Melrose Place s03e19 Episode Script

2394081 - Another Perfect Day in Hell

Thanks for joining us, Dr.
Mancini.
Hope we weren't keeping you from something important.
Uh, no, sorry I'm late.
As I was saying, in light of recent events, the administration has decided that everyone on staff at this hospital is to be given psychological evaluations by a private firm.
The residents' tests will be programmed by a Social Services rep, Matt Fielding.
Excuse me, Dr.
Hobbs, but what the hell are Fielding's qualifications for a job as sensitive as this? He's a gofer for indigents.
I have an M.
S.
in clinical psychology as well as one in social work, Dr.
Shaw.
I'm as qualified as anyone in this room.
And Dr.
Shaw, your question exhibits the same kind of arrogance that Dr.
Burns demonstrated as chief of staff.
And his behavior is exactly what brought all this down on us in the first place.
Mr.
Fielding will contact everyone with the time and place for their appointment.
Any questions? Good.
Let's get to rounds.
Hi.
I thought I'd bring you news of the world.
Come on in Have some coffee.
I'm actually gonna cancel the paper 'cause it's just more proof the world sucks.
I was thinking about everything we went through.
I think that we found a connection between us again.
So with all the bad, maybe some good's come out of it too Us.
Jake I am so grateful for everything you've done, and we'll always be close.
But you know, I mean, giving up Austin was the hardest thing I've ever had to do.
I have a lot of grieving to do, and I have to figure out a way to forgive myself.
There's nothing to forgive.
You did the right No.
I don't want to hear it, not now.
And if it's all right with you, I, um I want to handle this on my own for the meantime.
All right.
I'll be around if you need me.
Thanks.
This psychological evaluation is a serious invasion of privacy.
I call it invasion of bureaucrats.
Michael, I am serious.
I am tired of having to prove myself to everybody over and over again.
Look, don't get all wound up.
It's just a bunch of psychobabble anyway.
No one pays any attention to this stuff.
Besides, you're just as sane as I am.
Well, no offense, but that's not much comfort.
You know, let me ask you a question you might run into on the test just to see how you do.
All right If you were mad at your husband, would you "A," confront him, "B," cheat on him, or "C," dress up as someone else and run him over? Mm ah, maybe we better skip that one.
That is not in the least bit funny.
I don't know I think I'm a riot.
I'll see you around the ink blot.
I'm gonna start with the obvious.
DD has taken a huge hit.
A lot of people were fired, a lot of people resigned.
There's been commensurate client loss.
So everybody has to do 100% to keep the clients we have now and to bring in new ones.
Amanda, with the money we save from canceling the charity ball, we can put together intensified individual campaigns for more valuable clients.
That is exactly the wrong approach.
The charity ball will go on as planned Wednesday night.
No clients, present or prospective, can feel that we are weakened in any way.
I'll expect everyone to be there.
We're gonna prove to everyone that DD is still a force to be reckoned with.
Alison, I want you and Billy to go over the guest list, RSVPs checked and double- checked with personal calls.
Everyone else, take your client files, learn them by heart.
I want these guests to feel that you know everything about them.
That's it.
You okay? You look tired.
Thanks for the compliment.
You look like hell, too.
Now, why don't you get to work? "The Abbott way, new meaning "for your life in a new world.
"Control is power.
Take control of your life, and control your destiny.
" Are you sure about this stuff? I mean, it seems all right, but I don't know, I've been around, and most everything is a scam of some sort.
You're right, Syd.
This is the only place and the only people I've run into in my entire life that weren't trying to pull something over on me.
I mean, even my family Hell, especially my family, were using me.
I hear that.
Well, you two look like you're working hard.
Sydney, I want to thank you for coming and helping us today.
Your presence means a lot to me.
Thanks.
You don't believe me, do you? Huh? You don't believe that I'm personally glad that you're here today.
Well, as a matter of fact, I was just saying that everybody I've met in my life so far slings it big-time.
I know what you mean except the people in this house.
That includes you.
I'll see you later.
Thanks again.
He's something, isn't he? Uh-huh.
He seems okay.
As a matter of fact, everyone around here seems pretty nice.
I'm sorry.
John's no longer here.
I can give you his phone number.
It's even worse around here than before.
So many people have been let go or quit.
It's like a ghost town.
Yep, time to start padding the old resume.
Listen, um I want to make amends to you.
It's all right, don't worry about it.
No, no, it's important, and it's part of my recovery.
I am genuinely sorry for all the pain I've caused you in the past and I'm forever grateful to you for getting me into a sobriety program.
Also I think you should know that I'll I'll always be your friend.
I'll always love you.
I, uh I'm your friend too.
Anyway, from now on, I am I am putting the past behind me and dealing with the future.
Well, I think it's a good idea.
Glad to hear it.
But it might not be as easy as you think.
Isn't that your sister? My God! Meredith.
I I am amazed to see you.
How are you doing? I'm good, I'm good.
I'm here for a librarian symposium.
We get together and conference about preservation of literature and political attacks on literary aesthetics, and thrilling stuff like that, you know? Anyway, I I feel really bad about how things were left or, actually, how I left you back in Wisconsin.
Don't worry Everything turned out fine.
Well, do you think we could get together tonight and, I don't know, talk? Sure sure, that'd be great.
Well, I'll just I'll call you.
We'll have dinner.
Okay.
Bye.
Bye.
I mean it, Jake It's really pretty amazing.
I've been reading a lot of Martin Abbott's books lately, and what he says about why some people are winners and some are losers is pretty accurate.
I mean, you really have to know yourself spiritually to deal with a world that's basically hostile.
You of all people should know that.
So this meeting is why you gave up your lunch shift to Carol.
I thought you needed the money.
Well, I do, but I wanted to help my friends.
Your friends? You'd like them too, Jake.
You'd like the way Martin thinks.
Basically, it's about being strong and standing up for what's right.
I really think you'd fit right in.
Well, I don't fit in anywhere, Syd, and I like it that way.
And if I were you, I'd watch out for these pals of yours.
True believers have a way of turning out to be dangerous.
If you'd just come to a meeting it could be a way for us to understand each other better, maybe find a way to get back together.
Hey, you know, you're working lunch tomorrow.
Can't you open up for me? I'm gonna be here late with this inventory tonight.
Sure.
But did you hear what I said? We're friends, Syd.
We're good friends.
But nothing more, okay? No, Jake, it's not okay.
I don't believe this.
My triumph is ruined.
Some unbelievable jerk put something in the gas tank, like sugar or something, and it just about blew up on the freeway.
Oh, that was the original engine.
Yeah, well, it's ruined It's garbage.
The mechanic says I can't afford a new one.
I mean, who would do this to me? Where did it happen? Uh, the 110.
I was going through downtown.
Finally, someone around here gets what she deserves.
Not now, it's Believe me, Meredith.
There's nothing for me to forgive you for.
You had to leave I understand.
It's over now.
We should both look to the future.
You're right.
I am so proud of you, Alison I am.
With the recovery program and everything, you're just You're just taking charge of your entire life.
Thanks.
It's hard, but worth it.
Does it bother you that I'm having wine? No, no, of course not.
It was good to see Billy again.
That's one part of your new life I wish was different.
You know, you guys were such a great couple, and he was so supportive.
Still is.
And I want to be for him too.
We just weren't meant to be joined at the hip, if you know what I mean.
Well, I think you two are gonna get back together because you are just too perfect for each other.
So how about you? You said work was good how about the romance department? Any new men on the horizon? Nope.
Alison.
I've been wanting to tell you this for a really long time.
I have never had a real relationship because I have never actually been able to to I've never been able to do anything with a man.
Dad ruined all that for me.
Oh, Meredith, I had no idea.
I mean, I don't want to live in the past, you know? I'd like to be I'd like to be sexy and desirable, but I just have kept it locked up inside so long.
You know, I don't even think I know how.
God, I sound pathetic, don't I? No, no, it doesn't sound that way at all.
You just You need some confidence.
Maybe some new clothes would help? You think so, huh? Well, I guess I do kind of dress like a librarian.
Tomorrow, we'll go to my friend's studio.
She's got great clothes.
By the way, what are you doing in a hotel? We're sisters You should stay with me.
It will give us a chance to catch up.
It'll be great.
I would really love that, Alison.
So would I.
It was incredible.
I was talking to him about us, and Saint Jo, with a constant emergency, runs in, and it's like I don't exist.
See? It's like Martin says.
People use events to get false power over others.
It's so phony.
People need to learn how to take responsibility for their own lives.
That's for sure.
All I know is tonight, I'm taking you to a seriously kicking club.
We're gonna shake all this off and get into so much trouble.
Syd.
Can I talk to you a sec? What is it? Your friend is wearing my dress.
Just last week, you said you were gonna return it.
And now, I see it on a stranger? Sorry, I forgot.
Why are you being so petty? I think you should take responsibility for your feelings and not dump them on me.
I don't know what you're talking about, but I am tired of your irresponsibility.
I want the dress back tomorrow and in good shape.
Why don't you just take the damn thing now? Shocked, aren't you? Shocked that someone has the courage to sacrifice for a friend when they're being humiliated by their so-called sister.
Come on, I think we can find something else to wear.
Sydney doesn't need someone like you in her life anymore.
She's got a real family now.
Dr.
Shaw.
What can I do for you? Uh not much really.
Just a little favor.
First, let me congratulate you on your new responsibilities.
Thanks And, um because you're in control of how the tests are scheduled I was wondering if you could just let mine slip.
Kimberly, I Hear me out.
It's just that, um I'm I'm feeling edgy these days, and I'm afraid it might be misinterpreted.
Anyway, it's so hard for women in professions, always judged more harshly.
All I need you to do is just lose my name off the list, that's all.
It's a gender-neutral test.
And actually, I'm just coordinating it, so I can't lose your name off anything.
Now, your test is at 2:00 p.
m.
If I were you, I'd be there.
You listen to me, you cipher.
Your protector Dr.
Burns is gone, so I'll be back on the social service board any day now, which means I can make your life a living hell.
Your threats don't work with me, Kimberly.
You should know that by now.
Oh, I am much more than threats, little one.
You should know that by now.
What we're looking at here, Mr.
McGovern, is, um since our "Take the Plunge" campaign and improvement in Glorious Gowns sales uh somewhere around 20%.
Excuse me, but this is exactly what I'm talking about.
You people don't seem to pay attention.
Our sales ticked up 12%, not 20.
Right, of course.
You are completely accurate, Mr.
McGovern, and sales have leveled off at a 7% increase because we did not follow our "Plunge" campaign with the new, aggressive approach.
Now, accepting that a 7% increase in sales is a positive, let's try to do even better.
Billy and I were talking about our upcoming charity ball and how, when we were children, the idea of a ball was so magical Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella.
But turn the fairy tale upside down, where the princess is not only elegant, but powerful.
This 90s princess dressed in a number of your gowns This is maybe a 4-page spread Is not only dancing with the prince.
She's hauling off and slugging the wicked stepsisters, knocking them on their cans.
Of course, these are all very rough ideas.
We'll work on them and get back to you.
You've got some great people working for you, Ms.
Woodward.
I know, but what matters is that we have great clients.
We'll keep in touch.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Don't you ever interrupt and hijack a pitch from me again.
I was trying to help.
No, what you were doing was undermining my authority.
I'm holding this company together, so you either support me, or you can get out.
Now, I told you to work on the invitations.
Unless you want to argue with me about that too, get to it.
What's wrong with you? What's going on? Nothing I've got a headache, all right? Don't worry, Alison will survive.
She's like a rash that I can't get rid of.
Look, Amanda.
We went through what Peter and Caitlin tried to do this place together.
And I know how tough it was on you, and struggling to keep this company afloat is gonna be even more pressure.
Your point? See a doctor.
You're obviously not feeling well.
All I need is aspirin.
You need to mind your own business.
I know you're swamped, Jane.
Thanks for taking your lunch hour for us.
Oh, no problem.
I'm glad to get here and focus on clothes again.
I've been at the accountant all morning trying to straighten out this mess.
Oh, Jane, your designs are so beautiful.
Thanks.
Don't you think they're a little bit too, um sexy for me? Are you kidding? You have the perfect figure for my designs, especially my new line.
Wait right here, I'm gonna go get them out back.
Alison, thank you for this.
Thank you for letting me stay with you.
Thank you just for caring, I guess.
Well, we may have had lousy parents, but we'll always have each other.
Ready? Yeah.
Ta-da! Oh, God They're torn to shreds.
Who would do this? It's awful.
I'm so sorry.
Who I guess what drew me to Martin was a sense of empowerment he gave me by teaching me to force other people to take responsibility for their own actions.
Do you have any more vanilla fudge? Oh, uh-huh.
Here.
Mm.
I mean, you can't carry other people's loads for them.
It weighs you down, and they never grow.
Makes sense to me.
I'd like some more of that praline if you're through.
Oh, finished it, sorry.
Anyway, the idea is to concentrate on what really is yours to carry.
And if the other people who don't believe in the Abbott way can't keep up, you walk on by.
And say what you feel, right? Mm, absolutely.
Well, I would like some more of that damn praline.
You got it.
Thank you.
I have been at work all afternoon trying to deal with that horrible damage you have done.
I just want to know why, Sydney why? I I'm sorry, Jane, I don't know what you're talking about.
God, you are so smug! Part of me wants to rip you to shreds just like you did my dresses.
Jane, you can't come in here raving like a lunatic Shut up! And give me the key to my studio.
Here you go, but I honestly don't know what happened.
You hate me, don't you, Sydney? Come on, Jane.
Well, guess what? The feeling's mutual.
See, it's like I told you.
The weak ones blame the strong.
Sydney, like Martin says, just walk on by.
Yeah.
Walk on by.
And if I'm lucky, never see her again.
Jane, how are you doing? Uh, doing my best not to fall into a pit of depression, actually.
I know, I heard about your dresses.
I am so sorry.
What do you think it was a competitor or something? It was a competitor, all right my sister.
Sydney? You're kidding.
I can't prove it, but I know she did it.
I mean, she's been so angry lately.
And now, I guess she's lashing out.
I mean, let's face the facts.
She's never been particularly stable.
You know what? This makes sense now because she was so smug when she found out my motorcycle was ruined, and I parked it inside the gate.
And who else here would do it? Yeah, she seems to be taking revenge on everybody she considers an enemy.
I put a couple calls into her probation officer, but he hasn't gotten back to me.
I'm so sorry.
Who knew being a big sister would be such a nightmare? Really.
Well, Kimberly, you didn't test very positively.
There's nothing in the results, though, that couldn't be handled and dealt with in some you know, intense counseling sessions.
What? You have, uh no mechanism for dealing with stress, a high degree of suppressed hostility, sociopathic tendencies, dissociative personality disorder.
In short, you're a walking time bomb.
Now, I can refer you to a staff psychotherapist.
That Would be bad for my career, Matt.
I want you to change the results.
You know that's impossible.
I know it's not.
Hell, you've changed blood test results before, Matt.
What's the diff? Look, I'm not changing anything, okay? The results go in tomorrow morning as scheduled.
Now, if you could just initial your evaluation and sign at the bottom.
I guess I'll just have to think about that, won't I? Who's here? Anybody here? Anybody here? Oh, my God.
My cameras! Sydney.
Damn you.
Thanks.
Can't you sit down a minute? It doesn't look too busy.
Ah, sure besides, Jake's in the storeroom.
All right, you little psycho, I want to know where my cameras are.
Jo, whatever your problem is, I didn't have anything to do with it, so you'll just have to carry this yourself.
Ow! They're my living, you twisted piece of dirt! Give them back! Back off, lady! Hey, all right, hey! Hey! Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, stop it! Jake, call the cops on this crazy woman.
We were just sitting here, and she comes in and attacks me.
Jo, what's going on? I tried to warn you about your little waitress, Jake, and so did Jane.
She's a vindictive, little thief! She stole my cameras, and I have to work tonight! What will it take to make you see what's going on? Look, Sydney, why don't you just take off early.
Lunch is basically over.
Why are you blaming Syd? Jo started it.
You, I don't know, and this is none of your business.
Yeah, but she's my friend, and she's right.
You are blaming me again.
Come on.
I want them back, Sydney.
Feed me caviar Well, I agree, Mr.
McGovern.
The Fighting Bride is a wonderful idea.
I'll have Alison put together a complete presentation for next week.
Wonderful.
You've got a real talent there.
I'd give her a raise.
Oh, absolutely.
So what exactly is a literary aesthetic anyway? What the hell are Michael and Kimberly doing here? We had to invite them.
As partners in your company, they're our clients too.
God, if my week wasn't bad enough.
Oh, damn it, Michael, I want to celebrate let's dance.
I already told you I don't feel like it.
You better cool it on those martinis.
As a matter of fact, I think I need another one.
Hey, Michael.
Hey, Billy boy, nice party.
I didn't think you had it in you.
Yeah.
Listen, I need a favor.
There's something wrong with Amanda.
Uh, what do you mean by wrong? I don't know She seemed weak headaches, you know, seems distracted.
So, uh, maybe you could go over there and get closer, talk to her, ask her to dance or something.
Get an idea what's going on with her.
Sure, I'll give it a shot.
Hi again, Billy.
Hi, Meredith.
Are you having a good time? Great.
So how do you like my new look? Oh it's terrific.
Really, you look wonderful.
Thanks.
Alison told me that I should be more outgoing with the guys, but I I couldn't.
I thought I should try it out on someone I know first.
Do you want to dance? Uh sure.
For I know that my heart Is yours And there is no You know, Amanda, you look exhausted.
I'm fine.
You want to dance, let's dance.
How long have you had this lump? It's a swollen gland Now stop it.
I've been depressed for so long, you know? I've been keeping everything locked up and afraid of my own sexuality.
Alison's been encouraging me.
She's telling me that these things have to change.
Well, I'm glad you're working on it.
Well, I am.
I am.
For I know that my heart Is yours Have you had any night sweats or fatigue? Oh, I told you to stop it, Michael.
I know what you're doing.
If I wanted a doctor, I'd ask for one.
I wish you and everybody else here would leave me alone.
I hate it when you treat me like this, you jerk.
Stop acting like a child.
I'll deal with you later.
Amanda, wait.
Excuse me I'm trying to help you here.
Michael, I told you Ms.
Woodward.
Someone call 911.
Amanda.
Wrong neighborhood, queer bait.
Let's go.
Son of a bitch.
So you didn't know these guys or provoke them in anyway? No, I didn't.
You know, unless you call being gay a provocation.
I know you cops don't believe this, but this stuff happens all the time.
Yeah, we have records of this happening to you before as a matter of fact.
Yeah, you know, you come down here, you do the same dance.
You take a report, and you don't do anything.
Look, Matt, why don't you calm down, okay? I'm quite aware of the number of gay hate crimes, especially in your neighborhood.
I'm gay.
Oh.
That's good.
Yeah, it is.
So, don't worry, I'm gonna do whatever I can to find out who did this to you.
Thanks.
Sure.
You take care, and I'll be in touch.
So did you sleep all right when you got home last night? Oh, like a rock.
That's one thing I don't have a problem with.
Seems like all I ever want to do is sleep.
Well, hopefully, all we're looking at here is exhaustion or a slight to mild anemia.
But next time, don't wait until you collapse to come see me, huh? I'll try right now, I gotta get going.
I'm already late for a meeting.
Call me with a prescription.
What I prescribe right now is rest, Amanda, some time off.
I don't think so.
DD is barely afloat, and I'm the only one who can keep it from going under.
Thanks.
I'm glad you leave your door open when you go jogging, Billy.
I'm naked under here.
You want to join me? Meredith, this is a really bad idea.
Well, why? We're both adults.
Who can it hurt? Billy! Billy, you home? Oh, great, great.
Where are your clothes? In the bathroom.
Get get out of here Get dressed.
Stop it, you're hurting me! So if we just do some follow-up Billy.
You've gotta be the lowest animal on the face of the earth.
Oh, come on come on, you don't really think Susan was one thing, but my own sister? Wh what is this, some kind of set-up? I mean, your sister's twisted or something.
I come back from a run, and she's in my bed.
I don't think so.
I know Meredith, obviously a hell of a lot better than I know you.
Well, I don't care if you believe me or not.
You two are nuts I mean Hell, I don't even like your sister, much less want to sleep with her.
God.
You don't even know the damage you do, do you? Three professional cameras.
Light meter.
Tripod.
Nice work, Rikki.
As soon as we scrape the serial numbers off these, we'll sell them this afternoon.
We need all the cash we can get right now.
Nice work.
Hi.
Hi, I've gotta hurry.
I'm gonna be late to my shift at Shooters.
Uh, folks? This is always a very special time for me, a time of humility and gratitude.
We're welcoming a new member in our midst.
It's about time you started putting yourself first, Syd.
I present Sydney Andrews.
Welcome, Sydney.
Welcome with all the light and heart you bring with you.
Congratulations, Sydney.
Congratulations.
Matt? Hi, Matt.
How you doing? You still a little sore? I'm all right, considering.
Like you give a damn.
But I do.
Broken ribs.
I'm surprised.
I told them to break your arm.
Oh, well, don't try and take credit for this.
You had nothing to do with this.
It was a hate crime.
You bet your butt it was.
I hate you.
I don't understand this.
I just I just don't understand it.
It's just some kind of sickness or something, Jake.
I called Sydney's probation officer.
He was on vacation this week.
He said he'd be back Monday.
I'm sure he'll agree that we have to do something about this.
Oh, my God, what happened? What? What's going on? Sydney, I can't believe you have the gall to show up here.
What do you mean? I work here.
Not anymore, you don't.
Wait a minute.
You can't actually think that I had something to do with this? You obviously need a lot of help, more than I ever realized.
These two told you that I did this, and you believe them over me? You know they hate me, Jake.
Nobody hates you, Sydney.
We're just tired of you striking out at us.
I'll show you striking out.
Sydney, stop it.
You've caused enough damage.
Now, I've called your probation officer.
I think it's time that you faced up to things.
I'm so sick of being hurt by you.
All of you.
I don't know what came over me, Alison.
I guess I've always been a little bit jealous of your relationship with Billy.
He's so He's so gorgeous and sweet.
I don't know, I just thought my first time should God, I sound like I'm 16 or something.
Meredith there's a whole part of your life that was never allowed to grow.
Yeah, that That part is young.
When you get back to San Francisco, you just You need to talk to someone, like Like a therapist I know, I know.
Yeah.
Those are gonna be some pretty wild sessions, huh? I really am sorry, Alison.
I hope Billy doesn't hate me.
Oh, no.
He didn't mean what he said.
He's he's really mad at me.
Anyway, everything can be fixed.
The important thing is not to blame yourself, okay? The Parker girls are just doing the best they can.
I love you, Al.
I love you too.
Who is it? It's Michael, Amanda Michael Mancini.
What are you doing here? Well, I, uh Do you mind if I thank you.
Um, got some preliminary results from your blood tests.
It explains some of the exhaustion.
Great write me a prescription, I'll write you a check, we'll be even.
Um I'm afraid it's not gonna be as easy as that.
I think you better sit down.
Cut the dramatics, Michael.
I don't sit down for anything.
So spill What's on your mind? Well, there's no easy way to say this.
You may have Hodgkin's disease, Amanda.
It's a type of lymphoma.
Um, cancer of the lymphatic system.
It's serious.
Now, I'd like you to come down to the hospital as soon as possible to run some more tests.
There's also a specialist there on staff I'd like you to meet.
What are you up to now? I mean, let's think.
What would you gain from making believe that I had cancer? Nothing, all right? I I just want to help you.
Oh, come on.
I am not falling for this just leave me alone.
You know, anger and denial are a normal reaction to Don't patronize me, Michael.
Now, maybe if you got your MD from a real college instead of off a matchbook, you'd know what you were talking about.
I went to Northwestern, Amanda.
I graduated near the top of my class.
Congratulations, you're a liar and pretentious.
Now, get outta here.
Now listen to me! Get outta here! You need medical care.
Get out now! All right.
Now.
Okay, relax Will you relax? All right.
All right.
I'll call you later.
Don't.
I never want to hear from you again.

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