Original subtitles

Hello.

Great, Liam.

Thanks, Misty.

Not in the hallway, thank you very much. Addison, Addison, the photocopier is

down again. Is there any room in the quarterly for us to... Phil, we're at

point where we have to start bending back staples and reusing them. Oh,

We'll be underwriting with quills by year's end. As long as you make your

Three in a month gets you picking up garbage at recess.

Caffeine angel.

Christmas bun? Yep.

Hint of cinnamon?

Soy milk?

Check.

Thank you, Judy.

I know I'm a pain.

No, I'm sure a lot of people change their coffee routine with the season.

And major holiday.

Well, I thank you.

Don't forget there's a budget call at 11, okay, Addy? Yep.

Do you want?

I know enrollment is down a little, but our test scores are among the best in

the district.

Forcing these kids to bus an hour away will kill any chance they have for after

-school activities.

Closing the school is short -sighted, in my opinion.

Thank you for your time, Superintendent McKenzie.

Good timing, Jude. I didn't want you to lose your job today.

It's your anniversary.

The year to the day since Mark and I broke up. Come on, sweetie.

Tonight it's you, me, a whole bunch of chicks, let's go. We make Christmas

decorations. I don't have any glue sticks for the glue gun.

Got you covered.

What would I do without you, Jude?

I appreciate your help, Phil.

Yeah, well, everyone's prep time's been cut.

While you're replaced by robots or instructional videos because they don't

sick days.

I'd be surprised if we'd make it through the year.

Sorry, I didn't mean to sound so pessimistic. It's just rumors are

Which is why I'm counting on you to do your best under the circumstances.

About what's best for the kids, right?

Dylan Davidson.

Anyhow, in other news, Jude, you're still organizing the staff secret Santa?

You betcha. Same deal, $20 max.

No re -gifting this year.

Good one, David.

Did we go here with that? High school, too.

And apparently they were quite close.

Close, close?

I'm not one to gossip about my bestie. Really?

Well, if I were to theorize... Oh, hypothetically. Of course.

He'd be the one that got away.

How long, girl?

Three weeks filming, Dylan.

What's the director's name again?

Gaston LeBourne. It's supposed to be pretty good. It's a French production.

Sean Bulgari with a Czech crew. Be like working at the UN.

What happened at Seascape 6?

You didn't want to do 5 and you were replaced.

Last couple movies you did, they bombed. You mean underperformed.

Just do the gig, Dylan. Be good exposure for you. Was it in English?

Well, maybe this is where you're at career -wise. A lot of people would

getting paid to do a movie in Europe would be like a dream come true. You

to. It's not about the money, Garth.

It's about the work.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Look, those meteor rolls are not coming in right now. It is what it is. It has

been pretty quiet.

Ooh.

Garth Turnbull here.

Yeah.

Different direction.

Different look.

Someone with a lot more heat.

Well, I can't help but think that you're making a mistake. My guy would have

just killed that role.

Okay, then. I'll talk to you later. All right, bye.

I went with that other guy, you know, the one with the show.

The one with the talking dog?

Mm -hmm.

He's good.

Him or the dog?

Not funny. Look, it's not as if you're going out of your way to snooze or take

advantage of the social media.

Many coaches hated that.

My low -profile ways.

She's taking it anyway. About how you'd think.

You've got to stop dating models.

I know.

I need someone with substance.

You need someone that you can talk to.

Someone I can talk to.

Someone that can make your eyes light up.

I appreciate the help, Addie. I know how crazy things are for you at the moment.

Oh, I love helping, Dad.

I love when I go home and my clothes still smell like Christmas trees.

Have you picked out your tree yet? No.

Well, that's not like you at all. I don't have time to properly decorate it,

I can't just have it sitting in the living room naked.

No, you can't do that.

Oh, I saw somebody today.

Yeah? Yeah, Mark was here.

How'd he look?

Oh, fine, I guess.

No massive weight gain? No.

Still has all his hair?

Yeah. No humpback -like growth?

No, no humpback -like growth.

Was he by himself?

Well, not exactly.

Not exactly with who?

Uh, D .B. Lockard.

Huh?

Great. Yeah.

Yeah. That's really great.

Did they look happy? I'm sorry. You know, I shouldn't even have mentioned

Should I be making hot chocolate right about now? Yes.

That would be lovely.

He wasn't the one.

He wasn't, was he?

And you were too good for him.

I was, wasn't I?

Two marshmallows?

Yes, please.

Here

you go.

Do we have a meeting? No, we got a problem.

It's Monique.

Now what?

She's writing a book.

Okay, someone's ghostwriting the book, but they're talking to unnamed sources.

How worried should I be?

Booking afternoon talk shows. Nothing late, not yet, but getting out of L .A.

for a little while would be best. Just while she's trying to stir things up.

Well, where would I go? I don't know.

What about getting me behind the camera?

Some indie work.

You mean like directing?

Yeah, is it so crazy? After being the bane of directors for so many years, now

you want to be one?

Yeah. Shape the clay instead of being the clay. No, poetry's not in your

But directing, not a bad idea if you're willing to start small.

How small?

Okay.

It's a wonderful elf.

I know that directing a play isn't exactly in your wheelhouse, Phil, but I

you'll do a great job.

No other volunteers, huh?

Not a one. But I volunteer you.

There's a literature conference in Florida that I could get a lot out of.

March. We're still a going concern in March. I'd give it a definite maybe.

Slightly better odds than the lotto?

No.

Mr. Johnson is going to need a lot of cooperation to make this play work. I'm

counting on you to keep the other kids focused.

No one listens to me, Miss Kate.

Remember, you don't have to be loud to be heard, Liam.

Leading by example seems more your style.

If you take it seriously, the other kids will too.

It took a lot of courage to step up and do this. I'm trying to step outside my

comfort zone.

A little bit.

Good for you.

Mission City, SOS.

How did it go with the kids today?

Oh, kids understand.

There's just a lot going on in the world right now. And what about yours?

Are you going to do any dating before the New Year? Where's that guy at the

bookstore? No, no, my heart's not in it. Well, the rest of you could be.

No New Year's Eve kisses two years in a row?

Ouch! Sorry.

Don't give up, okay?

Anything for you.

Good things can still happen.

I know.

Speaking of, how'd you do with the phone blip?

Every member of Congress I tried to get a hold of was already on holiday.

Those people don't work. My highlight was when a nice lady from Senator

Pearson's office gave me a recipe for nutmeg logs. Ooh.

Interesting. Well, I'm going to need that recipe.

You think it's too late for a bake sale? We sold the muffin tins for pencils,

remember?

I've got to go to choir practice.

Hit some high notes for me. La, la, la, la, la.

Ooh, Mission City, SOS.

Addie, I'm just checking the connections here. Can you tell me if you see

anything? Nope.

How about now?

No.

Now?

Oh, Dylan Davidson.

I'm sorry, was that a yes? Yeah, yeah.

Yeah.

You never really get over your first big crush.

You're lucky you was with Mom.

Yeah, then I was.

So what's going on at the school?

Parent and community groups are working more than I have a right to expect right

before Christmas.

We're going to do it.

Well, that's the spirit.

I'm hoping for a Christmas miracle.

Well, I think you're about due.

You can say that again.

I think you're about due.

Well, you've got to start somewhere.

Hey, Addie. Judy, I've got an idea. Can you come in early tomorrow?

Will there be cinnamon buns?

With extra icing.

All right, then.

Shut the door, Addie.

This isn't going to be pretty.

I might need to reapply my makeup.

So, your grand plan is to get Mission City alumnus Dylan the Dream Davidson,

man who broke your heart in senior year, to direct the Christmas play. Thereby

creating publicity and overall social awareness for our and his school's

economic crisis.

And you're basing this on what exactly?

Six girlfriends all over social media. His career's in the dumpster. He needs

positive publicity and he owes me.

Does he know he owes you, or is this some kind of karmic piggy bank thing

you invented?

Might be a politely poor -thun karmic aspect to it.

Okay, if that's all we got.

Believe me, that's all we've got.

Hi, Dad.

Hi, Bill.

He says hi.

What's up? Everything okay?

Oh.

Okay, um, thanks for letting me know.

A friend of my dad's down at County Hall told him they've started the tendering

process to sell the school outright.

Thought I should know sooner than later.

So it's a done deal?

Not quite, but it's getting close.

I

got

his number.

Amazing.

Yes, good morning. I am looking for Dylan Davidson's manager.

Well, this is the number that's listed.

Okay. It's Principal Addison Tate of Mission City Middle School reaching out

alumnus Dylan Davidson.

When can I expect a call back? It's very, very important.

This is life or death for our school.

No, not literally.

Yes, I'd appreciate that.

Thank you.

Well, maybe next week. They said he's filming a pilot.

It's a business lie.

Like the checks in the mail.

Was that his publicist?

It was.

May I?

Wow, you have some experience doing this.

Well, in a need -to -know world, I need to know.

And voila.

That is Dylan's manager, Garth Turnbull. His email address and cell phone

number. Hey, Potbell.

Mm -hmm. I'll leave you to it.

You have some telephone calls to make, Principal Tate.

Thank you.

Dialing for dollars?

Cut thing.

Heard of Mission City Middle School?

It's my old grade school.

How'd they get my number?

I don't know.

Maybe that's some swag for an auction or something.

All right.

You gonna answer that?

No, I'm gonna let my voicemail handle that.

Garb Turnbull here. Please leave a message after the beat.

Hello, this is Principal Addison Tate from Mission City Middle School. If Mr.

Davidson would be interested in taking some time out of his busy schedule, we

could certainly use his expertise in directing our school play.

And it might help save the school in the process.

So if you could give me a call back to discuss, I'd really appreciate it.

Voice sounds really familiar.

What did she say her name was?

No, that part was garbled.

And I couldn't make it out.

Garb Turnbull here. Please leave a message after the beat.

Hello, Mr. Turnbull. It's Addison Tate, the principal at Mission City Middle

School, calling again.

Um, just in regards to your client, Dylan Davidson, directing our school

if you could call me back, I'd really appreciate it. Garth Turnbull here.

leave a message after the beat.

Oh, uh, hi, uh, Mr. Turnbull. It's Addison Tate. Can I call you Garth? I

it really feels like I should be able to call you Garth, seeing as I've heard

your voice so many times. Call me back, please.

Addison Tate here, if I didn't mention that already. It's Addison Tate.

Addison Tate here. Just asking for Dylan's help to save our school.

That's it in a nutshell.

Hollywood star saves old middle school.

It's a great headline.

Can you just call me back, please?

Please.

No, I'm not getting enough of a response on Twitter.

This book will never get off the ground.

Something juicy?

Yeah. That's just it. There's nothing juicy.

Dylan is what he is. He's a decent guy. No dirt.

Salacious?

No, he doesn't drool.

Maybe a little in his sleep. Why, would they want that in a book?

Good.

I'll think of something else.

Now, let's see.

What? That does... I can't believe Monique would even post that. I know. We

rehearsing for a part I didn't even get. It was totally out of context.

What's the reaction been?

It's not good. PR firms saying the same thing, that negative traction is

negative traction.

Still nothing?

What, are you going to try again?

I don't know. Here, let me call.

I'll do it.

Wait, how many times have you called?

Counting this time?

34? He's going to think you're a stalker. No, he won't.

He already knows I'm a stalker.

It's so much easier keeping tabs on her when we're together.

Unchecked, she's like a blonde tornado, and you're like a trailer park.

Thanks.

Oh, it's the old grade school calling. Let's just give him a gracious no.

Put it on speaker.

Garth Turnbull here. How can I help you?

Hello.

This is Addison Tate.

I'm the principal here at Mission City Middle School. I was actually hoping

we could help each other. I've left you a few messages.

Yeah, I got them.

So, what's in it for Dylan?

Well, Dylan was recently the recipient of some pretty bad, totally

unsubstantiated publicity.

Saving his hometown school from the wrecking ball might be just the ticket

combat that negative press.

Oh, she's good.

Is this really Addie Tate?

I don't know what we're doing. What did we get to lose?

Hello? Addie?

That's Dylan.

Hello?

Hi!

Yes, yes.

Madison Tate.

Wow. It's great to hear from you. You're still as articulate as ever.

Let me hand it.

Miss Tate, we would like to accept your offer, and Dylan will direct your school

play. Thank you. Thank you so much. You have no idea what this will mean to the

kids. Hey, Addie, is Robinson's Bakery still around?

I'll have a dozen chocolate chip cookies waiting.

Yeah, and what's the weather like?

Um, it's, uh, Just like spring, huh? Balmy 38 today. Okay, that sounds very

spring -like.

When did you need Dylan there? Yesterday.

How Thursday?

Thursday is great.

I'll send you my email. I just sent you an itinerary. Of course you did.

Hey, Addie, I can't wait to see you.

We'll see you Thursday. Thank you so much.

I can't wait to see you, too.

You, too.

I can't wait to see you. Look at you, man.

Hi.

Morning, sunshine.

Oh, I don't feel much like sunshine at the moment.

I think that I did something that I may regret.

Okay, well, now you gotta spill it.

A hint of cinnamon?

Yeah. And soy milk.

And?

I got Dylan Davidson to agree to direct our Christmas play.

Wow. Really?

You think that'll work?

I don't know.

But I had to try.

And if they closed the school, I'd just be kicking myself.

Well, how do you feel about Dylan coming back?

Fine. It was a long time ago.

I doubt he even remembered.

You're killing me. I don't even have time to go to the gym.

They're waffles.

You have a power bar for lunch and you have a salad with lean protein for

dinner. It's all about balance.

How can you turn waffles into a life lesson and dietary advice?

It takes practice.

Nicole? Oh, yeah, yeah.

Dylan Davidson, what's it like being back in your hometown?

Well, I literally just got in.

But it's great to be back in Mission City and to have the opportunity to give

back to the community.

But really, this is Mission City Middle School Principal Addison Tate. And you

and Principal Tate are? We're old classmates.

But we lost touch after I went to theater school.

Okay. Thank you.

It's that time of year when Santa comes to bring that cheer.

He ain't coming by boat or plane.

He's loaded down with candy canes. I only hope he keeps one open

seat. Oh, yeah.

Come on, Santa.

Bring the toys.

All the presents for the girls and boys.

All the things I need. Come on, Santa.

Thanks.

I'll be right with you.

Just want to take care of a few of these kiddies first.

That side said it's for sale.

We can't let her down.

I never really doubted you. It was just my silly common sense.

And you and Principal Tate are... We're old classmates.

But we lost touch after I went to theater school.

Oh, my gosh, these are good.

I wonder what she's up to, huh?

It's called Christmas spirit, Phil.

Humbug.

So many things have been given up because of the budget cuts, but I'm just

willing to lose the hot lunch program.

It's too important for the kids. Make sure that they... Oh, sorry.

Dylan. Hey, honey.

Hey. Oh, uh, should it be Miss Tate in the school grounds?

No, the kids all know my name's Addie, so you're not giving away any state

secrets. Good. You're already on the local news.

The reporter.

I, uh, I kept it pretty bland. I mean, if I had said that we were good friends,

then it'd lead to speculation. You don't need to explain anything. No, I do.

If the press thought that there was anything between us, then you'd have a

camera truck parked in front of your house.

Apartment.

I live in an apartment.

This is Mission City. I don't even think the local TV station has a truck. They

just walk everywhere.

You get the idea.

Yeah, sure.

And thank you for reaching out.

I really needed to get out of L .A. with this whole Monique thing.

The supermodel X.

Yeah.

Nightmare. In really nice designer shoes.

I'd do anything to save the school, or else I wouldn't have called you.

Well, tell me all about it.

All right.

Not the long version or the cliff notes?

I will take the long version.

It's kind of nice hearing your voice again.

You're getting the cliff notes. I'm a busy woman. I bet you are.

Not quite as busy as a Hollywood superstar, I'm guessing.

Thanks, Heidi.

I'll take it from here.

You sure?

I got this.

Go save your school.

Okay.

I mean, great, yeah.

I'll leave it to you.

Hey, everyone.

Why don't you grab a seat?

Anyone sitting here? No?

Now, as some of you may know, my name is Dylan David.

And what I'm going to say to you was said to me for my first big role by

far, far smarter than me.

No one is bigger than the production.

We are all but disparate parts working together in harmony.

And we support each other to bring the play to a successful conclusion.

Any questions?

What does disparate mean?

Let's just get to it, shall we?

All right.

Let's move the bags and chairs and stuff and we'll see what you got.

Santa's not coming?

But why?

What will the children think?

Okay.

Liam, um...

Santa's not coming.

And you need to believe that in your heart to make the audience believe that.

Think about the anticipation of unwrapping that big, shiny present.

Then it's not there.

There's nothing under the tree.

What was the best present you ever got?

Xbox.

Yeah, okay, great. So think about that. Think about the waiting.

All your friends, they're playing online, and you think you're going to

and then...

Man, nothing.

Nothing.

What would the children think?

Let's try it again, but this time from the heart.

Santa's not coming?

But why?

What will the children think?

That was amazing.

All right.

Get out of here, you guys. For now, quick meeting after school.

Good job, everybody.

You are surprisingly good with them.

That's why I get paid the big bucks.

I didn't know what to expect.

Look, I get it.

I get it. But it just feels good to be doing something worthwhile for a change.

Seeing how dialed in these kids are.

Seeing their potential.

I see why you love doing what you do.

But, Addie, um, you know, I have to say, these kids, they seem tense.

You know, it's like there's a real negative energy around here. I know.

I know. I think we need to create a bonding moment.

Do you remember Mr. Dawson and that ancient projector he'd pull out?

We still have it.

Movie night?

You see how emotionally invested those characters are?

That's what I need from you guys.

If you don't believe it in your soul, your audience is never going to believe

it.

Okay, well, they might give you some slack because they are your parents.

But you know what I'm saying, right?

Okay, watch.

George saved his brother's life.

That was a really nice teaching moment.

I suppose it was, wasn't it?

Wish I had a million dollars.

Uh,

technical difficulties here, guys.

Sorry, I think you'll have to catch the end on TV. It's on about 15 times before

Christmas. Yeah, and study your lines, okay? You gotta know that thing's cold.

Hey, I'm expecting big things from you, Liam.

May I walk you home, Miss Tate?

Well, Mr. Davidson, that would be very lovely.

I don't know how you do it.

What's that?

Well, being you, being famous, being on all the time.

It's not so bad.

Do you feel like it?

Sure.

I mean, it's given me a great life.

Some parts of it are kind of lonely.

People wanting Dylan the Dream instead of just regular old Dylan.

Oh, you were never just regular old Dylan.

You're too, like, most comfortable being anyhow.

I think you were always bigger than Mission City.

Even when we were kids, I could see that.

While you were alphabetizing your toys?

They are more fun when they're in alphabetical order.

So what about you?

Shaper of young minds.

Fighting the good fight for the community.

I'm not sure about any of it anymore.

Really? I miss being in the classroom.

Making that kind of difference.

Watching the kids learn and grow. That was fulfilling.

Now I'm just an administrator.

Pacing after money for a budget.

Not feeling a whole lot of satisfaction from that.

We could go back.

Can I... Can I tell you something?

Sure.

It's been bugging me for a long time.

Okay.

When I left for Juilliard, I never said goodbye.

Things were so hectic, and that scholarship was so last minute, but...

always regretted it.

You had to do what was best for you.

You never really gave it much thought.

Oh, okay.

I'm busy.

My dad, he needs me to go to the tree log.

That's weird. He never checks.

Something's up.

We should go.

Are you okay?

Yeah, yeah. I'm fine. Wow.

Dylan Davidson.

It's good to see you again. You too, Mr. Tate.

Call me Bill. What did you do to your arm? I, um, I mass -brained my elbow.

How did it happen? I fell off a ladder.

Can you believe that?

With the fire department, 35 years, I fall off a six -foot step ladder. Oh,

Think you'll still be able to play Santa in the Christmas play? I've done it for

the last seven years, and I will not let this stop me. Garth, hey.

I texted him.

He's great in a crisis.

Addie, this is Garth Turnbull, my longtime manager.

Mr. Tate, everything okay?

Yeah. No, no!

I'll be fine. Dad, you're going to need some help. Can I lend a hand? You know,

kind of need one of those right about now.

I used to sell a lot of these Christmas trees in my day.

All right, okay, thanks.

I need a few things.

A parka, work gloves, thermal underwear, snow boots.

And, um, merino wool socks.

You know where I can pick those up?

Well, Anderson's Outfitters. That's the best place in town.

It's the only place in town.

Well, Bill, why don't you let me take you home, and I'll come back here for

night and keep an eye on the place.

That's a great idea. Thank you. Then you can get a good night's sleep in your

own bed.

I don't know. I can head down to Anderson's in the morning, and you can

the ropes.

Come on, Dad.

All right, fine.

Done.

Good night. Take care of yourself. Thank you. No problem.

Wow, this place is awesome.

Are you hungry?

Oh, famished. And the kids finished all the pizza.

Jackbox.

He already made some waffle batter.

Cool.

You know how to make them?

Wow. Okay, these look really good.

My dad would say it's all in the batter.

I

haven't

had a carb this good in years. Right?

Stop that.

Wow.

Hey, um... Are you seeing anyone?

Sorry, you okay?

Hey, let me help you a time.

Hello.

Hey, Garth.

Let me guess. My dad took you to McElhenney's for a nightcap.

Just a drop to help the old man flee. Of course.

Hey, Dylan, why don't you walk Miss Tate home?

You don't have to.

I guess I should do what the man says.

Good night.

Good night. I'm going to lock up for the night.

Smells like waffle.

Oh, we saved you some.

Thanks.

I'm sorry about trying to... You were seeing someone. Oh, no, no. It's okay.

it's a hard no on the man -in -my -life front.

Why'd you ask?

I'm surprised nobody snapped you up.

I know, right?

I was engaged, but we broke up around this time last year.

Oh. Well, sorry to hear that.

Obviously, the man's a fool.

Obviously. What about you?

Ah, you know, the...

The whole Monique thing was a hot mess that never seemed to end.

Before that, I was just focused on my work.

Okay, yeah, so there were some other girlfriends, but nothing serious.

I never talked to anyone the way I could talk to you.

Sorry.

Must be important.

Bat line.

You have a bat line?

Yeah, don't you?

Hey.

What?

Why?

Really?

Dylan!

We need to talk.

I'll let you two talk.

Could you book me a room in Dylan's hotel, please? No, she's not.

Not your assistant?

No, this is my old friend, Addison Tate.

Addie, this is Monique. Oh.

Well, any friend of Dylan's.

We don't actually have a hotel or motel. No, you know what?

Monique, I thought I made myself pretty clear.

Please, let's just talk, okay?

Could you be a dear and book that room for me, Madison?

It's Addison.

I'm sorry, I'm terrible with names.

But if you could, that'd be great.

I'll look into it.

Oh.

I missed you.

But I didn't. You missed me? No, I thought we talked about this.

No, why do you have such a big bag?

So you got her a plate?

Well, I got her in at Bedford.

That's where Dylan is staying. And it's nice. I know.

Addison, have I taught you nothing?

You could have got her in at Haberman's across town. That's not bad.

Look, as long as she's not a distraction, I don't care.

So, do you think they're going to get back together?

I don't know.

Would it bother you if they did?

Totally ambivalent. I mean, me and Dylan Davidson?

Come on.

You could totally do the red carpet.

I could, couldn't I?

I don't even know what shoes I'd wear.

But come on, seriously.

How close were you two?

Well... It was the best summer ever.

We did practically everything together.

Camp counselors together, hung out down by the lake together, just talking.

We had this amazing connection.

It was like we could feel each other's thoughts.

It's crazy. We were just kids, but there was this energy around us that was so

innocent and pure.

Even though we were young, I could see that he could be the one.

We never got the chance to give it a try.

That scholarship to Juilliard was my...

Ticket out of town.

After that, we just lost touch.

Got busy with different lives.

Moved on. But I never forgot that feeling I had when we were together.

Anyhow, that was a long time ago. A long time ago.

Hey, Addie. Hi, Dylan.

Hey, Garth. Hi.

Garth, this is my friend and co -worker, Judy. Hi.

Thanks for finding a place for Monique to stay. Oh, yeah, no problem. I mean, I

just want to keep the director happy.

Right.

Okay, well, I'll see you in the morning.

Yeah, bright and early.

Right. Yeah.

Okay.

So there's no interest there?

Nope. None.

Okay, kids. See you back here at five.

Oh, and don't forget to tag me in your post.

That's fantastic.

Yeah, I've always wanted to work with him.

I can't do the call right now, but can you set it up before my next rehearsal?

Great. Yeah, awesome. Talk to you later. Bye.

The photos turned out great.

I've got to post these. Really?

Okay, yeah, so she was a bit of a distraction, but...

I think everyone got a lot out of her advice on how to take the perfect

Really? No.

Dylan? Yeah? Can I come back tomorrow?

I just posted these and they've already got like a million likes.

Really? Dylan, I think for tomorrow I'll get some shots of me helping the kids,

you know?

Those type of things really blow up on Instagram.

Oh, and Dylan?

Yeah? I need to get back to my room and meditate.

Be self -centered.

I'm pretty sure you mean center yourself.

Yeah, that one.

Good idea.

Toodles.

Okay. I'll make sure she's not rehearsing tomorrow.

Okay?

Hey, and good job with the lines today.

Can I let you in on a little trade secret?

Go over them in front of a mirror, okay, and match your expressions to the

lines.

Do you do that? Yeah, all the time.

I mean... You look like kind of a knucklehead doing it, but it helps.

Thanks, Dylan. Yeah, you got it, pal.

Where's my phone?

Mo?

Hey, Addie, have you heard from Dylan?

No. Why? The kids are all in the auditorium waiting for rehearsal and

nowhere to be found.

He didn't say anything to you?

I'll call you back.

The last time I saw him he was in the auditorium talking to Liam.

Weird.

Monique? I'll be down in a minute.

I think you took my phone. I have an important call to make.

Can you just throw it out in your bag and I'll see if it's in there?

Thank you.

Jezbel PR.

Love Dylan and the Kid Pigs.

Great publicity for you. Keep it going.

I thought we were done before.

We're doubly done now.

Oh, shoot. Dylan, wait.

Don't.

I'm sorry, honey.

I can't be with you anymore.

Addie!

Well, can I at least come by to get more photos with the kids?

Dylan!

Addie, wait up.

Addie, wait up. What is it, Dylan?

It's not what it looked like. It doesn't matter. What matters is that you blew

off rehearsal and you let the kids down.

I don't have time for this.

If you haven't noticed, I'm treading water here. If you could just bring the

play home, I'd be happy with that. Not now.

Please.

First Christmas together?

Gotta be a noble fur.

And this one's a real beauty.

Merry Christmas.

You are a born salesman, Garth.

Ah, it's easy selling people what they want.

Before the hot chocolate comes in.

Definitely.

So you want to talk about it?

I'm not sure.

You want another marshmallow?

No, thank you.

Dylan blowing off rehearsal today. I mean, it's so not cool.

I don't know what to do.

This is usually my favorite time of year.

The magic, the hope, the spirit.

And instead, I'm pretty sure they're going to close my school.

I'll be out of a job.

And Dylan, there are times it feels like we're 17 again and it's magic.

I just don't even know what to make of it.

Well, it might not be my place to say it.

You can say it.

Dylan's eyes light up when he's around you.

Monique, not so much.

And yet, she is with him, and no offense, guys, but I'm here drinking hot

chocolate in a Christmas tree shack.

Save our school!

Make a donation!

Merry Christmas!

Oh, thank you, sir. Have a candy cane.

Save our school! Merry Christmas!

What are you doing here?

Um...

I had some free time now that I didn't have to direct the play.

A little charity work is good for the soul.

Am I that much of a curmudgeon?

Only an English teacher would use the word curmudgeon.

But, well... I know if the shoe fits.

I like it.

You think we're going to make it?

Fingers crossed.

Toes crossed, too.

I just want you to know, you have inspired me, Addison.

I was a little burnt out, and... You don't say.

Thank you for not arguing with me.

But you've given me a spark.

I'm going to be better. The kids deserve it.

And the play's going to be great.

Thanks, Phil.

I needed that.

You okay?

I will be.

They're decorating the tree down at the town center.

Yeah, I'm not feeling too festive.

You?

I know.

Thank you.

You should go.

I'll think about it. Don't think about it. Just do it. All right.

I'll check it out. You do that, Principal Tate.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Phil.

Save our school.

Merry Christmas. Oh, I'm going to need that recipe for those cookies. They were

stupendous. Save our school. Merry Christmas. Make a donation.

Wouldn't miss it.

Wouldn't be Christmas.

This is Mission City at its finest.

Tradition. Right up there with the summer cheese talk. Oh, oh no. Not a

Shouldn't treat dairy products that way. Right. It breathes like cheddar.

Exactly.

Hi.

I, uh, I kind of brought you a Christmas tree.

I can see that.

Tell me one good reason why I should let you in.

I'll give you three.

Go on.

One, it's Christmas time. Well, that's a cop -out. You know I like Christmas and

you showed up with a tree.

Two, I really need to explain the whole Monique situation.

I'm not sure I really want to hear it. Fine, three.

I actually don't have a three.

Just sounded more convincing than two.

But, okay, you know what? Three could be that I'm sorry.

Okay, I'm sorry for missing rehearsal, and I'm sorry for letting you and the

kids down.

Can you charm your way out of any situation?

Yes.

That's a noble fur.

It's very nice.

And I already have a stand.

I know.

And I'm quite particular about the way I do things.

Oh, I know. Yeah.

Yes.

I baked cookies.

And you're in luck. I've decided to let you in.

But only because I need a treat. Do I get cookies?

Very good.

I can live with that.

Here I come.

A little to the left.

How's that?

Tote the bill.

It's a real hard one.

Right.

Try careful, would you? That was my grandmother's.

Um...

Okay.

Anything else while I'm down here?

Uh, well... No.

No, that's good. You can come up.

Light, huh?

Yep. All right.

Oh, no.

Hmm.

So, how about you and Monique?

You know what?

Forget that I said that. I don't actually want to know.

Heidi, we're done.

Nothing happened between us here.

She's toxic.

You know, more than that, I didn't much like who I was around her.

Hey, she accidentally took my phone, and I was just trying to get it back

because I had an important call with the director about a part. That's it.

Oh.

Well, that's exciting.

What's the part?

Well, I don't have it yet.

It's just a possibility.

Possibilities are good.

Yeah, they are.

Oh, dear.

I'm a rookie.

You know what?

It's nice having you back here, Dylan.

It's nice to be back.

Judy.

It's Garvin.

Batline? Yeah.

Hello? What?

When?

Yeah, I'll call you back.

Addie, I'm so sorry. I had no idea she was capable of... I'm sorry.

When I'm stressed, I revert back to being a second grade teacher.

Hollywood has me.

Hometown homewrecker.

Mr. Davidson!

Mr. Davidson!

Mr. Davidson!

I guess we made the best of being

trapped, huh?

Yeah. Got my tree decorated.

Good news, Bennett.

It's Liam.

Well, you kids come up with something, or hiding out in the shack is still your

best option?

I'm not ready to go out there just yet.

You hungry?

Chinese?

What is it?

I just got put on administrative leave.

I'm so sorry, Addie.

It's because of all the negative press. They want me to just take the time off

before Christmas.

Kind of convenient.

What do you mean? He means the school budget review. They don't want me to

present.

Administratively even, bam, they just closed the school without another word.

Call Hans.

What's with Hans?

He's the shark.

I'm on it.

We need to get out our version of the event.

You know what?

We can make a call of our own.

Really? Yeah.

This is Addison Tate calling.

How would you like an exclusive?

Are you ready?

Yeah, we'll hit it when the light turns on.

Where to start?

The social media post misrepresented a small snapshot of a much bigger story.

Thanks for coming, guys. I really appreciate it.

I hadn't had any contact with Miss Tate. What?

20 years.

So when Ms. Tate reached out to my manager, I felt like I had an

rekindle some old friendships and help out my old school.

And my only intention was to save our school, which is on the chopping block

to county -wide budget cuts. Having someone of Dylan's stature would raise

awareness and hopefully keep us afloat.

Reconnecting with Dylan was an obvious plus.

As far as Monique's accusations, Ms. Tate and I were...

Good friends.

Friends.

Mrs. Monty and I, we broke up some time ago.

And I thought she had come back to Mission City to try and reconcile. But

reality, she was here to drum up social media interest.

Welcome to the age of the internet, right? And how does that make you feel?

The important thing is to save our school.

We've started an SOS, as in Save Our School site, where we'll be live

our production of It's a Wonderful Elf.

Once you donate, you get access to our live stream broadcast of our play. All

the details are available on WMCY NewsHawk 5's website.

Thank you, and have a Merry Christmas.

Yeah, have a very Merry Christmas.

That wasn't half bad. It was hard to tell who the movie star was. Oh, stop!

No, no, Addie, you did great.

Talking dog guy dropped out.

I guess I don't really want you for the part.

So what do I do?

That type of part has got, like, awards written all over it. It ups you a quote

for whatever you want to do next.

But, God, I mean, I already walked away once.

And I always regret it. I'm not going to do that again. Addie will understand.

I know she will.

But I can't take this apart. This is a good role, Dylan.

And I haven't told you ever... You know, I'll just forget about it. What?

I've been burning the phone lines for over a year trying to get you a gig.

You never said anything.

Well, confidence is a funny thing, and I didn't want you to lose yours.

So what about Addie?

It's the type of woman you should be dating for a long time now.

I know that now.

Opportunity, you can't pass it up.

I'd put my foot down and tell you you gotta do this, but I'm not like that.

I know you're not. You've known each other professionally for 15 years,

Right.

The director is hot, and this film is going to be great, and you need to do

this.

You have to do this.

Hey.

Hey.

You look pretty cute in your work clothes.

Well, thanks. So do you.

That you're not wearing work clothes.

Hey, um, you got a check?

Oh, no.

Bad news?

I just got my Christmas spirit up to an acceptable level I'd hate to regret.

It's good and bad, depending on how you look at it. Okay.

You're good to present at the budget review, and you should expect a letter

apology from the board.

Really? Yeah.

Thank you. Oh my gosh, thank you.

So that's, um, that's the good news.

What's the bad news?

And he said he'd give it up if you wanted him to?

Yep.

Couldn't ask him to do that, though. That would be crazy.

I got nothing.

I just hope the kids can pull off the play without him. The show must go on.

I hope so.

He said he'd be watching from Bulgaria.

And how are we feeling about him being gone?

We had a magic summer when we were 17.

Now, we have different lives and priorities.

I'm happy with that.

Happy? Yeah.

I've seen the way he looks at you, Addie.

Wrapping. Wrapping.

With all the work you put in, you guys will be able to pull this off.

Hey, no one person is better than the production.

Remember?

Directors, actors, producers, they get replaced all the time.

You don't need me anymore.

I can't do it.

I'm afraid I'll freeze up there.

Hey, you know, you have this quiet confidence that comes across when you

perform. It took me ages to figure that out.

It did?

Heck yeah.

You know, I'm going to try and watch you from Bulgaria.

Make sure you hit your marks.

You got this.

Thank you. Thank you.

Did you just smell them? Yeah.

They always smell better than they taste.

Yeah, fair.

You know, I cannot get the smell of those waffles you made out of my head.

my dad's recipe.

You want to sit? Sure.

You know I can't visit you in Bulgaria right now, right?

You got your review.

I can't think about anything else right now.

I saw you the other night.

You were decorating the tree.

I didn't see you.

I wanted to let you enjoy your moment.

Not tie you into my melodrama.

Thanks.

You're practically a human soap opera.

I just... I just don't think it's the right time.

You know? I'm in flux.

I get it.

Yeah, I just need things to be a little more settled.

Grounded.

Something like that.

I hope it all goes well for you tomorrow.

I'll be crossing my fingers for you.

Thanks.

I'm actually really nervous.

Just keep...

Going over all the numbers and statistics.

Addie.

You got this.

Can't you?

Speak from the heart.

I should go.

You'd think they'd open up the terminal for the only flight of the day.

Hey, Garth, do you think if I shaved my feet, they'd push back the start date of

the film?

Yeah, I think they'd give you a week for some money off the top.

Addy's not answering.

Get down!

Yeah, bonjour, it's Garth Turnbull here. Listen, we're gonna have to push back

Dylan's start date a week.

Yeah, we're willing to shave his feet.

He wants to know why.

Tell him it's about a woman.

I mean, he's French, he'll understand.

Yeah, um... Dylan's in love.

Yeah.

No, no, no, it's not Monique.

Okay.

Okay, I'll see you in a week. Ten days, top.

I'll see what I could do.

He went for it? Oh, yeah, yeah. He's going to give you ten days.

But he's also wondering if he could get Monique's phone number.

I could never do that to him.

Yeah, I couldn't help but notice that you didn't so much as flinch when I said

that you were in love.

those trees out. You keep moving them back and forth like that. I need to do

something to get rid of this nervous energy.

Oh, the review this afternoon?

Yeah. Yeah, that and Dylan.

Oh?

He asked me to go to Bulgaria.

And you're not going because... Like, I can't. Not with my schooling crisis.

Yeah.

I just hope it goes well today.

Thanks. You are my rock. You're my rock. Can we be each other's rock?

Do it.

This isn't easy for anyone, especially this time of year.

So, if there are no objections, I have a few things I'd like to say.

I've color -coded my report to emphasize why we should save Mission City Middle

School and just how to do that from a budgetary perspective.

As principal of Mission City Middle School, well...

a second grade teacher at heart.

I never wanted to be principal, but here we are.

I just want you to know.

Hey, uh, was your flight canceled?

I got them to push the film back.

I want to finish where I started.

So how'd the hearing go?

She was remarkable.

But they're still closing the school after the Christmas break.

I'm so sorry, Eddie.

No, it's fine.

I mean, obviously it's not, but we just have to make the best of it, I guess.

Are we brainstorming the session or are we testing the thief with

claustrophobic?

Sorry.

You know what?

I just... I want to donate whatever it's going to cost to do this. Let me stop

you right there, cowboy.

You've already done more than I could have hoped for.

And he needs the money.

I do? What we need to do is figure out how to get five full fiscal years of

funding to get the board on board.

How's the SOS fund doing?

Quite well, actually.

But the play's going to need to be successful in bringing in some outside

Okay. Why don't we shoot a promo? Get that up on the web.

Yeah, yeah. Get the play some traction.

Yeah, I could get it out to my PR contact.

I can email it to my choir group.

And I can make waffles.

But seriously, you're going to make waffles, right?

Hi there.

I'm Dylan Davidson, and I'd like to tell you about my latest project.

I'm very proud to be directing the Mission City Middle School Players in

production of It's a Wonderful Elf.

Please check out our Save Our School site. And for a small donation, you'll

given a link to view the live performance.

So I invite you to come watch our little play. And if you can, please give

generously. But most of all, have yourself a very Merry Christmas.

Good afternoon, everyone.

As you have no doubt heard, Mission City Middle School is slated to close after

the Christmas break.

We've started a Save Our School site with a link to the live streaming

of our play once you've donated.

What we need is for you to get those fingers moving, to post and repost the

links to all of your social media accounts, all of your contacts, and get

to do the same.

If we want to keep our school open,

We need them to go viral in a big way.

Let's burn up the internet.

That was good.

Some of your best work.

I'm proud of you.

I didn't hope it worked.

Me too.

A commute will kill me.

How long have you been standing there?

Oh, long enough to say you're enjoying yourself.

I am.

And the kids are stoked, and so am I.

I just keep thinking, what if it doesn't work?

We're staging a Christmas play. At Christmas.

Most of the Midwest has got hit by snow. We're going to have great numbers,

Addie.

This has been the strangest couple of weeks of my entire life.

Whatever happens.

I just want you to know that I really appreciate everything you've done.

I had a lot of making up to do.

Thank you so much for coming.

Hi, how are you?

Hey.

Liam's missing in action.

What? What do you mean? He had a real rough time in dress rehearsal, so he's

around here somewhere in costume.

Hi. Can you find him and talk to him?

He's done such an amazing job. I don't want to miss it and destroy the plan and

process.

Sure. I'll go look. Thank you.

Have you seen Addie?

I know.

Have you seen Biff?

Liam, are you okay?

Liam?

Liam?

Nerd?

Do you want to go on tonight?

No problem.

I mean, it'll be a shame because Dylan says you've been doing really great.

You just have to take this next step.

I know it's a lot to put on your plate, but you're going to help save the

school. I am? You are, by going on.

And I'm betting on you being great. I just know it.

Look how far you've come already. At the beginning of the year, do you think

that you'd lead a snowball fight rescue mission?

That was pretty cool.

Way cool.

What do you say?

How about you get out there and act your socks off?

Thanks for believing in me, Ms. Tate.

You got it, buddy.

Christmas.

A time for giving, for family, and for joy.

It's the time of year that brings out the best in all of us.

But most of all, it's time for Santa Claus.

No problem.

Nobody wears the arm.

Ninja's not coming?

Why?

How will the children feel?

What happened to this grant? No, but it's better.

I found him. Get to work, you goofballs.

You, get the sleigh.

Santa's gonna have to lose some weight.

Come on, guys. We got a

lot of work to do.

On Dasher! On Dancer! On Prancer! On Vixen!

Merry Christmas!

Oh, come on, stop it. Enough.

You guys.

I mean, thank you all for coming and supporting our kids. Your kids.

And for all of those watching at home for helping our school.

And I just want to say how proud I am of all the work that these kids have put

in. Great performances all the way around.

But none of this would have been possible

without Mission City Middle School Principal Addison Tate. Come on, Addie,

a bow.

Addie! Addie!

Addie! Addie!

Thank you all so much for being here tonight,

whether you're at home live streaming this on the internet or here in the

auditorium. We appreciate your support so much.

I just want to take this opportunity to thank Dylan Davidson.

who took time out of his busy schedule and flew all the way here from Los

Angeles to help us bring this play home.

He did that out of his love for Mission City and out of his love for this

school.

And for that, we are very grateful.

Unfortunately, it's with a heavy heart that I have to tell you all we didn't

quite make it.

But you should all be so proud of the fight that we've put up over the last

weeks.

Christmas is bigger than all of this, so let's remember that as we go home and

spend the holidays with our loved ones.

May I?

Sure. Can we get a round of applause for Addison Tate?

Hello,

Mission City Middle School parents and supporters.

My name is Garth Turnbull.

Dylan Davidson's manager for many, many years. And with the help of the

Audiovisual Club, I would like to show you what's trending.

Number one on the internet. And I'm not talking cat video.

Roll.

I'm just a second grade teacher at heart.

I never wanted to be principal.

You get used to it.

But here I am.

I just want you to know that this town needs this old school.

Mission City Middle School has an outstanding record of academic

It served this county's children well for more than 63 years.

And that is because of the dedication of the teachers, the support staff, the

parents, and the surrounding community.

Generations of our children have passed through, and they've gone on to become

valuable members of our community.

Some of them even grew up to be movie stars.

We can do better.

We can find a way. We have to find a way.

I urge you to reconsider.

This town needs this school. It's the lifeblood of our community.

This school is us.

How can you take away part of us?

How can you take that away from these kids?

Thank you.

And I hope you all have a Merry Christmas.

million times.

Can we switch over to our Save Our School site?

Thank you, Hattie.

You're the reason I never said goodbye when I left.

If I had seen you, I never could have gone.

Well, I probably wouldn't have let you go.

I've wanted to do that since I was 17.

Took you long enough.

Man, I love you, Addison Tate. I always have.

I love you too, Dylan Davidson.

You've always been my dream.

I mean, even before you were like everyone else's dream.

You know, I've never actually carved one of these things before. Oh, you really

are just a pretty face.

Oh, and if you need a hand, I've got one.

Okay. You know, I'm just going to hack my way through it.

As long as I get my cactus. Fine. You can have 10 % of my piece.

Remember that guest spot I did where I played a doctor?

Oh, yeah. I was faking it then, too.

I'm not really one, but I play one on television.

Are you going to be able to do that on your own? I think I can probably do it.

Does that look right?

Thank you. This looks so good, Addie.

To Addie.

Oh, to Addie.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Mmm,

let's dig in.

That is so good.

Think okay?

Yeah, yeah.

Listen, um, you still haven't told me you're coming to Bulgaria.

Oh.

Well, I wanted it to be a surprise.

I didn't have time to get you anything for Christmas.

Are you kidding me?

I mean, you've given me everything I ever needed.

Merry Christmas, Annie.

Merry Christmas.

Are those pies ready?

Forget the pie.

Hey, serious question. Are you a pie a la mode person?

Well, it depends.

I mean, apple, yes. Pumpkin, no. I prefer whipped cream to pumpkin. It

overpower the nutmeg.

You are quite a complex person.

You don't even know half of it.

Hey, wait.

We are having waffles tomorrow, right?

Of course.

Okay.

Wow. Wow.

It's that time of year, when Santa comes to bring that cheer.

He ain't coming by boat or plane, he's loaded down with candy canes.

I only hope he keeps one open seat, oh yeah.

Come on Santa, bring those toys.

Come on Santa, all the girls and boys.

Let's hope the weather's good and his elf flight crew finds my neighborhood.

I know that he's been here before, but this year he's going to use the door.

I'm begging, please keep it open.

and tried to explain.

I sent a Santa mail on a North Pole train.

It wasn't a list. The only thing it said was she's about this tall and her lips

are ruby red.

She doesn't take much room.

It's just one seat.

Come on, Santa.