The Middle s08e16 Episode Script

Swing and a Miss

1 [Crow caws.]
Frankie: Travel a rare opportunity to visit other cultures and see how they live.
We're here.
Welcome to Casa Heck.
It's so cute! Well, a few other words come to mind, but I'll take "cute" any day.
We're so happy to have you here for spring break, Lexie.
Thanks, Mrs.
Heck.
Oh, my God.
I love how the kitchen is right near the entry.
It's so convenient.
At our house, the kitchen is so far away.
It's a hike.
To get there, you have to go through two hallways, the family room, and the great room.
Well, you don't have to worry about that here.
None of the rooms are great.
Well, I love it.
It's just so homey.
And as a thank-you for letting me stay in your super-cute home, I got you this.
Oh, look at this bag.
Is this the gift? Can I keep this? [Chuckles.]
Holy crap.
This is beautiful.
It's for your fine candies.
Oh.
Well, around here, the candy usually goes right from the bag to my mouth.
Hey, Brick, go find a place for this where it'll look nice.
The Donahues'? Sue: Come on, Lexie.
I'll give you the tour.
I think it looked best in the bag.
Yeah.
Announcer: All right, bottom of the ninth here.
Orson Limestone's up by one, but Royal Flushes have two on, and Big Henry coming to the plate.
[Indistinct shouting.]
And the Royal Flushes score.
They win the game.
Final score Royal Flushes 5, Orson Limestone Well, at least we had fun.
I'll get the orange slices.
I'm not having fun.
In fact, this is my fifth game in a row not having fun.
Yeah.
I mean, I know we have to have two female employees on the team, but do they got to be the two oldest women on Earth? How come we don't have any younger women working at the quarry? Chuck: Age is just a number, fellas.
All women are goddesses in the eyes of the Chuck.
As long as that number stays above 18, I'm with you.
Why did you play Eleanor at second base?! You know she got a bad hip! Hey, we can't turn on each other.
The Royal Flushes obviously stacked their team with ringers.
Either that, or that's the most athletically gifted group of plumbers I've ever seen.
Ooh, orange slices.
Thank you, Eleanor.
We are truly blessed.
[Sighs.]
Frankie, hi.
How exciting is all this, huh? You must be so proud.
Uh, yeah, I am.
I mean, it's just so special.
Are you just tickled to the core? So tickled.
[Laughs.]
Well, congrats again, proud lady.
[Chuckles.]
Hey, do we have anything to be proud of? No, not that I can think of.
That's what I thought, but Nancy Donahue drove up while I was getting the mail and kept going on and on about how proud I should be, and I had no idea what she was talking about.
Why didn't you just ask her? I couldn't.
I had already told her I was so proud.
I couldn't go back on it after I'd already agreed with her.
I'd look stupid.
You know, historically, looking stupid hasn't always been a deterrent for you.
[Sighs.]
The nerve of her, asking me if I'm proud.
She knows darn well we don't have anything to be proud of.
[Gasps.]
That's it.
She's proud-baiting me.
She's got something she's proud of and she's just trying to get me to ask her about it.
I've helped as much as I can here.
Uh, I think something happened to my hair.
Oh, no.
I should've told you.
We're still using the dog shampoo my mom accidentally bought in bulk.
You can't use the regular amount it's in dog measurements.
It's okay.
I-I'm sure it'll relax.
Hey, is that a hole in the wall? It's so cute.
Yeah.
It's a long story.
That goes to Axl and Brick's room.
Oh, that that's Axl's room? Is he coming home for spring break? Yeah, but don't worry.
I'll cover the hole.
You won't smell the farting, but you'll probably still hear it and smell it.
So, uh, is he still dating April? Ugh.
I don't know what's going on with them.
They got married, then divorced, now they're dating.
It's weird.
Huh.
So, are they, like, exclusive? [Scoffs.]
God, Lexie, you sound like my friends in high school who used to like [Gasps.]
- Don't make me say it.
- Don't say it.
- I don't want to say it.
- Don't say it.
- I like Axl.
- No, you said it! [Crying.]
[Gasps.]
Wait.
Did you just start feeling this way? 'Cause that shampoo isn't FDA-approved.
The chemicals could've seeped into your brain.
No, I've known for a while.
I thought I would get over it, you know, like like the flu.
Oh, I was wondering why you'd ever want to come to Orson for spring break instead of the Bahamas.
I'm sorry.
It's just, he's kind of cute and funny and I-I can't help it.
Okay, okay.
Okay.
[Breathing heavily.]
Oh my God.
I think I have hysterical blindness.
Your eyes are closed.
Okay.
I'm not blind, but I am still very hysterical.
I mean, this is a lot of information to process.
It's a clash of things of two things I like, but I'm not sure I like them together.
Like turkey and chocolate I like them, but not as a couple.
But who knows? Maybe they would be delicious.
And I mean, who am I to stop turkey and chocolate from getting together if they want to? Just go for it! Oh! Thank you so much.
I would never do anythg about it without your blessing.
Now, where can I put this towel so your cleaning lady will find it? Hi.
You're home.
Lexie.
New look for you? Oh, this? I think it's just the water.
Hmm.
What are you doing here? Oh, I'm spring-breaking in Orson with Sue.
Wow.
[Chuckles.]
I don't know what series of catastrophes befell the world for you to end up here, but I am sorry.
[Chuckles.]
I'm not following you with my eyes.
What? You know how you used to say that I would do that? Well, I'm not doing that.
I'm just saying that 'cause it's, like, our thing.
Okay.
Hey, remember that time when we were in the Bin and you threw the ball and I was like, "What?" Uh yeah.
Whatever.
I got to go scrape poop off a cow statue, so see ya.
[Door opens, closes.]
[Cash register beeping.]
Woman over P.
A.
: Haley, pick up line 2.
Haley, pick up on line 2.
Oh, I'm under obligation to ask if you're eating this chicken tonight.
Yeah.
Okay, then I can sell it to you.
Hey, didn't you used to coach my kids at the high school? Not used to still do.
Tink Babbitt.
Got to work two jobs just to break even, but my reward comes when the kids come back and tell me I've impacted their lives.
Still waiting on that last one.
[Scanner beeps.]
Oh, man.
The dent's right on the barcode.
Todd, I'm gonna need a price check here! So, are you a member of our Frugal Hoosier Misers Club? Yep, almost at Tightwad status.
Tink, 59 cents! Say, if you're looking for a second job, how'd you like to hang around a quarry trailer, reading a magazine, and playing in the occasional softball game? I'd say you got yourself a temp Tink.
Great.
And now that I don't work here anymore, you shouldn't eat that chicken.
Hey, do you know anything we have to be proud of? Other than the fanciest dog dish in Orson.
I got over 100% on my geometry test.
No, it's got to be something that Nancy would know about.
Oh.
Well, I did both start and cure myself of a new tic without you noticing.
You mean the "ehh-ehh-ehh-pfft"? Yeah, I noticed.
Mm.
Well, that's all I can think of.
Great.
So, I'm proud and I don't get to know why.
Seems right.
Frankie: So, Mike's new vice president in charge of paper-towel acquisition was knocking it out of the park literally.
Umpire: Out! You're out! [Laughs.]
Tink: Time out! Come on! Hey.
I don't know about this guy.
He's a big hitter.
Well, he's a righty, so why don't we shift the outfield left and get it covered? Beauty and brains.
If you like Jet Skiing and Al Jarreau, we might be in this love together.
Okay.
And before you knew it, Orson Limestone was up six runs under the sure hand of Coach Tink.
Aah.
Safe! Aah! All right, time out.
Time out, ump.
Heck, you're stinking it up out here.
I'm gonna bring in a sub for you.
John, get off the pine and get in here! I'm okay.
I just tweaked my back a little bit.
Nothing half a beer can't cure.
Ah, don't worry about it.
Have a seat.
Don't let Schmidt's Podiatry get in your head, all right? Come on.
Let's go.
[Sighs.]
Something to be proud of? Let's see the miracle that this evolved from the hillbilly water slide that is you and Dad's DNA.
Hey, Lexie.
I hope you're enjoying your stay.
Sue did give you the good towel, didn't she? Uh, she gave me the Chewbacca one.
Yeah, that's the one.
Oh, hi.
We keep running into each other.
Well, there's like three rooms in the whole house.
Hey, so, I meant to ask you what's a fun thing to do on spring break in Orson? Besides leaving? [Chuckles.]
Well, there's the beer-can museum out on the state highway.
Ooh, fun.
Wow.
I am so glad I came to Orson.
I checked the weather, and it's partly cloudy in the Bahamas.
Dodged a bullet there.
Mm.
What else? There's um [Gasps.]
You could go visit all my trophies in the trophy case down at the high school.
Spoiler alert there are five.
Mm.
[Chuckles.]
You okay? You look a little itchy.
Oh, I'm fine.
I'm totally interested in what you're saying.
You sure? You got something splotchy on your face.
Oh, my God, Lexie.
I am so sorry.
I grabbed you the extra pillow from the bottom of the closet.
Doris must've been sleeping on it.
Does she have fleas? Oh, no.
I don't think so not anymore.
It's probably just our detergent.
It's really cheap.
You have to get used to it.
Or it could be the sheets.
What's the thread count? What's that? You know, the number of threads woven together in the fabric.
I have no idea what you're talking about.
What's better higher or lower? Higher.
Then they're lower.
What? I saw Axl do this.
It looked good.
How was the game? We won.
Oh.
Well, that's great.
So, Tink must be working out, huh? Yeah, she's good.
Everybody loves her.
So, why are you acting so weird? Oh, no.
Was Chuck in charge of refreshments again? No, I hurt my back, and so I blew a couple plays I normally make, and Tink benched me.
Oh, you know, I got my car washed, finally.
Maybe that's what Nancy thinks I should be proud of? The sun was in my eyes for the first three innings, so [Telephone ringing.]
Ugh, school.
Let it ring.
[Answering machine beeps.]
Jan: Hello, proud parents.
This is Jan in the main office.
You haven't RSVP'd yet for the National Honor Society induction ceremony, and we're trying to get a head count so we can see how many pizza pockets we'll need.
Congrats to Brick! [Answering machine beeps.]
Oh, I am so proud! [Mid-tempo tune plays.]
[Congestedly.]
Oh, I'm sorry.
I-I didn't know where this led.
Oh, you know, I went by your school to see your tow-phies.
What? Your tow-phies.
I can't understand what you're saying.
Plus, I'm a little distracted.
You got a little bat in the cave, there.
Oh, sorry.
I'm just a little stuffed up.
Anyway, uh, the week's almost over and I feel like we haven't gotten a chance to [Coughs.]
Well, the bat's gone.
Now I'm just wondering where it went.
[Coughing.]
Brick, hello? I ask you if we have anything to be proud of, and you're talking to me about acing some stupid geometry test? You made National Honor Society! Oh.
Right.
W-Why didn't you tell me? I don't know.
I didn't think it was that big a deal.
Plus, every time there's an event at school, you and Dad roll your eyes.
Then if you do come, you show up late.
You always complain about having to bring a dessert, even though we usually just stop by on the way and grab some store-bought cookies.
You sit on the end of the row, so that way you can leave early, and Okay, okay, okay.
I get it.
But, Brick, this is a big deal.
You're the first person in the family to make the Honor Society.
I mean, we don't have much to be proud of, so when is time to be proud of, I would like to be there.
- When is it? - Saturday.
[Sighs.]
I can't go.
Grandma got us tickets to the touring company of "Finian's Rainbow" with the "Kiss my grits" girl from "Alice", and she's really excited about it.
Mom, it's all right.
I really don't care if you go or not.
Honestly.
Besides, they videotape these things now.
I'm sorry.
I really want to go, but I can't blow off Grandma.
Janet got her a massage recliner for her birthday.
Hey, go to the play.
The ceremony's gonna be pretty dull, actually.
I just walk up and get a certificate.
And I really want to see that, so make sure you get a videotape of it, okay? You get that it's about the massage recliner and me buying back my mom's love, right? Got it.
With Tink at the helm, Orson Limestone won their next four games.
They even beat Ernie's Injection Molding.
Unfortunately, for those four games, Mike was playing a different position.
Tink: Whoo! All right! Yeah! Ha ha! All right, Wayne, you're up.
Chuck's on deck, and Dave's in the hole.
I'm gonna bunt! Hey, Coach, I'm sitting out a lot of games here.
My back is feeling great now.
No kidding.
I tied my shoes this morning on the first try.
I'm ready to get back in there.
Oh, we're kind of on a winning streak here, Heck.
You don't want to mess with that mojo.
Even talking about it gives me the jeebies.
Whoo! [Spits.]
Well, I want to contribute, you know? And more than just knitting a bat cozy.
Sorry, Heck, but John's playing out of his mind.
I kept thinking he was gonna go back to his old ways, but he's on fire.
Soon as he cools off, you're the first one back in.
When Dave was coach, he always had me in the starting lineup.
Dave, you okay with the lineup? Dave: You mean, am I okay with winning? Yeah.
Stop moving.
You're right not bad.
Mm-hmm.
Okay, Lexie and I are all packed and we're heading back to school.
I feel bad, though.
I think we Hecked up Lexie.
[Coughing.]
[Congestedly.]
Thank you again for letting me stay here.
It was a super-fun week five stars on Trip Advisor! Aww, well, it was great having you, Lexie.
Come anytime.
Our house is your house or at least a much smaller version.
[Sneezes.]
Oh, is is Axl around? I wanted to say goodbye.
No, he left.
He said Spring Break '17 will go down as the most pathetic in history and he was ashamed to be a part of it.
Um, my throat's closing up, so I'd better go.
[Lexie coughing.]
[Grunts.]
Oh.
Hey, Heck.
How you doing? Hey.
Feeling great, ready for the game tomorrow.
Yeah, I got some bad news, and I don't want you to take it too hard, so I'm just gonna rip off the Band-Aid.
I got poached.
Poached? Yep.
Hagen Westside Realty got me.
All I got to do is push their mail through a slot, pitch a couple of shutouts, and they're gonna fix the brakes on my Subaru.
Well, Eleanor's not gonna like it.
We were about to start an afghan.
But whatever's best for the team.
All right, then.
Later, champ.
[Sighs.]
[Footsteps approaching.]
Hey, you look better.
Yeah.
Turns out all I needed was a shower.
Yeah.
It's okay, Lex.
I'm sorry about that.
We should've eased you in.
You kind of have to build up a tolerance to our house.
So, where you headed? The Beta Tau Lambda St.
Patrick's Day party.
You want to join me? Come on.
It's the biggest party of the year.
Nah.
I'm gonna ride around with Tyler in the Safe Ride cart later.
It's his biggest night of the year, too.
A lot of green beer going down, a lot of greener beer coming up.
Sounds fun.
Oh, don't worry.
I won't have to touch .
You have to take a class.
- [Applause.]
- Congratulations.
Our next student is Brick Heck.
[Applause.]
Mom, is that you? Uh, y-yeah.
I thought I recognized your annoying clap.
What are you doing here? What happened to "Finian's Rainbow" with Grandma? She got her friend Sparkle to go with her.
Hey, everybody, my mom and dad are here.
They never usually come to stuff.
W-We come to stuff.
W-We both work.
I'm just here for my dishes.
I put them in earlier, so they should be done by now.
And don't worry.
I put yours in the sink.
Axl, I am trying to study here.
For what, obedience school? You know, you don't get a treat if you roll over when you're supposed to sit.
Oh, ha ha, 'cause I'm a dog.
Hey, you're never gonna get a treat with that attitude.
So, uh, where's your owner? Who, Lexie? She's at that big St.
Patrick's Day party.
I'm surprised you're not there.
Nah, that party's lame.
When you're a freshman and sophomore, you think it's fun.
As a junior, you only go there ironically, and you would never be caught dead there as a senior.
Hey! Look at that.
Now this guy is clean.
You want to put him to work, huh? What you got to eat around here? Come on.
Make me something.
I'm sorry to inform you, Axl, but I'm not your maid.
Oh, come on, girl! You can do it! Make me some din din! Oh, my God, Axl.
You are such a jerk! I don't understand why Lexie likes you so much.
What? Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Wait.
Hold on.
Are you serious? N-No.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
I was not supposed to tell you that.
Hmm.
Well, I know I always joked around about her liking me, but I never thought she really [Sighs.]
Why do you think she came to our house for spring break instead of the Bahamas? Who in their right mind would do that? She didn't even spend time with me.
She just laughed at all your stupid jokes and followed you around with her eyes.
Well, her non-pus-y eye, at least.
She knows I'm dating April, right? Yeah, I told her.
I told her everything.
I told her about how you clip your toenails.
I told her about your booger wall.
I told her about Dr.
Axl and his fart-esthesia, and somehow, she still likes you.
Well, good, good.
I'm glad you told her those things, 'cause, you know, it's not gonna happen.
Hey! Look at that! Flip-flops came out great.
Oh.
There he is, Mr.
National Honor Society.
I can't believe you guys came.
You made that very clear over the microphone.
Well, thank you for showing up.
I-I'd better get over to the dessert table.
I grabbed some loose cookies from your nightstand.
They're in my backpack.
Actually, Brick, I took care of that.
Wow.
Why would Nancy Donahue do a whole table dedicated just to me? Nancy didn't do it.
I did it.
How did you find a store that had cupcakes with my name on them? These aren't from the store.
I made them.
I did it all this myself.
I was up till 4:00 a.
m.
baking, cutting out decorations, blowing up the balloons, making your favorite lime-green JELL-O salad.
Oh, my God.
It isn't even Thanksgiving.
Brick, I just want you to know, we could not be more proud of you.
And this is proof, 'cause I hate doing this.
I mean, it's easy to do things you like for people, but doing something you hate that's love.
Thanks, Mom.
I love you, too.
Frankie.
Were parents supposed to bring something? Did Did I miss an e-mail or a flier? Oh, don't worry.
I brought enough for everybody.
I mean, National Honor Society how proud are we, right? Wow.
Considering these are filled with hate, - they're delicious.
- Yeah.
[Chuckles.]
Ron, did you throw away a flier?! Ron! [Dance music plays, indistinct conversations.]
Olsen: Axl.
What's up, Olson? What's up, man? I thought you said you'd have to be dead to be seen at this party.
Yeah, yeah.
Well, can I, uh, catch up with you guys later? I'm kind of looking for someone.
That's her.
Axl! Devin? Well, with Tink gone, Orson Limestone's hot streak was over.
But at least Mike was back in the game.
Unfortunately, their first game was against Bring it in! Bring it in! Easy out here! You don't want any of this voodoo, do you, Heck? [Cheers and applause.]

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