Tales of the City (2019) s01e02 Episode Script
She Messy
1 [CABLE CAR BELL RINGING.]
[CAR HORNS BLARING.]
[KNOCKING.]
Jesus.
[CHUCKLES.]
You're not gonna give him anything? Why not? I like his sign.
He misspelled "attorney.
" Have a nice day.
Easy for you to say.
People here are insane.
I find them charming.
[ROBERT.]
I bet you do.
[MARY ANN.]
What's that supposed to mean? - Nothing.
- [CAR HORNS BLARING.]
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
It's Safeway! That's where I met Mouse.
Connie took me there one night.
She said it was a great place to meet men, and She wasn't wrong, now that I think about it.
You tried to pick up Michael? Actually, I tried to pick up his boyfriend.
I was fearless then.
Robert.
Could Could you Could you stop, up here, please? [ROBERT.]
What are you doing? Robert - I think I need to - What? Stay? I won't be gone long.
Just Just a couple of days.
[SIGHS.]
Unbelievable.
You're running away again.
Just like you always do.
Actually, I think I'm running towards this time.
That's why I prefer turtles.
- [DOOR OPENS.]
- [BELL CHIMES.]
Dad.
[CHUCKLING.]
Oh! Good! You're alive.
You didn't text last night, so I wasn't sure.
Don't worry, I got it.
I'll just keep doing your job for you while you guilt me.
[CHUCKLES.]
Morning, sunshine.
You want some coffee? Is it shade-grown? I can let it cool down in the shade, if that'll help.
- You're funny.
- I know.
- Did you get any sleep? - Sure did, yeah.
Yeah? No feelings you wanna discuss? Mm-mm.
Zero feelings.
You know what I can't figure out? How you got such a cool, hip, smart dad? - How you guys ever made sense together.
- Who? - You and Mary Ann.
- That was a long time ago.
[SIGHS.]
I was in love, okay? I was stupid.
And someday, you might be stupid, too.
That's unlikely.
- You know what cures love? - Death.
Dates.
Lots of dates with lots of other people.
I set up that app that you showed me, and I have already messaged with a couple of ladies, for your information.
Look at you.
Have you gone out with any? Dad, an actual date is the goal.
Come on, give me your phone and I'll find someone good for you.
You know, some of us just move slow, Shawna.
There's no shame - Why do all these women look the same? - Excuse me? Dad, they look just like her.
Like who? Oh, my God.
- Who was that on the phone? - Mary Ann.
[CHUCKLES.]
You won't believe what is going on.
Can we get a temporary moratorium on discussing the big M, at least for the rest of brunch? - But there's one thing that - That woman is a hurricane with legs.
I invited her to brunch.
- Invited who? - Michael! Hi! No.
Sorry.
Pardon me.
I I though you said she was getting on the plane.
She was.
She changed her mind.
- Excuse me.
Sorry.
Excuse me.
- [MAN.]
Ouch! Pardon me, excuse me.
Thank you.
[CHUCKLES.]
I'm from Connecticut.
Just be nice, okay? Please? Hello.
- Hi Oh, I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry.
- Excuse me.
Oh, my God.
- Is that real pad thai? - Uh-huh.
- Um, hi.
- Oh, hi! - Yeah, hi! - Hi! - Hi.
- Hi.
It was like a sign from the universe.
The Safeway telling me to get my ass out of that cab.
It's what brought us together all those years ago, and now here we are, right back at it again.
This is delicious.
Anyway, I couldn't believe it.
- Can you believe it? - I can believe it.
So, um how long do you think you'll stay in town for? Long enough to straighten out this mess you all made.
Excuse you? No, I'm sorry, but it's true.
I couldn't get on that plane or or let alone sleep ever again without Shawna knowing knowing the truth.
I mean, I didn't want to get into this at brunch, but I cannot for the life of me understand how you could all let her think that I'm her biological mother.
Michael Tolliver, I expected more from you, of all people.
So you're you're gonna tell her the truth? That's why you didn't leave? Absolutely.
But She deserves to know who she is.
Don't you think? I mean, she deserves to know everything.
I mean, of course she hates me, based on the story she's been told.
But don't I deserve to tell her my version? I bet she doesn't know I wanted to take them with me.
[SCOFFS.]
That's not true, Mary Ann.
How do you know? Were you there? Yes! Well, maybe I I Maybe I left that out, or or maybe you forgot.
Anyway, look, I know everyone judges me for choosing a career over raising a family.
Men do it all the time.
But when a woman does it, she's selfish, she's power-hungry, - she's an unfeeling bitch.
- [MAN.]
Sssh! And I think I think I'm setting a good example for Shawna to be able to talk about all of this.
- You gonna gonna finish that? - No.
So, did you come here to ask my advice, or should I just tell you exactly what you wanna hear? Wow.
I don't know.
Depends on the advice.
She doesn't remember you, babycakes.
She only remembers that her mother was there one day and gone the next.
As much as I would like to say otherwise, the the truth is you don't get to excuse yourself because of a technicality.
No, you're not her biological mother, but maybe that's not the point.
- I didn't do anything wrong.
- Sh! What if it's not about being right or wrong? What if it's about doing what's right? And maybe that's leaving her alone for now.
- [GONG RINGS.]
- Jee I'm sorry, that is very loud.
Do you mind just maybe doing that over there? Um, I think that means that we have to leave.
Have a good day.
[SIGHS.]
You smell good.
What do I smell like? I don't know, just you.
[LAUGHS.]
What are you doing? What do you mean? You're staring at me like you're never gonna see me again.
Like you're trying to memorize my face or something.
You know that thing, the way men look at women, but only in epic dramas like Romeo and Juliet or Titanic or something.
Are you saying I remind you of Leonardo DiCaprio? - I gotta shower, Leo.
- Wait.
I need to talk to you.
What's going on? I think I might be into guys.
I had a feeling.
The other day at the coffee place, those super hot guys walked in holding hands.
You couldn't take your eyes off of them.
Oh.
At Body Politic a couple days ago, on the street, at the park.
You're always distracted by men.
At first, I thought you were studying them, like you were just curious about their genders or something.
It was that, at first.
Right.
And then I realized it wasn't.
Maybe it's just a phase.
Maybe.
What do you want? I don't know, honestly.
Yes, you do.
I don't wanna fuck this up.
Okay.
But what if I, like, explored a little? Just to see how it feels? Because maybe I'll hate it, you know? And then we'll know for sure.
Explore, like What? Like, you wanna kiss a guy? Yeah.
Basically, yeah.
And, I mean, you could explore, too.
Like, we could be Open? I don't need to be open, Jake.
Contrary to everyone else in the 21st century, I like monogamy.
Don't make this about me.
Okay, then it's about me.
Kiss boys if you need to kiss boys, just don't shut me out.
[DOOR OPENS.]
Hello? Hey, old lady.
[SIGHS.]
Shawna! You all right? Birthday girl.
You really should knock, dear.
Knock? Here? That's like blasphemy.
Wait a second.
Is this you? Oh.
That.
Uh, yes.
From when I first moved to the city.
Damn.
You were hot.
- I bet you used to turn heads.
- [CHUCKLES.]
I still do.
- Mm-hmm.
Who are those other people? - Oh Just some old friends.
You pick the most annoying times to be tight-lipped, do you know that? Prudence is a virtue, as long as you know when to employ it.
I thought I banned you from sounding like a fortune cookie when I'm around.
And I thought we had a talk about you being a smart-ass.
But here we are.
Yeah.
Can I have this? Sure, my dear.
I gotta run.
Love you.
And I you.
Huh.
Oh, pardon me.
My, my, those steps really are something, aren't they? Do Do you know where I might find an Anna Madrigal? Yeah, she's in the bottom apartment there.
- Can I help you with anything? - No, no, no, thank you.
Salutations and Godspeed.
Bonjour and arrivederci to you, good sir.
Oh.
Can I help you? I hope you'll forgive the surprise.
My name is Samuel Garland, and the Rainbow Readers sent me over.
They told me to expect someone named Beverly.
I'm afraid Beverly passed on the day before last.
Oh.
I do apologize for being the messenger of such terrible news.
Goodness, where are my manners? I'm sure you could use a glass of iced tea.
Iced tea would be wonderful.
Come in, please.
Sorry.
[PANTING.]
Be still, my heart! - After all these years.
Oh! - Oh! Oh! DeDe, thank God you answered when I called.
And I'm so sorry to intrude at the last minute, I just I needed a friend.
Come in.
- We'll drink.
- [CHUCKLES.]
It's been three years now, I suppose.
My, you hate to be a cliché, but the time really does go fast, doesn't it? And you enjoy it? Reading to others? Very much.
I I enjoy the company.
And no one should be without books.
I agree.
It's been quite difficult to have my eyes go.
Well, I'm glad you reached out to the Readers.
We're a good lot.
Your home is stunning, Anna.
Thank you.
I hope you won't think me too nosy, but isn't it awfully large for you to manage at your age? Oh, uh I have lots of help.
Well, I I don't want to impose on you for too long.
You can give the volunteer coordinator a call whenever you decide.
Is that Tennyson? Ah, yes.
"The Lady of Shalott" is, dare I say, my favorite poem ever published.
And do you prefer the 1833 version? Certainly not.
The 1842 version is the definitive one.
Sam, would you do me the pleasure of staying and reading to me? I'd love nothing more.
You're damned if you do and damned if you don't.
That's what it means to be a modern-day career woman.
Screw the bastards.
You made the right decision, Mary Ann Singleton.
You got out, you got free.
- Did I? - Absolutely.
Look at your life, your chic blouse, your career.
What was the alternative, staying here wearing faux-hippie floral skirts, pretending Brian was an equal? You'd be bored out of your mind.
Trust me.
I am.
Maybe you're right.
I know I am.
If I were you, I'd march over to Barbary Lane, look Shawna in her eyes, and tell her the truth.
I'd say, "Shawna, I'm not your mother.
I wish I could be, but I'm not.
" Really? - What, it's that simple? - Yes.
With children, fast and easy is the best.
It's like ripping off a Band-Aid.
It hurts for a second, they scream, curse you, but after about a week, they start speaking to you again.
That is a real relief.
Thank you, DeDe.
- Speaking of children, how are the kids? - Hell if I know.
They're not speaking to me at the moment.
Oh.
I really I don't know what I would have done without you today.
I feel - resolved.
- It's probably the wine.
It's $600 a bottle.
Mm! [GULPS LOUDLY.]
I handled it okay, right? I'm worried I was too harsh.
Please.
Look, everybody needs a "come to Jesus" every now and then.
Especially Mary Ann.
Welcome to Plant Parenthood.
Hey, man.
Okay, this'll sound weird, but maybe you can help me with something.
- Flaco.
- Yeah.
- Ben! - [LAUGHS.]
- You know each other? - Yo! - Oh, I - Yeah.
Michael, this is Flaco, from work.
And Flaco, this is Michael.
Flaco Ramirez? Ben talks about you all the time.
Yeah, likewise, bro.
Shit, maybe now you can both help me.
Yeah, what are you in the market for? My best girl just dumped her cheating-ass boyfriend, and I kind of wanna get her something that says, "I'm sorry," but also, "Fuck him!" Also, "You're gangsta," but flowers didn't seem appropriate.
How's this? - Ha-haaa! - [CHUCKLING.]
Oh, my God.
He's good.
- Yeah, he's an expert.
- Ah.
It's good to run into you, man.
I never see you now that you're in love and shit.
You see me at the office, like, five days a week.
I love how you try to up-play our work time so you can downplay how you keep bailing on trivia night.
Trivia night? You never told me about trivia night.
There's a game tonight if you wanna come.
- We could use more players.
- Yeah, we'd love that.
- Wouldn't we? - We're "we" people now, huh? Invite others if you want, too.
The more the merrier.
[PHONE ALERT.]
This is gonna be dope! Thanks for the "Fuck you" cactus.
[LAUGHS.]
Trivia night, huh? "Up and down the people go, Gazing where the lilies blow Round an island there below, The island of Shalott.
" Well.
Oh.
Oh, my, I drifted off.
Quite all right.
Happens all the time.
Oh.
[CLEARS THROAT.]
Forgive me.
I I do get tired these days.
Not at all.
Why don't we schedule another appointment? All right.
How about tomorrow? [MICHAEL LAUGHS.]
I just think it's weird that you kept trivia night from me.
Plus, I've only met, like, two of your friends.
It's like you have this whole other life that You're not ashamed of me, are you? What? Michael, stop.
I'm not ashamed of you.
It's just this group is intense.
You think I'm scared of a bunch of trivia nerds? Okay, look who's being judgmental.
I'm not being judgmental.
I love nerds.
You're a nerd.
- A sexy, brilliant, lovable - Oh! Okay, I know what you're imagining.
A laid-back night out at a bar, answering some fun questions, laughing when everybody gets it wrong.
- And it ain't that.
- So, tell me what it is.
[SIGHS.]
They're crazy competitive.
Like Like, if we don't win, I will not hear the end of it.
I've seen friendships end.
- Over a game? - I just I don't want you to get hurt.
- You don't think I'm good enough to play.
- I did not say that.
For the record, I am very good at trivia.
I watch Jeopardy! A lot.
Great.
- I'm sure you're gonna kill it.
- Oh, no.
I am going to murder it.
[CHUCKLES.]
Hey, I gotta check on Anna.
I'll be up in a second.
- Okay, Alex Trebek.
- [CHUCKLES.]
I need a favor.
I have to go to a trivia thing tonight with Ben's friends.
Cool.
Thanks for the update.
It's like Twitter, but in real life.
I suck at trivia.
I'm not even good at charades.
I need your help.
Okay, sorry, I missed the part that explains why you're talking about trivia with the urgency of a top-secret CIA mission? - Sh! Not so loud.
- Seriously, why are you being such a weirdo? Because I told Ben that I'm good, and I'm I'm hoping he won't notice how bad I am if you come.
Wow.
That is not healthy behavior, Michael.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[WHISTLING "BEAUTIFUL DREAMER".]
That man has been at Anna's, like, most of the day.
What do you think they were doing? Talking? Getting high? Sharing memories about the Great Depression? - I don't know.
- You don't think they were Shawna! - What? Don't be ageist.
- Uh I'm sure they're friends.
He's probably just doing her a favor, which is what friends do.
Especially ones you consider family.
Okay.
I will think about it.
Yeah? - You're an angel.
- Mm, I know.
- You're lucky, 'cause I'm real smart.
- [CHUCKLES.]
I'm dead serious.
Yoga with baby goats is a real thing.
Fuck, no! Who's calling safe on that? If you're blind, please be retired in Montana and get the fuck off my field.
Brian, you have not lived life unless you've been in a downward dog with baby goats just bouncing on your booty.
It's nirvana.
Just pure, unhygienic Double play! Yeah, we back in the game, baby! Come on! - Hey, Hawkins.
- Hm? Why do I feel like I'm watching the game solo today? Do all these women look the same to you? Oh.
Are you on a quest to find Mary Ann's less evil twin? [CHUCKLES.]
According to you and Shawna, yeah.
Ohhh.
That's why you're slumped over like a rag doll with no insides.
'Cause your kid found the shrine to your ex-wife - in that dusty dating app you never get dates on.
- I get dates.
Never have I ever seen you chat anyone up on that dating app, Mary Ann doppelganger or not.
My thumbs get tired.
Oh, look, here.
She looks nothing like Mary Ann.
Wow, okay.
What you need right now, boo? You need a fair-weather bro with a beer and a cheer, or the wise, "been through all kinds of shit" neighbor with sage advice? Beer, and then the sage neighbor.
Mm-hmm.
That's what I thought.
Well here it is.
She messy.
- What? - Mary Ann.
She messy as fuck, okay? - That's your That's your sage advice? - Yes! And you are as simple and see-through as they come, and I don't mean that in a bad way, I mean that in a good way.
See, you think you're still into her.
- What's really happening - I am not still into Excuse me, the wise one is talking.
You think you're still into her, but you're not.
Your kid just moved out, your just ex showed up, and you're having, like, a "Aaah! What do I do?" moment.
And that's fine.
Have that moment.
Just be cool about it, you know? Take your fetish out on a date.
See how you fare.
Seriously, get your game on.
Get some clarity, is all I'm sayin'.
Fetish? Yeah, fetish.
You know what, give me your phone.
- Why? - Just give me your phone.
It's, like, weird how you're hugging it.
[SIGHS.]
Oh, God.
Oh! Her.
Yeah, this one.
Take her on a date tonight.
I mean, she has two names, which is kind of pretentious.
Maybe she's just indecisive, but her sweater's hella cute.
Take her to a nice restaurant.
Ask her about her day.
Listen to her.
Look her in the eye when she talks.
Then go Dutch on the meal.
You welcome.
You think it's not too late in the day to invite her to dinner tonight? Oh, my God, Brian, the modern woman knows what she wants.
She gave you her number.
She's interested.
Now reach out.
Okay.
- [GASPS.]
What the hell are you doing? - I'm doing what you just told me to do.
I said reach out.
That's text.
I mean, this is the 21st century.
Who's calling someone, you damn psychopath? Text her! Jesus! - Oh! All right? [GIGGLING.]
- Mm-hmm.
- Yeah, Yeah.
- Okay? Have courage, darling.
Don't forget to be short and sweet with Shawna.
Yes.
No worries.
- Do you want me to keep your luggage? - No, no You're a great broad, DeDe Halcyon.
They made the mold when they broke you.
Shouldn't I at least call you an Uber? No! No, no, no No.
A walk will be good for me.
It'll Just gonna clear my head.
- [TIRES SCREECH.]
- [HORN BLARES.]
Learning to save people's lives and make the world a better place? What'd you say? Studying? Oh.
Yeah.
Right.
Uh How to remove a catheter.
Groundbreaking stuff.
You're a really bad liar.
Night, kiddo.
Oh, hi.
[SIGHS.]
I'm here to see Shawna.
- Is she here? - You just missed her.
Shoot.
- Do you know when she'll be back? - I don't.
- Do you know her number? - She's on a digital cleanse.
- A what? - She's abstaining from anything digital for a while.
Oh.
She'll be home eventually.
You could just wait for her.
Thanks.
You're missing a wheel.
[ANNA.]
Are you gonna sit out there all night with the bugs, or burn the rest of this joint in here with me? More grass? No.
No more for me.
Thanks.
I've just sobered up from drinking wine.
Oh, come on.
Being drunk is not the same as being high.
One makes you stupid.
The other makes you interesting.
- I love all your figurines.
- Mm.
I got that one in Barcelona.
[CHUCKLES.]
I had a torrid affair with a bullfighter.
Long story.
What a life you've had.
[MARY ANN.]
Oh, my God.
How did you end up with this? Who knows how I end up with anything? I'm sure she was playing with it a million years ago, and it got left behind when Brian came to pick her up after work.
She loved it so much.
Yeah, she did.
Now, come.
Take a load off, dear.
Want to tell me why you're still here? I'm here to see Shawna.
I see.
Because she deserves to know the truth.
Aah.
That's it? Oh That's all I have.
- Well, that's infuriating.
- Mm.
[CHUCKLES.]
Why? Because at at the very least, I thought you might apologize for going along with all of this.
At the risk of sounding like a fortune cookie, which I recently have been accused of you are her mother, Mary Ann.
Now, you can certainly sit here and continue to blame Brian.
Blame all of us.
You can keep trying to outrun the hurt and the fear and the guilt, by burying it with other people's opinions of you, or you can try to find some stillness, so that you can begin to reckon with yourself.
[SIGHS.]
There she goes.
I need to do something.
Hmm.
[MAN.]
You want ice? No, I'm good.
I made these a little strong, but if you don't like it, I can add more juice.
[COUGHS.]
- My bad, let me add more juice.
- No, no, I can handle it.
You sure? - You play? - Yeah, what you got? [SCOFFS.]
Forza 7, baby.
Oh, you're about to get your ass handed to you.
[REVVING ENGINES SOUND ON TV.]
Oh, you're quick.
- It's all in the thumbs, man.
- Oh! Oh.
Sure, I'm on your ass.
Not for long.
Aaah! Motherfucker! Suck it.
Now, watch this.
Go, go, go - Yeah, baby! - Oh! [BOTH LAUGH.]
[GAME SWITCHES OFF.]
This okay? Wait.
What? What'd I do? Nothing.
It's just, um fast.
Oh.
Cool, you want me to go slower? [CHUCKLES.]
Tell me what you want.
I'm trans.
Okay.
I know I should have told you, but I didn't expect things to go this far.
This is all new to me.
I don't even understand the app.
[CHUCKLES.]
Got it.
Shit.
I feel so stupid.
It's like being in middle school again or something.
- I should probably go.
- Don't.
I mean, you can stay if you want.
I'm into you.
We can do whatever.
["MORNING TERRORS NIGHTS OF DREAD" PLAYING.]
Morning terrors and my nights of dread Morning terrors, nights of dread Hey.
Why, I never.
Been watching Steel Magnolias again, I take it? On a loop, girl.
It's weighing down on me [WOMAN.]
Yes! I lock my head between my knees - [WOMAN.]
Hey, Shawna.
- Hey.
Pacing round the ashes on my floor Sometimes I wish I could fly Out of the window Weighing down on me [MARGOT SIGHS.]
I miss the way we were, you know? Before his transition, which is fucked up to say, but - it's how I feel.
- Why is that fucked up? Your feelings are valid.
You're just being human.
Yeah, but am I being open-minded? Since when does being open-minded mean you have to be in an open relationship? Maybe you're giving too much.
I miss being a lesbian.
I always dreamed I'd have a wife and kids.
We'd take road trips to Carmel.
Get a pug from a little rescue.
I didn't exactly love the idea of Jake transitioning, but ultimately it didn't matter because I love Jake and I love being with Jake.
But you're a lesbian.
Yeah.
It's very '90s of you.
[CHUCKLES.]
Thanks.
Do you want my honest opinion? I only talk to you when I want your honest opinion.
That's, like, what you do.
The situation's your fault.
Wait, what? If you didn't want Jake to fuck dudes, why'd you give him permission? I didn't exactly give him permission to fuck anyone.
He said he just wanted to explore.
Right.
And when have you gone in an ice cream parlor and only ordered toppings? Jake's not like that.
Everybody's like that, and why are you so eager to put his needs in front of your own? He's going through a phase, Shawna.
Oh, fuck that.
He's not the fucking moon.
What about your phases? When do you get to explore with other people? Oh, my God.
What is wrong with you people? I don't actually want to fuck everything that moves.
I want to fuck one specific person, and that person was is Jake.
Are you even satisfied anymore? I don't know.
I think you might still be a lesbian.
Jake says we're queer now.
Well, Jake can be queer.
But you get to figure out what you are for yourself.
He did.
[LAUGHING.]
So I told him, I said, "Okay, Henry, fine.
You can live in my garage, but no, you cannot use the bathroom, and absolutely don't you dare touch my lavender shower gel.
" - You put your foot down.
- It's so petty, I know.
He just He gets to me in that very special spot where I become a human that wants to murder somebody because of shower gel.
Then he leaves and I feel horrible.
[LAUGHS.]
And the cycle continues.
I'm so sorry.
I didn't mean to go on about my ex-husband.
- No, no, no - I'm not that good at this.
[LAUGHS.]
It's just been so long.
No, no, you're great.
You're great.
I was just thinking.
My ex-wife was the same way.
She can turn me into a crazy person just by breathing in the same space.
And it drives me nuts that she still has this power to piss me off so much.
Oh, I didn't realize you were recently divorced, too.
You know, it's not that recent.
It's I I'm just a little sensitive about it at the moment.
Well, how long has it been since your divorce? Twenty-three years.
- Oh.
- No, I know, I know, I know, it's It's so long ago.
It's ju She just got back into town, and and my kid pointed out that all my Tinder dates look exactly like her.
Uh, my ex, I mean.
And And then my friend is like, "Stop whining about Mary Ann.
Go on a date already.
" How long has it been for you? Uh, um Seven months.
- I think I'm gonna go.
- Yep.
- [WAITER.]
Bon appétit.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Final round of Mission Trivia Bowl.
Let's hear it for our two final teams.
I haven't answered a single question.
Who cares? We're winning.
You're winning.
Ben's coworkers must think I'm mute.
- Yeah, then answer more.
- But I'll be wrong, and we'll lose.
- I don't wanna lose.
- [SIGHS.]
I don't wanna be the Susan Lucci of trivia night.
- Who's Susan Lucci? - And this question goes to E=MC Hammer.
In the opening credits of Gilligan's Island, why is the flag at half mast? Uh, JFK was assassinated while they made the pilot.
- You are correct! - Woo-hoo! [APPLAUSE.]
Reality is a Construct, this is for you.
What singer-actor gave Marilyn Monroe a white poodle named Mafia? Frank Sinatra.
That is right! All right.
E=MC Hammer, back to you.
Billie Holiday, the famed jazz singer, was the babysitter for what future Oscar host? [COUNTDOWN CLICKING.]
Oh, okay.
Uh, I'm black, but I'm not that black.
- [BUZZER SOUNDS.]
- Time is up.
Same question goes to Reality is a Construct for the steal.
It's Billy Crystal.
- No.
- You are right! Get the fuck out of here.
- That's a lot of Billies.
- Focus! Reality is a Construct, still your game.
What author wrote the following quote "I didn't attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it.
" Mark Twain, which is actually his pseudonym.
It's Samuel Clemens, in case you're looking for his real name.
Wow, that bordered on obnoxious, but you are nonetheless correct.
- Come on, baby, help us.
- [BELL RINGS.]
[HOST.]
And there's the bell, which means this is our final question.
Team Reality is a Construct, you need to get this right to win.
If you don't, team E=MC Hammer will have the chance to steal.
Is everyone ready? What singer's real name is Reginald Kenneth Dwight? [MAN.]
I don't know.
I got nothing.
- [BUZZER SOUNDS.]
- Yikes, that's time.
It's Elton John! It's Elton John! It's Elton John.
You were supposed to wait for me.
But yes, you are right! Team E=MC Hammer, you are the winners! Do me a favor Pick me up, take me out later [MICHAEL.]
Oh, my God! Don't worry about no paper 'Cause I got much stacked up For nights like this My life can get crazy I deal with shit on the daily But baby I'm thinking maybe We could agree To work it out like this Jameson, neat.
I need you That was a fun game.
Thanks.
You guys were hard to beat.
Well, in in fact, you did not beat us.
We were undefeated until now.
I'd really like to say I'm sorry about that, but it would be a lie.
You make a great foe.
I bet you say that to all the girls.
God knows I do.
I see we're making friends with the enemy now.
Honey.
Uh, this is - Shawna.
- Inka.
It was a hell of a game.
I'm his wife.
Oh.
- Been making eyes at my husband all night.
- Sorry.
I I didn't realize It's not a problem.
I was just a little jealous.
She prefers team sports, as you just witnessed.
It's possible I'm misreading the signals here You're not.
Well, you wanna finish these and get out of here, then? Your place or ours? I need you To give me your time Yours.
I need you You comin'? To not wanna be mine Hey.
How was work? Okay.
Made some pretty decent tips.
Go on your date? Yeah.
How was it? Do you really wanna know? No, I don't.
That's the shitty part, you know? [SIGHS.]
I want to know everything about you, about your day, what you're worried about, school.
But this Jake, I I don't think I can do this.
I'm sorry.
I wanted to be cool and open-minded.
I want you to be happy.
I am happy.
Not with me.
Are you serious? I'm so happy with you.
Jake, come on.
We need to be honest with ourselves.
I'm not letting you go, Margot.
Fuck that, I'm not.
I was a wreck all day thinking about you with someone else.
I felt like shit.
It was a shitty day.
I'm sorry.
I know, I should have never put you in this position.
Was it good? I mean did you like it? No, I didn't.
Really? Yeah, it sucked.
I missed you.
I wanna make things right.
How do I make things right between us? I missed you, too.
Oh, my God.
This lobster is so good.
I'm having, like, an out-of-body experience right now.
I need to send you on more failed dates.
You were right.
Can you say that louder, please? You were right.
She looked exactly like Mary Ann.
Even her accent was like Mary Ann.
What is wrong with me? All right.
We gotta switch it up.
I'm just saying.
[R&B MUSIC PLAYS.]
Give me your hand.
- Starin' at the ceilin' - Mm-hmm.
- Hearts and records spinning - Mm-hmm.
- Mm-hmm! - [SIGHS.]
You know, it's fine.
No, it's fine.
It's just She's only here for a couple of days, and she's probably gone already.
I'll just get back into my groove, and I won't ever date another blonde.
Don't beat yourself up, Hawkins.
I mean, we all have our fetishes.
Hm? What are yours? Mine? - Oh, honey, I contain multitudes.
- [CHUCKLES.]
You can be shy with me If I do ever date another blonde Shut the fuck up about blondes before I hit you upside the head, okay? - Thank you.
- Mm-hmm.
And now I'm gonna twirl you.
Okay, don't tell me, just do it.
It's all right I just wanna see you [BOTH LAUGH.]
[UPBEAT ELECTRONIC MUSIC PLAYING.]
[BOTH LAUGHING.]
- I told you I was good at trivia.
- Aah! Please stop talking about trivia night and let me fuck you.
I'm coming! She announces it.
[BUZZING.]
What are you doing here? Hello.
How's it going? Well, pretty good until now.
I had a threesome tonight.
That was fun.
Oh.
[CHUCKLING.]
Oh, my.
Now, I'd like to go to sleep.
Um Well, um I need to talk to you.
No, thanks.
It won't take long.
One minute.
I promise.
Okay.
One minute.
Okay.
This it's probably stupid.
I mean, it's it's definitely stupid.
You're way too cool to like musicals now, but You loved this when you were little.
We used to play it every night before you went to bed, and we would dance around your room.
And when we got to "I've Gotta Crow," you used to make this adorable little noise, and, uh Brian your your dad and I, we would laugh because you sounded more like a a dying cow than a crow.
It's one of my favorite memories of you.
I wanted you to have this.
I know I haven't been a mother to you, but I was.
During those two years.
I was.
Anyway, thanks for listening.
[GATE OPENS.]
[GATE SHUTS.]
[LAUGHS.]
[SIGHS.]
[CAR HORNS BLARING.]
[KNOCKING.]
Jesus.
[CHUCKLES.]
You're not gonna give him anything? Why not? I like his sign.
He misspelled "attorney.
" Have a nice day.
Easy for you to say.
People here are insane.
I find them charming.
[ROBERT.]
I bet you do.
[MARY ANN.]
What's that supposed to mean? - Nothing.
- [CAR HORNS BLARING.]
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
It's Safeway! That's where I met Mouse.
Connie took me there one night.
She said it was a great place to meet men, and She wasn't wrong, now that I think about it.
You tried to pick up Michael? Actually, I tried to pick up his boyfriend.
I was fearless then.
Robert.
Could Could you Could you stop, up here, please? [ROBERT.]
What are you doing? Robert - I think I need to - What? Stay? I won't be gone long.
Just Just a couple of days.
[SIGHS.]
Unbelievable.
You're running away again.
Just like you always do.
Actually, I think I'm running towards this time.
That's why I prefer turtles.
- [DOOR OPENS.]
- [BELL CHIMES.]
Dad.
[CHUCKLING.]
Oh! Good! You're alive.
You didn't text last night, so I wasn't sure.
Don't worry, I got it.
I'll just keep doing your job for you while you guilt me.
[CHUCKLES.]
Morning, sunshine.
You want some coffee? Is it shade-grown? I can let it cool down in the shade, if that'll help.
- You're funny.
- I know.
- Did you get any sleep? - Sure did, yeah.
Yeah? No feelings you wanna discuss? Mm-mm.
Zero feelings.
You know what I can't figure out? How you got such a cool, hip, smart dad? - How you guys ever made sense together.
- Who? - You and Mary Ann.
- That was a long time ago.
[SIGHS.]
I was in love, okay? I was stupid.
And someday, you might be stupid, too.
That's unlikely.
- You know what cures love? - Death.
Dates.
Lots of dates with lots of other people.
I set up that app that you showed me, and I have already messaged with a couple of ladies, for your information.
Look at you.
Have you gone out with any? Dad, an actual date is the goal.
Come on, give me your phone and I'll find someone good for you.
You know, some of us just move slow, Shawna.
There's no shame - Why do all these women look the same? - Excuse me? Dad, they look just like her.
Like who? Oh, my God.
- Who was that on the phone? - Mary Ann.
[CHUCKLES.]
You won't believe what is going on.
Can we get a temporary moratorium on discussing the big M, at least for the rest of brunch? - But there's one thing that - That woman is a hurricane with legs.
I invited her to brunch.
- Invited who? - Michael! Hi! No.
Sorry.
Pardon me.
I I though you said she was getting on the plane.
She was.
She changed her mind.
- Excuse me.
Sorry.
Excuse me.
- [MAN.]
Ouch! Pardon me, excuse me.
Thank you.
[CHUCKLES.]
I'm from Connecticut.
Just be nice, okay? Please? Hello.
- Hi Oh, I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry.
- Excuse me.
Oh, my God.
- Is that real pad thai? - Uh-huh.
- Um, hi.
- Oh, hi! - Yeah, hi! - Hi! - Hi.
- Hi.
It was like a sign from the universe.
The Safeway telling me to get my ass out of that cab.
It's what brought us together all those years ago, and now here we are, right back at it again.
This is delicious.
Anyway, I couldn't believe it.
- Can you believe it? - I can believe it.
So, um how long do you think you'll stay in town for? Long enough to straighten out this mess you all made.
Excuse you? No, I'm sorry, but it's true.
I couldn't get on that plane or or let alone sleep ever again without Shawna knowing knowing the truth.
I mean, I didn't want to get into this at brunch, but I cannot for the life of me understand how you could all let her think that I'm her biological mother.
Michael Tolliver, I expected more from you, of all people.
So you're you're gonna tell her the truth? That's why you didn't leave? Absolutely.
But She deserves to know who she is.
Don't you think? I mean, she deserves to know everything.
I mean, of course she hates me, based on the story she's been told.
But don't I deserve to tell her my version? I bet she doesn't know I wanted to take them with me.
[SCOFFS.]
That's not true, Mary Ann.
How do you know? Were you there? Yes! Well, maybe I I Maybe I left that out, or or maybe you forgot.
Anyway, look, I know everyone judges me for choosing a career over raising a family.
Men do it all the time.
But when a woman does it, she's selfish, she's power-hungry, - she's an unfeeling bitch.
- [MAN.]
Sssh! And I think I think I'm setting a good example for Shawna to be able to talk about all of this.
- You gonna gonna finish that? - No.
So, did you come here to ask my advice, or should I just tell you exactly what you wanna hear? Wow.
I don't know.
Depends on the advice.
She doesn't remember you, babycakes.
She only remembers that her mother was there one day and gone the next.
As much as I would like to say otherwise, the the truth is you don't get to excuse yourself because of a technicality.
No, you're not her biological mother, but maybe that's not the point.
- I didn't do anything wrong.
- Sh! What if it's not about being right or wrong? What if it's about doing what's right? And maybe that's leaving her alone for now.
- [GONG RINGS.]
- Jee I'm sorry, that is very loud.
Do you mind just maybe doing that over there? Um, I think that means that we have to leave.
Have a good day.
[SIGHS.]
You smell good.
What do I smell like? I don't know, just you.
[LAUGHS.]
What are you doing? What do you mean? You're staring at me like you're never gonna see me again.
Like you're trying to memorize my face or something.
You know that thing, the way men look at women, but only in epic dramas like Romeo and Juliet or Titanic or something.
Are you saying I remind you of Leonardo DiCaprio? - I gotta shower, Leo.
- Wait.
I need to talk to you.
What's going on? I think I might be into guys.
I had a feeling.
The other day at the coffee place, those super hot guys walked in holding hands.
You couldn't take your eyes off of them.
Oh.
At Body Politic a couple days ago, on the street, at the park.
You're always distracted by men.
At first, I thought you were studying them, like you were just curious about their genders or something.
It was that, at first.
Right.
And then I realized it wasn't.
Maybe it's just a phase.
Maybe.
What do you want? I don't know, honestly.
Yes, you do.
I don't wanna fuck this up.
Okay.
But what if I, like, explored a little? Just to see how it feels? Because maybe I'll hate it, you know? And then we'll know for sure.
Explore, like What? Like, you wanna kiss a guy? Yeah.
Basically, yeah.
And, I mean, you could explore, too.
Like, we could be Open? I don't need to be open, Jake.
Contrary to everyone else in the 21st century, I like monogamy.
Don't make this about me.
Okay, then it's about me.
Kiss boys if you need to kiss boys, just don't shut me out.
[DOOR OPENS.]
Hello? Hey, old lady.
[SIGHS.]
Shawna! You all right? Birthday girl.
You really should knock, dear.
Knock? Here? That's like blasphemy.
Wait a second.
Is this you? Oh.
That.
Uh, yes.
From when I first moved to the city.
Damn.
You were hot.
- I bet you used to turn heads.
- [CHUCKLES.]
I still do.
- Mm-hmm.
Who are those other people? - Oh Just some old friends.
You pick the most annoying times to be tight-lipped, do you know that? Prudence is a virtue, as long as you know when to employ it.
I thought I banned you from sounding like a fortune cookie when I'm around.
And I thought we had a talk about you being a smart-ass.
But here we are.
Yeah.
Can I have this? Sure, my dear.
I gotta run.
Love you.
And I you.
Huh.
Oh, pardon me.
My, my, those steps really are something, aren't they? Do Do you know where I might find an Anna Madrigal? Yeah, she's in the bottom apartment there.
- Can I help you with anything? - No, no, no, thank you.
Salutations and Godspeed.
Bonjour and arrivederci to you, good sir.
Oh.
Can I help you? I hope you'll forgive the surprise.
My name is Samuel Garland, and the Rainbow Readers sent me over.
They told me to expect someone named Beverly.
I'm afraid Beverly passed on the day before last.
Oh.
I do apologize for being the messenger of such terrible news.
Goodness, where are my manners? I'm sure you could use a glass of iced tea.
Iced tea would be wonderful.
Come in, please.
Sorry.
[PANTING.]
Be still, my heart! - After all these years.
Oh! - Oh! Oh! DeDe, thank God you answered when I called.
And I'm so sorry to intrude at the last minute, I just I needed a friend.
Come in.
- We'll drink.
- [CHUCKLES.]
It's been three years now, I suppose.
My, you hate to be a cliché, but the time really does go fast, doesn't it? And you enjoy it? Reading to others? Very much.
I I enjoy the company.
And no one should be without books.
I agree.
It's been quite difficult to have my eyes go.
Well, I'm glad you reached out to the Readers.
We're a good lot.
Your home is stunning, Anna.
Thank you.
I hope you won't think me too nosy, but isn't it awfully large for you to manage at your age? Oh, uh I have lots of help.
Well, I I don't want to impose on you for too long.
You can give the volunteer coordinator a call whenever you decide.
Is that Tennyson? Ah, yes.
"The Lady of Shalott" is, dare I say, my favorite poem ever published.
And do you prefer the 1833 version? Certainly not.
The 1842 version is the definitive one.
Sam, would you do me the pleasure of staying and reading to me? I'd love nothing more.
You're damned if you do and damned if you don't.
That's what it means to be a modern-day career woman.
Screw the bastards.
You made the right decision, Mary Ann Singleton.
You got out, you got free.
- Did I? - Absolutely.
Look at your life, your chic blouse, your career.
What was the alternative, staying here wearing faux-hippie floral skirts, pretending Brian was an equal? You'd be bored out of your mind.
Trust me.
I am.
Maybe you're right.
I know I am.
If I were you, I'd march over to Barbary Lane, look Shawna in her eyes, and tell her the truth.
I'd say, "Shawna, I'm not your mother.
I wish I could be, but I'm not.
" Really? - What, it's that simple? - Yes.
With children, fast and easy is the best.
It's like ripping off a Band-Aid.
It hurts for a second, they scream, curse you, but after about a week, they start speaking to you again.
That is a real relief.
Thank you, DeDe.
- Speaking of children, how are the kids? - Hell if I know.
They're not speaking to me at the moment.
Oh.
I really I don't know what I would have done without you today.
I feel - resolved.
- It's probably the wine.
It's $600 a bottle.
Mm! [GULPS LOUDLY.]
I handled it okay, right? I'm worried I was too harsh.
Please.
Look, everybody needs a "come to Jesus" every now and then.
Especially Mary Ann.
Welcome to Plant Parenthood.
Hey, man.
Okay, this'll sound weird, but maybe you can help me with something.
- Flaco.
- Yeah.
- Ben! - [LAUGHS.]
- You know each other? - Yo! - Oh, I - Yeah.
Michael, this is Flaco, from work.
And Flaco, this is Michael.
Flaco Ramirez? Ben talks about you all the time.
Yeah, likewise, bro.
Shit, maybe now you can both help me.
Yeah, what are you in the market for? My best girl just dumped her cheating-ass boyfriend, and I kind of wanna get her something that says, "I'm sorry," but also, "Fuck him!" Also, "You're gangsta," but flowers didn't seem appropriate.
How's this? - Ha-haaa! - [CHUCKLING.]
Oh, my God.
He's good.
- Yeah, he's an expert.
- Ah.
It's good to run into you, man.
I never see you now that you're in love and shit.
You see me at the office, like, five days a week.
I love how you try to up-play our work time so you can downplay how you keep bailing on trivia night.
Trivia night? You never told me about trivia night.
There's a game tonight if you wanna come.
- We could use more players.
- Yeah, we'd love that.
- Wouldn't we? - We're "we" people now, huh? Invite others if you want, too.
The more the merrier.
[PHONE ALERT.]
This is gonna be dope! Thanks for the "Fuck you" cactus.
[LAUGHS.]
Trivia night, huh? "Up and down the people go, Gazing where the lilies blow Round an island there below, The island of Shalott.
" Well.
Oh.
Oh, my, I drifted off.
Quite all right.
Happens all the time.
Oh.
[CLEARS THROAT.]
Forgive me.
I I do get tired these days.
Not at all.
Why don't we schedule another appointment? All right.
How about tomorrow? [MICHAEL LAUGHS.]
I just think it's weird that you kept trivia night from me.
Plus, I've only met, like, two of your friends.
It's like you have this whole other life that You're not ashamed of me, are you? What? Michael, stop.
I'm not ashamed of you.
It's just this group is intense.
You think I'm scared of a bunch of trivia nerds? Okay, look who's being judgmental.
I'm not being judgmental.
I love nerds.
You're a nerd.
- A sexy, brilliant, lovable - Oh! Okay, I know what you're imagining.
A laid-back night out at a bar, answering some fun questions, laughing when everybody gets it wrong.
- And it ain't that.
- So, tell me what it is.
[SIGHS.]
They're crazy competitive.
Like Like, if we don't win, I will not hear the end of it.
I've seen friendships end.
- Over a game? - I just I don't want you to get hurt.
- You don't think I'm good enough to play.
- I did not say that.
For the record, I am very good at trivia.
I watch Jeopardy! A lot.
Great.
- I'm sure you're gonna kill it.
- Oh, no.
I am going to murder it.
[CHUCKLES.]
Hey, I gotta check on Anna.
I'll be up in a second.
- Okay, Alex Trebek.
- [CHUCKLES.]
I need a favor.
I have to go to a trivia thing tonight with Ben's friends.
Cool.
Thanks for the update.
It's like Twitter, but in real life.
I suck at trivia.
I'm not even good at charades.
I need your help.
Okay, sorry, I missed the part that explains why you're talking about trivia with the urgency of a top-secret CIA mission? - Sh! Not so loud.
- Seriously, why are you being such a weirdo? Because I told Ben that I'm good, and I'm I'm hoping he won't notice how bad I am if you come.
Wow.
That is not healthy behavior, Michael.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[WHISTLING "BEAUTIFUL DREAMER".]
That man has been at Anna's, like, most of the day.
What do you think they were doing? Talking? Getting high? Sharing memories about the Great Depression? - I don't know.
- You don't think they were Shawna! - What? Don't be ageist.
- Uh I'm sure they're friends.
He's probably just doing her a favor, which is what friends do.
Especially ones you consider family.
Okay.
I will think about it.
Yeah? - You're an angel.
- Mm, I know.
- You're lucky, 'cause I'm real smart.
- [CHUCKLES.]
I'm dead serious.
Yoga with baby goats is a real thing.
Fuck, no! Who's calling safe on that? If you're blind, please be retired in Montana and get the fuck off my field.
Brian, you have not lived life unless you've been in a downward dog with baby goats just bouncing on your booty.
It's nirvana.
Just pure, unhygienic Double play! Yeah, we back in the game, baby! Come on! - Hey, Hawkins.
- Hm? Why do I feel like I'm watching the game solo today? Do all these women look the same to you? Oh.
Are you on a quest to find Mary Ann's less evil twin? [CHUCKLES.]
According to you and Shawna, yeah.
Ohhh.
That's why you're slumped over like a rag doll with no insides.
'Cause your kid found the shrine to your ex-wife - in that dusty dating app you never get dates on.
- I get dates.
Never have I ever seen you chat anyone up on that dating app, Mary Ann doppelganger or not.
My thumbs get tired.
Oh, look, here.
She looks nothing like Mary Ann.
Wow, okay.
What you need right now, boo? You need a fair-weather bro with a beer and a cheer, or the wise, "been through all kinds of shit" neighbor with sage advice? Beer, and then the sage neighbor.
Mm-hmm.
That's what I thought.
Well here it is.
She messy.
- What? - Mary Ann.
She messy as fuck, okay? - That's your That's your sage advice? - Yes! And you are as simple and see-through as they come, and I don't mean that in a bad way, I mean that in a good way.
See, you think you're still into her.
- What's really happening - I am not still into Excuse me, the wise one is talking.
You think you're still into her, but you're not.
Your kid just moved out, your just ex showed up, and you're having, like, a "Aaah! What do I do?" moment.
And that's fine.
Have that moment.
Just be cool about it, you know? Take your fetish out on a date.
See how you fare.
Seriously, get your game on.
Get some clarity, is all I'm sayin'.
Fetish? Yeah, fetish.
You know what, give me your phone.
- Why? - Just give me your phone.
It's, like, weird how you're hugging it.
[SIGHS.]
Oh, God.
Oh! Her.
Yeah, this one.
Take her on a date tonight.
I mean, she has two names, which is kind of pretentious.
Maybe she's just indecisive, but her sweater's hella cute.
Take her to a nice restaurant.
Ask her about her day.
Listen to her.
Look her in the eye when she talks.
Then go Dutch on the meal.
You welcome.
You think it's not too late in the day to invite her to dinner tonight? Oh, my God, Brian, the modern woman knows what she wants.
She gave you her number.
She's interested.
Now reach out.
Okay.
- [GASPS.]
What the hell are you doing? - I'm doing what you just told me to do.
I said reach out.
That's text.
I mean, this is the 21st century.
Who's calling someone, you damn psychopath? Text her! Jesus! - Oh! All right? [GIGGLING.]
- Mm-hmm.
- Yeah, Yeah.
- Okay? Have courage, darling.
Don't forget to be short and sweet with Shawna.
Yes.
No worries.
- Do you want me to keep your luggage? - No, no You're a great broad, DeDe Halcyon.
They made the mold when they broke you.
Shouldn't I at least call you an Uber? No! No, no, no No.
A walk will be good for me.
It'll Just gonna clear my head.
- [TIRES SCREECH.]
- [HORN BLARES.]
Learning to save people's lives and make the world a better place? What'd you say? Studying? Oh.
Yeah.
Right.
Uh How to remove a catheter.
Groundbreaking stuff.
You're a really bad liar.
Night, kiddo.
Oh, hi.
[SIGHS.]
I'm here to see Shawna.
- Is she here? - You just missed her.
Shoot.
- Do you know when she'll be back? - I don't.
- Do you know her number? - She's on a digital cleanse.
- A what? - She's abstaining from anything digital for a while.
Oh.
She'll be home eventually.
You could just wait for her.
Thanks.
You're missing a wheel.
[ANNA.]
Are you gonna sit out there all night with the bugs, or burn the rest of this joint in here with me? More grass? No.
No more for me.
Thanks.
I've just sobered up from drinking wine.
Oh, come on.
Being drunk is not the same as being high.
One makes you stupid.
The other makes you interesting.
- I love all your figurines.
- Mm.
I got that one in Barcelona.
[CHUCKLES.]
I had a torrid affair with a bullfighter.
Long story.
What a life you've had.
[MARY ANN.]
Oh, my God.
How did you end up with this? Who knows how I end up with anything? I'm sure she was playing with it a million years ago, and it got left behind when Brian came to pick her up after work.
She loved it so much.
Yeah, she did.
Now, come.
Take a load off, dear.
Want to tell me why you're still here? I'm here to see Shawna.
I see.
Because she deserves to know the truth.
Aah.
That's it? Oh That's all I have.
- Well, that's infuriating.
- Mm.
[CHUCKLES.]
Why? Because at at the very least, I thought you might apologize for going along with all of this.
At the risk of sounding like a fortune cookie, which I recently have been accused of you are her mother, Mary Ann.
Now, you can certainly sit here and continue to blame Brian.
Blame all of us.
You can keep trying to outrun the hurt and the fear and the guilt, by burying it with other people's opinions of you, or you can try to find some stillness, so that you can begin to reckon with yourself.
[SIGHS.]
There she goes.
I need to do something.
Hmm.
[MAN.]
You want ice? No, I'm good.
I made these a little strong, but if you don't like it, I can add more juice.
[COUGHS.]
- My bad, let me add more juice.
- No, no, I can handle it.
You sure? - You play? - Yeah, what you got? [SCOFFS.]
Forza 7, baby.
Oh, you're about to get your ass handed to you.
[REVVING ENGINES SOUND ON TV.]
Oh, you're quick.
- It's all in the thumbs, man.
- Oh! Oh.
Sure, I'm on your ass.
Not for long.
Aaah! Motherfucker! Suck it.
Now, watch this.
Go, go, go - Yeah, baby! - Oh! [BOTH LAUGH.]
[GAME SWITCHES OFF.]
This okay? Wait.
What? What'd I do? Nothing.
It's just, um fast.
Oh.
Cool, you want me to go slower? [CHUCKLES.]
Tell me what you want.
I'm trans.
Okay.
I know I should have told you, but I didn't expect things to go this far.
This is all new to me.
I don't even understand the app.
[CHUCKLES.]
Got it.
Shit.
I feel so stupid.
It's like being in middle school again or something.
- I should probably go.
- Don't.
I mean, you can stay if you want.
I'm into you.
We can do whatever.
["MORNING TERRORS NIGHTS OF DREAD" PLAYING.]
Morning terrors and my nights of dread Morning terrors, nights of dread Hey.
Why, I never.
Been watching Steel Magnolias again, I take it? On a loop, girl.
It's weighing down on me [WOMAN.]
Yes! I lock my head between my knees - [WOMAN.]
Hey, Shawna.
- Hey.
Pacing round the ashes on my floor Sometimes I wish I could fly Out of the window Weighing down on me [MARGOT SIGHS.]
I miss the way we were, you know? Before his transition, which is fucked up to say, but - it's how I feel.
- Why is that fucked up? Your feelings are valid.
You're just being human.
Yeah, but am I being open-minded? Since when does being open-minded mean you have to be in an open relationship? Maybe you're giving too much.
I miss being a lesbian.
I always dreamed I'd have a wife and kids.
We'd take road trips to Carmel.
Get a pug from a little rescue.
I didn't exactly love the idea of Jake transitioning, but ultimately it didn't matter because I love Jake and I love being with Jake.
But you're a lesbian.
Yeah.
It's very '90s of you.
[CHUCKLES.]
Thanks.
Do you want my honest opinion? I only talk to you when I want your honest opinion.
That's, like, what you do.
The situation's your fault.
Wait, what? If you didn't want Jake to fuck dudes, why'd you give him permission? I didn't exactly give him permission to fuck anyone.
He said he just wanted to explore.
Right.
And when have you gone in an ice cream parlor and only ordered toppings? Jake's not like that.
Everybody's like that, and why are you so eager to put his needs in front of your own? He's going through a phase, Shawna.
Oh, fuck that.
He's not the fucking moon.
What about your phases? When do you get to explore with other people? Oh, my God.
What is wrong with you people? I don't actually want to fuck everything that moves.
I want to fuck one specific person, and that person was is Jake.
Are you even satisfied anymore? I don't know.
I think you might still be a lesbian.
Jake says we're queer now.
Well, Jake can be queer.
But you get to figure out what you are for yourself.
He did.
[LAUGHING.]
So I told him, I said, "Okay, Henry, fine.
You can live in my garage, but no, you cannot use the bathroom, and absolutely don't you dare touch my lavender shower gel.
" - You put your foot down.
- It's so petty, I know.
He just He gets to me in that very special spot where I become a human that wants to murder somebody because of shower gel.
Then he leaves and I feel horrible.
[LAUGHS.]
And the cycle continues.
I'm so sorry.
I didn't mean to go on about my ex-husband.
- No, no, no - I'm not that good at this.
[LAUGHS.]
It's just been so long.
No, no, you're great.
You're great.
I was just thinking.
My ex-wife was the same way.
She can turn me into a crazy person just by breathing in the same space.
And it drives me nuts that she still has this power to piss me off so much.
Oh, I didn't realize you were recently divorced, too.
You know, it's not that recent.
It's I I'm just a little sensitive about it at the moment.
Well, how long has it been since your divorce? Twenty-three years.
- Oh.
- No, I know, I know, I know, it's It's so long ago.
It's ju She just got back into town, and and my kid pointed out that all my Tinder dates look exactly like her.
Uh, my ex, I mean.
And And then my friend is like, "Stop whining about Mary Ann.
Go on a date already.
" How long has it been for you? Uh, um Seven months.
- I think I'm gonna go.
- Yep.
- [WAITER.]
Bon appétit.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Final round of Mission Trivia Bowl.
Let's hear it for our two final teams.
I haven't answered a single question.
Who cares? We're winning.
You're winning.
Ben's coworkers must think I'm mute.
- Yeah, then answer more.
- But I'll be wrong, and we'll lose.
- I don't wanna lose.
- [SIGHS.]
I don't wanna be the Susan Lucci of trivia night.
- Who's Susan Lucci? - And this question goes to E=MC Hammer.
In the opening credits of Gilligan's Island, why is the flag at half mast? Uh, JFK was assassinated while they made the pilot.
- You are correct! - Woo-hoo! [APPLAUSE.]
Reality is a Construct, this is for you.
What singer-actor gave Marilyn Monroe a white poodle named Mafia? Frank Sinatra.
That is right! All right.
E=MC Hammer, back to you.
Billie Holiday, the famed jazz singer, was the babysitter for what future Oscar host? [COUNTDOWN CLICKING.]
Oh, okay.
Uh, I'm black, but I'm not that black.
- [BUZZER SOUNDS.]
- Time is up.
Same question goes to Reality is a Construct for the steal.
It's Billy Crystal.
- No.
- You are right! Get the fuck out of here.
- That's a lot of Billies.
- Focus! Reality is a Construct, still your game.
What author wrote the following quote "I didn't attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it.
" Mark Twain, which is actually his pseudonym.
It's Samuel Clemens, in case you're looking for his real name.
Wow, that bordered on obnoxious, but you are nonetheless correct.
- Come on, baby, help us.
- [BELL RINGS.]
[HOST.]
And there's the bell, which means this is our final question.
Team Reality is a Construct, you need to get this right to win.
If you don't, team E=MC Hammer will have the chance to steal.
Is everyone ready? What singer's real name is Reginald Kenneth Dwight? [MAN.]
I don't know.
I got nothing.
- [BUZZER SOUNDS.]
- Yikes, that's time.
It's Elton John! It's Elton John! It's Elton John.
You were supposed to wait for me.
But yes, you are right! Team E=MC Hammer, you are the winners! Do me a favor Pick me up, take me out later [MICHAEL.]
Oh, my God! Don't worry about no paper 'Cause I got much stacked up For nights like this My life can get crazy I deal with shit on the daily But baby I'm thinking maybe We could agree To work it out like this Jameson, neat.
I need you That was a fun game.
Thanks.
You guys were hard to beat.
Well, in in fact, you did not beat us.
We were undefeated until now.
I'd really like to say I'm sorry about that, but it would be a lie.
You make a great foe.
I bet you say that to all the girls.
God knows I do.
I see we're making friends with the enemy now.
Honey.
Uh, this is - Shawna.
- Inka.
It was a hell of a game.
I'm his wife.
Oh.
- Been making eyes at my husband all night.
- Sorry.
I I didn't realize It's not a problem.
I was just a little jealous.
She prefers team sports, as you just witnessed.
It's possible I'm misreading the signals here You're not.
Well, you wanna finish these and get out of here, then? Your place or ours? I need you To give me your time Yours.
I need you You comin'? To not wanna be mine Hey.
How was work? Okay.
Made some pretty decent tips.
Go on your date? Yeah.
How was it? Do you really wanna know? No, I don't.
That's the shitty part, you know? [SIGHS.]
I want to know everything about you, about your day, what you're worried about, school.
But this Jake, I I don't think I can do this.
I'm sorry.
I wanted to be cool and open-minded.
I want you to be happy.
I am happy.
Not with me.
Are you serious? I'm so happy with you.
Jake, come on.
We need to be honest with ourselves.
I'm not letting you go, Margot.
Fuck that, I'm not.
I was a wreck all day thinking about you with someone else.
I felt like shit.
It was a shitty day.
I'm sorry.
I know, I should have never put you in this position.
Was it good? I mean did you like it? No, I didn't.
Really? Yeah, it sucked.
I missed you.
I wanna make things right.
How do I make things right between us? I missed you, too.
Oh, my God.
This lobster is so good.
I'm having, like, an out-of-body experience right now.
I need to send you on more failed dates.
You were right.
Can you say that louder, please? You were right.
She looked exactly like Mary Ann.
Even her accent was like Mary Ann.
What is wrong with me? All right.
We gotta switch it up.
I'm just saying.
[R&B MUSIC PLAYS.]
Give me your hand.
- Starin' at the ceilin' - Mm-hmm.
- Hearts and records spinning - Mm-hmm.
- Mm-hmm! - [SIGHS.]
You know, it's fine.
No, it's fine.
It's just She's only here for a couple of days, and she's probably gone already.
I'll just get back into my groove, and I won't ever date another blonde.
Don't beat yourself up, Hawkins.
I mean, we all have our fetishes.
Hm? What are yours? Mine? - Oh, honey, I contain multitudes.
- [CHUCKLES.]
You can be shy with me If I do ever date another blonde Shut the fuck up about blondes before I hit you upside the head, okay? - Thank you.
- Mm-hmm.
And now I'm gonna twirl you.
Okay, don't tell me, just do it.
It's all right I just wanna see you [BOTH LAUGH.]
[UPBEAT ELECTRONIC MUSIC PLAYING.]
[BOTH LAUGHING.]
- I told you I was good at trivia.
- Aah! Please stop talking about trivia night and let me fuck you.
I'm coming! She announces it.
[BUZZING.]
What are you doing here? Hello.
How's it going? Well, pretty good until now.
I had a threesome tonight.
That was fun.
Oh.
[CHUCKLING.]
Oh, my.
Now, I'd like to go to sleep.
Um Well, um I need to talk to you.
No, thanks.
It won't take long.
One minute.
I promise.
Okay.
One minute.
Okay.
This it's probably stupid.
I mean, it's it's definitely stupid.
You're way too cool to like musicals now, but You loved this when you were little.
We used to play it every night before you went to bed, and we would dance around your room.
And when we got to "I've Gotta Crow," you used to make this adorable little noise, and, uh Brian your your dad and I, we would laugh because you sounded more like a a dying cow than a crow.
It's one of my favorite memories of you.
I wanted you to have this.
I know I haven't been a mother to you, but I was.
During those two years.
I was.
Anyway, thanks for listening.
[GATE OPENS.]
[GATE SHUTS.]
[LAUGHS.]
[SIGHS.]