thanks, Clara.

-Hey, you're back! -Back!

Did you bring us anything cool from Connecticut?

No!

You just sit back and relax.

You're so sweet.

Welcome home, honey.

Well? How was the trip?

Well, let's just say there's no place like home.

Here, have a glass, everyone.

You're welcome.

You're awfully quiet.

I'm just tired from traveling.

If anything, there's no filter when you're tired.

We saw the speech on the news.

He seemed like a nice young man.

Oh, he seemed like a lot of things.

This can't be the first time

a client has withheld information.

Oh, not something this large.

I just don't get it.

I mean, you were so excited about this job,

and you put so much on the line for it,

and you got it...

It's about client trust.

I knew that William Austin was media-resistant,

but I didn't think he would...

I mean, if I had known the whole time,

do you think I would have...

I just can't believe I fell for that.

Fell for that...

Or him?

[♪♪♪]

Welcome back!

How are you doing?

You feel good about your decision?

Yes. I feel good.

[Computer call alert sounds]

Hey, Jackie!

Hi.

Can we talk through a foundation p.R. Issue?

Of course!

Oh, hi!

It's so good to see all your faces!

We miss you! How are you doing?

I'm okay.

What's the p.R. Issue?

Oh, we have a problem

with you not taking your dream p.R. Job.

[Bridget] And we know that the reveal

must have really hurt you.

And I know it must be scary

to take the leap to a big city...

But we refuse to let William Austin

or anything else stand in your way.

Thanks, you guys.

Yeah, I've been thinking about

why I was reaching for that job.

I felt like I'd been playing it small,

and I needed something big to validate me.

I wish we'd been friends before.

I would have told you

to speak more kindly to yourself.

The real work,

the work that changes the world for the better,

doesn't usually win fancy awards,

and most of the world will never see it,

but people like me and Jackie and Riley...

And you...

We do it anyway.

That's who you are, Darcy.

You're right.

And I believe in ai's mission.

But the thought

of leaving home for good...

I don't know, it just makes my chest ache.

Maybe you're scared to march

to the beat of your own drum...

But that doesn't sound like the Darcy I know.

Mm-mm.

[Jackie] Maybe you could ask to work from home,

or split your time between there and here,

or partner up

with someone from the New York office, or...

I should have known

you'd give me

a million possibilities to consider.

But they are solutions to the wrong problem,

am I right?

All in all,

I would say that we are in an excellent position

closing out q4.

William?

Yeah. Sounds good.

Great work.

You know,

I don't think I've ever been as nervous

as I was when you took to the stage at the gala.

You were incredible,

and your father would have been so very proud.

Thank you.

And I am happy to admit that I was wrong about Darcy,

and I'm glad

that we are moving forward with her.

Well, gumm will be handling our PR,

but Darcy's turned down the position.

Well, that's unacceptable.

You have to convince her otherwise.

I had no idea she'd made such an impression.

Well, you know how much

I respected and admired your father.

Darcy helped me realize

I've worked harder to uphold George's vision

than to help you find your own.

What vision?

The article was right.

I'm no George Austin.

No.

And thank goodness for that.

George saw the future very clearly,

but he didn't see how people fit into it.

But you do.

George was a visionary...

But you are a leader...

And it's time to be true to yourself.

To lead how you want...

Wherever you want...

...and with whomever you want.

Thank you. That means a lot.

Do I have to spell it out for you?

Go. Go find her.

Win her back.

Go find her. Fly!

Fly!

I'm so sorry.

I shouldn't have lied to you.

I can't tell you how lonely it has been,

being surrounded by people who see my father's legacy

but don't see me.

It was safer to protect myself.

I have found a million reasons

to keep myself smaller than I am.

I think you get that.

I was a "no" guy.

I didn't realize what I was missing

until you dropped into my life...

Treated everyone like family...

With your ability to see through it all.

And you did see through it.

You see a version of me that I can't even see.

And that's the man that I want to be.

Wow.

That was really sweet...

And...

I want to talk, but it's Christmas Eve...

I thought it would be kind of romantic...

No, no.

I mean, there is a cavalry of relatives

that are gonna be here any minute,

and you just... You have to get out of here.

I'd love to meet your family...

No, no, no.

I want to talk, and we will talk,

but you have to get out of here! I want to talk, we will talk...

Oh! You must be Glen!

Or William, is it?

My gosh! How exciting having you here for Christmas!

-Hello. -Hi.

-It's very nice to meet you. -Nice to meet you.

[♪♪♪]

[Indistinct conversation]

Do you need anything, gwilliam?

No, I'm great. Thanks.

Do you mind if I join you?

Please.

You know...

I thought you were

this mysterious, larger-than-life figure.

The great and powerful Austin.

I was afraid, if I ever met you,

I would feel so small.

But you didn't turn out to be any of the things I thought.

Nope.

Just a man behind the curtain.

A very flawed man.

Yes.

But also a caring man.

You're very generous,

and stubborn,

and brilliant,

and compassionate,

and funny,

and all kinds of other juxtapositions

that made me fall for you.

Well, let's not just breeze past that...

But you're remaking ai to be truer to your values,

and I have to stay true to mine.

It took going all the way across the country

to realize that I wasn't stuck before...

I was planted.

I love my roots,

I love what I've grown here.

And, yes, the occasional adventure is fun,

but...

My home is here.

I'm sorry if that's a deal breaker.

You know, we had all sorts of great options

for our second headquarters,

but I just...

I couldn't get this voice out of my head.

It kept saying, "Kansas City. Kansas City."

You do have a great tech-startup scene.

-Oh, we do! -Mm-hmm.

And bringing jobs to a mid-size city would be...

A brilliant PR move. Mm-hmm.

That's what our gumm rep said.

Right?

Right.

Ai does have a communications issue

I was hoping you could weigh in on?

We need a new vp of communications.

Last guy was a total flake.

Someone that has a relationship with gumm would be good.

Doesn't mind traveling now and again

to our global clientele.

Also, if...

If it's soon...

You just don't want to work with me, or...

It would be based here, right?

Absolutely.

And you would be here?

Of course.

I've heard there's no place like Kansas City.

There's no place like home.

Merry Christmas, Darcy.

Merry Christmas, William.

[♪♪♪]