Original subtitles

[Anita playing piano]

[Anita scatting]

[laughing] Someone's feeling frisky.

[laughs]

Well, you were humming a love song.

Wasn't that the intended purpose?

I know you miss those days,

grandstanding on the national stage.

But not everything is about you, Mr. Dupree.

Well, what other purpose could there be?

Besides...

I know. You're practicing

for the Articulettes reunion.

Well, I won't lie and say

it hasn't been on my mind lately.

What's holding you in place?

I've told you already.

In theory, reuniting with the girls,

that would be...

That would be something.

But in actuality, getting everyone together

after the way I treated them when I went solo,

that's something entirely different.

You're assuming it will go badly,

but you won't know until you pick up the phone.

Here.

Do it.

Set this thing in motion.

Your fans demand it, including your number one, me.

Anything for you, Mr. Dupree.

Except that.

[playing soulful tune]

God-

The hell?

-[sighs] -What's wrong?

Oh, nothing, babe.

Just some incompetent junior associates wasting my time.

And here I am, here to waste more of it.

I should've knocked, shouldn't I?

Permission to enter, boss?

Oh, well, that depends.

Are you here as my employee or my wife?

That entirely depends...

on you.

So glad I caught you.

And to what do I owe this surprise visit?

You know, I just wanted to come and see you.

You know, make sure all was good in the hood.

Well, now you see me.

Yeah. I mean, you look well.

Like you're ready to take on the world.

What, did you expect me to be on the couch in the fetal position,

mascara-stained tissues everywhere?

What? No. Uh-

Is that why you kept quiet about Leslie?

To protect little old me

because you think I'm so weak and fragile?

DANI: Nicole.

Give the man a break.

? ?

-Dani, you don't have to- -I absolutely do.

You told me Ted confided in Andre.

You also told me you understood the position that put him in.

I did.

So what changed?

I don't know.

Everything. Nothing.

It's complicated.

Okay. Then let's play this out.

If I was your patient,

sitting in your big, fancy office,

telling you that my husband's nephew

knew he was cheating, what would you say?

-That's different. -What would you say?

I'd say...

anger is natural.

That betrayal makes us want to burn everything down.

And then?

[sighs] That sometimes the people

caught in the middle are victims, too.

Damn you for making me be my own therapist.

Thanks. I'll be right over.

Hey. Need help?

No, thank you. I got it.

Wait, Dad, is that kale in that bag?

We talked about this.

What's wrong with kale?

Some of us actually care about our skin.

Like you and your 15-step morning routines?

Don't worry about what I do.

SMITTY: Do you have a work function?

I was hoping we would have dinner together tonight.

I, um, left something at Orphey Gene's.

I'll be right back.

Please do not take too long.

These two have been going at it

since I picked them up from school.

How about we save the cooking for tomorrow

-and have pizza night instead? -I'm down.

SAMANTHA: Ooh, can we order extra this time?

We never get enough.

And you know how this one eats.

Don't start.

We'll order a ton.

You never know when we'll come across a stray.

True. You never know.

-Hey, is there something going on with you? -We'll talk later.

Permission to approach?

Are we really doing this right now?

Looks like.

If you're about to talk about some "being friends" stuff,

you'd be wearing this.

Looks like we'd finally be sharing something.

Look, I'm not saying we have to handle this today,

but for real, are we ever gonna work through our issues?

I don't have any issues.

I just need you to stay out of my sight.

Well, I'm not going anywhere.

So whether you're in your feelings or not,

we're stuck with each other.

[scoffs]

Martin was on some twin connection stuff,

saying how because we're the same age,

maybe there's some subliminal bond, or whatever.

That's kind of deep. What do you think about it?

Let me break this down to you, real simple.

That will never be us.

No tea, no shade. Just facts.

-Say less. -Mm.

Can't say I didn't try.

We're still half sisters, and that's forever.

But you do you, I guess.

? ?

MARTIN: What's good, baby sis?

Hey.

That's all your big brother gets?

Someone's in a bad mood.

Can you blame me?

I just had a run-in with the homewrecker helper.

Let's not dwell on that again.

Hey, I know we talked about meeting for dinner,

but how about having it at my house?

What's the occasion?

We're having pizza night.

Plus, when have you needed a special occasion

to see your niece and nephew?

Maybe that wouldn't be so bad.

I could use a break from all the Eva/Leslie drama.

Speaking of Eva, you remember what I said

about us trying to figure out how to be family?

Vaguely.

Maybe we should try tonight.

Wait a minute.

I just said I needed a break from the drama.

You're not seriously thinking of inviting her?

-Ah, look what we have here. -Ah!

If it isn't the sound that made the whole world

-stop and listen. -Oh, please.

Look at y'all. Three queens on one throne.

What do you say? Let's give it a spin.

You are about as transparent as a glass of water.

And besides, that thing has nothing

but pops, clicks and scratches.

Sadly, it's gone the same way as my voice.

Oh, not this nonsense again.

Your voice is not worse.

It is just different.

Aged, like a fine cognac.

Cognac is harsh to some people.

But not to those who have good taste.

Come on. People be lining up to see you perform.

Especially if you're paired with-

Two partners I cut loose?

[sarcastic]: But that's not a recipe for disaster.

You won't know...

Until I try.

I'll tell you what, husband of mine,

I have an idea.

Why don't we not debate this and have a sing?

-A sing? -Mm.

With whom?

The one partner I didn't turn away.

-Me? -Yes, you.

Maybe it'll satisfy that urge,

that sudden urge to be Dante Green.

You know I can't sing.

There is no "can't" in this family.

Let's just say you've been...

vocally challenged.

But maybe you're better now.

Oh, I don't think it works that way.

The Music Man said,

"Singing is just sustained talking."

And you love to talk.

So, why don't you just pretend like you're giving a speech

and just hold the words a little longer?

Fine. You win.

I'll give it a go.

But I swear, if you start

with those Broadway musicals again...

Just sing.

? ?

I get that it's complicated.

I didn't mean to stir anything up.

I only stopped by so I could see you.

But maybe I should give you some space.

Hey, no one is leaving until we fix this.

Hey, Dani, it's okay. Really.

Wait.

You know what you mean to me.

I'm just raw right now,

and I can't do anything about that.

My heart's in pieces,

and I don't know how to trust anyone.

Yeah.

Watching you hurt like this has been killing me, too.

Ted put you in an impossible position.

Do I wish that you had told me

what he confided in you about Leslie,

the affair and that she was actually in town?

Of course.

But I understand why you didn't.

I will always treasure

what you mean to me,

even if it seems like

it's getting buried under the crush of things.

You're family, Andre.

And that doesn't disappear

just because everything else is falling apart.

Girlfriend, I got you covered.

Don't even worry about it. Oh. Gotta go.

Bye.

Who you plotting with now?

Dad, can you please tell my brother

that every phone call isn't a federal investigation?

SMITTY: Tyrell, can you please give your sister

some breathing room?

You look sus, and I know that look.

SAMANTHA: Chill. It's not that deep.

Just someone from AP Bio who needed my notes.

[scoffs] Watch, when your friends

get that Georgetown acceptance letter and you don't,

you're gonna be saying your brother warned you.

Okay, come on.

Will you please tell my brother

that looking out for friends and family

isn't the crime that he thinks it is?

Especially when he'll be thanking me later.

The fact is, you and Eva need to handle this,

and it might as well be over a couple of slices.

Come on, it's not that bad of an idea.

You're right. It's worse.

How long are you going to hold on to this grudge?

Until I'm ghosting from the grave.

Maybe you like to "Kumbaya" with the other side of Congress,

but this ain't that.

No, it's family.

And you're making my point for me.

We have a half sister, and my kids should get to know her.

That's your vibe.

But your full sister is not interested.

Even if pizza is involved?

Ah!

I need to find a new place to chill.

? ?

That was about me, wasn't it?

Look, I hope I'm not making things weird

between you and Kat.

Nothing more than the normal sibling animosity.

I guess I can't really relate

since I never had any of that.

Well, you kind of do now.

Maybe we should get to know each other better.

For real?

I love that.

We're having pizza night.

You want to hang with my family and me?

That's unacceptable. You understand?

I don't care if it takes all night. Get it done.

[sighs]

Sorry, babe. Duty called.

Oh, is that his name?

You are in a mood today.

You noticed.

Oh, careful now. Careful.

I may have to report you to the new HR board.

-[laughs] That'll be the day. -Yeah.

Bill Hamilton gets so woke, he won't let a paralegal,

who happens to be his wife, flirt with him.

-Unheard of. -[chuckles]

Not that I'm not enjoying all this attention, but, um,

am I supposed to guess what you're working up to here,

or should I just labor in eternal ignorance?

Hmm.

Oh...

you're about to find out.

[chuckling]

The last thing I want is for you to be in a position

where you feel like you have to explain yourself.

You will never have to do that with me.

I appreciate that.

Hey. Come here.

Talk soon.

[mouthing]

Auntie.

[Andre clears throat]

All right, Sis, ready to break out that wine?

First, do you want to tell me

what's going on with you and Andre?

-Hi, baby. -Hey, babe.

[coughs]

Ugh.

Get a room.

[coughs]

Here, you can keep these.

I take it you didn't have trouble tracking her down?

At the underpass.

Exactly where she told us she'd be.

You know that hotel room offer still stands.

It's not safe.

Less safe than sleeping under the highway?

I know the people at the underpass.

Those charity hotels,

they're full of people pretending to be

better than they are.

They'll smile in your face and rob you blind.

Let's discuss your arraignment.

So, they'll likely charge you with second-degree assault.

But I can argue that you thought the person

going through your cart was stealing

and not a social worker looking for drugs.

-That doesn't guarantee that- -[coughing]

[sneezes]

That doesn't guarantee that you'll-

[coughing]

June, how long have you been sick?

I'm not sick.

I'm fit as a fiddle.

Now, about this guarantee-

[coughing]

[Anita playing "I Love You Truly"]

? ?

? I love?

? You truly?

[singing off-key]: ? Truly, dear?

? ?

? Life with its sorrows?

? Life with its tears?

[laughing]

Seems like that's directed towards me.

[laughing]: I'm sorry, baby,

but you were right.

You are not better now.

[laughter]

You can't say I didn't warn you.

Do you know how embarrassing it was

to lead all those civil rights marches

with everybody belting out "We Shall Overcome"

at the top of their lungs,

and me lip-syncing every word?

Well, it shows how much I love you.

It's our little secret I kept all these years.

The lady marching next to me

said I had the best voice she ever heard

and I never sang a single note.

You were the best lip-syncer I ever saw.

And that's coming from somebody who watched

every episode of Soul Train

and did my own share of lip-syncing.

Well, in a family of singers, it's like being

the tallest person in a tribe of pygmies.

Oh. [laughs]

[Vernon chuckles]

-[knocking at door] -I wonder who that is.

-You should get it. -Why don't you?

Oh, I wish I could be back in high school

so I could fight about the most inconsequential things ever.

Get the door.

TYRELL: Jessica?

I heard it's pizza night.

Come on in, Jess.

And I kept my promise.

You have veggie? Good looking out.

You invited her?

Why not? We're pals.

And rumor has it, so are you two.

I am happy to be here.

And I think it's cute your little sister

thinks she can play matchmaker.

So, are you gonna introduce us, Tyrell?

I'm Jessica.

Jessica, as in...?

-She was the one that got sent the picture. -SMITTY: Got it.

Everyone is starting to leave him alone now.

Looks like we got a full house.

You all know Eva.

You mean thatEva?

A honeymoon?

That's what this is about?

Maybe you forgot,

but you still owe me one,

or at least two-thirds of the one

that we had to cut short.

[sighs] Baby...

I will never cheat you out of what you got coming, okay?

Especially if it involves you and me,

the most romantic place imaginable

and lots of champagne.

I-I'd whisk you away today if I could.

Okay, then what's the problem?

Why aren't we halfway across the world by now?

Well, Mike's gone now.

And filling in for him hasn't been easy.

It'll just, you know, take us a little time before we can go.

I figured you'd say that.

Which is why, you know, if we can't go have a honeymoon,

I thought I'd bring the honeymoon to us.

BILL: Mmm.

Oops.

What do you mean, what's up with me and Andre?

I don't know what you're talking about.

I'm just wondering.

Andre? Your Andre?

That's who you think I'd choose for a little release?

I thought I picked up on something.

Well, maybe what you're picking up on is...

how we got to know each other,

when he worked miracles with Chelsea

on that Ebonyphoto shoot.

Oh, right. That was a great spread.

I mean, I got to be nice to the guy.

He did my daughter a super solid.

Of course. What was I thinking?

The last thing I am looking for is a relationship right now.

You should understand that more than anyone.

You're right. Well, how about that drink?

-I definitely could use one. -Yeah.

It's tea with honey. It's an old remedy,

but it still works.

[coughs] Not for me.

This cold is the price of admission.

[coughs]

Wait, what does that mean?

You call yourself a cop?

It was freezing at the underpass last night.

And the cold concrete don't care about comfort.

So, is this the part where I tell you I told you so, or...?

No, Ms. Smarty Pants, it is not.

It's just something I'm used to, is all.

And I like it better than having my stuff swiped

at some charity hotel.

We just want to make sure you're good, June.

-That's all. -It's a cold.

You don't survive on these streets without catching a few.

You know, you're lucky I'm an ethical attorney,

or else I might try to get on the judge's bad side

so he'd throw you in jail till your trial.

At least then you'd have a roof over your head

and three square meals a day.

Who said you were ethical?

That's still yet to be determined.

[coughing]

JACOB: June, are you okay?

[exhales deeply]

I don't think I'm feeling too well.

Baby, feel her forehead.

Oh, my gosh, she's burning up.

[laughing]: What are you doing?

It- [laughs]

It was supposed to be sexy.

Oh, oh, oh, it was sexy.

It was sexy, yeah, till I heard my phone crack.

-Oh, my... -What's this?

You know what?

To hell with all of this. Everything's ruined anyway.

Look, look. The Morrison case.

The Thompson brief.

Next quarter budget protections.

Oh, my goodness.

Come here.

[laughter]

Oh, you're something.

Mm, mm, mm. [chuckles]

Still think my...

movie moment was a mistake?

Mm-mm.

Mmm.

Look, I am sorry I asked about Andre,

but you know that I had to.

And I am telling you, I'm alone

and I'm good with it.

Yes, I lost my damn mind for a minute when Bill left.

He took a chunk of my life.

But now I see it as a blessing.

No man, no drama.

That is a great way of looking at it.

And I cannot tell you how freeing it is.

No commitments, no compromises.

I can blast Beyonc� at 3:00 a.m.,

take random trips to Paris.

Hell, I can even let my grays come in

without someone asking me if I'm letting myself go.

Not that I would.

That sounds great, Dani,

but some of us are still working on that liberated woman part.

-And that is why you have me. -Mm.

Look, today was lovely.

You dragging me out to brunch and being my shadow and all,

but I really just need to be alone right now.

-You sure? -I'm fine.

I'm just tired.

You look all right.

Don't think I won't know if you're lying.

Cross my heart.

I'm out, then.

But tomorrow we're doing something fun.

No arguments.

[chuckles] I am your girl.

One phone call, Sissy. That's all it takes.

I know.

-Love you. -I love you.

[sighs]

Eva is my half sister

and this is her first time here,

so we're going to give her a warm welcome.

Pops, Eva, this is Jessica from school.

Try not to embarrass me.

Hi, Jessica. I've heard a lot about you.

That makes two of us.

Sorry. This is insane.

I mean, your speech on student debt was all over socials,

but this is the first time I am seeing

a congressman in real life.

Actually, he was my first, too.

That's what's sending me.

So you two didn't know you were related until recently?

You could say that.

Hey, how about I show you two a tour of the place?

Eva, how are you finding your way around D.C. so far?

[indistinct chatter]

Hey, it wasn't my intent

just to bring my new half sister without any warning.

A warning wouldn't have helped.

She is the woman who went after Grandma.

It's a lot more complicated than that.

How? Eva ruined your parents' relationship

and now you want to have pizza with her?

Eva is blood.

Her mother orchestrated all of that.

She just got caught in the crossfire like the rest of us.

That's not how I see it.

Listen, if this is too much, I can go, it's fine.

Great. Thanks for coming.

No, stay.

Join us for a minute.

Just because Jessica says she liked one of your speeches

doesn't mean you have to show off now.

[sarcastic]: Yeah, because Pops would never

grandstand for the cameras.

I don't see any cameras around.

All I see is family.

Eva's entry into the Dupree family

wasn't the smoothest,

but complications are the stuff of life.

And regardless,

she will be having dinner with us tonight.

I hate keeping secrets, but this one

has been percolating for a while.

I've been considering a run for president.

But I've put those plans on hold for now.

I don't have to tell you guys

how a national campaign can be brutal.

I've learned from watching you all

for the past few months

that the biggest moments in life

don't always make headlines.

Sometimes, they're just this,

in this room, family.

Figuring it out together.

I have a husband who I love,

who's just getting back into his career.

Parents who just had a very public breakup.

Two children who I adore,

who need their father

and not a national campaign schedule.

And now, a sister I can get to know.

So, no, I'm not running for president.

Some things matter more than ambition.

Some things- some people-

deserve to be my priority.

Anyone have any questions?

Pizza's getting cold. Can we finally eat?

Taking a trip down memory lane?

You know why I keep pushing for that reunion?

It's not just because you would light up the stage again.

Not because your family would just burst with pride.

But because...

it-it could help you...

...let go of how things ended.

All three of you.

The weight you've been carrying for so long.

The temptation is there, believe me.

Don't tell me my off-key warbling

got you considering it.

Not exactly, but sort of.

Talk to me.

That sweet attempt at a duet

made me remember something.

What's that?

That you are still the man for me.

After all these years,

I can shine with you anywhere.

State dinners.

Hole-in-the-wall joints in Adams Morgan.

Right here, the two of us, just...

with you singing every wrong note

and me loving each one of them, because it's you singing.

You built this life with me.

Made it beautiful.

And then, when all this reunion talk started...

...suddenly, I was scared.

Yes. Me, Anita Dupree, scared.

I don't believe it.

For a minute, I was that girl again.

The one who knew she had it to sing,

or die trying.

Who had to dig deep to find the courage to chase that dream.

Then I was worried she was gone,

and I couldn't find that fire again.

But then I remembered one important thing.

I'm not that woman anymore.

And we have shared a lot of life

between that Anita and this one.

And I know

that if I have to do anything terrifying,

you are right there to hold my hand.

Damn straight.

Can you forgive me for forgetting?

You don't need to ever ask my forgiveness for anything.

But...

...does this mean...?

Yeah, I'll do it.

Let's have an Articulettes reunion.

That's my baby!

[laughter]

But I need to remind you of one important fact.

And what is that?

This could be truly wonderful,

or it could be a complete disaster.

June, wake up. June!

We got to get her to the hospital now.

You don't have to tell me twice.

JACOB: Stay with me, June.

-Yeah, I got her. -Go, go, go, go.

-Come on. -[June wheezes]

[June coughing]

[contented sigh]

-Ooh. Mmm. -[laughs]

Well, you just made

all the work that I have to do over worthwhile.

Mm. Glad to be of service.

Mmm. It was good to meet you.

You know, hopefully I made this an experience

you'll never forget.

Listen, I know I say this to you all the time,

but you are everything to me.

And, yes, I was married to Dani,

and it was good for a long time, but...

oh, never like this.

I can't imagine what life would be without you.

And I sure as hell don't want to try.

Mm, mm.

? ?

[laughs]

[breathing heavily]

As your wife, this was fun.

But as your employee, I can help

put your office back in order, if you need.

No, baby, that won't be necessary, okay?

I can handle it, trust me.

I got everything under control.

HAYLEY: Okay...

I'm glad you could read lips

and knew what I was saying, before, at Nicole's.

I got the message all right.

Nicole nearly did, too.

Wait, say what?

[laughs]

'Cause she picked up on something,

asked me right out.

And you said...

You know that joke about how the Nile

is more than just a river?

Yeah.

I'm sorry she took out her anger at Ted on you.

Because her mood, it just swings back and forth.

-I get it. You know. -I do, too. But still...

You didn't see him the day he told me.

He knew what he had with Nicole, and...

he knew that she was the most important thing in his life.

It killed him that he had had that weak moment.

If only.

You feel about it as you will, all right?

And so will I.

After all, I love them both.

I know you do.

I guess I have to be an adult about this.

I will if you will.

Can I ask you a question?

Yeah, name it.

What took you so long to wind up in my bed?

[chuckles]

KAT: How are you, Mom?

I'm fine. Or at least I will be.

You seem a little off, though.

Well, can't hide anything from you, now, can I?

What's going on?

Nothing.

If I could stop running into that trifling trash Eva Thomas.

So, my dad says you're a hairdresser.

I was, then I detoured.

Now it looks like I'll be doing it again.

It's a good way to pay the bills,

which is kind of important right now.

Where are you working?

Oh, you probably haven't heard of it,

but it's a place called Serenity Beauty & Hair.

MARTIN: Clearly, you don't know my daughter,

the mini fashionista.

She's up on all the hotspots.

It's only one of the premier salons in D.C.

Like, their IG feed is everything.

Samantha was actually just saying

how she wanted to change up her look.

Maybe Eva can offer a few tips.

Oh, I don't know.

Actually, Samantha has a great look already.

But change is fun.

I could definitely see a few different looks

that would flatter her face.

For some of us who can't visualize

what that looks like...

-you want to do it now? -Pop, it's not like

she travels with her stuff.

[laughs] Actually, I do.

But only if you're interested.

? ?

MARTIN: Nice.

[laughter]

[cheering]

? You know, you know, baby, we can go...?

So nice.

? You know, you know, baby, we can go?

? Wherever, come find?

? To see that our world's fine...?

Yes.

[laughter]

-Wow. -EVA: Mm-hmm.

You were really in your bag with this one.

So you love it?

-Yes, I love it. -Yay. [laughs]

[line ringing]

Sharon?

Hello?

Sharon, it's Anita.

But, of course, you know that.

[call beeps off]

[sighs heavily]

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