Melrose Place s04e24 Episode Script
2395116 - Run Billy Run
[Bizet's Habanera playing.]
Oh! Oh, no! Get away from me! I don't even know what I'm doing here.
One second we're fighting-- The next I'm Rudolph Valentino, the greatest lover that's ever lived.
Oh, Alison.
Give in to your passions.
Oh, no! One more kiss! One more embrace! Are you kidding? That got me into this mess in the first place.
God! Would you look at what time it is! DD.
Hi, yeah.
AmandaWoodward, please.
I should be calling 911.
[music stops.]
Hi, Amanda, it's Alison.
Listen-- She's not coming in today, and neither am I.
'cause we're both taking the day off to celebrate bringing in the Madge and Mabel account.
We'll be taking the phone off the hook, so don't bother calling back.
Wait a minute, buster.
Since when do you set your own hours, let alone Alison's? Uh, since right now.
That confirms it.
You're insane! Okay, go on.
Run.
You're a great runner.
You are scaring me.
I don't even know who you are anymore.
I'm the guy who's in love with you, who asked you to move in with him, who made love to you over and over again last night.
The first time didn't even count.
I told you I'm not moving in with you.
It's way too soon.
Oh, yeah, and with your sacred Hayley, you moved in in three seconds.
I'm not even gonna dignify that with an answer.
I am telling you, we are not a couple.
Got it? Until you get yourself under control, until you are Billy again, we are finished.
Okay.
That's fine with me.
Just remember, you snooze, you lose.
Well looks like things are finally back to normal around here.
[rock song playing.]
Please! I thought morning was your favorite time.
Any morning but this one.
I don't know.
I'm just suddenly worried about this our plot to bring Bobby down.
Well, the last minute is really a bad time to get second thoughts.
We're just setting him up to be this ugly mobster.
Bribing politicians, making illegal contributions, everything Bobby isn't, everything he hates.
It's not like we're coming out empty-handed.
You'll get the cable company.
I avenge my father's death.
Maybe that's my real fear.
Once this is over, you'll just disappear.
What else can I say to convince you? Say you'll marry me, Peter.
When all this is over, I want us to get married.
Nothing would make me happier.
Models, ballrooms, invitations in the mail, just no dresses.
This is unbelievable.
I create my hottest line yet.
Richard rips it off, and I have to suffer.
There's no damn justice in the world.
Hi, sweetie.
You know, and the worst part is even if I do come up with a half-decent idea, I don't have the cutters and seamstresses to pull it off You know, I could come by after work.
You just tell me what to sew, and I'll sew all night.
Oh, God, Alison, that would be great.
You're gonna pull this off, Jane.
I know you are.
I'll see you at 5:00.
Okay.
Hi.
I don't think I'm gonna be much fun for the next couple days.
I wish there was something I could do.
You are doing something.
You believe in me.
Hey! Give you a hand with those things? Would you believe I was in the neighborhood? No, really.
My new accountant's down on three.
Kaplan and Company.
Terrific guys.
You should try them.
I can always tell when you're lying.
Really? What gives me away, huh? My squinty eyes, the tremor in my voice? Tell me, what is it? Your nose grows.
What can I say? You know, I have a sixth sense about you.
A little voice goes off in my head and says, "Have you checked on Amanda lately? You think she's okay?" Let's hope Alycia never hears that voice.
Just came for you, Amanda.
Ah! My executed contracts from Bobby.
Did I mention that he's made me the first board member of his company? So now we'll be working together, sharing everything.
I'm sorry.
Did that sound like I was rubbing it in? No.
No, no.
No, that sounds great.
Careful, Doctor.
It's growing again.
I gotta go.
It's good to see you again, Amanda.
[screams.]
Hey! Hey! Kimberly, you okay? Yeah.
It's only a nightmare, that's all.
Oh.
Was I in it? Hmm.
You're in all my dreams, Michael.
You know that.
Oh, it's just been such whirlwind.
I mean, we're back as a couple, and married.
All within, what, a couple weeks? Hmm.
I only overanalyze when things aren't perfect.
Perfection I leave alone.
[telephone rings.]
Oh.
Probably room service.
I told them to check on us every couple hours, make sure the champagne's holding up and everything.
Yeah, Honeymoon Suite.
How can I help you? For starters, spare me the torrid details.
Syd, how the hell did you get this number? In addition to my many talents, I'm an excellent detective.
God, why don't you just hang up on her? Is that Kimberly's voice? Is she there, too? Look, we're on our honeymoon, and you know it! Wait! Don't hang up! It's an emergency! Uma patient! In terrible distress.
UmMrs Mrs.
Dupree.
Oh, you should really update your Rolodex, Syd.
Mrs.
Dupree died two months ago.
Ha ha ha! No doubt at the hands of some incompetent surgeon.
Old age.
Something you'll never see if you call here again! Messages.
Sorry.
Don't do them anymore.
As your new office manager and a participant in the profits of this organization, I would consider such duties an insult.
KRW-3 News.
Don Pierce, please.
This is Don Pierce.
Mr.
Pierce, I'm calling about an envelope that you just received, detailing a relationship between Senator Wilcox and a local mobster, Bobby Parezi.
Yes, I have it right here.
Terrific story.
Do I have you to thank for it, Mister I don't think I got you name.
I'm calling because you can't do this story.
Innocent people will be affected, people involved with Mr.
Parezi that had no idea about his activities.
Well, that's their problem.
A story this good blows my way, I air it regardless.
Look I'm begging you, and I don't beg anyone.
Well, beg all you want.
It's going on the 11:00 news.
Hey.
I have to go to that buyers' meeting.
No, no, wait, come on.
You have to see this.
We've been working on this all day.
A jungle runway for your jungle prints, You know, something to get them to sit up and notice.
And before you ask, yes, it's active.
We have smoke and fire, and I even have a Hollywood effects team waiting in the wings.
Will you excuse us for a minute? What? You don't like it? No, let's forget about the runway for one second.
Umwhere is this coming from? You were practically accusing me of stealing Jane's designs.
Now you're throwing yourself into the project? I know.
That's because I had to do it for myself.
For you.
For us.
I'm really lousy at just sitting around doing nothing.
You are amazing.
You must be, too, because I keep coming back.
Okay, go for it.
Build your volcano.
I gotta go.
[engine starting.]
Okay, so store these in here and call the company and tell them it's a go.
You mind giving us a minute? I'm gonna get right to the point.
I don't know if Richard stole Jane's designs or not.
And you know what? I don't really care.
The reality is, Jane's got her back up against the wall.
She's got a lot of work to do and not a lot of time to do it, and all she really wants is an even shot.
I figure that you've got the names of some cutters and some sewers, and that's what she needs.
Oh, come on.
Why would I do that? You give a damn about her.
I know you do.
And you know that this is not gonna hurt you or Richard.
It's a favor for me this time.
I want to do anything I can for her.
You always were a sucker for the underdog.
[doorbell rings.]
Yeah? Yeah, I'm here to see Amanda.
Sorry for the late hour.
I thought we should talk.
DD business.
I'll be right there.
Alison tell me you want us to spearhead the Midline Airways pitch.
It wasn't a request.
Well, I have the whole campaign right here.
Oh.
Not so fast.
This is a big account, maybe the biggest we've ever seen.
Easily the biggest.
And when I land it, with these ideas, what do I get in return? You get to keep your job.
I figured you might say something like that.
Wait, wait, wait.
Where are you going? Where I go from now on, to the highest bidder.
Are you threatening me? All I need is a promise that if I land this account, you'll double my salary.
What about Alison? Forget about Alison.
These are my ideas.
I call the shots in this campaign.
All right.
You have my word.
Double your salary if you land Midline Airways.
Now, may I see it? Be my guest.
Good night, Amanda.
[door closes.]
What the-- That bastard.
I can't believe that jerk conned me.
Now, where were we? [no audible dialogue.]
What the heck is this? Parezi, a mobster from a known Miami crime family, is also accused of making illegal campaign contributions to the senator's campaign allegedly in order to secure licenses for a cable network he's involved in.
Parezi, new to Los Angeles, was unavailable for comment, as was the senator.
The Cable Commission is currently investigating the serious charges, promising swift prosecution.
We'll be back in a moment with sports from Bill Bailey.
Oh, my God.
That's a bunch of lies.
Can we ask you a few questions? What are your feelings on the accusations about Mr.
Parezi? I have only this to say.
I don't know anything about these accusations.
I was just put on Mr.
Parezi's board, and I'm as shocked as everybody else.
Let's go, everybody! Out of here! Move it! I work here.
Thank you.
Yo! Move it out of here.
Amanda, I came over as soon as I heard.
What can I do? Tell me what the hell is going on here? And how am I gonna do my job while it's going on? I've got the biggest presentation of my career tomorrow, and when my bosses catch wind of this, I'm through.
Get me out of here.
Where's the stairs? Over there.
Look at this list.
Where are you guys having the wedding, the Astrodome? Gloria wants it splashy.
I just thought if there's a name or two you want to add-- Hetros only, I presume.
Matt, come on.
Look, it's all gonna be over soon and none of this will matter.
Hey, we can go right back to the way things were.
How about right away? The second the vows are finished, why don't you and I take off for a trip? It'll time perfectly with winter break.
Right after the honeymoon, I promise.
The honeymoon.
Look, it's just another photo op, that's all, okay? A few days in Hawaii and then I'm all yours.
So, the rumors are true, then.
You're getting married, Alan? Look, David, why don't you mind your own business? Oh, um, yeah.
Um The bachelor party is tomorrow night.
Be there, okay, Matt? I can't get through this without you.
I know.
You can jump out of the cake dressed like Ethel Merman.
You guys are late.
Billy, what' is this? What's going on? It's called a deadline, okay? Nobody leaves until we lock in a campaign for Midline.
We have 15 volumes of aviation history.
Read it.
Absorb it.
Regroup in an hour.
Guy, you have that file for me? Right here.
Thanks.
That's it.
Wait.
Employee files for Brooks and Enright? Billy, what are you up to? As the saying goes, know thine enemy.
They're the best, and they're our competition.
tWhat else do you need to know? Their weakness.
Somebody in this dossier is already working for us, and they don't know it yet.
Wait a minute.
Are you talking about a spy? Buying the opposition's campaign? You're half right.
Something's gonna change hands, but it's not gonna be money.
Finished? Yes.
Great.
Just in time.
Well, you guys can go.
Come here.
Thank you so much.
Oh, you're welcome.
You did such a good job.
I appreciate it.
Bye.
Well, I don't know a hem from a hen, but I gotta say I think these are beautiful.
Yeah.
Last year, maybe.
What are you talking about? They're bold, they're bright.
No one can design a whole line in two days.
It just doesn't happen.
But you did it.
I didn't.
All I did was wear everyone out, dreaming that I might pull off the impossible.
What a joke.
These don't compare to my originals Richard ripped off! Jane Sorry.
I'm canceling the show.
I love you guys for everything you've done, but I just can't go out there with a bunch of half-baked notions.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Actually, you were great.
I thought it was you.
Evie Wainbridge, Brooks and Enright.
We met at the Clio Awards last year.
Name's Campbell.
Billy Campbell.
Campbell.
Sure.
DD, isn't it? Yeah.
For way too long.
So, you guys celebrating something? Mardi Gras.
Yee-haw.
Mardi Gras, right.
So, we're going head-to-head tomorrow on Midline Airways.
We're at 9:00 A.
M.
, you're at 10:00.
I'll accept your unconditional surrender right here and now if you'd like.
Probably should.
You guys always get the account.
DD's okay, but we're small.
Waiter: Here you go.
Thanks.
So, quit.
Come work for us.
If I thought you were serious, I'd draw up the papers.
I'm always looking for ballsy, good-looking young reps, you know.
Send me a résumé.
I gotta go.
How about I get you that résumé tonight? I'm working late at the office.
I could get it faxed it to you.
I just need to know where.
Your place or mine? You hittin' on me? I just don't like to waste time.
Yeah, me neither.
Okay, you got the job, if you want it.
Unfortunately we've got to get through tomorrow's presentations first.
Oh, no, no, no.
You already surrendered, remember? Midline is a fat account.
You guys must have something amazing planned.
Oh, no, no, no.
Try the exact campaign we sold to Comwest five years ago.
See, the great thing about working for big agencies is you don't have to try as hard.
They buy the name, the prestige even when you're forcing some tired retread down their throat.
A retread? Almost word for word.
Same campaign.
Listen don't take this the wrong way, but you're not planning on spending the whole night, are you? I'll just grab my clothes and be on my merry way.
I wish you'd just tell me why we're here.
I mean, don't get we wrong, it's not that I'm not grateful for your help Here he is.
I'll be right back.
Lou, I appreciate you coming.
Thanks.
No problem, Peter.
Let's talk inside.
Amanda, I'd like you to meet Lou Chandler.
He's a college buddy of mine.
Lou's on the Cable Commission.
Serious charges, Ms.
Woodward, but I think we can keep your name out of it.
Peter tells me you know nothing about Mr.
Parezi's activities? Is that true? Yes, I'm as surprised as anyone.
But we weren't.
We were waiting for Mr.
Parezi to try something.
It was a matter of time.
Putting you on the board was just another way to diffuse the issue and to have someone to lay the blame on.
Lou has a proposition for you, Amanda.
Now, I can promise you, Ms.
Woodward, that we can keep your name out of this if you can promise to appear before the Commission with all personal knowledge concerning Mr.
Parezi's activities.
Testify against him, in other words.
It's pretty open and shut as it is, but testimony from a board member and a former lover Look, I don't know if he did it.
She'd be more than happy to cooperate.
She has to, in order to preserve her reputation.
Good.
Then I'll look into seeing about clearing you right away.
You have a good friend in Peter, Amanda.
Damned determined when he called me.
So, we'll be talking.
Thanks, Lou.
[car door closes.]
Bobby knew how important it was to me that he was clean and free of his family.
That's why he kept it so quiet.
You know, you don't break the law thinking you're going to get caught.
I hate being lied to.
That's one thing I won't tolerate.
God, what am I going to do? Leave it to me.
Just leave everything to me.
Oh, Syd.
Finally.
Timed out perfectly.
The hotel said you left at 10:00, and I calculated a five-hour drive.
I had taken a chance you wouldn't stop for lunch.
[Michael.]
Ignore her.
Michael, these things can't wait.
I've got bills to be paid, messages that have to be addressed.
People need their doctor.
Michael, you must come into the office.
And before you even think about asking where's Peter, I have no earthly idea.
He doesn't even check his messages anymore.
The entire office is in jeopardy, Michael.
Michael, are you listening to me? Whee! How insensitive can you get? I've got an idea.
You could leave.
I'll just show her to the door.
As for the office, you are the office manager, so you should be able to manage without us.
Kimberly? Honey? Hey, are you okay? Yeah.
Ooh, I got a little light-headed.
I almost fainted.
It's all the excitement probably.
You sit down here.
I'll get you some water, okay? Just take it easy.
Every day I stay quiet, the world thinks I'm more guilty.
You have no choice, at least for the time being.
What about my cable licenses? On hold, and there's more bad news.
There's a rumor that Amanda is talking to the FCC.
The back door was open.
I've been worried about you.
Did you get any of my messages? Well, I've been laying low.
It's what one does in these situations, right? Give us a sec, would you, Alycia? What's this I hear you've been talking to the FCC? I haven't yet, but I will if you don't tell me what's going on around here.
The only theory so far is my father set me up once he found out you were on the board of directors.
That's the real question.
Why am I on the board? Were you looking for a scapegoat or just some attractive cell mate when the truth hit the fan? I'm innocent, Amanda.
I didn't do anything.
You gotta believe me.
I wish I could.
I really wish I could.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is what we're not going to give you, a tired, retread of an already established campaign.
Fly us 'cause grandma flies us? We've all seen this kind of campaign a million times.
All right, Alison, take it away.
Let's take these guys into the future via the past.
[soft music playing.]
We're on the bluff at Kitty Hawk.
Man flies for the first time.
Orville and Wilbur's historic 90-second flight.
Afterward, they're alone on the bluff scratching their heads.
"Sure, it's a great invention," they say, "but how do we get to New York by Tuesday?" Just then, a Midline Airways 737 rockets into view, insignia blazing against the deep blue sky! Orville and Wilbur look at each other and smile.
Wilbur says, "Now that is a great idea.
" It's our cornerstone, ladies and gentlemen.
What do you think? We'll let you know but it's good.
Damn good.
Thank you.
Well, well, well.
If it isn't DD's finest.
How'd you do? They gonna let us know.
Well, good luck.
You, too.
You know her? We might have bumped into each other somewhere.
Let's get back to the office.
[door opens.]
[door closes.]
Who's there? I guess it's just that I feel so stupid.
I believed him.
I opened myself up to someone who did nothing but lie to me.
Why did I do that? So you've been to see him.
He denied everything.
I could tell he was lying.
Did his nose grow? I hate needing to be held, but right now I really need that.
Jo, are you sure this is gonna work? Listen, you just worry about your dresses, okay? Everything here is under control.
Big smoke, guys.
Come on, bigger.
You don't have to do this, you know.
Yes, I do.
To save face and to show these idiots I may be down but not out.
Don't let me forget-- to forgive is better than to be really pissed off.
Do me a favor and stay close to me.
[drums beating.]
[shouting in native language.]
Be careful with that stuff, you guys.
It's going great! They love it.
It's fantastic.
[applause.]
Mine.
Mine.
That's mine.
They're all mine.
I can't believe it.
That's it.
I can't stand this.
I'm going to the rest room.
[alarm ringing, people screaming.]
It's okay! It's okay! What are you doing here? I thought we agreed-- You're a lying, stinking pig! I checked.
Your father's dead all right, but no one in the Parezi family had anything to do with it.
Alycia, take it easy.
No suicide, no vendetta! You just wanted Amanda back, and you used me to do it! Where did you get this idea? Try my two eyes through that door in this office last night! So I had lots and lots of time to dig up the truth and decide what to do with it.
So, here are my terms, Doctor.
As soon as Bobby collapses, I get the cable company, the whole cable company, and I'm gonna need immediate investors, and you are going to secure those investors for me.
And as far as our personal relationship, it will continue as is with you servicing me both socially and in the bedroom.
Oh.
One more thing.
From now on, stay the hell away from Amanda.
And what if I don't agree to your terms? I'll tell Amanda that Bobby is innocent, and you set him up.
You see, all paper trails lead to you and only you.
I was very careful.
What? No comment? No witty come-back? Understandably, you're shaken.
Tell you what, why don't we seal the deal with a kiss? You loved that last time.
I'll let you know when I need you again.
Don't forget Amanda's off limits.
[door closes.]
[Jo.]
I was trying to do something special.
That's what I'm saying.
You didn't have to.
The dresses would've spoken for themselves.
Luckily, they couldn't speak.
Might have told who really designed them.
Oh, you're back to that again, huh? I know what I'm saying, but it was an accident.
Billy? Gather around, everyone.
It's Midline Airways on line four.
And no matter what the outcome is, I just want you to know I appreciate all your hard work.
So This is Amanda Woodward.
I see.
Yes, I'll pass it along.
Thank you.
Good-bye.
We got it.
[cheering.]
Good work.
Now you get your raise.
Uh, what raise? Didn't Billy tell you? Of course, he didn't.
Then you wouldn't have worked so hard.
Congratulations.
What is she talking about? I really don't like discussing my salary with co-workers.
Is that okay? Campbell? You bastard.
You slept with me just to get our strategy.
Come on, Evie.
Who was using who? You were trying to steal me away.
Oh, please, don't flatter yourself.
And don't ever come near me again.
Got that? Anything for the account.
[gasps.]
Peter, you nearly scared me to death.
Sorry.
I need to talk to you.
Okay.
Can I get you a drink? You look like you can use one.
I think I found some things out.
I think I know who might have gone to the press about Bobby.
He thinks his father did.
I think it's Alycia.
Your Alycia? It seems as though she wants the cable company for herself.
This is all supposition, so we can't say anything.
Anyway, I think I know of a way to expose her.
In the meantime, she shouldn't see us together.
I thought you were in love with her.
No.
And you know I never was.
Peter, don't.
What? Tell you that I love you? That I always have? We both know it.
I better go.
[door closes.]
Hey, Peter.
Billy.
How you doing? Good.
I'm in fat city.
What do you think about that? As long as you're not driving.
No, took a cab.
Excuse me, but I've got a date with a very attractive young lady.
Good, good.
Okay? Yeah.
All the best.
Come on, Alison, I know you're in there.
[loud knocking.]
We're gonna celebrate, just you and me, kiddo.
Remember what I said.
You snooze, you lose.
Come on, honey.
Okay, you lose.
I love you, Alison.
Oh! Oh, no! Get away from me! I don't even know what I'm doing here.
One second we're fighting-- The next I'm Rudolph Valentino, the greatest lover that's ever lived.
Oh, Alison.
Give in to your passions.
Oh, no! One more kiss! One more embrace! Are you kidding? That got me into this mess in the first place.
God! Would you look at what time it is! DD.
Hi, yeah.
AmandaWoodward, please.
I should be calling 911.
[music stops.]
Hi, Amanda, it's Alison.
Listen-- She's not coming in today, and neither am I.
'cause we're both taking the day off to celebrate bringing in the Madge and Mabel account.
We'll be taking the phone off the hook, so don't bother calling back.
Wait a minute, buster.
Since when do you set your own hours, let alone Alison's? Uh, since right now.
That confirms it.
You're insane! Okay, go on.
Run.
You're a great runner.
You are scaring me.
I don't even know who you are anymore.
I'm the guy who's in love with you, who asked you to move in with him, who made love to you over and over again last night.
The first time didn't even count.
I told you I'm not moving in with you.
It's way too soon.
Oh, yeah, and with your sacred Hayley, you moved in in three seconds.
I'm not even gonna dignify that with an answer.
I am telling you, we are not a couple.
Got it? Until you get yourself under control, until you are Billy again, we are finished.
Okay.
That's fine with me.
Just remember, you snooze, you lose.
Well looks like things are finally back to normal around here.
[rock song playing.]
Please! I thought morning was your favorite time.
Any morning but this one.
I don't know.
I'm just suddenly worried about this our plot to bring Bobby down.
Well, the last minute is really a bad time to get second thoughts.
We're just setting him up to be this ugly mobster.
Bribing politicians, making illegal contributions, everything Bobby isn't, everything he hates.
It's not like we're coming out empty-handed.
You'll get the cable company.
I avenge my father's death.
Maybe that's my real fear.
Once this is over, you'll just disappear.
What else can I say to convince you? Say you'll marry me, Peter.
When all this is over, I want us to get married.
Nothing would make me happier.
Models, ballrooms, invitations in the mail, just no dresses.
This is unbelievable.
I create my hottest line yet.
Richard rips it off, and I have to suffer.
There's no damn justice in the world.
Hi, sweetie.
You know, and the worst part is even if I do come up with a half-decent idea, I don't have the cutters and seamstresses to pull it off You know, I could come by after work.
You just tell me what to sew, and I'll sew all night.
Oh, God, Alison, that would be great.
You're gonna pull this off, Jane.
I know you are.
I'll see you at 5:00.
Okay.
Hi.
I don't think I'm gonna be much fun for the next couple days.
I wish there was something I could do.
You are doing something.
You believe in me.
Hey! Give you a hand with those things? Would you believe I was in the neighborhood? No, really.
My new accountant's down on three.
Kaplan and Company.
Terrific guys.
You should try them.
I can always tell when you're lying.
Really? What gives me away, huh? My squinty eyes, the tremor in my voice? Tell me, what is it? Your nose grows.
What can I say? You know, I have a sixth sense about you.
A little voice goes off in my head and says, "Have you checked on Amanda lately? You think she's okay?" Let's hope Alycia never hears that voice.
Just came for you, Amanda.
Ah! My executed contracts from Bobby.
Did I mention that he's made me the first board member of his company? So now we'll be working together, sharing everything.
I'm sorry.
Did that sound like I was rubbing it in? No.
No, no.
No, that sounds great.
Careful, Doctor.
It's growing again.
I gotta go.
It's good to see you again, Amanda.
[screams.]
Hey! Hey! Kimberly, you okay? Yeah.
It's only a nightmare, that's all.
Oh.
Was I in it? Hmm.
You're in all my dreams, Michael.
You know that.
Oh, it's just been such whirlwind.
I mean, we're back as a couple, and married.
All within, what, a couple weeks? Hmm.
I only overanalyze when things aren't perfect.
Perfection I leave alone.
[telephone rings.]
Oh.
Probably room service.
I told them to check on us every couple hours, make sure the champagne's holding up and everything.
Yeah, Honeymoon Suite.
How can I help you? For starters, spare me the torrid details.
Syd, how the hell did you get this number? In addition to my many talents, I'm an excellent detective.
God, why don't you just hang up on her? Is that Kimberly's voice? Is she there, too? Look, we're on our honeymoon, and you know it! Wait! Don't hang up! It's an emergency! Uma patient! In terrible distress.
UmMrs Mrs.
Dupree.
Oh, you should really update your Rolodex, Syd.
Mrs.
Dupree died two months ago.
Ha ha ha! No doubt at the hands of some incompetent surgeon.
Old age.
Something you'll never see if you call here again! Messages.
Sorry.
Don't do them anymore.
As your new office manager and a participant in the profits of this organization, I would consider such duties an insult.
KRW-3 News.
Don Pierce, please.
This is Don Pierce.
Mr.
Pierce, I'm calling about an envelope that you just received, detailing a relationship between Senator Wilcox and a local mobster, Bobby Parezi.
Yes, I have it right here.
Terrific story.
Do I have you to thank for it, Mister I don't think I got you name.
I'm calling because you can't do this story.
Innocent people will be affected, people involved with Mr.
Parezi that had no idea about his activities.
Well, that's their problem.
A story this good blows my way, I air it regardless.
Look I'm begging you, and I don't beg anyone.
Well, beg all you want.
It's going on the 11:00 news.
Hey.
I have to go to that buyers' meeting.
No, no, wait, come on.
You have to see this.
We've been working on this all day.
A jungle runway for your jungle prints, You know, something to get them to sit up and notice.
And before you ask, yes, it's active.
We have smoke and fire, and I even have a Hollywood effects team waiting in the wings.
Will you excuse us for a minute? What? You don't like it? No, let's forget about the runway for one second.
Umwhere is this coming from? You were practically accusing me of stealing Jane's designs.
Now you're throwing yourself into the project? I know.
That's because I had to do it for myself.
For you.
For us.
I'm really lousy at just sitting around doing nothing.
You are amazing.
You must be, too, because I keep coming back.
Okay, go for it.
Build your volcano.
I gotta go.
[engine starting.]
Okay, so store these in here and call the company and tell them it's a go.
You mind giving us a minute? I'm gonna get right to the point.
I don't know if Richard stole Jane's designs or not.
And you know what? I don't really care.
The reality is, Jane's got her back up against the wall.
She's got a lot of work to do and not a lot of time to do it, and all she really wants is an even shot.
I figure that you've got the names of some cutters and some sewers, and that's what she needs.
Oh, come on.
Why would I do that? You give a damn about her.
I know you do.
And you know that this is not gonna hurt you or Richard.
It's a favor for me this time.
I want to do anything I can for her.
You always were a sucker for the underdog.
[doorbell rings.]
Yeah? Yeah, I'm here to see Amanda.
Sorry for the late hour.
I thought we should talk.
DD business.
I'll be right there.
Alison tell me you want us to spearhead the Midline Airways pitch.
It wasn't a request.
Well, I have the whole campaign right here.
Oh.
Not so fast.
This is a big account, maybe the biggest we've ever seen.
Easily the biggest.
And when I land it, with these ideas, what do I get in return? You get to keep your job.
I figured you might say something like that.
Wait, wait, wait.
Where are you going? Where I go from now on, to the highest bidder.
Are you threatening me? All I need is a promise that if I land this account, you'll double my salary.
What about Alison? Forget about Alison.
These are my ideas.
I call the shots in this campaign.
All right.
You have my word.
Double your salary if you land Midline Airways.
Now, may I see it? Be my guest.
Good night, Amanda.
[door closes.]
What the-- That bastard.
I can't believe that jerk conned me.
Now, where were we? [no audible dialogue.]
What the heck is this? Parezi, a mobster from a known Miami crime family, is also accused of making illegal campaign contributions to the senator's campaign allegedly in order to secure licenses for a cable network he's involved in.
Parezi, new to Los Angeles, was unavailable for comment, as was the senator.
The Cable Commission is currently investigating the serious charges, promising swift prosecution.
We'll be back in a moment with sports from Bill Bailey.
Oh, my God.
That's a bunch of lies.
Can we ask you a few questions? What are your feelings on the accusations about Mr.
Parezi? I have only this to say.
I don't know anything about these accusations.
I was just put on Mr.
Parezi's board, and I'm as shocked as everybody else.
Let's go, everybody! Out of here! Move it! I work here.
Thank you.
Yo! Move it out of here.
Amanda, I came over as soon as I heard.
What can I do? Tell me what the hell is going on here? And how am I gonna do my job while it's going on? I've got the biggest presentation of my career tomorrow, and when my bosses catch wind of this, I'm through.
Get me out of here.
Where's the stairs? Over there.
Look at this list.
Where are you guys having the wedding, the Astrodome? Gloria wants it splashy.
I just thought if there's a name or two you want to add-- Hetros only, I presume.
Matt, come on.
Look, it's all gonna be over soon and none of this will matter.
Hey, we can go right back to the way things were.
How about right away? The second the vows are finished, why don't you and I take off for a trip? It'll time perfectly with winter break.
Right after the honeymoon, I promise.
The honeymoon.
Look, it's just another photo op, that's all, okay? A few days in Hawaii and then I'm all yours.
So, the rumors are true, then.
You're getting married, Alan? Look, David, why don't you mind your own business? Oh, um, yeah.
Um The bachelor party is tomorrow night.
Be there, okay, Matt? I can't get through this without you.
I know.
You can jump out of the cake dressed like Ethel Merman.
You guys are late.
Billy, what' is this? What's going on? It's called a deadline, okay? Nobody leaves until we lock in a campaign for Midline.
We have 15 volumes of aviation history.
Read it.
Absorb it.
Regroup in an hour.
Guy, you have that file for me? Right here.
Thanks.
That's it.
Wait.
Employee files for Brooks and Enright? Billy, what are you up to? As the saying goes, know thine enemy.
They're the best, and they're our competition.
tWhat else do you need to know? Their weakness.
Somebody in this dossier is already working for us, and they don't know it yet.
Wait a minute.
Are you talking about a spy? Buying the opposition's campaign? You're half right.
Something's gonna change hands, but it's not gonna be money.
Finished? Yes.
Great.
Just in time.
Well, you guys can go.
Come here.
Thank you so much.
Oh, you're welcome.
You did such a good job.
I appreciate it.
Bye.
Well, I don't know a hem from a hen, but I gotta say I think these are beautiful.
Yeah.
Last year, maybe.
What are you talking about? They're bold, they're bright.
No one can design a whole line in two days.
It just doesn't happen.
But you did it.
I didn't.
All I did was wear everyone out, dreaming that I might pull off the impossible.
What a joke.
These don't compare to my originals Richard ripped off! Jane Sorry.
I'm canceling the show.
I love you guys for everything you've done, but I just can't go out there with a bunch of half-baked notions.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Actually, you were great.
I thought it was you.
Evie Wainbridge, Brooks and Enright.
We met at the Clio Awards last year.
Name's Campbell.
Billy Campbell.
Campbell.
Sure.
DD, isn't it? Yeah.
For way too long.
So, you guys celebrating something? Mardi Gras.
Yee-haw.
Mardi Gras, right.
So, we're going head-to-head tomorrow on Midline Airways.
We're at 9:00 A.
M.
, you're at 10:00.
I'll accept your unconditional surrender right here and now if you'd like.
Probably should.
You guys always get the account.
DD's okay, but we're small.
Waiter: Here you go.
Thanks.
So, quit.
Come work for us.
If I thought you were serious, I'd draw up the papers.
I'm always looking for ballsy, good-looking young reps, you know.
Send me a résumé.
I gotta go.
How about I get you that résumé tonight? I'm working late at the office.
I could get it faxed it to you.
I just need to know where.
Your place or mine? You hittin' on me? I just don't like to waste time.
Yeah, me neither.
Okay, you got the job, if you want it.
Unfortunately we've got to get through tomorrow's presentations first.
Oh, no, no, no.
You already surrendered, remember? Midline is a fat account.
You guys must have something amazing planned.
Oh, no, no, no.
Try the exact campaign we sold to Comwest five years ago.
See, the great thing about working for big agencies is you don't have to try as hard.
They buy the name, the prestige even when you're forcing some tired retread down their throat.
A retread? Almost word for word.
Same campaign.
Listen don't take this the wrong way, but you're not planning on spending the whole night, are you? I'll just grab my clothes and be on my merry way.
I wish you'd just tell me why we're here.
I mean, don't get we wrong, it's not that I'm not grateful for your help Here he is.
I'll be right back.
Lou, I appreciate you coming.
Thanks.
No problem, Peter.
Let's talk inside.
Amanda, I'd like you to meet Lou Chandler.
He's a college buddy of mine.
Lou's on the Cable Commission.
Serious charges, Ms.
Woodward, but I think we can keep your name out of it.
Peter tells me you know nothing about Mr.
Parezi's activities? Is that true? Yes, I'm as surprised as anyone.
But we weren't.
We were waiting for Mr.
Parezi to try something.
It was a matter of time.
Putting you on the board was just another way to diffuse the issue and to have someone to lay the blame on.
Lou has a proposition for you, Amanda.
Now, I can promise you, Ms.
Woodward, that we can keep your name out of this if you can promise to appear before the Commission with all personal knowledge concerning Mr.
Parezi's activities.
Testify against him, in other words.
It's pretty open and shut as it is, but testimony from a board member and a former lover Look, I don't know if he did it.
She'd be more than happy to cooperate.
She has to, in order to preserve her reputation.
Good.
Then I'll look into seeing about clearing you right away.
You have a good friend in Peter, Amanda.
Damned determined when he called me.
So, we'll be talking.
Thanks, Lou.
[car door closes.]
Bobby knew how important it was to me that he was clean and free of his family.
That's why he kept it so quiet.
You know, you don't break the law thinking you're going to get caught.
I hate being lied to.
That's one thing I won't tolerate.
God, what am I going to do? Leave it to me.
Just leave everything to me.
Oh, Syd.
Finally.
Timed out perfectly.
The hotel said you left at 10:00, and I calculated a five-hour drive.
I had taken a chance you wouldn't stop for lunch.
[Michael.]
Ignore her.
Michael, these things can't wait.
I've got bills to be paid, messages that have to be addressed.
People need their doctor.
Michael, you must come into the office.
And before you even think about asking where's Peter, I have no earthly idea.
He doesn't even check his messages anymore.
The entire office is in jeopardy, Michael.
Michael, are you listening to me? Whee! How insensitive can you get? I've got an idea.
You could leave.
I'll just show her to the door.
As for the office, you are the office manager, so you should be able to manage without us.
Kimberly? Honey? Hey, are you okay? Yeah.
Ooh, I got a little light-headed.
I almost fainted.
It's all the excitement probably.
You sit down here.
I'll get you some water, okay? Just take it easy.
Every day I stay quiet, the world thinks I'm more guilty.
You have no choice, at least for the time being.
What about my cable licenses? On hold, and there's more bad news.
There's a rumor that Amanda is talking to the FCC.
The back door was open.
I've been worried about you.
Did you get any of my messages? Well, I've been laying low.
It's what one does in these situations, right? Give us a sec, would you, Alycia? What's this I hear you've been talking to the FCC? I haven't yet, but I will if you don't tell me what's going on around here.
The only theory so far is my father set me up once he found out you were on the board of directors.
That's the real question.
Why am I on the board? Were you looking for a scapegoat or just some attractive cell mate when the truth hit the fan? I'm innocent, Amanda.
I didn't do anything.
You gotta believe me.
I wish I could.
I really wish I could.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is what we're not going to give you, a tired, retread of an already established campaign.
Fly us 'cause grandma flies us? We've all seen this kind of campaign a million times.
All right, Alison, take it away.
Let's take these guys into the future via the past.
[soft music playing.]
We're on the bluff at Kitty Hawk.
Man flies for the first time.
Orville and Wilbur's historic 90-second flight.
Afterward, they're alone on the bluff scratching their heads.
"Sure, it's a great invention," they say, "but how do we get to New York by Tuesday?" Just then, a Midline Airways 737 rockets into view, insignia blazing against the deep blue sky! Orville and Wilbur look at each other and smile.
Wilbur says, "Now that is a great idea.
" It's our cornerstone, ladies and gentlemen.
What do you think? We'll let you know but it's good.
Damn good.
Thank you.
Well, well, well.
If it isn't DD's finest.
How'd you do? They gonna let us know.
Well, good luck.
You, too.
You know her? We might have bumped into each other somewhere.
Let's get back to the office.
[door opens.]
[door closes.]
Who's there? I guess it's just that I feel so stupid.
I believed him.
I opened myself up to someone who did nothing but lie to me.
Why did I do that? So you've been to see him.
He denied everything.
I could tell he was lying.
Did his nose grow? I hate needing to be held, but right now I really need that.
Jo, are you sure this is gonna work? Listen, you just worry about your dresses, okay? Everything here is under control.
Big smoke, guys.
Come on, bigger.
You don't have to do this, you know.
Yes, I do.
To save face and to show these idiots I may be down but not out.
Don't let me forget-- to forgive is better than to be really pissed off.
Do me a favor and stay close to me.
[drums beating.]
[shouting in native language.]
Be careful with that stuff, you guys.
It's going great! They love it.
It's fantastic.
[applause.]
Mine.
Mine.
That's mine.
They're all mine.
I can't believe it.
That's it.
I can't stand this.
I'm going to the rest room.
[alarm ringing, people screaming.]
It's okay! It's okay! What are you doing here? I thought we agreed-- You're a lying, stinking pig! I checked.
Your father's dead all right, but no one in the Parezi family had anything to do with it.
Alycia, take it easy.
No suicide, no vendetta! You just wanted Amanda back, and you used me to do it! Where did you get this idea? Try my two eyes through that door in this office last night! So I had lots and lots of time to dig up the truth and decide what to do with it.
So, here are my terms, Doctor.
As soon as Bobby collapses, I get the cable company, the whole cable company, and I'm gonna need immediate investors, and you are going to secure those investors for me.
And as far as our personal relationship, it will continue as is with you servicing me both socially and in the bedroom.
Oh.
One more thing.
From now on, stay the hell away from Amanda.
And what if I don't agree to your terms? I'll tell Amanda that Bobby is innocent, and you set him up.
You see, all paper trails lead to you and only you.
I was very careful.
What? No comment? No witty come-back? Understandably, you're shaken.
Tell you what, why don't we seal the deal with a kiss? You loved that last time.
I'll let you know when I need you again.
Don't forget Amanda's off limits.
[door closes.]
[Jo.]
I was trying to do something special.
That's what I'm saying.
You didn't have to.
The dresses would've spoken for themselves.
Luckily, they couldn't speak.
Might have told who really designed them.
Oh, you're back to that again, huh? I know what I'm saying, but it was an accident.
Billy? Gather around, everyone.
It's Midline Airways on line four.
And no matter what the outcome is, I just want you to know I appreciate all your hard work.
So This is Amanda Woodward.
I see.
Yes, I'll pass it along.
Thank you.
Good-bye.
We got it.
[cheering.]
Good work.
Now you get your raise.
Uh, what raise? Didn't Billy tell you? Of course, he didn't.
Then you wouldn't have worked so hard.
Congratulations.
What is she talking about? I really don't like discussing my salary with co-workers.
Is that okay? Campbell? You bastard.
You slept with me just to get our strategy.
Come on, Evie.
Who was using who? You were trying to steal me away.
Oh, please, don't flatter yourself.
And don't ever come near me again.
Got that? Anything for the account.
[gasps.]
Peter, you nearly scared me to death.
Sorry.
I need to talk to you.
Okay.
Can I get you a drink? You look like you can use one.
I think I found some things out.
I think I know who might have gone to the press about Bobby.
He thinks his father did.
I think it's Alycia.
Your Alycia? It seems as though she wants the cable company for herself.
This is all supposition, so we can't say anything.
Anyway, I think I know of a way to expose her.
In the meantime, she shouldn't see us together.
I thought you were in love with her.
No.
And you know I never was.
Peter, don't.
What? Tell you that I love you? That I always have? We both know it.
I better go.
[door closes.]
Hey, Peter.
Billy.
How you doing? Good.
I'm in fat city.
What do you think about that? As long as you're not driving.
No, took a cab.
Excuse me, but I've got a date with a very attractive young lady.
Good, good.
Okay? Yeah.
All the best.
Come on, Alison, I know you're in there.
[loud knocking.]
We're gonna celebrate, just you and me, kiddo.
Remember what I said.
You snooze, you lose.
Come on, honey.
Okay, you lose.
I love you, Alison.