The Wonder Years (2021–…): Season 1, Episode 17 - Jobs and Hangouts - full transcript
ADULT DEAN: Growing up,
you always had that one house
where you and your buddies
would meet after school
or on the weekends
and just hang.
That house usually belonged
to a friend whose parents
were okay with letting
their house be the "hangout"...
Or in our case, it belonged
to Norman's divorced dad,
who just wanted Norman
to like him more than his mom.
♪ Yeah, yeah,
shoot your shot ♪
How many grenades
do we have left, Norman?
- Plenty.
- [Grunts]
♪ I said,
yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
- Oh, dang!
- [lamp clatters]
♪ Yeah, yeah,
shake what you... ♪
Oh.
Guys, my dad should be here
any minute.
[♪♪]
Ah. [Sighs]
Get the pillows.
[speaking indistinctly]
Is it good?
Good enough for my dad.
ADULT DEAN: And then, we'd do
it all over again the next day.
[door opens]
Hey, Mom, Dad.
I'm going to Norman's.
Not until you sweep up
this kitchen.
I believe there's more cereal
on the floor
than made it into your bowl
this morning.
- But I...
- You heard your mother.
[glass container
clinks lightly]
LILLIAN: Oh, there's our
little working girl.
Finished your first week
of having a real job.
- How's it feel?
- [chuckles] Like payday.
- [laughs]
- You mean it feels good
to have responsibility
and be rewarded
for your hard work.
Yes, I have been growing
as a person.
And I'm gonna buy a new dress
for Cathy's party.
You have plenty
of party dresses.
We agreed to let you
take this job
only if it didn't
interfere with school
and you were responsible
with the money you earned.
Spending your first paycheck
on a dress
doesn't sound like
a good idea.
Well,
is it a special party?
- Nope.
- Yes.
[chuckles]
Kwame's gonna be there.
I thought you broke up
with Kwame.
- Albert.
- I did.
If you broke up,
why are you on the phone
with him all the time?
Dean, it is not polite
to eavesdrop.
And what else you hear?
You two are more back and forth
than a trolley car,
and no new dress
is gonna fix that.
But... [scoffs]
[sighs] That's cool.
Probably won't have enough money
for a new dress anyway.
I barely make
any tips at work.
You do realize that tips are
based on good service, right?
Yes, Daddy.
I was hired to make
their new black customers
feel comfortable,
but there aren't enough of them,
so I've been inviting
my friends to come by
so they can tell people
that it's cool to eat there.
If you need more customers,
we're available.
- Want to go tonight, Lil?
- Sounds like a good idea.
Stew's better
on the second day, anyway.
[chuckles]
Hope your plan works
and you get more tips.
You know, a lot of money
gets taken out of that paycheck.
[laughs] I know
about taxes, Daddy.
I'm talking about
what I take out.
Everybody in this house
with a job chips in for bills.
- [chuckles]
- [scoffs]
Only you could find a way
to charge me
- for earning my own money.
- [laughter]
I'll see y'all later.
LILLIAN: Yeah, and we will
get ready to leave
as soon as Dean cleans up
those last three Cheerios
up under the hutch.
ADULT DEAN:
Not only did my mom
have eyes
in the back of her head,
apparently she had
X-ray vision, too.
But I was going
to Norman's.
We're going
to Kim's diner...
After you take a bath.
You smell like the outside.
But all the guys
are counting on me.
I'm supposed to bring them
the cherry bomb and the rope.
The what?
Yeah. Never mind.
[chuckles] Well, that last
Cheerio was picked up,
and, uh, I'm gonna go
get in the bathtub.
[chuckles]
♪ Oh, oh, oh ♪
♪ And I know ♪
♪ Ohh ♪
♪ Through the highs
and the lows ♪
♪ I'mma find my way home ♪
*THE WONDER YEARS (2021)*
[♪♪] *THE WONDER YEARS (2021)*
Season 01 Episode 17
Episode Title: "Jobs and Hangouts"
Aired on: March 23, 2022.
Dad, your pork chop with the
gravy on the side, no potatoes.
Mom, your country fried steak,
light on the batter
with no pepper.
And here's Dean's burger,
well done with pickles,
but no onions.
Here is a refill
of your sweet tea,
'cause I noticed you were
getting a little low,
an extra napkin for you,
and extra ketchup for Dean.
Very nice. Thank you.
Look at our baby girl.
So professional.
I told you I could handle
grown-up things
like having a job.
You forgot the sugar
for my ketchup.
I said no seeds on my bun.
This lettuce is brown.
I think I see
onion juice on the bread,
- and it's... it's cold in here.
- Dad, tell Dean
to stop being a little butt.
- Mnh-mnh.
You can't come crying
to Mom and Dad on the job.
Handle him yourself.
But remember,
the customer's always right.
[chuckles]
Sir, let me take that burger
back to the kitchen
to make it right for you.
Did you want
regular spit on that,
or extra juicy?
On second thought,
it's fine the way it is.
- Mm-hmm.
- [chuckles nervously]
There's a lot of us in here.
I think your plan
just might be working.
It is, and I got
lots more ideas
that'll help things
run better around here.
ADULT DEAN: My mom and dad
were used to this from Kim.
They always said,
"When Kim goes to heaven,
she's gonna tell Peter
how he can run things better."
To which I always replied,
"If Kim goes to heaven. If."
Table 8 just sat down.
Aww, my girlfriends
showed up for me.
Oh, this is gonna be so fun.
[laughs]
We're supposed to be
waiting tables,
not hosting
a dinner party in here.
I'll be sure to provide
excellent service
so they come back.
And take even more tip money
out of my pocket.
Great.
I'd watch your back
with that one.
Wendy? She's fine.
Her feet probably hurt.
Mine would, too, if I wore those
ugly clodhoppers all day.
- [chuckles]
- ADULT DEAN: As my mom and dad
proudly watched Kim
take on this new level
of responsibility
with confidence,
the significance of the moment
wasn't lost on me.
So...
now that
Kim has a paycheck,
can I get her allowance?
[♪♪]
♪ It was easy... ♪
15% of $7.50?
Let's just give her 10%.
That math's easier.
- 15% is $1.13 when you round up.
- Thanks.
None of us could figure
that tip out in our heads.
Wait, that's for Kim?
S-She's my sister.
- I should have told you less.
- [laughter]
Well, isn't he
just the cutest?
He reminds me
of my little brother,
- but Calvin's not that smart.
- He's not.
We should buy him
a milkshake.
ADULT DEAN: Now, girls my age
may not have given me
the time of day,
but I was about to discover
that the girls
too old for me to date...
Oh, man,
I was irresistible.
Dean, scram.
Go back to Mom and Dad.
Don't worry about it, girl.
I mean, he can stay with us.
- Come on, it's fine.
- Thank you.
- [scoffs lightly]
- Uh, hey, waitress?
Refills for me
and my friends, please.
Make it snappy, sweetheart.
Ooh, careful.
Come on, Dean, time to go.
The ladies and I
just ordered drinks,
so I'mma stay here for a while
and ride home with Kim.
Oh, is that what you think
you're doing?
[chuckles]
Let the boy stay, Lil.
He might learn
some responsibility
by observing Kim
in her work environment.
She got that strong
work ethic like her mama.
[laughs]
Well, okay, then, Dean.
Just don't bother your sister
while she's busy.
We'll see you at home.
You be cool.
[sighs]
So, Dean...
tell us
all about yourself.
[♪♪]
Yeah, your book report
is very good, Dean.
You really explained
the themes
of Call of the Wild
very well,
but you had several
misspelled words.
Now, honey, if you can't
spell something,
you gotta look it up.
How would I know
if I spelled a word wrong
if nobody tells me?
One day, I'm gonna
create something
that automatically checks
your spelling for you.
Oh, baby.
Lazy has already been invented.
[laughs]
ADULT DEAN: And that's why
I don't have a yacht today.
[doorbell rings]
I got it!
[♪♪]
Hey, Mrs. Williams.
Kwame.
Uh, Kim, you, uh,
ready to go?
- Yeah, let's go.
- All right, let's go.
- Albert.
- [sighs]
- Uh, I prefer Kwame, sir.
- I bet you do.
But that's not what
your mama named you.
Uh, well, we were
on our way out, so, uh...
I parked behind you
in the driveway,
so we might as well sit a spell
and catch up.
Oh.
How's that
revolution coming?
- Y'all on schedule?
- Ugh. [Sighs]
So, uh...
Uh, does this mean
that you...
Kwame is just giving me a ride
to the party... as friends.
"Friends"?
Uh-huh.
I used that one a time or two
myself back in the day.
But experience tells me
there's no such thing
as boys and girls
being just friends.
ADULT DEAN:
What was my dad talking about?
I have friends who are girls,
like Keisa.
Oh, right.
Maybe that was true
back in the '40s or whenever,
but men and women are equals,
and we can define
our own relationships.
Is that what you two
think you're doing?
Yes.
Friendship is what I want.
- You're driving this?
- Yes.
And my friend and I are about
to be late to Cathy's party.
So you're just gonna let her
do all the talking for you?
- I'm... I'm sorry...
- So you're just gonna interrupt
- her when she was talking?
- Oh, I'm... I...
So you're just gonna let me
contradict myself like that?
- I don't...
- We are picking up
some other people on the way,
so we really should go.
Kim, you know what time
to be home.
Yes, Dad.
[mutters]
[stammers]
Just get...
[♪♪]
- Listen, you be careful, girl.
- [door opens]
- Okay.
- ADULT DEAN: Watching my father
- glare at Kwame...
- [door closes]
ADULT DEAN: ...I thought girl
dads were the meanest people
in the world...
Until I became one.
Now I know that meanness
is totally justified.
You hung out
with high school girls?
And they paid
for your food?
- We mostly just talked.
- About what?
Just stuff...
Like what they watch
on the boob tube...
That's what they call TV.
- Oh.
- Cool.
Yeah, and how
they never have
enough scratch...
That's money.
And where they like to go
for submarine races.
- [gasps]
- It means making out in a car.
- [all sigh]
- I know, I know.
I thought there were gonna be
real submarines involved, too.
I think it is so good
that you wanted to come here
and support your sister.
And you were right
about the milkshakes.
Delicious.
[chuckles]
[glasses clink]
ADULT DEAN: Asking my mom
to take me to the diner
was a brilliant move.
It made me look
like a good brother,
all while putting me
in position
to run into Kim's
girlfriends again.
Kim being heavy-handed
on the whipped cream tap
was just a happy accident.
Uh, Mr. Young?
Did Wendy mention
my menu idea to you?
No, what was it?
ADULT DEAN: Ooh, I'd seen
that stink eye before,
but usually, it was Kim
giving it to me.
I was thinking we should
take our less popular items
off our regular menus
and tell customers
they're our specials
of the day.
That might make them inclined
to try something different.
That's fine by me...
As long as it's okay with Wendy.
I told you,
I let her handle the menu.
Sounds like a yes to me.
What it sounds like
is someone with
a lot of smart-ass ideas
thinking she knows more
than the people who worked here
for the last ten years.
ADULT DEAN: Wow,
that was the first time
I'd ever seen someone
who wasn't Mama or Daddy
check my know-it-all sister
- about her attitude.
- What's the problem?
- I was only trying to help.
- Why don't you learn
how things work
around here first, hon?
Did you ever think that,
in addition to wanting
new customers,
Mr. Young wanted
a waitress
with a fresh perspective
and a better attitude?
Well, he got one
with a smart mouth
who needs to learn
her place.
[scoffs]
Can you believe Wendy?
Going off on me
for no reason at all.
- I did not appreciate her tone.
- Right?
But she definitely had
a good reason.
Wait... so you're
taking her side?
Baby, I'm always
on your side,
but that doesn't mean
you're right.
Well, then,
she's more wrong.
You have been working here
for less than a month.
Workplaces have hierarchy
and politics
that you need to learn
before you start going around
trying to change things.
It'd be like me going
to one of your parties
and trying to show
all your friends
how to do the Watusi.
Now, how would you
like that?
Ugh, I get it.
[laughs]
Now go get me some French fries
to go with this milkshake.
But don't let that Wendy
anywhere near my food.
Mm.
ADULT DEAN:
I took Mama's example to heart.
No matter
our internal conflicts,
we were a family and always had
each other's backs.
This Wendy lady
had a problem with Kim,
- and that meant we had to...
- [door opens, bell jingles]
ADULT DEAN:
Oh, hey, here comes Pam!
Hey, Pam!
[♪♪]
[door closes]
ADULT DEAN:
Kim's friends were super cool.
All they really did was gossip
about people I didn't know,
talk about music
I didn't listen to,
and reference magazines
I hadn't read.
But still, I'd never felt
so included in my life.
I think my birthday was
the best party of the year.
I couldn't believe
all the boys we invited
- actually showed up.
- I know.
Did you see when Irving
and Kwame were trying
to sing like
the Temptations?
- So funny.
- Kim must have loved that.
Really? Why?
- Well, because, uh...
- [door opens, bell jingles]
Uh, give me
one second, guys.
[♪♪]
What are you guys
doing here?
You were bragging about
how fun this place was,
so we decided to join you.
Yep, and Norman's
dad's apartment
does not have
gorgeous high school girls.
But they're my friends,
and they're...
They're way more mature
than you guys.
- So?
- Not everyone loves jokes
about passing gas, Norman.
- Really?
Dean, your food's
getting cold.
[♪♪]
This is
Norman, Cory, and Hampton,
but [chuckles]
t-they're not staying.
[♪♪]
So, Dean,
do you know Kwame?
No, not really.
I mainly just say hi to him
for when he calls for Kim.
I would hope
they give you enough time
to talk to your girlfriend.
[chuckles] I don't really
have a girlfriend right now.
Mm, I can't
believe that, Dean.
ADULT DEAN: Now, I should have
been suspicious
about this whole line
of questioning,
but I wanted to show the guys
how "in" I was
with the high schoolers.
Anyways, he doesn't call as much
since they broke up.
And... And when was that?
I don't know exactly.
He took her for a walk
by the train tracks and...
Sound familiar?
She told my mom and dad
that they were just friends.
I heard her.
You know what, Dean?
I think it's crazy
that you don't have
a girlfriend.
I mean, who wouldn't
want to be with
an honest young man
like you?
You know, I bet
you don't even eavesdrop
on Kim and Kwame's
phone calls, do you?
I need to use
the restroom.
- Then go.
- You have to let me out.
- [mutters]
- Just...
I think we all have to go.
NORMAN:
Yeah, come on.
[♪♪]
Let go...
What gives?!
She's pumping you
for information, man.
Why would she do that?
- It's so obvious.
- Obvious.
Pam's in love with you!
No.
W... Really?
N-No, that's impossible.
She asked you
if you had a girlfriend
and said, "Any woman would be
lucky to have you."
And she stares
deep into your eyes
when you talk,
like this.
That's love!
N-No, but she asked
about Kim and Kwame.
To keep you off guard.
Girls are tricky.
Whew, this is better than
the stories I watch with Granny.
- So, what should I do?
- Look, you let her
take the lead, all right?
My dad said older women
know just what they want
and exactly how to get it.
ADULT DEAN: I was glad
I had friends who had my back,
even if they had no clue
what was actually going on.
[indistinct conversation,
laughter]
ADULT DEAN: I still wasn't sure
the guys were right
about Pam having a crush on me,
so just in case, the next day,
I sprayed extra Afro Sheen
on my hair
and chewed half a roll
of breath mints.
Are you ready to order?
And no asking
for lemons and water
to make your own lemonade.
Well, our parents actually
gave us money today.
Oh, okay then.
What'll you have?
Table 5 needs more jelly.
- Okay, I'll...
- Now.
I'm sure these gentlemen
will wait.
ADULT DEAN:
I still hadn't figured out
what Wendy's issue was
with my sister.
Kim was great at her job,
but I figured
it had something to do
with Kim being
from the original mother race
and Wendy being jealous
because her loins
weren't the birthplace
of civilization.
I mean, that's what I got from
those Black Panther pamphlets
- in Kim's room, anyway.
- [door opens, bell jingles]
DEAN: Ooh,
Cathy, Mildred!
Here, Hampton, slide over
and give them some room.
- Oh, hey, Dean.
- [door closes]
You know my boyfriend.
Wait. Kwame
is your boyfriend?
Yeah.
We're back together now.
[♪♪]
Kim, two Cokes
for me and Kwame.
Really? Uh.
I thought that we...
I-I mean, you said...
ADULT DEAN: As I saw what was
unfolding before me,
I began to realize
that I'd been part
of a nefarious plot
all along.
As much as I didn't
like my sister sometimes,
it never occurred to me
that her friends
may not have been real friends.
Kim, uh, I-I didn't know
you'd be working today.
Didn't know or didn't care?
Look, ca... can't we
talk about this?
- Oh!
- [gasps]
[dishes clattering]
[♪♪]
I don't need your help.
Mnh-mnh, let her
weird little brother
help clean up her mess.
[♪♪]
ADULT DEAN:
After an hour of mean-mugging
and shooting the occasional
spitball at Pam and Kwame,
my friends had to get home.
Sorry about all this, man.
Yeah, that Pam
is a real Jezebel.
Actually, she makes Jezebel
look like Ruth.
It's not just a book, guys!
[scoffs]
See you tomorrow, bro.
- DEAN: See ya, guys.
- [door opens, bell jingles]
[♪♪]
[door closes, bell jingles]
[♪♪]
Before you say anything,
I know my behavior
was unprofessional.
Honey, it was more
than unprofessional.
It was a train wreck.
But it wasn't your fault.
Here, let me
show you something.
His name is Chad.
Boy, did he have my nose
wide open.
You might say
he was my Kwame.
That...
was taken about a month
after he left me.
And that...
is Chad Junior.
- Is he your only child?
- Mine.
But not his dad's.
I've heard Chad Sr.
Has three daughters
by two other women.
Wow.
That's heavy.
That's why now I can see
a no-good guy coming
a mile away.
You need to let Kwame go.
- [scoffs] I know.
- No, you don't.
You might have
let him go up here,
but you need
to let him go in here.
Because if it gets any lower,
you're in real trouble.
[laughs] I get it.
But w-why are...
Maybe the two of us
didn't start off so good,
but I felt I should tell you
what I wish someone would've
told me ten years ago.
Thanks.
I know I need to move on.
There's no way
I can go through
another scene
like the one this afternoon.
Mnh-mnh. He's just lucky
neither one of us had a pistol.
[laughs]
That's right.
ADULT DEAN: Comparing what
I'd seen between Kim and Pam
to what I was seeing now,
I learned that true friendship
can come from the most
unexpected places.
This was the first time
it ever occurred to me
that there might be
a period in my life
even more emotionally
challenging than junior high.
I have to
tell you something.
I kind of am the one
that told Pam
that you and Kwame
were broken up.
[sighs] Thanks.
Thanks a lot.
ADULT DEAN: I really hoped
Kim was going to add
a "But it wasn't your fault."
She didn't.
I just don't understand why
you can't be done with Kwame.
I swear, you guys have broken up
like a thousand times.
Girls like guys like Kwame.
Even girls who know better,
like me... and Wendy.
Does that mean that
there are girls like Kwame
that guys like?
- Even though we know better?
- Uh, yeah.
And Pam is one of them.
And based on the way
she played you,
you better
start praying now.
ADULT DEAN: Damn. The future.
Look. Sometimes, relationships
don't make any sense.
That's why you have
to make sure
you have good friends
around you...
who will tell you
the truth,
see things you don't see.
Obviously, I'm still looking
for good friends like that.
But... But you've always had
a ton of friends.
Mm...
I've always been popular.
That's not the same
as having good friends.
Like you?
You have real friends.
I'm a little jealous
of that.
ADULT DEAN: That was the
only time my sister ever said
she was jealous
of anything I had.
What the hell?
- Those guys. [Chuckles]
- [laughs]
ADULT DEAN: And she was right
to be jealous this time.
[♪♪]
Hey, great news, guys!
My parents
are back together!
- Cool.
- That's great.
Yeah, but my dad
moved back home, so...
no apartment for us.
- Aw! - Aw!
- Aw!
Looks like it's back
to the diner.
Does your sister know any more
cool high school friends
we could hang out with?
She's not even working
at the diner as much.
She's got an extra job.
He's changed,
and he's putting on his P.J.s.
Dinner's in the oven and should
be ready in a few minutes.
- Cool.
- Thank you so much
for babysitting. These extra
night shifts really help me out.
I'll see you later.
Bye, Dean.
- [door closes]
- [sighs]
I don't know why I'm here.
Mama's cooking is way better
than Wendy's.
And she doesn't even have
a color TV.
This is what you get
for lying to our parents
about how you were
"learning responsibility"
from watching me work.
- Fine, I-I'll watch.
- No.
This time, you'll learn
from experience.
You can start
by setting the table
and getting dinner
out of the oven.
Chad and I are hungry.
He likes his chicken strips
with extra ketchup,
and I like mine crispy.
We'll need two waters
and extra napkins.
Make it snappy, sweetheart.
[snapping fingers]
- [sighs]
- [laughs]
Ah.
Captioned by VITAC...
you always had that one house
where you and your buddies
would meet after school
or on the weekends
and just hang.
That house usually belonged
to a friend whose parents
were okay with letting
their house be the "hangout"...
Or in our case, it belonged
to Norman's divorced dad,
who just wanted Norman
to like him more than his mom.
♪ Yeah, yeah,
shoot your shot ♪
How many grenades
do we have left, Norman?
- Plenty.
- [Grunts]
♪ I said,
yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
- Oh, dang!
- [lamp clatters]
♪ Yeah, yeah,
shake what you... ♪
Oh.
Guys, my dad should be here
any minute.
[♪♪]
Ah. [Sighs]
Get the pillows.
[speaking indistinctly]
Is it good?
Good enough for my dad.
ADULT DEAN: And then, we'd do
it all over again the next day.
[door opens]
Hey, Mom, Dad.
I'm going to Norman's.
Not until you sweep up
this kitchen.
I believe there's more cereal
on the floor
than made it into your bowl
this morning.
- But I...
- You heard your mother.
[glass container
clinks lightly]
LILLIAN: Oh, there's our
little working girl.
Finished your first week
of having a real job.
- How's it feel?
- [chuckles] Like payday.
- [laughs]
- You mean it feels good
to have responsibility
and be rewarded
for your hard work.
Yes, I have been growing
as a person.
And I'm gonna buy a new dress
for Cathy's party.
You have plenty
of party dresses.
We agreed to let you
take this job
only if it didn't
interfere with school
and you were responsible
with the money you earned.
Spending your first paycheck
on a dress
doesn't sound like
a good idea.
Well,
is it a special party?
- Nope.
- Yes.
[chuckles]
Kwame's gonna be there.
I thought you broke up
with Kwame.
- Albert.
- I did.
If you broke up,
why are you on the phone
with him all the time?
Dean, it is not polite
to eavesdrop.
And what else you hear?
You two are more back and forth
than a trolley car,
and no new dress
is gonna fix that.
But... [scoffs]
[sighs] That's cool.
Probably won't have enough money
for a new dress anyway.
I barely make
any tips at work.
You do realize that tips are
based on good service, right?
Yes, Daddy.
I was hired to make
their new black customers
feel comfortable,
but there aren't enough of them,
so I've been inviting
my friends to come by
so they can tell people
that it's cool to eat there.
If you need more customers,
we're available.
- Want to go tonight, Lil?
- Sounds like a good idea.
Stew's better
on the second day, anyway.
[chuckles]
Hope your plan works
and you get more tips.
You know, a lot of money
gets taken out of that paycheck.
[laughs] I know
about taxes, Daddy.
I'm talking about
what I take out.
Everybody in this house
with a job chips in for bills.
- [chuckles]
- [scoffs]
Only you could find a way
to charge me
- for earning my own money.
- [laughter]
I'll see y'all later.
LILLIAN: Yeah, and we will
get ready to leave
as soon as Dean cleans up
those last three Cheerios
up under the hutch.
ADULT DEAN:
Not only did my mom
have eyes
in the back of her head,
apparently she had
X-ray vision, too.
But I was going
to Norman's.
We're going
to Kim's diner...
After you take a bath.
You smell like the outside.
But all the guys
are counting on me.
I'm supposed to bring them
the cherry bomb and the rope.
The what?
Yeah. Never mind.
[chuckles] Well, that last
Cheerio was picked up,
and, uh, I'm gonna go
get in the bathtub.
[chuckles]
♪ Oh, oh, oh ♪
♪ And I know ♪
♪ Ohh ♪
♪ Through the highs
and the lows ♪
♪ I'mma find my way home ♪
*THE WONDER YEARS (2021)*
[♪♪] *THE WONDER YEARS (2021)*
Season 01 Episode 17
Episode Title: "Jobs and Hangouts"
Aired on: March 23, 2022.
Dad, your pork chop with the
gravy on the side, no potatoes.
Mom, your country fried steak,
light on the batter
with no pepper.
And here's Dean's burger,
well done with pickles,
but no onions.
Here is a refill
of your sweet tea,
'cause I noticed you were
getting a little low,
an extra napkin for you,
and extra ketchup for Dean.
Very nice. Thank you.
Look at our baby girl.
So professional.
I told you I could handle
grown-up things
like having a job.
You forgot the sugar
for my ketchup.
I said no seeds on my bun.
This lettuce is brown.
I think I see
onion juice on the bread,
- and it's... it's cold in here.
- Dad, tell Dean
to stop being a little butt.
- Mnh-mnh.
You can't come crying
to Mom and Dad on the job.
Handle him yourself.
But remember,
the customer's always right.
[chuckles]
Sir, let me take that burger
back to the kitchen
to make it right for you.
Did you want
regular spit on that,
or extra juicy?
On second thought,
it's fine the way it is.
- Mm-hmm.
- [chuckles nervously]
There's a lot of us in here.
I think your plan
just might be working.
It is, and I got
lots more ideas
that'll help things
run better around here.
ADULT DEAN: My mom and dad
were used to this from Kim.
They always said,
"When Kim goes to heaven,
she's gonna tell Peter
how he can run things better."
To which I always replied,
"If Kim goes to heaven. If."
Table 8 just sat down.
Aww, my girlfriends
showed up for me.
Oh, this is gonna be so fun.
[laughs]
We're supposed to be
waiting tables,
not hosting
a dinner party in here.
I'll be sure to provide
excellent service
so they come back.
And take even more tip money
out of my pocket.
Great.
I'd watch your back
with that one.
Wendy? She's fine.
Her feet probably hurt.
Mine would, too, if I wore those
ugly clodhoppers all day.
- [chuckles]
- ADULT DEAN: As my mom and dad
proudly watched Kim
take on this new level
of responsibility
with confidence,
the significance of the moment
wasn't lost on me.
So...
now that
Kim has a paycheck,
can I get her allowance?
[♪♪]
♪ It was easy... ♪
15% of $7.50?
Let's just give her 10%.
That math's easier.
- 15% is $1.13 when you round up.
- Thanks.
None of us could figure
that tip out in our heads.
Wait, that's for Kim?
S-She's my sister.
- I should have told you less.
- [laughter]
Well, isn't he
just the cutest?
He reminds me
of my little brother,
- but Calvin's not that smart.
- He's not.
We should buy him
a milkshake.
ADULT DEAN: Now, girls my age
may not have given me
the time of day,
but I was about to discover
that the girls
too old for me to date...
Oh, man,
I was irresistible.
Dean, scram.
Go back to Mom and Dad.
Don't worry about it, girl.
I mean, he can stay with us.
- Come on, it's fine.
- Thank you.
- [scoffs lightly]
- Uh, hey, waitress?
Refills for me
and my friends, please.
Make it snappy, sweetheart.
Ooh, careful.
Come on, Dean, time to go.
The ladies and I
just ordered drinks,
so I'mma stay here for a while
and ride home with Kim.
Oh, is that what you think
you're doing?
[chuckles]
Let the boy stay, Lil.
He might learn
some responsibility
by observing Kim
in her work environment.
She got that strong
work ethic like her mama.
[laughs]
Well, okay, then, Dean.
Just don't bother your sister
while she's busy.
We'll see you at home.
You be cool.
[sighs]
So, Dean...
tell us
all about yourself.
[♪♪]
Yeah, your book report
is very good, Dean.
You really explained
the themes
of Call of the Wild
very well,
but you had several
misspelled words.
Now, honey, if you can't
spell something,
you gotta look it up.
How would I know
if I spelled a word wrong
if nobody tells me?
One day, I'm gonna
create something
that automatically checks
your spelling for you.
Oh, baby.
Lazy has already been invented.
[laughs]
ADULT DEAN: And that's why
I don't have a yacht today.
[doorbell rings]
I got it!
[♪♪]
Hey, Mrs. Williams.
Kwame.
Uh, Kim, you, uh,
ready to go?
- Yeah, let's go.
- All right, let's go.
- Albert.
- [sighs]
- Uh, I prefer Kwame, sir.
- I bet you do.
But that's not what
your mama named you.
Uh, well, we were
on our way out, so, uh...
I parked behind you
in the driveway,
so we might as well sit a spell
and catch up.
Oh.
How's that
revolution coming?
- Y'all on schedule?
- Ugh. [Sighs]
So, uh...
Uh, does this mean
that you...
Kwame is just giving me a ride
to the party... as friends.
"Friends"?
Uh-huh.
I used that one a time or two
myself back in the day.
But experience tells me
there's no such thing
as boys and girls
being just friends.
ADULT DEAN:
What was my dad talking about?
I have friends who are girls,
like Keisa.
Oh, right.
Maybe that was true
back in the '40s or whenever,
but men and women are equals,
and we can define
our own relationships.
Is that what you two
think you're doing?
Yes.
Friendship is what I want.
- You're driving this?
- Yes.
And my friend and I are about
to be late to Cathy's party.
So you're just gonna let her
do all the talking for you?
- I'm... I'm sorry...
- So you're just gonna interrupt
- her when she was talking?
- Oh, I'm... I...
So you're just gonna let me
contradict myself like that?
- I don't...
- We are picking up
some other people on the way,
so we really should go.
Kim, you know what time
to be home.
Yes, Dad.
[mutters]
[stammers]
Just get...
[♪♪]
- Listen, you be careful, girl.
- [door opens]
- Okay.
- ADULT DEAN: Watching my father
- glare at Kwame...
- [door closes]
ADULT DEAN: ...I thought girl
dads were the meanest people
in the world...
Until I became one.
Now I know that meanness
is totally justified.
You hung out
with high school girls?
And they paid
for your food?
- We mostly just talked.
- About what?
Just stuff...
Like what they watch
on the boob tube...
That's what they call TV.
- Oh.
- Cool.
Yeah, and how
they never have
enough scratch...
That's money.
And where they like to go
for submarine races.
- [gasps]
- It means making out in a car.
- [all sigh]
- I know, I know.
I thought there were gonna be
real submarines involved, too.
I think it is so good
that you wanted to come here
and support your sister.
And you were right
about the milkshakes.
Delicious.
[chuckles]
[glasses clink]
ADULT DEAN: Asking my mom
to take me to the diner
was a brilliant move.
It made me look
like a good brother,
all while putting me
in position
to run into Kim's
girlfriends again.
Kim being heavy-handed
on the whipped cream tap
was just a happy accident.
Uh, Mr. Young?
Did Wendy mention
my menu idea to you?
No, what was it?
ADULT DEAN: Ooh, I'd seen
that stink eye before,
but usually, it was Kim
giving it to me.
I was thinking we should
take our less popular items
off our regular menus
and tell customers
they're our specials
of the day.
That might make them inclined
to try something different.
That's fine by me...
As long as it's okay with Wendy.
I told you,
I let her handle the menu.
Sounds like a yes to me.
What it sounds like
is someone with
a lot of smart-ass ideas
thinking she knows more
than the people who worked here
for the last ten years.
ADULT DEAN: Wow,
that was the first time
I'd ever seen someone
who wasn't Mama or Daddy
check my know-it-all sister
- about her attitude.
- What's the problem?
- I was only trying to help.
- Why don't you learn
how things work
around here first, hon?
Did you ever think that,
in addition to wanting
new customers,
Mr. Young wanted
a waitress
with a fresh perspective
and a better attitude?
Well, he got one
with a smart mouth
who needs to learn
her place.
[scoffs]
Can you believe Wendy?
Going off on me
for no reason at all.
- I did not appreciate her tone.
- Right?
But she definitely had
a good reason.
Wait... so you're
taking her side?
Baby, I'm always
on your side,
but that doesn't mean
you're right.
Well, then,
she's more wrong.
You have been working here
for less than a month.
Workplaces have hierarchy
and politics
that you need to learn
before you start going around
trying to change things.
It'd be like me going
to one of your parties
and trying to show
all your friends
how to do the Watusi.
Now, how would you
like that?
Ugh, I get it.
[laughs]
Now go get me some French fries
to go with this milkshake.
But don't let that Wendy
anywhere near my food.
Mm.
ADULT DEAN:
I took Mama's example to heart.
No matter
our internal conflicts,
we were a family and always had
each other's backs.
This Wendy lady
had a problem with Kim,
- and that meant we had to...
- [door opens, bell jingles]
ADULT DEAN:
Oh, hey, here comes Pam!
Hey, Pam!
[♪♪]
[door closes]
ADULT DEAN:
Kim's friends were super cool.
All they really did was gossip
about people I didn't know,
talk about music
I didn't listen to,
and reference magazines
I hadn't read.
But still, I'd never felt
so included in my life.
I think my birthday was
the best party of the year.
I couldn't believe
all the boys we invited
- actually showed up.
- I know.
Did you see when Irving
and Kwame were trying
to sing like
the Temptations?
- So funny.
- Kim must have loved that.
Really? Why?
- Well, because, uh...
- [door opens, bell jingles]
Uh, give me
one second, guys.
[♪♪]
What are you guys
doing here?
You were bragging about
how fun this place was,
so we decided to join you.
Yep, and Norman's
dad's apartment
does not have
gorgeous high school girls.
But they're my friends,
and they're...
They're way more mature
than you guys.
- So?
- Not everyone loves jokes
about passing gas, Norman.
- Really?
Dean, your food's
getting cold.
[♪♪]
This is
Norman, Cory, and Hampton,
but [chuckles]
t-they're not staying.
[♪♪]
So, Dean,
do you know Kwame?
No, not really.
I mainly just say hi to him
for when he calls for Kim.
I would hope
they give you enough time
to talk to your girlfriend.
[chuckles] I don't really
have a girlfriend right now.
Mm, I can't
believe that, Dean.
ADULT DEAN: Now, I should have
been suspicious
about this whole line
of questioning,
but I wanted to show the guys
how "in" I was
with the high schoolers.
Anyways, he doesn't call as much
since they broke up.
And... And when was that?
I don't know exactly.
He took her for a walk
by the train tracks and...
Sound familiar?
She told my mom and dad
that they were just friends.
I heard her.
You know what, Dean?
I think it's crazy
that you don't have
a girlfriend.
I mean, who wouldn't
want to be with
an honest young man
like you?
You know, I bet
you don't even eavesdrop
on Kim and Kwame's
phone calls, do you?
I need to use
the restroom.
- Then go.
- You have to let me out.
- [mutters]
- Just...
I think we all have to go.
NORMAN:
Yeah, come on.
[♪♪]
Let go...
What gives?!
She's pumping you
for information, man.
Why would she do that?
- It's so obvious.
- Obvious.
Pam's in love with you!
No.
W... Really?
N-No, that's impossible.
She asked you
if you had a girlfriend
and said, "Any woman would be
lucky to have you."
And she stares
deep into your eyes
when you talk,
like this.
That's love!
N-No, but she asked
about Kim and Kwame.
To keep you off guard.
Girls are tricky.
Whew, this is better than
the stories I watch with Granny.
- So, what should I do?
- Look, you let her
take the lead, all right?
My dad said older women
know just what they want
and exactly how to get it.
ADULT DEAN: I was glad
I had friends who had my back,
even if they had no clue
what was actually going on.
[indistinct conversation,
laughter]
ADULT DEAN: I still wasn't sure
the guys were right
about Pam having a crush on me,
so just in case, the next day,
I sprayed extra Afro Sheen
on my hair
and chewed half a roll
of breath mints.
Are you ready to order?
And no asking
for lemons and water
to make your own lemonade.
Well, our parents actually
gave us money today.
Oh, okay then.
What'll you have?
Table 5 needs more jelly.
- Okay, I'll...
- Now.
I'm sure these gentlemen
will wait.
ADULT DEAN:
I still hadn't figured out
what Wendy's issue was
with my sister.
Kim was great at her job,
but I figured
it had something to do
with Kim being
from the original mother race
and Wendy being jealous
because her loins
weren't the birthplace
of civilization.
I mean, that's what I got from
those Black Panther pamphlets
- in Kim's room, anyway.
- [door opens, bell jingles]
DEAN: Ooh,
Cathy, Mildred!
Here, Hampton, slide over
and give them some room.
- Oh, hey, Dean.
- [door closes]
You know my boyfriend.
Wait. Kwame
is your boyfriend?
Yeah.
We're back together now.
[♪♪]
Kim, two Cokes
for me and Kwame.
Really? Uh.
I thought that we...
I-I mean, you said...
ADULT DEAN: As I saw what was
unfolding before me,
I began to realize
that I'd been part
of a nefarious plot
all along.
As much as I didn't
like my sister sometimes,
it never occurred to me
that her friends
may not have been real friends.
Kim, uh, I-I didn't know
you'd be working today.
Didn't know or didn't care?
Look, ca... can't we
talk about this?
- Oh!
- [gasps]
[dishes clattering]
[♪♪]
I don't need your help.
Mnh-mnh, let her
weird little brother
help clean up her mess.
[♪♪]
ADULT DEAN:
After an hour of mean-mugging
and shooting the occasional
spitball at Pam and Kwame,
my friends had to get home.
Sorry about all this, man.
Yeah, that Pam
is a real Jezebel.
Actually, she makes Jezebel
look like Ruth.
It's not just a book, guys!
[scoffs]
See you tomorrow, bro.
- DEAN: See ya, guys.
- [door opens, bell jingles]
[♪♪]
[door closes, bell jingles]
[♪♪]
Before you say anything,
I know my behavior
was unprofessional.
Honey, it was more
than unprofessional.
It was a train wreck.
But it wasn't your fault.
Here, let me
show you something.
His name is Chad.
Boy, did he have my nose
wide open.
You might say
he was my Kwame.
That...
was taken about a month
after he left me.
And that...
is Chad Junior.
- Is he your only child?
- Mine.
But not his dad's.
I've heard Chad Sr.
Has three daughters
by two other women.
Wow.
That's heavy.
That's why now I can see
a no-good guy coming
a mile away.
You need to let Kwame go.
- [scoffs] I know.
- No, you don't.
You might have
let him go up here,
but you need
to let him go in here.
Because if it gets any lower,
you're in real trouble.
[laughs] I get it.
But w-why are...
Maybe the two of us
didn't start off so good,
but I felt I should tell you
what I wish someone would've
told me ten years ago.
Thanks.
I know I need to move on.
There's no way
I can go through
another scene
like the one this afternoon.
Mnh-mnh. He's just lucky
neither one of us had a pistol.
[laughs]
That's right.
ADULT DEAN: Comparing what
I'd seen between Kim and Pam
to what I was seeing now,
I learned that true friendship
can come from the most
unexpected places.
This was the first time
it ever occurred to me
that there might be
a period in my life
even more emotionally
challenging than junior high.
I have to
tell you something.
I kind of am the one
that told Pam
that you and Kwame
were broken up.
[sighs] Thanks.
Thanks a lot.
ADULT DEAN: I really hoped
Kim was going to add
a "But it wasn't your fault."
She didn't.
I just don't understand why
you can't be done with Kwame.
I swear, you guys have broken up
like a thousand times.
Girls like guys like Kwame.
Even girls who know better,
like me... and Wendy.
Does that mean that
there are girls like Kwame
that guys like?
- Even though we know better?
- Uh, yeah.
And Pam is one of them.
And based on the way
she played you,
you better
start praying now.
ADULT DEAN: Damn. The future.
Look. Sometimes, relationships
don't make any sense.
That's why you have
to make sure
you have good friends
around you...
who will tell you
the truth,
see things you don't see.
Obviously, I'm still looking
for good friends like that.
But... But you've always had
a ton of friends.
Mm...
I've always been popular.
That's not the same
as having good friends.
Like you?
You have real friends.
I'm a little jealous
of that.
ADULT DEAN: That was the
only time my sister ever said
she was jealous
of anything I had.
What the hell?
- Those guys. [Chuckles]
- [laughs]
ADULT DEAN: And she was right
to be jealous this time.
[♪♪]
Hey, great news, guys!
My parents
are back together!
- Cool.
- That's great.
Yeah, but my dad
moved back home, so...
no apartment for us.
- Aw! - Aw!
- Aw!
Looks like it's back
to the diner.
Does your sister know any more
cool high school friends
we could hang out with?
She's not even working
at the diner as much.
She's got an extra job.
He's changed,
and he's putting on his P.J.s.
Dinner's in the oven and should
be ready in a few minutes.
- Cool.
- Thank you so much
for babysitting. These extra
night shifts really help me out.
I'll see you later.
Bye, Dean.
- [door closes]
- [sighs]
I don't know why I'm here.
Mama's cooking is way better
than Wendy's.
And she doesn't even have
a color TV.
This is what you get
for lying to our parents
about how you were
"learning responsibility"
from watching me work.
- Fine, I-I'll watch.
- No.
This time, you'll learn
from experience.
You can start
by setting the table
and getting dinner
out of the oven.
Chad and I are hungry.
He likes his chicken strips
with extra ketchup,
and I like mine crispy.
We'll need two waters
and extra napkins.
Make it snappy, sweetheart.
[snapping fingers]
- [sighs]
- [laughs]
Ah.
Captioned by VITAC...