Army Wives s01e12 Episode Script
Rules of Engagement
Previously on Army Wives We have worked too long and too hard to get this post.
We're not going to let it slip through our fingers.
How do you know about Windfall? We have our ways.
- Is everything okay? Excuse me.
Would you come with us, please? How did you learn about Project Windfall? I don't need to tell you that.
Actually, you do.
Your knowledge and open discussion of it constitutes a breach of national security.
I'm looking for someone to spice up the airwaves.
Me? We talk about us.
The Army wives and what we go through.
This is Have At It.
You are on the air.
- Who is she? - The magazine reporter.
I think we should separate.
Let's not make any hasty decisions.
- Let's sleep on it.
- I'm going to stay in a hotel tonight.
- I'll call you in the morning.
- Roland! Roland! Coming through.
Excuse me.
Hey.
Pick a side and drive.
Hey, baby.
You must be from Tennessee because you're the only ten I see.
Sweet.
You can count.
Just don't breed.
Excuse me.
- So where's Denise? - At the hospital working.
I've got to call her first thing in the morning with the full report.
So, what's this week's tribal meeting all about? I don't know.
Roland just said to meet him here at 9:00.
- There he is.
- Where? Fifteen minutes late.
- Yeah, yeah.
Hey, Roland.
- Hey, ladies, sorry I'm - Late.
We got it.
Okay, cut the suspense.
What gives? - Where's Denise? - Working.
You know, maybe this isn't the right place.
Roland.
Joan and I have separated.
Oh, my God.
I'm so sorry, Roland.
- When did this happen? - Two days ago.
I've been staying at the Bellewind Motel off the Interstate.
I don't recommend it.
Why? Did she say? No.
No, this was my decision.
I thought things were getting better.
It's complicated.
You know we're here for you, right? You are an amazing guy.
And your friendship means a lot to me.
Thank you.
If I can do anything I'm not good enough for you, but he is? - Excuse me? It's okay.
Look, we can handle this two ways.
You can turn around and No! Hey! - Hey! Not in here! Behind you! - Hey! - Pamela, watch out! Knock it off, guys! - Back off! - Hit me! Keep it off the bar! Why can't it ever happen in the parking lot? - Roxy! Get back! - Get out! - Roxy! - Roxy! - Is she okay? - Let me take a look.
You were lucky.
The other guy was lucky.
I'd have cracked him upside the head if Pamela hadn't gotten in my way.
Here.
You know, Rox, maybe it's time you stopped working at the Hump Bar.
- Forget it.
- I don't want to worry about you.
You're the one deploying.
Roxy.
I'm being serious.
Trevor, this was nothing.
Look, when Bama played Auburn, I carried a Taser.
Okay.
Who's going to look after the boys when I'm gone? Me and Pamela and some of the moms are splitting up kid duty.
Look, I just want to make sure everything is okay before I go.
It is okay.
And I love you for making sure.
Now give me those back.
Corn's colder.
I like the peas better.
Unbelievable.
Michael.
Claudia Joy.
Did I miss curfew? I was beginning to worry.
Roland needed to talk to us.
He and Joan have separated.
Did you know about that? No.
I knew that they had some problems, but I thought they were working it out.
Yeah, so did I.
How come you're home so late? Well, we went to a bar off-post.
Where Roxy works.
It's become something of a hang-out for us.
A hang-out.
Okay.
This is one of those things where the more I explain, the worse it gets.
Yes, this is one of those things.
It's really just been innocent fun - until tonight.
- Claudia Joy, a Brigadier General's wife needs to exercise a certain discretion - in public.
- I know, I know.
Wait Yes? Yes.
Got the call this evening.
The public announcement's tomorrow.
Michael, I am so proud of you.
I couldn't have done this without you.
Brigadier General Michael James Holden.
Not yet.
Not yet.
The promotion ceremony's next week.
That makes it official.
But it does have a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Yeah, it does.
What happened with General Baker? Retiring for health reasons.
And Lenore? The Army has dropped its investigation.
- So they made a deal.
- They had to.
This way Baker exits gracefully and the Army avoids a black eye.
- Did I mention I am so proud of you? - You did.
But you can mention it some more if you want.
Thanks for picking me up.
You okay to drive? I wasn't drunk, Joan.
I was assaulted.
Since when do you get into fights? What happened? I'm ready for this night to be over.
Thank you for bailing me out, okay? Roland.
Look, you're hurt.
Why don't you come back home? You don't have to stay in that hotel.
I appreciate it, but I'm checking out tomorrow.
I rented an apartment for the week.
I'll stop by in the next day or two to pick up a few things.
Okay.
Good night.
This is so amazing, Dad.
Yes, Emmalin.
Yes it is.
- Michael.
- Yeah, it's great, Dad.
Thank you, girls.
I appreciate your support.
Look, I know that this can be a pretty demanding life, but when honors come our way, we all share in them.
Does that mean we're going to have our traditional "you did good" family dinner? It's already in the plans.
Yeah.
Listen, one other thing, girls.
Along with this promotion comes increased responsibility.
I apologize, ladies, but your actions are going to be under a microscope more so now than ever.
You need to be mindful of your activities and your associations.
Just use your head is all your father's saying.
Congratulations, Dad.
- Thank you.
- Yeah.
Congratulations, Dad.
What's with her? - Don't know.
- Yeah.
I'm sure we'll find out sooner or later.
We have an official visit to make.
Thank you so much for coming by.
I'll see you later.
You're welcome.
- Colonel Holden.
- Hello, Lenore.
- Colonel.
Claudia Joy.
Hello.
- How kind of you to stop by.
- Of course.
- Is the General awake? - He is.
I'm sure he'll be thrilled to see you.
Would you give me a minute alone first? - Sure.
- Thanks.
Well, I suppose congratulations are in order.
You won.
That's not how I look at it, Lenore.
Nonsense.
An officer's life is all about competition.
Don't deny it.
I was never in competition with you.
There's enough success in the world for everyone.
How noble of you.
No, it's not noble.
It's a fact.
We both serve the same Army.
And it's a big army.
We didn't have to be rivals.
Perhaps you're right.
But it's quite a different view from the top.
You'll see.
How do you mean? Let's just say it's hard to know who your friends are.
In fact, it's hard to have friends at all.
I'm guessing that's going to be quite a challenge for you, Claudia Joy, you and your, what? "Colorful" little assortment of friends.
But you will soon find out, something's got to give.
A little sweaty, but he's still pretty good.
All right.
Okay, that should do it.
My man knows how to work the pistons.
He's got the tools and he knows how to use them.
All right, all right.
Can we all come back from the seventh grade, please? No.
- Thank you, sweetie.
- You're welcome.
Yes, thank you, sweetie.
You're welcome.
So I hear that radio gig's a permanent thing now.
Yup.
I'm officially an unpaid employee of the U.
S.
Army.
Probably a fan.
More likely a collection agency.
Hello? Why, hello, soldier.
Hey, Moran.
I missed you.
Where are the kids? - They're at day camp.
- Yeah? Maybe we can pick them up together? Well, that'd be nice, but they don't get out for another hour.
An hour, huh? Yeah.
60 whole minutes.
Amanda.
We just got this from UVA.
You haven't signed up for orientation.
It was due last week.
I know.
You know? Honey, orientation's important.
You need to sign up for your classes.
Look, Mom, I've been thinking I might defer a year, not start until next fall.
What? I'm going to go to college, Mom, okay? Don't worry.
This wouldn't have anything to do with Jeremy, would it? It's about life, Mom, okay? I just need some time away from school.
Time.
Time for what? I don't know.
I haven't decided yet.
Okay, honey.
Everybody gets nervous about college.
I know it's scary.
It's Mom, you changed your mind when you were my age.
You were going to be a lawyer, then you married Dad instead.
I was 23, not 18.
Amanda, this is a big decision, not one you make on a whim.
We need to discuss this with your father.
Fill this out.
- Hey.
Hi.
Take a look at this.
What is it? It's a want ad from the post newspaper.
For what? A bookkeeper? You do our books, you help Betty at the bar.
You'd be good at it.
Are you high? Seriously.
You could work on post, you could make your own hours.
Hey, you could even work from home.
You sound like a commercial, Trevor.
"Call now.
Receive your free steak knives.
" You know, we could use steak knives.
Rox.
You're one of the smartest people I know.
You could do anything.
You know the difference between a lawyer and an accountant? An accountant knows he's boring.
I'm happy where I am right now.
Are you staying home now, Daddy? Yep.
For a little while, anyway.
But how long? It's hard to say, Luc.
It's hard to say.
If Uncle Sam calls, I gotta go.
Who's Uncle Sam? The man Daddy works for.
I thought you worked for the Army.
- Uncle Sam is the Army, bud.
There she is.
- Eat your ice cream before it melts.
Is that her? - Yeah.
- Loved Monday's show.
You just keep telling it like it is! Thank you, ladies.
Show? What show? Yeah.
I've been meaning to get to that.
What if I told you that I have this great new job where I get paid nothing for talking about everything? Well, I would say back up and start again, please.
You'll understand better in about three hours.
Why is that? 'Cause that's when I go on the air.
Two broken taps, four busted stools, one video poker game, and then there's the AC unit.
What's wrong with the AC? Someone landed on it.
Someone big, and not cuddly big.
You have insurance, right? The size of my deductible? I'd have better odds collecting on the video poker game.
Well, we're looking at a grand here.
And it's a grand I don't have.
I'll cover it.
Roland.
- I threw the first punch.
It's only right I pay for the damages.
No, you were defending me.
And "Tennessee" was spoiling for a fight.
Let him pay for it.
This should cover it.
And I'm sorry for the trouble.
No.
It is an honor to know the last real gentleman in America.
And now I'm going to the bank before I wake up.
Wow.
- Was that from the fight? - Oh.
Yeah.
It's nothing.
How are you? Embarrassed.
To be a hero? Don't be.
It's done.
Good news about Michael Holden, huh? What news? General Baker's retiring, so Michael's the new post commander.
Which means no more Lenore Baker.
Should be a national holiday.
Yeah.
I got to go, Rox.
Thanks.
See you later.
You can leave the projections on the chair.
Hello, Joan.
I heard about Michael Holden's promotion.
I assume that means you're his permanent X O now.
He hasn't offered it.
But he will offer it to you.
I hope so, yes.
So you'd take it? Why do you ask? I see.
You want to know if I'm going to choose our marriage over my career.
Is that it? Yes, Joan.
Look, if there's a chance of us having a balanced life together Then I need to turn it down? Roland, you told me it was over.
You are staying in a hotel.
And now you are asking me not to take a promotion I haven't even been offered? I mean, what do you want from me? You made it very clear the other night that we don't have a marriage anymore.
Sorry.
Colonel.
Just dropped by to offer my congratulations.
Thank you.
When you have a minute.
Yes, sir.
- Good seeing you, Roland.
- Same.
All munitions were accounted for prior to transport, sir.
Fine.
Joan.
I understand that you and Roland have separated.
Two days ago, sir.
I'm so sorry to hear that.
Thank you, sir.
If you'll excuse me.
Joan.
Sit down.
Please.
I appreciate that this is a personal matter, but it is my obligation to know whatever's going on with my senior staff, especially my X O.
Every logistical detail on this post goes through your hands.
Troops, vehicles, munitions.
I care about you, Joan, but this isn't about friendship.
It's about duty.
If you screw up, lives could be lost.
I understand, sir.
I know I pushed you to get here, and maybe too hard.
If it isn't the right time for this position, I can recall Lieutenant Colonel Bring.
Sir, with all due respect, the challenges in my personal life will not affect my performance.
Very well.
Thank you, sir.
It's been so long since I've seen him, I'm not sure how to act.
Seriously, he's been gone for 14 months, so play that by ear.
He may want to be alone at first and decompress.
Just don't take that personally.
I'm not even sure what to wear when I meet the plane.
He doesn't care what you're wearing, honey.
He just wants to see you.
You have any kids, Margaret? No, not yet, but we want to start a family soon.
Good, because you will have plenty of opportunity in the next week or two.
My man just came back and got a hero's welcome.
Let me tell you, he knows how to shoot off the fireworks.
We're talking twenty-one gun salute.
So stay hydrated.
Thanks.
- Joan.
- Hi, Denise.
I almost didn't recognize you.
Well, you know, I'm masquerading as a civilian.
- Well, you look good.
- Thank you.
- Good to see you.
- Yeah, nice seeing you.
How's Major Sherwood? He's on notice.
Expected to deploy this week.
How you doing? I'm okay.
I heard about the separation.
I'm sorry.
That must be hard.
Yeah.
Look.
I hope I'm not stepping out of line here, but are you really okay? You guys are friends.
We really shouldn't be talking about this.
Yeah, I understand.
You just seem like you need a friend.
Thank you.
I haven't had a female friend since college.
It's either Roland or the guys I serve with.
Well, you're in a unique position.
It can't be easy.
I just hope that you guys can work through this.
I mean, every marriage has its rough spots.
Yeah, I know.
But some things, once they happen, you know, they're hard to get past.
I should go.
- Good to see you.
- Yeah.
- Bye.
- Bye.
- You wanted to talk? - I did.
I will admit it's not easy for me seeing you grow up, Amanda.
I still remember you riding on my shoulders.
- Daddy.
- What? Whatever you want to say, just say it, please.
Your mother told me about your plan to skip college this fall.
It's not a plan, it's a possibility.
Okay, possibility.
Whatever it is, I don't like it.
You worked hard to get in, Amanda.
You should go.
But I recognize that I can't force you.
Thank you.
But if you don't go, I will expect you to work.
You're going to have to cover clothing, gas, personal expenses.
I will not support you merely hanging out at home.
Is that it? Yeah.
You don't want to say anything? What is there to say? Okay.
What did I miss? I liked it better when she argued.
Mommy's home! And I got dinner.
Yay! Dinner! Mom's here! Mom's here! Hey.
Go get plates.
Did you listen to the show? - I did, yeah.
I listened.
- And? I want the chicken leg.
I call a drumstick.
- What? "Shooting off fireworks"? I can't believe you said that, Pamela.
Come on.
It was a joke.
Well, yeah, it's not a joke when you talk about our sex life on the radio.
You made it seem like I'm just here to service you.
Well, aren't you? Pamela.
What we do in private is private.
Okay? The guys in Delta are going to have a field day with this.
Look at me.
Look at me.
You humiliated me.
Think about it.
Would you like me talking about you like that on the radio? Okay, Mr.
Plan for the Future, - I took your advice.
- Yeah? What's that? That is Roxy's Bar and Grill.
Doesn't look like much, I know.
But with a little paint, a little sweat, she'll clean up real nice.
You are out of your mind, you know that? So you tell me.
But look.
My mama had one.
That's how she got Marda's Bar and Hair Salon.
So from now on, I'm going to take and put them in that jar for a down payment.
And then we can get a loan on the rest.
And I have you to thank for reminding me to be responsible for my dreams.
Yeah.
What is it? No, it's great, Rox.
But The Army is my job.
I thought you understood that.
I do.
We wouldn't buy it until after you've finished your term.
- Tour.
- Whatever.
Okay, Rox, there is always going to be another tour.
What do you mean? I mean, we're always going to be moving.
Every two or three years, wherever the tour is.
I mean, we can be in Louisiana, Korea, Germany But the point is, we're never going to be anywhere long enough for you to settle down and open up a bar.
I thought you understood that.
No.
Guess I didn't.
I mean, I knew the Army would be our whole life for a while.
I just didn't think it would be forever.
Well, he's a career guy.
I can't believe you didn't have that conversation before you got married.
Sorry.
I forgot who I was talking to.
So, when you married Chase, you knew that this was it? Oh, yeah.
But you never really know until you're in it.
Something wrong? It's stupid.
But Chase didn't like my radio show yesterday.
You mean the "twenty-one gun salute"? Yeah.
Yeah.
So what are you going to do? Well, it's not exactly like I can go on the air and apologize, so I don't know.
That's what I mean, Rox.
It's kind of hard to keep your identity here.
Denise.
- Hey, Roland.
- You didn't return my call.
Oh, sorry.
Busy day.
No problem.
I was just free for lunch.
No, I should get home.
Hey.
Is something wrong? I talked to Joan the other day and Hey, I don't really want to get in the middle of this, but she was hurt.
Did she say anything? She didn't have to.
You could just tell.
Roland, she said something happened.
And I got to tell you, it sounded like she meant an affair.
Oh, Roland.
It was a one-time thing.
Why? I've been asking myself that same question.
Roland, God.
You're my friend and I support you, but you cheated on your wife.
I know.
It's been all of us and you and And now I'm just another man.
Yeah, for the centerpieces, let's stay simple.
Tulips and Gerbera daisies.
And not so tall that people can't see over them.
My, my.
Planning your husband's promotion ceremony already? You certainly don't waste any time, do you? Lenore.
I stopped by to put this in your box, but since you're here It's just a few tips.
Like how I knew General Grayson loves pralines.
Great.
How thoughtful of you.
General Hartnett's wife did the same for me when I took over.
Well, I've got a thousand things to do.
I know we've had our differences, Claudia Joy.
Yes, we have.
But look at you.
You're beautiful, well-educated.
It just seems like everything comes so easily for you.
That's not necessarily true.
Oh, come on.
Some of us just aren't as privileged as others.
I have had to work hard for everything I've gotten in my life.
You've achieved a lot, Lenore.
I mean that.
I just hope now that you're retiring, you can enjoy it.
I'm not retiring, dear.
General Baker is the one who's quitting, not me.
I don't understand.
We're getting a divorce.
I'm so sorry.
Don't be.
He never appreciated anything I did for him anyway.
I'm looking forward to whatever comes next.
So, I better run.
Goodbye, Lenore.
Surely you know there are no goodbyes in the Army.
- That should do it for the day.
- Thank you, sir.
Colonel Burton.
That's not possible.
No, I'll handle it.
I'll be right there.
Head on down.
- Here you go.
- Heads up Sir.
Give him a hand.
Captain Bright? Lieutenant Colonel Burton.
What's wrong with the vehicles? They're supposed to be up-armor Humvees.
Well, they're not.
And you signed off on the order.
Let me see that.
All right.
My mistake.
- Options.
- We have to cancel the flight.
Wrong.
We can't do that.
- Ma'am, we don't have - How much time do we have? Six hours till wheels up.
I can get you the right vehicles here within the hour.
We need twelve hours turnaround.
You know that, Colonel.
Captain, it is vital that we get this equipment to Baghdad International.
Now, we're going to have to work together to make that happen.
I'm going to get on the horn to Motor T.
I'm going to be with you every step of the way until we're loaded.
You got that? - Yes, ma'am.
- Good.
Okay.
Let's get moving.
Hey.
The kids are at Roxy's.
I thought I would take you to dinner and make up for going on the air and telling the world that you are my sex machine.
I'm the one who's sorry.
Here.
There you go.
Okay.
What's gotten into you? Well, I was embarrassed and I overreacted a little.
And I'm suspicious.
Okay.
All right.
I'll give you that.
But, look, I went to work today.
And I had no idea that so many people listen to your show.
And? Well, let's just say I'm now known as the big man on post.
Wait a minute.
Your Delta buddies listen to the show? Yeah.
They said they secretly learn about their women from you.
Okay.
So, now it's okay because I gave you props in the man department? Does that make me shallow? Yeah, I think so.
Well, in that case, there's only one thing you got to do.
Oh, yeah? What's that? Live up to the hype.
I saw your car in the driveway.
Yeah.
Just here to pick up a few things.
Is this a good time to talk or do you still need space? - I'm just trying to figure things out.
- By yourself, Roland? I need you to have some patience, Joan.
I did, when I waited two years for you to get home.
Yeah, but you couldn't wait 30 days while I was in treatment.
I'm sorry.
I'm just frustrated.
Roland, I made a huge mistake at work today because I can't concentrate.
I'm too worried about what's going to happen with us.
Look Can't we make this work? When we got married, I put my life on hold for you.
And now, I need to start doing the things that I had in mind for my life.
I understand that.
But what do you want to do that we can't do together? I told you.
I want to settle down and have a family.
Now, if you take this promotion, you know we can't do that.
That is so unfair, Roland.
You know what an opportunity this is for me.
And I want you to take it, Joan.
I do.
You earned it.
But Is it unfair for me to want to be a father? Or to want my wife to be a mother? I'm tired, Joan.
I'm tired of fighting.
I'm tired of fighting too, Roland.
Let's just call this what it is.
It's not a separation.
It's a divorce.
Kids are sleeping late for once.
I'm sorry.
I just assumed you knew how I felt and I was wrong.
But we're a family and we need to make these decisions together.
Does that mean we won't be in the Army forever? We'll have to see.
But here's what I do know.
Whatever the future is, I want it to be with you.
Okay? When I'm overseas, this is what I want to be remembering.
This moment.
Right here.
Right now.
Mom, Dad.
What is it? Amanda's not in her room.
What? Where is she? I don't know where, but her makeup and her toothbrush are gone.
- Did you know about this? - No.
I swear.
No messages.
She'll call.
I'll call her friends, see if they know anything.
- This is the last thing I need right now.
- I know.
I'm calling Fort Benning.
If she's seeing Jeremy, I want to know about it.
Emmalin, not a word of this to anyone.
You understand? - Yes, Dad.
- All right.
Wow.
Place looks good as new.
Yeah.
Thanks to your friend.
Oncologist? St.
Luke's? M.
R.
I.
S? What's this all about? The doctor found a lump last week and they took a biopsy and it wasn't pretty.
You didn't tell me about that.
Well, it's no big deal until it's a big deal.
Now it's a big deal.
What are you going to do? Die, probably.
Betty.
Nobody gets out alive, kid.
Well, aren't you going to fight it? I would.
But I don't have any money, I don't have any insurance and we're talking thousands here for surgery and chemo.
I'm so sorry.
Do me a favor.
Name it.
Go take care of table number three over there, okay? Sir.
Understand there was a little excitement at the airfield last night.
Minor snafu.
All taken care of, sir.
Good.
Look.
I can only imagine how painful it is separating from your husband.
I'm ready to commit.
If the job were offered, sir.
Well Welcome aboard.
Thank you, sir.
We could put Major Masello at table three with Captain Richards.
Not a good idea.
What? Why? Charity golf tournament.
The Major's wife called the Captain's wife a balding clown.
And then the flying bagels appeared.
Okay, fine.
We'll put the Masellos at table six.
That should do it.
Are you okay? Why do you ask? Well, the flying bagels deserved some sort of response.
Amanda's gone.
She went to see Jeremy at Fort Benning.
- Are you sure? - Yes.
Michael had Jeremy's battalion commander call us as soon as she arrived.
I'm sorry.
I know this is a lot.
For both of us.
It is.
- That's not all, Denise.
- What is it? Lenore Baker told me something before she left.
Don't listen to her.
She said it's hard to know who to trust when you're the commander's wife.
Well, we knew you before you were the commander's wife, so you know you can trust us.
All right, Masellos at six.
Burton? - With us, up here at one, right? - Yeah.
Probably next to us.
Dr.
Samuels, thank you for calling me back, sir.
Listen, I've been thinking about your offer and I'm very much interested.
No.
Thursday's fine provided I can get a flight to Chicago.
Great.
I'll email to confirm.
Yes, sir.
I think a position at Northwestern could be exactly what I'm looking for.
Oh, no.
I am grateful for the opportunity.
Thank you.
We're not going to let it slip through our fingers.
How do you know about Windfall? We have our ways.
- Is everything okay? Excuse me.
Would you come with us, please? How did you learn about Project Windfall? I don't need to tell you that.
Actually, you do.
Your knowledge and open discussion of it constitutes a breach of national security.
I'm looking for someone to spice up the airwaves.
Me? We talk about us.
The Army wives and what we go through.
This is Have At It.
You are on the air.
- Who is she? - The magazine reporter.
I think we should separate.
Let's not make any hasty decisions.
- Let's sleep on it.
- I'm going to stay in a hotel tonight.
- I'll call you in the morning.
- Roland! Roland! Coming through.
Excuse me.
Hey.
Pick a side and drive.
Hey, baby.
You must be from Tennessee because you're the only ten I see.
Sweet.
You can count.
Just don't breed.
Excuse me.
- So where's Denise? - At the hospital working.
I've got to call her first thing in the morning with the full report.
So, what's this week's tribal meeting all about? I don't know.
Roland just said to meet him here at 9:00.
- There he is.
- Where? Fifteen minutes late.
- Yeah, yeah.
Hey, Roland.
- Hey, ladies, sorry I'm - Late.
We got it.
Okay, cut the suspense.
What gives? - Where's Denise? - Working.
You know, maybe this isn't the right place.
Roland.
Joan and I have separated.
Oh, my God.
I'm so sorry, Roland.
- When did this happen? - Two days ago.
I've been staying at the Bellewind Motel off the Interstate.
I don't recommend it.
Why? Did she say? No.
No, this was my decision.
I thought things were getting better.
It's complicated.
You know we're here for you, right? You are an amazing guy.
And your friendship means a lot to me.
Thank you.
If I can do anything I'm not good enough for you, but he is? - Excuse me? It's okay.
Look, we can handle this two ways.
You can turn around and No! Hey! - Hey! Not in here! Behind you! - Hey! - Pamela, watch out! Knock it off, guys! - Back off! - Hit me! Keep it off the bar! Why can't it ever happen in the parking lot? - Roxy! Get back! - Get out! - Roxy! - Roxy! - Is she okay? - Let me take a look.
You were lucky.
The other guy was lucky.
I'd have cracked him upside the head if Pamela hadn't gotten in my way.
Here.
You know, Rox, maybe it's time you stopped working at the Hump Bar.
- Forget it.
- I don't want to worry about you.
You're the one deploying.
Roxy.
I'm being serious.
Trevor, this was nothing.
Look, when Bama played Auburn, I carried a Taser.
Okay.
Who's going to look after the boys when I'm gone? Me and Pamela and some of the moms are splitting up kid duty.
Look, I just want to make sure everything is okay before I go.
It is okay.
And I love you for making sure.
Now give me those back.
Corn's colder.
I like the peas better.
Unbelievable.
Michael.
Claudia Joy.
Did I miss curfew? I was beginning to worry.
Roland needed to talk to us.
He and Joan have separated.
Did you know about that? No.
I knew that they had some problems, but I thought they were working it out.
Yeah, so did I.
How come you're home so late? Well, we went to a bar off-post.
Where Roxy works.
It's become something of a hang-out for us.
A hang-out.
Okay.
This is one of those things where the more I explain, the worse it gets.
Yes, this is one of those things.
It's really just been innocent fun - until tonight.
- Claudia Joy, a Brigadier General's wife needs to exercise a certain discretion - in public.
- I know, I know.
Wait Yes? Yes.
Got the call this evening.
The public announcement's tomorrow.
Michael, I am so proud of you.
I couldn't have done this without you.
Brigadier General Michael James Holden.
Not yet.
Not yet.
The promotion ceremony's next week.
That makes it official.
But it does have a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Yeah, it does.
What happened with General Baker? Retiring for health reasons.
And Lenore? The Army has dropped its investigation.
- So they made a deal.
- They had to.
This way Baker exits gracefully and the Army avoids a black eye.
- Did I mention I am so proud of you? - You did.
But you can mention it some more if you want.
Thanks for picking me up.
You okay to drive? I wasn't drunk, Joan.
I was assaulted.
Since when do you get into fights? What happened? I'm ready for this night to be over.
Thank you for bailing me out, okay? Roland.
Look, you're hurt.
Why don't you come back home? You don't have to stay in that hotel.
I appreciate it, but I'm checking out tomorrow.
I rented an apartment for the week.
I'll stop by in the next day or two to pick up a few things.
Okay.
Good night.
This is so amazing, Dad.
Yes, Emmalin.
Yes it is.
- Michael.
- Yeah, it's great, Dad.
Thank you, girls.
I appreciate your support.
Look, I know that this can be a pretty demanding life, but when honors come our way, we all share in them.
Does that mean we're going to have our traditional "you did good" family dinner? It's already in the plans.
Yeah.
Listen, one other thing, girls.
Along with this promotion comes increased responsibility.
I apologize, ladies, but your actions are going to be under a microscope more so now than ever.
You need to be mindful of your activities and your associations.
Just use your head is all your father's saying.
Congratulations, Dad.
- Thank you.
- Yeah.
Congratulations, Dad.
What's with her? - Don't know.
- Yeah.
I'm sure we'll find out sooner or later.
We have an official visit to make.
Thank you so much for coming by.
I'll see you later.
You're welcome.
- Colonel Holden.
- Hello, Lenore.
- Colonel.
Claudia Joy.
Hello.
- How kind of you to stop by.
- Of course.
- Is the General awake? - He is.
I'm sure he'll be thrilled to see you.
Would you give me a minute alone first? - Sure.
- Thanks.
Well, I suppose congratulations are in order.
You won.
That's not how I look at it, Lenore.
Nonsense.
An officer's life is all about competition.
Don't deny it.
I was never in competition with you.
There's enough success in the world for everyone.
How noble of you.
No, it's not noble.
It's a fact.
We both serve the same Army.
And it's a big army.
We didn't have to be rivals.
Perhaps you're right.
But it's quite a different view from the top.
You'll see.
How do you mean? Let's just say it's hard to know who your friends are.
In fact, it's hard to have friends at all.
I'm guessing that's going to be quite a challenge for you, Claudia Joy, you and your, what? "Colorful" little assortment of friends.
But you will soon find out, something's got to give.
A little sweaty, but he's still pretty good.
All right.
Okay, that should do it.
My man knows how to work the pistons.
He's got the tools and he knows how to use them.
All right, all right.
Can we all come back from the seventh grade, please? No.
- Thank you, sweetie.
- You're welcome.
Yes, thank you, sweetie.
You're welcome.
So I hear that radio gig's a permanent thing now.
Yup.
I'm officially an unpaid employee of the U.
S.
Army.
Probably a fan.
More likely a collection agency.
Hello? Why, hello, soldier.
Hey, Moran.
I missed you.
Where are the kids? - They're at day camp.
- Yeah? Maybe we can pick them up together? Well, that'd be nice, but they don't get out for another hour.
An hour, huh? Yeah.
60 whole minutes.
Amanda.
We just got this from UVA.
You haven't signed up for orientation.
It was due last week.
I know.
You know? Honey, orientation's important.
You need to sign up for your classes.
Look, Mom, I've been thinking I might defer a year, not start until next fall.
What? I'm going to go to college, Mom, okay? Don't worry.
This wouldn't have anything to do with Jeremy, would it? It's about life, Mom, okay? I just need some time away from school.
Time.
Time for what? I don't know.
I haven't decided yet.
Okay, honey.
Everybody gets nervous about college.
I know it's scary.
It's Mom, you changed your mind when you were my age.
You were going to be a lawyer, then you married Dad instead.
I was 23, not 18.
Amanda, this is a big decision, not one you make on a whim.
We need to discuss this with your father.
Fill this out.
- Hey.
Hi.
Take a look at this.
What is it? It's a want ad from the post newspaper.
For what? A bookkeeper? You do our books, you help Betty at the bar.
You'd be good at it.
Are you high? Seriously.
You could work on post, you could make your own hours.
Hey, you could even work from home.
You sound like a commercial, Trevor.
"Call now.
Receive your free steak knives.
" You know, we could use steak knives.
Rox.
You're one of the smartest people I know.
You could do anything.
You know the difference between a lawyer and an accountant? An accountant knows he's boring.
I'm happy where I am right now.
Are you staying home now, Daddy? Yep.
For a little while, anyway.
But how long? It's hard to say, Luc.
It's hard to say.
If Uncle Sam calls, I gotta go.
Who's Uncle Sam? The man Daddy works for.
I thought you worked for the Army.
- Uncle Sam is the Army, bud.
There she is.
- Eat your ice cream before it melts.
Is that her? - Yeah.
- Loved Monday's show.
You just keep telling it like it is! Thank you, ladies.
Show? What show? Yeah.
I've been meaning to get to that.
What if I told you that I have this great new job where I get paid nothing for talking about everything? Well, I would say back up and start again, please.
You'll understand better in about three hours.
Why is that? 'Cause that's when I go on the air.
Two broken taps, four busted stools, one video poker game, and then there's the AC unit.
What's wrong with the AC? Someone landed on it.
Someone big, and not cuddly big.
You have insurance, right? The size of my deductible? I'd have better odds collecting on the video poker game.
Well, we're looking at a grand here.
And it's a grand I don't have.
I'll cover it.
Roland.
- I threw the first punch.
It's only right I pay for the damages.
No, you were defending me.
And "Tennessee" was spoiling for a fight.
Let him pay for it.
This should cover it.
And I'm sorry for the trouble.
No.
It is an honor to know the last real gentleman in America.
And now I'm going to the bank before I wake up.
Wow.
- Was that from the fight? - Oh.
Yeah.
It's nothing.
How are you? Embarrassed.
To be a hero? Don't be.
It's done.
Good news about Michael Holden, huh? What news? General Baker's retiring, so Michael's the new post commander.
Which means no more Lenore Baker.
Should be a national holiday.
Yeah.
I got to go, Rox.
Thanks.
See you later.
You can leave the projections on the chair.
Hello, Joan.
I heard about Michael Holden's promotion.
I assume that means you're his permanent X O now.
He hasn't offered it.
But he will offer it to you.
I hope so, yes.
So you'd take it? Why do you ask? I see.
You want to know if I'm going to choose our marriage over my career.
Is that it? Yes, Joan.
Look, if there's a chance of us having a balanced life together Then I need to turn it down? Roland, you told me it was over.
You are staying in a hotel.
And now you are asking me not to take a promotion I haven't even been offered? I mean, what do you want from me? You made it very clear the other night that we don't have a marriage anymore.
Sorry.
Colonel.
Just dropped by to offer my congratulations.
Thank you.
When you have a minute.
Yes, sir.
- Good seeing you, Roland.
- Same.
All munitions were accounted for prior to transport, sir.
Fine.
Joan.
I understand that you and Roland have separated.
Two days ago, sir.
I'm so sorry to hear that.
Thank you, sir.
If you'll excuse me.
Joan.
Sit down.
Please.
I appreciate that this is a personal matter, but it is my obligation to know whatever's going on with my senior staff, especially my X O.
Every logistical detail on this post goes through your hands.
Troops, vehicles, munitions.
I care about you, Joan, but this isn't about friendship.
It's about duty.
If you screw up, lives could be lost.
I understand, sir.
I know I pushed you to get here, and maybe too hard.
If it isn't the right time for this position, I can recall Lieutenant Colonel Bring.
Sir, with all due respect, the challenges in my personal life will not affect my performance.
Very well.
Thank you, sir.
It's been so long since I've seen him, I'm not sure how to act.
Seriously, he's been gone for 14 months, so play that by ear.
He may want to be alone at first and decompress.
Just don't take that personally.
I'm not even sure what to wear when I meet the plane.
He doesn't care what you're wearing, honey.
He just wants to see you.
You have any kids, Margaret? No, not yet, but we want to start a family soon.
Good, because you will have plenty of opportunity in the next week or two.
My man just came back and got a hero's welcome.
Let me tell you, he knows how to shoot off the fireworks.
We're talking twenty-one gun salute.
So stay hydrated.
Thanks.
- Joan.
- Hi, Denise.
I almost didn't recognize you.
Well, you know, I'm masquerading as a civilian.
- Well, you look good.
- Thank you.
- Good to see you.
- Yeah, nice seeing you.
How's Major Sherwood? He's on notice.
Expected to deploy this week.
How you doing? I'm okay.
I heard about the separation.
I'm sorry.
That must be hard.
Yeah.
Look.
I hope I'm not stepping out of line here, but are you really okay? You guys are friends.
We really shouldn't be talking about this.
Yeah, I understand.
You just seem like you need a friend.
Thank you.
I haven't had a female friend since college.
It's either Roland or the guys I serve with.
Well, you're in a unique position.
It can't be easy.
I just hope that you guys can work through this.
I mean, every marriage has its rough spots.
Yeah, I know.
But some things, once they happen, you know, they're hard to get past.
I should go.
- Good to see you.
- Yeah.
- Bye.
- Bye.
- You wanted to talk? - I did.
I will admit it's not easy for me seeing you grow up, Amanda.
I still remember you riding on my shoulders.
- Daddy.
- What? Whatever you want to say, just say it, please.
Your mother told me about your plan to skip college this fall.
It's not a plan, it's a possibility.
Okay, possibility.
Whatever it is, I don't like it.
You worked hard to get in, Amanda.
You should go.
But I recognize that I can't force you.
Thank you.
But if you don't go, I will expect you to work.
You're going to have to cover clothing, gas, personal expenses.
I will not support you merely hanging out at home.
Is that it? Yeah.
You don't want to say anything? What is there to say? Okay.
What did I miss? I liked it better when she argued.
Mommy's home! And I got dinner.
Yay! Dinner! Mom's here! Mom's here! Hey.
Go get plates.
Did you listen to the show? - I did, yeah.
I listened.
- And? I want the chicken leg.
I call a drumstick.
- What? "Shooting off fireworks"? I can't believe you said that, Pamela.
Come on.
It was a joke.
Well, yeah, it's not a joke when you talk about our sex life on the radio.
You made it seem like I'm just here to service you.
Well, aren't you? Pamela.
What we do in private is private.
Okay? The guys in Delta are going to have a field day with this.
Look at me.
Look at me.
You humiliated me.
Think about it.
Would you like me talking about you like that on the radio? Okay, Mr.
Plan for the Future, - I took your advice.
- Yeah? What's that? That is Roxy's Bar and Grill.
Doesn't look like much, I know.
But with a little paint, a little sweat, she'll clean up real nice.
You are out of your mind, you know that? So you tell me.
But look.
My mama had one.
That's how she got Marda's Bar and Hair Salon.
So from now on, I'm going to take and put them in that jar for a down payment.
And then we can get a loan on the rest.
And I have you to thank for reminding me to be responsible for my dreams.
Yeah.
What is it? No, it's great, Rox.
But The Army is my job.
I thought you understood that.
I do.
We wouldn't buy it until after you've finished your term.
- Tour.
- Whatever.
Okay, Rox, there is always going to be another tour.
What do you mean? I mean, we're always going to be moving.
Every two or three years, wherever the tour is.
I mean, we can be in Louisiana, Korea, Germany But the point is, we're never going to be anywhere long enough for you to settle down and open up a bar.
I thought you understood that.
No.
Guess I didn't.
I mean, I knew the Army would be our whole life for a while.
I just didn't think it would be forever.
Well, he's a career guy.
I can't believe you didn't have that conversation before you got married.
Sorry.
I forgot who I was talking to.
So, when you married Chase, you knew that this was it? Oh, yeah.
But you never really know until you're in it.
Something wrong? It's stupid.
But Chase didn't like my radio show yesterday.
You mean the "twenty-one gun salute"? Yeah.
Yeah.
So what are you going to do? Well, it's not exactly like I can go on the air and apologize, so I don't know.
That's what I mean, Rox.
It's kind of hard to keep your identity here.
Denise.
- Hey, Roland.
- You didn't return my call.
Oh, sorry.
Busy day.
No problem.
I was just free for lunch.
No, I should get home.
Hey.
Is something wrong? I talked to Joan the other day and Hey, I don't really want to get in the middle of this, but she was hurt.
Did she say anything? She didn't have to.
You could just tell.
Roland, she said something happened.
And I got to tell you, it sounded like she meant an affair.
Oh, Roland.
It was a one-time thing.
Why? I've been asking myself that same question.
Roland, God.
You're my friend and I support you, but you cheated on your wife.
I know.
It's been all of us and you and And now I'm just another man.
Yeah, for the centerpieces, let's stay simple.
Tulips and Gerbera daisies.
And not so tall that people can't see over them.
My, my.
Planning your husband's promotion ceremony already? You certainly don't waste any time, do you? Lenore.
I stopped by to put this in your box, but since you're here It's just a few tips.
Like how I knew General Grayson loves pralines.
Great.
How thoughtful of you.
General Hartnett's wife did the same for me when I took over.
Well, I've got a thousand things to do.
I know we've had our differences, Claudia Joy.
Yes, we have.
But look at you.
You're beautiful, well-educated.
It just seems like everything comes so easily for you.
That's not necessarily true.
Oh, come on.
Some of us just aren't as privileged as others.
I have had to work hard for everything I've gotten in my life.
You've achieved a lot, Lenore.
I mean that.
I just hope now that you're retiring, you can enjoy it.
I'm not retiring, dear.
General Baker is the one who's quitting, not me.
I don't understand.
We're getting a divorce.
I'm so sorry.
Don't be.
He never appreciated anything I did for him anyway.
I'm looking forward to whatever comes next.
So, I better run.
Goodbye, Lenore.
Surely you know there are no goodbyes in the Army.
- That should do it for the day.
- Thank you, sir.
Colonel Burton.
That's not possible.
No, I'll handle it.
I'll be right there.
Head on down.
- Here you go.
- Heads up Sir.
Give him a hand.
Captain Bright? Lieutenant Colonel Burton.
What's wrong with the vehicles? They're supposed to be up-armor Humvees.
Well, they're not.
And you signed off on the order.
Let me see that.
All right.
My mistake.
- Options.
- We have to cancel the flight.
Wrong.
We can't do that.
- Ma'am, we don't have - How much time do we have? Six hours till wheels up.
I can get you the right vehicles here within the hour.
We need twelve hours turnaround.
You know that, Colonel.
Captain, it is vital that we get this equipment to Baghdad International.
Now, we're going to have to work together to make that happen.
I'm going to get on the horn to Motor T.
I'm going to be with you every step of the way until we're loaded.
You got that? - Yes, ma'am.
- Good.
Okay.
Let's get moving.
Hey.
The kids are at Roxy's.
I thought I would take you to dinner and make up for going on the air and telling the world that you are my sex machine.
I'm the one who's sorry.
Here.
There you go.
Okay.
What's gotten into you? Well, I was embarrassed and I overreacted a little.
And I'm suspicious.
Okay.
All right.
I'll give you that.
But, look, I went to work today.
And I had no idea that so many people listen to your show.
And? Well, let's just say I'm now known as the big man on post.
Wait a minute.
Your Delta buddies listen to the show? Yeah.
They said they secretly learn about their women from you.
Okay.
So, now it's okay because I gave you props in the man department? Does that make me shallow? Yeah, I think so.
Well, in that case, there's only one thing you got to do.
Oh, yeah? What's that? Live up to the hype.
I saw your car in the driveway.
Yeah.
Just here to pick up a few things.
Is this a good time to talk or do you still need space? - I'm just trying to figure things out.
- By yourself, Roland? I need you to have some patience, Joan.
I did, when I waited two years for you to get home.
Yeah, but you couldn't wait 30 days while I was in treatment.
I'm sorry.
I'm just frustrated.
Roland, I made a huge mistake at work today because I can't concentrate.
I'm too worried about what's going to happen with us.
Look Can't we make this work? When we got married, I put my life on hold for you.
And now, I need to start doing the things that I had in mind for my life.
I understand that.
But what do you want to do that we can't do together? I told you.
I want to settle down and have a family.
Now, if you take this promotion, you know we can't do that.
That is so unfair, Roland.
You know what an opportunity this is for me.
And I want you to take it, Joan.
I do.
You earned it.
But Is it unfair for me to want to be a father? Or to want my wife to be a mother? I'm tired, Joan.
I'm tired of fighting.
I'm tired of fighting too, Roland.
Let's just call this what it is.
It's not a separation.
It's a divorce.
Kids are sleeping late for once.
I'm sorry.
I just assumed you knew how I felt and I was wrong.
But we're a family and we need to make these decisions together.
Does that mean we won't be in the Army forever? We'll have to see.
But here's what I do know.
Whatever the future is, I want it to be with you.
Okay? When I'm overseas, this is what I want to be remembering.
This moment.
Right here.
Right now.
Mom, Dad.
What is it? Amanda's not in her room.
What? Where is she? I don't know where, but her makeup and her toothbrush are gone.
- Did you know about this? - No.
I swear.
No messages.
She'll call.
I'll call her friends, see if they know anything.
- This is the last thing I need right now.
- I know.
I'm calling Fort Benning.
If she's seeing Jeremy, I want to know about it.
Emmalin, not a word of this to anyone.
You understand? - Yes, Dad.
- All right.
Wow.
Place looks good as new.
Yeah.
Thanks to your friend.
Oncologist? St.
Luke's? M.
R.
I.
S? What's this all about? The doctor found a lump last week and they took a biopsy and it wasn't pretty.
You didn't tell me about that.
Well, it's no big deal until it's a big deal.
Now it's a big deal.
What are you going to do? Die, probably.
Betty.
Nobody gets out alive, kid.
Well, aren't you going to fight it? I would.
But I don't have any money, I don't have any insurance and we're talking thousands here for surgery and chemo.
I'm so sorry.
Do me a favor.
Name it.
Go take care of table number three over there, okay? Sir.
Understand there was a little excitement at the airfield last night.
Minor snafu.
All taken care of, sir.
Good.
Look.
I can only imagine how painful it is separating from your husband.
I'm ready to commit.
If the job were offered, sir.
Well Welcome aboard.
Thank you, sir.
We could put Major Masello at table three with Captain Richards.
Not a good idea.
What? Why? Charity golf tournament.
The Major's wife called the Captain's wife a balding clown.
And then the flying bagels appeared.
Okay, fine.
We'll put the Masellos at table six.
That should do it.
Are you okay? Why do you ask? Well, the flying bagels deserved some sort of response.
Amanda's gone.
She went to see Jeremy at Fort Benning.
- Are you sure? - Yes.
Michael had Jeremy's battalion commander call us as soon as she arrived.
I'm sorry.
I know this is a lot.
For both of us.
It is.
- That's not all, Denise.
- What is it? Lenore Baker told me something before she left.
Don't listen to her.
She said it's hard to know who to trust when you're the commander's wife.
Well, we knew you before you were the commander's wife, so you know you can trust us.
All right, Masellos at six.
Burton? - With us, up here at one, right? - Yeah.
Probably next to us.
Dr.
Samuels, thank you for calling me back, sir.
Listen, I've been thinking about your offer and I'm very much interested.
No.
Thursday's fine provided I can get a flight to Chicago.
Great.
I'll email to confirm.
Yes, sir.
I think a position at Northwestern could be exactly what I'm looking for.
Oh, no.
I am grateful for the opportunity.
Thank you.