Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street (2014) s01e13 Episode Script

I've lived my whole life
on Normal Street.
There's a lake at one end,
and a forest of shady trees
at the other.
But what lies in between
is anything but normal.
Gortimer: Yeah. Egg gave us a
really good deal on supplies.
We all got matching
life preservers,
for Gardener, too.
Dad says you can never be
too safe in a canoe.
He's right.
Oh, um, I picked up some
muffins from Ranger's bakery.
[sniffs]
Blueberry.
How thoughtful.
Just to say thanks for letting
my dad stay with you.
Your father
is intelligent company.
I really miss him
when he leaves.
I'm sure you will,
too, Gortimer.
Yeah, it's our last day.
I'm really gonna make
the day count.
It's the same thing I saw
with the ON5787 cases
in Mongolia.
Right. The cattle drank
from the same river downstream
from the factory, and it went
south very quickly after that.
We can not let
that happen again.
Oh, be sure to CC Javier
and me with the lab reports.
What?
They can only do it
this morning?
No, it's okay.
It's fine.
I can do it.
Uh, okay.
Thanks, Carol.
Great work. Bye.
It's fine.
- If you will excuse me.
- May I help?
Oh, stop acting
like a boy scout.
I can find my way
round my own home.
Jeez, what does she have
against boy scouts?
- [both chuckle]
- Look, Gortimer.
You know I wouldn't do this if
it wasn't very important, right?
You're on vacation.
Can't someone else do it?
I'm sorry.
But the last time we went
to the lake, it was
so much fun.
Actually, that was one of the
best days of my entire life.
It even ended with a rainbow.
Do you remember that?
Yeah, I think it was
the first rainbow I ever saw.
I will never forget you
looking at it and smiling.
it's funny how a rainbow,
just a little trick
of the light,
can make all the difference
in the world.
It was awesome.
That was really a simpler time,
wasn't it, Gortimer?
You know,
before the divorce,
before my job became insane.
[phone buzzes]
Oh, no.
I'm sorry.
This is bad.
Do you ever think
about quitting?
Listen, son.
Guys like you and me,
we help people who need help.
That is who we are.
Hi, Claire, it's me.
Uh, listen, I have to cancel
the plans for the lake today,
uh, but I can keep Gardener
with me while I work.
I'm not happy about it either,
but there's nothing I can do.
Catherine:
And on a personal note,
it has been an honor for me
to share my findings with you
today here at the Capitol.
I'd like to thank
all of our visitors
from the United Nations.
I've admired your work
for my whole life,
particularly your commitment
to advancing climatology
research.
And I'm truly humbled
to be here.
Thank you from the bottom
of my heart.
- Catherine, that was great.
- Really?
I was so nervous.
I'm getting dizzy just
thinking about tonight.
So nervous Catherine is pretty
much the same as non-nervous
Catherine.
Mel: You're going
to be incredible.
Your research already
speaks for itself.
This is the opportunity
of a lifetime.
Catherine:
You're right.
Thanks, Mel.
[chuckles]
- Good luck.
- Thanks.
Bye, guys.
I thought you were going
to the lake.
Dad had to cancel.
- Do you wanna ride bikes?
- Or hit the comic book store?
Ranger:
Or maybe have a lizard race.
Mel:
They don't race
so much as flee.
Ranger:
Snails then?
How about rocks?
What's making that?
The crystal.
It's refracting sunlight.
This is perfect.
This could actually work.
What could?
Mel, can we make this bigger,
like actual rainbow sized?
Gentlemen,
it is time to science.
Mel:
Ranger, we need you
on batteries.
Big or small,
we just need quantity.
I'll tackle the lenses,
of course.
And Gortimer,
you're on miscellany.
If you think we can use it,
we can.
Just confirming
we're on target
to bounce the beam
off Lake Normal.
All right, here we go.
Rainbow in three,
two, one.
- [switch clicks]
- [machinery whirring]
[loud whirring]
[groans]
[power decreases]
What happened?
Light leak
caused by excess photons.
Wait. I think I might have
x-ray vision.
[sighs]
Nope.
There it is.
Wow.
Look at that.
Could you believe that?
We were just--
Yeah. It's amazing.
- You like it?
- Do I like it?
It's a rainbow.
- Have you ever seen
a rainbow?
- No.
No? So this is
a very special day.
- [ringtone plays]
- That's gotta be Carol.
Hi, Carol.
Um, yeah, listen,
about that conference call,
I'm gonna wanna
postpone that.
Uh, let's say 11:30
my time.
Uh, yeah, something just--
Something just came up.
Okay, great.
Thanks. Bye.
- Are you sure?
- Am I sure?
We're going to the park.
We can't pass this up.
[both laugh]
- Two for two.
- Yeah!
- Good shot.
- Good one.
Come hold my hand.
This way.
Okay, all right,
I'm up again.
You seem really happy.
Well, you know,
at this moment,
I have absolutely nothing
to complain about.
I'm back on Normal Street,
my favorite place in the world.
And I'm with you guys,
my favorite people in the world.
And we are standing
under an actual rainbow.
- Pretty nice.
- Yeah.
I wish it could always be
like this.
Me, too.
[both laugh]
Well, maybe it can.
Really?
Oh, that's too bad.
The conference call.
Oh, no, that's not good.
If I don't talk
to those toxicologists--
Actually, no,
that's not gonna work.
Uh, Gortimer, we need to get
your brother back to your mom.
Like now.
Come on, let's go.
It was all so weird.
One minute, he was really
relaxed and happy.
And then the rainbow
started fading,
and it was all
about work again.
Sorry, Gortimer.
Isn't there any way we can
keep the rainbow going?
Just for a little bit longer?
I hardly ever see
this side of him.
So you're saying
that the rainbow
makes him
artificially content?
- That seems--
- Wrong?
No, don't think of it
like that.
Think of it like, uh,
like more of, um,
like we're trying
to give him a vacation,
which is what he's trying
to do anyway
if work didn't keep
getting in the way.
I have reservations.
You always have reservations.
Ranger, what do you think?
I have reservations.
Come on.
But what if there's
side effects?
This was only supposed
to be a nice gesture.
That made my dad
incredibly happy?
Isn't that what
everyone wants, anyway?
Please, Mel, it's the last day
my dad's here.
[machinery clattering]
You know,
I'm not gonna work today.
I'm on vacation,
for Pete's sake.
- I'd love a vacation.
- You should take one, Claire.
You work so hard around here,
you deserve a vacation.
Gortimer, true or false?
Your mother
should take a vacation.
True.
- Yep.
- You know what?
- I'm gonna do it.
- Fantastic.
Hey, how about that rainbow?
It's still going.
Yeah, pretty incredible.
Are you done with
that conference call?
Huh?
Oh.
Yeah, uh,
you know what, Gortimer?
I think I overreacted before
about that lab report.
It's really not
that big a deal.
You know, I just made
the call short and sweet.
Hey, speaking of sweet,
you wanna get some ice cream?
Yeah.
Everyone does seem happy.
I still have reservations.
Hey, guys.
- Where are you going?
- The park.
- But what about your speech?
- It just hit me.
They don't need
to listen to me.
It's like you said,
my research speaks for itself.
I'm just gonna sit under
this rainbow and relax
with some Dostoevsky.
But it's the United Nations.
Wait. Why is my mom's car
at Gortimer's house?
And that's my mom's car.
Well, you didn't have to eat
the whole sundae in a bucket.
[chuckles]
Mom usually stops me.
I wanted to see how far
I could actually go.
Well, do what makes you happy.
Hey, you guys ready
for my next inspiration?
- No more food.
- No.
A Normal Street block party.
When are we ever gonna have
a rainbow like that again?
We should be
celebrating together.
Here.
Start calling
everyone you know.
Go! And tell them
we're having a party.
[both chuckle]
Oh! Hey, guys!
Your moms are here.
- Here you go.
- Thanks so much.
You won't be sorry.
[chuckling]
Hey, amigos.
We were just out
collecting an investment
for our new startup.
It's an app that helps you
find your keys
if you forget where they are.
It's called the--
I forgot where
I left my keys app.
[chuckles]
Oh, hey, Mel.
You should call us about
employment opportunities,
'cause we're generally unclear
about how to make an app.
- [snaps fingers]
- See ya.
So we're gonna stay in
a nice little B&B near
the main park,
and then we'll take mules
down in the canyon.
Okay, how cute is Gardener
gonna be on a mule? Right?
I know. I'm so excited.
The Grand Canyon is
so classic.
- Oh, I know.
- Hey, kids!
Mom, why aren't you
at the bakery?
Oh, I had to close it
for the day.
But it's never been closed
a day in my life.
I needed some time
to rethink the menu.
See, I had an idea.
What do you think?
Vicki, it's genius.
There's no good sushi
on Normal Street.
- Right?
- But we're bakers.
No, I run a bakery.
That doesn't mean
I can't also make good sushi.
Although you bring up
a good point.
It wouldn't hurt to brush up
on my knife skills.
[gasps]
That's it.
We'll do it.
- Do what?
- We're going
to Tokyo for research.
- Ah!
- All of Claire's travel
conversation's contagious.
Okay, wait. I have never
climbed Mt. Fuji.
- We're going, too.
- Mom!
- That is if it's okay with you.
- Yes! The more, the merrier.
Okay, Mel,
you're gonna love this.
- But what about your job?
- Oh, honey
I've been wanting to take
a sabbatical for so long,
I can't even tell you.
This is perfect.
I am gonna go call
work right now.
Good for you, Laura. Yes.
[overlapping chatter]
Right. Normal Street Park,
in the back.
And bring whatever
makes you happy.
Sweetie, great news.
Next month, you me,
and Gardener
- are going to--
- [snaps fingers]
Drumroll, please.
- The Grand Canyon.
- No way!
- What?
- Yes!
Gortimer:
Mom, that's incredible!
What a fantastic idea!
Um, I wanna hear
all about it,
- but I'll be right back.
- Okay.
- How did this come up?
- Oh, my gosh.
[overlapping chatter]
The Grand Canyon.
Can you guys believe it?
- No.
- What's wrong with him?
He's going to Japan.
So am I, apparently.
And you're not excited?
Ranger, you're literally going
to the land of the ninjas.
Grow up, Gortimer.
What's going on with you guys?
Gortimer, doesn't this all seem
a little sudden to you?
Has your mom ever wanted
to go to the Grand Canyon?
Um, she's mentioned it.
I don't know what
you've been doing all day,
but it's pretty clear
that nothing is normal.
Your mom invested
in Egg and Fred's mobile app
startup, by the way.
- She what?
- Yep. Wrote them
a big, fat check.
Huh.
Maybe.
Maybe you guys
are overreacting.
- What?
- Come on, it'll be fine.
Just trust me.
Oh, sorry. I gotta
go make some more calls.
We're having a block party,
and you're both invited.
Someone needs
a reality check.
Everyone needs
a reality check.
But not you, not me.
Why is that?
It must have something
to do with the flash.
Our eyes were overstimulated.
They responded by lowering
their sensitivity to light.
Right, I'm still seeing
the spots,
but why is Gortimer
acting so weird?
He's just in denial.
So besides you and me,
there are no other rational
people left on Normal Street.
We see the rainbow differently
than everyone else,
so we're the only ones
not affected by it.
Not the only ones.
Something is afoot
on Normal Street.
Afoot.
It's an old-timey saying.
I thought you'd relate to it.
Perhaps you are referring
to the fact
that all of Normal Street
seems to have gone quite mad.
- Now, what is this
really about?
- Well
We made a rainbow machine
that made everyone happy.
And now, everyone's doing
whatever they want
instead of doing the things
they're supposed to be doing,
like baking
or not reading Dostoevsky.
There were unintended
consequences.
So this is why I didn't get
any mail today,
and why there was nobody
at the mini-market,
and the bus isn't running.
We just wanted to help
Gortimer's dad enjoy
his time off.
Happiness isn't as simple
as a switch
that you can turn on and off.
But it means so much
to Gortimer.
Nobody is happy all the time.
Shut down this machine
immediately.
You cannot have a rainbow
without the rain.
All right,
see you there.
Okay, everyone's
spreading the word.
No, you keep that.
You want me to hold on
to it for you?
Uh, yeah, yeah,
you keep that.
I-- I don't
need that anymore.
Well, what about work?
How are you gonna get
your lab reports
and talk
to the toxicologists?
This phone is--
it's, like, your life.
I've missed so much.
And it's all gone by
in a blink.
Every time I come home,
your brother is
a different person.
And you, you're, I mean,
you're a teenager.
I'm the father of a teenager.
But today--
I don't know, today
it just seems
so obvious to me.
I don't want to miss any more.
[both chuckle]
My dad's moving back!
He's buying a house!
What about his job?
He's super-smart,
he'll figure it out.
Gortimer,
we have to say something,
and you're not gonna like it.
Please try to understand.
It's the rainbow.
It's not just your dad.
- It's affecting everyone.
- What's so bad about that?
Deep down, you know exactly
what's so bad about that.
You're just not
thinking clearly.
This is pointless,
just turn it off.
Whoa! But if you turn it off,
then my dad will change
his mind about the house.
That's just it,
it's something
he would never do.
You can't trick him
into moving back here.
He's happy!
All I do is try
and help other people.
I've never wanted
anything except this,
except for to have my dad here
like both of you do.
You don't know what it's like.
You don't get to decide.
I want you to unplug
the machine.
No.
Okay.
Thank you.
We'll just have
to do it for you.
Wait!
You guys are my best friends.
Don't do this to me.
I'm sorry.
- [machine powering down]
- No!
What is wrong with you?
You knew what that meant to me,
and you did it anyway!
You ruined my life!
We're not friends anymore!
Ranger? Ranger,
come look at this.
What happened?
We pulled the plug.
How can it
still be there?
This is bad.
Really bad.
This isn't enough.
We need more collateral.
How much can you get
if you sell the store?
- Plenty.
- Yeah!
Gortimer, Stanley the One-Man
Drum Band is going on tour.
Every school in the county.
All killer, no filler.
Tell my mom where I am.
Catherine?
Hey! What a day, right?
What about your
United Nations thing?
What? Oh! I didn't go.
I don't do that kind
of thing anymore.
[horn honking]
Gortimer! We moved up the trip!
We're leaving tomorrow!
Gregory, you've been an
epidemiologist for 15 years.
Are you really going
to throw all of that away?
People depend upon you.
Well, I think I've given
more than my share.
It's time for me to put
myself first for once.
But you've saved
countless lives.
- Your job is vital.
- I'm tired of my job!
It's not who I am!
It's not who I am.
Dad?
Hey, there you are.
I was looking for you.
So, listen,
I've been thinking.
After we close
on the new house,
we put in a swimming pool.
It'll be just like old times.
You and your brother
can come hang out
with me whenever you want.
Gortimer, you'll have
two houses on Normal Street.
Who can say that?
And bring your friends over
at any time.
What do you say?
Dad?
I love you.
I love you, too.
What--
You do all this crazy
incredible work.
[thunder rumbles]
And it's important.
And I know that, I do.
I'm proud of you.
And it would be really, really
great if you lived here--
I mean, really great, but
you don't.
You don't live here.
You live all over, and that's--
that's just how it is.
It's not up to me
to change that.
[thunder rumbles]
Gortimer, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry
I've been gone so much.
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
You know, when I think about
all I do have in my life,
I'm a pretty lucky guy.
I have you,
and I have Mom and Gardener
and Normal Street.
Don't forget
your two best friends.
What is it?
I said something
I wish I could take back.
It's gonna be okay.
No, you don't understand.
Gortimer, look.
I'm sorry.
Sorry about that.
If we leave now,
can we get there in time?
Great. Thanks, Mom.
Sorry.
So are you keeping the RV?
No, I'm returning it
tonight.
[chuckles]
What were you thinking?
[chuckles]
I have no idea.
- There you go.
- Come here, bud.
[sighs]
Gortimer.
Yesterday you said
that you were proud of me.
That means a lot.
But you should know, son,
that I am prouder of you
than anything in the world.
So you have a little piece
of rainbow wherever you go.
You're such an amazing kid,
I can hardly believe it.
[engine starts]
I want to take care
of Gardener tonight.
You take the night off.
Have a vacation to do whatever.
- You don't have to--
- I want to.
I want to be here
for Gardener and for you.
You are.
Of course, I'm still
taking you up on that offer.
I feel older.
You're growing up.
I guess I am.
When the night has come ♪
And the land is dark ♪
And the moon ♪
Hey, I have this great idea.
I was thinking maybe I could
train a dolphin to be a ninja.
Where are you gonna
get a dolphin?
The ocean.
- [chuckles]
- No?
Okay, so here's
what I'm thinking.
So, we get a dolphin, right?
I won't be afraid ♪
Just as long ♪
As you stand ♪
Stand by me ♪
So darling, darling ♪
Stand by me ♪
Oh, stand by me ♪
Won't you stand ♪
Stand by me ♪
Stand by me ♪
If the sky ♪
That we look upon ♪
Should tumble and fall ♪
All the mountains ♪
Should crumble ♪
To the sea ♪
I won't cry ♪
Oh, I won't cry ♪
No, I won't shed a tear ♪
Just as long ♪
As you stand ♪
Stand by me ♪
So darling, darling ♪
Stand by me ♪