Melrose Place s01e25 Episode Script
2392025 - Irreconcilable Similarites
Look at this gorgeous day.
We're living in paradise.
My sense of sight doesn't kick in till 11.
00.
You're not a night person or a morning person At noon I'm a regular whirling dervish.
We have a couch, you know, and chairs, all very functional.
Good morning.
Remember? You forgot.
If you're looking for your laundry, it's folded in the closet, second shelf.
- You didn't have to do that.
- I like doing it.
It's nice to take care of someone else.
This is like culture shock.
- Alison never did anything for me.
- I guess she wasn't in love with you.
Call me at work.
- Bye-bye.
- Bye.
In a perfect world, we wouldn't be having this conversation at all.
But they need me in Seattle by Monday.
If I could push it back, I would in a second.
And I'm worried.
You still can't get behind the wheel of a car.
No kidding.
In L.
A.
, it's drive or perish.
That's not what I meant.
No, you mean that if I don't go with you now, I never will.
I only want what you want.
It'd be so much easier if you didn't always say the perfect thing.
I know it hasn't been fair making you wait like this.
Look at me, I'm not happy here.
This city is beautiful.
But for the past week since they took your car, I feel swallowed up, angry and cynical.
With you gone, I'll be angry and lonely.
There's no decision really.
I will go to Seattle with you, Keith.
I think we'll be very happy there.
Thank you.
Alison, Lucy was looking for you.
She wouldn't say why.
Boatwright revisions is my guess.
- You were a little late.
I was worried.
- I'm fine.
Is Billy moving out the rest of his stuff? Yeah.
Today or tonight.
I'm not sure which.
- Are you OK? - I'm fine.
I'm great, in fact.
Today's my last day, Amanda.
I'm leaving D & D.
Keith and I are moving to Seattle on Monday morning.
I'm very excited.
Lucy will find you a new partner.
You can relax.
This has nothing to do with you and Billy.
- I wasn't thinking that.
- Yes, you were.
- No.
I'm just shocked and disappointed.
- Oh, please.
I am.
Why can't you just admit that you're relieved? You have this whole businesswoman act down to a tee, but everything you say is a disguise for something else.
And I'm tired of it.
Everyone is tired of it.
Everyone except Billy.
You want directness, honesty? Fine.
Your leaving is the best news I've heard all week.
Alison, don't forget your raincoat.
Man, life out here's the greatest.
Oh, yeah, world's best hospital, pristine beaches, all this sunshine.
What? You're only in town for two days? - Who is that? - Sam Towler.
Hi, Sammy.
What? Oh, yeah, she's great.
California agrees with her.
Yeah, gorgeous as ever.
Tonight? Oh, no way, man.
I'm on call right through the weekend.
- He wants to have dinner tonight.
- I'll go.
Oh, wait, go with Jane.
She can catch you up, you can catch her up, and then she'll catch me up.
All right? Terrific.
Look, man, I gotta go.
All right, here's Jane.
Yeah, you too, man.
- Bye, sweetie.
- All right.
Hey, Sammy, are you bald yet? Oh, really? - You sure this is worth it? - You're getting dinner.
Anything for a free meal.
God, this is ugly.
This is the most comfortable chair on earth.
And I've written some of my best stuff in this chair.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Jake was helping me with the rest of my stuff.
I left the key on the kitchen counter.
I can get it from here.
Watch your toes.
I wasn't sure about some of the books.
So the ones in doubt, I just left them.
- They found Keith's car.
- That's great.
It was totally stripped.
There's almost nothing left of it.
Bummer.
You may as well know, I'm moving too.
Out of the city, with Keith, to Seattle.
He got a new job.
Monday.
We're leaving Monday.
Just because his car got stripped? That's not the point.
What about your job? What about your life? I've considered that.
It was a very hard decision, but I think this is the answer.
What's the question? I'm a little confused here.
- What's the problem? - There's no problem.
This is not a problem.
Alison's moving to Seattle with Keith.
Have you told your boss yet? I couldn't tell her to her face.
- Thought you were leaving on Monday.
- Look, guys, this is my decision.
It's my decision, and I made it, and that's that.
So if you don't mind, I'm gonna go tell Michael and get boxes, all that stuff.
I'm telling you.
You know, I keep thinking, I chose the wrong major.
What? You've done so well.
No, I do fine until I get bored.
Just like in school.
Easily distracted.
- I remember your parade of women.
- Parade? Sammy, I can't think of one of their names.
You can't, and I try not to.
Jane, remember in school when we'd go on those double dates? I think my sole purpose was to get your approval, and it was always thumbs down.
Well, I figured none of them were good enough for you.
Or maybe it was selfish.
Michael and I liked having you to ourselves.
Confession time.
The reason I never stayed with any of those women was because none of them was enough like you.
Moving on No, Sam, come on, that was years ago.
I mean, I thought about it too, the two of us.
And I think there was a time I had a little crush on you.
But I was never Michael.
- He's a great guy.
- Yeah.
He is.
- So more wine? - Yes.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
OK, thanks a lot.
Well, we're all set.
The 9.
00 flight Monday morning.
I couldn't get us out of LAX, so it's Valley Airport.
- This is all happening so fast.
- I know.
- I haven't looked into jobs.
- Plenty of time for that.
You'll take some time off, find us a place to live.
It'll take us at least a month to get settled.
- I am gonna work.
- Of course you are.
I want that very clear.
I am not the homebody type.
I have worked hard to get this career off the ground, to launch myself, very hard.
A lot of telephones and typing and general crap.
And I cannot sit around and push things aside, delaying my life, - for you, or anyone.
- Hey! I want you to work.
I can't possibly support both of us.
I guess this is what you call a panic attack.
- What's this? - A counterattack.
- You're changing the subject.
- Exactly.
All Billy does is talk about you guys, and everyone else in the building.
Sometimes I think he's homesick.
For what? There'll be strangers in my apartment.
- I can't believe Alison's doing this.
- If it's what she wants Well, she doesn't have any idea what she wants.
- More rice, anyone? - Yeah, I agree, this is not Alison.
Talk to her.
She won't listen to me.
No woman should ever give up everything for a man.
This romantic notion is drummed into our heads.
It's this '50s mentality that doesn't work in a two-paycheck world.
She works on these speeches late at night.
Would you get another bottle of wine? Jo's glass is empty.
OK.
I absolutely hate this thing.
Do you have a back bedroom you could stick it in? There's no room.
I don't know what to tell Billy.
- What don't you know what to tell me? - The chair, she hates it.
I know you love it, and it holds fond memories for you, but look at it.
- It's old and ugly.
- OK, it's just a chair.
- I'll get rid of it.
- Tonight? Maybe Jake can help you take it down to the dumpster.
It's your call, Billy.
- Are you sure about this? - What? Why wouldn't I be sure? It's your chair.
You start sacrificing things important to you before you're ready I'm ready.
Hell, I'm living with her.
Just trying to save you from that freak-out, when you feel like you're drowning.
- Do I look like I'm drowning? - You're still in the honeymoon phase.
Your head's above water.
Eventually you'll go under.
Relationships are about sacrifices.
I'd gladly sacrifice this for the woman I love.
So, what's next? Your old tennis shoes? Your old soccer jersey that you live in? A night out with the guys? Listen to you.
What happened to the new sensitive Jake? Yeah, well, look, this is man to man.
She's a beautiful woman, but she likes to be in control.
OK, so you give up this chair for her.
Tell me something, what'd she give up for you? I'm not keeping score.
Well, I'll tell you, if I were you, I'd start.
- It is cold.
- It's freezing.
My lips are blue.
Jane, are my lips blue? - Purple.
- Purple? - Well, it's your fault.
- Sam, it's your fault.
You're right, it is my fault.
I never should've talked you into putting the top down.
I felt I needed that topless L.
A.
Experience one time before I left.
Oh, God, I know what you mean.
I'm sorry.
No, I'm not sorry.
Why should I be sorry about something I've wanted to do for years? Maybe because Michael's your oldest and dearest friend.
I knew there was a reason.
I re-apologize.
Re-apology accepted.
I guess inviting you up for a drink Would be way too tempting.
'Night, Jane.
Jane? Jane? Sweetie.
- You're up early.
- It's almost 9.
00.
Really? You got in so late.
- How was last night? - Last night? It was fine.
- Sam's OK? What'd you do? - We had dinner at the beach.
Honey, can we talk later? - Yeah, I'll try to get home early.
- OK.
And don't forget, we've got to get started with Alison's going-away party.
I'm telling everyone Stoney Point in Malibu.
Good idea.
Go back to sleep.
- Hey, Jo.
- Oh, hi.
- Alison.
- Jo, do you want this? The more I give away, the less I have to move.
Well Alison, we're throwing you a party, if that's cool.
Oh, don't go to any trouble.
You know this place, any excuse for a party.
You and Jake bring firewood.
Jane and I will bring refreshments.
It's gonna be an old-fashioned beach party.
And tomorrow at 6.
30, so don't be late.
I wish they weren't making such a big deal.
This is a big deal, this move and setting up house with a guy.
Being in love makes it easier.
But look who's talking.
I decided to leave New York, packed and was gone the same afternoon.
But I was falling out of love.
It's too early for this.
I've still got three ten-minute miles ahead of me.
So enjoy the lamp, and goodbye.
Oh, great, Nosferatu! Restored and uncut with an introduction and commentary by Stephen King.
Tonight we're having dinner with my father.
We just had dinner with him last week.
- Can't you cancel? - He's only in town for the night.
You don't understand.
This is a classic.
One of the greatest films of all time.
An inspiration to Hitchcock and Coppola.
- Can't you tape it? - I will tape it, while we watch it.
- We'll get popcorn.
This is an event.
- An event? Yeah, your father comes every week.
I was gonna tell him that we're living together.
So tell him you had a work emergency.
What he doesn't know isn't gonna hurt us.
- So, what time does this opus begin? - Nine o'clock.
Leave the preparations to me.
- I gotta go for a run.
- Why are you taking your car? Because I'm going to Melrose.
I get lost around here.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Hey! Here's a coincidence.
I don't know.
Usual route, usual time So how's it going? Scary to think that everything you own fits in the back quarter of a moving van.
Yeah, it's even scarier when it fits in the back of a cab.
Things going well with you and Amanda? Oh, yeah.
Yeah, it's wonderful.
Terrific.
- You'll never guess what's on tonight.
- Nosferatu.
Made a mental note.
- When we stayed up to watch? - My introduction to horror films.
I don't know if it was the movie or the popcorn, but I had nightmares for a week.
- I'll have to get Keith to watch it.
- Yeah, I've already cornered Amanda.
Look, they're having this party for me down at the beach.
Oh, yeah, well, yeah, Mike called.
I'll definitely be there.
How about we get some coffee, cappuccino? I can't.
I'm meeting Keith at the beach.
- All right, well, I'll see you.
- All right.
Wrong way.
Won't find garbage like this in Seattle.
If there's no pollution, are you gonna have anything to do? Don't worry.
They're planning on working my butt off.
- Good, it's getting a little soft.
- Hey! That's the first thing that goes in a marriage.
Speak for yourself.
I've never been married.
I haven't even considered it.
- I wasn't proposing, Alison.
- I know.
It's just scary.
The words come so easily to you.
Love.
Marriage.
Like buying a new wardrobe.
You just slip into them.
- Is this more last-minute panic? - No.
I'm concerned.
What? That what? That this is some indication of my secret compulsive nature? That I just bounce around through life without a plan? Alison When I find something that's right, that I know that I want, I grab onto it, and I don't let it get away.
I'll tell you something else.
If you think too much, the opportunities will slip past you.
I'm not arguing with that.
I'm just saying, I can't fall in love so quickly, so completely.
I need time and air and, yeah, a lot of thought.
That's what's so great about Seattle.
We'll have nothing but time.
Just the two of us with no distractions.
Come here.
- Hi, honey.
- Hi.
My great-aunt Celia died, I inherited $10 million we didn't know she had, and all of this is to celebrate.
- No reason.
Could you get the light? - Sure.
- Come with me.
- Yes? Nothing I forgot? Birthday, anniversary? No reason, just to welcome you home.
- So how are things at the hospital? - Couldn't be worse.
I can't seem to do anything to please Levin anymore.
But let's hold that.
No hospital talk.
Why ruin dinner? - Tell me about Sam.
How is he? - Sam's great.
Well, no big announcements? No new job? No new woman in his life? No, nothing, just Whoops.
We just talked and rehashed old times.
He's exactly the same.
Well, I'm really sorry I couldn't be there.
But at least you got to go.
You know, we're a great tag team, you and I.
Here, to that.
I can never get this stuff right.
There's always a million kernels left.
- No butter.
- But you gotta have butter.
Butter's good for you.
This is gonna be great.
Now, in viewing a classic, there's a ritual involved.
You gotta do everything just right.
The idea is to make it as much like a movie theatre as possible.
- All this for a horror movie? - If you don't mind, I get the pillows.
I just think films have the responsibility to educate and enlighten as well as entertain It's starting.
I don't understand this big deal if you've already seen it.
It's so old.
Just watch.
That's scary.
Nice eye makeup.
Oh, come on, the glare.
Sorry.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
Keith, not now.
Not now.
I have to tell you something.
I absolutely hate horror films.
You should've just said so.
- Wasn't obvious? - It'd be more if you'd said so.
- You should've sensed it.
- You should've been more direct.
- Could we at least turn it down? - No, I want it loud.
- Billy, I'm not kidding.
- Well, neither am I.
I live here too.
I think you forget that.
Fine.
Well, well, well.
I see.
- Actions do speak louder than words.
- Yep, I changed my mind.
It was a mistake to throw it out.
- Isn't this getting ridiculous? - What? You've turned last night into a battle royale.
Sorry I didn't like the movie.
We can't have the same tastes in everything.
I didn't expect we would.
- Our first fight.
- Disagreement.
- Whatever.
- Whatever.
Well, if it matters, I missed you.
I guess it's not such a bad chair.
The fresh air did it some good.
A few pillows, the right place for it, it'll fit right in.
As I was saying, you have to warm up to it.
Create a little nostalgia of our own.
There you go.
- You know the best thing about a fight? - Disagreement.
Making up.
- I'll get it.
- I got it.
No, I'll get it, babe.
I got it.
Hello? Sam! How you doing? Really? That's great.
No, no, that's fine.
You know how to get there, right? Oh, OK.
All right.
Bye.
What's going on? Sam's trip home was delayed.
He's gonna meet me at the hospital.
He sounded strange.
Wonder what's up.
- Oh, well, I guess I'll find out.
- OK.
- Have a good day.
- You too.
- I'll see you later.
- All right.
Bye-bye.
You know, you are too beautiful to be a doctor.
- Hey, kid.
- Hey, Sam! - How you doing, bud? - I like your friend, Mancini.
- He's got a way with words, this guy.
- He sure does.
Michael, thanks for the time.
I had to see you.
I'm sorry.
- Sorry? About what? - Oh, man.
She didn't tell you.
Never mind.
Forget I said anything.
Wait a sec.
Jane was supposed to tell me something? - I can't believe I did this.
- What are you talking about? The other night, at dinner I came on to Jane.
I mean, I kissed her.
I don't understand here.
- Jane let you? - She didn't let me.
I surprised her.
Oh, my Wow.
The reason she didn't say anything is cos she probably forgot herself.
It was only a kiss.
This is unbelievable.
Forgive me? Pals? Waited for the weekend, huh? I just thought it would be easier.
I went out on a limb for you, Alison Parker.
The senior partners said interview.
I said "No, no, promote from within.
" So you quit, leaving a message on my answering machine.
This is not McDonald's, Alison.
It's called giving notice.
It's not that I don't appreciate Just tell me, what is in Seattle that you're not getting here? Keith.
I mentioned him.
He's moving there to Seattle.
So let him go.
You haven't heard of a telephone? There are a lot of advantages to a long-distance relationship.
Amanda doesn't have anything to do with this, does she? Not at all.
You wouldn't be the first person she's driven out.
Her last partner quit the same way, didn't even pick up her last paycheck.
I didn't know.
Amanda is tough.
She's a survivor.
She knows how to play the game.
I thought you had a lot of the same instincts.
Boy, I sure never figured you for a quitter.
I explained.
The man is more important.
OK, I won't even get into that.
Except, if he loved you, he would've waited.
Unfortunately, the same can't be said about this job.
You walk out today, that job is gone tomorrow.
- I'm aware of that.
- Alison, you are an independent woman.
- You don't have to do this.
- It is very complicated.
OK, I won't push.
Let me know if you need a recommendation.
Thank you.
Good luck, Alison.
There you are.
Did you get my messages? We've got a dozen things to do before the party.
You better bring a sweater too.
It's gonna be freezing out there.
Hello? I mean it, honey, you've really gotta get changed.
Aren't you gonna ask how it went with Sam? Oh, right.
He was stopping by the hospital.
He said he had a great time the other night.
Oh, I'm glad.
He was a little sketchy on the details, though.
Same way you were.
- He told you.
- Yeah.
He told me.
- Because he assumed I already knew.
- It was nothing, Michael.
Not to Sam.
See, he had his tail between his legs, Jane, where it should have been.
And look at you.
You don't seem to have any guilt at all.
You've just gone on about your business.
- It was easier not to say anything.
- Oh, I see.
You wanted to protect me.
Well, thanks a lot.
I looked like a complete ass.
- Here it comes.
- Well, don't I have a right? I mean, you kissed him! Another man, a friend of mine.
He kissed me, I pushed him away, and that is all.
Then why keep it secret? Why not tell me? Because I knew how you'd react.
Like you are now, like a child.
This temper of yours, I am really getting used to it, Michael.
If you want the truth, I never considered telling you, because I knew this is exactly what would happen.
Hi, you guys.
So whose car are we taking? Oh, I guess that means mine.
Hey, come on, doesn't anybody remember any campfire songs? I think I left my ukulele back at the apartment.
I wish you could get off this.
Everybody's gonna know.
Like I want everybody to know how my wife gets her kicks.
God, what is this? Somebody hurts you, you have to hurt them back.
- I can't help it.
- Roll out the excuses.
Italian temper, long hours, a doctor's life I know them all.
Damn it, Jane.
I'm not gonna let you turn this around on me.
So keep punishing me.
That's the pattern.
Quite a send-off.
They're good friends.
- I can tell.
- Can you? I mean, I've never seen you with many friends of your own.
- Cheap shot.
- Right on target.
I heard about your other partners.
- Is every woman a threat to you? - Advertising's a tough world.
- Some people don't have what it takes.
- That serious lack of compassion.
I don't have to listen to this.
The truth is, and I know how big you are on the truth, you're jealous of everything I have.
My job, Billy You're running away because you can't handle it.
You know what, Amanda? I really don't care what you think about me.
Here we go.
Billy, take me home.
I'm not feeling so well.
- What happened? - Nothing.
Well, I guess this is goodbye.
I'll miss you.
She's not the right woman for you.
I don't know if this is a warning or just advice or whatever, but I had to say that before I go.
Billy! You can do a lot better.
Good luck, Alison.
Thanks.
That's the end of it.
Michael, I told you a hundred times, I am sorry.
Do we have to start the week this way? I don't know what to say.
I could lie, tell you it doesn't hurt, but it does.
If you think that's petty or childish, fine.
I don't care.
It's how I feel.
It's always how you feel.
Keeping Michael happy, that's what this marriage is about.
And what the hell is wrong with that? Everything.
Nice weekend? Me too.
Only I was on call all night alone.
You were lucky, then.
Ten minutes, and then I am out of here.
Sometimes do you feel like you're losing it? It's not so much sometimes as all the time.
And you know, it's the little things totally out of control.
Maybe you're having an early mid-life crisis.
You know, doctors are notorious for them.
Tell me this.
How come it's so easy to talk to you, and then at home I blow it? Well, you spend 17 hours a day here.
Maybe it's your concept of home that's screwed up.
I don't even know what home is anymore.
It's where you're appreciated.
It's where someone will buy you breakfast, no questions asked.
All right, let's do it.
Billy, it would help if you could pick up your towels.
They don't get dry on the floor.
Same thing with your clothes.
What happened to enjoying doing something nice? I don't always have time.
- And when I said that - You were just being nice.
- No one is honest all of the time.
- Yeah, well, some of us try.
And some of us feel it is better to get along than constantly bare one's soul.
Not liking towels on the floor is not baring one's soul.
And you should've said something days ago.
Why do I feel like I'm talking to Alison and not Billy? What did she do last night, warn you? - This has nothing to do with Alison.
- And now who's lying? I'm no fool, Billy.
You've been comparing me to her since you moved in.
You know something? I'm glad I'm not Alison.
I'm glad I'm not a ditzy, indecisive little Midwestern nitwit who's so scared of life she's running off with some guy she barely even knows.
You're wrong about everything you just said.
- Don't do this.
- She is a deep and sensitive woman, and if you took the time to get to know someone, instead of judging and criticizing, you might see that.
- I'm leaving before - Before I pass the point of no return? I already have, and now I'm free to say what we both already know: I moved in too quickly.
We didn't know each other.
- And now that you know me? - Frankly? - By all means.
- I don't think I like you very much.
Be out by the time I get home.
You can start with that chair.
Where the hell is that van? OK, I'll go call again.
This is a surprise.
What's going on? I figured you'd be long gone.
- The airport van never showed.
- It's already almost a half-hour late.
I can take you.
I won't even touch the meter.
- Well - Great.
Trunk's open.
Load it up.
What's with the chair? Well, I moved out.
It's over between Amanda and me.
- Thanks for the ride.
- Sure.
And everything else.
Let me walk you to the gate.
You've got these carry-ons.
Oh, no.
No, we're OK from here.
It's no problem.
We'll just make it.
I really appreciate it, Billy.
- He wants to walk us to the gate.
- You'll get a ticket.
- No chance.
They don't touch cabs.
- All right, come on.
Alison! I moved that chair up and down so many times, I think I know every step of every inch.
Alison, we gotta go.
Go ahead and get seats.
I'll be in in a minute.
- See you, Billy.
- Right.
The big goodbye.
- It's our third.
Or is it our fourth? - Something like that.
Michael hasn't rented the apartment, so find a roommate - Alison, don't do this.
- What? - Don't get on this plane.
- Billy, what are you talking about? You don't belong in Seattle.
Forget the rain, it's not you.
You can't give up.
You can't walk out on everything you've accomplished.
Come on, I know you.
Trust me, you'll be miserable.
- I wanted to talk to you about this - Billy, I have to go.
Why? Why?! Why do you have to do anything? You're your own person.
L.
A.
Sucks sometimes, OK? Other times it's great.
Like last night, with your friends.
You're leaving the best people you'll ever know.
I know because they're the best people I've ever known.
Billy, it's too late.
I'm sorry.
Goodbye.
Alison, please.
Please!
We're living in paradise.
My sense of sight doesn't kick in till 11.
00.
You're not a night person or a morning person At noon I'm a regular whirling dervish.
We have a couch, you know, and chairs, all very functional.
Good morning.
Remember? You forgot.
If you're looking for your laundry, it's folded in the closet, second shelf.
- You didn't have to do that.
- I like doing it.
It's nice to take care of someone else.
This is like culture shock.
- Alison never did anything for me.
- I guess she wasn't in love with you.
Call me at work.
- Bye-bye.
- Bye.
In a perfect world, we wouldn't be having this conversation at all.
But they need me in Seattle by Monday.
If I could push it back, I would in a second.
And I'm worried.
You still can't get behind the wheel of a car.
No kidding.
In L.
A.
, it's drive or perish.
That's not what I meant.
No, you mean that if I don't go with you now, I never will.
I only want what you want.
It'd be so much easier if you didn't always say the perfect thing.
I know it hasn't been fair making you wait like this.
Look at me, I'm not happy here.
This city is beautiful.
But for the past week since they took your car, I feel swallowed up, angry and cynical.
With you gone, I'll be angry and lonely.
There's no decision really.
I will go to Seattle with you, Keith.
I think we'll be very happy there.
Thank you.
Alison, Lucy was looking for you.
She wouldn't say why.
Boatwright revisions is my guess.
- You were a little late.
I was worried.
- I'm fine.
Is Billy moving out the rest of his stuff? Yeah.
Today or tonight.
I'm not sure which.
- Are you OK? - I'm fine.
I'm great, in fact.
Today's my last day, Amanda.
I'm leaving D & D.
Keith and I are moving to Seattle on Monday morning.
I'm very excited.
Lucy will find you a new partner.
You can relax.
This has nothing to do with you and Billy.
- I wasn't thinking that.
- Yes, you were.
- No.
I'm just shocked and disappointed.
- Oh, please.
I am.
Why can't you just admit that you're relieved? You have this whole businesswoman act down to a tee, but everything you say is a disguise for something else.
And I'm tired of it.
Everyone is tired of it.
Everyone except Billy.
You want directness, honesty? Fine.
Your leaving is the best news I've heard all week.
Alison, don't forget your raincoat.
Man, life out here's the greatest.
Oh, yeah, world's best hospital, pristine beaches, all this sunshine.
What? You're only in town for two days? - Who is that? - Sam Towler.
Hi, Sammy.
What? Oh, yeah, she's great.
California agrees with her.
Yeah, gorgeous as ever.
Tonight? Oh, no way, man.
I'm on call right through the weekend.
- He wants to have dinner tonight.
- I'll go.
Oh, wait, go with Jane.
She can catch you up, you can catch her up, and then she'll catch me up.
All right? Terrific.
Look, man, I gotta go.
All right, here's Jane.
Yeah, you too, man.
- Bye, sweetie.
- All right.
Hey, Sammy, are you bald yet? Oh, really? - You sure this is worth it? - You're getting dinner.
Anything for a free meal.
God, this is ugly.
This is the most comfortable chair on earth.
And I've written some of my best stuff in this chair.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Jake was helping me with the rest of my stuff.
I left the key on the kitchen counter.
I can get it from here.
Watch your toes.
I wasn't sure about some of the books.
So the ones in doubt, I just left them.
- They found Keith's car.
- That's great.
It was totally stripped.
There's almost nothing left of it.
Bummer.
You may as well know, I'm moving too.
Out of the city, with Keith, to Seattle.
He got a new job.
Monday.
We're leaving Monday.
Just because his car got stripped? That's not the point.
What about your job? What about your life? I've considered that.
It was a very hard decision, but I think this is the answer.
What's the question? I'm a little confused here.
- What's the problem? - There's no problem.
This is not a problem.
Alison's moving to Seattle with Keith.
Have you told your boss yet? I couldn't tell her to her face.
- Thought you were leaving on Monday.
- Look, guys, this is my decision.
It's my decision, and I made it, and that's that.
So if you don't mind, I'm gonna go tell Michael and get boxes, all that stuff.
I'm telling you.
You know, I keep thinking, I chose the wrong major.
What? You've done so well.
No, I do fine until I get bored.
Just like in school.
Easily distracted.
- I remember your parade of women.
- Parade? Sammy, I can't think of one of their names.
You can't, and I try not to.
Jane, remember in school when we'd go on those double dates? I think my sole purpose was to get your approval, and it was always thumbs down.
Well, I figured none of them were good enough for you.
Or maybe it was selfish.
Michael and I liked having you to ourselves.
Confession time.
The reason I never stayed with any of those women was because none of them was enough like you.
Moving on No, Sam, come on, that was years ago.
I mean, I thought about it too, the two of us.
And I think there was a time I had a little crush on you.
But I was never Michael.
- He's a great guy.
- Yeah.
He is.
- So more wine? - Yes.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
OK, thanks a lot.
Well, we're all set.
The 9.
00 flight Monday morning.
I couldn't get us out of LAX, so it's Valley Airport.
- This is all happening so fast.
- I know.
- I haven't looked into jobs.
- Plenty of time for that.
You'll take some time off, find us a place to live.
It'll take us at least a month to get settled.
- I am gonna work.
- Of course you are.
I want that very clear.
I am not the homebody type.
I have worked hard to get this career off the ground, to launch myself, very hard.
A lot of telephones and typing and general crap.
And I cannot sit around and push things aside, delaying my life, - for you, or anyone.
- Hey! I want you to work.
I can't possibly support both of us.
I guess this is what you call a panic attack.
- What's this? - A counterattack.
- You're changing the subject.
- Exactly.
All Billy does is talk about you guys, and everyone else in the building.
Sometimes I think he's homesick.
For what? There'll be strangers in my apartment.
- I can't believe Alison's doing this.
- If it's what she wants Well, she doesn't have any idea what she wants.
- More rice, anyone? - Yeah, I agree, this is not Alison.
Talk to her.
She won't listen to me.
No woman should ever give up everything for a man.
This romantic notion is drummed into our heads.
It's this '50s mentality that doesn't work in a two-paycheck world.
She works on these speeches late at night.
Would you get another bottle of wine? Jo's glass is empty.
OK.
I absolutely hate this thing.
Do you have a back bedroom you could stick it in? There's no room.
I don't know what to tell Billy.
- What don't you know what to tell me? - The chair, she hates it.
I know you love it, and it holds fond memories for you, but look at it.
- It's old and ugly.
- OK, it's just a chair.
- I'll get rid of it.
- Tonight? Maybe Jake can help you take it down to the dumpster.
It's your call, Billy.
- Are you sure about this? - What? Why wouldn't I be sure? It's your chair.
You start sacrificing things important to you before you're ready I'm ready.
Hell, I'm living with her.
Just trying to save you from that freak-out, when you feel like you're drowning.
- Do I look like I'm drowning? - You're still in the honeymoon phase.
Your head's above water.
Eventually you'll go under.
Relationships are about sacrifices.
I'd gladly sacrifice this for the woman I love.
So, what's next? Your old tennis shoes? Your old soccer jersey that you live in? A night out with the guys? Listen to you.
What happened to the new sensitive Jake? Yeah, well, look, this is man to man.
She's a beautiful woman, but she likes to be in control.
OK, so you give up this chair for her.
Tell me something, what'd she give up for you? I'm not keeping score.
Well, I'll tell you, if I were you, I'd start.
- It is cold.
- It's freezing.
My lips are blue.
Jane, are my lips blue? - Purple.
- Purple? - Well, it's your fault.
- Sam, it's your fault.
You're right, it is my fault.
I never should've talked you into putting the top down.
I felt I needed that topless L.
A.
Experience one time before I left.
Oh, God, I know what you mean.
I'm sorry.
No, I'm not sorry.
Why should I be sorry about something I've wanted to do for years? Maybe because Michael's your oldest and dearest friend.
I knew there was a reason.
I re-apologize.
Re-apology accepted.
I guess inviting you up for a drink Would be way too tempting.
'Night, Jane.
Jane? Jane? Sweetie.
- You're up early.
- It's almost 9.
00.
Really? You got in so late.
- How was last night? - Last night? It was fine.
- Sam's OK? What'd you do? - We had dinner at the beach.
Honey, can we talk later? - Yeah, I'll try to get home early.
- OK.
And don't forget, we've got to get started with Alison's going-away party.
I'm telling everyone Stoney Point in Malibu.
Good idea.
Go back to sleep.
- Hey, Jo.
- Oh, hi.
- Alison.
- Jo, do you want this? The more I give away, the less I have to move.
Well Alison, we're throwing you a party, if that's cool.
Oh, don't go to any trouble.
You know this place, any excuse for a party.
You and Jake bring firewood.
Jane and I will bring refreshments.
It's gonna be an old-fashioned beach party.
And tomorrow at 6.
30, so don't be late.
I wish they weren't making such a big deal.
This is a big deal, this move and setting up house with a guy.
Being in love makes it easier.
But look who's talking.
I decided to leave New York, packed and was gone the same afternoon.
But I was falling out of love.
It's too early for this.
I've still got three ten-minute miles ahead of me.
So enjoy the lamp, and goodbye.
Oh, great, Nosferatu! Restored and uncut with an introduction and commentary by Stephen King.
Tonight we're having dinner with my father.
We just had dinner with him last week.
- Can't you cancel? - He's only in town for the night.
You don't understand.
This is a classic.
One of the greatest films of all time.
An inspiration to Hitchcock and Coppola.
- Can't you tape it? - I will tape it, while we watch it.
- We'll get popcorn.
This is an event.
- An event? Yeah, your father comes every week.
I was gonna tell him that we're living together.
So tell him you had a work emergency.
What he doesn't know isn't gonna hurt us.
- So, what time does this opus begin? - Nine o'clock.
Leave the preparations to me.
- I gotta go for a run.
- Why are you taking your car? Because I'm going to Melrose.
I get lost around here.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Hey! Here's a coincidence.
I don't know.
Usual route, usual time So how's it going? Scary to think that everything you own fits in the back quarter of a moving van.
Yeah, it's even scarier when it fits in the back of a cab.
Things going well with you and Amanda? Oh, yeah.
Yeah, it's wonderful.
Terrific.
- You'll never guess what's on tonight.
- Nosferatu.
Made a mental note.
- When we stayed up to watch? - My introduction to horror films.
I don't know if it was the movie or the popcorn, but I had nightmares for a week.
- I'll have to get Keith to watch it.
- Yeah, I've already cornered Amanda.
Look, they're having this party for me down at the beach.
Oh, yeah, well, yeah, Mike called.
I'll definitely be there.
How about we get some coffee, cappuccino? I can't.
I'm meeting Keith at the beach.
- All right, well, I'll see you.
- All right.
Wrong way.
Won't find garbage like this in Seattle.
If there's no pollution, are you gonna have anything to do? Don't worry.
They're planning on working my butt off.
- Good, it's getting a little soft.
- Hey! That's the first thing that goes in a marriage.
Speak for yourself.
I've never been married.
I haven't even considered it.
- I wasn't proposing, Alison.
- I know.
It's just scary.
The words come so easily to you.
Love.
Marriage.
Like buying a new wardrobe.
You just slip into them.
- Is this more last-minute panic? - No.
I'm concerned.
What? That what? That this is some indication of my secret compulsive nature? That I just bounce around through life without a plan? Alison When I find something that's right, that I know that I want, I grab onto it, and I don't let it get away.
I'll tell you something else.
If you think too much, the opportunities will slip past you.
I'm not arguing with that.
I'm just saying, I can't fall in love so quickly, so completely.
I need time and air and, yeah, a lot of thought.
That's what's so great about Seattle.
We'll have nothing but time.
Just the two of us with no distractions.
Come here.
- Hi, honey.
- Hi.
My great-aunt Celia died, I inherited $10 million we didn't know she had, and all of this is to celebrate.
- No reason.
Could you get the light? - Sure.
- Come with me.
- Yes? Nothing I forgot? Birthday, anniversary? No reason, just to welcome you home.
- So how are things at the hospital? - Couldn't be worse.
I can't seem to do anything to please Levin anymore.
But let's hold that.
No hospital talk.
Why ruin dinner? - Tell me about Sam.
How is he? - Sam's great.
Well, no big announcements? No new job? No new woman in his life? No, nothing, just Whoops.
We just talked and rehashed old times.
He's exactly the same.
Well, I'm really sorry I couldn't be there.
But at least you got to go.
You know, we're a great tag team, you and I.
Here, to that.
I can never get this stuff right.
There's always a million kernels left.
- No butter.
- But you gotta have butter.
Butter's good for you.
This is gonna be great.
Now, in viewing a classic, there's a ritual involved.
You gotta do everything just right.
The idea is to make it as much like a movie theatre as possible.
- All this for a horror movie? - If you don't mind, I get the pillows.
I just think films have the responsibility to educate and enlighten as well as entertain It's starting.
I don't understand this big deal if you've already seen it.
It's so old.
Just watch.
That's scary.
Nice eye makeup.
Oh, come on, the glare.
Sorry.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
Keith, not now.
Not now.
I have to tell you something.
I absolutely hate horror films.
You should've just said so.
- Wasn't obvious? - It'd be more if you'd said so.
- You should've sensed it.
- You should've been more direct.
- Could we at least turn it down? - No, I want it loud.
- Billy, I'm not kidding.
- Well, neither am I.
I live here too.
I think you forget that.
Fine.
Well, well, well.
I see.
- Actions do speak louder than words.
- Yep, I changed my mind.
It was a mistake to throw it out.
- Isn't this getting ridiculous? - What? You've turned last night into a battle royale.
Sorry I didn't like the movie.
We can't have the same tastes in everything.
I didn't expect we would.
- Our first fight.
- Disagreement.
- Whatever.
- Whatever.
Well, if it matters, I missed you.
I guess it's not such a bad chair.
The fresh air did it some good.
A few pillows, the right place for it, it'll fit right in.
As I was saying, you have to warm up to it.
Create a little nostalgia of our own.
There you go.
- You know the best thing about a fight? - Disagreement.
Making up.
- I'll get it.
- I got it.
No, I'll get it, babe.
I got it.
Hello? Sam! How you doing? Really? That's great.
No, no, that's fine.
You know how to get there, right? Oh, OK.
All right.
Bye.
What's going on? Sam's trip home was delayed.
He's gonna meet me at the hospital.
He sounded strange.
Wonder what's up.
- Oh, well, I guess I'll find out.
- OK.
- Have a good day.
- You too.
- I'll see you later.
- All right.
Bye-bye.
You know, you are too beautiful to be a doctor.
- Hey, kid.
- Hey, Sam! - How you doing, bud? - I like your friend, Mancini.
- He's got a way with words, this guy.
- He sure does.
Michael, thanks for the time.
I had to see you.
I'm sorry.
- Sorry? About what? - Oh, man.
She didn't tell you.
Never mind.
Forget I said anything.
Wait a sec.
Jane was supposed to tell me something? - I can't believe I did this.
- What are you talking about? The other night, at dinner I came on to Jane.
I mean, I kissed her.
I don't understand here.
- Jane let you? - She didn't let me.
I surprised her.
Oh, my Wow.
The reason she didn't say anything is cos she probably forgot herself.
It was only a kiss.
This is unbelievable.
Forgive me? Pals? Waited for the weekend, huh? I just thought it would be easier.
I went out on a limb for you, Alison Parker.
The senior partners said interview.
I said "No, no, promote from within.
" So you quit, leaving a message on my answering machine.
This is not McDonald's, Alison.
It's called giving notice.
It's not that I don't appreciate Just tell me, what is in Seattle that you're not getting here? Keith.
I mentioned him.
He's moving there to Seattle.
So let him go.
You haven't heard of a telephone? There are a lot of advantages to a long-distance relationship.
Amanda doesn't have anything to do with this, does she? Not at all.
You wouldn't be the first person she's driven out.
Her last partner quit the same way, didn't even pick up her last paycheck.
I didn't know.
Amanda is tough.
She's a survivor.
She knows how to play the game.
I thought you had a lot of the same instincts.
Boy, I sure never figured you for a quitter.
I explained.
The man is more important.
OK, I won't even get into that.
Except, if he loved you, he would've waited.
Unfortunately, the same can't be said about this job.
You walk out today, that job is gone tomorrow.
- I'm aware of that.
- Alison, you are an independent woman.
- You don't have to do this.
- It is very complicated.
OK, I won't push.
Let me know if you need a recommendation.
Thank you.
Good luck, Alison.
There you are.
Did you get my messages? We've got a dozen things to do before the party.
You better bring a sweater too.
It's gonna be freezing out there.
Hello? I mean it, honey, you've really gotta get changed.
Aren't you gonna ask how it went with Sam? Oh, right.
He was stopping by the hospital.
He said he had a great time the other night.
Oh, I'm glad.
He was a little sketchy on the details, though.
Same way you were.
- He told you.
- Yeah.
He told me.
- Because he assumed I already knew.
- It was nothing, Michael.
Not to Sam.
See, he had his tail between his legs, Jane, where it should have been.
And look at you.
You don't seem to have any guilt at all.
You've just gone on about your business.
- It was easier not to say anything.
- Oh, I see.
You wanted to protect me.
Well, thanks a lot.
I looked like a complete ass.
- Here it comes.
- Well, don't I have a right? I mean, you kissed him! Another man, a friend of mine.
He kissed me, I pushed him away, and that is all.
Then why keep it secret? Why not tell me? Because I knew how you'd react.
Like you are now, like a child.
This temper of yours, I am really getting used to it, Michael.
If you want the truth, I never considered telling you, because I knew this is exactly what would happen.
Hi, you guys.
So whose car are we taking? Oh, I guess that means mine.
Hey, come on, doesn't anybody remember any campfire songs? I think I left my ukulele back at the apartment.
I wish you could get off this.
Everybody's gonna know.
Like I want everybody to know how my wife gets her kicks.
God, what is this? Somebody hurts you, you have to hurt them back.
- I can't help it.
- Roll out the excuses.
Italian temper, long hours, a doctor's life I know them all.
Damn it, Jane.
I'm not gonna let you turn this around on me.
So keep punishing me.
That's the pattern.
Quite a send-off.
They're good friends.
- I can tell.
- Can you? I mean, I've never seen you with many friends of your own.
- Cheap shot.
- Right on target.
I heard about your other partners.
- Is every woman a threat to you? - Advertising's a tough world.
- Some people don't have what it takes.
- That serious lack of compassion.
I don't have to listen to this.
The truth is, and I know how big you are on the truth, you're jealous of everything I have.
My job, Billy You're running away because you can't handle it.
You know what, Amanda? I really don't care what you think about me.
Here we go.
Billy, take me home.
I'm not feeling so well.
- What happened? - Nothing.
Well, I guess this is goodbye.
I'll miss you.
She's not the right woman for you.
I don't know if this is a warning or just advice or whatever, but I had to say that before I go.
Billy! You can do a lot better.
Good luck, Alison.
Thanks.
That's the end of it.
Michael, I told you a hundred times, I am sorry.
Do we have to start the week this way? I don't know what to say.
I could lie, tell you it doesn't hurt, but it does.
If you think that's petty or childish, fine.
I don't care.
It's how I feel.
It's always how you feel.
Keeping Michael happy, that's what this marriage is about.
And what the hell is wrong with that? Everything.
Nice weekend? Me too.
Only I was on call all night alone.
You were lucky, then.
Ten minutes, and then I am out of here.
Sometimes do you feel like you're losing it? It's not so much sometimes as all the time.
And you know, it's the little things totally out of control.
Maybe you're having an early mid-life crisis.
You know, doctors are notorious for them.
Tell me this.
How come it's so easy to talk to you, and then at home I blow it? Well, you spend 17 hours a day here.
Maybe it's your concept of home that's screwed up.
I don't even know what home is anymore.
It's where you're appreciated.
It's where someone will buy you breakfast, no questions asked.
All right, let's do it.
Billy, it would help if you could pick up your towels.
They don't get dry on the floor.
Same thing with your clothes.
What happened to enjoying doing something nice? I don't always have time.
- And when I said that - You were just being nice.
- No one is honest all of the time.
- Yeah, well, some of us try.
And some of us feel it is better to get along than constantly bare one's soul.
Not liking towels on the floor is not baring one's soul.
And you should've said something days ago.
Why do I feel like I'm talking to Alison and not Billy? What did she do last night, warn you? - This has nothing to do with Alison.
- And now who's lying? I'm no fool, Billy.
You've been comparing me to her since you moved in.
You know something? I'm glad I'm not Alison.
I'm glad I'm not a ditzy, indecisive little Midwestern nitwit who's so scared of life she's running off with some guy she barely even knows.
You're wrong about everything you just said.
- Don't do this.
- She is a deep and sensitive woman, and if you took the time to get to know someone, instead of judging and criticizing, you might see that.
- I'm leaving before - Before I pass the point of no return? I already have, and now I'm free to say what we both already know: I moved in too quickly.
We didn't know each other.
- And now that you know me? - Frankly? - By all means.
- I don't think I like you very much.
Be out by the time I get home.
You can start with that chair.
Where the hell is that van? OK, I'll go call again.
This is a surprise.
What's going on? I figured you'd be long gone.
- The airport van never showed.
- It's already almost a half-hour late.
I can take you.
I won't even touch the meter.
- Well - Great.
Trunk's open.
Load it up.
What's with the chair? Well, I moved out.
It's over between Amanda and me.
- Thanks for the ride.
- Sure.
And everything else.
Let me walk you to the gate.
You've got these carry-ons.
Oh, no.
No, we're OK from here.
It's no problem.
We'll just make it.
I really appreciate it, Billy.
- He wants to walk us to the gate.
- You'll get a ticket.
- No chance.
They don't touch cabs.
- All right, come on.
Alison! I moved that chair up and down so many times, I think I know every step of every inch.
Alison, we gotta go.
Go ahead and get seats.
I'll be in in a minute.
- See you, Billy.
- Right.
The big goodbye.
- It's our third.
Or is it our fourth? - Something like that.
Michael hasn't rented the apartment, so find a roommate - Alison, don't do this.
- What? - Don't get on this plane.
- Billy, what are you talking about? You don't belong in Seattle.
Forget the rain, it's not you.
You can't give up.
You can't walk out on everything you've accomplished.
Come on, I know you.
Trust me, you'll be miserable.
- I wanted to talk to you about this - Billy, I have to go.
Why? Why?! Why do you have to do anything? You're your own person.
L.
A.
Sucks sometimes, OK? Other times it's great.
Like last night, with your friends.
You're leaving the best people you'll ever know.
I know because they're the best people I've ever known.
Billy, it's too late.
I'm sorry.
Goodbye.
Alison, please.
Please!