Absolutely Devoted to You (2026) Movie Script

[lively show opening plays]
[announcer] It's time for
Merrie & Mason in the Morning!
Today's guests include
from television's
longest-running series,
On Eagle's Wing,
Jon Rogerston!
Summer DIYs from lifestyle
master Daria Daniels!
And Mason and Merrie
take on the latest dance
challenge sweeping the nation.
It's time to wake up, America!
And now, New York's own
Merrie and Mason!
Happy Monday, everybody!
Did you have
a good Fourth of July, Mason?
Uh, a little too good, Merrie.
I think I succeeded
in busting the waistband
on my stretchy pants
at the barbecue.
Ho-ho!
Well, I hope
your dance shoes still fit,
because today,
we're gonna teach you
how to shed
those extra
Fourth of July pounds
with the latest dance moves
that have gone viral...
-[Sara] Hey!
-[Kaitlin] Hey.
Was your family happy
to have you for the Fourth?
Oh, yeah. Mom whipped up
her red, white,
and blue Jell-o mold.
For some reason,
it had ham in it.
Wow. Nothing says "patriotism"
like pork for dessert.
Right?
She spent the entire trip saying
how I deserve to get
the executive producer promotion
for all the holidays
I've had to skip.
Mm!
Love the new intro, Fred.
So, have you talked to Merrie
about the job?
No. No, the meeting
this morning
was all about getting us
to the top-rated slot
by the end of the summer.
My gut says they're gonna
go with an outside hire.
You just need to show them
that they already have
the best producer in-house.
Kaitlin. What's the plan?
Okay, so, last night,
I saw this clip
of this rhino
at the Cincinnati Zoo
who saved this kid
who fell into the rhino pit.
I'm thinking,
"Rhinos:
America's surprising
new best friend."
And if she doesn't go for that,
there's always the hippo
with the crocheted hat.
Oh...
You know, that one
that everybody was sharing?
Yeah, definitely
sensing a theme.
Well, yeah,
I mean, you gotta,
you know,
keep it happy and light.
Something America
can get behind, you know?
[Sara] Yeah, I'm sure
that Merrie will love it,
and now
that Ronnie is retired,
It only makes sense
to bump you up.
Well, I hope so,
otherwise I'm gonna become
New York's longest-serving
segment producer.
It's time to sink or swim.
...and for some parents,
not fast enough,
but that means it's time
for my favorite summer hit
from the super-dreamy
'90s boy band
Absolutely Yeah!
Hey, whatever happened to them?
Oh! I don't know.
But I had a such a huge crush
on the lead singer,
Derrick Dane.
Mm-hmm!
[Mason]
I think maybe you still might.
Come on, audience,
let me hear you shout,
the greatest
summer album ever...
Hotter... Than... July!
She's hotter than July
With fire in her eyes
Woo! Oh, that beat!
She's got me
burning up inside
[Merrie] I like that group!
And, remember, I'm Merrie.
-I'm Mason!
-And...
[both]
...don't wake up without us!
You okay?
Yeah. Fine. Just...
[Lucille] Yeah. Crazy.
Hey, Derrick!
Morning, gentlemen.
You ready to get
these care kits packed up?
Yeah, you know it!
Awesome. I've got everything
set up for you in the kitchen.
All righty, then.
Let's do it.
So, uh, let's do
that whole clockwise
assembly-line thing.
Uh, grab a bag.
-Yeah.
[Derrick] Uh, so how
was everybody's Fourth?
-Really good.
-Awesome. -Okay.
We got to video chat
with my dad.
Yeah? How's he doing?
Good. He's counting down
the days till he's home.
His leave came through?
Three whole weeks.
Nice!
[guys chuckling]
[Lucille] Oh, I almost forgot,
I'm gonna need
your band of merry men here
to put up some more flyers.
Of course. Thanks, Lucille.
Okay.
Oh, how are we doing
on ticket sales, by the way?
Uh, well, um,
including you and me
and half a dozen parents,
roughly that.
All right, guys.
Well, you heard the boss.
Once we're done here,
we gotta get
the rest of those flyers out.
-[Lucille] Thanks.
-Aw, man.
We just put 'em out last week.
Yeah, I just gave
all mine to my grandma
to hand out
at her knitting club.
That might explain why
we need to put them up again.
Look, I know this isn't the most
exciting thing in the world,
but we gotta get the word out.
It's only a few weeks
till the show,
and we need these ticket sales
to pay for next year's programs.
We'll do it. Right, guys?
All right.
-Yeah, let's do it.
-Let's do it.
[Derrick] There we go!
That's the spirit!
Sounds good.
[]
[knocking]
Come in.
Hey!
[Merrie] Ah, Kaitlin.
I'm not sure if you saw,
but Mason tripped
in the craft segment
and knocked Daria
into camera four,
and she nearly lost
a pinky toe.
Can't be losing pinky toes.
I already spoke
to the floor manager
to clear the lanes,
and Daria won't be
wearing sandals again on set.
[Merrie] Amazing.
I don't know
what I'd do without you.
Funny you should say that.
Um, do you have a minute?
Yeah.
Will you make it quick, though?
I have got a ratings call
in five minutes.
Great.
Um, I have a pitch
for the Summer Beach Bash.
Wonderful!
But you'll have
to save it for next year.
Oh?
Yeah, Mason and I
already booked it.
Winkles, the lifeguard dog.
Have you seen this video?
[Merrie squeals]
He's so cute!
It'll be a great finale.
You know, lifeguard dog
at the beach bash?
He's already cracked
10 million views with this one.
Wow.
And you're okay
with helping out, you know,
until we hire
the new executive producer?
About the executive producer--
Nabbing Winkles
before Today with Tabitha
was such a huge win for us.
He's really gonna
wrap our summer up
with a bang!
I don't wanna jinx it,
but I think
with this momentum,
we're on way to become
the number-one morning show
in the country!
Well, that's what we want.
You were gonna
pitch me something?
Oh, you know,
it can wait till next year.
-[Absolutely Yeah! ringtone]
-Oh, okay, okay.
This is Winkles's trainer.
Keep up the good work, Kaitlin,
oh, and you may want
to invest in
some dog biscuits, by the way.
[Kaitlin] Right.
[Merrie] Thank you. Hello!
Dog biscuits. Yeah.
How'd it go?
Uh, well, let's just say
now would be
a really good time
for me to find out
I had a rich uncle
who left his entire estate to me
so I didn't have to worry
about lifeguard dogs
or people tripping
over their own shoelaces.
[Sara] So, not well?
No. She didn't give me
any indication
I was gonna get the job.
Well, the day's young.
[Merrie]
This cannot be happening!
-Oh, boy.
-Oh, boy.
We shook on it.
You can't back out now.
What's happening?
Oh, it seems that Tabitha
from Today with Tabitha
found out about
Winkles the lifeguard dog
and offered his trainer
a huge bonus
to do their end-of-summer show
instead of ours,
so good luck.
This is a catastrophe!
Three weeks out,
and we've lost
our headlining act.
That's a cute necklace.
I'm gonna swoop.
I'm gonna swoop!
With what? Baby hippos?
That's all I got!
Okay, but she's in a mood.
[Kaitlin] I know!
Sink or swim.
[Kaitlin] Merrie?
I heard about Winkles.
Real tragedy.
We've been neck and neck
with Tabitha all year
in the ratings.
I should've expected her
to pull a stunt like this.
Okay, well,
we'll think of another idea
for the Summer Beach Bash.
If she pulls ahead
in the ratings,
then the sponsors
are gonna flock to her,
and it'll sink us
and everything
that we've built here.
We'll turn this around.
We need something
to turn it around!
Exactly. Yep. Um...
Okay.
I'm not sure if you've heard,
but there is this baby,
he's the cutest--
-[Absolutely Yeah! ringtone]
[Merrie] One sec.
What is it?
-The dog dropped?
Yeah! I know!
And we shook on it!
We need to replace the dog.
-What about that baby hippo?
-Baby hippos?
He could wear a crochet hat!
No, call me back when
you have a good idea. Okay?
Okay, you said you had
something to pitch me?
Oh, I, uh...
um...
uh...
I need a vacation!
-Yeah.
-[Merrie whimpers]
Your ringtone.
[Merrie] Mm-hmm?
Uh...
Absolutely Yeah, the, uh,
the band with
the one-hit-wonder album
from-from the-the summer...
You wanna get
Absolutely Yeah! on our show?
Yeah!
They can play
your favorite song
at the Summer Beach Bash.
Oh... oh, that would be
a dream come true!
Right?
And then the sponsors
would flock to us.
That's right.
I mean, this would be a job.
To produce it
and-and put it all together
would be something
for, like, you know,
an executive
producer-style role...
You want to be the new E.P.?
I do.
Only if you think
that I'm ready for it, Merrie.
Kaitlin,
you're my best segment producer.
And I would still keep
producing my own segments.
There's been rumors
of an Absolutely Yeah! reunion
for decades,
and it always falls apart,
so how are you suddenly
gonna make it happen
in the next three weeks?
Well, Merrie, if there's
one thing that I'm good at,
it's, you know,
bringing people together
and making things happen.
Uh, I got this.
Oh, Kaitlin! Ha!
Yay! Yeah.
I've always wanted
to meet Absolutely Yeah!
Absolutely Yeah!
Oh! Okay. Well...
Ahem.
It's a deal.
If you get them here,
you've got the job.
Okay.
-Okay? Okay.
-Yep.
What am I gonna wear
to meet Derrick?
I don't know!
Can you get Sara
in here, please?
-Yes. Copy that.
-Oh! Work on my wardrobe.
-Getting Sara.
-Okay, and Kaitlin, Kaitlin?
-Yep! Yep?
-Listen.
You're incredible,
and I believe you can do this,
but should it not pan out
and I have to hire
an outside executive producer,
they're gonna wanna
bring in their own team,
and likely
their own segment producer.
Noted.
I got that... locked away.
-[Merrie] Go get 'em, tiger!
-[Kaitlin] Okay.
She's got this.
Did you hear that?
Yeah. Yeah, I did.
I didn't know that you were
an Absolutely Yeah! fan.
I'm not.
I mean, I might've had
a poster or two of them
when I was younger,
on my wall.
And yet you staked
your entire promotion
on getting them
back together?
Yep.
Okay.
[groans] Ugh.
Where's Winkles
the lifeguard dog
when you need him?
Oh, I don't think
he could save you.
Going to get
a boy band back together.
If anyone can do it, you can!
[muttering]
How do I get a hold of you?
Do you have a manager still?
Nope.
Bingo.
[call ringing]
Hi there! My name is Kaitlin.
I'm enquiring about a boat.
[]
I love
all the merchandise you have.
[laughs] Yeah. Our manager
went a bit crazy with the merch
when the album came out.
There you go. Cheers.
And I ended up with all of it
after we broke up.
But it's okay.
It's a good
conversation-starter.
Yeah. Well,
Merrie would love this.
She is such a huge fan.
[chuckles] Lucky for us.
I mean, I've always loved
the idea
of getting us back together.
I feel like
the world didn't have enough
of Absolutely Yeah,
in my opinion.
-Yeah! I mean...
-Yeah.
Who wouldn't want this, right?
Have you reached out
to the rest of the group yet?
I have, yep.
Uh, and I'm meeting with you all
individually
over the next few days.
You got everyone? Really?
Well, I mean, essentially.
I'm still...
I'm still looking
for Derrick Dane.
Oh, that tracks.
You wouldn't happen to have
his contact info, would you?
Nope. No idea.
But hey, three out of four,
it's still a reunion, right?
Huh? Aha!
[chuckling]
-Right.
-Right.
So you have no idea
where I could...
get in touch with him?
Oh, well, he asked me
not to share.
Okay, so you do know
where I can find him.
But I have to respect that.
-Yes.
-Mm-hmm.
I just...
if this is gonna happen,
I-I do just need to at least
have a conversation with him,
if not to cross him
off the list.
Okay. Let's say I was to be
somewhere,
and he was there...
[Juan Carlos] Mm-hmm?
...and I just kind of
bumped into him,
you know what I mean?
Like, you didn't tell me,
but I just bumped into him.
Casually.
-"Whoops!"
-Okay! Okay.
Yeah, um...
No one told me.
Of course not.
I would never do that.
But we could just go inside,
and you could point to exactly
where that is, and...
-Just the directions?
-General directions!
-I'm still a good friend.
-Yep!
-Best friends.
-That's right!
[]
Thank you.
[]
Great meeting, everybody!
Let's get those volunteers
here ASAP!
Okay...
[Kaitlin] Hello?
-Hi!
-Hi.
[Lucille]
Hi. How can I help you?
Yeah, I was looking
for someone by the name
of Derrick Dane?
Is he here?
-Sorry. Who?
Derrick? Oh, uh, actually...
[chuckling]
...uh, this guy.
Right in the middle.
He might not
look like that anymore, but...
-Nope.
-Um...
No. And who are you, may I ask?
Oh, I'm Kaitlin Thomson,
from the Merrie & Mason,
The Morning Show?
Oh, yeah. That's always on
at my dental office.
Oh.
Well, your dentist
has good taste.
I'm sorry, I don't know
anyone named Derrick Dane.
Sorry.
[teens laughing]
Oh! Where are
you kids off to?
To put up the flyers
you and Derrick gave us.
[Lucille] Oh, good, good!
I have a whole bunch more!
Hold on, guys. Get back here!
I want you to paper the town!
-[boys] Go, go, go!
-No! Come back!
You little...
[Lucille sighs]
Hi there.
[Derrick] Would you, uh...
could you hold
the other side of this net?
Uh, sure. I'm...
[Derrick]
A little straighter, please?
Okay, I'm looking for...
[Derrick] A bit more taut,
if you could?
Right. Um, I'm Kaitlin.
I didn't, uh...
I didn't get your name.
[]
Kaitlin.
I'm Derrick.
Are you here to volunteer?
No, uh...
I-I, um...
Derrick Dane, right?
[he sighs]
Oh, uh, I saw your fliers
for the variety show fundraiser.
That looks like a great event.
Uh, are you organizing that?
I mean, that makes sense,
with your experience and all.
I don't know what you mean.
Oh, well, I'm a producer with
Merrie & Mason in the Morning,
and we're doing a segment for
our End of Summer Beach Bash,
and I was hoping
to talk to you about it.
Oh, you mean
about our variety show?
I'm sure we could get
some of our acts
to perform for you.
You know, the exposure would
really help the community center
bring in donations.
Right. Yes.
A, uh, a segment
for the community center
would be great, that's right.
I just, I'm actually here
to talk to you
about a reunion show
for Absolutely Yeah!
[she chuckles]
I talked to your other bandmates
and they're in,
but, of course,
it wouldn't be a reunion show
without... Derrick Dane.
Ah.
I mean, you are
Derrick Dane, obviously?
You want Absolutely Yeah!
to get back together, huh?
Absolutely!
Yeah.
Absolutely not.
Uh, well, absolute...
uh, okay.
What do you mean,
"absolutely not"?
[Derrick]
How else can I put this?
Uh, no? Negative?
Not, happening?
Okay, let me just get a chance
to state my case.
This would be so good for you
and your former bandmates.
You mean the bandmates
who told you where to find me?
Ah, let me guess.
It was Juan Carlos.
[scoffs] Producer
never reveals her secrets.
The last time somebody tried
to track me down like this,
they got my parents' address
and showed up
at my sister's bridal shower
while we were playing games,
and tried to interview me
as a toilet-paper bride.
And that...
is totally unacceptable.
Your family won't have
anything to do with this.
This is just a reunion
to remind people
just how great you were,
and that's it.
And give up
what little anonymity
I've regained in my life?
I don't think so.
The country is aching
to feel like it did
when "Hotter Than July"
came out,
and Absolutely Yeah!
can lift us all back up,
just not without you.
The community center
is closing.
And mean what I say about doing
a segment after the reunion
to help you
with whatever you need.
Donations, volunteers,
you got it.
No. I mean, literally,
it's closing time,
and Lucille doesn't
like to stay late.
Oh! Okay, all right.
Well, why don't we get a coffee,
or maybe something stronger?
Goodbye, Kaitlin.
And, uh, little word of advice,
you don't want to get
on Lucille's bad side.
No.
Oh. Okay.
Uh, all right.
I'm...
leaving.
But we should
pick this up again.
No, we're not.
We should. We really should.
Buh-bye.
Okay. I'll be in...
I'll be in contact.
Yep. That sounds good!
[laughing]
Another one
asking for a reunion?
Yup. But this one's definitely
been the most convincing.
Okay.
Okay! Let's get outta here
before you start
having second thoughts.
There's a better chance
of it snowing in July.
-You sure about that?
-Yeah.
Thank you, dahling. Ladies?
[Merrie] And we could do
some backstage clips
and add them to social media.
That will go viral
instantaneously!
I cannot believe
I am meeting Derrick Dane.
[she squeals and laughs]
Earth to Kaitlin!
Yes! Derrick.
Um, about Derrick...
Yes! When is he coming to our
first rehearsal, by the way?
Well, uh, he might just need
a little bit more convincing.
How much more convincing?
Well, he'll be here.
You gotta get him onboard,
Kaitlin,
because we are announcing
first thing next week.
-Next week? Already?
-Yes. Yes.
It's the first reunion
of Absolutely Yeah!
since they broke up!
Mason and I
are just gonna milk this!
I have to go.
I have a meeting with Chip.
Oh, I love Chip!
Me too.
Listen, I loved Derrick first.
He's my first official crush...
Yeah.
...but Chip's so charming.
-Isn't he?
Please tell him I say hi, okay?
Tell him I can't wait
to meet him.
-I will!
-Oh, and Kaitlin...
Yeah?
I can make
this announcement, right?
I mean, I can maybe hold off
on saying Derrick's name
for a little bit, but...
but it's not a reunion
if he doesn't show up,
and the sponsors
will not like that.
No, they won't.
[Merrie] Thank you.
Have a restful weekend!
-[door closes]
I'll be dancing!
[giggling] I'm so excited!
"To Madeline,
Stay cool, even when
it's hotter than July."
[chuckling] "Chip."
There you go.
[he chuckles]
-[woman] Thank you!
-Sorry 'bout that.
-No. No, no.
I hate disappointing my fans.
Right.
So, uh, where were we?
Uh, we were talking
about Derrick.
Right. Right.
Pretty impressive
that you found him.
You know his real name
is Derrick DeWitt, right?
I did not.
That might explain
why I couldn't find him
on social media.
Yeah, that, and he wants
nothing to do with it.
-Right.
-At all. Ha.
Okay.
I was hoping
that maybe you could help me
understand a little bit more
about that.
Mm. Okay.
You want me
to give you something
so that it'll convince him
to perform at the reunion?
Oh, no! No, no, no, no.
I don't want you to turn
your friend in or anything.
I just... I was just hoping
I could understand a little more
about why he's so secretive.
Yeah, um, you know,
"D" really started
keeping to himself
right after we released
Hotter Than July.
I mean, we wanted
to keep the band going,
you know, do another album,
but... I don't know.
I think all that attention
just didn't sit well with him.
How so?
Well, the more famous we got,
the bigger the venues got,
and the less we could
really connect with people,
and that's really important
to Derrick.
That's just who he is, you know?
Hmm.
At any rate, uh, I'm in,
whether you have Derrick or not.
-[both chuckling]
-Great.
Sorry. I gotta cut this short.
[Kaitlin] No.
[Chip] Promised my mom I'd
help in the backyard, so...
Oh. Well, um,
thanks so much, Chip.
[Chip] Pleasure.
I'll be in touch.
You bet.
[she sighs]
[phone ringing]
Hey.
Hey! How did it go?
Did you get any
useful information from Chip?
Uh, no.
No more useful information
than when I started.
Aw. Okay. Well,
what are you gonna do?
I'm gonna figure something out.
Well, if they bring in
an outsider,
are they gonna hire
a whole new team?
I'm not going
to let that happen.
'Cause we're a family.
That's right.
Sara...
you're a genius.
Thank you.
Wait. I am?
[Kaitlin] Yeah. Yeah.
I think... I think
I just figured out
how I'm gonna get Derrick
to do the show.
[Sara] Oh, okay! Call me back.
Uh, check?
[]
[Derrick] So, what's
going on with you?
You wanna talk about it?
Um, we just found out
that my dad can't get leave
in August after all.
Aw, man.
I'm so sorry, Jordan.
My mom's real tore up about it.
[Derrick sighs] Yeah.
He was supposed to be here
for their 25th anniversary.
I know you were planning
a big party.
Now we just have a house full
of silver anniversary
decorations,
and my mom says we're gonna have
to call everyone and cancel.
She cried all night, but I--
I don't know what to do
to fix it.
[Derrick] Hey.
You can't expect
to take on all that yourself.
It's my job
to take care of my family
while my dad is gone.
It's your job to be a kid.
Let the adults take care
of the adult problems.
I'll talk to your mom,
help her
with the decoration returns.
You know, Jordan,
in times like these,
I try to find something
I can fix.
You know?
It makes me feel better.
Like what?
Well, you can help your mom
in other ways around the house,
but I was also thinking about
the Summer Variety Show.
Oh, man, I...
please don't make me
put up any more flyers.
[they laugh]
No more flyers.
You know, I was thinking
you and the guys
could perform in the show.
[laughing] Really?
-Yeah.
-That'd be--
good luck
trying to convince them to.
Luckily for me,
that's your job.
Look, I've seen the dancing
videos that you guys post.
They're... they're awesome.
You know, this is no different.
It's just live, in front
of actual people.
[footsteps approach] Hi.
[chuckles awkwardly]
It's me again.
-You!
-Yeah.
Again. Miss, uh...
Thomson.
Thomson, right.
Yeah. Uh, well, I'm...
back because
I want to help
the community center.
Oh? Really.
Yep. Yeah.
Uh, do...
do you think I could...
get a tour, or...?
Derrick, it sounds like
she wants
to help the community center.
Uh, he's always saying
we need everyone to lend a hand.
-Yes. Yes, I am...
-That's right.
...always saying that,
because it's true.
I like him.
Okay, sure. A quick tour.
[Kaitlin] Great!
[Derrick] After you.
[Derrick] The gymnasium's
right through here.
[Kaitlin] I didn't realize
that Derrick Dane
was your stage name.
Let me guess... again.
Chip.
He'll say anything
to impress a beautiful woman.
Our manager didn't think
that Derrick DeWitt
would sell as many albums,
but the boys don't know anything
about that part of my life.
I'd like to keep it that way.
[Kaitlin]
I will not say a word.
Not like they're old enough
to know who I am anyway...
who I was.
Your former bandmates
couldn't help
with donations
to the community center?
With what?
We didn't actually
own Absolutely Yeah!
You know, we were kids
when we signed that deal.
Turns out, everything
belonged to our manager
and the record company.
We all walked away
with virtually nothing.
I'm sorry that that happened
with your manager.
Ah, it's fine.
I wasn't in it
for the money anyway.
But I definitely
learned some lessons
about trusting people.
You know, I think I got it.
You have a plan
to help the community center,
and it hinges on me
doing your Absolutely Yeah!
reunion concert?
That was...
-Pretty close?
-Yeah, it was pretty close.
I know you want more exposure
for the community center, right?
I did.
I want to help
produce the variety show.
Our variety show?
[Kaitlin] Yep!
I know you don't
trust me yet... yet,
but it seems like you're in
a little bit of a pinch.
It's not me.
It's the community center.
And you're dedicated to that.
Just like
I'm dedicated to my crew.
Your crew?
Without going into
all the details,
if this reunion show
doesn't happen,
a lot of people that I happen
to be really partial to
are gonna lose their jobs,
including me,
so I'm doing this for them,
just like
you're doing this for your boys.
[he sighs]
Okay.
"Okay" you'll do the show?
I will think
about doing the concert
if you can boost ticket sales.
That sounds like a deal.
That... a deal.
It's leaning toward a deal.
Let's just, uh,
continue to look
at the rest of the center.
I like the way that
this conversation is going now!
[]
[Kaitlin] Hi!
[Lucille] We don't open
until nine.
Oh, that's too bad,
because I have
this large iced
mocha latte with whipped cream
and chocolate sprinkles
that won't be "iced" by then.
Ho, ho, ho.
You're in luck!
We're opening early today.
Come to Mama. Ha ha!
I have a special guest
coming in this morning.
Would you mind showing him
to the gym when he gets here?
I wouldn't mind at all.
And if you keep these coming,
you can bring in
a marching band of clowns,
for all I care.
-Thank you.
[chuckling]
Have a great day! Mm.
[door opening]
Hey! Not open yet. 9:00.
Shut the door!
Okay! Let's go! Go...
-Elbows?
-Guys?
I brought you in early
so you could show me what
you've been working on,
so let's see it.
-Let's do it.
-We're ready.
It's-it's good. You'll like it.
Watch this.
[dance song playing]
[]
Wow.
[]
All right. All right. Cut. Cut.
[]
[turning music off]
Take five.
That bad?
Not great.
Double espresso.
Black... aside from
a dash of nutmeg.
Nice.
How did you know
my coffee order?
A producer has her ways.
Huh.
Hi, everyone.
Hi.
I'm Kaitlin Thomson,
and Derrick has asked me
to help get the word out
about your variety show,
so I'm here
to put together a routine
that will help people
wanna come and see the show.
Where'd she come from, Derrick?
Just, uh... just go with it.
Don't worry, man.
She's cool.
Then why has she not
brought us any coffee yet?
What's that...
what's that, Evan?
[Evan] Why didn't she
get us any coffee?
I can bring you
coffee tomorrow,
and if you really impress me,
I'll even bring donuts,
but for now,
I have brought someone else.
This is my friend. Hi.
Hey.
Paul Becker.
-Hey, Paul. Derrick.
-Hey. Pleasure.
[Derrick] Welcome.
[Kaitlin] And he's
a famous choreographer
who's worked with
some of the biggest names
in the entertainment business.
Oh, yeah? Like who?
Oh, pretty much
everyone, like...
Yeah, yeah.
We already got moves.
-Yeah. you saw us.
-Right, Derrick?
It's all right.
That's exactly what
the Jonas Brothers said
on the first day
of rehearsal.
-Wow.
-Like, the actual...
Jonas Brothers?
I will leave you to it.
All right, boys.
Let's get to work.
So, you sure you have time
to produce your summer TV thing
and a variety show?
You know, I was once captain
of both
my high school volleyball
and basketball team,
at the same time.
-Wow.
-Yeah, I know.
-Impressive.
-Isn't it?
[they laugh]
[Kaitlin] Not only is he
one of the best choreographers
in the country,
but he also happens to have
a very large
social media following,
and he's agreed
to do some fun posts for us.
Oh, so that's it?
Social media?
That's your... your home run?
Oh, well, to be fair,
I did try to get
the infamously reclusive
lead singer
of Absolutely Yeah!
but he's a little cagey,
so I decided to go with this.
I mean, unless somebody's
decided to play ball.
Still happy on the bench.
Besides, it seems like
you kinda know
what you're doing.
Oh. I do.
Thank you.
Can I continue...
doing what I'm doing?
-Be my guest.
-Okay. Great.
So, where'd you
find this guy, anyway?
Uh...
I love people who have
a passion to inspire.
Kinda like you.
Like a younger me, maybe.
Are you gonna tell me
why you and your band--
I'm not going there.
Okay.
Look, I'm happy where I'm at,
working here,
at the community center.
And I am not trying
to pull you away from that.
I... I am just trying to put on
an "A"-plus variety show.
Well, as far as producers go,
you're doing
a pretty good job so far.
Was that a compliment?
Maybe.
I feel like I...
I feel like it was.
What I really want to know
is how you knew my coffee order.
[they laugh]
Like you said,
I'm good.
Mm-hmm. And modest.
-[she laughs]
-Very, very modest.
[both chuckling]
[panting wearily]
I don't understand
these former star types.
-Doorbell?
-They write one fancy album,
and then, all of a sudden,
we have to go
to their fancy beach house
to do costume fittings.
Well, I offered.
I'm hoping he can
help us lock in Derrick.
Well, he's probably
just lying on the couch,
cashing in royalty checks
as we speak.
You good?
Yeah, I'm good.
[locks turning]
Sorry, I was just on the phone
trying to adopt a rescue puppy.
It's such a process.
[Sara giggles]
Hi.
Hi!
Hi. Kaitlin.
From the Merrie & Mason
in the Morning show.
This is my associate...
-Sara. I'm Sara.
Great to meet you in person.
Uh, please, come on in.
-After you?
-Oh. Yes.
-Hi.
-Wow!
Your wife did an amazing job
decorating this place.
[TJ] Not married.
Girlfriend?
Nope. All me.
A man of many talents.
Oh, yeah. Yeah.
We're just gonna...
take a few quick...
-Oh! Yeah.
-...measurements,
then we'll be out of your hair
real quick.
As long as she promises
to be gentle with me.
[Sara] Oh.
[Kaitlin] Hmm.
So, you've talked
to Juan Carlos and Chip?
I have, yes, and they are both
in for the reunion.
And Derrick?
Told you to... take a hike?
Ha! Yeah, he did.
At least he's consistent.
Mm. Yeah.
Um, actually,
you two were close
when you were in the band.
I was hoping maybe
you could give me some insight
as to why he's so...
Prickly?
Derrick comes
from pretty humble origins.
He was never comfortable
with the limelight.
Mm. That's what Chip said.
The media attention,
guest interviews,
you know, all that stuff,
he just hated it.
Just wanted to focus
on the music.
-Yeah.
-Just in case.
[Sara and TJ chuckle]
Ah, makes sense.
You two... stay in touch?
The occasional birthday card.
[chuckles sadly]
When he quit, it was, uh,
it was pretty tough on everyone.
Mm-hmm. You good?
Uh-huh! Yep. I'm good.
-You're good?
-Yeah, I'm good.
I'm-I'm awesome. Fine.
-Me too.
-[Sara giggles]
Okay, well,
this has been...
very insightful.
Thank you so much.
We're just gonna...
If you need anything else,
just let me know.
I'm happy to help.
-Okay.
I'll-I'll show you out.
-Those are cute!
-No.
Are those bobbleheads?
Oh, wow.
-It's right through.
-Oh.
[TJ] Bobbleheads.
Yup.
-[Kaitlin] I know.
-[Sara] That's very fun.
-[Kaitlin] No. No.
[traffic droning]
[Kaitlin]
And right through here,
we've got
the Merrie & Mason Show.
-[guys chuckling]
-Okay, okay, okay.
-[Juan Carlos] That's beautiful.
-[Kaitlin] Right?
Yeah. All the lights.
[Kaitlin] Pretty cool.
Hello, hello. Where's Derrick?
Derrick? Oh, he's not here yet.
Why?
He's just is a little shy
around media personalities.
But I do have Chip
and Juan Carlos here.
We're gonna do some
behind-the-scenes footage today.
It's an absolute pleasure.
Pleasure's mine!
What's up, Merrie? [kissing]
Oh! I cannot wait
for the performance.
And neither can we.
Right, guys?
Absolutely Yeah
[Merrie squeals]
[guys chuckling]
My heart is exploding!
[Kaitlin] Well, I would be
a bad producer
if I didn't say we have
a lot to do with a little time,
so I'm gonna steal these guys,
and we're gonna...
[Merrie] Of course, of course!
[Kaitlin]
...get right on it here...
Don't want to ruin the magic.
I can't wait
to meet Derrick in person.
Yeah. Absolutely yeah.
Absolutely Yeah
Where does it go?
Yeah
[announcer] And now
we're back with Merrie & Mason!
Welcome back, everybody!
Are you guys ready
for our big announcement
that we've been promising you?
If you're standing up,
you might want to put
some pillows down,
because you just might faint.
We like to top it all off here
every single year
at our End of Summer Beach Bash.
There's no way we're ever gonna
top this one, though, Merrie.
Oh, well,
should we give them a hint?
Oh, I don't know, Merr.
Should we?
[Merrie] Oh, come on, Mason.
Mm...
Drum roll, please?
-[drumming]
-Oh!
Roll it!
[song clip plays]
She's hotter than July
[Merrie gasps]
Hotter than July
She's hotter than July
[]
Oh, what does it all mean,
Merrie?
It means that
in two weeks' time,
at the End of Summer
Beach Bash,
the hottest, hunkiest boy band
that has ever roamed this Earth
will be reuniting here
to sing "Hotter Than July"!
Ooh! Somebody wipe my brow.
It just went up
10 degrees in here.
If you're sweating now, Mason,
just you wait
till Absolutely Yeah! reunites
right here on this stage!
[Mason] Two weeks? No way
I can wait that long.
You're gonna have to!
[Mason] We're gonna head
to commercial,
but don't go anywhere,
when we get back,
we've got sophisticated
sun visors
that'll take you from day...
-Ooh! [snapping]
-...to night.
[Merrie chuckles]
You don't want to miss it!
[A.D.] And we're out.
Okay, so what's
going on with Derrick?
I'm working on it.
But at what point
does he just have to say yeah?
When I start selling tickets
to his show.
Oh! Maybe I can get TJ
to talk to him.
TJ?
Wait...
are you two dating?
Maybe we went
on a couple of dates.
Maybe? "A couple of dates"?
Unbelievable.
He's so great,
and he owns a surf shop.
-Does he?
-Mm-hmm!
Well, maybe he can
give me a job
after they inevitably
replace me.
You are being very dramatic.
-I need to get out of here.
-Okay.
[A.D.] We're back in five.
Um, Mason? Psst! Mason!
-[A.D.] ...two, one.
-[Mason] Oh. Right.
[Merrie] Welcome back!
Tenderloin,
beefsteak, and gravy.
-Oh...
-Bam.
-Dang it!
-Oh, my.
[Derrick] Hey, not so fast,
there, big boy.
I'm coming for ya.
Bam!
-Okay.
-You like that?
-Okay.
[all laughing]
Man.
So, uh, what's with
this Kaitlin person
you've pawned off on us?
She's, uh, helping us out
with the variety show.
Get more butts in the seats.
I like her.
Knows what she's doing.
{Derrick] Yeah.
So, when are you
gonna ask her out, Derrick?
How many times
have I told you guys
I'm not talking
about my personal life?
[laughter]
Whoa, whoa! Why not?
We could offer you
valuable advice.
Like what?
-Like asking out Kaitlin!
-[laughter]
I saw how you looked at her
when she got you your coffee.
[Jordan] Come on,
you can admit it to us.
We know you like her.
Like, like-like her.
There may be
certain things about her
that I find
somewhat likeable, yeah.
Who's likeable?
-[boys cough]
-Wow.
Uh, uh, we were just
talking about, um...
[Derrick sighs]
...uh, Lucille!
-Yeah. Exactly. Yes.
-Uh, on a good day.
[Lucille] I heard that!
Hi, boys.
-How're you doing?
-Good. How are you?
Good.
Um, I have Justin here,
and he's gonna be
doing some voice lessons
with you today.
But we can already sing.
Oh? Like
you could already dance?
Remember when you told me that?
-[laughter]
-Yeah.
If you pay attention,
you might learn something new,
so let's... let's do this.
[boys sighing]
Hey. Oh. Um, Derrick?
I-I was thinking,
having you and Kaitlin
watching, I think,
is gonna make me feel pretty
self-conscious about my voice,
so I think you should, uh,
you should go somewhere else,
on your... on your own.
[Derrick scoffs]
-Oh, yeah!
-The anxiety!
He gets like an anxious tummy...
[Derrick]
Okay! Okay. We're good.
-...voice cracks.
-We're good.
I think they're kicking us out.
Mm.
It seems so.
It's a beautiful day out there.
Would you, uh, care
to join me for a walk?
I mean, unless that is crossing
a professional boundary, or...?
Well, let me check my
"Not Crossing Professional
Boundaries" manual real quick.
[laughing]
Yeah. We're good.
All right. After you.
[laughs] Okay.
-[Derrick sighs]
-[Kaitlin] Okay.
[Jordan] Yes!
[laughing]
[Derrick] I've been working
at the center
for almost ten years now.
Before that,
I was doing music lessons
and volunteering on the side,
until Lucille offered me
a full-time position
as Activities Director.
[Kaitlin] Sounds like
it keeps you busy.
[Derrick] You could say that.
We offer a lot
of essential programs
to families in our community...
cooking classes,
basketball camps,
you know, childcare,
tutoring for our kids
during the school year...
and if the after-school
program closes,
all that goes away.
[Kaitlin]
Would you lose your job?
[Derrick] Likely,
but that's not
what keeps me up at night.
It's these boys.
You know, the center's
a lifeline for them, you know?
It gives them structure,
it keeps them on the right path.
After my life in music,
I wanted to do something
that mattered.
You know?
Give something back.
Mm. Your music
wasn't doing that?
Not in the way I wanted.
You wanna sit?
-Sure.
-All right.
You know, I know
a lot of musicians who say
that their music
brings people joy,
but I've never really felt that.
-Hmm.
-I mean, we had a lot of fans,
but I never got to connect
with them on a human level.
Not like I do at the center.
Well, I happen to know
for a fact
that your music
brings a lot of people joy,
but I hear
what you're saying.
Hmm.
Now, you bring people joy.
Oh yeah? [laughing]
Segments on baby animals...
-Mm.
...and the latest dance trends?
I may have watched
a couple episodes.
-Oh yeah?
-Yeah.
I know it sounds silly,
but we're the start
of a lot of people's day,
and it's our job to, you know,
wake 'em up
and send 'em out into the world
with just a little bit
of positivity,
and sometimes that means,
uh, dancing baby animals.
[they laugh]
Well, I get that,
and it's not silly.
It's actually
pretty important.
I picked morning TV
because I-I wanted to put
uplifting things out there
and fill people with joy.
It's sort of the show's
whole reason for existing.
Well, who can argue with that?
If I told you
you didn't have to do
any interviews or appearances?
You just get up,
sing a song, get out...
You don't quit, do you?
No.
I mean, you know you still
have to deliver on your end?
Oh, I'll deliver.
That... I never fail on.
Uh... I should get
back to the studio.
Hey.
Um, you know, I have
to pick up some donations
for the variety show
first thing tomorrow.
If you're coming in to see
the boys rehearse anyway,
maybe you'd want to join me,
help out?
You sure?
Then it's a date.
I mean, not a... not a date.
You know,
just another walk and talk,
and maybe some food.
Just walking and talking
and eating.
Okay.
Walking and talking and eating?
[he chuckles]
Sounds a little like a date.
Tsk. Yeah.
You trying to date me?
[chuckling] No.
[she chuckles]
I think you might be.
[exhaling] Ahh...
are you gonna wait for me
or what?
[chuckling]
Come on.
[Derrick] Ahh, hey.
[Lucille] Hi.
Um, interesting deal
that you've made
with this Kaitlin character.
[Derrick] She knows
what she's doing.
Besides, the boys love her.
Yeah. That's not what I mean.
You and I both know you're
not gonna do this reunion,
so why do you keep
stringing her along?
She's not gonna stop
trying to change my mind.
In case you haven't noticed,
she's pretty stubborn.
Kinda like your type.
[he chuckles]
And what're you gonna do
when she sells out the show?
I didn't promise her anything.
Uh-huh.
Okay, well,
mark my words, Derrick.
Um, that girl is gonna
see this thing through
to the finish,
and then you're gonna
have to pay up.
Just sayin'.
[sighing]
Five, six,
a-five, six, seven, eight.
One, two,
three, four, five, six,
seven, eight,
and one, two, three, four...
[Derrick chuckles]
...six, seven... good!
Yeah, you guys are getting it!
You guys are feeling it!
All right, good, good, good.
All right. Don't stop it.
Keep going. Keep going.
One, two, three, and four,
five, six, seven, eight.
[]
[A.D.] 30 seconds, folks!
We're back in in 30.
[Mason] Oh, you're kidding!
[Merrie] What?
One of our sponsors
just pulled out.
What?
Well, I think
they're obviously concerned
that we haven't
mentioned Derrick Dane.
Without him, they don't think
our Absolutely Yeah! reunion
will be absolutely as big
as they were expecting.
-We're back in three, two...
-Okay.
...one.
Well, you're probably wondering
about our little costume change.
Things are
really heating up around here,
and we figured
we should dress the part.
Mm-hmm!
And, uh, only a week and a half
left to go until--
And I know our fans
have been a-twitter
with one big question.
Oh. And what's that?
Well, one member
of Absolutely Yeah!
has been under the radar
and out of the spotlight
for years.
He's seemingly disappeared.
Yeah, that... that's true.
But our fans want to know
if we're really delivering.
So, Mason, give us the truth.
Will Derrick Dane
be participating
in the Absolutely Yeah!
End of Summer
Beach Bash reunion?
[awkward chuckle]
Well, you know,
we really don't want
to disappoint our fans...
And so we won't!
Derrick Dane will be reuniting
with Absolutely Yeah!
at the End of Summer Beach Bash
reunion concert!
Well...
-[squealing] Yeah!
-Look at that!
[studio applause rises]
[Merrie] High five. High five!
[Mason] Wow.
[applause]
[Merrie]
We're going to do this.
[Mason] What a surprise!
[Merrie] We love you.
I'm so excited!
[Derrick] This place is one
of the best-kept secrets
on Long Island.
The owner was a program kid.
He donates pizzas
for the show's concessions
every year.
Says it's his way
of paying it forward.
-Hey, Derrick!
-What's up, Joel?
[chuckling] Hi.
-This is Kaitlin.
-Hey.
She's volunteering
at the community center.
-Nice to meet you.
-Nice to meet you.
Derrick
is the best of the best.
Listen, it's been
crazy here today,
so I don't have everything
gathered up for you.
All good.
Why don't I get you guys
a couple of slices...
Ah, that would be great.
[Joel] I will
get myself organized.
Sure!
And I will get you
those vouchers
in a couple of seconds.
-Sounds good, man. Thanks.
-Okay. Enjoy.
-[Kaitlin] Uh...
-[Derrick] Let's sit over here.
-[Kaitlin] Okay.
-[Derrick] Good, right?
Yeah. Pizza for breakfast?
It's been a minute.
Mm. Pizza's great
any time of day!
That's true.
Mm!
Right?
This is really good!
Joel's pizza is legendary.
[Kaitlin] Mm-hmm.
Have you had any word
on whether ticket sales have
picked up for the variety show?
I know that Paul's been posting
some videos of the boys
and rehearsals.
You know, honestly,
I haven't heard anything yet.
I mean, hopefully
that picked up.
I can shoot Lucille a message
and let you know.
Okay, well,
what I want to know,
how did you become
part of a boy band
in the first place?
Started writing songs
in my garage,
and then
we entered this competition.
We didn't win,
but this guy who would
later become our manager
saw us and said
we had "potential,"
and before I knew it,
we were recording an album.
Well, that sounds exciting.
Yeah.
We went
from trying to find prom dates
to selling out arenas
all around the country.
Well, I bet it made
finding a prom date easier.
Yeah.
[both laughing]
Well, either way,
you made a great album
and an unforgettable summer
for an entire country.
[phone ringing]
Sorry.
Um, what's up?
Is everything okay?
Oh, yeah. Yeah, yeah.
It's just... work.
You know, in this business,
everything's an emergency
until it's not.
One of the many things
I don't miss about it.
Mm.
[Joel] Hey, Derrick?
Got those vouchers.
Be right back.
Okay.
[sighing]
[Joel and Derrick chatting]
[dance music thumping]
[Derrick Yeah!
Looking good, fellas!
I knew you'd find that swag.
That was good!
That was good! Yeah!
Ow! Ahh, my ankle!
[Derrick]
Jordan, you all right?
-Um...
-You all right?
-Sorry.
-What's up?
It hurts. It kinda hurts.
Uh, Marco,
can you go get some ice,
and Spencer,
can you grab the chair?
[Derrick] Easy.
-[Kaitlin] Thank you.
-[Derrick] There you go.
My jacket.
[Jordan inhales sharply]
-Owie.
-Here.
Okay, well,
I guess that's a wrap
on rehearsal for today.
[boys chuckling]
Just leave the ice on it,
keep it elevated,
and we'll see
about getting you home.
-Thanks.
-Can you guys not do the...
you know, chest-bumping...
-Chest bump?
...thing
that you like to do anymore?
I really need each of you
at least until the end
of the week
in one piece, okay?
Okay, well,
you guys hang with Jordan,
and I will
walk Nurse Kaitlin out.
[chuckling] Oh, right.
Okay.
Thanks, guys.
Be right back, guys.
Sorry, man.
[laughing]
You trying to take me out
so you can be
the star of the show?
I don't need to do that.
This face is always
the star of the show.
[laughing]
Hey.
Thanks for that.
Yeah.
And, uh, for everything
you're doing here.
You're, uh...
you're pretty impressive.
In a lot of ways.
As are you.
[they chuckle]
Jordan needs more ice.
You know where it's at!
[chuckling]
These guys.
[phone ringing]
I should probably... go.
Lucille just texted back.
She said we've only sold
a handful more tickets.
Oh. Okay.
Look, I-I know how hard
you're working on this,
so if it's not gonna work out,
maybe we should
just call it quits.
Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Does this look like
a face of a quitter?
[she laughs]
No, no, no, no.
No, no, no, sir!
I do not quit!
No, sirree.
Plus, we have a deal, right?
Sure.
Yep. Okay, Jordan,
stay off that foot!
[guys] Okay!
Don't... say a word.
Hi.
Hi! I have been trying
to get a hold of you all day.
-I know. I saw.
-And?
And... Hi. Kaitlin.
I know he won't be doing
any reunion
unless I sell out
his show, so...
Okay, well, you have a way
of bringing people together
and making things happen.
[radio] Here's
an oldie but a goodie
summer anthem for you.
Oh, yeah
Hey, uh, Sara?
I'm gonna
call you back, okay?
Okay.
She's brighter
than the summer sun
[call ringing]
-Hi, TJ?
-Hello.
-It's Kaitlin.
-Kaitlin!
I have an idea.
[Merrie sighs] Where's Kaitlin?
I need the 411
on Mr. Derrick Dane.
I've seen all the other
Absolutely Yeah! guys here,
but I still haven't seen him.
[Sara] Really?
-Yeah.
-I've seen him a ton.
Ohh!
Oh, ho... [chuckling]
[exhaling]
Tell me what he's like.
Does he smell good?
Smell good?
[Merrie] Yes.
I imagine he smells like...
vanilla
and soft, fine
Italian leather.
Mm-hmm, yeah.
Just like that.
Oh! Is he as handsome
as he used to be?
I read in a magazine once
that when he laughs,
his eyes
turn from blue to green.
Oh... [chuckling]
You know, Merrie,
I... I didn't notice.
Well, I'm so excited
to meet him.
It is gonna be
the best day of my life,
better than when they crowned me
"Miss Americana."
-Merrie?
-Kaitlin.
Help me.
Got your 911.
Don't you look lovely in pink?
Kaitlin, how's it going
with Derrick?
-Derrick?
-Yeah.
Uh... everything's on track.
-It is?
-It is?
Yep.
[Merrie] Even Derrick?
I mean, I had to announce
that he was
going to be on the show,
because the sponsors
were gonna pull out,
so I need to know if Derrick
is really going to show up
for the reunion.
Can't imagine he won't,
but I will keep you posted.
Okay, Kaitlin,
I don't need to know
everything
my executive producer does,
but I need to know
that I can trust you.
Can I trust you with this?
Yeah. You can trust me.
Good.
I knew it! Crisis averted.
Yeah. I'm gonna
go back to work.
-Oh. Okay, you do that.
-Okay.
Thank you, ladies.
[Sara] All right. I'll be back.
I appreciate you both.
Good news all around. Okay.
I'll put the recording on,
and then you guys just
jump right in with the song,
and...
-[dance music thumping]
Derrick! Hey!
Come on. It's our time.
[turning the music off]
[Lucille] No...
[sighing]
Fine. We'll come back.
Sorry, guys.
Sorry. Really sorry.
All right. Great work, guys.
Let's make room
for the next act,
and maybe we can run it
one more time outside?
Uh, we kinda have
somewhere to be.
Oh. O-Okay. What, everyone
has somewhere to be?
Oh, we're going...
Mother's Day shopping?
For our moms.
-Yes!
Mother's Day was in May.
Yeah, but we,
we all forgot it.
So now we have to fix it.
Uh, together.
'Cause we're besties!
[all chuckling]
Maybe we could do it,
uh, one more time?
Yeah, but after that,
we definitely gotta go.
No, no, no. It's all good.
Just do what you gotta do.
It's fine.
I know you got it.
Hey, Derrick?
You all right?
Yeah. Yeah. Heck, yeah.
I just... I got a lot to do
to get ready for the show,
so, um, go get your mom
a Mother's Day present.
[chuckling awkwardly]
Okay. Um,
so he definitely knows
we're not buying gifts.
We can't worry
about that right now.
We gotta catch the bus,
or we're gonna be late
for Kaitlin.
I--
I don't know,
maybe we just should tell him.
But Kaitlin said no.
It'll mess everything up.
Okay. All-all right.
Let's do it.
They are my favorite boy band!
[Sara] Oh!
Sorry.
TJ!
What are you doing here?
Last-minute rehearsal thing
for the show.
Oh, is that why
you couldn't come to dinner?
Yes. And I'm lost.
Do you know where studio two is?
Oh, it is just that way,
around the corner.
-Okay.
-Hey, uh, hey.
So, Kaitlin is really
putting on a brave face,
but I can tell deep down,
that she is very worried,
and as her best friend,
that makes me very worried,
so don't you feel like
maybe it would be
in everybody's best interest
if...
you spill the beans,
tell me what's happening?
She said you'd try to break me,
and I'm not supposed
to fall for it.
I just want to know
what's happening!
It's TJ!?
It's Merrie! Gotta go.
Oh! Oh, come back later.
[blowing a kiss]
[Merrie] What?
He's my second favorite,
after Derrick.
[giggling]
-[door opening]
-Oh!
Okay!
[]
[Derrick]
Come on, sit over there.
[Kaitlin] So you were saying,
um, about Jordan,
that his dad wasn't able
to get the leave?
[Derrick]
It's not looking good.
[Kaitlin] Aw.
[Derrick]
Jordan puts on a brave face,
but I know
it really gets to him.
Mm.
That must be hard for his mom.
And for Jordan.
All I can do
is lend that extra support
and try to give him
something to look forward to.
Mm. Well,
you're doing a good job.
Well, that's why the programs
at the community center
are so important.
Mm!
So... you've told me
how you joined the band,
but you haven't told me
how you started singing
in the first place?
Mm, no, enough about me.
Tell me about you.
I mean, you're literally
the most determined
and ambitious person
I've ever met.
Where does that come from?
What drives you?
Um... I don't know.
I grew up wanting
to do something special.
You know? Make a difference
in some way.
I was always
this bossy little girl
who just wanted
everybody to be happy
and have a good time.
Wasn't always that way
in my house,
so I think I...
I want to put that
into other people's homes,
and it wasn't gonna be
singing or dancing, so, ha!
Um, producing it was.
[background music playing]
Well, I get
wanting to be behind the scenes.
Mm.
But no dancing? Really?
Hmm? Dancing?
-No.
-[he laughs]
Well, that's too bad,
because I brought you here
specifically to dance.
-No, you didn't.
-I did.
-No, you didn't. No, no...
-[he laughs]
No. No.
[]
Trust me. All right?
You want me to trust you, right?
Put myself back out there?
You gotta show me
you can do the same.
This is gonna get you
to do the show?
I have two left feet!
Well, luckily for you...
-[she laughs]
-...I have two right ones.
Come on. Let's do this.
[sighing]
-Get up here!
-Oh!
[]
-I'm sorry, I tol--
-It's okay. Just relax.
I don't know how to relax.
Okay.
Everything's
gonna be all right
As long as
we're movin' things forward
So, this is...
starting to feel like a...
Like a date?
That was the plan.
That everything's
gonna be all right
Oh yeah?
[he chuckles]
[]
Uh, is it true that your eyes
turn from blue to green
when you smile?
Nah, that's just
another rumor about me.
Oh, it's just a rumor.
Tabloid gossip.
Okay. Phewf!
[]
Oh, no!
-Little dip?
-No! No...
[they laugh]
[]
...and our Naval Ship
Open House
is a great opportunity
for the public to visit us
and learn more about what we do.
[Mason] Sounds perfect
for the whole family.
Absolutely. If you've got
kids who love ships,
this is the event for them.
Commander, thank you so much
for joining us
and for helping us
get the word out
about the National
Naval Ship Open House
that starts this weekend.
So get your tickets!
[Mason] Don't miss it.
-[applause]
-[A.D.] And we're out.
-[Merrie] Thank you so much.
-[Commander] My pleasure.
Hi. I'm Kaitlin,
the segment producer.
It's nice to meet you.
I was wondering if I could
ask you a quick question?
Of course.
What can I do for you?
Okay. Just come right over here.
[boys laughing]
[Derrick] Whoa!
Where's everybody
off to in such a hurry?
You can't be done
with the rehearsal already.
Yeah, no, we're-we're, I mean,
we're-we're meeting
Kaitlin later.
I wasn't aware of that.
Should I stick around
and lock up?
No. That's okay.
We're-we're not
meeting here anyway.
Okay. Well, you need a ride?
[all] No.
Thank you.
You know, I already bought
the whole
Mother's Day in July thing,
so what's the deal here?
What're you guys up to?
It's nothing, really.
Just kind of like a...
-I wouldn't worry about it.
-It's nothing, really. I swear.
You wouldn't lie to me,
would you?
No. Uh, no way.
I promise.
Okay. I believe you.
Just excited to see
the latest version of the act.
Yeah, that's all
we're working on,
around the clock.
It'll be good.
Okay.
-Man, that was close.
-Way too close.
[dialing]
[call ringing]
[Kaitlin]
Hey, Jordan. What's up?
Hey, Kaitlin.
Yeah, we just ran into Derrick,
and I-I think
he's onto something,
but I-I...
-Okay.
I can't do this anymore.
All right. Talk to me.
I can't lie to Derrick anymore.
He almost caught us.
I-I feel terrible.
Okay, just remember, Jordan,
we're doing this for Derrick.
Right?
I know, but...
look, it just,
it doesn't feel right.
Okay?
I'm sorry,
but he needs to know.
[Kaitlin] Okay. Um...
Then I guess
we'll just, uh...
we'll bring him in
on the surprise early.
Wake Street Community Center!
Got me burning up inside
Beyond compare!
The reunion of the year!
Hey, yo, we back!
It's the reunion of the year!
Yeah!
That's right! It's gonna
be hotter than July, guys!
Get tickets from Lucille
at the front desk!
She's the coolest!
She's ready for you! Oh yeah!
-Absolutely Yeah!
-Whoo!
[Kaitlin] Nice!
That's how
you do a livestream!
Amazing!
[guys chuckling]
You got my message.
What's, uh...
what's going on here?
What is this?
Well, uh...
-Surprise?
-{all laughing]
This is what we've been
working on with Kaitlin.
Yeah, she paired us up
with Absolutely Yeah!
to do promos
for the variety show.
We did a livestream!
Oh, you should've
seen the comments.
People are so excited
to see the show.
That's, uh... that's great.
[TJ] Hey, man.
Missed our lead singer.
The one thing
I asked you not to do,
that I specifically told you
I didn't want to happen.
We already knew.
Knew what?
About you and Absolutely Yeah!
Since, like, forever.
Oh, yeah? How?
-Our moms told us.
-[all laughing]
Dude, you used
to give lessons here,
and you were way too good.
And, you know,
the Internet exists.
We just knew
you were pretty private about it
so we didn't wanna bring it up,
but we all think
you're the coolest.
Why don't we...
take five, 'kay?
Just... be right back.
This is getting
a lot of attention.
Okay?
This is gonna
save the community center.
Maybe, but at what cost?
Now, all the attention
on social media, the fame,
I don't want these boys
idolizing that
and then waking up one day
and feeling like
they're not enough.
You're not even
giving them the chance.
You just decided for everyone!
For these boys,
for your band.
You talk about wanting
to connect with people.
Connect with them!
Why are you hiding?
They already knew!
Look, I already told you,
it's not about me.
It's about protecting them.
Is it?
I need some air.
Derrick...
[she sighs]
I'll talk to him.
[Derrick sighs]
[TJ exhales]
Well, you look good.
Maybe a little grumpier, but...
[chuckling]
Don't be mad at Kaitlin.
I am.
Okay, don't just
be mad at Kaitlin.
We were in on it too.
We wanted to help the kids,
to help you.
It's a good idea.
Is it?
Yeah. It is.
In case you didn't
know it already,
those kids adore you.
Everyone does.
You're upset. I get it.
But the way I understand it,
you and Kaitlin had a deal,
and she held up
her end of the bargain.
You might not like
how she did it,
but she basically
sold out that show,
and she seemed pretty convinced
that meant you'd do the reunion.
So if that was never
your intention,
you probably
should've told her that...
a while ago.
Whether you decide
to do the show or not...
...it's good to see you.
I'd like to see more of you.
[Derrick chuckles softly]
[]
[exhaling heavily]
[]
And how many more sleeps,
Merrie, until our big show?
Oh, I can hardly sleep
knowing that Absolutely Yeah!
will be reuniting
at our Summer Beach Bash!
[Sara]
Did you talk to him after?
No, he had to drive
one of the boys home,
so I didn't get a chance to.
[hushed] Well, wh...
what are you gonna do?
I don't know.
Working on it.
I mean, I already overstepped
and nearly blew things up.
I don't think
he wants to see me right now.
[phone ringing]
Uh, on the other hand,
maybe he does.
[gasping]
-Pick it up, pick it up!
-Okay, okay, okay.
Hi.
[Kaitlin] Hi.
[Derrick] Hi.
Listen, um,
I am so blown away
by what you've done here,
and the people you brought in
to work with the boys,
the social media promotion...
I mean, the show's
pretty much sold out.
That's wonderful.
Look, Kaitlin, um,
I am really,
really sorry, but...
...and-and I know
we had a deal...
...but I-I can't do the show.
I know you're angry
about the kids
and the band.
I-I get it.
I just,
I really thought you'd see
the good
that came out of this.
I mean, the show is sold out.
And that's what made
this decision so hard.
We had a deal.
And I considered it. I did.
You considered it?
Really?
'Cause it feels like
you didn't consider
anyone else but yourself.
It has taken me so long
to get back to myself,
my real self.
I've worked so hard for that,
and I have zero interest
in going back
to being that guy.
I am not Derrick Dane.
I never was.
I was never asking you
to be Derrick Dane.
I was just asking you
to be you.
'Cause that guy?
That guy is pretty great.
That guy brings
a lot of people joy,
and I don't think
you see that.
I'm sorry.
Mm.
Me too.
[]
[door closing]
[sniffling]
[sighing]
[Lucille] Kaitlin.
I didn't know you were here.
Oh, I, uh...
I was just, um...
What? Is something wrong?
Derrick, he's, um,
he's not gonna, he's not
gonna do the reunion show.
Ah, yeah.
And a lot of people
are gonna be
really disappointed in me...
[chuckles sadly]
...and I'm probably
gonna lose my job.
Uh, what's the bad news?
-[chuckling]
-Sorry.
You know, I really thought
that I could...
get through to him.
I've built
this whole career and identity
on being able
to make things happen,
and I, um, I just... can't.
I can't, um, can't fix this one.
Right. Yeah.
Do you, um...
my mother,
very, very smart woman,
she used to have this saying.
"What's for you
won't go by you."
Right?
Sometimes you just gotta
let something go.
Just let it go
and see if it comes back to you.
Yeah. So easy to do. Not!
Letting go
is the hard part,
but you know, doing that,
just letting go,
it helps me sleep at night,
which is something I bet
you don't do a whole lot of.
-Mm-mm.
-Yeah.
Aww.
Just try it sometime.
For you, okay?
And, uh, you know,
if that doesn't pan out for ya,
just, um... not this...
what I suggest
is you take
this lavender mist
and spray it all over your face.
Go on, take it.
I want you to have it.
Just give it a little spray.
-[both laughing]
-Just, yeah.
Just try it. Try...
you know, to chill out.
What do you got to lose?
-Thank you.
-Yeah.
You know, you're...
you're not so bad.
[Lucille] Oh?
[chuckling]
Thank you.
[laughing]
You're not so bad yourself.
Hmm.
[he exhales deeply]
[microphone feeding back]
[fans cheering]
Hotter than July
She's got me
burning up inside
She's hotter than July
[]
She's hotter than July
[Derrick]
What are you guys doing here?
We figured we should talk.
All four of us.
Yeah, D. Yesterday reminded us
that we never did
get an official debrief
when Absolutely Yeah! broke up.
[TJ] And how you felt
about things.
So maybe now is a good time
to clear the air?
Talk it out?
[chuckling]
[announcer] Merrie & Mason's
Summer Beach Bash
starts now!
Well, it's been
an amazing summer!
Full of late-night swims
and fireflies...
Popsicles
and coconut-smelling
sunscreen...
Warm sand between your toes...
And romance in your heart...
[together] Because
that's what summer is made of!
We've been promising
one last big summer send-off,
and I think it's finally time
to unleash... the heatwave!
[Mason] Performing with youth
from Wake Street
Community Center,
this is Absolutely Yeah! and...
[together] Hotter Than July!
[]
Ooh, yeah
Ahh
Yeah
She's brighter
than the summer sun
She's my everything
[]
I've never seen another one
I'll give her anything
There's something about
the way she moves
She turns up the heat
when she walks in the room
She's hotter than July
With fire in her eyes
She's got me
burning up inside
Where is Derrick?
I know, Merrie...
[sighing]
I announced
to the entire country
that Derrick Dane was gonna be
a part of
the Absolutely Yeah! reunion.
I told our sponsors,
the network,
all the fans!
I'm sorry.
If you need to let me go,
I completely understand.
What I need is Derrick Dane!
She's hotter than July
I wake up to another day
She's on my mind again
Oh, yeah
I see you
shining in the rain
We can be more than friends
Ah
There's something about
the way she moves
She turns up the heat
when she walks in the room
She's hotter than July
With fire in her eyes
She's got me
burning up inside
She's hotter than July
Got sunshine in her eyes
She's got me
burning up inside
'Cause she's hotter
than July-ly-ly-ly-ly
She's hotter than July
If you tell her
that you love her
She's as cold as ice
[Merrie shrieks]
I told her once
But I ain't gonna
tell her twice
He looks so good!
She looks into the mirror
and she knows she's fine
What's it gonna take for me
to make her mine?
She's hotter than July.
Hotter than July.
She's hotter than July.
Oh, my god! Kaitlin! He's here!
She's hotter than July
With fire in her eyes
She's got me
burning up inside
She's hotter than July
Got sunshine in her eyes
She's got me
burning up inside
'Cause she's hotter
than July-ly-ly-ly-ly
She's hotter than July
She's hotter
than July!
[studio cheering]
Bravo!
[cheering continues]
I want to set up a segment
about the community center
next week,
and I want to help personally.
I-I will set that up for you
in the morning.
And make sure you tell them
that my new Executive Producer
will be arranging it.
Really?
You bet.
Thank you.
[Merrie] You deserve it.
-I'm gonna go.
-Yeah, yeah, go meet him.
[laughing]
Congratulations, Kaitlin.
Thank you.
Ooh...
Aah!
[both giggling]
Derrick... Derrick...
I just want to thank you.
Was that summer-riffic,
or what?
[applause]
We were a little worried
you weren't gonna make it.
Yeah, it was a close call,
but I'm glad I'm here.
[Mason] Well, please, tell us
about these talented teens
that you've brought
with you today.
Okay, well, we've got Spencer,
Jordan, Evan, and Marco.
They're part of
the after-school program
that I oversee
at the Wake Street
Community Center
right here in Long Island.
And you run this program?
I'm just a small part of it.
But these young men right here
have worked incredibly hard
on this number,
and you can see them
perform it again
at the Wake Street
Community Center
Summer Variety Show.
Uh, special thanks
to our fantastic producer,
Kaitlin Thomson.
Uh, because of her,
we're able to fully fund
all of our programs this year.
-[Merrie gasps]
-[applause]
[mouthing words]
[applause continues]
Well, we can't think
of a better note
to end this summer on,
could we?
No, we couldn't.
No, we couldn't.
Right, Merrie?
[Merrie squeals]
Oh, my god!
Well, that's about it for
our End of Summer Beach Bash!
We hope you've had
a summer to remember.
I'm Merrie.
-And I'm Mason!
[together]
And don't wake up without us!
[applause]
[applause and cheering]
[]
Wow!
Waa-ba-ba! Ba-da! Ba-ya-ya-ya!
[all] Ohh!
[]
[Jordan] And then Kaitlin said
she knew someone in the Navy.
[man] Yeah, I just got in.
It's fantastic.
Oh, uh, actually, Kaitlin?
Uh, this is my dad!
Oh! Nice to meet you.
We can't thank you enough.
[Kaitlin] My pleasure.
You are literally the best!
[Kaitlin] Aww! You're welcome.
Come on, buddy.
Let's go find your mom.
[Kaitlin laughs]
Did you have
something to do with that?
Hi.
Walk with me?
Come on.
Likewise.
-So good to meet you.
-You as well.
Hey. Brilliant.
[Derrick] So, Kaitlin...
[Kaitlin] I know. I know.
Can I just say
I am sorry
for arranging rehearsals
between the boys and the band.
I mean, you specifically said
not to do that,
and I went ahead
and did it anyway,
like my job was
the most important thing,
and it is not
the most important thing.
It was selfish
and-and-and not good.
It was not good at all,
and, um, I totally understand
if you never want to talk to me
or-or trust me ever again.
I mean...
Are you finished?
I think so.
Good.
My turn.
You were right.
I was... hiding.
I think deep down,
I never truly
believed in myself
enough to really let people in,
that I was worthy of any of it.
Then this determined
and passionate woman
stormed into my life
and changed all that.
I mean, she might be
a little bossy sometimes, but...
[laughing]
...but I like that.
Matter of fact,
I like everything about her.
Really?
Really.
[he sings]
She's hotter than July
Got sunshine in her eyes
She's got me
burning up inside
Um...
...if you think
singing softly to me
is gonna make me melt
into your arms, then...
[]
Correct.
[laughing]
You are correct.
[]
[Derrick] Look, I know
you're this
big executive producer,
and I'm just a lowly
community center director...
Mm.
...but I thought maybe
I could take you out sometime.
Like, on a proper date.
No agendas.
Like a date-date?
Mm-hmm.
Absolutely. Yeah.
[they chuckle]
[]