A Million Little Things (2018) s04e18 Episode Script
Slipping
Why did you tell the detective
that you were at the convention
- the day that Peter died?
- I was passed out.
You can't be with someone that has a drinking problem.
Previously on "A Million Little Things" All these people, they don't even know who he was, and now they never will.
Well, they would've if you hadn't had to take down your podcast.
I just want to listen.
I want to hear about my little girl.
Ever since you came into my life, I've been feeling things I never thought I would.
Goodbye, Katherine.
Interview someone in your family.
Ask tough questions.
I decided to introduce you to me.
I am not a girl.
We're trying to have a baby.
We should have you checked.
I believe we found the problem.
Look at this woman.
Or I can look at the road.
No.
Look at this smile.
No one has ever been this happy to have fertility problems.
I swear this is the same woman who was on my headgear pamphlet when I was 13.
Well, those straight chompers landed her a guy with a broken wingding.
Gary, you're not broken.
You heard the man.
My sperm count is below sea level.
My little Gars are living in Death Valley without hats.
Dr.
Anderson did not say that.
He said low.
Low and slow.
All I can think about is is the money I could've saved on condoms over the years.
Gary, come on.
Well, because of me, we're gonna spend a down payment on a small house with curb appeal injecting God-knows-what into your butt, and not in a fun way.
First of all, my insurance would cover most of it.
I just hate that I am the reason we're even considering putting your body through more than it's already been through.
Look, I know what I can handle.
I don't know, Bloom.
It just feels like maybe the universe is trying to tell us something, you know? I need you to listen to me.
I am going to have your baby.
And the doctor says that IVF is the best way to do that.
So I don't know what this is, but you need to buck up and take this sad-sack Charlie Brown B.
S.
somewhere else.
Wow.
Did you have to say "sad sack"? - Ah.
Morning, Maggie! - Oh, thank God! Oh! Give me one sec, and I'll bring you yours.
This one's for your mom.
Sorry.
It sounded like you said my mom.
There she is! Ah! Hey, honey! Little help, Greta? Oh, sure thing, dude.
What do you have in there, pal? Options.
I've never been to a movie premiere before.
What if I get discovered? Oh.
Smart.
So how did you and Shanice Williamson even meet? Uh, well, um she, uh, did Rome's movie, and, you know, Regina knew that we both had kids.
We only hung out a couple of times.
Mostly just, you know, playdates.
Wait.
I'm sorry.
She was here? At this house? Oh, I forgot.
Kiana wants me to bring my "Magic: The Gathering" cards.
That's why you have a checklist, T.
I just I love that you got invited to this.
She didn't invite me, she invited Theo.
I'm only going 'cause you get arrested if you let underage children travel unaccompanied over state lines.
So, when Shanice Williamson was in this house, what did you two talk about? Uh, I don't know.
Like raising kids and how hard it is to live our life with all the photographers around.
Wow.
Come on, Mom! We're gonna miss the train! Let's get to New York and then decide how fashionably late we wanna be.
Sure.
Bye.
Bye.
Tell Shanice I'm her biggest fan.
I think Maddox is a great name.
She could be a bad-ass FBI agent or one of Brangelina's kids.
"He.
" "He" Right, of course.
And how cool is it that he felt safe enough to share this with you.
Baby, you should be so proud of yourself.
I am.
But you know what I'm not proud of? This big-ass pimple taking over the left side of my face.
- Oh.
- And of course it's picture day.
I barely even see it.
But now that I-I can see it, I can't unsee it.
Should I pop it? What? - Please let me pop it.
- No! No, no, babe, no! Hold up! You just said No, get away! You just said you couldn't see it! I lied.
It's ripe.
Please! Hold up.
Wait up.
Wait, Gina, Gina, hold up! Whoa! Hey, hey! No judgment, but your foreplay's gotten really weird.
Can we help you? Can't I take interest in what my male and female role models are up to today? Well, I'm about to go to the food truck, and Rome and his pet zit have picture day.
Wow! Mm! You better teach that thing how to smile.
Mm.
Don't you ever go to school, bro? That's where I'm going right now.
So I'll see you three tonight, 'cause Oh, that's just wrong, but I can help you with that, see? Oh, no! Hey, stop! Ah, Rocky Balboa awakens.
What? You went like four rounds in your sleep last night.
It'd be cute if it wasn't so terrifying.
Did I say anything? Eh, mostly and mumbles, a few kicks.
Sorry.
Hey, I have something for you.
What's that? This is the chip I got when I hit my first 24 hours of sobriety.
And I want you to have it.
Oh, that's really sweet, but I'm ju I'm not sure that I'm gonna go to the meeting.
I think what I've been fighting in my sleep is whether or not A.
A.
is the right path for me.
So Hey, I know you're doing a great job on your own.
I just think today, and with Peter's memorial, it could help.
I can't even face the people that knew Peter and me.
How am I supposed to open up to a bunch of strangers and talk about what a mess I made of my life? Well, one of the first things A.
A.
taught me was that I'm powerless over my addiction.
And I slept a lot better after that.
Hmm? Besides, if you go to the one in Brookline, there's a cronuts place next door.
You're gonna need a 12-step program just for the peanut-butter caramel.
Ooh.
I know I said I'd be there by 10:00, but I forgot my cast-iron skillet.
Do you really need it? Yes, I need it.
The only time I thought I would ever divorce Rome is when he stuck the dang thing in the dishwasher.
Hello? Val, I just heard a noise.
You think someone's there? Eh.
Oh, my God, be careful.
I-I'll stay on the phone with you.
If anyone's in there, just know that I have a very large piece of metal in my hand, and I will Wile E.
Coyote your face! Hey, Gina.
Tyrell, you scared the Gina, are you Are you okay? Yeah, Val, I'm fine.
Although, my foster son just gave me a heart attack.
Yeah, I'll call you back.
What are you doing home? You're supposed to be at school.
I forgot it was Senior Ditch Day.
What is that? I didn't hear anything.
Do you have someone in there with you? Possibly.
Do you want to introduce me? Not really the best time.
I'll get her out of here pronto.
Good.
And since you're ditching school, you can help me out on the food truck.
Be there in 20 minutes.
Mm-hmm.
Make it 10! You made great time.
I'll be right out.
There's a long velvet rope, but you'll get to go right in, where your name's gonna be on the seat.
Oh, and you get unlimited popcorn and candy.
My head's exploding.
Can I eat unlimited Skittles like an A-lister, Mom? Almost there.
Just dotting my I's and propping up the T's.
Uh, yeah, whatever Whatever you want, honey.
Oh, wait till you see the view from the balcony! If you want, we can spit from 30 floors up.
I love New York! Sorry this took so long.
Rome wasn't built in a day.
And neither was Shanice Williamson.
Wow! You You look like a movie star.
Eh, I also do TV.
It is so good to see you.
Oh, you too.
Yeah, looks like someone's been doing things their mom wouldn't approve of.
Excuse me? You got a tattoo! Oh! Yeah, I did.
Um a friend did it.
Well, I love it.
Mom, what are you doin' here? Well, I missed your surprise birthday party, because I only had 12 hours notice So I decided I would just surprise you in my own way.
Ah.
Well, you sure did that.
So, this is where you give all your great advice.
Maggie two minutes.
Uh, yep.
This is where I beam from.
And, um behind that glass is the control booth where Claudia works her magic.
You know what would be really fun is if you sat with her while I'm on the air.
Oh, does that make me one of your producers? I always say, "'In the Room with Dr.
Bloom'? Dr.
Bloom was in my womb.
" - I'll I'll let you get to it.
- Okay.
Observational mode.
Two more.
Don't forget, for your next assignment, I want a written story proposal.
And, Brianna, please be open to spell-check.
I am open to it.
I just wish it would be open to me.
Hey, hey, Madison, can you hang back for a sec? I-I wanted to talk to you about your video.
It had all of the elements of good storytelling.
It was raw and honest.
With a surprising reveal.
It was really beautiful.
Really? You don't know how happy that makes me.
I wasn't sure that I should do it, but then after I did, it was like I could actually breathe for the first time.
Well, you told your truth.
That's really all you can ask for in a documentary.
You should be really proud, Madison.
Uh, Maddox.
That's what I want to go by.
Maddox.
Okay.
Uh, seriously, though, I've been thinking about it for a while.
Um I think I'm ready to tell people who I really am.
Wow.
That's a That's a big step.
Yeah.
It's just scary, you know, that I I might lose some friends.
Listen I don't know what it's like to be you right now.
But I do know what it's like to feel different and alone.
One thing I know for sure If your friends can't accept you for who you are, then they weren't really your friends to begin with.
Yeah, that's what I think, too.
And I was thinking, you know, maybe instead of having like a gazillion awkward conversations, um, it may be better to just rip the Band-Aid off.
And what better way to do that than on Picture Day? Thanks for this pep talk, Mr.
Howard.
I really needed it.
Ouch.
What's with the medieval torture device? I thought you weren't mad at me anymore.
Yeah, it's a foam roller.
Thought it could help your back.
Aww.
And, um after our conversation the other day, wanted to tell you that I uploaded the podcast to Peter's memorial page.
Wow.
So, I'm guessing they didn't ask you to do the eulogy? No.
Three people hearted it, two thumbs up, and one person said, "I don't believe you.
You're lying.
" So I disabled the comments.
Good call.
But for what it's worth, I'm I'm glad you put it out there again.
And I also posted an invitation to anyone who may have had a questionable experience with Peter to come meet up with me today.
I rented a room at the library just so we could, like I don't know Just be together while everyone's making him out to be a saint at his memorial.
Soph, that's amazing.
I just I can't help but feel like it might be a mistake.
'Cause I don't know What if no one shows up? Or worse, what if someone does? I mean, I hope it was just me and Layla.
I wish there had been something like that for you back when it happened.
Yeah, well, I was lucky, though.
I had Maggie and Regina.
And you.
Mm.
Maybe you can be that for somebody else.
You're right.
Thanks, Gar.
Oh, uh, what How did it go at the lab? You know, with your sample.
Sample? What sample? I don't know about any sample.
That was a test.
And you passed.
Which is better than my sperm did.
Okay, I don't Ew! Do you think I should ground him? I mean, is that even a thing anymore? Well, even if it is, I don't know if it's such a good idea.
Tyrell's not exactly a kid.
He's 18.
And the last thing you want is him to be near his bed more.
I knew he was sexually active and being safe about it.
Well, you just didn't know he was sexually active and being safe all over your Egyptian cotton sheets.
Okay, now I'm done.
Oh, no.
What? Oh, no.
O-O-O-Okay.
So, uh, Gary says he has the air mattress all ready for you and that he likes to be the big spoon.
Aww, charming as ever.
And you were so great this morning! I just loved it how you told that whiny ad exec from Dover to "Quit bitchin' and start pitchin'".
Thanks, Mom.
Uh, you know, you don't You don't have to stay for the second hour.
I'm sure you got other things - to do while you're in town.
- What do you mean? Well, you never come just to see me, so what is it? The needlepoint convention? Ren Faire? I came into town just for you.
I want to know what is going on in my daughter's life.
- What's this? - What's what? You have an IVF appointment? Are you and Gary trying to have a baby? Um, uh, no.
Maybe, yeah, yes.
But we still have a lot of hoops to jump through, so we're just not telling a lot of people.
Oh.
Right.
I see.
I I fall into the "not a lot of people" category.
Mom Do you want to know the real reason that I came here? Yes, please.
Because I feel like my own daughter is a stranger to me.
I mean, the only way I know anything about your life is from what I hear on your show.
Do you know how painful it was to find out that you had ended a pregnancy from listening to you on the radio? I I guess that's how I was gonna find out about this, too.
And whose fault is that, Mom? I asked why you're in Boston because I keep waiting to find out who or what matters more than me.
Yeah, I'm sure it was really difficult to hear about my abortion on the radio, but it was even more painful to go through it knowing that I didn't have a mother that I could count on to be by my side.
I'm so sorry to interrupt.
We're almost back.
Um, yeah, you're right, Maggie, I think I will skip the second hour.
Does it make you feel better knowing they're doing it on my Egyptian cotton sheets? - Too soon? - I know I deserve that.
But this is making my head spin.
What happened to all that sex positivity you were talking about? Well, that was before I knew it was my daughter.
Maybe this is God's way of getting me back to church, because I am seriously thinking about how to get her in a convent.
Could be worse.
Tyrell is kind and smart.
Not a hemp necklace or a hacky sack in sight.
I mean, he's going to Yale in the fall.
But she's only 17.
Well, he's only 18.
I know, but she's I mean It's just, that's how old I was when I met her dad and got pregnant.
I didn't even know who I was yet.
Yeah, that must have been hard.
It was.
And the best thing to come out of it was Vali, and, of course, I wouldn't change that.
But it also meant that I wasn't allowed to have needs or goals or dreams.
Why don't you tell her that? And say what? "Hey, having you derailed everything for me, and I don't want that to happen to you, too"? I-I just got her back in my life.
I-I can't lose her again.
All right.
I'll talk to him.
Oh, my God.
Did you see Ms.
Lazlo's hair? Every day, she wears it all stringy, and then today, for Picture Day, she comes with a full up-do, like she's the Queen of England or something? At least I can blackmail her if she tries to give me a C again.
Talk about trying too hard.
All right, Connie.
Well, good luck with your boss.
And if your goal was to surprise him, let's hope he doesn't listen to this show.
Thanks, Dr.
Bloom.
Okay.
Let's go to our next caller.
Hello.
You are in the room.
Dr.
Bloom, first time caller, long-time listener.
In fact, you could say I've been following your career since you moved to Boston.
I appreciate the loyalty.
I didn't catch your name.
It's It's Tom Bra Brady.
A different Tom Brady.
How can I help you today, Tom? Um, i-it's this new job that I started.
This student that I'm teaching, he He just told me he's trans.
That's very courageous of him.
I think I'm the first person he's told, and I may have inadvertently encouraged him to come out to everyone now.
Like, right now, which is why I'm calling you on the air.
I mean, n-not that I have any other way of contacting you.
Uh, what are you afraid might happen if he does come out right now? The other kids at this school, they can be brutal.
And I-I don't want him to get hurt.
So there's a scary patch of ice up ahead, and you want to keep him from slipping? Exactly.
Hmm.
Listen, I obviously don't know you at all.
But, um, is there any chance you have a history at this institution? Wow.
That's very perceptive.
Well, when you've been hurt so much, it can be hard to trust again.
But the challenge is to not let the past get in the way of the present.
You still there? Yeah.
It sounds like you went back to make some positive changes in these kids' lives.
So maybe you should give yourself some credit for a job well done.
But no matter what happens, it is not your job to keep them from slipping on that ice.
It is to let them know that life goes on after they fall.
You are so right.
Hey, thanks, Mag I mean, Dr.
Bloom.
You know, I wouldn't be surprised if the real Tom Brady called you one day.
You're not the real Tom Brady? Are you Sophie? Yeah.
I'm Amanda.
I was a student of Peter's.
I can't believe how much free stuff they give you.
And it's all going to charity in the morning.
I got something special just for you.
Uh, what? Shanice, this is too much.
I can't take this.
Don't be silly! I want you to have it.
You don't know how grateful I was for an excuse to skip that after party and get out of those heels.
Let me help you.
You know, I was voicing the character for this movie when we first met in Boston.
I couldn't help but remember how much you were going through back then.
But you seem like you're in a better place now.
Are you happy? I am.
And, you know, in a way, I have you to thank.
You, um You forced me to face some really intense things.
And I feel like I'm I'm finally myself.
Got to admit, I'm a little jealous.
I'm still living up to everyone else's expectations of who Shanice Williamson is supposed to be.
But I am open to whatever comes my way.
Mom, Kiana just asked if we can sleep over.
Not a bad idea.
This suite has a whole other wing we haven't even laid eyes on yet.
Oh, I don't know.
Please, Mom? Kiana says the sunrise from the balcony will rock my world.
What do you say, Katherine? You ready to have your world rocked? Are you sure it's okay if we stay? Oh, gee, let me see.
Should you hop a train all the way back home for some canned soup and grilled cheese, or should you stay in Shanice Williamson's hotel suite and really enjoy that five-star room service? All right.
I'll, uh I'll check in with you after I put Theo to bed.
Enjoy! I'll be eating grilled cheese.
Are we really having pizza when there's a Nobu in this hotel? Well, pizza's our tradition when we're all together, right? I'm excited for you to try pineapple.
It's so good.
It's Greta's favorite.
Who's Greta? Mom's girlfriend.
Then he had me put on my bathing suit.
He said, "Make an entrance.
" And the whole time, his wife, who he was always gushing about, was right downstairs.
It's just so crazy how similar all of our stories are.
He was so calculated.
Yeah, like, he wasn't even creative in his perversion.
I mean, it's embarrassing.
At least be original.
It was Kai, wasn't it? Is there anything you wanna share? Um if if it's okay, I'd just like to listen.
Yeah.
Does it make anyone else's blood boil thinking about how much money we spent for this guy to just use us? I mean, I-I knew that things were tense between us, but I just can't believe that really she thinks that she's an afterthought for me.
Yeah.
Look, I don't want to make you feel any worse, but Maggie's really tried with you.
I think she just got to a place where she's done seeking out the disappointment.
That is just so hard to hear.
But you know the crazy thing? Listening to her Her show and hearing how smart and how funny she is, I-I just kept thinking, "I want to be more like her.
" Somehow, in spite of me, she became this amazing woman.
Or maybe she always was.
I just was too distracted with, you know to To appreciate it.
And now I'm just, you know, worried that it might be too late.
I'm not a parent yet, but I think the most important thing a parent can do is Is show up, you know? My mom didn't, my dad did, and today you did.
I'm really proud of her for waiting to have a baby with the right person.
I don't know if I'm the right person.
Turns out my swimmers, uh aren't qualifying for the Olympics.
Oh.
So that's why you have the IVF appointment.
I mean, you don't even know everything she's gonna have to go through because of me.
What she has to go through? Wait till you see what happens when she gives birth.
Guessing you want to be in the room with Dr.
Bloom for that? All of it is Dr.
Bloom's room.
I-I just live in it.
Well, I didn't have to listen to her show to know the most important thing about Maggie, and that is that she can handle anything.
So if she says that she can do the IVF, she can do the IVF.
And you don't want to make the same mistake that I made.
So you just be there.
Just show up.
Even if your sperm can't.
You know, you're, uh you're a lot more like Maggie than you think you are.
Oh.
How so? You just gave me some, uh Some pretty good advice.
Hmm.
Excuse me.
Um Looking for the meeting? Yes.
Last door on your right.
Thank you.
I started drinking more after it happened, just to, you know, try and forget, but the hardest part is, I don't feel like I can trust my instincts anymore.
How did I not Oh, my God.
What's Peter's wife doing here? I-I don't mean to interrupt, and I'm still not sure that coming here was the right thing to do.
Yeah, I don't think it was.
I think you should leave, Anna.
Oh, hey, uh This Look, this meeting is for anyone that was hurt by Peter.
And trust me, she was.
Thank you, Sophie.
I swear, I had no idea what Peter was doing.
And in no way am I equating what he did to me to what he did to all of you.
I'm not.
But I want you to know that he fooled me, too.
I mean, we were married for a long time.
I didn't know him.
So I left the house this morning with the intention of going to an A.
A.
meeting, where, apparently, I am supposed to admit how powerless I am.
Well, I've just lived my whole life feeling that way.
And I still feel that way knowing that I didn't do enough to protect all of you.
But you know what? I just couldn't check my power at the door.
Not again.
So instead I decided to come here and to say I am sorry.
And I should have known what was going on.
And I still don't understand how I didn't.
Thank you.
Uh, Rome Howard.
I'm the new electives teacher.
Hey, Mr.
Howard.
Hey! You look great.
You do, too.
I can barely see that pimple.
You got this.
Thank you.
Who are you supposed to be? Um Maddox.
Cool.
Doctor.
Hey.
I did it.
I cleaned out the fridge.
I know you're part raccoon, but you're gonna want to steer clear of this, especially if you're allergic to penicillin.
Mm.
Thank you for babysitting my mom all day.
I figured I should probably get used to it.
Especially if we're gonna be doing IVF.
Which we should.
You should.
Really? I am fully on board, me and my sad little sacks.
Mm! What changed your mind? This slightly, uh, older woman, looks like you a little.
Talks about my sperm A lot.
Ultimately set me straight.
Um, things got kind of ugly at the station earlier.
Did she tell you about that? She did, but don't worry.
I took your side.
Um, but don't tell her I said that, but I did.
But don't phrase it that way.
The kids are still trying to figure out who played the unicorn wizard.
You sure it wasn't The Rock? I've been sworn to secrecy.
I'm sorry I didn't tell you.
Oh, you mean the minor detail that you have a live-in girlfriend? I was going to I really was.
I, um I got caught up in the moment.
Seeing you again.
The fantasy, you mean? All this? I always thought you were the one person who saw me as more than just a movie star.
Please don't diminish what went on between us in Boston.
I wouldn't be this happy if it wasn't for you encouraging me to go after what I wanted.
You know, the whole time I was off shooting my movie I couldn't help but think there was a very lucky woman out there who was gonna sweep you off your feet one day.
It's funny, as an actress, you'd think I'd have better timing.
Let me ask you something.
Even if the circumstances were different and I had been ready, are you? At the premiere tonight, you wouldn't come within 10 feet of me any time the press was around.
I guess that's the price I have to pay.
D-Do you know how hard it was for me to get here? The opportunity that I have now w-what that means for young black girls to see someone like me playing a romantic lead in a big movie? I have a responsibility to that.
What about your life? Don't you have a responsibility to that? You deserve to be happy.
Guess you got it all figured out now.
I think Theo and I should go.
Probably a good idea.
Here.
Um N-No.
Please.
It It's a gift.
I want you to have it.
Uh, excuse me? I just I just wanted to see how you were doing and if you needed anything.
I mean, I know you didn't feel comfortable sharing today, but I hope you found some healing.
I'm sorry.
I have to go.
Oh, hey, there, Romeo.
Oh, hey.
Come talk to me.
What's up? The girl that was here this morning, was it Vali? Yeah.
I'm sorry.
I should have told you.
We've been hanging out a lot.
But I promise, we're being safe.
I believe you.
And I'm glad you're being careful with your bodies.
But I want to make sure you're being careful with her heart.
She's younger and less experienced and Oh, I'm way ahead of you, Gina.
I know this might be weird for you since you and Val are friends, but I would never do anything to hurt Vali Or your friendship.
Thank you.
That's all I needed to hear.
Actually so you know how serious I am about her, she just said I could post a picture of us together on Instagram.
So we're official now.
Wow! I-Isn't that a little fast? Uh, hold on.
And that's her.
One sec.
Let me just see what she wants.
Hey, baby.
I was just thinking about you.
Uh, one second.
No, not busy at all.
You left your hair tie here? That smells good.
Oh, I hope so.
Where's Gary? Oh, he just went to pick up some dessert.
Thanks for talking to him today.
I think he really needed a mom.
Well, he's easy to talk to.
You got a good egg there.
Yeah.
Speaking of eggs, um, we have a follow-up appointment with Dr.
Anderson tomorrow.
- You do? - Yeah.
Would you maybe want to come? It might be kind of boring I would love that! Um, and maybe we should bring Gary, too.
Hey, Greta, we saved you some of last night's pizza.
Ohh.
Oh, my God.
Tell me Shanice touched this or at least smelled it.
I-I'm sorry.
I'll stop.
I just love that you're friends with her.
Okay, go get your shoes.
We'll head out.
- Okay.
- Where are you guys going? We're gonna go to the pet store.
We want to try a new cat food on Patti Lafur.
And don't forget, tonight, you and me, we got a date with that bachelor show you've been hate-watching.
Ooh, I can't wait.
Me neither.
I've never seen a single episode, but I have a feeling I'm gonna be very glad I'm a lesbian.
I really do think that's true.
Like, I just felt it now.
I feel it right now, too.
Okay.
Very happy to be a lesbian! Drive safe! Thank you! Morning, Kev.
Morning, Kev.
Good morning, Mr.
H.
Hey, Maddox.
What happened? I I went home.
Ah, there they are.
Careful.
Precious cargo.
Let's at least try to get in the house before we eat the whole dozen.
I'm happy to admit I can't resist these.
Especially the peanut butter caramel.
You know, you have one of those right out of the oven.
You eat the outside, I could eat the inside.
It's a match made in heaven.
What? Wait! No, no, no, I don't like that.
You can't be with someone that has a drinking problem.
Previously on "A Million Little Things" All these people, they don't even know who he was, and now they never will.
Well, they would've if you hadn't had to take down your podcast.
I just want to listen.
I want to hear about my little girl.
Ever since you came into my life, I've been feeling things I never thought I would.
Goodbye, Katherine.
Interview someone in your family.
Ask tough questions.
I decided to introduce you to me.
I am not a girl.
We're trying to have a baby.
We should have you checked.
I believe we found the problem.
Look at this woman.
Or I can look at the road.
No.
Look at this smile.
No one has ever been this happy to have fertility problems.
I swear this is the same woman who was on my headgear pamphlet when I was 13.
Well, those straight chompers landed her a guy with a broken wingding.
Gary, you're not broken.
You heard the man.
My sperm count is below sea level.
My little Gars are living in Death Valley without hats.
Dr.
Anderson did not say that.
He said low.
Low and slow.
All I can think about is is the money I could've saved on condoms over the years.
Gary, come on.
Well, because of me, we're gonna spend a down payment on a small house with curb appeal injecting God-knows-what into your butt, and not in a fun way.
First of all, my insurance would cover most of it.
I just hate that I am the reason we're even considering putting your body through more than it's already been through.
Look, I know what I can handle.
I don't know, Bloom.
It just feels like maybe the universe is trying to tell us something, you know? I need you to listen to me.
I am going to have your baby.
And the doctor says that IVF is the best way to do that.
So I don't know what this is, but you need to buck up and take this sad-sack Charlie Brown B.
S.
somewhere else.
Wow.
Did you have to say "sad sack"? - Ah.
Morning, Maggie! - Oh, thank God! Oh! Give me one sec, and I'll bring you yours.
This one's for your mom.
Sorry.
It sounded like you said my mom.
There she is! Ah! Hey, honey! Little help, Greta? Oh, sure thing, dude.
What do you have in there, pal? Options.
I've never been to a movie premiere before.
What if I get discovered? Oh.
Smart.
So how did you and Shanice Williamson even meet? Uh, well, um she, uh, did Rome's movie, and, you know, Regina knew that we both had kids.
We only hung out a couple of times.
Mostly just, you know, playdates.
Wait.
I'm sorry.
She was here? At this house? Oh, I forgot.
Kiana wants me to bring my "Magic: The Gathering" cards.
That's why you have a checklist, T.
I just I love that you got invited to this.
She didn't invite me, she invited Theo.
I'm only going 'cause you get arrested if you let underage children travel unaccompanied over state lines.
So, when Shanice Williamson was in this house, what did you two talk about? Uh, I don't know.
Like raising kids and how hard it is to live our life with all the photographers around.
Wow.
Come on, Mom! We're gonna miss the train! Let's get to New York and then decide how fashionably late we wanna be.
Sure.
Bye.
Bye.
Tell Shanice I'm her biggest fan.
I think Maddox is a great name.
She could be a bad-ass FBI agent or one of Brangelina's kids.
"He.
" "He" Right, of course.
And how cool is it that he felt safe enough to share this with you.
Baby, you should be so proud of yourself.
I am.
But you know what I'm not proud of? This big-ass pimple taking over the left side of my face.
- Oh.
- And of course it's picture day.
I barely even see it.
But now that I-I can see it, I can't unsee it.
Should I pop it? What? - Please let me pop it.
- No! No, no, babe, no! Hold up! You just said No, get away! You just said you couldn't see it! I lied.
It's ripe.
Please! Hold up.
Wait up.
Wait, Gina, Gina, hold up! Whoa! Hey, hey! No judgment, but your foreplay's gotten really weird.
Can we help you? Can't I take interest in what my male and female role models are up to today? Well, I'm about to go to the food truck, and Rome and his pet zit have picture day.
Wow! Mm! You better teach that thing how to smile.
Mm.
Don't you ever go to school, bro? That's where I'm going right now.
So I'll see you three tonight, 'cause Oh, that's just wrong, but I can help you with that, see? Oh, no! Hey, stop! Ah, Rocky Balboa awakens.
What? You went like four rounds in your sleep last night.
It'd be cute if it wasn't so terrifying.
Did I say anything? Eh, mostly and mumbles, a few kicks.
Sorry.
Hey, I have something for you.
What's that? This is the chip I got when I hit my first 24 hours of sobriety.
And I want you to have it.
Oh, that's really sweet, but I'm ju I'm not sure that I'm gonna go to the meeting.
I think what I've been fighting in my sleep is whether or not A.
A.
is the right path for me.
So Hey, I know you're doing a great job on your own.
I just think today, and with Peter's memorial, it could help.
I can't even face the people that knew Peter and me.
How am I supposed to open up to a bunch of strangers and talk about what a mess I made of my life? Well, one of the first things A.
A.
taught me was that I'm powerless over my addiction.
And I slept a lot better after that.
Hmm? Besides, if you go to the one in Brookline, there's a cronuts place next door.
You're gonna need a 12-step program just for the peanut-butter caramel.
Ooh.
I know I said I'd be there by 10:00, but I forgot my cast-iron skillet.
Do you really need it? Yes, I need it.
The only time I thought I would ever divorce Rome is when he stuck the dang thing in the dishwasher.
Hello? Val, I just heard a noise.
You think someone's there? Eh.
Oh, my God, be careful.
I-I'll stay on the phone with you.
If anyone's in there, just know that I have a very large piece of metal in my hand, and I will Wile E.
Coyote your face! Hey, Gina.
Tyrell, you scared the Gina, are you Are you okay? Yeah, Val, I'm fine.
Although, my foster son just gave me a heart attack.
Yeah, I'll call you back.
What are you doing home? You're supposed to be at school.
I forgot it was Senior Ditch Day.
What is that? I didn't hear anything.
Do you have someone in there with you? Possibly.
Do you want to introduce me? Not really the best time.
I'll get her out of here pronto.
Good.
And since you're ditching school, you can help me out on the food truck.
Be there in 20 minutes.
Mm-hmm.
Make it 10! You made great time.
I'll be right out.
There's a long velvet rope, but you'll get to go right in, where your name's gonna be on the seat.
Oh, and you get unlimited popcorn and candy.
My head's exploding.
Can I eat unlimited Skittles like an A-lister, Mom? Almost there.
Just dotting my I's and propping up the T's.
Uh, yeah, whatever Whatever you want, honey.
Oh, wait till you see the view from the balcony! If you want, we can spit from 30 floors up.
I love New York! Sorry this took so long.
Rome wasn't built in a day.
And neither was Shanice Williamson.
Wow! You You look like a movie star.
Eh, I also do TV.
It is so good to see you.
Oh, you too.
Yeah, looks like someone's been doing things their mom wouldn't approve of.
Excuse me? You got a tattoo! Oh! Yeah, I did.
Um a friend did it.
Well, I love it.
Mom, what are you doin' here? Well, I missed your surprise birthday party, because I only had 12 hours notice So I decided I would just surprise you in my own way.
Ah.
Well, you sure did that.
So, this is where you give all your great advice.
Maggie two minutes.
Uh, yep.
This is where I beam from.
And, um behind that glass is the control booth where Claudia works her magic.
You know what would be really fun is if you sat with her while I'm on the air.
Oh, does that make me one of your producers? I always say, "'In the Room with Dr.
Bloom'? Dr.
Bloom was in my womb.
" - I'll I'll let you get to it.
- Okay.
Observational mode.
Two more.
Don't forget, for your next assignment, I want a written story proposal.
And, Brianna, please be open to spell-check.
I am open to it.
I just wish it would be open to me.
Hey, hey, Madison, can you hang back for a sec? I-I wanted to talk to you about your video.
It had all of the elements of good storytelling.
It was raw and honest.
With a surprising reveal.
It was really beautiful.
Really? You don't know how happy that makes me.
I wasn't sure that I should do it, but then after I did, it was like I could actually breathe for the first time.
Well, you told your truth.
That's really all you can ask for in a documentary.
You should be really proud, Madison.
Uh, Maddox.
That's what I want to go by.
Maddox.
Okay.
Uh, seriously, though, I've been thinking about it for a while.
Um I think I'm ready to tell people who I really am.
Wow.
That's a That's a big step.
Yeah.
It's just scary, you know, that I I might lose some friends.
Listen I don't know what it's like to be you right now.
But I do know what it's like to feel different and alone.
One thing I know for sure If your friends can't accept you for who you are, then they weren't really your friends to begin with.
Yeah, that's what I think, too.
And I was thinking, you know, maybe instead of having like a gazillion awkward conversations, um, it may be better to just rip the Band-Aid off.
And what better way to do that than on Picture Day? Thanks for this pep talk, Mr.
Howard.
I really needed it.
Ouch.
What's with the medieval torture device? I thought you weren't mad at me anymore.
Yeah, it's a foam roller.
Thought it could help your back.
Aww.
And, um after our conversation the other day, wanted to tell you that I uploaded the podcast to Peter's memorial page.
Wow.
So, I'm guessing they didn't ask you to do the eulogy? No.
Three people hearted it, two thumbs up, and one person said, "I don't believe you.
You're lying.
" So I disabled the comments.
Good call.
But for what it's worth, I'm I'm glad you put it out there again.
And I also posted an invitation to anyone who may have had a questionable experience with Peter to come meet up with me today.
I rented a room at the library just so we could, like I don't know Just be together while everyone's making him out to be a saint at his memorial.
Soph, that's amazing.
I just I can't help but feel like it might be a mistake.
'Cause I don't know What if no one shows up? Or worse, what if someone does? I mean, I hope it was just me and Layla.
I wish there had been something like that for you back when it happened.
Yeah, well, I was lucky, though.
I had Maggie and Regina.
And you.
Mm.
Maybe you can be that for somebody else.
You're right.
Thanks, Gar.
Oh, uh, what How did it go at the lab? You know, with your sample.
Sample? What sample? I don't know about any sample.
That was a test.
And you passed.
Which is better than my sperm did.
Okay, I don't Ew! Do you think I should ground him? I mean, is that even a thing anymore? Well, even if it is, I don't know if it's such a good idea.
Tyrell's not exactly a kid.
He's 18.
And the last thing you want is him to be near his bed more.
I knew he was sexually active and being safe about it.
Well, you just didn't know he was sexually active and being safe all over your Egyptian cotton sheets.
Okay, now I'm done.
Oh, no.
What? Oh, no.
O-O-O-Okay.
So, uh, Gary says he has the air mattress all ready for you and that he likes to be the big spoon.
Aww, charming as ever.
And you were so great this morning! I just loved it how you told that whiny ad exec from Dover to "Quit bitchin' and start pitchin'".
Thanks, Mom.
Uh, you know, you don't You don't have to stay for the second hour.
I'm sure you got other things - to do while you're in town.
- What do you mean? Well, you never come just to see me, so what is it? The needlepoint convention? Ren Faire? I came into town just for you.
I want to know what is going on in my daughter's life.
- What's this? - What's what? You have an IVF appointment? Are you and Gary trying to have a baby? Um, uh, no.
Maybe, yeah, yes.
But we still have a lot of hoops to jump through, so we're just not telling a lot of people.
Oh.
Right.
I see.
I I fall into the "not a lot of people" category.
Mom Do you want to know the real reason that I came here? Yes, please.
Because I feel like my own daughter is a stranger to me.
I mean, the only way I know anything about your life is from what I hear on your show.
Do you know how painful it was to find out that you had ended a pregnancy from listening to you on the radio? I I guess that's how I was gonna find out about this, too.
And whose fault is that, Mom? I asked why you're in Boston because I keep waiting to find out who or what matters more than me.
Yeah, I'm sure it was really difficult to hear about my abortion on the radio, but it was even more painful to go through it knowing that I didn't have a mother that I could count on to be by my side.
I'm so sorry to interrupt.
We're almost back.
Um, yeah, you're right, Maggie, I think I will skip the second hour.
Does it make you feel better knowing they're doing it on my Egyptian cotton sheets? - Too soon? - I know I deserve that.
But this is making my head spin.
What happened to all that sex positivity you were talking about? Well, that was before I knew it was my daughter.
Maybe this is God's way of getting me back to church, because I am seriously thinking about how to get her in a convent.
Could be worse.
Tyrell is kind and smart.
Not a hemp necklace or a hacky sack in sight.
I mean, he's going to Yale in the fall.
But she's only 17.
Well, he's only 18.
I know, but she's I mean It's just, that's how old I was when I met her dad and got pregnant.
I didn't even know who I was yet.
Yeah, that must have been hard.
It was.
And the best thing to come out of it was Vali, and, of course, I wouldn't change that.
But it also meant that I wasn't allowed to have needs or goals or dreams.
Why don't you tell her that? And say what? "Hey, having you derailed everything for me, and I don't want that to happen to you, too"? I-I just got her back in my life.
I-I can't lose her again.
All right.
I'll talk to him.
Oh, my God.
Did you see Ms.
Lazlo's hair? Every day, she wears it all stringy, and then today, for Picture Day, she comes with a full up-do, like she's the Queen of England or something? At least I can blackmail her if she tries to give me a C again.
Talk about trying too hard.
All right, Connie.
Well, good luck with your boss.
And if your goal was to surprise him, let's hope he doesn't listen to this show.
Thanks, Dr.
Bloom.
Okay.
Let's go to our next caller.
Hello.
You are in the room.
Dr.
Bloom, first time caller, long-time listener.
In fact, you could say I've been following your career since you moved to Boston.
I appreciate the loyalty.
I didn't catch your name.
It's It's Tom Bra Brady.
A different Tom Brady.
How can I help you today, Tom? Um, i-it's this new job that I started.
This student that I'm teaching, he He just told me he's trans.
That's very courageous of him.
I think I'm the first person he's told, and I may have inadvertently encouraged him to come out to everyone now.
Like, right now, which is why I'm calling you on the air.
I mean, n-not that I have any other way of contacting you.
Uh, what are you afraid might happen if he does come out right now? The other kids at this school, they can be brutal.
And I-I don't want him to get hurt.
So there's a scary patch of ice up ahead, and you want to keep him from slipping? Exactly.
Hmm.
Listen, I obviously don't know you at all.
But, um, is there any chance you have a history at this institution? Wow.
That's very perceptive.
Well, when you've been hurt so much, it can be hard to trust again.
But the challenge is to not let the past get in the way of the present.
You still there? Yeah.
It sounds like you went back to make some positive changes in these kids' lives.
So maybe you should give yourself some credit for a job well done.
But no matter what happens, it is not your job to keep them from slipping on that ice.
It is to let them know that life goes on after they fall.
You are so right.
Hey, thanks, Mag I mean, Dr.
Bloom.
You know, I wouldn't be surprised if the real Tom Brady called you one day.
You're not the real Tom Brady? Are you Sophie? Yeah.
I'm Amanda.
I was a student of Peter's.
I can't believe how much free stuff they give you.
And it's all going to charity in the morning.
I got something special just for you.
Uh, what? Shanice, this is too much.
I can't take this.
Don't be silly! I want you to have it.
You don't know how grateful I was for an excuse to skip that after party and get out of those heels.
Let me help you.
You know, I was voicing the character for this movie when we first met in Boston.
I couldn't help but remember how much you were going through back then.
But you seem like you're in a better place now.
Are you happy? I am.
And, you know, in a way, I have you to thank.
You, um You forced me to face some really intense things.
And I feel like I'm I'm finally myself.
Got to admit, I'm a little jealous.
I'm still living up to everyone else's expectations of who Shanice Williamson is supposed to be.
But I am open to whatever comes my way.
Mom, Kiana just asked if we can sleep over.
Not a bad idea.
This suite has a whole other wing we haven't even laid eyes on yet.
Oh, I don't know.
Please, Mom? Kiana says the sunrise from the balcony will rock my world.
What do you say, Katherine? You ready to have your world rocked? Are you sure it's okay if we stay? Oh, gee, let me see.
Should you hop a train all the way back home for some canned soup and grilled cheese, or should you stay in Shanice Williamson's hotel suite and really enjoy that five-star room service? All right.
I'll, uh I'll check in with you after I put Theo to bed.
Enjoy! I'll be eating grilled cheese.
Are we really having pizza when there's a Nobu in this hotel? Well, pizza's our tradition when we're all together, right? I'm excited for you to try pineapple.
It's so good.
It's Greta's favorite.
Who's Greta? Mom's girlfriend.
Then he had me put on my bathing suit.
He said, "Make an entrance.
" And the whole time, his wife, who he was always gushing about, was right downstairs.
It's just so crazy how similar all of our stories are.
He was so calculated.
Yeah, like, he wasn't even creative in his perversion.
I mean, it's embarrassing.
At least be original.
It was Kai, wasn't it? Is there anything you wanna share? Um if if it's okay, I'd just like to listen.
Yeah.
Does it make anyone else's blood boil thinking about how much money we spent for this guy to just use us? I mean, I-I knew that things were tense between us, but I just can't believe that really she thinks that she's an afterthought for me.
Yeah.
Look, I don't want to make you feel any worse, but Maggie's really tried with you.
I think she just got to a place where she's done seeking out the disappointment.
That is just so hard to hear.
But you know the crazy thing? Listening to her Her show and hearing how smart and how funny she is, I-I just kept thinking, "I want to be more like her.
" Somehow, in spite of me, she became this amazing woman.
Or maybe she always was.
I just was too distracted with, you know to To appreciate it.
And now I'm just, you know, worried that it might be too late.
I'm not a parent yet, but I think the most important thing a parent can do is Is show up, you know? My mom didn't, my dad did, and today you did.
I'm really proud of her for waiting to have a baby with the right person.
I don't know if I'm the right person.
Turns out my swimmers, uh aren't qualifying for the Olympics.
Oh.
So that's why you have the IVF appointment.
I mean, you don't even know everything she's gonna have to go through because of me.
What she has to go through? Wait till you see what happens when she gives birth.
Guessing you want to be in the room with Dr.
Bloom for that? All of it is Dr.
Bloom's room.
I-I just live in it.
Well, I didn't have to listen to her show to know the most important thing about Maggie, and that is that she can handle anything.
So if she says that she can do the IVF, she can do the IVF.
And you don't want to make the same mistake that I made.
So you just be there.
Just show up.
Even if your sperm can't.
You know, you're, uh you're a lot more like Maggie than you think you are.
Oh.
How so? You just gave me some, uh Some pretty good advice.
Hmm.
Excuse me.
Um Looking for the meeting? Yes.
Last door on your right.
Thank you.
I started drinking more after it happened, just to, you know, try and forget, but the hardest part is, I don't feel like I can trust my instincts anymore.
How did I not Oh, my God.
What's Peter's wife doing here? I-I don't mean to interrupt, and I'm still not sure that coming here was the right thing to do.
Yeah, I don't think it was.
I think you should leave, Anna.
Oh, hey, uh This Look, this meeting is for anyone that was hurt by Peter.
And trust me, she was.
Thank you, Sophie.
I swear, I had no idea what Peter was doing.
And in no way am I equating what he did to me to what he did to all of you.
I'm not.
But I want you to know that he fooled me, too.
I mean, we were married for a long time.
I didn't know him.
So I left the house this morning with the intention of going to an A.
A.
meeting, where, apparently, I am supposed to admit how powerless I am.
Well, I've just lived my whole life feeling that way.
And I still feel that way knowing that I didn't do enough to protect all of you.
But you know what? I just couldn't check my power at the door.
Not again.
So instead I decided to come here and to say I am sorry.
And I should have known what was going on.
And I still don't understand how I didn't.
Thank you.
Uh, Rome Howard.
I'm the new electives teacher.
Hey, Mr.
Howard.
Hey! You look great.
You do, too.
I can barely see that pimple.
You got this.
Thank you.
Who are you supposed to be? Um Maddox.
Cool.
Doctor.
Hey.
I did it.
I cleaned out the fridge.
I know you're part raccoon, but you're gonna want to steer clear of this, especially if you're allergic to penicillin.
Mm.
Thank you for babysitting my mom all day.
I figured I should probably get used to it.
Especially if we're gonna be doing IVF.
Which we should.
You should.
Really? I am fully on board, me and my sad little sacks.
Mm! What changed your mind? This slightly, uh, older woman, looks like you a little.
Talks about my sperm A lot.
Ultimately set me straight.
Um, things got kind of ugly at the station earlier.
Did she tell you about that? She did, but don't worry.
I took your side.
Um, but don't tell her I said that, but I did.
But don't phrase it that way.
The kids are still trying to figure out who played the unicorn wizard.
You sure it wasn't The Rock? I've been sworn to secrecy.
I'm sorry I didn't tell you.
Oh, you mean the minor detail that you have a live-in girlfriend? I was going to I really was.
I, um I got caught up in the moment.
Seeing you again.
The fantasy, you mean? All this? I always thought you were the one person who saw me as more than just a movie star.
Please don't diminish what went on between us in Boston.
I wouldn't be this happy if it wasn't for you encouraging me to go after what I wanted.
You know, the whole time I was off shooting my movie I couldn't help but think there was a very lucky woman out there who was gonna sweep you off your feet one day.
It's funny, as an actress, you'd think I'd have better timing.
Let me ask you something.
Even if the circumstances were different and I had been ready, are you? At the premiere tonight, you wouldn't come within 10 feet of me any time the press was around.
I guess that's the price I have to pay.
D-Do you know how hard it was for me to get here? The opportunity that I have now w-what that means for young black girls to see someone like me playing a romantic lead in a big movie? I have a responsibility to that.
What about your life? Don't you have a responsibility to that? You deserve to be happy.
Guess you got it all figured out now.
I think Theo and I should go.
Probably a good idea.
Here.
Um N-No.
Please.
It It's a gift.
I want you to have it.
Uh, excuse me? I just I just wanted to see how you were doing and if you needed anything.
I mean, I know you didn't feel comfortable sharing today, but I hope you found some healing.
I'm sorry.
I have to go.
Oh, hey, there, Romeo.
Oh, hey.
Come talk to me.
What's up? The girl that was here this morning, was it Vali? Yeah.
I'm sorry.
I should have told you.
We've been hanging out a lot.
But I promise, we're being safe.
I believe you.
And I'm glad you're being careful with your bodies.
But I want to make sure you're being careful with her heart.
She's younger and less experienced and Oh, I'm way ahead of you, Gina.
I know this might be weird for you since you and Val are friends, but I would never do anything to hurt Vali Or your friendship.
Thank you.
That's all I needed to hear.
Actually so you know how serious I am about her, she just said I could post a picture of us together on Instagram.
So we're official now.
Wow! I-Isn't that a little fast? Uh, hold on.
And that's her.
One sec.
Let me just see what she wants.
Hey, baby.
I was just thinking about you.
Uh, one second.
No, not busy at all.
You left your hair tie here? That smells good.
Oh, I hope so.
Where's Gary? Oh, he just went to pick up some dessert.
Thanks for talking to him today.
I think he really needed a mom.
Well, he's easy to talk to.
You got a good egg there.
Yeah.
Speaking of eggs, um, we have a follow-up appointment with Dr.
Anderson tomorrow.
- You do? - Yeah.
Would you maybe want to come? It might be kind of boring I would love that! Um, and maybe we should bring Gary, too.
Hey, Greta, we saved you some of last night's pizza.
Ohh.
Oh, my God.
Tell me Shanice touched this or at least smelled it.
I-I'm sorry.
I'll stop.
I just love that you're friends with her.
Okay, go get your shoes.
We'll head out.
- Okay.
- Where are you guys going? We're gonna go to the pet store.
We want to try a new cat food on Patti Lafur.
And don't forget, tonight, you and me, we got a date with that bachelor show you've been hate-watching.
Ooh, I can't wait.
Me neither.
I've never seen a single episode, but I have a feeling I'm gonna be very glad I'm a lesbian.
I really do think that's true.
Like, I just felt it now.
I feel it right now, too.
Okay.
Very happy to be a lesbian! Drive safe! Thank you! Morning, Kev.
Morning, Kev.
Good morning, Mr.
H.
Hey, Maddox.
What happened? I I went home.
Ah, there they are.
Careful.
Precious cargo.
Let's at least try to get in the house before we eat the whole dozen.
I'm happy to admit I can't resist these.
Especially the peanut butter caramel.
You know, you have one of those right out of the oven.
You eat the outside, I could eat the inside.
It's a match made in heaven.
What? Wait! No, no, no, I don't like that.