Star-Crossed Romance (2022) Movie Script
1
20 points! Our very own
Denver Gold down 20 points
in the first half.
It was getting down to the wire.
And they needed some
big defensive plays.
Okay, folks.
Check out this replay,
look at LaShawn here.
Just lets the ball pass!
He's moving so slow!
Somebody get this guy
a Zimmer frame.
Thankfully, we had
MVP Garreth to unleash his...
- Unstoppable force.
- unstoppable force.
I'll tell you this,
when he's gunning for that hoop,
I do not want to be in his way.
Although, give me a shot,
maybe I could take him.
He's gotta pick up the pace
if the Gold
are gonna get better
with starts.
Make dinner, check.
We all know that the Gold
have the components
heading into this
championship series.
And in my opinion? Garreth
is the best hope we've got.
Oh, hot, hot!
Unless...
- You sub me in, of course.
- you sub me in, of course.
But I've said it before
and I'll say it again:
what matters most is supporting
who we have at home.
Mom! Diner's ready!
The Denver Gold!
I'm Piper Alvarez,
and as always,
I love keeping you...
In the Hoop!
Hey, sleepyhead.
Mom?
What are you doing?
You gotta stop falling asleep
on the couch.
I was watching the game,
and I tried to wait up
for you, but...
Oh, yeah? What'd you think,
Ollie? How'd I do?
You were great.
But LaShawn needs to work
on his follow through,
or coach should bench him.
Careful, ruthless.
You're gonna take my job.
Uh... Sure.
Then you can go call baseball!
Baseball? Clever.
You finish your history
homework?
Um...
It's a group project.
And the others haven't
started yet, so...
So, I am your mom,
I care what you do.
Don't let them drag you down.
Come on, up. Bed.
Being independent
guarantees your success.
Take care of yourself
and nobody can
take that away from you.
Yup, I got the t-shirt, okay?
Well, if you listened to me,
I wouldn't have
to repeat myself.
I wouldn't have
to repeat myself.
I wouldn't have
to repeat myself...
Mom! Stop.
Goodnight, Oliver.
I love you.
- I love you.
- Oh, brush your teeth!
Or I'll put you on the bench.
Catch.
I think it's best that
you stick to basketball.
You.
I have created a monster.
Okay, Bex, so we've got
the run-through at 11:00.
And you're gonna move
the meeting with the staff team
to tomorrow, right?
Oh, and you'll set up
the interview with
the mascot union?
And we've got Garreth's
birthday, don't forget.
Don't worry! I'll take care
of everything, bossy boss.
Thank you, Bex. Just get
Garreth a giant fruit basket
and a giant card sign.
"Happy Birthday, baller.
From Piper."
Oh, he does love
dry fruit baskets.
You gave Harlow the exact
same thing last month.
Oh.
Morning, my little genius!
Your Mom says you're
kicking school's butt!
Yeah.
Bex, while you're out,
do you mind grabbing...
I'll get you more coffee.
Black, like my soul.
Of course.
You're too good to me.
Bye honey, I love you!
Wait, wait, Mom, uh...
Can I ask you something?
Uhoh. Do I need a lawyer?
No! Just um...
If you want,
in a couple of weeks...
The finals, yes, I know.
If you wanna come,
you have to have no assignments,
and straight As.
No, no, no, that's not what
this is about.
Sorry, honey, I gotta...
One second.
Bex, what's up?
Uh, Honey, I gotta go.
I love you!
Have a great day, bye!
Uh-oh.
Is mommy too famous
to listen to you?
Must be hard when
your mom's a celebrity.
Hi, Anya. Bye, Anya.
Aww.
Dost thou not laugh?
No, for I'd rather weep.
Hey! I wasn't done making
fun of you!
We're on in three minutes!
We'll be there!
And good to go!
Uh, no! Piper,
get to the good bits!
Point guard Ryan Ricks
got divorced.
I should just have to talk
about the game.
Well, heartbreak shakes up
every aspect of someone's life!
But... I could turn it
around for him.
No, no, no.
Do not date a player,
they're all players.
But again, so is every
single man on planet Earth!
You don't get a say,
you won't date anyone.
I'm gonna keep searching
for my Prince Charming.
Don't kiss any toads!
Never works.
Ah, Piper! "T'is better
to have loved and lost,
than never
to have loved at all!"
You know who loves that quote?
Divorce lawyers.
Hey, finding love
can be scary,
but it's definitely
worth the risk.
I mean, think about Ricks.
He fits my Prince Charming mold:
tall, handsome-ish.
And he's got a huge... 401K.
Oh, my gosh!
That 401k was funny, girl.
I know!
Here comes your other Prince.
Christopher!
- Oh! How do I look?
- Unhinged, as always.
Look out! There he is!
Uhoh! Here I am!
There's a wild CEO on the loose,
am I right?
Well, you pay me enough
to say, "You're always right".
You're so funny, Piper!
Okay, I've got some updates
I need you to weave in:
Connor's gonna be a father,
a baby girl;
and Garreth,
he's getting engaged again.
Come on, Chris.
People don't watch my show
for gossip. They tune in
for game recaps, updates...
And for you!
'Cause you're so amazing!
And because you're so good,
you're gonna be able
to slip in those lifestyle
updates, no dramas, right?
- But, I'm thinking...
- You're killing' it!
Keep this up, crush the finals,
and maybe a certain someone
will have some exciting offers
on the table.
Her own national sports
panel show, a hall of fame?
Who knows?
My own national panel?
A hall of fame?!
You're killing' it, too!
Like a C-E-Oh, my gosh,
you're so good!
Rein it in, Bex.
Ah, thank you...
Flexi.
- It's Bex!
- One minute! Clear the stage!
- Alright, I'm good. Thanks.
- Okay.
Hello? One sec.
It's Oliver's school.
Some sort of emergency?
I don't know.
Hello, is Oliver okay?
The Principal's office? Why?
He got in a fight?!
We're live in five, four...
With a girl?!
- Piper, you're on!
- What the hell...
Hello there, Denver! We've got
some wild updates for you.
Hope you're sitting down.
Excuse me?! Piper Alvarez.
My son...
Yeah. You can wait in
the hall, I'm not quite ready.
No, I got a call.
I've got a call as well, see?
I'm on the phone,
I will talk to you
when I'm done being
on the phone.
Wait in the hall, thank you.
Wow! Oh!
Careful. Don't fall.
Yes. Great. Thank you. Um...
- Erik
- Erik. Yes.
Thank you. Oh! I'm Piper.
You can stop thanking me.
Yes. Yup, I can.
Thank you?
Right.
Sorry about Joan.
She can get a bit little...
Unbelievably rude?
But pretty good at being direct.
Exactly what I was gonna say.
So what, are you in for,
"caught chewing gum again"?
Uh... Not exactly.
Mr. Rosen. Ms. Alvarez.
Come on in, please.
Come on in! Quickly!
- Oh, just...
- Don't run. Quickly!
Your children have been
in my office all morning.
What's happening?
Where's Oliver?
Where is Anya?
Anya and Oliver were
in a physical altercation
this morning.
What?!
Mmhmm.
They are being checked out
by the nurse.
Because they were pushing
and shoving and eye-poking.
No blood, nothing broken.
Just a little bruise.
Minor as this was,
a fight is very, very serious.
The issue right now is that
neither student is
admitting fault.
Well, it isn't Anya.
I've instilled
good family values.
Safety, respect, honesty.
Way to go, Father of the Year.
Look, Oliver is
a straight-A student.
Plus, he's not about
to hit a girl!
Ms. Alvarez, this is
the first time that I've...
seen you at the school?
And?
And I'm not sure where
I was going with that.
Mr. Rosen, I see you here
every single day.
Mh-mm. That's because
I take an interest
in my child's education
and make sure
that they're safe all the time.
Oh, please.
Be that as it may, I will not
tolerate violence in my school.
My policy is very, very clear.
I have no choice:
Anya and Oliver will
both be suspended.
Unless...
Come on, Joany!
Okay. First of all,
my name is Joan.
And secondly, in this office,
it really does need
to be Principal Hosen.
Principal Hosen...
Unless what?
Well, this is the first time
either student has been
in trouble.
And I am aware that being
single parents is no easy task.
But you two, you both need
to have some healthier
involvement in
your children's schooling.
Great, what's that mean?
A donation?
A donation?
No, not a donation.
Anya and Oliver share
one mutual extra-curricular.
And I want you two
to see to its success.
The two of you are going
to work together
to help produce
Romeo and Juliet.
Wait? What?
No, Oliver's an academic,
he's captain
of the basketball team.
He's not in a play...
Oh, oh.
That's very surprising.
Not in a play? Boo! Surprise!
He was cast as Romeo last month.
Something you should know.
Yes, Mr. Rosen?
Okay, you said,
"work together"?
- I did indeed.
- I'm on the PTA.
- I'm aware.
- I'm a room parent.
- Yes, you are.
- I'm even in the cafeteria!
Everyday while I'm having
my lunch.
I can take care of Anya,
and do this whole show
by myself.
Yeah, actually,
that's a great idea.
I'm all for that. Go Erik!
No, no! Hey, come on.
I'm running the show here.
Absolutely not.
You will work together on this,
and this alone,
which means no PTA for Mr. Erik.
Or both children are suspended.
End of discussion.
I've hit the pear,
end of discussion.
- Fine.
- Fine.
Fine. Good. Fantastic news.
Pardonnez-moi!
I'd like to say
a little something,
given that I am
the creative visionary here!
This is Mr. Lane,
our dramatics teacher.
I don't want my show
trifled with by amateurs.
But a certain someone...
said that if I don't agree,
I'm gonna lose my parking spot
for my Vespa.
So, you will work
to my specifications.
That's a little much, Leslie.
Detailed sketches
of the sets, props,
and costumes for
my steampunk, hip-hop,
reimagining:
Romeo and Juliet, 3000!
It will be perfect
for opening night,
you only ever get one.
Unless we take the show
on the road?
No, no.
My humble request denied.
Good luck.
You're gonna need it.
This is gonna be fun.
No, did you not just see him?
This is not going
to be fun at all.
It is a punishment.
Also, I'm a big, big fan.
I have been since
the beginning of your career.
- Mm-hmm.
- Okay, you may go.
Go! We're done.
I said I was sorry.
Oliver Alvarez.
I just don't understand.
You never mentioned any tension
with this Anya girl.
It doesn't matter!
There's no tension.
Oh, right. I forgot.
You always get into fights
with completely random people.
Let alone some little girl!
She's not that little.
Oliver Paul. Hey.
Don't box me out.
If something's wrong,
talk to me.
Mom, Principal Hosen
already gave us
a stern talking to. We're fine.
Everything's taken care of.
No. Not everything.
You didn't talk to me,
and then you got in a fight,
now I have take time out
from prepping for my show,
which puts a roof over
your head, by the way,
during the busiest time
of the entire season,
so I can help out with
some robot romance rap musical
that you didn't even
tell me about,
all so you don't get suspended!
Great instant-replay, Alvarez.
So?
So?
So my handsome boy is Romeo.
The ultimate romantic!
Who kills himself, right?
Pretends to.
Well, better be pretend.
Ollie.
You've never kept a secret
like this from me, buddy.
Just... forget about it, okay?
Oliver, I am proud of
everything you succeed at.
You should've told me!
Yeah, because independence
leads to success, right?
- Oliver.
- Take care of yourself
and nobody can take that
away from you.
- Hey!
- I'm going to go do homework.
Oliver!
Bex? Hope you're sitting down.
I've got some updates for you.
Huh.
This time, cookies.
Best neighbour ever.
I got you.
I just don't get it.
You know, I'm the driving force
behind the craft fair,
I did the all picket signs
when Anya's class
was doing the suffragettes.
I just really think that
I can do this on my own.
Oh, Erik.
You are one stubborn man.
No, I am one caring father.
Ah! Potato, tomato.
Maurice! Anya still needs me.
She's 13!
She needs you to give her money
and leave her alone.
Trust me.
One wife, three daughters.
I learned my place pretty quick.
All you gotta do now is...
Make sure she makes
the right choices.
I was gonna say
support her choices,
but whatever works.
I do support her,
by being there all the time!
But now the Principal's
relegated me
to this one simple thing.
It's like she finds me annoying
or something.
I Can't imagine why...
And I have to do this
with the other kid's mom,
who I can already tell isn't
gonna be easy to work with.
She stubborn too?
Yes!
She pretty?
- I mean... Yes, but...
- She single?
Maurice! I know Piper's type.
She's not gonna care about this
the way that I do.
She's just gonna complain
and get in the way.
Well, I wouldn't want
to get in the way
of you talking about me.
- Uh...
- Anya let us in.
We were just, I was...
Trying to see if your foot
can fit in your mouth?
I get it.
Why don't we get to whatever
it is we're doing, shall we?
Sooner we're done,
sooner I can get back to work,
and you can get back to saying
such nice things about me.
I'll leave you to it.
Play nice!
Thanks, Maurice.
I... have a little bit more
wood I've just gotta get
from beside the house.
Yeah.
If you've got other things
to do, you can go.
Oh it's fine, it's fine.
We can knock this out in what,
an hour? Two?
Come back tomorrow.
Paint it. Done.
I wish...
Dad!
Uh, we don't have
to build stuff, right?
Uh...
We're not the ones
in detention.
I mean, I can help
build stuff, but...
Mr. Fridman gave us
some homework
that's due in a couple of days,
and I don't know,
I should probably get
to that because...
Uh, I'm gonna go watch
Gazzy stream.
She's going live soon.
You watch Gazzy? The streamer?
I've watched her gameplay
a couple times, it's crazy.
We're gonna go do homework.
Uh! You guys should stay
out here.
At opposite ends of the yard.
Where we can see you.
It's homework, Erik.
They're going to play nice.
Please play nice!
Shall we get started?
So, have you built ever
made a set
or worked with power tools?
I mean, it's okay
if you haven't.
I can teach you.
Or it would just be faster
if I did it.
Thank you, Erik!
That is so helpful.
What a gentleman.
But when we get a few steps
down the line,
you're gonna have to replace
the pad on your belt sander.
Abrasive's a bit worn.
My dad had a woodshop
growing up.
He pretty much built every piece
of a furniture in our house.
I picked up a couple things.
Not afraid to get messy,
tough guy.
Okay, okay. I see.
Well, I happened to work
in carpentry
right out of high school, so...
I also picked up a few things.
Course you did.
So, why don't we get
started with...
Oh! Swords. There. Done.
I can take care of that.
Uh, I can take care of that.
If you just wanna pass me
the tools, I can do that.
Sure, yeah, of course!
Just pass me that pencil?
Thanks.
You know,
you can sand the swords
after I've finished
cutting them out.
Sort of like a
"I wash you dry" situation.
Sorry, I wasn't listening.
I was too busy
starting the work.
I mean, someone's got to.
Uh...
That's actually pretty, uh...
It's pretty...
Amazing? The best? Yeah.
Sorry if I'm
"getting in the way."
We'll see about that. Okay.
Whoever's is better...
Because they've been involved
in their kid's schooling
and theatrical experience
takes charge.
What do you say?
You're on.
I'm gonna be the most involved
parent there ever was.
Oh! I've already got
that trophy.
I bet you do.
Show time, Ernie.
- And it's Erik by the way.
- I know.
- With a K.
- Hmm.
- Easy over there.
- I got it, captain,
give up.
Are our parents fighting?
And to think the Principal
gave them the talking too.
My Mom's pretty competitive.
And it looks like
your Dad is, too.
As long as he's leaving me
alone instead of forcing me
to live inside bubble wrap,
I'm good.
It's a pretty good
distraction, actually.
Mom's not demanding
I finish homework
three years before it's due.
You know, if we keep them
distracted with each other...
We're free to do
whatever we want.
I might even read
a graphic novel!
- I might run with scissors!
- Please don't do that.
No promises.
The stream starts in a sec.
Let's go.
Alright.
This is gonna be good.
Anya!
Got you, Romeo.
No, no!
You can have two nosebleed
tickets with 10 % off.
I don't just give court side
tickets away!
You think I run a charity here?!
Get a grip of yourself!
Come in!
Okay, okay, Mom.
I gotta go.
I'll see you at home.
Christopher! My favorite guy
in charge of payroll.
Ooh. A zinger from Alvarez.
She shoots...
She scores!
It's not snowing outside?
Hmm? Oh, yeah. Sawdust.
I was helping build...
You know what, doesn't matter!
What's up? Bex said
you wanted me to stop by
before setting up for the show.
Yes! Glad you came by.
Now, you know you're doing
a great job.
Numbers are up,
you're huge on socials.
The fans are obsessed with you,
I'm obsessed with you.
I tell people all the time,
"That Alvarez is amazing,
the best! She can do no wrong!"
Thank you, thank you.
But I wanna talk about
what you did wrong.
I couldn't help but notice
on the last show
your little slip-up
as we went live.
I know! I'm so sorry.
My son's school called and...
It doesn't matter...
No, it does not!
Those pesky kids!
Always getting in the way.
You don't have kids, do you?
And I thank my lucky stars
every day.
So do I.
You wanna know
what's important?
My next point. Garreth.
Oh! Garreth, Garreth, Garreth!
He's crushing it.
And he just had
his little engagement! So sad.
And now, he's retiring.
What? Garreth's retiring?!
I know, I know! Shh.
We've gotta to keep it
under wraps.
They're gonna have a huge press
conference after his last game.
But this puts
a lot of pressure on me.
I've gotta come up with
this huge presentation
with the highlight reels
and photos.
It's a huge task
and I've got so much
on my plate already! God!
Wow, it's almost like you want
someone else to take on
this massive,
last-minute responsibility.
You'd do that, Alvarez?
You're so good!
You're so good!
I would, I would. I want to.
I just have a lot going on
outside work right now, so...
Oh, I got an update for you.
I've been hearing some whispers
through the grapevine.
Guess who wants to start
their own sports panel show?
- Who.
- Michael Jordan.
Kidding. Shaq. It's a new show.
He's looking for people.
- Shaq?
- Yes.
And with the people in the NBA
already loving what you do,
they could certainly help you
build something big.
Maybe out in California...
If you do well
with this presentation.
I will!
I will.
As long as you stay focused.
You know I will.
Good one, Alvarez!
Crushing it!
- This is awful.
- This is awful.
I think the guests are getting
better brushes than you.
So, what'd my boyfriend want?
Bex, I'm gonna need your help.
My cousin makes fake IDs
and I can pretty easily
sneak us into Quebec.
No. No, no. I may have
voluntarily taken on,
I'd say, a ton of work.
But I have to help
with the show, for Oliver.
And for macho man, Erik!
He sounds dreamy.
Snap out of it!
Will you help me?
With anything.
Oh, I can always count on you
in scary situations.
Love is always worth the risk!
- Bex!
- Sorry.
There. Done.
Only eight splinters.
Next job! Erik!
Ah! Yeah. Sorry.
I'm trying to see
what's next on the list.
What are you doing?
Do not set up a screen.
I'm just in the middle
of something right now.
You know, I have to admit,
your swords are really good!
You should just make
more swords!
More swords?
I already made six!
We only need three.
You insisted on back-ups.
Look, I don't know theater,
but I don't think we need
two back-up swords
for every sword.
You can never have enough.
Let me guess,
you were an only child.
- Yeah. How did you know?
- Mm-hmm.
Look, this needs to be right,
it's for Anya.
So, I'm gonna take care of it.
Okay. Your daughter might be
Juliet, but my son is Romeo.
And his name comes first
on the poster.
Look, I'm around strong-headed
men every day of my life.
Here is the play:
I'm gonna help.
You're gonna get over yourself.
Simple enough?
You know, you're forward,
I'll give you that.
- Thank you.
- But I just think
that maybe if this...
You won't believe it!
Dangerous!
Look! I did it, Dad.
What's this?
I had to make a comparative
scale model of all the planets
compared to the sun.
Good, right?
What's the sparkly one?
That is where
the Kardashians live.
- Wow!
- And how did you make it?
I cut a box with a box cutter,
and then,
stuck everything inside
with hot glue.
It's not a lie, you know?
The glue gets super hot.
Anya!
This is a first-degree...
This burn could've been
a lot worse!
And if this had gone up,
it would've been a Class A fire.
The whole house could've gone.
You can't do this without...
Exhale.
I'm fine.
But I am late. So... Bye.
Bye!
I mean, she seems fine doing
stuff by herself.
Let's just divide and conquer.
Faster I get this done...
Faster you can get back
to keeping an eye on her.
Faster I can get back
to what may be
the most important
assignment of my career.
Ernie? Uh, Erik.
I can help you get your life
back quickly,
if you help me get back
to my work. Deal?
Deal.
Rock on.
And we were only
one three-pointer behind!
But our Gold got kicked
in the nuggets tonight
and we're headed to a game five.
I think we can agree they need
to pull out all the tricks
if we're gonna win
this next game.
Hey.
Wow. It's beautiful.
So's the work you're doing.
I think it's going well.
Do you think it's going well?
I hope it's going well.
Look, my dad hasn't been
hovering over my shoulder
for a week.
Everything seems good to me!
That looks very unhealthy.
Look.
Here. Made you a bowl.
Thank you.
I won!
Oh! Come on!
Okay, what did you think?
It's so sweet.
I love it!
It's sugar on sugar on sugar,
what's not to like?
So should we, I don't know,
rehearse our lines?
That seems a lot
like homework to me.
Yeah,
but this is actually fun!
Plus, you'll be doing it
without Mr. Lane's
supervision.
Okay, good point. I'm in!
Scripts!
Okay.
Alright, the fountains,
I made expertly.
- At the theatre, check.
- Hmm.
The staircase,
you did very well.
Very well, thank you.
Check.
And I think that's it.
Great, well we are on track
for me to keep being the best.
- What was that?
- Hmm?
Donuts anyone?
Maurice, thank you!
Look at all this work,
you dynamic duo of delinquents!
Might I say, this is very good.
Thank you!
He means me.
What?!
"Love is smoke,
made with the fume of sighs!"
You don't know that quote?
Well, why would you?
It's only from
the most famous play
of all time.
The Bard's renowned romance?
Romeo and Juliet!
Thought you'd know it by now.
Told you I'd do better.
Maurice agrees.
What? He was talking about me.
He was talking about me!
Okay. I see how this is.
I see your sets
and I raise you advertising.
- Hmm.
- Hmm.
And now, the Championship
game is so close,
we can almost taste it!
In tonight's game,
our Gold were no chickens,
leaving the Raptors
pretty much extinct,
after Garreth executed
incredible play
after incredible play...
And speaking of
incredible plays:
East Adler Middle School's
production,
Romeo and Juliet 3000 opens
in just two weeks.
Going to see that show
is one heck of a slam dunk.
I'm Piper Alvarez. Good night.
We're out.
Okay, you definitely beat
Erik now!
But did my boyfriend know
you were gonna do that?
He did not.
Oh, and he is not going
to love that.
But you did beat Erik!
Worth the risk, huh?
Absolutely.
Alright, alright. I'll admit,
that was a good play.
Okay, first of, obviously.
A captive audience
of a few hundred thousand?
And secondly, thank you.
I mean, it's not the way
I would've said it,
but still good.
Okay, so how far do we need
to extend the balcony?
Uh, about a foot and a half
if it's gonna match with
everything else on stage.
Right. Jeez.
Mr. Lane has a vision,
but no precision.
Uh, should we head back?
Start fixing?
Yeah.
Come on!
Okay, okay. Let's go again.
- Hurry up then!
- Fine!
You're gonna do great.
If I touch your hand,
but you think it's dirty,
I'm not gross,
just being flirty.
At the risk of seeming hasty,
I'll give you a kiss,
M'lady...
I don't get this at all.
This is really different
than the Shakespeare
I read in school.
It's a "reimagining."
Woof.
Man, you gotta move
while you talk.
You've got to step towards me
and then move back.
I can't! I'm trying.
It's just, I'm used to being
on a court, not a stage.
Maybe I shouldn't have
even gone to try-outs.
It's auditions.
You know, actually,
it's fine. It's fine.
Let's just go again.
If I touch your hand,
but you think it's dirty,
not gross...
He's struggling.
I wanna help him, but...
I'm not a drama teacher.
I don't know this stuff.
You didn't know about
building sets either,
but hey, you're here
and you're doing it.
And you're not awful!
Thanks.
Let's do it again.
If I touch your hand,
but you think it's dirty...
Shakespeare isn't that
different than basketball.
Aw, you're about to break
into an emotional
but stilted musical number too?
Okay, okay. Hear me out.
Actors need to leave their whole
selves on the stage, right?
And the players have
to leave it all on the court?
Exactly! There's passion,
and there's sweat and tears.
And a hungry crowd.
It's just a different play.
Oliver!
Mom?
Honey, you,
you're doing great.
- Mom. Please stop.
- Just focus.
Um, what makes Garreth
a great player?
He gets the ball in the hoop.
Yeah! Okay, well,
does he just shoot
from anywhere and score?
- No.
- You're right.
So what does he do?
Break it down for me.
Little steps.
Okay. Um, he has to dribble,
while avoiding getting a foul,
and he's looking out
for his teammates.
Oof! Seems like a lot, huh?
Yes, but he practices
all the time,
so it's automatic.
Yes! So.
Anya is your teammate
and the words are the ball.
In order to get in the basket,
all you have to do is...
Trust my teammate and take it
one step at a time.
Exactly. And then you are
guaranteed to make the shot.
Uh, actually,
I hate basketball, so...
Anya!
It's okay.
Anya, the basket is
the hoop thingy,
10 feet in the air.
Oh.
I still have no idea
what's going on,
but I think Oliver understood?
I think it worked.
If I touch your hand,
but you think it's dirty,
I'm not gross,
just being flirty.
At the risk of seeming hasty,
I'll give you a kiss,
M'lady, m'lady!
Yo, taking my hand
turns up the heat.
While still playing coy,
acting so sweet.
I'm in for reals!
I wanna bag a winner,
not just a dance
with a street-wise sinner.
That's as far
as we've rehearsed.
Can we go now?
Ollie, that was amazing!
You played through.
You crushed it. Come here!
Thanks, Mom.
- Bravo!
- So good.
That was awesome.
Okay, bye.
I've... never done that.
We've never worked
like that before.
It paid off!
Yeah, I guess it did.
Excuse me?
Excuse me, what are you two
doing on my stage?
Re...
Rehearsals don't start
for 40 minutes.
Yeah, we were just
dropping the kids off,
so we though we'd map out
the sets.
Marvelous!
Just keep working exactly
to my specifications.
We're getting a lot
of professional attention
about the show.
I tweeted about it
to Lin Manuel-Miranda,
and his agents got back to me
and said, "Please stop!"
Uh, who is Lin Manuel-Miranda?
Get out of my theatre.
Yeah, okay. We gotta go
paint some sets anyway, so...
Go!
Two minutes, everybody!
Where's Piper Alvarez?
She'll be here.
Any second now!
It's Piper Alvarez.
Fire away.
Piper! Sweet Pied Piper.
Where the heck are you?!
I'm getting more nervous
than when I went on a date
to a KISS concert.
I got pulled up on stage,
but I'd never heard KISS before.
I started singing
"Sweet Home, Alabama"
and was taken out by security...
I am here! I am here.
Ready to go!
Where have you been?!
I was just leaving you
a message.
Can you tell I'm sweaty?
I was painting
this leather-robot-face mask
and I got these cogs glued
to my pants and...
You know what? I am here.
I'm ready to roll.
Please tell me
you prepared my copy?
Copy's done for your show,
Gold are going to game 7!
- Yeah!
- So exciting!
But you're gonna need
Garreth's presentation,
like, ASAP.
Yeah, yeah. I'm good!
I got this. I'm always good
with this stuff. You know.
You've still got to put
together the highlight reel,
the interview clips,
and prepare a moving
and heartfelt speech!
That'll take like two seconds.
Besides, Erik and I are working
together to get
this whole thing finished.
You're not having fun,
are you?
Oh, please.
This is where my focus is.
Uh-huh.
You know, I never
would've thought
to use lime electrolytes
for the poison.
Yeah, there's a lot of that
at the studio...
For when I interview players.
- Piper?
- Huh?
That's not your tea.
Yeah, I know! I just was
getting a closer look.
What?
What are you doing here?
You can... This poison.
This the fake one. I think.
Is that the fake one
that she drinks?
Ugh, there's so much poison.
Why is there so much poison
on this show?!
You seem distracted.
Me? No. I got this.
Right. Right, right.
And how's work?
It's busy. It's great.
It's very busy.
I imagine it would be,
with the Gold in finals.
- What?
- I said that.
- You like basketball?
- Yeah, of course.
- You never said anything.
- I haven't really had a chance.
I've been focused
on my own things.
Much like Garreth when he's got
a court full of teammates
but he's dead-set
on making that goal.
Yes! Exactly!
I've been saying that.
Wait. What?!
What? You're the one
that keeps pointing it out.
You know, "The superstar is
a superstar for a reason."
You just quoted me to me,
what is happening?
You're Piper Alvarez.
I never miss "In the Hoop".
Well, you never said anything.
It wouldn't have mattered
if you were Garreth himself,
our kids were fighting.
Yeah, it's true.
That's all that mattered.
But yeah, I love basketball.
You know, Lydia and I met
at a game when we were 17.
She was a cheerleader.
I was a point guard.
Hmm. You never turned pro?
Let's just put it this way,
Principal Hosen probably has
a better jump shot then I do.
No, I became a fire fighter.
Oh?
Look, I'm used
to putting out fires.
So, why don't you tell me
what's going on?
Oh, hmm...
Okay, well, our deal was:
we finish for the show quickly,
so I can work on
this massive presentation,
but the show is taking so long.
Which is fine!
It's just, there's just so much.
And there's a lot riding
on both so...
So, why don't you let me
help you?
No, no, no. I'm good.
My assistant gathered
a bunch of materials,
I just need to comb through them
and assemble it,
and then write the copy, and...
You know what?
It doesn't matter.
I will handle it.
I handle everything.
I don't need your help.
- I offered.
- I didn't ask.
Yeah, I know. I offered.
I... can't.
It's okay to let people
help you for a change.
I mean, look at you!
You're at the point where you're
almost drinking paint water.
Okay, I appreciate the offer,
I do. But I just need to...
Mom! You gotta let Erik help.
He pretty much did every
single one of Anya's assignments
and she got all As.
I was more of a guide, really.
Were you two eavesdropping
on our conversation?
Silver-lining:
at least they're getting along.
Look, I won't even tell you
what to do!
You can boss me around.
Oh, I do like
the sound of that.
Okay! Fine. Fine.
Tell me when you are free
to listen to me
tell you what to do.
Uh, why don't you just
come to the gym
and we can sort through
everything there?
The gym? I thought
you were a firefighter.
I was, but now I'm a PT.
I help train people who need
to be in fighting shape
at any given moment.
Firefighters, police officers.
Female basketball announcers.
Risky business.
Right.
Thank you, Erik.
Alright, then.
Alright, Anya, let's go.
See you later.
Uh, hello?
Erik?
Hate to interrupt,
Arnold Schwarzenegger.
When you said you were
a personal trainer,
I didn't realize it was
that personal.
And how long were you
standing there, watching me?
Okay, do you mind if we get
to work, Dwayne Johnson?
Of course.
Unless you have any other names
stashed away?
I mean, I don't want to stop
your dancing, Magic Mike.
You wanna step
in the ring, Rocky?
Huh, huh, huh?
Okay.
Let's go before
you hurt yourself.
Oh, serve it up, Serena! Whoo!
This is looking good.
What do you got?
Okay, so we go from
his influence
on the future of the game,
to his charity work.
Mm-hmm. And then,
you can talk about
how you respect him
as a person...
And a player.
Exactly, yeah. We love him,
we miss him. Great.
Oh! And don't forget his
lucky underwear.
- His what now?
- His lucky underwear.
When he got started, his mom
bought him clean underwear.
So, before every game,
he gets a new pair.
He's probably got about
a million pairs.
What article was that in?
No, it was a few years ago,
after a game.
A reporter was asking him
about luck and Anya
just thought it was
the funniest thing.
Well, I have to double-check,
but that would be perfect
to go after the bit
about his faith.
Yeah.
I hate it, being an annoyance
and asking for help,
but... thank you so much, Erik.
Any time.
And you're an annoyance
regardless, so...
No harm done.
Touch.
Jillian, hi!
Mark, buddy. Uh...
You're early.
I'm here for my 7:30.
Oh, uh... Me too.
Oh, wait, what?
You double-booked us.
Unless this is some
accidental-on-purpose, surprise match-up?
I'm married, happily.
We've been working on this
show for Anya and I...
I guess I got distracted.
Can we reschedule or something?
Hey, I'm already here if you
want me to help.
No, no.
It's okay, I got it.
Hold up.
"In The Hoop"! You're Piper?
Yeah.
You know what?
I can run two programs
at the same time. It's fine.
- My man.
- You sure? I...
Yeah, yeah, I'm certain.
Mr. Rosen!
Mr. Lane. Don't you look...
shiny.
You assured me
that my personal training
would be kept personal.
And now what?
Am I a part of some...
ensemble piece?
This is worse than "Cats".
I love that musical.
Okay, uh... Please stay.
Oh yeah, I'm not gonna
miss this.
Okay.
Let's go, guys.
Solid form,
Jillian, solid, yes!
Jillian, push, push, push!
Come on, here we go!
Here we go!
This will be two, two!
You got this, man!
Close enough.
- Okay...
- You got this, come on.
Okay, come on!
Oh, no, no, no.
Where am I?
Here we go, Mark. Here we
go, that's 200, that's 200.
50! 1! That's it, go.
11, very graceful!
- And a half.
- Oh.
Feel the burn, feel the burn.
Okay!
Guys, we did it.
Well, that was fun.
Thanks, Piper. Nice work.
You're welcome.
I have not been so happy to be
this sore in years.
I'm gonna have a six-pack
by opening night.
- Uh...
- Uh...
I'm gonna tell you
what Patti LuPone told me
at her 60th birthday, party:
"I find you invasive and
very annoying."
But I happen to think that
you two work very well together.
Thank you! I think.
Just keep building exactly
what I've told you.
Now, it's time for me to exit.
Pursued by bear.
I wish.
Toodles.
You haven't had this much
energy in a long time.
Piper, you got to stick
around.
Oh, I'm...
No, no, we're just helping
each other out.
- Exactly.
- Sure...
"In The Hoop"!
"In The Hoop"!
Seriously though, thank you.
Thank you. I wasn't expecting
that, but it's appreciated.
Well, I didn't expect you to
know so much about basketball.
Well, I didn't expect you
to...
We don't have
to keep doing this.
Right.
Thanks.
Yeah.
Uh...
No, it's...
Well, thank you, Erik.
I will see you tomorrow.
Good night, Erik... Yeah.
Bye.
Cinnamon buns?
- Maurice.
- Erik, Erik, Erik.
To what do I owe the pleasure?
Yeah, yeah. When are you going to
make a move with that sports woman?
Excuse me? No. No, never.
She's nice, but...
Listen to me.
I've been around the block
a few dozen times.
Whenever she's here,
you're laughing.
You're working together.
For the play.
And what? You're just
gonna let that be curtains?
For a man who believes
in love so much,
you need to believe in yourself.
It's been nine years.
It's only been you.
I know, Maurice. Thank you.
I'm not trying
to stick my nose in.
That's rare.
It's so good to see you
happy again.
And I know Lydia would want you
to be happy too.
Trust me.
I was married six times.
Six times?
But they kept dropping
like flies.
But here I am! Still finding
love in new places.
I got a few on the hook down
at the garden centre.
Something about all that pollen
makes them feisty!
Okay.
Breaking hearts
and breaking hips!
You take care of everyone else.
It's time to take care
of yourself.
Now, give me a cinnamon bun.
Thanks.
Betty made these for me.
Well, tell Betty I said
thank you.
Oh, I will.
Too much denim...
That is way too big.
That's a foul.
I can't wait to rip this apart
and harvest it for parts.
This is...
I really hope no-one ever
takes that out of context.
Oh my goodness.
I know, right?
Because it would be easy.
I've seen so many documentaries.
No, no, no.
I used to have a dress like this
when I was a kid.
I wore it to my senior prom.
They say time heals
all wounds, but I don't think
I'll ever get over the sleeves.
And the throw-up on my shoes.
Oh my gosh. It wasn't mine.
Uh, to this day,
I still can't eat carrots.
That's a lot.
That's exactly what I said.
What were you like as a kid?
Hmm, good, I guess.
You guess? There's more
to you than "Good, I guess."
Well, that is pretty much it.
Okay, pretend
it's your retirement coverage.
What would you say then?
Ugh, come on.
No, you come on!
Okay, I...
I didn't have a lot growing up.
Uh, didn't really focus
in school. Guys over grades.
Great school motto.
I was obsessed with sports.
My mom loved baseball,
but my dad and I were die-hard
basketball fans.
Ooh, catch.
Oh.
My gym teacher would
always say,
"Alvarez, you're too short
to play
and you got too much to say."
Too much?
- No, I think it's perfect.
- Agreed.
Ooh, look at all this.
- Too much to say, huh?
- Me?
- I don't believe it.
- Ha, right?
So naturally, broadcasting
was my best bet.
- Hmm.
- Hmm.
I... Then I went to college,
met Tony.
Oliver's dad.
We fell in love, fast.
Got pregnant, equally fast.
And yeah.
Yeah.
He...
He thought Oliver
and I were both too loud.
He fell in love
with someone else.
And he left us pretty much
right away. So...
I was forced to be Supermom.
But it's a good thing he left,
because he was a volleyball guy.
Well, he sounds really stupid.
Yeah. He was stupid.
So, that is me.
And these. Ooh, these
are a really good option.
Coral glasses.
Maybe for Mr. Lane?
Or these, perhaps?
Ooh, they're a little small.
Really?
- Yeah.
- You think so?
I don't think you talk too much.
I think you're strong
and caring...
And you only want the best.
You're a great mother, Piper.
Oliver's lucky to have you
in his life.
That's really nice
of you to say.
Plus, this dress...
Ooh!
This dress is ugly all get-out.
Yes, it is!
Oh, wait, wait.
Here, hold this.
Okay.
- Hold it.
- Okay.
Uh...
What are you doing?
I think I know a way
to improve your prom night.
Okay, it's a little late
for that, I think.
Come here, stand up.
Suspect.
Alright, alright.
Hmm? What do you think?
Well, I think you look stupid.
Oh, thank you so much.
Actually, I think we both
look stupid.
It's nice though, isn't it?
Not to look stupid solo.
I mean, ideally, neither of us
would look stupid.
But... yeah. It is...
It's nice having...
Yeah.
Piper, uh...
Life is hard when you do it
by yourself.
No-one wants to do it alone.
I think I do a pretty good job
supporting Oliver myself,
all by myself, actually.
No, no, I'm not saying that,
I know you do.
- Okay.
- What I'm saying is...
Maybe there's room to share
with someone.
Uh...
Erik, I... This isn't...
Uh...
Actually, I have to get this,
this is important.
My work is important.
Of course... Sorry.
No, no, no, it's...
all good.
I just have to, you know.
But you got this?
- Piper?
- Yeah, just hang on a second, Bex.
Uh, what's the thing
we're doing tomorrow?
Setting day, set day
or something like that.
- Bump in.
- Right, that's... Oh, bump in!
Bump in, huh! There I go,
just... bumping in.
Uh, okay. Bye.
Bye.
Oh, please tell me
you didn't hear any of that.
Hey!
Was I interrupting
you embarrassing yourself
in front of your new lover?
Nothing is happening.
Oh, why? He's cute!
Admit it.
Okay, fine! Maybe he's cute,
but you know what else is cute?
A puppy!
You should get a puppy!
Bex, what do you mean?
I'm on my way in.
Christopher asked me
to ask you when you can get
the final cut of Garreth's
goodbye video?
And if there are any clips
from the locker room.
Wait, what? No, he did not
ask me that second question.
Give the people what
they want, Piper!
I will send you what I have
of the presentation,
it's almost done.
All of this is almost done.
Home stretch. Everything can go
back to normal.
Mm-hmm. For sure.
Hey.
This is the spot!
Great, keep it coming,
keep it coming...
A bit to the left.
My left or your left?
Just, this way.
Great, and all the props
are unloaded, so I'll just...
Piper, can we talk?
But we're good,
there's nothing to talk about.
- I think there is.
- Mom.
Uh...
Oh, honey! Come here,
come here.
You look great!
Oh my gosh, like a little...
samurai magician!
You are gonna be wonderful.
You always are
when you apply yourself
and I am so proud that you applied
yourself to something that makes you happy.
And you don't have to do this
alone, okay?
I got you.
Thanks, Mom.
- I love you.
- I love you too.
Oh...
Here I am, Juliette,
goddess rapper extraordinaire!
Wow.
- Oh, you think that's funny?
- It's amusing.
- Stop.
- No!
- Sorry.
- Sorry.
You guys are getting along,
huh?
- Yeah, I guess so.
- I guess.
Oh, oh! Careful, careful.
I got it. Let me do this.
I just...
I just think you're gonna
make me really proud.
Like you always do.
Thanks.
- Oh, oh, oh!
- Crap.
No, no, it's okay.
I can fix it.
- Mom, I got it, it's fine.
- Ollie, I know you do,
but you don't have
to do it alone, okay?
I got you.
Five minutes
to dress rehearsal!
And just a little reminder about
the tap choreography.
It goes...
Travel, step.
Travel, step.
A maxi ford, ball change!
And if you get it wrong,
I'm gonna lose my mind.
Okay.
- Wow.
- Let's gather up.
Gather up, here.
Let's warm up, okay?
Uh, I'm gonna fix
this backstage.
Let's warm up, here. Okay,
are we ready? Are we ready?
Robber, baby, buggie, bumpers.
Robber, baby, buggie, bumpers.
- Okay, go.
- Robber, baby, buggie, bumpers.
- Robber, Bobby, bunkers?
- Faster.
Faster.
- Bunkers.
- Faster.
- Baby...
- Bonkers...
Perfect, you're great.
Let's go.
- Piper.
- Just going to fix this.
Okay, don't you want to talk
about what happened last night?
Erik, we're good.
The show's almost over
and our detention will be done and
everything will go back to normal.
Normal?
Okay, well let me take the hat.
- No, I got it.
- But I can fix it.
Erik, seriously, I got it.
No, but you've been doing
all the heavy lifting...
I told you I could support
myself.
- Piper.
- I got it!
Okay. Fine.
And before the dress rehearsal
and tomorrow's show...
I want to call
everyone's attention
to the sets, costumes and
props built by Oliver's mom
and Anya's dad.
Come on out here,
Erik and Piper!
Give 'em a hand!
Take a bow!
Yeah. Okay.
Alright...
Places, everybody, places!
Let's go, top of show!
Let's go.
We open tomorrow.
I don't want things to go back
to the way they were before.
Please, I don't want that
human nanny-cam to plug back in.
We gotta come up
with something big.
Yeah.
Can we zip-tie them together
or burn the set
so they have to build it again?
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
I have an idea
and it's actually legal, so...
Aw, you're no fun.
Oliver, Anya, places!
Oliver!
Oliver, we're not staying,
I have to...
Erik, Erik, wait. I...
Yeah?
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to snap
at you earlier.
I... There's a lot going on
right now.
With work and a new job maybe...
It's okay, Piper.
I agreed to doing all this,
helping out, working with you,
just so Oliver wouldn't get
suspended.
Well, you achieved your goal,
so that's good.
No, I... What I mean is I...
I wasn't expecting...
I get it.
Loud and clear.
It's okay, you don't have
to explain anything.
- No, Erik, I...
- I'll get Oliver.
No, wait. No...
I'm not done. What I meant
is that I...
Anya, Oliver!
What are they up to,
those sneaky little...
- Huh.
- Oh.
Not exactly how I left this.
Open flames with no-one
attending to it.
It could have spread
to the couch and then,
to the house and then,
the electrical and the...
Sorry. I will get this
cleaned up.
Well, it would be rude
to waste wine.
Just one glass?
Well...
Anya? Are you okay?
What's going on?
We're fine, just cooking.
Uh...
I'm not even using a knife.
Perdue chicken breasts.
We thought you'd like it if
we could have dinner together.
You don't have to stay.
I mean, as long as it's quick.
If chicken can be this easy,
we should have it more often.
As long as you're at home
eating with me, yeah!
Yeah.
Oh, do you guys say grace
or something?
- Yeah, yeah.
- Grace.
Hmm!
Now, this is good.
It is, it is. You know,
it makes it easy to work.
Dive back in here for dinner
with Anya.
It's high quality, it's healthy
and everyone's...
- Taken care of?
- Exactly.
Well, for once, we're actually
on the same page.
Thank you for indulging me
about moving the candles.
It just... I just feel better
having them close by.
- I mean, safety first.
- Thank you.
Uh, I noticed a photo
of Anya's mother in there.
She's beautiful.
She was.
Actually, she was more
than that. She was amazing.
She became a partner in
a law firm right out of school.
She was smart,
and I mean really smart.
You would think that
would make her tough,
but she was caring.
She had this amazing way
of making people
feel relaxed and at home.
I used to be so tightly wound.
Used to be?
Oh, funny.
Thank you.
Uh, what happened?
Is it okay that I ask that?
I'm sorry, actually you don't
have to answer that.
No, no, it's fine. It's fine.
Uh...
She found a lump in her breast.
And we tried. We tried
everything we could to fix it.
I never thought I would buy
sound bowls or crystals,
but... when someone you love
is sick, you'll do anything.
Yeah.
Unfortunately, by the time
she found it, it was too late.
I'm so sorry, Erik.
Ah, it's okay.
I mean, you didn't do anything.
I know, I just...
It sucks.
Yeah.
It sucks.
And you said
I'm a good parent,
but nine years just
you and Anya?
I mean, that is amazing.
Single dads do not get
the credit they deserve.
Well, it's my job
to protect her.
That's why I hung up
the fire hose,
it wasn't worth the risk,
you know?
Some things aren't worth
the risk.
I've been thinking recently
though that there are some risks
that people have to take...
if they have any chance
of growing.
You really think that?
I might be... starting to.
Anya, stop cheating!
I'm not cheating,
I'm just better.
You do this every time.
It's a nice night out.
Yeah. Wanna...
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
You know, I...
I think I've been a little
demanding with Oliver.
How so?
He's the best kid and...
all I want is for him
to be successful.
I think I just forgot
for a little while
that happiness is a very
important part of being a success.
Well, you seem to have found
a good balance.
I don't know about that.
It's scary, letting
your kid do what they want.
Hmm.
I've been trying to keep Anya
from getting hurt,
which is normal.
She's done this play,
she does her homework,
she's found friends,
all without me.
Ouch.
Yeah, "ouch" is right.
Lydia always said it was
bound to happen.
- Smart woman.
- She was.
Maybe it is time for me to put
the bubble wrap away.
For now.
Well, we could also cut
ourselves some slack.
We don't have easy jobs.
We don't have easy kids.
- Cheers to that.
- Cheers to that.
Erik, I...
I haven't seen anyone
in a really long time.
It's okay to try again.
Bex, you have
the worst timing.
Christopher.
Oh, snap!
I... I have to go.
I'm so sorry.
Uh... Oliver, we gotta go.
Bye.
Can you believe it?
After a rollercoaster
of a series,
our Gold are headed
to game seven.
I've said it before,
it is true now more than ever:
what matters most is supporting
who we have at home.
Supporting who we have at home,
the Denver Gold.
See you tomorrow.
- And we're out.
- Another great show!
Amazing, you know, I love you.
You are perfect.
- But?
- Alvarez!
Oh, there he is,
someone call security.
Ha. My office. 9 AM.
Can't wait?
Everything good?
It always is.
Except it is not right now.
You've been repeatedly
distracted and you're using
your platform to advertise
your toddler's recital.
You almost missed
a show last week!
I know. I am sorry,
it is all done now anyway.
Nothing to worry about.
I knew I could trust you.
Now, go finish Garreth's
retirement reel.
We're airing it tomorrow night.
Wait, what? Tomorrow night?
But I thought you said
it was happening
at the end of the series.
He's holding
a press conference, no?
Announcing the retirement is gonna
drive ratings through the roof.
I need people to see that it's
more than just a championship game.
It's his last game.
Okay, but my son Oliver-
- You wanna play with
the big boys? Hire a babysitter.
I can't wait to see
your work tomorrow.
You're the best!
Hello, Romeo.
Mom, you got dinner catered?
I made dinner,
thank you very much.
All your favourites.
Even made blueberry pancakes?
Mm-hmm. I know,
it's been a while, huh?
- Years, actually.
- Okay, yes. You're right.
But you deserve it!
And I know it's early, but
you got to keep your energy up
if you're gonna be
at peak performance levels.
Show's gonna be so good.
I'm kind of freaking out,
but I think that's a good thing.
Well, you're Mr. Lane's MVP,
you know.
Okay.
And speaking
of valuable player...
Great segway, Piper.
Uh, I might be getting
a promotion at work.
I might be getting a new show
with Shaq.
- What?
- And if that happens,
it might mean possibly
relocating.
Relocating? Moving?
Hmm.
But we can't. What about here?
What about Erik and Anya?
She's my first really
good friend, Mom!
I know, I know, honey.
But you know what?
This is really important
and it'll be great for us.
And I promise, we will be okay.
Can we just talk about this
some other time?
I just want to do the show.
Mom, we gotta go to the theatre.
If we're late, Mr. Lane will
start yelling and when he yells,
every dog within a five-mile
radius starts barking
like crazy, so... Let's go.
Ollie.
Mom, come on. Erik will be
here in a minute, let's go.
Honey.
I can't go with you.
What? Of course
you're gonna be there.
You've actually been there
for me this entire time.
Remember the presentation
I've been working on?
The big one. Christopher moved
it to tonight.
I have to go to work.
Yeah, because that's
what's really important.
Hey! It is important.
It's my job.
I'm your son! I thought
for this one night,
it would be okay, that I would
be more important than your work.
I have been working
on your show for the past month!
No, you've been working
to get out of detention, okay?
I've heard you.
Oliver, Oliver, stop.
You want to know why me
and Anya got in a fight
in the first place?
She said that even though
I still have a mom,
she didn't want
to spend time with me.
Oliver, that's...
horrible.
That is not okay
and it's not true.
No, she apologized, really.
We're good.
But maybe she was right.
She was not right! Oliver...
You need to stop and listen
to me right now.
Hey, kiddo. You ready to...
hit the stage?
- Erik, I...
- No, no. I've got black coffee
in the car waiting for you.
Listen, we need to talk, okay?
But if you got some of that
garlic bread kicking around,
I'd be in for that.
Erik, I...
I'm not coming.
What do you mean? Why?
Will you please just take
Oliver?
I know he's gonna be... amazing.
I can't believe you.
After everything
that we've been through,
the work that we've put
into this...
You said this was important.
Yeah, it is.
Of course, it is.
But I am not a villain here,
I am a working single mother
that is trying to provide
for my family.
Whoa, whoa. I didn't say
that you were a villain.
I am trying to do
what I think is best.
And apparently, that isn't good
enough for you,
for my boss, for Oliver
or anybody.
Okay, well maybe what's best
is if you take...
Okay, Erik, I like you,
but right now,
I really don't want to hear
what you think is best.
Why don't you ask Anya
why they got in a fight, hmm?
Smothering doesn't work either.
That's below the belt.
Luckily, after tonight,
we're done.
The job is done.
I understand
what you have to do.
But I hope you understand
what you're missing.
Oh, darn it!
Come on, come on, come on.
Oh...
You were so little.
Well, it's been a pretty solid
season for the Gold.
Who do you think is gonna
take the title? Caller one!
Go Gold!
Okay, well we know
where they stand.
Line two, go ahead.
This is such an important part
of Denver...
Call Bex.
Please tell me you're
almost here.
Yeah, I'm just about to leave.
I just had to talk to Oliver.
It did not go well.
But I'm okay.
And I'm coming. I'll call
Christopher, let him know.
Uh, so he doesn't get upset
with me.
It's the last thing I need.
You're brave.
Oh, but I just saw him.
Hang on.
No, no, it's easy.
You just dangle a promotion
in front of someone and
they'll do whatever you want.
It's not like you actually have
to follow through.
It's a solid management
technique.
As in, I managed to get Alvarez
to do my entire Garreth
bye-bye presentation.
Yeah, trust me.
There's no bright future.
Unless you're talking
about my bonus.
Well, here's trouble.
Piper.
Bucky. What?
It's Bex.
Alvarez.
I don't know what you think
you heard,
but I was obviously kidding.
I mean, you know that.
You're the best in biz!
Right, of course.
So, you do have prospects
for me?
Of course. There were many people
in California asking about you.
- Name them.
- Well, there's...
No, I mean,
confidentiality and all, I...
Can't believe you.
I gotta go.
Alvarez?
Alvarez!
Alvarez!
She's not gonna answer.
Okay! No, you are a true fan.
I think we already know
the answer,
but who are you supporting
tonight?
Come on, the answer
is obvious!
It's what the sports lady
always says.
You mean, Piper Alvarez?
Yeah, I love her!
"What matters most is supporting
who we have at home."
Supporting who we have
at home.
It's Piper Alvarez, fire away.
Alvarez, please.
You know I was kidding.
Just... Just call me back.
Makeup girl. And...
brilliant assistant, listen.
We... need an announcer
and you know the plays!
And you need to run Garreth's
farewell presentation.
You could do that, right?
You could do that.
Yeah, of course.
I'm your girl.
Just one quick thing, though.
- What, anything! My hero.
- I've been here for years.
We've spoken a billion times.
What is my name.
It's... hero announcer girl!
No, it's Ben... Bessie!
Uh, I know!
It's Bark, Belinda, Patricia!
Good luck, Christopher.
Get back here, makeup girl!
Plexiglas?
Ladies and gentlemen,
time to put away your cellphones
and take your seat,
it's time for Mr. Leslie Lane's
Romeo and Juliet 3000!
We're two young, fun,
randy teens.
But I'll hang back,
peep the rack, unseen.
Your boy stays calm,
stays cool, stays low.
Where is that hot kid, Romeo?
What up, girl?
Hey, dude.
Hey, dude.
- Piper!
- Shh.
I didn't think
you were coming.
I'm sorry, Erik,
for being such a jerk.
Pretty much this whole time,
I've been scared.
No, don't worry.
I'm sorry for how I reacted.
You need to make the right
choice for your family.
Well, for the first time
in years, I think I am.
You know, someone once told me
it's better
to have loved and lost
than to have never loved at all.
Hmm.
I... I need to take
this slow, okay?
Well, you know me.
I go with the flow.
Yeah!
Like water to the river
And stars to the sky
We were meant to be together
Your hand in mine
It was always you and me
We had everything we needed
Oh promise
We were keeping
to the end of time
You said you'd never leave
And we'd always be together
But they tried
to control you
And this life couldn't
hold you
Now my poor broken heart
Can take me apart
From you
That's brutal.
Yeah.
There's never been a show
with so much woe,
Romeo and Juliet 3000, yo!
That was so good!
Obtuse, but still commenting
on current societal pressures...
I loved it!
That's exactly
what I was going for.
Are you a theatre fan?
As long as it's experimental
and there's wine in the lobby.
Excuse me. Congratulations,
Leslie. Pardon me, sorry.
- Thank you.
- Good job. Okay.
Congratulations,
you're my new favourite person.
- I'm Bex.
- Leslie.
You're so funny, Leslie!
- Yes, he's very funny.
- I'm very funny.
Sometimes, we're funny.
No, it's amazing.
It's fantastic, seriously.
You crushed it.
If you want to take hip-hop
lessons, you can do it.
If you want... If you want,
we can do it together.
No, Dad, no.
Yes! We get matching
outfits...
- Absolutely not.
- Oliver, honey! You were amazing!
Come here! Oh,
I'm so, so proud of you.
Thanks, Mom.
I thought you were working.
You know what matters most?
Supporting who I have at home.
That's you, by the way.
- But what about your new job?
- Oh. You inspired me.
I think I might really like
announcing baseball.
Seems like a home run to me.
Uh... Piper, your socials
are blowing up!
I mean... Piper, thank you
for the retirement video.
Much appreciated.
You got fans, man.
Yeah, I sent it to him.
It's a wrap.
Well, speaking of a wrap,
what do you say we go
back to our house and celebrate?
Yeah!
- I love this song.
- Oh! Oh my gosh, me too!
Let's dance!
Well, looks like it is
just us gals.
- Oh.
- Oh, and this guy. Your Romeo.
I likey.
My hat!
So...
So.
Are you glad you got
detention?
Honestly, Erik, all of this
was so far out of my wheelhouse.
I didn't even realize
how scared I was.
But I realized that sometimes,
we can take a big risk...
and it might just be
worth it.
20 points! Our very own
Denver Gold down 20 points
in the first half.
It was getting down to the wire.
And they needed some
big defensive plays.
Okay, folks.
Check out this replay,
look at LaShawn here.
Just lets the ball pass!
He's moving so slow!
Somebody get this guy
a Zimmer frame.
Thankfully, we had
MVP Garreth to unleash his...
- Unstoppable force.
- unstoppable force.
I'll tell you this,
when he's gunning for that hoop,
I do not want to be in his way.
Although, give me a shot,
maybe I could take him.
He's gotta pick up the pace
if the Gold
are gonna get better
with starts.
Make dinner, check.
We all know that the Gold
have the components
heading into this
championship series.
And in my opinion? Garreth
is the best hope we've got.
Oh, hot, hot!
Unless...
- You sub me in, of course.
- you sub me in, of course.
But I've said it before
and I'll say it again:
what matters most is supporting
who we have at home.
Mom! Diner's ready!
The Denver Gold!
I'm Piper Alvarez,
and as always,
I love keeping you...
In the Hoop!
Hey, sleepyhead.
Mom?
What are you doing?
You gotta stop falling asleep
on the couch.
I was watching the game,
and I tried to wait up
for you, but...
Oh, yeah? What'd you think,
Ollie? How'd I do?
You were great.
But LaShawn needs to work
on his follow through,
or coach should bench him.
Careful, ruthless.
You're gonna take my job.
Uh... Sure.
Then you can go call baseball!
Baseball? Clever.
You finish your history
homework?
Um...
It's a group project.
And the others haven't
started yet, so...
So, I am your mom,
I care what you do.
Don't let them drag you down.
Come on, up. Bed.
Being independent
guarantees your success.
Take care of yourself
and nobody can
take that away from you.
Yup, I got the t-shirt, okay?
Well, if you listened to me,
I wouldn't have
to repeat myself.
I wouldn't have
to repeat myself.
I wouldn't have
to repeat myself...
Mom! Stop.
Goodnight, Oliver.
I love you.
- I love you.
- Oh, brush your teeth!
Or I'll put you on the bench.
Catch.
I think it's best that
you stick to basketball.
You.
I have created a monster.
Okay, Bex, so we've got
the run-through at 11:00.
And you're gonna move
the meeting with the staff team
to tomorrow, right?
Oh, and you'll set up
the interview with
the mascot union?
And we've got Garreth's
birthday, don't forget.
Don't worry! I'll take care
of everything, bossy boss.
Thank you, Bex. Just get
Garreth a giant fruit basket
and a giant card sign.
"Happy Birthday, baller.
From Piper."
Oh, he does love
dry fruit baskets.
You gave Harlow the exact
same thing last month.
Oh.
Morning, my little genius!
Your Mom says you're
kicking school's butt!
Yeah.
Bex, while you're out,
do you mind grabbing...
I'll get you more coffee.
Black, like my soul.
Of course.
You're too good to me.
Bye honey, I love you!
Wait, wait, Mom, uh...
Can I ask you something?
Uhoh. Do I need a lawyer?
No! Just um...
If you want,
in a couple of weeks...
The finals, yes, I know.
If you wanna come,
you have to have no assignments,
and straight As.
No, no, no, that's not what
this is about.
Sorry, honey, I gotta...
One second.
Bex, what's up?
Uh, Honey, I gotta go.
I love you!
Have a great day, bye!
Uh-oh.
Is mommy too famous
to listen to you?
Must be hard when
your mom's a celebrity.
Hi, Anya. Bye, Anya.
Aww.
Dost thou not laugh?
No, for I'd rather weep.
Hey! I wasn't done making
fun of you!
We're on in three minutes!
We'll be there!
And good to go!
Uh, no! Piper,
get to the good bits!
Point guard Ryan Ricks
got divorced.
I should just have to talk
about the game.
Well, heartbreak shakes up
every aspect of someone's life!
But... I could turn it
around for him.
No, no, no.
Do not date a player,
they're all players.
But again, so is every
single man on planet Earth!
You don't get a say,
you won't date anyone.
I'm gonna keep searching
for my Prince Charming.
Don't kiss any toads!
Never works.
Ah, Piper! "T'is better
to have loved and lost,
than never
to have loved at all!"
You know who loves that quote?
Divorce lawyers.
Hey, finding love
can be scary,
but it's definitely
worth the risk.
I mean, think about Ricks.
He fits my Prince Charming mold:
tall, handsome-ish.
And he's got a huge... 401K.
Oh, my gosh!
That 401k was funny, girl.
I know!
Here comes your other Prince.
Christopher!
- Oh! How do I look?
- Unhinged, as always.
Look out! There he is!
Uhoh! Here I am!
There's a wild CEO on the loose,
am I right?
Well, you pay me enough
to say, "You're always right".
You're so funny, Piper!
Okay, I've got some updates
I need you to weave in:
Connor's gonna be a father,
a baby girl;
and Garreth,
he's getting engaged again.
Come on, Chris.
People don't watch my show
for gossip. They tune in
for game recaps, updates...
And for you!
'Cause you're so amazing!
And because you're so good,
you're gonna be able
to slip in those lifestyle
updates, no dramas, right?
- But, I'm thinking...
- You're killing' it!
Keep this up, crush the finals,
and maybe a certain someone
will have some exciting offers
on the table.
Her own national sports
panel show, a hall of fame?
Who knows?
My own national panel?
A hall of fame?!
You're killing' it, too!
Like a C-E-Oh, my gosh,
you're so good!
Rein it in, Bex.
Ah, thank you...
Flexi.
- It's Bex!
- One minute! Clear the stage!
- Alright, I'm good. Thanks.
- Okay.
Hello? One sec.
It's Oliver's school.
Some sort of emergency?
I don't know.
Hello, is Oliver okay?
The Principal's office? Why?
He got in a fight?!
We're live in five, four...
With a girl?!
- Piper, you're on!
- What the hell...
Hello there, Denver! We've got
some wild updates for you.
Hope you're sitting down.
Excuse me?! Piper Alvarez.
My son...
Yeah. You can wait in
the hall, I'm not quite ready.
No, I got a call.
I've got a call as well, see?
I'm on the phone,
I will talk to you
when I'm done being
on the phone.
Wait in the hall, thank you.
Wow! Oh!
Careful. Don't fall.
Yes. Great. Thank you. Um...
- Erik
- Erik. Yes.
Thank you. Oh! I'm Piper.
You can stop thanking me.
Yes. Yup, I can.
Thank you?
Right.
Sorry about Joan.
She can get a bit little...
Unbelievably rude?
But pretty good at being direct.
Exactly what I was gonna say.
So what, are you in for,
"caught chewing gum again"?
Uh... Not exactly.
Mr. Rosen. Ms. Alvarez.
Come on in, please.
Come on in! Quickly!
- Oh, just...
- Don't run. Quickly!
Your children have been
in my office all morning.
What's happening?
Where's Oliver?
Where is Anya?
Anya and Oliver were
in a physical altercation
this morning.
What?!
Mmhmm.
They are being checked out
by the nurse.
Because they were pushing
and shoving and eye-poking.
No blood, nothing broken.
Just a little bruise.
Minor as this was,
a fight is very, very serious.
The issue right now is that
neither student is
admitting fault.
Well, it isn't Anya.
I've instilled
good family values.
Safety, respect, honesty.
Way to go, Father of the Year.
Look, Oliver is
a straight-A student.
Plus, he's not about
to hit a girl!
Ms. Alvarez, this is
the first time that I've...
seen you at the school?
And?
And I'm not sure where
I was going with that.
Mr. Rosen, I see you here
every single day.
Mh-mm. That's because
I take an interest
in my child's education
and make sure
that they're safe all the time.
Oh, please.
Be that as it may, I will not
tolerate violence in my school.
My policy is very, very clear.
I have no choice:
Anya and Oliver will
both be suspended.
Unless...
Come on, Joany!
Okay. First of all,
my name is Joan.
And secondly, in this office,
it really does need
to be Principal Hosen.
Principal Hosen...
Unless what?
Well, this is the first time
either student has been
in trouble.
And I am aware that being
single parents is no easy task.
But you two, you both need
to have some healthier
involvement in
your children's schooling.
Great, what's that mean?
A donation?
A donation?
No, not a donation.
Anya and Oliver share
one mutual extra-curricular.
And I want you two
to see to its success.
The two of you are going
to work together
to help produce
Romeo and Juliet.
Wait? What?
No, Oliver's an academic,
he's captain
of the basketball team.
He's not in a play...
Oh, oh.
That's very surprising.
Not in a play? Boo! Surprise!
He was cast as Romeo last month.
Something you should know.
Yes, Mr. Rosen?
Okay, you said,
"work together"?
- I did indeed.
- I'm on the PTA.
- I'm aware.
- I'm a room parent.
- Yes, you are.
- I'm even in the cafeteria!
Everyday while I'm having
my lunch.
I can take care of Anya,
and do this whole show
by myself.
Yeah, actually,
that's a great idea.
I'm all for that. Go Erik!
No, no! Hey, come on.
I'm running the show here.
Absolutely not.
You will work together on this,
and this alone,
which means no PTA for Mr. Erik.
Or both children are suspended.
End of discussion.
I've hit the pear,
end of discussion.
- Fine.
- Fine.
Fine. Good. Fantastic news.
Pardonnez-moi!
I'd like to say
a little something,
given that I am
the creative visionary here!
This is Mr. Lane,
our dramatics teacher.
I don't want my show
trifled with by amateurs.
But a certain someone...
said that if I don't agree,
I'm gonna lose my parking spot
for my Vespa.
So, you will work
to my specifications.
That's a little much, Leslie.
Detailed sketches
of the sets, props,
and costumes for
my steampunk, hip-hop,
reimagining:
Romeo and Juliet, 3000!
It will be perfect
for opening night,
you only ever get one.
Unless we take the show
on the road?
No, no.
My humble request denied.
Good luck.
You're gonna need it.
This is gonna be fun.
No, did you not just see him?
This is not going
to be fun at all.
It is a punishment.
Also, I'm a big, big fan.
I have been since
the beginning of your career.
- Mm-hmm.
- Okay, you may go.
Go! We're done.
I said I was sorry.
Oliver Alvarez.
I just don't understand.
You never mentioned any tension
with this Anya girl.
It doesn't matter!
There's no tension.
Oh, right. I forgot.
You always get into fights
with completely random people.
Let alone some little girl!
She's not that little.
Oliver Paul. Hey.
Don't box me out.
If something's wrong,
talk to me.
Mom, Principal Hosen
already gave us
a stern talking to. We're fine.
Everything's taken care of.
No. Not everything.
You didn't talk to me,
and then you got in a fight,
now I have take time out
from prepping for my show,
which puts a roof over
your head, by the way,
during the busiest time
of the entire season,
so I can help out with
some robot romance rap musical
that you didn't even
tell me about,
all so you don't get suspended!
Great instant-replay, Alvarez.
So?
So?
So my handsome boy is Romeo.
The ultimate romantic!
Who kills himself, right?
Pretends to.
Well, better be pretend.
Ollie.
You've never kept a secret
like this from me, buddy.
Just... forget about it, okay?
Oliver, I am proud of
everything you succeed at.
You should've told me!
Yeah, because independence
leads to success, right?
- Oliver.
- Take care of yourself
and nobody can take that
away from you.
- Hey!
- I'm going to go do homework.
Oliver!
Bex? Hope you're sitting down.
I've got some updates for you.
Huh.
This time, cookies.
Best neighbour ever.
I got you.
I just don't get it.
You know, I'm the driving force
behind the craft fair,
I did the all picket signs
when Anya's class
was doing the suffragettes.
I just really think that
I can do this on my own.
Oh, Erik.
You are one stubborn man.
No, I am one caring father.
Ah! Potato, tomato.
Maurice! Anya still needs me.
She's 13!
She needs you to give her money
and leave her alone.
Trust me.
One wife, three daughters.
I learned my place pretty quick.
All you gotta do now is...
Make sure she makes
the right choices.
I was gonna say
support her choices,
but whatever works.
I do support her,
by being there all the time!
But now the Principal's
relegated me
to this one simple thing.
It's like she finds me annoying
or something.
I Can't imagine why...
And I have to do this
with the other kid's mom,
who I can already tell isn't
gonna be easy to work with.
She stubborn too?
Yes!
She pretty?
- I mean... Yes, but...
- She single?
Maurice! I know Piper's type.
She's not gonna care about this
the way that I do.
She's just gonna complain
and get in the way.
Well, I wouldn't want
to get in the way
of you talking about me.
- Uh...
- Anya let us in.
We were just, I was...
Trying to see if your foot
can fit in your mouth?
I get it.
Why don't we get to whatever
it is we're doing, shall we?
Sooner we're done,
sooner I can get back to work,
and you can get back to saying
such nice things about me.
I'll leave you to it.
Play nice!
Thanks, Maurice.
I... have a little bit more
wood I've just gotta get
from beside the house.
Yeah.
If you've got other things
to do, you can go.
Oh it's fine, it's fine.
We can knock this out in what,
an hour? Two?
Come back tomorrow.
Paint it. Done.
I wish...
Dad!
Uh, we don't have
to build stuff, right?
Uh...
We're not the ones
in detention.
I mean, I can help
build stuff, but...
Mr. Fridman gave us
some homework
that's due in a couple of days,
and I don't know,
I should probably get
to that because...
Uh, I'm gonna go watch
Gazzy stream.
She's going live soon.
You watch Gazzy? The streamer?
I've watched her gameplay
a couple times, it's crazy.
We're gonna go do homework.
Uh! You guys should stay
out here.
At opposite ends of the yard.
Where we can see you.
It's homework, Erik.
They're going to play nice.
Please play nice!
Shall we get started?
So, have you built ever
made a set
or worked with power tools?
I mean, it's okay
if you haven't.
I can teach you.
Or it would just be faster
if I did it.
Thank you, Erik!
That is so helpful.
What a gentleman.
But when we get a few steps
down the line,
you're gonna have to replace
the pad on your belt sander.
Abrasive's a bit worn.
My dad had a woodshop
growing up.
He pretty much built every piece
of a furniture in our house.
I picked up a couple things.
Not afraid to get messy,
tough guy.
Okay, okay. I see.
Well, I happened to work
in carpentry
right out of high school, so...
I also picked up a few things.
Course you did.
So, why don't we get
started with...
Oh! Swords. There. Done.
I can take care of that.
Uh, I can take care of that.
If you just wanna pass me
the tools, I can do that.
Sure, yeah, of course!
Just pass me that pencil?
Thanks.
You know,
you can sand the swords
after I've finished
cutting them out.
Sort of like a
"I wash you dry" situation.
Sorry, I wasn't listening.
I was too busy
starting the work.
I mean, someone's got to.
Uh...
That's actually pretty, uh...
It's pretty...
Amazing? The best? Yeah.
Sorry if I'm
"getting in the way."
We'll see about that. Okay.
Whoever's is better...
Because they've been involved
in their kid's schooling
and theatrical experience
takes charge.
What do you say?
You're on.
I'm gonna be the most involved
parent there ever was.
Oh! I've already got
that trophy.
I bet you do.
Show time, Ernie.
- And it's Erik by the way.
- I know.
- With a K.
- Hmm.
- Easy over there.
- I got it, captain,
give up.
Are our parents fighting?
And to think the Principal
gave them the talking too.
My Mom's pretty competitive.
And it looks like
your Dad is, too.
As long as he's leaving me
alone instead of forcing me
to live inside bubble wrap,
I'm good.
It's a pretty good
distraction, actually.
Mom's not demanding
I finish homework
three years before it's due.
You know, if we keep them
distracted with each other...
We're free to do
whatever we want.
I might even read
a graphic novel!
- I might run with scissors!
- Please don't do that.
No promises.
The stream starts in a sec.
Let's go.
Alright.
This is gonna be good.
Anya!
Got you, Romeo.
No, no!
You can have two nosebleed
tickets with 10 % off.
I don't just give court side
tickets away!
You think I run a charity here?!
Get a grip of yourself!
Come in!
Okay, okay, Mom.
I gotta go.
I'll see you at home.
Christopher! My favorite guy
in charge of payroll.
Ooh. A zinger from Alvarez.
She shoots...
She scores!
It's not snowing outside?
Hmm? Oh, yeah. Sawdust.
I was helping build...
You know what, doesn't matter!
What's up? Bex said
you wanted me to stop by
before setting up for the show.
Yes! Glad you came by.
Now, you know you're doing
a great job.
Numbers are up,
you're huge on socials.
The fans are obsessed with you,
I'm obsessed with you.
I tell people all the time,
"That Alvarez is amazing,
the best! She can do no wrong!"
Thank you, thank you.
But I wanna talk about
what you did wrong.
I couldn't help but notice
on the last show
your little slip-up
as we went live.
I know! I'm so sorry.
My son's school called and...
It doesn't matter...
No, it does not!
Those pesky kids!
Always getting in the way.
You don't have kids, do you?
And I thank my lucky stars
every day.
So do I.
You wanna know
what's important?
My next point. Garreth.
Oh! Garreth, Garreth, Garreth!
He's crushing it.
And he just had
his little engagement! So sad.
And now, he's retiring.
What? Garreth's retiring?!
I know, I know! Shh.
We've gotta to keep it
under wraps.
They're gonna have a huge press
conference after his last game.
But this puts
a lot of pressure on me.
I've gotta come up with
this huge presentation
with the highlight reels
and photos.
It's a huge task
and I've got so much
on my plate already! God!
Wow, it's almost like you want
someone else to take on
this massive,
last-minute responsibility.
You'd do that, Alvarez?
You're so good!
You're so good!
I would, I would. I want to.
I just have a lot going on
outside work right now, so...
Oh, I got an update for you.
I've been hearing some whispers
through the grapevine.
Guess who wants to start
their own sports panel show?
- Who.
- Michael Jordan.
Kidding. Shaq. It's a new show.
He's looking for people.
- Shaq?
- Yes.
And with the people in the NBA
already loving what you do,
they could certainly help you
build something big.
Maybe out in California...
If you do well
with this presentation.
I will!
I will.
As long as you stay focused.
You know I will.
Good one, Alvarez!
Crushing it!
- This is awful.
- This is awful.
I think the guests are getting
better brushes than you.
So, what'd my boyfriend want?
Bex, I'm gonna need your help.
My cousin makes fake IDs
and I can pretty easily
sneak us into Quebec.
No. No, no. I may have
voluntarily taken on,
I'd say, a ton of work.
But I have to help
with the show, for Oliver.
And for macho man, Erik!
He sounds dreamy.
Snap out of it!
Will you help me?
With anything.
Oh, I can always count on you
in scary situations.
Love is always worth the risk!
- Bex!
- Sorry.
There. Done.
Only eight splinters.
Next job! Erik!
Ah! Yeah. Sorry.
I'm trying to see
what's next on the list.
What are you doing?
Do not set up a screen.
I'm just in the middle
of something right now.
You know, I have to admit,
your swords are really good!
You should just make
more swords!
More swords?
I already made six!
We only need three.
You insisted on back-ups.
Look, I don't know theater,
but I don't think we need
two back-up swords
for every sword.
You can never have enough.
Let me guess,
you were an only child.
- Yeah. How did you know?
- Mm-hmm.
Look, this needs to be right,
it's for Anya.
So, I'm gonna take care of it.
Okay. Your daughter might be
Juliet, but my son is Romeo.
And his name comes first
on the poster.
Look, I'm around strong-headed
men every day of my life.
Here is the play:
I'm gonna help.
You're gonna get over yourself.
Simple enough?
You know, you're forward,
I'll give you that.
- Thank you.
- But I just think
that maybe if this...
You won't believe it!
Dangerous!
Look! I did it, Dad.
What's this?
I had to make a comparative
scale model of all the planets
compared to the sun.
Good, right?
What's the sparkly one?
That is where
the Kardashians live.
- Wow!
- And how did you make it?
I cut a box with a box cutter,
and then,
stuck everything inside
with hot glue.
It's not a lie, you know?
The glue gets super hot.
Anya!
This is a first-degree...
This burn could've been
a lot worse!
And if this had gone up,
it would've been a Class A fire.
The whole house could've gone.
You can't do this without...
Exhale.
I'm fine.
But I am late. So... Bye.
Bye!
I mean, she seems fine doing
stuff by herself.
Let's just divide and conquer.
Faster I get this done...
Faster you can get back
to keeping an eye on her.
Faster I can get back
to what may be
the most important
assignment of my career.
Ernie? Uh, Erik.
I can help you get your life
back quickly,
if you help me get back
to my work. Deal?
Deal.
Rock on.
And we were only
one three-pointer behind!
But our Gold got kicked
in the nuggets tonight
and we're headed to a game five.
I think we can agree they need
to pull out all the tricks
if we're gonna win
this next game.
Hey.
Wow. It's beautiful.
So's the work you're doing.
I think it's going well.
Do you think it's going well?
I hope it's going well.
Look, my dad hasn't been
hovering over my shoulder
for a week.
Everything seems good to me!
That looks very unhealthy.
Look.
Here. Made you a bowl.
Thank you.
I won!
Oh! Come on!
Okay, what did you think?
It's so sweet.
I love it!
It's sugar on sugar on sugar,
what's not to like?
So should we, I don't know,
rehearse our lines?
That seems a lot
like homework to me.
Yeah,
but this is actually fun!
Plus, you'll be doing it
without Mr. Lane's
supervision.
Okay, good point. I'm in!
Scripts!
Okay.
Alright, the fountains,
I made expertly.
- At the theatre, check.
- Hmm.
The staircase,
you did very well.
Very well, thank you.
Check.
And I think that's it.
Great, well we are on track
for me to keep being the best.
- What was that?
- Hmm?
Donuts anyone?
Maurice, thank you!
Look at all this work,
you dynamic duo of delinquents!
Might I say, this is very good.
Thank you!
He means me.
What?!
"Love is smoke,
made with the fume of sighs!"
You don't know that quote?
Well, why would you?
It's only from
the most famous play
of all time.
The Bard's renowned romance?
Romeo and Juliet!
Thought you'd know it by now.
Told you I'd do better.
Maurice agrees.
What? He was talking about me.
He was talking about me!
Okay. I see how this is.
I see your sets
and I raise you advertising.
- Hmm.
- Hmm.
And now, the Championship
game is so close,
we can almost taste it!
In tonight's game,
our Gold were no chickens,
leaving the Raptors
pretty much extinct,
after Garreth executed
incredible play
after incredible play...
And speaking of
incredible plays:
East Adler Middle School's
production,
Romeo and Juliet 3000 opens
in just two weeks.
Going to see that show
is one heck of a slam dunk.
I'm Piper Alvarez. Good night.
We're out.
Okay, you definitely beat
Erik now!
But did my boyfriend know
you were gonna do that?
He did not.
Oh, and he is not going
to love that.
But you did beat Erik!
Worth the risk, huh?
Absolutely.
Alright, alright. I'll admit,
that was a good play.
Okay, first of, obviously.
A captive audience
of a few hundred thousand?
And secondly, thank you.
I mean, it's not the way
I would've said it,
but still good.
Okay, so how far do we need
to extend the balcony?
Uh, about a foot and a half
if it's gonna match with
everything else on stage.
Right. Jeez.
Mr. Lane has a vision,
but no precision.
Uh, should we head back?
Start fixing?
Yeah.
Come on!
Okay, okay. Let's go again.
- Hurry up then!
- Fine!
You're gonna do great.
If I touch your hand,
but you think it's dirty,
I'm not gross,
just being flirty.
At the risk of seeming hasty,
I'll give you a kiss,
M'lady...
I don't get this at all.
This is really different
than the Shakespeare
I read in school.
It's a "reimagining."
Woof.
Man, you gotta move
while you talk.
You've got to step towards me
and then move back.
I can't! I'm trying.
It's just, I'm used to being
on a court, not a stage.
Maybe I shouldn't have
even gone to try-outs.
It's auditions.
You know, actually,
it's fine. It's fine.
Let's just go again.
If I touch your hand,
but you think it's dirty,
not gross...
He's struggling.
I wanna help him, but...
I'm not a drama teacher.
I don't know this stuff.
You didn't know about
building sets either,
but hey, you're here
and you're doing it.
And you're not awful!
Thanks.
Let's do it again.
If I touch your hand,
but you think it's dirty...
Shakespeare isn't that
different than basketball.
Aw, you're about to break
into an emotional
but stilted musical number too?
Okay, okay. Hear me out.
Actors need to leave their whole
selves on the stage, right?
And the players have
to leave it all on the court?
Exactly! There's passion,
and there's sweat and tears.
And a hungry crowd.
It's just a different play.
Oliver!
Mom?
Honey, you,
you're doing great.
- Mom. Please stop.
- Just focus.
Um, what makes Garreth
a great player?
He gets the ball in the hoop.
Yeah! Okay, well,
does he just shoot
from anywhere and score?
- No.
- You're right.
So what does he do?
Break it down for me.
Little steps.
Okay. Um, he has to dribble,
while avoiding getting a foul,
and he's looking out
for his teammates.
Oof! Seems like a lot, huh?
Yes, but he practices
all the time,
so it's automatic.
Yes! So.
Anya is your teammate
and the words are the ball.
In order to get in the basket,
all you have to do is...
Trust my teammate and take it
one step at a time.
Exactly. And then you are
guaranteed to make the shot.
Uh, actually,
I hate basketball, so...
Anya!
It's okay.
Anya, the basket is
the hoop thingy,
10 feet in the air.
Oh.
I still have no idea
what's going on,
but I think Oliver understood?
I think it worked.
If I touch your hand,
but you think it's dirty,
I'm not gross,
just being flirty.
At the risk of seeming hasty,
I'll give you a kiss,
M'lady, m'lady!
Yo, taking my hand
turns up the heat.
While still playing coy,
acting so sweet.
I'm in for reals!
I wanna bag a winner,
not just a dance
with a street-wise sinner.
That's as far
as we've rehearsed.
Can we go now?
Ollie, that was amazing!
You played through.
You crushed it. Come here!
Thanks, Mom.
- Bravo!
- So good.
That was awesome.
Okay, bye.
I've... never done that.
We've never worked
like that before.
It paid off!
Yeah, I guess it did.
Excuse me?
Excuse me, what are you two
doing on my stage?
Re...
Rehearsals don't start
for 40 minutes.
Yeah, we were just
dropping the kids off,
so we though we'd map out
the sets.
Marvelous!
Just keep working exactly
to my specifications.
We're getting a lot
of professional attention
about the show.
I tweeted about it
to Lin Manuel-Miranda,
and his agents got back to me
and said, "Please stop!"
Uh, who is Lin Manuel-Miranda?
Get out of my theatre.
Yeah, okay. We gotta go
paint some sets anyway, so...
Go!
Two minutes, everybody!
Where's Piper Alvarez?
She'll be here.
Any second now!
It's Piper Alvarez.
Fire away.
Piper! Sweet Pied Piper.
Where the heck are you?!
I'm getting more nervous
than when I went on a date
to a KISS concert.
I got pulled up on stage,
but I'd never heard KISS before.
I started singing
"Sweet Home, Alabama"
and was taken out by security...
I am here! I am here.
Ready to go!
Where have you been?!
I was just leaving you
a message.
Can you tell I'm sweaty?
I was painting
this leather-robot-face mask
and I got these cogs glued
to my pants and...
You know what? I am here.
I'm ready to roll.
Please tell me
you prepared my copy?
Copy's done for your show,
Gold are going to game 7!
- Yeah!
- So exciting!
But you're gonna need
Garreth's presentation,
like, ASAP.
Yeah, yeah. I'm good!
I got this. I'm always good
with this stuff. You know.
You've still got to put
together the highlight reel,
the interview clips,
and prepare a moving
and heartfelt speech!
That'll take like two seconds.
Besides, Erik and I are working
together to get
this whole thing finished.
You're not having fun,
are you?
Oh, please.
This is where my focus is.
Uh-huh.
You know, I never
would've thought
to use lime electrolytes
for the poison.
Yeah, there's a lot of that
at the studio...
For when I interview players.
- Piper?
- Huh?
That's not your tea.
Yeah, I know! I just was
getting a closer look.
What?
What are you doing here?
You can... This poison.
This the fake one. I think.
Is that the fake one
that she drinks?
Ugh, there's so much poison.
Why is there so much poison
on this show?!
You seem distracted.
Me? No. I got this.
Right. Right, right.
And how's work?
It's busy. It's great.
It's very busy.
I imagine it would be,
with the Gold in finals.
- What?
- I said that.
- You like basketball?
- Yeah, of course.
- You never said anything.
- I haven't really had a chance.
I've been focused
on my own things.
Much like Garreth when he's got
a court full of teammates
but he's dead-set
on making that goal.
Yes! Exactly!
I've been saying that.
Wait. What?!
What? You're the one
that keeps pointing it out.
You know, "The superstar is
a superstar for a reason."
You just quoted me to me,
what is happening?
You're Piper Alvarez.
I never miss "In the Hoop".
Well, you never said anything.
It wouldn't have mattered
if you were Garreth himself,
our kids were fighting.
Yeah, it's true.
That's all that mattered.
But yeah, I love basketball.
You know, Lydia and I met
at a game when we were 17.
She was a cheerleader.
I was a point guard.
Hmm. You never turned pro?
Let's just put it this way,
Principal Hosen probably has
a better jump shot then I do.
No, I became a fire fighter.
Oh?
Look, I'm used
to putting out fires.
So, why don't you tell me
what's going on?
Oh, hmm...
Okay, well, our deal was:
we finish for the show quickly,
so I can work on
this massive presentation,
but the show is taking so long.
Which is fine!
It's just, there's just so much.
And there's a lot riding
on both so...
So, why don't you let me
help you?
No, no, no. I'm good.
My assistant gathered
a bunch of materials,
I just need to comb through them
and assemble it,
and then write the copy, and...
You know what?
It doesn't matter.
I will handle it.
I handle everything.
I don't need your help.
- I offered.
- I didn't ask.
Yeah, I know. I offered.
I... can't.
It's okay to let people
help you for a change.
I mean, look at you!
You're at the point where you're
almost drinking paint water.
Okay, I appreciate the offer,
I do. But I just need to...
Mom! You gotta let Erik help.
He pretty much did every
single one of Anya's assignments
and she got all As.
I was more of a guide, really.
Were you two eavesdropping
on our conversation?
Silver-lining:
at least they're getting along.
Look, I won't even tell you
what to do!
You can boss me around.
Oh, I do like
the sound of that.
Okay! Fine. Fine.
Tell me when you are free
to listen to me
tell you what to do.
Uh, why don't you just
come to the gym
and we can sort through
everything there?
The gym? I thought
you were a firefighter.
I was, but now I'm a PT.
I help train people who need
to be in fighting shape
at any given moment.
Firefighters, police officers.
Female basketball announcers.
Risky business.
Right.
Thank you, Erik.
Alright, then.
Alright, Anya, let's go.
See you later.
Uh, hello?
Erik?
Hate to interrupt,
Arnold Schwarzenegger.
When you said you were
a personal trainer,
I didn't realize it was
that personal.
And how long were you
standing there, watching me?
Okay, do you mind if we get
to work, Dwayne Johnson?
Of course.
Unless you have any other names
stashed away?
I mean, I don't want to stop
your dancing, Magic Mike.
You wanna step
in the ring, Rocky?
Huh, huh, huh?
Okay.
Let's go before
you hurt yourself.
Oh, serve it up, Serena! Whoo!
This is looking good.
What do you got?
Okay, so we go from
his influence
on the future of the game,
to his charity work.
Mm-hmm. And then,
you can talk about
how you respect him
as a person...
And a player.
Exactly, yeah. We love him,
we miss him. Great.
Oh! And don't forget his
lucky underwear.
- His what now?
- His lucky underwear.
When he got started, his mom
bought him clean underwear.
So, before every game,
he gets a new pair.
He's probably got about
a million pairs.
What article was that in?
No, it was a few years ago,
after a game.
A reporter was asking him
about luck and Anya
just thought it was
the funniest thing.
Well, I have to double-check,
but that would be perfect
to go after the bit
about his faith.
Yeah.
I hate it, being an annoyance
and asking for help,
but... thank you so much, Erik.
Any time.
And you're an annoyance
regardless, so...
No harm done.
Touch.
Jillian, hi!
Mark, buddy. Uh...
You're early.
I'm here for my 7:30.
Oh, uh... Me too.
Oh, wait, what?
You double-booked us.
Unless this is some
accidental-on-purpose, surprise match-up?
I'm married, happily.
We've been working on this
show for Anya and I...
I guess I got distracted.
Can we reschedule or something?
Hey, I'm already here if you
want me to help.
No, no.
It's okay, I got it.
Hold up.
"In The Hoop"! You're Piper?
Yeah.
You know what?
I can run two programs
at the same time. It's fine.
- My man.
- You sure? I...
Yeah, yeah, I'm certain.
Mr. Rosen!
Mr. Lane. Don't you look...
shiny.
You assured me
that my personal training
would be kept personal.
And now what?
Am I a part of some...
ensemble piece?
This is worse than "Cats".
I love that musical.
Okay, uh... Please stay.
Oh yeah, I'm not gonna
miss this.
Okay.
Let's go, guys.
Solid form,
Jillian, solid, yes!
Jillian, push, push, push!
Come on, here we go!
Here we go!
This will be two, two!
You got this, man!
Close enough.
- Okay...
- You got this, come on.
Okay, come on!
Oh, no, no, no.
Where am I?
Here we go, Mark. Here we
go, that's 200, that's 200.
50! 1! That's it, go.
11, very graceful!
- And a half.
- Oh.
Feel the burn, feel the burn.
Okay!
Guys, we did it.
Well, that was fun.
Thanks, Piper. Nice work.
You're welcome.
I have not been so happy to be
this sore in years.
I'm gonna have a six-pack
by opening night.
- Uh...
- Uh...
I'm gonna tell you
what Patti LuPone told me
at her 60th birthday, party:
"I find you invasive and
very annoying."
But I happen to think that
you two work very well together.
Thank you! I think.
Just keep building exactly
what I've told you.
Now, it's time for me to exit.
Pursued by bear.
I wish.
Toodles.
You haven't had this much
energy in a long time.
Piper, you got to stick
around.
Oh, I'm...
No, no, we're just helping
each other out.
- Exactly.
- Sure...
"In The Hoop"!
"In The Hoop"!
Seriously though, thank you.
Thank you. I wasn't expecting
that, but it's appreciated.
Well, I didn't expect you to
know so much about basketball.
Well, I didn't expect you
to...
We don't have
to keep doing this.
Right.
Thanks.
Yeah.
Uh...
No, it's...
Well, thank you, Erik.
I will see you tomorrow.
Good night, Erik... Yeah.
Bye.
Cinnamon buns?
- Maurice.
- Erik, Erik, Erik.
To what do I owe the pleasure?
Yeah, yeah. When are you going to
make a move with that sports woman?
Excuse me? No. No, never.
She's nice, but...
Listen to me.
I've been around the block
a few dozen times.
Whenever she's here,
you're laughing.
You're working together.
For the play.
And what? You're just
gonna let that be curtains?
For a man who believes
in love so much,
you need to believe in yourself.
It's been nine years.
It's only been you.
I know, Maurice. Thank you.
I'm not trying
to stick my nose in.
That's rare.
It's so good to see you
happy again.
And I know Lydia would want you
to be happy too.
Trust me.
I was married six times.
Six times?
But they kept dropping
like flies.
But here I am! Still finding
love in new places.
I got a few on the hook down
at the garden centre.
Something about all that pollen
makes them feisty!
Okay.
Breaking hearts
and breaking hips!
You take care of everyone else.
It's time to take care
of yourself.
Now, give me a cinnamon bun.
Thanks.
Betty made these for me.
Well, tell Betty I said
thank you.
Oh, I will.
Too much denim...
That is way too big.
That's a foul.
I can't wait to rip this apart
and harvest it for parts.
This is...
I really hope no-one ever
takes that out of context.
Oh my goodness.
I know, right?
Because it would be easy.
I've seen so many documentaries.
No, no, no.
I used to have a dress like this
when I was a kid.
I wore it to my senior prom.
They say time heals
all wounds, but I don't think
I'll ever get over the sleeves.
And the throw-up on my shoes.
Oh my gosh. It wasn't mine.
Uh, to this day,
I still can't eat carrots.
That's a lot.
That's exactly what I said.
What were you like as a kid?
Hmm, good, I guess.
You guess? There's more
to you than "Good, I guess."
Well, that is pretty much it.
Okay, pretend
it's your retirement coverage.
What would you say then?
Ugh, come on.
No, you come on!
Okay, I...
I didn't have a lot growing up.
Uh, didn't really focus
in school. Guys over grades.
Great school motto.
I was obsessed with sports.
My mom loved baseball,
but my dad and I were die-hard
basketball fans.
Ooh, catch.
Oh.
My gym teacher would
always say,
"Alvarez, you're too short
to play
and you got too much to say."
Too much?
- No, I think it's perfect.
- Agreed.
Ooh, look at all this.
- Too much to say, huh?
- Me?
- I don't believe it.
- Ha, right?
So naturally, broadcasting
was my best bet.
- Hmm.
- Hmm.
I... Then I went to college,
met Tony.
Oliver's dad.
We fell in love, fast.
Got pregnant, equally fast.
And yeah.
Yeah.
He...
He thought Oliver
and I were both too loud.
He fell in love
with someone else.
And he left us pretty much
right away. So...
I was forced to be Supermom.
But it's a good thing he left,
because he was a volleyball guy.
Well, he sounds really stupid.
Yeah. He was stupid.
So, that is me.
And these. Ooh, these
are a really good option.
Coral glasses.
Maybe for Mr. Lane?
Or these, perhaps?
Ooh, they're a little small.
Really?
- Yeah.
- You think so?
I don't think you talk too much.
I think you're strong
and caring...
And you only want the best.
You're a great mother, Piper.
Oliver's lucky to have you
in his life.
That's really nice
of you to say.
Plus, this dress...
Ooh!
This dress is ugly all get-out.
Yes, it is!
Oh, wait, wait.
Here, hold this.
Okay.
- Hold it.
- Okay.
Uh...
What are you doing?
I think I know a way
to improve your prom night.
Okay, it's a little late
for that, I think.
Come here, stand up.
Suspect.
Alright, alright.
Hmm? What do you think?
Well, I think you look stupid.
Oh, thank you so much.
Actually, I think we both
look stupid.
It's nice though, isn't it?
Not to look stupid solo.
I mean, ideally, neither of us
would look stupid.
But... yeah. It is...
It's nice having...
Yeah.
Piper, uh...
Life is hard when you do it
by yourself.
No-one wants to do it alone.
I think I do a pretty good job
supporting Oliver myself,
all by myself, actually.
No, no, I'm not saying that,
I know you do.
- Okay.
- What I'm saying is...
Maybe there's room to share
with someone.
Uh...
Erik, I... This isn't...
Uh...
Actually, I have to get this,
this is important.
My work is important.
Of course... Sorry.
No, no, no, it's...
all good.
I just have to, you know.
But you got this?
- Piper?
- Yeah, just hang on a second, Bex.
Uh, what's the thing
we're doing tomorrow?
Setting day, set day
or something like that.
- Bump in.
- Right, that's... Oh, bump in!
Bump in, huh! There I go,
just... bumping in.
Uh, okay. Bye.
Bye.
Oh, please tell me
you didn't hear any of that.
Hey!
Was I interrupting
you embarrassing yourself
in front of your new lover?
Nothing is happening.
Oh, why? He's cute!
Admit it.
Okay, fine! Maybe he's cute,
but you know what else is cute?
A puppy!
You should get a puppy!
Bex, what do you mean?
I'm on my way in.
Christopher asked me
to ask you when you can get
the final cut of Garreth's
goodbye video?
And if there are any clips
from the locker room.
Wait, what? No, he did not
ask me that second question.
Give the people what
they want, Piper!
I will send you what I have
of the presentation,
it's almost done.
All of this is almost done.
Home stretch. Everything can go
back to normal.
Mm-hmm. For sure.
Hey.
This is the spot!
Great, keep it coming,
keep it coming...
A bit to the left.
My left or your left?
Just, this way.
Great, and all the props
are unloaded, so I'll just...
Piper, can we talk?
But we're good,
there's nothing to talk about.
- I think there is.
- Mom.
Uh...
Oh, honey! Come here,
come here.
You look great!
Oh my gosh, like a little...
samurai magician!
You are gonna be wonderful.
You always are
when you apply yourself
and I am so proud that you applied
yourself to something that makes you happy.
And you don't have to do this
alone, okay?
I got you.
Thanks, Mom.
- I love you.
- I love you too.
Oh...
Here I am, Juliette,
goddess rapper extraordinaire!
Wow.
- Oh, you think that's funny?
- It's amusing.
- Stop.
- No!
- Sorry.
- Sorry.
You guys are getting along,
huh?
- Yeah, I guess so.
- I guess.
Oh, oh! Careful, careful.
I got it. Let me do this.
I just...
I just think you're gonna
make me really proud.
Like you always do.
Thanks.
- Oh, oh, oh!
- Crap.
No, no, it's okay.
I can fix it.
- Mom, I got it, it's fine.
- Ollie, I know you do,
but you don't have
to do it alone, okay?
I got you.
Five minutes
to dress rehearsal!
And just a little reminder about
the tap choreography.
It goes...
Travel, step.
Travel, step.
A maxi ford, ball change!
And if you get it wrong,
I'm gonna lose my mind.
Okay.
- Wow.
- Let's gather up.
Gather up, here.
Let's warm up, okay?
Uh, I'm gonna fix
this backstage.
Let's warm up, here. Okay,
are we ready? Are we ready?
Robber, baby, buggie, bumpers.
Robber, baby, buggie, bumpers.
- Okay, go.
- Robber, baby, buggie, bumpers.
- Robber, Bobby, bunkers?
- Faster.
Faster.
- Bunkers.
- Faster.
- Baby...
- Bonkers...
Perfect, you're great.
Let's go.
- Piper.
- Just going to fix this.
Okay, don't you want to talk
about what happened last night?
Erik, we're good.
The show's almost over
and our detention will be done and
everything will go back to normal.
Normal?
Okay, well let me take the hat.
- No, I got it.
- But I can fix it.
Erik, seriously, I got it.
No, but you've been doing
all the heavy lifting...
I told you I could support
myself.
- Piper.
- I got it!
Okay. Fine.
And before the dress rehearsal
and tomorrow's show...
I want to call
everyone's attention
to the sets, costumes and
props built by Oliver's mom
and Anya's dad.
Come on out here,
Erik and Piper!
Give 'em a hand!
Take a bow!
Yeah. Okay.
Alright...
Places, everybody, places!
Let's go, top of show!
Let's go.
We open tomorrow.
I don't want things to go back
to the way they were before.
Please, I don't want that
human nanny-cam to plug back in.
We gotta come up
with something big.
Yeah.
Can we zip-tie them together
or burn the set
so they have to build it again?
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
I have an idea
and it's actually legal, so...
Aw, you're no fun.
Oliver, Anya, places!
Oliver!
Oliver, we're not staying,
I have to...
Erik, Erik, wait. I...
Yeah?
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to snap
at you earlier.
I... There's a lot going on
right now.
With work and a new job maybe...
It's okay, Piper.
I agreed to doing all this,
helping out, working with you,
just so Oliver wouldn't get
suspended.
Well, you achieved your goal,
so that's good.
No, I... What I mean is I...
I wasn't expecting...
I get it.
Loud and clear.
It's okay, you don't have
to explain anything.
- No, Erik, I...
- I'll get Oliver.
No, wait. No...
I'm not done. What I meant
is that I...
Anya, Oliver!
What are they up to,
those sneaky little...
- Huh.
- Oh.
Not exactly how I left this.
Open flames with no-one
attending to it.
It could have spread
to the couch and then,
to the house and then,
the electrical and the...
Sorry. I will get this
cleaned up.
Well, it would be rude
to waste wine.
Just one glass?
Well...
Anya? Are you okay?
What's going on?
We're fine, just cooking.
Uh...
I'm not even using a knife.
Perdue chicken breasts.
We thought you'd like it if
we could have dinner together.
You don't have to stay.
I mean, as long as it's quick.
If chicken can be this easy,
we should have it more often.
As long as you're at home
eating with me, yeah!
Yeah.
Oh, do you guys say grace
or something?
- Yeah, yeah.
- Grace.
Hmm!
Now, this is good.
It is, it is. You know,
it makes it easy to work.
Dive back in here for dinner
with Anya.
It's high quality, it's healthy
and everyone's...
- Taken care of?
- Exactly.
Well, for once, we're actually
on the same page.
Thank you for indulging me
about moving the candles.
It just... I just feel better
having them close by.
- I mean, safety first.
- Thank you.
Uh, I noticed a photo
of Anya's mother in there.
She's beautiful.
She was.
Actually, she was more
than that. She was amazing.
She became a partner in
a law firm right out of school.
She was smart,
and I mean really smart.
You would think that
would make her tough,
but she was caring.
She had this amazing way
of making people
feel relaxed and at home.
I used to be so tightly wound.
Used to be?
Oh, funny.
Thank you.
Uh, what happened?
Is it okay that I ask that?
I'm sorry, actually you don't
have to answer that.
No, no, it's fine. It's fine.
Uh...
She found a lump in her breast.
And we tried. We tried
everything we could to fix it.
I never thought I would buy
sound bowls or crystals,
but... when someone you love
is sick, you'll do anything.
Yeah.
Unfortunately, by the time
she found it, it was too late.
I'm so sorry, Erik.
Ah, it's okay.
I mean, you didn't do anything.
I know, I just...
It sucks.
Yeah.
It sucks.
And you said
I'm a good parent,
but nine years just
you and Anya?
I mean, that is amazing.
Single dads do not get
the credit they deserve.
Well, it's my job
to protect her.
That's why I hung up
the fire hose,
it wasn't worth the risk,
you know?
Some things aren't worth
the risk.
I've been thinking recently
though that there are some risks
that people have to take...
if they have any chance
of growing.
You really think that?
I might be... starting to.
Anya, stop cheating!
I'm not cheating,
I'm just better.
You do this every time.
It's a nice night out.
Yeah. Wanna...
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
You know, I...
I think I've been a little
demanding with Oliver.
How so?
He's the best kid and...
all I want is for him
to be successful.
I think I just forgot
for a little while
that happiness is a very
important part of being a success.
Well, you seem to have found
a good balance.
I don't know about that.
It's scary, letting
your kid do what they want.
Hmm.
I've been trying to keep Anya
from getting hurt,
which is normal.
She's done this play,
she does her homework,
she's found friends,
all without me.
Ouch.
Yeah, "ouch" is right.
Lydia always said it was
bound to happen.
- Smart woman.
- She was.
Maybe it is time for me to put
the bubble wrap away.
For now.
Well, we could also cut
ourselves some slack.
We don't have easy jobs.
We don't have easy kids.
- Cheers to that.
- Cheers to that.
Erik, I...
I haven't seen anyone
in a really long time.
It's okay to try again.
Bex, you have
the worst timing.
Christopher.
Oh, snap!
I... I have to go.
I'm so sorry.
Uh... Oliver, we gotta go.
Bye.
Can you believe it?
After a rollercoaster
of a series,
our Gold are headed
to game seven.
I've said it before,
it is true now more than ever:
what matters most is supporting
who we have at home.
Supporting who we have at home,
the Denver Gold.
See you tomorrow.
- And we're out.
- Another great show!
Amazing, you know, I love you.
You are perfect.
- But?
- Alvarez!
Oh, there he is,
someone call security.
Ha. My office. 9 AM.
Can't wait?
Everything good?
It always is.
Except it is not right now.
You've been repeatedly
distracted and you're using
your platform to advertise
your toddler's recital.
You almost missed
a show last week!
I know. I am sorry,
it is all done now anyway.
Nothing to worry about.
I knew I could trust you.
Now, go finish Garreth's
retirement reel.
We're airing it tomorrow night.
Wait, what? Tomorrow night?
But I thought you said
it was happening
at the end of the series.
He's holding
a press conference, no?
Announcing the retirement is gonna
drive ratings through the roof.
I need people to see that it's
more than just a championship game.
It's his last game.
Okay, but my son Oliver-
- You wanna play with
the big boys? Hire a babysitter.
I can't wait to see
your work tomorrow.
You're the best!
Hello, Romeo.
Mom, you got dinner catered?
I made dinner,
thank you very much.
All your favourites.
Even made blueberry pancakes?
Mm-hmm. I know,
it's been a while, huh?
- Years, actually.
- Okay, yes. You're right.
But you deserve it!
And I know it's early, but
you got to keep your energy up
if you're gonna be
at peak performance levels.
Show's gonna be so good.
I'm kind of freaking out,
but I think that's a good thing.
Well, you're Mr. Lane's MVP,
you know.
Okay.
And speaking
of valuable player...
Great segway, Piper.
Uh, I might be getting
a promotion at work.
I might be getting a new show
with Shaq.
- What?
- And if that happens,
it might mean possibly
relocating.
Relocating? Moving?
Hmm.
But we can't. What about here?
What about Erik and Anya?
She's my first really
good friend, Mom!
I know, I know, honey.
But you know what?
This is really important
and it'll be great for us.
And I promise, we will be okay.
Can we just talk about this
some other time?
I just want to do the show.
Mom, we gotta go to the theatre.
If we're late, Mr. Lane will
start yelling and when he yells,
every dog within a five-mile
radius starts barking
like crazy, so... Let's go.
Ollie.
Mom, come on. Erik will be
here in a minute, let's go.
Honey.
I can't go with you.
What? Of course
you're gonna be there.
You've actually been there
for me this entire time.
Remember the presentation
I've been working on?
The big one. Christopher moved
it to tonight.
I have to go to work.
Yeah, because that's
what's really important.
Hey! It is important.
It's my job.
I'm your son! I thought
for this one night,
it would be okay, that I would
be more important than your work.
I have been working
on your show for the past month!
No, you've been working
to get out of detention, okay?
I've heard you.
Oliver, Oliver, stop.
You want to know why me
and Anya got in a fight
in the first place?
She said that even though
I still have a mom,
she didn't want
to spend time with me.
Oliver, that's...
horrible.
That is not okay
and it's not true.
No, she apologized, really.
We're good.
But maybe she was right.
She was not right! Oliver...
You need to stop and listen
to me right now.
Hey, kiddo. You ready to...
hit the stage?
- Erik, I...
- No, no. I've got black coffee
in the car waiting for you.
Listen, we need to talk, okay?
But if you got some of that
garlic bread kicking around,
I'd be in for that.
Erik, I...
I'm not coming.
What do you mean? Why?
Will you please just take
Oliver?
I know he's gonna be... amazing.
I can't believe you.
After everything
that we've been through,
the work that we've put
into this...
You said this was important.
Yeah, it is.
Of course, it is.
But I am not a villain here,
I am a working single mother
that is trying to provide
for my family.
Whoa, whoa. I didn't say
that you were a villain.
I am trying to do
what I think is best.
And apparently, that isn't good
enough for you,
for my boss, for Oliver
or anybody.
Okay, well maybe what's best
is if you take...
Okay, Erik, I like you,
but right now,
I really don't want to hear
what you think is best.
Why don't you ask Anya
why they got in a fight, hmm?
Smothering doesn't work either.
That's below the belt.
Luckily, after tonight,
we're done.
The job is done.
I understand
what you have to do.
But I hope you understand
what you're missing.
Oh, darn it!
Come on, come on, come on.
Oh...
You were so little.
Well, it's been a pretty solid
season for the Gold.
Who do you think is gonna
take the title? Caller one!
Go Gold!
Okay, well we know
where they stand.
Line two, go ahead.
This is such an important part
of Denver...
Call Bex.
Please tell me you're
almost here.
Yeah, I'm just about to leave.
I just had to talk to Oliver.
It did not go well.
But I'm okay.
And I'm coming. I'll call
Christopher, let him know.
Uh, so he doesn't get upset
with me.
It's the last thing I need.
You're brave.
Oh, but I just saw him.
Hang on.
No, no, it's easy.
You just dangle a promotion
in front of someone and
they'll do whatever you want.
It's not like you actually have
to follow through.
It's a solid management
technique.
As in, I managed to get Alvarez
to do my entire Garreth
bye-bye presentation.
Yeah, trust me.
There's no bright future.
Unless you're talking
about my bonus.
Well, here's trouble.
Piper.
Bucky. What?
It's Bex.
Alvarez.
I don't know what you think
you heard,
but I was obviously kidding.
I mean, you know that.
You're the best in biz!
Right, of course.
So, you do have prospects
for me?
Of course. There were many people
in California asking about you.
- Name them.
- Well, there's...
No, I mean,
confidentiality and all, I...
Can't believe you.
I gotta go.
Alvarez?
Alvarez!
Alvarez!
She's not gonna answer.
Okay! No, you are a true fan.
I think we already know
the answer,
but who are you supporting
tonight?
Come on, the answer
is obvious!
It's what the sports lady
always says.
You mean, Piper Alvarez?
Yeah, I love her!
"What matters most is supporting
who we have at home."
Supporting who we have
at home.
It's Piper Alvarez, fire away.
Alvarez, please.
You know I was kidding.
Just... Just call me back.
Makeup girl. And...
brilliant assistant, listen.
We... need an announcer
and you know the plays!
And you need to run Garreth's
farewell presentation.
You could do that, right?
You could do that.
Yeah, of course.
I'm your girl.
Just one quick thing, though.
- What, anything! My hero.
- I've been here for years.
We've spoken a billion times.
What is my name.
It's... hero announcer girl!
No, it's Ben... Bessie!
Uh, I know!
It's Bark, Belinda, Patricia!
Good luck, Christopher.
Get back here, makeup girl!
Plexiglas?
Ladies and gentlemen,
time to put away your cellphones
and take your seat,
it's time for Mr. Leslie Lane's
Romeo and Juliet 3000!
We're two young, fun,
randy teens.
But I'll hang back,
peep the rack, unseen.
Your boy stays calm,
stays cool, stays low.
Where is that hot kid, Romeo?
What up, girl?
Hey, dude.
Hey, dude.
- Piper!
- Shh.
I didn't think
you were coming.
I'm sorry, Erik,
for being such a jerk.
Pretty much this whole time,
I've been scared.
No, don't worry.
I'm sorry for how I reacted.
You need to make the right
choice for your family.
Well, for the first time
in years, I think I am.
You know, someone once told me
it's better
to have loved and lost
than to have never loved at all.
Hmm.
I... I need to take
this slow, okay?
Well, you know me.
I go with the flow.
Yeah!
Like water to the river
And stars to the sky
We were meant to be together
Your hand in mine
It was always you and me
We had everything we needed
Oh promise
We were keeping
to the end of time
You said you'd never leave
And we'd always be together
But they tried
to control you
And this life couldn't
hold you
Now my poor broken heart
Can take me apart
From you
That's brutal.
Yeah.
There's never been a show
with so much woe,
Romeo and Juliet 3000, yo!
That was so good!
Obtuse, but still commenting
on current societal pressures...
I loved it!
That's exactly
what I was going for.
Are you a theatre fan?
As long as it's experimental
and there's wine in the lobby.
Excuse me. Congratulations,
Leslie. Pardon me, sorry.
- Thank you.
- Good job. Okay.
Congratulations,
you're my new favourite person.
- I'm Bex.
- Leslie.
You're so funny, Leslie!
- Yes, he's very funny.
- I'm very funny.
Sometimes, we're funny.
No, it's amazing.
It's fantastic, seriously.
You crushed it.
If you want to take hip-hop
lessons, you can do it.
If you want... If you want,
we can do it together.
No, Dad, no.
Yes! We get matching
outfits...
- Absolutely not.
- Oliver, honey! You were amazing!
Come here! Oh,
I'm so, so proud of you.
Thanks, Mom.
I thought you were working.
You know what matters most?
Supporting who I have at home.
That's you, by the way.
- But what about your new job?
- Oh. You inspired me.
I think I might really like
announcing baseball.
Seems like a home run to me.
Uh... Piper, your socials
are blowing up!
I mean... Piper, thank you
for the retirement video.
Much appreciated.
You got fans, man.
Yeah, I sent it to him.
It's a wrap.
Well, speaking of a wrap,
what do you say we go
back to our house and celebrate?
Yeah!
- I love this song.
- Oh! Oh my gosh, me too!
Let's dance!
Well, looks like it is
just us gals.
- Oh.
- Oh, and this guy. Your Romeo.
I likey.
My hat!
So...
So.
Are you glad you got
detention?
Honestly, Erik, all of this
was so far out of my wheelhouse.
I didn't even realize
how scared I was.
But I realized that sometimes,
we can take a big risk...
and it might just be
worth it.