American Gothic (1995) s01e19 Episode Script

So be it.
So be it.
So be it.
What you doing? Brushing my teeth.
Don't want no cavities.
This is a boy who's seen too much.
Mother raped, father a drunk and a murderer.
Sister dead.
Everything all right, Caleb? Yes, ma'am.
No wonder he's spooked.
Why are you doing that? So I can sleep.
So he's got his own ritual.
Don't like being watched.
A way to create a safe little world for himself.
You ever say prayers, Caleb? Nope.
Never? Me and Merlyn did sometimes.
We pretended we were saying good night to our mama.
We thought we could talk to her in heaven.
Well, I'm sure she heard you.
Once, I thought she answered.
What did she say? She said, "good night.
" Everyone needs to feel safe.
Some folks would lay all of Trinity's troubles at my doorstep, but hell might as well blame the trailer park for attracting lightning bolts and tornadoes.
I mean, I had a hand in certain things but everybody's got free will.
I just give them enough rope to hang themselves.
Course, their lives would be a whole lot easier if they'd just take my hand.
Night, Caleb.
Good night.
Just say yes.
Miss Holt! What's the matter with you? Listen.
What is that? That's just the Potato Boy.
The Potato Boy? The one and only.
What's the matter with him? Rose, go to bed! Okay, Mama.
He's deformed.
You never took communion? Well, do you good, Caleb.
Yes, ma'am.
Lord knows you need saving.
Rose, you let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
Yes, ma'am.
Ma'am? What is it? Do I have time for the bathroom? Lord.
All right.
Caleb, you find us seats.
Morning, Miss Holt.
Now, here's another ritual, and I suppose one's as good as the next.
Doesn't matter to me one way or the other.
The cup of wine that we bless is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread we break is it not the communion of the body of Christ? Whatever gets you through the night.
Or day.
Although, personally I believe Sunday morning's the emptiest time of the entire week.
Kind of sad, Ionely.
Even when you're all together, singing hymns and hallelujahs but part of your mind is still hardened against your neighbor in the next row.
Wondering whether Mrs.
Jones, there, in the flowered dress is a screamer or a squealer.
"This is my body.
Eat of it.
" Anyway, it's my day off.
I just leave them to their own devices.
"This is my blood.
Drink of it.
" When talking about their friends few people would include a bank on their list.
But people who've received loans from Trinity Bank just might make such a claim.
Why? It's our people, pure and simply.
How can a bank be a friend? Because we're there to help you.
Poor Ben.
He feels cheated.
Sold his soul and now he's all alone with what might have been.
Well, too bad.
Maybe if he'd really committed himself to his wife, she wouldn't be his ex.
But Ben's a fence-sitter.
He wants to be decisive, but he just lacks the balls.
Don't.
But not Selena.
She's got a whole trophy case full of balls, but still Okay.
Just please don't hang up before I can say Happy Birthday.
She's as Ionely as the next person.
Ah, well, life's a bitch.
Loneliness, isolation, fear of commitment fear of yourself.
"Because you are God's chosen ones "holy and beloved "clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy "with kindness, humility, meekness and patience.
"Bear with one another.
"Forgive whatever grievances you have against one another.
"Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you.
"Over all these virtues" Is that the Potato Boy's house? That's its nasty old self, all right.
My mama says they ought to burn it down scatter the ashes, burn it again dig up the earth, take it on a barge and dump it in the middle of the ocean.
Get out of here.
It's true.
They killed babies and drank blood and had Black Mass.
God, I never heard nothing about all that.
That's 'cause you're a country boy.
Folks don't talk about it much ever since the accident.
What accident? It's just called "the accident.
" My mama says it was God's punishment for their evil ways.
What punishment? The Potato Boy.
Long about 13 years ago, before we were born there was this girl who used to go out to the Warrens house.
Old man Warren took a shine to her and catched her and put her in the cellar.
Then he had a baby with her.
She died having the baby 'cause it weighed 30 pounds.
It was a monster.
It had no eyes, and it had big giant claws.
And that's the Potato Boy.
All he does is sing.
Day and night.
Well, sure, he's got to.
'Cause the Warrens got no TV.
It's him.
Let's get.
Tramp.
Such a whore.
What? What did you say? What did you say? Merly? What's the matter? He's so innocent.
Who is? The boy.
So beautiful and pure.
The Potato Boy? Just doesn't seem right, keeping him locked away like that.
Why not? He's a monster, ain't he? Merly.
Well, feelings of emptiness are part of the territory, Ben.
It's the modern condition.
Well, that's not very helpful.
You want help or insight? I want help.
Get all the insight I can stomach on the job.
From your partner? Well, we're not exactly partners.
But you do have a working relationship.
Oh, yeah, sure.
Full-time job, keeping my mouth shut and covering his ass.
About what, Ben? Oh, nothing.
You know, just sort of the usual work stuff.
I'm sure my time's up.
Well, almost.
Not quite.
You know, you're in a classic co-dependent relationship, Ben.
I'm glad you decided to follow the Sheriff's union guidelines and seek outside help.
If it'll do any good.
You know, between now and next time, I want you to consider the cost in personal terms of your extreme loyalty to Sheriff Buck.
Believe me, Doc, I have.
Every day of my life.
Miss Coombs? What is it? You okay? I'm fine, thank you.
You sure? I'm sorry.
You're the one who should be upset.
You mean about my grades? I know this has been a very hard year for you, Caleb.
Well, they weren't all that good before.
Well, I can help you.
If you spend some time after school with me.
I don't think so.
Well, why not? That's all anyone wants to do these days, is help me.
Doctor Crower, my cousin, Sheriff Buck, you.
When everybody's talking about helping you you start to feel kind of helpless.
Well, I'm not worried about you.
I know you're going to be just fine.
You're a nice lady, Miss Coombs.
Well, there's differences of opinion about that.
Are you Sheriff Buck's girlfriend? 'Cause if you are, I want you to ask him why he wants me to go live at his house.
What's he trying to do, start some scout troop? He's persistent, you got to give him that.
Oh, Caleb, we're supposed to be talking about you.
All right, then.
Now, what are we going to do about your grades? Pardon me for saying so, Miss Coombs but I don't give a beaver's butt about the Monroe Doctrine.
Neither do I.
What the heck you doing, Deputy? You know that's Emmet Wallace's car, Ben.
Now, what would he think if he came out of here and found a parking ticket on his windshield? I reckon he'd think that he'd better feed his meter next time he decides to shoot some pool.
You feeling okay, Ben? Maybe you ought to move into the shade.
I feel fine, Lucas.
And do me a favor, will you? Whatever kind of relationship you've got with Emmet Wallace you just keep me out of it, okay? Relationship? And thank you, dear Lord, for blessing us and blessing this fine meal, and watching over us.
Amen.
All right, dig in.
Don't like corn.
Since when? Since I seen it stuck between Billy Ray Duvall's teeth.
So, Dr.
Matt.
Hmm? You ever delivered a 30-pound baby? Uh-uh.
That's 'cause he's a Yankee.
Damn it! Caleb! Sorry.
Didn't anybody ever teach you any table manners? Knock, knock.
I didn't mean to interrupt.
Everybody like rhubarb? My Auntie Flynn ate rhubarb and they found her dead.
She was so bloated up, her eyes popped out.
Rose! Well, she's right.
Rhubarb's half poison and half sweet ambrosia.
No, thanks.
I'm full.
I'll bet you are.
Thank you, Sheriff.
You want to take a ride? Yeah.
No, Caleb, it's a school night.
That's why it's important not to wolf your food.
Let's go.
Let's go.
You're not going with him.
Yeah? You're not my daddy.
Sorry.
It's all right.
You're doing fine.
Don't take much.
It's power steering.
See there? No damage.
Sheriff Buck.
Lucas.
I was just thinking about what you said about the rhubarb.
What about it? That it's half poison and all that? Come on, I'm not gonna bite you.
Yeah, I mean, the first guy that ate it what was he thinking? He was probably thinking about how hungry he was.
It's like anything else, I guess.
It's just a matter of knowing how far you can go.
And how far is that? Easy.
Stop before you die.
You want to call it a night? If it's all right with you.
Anything you want's all right with me, Caleb.
I'm glad to spend the time with you.
Why? Why not? I know people have said a lot of things about me.
But I guess you can make up your own mind.
Besides, this is Trinity.
We take care of our own.
But last year, Goosie Chubb's mama got killed by a truck and you didn't spend no time with him.
Well, the honest truth was I never cared too much for Goosie Chubb.
That boy just plain old gave me the willies.
I can see that.
But there's no denying it, Caleb.
I feel a special connection with you.
Call it whatever you want to.
You know what a mentor is? Half-man, half-beast? That's a Minotaur.
A mentor is like a father.
A wise advisor.
You want to be my mentor? I'll help you find the way, Caleb.
Growing up's like groping in the dark.
Sometimes you need someone with a flashlight.
Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.
When was your last confession, my son? Don't know.
What is it that you wish to confess? I've taken the Lord's name in vain about 9,000 times.
That's just since I've been in Trinity.
I've lied.
I've lusted.
I've coveted.
Hated.
How much penance am I up to? Quite a bit.
Also Sorry, Father.
Go ahead.
No, it's not worth it.
Don't be so presumptuous, Dr.
Crower.
I thought this was supposed to be anonymous.
Matt, don't run away from this.
Have you ever been betrayed, Father? Yes.
Was there somebody who always promised that they'd start over again that they wouldn't hurt the people that they loved that they would not get overworked or distracted or peevish for nothing.
Those are all very human failings, unfortunately.
Somebody who found it easy, effortless, almost to send you straight to hell.
You don't think that you're capable of hating with such intensity.
With such energy.
It's an anger and a loathing of almost religious vigor.
How can a physician, a healer hate somebody else with such utter conviction? Who's talking about somebody else? Matt.
I once was lost But now am found Was blind But now I see Is someone there? I won't turn around.
I promise.
Please.
Oh, please.
Sing.
'Twas grace that taught My heart to fear Are you okay? You don't look okay.
You want me to call someone? I'm not all that well, actually.
You won't tell anyone.
Well, only if you die.
Fair enough.
What are you doing out here, Caleb? Thinking.
What about? The Monroe Doctrine.
Lot of people in this town looking out for you, Caleb.
Don't I know it.
It's good.
Good, good to have friends.
Yeah, it is.
You know, sometimes I think you're old enough to understand this sometimes people have their own reasons to be your friend.
I mean, they're looking out for themselves.
Know what I mean? I do.
Sad fact.
That's how you know it's true.
You're going to be all right, Caleb.
That's what Miss Coombs says.
She's my teacher.
Never mind about that.
Anyone ever gives you any trouble, you come to me.
I'm here for you, Caleb.
I don't want anything from you.
This is from the heart.
Anyone ever tries to hurt you, you come running.
You mean that? Spit shake in the graveyard.
Not a more sacred oath a man can make.
Amen.
Oh, good.
You brought your books.
Yes, ma'am.
Come in and make yourself comfortable.
I'm just getting myself some coffee.
You haven't developed a taste for it yet, have you, Caleb? Ma'am? Coffee.
Okay.
Oh, how would you like it? Don't know, ma'am.
Haven't had it yet.
I mean, would you like some milk and sugar? Yea, ma'am, I would.
Thank you.
You can relax, Caleb.
I ain't gonna bite you.
Least not where it shows.
We're not in school, Caleb.
True, I am going to help you with your homework, but we can also spend a pleasant afternoon as friends.
Get to know each other.
You know what I'm saying? Yes, ma'am.
Now, why don't you get out your history book? Why don't we start with John Quincy Adams? Secretary of the State to James Monroe.
Sixth president, 1825 to 1829.
He had an unhappy, ineffective administration.
Compton's Encyclopedia? Yeah.
I guess you've heard it a lot.
I guess I have.
How's your coffee? Good.
You don't have to drink it, Caleb.
Caleb.
That's a Bible name.
I know.
"But my servant, Caleb, because he had another spirit with him "and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land of Canaan.
" Wow.
Did you know that Caleb was a prince? He was a favored son of the Hebrews.
And he and Joshua were the only ones to survive the 40 years in the desert.
True and strong.
The only ones who survived.
You read the Bible, Miss Coombs? Well, you seem surprised by that.
Just asking.
Well, I used to.
Why'd you stop? I found more interesting material.
American history? No, Caleb.
You want to know the cost? All right.
Every morning, when I wake up, my guts are tied up in a knot.
While I'm shaving I wonder what it'd be like just to slice my face up so I wouldn't have to go to work that day.
Then I wonder what it would be like to slice his face.
Well, what do you think? I think I'm a coward.
Why do you think that? 'Cause I wear a gun and he doesn't.
And while we're driving around in that damn car, I could just take my weapon out and just turn it on him.
Just bam! Just like that.
Aren't there other options? Oh, yeah, there's other options.
There's me wetting my pants whenever he plays his damn mind games with me.
Because I can't You can't what? I can't Can't what, Ben? I can't turn him in for killing that poor Temple girl! Do you have anything to eat? Anything you want.
I got RCs Moonpies, half a muffoletta the heads of some students from last year.
Just kidding.
Oh, here we go.
You want to do the honors? Yes, ma'am.
You be careful, now.
Should I cut it sideways or longways? You know, maybe I should help you.
It's okay.
I can do it.
You sure it's ripe? Only one way to find out.
It's gonna be all right.
It's gonna be all right.
My hand.
It's gonna be all right.
It hurts.
I know it does.
The hand is very sensitive.
It's gonna hurt like hell, but it's gonna be all right.
You want to let go and cry, you just go right ahead.
Cry.
I'm sorry.
Maybe we'd better take a look at it.
No.
All right.
Whenever you're ready.
Whenever I got hurt, this is what my daddy would do.
Lord, I want to be more holy In my heart In my heart In my heart Lord, I want to be more holy In my heart Lord, I want To be more loving You okay, Miss Coombs? What the hell is going on here, Selena? And what are you doing here, son? Robbing the cradle, aren't we? Nothing happened, Lucas.
You have to spoil everything.
Listen to me.
Listen to me.
I know how it is.
You'd do almost anything for a little intimacy.
For a little kind attention.
You do things that you never thought you'd do.
I just needed to be with someone.
I'm sure it was good for Caleb, too.
You know, boys never forget their first time.
You son of a bitch.
Reverend! Reverend! Help me, please! Is somebody here? Help me! Open the door! Reverend! There you go, Emmet.
Double or nothing.
Afternoon.
How are you? Sorry I'm late, Ben.
Well, how we doing? Ben couldn't make it tonight, Dr.
Perry.
So he offered his time to me.
That's the kind of relationship we have.
Actually, I have another Another patient? I appreciate it, Doctor.
See, I'm having trouble keeping a secret, and Well, it's eating me up inside, to tell you the truth.
What secret? See, I found out that a certain person in our little town was living a double life, I guess you'd call it back when he was practicing psychiatry in Atlanta.
I mean, I've read about those cases where disturbed children are treated with a kind of hands-on approach by overzealous professionals.
Stop it.
But for someone who actually participated in that unforgivable behavior to show up in Trinity And what do you intend to do with this information, Sheriff? What do you intend to do with yours, Dr.
Perry? That's what I thought.
Father? This is the house of God.
I thought I know it's too late, but Get out! Please Father, I am Go! Father, I Go! I'm sorry, Father.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Selena my poor baby.
Is anybody there? My soul shall quit This mournful vale And soar to worlds on high I can see you.
Merly? Is he all right, Merly? He's among friends.
But he's dying.
There are worse things that could happen, Caleb.
I am bound for the promised land I am bound for the promised land Oh, who will come and go with me I am bound for the promised land You want to tell me about it? Maybe some other time.
I don't feel like it right now.
Okey-doke.
When you're ready to trust me.
I can wait.
Trust is always a very important and powerful element of human nature, Caleb.
In my work, I use it almost as currency.
I feel everyone deserves my trust unless they prove otherwise.
You'll find that as you grow and deal with more and more new people this becomes very important.
And how do you know who to trust? There's some people, tell you it's the eyes.
Everything you ever wanted to know about a man is written in his eyes.
And what do you say? What I say is be careful what you see in a man's eyes.
Might not be the truth.
How's school going, Caleb? Fine.
How's the hospital? It's good.
Are we good liars, or what? The best.
No hard feelings? No hard feelings.
Caleb, you brush your teeth? No, ma'am.
Well, don't you think you should? So be it.