Once and Again (1999) s03e17 Episode Script

~ bufgelfly ~
OK, so
why did John Gardner write Grendel?
Seriously. Why bother?
Why retell the story of Beowulf
from the monster's point of view?
Yes, Alexa.
Um, maybe he just liked Grendel.
As a character.
I mean, maybe when he read
the original Beowulf,
he just sort of identified with
you know.
No, I don't know, explain it to me.
Maybe he felt like a monster.
I mean, sometimes you do.
Sometimes you just feel like a monster.
Exactly.
Um, that's exactly what I was
about to say? Only, you cut me off.
Well, forgive me,
I know it might seem
like I was cutting you off,
but what I was trying to--
OK, so, finish Grendel!
And listen,
I said no more pop quizzes,
but that was before I saw
your scores on the last one, so
expect the unexpected!
Here.
The book I was telling you about.
Oh, thanks.
So, about tonight? I'll just meet you
at your house, and then--
Yes, Alexa?
I was just wondering, are you still
accepting stories? For extra credit?
Absolutely.
Great.
OK, well,
if you ladies will excuse me
What's the book?
Just this book
he said I could borrow.
So you're going
to his house tonight?
Yeah. I go to his house a lot,
it's no big deal.
The Gay-Straight Alliance
meets there all the time.
Oh. So maybe I'll come tonight too.
Well, that really
wouldn't probably work.
I mean, it's already
kind of all arranged and
We're going to this movie,
there's a limited amount of seats.
Wait, who's going?
Just a bunch of people.
It's been planned for a while. Sorry.
Well, I can see why it would
seem like a slap in the face to you.
But from her point of view, her feelings
were hurt. That's the difference--
He wrote me an inscription!
Oh my God.
I can't believe he wrote that.
and I'll be back here this Saturday,
taking your calls,
so until then, I'm Lily Sammler,
and I'm no expert.
That was amazing!
You know, it did feel
kind of good today.
Like things really moved.
Definitely! Speed of light!
I've been working on that.
Trying to keep things moving.
Well, you achieved that, definitely.
Hey, sweetie,
thanks for picking me up.
No problem. We should go, though,
- What movie?
- Rashomon?
- It's by that guy Kurosawa?
- It's a school night.
But it's only playing one night!
And Mr. Dimitri thinks
it's important that we see it.
I don't remember you telling me.
I did. It's like this whole group of us?
From English?
Like a field trip?
Hi Mr. Cresswell.
Les, were you listening?
Yeah. Pace seemed kind of frantic.
- What?
- You rushed through the last callers.
Well, I wasn't rushing,
I was trying to--
I mean, you know. Where's the fire?
Anyway, I just got off the phone with
a guy named Tom Peeka from Radiovation.
Cool.
Radiovation's like
the top syndication group.
Oh. Really?
Yeah. I sent them some tapes,
and they want to meet you.
- What?!
- Awesome!
Mom, that's so great!
- But--
- What?
- I don't know--
- They'll be here Friday.
That's all I wanted to say.
That and
you should slow down.
Wow. A star is born.
So, Mom,
this is your big opportunity.
- It's a land interview.
- But I'm really proud of you!
Thanks.
I'm so proud of you.
What? Why?
Well, if you're going to leave
brilliant short stories lying around
What? Oh, yeah
So, you liked it?
I couldn't put it down!
I mean it, it's absolutely--
- I sort of don't hate it.
- Even the title.
"What You Need To Know."
It just--pulls you in.
Yeah, Mr. Dimitri
really liked the title.
And that ending.
When you tied it all together,
her just sitting there on that porch.
And her mother coming back,
and making her breakfast
No, she made her mom breakfast.
Oh! I didn't get that.
You know, I sent it out.
To this magazine.
No! I didn't!
Honey, that's wonderful!
When will you--
Mr. Dimitri knows
all about that stuff.
Like he knows all these
magazines no one's ever heard of.
Grace, that's so wonderful.
You have a real mentor.
Yeah, I guess
I'm so happy for you!
Well, I better go get ready.
For Rashomon.
- What does it mean to be syndicated?
- Sweetie, pass the salt.
It's like they take your show
and air it all over the country, right?
Yeah, which is somewhat terrifying.
You know?
Are you saving this for Grace?
No, Grace is at a movie
with her English class.
- She is?
- Yeah, why?
Nothing, it's just--
I'm in her English class.
You mean you didn't know?
Maybe they planned it
when you were absent.
Now that I think about it,
she said it wasn't the whole class.
It was more like a group.
That makes sense. I never pay attention
in that class anyway.
- Yet you still get A's.
- No I don't!
Yes, you do!
So, Mom,
if you get syndicated,
will we be rich?
First of all, it's only a meeting.
Second of all--
- Look at this mess.
- Quit stalling.
- Second of all what?
- God.
- That's even worse.
- Yes!
Second of all, I'm not even sure
I want to be syndicated. I mean--
- It'd be a lot more work.
- So what?
Well, I'm over-extended as it is.
Right?
What?
I'm saying I'm not even sure
I even want to be syndicated.
Well, yeah,
it would be a lot more pressure.
- You think I can't handle the pressure?
- I didn't say that.
- Anyway, it's just a meeting, right?
- Right.
So, nothing may happen.
So don't worry.
So you don't think they'd want me?
- I didn't mean--
- They're gonna want you.
Well, that's sweet of you to say,
honey, but--
I just mean, why worry about
these things until they're real.
Right.
And if you don't want this,
well, that's OK too.
You're right.
Thanks.
Gin! Again.
It's open!
I just want to finish these
No problem.
I'm actually early.
- You hungry?
- Not really.
So it turns out
Lisa and Russell can't come.
OK.
So, I've been thinking
about your story.
Oh my God,
you should throw this out!
Feel free.
I got a great idea for your ending.
.
- So what?
It doesn't mean
you have to stop working on it.
But I thought--
I like the ending,
everything ties together.
Yeah, it all ties together
maybe a little too much.
- What are you--
- Your eye makeup's smudged.
Oh. Shoot.
- Where are you going? Come on.
- I have to find a mirror--
There's a mirror in my car, come on.
No, I--
Come on!
- I just realized something.
- We can't miss the beginning!
What did you realize.
That I've never seen
the rest of your house.
Yes you have.
But I've never seen
where you sleep.
Well, I haven't.
And I really want to.
If you laugh at me right now,
I'll never speak to you again.
I'm not laughing.
So, then, can we just--
not go to the movies?
No. We can't.
Please. I know I'm doing
this really stupidly, but--
You're doing it alarmingly well.
And I'm extremely honored, however--
Oh God, don't say that.
No, just--
Please.
- I've given this a lot of thought--
- Grace, listen to me, OK?
We really can't be late.
Come on. It's a groundbreaking film.
It's part of your education.
See, Kurosawa takes one event
and he plays it over and over
from three different points of view.
And you see how each person
has their own version of what happened.
I made a total fool of
myself just now, didn't I?
Well. That's not how I see it.
Come on.
Let's go to the movies. OK?
- OK?
- Yeah.
I am a little hungry, though.
I'll buy you some popcorn.
Wait a second.
It's still pretty cold out.
Forewarned is forearmed
pop quiz!
So, Mr. Dimitri,
is this what you were doing last night?
What?
Nothing.
- Oh. My. God.
- What?
Did you hear? It's all over school.
Wait You mean, about us?
No, not us!
Your stepsister! And Dimitri!
Oh my God.
Apparently they like,
practically had sex.
Are you serious? Wait.
- At the movies?
- I don't know.
But Tad said that Russell said
that Alexa said she saw them.
Are you like--totally stunned?
Actually, no. Not totally.
Anyway why would
anyone be talking about us?
I don't know, no reason.
Hi, Les.
So Friday, for Radiovation?
Is that what you said? Friday?
Isn't this kind of soon?
I mean, I know it's
a great opportunity, but
You know, if I'm syndicated, they'll
want to make all these changes,
tell me what I can talk about,
what I can't talk about,
you know,
I just like the show the way it is.
I think we're out of those cookies
with the stuff in the middle.
The butterscotch ones?
- I don't buy the cookies anymore.
- You don't?
No! Not since I started
doing two shows a week.
So, Les,, what do you think?
About what I just said.
About getting syndicated.
Well, they're good questions.
Exactly.
That's why I'm starting to feel--
Bring 'em up when you meet
with them on Friday.
You gonna get that? Or is answering
the phone like buying cookies.
- I'm sorry.
- Oh, Jill!
You know those little
butterscotch cookies?
Lily Sammler.
Well, hello, Alexa's Mom.
What?
What do you mean,
what kind of "action"?
What?!
- Can I come in?
- I guess.
What are you working on?
I'm trying to figure
out a new ending for my story.
You wrote a new story?
No, it's the one you read.
I'm just changing the ending.
I loved that ending.
I thought you already
sent it out to that magazine.
That's no reason
to stop working on it.
- When did you start reading Chekhov?
- Mom-- I need that!
Sorry.
Is that a library book?
It's just this book
Mr. Dimitri lent me.
Oh. Really.
Yeah, he wants me
to start reading Chekhov.
'Cause my work is sort
of in that tradition.
How was the movie last night?
What do you mean?
I was just wondering
who exactly was there.
Why are you asking me this, Mom?
Because I got a rather disturbing
call today. From Alexa's mother.
- And she said--that Alexa says--
- Mom, I know what Alexa says.
She's insane, she's spreading
ridiculous rumors about me,
Mom, we haven't done anything wrong!
We went to a movie, big deal!
These other people
were supposed to come,
at the last minute they
decided not to--and that's it,
that's what happened!
I believe you.
- You do?
- Of course I do.
And I know how these
things get started,
when a teacher singles
out a certain student.
But for the time being, it would be
better if you didn't spend so much time
with Mr. Dimitri outside of school.
- What?
- Just for right now, just until--
Grace.
It's not a punishment, believe me,
I just think it'd be best--
Fine! Fine, I'll come home
every day after school,
I won't go anywhere or see anyone
without checking with you first!
Well thanks. I'd appreciate that.
- They went to the movies?
talk with her--
Why is this teacher--
The whole thing was
a misunderstanding,
a bunch of other kids
were supposed to be there.
What? The reality is,
she probably has a crush on him.
After all, look at him.
But, if you're asking me that,
you know, they're actually
So, what're you gonna tell Jake?
Jake?
Well, if it were Jessie,
I'd want Karen to tell me.
Tell what?
That some hysterical woman
called with this nasty rumor
that her malicious daughter
probably just made up?
What?
Nothing. I mean, if you don't
Never mind. I'm sure it's fine.
So what-- wait.
You think it might be true?
Rick, answer me.
What movie?
Mr. Dimitri?
Would you follow me?
At least now you can
relax in the knowledge
that she's probably not a lesbian.
I mean, she's 17!
I know, I know.
And if this man who's
supposed to be educating her,
who she trusts and admires,
actually seduced her--
- Everything OK?
- Great.
- How's the baby?
- Fine.
Everyone's fine.
Good.
OK, uh anything you need?
Oh, no, we're good, thanks.
I can't believe it,
you're not gonna tell him?
- How do I tell him? What do I tell him.
- I guess I see your point.
Something that may
not even have happened.
It may not even be true!
He could really just be a mentor!
Who lends her Chekhov books
and takes her to Japanese movies!
Don't you see, I just can't
tell her I don't believe her.
But part of me doesn't believe her.
I had an affair with my art history
professor, freshman year of college.
Of course you did.
After all, he was one of the men there!
Professor Suskin.
He was forty-seven.
He was obsessed with Georgia
O'Keefe and he looked like Cat Stevens.
- Don't tell me this.
- It's true.
He came along at this moment
in time when I just--
really needed a man to fall
in love with me. And he did.
for that.
- Well, I'm sorry, it's just wrong.
I don't care
what the circumstances are,
a teacher should never
do that with a student. Ever.
You're right.
It is wrong. It was wrong.
But I'll never be sorry it happened.
I was hoping we could talk?
About my story?
Because, see, now I can't
figure out how to end it, and--
Not right now, Grace.
Oh. OK.
So
why weren't you--
We had that sub,
but then I saw you in the hall--
I was unable to attend class,
due to being interrogated
by Mr. Brooker.
- You're kidding.
- Oh, and Ms. Conway,
- the head of the school board.
- But-- we didn't do anything!
So are you really in trouble?
Well, I could lose my job.
And my license.
And possibly never get hired
to teach anywhere ever again.
I think it's probably best
for both of us if we just
just don't talk to each other
outside of class anymore.
- No, I just--
- I'm sorry.
I can't believe
that woman called you.
And I can't believe
you didn't tell me this yourself,
that I had to hear
it from a stranger!
to find out
what was actually going on.
You want to know what's going on?
That teacher is dead now.
That's what's going on.
I want him fired. Permanently!
Alright? Fired, and then dead!
In that order.
I'm so sorry. You see?
- I didn't say anything.
- See, this is the problem.
I've got two kids, two stepkids,
a marginally employed husband,
a rage-aholic ex-husband,
a job I barely even know how to do.
Yeah, I know.
This is exactly the kind of
stuff you should tell them on Friday,
this is what they're looking for.
Listen to me. I can't do it!
I can't make my life even more
,
I've tried to tell you this, I tried
and you won't listen.
I'm not ready. I can't do it.
I can't meet with those people.
Fine.
You have to help me.
Sorry.
It's OK, I'll just--
No, stay. You may as well, you probably
heard all about it today anyway.
- Heard about what?
- Oh, she hasn't told you yet.
I'm having an affair!
With Mr. Dimitri!
- What?!
- Eli, it's not helping.
I can never go to
school again. Ever.
Are you serious?
Do you realize how old he is?
Shut up!
Eli, maybe you should just leave.
What? This is my garage!
Leave, Eli!
Fine.
So are people like,
really talking about this?
No, no, not that much.
Now he's in trouble.
I got him in trouble,
which is just-- the worst feeling.
I can't take this feeling.
And now he won't talk to me at all.
What am I gonna do?
It'll all be OK.
We'll figure something out.
Mr. Dimitri?
Could you please let me in?
Mr. Dimitri? It's important.
I won't stay long, I just--
Could you please just open the door?
I re-wrote the end of the story.
This isn't an ending.
What? Yes it is.
It was all a dream?
That's your ending?
Yeah, because--
It makes you question--
you know. Reality.
Well, at least be specific.
Suddenly realizing
that the most memorable moment
of your life was only an illusion,
that you made it all up-- what
does that feel like? Specifically?
But this is just-- it's like
you're backing away, disowning it.
Like you just wrote-- anything to be
rid of it. Like none of it mattered.
Just finishing something
is not an ending.
Read your Chekhov.
You'll see what I'm talking about.
- You hungry? You want--
- If you're angry at me just say it!
Don't take it out on my story!
At least I'm trying.
I don't see you sending
your poetry out to any magazines!
- I don't write poetry anymore.
- My point exactly!
There's some of that cheese you like,
if you want it.
be opening
your refrigerator,
a crime!
- Just take the cheese.
I am somewhat angry at you.
And I'm even angrier at myself.
But that doesn't change the fact
that your ending doesn't work.
Are they going to
take away your license?
Maybe if you talk to Alexa.
And just explain to her what she saw--
I can't talk to Alexa,
this has gone way past Alexa--
- But, we have to tell people--
- Tell them what?
You know! The truth!
And what's that?
I hate them. I do!
What gives them the right?
Well, the state laws. For one.
I'm serious.
I hate it--
that they think they can just control
our lives! It's just so unfair!
Grace.
It isn't that unfair.
- I'm expected to--
- No, it's unfair to me!
Because everyone
in that entire school
thinks we did all this stuff,
and we never even got to even do it,
because you never even let me!
Don't laugh at me.
I can't help it.
I read what you wrote.
In the book you gave me.
Thank you.
Oh, my God.
I'm going home now.
Oh, hey, we ordered pizza.
Where's Grace?
I don't know,
you want me to check her room?
She's not here?
She said she was going
to the library.
What?!
- Lil, why don't we just--
- She's not at the library!
Lil. Come on out of there.
- How could you let her leave?
- I didn't let her do anything.
Well, she's gone.
I'm sure she's with him.
I've been here for ten minutes!
Lily, you don't
want to be doing this.
Yes I do!
Because I need to know the truth!
What. What is it.
Oh my God.
What are you doing?!
Get out of my room!
I can't believe you're reading that.
That's private.
- So I see.
- Give me that book!
- We had an agreement, Grace.
- I never promised.
.
Well, I'm sorry,
but I couldn't keep that promise!
Actually I'm not even sorry.
Mom, give me back that book, please?
"For the girl with
the loveliest eyes."
- Mom, don't--
- "Love always, August."
So you call him August?
No! Actually I don't!
- Tell me the truth.
- I don't know what I call him!
Why is he-- he shouldn't be
writing you things like this!
- Why not?
- Stop it! You know why not!
- Please--
- Because it's wrong, alright?
Please, Mom.
Just give me back my book.
And it's not the loveliest eyes.
It's the girl
with the loneliest eyes.
You read it wrong.
OK. Yeah. No, we understand.
Well, she's working late tonight,
but I will convey
that information to her.
OK. Yeah. Thanks.
So, there's gonna be a meeting
at the school, tomorrow.
All of us.
He'll be there.
Look, I know it's horrible,
but we have to.
I'll be there with you.
OK? Lil?
So we're due at
the principal's office by 4 pm.
When's your meeting
with the syndicators?
Never mind about that.
What are you doing up?
I don't know.
Me either.
So are you nervous about tomorrow,
or something?
No.
Well
A little. Are you?
Why would I be?
What are we talking about?
Isn't tomorrow when you meet
with those syndicators?
No. I decided not to do that.
What? Are you serious?
Grace, listen.
About this meeting tomorrow--
I can't believe it, you're not even
gonna talk to those syndication people?
No, I'm not!
It's just not the right timing.
- Well, that's just crap.
- Grace!
It's not like I don't have a lot
going on tomorrow, as you well know!
You know, if you're scared--
- What?
- You should just admit it,
- and not pretend like--
- It's pretending.
I made a decision.
Mom, I get scared too, it's normal--
I'm not scared! I just decided
not to pursue this right now.
When will you want to pursue it?
Just because a person decides
not to pursue certain opportunities,
doesn't mean they're
necessarily scared.
Check this out.
I got it yesterday, but I sort of waited
for a while. Before I opened it.
Honey, I'm sorry.
I thought it was a good story.
Mom. It is a good story.
It's a really good story!
I'm just glad that I actually
sent it somewhere.
I mean, you don't realize--
with a magazine like this?
It's like an honor to get rejected.
At least, that's what--
What Mr. Dimitri says?
She used to be afraid of spiders.
And of the vacuum cleaner. And
of being left alone in the house.
She was afraid of so many things.
She's not afraid anymore.
And I'm not sure how that happened.
But I know I can't
take all the credit.
Grace, look, I want to be fair.
I want to respect you privacy--
But the thing is, in this
particular situation? I need to know.
I need to know
exactly what happened.
Well, except-- exactly what happened?
Isn't the whole story.
It's not right that I should have
to answer all these private questions.
But you have to, Grace.
You do have to.
Why? Why can't you just?!
Because what if he touched--
- God, Mom!
- Because in order to protect you--
Mom, I don't need to be
protected from this person.
I don't need to be protected at all!
I'm fine!
I mean-- look at me.
Don't you realize that?!
I used to really know her.
I knew everything about her.
What had and hadn't happened to her yet.
I knew her story.
But now--
Are her eyes really that lonely?
Because I didn't know.
"Shows promise."
That's my favorite part.
Maybe we should frame it.
- Les! I was an idiot.
- Which time?
I never should've told you
to cancel that meeting.
I did it because I was scared.
I mean, what if they rejected me?
?
What it the show fails?
What if it doesn't fail?
Yup. That pretty such covers it.
Well, the point is-- I blew it.
But if another opportunity
ever presents itself, I'm there.
Good. Because they're here.
Who?
The guys from Radiovation.
They're waiting in my office.
I was trying to find
them some cookies.
But I told you I didn't
want to meet with them.
I didn't pay any attention to that.
Come on, they're waiting.
Les--
how do you know?
Because I left them in there.
No, how do you know
the things you know about me.
I mean, I--
I come in here for an assistant's job
and you put me on the air.
How did you know I could do that?
How do you know I can do this?
OK, their names are Roger and Tom.
Tom's the one with the mustache.
And how many times have you
seen Ms Manning off campus?
- Twice.
- I see.
And your explanation for the
so-called "date" that occurred?
Well, first of all,
there was no date.
I accompanied her to a film.
For educational purposes.
I see, and in choosing
this particular film--
.
Rashomon.
Right. And this particular
movie does contain material
of an explicitly sexual nature,
does it not?
I guess so.
You guess so?
I'm OK, just relax.
It depends on your point of view.
We could always screen the movie.
Rashomon happens to be
an extremely important film.
It pertains directly to what we're
studying. I felt it would be valuable--
Then why not arrange
for the entire class to see it?
Because I knew that only a few students
would be able to appreciate
- You want to step outside?!
- Step outside?
Let's settle this!
- Come on!
- Mr. Manning, sit down.
Why don't we step outside?
Come on. Let's just get some air.
Excuse us.
I'm really sorry, he's just--
Wait, before we go any further,
I have to ask each of you
if there's anything else.
Anything else
that we need to be aware of.
Because if there is
this is the time.
Grace? This includes you.
You don't wanna hear
what I have to say.
I see.
Well, are there any other incidents?
Inappropriate gifts, for instance?
Written communications
of a questionable nature that
Mrs. Manning?
It's Sammler.
I'm sorry.
Mrs. Sammler, was there
anything else at all, of that nature?
That comes to mind?
No. Nothing.
In that case--
There is one more thing.
I just--
This teacher changed
my daughter's life.
By believing in her.
In a way that's hard
to describe, and rare.
And really valuable.
And that needs to be said, too.
That's all.
Well, I've heard enough.
Mr. Dimitri,
under the circumstances,
we have no choice
but to suspend you with pay,
for the remainder of the semester.
At which point the school board
will have a decision to make.
Dad.
What's going on?
He's out.
Thank God.
I'm fine, I'm fine. Alright.
Sweetie
Go ahead and tell him goodbye.
Hurry up.
I bet you anything
they'll bring you back.
Because people will complain
when they hear you're not teaching.
Grace, I'm not coming back.
You don't know that yet,
they haven't decided--
I've decided.
All this time,
I've been encouraging you to write,
and to send your stuff out,
but I don't write.
I don't send anything out.
You said it yourself, you saw it.
I've been scared.
In a way, I guess I used you.
No-- how can you say that--!?
- Just listen--
- You didn't use me, don't say that!
Come on,
let's be honest, of course I did.
I mean, I knew--
some part of me knew
something like this might happen.
I needed my life to change.
And I used you
to change it.
Oh.
Which doesn't mean I won't miss you.
But wait, I mean--
Can I ever
Can I still send you my story?
If I ever figure out the ending?
Read On Love.
- What?
- On Love.
It's in that book I gave you.
Read it. More than once.
Why? I mean
Is there a message in it,
or something?
A message?
You know about you and me?
No, I'm saying--
I'm saying it's important
that you read it,
as a writer.
Don't worry.
You'll figure out your ending.
- Mrs. Sammler.
- I don't wanna hear it.
" and with a burning
pain in my heart
I realized how needless
and petty and deceptive
were all those things which had
kept us from loving one another.
I came to realize
that when you are in love,
then in all
your judgments about love
you should start from something
higher and more important
than happiness or unhappiness,
virtue and sin in all their
accepted meanings,
or you should make
no judgments at all."
"I kissed her for the last time,
pressed her hand, and we parted--
forever.
The train was already in motion."
Oh, sweetheart.
Honey, come here.
I know I do.
- No, you don't understand--
- Yes, I do. It's OK.
No, I know, it's just-- Mom.
It's just such a beautiful story.