Original subtitles

Thank you, Ellen.

"That ice sculpture looked like Dan Rather

after 72 hours in a Burmese bordello."

(laughing)

What mother talks like that?

(David laughing)

Yours!

You are perfect as this character, Mrs. Sanders.

Samantha, and thank you.

So, did you enjoy rehearsal?

We loved it. As a matter of fact,

we're running a little late. We gotta go.

DAVID: Um, uh...

Mrs.-- Samantha, um...

I really want to ask you a favor.

I-I... I do a radio show up at KVIB,

and I'd really like to interview you.

Well, I'm not exactly rock and roll.

Oh, well, it's alternative mostly.

Alternative?

David, I'm honored,

but I don't consider myself alternative.

No, no, that's not what he meant.

I don't want to be

a spokesperson for the gay lifestyle.

(sighs)

Uh, did you just say...?

Would you excuse us for a minute?

Yeah, uh, yeah, okay, yeah, sure.

I thought that's why he wanted me on the show.

He's a fan.

In ninth grade, he used to trail after me,

wanting to meet you.

Haven't you talked to anyone about this?

No.

I wanted to protect your privacy.

I know this is hard for you.

I told you, it's okay to talk to your friends.

You're gay.

Congratulations, Mom.

What else is there to say?

The truth.

That you're ashamed of me.

("Joy to the World" Muzak playing)

KELLY: All righty.

Ooh, business is booming.

Yep, and I haven't helped you with a single sale.

Oh, please, your grandfather's in the hospital.

Don't worry about it.

Matthew, working late?

Just billing, unfortunately.

No new cases.

Christmas. This whole goodwill-

toward-men thing cuts way into my business.

Oh, that's the spirit.

Um, I was thinking driving around Hancock Park,

maybe taking a look at the Christmas lights.

Oh, do people have them up yet?

Well, we'll park and wait.

(chuckles) (phone ringing)

Now Wear This. Kelly speaking.

JACKIE: Kelly, it's me. Grandpa's not good.

He can't breathe; I don't know what to do!

Mom, slow down.

He has pneumonia.

Yeah, his breathing got so fast,

but he wasn't getting enough oxygen.

They want to put him on this machine

that will breathe for him.

He doesn't want any machines, Mom.

He is struggling for every breath.

If we don't intubate him, they said we'll lose him.

In his living will, it says no extraordinary

life-saving measures.

You have final say.

He has been doing so much better.

He could have weeks left, months!

He doesn't want to suffer anymore.

He needs air!

All right, put the doctor on.

Hello, this is the doctor.

Yeah, hi. I'm Kelly Taylor.

I'm his power of attorney.

We need a decision.

Do whatever it takes.

Save him.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

(engine revving)

(tires squealing)

So, the ventilator breathes for him?

Yeah, he has this huge tube down his throat.

Donna, it's really awful.

Okay, I'll come by right away.

No, you know, he's stabilized, and I think I'm gonna be okay.

I have to go; the doctor's here.

Kel, if you need anything...

Okay, thanks.

His lungs weren't passing enough carbon dioxide.

That's what caused his confusion.

But the ventilator's breathing for him now.

Does that-- the thing hurt him?

He's on pain medication for the moment.

Oh, in the future, a chalkboard will really help.

Um, till then just work out some signals with him.

For what?

To communicate with him.

He might be on that ventilator indefinitely.

But he's alive.

That's the main thing.

You saved his life.

His time left is so limited no matter what we do.

KELLY: This is how he'll spend it.

You did the right thing.

Oh, this sweater looks great on you.

You think so?

Yeah, definitely.

All right, add it to the pile, then.

Okay. I'm gonna look around

for some more stuff. Take your time.

Thanks.

Hmm.

Hey, feel free to try anything on.

Thanks.

Ah, pretty as a picture.

Wear it to church every Sunday. (Adrian laughs mockingly)

If I can help you guys with anything...

Doubtful.

Yo, there's Mouse.

Where you been, bitch?

You girls can get specific anytime

'cause we're getting ready to close for lunch,

uh, now actually.

Um, that's fine.

DONNA: I'm sure we can work through lunch.

Thanks for your help.

DONNA: Wait, I have more to show you.

Where you bitches been?

I'm waiting across the street at the wrap place.

I need cash.

Yo, Luce.

Come on, I'm starving, kid.

(girls giggling) ADRIAN: What's up?

Yo, step out of my way!

We should've closed. (sighs)

Whatever. They're just kids.

Donna, did you see this?

That means they're gangbangers.

I didn't see it.

Uh, these fell.

DAVID: Hey. Hi, Dave. Hey.

Hey, your mom called; she's doing my show.

Really?

Well, do me a favor.

Lay off the personal angle, okay?

Steve, come on, man, you should be proud of her.

The fact that she's gay and...

Oh, please, two years ago,

she was crazy about Clare's father.

Last year she's nuts about yoga.

This year, (scoffs) who knows.

She's an actress, a chameleon.

Well, she's not a kid; she knows what she wants.

(phone ringing) Huh.

Linda. My mom's girlfriend's name is Linda.

Steve, Steve, you mean to tell me

that the thought of two women together

doesn't excite you?

Oh, yeah, it's a fantasy of mine.

You see?

Not when one's my mother, though!

Uh, Steve, it's the

National Whisperer for you.

They want to talk about your mom.

Great.

This is Steve Sanders.

What's it like being raised by a...

Get a life, you vulture!

And get your facts straight!

I'm adopted.

(slams phone)

Hey.

(chuckles)

Are those antlers?

Oh, uh... (chuckles)

You were sleeping, I took a walk to Pediatrics.

Beat some kid at tic-tac-toe.

Ah, well, that's an achievement.

Yeah.

I, uh, I spoke to your mom.

She gave me an update.

She's with the doctor now.

Oh, okay, thanks. Um...

Go on, I'll catch up.

JACKIE: Oh, sweetie.

Matt Durning.

Man! What are you doing here?

I'm visiting a friend. What are you doing here?

Uh, taking a deposition.

The hours on this case, we could build a pyramid.

All right. How's things by you?

I'm choking, looking at that tie of yours,

but the, uh, steady paycheck, I recall it fondly.

Uh, you got a minute?

Yeah, sure.

It's so sad.

This woman's 47.

She's been fighting lung cancer for three years.

Tobacco company for two.

Both losing battles.

It's easy work.

Questions by the numbers, a lot of billable hours.

And you pay me half

what the tobacco company's paying you?

A third.

Nice try.

Matt?

Give me a call.

Yeah.

Are you cutting a deal

to work with a tobacco company?

Kelly, I could explain, but you wouldn't understand.

And why is that?

Because your grandfather has emphysema.

(engine revving)

Check it out. Oh, hey.

Yeah, nice chariot.

Looking good, man.

Oh, sorry, man.

Wow, she's beautiful.

Yeah.

Yeah, she was.

♪ ♪

Noah!

GINA: Hey! Noah!

I'd like to move my elbows, if you don't mind.

Yeah, well, I'm trying to get his attention just like you are.

Yeah, well, crane your neck.

Hey, Noah.

Uh, the movie's only playing this week.

Um, remind Donna. We'll go with you.

Oh, yeah, well, Donna has to work.

He rejected you.

Hey, that was a question, not an offer.

Yeah, right.

He's a friend.

(beer dripping)

Thanks. Let's keep it that way.

(sighs)

Excuse me. Hey.

This guy's a little wasted,

and he's got a pretty short fuse. I'd watch it.

Yeah, I saw. I'm not serving him.

You're not serving him?

Oh, that's a start.

I'll take your course on what I should do next.

In the meantime, relax, all right?

So, is, uh, is this true?

I said do not touch me, all right?

What, was this a big hit at the trailer park?

Do you see a girl who's interested in you?

No, I just see a skank

who's had one too many needles stuck in her.

Oh, really?

(gasps)

MAN: Hey! (gasps)

Hey! Hey! Hey!

Hey, let go.

Come on,

back off!

Break it up! You'll wish I called the cops.

I don't like being interrupted.

You didn't bother talking about it.

You had some kind of pissing contest.

Dylan, come on, man.

We don't want any fights in here, all right?

Then keep this guy out of my face.

This punk's got to pay!

You don't be pushing us around!

(guy laughs)

Oh, yeah.

(glass shattering)

Hey!

Hey!

(grunting): You son of a...

Dylan!

(grunting)

Stop!

Only one of us is afraid to die here.

(car engine starting)

Is this your car?

Get away from her.

(birds chirping)

Hey.

How long you been out here?

The sun was up.

Sad day for German engineering, huh?

You know, we could probably help you put this windshield

back in. That's okay.

If we each take a side,

and somebody could steady it from the rear.

I said no. All right.

But thanks. Sure.

NOAH: Dave, somebody from the station

left these for you at the club.

Some kind of contract or something.

They need it back today.

Oh, this must be the release

for Steve's mom to do my show.

You guys want some coffee?

Nah. I gotta go.

All right. Thanks.

You got a hole here, man.

(three gunshots)

I know a guy who does vintage cars.

I said no.

Very in your face.

Look where it gets you.

You wanted to see me?

Did you see this?

It's garbage, Mom.

Nobody reads this.

Bill, who plays my husband in the show,

dropped a kiss at the end of a scene.

It's in the script, we're both professional actors,

suddenly he's afraid I'd hate it.

I hate that.

I'm sorry.

Do you know how hard it was

for me to tell you I'm gay.

I knew it would hurt you.

Look, this is a rag.

Nobody takes it seriously.

I do.

Did you tell a reporter

that you weren't my son?

Uh...

Did you tell a stranger you weren't my son?

How do you think I felt?

Somebody calls me at work

to tell me about my mother

sleeping with another woman.

They have no right to pry!

It's their job.

That's what they do.

You chose this life.

The celebrity, all of it.

I did not choose to be gay!

What sort of mother would suit you?

Should I bake cookies? Volunteer at the library?

Run a Girl Scout troop.

They wouldn't let you.

I didn't mean that.

Have I always had these feelings?

I don't know, maybe.

If I was afraid to act on them, can you blame me?

You want my honest response?

Okay.

Don't do this.

Just... don't.

(sighs)

Your agent called.

Emergency meeting with the powers-that-be.

I was treating Mrs. Klein during your visit,

so I couldn't help but overhear your conversation

or notice that you're scum.

(gasps)

Let me guess.

You're working.

Taking a deposition.

Feel the need to add anything?

It's your job.

I understand, but this time...

It's someone you love.

I just don't understand the draw of smoking.

I mean, something's burning,

you don't lean in and suck on it.

Well, it's the nicotine.

Besides, it's something to do with your hands, you know.

You-you make me nervous, you ever notice that?

Yesterday when I woke up, and you were here,

I was so glad to see you.

But I really wish you weren't here doing this.

Well, there are two sides.

So, be on mine.

Looking at you right now,

I couldn't imagine being on any other, but...

but your grandfather knew the dangers of smoking.

So, it was his fault that he got emphysema?

Look, there's a warning

right on the label.

Right there.

You smoke?

No, I-- well, yeah, I... I started again

recently. It's...

So, this isn't about freedom of choice.

This is defending

your own habit.

No, two separate issues.

The fact is, Kelly, I represent all types of clients.

Let me just ask you something.

If a client came to you and said, "I'm thinking of killing

someone..."

With a drug like nicotine.

You wouldn't help them do it, would you?

(sighs)

Hi. Hey.

That dress would look great on you.

My dad got a job,

so we can invite everybody to this party we're having.

Oh, yeah, what's the party for?

Me. It's my 15th birthday.

Hey, can I try this on? Yeah, sure.

Right this way. Thanks.

DONNA: There you go. SONIA: Thanks.

Uh, check her bag before she leaves.

No, no, no. I'm keeping an eye on her.

Yeah, but where's her posse?

No, she came in alone. She's only 15.

All right, if you want to be her first felony.

Or maybe the first person who's gonna give her a break.

Look at you!

Do I look stupid?

Like a kid?

You look beautiful.

Whoa.

Do you have, like, layaway or something?

Sure.

When's the party?

Actually, I need it today,

but I could pay you back in a couple of weeks.

I got this after-school job, so...

Um... okay.

Uh, why don't you give me

the name of your employer, some identification,

and then the dress is yours.

Thanks.

Sure.

You're never gonna see the money.

You don't know that.

Look, you pity her.

For that, you'll pay.

WOMAN (over PA): Nurse Supervisor, dial 521.

Hey, where's his ventilator?

The doctor's didn't remove the ventilator.

He pulled it out himself.

How could he do that?

Well, apparently it happens.

The patients get disoriented, and they're uncomfortable.

Fortunately,

he managed to breathe on his own.

Well, the antibiotics have cleared up the pneumonia;

blood oxygen seems to be holding.

So, he's gonna be okay?

Well, he's doing well.

For a man with severe emphysema,

that prognosis isn't gonna change.

Hey, Grandpa.

What are these?

Take these off of him.

He was trying to get out of bed.

I can't stand this.

I didn't know what to do, Grandpa.

I told you, let me die.

It was for his own good.

(Velcro unfastening)

Shh. Shh.

Did you see what they did to him?

Kelly...

They strapped him down, Mom.

Yes. I know.

(sighs)

What I did...

I convinced myself that I did it for him, but I didn't.

I did it for me.

When I had to make the decision about

whether to keep him alive or not...

...I actually thought about Christmas morning

and how much I would miss him if he wasn't there.

I want him with us, too.

You thought you were being selfish. You weren't.

You love him.

Then I should have let him go.

(sighs)

Get me out of here, Dylan.

(sighs)

(child shouting playfully)

KELLY: My grandfather used to push me so high,

my mom would freak out.

Hey, I thought you wanted to get away from all of that.

Where would I go? There are some

places I could recommend.

Well, you're here now.

What are you going to do?

I paid a pretty high price for my leisure time.

You gonna stay?

You want me to push you?

I could have given him morphine.

Let him slip away, they said.

But I said no.

Some things you just can't fight.

Not everything's black and white, Dylan,

not when you have a choice.

What do you want me to say, that you did the wrong thing?

No. You could stop acting like it's all beyond our control.

Some things are.

Not this.

Kelly, he has emphysema.

He's dying. The only question

is whether it's gonna be his way, or yours.

(grunts)

This is for your thirst.

This is for your hunger, and this

would be for coming to my rescue.

I keep hearing how grateful I should be.

Oh.

(clears throat)

Well, uh, you're welcome.

Oh. Uh, by the way,

I know how to handle guys like that, so we're even.

Yeah, I could tell.

Um, who was your first serious boyfriend anyway?

Some hillbilly?

You know, beer, pizza, low-cut top.

You really think guys are that simple?

I've had boyfriends.

Yeah, boys.

(throws bottle cap)

Look, I might have been a little busy.

Skating was my life.

I was a national finalist.

Were you number one?

It's a legitimate question.

Well, I finished a three-minute program with a broken ankle.

Well, competition must have been fierce.

Duh. You know, their gain is

your loss.

Everybody's always trying to take what you got.

Well, right. That's the way of the world, right?

That's one way to look at it.

Here's another.

You have this cousin.

She takes you in.

You thank her.

Yeah, I'm very grateful to her.

You don't try to take

what she has, because Donna's happiness does not

cost you a point.

What'd you do?

Watch some documentary on figure skaters?

Why Noah?

I mean, really?

Of all the guys in this town, why.... Noah?

I don't know. 'Cause if you get him,

you know that all you've done is get the wrong guy.

Definitely not first place, and

definitely not number one.

You can get tattoos

removed, you know, if it's not working for you.

When I was in the fifth grade,

he could still throw me up high over his head.

He was so strong.

Imposing.

He would tell me the best stories.

(monitor beeping rhythmically)

Now, he gets winded saying his name.

Could have lived so much longer.

(sighs)

If it weren't for these.

(sighs)

Hi, Matt.

Nice to see you.

(sighs)

The nurses said he wouldn't eat anything all day.

He hates hospital food.

Yeah, well, he needs nutrition.

I'll have to talk to him about a feeding tube.

It goes through the nose and down into the stomach.

Oh, my God, no!

That's too much.

He wants to be left alone.

He's still competent, isn't he?

Yeah.

Then it's his choice.

DOCTOR: He'll refuse the tube, he'll weaken,

the pneumonia could come back,

and we'll be right back where we started.

And he'd need the ventilator again?

If you want us to continue to aggressively treat him, yes.

He's had enough, Mom.

You know he's had enough.

How soon can he be released?

Medically, I would have to advise against that.

But if it was your father, you'd do the same thing.

(gasping for air)

(crying)

How about closing up early tonight?

I can't.

(laughs)

Mmm.

How about closing for one hour?

Hmm.

GINA: Hey.

So what's the deal with Dylan?

Uh, don't touch his car.

He's very particular about his car.

His wife was shot in that car.

He was married?

Yeah.

And her family was involved

with some sort of illegal business.

She got caught in the crossfire.

She was shot in the car and died in his arms.

Wow. That's intense.

Oh, man, I-I pointed out these holes in his passenger seat.

They were bullet holes.

You didn't know.

(knocking)

Janet said you went home sick with the stomach flu.

Well, I'm feeling better.

And a fever.

The truth is, you're embarrassed by the rumors.

I get dragged out of the closet,

and you go running in.

(sighs)

I was fired.

What?

Well, this way, I'll just fade into the woodwork,

so you won't be publicly humiliated.

How can they do that?

It was a creative decision.

They're writing the mother out.

They fired you because you're gay.

Who wants a homosexual in their living room?

Not you.

(sighs)

You're my mother.

That's a little different.

Because I don't fit some idea you had

about who your mother is?

Who she is, who she was.

I was wondering why you even got married in the first place.

Why did you adopt a kid?

Was this some kind of cover-up, Mom?

I mean, you must have known.

Steve!

Did you really want a kid?

Did you really...?

Did you really want me?

Holding you in my arms,

raising you was the best job that I ever had.

For years, it was the one decision I made

that I knew was right.

So, how come it never worked out between Dylan and Kelly?

(laughs) Sizing up the competition?

No. I'm just curious.

What I do know about Kelly is,

she's my best friend,

she's my business partner,

she's your roommate.

All right.

(laughs)

Hey.

About the dress...

LUCY: It was messed up.

She ain't paying for it.

What's wrong with the dress?

Show her.

It had a rip...

ADRIAN: When she bought it.

Now she's returning it, so she don't owe you nothing.

ADRIAN: Yeah, girl.

(giggling)

Sonia?

I trusted you.

Yeah, well, you screwed up.

(all laughing)

(knocking)

Hey.

My grandfather's being released from the hospital tomorrow.

(sighs)

He's gonna die.

He tried to quit smoking, but he never could.

I keep telling myself we're just old friends.

Does that work for you?

Not always.

Something to do with your hands.

That's what someone once told me about smoking.

It's an addiction.

It's terrible for you.

I keep saying I don't understand.

But you do.

You know you do.

I was doing okay before you came back.

Yeah.

Lately, I've, um...

I've been thinking,

this probably isn't very good for you.

I don't care.

(yelling)

(screaming)

(muttering)

Hey, Dylan. (yelling)

What are you doing? It's all right, man.

The door was open; I heard you screaming.

David's not here right now.

The other day about the car, man.

I didn't know.

As far as those dreams and night sweats you're having,

I've had them.

I know what they're about.

My old man killed himself, and I knew this girl.

It wasn't my favorite topic either, all right?

So, we're blood brothers now?

Yeah, sure, whenever you're ready, man.

I wouldn't sit by the phone.

So, how long ago did you quit?

About 40 years too late.

You?

About 18 hours ago.

This time for good.

(chuckles)

Mm.

Hi, Grandpa.

Hey. Matt.

Well, we can take a break,

but the board doesn't move.

I'm winning.

Oh, yes, it does.

Daddy...

...you're being released.

Yep, we're getting you out of here.

Oh, I'll skip the good-byes.

Where are my pants?

You quit smoking.

Congratulations.

Dropped the tobacco case, too.

You know, you should be a lawyer.

And you like my grandfather.

Your grandfather is Mr. Perfect.

So, what do you say we celebrate?

I should really help get him settled.

Yeah, after.

I don't really know how long it's gonna take.

It's okay, uh, tomorrow.

The next night?

Can we stop playing date book here?

Matt, I really want to be straight with you

about everything.

Well, you can spare me the details.

It's not real complicated.

On the one hand, there's this guy

you once had something great with.

But on the other hand,

there's this really great guy you could miss out on.

(sighs)

It's only ten dollars.

I'll give you the rest of what I owe you.

Save it.

With that knife yesterday, you made your point.

I didn't want to do that.

Look, I could work it off.

Push a broom, anything.

(Donna sighs)

Why did you come back here?

I told you-- about the dress.

Why don't you tell me about the birthday party?

You didn't go, right?

My mom cooked all day.

My aunts and uncles were there.

Lucy said if I went, I was out.

Of the gang.

Why don't you just say it, you're in a gang?

They're my friends.

Friends don't threaten you.

You don't understand.

They want me to do a drug run.

Isaac, he's Adrian's boyfriend.

He's got, like, this business.

Sonia, what you need to do is get away from these girls.

In my neighborhood,

you're in or you're a target.

I met Lucy in Arts and Crafts

in the park when we were 12.

Now there's no more after-school programs.

There's nothing to do.

And one day, these girls jump me.

Lucy, Mouse, Adrian, they go after them.

This one girl's got a razor, and...

You think that they protect you.

But one day they're going to get you arrested.

Or even killed.

Lucy got cut for me.

Now I owe them.

(sighing)

GRANDPA ED: Easy, easy.

Gene Krupa's band is on the radio,

and she says I have to come in.

I want you to see something, Dad.

I want to get to the hospice and get settled in.

Turn on some damn lights, would you?

Merry Christmas, Grandpa.

It's weeks away.

Not in this house.

You're home.

Your room's all ready.

Kiddo, I can't stay with you.

Dad.

Mel and I want you to.

I'm not getting any better.

Some days...

Every day is a gift.

I know what I'm taking on.

We're going to do this together.

Whatever you want.

You know what I want.

Yes, when the time comes, we'll do it.

I wouldn't miss this for anything.

We can wait on the presents if you want.

Oh, hell, no!

(laughing)

For me?

♪ ♪

SAMANTHA: Hi.

Mom.

Here I am. What's up?

I think you should do David's show.

Steve, I'm not doing the series.

I have nothing to talk about.

Mom, you have an enormous fan base.

People love you.

I love you.

If I go in there,

my dismissal from the show will come up.

Whatever.

And the rumors.

Be proud of who you are, Mom.

I am.

Come on.

Well, that's my mom.

She's gay. Cool.

Go, Mom. Bartender.

David.

Oh, hey, come on in.

Are you up for this? Oh, absolutely.

Absolutely. Thank you so much.

Here you go, there's some headphones.

Okay.

All set? Yeah.

Okay, this is, this is very exciting.

Tonight we have the extremely talented,

the lovely,

the mom you wish you had,

the Hartley House's own Samantha Sanders.

That's 1,100, 1,150,

and you got the bank check for the rest.

Yeah, cash, check, whatever.

(car door closes, engine starts)

Hey.

Hey.

You sure you're ready to let something go

that means that much?

Yeah, it's easy.

You just gotta, you know-- one, two, three.

You know, I got laser surgery today.

Three more visits and my tattoo's gone.

What inspired you?

You.

I have my car

if you want a ride anywhere.

I'm not going home just yet.

Can I come with you?

It's no place you'd want to be.

Um...

Yeah... does that hurt?

Nothing to it.

Yeah, brave girl.

What are you doing?

I'm burning my wife's ashes.

Dude, you are serious...

Listen, uh,

maybe I got a little something to help you out.

Highly unlikely.

Nobody comes around here

unless you're looking for a little...

something.

I got some smoke,

rock, got some meth, some smack.

Smack?

You looking for a little heroin?

Okay.

You wait right here.