Unforgivable (1996) - full transcript

John Ritter plays a family man who puts his wife through domestic violence and his children through emotional torture. After leaving his family and almost killing his new girlfriend in one of his rages, he is ordered to seek professional help through an innovative therapy program or go to jail.

(slow music)

(slow dramatic music)

- (sighs) I'm in sales, Judy.

After all these years

you still don't understand
what that means, do ya?

When I'm busy with a client,
I cannot be disturbed.

- I'm sorry.

You told me to call and check in with you.

- Yeah, I know what I told you.

But think.

Come up here.



You can do that later.

Sit down.

Listen to me, listen to me.

Next time ask the
receptionist what I'm doing.

If I'm with a client

you can either call back or what?

- Leave a message.

- There you go.

- I'm sorry.

- Hey, listen.

Look, I know you don't have
any personal experience

of what it's like for
me down at the office.

You don't work.

But you've got to realize that



that call you made cost me a sale.

That's money out of our pockets.

I'm the dealership's top salesman.

They depend on me.

So do you.

- I'm sorry.

- There, there.

- Thanks.

I'm so sorry.
- I know.

(sighs) Come here.

I'm going to take a shower.

I want you to go check the kids.

Then come to bed.

Hey, I love you.

- I love you, too.

- Go on.

(slow dramatic music)

(people talking)
(dog barking)

- [Announcer] And once
again, good morning.

It's about 10 minutes after the hour.

If you haven't gotten out of bed yet-

- [Child] I've got the dishes, Mom.

- [Mom] Tammy, are you
watching those eggs?

- [Announcer] Near the gateway,

because it is a mess this morning.

- Oh, Tammy.

- [Announcer] Okay now, don't forget,

later on this morning we're going to play-

- Another accident?

- Help your sister.

Your father will be down in a minute.

- Morning.
- Good morning.

- Morning, Dad.

- Hey, Tammy.

- [Announcer] Sometimes you just like

to feel good about yourself.

- Somebody got up on the wrong side today.

Where's Jeff? Jeffrey?

- Sorry.

- [Dad] So, what's happening today?

- Well, I have shopping to do.

Then I'm going to drop off the videos

and get the car washed.
- Thank you, Mom.

- Don't forget my shirts at the cleaners.

- I won't.

- What about you, young man?

- School.

- After school?

Yard work.

Come on, you lazy bum.

I expect you girls to help
your brother this afternoon.

What's the face for?

- Daddy, I can't.

- I signed Heidi up for gymnastics.

It's free.

It's through the school.

It's only one day a
week in the afternoons.

You should see her,
Paul, she's really good.

- She's really good?

Our very own Mary Lou Retton?

I guess that's okay.

I really wish you discussed
these things with me

before you go ahead and commit to them.

They're my kids too.

- I will.

I didn't think, I'm sorry.

- What is it with you?

- Yardwork's Jeff's job.

- I'm making it your job.

And get your feet on the floor.

On the floor right now.

(sighs) So much for being in a good mood.

God.

- Paul, I'll speak to her.

- If you don't, I will.

- It's the age, you remember?

- No, I don't remember.

(dog barking)
(children talking)

(traffic humming)
(people talking)

- 39 or more on the highway.

And that's regular unleaded.

You can't get much more economical
than that, Mrs Patterson.

- Look, why don't we sit down
and put some numbers on paper?

- We're just looking.

- I understand that, Kathy,

but if I could show you and
Jim something here today

that would be no less than a perfect fit

for your day to day needs and
your budget, don't you think-

- We're not deciding anything today.

- Jim, it's your wheels.

What do you feel?

- Well, Mr. Hegstrom-
- Paul.

- [Jim] Like Kathy says-

- I can make you an unbelievable deal.

- No.
- I like it-

- This rebate offer only
lasts for a couple more days.

- Jimmy, I want to leave.

- So if I were you I'd consider.

- [Jim] I guess we're not interested

right now, Mr. Hegstrom.

- Paul.

- Thanks for your time.

- He wants to buy the car
but the wifelet doesn't.

She'd rather spend the money

on lace curtains for her guest bedroom.

- I don't know where
these people come from.

- You know what, we need
some real buyers in here.

- Hey, they're all buyers.

- Yeah, whatever you say, Tom.

- For the right salesman they are.

- You have a problem with my work?

- Well, I got a problem with any salesman

who sits around griping

instead of trying to figure
out why he's not selling.

- I've been top man at this
store for the last three years,

way before you got here.

- Uh-huh, and you got what,

one and a half deals so far this month?

I would say that puts
you dead last, top man.

You better turn it around, Paul, soon.

- Come on, the guy's a jerk.

- He doesn't know crap about sales.

- That's probably why
they made him manager.

Why don't we get some lunch?

(traffic humming)

- Oh, come on, don't
I have an honest face?

- You do look like a guy I used to date.

- There you go.

- Yeah, he was a rat.
- Ouch.

- Oh, see what you've done?

I hope you're happy with yourselves.

(Paul laughing)

- Can I get you anything else?

- A couple of beers on us.

- I didn't ask you.

- [Woman] No, thanks, we need to get back.

- [Paul] Oh, at least
let us sell you a car.

- [Man] Yeah.

- Gotta watch out for these guys.

They'll leave your bones
bleaching in the sun.

- Don't worry, we've got their number.

- No, you don't.

- See, I don't need a business card.

Nobody ever forgets my face.

- We already did.
- Ooh.

(men laughing)

- Strike three.

No runs, no hits.

- Yeah, well there's always a first time.

- Beth, you know you're
the only woman for us.

- Oh, I doubt that.

- You shouldn't.

You're beautiful, successful,
you own your own bar.

And you're conveniently
located near our office.

- You sweep a girl right off her feet.

- Oh, I'd like to try some of that.

- You and me both.

(dog barking)

- Hi, how was school?

- Okay.
- Just okay?

- Now you sound like Dad.

- Can you finish putting
the groceries away?

I'm in a rush.

I have to get Heidi,

and I haven't picked up
your father's shirts,

and the cleaners closes in 30 minutes.

- So get them tomorrow.

- I can't.

I promised I'd get them today.

- I don't understand why
you have to run around

like a slave all day doing
Daddy's stupid little errands.

- Tammy, your father works hard
to provide for this family.

I don't work.

- Because daddy won't let you.

- My job is running this house.

I am not a slave.

- Then what did you do to deserve that?

- (sighs) I don't have time for this now.

- Go ahead, Mom.

Tell me that it's not getting worse.

Tell me that it is nothing.

I am not a kid anymore.

I know what is going on around here.

- Quiet, your brother.

- It is no big secret
to anyone in his family.

- You don't talk to me that way.

- What are you going to do about it?

Hit me?

- I'll be back soon.

Please put the groceries away.

- Thanks.
- Goodnight.

- Goodnight, Cindy.

- Goodnight, Cindy.

Thanks again.

And remember what I
told you about that car.

Take care of it.

Thanks, yeah, take care of yourself.

Thanks.

- [Paul] You got 'em?

- Score one for the home team.

- Solid deal?

- [Man] Yeah, guy's got his
own construction business.

Makes a ton of dough.

- Nice going.

- Hey, you're in a slump.

It happens.

Let's go to Beth's.

I'll buy.

- I'll take a rain check.

- Judy got you on a
short chain these days?

- Hey, my wife doesn't tell me what to do.

- Hey, I'm kidding.

You don't have to bite my head off.

- Steve, let me give
you a piece of advice.

If a woman ever tells you that she wants

to spend her life with you,

raise a family, and grow old together,

do yourself a favor, run like hell.

- Come on, Paul, you're crazy
about the wife and kids.

- Yeah, but watch your back.

Like my dad used to say,

"Give any woman a slice,
they want the whole cake."

- Sounds like you got it under control.

- Damn straight.

(thunder rumbling)

(slow music)

(thunder rumbling)

Hey.
(woman gasping)

- What are you doing here?

- What do you think?

- Stop.
- Come on, Beth.

- You scared me.

- Let's go inside.

- Paul, I won't do this anymore.

I told you.

- What do you want me to say?

- Nothing.

Everything's been said already.

- Listen, Judy and I are not-

- I don't want to hear it.

It's over.

I won't be the other woman anymore.

- I have kids.

When you have kids, it's not that easy.

- Well, I'll have to
take your word for that

because I don't have any.

At the rate I'm going, I never will.

- I want you so much.

- You're a damn salesman.

You could talk anybody into anything.

(thunder rumbling)

It's over.

I mean it this time.

(slow dramatic music)

(door thudding)

(door thudding)

(Paul coughing)

- Hi, are you hungry?

I wasn't sure whether you
were eating out or not.

If you haven't eaten, I
can make you something.

- Oh, shut up.

What the hell good is all this?

Dishwashing liquid, 35 cents off.

Chicken pot pie, 75 cents off two or more.

Ooh, breakfast cereal.

$1 free groceries with
purchase, hallelujah.

- I'll put these away.

- No, no, gee, this is great.

Look at all this money
we're going to save.

Maybe we should use all this
money and buy a big new house.

Or a better idea, how about
a round the world cruise?

How does that sound?

Huh?

- It's just a few coupons.

- Then what's the point?

You're telling me with all
the free time I give you

that you can't find a better
way to benefit this family

than by clipping a few lousy coupons?

Don't turn away from me when I'm...

Listen, listen to me.
(Judy gasping)

We are not through discussing your many

invaluable contributions
to this family's welfare.

Do you hear what I'm saying?

What do you do all day, huh?

Look at this.

(Judy grunting)

What's this here?

Can't you even keep a kitchen clean?

- It's your dinner, Paul, I'm sorry.

- [Tammy] Mom!

- What are you gawking at?

- Tammy, go to your room please, now.

- No, leave her alone.

Don't you touch her.

- What did you say to me?

- I am not going to let you hurt her.

- Tammy, please.

- I mean it.

(phone buttons beeping)

- You put that down.

(Judy gasping)

Come here, come here.

(Tammy groaning)

(head thudding)

(Tammy whimpering)

- Oh, honey, honey.

(slow dramatic music)
(Paul sighing)

(Heidi whimpering)

- Dad?

(door buzzing)

- Paul? What's wrong?

- I left Judy.

I love you.

- [Beth] I love you too.

- [Woman] Joe Murray to parts.

Steve, line one.

(people talking)

Steve, line one.

- [Man] Thought you were with a client.

- They left.

- Look, I know you
don't want to hear this,

but you're pressing too hard.

- You're right, I don't want to hear this.

- You're not listening to your clients,

you're not responding to their needs.

- Oh gee, did you memorize that

from one of your motivational sales tapes?

- Hey, it works.

- Hey look, don't tell me how to sell.

Just give me a few decent
clients, all right?

- Everyone who walks in
here is a decent client.

(Paul sighing)

Look, Paul, I know you've been having

some personal difficulties.

I went through a divorce myself.

- My only personal difficulty is you.

- I'm trying to help.

- Then help me by staying the
hell out of my private life.

- Yes, I can hold.

- We're home.
(children talking)

- Hi.

(door thudding)

I see.

Okay, but would you please
give him the message, please?

Yes, I understand.

But this is the third
time that I've called.

(sighs) Yes, I'll hold.

How was the movie?

- It was so good.

- Oh yeah, it was great.

There's this part with
this guy on this plane

and he wanted to blow it
up, but then he had to-

- Why are you doing this?

- What? I'm paying bills.

- Calling him.

- I had questions about
finances to ask your father.

- Why? He doesn't care about us.

He left.

- That's ridiculous.

Your father loves each
and every one of us.

He's still supporting this family.

We're having an argument right now, but-

- He wouldn't talk to you, right?

- Tammy, shut up.

- [Tammy] He's not coming back.

- That's a lie.

He's coming back.

- Whether he comes back right away or not,

he's still your father.

- I'm glad he's gone.

We're all glad.

- Stop it, you'll make her upset.

- [Jeff] Speak for yourself, Tammy.

- Just because you're his favorite

doesn't mean you have to be so stupid.

He was hurting Mom all the time.

One day he was going to kill her.

- Tammy!

- It's true, Mom.

He should be in jail, but instead

he's off living with some other woman.

(Judy gasping)

And she can have him.

- That's enough.

- What is wrong with all of you?

You want him to come back?

- Yes, I want him to come back.

I've been married to him for 17 years.

17 years.

I can't do this.

Your father took care of everything.

I don't know where to start.

(slow music)

(Judy sobbing)

- Ben Corbin called.

He said that he needed your signature

to file your divorce papers.

I thought you took care of that weeks ago.

I thought that's what you told me.

Paul.

- No, it's just a misunderstanding.

I'll take care of it.

- Well, I misunderstood or he did?

Or maybe you did when you
started this whole thing.

- What, you're saying
I've been lying to you?

- (sighs) Ben said-

- Oh, so you'll believe
whatever you want, so.

- Why can't we talk about this?

- Because I've had a long
day and I really don't feel

like being grilled by
you and called a liar.

- All I said-

- I know what you said. (sighs)

Don't you ever think about
just picking up and leaving,

finding someplace better?

- You never said anything
about wanting to move.

- I'm thinking out loud.

Is that all right with you?

Why do you have to make such a big deal

out of everything I say?

- I'm trying to understand what you want.

- Forget about it.

You'll never understand what I want.

- No, either Doug or I
have to approve every deal

before it goes down.

- That's a full cash deal.

There's nothing wrong with that deal.

- No?

Then maybe you can explain to me

why you're selling this
car for $600 below cost.

- You expect me to go back to my clients

and ask them for more money?

- If you don't, I will.

- You make deals like this all the time,

but not for me, right?

All right, you want me gone?

Let's go talk to Stack,
then we'll see who's gone.

- Mr. Stack and I have already talked.

After he throws you out of his office

don't bother coming back here to quit.

You're fired.

(phone ringing)

- [Receptionist] Stack
Motors, good morning.

Sorry, he's out on the
lot with a customer.

- Hey.
- Hi.

Hey.

- What's this?
- Open it.

- Come on, what's the occasion?

- Oh what, I can't buy you
a gift for no reason at all?

- I love it.

(both laughing)

- [Paul] Here, try it on.

It'll look great on you.

- Oh.

Something happened.

- No, I quit my job.
- What?

- Yeah, I got another job
down at the Auto Square.

Do you know how many
cars they sell a month?

I could double my income.

- Well, I thought you said that
you didn't like that place,

that they didn't treat their people right.

- I was just being loyal to Stack,

not that anybody down
there appreciated it.

- Well, did something happen at Stack?

- I finally had it with
all the stupid politics.

This is the right move for me.

- Well, if you're sure.
- I'm sure.

- One other thing.
- Hm.

- I also stopped by the
attorney's office today.

I signed all the final papers.

She'll be served tomorrow.

I'm almost a free man.

(Beth screeching)
(Paul laughing)

- Oh.

(slow music)

- Okay.
- I'll talk to you.

- See ya.
- I'll see you again, bye.

(slow dramatic music)

Mom?

Hello?

- Oh good, you're here.

You can give me a hand.

- What are you doing?

- Packing your father's things.

I should have done it long ago.

- What are these?

- Someone was waiting for me

when I came home, a process server.

- These are divorce papers.

- I should find my own attorney.

What was the name of that girl

you used to play with in
junior high, Amy, Andi?

Her mother was an attorney.

(Judy sobbing)

- Are you all right?

- I don't know what we're going to do.

I borrowed some money from
Grandma and Grandpa today,

but that won't last long.

Your dad's giving us everything he can.

I don't know where it all goes.

- You'll find a job.

- Doing what?

- I don't know, anything.

You have to start somewhere.

And I can work too, part-time at least.

- I'm the mother.

I'm supposed to be the
strong one around here.

(people talking)

- See you later, Max.

- Hey, Steve.
- Hey.

- Let me speak to your mom.

Put her on the phone.

Judy, Judy, don't you hang up on me.

No, I'm telling you,
there is something to say.

You are still my wife and
if I want to come over

to my house and see my family.

No, I am not drunk.

Don't, don't.

What the hell are you looking at?

- Whoa, come on, whoa.

- Easy.

- Don't you think you ought to slow down?

- What for?

- I thought you had to go back to work.

- Forget work.

They don't know what
they're doing down there.

They can all go to hell.

Max!

Where is he? Max!

- Hey, wait, wait,

did you get into it with
the Auto Square people?

- Yeah, I got into it with
the Auto Square people,

and then I got out of it.

- You quit?

- Hell yes, I quit.

No one treats me like a rookie.

I'm a top salesman.

Max!

- Why don't you let me drive you home?

- No, no, no.

I'm gonna go back to the house.

Believe that bitch Judy hung up on me?

- Paul, I think that's a bad idea.

- Oh, you think that's a bad idea?

Well, I don't give a damn what you think.

You're just like everybody
else I know, no spine.

(glass smashing)

- [Man] Hey.

- Max.

(door knocking)

- Judy, Judy, open the door.

(door knocking)

Don't do this to me.

You want me to break the glass, huh?

You know I will.

Just open-

(siren beeping)

You called the cops on me?

For what?

Come on, Judy, open the door.

Judy, can we just talk about this?

- Take it easy, friend.

- There's no problem here, officer.

Look, it's just a misunderstanding

between me and my wife, all right?

We can clear this.

- Check the house.

(door knocking)

- Ma'am, police.

- Guys, tell them everything's all right.

Jeff.

- Leave us alone.

(slow dramatic music)

- Come on.

- Are you all right?

Has anyone been hurt?

- No.

(door thudding)

- What happened?
- Nothing.

- Nothing?

First I get a call from Max

telling me that you're drunk
and breaking things in the bar.

Then Steve telling me
you quit your new job

and you're headed over to see Judy,

and he thinks that there might be trouble.

Then the police telling me
that no charges have been filed

and would it be all right
to drop you off here.

And that's nothing?

- We'll talk about it in the morning.

- We'll talk about this now,

because I don't care what
you're going through.

You cannot disrupt my
business and my life.

I have worked too hard-

- Shut your mouth!

(Beth gasping)
(glass smashing)

- Are you crazy?

You are crazy.

That's it, I want you out
of my house right now.

How could you have done-

(hand slapping)
(Beth yelping)

(Beth screaming)
(Paul grunting)

(fist thudding)

(both grunting)

- Don't you ever touch me like that.

We have to talk.

Come here, give me this, give me.

(Paul groaning)

(both grunting)

(glass smashing)

(slow dramatic music)

(Beth groaning)

- [Announcer] Dr. Harper, 4721.

Dr. Harper, 4721.

Dr. Groffman to radiology.

Dr. Groffman to radiology.

- Mr. Hegstrom?
- Yeah.

- Detective Carlton.

Mind if I sit down?

- Do you know if she's out
of the operating room yet?

- As far as I know, they're
still working on Ms. French.

Does Ms. French have any relatives?

- Her parents are deceased.

I think she's got a
sister living in Oregon.

- And your relationship to her?

- We're living together.

We're engaged to be married

as soon as my divorce is finalized.

- You called the ambulance?

- Yes.

- Can you tell me what
happened to Ms. French tonight?

- It was an accident.

We argued and she lost her balance

and fell through that shower door.

When I saw her lying there, I, I-

- [Detective] A physical argument?

- It became physical, yeah.

- I understand that earlier this evening

you were picked up on a
domestic violence call

by one of our patrol cars.

- No, not exactly.

It was just a simple misunderstanding

between my ex wife and myself.

The police should have
never gotten involved.

- Maybe it's a good thing they did.

- Detective Carlton?

- Yes.

- She's in recovery.

She lost a lot of blood.

Took a couple of hundred stitches.

Concussion, a broken
scapula, C spine injury,

extensive facial contusions.

- Can I see her?

- [Detective] Not until my
investigation is complete.

- What, am I under arrest
for something here?

- Not for the moment.

Thank you, doctor.

Don't try to go back

to Ms. French's place
tonight, Mr. Hegstrom.

Until I've spoken to her it's
technically a crime scene.

Let me know where you are.

I'll be in touch.

(people talking)

(Judy sighing)

- Are you here for the interview?

- Yes, with Dr. Jessup.

The receptionist said the
doctor's running late.

I don't mind really, gives me
a chance to catch my breath.

- Nervous?
- Uh-huh.

Do you work with him?

- On and off.

- I'm Judy.
- Helen.

And this is operatory two.
- Mm-hm.

- So what are you planning
on telling Dr. Jessup

when asked about your qualifications?

- My first thought was to lie,

make it sound like I had
more recent experience.

But even if he did hire me,
he'd eventually find out.

Anyway, I guess I'm
not that desperate yet.

- Hm. Do you have a plan B?

- Tell him the truth.

Tell him that this job
would mean everything to me,

that I'd give it 100%.

I need this job.

I'm a single parent now.

- I know what you mean.

(phone ringing)

Excuse me.

Hi. Yeah, put him through.

Mr. White, this is Dr. Jessup.

Your surgery has been
scheduled for Monday.

Now listen, I want you to follow

the preoperative routine my
assistant sent you, okay?

Very good.

See you then.

Please forgive my little charade.

I'm Helen Jessup.

I couldn't resist.

- Forgive me for wasting your time.

- Oh, no, no, wait.

I want to talk to you some more.

Come on.

- Would you walk me to my car?

DA's office is urging Beth
to press charges against you.

- Charges? That's ridiculous.

She knows it's an accident.

- Charge would be attempted murder.

- Wait a minute, wait.

She wouldn't.

- Listen, Paul.

I may be handling your divorce for you

but my primary relationship personally

and professionally is with Beth.

She's my client, not you.

- I understand.

- Now that said, my client has no desire

to press charges against you

or to cooperate with the
DA's office in any way.

- I am so sorry for what happened.

It was an-

- But there's a condition attached.

- What condition?

- I made Beth aware of a
group counseling program.

It's very new.

It's partially funded by the state.

It's called Q.U.I.T.

It's for domestic violence offenders.

- No way.

- Listen, Beth's condition,
it's non-negotiable,

is you get into the
program and you finish it.

- I don't need any program.

When can I talk to her?

- After you agree to the conditions.

- Come on, that's not fair.

- I've seen Beth in the hospital.

Don't talk to me about fair.

- Ben, you know me, I'm
not some kind of psycho.

- Yeah.

You apply for the program,

then you can see Beth.

Hey, it's your choice.

You can hire a lawyer.

Not me, by the way.

You can fight this thing.

My guess is you'll lose.

- Jeff, aren't you supposed
to be starting the barbecue?

- What's the rush?

Besides, I'm not hungry.

- [Heidi] Mom will be home soon.

- So?

- So, we want to have everything done.

- Hi, anybody?

Oh good, you're all here.

Whatever you're making,
it can wait till tomorrow.

Tonight we celebrate.

- Chinese food?

- You got the job.

- (laughs) It's only on a trial basis,

but I think it could work out.

- [Heidi] Go, Mom.

- Yeah, they said they'd train me.

I'm a little nervous about it,

but everyone there seems very nice.

- Well, I am so proud of you.

- Well, the funny thing
is I am proud of myself.

- Well, I'm starved.

(distant siren wailing)

- [Announcer] Paging Dr. Fine.

Telephone please, Dr. Fine.

- Thank you.

Hey, I'm so glad to finally see you.

I feel terrible about what's happened.

- When is your appointment to
apply to the Q.U.I.T. program?

- Day after tomorrow.

- The sooner, the better.

- Beth, I'm sure it's a great program.

- The deal is you finish.

If you drop out, the deal's off.

- Yeah, but you don't
know who's in this thing.

These might be people with
really serious, serious problems.

I don't belong there.

It's-

- Take it or leave it.

I have one more condition.

I want you out of my life.

I don't want you calling me.

I don't want you in my bar.

If you see me on the street,

turn around and walk the other way.

If you don't do exactly as I've said

I will file those charges
and make them stick.

Now get out.

- Beth, I love you.
- Get out.

- [Woman] This way please, Mr. Hegstrom.

(man coughing)

- Pull up a chair.

Milt Stella.
- Paul Hegstrom.

- So tell me, Paul, why do
you want to join our group?

- I wrote a letter with the application.

- Yeah, I got the letter.

I want to hear it in your own words.

- Who are you?

I mean, what do you do here?

- A staff psychologist.

I helped found the project.

I participate in the
group therapy sessions.

But more importantly to you right now

is that I decide who
gets in and who doesn't.

We have a lot of applications here.

- I want to change my life.

- What part?

- My relationships.

- All relationships?

- With women.

I want to have better
relationships with women.

- Don't we all?

Well, what's wrong with your
relationships with women?

- We don't communicate.

- Are you sexually dysfunctional?

- No.

- Do you dislike women?

- I like women a lot, and women like me.

- Well, you seem to be
a capable communicator.

You like women, you're not dysfunctional.

So what's the problem?

- I don't know.

- Sure you do.

- I have a temper.

- Really?

And you want to learn
to control your temper

so that you can have better

and more openly communicative
relationships with women?

- Exactly.

- Tell you what I'm going to do.

I'm going to recommend
you to a colleague of mine

who holds group therapy sessions

for men with your particular complaint.

They meet once a week

and this program is covered by insurance.

Thanks for coming in.

- Hang on, no, no.

I'm applying to your program.

- And I'm rejecting your application.

- You can't do that.

- I just did.

You want to know why?

- No, yeah.

- Because the Q.U.I.T. program

is for men who batter women, period.

- (sighs) I hit my girlfriend.

- And you're ashamed.

You want to become a better person.

- I'm being blackmailed.
- Go on.

- We had an argument, it
got physical, she got hurt.

It was an accident.

And now she's telling me
she's going to put me in jail

unless I get into your program.

(slow dramatic music)

- We meet three nights a week, every week.

Don't miss a session, don't be late.

If at any time I feel that
you're not progressing

or helping the group progress, you're out.

Those are the rules.

- You mean I'm accepted?

- Here's the literature,
study it, and the schedule.

We'll see you Wednesday night.

(phone ringing)
- Okay.

- Milt Stella.

One, tunnel vision,
nausea, flushed cheeks.

Two, a tight chest, dry mouth.

- Sweating, headaches.

- Recognize the signs, call a time out.

Three, disorientation,
trembling, accusing.

Four, yelling, picking a target.

Now you still got time,
but it's running down.

- You call a time out.

- Call a time out.

Five, anger, insults,
physical intimidation.

- In their face.

- Six, throwing things, yelling,

emotional and physical numbness.

Seven.

- Rigidity, eye twitches, confusion.

- [Milt] Go on.

- Eight, visualizing,
fantasizing the attack.

- [Milt] And?

- Threatening.

- All right, your time's up.

Events are controlling you.

What do you do?

Arnie?

- Call a time out, man.

- [Milt] And if you don't?

- Nine, I'm screaming, losing control. 10.

- 10, explosion.

You should've called time out.

- It didn't work.

I tried to call time
out and it didn't work.

- What happened?

- I hit her.

She looked so surprised.

She thought that maybe my being
in the program would end it.

Thought about cutting off my hands.

- Yeah, is that what you thought, Jumbo?

Or do you think it
serves that bitch right?

- Shut up!
- Time out.

- Hey, shut up!

(man laughing)

- Dave, sit down.

- Just.

- Carol was real upset
when her mother died.

So I went over after the funeral.

- Her old lady dies and
use that to get you some.

That is cold-blooded, man.

(men laughing)

- You ain't listening, man.

I went over to help.

- What, are you telling me
you didn't end up in the sack?

- So what?

- White boys.

- Come on, Arnie, it happens every time.

(men laughing)

- You do see the danger, I hope.

I mean, you go to Carol wanting something,

you get it, and you're satisfied.

But what happens next time

when maybe you don't get what you want?

- What happens?

Bam, I pop her one. (laughs)

Sorry, bad joke.

It was the last time for us anyway.

- What's your problem?

- Yeah, we ain't too hot on
sign language around here.

- Nothing.

- Well, it can't be nothing.

And group's always about something.

- If you say so.

- Hey look, Milt, leave Slick here alone.

He ain't got to talk if he don't want to.

He's considering his options.

(men laughing)

- All right.

This guy, you expect us to
believe that you're relieved

that your wife tossed you
out of your very own house

after how many years of marriage?

Give me a break.

- I don't give a damn what you believe.

I don't know you.

Maybe I don't want to know you.

Maybe I'll just kick your
teeth out the back of your-

- Hey, hey, man.
- Hey, hey, hey, Arnie.

- [Man] We just talking here, right?

- Arnie, sit down.

- You ain't scaring nobody.

Sit down.
- Just sit down.

- Mr. Hegstrom, there's no
redemption for what we've done.

30 years I battered my wife.

Then I woke up one night to find her

standing over my bed with a butcher knife,

praying to God for the
strength to carve me.

What I'm trying to say here
is for us the past is dead.

All we've got here is the future.

- I think that's a good note to finish on.

Let's pick this up Friday night.

(men talking)

- [Man] So who can give me a lift?

- [Man] I will.

- [Man] New boy's got an attitude.

Yeah, we'll see how long he lasts.

(mid-tempo piano music)

(traffic roaring)

- Paul, what'd you think?

- So that's the famous program,

a bunch of sick sons of bitches

screaming insults at each other?

- Well, we're confrontational.

It's part of the therapy.

- Yeah well, the only therapy I see

is these guys killing each other

before they kill somebody else.

- These guys are learning to understand

and control their anger.

They're supposed to
keep each other honest.

No one's better at self-deception
than men who batter women.

- I'm not like those men.

- Well, that's too bad,

'cause there's not a liar
or a coward in the bunch.

I'll see ya Friday night.

Don't be late.

(slow dramatic music)

(people talking)

(Tammy laughing)

(phone ringing)

(slow music)

- Hello.

- Tammy, hi, list-

(phone beeping)

- Wrong number.

(phone ringing)

Don't answer it.

- Why not?

- Hello.

- Judy, hi, it's Paul.

Is Tammy all right?

- Tammy's fine.

- [Paul] Can I come by the house tonight?

- No.

- [Paul] I got some presents for the kids.

I can't bring them by?

- Put them in the mail.

- [Paul] Judy, can't we even talk

without you or somebody
else hanging up on me?

- Okay.

- Oh Judy, I don't know,
so much has happened.

- Have you been drinking?

- [Paul] No.

(video game beeping)

Can't I even just come by and see you?

I miss you and the kids.

- [Judy] I'll talk to them about it.

It will be up to them.

- Why not now?

- No, I need more notice.

- Why do I have to give notice

just to come by and see my own family.

I have a right.

- You gave up that right when you walked

out of this house and filed for a divorce.

- What if I said forget the divorce.

We could get back together,
give things another try.

- That's not up to you anymore.

- I'm in a program now.

Judy, I've changed.

- I don't believe you.

The kids and I have been trying very hard

not to think about you.

You should start doing
the same thing about us.

(dramatic music)

- You make me sick.

Stupid little wifelet,

humiliating me in front
of my fellow workers.

(Judy whimpering)

Do you think you know?

Look at me. (grunts)

(hand slapping)
(Judy yelping)

I love you.

- I love you too.

(slow music)

(slow dramatic music)

- I know what's going on between
her and the bus boy, right,

and I don't say anything,
I don't say anything.

I just wait.

- All right, listen up.

Before we get started,
Arnie's out for a while.

He's in jail.
- Oh man.

- What happened?

- [Milt] He attacked his wife.

- Man, you got to steer clear.

I told him that over and over.

- He's probably feeling
pretty isolated right now.

We should go check on him,

make sure he's got some kind
of adequate legal counsel.

- Oh, you know a good lawyer?

- I am a good lawyer.

(men laughing)

- [Man] That's telling him, Conrad.

- All right, let's talk about this issue

of trying to escape the
people that we tend to batter.

- You got to steer clear.

- Well, maybe that works for
you, man, but I got kids.

I want to see my kids.

- Oh man, you beat your kids.

I bet they're thrilled to see
you coming through the door.

- What the hell do you know about kids?

What's the matter, Spider,
you been firing blanks?

Is that why your wife's in the hospital?

- Oh, you want to go again, right?

Okay-
(men talking)

- Hey, hey, hey, that's enough.

That's enough, that's enough.

Come on, we've been down this road before.

Didn't go anywhere then
and it doesn't now.

- He's crazy.

- I tried to leave my
wife a couple of times,

but I always go back.

- There's no escape.

We form other relationships

in order to find other women to batter.

We carry this need with us.

- Come on, Paul, we need your input.

- You already got what you need.

- Speak up, boy, we can't hear you.

- [Conrad] What is it you think we need?

- Shoulders to cry on.

How's that sound?

How 'bout it, Dave?

Don't keep us in suspense.

Did you hit your wife
last night or didn't you?

Why don't you make us up a chart?

What about Arnie?

That maniac is exactly where he should be.

- Yeah?

Well maybe the two of y'all
will end up cellmates.

(men laughing)

- You told them?

- Of course I told them.

No one's admitted to the program

without the group's permission.

- No secrets here, we are what we are.

- Yeah, well, I don't know
what the hell you are,

but I got better things to do

than sit around with a
bunch of guys and whine.

- Man, you just like the rest of us.

You ain't got no place else to go.

- I'm not like you.

I got a family

- Man, your family dumped you flat.

- That's not true.

- 'Cause you ran before they had a chance.

- Leave my family out of this!

- Cut it out, Paul, you know the drill.

- Big guy, eh?
- Girlfriend dumped you too.

- Shut up!
- One.

- What, you think I'm a woman?

You want to hit me?

- Well, I hit back.
- Two, Paul.

- Get out of my face!

- You gonna hit or you gonna run?

- 'Cause you're pretty
good at both, ain't you?

- Hey, come on.
- Call time out.

- It's your only option.

Call time out.

- Count it out.

- Paul, don't lose it.
- Paul, call time out.

- It's okay, Paul.
- Come on.

- Listen to me, you still got time.

- Get off.

- [Milt] You can do it Paul, come on.

- I don't need this crap.

(Paul grunting)

(Paul groaning)

- Come on, Paul.

- Don't touch me.

- [Milt] Come on, Paul, let us help you.

- I don't need help!

I don't want your help.

Just leave me alone.

(slow dramatic music)

- Are you running?

There's no coming back.

Those are the rules.

(car engine rumbling)

(tires screeching)

(Paul grunting)

(glass smashing)

(dramatic music)

(gun clicking)

(slow dramatic music)

(Paul whimpering)

(slow music)

(Paul breathing heavily)

(men talking)

- I'm happy, my kids are happy.

- This is a closed session, Paul.

- I want permission to come back.

I know I broke the rules

but I figured you guys could
change them if you want.

Look, this has nothing to
do with staying out of jail.

I'm just trying to save
what's left of my life.

(sighs) I started beating my wife

just after we got married.

After I left her, I beat
another woman almost to death.

I got scared the other night.

That's why I ran.

You were talking about me.

I know the things that I've done

are despicable and inexcusable,

except maybe to the people in this room.

Please take me back.

(slow music)

He supported us.

He took care of us.

It's not easy-

- Kicking your little ass all
over the house isn't easy.

- What about Mommy?

- Hey, maybe Mommy liked it.

- My father loved us.

- He loved it.

- Everyone loves the power.

- No, he was raised that way.

He didn't know any better.

- He knew exactly.

- He was frightened.
- Everybody's frightened.

- It didn't happen that much.

- How much is that much?
- You don't want to remember.

You blocked it out.

- No, he'd get drunk and he'd come home-

- That old excuse, no.

- Is that your excuse?
- No.

- No, his excuse is payback.

Daddy did it to me so I can do it to mine.

- I never thought that!

- You can handle it, Paul.

Keep it together.

- Revenge is sweet.

- But not for Judy.

Poor Judy.

- Hey, punch and Judy. Get it?

Bam, bam, bam.

(men laughing)

- Is that a joke?

You think that's funny?

You think-
- Paul, that's enough.

(Paul sobbing)

That's good, you kept a lid on it.

You all right?

- [Paul] (sobs) It hurts.

(people talking)

- Here we have the-
- Look at that.

- Oh, it looks great, smells great.

- [Waitress] And the Italian.

Enjoy.
- Thanks.

- Careful, it's hot.

- He's so grown up.

- I can't imagine where he gets it from.

- Jeff was like that, an
adult soul in a child's body.

- Yeah, look at him now.

- Cut it out.

- Jeff, Jeffrey, it's rude.

- I have a toast.

Glasses, everyone.

To Judy, who in a couple of
days will be another year older.

And next week will officially become

what she's actually been all
year, my new office manager.

- Hey, thank you.

- Speech.

- No, well.

I'm just grateful we're all here together.

Jeff, where are you going?

- Where do you think?

- I don't know what's
wrong with him lately.

He seems so angry all the time.

- Well, it's been a rough
year, lots of changes.

- I know, it's just that everything else

has been going so well.

- I'm glad.

- Ew. (laughs)

- You're responsible.
- No, you're responsible.

- You know, I think you're
the first actual friend

that I've had since I married Paul.

He never told me I couldn't,

but he organized all
my time around himself.

Plus I was ashamed.

It would have been harder to
hide things from a friend.

- I'm proud to be your friend.

- Ew.
- It's hot.

- [Helen] You've got to give it time.

- [Heidi] Can I have some water, Tammy?

- You know, I wanted to be an actor.

I took drama in high school.

'cause everybody said it would be easy.

Next thing I know, I'm liking
it better than basketball.

I wasn't good at either one of them.

- So that's the reason you started beating

on your wife, self pity?

- Give it a rest, man.

Group's over.

- [Paul] You know, I haven't
seen the kids in over a year.

- [Spider] Man.

- Hey, you ever think
about going back with her?

- Nah, I don't need the grief.

- It was that bad?

- Hell no, it was great until I ruined it.

What Conrad's always saying, it's right.

The past is dead.

- What if all I wanted to do
was just say, "I'm sorry."

Go to Judy and the kids
and tell them I'm sorry.

- Why kick up a lot of dust?

But look, you got your own mind.

I can't speak for you.

I knew that from the first time I saw you.

- You liked me?

I thought you hated my guts.

- Still do.

Well done, right?

- Medium rare.

- Not in my kitchen.

There you go.
- Thanks.

- One thing I'd do, if you
want to go and try to see 'em.

I wouldn't tell 'em.

I'd make it a surprise.

At least that way you got a chance

of getting through the front door.

Something to think about.

(engine rumbling)

(slow music)

(people talking)

- Okay, what do you want
tonight, chicken or?

Jeff, would you get the mail?

Jeff.
- I'll get it.

(Judy sighing)

- Mom, can I take the car
over to Shelly's for an hour?

- Here you go.

- Oh thanks, honey.

Ah, yeah, as long as it's only an hour.

I have to go to the market later.

Hey, homework first.

- I'll do it later.

- You'll do it now.

And I want to see it when it's finished.

Heidi.

Homework.
- Okay.

(doorbell ringing)

- Tammy.

- I'm on the phone.

(Judy sighing)

- [Tammy] Talk about it tomorrow, okay?

(slow music)
(door thudding)

- [Boy] Come on, come over to my house.

We'll get the gloves.

(boys talking)

- How did you think that Judy and the kids

were going to react to your
just showing up at the doorstep?

- I didn't think, until
I was actually there.

I would have scared the hell out 'em.

- [Milt] Do you remember why
you left in the first place?

- To be with Beth?

- No, give yourself some credit.

You left because you were afraid

of what you might do to them
and yourself if you stayed.

- Some credit.

I make their life a nightmare

and then I walk out the door
when I can't take it anymore.

- Paul, behavior just
doesn't come out of nowhere.

I mean, ever since you've been a kid-

- My childhood is no excuse.

I want to move on.

- Hey, but what we do here

is almost an invitation
to selfish behavior.

We serve our own needs first

in order to control our problems.

We forget that the outside world

doesn't know that we're trying to change.

- I want my family to know if they need

anything at all from me
that I'm out there for them.

- Can you trust yourself
with them completely?

- How do I know unless I try?

- You have to know before you try,

before you put the people
that you love at risk.

- [Tammy] Thank you.

(door thudding)

- Who was it?

Oh.

- You have a secret admirer.

- I doubt it.

- What?

- It's from your father.

- Why can't he just leave us be?

- Tammy.

(slow music)

(people talking)

- [Paul] Hi.

- What are you doing here?

- Well I didn't want to call you at work,

and the dealership I'm now at
isn't very far from here, so.

- What do you want?

- I'd like to see the kids.

- I don't know if they want to see you.

- They're my kids too,
Jude, whatever happened.

And the longer I wait to try

the harder it's going to get.

- I'll think about it.

- Thank you.

- How is work?

- Fine, better.

Yours?

- I'll call you about the kids.

(slow music)

I know you've been
wanting to see this movie.

If you decide afterwards
that you don't want

to go to dinner, your father's agreed

he'll bring you straight home.

- So we can come home after the movie?

- Of course.

You want to decide now?

Jeff, straight home from the movie?

- Yeah.
- Okay, it's settled.

I'll tell him as soon as he gets here.

Why aren't you ready?

- I'm not going.

- That's up to you, but I thought

we agreed that your father-

- I never agreed.

And stop calling him that.

He is not my father.

I don't know why you'd want

to see him anyway, especially you.

- Sit down.

He's your father, whether
you like it or not.

Now, if you never want to
see him again after today,

I'll understand and I'll support you.

But we have to stop
rejecting him out of fear.

I've spent a long time
afraid to face things

in my life, including him.

But that's over.

I'm not going to let him
be the ghost in our closet.

(car door thudding)

- Mom, I'm not afraid of him.

I just hate him.

(doorbell ringing)

I'll be in my room.

- Hi.
- Hello, Paul.

- Hi, Dad.

- Jeff, that's for you.

- [Jeff] Thanks.

- Brought you these.

- Tammy's not coming.

I'll give her her present.

- Oh, okay.

Well you don't have to open them now.

Ready to go, guys?

- The kids would prefer

to come straight home after the movie.

Dinner can wait for another time.

- Whatever they want.

Ready to go? Let's go.

I'll bring them back about
five, 5:30, if that's all right.

- Have fun.

- Bye, Mom.
- Bye, Mom.

(car engine rumbling)

(slow music)

(tires screeching)

(Heidi sobbing)

- Honey, what is it, what?

- [Jeff] I don't want to
go to any stupid movie.

- What did you do?

- Nothing.

Heidi started to cry so I stopped the car.

Next thing I knew they're out the door.

Let me talk to them.

- No, no, no, it's still too soon.

I thought they were ready to
handle it, but I was wrong.

- Just give me five minutes.

If they still don't want to-

- No, I don't want you in the house.

We'll talk about this another time.

Please leave.

(heart pounding)

(dramatic music)

- Never talk to me like that.

(fist thudding)

(Judy whimpering)

Stop the crying, stop crying.

Tell them I'm sorry.

(slow music)

(car engine rumbling)

- [Heidi] Is he gone?

- Yes, yes, your dad's gone.

Did he say anything to you?

Did he do anything?

- I just got scared.

I'm sorry.

- Oh, that's all right.

(upbeat rock music)
(people talking)

- What's that for?

- Some ideas for the program.

- Damn, we sure got religion.

- Yeah.

- She'll be here.

She called you, right?

- She didn't tell me what it was about.

Judy.

Judy, this is Spider.

- Hi.

- Spider's in the program with me.

- Oh.

- Yeah, I had my fangs
drawn a long time ago.

Well, I'll leave the two of you?

Coffee?

- [Judy] Yeah, thank you.

- That's just his way.

He's been a good friend.

Really, really helpful.

I'm glad you called after the other day.

I didn't know if...

So what did you want to see me about?

- Jeffrey.
- Jeffrey?

- (sighs) He never talks to me anymore.

He's withdrawn and moody.

And he goes into these sudden
rages for no apparent reason.

- There you go.
- Thank you.

I'm worried.

He got into a fight with
another kid at school today.

And according to the
principal, he provoked it.

I need help, Paul.

I thought you might have some ideas.

- Because of my very
own violent tendencies?

- No, because you're his father.

- (sighs) Sorry, that just came out.

- Can you help?

- This fight might have something
to do with the other day.

- Yeah, that occurred to me.

- It's tough enough to be Jeff's age

without going through
what he's been through,

the stuff I've put him through. (sighs)

- [Judy] What do you think should be done?

- I'd like, if it's all right with you,

I think it would be good if he and I spent

some time together, you know?

I'd like to try to regain his trust.

This is for him, Jude, not me.

- Okay.
- Thank you.

- Refill?
- Yeah.

- There you go.

You okay?
- Yeah, thanks.

I think I'd like to hear
more about your program.

- Sure.

- So in case any of you are wondering

what kind of mysterious thing we do here

three evenings a week, it's simple.

We talk.

We talk about ourselves, about each other,

our past, our future, and our anger.

Now a program like this has no traditions

but I hope today starts one.

I give you the first graduating class

of the Q.U.I.T. program.

Go ahead and clap, they've worked hard.

(audience applauding)

Now before we tackle the food,

which looks great by the way, Spider,

the group would like to
make a statement as a group,

and have chosen one of
their own to make it.

Paul.

(audience applauding)

- Hi, I'm Paul.

- [Audience] Hi, Paul.

- Wouldn't you know it, leave it to us

to have a big fight about
what we were going to say.

Finally it was left up to
me, so I wrote a speech.

But my family's here today.

Looking at them, I know
what I have to say.

And maybe it's what we all want to say.

I used to think it was weakness

to show my family that I love them.

I think all of us up here felt
that or something similar.

All of us suffered as
children from fathers

who were, well, who were a lot
like we were not so long ago.

And this program, this Q.U.I.T. program

was quite an experience.

It was an experience that
taught me, taught us,

that with enough awareness
and enough courage

we can break the cycle that has trapped us

for so many generations.

And I think we'd agree that the group

has given us one great gift,

and that's the knowledge that
we can overcome ourselves.

And that's basically all
I want to say except,

standing up here in front
of my family, (sighs)

I can't tell you what that feels like,

that you'd come out and support me

after all I've done to you.

I'm the luckiest guy in the world.

Thank you, thank you.

(audience applauding)

- Do you hate me?

- Sometimes.

- I never meant to hurt you.

- You meant to hurt Mom.

I was so stupid.

I didn't get it until Tammy told me.

- You weren't stupid.

Your mother and I tried
to hide it from you.

- How could you hurt her like that?

- It's complicated, Jeff.

- Yeah right.

- But I will try my best
to explain it to you, okay?

First of all, you cannot blame your mother

for any of what has happened.

It was all me.

I made her helpless.

I had to be in control all the time

because I was so scared all the time.

(slow music)

(people talking)

- Honey, I'll be right back.

- Okay, Mom.

- Your mother and I tried
to hide it from you.

I discovered through this program

that I had grown up to
be just like my father.

So I'm trying really
hard, Jeff, to make it

so you don't have to
follow those footsteps.

Does that makes sense to you?

- Sort of.

(upbeat music)

(people talking)
(people squealing)

- [Man] Bring the kids up.

$2, three darts.

Break one balloon and win a prize.

Everybody wins.

- What do you think?

- It doesn't matter what I think.

Do you like it?

- Yeah, I really do.

- Dad, can I have this?

- Sure, let me see.

- [Man] Put the frog on the lily pad.

Three frogs for $1.
- We have a winner.

- Good shot.
- Play again.

- Play again, come on.

- It's not as easy as it looks-

- Okay.

- Here's what you have to do.

(people talking)

It's not as easy as it looks.

- Okay, okay, okay, okay.

- Try to arc it up.
- No, no, just quiet.

- Hit it hard and make-
- Quiet.

- Just trying to help.

Ooh, that's a heartbreaker.

One more.

- That was close.

- Okay, you gotta hit it a little harder,

make sure the frog is-

- No, no, fine, fine, fine, okay.

Just stop talking.

- Just trying to help.

- Come on, Mom.

- Okay, step aside.

Let the master have a shot at this.

- Master?

- That's not a good one.

Here's a good one, right here.

Ready to go?

Use your breathing. (grunts)

- Where'd it go?
- It got height.

(Judy laughing)
- Close, Dad.

- One for the master.

- Here we go.

(Judy laughing)

Even the master has an off day.

- Oh, poor baby.

- [Man] Step right up,
folks, take home a prize.

- I shouldn't have done that.

- It doesn't matter.

Go ahead, Jeff.

- [Jeff] This one's better, okay.

- [Paul] Oh, nice shot, pal.

Try another one.
- So close.

(slow music)

Thanks, Dad, I had a really great day.

- [Judy] Bye.

- [Heidi] Hi, we went to the state fair.

- What fun.

- We did have fun.

He really has changed.

- Do you want to bet Mom's life on it?

- Not yet, but.

- Sometimes you're an idiot.

- [Jeff] It's two against one.

- [Judy] The answer's no.

- What's two against one?

- Heidi and I think Dad should be able

to visit inside the house.

- Great, I'll just leave and
come back when he's gone.

- Why can't you just forgive him?

- Because I'm not a stupid little kid.

- Tammy.

- Well, he is.

- I brought you back a salad.

- Thanks.

- Spending time with his
father is very good for Jeff.

- I know.

- Don't worry so much.

You know, without you I never
would have made it this far.

- They make you jealous
so you have to hit 'em.

That's how they know you love 'em.

- Well, some teenagers
like to shoot up heroin.

You think it's love to hand them a needle?

- That's different.
- No, it isn't.

If you're here, be here to change.

- You know, you'd probably
be better at this than I am.

- You want the lunatics
running the asylum?

- No, I mean it.

I mean, they really listen to you.

I'm an amateur, you're the pro.

All my expertise comes from textbooks,

and lectures, and field studies.

Yours comes from living
it, and that's got power.

Why don't you think about running

a satellite program for us?

We need people like you.

- I don't know.

- Give it some thought.

(people talking)

- Hi. Sorry I'm late.

Helen had an emergency
and I had to help her.

She's my boss but she's
also my best friend.

- You never did have
many friends, did you?

- No.

- I guess I didn't want you to.

- Well, I guess I went along with that.

- Remember we used to bring the kids here?

- What are we doing here, Paul?

You said you wanted to
talk to me about the kids.

Here I am.

- Well, things have been
going pretty well lately

between us and the kids, except for Tammy.

I just feel we've come a long way.

- The kids and I have come
a long way on our own.

- Yeah.

But when we first started, I just wanted

to make peace with you and the kids

and try to make it up to you if I could.

But lately I've been wondering,

do you ever feel like
maybe there's a possibility

of us really getting back
together as a family?

I still love you, Judy.

I mean, it wouldn't have to be right away.

I mean, it's something to work towards.

I know it wouldn't be easy, but if...

Wait, Judy.

Hang on a second.

Judy, Judy, wait a minute,

wait a minute, wait a minute.

Honey, come here, wait.

Tell me, tell me what I did.

- What you did?

You abused me for 15 years.

You made me weak.

You made me a coward.

You made me hate myself.

And through all of it, I loved
you, I made excuses for you.

I kept our dirty little secret

so that everyone could go on believing

what a great guy Paul Hegstrom was.

I took the pain and the degradation

and I kept coming back for more.

And then you walked out,

you just walked out.

What kind of a creature does that?

What kind of a pathetic
excuse for a human being?

And now you want to come back?

- That's enough.

- Enough?

What's the matter, Paul?

Can't you take it, huh?

Too rough for ya?

(slow dramatic music)

How about a little incentive, huh?

How about after I've
beaten you down to nothing

and you're all bloody and bruised,

maybe I'll take pity on you
and I'll take you to bed.

How does that sound?

Sounds to me like the
charity event of the year.

Go back with you?

I can hardly stand to look at you.

(slow dramatic music)

- Count it out, Paul, you know the drill.

Call time out.

- You want to hit me?

- You gonna hit or you gonna run?

- Paul, call time out.

- [Milt] Listen to me, you still got time.

- I have to go now.

(slow music)

(phone ringing)

- Milt Stella.

- Milt, I just got back from seeing Judy.

I asked her to get back together.

It was a mistake.

I feel like such an idiot.

I shouldn't have tried.

It was too soon.

- Paul, calm down.

Tell me what happened.

- She said no, she got angry.

And then she started yelling
at me, started pushing me.

Then I wanted to smash
her face to make her stop.

She wouldn't stop pushing me.

- [Milt] Paul, Paul, what happened?

- Nothing.

I ran away.

I started counting.

I called time out.

Couldn't deal with it.

I just ran away.

- You didn't hit her?

- No.

- [Milt] You didn't physically
threaten her in any way?

- No.

- [Milt] You called time out?

- Yeah.

- [Milt] Paul, that's not nothing.

That's everything.

You did it.

(slow music)

- I did it.

(doorbell ringing)
(insects chirping)

Hi.

- (sighs) I'm sorry for what I said.

I guess I felt you deserved it.

- No, I did.

I have something to say
to you and the kids.

- Come inside.

- Hey.

Tammy, please.

- She'll be okay.

Come on.

Jeff?

- Dad.
- Hey.

- Hi, Dad.
- Hi, buddy.

- Have a seat.

- I know I have no right to
expect anything from any of you.

What I've done in the
past, that's unforgivable.

Earlier today your mother
said some things to me

that I know she's wanted
to say for a long time.

She was afraid to say them

because of what I might do to her.

But you guys should be
very proud of your mom

because today she wasn't afraid.

And I didn't do anything to her.

I couldn't.

I couldn't bear to hurt her anymore.

I guess I just want to say,

you guys don't have to
be afraid of me anymore.

- Paul, would you like to sit down with us

and have some hot chocolate?

- Yeah, is that okay?

(slow music)

(slow music)

(slow music)