Soap (TV Series)

Episode #1.6 (1977)

Jimmy Baio: Billy Tate

Photos 

Quotes 

• [Billy is depressed about being dumped by his girlfriend] 

  Chester Tate : Billy, let me tell you a story. During the war, this guy Herbie and I became friends. Well, Herbie fell in love with a wonderful Italian girl, Carla. Thinking of Carla is what got him through the war. Well, Carla died and Herbie nearly fell apart. He stayed in, drank; I've never seen anyone so miserable. And then one day, Herbie came to me and he said "Chet, life must go on." And Herbie went on. A few years later, he fell in love with another woman, married her and they went to Jamaica on their honeymoon and she ran off with a steel band. But Herbie went on. He married again and this time, at the wedding reception, his bride left him for the caterer. But still, Herbie went on. His next wife ran off with his partner who ran off with his business. But still, Herbie went on. Because you see, Billy, he knew that there's a whole world out there. He knew that somewhere, around some corner, he would find happiness.

  Billy Tate : Wow, I feel like a jerk. Look at Herbie, a lifetime of disasters. I had a week with a thirteen-year-old shrimp who lisps and I'm gonna throw my life away? Thanks, dad.

  Chester Tate : Good boy, I'll see you at breakfast.

  [starts to leave] 

  Billy Tate : Hey dad, where's Herbie now?

  Chester Tate : Oh, he's in a mental institution.

  Billy Tate : What?

  Chester Tate : Yes, he just sits in the corner, talks in numbers and makes lovely baskets.

  Billy Tate : But, I thought he always goes on.

  Chester Tate : Oh Billy, please, there's just so much "going on" that a man can do.