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Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse

‘Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse’

Season 4, Episode 24 -  Aired May 9, 1994

Will's father, Lou (Ben Vereen), shows up after being gone for fourteen years.

Quote from Carlton

Carlton: Say, big guy-
Philip: Carlton am I a good father?
Carlton: Are you kidding? You're the best.
Philip: Oh, thank you, son.
Carlton: Can I have access to my trust fund?
Philip: Not a chance.
Carlton: I hate you!
Philip: Oh, yeah? Well, take a number.

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Quote from Philip

Geoffrey: Ah, here comes Mr. Sunshine.
Philip: Shut up, Geoffrey.
Vivian: Philip, stop moping. You know Will didn't mean what he said.
Philip: Well, why'd he say it? For four years, I treated that boy like my own son. Whatever he needed, whether it was a pat on the head or a kick in the pants, I was there for him. I worked my ass off trying to keep him in line.
Geoffrey: And yet, it's come back with a vengeance.
Philip: I have done everything for Will. Suddenly, it's like none of that matters. I can't believe he could be so selfish.
Vivian: Philip, listen to yourself. Somebody's being selfish all right, but it isn't Will.

Quote from Carlton

Carlton: Uh, Will, do you mind if I move your things around while you're gone?
Will: Oh, no, it's cool. Knock yourself out, man.
[Carlton removes a basketball-themed artwork from the wall and replaces it with a print of Michael Bolton's "Time, Love & Tenderness" album cover]
Will: You know, Carlton, up until a few days ago I never even thought I'd see my father again. It was like I couldn't even think about it because I knew it wasn't gonna happen.
[Carlton starts removing Will's collection of baseball caps from the wall]
Will: But I still managed to keep the fantasy. Now it's real. I can't believe how lucky I am.
Carlton: Yeah, it's a miracle. Hold the tape measure.
Will: Carlton, I'm only going for the summer, man.

Quote from Will

Will: Look, um, Uncle Phil, I owe you an apology.
Philip: No, no, no, I'm the one. I'm sorry.
Will: I guess we both said some things we didn't mean.
Philip: No, I meant what I said. I was just out of line.
Will: Uncle Phil, man, you know I appreciate everything you've done for me. But this ain't about you, man. This is something I gotta do for me.
Philip: Yeah, I know. I know, son. And I wish you the best. Good luck. I'll miss you.
Will: Me too, man. Hey, Uncle Phil. I mean, you know that this is just for the summer, right?

Quote from Will

Will: Daddy-O. What's up?
Lou: Will. Man, I'm glad you're here. Uh, some business came up I gotta handle. So we're gonna have to put our trip on hold. You understand?
Will: Yeah, that's cool. That's cool.
Lou: Just for a couple of weeks.
Will: Mmm. I understand.
Lou: Maybe a little longer.
Will: Yeah, whatever. Whatever.
Lou: Look, I'll call you next week and we'll iron out the details. Okay?
Will: Yeah, yeah.
Lou: It was great seeing you, son.
Will: You too... Lou.
Lou: Yeah. Yeah.

Quote from Will

Will: Carlton. Man, you ever feel like you was being watched?
Carlton: All the time. When you look this good, you have to get used to it.
Will: When you talk that stupid, you have to get used to this, man. [slaps Carlton's head]
Carlton: What is wrong with you?
Will: Come here. Come here. See that dude over there? He been scoping me since he got here. I think he's a cop.
Carlton: Turn yourself in, Will. It's the only way.
Will: You're right. You're right. Wait a minute, man. I ain't do nothing.

Quote from Will

Will: Hey, what's up, man? Can I get you something?
Lou: No, I'm fine, son.
Will: Uh... If you need...
Carlton: So is he a cop?
Will: He's my father.

Quote from Will

Lou: Uh... Will. You don't remember me. But-
Will: Yeah, I do. Hey, what's up?
Lou: Long time, huh?
Will: Fourteen years.

Quote from Will

Will: So how'd you find me?
Lou: Well, I- I talked to your mother three months ago. I guess she didn't mention it to you.
Will: Yeah.
Lou: Well, anyway, I was driving through L.A. on business. I'm a trucker now. Got my own rig and everything. So I thought I'd stop by and see how my boy was doing.
Will: Hey, I'm doing fine. I'm busy, though. I got a lot of work and stuff I need to do.
Lou: I understand, I understand. You take care of yourself.
Will: Yeah. You too, all right? Whoa, hold up. Um... Hey, you wanna stop by the crib later and, you know, have some dinner?
Lou: Oh, well, I know you're living with Philip and Vivian. I don't think I'd be too welcome. You know what I'm saying?
Will: No, they'll be cool. So look, I get off at 6.
Lou: It's great. I'll pick you up then, son.

Quote from Carlton

Carlton: Wow, 14 years. You must feel like you're on a roller coaster of emotions.
Will: Hey, man, that ain't no big thing.
Carlton: Sure. Look, I'm here for you, my brother. Let me hold you.

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