The day before the election, things started to get really complicated.
There's your culprit.
Linda had asked me to stop by to help with a plumbing problem.
- Did you know Dave's a bed-wetter? - No, I didn't know that.
All his life. He's tried everything.
- Is that still running clear? - Yeah.
Better let it run for a while.
Wait. Here, this one's clean.
I guess you'd better get to work. You're going to be late.
Thank you, Jim.
It just happened. Neither of us planned it.
But once we started, we knew there was no turning back.
It was a miracle.
- Take me to that motel. - Now?
Come by after school. I'll leave Darryl with a sitter.
- 3:25. - Okay, 3:25.
What had blossomed between Linda and me was too powerful to deny.
For the first time in years, I felt free and alive.
- It's not fair. - Who would do something like that?
It must be a mistake, like a maintenance thing.
- Where the hell have you been? - Nowhere.
- I don't teach until second period. - I tried you at home.
If Paul loses, we want another election.
- Somebody tore down their posters. - They cost us a lot of money.
- We'll get to the bottom of it. - We still have some extra ones.
- It was Tammy. - She wouldn't do that.
That speech she gave, it was out there.
We'll get to the bottom of it. You two focus on your studies.
Mr McAllister will handle the whole thing. Right, Jim?
What's that? Sure, you bet.
Tracy.
Tracy, come on in.
Close the door behind you.
Have a seat.
You know why you're here.
If it's about the posters, I think it's a travesty.
A travesty? That's interesting... because I think you did it.
What?
Are you accusing me?
We've worked together for three solid years.
My own banner was torn down, too.
Were you in the Looking Glass office over the weekend?
I was. Mr Pecharda let me in.
With my many responsibilities I have to come in on the weekend.
- I left early, around 6:30. - 6:30?
How do you know what time the posters were torn down?
I don't, but they were there when I left.
I'm giving you helpful information.
We should be trying to figure out who did this.
Okay, who do you think did it? Whom should we interrogate?
It could have been any of the subversive elements at Carver.
Like Rick Thieson and those burn-outs.
What about Tammy Metzler? She's anti this and anti that.
You're a very intelligent girl, with a lot of admirable qualities.
But being smart and doing whatever you need to do to get ahead -
- and stepping on other people...
There's more to life than that. You're only cheating yourself.
Why are you lecturing me?
This isn't the time or the place to get into it.
But for one example, a certain former colleague of mine-
- made a very big mistake.
I think the lesson here is that we all make mistakes.
We have to learn that our actions can carry serious consequences.
Maybe if certain older, wiser people -
- hadn't acted like little babies, then everything would be okay.
I agree. And certain young and naive people -
- should thank their lucky stars -
- that the entire school didn't find out about certain indiscretions -
- that could have ruined their chances to win certain elections.
Certain older people shouldn't be leching after their students.
Some can't even get their own wives pregnant.
And slanderous accusations shouldn't be made to young, naive people -
- whose mothers are paralegal secretaries in successful law firms.
If you want to keep questioning me, I want my attorney present.
- You wanted to see me? - Wait outside, Tammy.
- Is this about the posters? - Possibly. Wait outside.
Okay, because I know who did it.
So I'll just be outside.
Don't go anywhere, Tracy. Tammy, come in here.
This ought to be good.
What do you have to tell me?
This is hard for me, but it's important to be honest.
- What is it, Tammy? - I tore down Paul's posters.
- I did it. - When did you do it?
Yesterday. Sunday.
- How did you get in? - The door was open.
- Which door? - I don't know. But I did it.
- I don't believe you. - I have proof.
Tracy, it looks like today is your lucky day.
You're off the hook. Tammy here has confessed.
I told you. You're going to pay for my poster.
Okay, easy now. Quit while you're ahead.
The rest of the day was unbearable. I kept smelling Linda on my clothes.
I couldn't wait to get out of there.
I wanted everything to be perfect at the motel.
I decided to give myself some time to prepare during eighth period.
Pop-quiz, everybody.
Put your stuff away. If you've done your reading this should be easy.
I had 48 minutes to arrange it all.
If you finish early, sit quietly. I'll be right back.
Okay everybody, pass them forward. Stephanie, put your pen down.
See you on Wednesday. Don't forget to vote tomorrow.
Linda.
Linda!
Jesus! Oh, fuck!
You've reached the Novotny's. We'll call you back real soon.
Linda, it's me. If you're there, pick up.
It's 4:32. I came by at 3:25, like we said.
I waited there, but you weren't there.
I'm at the place we talked about.
Suite 246.
And I'm here. Everything is all set.
So I hope you get here soon. Bye-bye.
I just don't get it.
What you have against your mother and me and Paul is beyond me.
Your mother's upset, she's at the end of a rope.
Your behaviour keeps getting crazier and wilder.
Who knows what the hell else you're doing!
I just had a long conversation with Walt Hendricks.
I phoned him at home.
He doesn't want you back at Carver. He's fed up with you.
And I don't blame him. What?
Tammy, your father and I have come to a decision.
You're going to Immaculate Heart.
Maybe the nuns will be able to straighten you out.
Is that funny?
Okay.
Dear Lord Jesus, I do not often ask you for things -
- but I must insist you help me win the election tomorrow.
I deserve it and Paul Metzler doesn't, as you know.
I realise it was your divine hand that disqualified Tammy Metzler.
Make sure you put me in office, so that I may carry out your will.
Amen.
God, I don't believe in you, but I'm practising for Catholic school.
What do I want?
I want Lisa to realise what a bitch she is and to apologise to me.
I want Paul to win the election tomorrow, not that cunt Tracy.
I also want a pair of expensive leather pants.
And someday I want to be really good friends with Madonna.
Dear God, you've given me so many things.
Good health, nice parents, a nice truck -
- and what I'm told is a large penis. I'm grateful.
But I'm worried about Tammy. I can't believe she tore down my posters.
But sometimes she gets so angry. Help her be a happier person.
She's so smart and sensitive, and I love her so much.
I'm nervous about the election tomorrow.
I want to win, but I know it's totally up to you.
You'll decide who the best person is.
Forgive me for my sins, whatever they may be. Amen.
Linda never came home. I waited outside her house for ten hours.
Oh, God.
On election day, my mum and I customised 480 cupcakes.
Good morning, Mr M.
It looks like you could use a cupcake.
What happened to your eye?
Are you okay?
"Mr McAllister, somebody tore down my poster. It's not fair."
"Can I have an A? Can I have a recommendation?"
Fuck them.
You've reached the Novotny's. We'll call you back soon.
Why did you do that? I trusted you completely.
You ruined my life, do you realise that? Do you?
You ruined my life. Is that what you wanted?
I'm sorry, I'm going nuts here.
I really think we should talk.
It's Jim. I love you.
We have an important announcement from our principal, Dr Hendricks.
Good morning, students.
It behoves me to inform you of a change in today's election.
Tammy Metzler has been determined ineligible for SGA President.
All other candidates are eligible, but not Tammy Metzler.
When the time came to vote, I stood in line like everyone else.
- Hi, Tracy. - Tracy Enid Flick.
- Ready, Phil? - Yeah, I'm ready.
Thanks, Phil.
Hey, Tracy. Isn't this exciting?
- Well, good luck. - Thanks, Paul.
- You, too. - Thanks.
It's so weird. Do people always vote for themselves?
Looking at my own name...
I don't know... I just felt like it's not right to vote for yourself.
Okay, Mr M.
- Let's start counting. - Okay, I'll do the first count.
You can do one of the two independent counts.
Fine. Start with the president, and I'll be right back.
You have the key.
Right.
- Are you okay? - What happened to your eye?
I'm fine. It's just a simple, little, everyday bee sting.
Some people get stung, it's no big deal. Me, I swell up.
I'm pressed for time. I have other things going on too, you know?
Yeah, okay. We know.
All right, I'll be right back.
You've reached the Novotny's. We'll call you back real soon.
It's me again. I'm sorry for all the messages.
If I could just hear your voice. If you'd only acknowledge...
- What do you want, Jim? - You're there.
- Yeah, I'm here. - Linda, I love you.
- You know that's not true. - It's the only true thing I know.
- We made a mistake. - That was no mistake.
- You took advantage of me. - I took advantage of you?
You hugged me. You kissed me. You're the one...
- Mr M, big day. - Not now, Paul.
- What have you got? - I'm not supposed to tell.
- You've got to make your count. - You're kidding, right?
I thought those were the rules. If they've changed...
We're not electing the fucking Pope. Just tell me who won.
It's a squeaker. I've got Tracy by a vote. Just one vote.
Mr M...
Well, okay...
I guess I'd better do my count.
At the end of my count, I had exactly the same numbers as Larry.
256 to 257. Tracy had won the election by a single vote.
I was about to announce my tally when...
The sight of Tracy affected me in a way I can't fully explain.
Part of it was that she was spying...
But mostly it was her face.
Who knew how far she'd go in life, how much suffering she'd cause?
I had to stop her... Now.
Larry... I think we have a problem.
253, 245, 255.
I get the same as you, Jim. Paul's our next president.
- It doesn't make sense. - We both get the same figures.
256 for Paul. 255 for Tracy.
- And 290 disregards. - Mostly Tammy fans.
It doesn't add up. There were 801 ballots, but 803 people voted.
- There must be two votes missing. - Two people pocketed their ballots.
They were there. I counted 803 votes.
- People make mistakes. - I didn't.
- They were there when you sat down. - I don't like where you're going.
- Every vote was accounted for. - That's enough. End of story.
I just want to let you know that no matter how this turns out -
- you've run a great campaign. Good luck.
Thanks, Tracy. I'm just glad it's over.
Let's get started. When the winners are announced, we can all go home.
In a contest so well fought it seems unfair to have a winner.
Act surprised. Walk slowly to the podium.
Be modest. Thank them for this incredible honour.
They're all highly qualified and embody the integrity -
- that we expect from the school leadership.
The point of an election is to choose a winner. That you have done.
We'll begin with the president.
This was an extraordinarily close race.
I'd like to announce the next president of Carver High School:
Paul Metzler.
Jeez, you guys, thanks!
Thanks. I promise to do my best. I'll be a good president.
Mr M is over there.
This is so wild. We came here to celebrate my victory.
This is great. These are my parents.
- Dick Metzler. - Jim McAllister.
Paul thinks the world of you. He goes on and on.
You've really helped him out.
Paul doesn't need any help from me. You should be very proud.
- We are. - Come over and join us.
I'm just finishing up. I've got to get home.
Why don't you guys go sit down.
- I want to talk to Mr M. - That sounds great.
- It was sure nice to meet you. - And thank you.
I have some ideas about what we could do.
We could have a carnival with rides, for muscular dystrophy.
On Halloween we could have a haunted house, a really good one.
Not like those cheesy, bad ones. Super scary.
For homecoming... Last year's theme was heaven on earth.
- This year... - We can talk about this later.
Right now, I need to finish my pie and go on home.
Okay. Sorry. Just one more thing:
Do you think Tracy will be okay? I think she's taking it pretty hard.
Don't worry about Tracy. She'll be fine.
Oh, sweetheart...
Baby. Oh, baby...
Take one of my pills. You'll feel better.
Here.
Come on, baby.
Lie down. That's a good girl.
Lie down. Good girl.
That's it, baby.
That's it, honey.
Maybe you needed more posters, honey.
Or if you'd taken my suggestions about your speech...
I don't know, we'll figure it out.
Diane... I've made a mistake.
Did you want the same room?
Yeah, okay.
The next day, I resolved to get my life back on track.
The way I saw it, getting kicked out of the house was a good thing.
It was an opportunity. We needed a little time to work things out.
The election was behind me. The worst was over.
What harm had really been done? Nobody was dead.
Jim, Walt wants to see you.
Okay, thanks.
You rang?
Mr McAllister, I hope you can help us clear something up.
- I. - Am.
- They. - Are.
Thank you.
Signor Presedente, they want to see you in the office.
Dr Hendricks?
Come on in, son. We have something hard we have to tell you.
- Is it about Tammy? - It's about the election.
After Paul got the bad news, Walt asked for a word with me.
It was simple. I offered my resignation, and he accepted.
Very quietly, it was all over for Jim McAllister at Carver High.
Suddenly everyone knew who I was.
The teacher who tried to crush the dreams of an innocent girl.
All the good things I'd ever done in my life evaporated.
The wire services picked up on the story.
It was the kind of absurd news item that people talk about at work.
Diane started divorce proceedings. She was completely unforgiving.
She took almost everything, including the house.
I got the car.
I realised it was time to get out of Omaha and move on.
Senior year was great. I didn't get to play ball or be president-
- but I got elected homecoming king.
I got into Nebraska like I wanted.
At the end of the year, I threw a Mexican party at the cement plant.
Shit, that was a good party!
The only bad thing was Lisa. She dumped me.
One minute we're in love, the next she goes after Randy.
I wonder what would have happened if I'd won the election.
Would my whole life be different? Would I never have gone to Yosemite?
Or maybe I'd be dead.
Catholic school was great.
The teachers kind of sucked, and were supposedly strict.
But you could get away with murder.
The best thing about Immaculate Heart was Jennifer.
Jennifer and I are soulmates. We're never going to be apart.
Order! Order!
Senior year was very productive.
I was in the top seventh percentile of my graduating class.
I got into Georgetown like I wanted... with scholarships.
Sometimes I got lonely and I'd think about Dave. I missed our talks.
Maybe it could have worked out. I wonder what he's doing now.
Maybe he finally finished his novel.
I had a myriad of accomplishments and a bright future -
- but I just didn't feel right.
Everybody else seems so happy, signing each other's yearbooks.
Hardly anybody signed mine.
As president, you'd think I'd be surrounded by friends.
As far as Mr McAllister was concerned, -
- I hardly thought about him at all.
Nobody had heard from him. It was like he'd never existed.
Tracy Enid Flick.
At Georgetown, I thought I'd finally be among people more like me.
I was sure that finally I'd make some true friends.
Excuse me, will you please be quiet!
It wasn't like that at all. They were just spoiled little rich kids.
I've come to accept that very few people are destined to be special.
We're solo flyers. It really is like Dave said:
If you're going to be great, you've got to be lonely.
What happens to a man when he loses everything?
Everything he's worked for. Everything he believes in.
Driven from his home. Cast out of society.
How can he survive? Where can he go?
Right this way.
New York City.
For centuries people have come to New York seeking refuge.
Now I am one of them. I'd always dreamed of living in New York.
All that excitement and culture. Life is full of surprises.
Once in a while, I even bump into former students.
My apartment is a little small and the rent is pretty steep, -
- but it's got character, and I'm cosy enough.
And it's great not needing a car. I get to read on the subway.
Some days, I even walk to work.
The job market is tight, but after hunting around a while -
- I landed a job in the education department at the museum.
I'm teaching again.
When a school brings its students to the museum on a field trip, -
- there's a staff of trained educators to greet them.
I've started seeing someone new. Jillian.
She works at the museum, too.
She's really different from Diane. I've never met anyone like her.
She just ended a relationship, too, so we're trying to take it slow.
You might ask if I ever saw Tracy Flick again. I did, just once.
I was down in Washington for a museum educators' conference.
After an inspiring morning on the Mall, -
- I was on my way to the Holocaust Museum, when...
I'll never know if she saw me. Probably not.
But just then, all the bad memories, everything I'd wanted to tell her, -
- it all came flooding back.
I wanted to run over there and tell her I knew about the posters.
And how she'd cheated her way into winning that election.
But instead, I just stood there.
I realised I wasn't angry at her anymore. I just felt sorry for her.
When I think about my new life, and what her life must be like...
She probably still gets up early to pursue her pathetic little dreams.
Where is she really trying to get to anyway?
What is she doing in that limo? Who the fuck does she think she is?
Hey, you!
You asshole!
That's all ancient history now. I've got a whole new life.
That's what's great about America. You can always start over.
Would that make this an igneous or a sedimentary rock?
What's the difference between igneous and sedimentary?
Anybody?
English subtitles - IFT