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(festive music)

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(festive music continues)

(light music)

(knocking on door)

- Princess Violet.

Princess Violet!

The queen would like you to represent her

at several Wingravian Royal Christmas events.

- Oh, I would

if my hands weren't completely full.

Mostly of chocolate.

- The Queen insist, ma'am.

So we'll begin with a Christmas concert

by the Wingravian Hoopty Doos.

- If we must.

* Jingle bells

* Jingle bells

* Jingle all the way

* Oh what fun it is to ride

* In a one-horse open sleigh, hey *

* Jingle bells, jingle bells

* Jingle all the way

- Do they know instruments have been invented?

* In a one-horse open sleigh

- Oh, we were able to shift my mother's schedule today

to include our Christmas festoon bake.

- Actually, you highness-- - I just can't wait

for some alone time with her.

You know how hectic this year has been and--

- Shhh!

* Making spirits bright

- We can discuss that later.

Next up, the Sacred Christmas tradition.

High tea with the Sisters of Perpetual Grace.

- Can't wait.

(light music)

(light music continues)

(sister clears throat)

- So tell us, Princess Violet,

what are your plans for the country once you're queen?

- Oh,

so many plans.

Like

far too many.

I don't even know where to begin.

- Well, I have several very exciting suggestions

regarding infrastructure.

So if we were to pick the bicycle lanes,

and widen them so they could accommodate tricycles

and also-- - Oh, they must be getting

ready for festoon with mother.

- I'm not sure that's the cake.

- Filled in with some organic material--

- I'm sorry sisters, but royal business calls.

The queen and I have important baking to do.

- Let's not jump to conclusions.

Your Highness!

(people chattering)

Your Highness,

I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but

the Queen's schedule, it's,

it's very full and-- - And what?

- She won't be joining you for the festoon bake.

You see, other Queenly duties have taken precedence.

- She's probably just lost track of time.

I'll remind her.

(gentle music)

Mother?

(gentle music continues)

Hmm.

- I believe she's on a palace tour with dignitaries.

- And why wouldn't she move that from her schedule?

You know, when I'm Queen,

baking the festoon will be the first thing

on my holiday timeline.

(gentle music continues)

Ooh!

(gentle music continues)

Looks good on me, right?

- Perfectly fine,

if you have no respect for the crown.

Did you really walk out on the Sisters of Perpetual Grace?

- I may have,

but I was more excited for our festoon,

and for decorating it with painted pine cones

like father liked it.

- Of course, he would darling.

But we don't always get to do what we want.

Sometimes we must do what is required.

- And quality time with your daughter is not required?

Can we just bake the festoon later,

just the two of us?

- If time allows.

Now sweetheart,

take off my crown and go train with Sir Bafalis

for the Christmas tree ceremony.

If you are serious about being Queen, then show me.

- All right, but when I'm Queen,

I'm doing away with all these antiquated ceremonies.

- If.

- What do you mean if?

- If you are queen.

- Of course, I'm going to become queen, mother.

Who else would be?

- Someone who takes the responsibility seriously.

Do you have a royal mission yet?

- Does looking regal count?

- Every royal must have a mission,

a focus that drives their reign.

For your father, it was helping the less fortunate.

For me it is public health.

What is it for you?

Any ideas?

- Lots of ideas.

Many.

But uhm.

- But uhm?

What?

Where is the action?

Where is the follow through?

Violet, I don't have doubts in your ability

and I know it's been a difficult year for us both,

but please do try to rise to the occasion

and if you want to be queen, you must put in the work.

- Yes, mother.

I will go train with Sir Bafalis.

- And ready for tomorrow's Christmas tree

selection ceremony?

- Of course.

We'll be there bright and early.

(trumpets sounding)

(trumpets sounding continues)

- Late again is she?

- She's simply unreliable.

You are her uncle.

Can't you say something?

- I've tried.

How I have tried.

I love her dearly, but

it just doesn't get through to her.

- Mm.

- Sir Bafalis.

Sir Bafalis, stop being stubborn.

This way.

Nope, no, no.

This is not behavior becoming of an honorary knight.

Come on.

(Sir Bafalis bleating)

Sorry for my tardiness, mother.

Sir Bafalis refused to follow my orders.

Seems he does not respect the chain of command.

- Nevermind dear.

Let's just get to the matter at hand, shall we?

- By order of the Queen of Wingravia,

Sir Bafalis, the royal soothsayer

shall select the Christmas tree for the town square.

- Right, Sir Bafalis, that's you.

Right, this way.

Nope.

Nope, this way.

This way.

Come on, Sir Bafalis, stop pulling.

Wait!

Um.

(light music)

Oh, good choice.

Wait.

No.

Sir Bafalis, not that little one.

Sir Bafalis, that's a mistake.

That's not our Christmas tree.

(light music)

- By order of Queen Winifred,

Princess Violet and Sir Reginald Bafalis,

the royal Christmas tree has been chosen.

- Oh no wait, he's still choosing.

- Sorry love, it is done.

(light music continues)

- I will not tolerate the lack of regard

for the secret ceremony.

Not to mention you abandoning the nuns

or talking during the whoop-di-doos,

and don't even try to tell me that you trained Sir Bafalis.

- Alright, I thought I could wing it--

- For goodness sakes, Violet,

you are next in line to be queen.

Do you even know what that means?

What that entails to be a true leader?

There is no easy way out.

No blaming others.

No cutting corners.

It is difficult

and involves difficult decisions like.

- Like what?

- Like looking for a new successor to the throne.

- Father would have never even considered that.

- Unless he thought it necessary.

- But I want to be queen mother.

I do.

I,

I don't know why I keep messing up.

- Winifred,

may I offer a teensy suggestion for dear Vi?

- Go on then, Felix.

- This year has been tough.

I can see it in both your faces,

but watching your two butt heads as it were,

perhaps that's not the solution.

You know, when I was younger, I struggled.

Amidst all this opulence,

it's not always easy to build the leadership qualities

required of our roles.

And so father sent me

to an American Military Academy bootcamp,

but it was quite good for me.

I could find an academy for Violet over the holidays.

- Oh, but I have plans with Prince Scott over Christmas.

So.

- If Prince Scott truly cares,

he will wait for you.

We are putting Uncle Felix's bootcamp plan into action.

- A bootcamp?

I mean a stiletto camp I could consider, but boots?

- Prove to me

that you can be the strong leader Wingravia needs,

not just for me darling, for your father.

(light music)

- I may be the first princess ever

whose reign was derailed by a goat.

- Not derailed yet.

You'll be Queeny someday.

- If I ace this American bootcamp.

- I'm surely your commanding officer will go easy on you.

Americans love to fawn over royals.

- True.

But I am going to miss you.

- Of course you are.

Which is why.

- Scotty

Oh, a phone.

- So we can chat

without that Royal operator monitoring our calls.

Now, how long will you be away?

- It's a 10 day bootcamp, so.

- We'll be sipping eggnog in Ibiza Christmas morning.

- Whew.

This castle, always so chilly.

- Sure is.

(light music)

- How bad can this be?

Chesterfield Military Academy hosts a bootcamp

for future world leaders

and influential individuals

who want to develop leadership skills

with immersive workshops.

Oh, immersive and holidays.

This could be amazing actually.

- [Sophie] Oh, it will.

- I've heard the Americans really go all out

with the Christmas cheer

and we'll be under the tutelage

of a prestigious military commander.

So basically it's 10 days

of Top Gun meets Oprah meets Santa.

I'm in.

I will miss you Sophie.

- Hmm.

- I wonder

who our esteemed commander will be.

* We wish you a merry Christmas *

* We wish

- I just put the pie in the oven and heard a giant crash

and there is Bing Crosby

way up in my Christmas tree.

Every ornament was shattered.

So I'll be needing a refund.

- With all due respect, ma'am,

it's not Haney's fault that your cat--

(people chattering)

- [Announcer] Can I get someone in aisle four please?

We need customer service on aisle four.

- Let me get my manager.

Mindy.

Yeah, welcome to Haney's.

Can I help you?

- Yes.

This mistletoe says affection guaranteed.

But I totally struck out at my holiday work party.

- I can't give you a refund, sir, but

I think you might have some better luck

on aisle 13.

Mouthwash.

Yeah, just that way.

Welcome to Haney's.

Can I help you?

- I bought a bunch of MREs

and none of them have candy inside.

- Colonel Yates, what are you doing here?

- Just checking on my troops.

The bigger question is, what are you doing here?

I know it's been a minute since.

How you holding up?

- Just getting through.

- Now what'd you call this?

Whatever happened to your plans to teach at West Point?

- Actually, I'm pretty sure I'm

not gonna be teaching anymore.

- You're kidding?

Half the eight years of your service was as an instructor.

It's why I'm here.

Your alma mater Chesterfield needs help

with the holiday leadership bootcamp.

We're talking powerful wealthy recruits,

many facing their final opportunity for redemption.

An instructor dropped down for duty reasons last minute.

I couldn't think of a better replacement than you.

- I appreciate that sir.

I'm just not ready to go back.

But thank you for coming by.

- [Colonel Yates] Good seeing you, Ryan.

(people chattering)

- [Announcer] Aisle four please.

We need customer service on aisle four.

- Actually, Colonel,

tell me more about those cadets.

(upbeat music)

(upbeat music continues)

- All the way from India.

Duke Sateane of Jalandhar.

Set to lead his home state,

this wealthy young man

needs to take a good long look in the mirror

and not the way that he normally does.

(upbeat music continues)

Marlena Li,

K-pop star whose second album

was expected to be as big a hit as her first

until she rage fired her entire staff.

(wheels squealing)

(upbeat music continues)

Tucker Finch,

of the Falcons Fame.

(upbeat music continues)

- Your big Falcons fan, if memory serves,

- I've lost a lot of friends over my love of the Falcons,

which made it worse because when this wide receiver

was benched for insubordination,

oh there went the championship.

(upbeat music continues)

Here's Noelle Latrel.

She's the daughter of a billionaire tech guru.

All seems well with her, but

still waters run deep.

(upbeat music continues)

Now meet Bobby Bofa,

known as Bitcoin Bobby.

- Crypto bro who swindled billions from investors?

- That punk owes my nephew $6,400.

(upbeat music continues)

- Thank you.

- And who's this?

- [Squibb] Princess Violet Bell of Wingravia.

She's here to prove to her mom that she can be queen.

(upbeat music continues)

(whistle blows)

- Get in line, all of you.

Welcome cadets.

I'm your commander for the next 10 days.

During that time, you will address me as captain

and I will address you as cadet.

This is former Army Captain Juniper Squibb.

- You can call me Squibby.

I will be your cook, your nurse, and your counselor.

You need anything, you let me know.

And if you don't tick me off,

you'll have three square a day.

- You may be influential in your specialist fields,

but you have each faced challenges in self-control.

During your time here, I will mold you into leaders

through three core components.

Class study on the basics of leadership,

community service to remind you why you choose to lead,

and finally, through physical endurance and teamwork

by completing the Academy Schooling obstacle course,

AKA, the shredder.

Do the work and you will succeed.

Grab your things and let's move.

Hundreds of successful leaders have emerged

from Chesterfield Academy.

Hopefully by the end of this course, you will too.

- I don't mean to interrupt,

but this looks nothing like the website.

- This way.

(light music)

Your luggage will be stored in here.

Everything you need is in your dorm.

Phones, tablets go in this bin

to be behind lock and key.

- But without my tablet,

I'll lose my power shopping status.

- For the next 10 days,

you will go without your creature comforts

to focus solely on your leadership skills.

- Thank you.

- That's you too, Bobby.

You got a phone?

- Does this dude even speak?

Oh look, if my agent calls,

tell him thanks for nothing for putting me in here.

- You will have separate barracks.

Squibby will help you settle in.

- Oh, I noticed a clear lack of Christmas decorations.

Will they be put up soon?

- No.

- Oh, well can I add some?

Just a little Christmas cheer.

- I don't do Christmas cheer.

- Oof.

Someone's grinchy.

- Are you talking back to a commanding officer?

- No, it's, it's just that Christmas

is my favorite time of year and I--

- Congratulations, princess.

You just landed your whole crew in early morning doo-doo.

Instead of the 0500 wake up,

you will all

be getting up at 0415 for an early morning run.

- What? - What?

(soft music continues)

- Rebelly, rebelly, fall out.

You want chow, get running now.

Let's go cadet.

Rise and shine,

time for that early morning run.

- I am a princess

and I command you to go away.

- Well, I'm your captain

and I command you to get up.

Let's go private Princess.

(soft music)

- Get away. - Keep up, Princess.

Is that some sweat I see forming there?

- Impossible sir,

because I don't sweat.

I glow.

(soft music continues)

Oof.

- [Squibby] Grubs up.

- Finally, I'm starving.

- We stand for grace.

(soft music)

For this food and fellowship, we are truly grateful

and we offer a special intention

for those who are no longer with us.

In their honor, may we not waste a single moment

of this good life we still have.

You may be seated.

(gentle music)

- Um, is this the breakfast spoon,

dessert spoon or coffee spoon?

- The spoon is a spoon is a spoon.

You don't have to eat it.

- Its actually pretty good.

Bobby likes it too.

- Alright, listen up.

This is hallowed ground.

Some of the finest cadets

I ever had the privilege of knowing

pass through these halls.

- You were a student here?

- Yes.

And after my military service, also a teacher.

This place is like a home to me.

Now, some ground rules.

I'll keep it simple.

Trust is central.

No lying.

No outside calls or texts

and no guests on the property.

Failure to comply, you fail the course.

Questions?

- Might I request a different wake up system?

That cowbell was deafening.

And you know when my ladies maid wakes me from slumber,

it's much more gentle.

- Whoa, hold up.

Ladies maids?

You're an actual princess?

- Oh yes.

And someday queen.

- Assuming she passes my course.

- Oh, I will, captain.

I'm capable and committed.

- Time will tell.

Eat up and clean up cadets.

See how y'all do when we hit the books.

(soft music)

Leadership,

what is it?

- Oh, is this like one of those

charming American trivia shows?

I'll take I don't know the answer for 500, Alex.

- This is not a game.

This is your life.

As a leader,

you are responsible for those following your command.

That is not something to be taken lightly.

It has consequences of life and death,

as I know all too well.

- Excuse the interruption, sir, but

what do you mean by that?

- This isn't about me, it's about you.

How you perform here will shape how you lead out there.

- My producer is the one who should be taking this course.

I lead with my music.

He can handle the rest.

- You lead by example

and if this attitude is your example

then you've got a long way to go.

Now, turn your text to page nine.

You'll silently read this chapter

before we move on to the next section.

- Sir,

I'm not quite familiar

with this whole silent reading thing.

I generally listen to my books.

- You mean as in audio books?

- My aide, Cedric reads all aloud to me

while I look at the pictures.

(soft music)

Oh, and mine's, mine's missing pictures.

- Read the chapter, cadet.

(soft music)

- Welcome to your first bout of community service.

Now this kitchen is my hallowed ground.

Muck with it, answer to me.

Now today we are gonna be baking cookies

for Chesterfield Children's Hospital.

- That's wonderful.

What are we thinking?

A few dozen

- Try 500.

- I don't care for baking, so maybe--

- We don't care for your opinion.

(soft music continues)

- I think what the captain here is trying to say

is that when you serve, it is not about you,

it's about the community you're helping.

Now I know that Christmas cheer

is not in the Captain's forte,

but this is for the kids.

Cookie cutters are here.

You got snowmen, Christmas trees, candy canes.

And just keep in mind

that it's for a good cause.

- This is also an exercise designed to teach you

to make something from scratch working as a team.

I'm already on a team

and they're called the Falcons.

- Well then why didn't they offer you a new contract?

Oh yeah, I know all about

your suspension for insubordination.

And if you ask me,

no one cares a hoot if you're on a team,

if you can't trust the people around you.

- Well, the idea of baking is very exciting.

- Great.

You're in charge.

- Me?

- Fresh ingredients are in the pantry.

Get it done, Princess.

(soft music continues)

- It is good to have you back, Cap.

It's a lot of water under the bridge.

And I was sorry to hear about Benji.

He was a good kid.

- And the great cadet,

the bench that Benji and I built, is it still there?

- Yeah.

Seen better days.

And now let's gossip about those cadets.

(Ryan chuckles)

I know this ilk really curdles your cheese.

- Half of them probably won't even pass the course, but

what are you gonna do?

- They're flawed, but

at least they're trying.

(alarm sounding)

(tense music)

- Fire! - Oh my god.

What do we do?

What do we do? - Don't do that, no.

- Stand back.

Stand back.

(alarm sounding) (extinguisher blowing)

Squibbs, can you?

- Excuse me.

- We mis-set the temperature

in gradients of Celsius, not Fahrenheit.

- Time of death, 1300 hours

- Pre-made cookie dough?

You raided Squibby supplies and cheated?

- Don't look at us.

Princess power over there was in charge.

- Well, they weren't mixing

like my royal chefs do, and

just seemed easier.

- That wasn't the exercise.

Create something from scratch as a team.

How do you expect to lead a country

if you can't even make Christmas cookies?

- Because when I'm queen,

I'll have chefs on hand at all hours.

- You're not going to be queen if you don't do the work.

- I don't think my future depends

on whether I burn a snowman cookie.

- You're right, it depends on a whole lot more than that.

Now you can all thank your cookie dough princess once more.

You've all just landed yourself in the shredder.

(all groaning)

Buckle up cadets.

Day one of training is now.

(soft music)

(dramatic music)

- The shredder.

(dramatic music continues)

Zigzag through the calf burning tire rung

of the rings of fire

before scaling the vertical wall of Dante's peak.

(dramatic music continues)

Then fall backwards

in the fall from grace trust exercise,

only to hit the deck,

(dramatic music continues)

the platoon belly crawl,

and finally seek resurrection

through the legendary ascent.

(dramatic music continues)

This is big kahuna.

You don't complete the course,

you don't pass.

Now let's move.

(tense music)

That's it, princess.

Go, go, go.

(tense music continues)

(Bobby groaning)

- Come on Bobby, you got this.

(Bobby groaning)

Can't you guide him in some way?

- Do better.

That's also financial advice.

(tense music continues)

This exercise, you will each take turns

trusting your team to catch you when you fall.

And fall you will.

Finch, you're up first.

- Ah, you, you know what?

I'm good.

I, I think I'll fall from grace another day.

- Oh no.

This was designed for you.

- All right, okay.

- That-a-boy.

Easy does it.

(tense music continues)

- All right, come on Finch.

We are so ready.

- Yeah.

Who here don't you trust?

(soft music)

- This ain't happening.

(soft music continues)

- Okay, we'll work on that.

(tense music)

(cadets grunting)

- You are one with the ground.

Dirt is beautiful.

And so are you.

(whistle blows)

- Whatever floats your boat, Latrel.

Just keep going.

Move, move, move.

(tense music continues)

(Ryan grunting)

(bell ringing)

See,

it's easy.

- Any tips or tricks?

- Gravity's not your friend.

So who wants to go first?

(soft music)

Princess Violet, thank you so much for volunteering.

You're up first.

(soft music continues)

- All right.

(soft music continues)

(soft music continues)

(Violet grunting)

Yeah, I need a new rope.

Mine's not roping.

- Yeah, yeah, more blah blah excuses.

- Excuse me?

- Just do the work.

- How dare you.

You keep telling us to do the work,

but what exactly are you doing?

- I beg your pardon?

- You've just said more blah blah excuses.

Is that you in your finest form

as a commanding officer?

- Cadet, it is not your place to question my authority.

- Perhaps the Princess has a point, sir.

- Is that right?

- You haven't exactly been a ray of sunshine

and I hate sunshine.

- Your encouragement is tepid at best.

Your enthusiasm deserves a D minus.

I will grant you

your physique and jawline are impressive.

But,

but, and perhaps worst of all,

you seem entirely opposed to the idea

of spreading Christmas cheer

in this, the most cheery of seasons.

- Okay.

Well I'm clearly out of line

and you all are just superstars.

I think we need a breather.

Hit the showers, tomorrow's a new day.

- You said what we were all thinking.

Well done.

(soft music)

- Alright, everyone in

and get yourself some rest.

Go.

(soft music continues)

(Squibb knocking)

Permission to enter?

- Come on in, Squibb.

- Apologies for not interjecting there.

- Ah, none needed.

I'm fine.

- Well,

I always knew you as an instructor

who was there for the cadets.

You went above and beyond and now

you see me a little distant.

You know, Christmas cheer

was designed for this kind of thing.

It brings people together

in an otherwise dreary season.

- We baked the cookies.

We know how well that turned out.

- But that was coming from me.

Maybe it could come from you.

(soft music)

Look, all I'm saying is everybody deserves a good Christmas.

Maybe we could look for opportunities in that zone.

It'll help them.

Could help you too.

(soft music continues)

- [Violet] Dear mother,

I write to you all the way from Chesterfield, Colorado,

where Christmas dreams come true.

Bootcamp is more fun than I ever expected.

You'd be so proud.

And the friends I make--

- Unhand me, peasant.

- [Violet] It's like they always say,

the real treasure is the friendships we make along the way.

And I'm not just making friends,

I'm learning to lead by example.

(uplifting music)

And I'm so excited

to share more when I return for Christmas.

We'll finally bake father's festoon

and celebrate just like we used to,

our happy family together as it should be.

Soon enough. Mother, I love you.

Merry Christmas.

Violet.

(gentle music)

- Who would like to do grace?

- I'll go.

(Tucker clearing throat)

Thank you all for this opportunity to stay the course

and for Squibby's good grub and no injuries.

And may my QB stop overthrowing me on fade routes.

- Okay, thank you, Finch.

- Amen. - Amen.

- Amen. - Crushed it.

- Eat up.

And then thanks to an initiative

from our good friend Squibb here,

today's community service will be Christmas adjacent.

- Is that the same as Christmas cheer?

- Baby steps.

We've been asked to deliver Christmas trees

to the Chesterfield church.

- That sounds hard.

And I don't really like-- - Yeah, well that's life.

(soft music)

And

what is life without a little holiday joy?

- Oh, I feel the joy radiating already.

(soft music continues)

- No, I mean it.

Joy will be had.

I may even attempt to smile.

- Is that the best you've got, captain?

Come on, you've got such lovely pearly whites.

- Aww, that's it.

And how will this community service work?

- There is a tree for each pair of you.

You have your gloves.

Grab a tree.

You'll be carrying them to the foyer

of the Chesterfield church.

- That's like three miles from here.

Where's the cheer in that?

- Do you know how bark will harm my French tip manicure?

- I do not.

- Carrying trees for that long, that's unreasonable.

Even for you.

- Would it help if I gave the command with a joyful smile?

- I don't mean to be insubordinate, but--

- But.

No but, you wanted Christmas, you got it.

Do the hard work, do it well.

Squibb and I are going back to the academy,

then we'll all meet at the church.

(soft music continues)

- I'll hand it to you,

at least you tried to set him straight.

- That's all right.

If he wants to be like that, we'll match fire with fire.

(mysterious music)

(mysterious music continues)

(mysterious music continues)

- Someone's coming.

- [Violet] Hurry.

(mysterious music continues)

Hurry, Bobby.

* We wish you a merry Christmas *

- [Noelle] Hurry.

(tense music)

- [Violet] Go. Go, go, go.

* We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year *

(light music)

- Bingo.

Is the name of this moving company?

- No, not moving for Christmas,

but moving Christmas itself.

Well, the trees actually.

Can you put me through to Bingo?

- Can I ask,

why all the silence?

A vow?

Of silence?

Why?

Those I defrauded had no voice in my crime.

So why should I have a voice now?

- Perfect, thank you.

All right, who knew asking to move Christmas trees

would be so confusing for the man.

But we're good now.

Come on.

Thank you so much.

When we get to the church,

I need you to park as close to it as possible

without being spotted.

- You got it? - Perfect.

Let's go.

- What do you know?

- Ah, my arms hurt. - I can't do it.

It's so heavy.

- Great job cadets.

Bring 'em on up here.

Now stand 'em up.

(soft music) (cadets grunting)

(soft music continues) (cadets continue grunting)

- Whoa.

Nice one, Cap.

- Thanks Finch.

Dirty gloves go in here.

These gloves don't have sap on them.

(uneasy music)

Either somebody tells me right now what happened

or I fail you all.

(uneasy music continues)

- Okay, that job was a no-win situation.

You've had it in for us from day one.

It's almost like you're hoping we fail.

- I wouldn't say hoping but waiting for the inevitable.

- Well, the wait is over, Captain.

I quit.

(soft music)

(soft music)

(phone ringing)

- [Operator] Hello palace switchboard.

- Amethyst 3509.

Put me through to my mother right away.

(phone ringing)

- Violet, are you all right?

- No, I'm coming home.

I quit, and that's just how it is.

- I had hoped that you'd learn something.

- I did.

I learned to crawl through dirt

and burn snowman cookies.

- You understand dear,

this makes it difficult to name you my successor.

- Mother, I'm trying here.

- Trying's not enough for a queen.

Have you found your mission yet

or are you just cutting corners as usual?

- Well, I-- - Have you?

Answer me Violet.

(gentle music)

Just come home dear.

(gentle music continues)

(owl hooting)

(gentle music continues)

- Lemme call you cab.

- I'm fine.

Airport's only a few miles.

- But I could-- - I said I'm fine.

Bye.

(somber music)

(wheels spinning)

(wheels continue spinning)

Hello?

Are you okay?

Are you hurt?

You are okay.

(gentle music)

(gentle music continues) (truck rumbling)

(gentle music continues)

(gentle music continues)

(gentle music continues)

- That was pretty impressive you pitching in like that.

And you know ASL.

Where did you learn?

- When I was small,

my father got too close to some heavy artillery

and gradually lost his hearing.

- Oh, I'm sorry.

That was a big problem when I was in Iraq as well.

I'll, I'll drive you to the airport,

but before you go,

I know you have it in you to do this.

- It's very kind of you captain, but

you and my mother were right.

I'm nowhere close to finding my mission

and left to my own devices,

I choose the path of least resistance.

- That's not what I just saw.

That man needed help

and you stepped up without hesitation.

That was brave.

Tells me there's an incredible leader inside of you.

- Well, unfortunately,

that leader never emerged during bootcamp.

So.

- I think that might have something

to do with my teaching style.

- Do you really think I could be a great leader?

- I do.

- Well as a potentially great leader,

I think it could really help morale

if we could decorate the academy for Christmas.

(hopeful music)

- Unselfish request.

I concur.

(hopeful music continues)

("Deck the Halls" playing)

- Why the change of heart?

- I'm not entirely a Grinch.

Just Violet convinced me.

- Oh, interesting.

- What? - Nothing.

- Alright, cadets

have at it.

- Thank you, Captain.

Everyone,

I want to apologize for my behavior.

Cheating to pass this course

kind of defeats the purpose.

In fact, in order to celebrate our differences,

what if we make ornaments from our unique cultures?

- Well, we ate popsicles as kids

and then make ornaments

out of the popsicle sticks.

We still do it.

- That's perfect.

As for me, my father and I

used to decorate our baked festoon

by painting pine cones.

I'm going to go find some.

(gentle music)

(gentle music continues)

(gentle music continues)

Sir,

permission to interrupt?

- Permission granted.

- Thank you for letting us do Christmas.

- Nah, I should've let you do it on day one.

- What brings you up here?

- This bench.

It's my retreat from everything.

Started building it when I was a student.

Just fallen trees from the woods.

I then had some help improving it

from a former cadet years ago.

His name is Benji.

Great kid.

- It's beautiful.

- It's my duty to honor it.

- Any exciting plans for Christmas?

- Going home to Wyoming to visit my folks.

What about you?

- This holiday season's different

from all the others before.

We had a loss in the family.

Traditions are different this year.

- What kind of traditions?

- Well, baking a festoon for one.

When I was small,

we'd always watch my favorite Christmas movie,

"The Sound of Music".

- "The Sound of Music" is not a Christmas movie.

Now "Die Hard"--

- "Die Hard" is not a Christmas movie.

- "The Sound of Music" is a love story

between Captain Von Trapp and a irresponsible nun.

There's not an ounce of Christmas in the whole movie.

- Well, I dunno, my,

my dad loved the song "Edelweiss",

and he associated it with Christmas.

Perhaps because they got the wish to be together.

(gentle music)

It's chilly up here.

(gentle music continues)

Thank you.

- Dear friends,

let us give thanks

for morning sun,

for the shelter above

and for the food before us.

It is often lumpy,

lacking in flavor,

kind of tastes like the nasty gruel from Oliver Twist,

and you shouldn't really--

- Marlena!

- Apologies.

What I mean is

we're

fortunate

for the food we have

and this group that allows us to choose the path of light

rather than that of all consuming,

eternally burning, soul crushing venomous rage.

Amen.

- Amen. - Amen.

(festive music)

- Come on, Captain, you can make it through the whole word.

(Ryan chuckles)

(festive music continues)

- Leadership through Christmas cheer.

(cadets cheering)

All right, all right, all right, hold the applause.

Doing my best on the whole cheer front.

It helps that the holidays are filled

with the Chesterfield ethos of teamwork and community.

Which is why today we'll test just that.

You'll create a life size Christmas tree

using nothing but this paper and the supplies in this room.

And you'll do it together.

- Alright, team locked and loaded.

Any ideas on where to begin?

We need a frame to hold the paper.

What about the flag pole?

- I guess we could tape the sheets together

to make stackable rings for each level of the tree.

- Perfect.

Let's make it happen.

* Merry, merry Christmas

* Happy holidays

* Best wishes of the season

* May it stay with you always

- [Marlena] Watch where you're stepping.

- I can't help it, Finch's elbow is in my face.

- It ain't my fault your face is elbow worth.

- Oh, no, no, no.

You did not just say that.

- So what if I did?

What you gonna do about it?

- I'm gonna buy your team.

- I bet you won't.

(all yelling)

- Stop!

- Whoa, the dude speaks.

- It's Christmas,

time where we shed our petty differences,

forgive our minor foibles,

where even the crypto charts take time off to rest,

where meme coins become merry,

Blockchains give way to candy canes,

creating the warmth for a smile.

Grace of a kind gesture.

And the company of friends,

family,

even NFT hobblers.

Let's decentralize this and

work together to,

to add the final touch.

Now who's with me?

(gentle music)

- I don't understand what you just said,

but I'm in.

(gentle music continues)

(cadets applauding)

(soft music)

(Violet grunting)

- Here, here, here, here.

Try this.

This.

It's a J hook.

Trap the rope.

Push down.

Hand over hand to climb.

(Ryan grunting)

(gentle music continues)

Use the hook.

Wait on your feet.

- There must be an easier way.

- Easy?

That's not your way, is it?

- Right.

(soft music)

- Every inch at a time.

One inch at a time.

Hand over hand.

Keep going.

(gentle music continues)

There you go.

You got it.

That's it.

(gentle music continues)

(Violet grunting)

Hey! - I almost made it.

I can do this.

- Yes you can.

Keep working cadet.

(gentle music continues)

- Sir, yes sir.

I'd love to be an elf.

(gentle music continues) (light snoring)

(gentle music continues) (light snoring)

(phone vibrating)

(gentle music continues)

(tense music)

(tense music continues)

- What are you doing here?

- Well, I hadn't heard from you and I missed you.

Didn't you miss me too?

- I guess, but I've been busy.

- Sorry I didn't reach out earlier.

But tell me, how is this bootcamp?

- It's been tough,

but also amazing.

We've all come such a long way.

I mean, there's no way I thought I could do Dante's Peak

and Ryan, Captain Ryan.

He taught me this J Hook.

But honestly, the belly crawl is probably the hardest part--

- That sounds disgusting.

Which is why

I've come to rescue you.

- What?

No.

We graduate in two days.

I'm not going anywhere.

- Not even zo match for a ski trip?

- Scotty, I need to pass this bootcamp.

I want to be queen.

- And here I thought you hated hard work.

- I did.

But now I may like it.

And I have a huge day tomorrow, so

I think you should go.

- But I came all this way to see you.

- Do you even care that you being here

could get me expelled?

- But I thought you'd want me to rescue you.

- I don't need to be rescued.

- All princesses love to be rescued.

- Not this one.

And if you can't see that,

then you are dismissed.

- You'll regret this.

I'm the best thing that's ever happened to you.

- Well, now I know for sure I did the right thing.

(soft music)

(tense music)

(soft music)

(soft music continues)

- [Violet] All right.

(Violet grunting)

(Violet continues grunting)

(Violet thumps)

(soft music)

(video call ringing)

- Hey mom.

- Ah, hi, Ry.

Oh, you look well.

- [Ryan] Thanks.

Can you turn the camera around so I can see your tree?

- [Mom] Ooh.

- No, he other way, Mom.

- [Mom] Oh, dad did such a nice job of the lights.

(cat meowing)

- Oh hi, Mr. Bubbles.

(cat meowing)

- You know, I am so proud of you

for getting back on the teaching saddle just the same.

Are the new cadets being helpful?

- Help isn't really their strong suit,

but they've improved for sure.

- Oh, don't get mad at me.

I just have to ask.

- No, I'm not seeing anyone.

- No one, oh.

Oh, well then who is that stunning woman

crawling across your floor?

- Violet?

She--

- I was just looking at the stars

and I, I got locked out.

- Oh.

Ryan used to spend hours on the lawn

staring at the stars too.

And since Ry Ry here has forgotten his manners.

Hello dear.

I'm Mrs. Douglas.

I'm Ryan's mother.

- Pleased to meet you, Ms. Douglas.

- Did you just curtsy?

- [Mom] Gilbert, come quickly.

Ry Ry is dating and she's lovely.

- Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

Princess, Cadet Violet and I are not dating.

I repeat, we are not dating.

She is in training here,

and she's really cold right now from her

stargazing adventures.

So we are gonna get off the call now, Mom.

- [Mom] Oh, at the very least,

invite her to Wyoming for Christmas.

- No, I'm her commanding officer.

That is against the rules.

Okay, bye.

- [Mom] Oh.

(soft music)

- How did you get in here?

(soft music continues)

Let's get you by the fire.

- Okay.

- You climbed up the drain pipe?

- Yep.

Just like you showed me.

By the way,

I see you've been digging into your advent calendar.

- Oof.

One of my few cheats.

I haven't been able to resist 'em

since I was a kid, actually,

- You'll never believe it, but

I do the same.

- Hmm. - Since I was small.

And I love how

during the holidays we reach into our past and

bring forward all these meaningful traditions.

- I wish when we reached into the past,

we only brought the good things forward.

- Why did you stop teaching?

- Remember that talented cadet

I told you about from years back?

Benji.

- The one you built the bench with?

- Yeah, that's right.

When he graduated,

I

pulled a favor and asked that he be assigned

to the Pacific division

to keep him out of Iraq.

Well, when Benji found out I did that,

he was

very angry.

I was only trying to protect him, but he

took it to mean that I didn't think he could handle it.

I said some things I regret.

And

that was the last time we spoke.

Benji went to Iraq and

didn't make it back.

(soft music)

I quit teaching,

put the military behind me.

And

I haven't really been able to,

I don't know,

open up too much since.

- I know what it's like to self-sabotage when

the alternative is just

terrifying.

That's probably what led me here.

The family loss I went through,

(soft music continues)

it was my father last Christmas.

- I'm sorry.

- It rattled me,

left me lost,

messing up my duties,

not giving myself a chance to successfully fill his shoes.

I think because I was afraid to accept he's really gone.

Seems fear's been

keeping us both comfortably numb.

I don't think my father would've wanted that.

- I don't think Benji would either.

(soft music continues)

- Thank you all for this fantastic food

and for these new friendships.

Some loud,

some quiet,

but all meaningful.

(Squibby clearing throat)

And in conclusion,

thank you for Squibby and her excellent cooking.

May it provide the strength we need

to stand up for ourselves.

Amen.

- Amen. - Amen.

- Amen.

- And by the way, fam,

anyone mucking in my kitchen at night?

I saw some muddy tracks on my freshly mopped floor

by the back door.

- Jacob Marley's ghost strikes again.

(cadets chuckling)

- Well, whoever it is,

remember it's hallowed ground.

- Indeed.

Okay, cadets,

retired Colonel Jimmy Shepherd,

the man Vi saved days ago,

wanted to thank her by hosting us for some Christmas cheer

at the old veteran's home.

Need to wear your holiday best.

I'll open up the luggage locker.

(soft music)

- I'm Lorna, the veteran's home den mother.

You must be Captain Ryan.

- Yes.

These are the cadets.

This is retired Captain Juniper Squibb.

- Hi. - US Army Desert Storm.

- Thank you both for your service

and it's a pleasure to meet you all.

Which one is Violet?

We can't thank you enough for helping Colonel Shepherd.

We call him Shep.

You can say hi.

(soft music)

- Let's give these vets something to remember.

Page seven in your books.

(festive music)

* Deck the halls with boughs of holly *

* Fa la la la la, la la la la

* 'Tis the season to be jolly

* Fa la la la la, la la la la

* Don we now our gay apparel

* Fa la la la la, la la la la

* Troll the ancient Yuletide carol *

* Fa la la la la, la la la la

(people chattering)

(soft music) (people chattering)

- At ease, cadets.

I've got this next piece.

I know some may not consider this next one a Christmas song,

but I've just learned there are some that do.

So

here it goes.

* Edelweiss

* Edelweiss

* Every morning you greet me

* Small and white

* Clean and bright

* You look happy to me

* Blossom of snow, may you bloom and grow *

* Bloom and grow forever

* Edelweiss

* Edelweiss

* Bless my homeland forever

(audience applauds)

(upbeat music)

- Wake up.

It's December 23rd.

Time to conquer the shredder and graduate.

- I would respond with an insult, but I'm working on myself.

- Did you fold my clothes?

- Folded and pressed.

Chop chop.

- I would like to thank you all for reminding me

that despite my power shopping status

perfectly groomed cuticles, and alarmingly good looks.

- Okay, all right, come on.

- There's more to life than just the superficial.

It's comradeship,

friendly competition,

and sometimes just silent companionship.

On this day, shredder day,

I would like to give a deep thank you to you all.

- Well said, cadet.

Now eat up all of you.

Lord knows you're gonna need the energy

for what's coming next.

This is it.

The final challenge.

Each section must be fully completed in order to graduate.

- I better graduate.

My mother flies in for grad tonight

(whistle blowing)

- On your mark.

(soft music)

Remember left foot over right with the J hook.

Then hand over hand.

- Right?

I'm very nervous.

- I can tell.

Cadet,

you got this.

(trumpet blowing)

(whistle blowing)

There's that smile, Marlena.

Better pace yourself, Finch.

Go, go, go, Princess, no wait.

High knees, Sateane.

Go, go, go.

- Yay, Bobby!

- That-a-boy, Bobby! - Woo!

(upbeat music continues)

- We've got you, don't panic.

- You can do it. - You can do this.

- Come on. - Alright.

- [Sateane] Believe in you, come on, man.

- Finch, Finch, Finch, Finch!

(dramatic music)

- We got you.

- I'm alive.

- You did it.

- Get it, buddy.

- Keep going, troop.

(dramatic music)

- Go, go, go, go.

(dramatic music continues)

Go.

- Hey, muscle through the crawl, cadet,

muscle through the crawl. - Go.

- Last section coming up.

Move, move, move.

- [Squibby] Looking good.

All right. - Come on, Vi.

- You got this, Vi

- Come on. - Let's go, Vi.

- You can do it. - You got this, Vi.

All you.

All you. - There we go.

- Keep going. - You can do it.

Come on. - Come on, Vi.

- Come on, Vi. - Let's go.

- [Ryan] Just like that.

(hopeful music)

(cadets gasping)

- Hang on, Vi. - You got it.

- Good recovery. - Eye on the prize.

- [Marlena] Almost there.

Almost there, Vi.

(hopeful music)

(bells chiming)

(crowd cheering) (triumphant music)

- Congratulations, Cadet Violet.

You just passed bootcamp.

(all cheering)

- [All] Yeah.

(soft music)

- Hey.

Are you okay?

- It's just my,

whole thing with my dad.

I mean, I'm so proud of how far we've all come.

I want him to acknowledge it.

It's silly, but

I want him to be there for me.

Not just his work,

his new wife, his

new life.

That's why I'm here.

I thought if I learned how to be a leader,

I could stand up for myself for once.

- That's not silly.

You deserve that.

And maybe it's time you let him know

how you really feel.

(gentle music)

- I just get so nervous.

Confrontation's never really been me.

(gentle music continues)

- Call him,

invite him to grad.

- I couldn't.

What if he says no?

(gentle music continues)

- Then you tell him how you feel.

Tell him how it hurts you.

But maybe let's find a more private spot.

(gentle music continues)

Come on.

- It would just mean so much to me, dad,

for you to meet everyone

and see what we've done here.

Oh, well, come on your own then.

Take the jet.

No, I understand.

If she needs you for her bridge tournament,

then she needs you.

- Muscle through the crawl, Cadet.

You can do this.

- Actually, dad, wait.

If I'm being honest,

I don't understand it.

I don't understand how you've tossed me aside,

how you've spent your life focused on spreadsheets,

board meetings, and now your new wife,

but you've been blind to what matters most.

If you wanna prioritize a bridge tournament

over your own daughter's graduation, then do it.

I am standing strong,

loud and proud,

the leader I know I am.

(phone beeps)

(both giggling)

- You did it.

You did it.

(wood breaks) (both gasping)

- Oh, that's not good.

- No, you don't understand.

This isn't just any bench-- - Cadets.

(soft music)

- Are you holding a phone?

Back to your barracks, cadets.

That's an order!

(soft music)

- It was an accident, honestly.

I was helping Latrel--

- With a phone that was forbidden on day one.

Is that how you ordered the truck to move those trees?

What else?

What else aren't you telling me?

- My ex-boyfriend,

he visited the night before last,

but I broke up with him.

- Here on campus?

- In the kitchen.

Those were his muddy tracks.

How I got locked out.

- You had the chance to tell me the truth the other night

and you didn't.

(soft music)

Trust,

loyalty,

they're pillars of this institution.

After all this,

I simply can't pass you.

I'm sorry, but you're dismissed.

- Ryan, I--

- That's Captain Douglas, cadet.

I know this means you won't be queen,

but you've made your own bed.

- Thank you, Captain Douglas.

(soft music continues)

(soft music)

- But Violet, I've traveled all this way.

What do you mean you're not graduating?

You were yesterday.

- I know, I know, and

I thought I was, but it's not happening.

- Oh, Violet, I'm so-- - Disappointed.

I'm sure.

This time is different.

I have some really exciting ideas about--

- Violet.

It is not different.

You are simply incapable of change.

I should pack.

Sydnee, let's pack.

- I'd like to finish what I was saying.

I did this bootcamp as you wished,

and even though I didn't pass

and I'm not going to become queen,

I found my mission.

I have some really exciting ideas about opening a school,

a school for the deaf to honor a father.

And I don't need to be queen to do that, but

I was hoping that

we could do it together.

- Those are encouraging words darling,

but sadly, that's all they are.

Words.

Tell the pilot to get the jet ready.

I have an unheard of amount of work to do on the flight.

(soft music)

- Would you stop?

Stop mom.

Stop masking your pain

with busyness and just look at me.

This is our first Christmas without Father,

a time that used to mean the world to me.

And it's as if all you see are my failures.

Do you not see that I'm grieving here?

Can you not see that you are grieving?

I need some air.

(sad music)

- I know it was the right thing to do,

but I can't help but think I could have done more

to set her up for success.

That's on me.

- Pardon me for saying so,

but I don't think this is the first time

that you took responsibility for something

that wasn't your fault.

You know, when I first enlisted and went to overseas,

my mom so mad at me,

but nothing was gonna stop me from serving.

Benji, he was a grown man and I reckon

that nothing was gonna stop him either.

You don't have to forget him,

but maybe the best way of honoring his sacrifice

is by living your best life.

Since it is Christmas,

consider some grace for those who aren't entirely perfect.

(Ryan chuckles)

(soft music)

(people chattering)

- Violet.

- Lorna, Merry Christmas.

- I'm surprised to see you in town.

Aren't you prepping for the graduation tomorrow?

- I'm afraid not.

I won't be there.

- Oh, what happened?

- How much time do you have?

- Actually, not a ton.

I'm doing a cocoa run for Shep and the vets.

Our pipes burst and the kitchen is down.

- On Christmas Eve?

That's awful.

What will you do for dinner?

- Good question.

I am out of ideas.

- But I may have one.

(festive music)

* Well I know it's close to Christmas *

* But I need to change your mind *

* 'Cause I know I've been a trouble maker *

* I wanna make things right

- What's going on in here?

Who's responsible for this?

- Sir?

I can tell you who's responsible for this.

It's Vi.

- What are you doing?

- It's okay.

She asked me to tell Ryan.

- She did?

- And to tell you that she'd like to talk.

That you'd know where to find her.

(screwdriver whirring)

(soft music)

(screwdriver whirring)

(soft music continues)

(soft music continues)

- Didn't know you were the handy woman type.

- Me neither.

Turns out I am,

just a wee bits of elbow grease.

- I,

I reacted harshly.

- Well, I did break the rules,

over and over and then some more.

- I need to meet you where you're at.

You did that for me time and time again these past days.

Latrel told me why you let her use your phone.

That was noble of you

helping a friend and time of need.

And did a heck of a job fixing the bench.

It means a world to me.

- I know it does.

Which is why I didn't just fix it.

I also added a touch I think you deserve.

(soft music)

- Thank you.

- I hope you don't mind me inviting Shep

and the others to the dinner.

It's just their pipes burst and I--

- Are you kidding?

Community service.

- It's why we choose to lead.

(soft music)

- Okay.

(lively music)

- All right, troop.

We're about ready.

- No meal is complete without dessert.

- [Violet] Mother?

- Hello darling.

- Oh, the Queen.

- Oh no, no need.

Please rise, thank you.

One Juniper Squibby Squibb called the pilot,

filled me in on the good deed you are doing.

Well, if your father were here,

he would insist we top it off with our classic festoon

and I have all the ingredients right here,

including painted pine cones for decoration,

if you'd let me help you.

(soft music)

(festive music) (people chattering)

- Squibby?

I think this belongs to your nephew, Lawrence.

I'm sorry.

(soft music)

- I am very impressed

by how much you've grown.

At this mission you have in mind

with the ASL school,

it is truly an honorable one.

Your father would've been so incredibly proud.

- You think so?

- Yes.

And I believe Wingravia will be proud of you

when you are their queen.

(soft music continues)

- Before we dig in,

I just wanted to say how grateful

I am tonight for all the cadets

and those loved ones who can make it.

I'm especially grateful to Princess Violet.

This dinner would not have been possible

without your leadership,

humility and strength.

She accomplished what she came here to do

and because of that,

I have decided to graduate Princess Violet,

along with her fellow cadets.

(all applauding) (people chattering)

(all continue applauding) (people chattering continues)

(gentle music)

- Captain Douglas, led us in grace for our meals.

I'd like to do it tonight, if that's all right, sir?

(gentle music)

(gentle music continues)

For this food and fellowship,

we are truly grateful

(gentle music continues)

and we offer a special intention

for those who are no longer with us.

In their honor,

may we not waste one single moment

of the good life we still have.

(gentle music continues)

- Amen.

- Amen.

- [Group] Amen.

(gentle music continues)

- It was a pleasure meeting your mother.

- Guess now we've both met the parents.

Isn't that right, Ry Ry?

(Ryan chuckles)

- She offered me a royal visit to Wingravia,

said there might be a teaching opportunity available

at the Wingravian Military Academy.

- Now there's an idea.

("Edelweiss" playing)

- May I have this dance, Princess?

("Edelweiss" continues)

- You may, Captain.

("Edelweiss" continues)

("Edelweiss" continues)

Permission to kiss you?

- Permission granted.

("Edelweiss" continues)

("Edelweiss" continues)