Merv (2025)
Director: Jessica Swale
Writers: Dane Clark, Linsey Stewart
Stars: Charlie Cox (Russ Owens), Zooey Deschanel (Anna Finch), Chris Redd (Vice Principal Desmond), Patricia Heaton (MJ Owens), David Hunt (Jack Owens), Ellyn Jameson (Jocelyn), Wynn Everett (Gaia), Jasmine Mathews (Rebekah), Joey Slotnick (Dr. Zubrovsky), Jessica Swale (Ice Cream Lady)
Release date: December 10, 2025
Plot: An estranged couple who learns that the dog they share is suffering from depression following their break-up—awkwardly reconciling over the holidays when they take their dog on a sunny vacation to Florida to lift his spirits.
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Merv (2025) | Transcript
[barking]
[♪ Eels sing “Christmas Is
Going to the Dogs”]
♪ Get off your sled and go to bed ♪
♪ Don’t you ever tire? ♪
♪ Throw a bone, I’m finally home ♪
♪ curled up by the fire ♪
♪ Snow is falling from the sky ♪
♪ like ashes from an urn ♪
♪ Sweet dreams, my little one ♪
♪ Now it’s my turn ♪
♪ Well, Christmas is going to the dogs ♪
♪ We’d rather have chew toys
than Yule logs ♪
♪ And things aren’t looking
very good, it’s true ♪
♪ So I’ll just lay here and chew ♪
♪ Now, when I sleep, I like to dream ♪
[indistinct chatter]
♪ of rabbits in the snow ♪
Merry Christmas.
♪ Jumping right into my jaws ♪
♪ from their rabbit hole ♪
Hi!
♪ Take one home and set him down ♪
♪ right next to your shoes ♪
♪ Wake up to a big surprise ♪
[bell jingling]
♪ My gift to you ♪
♪ And Christmas is going to the dogs ♪
♪ We’d rather have chew toys
than Yule logs ♪
♪ And things aren’t looking
very good, it’s true ♪
♪ So I’ll just lay here and chew ♪
♪ And Christmas is going to the dogs ♪
♪ We’re scarfing down the turkey…
[indistinct newscast playing]
[newscaster over TV] Let’s take a look at the holiday forecast.
[snoring]
[meteorologist] Eleven and a half inches hit Downtown Boston last night. Looks like it’s going to be a very white Christmas. Better gas up those snowblowers because there’s more on the way.
[turns off TV]
[remote control drops to floor]
♪ So I’ll just stay here and chew ♪
[song ends]
[lighthearted music playing]
Ugh.
Come on, help me out here, Merv.
Wh-Where’s your other bootie?
[Merv grunting] Fine. We’ll just MacGyver it.
[Merv grunting] Merv, come on.
[sighs] Come on, bud, please.
[whining]
[growling softly]
[grunts, sighs]
[whining]
[grunts] I know, Merv.
It sucks for me, too, okay?
[lock buzzes]
All right, buddy. In you go.
[Merv whines] [sighs] Merv, go on.
[sighs]
[whining]
I’ll see you next week.
[Merv panting]
I love you, bud.
Go on. Good boy.
[Merv barks, pants]
[sighs]
[Anna] Hi, Mervy. Hi, buddy.
[gasps] Good boy.
Stay.
[panting] Yeah. Hi, buddy.
I missed you.
Ugh.
Worst MacGyver ever.
Let’s get you fixed up, okay?
Come on.
How’s that feel?
Yeah.
That feel… feel nice?
Okay, Merv. [sighs] I have something to tell you.
Look at me.
The thing is… [sighs] me and Russ…
[whining]
Oh, no.
He’s not here.
And he’s not gonna be.
I miss him, too, but it was too hard.
I know it’s hard, buddy.
You’re gonna be okay.
All right.
High five. Yeah.
[whining]
[chuckles]
[Russ laughing]
[computer chimes]
[taps key]
[♪ Mark Ambor sings “Belong Together”]
♪ You and me belong together ♪
♪ like cold iced tea and warmer weather ♪
♪ Where we lay out late
underneath the pines ♪
♪ and we still have fun
when the sun won’t shine ♪
♪ You and me belong together ♪
♪ all the time ♪
He’s the best one. And he’s coming home with us.
♪ Whoa-oh-oh ♪
[song stops]
[sighs] Oh.
Christmassy.
[Carly] Mmhmm.
Too much?
Uh, I’m pretty certain people like holiday spirit.
On your bed.
On your bed.
[groans]
[whining
] [Carly] Aw.
What’s up with him?
[Anna] I don’t know.
He’s just been so tired lately.
You’re okay, right, buddy?
Plus, I got him some new snacks.
Oh, no. Not the snacks.
Please tell me they aren’t the dried bull penis things again.
They’re his favorite.
[barks]
Plus the pig snouts and the dried sardines, which make his coat all nice and shiny.
Okay, it’s no wonder you’re not dating, because you’re literally just walking around with dried fish in your purse.
I’m not dating because I don’t want to date.
Okay, come on. It’s been six months.
And… you’re lonely.
I’m not.
Yeah.
No. Just ’cause I’m single doesn’t mean I’m lonely.
Don’t be that girl.
Okay, but I am that girl, and you won’t be when you meet the stud that is “Mr. Lover Lover 101,” who might have just sent you a winky emoji on Hinge.
I’m not on Hinge.
That’s what you think. I signed you up.
You’re welcome. No, it’s too late.
[stammers] Plus, you better get in there because Mrs. Mabachas is waiting.
You left Mrs. Mabachas alone in my room?
You’re welcome.
[Bonnie] My tÃa Gabriela, my tÃa Juliana, my tÃa Francisca, my tÃa Adriana and my other tÃa Adriana.
[gentle music playing]
My tÃa Sofia, my tÃa Daniela and my tÃa Gloria.
Is that everyone, Bonnie?
Oh. And me, Bonnie.
[Russ] Great. Well done.
Okay, big hand for Bonnie, guys.
It’s a real aunt farm you have there.
[laughter]
Well done, everyone.
I learned so much about your families.
Yes, Shauna.
Where’s your family tree?
Mine?
Oh, I didn’t… I didn’t do one.
[students] Aw.
[Russ] All right, all right.
Well, it’s not very interesting, but very quickly…
Granny Jess, Grandpa Michael, Grandpa Matt, Granny Amy.
They had my dad Jack.
And they had my mom MJ.
And they had me, Mr. Owens.
Oh, and, uh, who’s that?
[students] Merv.
[Russ] Exactly.
[Shauna] Wait, wait, wait.
So, what…
That’s it?
Don’t you have a wife or something?
[students murmuring]
[chuckles] A wife?
Um… no, I guess I don’t.
My cousin says you’re dating her eye doctor.
Well, I’m not sure how your cousin would know that.
She has glaucoma.
Oh, right. Sorry.
So, are you dating her or what?
No, I’m not dating her.
I was, um, but I’m not anymore.
[Shauna] Why not?
Anyway…
Well, now, Shauna, that’s one of those personal questions we talked about, remember?
Did she run off with your best friend?
That happened to my tÃa Juliana.
Nope, she didn’t run off with my best friend.
Let’s…
Is it because you still like dinosaurs?
[students laughing]
No, it’s not ’cause I still like dinos…
[chuckles] What…
Excuse me, dinosaurs are educational, they are cool, and it’s not because I still like dinosaurs.
Are there any more questions?
[students murmuring]
[student] Don’t you want any kids?
Mr. Owens?
Are you too old to have kids?
Let’s just do some independent reading, shall we?
[students whispering]
[Anna] So tell me if this is better… one or better two?
[device clicking] They’re both blurry.
Okay.
How about now?
[sighs] Neither one.
Mrs. Mabachas.
Mmhmm?
You have my stapler and my snowman pen in your bag.
[sing-songy] Mrs. Mabachas.
[chuckles]
How was Norway?
What?
You were telling me that you and your boyfriend, you were planning that vacation.
Yeah, we didn’t end up going.
Oh, honey, that is too bad.
He was so good-looking.
Those nice, shapely cheekbones and those plump, luscious lips.
Uh-huh.
That’s very sweet, but how did you know that?
Well, ’cause you used to have that, uh… that nice picture frame on your desk.
You know, the one with the really pretty frame.
Do you want it back?
You can have it.
Merry Christmas.
Hey, are you okay? I mean, you look sad.
Well, I hate to break it to you, but you can barely see.
I don’t need to see it, honey.
I can feel it.
[Desmond] Oh! [mutters]
[repeated thumping]
[school bell ringing]
[Russ] Hey.
Hey, hey.
Hey. What…
What are you up to? You okay?
Oh, nothing. Just a little stress relief.
[chuckles]
Uh, Rebekah and I are taking the twins to see, uh, Disney on Ice again.
Oh, cool. That sounds fun.
Not when it’s your third time seeing it!
[laughing]
[exhales sharply]
Well, maybe, uh, do you want to grab a beer first?
Don’t tempt me. [chuckles] However, I do know someone who would love to get a beer with you.
Oh, don’t.
I’m not calling your mortgage broker.
Come on, man.
Brené got us a great rate.
Plus, might be good for you.
Why? Why would it be good for me?
Maybe because you’ve been a miserable drip lately.
No, I haven’t.
You didn’t come to the game with me. Hmm?
And you didn’t come for birthday pizza.
Look, man, I know this time hasn’t been easy for you, but I think it’s about time you started hanging out with other people.
I do hang out with other people.
Those nine-year-olds in there do not count.
Well, I appreciate your concern.
I’m just…
[crying] really enjoying being by myself right now.
Oh, really? On Christmas?
A: It’s not Christmas.
And B: I have Merv.
The dog?
Don’t go back to being that guy.
What guy?
The No Guy.
The No Guy?
Mmhmm. Yeah.
Yeah, and then you and her got together and she started being like, “Hey, you want to do stuff?”
And you were like, “Mmkay.”
Then boom!
You eating sushi and flying to Greenland.
Iceland.
Whatever.
You said yes to everything.
And now look at you, man. [chuckles] The No Guy.
[automated voice] No. That’s you.
No. I am not a No Guy.
Oh, okay. Okay. Call Brené.
No.
Ah! [laughing]
[automated voice] No!
That’s a cheap trick.
Hey, hey. The candy budget’s getting low.
You don’t even need that much.
The chocolate gonna kill the dog.
Enjoy Disney on Ice.
Russ! Don’t be throwing chocolate at me.
You know I was… Oh! Oh, okay.
[soft piano music playing]
Oh.
You didn’t… have to do that.
Did I not do it right?
No, I just, um…
I like to butter my own bread.
Is that a control issue thing?
No, I just like…
Like to be in control.
No, I just like to manage my own bread. [chuckles] The red?
Right here.
“Merlot.” It’s my favorite.
[waiter] And a spicy margarita.
Thank you.
Be careful. It’s hot.
Not too hot for a little lady, I hope.
[chuckles] You just worry about yourself, Mr. Merlot.
[both chuckling]
Too hot?
[coughs]
No, it tastes delicious.
So, your profile said that you recently got out of a long-term relationship.
Uh, yep, I did.
Do you still have feelings for him?
No. Why would I… No, no.
We’re just two people who share a dog.
You share a dog?
That’s… that’s a red flag.
Okay, my turn to ask a question.
Shoot. They call me Kendo, by the way.
Okay. Kendon’t interrupt me while I’m asking this important question.
Your house is on fire.
Oh, I don’t have a house.
I have a condo.
With two parking spots, by the way.
Tandem.
Okay, you’re in your condo.
It’s burning down.
You’ve saved all your pets, your loved ones, but you can only save one more thing.
What is it?
Easy. My safe.
Oh. You have a safe?
Doesn’t everybody?
I don’t.
You should totally.
Seriously, I keep all my valuables in there.
My will, my passport, my gun. It…
[coughs] Um… this has been nice.
I agree.
So, uh, what are you thinking?
Should we split a few appetizers, or do you want to just go straight to dessert?
Mm. I think, uh…
[coughing]
I think I’m good with bread.
[sighs]
Hi, Mervy.
Where are you?
I could really use a cuddle right now.
[Merv whines softly]
Merv?
[whines]
Merv.
Are you okay?
Mervy.
What’s wrong, bud?
[ringtone playing]
[lighthearted music playing]
[squeaky chittering]
[clucking]
[hissing and rattling]
[chittering]
You didn’t have to come.
Yeah, I know.
I would’ve kept you in the loop.
I would prefer to hear what the vet has to say firsthand, thank you.
[chicken clucks]
[vet assistant] Russ and Anna for Merv.
Dr. Bankert’s ready to see you.
Okay.
[whines]
[Dr. Bankert] What’s up, Merv?
[Anna] Hi, Mervy.
[yelps, whines]
[panting]
[Russ] Oh, there he is.
[chuckles] Hi, buddy.
Were you a good boy? Mm.
[Anna] Are you feeling better?
Come here, buddy.
Come here. Come on. Mm.
Good boy. We were so worried about you.
Yeah, we missed you.
We missed you.
Aw, buddy.
Aw. How’s he doing? Is he doing okay?
He seems okay.
Yes. Vitals are fine.
Eyes are clear. Breathing is normal.
From where I’m standing, he is a pretty healthy pup.
[sighs heavily] Thank goodness.
I don’t get it, ’cause he was, like, flat out on the floor when I got home.
[Russ] Yeah.
[Anna] He wouldn’t even perk up for a treat.
Have you ever seen him like that before?
He hasn’t been himself lately.
No, he hasn’t.
He’s been, like, mopey all the time.
It’s so unlike him.
Plus, he loves Christmas.
It sounds dramatic, but it’s his favorite holiday.
[laughs] He loves it.
[Russ] Yeah, it just, uh, doesn’t make sense, you know.
Unless, have you been taking him running?
Yeah, of course. Yeah, he loves running.
[Anna scoffs]
[Russ] Don’t you, buddy?
[Merv grumbles]
[scoffs] He only has little legs, and you take him on those long Neanderthal man runs.
I mean, nobody needs to run ten miles, right? [chuckles]
[Russ chuckles]
Are you saying this is my fault?
No.
I’m just saying sometimes you overdo it.
Overdo it?
We haven’t been overdoing it.
I mean, I don’t know, maybe perhap…
Have you not been walking him enough?
Merv and I have a very busy schedule.
[Russ] Well, maybe he doesn’t love to have a busy schedule.
Maybe he likes a little bit more chill.
Maybe you give him too much chill.
I… [chuckles]
[all chuckle]
Or maybe, I don’t know, maybe it could be that weird blue sludge you insist on feeding him.
The blue sludge?
You mean the superfood supplement…
Right, yeah.
that our veterinarian said I was going above and beyond for?
Yeah.
Yeah, but it might be bringing him down, you know.
It’d certainly bum me out if I was made to eat blue food.
So you two broke up?
Oh, yeah.
Yes, we did.
Oh. Didn’t see that one coming.
I usually do with my patients.
You seemed so…
Never mind.
So, what’s wrong with him?
Yeah.
Well, judging from my clinical observations, I believe Merv is sad.
Sad?
What?
He’s suffering from depression.
[groans]
[Russ] Why would he be depressed?
[Anna] Yeah, no, no.
Merv is crushing life, okay?
Dogs are very sensitive to anything that throws their routine.
You know, like a breakup.
You think Merv is depressed because we broke up?
[Anna] So, how can we help?
Well, you can try giving him extra love and attention.
And if that doesn’t work, there’s always Xanax.
[Anna] Xanax?
Like “Xanax” Xanax?
Oh, my God.
What he’s going through is dangerous.
The imbalance, anxiety.
It’s bad for his heart.
His heart? His little heart?
We’ll give it two weeks.
If he doesn’t show signs of improvement then, we’ll have to medicate.
[student] I want to pet him.
You guys can pet him if you want.
[students murmuring]
[student] Hi, Merv.
[Russ] Just have to be really gentle with him, okay?
Why? What’s wrong with him?
Well, he’s-he’s just feeling a bit sad.
That’s all.
Oh.
[student] Aw. Why is he so sad?
[student 2] Hi, Merv.
[students murmuring]
[Russ] Oh, God.
[gentle music playing]
[Russ] All right, buddy.
I think you’re gonna love this.
Ready?
Oh… [sighs]
[whines]
Don’t start with me, Merv.
[whining] A dog’s got to pee. Come on.
[vehicle passing]
[Merv grumbles]
Warm places for dogs.
[typing]
[sighs]
“Gourmet hot dogs.” No.
“Sunnyside Dog Beach.”
This is it. “Sunnyside Dog Beach.
The ultimate pet holiday paradise.”
[Merv whines]
Oh, look. A dog hotel.
[chuckling] The Paw Seasons.
Merv.
This is it. There’s a dog beach.
There’s a beach for dogs.
High five. We’re going, buddy.
We are going.
[knocking at door]
[Anna] Hi.
[yelps softly]
[Russ] Uh, hi.
[barks]
What…
Is this a bad time?
Yeah, it’s not a good time.
[Merv barks] Oh, hi, Merv. I brought you a treat.
She’s not coming in.
Merv, she’s… Back you go.
Merv, I brought you a treat.
Anna, what…
Ma, I got to go.
Okay. Bye.
Oh, my… Wow.
“Wow,” what?
I just… Oh, my God.
[Russ] What? “Oh, my God,” what?
Did you get burglarized?
Actually, I did.
Yeah, it was really traumatic.
Listen, I thought we said we weren’t gonna do unannounced visits.
Oh. Yes.
I’m so sorry.
We did say that. Um…
I was reading a lot about [whispers] depression.
And, um, I just… I just made, like, a little superfood mix that should help, like, alleviate some symptoms of ennui, sadness.
And it’s not just for dogs.
Um, humans can have it, too.
Actually, I just ate a bowl of dirt, so I should be all right.
[chuckles]
I’ll put this in the fridge.
No, um, I’ll put it in the fridge.
Thank you.
So, um, if you could just put half a cup on his kibble, that would be great.
Are you taking him somewhere?
[Russ] No. What?
Our dog. Are you taking him somewhere?
Yeah, actually, as it happens, I’m going on a boys’ trip.
Boys’ trip? Where?
To a dog beach.
In Florida.
You can’t take him to Florida.
He hates beaches.
No, you hate beaches. He’s actually never been to a beach ’cause you wouldn’t go.
And no offense, Anna, but it’s kind of none of your business what I do on my week.
Oh. Well, actually it is when it concerns our dog’s mental health and he’s just been diagnosed with depression.
Well, I spoke to the vet, and she said he’s fit to fly, so…
You’re taking him on a plane?
Yeah. I’m not driving.
It’s 18 hours.
Flying is super stressful.
It’s lucky he’s taking his emotional support human.
[grunts]
He needs stability right now, not crazy people with banana boats and blowup flamingos.
Surely, you can understand that.
Yeah, I can understand that, Anna.
What I also understand is our dog hates the cold and nothing I do seems to even remotely cheer him up, so I thought I’d take him to this beach that’s just for dogs, and he can frolic around in the sea and eat dog-sicles and get a suntan, I don’t know, and maybe find his lust for life again.
Surely, you can understand that.
When you put it that way, it-it… sounds like a good idea.
Right? Thank you.
I’ve got this. I promise. All right.
Okay.
Oh, and listen.
Could you do me a favor and maybe not mention this to Rebekah?
I kind of don’t want Des to find out.
Are you pulling a Ferris Bueller?
No, I’m just taking some sick days.
Unofficially.
I just hope what they say about Florida isn’t true.
Okay. What is it they say about Florida?
[chuckling] You go on vacation, come back on probation.
[chuckles] They don’t say that about Florida.
[chuckles] We’ll see.
[hopeful music playing]
[dogs barking]
[indistinct chatter]
Merv.
[growls softly] Merv, what you think?
[chuckling] Oh, yes.
Check it out, Merv. Two beds.
Hey.
Which one do you want, buddy?
What do you think?
[whining] Hey. Shotgun, this one.
Huh?
Come on, Merv, check it out.
[Merv whining] This is so cool.
Oh, look at the dolphin.
[whines] He’s so smiley.
What you think?
Now, come get into bed.
Oh, come on, bud. Cheer up.
It’s gonna be fun.
We got so many cool things to do.
And look. Look at your gift basket.
Let’s have a look, shall we?
Oh, Frisbee.
You haven’t played Frisbee before.
Get it.
[Frisbee clatters]
[sighs]
Come on, bud.
We’re gonna have so much fun.
Not gonna make this easy, are you, mate?
[Carly, sing-songy] I think somebody likes you.
[Anna] Oh, no.
He wrote me a poem.
Read it, read it, read it. Go.
“Hey, Anna, I think you’re so sweet, just like these edible treats.
I hope you’ll date me again, be the Barbie to my Ken.
Love from Ken… do.”
Aw. It rhymes and everything.
Okay, I like him.
He buttered my bread.
Yes! That is what I’m talking about!
No, he buttered my literal, actual bread.
Like, literally?
Yeah.
Well, that-that could be cute.
[energetic, upbeat music playing]
[dogs barking]
Nice shades.
Mmhmm.
[Russ] Oh. Yes, mate.
Nice boom box.
Thanks, man.
[laughing] Oh, my God.
Oh, my goodness.
Merv, check this place out!
This is amazing.
Okay.
[laughing]
Hey, look over there! All right, buddy.
I’m going in.
You’re coming with me. Let’s go.
[whooping]
[gasping, whimpering]
[muttering]
[gasps] Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
That is so cold.
Mer…
Merv, come on, bud.
[gentle, melancholy music playing]
[sighs]
[whimpers]
Hi. Are you guys busy?
[children chattering inside]
[children shouting]
[sighs]
[Rebekah] ♪ Twinkle, twinkle,
little star ♪
♪ How I wonder what you are ♪
[child] Again! Again!
[Rebekah] No, no, no.
Go to sleep! I love you, babies! Shh!
No! No!
Again!
You know what?
Put the covers over your head and count backwards from 100.
[indistinct shouting]
I love you. Shh! Shh, shh, shh.
Go to sleep. Close your eyes.
Shh.
[shouting continues]
[sighs]
I am so sorry.
No worries.
It’s totally fine.
No, it’s not.
This literally happens every time.
It’s hardly surprising you never want to come over anymore.
What?
You okay?
Yes. Yes.
I brought pinot noir.
Does that mean you’re ready to talk about it?
[children] Mommy!
[Rebekah groaning] Oh, son of a…
[shouting continues indistinctly]
If you don’t go to sleep…
[children chattering indistinctly]
[wistful music playing]
♪ ♪
[cheering, excited chatter over video]
[laughter over video]
[Anna] He’s the best one. And he’s coming home with us.
♪ ♪
[horn honking]
[dogs barking]
[recorded voice] You’ve reached Burroughs Elementary. Please leave a message after the tone.
[line beeps]
[hoarsely] Oh, yeah, uh, hi there.
It’s, um… it’s Russ Owens again.
I’m really sorry. I’m-I’m still feeling rather grim. [coughs]
Russ.
Oh, yeah, hi, Des.
Hey, bud. You sick?
Uh, yeah.
Like, really sick?
Yeah, like… like, uh… [coughs] Oh, that’s not fun when you’re sick.
Swimming. [coughs]
Oh, poor buddy.
Y-You better be sick.
You better have a uncontrollable amount of pimples all over your body, ’cause I expected you here today.
Hello? Yeah, uh, sorry, you’re cutting out. I can’t hear you very well.
Bye. Bye, Des.
[sighs]
[normal voice] Yeah?
High five?
Let’s go. Let’s party!
[lighthearted music playing]
[barks]
Doesn’t look that hard, Merv.
I believe in you, bud.
Here we go. Are you ready?
Go get it!
[yelps] No.
[barks]
Buddy, it can’t get… Oh, no.
Hi.
Uh, what are you…
What are you doing here?
[Merv panting]
[barks]
[chuckles] Hi.
You-you have to be kidding me.
I am fully aware of how unexpected and unconventional my being here might be for you.
Unexpected? Anna, what are you doing here?
I’m trying to help our dog.
[Merv whines] When you sent that picture of him looking so sad still, I felt awful.
This is because of us, and if there’s anything I can do to help him feel better before his little heart explodes, I will do it.
Like what, cheering him up with your mere presence?
He’s probably freaked out you turned up dressed like some weird lady spy.
First of all, lady spies are just spies, in case you didn’t get that memo.
And also, I’m dressed like this ’cause I’m allergic to the sun.
Oh, here we go.
You know that. I get hives…
No, you don’t. You don’t.
all over my body.
You don’t get hives. You get sunburnt.
One full hive.
[barks, growls]
[Russ] You get sunburnt.
I’m not here to argue.
I’m just here to help our dog.
Yeah. Me, too.
Which is why I organized this really cool cheerup trip.
And it didn’t work.
We both know he’s happiest when we’re all hanging out together.
We don’t know that.
[barks] Look at him. We do.
So can we just put aside our crap for Merv?
Oh, my God.
It’s just a week. How hard can it be?
Well, you didn’t really give me a choice, did you, Anna, so I guess we’re gonna find out, aren’t we?
Okay. Come on!
[Anna patting legs]
[whining, panting] One week all together! Fun! Vacation!
Where are you staying?
Um, the Paw Seasons. Have you heard of it?
Yep.
Yes!
Of course you are.
[chuckles]
[Anna] So fun!
[♪ Sia sings “Puppies Are Forever”]
♪ Oh, how much, oh, how much
for the puppy in the window? ♪
♪ I can see him playing so alone ♪
♪ I believe he sees a friend in me ♪
♪ Oh, how much, oh, how much
for the puppy in the window? ♪
♪ How I love his little pink nose ♪
♪ I think he’s waiting
to come home with me ♪
♪ Found my best friend
down the old dog pound ♪
♪ The old dog pound, the old dog pound ♪
♪ Puppies are forever ♪
♪ not just for Christmas ♪
♪ Puppies are forever ♪
♪ not just for Christmas ♪
♪ Puppies are forever ♪
♪ not just for Christmas…
[Russ] Who is it?
It’s me. Me.
Yeah, hi. How can I help?
Hi.
I was just wondering if maybe Merv could stay in my room tonight.
Oh, no, sorry.
Sadly, he’s just fallen asleep.
[Merv barks]
Oh, he’s sleep-barking.
I don’t think that’s a thing.
Well, you probably woke him up.
You have a very loud voice.
Look, I know this wasn’t what you wanted, but do you have to make it so difficult?
[snickers] Me? Me make it difficult?
Anna, you completely divebombed my trip, and now you want to take him away from me for the night.
You know, you really suck sometimes.
[Merv whines]
[Russ] What?
[grunts softly]
Don’t look at me like that.
[grunts softly]
[sighs heavily]
[lighthearted music playing] [sighs] Oh, God.
[kicks suitcase]
[grunts]
[panting]
[grunts]
[straining]
[yells]
[knocking]
Hi. What?
Hi.
You okay?
Listen, I was just thinking y-you’re probably right, we should, um… we should try and make this a little less difficult, so, um… he can stay here tonight.
Oh. Okay.
And why don’t you, um, pick tomorrow’s activity?
Really?
Yeah, sure. Why not?
Okay. [chuckles] Okay. In you go, bud.
[barks softly]
[Merv grunting softly]
[mystical music playing]
[doga teacher] And breathe in.
And downwards dog.
Try to feel connected as you’re breathing together.
[Merv grunts, moans]
[doga teacher] Now cross your paws.
[Anna] Yeah.
[doga teacher] This next pose is gonna be a little… little more challenging.
I like to call it the upwards dog. Upward.
[dogs panting, yelping] Very good, everyone.
Up. Up.
Up. Up.
[gasps] He did it.
[gasps] Yes!
[♪ Ernest Saint-Laurent sings “Endless Summer” in French]
♪ Endless summer…
[Anna] Aw.
[Merv whines]
[song continues with lyrics in French]
You’re squinting.
So?
So, we lived together for years, and you never let me check your eyes.
What’s that about?
I’m squinting ’cause it’s sunny.
All right. Have y’all decided?
Uh, yes.
May I have the, uh, lobster roll, please?
Side of pickles?
Yeah, actually.
Pickles. Thank you. Uh, and a side salad.
I would like the crab claws, uh, with fries, and, um, I will also have a side salad.
Okay. And for the pup?
Oh, right. Yeah, let’s have a look.
What do you think, Merv?
What do you want, huh?
I brought his food, so, uh, he’s fine.
He’s good.
[Merv whimpers softly]
Okay. I’ll be back with some waters.
What?
You’re gonna make him eat supergloop while you tuck into a lobster roll?
It’s better for him.
I mean, look, I admire your commitment to his food… I really do… but for the first time in Merv’s life, he’s in a restaurant with a menu specifically for dogs.
Come on. Can we spoil him?
You make a good point.
Yes!
But he’s having gloop later, okay?
We actually will have a mutt loaf, please.
Okay.
Thank you so much.
Oh. I think maybe the… uh, the turkey jerky?
Woohoo!
The dogs like that?
Um, and the, um… [inhales sharply] diggity dog eggnog.
[Russ laughs] Thank you.
[Russ] Oh, my God, buddy, it’s your lucky day.
[waitress] Any drinks for you two?
Oh.
No.
It’s Yappy Hour.
No.
No. Definitely not.
[♪ Baha Men sing “Who Let the Dogs Out”]
♪ Who let the dogs out? ♪
♪ Who, who, who, who? ♪
[plastic ball clacking]
♪ Who let the dogs out? ♪
[Russ] Oh.
♪ Who, who, who, who, who…
[Anna] Oh!
[laughing] Don’t… don’t try to distract me.
♪ Who, who, who, who, who let the…
Oh! Three, two, one. [grunts]
♪ Well, the party was nice, the party…
That counts. That counts.
[yelps]
♪ Yippieyiyo ♪
♪ And everybody having a ball ♪
♪ Yippieyiyo ♪
♪ Until the fellas started…
Oh, you’re so lucky!
♪ And the girls respond to the call ♪
♪ I heard a woman shout out ♪
♪ Who let the dogs out? ♪
♪ Who, who, who, who, who…
So, I’m gonna go for a swim.
You?
Yeah.
It’s warm, right?
Oh, yeah. Like a bath.
Great. [chuckles]
[lighthearted music playing]
[Merv grunts]
[screams]
[laughing]
[screams] So cold.
[screams]
[grumbling]
[Jocelyn] Lolly?
Lolly, heel.
[barking, panting] Lolly, heel. Heel.
[gasps] Lolly.
[chuckling] Sorry about that.
She usually doesn’t pay attention to other dogs.
Oh, that’s all right.
He doesn’t have many friends.
[Jocelyn laughs] Probably flattered.
Hey, Lolly.
Hey, Merv, how’s it going?
[Jocelyn] Yeah? Merv?
Wait.
Are you… Is he… Is he the Mervinator?
Shut up.
I follow you on Instagram.
No, you don’t.
Yes, I do.
Merv beating Usain Bolt, that was my all-time favorite.
Come on, are you serious?
Yes.
Oh, my God, that’s so…
[laughing] That’s really cool. I…
Well, I’m-I’m Jocelyn, by the way.
Russ.
Oh, nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you. Yeah. Likewise.
Yeah, it’s, um…
Oh. Yeah.
Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were here with somebody.
No. Oh, no, I’m not.
I mean, I-I am.
I just, uh… It’s just my ex, who I’m very broken up with.
Just… we’re just hanging out as friends.
[lighthearted music playing]
Sorry.
[laughs] You guys are very modern.
Yeah.
That’s one word for it.
What are you guys doing later?
Do you want to come to a dog birthday party?
A hundred percent.
[chuckles] Yeah?
Is it Lolly’s?
Oh, yeah!
Oh, my good… Lolly!
I can’t believe you didn’t tell us.
Happy birthday.
Merv, what do you say?
Happy birthday to Lolly.
[Merv barks]
Cool. Well, it was, uh…
Yeah.
nice, nice meeting you guys.
Who was that?
Oh! Oh, my God.
[Russ exhales sharply]
Who was that?
What’s with your face?
What? Sun-Sunblock? Sunblock?
Oh.
Ah, yeah. No, you got it.
Did I get it?
You got it, you got it. Yeah, it’s gone.
Yeah. Oh, no, it’s just a tiny bit.
Did I get it?
Right there. You got it. Stop. You got it.
Who was that?
Uh, that was, uh, Jocelyn.
She recognized Merv from his Instagram.
Merv’s on Instagram?
Yeah. The Mervinator.
I set it up when… well…
Um, anyway, she invited us to a party later for, uh, Lolly’s birthday.
Who’s Lolly?
Uh, Lolly’s her dog.
Weird.
What? What’s weird?
All of it. All of it.
Just, if Merv’s on Instagram, I’m worried about stalkers, and she gave off those vibes… no offense.
Who, Lolly or-or Jocelyn?
Whatever her name is. Th-The tall one.
Okay. Where are you going?
I’m getting ready.
So we are going?
Yes.
Okay, good.
Merv, we’re going to a party!
[barking]
[upbeat music playing]
[dogs barking, grunting]
[laughing]
[chuckling] What?
What are you laughing at?
Oh, nothing.
Hi.
Hi.
Is that new?
This? Yeah.
You look nice.
[Russ] Thanks. So do you.
[barks] Uh, yeah? Shall we? Let’s do it.
Yeah? Okay.
Let’s go, Merv.
[♪ T-Pain sings “It’s My Dog Birthday”]
♪ Boop, boop, yuh ♪
♪ Boop, boop ♪
♪ Boop, boop ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ If you in here with your dog ♪
♪ point your dog out ♪
♪ Point your dog out ♪
♪ If you in here with your dog,
point your dog out ♪
♪ Tell ’em, “That’s my dog” ♪
♪ If you in here with your dog ♪
♪ point your dog out ♪
♪ Yuh ♪
♪ If you in here with your dog,
sing it out loud ♪
♪ It’s my dog birthday…
Wow.
I mean, this is…
Oh! Hi.
Hey. Hi.
Let’s go, Merv.
[Jocelyn laughing] You guys came!
Thank you so much for having us.
This is so cool.
Aw. I’m Jocelyn, and this is Lolly, the birthday girl.
Anna. Nice to meet you.
Pleased to meet you.
Jocelyn, this is insane.
Yeah, I know it’s a bit much, but I’m a party planner, so it’s basically advertising, right? [chuckles]
[♪ Mini Rascals sing “Dance Like Animals”]
♪ Kangaroos jump around…
Sure? [laughs]
[mumbling]
You giving up?
No.
♪ We use our imagination
to dance like the animals do ♪
♪ Dogs and cats…
Um, cute, uh, dog.
[Anna laughs]
Oh, I can only say one thing, and I said it.
Oh, uh, my wife is saying that when our dog Talia had her bark mitzvah, she had 150 guests.
Oh.
AAnd I only had 60 at mine.
Uh, 52.
[Anna laughs]
[gags]
[spits] This is a dog treat.
Don’t… don’t eat it.
I should’ve just hired you as the entertainment.
Hey, I’m a licensed elementary school teacher.
You can’t afford my rate.
Oh. So true.
[snaps fingers]
[Russ laughs]
[clears throat]
[Jocelyn] Okay, I have to ask… do you always go on vacation with your ex?
Yeah. [chuckles] It’s, um… it’s Merv. We co-own him.
[chuckling] Okay.
I mean, I…
I co-own my little Gracey with my ex, but you’re not gonna see us on vacation.
The thing is Merv’s depressed, so we’re, um… we’re kind of doing this cheer-up trip, trying to help him out.
And he does… he seems happiest when we’re together, so…
Well, I’m-I’m impressed that you guys are-are friendly enough to do that.
Yeah, uh, kind of.
Yeah, my divorce wasn’t fun.
Oh. You didn’t get the fun divorce?
No, I missed out on that one. Yeah.
Interesting. Yeah.
[both laughing]
Somewhere deep down, I-I always just knew it was doomed from the start.
What about you?
Yeah, no, no, I… think I’m the idiot who thought it would last forever, so…
♪ ♪
♪ So pick your favorite animal…
Ooh. Marshmallow bone.
[laughs] Yeah.
[both whining]
[♪ John Landau & The Giants sing
“Get Over It”] Oh.
Oh, excuse me. Sorry.
Sorry. Don’t worry about it.
Oh, I…
So sorry. I didn’t mean to. I’m…
I’m a little distracted right now.
By my hat, ’cause it’s so big. I know.
Oh.
But there is a purpose to the fashion.
No, I meant your face I was distracted by.
Oh.
It-it’s very… very cute.
[laughs] Um, I like your outfit.
What’s your dog dressed as, a cat stuck in a tree?
Uh, no, I, uh… I-I don’t have a dog.
Oh.
Not gonna lie, kind of weird ’cause you’re at a dog party.
Right. Um, I’m Jocelyn’s brother. Yeah.
Oh. Okay.
Yeah, and-and these are my actual clothes.
I just finished a shift.
Oh, you’re an actual sheriff.
Real-life sheriff, right?
Yeah, in the flesh. Yeah.
I couldn’t miss Lolly’s party.
It means so much to Joss, so…
Yeah.
So that’s why I’m here. Yeah.
Well, I better not steal any doggie bags, then.
Better not, ’cause I have handcuffs, and…
I could bring you down to the station.
[laughing] [chuckles] My-my name’s Tom.
I’m Anna. Nice to meet…
Hey, sweet cheeks. How’s it going?
You just call me “sweet cheeks”?
Got a pickle for you.
I don’t want that.
You love pickles.
I don’t want it.
It’s a really good one. Just try it.
It’s not a pickle. It’s a cornichon.
She loves pickles.
Howdy, partner.
I-I don’t… That’s a cornichon.
Hi. Uh, excuse us.
Wait, I-I didn’t realize you were with someone. Are you with…
I don’t know him.
You’re with someone?
No, I don’t know him, um…
You don’t?
If you could just give him a speeding ticket or something, I-I’d appreciate it.
This is weird. I’m gonna go.
Um, lovely to meet you.
Yeah. You, too.
Nice to meet…
Don’t make fun of… Stop.
Um, okay.
Bye.
Why would you do that?
Do what?
I thought…
I thought he was bothering you.
Bothering me? By giving me compliments?
He did…
In a uniform?
Really? What compliments?
He said he liked my face and that I’m cute.
[laughing] He said he liked your face?
Mm, that’s a little creepy.
Why is that creepy?
You don’t think that’s creepy?
[Anna scoffs softly]
Look, you act this way when you’re threatened.
Are you jealous?
What? No.
[chuckling] No.
Of him? No.
[scoffs] No.
Hi, you two.
[Anna] Hi.
There’s someone I want you to meet.
Cool.
Okay.
I’m Gaia.
Oh, look at you.
It’s so wonderful to meet you.
[Anna] Oh.
Come here. Aw.
[Jocelyn] Uh, Gaia here is the best animal healer in the business.
I am.
Hi.
[Gaia] Hi.
Animal healer? [chuckles] Wow, what an interesting line of work.
And Jocelyn told me all about your darling Merv and his…
[whispering] trouble.
[whispering] Why are we whispering?
‘Cause they’re all listening.
Everyone’s listening. See?
Hi, everyone.
[Jocelyn chuckles softly] I want to help you, and I want to do it right here, right now, free of charge.
Oh, that’s so nice. I think we’re good.
We would absolutely love that.
I’m not gonna take no for an answer.
We should do this.
Yeah.
And there is nothing… absolutely nothing… to be afraid of.
[mystical, ambient music playing]
[babbling softly]
[chanting]
[squawking]
[Merv grumbles]
Flick away the sorrow. Flick, flick.
[Gaia babbling, breathing sharply]
I’m getting a strong sense that Merv has something he wants to communicate with us.
Stay open.
Everybody, open up. Open, open, open.
This could be a window into his trauma.
I need a moment to prepare, please.
It’s okay. You can talk.
What’s he saying?
[British accent] “Hello, everybody.”
Oh, Merv’s a Victorian street urchin.
“I feel a real joie de vivre today.”
Pretty sure “joie de vivre” is-is not in his vocabulary.
“I love being with you both, and I’m filled with gratitude for all the love that you’ve shown me over the years.”
Oh, buddy, that’s so lovely.
Yeah, we love you, too.
“You’re amazing parents, but…”
[Merv snoring]
But what?
“I’m worried about you.”
Worried how?
“Well, emotionally.
I took it very hard… the sadness and crying and anger.”
Okay. She knows we broke up.
This is how they do it on all the psychic shows.
“And I took it very hard when Russ moved out of the condo that we shared on 14th Street.”
That was specific.
Uh, come on.
Like, how would she know that?
“I can still feel this deep love that you have for each other.”
Okay, the vet already told us this is our fault, so we’re done here.
[regular accent] Wait.
He would do anything to fix things between the two of you.
There’s nothing to fix.
We didn’t exactly leave on good terms, did we?
Will you excuse us for a minute?
[shuddering]
Come on. Hey.
Ow.
[muttering]
[Gaia babbling]
Not on good terms?
That’s how breakups work.
Yeah, I-I understand that, Anna. I…
To be honest, I don’t really even understand why we broke up.
I mean, I’d just proposed to you.
That was a Band-Aid, and you know it.
It wasn’t a Band-Aid.
You can’t just propose to somebody and then magically make everything better.
You never wanted to talk about it.
Yes, I did.
Then why didn’t you?
I did.
And we didn’t have to throw in the towel.
We could’ve still had a nice life together.
[Gaia breathing gruffly]
Let it out.
[breathes deeply]
Let it out, let it out.
Hey. Hey. Are you kidding me right now?
You can’t just earwig in on a conversation, let alone chime in.
And you know what I find most offensive about you?
Your weird British accent when everybody knows Merv is French.
Allonsy, Merv. Allonsy.
[Anna scoffing]
[Jocelyn] Hi. Is everything okay?
Oh, yes. We made wonderful progress.
Let’s just get all that out.
I should probably go. Thank you so much.
[Jocelyn stammers] Thank you.
So you’re-you’re… you’re leaving, then?
Yeah.
Yeah, okay. Makes sense.
What’s that’s supposed to mean?
It just wouldn’t be the first time, that’s all, bailing when things get tough.
I’m not doing this.
This was a stupid idea.
I’m going back.
I’ll see you back at the hotel.
No, I-I’m not going back to the hotel.
I’m going home.
What?
Back to Boston.
Wait a second, Anna.
What happened to team cheer-up?
Doing anything for Merv?
Putting our differences aside for the week?
If you and I were a band, we’d be called The Mistakes.
[whines softly]
Merv doesn’t want you to leave.
He told me.
He told you?
Something about you bringing back his “joie division.”
[both laugh]
[lighthearted music playing]
[moans softly]
[dog barking]
[knocking on door]
Hey. Morning.
So, um, remember how much Merv loves my folks?
And they’re literally just up the coast, and I kind of promised them that we’d go and see them for a little bit.
Okay. You just got me to stay, and now you casually float out there, “Let’s go see my parents,” who hate me.
They don’t hate you.
And isn’t the whole point that we spend some time together for Merv?
Plus, my mom really wants to see you.
Oh, no. No, she doesn’t.
She’s blocked me on all the apps, which is fine because her posts have become really problematic lately, but it’s true.
Yeah.
She’s just being protective of her only son.
I get it… but my answer is no, I’m not going, and I’m firm on that.
[lighthearted music playing]
Okay, so… we are in and out of there, okay?
Two hours, max, I promise.
Okay.
[Russ sniffs]
So, how’s your dad?
Yeah, I think he’s okay, actually.
The sun’s certainly helping.
And the pickleball.
Oh. Does he play?
Oh, no. No, hehe just watches.
Oh, he’s just a fan?
Oh, yeah.
[both laugh]
Yeah.
Okay.
[phone dings]
[Russ] Oh. Oh, looks like, um, “Lover Not a Fighter 83” just sent you a rose.
Don’t read my messages.
I’m sorry. I didn’t. It pinged.
It was right there.
Wow. So you’re doing the whole, uh, dating app thing.
It’s a little surprising.
Why?
[Anna scoffs]
Huh?
You should try it. It’s fun.
[whines softly]
So go on, who have you been meeting on the… on the app?
Oh, all sorts of people. I mean, I, um…
I went on a date with a poet.
Cool. Is he broke?
Uh, no, he’s very rich.
Nice. That’s cool.
Mmhmm.
What kind of poetry does he write?
Verses, sonnets, um…
He’s really good at rhyming things.
Sonnets?
How old is he?
A hundred and fifty.
[Russ laughs] It’s actually really exhausting kind of like keeping up with all the messages from…
[Merv whines, grunts softly] Yeah, I’m sure.
gentleman callers.
Well, maybe you need a more kind of robust vetting process, maybe.
Oh, I have one.
Oh, you do?
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
I just ask the same question.
Yeah?
It’s, um…
Okay. So your house is on fire and you can only take one thing… what is it?
You’ve already saved humans and pets.
It’s a great question.
Thank you.
What do they say?
He said he would take his, uh, safe.
The poet has a safe?
[laughing] Yeah.
What… For what?
Like, quills and stuff?
Yeah, quills, for sure.
Parchment and stuff.
All right, then what about you?
What would you save?
Wouldn’t you like to know?
Oh, I do know.
No, you don’t.
Yes, I do.
You definitely don’t.
I bet you I do.
Mmmm.
Your acoustic guitar.
[gasps] My dad made it with his own hands.
You’ve never actually played it.
I know, but I could do.
You might want to get on with it.
What would you save?
Nothing.
That’s not an answer. No.
Yeah, it is. Sure, it is.
Yeah, it’s my list, and I-I say nothing.
So you’d just let it all burn?
Yeah, I would.
I think if you’re gonna lose everything anyway, you might as well make a fresh start.
[gentle music playing]
[whines softly]
[Russ] Hi, Mom.
Oh! Look who’s here.
[vehicle door opens] Oh.
[Russ] Let’s go. Go. [whistles]
[MJ] Oh.
[Merv barks, pants]
[both] Aw. Mm.
You look so nice.
Oh, no. [sputters] Hi, MJ.
Come on in.
Thought you said that she wanted to see me.
I said that?
Are his feet clean?
Yes, Mom, his feet are clean.
Can you go easy on him?
[growling softly] He’s having a rough time at the moment.
Oh, I forgot.
Dog depression. Yeah.
Hey. How are you?
Okay. He doesn’t look depressed.
Okay.
Uh, where’s Dad?
He’s in the back cremating the chicken.
Oh, I’m gonna surprise him.
Yeah. All right.
I’m on the drinks, so…
I can help with that.
[whining]
[Russ grunts, chuckles] Uh-huh. There he is.
How’s it going, Dad?
Oh, it’s good.
Oh, it’s so good to see you.
Yeah. You, too.
How was traffic?
Yeah, pretty smooth.
Yeah?
Don’t get up. It’s all right.
No, no. I need a proper hug, please.
Oh, now…
So good to see you.
Yeah. You, too.
You look well. You look really well.
Oh. Thanks.
Not as good as you, but…
[laughs] [Russ] Oh, look who it is.
I’ve got a treat for you, mister.
Oh, lucky boy.
Look at that.
[Russ] Lucky boy.
[Jack] He looks happy.
It’s so nice here.
So many decorative mailboxes.
[chuckles]
You two must love it.
Nope. Not really.
That’s too bad.
Well, I preferred our place in Arizona, but… too many stairs for Jack after his heart attack, so…
Oh, they’re big.
Oh, no stress.
I can just cut them smaller.
Your hair.
You did something different.
Yeah. I cut bangs.
Do you like it?
I liked it before.
Yeah, I guess I just, um, needed a change.
[laughing] Yeah. Apparently.
[Jack chuckling] Gincoming.
Oh!
Thanks.
Thank you.
Mmhmm. Yep.
Should I take it?
Oh, thank you.
[sighs]
Just so you know, this is medicinal.
Cheers.
Oh, yeah. That old chestnut.
[MJ laughing] Ah…
Cheers, Mom.
Cardiologist approved.
[Jack] Mmm.
[Russ clears throat] Oh, that’s good.
It’s great to have you back.
Yeah.
[door opens]
Oh. MJ.
Hi.
[stifled sobs]
MJ. Are you okay?
[crying] Yeah.
I’m… Yeah, I’m fine.
[clears throat] I’m fine.
You know what? This is my fault.
I should not have come.
Russ just said that…
Oh, screw Russ!
What?
Look, I lost something in all of this, too.
I-I miss you, I mean, a lot.
I miss you, too, so much.
So much.
Thanksgiving was so depressing without you.
I mean, those two bozos, they barely talk, and when they do, it’s traffic or weather or what’s for lunch.
It is like being with two cavemen.
I miss our talks so much.
Me, too! Oh, me, too.
And you know what?
What?
Your bangs are so cute.
Thank you.
I mean, they’re fantastic.
Thank you.
I just said that to be mean. I’m sorry.
It’s okay. I know. I know you did.
Okay?
[both sigh]
But thank you for saying that.
Okay.
I just have one thing to say.
Mmhmm? Yes?
If you’re gonna unblock me, can we talk about some of the stuff you’ve been posting?
Oh, you’re gonna hate what I just said.
[laughter] Every day, Mr. De Lorenzo gets out his power washer, and he’s power-washing the fence and he’s power-washing, like, his lounge chairs.
[Jack and Russ laughing] Any random piece of crap that he can get, power-washes.
Well, why don’t you just say something to him?
Oh, oh, she’s said plenty.
[Russ and MJ laughing]
If it ever gets so bad that I am power-washing all our furniture to pass the time, just put me in the street.
Put my body out there, let the birds pluck my eyes out like Tippi Hedren.
I’m begging you.
[Russ laughs] So, Anna, I forgot to tell you, you’re in the room across from the bathroom.
Oh, no, Mom, we’re gonna drive back out tonight.
No.
Over our dead bodies, you are.
Come on, Dad. You know Mom doesn’t want Merv staying here.
People change.
Really?
[MJ] Mmhmm.
Thank you. That would be really nice.
Okay! Oh, good.
We can do movie night.
It will be just like old times.
[Jack] Mm. We get to pick, though.
You’re definitely not picking.
[MJ] Yeah, we’ll pick.
Okay. Don’t you always pick?
[MJ] Mmhmm.
Yeah, and it’s the same movie every time.
[Jack] Uh…
‘Cause you never make it through.
Ealing Studios?
You never make it through a movie.
[movie playing quietly on TV]
They usually make it through at least half.
[both laugh]
You want to get out of here?
And miss the end of this corny movie?
I’ve seen it. The dog dies.
What?! No.
I’m joking.
[laughs] Oh, my God.
[chuckling] Who would do that?
[Russ whispering] Stay.
We’ll be right back.
[Anna whispering] Stay.
[Russ] Good boy.
[Merv groans]
[door closes]
Thank God they left.
I didn’t think they’d ever go.
Want to give me another heart attack?
[Russ] Ooh, golf cart.
[water running]
[Anna] Yeah, go. Go.
[Russ] Don’t mind if I do.
[Anna] Yeah.
[lighthearted music playing]
[Russ] Evening, Mr. De Lorenzo.
[Anna] Driveway’s looking sharp.
[Anna] Woohoo!
[Russ laughing]
[Anna] Whoa!
[Russ] Oh, oh, God.
[Anna whooping]
[Anna] Going really crazy!
[Russ] Oh, my God. Oh, my God.
Oh, my God. Oh, my God.
[Anna] Back up, back up.
Whoa. Corner.
[Russ chuckles]
[upbeat music playing]
[Anna] Whoa!
[Russ chuckling]
[tires squeal]
[backup alarm beeping]
[♪ Marc Anthony sings “Che Che Colé”]
♪ ♪
[DJ] Buenas noches, Rancho El Dorado.
Y’all ready for another edition of Salsa Night Fever?
Is it just me, or are there a lot of slutty seniors here?
I mean, no judgment ’cause if you’re over 80, you deserve to get your freak on.
I agree.
[Anna and Russ laugh]
This one lady, like, I think she wants to dance with you.
[giggling]
[Russ] No, she doesn’t.
[Anna] She does.
Hi.
[silver vixen] Dance with me, wild boy.
Oh! [laughs] Oh! [laughs] No, thank you.
[silver vixen] She won’t mind.
Yeah, I don’t mind.
Yeah, yeah, you go, uh, shake it, shake his groove thing.
[song continues with lyrics in Spanish]
[silver vixen grunting rhythmically]
[silver vixen] Whoo!
Ah!
Oh!
[Russ chuckles]
[Russ] Yeah.
[Russ and silver vixen whooping]
Okay. Thank you.
[Russ making kissing sounds]
La música está en mÃ.
[laughing]
What?
When did you learn to salsa?
So, uh, remember those classes my parents got us for Christmas?
Yeah. We only went to one.
You went to one.
You’re looking at a level three salsa maestro, baby.
My God, I can’t believe you kept going.
Turns out they have a really strict return policy, so…
[Anna laughs]
So, what, did you just say we broke up?
God, no. Way too embarrassing.
I told them you got meningitis.
[chuckles] What?
[laughing] Yeah.
At an optometry conference.
It was pretty severe, actually.
You were hospitalized and everything.
You killed me?
No, no, I’m not a monster.
You’re in a coma.
[both laugh]
But with a bit of luck, you’ll wake up any day.
Okay, I have a confession to make.
Don’t feel too bad, because I told the guy at the smoothie place you joined a cult, and I told the lady at the dry cleaner that you’re in, uh, prison for tax fraud.
Oh, yeah? Sounds like me.
Yeah.
[song ends]
[applause]
[♪ Gipsy Kings sing “Bamboléo”]
What?
Oh, this?
Please.
This song?
Come on.
No. No.
Please.
Just one. Come on, please.
My hips don’t move like that.
Uh, I know they do.
[gasps] Ooh!
[both laughing]
Hips.
[song continues with lyrics in Spanish]
Yeah.
Am I doing okay?
Yes.
Ah.
[chuckles]
Oh!
Okay.
[seniors cheering, clapping]
[chuckles]
Oh.
[Russ chuckles]
[Anna chuckles]
[laughs]
Go long.
I’m gonna do Dirty Dancing. What?
Dirty Dancing. Really? Are you sure?
Go. Go.
[Anna] Yeah. I’m gonna do it.
[Russ] Oh, my God!
[Russ yells]
Russ!
[squealing] Oh, yeah, yeah! Russ, I’m…
Whoo!
I’m going…
Whoo!
Oh, oh! [yells]
[song fades]
You want some?
I’ve had enough.
Up.
[laughing]
No.
[Anna grunting]
That was pretty good.
[Anna laughs]
[Russ sighs]
Hey.
I’m really glad you came.
Yeah, it was so nice to see your parents.
I-I meant the whole trip.
Oh.
Yeah, ’cause, like, it’s just nice to chat, you know.
So many times where I wanted to tell you stuff and-and… couldn’t.
Like what?
Okay, so remember, um… do you remember my gym, the guy who works out in jeans?
Jeans guy. I love jeans guy.
Jeans guy.
So he got a pair shorts.
[gasps] No.
And I finally took your advice and, uh, cut down on dairy.
Yeah.
I think it turns out you’re right…
I do snore less.
I told you.
At least I think I do.
Nice.
Also…
I wanted to tell you that I didn’t, um, propose to you because I wanted to smooth things over.
I proposed to you ’cause I loved you and I wanted to spend my life with you.
[gentle, sentimental music playing]
[inhales deeply]
[burbling]
[uplifting music playing]
[indistinct voicemail message]
[Russ coughing, gasping]
[hoarsely] Yeah. Hi. It’s-it’s Russ Owens.
Um, I’m-I’m afraid I’m not gonna make it in again today.
Um, I think…
I think I might actually have strep now.
Um… [coughs] It’s kind of hard to talk…
[gasping breaths]
and breathe. [gasps, coughs] Ah, yeah, that’s-that’s very tender.
Um, I’ll, uh… I’ll-I’ll stay in touch.
Okay. Bye.
You know you can’t leave this place emptyhanded, right?
Any minute now, she’s gonna come back with a box of homemade nut scrunchie.
[chuckles] Leftover potato salad.
[laughs] Even better.
Listen.
Don’t leave it too long next time, will you?
Yeah.
I’m just saying, you know, life’s too short, and I might get taken out by a stray pickleball.
You never know.
[laughing] Dad.
Love you.
[Jack] I love you.
[MJ] Ho, ho, ho.
[Jack] Oh.
Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.
[Russ] Yes, I’m checking luggage.
[laughing] There you go.
Do not open that on the way home.
I know you.
Thanks, Mom.
Oh, and here’s a little something for Merv.
Oh, thank you.
Happy holidays, you mangy little thing.
Anna.
Merry Christmas.
Oh, my gosh.
Thank you so much.
Yes.
You, too.
[sighs] You know, I am really glad you that came.
Me, too.
[gentle music playing] Well, I hope you-you find somebody wonderful to spend the rest of your life with.
And I’m… [sighs] I’m just sorry it wasn’t Russ.
[chuckles softly]
You okay?
Yeah. You?
Yeah.
[cycling through radio stations]
[whines softly]
[♪ Barenaked Ladies sing “One Week”]
No way.
[huffs, moans] Do you remember that?
Do I remember it?
Um…
Just checking.
[singing along] ♪ Chickity China,
the Chinese chicken ♪
♪ You have a drumstick
and your brain stops tickin’ ♪
♪ Watching XFiles with no lights on,
we’re dans la maison ♪
♪ I hope the Smoking Man’s in this one ♪
♪ Like Harrison Ford,
I’m getting frantic ♪
♪ Like Sting, I’m tantric ♪
♪ Like Snickers, guaranteed to satisfy ♪
♪ Like Kurosawa, I make mad films ♪
♪ ‘Kay, I don’t make films,
but if I did, they’d have a samurai ♪
♪ Gonna get a set of better clubs,
gonna find the kind with tiny nubs ♪
♪ just so my irons aren’t always
flying off the backswing ♪
♪ Gonna get in tune with Sailor Moon ♪
Yes!
♪ ’cause that cartoon has got
the boom anime babes ♪
♪ that make me think the wrong thing ♪
♪ How can I help it if I think
you’re funny when you’re mad? ♪
♪ Trying hard not to smile,
though I feel bad ♪
♪ I’m the kind of guy
who laughs at a funeral ♪
♪ Can’t understand what I mean,
but you soon will ♪
♪ I have a tendency to wear
my mind on my sleeve ♪
♪ I have a history of losing my shirt ♪
♪ It’s been one week
since you looked at me ♪
♪ Dropped your arms to the sides
and said, “I’m sorry” ♪
♪ Five days since I laughed at you ♪
♪ and said, “You just did just what
I thought you were gonna do” ♪
♪ Three days since the living room ♪
[both laughing]
♪ We realized we’re both to blame,
but what could we do? ♪
♪ Yesterday you just smiled at me ♪
♪ ’cause it’ll still be two days
till we say we’re sorry ♪
♪ It’ll still be two days
till we say we’re sorry ♪
[horn honks]
♪ It’ll still be two days ♪
♪ till we say “wasabi” ♪
♪ Birchmount Stadium ♪
♪ home of the Robbie ♪
[groans]
[song ends]
[gentle music playing]
[dogs barking in distance]
I think I might just chill in my room for a bit.
Okay. I’ll do the same.
You cool if he comes with me?
Course.
Okay. I’ll see you later.
Okay. Bye.
Merv, let’s go.
[Merv whines]
[Anna] Hey.
Um, do you want to get dinner later?
I saw a cutelooking Chinese place on the corner.
We could get takeout.
Yeah, sure.
[door opens]
[soft, melancholy music playing]
[Merv groans softly]
[Rebekah over phone] Hello?
Hi. Hi.
Um, okay.
Um, long story short, I think I still have feelings for Russ, and, uh, I just need you to, um, tell me I’m crazy and-and-and tell me to stop thinking about him, like, right now.
I’m sorry. I can’t do that.
What? Why?
Because… you’re perfect together.
[scoffs] I shouldn’t have called you.
Look, Anna. Clearly, you won’t open up for me.
And don’t think I don’t know why.
What are you talking about?
[sighs] You’ve been avoiding me ’cause it’s hard for you to be around kids.
No, that’s… that’s not… that’s not true…
Yes, it is, and it’s okay.
I love you, and I know this sucks and that it’s painful and that I can’t imagine what it must feel like to find out you can’t have kids when I know how much that’s what you wanted.
But I also know in my soul that Russ was good for you.
And you could still have a great life together. Don’t you think? Anna?
[phone dings]
[hopeful music playing]
[Merv groans softly]
[quiet chatter]
[dogs barking in distance]
[Jocelyn] Hello, Merv.
[Russ chuckles]
Hi.
Hi.
How’s it going?
Oh.
Thank you.
Yay.
Tada!
Been looking everywhere for this.
Aw.
I asked him where he left it, but he couldn’t quite remember.
Oh, I get it. It was a blowout.
Yeah. Too many barkaritas, probably.
Chaos. [laughs]
[Russ] Hi, Lols.
Oh, they’re psyched to see each other.
[Russ and Jocelyn] Aw.
Merv’s not normally this forward, you know.
Well, Lolly is.
But Merv is so handsome.
Can’t blame a girl for trying.
I know. I mean, what’s a girl to do, huh?
[laughing]
Well, thank you so much forfor saving it for us.
Yeah.
Merv. [whistles] Merv. [whistles] Do you want to stay for a beer?
Oh, yeah. Sure. Uh, yeah.
Yeah?
Thank you.
Okay.
Do we leave them alone?
Oh, yeah.
All right. Just…
I think that they’re gonna be just fine.
Don’t trust that Lolly.
[laughing]
[Russ] I’m just saying, it’s really impressive what you’ve managed to do.
No. No.
[chuckles] No, I’m just a party planner.
Yeah, but you’re an amazing party planner, not just a party planner.
I mean, great mom and a great dog mom.
Look what you managed to do.
Everything you built, I mean, it’s really cool.
Hmm.
Can’t even… manage my 200squarefoot apartment.
No, I have been there, too.
Yeah, it’s pretty rough.
I just think you should be proud of yourself. That’s all.
No one’s ever said that to me before.
It’s really kind.
[chuckles]
[gentle music playing]
How much longer are you here?
Uh, tomorrow. Yeah, we… we leave first thing.
Oh, that’s really, really soon.
Yeah.
Well, you’re gonna have to come and visit.
[chuckling] Yeah, yeah, we should.
What’s wrong?
I’m s…
I’m so sorry.
[Russ sighs]
[barking]
[“Jingle Bells” playing]
[dog owner] Good job, Muffin.
[jovial chatter]
Hey there. What can I get you?
[melancholy music playing]
[“Jingle Bells” continues]
[jovial chatter continues]
[melancholy music continues]
[waves crashing]
[distant chatter and laughter]
[grunts]
[Merv whimpers]
[whimpering continues]
[snoring softly]
[snorts]
[sniffs]
Merv?
Merv? [whistles] Buddy?
Merv.
Merv!
[tense music playing]
Come here, boy. [whistles] Mervy.
[snapping fingers] Merv?
Merv!
[waves crashing]
Merv!
Merv!
[Merv barking]
Merv!
Oh, my God. Oh, thank goodness.
[Merv whining]
Oh, buddy.
Oh, I thought you’d drowned, little man.
It’s lucky he knew where my room was.
Yeah, that is lucky.
Next time you want to spend the evening with your new girlfriend, why don’t you tell me so I can take him?
How do you know where I was, anyway?
How did he get his bow tie back?
Right.
Why’d you do that thing in the car?
What thing?
The hand thing.
I don’t know.
I guess I just… I missed you.
Maybe I got the wrong idea.
Anna, I can’t do this.
Can’t do what?
This. Oh, my God.
It’s messing with my head.
Do you have any idea how hard this has been?
Being so, like, stupidly alone and knowing the only thing I have left in my life is a dog that’s more depressed than I am.
And now, like, suddenly you’re, like, here with me, and all I’m thinking about is how badly I handled everything that happened with us and how idiotic it was of me to try and make you feel better.
‘Cause how could you possibly feel better?
But I just… I hated seeing you so sad, you know, and I wanted to take that away, and I didn’t know how.
[sighs]
I’m so sorry that we won’t get to meet our kids and know what they look like.
I know how important that was to you, and it crushed me, too, okay?
And y-you shut me out, Anna.
You stopped talking to me, like, completely, overnight.
I couldn’t get through to you.
And it wasn’t all we were, and I felt like you made it all we were, but we were so much more than that.
You want to know why I took your hand?
Sure.
[crying] I forgot how much fun I have with you.
I’m sorry I didn’t want to talk. I…
It was too hard.
When-when you see your… your uterus up on the stupid screen and it’s just… empty.
[somber music playing]
I just felt so… useless and guilty.
[scoffs] Anna.
And…
I felt like I let you down and it’s… my fault.
It wasn’t your fault.
Can we just start over?
The thing is, right… next time things get tough, how do we know… how do we know that we can get through it?
I don’t know.
We just will.
You see, I don’t…
I don’t know that I believe that.
I’m sorry.
[whines]
[engine starts]
♪ ♪
So I’ll just, um, drop him off at the end of the week, then?
Can I just say something?
Can you let me get this out before you say no? [stammers] Yeah.
Okay. Um…
So, this coparenting thing, it doesn’t work.
You know, not for me, not for Merv.
And I-I know it’s not what either of us want.
He needs one home, Anna.
He needs a proper home.
It’s what we promised him when we got him.
What…
[chuckles softly]
I love this dog so much.
You know.
The idea of him not being in my life is…
[crying] …impossible.
What are you trying to say?
And I love him too much to see him like this.
So I want you to have him.
I ca… No.
I can’t let you do that.
You can. Yes, you can. It’s all right.
No.
Yeah, it’s what he needs, and it’s what we need.
Otherwise, we’re not gonna move on.
And I’m not. I’m not gonna move on if I have to keep showing up at your apartment every week and see you… being you.
[soft, melancholy music playing]
[Merv panting softly]
I love you, buddy.
[Merv whimpers] Okay.
Bye. Bye, Merv.
Russ, can we at least talk about this, please?
No. It’s over.
Please.
[whimpering]
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
[sighs]
[sighs]
♪ ♪
[vacuum whirring]
♪ ♪
What do you think?
Want to see?
[Merv whimpers]
[strums]
Okay, guys, the last bit of work before the holidays.
Yes!
[students cheering quietly, murmuring]
And let’s say you’ve got, um…
20 minutes.
So do your best. You know this stuff.
And if you don’t, well… in the grand scheme of things, it’s not gonna make a bloody difference, so…
Yeah.
[knocking] Okay. On you get.
Hey, man.
Hi, Des.
How you feeling?
Yeah, okay. Better. Thank you. Yeah.
Yeah, that strep’s, um…
[clears throat] pretty vicious.
‘Cause, you know, I came by your, uh, apartment… no answer.
Well, no, ’cause… that’s right…
’cause I had, um… well, the antibiotics just floored me.
Okay, man, you gonna tell me where you really were?
What do you mean?
The Mervinator?
Sorry, what… Not ringing any bells.
Oh, you don’t know what I’m talking about?
No.
Wow, man.
Because your 28,000 new followers…
Twenty-eight?
Will be gutted to hear that.
Merv’s escapades at the beachside birthday bonanza, according to “Perfect Parties Are Joss.”
And as for those extra followers that you got, look who they are.
[students laughing]
[Russ] Aw.
What were you thinking, man?
Taking your dog on vacation days before the vacation?
My dog was depressed, Des.
You are on detention duty, okay?
Fine. Let me see it.
Stop doing all that squinty… things with your eyes, man.
I’m not squinting.
You are squinting.
That’s how you look at things.
Get your eyes checked.
Fine.
[lighthearted music playing]
[air blowing sharply]
[device beeping] Stay… still.
[groans]
Very still.
You said it was gonna be a gentle tickle.
[air blows sharply] Still!
My goodness.
[Russ muttering]
[air blows sharply]
Okay. Are we done?
Thank you.
The good news is you can see.
But only six feet in front of you.
Put these on. Here’s your prescription.
And your bill.
[festive holiday music playing]
[“Deck the Halls” playing]
Oh, yes.
The tinsel.
Mmhmm.
[wistful music playing]
[“Deck the Halls” continues]
[whining]
[wistful music playing]
[mysterious music playing]
[“Deck the Halls” continues]
[wind howling]
[music fades]
Hi. Uh, welcome to Save a Furry Friend Foundation.
Are you looking for a new furry friend?
Yeah, something like that.
Wait. You’ve been here before.
Merv, right?
That’s right. Good… good memory.
How is the little guy?
Yeah, um…
Yeah, he’s great. He’s awesome.
I mean, we’re not supposed to have favorites, but I remember when you guys picked him up.
It’s so nice just… just knowing that a dog’s going to a home where there’s so much love.
Yeah.
Yes, yes.
Okay.
Uh, so let’s find you a new dog.
Yeah, let’s.
Huh?
[dogs barking and panting]
[gentle music playing]
[dog yaps]
[sighs] You wouldn’t believe what some of these guys have been through.
I mean, broken engagements, broken homes.
[whimpering] Bruno here was left in a bag.
But, you know… all they need is a little bit of love, right?
[barking] Yeah. Who doesn’t?
Uh, so Candylicious here is a little sweetheart.
Uh, I mean, she’s got some chat.
[barking]
You mean she barks.
Uh, but, I mean, I wouldn’t say in, like, a bad way.
[Candylicious continues barking]
So, um… Gizmo here is super smart.
How precious is your furniture?
You know, uh, the more I think about it, I’m actually not sure this is right, right now.
I think it might be a little soon.
Oh, no.
Oh, please.
What? What?
It’s just…
Look, when you’re the one that has to take them to the vets because they’ve been here for the time limit and no one has picked them…
[breathing heavily]
[Russ] Whoa.
Okay.
[gentle music playing]
[sighs]
[dog barks]
[dog barks]
So, you know, this is the place.
[door closes] I know it’s not much to look at, but… beggars can’t be choosers, right, Angelina? [chuckles] Well, I’ll give you the grand tour.
This is the, uh, living room slash kitchen.
[Angelina grumbles] What?
Don’t look at me like that.
What’d you expect from a teacher’s salary?
So, um, that’s your lovely bed there.
In you come.
[whines] Okay.
We’ll… we’ll try that later.
I’m told it’s nice and comfy.
Flick. Flick.
Flick away the sadness.
[Merv whimpers]
[Anna takes deep breath]
I deserve that look.
Treat.
Dinner.
Walk.
[groans]
Go fetch.
Are you ready… for the one, the only…
Mr. Bear! Yay!
Go.
[toy squeaks] Go get it. Go get it.
Yes. Yes.
No.
No! [sighs]
[barks]
It’s almost Christmas.
I think it’s okay.
Go.
[uplifting music playing]
Aw, Merv.
[chuckles] It’s you.
Look how cute.
Let’s see what I got.
[Russ] What’s up?
Don’t tell me you’re lonely as well.
Are you missing your friends at the dog shelter?
Don’t want to play fetch.
You don’t want cuddles.
You’ve barely eaten your food.
I don’t think you’re gonna want any of the supergloop.
[whines] Really?
[whining]
You want to try it?
[barks]
Okay, here you go.
It’s your funeral. [sighs]
[uplifting music playing]
[laughs] No way.
“Merv, if you’re feeling crappy, eat your greens.
They’ll make you happy.”
[chuckles softly]
[doorbell buzzes]
[Merv whines]
[wistful music playing]
[Anna] Oh, hi.
[both] Hey!
Are those baguettes?
[Carly] Yeah. I buttered your bread.
[snoring]
[indistinct chatter on TV]
[person on TV] Merry Christmas!
[indistinct chatter continues on TV]
[whispering] She snores so loud.
[chuckling] Yeah, she does.
Who snores like that?
Come for Christmas with us.
What? Christmas? What? No.
Yeah. Come on.
DDesmond… [clears throat] probably won’t burn the turkey again.
No. Last time I came for dinner, Desmond burned peas, okay? Peas.
[Rebekah chuckling]
Look, you don’t have to take pity on me.
Okay? I’m fine.
No, you’re not.
No…
But you’re gonna be on your own at Christmas.
It’s a really lovely offer.
I really appreciate it, but I…
Please.
I’m…
It’ll be nice.
I would’ve loved to have come. I just…
Okay. Um…
I will come.
[squeals excitedly] And ifif you want me to watch the kids while Desmond burns the turkey, I…
I can do that.
[squeals] This might be my favorite Christmas gift ever.
Thank you.
[snorting]
[lighthearted music playing]
[whines]
[Russ] Come on, Angelina.
You’ve got to pee. Come on, please.
[voice shaking] Please.
For me?
[grumbling]
I’m putting my foot down.
We have to go pee.
We’re gonna pee.
[Angelina grunts]
Yes! We’re peeing. We’re peeing!
[birds chirping]
See?
I told you the park was a good idea.
This was Merv’s favorite park.
What do you say we get a snack, huh?
You like pretzels?
[yelps softly] Good. Me, too. Here, come here.
Right. Let’s try you off leash, okay?
Sit down.
I’m gonna let you off.
[whining] Stay. Stay.
Stay, stay, stay.
Perfect. Let’s go.
[barks]
Slow down. Wait. Stay with me. Angelina.
Angelina, stop! Stop right now!
[upbeat, energetic music playing]
Stop! Heel! Heel!
Angelina, stop! Angelina.
Angelina! Angelina, stop!
Stop! [hollers] Stop! Heel!
Angelina. Angelina.
Stop.
Angelina, Angelina, please, please.
Stop. Please, come, come.
Yes, yes.
Oh, my goodness.
You crazy pup, you can’t go running off like that, eh?
Come on. Oh, my goodness, that’s enough.
[soft, melancholy music playing]
[Merv barks]
Russ.
Hi.
[whining] Hi.
What are you doing here?
I’m walking my dog, actually.
Your dog?
[Russ chuckles]
[whines]
This is Angelina.
[Anna] Angelina.
[Anna chuckles]
[Russ] Yeah.
She came from the, um, Save a Furry Friend Foundation.
[Anna] Yeah.
[both chuckle]
[barks, whines]
Can I?
Of course.
Hey, buddy. How are you?
I missed you. How are you?
[panting, whining] Aw.
You, um, got glasses.
I did get glasses. Yes.
Turns out I have really poor eyesight.
I’m surprised you didn’t encourage me to get them checked at any point.
It looks really good. Itit suits you.
You think?
Mmhmm.
Thanks.
[Merv whines]
[sniffing]
Uh, nice seeing you.
Yeah. You, too. Merry Christmas.
Yeah.
Merry Christmas.
[Merv whining]
[growls]
Anna?
Yeah?
How are you?
[wistful music playing]
I’m all right. [chuckles softly] Yeah?
And Merv?
He’s okay.
A little bit, um…
Sad?
Yeah, like… something’s missing.
‘Cause the thing is, right…
I can’t stop thinking about how much I love and…
I think I’ll always love and… for the rest of my life, I’m gonna regret it if I don’t tell…
Merv?
[Merv whines]
[Russ sighs] No, Anna. You.
[Russ sighs]
I missed you so much.
[voice breaking] I miss you so much, like, every day.
Really?
Yeah.
[chuckles] See, I-I-I thought that I could live without you and that it was the right thing for us.
It’s not better. It’s horrible.
It’s the worst.
The worst.
And I really thought, like, if I got my life together and I sorted my shit out…
And even now that I’ve done that, I…
And still, it’s…
You did that?
Oh, yeah. I did. I have drawer dividers.
Who am I?
I played the guitar my dad made me.
You didn’t.
Yeah.
Who are you?
I don’t know.
Well, turns out you were right.
Life’s just more fun with you in it.
I told you.
And you know what?
I don’t want our band to be called The Mistakes.
I don’t.
I don’t.
How about, like…
The Forevers?
[gasps] It’s so cheesy.
[laughs] But we can workshop it.
Okay.
[laughs]
[uplifting music playing]
[grunting softly]
I love you.
[whispers] I love you.
[Russ chuckles]
[Russ] Hey, Merv.
Nice sweater, bud.
Well, you ain’t seen nothing yet.
[Russ gasps]
[Anna laughs]
[Russ] Well, I’ll have you know…
[gasps] Oh, no!
[Russ laughing] No way.
[Anna laughs]
That’s so crazy.
So cute.
She’s good.
She’s good.
[Angelina whines]
You’ll get one before you know it, Angelina.
[Russ] That’s right.
You don’t worry about it.
[Anna] You don’t worry.
[Russ] So, this band…
[Anna] Yeah.
I think I should be the lead guitarist ’cause now I play guitar.
[Russ] What, hhow many times have you played?
[Anna] Uh, once. Yeah.
[Russ] So, then, how many chords do you know?
[Anna] Um, like three, but confidently two.
[Russ] Okay. Okay.
[Anna] I think maybe we could be called The Try Agains.
[Russ] Ooh, I like it.
[Merv barks] Wait, what’s Merv gonna do in the band?
[Anna] Lead singer, obviously.
[Angelina yelps] You, too, Angelina.
[Russ] You could be a backup singer.
[Angelina yelps]
[Anna and Russ laugh]
♪ ♪
[♪ Lake Street Dive sings
“I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas”]
♪ I want a hippopotamus for Christmas ♪
♪ Only a hippopotamus will do ♪
♪ Don’t want a doll, no dinky Tinkertoy ♪
♪ I want a hippopotamus
to play with and enjoy ♪
♪ I want a hippopotamus for Christmas ♪
♪ I don’t think Santa Claus will mind ♪
♪ Do you? ♪
♪ He won’t have to use
our dirty chimney flue ♪
♪ Just bring him in the front door ♪
♪ That’s the easy thing to do ♪
♪ I can see me now on Christmas morning ♪
♪ Creeping down the stairs ♪
♪ Oh, what joy and what surprise
when I open up my eyes ♪
♪ to see a hippo hero standing there ♪
♪ I want a hippopotamus for Christmas ♪
♪ Only a hippopotamus will do ♪
♪ No crocodiles, no rhinoceroses ♪
♪ I only like hippopotamuseses ♪
♪ And hippopotamuses like me, too ♪
[song ends]
[Merv barks]
[upbeat music playing]
♪ ♪
[energetic, upbeat music playing]
♪ ♪
[lighthearted music playing]
[gentle, uplifting music playing]
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
[soft, romantic music playing]
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
[music fades]
