Minor Adjustments (1995–1996): Season 1, Episode 1 - Pilot - full transcript
Medical group, hold please.
Medical group, please hold.
Dr. Aimes office. Can you please hold?
Thank you.
Dr. Aimes office.
Oh, hi, Lisa.
Really? You did?
Tell me all about it.
No, I'm not doing anything.
So, have you told your mother how you feel
about your new baby brother?
I've tried but it seems like she's always busy.
And she doesn't pay attention to me.
I remember when I was a kid, my mom was the same way.
I used to stand there trying to get my mom's attention.
"Ma, ma, ma.
Ma, ma, ma, ma, ma, ma."
And my mother would be right there.
I'm thinking maybe she didn't hear me
I'll say it on the other side.
"Ma, ma, ma, ma, ma, ma, ma."
I'm thinking she's so dumb
she don't even know her name is Ma.
Then I realized all mom's have the internal ma device.
They flick a switch, they don't hear anything.
They just see you standing there, going..
So, here's what you do.
Wait for a real quiet time and say
"Mom, I feel sad. I wanna talk to you about it."
I guess I could try that.
Good. We made progress today.
I'm gonna get Darby to get us some apple juice.
Darby? Darby?
Darby? Darby? Darby.
Darby, Darby, Darby.
Darby, Darby.
[scatting]
(male narrator) We'll return after these messages.
[instrumental music]
- Ma, ma, ma, ma. Ma? - What, Emma?
Why are you resealing the envelopes?
Well, I'm resealing this envelope
because of my enthusiasm I opened it.
And now I realize I should've waited
to share this wonderful moment with your father.
So, you're gonna lie to him?
No, I'm not gonna lie to him.
We're all gonna lie to him.
Okay, okay. Here he comes. Now, this is what we do.
When he reads the letter we all act surprised
And we say, "yay."
- Yay! - Not now.
Once he opens the letter.
Okay, got it.
Hey, what's going on?
Hey, we got a letter from the school.
Yay!
Wait till he reads the letter.
Okay, I'm on it.
Hey, Trevor, you did it.
You got into the school for gifted students.
Now.
I don't have another one in me.
Congratulations, son. Come here.
I am so proud of you.
Oh!
You are moving up in the world.
It's like being promoted, isn't it?
Certainly is.
And what's a promotion without a raise?
I need a bigger allowance.
Think about it.
A Gifted Student Magnet School.
Mm-hmm.
Trevor's gonna be very successful
just like his father.
I thought I was his father.
- Honey. - What?
- Why would you do that? - It was just a kiss.
Baby, that wasn't just a kiss.
That was a kids were sleeping and we're alone kinda kiss.
Actually if I'm not mistaken that was kids are grown up
on their way to college kind of kiss.
Daddy, daddy, daddy.
- Trevor needs your help. - Hear that?
Our young Einstein still needs his fathers help.
- Mm-hmm. - What's he working on?
He got his hand stuck in the banister again.
- Hi, Uncle Bruce. - Hi.
I have your sandwich and here are your car keys.
What are you doing with my keys?
Didn't you say, "Get me a sandwich and take my Jag?"
No, I said get me a sandwich.
Oh, like take the Jag wasn't implied.
Do you have any idea what this car means to me?
No.
Well, Actually nothing.
But Denise loves this car.
Denise dumped you two months ago.
No, no, no. See, Denise dumped Bruce Hampton, Honda driver.
She hasn't met Bruce Hampton, Jaguar owner.
- Jaguar leaser. - Shut up.
Remind me never to work for relatives again.
May I? May I remind you of that?
Excuse me. Excuse me, doctor.
Um. my son is been in there with Dr. Aimes
for over an hour now. Is that bad?
No, no, no, sometimes he doesn't even look at the clock
when he's in session. He's very thorough, deeply focused.
Ha-ha. Ah.
Ah. Ha ha.
Ha! Ha!
- I got you. - Did not.
Yes, I did. I got you right on the side.
Did not.
Now, I got you. You're dead.
- You're cheating. - Oh, yeah?
What are you gonna do about it?
I'm not gonna play with you anymore.
- Why? - 'Cause you're a cheater.
It's no fun for me.
Good.
- I'm proud of you. - Why?
Because you stood up for yourself
when you knew you were right.
I did, didn't I?
Obi-Wan has thought you well, young Skywalker.
Thanks, Dr. Aimes.
- Now, die. - Ahh!
Hi, mom.
You think you've won but it's not over.
My, my identical twin brother shall avenge my death
next week same time.
You've got a great kid here.
Come on, mom. I'll explain it in the car.
- See you next week, Dave. - Bye.
I can't believe it.
The two dollar fish ate the $75 fish.
Bruce, I need your help, what do you know about
assembling a teepee?
Oh, just a usual stuff they teach in dental school. Why?
I bought one to use as a therapeutic tool
and I need some help setting it up.
Look, if you wanna make your patients happy, do what I do.
Give them cheap toys bought by the bulk from Taiwan.
I didn't become a psychologist just for the money.
Oh. You think I became orthodontist just for the money?
Of course not, I did it because I was dating a girl in college
who wanted to marry an orthodontist.
Did you ever date an Native American?
'Cause I need help setting up a teepee.
You're not gonna believe this. Ron bought a teepee.
Doesn't that just make you wanna take a big stick
and beat the hell out of my ex-husband?
Beat the hell out of your ex-husband?
I said that? That's funny.
What I meant was, cute idea.
That came out, take a big stick
and beat the hell out of my ex-husband.
Are you okay?
I'm sorry. I guess I'm a little cranky.
'Cause I just learned that the man whom I charitably
refer to as the pig
is actually suing me for more alimony.
You know what you need? A big hug.
What I need Ron is a big stick
to beat the hell out of my ex-husband.
- And I need a favor. - Anything.
Well, if you have a minute, can I send in a patient of mine?
The girl's parent sent her in for a check up
but she won't co-operate.
I'm concerned 'cause I can't get her to talk to me.
And I can't reach her folks.
Yeah, I got a minute. Send her in.
Thank you.
Tammy, come on in.
Tammy, this is Dr. Aimes.
Hi, how are you?
Instant rapport.
Dr. Bailey, why don't you give us
a couple of minutes, so we can chat.
Sure. See you later, Tammy.
By the way, if she opens up
try and get a look at her tonsils.
Well, if you don't feel like talking that's fine.
But I found that talking helps even if you don't think it will.
Prove it, you said. Okay, I'll tell you what.
I'll give you $50
you can tell me where you live and I'd feel better.
I live in 35, Rosewood street.
- Now, how do you feel? - Oh, better.
That'll be $50.
- How'd you know that will work? - 'Cause I'm good.
So, why do you hate your father?
- I don't hate my father. - Why do you hate your mother?
I don't hate my mother.
How do you like that, our first session together
you already don't hate your parents.
I told you I was good.
- You're weird. - I was going for weird.
And you definitely got it.
[knock on door]
Sorry to interrupt. But it's urgent.
I have a message from your son.
"I hate this school."
- He told you that was urgent? - No, it's urgent to me.
I told him I'd give it to you before I left.
Buh-bye.
She's a relative.
Not mine.
Hi, dad.
Sorry about leaving that message.
Mom said I just had new school jitters.
Do you wanna discuss your feelings?
Oh, Dr. Aimes.
Could you get my dad in here?
Okay. Alright.
I just panicked.
The work seemed too hard.
I feel okay now
except when I think about going back tomorrow
I feel like I'm gonna throw up.
I felt that way too my first day at grad school.
I thought I was in over my head.
- What did you do? - Threw up.
Oh, man.
I don't know what to do.
I'll tell you what you can do.
You can get your feet off that table.
And stop worrying about school.
Yeah, well, I feel like I worked really hard
taking test to get into the school.
And now my reward is something I don't want.
I know that feeling.
When you get something you find out
it's not what you thought it would be.
It's like when I used to barbecue
with my dad in the backyard.
He'd give me meat as a reward.
Hot, sizzling meat.
Right from the grill.
My dad would be barbecuing, "You want some meat?"
"Yeah, dad. I want some hotdog, some hotdog."
My dad would cut some hotdog off and put in my mouth..
[hissing]
"How does it taste?"
"I ain't got no lips."
So, what am I suppose to learn from this?
Stay the hell away from grandpa when he's barbecuing.
- Hey, how's he doing, doctor? - Fine.
It's not uncommon for a child of his age
to have a short attention span.
Just be patient with him and encourage him--
Listen, can I take this magazine?
- Yeah. - Thank you.
Okay, Kevin. Let's go.
Ah, I wasn't finished explaining.
Oh, I-I'm sorry. Go ahead.
I think the right thing we should do is, perhaps--
Can this wait till next time? We really gotta go.
Mr. Fenton, focus.
Your son has some issues that need your attention.
And I'd like you to join in on our session next time.
Okay. Thanks.
Darby remind me I need to see both of them
in my office next time.
How should I do that?
Make a note.
[scoffs] What should it say?
Mr. Fenton to be in Kevin's session.
Okay. Where should I put it?
In the appointment book.
Okay. Last question.
You're not gonna ask me, where the appointment book is.
Never mind.
Darby, your office skills have to get better.
Oh, I hope so.
When I find the appointment book and I will find it
I will put your little note in it.
Hi, dad.
Oh, that reminds me of another note for you.
Your son's here to see you.
Great news. I took your advice and I quit school.
Quit school? I didn't give you that advice.
You didn't?
Gee, then I totally misunderstood
that barbecue story.
Trevor, what's going on?
You ought to be proud of me.
I took the hard road.
What can be harder than facing you like this?
Facing your mother.
I came here to talk, man to man.
Fine, let's talk man to man.
This better be good.
- Start talking my man. - Okay.
As one man to another, let me say..
Wow! Look at that teepee.
- Can I go inside? - No.
What happened to the man to man talk?
Can't this wait till I grow up?
No.
Okay, as one man to another let me say..
You're good at this help me start.
We could switch roles.
How would you start if you were me?
- What? - You be me, I'll be you.
What would you...dad, say to me
Trevor in this situation?
First, I'll tell you to get your feet off my table.
I like this. Now, sit up straight.
Now, tell me about school.
I'm waiting.
I need five dollars. I gotta have five dollars.
Now, knock it off. And tell me about school.
I've been trying for a week, not complaining.
But the work is too hard and I'm not smart enough.
Not smart enough?
Impossible! You're my son!
I think you're just being lazy.
And until you change that behavior, I'll be in a teepee.
Not so fast, dad.
I'm not lazy. I just miss being at the top of my class.
I hear you, son.
Everybody used to think I was the best
now they think I'm a dope.
- They do not. - Oh, yeah? Ask anybody.
Even the kid who used be the class dope
thinks I'm pathetic.
Wait, wait, stop.
I don't like the way you doing me.
- I wouldn't say I'm pathetic. - What would you say?
I'd say the gifted students are like maniacs.
Think, think, think, think, think.
Take a break already.
I used to be happy.
Now, I don't even wanna go to school anymore.
Okay.
I think I understand what you're saying.
See it's a big decision
I don't wanna leave your mom out of this.
Why don't we go home and talk to her?
Do you think mom will understand?
Yes.
And you'll help me talk to her?
- Yes. - Can I sit in the teepee?
No.
Think, think, think, think, think.
Take a break already.
I used to be happy, now I'm sad.
And you bought this?
He was great in the office.
Trevor, honey, s superior education
could give you an advantage for the rest of your life.
You're smart but you have the potential to be brilliant.
Let me go back to my old school.
I feel too bad at the new school to do my best work.
Trevor, leave us alone for a while.
Your dad and I have to talk. Okay?
Hang tough, dad.
So, what do you think?
I think you're doing it to me again.
You're forcing me to be the bad guy.
I have to tell him no.
That's not what I'm doing.
I just think we ought to let him stay at the old school.
You want your son to be an underachiever?
I just want Trevor to be happy.
Well, maybe sacrificing a little now
will make him happier in the long run.
And maybe it'll make him a little less happy.
Supposedly, it leads him to become an overachiever
who works and worries himself
into a heart attack like my father.
Your father didn't have a heart attack.
That's why I said suppose.
What's the point of sending him to a better school
if he's gonna lose his self-esteem.
Look, I know you have strong feelings about this
but let's not forget I'm a psychologist.
- What? - Take back. Take back.
- Take back. Take back. - No, no, no, no.
You-you can't take that back.
Oh, you are a psychologist.
So, what does that make me? Merely a mother?
Just the one who spends more time with him
knows him better than anyone else in the world.
- But what do I know? - You know everything.
But you seem to forgotten I said, "Take back."
Look, we're obviously at an impasse here.
So, why don't we wait till the end of the week
to see how he does. And then we'll talk.
That is if you're still talking to me.
What we should be discussing is the blatant disregard
of take back.
Hi, daddy.
- Hi. - Now listen.
What's green a-a-and slimey
and has fangs?
I don't know. Mommy?
[giggles] Now, that was a funny joke.
- I'm gonna tell mommy. - No, no, no.
Take back. Take back.
How can Rachel think success is more important than happiness?
- It's stupid. - They're both illusions.
No one's really successful, no one's really happy.
Come on. I know plenty of successful happy people.
Yeah? They're liars.
You know if you ever need to see me professionally
to deal with some of this anger--
- Oh, drop dead, Burt. - Who's Burt?
I thought your ex-husband's name was Roger.
Well, Burt introduced me to Roger.
- May I add something to this? - To what?
Whatever it is you're talking about.
- Talking about life. - Oh, see.
I have an opinion on life.
Life is great.
Denise saw you in the new Jaguar.
Yes.
Good morning. Ron, do you have a minute?
Come on, Bruce. This is private.
- They don't want us in here. - Why? I care.
What are we? A medical group or strangers?
- Hi. - Hi.
What're you doing here?
I just picked up Trevor from school.
He claims to be sick.
And you don't think he is?
Well, I find it hard to believe he caught a bad case
of menopause from his music teacher.
- So, what's going on? - I'll tell you what's going on.
His mother and father can't agree on what's best for him
and he's a ten year old boy that's gonna use that
to his advantage.
You know if he's lying like that maybe I am right.
Maybe he's under too much pressure.
Ron, this the first time he's ever been under any pressure.
School's been a cake walk for this kid.
But now suddenly someone wants him to work just a little bit
and he wants to quit.
I don't want my son to be a quitter.
Rachel, I can't stand to see my son miserable.
If this were one of your patients
what would you tell his parents?
It'd be a lot easier if this was somebody else's child.
I would say get him a tutor, help him tough it out
at the new school for a semester and then reevaluate.
Sounds like good advice.
I think it is.
- So why don't I give it to him? - Good.
He's right outside.
Good luck.
Ooh! Is it warm in here or I'm just having a hot flash?
Oh, stop with the menopause.
We gotta talk.
- In the teepee? - No.
Sit down.
Listen, your mom and I talked and we agreed
you should stay at the gifted school.
Dad? Dad? What did she do to you?
It's me Trevor. Your only son.
Trevor, I'm being serious now.
This school is the best thing for you.
Yeah, it's gonna be hard for few weeks.
But you're smart, you will prevail.
You're gonna have to trust us on this one.
No changing your mind?
No changing our minds.
Alright. I'll go.
But I thought you had more sympathy
for someone going through the change.
Hi, honey. What're you doing home?
I came home 'cause I missed you.
Liar.
You are here because you wanna see how Trevor's day went
just as badly as I do.
Oh, please. I know we did the right thing.
I don't need to second guess myself.
Ah, neither do I.
That's the best thing about being a parent
- you're always learning-- - Shh! He's here.
- Hi. - Hi.
Hi. How was school today?
- Okay. - Just okay?
Is there anything else you wanna tell us?
Oh, yeah. I joined the soccer team.
You did?
Yeah, the uniform is $75 so I'll need that by Tuesday.
Also here.
You gotta sell these chocolates at your office.
It's for a fundraiser or something.
Oh, mom, I need a trumpet.
And I'm playing Tevye in "Fiddler On The Roof."
And I promised they could use our couch on the set.
- This couch? - And the rug.
Well, I need a ride to the library
so I'll wait for you outside.
Did he say trumpet?
I heard Tevye and $75.
Well, I guess I better get back to work.
I've got chocolate to sell.
Well, I guess I better get Emma
and take Trevor to the library, huh.
Our lives are over now, aren't they?
- Oh, yeah. - How'd that happen?
- Oh, yeah. That. - Mm-hmm.
[scatting]
[scatting]
[theme music]
Medical group, please hold.
Dr. Aimes office. Can you please hold?
Thank you.
Dr. Aimes office.
Oh, hi, Lisa.
Really? You did?
Tell me all about it.
No, I'm not doing anything.
So, have you told your mother how you feel
about your new baby brother?
I've tried but it seems like she's always busy.
And she doesn't pay attention to me.
I remember when I was a kid, my mom was the same way.
I used to stand there trying to get my mom's attention.
"Ma, ma, ma.
Ma, ma, ma, ma, ma, ma."
And my mother would be right there.
I'm thinking maybe she didn't hear me
I'll say it on the other side.
"Ma, ma, ma, ma, ma, ma, ma."
I'm thinking she's so dumb
she don't even know her name is Ma.
Then I realized all mom's have the internal ma device.
They flick a switch, they don't hear anything.
They just see you standing there, going..
So, here's what you do.
Wait for a real quiet time and say
"Mom, I feel sad. I wanna talk to you about it."
I guess I could try that.
Good. We made progress today.
I'm gonna get Darby to get us some apple juice.
Darby? Darby?
Darby? Darby? Darby.
Darby, Darby, Darby.
Darby, Darby.
[scatting]
(male narrator) We'll return after these messages.
[instrumental music]
- Ma, ma, ma, ma. Ma? - What, Emma?
Why are you resealing the envelopes?
Well, I'm resealing this envelope
because of my enthusiasm I opened it.
And now I realize I should've waited
to share this wonderful moment with your father.
So, you're gonna lie to him?
No, I'm not gonna lie to him.
We're all gonna lie to him.
Okay, okay. Here he comes. Now, this is what we do.
When he reads the letter we all act surprised
And we say, "yay."
- Yay! - Not now.
Once he opens the letter.
Okay, got it.
Hey, what's going on?
Hey, we got a letter from the school.
Yay!
Wait till he reads the letter.
Okay, I'm on it.
Hey, Trevor, you did it.
You got into the school for gifted students.
Now.
I don't have another one in me.
Congratulations, son. Come here.
I am so proud of you.
Oh!
You are moving up in the world.
It's like being promoted, isn't it?
Certainly is.
And what's a promotion without a raise?
I need a bigger allowance.
Think about it.
A Gifted Student Magnet School.
Mm-hmm.
Trevor's gonna be very successful
just like his father.
I thought I was his father.
- Honey. - What?
- Why would you do that? - It was just a kiss.
Baby, that wasn't just a kiss.
That was a kids were sleeping and we're alone kinda kiss.
Actually if I'm not mistaken that was kids are grown up
on their way to college kind of kiss.
Daddy, daddy, daddy.
- Trevor needs your help. - Hear that?
Our young Einstein still needs his fathers help.
- Mm-hmm. - What's he working on?
He got his hand stuck in the banister again.
- Hi, Uncle Bruce. - Hi.
I have your sandwich and here are your car keys.
What are you doing with my keys?
Didn't you say, "Get me a sandwich and take my Jag?"
No, I said get me a sandwich.
Oh, like take the Jag wasn't implied.
Do you have any idea what this car means to me?
No.
Well, Actually nothing.
But Denise loves this car.
Denise dumped you two months ago.
No, no, no. See, Denise dumped Bruce Hampton, Honda driver.
She hasn't met Bruce Hampton, Jaguar owner.
- Jaguar leaser. - Shut up.
Remind me never to work for relatives again.
May I? May I remind you of that?
Excuse me. Excuse me, doctor.
Um. my son is been in there with Dr. Aimes
for over an hour now. Is that bad?
No, no, no, sometimes he doesn't even look at the clock
when he's in session. He's very thorough, deeply focused.
Ha-ha. Ah.
Ah. Ha ha.
Ha! Ha!
- I got you. - Did not.
Yes, I did. I got you right on the side.
Did not.
Now, I got you. You're dead.
- You're cheating. - Oh, yeah?
What are you gonna do about it?
I'm not gonna play with you anymore.
- Why? - 'Cause you're a cheater.
It's no fun for me.
Good.
- I'm proud of you. - Why?
Because you stood up for yourself
when you knew you were right.
I did, didn't I?
Obi-Wan has thought you well, young Skywalker.
Thanks, Dr. Aimes.
- Now, die. - Ahh!
Hi, mom.
You think you've won but it's not over.
My, my identical twin brother shall avenge my death
next week same time.
You've got a great kid here.
Come on, mom. I'll explain it in the car.
- See you next week, Dave. - Bye.
I can't believe it.
The two dollar fish ate the $75 fish.
Bruce, I need your help, what do you know about
assembling a teepee?
Oh, just a usual stuff they teach in dental school. Why?
I bought one to use as a therapeutic tool
and I need some help setting it up.
Look, if you wanna make your patients happy, do what I do.
Give them cheap toys bought by the bulk from Taiwan.
I didn't become a psychologist just for the money.
Oh. You think I became orthodontist just for the money?
Of course not, I did it because I was dating a girl in college
who wanted to marry an orthodontist.
Did you ever date an Native American?
'Cause I need help setting up a teepee.
You're not gonna believe this. Ron bought a teepee.
Doesn't that just make you wanna take a big stick
and beat the hell out of my ex-husband?
Beat the hell out of your ex-husband?
I said that? That's funny.
What I meant was, cute idea.
That came out, take a big stick
and beat the hell out of my ex-husband.
Are you okay?
I'm sorry. I guess I'm a little cranky.
'Cause I just learned that the man whom I charitably
refer to as the pig
is actually suing me for more alimony.
You know what you need? A big hug.
What I need Ron is a big stick
to beat the hell out of my ex-husband.
- And I need a favor. - Anything.
Well, if you have a minute, can I send in a patient of mine?
The girl's parent sent her in for a check up
but she won't co-operate.
I'm concerned 'cause I can't get her to talk to me.
And I can't reach her folks.
Yeah, I got a minute. Send her in.
Thank you.
Tammy, come on in.
Tammy, this is Dr. Aimes.
Hi, how are you?
Instant rapport.
Dr. Bailey, why don't you give us
a couple of minutes, so we can chat.
Sure. See you later, Tammy.
By the way, if she opens up
try and get a look at her tonsils.
Well, if you don't feel like talking that's fine.
But I found that talking helps even if you don't think it will.
Prove it, you said. Okay, I'll tell you what.
I'll give you $50
you can tell me where you live and I'd feel better.
I live in 35, Rosewood street.
- Now, how do you feel? - Oh, better.
That'll be $50.
- How'd you know that will work? - 'Cause I'm good.
So, why do you hate your father?
- I don't hate my father. - Why do you hate your mother?
I don't hate my mother.
How do you like that, our first session together
you already don't hate your parents.
I told you I was good.
- You're weird. - I was going for weird.
And you definitely got it.
[knock on door]
Sorry to interrupt. But it's urgent.
I have a message from your son.
"I hate this school."
- He told you that was urgent? - No, it's urgent to me.
I told him I'd give it to you before I left.
Buh-bye.
She's a relative.
Not mine.
Hi, dad.
Sorry about leaving that message.
Mom said I just had new school jitters.
Do you wanna discuss your feelings?
Oh, Dr. Aimes.
Could you get my dad in here?
Okay. Alright.
I just panicked.
The work seemed too hard.
I feel okay now
except when I think about going back tomorrow
I feel like I'm gonna throw up.
I felt that way too my first day at grad school.
I thought I was in over my head.
- What did you do? - Threw up.
Oh, man.
I don't know what to do.
I'll tell you what you can do.
You can get your feet off that table.
And stop worrying about school.
Yeah, well, I feel like I worked really hard
taking test to get into the school.
And now my reward is something I don't want.
I know that feeling.
When you get something you find out
it's not what you thought it would be.
It's like when I used to barbecue
with my dad in the backyard.
He'd give me meat as a reward.
Hot, sizzling meat.
Right from the grill.
My dad would be barbecuing, "You want some meat?"
"Yeah, dad. I want some hotdog, some hotdog."
My dad would cut some hotdog off and put in my mouth..
[hissing]
"How does it taste?"
"I ain't got no lips."
So, what am I suppose to learn from this?
Stay the hell away from grandpa when he's barbecuing.
- Hey, how's he doing, doctor? - Fine.
It's not uncommon for a child of his age
to have a short attention span.
Just be patient with him and encourage him--
Listen, can I take this magazine?
- Yeah. - Thank you.
Okay, Kevin. Let's go.
Ah, I wasn't finished explaining.
Oh, I-I'm sorry. Go ahead.
I think the right thing we should do is, perhaps--
Can this wait till next time? We really gotta go.
Mr. Fenton, focus.
Your son has some issues that need your attention.
And I'd like you to join in on our session next time.
Okay. Thanks.
Darby remind me I need to see both of them
in my office next time.
How should I do that?
Make a note.
[scoffs] What should it say?
Mr. Fenton to be in Kevin's session.
Okay. Where should I put it?
In the appointment book.
Okay. Last question.
You're not gonna ask me, where the appointment book is.
Never mind.
Darby, your office skills have to get better.
Oh, I hope so.
When I find the appointment book and I will find it
I will put your little note in it.
Hi, dad.
Oh, that reminds me of another note for you.
Your son's here to see you.
Great news. I took your advice and I quit school.
Quit school? I didn't give you that advice.
You didn't?
Gee, then I totally misunderstood
that barbecue story.
Trevor, what's going on?
You ought to be proud of me.
I took the hard road.
What can be harder than facing you like this?
Facing your mother.
I came here to talk, man to man.
Fine, let's talk man to man.
This better be good.
- Start talking my man. - Okay.
As one man to another, let me say..
Wow! Look at that teepee.
- Can I go inside? - No.
What happened to the man to man talk?
Can't this wait till I grow up?
No.
Okay, as one man to another let me say..
You're good at this help me start.
We could switch roles.
How would you start if you were me?
- What? - You be me, I'll be you.
What would you...dad, say to me
Trevor in this situation?
First, I'll tell you to get your feet off my table.
I like this. Now, sit up straight.
Now, tell me about school.
I'm waiting.
I need five dollars. I gotta have five dollars.
Now, knock it off. And tell me about school.
I've been trying for a week, not complaining.
But the work is too hard and I'm not smart enough.
Not smart enough?
Impossible! You're my son!
I think you're just being lazy.
And until you change that behavior, I'll be in a teepee.
Not so fast, dad.
I'm not lazy. I just miss being at the top of my class.
I hear you, son.
Everybody used to think I was the best
now they think I'm a dope.
- They do not. - Oh, yeah? Ask anybody.
Even the kid who used be the class dope
thinks I'm pathetic.
Wait, wait, stop.
I don't like the way you doing me.
- I wouldn't say I'm pathetic. - What would you say?
I'd say the gifted students are like maniacs.
Think, think, think, think, think.
Take a break already.
I used to be happy.
Now, I don't even wanna go to school anymore.
Okay.
I think I understand what you're saying.
See it's a big decision
I don't wanna leave your mom out of this.
Why don't we go home and talk to her?
Do you think mom will understand?
Yes.
And you'll help me talk to her?
- Yes. - Can I sit in the teepee?
No.
Think, think, think, think, think.
Take a break already.
I used to be happy, now I'm sad.
And you bought this?
He was great in the office.
Trevor, honey, s superior education
could give you an advantage for the rest of your life.
You're smart but you have the potential to be brilliant.
Let me go back to my old school.
I feel too bad at the new school to do my best work.
Trevor, leave us alone for a while.
Your dad and I have to talk. Okay?
Hang tough, dad.
So, what do you think?
I think you're doing it to me again.
You're forcing me to be the bad guy.
I have to tell him no.
That's not what I'm doing.
I just think we ought to let him stay at the old school.
You want your son to be an underachiever?
I just want Trevor to be happy.
Well, maybe sacrificing a little now
will make him happier in the long run.
And maybe it'll make him a little less happy.
Supposedly, it leads him to become an overachiever
who works and worries himself
into a heart attack like my father.
Your father didn't have a heart attack.
That's why I said suppose.
What's the point of sending him to a better school
if he's gonna lose his self-esteem.
Look, I know you have strong feelings about this
but let's not forget I'm a psychologist.
- What? - Take back. Take back.
- Take back. Take back. - No, no, no, no.
You-you can't take that back.
Oh, you are a psychologist.
So, what does that make me? Merely a mother?
Just the one who spends more time with him
knows him better than anyone else in the world.
- But what do I know? - You know everything.
But you seem to forgotten I said, "Take back."
Look, we're obviously at an impasse here.
So, why don't we wait till the end of the week
to see how he does. And then we'll talk.
That is if you're still talking to me.
What we should be discussing is the blatant disregard
of take back.
Hi, daddy.
- Hi. - Now listen.
What's green a-a-and slimey
and has fangs?
I don't know. Mommy?
[giggles] Now, that was a funny joke.
- I'm gonna tell mommy. - No, no, no.
Take back. Take back.
How can Rachel think success is more important than happiness?
- It's stupid. - They're both illusions.
No one's really successful, no one's really happy.
Come on. I know plenty of successful happy people.
Yeah? They're liars.
You know if you ever need to see me professionally
to deal with some of this anger--
- Oh, drop dead, Burt. - Who's Burt?
I thought your ex-husband's name was Roger.
Well, Burt introduced me to Roger.
- May I add something to this? - To what?
Whatever it is you're talking about.
- Talking about life. - Oh, see.
I have an opinion on life.
Life is great.
Denise saw you in the new Jaguar.
Yes.
Good morning. Ron, do you have a minute?
Come on, Bruce. This is private.
- They don't want us in here. - Why? I care.
What are we? A medical group or strangers?
- Hi. - Hi.
What're you doing here?
I just picked up Trevor from school.
He claims to be sick.
And you don't think he is?
Well, I find it hard to believe he caught a bad case
of menopause from his music teacher.
- So, what's going on? - I'll tell you what's going on.
His mother and father can't agree on what's best for him
and he's a ten year old boy that's gonna use that
to his advantage.
You know if he's lying like that maybe I am right.
Maybe he's under too much pressure.
Ron, this the first time he's ever been under any pressure.
School's been a cake walk for this kid.
But now suddenly someone wants him to work just a little bit
and he wants to quit.
I don't want my son to be a quitter.
Rachel, I can't stand to see my son miserable.
If this were one of your patients
what would you tell his parents?
It'd be a lot easier if this was somebody else's child.
I would say get him a tutor, help him tough it out
at the new school for a semester and then reevaluate.
Sounds like good advice.
I think it is.
- So why don't I give it to him? - Good.
He's right outside.
Good luck.
Ooh! Is it warm in here or I'm just having a hot flash?
Oh, stop with the menopause.
We gotta talk.
- In the teepee? - No.
Sit down.
Listen, your mom and I talked and we agreed
you should stay at the gifted school.
Dad? Dad? What did she do to you?
It's me Trevor. Your only son.
Trevor, I'm being serious now.
This school is the best thing for you.
Yeah, it's gonna be hard for few weeks.
But you're smart, you will prevail.
You're gonna have to trust us on this one.
No changing your mind?
No changing our minds.
Alright. I'll go.
But I thought you had more sympathy
for someone going through the change.
Hi, honey. What're you doing home?
I came home 'cause I missed you.
Liar.
You are here because you wanna see how Trevor's day went
just as badly as I do.
Oh, please. I know we did the right thing.
I don't need to second guess myself.
Ah, neither do I.
That's the best thing about being a parent
- you're always learning-- - Shh! He's here.
- Hi. - Hi.
Hi. How was school today?
- Okay. - Just okay?
Is there anything else you wanna tell us?
Oh, yeah. I joined the soccer team.
You did?
Yeah, the uniform is $75 so I'll need that by Tuesday.
Also here.
You gotta sell these chocolates at your office.
It's for a fundraiser or something.
Oh, mom, I need a trumpet.
And I'm playing Tevye in "Fiddler On The Roof."
And I promised they could use our couch on the set.
- This couch? - And the rug.
Well, I need a ride to the library
so I'll wait for you outside.
Did he say trumpet?
I heard Tevye and $75.
Well, I guess I better get back to work.
I've got chocolate to sell.
Well, I guess I better get Emma
and take Trevor to the library, huh.
Our lives are over now, aren't they?
- Oh, yeah. - How'd that happen?
- Oh, yeah. That. - Mm-hmm.
[scatting]
[scatting]
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