Elle – S01E08 – What, Like It’s Hard – Transcript

Elle
Season 1 – Episode 8
Episode title: What, Like It’s Hard
Original release date: July 1, 2026

Plot: After Elle is exposed to her school in a negative light, she runs away from her problems and escapes to the comfort of her old life. She enrolls in her dream internship and meets a personal hero, but when everything feels too easy.

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Transcript

Note for Students & Writers: This transcript is archived here for educational purposes, critical analysis, and screenwriting study. All rights belong to the original creators.

[Shannon] I think everyone would like to hear more from the great Elle Woods.

[Elle] Uh, look, whatever you’re about to read right now, I wrote it a long time ago. I never thought they’d actually print it.

I’m sorry, these logistics are fascinating, but what is it she actually wrote?

Basically, we were a hardship she had to overcome. We’re not as privileged as she is. We’re so focused on justice that we don’t care that we dress like crap.

[others scoffing]

But don’t worry, she makes sure everyone knows it’s not our fault that we don’t have the access to the things that she does.

“What I’ve learned is to treat everyone with love and kindness, even if they don’t have a skin care routine.”

[Elle] [scoffs] It’s not like anyone was rolling out the welcome wagon for me when I got here. I mean, you all prejudged me, too.

[Kimberly] Was Donna mean to you, too? Because, according to these, when you got Donna fired, you didn’t care about her job. You cared about your own “comeback.”

[Elle] Well–

And all that shit about clearing Donna’s name? You just cared about looking like a hero in front of the school and all those cameras. Well, now we know why your mom was filming everything.

[Elle] It wasn’t like that. I… I just wanted to show I can make a positive impact somewhere.

[scoffs]

I-I don’t know. Elle’s… also been pretty loyal. I mean, she’s annoyingly dependable.

[Shannon] “Loyal” is an interesting word. Because this is a person who also kissed Miles…

[students gasping]

…the night my mom died.

[students murmuring]

Are you for real?

[dramatic music playing]

[Elle] I know this all sounds bad, but–

It sounds bad because it is bad.

[somber music playing]

[Elle] Please believe me. I want to be here.

Seattle doesn’t want you here.

♪ ♪

[Eva in distance] I want you to choose something for both of us.

[Wyatt] Why don’t you just tell me what you want to watch instead of trying to make me guess?

[Eva] Here’s a hint: it’s not Road House.

Which we’ve watched, what, a hundred times?

[Wyatt] You love Road House.

[Eva] No, you love Road House, and I go along with it.

That’s not the same thing.

I can’t watch Patrick Swayze rip someone’s throat out one more time.

Oh, hey, honey. We were just having a little–

Do you even realize what you’ve done?

I… Okay. I hear your point, but we were both fighting.

This isn’t about you and Dad. Who cares about Dad?

Hey.

Yeah, you’re right. No.

Not-not the time to dissect that.

I’m gonna go.

I know you submitted my Cosmo application, after I specifically told you I didn’t want to apply.

It doesn’t even matter that I won, because everything else is gone– What? You won?

Oh, my God, that’s am… awful.

I was finally making progress here, and you threw it away.

I was just trying to give you some options.

Well, it seems like option A is everyone hates me and option B is everyone really hates me.

And they should.

I really hurt their feelings.

But you were working so hard on that application.

I just didn’t want you to regret making a rash decision by not applying.

So, you made a rash decision of your own.

[somber music playing]

Elle, you don’t even like Seattle.

[softly] But I did.

I will fix this.

Just stay out of it this time.

I don’t need your help.

[Ms. Burke over P.A.] Good morning, students.

Let’s talk about the plumbing situation.

I’m not sure what you guys are putting in the urinals in the boys’ room, but…

Um… [mouths]

No, I’m in the middle… I’m in the middle of morning–

[whispers] Just two minutes.

But w-we’ve said it before, the pipes are old and I– I have cards, I have cards.

[sighs]

[whispers] Okay.

Well, before we go, a-a couple of very limited words from Elle Woods.

Just press the button when you’re ready.

[clears throat]

[microphone feedback squeals]

Thank you, Interim Principal Burke, who I think we can all agree is the fearless leader we need during these times. [laughs softly]

Okay, keep… just keep talking.

To put it in a vernacular I think you’ll all understand…

“What else should I be?

All apologies.”

Kurt Cobain.

[sighs]

I know, due to recent events, many of you believe that I think I’m… you know, too good for this place, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

I mean, I’ve actually learned so much from you all.

Like the other day, I caught myself frowning and I didn’t even try to correct it.

And I just did it again. [chuckles]

Which you can’t see, but, uh… yeah.

[exhales]

I know I can’t deny I wrote those horrible words in my essay… but I wrote them before I fell in love with Seattle.

And before I got to know all of you.

I am so, so sorry for hurting the people

I’ve come to appreciate so much.

[♪ Radiohead plays “Creep”]

[school bell ringing]

♪ When you were here before ♪

♪ couldn’t look you in the eye ♪

♪ You’re just like an angel ♪

♪ Your skin makes me cry ♪

♪ You float like a feather ♪

♪ in a beautiful world ♪

♪ I wish I was special ♪

♪ You’re so fucking special ♪

♪ But I’m a creep ♪

♪ I’m a weirdo ♪♪

[line ringing]

[Eva over phone] Hello? Woods residence.

Mom, you were right.

♪ I’m only happy when it rains ♪

[♪ Garbage sings “I’m Only Happy When It Rains”]

♪ I’m only happy when it’s complicated ♪

♪ And though I know you can’t ♪

♪ appreciate it ♪

♪ I’m only happy when it rains ♪

♪ Pour your ♪

♪ misery down ♪ ♪ Pour your misery ♪

♪ Pour your misery down on me ♪

♪ down, pour your misery ♪

♪ Pour your misery down ♪

♪ down, pour ♪

♪ You can keep me company as long as ♪

♪ you don’t care ♪

♪ I’m only happy when it rains ♪

♪ You wanna hear about my new obsession? ♪

♪ I’m riding high upon ♪

♪ a deep depression ♪

♪ I’m only happy when it rains ♪

♪ Pour some misery down on me ♪

♪ I’m only happy when it rains ♪♪

[♪ Spin Doctors play “Two Princes”]

[both babbling rhythmically]

♪ This one, he got a princely racket ♪

♪ That’s what I said now ♪

♪ Got some big seal up on his jacket ♪

♪ Ain’t in his head now ♪

♪ You marry him, your father will condone you ♪

♪ How ’bout that now? ♪

♪ You marry me, your father will disown you ♪

♪ He’ll eat his hat now ♪

♪ Marry him or marry me ♪

♪ I’m the one that loves you, baby, can’t you see? ♪

♪ I ain’t got no future or a family tree ♪

♪ but I know what a prince and lover ought to be ♪

♪ I know what a prince and lover ought to be ♪

♪ Said if you want to call me “baby” ♪

♪ just go ahead now ♪

♪ And if you like to tell me maybe ♪

♪ just go ahead now ♪♪

Hey, Mom!

[Eva in distance] I’m up here.

[Elle] Coming.

[Bruiser barking]

[gasps]

[Eva] Welcome to Bruiser’s new palace.

[gasps] [laughs] I know.

Oh, my. I know, I know.

[Elle] He’s always wanted a canopy.

I know.

And I’m just getting him resettled into his pied-àterre.

Aww. How was school?

It was great. [exhales] Aww.

I was still fluent in 99% of the gossip.

It was like I never left.

See, L.A. doesn’t hold grudges like Seattle.

Even with your dad’s whole nose situation, I feel like people don’t hold it against us.

Uh, what does Dad think?

I’m sure he would be happy for us.

[exhales] You haven’t talked to him?

Well, we are big believers in “absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

Does he know that?

Oh, before I forget, I just RSVP’d for us to that pre-Golden Globes party at Candy Spelling’s Canyon house.

[laughs softly]

To think we almost missed such an important night for a bunch of people who don’t even like me.

You still haven’t heard from anyone from Seattle?

They have had all of winter break to respond to my calls. [inhales]

I just need to move on and find people who like me for me.

Honestly, this internship couldn’t have come at a better time.

Tomorrow is such an important step toward your future.

And you can do anything.

Remember that.

[♪ Ace of Base plays “Beautiful Life”]

♪ You can do what you want, just seize the day ♪

♪ What you’re doin’ tomorrow’s gonna come your way ♪

♪ Don’t you ever consider givin’ up ♪

♪ You will find, oh-oh ♪

♪ It’s a beautiful life ♪

♪ oh, oh-oh-oh ♪

♪ It’s a beautiful life ♪

♪ oh, oh-oh-oh ♪

♪ It’s a beautiful life ♪

♪ oh, oh-oh-oh ♪

♪ I just want to be here beside you ♪♪

So, this is obviously the first day of the rest of your lives.

I did this internship ten years ago, and now I am an executive assistant.

You’re all Cosmo Girls or you wouldn’t be here, but let’s go over some do’s and don’ts.

You. Denim. Do.

Bodysuits. Don’t.

Minimalism. Do.

But I think it’s cresting.

Being a Cosmo Girl is all about being current.

There is a shared language in fashion, and you all need to speak it.

And I can’t help but notice that no one is writing this down.

Now, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to save this until tomorrow, but… well, seeing your eager little faces, I just…

I have to tell you.

Does everyone know who Anna St. George is?

She’s my favorite stylist of all time. I once wrote a petition to the Nobel Prize committee to honor her work in the field of faux fur.

Well, we work with her a lot here at Cosmo, and your week is going to end with a styling session with her.

Like, in the flesh.

You can clap.

[applause]

Now, whoever impresses her the most will get to assist her at the Golden Globes, where she will be styling… Heather Locklear.

Okay, pinch me.

Ah! [chuckles]

Your homework for tomorrow will be to present me with different accessories that you think could work for Heather.

You’re all here for a reason.

Now it’s time for you to prove it.

[vibrant music playing]

[Madison] Do you think that Patrick Swayze will be there?

I hope so. Oh, my God.

I might actually lose my mind. [both laugh]

[Tiffany] Does this say “Golden Globes party”?

[Amber] Mm, no, that feels more People’s Choice.

[gasps] Ooh, what about this for your Cosmo homework?

[gasps] I love that. Who’s the designer?

Eh. I heard they have unethical labor practices.

What?

Uh, never mind. I don’t know why I said that.

Must be a Seattle thing. [chuckles]

[chuckles] Yeah, Seattle can get to your head like that.

Yeah, Madison was only there a few days before she started making out with some activist guy.

[scoffs] What?

[whispers] She didn’t know.

Oh. I mean… maybe that happened, but also, I-I could be wrong.

Maybe you guys could find that purse in a vegan leather?

[laughs softly]

Yeah, that purse doesn’t come in a vegan leather.

You kissed Dustin?

Yes.

Um…

Uh, why didn’t you tell me?

Well, we were fighting.

Which would have been bad enough, but… considering we were fighting about how much you had been withholding from me, I don’t know, maybe there was some tit for tat in there?

I’m sorry. I should’ve told you.

But I don’t want to keep things from each other anymore.

I feel like we just got back to a good place.

Yeah, we have.

In the spirit of being honest with each other, can I ask you something?

Of course.

Based on your face and your whole… everything, right now… do you have a crush on Dustin?

Uh… no.

I don’t.

I mean, if anyone in Seattle was crush material, it was Miles.

I just feel bad that I made you feel like you couldn’t tell me things.

I should have fought harder for our friendship.

Okay, well, I could have been more understanding when I came to visit.

Well, I could be more understanding that you were less understanding.

Aww. Oh… [tongue clicks]

Elle.

Are you sure you don’t like him?

[scoffs] He’s running around kissing my best friend.

Clearly, I don’t know him as well as I thought.

[Ms. Burke over P.A.] Good morning, students.

Today’s announcements start with some bad news.

As your interim principal, I’ve had to make the very hard decision to cancel winter formal.

Now, the school board is still in the process of digging itself out of the financial hole some recent events have put us in.

Now, I know this isn’t the outcome that you all would have hoped.

Uh, and that concludes this morning’s announcements.

Dude, does this mean we can suck the helium out of the balloon arch?

[scattered laughter]

Have you heard from her again?

No.

She reached out a few times after she left, but, uh, I wasn’t ready.

I mean, I always thought she’d dump us for L.A., and here we are.

We can just go back to the status quo now, right?

It’s kind of messed up that she just left without saying goodbye, though.

Sure, we were all mad at her and weren’t talking to her, but she just bailed.

Mm-hmm. I guess now she can go to her precious Golden Globes, though.

Right. What?

Normally, I only see you this fired up about, like, Freeing Tibet.

So?

So, I wonder if you, perhaps, are having this reaction because you miss her?

I wonder if you should, perhaps, stop talking.

[school bell ringing]

[Amber] Bet you didn’t have morning coffees on the quad in Seattle.

[scoffs] I think that “coffee” is the only part of that sentence that existed in Seattle.

You didn’t have mornings?

Well… Oh. Oh.

Hey.

Hi.

He just said hi to you.

And you said hi back. That’s basically third base.

You’ll be kissing in no time, three-point plan style.

Oh, maybe it could even happen at the pre-Golden Globes party.

He’s gonna be there. His aunt did the set design on Cybill.

Ooh, that’ll give you guys time to figure out your best couple angles for prom portraits.

I-I can’t believe that it’s already prom season.

Like, didn’t we just have winter formal before the holiday break?

Oh, my God. Winter formal.

Oh, you didn’t miss much.

Chad and Becca broke up again.

Then they got back together again. Mm-hmm.

No, I totally forgot to tell Donna about a balloon arch

I had ordered to Rainier West for our… their winter formal.

[sighs] I hope someone signed for it.

I should have told them to position it on the west wall for the most dramatic entry experience before I left.

I’m sure it’s fine.

Can’t they figure out their own balloon arch logistics?

You’re right.

I just don’t like leaving odds and ends undone.

[school bell ringing]

[door closes]

[Miles] Hey, Dad.

Miles. Guess who’s here.

[Miles] Oh.

Mr. Woods. Hi.

Your dads have been so nice, inviting me over so much now that Eva and Elle are gone.

Oh, I just spoke to Elle. Yeah?

Yeah. How-how is she?

Hmm? Oh, well, you know, she’s… great.

You know? She loves L.A.

Really sounds like she’s thriving there.

Yeah! Mm-hmm.

That’s cool.

Yeah, and because of the whole internship thing, she gets to go to the Golden Globes, which has always been her dream.

I am so happy for her.

Even if I can’t show my face in L.A.

The whole “persona non grata” thing.

So, uh, has-has she mentioned anything else or… you know, like, any-anyone else?

What do you mean?

Like, uh…

I don’t know, anything about Seattle, or…

Anything? Mm, mm-mm.

[Charlie] Check… this out.

[Miles] Whoa.

What’s with the banner?

Elle approached me with one of her genius ideas at the homecoming meet.

Her thought was that small businesses sponsor the dance, and that money goes to the support staff.

It’s win-win.

That’s, uh… not a bad idea.

Hey. Can we talk?

Well, you just cut me, so we’re not off to a great start.

Okay, whatever. Look.

I have some intel, seems kind of like a you thing.

I’m fascinated to see what you think a “me” thing is.

This is fun.

The thing is about Elle.

Hey, you remember the dance she was planning?

You mean the one she asked me to?

She asked you?

Yeah.

Clearly, she has good taste.

Okay.

So, I guess her whole thing was, it wasn’t really even about being a dance.

It was a fundraiser for the support staff, which would’ve helped even more now, since they got boned by Principal Anderson and Dean.

All right, look, I know the dance was canceled, but doesn’t it seem like she was on to something?

Unfortunately, yes. It’s a good idea.

I mean, not the dancing part or the school-sanctioned part or any of Elle Woodsy stuff, but the fundraising, that’s good.

So, should we do that?

We could call Elle. [both] No.

We wouldn’t do the Elle version.

What’s the one thing everyone at this school agrees is worthwhile?

CarpetMart.

We could ask Bob’s Your Uncle to perform, and donate the proceeds?

I mean, it’d basically be like our version of Live Aid.

Except for school secretaries instead of famine.

Yep, that’s good.

We could call it our “Winter Informal.”

Let’s do it. Liz, you’re good at zines, so we’ll put you in charge of the flyers.

Uh, I’m good at getting the word out, so I’ll do that.

And you can, I don’t know, uh, sweet-talk all the local businesses into sponsoring the event.

[Kimberly] And I could provide the drinks.

My parents never lock their liquor cabinet.

Great. I love that you’re doing this to spite Elle.

I mean, I tried to tell everyone that L.A. people are entitled.

Let the record state we’re doing this out of a desire to help others, not to spite Elle Woods.

[Miles] Exactly.

That’s what I was saying.

The important thing is that we’re doing this our way.

[all] Not Elle’s.

Not Elle’s.

[line ringing]

[Donna] Rainier West High School.

Donna?

Elle Woods!

Hi. I just called to apologize.

There was a balloon arch situation I completely mishandled.

Uh, yeah, I’m not sure if that’s an issue.

No one’s talking about it?

Not that I’ve heard of.

Well, great.

Hey, your dance is back on, baby.

I… didn’t know it was off.

Yeah, it was, but, uh, Liz and Dustin and Miles and, believe it or not, Kimberly got it back on track.

Oh.

Yeah. It’s less of a dance and more of a concert at CarpetMart, but

I’m-I’m actually a little fuzzy on the creative.

But it involves raising money for the school.

And get this. They’re calling it a Winter Informal.

That’s-that’s great. Yeah, well, you know these kids. They always march to the beat of their own drum.

Yeah, they… definitely do.

Hey, so, how’s your whatchamacallit? Uh, internship?

Oh, uh, it’s awesome, actually.

Do you know Heather Locklear?

Um, I’m sorry, Elle. I have to go.

There’s a whole blood thing happening here.

I’m glad you’re happy. This is what you wanted.

Yeah. [dial tone]

[dramatic music playing]

And that goes with that? Exactly.

I know her reputation precedes her, but be prepared for Anna to be savage.

She once pulled Karl Lagerfeld out of a cat adoption ceremony to berate him for sending her the wrong pants.

Hmm. Not bad.

Thank you.

I’m impressed.

Everyone here is on trend, which means, you’re all on the right path.

You have very similar taste, actually.

We chose well.

Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

That we have the same taste, I mean?

I think it’s good.

We’re all channeling our inner and outer Cosmo Girl.

[Lindsay] You knocked it out of the park.

I’ll be presenting all of your choices to Anna St. George at the styling session.

[gasps] My God.

Particularly you, Elle.

You have a real knack for this.

So, how is the Winter Informal planning going?

Uh, it’s pretty complicated, but we’ll figure it out.

Elle called the school.

Hmm.

Yeah. Pretty sure she just wanted to hear how everything was going at school, but definitely sounds like she misses everybody.

[scoffs] Right.

Can I say something?

I have a feeling you will anyway.

She obviously messed up. Big-time.

And I’m not happy about anybody hurting your feelings.

But do you think there’s a chance that your reaction to all this isn’t even totally about Elle?

I mean, what else could it be about?

Well, sweetie, you have had a fear of abandonment since you were little.

Justifiably, with your dad and all.

So you think this thing with Elle just fed into that?

[timer dings]

I’m just saying, maybe one day, you could cut her the smallest break.

I mean, she did basically save me from serving three to ten years in jail.

[upbeat music playing]

Janet, can you put that rack there?

No, not that rack. That rack. Over there.

Where is her Tab?

She has to have her room-temperature Tab.

I have it.

Thank you.

We have your first choice look on the mannequin over there.

And then those accessories we talked about.

The interns and I found some earrings that feel pretty perfect.

Can I just say, it’s an absolute–?

Oh.

[Lindsay] Oh, they’re lovely, right?

The only thing more impressive than the interns’ eye for earrings is maybe my eye for talent.

[laughs] That…

That was a joke.

Unless you don’t… want it to be.

That’s nice.

Wait.

I just want to say, this look is very 1994 Vogue.

[Lindsay] This is Elle, our most… opinionated intern, who I’m sure means that 1994 Vogue is a great thing.

It is.

But it’s also safe.

Can I just…?

Okay.

[Lindsay gasps loudly]

[others gasp]

[gasps]

A Cosmo Girl is fearless.

And I’m sorry, but everyone in this room is full of fear.

[hopeful music playing]

And we’d continue these safety pins to our mid-thigh with a sheer lining underneath.

To me, fearless is finding something new.

Good instinct.

[Todd] Okay, but Pavement is so much better than The Smashing Pumpkins, it is actually insane.

See, that is where you’re wrong.

Oh, really?

[entry bells jingle]

Ooh, not it.

Let me guess. You want the new PJ Harvey?

Obviously. Should be in alt rock.

Subsection punk blues.

Sub-subsection female punk blues.

Hmm. And also, right here.

How pissed are you at Elle?

Uh, pretty pissed.

But working on it.

That’s generous of you.

Well, my mom pointed out that my reaction to Elle might be a tiny bit influenced by a general fear of abandonment.

With my dad.

With certain people who hooked up with me at summer camp and then made sure no one ever, ever found out.

Would you like a bag?

Not no one.

I told Shannon.

Oh.

I, uh, didn’t know that.

Yeah.

Oh, uh, anyway, so I-I really came by because I have some bad news.

Well, good news disguised as bad news.

Bob’s Your Uncle broke up, so they can’t perform at CarpetMart.

So we’re screwed.

Yes, I can totally see how that might be good news.

Can you let me finish?

I was thinking that maybe you would want to perform instead.

[laughs]

Yeah, in what world?

This one. [scoffs]

The only person who has ever seen me perform in public is my mom.

And that’s because she came home early one time when I was singing in my room.

Hmm.

But your music’s really good.

You haven’t heard my music.

Uh, like, only three people have ever bought that tape, so…

Duh.

Sick. Uh, yeah.

Yeah, it’s, uh…

Just think about it.

[entry bells jingle]

[indistinct chatter]

So, how does it feel to be back?

Vanessa, is there a word stronger than ecstasy?

She said, “Good instinct.” I know. [laughs]

There was, like, five seconds I thought I’d gotten myself banned from the world of fashion and possibly the world itself for life.

[laughter] But it was, like, everything inside of me was telling to trust my gut and be my own self.

Way to be profound, Elle.

[Elle] I just kept thinking about this thing

Liz told me when I went to this pool party that wasn’t actually a pool party, in a bikini– Liz who ran you out of Seattle?

Yes.

Sort of. It’s more nuanced than that.

Mm. Mm.

Is that Heather Locklear?

Oh, hi, Heather.

Oh, my God, I am addicted to Melrose Place.

Ooh, Elle, we need to go say hi to her.

Uh, more importantly, Hot Josh at 12.

[Amber] Now 11:45.

[Tiffany] Now 12:15.

Now– Scatter.

Yeah. Oh.

[Hot Josh] Hey.

Do you think we could talk somewhere?

Absolutely.

I just remembered, I have to pee.

[classical music playing]

Um…

[indistinct chatter]

Excuse me.

[Anna St. George] You can sit.

How did you–?

Please don’t draw attention to yourself. I’m hiding.

Um, who-who are you hiding from?

Everyone.

I’m hiding, too.

Not from everyone.

Just a boy.

Hmm. What’s wrong with him? Too short?

Too dumb? [sighs]

Too expected.

You impressed me the other day.

Wow. That means… well, everything. You don’t have to do that.

Everyone does that. No, no, I…

I mean it. I mean, your opinion means a lot to me.

Well, you’re going to assist me at the Golden Globes tomorrow.

Oh.

That’s typically followed by a high-pitched scream.

No, trust me, I’m screaming internally.

I’ve imagined this happening so many times, and now it finally is, and…

It feels…

Expected?

Yeah.

It’s a long story, but I spent last semester somewhere really out of my comfort zone.

It was the first time in my life I felt… challenged.

And now I’m here, doing what I love, and it’s… not… challenging.

I have a friend who worked at Perry Ellis.

And, uh, he felt that people at his fashion house were playing it a little safe.

So one day, he decided to be fearless.

He went against the grain and sent a line of flannel and Doc Martens down the runway.

Critics crucified him.

[laughing] What kind of idiot puts a beanie on Kate Moss?

He totally bombed.

And his bosses at Perry Ellis fired him on the spot.

It was the most compelling runway I’ve ever seen.

Sometimes friction means you’re in the right place.

I have to make the rounds.

Before you go, who is your designer friend?

Marc Jacobs.

Hmm.

I’ll keep my eye out for his name.

I’ll do the same for yours.

[classical music playing] [caterer] Are you kidding me?

The studio was suing me.

I’ve gone bankrupt because of this.

[Eva] I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I’m-I’m so sorry…

What’s going on? Are the passed apps not getting passed enough?

I’m not sure. The caterer recognized your mom

and started freaking out. Your hotshot husband destroyed my career.

Oh, my God.

That’s my dad’s botched nose job lady.

[gasps] [caterer] I’ve had to take any job just to pay for my reconstructive surgeries.

He didn’t bankrupt you.

Your money problems were all over Page Six well before you ever stepped foot into Wyatt’s office.

I made a few bad financial decisions, okay?

But this isn’t about the money. They took away my cover of Soap Opera Digest.

All right? They gave it to Kelly Ripa. Kelly Ripa!

[Eva] You and I should have a private conversation somewhere. Oh. Oh, private.

I’m so sorry. I’m being too loud for you. I’m embarrassing you!

I wonder what that feels like.

I-I know that he made a mistake–

A mistake.

This is more than a mistake, okay? He ruined my life.

[whispering] This is bad.

[security guard] Please, come on. I’m-I’m not going to cause a scene.

She’s fine. I just want to talk to her. I–

I… I’m fine. You’re a monster!

Monster!

I don’t know. She’s, you know…

Uh, I mean, I think her anger issues probably cost her her career.

That’s sad. And-and not Wyatt’s very minor mistake, Jordan. Um…

But in-in some ways, some-some might say that Wyatt actually helped her career because I don’t know that she should have done that soap cover.

This nose might have opened up her career. She could be smelling success.

Hey. Hey. Hey. Hi.

Hey, hey, are-are you all right?

My dad’s PR person can make this go away like that.

Okay. Just say the word.

Word.

Okay. Uh, maybe I can talk to my mom alone for a second?

Of course.

Hey, hey, hey. Excuse me, sir.

What… what are you… what are you going to do?

I don’t know.

I think I’m gonna send her flowers tomorrow morning, and hope… Okay.

…that everything will be okay.

I just… I feel like we keep running away from our problems instead of facing them head-on.

You and Dad. Me and… basically everyone in Seattle.

Okay.

What if we went back?

L.A. is an easy fix to a hard problem.

Sweetie.

And-and something I’m realizing is, I miss doing things the hard way.

Seattle has friction.

And-and I think I need that.

Fashion will always be here for me, but I still have a lot of life to learn.

I know you just got your life back.

Let’s do it. [sniffles]

Really? Yeah.

I think it’s a great idea.

Let’s go.

And I have some… friction that I need to face, too.

Uh, maybe… tomorrow?

Okay. Yeah.

What about… what about the Golden Globes?

Well, there’s this thing called an Informal in Seattle I think I’d rather be at.

Okay.

Oh, there’s, um… there’s just one more thing I need to do.

Okay.

[indistinct chatter]

[Madison laughs]

Who are we spying on?

Mm. I thought these agents would have some good gossip, but it’s just a boring story about Mr. Holland’s Opus.

Hmm.

How is she?

She’ll be okay.

And are you still hiding from Josh?

Not actively.

I actually wanted to talk to you about something.

You’re going back to Seattle.

Well, how-how did you–?

I know you.

Your heart’s still there.

But I don’t want to make the same mistakes as last time.

Our friendship means so much to me, and I want to be better about checking in and visiting.

You know, the thing about being friends with someone like you is knowing when to let them shine.

Mm. Mm.

[indistinct P.A. announcement]

Here we go.

[Elle sighs]

Someone’s getting better about not barking the entire flight.

Our little jet-setter.

[upbeat music playing]

I’m gonna go meet Dad outside.

You take your time.

Hey.

I’m not sure if you ever want to speak to me again, but the only thing weirder than talking to you feels like not talking to you.

Are you…?

I’m coming. You?

Going.

Back to my dad’s house.

I was only here to get some things in order, and… if I’m being honest…

To blow up my life a little?

A little.

Yeah, I deserved it.

I’m sorry for outing your kiss to the school.

I think a big reason I was so mad at you guys was because

I was mad at myself for breaking up with him in the first place.

And at the universe for taking my mom away.

I’m sorry. For everything.

[sniffles] I don’t want to be mad at you forever.

Or him.

You guys have to live your lives, and I have to live mine.

[plane engine whirring]

[woman over P.A.] Final boarding for Denver Flight 712.

Please report to gate…

Am I the only thing stopping you from being with him?

Probably.

Well, I’m okay.

[laughs] Byes.

Byes.

So, are you excited to be back?

[woman over P.A.] The curbside loading zone is for quick passenger pickup.

Please do not leave vehicles unattended.

I said, are you excited to be back?

No.

Sorry. I didn’t want to get into this until later, but if you’re asking me… no.

Okay, I know you and Seattle didn’t get off on the best start, and I think maybe it’s because we didn’t try–

Seattle’s not the problem.

Okay.

It’s just been easier to blame Seattle because it’s so easy to blame Seattle than to dig into the thing that’s actually making me unhappy.

Which is?

I’ve let your career dictate my life.

And then you made this mistake that turned our lives upside down, and I just… let you.

Didn’t you just do that?

Didn’t you just spearhead that whole Cosmo thing with Elle, and you didn’t even ask me how I felt about it?

Yes, exactly.

Because the Woods family policy is to just avoid our problems at all costs.

And I sent in Elle’s Cosmo application because I didn’t want to admit how unhappy I am.

I was running from you and our problems, and I have to just face them… head-on.

Well, what does that look like?

[Eva] Oh.

Hi, Dad!

[horns honking]

Hey, I know I acted all cool and put on a brave face when we spoke on the phone, but I really missed you.

Well, you cried almost every time we spoke.

Yeah.

And I’m-I’m so happy to see you, too, uh, but there’s a Winter Informal I really need to get to so–

Copy that.

Chad and Charlie said that your friend Liz is performing tonight.

She’s what? Yeah.

Why didn’t you tell me?

Well, up until 24 hours ago, you were still living in L.A.

I can’t miss Liz’s debut as the next… um… famous girl singer she’d have a reference for.

Carole King. Step on it, please.

Go, honey. [Elle] Please.

[engine revving]

[overlapping chatter] [rock music playing]

Sorry. [microphone feedback squeals]

[Todd] Check. One, two.

Hey. Can I help?

Uh, I got it.

Okay, well, I’m gonna do it anyway. [laughs]

Uh, how’s it looking out there?

Oh, there’s so many people. Yeah, it’s wild.

Are you good?

Yeah, I’m fine.

I’m fine.

It’s me.

Yeah, I’m kind of freaking out a little bit.

Uh, well, now I’m freaking out more.

It was supposed to have the opposite effect.

Why would that have the opposite effect?

I don’t know.

[microphone feedback squeals] [Todd] Check. One, two.

[tapping on microphone] Check, check.

Okay.

Let’s do it again.

[microphone feedback squeals]

[tapping on microphone]

[Todd] Liz Miller to the stage, please.

Liz Miller to the stage. Shut up, Todd.

[microphone thuds]

[feedback squeals]

[Liz laughs]

[horns honking]

What is this? It’s not even rush hour.

Oh, there’s a Nirvana tribute thing happening at Mercer Arena.

Oh. Wait.

[Wyatt] It’s just a cover band.

I mean, it’s not even the original lineup for obvious reasons.

I didn’t make this big, life-changing choice just to screw up the physical embodiment of this big, life-changing choice.

Well, I respect that, sweetie, but it’s not like I can move these cars.

[horns honking]

[Elle sighing]

[applause and cheering]

[whooping]

[clears throat]

Hi. Ooh.

Uh, hi. Um, my name is–

I don’t know what I’m doing. You already know, uh, who I am.

Um…

[man] Go, Liz!

[applause and cheering]

[woman] Go, Liz!

[band playing rock intro]

♪ Do you want to be my friend? ♪

♪ If you do, then we can go anywhere ♪

♪ You and me, we don’t pretend…

I’m making a run for it.

[horns honking]

[Eva] Wait.

No. I know what you’re gonna say, and you’re gonna try and talk me out of it, but I promise I will be safe. I just need you to trust me, okay?

You forgot something. ♪ ‘Cause one of these days ♪

♪ I’m gonna figure it out ♪

♪ Do you want to walk around? ♪

♪ If you do, then we can go everywhere…

Thank you.

Go.

Okay.

Bye, Dad. [Wyatt] Good luck.

[gasps] Come on!

♪ ♪

♪ Okay, I get your point ♪

[bicycle bell dings] Oh, um…

♪ I might be out of my mind…

Think she’ll make it?

She’ll make it.

And in heels.

♪ I’ll get it right ♪

♪ Don’t hate me, don’t hate me ♪

♪ don’t hate me ♪

♪ Just maybe, just maybe, just maybe ♪

♪ you made me ♪

♪ you made me, you made me ♪

[horns honking]

♪ figure it out ♪

♪ You figure it out ♪ You got this!

♪ Don’t hate me, don’t hate me, don’t hate me ♪

♪ Just maybe, just maybe, just maybe ♪

♪ you made me, you made me, you made me ♪

♪ figure it out ♪

♪ You figure it out ♪

♪ Don’t hate me, don’t hate me, don’t hate me ♪

♪ Just maybe, just maybe, just maybe ♪

♪ you made me, you made me, you made me figure it out ♪

♪ You figure it out ♪♪

[panting]

[crowd cheering]

They did this themselves.

[hopeful music playing]

Snowflakes.

[laughs]

Oh.

[song ends]

[applause and cheering]

I missed it? Did I miss it?

[applause and cheering]

[woman] Encore, Liz! Whoo!

Excuse me. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry.

Pardon me. Sorry.

In “a vernacular we’ll all understand,” here’s a Nirvana song.

I know that one.

Actually, technically, it’s a… it’s a cover of a cover because, technically, Nirvana covered this themselves, so, um…

[drummer] Just play the song. Right. Um…

[band playing “Love Buzz”]

[crowd cheering]

Go, Liz!

[whistling and cheering]

♪ ♪

[guitar playing]

♪ Would you believe me when I tell you ♪

♪ you are the queen of my heart? ♪

♪ Please don’t deceive me when I hurt you ♪

♪ Just ain’t the way it seems ♪

♪ Can you feel my love buzz? ♪

♪ Can you feel my love buzz? ♪

♪ Can you feel my love buzz? ♪

♪ Can you feel my love ♪

♪ buzz? ♪

She’s really good, right?

Figured you’d be at your awards ceremony.

This felt more important.

You really hate me, huh?

What happened to the Elle Woods who never gives up?

♪ You are the queen of my heart? ♪

I didn’t give up. Right.

Well, okay, I technically did, but I also… I also apologized.

I called, I even emailed.

No one wanted to hear it. Because we were hurt.

I was hurt.

And then you just left.

Why’d you ask me to the dance?

What?

Why did you ask me to the dance?

Why did you say yes?

[vocalizing]

Are you seriously gonna make me say this out loud?

♪ Love buzz ♪

♪ Love buzz ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ Would you believe me when I tell you ♪

♪ you are the queen of my heart? ♪

♪ Just don’t deceive me when I hurt you ♪

♪ Just ain’t the way it seems ♪

♪ Can you feel my love buzz? ♪

♪ Can you feel my love buzz? ♪

♪ Can you feel my love buzz? ♪

♪ Can you feel my love buzz? ♪♪