with-phrase modifier
The charge nurse doesn't remember any pediatric patients with the name of Owen in the past few weeks.Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Vows We Have Made · 2021 — Chapter 5 of 18 · 2'52" · B1
Norman Meets the Pregnant Temp, Explained: skedaddle
While the team studies a child's drawing for clues, a pregnant applicant named Charley arrives for the temp job, and everyone braces for Norman's mouth. His colleague's one rule: don't mention the bump. "It's a new world, Norman," someone reminds him.
What happens
At the office, the team tries to trace a letter using a child's drawing. A pregnant woman named Charley Reddick arrives to interview for a temp job, and Norman is instantly flustered. His coworkers warn him to keep his mouth shut around her, especially about the pregnancy.
Listen for
keep her waitingfill this outskedaddlefirewall
00:00 / 02:52Space play · ← → lines · R repeat
Now
Phrase of the scene
skedaddle
to hurry away; to scram
As the interview turns awkward, Hazel hurries everyone to Norman's office.
Skedaddle, the teacher is heading back this way!
Also in this scene
- keep her waiting
to make someone wait
- fill this out
to complete a form
- firewall
a network security barrier; figuratively, a wall blocking access
Everything marked in this scene
28 notes across 75 lines
Now, if you want me to dig back a little further,I may have to break through a firewall or two.may have to
I may have to break through a firewall or two.Well, we'll have to focus on what we have so far.Well, we'll have to focus on what we have so far.liaison
Well, we'll have to focus on what we have so far.A partial address.I really had hoped this letter would yield more.Oh, what about Owen's drawing?about hidden messages in your child's artwork.They said children like to draw themselves beside their heroes, like Superman, or Captain America or...A sword? Maybe a magic wand?But it has sparks flying out of it.to make someone wait
Someone tells Norman the interviewee has arrived and warns him not to keep her waiting.
well, I wouldn't keep her waiting.to complete a form
The staffer hands the applicant a form and tells her to fill it out.
You can fill this out.liaison
You can fill this out.How temporary does she think this job is?Norman, there are certain rules about what we can say in the workplace.No personal questions about marital status or parental status or--be supposed to
I'm just supposed to ignore the fact that she's--or carry the bulk mail up to Expediting?liaison
or carry the bulk mail up to Expediting?I've got a pretty good idea.let's just skedaddle on over to Norman's office, and we can look over your application.Now, Denver General is only a mile away.I don't think my heart can handle any more today.- Just keep breathing. - [Norman] Okay.Norman Meets the Pregnant Temp, explained
What's really going on
The scene mines comedy from a simple workplace problem: everyone can see that Charley is pregnant, and nobody is allowed to say so. Norman, already rattled by the morning, keeps looking and keeps almost saying the forbidden word, while the others coach him like a man on a diet being pushed past a bakery. The rule itself is the joke, and the humor lands because it is impossible and everyone knows it. Under the laughs there is a small point about changing manners at work. As one line puts it, "It's a new world, Norman," and Norman is the last one still living in the old one.
Theme
ParenthoodA pregnant applicant turns a routine interview into a quiet test of workplace manners.
IdentityCharley is judged by her pregnancy, and the office is forced to adjust its old habits.
Listen for
- focus on — liaison
- fill this out — liaison
- mail up — liaison
I don't think my heart can handle any more today.Norman's comic plea: one ordinary morning has already worn him out.
Norman, there are certain rules about what we can say in the workplace.The reminder that personal questions, especially about pregnancy, are off-limits.
It's a new world, Norman.The gentle nudge that workplace norms have changed and he needs to catch up.
They said children like to draw themselves beside their heroes, like Superman, or Captain America or...The research behind their clue hunt: kids place themselves next to the figures they admire.
Questions about this scene
Why is Charley interviewing for the job?
She saw the notice on the board and decided to apply, telling the team she did not want to keep waiting for something better.
Why does everyone warn Norman about what to say?
Charley is pregnant, and asking personal questions about pregnancy is off-limits at work, so they tell him not to bring it up.
What does 'skedaddle' mean here?
It is a playful word for leaving quickly, used when someone hurries Charley off to Norman's office for the interview.
What is the drawing supposed to reveal?
The team studies a child's artwork because an article says kids draw themselves beside their heroes, which may point to the letter's sender.
How does Norman handle the situation?
Badly. He keeps staring, almost says the wrong thing, and admits his heart cannot take any more of this today.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Vows We Have Made · 18 chapters
All chapters →
Up next · Chapter 6is in my bloodShane's Mother Visits the Office
Chapter 1lose faith inInterviewing for the Dead Letter Office
Chapter 2trust the timingThe Best Man's Wedding Checklist
Chapter 3not everyone's cup of teaOliver's Mother Stays Four Days
Chapter 4track him downThe Team Reads a Dead Letter
Watching · Chapter 5skedaddleNorman Meets the Pregnant Temp
Chapter 6is in my bloodShane's Mother Visits the Office
Chapter 7a handfulOliver Agrees With His Mother
Chapter 8made for each otherThe Fire Station on the Envelope
Chapter 9put her up for adoptionTracing Fred Back to Owen
Chapter 10any means necessaryFinding Fred and the Wedding Canopy
Chapter 11mean the world toOliver Finds Fred the Stuffed Toy
Chapter 12never looked backOliver Leaves the Bear at the Altar
Chapter 13hard to come byShane's Mother Visits the Office
Chapter 14beaten the oddsNorman and Rita Consider Adoption
Chapter 15love at first sightShane's Mom Interrogates Oliver
Chapter 16get your act togetherCharley Gets a Job and a Family
Chapter 17get it out of my headOliver Faces His Fear of Forever
Chapter 18have a way ofOliver Gives Shane a Wedding WatchChapter 5 of 18 · about 56 min to go