Sister, Sister (1994–1999): Season 3, Episode 4 - History a la Carte - full transcript

Tamera learns a lesson about skipping school when Ray reveals a dark secret from the past.

- Well, I've been giving this
- a lot of thought and

- I think we
- need to have

- Regular
- family meetings.

What do you mean?

- You know,
- an open forum

- Where we can discuss
- our feelings

In a Democratic process.

Now, I have the rules and

standard procedure right here.

Great idea, ray.

Who has any



new business?

Tamera?

I move we don't have

any more family meetings.

I second.

All in favor?

Well, I guess

that's it.

- So, y'all going
- to the mall?

♪ Talk about a

two-way twister ♪

♪ shakin' up the family tree

with sibling synchronicity ♪

♪ I ain't ever gonna



let you go! ♪

♪ Never knew

how much I missed ya ♪

♪ I ain't ever gonna

let you go! ♪

- Tia:
- Tamera, I can't believe

- You ditched our history
- class today.

- You are in so
- much trouble.

- I don't know
- how you do it.

If I ditched, I wouldn't

be able to live with myself.

Tia,

- it's just
- one little history class.

What difference does it make?

- Do you know
- how much history there is?

My conscience is totally clear.

- Hi, tamera.
- How was school?

- Okay, okay,
- I admit it!

I ditched history class today.

Do you have to give me

the third degree?

I am so disappointed in you.

What reason could you have

for ditching history class?

You want to know the reason?

Yes.

Well... I'll tell

you the reason.

See, I was all jazzed up

- about getting
- to history class

When all of a sudden,

I heard this crash outside

and a big, ugly thump.

A big thump?

Yes!

So I looked outside

and I saw this little child

on a bicycle.

Who...

Who obviously lost control

and-and ran into a fire hydrant.

So I went out there

to set his little broken arm

with a couple of rulers

and a scrunchie.

Then myself and a few onlookers

went to go get burritos.

You don't believe me?

I believe the burrito part.

You got a guacamole

stain on your blouse.

Tamera, don't you realize

- this will go
- on your permanent record?

Permanent record?

Yeah.

Your permanent record is stored

on a humongous computer

that's kept deep inside

a huge mountain in Montana.

Even if there's a nuclear war,

it won't be destroyed.

The only thing left

will be your permanent record

and cockroaches.

Uh, Tia...

Maybe I should speak

with tamera alone.

Oh, I understand.

It can be a little embarrassing.

No, we just don't want

to hear any more

of your goofy theories.

It's not a theory.

- Tia may have
- overstated just a tad

- But something
- like ditching class

- Does go on your
- permanent record.

- Won't tending
- to an injured child

- Look good
- on my permanent record?

You didn't really do that.

Oh, yeah.

You've got to stop

being so short-sighted.

- You got to look
- beyond today.

- Let me give
- you an example...

- Yesterday,
- I got a call

To drive the secretary

general of owando

and his delegation.

- Owando?
- Yeah.

Do you know why

- the secretary general
- of owando

- Called Ray's
- limousine service?

He needed a limo?

Tamera, remember

that little talk

about rhetorical questions?

Yeah?

Is that a rhetorical question?

Look, I happen

to have a reputation

for being a reliable,

stable individual.

That's why the

owandans call me.

Way to go, dad!

I'm so proud of you.

Well, see ya.

Tamera.

You're grounded.

One week, no television.

What will I do

while I'm doing my homework?

Homework.

Dad, that was

a rhetorical question.

Oh! Oh, ray.

Oh, I'm glad you're here.

- I want you
- to tell me something.

Now, tell me.

How much would you

pay for this?

Lisa, you know I'm not

really good at this.

You're a businessman.

You know quality and value.

- Don't let the fact
- that it's my creation

Influence what you say.

- I want you to be
- honest, objective

- And unbiased with me, okay?
- Okay.

Now, how much?

Sixty dollars.

Sixty dollars?!

Eighty.

For a Lisa Landry

designer original?

You are worse than

that low-life buyer

at Mr. Jeff's boutique.

- I can't wait
- till I get my own place

- So I don't have to deal
- with these people.

- Hang in there,
- save your money

- And one day you'll
- have your own shop.

Oh, by the way, ray...

- I won't be able
- to swing the rent this month.

Let's see,

since you've been here

that's been

every month in a row.

Well, then you should be

okay with that.

Hello.

Yes, this is Lisa.

Huh?

Oh... oh, that's a shame.

Oh.

Well, thank you.

Good-bye.

What's that all about?

Aunt Teresa died.

Oh, no!

It's horrible.

I can't believe this.

Wait a minute... I don't

have an aunt Teresa!

I know... I do.

Oh, Lisa, I'm sorry.

Look, that's okay.

It's all right. Thanks.

So, anyway, what

about this one?

- You don't seem
- too broken up about it.

About what?

Your dead aunt.

Oh...

- She wasn't the easiest
- to get close to

Unless you were a man.

She took up collecting men

after my uncle Albert died.

- You heard about the vamp
- from Savannah?

- This was the tramp
- from Savannah.

- Mobile, Charleston,
- Tallahassee...

- I got it.
- Memphis...

I got it!

- So I guess you won't
- be going to the funeral.

Not go?

That was my aunt Teresa.

How would that look?

- Honey, it was nice
- of you to come

- And pay your last respects
- to your great aunt.

Of course

I would be here, mom.

She's family.

What was her name again?

Teresa.

- Oh... I guess
- I better read up on her.

Mm-mmm...

A room full of

men and my aunt is horizontal.

Humph! I know

I'm in the right place.

Mom, I'm trying

real hard to feel sad.

Tell me something

about aunt Teresa.

- There's really
- not that much to tell.

She was a...

A friendly woman.

Man, I heard Teresa

had a lot of money.

Over fifty grand.

What else, mom?

- I'll tell you
- more later.

I wonder who

she left it to?

Some relative.

- I think it was
- a nephew.

No... no,

maybe it was a niece.

You mean the one

that was always broke?

Yeah, and with

all them kids.

Ooh, man.

No... no... I think

she only had one kid.

What was

that woman's name?

Hmm! Regina

or something.

No, no, it started

with an "l."

Leslie...

Uh, Laurie...

I know what it is.

It's Lisa.

Yes!

That must be Lisa.

Yes, she's finally

gone to glory!

Hallelujah!

Hi, tamera.

Hey, dad.

How was school today?

Don't ask.

My history teacher

went ballistic on me.

- To make up for ditching, I have
- to do an extra assignment.

- I hope you've
- learned your lesson.

I sure did.

Dad, can you write me a note

to get me out

of this extra assignment?

No, you're not getting out

of this one, young lady.

- Now, get back
- to your homework.

Okay.

What is that?

That's the I love Lucy theme.

I know what it is.

Why are you humming it?

Well, since you won't

let me watch TV

it helps me to do my homework

if I hum the songs.

♪ Dun dun dun-dun-dun-dun

da-da-da da-da-da da! ♪

Lucy's over.

Now what?

Shh!

Three's company is on.

Oh, good. Good.

- This is the episode
- where Jack

- Tries to get the girls
- into the hot tub

But he still has to prepare

the big dinner

for the restaurant critic.

Oh, I'll get it, dad.

Commercial's on.

Hello?

Um, just a minute.

It's for you!

It's the f.B.I.

- Dad, no matter
- what they say

I only ditched once.

Hello, Campbell here.

Certainly, I'll hold

for special agent sheldrake.

See, tamera, I was chosen

to drive the owandan delegation

because I have a clean...

Permanent record.

Hi, bill.

How's the prep?

Preparation.

Yeah.

I didn't clear security?

What's wrong with my record?

What is it, dad?

I was never arrested!

Oh, that.

- But that happened
- a long time ago.

I was in college.

Oh, come on, guys.

- But I've told
- all of my friends

I'm driving the secretary

general of owando!

Agh, ten-four.

That means "good-bye."

Tia was right.

There is a permanent record.

I got to go.

Uh-uh-uh, not

so fast, mister.

Why were you arrested?

Well, college campuses were

crazy places back in the '60s.

Were you one of those

anti-war demonstrators?

Well, everybody was doing it.

Now, does that

make it all right?

If everybody jumped

off a bridge, would you?

At this moment, yes.

You're not off the

hook yet, mister.

We'll have this talk later,

'cause my favorite show is on.

♪ Who was bringing up

three very lovely girls... ♪

Tia!

Tia, honey, where are you?

Come in here.

I got something for you.

Lots and lots of presents.

- So Lisa, when are you getting
- that inheritance check?

Why must the have-nots

be so bitter?

What is it, mom?

Honey, I got you

- the one thing
- in the whole world

That you've always wanted.

A computer with a

28.8 b.P.S. Modem

and cd-rom capability?

No, honey.

A Webster lunch box

with thermos capability.

I wanted this

when I was six.

I know, honey.

I always felt bad

- I couldn't get it
- that Christmas.

- I'm just making up
- for lost time.

- This is great, but I hope
- you don't expect me

- To bring my lunch
- to school in this.

No, of course not.

Good, because my friends

will think I'm a geek.

Not when they see this...

A Mr. Microphone.

Wow... it just keeps

getting better and better.

And that's not all.

Mom, please.

You don't have

to give me anything.

Wow... a Barbie dream boat.

Gimme!

Hey, tamera!

Look what I got!

- Lisa, it's wonderful
- that you finally have the money

- To do all the things
- you've wanted to do

- But when you get
- a windfall like this

- You should
- spend it wisely.

Oh, I am.

Yeah, Mr. Microphone,

Barbie's dream boat.

I mean, what is this?

Aunt Teresa.

Ew.

Sorry, but...

- Other than
- this lovely urn

- You've been
- spending your money

On whimsical things.

You should use it

to follow your dreams.

- So I guess you don't
- want this check

For that back rent?

Well, hey...

Yes, yes.

Thank you.

Oh, you're welcome.

You know,

I can't take it.

I mean, what about

that dream you have

of owning your own shop?

Here, take this back

- and use it
- to follow your dream.

Oh, well, thank you, ray.

Ray.

What?

You got to let it go.

Oh!

- Well, here's
- your opportunity.

Go for it.

Yeah, well, I'm going.

I am going.

When?

Well, it takes time...

Lots of leg work

- a little
- demographic research.

- It's not that easy to find
- a shop for rent, ray.

- I know, so when I was
- down at the northland mall

- I wrote down the number
- of a shop for rent.

Thank you, ray.

- Well, I'll call them
- next week.

Okay, fine.

Oh, I get it.

You think I won't

do it, don't you?

- You think
- that I'm afraid.

No. I don't think that.

- I'll show you.
- I'm going to call.

- I'll call right now.
- I can do it.

Call them anytime you like.

I'll call them right now.

Humph! I'm afraid.

I'll show you I'm not afraid.

Northland mall.

Sorry... right number.

He's mine!

- -Nuh-uh!
- -Uh-huh!

Stop being so selfish.

- You don't need him
- like I do.

Oh, be quiet.

- Ray:
- Hey, hey, hey!

Time out, come on, stop it.

Stop it.

- Now, I don't know
- who this guy is

But he's not worth it.

The bond between two sisters

- is stronger than any bond
- with any guy.

Is that clear?

- Yeah.
- Yeah.

Now, who is this clown?

You, dad.

Oh. How sweet.

I told our history teacher

- that you would speak
- to our class

About your revolutionary

activities in the '60s.

It was my idea.

But I need the extra credit.

It's not fair, you

always need that credit.

- That's just one of the perks
- of being a goof-off.

Hey, hey, hey,

listen.

- I really would be happy
- to do it

- But I don't think
- I'll be able to make it.

Oh, yes, you will.

Your schedule's opened up a bit

- since you flunked
- your security clearance.

So, apparently, everybody

found out about your...

All:

Permanent record.

Oh, hi, mom.

Hey, Lisa.

Hello? Hello?

That's me.

Hello?

Yes, it's working.

Thank you.

- Hey, everybody,
- listen to this.

- Lisa:
- Hi, it's me.

- Sorry I'm not
- in my purse right now

- But if you leave your number,
- I'll call you back.

- Well, look,
- did you check down

- At the mall
- about that shop?

- No, no, no,
- but I'm going to

Just as soon as I learn

to call out on this thing.

Unbelievable.

- Young ladies,
- would you excuse us

For just a moment?

- Oh, sure.
- Okay.

I get it.

You really never intended

to rent that shop, did you?

- No, it was a lot of talk,
- wasn't it?

Wasn't it?

It sounds good

- but when you get
- right down to it

You don't have what it takes

to pull it off, do you?

No.

Huh?

I guess I don't.

What?

You were absolutely right.

I'm just a fake. I'm a fraud.

No, no, you're not.

Yes, I am.

No. I was just using

reverse psychology.

It usually works.

No. Okay, okay, I'm sorry.

Try it again, please.

I really want you to.

No. I better go.

That got rid of him.

Mom, you're not

a fraud or a fake.

You were listening?

Well, sure.

- When an adult
- tells you to leave

You got to listen.

I'll remember that.

Honey, I don't know anything

about running a real business.

I mean, who am I fooling?

- I think you've done
- quite well

- Out of the trunk
- of your car.

- And now with this phone
- in your purse

You're halfway there.

Tia, I'm out of my league.

The idea of...

Of owning my own store

being in charge,

it terrifies me.

Mom, do what you told me.

I was five years old

the first time you taught me

to face my fears head-on.

I was trying to get you

in the dentist's chair.

- That hand puppet thing
- wasn't working.

Well, it worked.

And now you have

to do the same thing.

I don't know.

This is a lot different.

Mr. Hand says...

Buy a store.

- There are many socioeconomic
- factors at work here.

Man, this is really boring.

- Now, that period of prosperity...
- If you will...

Ushered in the '70s.

Oh, no, no, no, no.

Sorry, Mr. Campbell.

Only one decade per speaker.

Any questions?

Come on, kids.

Get down with me, rap with me.

I have a question for you.

Fire away.

How much on a stretch limo

for the prom?

I'll fax you a price list.

Dad, why are you

being so modest?

You know, he was arrested during

a college demonstration.

- Ms. Young:
- Oh, really?

Could you tell us about it?

Unless that's dull too.

I'd rather not go into that.

- And the f.B.I. Still won't
- let him forget it.

You were a radical?

Radical!

No, I wasn't exactly a radical.

- You were arrested,
- weren't you?

Well, yeah, but...

No "buts," dad.

- Tell them,
- or it'll get ugly.

- Hey, were you one
- of those hippies?

Well, I was kind of groovy.

Well, my dad said

that those hippie weirdos

- were just trying
- to rip this country to shreds.

I wasn't that groovy.

So, what did you go to jail for?

- Did you take over
- the administration building?

No, no, no.

You blew up

- the r.O.T.C.
- Building, right?

No, no, no.

You one of those

- weirdos that kidnapped
- Patty hearst?

- He wouldn't do anything
- that terrible.

What did you do, man?

- You got to tell them
- what you did.

- I ran naked
- through the campus!

They called it streaking.

I was pledging this fraternity.

I'm not proud of what I did

and I'm still paying for it.

You ran around naked, ray?

I'm sorry, honey.

- Class:
- Cool!

Hi, mom.

We got the message.

What's the big surprise?

- Well, after putting money away
- to start Tia's college fund

I had 5,000 left over

to fulfill my dream.

You got the shop. Look.

Whoa! This is the bomb!

Well, actually...

Oh, this is great.

- You can take out
- that wall

- Put dressing rooms
- on the side.

No, but...

It's a great location.

- There's room
- for a nice window display.

This isn't my store.

- All:
- Good.

It's too small anyway.

You need a lot more room

for a window display.

Besides, this end

of the mall is dead.

- Right. How many
- dressing rooms

Can you get in there?

- Who'd want this store
- when you've got

- That stupid cart
- parked out front?

Where's your store?

This stupid cart...

Is my store!

- All:
- Better!

Well, there's plenty

of foot traffic here.

It's nice.

- You don't have to worry
- about window space.

- Yeah, and don't forget about all
- those dressing rooms.

- You got to admit
- it's a step up

- From the trunk
- of my car.

Exactly. One step up.

I'll have you know a store is a

very expensive proposition

with advertising, business cards

hangers, insurance...

Liability and collision.

This is all I could afford.

And I'm thrilled to own it.

Well, that's great, mom.

- Yeah, and we're
- proud of you.

- You're going to do great,
- I just know you are.

Yeah, I think so too.

I am here to stay.

Ooh!

It's a better location anyway.

Ray...

I just picked up

my new business cards.

I got 3,000 of these babies.

Well, let's see.

"Fashions by Lisa."

"Conveniently located

between the orange bang

and the gap."

- Oh, I forgot to tell you,
- the mall called.

They moved your cart

to the other side.

Oh, look, let me help you

with a few of those.

Hmm. Okay.