Episode Report Card Heathen: B | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT Falling In Place
By Heathen | Season 3 | Episode 13 | Aired on 03.03.2002
Eli rummages in Karen's refrigerator. Rick enters the kitchen and is surprised to see his son there clearing out in anticipation of Karen's return home. "I know I'm not supposed to be here," Eli says quietly, with a hint of bitterness. Rick is obtuse. "I got kicked out, remember?" Eli prompts him. Rick grits his teeth and starts in on a speech about Karen, but Eli doesn't want to hear it. "It's all right. I'm a screw-up," he says self-pityingly. Rick testily says he isn't defending Eli or Karen at this point, because it's all bullshit in light of what happened. "I know your mother loves you," he whispers. "I know she wants to see you, and I know you've been avoiding it." Eli smiles tersely. "Do you really think it'd make her feel better if I sat there and reminded her?" he asks edgily. "Of what?" Rick asks, genuinely confused. "Of how much I disappointed her! How much I let her down!" blurts Eli. He stares morosely into the fridge, overcome. Oh, Eli, this is so not about you. Grow up. Rick crosses the room to his son and gently explains that this is about Karen and what she's been through, and that she needs her loved ones to stop getting high and navel-gazing and start caring about her recovery. Okay, I paraphrased a little. "I need you to grow up," Rick spits, frustrated. Three cheers for Rick! "You're a man now, whether you like it or not," Rick continues. "And I need you to see yourself this way. For your sister and your mother, but for me, too." Rick gulps and admits he can't do this alone. "Everything about this family has changed," Rick observes. "But the truth is, we still need each other." Eli seems ashamed. Rick walks over and tenderly squeezes the back of his son's neck. They help each other clear out the fridge. Male bonding? Sure, why not.
Later, Eli stops by Booklovers and peeks into the back office, looking for Judy. She's there with Jake, working peacefully. Jake barely acknowledges Eli's presence. Awkwardly, Eli apologizes for leaving early and not telling them his whereabouts. He compliments Booklovers and thanks them for giving him a chance, and turns to leave. Essentially, he's owning up to his irresponsibility without exactly admitting he was irresponsible. Somehow, this charms Judy and Jake, the latter of whom suddenly yells, "You willing to work on Sundays?" Eli stops. A slow grin breaks across his face. "Sure!" he says. "Anything." Jake casually tells him they'll test that arrangement for a while before deciding how to proceed. Judy gives Eli a warm smile, and he departs, relieved. Judy turns full around and thanks Jake for sticking his neck out again. He nods and feigns nonchalance, but the corners of his mouth twitch and it's clear he empathized with Eli on some level and wanted him to do well. Somehow, that half-assed apology bought Eli a second chance.