The Christmas Spark (2025) Movie Script
1
Christmas,
the most magical time of the year.
For most, it's a time to slow down.
To look back and reflect
on the year that's behind us.
But something tells me
you didn't come here to coast,
so my challenge to each
of you is to reach down deep.
Are you ready?
One, two, three, four, climb!
We don't want to coast through
the end of this year, do we?
Now's the time.
Dig down a little bit deeper.
Climb up a little bit higher.
How about some smiles on our faces?
It's Christmastime!
To get to the top of that mountain,
we need to climb consistently!
Little stronger, little faster.
To the top! Go, go, go!
Is this your day or not?
Ugh, it's down again.
Yeah.
But I was making a run for
the big guys and remembered.
This is your favorite latte, right?
Two pumps of sugar-free caramel?
[chuckling] Wow. Thanks.
Yeah. You're so welcome.
Hey, Adrian, you catch Walter
on his way out yesterday?
Ah, missed him.
-Had back-to-backs.
-What a run.
35 years.
[sighs]
And in other hockey highlights,
the Islanders game
was sealed in overtime
on a one-timer goal by Thacker.
An instant classic.
One-timer goal. Instant classic.
One-timer goal. Instant classic.
[approaching footsteps]
Edgar to Adrian.
Edgar to Adrian, over.
[laughs]
Hey, Edgar.
Scores! [Crowd cheering]
How 'bout those Islanders?
Three in a row for the
third...
Is there something I can help you with?
Just wanted to see if you peeped
the early Christmas gift I left you.
A congratulations of sorts.
Wow, you... you really didn't have to.
It's a pen.
Sorry.
I always ruin the surprises.
Thank you.
It's... it's really nice,
but a bit premature.
I haven't even met
-with...
-Reece is ready for you.
With 15 of my 20 years
happening right here at LegaTech,
I know I could step
in as director of litigation.
[snaps fingers] And not skip a beat.
Although, my first
order of business would
be to fix that espresso machine.
And then I'd see what I could do about
pulling a few strings to get us
that company Islanders box.
You know what I mean?
Islanders fan?
You seen the game last night?
You kidding?
That OT score last night by Thacker?
My god.
It was spectacular.
An... both: Instant classic.
[laughter]
[distant phone ringing]
[phone rings]
Hi, this is Adrian.
How's it going, big brother?
What's up, bro?
Ellie is looking for her cool To.
[chuckles] Cool uncle's
a little busy right now.
Well, could you tell him that Ellie,
she has her class Christmas
party today?
And her parents are
supposed to be there
and I'm kind of stuck.
-Well, where's Kate?
-Work trip. IDs.
Have your IDs out.
Look, I'm stuck on cadet registration.
It's the last course of the year.
No, dude, other side.
Other side!
I could really use cool uncle.
Unlike the rest of us, if you sneak out,
they're just going to think
you're meeting with a big client.
Billable hours, am I right?
To!
[chuckling] Hey!
Hey, Ellie.
Oh, I'm sorry I'm late, sweetie.
What are you doing right here?
I'm making cookies.
Oh.
OK.
Ready? One, two, three.
Hey, mine's the star of Bethlehem.
You see, there were
these three wise men...
I know the story, To.
I'm not a baby.
Excuse me.
What's yours, a manger?
It's a fire truck, like Daddy's.
That's great, Ellie.
Just don't eat too much of the red stuff.
It's not good for you.
-Oh.
-[chuckles]
All right, what do you want to do next?
We've got a photo booth.
There's a pin the nose on the Frosty.
We could pack a shoebox.
What do you think?
I want you to get in there.
[cheers and applause]
Oh, I...
[chuckling] I don't think so, sweetie.
Please?
Uh.
Oy.
[cheers and applause]
I surrender. [Laughter]
[people cheering]
Oh, I surrender.
Oh, Dad's arrived.
To is officially clocking out.
One more.
Wait, I know you.
Uh, I don't think so.
Yeah, no, where do I...
I live downtown.
You're probably mixing me up
with somebody else.
No, no, no, I definitely know your face.
I've always said
he has a very generic face.
Oh, did you used to sub at Creekview?
Oh, no. I'm an attorney.
Who are you, Shohei Ohtani?
She's my teacher.
P.E. teacher? Take it easy, Coach.
This is a new shirt.
Oh, I know.
The 30-day trial, a $200 value.
I mean, that's not something
I'm going to waste.
That's it.
Wait, wait. What is it?
You go to Pedal Point
downtown, don't you?
I-I don't... I don't think
you... you got the right guy.
On First and Cambridge?
-Wait, isn't that...
-for middle-aged ladies?
Excuse me?
And excuse me?
Middle-aged?
Yeah, sorry.
I'll have you know
there are plenty of men that
participate in group fitness.
Thank you.
Like Corbin. Oh, his class is the best.
Oh, my gosh, are you kidding?
-My legs the next day? Ugh.
-[chuckles]
Shot.
-Gone.
-[chuckles]
-[cheers and applause]
-[laughs] Look!
I got it on camera.
Oh, my gosh.
[applause]
Sorry. [Laughs]
[thumping]
Uh...
[chuckles] Are... are you OK?
Are you sure I can use these?
I don't want to take someone's stuff.
Trust me, they are super old.
No one's coming back for that.
[sighs]
[chuckles]
Gets worse.
I broke Mount Everest.
Close. Mount Kilimanjaro.
I-I can totally fix it. All good.
Watch this.
-Oh, here, sorry.
-Uh?
All right, there we go.
That all... yeah, we're
yeah, just make sure no one
breathes too hard in that area.
We'll be fine.
Yeah, I'll let my students know.
[both chuckle]
You a geography teacher?
At this grade, you teach
a little of everything.
Earth science, social studies,
some history.
Looks like you've seen a lot.
Oh, not me.
Yet.
These are my students.
You teach long enough
and they really scatter around.
Mm.
Kids grow up so fast.
Do you have any?
Me? No.
No, I'm... I'm the cool uncle. [Chuckles]
Spoil them with toys and sugar.
Leave the serious stuff to the parents.
Not a bad spot to be in.
-Mm.
-[chuckles]
Yours?
Yeah.
Although he does not
look like that anymore.
This was the last Christmas
with all of us together.
Um, don't forget your suit.
Yeah, right. Uh...
Well... [chuckles] I guess...
I guess I'll see you at spin, Ms...
Foster.
It's Sarah.
Adrian.
To some of you, is just a date.
That was the year
my father hired Walter Bates
as director of litigation
over 35 years ago.
[laughs] I know.
Wow. [Chuckles]
[sighs] You know, even back then,
good, old Bates was just closing deals
with his feet kicked up on his lucky desk.
We had his desk removed yesterday.
Well, I'm sure
it's around here somewhere.
Actually, we donated it to...
We'll circle back on that.
Now it's about the future,
and I can only dream
that our new DOL will give us
another 35 years of their own.
Certainly hope not.
I'd be like 80. [Chuckles]
Oh.
You didn't hear.
What?
I always ruin the surprises.
Well, I was going to wait for
the company Christmas party,
but I couldn't help it.
Please welcome your
new director of litigation...
Thomas Hanover!
Get on up here, buddy!
Sick.
Hey, hey! [Applause]
Mr. Reece, if I could just...
I know, I know.
It's a tough pill to swallow.
Uh, I literally just need
one moment of your time, sir.
[sighs] Look, how about this?
Why don't you just
take the rest of the year, huh?
To recharge, realign?
[chuckles] On us.
I don't want an extra week off.
I want the director job.
Why?
DOL is a tough job, you know.
Long hours.
Oh, hold that thought.
This is Reece.
Oh.
[laughs] Not a chance.
Look, we both know how
this is going to end, right?
Me winning and you
making excuses for your client.
So I'll see you at depo.
Sorry about that. Where were we?
The thing is, sir, I've
been here 15 years.
I see.
Let me put this in a way that you'll
you'll understand.
Oh, it's like when we drafted a winger
last year in the first round.
The Islanders, remember?
Yeah, not quite sure I do.
Well, we already had a
veteran on the roster, right?
But the GM was
thinking about the future.
And that, Adrian, that's my job.
Hey, Merry Christmas.
Hey, I'll see you at the party, right?
[sighs]
What do you mean you don't
want the director position?
DOL's a tough job, man.
Long hours.
[chuckles] Long hours?
I'm at the tail end of a 24-hour shift.
That's long.
I mean, you've been talking
about this director position
opening up forever.
Been there 15 years.
Maybe I want to try something else.
Like what?
I don't know, something new.
Maybe I'll try to do what you do.
Maybe try the new cadet course.
Who knows?
[laughs]
All right, stop.
Don't make me laugh.
I've seen my fair share of fire cases.
OK, pushing papers and putting out fires,
two totally different things.
Plus, you can't hack it.
All those abs and muscles are for show.
You're old as dirt on the inside.
Come on.
Dude, you're not just over the hill.
You're, like, over the hill,
through the woods,
on your way to Grandma's house.
All right, take it easy, take it easy.
Come on, man, I'm only
five years older than you.
Give me a break.
Dude, that's like half a decade.
Anyway, you should see this
new class of cadets we've got.
They are the future.
And getting old is nothing
to be ashamed of.
Maturity is a gift.
Hey!
Who ate all the honey buns?
Trust me, you don't need
any more honey buns.
Wow, OK.
Hey, bro, seriously.
You really don't think I could be a cadet?
Maybe a space cadet.
If NASA will take your application.
Man, I'm being real here.
Are you telling me we can't
do the things we used to do?
We've got something
these young guys don't.
Bad knees? Arthritis? Acid reflux?
No. Life experience.
[bell ringing]
-Engine three, ladder one.
-Structure fire reported.
Possible child inside.
Mobile home at 1420 Kensington Road.
[bell ringing]
That's a trailer fire!
They burn fast! Move, move!
[siren wailing]
[honk honking]
[siren wailing]
[beeping]
[sighs]
-Thanks. Thanks, guys.
-We're really proud of you.
-We're going to do big stuff.
-Yeah?
We're going to do big stuff here.
-[laughs]
-Things are going to change.
Mayday, mayday.
Ramirez has entered
the break room, over.
Hey, Edgar.
Care to join me?
I'm sure you're busy.
No. No, no, no. Please, sit down.
Well, this is awkward.
It's just... it was really pricey.
[scoffs softly]
[whispers] Sorry.
Look what I got you.
Come on, brother.
Yeah, no. [Laughter]
It's Christmas, people,
the time of year to believe.
Soak up that fresh, winter air.
Burning from the inside out. Let's go.
Believe that if you keep pedaling,
keep putting in that work,
you can reach the top of any hill.
You know what, Corbin?
It doesn't always work out like that, pal.
One, two, three, four, climb!
Yeah, don't get me wrong.
I love what you do
and I love your little
$13 berry blast shakes,
but hard work and consistency
doesn't always pay off.
Trust me.
Take this next hill like you mean it.
Stay the course.
Get to the top of that mountain!
Is there even anything at the
top of that mountain, Corbin?
You know, maybe you should tell people
not to count on hard work
and consistency.
-Maybe...
-Hey!
Hey.
-Last day.
-[chuckles]
Same.
[scoffs]
Welcome to the program.
Next.
OK... whoa.
What are you doing?
I'm in.
I'm sorry, what?
I said I'm in. Paid my dues online.
[scoffs] What dues?
Cadet dues.
Bro, we were joking.
I wasn't.
Someone cover real quick.
Come here.
This is a really tough course.
It's not something that you just...
Just let me get a shot, man.
You didn't let me finish.
It's not something I give you a shot
because you're bored at work.
These kids will eat you for lunch.
Yeah, I don't think so.
They didn't give it to you, did they?
Did you quit?
Time off.
To recharge, realign.
OK.
Second floor. Take your physical.
If you pass that and if you're serious,
I see you here tomorrow, 6:00 a.m.
Thanks, bro.
No, no, bro.
It's captain now.
I'm your captain.
Go ahead.
You know, buying a Porsche
would have been a lot easier.
[chuckles]
[chuckles softly]
Welcome to the
Twin District Fire Academy.
I am Captain Harrison.
Captain Ramirez and Captain Z.
We will be your training instructors.
The reason we hold this course
a week before Christmas is simple:
to weed out the weak before
we come back from break.
And if you do decide to quit,
march over to that bell,
and you ring it in respect for
those who are tougher than you.
Should you stick around long enough,
you will learn what it's like
to play with fire.
Hmm. This one was born
before fire was invented.
[scattered chuckles]
It is our goal to make you smarter,
stronger, and faster.
Welcome to day one.
Smarter, stronger, faster!
All: Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!
Don't stop! Four!
All: Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!
Five!
All: Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!
Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!
Pick it up. Move!
Come on already.
[overlapping shouting]
Your knee can predict the weather!
Let's hustle!
All: Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!
Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!
Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!
Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!
Grab the links!
Head up the stairs!
Keep moving! Keep moving!
[sighs]
Hey, we did that.
[scoffs]
Guys, made it through day one.
You should be proud of yourselves.
We have two standouts.
Little Red.
Hey. [All cheer]
Yeah, all right.
Old Ramirez.
[murmuring and applause]
Shower up!
[indistinct chatter]
Some retired guys from the
department set this place up.
Firemen eat for free.
Oh, you don't count, by the way.
Thanks.
Hey, what's with the kid?
What about him?
Well, why do they call him Little Red?
He's not a redhead.
His dad was.
He was a hero, man.
I was lucky to know him.
We all were.
Anyway, the kid's been waiting years
to be in the cadet program.
Saved up his own money and everything.
Oh.
I'm going to show you a whole
new side of firefighting today.
[keypad beeping] Thrilling, I know.
We've got to fit all these in
before Christmas break.
[alarm ringing]
All right, all right.
Nice job. That's what I'm talking about.
That's what I'm talking about.
Good job. Nice.
Oh, you left me hanging, kid.
Take it... hey, hey, take it easy.
[alarm ringing]
Daddy, it's cold.
Don't worry, sweetie, I'll make it quick.
Ah, hey.
All right. And then...
[chuckles]
They're letting you on a fire drill today?
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
You two know each other?
We met at the class Christmas party.
Adrian, this is my son, Charlie.
Oh.
Ellie told me all about this
little adventure you're on.
Hey, it's career day today?
Yeah.
You got a minute?
Mom.
We're kind of busy.
Well, I think we might
be able to make something work.
Right, Diego?
Yeah.
[chuckles] I crush career day.
-You guys are going down.
-[laughs]
I'm going to get my stuff.
As you can tell by what
I'm wearing, I am a fireman!
And this is called a turnout suit.
It's pretty thick, huh?
It keeps me safe in the heat.
It's like a giant oven mitt.
[laughter]
Now, this next part is going
to make me look a little silly,
but I promise you, it's me under here.
[muffled] It's called a self-contained...
You can keep that sweater, by the way.
I can tell you liked it.
-I look like a Latino Ant-Man.
-[kids laugh]
Oh, thanks.
Thought it looked kind of cute on me.
[laughs]
And I got this cool little speaker
so you can hear me better.
[imitates static buzz]
That's five cheeseburgers...
[kids laughing]
Three whoopie pies,
large fries, and a milkshake.
Come around. Window two.
So that's what it's like to be
in the boots of a firefighter.
Because you guys were
such great listeners,
I've got a special treat for you.
You guys are all honorary firefighters.
Say thank you, Captain Ramirez.
Thank you, Papa.
All: Thank you, Captain Ramirez.
[applause]
Good luck following that. [Both chuckle]
OK, next up, we have our
final guest before break.
It's his brother, actually,
Mr. Adrian Ramirez.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
All: Merry Christmas.
Are you a fireman too?
Well, technically, I'm an attorney.
Well, then why do you have
a fireman shirt on?
Yeah, I can see how that can
be a little confusing, but...
He's going through a midlife crisis.
Ellie Zahar Ramirez.
I heard you talking with Mommy
-on the...
-He's standing right there.
Hey, bro. You know, late night...
It's all good. It's all... it's all good.
Attorneys are very important, everyone.
They help people.
OK, why don't you give us a
little example of what you do?
Of course.
Thank you, Ms. Foster.
For example, last Christmas,
a family's thermostat
glitched during a snowstorm
and it cranked the heat to the max.
And by the time they
got home from vacation,
a few pipes had burst.
There was water damage everywhere.
And the system, totally shot.
Naturally, their insurance
blamed the thermostat company.
But when we investigated, we discovered
the homeowners had skipped
updating the software,
even ignored multiple warnings.
So my job
was to protect the thermostat company.
And while lawyers don't have cool masks
or cool air tanks, we... [chuckles]
We use these.
Our superpower is networking.
Um, I'm just going to
leave these right here
next to these cool stickers.
So what happened to the family?
Oh, they spent a lot of time
around their fireplace
that Christmas while we hashed out
who was going to pay for what.
[radio beeps]
-[indistinct radio chatter]
-Ooh. Copy.
Everything OK?
Yeah, nothing to worry about.
It's fine. Just routine stuff.
All right, well, it looks
like my ride is leaving,
so I'm happy to come
back anytime you'd like.
We'd love that, class, wouldn't we?
Uh, merry Christmas.
Um, everyone,
open your books to page 49.
We're going to end the day
talking about the water cycle.
[siren wailing]
[horn honks]
Networking's your superpower?
It's a skill set.
We're getting close.
We're meeting up with Engine One.
You two, stay in the truck.
[sirens wailing]
[indistinct radio chatter]
-Where are you going?
-He said to stay in the truck.
[indistinct radio chatter]
[sirens wailing]
I thought you said this was routine.
[indistinct radio chatter]
It is.
Let's go!
20 seconds.
Keep moving.
Every minute you waste
is a minute of someone's life!
10 seconds.
Let's go! Move!
-[sighs]
-Red's done.
Anyone else?
Time.
Those turnout suits are 40 pounds.
You add your gear, you're pushing 70.
You are expected
to climb a flight of stairs
without missing a step.
Tomorrow we'll go over
the firefighter carry
in preparation of
the burn house checkpoint.
Get some rest.
See you tomorrow.
Oh, we strolling?
Y'all better get used
to running in those suits.
Let's go!
Go ahead. Take, take, take.
Just remember who you've
got to thank for these.
You're welcome.
All right, man. I'll see you later.
-Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
-Where you going?
We're all going
to the Firehouse Pizza across the street.
Can't. I forgot I've got my
office Christmas party tonight.
Aren't you off?
You know how it goes.
If you're not there, it's a bad look.
I take it you don't
want to be my plus one?
Oh, heck no.
All those uptight, stuffy lawyers?
No offense. You're riding solo, bro.
Hey, Cap, is it cool we bring Gus in?
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Make sure he's comfortable in the office.
Wait, is that...
Yeah, yeah. Mrs. Stevens,
whose house burned down,
moved into an extended stay.
They don't allow pets.
So he's staying here for a little bit.
That's a bummer. For how long?
I don't know.
Till insurance sorts everything out.
Let's roll, fellas.
All right.
Have fun at the party, dude.
[phone chimes]
[sighs]
[sighs]
Gosh. [Sighs]
[phone ringing]
Hello?
Uh, hey, this is Adrian.
Oh, hi.
I got your number from
Ellie's emergency contacts.
I hope that's not too weird.
Oh, no. It's OK.
The guys really enjoyed the cupcakes.
Great. I'm... I'm glad they liked them.
And thanks again
for coming to career day.
Oh, my pleasure.
Next time, I'll bring stickers.
Yeah, I think that would help.
Uh, please hold.
OK.
Come on, Adrian, just ask her out.
Ask her.
[chuckles]
Uh, sorry, I'm here still.
I don't know that
you pressed the mute button.
Oh, uh... [clears throat]
I'm... I'm so sorry, but I've got to go.
OK. You called me. I...
I know.
I-I've got this office party thing
I've got to go to tonight.
-Uh, OK.
-Were you asking me on a date?
What? Uh, no.
Because I'd go.
Really?
Yeah, it'll be fun.
No, it won't, but OK.
Uh, should I pick you up or...
Uh, I will meet you there.
OK, great.
Uh, address coming your way.
Sounds good.
Oh.
[laughter]
So I get a call from my client, right?
-Uh-huh.
-Uh-huh.
And this homeowner
unscrewed the top of his pool filter,
claims the pressure busted the lid off
and hit him right in the face. All: Oh.
-Allegedly. I wasn't there.
-Right.
But he says he's hurt, can't
go to bed, can't go to work.
-Gotcha.
-Gosh.
Opposing counsel walks in
acting like it's a slam dunk.
Right?
Strict liability, defective
design, pain and suffering.
You know, the usual stuff.
Showed the whole jury
photo evidence
of the pressure release valve.
And he practically handed me the case.
Adrian.
Those Islanders last night, huh?
Oh, you kidding me? [Laughs]
Just incredibly disappointing.
Oh, tough loss.
Tough, tough loss.
We won.
Oh, are you two talking about the
the injury?
-Uh, brutal.
-Oh, yeah.
We... we can't do anything.
-You gotta have that guy.
-You gotta have him.
-You've got to have that guy.
-You watch that?
You watch that game? Dude.
Sorry about that.
You... you look beautiful.
Thank you.
Quite a party. [Both chuckle]
Real rager. Let me show you around.
Well, you got a taste
of the boss right there,
-so you know what that's about.
-[chuckles]
Over there, that group, that's accounting.
They always like to kind of
hang by themselves.
And in that corner, that's HR.
They hate accounting. Don't ask me why.
That's just the way it is.
And this is our dessert table.
Although I've never seen anyone
actually eat anything from here.
-Impressive.
-[chuckles]
I know, right?
It'd be like breaking ice
off an ice sculpture.
I mean you.
It's fun to see you in your element.
Oh, thanks.
Although you were totally
faking it back there.
I wasn't faking.
Uh, yeah.
OK, maybe I was bluffing a little,
but that's 90% of what it takes
to make a good attorney.
A performance.
-Really?
-Yeah.
Same reason no one eats these cookies
or no one uses the karaoke machine.
[gasps] There's a karaoke machine?
Yeah, but it's just for show.
-Adrian.
-[sighs]
Just the man I was hoping to see tonight.
-Thomas. [Fake chuckles]
-How you doing, buddy?
Good to see you. I'd like you to meet
oh, anyway, congrats again
on the, uh, director job.
[inhales deeply]
-Well deserved.
-I appreciate it.
Still, got lots to learn from you.
Please, if there's anything I can do to
help with the transition,
just let me know.
I'd love that.
That is, if you're still around.
We all know about your little PTO stunt.
I mean, using your time off
to take meetings
at the Manhattan offices?
It's genius.
There's some big changes
going on over there.
Oh. Huh.
Really?
If I was you, I'd be doing the same thing.
Hello.
Oh, yeah, it's on.
I heard this was just for show.
And now I can see why.
This is really scary. [Chuckles]
OK, uh, here goes nothing.
Yikes. Who brought her here?
[snapping fingers]
Uh, I'll be back.
Angels we have heard on high
What are you doing?
Sweetly singing o'er the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolonged?
What the gladsome tidings be?
Both: Which inspire
your heavn'ly song?
Everyone!
All: Glo...
Ria
In excelsis Deo
[cheers and applause]
-That's very fun.
-You were good, by the way.
Stop. [Laughter]
-Oh.
-Oh, wait.
Wait, wait, wait.
[indistinct chatter]
OK. [Chuckles]
-Go, go.
-What?
No, you didn't.
I couldn't just leave them all there.
You'll chip a tooth eating that.
-[chuckles]
-Telling you.
No. No way.
They taste different.
I'm telling you, all
the icing is the same flavor.
Sugar.
I taste cherry.
Yeah. You see this right here?
Yes. It's a red ornament.
That's Fairmont icing
with unflavored red dye number three.
Uh-oh. Are you a health nut?
I'm their attorney.
Or I was until I lost the case.
Now red 3 is getting phased out.
-Oh.
-You'll be fine.
Were you paid to say that?
In one go,
I lost the biggest case of my career
and a long-term relationship.
Wow.
Turns out working 15 hours a day
trying to defend food coloring
doesn't exactly
scream marriage material.
I'm so sorry.
Eh, it's probably best
for everyone's health.
[chuckles]
Is it ever hard defending the
the wrong people?
Everyone deserves a fair defense.
But, yeah, that can
be a tough act to keep up.
So why do you do it?
-[sighs]
-Oh, come on.
You have to have a reason.
You know, you ask
a lot of tough questions.
Learn a few fancy phrases, and
you'd make a promising lawyer.
Teach me one.
-Burden shift.
-Burden shift.
What's it mean?
It means you answer first.
Why'd you become a teacher?
Honestly, for the summers off.
I figured I'd use them
to travel the world.
Favorite place?
I never did it.
I didn't have time.
-Really? Why not?
-[chuckles]
That's right. You don't have kids.
[chuckles]
But now I teach for my students
instead of for the time away from them.
This is me.
Oh, let me get this.
Thank you.
Of course.
-[sighs]
-[clears throat]
That party was actually really fun.
Yeah.
We should maybe do it again sometime.
If... if you want.
Yeah.
-Come here.
-OK.
Um, I just have to let you know that
I'm actually not ready for anything.
Um, I have a lot of, like,
family stuff going on.
OK, yeah, totally.
Yeah.
Thanks.
I just wanted to set that.
What's that?
You know.
Boundaries.
Why did you say it like that?
Like what?
Like in that weird, little robot voice.
Boundaries.
[laughs] OK, I haven't been out
or worn heels in almost six years.
These conversations make me nervous.
[chuckles]
You cannot laugh at my boundaries.
No, no, I'm not.
I'm... I'm just laughing
at how you said it.
-[chuckles]
-OK, I'm sorry.
[sighs] Well, uh, get home safe.
Thanks.
And, uh, I'll enjoy
all the red dye number three while I can.
Mm. You do that.
[engine turns over]
[engine revving]
[keys jingling]
Cool dress.
It's, uh, nothing.
I... had a work Christmas party.
At school?
I have cookies.
What you reading?
Calc.
OK, well, uh, have fun.
I'm going to go to bed.
Good luck with calc.
[cookie crunching loudly]
Left, left, right.
Bend the legs, cross the arms,
and in one smooth motion.
-Hey.
-Nicely done.
All right, partner up.
Little Red, Ramirez,
you'd make a great team.
-Got it. You got it?
-[groans]
OK.
Attaboy, Little Red.
Come on, you got this, man.
Can we just not talk right now?
[groans]
[groans]
[sighs]
Listen, I was taught to
respect my elders and all that.
I wouldn't exactly call myself an elder.
I don't know what you have
going on with my mom,
but my family's a little more
complicated than you'd think.
Oh, don't... don't worry, man.
She told me all about...
Just stay away.
Copy that, partner.
You know you're not my partner, right?
You're a white-collared lawyer
playing dress-up on his Christmas break.
You'll never be a firefighter.
Copy that?
Partner?
[sighs softly]
Check the board, check the board.
[jingle bells ring]
Hey, Gus.
How you doing, buddy? You OK?
You miss your mama?
I'll take care of you.
Here, let's see what you've got.
All right, clean water.
Gonna get you some munchies.
Let's get you on your walk here.
[blows air]
All right, any day now, buddy.
Any day.
[motorcycle chugging]
All right, Gus, let's get you
back to some warmth, all right?
Come on, buddy. Let's go.
Hey!
Hey. What are you doing here?
I was picking up Charlie,
but apparently
he's now out with friends, so
yeah.
Communication isn't exactly
his strong suit. [Chuckles]
I don't know how you do it.
I mean, it's hard enough
for me taking care of...
Everything OK?
Gus?
[phone rings] Gus?
Hello?
So you still walking
your favorite nephew?
Uh, yeah.
When you get a chance,
send me a Gus pic.
I want to show Mrs. Stevens
the cute jingle bells
I put on his collar.
I like to give her updates.
He's like family to her.
Gus!
Gus!
Hey, um, what's that?
Oh, nothing.
We're just, uh, we're just playing.
Outside? It's like 15 degrees.
Get him inside.
You don't think I know that?
Did you lose this woman's dog?
Man, this crate must be messed up.
You know she named him Gus
after her late husband, right?
Like, who does that?
She does, to honor him.
This woman has lost her
house and now her dog.
Look, you're not helping right now.
I-I got to go.
[sighs]
Hey, you didn't happen to have
seen where Gus was, did you?
Yeah, Ms. Stevens came in earlier.
Probably took him for a walk.
Sarah.
Yeah?
I think I have an idea
where Gus may have went.
-[jingle bells ringing]
-Come on, baby, come on.
Oh, we were looking for you two.
-Oh.
-[chuckles]
You two work at the station
or something?
Uh, yeah, kind of. I'm sorry, I'm Adrian.
-Hello.
-Cadet from the fire station.
I'm Sarah.
Hi.
I just swung by to take him for a walk
and, well, he wanted to come home.
Oh, I can't imagine.
It just doesn't seem real.
We had so many memories
in this house.
[sighs] Now the insurance company
is battling it out
with the toaster company.
It's all above my head.
Toaster?
Oh, that's what caused
the fire, I'm sure of it.
But I also had a few candles burning,
so now it's turning
into a whole investigation.
Well, sorry to say,
but it's going to really be dragged out.
They're going to point fingers
as to who should pay.
No kidding.
They couldn't be in any less of a hurry.
[Gus groans]
Oh, OK, honey, let's get going.
We'll get you back.
Come on, come on.
Uh, you don't happen
to have a manual for the toaster, do you?
Not anymore.
We'll walk you back.
I just got two texts from Charlie.
Where are you?
-I mean, I've seen it all.
-[chuckles]
You should see him around here.
-Hardest worker by far.
-Mm.
Yeah, he doesn't take it for granted.
That's for sure.
My husband, uh...
I know.
[sighs] Well, since then,
I've forbid him from ever
coming near the station.
But as soon as he was old enough,
he begged to do cadet training.
And he really got into it.
But a few heated hours later,
we came to a compromise,
and if he goes to community
college, gets good grades,
he can volunteer.
Shine the helmets, go on the fire drills.
Yeah, I get it.
Just, you know, be around the place.
I mean, the guys are like family to him.
But I could never let him
train to be a firefighter.
He's a good kid.
Tough kid.
Yeah. I wish he didn't have to be.
Would you keep an eye on him for me?
Course.
Well, thanks for seeing me home.
Hey, uh, I... I wanted to ask.
Yeah?
Do you have plans
for dinner tomorrow night?
Well, it's the last day of the semester,
so that probably means a ham
sandwich from the cafeteria
-and a stack of papers to grade.
-[chuckles]
I have a better plan.
Oh, yeah? What's that?
You like pizza?
Mm, depends what time.
And what kind of pizza.
Both are up to you.
Then I will see you tomorrow.
At 7:30.
7:30 it is.
[smooches]
Um, or 8:00?
I'll text you?
OK.
[door closes]
So I did some digging,
and it turns out that a lot of people
are having issues
with that particular toaster.
Mm-hmm.
I mean, their house didn't
burn down or anything,
but you know what I mean.
So I went back to Mrs. Stevens'
house this morning,
and check this out.
See those burn patterns?
Let me see that.
Huh.
Classic V pattern
from the kitchen counter.
Yeah, and the room where
the candles were, nothing.
You do know a thing or two about fire.
[clicks] Told you, man.
Huh.
Oh, that's an old-school bike right there.
Yeah, what is that, early '80s?
-'79.
-Oh.
Looks like you've gotten
a lot of use out of it too.
I used to ride.
Cool.
Well, uh, I'm going to...
Your mom doesn't know you're
in the cadet course, does she?
Unless those textbooks in your
locker are for night school.
I'm guessing you're skipping
class and going to training?
Use this thing to get back
and forth or what?
That's none of your business.
My bad. It's just, you know,
something I would have done
when I was your age.
Although, I wouldn't have
used that cheap thing.
You can't say anything to my mom.
If you're trying to stay under the radar,
I'd get a much quieter exhaust.
-Don't change the subject.
-What subject?
What are you talking about?
[chuckles softly]
It's aftermarket.
But gets the job done.
What about that one?
It was a Christmas gift. From my Dad.
My starter bike.
Does it run?
[motors whirring]
Remind you of something?
What?
Every drill we've ever done?
[laughs]
Try to keep up.
Whoo-hoo!
That exhaust is loud, man.
[engine revving]
It's freaking cold, man. [Chuckles]
So how long have you
been hiding it from her?
Few months.
It took me two summers
to earn enough money
to buy the bikes back.
She sold them after
you know.
You know she's going to find
out you're not just volunteering, right?
Yeah, but
figured it'll go over smoother
after I have my own place.
Talking to some of the guys
about renting a spot next year.
You OK?
It was never supposed to be this way.
It was the last call of his shift.
Turns out the pickup slid onto the lake.
Dad roped up, pulled the
driver out just in time.
But on his way back
the ice broke.
His rope snapped.
So he was a hero.
Yeah.
It's a lot to live up to.
As soon as he was gone,
everything changed.
There was this quiet, you know?
[geese honking]
After a couple of weeks,
the house smelled different.
His clothes used to make the
laundry room smell like smoke.
Mom always said she hated that smell.
But, um...
It was like the last thing
keeping him here.
You're right.
It's freezing. [Chuckles]
[phone buzzes]
You weren't kidding when
you said the place was close.
Well, you told me the time,
but you never told me what
type of pizza you like,
so since we've got
the place to ourselves,
today, we're the chefs.
[chuckles] Thank you.
Welcome.
-There you go.
-You did a good job.
-I think I've got this.
-OK.
Can you add more flour?
No, don't try to act like
you're all professional.
No, I exactly what I'm doing.
OK.
Yeah, I've made a pizza or two.
And if you can toss it.
-All right.
-Let's see what you've got.
First of all, I smack like this.
-Yeah, yeah, yeah.
-Yeah.
Yeah.
-Yeah, no, that's...
-You get the torso.
The momentum.
You get the... [laughter]
-Oh!
-No... oh!
I... all good.
I've got another one. That was practice.
That doesn't count, that doesn't count.
That doesn't count.
That doesn't count, that doesn't count.
Try to get fancy, see what happened?
-[sighs]
-This...
-don't judge me on that.
-[laughs]
Ooh.
-OK.
-Is that good?
I think so. I can start.
All right, let's see.
OK, it looks...
It looks pretty good, I think.
-Almost perfect.
-OK, but?
There's a but there.
I think it's missing like one thing.
Hmm.
Controversial.
Oh, and as the star,
you're going to go pineapples?
Ooh.
Got to say, very controversial.
[chuckles]
You might need a new fallback plan.
You know,
if your firefighter-lawyer
career doesn't work out.
I'll master the toss. You'll see.
[both chuckle]
Got big plans for break?
Sticking around.
Last-minute shopping,
Christmas, New Year's,
Charlie's birthday.
It's all back to back.
Can't imagine shopping for a teenager.
Yeah. [Chuckles]
He's been saving up for a car,
so I'll help him out a little.
But mostly, so it has working brakes
and isn't held together by duct tape.
[chuckles]
Maybe one of those boxy Volvos.
I heard they're like tanks.
[chuckling] Oh, yeah.
Wow. He's 18.
He'll be an adult.
Mm, might be time to dust off
that passport, take a trip.
It's probably expired.
Oh.
Maybe it's time you check.
You deserve it.
Thanks.
[groans]
Uh-oh. [Chuckles]
What's happening?
You're making noises
doing everyday tasks.
No, I'm just a little bit
sore from training today.
That's all.
Pedal Point not translating?
Give me a few weeks
and I'll be right there
with the rest of those young guys.
Is that what's next?
Being a firefighter?
I don't know.
How's that feel?
Exciting.
Kinda scary.
For the first time in my life, I...
I don't know the answer to that question.
Just keep pedaling. You'll get to the top.
I guess I'm just wondering
if there's anything up there.
I just figured that I'd...
I'd know by now.
Yeah, me too.
[bell ringing]
Um, the dessert.
The dessert is ready, so.
[chuckles] Yeah. I-I should go get it.
Yeah, I'm going to go get it.
[sighs]
Tighten it. Lock it down.
Make sure it's secure.
This is the real thing.
Sweep the stream under the
vehicle and move the line up.
Get it together, Ramirez. Pay attention.
A spark is a curious thing.
Equal parts beautiful
equal parts dangerous.
If left unattended,
it doesn't take much more than a curtain
for it to double in size
and reduce everything around it to ash.
Now, the burn house drill is designed
to test everything we've
taught you this past week.
Pass, you join us at the station
for the Christmas party,
return after the break.
Fail, this is where your journey ends.
Now, your partner's name
is taped to your locker.
I suggest you get some rest tonight.
Get ready to work tomorrow.
[fire crackling]
Dismissed.
[fire crackling]
[chuckles]
[phone rings]
Hello.
-Adrian, it's Reece.
-Do you have a moment?
[phone chimes]
You know what they say.
If you want to know who
truly cares about you,
disappear for a while
and see who notices.
Well
we've noticed. [Laughs]
[phone buzzes]
You hear about what's
what's happening
at the Manhattan branch?
Uh, no. What... what's happening?
Well, they're restructuring
some, uh, senior-level staff.
[phone chimes]
And when I say senior,
you know what I mean.
They called me for a rec, and...
I called you.
Yep.
You're reading that right.
Well... [phone chimes]
There he is. Missed you, buddy.
Sidebar lunch? [Phone chimes]
Uh, no I... I gotta go.
Hey, it's Charlie, leave a message.
[chuckling] My guy.
I hear that Christmas might
come early for you this year.
Lunch?
No, sorry. I... no lunch.
Busy man.
[thunder rumbling]
[sighs]
[indistinct radio chatter]
Hey, I got here as soon as I could.
Tires slipped on black ice.
You good? You all right?
Yeah, yeah, I'm fine.
How is it?
I'm not sure if it's going to start.
I was hoping you'd get here
before anyone else saw.
Charlie!
I'm fine.
Adrian?
Ran you through the system
and your license checks out.
Now, make sure to get your credentials
on your physical card and
keep it with you next time.
Don't worry, officer,
there will not be a next time.
-Thank you for the call.
-My pleasure.
Now, I'm issuing you a written warning
for failure to carry proper endorsement.
What's going on with that exhaust?
It's, um...
It's aftermarket
and loud as a freight train,
but it's road legal.
All right. [Sighs]
He called me to pick him up.
Did you know he was riding?
Look, Sarah. I'm sorry.
-Wait, wait, wait. Hold on.
-Have you been spying on me?
What?
I knew it. I knew
I shouldn't have kissed you.
You kissed my mom?
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
What, are you guys, like, together?
You've got to be kidding me.
Charlie, get back here!
You are in so much trouble.
In trouble for what?
For buying back Dad's bike?
For not being honest with me.
Oh, wow. Oh, that's really something.
You know, I always wondered
why you were in cadet training,
but now it makes so much sense.
I'm not spying on you.
Oh, and how you were always
coincidentally my partner?
Charlie, please, man.
Oh, are you in cadet training?
OK, everyone, let's just...
Are you in cadet training?
And did you know?
Son.
[sighs] Thank you, Officer.
You stay safe, OK?
You the father?
Not even close.
Merry Christmas, folks.
[engine revving]
I... I... listen.
I just found out the other night
that you didn't know
he was in the course.
When I said to keep an eye on him,
I didn't exactly mean to cover for him.
You didn't ride with him, did you?
Wow.
I gotta go.
Let me if you think of anything else
I don't know about my own kid.
For starters, he's the
best cadet in the course.
Yeah, well, his attendance is probably
going to take a hit when he's grounded
for the indefinite future.
Maybe try going a little easier on him?
He's almost an adult.
Wow, that is really
insightful parenting advice.
Thank you, Adrian.
Sarah, he's not a baby anymore.
You can't protect him forever.
You wouldn't know the first thing
about the love you have
for your own child.
That is something
I could never explain to you.
Sarah.
By the way, your boots
don't match your suit.
Why don't you pick a career
and stick with it?
[wind whistling]
[phone ringing]
[sighs]
Hey.
Hey, viejo.
Kate just got back from a work
trip and we were baking and...
To!
She insisted on showing you this.
Honey, be careful.
Look! It's a lawyer, like you.
Wow, that's, uh
thank you.
He helps people.
Dude, it's a cookie. Relax.
Got to go.
Charlie.
Honey.
[footsteps]
Charlie, stop!
It's freezing.
My bike won't start.
You got what you wanted.
But I'm not going
to miss that checkpoint.
Charlie, I got your report card.
Your attendance is terrible.
But apparently you're one of those kids
who can get straight A's
without studying.
Hey. I'm headed to the school.
The fire station is on the way.
This drill consists of four checkpoints.
First, you'll encounter
a wall of controlled fire
where you need to work the hose
together to clear a path.
Nice of you to show up, Red.
Where's your partner?
I don't think he's going to make it.
I'm here!
Bad start, Ramirez. Move!
Check your partner.
Hey, man, listen, I really don't...
Now, once inside, you'll go up the stairs.
You'll find a door blocking
access to the rescue room.
You'll need to break it down,
locate the training dummy,
form a firefighter carry to the window,
where your partner will help
you bring it down the ladder.
And since Ramirez and Little Red
seem to have it all figured out,
you're up.
We have water on the fire.
Clear, clear, clear!
[masks hissing]
Call again.
Here. Go.
You got this.
-Charlie, listen.
-Stop.
I know you think you have
to go through this alone, man,
but you don't.
Just stop.
Your dad's right here with you.
[strains]
[grunts]
Dummy located.
I've got the legs. Grab the arms.
Window's clear.
I'll take the ladder first.
Hand him over.
Time.
Textbook, gentlemen.
Textbook. [Applause]
Hey, listen.
Listen to me. Listen.
-Stop.
-Listen to me.
-What?
-Listen.
What?
He'd be so proud of you, man.
All right?
Listen to me.
If it counts for anything,
I'm proud of you too.
[sirens wailing]
[bell ringing]
Why don't we just put this
on the back burner
until after the new year?
I'll turn my book over
to whoever you'd like.
All the clients will stay in-house.
Frochs Trust, IntraSmart, Dynatech
these are big names, Adrian. [Chuckles]
Look, if this is about
the director position,
we can adjust your pain points.
Hold that thought. Just one second.
Hi, this is Adrian.
I heard he quit to be a firefighter.
No.
He's just going full immersion,
trying to get to know his clients.
No, I bet he's jumping ship
to another firm.
[chuckles] Sick.
-Merry Christmas, Reece.
-Wait, Adrian!
I'm working on that Islanders box.
[chuckles]
I hate to break it to you,
but I don't know anything about hockey!
I never watched it. I never played it.
I went to an ice skating rink one time
when I was in the sixth grade
for a birthday party, fell,
and broke some hard-to-
pronounce bone in my wrist.
But Adrian...
You know how hard it is
to write a five-page essay
left-handed in under 30 minutes?
Never again!
Adrian, wait, let's sidebar.
Can we circle back? [Sighs]
He doesn't like hockey?
Who doesn't like hockey?
[knock on door]
Adrian.
[Gus barks]
Oh, baby. Hi, pumpkin.
Well, are you going for a walk?
I'll get my coat.
Uh, Mrs. Stevens, I just got a call.
After reviewing the pictures
of the burn pattern,
your insurance agrees it wasn't a candle.
[gasps]
You can expect a fast settlement.
In the meantime,
there is a pre-furnished town home
that is all yours until
the rebuild is done.
And you want to know the best part?
[gasps] No way.
Yep, the landlord allows pets.
[laughter]
[barks]
You got the memo school's out, right?
-[chuckles]
-Oh, hey.
New desk?
Um, the district
made new inventory available.
Free stuff disappears fast.
Can I help?
Yeah.
You know, that party
at the firehouse starts soon.
I was kind of hoping you'd come with me.
Do all the cadets go to that?
If you're asking if
he's going to be there,
I don't know.
I wasn't.
Uh-huh.
He quit today after training.
But kind of think you already knew that.
You need to get better at hiding.
And parents are not the only
ones who see everything.
[chuckles] You could teach me
a thing or two about that.
You know, in training,
they teach us to always speak clearly.
And be direct.
And I just want you to know that...
I've always noticed.
Even if I didn't say anything.
How you held us all together
and watched over me.
[chuckling]
Sometimes from a parking lot.
But I got it from here, Mom.
And... [sighs]
I think it's time for you to
build something for yourself.
You are not as grown up
as you think you are.
[chuckles softly]
But you are off to a pretty amazing start.
And you smell like smoke.
I know.
Aw.
[phone ringing]
-Hey.
-Where you at?
We're all at the party.
-Just moved in Mrs. Stevens.
-We're about to play pinochle.
Hello? Can you hear me?
Yeah, can you hear you?
Did you miss the part where I quit?
It's a party for firefighters.
Dude, it's a family party.
You're my brother. I want you here.
And I think someone else does too.
Oh, she's there?
Show up and find out.
Look, save me a piece of cake
and I may swing by after
and say hi to the guys.
Eight, nine, ten.
Sorry about that.
Are you more of a bidder or a passer?
Excuse me?
In pinochle. What's your style?
Oh, uh, I've...
I've actually never played. [Chuckles]
Honey, something tells me
you shouldn't be spending your
night shuffling cards with me.
If I've learned anything from all this,
it's that stuff is just stuff.
But the things you love the most
you go back for.
Yeah.
Yeah, I should go.
Yeah.
You know...
I'd hate to go alone.
Would... would you care to join me?
Let me just put my face on.
You're a mess.
There's got to be something back here.
Yeah, let's have a good time.
[gasps] It looks great.
[indistinct chatter]
[upbeat clapping]
Dude, wow.
Hey, is she still here?
Uh, I don't know.
Ladies and gentlemen,
make some noise
if you're having a good time!
Let's go!
[all cheering]
Ramirez, man. Hey.
Look, man, you did really good this week.
If you really wanted it,
you could have made it through
if you didn't ring that bell.
Thanks, man, but I got other plans.
-Yeah, I know you do.
-You're still family, though.
[chuckles]
Hey, you mind if I borrow that real quick?
Go ahead.
Thanks.
You know, I like you a lot better
when you're not yelling at me.
[chuckles]
Uh... [clears throat] Excuse me.
If I could interrupt just for...
Oh, hi.
[chucking softly] Hey.
Uh, Merry Christmas, everyone.
[chuckles]
Oh, uh, Mrs. Stevens, I...
-I think I got this one.
-Ah.
Thanks.
[sighs] Listen.
I screwed up.
I should have never
kept anything from you.
And I definitely shouldn't have
dirt-biked down a bumpy road
with your son going 60 miles an hour.
60 miles an hour?
-It was probably more like 55.
-Right, Charlie?
Yeah.
[chuckles softly]
The point is
I know I'm not meant to be a fireman.
I'm a lawyer, and I'm
going to keep it that way.
That's the way I know
I can make a difference.
You know what else I know?
Your students, Charlie,
anyone lucky enough
to be in your life
comes out better for it.
And if I'm lucky enough
to be a part of that
even for just a little bit longer,
then I know I'm not going to waste it.
I still don't know if there's anything
at the top of that mountain,
but if there is...
I want to find it with you.
This sweater looks really nice on you.
Well, for heaven's sake, kiss her already!
[chuckles]
[alarm ringing]
-Suit up!
-Move, move, move, move, move!
[alarm ringing]
[alarm ringing]
Let's go, Red.
[alarm ringing]
Hey.
Take this, bro.
How you doing?
So good. I'm glad it worked out.
-What's up, Gus?
-[barks]
-[laughter]
-What's up, Gus?
Christmas,
the most magical time of the year.
For most, it's a time to slow down.
To look back and reflect
on the year that's behind us.
But something tells me
you didn't come here to coast,
so my challenge to each
of you is to reach down deep.
Are you ready?
One, two, three, four, climb!
We don't want to coast through
the end of this year, do we?
Now's the time.
Dig down a little bit deeper.
Climb up a little bit higher.
How about some smiles on our faces?
It's Christmastime!
To get to the top of that mountain,
we need to climb consistently!
Little stronger, little faster.
To the top! Go, go, go!
Is this your day or not?
Ugh, it's down again.
Yeah.
But I was making a run for
the big guys and remembered.
This is your favorite latte, right?
Two pumps of sugar-free caramel?
[chuckling] Wow. Thanks.
Yeah. You're so welcome.
Hey, Adrian, you catch Walter
on his way out yesterday?
Ah, missed him.
-Had back-to-backs.
-What a run.
35 years.
[sighs]
And in other hockey highlights,
the Islanders game
was sealed in overtime
on a one-timer goal by Thacker.
An instant classic.
One-timer goal. Instant classic.
One-timer goal. Instant classic.
[approaching footsteps]
Edgar to Adrian.
Edgar to Adrian, over.
[laughs]
Hey, Edgar.
Scores! [Crowd cheering]
How 'bout those Islanders?
Three in a row for the
third...
Is there something I can help you with?
Just wanted to see if you peeped
the early Christmas gift I left you.
A congratulations of sorts.
Wow, you... you really didn't have to.
It's a pen.
Sorry.
I always ruin the surprises.
Thank you.
It's... it's really nice,
but a bit premature.
I haven't even met
-with...
-Reece is ready for you.
With 15 of my 20 years
happening right here at LegaTech,
I know I could step
in as director of litigation.
[snaps fingers] And not skip a beat.
Although, my first
order of business would
be to fix that espresso machine.
And then I'd see what I could do about
pulling a few strings to get us
that company Islanders box.
You know what I mean?
Islanders fan?
You seen the game last night?
You kidding?
That OT score last night by Thacker?
My god.
It was spectacular.
An... both: Instant classic.
[laughter]
[distant phone ringing]
[phone rings]
Hi, this is Adrian.
How's it going, big brother?
What's up, bro?
Ellie is looking for her cool To.
[chuckles] Cool uncle's
a little busy right now.
Well, could you tell him that Ellie,
she has her class Christmas
party today?
And her parents are
supposed to be there
and I'm kind of stuck.
-Well, where's Kate?
-Work trip. IDs.
Have your IDs out.
Look, I'm stuck on cadet registration.
It's the last course of the year.
No, dude, other side.
Other side!
I could really use cool uncle.
Unlike the rest of us, if you sneak out,
they're just going to think
you're meeting with a big client.
Billable hours, am I right?
To!
[chuckling] Hey!
Hey, Ellie.
Oh, I'm sorry I'm late, sweetie.
What are you doing right here?
I'm making cookies.
Oh.
OK.
Ready? One, two, three.
Hey, mine's the star of Bethlehem.
You see, there were
these three wise men...
I know the story, To.
I'm not a baby.
Excuse me.
What's yours, a manger?
It's a fire truck, like Daddy's.
That's great, Ellie.
Just don't eat too much of the red stuff.
It's not good for you.
-Oh.
-[chuckles]
All right, what do you want to do next?
We've got a photo booth.
There's a pin the nose on the Frosty.
We could pack a shoebox.
What do you think?
I want you to get in there.
[cheers and applause]
Oh, I...
[chuckling] I don't think so, sweetie.
Please?
Uh.
Oy.
[cheers and applause]
I surrender. [Laughter]
[people cheering]
Oh, I surrender.
Oh, Dad's arrived.
To is officially clocking out.
One more.
Wait, I know you.
Uh, I don't think so.
Yeah, no, where do I...
I live downtown.
You're probably mixing me up
with somebody else.
No, no, no, I definitely know your face.
I've always said
he has a very generic face.
Oh, did you used to sub at Creekview?
Oh, no. I'm an attorney.
Who are you, Shohei Ohtani?
She's my teacher.
P.E. teacher? Take it easy, Coach.
This is a new shirt.
Oh, I know.
The 30-day trial, a $200 value.
I mean, that's not something
I'm going to waste.
That's it.
Wait, wait. What is it?
You go to Pedal Point
downtown, don't you?
I-I don't... I don't think
you... you got the right guy.
On First and Cambridge?
-Wait, isn't that...
-for middle-aged ladies?
Excuse me?
And excuse me?
Middle-aged?
Yeah, sorry.
I'll have you know
there are plenty of men that
participate in group fitness.
Thank you.
Like Corbin. Oh, his class is the best.
Oh, my gosh, are you kidding?
-My legs the next day? Ugh.
-[chuckles]
Shot.
-Gone.
-[chuckles]
-[cheers and applause]
-[laughs] Look!
I got it on camera.
Oh, my gosh.
[applause]
Sorry. [Laughs]
[thumping]
Uh...
[chuckles] Are... are you OK?
Are you sure I can use these?
I don't want to take someone's stuff.
Trust me, they are super old.
No one's coming back for that.
[sighs]
[chuckles]
Gets worse.
I broke Mount Everest.
Close. Mount Kilimanjaro.
I-I can totally fix it. All good.
Watch this.
-Oh, here, sorry.
-Uh?
All right, there we go.
That all... yeah, we're
yeah, just make sure no one
breathes too hard in that area.
We'll be fine.
Yeah, I'll let my students know.
[both chuckle]
You a geography teacher?
At this grade, you teach
a little of everything.
Earth science, social studies,
some history.
Looks like you've seen a lot.
Oh, not me.
Yet.
These are my students.
You teach long enough
and they really scatter around.
Mm.
Kids grow up so fast.
Do you have any?
Me? No.
No, I'm... I'm the cool uncle. [Chuckles]
Spoil them with toys and sugar.
Leave the serious stuff to the parents.
Not a bad spot to be in.
-Mm.
-[chuckles]
Yours?
Yeah.
Although he does not
look like that anymore.
This was the last Christmas
with all of us together.
Um, don't forget your suit.
Yeah, right. Uh...
Well... [chuckles] I guess...
I guess I'll see you at spin, Ms...
Foster.
It's Sarah.
Adrian.
To some of you, is just a date.
That was the year
my father hired Walter Bates
as director of litigation
over 35 years ago.
[laughs] I know.
Wow. [Chuckles]
[sighs] You know, even back then,
good, old Bates was just closing deals
with his feet kicked up on his lucky desk.
We had his desk removed yesterday.
Well, I'm sure
it's around here somewhere.
Actually, we donated it to...
We'll circle back on that.
Now it's about the future,
and I can only dream
that our new DOL will give us
another 35 years of their own.
Certainly hope not.
I'd be like 80. [Chuckles]
Oh.
You didn't hear.
What?
I always ruin the surprises.
Well, I was going to wait for
the company Christmas party,
but I couldn't help it.
Please welcome your
new director of litigation...
Thomas Hanover!
Get on up here, buddy!
Sick.
Hey, hey! [Applause]
Mr. Reece, if I could just...
I know, I know.
It's a tough pill to swallow.
Uh, I literally just need
one moment of your time, sir.
[sighs] Look, how about this?
Why don't you just
take the rest of the year, huh?
To recharge, realign?
[chuckles] On us.
I don't want an extra week off.
I want the director job.
Why?
DOL is a tough job, you know.
Long hours.
Oh, hold that thought.
This is Reece.
Oh.
[laughs] Not a chance.
Look, we both know how
this is going to end, right?
Me winning and you
making excuses for your client.
So I'll see you at depo.
Sorry about that. Where were we?
The thing is, sir, I've
been here 15 years.
I see.
Let me put this in a way that you'll
you'll understand.
Oh, it's like when we drafted a winger
last year in the first round.
The Islanders, remember?
Yeah, not quite sure I do.
Well, we already had a
veteran on the roster, right?
But the GM was
thinking about the future.
And that, Adrian, that's my job.
Hey, Merry Christmas.
Hey, I'll see you at the party, right?
[sighs]
What do you mean you don't
want the director position?
DOL's a tough job, man.
Long hours.
[chuckles] Long hours?
I'm at the tail end of a 24-hour shift.
That's long.
I mean, you've been talking
about this director position
opening up forever.
Been there 15 years.
Maybe I want to try something else.
Like what?
I don't know, something new.
Maybe I'll try to do what you do.
Maybe try the new cadet course.
Who knows?
[laughs]
All right, stop.
Don't make me laugh.
I've seen my fair share of fire cases.
OK, pushing papers and putting out fires,
two totally different things.
Plus, you can't hack it.
All those abs and muscles are for show.
You're old as dirt on the inside.
Come on.
Dude, you're not just over the hill.
You're, like, over the hill,
through the woods,
on your way to Grandma's house.
All right, take it easy, take it easy.
Come on, man, I'm only
five years older than you.
Give me a break.
Dude, that's like half a decade.
Anyway, you should see this
new class of cadets we've got.
They are the future.
And getting old is nothing
to be ashamed of.
Maturity is a gift.
Hey!
Who ate all the honey buns?
Trust me, you don't need
any more honey buns.
Wow, OK.
Hey, bro, seriously.
You really don't think I could be a cadet?
Maybe a space cadet.
If NASA will take your application.
Man, I'm being real here.
Are you telling me we can't
do the things we used to do?
We've got something
these young guys don't.
Bad knees? Arthritis? Acid reflux?
No. Life experience.
[bell ringing]
-Engine three, ladder one.
-Structure fire reported.
Possible child inside.
Mobile home at 1420 Kensington Road.
[bell ringing]
That's a trailer fire!
They burn fast! Move, move!
[siren wailing]
[honk honking]
[siren wailing]
[beeping]
[sighs]
-Thanks. Thanks, guys.
-We're really proud of you.
-We're going to do big stuff.
-Yeah?
We're going to do big stuff here.
-[laughs]
-Things are going to change.
Mayday, mayday.
Ramirez has entered
the break room, over.
Hey, Edgar.
Care to join me?
I'm sure you're busy.
No. No, no, no. Please, sit down.
Well, this is awkward.
It's just... it was really pricey.
[scoffs softly]
[whispers] Sorry.
Look what I got you.
Come on, brother.
Yeah, no. [Laughter]
It's Christmas, people,
the time of year to believe.
Soak up that fresh, winter air.
Burning from the inside out. Let's go.
Believe that if you keep pedaling,
keep putting in that work,
you can reach the top of any hill.
You know what, Corbin?
It doesn't always work out like that, pal.
One, two, three, four, climb!
Yeah, don't get me wrong.
I love what you do
and I love your little
$13 berry blast shakes,
but hard work and consistency
doesn't always pay off.
Trust me.
Take this next hill like you mean it.
Stay the course.
Get to the top of that mountain!
Is there even anything at the
top of that mountain, Corbin?
You know, maybe you should tell people
not to count on hard work
and consistency.
-Maybe...
-Hey!
Hey.
-Last day.
-[chuckles]
Same.
[scoffs]
Welcome to the program.
Next.
OK... whoa.
What are you doing?
I'm in.
I'm sorry, what?
I said I'm in. Paid my dues online.
[scoffs] What dues?
Cadet dues.
Bro, we were joking.
I wasn't.
Someone cover real quick.
Come here.
This is a really tough course.
It's not something that you just...
Just let me get a shot, man.
You didn't let me finish.
It's not something I give you a shot
because you're bored at work.
These kids will eat you for lunch.
Yeah, I don't think so.
They didn't give it to you, did they?
Did you quit?
Time off.
To recharge, realign.
OK.
Second floor. Take your physical.
If you pass that and if you're serious,
I see you here tomorrow, 6:00 a.m.
Thanks, bro.
No, no, bro.
It's captain now.
I'm your captain.
Go ahead.
You know, buying a Porsche
would have been a lot easier.
[chuckles]
[chuckles softly]
Welcome to the
Twin District Fire Academy.
I am Captain Harrison.
Captain Ramirez and Captain Z.
We will be your training instructors.
The reason we hold this course
a week before Christmas is simple:
to weed out the weak before
we come back from break.
And if you do decide to quit,
march over to that bell,
and you ring it in respect for
those who are tougher than you.
Should you stick around long enough,
you will learn what it's like
to play with fire.
Hmm. This one was born
before fire was invented.
[scattered chuckles]
It is our goal to make you smarter,
stronger, and faster.
Welcome to day one.
Smarter, stronger, faster!
All: Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!
Don't stop! Four!
All: Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!
Five!
All: Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!
Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!
Pick it up. Move!
Come on already.
[overlapping shouting]
Your knee can predict the weather!
Let's hustle!
All: Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!
Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!
Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!
Smarter! Stronger! Faster! Go!
Grab the links!
Head up the stairs!
Keep moving! Keep moving!
[sighs]
Hey, we did that.
[scoffs]
Guys, made it through day one.
You should be proud of yourselves.
We have two standouts.
Little Red.
Hey. [All cheer]
Yeah, all right.
Old Ramirez.
[murmuring and applause]
Shower up!
[indistinct chatter]
Some retired guys from the
department set this place up.
Firemen eat for free.
Oh, you don't count, by the way.
Thanks.
Hey, what's with the kid?
What about him?
Well, why do they call him Little Red?
He's not a redhead.
His dad was.
He was a hero, man.
I was lucky to know him.
We all were.
Anyway, the kid's been waiting years
to be in the cadet program.
Saved up his own money and everything.
Oh.
I'm going to show you a whole
new side of firefighting today.
[keypad beeping] Thrilling, I know.
We've got to fit all these in
before Christmas break.
[alarm ringing]
All right, all right.
Nice job. That's what I'm talking about.
That's what I'm talking about.
Good job. Nice.
Oh, you left me hanging, kid.
Take it... hey, hey, take it easy.
[alarm ringing]
Daddy, it's cold.
Don't worry, sweetie, I'll make it quick.
Ah, hey.
All right. And then...
[chuckles]
They're letting you on a fire drill today?
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
You two know each other?
We met at the class Christmas party.
Adrian, this is my son, Charlie.
Oh.
Ellie told me all about this
little adventure you're on.
Hey, it's career day today?
Yeah.
You got a minute?
Mom.
We're kind of busy.
Well, I think we might
be able to make something work.
Right, Diego?
Yeah.
[chuckles] I crush career day.
-You guys are going down.
-[laughs]
I'm going to get my stuff.
As you can tell by what
I'm wearing, I am a fireman!
And this is called a turnout suit.
It's pretty thick, huh?
It keeps me safe in the heat.
It's like a giant oven mitt.
[laughter]
Now, this next part is going
to make me look a little silly,
but I promise you, it's me under here.
[muffled] It's called a self-contained...
You can keep that sweater, by the way.
I can tell you liked it.
-I look like a Latino Ant-Man.
-[kids laugh]
Oh, thanks.
Thought it looked kind of cute on me.
[laughs]
And I got this cool little speaker
so you can hear me better.
[imitates static buzz]
That's five cheeseburgers...
[kids laughing]
Three whoopie pies,
large fries, and a milkshake.
Come around. Window two.
So that's what it's like to be
in the boots of a firefighter.
Because you guys were
such great listeners,
I've got a special treat for you.
You guys are all honorary firefighters.
Say thank you, Captain Ramirez.
Thank you, Papa.
All: Thank you, Captain Ramirez.
[applause]
Good luck following that. [Both chuckle]
OK, next up, we have our
final guest before break.
It's his brother, actually,
Mr. Adrian Ramirez.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
All: Merry Christmas.
Are you a fireman too?
Well, technically, I'm an attorney.
Well, then why do you have
a fireman shirt on?
Yeah, I can see how that can
be a little confusing, but...
He's going through a midlife crisis.
Ellie Zahar Ramirez.
I heard you talking with Mommy
-on the...
-He's standing right there.
Hey, bro. You know, late night...
It's all good. It's all... it's all good.
Attorneys are very important, everyone.
They help people.
OK, why don't you give us a
little example of what you do?
Of course.
Thank you, Ms. Foster.
For example, last Christmas,
a family's thermostat
glitched during a snowstorm
and it cranked the heat to the max.
And by the time they
got home from vacation,
a few pipes had burst.
There was water damage everywhere.
And the system, totally shot.
Naturally, their insurance
blamed the thermostat company.
But when we investigated, we discovered
the homeowners had skipped
updating the software,
even ignored multiple warnings.
So my job
was to protect the thermostat company.
And while lawyers don't have cool masks
or cool air tanks, we... [chuckles]
We use these.
Our superpower is networking.
Um, I'm just going to
leave these right here
next to these cool stickers.
So what happened to the family?
Oh, they spent a lot of time
around their fireplace
that Christmas while we hashed out
who was going to pay for what.
[radio beeps]
-[indistinct radio chatter]
-Ooh. Copy.
Everything OK?
Yeah, nothing to worry about.
It's fine. Just routine stuff.
All right, well, it looks
like my ride is leaving,
so I'm happy to come
back anytime you'd like.
We'd love that, class, wouldn't we?
Uh, merry Christmas.
Um, everyone,
open your books to page 49.
We're going to end the day
talking about the water cycle.
[siren wailing]
[horn honks]
Networking's your superpower?
It's a skill set.
We're getting close.
We're meeting up with Engine One.
You two, stay in the truck.
[sirens wailing]
[indistinct radio chatter]
-Where are you going?
-He said to stay in the truck.
[indistinct radio chatter]
[sirens wailing]
I thought you said this was routine.
[indistinct radio chatter]
It is.
Let's go!
20 seconds.
Keep moving.
Every minute you waste
is a minute of someone's life!
10 seconds.
Let's go! Move!
-[sighs]
-Red's done.
Anyone else?
Time.
Those turnout suits are 40 pounds.
You add your gear, you're pushing 70.
You are expected
to climb a flight of stairs
without missing a step.
Tomorrow we'll go over
the firefighter carry
in preparation of
the burn house checkpoint.
Get some rest.
See you tomorrow.
Oh, we strolling?
Y'all better get used
to running in those suits.
Let's go!
Go ahead. Take, take, take.
Just remember who you've
got to thank for these.
You're welcome.
All right, man. I'll see you later.
-Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
-Where you going?
We're all going
to the Firehouse Pizza across the street.
Can't. I forgot I've got my
office Christmas party tonight.
Aren't you off?
You know how it goes.
If you're not there, it's a bad look.
I take it you don't
want to be my plus one?
Oh, heck no.
All those uptight, stuffy lawyers?
No offense. You're riding solo, bro.
Hey, Cap, is it cool we bring Gus in?
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Make sure he's comfortable in the office.
Wait, is that...
Yeah, yeah. Mrs. Stevens,
whose house burned down,
moved into an extended stay.
They don't allow pets.
So he's staying here for a little bit.
That's a bummer. For how long?
I don't know.
Till insurance sorts everything out.
Let's roll, fellas.
All right.
Have fun at the party, dude.
[phone chimes]
[sighs]
[sighs]
Gosh. [Sighs]
[phone ringing]
Hello?
Uh, hey, this is Adrian.
Oh, hi.
I got your number from
Ellie's emergency contacts.
I hope that's not too weird.
Oh, no. It's OK.
The guys really enjoyed the cupcakes.
Great. I'm... I'm glad they liked them.
And thanks again
for coming to career day.
Oh, my pleasure.
Next time, I'll bring stickers.
Yeah, I think that would help.
Uh, please hold.
OK.
Come on, Adrian, just ask her out.
Ask her.
[chuckles]
Uh, sorry, I'm here still.
I don't know that
you pressed the mute button.
Oh, uh... [clears throat]
I'm... I'm so sorry, but I've got to go.
OK. You called me. I...
I know.
I-I've got this office party thing
I've got to go to tonight.
-Uh, OK.
-Were you asking me on a date?
What? Uh, no.
Because I'd go.
Really?
Yeah, it'll be fun.
No, it won't, but OK.
Uh, should I pick you up or...
Uh, I will meet you there.
OK, great.
Uh, address coming your way.
Sounds good.
Oh.
[laughter]
So I get a call from my client, right?
-Uh-huh.
-Uh-huh.
And this homeowner
unscrewed the top of his pool filter,
claims the pressure busted the lid off
and hit him right in the face. All: Oh.
-Allegedly. I wasn't there.
-Right.
But he says he's hurt, can't
go to bed, can't go to work.
-Gotcha.
-Gosh.
Opposing counsel walks in
acting like it's a slam dunk.
Right?
Strict liability, defective
design, pain and suffering.
You know, the usual stuff.
Showed the whole jury
photo evidence
of the pressure release valve.
And he practically handed me the case.
Adrian.
Those Islanders last night, huh?
Oh, you kidding me? [Laughs]
Just incredibly disappointing.
Oh, tough loss.
Tough, tough loss.
We won.
Oh, are you two talking about the
the injury?
-Uh, brutal.
-Oh, yeah.
We... we can't do anything.
-You gotta have that guy.
-You gotta have him.
-You've got to have that guy.
-You watch that?
You watch that game? Dude.
Sorry about that.
You... you look beautiful.
Thank you.
Quite a party. [Both chuckle]
Real rager. Let me show you around.
Well, you got a taste
of the boss right there,
-so you know what that's about.
-[chuckles]
Over there, that group, that's accounting.
They always like to kind of
hang by themselves.
And in that corner, that's HR.
They hate accounting. Don't ask me why.
That's just the way it is.
And this is our dessert table.
Although I've never seen anyone
actually eat anything from here.
-Impressive.
-[chuckles]
I know, right?
It'd be like breaking ice
off an ice sculpture.
I mean you.
It's fun to see you in your element.
Oh, thanks.
Although you were totally
faking it back there.
I wasn't faking.
Uh, yeah.
OK, maybe I was bluffing a little,
but that's 90% of what it takes
to make a good attorney.
A performance.
-Really?
-Yeah.
Same reason no one eats these cookies
or no one uses the karaoke machine.
[gasps] There's a karaoke machine?
Yeah, but it's just for show.
-Adrian.
-[sighs]
Just the man I was hoping to see tonight.
-Thomas. [Fake chuckles]
-How you doing, buddy?
Good to see you. I'd like you to meet
oh, anyway, congrats again
on the, uh, director job.
[inhales deeply]
-Well deserved.
-I appreciate it.
Still, got lots to learn from you.
Please, if there's anything I can do to
help with the transition,
just let me know.
I'd love that.
That is, if you're still around.
We all know about your little PTO stunt.
I mean, using your time off
to take meetings
at the Manhattan offices?
It's genius.
There's some big changes
going on over there.
Oh. Huh.
Really?
If I was you, I'd be doing the same thing.
Hello.
Oh, yeah, it's on.
I heard this was just for show.
And now I can see why.
This is really scary. [Chuckles]
OK, uh, here goes nothing.
Yikes. Who brought her here?
[snapping fingers]
Uh, I'll be back.
Angels we have heard on high
What are you doing?
Sweetly singing o'er the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolonged?
What the gladsome tidings be?
Both: Which inspire
your heavn'ly song?
Everyone!
All: Glo...
Ria
In excelsis Deo
[cheers and applause]
-That's very fun.
-You were good, by the way.
Stop. [Laughter]
-Oh.
-Oh, wait.
Wait, wait, wait.
[indistinct chatter]
OK. [Chuckles]
-Go, go.
-What?
No, you didn't.
I couldn't just leave them all there.
You'll chip a tooth eating that.
-[chuckles]
-Telling you.
No. No way.
They taste different.
I'm telling you, all
the icing is the same flavor.
Sugar.
I taste cherry.
Yeah. You see this right here?
Yes. It's a red ornament.
That's Fairmont icing
with unflavored red dye number three.
Uh-oh. Are you a health nut?
I'm their attorney.
Or I was until I lost the case.
Now red 3 is getting phased out.
-Oh.
-You'll be fine.
Were you paid to say that?
In one go,
I lost the biggest case of my career
and a long-term relationship.
Wow.
Turns out working 15 hours a day
trying to defend food coloring
doesn't exactly
scream marriage material.
I'm so sorry.
Eh, it's probably best
for everyone's health.
[chuckles]
Is it ever hard defending the
the wrong people?
Everyone deserves a fair defense.
But, yeah, that can
be a tough act to keep up.
So why do you do it?
-[sighs]
-Oh, come on.
You have to have a reason.
You know, you ask
a lot of tough questions.
Learn a few fancy phrases, and
you'd make a promising lawyer.
Teach me one.
-Burden shift.
-Burden shift.
What's it mean?
It means you answer first.
Why'd you become a teacher?
Honestly, for the summers off.
I figured I'd use them
to travel the world.
Favorite place?
I never did it.
I didn't have time.
-Really? Why not?
-[chuckles]
That's right. You don't have kids.
[chuckles]
But now I teach for my students
instead of for the time away from them.
This is me.
Oh, let me get this.
Thank you.
Of course.
-[sighs]
-[clears throat]
That party was actually really fun.
Yeah.
We should maybe do it again sometime.
If... if you want.
Yeah.
-Come here.
-OK.
Um, I just have to let you know that
I'm actually not ready for anything.
Um, I have a lot of, like,
family stuff going on.
OK, yeah, totally.
Yeah.
Thanks.
I just wanted to set that.
What's that?
You know.
Boundaries.
Why did you say it like that?
Like what?
Like in that weird, little robot voice.
Boundaries.
[laughs] OK, I haven't been out
or worn heels in almost six years.
These conversations make me nervous.
[chuckles]
You cannot laugh at my boundaries.
No, no, I'm not.
I'm... I'm just laughing
at how you said it.
-[chuckles]
-OK, I'm sorry.
[sighs] Well, uh, get home safe.
Thanks.
And, uh, I'll enjoy
all the red dye number three while I can.
Mm. You do that.
[engine turns over]
[engine revving]
[keys jingling]
Cool dress.
It's, uh, nothing.
I... had a work Christmas party.
At school?
I have cookies.
What you reading?
Calc.
OK, well, uh, have fun.
I'm going to go to bed.
Good luck with calc.
[cookie crunching loudly]
Left, left, right.
Bend the legs, cross the arms,
and in one smooth motion.
-Hey.
-Nicely done.
All right, partner up.
Little Red, Ramirez,
you'd make a great team.
-Got it. You got it?
-[groans]
OK.
Attaboy, Little Red.
Come on, you got this, man.
Can we just not talk right now?
[groans]
[groans]
[sighs]
Listen, I was taught to
respect my elders and all that.
I wouldn't exactly call myself an elder.
I don't know what you have
going on with my mom,
but my family's a little more
complicated than you'd think.
Oh, don't... don't worry, man.
She told me all about...
Just stay away.
Copy that, partner.
You know you're not my partner, right?
You're a white-collared lawyer
playing dress-up on his Christmas break.
You'll never be a firefighter.
Copy that?
Partner?
[sighs softly]
Check the board, check the board.
[jingle bells ring]
Hey, Gus.
How you doing, buddy? You OK?
You miss your mama?
I'll take care of you.
Here, let's see what you've got.
All right, clean water.
Gonna get you some munchies.
Let's get you on your walk here.
[blows air]
All right, any day now, buddy.
Any day.
[motorcycle chugging]
All right, Gus, let's get you
back to some warmth, all right?
Come on, buddy. Let's go.
Hey!
Hey. What are you doing here?
I was picking up Charlie,
but apparently
he's now out with friends, so
yeah.
Communication isn't exactly
his strong suit. [Chuckles]
I don't know how you do it.
I mean, it's hard enough
for me taking care of...
Everything OK?
Gus?
[phone rings] Gus?
Hello?
So you still walking
your favorite nephew?
Uh, yeah.
When you get a chance,
send me a Gus pic.
I want to show Mrs. Stevens
the cute jingle bells
I put on his collar.
I like to give her updates.
He's like family to her.
Gus!
Gus!
Hey, um, what's that?
Oh, nothing.
We're just, uh, we're just playing.
Outside? It's like 15 degrees.
Get him inside.
You don't think I know that?
Did you lose this woman's dog?
Man, this crate must be messed up.
You know she named him Gus
after her late husband, right?
Like, who does that?
She does, to honor him.
This woman has lost her
house and now her dog.
Look, you're not helping right now.
I-I got to go.
[sighs]
Hey, you didn't happen to have
seen where Gus was, did you?
Yeah, Ms. Stevens came in earlier.
Probably took him for a walk.
Sarah.
Yeah?
I think I have an idea
where Gus may have went.
-[jingle bells ringing]
-Come on, baby, come on.
Oh, we were looking for you two.
-Oh.
-[chuckles]
You two work at the station
or something?
Uh, yeah, kind of. I'm sorry, I'm Adrian.
-Hello.
-Cadet from the fire station.
I'm Sarah.
Hi.
I just swung by to take him for a walk
and, well, he wanted to come home.
Oh, I can't imagine.
It just doesn't seem real.
We had so many memories
in this house.
[sighs] Now the insurance company
is battling it out
with the toaster company.
It's all above my head.
Toaster?
Oh, that's what caused
the fire, I'm sure of it.
But I also had a few candles burning,
so now it's turning
into a whole investigation.
Well, sorry to say,
but it's going to really be dragged out.
They're going to point fingers
as to who should pay.
No kidding.
They couldn't be in any less of a hurry.
[Gus groans]
Oh, OK, honey, let's get going.
We'll get you back.
Come on, come on.
Uh, you don't happen
to have a manual for the toaster, do you?
Not anymore.
We'll walk you back.
I just got two texts from Charlie.
Where are you?
-I mean, I've seen it all.
-[chuckles]
You should see him around here.
-Hardest worker by far.
-Mm.
Yeah, he doesn't take it for granted.
That's for sure.
My husband, uh...
I know.
[sighs] Well, since then,
I've forbid him from ever
coming near the station.
But as soon as he was old enough,
he begged to do cadet training.
And he really got into it.
But a few heated hours later,
we came to a compromise,
and if he goes to community
college, gets good grades,
he can volunteer.
Shine the helmets, go on the fire drills.
Yeah, I get it.
Just, you know, be around the place.
I mean, the guys are like family to him.
But I could never let him
train to be a firefighter.
He's a good kid.
Tough kid.
Yeah. I wish he didn't have to be.
Would you keep an eye on him for me?
Course.
Well, thanks for seeing me home.
Hey, uh, I... I wanted to ask.
Yeah?
Do you have plans
for dinner tomorrow night?
Well, it's the last day of the semester,
so that probably means a ham
sandwich from the cafeteria
-and a stack of papers to grade.
-[chuckles]
I have a better plan.
Oh, yeah? What's that?
You like pizza?
Mm, depends what time.
And what kind of pizza.
Both are up to you.
Then I will see you tomorrow.
At 7:30.
7:30 it is.
[smooches]
Um, or 8:00?
I'll text you?
OK.
[door closes]
So I did some digging,
and it turns out that a lot of people
are having issues
with that particular toaster.
Mm-hmm.
I mean, their house didn't
burn down or anything,
but you know what I mean.
So I went back to Mrs. Stevens'
house this morning,
and check this out.
See those burn patterns?
Let me see that.
Huh.
Classic V pattern
from the kitchen counter.
Yeah, and the room where
the candles were, nothing.
You do know a thing or two about fire.
[clicks] Told you, man.
Huh.
Oh, that's an old-school bike right there.
Yeah, what is that, early '80s?
-'79.
-Oh.
Looks like you've gotten
a lot of use out of it too.
I used to ride.
Cool.
Well, uh, I'm going to...
Your mom doesn't know you're
in the cadet course, does she?
Unless those textbooks in your
locker are for night school.
I'm guessing you're skipping
class and going to training?
Use this thing to get back
and forth or what?
That's none of your business.
My bad. It's just, you know,
something I would have done
when I was your age.
Although, I wouldn't have
used that cheap thing.
You can't say anything to my mom.
If you're trying to stay under the radar,
I'd get a much quieter exhaust.
-Don't change the subject.
-What subject?
What are you talking about?
[chuckles softly]
It's aftermarket.
But gets the job done.
What about that one?
It was a Christmas gift. From my Dad.
My starter bike.
Does it run?
[motors whirring]
Remind you of something?
What?
Every drill we've ever done?
[laughs]
Try to keep up.
Whoo-hoo!
That exhaust is loud, man.
[engine revving]
It's freaking cold, man. [Chuckles]
So how long have you
been hiding it from her?
Few months.
It took me two summers
to earn enough money
to buy the bikes back.
She sold them after
you know.
You know she's going to find
out you're not just volunteering, right?
Yeah, but
figured it'll go over smoother
after I have my own place.
Talking to some of the guys
about renting a spot next year.
You OK?
It was never supposed to be this way.
It was the last call of his shift.
Turns out the pickup slid onto the lake.
Dad roped up, pulled the
driver out just in time.
But on his way back
the ice broke.
His rope snapped.
So he was a hero.
Yeah.
It's a lot to live up to.
As soon as he was gone,
everything changed.
There was this quiet, you know?
[geese honking]
After a couple of weeks,
the house smelled different.
His clothes used to make the
laundry room smell like smoke.
Mom always said she hated that smell.
But, um...
It was like the last thing
keeping him here.
You're right.
It's freezing. [Chuckles]
[phone buzzes]
You weren't kidding when
you said the place was close.
Well, you told me the time,
but you never told me what
type of pizza you like,
so since we've got
the place to ourselves,
today, we're the chefs.
[chuckles] Thank you.
Welcome.
-There you go.
-You did a good job.
-I think I've got this.
-OK.
Can you add more flour?
No, don't try to act like
you're all professional.
No, I exactly what I'm doing.
OK.
Yeah, I've made a pizza or two.
And if you can toss it.
-All right.
-Let's see what you've got.
First of all, I smack like this.
-Yeah, yeah, yeah.
-Yeah.
Yeah.
-Yeah, no, that's...
-You get the torso.
The momentum.
You get the... [laughter]
-Oh!
-No... oh!
I... all good.
I've got another one. That was practice.
That doesn't count, that doesn't count.
That doesn't count.
That doesn't count, that doesn't count.
Try to get fancy, see what happened?
-[sighs]
-This...
-don't judge me on that.
-[laughs]
Ooh.
-OK.
-Is that good?
I think so. I can start.
All right, let's see.
OK, it looks...
It looks pretty good, I think.
-Almost perfect.
-OK, but?
There's a but there.
I think it's missing like one thing.
Hmm.
Controversial.
Oh, and as the star,
you're going to go pineapples?
Ooh.
Got to say, very controversial.
[chuckles]
You might need a new fallback plan.
You know,
if your firefighter-lawyer
career doesn't work out.
I'll master the toss. You'll see.
[both chuckle]
Got big plans for break?
Sticking around.
Last-minute shopping,
Christmas, New Year's,
Charlie's birthday.
It's all back to back.
Can't imagine shopping for a teenager.
Yeah. [Chuckles]
He's been saving up for a car,
so I'll help him out a little.
But mostly, so it has working brakes
and isn't held together by duct tape.
[chuckles]
Maybe one of those boxy Volvos.
I heard they're like tanks.
[chuckling] Oh, yeah.
Wow. He's 18.
He'll be an adult.
Mm, might be time to dust off
that passport, take a trip.
It's probably expired.
Oh.
Maybe it's time you check.
You deserve it.
Thanks.
[groans]
Uh-oh. [Chuckles]
What's happening?
You're making noises
doing everyday tasks.
No, I'm just a little bit
sore from training today.
That's all.
Pedal Point not translating?
Give me a few weeks
and I'll be right there
with the rest of those young guys.
Is that what's next?
Being a firefighter?
I don't know.
How's that feel?
Exciting.
Kinda scary.
For the first time in my life, I...
I don't know the answer to that question.
Just keep pedaling. You'll get to the top.
I guess I'm just wondering
if there's anything up there.
I just figured that I'd...
I'd know by now.
Yeah, me too.
[bell ringing]
Um, the dessert.
The dessert is ready, so.
[chuckles] Yeah. I-I should go get it.
Yeah, I'm going to go get it.
[sighs]
Tighten it. Lock it down.
Make sure it's secure.
This is the real thing.
Sweep the stream under the
vehicle and move the line up.
Get it together, Ramirez. Pay attention.
A spark is a curious thing.
Equal parts beautiful
equal parts dangerous.
If left unattended,
it doesn't take much more than a curtain
for it to double in size
and reduce everything around it to ash.
Now, the burn house drill is designed
to test everything we've
taught you this past week.
Pass, you join us at the station
for the Christmas party,
return after the break.
Fail, this is where your journey ends.
Now, your partner's name
is taped to your locker.
I suggest you get some rest tonight.
Get ready to work tomorrow.
[fire crackling]
Dismissed.
[fire crackling]
[chuckles]
[phone rings]
Hello.
-Adrian, it's Reece.
-Do you have a moment?
[phone chimes]
You know what they say.
If you want to know who
truly cares about you,
disappear for a while
and see who notices.
Well
we've noticed. [Laughs]
[phone buzzes]
You hear about what's
what's happening
at the Manhattan branch?
Uh, no. What... what's happening?
Well, they're restructuring
some, uh, senior-level staff.
[phone chimes]
And when I say senior,
you know what I mean.
They called me for a rec, and...
I called you.
Yep.
You're reading that right.
Well... [phone chimes]
There he is. Missed you, buddy.
Sidebar lunch? [Phone chimes]
Uh, no I... I gotta go.
Hey, it's Charlie, leave a message.
[chuckling] My guy.
I hear that Christmas might
come early for you this year.
Lunch?
No, sorry. I... no lunch.
Busy man.
[thunder rumbling]
[sighs]
[indistinct radio chatter]
Hey, I got here as soon as I could.
Tires slipped on black ice.
You good? You all right?
Yeah, yeah, I'm fine.
How is it?
I'm not sure if it's going to start.
I was hoping you'd get here
before anyone else saw.
Charlie!
I'm fine.
Adrian?
Ran you through the system
and your license checks out.
Now, make sure to get your credentials
on your physical card and
keep it with you next time.
Don't worry, officer,
there will not be a next time.
-Thank you for the call.
-My pleasure.
Now, I'm issuing you a written warning
for failure to carry proper endorsement.
What's going on with that exhaust?
It's, um...
It's aftermarket
and loud as a freight train,
but it's road legal.
All right. [Sighs]
He called me to pick him up.
Did you know he was riding?
Look, Sarah. I'm sorry.
-Wait, wait, wait. Hold on.
-Have you been spying on me?
What?
I knew it. I knew
I shouldn't have kissed you.
You kissed my mom?
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
What, are you guys, like, together?
You've got to be kidding me.
Charlie, get back here!
You are in so much trouble.
In trouble for what?
For buying back Dad's bike?
For not being honest with me.
Oh, wow. Oh, that's really something.
You know, I always wondered
why you were in cadet training,
but now it makes so much sense.
I'm not spying on you.
Oh, and how you were always
coincidentally my partner?
Charlie, please, man.
Oh, are you in cadet training?
OK, everyone, let's just...
Are you in cadet training?
And did you know?
Son.
[sighs] Thank you, Officer.
You stay safe, OK?
You the father?
Not even close.
Merry Christmas, folks.
[engine revving]
I... I... listen.
I just found out the other night
that you didn't know
he was in the course.
When I said to keep an eye on him,
I didn't exactly mean to cover for him.
You didn't ride with him, did you?
Wow.
I gotta go.
Let me if you think of anything else
I don't know about my own kid.
For starters, he's the
best cadet in the course.
Yeah, well, his attendance is probably
going to take a hit when he's grounded
for the indefinite future.
Maybe try going a little easier on him?
He's almost an adult.
Wow, that is really
insightful parenting advice.
Thank you, Adrian.
Sarah, he's not a baby anymore.
You can't protect him forever.
You wouldn't know the first thing
about the love you have
for your own child.
That is something
I could never explain to you.
Sarah.
By the way, your boots
don't match your suit.
Why don't you pick a career
and stick with it?
[wind whistling]
[phone ringing]
[sighs]
Hey.
Hey, viejo.
Kate just got back from a work
trip and we were baking and...
To!
She insisted on showing you this.
Honey, be careful.
Look! It's a lawyer, like you.
Wow, that's, uh
thank you.
He helps people.
Dude, it's a cookie. Relax.
Got to go.
Charlie.
Honey.
[footsteps]
Charlie, stop!
It's freezing.
My bike won't start.
You got what you wanted.
But I'm not going
to miss that checkpoint.
Charlie, I got your report card.
Your attendance is terrible.
But apparently you're one of those kids
who can get straight A's
without studying.
Hey. I'm headed to the school.
The fire station is on the way.
This drill consists of four checkpoints.
First, you'll encounter
a wall of controlled fire
where you need to work the hose
together to clear a path.
Nice of you to show up, Red.
Where's your partner?
I don't think he's going to make it.
I'm here!
Bad start, Ramirez. Move!
Check your partner.
Hey, man, listen, I really don't...
Now, once inside, you'll go up the stairs.
You'll find a door blocking
access to the rescue room.
You'll need to break it down,
locate the training dummy,
form a firefighter carry to the window,
where your partner will help
you bring it down the ladder.
And since Ramirez and Little Red
seem to have it all figured out,
you're up.
We have water on the fire.
Clear, clear, clear!
[masks hissing]
Call again.
Here. Go.
You got this.
-Charlie, listen.
-Stop.
I know you think you have
to go through this alone, man,
but you don't.
Just stop.
Your dad's right here with you.
[strains]
[grunts]
Dummy located.
I've got the legs. Grab the arms.
Window's clear.
I'll take the ladder first.
Hand him over.
Time.
Textbook, gentlemen.
Textbook. [Applause]
Hey, listen.
Listen to me. Listen.
-Stop.
-Listen to me.
-What?
-Listen.
What?
He'd be so proud of you, man.
All right?
Listen to me.
If it counts for anything,
I'm proud of you too.
[sirens wailing]
[bell ringing]
Why don't we just put this
on the back burner
until after the new year?
I'll turn my book over
to whoever you'd like.
All the clients will stay in-house.
Frochs Trust, IntraSmart, Dynatech
these are big names, Adrian. [Chuckles]
Look, if this is about
the director position,
we can adjust your pain points.
Hold that thought. Just one second.
Hi, this is Adrian.
I heard he quit to be a firefighter.
No.
He's just going full immersion,
trying to get to know his clients.
No, I bet he's jumping ship
to another firm.
[chuckles] Sick.
-Merry Christmas, Reece.
-Wait, Adrian!
I'm working on that Islanders box.
[chuckles]
I hate to break it to you,
but I don't know anything about hockey!
I never watched it. I never played it.
I went to an ice skating rink one time
when I was in the sixth grade
for a birthday party, fell,
and broke some hard-to-
pronounce bone in my wrist.
But Adrian...
You know how hard it is
to write a five-page essay
left-handed in under 30 minutes?
Never again!
Adrian, wait, let's sidebar.
Can we circle back? [Sighs]
He doesn't like hockey?
Who doesn't like hockey?
[knock on door]
Adrian.
[Gus barks]
Oh, baby. Hi, pumpkin.
Well, are you going for a walk?
I'll get my coat.
Uh, Mrs. Stevens, I just got a call.
After reviewing the pictures
of the burn pattern,
your insurance agrees it wasn't a candle.
[gasps]
You can expect a fast settlement.
In the meantime,
there is a pre-furnished town home
that is all yours until
the rebuild is done.
And you want to know the best part?
[gasps] No way.
Yep, the landlord allows pets.
[laughter]
[barks]
You got the memo school's out, right?
-[chuckles]
-Oh, hey.
New desk?
Um, the district
made new inventory available.
Free stuff disappears fast.
Can I help?
Yeah.
You know, that party
at the firehouse starts soon.
I was kind of hoping you'd come with me.
Do all the cadets go to that?
If you're asking if
he's going to be there,
I don't know.
I wasn't.
Uh-huh.
He quit today after training.
But kind of think you already knew that.
You need to get better at hiding.
And parents are not the only
ones who see everything.
[chuckles] You could teach me
a thing or two about that.
You know, in training,
they teach us to always speak clearly.
And be direct.
And I just want you to know that...
I've always noticed.
Even if I didn't say anything.
How you held us all together
and watched over me.
[chuckling]
Sometimes from a parking lot.
But I got it from here, Mom.
And... [sighs]
I think it's time for you to
build something for yourself.
You are not as grown up
as you think you are.
[chuckles softly]
But you are off to a pretty amazing start.
And you smell like smoke.
I know.
Aw.
[phone ringing]
-Hey.
-Where you at?
We're all at the party.
-Just moved in Mrs. Stevens.
-We're about to play pinochle.
Hello? Can you hear me?
Yeah, can you hear you?
Did you miss the part where I quit?
It's a party for firefighters.
Dude, it's a family party.
You're my brother. I want you here.
And I think someone else does too.
Oh, she's there?
Show up and find out.
Look, save me a piece of cake
and I may swing by after
and say hi to the guys.
Eight, nine, ten.
Sorry about that.
Are you more of a bidder or a passer?
Excuse me?
In pinochle. What's your style?
Oh, uh, I've...
I've actually never played. [Chuckles]
Honey, something tells me
you shouldn't be spending your
night shuffling cards with me.
If I've learned anything from all this,
it's that stuff is just stuff.
But the things you love the most
you go back for.
Yeah.
Yeah, I should go.
Yeah.
You know...
I'd hate to go alone.
Would... would you care to join me?
Let me just put my face on.
You're a mess.
There's got to be something back here.
Yeah, let's have a good time.
[gasps] It looks great.
[indistinct chatter]
[upbeat clapping]
Dude, wow.
Hey, is she still here?
Uh, I don't know.
Ladies and gentlemen,
make some noise
if you're having a good time!
Let's go!
[all cheering]
Ramirez, man. Hey.
Look, man, you did really good this week.
If you really wanted it,
you could have made it through
if you didn't ring that bell.
Thanks, man, but I got other plans.
-Yeah, I know you do.
-You're still family, though.
[chuckles]
Hey, you mind if I borrow that real quick?
Go ahead.
Thanks.
You know, I like you a lot better
when you're not yelling at me.
[chuckles]
Uh... [clears throat] Excuse me.
If I could interrupt just for...
Oh, hi.
[chucking softly] Hey.
Uh, Merry Christmas, everyone.
[chuckles]
Oh, uh, Mrs. Stevens, I...
-I think I got this one.
-Ah.
Thanks.
[sighs] Listen.
I screwed up.
I should have never
kept anything from you.
And I definitely shouldn't have
dirt-biked down a bumpy road
with your son going 60 miles an hour.
60 miles an hour?
-It was probably more like 55.
-Right, Charlie?
Yeah.
[chuckles softly]
The point is
I know I'm not meant to be a fireman.
I'm a lawyer, and I'm
going to keep it that way.
That's the way I know
I can make a difference.
You know what else I know?
Your students, Charlie,
anyone lucky enough
to be in your life
comes out better for it.
And if I'm lucky enough
to be a part of that
even for just a little bit longer,
then I know I'm not going to waste it.
I still don't know if there's anything
at the top of that mountain,
but if there is...
I want to find it with you.
This sweater looks really nice on you.
Well, for heaven's sake, kiss her already!
[chuckles]
[alarm ringing]
-Suit up!
-Move, move, move, move, move!
[alarm ringing]
[alarm ringing]
Let's go, Red.
[alarm ringing]
Hey.
Take this, bro.
How you doing?
So good. I'm glad it worked out.
-What's up, Gus?
-[barks]
-[laughter]
-What's up, Gus?