All language subtitles for Win.Lose.or.Love.2015.1080p.WEBRip.x264-RARBG2_English

[alarm beeping,
groaning]

[piano music]

♪ ♪

[phone beeps]

♪ ♪

[phone rings]

Hey, Jeff.

(Jeff)
Alex, you're not
gonna believe this.

Yeah, no,
I'm kind of in the middle

of something right now--ow!

Uh, I'll call you back.

(Jeff)
Hal Harrington's
gonna meet with us.

Time to go, Oliver.

All right, let's go.

We're gonna be late.

(Alex)
Hey.

Don't ever do this at home,

or anywhere else
for that matter.

- Hey, guys.
- Hey.

So the disposal's
still not working?

Dad, school.

Right.

Go, go, go.

Let's go, go, go.

All right, let's go.

So what do you have today?

I think it's science.

Science?

I love science.
That's great.

We're learning
about nature.

Oh, wow,
that sounds interesting.

(child)
Wait up!

What else do you have?

Math?

Nah, I do have history.

Oh.

All right, honey.

Straight to class, okay?

Okay, bye.

(woman)
All right, thank you.

HPG Bake Sale.

Everything's a dollar.

Help fund school activities!

Clara, I thought you were gonna
bake your oatmeal scotchies.

I know,
I'm sorry.

I was up late last night
planning a client's IRA,

and then Oliver
ate the oatmeal,

and after I spoke to my ex,
I ate all the scotchies.

You can't let Chad
get to you.

He cancelled on Oliver
again this weekend.

Oh.

I don't know how
I'm gonna tell him.

I know you're stressed,

but try not
to eat our profits.

Sorry.

Okay, got everything?

Homework,
writing utensils, lunch?

Yup, got your wallet,
briefcase, office keys?

I forgot my office keys.

You better drop this poor kid
off before she gets in trouble.

Are you gonna check out
my soccer practice today, Dad?

I'll come to the next one,
sweetie, I promise.

[phone ringing]

It's Jeff.
I got to take this.

Hey, kisses.

Thank you.

- I love you.
- All right, love you.

Grandma will pick you up
after school, okay?

- Okay, bye.
- Hey, Jeff.

$1.

- Good morning, ladies.
- Morning.

- Mm.
- How's it going?

Mm, thanks, Dot.

Those look amazing.

Oh, I hope so.

How are we doing?

Only $25.

Should we take it up
with Margaret?

The only thing Margaret
lets us do is bake sales.

Tomorrow's election
can't come fast enough.

Out with the old president,
in with the you.

(Clara)
Good morning, Mr. Canton.

Morning, ladies, wow.

Oh, Mr. Canton,
are you faculty advisor

for the drama club
again this year?

Mm-hmm.

Bobby's decided he wants
to be an actor when he grows up.

Oh, I'm really excited

about this semester's
Shakespeare play.

Shakespeare?

(Mike)
Yeah, we're doing
a kids' version.

- I can help with auditions.
- Great.

Can I offer you a doughnut?

I'll give it
to you half off

since it's not homemade
and partially melted.

I'm good.

[whistle blows,
marching band music]

If you're going
the whole nine yards...

or you're just fishing
for compliments--

Whoa, whoa!

Or just covering
all your bases,

Hal Harrington Sporting Goods
has it all,

from archery to Zumba dancing.

Get off the couch,
and come see Hal!

[horn blares]
- Oh, yeah!

(male announcer)
Who's your pal?

Hal Harrington's your pal...

[laughs]

(announcer)
Come to Hal Harrington
this week...

Mr. Harrington.

[chuckling]

[TV turns off]
- Mr. Harrington.

Uh, yeah, call me Hal.

Hal.

You're losing market share
to the big chains.

You need to rebrand yourself
as the neighborhood store

who cares about the community.

With the social
media campaign,

you can target
every niche market.

The hobbyists,
the fitness fanatics.

Blah, blah, blah,
blah, blah, blah, blah.

Listen, guys, let me save you
some of your energy.

The creative juices are flowing,
and I love it.

However, I like the community
aspect in this, I do,

but I cannot be
something that I'm not.

I can't pretend.

That's just not me.
I won't do it.

And this right here,
you see this?

Huh?
This?

This is what people
want to see in the ads.

Margaret, what are
you doing?

Putting up my flyers.

You should probably
take yours down.

I don't understand.

The drama club
is an HPG program.

Yeah,

but the HPG Sports Day
is coming up.

I don't want
to mix the messages.

Actually, I wanted to talk
to you about Sports Day.

I was thinking maybe
we could expand it

to include all
the after-school activities.

Clara, just because your son
isn't good at sports,

there's no need to punish
the rest of the kids.

So, if you could put
these flyers up,

I would really
appreciate it.

[scoffs]

I've only been selling
sporting goods for 30 years.

Yes, we're going
through a little bit

of a sales downturn.

However--

If you look
at the competitive landscape--

Here's the thing, Hal.

30 years ago,
sporting equipment

was for guys like me:

weekend warriors,
college students,

you know, softball teams.

But now, who's coming
into your store?

Well, I got, uh,
soccer teams coming in.

I got Little League
baseball teams coming in.

I got families going camping.

Exactly.

And who's doing the buying
on those products?

Moms.

Moms?

We've never targeted
moms before.

Which is my point exactly.

Let me think about it.
[exhales]

Pleasure.

[sighs]

Hi, guys.

I just stopped by
to give you

Emma's permission slip
for Sports Day.

Thanks, Mom.

So how'd the Harrington
meeting go?

- Great.
- Disaster.

He's thinking about it.

He's not convinced.

I think we lost him.

Well, something else
will come your way.

Hal Harrington
owns the largest

sporting goods chain
in the state.

We need Harrington
to keep our doors open.

We have to give him
what he wants.

We're not gonna do
some low-budget commercial.

When it doesn't
increase his sales,

he'll just fire us anyway.

You know, I'm gonna let you guys
keep brainstorming, okay?

If I can just get
your signature.

Oh, right.

Sports Day.

Thank you, Mom.

Hal?

- Ladies.
- Hi.

Hal Harrington.

Yeah?

Everybody knows that name.

Everyone knows what you do,
what you sell.

- Yeah.
- You're a local legend.

Ah, regional, son, regional.

I just opened a store
across the state line.

- There you go.
- Okay.

We know you have
the personality

to sell these commercials.

Yeah.

But what we need
is to take that energy

and connect it with moms
with kids who play sports.

Great, I'll wear
a Little League uniform.

Not exactly.

What about you
at a school Sports Day?

Suddenly you are
the sporting goods guy

that every mom can trust.

[laughs]

This is what I want.

This is our deal
or nothing.

But that's only
two weeks away.

That's our deal.

Okay, yeah.
Um...

- I'll get you the school.
- Okay.

But I'm gonna have
to bring something

to the parents group.

I can't show up
empty-handed.

Oh, of course.

Here comes the bribe.

Well done, son,
well done.

Great, I will donate

$1,000 worth
of sports gear.

How's that?

I'd make it five.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa,
what is this, huh?

What is this?

Handcuffs, take me away.

$5,000?

You want real?
This is a real event.

Oh, I don't know,
come on, $5,000, that's--

It is a great
tax write-off,

donating to a school.

All right, let's do it.

- Yes?
- Let's do it.

You got it, $5,000,

but you better get me
that Sports Day.

Oh, I will.

Hal's a hugger.
What are you doing?

- Oh.
- Come here, come here, huh?

On three--
one, two, three, hey!

- [laughs]
- Oh!

[laughter]

Oh, no, no.

- Where'd that taco truck go?
- [groans]

(Oliver)
And then Jerome put
a chess pawn up his nose.

It was pretty funny.

(Clara)
Sounds like you guys had fun.

Mm-hmm.

I got you extra cheese
and pepperoni, your favorite.

Mom, you always
get the veggie pizza.

What's going on?

Well, can't we just treat
ourselves once in a while?

You can tell me.

Honey, your father
isn't gonna be able

to take you
for the weekend.

But he said
we were going to the zoo,

to make up for all the other
times he couldn't come.

I know, but we'll
do something fun,

just you and me,

and your friends, too,
if you want.

It's okay.

What happened here?

Chess club ended early,

so...we played
a little dodge ball.

Are you mad?

No, sweetie.

Just go wash it out,

and I'll put a bandage on it
before dinner, okay?

[sighs]

- Grandma Dot?
- Yeah?

Are you any good
at math?

Oh, not since they started

putting calculators
inside cell phones.

We better wait for your dad.

He's good at that.

Oh, here he is.

- Hi.
- Hey.

Thanks for picking up
Emma from practice.

I didn't expect to be
at work so late.

You had to start that
Harrington campaign today, huh?

Yeah, or else
I'm out of a job.

Fine.

I'll check on pasta.

Hey, how was practice?

It was okay.

I have a game Thursday.

Can you come?

I can't.

I got to work on the campaign
for my new client.

Trust me, I wish I didn't.

But when I'm done,
I promise you,

I'm gonna be front row
every one of your games.

Could I eat in the den?

My favorite show is on.

Well, I was kind of hoping
we could eat together.

I really want
to watch my show.

Is that one
with the cartoon gorilla?

I don't watch cartoons
anymore, Dad.

It's a show
about a boy band.

Drummer's dreamy.

Hmm, dreamy, huh?

All right, you can go
eat in the den,

just this once.

Hey, Mom, you go to these
parent group meetings, right?

Yeah.

Do you think they would
let us shoot a commercial

if we donated a bunch
of free sports equipment?

Huh, yeah, it depends
on who's in charge.

The sports moms
would love it,

but that all could change

with who they elect
tomorrow night.

Hello, drama club.

I tried to recruit
some more kids from my class,

but they all had
scheduling conflicts.

Is this the whole club
this year?

Most of the sport teams
have practice

during this time,

and none of the coaches
will accommodate us.

We can't even do a play.

We don't have
enough people.

We'll do individual scenes.

Why don't we all
just join sports teams?

No, we are not
gonna give in.

After tonight's election,

things will be much different
around here.

[gavel pounding]

Hello, everyone, Margaret Dowd,
current HPG president.

[sighs]

As you know, my term is up,

and the bylaws say I can't
run for reelection again.

Hmm, sad face.

So we're here to pick
a new commander-in-chief,

but before that,

one of our Heartridge parents
would like to talk to us

about an exciting proposal.

Mr. Kramer?

Thank you.

Hi, I'm Alex Kramer.

You might know
my daughter Emma.

She's a student
and soccer player here.

I also run an ad agency,

which is why I haven't been
to too many of these meetings.

But my client,
Hal Harrington, is--

Of Harrington
Sporting Goods?

The one and only.

Yeah.

And I'm very excited
to announce

that Hal would like
to shoot a commercial here

during Sports Day,

and in return,
he's gonna donate $5,000

worth of equipment
to the HPG sports programs.

I know, right?

It's like--yeah.

Mr. Canton, as the faculty rep,
do you have any thoughts?

Well, Mr. Kramer
has already spoken

to Principal Davis
about the proposal,

and the school has no objection,

so I can't see any downside.

Nice.

Well, I can.

Sports doesn't need $5,000
worth of equipment.

Excuse me.

We have spent
the last three years

buying new equipment
and uniforms with HPG funds.

What about the other programs?

I'm sorry.

What other programs?

Activities like
science camp

and drama club
and the chess team.

Why can't Harrington donate
to these other programs as well?

Because it's not called
Harrington's Drama Equipment.

He doesn't sell that stuff.

I want to change Sports Day
and include all the activities.

[Alex stammers]

And if Harrington wants
to shoot a commercial,

he can donate
to all the groups.

Yeah, Hal is not
gonna go for that.

He needs it to be
a Sports Day.

Then maybe we don't
need this commercial.

Okay, let me just
clarify one thing here.

So you're willing
to just give up

$5,000 worth of equipment

because Hal won't donate
a chessboard?

Sports teams have
all the equipment they need.

It is the kids in the other
groups that need the attention,

but since you are not really
a member of the parents group,

how would you know, right?

How would he know?

Well, I'm in favor
of this idea,

but unfortunately
I'm stepping down.

The next president will
have to decide on this one.

Do we have any nominees?

I nominate
Clara Goodwin.

(Margaret)
Okay.

Anyone else?

Ladies, anyone?

Okay, so if
you're president,

you're gonna kill
the commercial.

I'm sorry,
it's an HPG thing.

Nothing personal.

Actually, it's very personal.

It's my job.

I guess I'm gonna have
to make the HPG my thing.

I nominate myself.

(Clara)
What? No!

No, he can't nominate
himself, can he?

There's no rule against it
that I know.

He's not even a member
of the parents group.

Can I join?

Of course you can.

You're a parent here.

I'd be more than happy
to welcome a sports-loving dad.

[laughs]

Let's start the voting.

[indistinct chatter]

What are you doing?

You don't know anything
about the parents group.

Well, I know you're
about to throw away

an amazing opportunity
for the school.

Seems you're doing
more harm than good.

Me?

You're the one who wants
to turn our Sports Day

into a cheesy
Hal Harrington commercial.

Oh, no, we're taking Hal
in a whole new direction.

I'm gonna tastefully
show off his family side.

By exploiting our families?

Who's exploiting?

The kids get free stuff.

A local businessman
gets some publicity.

It's a win-win.

What you don't understand
is that winning

isn't the most
important thing.

[gavel banging]

Sounds like they're ready.

I hope after you lose,

you stay involved
with the HPG.

We could use
a marketing volunteer.

Oh, don't worry.

I'll be sticking around.

Okay.

Okay, we have
the results.

Okay, with a total of 11 votes,
Vice President Clara Goodwin

has tied
with parent Alex Kramer.

Congratulations,
you've both won.

What does that mean?

According to the bylaws,
you're co-presidents.

- With her?
- With him?

[applause]

Okay.

(Clara)
A tie?

Co-presidents?

How did this even happen?

I counted twice.

Both times, 11-11.

I don't understand.

How did 11 people
vote for him?

You know how.

[sighs]

Yeah.

Margaret.

She pushed those sports parents
to vote for him.

She can't let go.

I'm not gonna let her
get away with this.

I've been pushed around
for way too long

by sports, by Margaret,
and now this guy.

I'm not gonna
take it anymore.

Good for you.

What's next?

Well, it's right here
in the bylaws.

You both run HPG
until the runoff election

at the next full meeting
of the parents group.

So I have to spend
the next two weeks

with a guy who knows nothing
about the parents group

and wants to do the opposite
of what I want?

And the next full meeting
is a day before Sports Day.

That means
he's gonna have to plan

like the commercial's
already going

if he wants to be ready.

He can plan all he wants.

I'm gonna win the election
and stop him.

[sighs]

Okay.

(Dorothy)
I can't believe this.

You don't have the time
to run the parents group.

You have no idea
what you're doing.

Don't hold back, Mom.

Tell me what
you really think.

What do you even know
about the HPG?

Well, I run
my own company.

I think I can
figure out

how to organize
a bake sale or field trip

or whatever else they do.

It's a lot harder
than it looks.

You know, Clara Goodwin,

she's been vice president
for two years.

She's done
a really great job,

and it was her turn
to take over.

I'm not taking her job.

We're gonna be working together.

She is not going to like this,
and she is no pushover.

Well, neither am I.

Hey, Dad.

Look what I've
been working on.

(Alex)
Oh, sweetheart, that's great.

You're getting good at that.

Hey, be careful
in the house.

Your dad, he used
to throw the football

all around inside
when he was your age.

Yeah, I broke three vases
and a window,

plus a picture frame
Grandma Dot doesn't know about.

Oh, yes, she does.

What?

You can't get
anything by her.

And then Henry
let us eat popcorn

while we sat
on the couch

and watched a documentary
on ninjas.

Ninjas are awesome.

More awesome than pirates?

Maybe it's a tie.

Hey, Mom, now that
you're HPG president,

do you get
Secret Service people

to be your bodyguards?

I wish.

Would you want that job?

You bet.

I'd take out
a bunch of bad dudes

with my ninja kicks.

Woo-tah!
Ya!

[laughs]

Well, that's
very impressive,

but this little ninja

needs to brush
his teeth before bed.

Oh, and if you're
using my laptop,

please bring it back
when you're done.

Okay.

Now that you're in charge,
are you gonna cancel sports?

No, honey.

I don't hate sports.

I just want the kids
to have other options.

Mom...

Yes, honey?

Never mind.

I love you.
Good night.

I love you too.
Mu-ah..

[gentle music]

♪ ♪

President?

This is
the best possible outcome.

Best?

Are you kidding me?

Now we don't have
to deal with the HPG.

- [sighs]
- You are the HPG.

Yeah, I'm only
half of it.

More than enough.

You can turn Sports Day
into whatever we want.

Maybe we could rename it
Hal Harrington Sports Day.

Trust me, my co-president
doesn't want

anything to do
with sports or me.

[phone chimes]

Oh.

And I guess I have
an HPG status meeting

at the school tonight.

Great.

Hope this meeting with Hal
doesn't take too long.

Just get through
these next two weeks,

and then you can quit,
easy peasy.

Guys, let's get to work!

Oh, my gosh.

Guys, hey!

Hi, Hal. Hi.

[laughing]
Guys.

Ha-ha!

I have an idea
for the campaign,

a couple of them.

I wrote them down.
I've never done that.

Ready?
Are you ready?

Cheerleading monkeys.

- Uh...
- Eh?

Right?

With the--and--
because they got the thing.

Imagine them like that
with the hairy legs,

- and they dance around.
- This is gonna take a while.

It's just like,
I'm thinking--[laughs]

Okay, well,
we don't have enough people

for A Midsummer
Night's Dream,

so I thought
maybe we'd start

with some
of Shakespeare's sonnets.

Who wants
to try reading one?

Oh, great.

Sarah, why don't
you go first?

Here.

Oh, sorry.

My soccer practice
got out early,

and this is usually where I wait
until my ride picks me up.

This is the drama club.

You can join us
if you want.

It's Emma, right?

Yeah, but I don't want
to disturb you.

We're reading poetry--
from a dead guy.

Isn't that cool?

That's one way
of putting it, and true.

Okay, Sarah, you want
to give that a try?

"Shall I compare thee
to a summer's day?

"Thou art more lovely
and more temperate.

"Rough winds do shake
the darling buds of May,

and summer's lease
hath all too short a date."

[applause]

That was great,
but I didn't get it.

That's okay, Morris.

Shakespeare's poems
can be pretty challenging.

Emma?

What I think he's saying

is that he's in love,

but he doesn't have the words
to tell her how he feels.

That's an excellent analysis.

Who else would like
to read a sonnet?

(Dorothy)
All right, Emma,
let's get the show on the road.

- Hmm.
- Can I stay?

We're doing Shakespeare.

I love Shakespeare.

Sure, yeah.

We have time.
Go ahead.

(Hal)
All right, all right, all right.

Monkeys are out.

What if--gosh.
[chuckles]

Oh, a tiger.

At a school?

Let's not be hasty, Alex.

Hear the man out.

Come on, tigers, right?

All right, come on,
let's think.

Right, tigers.

- [sighs]
- What does a tiger want, huh?

I really didn't mean
to barge in on your class.

This is where Emma usually
waits for me alone.

No apology necessary.

So I didn't know
you were a Shakespeare fan.

Well, I love his comedies.

I find his tragedies
just too depressing.

You know, the town theater
company's putting on

Much Ado about Nothing
starting tomorrow.

I have an extra ticket
if you have any interest.

I haven't been
to play in so long.

[laughter]

Oh, looks like
our time is up.

Great work, everyone.

So keeping
with our work on sonnets,

let's all write a poem
for next time.

Can it be about love?

Of course.

Can it be
about a werewolf?

I guess.

Just make it
from the heart.

All right,
that's it for today.

I'll see you guys
tomorrow.

Okay.

Oh, and, Oliver, you're staying
with Bobby's family

until the parents group meeting
is over, okay?

Yes!

Okay, love you, Mom.

See you later.

See you later.

Hey, thank you so much
for letting me stay.

That was really cool.

Sure, you're welcome
to stop by anytime.

Can I ask you something?

Of course.

I've never written
a poem before.

How do you do it?

The good news is that
there is no wrong way.

In fact, one of the reasons
I love poetry

is because
it's a great way

to express what
you're feeling inside.

It's a way of letting
your heart talk.

I never thought
of it that way.

Maybe I can come back
next time?

You're always
welcome here.

Thanks.

(Dorothy)
I better stay away
from you theater people.

Ah, here's my little--

Emma keeps me pretty busy
these days.

Can I let you know
about the play?

- Sure, of course.
- Okay.

- Bye, Mr. Canton.
- Bye, Emma.

Okay, the sauce
is done.

So what's on the homework
schedule for tonight?

Math, science,
little history?

I kind of want to work
on this poem.

Oh, a poem.

What's it about?

Um, I want to write
about Mom.

But I'm having trouble
remembering her.

I know, sweetie.

[door closes]
- I'm home!

Oh, hey, guys.

Hi, Emma.
Hi, Mom.

Dad, are you gonna
help me with my homework?

Oh, I can't tonight.

I just wanted
to come by for a sec

and see you before I go
to the HPG meeting.

You're gonna be asleep
by the time I'm home.

I got to go.
I love you.

Oh, Mom, do you know

where that gray sweater
of mine is?

[indistinct chatter]

Hey, guys,
sorry I'm late.

Just juggling family
and work

and trying
to have it all.

Alex Kramer,
half HPG president.

Yeah, we met.

I'm Mike Canton.
I'm representing the faculty.

Oh, right.
Yes, it's good to see you again.

You too.

And you already know
your co-president, Clara.

Oh, yeah, we're getting
to know each other real well.

Yep.

So, well, should we get
this party started, huh?

The first item
of business

is that
the HPG volunteers

have set the student drop-off
too close to the bus zone.

It's becoming
a safety issue.

I say we just get rid
of the buses, right?

Kind of road hogs anyway?

Yeah, so the children
whose parents

can't drop them off
just won't get an education.

I was joking.
It was--it was a joke.

I'll have the volunteers
move the drop-off

further down the street.

Um, next?

- Does anyone have an extra pen?
- Yeah. Oh.

The teachers have been
asking the school district

for a new digital projector
for over a year,

and the administration says

the money is in the budget
for next year,

but until then,
the old projector's broken.

We can't use it to teach
or show educational videos.

Projector?
What is this, like, 1982?

Shouldn't the kids be getting
multimedia presentations or--

Schools had more money
in 1982.

How much is
a new projector?

We had an estimate
for about $600.

Well, the HPG could move $400
from the emergency fund

if the school can
kick in the rest.

That's a great idea.

Yeah, I'll talk
to the principal.

They should be able
to work with that.

- Yeah.
- Yeah, that's good stuff.

Good--guys, teamwork, right?

[laughter]

Oh, nice.

Okay, so what's next?

Our bake sale fatigue
has knocked down profits

25% over last year.

Well, I am in marketing,

so I could probably
come up with--

Let's go from four days a month
to three

and see if that will help
the bake sale fatigue.

(Nancy)
Yeah.

All right, I think
we are done.

- Meeting adjourned.
- Thank you all.

- Great.
- What?

- Nice to have you on board.
- Perfect.

Yeah.

- Pleasure. My pen?
- Oh, right.

- Thanks.
- Yeah, thanks for--

Good to see you.

W--

You guys have a good night.

- Night, Clara.
- Bye.

Hey.
[chuckles]

You just rushed
through that meeting

and didn't even
listen to my ideas.

That's because they were
completely unhelpful.

Okay, I get it.

I've stepped
into your world,

and now you want to show me
who's boss, am I right?

No.

Okay, can I at least

get an explanation?

Fine, that was
a regular HPG status meeting.

We move through it fast because
we all have lives and jobs.

Yeah.

As co-presidents,
we're gonna have to be

in every meeting together,

but if you think
I'm gonna show you the ropes

or slow things down
for you, forget it.

Oh, okay, okay,
look, look, look.

You can't just steamroll me
like that.

I didn't join
the parents group

just to be a thorn
in your side.

I mean, I want to help.

Hmm, seriously?

Just tell me what
you want me to do.

Well, we need
these HPG fund-raising flyers

stuffed into these envelopes.

Are you--are you serious?

Hail to the chief.

Okay, fine.

How many flyers
do you want?

Only about 800.

800?

You can say no.

Of course,
if you don't do it,

that will invalidate
your HPG status

and you wouldn't
be president, so...

These will be ready
by tomorrow morning.

Have fun.

Oh, I will.

I will.

I can't feel my hands.

(Dorothy)
That Clara sure is
a firecracker.

[laughs]

Let me help you.

No, I said
I would do this,

and I'm gonna finish.

Oh, I get it now.

What's that supposed
to mean?

She embarrassed you.

Now you're competitive
about it.

You're acting like a child.

- I am not.
- Come on.

You've been doing this
since you were a toddler.

Someone would
show you up,

and you would dig your heels in
until you won.

And I always won,
didn't I?

Well, not with Trish.

[solemn music]

When you first met Trish,
you got into an argument

about some theory
in marketing class.

Yeah.

She schooled me
with so many statistics,

and my jaw just dropped open
after she was finished.

You were a good match.

She had the business sense,
so you could be creative.

How she was able
to run a business

and still be such a great mom
is beyond me.

Because her life wasn't
only about the work.

Why don't you take a break
for a bit?

Spend some time
with Emma.

I would really love to do that,
Mom, I really would,

but I don't think
the bank's gonna be okay

with me not
paying the mortgage.

This isn't about money.

Yeah, well, maybe it's not,
but this is Trisha's business.

This was her dream, and I owe it
to her to keep it afloat.

♪ ♪

[exhales]

I'm never gonna get
these envelopes done.

You know, I should've
just outsourced it

to the highest bidder.

Bidder...auction.

I think I have a great idea
for the bake sale.

Race you to class,
Oliver.

Oliver, don't run
in the hallways.

I swear, he's gonna
wipe out.

Speaking of wiping out,

making Alex stuff
all those envelopes

was a bit overkill,
don't you think?

No, if he wants to be
part of the HPG,

he should prove himself.

But we usually get
five volunteers for that job.

That poor guy probably had
to pull an all-nighter.

It's not like
he's gonna stick around

after he gets
his commercial done.

And if I can make him quit
before that, I win.

For somebody who hates sports,
you're awfully competitive.

(Alex)
And now, ladies and gentlemen,

item number 23 in our list,

this delicious
deep-fried jelly doughnut.

This sugar-kissed treasure

was imported all the way
from the 4th Street Bakery.

Now, no one knows what the
flavor of the jelly is inside,

except for
the highest bidder,

and we're starting with $3.

- I got $3.
- $3.

Margaret,
what's going on here?

Bake auction.

The food goes
to the highest bidder.

$4, cash money.

Yes, yes?

I hear 4.
Can I get 5?

- $5.
- 5.

To the smart mother
in the smart blouse.

Well, Clara, it's nice

to see someone in the parents
group still has good ideas.

- Got 6.
- Sold.

[gavel pounds]

$6 to the father
with three kids.

Sir, you need this
more than any of us.

[bell rings]

Oh, I guess that concludes
the bake auction for today.

Thank you.

Guys, come back next week,

because we're gonna be
auctioning off grades.

Kidding,
it's always pastries.

Hey, guys.

I saved you a few.

We didn't have
a bake sale scheduled.

Oh, I know.
It's a bake auction.

You can't just schedule things
on your own.

Everything has to be approved.

Oh, I thought co-presidents
weren't supposed to slow down

and explain things
when they had an idea.

This is not an idea.
This is a circus.

Not to mention you're blocking
the hallway to administration.

Well, so far,
we've made $211.

$211 in one bake sale?

Bake auction.

Oh, and plus...

800 stuffed envelopes
ready to go.

Hey, do you guys want me
to do anything else

to make the parent group
more awesome?

Because I could really get used
to this position.

[whistling]

He is awesome.

How do you think you did
on the math test?

- How was school?
- It was so good.

(Mike)
Great poems you all wrote.

See, you can all
be like Shakespeare.

We'll work on them
some more next time.

Mom, I think I left
my backpack in homeroom.

Okay, just come
right back, okay?

Okay, I will.

Emma, thanks for joining us
again today.

Oh, sure.

So I wrote a poem,

and I was wondering maybe
if you want to read it.

I would love to.

You should also show it
to Mr. Canton.

Oh, well,
it's kind of personal.

Okay.

[gentle music]

♪ ♪

Wow.

Emma, this is beautiful.

Come on.

I'm serious.
You should read it to the class.

What?
No way.

Has your dad seen this?

Oh, um, no.

He's so busy,
I just don't want to bother him.

I think
he would really love to see it.

I can't.

I have to go.

[sighs]

The actors who played
Beatrice and Benedick,

they had so much chemistry.

Yeah, Beatrice is one
of my favorite characters

because she's such
a wisecracker.

- I know!
- What else did you think?

Well, the music,
it was a little annoying,

but I thought that
the sets were beautiful.

It's so great talking theater
with someone who gets it.

Do you go to plays
when they come to town?

Whenever I can.

It's really nice to go
with someone

who appreciates
a good performance.

Huh.

You know,
I haven't told anyone this,

but the local theater company's
putting on Pygmalion.

Oh.

I'm going to audition.

I can totally see you
as Henry Higgins.

Actually, I was hoping that
maybe you'd help me run lines.

Me?

Yeah, it's nice to find
another theater aficionado.

Thanks.

[laughs]

Jeff, I'm gonna send you

some of these location photos
from Heartridge.

I think
Hal's gonna love it here.

Can you come in
and work on the script?

I'll be by in a little bit.

I just need to make sure I have

all the support I need
for the commercial.

Getting the HPG on board
shouldn't be a problem.

[camera beeps]

Call you back.

Kick it.

[grunts]

Whoa!

Whoa-ho-ho.

That was a nice kick.

Really?

I've been practicing
a lot on my own.

I'd love to be
on the soccer team.

Hey, why don't you try out?

My mom's not into sports.

I can show you a few things.

Now?

Yeah, it'll just take a second.

Let's do it.

All right.

Well, for a basic kick,

basically, you want to lock
your ankle and hit it

with the inside part
of your foot.

Give that a shot.

[grunts]

Hey, you did it.

All right,
that was awesome.

So just try and make sure

you're always square
to the ball,

and practice hitting it
with that part of your foot.

You'll get better real quick.

Nice.

[bell rings]

Oh, better get to class.

Heads up.

- Oh, I'll hang on to this.
- Okay.

You need to go
to class, young lady.

Mm.

Margaret, did you raid
your daughter's closet again?

Hal Harrington always has
cheerleaders in his commercials.

I need to show him
that my squad

deserves to be
front and center.

Wait a minute,
Hal's coming here today?

I didn't hear about that.

I ran into Alex earlier.
He told me.

But we haven't officially
approved the commercial yet.

Alex needs Clara
to sign off on it.

I'm so over HPG politics.

[line trilling]

(Clara)
Hey, Nancy.

Clara, did you know
that Hal Harrington

was stopping by today?

(Clara)
What?

What'd I say, Hal?

Isn't this
a great location?

This school has got
some amazing places to shoot.

[grunts]

(Jeff)
Um, Hal, what are you doing?

[groans]

When I get
to a new location,

I like to kick off my boots,
son, you know, feel the grass.

Connect to what's important.

- Okay.
- Yeah.

All right, well,
take a look around,

because in less
than two weeks,

we're gonna have
kids and parents

all playing sports
with your equipment.

And who's in the middle?

Alex, tell him
who's in the middle.

That'd be you, Hal.

Man of the hour.

When the camera
pushes in...

Yeah.

You give
your trademark smile,

and you say...

[gassy noise]

Oh, boy.

Should we be worried?

That sounded bad.

What was that?

[marching band playing]

♪ ♪

Come on, guys.

You have got
to be kidding me.

Well, hello there.

Clara, what is this?

Oh, just a little
marching band practice.

Well, mostly the drama club

with a couple members
of the marching band,

just one of those
spur-of-the-moment decisions.

Hi, I'm Clara Goodwin.

Oh, hi.

Hal...Harrington?

Hal Harrington, huh?

Huh?

Hal Harrington.
[laughs]

No?

Well, I got a coupon
for each one of you kids.

This is a--
this is quite a, um--

What would you
call this?

We're a band.

A band, okay.

Yup, and it's all thanks
to the HPG.

I'm the co-president
of the HPG, with Alex.

Oh, is that right?

Yeah, yeah,
that's right.

But you were
just leaving.

No.

We signed out the space
for our practice.

You didn't happen to go
to the front office

and reserve it in
the HPG request book, did you?

[chuckles]
I guess I didn't.

(Clara)
Yeah, yeah.

Well, you have to know
the ins and outs of the HPG

to know where to find that.

I guess we officially
have the field for today.

Band, please continue.

[band playing]

Sorry, Hal.

Anyway,
as I was saying...

- Hal?
- Yeah.

Where are you going?

Well, you riled up
a woman.

Fix this,
and then we'll talk.

Alex, fix this.

Okay.

[band playing]

♪ ♪

[upbeat music]

Okay, so the field
is definitely signed out

for the commercial.

- Mm-hmm, yes.
- Great.

- Thanks for your help.
- Mm-hmm.

- Hey, Oliver.
- Hey, Alex.

What you doing?

Returning the chess club
attendance sheet.

That sounds like
a load of fun.

Yeah.

Hey, can we practice
soccer again?

You know what,
I got a little bit of time.

Let's do it.

Yes.

[laughs]

What are we gonna
work on today?

You kick, or do you want
to go on goal?

Goal.

♪ ♪

You ready?

- Yup.
- All right.

Oh, good try,
good try.

That was good.

Good job, all right.

Now, we need to make sure
that the cleanup crew

for the science fair
is set by this weekend.

I don't want the janitors
freaking out like last year.

I can handle that.

Thanks, Nancy.

Also, I had an idea.

What if we did
a fund-raising gala?

We could do
a silent auction

and raise money
for the arts.

Yeah, that's a great idea.

By the way,
has anyone seen Oliver?

He was supposed to be working
on his science fair project.

He's on the soccer field.

What?

Uh, he's playing soccer
with Alex.

I thought you knew that.

No, but now I do.

This one is coming at you
with a little more heat.

Bring it on.

(Alex)
Whoa, nice save, bud!

Oliver!

Are you okay, bud?

Yeah, that was--

Uh-oh.

Uh-oh.

What are you doing?

Are you hurt?

Is anything broken?

I'm fine.

I caught the ball.

Did you see?

I saw, honey.

Wait for me
in Mr. Canton's room, okay?

Okay.

I'll be there in a minute.

Thanks, Alex.

You're welcome.
Good job, bud.

Got a little superstar
on your hands.

Who said you can play ball
with my son?

We--we were just
kicking around.

He could've been hurt.

He's not made
of glass, Clara.

Kids fall all the time.

That's why they make
those cute little bandages

with the cartoon characters
on them.

Band-Aids?

You're not the one who has
to spend all afternoon with him

in the emergency room.

I think
you're overreacting.

Me?

Is this how you're
getting back at me

for blocking
your dumb commercial?

Dragging my kid
into sports?

I didn't drag him.
He wanted to play.

You're the adult.
You could've said no.

This is a new low
for you.

Okay, you were the one
who humiliated me

in front of my client
with that marching band stunt.

That's different
than going after your family.

You know what?

I work for my family.

Maybe you work
a little too much.

What is that
supposed to mean?

Just that Emma
might need more from you

than just a paycheck.

I'm very involved
in my daughter's life.

Hmm.

Can you name any of the kids
in her class?

[scoffs]
Of course I can.

What, like, right now?

Sure, sure, yeah.

There's, you know, the one
with the, uh, uh, glasses

and then the one
with the kind of weird hair.

You know what?

Look, at least
I'm not overprotective.

You're so afraid that
Oliver is gonna get hurt,

you won't even let him
be a kid.

You have done nothing
but ruin the parents group,

and now you're telling me
how to raise my son?

I'm done.

[scoffs]
Oh, great.

[sighs]

[gentle music]

♪ ♪

Mom, are you mad
because I played soccer?

Of course not.

It's just
some grown-up stuff.

I had fun with Alex.

It was like when Dad
used to play catch with me.

I know you're upset,

and you're taking it
all out on Alex,

but I was the one
who asked him for help.

Oliver, I know
you really like Alex,

but you don't need
to cover for him.

I'm not.
I asked him.

I want to play soccer,

and he's willing
to help me out,

plus he's a great coach.

But what about the chess team
and the drama club?

Don't you like those?

I do, but I also
like soccer--a lot.

[sighs]
I know.

I just--

I just wouldn't
forgive myself

if anything happened to you.

It's just soccer.

It's not like I want
to jump out of a plane,

though that would be cool.

No, it would not.

Aren't you busy enough
with drama and chess?

I am, but you're
always saying

we should have balance
in our lives.

Well played, sir.

Well played.

(Alex)
I feel horrible.

I mean, this whole rivalry
with Clara

is just getting
way too personal.

Maybe this was bad idea.

You're over-thinking this.

The whole point of you
getting involved with the HPG

was to get
our commercial shot, right?

I know.

I just hadn't anticipated
going up

against someone as formidable
as Clara.

I've seen you persuade clients
to drop 20 grand on a website.

Getting a soccer mom to back off
shouldn't be so hard.

No, she's no soccer mom.

Right, she hates soccer.

Once the election is over,

Clara and the parents group
will be behind you.

I know.

Well, I'm picking up
Emma tonight.

And Clara volunteers
at the drama club,

so I'll go early and try
to sell her on this idea.

Our business depends
on this commercial.

I know.

[upbeat music]

♪ ♪

Shall I hear more,
or shall I speak at this?

'Tis but thy name
that is my enemy.

Thou art thyself,
thou not a Mont--

Montague?

Montague, Sarah.

Very well done, both of you.

Remember, we just want
to show people

how accessible Shakespeare is,

how he writes about things

that can be applied
to life today.

Thank you.

Who wants to go next?

Um, I think I'd like
to try reading my poem,

if that's okay.

I think that
would be great.

[exhales]

"They say I'm so young,
as if I can't know

"just how hard it is
for one to grow.

"Did they feel her touch?

"Did they hear her sing?

"Did they know the answers
to most everything?

"She was so soft
and so sweet all in one.

"We cooked, and we played,
and we danced a ton.

"Okay, so she's gone.

"And although it is tough,

"I still feel her warmth,

"and I still feel her touch.

"She's my mom forever and more.

I love you till the end,
forever adore."

[applause]

(Mike)
Emma, that was beautiful.

So very well said,

and you conveyed your love for
your mom in a magnificent way.

Thank you for sharing that
with us.

- I'll be right back.
- Okay.

(Mike)
Well done, Emma.

[sighs]

You okay?

Yeah.

Just, um, Emma's never--

I didn't realize
she was feeling that way.

We've never
really talked about it.

Well, you know,
sometimes it's easier

to express yourself
through writing or art

than to talk
about your feelings,

especially to a parent.

I guess I never really
thought of it that way.

It's one of the reasons

I push so hard
for the arts programs.

Everyone needs an opportunity
to express themselves,

even the jocks.

Well, Emma sure did.

I think she just wanted to know
it was okay to talk about it.

And she found her way
through poetry.

It really was pretty good,
wasn't it?

It was beautiful.

Listen, Clara.

I'm sorry.

I should not have called you
overprotective.

And I shouldn't
have embarrassed you

in front of Harrington

or said those things
about you and Emma.

We should just put
our differences aside

and let the parents group
vote on what's best.

I really do care
about this school.

Just give me a chance
to prove it.

There's no reason
we can't work together.

Look, um, I've got a sitter
for Oliver tonight,

and I'm going
to check out locations

for the fund-raising gala.

You can come with me,
if you want.

Sounds like more fun
than stuffing envelopes.

[chuckles]

All right, well, I'll--

I'll text you the address.

Cool.

[gentle music]

♪ ♪

[upbeat music]

♪ ♪

[sighs]

♪ ♪

Thanks for helping.

Mom, I realized something.

I've been neglecting
you and Emma.

And yourself.

Yeah, I guess.

Well, just recognizing that

is such a step
in the right direction.

I should talk to Emma
about her mother.

It's just so hard, Mom.

I know, sweetie.

Well, she's asleep now,
and I'm heading out

to check out those restaurants
with Clara tonight.

Okay.

Just be back by 10:00.

Why?

Because I'm going out.

You're going out
after 10:00?

Yeah.

Oh.

No big deal.

No.

No big deal at all.

(Clara)
Well, the food price seems okay.

Does that include beverages?

It sure does.

It's an excellent location.

And we can clear an area
for a dance floor.

It's included
in the rental fee.

Oh, I don't think
we can afford a rental fee

on top of the food.

We'll end up
with nothing leftover.

Let me talk to my partner,
see what we can do.

- Okay.
- I'll be right back.

- Great.
- Thanks.

Should we sit down?

Oh.

Here.

Oh, wouldn't have pegged you
for a gentleman.

- Eh, I have my moments.
- [chuckles]

So I had an idea.

The commercial shoot,
we're gonna need

all kinds of banners,
props, and music.

Right.

Well, instead of paying
some company to create all that,

why don't I just pay
the art groups to do it?

That would fund us
for the year.

And, in fact,
instead of Sports Day,

we can open it up
to all the clubs?

We could call it
Activities Day.

Do we have ourselves a deal,
Madam President?

Yes, we do,
Mr. President.

[laughter]

I'm so sorry.

(Carlos)
I can't waive
the rental fee.

We just lose so much business
by closing for the night.

- Oh.
- [sighs]

Well, um, Carlos,
here's the thing.

On the way over,
I checked out the website,

and I noticed that it was
a little out of date.

The menu's not posted.

Users should be able to make
online reservations.

I've been wanting to update
that website for years.

Well, what if my ad agency
threw in a free re-design

in exchange for waiving
the rental fee?

I think you have yourself
a venue for your gala.

Sounds good.

I'll draw up the contract.

You really do
have some talents.

A little bit.

[laughs]

This is great.

Yeah, it's actually
a really nice spot.

[upbeat music]

♪ ♪

(Alex)
All right, Heartridge students.

Let's keep up the good work.

We're on the home stretch.

Is this okay?

Perfect.

And if you need
any help with painting,

just talk
to the art club.

Oh, and if you have
any spelling questions,

just ask Mr. Canton, okay?

Okay.

Hello, Margaret.

Making a banner
for the cheer squad?

Yes, I think having the squad
work on a banner

is great for team-building.

Hey, it's--it's very...

sparkly.

The cheerleaders are really
the stars of the school.

We should have
the most sparkle.

Of course.

Good job, guys.

- Thanks.
- Thank you.

All right,
so far, so good.

I know, right?

Everyone seems to be
having a good time.

Oh, and, uh,

I got a little surprise
for the kids.

I ordered pizza.

You didn't have
to do that.

Well, I know,
but look at them.

They're working so hard,

and that's why
we're here, right?

Dad, I want to show Oliver
a couple of moves

on the soccer field.

Is that okay?

It's really up
to Oliver's mom.

Please, please, please?

Okay.

Okay?
Seriously, I can play?

How about tomorrow after school
we meet at the field,

and Emma and I
will show you a few moves?

You're coming too, Dad?

Yeah, I think I owe you
about 50 playdates, honey.

Thanks, Dad.

Wow.

I'm impressed.

[laughs]

I've never been
to a play rehearsal before.

Thank you for letting me
sit in.

Well, I have
ulterior motives.

You really have
a passion for theater.

Would you ever
think about

getting involved
in a production?

Me?

That would be fun,
but I have no experience.

Well, there are a lot
of ways to get involved.

It doesn't matter
what your background is.

No, no, no, no, no.

I don't--I don't--
I don't have the time, you know?

That's a shame.

You were really good.

Thanks.

I'm parked over here.

(Jeff)
Hal's on his way up.

I can't believe you left.

(Alex)
Well, he's two hours late
for our meeting,

and I told you, I'm playing
soccer with Emma after school,

and then I'm meeting Clara.

[knocking]

Hello.

What's up?

Hey, where's, uh,
where's your friend?

He had an emergency
at school,

but I've got him
on the phone.

On the phone?

I-I left Pilates.

Okay, well...

Hello, Alex.
What's your big idea?

Oh, hey, Hal.
All right, so here's the thing.

If we switch from a Sports Day
to an Activities Day,

we reach
a much broader audience.

Activities Day?

What--I don't--
what does that mean?

(Alex)
All right,
if you think about it,

if we have
only a Sports Day spot,

we're only limited
to a sports audience.

But with an Activities Day,
we get sports and arts.

(Hal)
No, no, no, no, no.

Son, my business is not called

Harrington's Arting Goods,
all right?

Oh, Hal, trust me
on this.

Once you see that your sales

have just skyrocketed
after this spot,

you're gonna be thanking me.

No, no, no, no,
he's not listening.

He's not listening.

Listen, I don't like
what I'm hearing right now.

Alex? Alex?

[laughs]
Whoo!

- Alex.
[line beeps]

I guess we lost him.

Yeah, well, I think
you are actually losing me.

I--look,
I'm a businessman, right.

My time is
very, very valuable,

and I hope that
I did not make a mistake

in trusting you.

You guys need to focus.

I need teamwork, synergy.

What is he--
he's not even here!

Get it together,
all right?

Yeah, just don't worry, Hal.

W-we--we're gonna focus.

[sighs]

[phone rings]

Yeah. Hello?

(Jeff)
Yeah, Alex, Hal left.
It's just me now.

Oh, okay, great.

Oh, and before I forget,

we need a quick web re-design.

We need to talk.

(Alex)
Oh, don't worry,
it's not gonna cost us anything.

I know a web designer
that owes me a favor, so...

(Jeff)
Not about that.

Hal isn't on board with
this whole Activities Day thing.

Jeff, just relax.

This is gonna work out.

And look, I got to go.

I'll talk to you tomorrow.
All right? See ya.

(Oliver)
Mom!

Hey, guys.

So Nancy is gonna take
you guys to get burgers

while we have a meeting.

- Burgers!
- Burgers?

Save me some.

Hey.

What's with
the sports gear?

I mean, I can't believe

you have time to work out
with your schedule.

I mean, you must.

You look great.

Thanks.

And--and I mean that

in a very professional,
you know, co-presidential way.

Oh, of course.

But I'm not
coming from the gym.

I thought if you could
show me some moves,

then I can kick around the ball
with Oliver sometime.

I think I can show you
some basics.

The object of the game
is to get it in the net.

That doesn't seem so hard.

Ah, the trick is,
you got to get it by me.

[laughs]
Oh.

Let's see what
you got, Goodwin.

All right, easy.

What you got?

- Oh!
- [laughs]

(Alex)
Oh, goal!

Now you got to--

You got to do
your game goal dance.

No fair, you let me
get that shot.

Yeah, I kind of did.

But I just wanted
to get you comfortable,

you know, build up
the confidence.

Next time, I'm not
gonna be so easy on you.

[laughs]

Well, watch out.

- Oh!
- Whoa, oh.

[laughs]

(Alex)
Well, first order is,
I got to eat something,

or else I'm not gonna be
any good to you.

[laughs]

Oh, I'm starving too.

Yeah, yeah.

- Yeah, and next we can--
- Oh.

Wow, you're really good.

Oh, please, no.

Yeah, and I've got the music

for the dance club
performance,

so I think we're ready.

Did you see
all the banners?

Didn't they
come out great?

I even like
Margaret's cheer squad one.

Yeah, they're gonna look
really good on camera.

Whoa, when I sound
more excited

about the commercial
than you do,

something's wrong.

It's just, Hal is having
second thoughts about the spot,

and I feel like
a new tagline would help.

What's the one
you have now?

Hal Harrington
Sporting Goods:

family great.

Oh.

You know,
moms tend to like grammar.

Well, you got
any brilliant ideas?

Well, how about...

Hal Harrington:

making sports
a family business.

Kind of sounds like his stores
are run by the mob.

It does not.

Come on over to the house,

and I'll give you
a really good deal.

Well, let's do this.

Where are you going?

You have helped me
and the HPG.

Maybe I can help you.

Let's brainstorm.

Alex Kramer: writing
taglines since forever.

Well, it can't get
any worse than that.

Really?

All right.

Well, it's a start.

That it is.
It's a start.

Hmm.

[sighs]

Okay, now I give up.

No.

We can't quit.

I know what it's like.

I have crazy deadlines
and impossible clients too.

But maybe this commercial
doesn't need a tag.

Oh, no, you've come up
with so many good ones.

We're close.

You said that a while ago.

Now, we're even closer.

Well, we should have the word
"family" in it.

Now we just need the rest
to make it a winner.

[Clara sighs]

That's it.

Winner.

Clara, you're brilliant.

I am?
What did I say?

Listen to this.

Hal Harrington:

where family
is always the winner.

I like it.

Just like?

Okay, I love it.

Ha-ha!
We did it!

Sorry.

Oh, that was
just excitement.

About the line.

About the line,
of course.

Yeah, it's a good line.

Well, I think the good news is,
we're ready for the shoot.

Shh, don't tell anyone.

If we're not fighting,
they'll get confused.

Yeah,
wouldn't want that.

[phone chimes]

Oh, sorry.

Oh, it's Nancy.

(Clara)
What?

How did that happen?

There's been a small flood
in the storage room.

We lost some
of the banners.

Oh, man, well,
we need those banners.

I guess we're gonna
have to make more?

And the kids worked
so hard on them.

Okay, how are we
gonna fix this?

Well, we're gonna
have to use

the world's oldest form
of labor.

Family.

So you just need to keep
the ball balanced on your foot.

You try.

I got this.

Oh.

See, I'm a pro.

[laughter]

(Alex)
Nice job.

You know, I could teach you
how to do that one day, Clara.

All right.

Break time is over.

Help Nancy out with
those balloons, will you?

I'm starting
to hate balloons.

Well, you loved them
when you were a baby.

So did your mom.

Really?

Yeah.

Your mom loved
red balloons.

She went crazy for them.

You know, if we had
an argument, your mom and I,

I wouldn't buy her
flowers afterwards.

I would get her
a dozen red balloons.

That's so cool.

And you loved them too.

I remember the night before
your fourth birthday.

Your mom and I
stayed up all night

and we filled your entire
room with red balloons.

Then when you woke up
in the morning,

you were so excited,
you didn't want to leave.

And we tried everything,
but you were pretty stubborn.

So we had the party
right there.

We ate cake
and opened presents

in a room full
of red balloons.

Well, I think
I remember that.

We all stayed in your room
that night,

and your mom and I
watched you sleep.

It's one of my favorite
memories of our family.

I didn't remember any of that
until you told me the story.

Thank you, Dad.

You're welcome, sweetheart.

Last of the banners
are being put away,

and the kids
are devouring cookies.

I would've grabbed you some,
but I would've lost an arm.

[chuckles]

That story about
the balloons was beautiful.

Trisha sounds like
an amazing woman.

Yeah, she was.

When she passed away,
it was...

it was hard on both of us.

I wish I had been there
more for Emma,

but I didn't realize
how hard it hit me.

I just buried
myself in work.

Trisha and I, we built
that business together,

so it's my way of staying
connected to her.

How did Emma
stay connected?

I guess I didn't
really give her a way.

And then when my mom moved in,

it was just easier for me
to keep working.

So you wouldn't feel
the loss as much.

When I heard Emma reading
that poem about her mom,

it just--it hit me.

I'm better at communicating with
my clients than my own daughter.

Emma is really talented.

She has a knack
for expressing emotions.

Yeah.

And I didn't even know it.

Now you do.

She didn't want
to show you that poem

until it was ready.

It's not too late to get
more involved in her life.

Thanks.

And thanks for bringing her
into the drama club.

She's a natural.

And Oliver, he's got
some serious soccer skills.

- [laughs]
- I hate to tell you.

How do you feel about
him being on the team?

Ugh, I don't know.

All right, what is it
with you and sports?

I've always been
a worrier.

The one good thing
about my ex, Chad,

is, he kept me
more balanced.

But Oliver is
all I have now.

So I'm more
over-protective than ever.

I grew up
with a single mom.

It was hard for her
to let go.

I think it still is.

Deep down, I'm worried
that he misses the bond

he had with his dad.

I try to be both parents,
but when I see him with you,

I--I'm not sure I'm doing
so well in the dad side.

Oliver thinks
the world of you.

- No.
- I can see it.

You work so hard,
but you still make him priority.

You're a good mom, Clara.

I'm learning a lot from you.

Thank you.

I should get going.

Tomorrow is a--is a big day.

We have the runoff election,

and then the next day,
the Activities Day

and the commercial.

Yeah, I'm gonna have
the crew in there

first thing in the morning
putting up the banners.

I never thought
I'd see the jocks

and the artists work
together so well.

I know.

Thanks, Alex.

For what?

For reminding me that
partnership can work.

Yeah, I'm gonna get going,
and take Emma home.

Yeah, yeah.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Yeah, I'll see you.

First thing
in the morning.

[poignant music]

♪ ♪

So...good day?

Good day.

It was nice to hear
you talk about Mom.

I owe you a lot more
stories about her.

It's okay, Dad.

I think we're both ready to
start talking about her again.

Well, I can tell you
she was an amazing woman.

And people talk
about finding the one.

And I was lucky to find my
true love so early in life.

So does that mean you
only had one true love

in your whole life?

Um...

I don't really know.

I mean...

I think that...

♪ ♪

(Jeff)
Looking good, yeah.

A little higher, this side,
yeah.

Sorry.

Yeah.

[indistinct chatter]

- Jeff.
- Alex.

What's going on?

I'm glad you're here.

Should the banner be
in front of Hal or in back?

Where are the banners
the kids made?

Hal didn't like the direction
you were taking the campaign.

He tried to tell you
a bunch of times,

and you didn't listen.

And it was your job
to make sure

that he stayed on board
and understood our vision.

Clara's never gonna
go for this.

She won't have a choice when
you win the election tonight.

What are you talking about?

(Jeff)
If she wins tonight,

she can still
stop the shoot tomorrow.

So I've recruited Margaret
and all the sports parents.

They'll all be there tonight
voting for you.

You're a shoe-in.

Then Activities Day
is out the window?

I know you don't
want to be stuck

with this silly
parents group,

but once the shoot's over,
you can quit

and give it all back
to what's-her-name.

Wow, Alex.

I give you credit.

You really know how to--

how to take advantage
of people to get what you want.

Listen, Clara, this is not
what it looks like.

No, I think this is
exactly what it looks like.

You know what?
You win.

You get the HPG
and the commercial.

Congratulations.

Clara, wait.

Let her go.

Jeff, this is really bad.

And going behind my back?

What terrible thing
have I done?

Save the commercial?

Got your kid's school
free sports equipment?

Stopped you from becoming
parent of the year

at the expense
of our company?

Well, maybe there are
more important things

than our company.

This was our dream,
remember?

Trisha's dream.

Don't, Jeff.

(Jeff)
TAJ Marketing.

That's Trisha, Alex, and Jeff.

We started this together.

(Jeff)
Trisha sacrificed so much
for our company.

And if she were here,
she'd do whatever it took

to keep us from going under.

If we lose Hal,

everything the three of us built
will be over.

Is that what she
would have wanted?

[sighs]

Hi, Mike, I got your text.
Is this a bad time?

Great time.

Thank you, Dot,
come in, come in.

(Mike)
I got a couple of minutes
before class starts.

Have a seat, please.

I have a surprise for you.

- Really?
- Yeah.

Four-wheel drive,
automatic transmission?

Now that
Hal Harrington's money

is going to
all the clubs

and it looks like
the athletic schedule

is gonna ease up a bit,

we can actually put on
Midsummer Night's Dream.

(Dorothy)
That's great, Mike.

So I get free tickets?

I can do you one better.

I want you to volunteer
for the play

and be part
of the production.

- What?
- Yeah.

I spoke to the principal
and everyone involved,

and they would all love
for you to do it.

There's just no way.

There's no way.

Alex and Emma,
they really just--

they really need me, so...

Dorothy, it may not
be my business,

but when I look
at Alex and Emma,

I see a father and a daughter
trying to find each other.

Maybe it's time
to step back and let them.

Well, they need me.

They do.

So, if you'll excuse me,
Mike, I...

(Nancy)
Hey.

What happened?

Seems my sensitive and
thoughtful co-president

is actually a lying,
opportunistic worm,

and we're back
to Sports Day tomorrow.

What?

You're kidding.

Nope, the student banners
are gone.

It was all just a ploy
to get his commercial shoot,

and we were merely pawns
in his elaborate scheme.

I can believe this.

This doesn't sound
like Alex.

Believe it.

He's getting Margaret
to bring her sports moms

to the vote tonight.

He'll win by a landslide.

I should have known better
than to trust him.

Don't beat yourself up.

Listen, you have more fans
out there than you realize.

What about the band parents
and the drama parents

and the geology parents?

We have a couple of hours
to mobilize our posse.

It's not enough, Nancy.

It's the only shot
we have.

Come on, Clara,
you have to fight this.

[exhales]

Ugh, I've had a terrible day,

and I sure could--
well, hello to you.

Where's she going?

With me.

It seems our friend Clara
needs some help tonight.

So we're gonna go there.

So you're not on my side?

Alex, you crushed
those kids

who worked on the banners,

and you went back
on your word to Clara.

What's gotten into you?

Mom, listen,
you have to understand.

This is about saving my company.

I am not buying that.

Your business has always
had ups and downs.

You are scared.

Maybe I am scared of losing

the company that I built
with Trisha.

You're not remembering
Trisha very well.

(Dorothy)
I was at Emma's party too.

What did you do with the
balloons at the end of it?

We went outside
and let them go.

And what did Trisha say?

She said that
letting the balloons go

and watching them fly
was the most beautiful part.

I've got to get to school.

[door shuts]

[dramatic music]

♪ ♪

I'm driving.

Look at all of
Margaret's soccer moms.

They're with
Team Alex for sure.

Mm.

(Margaret)
My ears are burning.

[laughing]

Clara Goodwin,
look at you.

Why so serious?

Maybe HPG president
is a little much for you.

Margaret, I know you're
gonna vote for Alex,

but you should know
that he's doing this

for all the wrong reasons.

Sweetie, I know you tried
the whole balance thing,

but this is
a sports school,

so let's just make
this painless tonight

and get back to
business as usual, okay?

[chuckles]

I can't believe
this is gonna happen.

You're not giving up.

That's not
the Clara I know.

[solemn music]

♪ ♪

How about this
turnout, Alex?

We have got this
in the bag.

I wouldn't be so sure.

Oh-ho-ho-ho.

Hal?

Look at this.
Hey.

What are you
doing here?

Well, I heard there's
gonna be a vote.

I'm pretty excited
about it, huh, huh?

Yeah, there's gonna be
some fireworks.

[gavel pounding]

Attention, everyone.

[gavel pounding]

(Margaret)
Attention.

Attention!

[gavel pounding]

Hello, I'm past president
Margaret Dell.

[applause]

Thank you.
Oh.

Thank you so much.

So tonight I'll be
officiating the meeting

with Nancy Gander
counting the votes.

Well, we all know
why we're here.

Should we just
get it over with?

Actually, Margaret,

I would like to say a few things
if--if I could.

Well, I don't see why not.

[Margaret chuckles]

[applause]

[microphone whining]

Oh, sorry.

Hi.

Well, as you know,

two weeks ago, I was elected
as HPG co-president.

But the truth is...

I ran for all the wrong reasons.

I didn't really care about
bake sales or drama clubs,

or even soccer teams.

All I really cared about
was selling an ad campaign

to that man sitting over there.

[laughs]

Okay.

What in the world
is he doing?

And I would like
to apologize to everyone

for being elected
under false pretenses.

But school is about learning,

and over the last few weeks
I've learned a lot,

like that the HPG is a lot more
than fund-raising.

It's about family.

It's about community.

It's about,
most importantly, balance.

Balance between parents
and the teachers,

sports and arts,

business and family.

And I realized that
my life's been out of balance.

And if it wasn't for
a few very special women,

I might have missed out
on that lesson.

So, effective immediately,

I am resigning
as HPG co-president,

and Clara Goodwin is officially
your president.

[cheers and applause]

You can't.
We have to have a vote.

You have to
be president.

Actually, no,
we don't have to vote.

According to the bylaw,

if there's two people running
and one resigns,

the other one is
automatically president.

Am I right, Madam President?

[applause]

Come on.

You didn't have to do this.

Yes, I did.

This is your job.

And I have to let go
of a few things

to make room
for some new ones.

- [mumbles]
- Wait.

What about Sports Day?

Well, as I recall...

it's called Activities Day,
am I right?

[applause]

That's what kids wrote
on the banners,

so that's what
it's gonna be.

If you do this--

if you do this,

you're all throwing away
a fortune in sporting goods.

No.

No.
[chuckles]

No, no, no, they're not.

You're crazy,
you're crazy.

Because--and let me
tell you why.

I look at--come here,
Madam President, huh?

[applause]

Look, I look out
and I see

a bunch of people who really
care about Activities Day,

am I right?

(Hal)
Okay, and I see a lot of parents

who want to see the arts
side-by-side with sports.

- Yes!
- That's right.

And--and so, Hal Harrington
Sporting Goods,

effective immediately,

will have an arts section
in our stores,

[cheers and applause]

Oh, and more importantly,

we're shooting
a commercial tomorrow!

All right.

And I have coupons.

[cheers and applause]

(Alex)
See, I told you
it would work out.

You always say it will,

and one day, maybe
I'll actually believe you.

- Hey!
- This is amazing!

It's great.

Hey.

So, good day?

The best.

I love you, Dad.

I love you too,
sweetheart.

Oh.

I am so proud of you.

Trish would be
so proud of you.

Thanks, Mom.

Mike?

Oh, sorry.

Oh, Dorothy...
look, I'm--I'm so sorry.

I over-stepped boundaries,
and I want to apologize.

Stop, please.

It's me who needs
to apologize.

Are you still
looking for someone

to help out
with the play?

The job is yours.

Can we go shopping?

Sure.

For props?

No, to find some clothes

that bring out
the color of your eyes.

You noticed my eyes?

I've noticed
a lot of things,

but, anyway, we could
maybe talk about that over--

over that dinner you've
threatened to take me on?

Sure.

[poignant music]

[poignant music]

♪ ♪

We've got to stop
meeting like this.

Why?

That would just
be normal.

[laughs]

Um...

Alex...

Listen, Clara.

I've been a bit
of a coward.

What are you
talking about?

What you did up there
took so much courage.

I'm not talking
about the HPG.

I'm talking about you.

Oh.

It's true that we can
let our past define us

if we're not careful.

You're quite the wordsmith,
aren't you?

I've been working on that
for a really long time.

[laughs]

But...

I think that I'm ready

to seek out that balance.

I mean,
I know I am ready,

if you are.

[laughs]

[laughs]

I like your pitch.

You really know
your target audience.

[swelling string music]

♪ ♪

(Clara)
I need the two of you
to work concessions.

Christy, you're
in charge of recycling.

All right.

Hey.
How are you holding up?

Oh, frazzled, overwhelmed,
exhausted.

I got you a present.

Oh, thank you.

So now I'm officially
a sports mom?

Look on the back.

Aw, sports and arts.

I got it.

I'll wear it today.

What are you doing hanging
around the parents group?

Don't you have
a commercial to shoot?

Yes, I do.

Wish me luck.

(Alex)
Let's gather the troops.

It's show time.

All right, everybody.

Ready?

(kids)
Yeah!

(Hal)
Hey, what about this?

I don't know about
what I'm wearing.

It's not very flashy.

(Hal)
It's kind of pedestrian.

Then we're all
on the right track.

- Yeah?
- Oh, yeah.

All right.

- Jeff?
- Camera's ready.

Kids?

(kids)
Yeah!

All right, let's do it.

(Jeff)
Hal Harrington commercial,
scene one, take one.

Ready, places,
and...action.

Hey, folks, it's Hal Harrington

of Hal Harrington
Sporting Goods,

where we're not
just about sports anymore, no.

Now we are a full-service
activities super center.

Ho-ho!

[practicing music]
- If your kids are into music...

Shall I compare thee
to a summer's day?

[laughing]
Bravo.

The arts,
or whatever they do,

they're gonna need stuff.

Huh?

Huh?

Hey, so come on in to one
of my many super stores.

We'll get 'em moving
and having fun,

because at
Hal Harrington Sporting Goods,

fun is our G-O-A-L.

(Hal)
This is gonna be good.

(Emma)
Go, Oliver, you can do it!

(Hal)
This is gonna be good.
Oh, yeah!

[crowd cheering]

(Hal)
Come on, buddy!

[cheering]

Hal Harrington Sporting Goods:
where family is always a winner!

And cut!

Guys, that was fantastic.

[laughter and cheering]

Mom, Mom, they want me
on the soccer team.

Can I join?

Of course you can.

(Oliver)
Yay!

[chuckles]

So, this is what
you're good at?

At least we finally
found out.

Ouch.

First full day as president,
you already have an attitude?

What, are you gonna put me
on clean-up duty?

Lucky for you, that position's
already been filled.

[upbeat music]

[laughter]

You know, we could talk
to that used cars salesman,

does all those TV commercials,

maybe give the HPG
a new bus for field trips.

I could call him if you want.

You are just full
of great ideas.

[Hal and kids cheering]

I think this is the best one.

[romantic music]

(Hal)
Right?
Oh, yeah!

[cheering]

(Hal)
That was great.
Come here.

(Hal)
Come on!

Oh!
Whoo!

(Hal)
We did it, I'm telling you.

That's great, that's great.

[cheering]

(Hal)
I don't know what you did, huh?

You, you, get over here.

[poignant music]

♪ ♪

[upbeat music]

♪ ♪