Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990–2000): Season 3, Episode 23 - Duke's Bad Boy - full transcript

Gambling addict Brandon multiplies his addition by hiring a school bookie, Jeff, in order to pay off $1,500 of losses to Duke who's now out to get Brandon. Meanwhile, David finally realizes the true nature of the music industry when Serge continues to ignore his hip-hop material and forces him to record a repetitive, syrupy ballad. David goes along with it, but Curtis Bray does not like the new tune and outright terminates David's recording contract. Finally seeing the egotistical, two-faced shark that Curtis Bray really is, and the self-serving hack Serge is, David leaves Icon Records and goes back to apologize to Steve for the way he treated him. Kelly's eating disorder worsens when she starts taking diet pills. Also, Andrea tries to ease Dylan's depression over his father's murder by asking him if she can do an editorial on him.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

Good morning, West Beverly.

And good morning, David Silver,

wherever you are.

Oh, and David, if you think
I'm going to cut you any

kind of slack because
you think you've become

some kind of
major recording star,

well, you can forget about it.

And if anyone out
there has seen David,



you can tell him he's late...

as usual.

♪ ♪

Well, look what
the cat dragged in.

Good morning.

Nice of you to show up.

I'm sorry, I was...

Up all night at
the studio again?

Or were you out at some club
partying with the producers?

No, actually I was
studying for a trig midterm.

Oh, and I didn't think
rock stars had to study.

Well, I'm not a
rock star, Donna.

Of course you are, David.

Ladies and gentlemen,
let me take this opportunity



to announce that our
very own David Silver

has just signed with
Icon Records. Donna...

David, please do not be modest.

And if all his songs
are as great as this one,

we know they'll all be hits.

What'd you have to
go and do that for?

'Cause I'm proud of you.

Well, don't you think

you spread the hype
on a little too thick?

I mean, they're paying
me absolute minimum

and we're only doing
a couple of demos.

And it all depends on whether
they like what they hear.

David, they're going to like it.

Come on, listen
to this. It's great.

♪ And I'm not going to
sit back, back and relax ♪

♪ While brothers
kill each other... ♪

Yeah, I guess it is.

Um, listen,

I've never really been to
a recording studio before.

You think I can come?

♪ Um-um, clearing my throat... ♪

I don't know.

Well, I promise I
won't get in the way.

I'll be like Yoko
Ono or something.

Well, that doesn't exactly
fill me with confidence.

Well, I mean, you won't
even know I'm there. Please?

Listen, Donna, if you do come,

you have to do me a
favor and promise me

you'll just blend in
with the woodwork.

Okay, I promise.

I won't say a word.

Hey, Walsh. Yeah?

I hear the NBA's been
treating you pretty good lately.

Yeah, who told you that?

A little birdie.

You know I book a
little action myself.

Mostly for the guys
on the football team,

but if you ever
need a connection,

I'll be happy to help.

Okay.

Later.

Steve, do me a favor.

Don't be giving my name
out to bookies, all right?

It's not exactly the
reputation I want.

It wasn't me.

Then who was it?

Word gets around, Brandon.

You're a major player.

I'm not a major player, okay?

My gambling days are numbered.

The basketball
season's almost over.

Yeah, but then there's baseball

and then field hockey

and that turtle racing
you love so much.

Very funny.

Are you okay?

I don't know.

I mean, I think so, sometimes,

and then everything just
brings me down again.

Being here doesn't help.

Well, maybe just for today,

just while we're
here, you can pretend

we're in, like,
Hawaii or something.

I don't think so.

I guess that was a
pretty stupid thing to say.

Sorry.

Hi.

Hi. Hi.

How're you doing today?

I'm all right, I guess.

Listen, I was wondering...
I don't know what you guys

are doing tonight,
but I though that

maybe you'd like to come
over to my house for dinner.

My mom's kind of
worried about you.

Unless, of course, you're busy.

No, we're not busy.

Great, then I'll
see you tonight.

Okay.

Tell your mom thanks. Sure.

You don't mind, do you?

No, of course not.

How 'bout this
issue... October 17.

We had the Bonnie
Bernstein piece

on foreign exchange students,

and your article on
high school contributions

to the Somalian relief
fund was excellent.

Two stories you can be
sure every other high school

in the country
has done... twice.

Then I think we should
go with our first instincts

and focus on the issue
with Brandon's editorial

on the cancelled football game.

Oh, but the rest
of that issue stinks.

Come on, Andrea,
it doesn't stink.

Gil, let's face it.

Almost everything we've
done this year stinks.

You nailed it the day
you walked in here.

The Blaze is
okay, it's passable.

But we have not
published one issue

distinctive enough
to win us any awards.

That may be so, but you're
being much too hypercritical.

Isn't she?

Isn't she always?

You guys, I have reason to be.

Look at this, we received
another entry form

for a high school
journalism award.

This one sends the winning
editors on a trip to D.C.

Really?

Well, don't pack
your bags, Brandon.

It's not like we're going to
win any awards this year.

You know, that's one thing

I really like about you, Andrea.

It's your positive attitude.

Look, I'm just being
realistic, okay?

I mean, Gil and I
have spent the last hour

going over back issues.

There is nothing here.

Andrea, the year's not over yet.

Well, we better hurry up.

We publish three more issues
before the contest deadline,

and I want the Class of
'93 to be remembered.

I want to be remembered.

Don't worry, Andrea.

We'll remember you.

I did a little noodling
over the weekend

and I think I have it here.

This is the feel we
need on this song.

Now, I know it's not
what you're used to.

I just want you to listen to it,

just groove on it.

You feel it?

You feel it?

Uh, it's... it's different.

Of course it's different.
It has to be different.

Who wants more of the
same? Now here, listen to this.

Hey, listen.

Oh, is that great?

Is this great or what?

Yeah, I-I guess it is.

What do you think?

Uh, well, don't ask me.

I don't really know
that much about music.

Well, you know what
you like, don't you?

Come on, tell him.

It's fabulous.

David, it's fabulous.

You see?

She knows.

I know, Davey...

It's perfect.

David, why are you
recording this song?

You heard what
Serge said, he likes it.

Yeah, but I thought you
were going to go with hip-hop.

Rap, you know, the hot stuff.

Which is exactly
what I tried telling him,

but he said that this
song is commercial.

Well, I guess he
knows what's best.

Hi, Duke. How are you doing?

You remember me?

We met last year
at the racetrack.

Oh, yeah, sure.

How you doing, sweetheart?

Good.

Hey, big guy. Hey.

Can I get you anything?

Nah, just here on
a little business. Ah.

Oh, hey, Duke. Hey, busy, kid?

Yeah, sort of.

Me, too. That's why
this'll only take a minute.

Can we step outside?

Sure. Just let me tell Nat
I'm gonna be a minute.

Sure thing, kid.

We had a conversation
a couple of weeks ago.

In case you've forgotten,

maybe I should
refresh your memory.

No, I remember what you said.

Then where's my money?

I said I'd let you slide one
time and one time only.

And I paid you every cent.

That was the last time.

Where's the money
you owe me now?

I'll, I'll get it.

I just need a few days, Duke.

I like you.

I do.

But this guy in my car...

That's Tony...

And Tony, he
doesn't like anybody.

So, you know how
much you owe us, right?

Yeah.

It's a lot of money, kid.

You got till Friday.

Well, who wants some seconds?

Without Jim and Brandon here,

there's practically
a whole pie left.

None for me, Mom, I'm stuffed.

Dylan?

Yeah, thanks.

You know, it seems like

the first meal I've
had in a few days.

It's certainly the
first one I've tasted.

Well, you come here as
much as you want, Dylan.

Yeah, no matter what.

Remember, this is home.

Thanks, Bren.

Why am I doing this?

I'm supposed to be on a diet.

Would somebody please stop me?

Save me from myself.

Now, what do you
need to diet for, Kelly?

That's what I keep asking her.

Well, we've been
eating so much junk food

the past few weeks, I
must've gained five pounds.

So, do like I do:

Eat today, diet tomorrow.

Someday, Dylan, that's
going to catch up with you.

Yeah, but till
then, pass the pie.

Brandon, better get in here

quick, the pie is going fast.

I didn't think you'd be home
for dinner tonight, honey.

I thought you and Dad
were both working late.

Nah, things were kind
of slow and Nat said

he'd close up by himself.

Oh, well, I'll set you a place.

No, Mom, that's all right.

I'm not really hungry
and I've got a lot

of homework to do. Brandon,
just sit down and eat something.

Mom, listen to what
I'm saying here.

I'm not hungry. Brandon...!

Sorry, I've just got
a lot on my mind.

Apparently.

Brandon, have you
met these people?

Yeah. Hi, guys.

Tough day at the office?

Something like that.

Mrs. Walsh, I
hate to eat and run,

but I told my Mom I'd
be home early tonight.

Thanks, it was great.

I'm glad to see you
relaxing a little bit, Dylan.

I'll get coats.

See you later, man. See ya.

Dylan, don't take me home yet.

Let's go to your house.

I thought you said you
had to be home early.

That's what I told the Walshes.

Not tonight, Kel.

You know, you haven't wanted
to be alone with me in days.

What's the matter with you?

How can you ask me that?

You know what's the matter.

Then let me help you.

Don't keep pushing me away.

I haven't been
sleeping, I'm tired...

All right.

I'm sorry.

That's all right.

Just take me home.

Hi, honey.

Hi, baby.

How'd dinner go? Oh...

well, Brenda and Kelly
and Dylan were fine.

It's Brandon I'm worried about.

What's the matter?

I don't know, he just seems...

distracted.

I'll talk to him.

Can I come in?

Sure.

Ooh, what's this?

Jose Canseco rookie card.

Oh! Must be worth
six or seven bucks.

Twenty, if it's mint.

Whew!

You've got some
great cards here.

Yeah, they're okay.

Nothing outstanding.

I'm actually thinking about
getting them appraised.

Maybe selling them.

What's going on, Brandon?

One week you're
buying skis and stereos.

The next week,
you're talking about

selling off your baseball cards.

What's wrong with this picture?

There's nothing going on, Dad.

I told you, I'm not
necessarily selling them.

I'm just looking into it.

Brandon, I know
you've been gambling.

Dad...

You know, I was never a guy

who believed in
get-rich-quick schemes.

Probably why I never got rich.

But gambling...
It's just not worth it.

The house always wins.

I know that.

Then why do you do it?

Dad, I just bet on
a couple of games.

It's no big deal.

You're not in any trouble?

Of course not.

Look son, if you
have a problem...

Dad, I don't have
a problem, okay?

God, how many times
do I have to repeat myself?

Okay... okay, okay.

Steve, wait!

Wait. Donna.

What are you doing
here so early? I, uh,

I wanted to talk to you.

Listen, I need a favor.

Anything for you.

Actually, it's for David.

Then forget it.

No, Steve, listen.

I was in the studio
with David last night

and something
is definitely wrong.

Look, I don't want
to hear it, okay?

In case you've forgotten,
I'm no longer his manager.

I'm not interested

in being his
armchair quarterback,

and I certainly don't want
to be his shrink, okay?

It's his gig.

And I'm late for detention.

Steve, wait.

This producer Menkon
is ruining everything.

He's not picking
David's best material

and then he's
making it even worse.

Please.

I know how angry you are.

But you're the only
one that can help him.

Well, he should
have thought of that

before he blew me off.

I know.

And David feels terrible.

He didn't want to cut you out.

They made him. What,
they held a gun to his head?

I don't think so, Donna.

People do what they want to do.

Steve, you're his friend.

Besides, at this point,

he hasn't cut you
out of anything.

Ten percent of
nothing is nothing.

You're there. You have a mouth.

Use it. Yeah...

and the only reason
David allowed me to come

is because I promised
not to say anything.

Steve, please,

will you just come and
see what's going on?

Put, uh, $15 on
UCLA for me, will ya?

Oh, big spender, Miller.

Come on, you're on a roll.

Might as well make some dough.

I'm in for $30.

You got it, Stuart.

Any other takers?

Morning, gentlemen.

Hiya, Walsh.

Would you do me a favor?

Tell Miller that he's
betting like an old lady?

Hey,

just make sure you pay
up when I win, will ya?

So, how do you keep
track of your bets, Jeff...

Flash paper in your locker?

Yeah, right.

You been watching too
many old movies, Walsh.

This is the age of electronics.

Everybody's got a code name.

I use the Vegas point spread.

Very professional.

Full-service operation, Walsh.

You bet with me, I pay on time

and I even save you the cost

of a phone call to your bookie.

Well, I might just have
some action for you.

If you think you can cover it.

Course I can. I can
handle anything.

Who do you like?

The Celtics. Ooh.

A traditionalist.

Mm-hmm.

No points with that.

Even-steven.

How much?

Either you are very confident,

very rich or very stupid.

We'll find out soon
enough, won't we?

Hi, Kelly.

Sorry you had to
leave so early last night.

I told you my mom
expected me home.

Sorry I mentioned it.

Brenda, why don't you just
ask Dylan to move in with you?

What is that supposed to mean?

It means you like
him coming around

to cry on your shoulder.

Look, Kelly, what
is wrong with you?

Dylan and I have gone
through a lot together,

and I think, at
a time like this,

he needs as many
friends as he can get.

I'm sorry.

I'm just going
through a lot right now.

We all are.

I know, I'm sorry.

Yeah.

See ya.

You heard that, didn't you?

This isn't a
competition, you know.

This is Dylan's feelings
you're talking about.

I know.

Ever since the funeral, it's
like I can't even talk to him.

Nothing I say cheers him up.

Why don't you
both back off a little?

You're right.

Thanks.

Hey, buddy. How you doing?

I can't do it, man.

I mean, I just, I
can't be here, I...

I wake up in the morning

and for the first few seconds,

before I open my eyes,

I think everything's
gonna be the same.

And then it hits me.

That he's gone

and it's never gonna
be the same and...

and coming to school
just seems stupid.

Let's cut out of here.

Go shoot some pool, huh?

Nah.

Glad to know your heart's
in the right place, man,

I think I should hang
out by myself for awhile.

See ya.

I've been wracking my brains

trying to come up with leads,

and then it hit me...

there's a great story,

right there in front of my nose.

There often is.

You just gotta sniff it out.

So what do you got?

Well, we haven't done

this month's senior
profile yet, right?

Right.

I want to interview Dylan McKay.

Interesting.

I don't think
that's a good idea.

What do you mean
it's not a good idea?

I mean, it's
definitely newsworthy

and it could help Dylan.

How?

Because talking
helps, that's how.

Well, you may want
to believe that, Andrea.

I mean, you might even really
believe that, but we all know

what's going on here.

You want a good news story,

and you're willing to use one

of your friends to get it.

Excuse me, Brandon,

it's not like I'm sneaking
around publishing

the unauthorized biography

of Dylan McKay.

Look, I'm just going to ask him.

If he doesn't want to
do it, he can say no.

She's right, Brandon.

She's doing her job.

And in this case, it
means asking the source.

Well, I guess that means

you're a better journalist
than I am, Andrea,

'cause there's no way in a
million years I'd ever do it.

I'm going to go look for Dylan
before third period, okay?

Don't bother. He went home. Why?

Because he can't deal
with any of this, Andrea.

And the last thing he's
gonna want to deal with

is a nosy reporter.

It's Dylan.

You know what to do.

Hi, Dylan, it's Andrea.

Are you there?

Well, I just wondered if
you felt up to some company.

But I, I guess you're not there.

So I'll just call you later...

Andrea, wait, uh, I'm here.

Hi, Dylan.

Uh, Brandon told me
that you, uh, went home.

Yeah, I... just had a little
trouble putting one foot

in front of the other today.

Well, I, um...

Look, I just wanted to say

if there's anything
I can do for you...

You know, like,

like if you want to
talk or something,

I'm, I'm a great listener.

Thanks. I, uh...

appreciate that.

Uh, maybe I could
come over or something.

Yeah, uh... if you want to.

Great.

I'll, uh,

I'll come over after school.

Okay.

Okay, bye.

Bye.

♪ You're so precious to me ♪

♪ I would give
the world to you ♪

♪ You're so precious to me... ♪

Hold it. Hold it.

David, you're hitting
the consonants too hard.

You've got to soften them up.

All right.

Let's do it again.

From the top.

♪ You're so precious to me... ♪

Hi, Donna.

Steve...

How's it going?

Well, David's been
working on this vocal

for the past couple of days.

Cut.

Cut.

David, let's take it
again from the top, okay?

Okay.

This isn't exactly dance music.

What happened to hip-hop?

What is this, a party

or a recording session?

We're guests of the artist.

So keep it down, okay?

♪ I will die for you... ♪

"Precious?"

♪ I keep telling you, baby... ♪

He put this song in his trunk

two months ago. I know.

Cut, cut.

The levels are wrong.

Hold on, we'll go
again from the top.

Maybe we should
try a different mike.

So...

Davey has a lot of friends, huh?

Excuse me, I was just wondering

why you picked this song.

I mean, it's good,

but it's certainly
not one of his best.

Really? And what
makes you the expert?

I'm Steven Sanders.

I used to be

David's manager.

"Used to be" is the
key phrase there.

I'm his producer.

And I think I've been
around this block

a few more times than you have.

Yeah, maybe.

But what was your
last hit? "Disco Duck"?

Steve...

Look...

I don't know who the
hell you think you are,

but the last thing I
need in here is negativity.

So, why don't you take
your attitude out of here

before you get
the talent nervous.

Fine.

Uh, where's Steve going?

He had to leave.

Said to tell you he loved it.

Remember... no negativity.

Or you're out the door, too.

So Davey,

everything sounds great.

Let's take it again
from the top, okay?

The Celtics down by 18.

Parrish has fouled
out of the game

at the end of the third quarter.

Oh, that's it, the fix is in.

How much you got on
the line, pal? Enough.

This is why I didn't want
to give you Duke's number

in the first place.

You're out of control.

I know Nat, I know.

But this is it...
I win this bet,

I'm through; no more.

And what if you
don't win this bet?

Don't even think about it.

You should.

Hey, would you like some tea?

Sure.

Well, they say it
calms the nerves.

Oh, is that what they say?

Mm-hmm.

Well...

they say the same
thing about Scotch,

but with tea,
there's no hangover.

Could not...

be in school today.

Well, if anybody deserves
to feel like that, it's you.

Hmm.

But, you know, this is nice.

I mean, being here with a girl

who's not really my girlfriend.

That's because you don't have
to worry about impressing me.

Yeah, or hurting
your feelings or...

Well, I can just be myself,

and there's no strings attached.

You don't want anything from me.

Everybody else does.

Brenda, Kel,

especially my dad.

Why? What did he want?

He wanted me to be
the man he never was.

What's wrong with that?

It just seems a
little hypocritical.

I hate a hypocrite.

Do you think your
dad was a hypocrite?

I used to; I did.

I mean, but then
there toward the end,

I realized that that's
just the only way

he knew how to live life.

So I accepted it on his terms.

Then he died.

Then why don't you
continue to accept him?

I mean, why go
change the terms now?

You're pretty smart.

Oh.

Yeah, that's what
I've been told.

No, I mean, you're
smart about people.

Like I said,

I'm a good listener.

Dylan, um, I was
thinking on my way here...

And I don't want
you to take this

the wrong way... but, uh,

I was wondering

if you'd be interested in
being the subject of, um,

this month's senior profile.

Ah, strings.

I should have known better.

No strings. I mean,
you can say no.

I said no...

to the Times, Daily
News, People magazine.

Why should I talk to you?

Because I'm your friend.

Why don't we keep it that way?

Where else but the Garden

could the Celtics make
a comeback like this?

It's one of those games

where it doesn't matter
who wins or loses.

Oh, yes, it does, buddy.

McHale has the
ball at the foul line.

He's already missed
the first of two.

But the Celts only need one
to take the game here tonight.

McHale sets, and it's good!

Yes, yes!

And so, the
Celtics have done it.

They've beaten the
Lakers... Cha-ching!

Nat, Nat, did you hear that?

I did it! I did it! What?

I won! Oh, that's great.

Steve, Steve, sit down.

Anything you want, it's on me.

Wait a second.
What's going on here?

The Celts won, and I'm back
in the land of living, my man.

Oh, yeah?

Nat, if I ever want
to make another bet,

slap me upside the
head, would you?

Okay, I will.

I cannot wait to
see Jeff Stellar.

He's gonna freak.
How much did you bet?

Fifteen.

You're jumping up
and down over $15?

Hundred, Steve.

$1,500.

Yeah. You're kidding.

No.

You got to be out of your mind.

Not anymore.

Brandon, I hate to
burst your bubble,

but what makes you think

Stellar can come up
with that kind of dough?

Come on, Steve.

No bookie would ever
take a bet he couldn't cover.

Guys get seriously ill
from doing stuff like that.

Brandon, he takes penny
ante bets from school boys.

$10, $20, maybe $30.

You're talking about
some real money here.

Stellar hasn't got it.

Well, he better have it.

Yeah, well, he might not.

Well, there he is.

Yeah, at least he
showed up at school.

That's a good sign, isn't it?

Good luck.

Morning, Jeff.

Looks like I wasn't
overconfident at all,

was I?

Nope. You weren't
too stupid, either.

I'll find that out
when you pay me.

Don't worry, Brandon.
I got you covered.

Good. I didn't want to have
to break your kneecaps.

So, you working this afternoon?

Yeah. Good.

I don't like to carry
cash around school,

so, I'll see you
at the Pit later.

That okay? Yeah,
make it before 6:00.

No problem.

So?

So it looks like he's got it,

or he's going to
have it by tonight.

You lead a charmed
life, Brandon.

Yeah.

Andrea.

Hi.

Uh, Dylan, look,

I'm... I'm sorry
about yesterday.

No. That's, uh... that's
why I'm here, actually.

I thought about what
you said, and, um,

I don't know,
maybe you're right.

Maybe... Maybe telling
my story will help somehow.

You mean that?

Yeah.

I just... I don't
want you to write it.

Oh, uh, what,

you want Brandon to write it?

No. I, uh...

I want to write it.

You do?

Yeah.

I can put two sentences
together, you know.

I know.

I... I didn't mean it like that.

The thing is, I...
I don't know...

I don't know if I
want it published.

You know, I just want
to write it first, and...

I'd like you to help me.

Sure.

I'd love to.

Thanks.

Are you ready for this?

I gained two pounds yesterday,
and I didn't eat anything.

Something is definitely
wrong with me.

Nothing is wrong with you.

It's probably just water.

What time of the month is it?

No, it's not that.

I'm just on my way to
being a bona fide porker.

Kelly! What? I'm serious.

When I was little, I
was a major butterball,

and no matter what anybody
said, it was definitely not cute.

I'm never going to let
myself get that way again.

I'm prepared this time.

What is that?

Don't worry, I bought
'em at the drugstore.

They're harmless.

It's just one of those
over-the-counter diet pills.

Do they work?

I don't know,

but if it does what the ad
says, it'll cut my appetite

and help me to lose
those stubborn five pounds.

Well, I don't see five
pounds. I think you look great.

That's camouflage.

I'm just glad it's
not bikini season.

The best advice
anybody ever gave me

about writing was:
"Don't talk about it, do it."

Ah, yes, the Nike approach.

All I can say is, if I had a
house like this to myself,

I could write and
write and write.

You sound like Virginia Woolf.

You read A Room of One's Own?

Oh, yeah.

We just read that
in AP English class.

Oh, you guys read some
great stuff in that class.

Brandon showed
me your reading list.

Well, you should
have taken that class.

I mean, you... you've
done most of the work.

Eh, like I should have done
a lot of things, but I didn't.

And why didn't you?

I mean, I spent my whole
life fighting my father,

and now that he's not here
to fight anymore, I kind of...

I realize he was
right all along.

I was just too stubborn

to admit it.

It's not too late to change.

That's what he said.

Well, then do it.

I mean, it's three
months until graduation.

Yeah, but will three
months of hard work make up

for three years of goofing off?

Well, I know, uh, one
class you can start with.

AP English?

Look, you've done
most of the work.

You think Meyers
would go for it? He might.

If we talk to him.

Hey, someone's looking for you.

Oh, great. Uh,
listen, do me a favor.

Give me a minute, would you?

Yeah, I know, but make it fast.

It's starting to fill up.
Yeah, yeah, okay.

You want to step into my office?

Lead the way.

Brandon, uh...

I don't know how to tell
you this exactly, but, um,

I mean, it's unusual
for me, but...

I'm going to need
a little more time.

What?!

I'm good for it, really I am.

It's just, this weekend
kind of stacked up...

What was all that crap
you told me at school?

I can cover your action,
Brandon, no problem.

I thought I could,
but it's either you,

or the whole football team,
and you are a lot smaller.

This isn't a joke, man. Brandon,

it's no big deal really.

I'll pay off.

I've been in
business a long time.

I don't welch.

How could you take a bet
you couldn't cover, huh?

You know what I could do to you?

Do you? Do you?!

Brandon, calm down.

Don't tell me to calm down.

Don't you say anything to me.

You just listen to me
for a minute, all right?

You're going to
get me that money,

and you're going
to get it for me

in 24 hours, you understand me?

Brandon, what the
hell are you doing?

I don't care how you get it.

I don't care who
you have to beg.

I don't care if you
have to steal it.

I want the money,
you understand?

You give me the money,
or I'm gonna break

every bone in your body.

Steve, man, get this
guy off me! He's crazy!

Brandon, go inside.
You better watch it.

♪ 'Cause you're
so precious to me ♪

♪ Am I precious to you? ♪

♪ You're so precious to me ♪

♪ Am I precious to you? ♪

♪ You're so precious to me ♪

♪ Am I precious to you? ♪

♪ You're so precious to me ♪

♪ Am I precious to you? ♪

Well, that's the final mix.

Huh, what do you think?

Is this terrific or what?!

Yeah, yeah, I guess so.

You guess so?

This has platinum
written all over it.

I guess it's just,
uh, still kind of hard

hearing my own
stuff, that's all.

Artists... You're
all so insecure.

Believe me, this stuff is great.

Yeah, we've got a meeting
with Curtis Bray tomorrow.

When he hears this,
he's going to flip out.

Well, what if he doesn't?

David...

Mellow. Hmm? Hmm?

He's going to love it.

Brandon, why didn't you tell
me a little bit about this sooner?

Maybe I could have helped.

I didn't want anyone to know.

You could always go to your dad.

No, no, I can't tell my dad.

I've been lying to
him for too long,

telling him I'm just
betting chump change.

It's not his problem. I
can't drag him into it.

Yeah, well, which is worse,
telling your dad or Duke?

I don't know.

I'm out of control,
man... I don't know what

I would have done to that kid
if you wouldn't have shown up.

How could you even expect Jeff
to come up with that kind of money?

I don't know.

Maybe you could go to your mom.

Tell her some kind of sob story.

No, I don't think so.

She put the brakes on that
kind of thing a long time ago.

She gives me a check at
the beginning of the month

and I've got to make it last.

And it's all gone right
now, except $300.

I'll take it.

Yeah, but then what?

Then I'll pray.

What do you think
they're gonna do to me,

break my nose, maybe
break my thumbs?

No. Not for $1,500.

Steve, he's got this big
goon that drives him around.

They're just trying to
scare you; you'll see.

I don't think so.

Hey, Brandon. Hi.

I got some money
for you. How much?

200 bucks, that's it?

Don't sweat it, Brandon.

There'll be more
in a couple of days.

But you better keep
your hands off me

or you can forget
about seeing a penny.

Look, Jeff, don't
worry about it.

You're not the one who's gonna
take the heat around here, I am.

I know it's almost
the end of the year,

but he's read most of the books.

He's smarter
than half the class.

Why this sudden
interest in literature?

'Cause he wants to
turn his life around.

This is the first step.

Where is he?

Outside.

I hear you want
to be in my class.

If you'll have me.

I'll talk to Mrs.
Teasley about it.

But first, there are
a few conditions.

Like...?

You can't cut.

Okay.

And you'll do the work.

I can do that.

And you'll think.

That might be a tough one.

Somehow I doubt that.

Brandon...

Nat's on the phone for you.

Did you tell him I was here?

Well, of course I did.

Thanks.

Hey, Nat.

Brando, you better get in here.

Duke's waiting for you.

And he's not happy.

God, Nat, do me a favor.

Don't tell him
where I live, okay?

Believe me, pal,
he already knows.

Thanks.

So David, what
do you think, hmm?

I have to say, it's the
best work I've ever done.

Really?

Oh, absolutely.

I love the way the
song turned out.

You know, in my career,

I've always prided myself
on being able to spot talent.

It's a gift I have.

Absolutely. A gift.

But every now and
then, my vision clouds.

Who knows why?

I mean, you can't
explain these things.

The sound isn't
what I was hoping for.

Yeah, I think I know
what you mean.

In fact, I didn't
want to bring this up,

but when you asked
me to produce this album,

this wasn't at
all what I thought

I'd have to work with.

Wait a second, I
don't understand.

You said that

that was my best material.
The most commercial song I had.

I keep trying to tell the kid

it all comes down
to the material.

If it isn't there, no matter
how much production

you throw at it, it won't work.

So true, Serge, so true.

The producer
serves the material,

the artist guides the product.

That's what I was
trying to explain.

But you chose the song.

I didn't even want to use it.

I wanted to go with
the hip-hop stuff.

You didn't say anything.

Serge is a producer,

not a mind reader, David.

Well, I can do other material.

Sorry, kid, it's just
not going to work out.

So that's it?

I don't even get another chance?

You're young, kid.

There'll be plenty
more chances for you.

But it wasn't my fault.

You heard my songs.

David, I heard a demo.

A teenager fooling
around in his garage.

Do you know how many more
teenagers there are out there?

Hmm?

Good luck.

David.

Well, kid, we
tried. It's showbiz.

No it isn't. This has nothing
to do with show business.

You're just an
over-the-hill hack

with no taste trying to hold on to
a lousy job, and you know what?

I don't need you
or Icon Records.

Dylan, how long are you
going to do be doing that?

Kel, I told you... I'm writing,
and it's not something

I know when I'm going to finish.

Can't you do
homework or something?

I guess.

But I can think of
something I'd rather be doing.

Can you?

Not now Kel, come on.

Well, at least I can
read what you've written.

No, not until it's finished.

Great.

Hey, it's not personal, okay?

It's just, I'm writing
about my dad

and feelings and stuff and...

I just don't want to
share it until it's done.

I understand.

You sure?

Yeah.

I told Donna and
David that I'd meet them

at the Peach Pit anyway.

All right. I'll call you later.

You don't have to.

I want to.

Don't be mad.

I'll be fine.

Just go on back to
your writing, okay?

Hi, Duke.

Brandon.

And how are you today?

Ah, okay... one,

two,

three, four,

five...

Five.

What, are you
kidding me or what?

Huh? You owe me
three times this much.

I know.

The rest is coming.

I just need a little more time.

You never learn, do you kid?

It's a good thing you
got such good friends.

And you owe your good
friend Nathaniel here

a thousand bucks, huh?

Nice to see you, Nat.

Lay low for awhile, kid.

You paid off Duke for me?

Yeah.

And you're gonna
work off every cent.

I will, Nat, I promise,
Every last cent.

How many times did I ask
you: Is everything all right?

Could you handle this?

You were right.

I got out of control.

Nah, it's more than that.

You know how many gamblers think

they can get out of the hole

by betting again
and again and again?

I know.

Do you?

I ever catch you gambling again,

the first call I make
is to your father.

Thanks, Nat.

I won't forget this.

Neither will I.

So, how'd it go?

Down the tubes.

What?

They dumped me.

Why?

'Cause Bray hated the song.

We all hated the song.

At least he showed he had taste.

So that's it, the
whole thing's over?

Well, it's better to be dumped than have
your name on something that you hate.

Yeah, I guess so.

Hmm, now that's a song.

Maybe next time,
you'll listen to me.

Does that mean there
might be a next time?

There might be.
If you listen to me.

So, who wants what?

I think we'll all
have hamburgers

and French fries, on me.

Ah! What's the occasion?

Silver and I are
back in business.

You know, I'm not very
hungry. I'll just have coffee.

Okay, doll.

Look, don't you think

you're overdoing this
diet thing a little bit?

Donna, I've already
lost a pound and a half.

Only have a few more to go.

Stop worrying about me.

I'll be right back, okay?

So, what do you think?

This is a good song.