[upbeat, bright music]
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♪♪ Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way ♪
♪♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh ♪
♪♪ Hey, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way ♪
♪♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh ♪
♪♪ Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh ♪
♪♪ O'er the fields we go, laughing all the way ♪
♪♪ Bells on bobtails ring, making spirits bright ♪
♪♪ What fun it is to laugh and sing a sleighing song tonight ♪
♪♪ Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way ♪
♪♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh ♪
♪♪ Hey, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way ♪
♪♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh ♪
♪♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse ♪
♪♪ open sleigh ♪
[Reporter] Now that the decades-in-the-making
Tunnel and Reservoir Plan is officially online,
12 million gallons of storm water will be diverted
from municipal sewers into the quarry.
This should make homeowners
accustomed to flooding very happy.
Mary Romero, WZCH, Chicago.
[keyboard clicks]
So?
We need more footage of the tunnels.
Tunnels are dark, it might not read.
Okay, then cut in more drone footage above the reservoir.
I just need the viewers to understand
the scope of this project.
And limit your own camera time.
[Mary sighs]
I don't understand you, Mary.
Most people in this business
would climb over their colleagues to get on air.
Well, I don't like climbing, Phil.
- I like reporting. - [phone beeps]
Yep.
[Hank] You busy?
Always.
[Hank] Get in here anyway.
[Mary chuckles]
[phone beeps]
All right, more drone footage.
You got it, boss.
[soft, bright music]
- Think fast. - [Mary gasps]
[toy squeaks]
This better not be in lieu of my bonus.
Come on, you remember the Mistletoads.
Back in the 80s, they were all the rage.
No, I think I missed that party.
Well, it's their 40th anniversary,
and you're gonna do a great story about them.
[Mary giggles]
That was a good one, you almost got me.
It's not a joke.
What?
It's not a joke.
Why would we even consider doing something like that?
Because the Mistletoads were made by Johnson Toys.
Which is one of our biggest advertisers.
Our biggest advertiser.
So, it's a shameless puff piece.
Oh no, a human interest story about a trusted partner.
Why do I have to do it?
Because you're the best I got.
Don't try and butter me up, Hank.
I'm not. This has to be a solid piece.
I need a primetime player who can get me the goods.
That's you.
Okay, I just got a lead
on the Transit Authority expansion story.
And we're gonna do that story, just not right now.
Then when?
When the bills are paid.
Look, times are changing.
Some people say, we're lucky to have jobs at all.
Don't do this to me.
Think of it this way. If you get the story quick,
you can be back before Christmas.
What do you mean, back?
Johnson Toys is located in Brunswick, Iowa.
Thank you.
Okay.
If I do this, I want complete creative control.
- Done. - No, I'm not joking.
I want to tell the story the way that I wanna tell it,
with no input from the client.
- You have my word. - [Mary sighs]
Look at the bright side, no holiday traffic.
Why not?
Because last time I checked,
Brunswick has a population of about 1,000.
[Mary scoffs]
Now, it's 1,001.
[toy squeaks]
[Mary sighs]
[soft, bright music]
Okay, look, I don't know what you are so upset about.
Because I've spent my entire career
fighting for stories that actually matter,
to try and inspire change.
And now, I'm shilling for a toy company.
It's not that bad.
And soon enough, you'll be telling them
what stories to cover.
[Mary chuckles] You clearly don't know Hank.
I know you're living the dream.
Expense accounts, flying first class, limos.
- Girl, I am driving myself. - Ugh.
Okay, the contractor should be here
first thing in the morning,
and it should only take a couple of days.
Okay, it's no big deal.
It is a big deal.
I've been trying to get this bathroom redone for months,
and this is the only week they could do it.
Mary, it's all good.
I have loads of writing to catch up on.
My publisher wants the next three chapters
by the end of the year, so it's just nice
to have somewhere to focus.
Thank you.
Okay, good.
And Dylan's not gonna miss you?
Dylan is fine, he's fine.
Besides, it's like a mini-vacation for me,
before his family rolls in.
Oh, right, oof.
Mary, be real with me, though.
Are you actually going to Brunswick, Iowa?
Of course, why would I lie about that?
Oh, I don't know.
Maybe to get out of a double date
with us in Dylan's business partner?
Oh, Todd.
Girl, don't even pretend to be sorry.
I gotta go.
Saved by the bell.
Have just the best time.
Thank you, Brianna.
This is Mary Romero, reporting for Christmas.
♪♪ Let's make December ♪
♪♪ A month to remember ♪
♪♪ It's a magical feeling, it's time for believing ♪
♪♪ Better be ready, it's here ♪
♪♪ Let's make December ♪
♪♪ A month to remember ♪
[cars honk]
[Mary] You know what?
I feel like the hits just keep on coming there, Hank.
It's the best I can do, Mary.
I love working with Crash.
It's just, this isn't a job for a one-man crew.
And plus, he's getting a little--
Older?
[Mary] I was gonna say crankier, if that's possible.
[Hank] Look, Crash's experience
allows him to pick up the slack.
Plus, you should be grateful I'm sending him.
A lot of stations are requiring producers
to shoot their own footage nowadays.
[Mary chuckles]
Well, you're just a prince among men there, Hank.
Don't I know it.
Drive safe.
[mellow oldies music]
♪♪ It's a magical feeling, it's time for believing ♪
♪♪ Better be ready, soon it's here ♪
♪♪ Let's make December ♪
♪♪ A month to remember ♪
♪♪ It's a magical feeling, it's time for believing ♪
♪♪ Better be ready, it's here ♪
♪♪ Let's make December ♪
♪♪ A month to remember ♪
♪♪ Christmas, is the best time of the year ♪
[Mary sighs] Hank.
[ground squishes]
Terrific.
[mud splatters]
[soft, bright music]
May I help you?
Yeah, just checking in, please.
Mary Romero.
You know who I am?
Oh, honey, this is Brunswick.
Everybody knows who you are and why you're here.
I'd say I'm ready for my close-up,
but you must have heard that joke a million times.
Well, believe it or not, most of the people
I interview don't wanna be on camera,
especially if they're being held accountable.
Oh.
I actually have two rooms under your name, Ms. Romero.
Is that correct?
Yes, my cameraman, he'll be joining me tomorrow.
And we're looking forward to having him.
Great, thanks.
You know, I have to make a stop.
- Do you know Alton Johnson? - [Bernice chuckles]
Let me guess, everybody knows Alton Johnson.
You catch on quick.
Would you mind telling me where the factory is?
Come back the way you came, take a left at the light.
It's about a mile down, you can't miss it.
It's a factory.
Right. Okay.
We're really excited to have you here, Ms. Romero.
Please, just call me Mary.
Mary, I'm Bernice.
I do hope you enjoy our town.
I'm sure I will.
[bright, upbeat music]
Eat your heart out, Diane Sawyer.
You must be--
Mary Romero.
[Alton chuckles]
Wonderful to meet you.
I can't tell you how excited I am about this.
Yeah, I was told that you were
one of our most important advertisers.
I've gotten to know Hank Dean
personally over the years, good man.
Yeah, and there they are.
[Alton] What do you think?
I can't believe it.
Me neither, 40 years.
But we can save that for my interview.
Let's go have a quick chat in my office.
I hope you'll excuse the mess.
I never bought that business about a cluttered mind.
Well, a cluttered mind has a lot of good stuff in it.
These are your artifacts.
My artifacts?
Right, family photos, old advertisements,
product shots, stuff like that.
Soon as you told me, I had my assistant start looking.
I hope that's enough.
Your archive, and yes, that is plenty.
- Thank you. - I'll have one of
my delivery guys bring it over to the inn for you.
Okay.
Now, how shall we begin?
I have so many ideas I'd love to share with you.
Well, Mr. Johnson--
Alton, please.
It was good enough for my parents.
Alton, look, I know that this isn't really
a hard-hitting investigative piece,
but I would like to approach it the same way
that I do the rest of my stories,
which means conducting my own research
and building a rapport with the interviewees.
So, what you're telling me is to keep my mouth shut
and stay in my own lane, is that it?
[Mary chuckles] I love your enthusiasm.
You don't have to explain yourself.
This isn't the first time I've been accused
of being a bit too eager.
The truth is, I'm just very proud of what we built here.
But you just tell us what you need,
we're all at your disposal.
- Thank you, so much. - [glass clanks]
Sorry to bother you, Dad, but they need you over in shipping.
Blake, wait, I want you to meet Mary Romero.
She's the television reporter--
[Blake] Yeah, I know who she is.
[Mary] Well, so much for flying under the radar.
Seems like everyone already knows who I am around here.
Well, your reputation precedes you.
I'll be in the factory if you need me.
He did not seem happy that I'm here.
Oh, he'll come around eventually.
It's just that my son wasn't exactly
enthusiastic about this piece.
In fact, to be honest, he thought it was a bad idea.
Really, why?
[Hank] Oh, he's worried the story will be
about our success, our commercial success.
Blake's always wanted the company
to be about more than that, but you know what?
Our products make people happy,
which is something you'll never hear me apologize for,
and if our customer's happiness has made us
a commercial success, then who's fault that?
Well, sounds reasonable to me.
But most importantly, the Mistletoads.
[Alton chuckles]
Yes, I heard they were quite popular.
Oh, the kids couldn't get enough of 'em.
They just loved 'em.
Most did, anyway.
[Alton chuckles]
And we can't have another drive card expedited,
even shipped overnight?
We can, but we still lose an entire 12-hour shift.
[Blake sighs]
Okay, let's move production to Woodbury's plant,
and let's add a night shift.
I'm sure the crew there will appreciate
the overtime before the holidays.
I'm on it.
Appreciate you.
Ms. Romero, what can I do for you?
Were you serious about my reputation?
- Of course. - Meaning what?
Meaning, I'm familiar with your work.
Really?
What specifically?
Well, your piece on Midwest Chem,
dumping hazardous materials into the Mississippi.
It was very illuminating.
You saw that?
The Mississippi River flows into the Iowa.
Iowa flows into the Cedar, which flows right into town.
I'm sure we're best known for Johnson Toys,
but we're still a farming community at heart.
Right. You know, Alton said you weren't too keen
on talking to me.
Well, I'm sure I can make
a perfectly fine documentary without my involvement.
Without the grandson of the founder,
and the one next in line to inherit the company?
I don't think so.
Sorry, but you're gonna have to try.
Why don't you wanna be a part of the story?
With all due respect,
I can already see how it's gonna turn out.
Really?
That's interesting, because I'm producing it,
and I don't even know what the story is.
Trust me.
Indulge me.
I don't know, maybe something like,
Johnson Toys is the country's largest
manufacturer of everything Christmas.
From America's heartland, they produce
literally thousands of items,
from artificial trees to advent calendars.
But what they're best known for
are there lovable Christmas amphibians, the Mistletoads.
Well, you could have a future in showbiz.
I think I'll leave that up to you.
Was I close?
[Mary] Sure.
Sure, that's what my boss wants,
that's probably what your father wants.
But I bet that there's a lot more to the story than that.
Okay.
Follow me.
[soft, bright music]
[laughing voices softly echo]
It's beautiful.
My grandpa, Alton Johnson, Sr.
[Mary] Your grandpa painted this?
It's really good.
[Blake] Yeah, and it belongs in a museum,
not hanging on some factory wall.
So, show the world.
Participate in the story, and you can talk
about your grandpa's work all you want.
[Blake chuckles]
Think my dad will go for that?
A little trip down memory lane,
instead of the toys that made him famous?
I think you've got it wrong how this works.
Nobody has creative control over my stories.
Over your advertiser-funded stories?
The only reason I took this assignment
was because I was promised creative control.
You're pretty good at what you do?
I'm very good.
Well, then you'll find a way to tell the story without me.
I'm gonna get you to say yes.
Nice meeting you, Ms. Romero.
You too, Mr. Johnson.
[soft, bright music]
Hey.
Join me for some hot chocolate?
Um, no, thank you.
I was just gonna head out for some dinner.
You know where you're going?
No. No, I think I'm just gonna walk into town
and see what looks good.
How was your visit to the factory?
It was interesting.
You get to meet Alton Johnson?
I did.
He is a fascinating man.
He's an amazing man.
They could rename this town Johnsonville tomorrow,
and no one would complain.
Alton Johnson, Sr. started the company
in the 40s, right after he returned from the war.
Back then, Brunswick was nothing more
than a spit of farmland.
Was your family here then?
You better believe it, right here in this house.
My great-grandfather built it himself.
He was one of the first people to settle here.
He knew Eli Brunswick, the town's namesake.
[Mary] And the Johnsons?
[Bernice] Of course.
When Junior took over the business in the 80s,
the Christmas industry was exploding.
But Alton, he understood what was happening.
He turned a small family business
into a multimillion-dollar enterprise.
Wow.
So, it was good timing and hard work.
That's not all.
Take a look.
[Bernice] What's it say on the back?
Made in America?
[Bernice] Exactly.
When Johnson Toys was expanding,
Alton could have shipped so much
of the manufacturing overseas.
He could have used foreign parts, foreign labor.
It would've saved him a fortune, but he didn't.
He didn't, because it also
would've cost jobs and hurt the town.
That's the kind of man he is.
Wow.
And Blake?
What about him?
He's a good kid, but he marches to his own beat.
Yeah, he does seem a little different.
Different in what way?
Well, certainly his father.
Anyway, thanks for the insight.
Happy to help.
Village Tavern.
Excuse me?
For dinner.
The Village Tavern captures the spirit of this town,
and has some darn good food.
Thanks.
[jazzy, festive big band music]
What can I get you, ma'am?
What do you recommend?
For you, I'd suggest a nice chardonnay,
or maybe the Mistletoad.
[Mary chuckles]
I'm almost afraid to ask, what's a Mistletoad?
It's basically an Appletini,
but we named it after the Mistletoads.
We're doing a special for the 40th anniversary.
Actually, I'll have what Blake Johnson's having.
You like rye, huh?
Sure.
Well, this brand is distilled right here in Iowa.
On the rocks.
That's Mr. Johnson's drink.
[Mary coughs]
Yeah, that'll warm ya up.
Thanks.
[Lexi] I feel silly enough for thinking that.
[Blake] No, no, no.
Oh, hi Mary.
- Hi. - Good to see you again.
So, we're on a first name basis now?
[playful, bright music]
Let me introduce you to our VP of Marketing.
Mary Romero.
I'm Alexis Barnes, I'll be with you
throughout the shoot to make sure
that the messaging is on brand for Johnson Toys.
Oh, well, I'm sure you'll be a great resource.
We have an incredible story to tell.
Happy to be able to share it with a larger audience.
Me, too.
Well, I was just leaving.
Goodnight.
Mary, I'll see you tomorrow.
Great.
Alton didn't mention her to me.
Sounds about right.
Dad's got a bit of a one-track mind.
[Mary chuckles]
Um, did you want to stay, join me?
Yeah, sure.
Thanks.
[Mary giggles]
[ice clinks]
Rye?
You know, this particular brand
was actually distilled right here in Iowa.
Yeah.
To keeping things local.
- Here, here. - [glasses clink]
[Roberta] And one special for you.
Let me know if I can get you anything else.
Thank you, Roberta.
[Roberta] You got it.
So, your father, he also likes
to keep things local, doesn't he?
You just can't help yourself, can you?
I'm here for the story, not just for the, meatloaf?
Oh, no, no, no, this is not just any meatloaf.
This is the best meatloaf west of the Mississippi.
Really?
- Yeah. - That is a bold claim.
It's a fact.
Okay, I'll make you a deal.
I will order that meatloaf, if you'll answer some questions.
You drive a hard bargain.
All right, got yourself a deal.
Great.
Do you really like rye?
I do not like it.
[soft, bright music]
So?
All right.
I concede.
[Blake chuckles]
[Mary] You win, it's amazing.
Now, you have to answer some questions.
Yeah, a deal's a deal.
- [Mary] Okay. Okay. - Fire away.
Have you lived here all your life?
[Blake] Born and bred.
Would you leave?
Nope.
[Mary] So, you like it?
It's home.
That's not really an answer.
And that really wasn't a question.
Don't you ever get--
[Blake] What?
Bored?
Never.
[mellow rock music]
♪♪ Come one, come all, let's deck the halls ♪
♪♪ The time is here to spread some cheer ♪
♪♪ Eggnog and pies and twinkling lights ♪
♪♪ are just some signs ♪
So, what does Mary Romero do
when she's not speaking truth to power?
Well, it's not a 9-to-5 job.
I go where the story is.
Sounds exciting.
It can be.
Well, it used to be.
You know, I didn't always wanna be a reporter.
Really?
No.
Growing up, I wanted to get into politics,
to make a difference.
I mean, I was captain of the debate team,
I was class president, I even majored in political science.
And then, I got a job at my college's news station,
and it just kind of took off from there.
It seemed like another way to help people, but--
It does though, right?
[Mary] I don't know.
You know, sometimes, it just feels like nobody's listening.
But okay, enough about me, I'm not the story.
Okay, what would you like to talk about.
Alton Sr. and how he started the business.
Well, we come from a family of farmers.
But my grandpa, he was always a talented artist.
I mean, even as a little kid.
And then, after the war, he started painting.
Professionally?
Yeah, it was a hobby at first, but
then people started buying those Christmas paintings,
like the one that you saw, as holiday gifts.
[Mary] Wow, so he did well.
As well as could be expected
in a small town in the middle of nowhere.
So, how did he go from Christmas paintings
to a toy empire?
My dad, he was born right before Christmas.
My grandparents, they didn't have a lot of money back then.
My grandpa, he couldn't bear the thought
of not having a gift for his son.
So, that Christmas, he made the very first Johnson toy,
and he gave it to his newborn son.
Well, Alton Sr. sounds like an amazing man.
Ah, you have no idea.
And with the labor market and the advancements
in manufacturing after the war, he saw his opportunity.
10 years later, that little company was
well on its way to becoming one of the top
toy manufacturers in the country.
Wow.
So, what happened when your dad took over?
Oh, that's when it went into overdrive.
[Mary chuckles]
So, that's when the company expanded,
and you started selling Christmas decorations.
Yep. Tinsel, toys, stockings, ornaments.
Whatever he could make and whatever people would buy.
So, no more painting?
No.
Grandpa had to give that up as a business,
but I mean, he still painted until his dying day.
He loved it.
Come on.
[bright, acoustic music]
[Blake] Okay.
Here we are.
Is this your house?
No, I live right off town square in a home
that's probably too big for me.
Okay, so what is this place?
This is my grandpa's first house.
He built it with his own two hands.
[Mary] Wow.
[Blake] He was quite the craftsman.
Yeah, I bet it was really beautiful
when it was, you know, new.
[Blake] Yeah.
Once my dad took over the company,
he moved my grandparents into a much nicer house,
and he left this to just sit here empty.
My dad's very generous, just hardly sentimental.
Well, someone should have stepped in,
because there's a lot of history here.
Someone did.
[Blake chuckles] I'm restoring it.
I'm gonna turn it into a gallery for my grandpa's paintings.
Oh, I love that.
I already restored a vintage tractor
I found just sitting here.
Now, it's just sitting in my front yard.
[Mary giggles]
Wow.
[phone camera clicks]
What are you doing?
I'm just gonna take a few photos,
and then I can send the cameraman over here,
and he can shoot it properly.
No, no, I'd prefer if you didn't do that.
Why are you showing me this
if you don't want it to be part of the story?
Thought you'd appreciate it.
Was I wrong?
[Mary chuckles]
No, no, not really.
Okay.
It would really help the story, though.
Yeah, something tells me,
you know how to get a story without this in it.
[Mary sighs]
[mellow, soulful music]
♪♪ We don't see each other nearly enough ♪
♪♪ But I love every moment with you ♪
♪♪ I was thinking 'bout the last time we talked ♪
♪♪ And had a good laugh with a good glass or two ♪
♪♪ But who's counting, not me when I'm with you, baby ♪
♪♪ No doubting, the vibe that you give me ♪
♪♪ Ooh, you're the reason this season's so pleasing to me ♪
♪♪ There's nowhere I'd rather be ♪
[Mary grunts]
♪♪ With you I'm moving, I'm grooving, so soothing, yeah ♪
♪♪ If you feel the way I do ♪
♪♪ We don't have to wait to celebrate ♪
♪♪ Don't wait to celebrate ♪
[phone rings]
Oh.
Hey, Bree.
[Brianna] Hey, girl.
Just got back from dinner.
Oh, with Crunch?
What's his name, Crank?
[Mary chuckles]
With Crash.
No, he doesn't get here until tomorrow.
So, what's up?
[Bree] Nothing.
I just needed a break.
Dylan's working late.
[Mary] Oh, okay.
I'm so glad I could be your backup.
[Bree] Yeah, everything's cool here.
I mean, the main construction guy stopped by.
He said he's on schedule to start tomorrow.
How's nowheresville?
You mean Brunswick?
[Mary] It's fine.
[Brianna] Any cute toymakers, or farmers?
There might be.
[Bree] What?
Oh my God, tell me, tell me.
I mean, if you're into hot guys from the country.
Oh, I'm totally into you
being into hot guys from the country.
So, are you?
[Mary laughs]
I don't know, it's too soon to tell.
It is never too early for love at first sight.
What is he, is he a toymaker, a farmer?
I know there are farmers.
He's a toymaker.
Ah, yes.
And he runs the factory.
Well, his family owns the company, so.
O-M-G, I love this.
[Brianna giggles]
I'll have to tell you everything tomorrow,
'cause I have so much work to do.
Living the dream.
I demand a full report.
I'm so bored, I need some drama.
Okay, well I report the drama, I don't make it, so.
I respect that, I see you.
Okay, well call me tomorrow.
Sweet dreams, of your Christmas toymaker.
[Mary giggles]
Okay, bye.
[upbeat, bright, festive music]
[door knocks]
[Mary sighs]
What took you so long?
I've been knocking for five minutes.
I wasn't just sitting by the door,
waiting for you to get here.
You didn't have to get all dressed up on account of me.
I was up all night, just going through all of that.
[Crash] An embarrassment of riches.
Have fun.
Yeah, well that is gonna make your job easier.
The more material they give us, the less you have to shoot.
I'll tell you what would make my job easier.
A sound mixer and a production assistant.
I'm getting too old to be dragging
all my gear from here to there.
Yeah, well, welcome to the new millennium, Crash.
[Crash sighs]
Just go downstairs and check in.
I'm gonna take a shower, I'll meet you down there,
we can get a bite to eat, okay?
- Okay. - Okay.
But hurry up, I'm starving.
Okay.
[Mary sighs]
Okay.
Hello, dear. How'd you sleep?
Good morning.
I slept fine, 'til this one woke me up.
She thinks she's on vacation, sleeping the day away.
I thought that we were gonna go get food.
Oh, it's my fault.
When he mentioned he was hungry, I couldn't resist.
Uh-huh.
You won't some?
No, thank you, I'll pass.
The trick is to salt the eggs before you scramble them.
Makes 'em creamier.
Thanks for the tip, do you wanna?
You go.
She's making cinnamon rolls, from scratch.
I'll meet you later.
- Okay, we have work to do. - [Crash] Mm-hmm.
[Bernice] Don't worry, I'll make sure
and point him in the right direction.
Thank you.
[mellow rock music]
♪♪ A Merry Christmas ♪
♪♪ Merry Christmas to all ♪
♪♪ So, let the snowballs fly and the good times roll ♪
♪♪ Before your Great Aunt Sadie finds the mistletoe ♪
[Blake groans] Awful, isn't it?
Your words, not mine.
How'd you sleep?
Why does everyone in this town keep asking me that?
I guess because when people come to visit,
they always say it's the best sleep they ever had.
No, no, not for me.
I miss the sirens and the honking and the yelling.
You know, the city.
- [Mary giggles] - Hmm.
Anyway, I was up really late
prepping for your dad's interview, so.
No, you don't have to worry about that.
There's no one who likes to talk more
about the company, or himself.
Well, maybe someone is actually embracing this story.
Wow, if I didn't know any better,
I'd say, you're trying to guilt me into participating.
Would it work?
What do you think?
I think I need a really good cup of coffee.
Any suggestions?
I happen to know who makes the meanest
peppermint latte in town.
[Mary chuckles]
I'm sorry, you just don't normally hear "meanest"
and "peppermint latte" in the same sentence.
Well, clearly you've never had this peppermint latte.
[soft, bright music]
You know, I am usually a black coffee kind of girl,
but as far as peppermint lattes go, it's pretty mean.
Well, that makes me two-for-two.
You should be a tour guide.
Can't escape the holiday spirit in this town.
No, you can't.
Is that why you stay?
Excuse me?
In Brunswick, at your family's company?
You could go somewhere else,
you could do whatever you wanted.
I mean, do you really like working at the company?
I may not agree with all my dad's decisions,
but hundreds of workers depend
on our company for their livelihood.
That's just a responsibility I don't take lightly.
Wow.
That's refreshing.
[Blake] What is?
Staying at a job for altruistic reasons.
Oh, I think you've been covering politics
a little too long.
[Mary chuckles]
Well, probably.
So, that's the only reason you stay,
just out of responsibility?
[Blake] Nah, you'll laugh.
Believe it or not, but I have never
been accused of laughing too easily.
[Blake chuckles] Right.
I like Christmas.
You what? [Mary giggles]
You said you wouldn't laugh.
No, I'm not laughing because of that.
It's just, after everything
that you've said about Mistletoads.
Yeah, well look, I may not be enamored
with all the things we manufacture,
but it doesn't mean that I don't understand their purpose.
We're a big part of people's Christmas traditions.
You know, it is a shame that I can't put that in my piece.
So, am I gonna see you later this afternoon
when I interview Alton?
This time of year?
No, sorry.
We're way too busy for me to step away.
Maybe you'll change your mind.
Someone's gotta run the factory, Mary.
Santa and those elves, they can't do it all by themselves.
They can't.
Would you go on the record with that?
Because that is a scoop.
You are relentless.
You have no idea.
I'm starting to get a sense of it.
I gotta go.
I have a one-man crew, and as awesome as he is,
it's gonna take a while to set up, so.
Guess I'll see you around?
[Mary] See ya.
[soft, tender music]
Hey, you missed Bernice's savory cinnamon rolls.
Just like my mama used to make.
Crash, can we talk about that later?
Did you do this?
[Crash] It was here when I came in.
I assumed you did it.
Me?
How many years have we been working together?
Have you ever seen me stage something this cheesy?
That was me.
Hey.
And since the Mistletoads are the company's
most famous item, I thought it would be appropriate.
I know that Alton would like it,
unless of course you have a better idea?
You know what, it's fine.
Oh, good, I see you two have met.
I asked Lexi to oversee things on our end.
Not only does she have media experience,
but she knows which is my good side.
[Alton chuckles]
[Crash] Come on, let's get you mic'd up.
Thank you, Crash.
Okay, Alton, let's get you set up, and then,
we can go ahead and go over some of the ground rules.
I am in your very capable hands.
[Mary giggles]
Do I look down and talk into that?
No. You know what, just forget that it's there.
And then, when we do start the interview,
don't look in the camera, just stay looking at me, okay?
[soft, bright music]
Okay, Alton, how do you feel?
Great, great.
We can see his microphone.
[Mary] Yeah, I'm aware.
That's his primary mic, though, and sound quality
is actually more important than visibility.
Oh.
[Mary] So, it's just like we talked about earlier.
Just look right at me, and it's just like
we're having a normal conversation.
Camera speeds.
Okay, great.
So, let's go ahead and just start at the beginning.
Tell me about the founding of Johnson Toys.
In 1946--
I'm so sorry, Alton.
I forgot to tell you.
So, you're gonna want to rephrase the question
in the answer, so it'll sound something like,
Johnson Toys was founded in 1946.
Aye aye, Captain.
Stop, stop, cut.
That Mistletoad, it's out of focus.
We can't even see what it is, it looks like a green blob.
It's supposed to be out of focus.
We want the viewers to focus on Alton.
Ah, I don't know.
I think we wanna see the Mistletoads.
After all, they're what we're known for, not green blobs.
[Alton] Yeah, I think so, too.
It's all about the Mistletoads.
What do you think, Mary?
How about we put it right here, like he's my right-hand man?
You know what?
If it makes you happy, Alton, that's fine.
Let's go again.
[Crash] Speeding.
Hey, why do you say that?
What?
Speeding.
It just confirms that we're recording.
Why not say recording or filming?
Alton, if we could just--
It's a relic, really, from the old days
when you actually used film.
You needed to wait a few seconds for the film
to reach the proper speed, so you'd say "speeding."
I love that.
So, you just do it out of tradition.
[Crash] Habit for me.
Tradition for the new kids.
And thank you for the history lesson, Crash.
Still speeding.
Shall we begin again?
Okay.
Alton, can you tell me a little bit about the importance
of Johnson Toys being a family business?
Actually--
Lexi, I cannot have all these interruptions.
So, I'm gonna ask you if you need to say something to me
to wait until afterwards, and if you can't do that,
I'm gonna have to ask you to leave.
Go ahead.
Thank you.
You know how we came up with the Mistletoads?
Could we talk about that in a little bit?
Right now, I'd really like to hear
about how it's a family business.
Well, this is a story about family.
Blake's mother had mistletoe up around the house.
She loved Christmas.
I do, too, but she really loved it.
Anyway, Blake would smash words together
when he was two or three, and when he saw
some mistletoe hanging one day he shouted "Mistletoad!"
[Alton chuckles]
We just thought it was the funniest thing.
[Alton chuckles]
The rest is history.
We drew it up that night, and the Mistletoad was born.
This is great.
[jazzy Christmas music]
So, what do you think, honestly?
He's a natural storyteller.
Plus he's funny and likable.
Got nothing to worry about.
Yeah, but you're not the one that's gonna have
to sift through hours of Mistletoad talk
just to find the good stuff.
Well, that's the job.
Yeah, but what about Lexi?
Can you believe her?
You've dealt with plenty of PR flacks before,
who were just as pushy.
Yeah.
The politics on this one, it's tricky.
I mean, how are we supposed to maintain integrity like this?
You just stick to your guns.
Now, we've worked together a long time,
and there's one thing I've come to learn about Mary Romero,
is that she brings integrity into everything she does.
You got this.
Crash, you old softie.
Well, I just call it like I see it.
Well, thank you.
Oh, you wanna screen some footage with me tonight?
No can do.
I have plans.
You have plans?
- Mmm. - Here, in Brunswick, Iowa.
Please.
I make friends easily.
You are the biggest misanthrope I know.
[both chuckle]
[soft, bright music]
What?
Bernice offered to cook me dinner.
We got to talking about mushrooms.
Years ago, I did a piece on truffle hunters,
and it turns out she forages her own mushrooms.
What is going on?
You have a date, and I have a PR person
telling me how to direct my shoot.
Is this the Twilight Zone?
Nope, just Christmas time, season for miracles.
And speaking of miracles.
Thank you.
Mmm.
A date.
Mmm, fries are good.
Try 'em.
- Mm-hmm. - Mm-hmm.
[mellow rock music]
[door knocks]
Hey.
No solicitors.
What are you doing?
Oh, I was taking a shower.
One second, I'll be right down.
Okay.
- Hi. - Hi.
How'd you know where I live?
Right off the town square,
vintage tractor in the front yard.
I mean, even in a farming town, that's not really
a dime a dozen, so it wasn't that hard.
Come inside, it's freezing.
Yeah, okay.
[Mary giggles]
You always have a fire burning for all your guests?
I was just about to settle in, do some work.
Oh yeah?
What can I do for you, Mary, besides warm you up?
I mean, with the fire.
I know that.
So, how did the interview go?
I mean, don't you already know?
What do you mean?
You had Lexi there to spy on me.
No, Lexi does not wait on my instructions on anything.
Right, but you guys are, you know, like.
What are you doing?
I'm trying to say that you're together, right?
Lexi grew up here, and so did I.
We went to the same schools together.
Let's just say there weren't a lot of options,
you know, for either of us.
So, you dated.
A lifetime ago.
Yeah, and now she works for you, which is not weird.
It's not weird for me.
I don't think it's weird for her.
Is it weird for you?
Why would it be weird for me?
Is that why you came by, to chat about Lexi?
No, you distracted me.
Oh, I'm sorry, I think.
Look, I came by to ask you to please reconsider.
Oh, you really don't give up, do you?
Blake, this story is gonna happen,
whether you want it to or not.
Don't you want your story to be told correctly?
That's what Lexi keeps saying.
You know, get in front of it, control the narrative.
Exactly.
Lexi and I agree, just this once.
You know what? Come on.
[Mary sighs]
[fire crackles]
[soft, bright music]
[Mary] Wow.
Are these?
My grandpa's, yeah.
[Mary] Really?
Some of them just look a little more contemporary.
You know, he was ahead of his time.
Sure.
Wow.
You know, Brunswick is a lot more
than just Johnson Toys.
I do know that, yeah.
Unfortunately, not everyone does.
This town is hurting.
Well, they just need to look at your annual budget.
I mean, you're receiving less and less money
from the state each year.
You're cutting back on the schools, the clinic.
I do my homework.
Well then, you also know that we're having a hard time
filling the empty seats on town council.
Nobody wants to face the music.
That's what I'm talking about.
This piece could bring Brunswick
exactly the type of exposure that you need.
It could.
[bright, playful music]
If I did this,
I'd be trusting you to tell
the real story about the company.
How Johnson Toys is more than just Mistletoads.
What we mean to this town,
and what this town means to my family.
Something that my grandpa would be proud of.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
What?
Told you I'd get you to say yes.
It's my turn.
No, it's not.
It's mine.
It's my turn. There you go.
[Bernice] You're so bad.
Candy cane.
[Crash] What are you so happy about?
Blake agreed to my interview.
- Really? - [Mary] Mm-hmm.
I thought he was dead set against it.
He was, but I feel like we're really connecting.
I bet.
How was dinner?
Hmm, so-so.
[Mary gasps]
He had two helpings.
He would've had more, but I made him save room for dessert.
I was hungry after a hard day's work.
That's all.
Had nothing to do with the meal.
- [leg thuds] - [Crash groans]
You guys, you are too much.
What about you, dear?
Can I fix you something?
No, thank you, I have a lot of work to do.
[tongue clicks]
Goodnight.
[festive, bright rock music]
♪♪ Aw, yeah ♪
♪♪ Mm-hmm ♪
♪♪ It's time when we're nearing the end of the year ♪
♪♪ And time for the season of joy and such good cheer ♪
♪♪ This time when we set aside ♪
♪♪ All feelings that cause divide ♪
♪♪ And bring us together in peace and love ♪
♪♪ It oughta be Christmas every day ♪
♪♪ Oh ♪
♪♪ There oughta be snow and lights ♪
♪♪ and Santa on his sleigh ♪
♪♪ And when the sleigh bells start to ring ♪
♪♪ And all the children start to sing ♪
♪♪ Oh, it oughta be Christmas every day ♪
♪♪ Ooo ♪
♪♪ It oughta be Christmas every day ♪
[Mary sighs]
So, you nervous?
Nervous about what?
[Mary] Your interview.
No, I'll be fine.
I'll be fine, right?
You'll be great.
And I happen to be really good at putting people at ease.
Yeah, so I've noticed.
I do have a favor to ask.
[Blake] Oh?
I don't want Lexi there.
She's the Vice President of Marketing.
She's a distraction, and I do not need
or want her looking over my shoulder all day.
[Blake sighs]
Okay.
Okay?
Okay, I'll tell her to stand down.
Thank you.
So, what happens after you filmed everything you need?
Hmm, go back to the city and put it all together.
And that's it.
[Mary] That's it?
[Mary giggles]
That's a lot.
No, I mean that's it for Brunswick?
[soft, jazzy music]
Yeah, it is.
That's too bad.
You know, I did enjoy it here
a lot more than I thought I would.
Yeah, no, me too.
I mean, having you here.
And I won't say it wasn't great getting to know you.
But you have a life and a job back in Chicago.
And you have an entire family legacy to continue.
Yeah.
Another time, another place.
Yeah.
[phone beeps]
Hello?
[Brianna] You were asleep?
[Mary] Yeah, I guess I needed it.
Sounds like the country life agrees with you.
It was just a late night.
[Brianna] See, I love that.
I love that for you.
Okay, now tell me everything.
How's the toy farmer?
Blake.
[Brianna gasps] He has a name.
Blake, yes.
Yeah, he's a really great guy.
But I just think it's bad timing.
Oh, who cares about timing?
I mean, can't he leave Iowa?
No, girl, he's not leaving.
He has roots here.
Would you, gasp, move there?
No, no.
I have spent way too many years
working my way up that network ladder.
It would be so stupid to leave now.
And this story is just so much better
than I ever could have imagined.
I think I'm just getting caught up in it.
I think that's all it is.
He's part of the story, you know?
Mary, what about your story?
[Mary chuckles]
It's just complicated.
Is it?
[Mary chuckles] How's my bathroom?
[Brianna] It's fine.
I think the guys left early for lunch,
'cause I was talking too much.
Oh, I'm sure that's not happening.
Look, I'm coming home tomorrow,
so just call me if anything explodes, okay?
You'll be the second person I call, bye.
- [phone beeps] - Bye.
Okay, I gotta get up.
[bright music]
[Mary] You know what?
I interviewed Alton behind his desk.
I don't wanna do the same thing with you.
It's too similar, so I think we'll put you here.
Okay, whatever you say.
Sorry, Mary, give me a minute.
The colors on the monitor are off.
Plus, I still need to mic him.
Okay, you know, I can mic him.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
Thanks.
Could you stand up, please?
And I'm gonna go ahead and just slide this down your shirt.
[soft, tender music]
You can grab it on the bottom.
And you can just put that in your pocket.
And have a seat.
- All right. - [camera beeps]
Speeding.
Okay, so just remember what we talked about.
Look at me, don't look at the camera, no one-word answers,
and try and rephrase the question in your answer.
Rephrase, right, right, got it.
So, why don't we start talking
a little bit about craftsmanship.
Why is craftsmanship so important to Johnson Toys?
Craftsmanship is important to Johnson Toys because,
[Blake clears throat]
Craftsmanship is important to Johnson Toys because, well,
look, I'm sorry, could we start
with something a little easier,
like what do we manufacture, things like that?
We already got that with Alton,
but it's okay, just relax.
I'm trying.
[Mary giggles]
Pretend that we're at dinner, just like the other night.
Speak from your heart and just tell me,
why is craftsmanship so important?
My grandfather, the founder of Johnson Toys,
he always said, "Anything worth doing is worth doing right."
- [Mary giggles] - [Blake chuckles]
I know, I know, millions of people say the same thing.
But I don't know how many of 'em
actually live it, you know?
'Cause to him, craftsmanship
wasn't just about doing your best work,
it was about allowing other people
to see the greatness within themselves.
That was really great, Blake.
[Mary chuckles]
So, Johnson Toys could manufacture whatever it chooses.
Why focus on Christmas items?
All right, please don't take this outta context,
but you know what drives me crazy,
is that for so many people, it's all about the money.
That's what Christmas is about, the money.
Not for me.
What's it about for you?
They say Christmas is the happiest day of the year.
Well, we'd like to bring that spirit to the other 364 days.
[Mary giggles]
Great.
Ah, there you are.
I was looking all over for you.
Hey.
Everything okay?
Yeah.
Are you not happy with the interview?
'Cause, I mean, Crash said I was pretty good.
[Mary giggles]
Oh wow, he was just being nice, wasn't he?
Crash wouldn't do that.
Okay, then what is it?
You were amazing.
Well, I guess I was just lucky
that I had someone that could put me at ease.
[soft, jazzy piano music]
Just remember our deal, all right?
The real story.
Real story.
Look, I hate to throw you out,
but I got some work to do.
Maybe if you're free later,
we could get some dinner, just to say goodbye?
I think I can fit you in.
- Okay. - Sure.
See ya.
[Mary sighs]
[Crash] Sure you don't wanna ride back to the inn?
Nah, I feel like walking.
[Crash] You know, I had my doubts
about all this, just like you did.
But the truth is, it's turning out to be a nice piece.
[Mary chuckles] Get outta here.
- See ya. - See ya.
♪ Ever wonder what it's like ♪
♪♪ To only wanna be in one place ♪
♪♪ When any and everything ♪
♪♪ Reminds you of the sweet smile on that face ♪
♪♪ A smile with enough sunshine ♪
♪♪ To bring a snowman to its knees ♪
♪♪ There's something in the air ♪
♪♪ That makes me wanna make ♪
♪♪ More memories with you ♪
Mary, how long have you been there?
Not long, I'm just on my way out.
Oh, can I fix you something?
[Mary] No, no, no, thank you.
I have plans.
Plans? Here, in Brunswick, Iowa?
I make friends easily.
Touche.
Mm-hmm.
Can I get you guys anything while I'm out?
We're fine, dear. You have fun.
Okay.
We don't lock doors here, so come back whenever.
Thanks.
Goodnight.
♪♪ Laughter and relaxing ♪
♪♪ These memories are all we need ♪
♪♪ If you only have right now and right here ♪
- Hey. - Hi.
[Mary giggles]
You look great.
So do you.
Oh, hey, Blake, we're slammed.
Gimme a minute?
Take your time, we're in no rush.
You want something to drink while you wait?
I'm good.
Mary, rye?
No, thanks.
[Mary and Roberta chuckle]
You know, I'm really starting
to like how people know my name here.
Aw, you're gonna miss our small town hospitality.
I am.
Speaking of which, how's Bernice treating you?
She's so sweet, I want her to adopt me.
Careful what you wish for.
[Mary giggles]
Oh, looks like we're ready.
So, my next piece is on the Transit Authority
and how the bidding process
is not transparent to the public.
Sure.
So, this makes for potentially criminal behavior,
and even if it doesn't,
it foments distrust of the government.
Wow, that sounds like quite the expose.
It's important for people to see.
Making a difference, right?
That's right.
So, the interview must have gone well,
if it turned into a date. [Lexi chuckles]
I'm kidding.
Seriously though, how'd it go?
It was fine.
I recall you using the words,
"you," and "were," and "amazing."
It was a very good interview.
I got exactly what I needed.
I'm thrilled to hear it.
What else do you need for your story, Mary?
Blake was the last holdout,
so as of a few hours ago, we're wrapped.
Heading back to Chicago, then, huh?
Yeah, I guess so.
Well, we're all gonna be so sad to see you go.
[Mary] Thanks.
[Lexi] Well, I don't wanna intrude,
I just wanted to make sure everything went great.
Glad to hear it did.
Have a good night.
So, where were we?
Making a difference, yeah?
Yeah.
[Mary giggles]
Sorry, one second.
[phone buzzes]
It's my foreman, I need to take this.
Please, yeah.
Yep.
[Blake sighs]
No, I understand.
See you soon.
The assembly line is down again.
What's that mean?
It means I gotta go.
- Oh. - I'm sorry.
That's too bad.
I know it sounds dramatic, but Christmas is on the line.
[Mary giggles]
Santa and those elves--
Can't do it all themselves.
Yeah.
[soft, tender piano music]
[Mary giggles]
Well, if this is goodbye,
it was so nice to meet you, and thank you for everything.
No, yeah, it's been great.
Thank you.
Yeah.
Goodbye, Mr. Johnson.
Goodbye, Ms. Romero.
♪♪ I was hoping you'd fly south with the birds ♪
Bye.
♪♪ But hey, that's nothing new ♪
♪♪ What feels different now is I'm spending ♪
Hey, I don't think I'm, oh.
Did Blake have to leave?
Yeah, something went wrong at the factory, so.
He tried, you know.
- I'm sorry? - In the city.
He tried to sell his paintings in Chicago,
even opened a little store.
They just never sold.
His grandfather's paintings?
Is that what he told you?
♪♪ But you brought back that feeling that melted away ♪
Why are you telling me this?
Maybe to save you some heartache.
- I can take care of myself. - Please, Mary.
Blake is amazing, and we all love him.
But if he can't face the past
or his own failures, how's he ever gonna grow,
be the leader that Johnson Toys needs?
Maybe he needs some encouragement,
or the right support?
Yeah, maybe.
Guess we'll never know.
Well, safe travels.
Mm-hmm, thanks.
♪♪ Just to look at lights and feel anything at all ♪
♪♪ I can't find the cold, but every year that's true ♪
♪♪ It just got warmer now that I'm sitting here with you ♪
♪♪ And no matter what, every year feels the same ♪
This is ridiculous.
♪♪ But you brought back that feeling that melted away ♪
♪♪ Something's been missing, but this year, it changed ♪
♪♪ And now, Christmas doesn't feel so far away ♪
[door knocks]
[soft, tender piano music]
- Hi. - Hi.
Everything okay at the factory?
That's why you're here?
No.
I don't know, I can't sleep.
Yeah, that makes two of us.
I have one more question I need to ask you.
Okay.
Come inside.
Fire, something to drink?
Coffee, if you have it.
[soft music]
Here you go.
Thanks.
So, what's your question?
- Were you gonna tell me? - Tell you what?
That all these are your paintings.
Not all of them.
A few are my grandpa's.
Well, they're really similar.
Yeah, well, I adopted his style,
and I added a little flair of my own.
It's just too bad I didn't inherit his talent.
They have a ton of talent.
Did you ever sell any?
A few, here and there, but not enough to ever--
To keep a gallery open in Chicago?
Yeah, I know.
Let me guess, Lexi?
Is it true?
Is it true that I once opened a gallery in Chicago,
and that I don't own it anymore?
Yeah, it's true.
What happened?
You're leaving tomorrow, what does it matter?
You lied.
[Blake] I omitted.
Same thing.
I answered the questions you asked me.
I participated in your piece to the best of my abilities.
I see.
Listen, I'm exhausted.
We work farm hours here, so I gotta be up soon.
Yeah, absolutely.
I better get going.
Look forward to seeing the story.
[Mary] Mm-hmm.
[lush, emotional orchestra music]
Good morning, Mary.
How'd you sleep?
Okay, you know.
It wasn't the room's fault, though.
You're up early.
Yeah, I thought I'd get a head start on the day.
You heading home?
I am.
Are you?
You know, I've been in this business a long time.
Some might say, too long.
No.
So, I thought I'd stay here for a while.
On the house.
Oh, well Bernice, you need to watch out,
because this one here is a shameless charmer.
I got that feeling.
She'll probably get tired of me before Christmas.
From what Crash tells me, this place and the folks here
have a tendency to grow on people.
People you'd least expect.
Yeah.
Did you tell Hank?
Not yet, I'll wait until after the holidays.
Okay.
Okay, great.
Well, this is a lot for me right now.
So Bernice, if I could just settle up, I'll get on my way.
You won't be a stranger, will you?
You know, I have enjoyed it here,
but I honestly don't know how often I'll be back.
Except for, probably,
the 50th anniversary of the Mistletoads.
Well, good luck with the story.
Everyone is so excited to see it.
Thank you.
Thank you for everything.
[Bernice] You're welcome.
Crash.
[playful, bright music]
[soft piano music]
- Cheers. - Cheers.
[glasses clink]
It is about time we made this happen, finally.
I know, I'm so sorry, it's all my fault.
I just had a really busy year.
Mmm, Mary is the busiest, the coolest,
and the prettiest person I know, okay?
Yeah, you're a reporter, right?
I am, yes.
I actually just finished a story about this company
in Iowa that manufactures Christmas items.
But the real story, it's actually about the town
more than it is the company.
Cool, like a charity piece.
No, no, not a charity piece.
Right, so I'm not sure if Brianna told you,
but Dylan and I are in real estate.
Yeah, she mentioned that.
We're working on a huge project right now.
It could be a game-changer.
- Okay. - And you know,
if those investors really come through,
we could bid on that riverfront property
as early as next quarter.
[Todd] Properties.
Remember, we don't wanna limit this to the riverfront.
[Dylan] Absolutely, properties.
I'm not the one you need to convince.
I still think we should do commercial.
[voices murmur and echo]
Hey, what's up?
Oh, thanks for swinging by.
Coffee?
- No, thanks. - We gotta talk.
You know the Transit Authority bidding scheme story?
It's really starting to heat up, so--
I wanna talk Brunswick, Johnson Toys.
I watched your cut, I had Phil show me.
It's not done yet.
I think we should just wait until I fine-tune it.
Come on, Mary, don't spin me.
I've been doing this a long time.
I know how to watch a rough cut,
and I can see where you're taking the story.
But that is the real story, okay?
It's an artist who sacrifices his dream to save a small town
and then becomes one of the biggest employers in the state.
I'm taking over, I had Phil start a new cut.
Hank, you promised me creative control.
Look, I like what you did with the Christmas paintings,
and the old man building up the company
so the son has something to inherit.
But you missed the brief.
You were supposed to be there for the Mistletoads.
This story is actually very important to me,
and I made promises to the people who participated.
What do you want me to say?
I've got bosses, too, and right now,
they're more concerned with the bottom line.
I gave them my word.
It's not gonna be that bad.
I know what I'm doing, okay?
The piece airs in two days.
So, why don't you just go home
and have yourself a great Christmas.
[Hank sighs]
[soft piano music]
Thanks for coming over.
Of course.
- Happy to be here. - You excited?
We'll see.
I'm so proud of you.
Thank you.
[grand orchestra music]
Chances are you've got something made by Johnson Toys
among your holiday decorations, or under the tree.
And if you're of a certain age,
you probably remember this festive frog,
whose 40th anniversary is this year.
[Alton] It's all about the Mistletoads.
He's my right-hand man.
[Alton chuckles]
[News Anchor] With annual sales
in the hundreds of millions,
Johnson Toys of Brunswick, Iowa is now the country's
most successful purveyor of Christmas trinkets.
Thanks to some little green helpers that had
an adorable start, all because of Alton's son, Blake.
Blake would smash words together
when he was two or three,
and when he saw some mistletoe
hanging one day, he shouted, "Mistletoad!"
[Alton chuckles]
We just thought it was the funniest thing.
[Alton chuckles]
The rest is history.
[News Anchor] Even though Brunswick is a small town,
it has cashed in big on the Mistletoads.
[Roberta] We created a special drink, the Mistletoad.
It's been really popular,
we're actually keeping it on the menu.
[News Anchor] And what about Blake Johnson,
the little boy who inspired it all?
Does he still love Christmas?
He now serves as Johnson Toys' Vice President of Operations,
and is focused on one thing.
It is all about the money.
That's what Christmas is about, the money.
[News Reporter] Well, when you're as successful
as Johnson Toys,
Christmas would be about money for me, too.
Happy 40th, Mistletoads,
and may you hop along for decades to come.
Nicely done, Mary.
[soft, sad piano music]
What?
I thought it was great.
It was great, right?
That was terrible.
It wasn't that bad.
Brianna.
No, it wasn't bad at all.
I think this is exactly
the kind of stuff you should be doing.
I mean, this is what people wanna see,
especially around the holidays.
That is not why I got into this.
[Dylan sighs]
Okay, yeah, no problem.
He is never gonna forgive me.
I'm sorry.
We'll get out of your hair.
Thanks.
[festive, sad music]
[Alton] Yes, yes.
Well, that's Christmas for you.
[Alton chuckles]
Okay, will do.
Thanks, Jim.
Mary, it's so nice to see you again.
You, too. Um, is Blake--
- I loved it. - What?
The piece.
I already had my tech people pull it off the air
and stream it on our site,
or stream it off the air, or whatever they do.
I can't thank you enough.
It was so positive, so upbeat.
It didn't take cheap shots.
I'm making it mandatory viewing for all our employees.
Wow, well I'm glad you liked it, I guess.
Normally for us, Christmas is done by December 15th,
but with this story, the orders are flying in.
[phone rings]
Will you excuse me just a second?
- Sure. - Heya.
I know, I know.
[Alton chuckles]
We're trying.
Yeah, we've got everything at capacity.
Can we talk?
Look, I didn't expect you to be excited to see me,
but I did come all the way here.
The least you could do is let me explain.
Explain what?
How you used me?
How you used everyone in that piece
to tell the story you wanted?
It wasn't like that.
I made our version, the real story,
and the station, they took it over.
The thing is, I'm not even mad at you.
[Blake chuckles]
I'm mad at myself for trusting you, caring about you.
[Mary chuckles]
I care about you, too.
Well clearly, we value different things, then.
That piece, that made us look so shallow.
That wasn't about my grandpa's legacy.
No, I know that.
But hey, my dad loves it.
I'm sure he's gonna spend a fortune
on advertising before he retires.
He's retiring?
[Blake] This is his last Christmas.
He's gonna announce it at the next board meeting.
So, are you gonna take over the company?
Are you asking because you actually want to know
or are you still working?
'Cause I wanna know.
I hope you have a great Christmas.
[door creaks]
[emotional orchestral music]
Thank you.
Hey Tim, would you mind
putting this up on the bulletin board?
I'd love that, thank you, so much.
Hey Mary.
Actually, I'm glad I saw you here.
Oh yeah?
Let me guess, you're thrilled about the story, too?
Oh, yeah.
It was a bit clunky, but got the job done.
But that's not why I'm glad I saw you.
I'm competitive.
I can be competitive.
People have told me that, and I think I might have gotten
a little carried away the other night.
I hope I didn't put you off towards Blake.
I was just angry about being excluded from the interview.
Oh, it's fine.
It doesn't matter anyway.
You were put in an impossible situation.
Happens to me all the time.
Why do you think I was so difficult to deal with?
[Mary sighs]
You weren't difficult.
You were just doing your job.
And you were just doing yours.
Yeah.
So, what are you gonna do now that Alton's leaving?
Blake told me.
Figure it out, we always do.
And you will too, right?
Yeah, yeah, of course.
[Mary chuckles]
What are these?
Oh, my side hustle.
I'm helping a friend on the town council
with her reelection campaign.
Should be a walk in the park, though.
There are more vacancies than candidates this time.
- Here. - Let me see.
Huh.
Well, good luck.
Thanks, Mary.
Merry Christmas.
Hey.
Mary.
- No. - Christmas.
- Yes. - [Mary giggles]
- Yes. - Thank you.
- You're welcome. - Merry Christmas.
[Mary chuckles]
[soft, bright music]
Mary.
What are you doing back here?
I just need some cheering up.
[Mary sniffles]
Is Crash still here?
He's down in the basement fixing the boiler.
That man can't sit still.
[Mary chuckles]
I'm not gonna stay for too long.
I just wanted to come by and say hello.
Did you check the weather?
No, why?
Because you're not going anywhere.
The storm is supposed to last until Christmas.
You'll be stuck on the highway all night.
Please tell me you have a room.
You can have your room.
Thanks.
I wasn't expecting fireworks,
but I thought you'd be happier.
No, it's not that.
It's just--
Blake?
Did you see the Johnson Toy story?
Everybody saw it.
Not my best work.
The shots were nice, you got the whole town in it,
and everyone looked good on camera.
Oh, you didn't like it, either.
It's okay. But you know what?
This place,
my time here, it changed me.
[tender orchestra music]
And I went home, it doesn't feel like home anymore.
But I messed up, and now, I don't know
if there's a place for me here, either.
It'll be okay, dear.
You just need a good night's sleep.
Yeah, maybe.
[Mary chuckles]
Thanks, Bernice.
Let's go inside.
Okay.
[soft piano music]
Thank you.
You're welcome.
♪♪ Lights on the rooftop ♪
♪♪ Candles on the table ♪
♪♪ Fire burning slowly ♪
♪♪ I hold you closely ♪
♪♪ Let's cherish the moment ♪
♪♪ This season will leave before we know it ♪
♪♪ 'Cause next year will be better than the past ♪
♪♪ 'Cause we found what we didn't know we had ♪
♪♪ I don't want any presents or snowfall ♪
♪♪ I just want to embrace and remember it all ♪
♪♪ This year was gone in an instant ♪
♪♪ Turn the page, I hope we didn't miss it ♪
♪♪ I just want this Christmas, baby ♪
♪♪ I just want this Christmas to last ♪
♪♪ La-da-da-da-da-da ♪
♪♪ La-da-da-da-da-da-da-da ♪
♪♪ La-da-da-da ♪
♪♪ All the cards are written ♪
♪♪ All the gifts have their receipts ♪
♪♪ Fire dying slowly ♪
♪♪ We will never feel lonely ♪
♪♪ Let's cherish this moment ♪
Mmm.
- Hey. - Hey, Merry Christmas.
Good morning, Merry Christmas.
Bernice told me that you were here.
Yeah, I was just about to leave.
Good morning.
Good thing you didn't leave last night.
I know.
It looks okay now, though.
Yeah, the roads going back are probably clear.
- The plows were out all night. - Good.
You want to get home soon, huh?
I do, yeah.
That would be really nice.
And what about you?
When are you coming back to our fair city?
Well, you know, we'll see.
Okay, well I guess I'll see ya when I see ya.
How about a coffee and a pastry for the road, Mary?
That would be great.
Okay.
[soft, playful, bright music]
Mmm.
[soft, tender piano music]
[door creaks]
[Blake] How'd you sleep?
[warm piano music]
Blake.
What are you doing here?
Saying I'm sorry.
No, no, I'm sorry.
I didn't edit that piece.
Once I got back to Chicago, I had nothing to do with it.
I know.
If I would've known how that piece was gonna turn out,
I never would've even accepted the assignment.
Mary, I know.
How?
I should have known better, that you wouldn't
have done that to me, or anyone else, really.
And I'm just sorry that I reacted the way that I did.
Thank you for saying that.
I should have believed you.
And when I realized that, I convinced Crash
to call your editor and give me a copy of your cut.
[Mary chortles]
You know, for someone who's supposed
to be taking it easy, Crash is a very busy man.
Right?
So, what are you gonna do about your company?
I've been wrong about a lot lately.
Johnson Toys isn't the problem.
I am.
So, are you gonna sell?
No, I couldn't do that to the staff.
Then, what are you gonna do?
No more running from my past.
I'm gonna launch a new line of Christmas paintings
to honor my grandfather's legacy.
I love that.
And it's all because of you.
And once my grandfather's house is all fixed up,
I'll start showing his paintings there, and maybe mine.
Mmm.
Looks like you got a lot of work ahead of you.
Yeah.
You know, that house has good bones, a lot of history.
Well, and after we get it fixed up,
might need to find someone to help you run it.
We?
Maybe I was thinking about relocating.
What about your job, your career?
The kind of work that I love,
it doesn't exist for me anymore.
I was thinking that I would go somewhere
that I could actually make a difference.
[warm, tender orchestra music]
And I did hear that there's a spot open on the town council.
Maybe I could help people the way I always wanted to.
Well, you got my vote.
And just so you know,
I thought your version of the story was spot on.
Maybe I just made it per an audience of one.
Well, sometimes all you need
is one person to make a difference.
If it's the right one.
♪♪ 'Cause you're my happy holiday ♪
♪♪ Na-na-na-na-na-na-na ♪
♪♪ You're my happy holiday ♪
♪♪ Na-na-na-na-na-na-na ♪
♪♪ You're my happy holiday ♪
♪♪ Na-na-na-na-na-na-na ♪
♪♪ You're my happy holiday ♪
♪♪ Na-na-na-na-na-na-na ♪
♪♪ You're my happy holiday ♪
[soft, bright music]
♪♪ Turning down our road, I'm like a kid again ♪
♪♪ I can't wait to see all of my family, ♪
♪♪ and all of my friends ♪
♪♪ And I'm on my way, 'cause you're my happy holiday ♪
♪♪ Na-na-na-na-na-na-na ♪
♪♪ You're my happy holiday ♪
♪♪ Na-na-na-na-na-na-na ♪
♪♪ You're my happy holiday ♪
♪♪ Na-na-na-na-na-na-na ♪
♪♪ You're my happy holiday ♪
♪♪ Na-na-na-na-na-na-na ♪
♪♪ You're my happy holiday ♪
♪♪ Turning down our road, I'm like a kid again ♪
♪♪ I can't wait to see all of my family, ♪
♪♪ and all of my friends ♪
♪♪ And I'm on my way, 'cause you're my happy holiday ♪
♪♪ Na-na-na-na-na-na-na ♪
♪♪ You're my happy holiday ♪
♪ Na-na-na-na-na-na-na ♪
♪ You're my happy holiday ♪
♪ Na-na-na-na-na-na-na ♪
♪ You're my happy holiday ♪
♪♪ Na-na-na-na-na-na-na ♪
♪♪ You're my happy holiday ♪
♪♪ Winter stories make our own ♪
♪♪ We'll sing songs, the whole world knows, whoa, whoa ♪
♪♪ Everyone we love is here ♪
♪♪ Drinking up the season's cheer, whoa, whoa ♪
♪♪ Na-na-na-na-na-na-na ♪
♪♪ You're my happy holiday ♪
♪♪ Na-na-na-na-na-na-na ♪
♪♪ You're my happy holiday ♪
♪♪ Na-na-na-na-na-na-na ♪
♪♪ You're my happy holiday ♪
♪♪ Na-na-na-na-na-na-na ♪
♪♪ You're my happy holiday ♪