Stubborn Streaks

Bernard Walton arrives late to wash the church windows and discovers that Tom Riley no longer needs him. Two customers have recently canceled because Bernard's work has fallen below its usual quality. Bernard rejects that criticism and insists that his standards have not changed, even though his crowded schedule is already making him late for his next job.

At Whit's End, Liz struggles to write a newspaper review of a play that Mandy has written, directed, and starred in. Liz dislikes the writing, direction, and Mandy's acting, but their friendship has ended after a recent argument. An honest negative review may look like revenge, while undeserved praise would betray Liz's responsibility as a critic.

Jack appears to agree that Liz is better off without Mandy and should care more about her reputation than their lost friendship. His exaggerated advice makes Liz defend everything the friendship has meant to her. Realizing that no article matters as much as her best friend, she decides to speak with Mandy.

Bernard hears Bart Rathbone rudely demand that Jack locate an antique radio for an Electric Palace sale. Bernard thinks Jack should refuse to tolerate such behavior, but Jack believes that keeping his word and remaining courteous even with a difficult customer strengthens his character and business.

Trying to preserve customers after the recent cancellations, Bernard copies Jack's patience without understanding his situation. Bart criticizes his work, demands a discount, and orders him to smile. Bernard swallows every angry reply, but his new pleasantness cannot solve the real problem: he is rushing from one commitment to another and giving none of them his best.

Liz's attempt to speak with Mandy also goes wrong. Mandy immediately worries that the review will be an attack, and Liz promises only to be fair and honest. When an early copy circulates, Mandy reads Liz's criticism of her performance and the play's confused ending. She accuses Liz of writing to hurt her, and Liz responds with harsher insults that go far beyond the published review.

Bernard postpones Jack's windows again and learns that high-school students have already washed them to raise money for a band trip. At last, Jack explains why customers are leaving: Bernard's excellent reputation has attracted more work than he can perform. He is either late or too rushed to maintain the quality that earned their trust.

Bernard admits that he accepted all the jobs to save for a new pickup truck and overestimated what he could handle. Although conceding an error is difficult for him, he appreciates Jack's honesty and begins cutting his schedule down to a manageable size.

Jared tells Mandy that the rest of the cast agrees with several points in Liz's review. They are not choosing Liz's side; they want to improve the play. Mandy finally accepts their honest friendship and makes changes. Through Jared, she invites Liz to see the final performance because it is now better, not because she expects the review to be withdrawn. Liz says she may attend, though the two girls have not yet reconciled.

When the school paper interviews Bernard about successful businesses, he concludes that quality, reliability, and friendship matter more than having the largest customer list. He then drops Bart, the cheapest and most abusive customer on his schedule. Bart's willingness to pay full price comes too late to change Bernard's mind.