When Calls The Heart (2014) s12e08 Episode Script
The Show Must Go On
1
Previously on When Calls the Heart
Danny boy!
So, Toddy
He's an estate dealer.
Trades in illegal coins.
The Importance of Being Earnest.
You could be in charge of props.
Some two-bit rancher got his
hands on a crate of these.
If we could find a
way around the stream.
Riders!
There's a wildlife corridor
that the cattle can take
to an even bigger summer pasture.
Drop the proposal.
Pretend like you never heard
about this other pasture.
One adventure ends and another begins.
You did it? You sent the curriculum?
So, are you ready?
- I think so.
- Mm.
I just hope I don't bore your listeners.
We interviewed Jed Campbell
on the history of alfalfa.
- Ooh.
- Our listeners will be thrilled to hear
from Hope Valley's finest educator.
Only educator.
Laying out her vision
for a new curriculum.
Now, I should tell you, we
have had a last-minute change-up
in your Daily Dialogue partner.
Oh, no!
Not to worry. Her
name is Eileen Bennett.
She's a Superintendent
from the Department of Education.
An administrator?
She was lovely on the
telephone, and to be honest,
we were lucky she was able to fill in.
I feel like I'm flying blind here.
Surprise is the spice
of life, I always say.
There's nothing wrong
with a little drama.
Spoken like a true theater director.
How are you feeling about the play?
It's coming along. Busy, busy.
You still haven't asked her yet?
I am waiting for the right moment.
Rosemary
you said you wanted
to lighten your load,
focus on directing.
There is no time like the present.
Excuse me! Ava!
Hi, Ms. Coulter. Hello.
How goes the production?
I am so excited to see it.
Well, uh, I am finding
that I need a little help.
- So
- Oh.
Ava.
Mm-hmm.
Would you like to play, Gw
Gw
Would you like to play goo goo goo goo?
[CLEARS THROAT]
Yes. Would you like to come on board
as our assistant stage manager?
Mm-hmm. Yeah.
You would help Elizabeth
with organizing the schedule
and and figuring out the
tech and wrangling the talent.
Sure.
I love to wrangle.
Wonderful.
We will see you at rehearsals.
Great.
I'm getting there.
This curriculum frees students
to follow their interests
and pursue real-life applications
of what they've discovered.
Because when students'
curiosity leads the way,
there's nowhere we can't go.
Oh, and to think this is
all happening right here
in Hope Valley.
Now, Superintendent
Bennett, I would love to hear
your perspective on Mrs. Thornton's
very exciting new curriculum.
Well, first, it's such a pleasure
to hear from one of our
inspired young educators.
- Oh.
- Can I ask Mrs. Thornton?
Elizabeth.
Elizabeth.
What kind of results are you
seeing overall with this curriculum?
In terms of?
Measurable improvements
in academic performance.
Oh, well, I only just started this year,
so I don't have test
scores to compare yet.
But our students are
already finding success
applying their lessons in the world.
In fact, one of them, Allie Grant,
is addressing the
Cattlemen's Association today
with a solution to an
issue over grazing rights.
Well, that sounds marvelous,
but that's just one pupil, and
a very talented one, no doubt
with a very special teacher.
Thank you, but
And while I appreciate your ambition,
without measurable,
standardized results,
it's simply not practical to expect
every teacher to find
today's math lesson
in the path of a butterfly.
I mean, it's a worthy experiment
for a one-room schoolhouse,
but it's a bit naive to
imagine that something so fuzzy
might serve the mission
of public education.
Wouldn't you say that the mission
is to unlock the best
in all of our students?
Our mission, Mrs. Thornton,
is to prepare students
to succeed in the world.
And that means learning to compete.
Rome was hardly built by following
one's curiosity, now was it?
Uh, well, what a thrilling dialogue
between two very
compelling points of view.
Now, Superintendent, let's talk about
♪
[DING]
Sorry, we're a little
swamped. Are you checking in?
Yes, thanks.
How long will you be
staying with us, Mr
I'm not sure yet. Let's
start with two nights.
Okay.
And can I get a map of the area?
Of course.
There you are.
Now that has all the
highlights of Hope Valley,
including the Hot Springs.
I'm looking for something bigger.
Might do some exploring.
Ah.
Yost Mercantile should have
a larger map of the territory.
It's just across the street.
No luggage to check in.
You see any?
Fuzzy? Naive? Do I seem fuzzy to you?
Well, not in the way she meant it.
She called us a one-room schoolhouse.
Like we're out in the hinterland.
Technically
And I don't need to be schooled
on the mission of education.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
Who cares what she thinks.
Everyone who was listening.
Oh, and that crack about Rome
wasn't built by curiosity.
It absolutely was.
Well, maybe next time you answer her
a little less like Mrs. Thornton
and a little more like Diane DeMarco.
Diane doesn't get into arguments
with school superintendents.
No. No one would dare.
Do you wish I was more like Diane?
No.
No, I just
I just like knowing that she's in there.
All right, how about this?
How about tonight I make you and
little Jack a cheer-up dinner?
- Is that a thing?
- It is now.
And I forbid you from
allowing Mrs. Crabapple
to stand in your way.
Forbid.
That is a very strong word.
Beg.
Plead.
Highly recommend.
Diane will take it under advisement.
What about an episode
celebrating the suffragists?
She seemed so nice on the phone.
Or we could do an episode celebrating
the anti-suffragists.
She turned out to be like the
wolf that swallowed grandma.
Or how about an episode about
doing away with women voting altogether.
Fiona, why on earth would we do that?
[KNOCKING]
Good afternoon, ladies.
Roland Rockwell, Benson
Hills broadcasting.
Good to meet you.
Oh.
Oh. Good to meet you.
Yes. Uh of course.
Uh, please have a seat, Mr. Rockwell.
Rockwell? As in
I believe you know my cousin, Randall.
Yes, Randall.
As I remember, he isn't a fan of radio.
He's wrong.
Radio is the best thing
since the gas-powered engine,
which is why I bought this station.
So you are our
Boss. Overlord. Just kidding, partner.
Now let's talk about
this Daily Dialogue show.
Isn't it wonderful?
That was Fiona's idea.
We wanted to showcase radio's potential
to inform and inspire people.
Un, un there's no
other way to say this
it was boring.
Boring? Says who?
I've never been accused of
being boring in my entire life!
From the letters we've been receiving,
and as you know, letters are everything,
you're losing out to Farmer
Dave with the Moo Minute.
What could the Moo Minute
possibly have that we don't?
I guess people like to hear animals.
That's hardly high-quality content.
Well, quality is subjective
and the public's attention is fickle.
You got to grab them
and keep them listening.
Well, then we have a
list of ideas somewhere.
Yes, we do. It's, um Fiona um
Oh!
The Hope Valley Players present
Oscar Wilde's, The
Importance of Being Earnest.
A new version, adapted for the radio.
- A play?
- Mm-hmm.
For the radio.
Maybe.
Is it funny?
Well, it's Oscar Wilde.
It's funnier than livestock.
It's new.
It's entertainment.
I like it. Let's go
live with it tomorrow.
Tomorrow? Surely it's not that urgent.
We already have an interview
scheduled with a local judge.
- Yes.
- Great.
There's another 60
minutes to the Moo Minute.
Fine. We'll do it.
Tomorrow.
Sounds good partners.
Toddy said that he's
been getting the coins
in small batches over the
last five or six years,
from some rancher in Benson Hills.
- Did he happen to grace you with a name?
- No.
But he said when the
rancher died last year,
he was cut off and he
sold the bulk of the coins.
Let me guess Amsterdam.
Bingo.
Okay, so we've got a
rancher in Benson Hills
that died last year.
It doesn't leave us many options, huh?
Just one Ernie Martell.
We're gonna have to talk to his heir.
You've read the proposal.
You're all very well-versed
in the challenges
of the current pasture land.
We have Allie Grant and
Oliver Garrett here today
who have found a solution
that we believe works for both.
Let's cut to the chase
before we hear from a
couple of adolescents.
I see no need to change
what's working for all of us
because of some theoretical wolves.
I provide a top-notch
pasture for all the ranchers
of this Association at
a very generous rate.
This isn't just about money.
It's about the entire ecological system.
Little girl, this is a
conversation for grown-ups.
Perhaps it's best if you
run along back to school.
Mr. McGinty, that is enough.
Miss Grant is my guest.
The path in question has
been washed out for years,
and it's permanently blocked.
McGinty.
That was you.
You were dragging trees
Allie.
This has been a very
enlightening conversation,
but I think we're just about done here.
As a matter of fact, we were
hoping we could take a vote.
Be my guest.
But I'll be abstaining.
Am I alone?
Counselor
perhaps we could rope this meeting in.
Thank you for meeting with us, Governor.
I believe I speak on behalf of all of us
when I say that the Cattlemen's
Association formally
declines your proposal.
What just happened?
Politics, my young friend.
Miss Martell
I told you to drop the proposal.
You knew McGinty would railroaded
the entire thing, didn't you,
and that no one would listen.
I represent the entire
Cattlemen's Association.
I saw the way you looked at each other.
We never stood a chance.
I was just doing my job.
I think that any further
communication on this matter
should be directed through my office.
Wait.
We're on the radio now?
So no audience?
On the contrary,
a bigger audience than you
ever could have dreamed of.
Hundreds, no thousands of
people will be listening
in the theater of their imagination.
And it's tomorrow?
Yes, well, we don't want
to lose any freshness,
spontaneity and all, hm?
And we don't need costumes anymore
or sets for that matter.
Sounds like our job
just got a lot easier.
Mm-hmm.
Florence?
Can I still wear my
hat as Lady Bracknell?
Yes. We may all wear
a few costume pieces
if you feel it helps
with your character.
There you go.
Now, for those of you who still
haven't memorized your lines.
[WHISPERS] Everybody is looking at me.
Have no worries,
you may now read it off your script.
It's a radio play, hm?
Should I tell her about
my scratchy throat?
Try saying a line.
I have often observed. [COUGHS]
I have often observed
in married households,
the champagne is rarely
of a first-rate brand.
[COUGHS]
Oh, you do sound a little hoarse.
Hickam!
Are you having a little
attack of the nerves?
No, no, I'm just over-rehearsed.
You can always make some herbal tea.
Or you could sit in the steam bath.
That always works for me.
We have one in our private
house near the tennis courts.
What about the Hope Valley Hot Springs?
Oh, well, I could warm
up the old vocal cords.
All right, well, whatever it takes.
Now, artists, the show must go on.
- [BILL CLEARS THROAT]
- Thank you so much.
Gwendolyn.
[BILL] Therefore, therefore
Sound good.
You saw his boots.
Isn't it obvious?
McGinty's blocking access
to the other pasture.
We should probably keep our voices down.
Or what?
I'm not gonna be
bullied by some rancher.
Maybe there's another way around.
Did I hear one of the ranchers
giving you a hard time?
They all are.
Really just one.
But they all followed him like sheep.
Well, people are mostly herd animals.
Who's their leader?
A.J. McGinty.
We think he's up to something.
Probably is.
He shouldn't get away with it.
Yeah. I'll tell you what,
bullies are rarely as smart
as they think they are.
He'll make a mistake.
What's important is
that you give him room
to make that mistake and be ready.
Ready for what?
You'll know when you see it.
We've been over and over this map.
No one knows it better than we do.
And that was the golden solution.
Let's keep looking.
[DOOR OPENS]
Did I hear you and Rosemary
are doing a radio play now?
She's taking the lead on that.
I need to get back to San Francisco.
Oh.
So the salon sale went through.
And I have a wedding to plan.
So you're really going to marry the man
who proposed so many times you
called him "that man" again.
It turns out his name is Harold.
Fiona, I'm confused.
I thought you didn't love him.
He's kind.
And he's a lawyer with
friends in high places.
So maybe I can finally be
one of the people who
really makes a difference.
But all the work you're
doing on the radio,
isn't that making a difference?
It's moving toward entertainment,
which is great,
but it's not what I want to be doing.
This way I can spend my time and energy
doing work I care about.
As long as you're sure
this is what you want.
I am.
And I'd love if you were
next to me on my big day
as my Maid of Honor.
- Oh.
- It would mean so much.
What do you say?
Fiona, yes, of course.
Whatever you want.
Don't be disappointed in me.
Never.
About that stamp, it's not authentic.
[DOOR OPENS]
Constable Grant, I understand
you wanted to see me.
Yes. Miss Martell, please
come in. Have a seat.
This is Judge Avery.
How do you do?
The Governor siccing the law on me now.
Or is this not about land rights?
It's actually regarding
an investigation.
Your late uncle, Ernest Martell.
He, um
he was a good man, by all accounts.
He was.
To your knowledge,
did he ever have any association
with the Garrison Gang?
Ernie? [LAUGHS]
If he had any criminal associations,
he hid them very well.
Did he ever talk about
coming into some money?
Any type of hidden reserves?
Cash? Coins? Gold?
Oh, you mean like pirate booty?
Doubloons? Pieces of eight?
All I know is that he
was broke at the end.
He made me promise to keep
our name on a failing ranch
and left me with a mountain of debt.
So if there was any hidden loot,
I can assure you I would be
in a very different situation.
If this is involving my family,
can you tell me what's going on?
We have reason to
believe that your uncle
was in possession of some unique
double-eagle-pattern gold coins.
Stolen by the Garrison Gang
in the Great Rocky Mountain
Train Robbery of 1907.
Well, I don't know what
to say. I'm shocked.
Well, if you have any information
about their whereabouts,
we would greatly
appreciate your cooperation.
If I do find anything, you
two will be the first to know.
Thank you.
Oh, Ernie, what have
you gotten us into now?
Hi Sonny. Yeah, it's Woody.
We're all set. I got
a room at the saloon.
Yeah, just one. Not
made of money yet.
It's not a problem.
You can sneak in through the balcony.
Just let me tell you how.
Why is everybody so quiet?
Allie and I had some
disappointments today.
But we'll be all right.
What happened?
- Politics.
- Bureaucracy.
You both got to stand up
and make your case in
front of somebody in power.
Sometimes it takes more than one try.
I just wish I understood why.
Do those ranchers not
care about anything
other than themselves?
Sometimes it's hard
for people to see things
from another perspective.
But your dad's right. We've
just got to keep trying.
I lost my favorite marble.
Oh, we'll help you look for it.
And we'll keep trying with the ranchers.
Can I please have more stew?
Oh, you've got a hearty appetite.
It's tough work losing a marble, right?
I got it.
Thanks.
I don't know what that lady
said to you on the radio,
but I've never loved school more.
I feel like the whole world's opened up,
even if not everyone's
ready to see things
from my perspective.
Thank you, Allie.
I got your message.
We might have a problem
with our play, Rosemary.
Hickam!
What is wrong?
Try saying something, Mike.
[COUGHS]
- Laryngitis.
- [HOARSE VOICE] Sorry.
Well, let this be a lesson to you!
Of what? I don't know.
But it is a good thing
you are replaceable.
I'm afraid it's not just Mike.
- Bill!
- [SHIVERING]
[HOARSE VOICE] Sorry. [COUGHS] Sorry.
How did you
They thought going to the hot springs
would be good for their voices.
Which it might have been had it
not also been the perfect place
for everyone to catch Mike's cold.
Everyone?
Who else did you bring?
Oh, no.
Lee?
I'm sorry, sweetheart. I
didn't know it was contagious.
So now I don't have a Jack.
I don't have Lane the butler.
And you were supposed to
be my perfect Algernon.
[COUGHS]
All right, we'll just have
we will just have
Yes.
I don't know, Molly!
I need a cup of tea!
You can always recast.
Oh, Rosemary.
Here you go, fresh baked.
Thank you, Minnie.
Oscar Wilde said this play was cursed.
I'm beginning to believe him.
I never should have sent
them to the hot springs.
It's all my fault.
I'm sure you didn't mean to
sabotage the entire production.
[CLEARS THROAT]
You did say the show must go on.
Maybe not every show.
Have a muffin.
sit there, calmly eating muffins
when we're in this horrible trouble
I can't make out.
me to be perfectly heartless.
eat muffins in an agitated manner.
Butter would probably get on my cuffs.
it's perfectly heartless
you're eating muffins at
all under the circumstances.
[ALL LAUGHING]
Minnie, your accent.
Well, it's almost as good as mine.
Where did you train?
Oh, I certainly didn't train.
She's good at everything she tries.
You're a great Algernon.
Have you ever played him?
Perhaps in another life.
Why wait?
Do we dare?
Men have been playing women
on stage for centuries.
Why not the other way around?
Exactly.
Of course we dare.
[ALL LAUGH]
This will be a production,
the likes of which no one
has ever seen or heard.
Minnie, would you be my Jack?
Oh. Are you sure? It's such a big part.
You're perfect.
Oh, but we're still missing Hickam.
Who can play the butler?
Mike and I have been
rehearsing together.
So you already know the part?
Perfect.
Then we just need
someone to play Gwendolyn.
That we do.
Who are you thinking?
Well
Ava.
Yes.
Would you like to play
the role of Gwendolyn in our production?
[SQUEALS] Yes!
Oh, well, you certainly have the chops.
Oh, that means so much coming from you.
I mean, you're such a wonderful
writer and director
and actor and producer,
and everybody loves you,
and you have this
beautiful family and
I'm sorry. I guess what
I'm trying to say is,
I just hope my life turns
out to be like yours one day.
Ava, that's very sweet. Thank you.
But I think you have
your own exciting life unfolding.
And you're so wise.
Let's go put on a radio show.
To the microphones.
Minnie.
Oh, I know it's getting
late, and I have to go.
If only I could.
Stage fright, huh?
I don't know how I agreed to this.
Acting in a play with
an accent on the radio.
[ACCENT] Well, now, Governor,
you just have to buck up and
get on with it, ain't you?
- Oh, stop it.
- Oh, you fancy a cuppa?
Oh, Joseph.
You think I don't know
my accent's terrible.
I know my accent is terrible,
but I also know that you are going
to be really great in this play
because you're really
good at everything, Minnie.
Oh, no I'm not.
No, you're not good at gardening.
But running this cafe,
quoting scripture,
being an incredible wife and mother
Now hold on. How am I
not good at gardening?
Baby, you're a plant killer.
But you're also very punctual.
So let's not keep these folks waiting.
All right.
All right.
Now, if you get nervous,
you just look at me.
I'll be right there with you
And bing, Bob's your uncle.
- [LAUGHS] I need to get changed.
- Yes, you do.
- Shall we?
- We shall.
- All right.
- To the microphones.
[CHUCKLES]
Gwendolyn, it is a terrible thing
for a man to find out suddenly
that all his life he has been speaking
nothing but the truth.
Can you forgive me?
I can, for I feel that
you are sure to change.
And I am engaged to be married
to Cecily, Aunt Augusta.
[THUMPING]
I beg your pardon.
Mr. and I
are engaged to be
married, Lady Bracknell.
Cecily at last!
[KISSING SOUNDS]
Gwendolyn, at last!
[KISSING SOUND]
[THUDDING SOUND]
My nephew,
you seem to be displaying
signs of triviality.
On the contrary, Aunt Augusta.
I've now realized for the
first time in my life
the vital importance of being earnest.
[APPLAUSE]
[KNOCKING]
Now I know you're supposed to give these
at the beginning of the performance,
but I didn't have a chance.
They're beautiful. Thank you.
I'll just put these in water.
I also didn't have a
chance to give you these.
What are they?
Uh, Ned had them for
you, but you were busy,
so he asked me to drop them off.
There's so many of them.
Yeah.
- They're all for me?
- Yeah.
Mm.
Uh, this is from a history teacher
writing from Manchester County.
What is it?
"Superintendent Bennett and all her ilk
are simply afraid of what might happen
if we lived in a world of cooperation
instead of competition."
[SCOFFS] I could have told you that.
Actually, I think I did.
Oh, look at this.
Huh.
"These are drawings of third-grade
class made on a stargazing trip.
The teacher taught a
whole unit on stars.
The stories of the zodiac,
the history of astronomy and math."
Nathan they're doing it.
They don't need permission.
Doesn't sound like you do either.
I have to write them all back.
Or you could answer them on the radio.
Of course.
You are brilliant.
No. Well
That's your domain.
[LAUGHS]
[KNOCKING]
You can go on home now, Edwin.
It's late.
You're far from your ranch.
I couldn't bear to leave
things the way that we did.
I believe that was entirely your doing.
You're right.
If I could explain.
Years ago, there was a mudslide.
Blocked the route to the old pasture
that ranchers had been
using for generations.
McGinty offered an easy
out, McGinty's Meadow,
use of his pasture for
free for the first year,
but they didn't have a lawyer,
and they didn't read the fine print.
Every year after the price went up
and when they tried to renegotiate,
they realized that
they had signed a loan.
And McGinty is free to seek repayment
plus interest and penalties
anytime he wants to.
He all but told us that
if we vote against him,
he will call in the loan,
which would wipe out all of
us faster than that mudslide.
That is what I inherited from my uncle.
A failing ranch held by a loan shark.
I may represent McGinty,
but I am also deeply in his debt.
I haven't seen your little tell
so, I guess, I believe you.
But why tell me now?
Because you deserved the whole story.
And an apology.
I happen to know a thing
or two about reputation.
You were protecting your uncle's.
I was also protecting yours.
And those children.
McGinty doesn't play to lose.
Neither do I.
[KNOCKING]
Elizabeth.
What are you doing here so late?
I have a special delivery.
Are these all
From my discussion with the
superintendent on your show.
There are so many.
Who knew the radio could be so powerful?
Oh, wait. You did.
I was starting to doubt myself.
Well, I never did.
And whatever the people are saying,
you can't deny you've made an impact.
Fiona
I know you have a decision to make.
No, I don't.
I said yes.
It's done.
I can't go back now.
Can't you?
It would break his heart.
I know how you're feeling.
Calling off my engagement
was one of the hardest
things I've ever done.
Because I knew on paper
we made sense together,
but my heart was telling
me something wasn't right
and he deserved more.
[EXHALES]
I wish I had all the time in the world
to follow my dreams and
my heart at the same time.
Selling the salon buys me a year,
and after that I don't
know what I'm going to do.
Fiona, I don't know what's best for you.
Only you know that.
But what I do know is
if you spread your wings,
you're very likely to fly.
And we'll all be here in
Hope Valley watching you soar.
[EXHALES]
So what do you think?
- It's what you said you wanted.
- Lots of letters.
None of them saying they were bored.
People who are bored
don't write letters.
And yes, it appears your
arguing show was a success.
- Daily Dialogue.
- I've even received letters at the station
for both the school
teacher and the play.
- People liked the play?
- They did.
But I have to admit, I'm rather upset.
How could you be upset?
My entire family won't
stop doing a British accent
It's become very annoying.
[CHUCKLES]
Ladies
you're a hit.
[LAUGHTER]
Your arguing show has real potential.
- Daily Dialogue.
- It gets us respect and listeners.
So let's go bigger.
I just acquired a license for
a new station in Port Townsend
that can reach as far as Seattle.
And I want the two of you to go there
and do what you're doing here,
be in charge of programming.
Well, I can't leave Hope
Valley. My life is here.
I'll go.
Why not?
My next big adventure.
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
I was gonna wait to give
this to you at your wedding.
I hardly deserve a gift for
calling off an engagement.
Gifts? You make the rest of us look bad.
Oh, I gave her a pound cake.
Oh, but she's my wife,
so it's from both of us.
Open it.
It's for whatever fills your heart next.
Galileo Galilei changed the way
we understand the world
and our place in it.
Simply by seeing what no one
had been able to see before.
There can be a cost to opening our eyes
and challenging our beliefs
and Galileo paid dearly for it.
We must always protect the
trailblazers and seekers,
the wanderers and explorers.
It's not an easy path, and
we owe them a great debt.
So to all the adventurous
teachers who wrote to me
to ask questions and share
your ideas, thank you.
You're leading us all forward.
And now, thanks to a
brilliant suggestion
from someone very dear to me.
We thought it might be fun
to read some of your letters
so that we can all share our ideas.
Our first letter is from Mrs.
Grafton of Stanford Falls.
Hi, Mrs. Grafton.
She wrote in to say that
she has a third grader
who hates math but loves dinosaurs.
So she decided to use a dinosaur
puppet to teach long division.
Oh, oh, that's marvelous.
I love that idea.
And what if you look at
the repeating patterns
in reptilian scales.
You could use that for multiplication.
Clever.
And maybe everyone in
your classroom can design
their own puppets and
write stories about them.
Dino-stories.
[LAUGHTER]
Elizabeth, you just couldn't hold back.
I couldn't.
The possibilities are endless,
see what your students come up with.
There truly is no limit
when we inspire one another.
Previously on When Calls the Heart
Danny boy!
So, Toddy
He's an estate dealer.
Trades in illegal coins.
The Importance of Being Earnest.
You could be in charge of props.
Some two-bit rancher got his
hands on a crate of these.
If we could find a
way around the stream.
Riders!
There's a wildlife corridor
that the cattle can take
to an even bigger summer pasture.
Drop the proposal.
Pretend like you never heard
about this other pasture.
One adventure ends and another begins.
You did it? You sent the curriculum?
So, are you ready?
- I think so.
- Mm.
I just hope I don't bore your listeners.
We interviewed Jed Campbell
on the history of alfalfa.
- Ooh.
- Our listeners will be thrilled to hear
from Hope Valley's finest educator.
Only educator.
Laying out her vision
for a new curriculum.
Now, I should tell you, we
have had a last-minute change-up
in your Daily Dialogue partner.
Oh, no!
Not to worry. Her
name is Eileen Bennett.
She's a Superintendent
from the Department of Education.
An administrator?
She was lovely on the
telephone, and to be honest,
we were lucky she was able to fill in.
I feel like I'm flying blind here.
Surprise is the spice
of life, I always say.
There's nothing wrong
with a little drama.
Spoken like a true theater director.
How are you feeling about the play?
It's coming along. Busy, busy.
You still haven't asked her yet?
I am waiting for the right moment.
Rosemary
you said you wanted
to lighten your load,
focus on directing.
There is no time like the present.
Excuse me! Ava!
Hi, Ms. Coulter. Hello.
How goes the production?
I am so excited to see it.
Well, uh, I am finding
that I need a little help.
- So
- Oh.
Ava.
Mm-hmm.
Would you like to play, Gw
Gw
Would you like to play goo goo goo goo?
[CLEARS THROAT]
Yes. Would you like to come on board
as our assistant stage manager?
Mm-hmm. Yeah.
You would help Elizabeth
with organizing the schedule
and and figuring out the
tech and wrangling the talent.
Sure.
I love to wrangle.
Wonderful.
We will see you at rehearsals.
Great.
I'm getting there.
This curriculum frees students
to follow their interests
and pursue real-life applications
of what they've discovered.
Because when students'
curiosity leads the way,
there's nowhere we can't go.
Oh, and to think this is
all happening right here
in Hope Valley.
Now, Superintendent
Bennett, I would love to hear
your perspective on Mrs. Thornton's
very exciting new curriculum.
Well, first, it's such a pleasure
to hear from one of our
inspired young educators.
- Oh.
- Can I ask Mrs. Thornton?
Elizabeth.
Elizabeth.
What kind of results are you
seeing overall with this curriculum?
In terms of?
Measurable improvements
in academic performance.
Oh, well, I only just started this year,
so I don't have test
scores to compare yet.
But our students are
already finding success
applying their lessons in the world.
In fact, one of them, Allie Grant,
is addressing the
Cattlemen's Association today
with a solution to an
issue over grazing rights.
Well, that sounds marvelous,
but that's just one pupil, and
a very talented one, no doubt
with a very special teacher.
Thank you, but
And while I appreciate your ambition,
without measurable,
standardized results,
it's simply not practical to expect
every teacher to find
today's math lesson
in the path of a butterfly.
I mean, it's a worthy experiment
for a one-room schoolhouse,
but it's a bit naive to
imagine that something so fuzzy
might serve the mission
of public education.
Wouldn't you say that the mission
is to unlock the best
in all of our students?
Our mission, Mrs. Thornton,
is to prepare students
to succeed in the world.
And that means learning to compete.
Rome was hardly built by following
one's curiosity, now was it?
Uh, well, what a thrilling dialogue
between two very
compelling points of view.
Now, Superintendent, let's talk about
♪
[DING]
Sorry, we're a little
swamped. Are you checking in?
Yes, thanks.
How long will you be
staying with us, Mr
I'm not sure yet. Let's
start with two nights.
Okay.
And can I get a map of the area?
Of course.
There you are.
Now that has all the
highlights of Hope Valley,
including the Hot Springs.
I'm looking for something bigger.
Might do some exploring.
Ah.
Yost Mercantile should have
a larger map of the territory.
It's just across the street.
No luggage to check in.
You see any?
Fuzzy? Naive? Do I seem fuzzy to you?
Well, not in the way she meant it.
She called us a one-room schoolhouse.
Like we're out in the hinterland.
Technically
And I don't need to be schooled
on the mission of education.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
Who cares what she thinks.
Everyone who was listening.
Oh, and that crack about Rome
wasn't built by curiosity.
It absolutely was.
Well, maybe next time you answer her
a little less like Mrs. Thornton
and a little more like Diane DeMarco.
Diane doesn't get into arguments
with school superintendents.
No. No one would dare.
Do you wish I was more like Diane?
No.
No, I just
I just like knowing that she's in there.
All right, how about this?
How about tonight I make you and
little Jack a cheer-up dinner?
- Is that a thing?
- It is now.
And I forbid you from
allowing Mrs. Crabapple
to stand in your way.
Forbid.
That is a very strong word.
Beg.
Plead.
Highly recommend.
Diane will take it under advisement.
What about an episode
celebrating the suffragists?
She seemed so nice on the phone.
Or we could do an episode celebrating
the anti-suffragists.
She turned out to be like the
wolf that swallowed grandma.
Or how about an episode about
doing away with women voting altogether.
Fiona, why on earth would we do that?
[KNOCKING]
Good afternoon, ladies.
Roland Rockwell, Benson
Hills broadcasting.
Good to meet you.
Oh.
Oh. Good to meet you.
Yes. Uh of course.
Uh, please have a seat, Mr. Rockwell.
Rockwell? As in
I believe you know my cousin, Randall.
Yes, Randall.
As I remember, he isn't a fan of radio.
He's wrong.
Radio is the best thing
since the gas-powered engine,
which is why I bought this station.
So you are our
Boss. Overlord. Just kidding, partner.
Now let's talk about
this Daily Dialogue show.
Isn't it wonderful?
That was Fiona's idea.
We wanted to showcase radio's potential
to inform and inspire people.
Un, un there's no
other way to say this
it was boring.
Boring? Says who?
I've never been accused of
being boring in my entire life!
From the letters we've been receiving,
and as you know, letters are everything,
you're losing out to Farmer
Dave with the Moo Minute.
What could the Moo Minute
possibly have that we don't?
I guess people like to hear animals.
That's hardly high-quality content.
Well, quality is subjective
and the public's attention is fickle.
You got to grab them
and keep them listening.
Well, then we have a
list of ideas somewhere.
Yes, we do. It's, um Fiona um
Oh!
The Hope Valley Players present
Oscar Wilde's, The
Importance of Being Earnest.
A new version, adapted for the radio.
- A play?
- Mm-hmm.
For the radio.
Maybe.
Is it funny?
Well, it's Oscar Wilde.
It's funnier than livestock.
It's new.
It's entertainment.
I like it. Let's go
live with it tomorrow.
Tomorrow? Surely it's not that urgent.
We already have an interview
scheduled with a local judge.
- Yes.
- Great.
There's another 60
minutes to the Moo Minute.
Fine. We'll do it.
Tomorrow.
Sounds good partners.
Toddy said that he's
been getting the coins
in small batches over the
last five or six years,
from some rancher in Benson Hills.
- Did he happen to grace you with a name?
- No.
But he said when the
rancher died last year,
he was cut off and he
sold the bulk of the coins.
Let me guess Amsterdam.
Bingo.
Okay, so we've got a
rancher in Benson Hills
that died last year.
It doesn't leave us many options, huh?
Just one Ernie Martell.
We're gonna have to talk to his heir.
You've read the proposal.
You're all very well-versed
in the challenges
of the current pasture land.
We have Allie Grant and
Oliver Garrett here today
who have found a solution
that we believe works for both.
Let's cut to the chase
before we hear from a
couple of adolescents.
I see no need to change
what's working for all of us
because of some theoretical wolves.
I provide a top-notch
pasture for all the ranchers
of this Association at
a very generous rate.
This isn't just about money.
It's about the entire ecological system.
Little girl, this is a
conversation for grown-ups.
Perhaps it's best if you
run along back to school.
Mr. McGinty, that is enough.
Miss Grant is my guest.
The path in question has
been washed out for years,
and it's permanently blocked.
McGinty.
That was you.
You were dragging trees
Allie.
This has been a very
enlightening conversation,
but I think we're just about done here.
As a matter of fact, we were
hoping we could take a vote.
Be my guest.
But I'll be abstaining.
Am I alone?
Counselor
perhaps we could rope this meeting in.
Thank you for meeting with us, Governor.
I believe I speak on behalf of all of us
when I say that the Cattlemen's
Association formally
declines your proposal.
What just happened?
Politics, my young friend.
Miss Martell
I told you to drop the proposal.
You knew McGinty would railroaded
the entire thing, didn't you,
and that no one would listen.
I represent the entire
Cattlemen's Association.
I saw the way you looked at each other.
We never stood a chance.
I was just doing my job.
I think that any further
communication on this matter
should be directed through my office.
Wait.
We're on the radio now?
So no audience?
On the contrary,
a bigger audience than you
ever could have dreamed of.
Hundreds, no thousands of
people will be listening
in the theater of their imagination.
And it's tomorrow?
Yes, well, we don't want
to lose any freshness,
spontaneity and all, hm?
And we don't need costumes anymore
or sets for that matter.
Sounds like our job
just got a lot easier.
Mm-hmm.
Florence?
Can I still wear my
hat as Lady Bracknell?
Yes. We may all wear
a few costume pieces
if you feel it helps
with your character.
There you go.
Now, for those of you who still
haven't memorized your lines.
[WHISPERS] Everybody is looking at me.
Have no worries,
you may now read it off your script.
It's a radio play, hm?
Should I tell her about
my scratchy throat?
Try saying a line.
I have often observed. [COUGHS]
I have often observed
in married households,
the champagne is rarely
of a first-rate brand.
[COUGHS]
Oh, you do sound a little hoarse.
Hickam!
Are you having a little
attack of the nerves?
No, no, I'm just over-rehearsed.
You can always make some herbal tea.
Or you could sit in the steam bath.
That always works for me.
We have one in our private
house near the tennis courts.
What about the Hope Valley Hot Springs?
Oh, well, I could warm
up the old vocal cords.
All right, well, whatever it takes.
Now, artists, the show must go on.
- [BILL CLEARS THROAT]
- Thank you so much.
Gwendolyn.
[BILL] Therefore, therefore
Sound good.
You saw his boots.
Isn't it obvious?
McGinty's blocking access
to the other pasture.
We should probably keep our voices down.
Or what?
I'm not gonna be
bullied by some rancher.
Maybe there's another way around.
Did I hear one of the ranchers
giving you a hard time?
They all are.
Really just one.
But they all followed him like sheep.
Well, people are mostly herd animals.
Who's their leader?
A.J. McGinty.
We think he's up to something.
Probably is.
He shouldn't get away with it.
Yeah. I'll tell you what,
bullies are rarely as smart
as they think they are.
He'll make a mistake.
What's important is
that you give him room
to make that mistake and be ready.
Ready for what?
You'll know when you see it.
We've been over and over this map.
No one knows it better than we do.
And that was the golden solution.
Let's keep looking.
[DOOR OPENS]
Did I hear you and Rosemary
are doing a radio play now?
She's taking the lead on that.
I need to get back to San Francisco.
Oh.
So the salon sale went through.
And I have a wedding to plan.
So you're really going to marry the man
who proposed so many times you
called him "that man" again.
It turns out his name is Harold.
Fiona, I'm confused.
I thought you didn't love him.
He's kind.
And he's a lawyer with
friends in high places.
So maybe I can finally be
one of the people who
really makes a difference.
But all the work you're
doing on the radio,
isn't that making a difference?
It's moving toward entertainment,
which is great,
but it's not what I want to be doing.
This way I can spend my time and energy
doing work I care about.
As long as you're sure
this is what you want.
I am.
And I'd love if you were
next to me on my big day
as my Maid of Honor.
- Oh.
- It would mean so much.
What do you say?
Fiona, yes, of course.
Whatever you want.
Don't be disappointed in me.
Never.
About that stamp, it's not authentic.
[DOOR OPENS]
Constable Grant, I understand
you wanted to see me.
Yes. Miss Martell, please
come in. Have a seat.
This is Judge Avery.
How do you do?
The Governor siccing the law on me now.
Or is this not about land rights?
It's actually regarding
an investigation.
Your late uncle, Ernest Martell.
He, um
he was a good man, by all accounts.
He was.
To your knowledge,
did he ever have any association
with the Garrison Gang?
Ernie? [LAUGHS]
If he had any criminal associations,
he hid them very well.
Did he ever talk about
coming into some money?
Any type of hidden reserves?
Cash? Coins? Gold?
Oh, you mean like pirate booty?
Doubloons? Pieces of eight?
All I know is that he
was broke at the end.
He made me promise to keep
our name on a failing ranch
and left me with a mountain of debt.
So if there was any hidden loot,
I can assure you I would be
in a very different situation.
If this is involving my family,
can you tell me what's going on?
We have reason to
believe that your uncle
was in possession of some unique
double-eagle-pattern gold coins.
Stolen by the Garrison Gang
in the Great Rocky Mountain
Train Robbery of 1907.
Well, I don't know what
to say. I'm shocked.
Well, if you have any information
about their whereabouts,
we would greatly
appreciate your cooperation.
If I do find anything, you
two will be the first to know.
Thank you.
Oh, Ernie, what have
you gotten us into now?
Hi Sonny. Yeah, it's Woody.
We're all set. I got
a room at the saloon.
Yeah, just one. Not
made of money yet.
It's not a problem.
You can sneak in through the balcony.
Just let me tell you how.
Why is everybody so quiet?
Allie and I had some
disappointments today.
But we'll be all right.
What happened?
- Politics.
- Bureaucracy.
You both got to stand up
and make your case in
front of somebody in power.
Sometimes it takes more than one try.
I just wish I understood why.
Do those ranchers not
care about anything
other than themselves?
Sometimes it's hard
for people to see things
from another perspective.
But your dad's right. We've
just got to keep trying.
I lost my favorite marble.
Oh, we'll help you look for it.
And we'll keep trying with the ranchers.
Can I please have more stew?
Oh, you've got a hearty appetite.
It's tough work losing a marble, right?
I got it.
Thanks.
I don't know what that lady
said to you on the radio,
but I've never loved school more.
I feel like the whole world's opened up,
even if not everyone's
ready to see things
from my perspective.
Thank you, Allie.
I got your message.
We might have a problem
with our play, Rosemary.
Hickam!
What is wrong?
Try saying something, Mike.
[COUGHS]
- Laryngitis.
- [HOARSE VOICE] Sorry.
Well, let this be a lesson to you!
Of what? I don't know.
But it is a good thing
you are replaceable.
I'm afraid it's not just Mike.
- Bill!
- [SHIVERING]
[HOARSE VOICE] Sorry. [COUGHS] Sorry.
How did you
They thought going to the hot springs
would be good for their voices.
Which it might have been had it
not also been the perfect place
for everyone to catch Mike's cold.
Everyone?
Who else did you bring?
Oh, no.
Lee?
I'm sorry, sweetheart. I
didn't know it was contagious.
So now I don't have a Jack.
I don't have Lane the butler.
And you were supposed to
be my perfect Algernon.
[COUGHS]
All right, we'll just have
we will just have
Yes.
I don't know, Molly!
I need a cup of tea!
You can always recast.
Oh, Rosemary.
Here you go, fresh baked.
Thank you, Minnie.
Oscar Wilde said this play was cursed.
I'm beginning to believe him.
I never should have sent
them to the hot springs.
It's all my fault.
I'm sure you didn't mean to
sabotage the entire production.
[CLEARS THROAT]
You did say the show must go on.
Maybe not every show.
Have a muffin.
sit there, calmly eating muffins
when we're in this horrible trouble
I can't make out.
me to be perfectly heartless.
eat muffins in an agitated manner.
Butter would probably get on my cuffs.
it's perfectly heartless
you're eating muffins at
all under the circumstances.
[ALL LAUGHING]
Minnie, your accent.
Well, it's almost as good as mine.
Where did you train?
Oh, I certainly didn't train.
She's good at everything she tries.
You're a great Algernon.
Have you ever played him?
Perhaps in another life.
Why wait?
Do we dare?
Men have been playing women
on stage for centuries.
Why not the other way around?
Exactly.
Of course we dare.
[ALL LAUGH]
This will be a production,
the likes of which no one
has ever seen or heard.
Minnie, would you be my Jack?
Oh. Are you sure? It's such a big part.
You're perfect.
Oh, but we're still missing Hickam.
Who can play the butler?
Mike and I have been
rehearsing together.
So you already know the part?
Perfect.
Then we just need
someone to play Gwendolyn.
That we do.
Who are you thinking?
Well
Ava.
Yes.
Would you like to play
the role of Gwendolyn in our production?
[SQUEALS] Yes!
Oh, well, you certainly have the chops.
Oh, that means so much coming from you.
I mean, you're such a wonderful
writer and director
and actor and producer,
and everybody loves you,
and you have this
beautiful family and
I'm sorry. I guess what
I'm trying to say is,
I just hope my life turns
out to be like yours one day.
Ava, that's very sweet. Thank you.
But I think you have
your own exciting life unfolding.
And you're so wise.
Let's go put on a radio show.
To the microphones.
Minnie.
Oh, I know it's getting
late, and I have to go.
If only I could.
Stage fright, huh?
I don't know how I agreed to this.
Acting in a play with
an accent on the radio.
[ACCENT] Well, now, Governor,
you just have to buck up and
get on with it, ain't you?
- Oh, stop it.
- Oh, you fancy a cuppa?
Oh, Joseph.
You think I don't know
my accent's terrible.
I know my accent is terrible,
but I also know that you are going
to be really great in this play
because you're really
good at everything, Minnie.
Oh, no I'm not.
No, you're not good at gardening.
But running this cafe,
quoting scripture,
being an incredible wife and mother
Now hold on. How am I
not good at gardening?
Baby, you're a plant killer.
But you're also very punctual.
So let's not keep these folks waiting.
All right.
All right.
Now, if you get nervous,
you just look at me.
I'll be right there with you
And bing, Bob's your uncle.
- [LAUGHS] I need to get changed.
- Yes, you do.
- Shall we?
- We shall.
- All right.
- To the microphones.
[CHUCKLES]
Gwendolyn, it is a terrible thing
for a man to find out suddenly
that all his life he has been speaking
nothing but the truth.
Can you forgive me?
I can, for I feel that
you are sure to change.
And I am engaged to be married
to Cecily, Aunt Augusta.
[THUMPING]
I beg your pardon.
Mr. and I
are engaged to be
married, Lady Bracknell.
Cecily at last!
[KISSING SOUNDS]
Gwendolyn, at last!
[KISSING SOUND]
[THUDDING SOUND]
My nephew,
you seem to be displaying
signs of triviality.
On the contrary, Aunt Augusta.
I've now realized for the
first time in my life
the vital importance of being earnest.
[APPLAUSE]
[KNOCKING]
Now I know you're supposed to give these
at the beginning of the performance,
but I didn't have a chance.
They're beautiful. Thank you.
I'll just put these in water.
I also didn't have a
chance to give you these.
What are they?
Uh, Ned had them for
you, but you were busy,
so he asked me to drop them off.
There's so many of them.
Yeah.
- They're all for me?
- Yeah.
Mm.
Uh, this is from a history teacher
writing from Manchester County.
What is it?
"Superintendent Bennett and all her ilk
are simply afraid of what might happen
if we lived in a world of cooperation
instead of competition."
[SCOFFS] I could have told you that.
Actually, I think I did.
Oh, look at this.
Huh.
"These are drawings of third-grade
class made on a stargazing trip.
The teacher taught a
whole unit on stars.
The stories of the zodiac,
the history of astronomy and math."
Nathan they're doing it.
They don't need permission.
Doesn't sound like you do either.
I have to write them all back.
Or you could answer them on the radio.
Of course.
You are brilliant.
No. Well
That's your domain.
[LAUGHS]
[KNOCKING]
You can go on home now, Edwin.
It's late.
You're far from your ranch.
I couldn't bear to leave
things the way that we did.
I believe that was entirely your doing.
You're right.
If I could explain.
Years ago, there was a mudslide.
Blocked the route to the old pasture
that ranchers had been
using for generations.
McGinty offered an easy
out, McGinty's Meadow,
use of his pasture for
free for the first year,
but they didn't have a lawyer,
and they didn't read the fine print.
Every year after the price went up
and when they tried to renegotiate,
they realized that
they had signed a loan.
And McGinty is free to seek repayment
plus interest and penalties
anytime he wants to.
He all but told us that
if we vote against him,
he will call in the loan,
which would wipe out all of
us faster than that mudslide.
That is what I inherited from my uncle.
A failing ranch held by a loan shark.
I may represent McGinty,
but I am also deeply in his debt.
I haven't seen your little tell
so, I guess, I believe you.
But why tell me now?
Because you deserved the whole story.
And an apology.
I happen to know a thing
or two about reputation.
You were protecting your uncle's.
I was also protecting yours.
And those children.
McGinty doesn't play to lose.
Neither do I.
[KNOCKING]
Elizabeth.
What are you doing here so late?
I have a special delivery.
Are these all
From my discussion with the
superintendent on your show.
There are so many.
Who knew the radio could be so powerful?
Oh, wait. You did.
I was starting to doubt myself.
Well, I never did.
And whatever the people are saying,
you can't deny you've made an impact.
Fiona
I know you have a decision to make.
No, I don't.
I said yes.
It's done.
I can't go back now.
Can't you?
It would break his heart.
I know how you're feeling.
Calling off my engagement
was one of the hardest
things I've ever done.
Because I knew on paper
we made sense together,
but my heart was telling
me something wasn't right
and he deserved more.
[EXHALES]
I wish I had all the time in the world
to follow my dreams and
my heart at the same time.
Selling the salon buys me a year,
and after that I don't
know what I'm going to do.
Fiona, I don't know what's best for you.
Only you know that.
But what I do know is
if you spread your wings,
you're very likely to fly.
And we'll all be here in
Hope Valley watching you soar.
[EXHALES]
So what do you think?
- It's what you said you wanted.
- Lots of letters.
None of them saying they were bored.
People who are bored
don't write letters.
And yes, it appears your
arguing show was a success.
- Daily Dialogue.
- I've even received letters at the station
for both the school
teacher and the play.
- People liked the play?
- They did.
But I have to admit, I'm rather upset.
How could you be upset?
My entire family won't
stop doing a British accent
It's become very annoying.
[CHUCKLES]
Ladies
you're a hit.
[LAUGHTER]
Your arguing show has real potential.
- Daily Dialogue.
- It gets us respect and listeners.
So let's go bigger.
I just acquired a license for
a new station in Port Townsend
that can reach as far as Seattle.
And I want the two of you to go there
and do what you're doing here,
be in charge of programming.
Well, I can't leave Hope
Valley. My life is here.
I'll go.
Why not?
My next big adventure.
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
I was gonna wait to give
this to you at your wedding.
I hardly deserve a gift for
calling off an engagement.
Gifts? You make the rest of us look bad.
Oh, I gave her a pound cake.
Oh, but she's my wife,
so it's from both of us.
Open it.
It's for whatever fills your heart next.
Galileo Galilei changed the way
we understand the world
and our place in it.
Simply by seeing what no one
had been able to see before.
There can be a cost to opening our eyes
and challenging our beliefs
and Galileo paid dearly for it.
We must always protect the
trailblazers and seekers,
the wanderers and explorers.
It's not an easy path, and
we owe them a great debt.
So to all the adventurous
teachers who wrote to me
to ask questions and share
your ideas, thank you.
You're leading us all forward.
And now, thanks to a
brilliant suggestion
from someone very dear to me.
We thought it might be fun
to read some of your letters
so that we can all share our ideas.
Our first letter is from Mrs.
Grafton of Stanford Falls.
Hi, Mrs. Grafton.
She wrote in to say that
she has a third grader
who hates math but loves dinosaurs.
So she decided to use a dinosaur
puppet to teach long division.
Oh, oh, that's marvelous.
I love that idea.
And what if you look at
the repeating patterns
in reptilian scales.
You could use that for multiplication.
Clever.
And maybe everyone in
your classroom can design
their own puppets and
write stories about them.
Dino-stories.
[LAUGHTER]
Elizabeth, you just couldn't hold back.
I couldn't.
The possibilities are endless,
see what your students come up with.
There truly is no limit
when we inspire one another.