01x32 - Episode 32

[bunniefuu]

[chuckles] This one is
my personal favorite.

Ah. Three beautiful generations

of Dupree women on the runway.

Samantha was so adorable.

I swear, that child has
grown up so fast.

Our little Chelsea
put on a real show.

I'm glad her last time
on the runway was

something special.

Dani handled it well.

I think she's finally accepting

Chelsea's decision
to stop modeling.

What a beautiful way
to end the Dupree modeling era.

What's this about?

You know how you always say
that we can be anything we want?

That if we find the thing
that we're passionate about,

we should pursue it and never
let anyone get in the way?

I feel like I'm about
to eat those words right now.

But, yeah.

I found my passion, Dad.

I want to be a model,
and nothing's getting in my way.

I know I'm probably catching you
a little off guard.

You think?

I mean...

[sighs]

I did see you work that runway

at Aunt Dani's fashion show
like you owned it.

And I'm no fashionista,

but you did seem
like a natural to me.

I knew you'd get it.

It's like I was
where I was meant to be.

I'm glad you feel that way.

-But--
-I know what you're gonna say.

School has to be my priority.

And I know that modeling can be
a difficult profession.

That is an understatement.

And I understand that.

-Do you really?
-I do.

And I bet your first concern is

how I'm gonna get Pop
on board with my plan.

Tyrell, what did you want
to talk about?

You know you can share
anything with me.

Sometimes I think you and Dad
fail to realize

that people my age can handle
their own problems

and their own decisions.

"Their"?

Who are we talking
about here?

Is this about you or Samantha?

It's about me. Just me.

Is it? Because I saw
the look you gave your sister

when you said you needed
to talk to me.

Tyrell, what's really
going on here?

♪ ♪

[Hayley sighs]

So, have you come up
with a brilliant strategy

to beat Naomi in court
and save the firm?

No, not yet.

Yeah, my daughter's no dummy.

You know what?

I think I need to clear my head.

You know what? How about I take
my beautiful bride to lunch?

Mm, great, because...

I am starving.

What are you in the mood for?

Uptown or Orphey Gene's?

Mm, no. No,
I think I got a hankering

for the chicken Caesar salad
at the country club.

That's my favorite, not yours.

And I'm persona non grata,
remember?

Ignored by everyone

from the ladies
on the tennis court

to the staff...

Which is unacceptable. Okay?

We are definitely lunching
at the country club.

I'm gonna make damn sure
that you get

every bit of respect
that you deserve.

Hmm.

You mean I'll get some
of the respect that you get?

No, no, baby steps,
sweetheart, all right?

Just give me time.

I'll end this cold w*r
against you,

-all right?
-Yeah.

If only it could be that simple,
Bill.

It will be that simple.
It will be.

All you got to do is
give me a chance.

I have every bit as much power

at that country club
as my ex-wife.

Hmm.

Thank you, Taylor.

Pleasure's always mine,
Ms. Dupree.

Oh! Hannah.

Good afternoon, Dani.

Thank you for organizing
this meeting.

-I apologize if I'm late.
-Oh, no, I'm early.

I was up all last night

thinking about new ideas for
the First-Gen Grants program.

-I went a little nuts.
-Oh.

Well, I certainly didn't
want you to do that.

I wrote out a pitch deck
with some of my ideas,

complete with spreadsheets.

I really wish you hadn't gone
to so much trouble.

I'm capable of doing more
than organizing

a fashion show, you know.

Well, don't minimize
the importance

of that fashion show.

We're very appreciative
of all the money raised.

It's wonderful that you can
end things on a high note.

Sorry, what do you mean by end?

Effective today,
you will no longer be a member

of the board
of First-Gen Grants.

Are you saying I'm fired?

Maybe Samantha wanted
to talk to Dad alone.

She isn't in some sort of bad
situation with some boy, is she?

Stop jumping to
the worst-case scenarios, Pop.

Samantha is interested
in a lot more than boys anyways.

So, what did she want
to talk to Smitty about?

Look, if something's
going on with Samantha,

I won't be kept in the dark.

Whatever it is, she will
discuss it with both fathers.

You seem to assume
that I approve of this idea

of you becoming a model.

You haven't said
you're opposed to it.

You just brought it up.

But you haven't
said no right off.

Because you're

the reasonable one
who's willing to listen.

You respect my ability
to make my own decisions.

I'm also smart enough to know

when you're trying
to butter me up.

Is it working?

I do not appreciate this
"divide and conquer" strategy.

You know that your pops
and I have a policy

of making all important
family decisions together.

I know, I know,
but he doesn't listen to me.

Not the way that he does to you.

Samantha, you need
to stop saying that.

Your pops is
perfectly reasonable.

Only when you get him to be.

Please, Dad.

Modeling isn't something
that I just love to do.

It's something
that would be good for me.

Good for you? Seriously?

Leaving your family behind.

Who is gonna keep an eye on you

when you're jet-setting
to Paris and Milan?

Your pops and I, we can't just
drop everything and be there.

We-we have jobs here
and responsibilities.

I'll probably be here
most of the time anyways.

If I have to head
to New York for work,

it's no big deal.

It's just a train ride.

Please. Take my side on this.

I tried to talk him out
of coming down here,

but it didn't work.

It did not.

So, Samantha, fill me in
on what I missed.

The floor is yours.

There must be some mistake.

[phone buzzing]

I apologize profusely, Dani.

Rotten timing, but, uh,
I need to take this call

and I'll be right back.

I don't know, Bill. The way
I've been treated here...

No, no, sweetheart,

I assure you today
is gonna be different, okay?

What is this?

-Hello, Taylor.
-Hi, Taylor.

Good to see you again.

Mr. Hamilton.
Always good to see you.

What can I get for you?

I'd like the grilled
branzino, please.

-Good choice.
-HAYLEY: And I'd like
the chicken--

Excuse me.

Yes, sir.

You know, I'm gonna be
a little more old-fashioned,

Taylor, and order
for my lovely wife as well.

She'll have...

The chicken Caesar salad.

One chicken Caesar
and one branzino, please.

Good to see you, Mr. Hamilton.

See, we're being served,
just like I said we would.

-You're being served.
-Listen, baby.

Baby steps, like I said, okay?

By the time this lunch is over,
you're gonna feel

right at home here, okay?

I understand you're surprised
we've decided to let you go.

I'm baffled.

I've-I've fulfilled
my board responsibilities.

I haven't missed
a single meeting.

I... I've taken part
in several committees.

I fulfilled my give-or-get
obligations.

I know.

And your diligence is
the reason why

it was difficult for the board
to make this decision.

But in the end,

the vote to remove you
is unanimous.

But why?

There's a clause in the bylaws

that states your position
as board member

is subject to you behaving
in a manner

that's befitting our ideals.

Sort of like a morals clause.

And unfortunately, your recent
behavior has been unacceptable.

I never thought I'd say this,

but thank God
for a fashion show.

It gave Dani a sense of purpose

she hasn't had
since her marriage ended.

Mm. And the work.

Having to keep track
of all those details

kept Dani's mind occupied
and productive.

Are you saying spreadsheets
have healing powers?

For Dani, they just might.

She made a lot of money
for First-Gen.

Yes, she did.

And by doing good for others,
she did right for herself.

It's like I always say,

giving service to others
serves you, too.

One of the Dupree family mottos.
[laughs]

You can smile all you like,

but it doesn't make it
any less true.

Yeah.

Hopefully, if Dani can
stay on this path,

she can finally
move on from Bill.

Here's to the first
of many wonderful lunches

-that you're gonna have here.
-Mm.

Don't.

They probably frown
on kissing at lunch.

Besides, I'm not sure
we should have any PDA

in enemy territory.

Oh, come on, baby.
That's nonsense.

Look, we need to stake
our claim on this club, okay?

And even if we did get
kicked out for immoral behavior,

at least we'll have fun first.

Come here.

I don't understand.

My behavior
at the fashion show was

completely appropriate.

We reached our decision based
on an earlier incident.

One which generated

a significant amount
of negative publicity.

This is about Bill
and Hayley's wedding.

First-Gen board members are
supposed to be role models

for the youth we help.

Your attempt to sh**t
your ex-husband

and his new wife was

hardly role model behavior.

I didn't attempt
to sh**t anyone.

I'm not gonna argue semantics.

The world saw
what was on that video.

You brandished a loaded weapon
at a public gathering

and fired it.

Someone could have been
hurt or k*lled.

Well, the wedding
happened weeks ago.

Why did it take the board
so long to fire me?

We knew you put a lot of effort

-into that fashion show...
-[laughs]

...and wanted to allow you
to see it through.

Like I said,

we wanted your service
to end well for you.

End well for you, you mean.

I know how much
that fashion show made

for First-Gen.

And you let me work my a*s off,
all the while knowing

you were gonna kick me
off the board?

So much for behavior unbecoming.

You wanted to squeeze
everything you could

out of me before
unceremoniously dumping me.

If anyone is a lousy role model,
Hannah, it's you.

Chelsea started modeling
when she was a teenager,

just like great Aunt Dani.

It's sort of like a...

...Dupree family business.

Like politics,
only way more fun.

Modeling isn't just fun
and games and looking pretty.

It's full of auditions
and rejections.

And I understand that.

And the competition, Samantha.

Do you have any idea how many
young women want to model?

But Chelsea could help me

the way that Great Aunt Dani
mentored her.

There's no way in hell
I'm letting you

drop out of school
just like Aunt Dani did.

I don't plan on leaving school.

I'll do this part time
until I graduate.

I know that it takes time

to build a portfolio
and a modeling résumé.

What about college?

SAMANTHA:
That's still the plan

when I'm old
and ready to move on

like Chelsea did
with her designing.

And you know how you're always
honest about how important

extracurriculars are
on college applications.

I bet nobody else has modeling
as an extracurricular.

Ah, she's got you there.

This is not funny.

And I can save up all the money
that I make as a model

to pay for college.

Well, fortunately for you,
that's not necessary.

Your dad and I can
well afford to pay

for your higher education.

Okay, sure, but I could still
use my own money.

[scoffs] Samantha,
I'm not letting you

throw away your future
on some childish whim.

I knew you'd be this way.

But I'm gonna do this
with or without your approval.

Dani, what's wrong?

Did you know?

Is that why you're here?
To pick up the pieces?

I'm here because I have
a manicure appointment.

And pick up what pieces?

Don't give me that.

There is no way the board
would have done this

without checking with you first.

Not when most of the funding
for First-Gen comes

from the Dupree Heritage
Foundation.

Okay, I have no idea
what you're talking about.

You know, Mom, I know

that you don't approve
of half of what I do,

but I never thought
you would think I deserved

-to be kicked off the board.
-Dani, calm down

and tell me what's happened.

-You really don't know?
-ANITA: No.

And I won't until you tell me.

I came here
for what I thought was

a routine meeting with Hannah
about First-Gen.

And it wasn't, I take it?

She told me I've been removed
from the board

because of what I did
at Bill's wedding.

That my behavior was unbecoming
for a board member,

but that they waited to tell me

until after the finish
of the fashion show.

They wanted the money they knew
you were going to raise.

If the board sincerely thought
your image was so tarnished

it would harm
their organization,

they should have
let you go immediately,

which they did not do.

Which means it really
wasn't an issue.

I'll take care of this.

-Mom...
-I will have you back
on that board

-before the end of the day.
-Don't.

I don't, I don't want
to be any place

where my colleagues
treat me that way.

Okay, fine.

They don't deserve you anyway.

I'm getting used to folks
not deserving me.

Baby, I don't want you

to feel badly
about what they've done.

I can't help it.

Well, I can.

So I don't want you
to waste another minute

worrying about it.

I can't believe I just witnessed

Dani Dupree being kicked off
the board of a charity.

And in front of witnesses.

Feels good not being
the only outcast

in this country club.

Hey, hey, hey.
What are you talking about?

You're the farthest thing
from an outcast, okay?

You have a husband
that will give you the world.

Thank you so much
for this wonderful,

-unexpectedly romantic date.
-Mm.

You know, I don't give a damn
what anybody thinks.

I'm gonna kiss my husband again

in the middle
of this country club.

-Mm-hmm.
-Come here.

Another one? I like that.

SAMANTHA:
I knew Pop would say no.

It's like he lives
to crush my dreams.

It's a pretty sudden dream,
you have to admit.

Stop taking his side.

You know I'm always
on your side.

I have to admit,

I don't understand
why you want to be a model.

Having your picture taken
all the time is my idea of hell.

That's cause your drip is
so basic.

If I could have my wish, I would
erase that picture of me.

All the negative comments
on the Internet,

and all the memories
at that school.

Like I said, people have
mad short attention spans.

Something else will happen,

and then they'll be obsessing
over whatever that is.

In an ideal world,

that something would be

my first magazine cover.

[chuckles]

We're living proof
that being siblings,

we don't have to be the same.

You want to be famous,

while I just want everybody
to forget I exist.

You think I was too hard
on Samantha.

I know that you believe

that modeling isn't
what's best for her.

But it doesn't have to be
all or nothing.

It's not like
Samantha's gonna go

right to booking magazine covers

or to Paris Fashion Week.

I'm sure that's what she thinks.

But we can temper
her expectations.

We let her take
a few local jobs,

and if anything is
the least bit inappropriate,

we veto it.

Look at you,
being all reasonable.

Well, like the kids say,
I am the more reasonable parent.

They don't say that.

-Do they say that?
-And...

we would not be the only adults
looking after her.

Like Samantha was saying,
Chelsea could mentor her.

And I'm sure that Chelsea
would never let

-anything happen to our girl.
-You know

if we give Samantha an inch,
she'll take a whole mile.

Yeah.

Is there something
about this idea in particular

that's bothering you?

The fact that modeling is
so public that it might affect

your image if you decide
to run for president?

That has nothing to do with it.

I just think you're a bit naive.

For example,
would Samantha turn down

a modeling gig
to study for a math test?

Yes.

If we make getting good grades
a condition to modeling, yes.

Look.

I know we're the parents,

and I know it's our job
to sometimes say no.

But I want you to consider
saying yes to this one.

Are you free?

There's something
I need to discuss.

Looks like Martin's
in a bad mood, as usual.

Dani really does seem to be
holding court today.

I wonder who else is gonna
get an audience

from the former Queen Bee.

Mm, yeah,
every last Dupree, I hope.

I want all of them to see us
happy and in love

and enjoying the hell out
of our country club membership.

I hope you're coming
with good news.

I could use some right now.

Sorry.

I came for advice.

Well, you might have come
to the wrong place.

I feel like I make nothing
but mistakes lately.

Well, this is definitely
in your wheelhouse.

Modeling.

Go on.

After Samantha's little moment
at the fashion show,

that's all she could talk about.

I'm glad she enjoyed it.

Samantha did a great job.
Girl's a natural.

Unfortunately,
she thinks so, too.

And now she wants to model
like you and Chelsea.

I didn't realize she took
the experience that seriously.

Well, she did.

And that's why I've come to ask:

What do you think of the idea?

SMITTY:
I think we all got
a little salty.

No, we all didn't.

You were cool and reasonable,

and he was his usual
overreacting self.

[sighs] He has
his reasons, Samantha.

Your father being
in the public eye

puts all of us
under a bit more scrutiny.

Something that might normally
fly below the radar

might end up on the news
if you or your brother do them.

So what if it does?

There is nothing wrong
with being a model.

Maybe not.

But you modeling is a change.

And sometimes your father
doesn't like change.

Remember how worried he was when
I was gonna go back to work?

But eventually he came around.

He never seems to come around

when it's about things
that are important to me.

Dad, it does seem unfair
that you and Samantha

have to walk around on eggshells

to make Pop feel comfortable.

Why isn't it ever
the other way around?

[sighs]

Respecting someone's feelings
is important

when you're in a relationship.

When you're at odds
with somebody,

it never hurts to see things
from their point of view.

It does when it's all their
point of view all the time.

It hurts hard when they're
standing in between you

and something that means
more to you than anything.

And they always win
'cause they're in charge.

It feels like Pop doesn't
even care how much this hurts.

[door slams]

Somebody chip
one of your new nails?

I didn't get them done.
I'm so mad.

-I ran into Dani at the club.
-Oh, what's she done now?

Not a damn thing.

This time she's been done to.

By Bill? That new wife of his?

It is the First-Gen Grant
organization.

Hannah called
a meeting with Dani just

to kick her off the board.

Why, for God's sake?

They claim that incident
at the wedding disqualifies her

and she's no longer
a role model.

Oh, this stinks to high heavens.

And it's incredibly stupid.

Not only did they lose
a real asset,

they've gotten on the wrong side
of Anita Dupree.

You're damn right they have.

How could an organization
we've supported

treat a board member
so shabbily,

let alone a member
of our own family?

This couldn't happen at
a worse possible time for Dani.

I hope it doesn't ruin
the progress she's been making.

Everybody will know
she's no longer on that board,

and they'll wonder why.

Other organizations
she's affiliated with

might decide to kick her
off their boards, too.

We've seen what happens
when Dani feels unmoored.

We can't let her
get back to that place.

We won't.

And I have a plan to make sure
that doesn't happen.

Well, modeling's not easy,
no matter what Samantha thinks.

But it can be very rewarding
and extremely fulfilling.

Especially if a model has
a good team behind her.

I'm sure that's true
for an adult,

but Samantha's only 16.

I was only a year older
when I started modeling.

So was Chelsea.

Most successful models began
their careers

when they were teenagers.

No offense, Aunt Dani,
but the thought of Samantha

being immersed into this world
at this age is terrifying.

And not only the stories
about men preying on models,

and not to mention
all the parties...

Well, that is why
a good manager is essential.

Someone who can go
to every photo sh**t,

make sure nothing
inappropriate happens.

Someone who can
look out for her,

make sure she's not hanging out
with the wrong people

or going down the wrong path.

-That should be
my and Smitty's job.
-Of course.

And a good manager would work
with Samantha's parents.

It sounds like you think
we should let Samantha do it.

That's up to you and Smitty.

But I will ask you this.

How old were you
when you told your parents

you wanted to follow
in your granddad's footsteps?

That's different.

I mean, in modeling,

Samantha would be constantly
judged for her appearance.

It's more personal
and more damaging.

Now, come on, smarty Marty.

In politics, every word you say,
every move you make,

every decision you put your
name on is under a microscope.

And okay,
it's not like modeling,

where you have to fit
into someone's beauty idea.

But you're out there
toeing the line

and making decisions
based on the expectations

of donors and voters.

That's all true.

But I had time
to grow into that.

Because your parents and grands

gave you the opportunity
to go for it.

She's my baby.

Don't I know it.

And now you are getting
the tiniest taste

of what your parents
must have felt like

when you told them
about the path

you wanted to go down, Martin.

Not only would every sound bite
possibly end your career,

but it could leave you targeted.

No parent wants to carry

that kind of fear
for their child.

And they never tried to stop me.

But they guarded you,

in ways seen and unseen.

Believe me.

Now you get to decide
whether you want to dim

your little girl's light

or whether you want to show her,

while making sure that
she avoids certain pitfalls,

that she can shine bright
and go after what she wants.

Come on in, Hannah.

Lovely to see you
as always, Anita.

I didn't realize
Vernon would be joining us.

Even better.

Now we can really get
some business done.

Vernon, there are
some upcoming projects

on First-Gen's calendar

that could really use
your input.

We've got a lot to talk about.

No, we don't.

Did you really think
we wouldn't find out

that you kicked Dani
off the board?

[scoffs] No, I assumed
that she would tell you.

Vernon, I trust
that you understand

why the board had no choice

but to make what was a very
difficult decision for us.

We also know
that there's a proper way

in which to do these things,
and it's not shamelessly

using a board member

and then removing them
from their position.

When you run a community
service organization,

you have to act
when a board member compromises

a charity's image.

We couldn't agree more.

Which is why
we're getting rid of you.

Samantha, can we talk?

I don't like
the way we left things.

I don't, either.

I talked to your dad

and he encouraged me
to be more reasonable.

To think about things
from your point of view.

He told me the same thing.

So...

I spoke to Aunt Dani
to learn more about modeling.

So, did you change your mind?

I'm so very proud of you,
Samantha.

You are talented, smart,

and a great sister to Tyrell.

Although I do think your
"Tyrell, you distract Pop

while I talk to Dad" act
needs work.

So, what did Auntie Dani say?

That it's up to me and your dad
to do what's best for you.

And as much as I want
to support you

in all your...

I can't agree to you
being a model.

Why not?

I get good grades.

I never get
in any sort of trouble,

but all you ever do is
say no to me.

That's just not true.

You won't let me date,
you won't let me model.

Tyrell gets to do
whatever he wants, but not me.

Is it because I'm a girl?

Or is it that you just
don't trust me?

This has nothing to do
with you being a girl.

Then how come Tyrell gets
to do what he wants?

Because Tyrell wants
to join the chess club.

Now, if you want to join
the chess club,

by all means,
you have my blessing.

Or you can participate
in other school activities.

Maybe you can put
your skills at argument

to use on the debate team.

Treating me trying to stand up
for myself as a joke

shows just how little
you respect me.

I just don't want you to be put

in situations
where you're at risk.

I trust you.

But everyone is not worthy
of that trust.

Even people who seem nice
have a dark side.

Very dark.

And I don't want you to be hurt.

I just want the best for you.

And that's why I can't
allow you to be a model.

I understand.

-I assume you overheard.
-[clears throat]

I did.

And you don't approve
of my decision.

I just worry that if we keep
saying no to Samantha,

eventually she's gonna rebel.

[sighs]

Hey, Chelsea.
I spoke to my fathers.

And they didn't
forbid me to model,

so I'm going for it.

[quietly]:
What the hell?

I look up to you
so much, Chelsea.

And I know that you can teach me
everything I need to know

about being professional.

Will you be my manager?

Thank you so much.

When can we get started?

Effective immediately,

First-Gen will no longer be
under the umbrella

of the Dupree Heritage
Foundation.

We find that you are
not role models

for the other organizations
in the community.

So...

there goes
most of your financing.

I can't believe you'd be
so petty, Anita.

I prefer to call it justice.

You're only going
to hurt the students

who won't be able
to afford college

without the scholarships
First-Gen provides.

Vernon, you cannot
allow this to happen.

Vernon is not going to save you.

But fortunately, we are going
to save those students.

The Dupree Heritage
Foundation will launch

a brand-new charity,
which will provide

scholarships to first
generation college students.

Oh, which is exactly
what First-Gen does, doesn't it?

You're k*lling my charity
to start an identical one?

"k*lling" is such
a harsh term, Hannah.

No, no, I think
it's appropriate.

Our charity will be
new and improved,

and free of the deadwood of you
and the First-Gen board.

And Dani will chair
our organization.

She has so many brilliant ideas.

But, of course,
you wouldn't know that

because you didn't bother
to listen, did you?

So you'll just have
to watch and see,

like everyone else.

And if First-Gen does
indeed go under,

maybe you can beg Dani
for a job at the new charity

and hope that she is
more merciful than I would be.

So, uh, we were
sitting over there

trying to mind
our own business--

Then try harder.

BILL:
But you were so loud

we couldn't help overhearing.

Dani, I'm really sorry

that you got kicked off
that board.

I know how those little

socialite activities of yours

helped to fill your days.

First-Gen was not
a socialite activity.

-It mattered.
-Mm. Well,

I guess it's gonna have
to keep mattering without you.

And now that you can't live
through Chelsea,

I shudder to think what you're
gonna do with all your days.

I sincerely hope that whatever

activity that you pick,
it doesn't involve firearms.

Believe it or not,
I feel bad for you, Dani.

I know how important
it is for you

to lord your Dupree privilege
over everyone at this club.

And so it must have been
even more humiliating

getting dumped on what
you consider to be your turf.

It's made me realize
that you and I aren't

so different after all.

Bill, I think
your bride's brain is broken.

-You better take her on home.
-HAYLEY: No, I mean it.

We've both been rejected
and snubbed from this club.

And I'm sorry that now
you're gonna feel

the same insecurity I felt

every time I walked through
these doors wondering

if people are talking
about you behind your back,

looking down on you...

I pity you, Dani.

I really do.

You and I don't have
a damn thing in common, Hayley.

You have to cling
to my former husband

to avoid being a pariah.

I'm a Dupree.

I don't have to cling
to anything to matter.

What happened today was
a minor setback.

And I already have a plan
to get back on top.