Original subtitles

I've spent my life in the pursuit of kernel knowledge.

I've been with more women than I can remember.

I've acted on every impulse of lust I've ever known.

I lie, I cheat, I steal.

I imagine killing people I hate.

There's no hope for me.

I can't be forgiven, so I continue.

I'm here today to tell you that all of this is sin, all of this is human, and

all of this is forgivable.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever

believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. This isn't

some...

You know, table trick. This isn't some method to get you to buy books or tapes

or to get you to lift a single penny from your pocket. This is God's gift to

you.

And you can take it.

You can leave it.

You can pretend he never said it.

But you can't change it.

You can't change it.

And that's the beauty of it.

You've been listening to Sermon by the Springs with Reverend Theodore Wendell

of the Community Church at Heward, Pennsylvania.

Oh, Ted.

I'm so proud of you.

It was wonderful.

Thank you. You know how much your approval means to me.

Lovely. Thank you.

Let's get this served.

All right. Hello, hello.

I come to feed the multitudes. Oh, sweetie, that's chicken, not fish.

Yes, Emily, my rock, without whom I'd be forced to survive on a steady diet of my

foot. All right, thank you for laughing. Very nice.

Ah, could you raise your glasses for a toast?

To my beautiful wife of 20 years, happy anniversary.

Thank you.

Excuse me. Yeah. Listen, Ted.

Yeah. I spoke to the powers that be at the radio station. Right.

And we're close.

How close?

Well, their television affiliate wants to send someone out to the church to,

well, see how you come across. Oh, good. How about tomorrow?

I'd like to see that.

Hey, come on, you kids.

Let's eat.

How are you? Thanks. Good.

Hi, how are you? Hey, listen.

Yeah.

They want to send somebody out from the network to watch me preach.

Oh, I mean, that is so wonderful. Yeah, I don't think we should say anything in

case they don't show up.

I'm so proud of you. Thank you.

What have you got here?

It's like a pig.

Thank you.

See that guy watching us over there?

He's been there for quite a while.

Do you recognize him?

No. I'll go introduce myself. How's that?

Hello. Good picnic?

Heavenly, Ken. Yeah? Good.

Sure, uh, not posing? You're not posing at all. Don't worry about it. Thanks.

Honey, look what I found.

Hi.

Luke McElroy.

Lashi. Oh, hi. I'm Emily, Ted's wife. Luke's new to town. Looks like he could

use a meal, so... Oh, well, great. We got plenty of food. You see? It's really

starting to come down. It's a good thing I put up his hand.

Hey, why don't we go for a burger?

Sure. Sure, I'll get you one. It's getting out of the ranks.

April showers bring May flowers.

Come on, guys, the rain's stopped.

So this guy and this girl, they drive up to Lever's Lane, and the guy makes this

move, and the girl says, Hey, listen, I gotta be honest with you, I'm a hooker.

And the guy says, Okay.

And they agree to $25.

$25? Must be an old joke.

So they go in the back, and they engage in a little carnal activity.

A little hoop-dee-doo.

And they finish up, as it were, and the guy says, Hey, listen, I gotta be honest

with you, too.

I'm a cab driver. It's gonna cost you 25 bucks to get back to New City.

That's a good joke.

That's completely appropriate.

Yes!

Oh, no, I'm called to the manly field of honor.

All right.

You boys go out and play while we women do all the work.

Reverend, when can we expect our men to put away childish things like softball?

When they become men.

Oh, Luke, think fast.

Look at that.

Come on, let's go. Join me. Sure.

Hey, you want to join us for dinner?

I'm putting the rest of the cake in here. Thanks so much.

Honey, set a place for three tonight. I've invited Luke to dinner, okay?

Okay, guys.

Two out. Top of the ninth.

No pressure on the batter.

No pressure.

How do you spell choke?

I got it. I got it.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, yes.

Oh, sweet.

Did you see that? That was great.

Switch it up. How'd you get that?

Jump on it. Let's do a lucky jump. We're down a run. You're up. Let's go.

You see that?

See something like that, George?

Well, I'd say, Emily, quite the cookie.

Thank you.

Listen, I was thinking, maybe we should hold off on the fundraising for

tomorrow's service.

You know, do it next week, because we don't want the network to get the wrong

idea about your message.

Sure, sure.

Oh, we're just talking shop.

No worries.

So, how about coffee and leftover anniversary cake?

Terrific. Yeah, awesome.

One of the ladies said that you made the cake yourself.

Yes, I did.

It was delicious.

Thank you.

You ever been married, Luke?

No. Let me tell you, it's the best. It's terrific.

It's better to be married than to burn with passion.

Maybe.

But I like passion, Ted.

Where are you from?

Uh, no place special. Sounds like, like, uh, West Virginia or Georgia or... It

sounds like he doesn't want to talk about it, sweetie.

It's nothing to talk about, really.

Thank you.

Didn't have anything to keep me where I was, so I left.

Sounds to me like you're looking for something.

Uh, more like waiting for something to find me.

Or someone.

Maybe. Well, consider yourself found. Emily, what would you say if we hired

Luke on as a handyman?

Do we need a handyman?

Honey, do we need a handyman? The church is falling apart.

The car won't start.

Where are you staying?

A little motel far south town. We've got that extra room down in the church

basement.

Yeah, I don't want to put anyone out. That's great. Settled.

Emily, I'll get you settled. I've got to go work on my sermon for tomorrow.

All right? All right.

Nice place.

You don't seem as enthusiastic about me being here as your husband.

Well, Chad is a man who leads by faith, and I'm a wife who follows by instinct.

What do your instincts say about me?

Same thing they say about anyone who's reluctant to talk about themselves.

I'm hiding something?

I think we're all hiding something, Emily.

That's what makes religion work.

Your room's over here.

It's a little bare.

And big.

Little spots.

It's very nice.

You're going to have to use the bathroom up in the church, and there's a shower

there, too.

And this quilt is for if you get cold.

Well, I guess you're all set.

Yeah. This will be very comfortable.

See you in the morning. All right.

Emily?

Good night.

Hmm.

Some problems?

As a matter of fact, there are. I'm just a little concerned about Luke's

reluctance to talk about himself.

I think it's refreshing to have somebody not willing to air out their dirty

laundry.

Ted, I mean, we don't know anything about him.

Well, honey, what's to know? I mean, he needs a place to stay, and we're not

going to leave him in the crummy motel.

I don't see the problem.

I just think it's irresponsible for us to open ourselves up to someone we don't

even know, a complete stranger.

You know, what are people going to think?

Well, who cares what people think?

This church is not about to turn its back on people in need. And since when

did you start worrying about idle gossip?

About the same time you stopped asking me for my opinion.

What's that supposed to mean?

You invited him to stay here without asking me what I thought about it, Ted.

I'm your partner in this ministry, but I'm your wife first.

Well, maybe it's time we redefine exactly what that means.

You can plow the back 40 when you're done.

That Ted mentioned she was having some trouble.

Oh, I didn't realize it was a she.

That's all I worked on.

I figured that cream was a safe bet.

So I'll take it.

So, uh, where'd you learn how to fix cars?

Actually, uh, never fixed a car.

Been in a few, though.

I mean, did you used to be a mechanic?

There used to be a lot of things.

Hop on in there and see if she turns over.

Romans 1, 17, the just shall live by faith. Amen.

You know, there are a lot of people that claim to be just.

You tell us.

Waging war in the name of the Lord.

Preaching gospel.

Influencing men.

Bragging.

Deceiving.

It's just in our nature.

It's just in our nature. God expects it.

God has filled us with covetousness, sexual immorality,

maliciousness, violence, pride,

greed, envy, all for a reason.

So that we have a choice to be just.

Yeah,

but, but, but, God will not make that choice for you.

Amen?

Thank you so much. That was so inspiring. Hello. Hi. I'm Laurie Fusaro,

WQRY-TV.

Oh. That's quite a sermon, right? Well, thank you very much. I have my days.

Well, let's hope you've got plenty more like that in you.

Does that mean I pass?

You got it.

We'll be in touch with Dick first thing Monday morning.

Okay. Thanks for coming.

That is so wonderful, honey. Mrs. Wendell, we have a big problem. What is

it? The bus driver got sick and threw up. I don't think he should be driving

the children.

How are you feeling?

Not so good.

Okay, why don't you go inside and lie down?

Tracy, get the bus loaded and ready to go. I'll find someone else to drive.

Luke can drive.

Luke, you can drive the bus, right? Yeah, sure.

Ted, we barely know him. It's all right. Tracy will be with him.

Ted!

Step right up, kids.

So, have you ever driven a bus before?

Won't make you feel any better if I say yes.

All right, well, Tracy knows the route, so if you run into any problems, just

pull over and call me. Here's my cell phone. It's speed dial number one.

All right, kids.

Come on, Pete.

I know.

There's got to be more creative ways to raise money than just church raffles and

car washes and bake sales.

Well, of course there is, but we're good Christian women.

Oh, Cindy. Well, I certainly hope Tracy remembers that.

Ooh, it looks like the congregation is about to swell by one.

That man doesn't strike me as the type looking for a home.

I can't say George was either when I first met him. Nonsense.

George was always a good man.

Oh, Sarah, please.

George was a hell-raiser from the time he hit puberty.

It's only been a few years since he stopped drinking.

Well, if you ask me, I think it's a mistake to let a man into your home

unless you know something about him. Oh, Sarah. What do we know about any man,

huh? Reverend.

Reverend.

We were just... It was in sharp.

Honey, we were just concerned, that's all.

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.

We will all know him, ladies, by his fruit.

Now, what did we come up with for the summer fundraising plan?

I'll be right there.

Hello? I just wanted to let you know that we made it back without incident.

There was that one little girl we ran over, but she cleaned up pretty good.

We made it back safe.

I had faith that you would.

Your faith is confident, Emily.

and see why you're so loved by the congregation.

Hey, it's open.

Hey. Hi.

Hey, come on in.

I was just reading.

I wasn't expecting company.

I just came by to see if you wanted to join us for dinner.

Oh, sorry.

I'm decent.

Yeah, dinner would be great.

Thank you.

Oh, good.

What were you reading?

Shakespeare.

You read him much?

Oh, no.

Not since high school.

I read him a lot.

He's pretty funny.

Isn't Hamlet a tragedy?

Is it?

I don't understand every other word, so maybe I'm missing some of the tragic

parts.

Why do I get the feeling you don't read a lot of Shakespeare?

Guilty as charged.

You don't trust me, do you?

What is it you think I'm hiding?

I don't know.

What are you hiding?

Nothing.

My life is what you see.

All I see is this, uh...

Your situation.

Oh, sweetie.

Hey, everything okay?

Yes, I was just asking Luke if he wanted to join us for dinner. That's a good

idea. Give Luke a chance to tell us what he wants here out alive.

And I promise no religion.

Until dessert.

Okay, I'm fine now No

No,

I don't like it excuse me, but Ted has never had a television show before

Playing to a camera is different than playing to a microphone, and he's going

to need time to get comfortable with the format.

What about advertising?

I mean, it's a weak time slot. How's anybody going to know he's there?

We'll run ads in our religious programs.

That's a start.

We suggest that he keeps his radio show until he can cross over that audience

base. Mrs. Wendell, I've seen your husband preach. I have no doubt.

He'll be national before the year's out.

What do you say, Reverend?

Well... Can Ted speak the word of God the way he hears it?

No editing?

That's what we're paying them for.

Well?

I guess we have a deal to save souls.

That's great.

Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

Don't you ever answer for me again.

Ted, I was just putting them on notice about letting you use your own words.

You made me look incompetent.

That is not true.

I was defending... Why are you so upset?

Because it was humiliating. And I don't like being made to look like an idiot by

my own wife.

I'm sorry.

What's to know? He's cute, he's single, and he's living in a church.

He's staying here, not living.

Well, whatever. The point is, any man who would be comfortable sleeping in a

church... ought to be investigated i agree he should be investigated oh sarah

please you'd have the goats at the petting zoo investigated what do you

think emily uh i think i'm gonna take the finished quilts to the hospital

while it's still chilly at night

does it help

I didn't expect to see you here.

Does it help?

It does for me.

What exactly does it do?

It comforts me.

Makes me feel less alone, like I'm part of something that makes sense when

nothing else seems to.

Like I'm loved.

Isn't that what a husband's supposed to do?

I guess.

When the marriage is blessed by the church.

Well, it seems to me people have desires with or without the church.

It's human nature to love and want to be loved.

Did you know God before you knew love?

I knew a different kind of love. Was it bad?

No, I don't think any love is bad.

It just wasn't fulfilling.

It didn't enrich my life the way God's love has.

Well, maybe that different kind of love was just the wrong love.

Maybe the love you find here is meant to be different.

Maybe it's meant to fulfill your soul.

Leave the other type of fulfilling to your husband.

Or lover.

Amen.

And we're clear.

That was as good a first show as I've ever seen.

Really, it wasn't odd? Ending with the 23rd Psalm didn't seem too long?

No, it was fine.

It was wonderful, Ted.

Inspirational. Sorry that we have to tape the show in the middle of the

night. It's just that my studios are tied up. No, no, that's fine.

Well, okay, I am sorry I'm going to have to leave you. I have a very early

breakfast meeting tomorrow.

Sure, hopefully this will be the first of many more. Thank you very much.

I hope so, too, Reverend.

Thank you. Thank you.

See you.

Good morning.

Hey, how you doing?

What are you doing up so early?

I woke up early wondering how your show went and I couldn't get back to sleep.

How'd it go?

Oh, I got to tell you, working for the camera was so difficult.

I mean, I spent the majority of the night trying to get it, but then it

just, it finally clicked and I got it and I aced it.

That is so wonderful.

Yeah, yeah. I really think I answered God's call in a very big way today.

I'm so happy for you.

Thank you, baby.

Thank you.

Kids,

slow down.

Hey, go find your father.

Isn't this yours, Emily?

Oh, yes, it is.

Thank you.

Well, how do you suppose it got there?

Oh, I must have lost it last night when I was at prayer.

Oh, that must have been some pretty intense praying.

Oh, I have my moments.

Excuse me, I have to let Ted know it's time to start.

Make sure you get that class fixed.

Oh, I will.

So, did he tell you how it went, Emily?

Yes, he said it went well.

Well, he wowed them big time.

All right, let's not go overboard.

Let's not get modest, Ted. It's not in character.

Good thing we have you to keep him grounded, Emily.

I rock.

Now you get this man in bed as soon as possible.

What?

I mean to sleep.

He had a long night last night.

It's all right. I know what you meant.

Mrs. Wendell. Oh!

Thank you so much for coming.

Thanks. We'll see you next time. Have a good night

Someone's

here

Everyone's here.

This is the studio.

It's not been there for hours.

Hey, relax.

I know, it's okay.

No one knows we're here.

In just a minute.

What do I do?

Luke, what do I do? What do I do?

Don't worry.

Sarah specks something. I know it. I know it.

We're getting a closet, Dan. What?

Get in there. Go on.

Let's go.

Go.

Yeah.

Just a minute.

Oh, did I wake you?

No, no. I was just reading.

Can I come in?

Can you come in?

Well, yeah.

You're allowed visitors, aren't you?

I mean, just because you're staying down here doesn't mean you're a priest or

anything. No.

No.

I'm not a priest, no.

What's the problem?

I'm just not sure if Ted and Abby would be comfortable with me having

entertaining women down here.

Well, Ted's a man. I'm sure he'd understand.

Emily would be down here herself if she weren't married.

Now, that's how rumors get started.

There's not a straighter woman on the planet than Emily. I... It just meant

I'm not the only one who's noticed how she looks at you.

You hungry?

Like a lion.

Why don't we continue this conversation somewhere else?

How are the ratings?

A little disappointing.

I mean, they were good, but not good enough to consider a move yet.

Oh, Ted, well, it was just your first show, and I'm sure they'll get better.

And, you know what? I talked to them about doubling our promotional spots,

and I also think that we need to refocus on our radio base so that... You

must be tired.

Can I get you something to eat?

No, I'll take it. Where's Luke?

Luke, um...

I don't know. I think he was going out with Tracy Duggins.

Oh, Tracy Duggins.

Well, that's interesting.

There's a woman to be well served by marriage.

Marriage?

Honey, she's got a bullseye on the boy's back.

By the way he looks at her, I'd suggest he's not about to start running anytime

soon.

You may be right.

It's been a long day. I'm going to take a shower and turn in.

We just walked.

For I don't know how long.

I lost all track of time.

You know, there wasn't a moment when we weren't, like, completely enraptured

with each other.

I felt like Julia Roberts in one of those romantic movies, you know?

Did he try anything?

Of course not.

He was a perfect gentleman.

Oh, too bad.

Hey, sorry I'm late.

He did kiss me when I dropped him off.

Ooh, how was that?

He kisses exactly like he looks.

Don't tell me you guys are still going on about that Luke guy.

Sounds like Tracy's got the hook in and she's just giving him a little line to

play with. I'm not doing anything of the kind.

Luke asked me out.

Oh, where was that?

After church.

Well, if he asked me, that sounds like bad news waiting to happen.

Nobody asked you, Sarah.

I've seen his kind before.

He's like the rain after a long drought. I mean, it feels good until it doesn't

go away.

Then eventually it starts to erode everything it touches.

Well, what do you think, Emily?

I've always liked the rain, Sarah.

I like how it feels, especially after a long drought.

And I never really worry about how long it's gonna last.

I am so sorry about the other night.

I know what she was coming over to.

Well, she's quite smitten with you. Come on, she's a kid.

She's a woman, and she's single. Yeah?

And you're a woman, and you're married.

Oh, God. So?

Hey, stop me.

Glad to see the moral integrity isn't a quality you find attractive.

Emily, there's nothing immoral about this to me.

I love you.

And I don't have to look any further than that.

Well, I do.

I mean, this is much more complicated for me than just stealing time to be

with you.

My life is built on a foundation of truth and morality.

I can't just ignore who I am for a few moments of pleasure and not feel like

there's a price to pay for that.

And why does there have to be a price to pay for honoring your feelings?

Because I'm married.

I made a vow before God to honor my husband and our relationship.

Well, it's my understanding that God has a way of forgiving these sort of things,

you know? Hey, don't be glib with my beliefs.

The decision to come here and be with you is mine.

Whatever happens because of that decision, I accept and take full

responsibility for.

But I will not.

Be a hypocrite to and adjust my thinking just to ease my kids All I'm saying is

people can pick the wrong people to be with You change you grow

but it's okay to make mistakes and You don't have to spend eternity paying for

Yes, you do

Yes, you just left.

The house, I imagine.

No, I haven't had the chance yet.

No, because it hasn't come up yet.

Is that a threat?

Yeah, I know what I said, okay?

I know the deal. Just relax and hold up your end.

I'll get the money.

85. Ladies, your dedication is inspiring and your accounting skills are beyond

reproach. We're happy to be of service, Reverend.

And just how much bounty have we been blessed with today?

Looks to be about $18,000.

Oh, touching.

Have you seen Emily?

Not since the service ended.

Now, would you like us to deposit this in the night drop at the bank? No, no,

no, that's fine. I'll lock it up in Emily.

You can deposit it in the morning. Why don't you go enjoy what's left of

Easter?

I don't know if I've ever been moved quite as much by one of your sermons as

I was tonight, Reverend. You're so sweet, Alice.

You know, it's your faith that moves the spirit in me.

Good night.

You can do any better.

Hey, you found it.

Luke, why'd you invite me here? This is not the kind of place I feel very

comfortable in. I'm in trouble, Emily.

You were right about me.

I never talked about my past because I was hiding it.

I've done some things that have caused a lot of people a lot of pain.

And I ran from it.

But now it's found me.

Okay.

All right, well, we'll just have to reason with whomever.

Listen to me.

I need $50,000, or the people I owe money to are going to kill me.

What? What kind of people would kill you for money? It doesn't matter who they

are. What matters is that I get them the money. Now, are you going to help me or

not? How can I help you? I don't even understand what we're talking about. My

life.

And yours.

Okay, here you go, Mr.

Luke.

Thank you, darling. No problem.

Just put it on my tag.

Sure thing.

I need you to loan me $50,000.

Luke, I don't have that kind of money.

I don't have any money.

You don't have any money?

No.

Ted takes care of all our finances. I don't have a need for money.

Yeah, I can give you a need.

Say sometime next week, two men knock on your door and explain to Ted I was...

The wife's been having an affair with an escaped pony from Georgia.

Why were you in prison?

To make our affair worse.

My sins were more vile.

I killed, I raped, stole, fill in the blank with whatever you need to motivate

yourself.

Why are you acting like this? Maybe this is how I am.

You ever think about that?

And don't you go searching for the moral high ground because you feel that you

were deceived.

I mean, we all have our dark little secrets we keep buried away.

I swear.

I'm all about yours.

Mr. Grand, am I?

You know where I'll be.

Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.

Emily. Do you remember when we first met?

Yeah, of course I do.

Remember what you asked me?

Can you show me the way out of here?

One way.

I smiled as you pointed up to heaven.

I didn't even know that you were a patient.

You never asked me why I tried to kill myself.

Of course not.

That's between you and God.

All this time, Ted, didn't you ever worry that I might try it again?

No.

I can't say I did.

I have a confession to make.

Well, I'm not a priest, Emily.

I want a baby.

So do I, but the Lord hasn't blessed us yet.

Ted, I'm running out of time.

No, you're running out of faith.

This isn't about my faith.

This is about your ambition.

All you want to do is promote the image of Ted Wendell, and our marriage is

nothing but a way to enhance that image.

While I respect your passion, I hope it's still well focused with all this

ministry has riding on it.

It doesn't look like 50 grand could fit in that little thing.

It's a confession.

A confession?

Then why are you giving it to me?

I'm giving the same one to Ted.

It explains what I've done and what I've been hiding.

Here's the truth in that letter, Emily.

Yes, it is.

Our secret rendezvous while your husband was busy building a ministry on your

virginity? Yes.

Did you tell the truth?

About this?

You didn't know I knew, did you?

How did you know? I know all about your suicide attempt, Emily.

I know it's how you met Ted, why you found God, and hell, I even know

something Teddy Boy doesn't know.

I know why you did it.

I know about the rape.

And those sort of things just shouldn't happen in a family.

And I even know about the baby.

It's tragic, really.

If people had known the pain you suffered, they would have understood

your actions.

In fact, I even know something that you don't know, Emily.

Please just stop. Oh, I don't think you want me to stop now. I mean, we've come

this far, haven't we? I know how much you'd like to finish what you started.

Luke. That's not even my name.

I took it from my favorite Paul Newman movie.

Actually, I was named after my father. Well, I mean my grandfather.

Well, if... I mean both. See, I didn't really know the man because I was

adopted, but I was wondering maybe you could tell me about him.

Mom?

No!

No!

Emily?

Emily?

Emily, come on now.

It's kind of ironic, isn't it?

How we repeat the sins of our fathers.

Now, No one has to know about me or what we did.

But you need to give me that money, Emily.

Do you understand me?

Do you understand me, Emily?

Good. Good.

If you run to Ted and confess, he might

forgive you.

He might even understand.

But I'm not sure if anyone else will.

You see, I'll talk.

And Ted's TV days will be over before they even started.

And your own congregation will probably have a lot of trouble looking you both

in the eyes.

But your life is worth $50,000, isn't it?

How will I know that you'll leave?

You're gonna have to trust me.

I'll need some time.

You're the chief financial officer of the church.

One trip to the bank is all you're gonna need.

Cash, Emily!

So, George comes home, sees the mess in the kitchen, takes one look at me

holding the tenderizing mallet and says, why don't we go out for dinner tonight?

He's a pistol, but I gotta admit, he does have his moments.

What's the matter, Em?

Nothing.

What do you mean?

I mean, look at you.

You're my best friend. You're the nicest woman I know. But even Mother Teresa

would have told me to shut up an hour ago.

I'm... I'm just a little tired, I think.

You look troubled.

Is it something you want to talk over, or should I just continue with the

George and Cindy show?

Have you ever committed a sin that feels unforgivable?

Did I ever tell you about George's affair with our cosmetics rep?

No.

Of course, he was still drinking at the time.

He kept giving me little soaps and perfumes.

We weren't fighting. Everything was fine in bed.

I just figured he was like most men and didn't have the first clue about

shopping for a gift.

I came home from church one Sunday morning, and I caught them in our

basement.

You're kidding.

He knew I was at church.

What he didn't know was that morning was daylight savings and I forgot to turn

the basement clock up an hour.

I'm sorry.

It's not funny. Sure it is.

He looked like Elmer Fudd holding a bomb about to blow.

It took me a long time to get over.

I prayed a lot.

It was right after that that George quit drinking and joined the church with me.

But... the real reason I was able to forgive him was because of what I did.

What do you mean?

I slept with George's brother.

Well, did George ever find out?

No, and I never told him.

I feel horrible about it, and I still live with the fear that one day George

will learn.

Well, maybe if you let him know, then you can let that go.

Emily, don't tell Ted.

If you truly love him...

Find a way to live with it.

So give me your suggestions.

Let's look at next week.

What do you say to a studio congregation?

Studio's too small. We can't use a studio. Well, if we get a... Hi, honey.

Hi, you're home?

Yeah, we're just going over a few things before this week's show.

Oh. Hi, Dick. Hi. Yeah, we're going for the early knockout.

Oh, that's great.

I didn't see the car.

No, I lent it to Luke.

Luke? Yeah, he has a date with Tracy Duggins.

Hey, did you happen to make the bank deposit?

Yes, I did.

Okay.

Well, here we are.

Hey, thanks for dinner tonight.

Next time, so me, right?

Thanks.

All right, now.

Bye. Bye.

What do you think you're doing?

I like the rain.

You like the rain?

You know, I got news for you, Emily. If you're going for a beautiful, poetic

moment here, I think you missed it.

That is, unless, of course, you have about 50 grand in that bag there.

Do you?

Did you get the money?

You mean, did I steal the money? Whatever.

I wanted to have an abortion.

By the time I found out I was pregnant, I was already too old.

I'm not in the mood for any family history right now, all right?

I don't care what you did. I'm not here to work past anything. Just pay me and

get on with your pitiful life.

Have you seen your father?

Our father?

I've never seen him.

I never want to.

How'd you find me?

I looked you up in the yellow pages, all right? How did you find me? It doesn't

matter, Emily.

I'm here, so deal with it.

Now, where's my money, Emily?

Thank you.

I don't suppose there's any reason why I should count it, right?

I mean, if you can't trust your own mother after all we've been through, who

can't you trust?

Just keep your word, Emily. Yeah, well, sure.

Don't worry.

So much for a little family reunion, huh?

Let me out of the car.

Where do you want to go? Just let me out. Look, I can drop you off a bus. Let

me out! Will you close the door, Emily? Stop the car!

Emily, close the door!

Stop it! Stop the car!

What's wrong with you, Emily?

Please, just keep your word and leave.

The guy seemed nothing but, you know, sweet and genuine the entire time, so...

Emily! Hey!

Where were you? You alright?

Yeah, I just, um, I went out for a walk and I got wet, so in the rain... Mrs.

Wendell? Officer Burke.

There's something wrong. Come here, you're shivering. Sit down.

Oh, God, you're cold. Oh, I'm fine.

Have you seen Mr. McElroy recently?

Who? Luke.

He's missing.

His things are gone from the apartment.

When was the last time you saw him?

Uh, Sunday.

Easter Sunday.

Did he give you any indication he was planning to leave?

No.

Did he say anything about needing money, needing help of any kind?

No.

Emily, Alice told me the church collection totaled $18,000.

But the bank deposit you made was for $7,000.

It wasn't locked.

What wasn't locked?

The desk drawer that he put the money in.

He didn't lock it. Yeah, I did.

No, it wasn't locked. Okay, maybe I didn't. So $11,000 is missing.

Do either of you know where I can find Luke McElroy?

Uh, no, he never told us where he was. I know where you can find him. I lent him

Mike, uh, sorry, our car.

And, uh, he went on a date with Tracy Duggins, who lives on North Maple Drive.

North Maple.

Well, I think it's pretty obvious Luke stole the money.

And maybe your car.

If you hear from Luke, or if either of you remember anything else, I need to

know right away.

Hey, officer, could I get a word with you for a second?

Sure. Thank you.

I have to work. Go

to bed.

Emily, what in God's name are you doing?

I'm doing nothing in the name of God.

Honey, where are your clothes?

I took them off.

Yes, I can see that.

Come here. What are you doing?

Jeez. Can you see me, Ted?

Yes, I can see you, Emily. Let's go. What do you see?

I see my wife. Now, what are you trying to prove? Let's go.

We're all naked in the eyes of God, aren't we, Ted? Isn't that what you

always said? We're all naked in the eyes of God. Yeah, yeah.

That's what I said.

Then why aren't we?

Why do we hide ourselves with clothes?

Emily, you're not well, okay? Adam and Eve didn't hide. They were naked,

weren't they? They were naked. Yes, they were. Yes, they were.

Until they sinned.

And then they covered themselves from God to hide.

To hide who they were, what they did.

But he saw them.

He knew because we're all naked. We're all naked in the eyes of God. I hope you

said we're all naked in the eyes of God, right?

Let's go.

Okay, Emily, we've got to go inside now, okay?

It's very cold. Let's go.

You didn't know I had a child, did you?

What? No, of course you didn't.

Because I never told you.

I was 14.

A boy.

Bothered by my father.

I gave him up for adoption.

I never saw him.

They didn't want you to see him, Matt, because it might change your mind and

not give him up.

But they didn't have to worry about that with me because I didn't want to see

him. I didn't want to see him. I just wanted him out.

I wanted to forget.

I couldn't forget.

I couldn't forget him.

I couldn't forget who he was or where he came from.

That's when I tried to kill myself.

When I met you at the hospital, remember?

How could you keep something like that from me?

It wasn't hard.

You just...

You just wake up every morning, get dressed so no one can see you, and then

you forget it all again.

It worked for 24 years.

Until he came along.

Are you saying Luke is your son?

Luke is my son.

And... And what?

And what?

Luke is my lover.

Dad, I'm sorry.

I didn't know. I'm sorry!

Do you have any idea what you have done to me?

Do you have any idea what you've done to this church? Do you have any idea what

you've done to this church? No! No one will know! No! No one will know what I

love, Luke! No! No!

No!

Get off.

I gave him $50,000.

I told him to go away. And you believed him. He swore he would, yes.

What else could I do?

You can have faith in me is what you can do. You can have faith in this church is

what you can do. You can have faith in this ministry is what you can do.

Good morning.

Where am I? You're at Hewitt Civic Hospital.

Where's my husband?

He was here most of the night.

He said to give him a call when you woke up.

How are you feeling, Mrs. Wendell?

What are we doing here?

Your vitals were a little erratic, so the paramedics brought you in.

Everything's fine now.

We ran some blood tests and... Congratulations.

It looks like you're pregnant.

I hope that's good news.

Does my husband know?

Don't you want to be the one to tell him?

Can I leave?

I don't see why not.

Why don't you get dressed and I'll see what I can do about having you

discharged.

I'm sorry for putting you through all this.

I can only pray that someday I'll be forgiven for my sins and that you'll

forgive me too.

The place in heaven is secured, Emily. This ministry, however, is over.

Your ministry is strong enough to survive this. It's over. It's over,

Emily.

The leader of men must be beyond reproach. Everything God has given me

has been betrayed. It was me. People will see that. Well, who's going to

believe I knew nothing about it?

Who's going to trust a man whose own wife wouldn't trust with her past? I

don't care what people think. I don't care. We can move somewhere and start

over.

This time with a family.

I'm gonna have a baby.

Ted, say something.

I'm announcing I'm stepping down as minister.

You should seek God's comfort here this morning, honey.

Oh

I'm drawn to the book of Luke, chapter 12, verse 2.

For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will

not be known.

Hypocrisy, that's what Jesus is talking about.

There is nothing covered that will not be revealed.

Wow, that's a scary thought.

You know, as I look around at your faces, so many of whom I've known for

some time, I can't help but wonder what you might think I hide.

Like, what does he spend his money on?

Why does he want to put himself on television to do what he can do right

here in front of us?

It's fear that asks these questions.

We're afraid of the unknown.

We're afraid of walking into a dark alley. We're afraid of eating new

things. We're afraid to die.

And I know a lot of you will say, you know, not me, preacher, not me. I'm not

afraid to die. I've confessed my sins before Jesus. I'm going to heaven.

Fear makes people lie.

Fear makes people cheat.

Fear makes us do the things that no one would think we could possibly do.

Fear makes hypocrites of us all.

Jesus knew fear. The Son of God, who had nails driven through his hands and feet

and hung on a cross, waiting days to die, knew fear. He warns us to be

afraid. And I say unto you, my friends, be not afraid of those who kill the

body.

And after that, have no more that they can do.

Fear him who, after he is killed, has the power to cast into hell.

Amen?

Can you show me the way out of here?

One way.

Let

these

scars always remind you.

There's no crashing God's party.

There's no comfort in getting to heaven.

Unless you're invited.

Anniversary party, far side of the covered bridge.

Wait for... Ted?

Starry Eve Motel.

What are you doing here?

You're not my son.

I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I am your son. My son had a birthmark.

The shape of a crescent moon underneath his left arm. That's right.

I never moved a year ago.

I hated that thing.

Ow!

My son didn't have a birthmark. Now, who are you? Will you relax?

Who are you? What have you done?

What are you doing here? What are you doing?

Yeah, that's right.

Found me Atlantic City a few months ago, hustling women at a casino.

Wealthy wives looking for a good time while their husbands were gambling.

I'd just gotten out of prison just trying to get on my feet again. You are

a liar. I'm not lying to you, Emily.

It's true.

It was all set up.

Ted said that you had cheated on him a number of times.

And he wanted proof so that he could divorce you. You are lying!

I'm not lying to you.

Why wouldn't he just hire a private detective?

Oh, how would that look?

A popular preacher hires someone to follow around his wife? I don't think

so. That would hurt his image.

No, he wanted to expose you to the congregation so they would encourage a

divorce.

He said all I had to do was be available for whatever you wanted. I don't believe

this. He gave me the location of the park, time to be there, and $5,000 worth

of encouragement.

No.

How could he have known that I would have seen you that day?

That I would allow you to stay at the church?

He called every move that you made.

That's why I believed him.

Once we were sleeping together, he would create reasons to go to the TV studio at

night, leaving us time to spend alone.

You know, one night after you left, Ted came in.

Said he wanted me to blackmail you.

Oh, that is ridiculous. He said that the congregation might forgive an affair,

but embezzling money from the church for your lover?

I'll let him run you out of town.

He offered me 25 grand.

God, I didn't want to do it. Then why did you?

Because I was on parole.

Ted's friendly with a magistrate from Atlantic City.

Said if I didn't go along with it, he'd have my parole revoked.

And I guess that's easy to justify when I'm sleeping with a woman for money.

How'd you know about my son?

Ted told me.

Emily, I didn't want to do it, I swear.

But I thought the worst thing that would happen was he would divorce you. He'd go

on with his life. And I would find you. I would tell you about it. That's not

true. Nobody.

Nobody knew about that adoption. How would I have known about it, Emily?

But Ted told me everything.

No, Ted would never, ever do that to me. He never would. Listen to me. Listen to

me. He doesn't love you.

Whatever love he had for you was gone years ago.

In fact, I think that if he weren't a preacher...

We're taking a contract out to have you killed.

Sorry.

Emily.

He brought it back.

He brought it back?

That's great.

That's a miracle.

Hi, Emily.

You feeling better?

Uh, yes, thank you. We can finish up later, Amanda. Thank you. Okay, um...

Call me when you're ready.

Excuse me.

What are you going to finish up later?

There's an accusing tone to your voice, Emily. Have I done something to earn

your distrust?

No, you haven't.

There's $50,000 in there.

I took $39,000 from the church bank account.

When did you bring it back?

When you were giving your sermon.

Yeah, he also said that you brought him here from Atlantic City.

Mm-hmm.

That doesn't surprise me.

And what do you believe?

I believe you.

Yeah, I had Dick check up on him. He's done this before to other ministries.

You're not the first woman to fall prey to his act.

Well, why would he bring the money back then?

Coal fee.

You can't go to prison for just seducing another man's wife, but...

You can for grand larceny.

Come here.

Come here.

It's all right.

I've prayed for us.

This man who has invaded our life and sought to bring down this church and

this ministry, he's been revealed as the criminal he is, and he'll pay for his

sins.

The return of this money is our insurance against public scandal.

But what about us? I mean, how can you trust me after everything that I've

done?

Because I love you.

I always have.

The Lord spoke to me about our child.

This is a new beginning for us.

What?

Nothing. I'm just... I'm afraid that one day you'll wonder if this child's really

yours.

I know it's mine.

And I pray it won't be our last.

Okay.

Hey, loose buddy!

Hey. Hey, man. What a lovely spot you got.

You like it? No, I don't.

You're late, by the way.

Am I? Yeah.

You're lucky I'm even here.

My end was supposed to be over. It's over when I say it's over.

How did she find you? You bring my in? Look, okay, I'm doing a live broadcast

from my church this week, all right? Hey, did you bring... I asked you a

question. Just let me finish, all right? I'm doing a live broadcast from my

church this week. This has to be resolved by then.

What do you mean, resolved?

It means the job's not finished. Look, I agreed to come on your wife and

blackmail her. That is it. Give me my money. No, I'm out of here. Give me my

$25,000. You'll change when you give that money back to Emily.

Now the only way to get that money back clean is to get rid of her.

If you want to be practical about this, I'll let you keep the whole 50 grand.

It's a very simple solution to this whole situation.

I'm listening.

Emily's going to kill herself, so to speak.

All you got to do is make sure it looks like a suicide.

You want me to kill your wife?

I want you to make sure she doesn't wake up.

During my live broadcast, Emily will be lying in bed dying of an overdose of

sleeping pills.

You know she's going to overdose?

Because I'll be making tea.

Thank you. Keep the change.

Thanks, dear buddy. Thanks a lot.

I would estimate your due date on or around December 16th.

Now, this is for prenatal vitamins, and this is a list of foods high in folic

acid. Well, thank you.

Emily, I have to ask you a sensitive question.

It's in the interest of your baby's health and yours.

Oh, sure. What is it?

Who's the father?

I can't believe you asked me that.

Ted is the father.

Ted had a vasectomy two years ago.

I assumed you knew.

That can't be true.

He would have told me.

I'm sorry, Emily.

You have my word. No one else will know.

I know it's been a little crazy around here lately, but I just want you to know

that the Lord has blessed me with you and with this ministry, okay?

Has the Lord blessed you with the child inside me?

Look at look at I don't care what you do with the camera so long as I can move

around That's it. You can move anywhere you want on the stage, but we can't like

the rest of the church effective No, hold on Ted has to be able to use I

gotta go check on Emily. She was feeling kind of blue this morning. I'll be right

back. All right

What about Emily? She could come in here. It's over. She's leaving me. What?

No, what? She told me last night. Ted, the show, you can't... There's a plan,

Amanda. We have to have faith. All's gonna go according to the plan, huh?

Yeah.

God's plan.

That's right, God's plan.

Thank you very much.

I'm talking about a battle here, people.

A no-holds-barred scrap for your eternal soul.

Right? You think the devil fights fair?

Temptation is his weapon of choice, and no man can resist temptation.

I don't care who you are. I don't care what pulpit you're standing in. I don't

care what direction you face when you pray.

If the devil wants you to fall, you're gonna fall.

God doesn't turn his back on his children that fall.

The devil knocks you down. It's your choice. You get back up, you go at it

again.

We are all in a battle here, people.

And it's not over till God says it's over.

No man will know the day, but that day is coming. That day is judgment day.

That day when the gloves come off and God says, stop fighting, children.

Please stop fighting. It's over.

But until that day gets here, folks, I'm going to fight the fight.

I'm going to stand up. I'm going to look the devil square in the eye and I'm

going to say, you take your best shot.

You take your best shot because I got the power of Christ behind me and I'm

getting right back up.

Emily. I'm so glad it's him. Did you drink the tea?

No matter what he hits me with, I'm getting back up. I'm sticking my nose in

his face when I'm saying devil. Is that the best you got?

How could you do it, Ted?

You'll have to forgive my wife. She's been under a little stress lately. We

actually have some fantastic news for you. How could you do it? Anyway, we are

thrilled to announce we're going to have a baby.

Are you thrilled, Ted?

Is that why you tried to kill me?

If you'll excuse me, I need to take my wife home and put her to bed.

No.

You put poison in my cup of tea to look like I killed myself.

You don't want the baby inside me.

Emily, listen to what you're saying.

My friends, I apologize for this tragic display. Emily has been on

the verge of a breakdown for some time.

she has a history of suicide which the scars on her wrist will attest to no no

he's lying to you he's trying to kill me emily you need help do you hear what

you're saying this is all in your mind no don't believe him please don't

believe him emily's gonna kill herself so to speak all you gotta do is make

sure it looks like a suicide

to make sure she doesn't wake up.

And that's the gospel according to Ted.

Sit down.

You don't want to do this, Ted.

Sit down!

Sit down!

Now! Ted, please.

This is a domestic dispute.

Ted,

please.

I've worked my whole life for this day and you killed it.

I loved you.

I loved our ministry.

My ministry.

This was my ministry.

I wanted a wife, not a business partner.

You want to kill me, Ted?

Then go ahead.

If it's God's will, then I'm ready to die.

That's very good.

Take a page out of my book. Play to the crowd.

It's not going to save you, though.

There are worse things than dying, Ted.

I realize now that my life is not a lie.

You were. I guess we both lose.

Do you know how much I love to watch you preach?

You whispered the message of hope in my ear and gave me a reason to live.

You were right about one thing, Ted.

There's no crashing God's party.

Behind your back You

were

supposed to leave I told you I wouldn't tell

anybody no I thought about running

Something changed my mind.

What was that?

You.

And our baby.

Oh, look. Emily, I am not asking for anything.

I know I don't have a right to, not now.

Not after what I did.

But you taught me something about love and faith.

I might not be around to see my kid grow up.

But being able to say I did the right thing, I think that'll mean something.

Let's get Luke downtown.

Especially with a mother like you.

All right, let's go.