(phone ringing)
- Hey, this is Tom Brennan.
I'm sorry I missed you,
but leave a message
and I will call
you back. Thanks.
(beep)
- Hey, Dad.
It's Kylie. How did I know
you wouldn't pick up?
Working out? Isn't it
a little early for that?
Ah, warming up
with a morning jog,
then exercises. You're
a better man than me.
Uh, I was just calling
to see how you're settling in
to the new place, because
I know how much you love change.
Why not take a trip outside
of your comfort zone,
like losing the barrack-chic
look on your new house?
When I come to visit,
I want to see something
a little more sentimental than
flags and medals on the walls.
OK? Love you. Bye, Dad.
(phone ringing)
- Hey, peanut.
- "Peanut"?
- [Oh. Sorry.]
Thought you were somebody else.
- That's Major General Peanut
to you, Tom.
- General Cabot!
Thought I recognized
that old growl.
- It's been almost five years
since my last tour of duty, son,
so it's just Henry now.
- You still heading up the
school board at Stone Creek?
- I think they just like
having a two-star general
on the school newsletter.
Makes them look legit.
- Who are you kidding?
You love that place
almost as much as I do.
- I'm glad to hear you say that,
because there's a situation
there I'd like to
[discuss with you.]
- OK, um...
How does beers
at Callahan's sound?
- Hooah.
- Hooah, sir.
Good to see you.
- Stone Creek Academy.
- (both): Duty. Honour. Courage.
- At ease, Colonel.
So... when did you
get your marching papers?
- Uh, all too familiar story.
Mortar shell blew.
Shrapnel flew,
nailed me in the shoulder.
Army handed me my retirement
papers three months ago.
- Tough break, but maybe
it was for the best.
- Really? How do
you figure that?
- Are you going to sit down?
- Thanks, Frank.
- You're welcome.
- Look, I know how
hard it was for you
after your wife passed away, but
would you've really been happy
staying on, doing a desk job?
- Well, not by a long shot,
but I'm not really
cut out for civilian life.
- You're in a period of
transition is all, which, uh,
brings me to my proposition.
I need your help
over at the Academy.
The place has been falling
by the wayside for years.
Enrollment's down to
the point where they can
barely keep the lights on.
- What's the problem?
- I wish I knew. The board just
hired a new dean of academics
to help turn the place around.
- And...?
- And if I had
100% faith in her,
we wouldn't be having
this conversation.
- Her?
- From San Francisco.
Graduate of Berkeley.
She's a smart one,
but you know,
very yogurt and granola.
Touchy-feely type.
- Translation: non-military.
- I think the Academy could
use someone from the inside
to head up the military
program and corps cadets.
- General, I... I'm a soldier.
I'm not an administrator.
- You're a leader.
You always were.
And if anybody can
turn this program around,
it's you.
- (Kylie): [Oh, please.
What else are you gonna do?]
[Start a boot camp
for soccer moms?]
- It's not that simple. Fall
semester began two weeks ago.
They would need me
to start yesterday.
- Well, that's perfect, because
what did you do yesterday?
Exactly.
OK. What are you afraid of?
- Isn't there somebody else you
can practice this Psych Major
stuff on? I'm already
paying for it once.
- Ah, that is a very good
example of deflection.
I love you, Dad. Bye.
- Bye, Kyles.
What are you afraid of, Tom?
(hubbub)
- Good morning...
Emily, is that it?
- Yes, Dean Foster.
Good morning.
- Morning, Melanie.
- Morning.
- And what do we have here?
- Oh, fight outside,
morning reveille.
- Ah, so it's going to be
one of those Mondays, I see.
Send them in.
- Will do.
Boys!!
- You both know the Academy
forbids physical altercations.
But worse, one of you is lying
about starting the fight,
which is grounds for expulsion.
- Hey, you're not gonna
get me expelled!
- Hey!
- It wasn't him. I started it.
- I see.
Now, if I'm not mistaken,
you have an incident
on your record
at your previous school.
- That wasn't my fault!
I swear.
- Alright, then. Seeing as we
are barely into the school year
and just getting settled in,
I am going to opt
for a one-time
"boys will be boys" excuse.
- (both): Thank you, ma'am.
- If you promise me one thing.
You both keep your noses clean.
Got it?
- (boys): Yes, ma'am.
- Mason.
I've got high hopes for you.
You've got a second chance.
Take advantage of it.
- Thank you, ma'am.
- And please,
stop calling me "ma'am."
(military music)
(kids laughing and talking)
- (boy): Hey, how are you doing?
- (girl): Good, how are you?
- Why are you so late?
What time did you wake up?
- (girl): Hey, how are you?
- (second girl): Doing well,
how about you?
- Pretty good.
- (boy): English class!
- Wait, wait.
What's this, cadet?
- Uh, my shirt?
- "My shirt, sir."
More specifically,
it's untucked.
And where's your tie?
- We don't wear ties.
- What kind of uniform
doesn't have a tie?
- This one?
- Colonel Brennan, I presume.
- What gave me away?
- Your...
Oh, you were making
a joke! Ha ha, sir!
Melanie Corbett,
executive assistant, Colonel.
Quinoa muffin?
- Um...
- They're organic, gluten-free
and sweetened with agave.
- Three things
I try never to eat,
but thank you.
- Oh, that's a shame.
I made them myself.
They're Caroline's favourite.
- Caroline?
- Yes. You know,
Caroline Foster.
The new dean of academics.
- I know who she is.
I'm just surprised
you refer to
the dean so casually.
But I guess things are more
laidback than I remember.
- Yes. Well, I'm sure
you're anxious
to get settled in,
so why don't I show
you to your office?
It's a little bare-bones
at the moment,
but feel free to spruce
it up with a little colour,
some plants, personal photos...
- This is fine.
Thank you, ma'am.
- Well, then.
I've gone ahead and printed
you up a list of meetings
and activities for
the week. Caroline--
Uh, Dean Foster was hoping
you could meet her
later this afternoon
to discuss
the upcoming semester.
- Fine. Just see if
she's available to meet
out on the quad at 1300 hours.
1:00.
- Oh, great.
That's right after lunch ends.
- Mm, thank you.
- Sorry, dude!
- Seeing as this
is a military academy,
I expected things
to start on time.
- Please continue.
I'm sorry, Colonel.
I thought we were meeting
to get acquainted, not storming
the beaches of Normandy.
Caroline Foster.
Nice to meet you.
- Where I come from, Dean
Foster, example's important
and punctuality's
a part of the code.
- OK, then. I was just teaching
the cadets here
the benefits of yoga.
Studies show it helps
with concentration.
And relaxation.
Maybe you should
try it sometime.
- I'm comfortable
just as I am, thank you.
- If you say so.
Shall we?
Anyway, I'm sure you've
already gotten an earful
about the decline
in enrollment from Henry?
- Henry?
Oh, you mean the General.
- Right, I forgot
you two served together.
I suppose old habits
must die hard.
- If they die at all.
- Right.
Well, that's why
I was brought on here,
to help make the Academy more
relevant to a new demographic.
- What was wrong with
the old demographic?
- Parents don't care about the
pomp and circumstance anymore.
No offense. They just want
schools like Stone Creek
to get their kids
into good colleges.
- Well, I was brought in
to emphasize code of conduct,
character development,
discipline. I mean,
look at this campus.
It's the cadets' responsibility
to treat their institution
with respect. And how
are they supposed to do that
with their noses
buried in cellphones?
On that subject, we're banning
electronic devices from campus.
- Are you serious?
You realize the students
do their homework online?
Look, I don't necessarily
disagree with everything
you're saying, but I also
don't see how your approach
is the only way that we're going
to turn this place around.
- Do you have a better idea?
- Thank you, Colonel.
That's the first time you've
asked me for my opinion.
- Sorry, ma'am. You will find
I call 'em like I see 'em.
- Well, it's very easy to walk
in here, pointing fingers.
I've only had a few weeks to
settle in and you've had, what,
a few hours? Meet the faculty.
Get to know the cadets.
Take a deeper look around
and then come to me with a plan
we can actually discuss.
Got it, Colonel?
- Yes, ma'am.
- Great.
- It's cruel and
unusual punishment
that no one should
be subjected to.
- It's not that bad. It's got
the four major food groups:
beef, turkey, ham, cheese.
- Yeah, I'm not talking about
your protein explosion.
I'm talking about
your "my way or
the highway" attitude.
Like it or not, Dad,
this woman is still your boss.
- Technically, we're in charge
of two separate divisions.
- Well, it sounds to me like
she's trying to work with you.
- Right. By dismissing
everything the
Academy represents.
- You are so frustrating. Why do
you think you're the only person
who knows how to do things?
- Maybe I am...
- Maybe you're not!
Can I make a suggestion?
- Like me saying no
would make a difference.
- Put the dimmer switch
on that personality of yours.
Daddy, don't get me wrong.
I love you to bits.
But you have a way of making
everyone the enemy sometimes.
- I don't mean to.
- Well, look at you,
taking baby steps.
You could do that
more often, too.
Smile?
It's not a weakness to show
you have a softer side.
- Well, I'll give you that.
Your mom had a way of
getting me to lower my guard.
- Well, now that she's gone,
maybe you have to learn
how to do that for yourself.
Or find someone new
to help you do it.
And up goes that guard again.
- Uh... standby colours.
- Attention!
Some of you look like
you just rolled out of bed.
- No, sir.
- Can somebody explain to me why
nobody's heart is in their duty?
When I was your age, we had
to earn this privilege.
- When was that? Vietnam?
- That's it, hero. Give me 20.
- Sorry. I don't get
my allowance until Friday.
- Push-ups! That's everybody,
on the ground. Let's go!
Come on. Let's go, let's go!
You can thank Cadet
Keller. Real push-ups.
- Nothing like starting the day
with a little calisthenics.
Is that it, Colonel Brennan?
- Something like that.
The cadets and I are
just getting acquainted.
- Good, because
some of these cadets
are the Academy's
top scholars, like Emily
and Jared. And Mason here
actually just skipped a grade.
- The wise guy?
Flat backs!
Knees on the ground,
if you have to.
Dean, it's traditional to refer
to cadets by their last name.
- Oh, I don't know.
I find that so impersonal.
Don't you? I'm actually trying
to get them to call me Caroline.
I mean, that is my name.
Right, cadets?
- OK, that's enough.
On your feet.
Get to class, cadets.
Walk with me.
Two things. First:
I would appreciate it
if you didn't contradict me
in front of the cadets.
And secondly: how far
can you walk in those?
- Watch me.
For enrollment to grow,
I plan on implementing
progressive teaching methods
that worked at my last job:
expanded learning tracks,
life skills courses,
flipped classrooms...
- What's a flipped classroom?
Never mind.
- We're not in the business
of creating soldiers. We're
supposed to be shaping minds.
- Precisely, and if you truly
understood the military model,
you would see that discipline
fosters a great work ethic
that carries over into every
aspect of a cadet's life.
- And if I respectfully
disagree, what?
Are you going to tell me
to drop and give you 20?
- If I thought it would help.
- Look, I may not know much
about the military,
but I do get kids.
I know what keeps them
motivated to succeed.
But I can't do it alone and
I also... can't climb this hill.
- Now there's a word I hate:
"can't." It's the most overused
word in the English language.
It's just another word for quit.
- Is that so?
- Yes, ma'am.
You said, "I can't climb
this hill." Yes, you can.
Do your feet hurt?
Sure, but you can climb.
"Can't" suggests it's out
of your power. It's not.
- Fine! How about this?
I'm not climbing this hill
in these shoes.
- Better. That's a choice.
- I really CAN'T stand that man.
(children chuckling)
(knocking)
- You wanted to see me, Colonel?
- Yes. Can you see
if Dean Foster's
available for
a meeting after lunch?
- You mean here,
in the war room?
(chuckling)
I mean, your office?
- Dean's choice.
- She says she can meet you out
on the quad, 1:30 to 1:45ish.
"Ish" means
somewhere in between.
- I am familiar with
the term. But tell me,
at what point does
"ish" just become
a blatant disregard
for a time commitment?
- I'd give it
around a half hour.
- Good to know.
On time, I see.
- Actually, I got here
a few minutes early,
in case you were
planning to blitzkrieg.
- Perfect. I love a walk
and talk. Only this time,
it's not a competition.
I have a game plan
I'd like to run by you.
- What's the catch?
- There's no catch. We both
want the same thing, right?
- Well, that depends.
You sometimes seem
a little bit resistant
to anybody's ideas but your own.
- Well, people can change.
If they... want to.
- Hopefully a little more easily
than those words coming
out of your mouth.
- So I've looked around and
my first impression still holds.
We need to reembrace
conduct codes
and enhance levels of respect
and confidence to up our game.
- I'm glad to see
you're still sticking
with your original opinion.
You're consistent,
I'll give you that.
- Ma'am, you gotta let me
finish. Which leads to
reinvigorating the school's
junior ROTC program,
which parents love
because of the financial
assistance. It appeals
to graduates for college.
- Ambitious. Do not quote me
on this, but I like
the way you think.
- Well, it's not
flipping houses,
but it's an idea
to put us on the map.
- Flipped classrooms,
which simply means
watching class lectures at home
and doing homework in class.
- Doesn't that
make it classwork?
- Listen. I happen to believe
that a more personal approach
to learning can be just
as effective, if not more,
than your take-no-
prisoners attitude.
- Dean, you have
to understand in battle,
an individual is only
as strong as his unit.
- We are not
in battle right now.
- We're always in battle, ma'am.
And for the record,
your approach sounds like
a coddling load of psychobabble.
- Psychobabble?
You know what, Colonel?
We're done here.
And to think that I actually
complimented you on your ideas.
- Idea. I had more, but you
didn't let me get to them.
- Well, that's because the only
way you know how to share them
is by barking them
out like orders.
You know what? I guess
it's true what they say.
Old soldiers never die...
or know when to keep their
ears open and mouths shut.
- The woman won't listen
to common sense.
- She's not the enemy, Tom.
You need to find
a middle ground with her.
- Yeah, well, preferably
in a different zip code.
- There's something
you ought to know.
I hate bringing it up,
'cause it might not even happen,
but it might get you to
start thinking differently
about your approach. There's
talk that Bremner College
is going to buy the Academy
and tear it down to build
a dormitory complex.
- Are you serious?
- Uh-huh.
- You're gonna let that happen?
- No one's letting anything
happen. But at the end
of the day, my ranking
means nothing to a bunch of
30-something board members who
only salute to the bottom line.
- What do I do?
- Convince them the place
is worth keeping.
Increasing enrollment
would be a great start,
but you need to do it quickly.
- Why do I feel like the
captain of a sinking ship?
- So by giving cadets a choice
of watching lectures
at their leisure,
in-class time can be
devoted to exercises,
projects or discussions.
Yes, Pete? Do you
have something to add?
- Caroline, while I do think
some of your ideas are bold,
I'm not sure any of this is
going to be the fix you need
to turn this academy around.
- I agree. Look.
The scholastics program
can always be improved,
but that's not what's
ailing this academy.
- So what do you think
the problem is, Jennifer?
- Well, it seems like
no one really cares anymore.
- Everyone's been getting away
with doing a little less
and a little less
and it starts to snowball.
- It wasn't always that way.
When I started here, there
was a pride in the Academy
and everything
it stood for: duty,
honour, courage.
- Yes, we've heard.
And now?
- It doesn't take
a mathematician to figure
our current class
sizes won't translate
into a sustainable business.
- Look. With all the cutbacks
and the rumours that the school
is going under, we all
figure that the Academy's
days are numbered.
- And you're all OK with that?
Sorry, just curious.
- No, none of us want this place
to go out with a whimper,
but what can we do?
- Over here, over here!
(indistinct boys' voices)
- 21, ha ha!
- Hey, man!
- Knock, knock!
First untucked shirts,
now unmade beds!
Do you mind explaining
this to me, hero?
- It's made. I pulled
the covers over it!
- You consider this made?
You should be able to bounce
a quarter off this thing.
- I told you, I don't get
my allowance until Friday.
- I'll show you how
to properly make a bed.
Watch me and do what I do.
You actually have no idea why
this is important, do you?
It's about order, consistency,
attention to detail.
- If you say so, sir.
- Get your coat.
- Wait. You're not going to make
me do push-ups again, are you?
- Actually...
I need your help.
I'm trying to find out
what you and the other cadets
think about the Academy.
So you'll have permission
to speak freely.
- Exactly how freely?
Personally, I think
most cadets see Stone Creek
as a place for parents
to send their slackers.
- I beg your pardon?
- Kids with disciplinary
problems. You know, hoping the
Academy will straighten 'em out.
- I see.
Anybody I might know
that fits that description?
- No, sir. None that
I know of personally.
- OK.
Tell me, cadet. When was
the last time the school
had an honours ceremony?
- What's that?
- It's a ceremony that honours
cadets who have demonstrated
exemplary performance.
It features elaborate drills,
parades, dress formals...
when I was a cadet, the backbone
of any military academy.
- I don't know. Guess they
phased that stuff out
after you went here
back in the 60s.
- I appreciate
your honesty, cadet,
but it was actually the mid-80s.
(Mason gulping)
Permission to speak
freely is now revoked.
- You know, watching yoga
is only half as much fun
as practicing it.
- How did you know I was here?
- Because whenever you're
around me, a 21-gun salute
goes off in my head.
Great job, cadets.
I'll see you same time tomorrow.
- If you're up for the
challenge, I thought maybe...
maybe we could try this again.
- Should I get my boxing
gloves now, or...?
- You might be
surprised to hear this,
but I'm actually easygoing.
- About an easygoing
as an avalanche.
- Try me.
- OK.
So you really think
what's ailing this academy
could be solved with
your military approach?
- I did, but you were right
to ask me to take
a deeper look around.
What?
- You just said I was right.
Forgive me for basking
in a little glory.
- Well, don't bask too long.
The board is talking
about closing the Academy.
- So the rumours are true.
How much time do we have?
- We'll finish the school year
for sure, but the deal
could be sealed before that,
which is why you and I have
to find a way to work together.
- Agreed. As long as you promise
to not bark out ideas
like I'm your subordinate.
- Roger that. I just ask
that you keep an open mind
about a more
traditional approach.
- I'm Zen with that.
- Really?
- Why do you look so surprised?
- Well, you might not be aware,
but you can
be tough to work with.
- Me?
Good morning, Mel.
- Morning, Caroline.
Coffee's just brewed.
- Oh, thank you.
I suspect today's going
to be one of those days,
so do me a favour
and supersize me.
- Oh, if you're hungry,
I made something
different today.
Egg white sausage cupcakes.
I'm hoping to find
a fan with the Colonel.
- Ooh. All protein, low-fat.
I bet you've got a winner.
Uh, hi. I'm Kylie.
- You're Tom's daughter.
So glad to meet you.
- Wow, he lets you call him Tom!
- Not exactly. We've yet
to broker a treaty on names.
(quietly): Trying to
pick my battles wisely.
- Smart. I think I was 9 before
he even let me call him Dad.
- What?
- Just kidding.
- So sir, is it true?
You were in the Gulf War?
- One of the many places
I was deployed, yes.
- I heard you were the youngest
lieutenant in Operation
Desert Shield.
And stayed right through
the invasion of Kuwait?
That had to be epic, huh?
- I wouldn't say epic, but...
definitely an experience.
Where'd you learn all this?
- There's this thing called
the internet... sir.
- Well, why are you
asking me questions?
If you read it on the internet,
it must be true, right?
- I meant no disrespect, sir.
I was just curious
after our discussion.
See, I did some
research on Stone Creek.
- OK.
- Did you know two generals
from World War II were former
graduates of the Academy?
One of them even served on
the board before he took over
the superintendent
post at Westpoint.
- Didn't realize you
were such a history buff.
- What was this place
like when you went here?
- You mean during
the War of 1812?
There was great pride
in being a Stone Creek cadet.
We felt like we were a part of
something bigger than ourselves,
that we could
accomplish anything
if we set our mind to it.
- So do you think
you can bring this place back
to the way it used to be?
- I wouldn't
be here if I didn't.
- That's cool.
I mean, I'd like
to see that happen.
- Really? That's
quite a turnaround
from our earlier conversation.
Why the sudden change of heart?
- Well, after that growth spurt
I've been waiting on kicks in,
I was thinking about joining
the Air Force one day.
- Really?
Pretty impressive.
Future fly boy, eh?
That's about the
toughest ticket in town.
- Do you think I have
what it takes, sir?
- My dad always said,
"You can attain
anything you want in life
through perseverance."
- You really believe that?
- I really do.
You just need
the proper inspiration.
Well, if you don't
want to get a tardy,
you better hightail
it to class, hero.
- Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.
- Mm-hmm.
- I didn't realize the Colonel
actually attended the Academy,
but I'd recognize that
steely-eyed glare anywhere.
- Oh, my goodness.
Look how cute he was.
- I know! That's a picture
of him with my mom.
That'd be on the night
he finally mustered
the courage to ask her out.
- (Caroline and Melanie): Aw!
- You know, you look like her.
- Thank you.
- Mm-hmm.
- I miss hearing people say
that. It's hard to believe
it's been almost three years
since she passed away.
- Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry.
- Oh...
- I had no idea
the Colonel was a widower.
- So to what do
we owe the surprise?
I thought you were studying
at Bremner College.
- Uh, yeah. Yeah...
Don't tell my dad,
but I took the day off.
I think I'm having
a case of the June blues.
- Look, Kylie, feel free to call
me and vent, if you like.
Before I got
into administration,
I spent four years
as a career counsellor.
- Oh, really? So is that helping
when it comes to butting
heads with my dad?
- It's a day-by-day situation.
- Sometimes, minute-by-minute.
(women chuckling)
- I thought I heard your voice.
What's going on in here?
- Oh, didn't you get the memo?
It's Bring Your
Daughter to Work Day.
- Um, Kylie, I'm afraid you
picked sort of a bad time.
We're kind of in the throes
of it here. I've got a big
strategy meeting with the boss.
- Oh, I prefer the term
"superior officer."
- Yeah, no, I totally
understand. I just came by
to say hi, see your office...
- Oh, I can show it to you.
It's not very fancy, though.
The Colonel here
doesn't like to decorate.
- OK, let's go!
- OK, let's go.
- (whispering): I like her.
- Kylie is a lovely girl.
You should be very proud.
- Well, I can't take all the
credit. Her mother did most
of the heavy lifting.
- I think Kylie would disagree.
You can tell just by
the way she looks at you.
- Um, well, you ready
to start brainstorming?
- Let's get this party started.
I think the key
to increasing enrollment
is raising morale internally,
but also changing
the community's
perception of the Academy.
- I couldn't agree more,
but the question is
how do we accomplish that
in the shortest amount of time?
- Well, that's our challenge,
which got me thinking
about the homecoming dance.
- Well, that might stir
some interest among cadets, but
I doubt it'll blip on the radar
with the board members.
- You didn't let me finish.
(dog whining)
Hey. Hey.
- Beg your pardon.
That's military speak for,
"I'm sorry. Please continue."
- Thank you. This year,
the Academy turns 100,
which got me thinking,
why don't we host
a huge centennial benefit
at Scholar Hall instead?
- Ah, gotcha.
Bring out some alumni,
get a lot of free press.
- Let's make it a celebration
that honours the school
as well as the community. And
let's give the board a reason
not to tear the Academy down.
- I like it.
- You like it,
but you don't love it?
- Don't get me wrong. I like
where you're headed. I just...
I don't think
it goes far enough.
- I'm sensing a "yet"
in my future.
I get it. This is all
very impressive.
- Honours ceremonies
are the lifeblood
of any military academy.
And it's not just handing out
ribbons and commendations,
it's what's behind them.
- And what's that?
- Pride.
Something this academy
is obviously sorely lacking.
I mean, a centennial celebration
doesn't mean anything
if there's nothing
behind it to celebrate.
Remember, perception is reality.
- And so is the bottom line.
I imagine this all comes
with a pretty hefty
price tag. And remember,
our goal is to find a way
to increase enrollment.
- Exactly. And this...
this is the key.
You don't know what
it feels like to earn
the Dean's Superior
Leadership Award.
- But you do.
- The honours ceremony's
a culmination of academics
and discipline. This, this will
give our cadets and the faculty
something to believe in.
Work hard, earn the honour,
the rest will follow.
I'm telling you,
if we can pull this off,
every parent out there
will be dying to send
their kid to Stone Creek.
- I feel your passion
and I agree with you.
This could all be so incredible.
- I'm sensing a "but"
in my future.
(door shutting)
- Uh, oh. Somebody
doesn't look happy.
- How am I supposed to save
a school when there's not enough
money in the budget
to afford a pencil eraser?
- Well, hopefully,
it's nothing a little beef stew
won't take the edge off.
- What's going on?
Why are you trying to butter
me up with my favourite meal?
You are not
switching majors again.
- OK, will you relax?
Maybe I just wanted
a little father-daughter time.
- Well, then, why are there
three plates at the table?
(knocking)
Dean Foster.
- Hi.
- Oh, come in.
- Thanks for coming
on such short notice.
- Are you kidding?
I welcomed a hot meal
after the cold shoulder
I got this afternoon.
- It wasn't that cold and
it wasn't directed at you.
I'm just frustrated
with the situation.
- I know. Welcome to my anxiety.
Speaking of which, this bottle
is not going to open itself,
Colonel.
- Tom.
That's your name!
You might as well start
letting people use it.
You'll have to forgive
my father. He's not
used to entertaining.
Or mixing business
with pleasure. Actually,
he hasn't really figured
out the pleasure part yet.
- Would you like to come in?
- I like what you haven't
done with the place.
- I know. I guess it's the
offshoot of living in barracks
for so long. I tend
to keep things sparse.
Old habits die hard.
- I heard.
If they die at all.
At least you didn't paint
the outside camouflage.
- Oh, no.
I have to go back
to campus. My roommate,
she's locked herself
out of our dorm.
I'm so sorry. You know what?
You guys eat, I'll go,
I'll come back as soon as I can.
- (whispering): Wait. You can't
leave me here with her.
What do you expect me to do?
- I don't know!
Listen to your guest?
That wine isn't pouring itself.
Bye, Caroline.
- Bye!
- (whispering): Have fun!
Just be charming, will ya?
- So I take it my idea to
revive the honours ceremony
is off the table.
- No, it could still be on it,
if only you had one.
No, it's all about
weighing our options
and deciding on the
best course of action.
- But because you're the dean,
it's ultimately your decision.
- That's true.
But remember, we said
that we would work together.
I know you're from a world
of leaders and followers,
but for me, there needs to be
a yin and yang in order
to create harmony.
- I see. Right brain
versus left brain.
But which one of us
has the right brain?
- Time will tell.
- What made you decide
to be an English major?
I imagined you having
hippie artist parents
who encouraged you
to chase rainbows.
- Not exactly.
You know the photo of that guy
sticking daisies into rifles
of national guardsmen in protest
of the Vietnam War?
- Yeah, the guy in the sweater.
Don't tell me that was your dad?
- No! No, but my dad was there
the day that that photo was
taken. And that inspired him
to become a war
photo journalist.
And my mother
was a schoolteacher.
My father respected the men
who fought for our country
as well as the citizens
who objected to it.
- Sounds like a very
brave and wise man.
- Yeah, I wish I got
to know him a little better,
but he died over Hanoi
when I was two years old.
- Oh, sorry.
- It's silly, really.
How is it I manage to miss
a man I barely remember?
- Some scars run
deeper than others.
I think
maybe they serve to remind us
how much the people meant to us.
- Kylie told me.
I'm very sorry
to hear about your wife.
I'm curious.
What's with the F. Scott
Fitzgerald quotation?
He is a true
literary hero of mine.
- Just the notion that we never
stop pursuing our goals,
no matter what
life throws at us.
- Nothing's impossible
till you say it is.
- Now you're
speaking my language.
- Tom, I have been speaking it
all along.
I can't believe
I just called you Tom.
Is that OK?
- It's fine. Hooah.
- I beg your pardon?
- Oh, that's a...
military expression.
It comes from an acronym:
heard, understood,
acknowledged. HUA.
- OK. So it's a good thing?
- Yeah, it's a very good thing.
- To never giving up.
- To never giving up.
- Forward march!
Come on, guys.
You heard the Colonel.
This is supposed
to be an honour.
- Alright, Emily.
Let's see some enthusiasm.
- Standby!
Colours!
(trumpet playing)
- Melanie?
- Yes.
- Kylie called. This must
be for the Colonel, no?
- Actually, she wanted
to talk to you. I guess
she wants to take you up
on your guidance
counsellor offer.
- Aw.
- Before you go, I know the
Colonel wants to speak with you.
- You know what? I just really
need to clear my mind first.
- You already had your one
yoga class this afternoon.
- Oh, no. There is not
a downward dog deep enough
to clear what I have
off my mind. Tell you what.
Tell Tom he can meet me
here later, if he wants.
Thank you.
- "Tom"?
- Sleeves, cadet.
Melanie, do you have any
idea where Dean Foster is?
- As a matter of fact,
I do. She said
you should meet her there
anytime after 1800 hours.
(whispering): That's 6:00.
- I'm well aware.
(rock music playing)
Since when do you play pool?
- Since when do you ask?
I picked up the game in college.
Sometimes, I even
got lucky enough
to win a little weekend funny
money playing pool at the decks.
- Funny money?
30 years in the service,
I've played a little myself.
- Really?
Maybe you should break.
- You sure?
- Be my guest.
- Don't judge. I've got a bum
shoulder from a war injury.
- I might know a pose or two
that would stretch that out,
if you were willing
to open your mind to yoga.
Corner pocket.
- Maybe you're right. But what
about opening your mind?
- To what?
- Your belief that my way
of turning the Academy around
means teaching all the cadets
to be mini soldiers.
That's not what it's about.
- OK, enlighten me.
Side pocket.
- The Academy was built
on a military model
because it teaches
self-discipline, confidence,
leadership skills.
- Great! But what about things
like individuality,
self-expression, creativity?
- One doesn't
preclude the other.
If a cadet will
pay attention to details
like shining his shoes or making
sure his bed is squared away,
he'll also go the extra mile
to redo that math equation
or reread that
Shakespearian sonnet
to make sure he understands it.
What? Nothing?
- I never thought about it
that way before, Tom.
You're right.
(Caroline chuckling)
Now it's your turn
to bask in the glory.
Feels good, doesn't it?
- Feel better if it would
revive the honours ceremony.
If I had 60 grand in
the budget for dress uniforms.
- I'm afraid that kitty is dry.
I barely scrounged up
enough funds
to cover the
expense of the gala.
- So it's impossible?
- Nothing's impossible.
What ever happened to all that
stuff about "never give up"
and "a soldier is born ready"?
- Why do I feel
like I'm being taken?
- We haven't betted anything
yet. Come on, soldier.
Put your thinking cap on.
- We have to change the culture
and a renewed sense of pride
would improve academics,
the perception of the community
and thus, donations.
- Everyone loves a cause.
- Especially one
worth fighting for.
Change the whole
perception of the Academy
and up goes enrollment.
- I love it!
Now the only question is whether
I can manage to raise the money
for the gala and you can
whip the cadets into shape
in time for a true
honours ceremony.
- Wait, seriously?
We can do both?
We have a deal?
- Sure...
if I can sink this shot.
- Wait! I am not staking
the future of the Academy
on one shot.
- You expect me
to have faith in you.
How about a little faith in me?
- Fine. Take the shot.
(sighing)
Did it go in?
- Hooyah.
- Well, I have to admit,
I haven't been hustled like that
in a long time, Caroline.
What?
- That's the first time
you've called me Caroline.
- Is that OK?
- It's better than Dean Foster.
Or ma'am.
- OK. Well, Caroline,
I've been meaning
to say that dinner
the other night was fun.
I mean, I had a good time.
I haven't felt
like that in a while.
- I had a nice time too.
- Well, good, then maybe
we should do it again.
I mean, if you're
up for the idea.
- Are you asking me
out on a date?
- I guess I am.
I'm sorry, it's been a quarter
century since I asked a girl out
and I'm a little rusty.
But yes, I would like
for us to go out on a date,
a real date,
and see what happens.
- What do you think
is gonna happen?
- I'm not sure, but it cannot
be more awkward than
it is right now.
- One can hope.
Yes, Tom.
It's a date.
- Hooah.
- Hooyah.
- No, I said simply hooah.
- That's what I said.
- No, you said "hooyah."
Said it that way earlier too.
- No, I didn't!
- Just say it for me again.
- Hooyah.
There. I said it
right that time.
- Six! Seven! Eight! Nine!
Come on, Keller! Pick it up!
Cadets! Fall in!
Move, move, move!
Colonel Brennan, sir.
- Mac.
- Attention!
- So cadets, I know
that Sergeant McAllister
has informed you of our plan
to revive the honours ceremony
here at Stone Creek.
Formulating the plan
is the easy part.
Executing it will
require diligence,
persistence, determination.
And we only have a short
time to reach our goal,
so the Sergeant and
I are going to push you
to master some elaborate drills
that you'll need
for the ceremony.
I'll also be assigning ranks,
including Battalion Commander.
- That's why I recommend
you all be at your best!
Cadets! Fall out!
- Colonel, sir. If possible,
I would like to be considered
for rank of Battalion Commander.
- That's a lot
of responsibility.
A position typically assigned
to seniors. You really think
you're up for the challenge?
- Yes, sir. I just want
a chance to prove what I can do.
- A big change from the young
man with the untucked shirt
and the attitude.
- People can change, sir.
They just need
the proper... inspiration.
- Tell you what. I will
take it under advisement.
- Thank you, sir.
- Yes, $3000 is very generous
and will go a long way, but...
$5000 would go even further.
I understand.
No, thank you so much
for your generosity.
Bye.
(knocking)
Kylie, hi! Come on in.
Lovely day.
(Kylie chuckling)
- Are you sure now's
a good time to talk?
I know you're in the thick
of it at the Academy.
- I have been on the phone
all day calling for donations
and I would love
a chance to rest my voice
and put my ears to work. Tea?
Are you still thinking
about dropping out of school?
- I thought about what you said,
but I can't explain it.
It just doesn't
feel right anymore.
And I feel like
I'm just wasting my time
and my dad's money on tuition.
- Have you talked
to your father?
- Oh, forget it.
Have you met my father?
On a good day,
he's listening-challenged.
But I shouldn't be afraid
of doing what
I think is right for me.
I mean, if school's not it,
then that should be
my decision, right?
- Are you asking me
what I think,
or do you want me to tell you
what you want to hear?
- I guess both.
- It sounds to me like you've
already made up your mind.
And if that's the case,
I'm not the person
you should be talking to.
- He's gonna hit the roof.
- Look, Kylie. If you want
your father to respect you
as an adult, then you gotta
treat him the same way.
- I don't remember the last time
I went out to dinner like this.
Usually it's takeout
or me with a can opener.
- I suppose we all
have our little habits
that slowly become
our creature comforts.
- Exactly.
- I know for me,
with every new job
I tend to over-pack.
I bring pillows
and bedspreads and pictures.
It's like I'm going on tour
with Caroline's Greatest Hits.
- Reminds you of home?
- Yeah...
When I think about it,
in the last 10 years,
I have lived
in six different cities.
But who am I talking to?
I'm sure you've had to make home
in the harshest
of circumstances.
- You get used to bringing
a little piece of home
with you wherever you go.
I always carried this
little crayon hand drawing
that Kylie did for me
in the first grade.
I don't know what it was
about that silly old picture,
but it gave me so much comfort
when I was missing 'em the most.
- I can't imagine being that far
away from your family was easy.
- Oh, I suppose every life
has its sacrifices.
It's just a matter
of finding the right balance.
- Now you're speaking
my language.
I've been thinking
about that a lot lately.
I just don't know if I want
to spend the rest of my career
bouncing from city to city,
living in extended-stay rentals.
- What do you want?
- I'm afraid that's
a work in progress,
but I promise to let you know
the moment I figure it out.
- Deal.
- This is nice, Tom.
- Yeah, it is.
- No, I mean this.
You and me.
- Oh, good.
I was afraid I was boring you
with all my stories of
"enlisted man: the early years."
- Maybe not all of them.
I'm just kidding.
That reminds me...
I almost forgot.
I have a gift for you.
- Really?
- It's just a little something
to keep your spirits lifted
during our fundraising efforts.
I've had it
for the longest time.
I can't even remember
where I picked it up.
- Thank you.
You know who
said this, don't you?
- I do now.
I actually just looked
it up recently, in fact.
Winston Churchill.
- Maybe we're not
so different after all.
- Told ya.
- Permission to kiss you,
Dean Foster?
- Permission granted, Colonel.
- He's something else, our
Colonel, isn't he, Dean Foster?
- Yes, he certainly is.
- I know it's none
of my business,
but is the Academy close
to reaching our goal?
- We're... getting close.
- Well, about that. See,
I was researching a list
of the Academy's former
graduates. Did you know
Senator Whitman
from Pennsylvania
attended the Academy in 1966?
- No, I didn't.
- His family comes from
Whitman Industrial Group
out of Philadelphia.
- I see.
Very wealthy, I presume.
- Exactly.
The Senator might be
a good man to turn to for help.
- Real subtle, cadet.
I knew I had a good
feeling about you.
Now, shouldn't you
be at drill practice?
- On my way, ma'am.
- Keep it tight! Keep it tight!
Come on, Keller.
Colonel Brennan, sir.
- Sergeant.
How are we doing?
- It's coming together, sir.
- Come on, Keller.
You should have this by now.
- I'm sorry, sir. I'm trying.
- Understood. Try harder.
- I just can't seem to get it.
- I don't want to hear "can't."
Ever. Just strike that
word from your vocabulary.
That goes for all of you.
We're running out of time
to nail this routine down.
- Alright, guys, let's go!
- You should give them
some slack. They're all
trying their best, sir.
- Unless we come up with
the rest of the money
for the dress uniforms
and the real equipment,
there is no honours ceremony.
I know he's got it in him.
But I'm curious: was there any
backlash from the seniors
for giving him the post?
- No, not at all, sir.
They're all rooting for him.
Plus, they know he's the
smartest kid of the bunch
and he's been
dealt a rough hand.
- How so?
- Father out of the picture.
Minor disciplinary issues
at other schools. The mother
probably sent him here 'cause
she doesn't know what else
to do with him, sir.
(Caroline sighing)
- Caroline, what's wrong?
Listen. I'm sure we'll
find the money somehow.
- It's not even that. I just
got off a call with Henry.
The board is about
to vote on whether or not
to turn the Academy
over to Bremner.
- And...?
OK. Well, that's out
of your hands, though, right?
You can't control
the future of the school.
You can just deal
with the present.
- Maybe you're right, Melanie.
Maybe we can give those cadets
and this place a last hurrah
they can be proud of!
- Now that's what the
Colonel would say, right?
- Or...
- Where are you going?
- To talk to a certain Senator.
Here's hoping Stone Creek holds
as special a place in his heart
as it does a certain Colonel.
I really appreciate you
taking this meeting with me
on such short notice, Senator.
- When my assistant said
it was about Stone Creek
Academy, I must say my ears
perked up. I always had quite
fond memories of my time there.
- I'm not sure if you're aware
of the dire circumstances
surrounding the
Academy's future,
but I've made it my mission
to keep the school alive.
- The Edgefield Foundation
is stretched out
to countless
organizations and causes.
The question boils down
to simply how many zeroes
and commas are between
what I'm willing to offer
and what you need to survive.
- What if I told you that what
I need from you is more valuable
than zeroes or commas?
- (Henry): Hi, Tom. I'm sorry.
The board voted 10 to 1
to turn the Academy over
to Bremner College
after the school year.
Thank you for doing
your best. Bye-bye.
(knocking)
- Hi, Dad.
- Kylie!
- Nice sofa.
- Everything OK?
- That depends on
how you look at it.
- Well, that doesn't
sound very promising.
- We need to talk.
- OK...
- And promise me that
you will try to listen.
Look, I know
this is probably going
to come as a bit of a shock,
but I've decided
to drop out of Bremner
at the end of spring semester.
This is where you yell.
- This is the new Dad.
I listen first and yell later.
So you want to
drop out of college?
And do what?
- OK, well, don't laugh,
but I think I want to take
a year off and travel Europe.
- And again: do what?
- I don't know!
Experience new cultures?
Use my advanced French
for something
other than ordering duck
l'orange at a restaurant?
Or maybe I'll just use the year
to figure out what I actually
want to do with my life,
because it's clearly
not happening at Bremner.
- It's not happening
in Europe, either.
- I knew this was a mistake.
- Bye. We'll pretend we never
had this conversation,
because you are staying
at Bremner till you graduate.
- Did you not hear
a word I just said?
- Whoa.
- Wow. It's a parade rifle.
- Looks so real.
- Well, are you just
gonna stare at it?
Try it out!
- Hey.
- Hi.
- What's the matter?
- Henry left me a voicemail
telling me that the
board approved the sale
of the Academy.
- You're kidding.
- Which I guess means
that you will be moving on
to a new job soon.
- Tom...
- And Kylie came down to tell me
she's dropping out of college.
- Oh. And how did
that discussion go?
- Not well.
She told me she wants
to take a year off
to trek through Europe
and find herself.
And I said good luck
getting my support for that
search and rescue mission.
- Do you want to talk about it?
- Ah, not much to talk about.
I reacted, she reacted
and stormed out.
- Well...
maybe Kylie taking
an academic leave
isn't the worst
thing on the planet.
- Did you know about this?
- Well, we spoke about it,
but I told her to talk to you.
- Why didn't you just convince
her to run off to some commune
and sing Kumbaya?
- Wait a minute.
You don't think
I talked her into this?
- No, of course not.
I'm sure it's my fault. If I
weren't so rigid and regimented,
she might find me
more approachable.
- Hey, hey, hey. If you would
stop beating yourself up
for a minute, maybe I can
help you out with this.
- Just... I'm sorry.
Just stop.
I can't do this right now.
- "Can't"?
I thought you struck that
word from your vocabulary.
- (cadets): Sir.
- Morning, cadets.
(triumphant music)
- Present arms!
- At ease, cadets.
- We've been up half the night.
Pretty impressive, huh, sir?
- With your permission, sir, I'd
like to take the cadets outside
to drill before class starts.
- Carry on, cadet.
- Fall in!
- I'm proud of you, son.
- Thank you, sir.
- Working!
- How did you do it? How'd
you come up with the money
for the uniforms?
- Don't ask questions
you don't want answers to.
(Tom sighing)
I fronted the money
for the uniforms
with the school budget
I set aside for the gala.
I guess the formal term would
be misappropriation of funds.
- Caroline, you shouldn't have.
- I wasn't about to
disappoint those cadets.
Or let them parade themselves
out in their student uniforms.
They earned this.
- Well, I'm not about
to leave you hanging.
Do you have any ideas where we
can find the money for the gala?
- That's my problem,
remember? Your job was
to whip the cadets into shape.
- You don't want my help?
Look, if this
is about last night,
I... I'm sorry.
I was in a bad place and I might
have directed some of it at you.
- Might have?
(Caroline chuckling)
I can only imagine
how Kylie must feel.
Have you thought about how you
plan on fixing things with her?
- Ball's in her court.
I just know I'm not about
to sit around and watch her make
the biggest mistake of her life.
- No, you're gonna stand here
with your arms crossed,
feeling justified.
- Don't tell me
you agree with her.
- It's not about agreeing.
Right or wrong, this is about
Kylie needing you now.
You once told me
people can change.
Maybe now is the
time to show it.
- Why is it these don't pop in
like the picture on
the side of the printer?
I don't understand.
Oh. Well, of course
for you it works.
Thanks, Colonel.
Caroline's resume.
I know. I mean,
I'm not supposed to know,
but I know.
It's sad, you know?
- I do.
- Uh, sorry, pal.
Your dean already called
and hit me up for a donation.
I'll tell you what I told her.
Charity begins at home.
- I'm not looking
for a donation.
I'm looking for an investment.
- Come again?
- Do you have any idea
how many parents and community
members are going to come out
and help us celebrate
the Stone Creek centennial?
I just think it's a shame that
when the whole town comes out
on Saturday, the name
they're going to see plastered
on every program and every
banner is McGinty's Grill.
- McGinty's? That place is
a town over, in Lewiston Falls.
- I know. Just think what that's
going to say to your loyal
patrons in Stone Creek.
- Hold on there, soldier.
- Colonel, that's
incredible news.
Are you sure you don't want
to tell Caroline yourself?
- No, I'll leave that
to you, if you don't mind.
- OK.
- I have something else
I have to take care of.
- Well, looks like
you can scratch food
and catering off the list.
The Colonel just got
Callahan's to cater
the entire affair.
- What? The whole thing?
- He must be pretty
persuasive, that Colonel.
- I'll say.
- Oh, I almost forgot.
That just came for you.
The Colonel had it sent over.
- If he thinks he's going
to have me spinning rifles,
he's got another thing coming.
(cell ringing)
- Oh, hey, Cara.
- Oh, hey, Colonel Brennan.
- I heard Kylie was up here.
Have you seen her?
- Um, yeah, actually.
She's right over there.
- Um, thanks.
You're not going to make
this easy on me, are you?
Look, I'm sorry
for how I reacted.
You were right. I do try
to control everything.
But last night,
I started to realize that
it is not getting me anywhere.
I guess it's like...
how I shut down every time
you mention your mom.
I suppose somewhere in my head,
I think if I don't talk
about it, then I won't feel
the pain of her
not being there anymore.
But when you told me you were
dropping out of college...
...all I could think of was,
what would your mom say?
What would she do?
But that's not what
came out of my mouth.
All I could think of was...
I just wanted
to put life on hold.
The truth is, I don't know
what's right for you...
...any more than I know
what's right for me.
All I know is...
...you'll always
be my little girl.
- Dad, I love you.
But I'm not your
little girl anymore.
- Gotta hand it
to you, Dean Foster.
You've made us all proud,
me especially.
- Well, I'd be lying if
I said the journey's been easy,
but you know what they say:
no guts, no glory.
(drum playing)
(band playing)
- Halt!
- Present arms!
Order arms!
- Congratulations, Emily.
- Truthfully, we wish
we could present an award
to every member of the
community who pulled together
to get the cadets of Stone Creek
Academy this honours ceremony
that they so richly deserve.
There's one final
award to present
and it goes to a special
individual who has taught
fellow cadets and me
about character,
integrity and perseverance.
- Parents, cadets and friends,
please help us congratulate
this year's recipient
of Stone Creek Academy's
Dean's Superior
Leadership Award:
Cadet Battalion
Commander Mason Keller.
- Way to go, Mason!
He's my boy!
- Congratulations, hero.
- Thank you, sir.
- We did good.
- Great job bringing back
the honours ceremony, sir.
- Thanks, Mac.
- Dad!
- Kylie. I am
so glad you're here.
- I want to try this again.
I want you to know that
I have made a decision.
- OK, I'm all ears.
And I mean it this time.
- I've decided to apply
for work-transfer
to a college in Paris.
And if I'm accepted,
which Caroline thinks
I stand a pretty good chance,
I'll be able to study
abroad for a year
and work on the weekends
to pay for the extra cost.
So what do you think?
- I think... I'm happy
if you're happy.
And this makes me very happy.
- Yeah, me too.
Don't take this the wrong way,
but yesterday
was very unlike you.
I think she's really
good for you, Dad.
- Get out of here.
- Tom.
- I hope I'm not
interrupting anything.
- Not at all. This is Denis
Hibbert, from McAdden
Girls' Academy
in Connecticut.
- Nice to meet you.
- You too.
- He's heard about all
the great things that we've
done here at the Academy.
- Well, Caroline
likes to share credit,
but she's the one that managed
to turn this place around.
You'd be... you'd
be lucky to get her.
- That's quite an endorsement.
All we ask is that you consider
us when things wrap up here.
- Thank you. I will.
- Sir.
- Tom! Have you met
Senator Whitman?
Class of '64.
- Ah, nice to meet you.
Welcome back.
- Dean Foster was kind enough
to pay a visit to
the Senator and make
a plea on Stone Creek's behalf.
- She asked me to push through
legislation to have Stone Creek
declared a historical landmark.
- Some things are more
valuable than money.
- Based on what
I've seen here today,
I'm making it my mission
to see that happen.
- So with the Academy
a historical landmark,
it can't be destroyed
or altered in any way?
- That's right.
- Thank you, Senator!
- I'm sure the board won't
be pleased about this,
but I'll make a strong bet
that this will translate
into job security for you both.
That is, if you want it.
- I do.
- I do too.
- Great news. The Stone Creek
Academy server is down
because there's been
so many hits over enrollment.
Same thing
with the office voicemail.
I wouldn't be surprised if the
waiting list was full by spring!
- Can I hear a hooah?
- Hooah!
- Hooah!
- Hooah.
- Perfect.
- I've been practicing.
- Senator, sir, thank you.
Would you excuse us
for a minute?
- Thank you.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- You are pretty amazing,
you know that?
- So I've been told.
You're not so bad yourself.
- Glad you decided
to stick around.
- Well, to tell you the truth,
I haven't been able to shake
that quote I gave you.
"Never give up on something
you can't go a day
without thinking about."
- Permission to
kiss you, Caroline?
- I thought you'd
never ask, Tom.
Closed Captioning by SETTE inc.