Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990–2000): Season 7, Episode 31 - Graduation Day: Part 1 - full transcript

Help me out here, Val.

I'm really trying
to understand this.

I thought I was making
a smart investment.

Bill Taylor's a businessman.

I wanted to get into
business with him.

And this had nothing
to do with Kelly.

What do you want
me to say, Brandon?

I want you to say
that you didn't do this

just to mess with Kelly,

because that's
exactly how it looks.

I know.



I just really lost it, okay?

Look, you and Kelly
getting back together

has been really hard for me.

You know that.

Brandon, believe me,

I-I'm sorry.

It won't happen again.

That's for sure.

Look, I'm the one
who's paying here.

Yeah, sure, Kelly
got her feelings hurt,

but I'm out a lot of money.

They still haven't caught
this Driscoll guy, huh?

No.

They think he's in
Europe or something.



I don't know, I have to go
down to the police station

and look at some more photos.

Well, at least that's something.

Not really.

You know, I mean,

they said even if
they do find him,

the money's
probably already gone.

I can't wait for Jim
and Cindy to get here.

I could really use
some parental guidance.

They're not coming.

They're not?

Nope.

They had to choose between
three weeks in July and this weekend.

July won.

But your mom will be here.

Well, that'll be the
first time in a long time

I'll be glad to see her.

I got to go.

Did you tell her?

No, no, I didn't tell her.

I think she's sorry, and I
think she's suffered enough.

And what makes
that your decision?

Kel, it's graduation weekend.

Can't we just let things ride?

Maybe you can, but I can't.

I can't believe you're
taking her side again.

Brandon, do you want me
to move in with you or not?

Yeah, you know I do.

Well, then Valerie
has got to go.

You have to tell
her once and for all

that she has to move
out of this house.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ Good-bye don't come easy ♪

♪ When it's time for movin' on ♪

♪ I guess it's the memories ♪

♪ That's what makes
a house a home ♪

♪ Through the tears
and the laughter ♪

♪ These four walls
held our lives ♪

♪ Filled to the rafters ♪

♪ With new beginnings ♪

♪ And good-byes ♪

♪ After all that
we've been through ♪

♪ Part of me belongs to you ♪

♪ I am bound to fly away ♪

Hi, Gabriela. Congratulations.

Congratulations.

♪ It's not that I'm losing ♪

♪ But it's so hard to...

Well, congratulations
to all of our graduates.

You've made it through
your year in kindergarten

with flying colors,

and we'll see you all
next year in first grade.

Where's my special little girl?

Did I do okay?

You were great, sweetheart.

Yes, you were.

Give me a hug. Absolutely.

I got to get back to the office.

Bye.

David, your grandmother
will be in tonight.

All right, see you
later, Dad. Bye.

Bye.

Bye. Actually, I
have to get going.

I have to pick my grandmother
up from the train station.

Oh, thanks for coming, Donna.

Oh, no problem.

I was picking up
graduating tips.

Congratulations, Erin.

Thanks. Bye, Donna.

Bye.

Bye.

Come on. Erin
let's get your stuff.

Hey, I want to tell
you something. What?

You look beautiful today.

Oh, well, thank you, Mr. Silver.

And I'll see you next
year in first grade.

You two look happy.

What can I say?

We're in love.

Um, I know the feeling.

Hey, did you get an
invitation to some mysterious

grad party at the
Wiltern Theatre?

Like a Roaring '20s thing?

Yeah, yeah it's amazing.

The Cardigans are
supposed to be playing.

I thought it was a
joke, until Donna said,

the entire Alpha was invited.

Yeah, Steve said all the
keggers too, and Brandon.

I just don't know
who's throwing it.

I don't know.

I'd put my money on the alumni.

You know it's the 75th anniversary
of the first graduating class at C.U.

Um, that's why it's a
'20s thing. Mm-hmm.

And you know the, uh,
head alumni is Rush Sanders.

This seems exactly like
something he would do.

Yep.

One graduation down, one to go.

Yeah, I just hope ours
goes as well. Oh, it will.

If you don't let your
father get to you.

I don't think he's
going to show.

He's coming, Kelly.

Naturally.

He knows I don't want him to.

And Joy's coming, too.

You remember her, don't you?

Yeah, yeah, from Christmas.

Well, he knew you'd be upset.

So, he called me and
asked me to smooth the way.

Did he ask you to achieve
world peace while you're at it?

Kelly,

be nice.

I'll try.

Unbelievable.

It is so exciting that you're
graduating from college.

Well, last week
I wasn't so sure.

I never doubted
you for a second.

You have character, Donna.

Rare in a young
woman these days.

Must be good genes.

Thank you.

How's David?

You two engaged yet?

Grandma, we are
way too young for that.

Just wondering.

But we are very committed,

and we're talking about
sharing an apartment together.

Oh, I can't wait to hear how
your mother reacts to that one.

Right, well, I don't care.

You and Grandpa didn't
let your parents stop you

from being together.

That's for sure.

Yep, you made
your own decisions.

Yes, we did,

but the timing was right.

I knew it, and John knew it.

And when the time is
right for you and David,

you'll know it, too.

I hope so. Yes.

Val.

Hey, I thought you'd
be on campus by now?

Don't you have that
honors thing or something?

Chancellor's luncheon, yeah.

I kind of wanted
to talk to you first.

You want a cup of coffee?

No, thanks.

Just some arsenic would be fine.

What's the matter?

Well, it's official.

You and I are both
graduation orphans.

Your mother's not coming?

Nope, she blew me off.

Unbelievable, huh?

What happened?

Well, apparently
she has to work,

and she can't get off.

Of course she doesn't
have the decency to call me.

That's rough.

You know, I'm not gonna
let her off the hook either.

I'm gonna tell her how I feel.

I mean, she's the one who,
who made such a big deal

about coming here anyway.

I'm sorry, Val.

Yeah, well, what else
could happen to me, huh?

Look on the bright
side, you're graduating.

No one can take
that away from you.

Yeah, but don't
forget unemployed.

Right.

What was that for?

For being sweet,
being there for me.

I really appreciate it, Brandon.

I don't know what
I'd do without you.

Hey, what's going on, Steve?

Nothing's going on.

Why, does something
look like it's going on?

No. It just looks like you're
loitering in a parking lot

for no reason at all.

Very funny.

Hey, Silver, come here.

I have something you
might be interested in.

What?

Senior prank.

It's a milestone of mayhem

that people will
be talking about

for years and years to come.

You want in?

And why would I want to do this?

To show the school you care.

Steve, I do care.

Well, then prove it.

Prove you're not
some faceless student

that slid through four years

without ever
wearing a Condor hat.

You see, now that's
where I draw the line.

Okay, okay, no Condor hat.

But I could really use
someone with your talents.

Ah, mira mi hermano de Mexico.

What's he doing here?

Electronics. You got it?

Oh, I got 'em.

Feast your eyes on the goodies.

Hey, hey, hey,

are these what I think they are?

Tijuana Tornadoes, my friend.

Mexican confetti cannons.

Man, these things
pack quite a load.

Oh, and they make
one hell of a boom, kid.

Good job,

Agent Muntz.

Thank you, my friend.
What do you say?

Are you in?

I'll get back to you on that.

He's in.

Todos los dias
pasan cosas buenas.

Sí, my friend.

Oh, great.

Finally getting all your stuff.

You're that happy about it, huh?

Beg your pardon?

You were the one who
was so desperate to sell out.

Yeah, well, my mistake.

You know, David,

I really love this club.

I put a lot of myself into it.

What do you want me to say, Val?

I'm sorry you lost
all your money?

This is so embarrassing.

Everybody knows.

You see, that's funny.

I-I never thought you cared
what other people thought.

Yeah, well, I do.

It's humiliating, and now

Kelly wants me out of the
house, and she's moving in,

and she just wants
it all to herself.

Well, can you blame her?

David, please.

I mean, I told her

I'm through giving her
any grief, and I mean it.

She just doesn't believe me.

You know, your opinion
is really important to her.

Maybe you could talk to her.

I mean, she's your sister.

No, thanks.

I really don't want to
get involved in any of this.

David, please.

If I've ever meant anything
to you, you'll do this.

Val, you've-you've already
been a big enough burden on me.

You got yourself

into this mess. Get
yourself out of it.

Thanks for nothing.

Hey, what about your stuff?

Burn it.

Okay...

Hi, pretty face.

Good to see you.

Hi.

Joy.

It's good to see you. Hey.

It's good to see you, too.

Did you mother tell you
we were coming, huh?

Yeah, she gave me the good news.

I'm very proud of you.

Well, I would invite you
in, but with everything...

Graduation, you know...

Oh, yeah. Well, no problem.

We'll catch up later, huh?

Uh, anyway, uh,
these are for you.

I, uh...

I just wanted to see my
daughter graduate from college.

Is that so strange?

Not for most fathers.

Joy, I'll call you.

We'll go out, okay?

I'd like that.

Okay, well, thanks.

Yeah... Bye.

Bye.

So, he decided to show up.

How are you handling it?

Not too good.

Joy and Jackie seem thrilled

to have him around,
but they must be

seeing something that I'm not.

Hey, it's your weekend.
Don't let him ruin it.

That's easier said then done.

Between my father and
Valerie, I'm a little tense.

Well, we all are.

It's crazy right now.

Yeah, it is.

Kel?

What?

Okay, um,

you're my best friend, and
I need to ask your opinion.

Go for it.

Okay, I'm thinking
about changing my mind

about something
that's really important.

Is this about David?

Yes.

It's about David and
me, and it's not bad.

I think it's good.

Well, what is it?

I think it's time.

Do you think I'm nuts?

Time? Oh, you're
talking about...

Mm-hmm. Hmm.

I-I've thought a lot
about it, and I'm ready,

and I want to surprise
David on graduation night.

Well, he'll be
surprised all right.

Are you sure you
want to do this?

As sure as I am

that David and I
love each other, yeah.

Wow. What's gotten into you?

I don't know.

I mean, maybe it's my
grandmother's influence,

but I just think the
time is right for us.

Well, you don't need me

to tell you something
you already know.

Thanks.

Uh, just before we, uh...

Just before we
break up, or are forced

to eat any more of that
delicious meat loaf, um...

all of us honors
graduates got together, sir,

uh, and got you
something that, uh,

Oh. we hope you'll
remember us by

when you're in Paris.

Brandon, thank you.

Everybody, thank you.

You're welcome.

We thought you could,

uh, use it when you
come back to visit.

It's lovely.

Here, Dad.

Oh!

It's... Everybody...

I will never forget you.

I'm very proud of all of you.

Thank you very much.

Well, I guess that's about it.

We should all get out of here

before the dishonor
graduates luncheon starts, huh?

Clare?

Did you guys plan that out?

Random chaos theory in action.

Did I miss something there?

You did say to pick
you up at 1:30, right?

Yeah. That's right.

Steve, it's good to see you.

Good to see you, too.

So, uh,

is your mother attending
the graduation ceremonies?

Unfortunately not.

She got a show in Toronto.

Really? Oh, that's,
uh, uh... too bad.

I-I was... I was
hoping to see her.

Yeah, me, too.

But she loves doing musicals,

and she just couldn't
pass up doing Mame.

Yeah, I remember, she
has a beautiful singing voice.

If-if you'll excuse me.

Why did you have to
bring up your mother?

He asked me.

You know how
sensitive he is about that.

Couldn't you have just changed
the subject or something?

Uh, as an impartial observer
from a neutral country,

I kind of got to go
with Steve on this one.

Who asked you?

Come on.

No, I can't. I gotta
walk my dad home,

and then I'm supposed
to meet Donna later.

You did ask me to pick
you up at 1:30, right?

Yeah, um, but I'll just
see you tonight, okay?

Yeah. Bye.

In order to maintain
my neutrality,

uh, you did go on a little bit.

Shut up. Who's friend are you?

And people wonder why the U.N.

has problems. Hmm! Hmm!

I don't know, Bran.

It's like Clare blames
me for her father leaving.

Ah, ride it out,
bro, it'll get better.

I don't know. I'm sensing doom.

You're sensing doom? Doom.

That's just because
you're on the campus.

Every blade of grass in
this place can give testimony

to a near-doom
experience of yours.

It's been a great four years.

The best, my man, tutto bene.

I can't believe it's all ending.

I can hardly remember
all the things we did here.

You can hardly remember?

Let me see if I can refresh
your memory a little bit? Okay.

Right over there on that lawn,

that's where you got
caught on camera streaking.

Hey, you know what?

People overreacted to that.

And then there was the big
"Take Back the Night" evening.

I marched in that. Yes, you did.

If memory serves,
uh, you were accused

of date rape, weren't you?

Falsely accused.

Mm-hmm. And if it
doesn't fit, you must acquit.

Unlike the plagiarism fiasco.

You know what?

I think that's enough nostalgia

for one day, don't you, buddy?

Ouch. Okay.

You know, you still have
one more chance to wash out.

Oh, great. What's that?

Senior prank.

How come you
froze me out on that?

What's the matter,
you don't want my help?

I'm doing you a favor.
I've done enough

to tarnish your reputation
over these years.

You've done enough
to point that out, right?

Yes, I certainly have. Okay.

I wouldn't have
it any other way.

What are you going to do
with your Dryer scholarship?

Hey, hey, hey,
remember our pledge.

No talking about the
future until tomorrow

when the future is upon us.

I live by that pledge.

I know you do.

We'll be adults soon
enough. Mm-hmm.

Hey, what do you say
we race to the parking lot?

Really? You got legs?

You're on, junior.

Hey, hey, hey, hey!

Nat, come on. I mean,

she's trying to kick me
out of my own home.

Well, it's unfortunate,
but if she's gonna be

spending that much
time there with Brandon,

I mean, you could see
her point, can't you?

No, I was there first!

God, I hate this!

Everybody is always
taking her side.

It's not about sides.
It's about reality.

Val, move on.

It just might be good for you.

Speak of the devil.

Hello, Val.

Could I talk to
you for a second?

Actually, Joy and
I were just leaving.

It's really important.

Give us just a minute.

No problem.

What's up?

I just wanted to let you know
how much it means to me

living at the Walsh house.

I see.

And how great it is to know

that it, that it's my home.

And how much I appreciate
Brandon letting me stay.

He said you could stay?

He didn't say I couldn't.

Why?

Look, Val, I'm probably
going to be moving in.

And so you're saying that
the house isn't big enough

for both of us?

I know it isn't.

I think that's Brandon's
decision, don't you?

This discussion's over.

Hang on, Kelly. I think

maybe you want
to slow down here.

I don't think it's

gonna be very pleasant if I
have to call Jim and Cindy

and tell them
what's going on here.

And what is that?

They invited me to
stay in that house.

I don't think they're gonna
like that an old family friend is

being put out on the streets

because Brandon's current
girlfriend can't get along.

I see we've reached
the veiled threat portion

of the conversation.

I'm not moving.

Is that clear?

Very.

Maybe you could buy your
dad a French dictionary?

He wrote one.

I just have to find him

the perfect going-away present.

Wait, can we go in
here for just a sec?

Uh, he doesn't wear lingerie.

Mm-hmm.

You looking for
something specific or...?

No, just browsing.

Do you like this?

Yeah, it's beautiful.

Steve likes black
better, though.

Um, like this one?

It makes a statement.

Bold. Naughty. Easy to lose.

Which one's, uh... nicer?

Nicer?

Or... hotter?

"Nice" isn't usually the
operative word in lingerie.

Uh...

I mean more appropriate.

Appropriate for what?

Donna...

is there something
you're not telling me.

Like what?

Like why you're
shopping for sexy lingerie

when you sleep alone.

Hmm.

Oh, my God.

Did you and David
sleep together?

No, not yet,

but who knows?

I don't know what to say.

Well, don't say anything.

David doesn't know.

Just in case it happens,
I want it to be perfect.

In that case...

we're buying both. Come on.

Both...

What are you going to wear?

I don't even know
if Brandon and I

are going to go to this
mysterious grad party.

You have to.

Oh, it's no big deal.

You can still go
even if I don't go.

You have to be there.

Kelly... it's for you.

Dad's throwing the party.

What?

It's his graduation
present for you.

Jackie and I helped
with the guest list.

Oh, no. I don't need this.

He's just trying to make up

for all those times
he let you down.

You got to let him.

The hits keep on
coming, don't they?

Now, I'm the problem.

Please?

It was supposed
to be a surprise.

I promised him I
wouldn't tell you.

As I live and breathe,

Kelly Taylor.

Hey, guys.

Joy, these are Steve's brothers,

Ryan and Austin.

This is my sister, Joy.

Nice to meet you.

Hi.

I never knew you had a sister.

Yeah.

Especially one so pretty.

You're sweet.

Come on, let's go.

So, Joy...

you here for the graduation?

Yep.

Great.

I hope to see you again.

Bye, Kel.

He is so cute!

Oh! You are on your
own with that one.

It's really nice

of Nat to host the
pre-grad party, huh?

Yeah, big action-packed weekend.

Yeah.

Hey, Steve, can I
ask you something?

Sure.

Do you like having
me as a roommate?

I mean, you don't mind
having me around do you?

No, not at all.

Well, I know Kelly and
I have problems, but...

I mean. I think
we can work it out.

That would be good.

Well, it would.

I don't think
Kelly's willing to try.

Steve,

do you think you
could talk to Brandon?

Could really use your help.

Yeah, I could do that.

That would be great,

because I could use
all the friends I could get.

Donna.

David. David!

Uh, wait! Don't come in!

I'm... getting dressed.

Wait. Ugh...

Okay! You can come in now.

Hey.

Hey. Hi.

Uh!

Oh, wait! You can't sit down.

I just, uh... made the bed.

Okay.

So, uh, what, what
are you doing here?

I thought we were
meeting at the Peach Pit.

Well, I was wondering

if you would think
that I was stupid

for getting involved in the
senior prank with Steve.

You didn't?

Whew.

So I am stupid.

Why would you want to?

I don't know. I don't know.

You know, I... I made it
through four years at C.U.

and I-I never
joined a fraternity,

and I never went to a pep rally,

and I'm just afraid that I
might be missing something.

Well, hey. I mean,
it's not for everybody.

Maybe you're just not
the rah-rah type of guy.

Yeah, maybe.

But you know what? You know...

this is my last chance,
so, I told Steve yes.

Well, Steve, he, he
can be pretty convincing.

Well, that and Muntz pulled out

a pretty impressive
arsenal of fireworks.

Oh...

Oh, my little pyromaniac.

Yeah, you know.

Ah-ha-ha.

Mmm. Mmm. Ah!

Okay, you get out and
give me five minutes

to finish getting ready, okay?

Must I?

Well...

Mm-hmm.

Whew... Yeah.

Hey, Val.

You ready? No.

Uh, could you stop
doing that for a minute?

Yeah.

We gotta talk.

Oh, did Steve talk to you?

Yeah. Yeah,

and his opinion
has been duly noted.

So, what, it... it's ignored?

Val, you gotta help me out here.

This just isn't going to work.

You got to start looking
for another place to live.

Why?

Because you and Kelly
are gonna kill each other.

Or me.

So who's gonna look out for me?

You know what?

Maybe Jim and Cindy will.

I already talked
to Jim and Cindy.

They said it was my
decision to make, and...

my decision is,
you gotta move out.

Brandon, please.

Not now.

Okay?

After everything that's gone on.

Val this doesn't mean we're
gonna stop being friends.

I don't have any friends...

Including you.

You've made that pretty obvious.

Just... Just let me stay
through the summer.

I can't Val.

I can't.

Okay, now everybody
get a little closer.

That's it.

One more. One more. Okay.

Okay, here we go.

Hey! Beauty! That's
the one that goes

on the wall of honor.

Thanks, Nat, for dinner.

Oh, aren't you going
to stay for dessert?

No. I'm, I'm not
feeling that well.

Well, then go home and
get some sleep, honey.

That's the idea. Thanks.

Okay. Bye.

Oh, darling, this is your time.

Enjoy it.

I intend to, Grandma.

So feeling any better?

Yeah. I feel good.

Good friends. Good food.

Me?

You.

Clare!

Your father's calling again.

He, on the other
hand, is a wreck.

Thanks.

Brandon,

I really got to thank you.

I don't think Steve would
have graduated in four years

if it wasn't for your
good influence.

Oh, he's been a good
influence on me, too.

He's certainly
made it a lot of fun.

That I won't argue.

Hey, Class of '97!

How come I haven't heard about

anybody pulling off a
senior prank this year?

You guys too blasé or what, hmm?

Yeah, Dad.

We're all a bunch of wimps.

Well, you said it, not me.

I mean, I've read about,
uh, generational apathy,

but I figured some knuckleheads

want to make this campus
stand up and take notice,

let them know that you're here.

Well, I guess nobody cares.

Dad, you know what?

This party's really just for
the out-of-town guests, okay?

Do me a favor...
Try and stay low-key.

You're not even really
supposed to be here.

Is that a fact? Hmm.

I love you, too.

He hasn't done that in years.

So, when are we
meeting up with Muntz?

Ah. We'll slip
out after the cake.

Hey. Hey.

You wish your parents
had come, don't you?

Yeah, sure, but they didn't,
so what's the difference?

How come your dad's not here?

Would you believe I
forgot to invite him?

Really?

Yeah.

Well, maybe tonight
we should think

about the things we
have to be grateful for.

Like a Valerie-free environment.

Thank you.

Hey, I'm gonna stay
at the beach apartment

with the girls
tonight. Is that okay?

That's fine. Good.

After all, we have all
the time in the world,

now that Val's going.

I just hope she's all right.

See that?

Right on time.

Way to go, Steve.

They haven't
changed the schedule

since my punishment detail
where I worked on guard duty.

You're the man,
Sanders. You know it.

How much time do we
have before he gets back?

We've got 20 minutes
to cover the perimeter.

Okay, we got the, uh, cannons?

Check.

All right, we got the
detonator? Detonator?

Uh, yeah, check.

All right, who am I? Who am I?

I'm Steve Sanders with a cap on.

Giddy up.

Come on, right here.

Hey, hold on, hold on.

What if they water these
flowers in the morning

and everything gets wet?

Uh-uh, never happen.

They're waterproof connectors.

I thought of everything.

That's why this is going to
be the best senior prank ever.

Someone's coming! Get down!

One less thing to do tomorrow.

So much for your 20
minute thing, Steve.

Man, I can't believe I
let him talk me into this.

You'll thank me tomorrow.

Assuming it works,

how do we get the cannons to go
off at the same time? It's so easy.

Okay, there's a
circuit board, right.

All Steve's gotta
do is hit this button...

Ka-boom! Ka-boom! Ka-boom!

The minute we
graduate... Shh, shh, shh.

And turn over tassels to
the other side of our caps,

these bombinos are
gonna rock the house.

Now that's what
I call school spirit.

You guys ready?

Focus, focus, focus.

Ready?

Let's do this. Move out!

That was so nice of Nat.

Yeah, that was a great dinner.

Well, the night's
not over, guys.

Remember I got wine.

Oh, yeah, I'll get the glasses.

Kel, I'm so glad you're
staying here tonight.

Yeah, I just felt like
I should, you know.

Yeah, if you think about it,

this could be the last night

we're all here
together, you know.

What do you mean?

At the beach.

And, Kelly, you're obviously
gonna move in with Brandon.

Don, you're going
through changes, too.

Who knows what's
gonna happen with me.

Not to mention our
lease is almost up.

Do you remember when we
signed the lease freshman year?

I mean we were nervous
about even committing

to a year at this place.

It's been a really good home.

I'm going to miss it.

Why are you getting
all sentimental?

I don't know.

I can't help it.

And I just really love you guys.

And, you know, graduation
always changes everything, right?

It'll never change all the
great times we've had here.

We'll never forget those.

You're right.

I could never ask for
better friends or roommates.

Cheers.

Cheers. Cheers.

So, roomies, I have
a favor to ask you.

Could I have the place
to myself tomorrow night?

Oh, Donna, do you
think you're gonna have

the nerve to go through with it?

I hope so.

Well, I think that
can be arranged.

What do you think?

Yeah, I think so.

Great. Okay, snack time.

She'll never go through with it.

No.

Good evening.

Your ticket.

May I help you?

Yeah, I'd like a room.

One facing the bluffs
please. Certainly, ma'am.

And how long will
you be staying?

I'll be gone tomorrow.

Dear Brandon,

I truly hope you have a
wonderful graduation day.

I'm sorry I won't be there.

While you're getting your
diploma tomorrow morning,

I'll be having my
own private ceremony.

I should have done this a
year ago when I was with David.

Better late than never, huh?

All my love, Valerie.

Hey, it's David.

Don't hang up. Leave a
message, then you can hang up.

Hey, David, it's Brandon.

Uh, would you do me a favor

and give me a call as soon
as you get this message.

Something's going
on with Valerie,

and I think I need your help.

Thanks, man.

You have reached the personal
mailbox for Abby Malone.

Please leave your message.

Mom, it's me again.

Disregard the earlier
messages okay.

I was just really disappointed
you weren't coming.

But I'm not mad anymore.

I've just been going
through a really bad time,

but I'm getting through it.

So don't worry about me.

Please.

I'm gonna take care
of everything tomorrow.

I love you.

Bye.

Val?

No, no, man, it's
me. I got in late.

I just got your
message. What's up?

David, listen I got a note from
Valerie and it's kind of weird.

Weird how?

Did she ever talk to
you about killing herself?

Yeah, yeah, once when
I was depressed. Why?

Because in the
letter it mentions

that she should have
done it a year ago

when she was with David.

Do you know what that means?

Yeah, yeah, exactly.

You coming?

You know, when the
demons get too close,

the ones that say that I'm
gonna end up like my father,

I come here for a gut check.

You think that's where she is?

It's gotta be.

She, uh, she said she stayed

at the Shangri-La Hotel
across the street from the bluffs

when she got depressed.

Damn, I was really hard
on her yesterday, too.

Yeah, me, too.

Listen, I'm gonna go find her.

I'll see you at the graduation.

Wait up a sec, all right.
I'll meet you up there.

No, no, no, there's
no sense in both of us

being late to the ceremony.
I'll take care of this.

You sure?

Yeah. Yeah, I'll see you there.

All right, good luck.

Oh, hey. Hi.

You want to see my party outfit?

Uh, I don't really
have time right now.

Oh, yeah, we should
be there by 10:00.

I'll just put this in your room.

Hey, Kel, you're gonna
have to go there without me.

There's something I've
gotta take care of first.

What is it?

I don't really have
time to explain.

You mean you
don't want to explain.

Kel, let's not get into
this right now, okay?

It's Valerie, isn't it?

Can't we just have

one day without her
making us insane?

Apparently not.

I'll see you later.

Where's Brandon?

I don't know.

I haven't seen Val either.

Do you think there's
some connection?

What do you think?

Summa cum laude.

That's quite an
achievement, Arnold.

I don't think you
could've done it

without my help though.

I don't think I could've either.

You know if, uh,
if it wasn't for you,

I probably would've
dropped out this year.

It seems like a
million years ago.

All I know is when this is done

I'm definitely gonna be
ready for this blow out.

The party sounds incredible.

Yeah, you know I was
thinking we shouldn't plan

on staying that late tonight.

You're right.

We should be back
by Friday at the latest.

Wait, you're a little crooked.

Huh?

Have you seen Valerie
or Brandon around yet?

Uh, no, I'm sure
they'll be here.

Hi. Valerie Malone's
room please.

She's still not back, huh?

All right, I'd like to
leave a message.

Yeah, I'll hold.

What was that all about?

Nothing.

If your prank embarrasses
my dad, I will kill you.

Clare... don't worry!
It's gonna be a lot of fun.

You're such a baby.

Why don't you grow up?

What is with you?

It's either kisses or
claws. I don't get it.

Well, that's me.
Take it or leave it.

Mom!

I'm so excited!
Congratulations, sweetie.

Thank you.

Where's Brandon?

Somehow, he got
sidetracked with Valerie.

She's determined to ruin
any happy occasion she can.

Sort of like your ex-husband.

Honey, don't let
anything ruin your day.

I just don't get it.

I thought you distrusted
him as much as I do.

Life is too short to
keep looking backwards.

Excuse me, may I
have your attention?

Graduates, will you
please form your lines now?

I better get my seat. I'm
sure Brandon will show up.

He better. He's
part of the ceremony.

Bye. Bye.

Hi. Valerie Malone, please.

Oh, I'm sorry. Ms. Malone
is no longer a guest here.

Well, did you give
her my messages?

If you're Brandon, I
gave her the messages.

And what did she say?

That it was time
for her to check out.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

Class of 1997, be seated.

Any sign of Valerie
or Brandon yet?

Nope.

She's gonna make him miss it.

In preparing you
for what comes next.

For four years we
have challenged you,

we have graded you, we
have prodded you to succeed.

About the only thing
we haven't done is talk

to you about failure.

That's too bad.

Not just because
failure is a part of life,

but because the
surest way to succeed

is to allow yourself
the freedom to fail.

Val?!

Val?

Go away, Brandon.

Come on, Val, don't do this.

Why do you care?

I mean, now I won't be a
problem for you anymore.

Would you please
just come back here?

No.

What are you doing out here?

What do you think?

Come on, Val.

We're supposed to be
graduating today, not doing this.

We can still make it.

What do you say?

And what about afterwards?

Afterwards, we'll go home.

What about Kelly?

You let me deal
with Kelly, all right?

Come on.

Let's go.

Come on.

Let's go. Come on.

Here then, are your
challenges: find meaningful work,

build a family, become
part of a community.

Do all these
things without fear.

Take risks.

And at all costs,
pursue the dream.

As the poet Robert Frost wrote:

"Two roads diverged
in a wood, and I...

"I took the one
less traveled by,

and that has made
all the difference."

Ooh, here you go.

Thanks, man.

And after knowing
you these four years,

I can say with confidence

that the road you take will be
the one that makes a difference.

Thank you.

Thank you.

And now I'd like to
call on the recipient

of the James S. Sharlet Award

for the outstanding student
of the graduating class.

Will Brandon Walsh
please join me?

Whoo!

In his four years here,

he has been the president
of the student body,

assistant editor
of the newspaper

and general manager
of the television station.

His time here has been
one of commitment,

involvement and character.

So I think it is
more than fitting

that Brandon Walsh
receive this symbolic diploma

on behalf of the Class of 1997.

Thank you, Chancellor Arnold.

I can honestly say
on behalf of our class

that we will never forget

the years we've spent
here at California University.

And I think there's
only one thing left to say

on this momentous
occasion and that is...

"Have we graduated yet?"

Very nearly so. Class
of 1997, please rise.

To officially signify
your graduation,

please turn the tassels on
your caps from right to left...

now.

Whoo!

♪ ♪

Why can't you just tell
me where you were?

Because Valerie made
me promise not to.

So?

Fine.

She was at the bluffs.

I think she was
gonna kill herself.

No wonder she didn't
want anyone to know.

No one would believe that.

That's a little cold,
don't you think?

Brandon,

she loves herself way too
much to do anything like that.

Valerie is a drama
queen, and you know it.

So even if she was faking
it, it's still a cry for help.

Help which you're
going to provide, I take it?

Yeah, yeah, that's right, I am.

I'm sorry, Kel. I can't
kick her out right now.

This is perfect.

She won.

Don't turn this into a game.

Valerie turned this into a game.

She said she would do
anything to stay and she did.

I just didn't think you
would make it this easy.

You want some tea?

Yeah, I need something
to settle me down.

Man, I can't believe the way
those confetti cannons went off.

It was awesome!

It was truly great.

Rush said he didn't know whether
he was prouder of my diploma

or my senior prank.

Well, he's a sick man.

Yep,

and the apple doesn't
fall far from the tree.

Hey, Valerie, I'm glad you
and Brandon worked things out.

You're really a great roommate.

You're just saying that

because you like to
watch me get dressed.

You mean yesterday? Uh,

I didn't mean to look.

Then I guess
that's what you call

a "happy accident," huh?

It won't happen again.

It's all right, Steve.

Listen, by the way do you
think I could tag along with you

and Clare to the party?

Yeah, sure,

if Clare goes.

I think she wants to spend
the evening with her father

before he goes to Paris

tomorrow morning.

Oh. Yeah.

Or maybe it's just as
well if she doesn't go.

She would bag on me all night.

She thinks her father's

fleeing the country because
my mom dumped him.

Do you think maybe she's
having second thoughts

about going with him?

No. No, she wants
to stay with me.

You know what, Valerie,

go get dressed.

Let's head over
to Clare's house.

She's gotta come to this party.

I think that's a great idea.

Just give me a
couple seconds, okay?

Okay.

You know what,
Steve, I have to say,

you're really lucky to have
someone love you like that.

Yeah.

Yeah, I guess I am.

I think you might
be a little too '90s

for the Roaring
'20s party tonight.

I'm not going to the party.

I'm gotta help my dad pack.

How can you not go?

Tonight is our night.

I know, I just... I don't
want him to be alone.

I think he feels
abandoned enough already.

Are you talking about him
or are you talking about you?

Hey, I'm sorry,
I didn't mean it.

It's okay.

I'm just having
a really hard time

dealing with all this, you know.

I don't want to make a mistake.

Well, your dad loves
you, Steve loves you.

You can't make a mistake.

Thanks.

I'm fine, really.

You and David go
have a good time okay?

Are you sure?

Mm-hmm.

Okay.

Okay.

Well, I better go see
what's keeping David.

Okay.

David?

What?

Are you okay?

You look like you're
asleep on your feet.

Yeah, I guess it's
just catching up to me.

We were out so late last night

setting up the confetti
cannons and stuff.

I had a lot of fun though.

Yeah, it was terrific.

You know, I'm so tired.

Why don't we just blow
off this party and stay here.

No, no, no, I mean you were
the one that wanted to go.

Why don't you
finish getting ready

and we'll go and
it's gonna be a blast.

All right.

Do you mind if I have
a couple drinks tonight?

No, not at all.

In fact I think I could
use a couple myself.

All right.

All right, all right.

Hi. Hey, get dressed, Arnold.

We're taking you out tonight.

I'm not going to the party.

Come on, I'll have you
home in time to say good-bye

to your father.

Val, do you think we can
be alone for a second?

Oh, of course.

I'll be inside. Okay.

I'm going to Paris.

I don't want my dad

to be alone.

I get the feeling this isn't
about your dad, Clare.

I have to, okay?

You want to.

Yeah, I want to.

Hey, Val.

Hey.

I'm glad you're here.

I was, uh, I was a
little worried about you.

I didn't think you cared.

Well, you make it hard
sometimes, but I do.

That means a lot to me, David.

Thanks.

He needs me.

I need you.

He needs me more.

No, he doesn't.

And even if he does,

I don't care.

You don't mean that.

You know what, he's your past.

I'm supposed to be your future.

So, I don't, I don't understand,

why don't you just
come with me to Paris.

We'll figure out our future.

By that time my dad will be all
settled in. My future's here, Clare!

How do you know that?

Because I know.

This is my home.

I belong here.

I'm not sure I do.

I won't be very good at a long
distance relationship, Clare.

I know.

So this is it?

Yeah, I'm gonna, I'm gonna go.

I can't believe after all we've
been through we're breaking up.

I can't believe it.

Well, maybe, maybe
we won't, you know.

Maybe, maybe we should
just see what happens.

Maybe if it's meant to be...

It's not meant to be.

I'm sorry.

♪ ♪

♪ The air's so thick you
can cut it with a knife ♪

♪ At the end of the week
it's Saturday night... ♪

This is so amazing.

I can't believe Clare
is missing everything.

Yeah, the line
forms to the left.

What's taking David so long?

I don't know.

Well, I'm gonna go get my
own drink. You want to come?

Yeah, I could use
some bathtub gin.

Hey, where'd everybody go?

They got tired of waiting.
Where have you been?

I ran into the Cardigans'
manager at the punch bowl.

I talked to him about
doing a live radio concert

from the After Dark.

Oh yeah? What did he say?

He said stick around
and we'll talk later.

Later?

Yeah, what's the difference?

We're here all night.

We've got to be
on the guest list.

We're graduates. Sure you are.

See, there's only one
Sanders on the list.

Steve.

And he's already in.

Take a hike.

Take a hike! RYAN: Joy!

Hey, Ryan, I didn't
know you'd be here.

Could you, uh... help us out?

No problem.

Dad, you don't
mind if my friends

join us do you? Of
course not, honey.

Any friend of Joy's is a
friend of mine. You're in, guys.

Hey, thanks.

All right.

It's okay, Joey.

So, Mr. Taylor,
can I call you Bill?

I was thinking maybe
you'd introduce me

to some band groupies,
what do you think?

I'll take that as a yes.

You want to dance?

Absolutely.

Take it easy kid,
you're already in, huh?

Hey, no thanks to you.

I'll let you buy
me a drink later.

♪ The air's so thick you
can cut it with a knife ♪

♪ At the end of the week
it's Saturday night... ♪

Good evening. Uh, a
glass of champagne, please.

Oh, Mr. Taylor, great party.

Oh, thank you.

Hello, Valerie.

Hi. So have you heard
from our mutual friend?

If you're talking about
that thief Derek Driscoll, no.

I get the feeling
he stiffed you, too.

Well, if it isn't the Babe.

Hey, Muntz.

What are you pointing at?

The bar.

I promised I'd drink a bottle of
scotch for some sick little kid.

No wonder you're a legend.

Legends are born,
they're not made.

Oh, will you look there.

Valerie and my
father, together again.

Kel, give it a rest, will you?

We've been fighting all day.

I'm trying.

Hey, great party.

Well, don't thank me.

Uh, can I talk to
you for a second?

Yeah.

So, where'd you
find Val this morning?

Exactly where you said I would.

Is she going to be okay?

Yeah, yeah she's gonna be fine.

Just, uh, don't tell
anyone about this, okay?

No, no, no, no, I
wouldn't do that.

You did a good thing, man.

Thanks.

I'm paying for it now.

Okay, I'm scared to death.

Don't panic.
Everything will work out,

if you want it to that is.

I don't know if I
want to anymore.

Oh, I don't know.

And Valerie what is
the deal with Valerie?

Why are David and Steve
treating her with kid gloves?

That's probably because
Brandon told them

that if they
don't, she'll crack.

Which is a crock.

There's my daughter,
the graduate.

Hello.

Donna, congratulations
to you, too.

You deserve it, but if you'll
excuse us, I need Kelly now.

Now.

What is this about?

A big surprise.

Big.

Can I have your
attention please?

Thank you.

My name is Bill Taylor,
and I'm your host.

Are you all enjoying yourselves?

That's great, because
tonight is your night.

The 1920s may have been roaring,

but I'm sure they
won't hold a candle

to your 20s.

Now you all know
what you're here for.

Now I want you to
meet the reason why.

My daughter, Kelly Taylor.

This party is my
graduation present to her.

So, uh, Kelly, why don't
you say a few words?

Hi.

Have a good time.

Well, that's what a, uh,

hundred-thousand-dollar
education sounds like.

Anyway, I'm sure you
don't want to look at me,

you want to see the Cardigans.

Well, here they are, all the
way from Amos, Sweden,

the Cardigans.

♪ Dear, I fear we're
facing a problem ♪

♪ You love me
no longer, I know ♪

♪ And maybe there is
nothing that I can do ♪

♪ To make you do ♪

Kelly, wait a minute.

No, look, I'm really grateful

that you threw this
party for all my friends.

But let's not pretend that
you're the perfect father

and I'm the perfect
daughter, okay?

Come on, honey,
this is your party, too.

Then let me enjoy it.

♪ So I cry and I
pray and I beg ♪

♪ Love me, love me ♪

♪ Say that you love me ♪

♪ Fool me, fool me ♪

♪ Go on and fool me ♪

Halfway home, Muntz.

I got that promise to keep.

Man, I love that kid.

♪ Just say that you need me ♪

♪ So I cry ♪

♪ And I beg for you to ♪

♪ Love me, love me ♪

♪ Say that you love me ♪

♪ Leave me, leave me ♪

♪ Just say that you need me ♪

♪ I can't care 'bout anything ♪

♪ But you ♪

♪ Lately, I have
desperately pondered ♪

I'm sorry.

I just don't understand why

the whole family
is in love with him.

Last week, nobody liked him.

What, is he paying
everybody off?

Just talk to Dad.

You owe him that much.

I don't owe him anything.

Well, he's still our father.

Yeah, well, tell him that.

♪ I will end up
lost in confusion ♪

♪ I don't care if
you really care ♪

♪ As long as you don't go ♪

♪ So I cry, I pray and I beg ♪

♪ Love me, love me ♪

Buddy graduate.

Plastered graduate.

Yep.

No Clare?

No. Not on this continent.

I'm sorry to hear that, bro.

You know that
saying, "You don't know

what you have until
it's gone," Brandon?

Mm-hmm.

Too well, my
friend, all too well.

Well, I knew.

I knew.

Any chance of changing her mind?

If there were, I
wouldn't be here.

Well, then it's time to move on.

Clare was great.

You guys were great together.

But it's over.

Yeah, tell me
something I don't know.

♪ Love me, love me ♪

♪ Say that you love me ♪

♪ Fool me, fool me ♪

♪ Go on and fool me ♪

♪ Love me, love me ♪

♪ I know that you need me ♪

♪ I can't care 'bout anything ♪

♪ But you. ♪

Thank you very much.

Well, we don't normally
play this kind of event,

but we're really
happy to be here.

Yeah, and congratulations
to you graduates.

You should give
yourselves a hand.

Back again?

Yeah, I'm just, uh,
drowning my sorrows.

Clare's not coming?

She's going to Paris.

It must be pretty painful.

Less and less.

Bartender, another round please.

Well, you want some company?

Sure.

Um, one for the lady.

Lady wants a drink.

As much as I'd like to hang out

and party all night,
I'm kind of tired.

Do you mind if we go? Wait.

Uh, I thought you had to stay

and talk to the
Cardigan's manager.

No, no, I already
saw him at the bar.

He said he's gonna
call me tomorrow.

Look, I really wouldn't
mind heading home early

and getting some sleep.

Oh, you mean now.

Unless y-you want
to stay; that's fine.

I don't know what I want.

David, do you love me?

Why are you asking me?

Humor me, please.

Yes, Donna.

I love you more than anything

in the whole world.

Can we go now?

Yep. Now we can go.

♪ One more thing ♪

♪ One more thing that is... ♪

Hi.

Hi.

I was talking to Joy.

And you think I'm
being unreasonable, too?

Look, Kel, I know you're not
having the best time tonight.

But that's not your
father's fault, it's mine.

It's me that you're mad at.

You're right.

I am mad at you.

Then don't take it out on him.

Why don't you go spend some
time with him before he leaves.

Hmm?

Well, you win.

Thank you for coming.

I'm listening.

It's funny, I-I don't
know where to begin.

Okay, Kel, here goes.

I know it hasn't seemed like it,

but you are very
important to me.

I just want to be
back in your life again.

Why?

Why now?

Why not now?

You're my oldest daughter.

I'm very proud of you.

And I love you.

You, uh, distrust
me that much, huh?

Yeah, actually, I do.

I deserve that.

I know there are a lot
of years of resentment

that I have to
overcome, and I'm trying.

I-I just want another
chance, that's all.

It's not that easy.

It can be that easy.

If you let me in.

Your sister Joy has, your,
your mother Jackie has.

Look, Joy and Jackie
may be impressed

with your sudden conversion.

But for me, it's gonna
take a little bit more than

throwing the biggest
party on the block.

All right, I understand that.

But do me a favor, will you?

Don't shut me out.

One of these days,
you're gonna get married

and start to raise
a family and...

I don't want to miss that, too.

Just stop, okay?

'Cause you don't know
anything about me.

Hey, you okay?

No, I'm not.

What happened?
I don't really want

to talk about it,
okay? Kel, Kel,

that's not gonna fix anything.

Don't you get it?

Some things can't be fixed.

I'm not the enemy here.

Well, it feels like you are.

You've been siding
with him all day.

You know what, Kel?

If I'm such a bad
person, do me a favor,

don't move in with me.

All right, Donna, what's
up with you tonight?

What do you mean?

You know what I mean.

Nothing.

Uh, I just have kind
of a surprise for you

when we get back
to the apartment.

Well, what is it,
like-like, a present?

Kind of.

But it's not just for
you, it's for me, too.

Look, Donna, with
all due respect,

I really hope it's not a pet.

All right?

I-I don't want to deal with
a dog or some damn bird.

It's not a pet.

So what is it? No hints.

But I'm gonna like it, right?

Now you're really
making me nervous.

You know...

you have a
beautiful set of eyes.

Ryan will be right back.

You know, anything Ryan
can do, I can do better.

He is my little
brother, after all.

Hello, Ryan.

Hey, Austin, I just saw
Steve at the bar, and he's got

a great girl for you.

Ooh.

Is there anything in my teeth?

Good.

Thank you.

Hi.

Do you plan on
leaving anytime soon?

Don't know.

Do you mind if I
just take the limo?

Be my guest.

I really need to leave.

I just don't know where to go.

Go home.

Can't.

There may be a private
party going on there.

And you won't go to my house?

No.

You mind if I sit down?

Go ahead.

Brandon, I'm sorry.

I know you've only
been trying to help me.

Even with Valerie.

But I just can't quite
get a handle on things.

My dad seemed to be
really reaching out to me...

but I just slammed
the door on him.

Brandon!

I'm looking for Steve.

Keep looking.

Great.

Thanks.

You know... Kel...

your father loves you.

You gotta let him.

Okay. You're not
gonna tell anybody right?

Who would believe me?

Okay.

I'm ready.

For what?

My surprise.

Oh. Well, it's, it's
not quite ready yet.

I-I need a little bit
of time to prepare it.

What, is it food?

I said no hints.

No, I mean I wouldn't have
any problem if it was food.

I didn't get a chance
to eat before we left.

Oh. Well, good.

Go make yourself a sandwich.

Donna, what are you
up to? You'll find out.

Just eat, sit down, relax,
read a book, listen to music.

I'll, uh, I'll call
you when it's time.

Just don't leave or
fall asleep, okay?

Donna. Yeah.

Is it animal,
vegetable or mineral?

Animal.

I knew it.

It's a dog.

Good-bye, Dad.

I'm going to miss you.

I'm gonna miss you too, pumpkin.

Are you gonna be all right?

Yeah, don't worry about me.

I'm gonna be fine.

Go.

Do you have a minute?

A minute's, uh...

probably all I've got,

but I'd love to
spend it with you.

Now I don't where to start.

I want to apologize

for starting a fight before.

You don't have to
apologize to me, honey.

No, I want to.

If you're really
ready to start over,

then so am I.

Really?

You have no idea

how that makes
me feel, sweetheart.

Bill.

It's time.

Yeah, I'll, I'll be,
uh, right there.

So maybe you can have
that dinner we missed, huh?

I'm afraid that's,
uh... impossible.

Here we go again.

No. Not this time.

You see, these, uh, gentlemen
are, uh, federal marshals,

and tomorrow I'm being
indicted by the grand jury

on charges of fraud
and embezzlement.

After that, I go to jail.

What?

Why?

Because I'm guilty.

Tonight was part of the
deal I made with the D.A.

Jackie and Joy knew about this?

Yes, they did.

Why didn't you tell me?

Because, uh, I wanted
you to forgive me

before you knew the truth
and... thought even less of me,

but...

you were right about one thing.

I did try to buy your
love this weekend.

I guess that's the
only way I know how.

Dad, I'm so sorry.

You called me "Dad."

I like the sound of that.

Oh, honey,

thank you so much.

I'd, uh... better go.

Hey, what's going
on with Kelly's dad?

Looks like he's being arrested.

Yeah, I'm sure Kelly will
want to tell you about it.

How you doing?

I've been better,

but I'm glad I-I got the chance

to straighten
everything out with him.

So am I.

I just feel like
everything's ending.

Us, too?

No, I don't want that.

I'm glad to hear you say that.

Sorry about your dad, Kel.

Thanks.

Yeah, I'm sorry, too.

Thanks. I appreciate it.

Do you mean that?

Yeah. I do.

I think tonight

is a good night
for starting fresh.

Well, um, do you guys want
to go have a little nightcap?

You know what?

As long as we're all
going to be living together,

I think maybe we should
go home and get used to it.

Are you sure about that?

You heard the lady.

Let's go home.

Oh.

Sorry. Where's my tie?

Give me this.

What's taking her so long?

Donna, come on.

What's taking so long?

You like your surprise?

Yeah.

Is, uh, is it over?

No.

It's just beginning.

Come here.

You sure?

More than I've ever
been about anything.

I mean, maybe if we
had done this last year

or even last week,

I might not have been,

but I think this is the
way it's supposed to be.

Why now? I mean...

What made you change your mind?

Well, one part of my life ended
today when we graduated,

and now I want to spend
the next part with you.

How did I get so lucky?

You waited.

I forgot.

Another present for you.

I love you so much.

I love you, too.