Episode 53 - "The Ties That Bind"

Thanks to Isaac Lew for the tape :-)



OPENING SEQUENCE
(Shot of a closed photograph album as it opens. "At Last" - Nat "King" Cole starts. The first page has three pictures of Jack and Norma from their wedding day - one is them looking out the rear window of a car that has the large words "Just Married" under it, the second is a portrait of the both of them, and the third is a group shot of undistinguishable people. Close shot of the photo of them looking out the car window. The camera pulls back.)

Before my parents were "Mom" and "Dad"...they were Norma and Jack.

(Fade to a shot panning across another page of photographs, one of which is a group of smiling soldiers.)

Or, so the story goes.

(Another photo shows Norma and Jack sitting on the floor at a table made from a large crate.)

Back then, they didn't have much.

(Fade to closer shot of the photo as the camera pushes in.)

So they got by on what they had. Each other.

(Fade to a photo of Norma holding baby Karen.)

Somewhere along the way, though...

(The camera pans across a "For Sale" sign that has "Sold" across it.)

Hearts and flowers gave way to other things.

(The camera pans to Jack who looks uncertainly at the camera. The camera pulls back.)

Guess it kinda took 'em by surprise.

(Fade to another shot of a page of photos. The camera pans across two photos which show the young family in front of a Christmas tree.)

So, like any couple of their generation...

(The camera pans across to a third photo of the family in front of the tree. Norma has her hand on young Wayne's shoulder.)

They did what they had to do.

(Fade to closer shot of the photo as the camera pans up.)

They became...parents.

(Jack has his hands around Norma's waist and they are both smiling at the camera.)

Providers.

Cut to

Int. Evening - Arnold House

(Shot of Jack standing next to the kitchen table with his briefcase on it, looking at a bill in one hand and holding a short glass in his other hand.)

JACK: Damn!

(He takes a drink.)

(Shot of Norma at the sink as he is about to fill a pan with water.)

NORMA: What is it, Jack?

(Close shot of Jack holding the bill up.)

JACK: I thought we paid this bill last month. (Frowns.)

(Close shot of Norma looking at the sink as she fills the off-screen pan with water.)

NORMA: That was the orthodontist. This is the dentist.

(Norma moves toward the sink.)

(Wider shot of Jack looking at another bill.)

JACK: Property tax?

(Jack turns toward Norma off-screen.)

JACK: Already? (Frowns.)

(Shot of Norma in front of the stove, holding two packages of vegetables.)

NORMA: Corn or carrots, honey?

(She looks toward Jack off-screen.)

JACK (V/O): Whatever.

(Norma turns back to the stove and sets the packages down.)

By nineteen-seventy...

(Shot of Jack as he picks up another bill, then frowns and slumps.)

My parents had elevated "providing" into something close to an art-form.

(Jack looks off.)

JACK: Guess we dip into the Christmas club again. (Frowns.)

(Jack looks at the bill.)

Dad was the maestro of payment plans.

(Shot of Norma at the stove, looking thoughtful.)

Mom was a virtuoso with vegetables.

(Norma rubs her hands on her apron then holds them up.)

NORMA: Broccoli.

(Shot from the other side of Norma as she picks up the original two boxes, and smiles as she walks toward the refrigerator.)

You had to hand it to 'em...

(The camera pans and pulls back slightly. Jack approaches, looking at a bill, as Norma opens the freezer.)

They were good at what they did. Of course, it was all for a good reason.

WAYNE (V/O): Hey!

(Jack pauses and looks up, as Norma leans back an looks at Wayne off-screen.)

(Shot of Karen, Wayne and Kevin at the dining room table.)

Their three beautiful children.

(Wayne holds up an empty plate and gestures.)

WAYNE: Are we going to eat here, or what?

With all the rights and privileges thereof.

(Shot of the three kids around the dining room table as Jack approaches from the kitchen. Norma is still at the stove in the background. The camera pulls back slightly as Jack makes his way to his chair.)

Not that we took the folks for granted. It's just...

(Close shot of Jack as he sits down.)

With Thanksgiving coming...we had certain...needs.

KAREN (V/O): Daddy?

(Jack looks toward Karen off-screen.)

(Close shot of Karen looking toward Jack off-screen.)

KAREN: When I go back from break...(nods)...I-I'm gonna need money for a few things.

(Close shot of Kevin looking from Karen off-screen toward Jack off-screen.)

KAREN (V/O): OK?

(Shot of Jack looking toward Karen off-screen.)

JACK: Like what?

(Close shot of Karen looking toward Jack off-screen.)

KAREN: Some books...(nods)...some art supplies...(nods). A yoga mat.

(Close shot of Wayne. He has two celery sticks under his top lip hanging down like fangs of a snake.)

WAYNE: A yoga...mat?

(Shot of Jack looking toward Karen off-screen.)

JACK: What the hell d'ya need a yoga mat for?

(Close shot of Karen looking toward Jack off-screen.)

KAREN: Yoga. (Smiles.)

(Shot of Jack looking toward Karen off-screen.)

And no matter how ridiculous...

(Close shot of Kevin looking toward Norma off-screen.)

Those needs were...we knew somehow...

(Shot from Kevin's perspective of Norma at the stove as she rubs her hands on her apron.)

They'd come through for us.

(Norma begins to cut a cucumber (?)

NORMA: We'll work it out, honey!

(Close shot of Karen looking toward Norma off-screen.)

KAREN: Thanks!

(Karen looks at Jack off-screen and smiles.)

(Close shot of Jack as he sighs and rolls his eyes upward.)

(Shot of Kevin and Wayne looking at each other as Wayne takes the celery from his mouth. They turn toward Jack off-screen and speak simultaneously.)

WAYNE: I need a new stereo.

KEVIN: I need a new baseball glove.

(Close shot of Jack glaring at the boys off-screen.)

JACK: Hnnnn. (Frowns.)

WAYNE (V/O): Back of the line, butthead.

(Shot of Kevin and Wayne looking at each other.)

KEVIN: Hey, I asked him first.

(Wayne grabs Kevin's shirt.)

WAYNE: I need a new stereo.

KEVIN: I need a new baseball glove.

(Closer shot of Kevin looking at Wayne.)

KEVIN: I've had the same one...

(Close shot of Karen frowning at the boys off-screen as she takes a drink.)

KEVIN (V/O): For two years...

(Karen glances at Jack off-screen as the boys continue to argue.)

(Close shot of Jack glaring at the boys off-screen.)

For the things that were really important, anyway.

(Shot of Norma in the kitchen, bent down at the open oven.)

NORMA: Oh, my goodness...

(She reaches toward the pan with a pot-holder.)

(Shot of Wayne and Kevin as they pause their argument and turn toward Norma off-screen.)

(Shot of Norma as she pulls the pan from the oven. She sighs, then turns toward Jack off-screen.)

NORMA: The stove's out again.

(Close shot of Jack as he takes a drink, sets the glass down, then looks toward the kitchen off-screen and frowns.)

NED (V/O): Eh, she's dead alright.

Cut to

Int. Day - Arnold Kitchen

(Shot of Norma standing behind a man kneeling in front of the open stove. His shirt nametag reads "Ned".)

NED: Deader'n a doornail.

(Norma moves to his side and leans down slightly, then looks past the camera.)

(Shot of Kevin sitting on the counter holding a glass of milk.)

(Shot of Ned and Norma.)

NORMA: But, you can fix it?

(Ned raises his eyebrows and looks off as he stands up.)

NED: Well, yeah...

(Norma sighs, and smiles at Kevin off-screen.)

NORMA: Oh...good!

(Shot of Kevin sitting on the counter and smiling.)

NED (V/O): I can fix it...

(Shot of Norma and Ned.)

NED: If I can find the parts.

(Shot of Norma, and Kevin in the background, looking at Ned off-screen.)

NED (V/O): I'll tell ya, Norma...

(Shot past Norma of Ned. He looks at he stove as he puts his hand on his hip.)

NED: I probably shouldn't be sayin' this...

(Ned looks at Norma.)

NED: What with you bein' such a good customer an' all, but...

(Ned looks down and squats in front of the stove.)

NED: Well, let me put it this way...

(Shot of Norma, and Kevin in the background, looking at Ned off-screen.)

NED (V/O): She's old, she's tired...

(Close shot of Ned kneeling at the stove as Jack enters behind him.)

NED: It's time to buy a new one.

JACK: What do ya mean, "buy a new one"?

(Ned sighs and smiles slightly, then stands up.)

NED: Uh...hi, Jack.

(Ned turns toward Jack as Jack steps next to him.)

JACK: Why can't ya just fix the old one? (Frowns.)

NED: Well, your thermostat's shot, your top burner's not juicin' out like she oughtta, and...

(Ned looks at a small item he holds up.)

NED: Ya got one mean short-circuit in your wirin'.

(Jack takes the item and looks at it, frowning.)

And there it was.

(Jack looks at Norma off-scren.)

The considered opinion of a professional.

(Shot of Norma, and Kevin in the background, looking at Jack off-screen apprehensively.)

Dad had no choice...

(Shot past Norma of Ned and Jack.)

But to take action.

JACK: I'll get my toolbox.

(Jack frowns as he passes Ned. Norma steps toward him.)

NORMA: Honey? I don't think your toolbox is gonna help this time.

(Shot past Jack of Norma and Kevin looking at him.)

NORMA: I think we need to buy a new stove.

(Ned walks past Jack and Norma and turns toward them.)

NED: She's right, Jack.

(Close shot of Jack looking down.)

NED (V/O): As much as I hate to say it.

(Jack looks at Norma off-screen.)

(Shot past Jack of Norma, Ned and Kevin looking at him.)

Poor Mom. All she really wanted was a working stove so that she could take care...

(Kevin takes a drink of milk.)

Of her family.

(Close shot of Jack looking off and frowning slightly.)

And poor Dad. All he wanted was...

(Jack sighs and looks at Norma off-screen.)

To provide Mom with a working stove so that...

(Shot past Jack of Norma, Ned and Kevin looking at him.)

She could take care of her family.

(Shot of Ned, Norma and Jack as he sighs and sags.)

Cut to

Int. - Arnold Dining Table

(Close shot of a plate of sandwiches as it is set on the table.)

NORMA (V/O): Olive loaf?

(Wide shot of all seated around the table as Norma stands next to it.)

And poor us.

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Wayne, who is looking down glumly.)

All we wanted was something besides cold-cuts for dinner.

(Kevin reaches toward the plate.)

(Wider shot of all as Norma walks to her chair.)

Seemed like it was time to explore the alternatives.

(Norma puts a bowl of potatoes (?) on the table as she sits down.)

NORMA: Jack...

(Close shot of Norma looking toward Jack off-screen.)

NORMA: I was checking the paper today, and...Montgomery Wards is having a sale on appliances.

(Close shot of Jack looking toward Norma off-screen.)

JACK: How much would a new stove set us back?

(Close shot of Norma frowning slightly at Jack off-screen.)

NORMA: Only about two-hundred and fity dollars.

(Jack sighs slightly and looks at Norma off-screen.)

JACK: Don't say "only"...

(Jack raises his eyebrows and smiles.)

JACK: And "two-hundred and fifty dollars" in the same breath, Norma. (Nods.)

(Close shot of Wayne frowning as he holds up a slice of olive loaf.)

WAYNE: Gee. How do they get the little ugly green olives in there?

(Shot of Kevin and Wayne as Wayne holds the olive loaf.)

And, that about covered...

(Wayne flaps the olive loaf onto his plate.)

The alternatives.

(Close shot of Norma smiling slightly then looking down.)

All but one.

(Close shot of Jack looking toward Norma off-screen.)

JACK: Maybe I should talk to management tomorrow. Ask for a raise.

It was a bold...

(Close shot of Kevin looking toward Jack off-screen.)

And unexpected decision.

(Close shot of Jack looking toward Norma off-screen.)

JACK: The company owes me, Norma. (Nods.) It's been too long.

(Shot of Wayne and Kevin looking at Jack off-scren.)

(Close shot of Karen looking at Jack off-screen.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Jack off-screen.)

KEVIN: Good idea, Dad. (Smiles.)

(Close shot of Norma looking toward Jack off-screen.)

NORMA: You certainly deserve one, honey.

Cut to

Int. Morning - Arnold Living Room

(Shot of Jack carrying his briefcase and straightening his tie.)

After all, Dad was the great provider.

KAREN (V/O): Whoa!

(Shot of Karen at the dining room table, looking toward Jack off-screen.)

KAREN: Check it out! (Smiles.)

(Shot of Jack fixing his tie as Kevin emerges from his room.)

Fully supported by his providees.

(Kevin pauses and looks at Jack.)

KEVIN: Wow. Dad, you look great! (Smiles.)

(Kevin approaches the camera.)

WAYNE (V/O): What happened?

(Wider shot of Karen as Wayne approaches from the kitchen and Kevin approaches from the living room. Wayne looks toward Jack off-screen.)

WAYNE: Somebody kick the bucket, heh-heh?

(Shot of Norma in the hallway.)

NORMA: Jack?

(The camera pans with her as she approaches Jack, who turns toward her.)

JACK: Oh, hunh.

NORMA: Oh, Jack, are you sure you want to wear that tie? (Points.)

JACK: What's wrong with this tie?

(Norma sigh and smiles, and smooths Jack's tie.)

NORMA: Jack...

JACK: It worked for me once. Maybe it'll do it again. (Smiles.) Wish me luck?

(Close shot of Kevin smiling at them off-screen.)

It was nice seeing my parents like this.

(Shot of Norma and Jack.)

NORMA: Good luck, honey.

(The camera pans with them as they walk toward the front door.)

Doin' what they had to do. For the family.

(Close shot of Kevin looking toward the door off-screen.)

NORMA (V/O): Bye, bye!

I guess we were all kinda caught up in the moment.

(Kevin smiles and sighs.)

(Wider shot of Wayne, Kevin and Karen as Kevin puts his hands on their shoulders.)

(Wayne shrugs off Kevins hand and pushes him away as he exits.)

WAYNE: Hands off, scrote.

(Karen drinks from her glass.)

OK, so you'll just have to take my word for it.

Cut to

Ext. Afternoon - Arnold Driveway

(Shot from the driveway of Kevin on the sidewalk. Jack's car honks as it approaches.)

That afternoon, I got home a little faster than usual.

(Kevin cuts across the corner of the grass onto the driveway as the car pulls up and stops.)

And so did Dad.

(Close shot through the windshield of Jack as he opens the car door.)

Which could only mean the news wasn't good.

(Jack gets out.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Jack off-screen.)

KEVIN: So, Dad - how'd it go?

(Shot of Jack glancing at Kevin.)

JACK: Rough.

(He leans into the open car.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Jack off-screen and sighing.)

KEVIN: Well...maybe next time. (Smiles.)

(Shot of Jack straightening up and looking at Kevin off-screen.)

JACK: Maybe.

(Jack reaches in the car, then holds up a bouquet of gold flowers.)

JACK: And maybe not. (Smiles.)

(He closes the car door.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Jack off-screen and sighing.)

Cut to

Int. Day - Kitchen

(Wide shot of Karen and Norma at the sink, and Wayne at the kitchen table as Kevin enters and backs up as Jack follows him in. Jack holds the flowers behind him as he faces Norma and clears his throat.)

(Shot of Norma and Karen looking at Jack off-screen.)

NORMA: You got the raise!

(Shot of Jack, Kevin and Wayne as Jack smiles excitedly at Norma off-screen.)

JACK: Not just a raise. You're looking at the new regional manager of product support services. (Nods.)

(Shot of Norma and Karen smiling at Jack off-screen.)

Not that we had a clue as to what that meant.

(Karen hurries past the camera as Norma tosses her rag toward the sink.)

KAREN: Right on...

(Wide shot of all as Karen, Wayne, Kevin and Jack hug.)

KAREN: Dad!

(Norma takes off her rubber gloves.)

But it had an impressive ring to it.

JACK: Pretty good, huh?

(Close shot of Norma smiling at Jack off-screen as she tosses the sponge toward the sink.)

KEVIN (V/O): Regional manager?

JACK (V/O): Uh-huh, regional manager.

(Shot of Karen, Jack, Kevin and Wayne. Jack smiles at Norma off-screen, then looks at Karen.)

JACK: Course, um...

(Jack holds up the flowers and approaches Norma.)

(Close shot of Norma as Jack approaches her past the camera.)

JACK (V/O): That means some new responsibilities.

NORMA: Well, you can handle it.

(Shot past Norma of him looking at her a little uncertainly.)

JACK: I'll, uh...

(Jack hands the flowers to Norma and steps past her.)

JACK: Have to go on the road, some.

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Jack off-screen.)

JACK (V/O): Move around from plant to plant...trouble-shoot in the field...

(Shot from Kevin's perspective of Jack turning away from the open refrigerator as he closes the door.)

JACK: You know, that sort of thing. (Smiles.)

(Shot of Karen, Kevin and Wayne looking at Jack off-screen.)

KEVIN: Does that mean you have to travel, a lot? (Frowns.)

(Shot of Jack looking at Kevin off-screen.)

JACK: Well, some...(shrugs)...maybe just at first.

(Shot of Karen, Kevin and Wayne looking at Jack off-screen as he crosses in front of them.)

JACK (V/O): I...

(Shot past Norma of Jack looking at her.)

JACK: Gotta fly to Pittsburgh, tonight.

(Shot past Jack of Norma looking at him.)

NORMA: So soon?

(Shot past Norma of Jack looking at her.)

JACK: Well, they said we need somebody out there right away. (Shrugs.)

NORMA: Oh...

JACK: But, it'll...(nods)...just be until next Wednesday.

(Shot past Jack of Norma looking at him, then glancing at the stove and back.)

(Shot of Karen, Kevin and Wayne.)

And suddenly we were getting a pretty fair idea of what a regional manager did.

(Shot past Norma of Jack looking at her.)

JACK: But hey, it's for the best, right? (Smiles.)

(Jack chuckles as he passes the camera. Norma turns after him.)

NORMA: Of course, honey.

(Wide shot of all from behind Norma.)

And maybe it was.

(Norma starts to put the flowers in a vase.)

(Close shot of Norma looking toward Jack off-screen.)

Mom looked happy.

(Shot of Karen, Kevin and Wayne.)

WAYNE: Hefty raise, Dad? (Smiles.)

(Wide shot of all from behind Norma.)

JACK: Not too shabby...

(Jack begins to playfully slap and box at Wayne, who responds.)

And Dad finally had...

(Jack slaps Kevin playfully.)

KEVIN: Oh!

The recognition he deserved.

(Jack pulls Karen in front of himself.)

JACK: Protect you father...

KEVIN (V/O): Oh, get out of the way.

(Close shot of Norma smiling at them off-screen.)

WAYNE (V/O): Oh, right...

Fade to

Int. Evening - Jack and Norma's Bedroom

(Shot of Wayne, Karen and Kevin at the door jamb looking in.)

That night we watched as Mom and Dad shared...

(Shot from Kevin's perspective of Norma standing on one side of the bed and Jack on the other, with an open suitcase on it.)

A tender moment of farewell.

(Jack hands Norma a small travelling case.)

JACK: Where the hell's that damn cab?

(Norma puts the case in the suitcase and raises her other hand.)

NORMA: Calm down, honey - it'll be here.

(Norma closes the suitcase. Jack points at it.)

JACK: You didn't pack my handkerchiefs?

(Close shot of Kevin looking at them off-screen.)

NORMA (V/O): Oh, they're in the carry-on.

JACK (V/O): Oh.

(Sound of a car horn nearby. Kevin looks toward the front door.)

(Shot from Kevin's perspective of Norma and Jack as Jack picks up a carry-on bag. The horn honks again. Jack and Norma look at each other.)

JACK: Ah...it's about time.

(Jack drapes an overcoat over his arm. Jack and Norma pause at the foot of the bed.)

JACK: OK - that's it, huh?

(Jack pats his pants pockets.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking at them off-screen.)

It was strange. Everything was happening so fast.

(Shot from Kevin's perspective of Norma and Jack as Jack sighs.)

For all of us.

JACK: Oh, uh...

(Jack hands the bag to Norma and pats his pockets.)

JACK: Where's my tickets?

NORMA: Oh, they're in your breast pocket. (Points.)

JACK: So, uh...

(Jack reaches for the bag.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking at them off-screen.)

JACK (V/O): That's it, then, huh?

(Shot from Kevin's perspective of Norma and Jack as the horn honks again. Jack is holding the suitcase and his overcoat. He approaches the camera.)

JACK: OK, you kids...

(Shot of Wayne, Karen and Kevin as Jack passes the camera.)

JACK: You better take care of your mother now, huh?

KEVIN: Goodbye, Dad.

WAYNE: Go get 'em, Dad.

KAREN: ****

(Jack turns and looks at Norma off-screen.)

JACK: Oh, yeah...

(Shot of Norma stepping forward and holding the carry-on bag.)

(Shot of Jack and the kids looking at Norma off-screen.)

JACK: Why don't you go ahead and buy that new stove.

(Shot of Norma hesitating, then smiling at Jack off-screen.)

(Shot of Jack and the kids as Jack looks at Kevin.)

JACK: Take care huh?

(Jack exits down the hall.)

KAREN: Bye, Dad.

WAYNE: Bye, Dad.

KEVIN: Bye.

Cut to

Ext. Night - Arnold Driveway

(Shot from the porch of a yellow taxi in the driveway as Jack hurries toward it, followed by Norma. Some Snuffy Piano music plays.)

(Shot of Kevin looking through the window at Jack and Norma off-screen.)

It was a romantic as some old movie...

(Closer shot of Jack and Norma as Jack takes the carry-on bag from her.)

On the late show.

(Jack quickly kisses Norma then gets in the taxi.)

Well, as romantic...

(Norma closes the door.)

As my parents got, anyway.

(Shot though the house window of Kevin looking out.)

(Shot from Kevin's perspective through the window of Norma turning after the taxi and watching it leave.)

(Close shot though the house window of Kevin looking out.)

But then...

(Shot from Kevin's perspective through the window of Norma.)

I guess he was in a hurry.

(Norma waves.)

Fade to

Int. Day - Arnold Kitchen

(Close shot of a white stove and user manual.)

NORMA (V/O): Jack?

(The camera pans up from Norma's hand as she touches the stove. She is talking on the phone.)

NORMA: It is absolutely beautiful!

(The camera pans and pulls back to reveal Karen, Kevin and Wayne seated at the kitchen table. Karen is reading a newspaper and the boys are eating.)

NORMA: Well, I splurged a little, and got the easy-clean model.

(Shot of Norma as she looks over her shoulder and smiles exaggeratedly at the kids off-screen.)

(Shot of Karen, Kevin and Wayne.)

NORMA (V/O): And I went with the white.

But the Monday before Thanksgiving, things were looking up again.

(Wayne drops some dry cereal into his bowl.)

NORMA (V/O): No, no - we're all fine!

(Shot from Kevin's perspective of Norma on the phone.)

NORMA: And, uh, we'll see you Wednesday night!

(She turns toward the wall.)

NORMA: OK, goodbye.

(She hangs up the telephone on the wall.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking at her off-screen.)

KEVIN: How's Dad, Mom?

(Shot from Kevin's perspective of Norma.)

NORMA: Fine. Just fine!

(She gestures with both arms at the stove off-screen.)

NORMA: Isn't it beautiful?! (Smiles.)

(Close shot of Karen. She looks over the the Free Press paper she is reading toward Norma off-screen.)

KAREN: Really nice, Mom.

(Karen resumes reading the paper. Kyle's note: the back page of the paper says "THE STEVE MILLER *AN* SAILS INTO THE WHISKY **O-*O. The * are blacked out letters (should be "Band", and "Ago-go".)

And it was.

(Shot of Norma leaning on the stove reading the user manaul.)

As far as stoves go.

NORMA: Look!

(She turns toward the kids off-screen.)

(Close shot of Kevin and Wayne frowning slightly at Norma off-screen.)

NORMA: It has "meal minder"!

(Close shot of Kevin and Wayne.)

NORMA (V/O): "Automatically regulates..."

(Kevin and Wayne look at each other and frown.)

NORMA (V/O): "The oven tempurature..."

(Shot of Norma readin gthe manual while touching the "meal minder" knob.)

NORMA: "So you are free to entertain your guests".

(Norma smiles and opens the oven door.)

NORMA: Well, that'll sure help...

(Close shot of Kevin looking at her off-screen.)

NORMA (V/O): With the turkey this year.

Pretty exciting!

(Kevin glances toward Wayne off-screen.)

(Wider shot of the kids. Wayne shrugs and rises.)

KEVIN: Well - I gotta go to school.

(Wider shot of all as Norma inspects the stove, and Wayne walks past the camera.)

NORMA: OK, sweetheart.

(Kevin gather his books and bag.)

NORMA: You have a good day.

(The camera pushes in on Kevin whop pauses at the kitchen door and looks at Norma.)

Maybe I should have been caught up in the spirit of things a little more. But for some reason...

(Kevin looks off.)

I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing.

(Kevin sighs and shakes his head, then exits.)

Cut to

Ext. Day - The Street

(Shot of Paul walking on the sidewalk, holding a football and looking toward Kevin off-screen.)

PAUL: So. When's your dad gettin' back?

(He begins to throw the football.)

(Shot of Kevin looking toward Paul off-screen.)

KEVIN: Uh...W-Wednesday.

(He catches the ball,.)

KEVIN: Wednesday night.

(Wider shot of both as Kevin walks in the street near the curb and tosses the ball underhanded to Paul on the sidewalk.)

PAUL: He must be having a blast!

(They walk past a man raking leaves in his yard.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking toward PAul off-screen.)

KEVIN: Huh?

(Close shot of Paul looking at Kevion off-screen.)

PAUL: You know...(gestures)...catching planes...staying in hotels. That's gotta be fun.

(Paul thows the ball.)

(Close shot of Kevin as he catches the ball.)

KEVIN: Well...

(Kevin pauses and looks at the ball.)

KEVIN: He probably wants to get home.

PAUL (V/O): Oh, sure.

(A man carrying a briefcase and looking at a paper walks past on the far sidewalk.)

PAUL (V/O): No question.

(Kevin looks at Paul off-screen.)

KEVIN: Besides, we're doing pretty much OK without him. It's kinda...different.

(Kevin toses the ball underhanded past the camera.)

KEVIN: Kind of an adventure. (Smiles.)

And it was.

(Close shot of Paul looking at Kevin skeptically off-screen.)

As adventures go.

Cut to

Int. Evening - Arnold Living Room

(Close shot of Kevin sitting at a small table as Norma's hand sets a plate in front of him.)

NORMA (V/O): Pot pies!

(Kevin frowns slight at touches the pot pie with his fork.)

(Close shot of Norma standing near her chair.)

NORMA: These took no time at all in the new stove. (Smiles.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking up toward Norma off-screen.)

And let's not forget...

(Close shot of Karen sitting in the recliner, looking glumly at her pot pie.)

To mention that new stove!

(Karen touches the pot pie with her fork.)

WAYNE (V/O): Uh, Mom?

(Close shot of Wayne frowning at Norma off-screen.)

WAYNE: Don't ya think these are a little underdone...

(Close shot of Noram looking a little concerned.)

WAYNE (V/O): In the middle? (Frowns.)

(Close shot of Kevin.)

KEVIN: Yeah. Mine's still frozen, too.

(Kevin pokes the center of his pot pie as Norma leans down and looks at it.)

(Close shot of Wayne tapping a chunk of pot pie on his plate.)

NORMA (V/O): Must be that new timer. I'll have...

(Shot of Kevin and Norma.)

NORMA: Your father take a look at it when he gets back.

(Norma straightens up as the phone rings.)

(Wider shot of Kevin on the couch with Buster next to him. Norma walks toward the phone on the bureau against the far wall and picks it up. The camera pushes in past Kevin.)

NORMA: Hello? Oh, hi, honey!

(Shot from Norma's perspective of Kevin and Wayne on the couch and Karen in the recliner. Kevin turns around.)

(Close shot of Norma on the phone.)

NORMA: No, everything's fine here - just fine.

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

KEVIN: Tell 'em "hi". (Smiles.)

(Shot from Kevin's perspective of Norma as she gestures toward Kevin.)

NORMA: Oh?

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

NORMA (V/O): Well, did he say that was definite?

(Shot from Kevin's perspective of Norma on the phone.)

NORMA: Well, can't ya fly in Thursday night?

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

NORMA (V/O): Oh, I know it's expensive.

(Closer shot of Norma on the phone.)

NORMA: I know, honey - of course - I understand. (Nods.) Well, when do you think you could come home?

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

NORMA (V/O): Saturday...

KEVIN: Saturday?! (Frowns.) But that's two days...

(Close shot of Norma as she gestures toward Kevin off-screen.)

KEVIN (V/O): After -

NORMA: Jack - don't be silly! (Smiles.) We'll be fine.

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

NORMA (V/O): Really.

(Closer shot of Norma on the phone.)

NORMA: OK. Bye, bye.

(She turns and hangs up the phone.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

"OK - bye, bye"?

(Wider shot of Norma standing near the phone looking a bit distracted.)

(Shot of Kevin, Wayne and Karen.)

Seemed to me this called for a little further discussion.

(Kevin stands up.)

(Wide shot of Norma near the phone as Kevin approaches her.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

KEVIN: Dad's not coming home for Thanksgiving?

(Shot past Kevin of Norma turning toward him.)

NORMA: Oh, no...he's got to be in Denver first thing Friday morning.

(Shot past Norma of Kevin.)

KEVIN: Can't he just...(shrugs)...fly in for a day?

(Shot past Kevin of Norma glancing off.)

NORMA: No, honey, it's...

(She looks at Kevin.)

NORMA: It's just too expensive.

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

KEVIN: What's he gonna do for Thanksgiving?

NORMA (V/O): Kevin!

(Close shot of Norma looking at Kevin, then looking off and turning away.)

(Shot past Norma of Kevin loking at her as she looks off.)

And I guess that was about as much discussing as we were gonna do.

NORMA: Oh!

(Shot past Kevin of Norma.)

NORMA: I know what's wrong.

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

(Shot past Kevin of Norma looking off.)

NORMA: I forgot to pre-heat the oven before I set the timer. (Frowns.)

(Wider shot of both as Norma passes the camera. The camera rolls back as Kevin steps forward toward the back of the couch.)

Well, one thing was clear.

(The camera rolls back to include Wayne and Buster on the couch. Wayne picks up his plate and frowns at it.)

Between Dad's new job and Mom's new stove...

(Wayne glances at Buster, then sets the plate in front of him on the couch.)

This holiday was going to the dogs.

Cut to

Int. Night - Arnold Bathroom

(Shot of Kevin swooshing some water in his mouth and spitting into the sink. He statrts to brush his teeth.)

That night, I thought a little family reconnaisance...

(Wayne enters and pushes Kevin aside.)

Might be in order.

(Wayne starts to brush his teeth.)

KEVIN: Wayne?

(Shot past Kevin of Wayne brushing his teeth and looking at Kevin.)

WAYNE: What?

(Shot past Wayne of Kevin looking at him.)

KEVIN: Can I ask you something?

WAYNE: The answer's "no".

(Wayne turns toward the sink and spits.)

KEVIN: No, really.

(Wayne resumes brushing his teeth.)

KEVIN: Have you noticed anything...(frowns.)...funny, about the way Mom's been acting?

(Shot past Kevin of Wayne as he looks at Kevin and frowns.)

KEVIN: It's kinda like...

(Shot past Wayne of Kevin looking at him.)

KEVIN: Things are weird around here. (Frowns.) You know?

(Close shot of Wayne looking thoughtful.)

And for a moment...

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Wayne off-screen.)

I knew I wasn't alone. Wayne actually understood.

(Close shot of Wayne looking thoughtful, and nodding slightly as he leans forward a little.)

WAYNE: You know...(Points.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Wayne off-screen.)

(Close shot of Wayne frowning at Kevin off-screen and pointing with his toothbrush.)

WAYNE: You've got a big glob of toothpaste right there...

(Close shot of KEvi turning toward the mirror.)

WAYNE (V/O): On your nose.

(Shot of both as Wayne laughs and taps Kevin on the shoulder. Wayne turns off the light and exits.)

Still, maybe I was over-reacting.

(Kevin looks after him and sighs.)

Cut to

Int. Night - Arnold Living Room

(Shot of the hallway as Kevin appears, then pauses and looks toward the living room. Snuffy piano music plays.)

(Shot from Kevin's perspective of Norma standing at the dining room table and spreading the tablecloth on it. She sighs as she walks to the other side and smooths the tablecloth. she pauses, the quickly snatches it up again.)

Or maybe not.

(Norma sighs and sits down.)

Cut to
Int. Day - Arnold Living Room

(Close shot of the TV which shows a parade with a very large "Snoopy" figure.)

(Shot of Wayne and Karen on the couch. Karen is trying thread a bead on a string and has a cupcake tray of beads on her lap.)

Thanksgiving day.

(Wayne sticks his finger in his ear.)

We hauled out all the old traditions.

(Close shot of Karen threading another bead.)

The pageantry...

(Close shot of Wayne frowning heavily as he pokes his finger in his ear.)

The celebrations. The day of family.

(Close shot of the TV showing the large "Snoopy" figure.)

Cut to

Ext. Day - Arnold Driveway

(Shot of Kevin near the kitchen window bouncing a basketball.)

And of children.

(Kevin tosses the ball against the house. Sound of rattling pans.)

(Shot though the kitchen window of Kevin looking in.)

(Shot from Kevin's perspective of Norma as she wipes her hands on a towel.)

And through it all...

(Norma moves out of the shot.)

Mom was a cooking machine.

(She reappears, looking toward the stove.)

A whirling dervish...

(Shot though the kitchen window of Kevin looking in.)

Of domesticity.

(Shot from Kevin's perspective of Norma looking up toward him and smiliong slightly as she drains water from a pan.)

And as much as she had come to love...

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

That new stove of hers...I had come to hate it.

Cut to

Int. Day - Arnold Dining Room

(Close shot of two red candles as "Symphony No.9" starts, and a hand holds a lit match to one candle.)

And so, the time had arrived...

(The hand moves the match to the other candle.)

To give thanks for our many blessings.

(Close shot of the table as a bowl of brown stuff is set on it.)

(Close shot of the table as a bowl of peas and onions is set on it.)

To consume the fruits of our bountiful harvest.

(Close shot of the table as a bowl of cranberry sause is set on it.)

(Close shotof the table as a bowl of creamed spinach is set on it.)

(Shot of Karen and Kevin carrying food, and trying to squeeze simultaneously though the doorway as Norma is at the stove in the background.)

From the depths of Mom's stove came...

(Karen and Kevin look at each other, and Wayne takes the bowls from them.)

A tidal wave of holiday fare.

(Wayne raises one bowl and frowns as he smells it.)

A symphony of corn and carrots. A blitzkrieg of potatoes...

(Close shot of the table as a bowl of rolls is set on it.)

And yams.

(Close shot of the table as a gravy tray is set on it.)

(Fade to a shot of Wayne and Kevin near the table as Norma approaches with the turkey. Karen is in the kitchen in the background.)

And to top it all off...

(The camera pulls back as Norma moves around the table, and Karen approaches from the kitchen.)

A turkey the size of a Buick.

(Close shot of the table as the turkey is set down.)

(Close shot of Norma as the music crescendoes.)

NORMA: Well...(smiles)...that's everything.

(Wide shot from behind Karen of all standing around the table.)

(Close shot of Kevin smiling slightly.)

(Shot of the table covered with plates and bowls of food.)

It was enough to feed a small army.

(Close shot of Karen looking at Norma off-screen.)

KAREN: Turkey looks great, Mom! (Smiles.)

(Close shot of Norma looking at the turkey off-screen.)

NORMA: It does, doesn't it? (Smiles.)

(She looks toward the kitchen off-screen.)

NORMA: I followed the directions with the cookbook that came with the new stove. (Smiles.)

(Close shot of Karen looking at Norma off-screen.)

And there was nothin' left to do...

(Close shot of Kevin as he starts to sit down.)

But...

(Wide shot of all from behind Karen as the kids sit down.)

Sit down and dig in.

NORMA: Ahh! Oh, my goodness!

(She pats Wayne on the shoulder.)

NORMA: I forgot the napkin rings.

(She moves to the hutch agaist the wall.)

Only for some reason...

(She gathers up some napkin rings.)

NORMA: Oh, here they are.

(Norma approaches Kevin.)

(Close shot of Kevin as Norma hands him a napkin ring.)

NORMA (V/O): One for you...

Mom wouldn't sit down.

(Norma's arm reaches across Kevin toward Wayne.)

NORMA (V/O): One for you...

(Shot of Norma smiling at Kevin off-screen, then turning toward Karen off-screen.)

(Close shot of Karen looking forard.)

NORMA (V/O): And one for you...

(Shot of Wayne and Kevin looking toward Norma off-screen.)

NORMA (V/O): You know...

(Shot of Norma as she puts a napkin in a napkin ring.)

NORMA: This year I've tried Granny apples in the stuffing instead of golden delicious. (Smiles.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

(Close shot of Norma looking around the kids off-screen.)

NORMA: Oh, and...instead of putting the marshmallows on top of the yams...(Nods.) I melted them down, and added a little brown sugar. (Smiles.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

NORMA (V/O): For flavoring.

(Close shot of Norma looking around the kids off-screen.)

NORMA: Then I put everything together...(gestures)...in the blender, and whipped it up...(Gestures.)

(Close shot of Karen looking blankly at Norma off-screen.)

NORMA (V/O): But it still wasn't right. So, then...

(Close shot of Wayne frowning slightly at Norma off-screen.)

We sat there...

(Wayne looks at Kevin off-screen.)

While Mom kept talking...

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

And folding her napkin.

(Close shot of Norma.)

NORMA: Threw in just a little bit of cocoanut just before I baked it. (Smiles.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

It was horrible.

(Kevin looks off, then back to Norma off-screen.)

Then it got even worse.

(Close shot of Norma pausing and looking serious.)

(Wide shot of all as a clock ticks.)

(Close shot of Karen looking at Norma off-screen.)

(Close shot of Wayne looking at Norma off-screen.)

(Close shot of Norma looking down.)

Her silence was like a cry for help.

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

She was out there on a limb.

(Close shot of Norma looking from Karen off-screen to Kevin off-screen.)

So I figured...

(Norma looks down.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking down.)

I'd come to the rescue.

(Kevin looks at Norma off-screen.)

KEVIN: Mom?

(Close shot of Norma looking toward Kevin off-scren.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

KEVIN: Who's gonna carve?

(Close shot of Norma looking down, then toward Kevin off-screen.)

NORMA: I don't know...

(Wide shot of all as Norma takes off her apron, sets it on the chair and walks toward the living room.)

WAYNE: Nice goin', butthead!

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Wayne of-screen, the Karen off-screen.)

(Close shot of Karen looking at Kevin off-screen.)

(Wider shot of all as Wayne slumps in his chair and frowns.)

Cut to

Int - Jack and Norma's Bedroom

(Shot of Kevin at the slightly open door. Snuffy's piano music plays throughout.)

NORMA (V/O): Oh, he hasn't?

(Kevin pushes the door open slightly.)

NORMA (V/O): Oh, no, no. That's alright.

(Shot from Kevin's perspective of Norma sitting at the window box seat with the phone base on her lap.)

NORMA: Could you just leave a message for him when he gets in?

(Shot of Kevin at the doorway looking at Norma off-screen.)

NORMA (V/O): Tell him that Norma called him.

(Close shot of Norma on the phone.)

NORMA: Yes. Thank you.

(Shot of Kevin at the doorway looking at Norma off-screen.)

When you're fourteen, you know a lot of things. How to throw a spiral...

(Shot from Kevin's perspective of Norma as she hangs up the phone.)

How to fix a bike.

(She dabs her nose with a kleenex.)

(Shot of Kevin at the doorway looking at Norma off-screen.)

But standing there...I knew I couldn't fix what was wrong.

(Kevin knocks on the door.)

(Shot from Kevin's perspective of Norma looking away slightly.)

NORMA: Come in.

(Kevin approaches her.)

KEVIN: Mom?

(Close shot of Norma looking at Kevin off-screen.)

NORMA: Hmmm? (Smiles.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

(Close shot of Norma looking at Kevin off-screen.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

KEVIN: I'm sorry.

(Close shot of Norma looking down.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen as the phone rings.)

(Wider shot of both as Norma picks up the phone.)

NORMA: Hello?

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

(Close shot of Norma on the phone.)

NORMA: Jack!

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

NORMA (V/O): Well, where are you?

(Close shot of Norma on the phone.)

NORMA: Really?

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

NORMA (V/O): Of course, honey. Jack!........Bye, bye.

(Close shot of Norma as she hangs up the phone and turns toward Kevin off-screen.)

NORMA: Put on your coat. We're going to the airport. (Smiles.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

KEVIN: He's coming home? (Smiles.)

(Close shot of Norma shaking her head.)

NORMA: No, he's flying in, just for an hour. (Nods.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking at Norma off-screen.)

KEVIN: But I though he said it was too expensive. (Frowns.)

(Close shot of Norma looking down slightly.)

NORMA: Yeah.

(She looks at Kevin off-screen.)

NORMA: It is...(smiles)...isn't it? (Nods.)

(Close shot of Kevin smiling.)

Fade to

Ext. Night - Airport

(Shot of a small twin engine plane on the ground slowly approaching the parking area.)

(Shot of Norma and the kids approaching a chain-link fence at the edge of the tarmac.)

Thanksgiving night of nineteen-seventy...

(Shot of the airplane as it stops rolling.)

(Close shot of Kevin looking toward the plane off-screen.)

My father came home to his family.

(Close shot of Norma looking expectantly toward the plane off-screen.)

(Closer shot of the plane as passengers unload. Jack pauses on the stairs and looks toward the group off-screen.)

(Shot of Norma and the kids at the fence as the see Jack off-screen and smile and wave.)

The family he cared for.

KEVIN: Hi!

(Close shot of Norma looking toward Jack off-screen and smiling slightly.)

The family he provided for.

(Close shot of Jack smiling and waving at Norma off-screen.)

(Close shot of Norma looking at Jack off-screen.)

(Wider shot of Norma and the kids as Norma hurries around the end of the fence and trots toward the camera.)

But...

(Shot of Jack descending the stairs.)

He came home to someone else, too.

(He smiles and trots toward the camera.)

(Shot of Norma trotting toward the camera.)

(Shot of Jack smiling and trotting toward the camera.)

(High wide shot of the tarmac as Jack drops his bag and hugs Norma. The kids are in the background.)

(Close shot of Jack and Norma as they hug and kiss tenderly.)

He came home to the girl he loved.

(Norma looks at Jack.)

NORMA: I missed you.

(Shot past Norma of Jack.)

JACK: I missed you, too.

(They smile and kiss.)

Maybe sometimes the simple things in life get forgotten.

(Close shot of Kevin looking at them off-screen and smiling slightly.)

(Shot from Kevin's perspective of Jack and Norma still hugging.)

The things parents need.

(They kiss again.)

(Shot of the kids watching them off-screen.)

The things children need, too.

(High wide shot of all. The camera pulls back slowly.)

But that night, Mom and Dad - Jack and Norma...promised to remember.

Fade to

(Black-and-white photograph of Jack and Norma kissing in their bedroom. The camera pulls back slowly, revealing the three young kids peaking in from the edge of the doorway, reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting.)

Fade to

CLOSING TITLES

Music
At Last - Nat "King" Cole
Second Movement from Symphony No. 9

Supporting Cast
Biff Yeager - Ned



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02/08/04 12:00