01x29 - Episode 29

[bunniefuu]

You didn't wrong me.

You are helping to set me free.

She says he's buying a house
for his elderly mother.

Joey Armstrong's mother
died last year.

You lied because
you underestimated me.

I don't want anything
between us.

What is it gonna take to get you
out of my damn life?

I'm thinking 50 stacks
ought to cover it.

He agreed to give you money?

He practically begged me
to take it.

VERNON:
And that is why
we must always fight.

No, that's not right.

And that is why
we must always resist.

[groans]
It's not working.

These words just aren't coming
like they used to.

Well, I don't know.
Sounds pretty good to me.

[chuckles] I didn't know
that I had an audience.

And I didn't know you had
a speech coming up.

You're already so busy
teaching civics at Banneker,

I hope you're not
overextending yourself.

Well, speeches like this are how

we ex-senators keep
our wives in the finery

to which they've grown
accustomed.

Oh, so this is
a paid engagement.

Mm.

Well, in that case,
let me lend you a hand.

[both laughing]

-[blows landing]
-[grunting]

No!
[panting]

-Martin...
-Get away!

What's wrong?

Oh, Eva. I didn't realize
you were out here waiting.

The insurance information
you asked for.

Thank you. You're always
so on top of things.

You know what?

While you're here, I have
somebody I'd like you to meet.

Laura.

Eva here has been
holding it down

while you have been in recovery.

And, Eva, Laura is who
you temporarily replaced

after that horrible accident.

It's so nice to finally
put a face to the name.

I've heard great things.

Tell me you had nothing to do
with that crash.

What the...?

Ted.

What are you doing here?

-You scared the mess out of me.
-[scoffs]

You thought you were
the only one

that can creep up
on someone, huh?

Two can play that game.

♪ ♪

Oh, hell no. What is this?

I followed you.
That's what this is.

I was in the neighborhood,
and I saw you coming out

of that drug store
in Takoma Park.

You've been all up
in my business

about our little affair
back in the day,

trying to get up under my skin.

How does it feel now that
the shoe is on the other foot?

I'm warning you.

I will scream so loud,

they'll hear me all the way
in PG County.

[chuckles]
Go ahead.

I don't give a damn.

You will once the boys
in blue show up.

Especially after they see

this poor, helpless,
defenseless woman

give a performance
worthy of Viola Davis.

Hmm.

Bravo.

[chuckles]

I've spent all my life

raising my kids,
building my practices.

I've earned my respect.

So it will be the word
of a well-respected gentleman

versus whatever you are.

Here. This is every penny
that you ask for.

Now we can avoid
a mutually assured destruction.

You can take this and leave.

For good.

MARTIN:
I thought I was alone.

All I knew, you could have been

some thug trying to break in
or something.

Do I look like
a burglar to you, Martin?

No, but you are
dangerously debonair,

and my husband can charm
his way into any house.

Now I don't know whether
to be flattered or annoyed.

At what?

You. You're trying
to change the subject.

Look, when I got in,
you were knocked out.

You were peaceful.

It reminded me of the old days
when I'd catch you napping,

making campaign signs.

So I figured I'd let you sleep

and I would get
some work done myself.

Work? So you already have
a story you're digging into?

We'll get to that.

Samantha and Tyrell are visiting
your grandparents.

Which means that...

We have some time to ourselves.

And how do you suggest
we spend it?

As much as I would love
to reconnect in other ways,

we have some things
to talk about.

First, how our son is
being bullied.

And what we plan to do about it.

I'm stuck.

Usually these speeches flow,

but this one
for the August 28th Foundation

has me all tripped up.

Oh, so why don't you hit up
Stu or Jason

or any other
of your old speechwriters?

You know, nobody gets my voice
quite like you do.

Remember how you used
to help me polish them up?

Huh? In your dressing room?

Between shows at the Apollo?

Oh, yes. And I've kept you
sharp ever since.

You think you can
work your magic again?

Well, what parts are you
having trouble with?

[sighs]
All of them.

I'm trying to weave together
several thoughts.

-Listen to this.
-Mm-hmm.

In life we sometimes encounter
those who wish us ill.

How we handle those moments
can define us.

When it comes to bullies,
you have to stand up to them.

Otherwise, they win.

Well, if it isn't the pride
and joy of the Dupree clan.

Get in here.

To what do we owe the pleasure?

No extracurriculars today, so
we thought we'd slide through.

Hope we're not
k*lling your vibe.

Oh, please.

You know you are always welcome.

Hey, great-grandson.
What happened to your face?

This? Nah, it's nothing.
Just ate on my bike.

[phone buzzes]

Samantha, is everything okay?

Yeah, just, uh,
student government stuff.

Anything I can help with?

It's not that deep.

But, Gran, didn't you have
some poetry

in your library
you wanted to show me?

I have to pick some to analyze
for AP English.

[gasps]
That's right.

Langston Hughes.

"Hold fast to dreams

"For if dreams die

"Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly."

That's mad beautiful, Gran.

I'm not in AP English,

but Langston Hughes sounds
like the truth.

Mind if I cop one, too?

Yes. Now, what is
the lingo these days?

Um, oh, that's right. Say less.

Two copies of The Weary Blues
coming right up.

Follow me.

You ready to do battle?

-We beefing?
-Chess, son.

Last time you were here,
you mopped the floor with me.

I've been itching for a rematch.

Bet.

Just don't get all salty
when you lose again, OG.

[laughs]

Come on.

What happened with Tyrell?

Well, I went to the kids' school
and I did some quiet recon.

Tell me you didn't talk
to any students.

That's the last thing
Tyrell would want.

No, I didn't go to his school

and talk to his friends
about it.

I had a casual chat

with the secretary
about the D.C. United midfield,

and then I exchanged recipes
with the security officer.

My husband the reporter.
Always digging.

A little to the right.

I'd rather let somebody
volunteer information

than have them feel
like I'm grilling them.

Yeah, you're smart like that.
Thanks, mate.

And?

Well, there is some buzz
about a couple fights

that led to suspensions.

My sources didn't give me
any names,

and I didn't want to reveal
why I was asking, but...

as far as I can tell, it had
nothing to do with Tyrell.

What about the school's
social media?

Kids aren't posting anywhere
they think that parents can see.

They have ways
of locking down their chats,

keeping them out of reach.

Kids are pros
at flying below the radar.

And Tyrell is good
at keeping to himself.

He's not good
at the social game.

Unlike his politically
savvy pops.

We can't risk the possibility of
our kid getting seriously hurt.

I need to march right up
at that school.

Someone needs to be
held accountable.

[sighs]

Nicole hyped you up so much,

I was afraid I might not have
a job to come back to.

Oh, I'm sure that's not true.

Knock, knock. Hello.

-Hey.
-How you doing?

-Hey, Nicole.
-Hello.

-My baby. How are you feeling?
-Better lately.

Thanks for asking.

Wait, I don't understand.

I thought your surgery was
a while ago.

It was. I just had
a little follow-up procedure,

and I'll be out tomorrow
and back to work soon.

-That's-- that quick?
-Yes.

[giggles]
Sorry for the short notice.

Uh, no, it's all good.
I knew this gig wasn't forever.

I'm just blessed I got to be
a part of the family

for as long as I did.

Uh, Eva, do you have
the original paperwork

that went with this?
I need to compare the changes.

I don't, but it's on my work
laptop at my apartment.

I can go print it for you.

If you could, that'd be great.

I need a hard copy,

and you could drop it
by the house later.

-All right.
-Okay.

Oh, it was dope meeting you.

I hope you bounce back quick.

-Thank you.
-EVA: I'm heading home now.

Bye.

Now listen closely 'cause
I'm only gonna say this once.

I'm all ears, Teddy.

That's it. The well is dry.

And stop circling my family
like a vulture.

Cut the theatrics and leave.

Well, that is easier
said than done, Ted.

I mean, my lease isn't up
for at least another, uh, year.

$50K is more than enough
for multiple leases

and enough for a fresh start
somewhere else.

[scoffs] It's not like you got
any kids tying you down.

I'm sorry, Dana. I didn't,

-I didn't mean...
-No. Save it.

You never were good
at apologies.

Look, this is it.

I have my lawyer on speed dial,
and trust me,

you don't want
another round with him.

Right, right.
Your, uh, your attack dog.

Yeah.

I'm still surprised
that he didn't drag me down

to the ab*rtion clinic himself

to make sure you got
what you wanted.

What he wanted.

I didn't know
anything about that.

Well, isn't ignorance bliss?

All I want now is
what's coming to me.

I paid you once already.

Why I'm paying you again,
I guess I'll never know.

I'll do it!

[chuckles]

You'll leave?

If that's your ultimatum,
then yes.

Damn, that was easier
than I thought.

You want to count it? You want
to make sure it's all there?

I don't need any...

Uh... Whew.

Well, how about...

we just call your little missus
over here and...

we can all count it together?

-Hmm?
-Look, Dana.

Oh, come on, Teddy.

I mean, you know, we can make
a-a party out of it, right?

Mm.

Should I call Nicki?

Or should you?

Well, chess master.

Are you ready for me
to reclaim my crown?

Gramps, you sure you want
to go through this again?

Thought you'd be tired
of losing by now.

Boy, one of these days
I'm gonna surprise you.

I've been practicing
with my computer.

You learned how to turn it on
all by yourself?

[laughing]

Watch it now.

Yeah, I may not have beaten you
at chess yet,

but your dads still listen to me

when it comes to your curfew.

Jokes, Gramps,
I've been studying,

and I have some new moves
I wanted to show you.

Ah, new moves are good.

Oldies are better.

Samantha, you are going to love
The Sweet Flypaper of Life.

It's a hidden gem
of the Harlem Renaissance.

Never heard of it.

Oh, it's a masterpiece
of simplicity

and emotional truth.

Roy DeCarava's photographs
paired with Langston's poetry.

Your paper will practically
write itself. [chuckles]

Oh, a rematch.

And this one could go
the distance.

Sweetheart, do you mind
grabbing us some drinks, please?

Your wish is my command.

[Anita chuckles]

[phone buzzes]

Nice one, OG.

Slow down.

You are a loving,
protective parent,

and our kids adore you for it.

But going in there without
all the facts could backfire.

As opposed to letting
the bullying continue.

Yeah, you going in there
all g*ns a-blazing,

you could humiliate Tyrell
and cause him to shut down.

Consider this, at this stage,

a investigative committee
of two.

-Fine.
-We're just gathering intel.

I'll follow your lead,

but we shouldn't wait too long.

Agreed.

Now we need to talk about...

I completely forgot.

We were going to talk
about your hot new assignment.

About the influencer.

Okay.

Um...

Well, a few years ago,
a beauty influencer was exposed

for using his popularity
to groom underage kids.

Whoa. Was he charged?

Only in the court
of public opinion.

They couldn't pin
anything on him

except for a couple sketchy DMs,

but he did lose
a lot of brand deals.

Well, at least
that was some justice.

From what I'm
picking up, though,

this may be part
of a bigger pattern.

There might be a whole
network of influencers

who are abusing their platforms.

[scoffs] Abuse and corruption
hidden by smiles and clout.

Sounds like every day
on Capitol Hill to me.

You and I know that people
aren't necessarily

what they seem,
but kids, they don't have

the same guardrails up
when it comes

to their favorite
social media personalities.

That's a good angle.

Chelsea might have
some insight, too.

You're right.

I was gonna talk to her
after the fashion show.

Looks like you're
on a good track.

-Want to have a drink?
-Not so fast.

We still need to talk about why
you thought I was a burglar.

Ted and I can't wait
to have you back at 100%.

The office just isn't
the same without you.

I am so ready to get
back to normal.

Amen to that.

But I'd be a whole lot
more comfortable

if they'd caught that fool
on the motorcycle

who ran you off the road,

turned around,
and drove by yet again.

Wait, the hit-and-run driver
came back?

I didn't know about this.

Yeah, Jacob told me
that they came back,

took another look
at my car, kept going.

Just makes my blood boil.

I don't know what's wrong
with people these days.

How do you cause an accident,
turn around for a second look,

and not bother to help?

There are definitely
some questionable people

out there, to say the least.

For the last time,
leave my wife out of this.

That's rich, Ted.

[chuckles]

You involved her the moment
that you decided

to play house with me
on the side.

And then you tossed me out
like yesterday's tabloids.

Tabloids?

Much more like
a New York TimesBest Seller.

Do you forget the hefty advance
that I gave you on your way out?

You know what I mean.

What we had was real.

You got me pregnant.

But you just had to keep

your little perfect life intact.

I made a mistake.

I admit that.

I will always regret

how I betrayed Nicole
and my family.

That's all you care about?

What about the family
that you threw away with me?

You're right.

I regret the pain
that I caused you.

I should have never
let you think

that I was gonna
leave Nicole for you.

But I still see the pain.

I see you hurting.

But I will not let you destroy
what me and my wife have built.

Not now.
Not after all that we've done.

I did my best to set you up
back then.

You came back for more.

Now, when I walk
out of that door,

this needs to be the last time
that I ever see you again.

And if it's not?

Don't try me, Dana.

I don't want to keep
threatening you.

I don't.
But my threats are not empty.

And I will do whatever it takes
to protect my family.

What's got you spooked?

Uh, I look spooked because...

how, for the life of me,

I actually ended up
with someone as arrogant

and entitled as you?

I'm not here to rehash
ancient history.

I'm here to bury it.

Some free advice.
Make sure that lasts.

Because that's gonna be the last
dime that you get from me.

What you will see is
a world of hurt.

And that's not a threat, Dana.

It's a promise.

-What the hell, Mom?
-[sighs]

He tracked me down.

Thought he could intimidate me.

Joke's on him.

What if he comes back?
What if he sees me?

He won't.

He won't be back.

He thinks he's washed
his hands of me.

Especially after I told him

that I would agree
to leave town.

You did?

I had to get him
out of here somehow.

But don't you worry.

We're playing
by our rules, not his.

We'll lay low for now,
let Ted think he's won.

And then,

at the big anniversary bash,

when he least expects it,

we'll make our move.

Something on your mind,
Samantha?

Uh, just thinking about
all the studying on my plate.

-Ah.
-Uh, but these books are great.

-Thanks for loaning them.
-Oh, you're welcome.

-What in the world?
-What happened?

-Checkmate, Gramps.
-[Anita chuckles]

VERNON:
You got me in eight moves?

But how?

I knew you'd bite down
on the bishop.

You were gassed up,
thinking you had me.

But I had you right
where I wanted you.

[Anita laughs]

Well, I must say,
I am impressed.

We should head home before
our dads start calling.

Oh, well, okay.
Come see us again soon.

-All right?
-VERNON: Thanks, grandson.

Don't forget your books.

All right, baby. Take good care.

-We will.
-ANITA: All right.

-Love you guys.
-Love you, too.

-Love you.
-Love you.

-Get home safely.
-We will.

All right.

And tell your dads
we said hello.

-Don't look at that yet.
-What? Why?

I don't want you
to spaz out, but...

you're blowing up
the school feed.

Are we just gonna ignore
what I asked?

How am I supposed
to address something

that I don't even understand?

You startled me earlier.

I thought someone broke in.
What's complicated?

This isn't the first time

that you've been like this,

especially with those dreams
you've been having.

Remember our talk
about being open and honest?

I thought we were
in a good place.

We are in a good place.

You're making something
out of nothing.

Are we?
Because it still feels

like you're holding
something back.

What are you implying?

[sighs]
Look at Tyrell.

When things get tough,
he, he clams up.

He holds it all inside, and,
and I can't help but wonder...

Wonder what?

How much of that
he gets from you.

-So this is my fault?
-That's not what I'm saying.

I'm just sick and tired

of answering
all of your questions over

and over again.

Honestly, I'm-I'm sick of it.

Look, I can see that you're
getting worked up.

Why don't you try some
of those breathing exercises

that we've been practicing?

I appreciate what you're
trying to do,

but I need some air.

[giggles]
This is wild.

I've never seen
this much money in real life.

And it's just the beginning.

Look, I get it.

You like having power
over Ted for once,

making him literally pay
for what he did to us.

I wanted that, too.

But isn't this enough?

Eva, it's not just
about the money, honey.

It's about blowing up
his perfect little family

and carving out
a place for you in it.

But what if it blows up
on us instead?

What if Ted decides
to come clean to Nicole

before you can humiliate him?

[scoffs] You think he'd
have given me 50 stacks

if he was planning to do that?

No.

Trust me, I know what I'm doing.

All right? We just have
to stay the course.

Everything I do,
I do out of love for you.

Okay?

Now I am going to go,
and we'll talk more later.

Hmm?

You always come first with me.

Mm-hmm.

Mwah.

Martin,
I didn't hear you come in.

Samantha and Tyrell were here,

and Tyrell
just whooped Granddad...

Martin says he needs to talk.

What's going on?

I've been having dreams.

About that night?

It's getting worse,
more frequent and more vivid.

And Smitty, he's noticing.

Well, everyone has nightmares.

There's nothing suspicious
about that.

It's not just nightmares.
It's consuming me.

Smitty and I just had a fight.

He keeps pushing
and asking questions.

-What have you told him?
-Just that I'm stressed.

But he's not buying it anymore.

And I don't know how much longer
I can keep it up.

It's, like, eating me alive.

Work, family, this secret--
it all just adds up.

It's like a weight
that is crushing me,

and it feels
like I can't breathe.

That should tell you something.

What are you saying?

I should come clean
about that night?

This is so messed-up.

I had no idea some asshat
was taking a picture of me.

In my stupid
chessboard underwear...

for the whole entire school
to make fun of.

Now it's in a loop
with this wack-a*s beat.

Everyone's having
a field day clowning me.

Stuff like this blows up
for a minute,

and then everyone moves on.

It won't last.

Nah, this one has legs.

I can feel it.

And I know
what you're thinking--

that we should tell our dads,
since they might see it.

But school has a closed network.
They'll never come across it.

But what if a teacher does?
They might have to report it.

They might let it ride.

Right? Mind their business.

It's kind of in their
job description

to look out for us.

You can't tell our dads.
Or them. Promise.

I mean, look at the comments.

They're clowning me
like it's some sport.

When you hit college,
this won't even be a thing.

You get a clean slate.

That's forever from now.

Stop torturing yourself.

You're better
than this stupid photo.

I can't help it.

I need to see
what they're saying.

What who's saying?

I mean, if I was Vanessa,

I would have been out,
no questions asked.

Hello? Earth to Ted.
Are you with me?

Of course. Vanessa.
[chuckles]

What about her?

Well, um, we've been having

some behavioral issues
over at the clinic.

It's been on my mind all day.

Oh, it's all right.

I was just saying,
Vanessa thinks

she's figured out this whole
mess with Joey Armstrong.

-Oh, yeah?
-She called him out

for lying about buying
a house for his mom.

You know, the one
that you mentioned

isn't even alive.

What did he say about that?

Some convincing story
that Vanessa bought.

And you're not convinced?

Not one bit.

It's unsettling knowing
that someone you love is

mixed up with somebody so shady.

So...

what's the latest dish
up at Fairmont Crest?

Mrs. Eldridge was three sheets
to the wind before noon.

I heard the poor server

nearly dropped
his tray of champagne

when she was going off

about her poor husband's
blue pills

not working anymore.

-[laughs] That's good.
-[laughs]

Sorry for being late.
I was at the hospital.

What'd I miss?

Oh, just another episode of...

As the Country Club Turns.

What hospital?

-I hope everything's all right.
-Oh, I'm fine.

I was visiting Laura.

That, uh, poor girl
that worked for Nicole.

Oh. Well, I-I hope she recovers
from that awful accident.

It was just a follow-up
to her orthopedic surgery.

The good news is,
she'll be out tomorrow

-and back at work soon.
-Mm.

JAN:
Good for her.

MONA:
Not so good for Eva, though.

She's been on point,

but I guess she knew
it would always be temporary.

Mm.

We were just peeping the Drake
and Kendrick Lamar beef.

Everyone's going in on it.

Yeah, but we should probably
leave it alone

and get on our homework grind.

How is your brother doing
since his bike accident?

You saw. His bruises
are fading pretty quick.

Well, falls like that,

they can sometimes hurt
on the inside, too.

Kids from school,
they saw him wipe out, right?

Is anybody giving him
a hard time about it?

Not that I heard of.

Okay.

I'm just, I'm worried
about Tyrell, is all.

He didn't want to talk
about it the other night.

You worry too much.

[sighs]

I am definitely not advising you

to come clean
about what happened.

Nobody in this room thinks

that that can end well
for any of us.

Least of all you.

Your grandfather is just
talking about your future.

We just want you
to think this through.

My nightmares and plans
for higher office are

completely unrelated.

VERNON:
How can you be so sure?

You were wondering
why the memory

of what happened
suddenly got worse.

This might be the answer
staring you right in the face.

What happened was terrible.

But to have it exposed,
for this secret to come out,

will be worse
than any bad dreams

for you, your family,
your children.

I love my family.

And I'll never do anything
intentionally to hurt them.

Then consider
what Granddad is saying.

You could be having
these dreams now

because your gut is at w*r
with your ambition.

[scoffs]
It's not a naked ambition.

I live every day knowing
who I was named for

and the legacy Granddad left us.

I want to do good
and make a difference--

more than I can in Congress.

Continue what you started.

I hear you, Martin.

I do.

But don't destroy yourself
in the process.

I don't even know
why I came over.

I just needed a breather
from Smitty.

You all should be eating
dinner soon. I should go.

No, no, stay. Eat with us.

No, I'm due at home.

-I'll let myself out.
-ANITA: Martin.

I have fear, Vernon.

Fear that this isn't
going to end

any other way than terribly.

Look who I found lurking around
our front doorstep.

Thank you for making
the extra trip.

No trouble.

I actually like having
a reason to come back.

Your house really feels
like a home.

And knowing Laura's
getting better,

I guess my time enjoying
all this is coming to an end.

Boy, I'll tell you,

if I had something like this,

I'd sure fight like hell
to hold onto it.

Well, I'll leave you both
to your evening.

I'll see you
in the morning, Nicole.

Good night.

I know I say this often,
but Eva has been such a find.

Laura deserves to have
her job back,

but I sure wish
we didn't have to lose Eva.

Do we?

What do you mean?

Between my practice and charity
work, I'm busier than ever.

Would it be so terrible
to have two personal assistants?

I better run.

I want to say good night
to Laura

before visiting hours wrap up.

Mm, right behind you.

Leslie?

Oh, you two go ahead.

I'm gonna sit here and savor
this wonderful coffee.

Until next time, then.

Take care, Leslie.

[sighs]

Well, sounds like the words
are flowing more easily.

I don't know why.

I can't help
worrying about Martin.

But I did finally manage to land

on what I'm trying
to communicate.

You want to hear it?

I could listen to you
give speeches all day long.

That's not how they felt
about it in the Senate.

[both laughing]

-But here goes.
-Okay.

It is in times of turmoil
that it is most important

to go back to our roots

and to remember
those guiding principles

that have always
served us so well.

Service, charity, justice.

But most of all, love,

life, family.

Because family is the bedrock.

It is the bar.

The things we wish for
and hope for

for ourselves

must also fit like a glove
into that realm.

We carry those we love with us

on our backs,

as they carry us upon theirs.

Because we can never forget.

When they struggle, we struggle.

We must understand
and never forget,

struggle is a part of life.

Sometimes it comes from us,
from outside.

And sometimes it's a struggle
of our own making.

But whatever it is
and whatever its source,

it must be met head-on

if we are to preserve
that which is most dear to us.

Sometimes we're confused.

We set ourselves on a course
to meet that struggle,

only to find
our direction is wayward.

A correction is needed.

And we require courage.

The courage to admit
to this failing

and the courage
to set our sails

to our true north.

We can never forget there is
real evil in this world.

There is ill intent

directed at us for
any number of reasons.

But to truly defeat it,

we must examine its origins.

Sometimes it's hurt.

Sometimes it's
a misunderstanding

or a craving for retribution.

But until we truly understand

those who harbor
those notions, my friends...

...they will always have
the advantage.

They...

will...

persist.