Valentine's Town (2024) Movie Script
1
I am Melissa the Matchmaker
and you are listening
to Ditch the Algorithm.
Society shames folks if
we haven't found love.
Tells them to resort to
some soulless dating apps,
sending them out on
dates with God knows who.
Just because that's
what the algorithm says.
But we are not about that here.
This year on Valentine's Day
I want you to forget about
swiping left or right.
Look for what's real.
Good vibes, personal
connections,
people who genuinely care.
They're out there. I promise.
Keep loving your hearts
out there, everyone.
Until next time.
Here we go.
"We're nine months strong
"and we're going on our first
vacation together next week.
"We owe it all to HotSpot
for bringing us together."
That's cute.- How about this?
"The secret is never giving up.
"I went on dozens of dates
"thinking I'd
never find the one.
"But guess who's getting
married in the fall!
"Thanks, HotSpot."
Uh, hey, look, guys, guys.
This is, uh, this
is great, right?
That people are finding love
and we're getting bombarded
with positive testimonials.
That's why we do this, right?
Wrong. Actually, what
this is telling me
is that we need to
change the algorithm.
Yup...
Just leave it there.
Think about it; we are
a subscription app.
People count on us to be able
to weed out all the weirdos
so that we give them a
chance to have a good match
so that they can go on dates.
But people are
making connections.
Why would we change
the algorithm?
Think about it, think about it.
If I'm paying a monthly service
and then two months in I
no longer need the service,
what am I gonna do?
Stop paying.
I suppose.
We need to change the algorithm.
We need to get
them on more dates,
get them out there.
What if we did more promo
events in the hottest clubs?
Popups in places where
people are more about dating
than settling down.
Beverly Hills, Vegas, Manhattan.
The crowd that wants to
be single and mingle.
Yes, yes, yes!
You hear that?
It's good!
I'm gonna start calling you
Reggie Ruth from now on.
All right, perfect,
everyone, yes,
this is what I'm talking about.
Teamwork makes the dream work.
Reggie Ruth, you take
the lead on this.
Give me a list of the ten
top spots tomorrow morning.
Good. Let's do it.
All right, meeting adjourned.
Ah. Food.
Uh, hey, uh, yeah, sorry.
I thought I said
just leave it here.
Oh, yeah, man, I was going to,
but then this lady came
by to grab a box of stuff.
Right, yeah, that's
Sherry. She's my ex.
I know, man. She
told me everything.
- You've got some issues, man.
- Seriously?
She was just really
upset, you know.
She said that everything
was your career
and you always put work first.
Uh... like, yeah, I mean,
I guess I work a lot.
Yeah, she said that.
But she also said
you really don't know
what you want from your life.
And that you're
emotionally unavailable
and you really couldn't get
in touch with your emotions.
I'm happy she was able to
get all that off her chest.
Sounds like a great
therapy session.
Thanks for the food.
Yeah, no worries
buddy, but just...
you know you forgot
her birthday.
I knew she'd being this up.
I didn't forget her birthday.
I actually did a very
nice candlelit dinner,
I just didn't give her
a card on her birthday.
And she really likes her cards.
Trust me, it was beautiful.
You know, if she
were my girlfriend
I don't think I'd ever forget.
Okay, well, she's...
She's single now, so...
- Good luck.
- Thanks, man.
So, I have your blessing?
I mean, I consider
myself a man of honor
and, you know, under
any circumstance
I don't think I would
ever, you know...
Two Laphroaigs. Doubles.
On the rocks?
You don't serve single
malt scotch on the rocks.
Of course.
No one knows anything.
Jude, I had a vision.
We have the number one
dating app in the world.
Millions of subscribers.
Captive audience.
One thing we don't
have is a place
to bring them all
together en masse.
This resort development,
it's the crown
jewel in my empire.
- It has to succeed.
- It will.
Is the team still
scouting islands?
That secluded island
stuff is played out.
We want somewhere accessible.
Somewhere we can create
a year-round
branded destination.
Resorts. Restaurants.
But above all, romance.
And we found the perfect
place for our development.
Sir, that's great.
But there's a hiccup.
Some local reprobate has
started rallying the town
against our "evil empire."
Now we're in danger
of losing the vote
to allow the development.
Well, can't we just
find another town?
No, this is the place.
It's cute, it's quaint,
it's everything we need.
The resistance is
coming from this woman
who runs a dating service,
called Melissa the Matchmaker.
Falling in love is the
end goal of dating,
but it's not all there is to it.
The dating world is hard
and it's ever changing.
But I promise you'll be
happy you came to see me.
I dunno. You know, uh...
24 years of marriage
down the drain.
Well, did it go down
the drain over night?
I suppose not,
but I loved Robin.
I really... I really
did. And, uh...
Look, it makes sense
that you're hurting.
But if you only
focus on your ex-wife
you'll never be able to
move forward and find love.
That's what you want, right?
Yeah, yeah.
This will not be speed dating
or some app that's going
to throw 1000 names at you.
Well, you know everybody
says you're the best
and right now I am
seeing it first hand,
so I see it.
And I also see
that you have that fairy
tale relationship, huh?
Yes, that's why Declan and
I started this business
so we can show everyone
they can have a fairy tale.
I'm gonna take great
care of you, John.
We're gonna find
your special someone.
In the meantime,
I'm going to send you an
email with some worksheets
and I need you to be completely
honest when you fill them out.
If you don't like dogs, say so,
or else we're starting
out on the wrong foot.
Well, I love dogs, but
I understand, I get you.
And I hope you don't mind,
with all that talk about
that company coming in
we do need all the
help we can get.
Do you know what our customer
satisfaction rating is?
- 57% -Hers is 91%.
Really? How is
that even possible?
It isn't. It can't be.
I'm convinced she's less
of a relationship guru
and more of a tech genius.
She may appear homespun
and traditional,
she even has a podcast
called Ditch the Algorithm,
but that's just to throw
people off the scent.
She's got to have an algorithm.
And it's putting ours to shame.
So, she's a fraud.
We have to expose this
charlatan for who she is.
And once we discredit her,
the undecideds will
waver, and we'll win.
And that's where you come in.
- Me?
- It's your town, kid.
That section of Dunedin,
where everyone's a
hopeless romantic.
- Arrowheart.
- Arrowheart.
What is it they say?
"Valentine's Day every day"?
It's more of a state of mind.
Yeah, I know.
That's why it's perfect for us.
I want you to go down there,
dig up the dirt on
Melissa the Matchmaker
so we can take her down.
Sir... Alister...
So, if Arrowheart continues to
refuse to build the resort...
I mean, they don't know
what they're missing.
They need some kind of
an injection of capital
just to save the town.
My mom's still there,
I hear all about it.
That said, I really think
you should maybe send Carol
or a private investigator.
If I go down there I'm gonna
stick out like a sore thumb.
This isn't a request, Jude.
Look, you know your stuff,
you've made this
company a lot of money,
but if you want to
get to the next level
you've got to be ruthless.
You can't do this,
you might not be
the right guy I need
in this company.
This is an opportunity.
Go home and reconnect
with your friends.
The development will
come up naturally.
You're a big city boy now, so
make the case to your friends.
"Wow, a development like
that will save this town."
You know how to talk
to these people.
- Yeah.
- Anyway, the vote
is on Valentine's
Day at the festival,
so you have until then
to find out the
matchmaker's secret.
Or win me the vote.
I don't care which.
Valentine's Day. That's
less than a week away.
That's why you're
leaving tomorrow.
Can you do what I
need you to do here?
Can you play at this level?
- Oh, yeah. Yeah, yeah. I can.
- Good.
Your flight leaves first
thing in the morning.
Don't be late.
Can I get you anything else?
- The check.
- Yes, sir.
Ice. In single malt.
No tip.
Vote no, save
Arrowheart. Thank you.
Hey Tabby. Any objection
if I tape some of these up?
None whatsoever. I'm
with you all the way.
Oh, you have to
try my new recipe.
- You're killing me.
- You'll fall in love.
Mm-hmm, I'm in love.
I'll tell Declan to watch out.
Ha. You guys still good for
dinner tonight at my place?
Yeah, we'll be there at 5:00.
Anything I can bring?
Other than dessert?
Hold that thought. Hey, Peter.
- Hi, Lisa.
- I was wondering if...
I'm sorry, Lisa. We
need this resort.
That's the only way
to save Arrowheart.
Don't feel bad, Lise.
Times have been tough for Peter.
Times have been
tough for everyone.
Letting a soulless
company come in
and build a resort
isn't the answer.
He thinks that once
the resort opens,
their property values will go up
and he can finally
start making some money.
But what about the people
who don't want to sell?
Higher values will just
push up the cost of living
and they'll be ruined.
You're preaching
to the choir here.
I'm voting against
the development.
But a lot of folks I talk
to are starting to think
it's their best
bet for the future.
We might lose.
Not if I have anything
to do with it.
Richie, how can you even
think about supporting
this monstrosity?
I'm undecided.
They're a big resort.
They'll come and they'll
spend plenty of money.
Exactly. When a big
company like that comes in,
they become the
biggest player around.
They can do whatever
they want from there.
Buy up local businesses,
buy up more land.
Pretty soon they'll
own the whole town.
Honey, we'd be putting our
future entirely in their hands.
We'll lose our entire identity.
Look, we all know how silly
"Valentine's Day Every Day"
sounds, right?
But it's real, it's authentic.
Here it's in our hearts.
And we know that.
We let them build that
resort, we become a huge joke.
I hear you, Lisa, I
do. But I'm the mayor.
And I hear from people
every day who are suffering.
You know, they're worried
about going out of business.
You know Jake's is closing?
No, I didn't know that.
45 years. They're
an institution.
Jake was telling me he only
wishes he could hold on
long enough for them
to build the resort,
that way he gets
some new patrons.
But he can't.
You know, we have to
consider folks like that.
We are, Richie.
It's just if Arrowheart
becomes the home
of this new resort,
that's just the beginning.
I mean, within five years,
we'll all be priced out of
our homes and businesses.
Imagine a place like
Jake's... or Tabby's...
trying to compete against
whatever restaurants
and diners this
company will open?
Like I said, I'm undecided.
Richie, your voice
carries a lot of weight.
If you say you're going
one way or the other,
you can swing the vote.
We're gonna keep
working on you, Rich.
Now come on, let's
clean these plates up.
I wish we could be
more like you guys.
- What do you mean?
- You're so in sync.
Except on setting
your wedding date
and choosing whose
house to sell, right?
Both of which take
a lot of planning.
And we are in sync on that, yes.
Richie and I never seem
to agree on anything.
He's just been, I don't
know, distant for a while.
Maybe you should do matchmaking
to teach couples
how to rediscover
what they liked about each
other in the first place.
It seems like a while sometimes.
No, no... don't think like that.
You guys are great.
It's just a tough time.
I do love that
business idea, though.
Could be a perfect
little expansion.
Great. We'll talk
royalties tomorrow.
Great. Let's do it.
- Thank you so much.
- Thanks for coming, guys.
That was nice.
Yeah, yeah, it
was. They're great.
Yeah.
You do remember our
timeline, right?
Of course.
Valentine's Day.
Like everything.
I'm sorry. I'm just trying
to do the right thing here.
I don't want to screw
this up for you,
I know you have to
win those votes.
I know. Thank you.
But Anna and I are
getting pretty serious.
I'm just worried
about the business.
What will people think?
Lisa, the key to this
business has always been you.
Not some idealized
version of you and me
as a perfect couple.
I mean, let's face it,
I've been stealing half
the credit for awhile now.
Hey, you've got this.
After Valentine's Day.
After Valentine's Day.
Alister, hey... I just landed.
Good. You get
yourself a hotel?
No, I'm gonna stay with my mom.
Perfect. It'll seem
just like a trip home.
I looked at her website.
I didn't see any
photos of her at all.
The whole thing's a front.
No, well, she has
enough clients.
They're meeting with someone.
Hi there, welcome to
Dunedin! I'm Courtney.
I'm from a part of town we
lovingly call Arrowheart.
It's a very special place where
it's Valentine's Day every day!
Welcome, and happy Valentine's!
Okay, yeah, thank you so
much. I'm really okay.
Don't be silly!
Everyone who visits gets
the full Arrowheart welcome.
- Isn't that right?
- Sure is, Mom.
Oh, I don't need the
shirt, thank you.
Actually, so, I'm not visiting.
I'm from here, originally.
- Oh my goodness. Jude?
- Yeah. How did you...
Oh, fabulous! I'm a
friend of your Mom's.
She mentioned to me
you were coming in.
Well, that's great, that's
fantastic that you know my mom.
Wonderful. Well, thank you...
I actually have to get going.
I have to call a car.
Don't be silly. My
car is right there.
Okay.
Hold the fort for me, Lizzie.
We're going to Beth's!
There he is!
Oh... hi, Mom.
Thanks, Courtney!
In with you.
Oh, the bag... yeah.
Now, before I get into the "Why
don't you call more often,"
"Why don't you like
my photos online,"
it's really great to see you.
Thanks, Mom. Yes, it's
great to see you, too.
Now, can I finally
take these things off?
You know it.
Now, why don't you
call more often?
Why don't you like
my photos online?
Come on. I've got
lemonade waiting for you.
Oh, God.
Make yourself comfortable.
Feet!
I see everything
is still the same.
Not everything.
- Local artist?
- Quite local.
I know I'm no Picasso,
but I'm getting better
each day, I think.
Wait, Mom, you?
Really? That's great.
Oh, I have a big frame,
I'm gonna need your
help hanging it later.
Of course. No problem.
I'm just really happy that
you have time to paint.
I know that I was a handful.
I didn't give you any time off.
I loved having you around here.
I wish you'd visit more.
How long are you staying?
Your text didn't say.
I don't really know.
I just needed a
change of scenery.
And I'm gonna be
working while I'm here,
doing field research,
so don't get all
crazy making plans.
Do you want a
sandwich or something?
Uh, no, I'm fine. No sandwiches.
What about some cheese?
I've got a really great brie
or... ooh, an English cheddar.
You have to try them.
Yeah, I like cheese.
Yes, please.
So, what kind of research
do you have to do?
In English.
We need to calibrate
the algorithm
to account for the delta
between some of our results
and our competitors.
You have competitors
in Arrowheart?
Are you developing
bread-making software?
Very funny, Mom.
Well? You haven't
been here in years.
We're not going to catch up?
I bring you out
to LA every year.
Yes, and now you're home
to do "field research."
Spill the beans, Jude.
Okay, but you can't tell anyone.
I'm serious. No one.
Okay, so, I work
for a dating app.
And the owners of
the dating app,
they heard about a local
matchmaker here in Arrowheart,
seems to be doing really
well for her clients.
So they asked me to come out
here, see what I can learn.
You must mean Melissa
the Matchmaker.
Yeah. Yeah, that's her.
From what I've heard,
she's terrific.
Right, well, all the reviews
say she that is, too.
I don't trust it.
Hmm.
Have you ever thought
about dating again?
No.
What about you? Are
you seeing anyone?
Yeah, I am. I was.
- We just broke up, actually.
- Oh, honey, I'm sorry.
It's okay. These things happen.
Maybe the Matchmaker will
find someone for you.
Sure, right here in Arrowheart.
Why not?
Do you really like it in LA?
- Yeah. Yeah, it's great.
- Okay.
Maybe the Matchmaker
will change your mind.
So, what's your plan? You
know, for the research?
You're way too
excited about this.
I have no idea.
I was just gonna look
up some of her clients.
Maybe I know them
from back in the day.
I just have to be really subtle.
I've got it!
Go see her.
You know, have a consultation.
Melissa the Matchmaker...
"Doesn't it always
start when two people
"meet each other
for the first time?"
Yeah, that's usually
how it starts, Melissa.
"See us in person."
Let's do this.
"Schedule a consultation."
So, let's see what you can
do for Mr. Trent Robinson.
Hello?
Happiness only lasts
in a photograph.
Hi, I'll be right there.
Yeah, uh, it's okay.
- Jude?
- Lisa?
- This is crazy! Hey!
- What are you doing here?
This is my business.
What are you doing here?
What?
This is Melissa the Matchmaker.
- Yes.
- You're Melissa the Matchmaker?
Yes.
Wow, okay, um...
- What are you doing here?
- Yeah, I'm your 10am.
Trent Robinson.
You gave me a fake name?
I didn't want to tell
anybody that I was here.
Just trying to, you know,
fly under the radar.
You should have done
some better recon, Jude.
Anyone in town could have told
you I'm Melissa the Matchmaker.
Seemed like a better
idea in my head.
I think you forgot my full name.
No, definitely not.
I wouldn't have
forgotten something...
just trying to date anonymously.
And you don't, apparently,
put any photos of yourself
on your website, so...
Okay, well, it's
about my couples.
Not about me.
Wow. I'm gonna back up.
Wait, so my mom, she knows that
you're Melissa the Matchmaker?
- Of course she does.
- Of course she does. Wow.
Well, you're here. Do
you want to come in?
Sure. You look great. Uh,
yeah, that'd be great.
Yes. Okay, follow me.
Oh, my God...
Uh, you can have a seat.
- Nice office.
- Thanks.
It's good to be home.
- So...
- So...
- Been a while.
- Yeah.
Yeah, you know,
I'm sorry I haven't
reached out to you sooner.
I'm sorry I didn't call
when your dad passed.
Hey, do you remember
the last thing
you said to me when I left?
- Yes.
- "Get lost."
I was kinda hoping you
wouldn't remember that.
That's okay, we were young.
Right?
- So young.
- Yeah.
Did you find what you
wanted, moving to California?
Yeah... yeah, absolutely.
Yeah, I do strategy now for
this really big tech company.
They're amazing.
Really challenging,
rewarding, lucrative.
Great view.
Jude... it's me.
Yeah, it is.
You don't need to give me the
canned corporate nonsense.
Are you happy?
It looks like you are.
Yeah, his name's
Declan. He's great.
Declan and Melissa.
That's great... it
rolls off the tongue.
- Are you guys married?
- Engaged. Going great.
We actually built this
together and it's been amazing.
That's great. I'm
really happy for you.
I mean, it's not all
sunshine and roses.
That's just part of being
in a relationship, right?
I tell all my clients that.
You have to put in the work.
Yeah.
Okay. So, you come back
home, you don't tell anybody.
And you book a
matchmaking appointment
under an assumed name.
What is going on?
My mother made me do it.
Yeah, wow.
Which actually sounds really
embarrassing to say out loud,
because I'm a grown man.
Your mother is adorable.
She is something else, yeah.
Um, LA...
I can't set you up
with someone, Jude,
if you're just going to go back.
It's not really fair to anyone.
Uh, no, no, no... wait.
I was actually just talking
with her this morning,
thinking about,
maybe, coming back.
And, honestly,
between you and I,
I think it was a
mistake leaving you...
You know, leaving
Arrowheart long time ago
and trading my dreams
for a tech company.
And now dating in LA is very
up and down. So I don't...
You're using one of those
dating apps, aren't you?
Uh, yeah, a few times.
Let me guess. You
get great matches.
All seems good on the
surface, you have some fun,
have some laughs, but
it doesn't last, right?
Yeah. Yeah, actually.
Yeah, that's it.
And then when you do meet them
and you feel like it's the one
then all of a sudden it's...
Do you know why that is, Jude?
No, why?
Because love isn't an algorithm.
Why would we expect an
app to be able to handle
something as intimate and
personal as finding a partner
you're going to spend the
rest of your life with?
Actually, Ms. Matchmaker,
I'm gonna disagree with you.
I think love is an algorithm
because with the proper data
and information and if
people are being honest...
Jude, very few people
are completely honest
when they first start dating.
Think about it.
When you go out on a date,
you don't really send you.
You are full of flaws,
insecurities, secrets...
- I am?
- The royal you.
When you go out on a date,
you send a representative.
Someone to speak on your
behalf, say all the good things.
The highlights.
That's why it only
stays good for so long.
Yeah, I guess I just
haven't really thought
about it like that.
Okay, Mr. Trent Robinson,
why don't you have a seat?
Let's talk about what you're
looking for in a relationship.
Okay, I'm going to do a
little worksheet with you.
Okay.
Okay, which of the following
describes you best?
"I'm looking for companionship"?
"I'm looking for fun"?
"I'm looking for adventure"?
"I'm looking for
something non-committal"?
I'd say I'm looking
for something deeper.
But flexible.
Just 'cause I'm
usually busy at work.
Makes sense.
How...
"How important to you is love?"
Love is all you need, right?
No, Jude, love is
not all you need.
Let me show you something.
Every single one of these
couples are still together.
But love isn't the
only ingredient
in their relationships.
You need trust.
Togetherness. Understanding.
Yeah, love sometimes
really isn't enough.
And you tell them all this?
Yeah, every single one of them.
Otherwise what
good am I to them?
I'm just another dating
app, sending them out
into the world totally blind.
I know exactly who
to set you up with.
Please hold.
- Already?
- Yes.
I do know a little bit
about you already, Jude.
Including a certain birthmark.
You're not sharing that
information, are you?
Okay, her name is Nora.
She's looking for something real
but she needs someone
who understands
how crazy busy she is.
Sound familiar?
Yup, just sounds like
you're sending me on
a date with myself.
Oh no, she's way cuter.
Coffee? Two sugars?
Yeah. Yeah. You remember?
Yeah.
So, anything else I
need to know about Nora?
Oh, she hates cats.
Perfect. I'm allergic anyway.
That's right.
A match made in heaven.
So, how do I pay you?
Do I pay you up front?
After? What do I do?
Jude, don't be silly.
It's on the house.
- No, really, I'd love to.
- Please. I've got you.
Okay, let's... just,
how does it work?
Like if I were to pay you.
If I were a paying
customer... like Nora.
How is she gonna pay you?
Well, the consultation is free.
Always free. I set you
up on three matches.
If none of those matches
progress to a second date, free.
How are you making any money?
What are you doing?
You're inquisitive, aren't you?
I am so fascinated about
how all of this works.
You have quite a
little business going.
Thank you very much.
Well if you get to a second
date, my fee kicks in.
What if two people keep dating
and they just don't tell
you that they're dating?
I guess they have to live
with their dishonesty.
I dunno, it never happens.
Hmm.
7pm, Cupid's Bistro.
- Oh, like, 7pm tonight?
- Yeah.
- Wow, you don't waste any time.
- Nope.
- I guess it's a date.
- It's a date.
Thanks for the heads
up about Lisa, Mom.
I'm sorry. I thought it would
be a fun surprise for you.
Fun surprise? It
was like an ambush.
Lisa broke my heart.
Jude, there is always plenty of
blame to go around in break-ups.
Oh, hey there. Look,
it's Mayor Richie.
Hey Beth, how's
everything your way?
Awesome.
Are you kidding me?
Jude, you look amazing, man?
How on Earth are you?
Oh, Richie, yeah.
A little squeezed.
Sorry about that. Gosh,
it's great to see you.
It's been ages.
Yeah, it's been a
really long time.
And... I'm sorry... did I
hear Mom call you mayor?
Look, you've even got
the pin and everything.
Yeah. Second term.
Youngest mayor in
Arrowheart history.
I love this town, and
it seems to trust me
with looking after it.
It is so good to see the
two of you together again.
You were thick as thieves
when you were kids.
Well, listen, I gotta
run to a meeting,
but do you wanna
grab a late lunch?
Uh, sure, yeah.
Actually, sorry, I can't.
- Mom and I have plans.
- Nothing serious.
You two should catch up.
Well, listen, text me.
Your mom's got my number.
And it was great
seeing you both.
- Good to see you.
- See you later.
He looks good.
Mom, what was that?
Don't you want to
catch up with Richie?
What would we even talk about?
He's nice. I like
him. We go way back.
But he's exactly what
I was avoiding becoming
by leaving this place.
Oh, you were gonna
be mayor, huh?
You know what I mean, Mom.
He's just so small town.
Uh huh.
Jude, I know you think
you're Mr. Metropolitan
because you live in Los Angeles,
but take it from me,
none of that matters.
Good friends are
hard to find, son.
Richie has always been
a great friend to you.
You should go spend
some time with him.
What have you got to lose?
Look at you, man.
What's LA like?
Life in the fast lane, huh?
Ha. Yeah. Yeah, I guess.
What about you? Mr. Mayor!
I always knew you would
amount to big things.
Big as Mayor of
Arrowheart is, anyway.
Right.
And you have that big
Valentine's Festival
coming up, right?
You have any super
duper big mayor duties
that you have to attend to?
Mostly just welcoming everyone,
saying a few words.
It's nice, you know,
people coming in from
all around to visit.
The town has been a bit tense.
There's this developer...
Allaby Industries...
wants to buy up a
whole heap of land
on the other side
of Leykamp Drive.
Turn it into a big resort.
Love-themed, naturally.
You know, try to tap into
the town's reputation.
Lots of pros, lots of cons.
But everybody wants
to hear from me,
and if I give a
strong endorsement,
I could really swing this thing.
Really?
I mean, between you and
I, that kind of sounds
like a great opportunity
for some tourism.
I thought so, too.
But there's worry we
might lose our identity.
"Valentine's Day Every Day"?
Yeah. The resort would
definitely tap into that,
but it might not
even be real anymore.
So, what are you
doing back in town?
Visiting my mom.
Yeah, visiting my mom.
What about you and
Tabby? You guys okay?
- Really well.
- Yeah?
Yeah. Pretty well.
Can I level with you, Jude?
Yeah, yeah.
I'm jealous of you, man.
- What? Why me?
- You got out.
The rest of us,
we barely changed.
I look at you and I
see a different man.
Someone who took the
bull by the horns.
That's something that
you wish you did?
I had dreams, Jude.
I wanted to travel.
Study abroad.
I know it sounds cliche,
but I wanted to find myself.
I don't know if this is
me. Mayor of Arrowheart.
Sometimes I feel
like I'm suffocating.
So, what's stopping you?
Tabby. I brought it up.
And she doesn't want to move.
You know, you
don't have to move.
You could just go
travel somewhere.
I ran into Lisa today.
- Don't get any ideas.
- What? No.
Absolutely not. Of course not.
Besides, her and Declan...
Look like they're doing
really well, they're happy.
Yeah, they're the
perfect little couple.
We've all had someone in our
lives who's left some scars.
Scars that take time to
heal, or don't heal at all.
It can be difficult
to see our future
if we can't move
on from our past.
But what if your past
comes back into your life?
When that happens, you have
to ask yourself a question.
What do you feel more?
The memories of the good times?
Or the scars from the bad?
Jude?
Hey, you must be Nora.
I must be.
Come here often?
I'm sorry, I'm a bit nervous.
But I don't know why, this
obviously isn't my first time.
No, I wouldn't imagine so.
You know, just
'cause of your age.
You're not old... like,
mid-30s? Late 20s?
Hi folks, welcome
to Cupid's Bistro,
the place for good
food and amore.
I'm Ethan and I'll be
taking care of you.
Can I start you off
with some drinks?
I would love a sauvignon blanc.
G&T, thanks.
Coming right up.
Um, yeah, okay. I'm
sorry. Can we start over?
'Cause I actually feel
like I didn't make a
good first impression.
I'll let it slide.
- G&T, huh?
- Yeah.
I normally drink
scotch, but I hate it.
My boss drinks it. I just
try to fit in sometimes.
I never really got into G&Ts.
- Really? You are missing out.
- Oh, am I?
Yeah, and you know
what's even better?
Gin martini. The way that
they're supposed to be made.
- Shaken not stirred?
- If you want it watered down.
'Cause, you know, shaking
it breaks the ice.
More friction, so
it starts melting.
It's science.
So, a matchmaking service,
right? That's wild.
Yeah, I know, it
sounds so cliche.
But I'm kind of a busy gal,
so I don't really have time
to meet suitors at a soiree.
Yeah, me neither.
I have tried a few of
those dating apps, though.
- You ever been on those?
- Yeah, yeah, a little.
- What did you think?
- Pretty pathetic.
Really?
I really don't know where
they find these people.
That is why I love Melissa.
Because she really took
the time to get to know me.
Okay, do you wanna do a
dating lightening round?
Yes. Hit me.
Okay, let's see. Favorite movie.
Shawshank Redemption. Come on.
You?- Four Weddings
and a Funeral.
Here you are.
Need a couple more
minutes with the menu?
Oh, we actually haven't
even looked yet.
Sorry.
- Take your time.
- Thank you.
- Well, cheers.
- Oh, yeah, cheers.
Sorry. Do you mind?
It might be my sister.
She's going through a divorce.
Is that code for "help"?
No.
Well would you look at that?
I can see why she's got
such a solid reputation.
She's great.
Yeah. She is. She is.
Thanks, Jude.
- That was nice.
- Yeah.
I move around a lot
for work, though,
and I'm not sure
when I'll be back.
So, maybe we'll catch
up in the future?
Yup. Of course.
Lovely meeting you.
You're great.
Have a good one.
Uh, thank you. Yeah, you too.
Really?
Lower on the left.
- Mom.
- I just want it to be level.
Okay, shift it to the
right a quarter of an inch.
I've been doing this for,
like, ten minutes now.
I feel like you're just
constantly pulling my leg.
I gotta be over here
to see if it lines up
and it's really hard to do.
Yeah, you think?
It's perfect,
honey, it's perfect.
It's fine.
Sorry.
Why are you so nosy?
Mind your business.
- Who is it?
- I'll be right back.
- Who is it?
- I will be right back.
Is it Melissa the Matchmaker?
- Hey.
- Mr. Whitlock.
Did I strike out?
That's not quite the
term I like to use.
I just thought it
went so well, though.
Nora thought you were very nice.
But?
But she felt you were
a little guarded,
and she didn't feel that
spark she was looking for.
- Sorry.
- Right.
Look, I may have done a
less-than-awesome part
of my job here.
I just assumed I
know you 'cause...
You know, our history, and...
Maybe I need to
evaluate you further?
Evaluate me? Sounds
pretty scientific.
There's no science
to love, Jude.
How many times do I
have to tell you that?
Right. Sorry, I forgot.
Love has no algorithm.
Let me do the work.
It's what I do.
How about dinner tonight?
Yeah, okay. Sounds nice.
I'll text you the details.
See you tonight, Romeo.
Bye.
Sounds like someone has plans.
Mom, if you're gonna eavesdrop
I could just as easily
stay at a hotel.
Well, if you would just stay
and talk in front of me,
I wouldn't have to eavesdrop.
I take it that was
the Matchmaker?
You ready to seize the moment?
She invited me out to
dinner just to evaluate
what I'm looking for
for in my love life.
What are you looking
for in your love life?
I don't know. The one? Isn't
that what everybody wants?
But, actually, Mom,
this doesn't matter.
This isn't why I came here.
Jude, I know why you came back.
You do?
I know how important
Lisa was to you.
Lisa? Mom, Lisa's engaged.
And that wouldn't matter anyway.
She's great, but that
was a long time ago.
That was puppy love.
High school stuff.
If you say so.
Jude are you happy?
Yeah, of course.
I've got money, and
a great place in LA.
That's not what I asked.
Are you happy?
Um...
I see we're on friendly turf.
- You ready?
- Ready? For what?
In 30 seconds, this meeting
will turn into a practice date.
What? A... a practice date?
I need to see you
in your element.
Oh, you're being serious. Is
that absolutely necessary?
It is absolutely necessary, yes.
If I'm going to set you up
with someone I need to know
who you are now, and
not the version I have
of you in my head
from high school.
You really want to do this?
Like, where did you grow
up, what do your parents do?
How many siblings do you have?
Mm-hmm. So you'd better
bring your A-Game.
- You ready?
- No.
- Three.
- Lisa.
- Two.
- I don't think this...
- One.
- Okay.
Yes, I have been
here a few times.
The smoked salmon is to die for.
Right.
You're from out
of town, I heard?
Yes. I live in Los Angeles.
It's a town of rock
stars and movie stars.
But I'm originally from
Arrowheart, Dunedin.
Really, that's awesome.
Tell me about it.
You made the butter chicken.
No, that's not how it happened!
Tabby made the butter chicken.
I just made the desserts.
All I know is that we were all
in a lot of Gastrointestinal
related distress
for, like, two whole days.
You think that's bad?
That was the night
that Tabby and Richie
got together, remember?
Are you being serious?
How did I not know that?
They were literally making
out in the laundry room
until they both threw up.
That's priceless.
You think for their anniversary
they get together and
make butter chicken?
No. Not even once.
Yeah, they're not doing so well.
Yeah, no, I know.
I had lunch with
Richie, he mentioned it.
I think maybe the
spark's just gone out.
Oh, no, not those two.
They're meant for each other.
They're just... Misfiring...
I don't know how to explain it.
This resort, it's
tearing the town apart.
The resort? It's just a resort.
It can't be that bad.
Jude, come on, you
know this place.
The second that resort comes in,
it just begins the
corporatization of Arrowheart
until there's nothing left
but overpriced retail
stores and tacky souvenirs.
I think we've...
I think we've fallen out
of character a little bit.
Right, right, of course.
First date, first date.
I guess around this
point I would ask
if you're sticking around
for Valentine's Day.
I thought every day was
Valentine's Day here.
At least it was when I
was a kid growing up.
Oh, no, it still is.
Especially at the
festival on the day.
And if you have someone
special to share with.
Would you like to go
to the Valentine's
Day Festival with me?
Sorry.
Hey.
Are you serious?
No, this is important.
Okay. Okay.
Bye.
Everything okay?
Declan and I were
supposed to setup
the Melissa the
Matchmaker display
at the festival
tomorrow morning,
and Declan just told me that
he can't be there because he...
Do you need a hand?
I got two.
No, it's okay.
I will... I will manage.
I'd be really happy to help.
Okay.
Thank you, vote no.
Why don't you hand these out?
Uh, yes please.
Lisa.
Peter, everything okay?
No, everything is not okay.
Did you email my wife your
"Save Arrowheart" propaganda?
First, it is not propaganda.
Second, a lot of
people got that email.
She's on a list.
We are for the resort,
Lisa. I've told you that.
Maybe you should talk to
Andrea. She signed up.
Wow. Do we need to be
worried about Andrea?
No. Peter huffs and
puffs, he'll cool off.
That's pretty. What's that?
Tabby gave me a new business
idea to expand the service.
To help couples in a rut.
I have my MFT,
and I got into matchmaking
instead of counseling.
So, why not both?
No, that says
"First month free."
Yeah.
Lisa, that means no money.
Sorry, that's crazy.
- I think it's a great idea.
- What are you talking about?
You're gonna burn yourself out
with everything you're doing
and then lose money
while you're doing it.
Jude, it's an opportunity.
Couples fight about money;
so if I give them a free month
they get to get comfortable
and see what they need to
fix in their relationship,
and then they can decide
to pay me and move forward.
No, but you have
tons of expenses
you need to think about.
You have your office
rental, taxes,
the expansion, employees that
you're gonna have to hire.
And then on top of
everything that's personal,
- including your mortgage...
- Whoa, whoa, easy.
I know what I'm doing.
I'm building a
long-term customer base.
The money will come.
- I've got this far, haven't I?
- Yeah.
I've gotta fix that speaker.
Meanwhile, can I interest
you in a sugar cookie?
Hi Tabby.
Jude!
So strong.
I haven't had a chance
to talk to you since...
- Butter chicken.
- Butter chicken.
I didn't make it.
It's okay. I forgive you.
I think.
So, LA not your style anymore?
Oh, no, no, no,
I'm just visiting.
That's it. Catching up
with friends and family.
And by the way, your place,
you should do a lot more
"First Date" promotions.
That was great,
maybe take a class
in online marketing or SEO.
That's a really good
idea. Thank you.
Maybe drum up some
more business,
afford a speaker
system that works.
It was great to see you.
Yup, that's a great couple.
If at first you
don't succeed
These words you should heed
Sounds familiar.
It should be.
We danced to it at prom.
It was our song.
Yeah, it was.
Get back in the race
Shall we?
What?
- What?
- Dance.
I left my dancing shoes
at home. In my closet.
Stick with your heart, no
one's right from the start
Remember at the prom,
I spilled punch
all over my suit.
Mm-hmm.
Well, a shooter's
gotta shoot their shot
I spent the rest of the night
in the bathroom
with the hand dryer.
Yeah, I missed you.
If you're willing to fail,
life's lessons will avail
Mind if I cut in?
Declan! Hey.
Hey, I'm sorry I'm late.
- Declan.
- Jude and I grew up together.
He moved after high school.
- Yeah, my name's Jude.
- Wow, that's great.
What brings you
back to Arrowheart?
Just visiting... Catching
up with friends and family.
My mom still lives here;
hanging out with her little bit.
Trying to get away
from work, which...
Yeah. That doesn't seem
to be happening, though.
So, I'm gonna... Excuse me.
Alister, hi.
There's no evidence to suggest
that she has an
algorithm of any kind.
She just seems like a
dedicated business owner.
Then do some more digging.
I've been in this game
a long time, Jude,
and no one gets to 91% on good
will and skill, I'm telling you.
Yeah, okay, I'll
keep looking into it.
Alister, she can't keep up
at the rate she's going.
She's going to burn out soon.
That's a long term
solution, kid.
The vote's in two
days. Figure it out.
Or you can stay there in
your little Valentine's town.
Melissa the Matchmaker.
Weaknesses and Opportunities.
In spite of her
high success rate
and promised
expansion of services,
Melissa the Matchmaker
is still a one-stop-shop
and she's in danger
of over-extension,
which is gonna lead to a drop
in both quality of
service and referrals.
If the people of Arrowheart
allow Allaby Industries
to acquire the land they
require for their resort...
Lisa's gonna...
Melissa's services are gonna get
their first real
dose of competition.
And her business is gonna fail.
Got your next date set up.
Coffee at Tabby's, so
you're on familiar turf.
2pm tomorrow. Her name is Katie.
She's in sales,
often on the road,
lives two towns over, looking
for someone who isn't tied down.
I think it could be a great fit.
Uh, yeah, thanks. I'll be there.
Hello?
Richie, yeah, no...
Sure, what time?
Yeah, I can be
there in 20 minutes.
Okay.
I can't believe it.
I just... I kept thinking,
"There's to be more than this."
I asked her if she wanted
to get out of here,
but she was worried
about her business
and who would look after it.
I just... I felt trapped.
So, I told her I needed a break.
So... So, what's next?
What now?
I don't know.
I just grabbed a bunch
of my stuff and left.
Hey, what does this all mean
for your vote on Wednesday?
You think you're
still gonna recommend
development of the resort?
'Cause think about it, that
could bring in some big money.
And then all of a
sudden you'd be mayor
of a city that's taking off.
And they're... of course,
they're gonna need
help with development.
That's permits, contracts,
integration with
local businesses.
That's really big city stuff,
like LA big city stuff.
And with you here you'd...
Richie, you'd really be able to
protect the fabric of this town.
You'd be a hero.
Might give you some
direction. Inspiration.
Could even give you the space
to be able to patch
things up with Tabby.
Yeah, maybe.
It could be a good
opportunity for me.
Yeah, I mean, just whatever
feels right for you.
- Yeah.
- Thanks, man.
Yeah.
- Here's to new possibilities.
- Amen.
She said high school romances,
they always feel real,
but you have to test
them to know for sure
if they're going to last.
And then she just
pulled the trigger.
I was devastated.
The romantic side of me
really shut down after that.
And then I just left.
And then her mom passed.
And then I didn't call.
And then my dad passed.
She didn't call, either.
I never really got along
with my dad, either.
He wasn't good to my mom.
I think that played a
really big part of it.
She forgave him. I
just never could.
So to answer your question...
What was your question?
- Where are you from?
- Right. Yeah. Sorry.
Right here. Dunedin.
Arrowheart. Originally.
But I'm sure you
picked up on that.
Yeah, I did. And
now you're in LA?
Yeah. Well, no.
Now I'm right in front
of you, having coffee.
In Arrowheart, at least for
a couple more days, I think.
LA is my home, I guess.
Lisa just thought, you know,
maybe it'd be good
for me to get out.
Maybe I'd hit it
off with someone.
Listen, Jude, it's
obvious you and Lisa
have a history that's
very complicated.
What? No. No, no,
it's not complicated.
That was ages ago.
I'm sure it was,
but I think you need
to take some time
and figure out what she
means to you, today.
What are you talking about?
Lisa's just my friend.
Thanks for meeting up.
Can I transfer you the
money for the coffee?
What? No... no, please.
I'll take care of it.
Thank you.
Listen, Jude, I really hope you
find what you're looking for.
Can I get you anything else?
Oh, no, I'm great. Thank you.
All right, thanks.
Hey stranger.
Hope we can count on
your support tomorrow
to save Arrowheart.
Hi. What are you
guys doing here?
- Where's Katie?
- She left.
Wait, did you come
here to spy on me?
What? No.
We wanted to grab coffee,
so I suggested here.
I was going to check on you two.
It's all part of my service.
Wow. Wow, you're so hands on.
How convenient.
Are you sure you
don't have some, like,
specialty app that helps
you with everything?
You know, advanced technology,
an algorithm, something...
- So Katie left, huh?
- Yup, I blew it.
- Wasn't on my A-game.
- It happens, right?
- You'll find the right girl.
- Yeah. Thanks.
Hey man, thanks again
for helping Lisa
with the decorations.
The festival's gonna be great.
Yeah, it was nothing.
We'll have to have you
over for dinner sometime.
Anyway, we'll catch you
tomorrow at the festival.
How about tonight?
- Tonight? Dinner?
- Yeah.
Because I think, you
know, after tomorrow,
I'm probably going to
be heading back to LA.
And it would be great to take
you up on the offer for dinner.
Spend a little
extra time with you.
Yeah. Um, tonight...
That would be great.
- Right, honey?
- Absolutely.
- Yeah.
- Great. Say six?
- How's seven?
- Let's do six.
I'll be there.
- Great.
- Great.
Great.
So he's at the
top of the stairs,
he takes one step forward.
In my defense, the
stairs are slippery...
The stairs were
fine. They were fine.
He just forgets there's
one in front of him.
And, bam, he goes tumbling
down the staircase.
Right into the front row.
Right on top of
Ms. Chesterton...
- Who was not impressed.
- Our music teacher.
What happened then?
Oh, he stayed in character.
You stayed in character?
Because I'm a thespian.
If Professor Henry Higgins
falls, he dusts himself off,
offers an apology,
and goes right back
to his elocution lessons
with Miss Doolittle here.
Sounds like you guys
had a great time.
Yeah. We did, we did.
Simpler times, then.
Well, I'm gonna check on the
cake and make a phone call.
Why don't you take
Jude on a tour?
Yes, right this way,
Professor Higgins.
Eliza.
And we'll make our
way down this hallway.
You have the powder
room over here.
I put those tiles in last month.
You put those in?
No, I had someone put them in.
- Very nice.
- Thank you.
And here's the master bedroom.
Lovingly decorated by me.
We'll go this way.
I want to show you my
favorite part of the house.
And now we are arriving
to my little home office.
It isn't much to look at,
but I do my consultations
during the day,
so I take my work home with me.
- This is cute.
- Thanks.
And, since you're here, could
you fix a tech problem for me?
- Computer.
- Yeah, of course.
- Okay, great.
- What's going on?
I'll show you.
It did some stupid auto-update
and it says it's not connected.
Yeah, that's an easy fix.
So, all you have to...
I can take care of it.
- Okay.
- Yeah.
Oh, it's Tabby.
I should take it.
Yeah, you definitely should.
Richie filled me
in on everything.
I know he loves her.
He just made a
stupid snap decision.
Hey, sweetheart.
No, I can talk.
What?
Okay...
I know, I know, this
is such a hard time.
Okay, I'll see you tomorrow
and we'll figure this out.
- Hey, sorry about that.
- Hey, yeah, everything okay?
She's holding out hope.
They can work this
out, I know it.
Yeah, I think so too,
they're great for each other.
Well, good news is you are
officially reconnected.
Ah, you're a genius!
You did it! Thank you.
- Dessert's ready.
- Coming.
- Looks great.
- I think I nailed it.
Hope you saved some room, Jude.
Hey, can I talk to you
guys about something?
What's going on?
So, this resort...
You guys know who's trying
to make it happen, right?
Yes. Allaby Industries.
They're an investment group.
Yeah, they are. It's
an investment group.
So, the majority owner
happens to be my boss.
Alister Bradfield.
And Allaby also owns the
tech company that I work for.
HotSpot.
The dating app.
I'm not just here
visiting with my mom.
Lisa, you're the only thing
that's standing in the way
of Allaby buying the land
that it needs to be able
to develop the resort.
So, my boss... they
sent me down here
so that I could
discover your secrets.
Well, Melissa the
Matchmaker's secrets,
and figure out a
way to take you down
and then just make sure that
the vote passes on the resort.
- Are you serious?
- Yeah.
But after being
here for a few days,
and seeing you, and the
folks of the town...
just... everything that you
guys have built together,
the great lengths
that you guys go
just to help people find love...
What's beautiful
about this place
is that it hasn't been corrupted
by people like Alister.
By people like me.
I think you should go.
What I'm saying is I'm
not going through with it.
I'm not doing it
anymore. I want to help.
I want to save Arrowheart,
I want to find a way
to make sure Alister...
You should go.
Morning, sunshine.
Leaving already?
Yeah.
Mom, I think I made a
mistake coming here.
Have a heart.
You and your hearts.
You know what, you were right.
When you asked me
if I was happy.
I'm not happy.
Then stay for today.
For a one-of-a-kind
Arrowheart Valentine's Day.
Ma, I can't. I can't.
I blew it with Lisa.
I lied to myself
about being over her.
I'm not.
And seeing her and Declan
together on Valentine's Day
is just going to remind me
how alone I really feel.
You are never alone here, Jude.
There are so many people
that love and value you.
Starting right here.
Come on, it'll be fun.
Honey, you are going to be okay.
I promise.
Happy Valentine's.
If you're a local, please vote
no on the resort development.
- Oh.
- Where you going?
Yeah, I don't think
I should be here.
I'm gonna be straight up
because apparently subtlety
doesn't work with you.
Be brave. Take a chance.
You might crash, but
if you don't try,
you've already crashed.
Follow your heart, Jude.
Get outta here.
Yeah, yeah... okay. Be
brave. I'll be brave...
- Alister.
- Hey there, kid.
What are you doing here?
I'm doing what you couldn't do.
Or, more accurately,
what you wouldn't.
That's not what it looks like.
I thought I could count on you.
But I guess you're soft.
Just like this
little town of yours.
I mean, honestly, all this crap
and nobody's making
any money off of it
Hey, these are good people here.
Are they?
Well, then they'll all
be very good and happy
when I turn this dump
into a real town.
- Mr. Bradfield.
- Please, call me Alister.
Jude, how's it going?
But may I call you Mr. Mayor?
Oh, God, no, Richie is fine.
Good to see you,
Richie. We all set?
Yes, right this way.
You think I didn't
have a Plan B and C?
You're fired, by the way, just
in case that wasn't obvious.
- Hi.
- What do you want?
Look, I know I haven't
been the most...
Ladies and gentlemen,
Happy Valentine's Day!
Later.
Hey, hey.
- Hi.
- Hey.
It is my pleasure
to welcome you all
to the 67th annual
Valentine's Day Festival
in our fair town of Arrowheart.
Now, I know we've
had a lively debate
over the question of
the Allaby Industries
development proposal.
I know many of you
are waiting to hear
what I have to say before
you make up your minds.
If you're from here,
it's certainly likely
that you have some
strong opinions
about what this town represents,
and why it should stay that way.
But I thought it was only fair
for us to hear a little bit more
about the development and what
it might mean for all of us.
So, with that in mind,
I've invited
Mr. Alister Bradfield,
the majority owner
of Allaby Industries,
to come and say a few words
for his side of the debate.
Are you kidding me?
My friends,
it is so great to be
here in Arrowheart.
And I know that
together we can make it
what it truly deserves to be.
A beacon for love and happiness
where people will come
from all over the country,
from all over the world,
to share in the spirit of
that love and happiness.
They already do! To see Melissa.
Yes. Melissa. The Matchmaker.
Now, I know that Ms.
Bloom has rallied
a lot of opposition
to our proposal,
but she's not being
honest with you about why.
It's purely to serve the
interests of her business.
So that she can convince
her would-be customers
that they, too, can share
in the fairy tale romance
like she and her main
squeeze, Mr. Declan Harper.
But I'm afraid
that, too, is a lie.
I have some photographs
here of Mr. Harper
and some other woman who
is clearly not Ms. Bloom.
The entire opposition
to this development
is predicated on Ms. Bloom
trying to save herself
and her business,
not your wonderful town.
My friends, I implore you,
don't listen to someone
who doesn't have your
best interests at heart.
You may be worried about change.
But change is a good thing.
Do what is right for
you and for Arrowheart.
Vote yes.
Hey, what are you doing?
Hey, give me one second.
One second.
Hey everyone... everyone.
My name is Jude Whitlock.
And I see a lot of familiar
faces from when I grew up here.
So hopefully you'll remember me
and are willing to hear
what I have to say.
I know this man.
Up until five minutes ago,
I used to work for him.
Don't believe a word he says.
He does not have our
best interests at heart.
He is here for one reason,
and one reason only.
So that he can get even
bigger stacks of cash
for himself and his investors.
Arrowheart, we are
better than that.
And Alister, whatever secrets
you think you've uncovered
about Lisa and Declan, that
wasn't yours to reveal.
Nor does that discredit
the incredible work
that she's done
for this community.
She has helped
hundreds of couples
find their special someone.
Without some silly app.
Because love is
not an algorithm.
I know our town is struggling,
but after being back
here just for a few days,
it's easy to see
we don't need some
tacky themed resort.
To save our town all we
have to do is show the world
who we are, and embrace it.
All of our flaws.
All of our quirks.
All the joy that we get
just from being a part
of this community.
Yes, it's gonna take some time,
energy, money, effort.
And a good dose of 21st
century technology.
Which, if our great
mayor approves,
I'd like to offer my services
to the town, for free.
Arrowheart isn't about
fear, cynicism, and greed.
It's about love and opening
our hearts to each other.
That's what it means when we say
"Valentine's Day, every day."
Now that we've heard
from both sides,
let the voting begin.
Tabby, I'm so sorry.
I guess I've been
feeling restless,
and I didn't know
how to tell you.
I don't want anything else
because anything else would
just take me away from you.
Just know that I will work
every day to show you my love.
Not in front of
the constituents.
- I love you, cupcake.
- I love you too.
Folks, can I have
your attention?
The votes have been tallied.
The "Yeses" are...
29%. With 71% voting no.
Hey, Alister.
You lost. In case
that wasn't obvious.
That was pretty incredible.
I'm serious. I can do this.
I can make it work.
So you're going to move here?
Yeah.
I don't think I've ever
truly been happy in LA.
I'm happy here.
And I've been on so many
dates I've lost track.
The only time that I've ever
felt any real connection
was on our practice
date, with you.
Lisa, I know that
the last few days
have been absolutely crazy
and you have no reason
to want to talk to me...
No, look, Declan and I
broke up three months ago.
Everyone held us up as
this idealized couple
and I was terrified
for the business
if we failed as a couple.
We decided to break the news
to everyone after the vote.
Well, someone very
special to me told me
that if you're looking for love,
honesty is a critical component.
You have to be honest with
yourself about what you want,
about what you need...
Change can be scary.
Breaking out of your comfort
zone can be frightening.
Whether it's a
break-up, losing a job,
or even moving from
one home to another.
But your evolution as a
human being depends on it.
Just remember, we're
all on a journey.
So when we hit a bump in the
road, it's just a reminder
to take a moment and make sure
we know where we're going.
You'll find the
right way forward.
I am Melissa the Matchmaker,
and you've been listening
to Ditch the Algorithm.
Keep love in your hearts
out there, everyone.
Until next time.
- What'd you think?
- Amazing, beautiful, brilliant.
Thank you, thank you.
They're lucky to have
you. And so am I.
- Oh, speaking of which.
- Yes.
- Guess what.
- Mm-hmm?
So, I set up some
internet alerts
so that we'd get notified
every time Arrowheart
gets announced online,
and guess which town just made
the America's Most
Romantic Destinations
on one of the top five travel
aggregators in the country?
I don't know what
any of that means,
but I'm guessing Dunedin's
very own Arrowheart?
Yes! Yes, look.
This is amazing.
I promise you, it's
such a good thing.
That's great.
Okay, here, don't go anywhere.
I have a little
something for you.
I know it's a little late,
but Happy Valentine's Day.
Valentine's Day was a month ago.
Excuse me, are you
forgetting where we are?
Every day is Valentine's Day.
See? Yeah?
Thanks. I love it.
- I love it, I love it.
- Super cute, right?
Oh, can we go grab lunch before
your next appointment comes in?
- Hmm... working lunch?
- Of course.
You want to help
me with scheduling?
Always.
But can we also
get a receptionist?
Start planning for that.
It's only going
to get more busy.
I will, I will.
Delegating is hard.
You can play my
receptionist today.
- I'd love to.
- Okay.
- May I?
- Yes.
So, my receptionist.
Yes, boss, how can
I be of service?
Boss? I like that.
Here, hold on.
- Is everything okay?
- It's Tabby.
More than okay.
Are they at the courthouse?
They renewed their vows.
"You guys are the best."
That's so cute.
"All because of you
two. You're so in sync."
We do make a pretty
good team, don't we?
We really do.
I am Melissa the Matchmaker
and you are listening
to Ditch the Algorithm.
Society shames folks if
we haven't found love.
Tells them to resort to
some soulless dating apps,
sending them out on
dates with God knows who.
Just because that's
what the algorithm says.
But we are not about that here.
This year on Valentine's Day
I want you to forget about
swiping left or right.
Look for what's real.
Good vibes, personal
connections,
people who genuinely care.
They're out there. I promise.
Keep loving your hearts
out there, everyone.
Until next time.
Here we go.
"We're nine months strong
"and we're going on our first
vacation together next week.
"We owe it all to HotSpot
for bringing us together."
That's cute.- How about this?
"The secret is never giving up.
"I went on dozens of dates
"thinking I'd
never find the one.
"But guess who's getting
married in the fall!
"Thanks, HotSpot."
Uh, hey, look, guys, guys.
This is, uh, this
is great, right?
That people are finding love
and we're getting bombarded
with positive testimonials.
That's why we do this, right?
Wrong. Actually, what
this is telling me
is that we need to
change the algorithm.
Yup...
Just leave it there.
Think about it; we are
a subscription app.
People count on us to be able
to weed out all the weirdos
so that we give them a
chance to have a good match
so that they can go on dates.
But people are
making connections.
Why would we change
the algorithm?
Think about it, think about it.
If I'm paying a monthly service
and then two months in I
no longer need the service,
what am I gonna do?
Stop paying.
I suppose.
We need to change the algorithm.
We need to get
them on more dates,
get them out there.
What if we did more promo
events in the hottest clubs?
Popups in places where
people are more about dating
than settling down.
Beverly Hills, Vegas, Manhattan.
The crowd that wants to
be single and mingle.
Yes, yes, yes!
You hear that?
It's good!
I'm gonna start calling you
Reggie Ruth from now on.
All right, perfect,
everyone, yes,
this is what I'm talking about.
Teamwork makes the dream work.
Reggie Ruth, you take
the lead on this.
Give me a list of the ten
top spots tomorrow morning.
Good. Let's do it.
All right, meeting adjourned.
Ah. Food.
Uh, hey, uh, yeah, sorry.
I thought I said
just leave it here.
Oh, yeah, man, I was going to,
but then this lady came
by to grab a box of stuff.
Right, yeah, that's
Sherry. She's my ex.
I know, man. She
told me everything.
- You've got some issues, man.
- Seriously?
She was just really
upset, you know.
She said that everything
was your career
and you always put work first.
Uh... like, yeah, I mean,
I guess I work a lot.
Yeah, she said that.
But she also said
you really don't know
what you want from your life.
And that you're
emotionally unavailable
and you really couldn't get
in touch with your emotions.
I'm happy she was able to
get all that off her chest.
Sounds like a great
therapy session.
Thanks for the food.
Yeah, no worries
buddy, but just...
you know you forgot
her birthday.
I knew she'd being this up.
I didn't forget her birthday.
I actually did a very
nice candlelit dinner,
I just didn't give her
a card on her birthday.
And she really likes her cards.
Trust me, it was beautiful.
You know, if she
were my girlfriend
I don't think I'd ever forget.
Okay, well, she's...
She's single now, so...
- Good luck.
- Thanks, man.
So, I have your blessing?
I mean, I consider
myself a man of honor
and, you know, under
any circumstance
I don't think I would
ever, you know...
Two Laphroaigs. Doubles.
On the rocks?
You don't serve single
malt scotch on the rocks.
Of course.
No one knows anything.
Jude, I had a vision.
We have the number one
dating app in the world.
Millions of subscribers.
Captive audience.
One thing we don't
have is a place
to bring them all
together en masse.
This resort development,
it's the crown
jewel in my empire.
- It has to succeed.
- It will.
Is the team still
scouting islands?
That secluded island
stuff is played out.
We want somewhere accessible.
Somewhere we can create
a year-round
branded destination.
Resorts. Restaurants.
But above all, romance.
And we found the perfect
place for our development.
Sir, that's great.
But there's a hiccup.
Some local reprobate has
started rallying the town
against our "evil empire."
Now we're in danger
of losing the vote
to allow the development.
Well, can't we just
find another town?
No, this is the place.
It's cute, it's quaint,
it's everything we need.
The resistance is
coming from this woman
who runs a dating service,
called Melissa the Matchmaker.
Falling in love is the
end goal of dating,
but it's not all there is to it.
The dating world is hard
and it's ever changing.
But I promise you'll be
happy you came to see me.
I dunno. You know, uh...
24 years of marriage
down the drain.
Well, did it go down
the drain over night?
I suppose not,
but I loved Robin.
I really... I really
did. And, uh...
Look, it makes sense
that you're hurting.
But if you only
focus on your ex-wife
you'll never be able to
move forward and find love.
That's what you want, right?
Yeah, yeah.
This will not be speed dating
or some app that's going
to throw 1000 names at you.
Well, you know everybody
says you're the best
and right now I am
seeing it first hand,
so I see it.
And I also see
that you have that fairy
tale relationship, huh?
Yes, that's why Declan and
I started this business
so we can show everyone
they can have a fairy tale.
I'm gonna take great
care of you, John.
We're gonna find
your special someone.
In the meantime,
I'm going to send you an
email with some worksheets
and I need you to be completely
honest when you fill them out.
If you don't like dogs, say so,
or else we're starting
out on the wrong foot.
Well, I love dogs, but
I understand, I get you.
And I hope you don't mind,
with all that talk about
that company coming in
we do need all the
help we can get.
Do you know what our customer
satisfaction rating is?
- 57% -Hers is 91%.
Really? How is
that even possible?
It isn't. It can't be.
I'm convinced she's less
of a relationship guru
and more of a tech genius.
She may appear homespun
and traditional,
she even has a podcast
called Ditch the Algorithm,
but that's just to throw
people off the scent.
She's got to have an algorithm.
And it's putting ours to shame.
So, she's a fraud.
We have to expose this
charlatan for who she is.
And once we discredit her,
the undecideds will
waver, and we'll win.
And that's where you come in.
- Me?
- It's your town, kid.
That section of Dunedin,
where everyone's a
hopeless romantic.
- Arrowheart.
- Arrowheart.
What is it they say?
"Valentine's Day every day"?
It's more of a state of mind.
Yeah, I know.
That's why it's perfect for us.
I want you to go down there,
dig up the dirt on
Melissa the Matchmaker
so we can take her down.
Sir... Alister...
So, if Arrowheart continues to
refuse to build the resort...
I mean, they don't know
what they're missing.
They need some kind of
an injection of capital
just to save the town.
My mom's still there,
I hear all about it.
That said, I really think
you should maybe send Carol
or a private investigator.
If I go down there I'm gonna
stick out like a sore thumb.
This isn't a request, Jude.
Look, you know your stuff,
you've made this
company a lot of money,
but if you want to
get to the next level
you've got to be ruthless.
You can't do this,
you might not be
the right guy I need
in this company.
This is an opportunity.
Go home and reconnect
with your friends.
The development will
come up naturally.
You're a big city boy now, so
make the case to your friends.
"Wow, a development like
that will save this town."
You know how to talk
to these people.
- Yeah.
- Anyway, the vote
is on Valentine's
Day at the festival,
so you have until then
to find out the
matchmaker's secret.
Or win me the vote.
I don't care which.
Valentine's Day. That's
less than a week away.
That's why you're
leaving tomorrow.
Can you do what I
need you to do here?
Can you play at this level?
- Oh, yeah. Yeah, yeah. I can.
- Good.
Your flight leaves first
thing in the morning.
Don't be late.
Can I get you anything else?
- The check.
- Yes, sir.
Ice. In single malt.
No tip.
Vote no, save
Arrowheart. Thank you.
Hey Tabby. Any objection
if I tape some of these up?
None whatsoever. I'm
with you all the way.
Oh, you have to
try my new recipe.
- You're killing me.
- You'll fall in love.
Mm-hmm, I'm in love.
I'll tell Declan to watch out.
Ha. You guys still good for
dinner tonight at my place?
Yeah, we'll be there at 5:00.
Anything I can bring?
Other than dessert?
Hold that thought. Hey, Peter.
- Hi, Lisa.
- I was wondering if...
I'm sorry, Lisa. We
need this resort.
That's the only way
to save Arrowheart.
Don't feel bad, Lise.
Times have been tough for Peter.
Times have been
tough for everyone.
Letting a soulless
company come in
and build a resort
isn't the answer.
He thinks that once
the resort opens,
their property values will go up
and he can finally
start making some money.
But what about the people
who don't want to sell?
Higher values will just
push up the cost of living
and they'll be ruined.
You're preaching
to the choir here.
I'm voting against
the development.
But a lot of folks I talk
to are starting to think
it's their best
bet for the future.
We might lose.
Not if I have anything
to do with it.
Richie, how can you even
think about supporting
this monstrosity?
I'm undecided.
They're a big resort.
They'll come and they'll
spend plenty of money.
Exactly. When a big
company like that comes in,
they become the
biggest player around.
They can do whatever
they want from there.
Buy up local businesses,
buy up more land.
Pretty soon they'll
own the whole town.
Honey, we'd be putting our
future entirely in their hands.
We'll lose our entire identity.
Look, we all know how silly
"Valentine's Day Every Day"
sounds, right?
But it's real, it's authentic.
Here it's in our hearts.
And we know that.
We let them build that
resort, we become a huge joke.
I hear you, Lisa, I
do. But I'm the mayor.
And I hear from people
every day who are suffering.
You know, they're worried
about going out of business.
You know Jake's is closing?
No, I didn't know that.
45 years. They're
an institution.
Jake was telling me he only
wishes he could hold on
long enough for them
to build the resort,
that way he gets
some new patrons.
But he can't.
You know, we have to
consider folks like that.
We are, Richie.
It's just if Arrowheart
becomes the home
of this new resort,
that's just the beginning.
I mean, within five years,
we'll all be priced out of
our homes and businesses.
Imagine a place like
Jake's... or Tabby's...
trying to compete against
whatever restaurants
and diners this
company will open?
Like I said, I'm undecided.
Richie, your voice
carries a lot of weight.
If you say you're going
one way or the other,
you can swing the vote.
We're gonna keep
working on you, Rich.
Now come on, let's
clean these plates up.
I wish we could be
more like you guys.
- What do you mean?
- You're so in sync.
Except on setting
your wedding date
and choosing whose
house to sell, right?
Both of which take
a lot of planning.
And we are in sync on that, yes.
Richie and I never seem
to agree on anything.
He's just been, I don't
know, distant for a while.
Maybe you should do matchmaking
to teach couples
how to rediscover
what they liked about each
other in the first place.
It seems like a while sometimes.
No, no... don't think like that.
You guys are great.
It's just a tough time.
I do love that
business idea, though.
Could be a perfect
little expansion.
Great. We'll talk
royalties tomorrow.
Great. Let's do it.
- Thank you so much.
- Thanks for coming, guys.
That was nice.
Yeah, yeah, it
was. They're great.
Yeah.
You do remember our
timeline, right?
Of course.
Valentine's Day.
Like everything.
I'm sorry. I'm just trying
to do the right thing here.
I don't want to screw
this up for you,
I know you have to
win those votes.
I know. Thank you.
But Anna and I are
getting pretty serious.
I'm just worried
about the business.
What will people think?
Lisa, the key to this
business has always been you.
Not some idealized
version of you and me
as a perfect couple.
I mean, let's face it,
I've been stealing half
the credit for awhile now.
Hey, you've got this.
After Valentine's Day.
After Valentine's Day.
Alister, hey... I just landed.
Good. You get
yourself a hotel?
No, I'm gonna stay with my mom.
Perfect. It'll seem
just like a trip home.
I looked at her website.
I didn't see any
photos of her at all.
The whole thing's a front.
No, well, she has
enough clients.
They're meeting with someone.
Hi there, welcome to
Dunedin! I'm Courtney.
I'm from a part of town we
lovingly call Arrowheart.
It's a very special place where
it's Valentine's Day every day!
Welcome, and happy Valentine's!
Okay, yeah, thank you so
much. I'm really okay.
Don't be silly!
Everyone who visits gets
the full Arrowheart welcome.
- Isn't that right?
- Sure is, Mom.
Oh, I don't need the
shirt, thank you.
Actually, so, I'm not visiting.
I'm from here, originally.
- Oh my goodness. Jude?
- Yeah. How did you...
Oh, fabulous! I'm a
friend of your Mom's.
She mentioned to me
you were coming in.
Well, that's great, that's
fantastic that you know my mom.
Wonderful. Well, thank you...
I actually have to get going.
I have to call a car.
Don't be silly. My
car is right there.
Okay.
Hold the fort for me, Lizzie.
We're going to Beth's!
There he is!
Oh... hi, Mom.
Thanks, Courtney!
In with you.
Oh, the bag... yeah.
Now, before I get into the "Why
don't you call more often,"
"Why don't you like
my photos online,"
it's really great to see you.
Thanks, Mom. Yes, it's
great to see you, too.
Now, can I finally
take these things off?
You know it.
Now, why don't you
call more often?
Why don't you like
my photos online?
Come on. I've got
lemonade waiting for you.
Oh, God.
Make yourself comfortable.
Feet!
I see everything
is still the same.
Not everything.
- Local artist?
- Quite local.
I know I'm no Picasso,
but I'm getting better
each day, I think.
Wait, Mom, you?
Really? That's great.
Oh, I have a big frame,
I'm gonna need your
help hanging it later.
Of course. No problem.
I'm just really happy that
you have time to paint.
I know that I was a handful.
I didn't give you any time off.
I loved having you around here.
I wish you'd visit more.
How long are you staying?
Your text didn't say.
I don't really know.
I just needed a
change of scenery.
And I'm gonna be
working while I'm here,
doing field research,
so don't get all
crazy making plans.
Do you want a
sandwich or something?
Uh, no, I'm fine. No sandwiches.
What about some cheese?
I've got a really great brie
or... ooh, an English cheddar.
You have to try them.
Yeah, I like cheese.
Yes, please.
So, what kind of research
do you have to do?
In English.
We need to calibrate
the algorithm
to account for the delta
between some of our results
and our competitors.
You have competitors
in Arrowheart?
Are you developing
bread-making software?
Very funny, Mom.
Well? You haven't
been here in years.
We're not going to catch up?
I bring you out
to LA every year.
Yes, and now you're home
to do "field research."
Spill the beans, Jude.
Okay, but you can't tell anyone.
I'm serious. No one.
Okay, so, I work
for a dating app.
And the owners of
the dating app,
they heard about a local
matchmaker here in Arrowheart,
seems to be doing really
well for her clients.
So they asked me to come out
here, see what I can learn.
You must mean Melissa
the Matchmaker.
Yeah. Yeah, that's her.
From what I've heard,
she's terrific.
Right, well, all the reviews
say she that is, too.
I don't trust it.
Hmm.
Have you ever thought
about dating again?
No.
What about you? Are
you seeing anyone?
Yeah, I am. I was.
- We just broke up, actually.
- Oh, honey, I'm sorry.
It's okay. These things happen.
Maybe the Matchmaker will
find someone for you.
Sure, right here in Arrowheart.
Why not?
Do you really like it in LA?
- Yeah. Yeah, it's great.
- Okay.
Maybe the Matchmaker
will change your mind.
So, what's your plan? You
know, for the research?
You're way too
excited about this.
I have no idea.
I was just gonna look
up some of her clients.
Maybe I know them
from back in the day.
I just have to be really subtle.
I've got it!
Go see her.
You know, have a consultation.
Melissa the Matchmaker...
"Doesn't it always
start when two people
"meet each other
for the first time?"
Yeah, that's usually
how it starts, Melissa.
"See us in person."
Let's do this.
"Schedule a consultation."
So, let's see what you can
do for Mr. Trent Robinson.
Hello?
Happiness only lasts
in a photograph.
Hi, I'll be right there.
Yeah, uh, it's okay.
- Jude?
- Lisa?
- This is crazy! Hey!
- What are you doing here?
This is my business.
What are you doing here?
What?
This is Melissa the Matchmaker.
- Yes.
- You're Melissa the Matchmaker?
Yes.
Wow, okay, um...
- What are you doing here?
- Yeah, I'm your 10am.
Trent Robinson.
You gave me a fake name?
I didn't want to tell
anybody that I was here.
Just trying to, you know,
fly under the radar.
You should have done
some better recon, Jude.
Anyone in town could have told
you I'm Melissa the Matchmaker.
Seemed like a better
idea in my head.
I think you forgot my full name.
No, definitely not.
I wouldn't have
forgotten something...
just trying to date anonymously.
And you don't, apparently,
put any photos of yourself
on your website, so...
Okay, well, it's
about my couples.
Not about me.
Wow. I'm gonna back up.
Wait, so my mom, she knows that
you're Melissa the Matchmaker?
- Of course she does.
- Of course she does. Wow.
Well, you're here. Do
you want to come in?
Sure. You look great. Uh,
yeah, that'd be great.
Yes. Okay, follow me.
Oh, my God...
Uh, you can have a seat.
- Nice office.
- Thanks.
It's good to be home.
- So...
- So...
- Been a while.
- Yeah.
Yeah, you know,
I'm sorry I haven't
reached out to you sooner.
I'm sorry I didn't call
when your dad passed.
Hey, do you remember
the last thing
you said to me when I left?
- Yes.
- "Get lost."
I was kinda hoping you
wouldn't remember that.
That's okay, we were young.
Right?
- So young.
- Yeah.
Did you find what you
wanted, moving to California?
Yeah... yeah, absolutely.
Yeah, I do strategy now for
this really big tech company.
They're amazing.
Really challenging,
rewarding, lucrative.
Great view.
Jude... it's me.
Yeah, it is.
You don't need to give me the
canned corporate nonsense.
Are you happy?
It looks like you are.
Yeah, his name's
Declan. He's great.
Declan and Melissa.
That's great... it
rolls off the tongue.
- Are you guys married?
- Engaged. Going great.
We actually built this
together and it's been amazing.
That's great. I'm
really happy for you.
I mean, it's not all
sunshine and roses.
That's just part of being
in a relationship, right?
I tell all my clients that.
You have to put in the work.
Yeah.
Okay. So, you come back
home, you don't tell anybody.
And you book a
matchmaking appointment
under an assumed name.
What is going on?
My mother made me do it.
Yeah, wow.
Which actually sounds really
embarrassing to say out loud,
because I'm a grown man.
Your mother is adorable.
She is something else, yeah.
Um, LA...
I can't set you up
with someone, Jude,
if you're just going to go back.
It's not really fair to anyone.
Uh, no, no, no... wait.
I was actually just talking
with her this morning,
thinking about,
maybe, coming back.
And, honestly,
between you and I,
I think it was a
mistake leaving you...
You know, leaving
Arrowheart long time ago
and trading my dreams
for a tech company.
And now dating in LA is very
up and down. So I don't...
You're using one of those
dating apps, aren't you?
Uh, yeah, a few times.
Let me guess. You
get great matches.
All seems good on the
surface, you have some fun,
have some laughs, but
it doesn't last, right?
Yeah. Yeah, actually.
Yeah, that's it.
And then when you do meet them
and you feel like it's the one
then all of a sudden it's...
Do you know why that is, Jude?
No, why?
Because love isn't an algorithm.
Why would we expect an
app to be able to handle
something as intimate and
personal as finding a partner
you're going to spend the
rest of your life with?
Actually, Ms. Matchmaker,
I'm gonna disagree with you.
I think love is an algorithm
because with the proper data
and information and if
people are being honest...
Jude, very few people
are completely honest
when they first start dating.
Think about it.
When you go out on a date,
you don't really send you.
You are full of flaws,
insecurities, secrets...
- I am?
- The royal you.
When you go out on a date,
you send a representative.
Someone to speak on your
behalf, say all the good things.
The highlights.
That's why it only
stays good for so long.
Yeah, I guess I just
haven't really thought
about it like that.
Okay, Mr. Trent Robinson,
why don't you have a seat?
Let's talk about what you're
looking for in a relationship.
Okay, I'm going to do a
little worksheet with you.
Okay.
Okay, which of the following
describes you best?
"I'm looking for companionship"?
"I'm looking for fun"?
"I'm looking for adventure"?
"I'm looking for
something non-committal"?
I'd say I'm looking
for something deeper.
But flexible.
Just 'cause I'm
usually busy at work.
Makes sense.
How...
"How important to you is love?"
Love is all you need, right?
No, Jude, love is
not all you need.
Let me show you something.
Every single one of these
couples are still together.
But love isn't the
only ingredient
in their relationships.
You need trust.
Togetherness. Understanding.
Yeah, love sometimes
really isn't enough.
And you tell them all this?
Yeah, every single one of them.
Otherwise what
good am I to them?
I'm just another dating
app, sending them out
into the world totally blind.
I know exactly who
to set you up with.
Please hold.
- Already?
- Yes.
I do know a little bit
about you already, Jude.
Including a certain birthmark.
You're not sharing that
information, are you?
Okay, her name is Nora.
She's looking for something real
but she needs someone
who understands
how crazy busy she is.
Sound familiar?
Yup, just sounds like
you're sending me on
a date with myself.
Oh no, she's way cuter.
Coffee? Two sugars?
Yeah. Yeah. You remember?
Yeah.
So, anything else I
need to know about Nora?
Oh, she hates cats.
Perfect. I'm allergic anyway.
That's right.
A match made in heaven.
So, how do I pay you?
Do I pay you up front?
After? What do I do?
Jude, don't be silly.
It's on the house.
- No, really, I'd love to.
- Please. I've got you.
Okay, let's... just,
how does it work?
Like if I were to pay you.
If I were a paying
customer... like Nora.
How is she gonna pay you?
Well, the consultation is free.
Always free. I set you
up on three matches.
If none of those matches
progress to a second date, free.
How are you making any money?
What are you doing?
You're inquisitive, aren't you?
I am so fascinated about
how all of this works.
You have quite a
little business going.
Thank you very much.
Well if you get to a second
date, my fee kicks in.
What if two people keep dating
and they just don't tell
you that they're dating?
I guess they have to live
with their dishonesty.
I dunno, it never happens.
Hmm.
7pm, Cupid's Bistro.
- Oh, like, 7pm tonight?
- Yeah.
- Wow, you don't waste any time.
- Nope.
- I guess it's a date.
- It's a date.
Thanks for the heads
up about Lisa, Mom.
I'm sorry. I thought it would
be a fun surprise for you.
Fun surprise? It
was like an ambush.
Lisa broke my heart.
Jude, there is always plenty of
blame to go around in break-ups.
Oh, hey there. Look,
it's Mayor Richie.
Hey Beth, how's
everything your way?
Awesome.
Are you kidding me?
Jude, you look amazing, man?
How on Earth are you?
Oh, Richie, yeah.
A little squeezed.
Sorry about that. Gosh,
it's great to see you.
It's been ages.
Yeah, it's been a
really long time.
And... I'm sorry... did I
hear Mom call you mayor?
Look, you've even got
the pin and everything.
Yeah. Second term.
Youngest mayor in
Arrowheart history.
I love this town, and
it seems to trust me
with looking after it.
It is so good to see the
two of you together again.
You were thick as thieves
when you were kids.
Well, listen, I gotta
run to a meeting,
but do you wanna
grab a late lunch?
Uh, sure, yeah.
Actually, sorry, I can't.
- Mom and I have plans.
- Nothing serious.
You two should catch up.
Well, listen, text me.
Your mom's got my number.
And it was great
seeing you both.
- Good to see you.
- See you later.
He looks good.
Mom, what was that?
Don't you want to
catch up with Richie?
What would we even talk about?
He's nice. I like
him. We go way back.
But he's exactly what
I was avoiding becoming
by leaving this place.
Oh, you were gonna
be mayor, huh?
You know what I mean, Mom.
He's just so small town.
Uh huh.
Jude, I know you think
you're Mr. Metropolitan
because you live in Los Angeles,
but take it from me,
none of that matters.
Good friends are
hard to find, son.
Richie has always been
a great friend to you.
You should go spend
some time with him.
What have you got to lose?
Look at you, man.
What's LA like?
Life in the fast lane, huh?
Ha. Yeah. Yeah, I guess.
What about you? Mr. Mayor!
I always knew you would
amount to big things.
Big as Mayor of
Arrowheart is, anyway.
Right.
And you have that big
Valentine's Festival
coming up, right?
You have any super
duper big mayor duties
that you have to attend to?
Mostly just welcoming everyone,
saying a few words.
It's nice, you know,
people coming in from
all around to visit.
The town has been a bit tense.
There's this developer...
Allaby Industries...
wants to buy up a
whole heap of land
on the other side
of Leykamp Drive.
Turn it into a big resort.
Love-themed, naturally.
You know, try to tap into
the town's reputation.
Lots of pros, lots of cons.
But everybody wants
to hear from me,
and if I give a
strong endorsement,
I could really swing this thing.
Really?
I mean, between you and
I, that kind of sounds
like a great opportunity
for some tourism.
I thought so, too.
But there's worry we
might lose our identity.
"Valentine's Day Every Day"?
Yeah. The resort would
definitely tap into that,
but it might not
even be real anymore.
So, what are you
doing back in town?
Visiting my mom.
Yeah, visiting my mom.
What about you and
Tabby? You guys okay?
- Really well.
- Yeah?
Yeah. Pretty well.
Can I level with you, Jude?
Yeah, yeah.
I'm jealous of you, man.
- What? Why me?
- You got out.
The rest of us,
we barely changed.
I look at you and I
see a different man.
Someone who took the
bull by the horns.
That's something that
you wish you did?
I had dreams, Jude.
I wanted to travel.
Study abroad.
I know it sounds cliche,
but I wanted to find myself.
I don't know if this is
me. Mayor of Arrowheart.
Sometimes I feel
like I'm suffocating.
So, what's stopping you?
Tabby. I brought it up.
And she doesn't want to move.
You know, you
don't have to move.
You could just go
travel somewhere.
I ran into Lisa today.
- Don't get any ideas.
- What? No.
Absolutely not. Of course not.
Besides, her and Declan...
Look like they're doing
really well, they're happy.
Yeah, they're the
perfect little couple.
We've all had someone in our
lives who's left some scars.
Scars that take time to
heal, or don't heal at all.
It can be difficult
to see our future
if we can't move
on from our past.
But what if your past
comes back into your life?
When that happens, you have
to ask yourself a question.
What do you feel more?
The memories of the good times?
Or the scars from the bad?
Jude?
Hey, you must be Nora.
I must be.
Come here often?
I'm sorry, I'm a bit nervous.
But I don't know why, this
obviously isn't my first time.
No, I wouldn't imagine so.
You know, just
'cause of your age.
You're not old... like,
mid-30s? Late 20s?
Hi folks, welcome
to Cupid's Bistro,
the place for good
food and amore.
I'm Ethan and I'll be
taking care of you.
Can I start you off
with some drinks?
I would love a sauvignon blanc.
G&T, thanks.
Coming right up.
Um, yeah, okay. I'm
sorry. Can we start over?
'Cause I actually feel
like I didn't make a
good first impression.
I'll let it slide.
- G&T, huh?
- Yeah.
I normally drink
scotch, but I hate it.
My boss drinks it. I just
try to fit in sometimes.
I never really got into G&Ts.
- Really? You are missing out.
- Oh, am I?
Yeah, and you know
what's even better?
Gin martini. The way that
they're supposed to be made.
- Shaken not stirred?
- If you want it watered down.
'Cause, you know, shaking
it breaks the ice.
More friction, so
it starts melting.
It's science.
So, a matchmaking service,
right? That's wild.
Yeah, I know, it
sounds so cliche.
But I'm kind of a busy gal,
so I don't really have time
to meet suitors at a soiree.
Yeah, me neither.
I have tried a few of
those dating apps, though.
- You ever been on those?
- Yeah, yeah, a little.
- What did you think?
- Pretty pathetic.
Really?
I really don't know where
they find these people.
That is why I love Melissa.
Because she really took
the time to get to know me.
Okay, do you wanna do a
dating lightening round?
Yes. Hit me.
Okay, let's see. Favorite movie.
Shawshank Redemption. Come on.
You?- Four Weddings
and a Funeral.
Here you are.
Need a couple more
minutes with the menu?
Oh, we actually haven't
even looked yet.
Sorry.
- Take your time.
- Thank you.
- Well, cheers.
- Oh, yeah, cheers.
Sorry. Do you mind?
It might be my sister.
She's going through a divorce.
Is that code for "help"?
No.
Well would you look at that?
I can see why she's got
such a solid reputation.
She's great.
Yeah. She is. She is.
Thanks, Jude.
- That was nice.
- Yeah.
I move around a lot
for work, though,
and I'm not sure
when I'll be back.
So, maybe we'll catch
up in the future?
Yup. Of course.
Lovely meeting you.
You're great.
Have a good one.
Uh, thank you. Yeah, you too.
Really?
Lower on the left.
- Mom.
- I just want it to be level.
Okay, shift it to the
right a quarter of an inch.
I've been doing this for,
like, ten minutes now.
I feel like you're just
constantly pulling my leg.
I gotta be over here
to see if it lines up
and it's really hard to do.
Yeah, you think?
It's perfect,
honey, it's perfect.
It's fine.
Sorry.
Why are you so nosy?
Mind your business.
- Who is it?
- I'll be right back.
- Who is it?
- I will be right back.
Is it Melissa the Matchmaker?
- Hey.
- Mr. Whitlock.
Did I strike out?
That's not quite the
term I like to use.
I just thought it
went so well, though.
Nora thought you were very nice.
But?
But she felt you were
a little guarded,
and she didn't feel that
spark she was looking for.
- Sorry.
- Right.
Look, I may have done a
less-than-awesome part
of my job here.
I just assumed I
know you 'cause...
You know, our history, and...
Maybe I need to
evaluate you further?
Evaluate me? Sounds
pretty scientific.
There's no science
to love, Jude.
How many times do I
have to tell you that?
Right. Sorry, I forgot.
Love has no algorithm.
Let me do the work.
It's what I do.
How about dinner tonight?
Yeah, okay. Sounds nice.
I'll text you the details.
See you tonight, Romeo.
Bye.
Sounds like someone has plans.
Mom, if you're gonna eavesdrop
I could just as easily
stay at a hotel.
Well, if you would just stay
and talk in front of me,
I wouldn't have to eavesdrop.
I take it that was
the Matchmaker?
You ready to seize the moment?
She invited me out to
dinner just to evaluate
what I'm looking for
for in my love life.
What are you looking
for in your love life?
I don't know. The one? Isn't
that what everybody wants?
But, actually, Mom,
this doesn't matter.
This isn't why I came here.
Jude, I know why you came back.
You do?
I know how important
Lisa was to you.
Lisa? Mom, Lisa's engaged.
And that wouldn't matter anyway.
She's great, but that
was a long time ago.
That was puppy love.
High school stuff.
If you say so.
Jude are you happy?
Yeah, of course.
I've got money, and
a great place in LA.
That's not what I asked.
Are you happy?
Um...
I see we're on friendly turf.
- You ready?
- Ready? For what?
In 30 seconds, this meeting
will turn into a practice date.
What? A... a practice date?
I need to see you
in your element.
Oh, you're being serious. Is
that absolutely necessary?
It is absolutely necessary, yes.
If I'm going to set you up
with someone I need to know
who you are now, and
not the version I have
of you in my head
from high school.
You really want to do this?
Like, where did you grow
up, what do your parents do?
How many siblings do you have?
Mm-hmm. So you'd better
bring your A-Game.
- You ready?
- No.
- Three.
- Lisa.
- Two.
- I don't think this...
- One.
- Okay.
Yes, I have been
here a few times.
The smoked salmon is to die for.
Right.
You're from out
of town, I heard?
Yes. I live in Los Angeles.
It's a town of rock
stars and movie stars.
But I'm originally from
Arrowheart, Dunedin.
Really, that's awesome.
Tell me about it.
You made the butter chicken.
No, that's not how it happened!
Tabby made the butter chicken.
I just made the desserts.
All I know is that we were all
in a lot of Gastrointestinal
related distress
for, like, two whole days.
You think that's bad?
That was the night
that Tabby and Richie
got together, remember?
Are you being serious?
How did I not know that?
They were literally making
out in the laundry room
until they both threw up.
That's priceless.
You think for their anniversary
they get together and
make butter chicken?
No. Not even once.
Yeah, they're not doing so well.
Yeah, no, I know.
I had lunch with
Richie, he mentioned it.
I think maybe the
spark's just gone out.
Oh, no, not those two.
They're meant for each other.
They're just... Misfiring...
I don't know how to explain it.
This resort, it's
tearing the town apart.
The resort? It's just a resort.
It can't be that bad.
Jude, come on, you
know this place.
The second that resort comes in,
it just begins the
corporatization of Arrowheart
until there's nothing left
but overpriced retail
stores and tacky souvenirs.
I think we've...
I think we've fallen out
of character a little bit.
Right, right, of course.
First date, first date.
I guess around this
point I would ask
if you're sticking around
for Valentine's Day.
I thought every day was
Valentine's Day here.
At least it was when I
was a kid growing up.
Oh, no, it still is.
Especially at the
festival on the day.
And if you have someone
special to share with.
Would you like to go
to the Valentine's
Day Festival with me?
Sorry.
Hey.
Are you serious?
No, this is important.
Okay. Okay.
Bye.
Everything okay?
Declan and I were
supposed to setup
the Melissa the
Matchmaker display
at the festival
tomorrow morning,
and Declan just told me that
he can't be there because he...
Do you need a hand?
I got two.
No, it's okay.
I will... I will manage.
I'd be really happy to help.
Okay.
Thank you, vote no.
Why don't you hand these out?
Uh, yes please.
Lisa.
Peter, everything okay?
No, everything is not okay.
Did you email my wife your
"Save Arrowheart" propaganda?
First, it is not propaganda.
Second, a lot of
people got that email.
She's on a list.
We are for the resort,
Lisa. I've told you that.
Maybe you should talk to
Andrea. She signed up.
Wow. Do we need to be
worried about Andrea?
No. Peter huffs and
puffs, he'll cool off.
That's pretty. What's that?
Tabby gave me a new business
idea to expand the service.
To help couples in a rut.
I have my MFT,
and I got into matchmaking
instead of counseling.
So, why not both?
No, that says
"First month free."
Yeah.
Lisa, that means no money.
Sorry, that's crazy.
- I think it's a great idea.
- What are you talking about?
You're gonna burn yourself out
with everything you're doing
and then lose money
while you're doing it.
Jude, it's an opportunity.
Couples fight about money;
so if I give them a free month
they get to get comfortable
and see what they need to
fix in their relationship,
and then they can decide
to pay me and move forward.
No, but you have
tons of expenses
you need to think about.
You have your office
rental, taxes,
the expansion, employees that
you're gonna have to hire.
And then on top of
everything that's personal,
- including your mortgage...
- Whoa, whoa, easy.
I know what I'm doing.
I'm building a
long-term customer base.
The money will come.
- I've got this far, haven't I?
- Yeah.
I've gotta fix that speaker.
Meanwhile, can I interest
you in a sugar cookie?
Hi Tabby.
Jude!
So strong.
I haven't had a chance
to talk to you since...
- Butter chicken.
- Butter chicken.
I didn't make it.
It's okay. I forgive you.
I think.
So, LA not your style anymore?
Oh, no, no, no,
I'm just visiting.
That's it. Catching up
with friends and family.
And by the way, your place,
you should do a lot more
"First Date" promotions.
That was great,
maybe take a class
in online marketing or SEO.
That's a really good
idea. Thank you.
Maybe drum up some
more business,
afford a speaker
system that works.
It was great to see you.
Yup, that's a great couple.
If at first you
don't succeed
These words you should heed
Sounds familiar.
It should be.
We danced to it at prom.
It was our song.
Yeah, it was.
Get back in the race
Shall we?
What?
- What?
- Dance.
I left my dancing shoes
at home. In my closet.
Stick with your heart, no
one's right from the start
Remember at the prom,
I spilled punch
all over my suit.
Mm-hmm.
Well, a shooter's
gotta shoot their shot
I spent the rest of the night
in the bathroom
with the hand dryer.
Yeah, I missed you.
If you're willing to fail,
life's lessons will avail
Mind if I cut in?
Declan! Hey.
Hey, I'm sorry I'm late.
- Declan.
- Jude and I grew up together.
He moved after high school.
- Yeah, my name's Jude.
- Wow, that's great.
What brings you
back to Arrowheart?
Just visiting... Catching
up with friends and family.
My mom still lives here;
hanging out with her little bit.
Trying to get away
from work, which...
Yeah. That doesn't seem
to be happening, though.
So, I'm gonna... Excuse me.
Alister, hi.
There's no evidence to suggest
that she has an
algorithm of any kind.
She just seems like a
dedicated business owner.
Then do some more digging.
I've been in this game
a long time, Jude,
and no one gets to 91% on good
will and skill, I'm telling you.
Yeah, okay, I'll
keep looking into it.
Alister, she can't keep up
at the rate she's going.
She's going to burn out soon.
That's a long term
solution, kid.
The vote's in two
days. Figure it out.
Or you can stay there in
your little Valentine's town.
Melissa the Matchmaker.
Weaknesses and Opportunities.
In spite of her
high success rate
and promised
expansion of services,
Melissa the Matchmaker
is still a one-stop-shop
and she's in danger
of over-extension,
which is gonna lead to a drop
in both quality of
service and referrals.
If the people of Arrowheart
allow Allaby Industries
to acquire the land they
require for their resort...
Lisa's gonna...
Melissa's services are gonna get
their first real
dose of competition.
And her business is gonna fail.
Got your next date set up.
Coffee at Tabby's, so
you're on familiar turf.
2pm tomorrow. Her name is Katie.
She's in sales,
often on the road,
lives two towns over, looking
for someone who isn't tied down.
I think it could be a great fit.
Uh, yeah, thanks. I'll be there.
Hello?
Richie, yeah, no...
Sure, what time?
Yeah, I can be
there in 20 minutes.
Okay.
I can't believe it.
I just... I kept thinking,
"There's to be more than this."
I asked her if she wanted
to get out of here,
but she was worried
about her business
and who would look after it.
I just... I felt trapped.
So, I told her I needed a break.
So... So, what's next?
What now?
I don't know.
I just grabbed a bunch
of my stuff and left.
Hey, what does this all mean
for your vote on Wednesday?
You think you're
still gonna recommend
development of the resort?
'Cause think about it, that
could bring in some big money.
And then all of a
sudden you'd be mayor
of a city that's taking off.
And they're... of course,
they're gonna need
help with development.
That's permits, contracts,
integration with
local businesses.
That's really big city stuff,
like LA big city stuff.
And with you here you'd...
Richie, you'd really be able to
protect the fabric of this town.
You'd be a hero.
Might give you some
direction. Inspiration.
Could even give you the space
to be able to patch
things up with Tabby.
Yeah, maybe.
It could be a good
opportunity for me.
Yeah, I mean, just whatever
feels right for you.
- Yeah.
- Thanks, man.
Yeah.
- Here's to new possibilities.
- Amen.
She said high school romances,
they always feel real,
but you have to test
them to know for sure
if they're going to last.
And then she just
pulled the trigger.
I was devastated.
The romantic side of me
really shut down after that.
And then I just left.
And then her mom passed.
And then I didn't call.
And then my dad passed.
She didn't call, either.
I never really got along
with my dad, either.
He wasn't good to my mom.
I think that played a
really big part of it.
She forgave him. I
just never could.
So to answer your question...
What was your question?
- Where are you from?
- Right. Yeah. Sorry.
Right here. Dunedin.
Arrowheart. Originally.
But I'm sure you
picked up on that.
Yeah, I did. And
now you're in LA?
Yeah. Well, no.
Now I'm right in front
of you, having coffee.
In Arrowheart, at least for
a couple more days, I think.
LA is my home, I guess.
Lisa just thought, you know,
maybe it'd be good
for me to get out.
Maybe I'd hit it
off with someone.
Listen, Jude, it's
obvious you and Lisa
have a history that's
very complicated.
What? No. No, no,
it's not complicated.
That was ages ago.
I'm sure it was,
but I think you need
to take some time
and figure out what she
means to you, today.
What are you talking about?
Lisa's just my friend.
Thanks for meeting up.
Can I transfer you the
money for the coffee?
What? No... no, please.
I'll take care of it.
Thank you.
Listen, Jude, I really hope you
find what you're looking for.
Can I get you anything else?
Oh, no, I'm great. Thank you.
All right, thanks.
Hey stranger.
Hope we can count on
your support tomorrow
to save Arrowheart.
Hi. What are you
guys doing here?
- Where's Katie?
- She left.
Wait, did you come
here to spy on me?
What? No.
We wanted to grab coffee,
so I suggested here.
I was going to check on you two.
It's all part of my service.
Wow. Wow, you're so hands on.
How convenient.
Are you sure you
don't have some, like,
specialty app that helps
you with everything?
You know, advanced technology,
an algorithm, something...
- So Katie left, huh?
- Yup, I blew it.
- Wasn't on my A-game.
- It happens, right?
- You'll find the right girl.
- Yeah. Thanks.
Hey man, thanks again
for helping Lisa
with the decorations.
The festival's gonna be great.
Yeah, it was nothing.
We'll have to have you
over for dinner sometime.
Anyway, we'll catch you
tomorrow at the festival.
How about tonight?
- Tonight? Dinner?
- Yeah.
Because I think, you
know, after tomorrow,
I'm probably going to
be heading back to LA.
And it would be great to take
you up on the offer for dinner.
Spend a little
extra time with you.
Yeah. Um, tonight...
That would be great.
- Right, honey?
- Absolutely.
- Yeah.
- Great. Say six?
- How's seven?
- Let's do six.
I'll be there.
- Great.
- Great.
Great.
So he's at the
top of the stairs,
he takes one step forward.
In my defense, the
stairs are slippery...
The stairs were
fine. They were fine.
He just forgets there's
one in front of him.
And, bam, he goes tumbling
down the staircase.
Right into the front row.
Right on top of
Ms. Chesterton...
- Who was not impressed.
- Our music teacher.
What happened then?
Oh, he stayed in character.
You stayed in character?
Because I'm a thespian.
If Professor Henry Higgins
falls, he dusts himself off,
offers an apology,
and goes right back
to his elocution lessons
with Miss Doolittle here.
Sounds like you guys
had a great time.
Yeah. We did, we did.
Simpler times, then.
Well, I'm gonna check on the
cake and make a phone call.
Why don't you take
Jude on a tour?
Yes, right this way,
Professor Higgins.
Eliza.
And we'll make our
way down this hallway.
You have the powder
room over here.
I put those tiles in last month.
You put those in?
No, I had someone put them in.
- Very nice.
- Thank you.
And here's the master bedroom.
Lovingly decorated by me.
We'll go this way.
I want to show you my
favorite part of the house.
And now we are arriving
to my little home office.
It isn't much to look at,
but I do my consultations
during the day,
so I take my work home with me.
- This is cute.
- Thanks.
And, since you're here, could
you fix a tech problem for me?
- Computer.
- Yeah, of course.
- Okay, great.
- What's going on?
I'll show you.
It did some stupid auto-update
and it says it's not connected.
Yeah, that's an easy fix.
So, all you have to...
I can take care of it.
- Okay.
- Yeah.
Oh, it's Tabby.
I should take it.
Yeah, you definitely should.
Richie filled me
in on everything.
I know he loves her.
He just made a
stupid snap decision.
Hey, sweetheart.
No, I can talk.
What?
Okay...
I know, I know, this
is such a hard time.
Okay, I'll see you tomorrow
and we'll figure this out.
- Hey, sorry about that.
- Hey, yeah, everything okay?
She's holding out hope.
They can work this
out, I know it.
Yeah, I think so too,
they're great for each other.
Well, good news is you are
officially reconnected.
Ah, you're a genius!
You did it! Thank you.
- Dessert's ready.
- Coming.
- Looks great.
- I think I nailed it.
Hope you saved some room, Jude.
Hey, can I talk to you
guys about something?
What's going on?
So, this resort...
You guys know who's trying
to make it happen, right?
Yes. Allaby Industries.
They're an investment group.
Yeah, they are. It's
an investment group.
So, the majority owner
happens to be my boss.
Alister Bradfield.
And Allaby also owns the
tech company that I work for.
HotSpot.
The dating app.
I'm not just here
visiting with my mom.
Lisa, you're the only thing
that's standing in the way
of Allaby buying the land
that it needs to be able
to develop the resort.
So, my boss... they
sent me down here
so that I could
discover your secrets.
Well, Melissa the
Matchmaker's secrets,
and figure out a
way to take you down
and then just make sure that
the vote passes on the resort.
- Are you serious?
- Yeah.
But after being
here for a few days,
and seeing you, and the
folks of the town...
just... everything that you
guys have built together,
the great lengths
that you guys go
just to help people find love...
What's beautiful
about this place
is that it hasn't been corrupted
by people like Alister.
By people like me.
I think you should go.
What I'm saying is I'm
not going through with it.
I'm not doing it
anymore. I want to help.
I want to save Arrowheart,
I want to find a way
to make sure Alister...
You should go.
Morning, sunshine.
Leaving already?
Yeah.
Mom, I think I made a
mistake coming here.
Have a heart.
You and your hearts.
You know what, you were right.
When you asked me
if I was happy.
I'm not happy.
Then stay for today.
For a one-of-a-kind
Arrowheart Valentine's Day.
Ma, I can't. I can't.
I blew it with Lisa.
I lied to myself
about being over her.
I'm not.
And seeing her and Declan
together on Valentine's Day
is just going to remind me
how alone I really feel.
You are never alone here, Jude.
There are so many people
that love and value you.
Starting right here.
Come on, it'll be fun.
Honey, you are going to be okay.
I promise.
Happy Valentine's.
If you're a local, please vote
no on the resort development.
- Oh.
- Where you going?
Yeah, I don't think
I should be here.
I'm gonna be straight up
because apparently subtlety
doesn't work with you.
Be brave. Take a chance.
You might crash, but
if you don't try,
you've already crashed.
Follow your heart, Jude.
Get outta here.
Yeah, yeah... okay. Be
brave. I'll be brave...
- Alister.
- Hey there, kid.
What are you doing here?
I'm doing what you couldn't do.
Or, more accurately,
what you wouldn't.
That's not what it looks like.
I thought I could count on you.
But I guess you're soft.
Just like this
little town of yours.
I mean, honestly, all this crap
and nobody's making
any money off of it
Hey, these are good people here.
Are they?
Well, then they'll all
be very good and happy
when I turn this dump
into a real town.
- Mr. Bradfield.
- Please, call me Alister.
Jude, how's it going?
But may I call you Mr. Mayor?
Oh, God, no, Richie is fine.
Good to see you,
Richie. We all set?
Yes, right this way.
You think I didn't
have a Plan B and C?
You're fired, by the way, just
in case that wasn't obvious.
- Hi.
- What do you want?
Look, I know I haven't
been the most...
Ladies and gentlemen,
Happy Valentine's Day!
Later.
Hey, hey.
- Hi.
- Hey.
It is my pleasure
to welcome you all
to the 67th annual
Valentine's Day Festival
in our fair town of Arrowheart.
Now, I know we've
had a lively debate
over the question of
the Allaby Industries
development proposal.
I know many of you
are waiting to hear
what I have to say before
you make up your minds.
If you're from here,
it's certainly likely
that you have some
strong opinions
about what this town represents,
and why it should stay that way.
But I thought it was only fair
for us to hear a little bit more
about the development and what
it might mean for all of us.
So, with that in mind,
I've invited
Mr. Alister Bradfield,
the majority owner
of Allaby Industries,
to come and say a few words
for his side of the debate.
Are you kidding me?
My friends,
it is so great to be
here in Arrowheart.
And I know that
together we can make it
what it truly deserves to be.
A beacon for love and happiness
where people will come
from all over the country,
from all over the world,
to share in the spirit of
that love and happiness.
They already do! To see Melissa.
Yes. Melissa. The Matchmaker.
Now, I know that Ms.
Bloom has rallied
a lot of opposition
to our proposal,
but she's not being
honest with you about why.
It's purely to serve the
interests of her business.
So that she can convince
her would-be customers
that they, too, can share
in the fairy tale romance
like she and her main
squeeze, Mr. Declan Harper.
But I'm afraid
that, too, is a lie.
I have some photographs
here of Mr. Harper
and some other woman who
is clearly not Ms. Bloom.
The entire opposition
to this development
is predicated on Ms. Bloom
trying to save herself
and her business,
not your wonderful town.
My friends, I implore you,
don't listen to someone
who doesn't have your
best interests at heart.
You may be worried about change.
But change is a good thing.
Do what is right for
you and for Arrowheart.
Vote yes.
Hey, what are you doing?
Hey, give me one second.
One second.
Hey everyone... everyone.
My name is Jude Whitlock.
And I see a lot of familiar
faces from when I grew up here.
So hopefully you'll remember me
and are willing to hear
what I have to say.
I know this man.
Up until five minutes ago,
I used to work for him.
Don't believe a word he says.
He does not have our
best interests at heart.
He is here for one reason,
and one reason only.
So that he can get even
bigger stacks of cash
for himself and his investors.
Arrowheart, we are
better than that.
And Alister, whatever secrets
you think you've uncovered
about Lisa and Declan, that
wasn't yours to reveal.
Nor does that discredit
the incredible work
that she's done
for this community.
She has helped
hundreds of couples
find their special someone.
Without some silly app.
Because love is
not an algorithm.
I know our town is struggling,
but after being back
here just for a few days,
it's easy to see
we don't need some
tacky themed resort.
To save our town all we
have to do is show the world
who we are, and embrace it.
All of our flaws.
All of our quirks.
All the joy that we get
just from being a part
of this community.
Yes, it's gonna take some time,
energy, money, effort.
And a good dose of 21st
century technology.
Which, if our great
mayor approves,
I'd like to offer my services
to the town, for free.
Arrowheart isn't about
fear, cynicism, and greed.
It's about love and opening
our hearts to each other.
That's what it means when we say
"Valentine's Day, every day."
Now that we've heard
from both sides,
let the voting begin.
Tabby, I'm so sorry.
I guess I've been
feeling restless,
and I didn't know
how to tell you.
I don't want anything else
because anything else would
just take me away from you.
Just know that I will work
every day to show you my love.
Not in front of
the constituents.
- I love you, cupcake.
- I love you too.
Folks, can I have
your attention?
The votes have been tallied.
The "Yeses" are...
29%. With 71% voting no.
Hey, Alister.
You lost. In case
that wasn't obvious.
That was pretty incredible.
I'm serious. I can do this.
I can make it work.
So you're going to move here?
Yeah.
I don't think I've ever
truly been happy in LA.
I'm happy here.
And I've been on so many
dates I've lost track.
The only time that I've ever
felt any real connection
was on our practice
date, with you.
Lisa, I know that
the last few days
have been absolutely crazy
and you have no reason
to want to talk to me...
No, look, Declan and I
broke up three months ago.
Everyone held us up as
this idealized couple
and I was terrified
for the business
if we failed as a couple.
We decided to break the news
to everyone after the vote.
Well, someone very
special to me told me
that if you're looking for love,
honesty is a critical component.
You have to be honest with
yourself about what you want,
about what you need...
Change can be scary.
Breaking out of your comfort
zone can be frightening.
Whether it's a
break-up, losing a job,
or even moving from
one home to another.
But your evolution as a
human being depends on it.
Just remember, we're
all on a journey.
So when we hit a bump in the
road, it's just a reminder
to take a moment and make sure
we know where we're going.
You'll find the
right way forward.
I am Melissa the Matchmaker,
and you've been listening
to Ditch the Algorithm.
Keep love in your hearts
out there, everyone.
Until next time.
- What'd you think?
- Amazing, beautiful, brilliant.
Thank you, thank you.
They're lucky to have
you. And so am I.
- Oh, speaking of which.
- Yes.
- Guess what.
- Mm-hmm?
So, I set up some
internet alerts
so that we'd get notified
every time Arrowheart
gets announced online,
and guess which town just made
the America's Most
Romantic Destinations
on one of the top five travel
aggregators in the country?
I don't know what
any of that means,
but I'm guessing Dunedin's
very own Arrowheart?
Yes! Yes, look.
This is amazing.
I promise you, it's
such a good thing.
That's great.
Okay, here, don't go anywhere.
I have a little
something for you.
I know it's a little late,
but Happy Valentine's Day.
Valentine's Day was a month ago.
Excuse me, are you
forgetting where we are?
Every day is Valentine's Day.
See? Yeah?
Thanks. I love it.
- I love it, I love it.
- Super cute, right?
Oh, can we go grab lunch before
your next appointment comes in?
- Hmm... working lunch?
- Of course.
You want to help
me with scheduling?
Always.
But can we also
get a receptionist?
Start planning for that.
It's only going
to get more busy.
I will, I will.
Delegating is hard.
You can play my
receptionist today.
- I'd love to.
- Okay.
- May I?
- Yes.
So, my receptionist.
Yes, boss, how can
I be of service?
Boss? I like that.
Here, hold on.
- Is everything okay?
- It's Tabby.
More than okay.
Are they at the courthouse?
They renewed their vows.
"You guys are the best."
That's so cute.
"All because of you
two. You're so in sync."
We do make a pretty
good team, don't we?
We really do.