Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990) s07e31 Episode Script

Graduation Day

Help me out here, Val.
l'm really trying to understand this.
l thought l was making a smart investment.
Bill Taylor's a businessman.
l wanted to get into business with him.
And this had nothing to do with Kelly.
What do you want me to say, Brandon? l want you to say that you didn't do this just to mess with Kelly, because that's exactly how it looks.
l know.
l just really lost it, okay? Look, you and Kelly getting back together has been really hard for me.
You know that.
Brandon, believe me, l-l'm sorry.
lt won't happen again.
That's for sure.
Look, l'm the one who's paying here.
Yeah, sure, Kelly got her feelings hurt, but l'm out a lot of money.
They still haven't caught this Driscoll guy, huh? No.
They think he's in Europe or something.
l don't know, l have to go down to the police station and look at some more photos.
Well, at least that's something.
Not really.
You know, l mean, they said even if they do find him, the money's probably already gone.
l can't wait for Jim and cindy to get here.
l could really use some parental guidance.
They're not coming.
They're not? Nope.
They had to choose between three weeks in July and this weekend.
July won.
But your mom will be here.
Well, that'll be the first time in a long time l'll be glad to see her.
l got to go.
Did you tell her? No, no, l didn't tell her.
l think she's sorry, and l think she's suffered enough.
And what makes that your decision? Kel, it's graduation weekend.
can't we just let things ride? Maybe you can, but l can't.
l can't believe you're taking her side again.
Brandon, do you want me to move in with you or not? Yeah, you know l do.
Well, then Valerie has got to go.
You have to tell her once and for all that she has to move out of this house.
Hi, Gabriela.
congratulations.
congratulations.
Well, congratulations to all of our graduates.
You've made it through your year in kindergarten with flying colors, and we'll see you all next year in first grade.
Where's my special little girl? Did l do okay? You were great, sweetheart.
Yes, you were.
-Give me a hug.
-Absolutely.
l got to get back to the office.
Bye.
David, your grandmother will be in tonight.
-All right, see you later, Dad.
-Bye.
Bye.
Bye.
Actually, l have to get going.
l have to pick my grandmother up from the train station.
oh, thanks for coming, Donna.
oh, no problem.
l was picking up graduating tips.
congratulations, Erin.
Thanks.
Bye, Donna.
Bye.
Bye.
come on.
Erin let's get your stuff.
Hey, l want to tell you something.
What? You look beautiful today.
oh, well, thank you, Mr.
Silver.
And l'll see you next year in first grade.
You two look happy.
What can l say? We're in love.
Um, l know the feeling.
Hey, did you get an invitation to some mysterious grad party at the Wiltern Theatre? Like a Roaring '20s thing? Yeah, yeah it's amazing.
The cardigans are supposed to be playing.
l thought it was a joke, until Donna said, the entire Alpha was invited.
Yeah, Steve said all the keggers too, and Brandon.
l just don't know who's throwing it.
l don't know.
l'd put my money on the alumni.
You know it's the of the first graduating class at c.
U.
Um, that's why it's a '20s thing.
Mm-hmm.
And you know the, uh, head alumni is Rush Sanders.
This seems exactly like something he would do.
Yep.
one graduation down, one to go.
Yeah, l just hope ours goes as well.
oh, it will.
lf you don't let your father get to you.
l don't think he's going to show.
He's coming, Kelly.
Naturally.
He knows l don't want him to.
And Joy's coming, too.
You remember her, don't you? Yeah, yeah, from christmas.
Well, he knew you'd be upset.
So, he called me and asked me to smooth the way.
Did he ask you to achieve world peace while you're at it? Kelly, be nice.
l'll try.
Unbelievable.
lt is so exciting that you're graduating from college.
Well, last week l wasn't so sure.
l never doubted you for a second.
You have character, Donna.
Rare in a young woman these days.
Must be good genes.
Thank you.
How's David? You two engaged yet? Grandma, we are way too young for that.
Just wondering.
But we are very committed, and we're talking about sharing an apartment together.
oh, l can't wait to hear how your mother reacts to that one.
Right, well, l don't care.
You and Grandpa didn't let your parents stop you from being together.
That's for sure.
Yep, you made your own decisions.
Yes, we did, but the timing was right.
l knew it, and John knew it.
And when the time is right for you and David, you'll know it, too.
-l hope so.
-Yes.
Val.
Hey, l thought you'd be on campus by now? Don't you have that honors thing or something? chancellor's luncheon, yeah.
l kind of wanted to talk to you first.
You want a cup of coffee? No, thanks.
Just some arsenic would be fine.
What's the matter? Well, it's official.
You and l are both graduation orphans.
Your mother's not coming? Nope, she blew me off.
Unbelievable, huh? What happened? Well, apparently she has to work, and she can't get off.
of course she doesn't have the decency to call me.
That's rough.
You know, l'm not gonna let her off the hook either.
l'm gonna tell her how l feel.
l mean, she's the one who, who made such a big deal about coming here anyway.
l'm sorry, Val.
Yeah, well, what else could happen to me, huh? Look on the bright side, you're graduating.
No one can take that away from you.
Yeah, but don't forget unemployed.
Right.
What was that for? For being sweet, being there for me.
l really appreciate it, Brandon.
l don't know what l'd do without you.
Hey, what's going on, Steve? Nothing's going on.
Why, does something look like it's going on? No.
lt just looks like you're loitering in a parking lot for no reason at all.
Very funny.
Hey, Silver, come here.
l have something you might be interested in.
What? Senior prank.
lt's a milestone of mayhem that people will be talking about for years and years to come.
You want in? And why would l want to do this? To show the school you care.
Steve, l do care.
Well, then prove it.
Prove you're not some faceless student that slid through four years without ever wearing a condor hat.
You see, now that's where l draw the line.
okay, okay, no condor hat.
But l could really use someone with your talents.
Ah, mira mi hermano de Mexico.
What's he doing here? Electronics.
You got it? oh, l got 'em.
Feast your eyes on the goodies.
Hey, hey, hey, are these what l think they are? Tijuana Tornadoes, my friend.
Mexican confetti cannons.
Man, these things pack quite a load.
oh, and they make one hell of a boom, kid.
Good job, Agent Muntz.
-Thank you, my friend.
-What do you say? Are you in? l'll get back to you on that.
He's in.
Todos los dias pasan cosas buenas.
Si, my friend.
oh, great.
Finally getting all your stuff.
You're that happy about it, huh? Beg your pardon? You were the one who was so desperate to sell out.
Yeah, well, my mistake.
You know, David, l really love this club.
l put a lot of myself into it.
What do you want me to say, Val? l'm sorry you lost all your money? This is so embarrassing.
Everybody knows.
You see, that's funny.
l-l never thought you cared what other people thought.
Yeah, well, l do.
lt's humiliating, and now Kelly wants me out of the house, and she's moving in, and she just wants it all to herself.
Well, can you blame her? David, please.
l mean, l told her l'm through giving her any grief, and l mean it.
She just doesn't believe me.
You know, your opinion is really important to her.
Maybe you could talk to her.
l mean, she's your sister.
No, thanks.
l really don't want to get involved in any of this.
David, please.
lf l've ever meant anything to you, you'll do this.
Val, you've-you've already been a big enough burden on me.
You got yourself into this mess.
Get yourself out of it.
Thanks for nothing.
Hey, what about your stuff? Burn it.
okay Hi, pretty face.
Good to see you.
Hi.
Joy.
lt's good to see you.
Hey.
lt's good to see you, too.
Did you mother tell you we were coming, huh? Yeah, she gave me the good news.
l'm very proud of you.
Well, l would invite you in, but with everything-- graduation, you know oh, yeah.
Well, no problem.
We'll catch up later, huh? Uh, anyway, uh, these are for you.
l, uh l just wanted to see my daughter graduate from college.
ls that so strange? Not for most fathers.
Joy, l'll call you.
We'll go out, okay? l'd like that.
okay, well, thanks.
-Yeah -Bye.
Bye.
So, he decided to show up.
How are you handling it? Not too good.
Joy and Jackie seem thrilled to have him around, but they must be seeing something that l'm not.
Hey, it's your weekend.
Don't let him ruin it.
That's easier said then done.
Between my father and Valerie, l'm a little tense.
Well, we all are.
lt's crazy right now.
Yeah, it is.
Kel? What? okay, um, you're my best friend, and l need to ask your opinion.
Go for it.
okay, l'm thinking about changing my mind about something that's really important.
ls this about David? Yes.
lt's about David and me, and it's not bad.
l think it's good.
Well, what is it? l think it's time.
Do you think l'm nuts? Time? oh, you're talking about -Mm-hmm.
-Hmm.
l-l've thought a lot about it, and l'm ready, and l want to surprise David on graduation night.
Well, he'll be surprised all right.
Are you sure you want to do this? As sure as l am that David and l love each other, yeah.
Wow.
What's gotten into you? l don't know.
l mean, maybe it's my grandmother's influence, but l just think the time is right for us.
Well, you don't need me to tell you something you already know.
Thanks.
Uh, just before we, uh Just before we break up, or are forced to eat any more of that delicious meat loaf, um all of us honors graduates got together, sir, uh, and got you something that, uh, -oh.
-we hope you'll remember us by when you're in Paris.
Brandon, thank you.
Everybody, thank you.
You're welcome.
We thought you could, uh, use it when you come back to visit.
lt's lovely.
Here, Dad.
oh! lt's Everybody l will never forget you.
l'm very proud of all of you.
Thank you very much.
Well, l guess that's about it.
We should all get out of here before the dishonor graduates luncheon starts, huh? clare? Did you guys plan that out? Random chaos theory in action.
Did l miss something there? You did say to pick you up at 1 :30, right? Yeah.
That's right.
Steve, it's good to see you.
Good to see you, too.
So, uh, is your mother attending the graduation ceremonies? Unfortunately not.
She got a show in Toronto.
Really? oh, that's, uh, uh too bad.
l-l was l was hoping to see her.
Yeah, me, too.
But she loves doing musicals, and she just couldn't pass up doing Mame, Yeah, l remember, she has a beautiful singing voice.
lf-if you'll excuse me.
Why did you have to bring up your mother? He asked me.
You know how sensitive he is about that.
couldn't you have just changed the subject or something? Uh, as an impartial observer from a neutral country, l kind of got to go with Steve on this one.
Who asked you? come on.
No, l can't.
l gotta walk my dad home, and then l'm supposed to meet Donna later.
You did ask me to pick you up at 1 :30, right? Yeah, um, but l'll just see you tonight, okay? -Yeah.
-Bye.
ln order to maintain my neutrality, uh, you did go on a little bit.
Shut up.
Who's friend are you? And people wonder why the U.
N.
has problems.
Hmm! Hmm! l don't know, Bran.
lt's like clare blames me for her father leaving.
Ah, ride it out, bro, it'll get better.
l don't know.
l'm sensing doom.
-You're sensing doom? -Doom.
That's just because you're on the campus.
Every blade of grass in this place can give testimony to a near-doom experience of yours.
lt's been a great four years.
The best, my man, tutto bene.
l can't believe it's all ending.
l can hardly remember all the things we did here.
You can hardly remember? Let me see if l can refresh your memory -a little bit? -okay.
Right over there on that lawn, that's where you got caught on camera streaking.
Hey, you know what? People overreacted to that.
And then there was the big ''Take Back the Night'' evening.
-l marched in that.
-Yes, you did.
lf memory serves, uh, you were accused of date rape, weren't you? Falsely accused.
Mm-hmm.
And if it doesn't fit, you must acquit.
Unlike the plagiarism fiasco.
You know what? l think that's enough nostalgia for one day, don't you, buddy? ouch.
okay.
You know, you still have one more chance to wash out.
oh, great.
What's that? Senior prank.
How come you froze me out on that? What's the matter, you don't want my help? l'm doing you a favor.
l've done enough to tarnish your reputation over these years.
You've done enough to point that out, right? -Yes, l certainly have.
-okay.
l wouldn't have it any other way.
What are you going to do with your Dryer scholarship? Hey, hey, hey, remember our pledge.
No talking about the future until tomorrow when the future is upon us.
l live by that pledge.
l know you do.
-We'll be adults soon enough.
-Mm-hmm.
Hey, what do you say we race to the parking lot? -Really? -You got legs? You're on, junior.
Hey, hey, hey, hey! Nat, come on.
l mean, she's trying to kick me out of my own home.
Well, it's unfortunate, but if she's gonna be spending that much time there with Brandon, l mean, you could see her point, can't you? No, l was there first! God, l hate this! Everybody is always taking her side.
lt's not about sides.
lt's about reality.
Val, move on.
lt just might be good for you.
Speak of the devil.
Hello, Val.
could l talk to you for a second? Actually, Joy and l were just leaving.
lt's really important.
Give us just a minute.
No problem.
What's up? l just wanted to let you know how much it means to me living at the Walsh house.
l see.
And how great it is to know that it, that it's my home.
And how much l appreciate Brandon letting me stay.
He said you could stay? He didn't say l couldn't.
Why? Look, Val, l'm probably going to be moving in.
And so you're saying that the house isn't big enough for both of us? l know it isn't.
l think that's Brandon's decision, don't you? This discussion's over.
Hang on, Kelly.
l think maybe you want to slow down here.
l don't think it's gonna be very pleasant if l have to call Jim and cindy and tell them what's going on here.
And what is that? They invited me to stay in that house.
l don't think they're gonna like that an old family friend is being put out on the streets because Brandon's current girlfriend can't get along.
l see we've reached the veiled threat portion of the conversation.
l'm not moving.
ls that clear? Very.
Maybe you could buy your dad a French dictionary? He wrote one.
l just have to find him the perfect going-away present.
Wait, can we go in here for just a sec? Uh, he doesn't wear lingerie.
Mm-hmm.
You looking for something specific or? No, just browsing.
Do you like this? Yeah, it's beautiful.
Steve likes black better, though.
Um, like this one? lt makes a statement.
Bold.
Naughty.
Easy to lose.
Which one's, uh nicer? Nicer? or hotter? ''Nice'' isn't usually the operative word in lingerie.
Uh l mean more appropriate.
Appropriate for what? Donna is there something you're not telling me.
Like what? Like why you're shopping for sexy lingerie when you sleep alone.
Hmm.
oh, my God.
Did you and David sleep together? No, not yet, but who knows? l don't know what to say.
Well, don't say anything.
David doesn't know.
Just in case it happens, l want it to be perfect.
ln that case we're buying both.
come on.
Both What are you going to wear? l don't even know if Brandon and l are going to go to this mysterious grad party.
You have to.
oh, it's no big deal.
You can still go even if l don't go.
You have to be there.
Kelly it's for you.
Dad's throwing the party.
What? lt's his graduation present for you.
Jackie and l helped with the guest list.
oh, no.
l don't need this.
He's just trying to make up for all those times he let you down.
You got to let him.
The hits keep on coming, don't they? Now, l'm the problem.
Please? lt was supposed to be a surprise.
l promised him l wouldn't tell you.
As l live and breathe, Kelly Taylor.
Hey, guys.
Joy, these are Steve's brothers, Ryan and Austin.
This is my sister, Joy.
Nice to meet you.
Hi.
l never knew you had a sister.
Yeah.
Especially one so pretty.
You're sweet.
come on, let's go.
So, Joy you here for the graduation? Yep.
Great.
l hope to see you again.
Bye, Kel.
He is so cute! oh! You are on your own with that one.
lt's really nice of Nat to host the pre-grad party, huh? Yeah, big action-packed weekend.
Yeah.
Hey, Steve, can l ask you something? Sure.
Do you like having me as a roommate? l mean, you don't mind having me around do you? No, not at all.
Well, l know Kelly and l have problems, but l mean.
l think we can work it out.
That would be good.
Well, it would.
l don't think Kelly's willing to try.
Steve, do you think you could talk to Brandon? could really use your help.
Yeah, l could do that.
That would be great, because l could use all the friends l could get.
Donna.
David.
David! Uh, wait! Don't come in! l'm getting dressed.
Wait.
Ugh okay! You can come in now.
Hey.
-Hey.
-Hi.
Uh! oh, wait! You can't sit down.
l just, uh made the bed.
okay.
So, uh, what, what are you doing here? l thought we were meeting at the Peach Pit.
Well, l was wondering if you would think that l was stupid for getting involved in the senior prank with Steve.
You didn't? Whew.
So l am stupid.
Why would you want to? l don't know.
l don't know.
You know, l l made it through four years at c.
U.
and l-l never joined a fraternity, and l never went to a pep rally, and l'm just afraid that l might be missing something.
Well, hey.
l mean, it's not for everybody.
Maybe you're just not the rah-rah type of guy.
Yeah, maybe.
But you know what? You know this is my last chance, so, l told Steve yes.
Well, Steve, he, he can be pretty convincing.
Well, that and Muntz pulled out a pretty impressive arsenal of fireworks.
oh oh, my little pyromaniac.
Yeah, you know.
Ah-ha-ha.
Mmm.
Mmm.
Ah! okay, you get out and give me five minutes to finish getting ready, okay? Must l? Well Mm-hmm.
Whew Yeah.
Hey, Val.
-You ready? -No.
Uh, could you stop doing that for a minute? Yeah.
We gotta talk.
oh, did Steve talk to you? Yeah.
Yeah, and his opinion has been duly noted.
So, what, it it's ignored? Val, you gotta help me out here.
This just isn't going to work.
You got to start looking for another place to live.
Why? Because you and Kelly are gonna kill each other.
or me.
So who's gonna look out for me? You know what? Maybe Jim and cindy will.
l already talked to Jim and cindy.
They said it was my decision to make, and my decision is, you gotta move out.
Brandon, please.
Not now.
okay? After everything that's gone on.
Val this doesn't mean we're gonna stop being friends.
l don't have any friends-- including you.
You've made that pretty obvious.
Just Just let me stay through the summer.
l can't Val.
l can't.
okay, now everybody get a little closer.
That's it.
one more.
one more.
okay.
okay, here we go.
Hey! Beauty! That's the one that goes on the wall of honor.
Thanks, Nat, for dinner.
oh, aren't you going to stay for dessert? No.
l'm, l'm not feeling that well.
Well, then go home and get some sleep, honey.
That's the idea.
Thanks.
okay.
Bye.
oh, darling, this is your time.
Enjoy it.
l intend to, Grandma.
So feeling any better? Yeah.
l feel good.
Good friends.
Good food.
Me? You.
clare! Your father's calling again.
He, on the other hand, is a wreck.
Thanks.
Brandon, l really got to thank you.
l don't think Steve would have graduated in four years if it wasn't for your good influence.
oh, he's been a good influence on me, too.
He's certainly made it a lot of fun.
That l won't argue.
Hey, class of '97! How come l haven't heard about anybody pulling off a senior prank this year? You guys too blase or what, hmm? Yeah, Dad.
We're all a bunch of wimps.
Well, you said it, not me.
l mean, l've read about, uh, generational apathy, but l figured some knuckleheads want to make this campus stand up and take notice, let them know that you're here.
Well, l guess nobody cares.
Dad, you know what? This party's really just for the out-of-town guests, okay? Do me a favor-- try and stay low-key.
You're not even really supposed to be here.
ls that a fact? Hmm.
l love you, too.
He hasn't done that in years.
So, when are we meeting up with Muntz? Ah.
We'll slip out after the cake.
-Hey.
-Hey.
You wish your parents had come, don't you? Yeah, sure, but they didn't, so what's the difference? How come your dad's not here? Would you believe l forgot to invite him? Really? Yeah.
Well, maybe tonight we should think about the things we have to be grateful for.
Like a Valerie-free environment.
Thank you.
Hey, l'm gonna stay at the beach apartment with the girls tonight.
ls that okay? -That's fine.
-Good.
After all, we have all the time in the world, now that Val's going.
l just hope she's all right.
See that? Right on time.
Way to go, Steve.
They haven't changed the schedule since my punishment detail where l worked on guard duty.
-You're the man, Sanders.
-You know it.
How much time do we have before he gets back? We've got 20 minutes to cover the perimeter.
okay, we got the, uh, cannons? check.
All right, we got the detonator? Detonator? Uh, yeah, check.
All right, who am l? Who am l? l'm Steve Sanders with a cap on.
Giddy up.
come on, right here.
Hey, hold on, hold on.
What if they water these flowers in the morning and everything gets wet? Uh-uh, never happen.
They're waterproof connectors.
l thought of everything.
That's why this is going to be the best senior prank ever.
Someone's coming! Get down! one less thing to do tomorrow.
So much for your Man, l can't believe l let him talk me into this.
You'll thank me tomorrow.
Assuming it works, how do we get the cannons to go off at the same time? lt's so easy.
okay, there's a circuit board, right.
All Steve's gotta do is hit this button -Ka-boom! -Ka-boom! -Ka-boom! -The minute we graduate -Shh, shh, shh.
and turn over tassels to the other side of our caps, these bombinos are gonna rock the house.
Now that's what l call school spirit.
You guys ready? Focus, focus, focus.
Ready? -Let's do this.
-Move out! That was so nice of Nat.
Yeah, that was a great dinner.
Well, the night's not over, guys.
Remember l got wine.
oh, yeah, l'll get the glasses.
Kel, l'm so glad you're staying here tonight.
Yeah, l just felt like l should, you know.
Yeah, if you think about it, this could be the last night we're all here together, you know.
What do you mean? At the beach.
And, Kelly, you're obviously gonna move in with Brandon.
Don, you're going through changes, too.
Who knows what's gonna happen with me.
Not to mention our lease is almost up.
Do you remember when we signed the lease freshman year? l mean we were nervous about even committing to a year at this place.
lt's been a really good home.
l'm going to miss it.
Why are you getting all sentimental? l don't know.
l can't help it.
And l just really love you guys.
And, you know, graduation always changes everything, right? lt'll never change all the great times we've had here.
We'll never forget those.
You're right.
l could never ask for better friends or roommates.
cheers.
-cheers.
-cheers.
So, roomies, l have a favor to ask you.
could l have the place to myself tomorrow night? oh, Donna, do you think you're gonna have the nerve to go through with it? l hope so.
Well, l think that can be arranged.
What do you think? Yeah, l think so.
Great.
okay, snack time.
She'll never go through with it.
No.
Good evening.
Your ticket.
May l help you? Yeah, l'd like a room.
-one facing the bluffs please.
-certainly, ma'am.
And how long will you be staying? l'll be gone tomorrow.
Dear Brandon, l truly hope you have a wonderful graduation day.
l'm sorry l won't be there.
While you're getting your diploma tomorrow morning, l'll be having my own private ceremony.
l should have done this a year ago when l was with David.
Better late than never, huh? All my love, Valerie.
Hey, it's David.
Don't hang up.
Leave a message, then you can hang up.
Hey, David, it's Brandon.
Uh, would you do me a favor and give me a call as soon as you get this message.
Something's going on with Valerie, and l think l need your help.
Thanks, man.
You have reached the personal mailbox for Abby Malone.
Please leave your message.
Mom, it's me again.
Disregard the earlier messages okay.
l was just really disappointed you weren't coming.
But l'm not mad anymore.
l've just been going through a really bad time, but l'm getting through it.
So don't worry about me.
Please.
l'm gonna take care of everything tomorrow.
l love you.
Bye.
Val? No, no, man, it's me.
l got in late.
l just got your message.
What's up? David, listen l got a note from Valerie and it's kind of weird.
Weird how? Did she ever talk to you about killing herself? Yeah, yeah, once when l was depressed.
Why? Because in the letter it mentions that she should have done it a year ago when she was with David.
Do you know what that means? Yeah, yeah, exactly.
You coming? You know, when the demons get too close, the ones that say that l'm gonna end up like my father, l come here for a gut check.
You think that's where she is? lt's gotta be.
She, uh, she said she stayed at the Shangri-La Hotel across the street from the bluffs when she got depressed.
Damn, l was really hard on her yesterday, too.
Yeah, me, too.
Listen, l'm gonna go find her.
l'll see you at the graduation.
Wait up a sec, all right.
l'll meet you up there.
No, no, no, there's no sense in both of us being late to the ceremony.
l'll take care of this.
You sure? Yeah.
Yeah, l'll see you there.
All right, good luck.
-oh, hey.
-Hi.
You want to see my party outfit? Uh, l don't really have time right now.
oh, yeah, we should be there by 10:00.
l'll just put this in your room.
Hey, Kel, you're gonna have to go there without me.
There's something l've gotta take care of first.
What is it? l don't really have time to explain.
You mean you don't want to explain.
Kel, let's not get into this right now, okay? lt's Valerie, isn't it? can't we just have one day without her making us insane? Apparently not.
l'll see you later.
Where's Brandon? l don't know.
l haven't seen Val either.
Do you think there's some connection? What do you think? Summa cum laude.
That's quite an achievement, Arnold.
l don't think you could've done it without my help though.
l don't think l could've either.
You know if, uh, if it wasn't for you, l probably would've dropped out this year.
lt seems like a million years ago.
All l know is when this is done l'm definitely gonna be ready for this blow out.
The party sounds incredible.
Yeah, you know l was thinking we shouldn't plan on staying that late tonight.
You're right.
We should be back by Friday at the latest.
Wait, you're a little crooked.
Huh? Have you seen Valerie or Brandon around yet? Uh, no, l'm sure they'll be here.
Hi.
Valerie Malone's room please.
She's still not back, huh? All right, l'd like to leave a message.
Yeah, l'll hold.
What was that all about? Nothing.
lf your prank embarrasses my dad, l will kill you.
clare don't worry! lt's gonna be a lot of fun.
You're such a baby.
Why don't you grow up? What is with you? lt's either kisses or claws.
l don't get it.
Well, that's me.
Take it or leave it.
Mom! l'm so excited! congratulations, sweetie.
Thank you.
Where's Brandon? Somehow, he got sidetracked with Valerie.
She's determined to ruin any happy occasion she can.
Sort of like your ex-husband.
Honey, don't let anything ruin your day.
l just don't get it.
l thought you distrusted him as much as l do.
Life is too short to keep looking backwards.
Excuse me, may l have your attention? Graduates, will you please form your lines now? l better get my seat.
l'm sure Brandon will show up.
He better.
He's part of the ceremony.
-Bye.
-Bye.
Hi.
Valerie Malone, please.
oh, l'm sorry.
Ms.
Malone is no longer a guest here.
Well, did you give her my messages? lf you're Brandon, l gave her the messages.
And what did she say? That it was time for her to check out.
class of 1997, be seated.
Any sign of Valerie or Brandon yet? Nope.
She's gonna make him miss it.
in preparing you for what comes next.
For four years we have challenged you, we have graded you, we have prodded you to succeed.
About the only thing we haven't done is talk to you about failure.
That's too bad.
Not just because failure is a part of life, but because the surest way to succeed is to allow yourself the freedom to fail.
Val?! Val? Go away, Brandon.
come on, Val, don't do this.
Why do you care? l mean, now l won't be a problem for you anymore.
Would you please just come back here? No.
What are you doing out here? What do you think? come on, Val.
We're supposed to be graduating today, not doing this.
We can still make it.
What do you say? And what about afterwards? Afterwards, we'll go home.
What about Kelly? You let me deal with Kelly, all right? come on.
Let's go.
come on.
Let's go.
come on.
Here then, are your challenges: find meaningful work, build a family, become part of a community.
Do all these things without fear.
Take risks.
And at all costs, pursue the dream.
As the poet Robert Frost wrote: ''Two roads diverged in a wood, and l ''l took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.
'' ooh, here you go.
Thanks, man.
And after knowing you these four years, l can say with confidence that the road you take will be the one that makes a difference.
Thank you.
Thank you.
And now l'd like to call on the recipient of the James S.
Sharlet Award for the outstanding student of the graduating class.
Will Brandon Walsh please join me? Whoo! ln his four years here, he has been the president of the student body, assistant editor of the newspaper and general manager of the television station.
His time here has been one of commitment, involvement and character.
So l think it is more than fitting that Brandon Walsh receive this symbolic diploma on behalf of the class of 1997.
Thank you, chancellor Arnold.
l can honestly say on behalf of our class that we will never forget the years we've spent here at california University.
And l think there's only one thing left to say on this momentous occasion and that is ''Have we graduated yet?'' Very nearly so.
class of 1997, please rise.
To officially signify your graduation, please turn the tassels on your caps from right to left now.
Whoo! Why can't you just tell me where you were? Because Valerie made me promise not to.
So? Fine.
She was at the bluffs.
l think she was gonna kill herself.
No wonder she didn't want anyone to know.
No one would believe that.
That's a little cold, don't you think? Brandon, she loves herself way too much to do anything like that.
Valerie is a drama queen, and you know it.
So even if she was faking it, it's still a cry for help.
Help which you're going to provide, l take it? Yeah, yeah, that's right, l am.
l'm sorry, Kel.
l can't kick her out right now.
This is perfect.
She won.
Don't turn this into a game.
Valerie turned this into a game.
She said she would do anything to stay and she did.
l just didn't think you would make it this easy.
You want some tea? Yeah, l need something to settle me down.
Man, l can't believe the way those confetti cannons went off.
lt was awesome! lt was truly great.
Rush said he didn't know whether he was prouder of my diploma or my senior prank.
Well, he's a sick man.
Yep, and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Hey, Valerie, l'm glad you and Brandon worked things out.
You're really a great roommate.
You're just saying that because you like to watch me get dressed.
You mean yesterday? Uh l didn't mean to look.
Then l guess that's what you call a ''happy accident,'' huh? lt won't happen again.
lt's all right, Steve.
Listen, by the way do you think l could tag along with you and clare to the party? Yeah, sure, if clare goes.
l think she wants to spend the evening with her father before he goes to Paris tomorrow morning.
-oh.
-Yeah.
or maybe it's just as well if she doesn't go.
She would bag on me all night.
She thinks her father's fleeing the country because my mom dumped him.
Do you think maybe she's having second thoughts about going with him? No.
No, she wants to stay with me.
You know what, Valerie, go get dressed.
Let's head over to clare's house.
She's gotta come to this party.
l think that's a great idea.
Just give me a couple seconds, okay? okay.
You know what, Steve, l have to say, you're really lucky to have someone love you like that.
Yeah.
Yeah, l guess l am.
l think you might be a little too '90s for the Roaring '20s party tonight.
l'm not going to the party.
l'm gotta help my dad pack.
How can you not go? Tonight is our night.
l know, l just l don't want him to be alone.
l think he feels abandoned enough already.
Are you talking about him or are you talking about you? Hey, l'm sorry, l didn't mean it.
lt's okay.
l'm just having a really hard time dealing with all this, you know.
l don't want to make a mistake.
Well, your dad loves you, Steve loves you.
You can't make a mistake.
Thanks.
l'm fine, really.
You and David go have a good time okay? Are you sure? Mm-hmm.
okay.
okay.
Well, l better go see what's keeping David.
okay.
David? What? Are you okay? You look like you're asleep on your feet.
Yeah, l guess it's just catching up to me.
We were out so late last night setting up the confetti cannons and stuff.
l had a lot of fun though.
Yeah, it was terrific.
You know, l'm so tired.
Why don't we just blow off this party and stay here.
No, no, no, l mean you were the one that wanted to go.
Why don't you finish getting ready and we'll go and it's gonna be a blast.
All right.
Do you mind if l have a couple drinks tonight? No, not at all.
ln fact l think l could use a couple myself.
All right.
All right, all right.
-Hi.
-Hey, get dressed, Arnold.
We're taking you out tonight.
l'm not going to the party.
come on, l'll have you home in time to say good-bye to your father.
Val, do you think we can be alone for a second? oh, of course.
-l'll be inside.
-okay.
l'm going to Paris.
l don't want my dad to be alone.
l get the feeling this isn't about your dad, clare.
l have to, okay? You want to.
Yeah, l want to.
Hey, Val.
Hey.
l'm glad you're here.
l was, uh, l was a little worried about you.
l didn't think you cared.
Well, you make it hard sometimes, but l do.
That means a lot to me, David.
Thanks.
He needs me.
l need you.
He needs me more.
No, he doesn't.
And even if he does, l don't care.
You don't mean that.
You know what, he's your past.
l'm supposed to be your future.
So, l don't, l don't understand, why don't you just come with me to Paris.
We'll figure out our future.
By that time my dad will be all settled in.
My future's here, clare! How do you know that? Because l know.
This is my home.
l belong here.
l'm not sure l do.
l won't be very good at a long distance relationship, clare.
l know.
So this is it? Yeah, l'm gonna, l'm gonna go.
l can't believe after all we've been through we're breaking up.
l can't believe it.
Well, maybe, maybe we won't, you know.
Maybe, maybe we should just see what happens.
Maybe if it's meant to be lt's not meant to be.
l'm sorry.
This is so amazing.
l can't believe clare is missing everything.
Yeah, the line forms to the left.
What's taking David so long? l don't know.
Well, l'm gonna go get my own drink.
You want to come? Yeah, l could use some bathtub gin.
Hey, where'd everybody go? They got tired of waiting.
Where have you been? l ran into the cardigans' manager at the punch bowl.
l talked to him about doing a live radio concert from the After Dark.
oh yeah? What did he say? He said stick around and we'll talk later.
Later? Yeah, what's the difference? We're here all night.
We've got to be on the guest list.
-We're graduates.
-Sure you are.
See, there's only one Sanders on the list.
Steve.
And he's already in.
Take a hike.
-Take a hike! -Joy! Hey, Ryan, l didn't know you'd be here.
could you, uh help us out? No problem.
Dad, you don't mind if my friends -join us do you? -of course not, honey.
Any friend of Joy's is a friend of mine.
You're in, guys.
Hey, thanks.
All right.
lt's okay, Joey.
So, Mr.
Taylor, can l call you Bill? l was thinking maybe you'd introduce me to some band groupies, what do you think? l'll take that as a yes.
You want to dance? Absolutely.
Take it easy kid, you're already in, huh? Hey, no thanks to you.
l'll let you buy me a drink later.
Good evening.
Uh, a glass of champagne, please.
oh, Mr.
Taylor, great party.
oh, thank you.
Hello, Valerie.
Hi.
So have you heard from our mutual friend? lf you're talking about that thief Derek Driscoll, no.
l get the feeling he stiffed you, too.
Well, if it isn't the Babe.
Hey, Muntz.
What are you pointing at? The bar.
l promised l'd drink a bottle of scotch for some sick little kid.
No wonder you're a legend.
Legends are born, they're not made.
oh, will you look there.
Valerie and my father, together again.
Kel, give it a rest, will you? We've been fighting all day.
l'm trying.
Hey, great party.
Well, don't thank me.
Uh, can l talk to you for a second? Yeah.
So, where'd you find Val this morning? Exactly where you said l would.
ls she going to be okay? Yeah, yeah she's gonna be fine.
Just, uh, don't tell anyone about this, okay? No, no, no, no, l wouldn't do that.
You did a good thing, man.
Thanks.
l'm paying for it now.
okay, l'm scared to death.
Don't panic.
Everything will work out, if you want it to that is.
l don't know if l want to anymore.
oh, l don't know.
And Valerie what is the deal with Valerie? Why are David and Steve treating her with kid gloves? That's probably because Brandon told them that if they don't, she'll crack.
Which is a crock.
There's my daughter, the graduate.
Hello.
Donna, congratulations to you, too.
You deserve it, but if you'll excuse us, l need Kelly now.
Now.
What is this about? A big surprise.
Big.
can l have your attention please? Thank you.
My name is Bill Taylor, and l'm your host.
Are you all enjoying yourselves? That's great, because tonight is your night.
The 1920s may have been roaring, but l'm sure they won't hold a candle to your 20s.
Now you all know what you're here for.
Now l want you to meet the reason why.
My daughter, Kelly Taylor.
This party is my graduation present to her.
So, uh, Kelly, why don't you say a few words? Hi.
Have a good time.
Well, that's what a, uh, hundred-thousand-dollar education sounds like.
Anyway, l'm sure you don't want to look at me, you want to see the cardigans.
Well, here they are, all the way from Amos, Sweden, the cardigans.
Dear, l fear we're facing a problem You love me no longer, l know And maybe there is nothing that l can do To make you do Kelly, wait a minute.
No, look, l'm really grateful that you threw this party for all my friends.
But let's not pretend that you're the perfect father and l'm the perfect daughter, okay? come on, honey, this is your party, too.
Then let me enjoy it.
So l cry and l pray and l beg Love me, love me Say that you love me Fool me, fool me Go on and fool me Halfway home, Muntz.
l got that promise to keep.
Man, l love that kid.
Just say that you need me So l cry And l beg for you to Love me, love me Say that you love me Leave me, leave me Just say that you need me l can't care 'bout anything But you Lately, l have desperately pondered l'm sorry.
l just don't understand why the whole family is in love with him.
Last week, nobody liked him.
What, is he paying everybody off? Just talk to Dad.
You owe him that much.
l don't owe him anything.
Well, he's still our father.
Yeah, well, tell him that.
l will end up lost in confusion l don't care if you really care As long as you don't go So l cry, l pray and l beg Love me, love me Buddy graduate.
Plastered graduate.
Yep.
No clare? No.
Not on this continent.
l'm sorry to hear that, bro.
You know that saying, ''You don't know what you have until it's gone,'' Brandon? Mm-hmm.
Too well, my friend, all too well.
Well, l knew.
l knew.
Any chance of changing her mind? lf there were, l wouldn't be here.
Well, then it's time to move on.
clare was great.
You guys were great together.
But it's over.
Yeah, tell me something l don't know.
Love me, love me Say that you love me Fool me, fool me Go on and fool me Love me, love me l know that you need me l can't care 'bout anything But you.
Thank you very much.
Well, we don't normally play this kind of event, but we're really happy to be here.
Yeah, and congratulations to you graduates.
You should give yourselves a hand.
Back again? Yeah, l'm just, uh, drowning my sorrows.
clare's not coming? She's going to Paris.
lt must be pretty painful.
Less and less.
Bartender, another round please.
Well, you want some company? Sure.
Um, one for the lady.
Lady wants a drink.
As much as l'd like to hang out and party all night, l'm kind of tired.
-Do you mind if we go? -Wait.
Uh, l thought you had to stay and talk to the cardigan's manager.
No, no, l already saw him at the bar.
He said he's gonna call me tomorrow.
Look, l really wouldn't mind heading home early and getting some sleep.
oh, you mean now.
Unless y-you want to stay; that's fine.
l don't know what l want.
David, do you love me? Why are you asking me? Humor me, please.
Yes, Donna.
l love you more than anything in the whole world.
can we go now? Yep.
Now we can go.
Hi.
Hi.
l was talking to Joy.
And you think l'm being unreasonable, too? Look, Kel, l know you're not having the best time tonight.
But that's not your father's fault, it's mine.
lt's me that you're mad at.
You're right.
l am mad at you.
Then don't take it out on him.
Why don't you go spend some time with him before he leaves.
Hmm? Well, you win.
Thank you for coming.
l'm listening.
lt's funny, l-l don't know where to begin.
okay, Kel, here goes.
l know it hasn't seemed like it, but you are very important to me.
l just want to be back in your life again.
Why? Why now? Why not now? You're my oldest daughter.
l'm very proud of you.
And l love you.
You, uh, distrust me that much, huh? Yeah, actually, l do.
l deserve that.
l know there are a lot of years of resentment that l have to overcome, and l'm trying.
l-l just want another chance, that's all.
lt's not that easy.
lt can be that easy.
lf you let me in.
Your sister Joy has, your, your mother Jackie has.
Look, Joy and Jackie may be impressed with your sudden conversion.
But for me, it's gonna take a little bit more than throwing the biggest party on the block.
All right, l understand that.
But do me a favor, will you? Don't shut me out.
one of these days, you're gonna get married and start to raise a family and l don't want to miss that, too.
Just stop, okay? 'cause you don't know anything about me.
Hey, you okay? No, l'm not.
-What happened? -l don't really want -to talk about it, okay? -Kel, Kel, that's not gonna fix anything.
Don't you get it? Some things can't be fixed.
l'm not the enemy here.
Well, it feels like you are.
You've been siding with him all day.
You know what, Kel? lf l'm such a bad person, do me a favor, don't move in with me.
All right, Donna, what's up with you tonight? What do you mean? You know what l mean.
Nothing.
Uh, l just have kind of a surprise for you when we get back to the apartment.
Well, what is it, like-like, a present? Kind of.
But it's not just for you, it's for me, too.
Look, Donna, with all due respect, l really hope it's not a pet.
All right? l-l don't want to deal with a dog or some damn bird.
lt's not a pet.
-So what is it? -No hints.
But l'm gonna like it, right? Now you're really making me nervous.
You know you have a beautiful set of eyes.
Ryan will be right back.
You know, anything Ryan can do, l can do better.
He is my little brother, after all.
Hello, Ryan.
Hey, Austin, l just saw Steve at the bar, and he's got a great girl for you.
ooh.
ls there anything in my teeth? Good.
Thank you.
Hi.
Do you plan on leaving anytime soon? Don't know.
Do you mind if l just take the limo? Be my guest.
l really need to leave.
l just don't know where to go.
Go home.
can't.
There may be a private party going on there.
And you won't go to my house? No.
You mind if l sit down? Go ahead.
Brandon, l'm sorry.
l know you've only been trying to help me.
Even with Valerie.
But l just can't quite get a handle on things.
My dad seemed to be really reaching out to me but l just slammed the door on him.
Brandon! l'm looking for Steve.
Keep looking.
Great.
Thanks.
You know Kel your father loves you.
You gotta let him.
okay.
You're not gonna tell anybody right? Who would believe me? okay.
l'm ready.
For what? My surprise.
oh.
Well, it's, it's not quite ready yet.
l-l need a little bit of time to prepare it.
What, is it food? l said no hints.
No, l mean l wouldn't have any problem if it was food.
l didn't get a chance to eat before we left.
oh.
Well, good.
Go make yourself a sandwich.
-Donna, what are you up to? -You'll find out.
Just eat, sit down, relax, read a book, listen to music.
l'll, uh, l'll call you when it's time.
Just don't leave or fall asleep, okay? -Donna.
-Yeah.
ls it animal, vegetable or mineral? Animal.
l knew it.
lt's a dog.
Good-bye, Dad.
l'm going to miss you.
l'm gonna miss you too, pumpkin.
Are you gonna be all right? Yeah, don't worry about me.
l'm gonna be fine.
Go.
Do you have a minute? A minute's, uh probably all l've got, but l'd love to spend it with you.
Now l don't where to start.
l want to apologize for starting a fight before.
You don't have to apologize to me, honey.
No, l want to.
lf you're really ready to start over, then so am l.
Really? You have no idea how that makes me feel, sweetheart.
Bill.
lt's time.
Yeah, l'll, l'll be, uh, right there.
So maybe you can have that dinner we missed, huh? l'm afraid that's, uh impossible.
Here we go again.
No.
Not this time.
You see, these, uh, gentlemen are, uh, federal marshals, and tomorrow l'm being indicted by the grand jury on charges of fraud and embezzlement.
After that, l go to jail.
What? Why? Because l'm guilty.
Tonight was part of the deal l made with the D.
A.
Jackie and Joy knew about this? Yes, they did.
Why didn't you tell me? Because, uh, l wanted you to forgive me before you knew the truth and thought even less of me, but you were right about one thing.
l did try to buy your love this weekend.
l guess that's the only way l know how.
Dad, l'm so sorry.
You called me ''Dad.
'' l like the sound of that.
oh, honey, thank you so much.
l'd, uh better go.
Hey, what's going on with Kelly's dad? Looks like he's being arrested.
Yeah, l'm sure Kelly will want to tell you about it.
How you doing? l've been better, but l'm glad l-l got the chance to straighten everything out with him.
So am l.
l just feel like everything's ending.
Us, too? No, l don't want that.
l'm glad to hear you say that.
Sorry about your dad, Kel.
Thanks.
Yeah, l'm sorry, too.
Thanks.
l appreciate it.
Do you mean that? Yeah.
l do.
l think tonight is a good night for starting fresh.
Well, um, do you guys want to go have a little nightcap? You know what? As long as we're all going to be living together, l think maybe we should go home and get used to it.
Are you sure about that? You heard the lady.
Let's go home.
oh.
-Sorry.
-Where's my tie? Give me this.
What's taking her so long? Donna, come on.
What's taking so long? You like your surprise? Yeah.
ls, uh, is it over? No.
lt's just beginning.
come here.
You sure? More than l've ever been about anything.
l mean, maybe if we had done this last year or even last week, l might not have been, but l think this is the way it's supposed to be.
Why now? l mean What made you change your mind? Well, one part of my life ended today when we graduated, and now l want to spend the next part with you.
How did l get so lucky? You waited.
l forgot.
Another present for you.
l love you so much.
l love you, too.

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