Being Erica (2009–2011): Season 2, Episode 7 - The Unkindest Cut - full transcript

Barb has just started dating a new man named Norm, for which Erica is happy. Erica volunteers to pass the news along to her father, who seems less than thrilled despite stating otherwise. Erica talks Barb into introducing Norm to the family at an upcoming family bris, at which Gary is to act as the mohel and a reluctant Erica the sandak, a role to which she agrees if only to feel more connected to Gary at this pivotal time. Meanwhile, with Dr. Tom's knowledge, Erica is called into Dr. Fred's office to discuss a roadblock that Kai is facing in his therapy. What little Erica has been able to glean directly from Kai is that he is unhappy with his therapy. Kai, however, knows nothing about this intervention with Erica. Erica is unsure if she should get involved, but decides at least to hear Dr. Fred out and hopefully to understand Kai better. Unexpectedly, Dr. Fred sends Erica to 2019 to what she thinks is Kai's future as a famous rock singer, a future if he discontinues therapy. This experience is not quite what it initially seems. But from this experience, Erica does learn from what Kai is running and why he wants to turn his back on therapy. But more importantly, Erica learns that she is not Kai's savior, nor is she her father's.

Previously on "Being Erica":

I know that there was a time
that you were crazy about mom.

Of course.
I married her, didn't I?

So, then, what happened?
People change, Erica.

They grow apart for
all sorts of reasons.

And is that
what you told yourself

when you cheated on her
with Lily?

Goblins' own
Kai Booker.

♪ lift your eyes
and let me in ♪

♪ 'cause, baby,
I'm an alien like you ♪

Why won't you talk to me
about your therapy?



'cause I did something
in my past I wanna forget.

Someone died
because of me.

Well, I could walk you
through the changes, but...

you know, it would just be
easier if I did it myself.

Ok.

Send it over.

Whoa, whoa, whoa. I'm sorry.
You haven't done them yet?

You haven't filed
the press release

or taken the cover art
to the printer.

Have you done anything
that I asked?

I made your latte.

Aah!
You know, how 'bout...

give me the copying
and the filing.

The latte,
I can't help you with.



Oh, you--
you are my fave.

And you--you're fired!

The world
is full of problems.

Sorry.
Fix one,

and you'll find another
just waiting to take its place.

Mom? I got those boxes
you asked for.

I thought
you weren't coming.

Well, I didn't wanna
leave you in a lurch,
but clearly...

Heh.
You really need my help.

Heh. You think
I overdid it?

Heh heh.
Yes, mom, you overdid it.

The whole family is
coming here tomorrow for the bris,

and it looks like a--
like a flea market exploded.

Oh!

You know what?
It'll be fine.

It'll be absolutely fine.

I have everything
under control.

I do. And thank you so much
for bringing me those boxes.

Mom, I'm not leaving.
You can't do all this
all by yourself.

It's too much work.
Wha--no.

Hey, where do these go?

Who is that?
Is there a man here?

No.

Mom...

Uh, Erica, it's--
that's--

Ok. Here it is.
I'm seeing someone.

And when you told me
you couldn't come,
I called him in a panic.

You're seeing someone?

Like--like, a boyfriend?

Hello?

No, Erica, please.

Hi, there.
Hello.

Norm, this is my oldest
daughter Erica.

You must be
the hotshot editor

I've heard
so much about.

Norm, it's--it's a pleasure
to finally meet you.

You sticking around
for a bit?

We could sure use your help.
Of course.

Yeah.

So, listen,
why didn't you tell me
you had a boyfriend?

I...

Uh, lonely planet's
guide to Argentina?

Uh, donate, please.

Mom?
Oh.

I was worried you'd be upset.

Are you crazy?

I mean,
he seems so nice.

Oh, he is, Erica.

Do you think it'd be ok
if I invited him to the bris?

Of course.
Why wouldn't it be?

I don't know.
Circumcising a baby--

It might not be the best way
to introduce him to the family.

Uh... especially since
your ex-husband is the mohel.

Oh...
There's no saying
what he'll do

with those
sharp instruments.

And if I do invite Norm,
then I have to tell
your father beforehand.

I can't just blindside him
and...

Ah, forget it.
It's too much trouble.

It's ok.

In a world
where problems abound,

many of us
are professional fixers.

Well, I--I could
tell dad.

You know, it might be easier
if I let him know.

You wouldn't mind?
No, of course not.

And I'll take this box
to him, too.

It's one less thing
for you to worry about.

Whenever we see a problem,

a need,
a kernel of unhappiness,

we have to get in there.
We have to fix it.

Thank you, sweetheart.

In our rush to fix,
to help, to solve,

most of us never pause
to wonder if we're doing
the right thing.

Because after all, how could trying
to help someone be wrong?

♪ Being Erica 2x07 ♪
The Unkindest Cut
Original Air Date on November 3, 2009

♪ it's clearer inside of me ♪

♪ who I will always be ♪

♪ open me up to my heart ♪

♪ feels like I'm seeing
in the dark ♪

♪ waking me up to my heart ♪

♪ to do it all over
again and again ♪

♪ until the end ♪

♪ the sum of my dreams ♪

♪ and everything
I ever wanted to be ♪

Hello.

Hey, look who came
to make my day.

Here you go.
What's this?

Oh, mom is doing a big
pre-bris cleanup.

Thank you, sweetheart.

I was gonna just
barbecue for myself,

but if you wanna
stay for dinner?

Oh, I can't.

I-I'm sorry.
I would love to,
but I told Ethan

that I'd be home and--
That's ok.

I'm gonna see you tomorrow, anyway.
Don't be late.

I don't want you
to miss your dad in action.

Uh, and about tomorrow,
it's...

I mean, it's not a big deal,
but I...

I just thought that
you should know that, um...

mom, she's seeing someone.

His name is Norm,
and he's gonna be
at the bris tomorrow.

Well, your mom's
been by herself for far too long,

so good for her.

Really?
Of course. It's great news.

Oh, wow!
Wha...

You remember this?!

I know.
We couldn't remember if
that was Leo's or yours or--

Erica, I bought this
for your 10th birthday.

We use to go out
every night and hunt the sky

for hidden planets
and UFOs.

You don't remember?
Yeah, no,

of course I remember, dad.
S-sorry.

That was years ago.
Why would you?

Out with the old,
in with the new, right?

Dad...
I'll see you tomorrow.

Ohh.

Jdate?

Uh-oh. Is this your way
of telling me it's over?

Stop it.
I'm looking for my dad.

Ok, that's kinda creepy.
No, it's not creepy.

I mean, he's lonely.
He needs to meet someone.

Erica, your dad's love life,
or lack thereof,

it's not your problem.
No, I know. It's--

it's just, mom,
she has Norm,
and Sam has London...

Hey, what do you
think, hmm?

Oh.

What are you wearing?

It's my cool
new kippah.

And this
tablecloth thing, I rented.

What?

It's too much, isn't it?
No!

No, not for
the wailing wall.

But hey, you,
you get an "A" for effort.

All right.

mm.

Hi.
Hi, honey.

So, I--I told
dad about Norm.

And?
And he--

He took it
pretty well.

Well, good.
That's a relief.

Thank you, Erica.

And I hate to do this,
but I have one more favor to ask you.

Mm-hm.
Your cousin Elliot

has swine flu.
Now, he's gonna be fine,

but he was supposed to be
the sandek, right?

What, are you
asking me to fill in?

Honey, it would mean
so much to Stephanie.

Mom, can't--
can't Aunt Roberta hold the baby?

And, of course,
your father would be thrilled

if you were to take on
a more meaningful role

during the ceremony.

Uh...

Ok, yeah,
I'll do it.

Thank you, sweetheart.
I'll let her know.

Bye-bye.
Bye.

Hey, is everything ok?

What's the big deal?
Isn't being the sandek

like being
the godmother?

No, it is nothing like that.
The sandek is the person

that has to sit there
and hold the baby

while the mohel,
aka my father,

circumcises him.

So, it's 2 seconds.
Who cares?

Who cares?

Kai? How much
for the biscotti?

Uh, for you,
it's on the house.

Great. Thanks.

Can I borrow a knife?

Uh...

Yeah, go crazy.

See this penis
I'm holding in my hand?

That is not a penis.
Just...

How would you feel
if you had to hold a baby down

while your dad did this?

Foreskin, scalpel,
circumcision.

I don't understand
why I'm the only one

who that thinks that
circumcising a baby

is brutal, violent
and wrong!

Ok, ok, I get it!
Please, just stop.

Why didn't you
just say no?

Because Stephanie asked me to.
So?

So, I mean, it's just...

Ethan, it's a really
important day for her.

And if I can make her happy
and I can make my dad happy,

then I should.

I just have to
get through it.

Are you, uh, all finished
with that knife?

Yeah.

Thank you.

You're armed.
Should I be concerned?

I am at work.
You can't just keep
pulling me in here.

Why do you keep doing this?

Because you made
a commitment.

I told you, I changed my mind.
And I told you,

you don't get to change your mind.
That's not how it works.

Kai, I know you're used to
getting what you want.

As far as I can tell,
it hasn't made your life any easier.

You don't actually know me.

You ever think that just maybe
you got it all wrong?

No. Kai, you turning
your back on this

is not the answer.
Just... give it a chance.

Let me help you.

I don't want your help.

I want to be left alone.

Walking out that door
isn't going to change anything.

You know why?

Because you can't
run away from who you are.

Yikes!

Someone's having
a bad day.

Um, will you just give me a sec?
Yeah, sure.

Hey, Kai, are you ok?

Did you just have
a session?

I hate that guy-- the way he acts like
he knows what's best for me,

like I'm this broken thing
that needs to be fixed.

Well, did you tell him
how you feel?

You kidding me?
Of course I told him.
He doesn't listen to me.

Ok, um, look...

maybe... I could talk
to my doctor

and I could get him
to intervene, or you could--

Erica, just listen.
It's not your problem, ok?

Thank you,
but just let it go.

Kai. You, uh,
going on break or what?

Yeah, I'm coming
right now.

This is Erica.
Travis. How's it going?

Hey, it's nice
to meet you.

Lavalife--really?

Barbie, I had no idea
you were so hip.

Isn't he cute?
Introduce me.

Ok, let's go.

Ohh.

Dad

How's my partner?
It's you and me today.

Mmm. Mmm.

Picard and Number One.
Hi.

Heh. Uh...

Are you ok?
You seem nervous.

Just a--
I mean, little bit.

It'll be fine.
I'll walk you through it,
explain everything.

Don't worry.

Ok.

So, that's him.
Yeah.

Well, he's a pretty
good-looking guy.

Jewish?

No, I don't think so.

Well,
you gonna introduce me?

Yes. Ok.

You know
that little place in Bayview Village?

The tea shop?
Mm-hmm.

Yeah, that's
where we had our first date.

Mom.

Ah, the mohel
has arrived.

Hello, Gary. Mwah.
Hi.

Norm, this is Gary.

Pleasure to meet you.
You, too.

Since the time of Abraham,

the jewish people have
observed the tradition
of the brit milah.

It is the sign of
God's covenant with Israel.

This ritual marks
baby Jonah's entry

into the Jewish community.

Erica,

please hold down
his legs.

That's right,
like that.

Now, you have to
keep him very still.

Ok?

Now, just undo
his diapers, and I'll...

Erica?

Erica?

Erica!

You all right?

Can I get you
something? A water?

A juice?

A vanilla latte?

Dr. Tom, what...

what's going on?
Where, uh...

Where are we?
This is my office.

Dr. Fred needs
to talk to you about something.

It's ok.

Dr. Fred? You're...
You're Kai's doctor?

Yes. And I brought you here
because I need to talk
to you about him.

Our therapy
has hit a roadblock.

No kidding.

Sorry.

No. Heh.
Please, have a seat.

Share your thoughts
with us.

Um...

Well, not to tell you
how to do your job or anything,

but Kai is--
he's not enjoying your process.

Which is a very polite way
of saying he hates my guts.

Uh, he...

He doesn't feel
that you understand him.

Which is
where you come in.

Or, more to the point,
you came in--

A few months ago,
that day on the street.

You're the one
that bumped into me!

And you made me
spill my coffee

so that I would go
to Goblins--

and meet Kai and
befriend him

and one day
walk into my office

so I can
tell you that...

That I really need
your help.

Did you know about this?

Uh...

Ok, so you need my help.
How?

What am I supposed to do?

Kai is, as you know,
resisting therapy.

He needs someone
to help him gain--

perspective...
on what therapy can do,

when it works.
Heh...

I'm sorry,
but this is a lot
to take in right now.

And--and to be honest,

I don't like going
behind Kai's back on this.

He's made it perfectly clear
to me that he doesn't want

to discuss
the specifics of his therapy.

Have you ever asked yourself
why that is, Erica?

Or wondered maybe if...

he's keeping something
from you?

I...I don't know
what to say.

Say you'll help.

Say you'll at least let me show you
what I'm talking about.

Ok.

Thank you, Tom.
Don't thank me.

I'm not doing this
for you or Kai.

I'm doing this for Erica.
And watch out for her.

Jesus Christ.
You asshole!

What the hell
was that?!

Kai, I am so sorry.
You're sorry?

Is this
amateur hour?

Kai, come on,
it was a mistake.

Hey, I'm deaf!
You're a rock star, bud.

It comes with the territory.

I'm sorry.
I think that I, um...

I stumbled and, uh...
You stumbled?

Uh, what's
your name again?

Kai, this is Noelle.
She's from "Rolling Stone."

Oh, right. Well, you're just lucky
you're a real journalist

and not some gossip columnist
or the paparazzi.

Heh heh.
Punched out a few

in my time,
but we'll let this slide.

Noelle. Have a seat.
Yes.

Can we... get you
something to drink?

Uh, yeah.

I think that would--
that would be a good idea.

♪ I'm so malicious ♪

♪ I'm so, so vicious ♪

♪ only as a racist ♪

♪ bigger than oasis ♪

♪ I'll make you riches ♪

♪ I'll make you bitches ♪

♪ satisfy my itches ♪

♪ now you waited so long ♪
♪ so long ♪

♪ so long ♪
♪ so long ♪

♪ to be my number one ♪

♪ be my number one ♪

and that's a cut.

Ba-dang!

Who's the man, huh?
Who is the man?

You nailed it, my friend.
You nailed it!

Yeah, as much as you can nail
a piece of shit.

I need some water.

Get the man some water, pronto.

Believe me, that was not shit Kai.

That is gonna be
your new hit single.

It is, trust me.

Have you got good news
for me, Jody?

Good news?
Shawn, I have got great news.

Answer this--
what's better than gold?

You got it.
Platinum--triple platinum.

I'm serious.
I just heard "Unwind,"

and it was classic.
The fans are gonna eat it up.

Nice.

That what you think, Noelle?
Triple platinum?

I thought that--
I thought that it was really,

you know,
it's really catchy.

Catchy? That's great.

Anyone ever tell you
you got a way with words?

Hey dickhead. I do enough damage
to my eardrums

without your help,
buddy.

Ok, Kai. This lovely lady
would like to start the interview,

so, let's go, boys.

Oh, thank you.

Uh...

Dr. Fred?

Dr. Fred,
what is going on?

It's all right, heh.
Let her through.

Give us all some space.

Ok, I'm freaking out.

"Dr. Fred?" really?
You trying to blow my cover?

What? Ok, wait, so...

this is
the future, right?
You sent me to 2017?

2019, actually.
Oh, 2019. Great.

That's even better.
This is actually Kai's past,

and he's about to hit
rock bottom.

Kai and the band
are about to go on tour.

Kai will blow off
the first 2 gigs.

He'll od on opium,
spend 2 weeks in a coma,

wake up, meet me,
and his therapy will begin.

Ok, just wait a second.

So, you're telling me
that the Kai that I know,

the Kai from 2009,
barrista Kai, he's, what...

He's on a session?

A session
he's turned his back on.

He's stranding himself
in 2009, Erica.

You know, he was sent back
to complete a regret

and has decided
he doesn't wanna leave.

He doesn't wanna come back
to all this.

He--so, he's not
even 22.

32.

And trust me, despite
the rock'n'roll bravado,

he needs
all the help he can get.

Now, you better run.
Kai's limo waits for no one--

not even a reporter
from "Rolling Stone" magazine.

Wow, nice limo.

Hey, yeah.
Totally retro.

Kai's got a soft spot
for the turn of the century.

We're glad to have you,
Noelle.

Kai's been looking forward
to this interview for weeks.

You know,
he's had a rough year, so...

we hope your story can get him
back on track, you know?

Come on.

So, you said that
it's been a rough year?

Yeah, it's been awful.

All I read or hear about
is the "o" addiction,

his rehab, Travis--
you know, it's never the music.

Travis--
you mean his friend, Travis?

Yeah, his friend
Travis. Who else?

Sorry, I--
that was a stupid question.

It's ok. It's ok.

Travis' suicide was
incredibly shocking to all of us.

You know, and Kai
took it really hard.

More than anyone, you know?
They were bandmates.

They were best friends, so...
Right.

Look, like I told Trina,
you know, talking about suicide...

off limits, ok?
I--

Look, I'm just here
to do a nice cover piece

and to learn more
about Kai.

Well, then...
Looks like we're on the same page.

Oh, man,
I love hot reporters.

There's the boy.

Ok,
let's get started.

I am an open book.
Ask me anything you want.

Ok. Um...

Let me just find
my tape recorder.

Or a notepad or...

Right. Thank you.

Ok,
where should we start?

And where is
the "on" switch?

Right.

Thank you.

Testing, testing.

Uh, early childhood, army brat.
Moved around a lot.

Finished high school
in Toronto, formed a band.

That's my story.
I'm sticking to it.

Ok.

Let's, um...

Let's talk about
you and your band.

Oh, band's incredible.
I love 'em.

we're one big happy family.

I see. So...

everything's great.
Oh, life's amazing, Noelle.

I wake up every day
inspired, you know?

And, uh, this is gonna be
the best album yet.

Even though you're unhappy
with the new single?

Thought you said it was catchy.

I thought you said it was shit.

Kai's always been
hard on himself.

We all love
the new album.

We're looking at it
as a...

a rebirth.
Right, Kai?

Yeah, exactly.

I, uh, finished my time
in rehab,

really turned a corner
with the support of my band,

the label,
and especially all my fans

sending out vibes of love
and positivy.

I'm practically a new man.

So, you've conquered
your addiction,

you're excited
about the new album, your band,

and you, you're just
one big happy family.

So, everything--
I mean, everything sounds perfect.

Guess I'm just
one lucky guy.

So how are you coping
with the suicide of your bandmate Travis?

What a bitch.

Ok.

What the hell was that?

I told you,
Travis is off-limits.

And I'm here to understand
who Kai Booker really is,

not paraphrase
his approved bio.

Yeah, well, good luck
with your story, 'cause I'm guessing

that Kai's not gonna say
another word to you
after that little stunt.

Really?

Yeah.

Hey, Kai? C-can we just
try this again?

Please?

Hello, all you
pretty ladies!

You, you,

and you, gorgeous,

come on over here.

Hey, Jody,
can we squeeze 3 more
in the penthouse tonight?

Hey, the man knows
what he likes, huh?

Yeah.

Noelle.

Whoo! Whoo!

Excuse me.

♪ I still believe in ♪

♪ oh, oh, oh ♪

♪ oh, oh, oh, oh ♪

♪ I'm awake and dreaming ♪

♪ oh, oh, oh ♪

♪ oh, oh, oh, oh... ♪

Can't you take a hint?

What are you
still doing here?

So, what, now you're
talking to me?

No.

Kai, what do you want
from me?

I'm not part of
your entourage.

I'm not your employee.
I am here to find out

everything I can
about you.

You know what?
You crossed the line.

You're trying to make
a name for yourself?

Well, all you did
was piss me off.

You want to interview me?
You respect my boundaries.

Oh, my God,
what happened to you?

Excuse me?
How did you go from

the starving artist
slinging lattes at Goblins

to this?

I mean, if the Kai
that I knew back then could see you now...

The Kai you knew
back then?

What the hell are you
talking about?

I used to hang out
at Goblins.

Prove it.

Ok, fine. You, uh...

you worked
with a guy, Dave,

Kinda looked like
a leprechaun.

And one night, you sang
at a open mic there.

And it was--it was
this song about--

ohh, it was...
about aliens.

"alien like you."
you're not lying.

No, I'm not. And I remember
how good that song was.

I loved it.

Look, uh...We got off
on the wrong foot.

I tell you what.
I'll promise not to be
such a diva

if you promise
just not to be...

Such a hard-ass. Deal?

Deal.

All right.

Ok.

I can still do latte art.

Isn't that crazy?

I can make
a leaf, a heart,

a skull
and crossbones.

really?
It was a no-brain job, and it paid shit.

But I really loved it--
Yeah

Yeah, that whole time in my life.

I had a tiny
studio apartment

at Queen and Ossington.

I was nobody.
No one knew me.

It was total freedom--
just me, my friends,

my music... Travis.

You know, I think I remember
meeting him once.

He seemed really sweet...

and, honestly,
maybe a little bit dorky.

He was. Heh.
I used to give him
a hard time about it.

He was never into
looking the part, you know?

Never into the scene,
you know? He was just a great friend.

Hmm.

He was
a great songwriter.

Kai...

we want you
to come talk to us.

Yeah?
The o's pure.

Come on. Come on.

Maybe later.

I wanna
show you something.

Ok.

Tell me you don't
recognize this.

Is that from Goblins?

Is that--I mean,
it was at the far end of the bar, right?

Yeah, till my first album
went gold.

And I went in there
and I offered 'em 3 times
what it was worth.

Oh.

I mean, it's a nice
coffee maker, but why?

You won't
write about this?

I promise.

Well, Travis and me,
we wrote all our first songs together...

every night,
after hours at Goblins.

♪ he was a big man ♪

♪ but he still can ♪
yeah, yeah.

♪ fix a broken light... ♪

That would help
keep us awake.

Was "alien like you"
one of those songs?

No, that was
all mine. I...

in fact,
I never finished writing it.

Why not?
'cause it was never gonna be a hit.

Oh, Kai, I thought
it was incredible.

I mean, you can
still finish it.

Naw, come one, Noelle,
it's not my sound.

It's not what the fans
want to hear.

Travis once said it was
the most personal song I ever wrote.

And that's why
I like it.

And I think
your fans will love it.

Jody would say we have to
protect the brand,

that, uh...

fans want consistency,
and that's what head has to deliver.

That's what
sells the albums.

And is that all
you care about?

Kai! Hey.

I, uh, hope I'm not
interrupting anything.

Oh. What's up?

Shawn just arrived.
He's only in town tonight, remember?

Ah, can't you keep him
busy, yodel?

Kai, he flew here
from L.A. to see you.

So, come on, man,
chop-chop.

Don't go anywhere,
ok?

Actually, uh...
come with us.

There's my boy.

Hey, Shawn.

Who's this?

I'm Erica--
I'm Noelle Erica

with "Rolling Stone."
It's nice to meet you.

So, the jury tells me

you were
making magic today

in the recording studio.

I like the song, Kai,
but, uh...

it's not a lead single,
no offense.

No, none taken,
and I agree.

Good.

'cause I'd like you
to record one more track--

one that I had
written for you.

It's all on here.
We hired the Wakenator
and his boys,

Uh, put them in a room
for a week, and what they came up with

was pretty damn great.
Cool.

So, what's
the song called?

"Travis."

You know, Shawn,
I'm sure it's brilliant,

You know, I'm sure.
But, uh,

I just don't know
if the band is quite ready for that yet.

Maybe not,
but the fans are.

And you're not worried
about the backlash?
What if Kai's fans accuse him

of cashing in on a tragedy?

Which it was, especially for Kai
and for the band.

And you're an expert
about this because...

what, you write
for some rag?

Sweetheart,
you're just a groupie

who has a way with words.
That's all.

I really don't feel
comfortable--

I really don't like the way
your last album produced.

I really don't like spending
millions of dollars on yet
another busted flush.

Get back
in the studio tomorrow.

We lead with a single
about Travis.

We'll shut down the internet
with all the downloads.

Whatever it takes.
Right, Kai? Huh?

You know, this could be good.
It gives us a chance

to tell the truth
about Travis, you know,

and not some made-up
tabloid fantasy.

The more I think about this,
the more I like it.

Hey, you want something?

I can't make a latte,
but, uh... scotch.

Tell me you're not gonna
do what they want.

Bull, shitpile riding on this albumn.

So what?

You hate your life
and what you've become.

Excuse me?
Look, you wish

that you could go back in time,
but you don't have to.

This rebirth
that you're looking for,

it can start tonight, Kai.

Don't cave on this.
You stand up to them. Say no.

None of this--
none of it matters to you anymore.

Just do it, Kai.

Oh, please,
when I got into this biz,

they were still releasing
albums on cassette.
You remember cassettes?

I barely remember cds,
Shawn.

I'm not singing
the song.

Kai...

Buddy, we already talked
through this, right?

No, you went through it.
And in case you forgot,

you're supposed to
represent me. Screw the song.
I'm not singing it.

Don't, then. Really.

I'll just get
someone else to.

I know Brian
of "The Aunt Selmas"
is a huge "head" fan.

He would love
to honor Travis.

Travis was in our band.

Which is why I want you to sing it.
But you don't have to.

No, we could drop your album
without a hit single.

It would move a few
hundred thousand downloads.

It'd be a nice, small,
personal album...

to wrap up your career.

Maybe I could listen to it.

Sure. Have a listen.

What harm
could it do, right?

Kai--
hey, just don't, ok?

Kai--
no, no, no, don't.

You know, 2019,
it's not so different from 2009.

Aside from a few little
bells and whistles,

it's pretty much
the same.

Well, you were
expecting robots,

flying cars,
everybody in silver jumpsuits?

Everything ok?

No.

No, I feel like
I'm losing it, actually.

Ah, well, that's not
that surprising, really.

I mean, given that within
the space of 2 days,

you've become, what?
An administrative assistant,

uh, a messenger,
home organizer, a sandek,

and now your latest
high-wire act--

trying to save
a rock star from,

well, himself.

That's really unfair.
I mean, you agreed to send me here.

For perspective.
There's nothing wrong

with trying to help
the people you care about.

No, no, that's true.
But, you know, there is a...

a line.

"a line."
what--what "line"?
What are you talking about?

Imagine a... parent,
like a mother, say.

Right? And she spends
her entire life

trying to protect
her child from hardship.
You know?

She rushes in to fix
every little problem

and fill in
every little need.

And then the child
grows up...

and is left unable
to cope,

you know, with life's
vicissitudes.

And the parent's
defense is,

"well, you know,
we were only trying to help."

But I'm not doing that.

I mean, ok, a little,
but it's only because

I want the people
I care about to be happy.

And I'm sure that
that's true.

But the thing is, Erica,

what if
their happiness--

Kai's, your dad's--

is not
your responsibility?

You help me.
No, not like that.

You do all the heavy lifting.
I don't fix your problems.

You know, I just--
I point the way.

Erica?

Sweetheart,
are you all right?

Uh, yes. I--I feel
much, much better.

Just a little splash
of water on my face is all I needed.

Honey, maybe you
should lie down.

Let her decide
what she wants to do.

Come on, number one,
your captain needs you.

Actually, I don't think
that I should.

I mean,
in case I faint again.

If that's ok
with you, Steph.

Of course. My mom will do it.
Just go. Just take it easy.

Ok, everybody,
can I please have quiet?

We're going
to try this again.

As I was saying,

The ritual of the brit milah
marks baby Jonah's entry

into the Jewish community.

Roberta?

I'm sorry...

Excuse me.

I'll keep her company.

Shh.

Dad, can we talk?

Mm-hmm.

What's going on, Erica?

Because it feels to me
like it's about more

than just a little
squeamishness.

It is.

Um...

I never should've agreed
to be the sandek.

What? Why?

Because I...

I did it to make you happy.

I just--
I wanted to do something

that would take your mind
off of Norm and...

well, the truth is,
is that...

I--I feel very conflicted

about the whole thing.

Just the idea
of circumcising a baby...

it--it's awful.
What're you talking about?

It's the sign
of the covenant.

I know, but--
I mean you're cutting a baby,

without anesthetic,
for no reason.

And I'm sorry, dad,
but I just don't get it,

And I never should have
agreed to participate.

Then why did you?

Because I...

I wanted to do something
that would make you feel
like we're connected.

So this is
your token gesture?

You spent years
neglecting your religion.

No, dad, that's not
what this is about.

I'm a rabbi, Erica,
and my family has rejected

everything that matters to me.
Sam married an anglican,

your mother's dating
Harrison Ford.

And I'm with Ethan. I'm...

Dad, what do you want me to do?
Do you want me to dump Ethan

and go find
a nice Jewish guy?

You're--
I mean, you're unhappy,

and you're lonely,
and I would love to be able
to help you with that.

But the truth is...

is even if I became
a super jew

and watched marathon sessions
of "Star Trek" with you...

I can't fix what's wrong.

That has to start
with you, dad.

Hi.

Wow,
you look exhausted.

Oh, well, thank you.
It's been a rough day.

Can I get a mint tea?

Yeah.
A mint tea, please?

I'm sorry about this morning.
I just went off.

Hey, that's ok,
I've been there.

Really?
It doesn't seem like it.

I don't know, maybe you're just
used to having some guy

who calls himself a doctor--
doesn't even have a last name--

sticking his nose in
where it doesn't belong.

You know, my doctor,
he helps me, Kai.

So, is that why
you're here?

To convince me
I've got it all wrong?

No, no, I'm just...

I'm just your friend,
someone you can talk to.

Someone who understands
how crazy therapy is.

Thank you.

Well, I don't wanna talk
about my therapy.
You know that.

You know,
you met your doctor for a reason.

No one forced you
into therapy.

You agreed to it
just like I did.

Thank you for the tea.

Who could that be?

I don't know.
It's late.

...Just one or two
horror stories here,

we're talking about
hundreds.

And the more you read
these stories,
the more you realize...

Dad.

It's a clear night.

I was in the neighborhood,
and I thought...

if you weren't busy,
maybe we could put
this old thing to use?

Maybe search
for life on Mars?

Ethan, do you want
to come?

You know what?
I'm good. Thanks.

♪ we're all in this together ♪

♪ through the thick and thin ♪

♪ we're all in this together ♪

Let's go.

♪ in the losses
and the wins... ♪

There's no question
that when we help,

we feel valued, useful,

and more connected
to the people we care about.

The question is,

when is helping
not helpful at all?

Sometimes,
the way we help the most

is to give others the space
and support they need

to help themselves.

♪ we're all in this together ♪