Army Wives (2007–2013): Season 6, Episode 5 - True Colors - full transcript

Previously on Army Wives...

I'd like to move 5,000 troops
in the next 2 weeks.

What do you think, Colonel?
Can you handle it?

We can do it.
Yes, sir.

I'd like to enroll David
in the after-school program.

- Awesome.
- One more thing.

I thought you should know,
my wife is Joan Burton.

- Colonel Joan Burton?
- Charlie Mayfield thinks that

she can get away with anything
because she's colorful.

Which pushes your buttons,
obviously.

It is not personal.
I have a garrison to run.



If people don't follow regs,
discipline erodes.

(Jackie) - Could you imagine living in a
place like this? (Denise) - Maybe you could.

Oh, no, no. This house should
belong to the Corps Commander.

No, the Holdens are
perfectly happy where they are.

Isn't that right, Claudia Joy?

Yes, it is.

You could be neighbors.

(Laughs) Denise.

What do you know
about Jackie Clarke?

She's bright, attractive.

Kevin had a driver overseas,

a very attractive
female soldier.

I just thought you should know.
Might affect your strategy.

I don't have a strategy,
Audrey.



My point. Get one.

(Soldiers speaking indistinctly)

(Korean accent) We are still short of volunteers...
(Women speaking indistinctly)

For next week's clothing drive.

Who would like to help?

A show of hands, please.

No one?

Okay.

We'll come back to that.

Next item...

Hi. Roxy Leblanc.

Nice to meet you.
Let me remind everyone...

- I hate being late. - I need your
updated contact information...

It's my first company
FRG meeting.

What did I miss?

- Less than half of you turned in
your forms. - Same ol', same ol'.

Is there a problem, Maryann?

Yeah.
No jelly doughnuts.

Not this again.

Uh, sorry.
Glazed were on special.

Yeah, well, I hate glazed.

So why don't you bring
the snacks next time?

You never do anything.

Oh, look who's talking.

I brought snacks once.

Yeah, a box of Oreos.

I say we should be eating
healthy anyway,

like muffins or something.

Muffins aren't healthy.

Ladies, please.
We have work.

Hey, we're all
volunteers here, okay?

You can't boss us around.

Lighten up, Min-Ji.

You people don't work.

You don't help.

All you do is complain!

You want doughnuts?
Here.

Have doughnuts!

I quit!

(Women murmuring)

Same ol', same ol'?

Hey.

Mm. Hi.

What's on your plate today?

Oh, I'm meeting, uh,
Audrey Whitaker.

What's she doing in town?

Foundation meeting
of some sort.

You know Audrey. She sits on
more boards than most CEOs.

I also think she knows
more about the army

than most generals.

(Laughs) I think Audrey
would agree with you on that.

Have you seen this?

Yeah. It was
in my early bird report.

And?

It's a nice article.

Michael?

The arrival
of a new Division Commander

is legitimate news.

Right. But "Camelot"?

Jackie was named
for Jackie Kennedy.

Their families were friends.

Yeah, 50 years ago.

It's a puff piece, Claudia Joy.

Is it?
Oh, listen to this.

"As we enjoyed sweet tea
on the gracious porch

of their
plantation-style home,

Jackie revealed
that the Clarkes

hope to make Fort Marshall

an easy-access post.

'Improving community relations

is a high priority
for Kevin and me,' she said."

I happen to support the concept
of an easy-access post.

It's been kicking around
for years.

Fine, but this makes it sound
like it's the Clarkes' idea

and that we did a poor job
at community relations.

I think you're reading
too much into it.

This doesn't bother you?

No. Should it?

It's blatant manipulation
of the media.

Don't think for one minute
that Jackie Clarke

didn't work very hard
to plant that article.

She's done it before.

Oh, if I had a nickel
for every time

I've heard
that "Camelot" reference.

Really?

Oh, please.

I'm surprised she wasn't
wearing a pill box hat.

(Sighs)

Michael says it's no big deal.

Of course he does.
He's a great general.

But when it comes
to power politics,

he's clueless.

No offense.

Bryce was the same way
before I met him.

So you think I have
a right to be concerned?

You have an obligation,
my dear.

I mean, Jackie Clarke has
already launched her campaign

to get that third star
for her husband.

You and Michael
haven't even mobilized.

I--that's what I've
tried to tell him.

Did you read about
the uncasing ceremony?

Coronation, you mean.

It does sound excessive.

Excessive?

An uncasing ceremony should be
a simple, dignified matter.

A division plants its flag
at new headquarters, period.

This sounds more like
a Roman circus.

I wouldn't be surprised
to see the Clarkes

laid in on chariots
amidst a releasing of doves.

(Chuckles) Oh, Audrey.

I'm serious.

Before you know it,
Claudia Joy,

the public and Congress
are gonna forget

that the Holdens
were ever at Fort Marshall.

Oh, it's such a good thing
I'm here. (Sighs)

Nice article this morning.

I wish they'd stop using
that "Camelot" reference.

I mean, it's such a cliche.

Besides, it was supposed to be
an article about Kevin

not a "better homes
and gardens" piece.

Makes good copy.

I suppose.

Oh, did you hear about that
Bravo Company FRG meeting?

You mean
the great doughnut meltdown?

It's all over post.

Bad situation.

Poor Min-Ji. She's always
had trouble with that FRG.

But it happens sometimes.
Bad chemistry.

I don't believe
in bad chemistry.

I believe in good leadership.

I wouldn't judge Min-Ji
too harshly.

This isn't her native culture,
and well, it's hard

to wrangle a bunch
of self-absorbed 20 year olds.

I agree, but the fact is,
they need a new FRG leader.

Somebody to kick butt
and take names.

Any ideas?

Actually, I do.

(Roxy) FRG leader?

Me?

Why not?
You'd make a great leader.

Shark bait, you mean.

You shoulda been there, Denise.

They ate that poor woman alive.

I know. It's not
the easiest group.

Are you kidding?
They're horrible.

They just need to be led.

Yeah, off a cliff.

What about, um,
captain Brunson's wife?

Mm. Captain Brunson
is between wives.

That's why Min-Ji
took the job.

Her husband is the XO.

Well, who's, like,
Assistant XO?

There is no Assistant XO.

The next in line
are Platoon Leaders,

and that's you.

You're an officer's wife, Roxy.

That means more responsibility.

Yes, I get it.

Look, I would love to help,

but with the kids
and the hump bar--

look, I will help,
and so will Jackie.

She really wants
to meet you, by the way.

Yeah, well, I don't
want to meet her.

Oh, come on. I know you got
a bad first impression,

but she's a great person.

And she could be
an important contact for you.

Being an FRG leader

could help Trevor's career.

Hmm.

I hadn't thought about that.

You really think I could do it?

I know you can.

And right now,
the army needs you.

Wow.

Now that's something
I never expected to hear.

Signature, ma'am.

Get me Major Houston
in facilities.

Sir.

I understand we have a problem

with the transition process,
Colonel?

In what respect, sir?

I'm hearing about long lines,
bottlenecks,

inadequate personnel.

We've experienced
some backlog in housing, sir.

But nothing
that wasn't anticipated.

And we're compensating with
temporary housing off post.

Then why are my officers
being bombarded with complaints?

With respect, sir,
I think some families

may have arrived from Fort Hope
with unrealistic expectations.

So you're saying this is
a communications problem?

In some respects, yes, sir.

We're on track
with our projections.

If these families
could understand how--

well, that's your job,
isn't it,

to make 'em understand?

Communication's half the battle

when it comes to
handling families, Colonel.

Right now, I'd say we're doing
a piss-poor job.

Yes, sir.

Families aren't happy,
soldiers aren't happy.

Performance suffers.

Understood, sir.

People think there's a problem,
there is a problem.

We need to fix it.

Yes, sir.

(Exhales)

You won't believe
what I just heard.

What?

Nelson Bring is coming
to the uncasing ceremony.

Senator Bring?

Only one reason for that
windbag to be here.

He happens to sit on
the Armed Services Committee.

As does Senator Powell.
(Indistinct conversations)

He was at Jackie's fund-raiser
last week.

Well, that's two votes
for Kevin Clarke.

How many have you
lined up, Claudia Joy?

None that I know of.

We're gonna take care of that.

I have broken down the committee
into three categories--

probable, approachable,
and nonnegotiable.

- I don't know how I feel about
this, Audrey. - Sure you do.

You just need to let your mind
catch up to your gut.

Ask yourself,

who do you want to get
that third star,

Michael or Kevin Clarke?

(Indistinct conversations
continue)

We'll look at this later.

Let's talk about
home field advantage.

What do you mean?

Fort Marshall is your house,
Claudia Joy.

You can't let Jackie Clarke
just walk in and take over.

She is Division Commander's
wife, Audrey.

And you are
the Corps Commander's wife.

Are you really gonna let her
just pluck off

all the relationships
that you've worked so hard

to establish?

I still have
those relationships.

I just don't have

the divisional responsibilities
anymore.

That's Jackie's lane now.

Yes, but that doesn't
give her a license to steal.

If you're not careful,
she's going to usurp

everything
that isn't nailed down.

I think you're exaggerating,
maybe.

Claudia Joy.

- Roxy, hi.
- Hi.

Uh, Audrey Whitaker,
Roxy Leblanc.

Hi.
Nice to meet you.

Pleasure.

Mm. Roxy's
a really good friend.

Her husband's
a Second Lieutenant.

Yes,

and now I'm
an FRG leader to boot.

What?

Yeah, Trevor's company
had a problem,

so Denise asked me
to step up. (Chuckles)

Oh, that's terrific.

- Congratulations.
- Thank you.

Tell you the truth,
I'm, uh, kinda nervous.

Why?

Well, I'm supposed to meet
Jackie Clarke tomorrow,

and I don't want
to screw it up.

Denise says she really wants
to meet me, so...

(Chuckles)

I-I thought
I'd bring pralines.

- Is that stupid?
- No.

Good manners
are never a waste, dear.

That's what I thought.
Thank you.

Well, I'm sorry to interrupt.

It was nice meeting you.
See you later.

Bye.

Still think I'm exaggerating?

(Sighs)

Hey there.

Hey.

I haven't seen you in a while.

Oh, I know.

I've been so busy, helping
Jackie plan the ceremony.

You wouldn't believe
how much work is involved.

Oh, I would.

She's such a stickler
for detail.

Anyway, I was just next door
for another meeting,

and I saw you.
I thought I'd stop by...

And--and see if you could
help me out next week.

Sure.
What's going on?

A planning meeting
for the Division banquet.

Oh. Well, what about Jackie?
It's her division, after all.

Yeah, she'll be in, uh,
in Washington

for a leadership symposium.

You know the one
you used to go to?

Right.

Yeah, I'm not sure
I'd be much help, Denise.

Oh, of course you would.

No, look, I told protocol
next Wednesday at 10:00

if that works for you.

Well, um...

You know what? Let me, uh,
let me check my calendar.

Can I get back to you?

Sure. Yeah.

Uh, I have some news.

Hmm?

Roxy is gonna be the new FRG
leader in Bravo Company.

- I know. She told me.
- Oh.

She seemed really excited.

I think it's great.

Yeah, yeah, me, too.

Well, you seem busy.

Oh, you know, God, I'd offer
you some tea, but...

Mm. No, it's fine.
I should get going.

I'll call you.

Right.

(Denise) Is everything going
well with General Clarke?

Oh, outstanding.

Yeah?

Just like old times.

Only now I'm a colonel,
and he's a general,

if you can believe that.
(Laughs)

Time sure does fly.

Yeah.

And you don't miss
working with General Holden?

Oh, I still work with him,
just not as directly.

Why?

Ah, it's silly.

What is?

Well, um...

You know,
I've been feeling guilty

about spending so much time
with Jackie lately.

Ah. I got the strangest vibe
from Claudia Joy today.

It's like she's...
Jealous or something.

Really?

Well, that surprises me.

She of all people should know

what a change of command
is all about.

Yeah, I know, but we're
not soldiers, Frank.

We're friends.
It's different.

All right. So what's
going on really?

(Sighs) I get the feeling that

Jackie and Claudia Joy
don't like each other.

Stay out of it, D.

- Frank--
- No, I'm serious.

Oh, how am I supposed to
stay out of it?

Claudia Joy's my best friend,
and Jackie--

Jackie is your new best friend.

That's just how it has to be.

Well, I'm not just gonna
drop Claudia Joy.

I'm not suggesting you do,
baby.

I'm just saying, don't get
caught in the cross fire.

You know, stay low,
keep your head down.

That's all, hmm?
(Pats leg)

(Trevor) Wow.

(Laughs)

Not bad for an FRG leader, huh?

Oh. If that is the secret,
I am all for it.

(Laughs)

I'm really proud of you, babe.

Yeah?

Yeah.

I just hope you're not
taking on too much.

I don't think so.

And besides,

I like helping your career.

(Kisses) How is that?

Well, Denise said that
Jackie Clarke

could be a good contact for me,

and being an FRG leader
could help you.

Yeah. Okay.

But it goes both ways, Rox.

What do you mean?

Well... that whole
doughnut thing the other day?

Mm-hmm.

Lieutenant Webster's in
the dog house with the captain

because of that.

Why? I told you,
it wasn't Min-Ji's fault.

The other women
were horrible to her.

Doesn't matter.

Guy can't
keep it together at home,

how's he supposed to lead
on the field?

(Scoffs) That is so unfair.

Just how it is, babe.

So what you're saying is,

no pressure,
but don't screw up.

Yeah. Pretty much.

Great.

(Kisses)

Hey.

Hey.

There's a plate in the fridge.

Thanks, but I am
too tired to eat.

And I may go to bed
in my uniform.

Mm. Any sign
of it slowing down?

Not until
all 15,000 new families

are comfortably housed.

If I live that long.

That bad?

Mm.

General Clarke
came down hard on me today.

Apparently, I have
a communications problem.

How so?

Well, we are doing
everything humanly possible,

but people don't get it.

They expect miracles,

and then they call my office
a hundred times a day

about information

that is clearly available
on the web site.

So what can you do about it?

Well, I'm holding
a town hall meeting

tomorrow night.

Show everyone
that I am willing to listen

and respond to their concerns.

What do you think?

Bring your kevlar.

(Chuckles)

(Women speaking indistinctly)

Excuse me, Jackie.
This is Roxy Leblanc.

- Hey.
- So nice to meet you, Roxy.

Denise has told me
a lot about you.

Same here. I-I mean, she's
told me a-a lot about you, too.

(Chuckles) Well,
we appreciate your commitment.

Of course.
Anything for Uncle Sam.

(Chuckles) Well, if you'd
like to take a seat,

- we can get started.
- Sure.

(Women continue
speaking indistinctly)

Can we talk wardrobe?

(Speaks indistinctly)

Oh, I know.

She's a little green,
but she's gonna do great.

No, I believe you,
but, um, would you...

Oh, I'll talk to her.

(Whispers) - Okay. Good.
(Whispers) - Okay.

(Normal voice) Thank you
for coming, ladies.

Now you're all
first-time FRG leaders,

well, at least, first time
working with me.

And because every post
runs differently,

I thought that I would share
my philosophy with you,

which is quite simple.

Now a post runs best
when there are common goals

and common methods.

If you'll open your binders,

you'll find everything we need
to be successful together.

In addition to the standard
FRG materials,

I've included
some further guidelines

that I developed at Fort Hope,

which I think
you'll find useful.

Let's start with the first tab--
"the FRG mission."

(Roland) Okay, gentlemen,
that's it.

Think about what you want
to talk about next time,

and I'll see you then.

(Boys speaking indistinctly)

Good start?

Think so.

Once word gets out we're having
these counseling sessions,

there's gonna be overflow.

Well, we'll see.

Count on it. Boys on post
need a man to talk to.

You can drop the sales pitch.
I'm already on board.

Oh,

you think I could post
a few of these?

Colonel Burton's having
a town hall?

I am so there.

Really?

You kidding me? I got
a lot to talk about,

starting with my balls.

(Children speaking indistinctly)

My equipment allotment.

I've been waiting six months
for basketballs,

footballs, dodgeballs,
you name it.

If it's spheroid, I need it.

Well, I think this meeting's
more for families.

It says here, "bring any issue
you want to discuss."

I'm bringing.

(Children continue
speaking indistinctly)

(Women speaking indistinctly)

Ugh.

Ooh!

See what I mean?

Hey, Roxy.

Oh, please don't tell me
you have any more handouts.

No. No handouts.

Um, look, I just wanted
to talk a little bit about...

FRG protocol.

What do you mean?

You know, image, how we
present ourselves as a group.

I'm talking about your clothes.

Oh. What about 'em?

Don't take this the wrong way.

I-I love your style.

It--it just doesn't
exactly say "FRG leader."

Really?

What do you think it says?

Don't get upset.

I'm trying not to, but you're
criticizing the way I dress.

No, I'm not.
I was just wondering--

Jackie and I
were both wondering

if maybe you could just
tone it down a bit

when it comes to FRG events.

What, she thinks
I'm trailer trash?

No. Of course not.

Jackie believes
in certain standards,

and by standards,
she means--

country club clothes--

boring little Stepford wives
all in a row?

Yeah. That's not me,
Denise.

No one's asking you
to change, Roxy.

Actually, you are.

If you would just listen--

no, I heard you loud and clear.

You're an officer's wife, Roxy.

All I'm saying is, maybe you
could try to dress like one

every now and then.

Interesting.

Maybe the army doesn't need me
so much after all.

(Car door closes,
engine turns over)

(Claudia Joy)
Calm down, sweetheart.

I am sure Denise didn't mean
to hurt your feelings.

Maybe not.

It's just that FRG nazi
Jackie Clarke.

She wants everyone to be
her little clone.

Well, I wouldn't be
too hard on Jackie either.

Why not?

Because I happen
to agree with her.

Not you, too?

What does my hemline have to do
with being an FRG leader?

A lot, actually.

(Sighs)

Things change when your husband
becomes an officer, Roxy.

Yeah. Your friends think
you're an embarrassment.

This isn't about you.

This is about
being part of something

that's bigger than you.

An officer's uniform
commands respect.

Same thing,
being an officer's wife.

How you dress
makes a statement.

You know, I-I didn't sign up
for the army, Trevor did.

That doesn't cut it,
and you know it.

When you married Trevor,
you married into the army.

Yeah. Well,
I never saw this coming.

- I like the way I dress...
- Mm-hmm.

And I don't want the army
changing who I am.

Mm. It's too late.
You're not the same woman

who came here
from Tuscaloosa, Roxy.

Like it or not, you've grown.

Now you can ignore it
if you want,

but you can't deny it.

You want my opinion?

I don't think this is
about clothes at all.

I think it's about insecurity.

Thank you, Roland.

(Laughs) I'm serious.

I know you can do the job.
I'm not sure you do.

Whatever you decide,

don't let the prospect
of a longer dress

or shorter heels stop you.

Shorter heels?
Really?

You'll always be
the same Roxy underneath.

Nothing can change that,
thank God.

Thank you.

(People speaking indistinctly)

(Lowered voice)
I guess we'll start.

(Normal voice) Good evening.

While we're waiting for
more folks to show up,

why don't we start
with some Q&A?

Yes, ma'am.

I've got a 7 year old
and a 9 year old.

I've been calling and calling

to get them enrolled
in elementary school.

Nobody will confirm anything.
What's going on?

Good question.

We're gonna cover the whole area
of school enrollment

during the education segment.

Look, I can't stay here
all night.

Can't you just tell me now?

All right.

Due to the tremendous influx
of new students,

our schools are looking
for more classroom space.

This has swamped
our computer systems,

and it's delayed enrollment
by a week or so.

That would've been
nice to know.

Actually, ma'am,
notice was posted

on the garrison
information portal.

It's directly linked to
the Fort Marshall home page.

Hey, I'm no computer genius.

I tried using the web site
and got nowhere.

After while, I gave up.

Well, I'm sorry
for your experience, ma'am.

But you have
the proper information now.

(People murmuring)

Yes.

Um, my wife's a sergeant.

We just moved here
from Fort Hope,

and our basic housing allowance

was deducted twice
from her first pay period.

Clearly, that's a mistake.

I know it's a mistake.
What are you gonna do about it?

Well, that would be an issue
for the finance office.

I talked to the finance office,

they said,
it's Fort Hope's problem.

Then I would talk to
the office at Fort Hope.

Listen, Colonel, I did not
come here to get the runaround.

I want to know
how you're gonna fix this.

(People speaking indistinctly)

Ralph, finance is your area.

Would you like to respond
to the gentleman?

(People continue
speaking indistinctly)

(Man) Just set it down
right there, would you?

(Man) Ah, sir, all right.

(Man) Tell him to call me
as soon as he gets back.

(Indistinct conversations)

Hey.

Hi.

Have you seen
what's going on outside?

- The preparations for
tomorrow's ceremony? Yeah. - Yeah.

Audrey told me it was gonna be
a big production,

but I had no idea.

Well,
it's General Clarke's call.

I was talking
to the set-up crew.

Have you heard about the drill
team and marching band?

Yep. They both happen to be
from local high schools.

I think it's a good thing.

It's over the top, Michael.

I think
somebody's been spending

a little too much time
with Audrey Whitaker.

She just wants to open my eyes.

Yours, too.

Claudia Joy,
I'm starting to get tired

of all the negativity
aimed at the Clarkes.

You need to let it go.

I mean it.

(Doorbell rings)

Coming.

Roxy.

Come in.

Thanks.

Listen, I think
I need to apologize

for yesterday.

No, it's okay.

No, it's not.
(Sighs)

I got mad and...

Anyway, I'm sorry.

Well, I coulda handled
it better, too.

Not really,
when the message is,

"get yourself
a new wardrobe."

Mm.

It's about the FRG, Roxy.

I wasn't criticizing.

Yeah, I know.
I get that now.

So...

You still want to be
an FRG leader?

I do.

Yes.

Only...

Mm. Only what?

I'm not sure exactly
how to go about it.

I-I don't know how to dress
any differently. (Laughs)

Aha. Well...
You know what they say.

When the going gets tough...

The tough go shopping.
Come on.

(Colbie Callait)
♪ stop me on the corner ♪

♪ I swear you hit me
like a vision ♪

♪ I, I, I wasn't expecting ♪

♪ but who am I to tell fate ♪

♪ where it's supposed to go
with it? ♪

♪ don't you blink,
you might miss it ♪

♪ see, we got a right
to just love it or leave it ♪

♪ you find it and keep it ♪

♪ 'cause it ain't every day
you get the chance to say ♪

♪ oh, this is how it starts ♪

♪ lightning strikes the heart ♪

♪ it goes off like a gun ♪

♪ brighter than the sun ♪

♪ oh, it could be the stars ♪

♪ falling from the sky ♪

♪ shining how we want ♪

♪ brighter than the sun ♪

♪ I swear you hit me
like a vision ♪

♪ I, I, I wasn't expecting ♪

♪ but who am I to tell fate
where it's supposed to go? ♪

♪ oh, this is how it starts ♪

♪ this is how it starts ♪

♪ lightning strikes the heart ♪
♪ lightning strikes the heart ♪

♪ it goes off like a gun ♪

♪ oh, oh, ♪
♪ brighter than the sun ♪

♪ oh, it could be the stars ♪

♪ falling from the sky ♪
♪ falling from the sky ♪

♪ shining how we want ♪

♪ brighter than the sun ♪
♪ than the sun ♪

♪ oh, this is how it starts ♪

♪ this is how it starts ♪

♪ lightning strikes the heart ♪

♪ lightning strikes the heart ♪

♪ it goes off like a gun ♪

♪ brighter than the sun ♪
♪ oh, oh ♪

♪ oh, it could be the stars ♪
♪ oh, ooh ♪

♪ falling from the sky ♪

♪ shining how we want ♪

♪ shining how we want ♪
♪ brighter than the sun ♪

Whoa.

Hmm.

I have a feeling
you'll want to be sitting down

when I tell you the latest.

Oh, you know, Audrey, stop.

I know you're only trying
to help.

Michael thinks I'm obsessing
over the Clarkes.

He wants me to stop talking
about them.

I see. (Chuckles)

It's not my decision.

No, I understand,
and I'm happy to comply.

But let me ask you this--

was Michael planning to retire

before the corps position
opened up?

Who told you that?

So it's true?

Well, yes, but, uh...

I didn't tell anyone

except Denise.

(Sighs)

And we all know who Denise
is talking to these days.

Yes, but she would never--

but she did.

I heard it from someone
who heard it from someone else

who's a friend
of Jackie Clarke.

(Sighs)

Do you have any idea
how damaging

this could be to Michael?

It makes it appear,
he's not a team player,

that he's just in it
for himself.

You have to stop her,
Claudia Joy.

How?

Play the Kosovo card--

Kevin Clarke's indiscretion
with his army driver.

Let the right people know

that Jackie moved out
of the house

because he betrayed her.

Oh, I don't know, Audrey.

If she's trying to blacken
your husband's reputation,

you have to show her that
you can play that game, too.

It's time to fight fire
with fire.

(Doorbell rings)

Claudia Joy.

Hi. Can I come in?

Sure.
(Sighs)

Can I get you anything?

When I told you
Michael was going to retire,

I made it clear that was
in the strictest confidence,

- didn't I?
- Yes.

- So why did you tell Jackie Clarke?
- I didn't.

Well, she knows, Denise,

and it sure as hell
didn't come from me.

(Sighs)

Actually, I might
have let it slip.

(Sighs) - How could you?
- No, it was unintentional.

We were celebrating
Jackie's move here,

having some wine,
and I-I just blurted out

how happy I was
that you were staying, too,

and I-I went into more detail
than I should've.

Well, now she's
spreading it around,

hoping to poison Michael's
chance at getting a third star.

- I don't believe that.
- Denise, come on.

How else would it
have gotten back to me?

(Sighs) I'm so sorry,
Claudia Joy.

- You know that I would never
do anything to hurt you... - Yes.

- Or Michael.
- I do know that. I do.

But I think your friend
has other ideas.

But I just can't believe
that Jackie

would do anything
like that intentionally.

Look, do you want me
to talk to her?

No. No, I'll talk to her.

(Charlie) Hey, Dr. B.
What's up?

David's permission slip.
He forgot it yesterday.

Roger that. Thank you.

You're welcome.

Yes?

Joan said the town hall
didn't go very well.

Your wife has a gift
for understatement.

It was a disaster.

That bad?

I didn't even ask a question,
that's how bad it was.

I don't kick a girl
when she's down.

Appreciate that.

Although...

She does bring some of it
on herself.

Come on.
Let's hear it.

- Yeah?
- Yeah.

She comes off
as typical military--

stiff, unapproachable.

Why wasn't this
a virtual town hall?

You know,
conducted by computer chat.

Families don't have time
for this,

especially folks
who've barely unpacked.

Okay.

Colonel Burton may have

the military part
of her job down,

but when it comes to
the family part,

she don't know Jack.

I could tell her a hundred
things she's doing wrong.

Why don't you?

(Laughs)

No, no, no.
I'm serious.

Right. Like she'd listen
to me.

Look, you never know.

She may be willing
to take the advice

if it were presented
in the proper way...

Respectfully,
with a minimum of attitude.

Tell you what--

you get Colonel Burton
to come here and ask for help,

respectfully,
with a minimum of attitude,

and I'd be happy to do it.

Deal.

(Laughs)

Claudia Joy.

You need to stop spreading
rumors about my husband.

I know for a fact,
you've been telling people

that Michael
was planning to retire

before the corps position
opened up.

I mentioned it to a friend
in Washington, yes.

W-why, was it supposed
to be a secret?

Oh, don't play dumb with me,
Jackie. It doesn't suit you.

You know what affect
a rumor like that

can have on Michael's shot
at a third star.

- Hold on. I didn't even know that
Michael wanted a third star. - Right.

You had no idea
our husbands are competing

for permanent command
of the corps.

Honestly, no.
From what Denise told me,

I thought Michael
took this assignment

out of loyalty, not ambition.

I know a few things about
playing games, too, Jackie.

You want to sling mud?
I'm ready.

Is that what you think
I'm doing?

You're really gonna
stand there and deny it?

I don't need to play games
to help Kevin's career.

I'm happy to let his record
speak for itself.

Frankly, I'm surprised you think
Michael's even in the hunt.

And why is that?

Well, let's see, his helicopter
shot down in Afghanistan

because he continues a mission
with inadequate escort,

he's--he's quoted
in the New York Times

disparaging White House policy,

and then back home,
he's pulled over for DUI

and then the police video
goes viral.

Am I forgetting anything?

Those are half-truths
and distortions. You know it.

And you know that perception
is reality in the army.

Honestly, I don't know how your
husband's survived this long.

What about your husband?

What about him?

You need to stop.

Just stop.

(Indistinct conversations)

Okay, ladies, settle down.

Who brought the cookies?
I'm allergic to peanuts.

Hey, you at the snack table,
zip it.

Gina, eyes up, cell phone down.

Who are you?

My name is Roxy Leblanc,

and I am your new FRG leader.

Now listen up.

At these meetings, you check
your whining at the door.

When I ask for volunteers,
you volunteer.

When we need to work, we work.

This is about supporting
our soldiers and our families.

Any problems with that,
there's the door.

Are we clear?

(Woman murmurs)

(Woman clears throat)

Sit down, Maryann.

(Women murmur and chuckle)

Okay.
Let's get started.

Real nice.

Oh, good job.

Your mom and dad
are gonna love this.

It's beautiful.

(Children speaking indistinctly)

Colonel Burton, I'm impressed.

Why is that?

Well, it takes a big person
to admit they need help.

And I have tons of ideas
about how we can change

that whole stiff, "Yes, ma'am,
no, ma'am" vibe

into something more inviting.

I'm not talking a personality
transplant. I just...

(Children continue
speaking indistinctly)

And you have no idea
what I'm talking about, do you?

No.

Dr. Burton
didn't talk to you?

Been in meetings all day.

Aha.

(Children continue
speaking indistinctly)

So why are you here?

To give you this.

You came to personally
deliver another chit?

It's your
equipment allotment check.

I know it's long overdue,

and I wanted to apologize
for the delay.

Right.

Thanks.

(Children continue
speaking indistinctly)

So... (Sighs)

Roland said I was...
Stiff?

Uh, no, ma'am.
That would be me.

But he thinks I could use
some lessons in loosening up?

Not exactly.

We were talking about
the town hall,

he mentioned
you were discouraged.

I said I had some ideas.
That's it.

(Children continue
speaking indistinctly)

What kind of ideas
are we talking about?

(Children continue
speaking indistinctly)

(Indistinct conversations)

Claudia Joy.

I just spent
the last hour with Jackie.

She feels terrible
about what happened.

As she should.

It's all such
a misunderstanding.

What?

Well, this is all my fault,
not hers.

Denise, I can forgive
your slip. I have.

But don't expect me to believe

that Jackie is innocent
in all this.

She didn't understand
the situation.

Now that she does, she's sorry.

- Sorry?
- Yeah.

(Scoffs) She has been out
to undermine me and Michael

since the minute
she set foot here.

No. That--that's so untrue.
I can't believe you'd say that.

And I can't believe you don't
see how you're being played.

(Scoffs) I'm not being played.
You're being paranoid.

You don't even know her.

- Really?
- Yeah.

- What do you know about Kosovo?
- Kosovo?

Kevin and his female driver.

Jackie moving out of the house
for two months when he got back.

Yeah. I-I don't believe it.

She would've told me
if she had left Kevin.

She didn't tell you

'cause she doesn't want to ruin
her perfect little image.

What's happened to you?

I don't even know you anymore.

You're still working
on that new web site?

Yep.

Charlie really had
a big influence on you, huh?

We did this together,
thank you very much.

(Sighs) Let me see.

"Colonel Joan wants to know"?

Isn't it great?

Colonel Joan?
(Laughs)

Well, I think it projects
a new persona for my office--

friendly, approachable.

Wow.

You don't like it?

No. No, I love it.

I, uh...

I just can't believe
you like it.

(Laughs) Well, I'll admit,

it took me a while to get
what Charlie was saying,

but once I did,

I took the ball
and ran with it.

You certainly did.
It's fantastic.

Oh, and look, Roland,

I already have...

Over 200 followers.

I was able to answer
a dozen questions

in the last ten minutes.

Congratulations, babe.

Mm.

Does Colonel Joan know
what her husband wants

right now?

Colonel Joan knows,

but does not have the time.

Well, then Dr. Burton
has a complaint.

Okay, well, then Dr. Burton
can put it on the web site.

(Sighs) Fine.

(Laughs) Actually, don't.

It's family friendly.

(Clicks keyboard keys)

(Water runs)

(Turns water off)

(Whistles)

Looking good, babe.

Thanks.

Hard to believe
it's really you.

What is that supposed to mean?

N-nothing. It--it was...
It was a compliment.

You didn't like
the way I looked before?

All I meant was, I'm just...

You know, not used to
seeing you this way.

Can I take the boot
out of my mouth now?

Well, it's still
the same me underneath.

You want to see?

Uh, yes, please.

(Zipper unzips)

I wish I could stay
for the ceremony.

Not for the spectacle.
For the moral support.

Oh, I could use it.
(Chuckles)

I'm sorry about Denise.

But there are always
casualties of wartime.

Right.

And she'll be fine
once she sees the light.

Yeah, maybe.

Are you all right?

Yes.

I, uh, oh, just a headache.

Just all the stress.

Remember, I'm just
a phone call away.

Thank you.

Play the Kosovo card.

Oh, that's blackmail, Audrey.

It's survival.

Believe me,
if the roles were reversed,

Jackie wouldn't hesitate
to use it against you.

How can you be so sure?

Oh... that's
for another conversation.

Audrey?

Bye, dear.

Bye.

(Woman speaking indistinctly over PA)

(Indistinct conversations)

(Indistinct conversations)

(Indistinct conversations
continue)

(Roland and Joan
speak indistinctly)

Colonel Joan.

Sir.

I'm hearing good things
about the new web site.

Well done.

Thank you, sir.

(Woman, amplified voice)
Ladies and gentlemen,

please be seated.

Our ceremony is about to begin.

Better get moving.

I'll be right there.

(Indistinct conversations
continue)

Roxy.

Jackie. I'd like you
to meet my husband,

Lieutenant Trevor Leblanc.

Ma'am.

Pleasure, Lieutenant.

I hear you had
a successful first meeting.

I think it went pretty well.

Oh, I hear it went
a lot better than that. (Chuckles)

- Welcome aboard.
- Thank you.

We're looking forward
to great things from your wife.

Thank you, ma'am.

(Indistinct conversations
continue)

I thought you said
she was mean.

She's learning.

Mm-hmm.

(Chuckles)

(Indistinct conversations
continue)

You're awfully quiet.

Oh, um...

(Indistinct conversations
continue)

There's Councilman Hughes.
We should say hello.

(Indistinct conversations
continue)

Ladies and gentlemen,

we are privileged today

to uncase the colors
of the 32nd Airborne,

the Liberty Division,

here at our new home
of Fort Marshall.

My wife Jackie and I

have been overwhelmed by
the greeting we have received.

And we are honored
to become part of

this historic community.

Together, I know...

We can build a bright future
for Fort Marshall

and for the city of Charleston.

And now... our flag.

Uncase

the colors!

Liberty!

(Soldiers) Forever!

(Bangs)