Melrose Place s02e14 Episode Script

You ready? Yeah.
Okay.
Well, one, two, three.
Oh, give me.
Thanks.
I'm not much of a breakfast eater, so, you know, don't go to any trouble there.
Raisin toast, coffee, cream, no sugar, right? Uh, yeah.
And you're black coffee, a plain bagel, and fresh orange juice, when you're in the mood to squeeze.
Michael, there's something that we should probably get clear early on.
Yeah, the ground rules? No, nothing that specific.
I just think that it's important for us to stay aware of our circumstances.
You mean the fact that I'm here only because of my condition? I'm aware, Jane.
Believe me, every moment of every day, I'm aware.
Michael, I want to be sensitive to your situation, but you need to understand that I have a pattern to my life now.
One that I've gotten very used to, and one that I like.
All right, and that pattern includes dating Robert.
Uh-huh.
What exactly are you wanting me to hear in all this? That I have no intention of living any differently while you're here.
Well, Jane, the last thing I want to do is cramp your style.
Good.
The truth is, I'm just grateful that you took me in at all.
Then we understand each other.
Perfectly.
No questions, comments, interfering with my life or anybody in it.
Yeah, you'll barely know I'm here.
Oh.
What is it? Well, I like mine a little more burnt, remember? Right.
So, according to your financial people, sales have gone up 22% since we launched phase one of the campaign.
And that was only in limited markets.
Right.
In phase two, we're tripling.
Microcomp's exposure, expanding into mainstream publications, radio, some TV.
It seems our partnership has definitely been a fruitful one.
And a continuing one, I hope I'm safe in assuming.
Of course.
It's impressive work all around.
Especially yours, Alison.
You've been instrumental.
I appreciate it.
Thanks.
So, we'll meet next week to review the implementation of phase two? No, no, I'll be sending my VP of Finance in to pinch-hit for me while I'm away.
Oh.
Vacationing? Strictly business.
I'll be spending the next six months in Paris setting up our European division.
Oh, going international in just your third year of business? Congratulations.
That's terrific news.
Thank you.
I'll be sending postcards.
Steve.
Paris, for six months.
When did you decide that? Recently.
Undertake a gigantic project in an exciting city for months on end It's not a bad way to get over someone.
I want to apologize if I complicated your life.
I certainly never meant to.
Oh, I know you didn't.
By Tuesday next week, I'll be out of your hair for good.
No more beepers, no more last-minute meetings or weekend work.
Take care, Alison.
Really let that one slip through your fingers, didn't you? Billy, Celia The three of us have to talk.
Nancy, call on line two.
After this phone call.
Nancy Donner.
Why do I get the feeling we're gonna be working overtime this weekend? What do you care? You don't have a life anymore.
You got dumped, right? No, I did not.
I moved out, and she didn't stop me.
There's a difference.
Oh.
No, Wednesday's no good.
Monday at the latest.
Okay.
Okay, we got a situation here, and it's dire.
This month's feature article The one on the local cult.
Yes, well it seems that they are threatening to sue.
So Legal wants us to shelve it until they get it resolved.
Which means you want one of us to write a new feature? Which means we're four days away from publication.
I need to find something equally as titillating, fast.
I can do titillating.
Ordinarily, I'd be handing this off to more seasoned writers.
But I'm gonna stick my neck out for you two, because I believe in giving staffers a chance.
That, and this project happens to fit both your profiles, and that you're both single.
I don't get it.
Video dating.
I want a tandem article based on both your personal experiences with it.
Now, there's a service called "Mate Matcher.
" I've signed you both up.
Nancy, you actually want us to go out on dates with the losers who patronize these places? I mean, video dating is like old news.
Whose idea was this? Mine.
You know, I shouldn't have to remind either one of you that opportunities like this don't come knocking every day.
So, warm up to the idea.
That's it, right? Very thorough.
Excellent work, Mr.
Hanson.
Thank you, but I think I'll pass on making a career choice out of it.
So, what's next? We continue gathering evidence.
Do everything we can to make Woodward's arrest airtight.
It's funny, you talk like Palmer is some kind of hardened criminal.
Isn't this a little penny ante for the FBI to be involved in? On its own, sure.
But Woodward's no first-timer.
He's run plenty of scams.
This just happens to be the closest we've gotten to him.
You'd never know it.
He's good at what he does.
So, our business is finished? Almost.
There's one more thing we'd like you to do for us Get Woodward to talk about the operation while you're wearing a wire.
A wire? Are you nuts? If we can get an admission of guilt on tape, we'll be able to throw away this guy's key.
I can't do that.
He'll know I'm pumping him for info.
And when this whole thing goes down, he's gonna know I was involved, and so will his daughter.
There is that risk, yes.
You said my part in this would be completely anonymous.
Things change, Mr.
Hanson.
And when they do, we all have to adjust.
I was beginning to think we should call the authorities.
I'm sorry, I, uh I got tied up doing an errand.
I'll skip lunch tomorrow.
Everything okay? You seem a little on edge.
I'm fine, fine.
Just, you know, taking care of overdue bills.
That always makes me edgy.
Take it easy, son.
Life's too short to, um, start worrying about the little things.
Besides, my daughter is holding for you on line two.
Yeah.
Jake We need to talk.
It's urgent.
What's wrong? I can't go into it over the phone.
Just meet me tonight at 8:00 on the corner of Melrose and Larkin.
Hey, Amanda, what's going on? Is there a problem? Just meet me there.
Oh.
Oh, ge Unh! Ah.
Oh.
Ah! Help! Oh, damn it.
Help! Help.
Somebody! Help! Ah! Help! Somebody! In here! Hey! In here! Michael, what happened? Oh, thank God it's you.
Are you okay? Oh, God.
Help me up.
Hey.
Where you going? Help me up already! Did you hurt yourself? No, I don't think so.
I'm not sure.
Look would you get me off the floor already? Actually, maybe now is a good time for us to talk.
Now? Well, I haven't been able to see you in days.
You won't talk to me.
You've completely shut me out of your life.
What am I supposed to do, just fade away because you want me to? Sydney, I'm in pain here.
I need my medication.
I wanted to be there for you in your time of need, Michael.
And all you could do was be cruel.
And you said some horrible things to me.
Please.
I'm sorry, Syd.
Now, please What you don't understand is that you really hurt me.
I think I'm having a spasm.
And the only thing that would make me feel better is if you let me back into your life.
I mean, it's only fair, isn't it? That we at least be friends? Yes.
Friends.
I swear.
I knew you'd see it my way.
Now, let's get you back into that comfy bed.
Jake! Amanda, what is this all about? It's a surprise.
It's your Christmas present.
I'm taking you on a skiing trip, with equipment and clothes to match.
So, what do you think, Rossis or K2s? I don't know.
I don't even know how to ski.
So what? I'll teach you.
Besides, I'm sure you're a natural, anyway.
Isn't this gonna be wonderful? Yeah.
After all, I owe you.
For what? For being there.
For being patient.
I mean, I've been in some hurtful relationships, and when we first got together, I was pretty closed off.
And you cared enough to really get to know me, which is more than what most people would do.
It's their loss.
Feels so good to trust someone for a change.
It's gonna be a great Christmas.
Come on, let's go buy some skis.
Come on.
What's going on? Hey, buddy, this is who you're looking for.
You Alison Parker? Yeah, what's this? All I've got to say is, you must mean a lot to this "Steve" character.
Oh, my Thanks.
See ya.
Yup, I can remember when you wouldn't get rid of that old car because it had too much sentimental value.
Oh, Billy.
But I guess everything is replaceable when something shinier comes along.
Well, I personally do not believe in premarital sex because I think sex is the smallest part of love.
You know, there's too much emphasis put on it.
But that's not to say that we can't kiss or anything, but for me the best thing to do would be to have a strong relationship first, then get married, then fool around.
But my all-time favorite thing to do is square dance.
I mean, it's fun, it's social, and it's a good workout, considering I go three or four times a week.
And I teach practically every guy I go out with.
Sure, some guys think it's geeky at first, but by the time I'm through with them, they're just as hooked on it as me! What are you watching? Video dating possibilities.
It's for a feature I'm writing.
Well, he has to love dogs, because I have three adorable cocker spaniels that are just like my babies, but he also has to like malls because I love to shop.
Unless he pulls out a wad of money, then you're with him.
Well, there it is.
That proves it.
All the great women are taken.
As you say, usually by rich jerks.
You waiting for someone? No.
Can I talk to you for a second? Sure.
I probably shouldn't get you involved, but I'm into something kind of deep and I don't know how to get out.
What's going on now? You can't say anything to anyone about this.
Not even Alison.
I don't think you have to worry about that happening anytime soon.
You know Amanda's father.
His whole business is a scam.
He's got a bunch of guys building these reproductions, and then he's passing them off as originals at three times the money.
Are you serious? How did you figure it out? Well, easy.
Between the stuff I saw, and a visit from the FBI, it all sort of fell into place.
Wow.
Does Amanda know? She thinks that Palmer walks on water.
She has no idea that, according to them, this guy has pulled every kind of scam known to man.
Now they want to bust him with my help.
Like, doing what? Well, first it was simple.
They just wanted file copies and certificates and, you know, a paper trail.
Now they want me to wear a wire, and get him to admit to everything.
Are you kidding? You're not gonna do it, are you? That's the problem.
I don't have a choice.
What are you talking about? Of course you do.
I mean, they can't force you to do their spy work for them.
I mean, that's like extortion or something.
I mean, it's Amanda's father, for crying out loud.
They can't expect you to live with putting the guy in jail.
You don't think I know what's gonna happen when this whole thing goes down? I'm gonna lose her.
If I were you, I'd just tell the FBI to go to hell.
Do you want some more coffee? Oh, no, I'm fine, thanks.
All right.
Didn't I get you that outfit? Oh, that's right.
I found it tucked away in the back of my closet.
I haven't worn it in months.
Okay, so you got your food, your remote control, a bottle of water, and the phone.
Anything else you need? Guess I'm all set.
Great, then I'll be back at lunchtime, but I can only stay for a few minutes today.
How come? Because I have other plans.
Consisting of? Michael remember what we had talked about yesterday? The fact that we have separate lives? Sure, but shouldn't I know where you are at all times? What happens if there is an emergency? Fine, I'll be at Citrus.
Really? With who? Michael! I'm not being nosy.
It's just, what if the reservation isn't under your name? Describe me to the maître d'.
I quit.
I see.
So, you plan to just keep punching the time clock, business as usual? What you don't understand is that his daughter and I Are romantically involved.
Mr.
Hanson, this is the FBI.
You seem to be under the mistaken impression that you've been doing us a favor.
That's right, I have, and it's gotten old.
Jake, your hands are all over the operation.
A little detail Woodward always sees to when he picks a fall guy.
In fact, we have enough evidence to hang the entire body of criminal charges on you solely, if necessary.
After all, you knew what you were doing.
Not at first, I didn't.
Oh, try explaining that technicality to a jury.
So you're gonna blackmail me? No.
I'm just pointing out that you need us more than we need you.
A linebacker? Yeah, figured I'd get a few Raiders tickets out of the deal, you know? If I've got to break bread with some goon I wouldn't ordinarily give the right time of day to, I might as well be compensated.
Oh, I'm sure you'd do exactly the same thing.
Yeah, I'm sure.
You're agreeing with me? Oh, there's something wrong with this picture.
No, I'm not sick.
I just can't get into this assignment.
It's stupid.
What are you talking about? This is a feature.
The big time.
What is this, "I can't get into it" crap? Maybe I'm just not as resilient as you, but I just broke up with somebody that I was pretty seriously involved with.
So, excuse me if I don't want to pick a new date off of some 20-inch monitor.
Look maybe I can help.
You know, I have had my share of tangles, God knows.
So, if you want to tell me about it, I would be more than happy to listen.
Are you serious? As the pope on Good Friday.
The thing is it was bad enough to lose Alison, but to lose her to some guy who comes along and sweeps her off her feet with cars, and a ranch, and fancy restaurants I mean, what am I supposed to do with that? If that's all it took to replace me, what did I really mean to her in the first place, you know? You ready for my comments? Yes.
That was the point, wasn't it? This assignment is very important, not only to me, but to the magazine.
Now, Nancy stuck her neck out for us.
We're obligated to do a great job, and to meet deadline.
Now, here's the advice part.
Get over it, partner.
I'm glad you decided to have dinner with me.
Me, too.
But, about the car No, I'm not gonna take "no" for an answer.
Not tonight, anyway.
Now, see, the polite thing to do is to at least flirt with the idea for 24 hours.
What does Billy think of it? I have a confession to make.
He moved out while I was in San Francisco.
Really? I'm sorry.
It wasn't your fault.
We just can't seem to make it work.
No matter how hard we try, we always wind up in opposite corners.
I don't know what Or if This means anything as far as you and I are concerned.
Then why didn't you mention it? I'm not sure.
As much as I hate to see you go through something this painful, I'd be lying to you if I told you I wasn't a little bit grateful.
In fact, I must have a guardian angel looking out for me, because this feels very much like a second chance.
Is it? Yeah.
Maybe it is.
Then I have an idea.
How about we break in the new car and drive out to the ranch for the weekend? We'll get reacquainted.
We'll see what it feels like between us without complications.
Oh, I don't know.
It seems a little soon.
Give it a shot.
That's all I ask.
Come on in.
You're here awfully late.
I kind of wanted to talk to you.
You got a minute? For my best mechanic? I'm all ears.
Let's have it.
I think I have, uh noticed some things about the business.
I don't mean to be disrespectful.
I appreciate everything you've done for me.
But I can't help but feel there's something shady going on.
I just want us to be honest with each other.
How much do you want? Excuse me? Don't play games, Jake.
How the hell much do you want to keep your trap shut about this? I don't want money.
It's just that, I'm working with you.
I don't like to be kept in the dark about things.
Especially since we're practically family.
All right.
Ask your question.
Are you selling these reproductions as originals? Give the man a cigar.
Okay.
So, how does it work? How do you find clients? It's all about connections.
You hit the underground market quickly, make a bundle, and close up shop before anyone is the wiser.
How do you convince the buyers that they're real? Certificates of authenticity are a dime a dozen.
So are willing signatories.
So, do you just pay experts to sign off the cars, or do you forge the signatures yourself? You son of a bitch! Palmer Woodward, you're under arrest.
Hold it.
Hold it right there.
I'll crush you.
We need to talk.
Ah! I can't now.
Something horrible has happened.
Daddy's been arrested.
I know.
The police called, I have to bail him out.
Were you there when it happened? Amanda, I can't tell you how sorry I am this is all happening.
What's going on? What do you know? The FBI they made me a part of it.
Wait, wait, uh I don't understand.
You're responsible? No! Yes.
He was doing everything that they said he was doing.
He was running a scam.
What? It's true, all of it.
Amanda.
God! Amanda, listen to me! You don't know what you're talking about.
Yes, I do.
Would you listen to me? No.
Let go of me! Amanda, I'm sorry.
I had no choice.
I can't believe you.
Amanda! Come on come on, you're hurting me! How are you feeling? Are you all right? Been better.
Are you hungry or anything? We could go somewhere, grab a bite.
No.
It'll be lunch time by the time we get to the Santa Barbara house.
You can relax there, take a sauna.
Put this ridiculous situation behind you until it gets straightened out.
Amanda, I know you and Jake have been close, so I have to ask you this.
You believe I'm innocent, don't you? Of course.
Of course.
I'm sorry honey.
I don't mean to question you, of all people.
But when you've been betrayed, and when it comes from someone you not only trusted but someone you bent over backwards to help I know, daddy.
I know.
Just tell me what he did.
I want to know everything.
It's still hard for me to believe.
Once Jake got his foot in the door, he approached my associate in the business.
Together they set up a situation in which they would pawn off reproductions as originals.
I would make the initial contact, turn it over to them, then they would turn around and counter-offer the client a so-called original instead.
When I started getting suspicious, Jake set me up to take the fall.
This is so unbelievable.
I mean, when I was with him, it seemed so safe and so real.
But it couldn't have been.
Otherwise, how could he He's a pro.
He needed money, that's how.
What do you really know about him, or his past? How much do you know about any of the men you get involved with? The only good thing about him is that you found out about him before it was too late.
Imagine how he might have deceived you in the future.
I'm I'm sorry.
I don't I hate to be the one to tell you these ugly things.
I just don't know how I could have been so wrong about him, been so stupid.
Don't blame yourself, Amanda.
There are just some people you can never truly know.
There you are.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
So, you're a writer? Film or television? Uh, magazine.
Bet that pays well.
So, are you from here? What part of town do you live in? Give me the Reader's Digest condensed version.
I'm a native Angelino.
Actually, I'm from the valley, but that's basically the same thing.
And I live in the Melrose area now.
Oh, great neighborhood for homes.
Really kept its value.
I wouldn't know.
Not a home-owner.
What about your parents? What do they do? Why would you want to know about my parents? Just curious.
Oh, well, it's funny, you've been curious about five times to my one.
Sorry, I've just been under a lot of pressure lately.
Oh, that's okay.
Well, thanks for understanding.
So, tell me, what kind of car do you drive? I don't drive a BMW, if that's what you're after.
Look, maybe you should just cross me off your list before we waste any more of your time.
I just happen to believe you can tell a lot about a person by the kind of car they drive, that's all.
Give me a break.
I mean, you're not interested in me, you're interested in my credit rating like every other woman.
I mean, you all say you want real relationships and then as soon as some guy with big bucks comes on the scene, you're gone with the wind.
Maybe it's obsolete, but I'm looking for a woman who just wants me for me.
Uh It was nice meeting you.
Hey.
Hi.
So, my linebacker proved to be a real lughead.
Burgers, fries, and an arcade.
And then he had the nerve to drop me off after I kicked his butt in air hockey.
What's the matter, tiger? Your small talk a little rusty? No, there was small talk, all right.
It just wasn't mine.
Three minutes into the date I left her at the restaurant, after I pretty much called her a gold digger.
Wait, let me get this straight.
You didn't take your date to completion? Well, terrific.
What are your 500 words gonna be about, Einstein? How to ruin two journalistic careers in three minutes or less? I don't know.
I'll think of something.
Yeah, well you sure as hell better, because this is my feature break too! You know what your problem is, Campbell? You are immature.
A serious journalist would not let his screwed-up personal life get in the way of a deadline.
It's unprofessional.
And what's worse, it's selfish.
Yeah, well selfish seems to be working for everyone else around here, including you, lady.
So maybe it's time I tried it myself.
And don't worry about my side of the article.
I'll just write about what really happened.
Dating from the male perspective.
It sucks.
Not a bad ride, huh? Compared to my old clunker, it's a Lexus.
Good.
I hope that means you'll change your mind.
Oh, it is so beautiful here! Yeah, I think of it as my outdoor think tank.
I come here whenever I need to make decisions, or put things in perspective.
Ah.
I usually go to the beach for that.
Have you been lately? No.
What? You're staring.
Well we're just so different.
You have everything.
Meaning, I have money.
Steve, that part of you matters the least to me.
You are an intelligent man.
An adult.
You've got drive, and life experiences, and interests.
And you're funny.
Sexy.
The feeling is quite mutual.
You know, about a week ago I came out here and I tried to imagine my future.
And at the time, what I thought what I came up with was mostly a fantasy.
But now I'm beginning to think it was more of a psychic flash.
Really? What did you see? Us.
Having a true partnership.
Working together, living together, traveling.
Me actually having a life outside of Microcomp.
Family.
I love you, Alison.
Amanda.
Let's keep this simple, because I don't have much to say to you.
Can't you at least come in? No, I think I'll wait until it's been fumigated.
What are you talking about? I just came by to tell you that I'm taking every measure to have you evicted from this apartment as soon as possible.
So if I were you, I'd buy the paper tomorrow.
Wait a minute.
You can't just take his side without giving me a chance to explain.
Explain what? That you set my father up? That you put him in jail? Is that what he told you? Can't you see that he's lying? Oh, for God's sake, stop it! Amanda.
The charade is over! Why don't you just admit that you used him, that you used me? How can you say that? You know that I care about you.
Actually, the only thing I know for certain is that I want you out of our lives.
Amanda, your father is a con artist.
The FBI was on to him long before I came onto the scene.
Think about it! That sting didn't happen overnight! Amanda, your father is a crook.
Trust me on that.
If you're not out of here by the end of the week, I'll have you thrown out.
Always makes me feel better to see it on the table.
Hmm.
Call it a quirk.
Give me a beer, would ya? Sure.
That was a good game.
If you want, next time I'll take longer, you know, in front of your friends and all.
Thanks a lot, honey.
Hey.
Hi.
How's it going? How are you? Oh, I'm not so good.
Sorry.
You look good.
Thanks, so do you.
Well, I mean obviously you're going through something.
But, you do look good, despite that.
I know what you're saying.
Thank you.
So where are all the regulars? I don't recognize anyone here.
Me either.
You wanna play a game? I don't think so, Jake.
We already have.
I hope you don't think it's hokey.
I just happen to have a thing for candlelight and jazz.
No.
It's nice.
Are you comfortable? Yeah.
Can I get you anything? No.
No, I'm fine.
What's wrong? I'm sorry.
Is this going too quickly? Yeah.
Okay, so we'll watch a movie or something, or play Scrabble, or raid the refrigerator.
Anything you want.
Steve Um I came up here because I really thought I wanted to be with you.
But, sometimes it takes getting away from what you really want in order to realize you want it.
Am I making sense? Unfortunately.
I care about you.
I think you're wonderful, and obviously I am very attracted to you, but Billy.
I didn't mean to lead you on, or confuse you.
I am just as confused myself.
I just don't think I can go from one relationship to another.
It wouldn't be fair to anyone.
It looks like I'll be calling my travel agent after all.
I should probably go home.
Yeah, you probably should.
Um, would you drive me? No.
The car's yours, Alison.
I told you that.
Steve, I can't keep it.
Just let me ask you something.
What does Billy have that I don't? Ifeel I still have a commitment to him.
Wow, you sure do know how to spend a Saturday night.
Oh! You almost gave me a heart attack.
Sorry.
You need help with the lid? Obviously.
No need to get snippy.
I'm just trying to help.
Fine, then get the lid off.
No sweat.
Well, at least it wasn't just me being weak.
This is not exactly helping in the self-esteem department.
Oh, who are you telling? Why, what's up with you? Only a complete betrayal by someone I cared for deeply.
Why don't you turn it upside down? Well, I got you beat.
I've been screwing up at work, and I got deserted by the love of my life, for money.
Okay, I'll take this one.
Well, you know what? It just goes to what I've always thought People can't be trusted.
Yeah, well, as soon as you open up, you get burned.
Uh-huh.
All right, now, on the count of three.
On the count of three.
Are you ready? Ready.
One, two, three.
Oh, my God.
Are you okay? Just dandy.
Oh.