| abstract | - Narrator: Looks like another ordinary day in the city. Narrator: Hey! That wasn’t ordinary! Becky: Look! Ms. Question! Ms. Question: Ha ha ha ha! Lady: (gasps) Who could have done such a thing? Mr. Botsford:: Help! I’ve-- wait! What just happened? Becky: Are you okay, Dad? You look a little befuddled. Mr. Botsford:: I just lost my beans-- all three kinds. Becky: (to Bob) You know what we have to do, Bob. Word UP! Ms. Question: Did you really think you’d catch me, WordGirl? Used Car Salesman: Hello. I see you were attracted to the used car lot by our famous monster sign. What kind of car were you looking for? Ms. Question: What kind of car would suit me? Used Car Salesman: Say, what’s going on? You’ve gotten me all befuddled. Ms. Question: Will you please give me the keys for that car? (She looks over at a hot pink convertible.) Used Car Salesman: Oh, you want to take it for a test drive? WordGirl: Stop! She’s stealing your car! Used Car Salesman: I know. With this monster sale, we’re practically giving cars away. WordGirl: Come on, Huggy! Ms. Question: When will you ever catch me, WordGirl? Ms. Question: Come on, why won’t you start? WordGirl: It looks like your crime spree ends here, Ms. Question! Ms. Question: Hmph. Narrator: A few days later at the courtroom, Ms. Question is on trial. Mrs. Botsford: Now Bob, can you point to the person who stole your ice cream? Mrs. Botsford: Thank you. I’m very sorry for your loss. Mrs. Botsford: But don’t worry. It is my job to bring justice to the citizens of this town. I will do that by showing evidence that proves Ms. Question is guilty of stealing. Now, will the next witness please state your name and occupation? Used Car Salesman: I’m the used car salesman. I sell pre-owned vehicles at a substantial savings. Mrs. Botsford: Mr. Car Salesman, did Ms. Question steal a car off your lot? Used Car Salesman: Yes, she did. Mrs. Botsford: Go on, Mr. Salesman. Used Car Salesman: She befuddled me with her questions and then stole the car. Mrs. Botsford: I have no more questions, but perhaps Ms. Question would like her turn at questioning the witness. (chuckles) Ms. Question: Can’t I question YOU? Judge: (banging his gavel) Order in the court! Since Ms. Question is representing herself, she can question District Attorney Botsford. Ms. Question: Why are you trying to put me in jail? Mrs. Botsford: Because you broke the law and you have to be punished. That’s called justice. Ms. Question: Did you see me commit these crimes? Mrs. Botsford: No. But Bob said that you stole his ice cream. And the used car-- Ms. Question: How can you be sure I did anything wrong? Ms. Question: Could I have thought Bob was offering me his cone? Mrs. Botsford: Well-- maybe. I don’t know. Why would he do that? Ms. Question: Do you have doubt? Mrs. Botsford: You-- you got me-- uh, a little befuddled. Ms. Question: Why did you even become a lawyer? Mrs. Botsford: I believe in justice... I think. I’m not really sure right now. Ms. Question: Oh. Judge: I think this case is over. Ms. Question, you are free to go on the grounds that we’re all too befuddled to find you guilty of any crime. Mrs. Botsford: (still confused) Oh! If I can’t win a case as easy as this one, maybe I shouldn’t be a lawyer. Oh! I quit! Narrator: What’s this? Mrs. Botsford giving up her job? Oh, this is a sad day for justice. Mr. Botsford:: (in a pleasant voice) Hey there, honey. When do you think you’ll be done cleaning so I can make my 3-bean salad? Mrs. Botsford: You’re being impatient. Ha-ha. Mr. Botsford:: Ha-ha. I know. I haven’t been able to cook in here. Ahh! Becky: Wow. Still working in the kitchen, eh? Don’t you miss fighting for justice in the courtroom? Mrs. Botsford: Oh, I can fight for justice anywhere, honey. Is there something you two wanted? Becky: Bob and I want to try some more of your delicious cookies. Mrs. Botsford: Okay. (looking in the cookie jar) Oh! There’s no more cookies! That’s very strange because I know there was one left when I looked an hour ago. Becky: That’s okay. I’ll eat an apple. Mrs. Botsford: EMERGENCY FAMILY MEETING! Mr. Botsford:: Why? Becky: Calling a family meeting just for a cookie? Mrs. Botsford: This isn’t just about a cookie, Becky. It’s about justice! Tim, exactly where were you an hour ago? Mr. Botsford:: Helping you put new shelf paper in the cabinets. Mrs. Botsford: So, TJ, exactly where were you an hour ago today? TJ: I was watching TV. Mrs. Botsford: And what were you doing while watching said television? TJ: Eating a cookie. Mrs. Botsford: Aha! I rest my case. Mr. Botsford:: Oooookay. Mrs. Botsford: See, Becky, I told you. I’d solve the case of the missing cookie. Now where did I put the marble polish? TJ: (whispering to Becky) I wish Mom would go back to work. Becky: Sure does seem like she misses it. Mr. Botsford:: And I wouldn’t mind getting my kitchen back. Narrator: Later, at the Jewelry store... Reginald: Is there something I can help you with? Ms. Question: Would you give me that question mark tiara? Reginald: Do you mean to try it on? Because only serious buyers are allowed to-- Ms. Question: Could I just have it? Reginald: I don’t know. I mean, the tiara is priceless, but... I’m not sure what to do. I’m-- so befuddled. Oh, here. Just take it. Reginald: Wait. I’m confused. I didn’t say you could steal it, or did I? Hmm. Narrator: Meanwhile, at the Mayor’s office... Mayor: WordGirl, here’s my problem. Ms. Question is on a crime spree, and even when we catch her, we can’t keep her in jail without District Attorney Botsford. She’s the only one who can go to court, present evidence to the judge, and bring Ms. Question to-- ooh, uh, what’s the word? Uh... WordGirl: You must mean justice. It means fairness, as in District Attorney Botsford’s courtroom skills will bring justice to the victims of Ms. Question when she puts her in jail for her crimes. Mayor: Thank you, WordGirl. You always seem to know the right, uh... (pauses) WordGirl: Word? Mayor: Yes! Yes. Word. Word is the word. WordGirl: Well, I think I just might have a plan that will get District Attorney Botsford back to work so we can bring Ms. Question to justice! Narrator: A short time later at the Botsfords’... TJ: Well, I’d rather play checkers, but-- Mrs. Botsford: It’s decided. Family meeting! Becky: Hi. What’s going on? Mrs. Botsford: I’m helping your father and TJ decide on a just solution to their disagreement. TJ: It’s okay, Mom. I’ll play Crazy Eights. Mr. Botsford:: And I’m happy to play checkers. Really. You can finish painting the house, hon. Mrs. Botsford: No! No, no, no, no, no. I want to make sure that justice is served. Mr. Botsford:: Ehh... TJ: Here we go! Mrs. Botsford: Now, TJ, isn’t it true that you were the one who ate the last cookie? TJ: Yes! Didn’t I already say that I did? Mrs. Botsford: And the last pickle? TJ: Yes, that too. Mrs. Botsford: So it’s only fair and just that your father be the one who gets to pick the game. Becky: (clearing throat) I don’t mean to interrupt, but I was wondering if Mom could take Bob and me to the bank. Mr. Botsford:: Yes! TJ: Yeah! Mrs. Botsford: The bank? Becky: Well, I found a quarter, and I want to deposit it in my savings account. Uh, you told me every penny counts. Mrs. Botsford: Oh, that’s my little saver. Let’s go! Mrs. Botsford: Oh, I forgot. Court is adjourned. Fifteen minute recess! (She leaves again.) Mr. Botsford:: I hope so, son. I hope so. Female Bank Teller: Wait. Why am I giving you this money again? Ms. Question: You don’t know why you’re giving me this money? Why are you a bank teller, anyway? Female Bank Teller: I’m not sure. I really wanted to be a veterinarian. Becky: Mom, it looks like Ms. Question is trying to rob the bank! You stay here and make sure she doesn’t get away. Mrs. Botsford: Where are you going? Becky: Oh, uhhh... Bob wants to see the coin counting machine. Right, Bob? Mrs. Botsford: Oh, dear! I can’t handle Ms. Question alone! WordGirl: Can I help you? Mrs. Botsford: WordGirl! Thank goodness! It looks like Ms. Question is trying to rob the bank. WordGirl: We’d better swing into action, Captain Huggy Face. Word UP! WordGirl: Give the stolen money back to the bank right now, Ms. Question! Ms. Question: Why should I listen to you? WordGirl: Oh! Ow! It looks like we’re in big trouble, Captain Huggy Face. WordGirl: (whispering to him) I know we can easily get out of this, but just follow my lead. (in a normal voice) Excuse me, Mrs. Botsford? Mrs. Botsford: Yes! WordGirl: As you can see, we are in some trouble. I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind stopping Ms. Question for us. Mrs. Botsford: I don’t think I can do that, WordGirl! I couldn’t beat her in court. I doubt I can stop her from robbing the bank. WordGirl: Sure, you can. Just concentrate. Ms. Question: (to Mrs. Botsford) Did you think we’d meet again so soon? Mrs. Botsford: I didn’t give it much thought. I’ve been relaxing at home. WordGirl: (with a sarcastic chuckle) Yeah, right. Mrs. Botsford: Did you say something, WordGirl? WordGirl: No. We’re just struggling to get free. Grr! Ugh! She’s stealing the people of the city’s money! And some of that money belongs to the children. Does that sound like justice to you? Mrs. Botsford: Not the children! Hey, Ms. Question-- let’s do this! Ms. Question: Who do you think you are? Mrs. Botsford: I’m Sally Botsford-- the city D.A., and it’s my job to bring you to justice! WordGirl: YEAH! Mrs. Botsford: So, Ms. Question, do you really think you’re cut out for bank robbing? Ms. Question: Why can’t I think of an answer? Mrs. Botsford: Would you like to spend some time in jail and rethink this whole villain thing? Ms. Question: Why am I so confused? Mrs. Botsford: WordGirl! You freed yourself! WordGirl: Yeah... a miracle. You’re a hero, Mrs. Botsford! Mrs. Botsford: Oh, no, I was just doing my job. WordGirl: I’ll take over from here. Mrs. Botsford: Right on, WordGirl! We justice fighters have got to stick together. WordGirl: (to Ms. Question) You look like someone's befuddled you. Ms. Question: Huh? WordGirl: You know, befuddled. It means to confuse. Mrs. Botsford befuddled you with her questions. And now with Mrs. Botsford back on the job, I think you’ll be asking your questions behind bars! Mrs. Botsford: Now, are you sure you don’t mind that I’m going back to work? I know how much you all enjoyed having me at home. Mr. Botsford:: This city needs you to fight for truth and justice. We don’t mind sharing you. TJ: It’s for the common good. Becky: We’ll be fine. Mr. Botsford:: We’re proud of you, honey. Mrs. Botsford: Oh, I’m a very lucky woman to have such a supportive family. Well, ta-ta. Mrs. Botsford: Oh! Forgot my briefcase. Mrs. Botsford: What were you guys cheering about? Mr. Botsford, Becky and TJ: (together) Oh, nothing. TJ: No reason. Just felt like cheering. Mrs. Botsford: Ha ha! Well, off again. Narrator: And so the city is safe again, now that District Attorney Sally Botsford is back on the job fighting for justice! I would be befuddled if you didn’t tune in next time for another exciting adventure of “WordGirl”!
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