- I'm looking for something. And you're going to help me find it. - What is it you think I have? - You know, our families have a shared history. Almost a hundred years ago, my family was forced out of Middleton. - Forced? - My great-grandfather Henry was engaged to your great-grandmother. - Laurel Merriwick. - And as the story goes, when Henry broke off the engagement, Laurel cursed him... Cursed him for life and lineage. Henry lost his businesses. He lost his money. He left Middleton, angry and broke. - The Merriwicks would never curse anyone. - I don't believe in curses. But I do believe in treasure. Before my father died, he told me there is a key hidden here at Grey House, given to your relative by one of my relatives for safekeeping. - A key? - It belongs to a safety deposit box at Middleton National Bank. There is a lot of family jewellery from that time not accounted for. I believe that safety deposit box contains a small fortune that would change my life. (DRAMATIC MUSIC) (SPARKS HISS) - We need to get out of here. (ALARM BEEPS) (MYSTICAL THEME MUSIC) Captions by Kate Parkinson. Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. www.able.co.nz Copyright Able 2022 (ALARM BEEPS FRANTICALLY) (BEEPING STOPS) - Electrical box was sparking. Frayed wire. Old wiring maybe. Or maybe not. We've had a few too many accidents since you checked in. I'm thinking maybe you need to check out. - Not without that key. - What key? - My great-grandfather was Henry Weld. You have something of value here, and I'm here to claim it. - (SIGHS) - My father knew Henry's son. Stories about the Welds weren't good. - Stories? - Well, the story, as I know it, was Henry lost the family fortune on a bad business deal. His actions caused a huge rift in the family. They fled Middleton and scattered across the country in shame. It's a terrible story. - Stories aren't always as simple as they seem. - You trust him? - I do. There's something else out there that I don't trust. - I say this Joseph Weld needs to leave. You heard what Grandpa said about the Welds. - It's wrong to form an opinion about someone when we don't know the whole story. There's more to Joseph than this. - He's creepy. - OK, well, being different isn't creepy. It's just different. - I think he should leave. - I think that you're being unfair. - He could be dangerous. - He needs our help. - If Dad were still alive... - But he's not. I'm here, and Joseph hasn't done anything to warrant me kicking him out. - I know you always see the good in everyone, but there's no good in this guy. If you won't protect this family, I will. (BANG!) (TENSE MUSIC) (INQUISITIVE MUSIC) (GENTLE MUSIC) - No, no, no, no, no, no. I need it higher and more. - (GRUNTS) No. No. You can't do that. - I need this display to create... Well, to be honest, envy and jealousy. - Tis the season. - I hate to interrupt official police business (!) - Ha-ha. Feel free to help. There's more in her office. - Oh, I'm on a case, actually. - Joseph Weld? - Mm-hm. I mean, I could stay and help. - Please. It's enough that one of us has to endure this. Go be a policeman. - I hate to leave a man behind. - WHISPERS: Save yourself. - (CHUCKLES) - Brainpower. To help you study later. - Brahmi. - In Indian folk medicine, it's known as the herb of grace. You know, I could really use your help getting Grey House ready. Halloween's tomorrow, and this place is a long way from being properly haunted. - Would that be such a bad thing? I'm sorry. I'm just not that into Halloween this year. - (SIGHS) We both have gifts that make us special. We both see and feel things that other people can't. - I just want to be normal, Mom. - I don't want you to let others dictate what is normal for you. - This gift that I have, that I get from you, I didn't ask for it. I don't want it. - Honey, I understand. I spent my whole life with people questioning who I am and what I do. Staying true to yourself pays off in the end. - You don't understand, Mom. It's you too. They're talking about you and the haunted house. Being a Merriwick is ruining my life. I don't want anything to do with this haunted house or Halloween. - On the house. - What did I do to deserve that? - Let's just say it's an apology for the way that my family's been treating you. - I got pretty heated with your cousin. - Still... - Enjoy. Here you go. - I think you've made an enemy. - Oh, she's just upset because I'm running against her for Harvest Queen. And I'm winning. - I believe you sometimes need to make enemies in order to get what you want. - I couldn't agree more. - I mean, anything is possible if you want it badly enough. - So you're voting for me. What can I do for you? - I'm sure I'll think of something. - Sam. Hey, I got your message. You wanted to show me something. Your maze. - It's impressive. And tall. (BOTH CHUCKLE) Tutankhamen's got nothing on me. - Oh, can I take it for a spin? - Sure. Martha's in there right now testing it out. - Martha? - Yeah. - Can anybody hear me?! That (SPITS) monstrosity is not a maze. It's a death trap. - Martha... - No, no. No, no. Halloween is tomorrow. Tomorrow! The posters are up. The website has promised the people of Middleton a walk through Halloween Maze. And my good word is on the line. (SNIFFS) So, excuse me. - Martha's a little claustrophobic. - Ah. - I think you need some help, Sam. - No, I think I might need to leave town. - Just so we're clear, you're not going to hurt my family. - Trust me, your family's not my concern. - They're very much my concern. So you've got about a day, two max, before you're going to leave, with or without that key. - You expecting company? - Yes, you. - (CHUCKLES) Thanks. - Sorry about your maze. - I will rebuild. Alone. If I couldn't get Nick to help me the first time... - Well, you know what they say ` if at first you don't succeed,... - ...stop. - Starting over can be a good thing. - You do know the definition of insanity? - Doing the same thing over and over... - ...and expecting a different result. I'm not insane. Nick wants his independence. - Independence doesn't mean you can't be close. Take a step back. Look at the big picture. - But the big picture is I missed my window with him. - Pick a different path. (PHONE TRILLS) Grey House. - Do not give your guest what he wants. - Who is this? - Keep Grey House open at your own risk. - It sounded like him. - It's not Joseph. - How do you know? - I can sense him. I can feel his energy. It's not dark or menacing. - So then who is it? - Someone I can't see. - No way. - Way. - What? - I got two tickets to the Blairsville Cemetery Crawl. - Cemetery Crawl? - It's super creepy and totally sold out. How? - Oh, I know a guy who knows a guy. - John is going to freak when he finds out we're going. - (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) - Uh, thanks, Dad. This is great. - Yeah, well, you and John have a creepy good time on me. - So cool. - Just be careful. (PHONE KEYPAD BEEPS) - John. Man, you are never going to believe this. - Those weren't for Nick and his friend. They were for you and Nick, weren't they? - Yeah. - You know, Sam, kids are supposed to leave the nest. - I know. I get it. I understand. I just wish I had more time. - My beautiful, beautiful display. It's completely ruined. All of it. - Maybe stacking all those pumpkins so high wasn't such a good idea. - Really? Is that what you think? Sorry. - (SIGHS) What can I do? - Can you fly around the planet like Superman and turn back time (?) - No, but, uh... Hey, look, you know, we can fix this. - Halloween is tomorrow. - Maybe people won't realise that your pumpkin display is missing. - I have been on every news outlet that would give me ink or a microphone, shouting to all that I have the most spectacular display of community Halloween spirit in the state. I mean, we'll probably have twice as many people at the festival this year. (GASPS) Twice as many people to see me utterly humiliated. (QUIRKY MUSIC) - Wow. That's really something. - Thank you, George. - Where do you want it? - Um... Above the mantle. - I'll take good care of the Grey Lady. - George, have you seen the decorations for the foyer? I haven't seen them anywhere, and they used to be in a trunk in the garage. - No, I haven't seen them. - Thank you for coming. Thank you so much for your support. - (GASPS) - Thanks. - I leave for a second and this. - There you go. Don't forget to vote. - You have got to get Abigail to stop. - Abigail is uniquely independent. - (SCOFFS) You mean stubborn. - Yeah, we can't control what others do. We can only control how we react to what they do. - You know what? I'm just going to bring the bottle back. On the house. Thank you. - Are you insane? - What? The mixer? It's only for an hour. A local businessman insisted on hosting it for me. He's so sweet and supportive. - MAN: Here's to Abigail! - OTHERS: To Abigail! - This is my restaurant. - If you're thinking of firing me, imagine how people would view that. Dirty pool. - Why are you doing this? - My wardrobe needs a New York update. - (SCOFFS) Abigail is out of control. She's gone way too far. - Well, the question is, have you gone far enough? Do you want that crown? - I am surprised at how much I want it. - Maybe it's time you let the town know that. - How are you? - I'm good. - Never too late to get the right message out there. - Hmm. (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Here you go. - Thank you. - Sure. Joseph. We need to talk. - Did you find it? Did you find the key? - No, but I did find this. Would you like to explain or should we talk to your brother? You both have the same ring. - Jackson. - Your twin. - Twin brother? - Identical twin. - Why would Jackson be here? - We both know about the key and the treasure. I guess he decided to try to find it before I could. - But why mess with us? All these things that he's clearly been doing. - Revenge. Plain and simple. He blames Cassie's family for our family's financial trouble. - But if Jackson were nearby, then Cassie would` You would feel something dark. - Your brother, does he like charms? - He does. - Jackson maybe using a charm to mirror Joseph's good energy. It's like he's hiding in plain sight. - So he's using me as cover. - In a way. - How's the haunted house going, Grace? - (CLEARS THROAT) I don't know. And I don't care. - Your family's into Halloween hardcore. - Well, I'm not. I actually think it's kind of stupid. - I don't believe you. - You know what they say ` once a witch, always a witch. - You really gotta stop letting them get to you. - I just want to be like everyone else in school. I just want to be normal, Nick. You're so not normal. - Wow. Thank you (!) - No, no, no, no, Grace. That's not what I meant. I like that you're not like everyone else. You're unique. Like no other. There are so many Brendas in this school, but only one Grace Russell. Be who you are. But don't care what other people think. - When did you become so wise? - I'm like the Obi-Wan of this place. - (CHUCKLES) - How goes the maze? - Well, let's just say it's not the Halloween I'd hoped for. I bought tickets to the Blairsville Cemetery Crawl. - Spooky fun? - (CHUCKLES) That Nick will be having with his friend John. I really thought I could get a do-over. - I'm not sure there is such a thing as a true do-over. - Meaning? - (CHUCKLES) I'm just saying focus on the now. Kids will go off and live their lives like they're supposed to. But they come back, and when they do, just make sure you're there. I think this would be perfect. - Cassie, I have failed my office and my town. - Martha. - I need over 100 carved pumpkins by tomorrow. Impossible. - You just need to think outside the box ` or the pumpkin. - No. No use. - Well, do you want to set up a carving station at Grey House? - Oh, how sweet. No. - OK. Could you do me a favour? I need to deliver these to the festival coordinator at the park. They're going to be used for prizes for apple bobbing. - Sure. Why not? My professional reputation is hanging by a thread, but by all means, let's get these stuffed ghosts to the festival. - Good afternoon, Martha. - Mm-hm. - Hey. - Hey. - We've been tailing Joseph. - Why? - Because I'm not 100% sure that he and his brother weren't working together. - I don't think Joseph means me or our family harm. - So where is he? - (SIGHS) I don't know, but I definitely don't get a sense of either of them right now. - Well, you wouldn't get a sense of Jackson, right, because he's using that charm thing against you. - Not anymore. - What do you mean? - Jackson used a charm to hide his true intentions from the Merriwick women. But once you helped me see he was there, the charm was broken. - Maybe he left. - They may be out of sight, but they're not gone. - So there's a warrant out for breaking and entering and vandalism at Grey House. Cassie, Jackson has a long police record in Chicago. He's seriously bad news. And he clearly has it in for you and the family. We need to find him as soon as possible. - Yeah. All right. I'll see you guys later. Hey. - Hi. - It's coming together. - I am never going to finish in time. (CHUCKLES) - Mom told me that you got the tickets for you and me. - No problem. Go with John tonight. - Thanks, Dad. - So tell me ` exactly what is a cemetery crawl? - It's so cool. You walk through the cemetery, and when you get to certain graves, these people pop out and they talk about their life. What I love is... You know, I should go. We can talk later. - Why? - You've got a lot of work. You have to have this all finished by tomorrow. - Well... I've got time. Yeah? - (SIGHS) Yeah. - OK, we need six more chairs over here. - Oh, great. Thanks. - From Cassie. - Thank you. - Wait a minute. Where's our ghoulish cotton candy booth? - They pulled out. - But this is our most popular booth. - I know. - Oh. - You know, after our date in the park, I wasn't sure you'd call me back. - That wasn't a date. You'll know when I take you on a date. - Will I? - Yeah. - And will I know that soon? - Maybe. - (CHUCKLES) - Now, are you ready? - I am. You know, I realise I care about winning Harvest Festival Queen because I care about Middleton. Being chosen to represent the festival means that the community believes in me. And they do, and have, even when I haven't. They're my family. (CHUCKLES) Thanks for helping me. - I just hope it's not too late. The festival is tomorrow. - It's never too late to get the right message out there. - Well,... let's do this. - I didn't order this. - It's on the house. - Say, between us, if two people wanted to have a private conversation at Grey House, what would you recommend? - Leaving. - Seriously. Any hidden spaces? You know, nooks, rooms. Old houses have those, right? I mean, if` (CAR HORN TOOTS) What's that? - Make sure you vote for Stephanie! Stephanie for Harvest Queen! Six years in a row! Thank you, and I love you! - Hope to see you at the Harvest Festival. Brandon. - Hey. What's all this? - It's my contribution to the Halloween decorations. - Wow. It's us. All of us. You, Lori, Grace, Abigail, Grandpa. (BOTH CHUCKLE) That's me. - Yeah. You were a very happy, clown. - My nose honked and everything. Lori was a great witch for, like, three years running. Wonder where she got that idea. - Hmm, I wonder. (CHUCKLES) - Hey. Uh, now that you're all here, Derek and I have been talking, and we both think that as long as Jackson is still out there, we probably shouldn't open Grey House this Halloween. - No tours? - Wait ` no trick-or-treaters? - It's just not safe. We don't know what this guy's capable of. - Well, Halloween is tomorrow, and this house is far from haunted. I guess between not being ready and Jackson Weld, it's official. Grey House is closed for Halloween. I think it's for the best. - Wow. So we're really not gonna do Halloween at Grey House? - With everything going on, it's just too dangerous. - But we always do Halloween. How can you be so happy? - I'm just happy that my whole family is here with me, and we're all safe. - Mom,... I'm sorry. - For what? - Blaming all my problems with Brenda and Stacey on Grey House. - Don't be sorry. - I just cant believe that we're really not opening up Grey House. - Halloween isn't about having trick-or-treaters or the haunted house here. It's about our spirits and the spirit of the holiday and having our family here together to share that holiday. So open or closed, it'll still be Halloween in here, where it counts. - It's still Halloween. - Yes. - I love you. - Aw. - So much. Oh, I didn't see that there. - You OK? - Yeah, I am. Is she? - The Grey Lady is strong. - Just like you. (MOUTHS) - (SIGHS) What do you mean you didn't finish? - I did the best I could. I just ran out of time. - Oh! - Oh! Oh, you. Is this your idea of a joke? - Uh... - Wanna give it a spin? - No, thank you. I've come to the conclusion I'm not a maze person. Good work! - You wanna give it a try? - I do. Thanks for this. - Thanks for listening. - You're a talented kid. - You will figure it out. Eventually. - Hey. Get back here! - I have saved Halloween. - I always knew you would. - I am taking my pumpkin display out of City Hall and bringing it to the people, for the people, by the` Well, you know. Everyone can help create a display at the festival. I'm going to take over a booth and have a pumpkin carving station. - You found a bigger space? - Oh, I found the biggest space. I was dropping those prizes off at the park when I` (SIGHS) Cassie Nightingale. Thank you. - I have to say, your campaign has been hard to miss. - Thank you. - So why are you running? - To win. - Yeah. OK, that's funny. But why? - To win. It's a competition, right? - OK, let's find out what the reigning Harvest Festival Queen has to say. Stephanie. Five-time reigning queen. I'll ask you, why should Middleton vote for you? - I think the people of Middleton want someone they know and trust. I love my town, and I would be honoured to wear that crown again this year. - Thank you. - Have you guys voted yet? - Uh, no, actually. - Let me get you a coffee on the house. - So are you going to be OK? - You mean if I don't win? - Yeah. - I tried my best. - Yeah, you did. - You know, I realised just now how little I actually have been trying these past few years. - You had some pretty stiff competition to remind you. - Yeah. - Brandon. What's going on? - George spotted one of the Welds on the property. I checked the perimeter. He's double-checking the garage. - No sign of them? - No. Maybe he was mistaken. - He wasn't mistaken. - I'll check. I think someone's down there. - Hello, Jackson. - That's my brother. - Where have you been? - You said that Jackson was using me to mirror my energy. I figured if I wasn't here, it'd make it easier for you to catch him. Which it did. You found it. - It found me. - The key to my inheritance. - Yes, I think it is. - I'm sorry about Jackson. He followed me. I feel responsible. - You're not responsible. And you're not your brother. Remember that. - Thank you. Thanks. - For what? - Believing me. I know I must have looked like I was beyond guilty. - You should stay. - I have to go. - I'll let you know when I get to New York. - Do. - We're going to be late for the festival. - (CHUCKLES) Just have some patience. OK. Keep going, keep going. - OK. - Stop. (BOTH CHUCKLE) One, two, three. OTHERS: Surprise! - I give you this year's very special and haunted Grey House, which, thanks to you and Brandon, can now be opened to the public. As it should be. - I love it. How did you find the time? - We made the time. - Because we're Merriwicks. - And Russells. - We're family. - And it's Halloween. Everybody get changed and get over to the festival. I'll hand out the candies and do the tour. I'll meet you there later. - Oh, we need a picture. - Yes, for the collage. - A group selfie? - I love it. Here. Your arm's longer. - Yes. - OK. ALL: One, two, three. Happy Halloween! (INDISTINCT CHATTER) (UPBEAT MUSIC) - I feel like you should reconsider your career choices. I don't think fortune telling's for you. - How's yours going? Oh, that's great. I'm almost done. (CHUCKLES) - (SQUEALS) - Hey! (CHUCKLING) - So, thanks for coming. I know that you're not really into this kind of stuff. - You know, we can bolt if you want. - No. I can't keep running. Even if I want to. (BREATHES DEEPLY) - Wow. - Look, you really are a witch. - I am. And I know that you're both afraid, but you really should check out Grey House. It's extra haunted this year. - Oh? And just a heads-up, there will definitely be a quiz on American history tomorrow. And, Brenda, you might want to spend a little extra time on chapter six. I'd hate to see you at the bottom of the curve. Again. Happy Halloween. - Is there really a pop quiz tomorrow? - Oh, I have no idea. What's the worst that can happen? She studies? (CHUCKLES) - (CHUCKLES) You are one cool customer, Grace. Let's go. - So, Cleo, happy Halloween. - Yes, it is very happy ` and magical, Marc Antony. - Progress. He's here. He's in costume. And he's actually enjoying himself. And we connected in the present. - Well, let me buy you a cup of blood punch and a devil dog to celebrate. - Done. - (LAUGHS) - Thanks, by the way. I know you had something to do with Nick's turnaround. - No, but you did. - I need to ask you something. - Yes? - Well! (CHUCKLES) It looks like great queens think alike. - Apparently. - Dad. - Oh, excuse me. Ah, the old man, huh? Here we go. - Nick and Sam, they really count on you, don't they? - They count on you, too. - All right, no need to show off. - (CHUCKLES) All right. There it is. - Oh! Nice. - And now the moment that we've all been waiting for. Oh, my. This is a surprise. Uh, (CLEARS THROAT) this year's Fall Harvest Festival queen is... sixth time's the charm ` Stephanie. (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) Now, everyone, please go and enjoy all that Middleton has to offer. - So why did you withdraw? - Hmm. - Well, that was nice. - Stephanie made me work for it, though. It was hard to get her to shed that complacency. Get up and fight. I'm exhausted. - Well, like I said, what you did was nice. - Well, I'm a nice person. I can be nice! - Joseph. - I'm on my way out of town. - Did you get everything you came for? - I didn't find money, but I found the truth. This is Laurel Merriwick and my great-grandmother. I found a letter. Laurel kept the key for my great grandmother. She'd always hoped to return to Middleton. - They were friends. - A Merriwick and a Weld. Go figure. I'd like you to have it. Thank you, Cassie Nightingale. (BOBBY PICKETT'S 'MONSTER MASH' PLAYS) # I was working in the lab, late one night... # - So... is it the Halloween you hoped for? - Mm, it's exactly what I hoped for. - # And suddenly to my surprise... # - Tell me, Sam. What is it you wanted to ask me? - Mom! Come dance with us! You too, Sam! - Sam? - Later. But we do need to talk. - About? - Us. - (CHUCKLES) Mom. Mom, seriously. Let's go. - # To get a jolt from my electrodes. - # They did the mash # - # They did the monster mash # - # The monster mash # - # It was a graveyard smash # - # They did the mash # - # It caught on in a flash # - # They did the mash # - # They did the monster mash # # The zombies were having fun # The party had just begun # The guests included Wolfman, # Dracula and his son # The scene was rockin', all were digging the sounds # Igor on chains,... # Captions by Kate Parkinson. Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air.