Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990) s04e03 Episode Script
The Little Fish
Brandon, what did you do to my room? Hey.
Hi, Bren.
Where are my things? - What? - How could you do this to me? Do what? What's going on here? That's what I wanna know.
How did you get here? I walked.
Now, can you please get your stuff out of my room? Brandon, are you all right? Brenda? Hi.
What are you doing here? You're supposed to be in school.
In Minnesota.
I dropped out.
What? Can you believe this madhouse? Yeah, the whole day started crazy.
- What happened? - Brenda came home.
- What about Minnesota? - You know as much as I do.
Oh, miss, I'm sorry.
The Communications Theory course you've requested's already filled up.
But I'm a Journalism major.
You're also a freshman.
David, what happened? I got shut out of practically every course I wanted.
You got any advice? Yeah, tell them you're a sophomore.
Brenda's back? But I talked to her there.
- She said everything was terrific.
- Well, apparently not.
Wow, I gotta tell Kelly.
Wait a second.
Hold on.
When were we told about a math placement test? It was in your freshman orientation packet.
If you'd read it.
Now, please, just pick an alternate Geology course and we're finished.
Geology? Oh, joy.
Do you have anything like Rocks for Jocks? Thank you.
What do you mean you're not going out for the newspaper? I've done the newspaper.
The Condor is a real daily.
They're interviewing today.
- We should go there right now.
- Easy for you, Einstein.
You don't have to take the math placement test like us.
- I'll wait for you.
- Really, you don't have to.
How can you just blow this off? We were the best at the Blaze.
Andrea, in case you haven't noticed, the freshmen around here get the rubber end of the plunger, if you know what I'm saying.
The Condor will just be grunt work.
Besides, I got a lot of things on my mind right now.
- Yeah, like what? - Like I have a major housing crisis.
I don't have a dorm, an apartment, I don't have anything.
When I agreed to live at home, Brenda was not sleeping on my futon.
What's up with her? I mean, did she really hate it there? Your guess is as good as mine.
All I know is she showed up at the foot of my bed this morning.
Listen, if you wanna go be on The Condor, go for it.
Well, I thought I'd just give it that old college try.
Good luck, chief.
You will never believe this.
Now I've gotta stand in this huge fee-payment line.
Mel really messed up.
But after my math test, we can go straight to the radio station.
Oh, I don't know.
Donna, if we're serious about getting on-air positions here, we have to kick in some doors.
But I have to call Brenda.
- Later.
- Later? - Hey, what classes did you get? - I didn't get any.
What were your backup choices? There weren't any, Kel.
I couldn't stand in that line for another second.
So you're not gonna register at all? I can't stand this place.
What do you want from me? It's like a zoo in there.
I'm leaving.
Dylan, you gotta give it a chance.
No, I don't.
I'll call you later.
- Hello.
- So it's true, you really are back.
- Yeah.
- What happened? Look, let me call you later, okay? Okay, are you all right? Great.
I just can't talk right now.
- Bye.
- Bye.
So where were we? You were telling us why you left.
I thought I already did.
No, what you said was it felt all wrong.
We were hoping for a few specifics.
Honey, just talk to us.
I mean, it's very difficult for us to understand what's going on here.
What's going on is I didn't like my classes, I didn't like the dorm, I didn't like the people.
I didn't like anything.
Aside from that, Mrs.
Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play? Brenda, if you'd just told us there was a problem, I'm sure we could have dealt with it.
There was nothing you could do.
I thought that you guys would be happy to see me.
Instead, you're giving me the third degree.
I'm sorry, it's such a problem for you.
Well, it's not just us.
I mean, what about Brandon? Now with you home, going to California University, Brandon's talking about moving out.
Who said anything about me going to CU? Wait a second, what are you saying? Well, I think the one thing that's obvious from this whole experience is that I'm not meant for college.
Brenda, you're going to college.
Tell her that she's going to college.
Honey, you just panicked.
Mom, you call it panic, I call it getting in touch with myself.
Look, I knew I made a mistake.
If I'd waited another day, you only would have gotten - At least this way, you got 90.
- My bank account thanks you.
Brenda, you are going to school.
Somewhere.
I don't think so, Dad.
Now, I have to unpack.
Can we talk about this later? Brenda, you made a commitment.
Grandma says I shouldn't be afraid to change my mind.
To me, those are words to live by.
I love your mother.
- What are you doing? - Nothing.
Don't try to cheat off me.
I'm not trying to cheat off you.
I'm trying to cheat off him.
Why? You know math isn't my strong suit.
Steve, you're not being graded on this.
It's a placement test.
Do you understand? Yeah.
My name is Josh Richland.
I'm the managing editor of The Condor, and I've been told I have a low threshold for stupidity, so listen carefully.
The Condor is committed to professional standards and professional ethics.
The weak need not apply.
Now, you may think you're the hottest thing to walk into this newsroom, but to me, all you are are freshmen.
Little fish in a relatively big pond.
The cards you are receiving contain your audition writing assignments.
Your deadline is 5 p.
m.
Tomorrow.
What if we have placement tests tomorrow and can't complete it? What if a giant cow fell on your flat head? Figure it out.
Goodbye, people.
Excuse me, Mr.
Richland? Yeah, what is it? I can't do this particular assignment.
I think that it's a conflict of interest.
Oh, please, it's just a test to see what kind of a writer you are.
You are a writer, aren't you? - I'd like to think so.
- Good.
It's so simple.
It's so simple.
Bro, I hear you lost your love shack.
Well, news travels fast around here.
Maybe you should consider a fraternity.
Steve, the return of Brenda Walsh is still not enough to drive me into a frat.
Wait a second, this is not just any frat, okay? This is Kappa Epsilon Gamma House.
The K.
E.
G.
House.
I can make it happen for you.
Yeah, I know you can, but I'm not an up-all-night, drinking-beer-out-of-a-keg, eating-cold-pizza-for-breakfast, getting-hit-in-the-back-of-the-head- with-a-cricket-bat guy.
No, you're just some kind of soft-drink-sipping, hockey-puck-haircut-having, Bart Simpson look-alike.
Without a place to live, though.
Now, when we find the station's program director, remember, the first impression may be the only chance we get.
- How's my hair look? - Looks fine.
You didn't even look.
Donna, hair doesn't matter in radio.
Oh, would you look at this place? This is so cool.
Oh, I'm so nervous.
Well, just relax.
Let me do all the talking.
Mr.
Program Director? Don't touch that dial because standing before you is the number-one morning team from WBH, Beverly Hills.
The double D's, David and Donna.
The rockingest jocks with the most pulsating patter.
Or the most refined commentary and classical stylings, if that's what it takes.
Or we just won't talk at all, we'll just play music and shut up.
You're looking for the Financial Aid Department? It's right around the corner.
Right around the corner.
Right around there.
I think the guy that we're looking for is right in there.
Hey, thank you.
You're welcome.
Everybody's just worried about you.
That's all anybody's been saying.
Yeah, but I put you all through my whole Minnesota odyssey and then I'm barely there for two weeks.
Hey, we got a great going-away party out of it.
Yeah.
And you're home now and that's what matters.
Well, do you wanna come over? You know, I can't now.
I'm going out.
Where you going? To Dylan's.
Say hi for me.
Okay, I will.
- Kel.
- Oh, here come my roommates.
Well, we did it.
We got a chance for an on-air gig at KXCU.
Oh, and they're happy campers.
Howard, the program director, is the coolest guy.
He said if we have an air-check tape, he'll listen to it.
I didn't know what he meant, but David has one.
Well, I'm a professional and professionals have air-check tapes.
It's basically a reel of all your best stuff.
Well, Brenda says congratulations.
- Let me talk to her.
- I'll see you later.
I'm gonna go make a sandwich.
David, don't you mess up the kitchen.
Hi, what happened? It just didn't work out.
I'll tell you when I see you.
You have to come down and see our apartment, which, God forbid, should my Mom ask, David does not live at, okay? Donna, I thought you said Kelly and Dylan broke up.
Oh, that.
Well, I guess I was a little premature.
Listen, you didn't come back because of Dylan, did you? Give me a break.
I may get a little dizzy, but my life does not revolve around Dylan McKay.
I was just checking.
Bye.
I still haven't heard one answer that makes any sense.
What are you planning on doing if you don't go to school? I don't know.
Maybe I'll travel.
Alone? - You can go with me.
- Oh, no.
Going off for the summer, that was one thing.
But the first semester, that's another.
It doesn't have to be.
Dylan, I got my psych class.
I got Art History with Donna.
I got an apartment.
I'm actually excited about being at CU with my friends.
It's gonna be a great year.
Why can't you go along with the program? The program sucks, Kel.
And I'd rather not be having this discussion right now.
Fine.
You know, this is Europe all over again.
Goodbye.
I'm sorry I screwed up your housing plans.
Are you still gonna move out? I don't know.
Well, I hope you don't.
The last thing I want is for you to be mad at me.
I'm not mad.
Yes, you are, you're just pretending not to be because you are so damn decent.
Well, one of us has to be.
Okay, I deserved that.
All right, Bren.
What happened? No, it'll just sound like some sappy cliché to you.
Try me.
Well, I was homesick after 24 hours there.
I started thinking of September in California.
Warm Santa Ana winds, soft nights.
California dreaming on such a winter's day? Something like that.
Remember when people used to ask us where we were from and we'd say Minnesota? I guess we're not from Minnesota anymore.
Well, you're home.
Now what? I don't know.
I mean, I just feel so incredibly out of it.
You're not the only one.
I got a Sociology classroom the size of the Universal Amphitheater.
And I swear, there are 100 guys on campus already who do what I do as well as I do it.
If I can even remember what it is that I do.
- You can handle it.
- I don't think so.
I swear, if I don't figure out where I fit in at this school pretty soon, I might just You might what? Just drop out? Unfortunately, I'm not as theatrical as you are, Bren.
So looks like we'll be sharing a bathroom in our parents' house for the rest of our lives.
Oh, I see you finally decided to get up.
Mom, it's 8:15 in the morning.
I'm going to go help out in the recycling co-op.
So if you want breakfast, you'll have to get it yourself.
That's fine.
I'll just swing by the Peach Pit, get something to eat there.
Is that what you're planning on doing with your life? - Hanging out at the Peach Pit? - What are you so tense about? Brenda, just because I let your father do all the talking yesterday, doesn't mean that I don't fully agree with him.
You're very bright.
But it can be a pretty cruel world out there without a higher education.
Oh, honey, I just don't think you gave it a chance.
- Mom - Look, you don't have to say anything.
Just think about it for a few days.
Relax, clear your head.
Look, you can always go back to school next week, right? Yes, Mom.
Meaning no.
Can't we just go back to the part where I don't have to say anything? Oh, Nadene.
- There you go, Dylan.
- Hey.
Breakfast special just as you like it.
Nat, I didn't order any home fries.
I did order wheat toast and that's white bread.
I have Willie out sick and Nadene just nuked the coffee.
Just push the fries off of the plate and I owe you some fruit, okay? What about the toast? What's wrong with the white bread? Builds bodies 12 ways.
Oh, Nat, your coffee's killing me.
- Hey.
- Brenda.
How's it going? Don't ask.
What are you doing here? - Don't ask.
- I won't.
If you tell your brother how much I miss him, maybe he'll take pity on me.
- Doubt it.
- Nice to have you home.
Hey, remember me? Vaguely, yes.
How are you? I'm okay.
Aren't you supposed to be in school or something? Couldn't I ask you the same question? - I'm glad you didn't.
- I'm sorry you did.
Mind if I join you? Have a seat.
One condition, no college talk.
Well, that's an easy promise to make.
All right.
Now, all we need's some service.
Well, I'm in no hurry.
What took you so long? Bookstore was packed.
Sorry, man.
Spoke to the president of the K.
E.
G.
House.
Stop the bombing, bro.
Brandon, in case you haven't noticed, we are sheep here.
There's 8,000 students trying to make their mark.
Do you wanna get lost in the shuffle, or would you like the comfort of a select brotherhood that knows the lay of the land? Brandon, I'm asking you to come this afternoon just to see a little preview of the house.
Why would I wanna be a K.
E.
G? For the same reason everyone wants to be.
You meet people, you make connections, you meet women, you secure liquor.
Gonna have to do a lot better than that, bro.
It's Party, U.
S.
A.
Everybody knows this.
It's the playpen of the Western world.
Steve, I understand you have a legacy here, that your father was part of the frats.
So if you want it, go for it.
But leave me out of it.
What runway are you on? This has nothing to do with me, it has to do with us.
Don't you remember? Birth to Earth - Womb to tomb, I got it, I got it.
All right, I'll go.
I knew you'd crumble.
Hey, did you get a message to see your counselor? Nope.
My guy wants to see me about the math tests.
- It can't be good.
- Don't worry about it, Steve.
They can't kick you out of college for failing a placement test.
No, but can they kick you out for cheating on one? Then, right after the science placement test, I have to go back to the fee-payment people and work out this whole money situation.
David, don't worry.
I'm capable of getting the air-check tape to the station.
It's gotta be there by 2:00 sharp.
Are you sure you can do it? Would you please relax? I will make sure, okay? Okay.
Now, it's going right in the glove compartment for safekeeping.
So concentrate and do well on your test.
Thanks.
And remember, it's only our future.
I wanna kill him.
What's wrong? I just keep hoping Dylan woke up on the right side of the bed and decided not to drop out.
Well, he's probably sleeping in.
Keeping that bed warm for you.
So there I was in the middle of the night crashing in the dorm hallway because my roommate had decided that her boyfriend should stay in our room.
And I'm thinking, who needs this? Besides, the classes I got were so incredibly boring.
Yeah, it's all so lame.
Yeah, but every single time I try and explain it to my parents, they just don't get it.
Same with Kelly.
It's like there's only one track, one goal, one destination.
It's just not true.
Absolutely.
I mean, there are other choices.
Right.
What are you gonna do today? - Nothing, what are you doing? - Nothing.
We could do it together.
Who's there? - Surprise.
- Surprise.
Hi, welcome to Casa Andrea.
- Hello.
- Hello.
For you, we found a great little café right on campus.
Oh, thanks.
Croissants? Apricot, cheese, chocolate chip.
You guys, how could you do this? Well, because we love you.
And we want you to get fat, not us.
- Thanks.
- Oh, this place is fabulous.
I know.
I feel so guilty.
All the other freshmen have rooms the size of my desk.
Well, California University had to do something to snatch you from Yale.
Where I'm sure they would not have gotten me a computer.
Did you see this? Oh, my God.
They gave you a laser printer too.
Don't let my mother see this, she'll wonder why I didn't stay in the dorms.
Well, just tell her they didn't have the right necessities.
Like David.
Do I smell croissants from Cafe Delicious? You certainly do.
Any chance I can buy one? How about on the house? Thanks.
Hi, I'm Andrea Zuckerman.
And this is Donna Martin and Kelly Taylor.
Hi.
Dan Rubin.
So you all live here? No, actually, I do.
What about you? - Fellow freshman? - Perpetual grad student.
I'm also the dorm's resident advisor.
Then it really is a pleasure to meet you.
Likewise.
Well, how about an apricot? I'm a chocolate chip kind of guy.
Better you than me.
Thanks.
Well, I'll see you around, Andrea.
Have a good day, ladies.
An RA with a sweet tooth.
Interesting.
Delicious.
Stop.
Hey, we're gonna go check out the bookstore.
Wanna come? I'd love to, but I have to go do this restaurant review for the newspaper.
Can you believe that he's a graduate student? Andrea.
It's not our coffee.
It's the cream, it went sour.
Here, have another cup.
Use these packets.
Ron, take all the creamers off the table.
And then go check the fridge, okay? Hey, Nat.
Place looks busy, must be the food.
Here I was hoping for a booth.
I wanna get through lunch without the Board of Health closing me down.
You want your usual? No, I think I'm gonna look at a menu.
Well.
Oh, sir, don't use that.
If you're gonna order, better do it now.
I think I'll start with the lobster bisque and then You don't want the bisque.
It's milk-based, and you could get food poisoning.
- Have the vegetable soup.
- Okay.
And then I'll have the Catalina Salad with the sirloin tips rolled in a pita, with spicy fries and Andrea, you always have the megaburger or the tuna melt.
Why are you getting creative on me now? Oh, I Just stay calm.
Well, the ambience is wonderful.
- Oh, I told you not to park here.
- What? I wanted to be near the radio station.
Besides, it was a good spot.
Oh, that's why it's faculty parking only.
It's hot in here.
Roll down the window.
- Oh, my God.
- Okay.
It's hot.
What is that smell? It's all right.
It's fine.
I'm sure David has another copy.
No, I don't have another copy.
How could you be so stupid? David.
I don't believe this.
I don't believe this either.
She ruined the tape by melting it.
How do you melt a tape? It wasn't my fault.
Then whose fault was it, Donna? Oh, let me guess, Bill Clinton, right? Hey, let's blame it on Bill.
Everybody else does.
Well, don't you have another air-check tape? No, Donna, that's it.
That's the only one I had.
- Are you sure? - Yes, I'm sure.
You know, maybe you're not quite as professional as you thought you were.
Let's leave.
Europe has sort of a timeless quality to it.
I know what you mean.
When I was there, I got really caught up in the Old World mystique.
- It really sort of takes you over.
- Yeah.
I know.
I wanted to write poetry, the great novel.
- Did you? - No, I just bummed around.
But I got the feeling, you know, walking through all those old villages, that every stone I stepped on could have been stepped on by Rimbaud or Baudelaire.
Because they were bums too, you know.
They know you gotta live it before you can write it.
You're the only guy I know who knows who Rimbaud and Baudelaire are.
Who? Well, I loved Paris.
It must be incredible when you're there with someone you love.
I don't know about that.
I knew we were in trouble on the Left Bank.
Kelly had dragged me into, like, the 20th shoe store of the day and I just snuck out to find Balzac's house.
I went to Balzac's house.
How long did it take you to find it? I will never tell.
Well, the looking's the fun part.
There's not much to it once you get there.
You know, I really missed you, Dylan.
I missed you too, Bren.
I called you in Minnesota to wish you good luck.
I could have used it.
Well, this is it.
You wanna keep walking? What, right off the pier? Yeah, maybe.
What's the alternatives? I'm thinking.
Look out now.
So, what do you think? Go fish? - Yeah.
- Yeah.
- Donna.
- David, it was an accident.
It could have happened to anyone.
Donna, please.
You have no idea how embarrassing this is for me.
And for me.
Can I please explain what happened? No, not if you're gonna sit there and blame me.
Donna, you're making it worse.
Excuse me, I have the right to tell my side of the story.
It wasn't like I had any idea what was gonna happen.
Like there was a warning label that says, "If left in sun, tape will melt.
" I mean, I would never do that with Brie cheese.
- Because Brie has a label.
- Donna.
We're trying to get another chance to audition.
Not argue whether audio tape has any similarity to Brie, which it doesn't.
Oh, please, like you're the big cheese expert? Okay, you know what, maybe not even Brie.
Maybe like a semi-soft Cambert left on a buffet.
- A Camembert.
- Whatever.
Or a Gorgonzola, which gets really sweaty when left in the heat.
Like someone else that I know.
I mean, a proper label indicating a product be stored in a cool place is not too much to ask, is it? It was an honest mistake.
It's a total tank.
Listen, don't pay any attention to her, okay? I'm sorry, this will never happen again.
I like you guys.
"Therefore, it is very probable you'll receive your food semi-warm.
In conclusion, despite it's pleasant setting and try-to-please style, food lovers beware.
The Peach Pit is more of a pit than a peach"? What's the matter with you? Brandon, you don't know this Richland character.
I mean, he eats freshmen alive.
He's not gonna care that Nat and I are buddies.
Hey, do what you gotta do.
- What's wrong with you? - Nothing's wrong.
But maybe now, you see why I didn't wanna go out for the paper.
Wait a minute, you're not gonna go to the Condor office with me? - Please, show some support.
- No, I'm not going.
I told Steve that I'd go on this tour with him of Kappa Epsilon Gamma House.
Wait a minute, you a K.
E.
G? Believe me, I don't know what's going on with me at this school.
Don't worry about it.
None of us know what's going on.
But the writing style's okay? The writing style's fine.
I just wish, for Nat's sake, you would have written a puff piece instead of a hatchet job.
Look, Brandon, I have to approach this as an objective journalist, okay? I mean, it's a matter of professional integrity, - you understand that.
- Andrea, I understand.
And I understand how much you wanna be on The Condor, but what about your integrity? This from a man who's considering joining the animal house on campus.
And we believe that a membership in K.
E.
G.
Is an outstanding opportunity.
Our goal is to organize our brothers' social lives in order to promote their educational objectives.
It's an experience in living together, sharing maintenance, self government, personal relations, so that the entire community benefits both socially and intellectually.
Don't believe a word of that.
Before we continue, why don't I shut up? You get something to drink, then we'll go inside.
Dixon.
Steve Sanders.
I understand you're a good athlete, Sanders.
Thanks.
We should play a little one-on-one sometime.
Anytime.
We got softball, basketball, flag football, even hockey.
- Hockey? - This guy's a killer.
- Really? - Well, I can play.
No, my man's just being modest, believe me.
He grew up in Minnesota.
Son, that's practically Canada.
Well, there's nine months of winter and three months of bad skating.
- All right, we'll talk.
- All right.
Okay, everyone, when you follow Tom in, please note the canisters underneath the stairs.
If you become a brother here, you'll become very familiar with them.
Is that where the K.
E.
G.
's keep the kegs? No, those are the recycling bins.
Clothing, books, CD's that aren't wanted are collected and appreciated by the charity sponsor store that we have in South Central.
Yes, gentlemen, K.
E.
G.
Really cares.
I wonder when this fraternity became so politically correct.
Oh, I'm impressed, Sanders.
All right, bro, I gotta take off.
Gotta see my counselor about that test, so hang in with this, okay? You got it.
What's up, guys? Now, that's more like it.
All right, you little Hey, hey, all right, I got you.
Okay.
Oh, you slippery little sucker.
Allow me, I am from the land of 10,000 lakes.
That's right.
Okay, the trick is to get the hook in and around in one clean motion.
- Bren? - Did I hook you? Just my sweatshirt.
Don't move.
- There you go.
- Thanks.
I've seen that look before.
It's the same one you have.
We can't go down this road again.
Why not? I think because I don't want to ruin this feeling that's between us now.
Yeah, you're right.
We're probably better off as just friends.
Close friends.
The closest.
Mr.
Richland.
If it's about the freshmen reviews, the deadline hasn't changed.
It's 5:00.
You've still got a couple hours to do it.
- I've done it.
- Good.
Drop it in the hopper and we'll get back to you.
Well, I thought that I'd come here in person to tell you that I won't be handing it in.
- What? - Well, I've thought about it and I've come to the conclusion that I'm not cut out to be a little fish.
Look, I know who you are, Zuckerman.
You did great work on the Blaze.
We definitely want you here, so relax.
Well, maybe I don't want it.
I don't think that I have that killer instinct to be a part of The Condor.
Okay, I hear you.
But let me give you some advice.
If you're not on the newspaper, there's not much point in being a Journalism major.
Or there's always premed.
Mr.
Sanders, as freshman counselor, it's my job to keep you on the educational path that your aptitude deserves.
Well, after reviewing your math placement test, I'm recommending Here it comes, I'm dead meat.
that you be enrolled in our Advanced Astrophysics Program.
- Astrophysics? - It's a junior elective.
And from it, a number of our graduates have gone on directly to NASA.
I just feel badly that someone as gifted as yourself had to take the test in the first place.
No, don't.
It's no big deal.
Astrophysics, huh? Along with my other required math courses? Oh, no, there's no need to bore you with what you already know.
You'll never have to take them or the sophomore ones either.
This way, you'll be free for more electives.
Oh, I see.
Yes, well, I'm honored.
But I'm just wondering if this is really in my best interest.
- What do you mean? - Well, Mr.
Bardwell, it's obvious I'm already so far ahead of my peers in math, I was thinking maybe now is the time to develop my other aptitudes.
Maybe a folklore course or History of Film.
You see, I've always felt that it's the whole man that benefits the most in the long run.
Don't you? This is so refreshing, Steve.
Most prodigies are in such a hurry to succeed, they don't take the time to smell the roses.
History of Film would be an excellent idea.
Hey, excuse me.
Hi.
- Aren't you Brandon Walsh? - Yeah.
I'm Josh Richland.
I'm managing editor of The Condor.
I was hoping you'd stop by.
Yeah, listen, man, I really have no interest in working on the paper.
That's good, because I got something else to talk about.
What's that? How'd you like to run for student senate as freshman representative of the Progressive Party? Progressive Party? Why me? Aren't you the Brandon Walsh who led 600 students against the school board and shut down West Beverly High? - Yeah.
- Welcome to California University.
How you doing? At losing bait, great.
At catching fish, lousy.
You got a nibble, though.
Yeah, well, we should have just have rented some scuba gear, swam with a huge school of fish.
Couldn't miss with that.
It reminds me of a joke my dad used to tell me, it cracked me up.
No doubt a blond joke.
No.
What do you call the dumbest fish in school? Dinner.
Get it? Dinner, school, fish, dumb? - I get it.
- So why aren't you laughing, Bren? Because that would make us dumber than the dumbest fish.
Right, a couple of uneducated mackerel.
Hey, Bren.
Flounders without a college degree.
- There you go.
Reel it, come on.
- Hey, he's fighting.
Crank it, Bren, here you go.
All right.
Hey.
Very good.
Would you like it? No, too small.
Needs time to grow.
Yeah, he's right, Bren.
Throw it back.
All right, little fish, be lucky you're not dinner.
Now go join your friends.
You done? Yeah.
It was a great idea.
A great day.
It's too bad we can't spend our whole lives fishing, though.
Especially not a guy who reads Baudelaire and Rimbaud.
Or a girl who goes out of her way to find Balzac's house.
- Let's go.
- Yeah.
Hey, this is Dylan.
You know the drill.
Dylan, if you're there, pick up.
I'm sorry I got so mad at you.
- Are you there? - Kel.
Where have you guys been? I thought I lost my roommates and my boyfriend.
We were celebrating.
You're looking at the only two freshmen DJs on KXCU.
We went to explain to the program director, he hired us on the spot.
- He loved our chemistry.
- Our hostility.
We're working six days a week and we'll be on from 2 to 6.
That's great.
Everybody will be tuned in.
Well, it's not that 2 to 6.
What 2 to 6? Two to 6 a.
M? Well, it's still radio.
I know, but why did Howie have to call it the graveyard shift? Probably because the only people listening at that hour are zombies.
Oh, thank you.
David, if you use the kitchen again, I'm gonna Hi.
Having a bubble bath? I'm glad to see you.
You're not too hard on the eyes either.
So where have you been? I left a message for you.
Well, I've been fishing all day with Brenda.
It was pretty fun.
Hey, Kel, we're just friends, remember? Right.
So you still mad at me? I'm going back to campus tomorrow.
- You are? - Yeah.
I figure with late registration and everything, I could still get in.
You're gonna love it, Dylan.
What do you call the dumbest fish in school? You.
Brenda.
Come downstairs.
We're in the kitchen, honey.
Brenda has something to tell you.
Well, it can wait.
Because I have something to say.
All right, you don't wanna go to school, so be it.
But you will get a job and you will pay rent.
At least that'll help cover some of Brandon's costs - when he moves out.
- Jim.
No, no, no, don't get me wrong.
I don't want Brenda to think this is some kind of punishment.
Because the fact is she has a lot of talent.
If she sticks with her acting, maybe she'll make it big someday, and I can retire a lot earlier.
Dad, I hate to crimp your leisure plans, but I'm going back to school at California University.
And I'm in no rush to move out.
Did I miss something here? Brenda needs to grow before charging into the cruel world, and she wants to go to school with her friends.
I shouldn't be afraid to change my mind, should I? God bless your mother.
Hi, Bren.
Where are my things? - What? - How could you do this to me? Do what? What's going on here? That's what I wanna know.
How did you get here? I walked.
Now, can you please get your stuff out of my room? Brandon, are you all right? Brenda? Hi.
What are you doing here? You're supposed to be in school.
In Minnesota.
I dropped out.
What? Can you believe this madhouse? Yeah, the whole day started crazy.
- What happened? - Brenda came home.
- What about Minnesota? - You know as much as I do.
Oh, miss, I'm sorry.
The Communications Theory course you've requested's already filled up.
But I'm a Journalism major.
You're also a freshman.
David, what happened? I got shut out of practically every course I wanted.
You got any advice? Yeah, tell them you're a sophomore.
Brenda's back? But I talked to her there.
- She said everything was terrific.
- Well, apparently not.
Wow, I gotta tell Kelly.
Wait a second.
Hold on.
When were we told about a math placement test? It was in your freshman orientation packet.
If you'd read it.
Now, please, just pick an alternate Geology course and we're finished.
Geology? Oh, joy.
Do you have anything like Rocks for Jocks? Thank you.
What do you mean you're not going out for the newspaper? I've done the newspaper.
The Condor is a real daily.
They're interviewing today.
- We should go there right now.
- Easy for you, Einstein.
You don't have to take the math placement test like us.
- I'll wait for you.
- Really, you don't have to.
How can you just blow this off? We were the best at the Blaze.
Andrea, in case you haven't noticed, the freshmen around here get the rubber end of the plunger, if you know what I'm saying.
The Condor will just be grunt work.
Besides, I got a lot of things on my mind right now.
- Yeah, like what? - Like I have a major housing crisis.
I don't have a dorm, an apartment, I don't have anything.
When I agreed to live at home, Brenda was not sleeping on my futon.
What's up with her? I mean, did she really hate it there? Your guess is as good as mine.
All I know is she showed up at the foot of my bed this morning.
Listen, if you wanna go be on The Condor, go for it.
Well, I thought I'd just give it that old college try.
Good luck, chief.
You will never believe this.
Now I've gotta stand in this huge fee-payment line.
Mel really messed up.
But after my math test, we can go straight to the radio station.
Oh, I don't know.
Donna, if we're serious about getting on-air positions here, we have to kick in some doors.
But I have to call Brenda.
- Later.
- Later? - Hey, what classes did you get? - I didn't get any.
What were your backup choices? There weren't any, Kel.
I couldn't stand in that line for another second.
So you're not gonna register at all? I can't stand this place.
What do you want from me? It's like a zoo in there.
I'm leaving.
Dylan, you gotta give it a chance.
No, I don't.
I'll call you later.
- Hello.
- So it's true, you really are back.
- Yeah.
- What happened? Look, let me call you later, okay? Okay, are you all right? Great.
I just can't talk right now.
- Bye.
- Bye.
So where were we? You were telling us why you left.
I thought I already did.
No, what you said was it felt all wrong.
We were hoping for a few specifics.
Honey, just talk to us.
I mean, it's very difficult for us to understand what's going on here.
What's going on is I didn't like my classes, I didn't like the dorm, I didn't like the people.
I didn't like anything.
Aside from that, Mrs.
Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play? Brenda, if you'd just told us there was a problem, I'm sure we could have dealt with it.
There was nothing you could do.
I thought that you guys would be happy to see me.
Instead, you're giving me the third degree.
I'm sorry, it's such a problem for you.
Well, it's not just us.
I mean, what about Brandon? Now with you home, going to California University, Brandon's talking about moving out.
Who said anything about me going to CU? Wait a second, what are you saying? Well, I think the one thing that's obvious from this whole experience is that I'm not meant for college.
Brenda, you're going to college.
Tell her that she's going to college.
Honey, you just panicked.
Mom, you call it panic, I call it getting in touch with myself.
Look, I knew I made a mistake.
If I'd waited another day, you only would have gotten - At least this way, you got 90.
- My bank account thanks you.
Brenda, you are going to school.
Somewhere.
I don't think so, Dad.
Now, I have to unpack.
Can we talk about this later? Brenda, you made a commitment.
Grandma says I shouldn't be afraid to change my mind.
To me, those are words to live by.
I love your mother.
- What are you doing? - Nothing.
Don't try to cheat off me.
I'm not trying to cheat off you.
I'm trying to cheat off him.
Why? You know math isn't my strong suit.
Steve, you're not being graded on this.
It's a placement test.
Do you understand? Yeah.
My name is Josh Richland.
I'm the managing editor of The Condor, and I've been told I have a low threshold for stupidity, so listen carefully.
The Condor is committed to professional standards and professional ethics.
The weak need not apply.
Now, you may think you're the hottest thing to walk into this newsroom, but to me, all you are are freshmen.
Little fish in a relatively big pond.
The cards you are receiving contain your audition writing assignments.
Your deadline is 5 p.
m.
Tomorrow.
What if we have placement tests tomorrow and can't complete it? What if a giant cow fell on your flat head? Figure it out.
Goodbye, people.
Excuse me, Mr.
Richland? Yeah, what is it? I can't do this particular assignment.
I think that it's a conflict of interest.
Oh, please, it's just a test to see what kind of a writer you are.
You are a writer, aren't you? - I'd like to think so.
- Good.
It's so simple.
It's so simple.
Bro, I hear you lost your love shack.
Well, news travels fast around here.
Maybe you should consider a fraternity.
Steve, the return of Brenda Walsh is still not enough to drive me into a frat.
Wait a second, this is not just any frat, okay? This is Kappa Epsilon Gamma House.
The K.
E.
G.
House.
I can make it happen for you.
Yeah, I know you can, but I'm not an up-all-night, drinking-beer-out-of-a-keg, eating-cold-pizza-for-breakfast, getting-hit-in-the-back-of-the-head- with-a-cricket-bat guy.
No, you're just some kind of soft-drink-sipping, hockey-puck-haircut-having, Bart Simpson look-alike.
Without a place to live, though.
Now, when we find the station's program director, remember, the first impression may be the only chance we get.
- How's my hair look? - Looks fine.
You didn't even look.
Donna, hair doesn't matter in radio.
Oh, would you look at this place? This is so cool.
Oh, I'm so nervous.
Well, just relax.
Let me do all the talking.
Mr.
Program Director? Don't touch that dial because standing before you is the number-one morning team from WBH, Beverly Hills.
The double D's, David and Donna.
The rockingest jocks with the most pulsating patter.
Or the most refined commentary and classical stylings, if that's what it takes.
Or we just won't talk at all, we'll just play music and shut up.
You're looking for the Financial Aid Department? It's right around the corner.
Right around the corner.
Right around there.
I think the guy that we're looking for is right in there.
Hey, thank you.
You're welcome.
Everybody's just worried about you.
That's all anybody's been saying.
Yeah, but I put you all through my whole Minnesota odyssey and then I'm barely there for two weeks.
Hey, we got a great going-away party out of it.
Yeah.
And you're home now and that's what matters.
Well, do you wanna come over? You know, I can't now.
I'm going out.
Where you going? To Dylan's.
Say hi for me.
Okay, I will.
- Kel.
- Oh, here come my roommates.
Well, we did it.
We got a chance for an on-air gig at KXCU.
Oh, and they're happy campers.
Howard, the program director, is the coolest guy.
He said if we have an air-check tape, he'll listen to it.
I didn't know what he meant, but David has one.
Well, I'm a professional and professionals have air-check tapes.
It's basically a reel of all your best stuff.
Well, Brenda says congratulations.
- Let me talk to her.
- I'll see you later.
I'm gonna go make a sandwich.
David, don't you mess up the kitchen.
Hi, what happened? It just didn't work out.
I'll tell you when I see you.
You have to come down and see our apartment, which, God forbid, should my Mom ask, David does not live at, okay? Donna, I thought you said Kelly and Dylan broke up.
Oh, that.
Well, I guess I was a little premature.
Listen, you didn't come back because of Dylan, did you? Give me a break.
I may get a little dizzy, but my life does not revolve around Dylan McKay.
I was just checking.
Bye.
I still haven't heard one answer that makes any sense.
What are you planning on doing if you don't go to school? I don't know.
Maybe I'll travel.
Alone? - You can go with me.
- Oh, no.
Going off for the summer, that was one thing.
But the first semester, that's another.
It doesn't have to be.
Dylan, I got my psych class.
I got Art History with Donna.
I got an apartment.
I'm actually excited about being at CU with my friends.
It's gonna be a great year.
Why can't you go along with the program? The program sucks, Kel.
And I'd rather not be having this discussion right now.
Fine.
You know, this is Europe all over again.
Goodbye.
I'm sorry I screwed up your housing plans.
Are you still gonna move out? I don't know.
Well, I hope you don't.
The last thing I want is for you to be mad at me.
I'm not mad.
Yes, you are, you're just pretending not to be because you are so damn decent.
Well, one of us has to be.
Okay, I deserved that.
All right, Bren.
What happened? No, it'll just sound like some sappy cliché to you.
Try me.
Well, I was homesick after 24 hours there.
I started thinking of September in California.
Warm Santa Ana winds, soft nights.
California dreaming on such a winter's day? Something like that.
Remember when people used to ask us where we were from and we'd say Minnesota? I guess we're not from Minnesota anymore.
Well, you're home.
Now what? I don't know.
I mean, I just feel so incredibly out of it.
You're not the only one.
I got a Sociology classroom the size of the Universal Amphitheater.
And I swear, there are 100 guys on campus already who do what I do as well as I do it.
If I can even remember what it is that I do.
- You can handle it.
- I don't think so.
I swear, if I don't figure out where I fit in at this school pretty soon, I might just You might what? Just drop out? Unfortunately, I'm not as theatrical as you are, Bren.
So looks like we'll be sharing a bathroom in our parents' house for the rest of our lives.
Oh, I see you finally decided to get up.
Mom, it's 8:15 in the morning.
I'm going to go help out in the recycling co-op.
So if you want breakfast, you'll have to get it yourself.
That's fine.
I'll just swing by the Peach Pit, get something to eat there.
Is that what you're planning on doing with your life? - Hanging out at the Peach Pit? - What are you so tense about? Brenda, just because I let your father do all the talking yesterday, doesn't mean that I don't fully agree with him.
You're very bright.
But it can be a pretty cruel world out there without a higher education.
Oh, honey, I just don't think you gave it a chance.
- Mom - Look, you don't have to say anything.
Just think about it for a few days.
Relax, clear your head.
Look, you can always go back to school next week, right? Yes, Mom.
Meaning no.
Can't we just go back to the part where I don't have to say anything? Oh, Nadene.
- There you go, Dylan.
- Hey.
Breakfast special just as you like it.
Nat, I didn't order any home fries.
I did order wheat toast and that's white bread.
I have Willie out sick and Nadene just nuked the coffee.
Just push the fries off of the plate and I owe you some fruit, okay? What about the toast? What's wrong with the white bread? Builds bodies 12 ways.
Oh, Nat, your coffee's killing me.
- Hey.
- Brenda.
How's it going? Don't ask.
What are you doing here? - Don't ask.
- I won't.
If you tell your brother how much I miss him, maybe he'll take pity on me.
- Doubt it.
- Nice to have you home.
Hey, remember me? Vaguely, yes.
How are you? I'm okay.
Aren't you supposed to be in school or something? Couldn't I ask you the same question? - I'm glad you didn't.
- I'm sorry you did.
Mind if I join you? Have a seat.
One condition, no college talk.
Well, that's an easy promise to make.
All right.
Now, all we need's some service.
Well, I'm in no hurry.
What took you so long? Bookstore was packed.
Sorry, man.
Spoke to the president of the K.
E.
G.
House.
Stop the bombing, bro.
Brandon, in case you haven't noticed, we are sheep here.
There's 8,000 students trying to make their mark.
Do you wanna get lost in the shuffle, or would you like the comfort of a select brotherhood that knows the lay of the land? Brandon, I'm asking you to come this afternoon just to see a little preview of the house.
Why would I wanna be a K.
E.
G? For the same reason everyone wants to be.
You meet people, you make connections, you meet women, you secure liquor.
Gonna have to do a lot better than that, bro.
It's Party, U.
S.
A.
Everybody knows this.
It's the playpen of the Western world.
Steve, I understand you have a legacy here, that your father was part of the frats.
So if you want it, go for it.
But leave me out of it.
What runway are you on? This has nothing to do with me, it has to do with us.
Don't you remember? Birth to Earth - Womb to tomb, I got it, I got it.
All right, I'll go.
I knew you'd crumble.
Hey, did you get a message to see your counselor? Nope.
My guy wants to see me about the math tests.
- It can't be good.
- Don't worry about it, Steve.
They can't kick you out of college for failing a placement test.
No, but can they kick you out for cheating on one? Then, right after the science placement test, I have to go back to the fee-payment people and work out this whole money situation.
David, don't worry.
I'm capable of getting the air-check tape to the station.
It's gotta be there by 2:00 sharp.
Are you sure you can do it? Would you please relax? I will make sure, okay? Okay.
Now, it's going right in the glove compartment for safekeeping.
So concentrate and do well on your test.
Thanks.
And remember, it's only our future.
I wanna kill him.
What's wrong? I just keep hoping Dylan woke up on the right side of the bed and decided not to drop out.
Well, he's probably sleeping in.
Keeping that bed warm for you.
So there I was in the middle of the night crashing in the dorm hallway because my roommate had decided that her boyfriend should stay in our room.
And I'm thinking, who needs this? Besides, the classes I got were so incredibly boring.
Yeah, it's all so lame.
Yeah, but every single time I try and explain it to my parents, they just don't get it.
Same with Kelly.
It's like there's only one track, one goal, one destination.
It's just not true.
Absolutely.
I mean, there are other choices.
Right.
What are you gonna do today? - Nothing, what are you doing? - Nothing.
We could do it together.
Who's there? - Surprise.
- Surprise.
Hi, welcome to Casa Andrea.
- Hello.
- Hello.
For you, we found a great little café right on campus.
Oh, thanks.
Croissants? Apricot, cheese, chocolate chip.
You guys, how could you do this? Well, because we love you.
And we want you to get fat, not us.
- Thanks.
- Oh, this place is fabulous.
I know.
I feel so guilty.
All the other freshmen have rooms the size of my desk.
Well, California University had to do something to snatch you from Yale.
Where I'm sure they would not have gotten me a computer.
Did you see this? Oh, my God.
They gave you a laser printer too.
Don't let my mother see this, she'll wonder why I didn't stay in the dorms.
Well, just tell her they didn't have the right necessities.
Like David.
Do I smell croissants from Cafe Delicious? You certainly do.
Any chance I can buy one? How about on the house? Thanks.
Hi, I'm Andrea Zuckerman.
And this is Donna Martin and Kelly Taylor.
Hi.
Dan Rubin.
So you all live here? No, actually, I do.
What about you? - Fellow freshman? - Perpetual grad student.
I'm also the dorm's resident advisor.
Then it really is a pleasure to meet you.
Likewise.
Well, how about an apricot? I'm a chocolate chip kind of guy.
Better you than me.
Thanks.
Well, I'll see you around, Andrea.
Have a good day, ladies.
An RA with a sweet tooth.
Interesting.
Delicious.
Stop.
Hey, we're gonna go check out the bookstore.
Wanna come? I'd love to, but I have to go do this restaurant review for the newspaper.
Can you believe that he's a graduate student? Andrea.
It's not our coffee.
It's the cream, it went sour.
Here, have another cup.
Use these packets.
Ron, take all the creamers off the table.
And then go check the fridge, okay? Hey, Nat.
Place looks busy, must be the food.
Here I was hoping for a booth.
I wanna get through lunch without the Board of Health closing me down.
You want your usual? No, I think I'm gonna look at a menu.
Well.
Oh, sir, don't use that.
If you're gonna order, better do it now.
I think I'll start with the lobster bisque and then You don't want the bisque.
It's milk-based, and you could get food poisoning.
- Have the vegetable soup.
- Okay.
And then I'll have the Catalina Salad with the sirloin tips rolled in a pita, with spicy fries and Andrea, you always have the megaburger or the tuna melt.
Why are you getting creative on me now? Oh, I Just stay calm.
Well, the ambience is wonderful.
- Oh, I told you not to park here.
- What? I wanted to be near the radio station.
Besides, it was a good spot.
Oh, that's why it's faculty parking only.
It's hot in here.
Roll down the window.
- Oh, my God.
- Okay.
It's hot.
What is that smell? It's all right.
It's fine.
I'm sure David has another copy.
No, I don't have another copy.
How could you be so stupid? David.
I don't believe this.
I don't believe this either.
She ruined the tape by melting it.
How do you melt a tape? It wasn't my fault.
Then whose fault was it, Donna? Oh, let me guess, Bill Clinton, right? Hey, let's blame it on Bill.
Everybody else does.
Well, don't you have another air-check tape? No, Donna, that's it.
That's the only one I had.
- Are you sure? - Yes, I'm sure.
You know, maybe you're not quite as professional as you thought you were.
Let's leave.
Europe has sort of a timeless quality to it.
I know what you mean.
When I was there, I got really caught up in the Old World mystique.
- It really sort of takes you over.
- Yeah.
I know.
I wanted to write poetry, the great novel.
- Did you? - No, I just bummed around.
But I got the feeling, you know, walking through all those old villages, that every stone I stepped on could have been stepped on by Rimbaud or Baudelaire.
Because they were bums too, you know.
They know you gotta live it before you can write it.
You're the only guy I know who knows who Rimbaud and Baudelaire are.
Who? Well, I loved Paris.
It must be incredible when you're there with someone you love.
I don't know about that.
I knew we were in trouble on the Left Bank.
Kelly had dragged me into, like, the 20th shoe store of the day and I just snuck out to find Balzac's house.
I went to Balzac's house.
How long did it take you to find it? I will never tell.
Well, the looking's the fun part.
There's not much to it once you get there.
You know, I really missed you, Dylan.
I missed you too, Bren.
I called you in Minnesota to wish you good luck.
I could have used it.
Well, this is it.
You wanna keep walking? What, right off the pier? Yeah, maybe.
What's the alternatives? I'm thinking.
Look out now.
So, what do you think? Go fish? - Yeah.
- Yeah.
- Donna.
- David, it was an accident.
It could have happened to anyone.
Donna, please.
You have no idea how embarrassing this is for me.
And for me.
Can I please explain what happened? No, not if you're gonna sit there and blame me.
Donna, you're making it worse.
Excuse me, I have the right to tell my side of the story.
It wasn't like I had any idea what was gonna happen.
Like there was a warning label that says, "If left in sun, tape will melt.
" I mean, I would never do that with Brie cheese.
- Because Brie has a label.
- Donna.
We're trying to get another chance to audition.
Not argue whether audio tape has any similarity to Brie, which it doesn't.
Oh, please, like you're the big cheese expert? Okay, you know what, maybe not even Brie.
Maybe like a semi-soft Cambert left on a buffet.
- A Camembert.
- Whatever.
Or a Gorgonzola, which gets really sweaty when left in the heat.
Like someone else that I know.
I mean, a proper label indicating a product be stored in a cool place is not too much to ask, is it? It was an honest mistake.
It's a total tank.
Listen, don't pay any attention to her, okay? I'm sorry, this will never happen again.
I like you guys.
"Therefore, it is very probable you'll receive your food semi-warm.
In conclusion, despite it's pleasant setting and try-to-please style, food lovers beware.
The Peach Pit is more of a pit than a peach"? What's the matter with you? Brandon, you don't know this Richland character.
I mean, he eats freshmen alive.
He's not gonna care that Nat and I are buddies.
Hey, do what you gotta do.
- What's wrong with you? - Nothing's wrong.
But maybe now, you see why I didn't wanna go out for the paper.
Wait a minute, you're not gonna go to the Condor office with me? - Please, show some support.
- No, I'm not going.
I told Steve that I'd go on this tour with him of Kappa Epsilon Gamma House.
Wait a minute, you a K.
E.
G? Believe me, I don't know what's going on with me at this school.
Don't worry about it.
None of us know what's going on.
But the writing style's okay? The writing style's fine.
I just wish, for Nat's sake, you would have written a puff piece instead of a hatchet job.
Look, Brandon, I have to approach this as an objective journalist, okay? I mean, it's a matter of professional integrity, - you understand that.
- Andrea, I understand.
And I understand how much you wanna be on The Condor, but what about your integrity? This from a man who's considering joining the animal house on campus.
And we believe that a membership in K.
E.
G.
Is an outstanding opportunity.
Our goal is to organize our brothers' social lives in order to promote their educational objectives.
It's an experience in living together, sharing maintenance, self government, personal relations, so that the entire community benefits both socially and intellectually.
Don't believe a word of that.
Before we continue, why don't I shut up? You get something to drink, then we'll go inside.
Dixon.
Steve Sanders.
I understand you're a good athlete, Sanders.
Thanks.
We should play a little one-on-one sometime.
Anytime.
We got softball, basketball, flag football, even hockey.
- Hockey? - This guy's a killer.
- Really? - Well, I can play.
No, my man's just being modest, believe me.
He grew up in Minnesota.
Son, that's practically Canada.
Well, there's nine months of winter and three months of bad skating.
- All right, we'll talk.
- All right.
Okay, everyone, when you follow Tom in, please note the canisters underneath the stairs.
If you become a brother here, you'll become very familiar with them.
Is that where the K.
E.
G.
's keep the kegs? No, those are the recycling bins.
Clothing, books, CD's that aren't wanted are collected and appreciated by the charity sponsor store that we have in South Central.
Yes, gentlemen, K.
E.
G.
Really cares.
I wonder when this fraternity became so politically correct.
Oh, I'm impressed, Sanders.
All right, bro, I gotta take off.
Gotta see my counselor about that test, so hang in with this, okay? You got it.
What's up, guys? Now, that's more like it.
All right, you little Hey, hey, all right, I got you.
Okay.
Oh, you slippery little sucker.
Allow me, I am from the land of 10,000 lakes.
That's right.
Okay, the trick is to get the hook in and around in one clean motion.
- Bren? - Did I hook you? Just my sweatshirt.
Don't move.
- There you go.
- Thanks.
I've seen that look before.
It's the same one you have.
We can't go down this road again.
Why not? I think because I don't want to ruin this feeling that's between us now.
Yeah, you're right.
We're probably better off as just friends.
Close friends.
The closest.
Mr.
Richland.
If it's about the freshmen reviews, the deadline hasn't changed.
It's 5:00.
You've still got a couple hours to do it.
- I've done it.
- Good.
Drop it in the hopper and we'll get back to you.
Well, I thought that I'd come here in person to tell you that I won't be handing it in.
- What? - Well, I've thought about it and I've come to the conclusion that I'm not cut out to be a little fish.
Look, I know who you are, Zuckerman.
You did great work on the Blaze.
We definitely want you here, so relax.
Well, maybe I don't want it.
I don't think that I have that killer instinct to be a part of The Condor.
Okay, I hear you.
But let me give you some advice.
If you're not on the newspaper, there's not much point in being a Journalism major.
Or there's always premed.
Mr.
Sanders, as freshman counselor, it's my job to keep you on the educational path that your aptitude deserves.
Well, after reviewing your math placement test, I'm recommending Here it comes, I'm dead meat.
that you be enrolled in our Advanced Astrophysics Program.
- Astrophysics? - It's a junior elective.
And from it, a number of our graduates have gone on directly to NASA.
I just feel badly that someone as gifted as yourself had to take the test in the first place.
No, don't.
It's no big deal.
Astrophysics, huh? Along with my other required math courses? Oh, no, there's no need to bore you with what you already know.
You'll never have to take them or the sophomore ones either.
This way, you'll be free for more electives.
Oh, I see.
Yes, well, I'm honored.
But I'm just wondering if this is really in my best interest.
- What do you mean? - Well, Mr.
Bardwell, it's obvious I'm already so far ahead of my peers in math, I was thinking maybe now is the time to develop my other aptitudes.
Maybe a folklore course or History of Film.
You see, I've always felt that it's the whole man that benefits the most in the long run.
Don't you? This is so refreshing, Steve.
Most prodigies are in such a hurry to succeed, they don't take the time to smell the roses.
History of Film would be an excellent idea.
Hey, excuse me.
Hi.
- Aren't you Brandon Walsh? - Yeah.
I'm Josh Richland.
I'm managing editor of The Condor.
I was hoping you'd stop by.
Yeah, listen, man, I really have no interest in working on the paper.
That's good, because I got something else to talk about.
What's that? How'd you like to run for student senate as freshman representative of the Progressive Party? Progressive Party? Why me? Aren't you the Brandon Walsh who led 600 students against the school board and shut down West Beverly High? - Yeah.
- Welcome to California University.
How you doing? At losing bait, great.
At catching fish, lousy.
You got a nibble, though.
Yeah, well, we should have just have rented some scuba gear, swam with a huge school of fish.
Couldn't miss with that.
It reminds me of a joke my dad used to tell me, it cracked me up.
No doubt a blond joke.
No.
What do you call the dumbest fish in school? Dinner.
Get it? Dinner, school, fish, dumb? - I get it.
- So why aren't you laughing, Bren? Because that would make us dumber than the dumbest fish.
Right, a couple of uneducated mackerel.
Hey, Bren.
Flounders without a college degree.
- There you go.
Reel it, come on.
- Hey, he's fighting.
Crank it, Bren, here you go.
All right.
Hey.
Very good.
Would you like it? No, too small.
Needs time to grow.
Yeah, he's right, Bren.
Throw it back.
All right, little fish, be lucky you're not dinner.
Now go join your friends.
You done? Yeah.
It was a great idea.
A great day.
It's too bad we can't spend our whole lives fishing, though.
Especially not a guy who reads Baudelaire and Rimbaud.
Or a girl who goes out of her way to find Balzac's house.
- Let's go.
- Yeah.
Hey, this is Dylan.
You know the drill.
Dylan, if you're there, pick up.
I'm sorry I got so mad at you.
- Are you there? - Kel.
Where have you guys been? I thought I lost my roommates and my boyfriend.
We were celebrating.
You're looking at the only two freshmen DJs on KXCU.
We went to explain to the program director, he hired us on the spot.
- He loved our chemistry.
- Our hostility.
We're working six days a week and we'll be on from 2 to 6.
That's great.
Everybody will be tuned in.
Well, it's not that 2 to 6.
What 2 to 6? Two to 6 a.
M? Well, it's still radio.
I know, but why did Howie have to call it the graveyard shift? Probably because the only people listening at that hour are zombies.
Oh, thank you.
David, if you use the kitchen again, I'm gonna Hi.
Having a bubble bath? I'm glad to see you.
You're not too hard on the eyes either.
So where have you been? I left a message for you.
Well, I've been fishing all day with Brenda.
It was pretty fun.
Hey, Kel, we're just friends, remember? Right.
So you still mad at me? I'm going back to campus tomorrow.
- You are? - Yeah.
I figure with late registration and everything, I could still get in.
You're gonna love it, Dylan.
What do you call the dumbest fish in school? You.
Brenda.
Come downstairs.
We're in the kitchen, honey.
Brenda has something to tell you.
Well, it can wait.
Because I have something to say.
All right, you don't wanna go to school, so be it.
But you will get a job and you will pay rent.
At least that'll help cover some of Brandon's costs - when he moves out.
- Jim.
No, no, no, don't get me wrong.
I don't want Brenda to think this is some kind of punishment.
Because the fact is she has a lot of talent.
If she sticks with her acting, maybe she'll make it big someday, and I can retire a lot earlier.
Dad, I hate to crimp your leisure plans, but I'm going back to school at California University.
And I'm in no rush to move out.
Did I miss something here? Brenda needs to grow before charging into the cruel world, and she wants to go to school with her friends.
I shouldn't be afraid to change my mind, should I? God bless your mother.