Episode Report Card Deborah: C+ | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT Grace Under Pressure
By Deborah | Season 1 | Episode 14 | Aired on 02.05.2004
Will and Helen are brushing their teeth at the matching sinks in their bathroom. I want double sinks. Our bathroom is actually large enough for them (and a bidet, and possibly a separate shower and bath, and maybe even a ping-pong table) but I dread the plumbing nightmare. Frink, sweetie, if you're reading this, it's just idle daydreaming. I don't have any plans for a major bathroom renovation. Um, in the near future, anyway. Just read the recap and we'll talk later. Will wonders why Helen didn't tell him about the art-teacher vacancy. She says she doesn't tell him a lot of things that happen at school because most of it's boring: "But since you're suddenly interested, um, Marlene got an ugly paper cut today." Will wants to know if Helen's applying for the position: "You're qualified, the administration knows you, the kids love you." Helen tells him not to be ridiculous: "I could never take that job." He points out that she's already working. She says that the hours would be a lot longer, what with lesson plans, grading, and after-school conferences. Will: "And you'd love it." Helen looks slightly peeved, insisting, "This house would fall apart." Oh, I don't know. Luke knows how to make at least one perfect pancake. Will says they'd all pitch in. Boy, I'll bet the only line women have heard more than that one is "It's really good for your skin!" Helen tosses her hands in the air and says, "You just think it's so easy. Our genius son can't even find the salt." Well, I'm sure if it comes to that, he can probably manufacture some with his L'il Brainiac Chemistry Set. As they head for bed, Will insists they can manage: "We'll make a list of chores..." Helen: "Hey! I am not just some housekeeper you can replace. I'm a mother, and that means being available to my children whenever they need me. And the kids do still need me, Will." He agrees, but thinks they don't necessarily need her in the same way as in the past. Helen wants to know how Will would know: "You're at work all day. And when you are home, you run off every time you get paged." She says she's not blaming him for that; she's proud of his dedication to his job: "It's just...I would have thought you would understand me, too." Will says he doesn't want to fight, but that some things would have to change. Helen: "Well, they are not going to. Not now, not while my kids still need me." Will acquiesces, saying it's her decision. He kisses her, and they turn off the light. Helen lies there, wondering what all her vehemence is about.