Carbon Copy

Roger shows up at Walter's office and reveals he is the son Walter had with Lorraine Porter. The revelation comes with the knowledge of Lorraine's death and the secret Walter kept from his in laws. Walter is unsettled but begins to consider how Roger could fit into his life.

Walter tells Vivian he wants Roger to live with them for the summer as a foster son. He hopes to repair their strained family dynamic and give Roger a chance at a better life. Vivian agrees at first, but her acceptance is shadowed by the truth behind their relationship.

Vivian learns the full truth about Roger and angrily pushes Walter away. Nelson fires Walter for refusing to disown his son. The family fracture leaves Walter facing financial and social ruin.

Walter and Roger check into a sleazy motel after the fallout. Walter cannot land a corporate job or obtain a loan because Nelson has blacklisted him. The two scramble to survive with slim prospects.

Roger hocks Walter's golf clubs to fund their move into a rundown Watts apartment. Walter then takes a job shoveling horse manure at a stable to make ends meet. They begin adjusting to life in a harsh neighborhood while clinging to hope.

Vivian and Nelson visit the new apartment and pretend to care, but their main aim is to ease Walter out of Roger's life. They plan to look after Roger so Walter can detach without guilt. The confrontation underscores the couple's fragile union.

A police officer chases Roger on suspicion of trouble, and Walter creates a diversion to shield him. Walter is arrested in Roger's place. The act deepens Roger's gratitude and solidifies his view of Walter as family.

Roger visits Walter in jail and tells him he never wanted material things, just for Walter to accept him as his son. The moment marks a turning point in their relationship and in Walter's understanding of fatherhood.

Back in San Marino, Walter's career and family life begin to stabilize, yet Nelson remains unwilling to help. Walter walks out on Nelson, reaffirming his commitment to Roger. The sense of a hard-won reconciliation grows.

Bob Garvey reveals that Roger did not drop out but graduated high school at 16 and is now a pre-med student at Northwestern University. The news reframes Walter's priorities and fuels his determination to be a real father.

Garvey leads Walter to the side of the road where Roger is working on his car. Walter tells him he plans to work for an old acquaintance so he can live nearby and finally asks Roger to call him dad. The moment seals the sense that they are building a real family.

Walter decides to become a full member of Roger's life and to stay with Aunt Clara. He moves toward a stable family life rather than pursuing a separate existence. The plan signals a true reconciliation and commitment.

Walter proudly rides along in Roger's jalopy, basking in the sense that he is finally Roger's dad. The film closes on their renewed bond and a hopeful future together.