The Princes of Malibu, Episode 2: Lights Out in Malibu

Last time on The Princes of Malibu, David Foster cut off his stepsons, Brody and Brandon Jenner, financially, and got them to agree to pay $3,000 per month to live at Casablanca, his beautiful home. Unfortunately, his two stepsons first attempt to make money was hosting a bikini car wash on his lawn – with the aid of their mother. He realized that teaching his stepchildren responsibility might take a little longer than he thought (and while he’s at it, he should be tossing some lessons in for his wife, who enables them...).

This week starts out with David stating he always dreamed his stepsons would make money in an office – just not his office. However, that is where they are, along with their freeloading friend Spencer, taking one of David’s Grammy Awards and preparing to auction it on eBay. David bursts in and has a problem – Brody’s car is blocking his. He catches them at his computer, and with Spencer holding his Grammy Award for the song “I Will Always Love You.” David takes it back and says not to touch his stuff – and turn the lights out – again.

David suggests his stepsons model or act for a living. Spencer says he can be their manager, but David scoffs at the idea – he doesn’t think Spencer has any idea of what it takes to be a manager. He presses him about contacts and if he can get them in, and Spencer assures him he can handle it. Spencer says he’ll have them in the movie business by the next night. Just before he leaves, David asks the three to turn off all the lights and the Jacuzzi. That leaves Spencer to fill the Jenners in on his plan – a drive-in movie on the lawn of Casablanca. They are going to use the cabinet full of unreleased movies David has for their own premiere party. They think it’s a great idea.

David tells us the Academy of Motion Pictures has many rules regarding unreleased films. This plan breaks about every one of them. They go through the cabinet and find the film Rebound, which isn’t scheduled for release until the summertime, to use as their feature presentation.

The next day, David invites Brody to go to the office with him. Brody takes his time showering and getting dressed, and despite David’s request he join him in one minute, it’s actually 18 minutes before they set off. He asks him if there is a backup plan if acting doesn’t work out. He quizzes him about record production, pounding radio stations to play his music, artwork, or searching for new bands. Brody says he’s in a band already, but David points out he isn’t making money at it. David is about to make more points, but Brody’s cell phone rings. (Writer’s note: Brody’s cell phone was reportedly destroyed by immersion in the swimming pool in the last episode. We’ll call that Plot Hole #1.)

They get to work and meet Michael Bublê, multi-platinum artist, who doesn’t need a backup plan. He gets David to talk about Elvis, though David says he’s dead and was fat when he died. The less he talks about Elvis, the better. (Writer’s note: His wife used to date Elvis. Jealousy?)

Sure enough, Linda tells Brandon and Spencer (and a few girls) over lunch (on David’s tab, no doubt) tells about how Elvis would rent out an entire movie theater after midnight. When she was Miss Tennessee she went with a friend (who was Miss Rhode Island) to one of them, though they were nervous about it. They take notes in preparation for the night’s event.

David introduces Brody to Kathy, his assistant. Brody is supposed to answer phones, and both David and Kathy watch. One call is for somebody who wants to play their demo tape over the phone. Despite David telling him not to (he doesn’t take unsolicited material), Brody says he’ll listen, and pass it to David if it’s any good. Brody tells the caller he’s a musician himself. David finally takes the phone away from him.

Back at lunch, Brandon, Spencer, Leah (Brandon’s girlfriend), and Linda look at the sign they ordered up for the drive-in movie. Spencer explains they got it over the internet by googling it. They go off and advertise the event.

Back at the house, David tells us it’s clear why bring your son to work day is only held once a year. He’s beat and has a headache. He goes off to rest, and Linda says she’ll be up in a few minutes. Linda calls Brody and tells him the coast is clear. The gates open, and a crew sets up the outdoor screen and concession stands. The Jenners and Spencer grab a popcorn machine out of the house, and bring furniture. All that is left is to charge admission – though Leah pays Brandon in something other than currency. A police car arrives, and they ask if they need a permit. Greta, the property manager, says the pair has outdone themselves, and that David is going to freak out.