Jumping Ship

Michael's father sits him down and outlines a traditional path into the firm. Only after gaining thorough knowledge of the firm, a law school degree, and passing the bar will he be considered for partnership. Michael acknowledges the plan, signaling his willingness to pursue the conventional route rather than a shortcut.

Michael and Tommy travel to Australia for a summer vacation, hoping to live large aboard a luxury yacht. Michael plans to show his cousin a good time and prove that he can manage a high-life experience. The trip is set up as a grand escape from routine life.

The promised luxury yacht turns out to be an old, rusty fishing boat rather than a sleek craft. Disappointment quickly shifts to concern as the true state of the voyage becomes apparent. The mood shifts from excitement to tension on the deck.

Modern-day pirates led by Frakes give chase to the fishing boat. In the scramble, Michael and Tommy are forced to jump overboard and end up stranded on a desert island. The pirates’ motive becomes clear: a large ransom for Michael.

On the island they meet Jake Hunter, the boat's captain who had scuttled the vessel to throw off the pirates. He explains that he stays in the job because it ties to his late father's calling, a duty he privately resents. Jake becomes a crucial ally for their survival.

After several days, Michael's flare signal draws the attention of a passing aircraft. The pirates close in, hoping to intercept any potential rescue. Jake keeps the group focused on a plan to survive and escape.

During a cautious raft escape, Michael and Jake swim away while Tommy is left behind due to his tangled life jacket. They promise to rescue him later, setting up a high-stakes challenge for their next move. The separation intensifies the trio's bond and urgency.

Michael and Jake brainstorm a plan to outwit the pirates and retrieve Tommy. They leverage their improvisational skills and the drift of opportunity from the island’s geography. The plan centers on a daring comeback to reclaim their friend.

Their plan pays off as they abscond in the pirates' speedboat. Frakes attempts to shoot Michael, but his firearm is jammed by quicksand from a prior chase. The pirates are left stranded as the boys escape to safety.

The Australian Coast Guard intervenes and helps secure the escape, leading to the pirates' arrest. The speedboat is seized as part of asset forfeiture, consolidating the boys’ safety and future leverage. The immediate threat is neutralized.

During a lunch with their parents, Michael reveals that Frakes' boat has become their property due to asset forfeiture. He proposes using the speedboat, plus the reward money, to launch a boat tour service with Jake and Tommy as partners and Jake as captain. He also declares that he will begin the law school application process and accepts his father’s clerking job to prepare for that future.

Michael's father expresses pride in his son's mature decision-making and willingness to pursue a legitimate path. He recognizes there is no royal road to success and supports the new venture and Michael's legal career. The family looks forward to a future that blends business initiative with education.