Being Erica (2009) s02e08 Episode Script

Previously on "Being Erica" Friedken is cheating on you.
What? You knew about him and Merri and you didn't tell me? I love working here.
Yes, clearly, you love it a little too much.
They wanna make me senior VP at the UK office.
Do you really want to move to London? It's an amazing opportunity.
For Josh, but what about you? Whoa.
Did you just have a session? I hate that guy, Dr.
Fred.
Kai is, as you know, resisting therapy.
He needs someone to help him gain perspective.
Everything sounds perfect.
I guess I'm just one lucky guy.
So, how are you coping with the suicide of your bandmate Travis? You've never wanted to just be bad with me? Can we just go? In a classic display of macaque power dynamics, the alpha male bears his teeth at the interloper Hey, sleepy.
You should go to bed.
Yeah.
I should, I am exhausted.
The encounter between the two macaques reaches a fevered pitch.
Wow.
Monkeys, get a room.
Are you coming? I can't.
I left all this weekend's marking to the last minute.
You know, I shouldn't even be watching this.
Ok, good night.
Don't stay up too late.
Ok.
Our partner.
We see them as a refuge; The one person we can truly reveal ourselves to.
They see us when we're crazy, when we're moody, when we're tired-- they see it all.
But do our partners really know us as well as we think they do? Or is the truth that we hide more than we'd like to admit; That there are some parts of ourselves that we never reveal, that we'd rather they'd not see? And what would happen if one day they did? Oh! Oh, um I was just sorry.
Uh, um it's clearer inside of me who I will always be open me up to my heart feels like I'm seeing in the dark waking me up to my heart to do it all over again and again until the end the sum of my dreams and everything I ever wanted to be Morning.
Morning.
So, about last night We don't have to talk about it.
No, I know that we don't have to, but I--I just wanted to say that, honestly, it's fine if you 'cause everyone does, and I do.
And you live here now, so-- Can we just drop it? Please? Sure.
Yeah.
Ok, bye.
Oh, yeah.
Well Ok.
So our first real meeting with the author of "The Sex Scoop.
" Welcome, Alexis.
I'd like to make sure that this book is 50-50: Absolutely.
Also, I'd like to see some case studies in here.
Mm-hm.
I think where we're going with this is real couples, real problems, told from both points of view.
Got it.
For example: I have a friend in a committed relationship, who is in love, who told me that the other night, she-- she caught her boyfriend masturbating.
No! Yeah.
To really bad computer porn.
Ooh! Ok, so she caught him, and? Uh, her question for me was if he can do it with her for real then why would he why would he feel the need to "engage" his auto pilot? Yes! Relatable, I like that.
Excuse me, but Mm-hmm? We're looking for a man's point of view here.
Oh, Alexis I'm a sex therapist.
And if you don't mind, I'd like to ask you a personal question.
Yeah, I don't mind.
Why do men masturbate? Oh, is this really necessary? Uh, when you're by yourself, it's all about you.
It's simple, it's primal, and, in a pinch, it's quick.
I couldn't have put it better.
Love your honesty.
And I'd love to interview you for a case study, yes? Call me.
That should help demystify things for your friend.
Ok, we need to have more meetings here.
Erica's just doing her job.
She's not in league with Julianne.
Right, Erica's all sugar and spice.
Come on, inside, she's a tiger And she's eclipsed you in record time.
Thomas.
Thomas Friedken, in the flesh! How goes it, buddy? Great.
Thank you.
You remember Scott Galvin? He's taken the reigns while his father is away.
Yeah, dad's off, big-game hunting for talent in India.
It's like a gold rush over there, ever since "Slumdog.
" I'll bet.
Meantime, I'm holding down the fort.
So, how can I help you? To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure you can.
Come on, let's talk.
Erica Strange.
Hi.
Hey, Sam! How's jolly old England? Uh, I don't know.
I'm here.
Here like Toronto here? Yeah.
Listen, would it be ok if I crashed on your couch for a couple of days? You and Josh wanna crash on my crappy old couch? Um Josh didn't come.
What? Sam, what's going on? Look, can we just talk about it when I get to your place? Of course.
Yeah, um, I'll see you soon then.
Once again, what does a closed door mean? I'm stuck using the handle? Oh, Scott! What a wonderful surprise! Muah.
Muah.
What, I need to call first to see my favourite department head? No! No, no, no.
I have an open door policy.
Except for when it's closed-- Which it never is to you.
Please, sit.
So, Friedken paid me a little "hello, how do you do?" earlier today.
Oh.
He's pissed.
Says you humiliated him.
I humiliated him, hmm? Yeah, apparently, you castrated him.
Publicly.
As no man likes having his nuts torn off He's decided to pull "The Mystery of Tomorrow.
" He can't.
He signed a contract.
You pooched it, julie-jack, and now you gotta fix it.
Whatever it takes.
Uh, is everything ok? Friedken got to Scott Galvin and he told him he's gonna pull the book because I "castrated" him.
Oh, my God! And now they're saying that I have to fix it.
I have to do whatever it takes.
Damn it! This is not happening! It's not! 'kay, listen, We just need to calm down, ok? And you need to get yourself together here! I mean, you commissioned this book.
W-what does secret number 26 say? Hmm? "never show weakness.
" Never show weakness.
You know, use Friedken's tactics against him.
You do not give up the power here.
You know, you're right.
You're right! I need to be professional.
I need to be, uh, clear, mm-hmm.
And I need to be firm.
And Frank will understand that even if Scott won't, because this is not how he does business-- at gunpoint.
And you're the boss.
Yes.
Yes, I am.
Thank you.
That was exactly what I needed to hear.
a love song that can make a woman fall in love a love song that could give a man Welcome home! Uh Erica.
Dr.
Fred.
Oh, my God.
Just thought I'd check in, see how you like the future.
Oh, God, can we please talk about that another time? Busy day? Oh, let's see, My boss is having a nervous breakdown, and my sister just mysteriously flew in from London without her husband and she's clearly in crisis, and my boyfriend-- really likes his porn.
What exactly do you want from me? I wanna talk to you about Kai-- What you're gonna do and say, now that you know.
Look, I know that that you're concerned about your patient, But this really isn't my area.
So therapy for you is get up, go see Tom, redo a regret? Wash, rinse, repeat? Not exactly how I'd put it.
No.
And how exactly would you put it? Yeah, you know what? I really need to go.
As therapists, Fred, you and I are bound by a protocol.
You get my permission before talking to Erica.
Look, if you brought me in here for a fight, you win, ok? I don't have the patience for it.
And I don't have the patience to watch you take Erica off course.
Off course?! Oh, that girl is so strictly on course, you'd be lucky if you'll ever wean her off it.
And what does that mean? Have you even told Erica what comes next? She's not ready.
Maybe it's you who isn't ready.
Who the hell do you think you are? I'm just calling it like I see it.
Well, how about I call it like I see it? You can't help Kai, and so you're dragging my patient into your mess.
Or maybe Aesop was right.
"familiarity breeds contempt.
" Sam! Oh, my God, what is going on? I left Josh.
You left Josh? This morning I just woke up and bought a ticket and got on a plane.
Sounds so dramatic.
I just I had to leave.
I had to.
And he didn't even try to stop you? Josh doesn't know.
He probably hasn't even noticed that I'm gone.
It's just Oh, God.
Ever since we moved to London, he's always working.
And last night was supposed to be our night together and I waited at Claridges for two hours.
And I got home and found him in front of the TV.
He forgot.
Oh, Sammy.
Here.
How much more can I possibly put up with? I just woke up this morning and felt like I couldn't breathe.
Shhh, shhh, Sammy Sam.
Hey, it's gonna be ok.
I'm just gonna get some more of these.
Oh Thank God.
Today has been the worst day.
First of all, Julianne, she has a nervous breakdown in the elevator, and then Sam follows suit in my apartment.
And then Dr.
Fred, he somehow thinks that I can do his job for him.
And on top it all off, I am having major anxiety over Ethan's and my well, our sex life.
Erica.
Yes.
Take a breath.
Sorry, it's just it's all getting to be a bit much.
So, where we going today? Spa would be nice.
Why? Is that how you see this therapy? As a vacation from your life? No, I was I was just joking.
Please, send me wherever you want.
'cause anywhere is better than my day today.
You know, Erica, uh, this office is it's not a refuge, right? I mean, this is not meant to be like an escape hatch from your life.
No, I know.
You're my therapist, and I come here and I tell you my problems and then you help me solve them.
I mean, isn't that the whole point? No.
No, it's not.
The point, Erica, is for you, ultimately, to do all of this on your own.
And if you honestly see what we do in here as the solution, then well, I'm failing.
Dr.
Tom Think it might be time to rip away the safety net.
Erica, today you're gonna solve your problems like the other 6 billion souls on this planet-- all on your own.
Uh, d Erica, what are you doing? Um Tissue? to open up my voice and let myself sing the way I know I can I gotta get my soul free it's not the same for all of us to let my feet thank you.
For not rubbing it in my face.
You were right all along and, ugh, I was so awful to you.
No, Sam, Don't even worry about that.
Look, I'm just really proud of you, And I can't even imagine how hard this is.
Next up, a fine bottle of gamay.
It's got a cat on the label, so you know it's the good stuff.
Oh, Erica, you're exhausted.
Mm-mm.
I show up on your doorstep, and interrupt your work, and your romantic evening.
Mmm, no romantic evening.
No? Ok, you should have seen what Ethan wasn't wearing when I showed up.
Really?! Yeah.
Things have been A little awkward between us.
Then you should go home.
I'm not gonna abandon you in a bar.
Erica, you have done enough for me.
If there's something going on there with Ethan, go fix it.
No, really, you know, it's no big thing.
It never is at the start.
Hey, part of my job description's showing the broken-hearted how the goblins staff likes to party.
I I don't think that Sam is in any state to keep up with you, Kai.
Erica, just go.
And don't wait up.
I won't.
Thank you.
There you go.
I'll be fine.
Ok.
Call any time.
So what, you don't trust me with your sister? Look, it's just I mean, Sam, she's really fragile right now.
Look, just don't let her get drunk, and keep the gross guys away.
Just please take care of her.
She'll be fine.
Really.
Go.
Ok.
Good night.
Thank you.
Good night.
Jules.
Thomas.
Please take a seat.
I kinda feel like I've been sent down to the principal's office.
Like you're gonna pull out your yardstick and spank me.
I'm gonna just cut to the chase.
I think we both know that we work well together.
As lovers? But the past is the past and I am willing to move on.
Focus, as you would say, on the now.
Mmm, so, we just pretend like it never happened? We pretend like you didn't rip my balls off in front of your entire staff? Yes, and we pretend you didn't go behind my back, like a weasel, to Scott Galvin.
Not to mention Meeri.
And that's it? That's it.
Deal.
Oh.
Provided I get one thing.
What's that, your typeface? No.
I want an apology from you.
For what? For disrespecting me, for wounding my male pride.
Hell, just for the fun of it.
And I want you to beg for forgiveness in front of everyone.
You show me the respect I deserve, and you can keep riding my coattails.
Don't, and some other vampire will.
Hey.
Hey.
I made up the couch for Sam.
Oh, thank you.
So, how is she? You know what, she's Better.
All things considered.
So Sam said she found you half-naked, lighting candles.
Well, if your sister wasn't having a marital crisis, you could've spent the evening with me as your slave.
Really? Is that what you like? Oh, um, if you would.
I mean, sure.
We could take out a bottle of wine and have a bath.
We could, or You could show me.
No.
Why? Because that would just be weird.
Or it could be really hot, Ethan.
Please? Please? takes me a night to look in your eyes the wind on my face the jewels in the sky I deeply breathe the forest air and I sigh I've fallen in love again open your arms he carried me far I'll give you my heart give you my skin give you my skin whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa You know what, dude? Getting on a plane like that, not even your toothbrush? That takes guts.
Yeah.
And you make it sound almost cool.
It is cool.
Ah, I know how hard it is to throw everything away and start over.
You have beautiful eyes.
I'm sorry, I'm so bad at this.
No, you're not, believe me.
It doesn't hurt that you're beautiful.
But I promised your sister I'd take care of you.
the city seems so far don't ever leave you are my you are my heart Hey, um, I'm just-- Is there a problem? Yeah, there's a big problem.
You know, if things don't add up and look right, then I'm gonna-- I'm gonna be out of a job.
You're gonna be out of a job! If I lose funding, we're both out of a job! Wow, this guy's really concerned about his job.
Are you really Come on, in this economy, we need our jobs.
I mean, who writes this stuff? I'm pretty sure they make it up.
Oh, right.
I've got things that I gotta get done or we're both gonna be out of a job.
Ah, don't worry, I'm here.
I will make you happy.
This is kind of inappropriate.
I've got things to do I gotta get done.
I'm gonna lose funding No, it's not working, if I-- if we don't get the funding Then I'm out of a job, you're out of a job, And we're gonna be stuck on the street.
No, don't worry, I am here.
Sorry.
Are you busy? Well, I was.
Okay, this is stupid.
I'm gonna go to bed.
No.
No.
I didn't look I didn't mean to make fun at all.
I won't.
I'll stop.
Oh my God! Okay.
No, wait-wait-wait- wait-wait-wait.
Erica, please, can we just drop it? Look, Ethan, I'm just, I'm just I'm trying to understand, you know, what you like.
I have an idea.
Just Just Trust me.
when I want it you gotta be ready I don't want it all the time but when I get it I better be satisfied so give it to me right or don't give it to me at all I don't think you understand give it to me right or don't give it to me at all Doctor, did you, did you call for me? Erica Shhh! Doctor Wakefield, Do you need me to assist you with your research? I, uh, I guess so.
Um, Erica, can we just-- Shhh! My name is, uh, nurse Stran Nurse Straddle.
Really, Erica, you don't have to.
Oh, but I want to.
Why? Are you Are you busy? Are you worried about your job? Uh, really, uh, don't.
Let's just stop this, ok? I just thought that-- that it might be fun and and that it would help you.
I don't need help to want you.
Uh, you're absolutely right, it looks much better on the computer.
Big night last night? Can't hear you over the blood pounding in my ears.
Mmm, reminds me of your rock'n'roll days.
God, those were fun times.
You know, you really oughta take that biScotti to go, Dr.
Fred.
You can try to rewrite who you are.
But the guy from 2019? He's right here in front of me, and he was in full form last night.
I think we should start the book with a more shocking chapter, Something to, you know, reel them in.
Hmm, I guess, but-- what if we start with self-pleasuring.
Learn how to make yourself happy before you worry about anyone else.
Your friend might find that interesting, yes? I bet she would.
It would help her to understand that we all have needs we don't like to talk about.
I think that she gets that.
Does she? Yes, and I I bet that she would argue that he's the one with the issues.
How so? Well, she I mean, she keeps trying to understand his needs and to give him what he wants.
What about what she wants? Has she told him? Does she even know herself? Hey, Sam.
You got coffee and, uh, a vase? Of course I was scared.
I came home from work, you weren't there, there was no note, there was no warning.
And that took you how long? To notice, I mean.
'cause the night before, I was gone for hours and you just Sam, I got on an airplane.
I got here, I got to you as fast as I physically could, So, yeah, yeah, I noticed.
Just come back with me, please? I screwed up, I know it.
London was supposed to be our chance to break free from all the bullshit-- I fulfilled my end of the bargain.
I know you did.
But I didn't.
There's no excuse.
Look, I'm not a saint, ok? I-I-I messed up and I admit that, but I wanna work on it.
I need you, Sam.
Hey.
Hey.
Where's Sam? Um, I don't know, She wasn't here when I got home.
So, do you wanna talk now, about last night? I don't know.
I'm starting to think that talking is overrated.
My best guess is that you're upset about walking in and, um, seeing me Erica Yes.
Ok? A little.
And it wasn't that you were doing what you were doing.
It's just watching you, it was like seeing this different part of you and that made me realize that there's stuff about me that you never get to see either.
Like what? Like the fact that sometimes I don't-- I don't want candles and baths and romance.
Sometimes I just, I wish that you would stop trying to follow some script, and just do whatever you want.
Ok, where is this coming from? Are you unhappy with our sex life? No.
Kind of.
Yeah.
Ethan, it just feels like we're having sex the way we think we're supposed to, and not the way that we really want to.
And I mean-- I don't know what you're talking about.
I mean Look, it's ok to drop the romantic boyfriend act sometimes, ok? Erica, wha-- I'm serious.
Stop holding back, Ethan.
Because if you can't let yourself go, then neither can I, and, and I want to.
And I will if you just get out of your head and let yourself do whatever you want to do.
I mean, let yourself just take control, let yourself be a man! What is that supposed mean? I'm not a man now? No, that's not, that's not what I mean.
You know what? I'm gonna go grab a beer with Michael.
Ethan, come on.
Hey, how about I be a man by leaving, hmm? Hey.
Usual? Yup.
And a word.
This might be a little bit uncomfortable, but You have experience with women, right? I do.
Do you ever just go after what you want? Erica, that's not how it was.
I mean, it wasn't just me.
Sam wanted it too.
She initiated.
Wow, here I am asking you for advice about my boyfriend and you haven't changed at all.
What does that mean? I'm such an idiot.
I was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, but you're still the same guy you will be 10 years from now.
Oh, of course.
Fred told you.
No.
He sent me there.
To 2019 to see you.
And you know what? You're still the same selfish, inconsiderate asshole.
Erica! Giacomelli.
What's the word? The word is "gold.
" pure gold.
It's our next bestseller.
The author is this fresh new voice.
She's a pagan shaman from nowheresville, Saskatchewan, who has uncovered the true secret of now.
I'm talking past lives, celestial messages, spirit animals.
Beauty.
Maybe we can publish it concurrently with Friedken's book.
Well, that's the thing, we don't need Friedken.
We can get her for one quarter of the price.
Whoa, back it up.
You talked to Friedken, yes? Yes.
And? And I can't, in good conscience, do what he wants me to do to make him happy.
Ok, listen up.
We're not gonna lose Friedken.
He's not replaceable.
You are.
Scott.
So, if you wanna keep my father happy, if you wanna keep your job, you keep Friedken happy.
You know, my dad told me that you were slipping; that your staff is starting to talk.
I didn't believe it, but looks like he's right.
Ok.
For the sake of the sex book, on average, how many times a day? Six to eight.
What? Mmm.
So sorry to just drop in.
That's okay, You seem to be doing a lot of that these days.
Well, hitting the midday doldrums; time for a caffeine fix.
What's this? This is to thank you for everything.
Josh came to get me and we're going back to London to give it another shot.
Look, I know what you're thinking.
Good.
Then I don't have to say anything.
I made a mistake.
Getting on that plane, running out on Josh.
Having sex with Kai.
Look, Sammy, how how's this gonna change anything? Josh promises he's gonna try.
Ok, and if he doesn't? What, are you just gonna jump on another plane, go find another Kai? Erica.
Sam, please, just for once, listen to your gut.
Listen to your heart Because they are all telling you to stop.
Let go of the fantasy.
Important editorial meeting in the board room in five.
You seem really busy.
And my flight.
So Bye.
Bye, Sam.
Well, thank you all for coming.
I stand here in front of you, ashamed of my conduct in the past few months, of having let you all down by virtue of being very, very unprofessional.
Um Most of all, I have to apologize to Thomas Friedken, the most valuable author River Rock has ever known.
A brilliant talent, who deserves to be treated with much more respect than I have shown.
Um allow me to quote from his upcoming manuscript, "The Mystery of Tomorrow.
" "when we recognize genius, we increase our own power.
" What? So now you're not talking to me? That's great.
You know what? That's fine.
Talking doesn't seem to be getting us anywhere, so Hey.
Ok, sorry, not interested.
Ethan, I this is the real life, baby this is the life that makes me say yeah yeah, yeah, yeah Do you mind? Not at all.
So what do you want? Wanted to give you these.
First three chapters of "The Mystery of Tomorrow.
" Oh, you could've emailed them.
But thank you, I'll read them tonight.
Yeah, hmm I wanted to talk to you about that.
Uh, I'm not sure you're cut out for this title.
What are you talking about? You're keeping the book here at River Rock.
Yes, but doesn't mean it has to be with you.
Friedken.
Hey.
I hope we don't miss our flight.
I just booked us a whole week at a spa.
Really? Yeah, you can spend all day getting your pedicures and your manicures and your facial-whatevers.
I'll be on the golf course.
But we'll see each other in the evenings.
And Maurice and his wife Grace will be there, So we can have dinner with them.
Your boss is gonna be there? Mm-hmm.
So, this is a business trip? Yeah, it's a business trip and, uh, an escape for us.
With your boss and his wife.
Sam, I'm doing something good here.
No, you're doing something convenient.
Why do you want to be together? Jesus! I told you.
I love you, we're married.
But why? Why do you love me? Why did you want to marry me? Sam.
Just get in the car.
No.
Tell me.
Unless you don't know why.
I-I love you.
I-I don't know, I don't know I just do.
Really? 'cause most of the time I feel like you don't even like me.
Sam.
There's a difference between what you say and what is actually happening between us.
We can't keep ignoring it.
We need to take a break.
I need some time to think.
I-I'm not leaving without you.
Sam.
Sam! Ah, sushi, great.
So? How do you feel? Fine.
Hungry.
Yeah, I bet.
Am I such a girl for wanting talk about it? What's there to talk about? Ethan, I thought it was incredible.
Well, that's great.
What did you think? It was fun.
Ethan.
What, we're about to have dinner.
I don't wanna deconstruct the sex we just had.
Can we talk about something else? Well, did you--I mean, did you not like it? I liked it.
Are you sure? Because your face is saying that you didn't Can you just drop it, please? It's not me, ok? Being like that.
I just, I liked our sex life the way it was.
Oh.
You're upset.
No.
No, I mean, if you don't feel comfortable, then we shouldn't.
Do you want the spicy tuna roll or can I have it? Hey, it's all yours.
Most of us think we know ourselves pretty well-- our hopes, dreams, desires.
We cling so tightly to the stories we tell ourselves, not realizing that what we really should do is let go.
it ain't hard to see the truth it's a broken dream I've been clinging to but it's hard to let it go Let go of the belief that we are invincible.
and it ain't hard to pick up coins Let go of the idea that we can't do it on our own.
but it's hard to let it go Let go of the fairy-tale.
it ain't hard to live with the lie Because if we don't let go, how can we move forward? and it ain't hard to look in those eyes make believe it's so oh, but it's hard to go