800 Words (2015–2018): Season 2, Episode 11 - Episode #2.11 - full transcript
George sees red when Arlo secretly switches school subjects. Fiona struggles in her new parenting role. Woody comes up with a novel way to relieve Tracey's stress.
♪ But I feel this could be different
if I was with you
Arlo!
Wake up - first day of term.
Morning.
Good morning.
Arlo! School!
Yes, it is.
OK, you get your breakfast,
I'll grab your lunch.
Sorry, do you want a cup of tea,
cup of coffee?
Coffee, but I can get it.
No, no, you sit down.
There's no food.
There's plenty.
Is there a lid for this lunch box,
or is it the one without the lid?
You can just use a plastic bag.
And kill some dolphins
while you're at it.
Wow, a high school dropout
with a social conscious.
We have a lid!
Now, coffee.
George, don't worry about me.
No, it's no trouble.
Do we have any maple syrup?
What for?
Pancakes.
Pancakes?
Could you do that somewhere else?
But the kitchen is where
you make pancakes.
Hey, I can just get lunch
at school.
And I just need you
to sign this.
Hey!
There's no milk.
Did you use all the milk?
Hey, Dad, have you seen the time?
Yes, alright.
I can clean that up
if you want to go.
Shay can do it -
she's got nothing better to do.
Here you go.
I'm going back to bed.
Is that your plan for the day?
Not all day. Possibly.
Dad, come on.
It's not too late to enrol!
If you've changed your mind.
Have a nice day, nerdy boy.
You, too, dreg of society.
Help yourself to everything.
I'm just going to head to work.
OK, well see you later.
♪ This could be different
if I was with you
♪ If I was with you
♪ I want this as long as we're two,
but I feel this could be different
♪ If I was with you
2x11
♪ If I was with you. ♪
They say he who expects
nothing is never disappointed.
But sometimes, all your expectations
can be exceeded.
You wake up and discover that
you're the happiest you've been...
Dad.
Yep?
Why are you smiling?
Was I?
I was just writing my column
in my head.
OK.
Hi. Welcome. Haere Mai.
Hi.
Haere Mai. Welcome.
Hi.
Haere Mai, Brandon.
Hi.
Haere Mai.
Hi.
Wait, why are you coming in?
Say hello to the new principal.
Haere Mai, Arlo.
Hi, Miss Dennis.
Just want to wish you luck
on your first day.
Not that you need it, of course.
See you later, Dad.
Can't believe this is
his last year of high school.
Almost seems like last week
he started kindy.
Was he top of
the class there, too?
Well, don't want to brag, but...
Haere Mai, Lindsey.
Jarrod, lovely to have you back.
Do I have to be
in the same class as him?
Well, you didn't pass last year,
Lindsey, so you have to repeat.
We did talk about this.
Still sucks.
Good luck.
Thanks.
Off you go,
you have a great day.
Doubt it.
Haere Mai, Billy.
Hi, ma'am.
Billy not like school?
He likes learning, he just...
rather learn things
they don't actually teach.
Like?
Um... the migratory pattern
of the Bar-tailed godwit.
That's a bird flies from Alaska
to New Zealand every year and back.
Why?
You'd have to ask Billy.
He's a star shaped peg
in a hexagonal hole,
as I keep having to remind them.
There is no news, George.
But, no news is good news.
Except when you're trying to
produce a newspaper.
They still haven't filled
the pothole outside the museum.
What if I do a profile piece on
the new high school principal?
How she's feeling,
what are her expectations
for the year.
Yeah, you fill your boots
and I'll let you know if
any real news comes along.
Someone put a road cone on top of
the big pine tree
by the beach access.
I think I'll work from home.
Best place for it.
Well, how did it get up there, ay?
You calling it a day already, mate?
I'm working from home.
What about you?
Yeah, you know.
Not really.
Something wrong?
Just feeling a bit, um...
Your girlfriend's back at work.
That's exactly right, mate.
Well, you're gonna miss her, ay.
What? Miss her?
Mate, that's the opposite
of what I'm gonna do.
What, are you two not good?
No, she's coiled up like
an Eastern Brown.
Every time I try to help her
she just...
strikes!
I just saw her then
and she seems fine.
Yeah, well was she greeting
every kid by name?
Yes, she was actually.
Yeah, well let me tell you, she's
not doing that in her sleep.
It's work, work, work, eat,
work, work, work, sleep.
Work, work... work...
Is this Tracy?
Yeah.
I just had my annual Billy chat
this year with her.
And?
She's convinced that Gateway
is the appropriate path for him.
What's Gateway?
It means he's in with
the numpties.
Did you just say "numpties"?
My grandfather used to
call me and my brother that
all the time.
It means "stupid".
No, it's a term of endearment.
Isn't it?
It's a label, George, a label
that says you're not academic,
and you're never going to uni.
Isn't that determined by
how many credits you get?
Yeah, the right amount of credits
in the right subjects.
And Gateway - they're not
the right subjects, George.
It's like work experience
with a fancy title.
How to write a CV and so forth.
Well, that's good, isn't it?
It's quite practical, actually.
Some parents love it.
My dreams for Billy were
a bit higher than working in a shop
like his mother.
Well the school system here
isn't simple, is it?
No. Apparently my son is though.
I'm sure Tracey
doesn't think that.
Sure.
Anyway, I better get going.
Great. Great.
So my girlfriend's
a stressed-out workaholic,
and now the most hated woman
in the world.
I'm sure she's not.
Tracy.
George, why on earth
did you agree to it?
Agree to what?
To Arlo throwing his life away.
I don't remember signing this.
But it is your signature?
It is. I signed it this morning.
Yeah, what is it?
You don't know?
I, um, I didn't read it.
You didn't read it?
Why don't you tell your father
what he's consented to, Arlo.
Um, me changing subjects.
Not exactly changing subjects.
Tell him what you've dropped.
Um, maths with stats
and physics and chemistry,
but I've picked up...
Arlo has moved himself into
the STAR programme.
That sounds good.
So what's the problem?
His marks not good enough?
STAR stands for Secondary Tertiary
Alignment Resource.
Yeah, which is where you can do
work placement
and get credited for it.
Work placement?
Like an apprenticeship.
I didn't think you could do
apprenticeships
in medicine or science,
can you?
Well, I don't want to do
medicine or science.
For the STAR programme, the school
selects kids who are eligible.
And I need to make this very clear.
I was not involved in this.
Penny in the office when Arlo
approached her during the holidays,
she put his name down
without consulting me
and the programme accepted him
and you signed the damn form
and now here we are.
Well this says Gateway.
Are you telling me Arlo's
going to be a numpty?
We don't use that term, George,
it's offensive.
OK, can I go to class now?
No!
Arlo, the thing is,
you're marks put you
in the top 3%
of the whole country.
You could be earning credits
towards a degree this year.
Yeah, but I don't need a degree
for what I want to do.
Which is what?
I want to be a chef.
And I wanna own
my own restaurant one day.
Which is why I need to do food tech
and hospitality so I can start...
That's not gonna happen.
You're going to do the subjects
we talked about last year.
End of discussion.
Well, I don't want to.
And I don't think
our form class has started.
What just happened here?
You signed the damn form, George.
They say he who expects
nothing is never disappointed.
Maybe they're right.
Whoever the heck they are.
You may have taken a wrong turn.
No. This is where I'm meant to be.
You come to give us crap,
or something?
Maybe he's come to be the teacher.
Yeah, right.
What are you doing here?
Same as you.
Is there no teacher?
It usually takes them
a couple of weeks
to find a teacher for the numpties.
You'd know.
Yeah, third year numpty
and counting, yo.
Fourth.
No, I don't count the last year
because, you know,
I was like never here, so.
Are you here because I ended up here?
No.
No, I'm here because I want a career
in hospitality.
Yeah, right.
Shouldn't someone go to the office
and let them know that
we're on our own?
No, 'cause we're good here...
actually.
Get off, teabag!
You take your life in your hands
joining the numpties.
Hey, is your, um...
Is your sister
coming back to school?
No.
Yeah, no, totally get it.
Like I'm only here 'cause my dad
wanted me to school,
otherwise I have to work at
the petrol station full-time, so.
Yeah.
You sure you want to be a numpty?
In fact,
Alexander Pope,
the 18th century poet said...
"Blessed is he who expects nothing,
for he is never disappointed."
But did this Alexander Pope guy
have kids?
Did he not expect great things
for them and from them?
I mean, it's only natural, isn't it?
It was yummy.
Hi, Dad.
I bought milk.
Hey, George!
Isn't it a bit late for breakfast?
We're calling it brunch.
What do you actually doing, Shay?
Making pancakes.
Don't worry, I'll clean up after.
I mean, with your day.
And then with tomorrow,
and the day after that,
and the day after that?
I mean, is it too much to expect
at least one of my kids
will actually do something
with their life?
I'm sorry, I'm having a...
Arlo's become a numpty.
What, a school numpty?
No. No way.
Yeah, he's quit his actual classes
to do Gateway because now he wants to
have a career in hospitality.
Wow!
That's a bit unexpected.
You're telling me.
But, you know, Gateway is awesome
for kids that aren't academic.
But of course,
Arlo's completely academic,
which makes this an odd decision.
Yeah. I mean, what do they
actually do?
They could spend the whole year
watering pot plants for all I know.
Actually, there was this numpty
who had a pretty big career
in pot plants,
if you know what I'm...
No.
OK, that's a story for another time.
Cool. Pancake, George?
Look, when you've finished
your brunch,
could you go and do something?
I don't know, go out
and stop climate change?
Anything.
Actually, I've got something that I
could be working on at the gallery.
Since you're so worried you raised
a numpty and a beach bum.
Tidy up before you leave.
Hi.
Hey. Did Arly get to school OK?
He got to school, yes.
So, you're free to meet me
for a coffee or lunch later?
Sure.
Is everything OK, George?
I'll tell you when I see you.
Just come on in
whenever you're taking a break.
I will.
Here's what you expect.
That your kids will always love you,
always need you,
and always do...
what you thought they were
going to do.
Maybe.
Maybe that's stupid.
Did you know in Food Tech we get
credits for knife maintenance?
Well, knives are a chef's
most valuable tool.
"Knives are a chef's
most valuable tool."
You're the tool.
We should let Miss Dennis know
the no-form teach showed up.
Think about it, dummy.
If we don't have a teacher,
then we can do whatever we want.
Well, yeah, during form class.
Yeah?
Which is 15 minutes
at the beginning of the day
before we have to go to
all our other classes.
So? What's your point?
Isn't it kind of insulting
to the numpties
that everyone else gets
a form teacher except us?
Yeah, just 'cause we're
crap students.
We are still students though.
We're not crap students.
In fact, it could be argued that
we're the bright ones,
'cause when it comes to
getting a job,
we'll be the ones with the skills,
literally.
Yeah. Numpties rule.
Just saying.
Yeah, Jud, shut up.
Don't tell me to shut up just 'cause
you've got the hots for him.
I do not. Shut up.
Actually, Lindsey,
Arlo has a girlfriend.
Still seeing that Emma girl?
She's in Stafford,
but we talk every day.
Nice.
Dork love.
Works for me.
Don't, I want to finish this.
No, finish it later.
I'm working.
This isn't just a hobby for me
you know.
I never said it was.
Dad thinks it is.
Hey, your dad is a writer.
He can't criticise you
for wanting to be an artist.
Yeah, but he gets paid to write,
so it's a real job.
OK, hey.
It's really good, except maybe...
Maybe what?
It's too small.
You're kidding me.
No. No, no, no.
OK, I have an idea.
How this... can be a real job, too.
How cool would that be right there
covering the whole wall?
Like a mural.
Well, the world can be
pretty beige at times.
And it would brighten things
up a bit.
Exactly.
Go for it.
You serious?
I live in a house full of
velvet Elvis hangings.
This is probably the closest to
a masterpiece I'll ever get.
My god, yes.
As long as it doesn't
cost me anything though,
the wall is yours.
Thanks, wow. OK.
How am I gonna pay for this?
I mean, paints, rollers, ladders.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, details.
Don't worry, it'll be sweet.
A real job means I get paid,
not what I pay.
You get that, right?
Yeah.
OK. OK, let's do some numbers
and we'll see what we're up against.
He's obviously been planning this
for a while.
Since he started working here?
No. It has its roots elsewhere.
A few weeks ago he did mention
hospitality as a career,
and I said to him, "Look, dude,
if you're serious about this,
"here's what you need to do."
You told Arlo to take Gateway?
No! I told him to ditch school
completely.
But Arlo didn't ditch school,
he's still there.
That's a good thing.
And now he's a numpty,
which is apparently an offensive term
around these parts.
To some of us, yes,
because numpty means the same
as stupid.
But that was OK, because we got out
and worked and made money
instead of wasting our time
studying,
so the rest of them
can suck on that.
Hannah, could you grab us
some flat whites, please?
Sorry.
Don't worry about her,
she's fine.
Arlo's the important one here.
He knew I'd hate the idea,
which is why he lied and deceived me.
It's not who he is.
My son doesn't lie to me.
God, he's too bright, he's got too
much going on to waste his life
to a bloody restaurant.
I might just grab us some water.
Shit.
Sorry, Fiona,
that's not what I meant.
I know.
It's just that what I imagined
for my kids wasn't...
I don't know.
I mean, it's one of the reasons
you have kids, right?
So they can be a better version
of you.
I don't know, George.
I might be out of my depth there.
Sorry.
I'm gonna nip this in the bud.
I am very sorry if I was rude about
the Gateway students this morning.
We just don't call them numpties,
because it has connotations,
and really is
an excellent programme.
Yeah, I'm sure it is.
But not for my son.
Do you agree?
Look, George, Weld District High
School has never had what you call
an outstanding,
or even acceptable pass rate
when it comes to NCEA.
So when a student
as bright as Arlo comes along...
I know.
And I'm sorry for signing the form -
that didn't help matters.
Well, he seemed
pretty determined, so.
Yes, well, so am I.
I'm gonna fix this,
and I just wanted you to know
that by tomorrow,
we will both have our
star pupil back.
Fiona, hi.
I have decided what you need.
Dinner for two, my house.
I just picked up this
really delicious steak which I...
I'm sorry.
You're not able to?
I need to have dinner with Arlo and
Shay to sort this school thing out.
Of course you do.
God, sorry, I didn't even think...
Do you want me to come over
and cook for you?
Thanks, but I think it should
probably just be us.
I mean, I'm gonna put my foot down
and it could get ugly.
That doesn't sound good.
Well, good luck.
Thanks.
Talk soon.
You can sit around
expecting something to happen
all you want.
But when it comes down to it,
the only way to guarantee it
happening
is to stop expecting and start doing.
I don't know about this.
Let's go! Let's do it.
Can we help you?
Yes, um...
Looking to buy, are we?
Young couple, first home?
No.
But...
But...
But we have an opportunity for you.
OK, so I'm painting the side of
the Super Store
with one of my artworks.
A Shay Turner original.
Except I need a sponsor.
Trust me, her paintings are gonna be
worth a lot of money one day.
Before or after she's dead?
It's very colourful, I like it.
So you'll sponsor me?
No, sorry.
If I said yes to everyone coming in
here and asking for money, I'd...
We gave money to
the Blind Dog people.
Guide Dog people -
that's a good cause.
And the surf lifesavers, remember?
Yes, they were selling little pins.
So now you want us to give you money
for your graffiti.
This is a community project
showcasing the work of
one of Weld's young artists.
And consider this an opportunity
to make up for past grievances.
By me giving you money.
Come on.
You got a budget?
Yeah.
Whack a McNamara Realty logo
on it somewhere,
you got yourselves a deal.
Are you serious?
I believe in second chances.
Right. Yep.
He means you.
You really want to give us money.
Anything that
brightens up this town -
I'm willing to back that horse.
Thank you so much!
I have an idea for a mural.
No, Susie, there are limits.
Hey. So you're never gonna
believe this.
Tell me while you're setting
the table.
So, Ike had this brilliant idea
that my work shouldn't be
limited to a canvas.
Just us tonight -
set it for three.
Is this a compulsory
family dinner I smell
about Arlo?
OK, anyway, so we went down to
the Super Store
and pitched this idea to Brenda,
and she was in.
And Big Mac is even
paying me to do it.
Arlo, get back here.
Got stuff to do.
What, a 1,000 word essay on
the best deep fryer for hot chips?
Or is a maths assignment
on the best way to divide up
the contents of a tip jar?
You always say sarcasm
is the lowest form of wit.
And I don't really want to
talk about anything right now.
Fine. Fine.
But we will talk about it at dinner.
I'm not really hungry.
CFD, Arlo?
Yes, Gloria.
Did you do the profile piece
on Tracy?
No, Tracy and I had
other things to discuss.
Good, because I've got
an actual story for you.
Something's happened, George.
Brace yourself.
The Golden Seahorse-Shoe
is closing down.
The Chinese place?
Yep.
Because of its strangely
incomprehensible name?
Mainly due to the continuously
underwhelming food,
but I don't know the name helped.
It's a play on words.
Horse-shoe's being lucky,
Weld being by the sea
where seahorses live,
hence, Seahorse-Shoe.
And this is our big breaking news?
Some dodgy restaurant
is closing down?
Well, you didn't know
until I told you.
So it was news to you and it will be
news to our readers, George.
Yes, well thank you, Gloria,
for the heads-up,
but I gotta go.
It's the male seahorse that carries
and gives birth to the young.
Did you know that?
No go?
Yeah, nah, it's not happenin'.
Should've stayed in bed.
Now you're talking.
Tell Tracy to write herself
a sick note an join ya.
Yeah, good luck with that.
I have to practically make
an appointment just to see her
now that she's Principal Dennis.
Must be hard?
You tell me about it.
This new job, Hannah,
it's getting all of it.
There's nothing left for me.
I meant for her, not for you.
Yeah, George was in today having a
fit because Tracy let Arlo join
the numpties.
And you know,
from what I hear at work,
most of the parents only
complain about the school.
What, to Tracy?
Sometimes.
But mainly behind her back.
Yuk.
Who'd want to be a principal?
Well, she would.
She was looking forward to it.
Yeah. Now she's probably looking
forward to getting home to her bloke.
So make sure you treat her nice?
Yeah.
Why is it so dark in here?
Wow!
Welcome home, beautiful.
My god, you have no idea
how much I need this.
It has been one hell of a day.
Well then, make yourself comfy,
and let me give you a foot rub.
Seriously?
Yes.
Seriously.
Alright.
That is amazing.
It's good, yeah?
This conversation that I had today
with the chairman of the board,
was hideous!
Kept calling me "love".
I gotta get some allies
on that board.
That is heaven.
After this, dinner,
then I'm going to run you a bath
and you aren't even going to
think about work.
I have to, Woody.
I was planning to
work through dinner.
Eat while I read this lot.
I gotta sort out some KPis
for the teaching staff.
I mean, honestly, the parents that
I've had to deal with today,
seriously.
Yeah, I get it.
I get it.
I'm so sorry.
No, it's fine.
Do you mind if I just clear this?
Billy wants to know if he can
practice his knife sharpening.
It's for school.
It's fine by me,
just ask Norman in the kitchen.
This morning, it was a disaster
that he didn't get up in Gateway,
and now he can't wait
to go to school tomorrow.
That's good.
Arlo's got them al inspired.
Wants to do hospo'
like his best mate.
If only George were as pleased.
He's not?
That's funny.
How?
This morning he was
defending Gateway.
It's different when
it's your own kid though, right?
I wouldn't know.
The Turners are having
a family dinner,
and I wasn't invited.
And I know that I shouldn't
feel upset, but...
You do.
I get that.
It can't be easy for George dealing
with all the stuff without Laura.
Do you think that she was the one
that did all of the school stuff?
It's usually the mums,
we are stroppier.
But this family dinner thing
sounds like a calm and sensible way
to sort it out.
Hopefully.
You deliberately deceived me!
You would've have signed the form
if you knew what it was!
You're damn right I wouldn't have.
Maybe we could lower the voices...
Giving permission
to throw your life away?
That's not what I'm doing!
Well, I disagree!
I'm not him, Dad!
Not who?
You know.
You think because he's a screw-up,
all chefs are screw-ups
and that is not even...
My brother has nothing to do with it.
Well then why are you
going so crazy?
Because your mum and I
had plans for you.
How do you think she would've felt
if she knew what...
No. No way!
You do not tell me what she
would've thought, because I know.
She would've wanted me to be happy
and to do what makes me happy.
She wouldn't be sitting there
telling...
Morning.
Hey.
Arlo up?
And away.
What, to school already?
I believe fleeing was the plan.
Dad, does it really matter that he
wants to do something that he loves?
And your personal experience
with further education
makes you an expert how exactly,
Shay?
Right.
Your children are tragic
disappointments, complete failures,
and terrible people.
I didn't mean it like that.
Tracy.
How'd we go?
Getting staunched?
I may have made things worse.
No "may" about it.
I see.
I'm not sure what to do next.
Leave it to me.
Time for the big guns.
At it already?
Thanks to McNamara Realty.
What's happening here?
We're making the world
a little less beige, Sean.
Not without a permit they're not.
Get down here, please.
You had better be joking.
Stay right where you are.
About needing a permit to paint
public property?
I don't joke about things
like that, Brenda.
Come on, down you come.
This is my car park!
On land that's leased from
the council.
This about the toilet roll holder
my mother gave us, isn't it?
No, it's not.
It's a toilet roll holder, Sean,
get over it.
It's shaped like a ballerina.
You leave my artist alone,
or I'll get her to make
a matching seat cover.
The council will not be threatened.
I'm calling her now.
You'll need to come to council
office, fill out a proper form.
OK, and then can we paint?
Then a delegated council rep
will either approve it, or not.
And who's the delegated council rep?
I am.
Are you the teacher?
Of course not, I'm the Principal.
Has the reliever not...
I'm working on it.
Then there's the state of
the building.
And the furniture is
falling to pieces.
Arlo, can you come with me, please?
No, I just mean...
we shouldn't be treated like second
class citizens just because...
It's not something that you have to
worry about any more.
I'm taking you out of Gateway.
What?
Why?
The school selects eligible students
and you are not eligible.
You can't do this.
My office. Let's go.
No.
Move it, or this whole class is on
detention for the rest of the week.
Hang on, now that's not fair.
Serious?
That sucks.
It was him, it wasn't us.
Ki kaha, Arlo.
That means, "Stay strong, Arlo".
Yeah, do it, boy.
Keep cool, man.
Morning!
Hey.
You're working.
I should've called you.
I'm trying to.
The only news story in town
is not actually a news story.
And then there's my column.
I don't know how you think of things
to write about every week.
I'm doing expectations,
and how the kids you make grow up
and shatter them.
Family dinner didn't work?
Well Shay getting into trouble
is to be expected.
You know, girls can be tricky,
whereas Arlo, I just never expected.
Yes, Laura was the one that used to
deal with all this stuff?
Why? Because she was the woman?
She was a lawyer
working all the time.
She certainly wasn't doing the school
drop-offs, the teacher interviews,
the endless parent fundraising
committees.
I get it. Sorry.
Lately I just feel like I can't say
anything right to you.
There is no subtext here, Fiona.
This isn't about me missing Laura,
or not coping.
I just don't want my son wasting
his life in hospitality.
OK.
Then there's no subtext here,
either, George.
I've been trying so hard
to support you, to not offend you,
but you know what?
Bugger it.
I'm in hospitality
and I love it.
And your son was in his element
in the boat club over summer.
It's Tracy.
You better answer it.
Can I call you later?
Just do what you need to do, George.
Tracy.
Please tell me the big guns worked.
You can't force me to study
something I don't want to.
Gateway is no longer
an option for you.
What, 'cause I'm not eligible?
Did you make her do this?
Do what?
You can't just trick your way into
getting what you want, Arlo.
Not without properly obtained
parental consent.
No Gateway for you.
And I support the principal
wholeheartedly in that.
I'm 17.
I can actually leave school.
You wouldn't.
He wouldn't.
I can and I will.
I do the course I want,
or I drop out all together.
So now you're blackmailing us.
Let's call it an ultimatum.
Let's call it I'm standing you down
for two days. Effective immediately.
Fine.
It's packed up, mate.
Great.
Board tossing!
What's up?
I can't say.
Does it involve my missus?
George?
It does! It does!
She's the most hated woman
in Weld.
Nobody hates Tracy.
And I know the problem is my own,
but let's just say I... I don't think
she's entirely helped matters.
I'm sorry.
And it's only her second day.
Sounds like a girl needs
some stress relief.
The type only a boyfriend
can provide.
Well, I would,
except she's too busy.
OK. Yeah, I could suggest that we
put aside some time to, you know.
Put aside some time?
What?
- ho.
How unsexy is that?
Well, what am I supposed to do,
Hannah?
What just rock up to her office,
sweep everything off the desk,
and what just...
But this is an artwork
for the community.
It's also an advertisement,
therefore needs a permit.
No, it's not.
Well, in that case,
remove the McNamara Realty logo.
But then they won't
pay for the paint.
Yeah, or that cherry picker.
Such are the struggles of
the modern artist.
But rules, young people, are rules.
Petty fascist.
I heard that...
because I've got both my ears.
Unlike Van Gogh and all those
other artists you sort look up to.
Alright, no arguments.
What are you doing here?
I am taking you to lunch.
Woody, I can't, I've got
a numpty rebellion on my hands.
OK, well then I'm taking you
for a walk.
Woody, I can't just leave school
any time I want.
OK then... I'm taking you.
On that desk right now.
What! Are you insane?
If there's a lock on that door,
'cause if there's not,
that could be awkward.
Is this all just a big joke to you?
What?
I am working 24/7 being the witch.
I gotta stand people down.
And all I... all I want
more than anything in this world
is to just go and lie on
my favourite beach in the sand...
OK, Trace, Trace, babe, babe.
Hey, it's alright.
I'm gonna pick you up
after work,
I'm gonna take you to your favourite
nudie beach...
You don't get it - I can't
Not anymore.
Because it's too cold?
Because I'm the principal.
Right.
Principals don't go to
nudist beaches.
Um...
Just... Can you please just go?
Yeah.
Hi, is your dad in?
At work.
Sorry.
No, it's fine,
I just left my glasses.
How come you're not at school?
I got stood down.
Yikes.
Is this about Gateway?
I'm pretty sure Tracy only cares
about your NCEA pass rates.
We didn't have NCEA
when I was at school.
Just school C's -
school certificate.
How'd you learn to do that?
Watching Norman at the boat club.
You know, there's more than one way
to skin a possum, Arlo.
We actually like possums
where I come from.
Look, I get I'm not a parent,
I'm especially not your parent,
and every time I open my mouth
I seem to get it all wrong,
so you'd think I'd learn.
But, can I give you a suggestion?
Sure.
I don't know what
your dad's problem is,
with what you've chosen to do.
It involves family history
between Dad and his brother.
Long time bad blood.
OK.
Well, anyway, is there any way
that you could compromise on this?
Just meet him somewhere
in the middle?
Because in my experience,
to get a win-win situation,
generally both parties
have to lose something.
You can tell me to butt out now.
No, I hear you.
Perfect.
Thanks.
The local Chinese restaurant,
the Golden Seahorse-Shoe,
is closing down as its owners
Debbie and Gary Fong
are returning to their home town
of Hamilton.
Hardly a surprise -
their sweet and sour pork
was neither one nor the other.
And it's a total non-story,
but it's the best I've got.
Mind you, Arlo could've done
his apprenticeship there.
Not ready to joke about it yet.
Come on, George,
why are you so surprised
Arlo wants to be a chef?
Your whole family are foodies.
Is this about your brother?
That accusation has been levelled
with some validity.
Arlo is nothing -
nothing like Terry.
Well, Terry wasn't like Terry
'till he fell in with
the hospitality crowd.
Yes, he was and you know it.
Terry just happened to find his
spiritual home
in the world of drink, drugs,
crazy women, late nights
and cooking.
How is he, by the way?
He must be relatively clean by now,
'cause you can't get into
any of his restaurants
for love or money.
Well, I have no idea.
I haven't actually spoken to him
since the funeral.
I see.
Still not great then.
I gotta go, so give Arlo
a big hug and a kiss from me.
And George, remember,
he's a good boy.
Yep.
So, this is the great artwork
that's also a job?
I thought you weren't listening
when I told you that.
I'm a parent - we can multi-task.
How's it going?
Not well.
Sean from the council is
making it impossible.
Petty bureaucracy, George.
You should write
an editorial about it.
Beats what I wrote today.
I'll give you a lift home.
Bye.
Yep.
So, are you gonna
do something about it?
The wall?
Do you care?
I know it's not a proper job,
and my career isn't as important
as Arlo's,
but to me it is.
Is that what you really think?
You do.
Shay, I sit in front of
a blank screen
putting words on it,
hoping that people will
actually read them
and I call that a job.
OK, here's the thing.
I was the arty one
and Laura the sensible lawyer,
and then you two came along.
Arlo, swatty, brainy -
your mother's son.
And then you...
your father's daughter.
So, you're saying I'm dumb like you.
I have absolute belief, Shay,
that whatever you do
you'll be brilliant at it.
And if it is art,
you will be a great artist.
Even if you never sell a painting
and I have to support you
for the rest of your life.
Thank you, Dad.
So... how come you don't cut Arlo
the same slack?
Because that's different.
Not really.
I'm sorry about today.
No, don't apologise.
It's cool.
They say be careful
what you wish for.
Um, turns out being the boss
is not how I thought it would be.
Yeah, well, in my experience,
nothing ever is.
So, I got you a present.
Here.
It's the nudie beach jigsaw.
Well, it's a beach that looks
a lot like it.
Ay, it's just a beach.
This is so sweet...
and thoughtful.
You like it?
And when will I ever get the time?
If you wanna use this table
for paperwork,
then now would be good.
I'll leave you to it.
I'll see you at dinner time?
So, you gonna do anything
about that?
Well, based on my experience
of the past few days,
the best thing I can do is
keep my mouth shut.
My god!
I'm, I'm so sorry.
Don't worry, these things happen.
What was it?
Curried sausages with pineapple.
I got the recipe from Mike.
Can we rescue it?
Do we want to?
Rude.
Grab some paper towels.
But, what about dinner?
We have hardly anything left,
because 'cause like no one
has been shopping this week.
Well, we could do Puttanesca.
Yeah, we do have tin tomatoes,
and olives and capers.
Is that the one
with the little fish.
Anchovies.
Shay... and we have anchovies.
I like the poody-thingy-one.
Puttanesca.
And it won't take long.
I'll get the pasta,
you do the sauce.
Do we have any chilli peppers?
In the planter.
I'll go.
I say we had a lucky escape.
I'd say we did.
So, I've been thinking about school.
And as well as Gateway,
I can do some level three
scholarship subjects.
Scholarship.
Yeah, I can work them
around my core subjects.
I'm sure Miss Dennis
would be into it.
I'm sure she would.
Fiona thought that chemistry
might be useful.
In case I ever wanted to be,
as she put it,
"one of the chefs that does weird
science stuff in the kitchen."
Did she?
Yeah and with English,
I could enough credits to go to uni.
If I wanted to.
Sounds like a plan.
So I can do Gateway?
Can I stop you?
Thank you, Dad.
Now look... I know it was your mother
that said she wanted you to be happy,
but I do, too.
I really do.
I know.
Come here.
Let's create some magic.
Hang on. Hey.
Chinese place is closed down
for good.
Did you know about this?
News to me, Woody.
Crazy.
Hey, babe.
I had to get fish and chips,
'cause the Golden Seahorse-Shh... oe.
Hey there.
You wanna do the sky?
Too right.
Oi!
You know the rules.
Right.
It's no excuse,
but the Arlo thing,
it really hurt.
My little boy acting like
I was his enemy.
I'm not gonna say anything,
'cause I don't know what to say.
We-we-we're good now.
Arlo's decided to do
some uni courses.
But you knew that already.
I wasn't interfering, I promise.
But you got us there
and I am very grateful.
Done an amazing job
with those kids, George.
And Arlo's going to make you proud,
I know it.
So do I.
There's dinner at our place
if you're interested.
I was just gonna pick up
some Chinese takeaway.
Dear,
because I have some very sad news
about the Golden Seahorse-Shoe.
The best thing you can do
with big expectations...
is let them go.
Not exactly what I had in mind
when I became Principal,
but for the time being,
I will be your form teacher.
And the first order of business
is getting you lot
some decent furniture.
Because if all our expectations
were met every day...
..how boring would life be?
The unexpected -
now that's what makes life
interesting.
So, bring it on.
Hi, Terry, it's me.
No, no reason.
Just called to see how
my little brother's going.
Any arrests, fares.
Stints in rehab?
.
if I was with you
Arlo!
Wake up - first day of term.
Morning.
Good morning.
Arlo! School!
Yes, it is.
OK, you get your breakfast,
I'll grab your lunch.
Sorry, do you want a cup of tea,
cup of coffee?
Coffee, but I can get it.
No, no, you sit down.
There's no food.
There's plenty.
Is there a lid for this lunch box,
or is it the one without the lid?
You can just use a plastic bag.
And kill some dolphins
while you're at it.
Wow, a high school dropout
with a social conscious.
We have a lid!
Now, coffee.
George, don't worry about me.
No, it's no trouble.
Do we have any maple syrup?
What for?
Pancakes.
Pancakes?
Could you do that somewhere else?
But the kitchen is where
you make pancakes.
Hey, I can just get lunch
at school.
And I just need you
to sign this.
Hey!
There's no milk.
Did you use all the milk?
Hey, Dad, have you seen the time?
Yes, alright.
I can clean that up
if you want to go.
Shay can do it -
she's got nothing better to do.
Here you go.
I'm going back to bed.
Is that your plan for the day?
Not all day. Possibly.
Dad, come on.
It's not too late to enrol!
If you've changed your mind.
Have a nice day, nerdy boy.
You, too, dreg of society.
Help yourself to everything.
I'm just going to head to work.
OK, well see you later.
♪ This could be different
if I was with you
♪ If I was with you
♪ I want this as long as we're two,
but I feel this could be different
♪ If I was with you
2x11
♪ If I was with you. ♪
They say he who expects
nothing is never disappointed.
But sometimes, all your expectations
can be exceeded.
You wake up and discover that
you're the happiest you've been...
Dad.
Yep?
Why are you smiling?
Was I?
I was just writing my column
in my head.
OK.
Hi. Welcome. Haere Mai.
Hi.
Haere Mai. Welcome.
Hi.
Haere Mai, Brandon.
Hi.
Haere Mai.
Hi.
Wait, why are you coming in?
Say hello to the new principal.
Haere Mai, Arlo.
Hi, Miss Dennis.
Just want to wish you luck
on your first day.
Not that you need it, of course.
See you later, Dad.
Can't believe this is
his last year of high school.
Almost seems like last week
he started kindy.
Was he top of
the class there, too?
Well, don't want to brag, but...
Haere Mai, Lindsey.
Jarrod, lovely to have you back.
Do I have to be
in the same class as him?
Well, you didn't pass last year,
Lindsey, so you have to repeat.
We did talk about this.
Still sucks.
Good luck.
Thanks.
Off you go,
you have a great day.
Doubt it.
Haere Mai, Billy.
Hi, ma'am.
Billy not like school?
He likes learning, he just...
rather learn things
they don't actually teach.
Like?
Um... the migratory pattern
of the Bar-tailed godwit.
That's a bird flies from Alaska
to New Zealand every year and back.
Why?
You'd have to ask Billy.
He's a star shaped peg
in a hexagonal hole,
as I keep having to remind them.
There is no news, George.
But, no news is good news.
Except when you're trying to
produce a newspaper.
They still haven't filled
the pothole outside the museum.
What if I do a profile piece on
the new high school principal?
How she's feeling,
what are her expectations
for the year.
Yeah, you fill your boots
and I'll let you know if
any real news comes along.
Someone put a road cone on top of
the big pine tree
by the beach access.
I think I'll work from home.
Best place for it.
Well, how did it get up there, ay?
You calling it a day already, mate?
I'm working from home.
What about you?
Yeah, you know.
Not really.
Something wrong?
Just feeling a bit, um...
Your girlfriend's back at work.
That's exactly right, mate.
Well, you're gonna miss her, ay.
What? Miss her?
Mate, that's the opposite
of what I'm gonna do.
What, are you two not good?
No, she's coiled up like
an Eastern Brown.
Every time I try to help her
she just...
strikes!
I just saw her then
and she seems fine.
Yeah, well was she greeting
every kid by name?
Yes, she was actually.
Yeah, well let me tell you, she's
not doing that in her sleep.
It's work, work, work, eat,
work, work, work, sleep.
Work, work... work...
Is this Tracy?
Yeah.
I just had my annual Billy chat
this year with her.
And?
She's convinced that Gateway
is the appropriate path for him.
What's Gateway?
It means he's in with
the numpties.
Did you just say "numpties"?
My grandfather used to
call me and my brother that
all the time.
It means "stupid".
No, it's a term of endearment.
Isn't it?
It's a label, George, a label
that says you're not academic,
and you're never going to uni.
Isn't that determined by
how many credits you get?
Yeah, the right amount of credits
in the right subjects.
And Gateway - they're not
the right subjects, George.
It's like work experience
with a fancy title.
How to write a CV and so forth.
Well, that's good, isn't it?
It's quite practical, actually.
Some parents love it.
My dreams for Billy were
a bit higher than working in a shop
like his mother.
Well the school system here
isn't simple, is it?
No. Apparently my son is though.
I'm sure Tracey
doesn't think that.
Sure.
Anyway, I better get going.
Great. Great.
So my girlfriend's
a stressed-out workaholic,
and now the most hated woman
in the world.
I'm sure she's not.
Tracy.
George, why on earth
did you agree to it?
Agree to what?
To Arlo throwing his life away.
I don't remember signing this.
But it is your signature?
It is. I signed it this morning.
Yeah, what is it?
You don't know?
I, um, I didn't read it.
You didn't read it?
Why don't you tell your father
what he's consented to, Arlo.
Um, me changing subjects.
Not exactly changing subjects.
Tell him what you've dropped.
Um, maths with stats
and physics and chemistry,
but I've picked up...
Arlo has moved himself into
the STAR programme.
That sounds good.
So what's the problem?
His marks not good enough?
STAR stands for Secondary Tertiary
Alignment Resource.
Yeah, which is where you can do
work placement
and get credited for it.
Work placement?
Like an apprenticeship.
I didn't think you could do
apprenticeships
in medicine or science,
can you?
Well, I don't want to do
medicine or science.
For the STAR programme, the school
selects kids who are eligible.
And I need to make this very clear.
I was not involved in this.
Penny in the office when Arlo
approached her during the holidays,
she put his name down
without consulting me
and the programme accepted him
and you signed the damn form
and now here we are.
Well this says Gateway.
Are you telling me Arlo's
going to be a numpty?
We don't use that term, George,
it's offensive.
OK, can I go to class now?
No!
Arlo, the thing is,
you're marks put you
in the top 3%
of the whole country.
You could be earning credits
towards a degree this year.
Yeah, but I don't need a degree
for what I want to do.
Which is what?
I want to be a chef.
And I wanna own
my own restaurant one day.
Which is why I need to do food tech
and hospitality so I can start...
That's not gonna happen.
You're going to do the subjects
we talked about last year.
End of discussion.
Well, I don't want to.
And I don't think
our form class has started.
What just happened here?
You signed the damn form, George.
They say he who expects
nothing is never disappointed.
Maybe they're right.
Whoever the heck they are.
You may have taken a wrong turn.
No. This is where I'm meant to be.
You come to give us crap,
or something?
Maybe he's come to be the teacher.
Yeah, right.
What are you doing here?
Same as you.
Is there no teacher?
It usually takes them
a couple of weeks
to find a teacher for the numpties.
You'd know.
Yeah, third year numpty
and counting, yo.
Fourth.
No, I don't count the last year
because, you know,
I was like never here, so.
Are you here because I ended up here?
No.
No, I'm here because I want a career
in hospitality.
Yeah, right.
Shouldn't someone go to the office
and let them know that
we're on our own?
No, 'cause we're good here...
actually.
Get off, teabag!
You take your life in your hands
joining the numpties.
Hey, is your, um...
Is your sister
coming back to school?
No.
Yeah, no, totally get it.
Like I'm only here 'cause my dad
wanted me to school,
otherwise I have to work at
the petrol station full-time, so.
Yeah.
You sure you want to be a numpty?
In fact,
Alexander Pope,
the 18th century poet said...
"Blessed is he who expects nothing,
for he is never disappointed."
But did this Alexander Pope guy
have kids?
Did he not expect great things
for them and from them?
I mean, it's only natural, isn't it?
It was yummy.
Hi, Dad.
I bought milk.
Hey, George!
Isn't it a bit late for breakfast?
We're calling it brunch.
What do you actually doing, Shay?
Making pancakes.
Don't worry, I'll clean up after.
I mean, with your day.
And then with tomorrow,
and the day after that,
and the day after that?
I mean, is it too much to expect
at least one of my kids
will actually do something
with their life?
I'm sorry, I'm having a...
Arlo's become a numpty.
What, a school numpty?
No. No way.
Yeah, he's quit his actual classes
to do Gateway because now he wants to
have a career in hospitality.
Wow!
That's a bit unexpected.
You're telling me.
But, you know, Gateway is awesome
for kids that aren't academic.
But of course,
Arlo's completely academic,
which makes this an odd decision.
Yeah. I mean, what do they
actually do?
They could spend the whole year
watering pot plants for all I know.
Actually, there was this numpty
who had a pretty big career
in pot plants,
if you know what I'm...
No.
OK, that's a story for another time.
Cool. Pancake, George?
Look, when you've finished
your brunch,
could you go and do something?
I don't know, go out
and stop climate change?
Anything.
Actually, I've got something that I
could be working on at the gallery.
Since you're so worried you raised
a numpty and a beach bum.
Tidy up before you leave.
Hi.
Hey. Did Arly get to school OK?
He got to school, yes.
So, you're free to meet me
for a coffee or lunch later?
Sure.
Is everything OK, George?
I'll tell you when I see you.
Just come on in
whenever you're taking a break.
I will.
Here's what you expect.
That your kids will always love you,
always need you,
and always do...
what you thought they were
going to do.
Maybe.
Maybe that's stupid.
Did you know in Food Tech we get
credits for knife maintenance?
Well, knives are a chef's
most valuable tool.
"Knives are a chef's
most valuable tool."
You're the tool.
We should let Miss Dennis know
the no-form teach showed up.
Think about it, dummy.
If we don't have a teacher,
then we can do whatever we want.
Well, yeah, during form class.
Yeah?
Which is 15 minutes
at the beginning of the day
before we have to go to
all our other classes.
So? What's your point?
Isn't it kind of insulting
to the numpties
that everyone else gets
a form teacher except us?
Yeah, just 'cause we're
crap students.
We are still students though.
We're not crap students.
In fact, it could be argued that
we're the bright ones,
'cause when it comes to
getting a job,
we'll be the ones with the skills,
literally.
Yeah. Numpties rule.
Just saying.
Yeah, Jud, shut up.
Don't tell me to shut up just 'cause
you've got the hots for him.
I do not. Shut up.
Actually, Lindsey,
Arlo has a girlfriend.
Still seeing that Emma girl?
She's in Stafford,
but we talk every day.
Nice.
Dork love.
Works for me.
Don't, I want to finish this.
No, finish it later.
I'm working.
This isn't just a hobby for me
you know.
I never said it was.
Dad thinks it is.
Hey, your dad is a writer.
He can't criticise you
for wanting to be an artist.
Yeah, but he gets paid to write,
so it's a real job.
OK, hey.
It's really good, except maybe...
Maybe what?
It's too small.
You're kidding me.
No. No, no, no.
OK, I have an idea.
How this... can be a real job, too.
How cool would that be right there
covering the whole wall?
Like a mural.
Well, the world can be
pretty beige at times.
And it would brighten things
up a bit.
Exactly.
Go for it.
You serious?
I live in a house full of
velvet Elvis hangings.
This is probably the closest to
a masterpiece I'll ever get.
My god, yes.
As long as it doesn't
cost me anything though,
the wall is yours.
Thanks, wow. OK.
How am I gonna pay for this?
I mean, paints, rollers, ladders.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, details.
Don't worry, it'll be sweet.
A real job means I get paid,
not what I pay.
You get that, right?
Yeah.
OK. OK, let's do some numbers
and we'll see what we're up against.
He's obviously been planning this
for a while.
Since he started working here?
No. It has its roots elsewhere.
A few weeks ago he did mention
hospitality as a career,
and I said to him, "Look, dude,
if you're serious about this,
"here's what you need to do."
You told Arlo to take Gateway?
No! I told him to ditch school
completely.
But Arlo didn't ditch school,
he's still there.
That's a good thing.
And now he's a numpty,
which is apparently an offensive term
around these parts.
To some of us, yes,
because numpty means the same
as stupid.
But that was OK, because we got out
and worked and made money
instead of wasting our time
studying,
so the rest of them
can suck on that.
Hannah, could you grab us
some flat whites, please?
Sorry.
Don't worry about her,
she's fine.
Arlo's the important one here.
He knew I'd hate the idea,
which is why he lied and deceived me.
It's not who he is.
My son doesn't lie to me.
God, he's too bright, he's got too
much going on to waste his life
to a bloody restaurant.
I might just grab us some water.
Shit.
Sorry, Fiona,
that's not what I meant.
I know.
It's just that what I imagined
for my kids wasn't...
I don't know.
I mean, it's one of the reasons
you have kids, right?
So they can be a better version
of you.
I don't know, George.
I might be out of my depth there.
Sorry.
I'm gonna nip this in the bud.
I am very sorry if I was rude about
the Gateway students this morning.
We just don't call them numpties,
because it has connotations,
and really is
an excellent programme.
Yeah, I'm sure it is.
But not for my son.
Do you agree?
Look, George, Weld District High
School has never had what you call
an outstanding,
or even acceptable pass rate
when it comes to NCEA.
So when a student
as bright as Arlo comes along...
I know.
And I'm sorry for signing the form -
that didn't help matters.
Well, he seemed
pretty determined, so.
Yes, well, so am I.
I'm gonna fix this,
and I just wanted you to know
that by tomorrow,
we will both have our
star pupil back.
Fiona, hi.
I have decided what you need.
Dinner for two, my house.
I just picked up this
really delicious steak which I...
I'm sorry.
You're not able to?
I need to have dinner with Arlo and
Shay to sort this school thing out.
Of course you do.
God, sorry, I didn't even think...
Do you want me to come over
and cook for you?
Thanks, but I think it should
probably just be us.
I mean, I'm gonna put my foot down
and it could get ugly.
That doesn't sound good.
Well, good luck.
Thanks.
Talk soon.
You can sit around
expecting something to happen
all you want.
But when it comes down to it,
the only way to guarantee it
happening
is to stop expecting and start doing.
I don't know about this.
Let's go! Let's do it.
Can we help you?
Yes, um...
Looking to buy, are we?
Young couple, first home?
No.
But...
But...
But we have an opportunity for you.
OK, so I'm painting the side of
the Super Store
with one of my artworks.
A Shay Turner original.
Except I need a sponsor.
Trust me, her paintings are gonna be
worth a lot of money one day.
Before or after she's dead?
It's very colourful, I like it.
So you'll sponsor me?
No, sorry.
If I said yes to everyone coming in
here and asking for money, I'd...
We gave money to
the Blind Dog people.
Guide Dog people -
that's a good cause.
And the surf lifesavers, remember?
Yes, they were selling little pins.
So now you want us to give you money
for your graffiti.
This is a community project
showcasing the work of
one of Weld's young artists.
And consider this an opportunity
to make up for past grievances.
By me giving you money.
Come on.
You got a budget?
Yeah.
Whack a McNamara Realty logo
on it somewhere,
you got yourselves a deal.
Are you serious?
I believe in second chances.
Right. Yep.
He means you.
You really want to give us money.
Anything that
brightens up this town -
I'm willing to back that horse.
Thank you so much!
I have an idea for a mural.
No, Susie, there are limits.
Hey. So you're never gonna
believe this.
Tell me while you're setting
the table.
So, Ike had this brilliant idea
that my work shouldn't be
limited to a canvas.
Just us tonight -
set it for three.
Is this a compulsory
family dinner I smell
about Arlo?
OK, anyway, so we went down to
the Super Store
and pitched this idea to Brenda,
and she was in.
And Big Mac is even
paying me to do it.
Arlo, get back here.
Got stuff to do.
What, a 1,000 word essay on
the best deep fryer for hot chips?
Or is a maths assignment
on the best way to divide up
the contents of a tip jar?
You always say sarcasm
is the lowest form of wit.
And I don't really want to
talk about anything right now.
Fine. Fine.
But we will talk about it at dinner.
I'm not really hungry.
CFD, Arlo?
Yes, Gloria.
Did you do the profile piece
on Tracy?
No, Tracy and I had
other things to discuss.
Good, because I've got
an actual story for you.
Something's happened, George.
Brace yourself.
The Golden Seahorse-Shoe
is closing down.
The Chinese place?
Yep.
Because of its strangely
incomprehensible name?
Mainly due to the continuously
underwhelming food,
but I don't know the name helped.
It's a play on words.
Horse-shoe's being lucky,
Weld being by the sea
where seahorses live,
hence, Seahorse-Shoe.
And this is our big breaking news?
Some dodgy restaurant
is closing down?
Well, you didn't know
until I told you.
So it was news to you and it will be
news to our readers, George.
Yes, well thank you, Gloria,
for the heads-up,
but I gotta go.
It's the male seahorse that carries
and gives birth to the young.
Did you know that?
No go?
Yeah, nah, it's not happenin'.
Should've stayed in bed.
Now you're talking.
Tell Tracy to write herself
a sick note an join ya.
Yeah, good luck with that.
I have to practically make
an appointment just to see her
now that she's Principal Dennis.
Must be hard?
You tell me about it.
This new job, Hannah,
it's getting all of it.
There's nothing left for me.
I meant for her, not for you.
Yeah, George was in today having a
fit because Tracy let Arlo join
the numpties.
And you know,
from what I hear at work,
most of the parents only
complain about the school.
What, to Tracy?
Sometimes.
But mainly behind her back.
Yuk.
Who'd want to be a principal?
Well, she would.
She was looking forward to it.
Yeah. Now she's probably looking
forward to getting home to her bloke.
So make sure you treat her nice?
Yeah.
Why is it so dark in here?
Wow!
Welcome home, beautiful.
My god, you have no idea
how much I need this.
It has been one hell of a day.
Well then, make yourself comfy,
and let me give you a foot rub.
Seriously?
Yes.
Seriously.
Alright.
That is amazing.
It's good, yeah?
This conversation that I had today
with the chairman of the board,
was hideous!
Kept calling me "love".
I gotta get some allies
on that board.
That is heaven.
After this, dinner,
then I'm going to run you a bath
and you aren't even going to
think about work.
I have to, Woody.
I was planning to
work through dinner.
Eat while I read this lot.
I gotta sort out some KPis
for the teaching staff.
I mean, honestly, the parents that
I've had to deal with today,
seriously.
Yeah, I get it.
I get it.
I'm so sorry.
No, it's fine.
Do you mind if I just clear this?
Billy wants to know if he can
practice his knife sharpening.
It's for school.
It's fine by me,
just ask Norman in the kitchen.
This morning, it was a disaster
that he didn't get up in Gateway,
and now he can't wait
to go to school tomorrow.
That's good.
Arlo's got them al inspired.
Wants to do hospo'
like his best mate.
If only George were as pleased.
He's not?
That's funny.
How?
This morning he was
defending Gateway.
It's different when
it's your own kid though, right?
I wouldn't know.
The Turners are having
a family dinner,
and I wasn't invited.
And I know that I shouldn't
feel upset, but...
You do.
I get that.
It can't be easy for George dealing
with all the stuff without Laura.
Do you think that she was the one
that did all of the school stuff?
It's usually the mums,
we are stroppier.
But this family dinner thing
sounds like a calm and sensible way
to sort it out.
Hopefully.
You deliberately deceived me!
You would've have signed the form
if you knew what it was!
You're damn right I wouldn't have.
Maybe we could lower the voices...
Giving permission
to throw your life away?
That's not what I'm doing!
Well, I disagree!
I'm not him, Dad!
Not who?
You know.
You think because he's a screw-up,
all chefs are screw-ups
and that is not even...
My brother has nothing to do with it.
Well then why are you
going so crazy?
Because your mum and I
had plans for you.
How do you think she would've felt
if she knew what...
No. No way!
You do not tell me what she
would've thought, because I know.
She would've wanted me to be happy
and to do what makes me happy.
She wouldn't be sitting there
telling...
Morning.
Hey.
Arlo up?
And away.
What, to school already?
I believe fleeing was the plan.
Dad, does it really matter that he
wants to do something that he loves?
And your personal experience
with further education
makes you an expert how exactly,
Shay?
Right.
Your children are tragic
disappointments, complete failures,
and terrible people.
I didn't mean it like that.
Tracy.
How'd we go?
Getting staunched?
I may have made things worse.
No "may" about it.
I see.
I'm not sure what to do next.
Leave it to me.
Time for the big guns.
At it already?
Thanks to McNamara Realty.
What's happening here?
We're making the world
a little less beige, Sean.
Not without a permit they're not.
Get down here, please.
You had better be joking.
Stay right where you are.
About needing a permit to paint
public property?
I don't joke about things
like that, Brenda.
Come on, down you come.
This is my car park!
On land that's leased from
the council.
This about the toilet roll holder
my mother gave us, isn't it?
No, it's not.
It's a toilet roll holder, Sean,
get over it.
It's shaped like a ballerina.
You leave my artist alone,
or I'll get her to make
a matching seat cover.
The council will not be threatened.
I'm calling her now.
You'll need to come to council
office, fill out a proper form.
OK, and then can we paint?
Then a delegated council rep
will either approve it, or not.
And who's the delegated council rep?
I am.
Are you the teacher?
Of course not, I'm the Principal.
Has the reliever not...
I'm working on it.
Then there's the state of
the building.
And the furniture is
falling to pieces.
Arlo, can you come with me, please?
No, I just mean...
we shouldn't be treated like second
class citizens just because...
It's not something that you have to
worry about any more.
I'm taking you out of Gateway.
What?
Why?
The school selects eligible students
and you are not eligible.
You can't do this.
My office. Let's go.
No.
Move it, or this whole class is on
detention for the rest of the week.
Hang on, now that's not fair.
Serious?
That sucks.
It was him, it wasn't us.
Ki kaha, Arlo.
That means, "Stay strong, Arlo".
Yeah, do it, boy.
Keep cool, man.
Morning!
Hey.
You're working.
I should've called you.
I'm trying to.
The only news story in town
is not actually a news story.
And then there's my column.
I don't know how you think of things
to write about every week.
I'm doing expectations,
and how the kids you make grow up
and shatter them.
Family dinner didn't work?
Well Shay getting into trouble
is to be expected.
You know, girls can be tricky,
whereas Arlo, I just never expected.
Yes, Laura was the one that used to
deal with all this stuff?
Why? Because she was the woman?
She was a lawyer
working all the time.
She certainly wasn't doing the school
drop-offs, the teacher interviews,
the endless parent fundraising
committees.
I get it. Sorry.
Lately I just feel like I can't say
anything right to you.
There is no subtext here, Fiona.
This isn't about me missing Laura,
or not coping.
I just don't want my son wasting
his life in hospitality.
OK.
Then there's no subtext here,
either, George.
I've been trying so hard
to support you, to not offend you,
but you know what?
Bugger it.
I'm in hospitality
and I love it.
And your son was in his element
in the boat club over summer.
It's Tracy.
You better answer it.
Can I call you later?
Just do what you need to do, George.
Tracy.
Please tell me the big guns worked.
You can't force me to study
something I don't want to.
Gateway is no longer
an option for you.
What, 'cause I'm not eligible?
Did you make her do this?
Do what?
You can't just trick your way into
getting what you want, Arlo.
Not without properly obtained
parental consent.
No Gateway for you.
And I support the principal
wholeheartedly in that.
I'm 17.
I can actually leave school.
You wouldn't.
He wouldn't.
I can and I will.
I do the course I want,
or I drop out all together.
So now you're blackmailing us.
Let's call it an ultimatum.
Let's call it I'm standing you down
for two days. Effective immediately.
Fine.
It's packed up, mate.
Great.
Board tossing!
What's up?
I can't say.
Does it involve my missus?
George?
It does! It does!
She's the most hated woman
in Weld.
Nobody hates Tracy.
And I know the problem is my own,
but let's just say I... I don't think
she's entirely helped matters.
I'm sorry.
And it's only her second day.
Sounds like a girl needs
some stress relief.
The type only a boyfriend
can provide.
Well, I would,
except she's too busy.
OK. Yeah, I could suggest that we
put aside some time to, you know.
Put aside some time?
What?
- ho.
How unsexy is that?
Well, what am I supposed to do,
Hannah?
What just rock up to her office,
sweep everything off the desk,
and what just...
But this is an artwork
for the community.
It's also an advertisement,
therefore needs a permit.
No, it's not.
Well, in that case,
remove the McNamara Realty logo.
But then they won't
pay for the paint.
Yeah, or that cherry picker.
Such are the struggles of
the modern artist.
But rules, young people, are rules.
Petty fascist.
I heard that...
because I've got both my ears.
Unlike Van Gogh and all those
other artists you sort look up to.
Alright, no arguments.
What are you doing here?
I am taking you to lunch.
Woody, I can't, I've got
a numpty rebellion on my hands.
OK, well then I'm taking you
for a walk.
Woody, I can't just leave school
any time I want.
OK then... I'm taking you.
On that desk right now.
What! Are you insane?
If there's a lock on that door,
'cause if there's not,
that could be awkward.
Is this all just a big joke to you?
What?
I am working 24/7 being the witch.
I gotta stand people down.
And all I... all I want
more than anything in this world
is to just go and lie on
my favourite beach in the sand...
OK, Trace, Trace, babe, babe.
Hey, it's alright.
I'm gonna pick you up
after work,
I'm gonna take you to your favourite
nudie beach...
You don't get it - I can't
Not anymore.
Because it's too cold?
Because I'm the principal.
Right.
Principals don't go to
nudist beaches.
Um...
Just... Can you please just go?
Yeah.
Hi, is your dad in?
At work.
Sorry.
No, it's fine,
I just left my glasses.
How come you're not at school?
I got stood down.
Yikes.
Is this about Gateway?
I'm pretty sure Tracy only cares
about your NCEA pass rates.
We didn't have NCEA
when I was at school.
Just school C's -
school certificate.
How'd you learn to do that?
Watching Norman at the boat club.
You know, there's more than one way
to skin a possum, Arlo.
We actually like possums
where I come from.
Look, I get I'm not a parent,
I'm especially not your parent,
and every time I open my mouth
I seem to get it all wrong,
so you'd think I'd learn.
But, can I give you a suggestion?
Sure.
I don't know what
your dad's problem is,
with what you've chosen to do.
It involves family history
between Dad and his brother.
Long time bad blood.
OK.
Well, anyway, is there any way
that you could compromise on this?
Just meet him somewhere
in the middle?
Because in my experience,
to get a win-win situation,
generally both parties
have to lose something.
You can tell me to butt out now.
No, I hear you.
Perfect.
Thanks.
The local Chinese restaurant,
the Golden Seahorse-Shoe,
is closing down as its owners
Debbie and Gary Fong
are returning to their home town
of Hamilton.
Hardly a surprise -
their sweet and sour pork
was neither one nor the other.
And it's a total non-story,
but it's the best I've got.
Mind you, Arlo could've done
his apprenticeship there.
Not ready to joke about it yet.
Come on, George,
why are you so surprised
Arlo wants to be a chef?
Your whole family are foodies.
Is this about your brother?
That accusation has been levelled
with some validity.
Arlo is nothing -
nothing like Terry.
Well, Terry wasn't like Terry
'till he fell in with
the hospitality crowd.
Yes, he was and you know it.
Terry just happened to find his
spiritual home
in the world of drink, drugs,
crazy women, late nights
and cooking.
How is he, by the way?
He must be relatively clean by now,
'cause you can't get into
any of his restaurants
for love or money.
Well, I have no idea.
I haven't actually spoken to him
since the funeral.
I see.
Still not great then.
I gotta go, so give Arlo
a big hug and a kiss from me.
And George, remember,
he's a good boy.
Yep.
So, this is the great artwork
that's also a job?
I thought you weren't listening
when I told you that.
I'm a parent - we can multi-task.
How's it going?
Not well.
Sean from the council is
making it impossible.
Petty bureaucracy, George.
You should write
an editorial about it.
Beats what I wrote today.
I'll give you a lift home.
Bye.
Yep.
So, are you gonna
do something about it?
The wall?
Do you care?
I know it's not a proper job,
and my career isn't as important
as Arlo's,
but to me it is.
Is that what you really think?
You do.
Shay, I sit in front of
a blank screen
putting words on it,
hoping that people will
actually read them
and I call that a job.
OK, here's the thing.
I was the arty one
and Laura the sensible lawyer,
and then you two came along.
Arlo, swatty, brainy -
your mother's son.
And then you...
your father's daughter.
So, you're saying I'm dumb like you.
I have absolute belief, Shay,
that whatever you do
you'll be brilliant at it.
And if it is art,
you will be a great artist.
Even if you never sell a painting
and I have to support you
for the rest of your life.
Thank you, Dad.
So... how come you don't cut Arlo
the same slack?
Because that's different.
Not really.
I'm sorry about today.
No, don't apologise.
It's cool.
They say be careful
what you wish for.
Um, turns out being the boss
is not how I thought it would be.
Yeah, well, in my experience,
nothing ever is.
So, I got you a present.
Here.
It's the nudie beach jigsaw.
Well, it's a beach that looks
a lot like it.
Ay, it's just a beach.
This is so sweet...
and thoughtful.
You like it?
And when will I ever get the time?
If you wanna use this table
for paperwork,
then now would be good.
I'll leave you to it.
I'll see you at dinner time?
So, you gonna do anything
about that?
Well, based on my experience
of the past few days,
the best thing I can do is
keep my mouth shut.
My god!
I'm, I'm so sorry.
Don't worry, these things happen.
What was it?
Curried sausages with pineapple.
I got the recipe from Mike.
Can we rescue it?
Do we want to?
Rude.
Grab some paper towels.
But, what about dinner?
We have hardly anything left,
because 'cause like no one
has been shopping this week.
Well, we could do Puttanesca.
Yeah, we do have tin tomatoes,
and olives and capers.
Is that the one
with the little fish.
Anchovies.
Shay... and we have anchovies.
I like the poody-thingy-one.
Puttanesca.
And it won't take long.
I'll get the pasta,
you do the sauce.
Do we have any chilli peppers?
In the planter.
I'll go.
I say we had a lucky escape.
I'd say we did.
So, I've been thinking about school.
And as well as Gateway,
I can do some level three
scholarship subjects.
Scholarship.
Yeah, I can work them
around my core subjects.
I'm sure Miss Dennis
would be into it.
I'm sure she would.
Fiona thought that chemistry
might be useful.
In case I ever wanted to be,
as she put it,
"one of the chefs that does weird
science stuff in the kitchen."
Did she?
Yeah and with English,
I could enough credits to go to uni.
If I wanted to.
Sounds like a plan.
So I can do Gateway?
Can I stop you?
Thank you, Dad.
Now look... I know it was your mother
that said she wanted you to be happy,
but I do, too.
I really do.
I know.
Come here.
Let's create some magic.
Hang on. Hey.
Chinese place is closed down
for good.
Did you know about this?
News to me, Woody.
Crazy.
Hey, babe.
I had to get fish and chips,
'cause the Golden Seahorse-Shh... oe.
Hey there.
You wanna do the sky?
Too right.
Oi!
You know the rules.
Right.
It's no excuse,
but the Arlo thing,
it really hurt.
My little boy acting like
I was his enemy.
I'm not gonna say anything,
'cause I don't know what to say.
We-we-we're good now.
Arlo's decided to do
some uni courses.
But you knew that already.
I wasn't interfering, I promise.
But you got us there
and I am very grateful.
Done an amazing job
with those kids, George.
And Arlo's going to make you proud,
I know it.
So do I.
There's dinner at our place
if you're interested.
I was just gonna pick up
some Chinese takeaway.
Dear,
because I have some very sad news
about the Golden Seahorse-Shoe.
The best thing you can do
with big expectations...
is let them go.
Not exactly what I had in mind
when I became Principal,
but for the time being,
I will be your form teacher.
And the first order of business
is getting you lot
some decent furniture.
Because if all our expectations
were met every day...
..how boring would life be?
The unexpected -
now that's what makes life
interesting.
So, bring it on.
Hi, Terry, it's me.
No, no reason.
Just called to see how
my little brother's going.
Any arrests, fares.
Stints in rehab?
.