06x06 - Or Maybe Just Stay There

Episode transcripts for the 2016 TV show "Queen Sugar" Aired September 2016 - current.*
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"Queen Sugar" follows the life of two sisters, one a formidable journalist & activist from New Orleans, and the other a modern woman, who, with her teenage son Micah, leaves her upscale apartment in Los Angeles and moves to the heart of Louisiana to claim an inheritance from her recently departed father: an 800-acre sugarcane farm.
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06x06 - Or Maybe Just Stay There

Post by bunniefuu »

[NARRATOR] Previously on Queen Sugar...

He adores you.

And you're just so good
and gentle with him.


So thank you.

Good old boys in Blue won't be happy

when you put this on tru papers.

Just so you know, I got your back.

I appreciate it.

We feel you could make an
excellent candidate for state senator.

There will be a lot of scrutiny on you,

if you move forward.

[MAN ] you know if you
ever need anybody to talk to.


I'm here for you
the way you were here for me.


We're up to our necks in payday loans.

Got some pickup work from my boy, Theo.

[WOMAN ] Theo from prison.

And then I told them,

I... Needed some time to really
reflect on what it would all mean.

Stepping into the political
spotlight at such a level, it just...

Isn't something to be rushed.

Need to relax.

Or better yet, work out.

Because you are clearly
putting me to shame.

Oh, yeah?

Yeah, well, now I gotta
workout with these women.

These are some of the fiercest
players that I have ever seen.

And we're just in practices two
months before the first game.

- They're amazing.
- You're amazing.

Are you flirting with me, councilwoman?

I am.

Hmm, would you like to towel me off?

Oh, I would if I could.

Come on, do little spin.
Show off that physique.

You like that?

Slower.

[LAUGHS]

["NOVA" PLAYING]

♪ Dreams never die take
flight as the world turns ♪


♪ keep the colors in the line ♪

take flight as the world turns ♪

♪ keep the colors in the line ♪

♪ take flight ♪

♪ dreams never die ♪

♪ keep the colors in the line ♪

♪ keep the colors in
the line take flight ♪


[LAUGHS]

Y'all better leave me alone.

We've been in a pandemic.

[VIOLET AND CHARLEY LAUGHS]

Not all of us have a Hollywood at home,

who paints her toes after he sucks
on the little, freaky stuff y'all into.

- Just saying.
- [EVERYONE LAUGHS]

I'm so glad we could do this.

We need to make more
time for things like this...

For each other.

This whole at home spa day was...

Was actually Davis's idea.

In a way he's always telling me,

"Charley, you'll burn out
if you don't slow down."

[LAUGHS]

Okay.

So whenever I mentioned Davis's name,
you guys do that.

So... What?

You've mentioned Davis's name
about times since we've been here.

You're so sprung.

Like more than when
you first met him even.

I don't know. I just... I feel...

More free...

More myself than I was back then.

I was just, I was trying to
be perfect back in college

for him

and I make him perfect for everyone.

Now, I know who he is.

And, and he knows who I am.

And we like what we see.

Finally.

Sprung.

- Mmm-hmm.
- [VIOLET LAUGHS]

[NOVA] he's right though.

Audrey Lord said,

"taking care of myself is not
self-indulgence, it is self-preservation."

Mm.

[VIOLET] girl,
I don't know much about Audrey,

but I know, that's the truth.

[CHUCKLES]

[VIOLET LAUGHING]

[PHONE BEEPS]

I got to go.

Wait, what?

- What about what Audrey says?
- Sorry to cut this short but you stay.

Muah, and um...

No, no, no.

There's a, there's pasta in
the fridge and, um, and wine.

Okay. Love you.

Hmm.

[DOOR CLOSES]

I feel you staring at me.

Looking like Rihanna,
be looking on them yatchs.

Oh, I don't. Fairly certain I don't.

- [LAUGHS]
- that's why I'm starin'.

Okay.

This is so amazing.

Thank you for bringing me here.

You're welcome.

I'm sorry if you felt like
I doubted you before.

I was worried about you.

And...

I wanted to show up for you.

The way you've always shown up for me.

Always show up for me.

That's why you getting spoiled
this weekend.

Sit back, relax, enjoy it.

Rihanna and baby
would like something to drink.

- Oh, and a snack.
- Yes, ma'am.

Sure that's it?

Mmm-hmm.

All right, baby.

[BOTH LAUGHS]

Charley.

Good to see you.

Thank you for meeting me
on short notice.

Of course. Sounded important.

I figured I'd jump right in.
Time is of the essence.

Your Gayle king interview
made some big waves.

That was the intent to
take control of the narrative.

About me, my political goals,
my family life.

You did just that. We were impressed.

But I have to level with you, honestly,

we didn't anticipate
the reaction it got.

And it was the way people reacted

that brought us to this decision.

Charley.

We no longer want you to
run for Louisiana State Senate.

Well, I'm sorry to hear that.

I know I would have made
a great state senator.

And, yes, Gayle king was a risky move

but... Not only did I own
my story, I owned my power.

I always have.

I will never apologize for that.

You say you want
more progressive black women

running for office in the south,

but then you try to tamp us down

when we don't fit into whatever...
"little box"

- we designed for us, and I...
- Councilwoman Bordelon.

This meeting was to share that the
party would aggressively support you

running for united
states congress in .

That's why I brought you here.

[SERENE MUSIC PLAYING]

Hey, Liza, I just sent you the
new piece for my editor's column.

- Queue it up, please.
- [LIZA] got it.

I'm taking the rest of the weekend off.

- [LIZA] good for you girl.
- See you on Monday.

[LIZA] okay,
you have a good one, all right?


Hmm.

You bring magic in my life ♪

- [DOOR BANGS]
- [INDISTINCT CHATTER]

Don't make any sudden move.

Hands over your head.

Get out of bed.

My name is Nova Bordelon.

I am the owner of this house
and the only person who lives here.

I have no weapons,
what have you broken into my home?

We have a warrant to search
this property for narcotics.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

looks like a bunch of liberal
trash from this liberal trash.

Huh. Hey, wait!

[SIREN WAILING]

How long have you lived
at this residence?

You need to answer me.

How long have you lived here?

I've been here for months.

How can you afford
a home like this by yourself?

You taking money from the
movement like all your friends?

I work.

I have speaking engagements. My
book was on the times bestsellers list.

And our website gets over two
million unique impressions a month.

Professional sh*t stirrer.

Got it.

[LAUGHS]

I very much know that we've been
to like five of these screenings now,

but I...

Don't think I'll ever take
going to the movies for granted again.

Yo, I know what you mean.

It's like all the things that were
normal before are like amazing now.

[LAUGHS]

Why you laughing at me?

I'm not laughing, I'm just... Enjoying.

It really seems like you're
doing better these days.

Yeah.

- Get in there.
- Yeah.

You know?

You want to get some food or something?

I'm sorry bro, I'm...
Getting lunch with a friend.

A friend.

[LAUGHS] yeah, just a friend.

Or just seeing how it goes
for now, but...

Yeah, someone I'm... Sort a into,

- I guess.
- Okay.

What's their name?

Why?

So I could look them up
and make sure I approve.

Yeah, mister I date older
women wants to offer approval.

- Okay.
- Touché.

[WOMAN ] and nine...

And ...

...

...

Go daddy!

...

- Yeah.
- Yeah.

...

You got it right?

...

...

...

...

...

- Yeah.
- And ! No more,

no more, not on my watch.

No injuries. No, no.

Wooh!

Still got it!

[EVERYONE LAUGHS]

- I going to keep my eyes on you.
- Yeah.

Okay, well...

I'm headed out to run some errands,
you need anything?

No, I'm good. I'm good.

Just be careful.

Daddy, it's hard not to be careful.

The speed limit here is like five miles.

Give us country folks
some credit. At least .

[LAUGHS] you know what? You are right.

And I need to stop talking
about this place

like my kids don't always
tell me I'm country deep down.

Hey, daddy!

Why don't I grab
some supper on the way home,

and we can have a father-daughter day.

Hmm.

Yeah,
we can video chat with Linda and Joseph.

They've been asking about you.

This sounds good, sounds good.

Okay.

See you when you get back.

So. What now?

Say what, chief?

- A buzz cut.
- A buzz cut.

Yes.

[LAUGHS]

I don't know man.
Trying to look like a cop?

I just think I look cool.

If a buzz cut is what you want,

a buzz cut is what you gonna get.

Speaking of cops,
chief was in here early.

- For what?
- Looking for Ralph Angel.

Said he had a couple of
questions about a buddy of his.

I was coming back later to talk to you.

[PHONE VIBRATING]

Yeah, what's up, boy?

[HOLLYWOOD] what is it, bro?
You got a problem.

Your boy, Theo, got arrested.

Wait, what?

- What you mean he got arrested?
- [HOLLYWOOD] ah-ha!

Chief came by at the barber shop.

Talked to the owner,
all the barbers and customers.


Asking about your boy and you.

Are you still there?

Yeah.

Take it, man.

I want to get it covered for you.

But if the cops come
back sniffing around,

I'm not gonna lie for Theo.

Now, especially because he got
me and my business up in this mess.

Now you owe that one with me.

[RALPH ANGEL] I don't know what to say.

[HOLLYWOOD] why would he even...

Why would he even say
that he was in here with you?

[RALPH ANGEL] I don't know.

Did some work for him recently, but...

I don't know.

What kind of work did you do?

This is not going to blow
back on you now, is it?

I'll handle it when I get back.

I appreciate the heads up.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[CAR DOOR CLOSES]

[CHUCKLES]

[EVERYONE LAUGHS]

What do you think?

Mr. Hollywood said I look fresh.

Well, I totally agree.

Now, if you go on upstairs
and get yourself washed up

I get some of that pie queen for us.

- Okay.
- Mmm-hmm.

Go on.

- Say thank you.
- Thank you.

To him.

[LAUGHING]

Thanks for making me look fresh.

That's all you, bro.

We are so grateful to you,
Mr. Hollywood.

I know you're a busy man
and there you are...

Other the places you could be.

Look, it ain't a thing, all right?

Boy's becoming a celebrity
in the barbershop.

- Is that right?
- Uh-huh.

So should I start calling him
Hollywood junior?

[LAUGHS] no, no, no.

Gabe is mighty fine enough.

He used to cry every day
for his daddy when he first left.

I barely even mentioned him.

You just don't know what
it's like having you around.

So wonderful that my baby has a good man

like you in his life.

I wish I did too.

Well, look here,
that's a good kid up there,

all right, and you tell him
I'll see him soon, all right?

All right.

No.

No.

Hell no, I didn't come up
here for all that.

And you know what, you do have...

Somebody who's good to you in your life.

Vi.

- I'm sorry I...
- No, you are out of line.

After everything that
woman's done for you.

This is how you repay her?

[CRIES]

No. Are you okay?

Dominic, there's nothing you can do.

- You live in this residence?
- I'm her neighbor.

Then this doesn't concern you.

Anything you do to her, anyone on this
block concerns me,

this is my community.

Where's my phone? I want to document it.

- No, no.
- You can't stop me from recording.

Hey. No, no, no.

Look at me. Focus on me.

Don't give them that power, Nova.

We're okay.

We're okay.

We're okay.

sh*t.

Hey, nothing to see here,
just routine search.

Sit up.

[SIREN WAILING]

[CAR HONKING]

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

Vi?

[VIOLET] I will be out in
a sec, just fixing my hair.

Do me a favor. Grab prosperous pies.

Okay, I'm ready.

What's wrong?

Vi, I've got something to tell you.

What is it, Hollywood?
You are making me nervous.

I don't know, a good way to say it.

Celine tried to kiss me.

She did what?

Baby, the woman has issues.

After all I've done for her,
this is how...

How does someone
do that to somebody else?

- How could she...
- That's what I said.

How did she get close
enough to you to try?

Whoa.

Vi, she leaned in and found herself

in a place where
she wasn't wanted or invited.

Baby, baby, baby.

I only got a sweet tooth
for one kind of dessert.

And that's you.

Period.

- I know.
- Yeah.

Let's go to prosperous.

But, we're gonna make a stop first.

[SERENE MUSIC PLAYING]

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

[CHUCKLES]

What's so funny?

I was just about to call you.

What are you up to?

Where are you?

New Orleans.

I had to come into the city
for a meeting

with some party reps
that are, that are in town.

Everything okay?

Yeah. Yeah. All good.

I don't want to bore you
with the details.


I'm sitting in the park that I asked
you to meet me at

a few months ago.

Remember?

Hmm. You know I do.

I love it here.

Makes me feel close to you.

I miss you so much.

I miss you too.

Will you have some time to...
Come for a visit?

Before you get
really started over there.

Yeah, I don't think so.
I got a lot to prep, but...


Maybe you can come for a visit.

Maybe.

Oh, as much as I love St. Jo,
there is nothing like...

- The sun.
- The restaurants.

Hiking trails in Kenneth Hahn park.

Drives up the Malibu coast.

Yeah, I feel sorry
for saying this but...

You know, coaching job in daily life...

It just doesn't mean as much
if it keeps us apart.

It takes a lot to make
Charley Bordelon speechless.


Oh, yeah, I just need to think about...

How to make it all happen.

It's not all on you.
Okay, I'm thinking too.


We'll... Figure it out.

You're not carrying anything
between us alone.


You hear me?

[LAUGHS]

No, nah, nah, nah.

God must have a soft spot for ugly

'cause look at Micah, I'm just saying.

I'm just putting it out there.

See, if you ain't talk so much smack,

I might've let you win.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

- What's up, man? How did it go?
- What's up.

It was great.

- Yeah.
- [ISAIAH] yeah.

Is, you want to take my spot?

I'm tired of hearing this man mouth.

You can't handle the heat
you know Isaiah soft ass can.

- [LAUGHS]
- hold on, I'm definitely in.

I got four and a possible.

- Me too. Let's bet eight.
- Uh-huh.

Yeah, yeah, I'MMA say eight too.

- Somebody is lying but okay.
- Somebody is lying.

Look at the partners
putting out matching cards.

I'm trying not to cut my partner.
That's how you play spades.

You'd know that

if you actually know how to win, bro.

You guys do make great partners.

Just don't go all brokeback
mountain
after the game.

Seriously?
What the hell is your problem?

I mean, if you're worried about your own
business, kirk,

you'd actually have some...

That's why we just took your queen.

Another woman.

- Begging to be rid of your ass.
- [LAUGHS]

I saw a water bug running
away from kirk, the other day?

I knew it must have been a girl
bug 'cause all the women on campus

be running when they see
this dude coming.

[LAUGHS]

Even his hairline
is running away from his face.

He don't got nothin' to say.

Right.

Nobody's there.

They're gone.

What was that mean?

It means that
she and Gabriel just took off.

It's no good, Hollywood.

She doesn't have much money.

She can't use her credit cards

'cause
her husband will know where she is.

I think she went back down.

Lord. Well,
I can't even think about that right now.

Damn it.

Well.

I guess I'll just try
and call her later.

Let's get to prosperous.

Why can't folks just act right?

[INDISTINCT CHATTER OVER PA]

lieutenant.

Looks like we found something.

You're coming with us.

I'm sure you realize that
marijuana is illegal substances

- in state of Louisiana.
- I have a card for medicinal use.

You can make this harder on
yourself or easier, you decide.

Fine.

Hey.

I'll watch the house,
make sure they don't pull nothing up.

Then I'll meet you at the station.

- Is there someone else I could call?
- Get in the car.

Someone from your family?

Anyone?

I got you. I got you. I got you.

[SIREN WAILING]

[INDISTINCT CHATTER OVER TELEVISION]

When those egg rolls get here,
you're gonna have a problem.

Don't judge me.

But, I think that I will
be having dessert first.

This pie is calling my name.

You want a slice too?

You okay?


I'm all good.

Ralph Angel, I know you.

I lied to you.

Supposed to be the best
harvest we've ever seen.

Them loans out just so we had
everything I needed.

Everything we needed.

But it makes sense when
that cane came in, but...

It's no good.

They offered me a job.

Said, I just had to drive the car.

I said no.

The soil came back poisoned
and bones on the land.

Ain't viable.

So I drove the car.

They all just got arrested.

I don't know what they know.

About me.

I just need a space to breathe.

Space for us to breathe.

[SIGHS]

look, I know I messed up.

[SCOFFS]

But please, just tell me you understand.

How... Many times...

Did I beg you?

- I know.
- To tell me the truth,

- baby, I know.
- To be honest with me.

I know.

And you choose to lie.

You lied.

So much.

That you made me feel wrong.

Like...

Like, I was wrong to worry.

[KNOCKING ON DOOR]

[MAN] food delivery.

[SIGHS]

Is this what it's gonna be like?

Constant fear.

Looking over our shoulders.

I'll get the door.

One almond milk latte.

- Hey.
- Muah.

Thank you.

So sweet to treat your mama.

[LAUGHS]

It's the least I could do,
you raise me and all.

I did do that.

So, what's up?

Not that I mind a surprise
weekend visit.

I promised not to make it a habit.

I, I was in town for meeting. And I...

Wanted to talk
something over with you first.

Micah, the party has asked me
to run for congress.

What?

- My mom on the squad.
- [LAUGHS]

hanging with aoc and the crew, okay.

- I haven't made a decision.
- Okay.

Might mean,
stepping into a hot spotlight again.

For all of us.

Okay.

I can handle that.

Thank you for that.

You are... Extraordinary, you know that?

But there is more, I am,
I might have to go back to Los Angeles.

To run in California.

Okay.

Okay, well where do you
stand on all of this?

Does dad play into this at all or...

Honestly, I...
I've spent so much of my life.

Choosing between one or the other.

Love or ambition.

Even when I didn't realize it,
I still had to choose.

I'm not sure how
I feel about that anymore.

Is there anything I can do?

No.

Not yet.

I just wanted to...
Let you in on where it was.

- No surprises, you know.
- No surprises.

How are you feeling?

Much better.

Much better, I feel like the
fog is finally starting to clear.

I'm so relieved.

Now, I'm... you know I'm
never too busy for you.

- You can always call me.
- No.

But I got people
taking care of me here too.

- You do?
- Yeah.

Like who?

My friend Isaiah.

Is he the one that
you mentioned earlier?

Yeah. He's becoming
one of my best friends.

Hmm.

- You know what I learned about college?
- What?

People don't actually listen.

No, they just wait until it's their
turn to speak

and try to sound smart.

But Isaiah actually listens.

Yeah, something I admire about him.

Well, you should invite him
over for dinner sometime.

- Yeah?
- Yeah.

- He would actually love that.
- Hmm.

Some of the guys...

Were talking about us,
'cause you know, we're close

- and... Isaiah might be gay.
- Oh, he's gay.

q*eer. I actually don't know.

You don't talk about it.

Hasn't come up.

Well, what do you talk about?

Everything.

Art, culture, politics,

space travel, meditation, sports,

just stupid stuff, serious stuff,
anything and everything.

Micah, you know
there's nothing wrong with it.

I mean, I love you.

And I support you no matter what.

Yeah, I know, I know,
but that's not what I'm saying.

It's just, it's bold and like

just because we're guys
we can't be close?

Who made that rule?

It shouldn't matter if he's
q*eer or if I'm q*eer, you know.

We all need our people,
and he's one of mine.

It's my brother.

Micah, haters come in all forms.

It isn't always that
you got the job they wanted.

The fancy house or the
girlfriend or the boyfriend.

Some people, they...

Just can't take you in,

because your spirit is free

and they wonder, "who are you
to be truly free when they aren't."

Definitely experiencing
some of that here.

As we get older,
it gets harder to find real love,

real friendship, so...

When you do, hold on to those people.

And just tell the haters
kindly kiss your ass.

[BOTH LAUGHING]

You know, I'm loving this.

[LAUGHS]

Just like those daddy-daughter-dates
we used to have when you were little.

- Me too.
- [LAUGHS]

you know, I'm really shocked
about this Italian,

'cause it's almost as good as
anything I've had in Chicago.

Yeah, well, ain't soul food
is hitting the spot.

Dad, you already had two slices.

Why'd you buy it if you
didn't want me to eat it?

All right, good point.

But just don't fill up on it.

'Cause we still have
tiramisu for dessert.

Oh.

- Since we're treating ourselves.
- Mmm-hmm.

I know what we need.

- What's that?
- Some wine.

Wine?

Daddy. [LAUGHS]

- Oh!
- [VIOLET] hey, hey, hey.

Hey, hey.

I forgot I told
Vi and Hollywood to stop by.

- [VIOLET] okay?
- [PROSPER] yeah.

Come on in.

- Hi, Violet.
- Hey, Billie.

- [BILLIE] Hollywood.
- Hey, Billie.

You bring the pie?

[LAUGHS]

Prosper denton,
have I ever come without your pie?

[PROSPER LAUGHS]

[HOLLYWOOD] looking good.

Looking better every day, oh...

- We disturbing something over here?
- No, no, no.

That's all right,
we're just finishing up.

Why don't you guys stay
and maybe we'll have dessert.

- Pie for dessert?
- No, I think we're gonna head on back.

No, that sounds good.

You know what?
I'm fine, y'all go ahead, have some pie.

Something wrong with my pie, Billie?

Of course not, Violet.
I didn't mean anything by it.

Sounds like you did.

Well, it's just that

daddy and I were finally spending
some quality time together.

But y'all go ahead and have your pie.

Come on, Billie.

We're all family here.

- She's not my family.
- She's not my family, daddy.

I think we are about to head out.

I'm not going anywhere. I have
had it up to here with your disrespect.

Why can't you respect my
relationship with my father, Violet?

[VIOLET] that's rich.

You didn't respect my marriage.

[HOLLYWOOD] vi!

Let you know,
I'm not going out with me and Billie.

- Not you.
- For over years.

I have let you paint yourself
as the only victim here, Violet.

But Jimmy Dale hurt me too.

A grown ass man
tried to force himself on me.

And when I fought back
his ego was so wounded.

That he spread vicious rumors about me.

I was a child.

I didn't deserve that.

What I deserved, was for the
adults in my life to believe me.

And to protect me.

And not hurt me more
by perpetuating his lies.

I understand that you thought that
you were being cheated on, Violet,

but did you ever stop to think and
ask me, if what you heard was true?

Billie, Billie.

Vi.

- Prosper, we'll...
- Yeah.

You doing okay?

[SCOFFS]

I will be, soon as he gives me another.

You know I hate whiskey.

But it's daddy's favorite. So...

For years, I tried to get into it.

Just taste like struggle to me.

Gets you real wasted though.

He asked me to find you.

He's worried about you.

I wish believe that.

You know what happens when,

you let... Hurt...

And shame run you out of your home.

People never get to see...

How hard you fought to survive.

To become the woman that you are now.

So then you know too?

I know what it's like.

To feel shame over past secrets.

Tried to... Drown them in the same way,

but... Eventually...

They all just come back to the surface.

Violet.

She brought it to the surface.

And she is wrong for that.

She's just too wrapped up
in her own pain.

That's her journey.

Deep down,

you know, you are going to have
to deal with all of this someday.

Or else you wouldn't have come back.

Surviving...

Isn't just about moving past the pain.

It's how you harness it.

What you make from it.

And from what I can tell
you have made...

A great life in Chicago.

Raising two beautiful children.

- I did my best.
- And you succeeded.

You are a strong woman.

You're a fierce woman.

You're a good mother.

And you are a good daughter.

You're a survivor.

There's no shame on that.

God.

Cover me.

Bring me resilience.

Strength.

Give me clarity, god.

Cover me.

[DOOR OPENS]

You finally ready to talk?

I am ready to go home.

I've been here for about four hours.

Because you've come in here about every
minutes

and this is the eighth time.

That's interrogation tactics .

But every hour
you detain me here unlawfully,

it's going to cost the city of new
Orleans thousands of taxpayer dollars

when I sue your asses.

The quarter ounce of weed
you found is a misdemeanor,

for which normally
I would have been ticketed,

and made to pay a fine based
on Louisiana state laws

and local New Orleans ordinances.

But as I stated before,

I have a medical use card
and I'm sure you know that.

Because I keep it in the same place

where I keep the marijuana you found.

So really, this is nothing
more than the state abusing

its power and punishing me for my voice,

but I've grown tired of this harassment.

So yes.

I am ready to go home.

Release me.

Now!

Thank you.

You've been here all this time.

I told you, I'd be here.

[MUSIC PLAYING]
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