04x05 - Can It All Be So Simple

[bunniefuu]

- [DISTANT DOG BARKING]
- GRACE: So, wait.

Coach Hudson refuses to release Spencer

from his commitment to Toledo State?

- SPENCER: Can he do that?
- BILLY: Yeah, he can.

Either you attend Toledo State,

or you'll be forced to sit
out your entire freshman year.

LAURA: Which I'm gonna fight.

First, I'm gonna push
to get you released,

then I'm gonna order
a transfer exception.

That way, you can play this fall,

no matter what school you choose.

Thank you, but what am I
supposed to do till then?

- GRACE: Be patient.
- LAURA: Absolutely.

These cases can take a little more
time than they probably should.

Look, no disrespect, Mrs. Baker,

but time's the one thing I don't have,

not if I want to find a new school,

and most of the top programs
are done offering scholarships.

BILLY: I'm already
ahead of you, all right?

Some of the best coaches
in the nation are in town

for their annual convention.

I'm gonna try to get a couple
of them to see you at school.

GRACE: That could be a good way
for you to spark new interest.

I need more than interest,
Ma. I need an offer.

Ain't nobody doing that with
this penalty hanging over my head.

[ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYING]

PATIENCE: ♪ Yeah, yeah ♪

♪ In this crazy world,
you got to be strong ♪

♪ And the journey might be
long to do that me work ♪

♪ I had to trust me first,
trust in the moment ♪

♪ Trust in the future,
trust in my people ♪

♪ But I trust in me first ♪

♪ Trust goes a long way ♪

♪ When you have a long day ♪

♪ Know you can trust ♪

♪ You can trust in me always ♪

♪ And if you feel it, say
na-na-na, na-na-na-na ♪

♪ Na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na ♪

♪ Na-na-na, na-na-na-na ♪

♪ Na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na ♪

[MUSIC STOPS, CELL PHONE VIBRATES]

- PATIENCE: Yeah? Yeah?
- LAYLA: Yes.

PATIENCE: OK, I'm gonna
come in. I'm gonna come in.

[DOOR OPENS]

Was that a "yes" yes or, like, a "yeah"?

All the yesses. You are
perfect. The song is perfect.

Oh, God. I can't wait
until this album drops

'cause it's gonna be
crazy next month. Heh!

Well, what if it dropped sooner?

The promoter for Coop's tour
has been blowing up my phone,

I need an artist to fill her slot.

You'd be the perfect replacement.

I'm sorry. You want me to... you
want me to headline the... a tour?

- Mm-hmm.
- Am I even ready for that?

People have been buzzing about
your sets from Lil Jewel's tour,

and you've built a hell of a
brand for yourself the past year.

Trust me, Patience.
You would crush this.

Mmm, yeah.

Something wrong?

Uh, I don't know.

I just feel weird,

like, replacing Coop, you know?

Come on, Layla.

Don't act like this isn't complicated.

I just want to make sure
that she's cool with it.

Look, I get you wanting to
keep the peace at home, but...

I'm running a business,

and opportunities like this
don't come around every day.

I need to know that you
want this like you used to,

and if not, I will find someone else.

Got to meet Kim Nitty
at her publicity sh**t,

but you've got
hours to get back to me.

[DOOR OPENS]

NURSE JOY: Thank you.

- WOMAN: Olivia.
- OLIVIA: Sara. Hey.

I just wanted to say thanks.

You know, your share last week
about regaining your family's trust?

- It was... it was really great.
- OLIVIA: Oh.

- Um, thank you.
- SARA: Heh! Um, I know

I'm probably, like,
such a nerd for this, but

there was something you said,
and it stuck with me all week.

- Um, I actually wrote it down.
- [CHUCKLES] OK.

"Earning your family's trust

is gonna take some time, and that's OK.

Everything will be on their terms,

but in the meantime, be sincere,

be patient, but most importantly,

always remember to think
of yourself as a survivor

and not a victim."

Because of you, I was able
to reconnect with my parents.

Wow. That's incredible, Sara,

and, I mean, thanks for the credit,

but you're the one who
actually did the work.

[CHUCKLES]

[DISTANT, OVERLAPPING CHATTER]

[SETS DOWN MUG]

- Are you OK?
- Mm-hmm. Yeah.

I mean, I was having a
little, proud mama-bear moment.

Mm-hmm.

- Are you crying?
- Girl, please.

- I do not have tears. Respect my gangsta.
- OLIVIA: OK.

But you know what? Watching
you over there with Sara,

it was beautiful.

You know, we have a couple
of new members tonight,

so you could share your
story if you wanted.

OK. Um,

but I don't want to take away
from somebody else's time.

You won't. Folks clearly
love what you have to say.

- [OLIVIA SIGHS]
- NURSE JOY: And who knows?

Maybe you'll even cure my tear ducts.

Oh, well, in that case...

[SCHOOL BELL RINGS]

BILLY: Hey, just the
cat I'm looking for.

- Hey, you got to see this, Coach.
- See what?

Toledo State just dropped the news

about me decommitting on their website.

You got to see these
comments, man. They're crazy.

You can't get caught up in that mess.

- But listen...
- Look, I can't help it.

These people are saying
that I ain't loyal.

One dude said that if I can't
commit to a program that's building

their entire offense around me,
then can I be trusted at any school?

And another one wrote that I ain't
nothin' more than poisoned goods.

- "Poisoned goods"? Is that true?
- No.

Look, this is just Hudson's
way of trying to get schools

to lose interest while
he blocks your release.

Which proves my original point...

ain't no coach in their right
mind's gonna make me an offer now.

Look, give... give me
that phone. Look at me.

You just got to have faith, all right?

Now, I got a plan.

Fellas, fellas, fellas.

Long time, no see.

Dad, I saw you this morning.
We shared a cream puff?

FRAUSTO: Yeah, and you're
my sixth-period teacher?

- CHRIS: Me, too.
- SPENCER: I been with you all day.

We damn near Siamese
twins at this point.

- [PLAYERS CHUCKLE]
- JJ: Look, I miss you, Coach.

BILLY: Ha ha! My man.
I miss you, too, JJ.

See, that's the man that
knows this is his last chance

to ball out with his boys.

- SPENCER: Ball out? What are you talking about?
- BILLY: Well,

I have decided to throw y'all a combine,

- right here.
- JJ: Whoa, whoa, hold up.

A real combine, with college coaches?

BILLY: Yes, sir, some of
the best in the country.

Look, I know that a lot of y'all
haven't gotten the attention

from some of the colleges
that you may have wanted,

and that doesn't sit right with me,

so I decided to do something about it.

CHRIS: Wow. That is
dope, Coach. Thank you.

You all deserve it. Now, look,
I'm not promising anything,

but I know if you all handle
business the way I know you will,

who knows what'll happen?

JORDAN: Spence, what are
you cheesin' so hard for?

I mean, you heard the
man. He said no promises.

I'm just happy to get to share the field

one last time with my brothers.

That's the kind of
attitude I like right there.

SPENCER: And there ain't
no better place to do it

- than the Billy Baker field.
- [ALL LAUGH]

JORDAN: You can't fill
up his head like that.

SPENCER: The home of
the real state champs.

- The real ones!
- [PLAYERS CLAMOR]

BILLY: I didn't say it.

[PLAYERS ALL TALKING AT ONCE]

I think, at the combine,
you should definitely

- throw some seam routes, for sure.
- JORDAN: Mmm.

Yeah, I know. I was thinking
the same thing. Seams,

maybe a few crossing routes,
definitely a couple bombs over the top.

Yeah, I mean, dude, your accuracy

- at anything above yards is insane.
- JJ: Yo, ho!

My bros Jordan and Ash are here.

Hey, say, what's up, boys?

- JORDAN: Um...
- JJ: Ha!

- JORDAN: Hello.
- ASHER: Hi.

Ha! What is all this, JJ?

I am documenting the last
days of our senior season.

Why? 'Cause my life

is a movie, huh?

So just call me B.O.

That's short for "Box Office," baby.

Ha ha ha! Man, I can't wait for my
fans to see me throw at the combine.

You're playing quarterback?

Oh, don't worry, bro.

There'll be more than
enough balls to go around.

- ASHER: You sure QB's the right move?
- JJ: Oh, %.

Dude, you... you played,
like, games at that position.

And yes, you played a huge
part in getting us to State,

but, no disrespect, I'm not sure
that's the right choice for you, man.

Well, it sure sounds
disrespectful to me.

- He's just being honest.
- You... dude,

you've been playing
linebacker your whole life.

You would k*ll that
position in your sleep.

Quarterback has always been my dream,

and now it's time for me
to live out that dream.

I thought that playing Division-I
football was your dream.

Yeah, and some elite college
coaches are gonna be at that combine,

so if you want to lock
down a scholarship,

you need to be at the
top of your game, dude.

And I will be...

As a quarterback, huh?

[LAUGHING]

JJ: See you, guys.

MALE SINGER: ♪ I got the rabbit
in my trunk ♪

♪ It got the bang, got
the bang, full pedal ♪

♪ To the metal, switchin'
names, switchin' names ♪

♪ Since I'm running from
my devils, run away... ♪

Spencer?

Oh, wow.

Kenny Boone.

I coached with Corey
over at Eastern Nevada.

We met at his funeral.

Coach Boone.

- Yeah.
- Coach Boone. What's up?

- It's good to see you again.
- KENNY: You, too, man.

I was on this side of
town. I had a meeting,

and I heard a lot about this place,

so I said, "let me come check it out.

- This the spot right here.
- Yeah.

Spencer James sandwich. Heh!

It wouldn't be weird if I order
this in front of the man, the myth,

- the legend himself?
- Oh, man, you too kind.

- I'm cool with just being a legend.
- Heh! Boy got jokes,

just like your pops, man.

So what's up, bro? How are you?

I'm good. Yeah, I'm good.

Yeah?

- I'm hangin' in there.
- Yeah.

Look, don't let what's going
on with Toledo State faze you.

You had a hell of a season this year.

Your pops would be proud of you.

He always said you was different.

But we should link up,
maybe grab a coffee.

I'll tell you some crazy stories
about your dad's coaching days.

[CHUCKLES] Why not now?

I mean, the coffee here is pretty solid.

I don't know how it's gonna
go with that sandwich, though.

- Ha ha ha!
- We could try it.

- Yeah, let's do it.
- OK, cool.

OLIVIA: My gateway were pills.

They were the perfect companion...

simple to take,

easily accessible,

and they were always a good time.

They made me feel fun

and happy,

but they never made me feel seen,

which was...

Kinda the point. [SCOFFS]

[GIRL GIGGLES SOFTLY]

Eventually, the pills

gave way to alcohol,

and that almost...

Cost me everything.

And at every turn, I kept
telling myself, you know,

"this time is different. I
totally have this under control."

[TEXTING]

But I didn't...

because none of us do.

- [TEXTING STOPS]
- And no matter how hard I tried,

I kept finding a way to put my
fix before the people that I love.

[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES]

- SARA: Good night.
- NURSE JOY: Good night.

OLIVIA: So that girl
who stormed out earlier,

what's her deal? 'Cause that was extra.

That's Jenn being Jenn.

She's , full of hormones.

Now, she only acted
out because her parents

got a court order to place her here.

- Well, does she always leave like that?
- No.

Something you said
clearly triggered her,

and I can't wait to hear
what you tell her next.

Me?

Well, why me? What about you?

OK, listen, I know
that beige does not age,

but I am several years removed
from what that little girl needs,

and trust me, I have tried...

But she needs somebody like you.

Aha, someone closer in age and attitude.

So that's why you had me share.

- It's time.
- Time for what?

Your story clearly has an impact,

and we both know you
have a server's heart.

That's a win-win.

Wait. I'm sorry. You want me to sponsor?

I... I've only been here
for, like, a few months.

I'm still finding my way here.

We're all still finding our way.

Listen, you have been blessed
to take a lot from this program.

When's the time to start giving back?

OK, fair,

but, I mean, there's no way I
can handle someone like Jenn.

Why, because she's basically a mini-you?

OK, look, I understand
if you're not ready.

All I ask is that you keep
an open mind when you are.

[WHISTLE BLOWS]

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

BILLY: Knees up, knees up.

There we go.

- You good?
- Never better.

BILLY: OK. So you ain't worried
about what Hudson may be saying

- to some of these other coaches?
- SPENCER: Nope,

- just trying to focus.
- BILLY: Focus, yes.

Yeah, you're focused on the
words coming out of his mouth.

That's what you're focusing on, right?

[CHUCKLING] It's all good.

Hold up. Is that Coach Boone?

BILLY: It is, it is.
He left Eastern Nevada.

Now he's the receivers
coach for Golden Angeles.

- Wait. What?
- Yeah.

SPENCER: He ain't say none of
that when we hung out last night.

- BILLY: Y'all hung out?
- Ran into him at Slauson.

He was telling me all
these stories about my pops.

How come he didn't tell
me he was here recruiting?

BILLY: You ain't got to
worry about any of that.

Don't worry about none of what
them coaches are saying, all right?

I just want you to focus on balling out.

- Yes, sir.
- All right. That goes for the rest of y'all!

Look at where we are.

It is a beautiful day for football.

Enjoy the moment, enjoy the
process, but most importantly,

enjoy the hell out of
each other. Come on, y'all.

All right.

Play!

MALE SINGER: ♪ Show me what
you got, show me what you got ♪

♪ In my own lane, on
my way up to the top ♪

♪ Let me show you what I
got, coming for your spot ♪

♪ Got it on lockdown,
show me what you got ♪

♪ Listen, welcome to my world ♪

♪ Let me trick you on games ♪

♪ I am not concerned with
the fortune or the fame ♪

♪ A lot of people talk
but we are not the same ♪

♪ Seen a lot of things change,
getting closer every day ♪

♪ I've been making moves,
tell me what you gonna do ♪

♪ Got a lot to prove,
but I will never lose ♪

- ♪ Show me what you got ♪
- [STOPWATCH BEEPS]

BILLY: OK.

Hey, what are we thinking?

Your guys are out here grinding.

Spencer James is somethin' else.

- He's a nice size, hell of an athlete.
- Yeah.

He's a beast in the classroom, too.

. GPA.

But can I trust him?

Rumor has it Toledo State was
building their offense around Spencer.

- BILLY: Right.
- A freshman at that, and he still backed out?

- Hmm.
- Where's the loyalty?

Well, loyalty has never been
an issue with Spencer James.

If anything, he's too loyal.

That's, uh, yet another thing
that just adds to his greatness.

- Thanks for coming out, though.
- MAN: Yeah.

COOP: So you do know Spencer's
combine is outside, right?

Yeah. I just wanted to see
where you had that rap battle

with the dude you cooped last
year. Wasn't it in this hallway?

Well, how do you know about that?

My dad showed me. That
one, "off the dome,"

against big homie Deuce,
your music videos, too.

Speaking of your pops, how
was your trip to the bay?

Cool.

You know if it ever
becomes too much to talk

to your pops, you can
always talk to me, right?

About anything.

PATIENCE: Hey, there you
are. I found you. Hey. [KISS]

Hey, Amina.

AMINA: Hi. I'll be outside.

Uh, Amina, hold up.

I don't want to miss the football stuff.

Oh, my God. I'm so sorry.

- I clearly messed up that timing.
- [COOP SIGHS]

- You good?
- No.

A couple of weeks ago,
I found some articles

about Mo's m*rder on Amina's laptop.

- Is she asking questions?
- Preach took her on a road trip

to get her mind off of
it, which I think worked,

but I don't know. I still feel
like she's holding something back.

But whatever, whatever. What's up?

How are you? How's the album?

Uh, it's... it's,
yeah, it's pretty good.

- It's good.
- OLIVIA: Uh, "good"?

Please. That album is amazing.

- Layla plays it in her room, like, every night.
- Liv.

- Fans are gonna love it on tour.
- Liv, stop.

What?

Wait. What... what tour?

- OLIVIA: Oh, crap. That's my bad.
- PATIENCE: No, it's all good.

Um, I was actually
gonna come and tell you.

It's just, like, something that
Layla's putting together for me,

and, uh, yeah, so it's
not official, though, so...

[OLIVIA INHALES SHARPLY]
Well, I should go.

Ahem. Uh, the bathroom is...

- Uh, oh, it's this way. I'll show you.
- Yeah.

PATIENCE: I'mma... I'll
see you outside, babe, OK?

JJ: Ha ha!

Hey, let's go, boys.

It's officially time for
"Box Office" to go off!

- MALE SINGER: ♪ Yo ♪
- JJ: Hey, you know what it is, man.

SINGER: ♪ I only got one question ♪

♪ So is that all you got? ♪

- ♪ You go bigger, stronger ♪
- JJ: Yes, sir!

SINGER: ♪ You push harder ♪

♪ Is that all you got? ♪

JJ: All day, right here.

SINGER: ♪ Is that all you got? ♪
[ECHOES]

♪ Is that all you got? ♪

JJ: Yo, cut the camera, dude! I'm done.

ASHER: I... I got this, Coach. Hey, JJ.

Look, this might be hard
for you to hear right now,

but you need to flush
what just happened.

- JJ: Yeah, not now, Ash.
- Yes, now!

Listen, there is still time
for you to turn this around.

The linebacker drills
haven't started yet.

JJ, make the switch.

Show these coaches how
elite you really are.

"Coaches"? Ash,

look around, man. They're all gone.

Everybody loves a comeback.

All you need is one offer, JJ.

Just make one of them return.

You're right.

All I need is one.

That's right.

- Go, JJ!
- Oh, geez. Me and my big mouth.

Girl, don't even worry about it
because that was % my fault,

and I just... I should
have told Coop sooner.

But you are going on tour, right?

I don't know.

Like, I get that it's the
right next step, but, um...

I don't know. It's just complicated.

I hear you.

Nurse Joy wants me to take the
next step and become a sponsor.

Wait. Aren't you one already?

No. Why... why?

Oh, I don't know. I just feel like
something you would be good at.

Uh, I mean, yeah, maybe,

but I mean, honestly,
I mean, with school,

my podcast, prep work for
that summer internship,

I don't think I have
time to sponsor anyone.

JENN: Yeah, I'm at my cousin's combine,

I don't know for how
much longer, though,

- 'cause he sucks today.
- Jenn?

- [WHISTLE BLOWS]
- JORDAN: What's best is me throwing the rock.

I think what's best is for
me to throw... look, Spence,

so we got a little situation, OK, so,

aside from the few passes
you caught from Darnell,

we are the only two high
school quarterbacks you know.

- Facts.
- So who's throwing today?

[WHISTLE BLOWS]

MALE SINGER: ♪ Bring 'em out,
you know what it's about ♪

♪ Dirty shoes on your carpet,
jumpin' on the couch ♪

♪ Runnin' your mouth,
better run your jewels ♪

♪ Know the rules, I'm
a money-shaking fool ♪

♪ Think we crashin'?
We laughin', clappin' ♪

♪ But it ain't applause we blastin' ♪

♪ Showing yourself an
"a" with an anthem ♪

♪ Stadium stand up, like I said,
can put your hands up ♪

- ♪ Standing ovation ♪
- COACH: Oh!

SINGER: ♪ I'm off probation,
let's pump it up ♪

♪ Not givin' a what,
slurpin', spillin' ♪

♪ Syrup on my cup, playboy,
you know what's up ♪

- ♪ Mackin' chicks that like it ♪
- [CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]

Run that back! Same, exact play!

SINGER: ♪ Mix it up, yup ♪

♪ Toss it up, yup, here
we go, toss it up, yo ♪

[PLAYERS CHEERING]

[WHISTLING AND APPLAUSE]

Heh heh!

- End of an era, my boy.
- That's it.

Heh!

SINGER: ♪ Whoa, oh ♪

JENN: Wait. So Spencer
James is your boyfriend?

OLIVIA: Heh! Yup. And, uh, the doofus

who's throwing the ball
to him is my brother.

- Jordan Baker? Heh!
- Mm-hmm.

That championship game was everything.

I mean, between the brawl,

and then Spencer, who was balling,

having to leave early, then Jordan threw

the game-winning touchdown? Heh!

But if we're being honest,
South Crenshaw won that game.

I mean, Chris Jackson broke
the plane of the end zone.

OK, with the play-by-play.

Football's my second love.

My cousin Troy plays for South
Crenshaw. That's why I'm here.

[DISTANT PLAYERS SHOUTING]

Dare I ask what your first love is,

or do I not want to know?

It's not dr*gs, Miss Judgey.

Ballet is life,

not that it's any of your business.

Ballet?

Yeah, I mean, the first time
I saw Misty Copeland, I was...

Obsessed.

Me, too.

You do ballet?

Well, not anymore, but
I... I still love dance.

- Hey. Heh!
- [CHUCKLES]

So was it amphetamines
that landed you in N.A.?

Yeah, sadly, um,

I know a few dancers who
use them to stay focused.

Yeah. My parents
caught me sniffing them,

so they got a court order
and had me placed in rehab.

[SCOFFS] So dramatic.

Hey, at least your
parents care about you.

But they were prescribed. It's nothing.

All my friends are doing it,
but in my parents' eyes...

You were putting your fix
before the people you love.

That's why you left the meeting.

My share hit a little too close to home.

Yeah. My bad about that.

I swear, I don't have a problem.

If you don't believe me, maybe...

You could be my sponsor?

You're young, you're chill.

You'd be the perfect partner
to help sign my court order.

- Um...
- [SCOFFS]

Or not. Sorry for asking.

No. J-Jenn, wait.

- Go, JJ!
- [OVERLAPPING CHATTER]

JJ, THINKING: All I need
is one. All I need is one.

- [WHISTLE BLOWS]
- SINGER: ♪ Now this is my time ♪

- ♪ Now this is my time... ♪
- [JJ GRUNTS]

- ASHER: Let's go!
- JJ: Let's go, already! Whoa!

SINGER: ♪ Now this is my time ♪

Gentlemen, gentlemen.

♪ Now this is my time ♪

♪ Now this is my time and
I'm gonna make it mine ♪

Oh, this is big, baby!

- BOY: Yes, yes.
- JJ: Hey, Box Office is back, baby!

- Come on! Come on!
- SINGER: ♪ I'm in it to win, I didn't even pretend ♪

♪ This is my time ♪

Oh, you know, boys, I am cooked.

- SPENCER: Damn, for real.
- ASHER: Hey, great work today, guys.

JJ: Oh, thanks, bro. Hopefully it helps.

ASHER: Hey, man, you all did your
part, all right? Rest is up to them.

BILLY: OK, uh, JJ,
there is a coach outside

that wants, uh, to meet with you.

ASHER: Dude, this is the part where
you actually stand up and leave.

- ALL: Go! Go!
- JJ: Right, right, yeah, yeah.

More good news...

at least schools want to speak
with you later on as well, Spencer.

JORDAN: Three of 'em? Sheesh!

- My boy, that's awesome.
- SPENCER: What about J.?

After the way he balled,
he deserves some shine, too.

BILLY: Yes, agreed. There's interest.

There's interest. Uh, no
meetings as of yet, though.

That's cool, Dad. I'm... I'm
fine with playing JuCo for a year.

PATIENCE AND COOP ON VIDEO:
♪ When it rains and it pours ♪

♪ And the sun don't
seem to shine anymore ♪

♪ I know you'll be there for me ♪

♪ If there's trouble my way ♪

♪ I know that you'll
be there right away ♪

- ♪ I know you'll be there for me ♪
- AMINA: I love Patience's voice.

- When is she gonna drop something new?
- COOP: Ah, I don't know.

You'll probably hear before me, but, um,

earlier, I was getting the sense like

you wanted to tell me something,
but we got interrupted.

I wanted to ask you about...

A friend that I'm working
with on my school project.

- He's doing something I don't agree with.
- [SIGHS]

OK, like... like what?

He keeps getting in trouble
for stuff he shouldn't be doing,

but he's my friend. I like him.

I want to have his
back, but I don't know.

Should I stay loyal
or should I walk away?

Well, I'm gonna assume that
since y'all are, like, ,

it's not big trouble, right?

- Yeah, sure.
- OK.

Look, I mean,

choosing loyalty over walking away just

depends on what you got to lose.

I mean, for some people,
it's worth it to stay.

For others, it's not,

and either way,

you got to do what's best for you.

And a real friend is going to...

Understand your choice.

- ASHER: Don't have it.
- JORDAN: Get over here!

- ASHER: Dude, no way!
- [KNOCK ON DOOR]

- Hold on.
- JORDAN: Pause it, pause it. OK, I need some fries.

- [KNOCK ON DOOR]
- Yeah. One sec.

- There he is. Oh. Come right in.
- Ash, you called it.

- What's up?
- All I needed was one, right?

- Yeah.
- Coastal California

just offered me a
scholarship. [CHUCKLING]

Whoa, what? Congrats! That's dope!

JJ: And the coach said
they have big plans for me.

Like, me, dude! How sick is that?

Hey, none of this is
possible without you, dude.

Yo, you OK?

Coastal California?

That was my scholarship, dude.

- GRACE: Thank you again.
- MAN: Yeah.

- BILLY: That went well.
- GRACE: Better than well.

All schools offered
you a scholarship, son.

That is a huge blessing.

- BILLY: That's huge.
- SPENCER: Yeah...

But what if my situation
in Toledo takes all summer?

Spencer, why are you
doing this to yourself?

Look, as thankful as
I am for these offers,

not one of those coaches could
promise they'd hold my spot that long.

- BILLY: Laura's taking care of that.
- GRACE: Right.

This is crazy. I'm
holding on to offers,

- that's the most attention I've received...
- GRACE: Mm-hmm.

And yet I'm still being
held hostage by Coach Hudson.

GRACE: Spencer.

[SIGHS]

[KNOCK ON DOOR]

- Coach Kenny.
- Yo, what's up?

I... I'm sorry for
coming by unannounced.

- No, you're good. Come in.
- All right.

- [CLEARS THROAT]
- [SIGHS]

I get the sense you
like surprising folk.

No. I just like to keep my cards

close to the vest until
I'm sure about someone.

I gotta ask, man.

What's going on?

That's times in two days I seen you.

Now, was our run-in last
night a accident or on purpose?

Honestly, that was an accident,

for real, but being
at the combine today,

that was on purpose.

OK.

Come to Golden Angeles.

- Excuse me?
- Spencer James,

I'm officially offering
you a scholarship.

I would have said something last night,

but I had to prove to my boss
that you were the right fit

for our school and worth the fight.

So what do you think?

Heh! I mean,

- I'm sitting here offering you a spot, aren't I?
- [BOTH CHUCKLE]

Look, you would be the perfect fit

for the culture we're building.

We're not only a
juggernaut on the field,

but we also place a
premium on education,

which I know is important to you.

Yeah, it is,

and so is honesty.

Look, I know you were b*rned

by the whole Toledo State
situation with Dante Smart,

but look at me, bro.

This is different.

- How?
- Simple. Because I'm home.

Wait, you from round here?

Carson, baby.

This is the reunion I've been
waiting for my whole life.

And your dad and I, man...

We used to talk about coming home

all the time.

I got a couple other offers, so...

I'm just weighing my options, a'ight?

Yeah. I mean, as you should.

And one last thing...

if you have to sit out
your freshman season

because of the Toledo State situation,

I'm cool with it. You're worth the wait.

[DOOR OPENS]

[DOOR CLOSES]

Hell of a spectacle
he put on today, Billy.

Little surprised you, uh,
invited me and my staff.

Just doing my part to show that
there's honor in compromise.

There's also honor in your word.

Spencer signed on the dotted line.

When he thought that Dante was
gonna be his receiver coach,

which is something that you knew,

but then chose not to tell him.

No coach is bigger than the program.

- I mean... heh heh! Not even me.
- Right. Right. Well,

Spencer, he's a special
kinda kid, you know.

He kinda leads with his heart,

and connection means everything to him.

So when he lost Dante,

he... he lost the connection.

He made a commitment.

At this point, do you even really
want Spencer to play for you?

Or is this your way of punishing him?

Because we both know the
precedent for releasing a player

from their commitment when
there's been a change in coaching.

Do... do you really
want to be that dude,

the type of coach that holds
players, like, against their will,

I mean, in these times?

I... I don't like what
you're insinuating.

Oh, I'm not insinuating.

I'm speaking facts.

If you don't release Spencer
from his letter of intent,

I'm gonna make sure that
every recruit in the nation

knows about you and your "methods."

Social media, she is a hungry bitch,

and once these kids find out... heh!

It's gonna be over.

I mean, cancel culture, it's...
whew! It is something else.

You'll be done in hours

because, you know, no coach
is bigger than the program...

[SCOFFS]... Right?

- [KNOCK ON DOOR]
- LAYLA: Hey.

Hey. Thanks for letting me interrupt.

Well, it was that or let you keep
b*ating yourself up over text.

Um, have you heard from JJ?

- No, not yet.
- Hmm.

I can't believe I said that
to him. I was such an ass.

Agreed.

You know, I... I thought I was...

I thought I was past losing football,

but hearing JJ landed my
scholarship at my dream school...

It hurt, which, by the
way, is totally normal.

It closed a chapter in your life,

a chapter you've been
writing since you were a kid.

Now it's JJ's time,

- and I should... I should be there for him.
- Asher, stop.

You... you have been there for him,

and you will be again, eventually.

You just had a moment, a very human one.

I mean, when you put it like that...

Any chance you want
to talk to JJ for me?

Zero. Put your big-boy pants on and

- handle your business.
- Yeah.

Hey, I'm sorry, bae.

- Hey, Coop. No, I'm...
- No, just... just hear me out,

all right? I know why you
didn't tell me 'bout the tour...

'cause I've been making it
hard for you to celebrate

what's going on in your career.

No, you're not. You're
not making it hard.

I mean, you lost something you loved,

you know, something you built...

Your whole life around.

I think that's a lot,
and I'm just trying to...

I'm trying to be
sensitive to all of that.

Look, I know, right?

But you... you don't have to
walk on eggshells around me.

You deserve to be celebrated,

so go, headline that tour.

- It's your time.
- [PATIENCE CHUCKLES]

FEMALE SINGER: ♪ Baby,
I'm out of my mind ♪

♪ I'm used to hanging with... ♪

Come with me to Vegas.

I mean, it's no secret that

things have been a
little off between us.

Yes, OK. Things could be better.

I mean, it ain't nothin'
we can't get through.

Couples go through these things.

We just need a little time.

Do you know where we can find this time?

It's this tour.

We're long overdue
for a bae-cation, Coop,

so let's do this.

Come on. No Preach,

no Amina.

Just us.

CHIKA: ♪ You from my dreams ♪

♪ When I'm with you,
you make time freeze ♪

- PATIENCE: Mmm.
- COOP: I love you,

but I can't leave Amina right now.

I'm the reason her moms is dead.

- She needs me, and I owe that to her.
- CHIKA: ♪ I'm icy ♪

- ♪ No agenda ♪
- So I think the right thing for you to do is to go.

But, for me...

CHIKA: ♪ Baby, I'm out of my mind ♪

It's to stay.

CHIKA: ♪ Something about you
is different, you're all ♪

♪ That I'm missing, I'm
thinking 'bout making you mine ♪

♪ Me, I got used to the limelight ♪

- Patience...
- No, um...

- ♪ Being with you is ♪
- No, it's OK.

I get it,

and you're right.

We have to do what we both have to do.

BILLY: OK, excellent.

Yes, Coach. I'll make
sure, uh, Chris and Frausto

meet up with you in the morning.

All right. We'll, uh,
we'll be in touch. Bye.

Uh, Chris and Frausto are
meeting with a school tomorrow?

- Yes. Yes.
- Ah.

- Listen, son...
- Uh, Dad,

- It's cool.
- BILLY: No, it's not cool.

You... you... you deserve a...

- An opportunity.
- JORDAN: I agree.

- I agree, all right?
- BILLY: OK.

JORDAN: And so does Coach Garrett.

- Huh?
- He just offered me

a preferred walk-on at
Golden Angeles University.

GARRETT: Last thing I was looking
for today was a quarterback,

till I saw your son play.
He was that impressive.

- We'll be in contact?
- JORDAN: For sure. Yes, Coach.

Thank you. Thanks, Coach.

- JORDAN: Yeah, thank you.
- GARRETT: All right.

Thank you.

- [DOOR CLOSES]
- JORDAN: Ha ha ha!

- My man!
- Ha ha ha!

Ah! Unbelievable!

- Oh, my God.
- JORDAN: Mmm.

Hey, I am so proud of you.

- Thank you.
- I'm so proud of you, man.

We did it.

No. You did it.

Yeah. Yes, sir.

- Oh, my God.
- Mmm.

SPENCER: So the girl Nurse Joy
wants you to help is my boy's cousin?

OLIVIA: Right. It is a small world.

Yeah, well, y'all two
seemed real comfortable

with each other on the sidelines today.

Well, she asked me to be her sponsor.

Damn.

Y'all two really turned things
around from that first meeting.

I told her no.

Well, actually, I just froze,

and then she just took that as a no.

- Why?
- Jenn's not ready to be helped, OK?

I've been where she's been,
I've said what she's saying, and

she doesn't want a sponsor;
She wants an enabler

who will just sign her court
order and then look the other way.

SPENCER: And she just might find
one unless somebody else steps in,

maybe somebody who's already
calling her on her B.S.?

MALE SINGER: ♪ Why we're made of stone ♪

Look, obviously, it's your choice,

but I know how much
helping people means to you.

Now, clearly, y'all
two got a connection,

so if there's even a
chance of you helping her...

- ♪ Made of stone ♪
- Why not take it?

SINGER: ♪ using my card
for drinks and fun ♪

OLIVIA: Hmm...

Well, you know,

speaking of connections
and taking chances,

you know, the same could
apply to you and Coach Kenny.

Hmm. We'll see.

I got options now...

- OLIVIA: Mm-hmm.
- Something I ain't had before.

True, but did you connect
with any other coaches

- the way you did with Kenny?
- Yeah.

Dante.

Look, I know when Dante left,

that triggered some stuff for you,

but this isn't like when he left,

or when your dad left.

Of course you get it.

It sounds to me

like Coach Kenny is
committed to you, babe.

You know, the same way my dad is,

or even Principal
Carter, for that matter,

and the best part?

I mean, Coach Kenny is one
of the last links to Corey.

So, I don't know, it's
just kind of full-circle.

[LAURA SHRIEKS
DOWNSTAIRS, BILLY LAUGHING]

BILLY: My man! Look what... you go!

- LAURA: Yes!
- JORDAN: Yes, yes, yes.

- LAURA: Yes.
- OLIVIA: What's going on?

LAURA: Uh, your brother has some news.

JORDAN: Liv, get ready to
rock some Golden Angeles swag

- at my games this fall.
- Ha ha! Wait. Are you serious?

- Serious.
- Yo! Congratulations, dawg!

- JORDAN: Thank you.
- LAURA: I can't stop crying.

- It's just so amazing.
- BILLY: This is a really good day,

- for, uh, for both of you.
- LAURA: Right?

I heard about the offers?

- SPENCER: Oh.
- BILLY: Yeah, but not just that,

but, uh, I was able to
speak to Coach Hudson

and, uh, you're good.

Wait. You mean...

are you serious?

BILLY: Spencer James,
you are a free man.

- I told you to trust me.
- SPENCER: You serious?

- BILLY: Yes, sir.
- SPENCER: Yo, ho ho!

JORDAN: Let's get it, let's get it! Mmm!

- Hell, yeah.
- OLIVIA: Oh, my God.

JJ. Hey.

Look, man, I'm sorry for
how I acted yesterday.

That's your scholarship.
You earned it, JJ,

and Coastal got themselves
a good one, and I am

- so damn proud of you.
- You really messed me up.

I... I know. That's why I'm apologizing.

[CHUCKLES] No, I mean by
becoming my coach that day.

I mean, you set a high bar, dude.

What am I supposed to do
at Coastal without you?

You're supposed to kick ass.

- Besides, I didn't do much, man. I just...
- JJ: Bro,

you pushed Jordan to bet on himself,

and look where that got him,

all right? And then you got
my head right at the combine,

and let's not even talk
about everything you did

for the Eagles this season,

all the plays you came up
with, even from the sidelines?

And if that's not a coach,
I don't know what is.

[DOOR OPENS]

[OVERLAPPING CHATTER]

OLIVIA: Recovery is not
for people who need it.

It's for people who want it.

- OK.
- I'll be your sponsor.

- The offer's off the table.
- Well, it's too late

'cause you already
asked, so here we are.

And just to be clear,
you're gonna have to earn

my signature for your court order, OK?

I'm your sponsor, not your enabler.

I'm doing this because
I care about you, Jenn...

And you're gonna accept this because...

You know I'm the best person for you.

So grab your cookie
and let's go sit down.

The queen has spoken.

FEMALE SINGER: ♪ Don't do this
for no reason now ♪

- ♪ Look, tell me... ♪
- [RAPPING INDISTINCTLY]

MAN: ♪ 'Cause this rhyme
is not to be misunderstood ♪

♪ That you're the grim
reaper of the 'hood ♪

Hey, whatever happened to
you and your little friend?

Y'all still rockin' or you walked away?

I'm staying for now,

but I still somehow think he's
involved in some messy stuff,

but he's my friend, so...

So you chose loyalty. That's what's up.

_

SPENCER: Thanks for coming by.

[SETS DOWN MUG]

KENNY: I appreciated your call.

- Can I ask you something?
- sh**t.

When you said I was worth
the wait, you mean that?

Yes, sir.

[CHUCKLES]

You know, it was always my dream
to play college ball at home.

And now, with my brother
Jordan on the same team,

that makes it twice as special.

So...

If I'm worth the wait,

then you're worth taking a chance on.

And I ain't gonna lie...

it's gonna be nice having a piece of
my pop's history at G.A.U. with me.

[SETS DOWN MUG]

- My man.
- [BOTH CHUCKLE]

Now, you are staying at
Golden Angeles, right?

I better be. I just
signed a -year contract.

Oh. Oh, good. I'mma be in the
NFL long before your deal's over.

[CHUCKLES] KENNY: For sure.

Welcome to the family, Spence.

Thank you...

Coach.

- Gee.
- [CHORUS VOCALIZING]