Private Princess Christmas (2024) Movie Script
- Princess Violet.
Princess Violet!
The queen would like
you to represent her
at several Wingravian
Royal Christmas events.
- Oh, I would
if my hands weren't
completely full.
Mostly of chocolate.
- The Queen insist, ma'am.
So we'll begin with
a Christmas concert
by the Wingravian Hoopty Doos.
- If we must.
- Do they know instruments
have been invented?
- Oh, we were able to shift
my mother's schedule today
to include our
Christmas festoon bake.
- Actually, you highness...
- I just can't wait
for some alone time with her.
You know how hectic
this year has been and...
- Shhh!
- We can discuss that later.
Next up, the Sacred
Christmas tradition.
High tea with the Sisters
of Perpetual Grace.
- Can't wait.
- So tell us, Princess Violet,
what are your plans for the
country once you're queen?
- Oh,
so many plans.
Like
far too many.
I don't even know
where to begin.
- Well, I have several
very exciting suggestions
regarding infrastructure.
So if we were to pick
the bicycle lanes,
and widen them so they
could accommodate tricycles
and also...
- Oh, they must be getting
ready for festoon with mother.
- I'm not sure that's the cake.
- Filled in with some
organic material...
- I'm sorry sisters, but
royal business calls.
The queen and I have
important baking to do.
- Let's not jump to conclusions.
Your Highness!
Your Highness,
I am sorry to be the
bearer of bad news, but
the Queen's schedule, it's,
it's very full and...
- And what?
- She won't be joining
you for the festoon bake.
You see, other Queenly
duties have taken precedence.
- She's probably just
lost track of time.
I'll remind her.
Mother?
Hmm.
- I believe she's on a
palace tour with dignitaries.
- And why wouldn't she move
that from her schedule?
You know, when I'm Queen,
baking the festoon
will be the first thing
on my holiday timeline.
Ooh!
Looks good on me, right?
- Perfectly fine,
if you have no
respect for the crown.
Did you really walk out on the
Sisters of Perpetual Grace?
- I may have,
but I was more excited
for our festoon,
and for decorating it
with painted pine cones
like father liked it.
- Of course, he would darling.
But we don't always
get to do what we want.
Sometimes we must
do what is required.
- And quality time with your
daughter is not required?
Can we just bake
the festoon later,
just the two of us?
- If time allows.
Now sweetheart,
take off my crown and go
train with Sir Bafalis
for the Christmas tree ceremony.
If you are serious about
being Queen, then show me.
- All right, but when I'm Queen,
I'm doing away with all
these antiquated ceremonies.
- If.
- What do you mean if?
- If you are queen.
- Of course, I'm going
to become queen, mother.
Who else would be?
- Someone who takes the
responsibility seriously.
Do you have a royal mission yet?
- Does looking regal count?
- Every royal must
have a mission,
a focus that drives their reign.
For your father, it was
helping the less fortunate.
For me it is public health.
What is it for you?
Any ideas?
- Lots of ideas.
Many.
But uhm.
- But uhm?
What?
Where is the action?
Where is the follow through?
Violet, I don't have
doubts in your ability
and I know it's been a
difficult year for us both,
but please do try to
rise to the occasion
and if you want to be queen,
you must put in the work.
- Yes, mother.
I will go train
with Sir Bafalis.
- And ready for
tomorrow's Christmas tree
selection ceremony?
- Of course.
We'll be there bright and early.
- Late again is she?
- She's simply unreliable.
You are her uncle.
Can't you say something?
- I've tried.
How I have tried.
I love her dearly, but
it just doesn't
get through to her.
- Mm.
- Sir Bafalis.
Sir Bafalis, stop
being stubborn.
This way.
Nope, no, no.
This is not behavior becoming
of an honorary knight.
Come on.
Sorry for my tardiness, mother.
Sir Bafalis refused
to follow my orders.
Seems he does not respect
the chain of command.
- Nevermind dear.
Let's just get to the
matter at hand, shall we?
- By order of the
Queen of Wingravia,
Sir Bafalis, the
royal soothsayer
shall select the Christmas
tree for the town square.
- Right, Sir
Bafalis, that's you.
Right, this way.
Nope.
Nope, this way.
This way.
Come on, Sir Bafalis,
stop pulling.
Wait!
Um.
Oh, good choice.
Wait.
No.
Sir Bafalis, not
that little one.
Sir Bafalis, that's a mistake.
That's not our Christmas tree.
- By order of Queen Winifred,
Princess Violet and
Sir Reginald Bafalis,
the royal Christmas
tree has been chosen.
- Oh no wait, he's
still choosing.
- Sorry love, it is done.
- I will not tolerate
the lack of regard
for the secret ceremony.
Not to mention you
abandoning the nuns
or talking during
the whoop-di-doos,
and don't even try to tell me
that you trained Sir Bafalis.
- Alright, I thought
I could wing it...
- For goodness sakes, Violet,
you are next in
line to be queen.
Do you even know
what that means?
What that entails
to be a true leader?
There is no easy way out.
No blaming others.
No cutting corners.
It is difficult
and involves difficult
decisions like.
- Like what?
- Like looking for a new
successor to the throne.
- Father would have never
even considered that.
- Unless he thought
it necessary.
- But I want to be queen mother.
I do.
I,
I don't know why
I keep messing up.
- Winifred,
may I offer a teensy
suggestion for dear Vi?
- Go on then, Felix.
- This year has been tough.
I can see it in both your faces,
but watching your two
butt heads as it were,
perhaps that's not the solution.
You know, when I was
younger, I struggled.
Amidst all this opulence,
it's not always easy to build
the leadership qualities
required of our roles.
And so father sent me
to an American Military
Academy bootcamp,
but it was quite good for me.
I could find an academy for
Violet over the holidays.
- Oh, but I have plans with
Prince Scott over Christmas.
So.
- If Prince Scott truly cares,
he will wait for you.
We are putting Uncle Felix's
bootcamp plan into action.
- A bootcamp?
I mean a stiletto camp I
could consider, but boots?
- Prove to me
that you can be the strong
leader Wingravia needs,
not just for me darling,
for your father.
- I may be the
first princess ever
whose reign was
derailed by a goat.
- Not derailed yet.
You'll be Queeny someday.
- If I ace this
American bootcamp.
- I'm surely your commanding
officer will go easy on you.
Americans love to
fawn over royals.
- True.
But I am going to miss you.
- Of course you are.
Which is why.
- Scotty
Oh, a phone.
- So we can chat
without that Royal operator
monitoring our calls.
Now, how long will you be away?
- It's a 10 day bootcamp, so.
- We'll be sipping eggnog
in Ibiza Christmas morning.
- Whew.
This castle, always so chilly.
- Sure is.
- How bad can this be?
Chesterfield Military
Academy hosts a bootcamp
for future world leaders
and influential individuals
who want to develop
leadership skills
with immersive workshops.
Oh, immersive and holidays.
This could be amazing actually.
Oh, it will.
- I've heard the Americans
really go all out
with the Christmas cheer
and we'll be under the tutelage
of a prestigious
military commander.
So basically it's 10 days
of Top Gun meets
Oprah meets Santa.
I'm in.
I will miss you Sophie.
- Hmm.
- I wonder
who our esteemed
commander will be.
- I just put the pie in the
oven and heard a giant crash
and there is Bing Crosby
way up in my Christmas tree.
Every ornament was shattered.
So I'll be needing a refund.
- With all due respect, ma'am,
it's not Haney's
fault that your cat...
Can I get
someone in aisle four please?
We need customer
service on aisle four.
- Let me get my manager.
Mindy.
Yeah, welcome to Haney's.
Can I help you?
- Yes.
This mistletoe says
affection guaranteed.
But I totally struck out
at my holiday work party.
- I can't give you
a refund, sir, but
I think you might
have some better luck
on aisle 13.
Mouthwash.
Yeah, just that way.
Welcome to Haney's.
Can I help you?
- I bought a bunch of MREs
and none of them
have candy inside.
- Colonel Yates, what
are you doing here?
- Just checking on my troops.
The bigger question is,
what are you doing here?
I know it's been a minute since.
How you holding up?
- Just getting through.
- Now what'd you call this?
Whatever happened to your
plans to teach at West Point?
- Actually, I'm pretty sure I'm
not gonna be teaching anymore.
- You're kidding?
Half the eight years of your
service was as an instructor.
It's why I'm here.
Your alma mater
Chesterfield needs help
with the holiday
leadership bootcamp.
We're talking powerful
wealthy recruits,
many facing their final
opportunity for redemption.
An instructor dropped down
for duty reasons last minute.
I couldn't think of a
better replacement than you.
- I appreciate that sir.
I'm just not ready to go back.
But thank you for coming by.
Good seeing you, Ryan.
Aisle four please.
We need customer
service on aisle four.
- Actually, Colonel,
tell me more about those cadets.
- All the way from India.
Duke Sateane of Jalandhar.
Set to lead his home state,
this wealthy young man
needs to take a good
long look in the mirror
and not the way that
he normally does.
Marlena Li,
K-pop star whose second album
was expected to be as
big a hit as her first
until she rage fired
her entire staff.
Tucker Finch,
of the Falcons Fame.
- Your big Falcons
fan, if memory serves,
- I've lost a lot of friends
over my love of the Falcons,
which made it worse because
when this wide receiver
was benched for insubordination,
oh there went the championship.
Here's Noelle Latrel.
She's the daughter of a
billionaire tech guru.
All seems well with her, but
still waters run deep.
Now meet Bobby Bofa,
known as Bitcoin Bobby.
- Crypto bro who swindled
billions from investors?
- That punk owes
my nephew $6,400.
- Thank you.
- And who's this?
Princess
Violet Bell of Wingravia.
She's here to prove to her
mom that she can be queen.
- Get in line, all of you.
Welcome cadets.
I'm your commander
for the next 10 days.
During that time, you
will address me as captain
and I will address you as cadet.
This is former Army
Captain Juniper Squibb.
- You can call me Squibby.
I will be your cook, your
nurse, and your counselor.
You need anything,
you let me know.
And if you don't tick me off,
you'll have three square a day.
- You may be influential
in your specialist fields,
but you have each faced
challenges in self-control.
During your time here, I
will mold you into leaders
through three core components.
Class study on the
basics of leadership,
community service to remind
you why you choose to lead,
and finally, through physical
endurance and teamwork
by completing the Academy
Schooling obstacle course,
AKA, the shredder.
Do the work and
you will succeed.
Grab your things and let's move.
Hundreds of successful
leaders have emerged
from Chesterfield Academy.
Hopefully by the end of
this course, you will too.
- I don't mean to interrupt,
but this looks nothing
like the website.
- This way.
Your luggage will
be stored in here.
Everything you need
is in your dorm.
Phones, tablets go in this bin
to be behind lock and key.
- But without my tablet,
I'll lose my power
shopping status.
- For the next 10 days,
you will go without
your creature comforts
to focus solely on
your leadership skills.
- Thank you.
- That's you too, Bobby.
You got a phone?
- Does this dude even speak?
Oh look, if my agent calls,
tell him thanks for nothing
for putting me in here.
- You will have
separate barracks.
Squibby will help you settle in.
- Oh, I noticed a clear lack
of Christmas decorations.
Will they be put up soon?
- No.
- Oh, well can I add some?
Just a little Christmas cheer.
- I don't do Christmas cheer.
- Oof.
Someone's grinchy.
- Are you talking back
to a commanding officer?
- No, it's, it's
just that Christmas
is my favorite time
of year and I...
- Congratulations, princess.
You just landed your whole
crew in early morning doo-doo.
Instead of the 0500 wake up,
you will all
be getting up at 0415
for an early morning run.
- What?
- What?
- Rebelly, rebelly, fall out.
You want chow, get running now.
Let's go cadet.
Rise and shine,
time for that early morning run.
- I am a princess
and I command you to go away.
- Well, I'm your captain
and I command you to get up.
Let's go private Princess.
- Get away.
- Keep up, Princess.
Is that some sweat
I see forming there?
- Impossible sir,
because I don't sweat.
I glow.
Oof.
Grubs up.
- Finally, I'm starving.
- We stand for grace.
For this food and fellowship,
we are truly grateful
and we offer a special intention
for those who are
no longer with us.
In their honor, may we
not waste a single moment
of this good life we still have.
You may be seated.
- Um, is this the
breakfast spoon,
dessert spoon or coffee spoon?
- The spoon is a
spoon is a spoon.
You don't have to eat it.
- Its actually pretty good.
Bobby likes it too.
- Alright, listen up.
This is hallowed ground.
Some of the finest cadets
I ever had the
privilege of knowing
pass through these halls.
- You were a student here?
- Yes.
And after my military
service, also a teacher.
This place is like a home to me.
Now, some ground rules.
I'll keep it simple.
Trust is central.
No lying.
No outside calls or texts
and no guests on the property.
Failure to comply,
you fail the course.
Questions?
- Might I request a
different wake up system?
That cowbell was deafening.
And you know when my ladies
maid wakes me from slumber,
it's much more gentle.
- Whoa, hold up.
Ladies maids?
You're an actual princess?
- Oh yes.
And someday queen.
- Assuming she passes my course.
- Oh, I will, captain.
I'm capable and committed.
- Time will tell.
Eat up and clean up cadets.
See how y'all do when
we hit the books.
Leadership,
what is it?
- Oh, is this like one of those
charming American trivia shows?
I'll take I don't know
the answer for 500, Alex.
- This is not a game.
This is your life.
As a leader,
you are responsible for
those following your command.
That is not something
to be taken lightly.
It has consequences
of life and death,
as I know all too well.
- Excuse the
interruption, sir, but
what do you mean by that?
- This isn't about
me, it's about you.
How you perform here will
shape how you lead out there.
- My producer is the one who
should be taking this course.
I lead with my music.
He can handle the rest.
- You lead by example
and if this attitude
is your example
then you've got
a long way to go.
Now, turn your
text to page nine.
You'll silently
read this chapter
before we move on
to the next section.
- Sir,
I'm not quite familiar
with this whole
silent reading thing.
I generally listen to my books.
- You mean as in audio books?
- My aide, Cedric
reads all aloud to me
while I look at the pictures.
Oh, and mine's, mine's
missing pictures.
- Read the chapter, cadet.
- Welcome to your first
bout of community service.
Now this kitchen is
my hallowed ground.
Muck with it, answer to me.
Now today we are gonna
be baking cookies
for Chesterfield
Children's Hospital.
- That's wonderful.
What are we thinking?
A few dozen
- Try 500.
- I don't care for
baking, so maybe...
- We don't care
for your opinion.
- I think what the captain
here is trying to say
is that when you serve,
it is not about you,
it's about the community
you're helping.
Now I know that Christmas cheer
is not in the Captain's forte,
but this is for the kids.
Cookie cutters are here.
You got snowmen, Christmas
trees, candy canes.
And just keep in mind
that it's for a good cause.
- This is also an exercise
designed to teach you
to make something from
scratch working as a team.
I'm already on a team
and they're called the Falcons.
- Well then why didn't they
offer you a new contract?
Oh yeah, I know all about
your suspension for
insubordination.
And if you ask me,
no one cares a hoot
if you're on a team,
if you can't trust
the people around you.
- Well, the idea of
baking is very exciting.
- Great.
You're in charge.
- Me?
- Fresh ingredients
are in the pantry.
Get it done, Princess.
- It is good to
have you back, Cap.
It's a lot of water
under the bridge.
And I was sorry to
hear about Benji.
He was a good kid.
- And the great cadet,
the bench that Benji and I
built, is it still there?
- Yeah.
Seen better days.
And now let's gossip
about those cadets.
I know this ilk really
curdles your cheese.
- Half of them probably won't
even pass the course, but
what are you gonna do?
- They're flawed, but
at least they're trying.
- Fire!
- Oh my god.
What do we do?
What do we do?
- Don't do that, no.
- Stand back.
Stand back.
Squibbs, can you?
- Excuse me.
- We mis-set the temperature
in gradients of
Celsius, not Fahrenheit.
- Time of death, 1300 hours
- Pre-made cookie dough?
You raided Squibby
supplies and cheated?
- Don't look at us.
Princess power over
there was in charge.
- Well, they weren't mixing
like my royal chefs do, and
just seemed easier.
- That wasn't the exercise.
Create something from
scratch as a team.
How do you expect
to lead a country
if you can't even make
Christmas cookies?
- Because when I'm queen,
I'll have chefs on
hand at all hours.
- You're not going to be queen
if you don't do the work.
- I don't think
my future depends
on whether I burn
a snowman cookie.
- You're right, it depends on
a whole lot more than that.
Now you can all thank your
cookie dough princess once more.
You've all just landed
yourself in the shredder.
Buckle up cadets.
Day one of training is now.
- The shredder.
Zigzag through the
calf burning tire rung
of the rings of fire
before scaling the vertical
wall of Dante's peak.
Then fall backwards
in the fall from
grace trust exercise,
only to hit the deck,
the platoon belly crawl,
and finally seek resurrection
through the legendary ascent.
This is big kahuna.
You don't complete the course,
you don't pass.
Now let's move.
That's it, princess.
Go, go, go.
- Come on Bobby, you got this.
Can't you guide him in some way?
- Do better.
That's also financial advice.
This exercise, you
will each take turns
trusting your team to
catch you when you fall.
And fall you will.
Finch, you're up first.
- Ah, you, you know what?
I'm good.
I, I think I'll fall
from grace another day.
- Oh no.
This was designed for you.
- All right, okay.
- That-a-boy.
Easy does it.
- All right, come on Finch.
We are so ready.
- Yeah.
Who here don't you trust?
- This ain't happening.
- Okay, we'll work on that.
- You are one with the ground.
Dirt is beautiful.
And so are you.
- Whatever floats
your boat, Latrel.
Just keep going.
Move, move, move.
See,
it's easy.
- Any tips or tricks?
- Gravity's not your friend.
So who wants to go first?
Princess Violet, thank you
so much for volunteering.
You're up first.
- All right.
Yeah, I need a new rope.
Mine's not roping.
- Yeah, yeah, more
blah blah excuses.
- Excuse me?
- Just do the work.
- How dare you.
You keep telling
us to do the work,
but what exactly are you doing?
- I beg your pardon?
- You've just said
more blah blah excuses.
Is that you in your finest form
as a commanding officer?
- Cadet, it is not your place
to question my authority.
- Perhaps the Princess
has a point, sir.
- Is that right?
- You haven't exactly
been a ray of sunshine
and I hate sunshine.
- Your encouragement
is tepid at best.
Your enthusiasm
deserves a D minus.
I will grant you
your physique and
jawline are impressive.
But,
but, and perhaps worst of all,
you seem entirely
opposed to the idea
of spreading Christmas cheer
in this, the most
cheery of seasons.
- Okay.
Well I'm clearly out of line
and you all are just superstars.
I think we need a breather.
Hit the showers,
tomorrow's a new day.
- You said what we
were all thinking.
Well done.
- Alright, everyone in
and get yourself some rest.
Go.
Permission to enter?
- Come on in, Squibb.
- Apologies for not
interjecting there.
- Ah, none needed.
I'm fine.
- Well,
I always knew you
as an instructor
who was there for the cadets.
You went above
and beyond and now
you see me a little distant.
You know, Christmas cheer
was designed for
this kind of thing.
It brings people together
in an otherwise dreary season.
- We baked the cookies.
We know how well
that turned out.
- But that was coming from me.
Maybe it could come from you.
Look, all I'm saying is everybody
deserves a good Christmas.
Maybe we could look for
opportunities in that zone.
It'll help them.
Could help you too.
Dear mother,
I write to you all the way
from Chesterfield, Colorado,
where Christmas
dreams come true.
Bootcamp is more fun
than I ever expected.
You'd be so proud.
And the friends I make...
- Unhand me, peasant.
It's like they always say,
the real treasure is the
friendships we make along the way.
And I'm not just making friends,
I'm learning to lead by example.
And I'm so excited
to share more when I
return for Christmas.
We'll finally bake
father's festoon
and celebrate just
like we used to,
our happy family
together as it should be.
Soon enough. Mother, I love you.
Merry Christmas.
Violet.
- Who would like to do grace?
- I'll go.
Thank you all for this
opportunity to stay the course
and for Squibby's good
grub and no injuries.
And may my QB stop
overthrowing me on fade routes.
- Okay, thank you, Finch.
- Amen.
- Amen.
- Amen.
- Crushed it.
- Eat up.
And then thanks to an initiative
from our good
friend Squibb here,
today's community service
will be Christmas adjacent.
- Is that the same
as Christmas cheer?
- Baby steps.
We've been asked to
deliver Christmas trees
to the Chesterfield church.
- That sounds hard.
And I don't really like...
- Yeah, well that's life.
And
what is life without
a little holiday joy?
- Oh, I feel the joy
radiating already.
- No, I mean it.
Joy will be had.
I may even attempt to smile.
- Is that the best
you've got, captain?
Come on, you've got such
lovely pearly whites.
- Aww, that's it.
And how will this
community service work?
- There is a tree
for each pair of you.
You have your gloves.
Grab a tree.
You'll be carrying
them to the foyer
of the Chesterfield church.
- That's like three
miles from here.
Where's the cheer in that?
- Do you know how bark will
harm my French tip manicure?
- I do not.
- Carrying trees for that
long, that's unreasonable.
Even for you.
- Would it help if I gave the
command with a joyful smile?
- I don't mean to be
insubordinate, but...
- But.
No but, you wanted
Christmas, you got it.
Do the hard work, do it well.
Squibb and I are going
back to the academy,
then we'll all
meet at the church.
- I'll hand it to you,
at least you tried
to set him straight.
- That's all right.
If he wants to be like that,
we'll match fire with fire.
- Someone's coming.
Hurry.
Hurry, Bobby.
Hurry.
Go. Go, go, go.
- Bingo.
Is the name of this
moving company?
- No, not moving for Christmas,
but moving Christmas itself.
Well, the trees actually.
Can you put me through to Bingo?
- Can I ask,
why all the silence?
A vow?
Of silence?
Why?
Those I defrauded had
no voice in my crime.
So why should I
have a voice now?
- Perfect, thank you.
All right, who knew asking
to move Christmas trees
would be so confusing
for the man.
But we're good now.
Come on.
Thank you so much.
When we get to the church,
I need you to park as
close to it as possible
without being spotted.
- You got it?
- Perfect.
Let's go.
- What do you know?
- Ah, my arms hurt.
- I can't do it.
It's so heavy.
- Great job cadets.
Bring 'em on up here.
Now stand 'em up.
- Whoa.
Nice one, Cap.
- Thanks Finch.
Dirty gloves go in here.
These gloves don't
have sap on them.
Either somebody tells me
right now what happened
or I fail you all.
- Okay, that job was
a no-win situation.
You've had it in
for us from day one.
It's almost like
you're hoping we fail.
- I wouldn't say hoping but
waiting for the inevitable.
- Well, the wait
is over, Captain.
I quit.
Hello palace switchboard.
- Amethyst 3509.
Put me through to my
mother right away.
- Violet, are you all right?
- No, I'm coming home.
I quit, and that's
just how it is.
- I had hoped that
you'd learn something.
- I did.
I learned to crawl through dirt
and burn snowman cookies.
- You understand dear,
this makes it difficult
to name you my successor.
- Mother, I'm trying here.
- Trying's not
enough for a queen.
Have you found your mission yet
or are you just cutting
corners as usual?
- Well, I...
- Have you?
Answer me Violet.
Just come home dear.
- Lemme call you cab.
- I'm fine.
Airport's only a few miles.
- But I could...
- I said I'm fine.
Bye.
Hello?
Are you okay?
Are you hurt?
You are okay.
- That was pretty impressive
you pitching in like that.
And you know ASL.
Where did you learn?
- When I was small,
my father got too close
to some heavy artillery
and gradually lost his hearing.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
That was a big problem
when I was in Iraq as well.
I'll, I'll drive
you to the airport,
but before you go,
I know you have it
in you to do this.
- It's very kind
of you captain, but
you and my mother were right.
I'm nowhere close to
finding my mission
and left to my own devices,
I choose the path
of least resistance.
- That's not what I just saw.
That man needed help
and you stepped up
without hesitation.
That was brave.
Tells me there's an incredible
leader inside of you.
- Well, unfortunately,
that leader never
emerged during bootcamp.
So.
- I think that
might have something
to do with my teaching style.
- Do you really think I
could be a great leader?
- I do.
- Well as a potentially
great leader,
I think it could
really help morale
if we could decorate the
academy for Christmas.
- Unselfish request.
I concur.
- Why the change of heart?
- I'm not entirely a Grinch.
Just Violet convinced me.
- Oh, interesting.
- What?
- Nothing.
- Alright, cadets
have at it.
- Thank you, Captain.
Everyone,
I want to apologize
for my behavior.
Cheating to pass this course
kind of defeats the purpose.
In fact, in order to
celebrate our differences,
what if we make ornaments
from our unique cultures?
- Well, we ate popsicles as kids
and then make ornaments
out of the popsicle sticks.
We still do it.
- That's perfect.
As for me, my father and I
used to decorate
our baked festoon
by painting pine cones.
I'm going to go find some.
Sir,
permission to interrupt?
- Permission granted.
- Thank you for letting
us do Christmas.
- Nah, I should've let
you do it on day one.
- What brings you up here?
- This bench.
It's my retreat from everything.
Started building it
when I was a student.
Just fallen trees
from the woods.
I then had some
help improving it
from a former cadet years ago.
His name is Benji.
Great kid.
- It's beautiful.
- It's my duty to honor it.
- Any exciting
plans for Christmas?
- Going home to Wyoming
to visit my folks.
What about you?
- This holiday
season's different
from all the others before.
We had a loss in the family.
Traditions are
different this year.
- What kind of traditions?
- Well, baking a
festoon for one.
When I was small,
we'd always watch my
favorite Christmas movie,
"The Sound of Music".
- "The Sound of Music"
is not a Christmas movie.
Now "Die Hard"...
- "Die Hard" is not
a Christmas movie.
- "The Sound of
Music" is a love story
between Captain Von Trapp
and a irresponsible nun.
There's not an ounce of
Christmas in the whole movie.
- Well, I dunno, my,
my dad loved the
song "Edelweiss",
and he associated
it with Christmas.
Perhaps because they got
the wish to be together.
It's chilly up here.
Thank you.
- Dear friends,
let us give thanks
for morning sun,
for the shelter above
and for the food before us.
It is often lumpy,
lacking in flavor,
kind of tastes like the nasty
gruel from Oliver Twist,
and you shouldn't really...
- Marlena!
- Apologies.
What I mean is
we're
fortunate
for the food we have
and this group that allows us
to choose the path of light
rather than that
of all consuming,
eternally burning, soul
crushing venomous rage.
Amen.
- Amen.
- Amen.
- Come on, Captain, you can
make it through the whole word.
- Leadership through
Christmas cheer.
All right, all right, all
right, hold the applause.
Doing my best on the
whole cheer front.
It helps that the
holidays are filled
with the Chesterfield ethos
of teamwork and community.
Which is why today
we'll test just that.
You'll create a life
size Christmas tree
using nothing but this paper
and the supplies in this room.
And you'll do it together.
- Alright, team
locked and loaded.
Any ideas on where to begin?
We need a frame
to hold the paper.
What about the flag pole?
- I guess we could tape
the sheets together
to make stackable rings
for each level of the tree.
- Perfect.
Let's make it happen.
Watch where you're stepping.
- I can't help it, Finch's
elbow is in my face.
- It ain't my fault your
face is elbow worth.
- Oh, no, no, no.
You did not just say that.
- So what if I did?
What you gonna do about it?
- I'm gonna buy your team.
- I bet you won't.
- Stop!
- Whoa, the dude speaks.
- It's Christmas,
time where we shed
our petty differences,
forgive our minor foibles,
where even the crypto charts
take time off to rest,
where meme coins become merry,
Blockchains give
way to candy canes,
creating the warmth for a smile.
Grace of a kind gesture.
And the company of friends,
family,
even NFT hobblers.
Let's decentralize this and
work together to,
to add the final touch.
Now who's with me?
- I don't understand
what you just said,
but I'm in.
- Here, here, here, here.
Try this.
This.
It's a J hook.
Trap the rope.
Push down.
Hand over hand to climb.
Use the hook.
Wait on your feet.
- There must be an easier way.
- Easy?
That's not your way, is it?
- Right.
- Every inch at a time.
One inch at a time.
Hand over hand.
Keep going.
There you go.
You got it.
That's it.
Hey!
- I almost made it.
I can do this.
- Yes you can.
Keep working cadet.
- Sir, yes sir.
I'd love to be an elf.
- What are you doing here?
- Well, I hadn't heard
from you and I missed you.
Didn't you miss me too?
- I guess, but I've been busy.
- Sorry I didn't
reach out earlier.
But tell me, how
is this bootcamp?
- It's been tough,
but also amazing.
We've all come such a long way.
I mean, there's no way I
thought I could do Dante's Peak
and Ryan, Captain Ryan.
He taught me this J Hook.
But honestly, the belly crawl
is probably the hardest part...
- That sounds disgusting.
Which is why
I've come to rescue you.
- What?
No.
We graduate in two days.
I'm not going anywhere.
- Not even zo match
for a ski trip?
- Scotty, I need to
pass this bootcamp.
I want to be queen.
- And here I thought
you hated hard work.
- I did.
But now I may like it.
And I have a huge
day tomorrow, so
I think you should go.
- But I came all
this way to see you.
- Do you even care
that you being here
could get me expelled?
- But I thought you'd
want me to rescue you.
- I don't need to be rescued.
- All princesses
love to be rescued.
- Not this one.
And if you can't see that,
then you are dismissed.
- You'll regret this.
I'm the best thing that's
ever happened to you.
- Well, now I know for
sure I did the right thing.
All right.
- Hey mom.
- Ah, hi, Ry.
Oh, you look well.
Thanks.
Can you turn the camera
around so I can see your tree?
Ooh.
- No, he other way, Mom.
Oh, dad did such
a nice job of the lights.
- Oh hi, Mr. Bubbles.
- You know, I am so proud of you
for getting back on the
teaching saddle just the same.
Are the new cadets
being helpful?
- Help isn't really
their strong suit,
but they've improved for sure.
- Oh, don't get mad at me.
I just have to ask.
- No, I'm not seeing anyone.
- No one, oh.
Oh, well then who is
that stunning woman
crawling across your floor?
- Violet?
She...
- I was just
looking at the stars
and I, I got locked out.
- Oh.
Ryan used to spend
hours on the lawn
staring at the stars too.
And since Ry Ry here has
forgotten his manners.
Hello dear.
I'm Mrs. Douglas.
I'm Ryan's mother.
- Pleased to meet
you, Ms. Douglas.
- Did you just curtsy?
Gilbert, come quickly.
Ry Ry is dating
and she's lovely.
- Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Princess, Cadet Violet
and I are not dating.
I repeat, we are not dating.
She is in training here,
and she's really cold
right now from her
stargazing adventures.
So we are gonna get
off the call now, Mom.
Oh, at the very least,
invite her to Wyoming
for Christmas.
- No, I'm her
commanding officer.
That is against the rules.
Okay, bye.
Oh.
- How did you get in here?
Let's get you by the fire.
- Okay.
- You climbed up the drain pipe?
- Yep.
Just like you showed me.
By the way,
I see you've been digging
into your advent calendar.
- Oof.
One of my few cheats.
I haven't been
able to resist 'em
since I was a kid, actually,
- You'll never believe it, but
I do the same.
- Hmm.
- Since I was small.
And I love how
during the holidays we
reach into our past and
bring forward all these
meaningful traditions.
- I wish when we
reached into the past,
we only brought the
good things forward.
- Why did you stop teaching?
- Remember that talented cadet
I told you about
from years back?
Benji.
- The one you built
the bench with?
- Yeah, that's right.
When he graduated,
I
Pulled a favor and asked
that he be assigned
to the Pacific division
to keep him out of Iraq.
Well, when Benji
found out I did that,
he was
very angry.
I was only trying to
protect him, but he
took it to mean that I didn't
think he could handle it.
I said some things I regret.
And
that was the last time we spoke.
Benji went to Iraq and
didn't make it back.
I quit teaching,
put the military behind me.
And
I haven't really been able to,
I don't know,
open up too much since.
- I know what it's like
to self-sabotage when
the alternative is just
terrifying.
That's probably
what led me here.
The family loss I went through,
it was my father last Christmas.
- I'm sorry.
- It rattled me,
left me lost,
messing up my duties,
not giving myself a chance to
successfully fill his shoes.
I think because I was afraid
to accept he's really gone.
Seems fear's been
keeping us both
comfortably numb.
I don't think my father
would've wanted that.
- I don't think
Benji would either.
- Thank you all for
this fantastic food
and for these new friendships.
Some loud,
some quiet,
but all meaningful.
And in conclusion,
thank you for Squibby and
her excellent cooking.
May it provide the
strength we need
to stand up for ourselves.
Amen.
- Amen.
- Amen.
- Amen.
- And by the way, fam,
anyone mucking in
my kitchen at night?
I saw some muddy tracks
on my freshly mopped floor
by the back door.
- Jacob Marley's
ghost strikes again.
- Well, whoever it is,
remember it's hallowed ground.
- Indeed.
Okay, cadets,
retired Colonel Jimmy Shepherd,
the man Vi saved days ago,
wanted to thank her by hosting
us for some Christmas cheer
at the old veteran's home.
Need to wear your holiday best.
I'll open up the luggage locker.
- I'm Lorna, the
veteran's home den mother.
You must be Captain Ryan.
- Yes.
These are the cadets.
This is retired
Captain Juniper Squibb.
- Hi.
- US Army Desert Storm.
- Thank you both
for your service
and it's a pleasure
to meet you all.
Which one is Violet?
We can't thank you enough
for helping Colonel Shepherd.
We call him Shep.
You can say hi.
- Let's give these vets
something to remember.
Page seven in your books.
- At ease, cadets.
I've got this next piece.
I know some may not consider
this next one a Christmas song,
but I've just learned
there are some that do.
So
Here it goes.
- Wake up.
It's December 23rd.
Time to conquer the
shredder and graduate.
- I would respond with an insult,
- but I'm working on myself.
- Did you fold my clothes?
- Folded and pressed.
Chop chop.
- I would like to thank
you all for reminding me
that despite my
power shopping status
perfectly groomed cuticles,
and alarmingly good looks.
- Okay, all right, come on.
- There's more to life
than just the superficial.
It's comradeship,
friendly competition,
and sometimes just
silent companionship.
On this day, shredder day,
I would like to give a
deep thank you to you all.
- Well said, cadet.
Now eat up all of you.
Lord knows you're
gonna need the energy
for what's coming next.
This is it.
The final challenge.
Each section must be fully
completed in order to graduate.
- I better graduate.
My mother flies in
for grad tonight
- On your mark.
Remember left foot over
right with the J hook.
Then hand over hand.
- Right?
I'm very nervous.
- I can tell.
Cadet,
you got this.
There's that smile, Marlena.
Better pace yourself, Finch.
Go, go, go, Princess, no wait.
High knees, Sateane.
Go, go, go.
- Yay, Bobby!
- That-a-boy, Bobby!
- Woo!
- We've got you, don't panic.
- You can do it.
- You can do this.
- Come on.
- Alright.
Believe in you, come on, man.
- Finch, Finch, Finch, Finch!
- We got you.
- I'm alive.
- You did it.
- Get it, buddy.
- Keep going, troop.
- Go, go, go, go.
Go.
- Hey, muscle through
the crawl, cadet,
muscle through the crawl.
- Go.
- Last section coming up.
Move, move, move.
Looking good.
All right.
- Come on, Vi.
- You got this, Vi
- Come on.
- Let's go, Vi.
- You can do it.
- You got this, Vi.
All you.
All you.
- There we go.
- Keep going.
- You can do it.
Come on.
- Come on, Vi.
- Come on, Vi.
- Let's go.
Just like that.
- Hang on, Vi.
- You got it.
- Good recovery.
- Eye on the prize.
Almost there.
Almost there, Vi.
- Congratulations, Cadet Violet.
You just passed bootcamp.
Yeah.
- Hey.
Are you okay?
- It's just my,
whole thing with my dad.
I mean, I'm so proud of
how far we've all come.
I want him to acknowledge it.
It's silly, but
I want him to be there for me.
Not just his work,
his new wife, his
new life.
That's why I'm here.
I thought if I learned
how to be a leader,
I could stand up
for myself for once.
- That's not silly.
You deserve that.
And maybe it's time
you let him know
how you really feel.
- I just get so nervous.
Confrontation's
never really been me.
- Call him,
invite him to grad.
- I couldn't.
What if he says no?
- Then you tell
him how you feel.
Tell him how it hurts you.
But maybe let's find
a more private spot.
Come on.
- It would just mean
so much to me, dad,
for you to meet everyone
and see what we've done here.
Oh, well, come on your own then.
Take the jet.
No, I understand.
If she needs you for
her bridge tournament,
then she needs you.
- Muscle through
the crawl, Cadet.
You can do this.
- Actually, dad, wait.
If I'm being honest,
I don't understand it.
I don't understand how
you've tossed me aside,
how you've spent your life
focused on spreadsheets,
board meetings, and
now your new wife,
but you've been blind
to what matters most.
If you wanna prioritize
a bridge tournament
over your own daughter's
graduation, then do it.
I am standing strong,
loud and proud,
the leader I know I am.
- You did it.
You did it.
- Oh, that's not good.
- No, you don't understand.
This isn't just any bench...
- Cadets.
- Are you holding a phone?
Back to your barracks, cadets.
That's an order!
- It was an accident, honestly.
I was helping Latrel...
- With a phone that was
forbidden on day one.
Is that how you ordered the
truck to move those trees?
What else?
What else aren't you telling me?
- My ex-boyfriend,
he visited the
night before last,
but I broke up with him.
- Here on campus?
- In the kitchen.
Those were his muddy tracks.
How I got locked out.
- You had the chance to tell
me the truth the other night
and you didn't.
Trust,
loyalty,
they're pillars of
this institution.
After all this,
I simply can't pass you.
I'm sorry, but you're dismissed.
- Ryan, I...
- That's Captain Douglas, cadet.
I know this means
you won't be queen,
but you've made your own bed.
- Thank you, Captain Douglas.
- But Violet, I've
traveled all this way.
What do you mean
you're not graduating?
You were yesterday.
- I know, I know, and
I thought I was, but
it's not happening.
- Oh, Violet, I'm so...
- Disappointed.
I'm sure.
This time is different.
I have some really
exciting ideas about...
- Violet.
It is not different.
You are simply
incapable of change.
I should pack.
Sydnee, let's pack.
- I'd like to finish
what I was saying.
I did this bootcamp
as you wished,
and even though I didn't pass
and I'm not going
to become queen,
I found my mission.
I have some really exciting
ideas about opening a school,
a school for the deaf
to honor a father.
And I don't need to be
queen to do that, but
I was hoping that
we could do it together.
- Those are encouraging
words darling,
but sadly, that's all they are.
Words.
Tell the pilot to
get the jet ready.
I have an unheard of amount
of work to do on the flight.
- Would you stop?
Stop mom.
Stop masking your pain
with busyness and
just look at me.
This is our first
Christmas without Father,
a time that used to
mean the world to me.
And it's as if all you
see are my failures.
Do you not see that
I'm grieving here?
Can you not see that
you are grieving?
I need some air.
- I know it was the
right thing to do,
but I can't help but think
I could have done more
to set her up for success.
That's on me.
- Pardon me for saying so,
but I don't think
this is the first time
that you took
responsibility for something
that wasn't your fault.
You know, when I first
enlisted and went to overseas,
my mom so mad at me,
but nothing was gonna
stop me from serving.
Benji, he was a grown
man and I reckon
that nothing was
gonna stop him either.
You don't have to forget him,
but maybe the best way
of honoring his sacrifice
is by living your best life.
Since it is Christmas,
consider some grace for those
who aren't entirely perfect.
- Violet.
- Lorna, Merry Christmas.
- I'm surprised to
see you in town.
Aren't you prepping for
the graduation tomorrow?
- I'm afraid not.
I won't be there.
- Oh, what happened?
- How much time do you have?
- Actually, not a ton.
I'm doing a cocoa run
for Shep and the vets.
Our pipes burst and
the kitchen is down.
- On Christmas Eve?
That's awful.
What will you do for dinner?
- Good question.
I am out of ideas.
- But I may have one.
- What's going on in here?
Who's responsible for this?
- Sir?
I can tell you who's
responsible for this.
It's Vi.
- What are you doing?
- It's okay.
She asked me to tell Ryan.
- She did?
- And to tell you that
she'd like to talk.
That you'd know
where to find her.
- Didn't know you were
the handy woman type.
- Me neither.
Turns out I am,
just a wee bits of elbow grease.
- I,
I reacted harshly.
- Well, I did break the rules,
over and over and
then some more.
- I need to meet
you where you're at.
You did that for me time and
time again these past days.
Latrel told me why you
let her use your phone.
That was noble of you
helping a friend
and time of need.
And did a heck of a
job fixing the bench.
It means a world to me.
- I know it does.
Which is why I
didn't just fix it.
I also added a touch
I think you deserve.
- Thank you.
- I hope you don't
mind me inviting Shep
and the others to the dinner.
It's just their
pipes burst and I...
- Are you kidding?
Community service.
- It's why we choose to lead.
- Okay.
- All right, troop.
We're about ready.
- No meal is complete
without dessert.
Mother?
- Hello darling.
- Oh, the Queen.
- Oh no, no need.
Please rise, thank you.
One Juniper Squibby
Squibb called the pilot,
filled me in on the
good deed you are doing.
Well, if your father were here,
he would insist we top it
off with our classic festoon
and I have all the
ingredients right here,
including painted pine
cones for decoration,
if you'd let me help you.
- Squibby?
I think this belongs to
your nephew, Lawrence.
I'm sorry.
- I am very impressed
by how much you've grown.
At this mission you have in mind
with the ASL school,
it is truly an honorable one.
Your father would've
been so incredibly proud.
- You think so?
- Yes.
And I believe Wingravia
will be proud of you
when you are their queen.
- Before we dig in,
I just wanted to
say how grateful
I am tonight for all the cadets
and those loved ones
who can make it.
I'm especially grateful
to Princess Violet.
This dinner would not
have been possible
without your leadership,
humility and strength.
She accomplished what
she came here to do
and because of that,
I have decided to
graduate Princess Violet,
along with her fellow cadets.
- Captain Douglas, led us
in grace for our meals.
I'd like to do it tonight,
if that's all right, sir?
For this food and fellowship,
we are truly grateful
and we offer a special intention
for those who are
no longer with us.
In their honor,
may we not waste
one single moment
of the good life we still have.
- Amen.
- Amen.
Amen.
- It was a pleasure
meeting your mother.
- Guess now we've
both met the parents.
Isn't that right, Ry Ry?
- She offered me a royal
visit to Wingravia,
said there might be a
teaching opportunity available
at the Wingravian
Military Academy.
- Now there's an idea.
- May I have this
dance, Princess?
- You may, Captain.
Permission to kiss you?
- Permission granted.
Princess Violet!
The queen would like
you to represent her
at several Wingravian
Royal Christmas events.
- Oh, I would
if my hands weren't
completely full.
Mostly of chocolate.
- The Queen insist, ma'am.
So we'll begin with
a Christmas concert
by the Wingravian Hoopty Doos.
- If we must.
- Do they know instruments
have been invented?
- Oh, we were able to shift
my mother's schedule today
to include our
Christmas festoon bake.
- Actually, you highness...
- I just can't wait
for some alone time with her.
You know how hectic
this year has been and...
- Shhh!
- We can discuss that later.
Next up, the Sacred
Christmas tradition.
High tea with the Sisters
of Perpetual Grace.
- Can't wait.
- So tell us, Princess Violet,
what are your plans for the
country once you're queen?
- Oh,
so many plans.
Like
far too many.
I don't even know
where to begin.
- Well, I have several
very exciting suggestions
regarding infrastructure.
So if we were to pick
the bicycle lanes,
and widen them so they
could accommodate tricycles
and also...
- Oh, they must be getting
ready for festoon with mother.
- I'm not sure that's the cake.
- Filled in with some
organic material...
- I'm sorry sisters, but
royal business calls.
The queen and I have
important baking to do.
- Let's not jump to conclusions.
Your Highness!
Your Highness,
I am sorry to be the
bearer of bad news, but
the Queen's schedule, it's,
it's very full and...
- And what?
- She won't be joining
you for the festoon bake.
You see, other Queenly
duties have taken precedence.
- She's probably just
lost track of time.
I'll remind her.
Mother?
Hmm.
- I believe she's on a
palace tour with dignitaries.
- And why wouldn't she move
that from her schedule?
You know, when I'm Queen,
baking the festoon
will be the first thing
on my holiday timeline.
Ooh!
Looks good on me, right?
- Perfectly fine,
if you have no
respect for the crown.
Did you really walk out on the
Sisters of Perpetual Grace?
- I may have,
but I was more excited
for our festoon,
and for decorating it
with painted pine cones
like father liked it.
- Of course, he would darling.
But we don't always
get to do what we want.
Sometimes we must
do what is required.
- And quality time with your
daughter is not required?
Can we just bake
the festoon later,
just the two of us?
- If time allows.
Now sweetheart,
take off my crown and go
train with Sir Bafalis
for the Christmas tree ceremony.
If you are serious about
being Queen, then show me.
- All right, but when I'm Queen,
I'm doing away with all
these antiquated ceremonies.
- If.
- What do you mean if?
- If you are queen.
- Of course, I'm going
to become queen, mother.
Who else would be?
- Someone who takes the
responsibility seriously.
Do you have a royal mission yet?
- Does looking regal count?
- Every royal must
have a mission,
a focus that drives their reign.
For your father, it was
helping the less fortunate.
For me it is public health.
What is it for you?
Any ideas?
- Lots of ideas.
Many.
But uhm.
- But uhm?
What?
Where is the action?
Where is the follow through?
Violet, I don't have
doubts in your ability
and I know it's been a
difficult year for us both,
but please do try to
rise to the occasion
and if you want to be queen,
you must put in the work.
- Yes, mother.
I will go train
with Sir Bafalis.
- And ready for
tomorrow's Christmas tree
selection ceremony?
- Of course.
We'll be there bright and early.
- Late again is she?
- She's simply unreliable.
You are her uncle.
Can't you say something?
- I've tried.
How I have tried.
I love her dearly, but
it just doesn't
get through to her.
- Mm.
- Sir Bafalis.
Sir Bafalis, stop
being stubborn.
This way.
Nope, no, no.
This is not behavior becoming
of an honorary knight.
Come on.
Sorry for my tardiness, mother.
Sir Bafalis refused
to follow my orders.
Seems he does not respect
the chain of command.
- Nevermind dear.
Let's just get to the
matter at hand, shall we?
- By order of the
Queen of Wingravia,
Sir Bafalis, the
royal soothsayer
shall select the Christmas
tree for the town square.
- Right, Sir
Bafalis, that's you.
Right, this way.
Nope.
Nope, this way.
This way.
Come on, Sir Bafalis,
stop pulling.
Wait!
Um.
Oh, good choice.
Wait.
No.
Sir Bafalis, not
that little one.
Sir Bafalis, that's a mistake.
That's not our Christmas tree.
- By order of Queen Winifred,
Princess Violet and
Sir Reginald Bafalis,
the royal Christmas
tree has been chosen.
- Oh no wait, he's
still choosing.
- Sorry love, it is done.
- I will not tolerate
the lack of regard
for the secret ceremony.
Not to mention you
abandoning the nuns
or talking during
the whoop-di-doos,
and don't even try to tell me
that you trained Sir Bafalis.
- Alright, I thought
I could wing it...
- For goodness sakes, Violet,
you are next in
line to be queen.
Do you even know
what that means?
What that entails
to be a true leader?
There is no easy way out.
No blaming others.
No cutting corners.
It is difficult
and involves difficult
decisions like.
- Like what?
- Like looking for a new
successor to the throne.
- Father would have never
even considered that.
- Unless he thought
it necessary.
- But I want to be queen mother.
I do.
I,
I don't know why
I keep messing up.
- Winifred,
may I offer a teensy
suggestion for dear Vi?
- Go on then, Felix.
- This year has been tough.
I can see it in both your faces,
but watching your two
butt heads as it were,
perhaps that's not the solution.
You know, when I was
younger, I struggled.
Amidst all this opulence,
it's not always easy to build
the leadership qualities
required of our roles.
And so father sent me
to an American Military
Academy bootcamp,
but it was quite good for me.
I could find an academy for
Violet over the holidays.
- Oh, but I have plans with
Prince Scott over Christmas.
So.
- If Prince Scott truly cares,
he will wait for you.
We are putting Uncle Felix's
bootcamp plan into action.
- A bootcamp?
I mean a stiletto camp I
could consider, but boots?
- Prove to me
that you can be the strong
leader Wingravia needs,
not just for me darling,
for your father.
- I may be the
first princess ever
whose reign was
derailed by a goat.
- Not derailed yet.
You'll be Queeny someday.
- If I ace this
American bootcamp.
- I'm surely your commanding
officer will go easy on you.
Americans love to
fawn over royals.
- True.
But I am going to miss you.
- Of course you are.
Which is why.
- Scotty
Oh, a phone.
- So we can chat
without that Royal operator
monitoring our calls.
Now, how long will you be away?
- It's a 10 day bootcamp, so.
- We'll be sipping eggnog
in Ibiza Christmas morning.
- Whew.
This castle, always so chilly.
- Sure is.
- How bad can this be?
Chesterfield Military
Academy hosts a bootcamp
for future world leaders
and influential individuals
who want to develop
leadership skills
with immersive workshops.
Oh, immersive and holidays.
This could be amazing actually.
Oh, it will.
- I've heard the Americans
really go all out
with the Christmas cheer
and we'll be under the tutelage
of a prestigious
military commander.
So basically it's 10 days
of Top Gun meets
Oprah meets Santa.
I'm in.
I will miss you Sophie.
- Hmm.
- I wonder
who our esteemed
commander will be.
- I just put the pie in the
oven and heard a giant crash
and there is Bing Crosby
way up in my Christmas tree.
Every ornament was shattered.
So I'll be needing a refund.
- With all due respect, ma'am,
it's not Haney's
fault that your cat...
Can I get
someone in aisle four please?
We need customer
service on aisle four.
- Let me get my manager.
Mindy.
Yeah, welcome to Haney's.
Can I help you?
- Yes.
This mistletoe says
affection guaranteed.
But I totally struck out
at my holiday work party.
- I can't give you
a refund, sir, but
I think you might
have some better luck
on aisle 13.
Mouthwash.
Yeah, just that way.
Welcome to Haney's.
Can I help you?
- I bought a bunch of MREs
and none of them
have candy inside.
- Colonel Yates, what
are you doing here?
- Just checking on my troops.
The bigger question is,
what are you doing here?
I know it's been a minute since.
How you holding up?
- Just getting through.
- Now what'd you call this?
Whatever happened to your
plans to teach at West Point?
- Actually, I'm pretty sure I'm
not gonna be teaching anymore.
- You're kidding?
Half the eight years of your
service was as an instructor.
It's why I'm here.
Your alma mater
Chesterfield needs help
with the holiday
leadership bootcamp.
We're talking powerful
wealthy recruits,
many facing their final
opportunity for redemption.
An instructor dropped down
for duty reasons last minute.
I couldn't think of a
better replacement than you.
- I appreciate that sir.
I'm just not ready to go back.
But thank you for coming by.
Good seeing you, Ryan.
Aisle four please.
We need customer
service on aisle four.
- Actually, Colonel,
tell me more about those cadets.
- All the way from India.
Duke Sateane of Jalandhar.
Set to lead his home state,
this wealthy young man
needs to take a good
long look in the mirror
and not the way that
he normally does.
Marlena Li,
K-pop star whose second album
was expected to be as
big a hit as her first
until she rage fired
her entire staff.
Tucker Finch,
of the Falcons Fame.
- Your big Falcons
fan, if memory serves,
- I've lost a lot of friends
over my love of the Falcons,
which made it worse because
when this wide receiver
was benched for insubordination,
oh there went the championship.
Here's Noelle Latrel.
She's the daughter of a
billionaire tech guru.
All seems well with her, but
still waters run deep.
Now meet Bobby Bofa,
known as Bitcoin Bobby.
- Crypto bro who swindled
billions from investors?
- That punk owes
my nephew $6,400.
- Thank you.
- And who's this?
Princess
Violet Bell of Wingravia.
She's here to prove to her
mom that she can be queen.
- Get in line, all of you.
Welcome cadets.
I'm your commander
for the next 10 days.
During that time, you
will address me as captain
and I will address you as cadet.
This is former Army
Captain Juniper Squibb.
- You can call me Squibby.
I will be your cook, your
nurse, and your counselor.
You need anything,
you let me know.
And if you don't tick me off,
you'll have three square a day.
- You may be influential
in your specialist fields,
but you have each faced
challenges in self-control.
During your time here, I
will mold you into leaders
through three core components.
Class study on the
basics of leadership,
community service to remind
you why you choose to lead,
and finally, through physical
endurance and teamwork
by completing the Academy
Schooling obstacle course,
AKA, the shredder.
Do the work and
you will succeed.
Grab your things and let's move.
Hundreds of successful
leaders have emerged
from Chesterfield Academy.
Hopefully by the end of
this course, you will too.
- I don't mean to interrupt,
but this looks nothing
like the website.
- This way.
Your luggage will
be stored in here.
Everything you need
is in your dorm.
Phones, tablets go in this bin
to be behind lock and key.
- But without my tablet,
I'll lose my power
shopping status.
- For the next 10 days,
you will go without
your creature comforts
to focus solely on
your leadership skills.
- Thank you.
- That's you too, Bobby.
You got a phone?
- Does this dude even speak?
Oh look, if my agent calls,
tell him thanks for nothing
for putting me in here.
- You will have
separate barracks.
Squibby will help you settle in.
- Oh, I noticed a clear lack
of Christmas decorations.
Will they be put up soon?
- No.
- Oh, well can I add some?
Just a little Christmas cheer.
- I don't do Christmas cheer.
- Oof.
Someone's grinchy.
- Are you talking back
to a commanding officer?
- No, it's, it's
just that Christmas
is my favorite time
of year and I...
- Congratulations, princess.
You just landed your whole
crew in early morning doo-doo.
Instead of the 0500 wake up,
you will all
be getting up at 0415
for an early morning run.
- What?
- What?
- Rebelly, rebelly, fall out.
You want chow, get running now.
Let's go cadet.
Rise and shine,
time for that early morning run.
- I am a princess
and I command you to go away.
- Well, I'm your captain
and I command you to get up.
Let's go private Princess.
- Get away.
- Keep up, Princess.
Is that some sweat
I see forming there?
- Impossible sir,
because I don't sweat.
I glow.
Oof.
Grubs up.
- Finally, I'm starving.
- We stand for grace.
For this food and fellowship,
we are truly grateful
and we offer a special intention
for those who are
no longer with us.
In their honor, may we
not waste a single moment
of this good life we still have.
You may be seated.
- Um, is this the
breakfast spoon,
dessert spoon or coffee spoon?
- The spoon is a
spoon is a spoon.
You don't have to eat it.
- Its actually pretty good.
Bobby likes it too.
- Alright, listen up.
This is hallowed ground.
Some of the finest cadets
I ever had the
privilege of knowing
pass through these halls.
- You were a student here?
- Yes.
And after my military
service, also a teacher.
This place is like a home to me.
Now, some ground rules.
I'll keep it simple.
Trust is central.
No lying.
No outside calls or texts
and no guests on the property.
Failure to comply,
you fail the course.
Questions?
- Might I request a
different wake up system?
That cowbell was deafening.
And you know when my ladies
maid wakes me from slumber,
it's much more gentle.
- Whoa, hold up.
Ladies maids?
You're an actual princess?
- Oh yes.
And someday queen.
- Assuming she passes my course.
- Oh, I will, captain.
I'm capable and committed.
- Time will tell.
Eat up and clean up cadets.
See how y'all do when
we hit the books.
Leadership,
what is it?
- Oh, is this like one of those
charming American trivia shows?
I'll take I don't know
the answer for 500, Alex.
- This is not a game.
This is your life.
As a leader,
you are responsible for
those following your command.
That is not something
to be taken lightly.
It has consequences
of life and death,
as I know all too well.
- Excuse the
interruption, sir, but
what do you mean by that?
- This isn't about
me, it's about you.
How you perform here will
shape how you lead out there.
- My producer is the one who
should be taking this course.
I lead with my music.
He can handle the rest.
- You lead by example
and if this attitude
is your example
then you've got
a long way to go.
Now, turn your
text to page nine.
You'll silently
read this chapter
before we move on
to the next section.
- Sir,
I'm not quite familiar
with this whole
silent reading thing.
I generally listen to my books.
- You mean as in audio books?
- My aide, Cedric
reads all aloud to me
while I look at the pictures.
Oh, and mine's, mine's
missing pictures.
- Read the chapter, cadet.
- Welcome to your first
bout of community service.
Now this kitchen is
my hallowed ground.
Muck with it, answer to me.
Now today we are gonna
be baking cookies
for Chesterfield
Children's Hospital.
- That's wonderful.
What are we thinking?
A few dozen
- Try 500.
- I don't care for
baking, so maybe...
- We don't care
for your opinion.
- I think what the captain
here is trying to say
is that when you serve,
it is not about you,
it's about the community
you're helping.
Now I know that Christmas cheer
is not in the Captain's forte,
but this is for the kids.
Cookie cutters are here.
You got snowmen, Christmas
trees, candy canes.
And just keep in mind
that it's for a good cause.
- This is also an exercise
designed to teach you
to make something from
scratch working as a team.
I'm already on a team
and they're called the Falcons.
- Well then why didn't they
offer you a new contract?
Oh yeah, I know all about
your suspension for
insubordination.
And if you ask me,
no one cares a hoot
if you're on a team,
if you can't trust
the people around you.
- Well, the idea of
baking is very exciting.
- Great.
You're in charge.
- Me?
- Fresh ingredients
are in the pantry.
Get it done, Princess.
- It is good to
have you back, Cap.
It's a lot of water
under the bridge.
And I was sorry to
hear about Benji.
He was a good kid.
- And the great cadet,
the bench that Benji and I
built, is it still there?
- Yeah.
Seen better days.
And now let's gossip
about those cadets.
I know this ilk really
curdles your cheese.
- Half of them probably won't
even pass the course, but
what are you gonna do?
- They're flawed, but
at least they're trying.
- Fire!
- Oh my god.
What do we do?
What do we do?
- Don't do that, no.
- Stand back.
Stand back.
Squibbs, can you?
- Excuse me.
- We mis-set the temperature
in gradients of
Celsius, not Fahrenheit.
- Time of death, 1300 hours
- Pre-made cookie dough?
You raided Squibby
supplies and cheated?
- Don't look at us.
Princess power over
there was in charge.
- Well, they weren't mixing
like my royal chefs do, and
just seemed easier.
- That wasn't the exercise.
Create something from
scratch as a team.
How do you expect
to lead a country
if you can't even make
Christmas cookies?
- Because when I'm queen,
I'll have chefs on
hand at all hours.
- You're not going to be queen
if you don't do the work.
- I don't think
my future depends
on whether I burn
a snowman cookie.
- You're right, it depends on
a whole lot more than that.
Now you can all thank your
cookie dough princess once more.
You've all just landed
yourself in the shredder.
Buckle up cadets.
Day one of training is now.
- The shredder.
Zigzag through the
calf burning tire rung
of the rings of fire
before scaling the vertical
wall of Dante's peak.
Then fall backwards
in the fall from
grace trust exercise,
only to hit the deck,
the platoon belly crawl,
and finally seek resurrection
through the legendary ascent.
This is big kahuna.
You don't complete the course,
you don't pass.
Now let's move.
That's it, princess.
Go, go, go.
- Come on Bobby, you got this.
Can't you guide him in some way?
- Do better.
That's also financial advice.
This exercise, you
will each take turns
trusting your team to
catch you when you fall.
And fall you will.
Finch, you're up first.
- Ah, you, you know what?
I'm good.
I, I think I'll fall
from grace another day.
- Oh no.
This was designed for you.
- All right, okay.
- That-a-boy.
Easy does it.
- All right, come on Finch.
We are so ready.
- Yeah.
Who here don't you trust?
- This ain't happening.
- Okay, we'll work on that.
- You are one with the ground.
Dirt is beautiful.
And so are you.
- Whatever floats
your boat, Latrel.
Just keep going.
Move, move, move.
See,
it's easy.
- Any tips or tricks?
- Gravity's not your friend.
So who wants to go first?
Princess Violet, thank you
so much for volunteering.
You're up first.
- All right.
Yeah, I need a new rope.
Mine's not roping.
- Yeah, yeah, more
blah blah excuses.
- Excuse me?
- Just do the work.
- How dare you.
You keep telling
us to do the work,
but what exactly are you doing?
- I beg your pardon?
- You've just said
more blah blah excuses.
Is that you in your finest form
as a commanding officer?
- Cadet, it is not your place
to question my authority.
- Perhaps the Princess
has a point, sir.
- Is that right?
- You haven't exactly
been a ray of sunshine
and I hate sunshine.
- Your encouragement
is tepid at best.
Your enthusiasm
deserves a D minus.
I will grant you
your physique and
jawline are impressive.
But,
but, and perhaps worst of all,
you seem entirely
opposed to the idea
of spreading Christmas cheer
in this, the most
cheery of seasons.
- Okay.
Well I'm clearly out of line
and you all are just superstars.
I think we need a breather.
Hit the showers,
tomorrow's a new day.
- You said what we
were all thinking.
Well done.
- Alright, everyone in
and get yourself some rest.
Go.
Permission to enter?
- Come on in, Squibb.
- Apologies for not
interjecting there.
- Ah, none needed.
I'm fine.
- Well,
I always knew you
as an instructor
who was there for the cadets.
You went above
and beyond and now
you see me a little distant.
You know, Christmas cheer
was designed for
this kind of thing.
It brings people together
in an otherwise dreary season.
- We baked the cookies.
We know how well
that turned out.
- But that was coming from me.
Maybe it could come from you.
Look, all I'm saying is everybody
deserves a good Christmas.
Maybe we could look for
opportunities in that zone.
It'll help them.
Could help you too.
Dear mother,
I write to you all the way
from Chesterfield, Colorado,
where Christmas
dreams come true.
Bootcamp is more fun
than I ever expected.
You'd be so proud.
And the friends I make...
- Unhand me, peasant.
It's like they always say,
the real treasure is the
friendships we make along the way.
And I'm not just making friends,
I'm learning to lead by example.
And I'm so excited
to share more when I
return for Christmas.
We'll finally bake
father's festoon
and celebrate just
like we used to,
our happy family
together as it should be.
Soon enough. Mother, I love you.
Merry Christmas.
Violet.
- Who would like to do grace?
- I'll go.
Thank you all for this
opportunity to stay the course
and for Squibby's good
grub and no injuries.
And may my QB stop
overthrowing me on fade routes.
- Okay, thank you, Finch.
- Amen.
- Amen.
- Amen.
- Crushed it.
- Eat up.
And then thanks to an initiative
from our good
friend Squibb here,
today's community service
will be Christmas adjacent.
- Is that the same
as Christmas cheer?
- Baby steps.
We've been asked to
deliver Christmas trees
to the Chesterfield church.
- That sounds hard.
And I don't really like...
- Yeah, well that's life.
And
what is life without
a little holiday joy?
- Oh, I feel the joy
radiating already.
- No, I mean it.
Joy will be had.
I may even attempt to smile.
- Is that the best
you've got, captain?
Come on, you've got such
lovely pearly whites.
- Aww, that's it.
And how will this
community service work?
- There is a tree
for each pair of you.
You have your gloves.
Grab a tree.
You'll be carrying
them to the foyer
of the Chesterfield church.
- That's like three
miles from here.
Where's the cheer in that?
- Do you know how bark will
harm my French tip manicure?
- I do not.
- Carrying trees for that
long, that's unreasonable.
Even for you.
- Would it help if I gave the
command with a joyful smile?
- I don't mean to be
insubordinate, but...
- But.
No but, you wanted
Christmas, you got it.
Do the hard work, do it well.
Squibb and I are going
back to the academy,
then we'll all
meet at the church.
- I'll hand it to you,
at least you tried
to set him straight.
- That's all right.
If he wants to be like that,
we'll match fire with fire.
- Someone's coming.
Hurry.
Hurry, Bobby.
Hurry.
Go. Go, go, go.
- Bingo.
Is the name of this
moving company?
- No, not moving for Christmas,
but moving Christmas itself.
Well, the trees actually.
Can you put me through to Bingo?
- Can I ask,
why all the silence?
A vow?
Of silence?
Why?
Those I defrauded had
no voice in my crime.
So why should I
have a voice now?
- Perfect, thank you.
All right, who knew asking
to move Christmas trees
would be so confusing
for the man.
But we're good now.
Come on.
Thank you so much.
When we get to the church,
I need you to park as
close to it as possible
without being spotted.
- You got it?
- Perfect.
Let's go.
- What do you know?
- Ah, my arms hurt.
- I can't do it.
It's so heavy.
- Great job cadets.
Bring 'em on up here.
Now stand 'em up.
- Whoa.
Nice one, Cap.
- Thanks Finch.
Dirty gloves go in here.
These gloves don't
have sap on them.
Either somebody tells me
right now what happened
or I fail you all.
- Okay, that job was
a no-win situation.
You've had it in
for us from day one.
It's almost like
you're hoping we fail.
- I wouldn't say hoping but
waiting for the inevitable.
- Well, the wait
is over, Captain.
I quit.
Hello palace switchboard.
- Amethyst 3509.
Put me through to my
mother right away.
- Violet, are you all right?
- No, I'm coming home.
I quit, and that's
just how it is.
- I had hoped that
you'd learn something.
- I did.
I learned to crawl through dirt
and burn snowman cookies.
- You understand dear,
this makes it difficult
to name you my successor.
- Mother, I'm trying here.
- Trying's not
enough for a queen.
Have you found your mission yet
or are you just cutting
corners as usual?
- Well, I...
- Have you?
Answer me Violet.
Just come home dear.
- Lemme call you cab.
- I'm fine.
Airport's only a few miles.
- But I could...
- I said I'm fine.
Bye.
Hello?
Are you okay?
Are you hurt?
You are okay.
- That was pretty impressive
you pitching in like that.
And you know ASL.
Where did you learn?
- When I was small,
my father got too close
to some heavy artillery
and gradually lost his hearing.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
That was a big problem
when I was in Iraq as well.
I'll, I'll drive
you to the airport,
but before you go,
I know you have it
in you to do this.
- It's very kind
of you captain, but
you and my mother were right.
I'm nowhere close to
finding my mission
and left to my own devices,
I choose the path
of least resistance.
- That's not what I just saw.
That man needed help
and you stepped up
without hesitation.
That was brave.
Tells me there's an incredible
leader inside of you.
- Well, unfortunately,
that leader never
emerged during bootcamp.
So.
- I think that
might have something
to do with my teaching style.
- Do you really think I
could be a great leader?
- I do.
- Well as a potentially
great leader,
I think it could
really help morale
if we could decorate the
academy for Christmas.
- Unselfish request.
I concur.
- Why the change of heart?
- I'm not entirely a Grinch.
Just Violet convinced me.
- Oh, interesting.
- What?
- Nothing.
- Alright, cadets
have at it.
- Thank you, Captain.
Everyone,
I want to apologize
for my behavior.
Cheating to pass this course
kind of defeats the purpose.
In fact, in order to
celebrate our differences,
what if we make ornaments
from our unique cultures?
- Well, we ate popsicles as kids
and then make ornaments
out of the popsicle sticks.
We still do it.
- That's perfect.
As for me, my father and I
used to decorate
our baked festoon
by painting pine cones.
I'm going to go find some.
Sir,
permission to interrupt?
- Permission granted.
- Thank you for letting
us do Christmas.
- Nah, I should've let
you do it on day one.
- What brings you up here?
- This bench.
It's my retreat from everything.
Started building it
when I was a student.
Just fallen trees
from the woods.
I then had some
help improving it
from a former cadet years ago.
His name is Benji.
Great kid.
- It's beautiful.
- It's my duty to honor it.
- Any exciting
plans for Christmas?
- Going home to Wyoming
to visit my folks.
What about you?
- This holiday
season's different
from all the others before.
We had a loss in the family.
Traditions are
different this year.
- What kind of traditions?
- Well, baking a
festoon for one.
When I was small,
we'd always watch my
favorite Christmas movie,
"The Sound of Music".
- "The Sound of Music"
is not a Christmas movie.
Now "Die Hard"...
- "Die Hard" is not
a Christmas movie.
- "The Sound of
Music" is a love story
between Captain Von Trapp
and a irresponsible nun.
There's not an ounce of
Christmas in the whole movie.
- Well, I dunno, my,
my dad loved the
song "Edelweiss",
and he associated
it with Christmas.
Perhaps because they got
the wish to be together.
It's chilly up here.
Thank you.
- Dear friends,
let us give thanks
for morning sun,
for the shelter above
and for the food before us.
It is often lumpy,
lacking in flavor,
kind of tastes like the nasty
gruel from Oliver Twist,
and you shouldn't really...
- Marlena!
- Apologies.
What I mean is
we're
fortunate
for the food we have
and this group that allows us
to choose the path of light
rather than that
of all consuming,
eternally burning, soul
crushing venomous rage.
Amen.
- Amen.
- Amen.
- Come on, Captain, you can
make it through the whole word.
- Leadership through
Christmas cheer.
All right, all right, all
right, hold the applause.
Doing my best on the
whole cheer front.
It helps that the
holidays are filled
with the Chesterfield ethos
of teamwork and community.
Which is why today
we'll test just that.
You'll create a life
size Christmas tree
using nothing but this paper
and the supplies in this room.
And you'll do it together.
- Alright, team
locked and loaded.
Any ideas on where to begin?
We need a frame
to hold the paper.
What about the flag pole?
- I guess we could tape
the sheets together
to make stackable rings
for each level of the tree.
- Perfect.
Let's make it happen.
Watch where you're stepping.
- I can't help it, Finch's
elbow is in my face.
- It ain't my fault your
face is elbow worth.
- Oh, no, no, no.
You did not just say that.
- So what if I did?
What you gonna do about it?
- I'm gonna buy your team.
- I bet you won't.
- Stop!
- Whoa, the dude speaks.
- It's Christmas,
time where we shed
our petty differences,
forgive our minor foibles,
where even the crypto charts
take time off to rest,
where meme coins become merry,
Blockchains give
way to candy canes,
creating the warmth for a smile.
Grace of a kind gesture.
And the company of friends,
family,
even NFT hobblers.
Let's decentralize this and
work together to,
to add the final touch.
Now who's with me?
- I don't understand
what you just said,
but I'm in.
- Here, here, here, here.
Try this.
This.
It's a J hook.
Trap the rope.
Push down.
Hand over hand to climb.
Use the hook.
Wait on your feet.
- There must be an easier way.
- Easy?
That's not your way, is it?
- Right.
- Every inch at a time.
One inch at a time.
Hand over hand.
Keep going.
There you go.
You got it.
That's it.
Hey!
- I almost made it.
I can do this.
- Yes you can.
Keep working cadet.
- Sir, yes sir.
I'd love to be an elf.
- What are you doing here?
- Well, I hadn't heard
from you and I missed you.
Didn't you miss me too?
- I guess, but I've been busy.
- Sorry I didn't
reach out earlier.
But tell me, how
is this bootcamp?
- It's been tough,
but also amazing.
We've all come such a long way.
I mean, there's no way I
thought I could do Dante's Peak
and Ryan, Captain Ryan.
He taught me this J Hook.
But honestly, the belly crawl
is probably the hardest part...
- That sounds disgusting.
Which is why
I've come to rescue you.
- What?
No.
We graduate in two days.
I'm not going anywhere.
- Not even zo match
for a ski trip?
- Scotty, I need to
pass this bootcamp.
I want to be queen.
- And here I thought
you hated hard work.
- I did.
But now I may like it.
And I have a huge
day tomorrow, so
I think you should go.
- But I came all
this way to see you.
- Do you even care
that you being here
could get me expelled?
- But I thought you'd
want me to rescue you.
- I don't need to be rescued.
- All princesses
love to be rescued.
- Not this one.
And if you can't see that,
then you are dismissed.
- You'll regret this.
I'm the best thing that's
ever happened to you.
- Well, now I know for
sure I did the right thing.
All right.
- Hey mom.
- Ah, hi, Ry.
Oh, you look well.
Thanks.
Can you turn the camera
around so I can see your tree?
Ooh.
- No, he other way, Mom.
Oh, dad did such
a nice job of the lights.
- Oh hi, Mr. Bubbles.
- You know, I am so proud of you
for getting back on the
teaching saddle just the same.
Are the new cadets
being helpful?
- Help isn't really
their strong suit,
but they've improved for sure.
- Oh, don't get mad at me.
I just have to ask.
- No, I'm not seeing anyone.
- No one, oh.
Oh, well then who is
that stunning woman
crawling across your floor?
- Violet?
She...
- I was just
looking at the stars
and I, I got locked out.
- Oh.
Ryan used to spend
hours on the lawn
staring at the stars too.
And since Ry Ry here has
forgotten his manners.
Hello dear.
I'm Mrs. Douglas.
I'm Ryan's mother.
- Pleased to meet
you, Ms. Douglas.
- Did you just curtsy?
Gilbert, come quickly.
Ry Ry is dating
and she's lovely.
- Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Princess, Cadet Violet
and I are not dating.
I repeat, we are not dating.
She is in training here,
and she's really cold
right now from her
stargazing adventures.
So we are gonna get
off the call now, Mom.
Oh, at the very least,
invite her to Wyoming
for Christmas.
- No, I'm her
commanding officer.
That is against the rules.
Okay, bye.
Oh.
- How did you get in here?
Let's get you by the fire.
- Okay.
- You climbed up the drain pipe?
- Yep.
Just like you showed me.
By the way,
I see you've been digging
into your advent calendar.
- Oof.
One of my few cheats.
I haven't been
able to resist 'em
since I was a kid, actually,
- You'll never believe it, but
I do the same.
- Hmm.
- Since I was small.
And I love how
during the holidays we
reach into our past and
bring forward all these
meaningful traditions.
- I wish when we
reached into the past,
we only brought the
good things forward.
- Why did you stop teaching?
- Remember that talented cadet
I told you about
from years back?
Benji.
- The one you built
the bench with?
- Yeah, that's right.
When he graduated,
I
Pulled a favor and asked
that he be assigned
to the Pacific division
to keep him out of Iraq.
Well, when Benji
found out I did that,
he was
very angry.
I was only trying to
protect him, but he
took it to mean that I didn't
think he could handle it.
I said some things I regret.
And
that was the last time we spoke.
Benji went to Iraq and
didn't make it back.
I quit teaching,
put the military behind me.
And
I haven't really been able to,
I don't know,
open up too much since.
- I know what it's like
to self-sabotage when
the alternative is just
terrifying.
That's probably
what led me here.
The family loss I went through,
it was my father last Christmas.
- I'm sorry.
- It rattled me,
left me lost,
messing up my duties,
not giving myself a chance to
successfully fill his shoes.
I think because I was afraid
to accept he's really gone.
Seems fear's been
keeping us both
comfortably numb.
I don't think my father
would've wanted that.
- I don't think
Benji would either.
- Thank you all for
this fantastic food
and for these new friendships.
Some loud,
some quiet,
but all meaningful.
And in conclusion,
thank you for Squibby and
her excellent cooking.
May it provide the
strength we need
to stand up for ourselves.
Amen.
- Amen.
- Amen.
- Amen.
- And by the way, fam,
anyone mucking in
my kitchen at night?
I saw some muddy tracks
on my freshly mopped floor
by the back door.
- Jacob Marley's
ghost strikes again.
- Well, whoever it is,
remember it's hallowed ground.
- Indeed.
Okay, cadets,
retired Colonel Jimmy Shepherd,
the man Vi saved days ago,
wanted to thank her by hosting
us for some Christmas cheer
at the old veteran's home.
Need to wear your holiday best.
I'll open up the luggage locker.
- I'm Lorna, the
veteran's home den mother.
You must be Captain Ryan.
- Yes.
These are the cadets.
This is retired
Captain Juniper Squibb.
- Hi.
- US Army Desert Storm.
- Thank you both
for your service
and it's a pleasure
to meet you all.
Which one is Violet?
We can't thank you enough
for helping Colonel Shepherd.
We call him Shep.
You can say hi.
- Let's give these vets
something to remember.
Page seven in your books.
- At ease, cadets.
I've got this next piece.
I know some may not consider
this next one a Christmas song,
but I've just learned
there are some that do.
So
Here it goes.
- Wake up.
It's December 23rd.
Time to conquer the
shredder and graduate.
- I would respond with an insult,
- but I'm working on myself.
- Did you fold my clothes?
- Folded and pressed.
Chop chop.
- I would like to thank
you all for reminding me
that despite my
power shopping status
perfectly groomed cuticles,
and alarmingly good looks.
- Okay, all right, come on.
- There's more to life
than just the superficial.
It's comradeship,
friendly competition,
and sometimes just
silent companionship.
On this day, shredder day,
I would like to give a
deep thank you to you all.
- Well said, cadet.
Now eat up all of you.
Lord knows you're
gonna need the energy
for what's coming next.
This is it.
The final challenge.
Each section must be fully
completed in order to graduate.
- I better graduate.
My mother flies in
for grad tonight
- On your mark.
Remember left foot over
right with the J hook.
Then hand over hand.
- Right?
I'm very nervous.
- I can tell.
Cadet,
you got this.
There's that smile, Marlena.
Better pace yourself, Finch.
Go, go, go, Princess, no wait.
High knees, Sateane.
Go, go, go.
- Yay, Bobby!
- That-a-boy, Bobby!
- Woo!
- We've got you, don't panic.
- You can do it.
- You can do this.
- Come on.
- Alright.
Believe in you, come on, man.
- Finch, Finch, Finch, Finch!
- We got you.
- I'm alive.
- You did it.
- Get it, buddy.
- Keep going, troop.
- Go, go, go, go.
Go.
- Hey, muscle through
the crawl, cadet,
muscle through the crawl.
- Go.
- Last section coming up.
Move, move, move.
Looking good.
All right.
- Come on, Vi.
- You got this, Vi
- Come on.
- Let's go, Vi.
- You can do it.
- You got this, Vi.
All you.
All you.
- There we go.
- Keep going.
- You can do it.
Come on.
- Come on, Vi.
- Come on, Vi.
- Let's go.
Just like that.
- Hang on, Vi.
- You got it.
- Good recovery.
- Eye on the prize.
Almost there.
Almost there, Vi.
- Congratulations, Cadet Violet.
You just passed bootcamp.
Yeah.
- Hey.
Are you okay?
- It's just my,
whole thing with my dad.
I mean, I'm so proud of
how far we've all come.
I want him to acknowledge it.
It's silly, but
I want him to be there for me.
Not just his work,
his new wife, his
new life.
That's why I'm here.
I thought if I learned
how to be a leader,
I could stand up
for myself for once.
- That's not silly.
You deserve that.
And maybe it's time
you let him know
how you really feel.
- I just get so nervous.
Confrontation's
never really been me.
- Call him,
invite him to grad.
- I couldn't.
What if he says no?
- Then you tell
him how you feel.
Tell him how it hurts you.
But maybe let's find
a more private spot.
Come on.
- It would just mean
so much to me, dad,
for you to meet everyone
and see what we've done here.
Oh, well, come on your own then.
Take the jet.
No, I understand.
If she needs you for
her bridge tournament,
then she needs you.
- Muscle through
the crawl, Cadet.
You can do this.
- Actually, dad, wait.
If I'm being honest,
I don't understand it.
I don't understand how
you've tossed me aside,
how you've spent your life
focused on spreadsheets,
board meetings, and
now your new wife,
but you've been blind
to what matters most.
If you wanna prioritize
a bridge tournament
over your own daughter's
graduation, then do it.
I am standing strong,
loud and proud,
the leader I know I am.
- You did it.
You did it.
- Oh, that's not good.
- No, you don't understand.
This isn't just any bench...
- Cadets.
- Are you holding a phone?
Back to your barracks, cadets.
That's an order!
- It was an accident, honestly.
I was helping Latrel...
- With a phone that was
forbidden on day one.
Is that how you ordered the
truck to move those trees?
What else?
What else aren't you telling me?
- My ex-boyfriend,
he visited the
night before last,
but I broke up with him.
- Here on campus?
- In the kitchen.
Those were his muddy tracks.
How I got locked out.
- You had the chance to tell
me the truth the other night
and you didn't.
Trust,
loyalty,
they're pillars of
this institution.
After all this,
I simply can't pass you.
I'm sorry, but you're dismissed.
- Ryan, I...
- That's Captain Douglas, cadet.
I know this means
you won't be queen,
but you've made your own bed.
- Thank you, Captain Douglas.
- But Violet, I've
traveled all this way.
What do you mean
you're not graduating?
You were yesterday.
- I know, I know, and
I thought I was, but
it's not happening.
- Oh, Violet, I'm so...
- Disappointed.
I'm sure.
This time is different.
I have some really
exciting ideas about...
- Violet.
It is not different.
You are simply
incapable of change.
I should pack.
Sydnee, let's pack.
- I'd like to finish
what I was saying.
I did this bootcamp
as you wished,
and even though I didn't pass
and I'm not going
to become queen,
I found my mission.
I have some really exciting
ideas about opening a school,
a school for the deaf
to honor a father.
And I don't need to be
queen to do that, but
I was hoping that
we could do it together.
- Those are encouraging
words darling,
but sadly, that's all they are.
Words.
Tell the pilot to
get the jet ready.
I have an unheard of amount
of work to do on the flight.
- Would you stop?
Stop mom.
Stop masking your pain
with busyness and
just look at me.
This is our first
Christmas without Father,
a time that used to
mean the world to me.
And it's as if all you
see are my failures.
Do you not see that
I'm grieving here?
Can you not see that
you are grieving?
I need some air.
- I know it was the
right thing to do,
but I can't help but think
I could have done more
to set her up for success.
That's on me.
- Pardon me for saying so,
but I don't think
this is the first time
that you took
responsibility for something
that wasn't your fault.
You know, when I first
enlisted and went to overseas,
my mom so mad at me,
but nothing was gonna
stop me from serving.
Benji, he was a grown
man and I reckon
that nothing was
gonna stop him either.
You don't have to forget him,
but maybe the best way
of honoring his sacrifice
is by living your best life.
Since it is Christmas,
consider some grace for those
who aren't entirely perfect.
- Violet.
- Lorna, Merry Christmas.
- I'm surprised to
see you in town.
Aren't you prepping for
the graduation tomorrow?
- I'm afraid not.
I won't be there.
- Oh, what happened?
- How much time do you have?
- Actually, not a ton.
I'm doing a cocoa run
for Shep and the vets.
Our pipes burst and
the kitchen is down.
- On Christmas Eve?
That's awful.
What will you do for dinner?
- Good question.
I am out of ideas.
- But I may have one.
- What's going on in here?
Who's responsible for this?
- Sir?
I can tell you who's
responsible for this.
It's Vi.
- What are you doing?
- It's okay.
She asked me to tell Ryan.
- She did?
- And to tell you that
she'd like to talk.
That you'd know
where to find her.
- Didn't know you were
the handy woman type.
- Me neither.
Turns out I am,
just a wee bits of elbow grease.
- I,
I reacted harshly.
- Well, I did break the rules,
over and over and
then some more.
- I need to meet
you where you're at.
You did that for me time and
time again these past days.
Latrel told me why you
let her use your phone.
That was noble of you
helping a friend
and time of need.
And did a heck of a
job fixing the bench.
It means a world to me.
- I know it does.
Which is why I
didn't just fix it.
I also added a touch
I think you deserve.
- Thank you.
- I hope you don't
mind me inviting Shep
and the others to the dinner.
It's just their
pipes burst and I...
- Are you kidding?
Community service.
- It's why we choose to lead.
- Okay.
- All right, troop.
We're about ready.
- No meal is complete
without dessert.
Mother?
- Hello darling.
- Oh, the Queen.
- Oh no, no need.
Please rise, thank you.
One Juniper Squibby
Squibb called the pilot,
filled me in on the
good deed you are doing.
Well, if your father were here,
he would insist we top it
off with our classic festoon
and I have all the
ingredients right here,
including painted pine
cones for decoration,
if you'd let me help you.
- Squibby?
I think this belongs to
your nephew, Lawrence.
I'm sorry.
- I am very impressed
by how much you've grown.
At this mission you have in mind
with the ASL school,
it is truly an honorable one.
Your father would've
been so incredibly proud.
- You think so?
- Yes.
And I believe Wingravia
will be proud of you
when you are their queen.
- Before we dig in,
I just wanted to
say how grateful
I am tonight for all the cadets
and those loved ones
who can make it.
I'm especially grateful
to Princess Violet.
This dinner would not
have been possible
without your leadership,
humility and strength.
She accomplished what
she came here to do
and because of that,
I have decided to
graduate Princess Violet,
along with her fellow cadets.
- Captain Douglas, led us
in grace for our meals.
I'd like to do it tonight,
if that's all right, sir?
For this food and fellowship,
we are truly grateful
and we offer a special intention
for those who are
no longer with us.
In their honor,
may we not waste
one single moment
of the good life we still have.
- Amen.
- Amen.
Amen.
- It was a pleasure
meeting your mother.
- Guess now we've
both met the parents.
Isn't that right, Ry Ry?
- She offered me a royal
visit to Wingravia,
said there might be a
teaching opportunity available
at the Wingravian
Military Academy.
- Now there's an idea.
- May I have this
dance, Princess?
- You may, Captain.
Permission to kiss you?
- Permission granted.