www.able.co.nz Copyright Able 2023 (INSECTS CHIRP) Be still, sad heart, and cease repining. (MUSIC CONTINUES) Behind the clouds, is the sun still shining? (MUSIC CONTINUES) Thy fate is the common fate of all. (MUSIC SLOWS) Into each life, some rain must fall. (PENSIVE MUSIC) (CURIOUS MUSIC) - So, what do you think? - Ooh. I think you're more interested in what Donovan will think. - I think he's gonna love it. - Mm-hm. Almost as much as Grace loves these candy-corn muffins. - I'm sorry she can't be here. - Yeah, our first Halloween apart. - It's definitely not gonna be the same without her. - Mm. Hopefully these muffins will make her feel like she's home. - Is this you? - (SIGHS) Yeah, with my old college roommate. Senior year at Wellingsly. - I remember my senior year. It was no picnic. - Sam asked me to pack a lunch. He said, 'Be ready for a surprise.' - Mm. And will you be? - Of course. I have a feeling our adventure will be smooth sailing. (GENTLE MUSIC) - (SIGHS) - Keep 'em closed. - OK, you are just lucky I trust you. - Trust me, I'm the lucky one. - Can I peek now? (CHUCKLES) - (SIGHS) I'll allow it. - OK. Wow, it's beautiful out here. - It's even more beautiful out on the lake. And your chariot awaits. - (SIGHS) Smooth. Mm-hm. - I was hoping for suave, but I'll take smooth. - (CHUCKLES) - I figured you wouldn't mind a little calm before we go full-on holiday mode. - You figured right. - And I also wanted to do something memorable to celebrate our first married Halloween. - Yeah, I would say this qualifies. - (CHUCKLES) I just have one question ` how did you get us the lake to ourselves? - Magic. - (CHUCKLES) - (SIGHS) This is kind of perfect. - Mm-hm. Uh, Sam? - I know what you're gonna say. - No, I don't think you do. - Would it be that the boat is filling up with water? - It would. Mm-hm. - (SIGHS) - Yeah, it looks like a crack. - Yeah, right behind me. So unless you feel like swimming, we should probably get out. - (SIGHS) Hmm. - Well, I did say that I wanted our first married Halloween to be memorable. - Mm, and I can promise you I will never forget this. - Let's just hope the rest of the holiday is better than this. - Yeah. Whatever happens, I think you calling this 'kind of perfect' is some kind of perfect. (BOTH CHUCKLE) (GENTLE MUSIC) (PEOPLE MURMUR) (CURIOUS MUSIC) (MYSTERIOUS MUSIC) - (BELL TINKLES) - (SIGHS) Happy almost Halloween. (MUSIC CONTINUES) (MAGICAL MUSIC) (PEOPLE CHATTER) (CURIOUS MUSIC) (MYSTERIOUS MUSIC) (PEOPLE CHATTER) Nice to see you. - You too. (MUSIC CONTINUES) - Martha, is everything OK? - Everything is absolutely peachy. - Sounds like you need some of my lemon verbena tea. - Cassie. - I had a feeling. - It's my Tom. He's not acting like... well, like my Tom. - (POURS TEA) - Normally, this time of year, the Tinsdale Tandem gets bitten by the romance bug. Halloween night is the anniversary of when we got engaged. - And it's usually a weeklong, gift-giving snugglefest is, I believe, the word you once used. - Well, so far, not a gift or a snuggle from Tom. - Well, there's four days left to Halloween. I wouldn't give up hope. - I never do. - Mmm. Oh my goodness, it is only four days until Halloween, and yet somehow this year just doesn't seem to have the same... pizazz. Last year's Middleton-Blairsville Harvest Festival was quite the spectacle. - Mm-hm. And quite a lot of work, which is why we only do it once every four years. - And yet it just makes this year's Halloween festivities seem so passe. - Is that why you asked to borrow Elizabeth Merriwick's diary? - Mm. Yes, I was hoping to find something in the past to provide an answer for the present, but it looks like you loaned it to me for nothing. - Hmm. You sure you read every page? - (CHUCKLES) I know this diary inside and out. (CHUCKLES) Wait a minute. Two of these pages are stuck together. How did I miss this? - Anything interesting? - (GASPS) I should say so. It's dated October 31st 1891. Elizabeth writes, 'Today, Middleton began the bewitching tradition of a Halloween bonfire. 'All those gathered tossed the petals of a rose into the dancing flames to inspire harmony 'and happiness throughout their lives.' - Oh, that sounds beautiful. - More than that. It sounds perfect. This year, Middleton will have the Halloween bonfire to end all Halloween bonfires. - I think I love it. - (BOTH LAUGH) (GENTLE MUSIC) (QUIRKY MUSIC) - You came in for lunch, and I put you to work. I feel bad. - (CHUCKLES) No, you don't. - (CHUCKLES) No, I don't. - (CHUCKLES) - (UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYS) - How's this? - Oh, just a little to the left. (MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING) Yeah, that is perfect. - You're right. The 2 inches made all the difference. - Hey, in this town, the placement of Halloween decorations is a big deal. - (CHUCKLES) From what I've seen, Halloween, period, is a big deal around here. - (CHUCKLES) You have no idea. - (CHUCKLES) - I am so excited for your first Middleton Halloween. - Well, if you're excited, then I'm excited... and a little dizzy. I think I'll come down now. - (CHUCKLES) (MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING, PEOPLE CHATTER) - Oh, you gotta be kidding me. - Oh, yeah, I don't get up there to dust too often. Don't judge me. - The Little Book of World Records, surprisingly dust-free. - Huh. Forgot I had that. - Huh. You have no idea how hard I tried to break a record when I was a kid. - That is so cute. - Cute? Record-breaking is serious business. One Halloween, I was seconds away from eating more peanut-butter cups than anyone else in history. - There's actually a record for that? - No. No, no, but` but it should be. (CHUCKLES) - It would be kind of cool to see your name in there. - Right? - Well, here's a thought. - Mm-hm? - What if we try... - Mm-hm? - ...and break a record together? - Well, that's a big step in a relationship. - Does a big step scare you? - I love a good scare. - Really? - Mm-hm. - Well, in that case, why don't we try and... smash the most watermelons with our heads? No. - No. No. - Mm. (CHUCKLES) - Well, I'm sure there's one in here we can break. - Mm-hm. (GENTLE MUSIC) - Favourite scary movie? - (INHALES) The Blob. - The Blob? - It's a camp classic. - It's a blob of goo devouring a city. Yeah. Gets me in the mood for Halloween. - It gets me in the mood to take a shower. Although it does remind me of last year's Halloween's Harvest Festival, where Middleton devoured Blairsville. - That was only because I was out of town. - Mm. Keep telling yourself that, Mr Mayor. - Well, I guess we'll never know. - I guess we never will. Face it ` when it comes to Halloween, Blairsville's got nothing on Middleton. - Spoken like a woman who's never experienced a Blairsville Halloween. - Oh, I got a taste of it last year. - And? - It's no pumpkin pie. - (SIGHS) OK, I admit it. Middleton's enthusiasm for all things trick-or-treat pushed us to up our game. - You're welcome. - And you're invited. (CURIOUS MUSIC) - To Halloween in Blairsville? - Well, is it so wrong to wanna spend it together? - It's actually pretty great. I just figured we'd be spending it in Middleton. - I'm the mayor. I've gotta be home to hand out the big candy bars. - I get it, but Halloween is a huge deal in my family. - I get it, but it's our first Halloween together. (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) (BIRDS CHIRP, DOOR BELL CHIMES) (LILTING MUSIC) - Autumn Delaney. (SIGHS) - There is no sneaking up on Cassie Nightingale. - It is so good to see you. Oh! (LAUGHS) (SIGHS) It seems like yesterday we were making popcorn on that hotplate in our dorm room. - 25 years ago isn't exactly yesterday. (CHUCKLES) - (SIGHS) Well, you moved out so fast, I didn't get to say goodbye. Um, you know, I tried getting in touch with you, but I couldn't find you anywhere. - I had to clear my head. - Yeah, graduating is a lot to handle. - Not for you. I heard you became quite the world traveller. - I had a few adventures, yes. How about you? - I haven't had as many as I'd like. - Hmm. Well, maybe your time in Middleton will change that. - Oh, I wasn't planning on staying. I was just driving by your shop, and a little voice told me to stop. - Mm. I'm glad you listened. (CURIOUS MUSIC) Funny, I found an old photo album this morning. There's a picture of us from college. - Sounds like we were meant to reconnect. - Why don't you stay at Grey House, my family's bed and breakfast? It'll give us a chance to catch up. - That sounds like a perfect plan. (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) (GASPS) Wow. Look at us. (MUSIC CONTINUES) - Autumn? - Cassie, I'm glad you're back. I'm having trouble. - Why didn't you tell me you were having trouble sleeping? - How did you know? - (CHUCKLES) I saw it in the book. Top of the page, it says 'sweet dreams'. - It's my family's grimoire. - You never mentioned a grimoire. - It's more like a folksy cookbook. You know how it is in New Orleans. These recipes have been handed down. I haven't slept in a week. I'm desperate. - Maybe you could use one of my family's recipes ` a Merriwick blend of blue chamomile flowers and geranium oil to rub on your temples. - If you blend it, I'll use it. (CURIOUS MUSIC) (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) - Oh, hi, Sam. - Hey. - Give me five minutes, and I will be ready to go. - Yeah, about that. I forgot to make the reservation. - Oh, well, a prominent surgeon like you ` they should be able to squeeze us in. - I have a better idea. Shall we? - (CHUCKLES) This is amazing. - Well, (SIGHS) you better reserve judgement until you taste my wild-mushroom risotto. - Mmm, my favourite. (CHUCKLES) Wow, chivalry and risotto ` how did I get so lucky? - Well, (SIGHS) I ask myself the same question every day. Since the whole boat-ride thing didn't exactly go as planned, I say we consider this take two. (GENTLE MUSIC) - (SIGHS) Here's to... - (DOOR OPENS) - I'm home! - Nick? - (DOOR SHUTS) - Hey, guys. - There he is. - Welcome home. (BOTH CHUCKLE) - Hi. - Mm, mm. - Is that risotto? Oh, I'm so hungry. (QUIRKY MUSIC) And I'm clearly interrupting. - No, not at all. - It's great to have you back. - (SIGHS) Yeah, I'm gonna take this to go. - You sure? - Yeah, I should unpack, and we can catch up tomorrow. - Appreciate it, pal. (CHUCKLES) - Bye. - Bye. (MUSIC CONTINUES) - (SIGHS) (GENTLE MUSIC) Take three. Here's to... - AUTUMN: Cassie! Cassie? There's a broken water pipe under the bathroom sink, and there's water gushing everywhere. I tried to turn it off, but` - Yeah, I'll take a look at it. - Oh. - (SMOKE ALARM BEEPS) - Oh, the garlic bread! - Oh no! - (SIGHS) - (ALARM CONTINUES BEEPING) (SIGHS) (SIGHS) (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) - Well, there's always take four. - GEORGE: I shut off the water! - (CHUCKLES) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (BIRDS CHIRP) (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) Mmm. Something smells good. - Apple-cider doughnuts, my family's Halloween specialty. - That is so sweet. - I wanted to do something for you and Sam since your dinner last night kind of fell apart. - Well, sometimes when things fall apart, better things fall into place. - Well, I hope you're right, cos my special Halloween confections aren't going to arrive on time this year. - (SIGHS) - NICK: Wait. So no chocolate-peanut-butter monsters with spider-web caramel? - Not a one. - What about the mummy dirt cups with the edible eyes? - (CHUCKLES) - I` I mean for the kids. - I need comfort food. These are incredible. - Hmm, I think you just took a bite out of your answer. - I did? I did. - I'd be happy to bake some for your shop. - Oh. - Abigail Pershing meet... - ...Autumn Delaney, your old college roommate. - You mentioned me? - I saw a picture of you in an old photo album yesterday. - And now you're here. - That's quite a coincidence. - If there's one thing I learned from living with Cassie is there's no such thing as a coincidence. - You learn a lot about each other when you live together. - Wish you learned how to make these doughnuts. - Well, then it's your lucky day, because Autumn offered to bake you some for your shop. - That's an offer I can't refuse. - Uh-oh. Your camera, the old-school Pony 135. I know what that means. - (ALL GROAN) - Don't worry. I know you've all heard the story. - Aw. - I haven't heard the story. - (NICK, SAM GROAN) - I'll be short and sweet. You know how, uh, Loch Ness has its Nessie? Well, Middleton has its Bessie. - Or so he thinks. - (CHUCKLES) This is my year, doc. This is my year. - Mm-hm. Duty calls. - Mm. - Dad, can you drop me off at the Bistro? I'm gonna meet some friends. - Oh, you got it. - Sam, this came to my house for you. - Hmm. - (RATTLING) - Open it. - No, I think I'll, um, let the anticipation build. - (CHUCKLES) Says the man who doesn't like surprises. - I like to keep you on your toes. - (CHUCKLES) I'll walk out with you. - Trick or treat, my little goblins. - Oh, you're in a good mood. - For once, Cassie Nightingale, you could not be more wrong. I am in a spooktacular mood. I just spoke with Jacqueline Casey, the highly respected editor of Small Town Digest. I have been trying to get her to do a feature on Middleton's Halloween for years, and finally our bonfire seems to have ` how shall I say it ` stoked her flames. - I love a bonfire at Halloween. - Oh, I don't believe I've had the pleasure. Mayor Martha Tinsdale. - Autumn Delaney. And there's nothing like a community harmoniously coming together to celebrate. - I agree. Our bonfire tradition dates back to the late 1800s here in Middleton. - And our modern version must be magnifique. We have our work cut out for us, Cassie, and only three days to pull it off. - Well, why go modern when you could go retro? - Do tell. - You could recreate the 1890s. - Period garb ` what an inspired idea. - Maybe you could be inspired to come up with a few more. Autumn's a landscape designer. She did a fellowship at Kellington Gardens. - Ooh. - Actually, I didn't. (CURIOUS MUSIC) - I'm sorry to hear that. Clearly, their loss. - Sometimes there are forces out of our control. - But you've been designing since? - I've been managing a nursery. - Oh. - Do you think that they could manage for a few extra days without you? We could use your expertise at our bonfire. - (CHUCKLES) Um, Cassie, could I have a word? - It's OK. It'd be better if I decline. - It would be better if you accept. I remember that festival you designed for the homecoming weekend. The alumni couldn't stop talking about it. - I won the Braden Design Medal for that. - Ooh, how prestigious. - Your talent deserves to be on display. - Well, since you got Cassie's vote and the Braden Design Award Committee's, mine just makes it unanimous. Middleton would be forever grateful. (GENTLE MUSIC) - You weren't kidding about this Halloween stuff. - I told you ` Middleton does not kid about Halloween. - (CHUCKLES) - Only two pumpkins? You got off easy. - We are just gettin' started. - Wow. I can't believe how many pumpkins are in one place. - (SIGHS) - Actually, it's even harder to believe that they'll all be carved by Halloween. - You know, I bet you there is a record for the most carved pumpkins. - And I'm sure it belongs to Middleton. - Actually, it belongs to Blairsville. Yeah, they hold the state record for most carved jack-o'-lanterns. - Huh. (CHUCKLES) - We've secured a gifted designer who's taking the bonfire in an even more wonderful direction, with an 1890s theme. Without a doubt, we are gonna be the belle of your magazine's ball. Yes, we'll see you soon. Ta-ta! - Ah. - Tom, what an lovely surprise. You must be here to whisk me away to lunch. - Actually, I'm here to get your signature on this insurance form. - Oh. And then you're gonna whisk me away to lunch. - I wish I could, but I have a meeting with Charles Edelman. - You mean you're playing golf. Now, you know that's where he likes to talk business. - (SIGHS) - (CELL PHONE RINGS) - Charles. Yeah, I was just talking about you. WHISPERS: See you later. - (SIGHS) - I'm willing to spot you five strokes. - (KNOCKS) Martha, do you have a minute? - Apparently, I have all day. - Oh, perfect, because we have some really great news. - Your timing is impeccable. - Blairsville has the state record for the most carved jack-o'-lanterns. - Blairsville? Well, how is that good news? - We're gonna break it. - Mm. - Go on. - Well, the record currently stands at 5983 carved jack-o'-lanterns. - Mm-hm. - Oh my goodness! How on earth will we beat that? - Middleton has a population of 3017 people. If each resident were to carve two pumpkins... - That equals 6034 jack-o'-lanterns, breaking Blairsville's record by... - BOTH: ...51. - Well, what are we waiting for? Go rally the troops. - Perfect! - OK. - (CHUCKLES) - I mean it. Go rally the troops. - OK, all right. Yeah. Mm-hm. - Thank you. - Thanks, Martha. - SAM: Let's see what we got. It's a four-leaf clover. - That's interesting. - What's even more interesting is I have no idea who sent it. - You checked the return label? - There's not one, and the postmark's faded. - Huh. Well, it has a good energy. - (CHUCKLES) You don't really think those things are good luck? - Well, clearly, you don't. - What I do think is it could be a thank you from a patient. - Without a card? - Yeah, that doesn't make any sense. - Hmm. Hello, Autumn. - I didn't want to interrupt. - You any good at solving mysteries? Because we've got one on our hands. - I know the culprit is usually the person you'd least likely suspect. - And they usually think they have everyone fooled. - I just wanted to give you the good news. I found a supplier for the 1890s' period attire, and they're overnighting it, so we'll have it in plenty of time. - That is good news. - I'll let you get back to your mystery. - (CHUCKLES) (CURIOUS MUSIC) - Is it just me, or does she seem like a bit of a mystery? - Oh, we definitely don't have the whole story. (MUSIC CONTINUES) (QUIRKY MUSIC) (DOORBELL CHIMES) - Of all the flower shops in all the towns in all the world, I walk into yours. - My favourite movie. - My favourite actor. - I thought it was the Blob. - Hmm, he's not exactly leading-man material. - Mm. What exactly is leading-man material? - Someone confident, handsome. - Of course. - Strong. - But sensitive. - A must. - What about kind? - Oh, definitely, but not a pushover. - Never. - Yeah. - Let me guess. We're talking about... - Humphrey Bogart. - ...Casablanca. - Starts in 20. - Well, it's a good thing I close now. (GENTLE MUSIC) (DOORBELL CHIMES) (LOCK CLICKS) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (MYSTERIOUS MUSIC) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (BIRDS CHIRP) (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) - Imagine! Nearly two days, and barely a peep out of Tom. Now, you know I'm not one for keeping tabs... Oh, all right. Fine, I'm an Olympic-level tab-keeper, but it's no excuse. - Well, maybe it's the tab-keeping that's making it so hard. - I know. I know. Don't focus on things you can't control. - Or focus on the things you can. What if you made a romantic gesture towards Tom? - Well, I hadn't thought of that. (CHUCKLES) (DOORBELL CHIMES) Oh my goodness. What on earth happened? - I wish I knew. They're all like this. - We can't throw these into the bonfire. They look like they've been through one already. - This is worse than I thought. (TENSE MUSIC) (GENTLE MUSIC) That's weird. No return address, no` no card, nothing? - Freeze! - Who, me? - What is wrong with this picture? - Can you at least give us a hint? - I see Dr Radford is wearing his ID badge. - You are one tough cookie. - Thanks for reminding me. I made your favourite, Dr Radford. - Oh, your world-famous double-fudge brownies. - With extra chocolate chips. - Oh man. That'd be your best batch ever. - (CHUCKLES) - You're gonna want one of those. - No badge, no brownie. Wear this. (CHUCKLES) Now you may have a brownie. - (CHUCKLES) - But I've got my eye on you. - Thanks, Samantha. (QUIRKY MUSIC) - Mmm. You were so right. Maybe we owe it to your lucky charm here. - Oh, you believe in that whole good-luck thing? - I spent an entire summer in Ireland with my grandparents obsessed with finding one of these. - I'll take that as a yes. - You know, only one in 10,000 get a fourth leaf. The first three represent faith, hope and love, but that fourth leaf is supposed to bring you luck. - Hmm. - As you can see, this is important for Middleton, so if every Middletonian carves just two jack-o'-lanterns, we will secure the missing jewel from our Halloween crown. (CHUCKLES) All in favour, say 'pumpkin'. (CHUCKLES) - Just kidding. Of course you're all in favour. We're Middleton. - (PEOPLE CHUCKLE) And now, in other news, it would appear that Blairsville's Mayor Davenport is still stewing over their defeat in last year's Harvest Festival. and so he has thrown down the gauntlet and challenged us to a Halloween triathlon. There's one catch ` he has proposed a mano-a-mano competition in which he himself will represent his beloved Blairsville. So, which brave Middletonian will be our own Sir Galahad? Now, this individual must be courageous,... dedicated, selfless... and strong. (QUIRKY MUSIC) Well, surely one of you will be our knight in shining armour. - Uh, sorry I'm late. - On the contrary, you're right on time. - Uh... - Congratulations. (MUSIC CONTINUES) - How's the patient? - Well, in better shape than you are. - (CHUCKLES) - Shouldn't you be training for the triathlon? - I am, up here. True strength begins in the mind. - (CHUCKLES) Can you hand me a torque wrench? - Torque wrench. - Thanks. - You've got a surgeon's confidence. - Mm. Hoping I'll switch to pre-med? - (CHUCKLES) That ship sailed. - And sunk. (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) - You look happy. - (SIGHS) So do you. (MUSIC CONTINUES) - California treating you all right? - Dude, California's great. - Dude? - (CHUCKLES) - Still purrs like a kitten. - Well, thanks for taking care of her. - She misses having you around here. We all do. - Thought you'd be out looking for Bessie. - (CHUCKLES) It's been 58 years, doc. There's no hurry. (BIRDS CHIRP) - You think there's any way she's actually out there? - This is Middleton. (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) - Hey. Taking a break from designing your bonfire festivities? - You wouldn't happen to have any sketchbooks? - (SIGHS) Um... (MUSIC CONTINUES) How's this? - Perfect. Kind of like your life. - Not exactly, but I have been pretty lucky. - Grey House, this shop, Sam ` must be nice. - Hasn't always been easy. - I'm sure it hasn't. - But difficult roads can lead to great destinations. (CHUCKLES) - Hmm, and sometimes they lead to a simple little nursery in St Louis. - I have inscribed each of these balls with a different Halloween Triathlon event. Each town may veto one choice. Here we go. (QUIRKY MUSIC) Mummy marathon. - Veto. - Well, that was fast. (SIGHS) All right. (MUSIC CONTINUES) Ooh! Pumpkin bowling. - Veto. - Oh, really? - I look terrible in those rented shoes. - (SNORTS) - Well, now that your vetoes have been exhausted, the events are... (MUSIC CONTINUES) - Halloween hammer. Hmm. - (SIGHS) I should have known. (SIGHS) the second event... - A hay-bale obstacle course. - Of course it is. And the final event... (QUIRKY MUSIC) Ooh! - Giant pumpkin regatta. - Giant pumpkin regatta. - I saw it reflected in the mirror behind you. - I used to, uh, row in college. You might wanna concede now. - Well, unless you were rowing some kind of squash, I'm not worried. - It would appear that this meeting is adjourned. - (SIGHS) - (SIGHS) - You're in an awfully good mood for someone who's about to disappoint his entire town. - You know pride comes before a fall. - I know something that's about to fall ` your jack-o'-lantern record. - (CHUCKLES) The mighty Middleton. We'll see if you have the candlepower to pull it off. - You're in for a rough Halloween. - If you're so sure you're gonna win, what about a friendly wager? - On the triathlon or the pumpkin-carving record? - Both. - A twofer. I like it. - If I win, we watch a double feature ` the original Blob and the remake. - That's all you got? If I win, you spend Halloween night in Middleton with me. - Deal. - Halloween can't come soon enough. (GENTLE MUSIC) Keep 'em coming! Keep 'em comin'. Right there! Perfect. - (SIGHS) So, we are really doin' this? - We are so doin' this. - (CHUCKLES) - Hey. Less kissing, more carving. - What? - I've got a lot riding... Middleton's got a lot riding on this. - Mm-hm? - (CLEARS THROAT) - You're with me. We've got another truck comin' in. - (CHUCKLES) OK. - See ya. - See you. - (AUDIO FEEDBACK WHINES) - Attention, all carvers. Let's not just go for triangle eyes and a toothy grin. Let's take it to the next level. - (ENGINE RUMBLES) - Looks like our first load of firewood is here. - Oh! Nicholas and George, you have entered a restricted pumpkin-carving zone. Please back your vehicle up. - Where do you want it? - Oh, I defer to the bonfire bon vivant. - Uh, I'm not sure. - You're not sure? - Well, I saw some space on the other side of the courtyard. - That sounds good for now. - Well, you heard her. Scoot! (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) Uh, perhaps now would be a good time to discuss your thoughts for the bonfire designs. - I'm still working them out. - Oh. (CHUCKLES) Well, uh, you might wanna work a little faster. All right, people, let's pick up the pace. This is a sprint, not a marathon. - (SIGHS) - (DOORBELL CHIMES) - Thank you. (CLEARS THROAT) Cassie Nightingale, we have a problem. - Besides the buzzing in my ears? - Buzzing reminds me of a busy little bee, which Autumn clearly is not. - Oh. Can you be more specific? - The problem is ` she's not being specific about her design plans for the bonfire. As far as I can tell, she doesn't have any. - Well, I know she's arranged for the 1890s attire to get here. - Wonderful. We'll be all dressed up with no place to go. - (SIGHS) - I know that Autumn is your dear friend. I just don't think she understands how important Halloween is to Middleton. This bonfire needs to be our Mona Lisa, and she's treating it more like a paint-by-numbers. - Hmm. Well, Martha, you know the creative process takes time. - (CHUCKLES) Of course, I mean... But, unfortunately, time is not on our side. If Autumn's vision isn't blooming by the end of the day, she'll need to be relieved of her duties. - You're gonna fire her? - Oh. (CHUCKLES) Good heavens, no. You are. - (SIGHS) - As of this moment, consider her... - (FEEDBACK WHINES) - ...on probation. Ta-ta. (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) - This is a surprise. - And this is a doughnut. - Ha. - I take that back. This is arguably the best doughnut that I've ever had. - You brought doughnuts to distract my training? - Wrong. I brought doughnuts to snack on while watching you train. - (CHUCKLES) - But I do have extra if you want. - (SIGHS) I'd love one... two days from now after I've won the Halloween Triathlon for Blairsville. - The problem with that is I can't promise there'll be any left to console you when you lose. - You know, now that we're a thing... - A thing? - What would you call it? - Maybe over if you're gonna call our relationship a thing. - The doughnuts didn't work, so you're gonna try getting inside my head now. - You don't know me. - Apparently, you don't know me. See, if you wanted to disrupt my training, you should have brought a chocolate doughnut with sprinkles. - Never underestimate me. (QUIRKY MUSIC) - (SIGHS) (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) - Hey. - I have reached out to everybody I know, and nobody's taking credit for sending me this thing. - Oh. You'd think you'd have better luck carrying around a four-leaf clover. - Funny. - So our, uh, little mystery is still a mystery. - I even considered X-raying this to try to read that faded postmark. - Before you rush it to the ER, I might have another idea. (CURIOUS MUSIC) Lemon oil. - Could react with the ink and bring it back. - Mm. (MUSIC CONTINUES) - The day. - November 13th 1974. - 45 years ago? (MYSTERIOUS MUSIC) - (SIGHS) - (CELL PHONE RINGS, VIBRATES) - Ooh. Hello, my hardworking hubby. I have a surprise for you, but it must be served hot. (PHONES RING IN DISTANCE) No, no. Work comes first. But maybe you could just take a few... (SIGHS) No, I understand. Yes, I'll see you at home. - (BEEP!) - (SIGHS) (DOWNBEAT MUSIC) Hmm. (QUIRKY MUSIC) Hmm. - I still can't believe another Sam Radford used to live in my old house. - Hmm. It's possible that charm got lost in the mail for a reason. - What reason would that be? - Maybe you were supposed to end up with it all along. - Hmm. - That's interesting. - Property records? - Uh, no. An actual record. Uh, Martha and the Middletones. - (CHUCKLES) Are you kidding me? - (CHUCKLES) I don't think I could make that up. - Well, here we go. Property records. - That was fast. - Well, don't celebrate yet. I see the '60s and the '80s. How do you misplace an entire decade? OK. Here's our missing decade. Let's see about our missing Sam Radford. (CURIOUS MUSIC) According to this, the Radfords didn't live in that house in 1974. It was a family named Thurlow. (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) - Oh, there it is. Hmm. Hmm, a blank page can be daunting. - That's one word for it. (CHUCKLES) - Sometimes the best way to get something done is to just start. - I haven't started something like this in over 20 years. - Martha is worried that you're not gonna be able to do it. - I'm worried I'm not gonna be able to do it right. - To be creative, you need to lose the fear of doing it wrong. - You don't know me any more. Why are you so sure I can handle this? - What makes you so sure you can't? (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) (KNOCK AT DOOR) Autumn! I was just working up a few ideas for the bonfire, a, uh, plan B, if you will. - I'd like it if you could take a peek at plan A. - I can hardly wait. - Since there are so many carved pumpkins, I decided to incorporate them into the design. The unity of the glow of the jack-o'-lanterns and the historic lampposts will be in perfect rhythm to highlight the focal point of it all. - The dancing flames of the bonfire. - Capturing the overall theme... - ...of harmony and happiness. I knew from the moment we met, you were capable of greatness. - Thank you. Now we just have to bring it all to life. - Oh, tish-tosh. In your gifted hands, Middleton is more than up to the task. Bravo. (PENSIVE MUSIC) - (SIGHS) You sure this thing is gonna be seaworthy? - It's not my first rodeo or my first pumpkin regatta, doc. I built a boat for Tommy Russo in '68. I'd bet you dollars to doughnuts it's still floating. - Sounds like I'm in good hands. - Your own hands have to paddle you to victory, but I'll get you to the starting line. You just watch out for Bessie when you're out there. - (BOTH CHUCKLE) Hey, kid, you're late. We gotta get some more wood for the bonfire. - I` I know, but I got some news. - Did you find something on the Thurlows? - Well, I came up empty on that, but I found another Sam Radford, and he lives in Middleton. - Well, do you` You got an` Got an address? - (CELL PHONE RINGS) (SIGHS) Sorry. Has to wait. It's the hospital. Have fun. - Well, it appears I'll be tossing a rose petal into the bonfire all by my lonesome this Halloween. - I wouldn't throw in the towel or the rose petal just yet. You know, the love between you and Tom ` it reminds us all that you don't marry someone you can live with; you marry someone you can't live without. - You know, you're absolutely right. (GENTLE MUSIC) (CELL PHONE RINGS) - What's up, Martha? - I've had an epiphany. - (DOORBELL CHIMES) - And you wanna share it with me? - Well, I'm certainly not gonna share it with Tom right now. They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. We'll see if it works with Tom. - Uh, is there something wrong with Grey House? - Well, since we're working so closely together on breaking the pumpkin-carving record, I'm moving in with you. - Aren't you working just as closely with Stephanie and Adam? - Oh, Stephanie didn't answer her phone. Hmm. (QUIRKY MUSIC) - Hey. - Hey. - Nothing better than coming home to that smile. - Figured you could use this. - It's green. - It's a spirulina smoothie. It's a natural source of B vitamins and betacarotene. - I was hoping for a natural source of caffeine. - It'll give you an energy boost for training. - It's not bad. Hey, Nick found another Sam Radford in town. We should deliver that four-leaf clover to its rightful owner. - That'll certainly be an unexpected surprise. - (SIGHS) I just dropped off the last truckload of wood. - Care for a spirulina smoothie? - Natural source of B vitamin and betacarotene. - So is that carrot cake. - (CHUCKLES) - (THUNDER BOOMS) - Now we're talking. - (THUNDER RUMBLES) - Ooh, that's not good. - The wood is gonna get soaked. - AUTUMN: That's odd. (MYSTERIOUS MUSIC) It's been sunny all day. (MUSIC CONTINUES) (MAGICAL MUSIC) Captions by Able. Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air.