Original subtitles

- Sharon. - (sighs)

- Try to calm yourself. - Breathe, girl.

(exhales, inhales)

I should have never agreed to this.

(scoffs) Now, that's just nonsense.

And you'll be just fine.

I can't go out on that stage tonight.

I'll just make a fool of myself.

Now, you know that's just nonsense.

As soon as you take your place, you will remember everything.

- What if I forget the words? - Honey,

you got these songs in your bones.

Look, and if you go up on a lyric, just smile

and "la, la, la" until you catch up.

But what if I'm-I'm sharp?

What if I'm flat or just plain bad?

I-I was comfortable in my pond.

Maybe... the ocean is just not for me.

Not anymore.

And here I was, thinking I was all ready for a comeback.

Look, if I didn't think you could do this,

I would have told you so to your face long before now.

(laughs)

I know that's right.

And listen, I've had my own anxieties about tonight.

Yeah, right, Anita.

You don't believe me? Ask Vernon.

If there are nerves, it's a sign that we have invested

so much of our heart and souls

into making this concert a success.

Which is why it's going to be great.

Come on. You got this.

And we got you.

Oh, what the hell?

- Let's do it. - (laughter)

Since when don't you have a taste for Orphey Gene's pie?

The Articulettes concert is tonight.

Oh.

I'm-I'm sorry I broke my promise to get tickets for you,

but it's all your father's fault.

Of course it is.

I mean, if he had just come through with that loan

when I asked him for it, then I would have been able

to get us tickets before they sold out.

And to make it worse, I had the perfect dress to wear.

Mama, I told you, I didn't want to go to that concert

even if you could get tickets.

The whole Dupree family's gonna be there, and you and I

are the last people they want to see.

I don't care what the Duprees want.

They have everything.

All right? They cannot keep my music from me, too.

My mother had 45s

of every last one of their songs,

and, hunty, I played them into the ground.

So, a chance to see them and hear them live?

Nah.

The Duprees can kiss my fine behind

before they can keep me from that.

I hear you, Mama, but we don't have tickets,

so let's just let it go.

Look, we can listen to the Articulettes

at your apartment.

We can sing along, we can do some wild dancing,

which would be way too much for the concert.

It'll be fun.

Sounds puny to me.

Come on. We'll do it our way.

We never spend much time together anyways these days.

Look, I'm gonna head to the restroom,

and then we're gonna go back to your apartment.

(laughs softly)

- SERVER: Here you go. - Oh, thank you.

- No rush. - Okay.

What's that, Eva?

You want to spoil Mama by covering dinner tonight?

So sweet. Just love you.

"Enjoy. Ted."

Oh, no.

(scoffs)

? ?

Well, I've got some things to take care of.

Thanks for dinner, baby.

But what about our Articulettes dance party at your place?

Oh, well, we can do that another time.

Okay? Smooches.

Just give it to her. Thank you.

Eva Thomas?

Here's your card and receipt.

My card?

No wonder she thanked me for dinner.

Oh, no.

No.

Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no.

Ted is gonna kill me.

This is for you.

And this is for you.

What is this, Anita? You didn't have to.

Just a little something to commemorate the occasion.

SHARON: This is "just a little something"?

(gasps)

Yes, it is.

Compared to what we've been through and...

what we've meant to each other, it's the least I can do.

Gosh, when the Articulettes were just starting out,

we used to imagine what life would be like

when we'd make it big.

We had it in our heads that you couldn't get any more elegant

than a diamond eternity bracelet.

SHARON: Back then, we just had

cheap costume pieces.

Sometimes one of the fake diamonds would fall loose.

Or sometimes the whole bracelet.

And they'd just go skittering across the stage.

(laughter)

Well, that is not gonna happen with these diamond bracelets.

And every time you see that little sparkle on your wrist,

I want you to be reminded of how far we've come.

VERNON: Amen.

I hope you got yourself one, too.

- You know I did. - (laughter)

Oh, my God.

Sharon, it's so nice to actually meet you.

Oh, it's wonderful to meet more of Anita's family.

- No, bring it in, honey. - Okay.

- Bring it in. - Sharon's always been a hugger.

Only when you're on her good side.

- (laughter) - I've been so excited

for this concert ever since Gran said it might be a possibility.

Naomi is the one that got this thing rolling

after the karaoke night that Anita told us about.

Oh, so now I know who to blame if this all goes

- to hell in a handbasket. - (laughter)

We're just dealing with some preshow jitters.

Which will all go away once you step foot on that stage,

feel all the love from the crowd,

especially from your number one admirer,

who will be sitting front row center.

- Where is Granddad? - ANITA: He's on his way.

Probably from ordering flowers.

- (door closes) - I remember the big bouquets that would show up

for Anita backstage before every show.

Granddad has always been the king of rizz.

DANI: Nicole. How did it go with Smitty?

Were you able to get through to him?

He just texted me to confirm he talked to Martin,

and they are both coming to the concert.

Yes. Job well done, Sissy.

(both laugh)

Big plans tonight?

Oh, I plan on going home,

putting my foot massager on high,

and searching for puppy videos on Instagram.

It's just been that kind of day.

Really? Well, I just knew Andre

would be taking you to that Articulettes concert.

You know, with his Dupree connections,

I'm sure he landed some pretty prime seats.

Yeah, I guess he could have.

I know he's got some job attached to the show,

probably taking photos for the family.

Oh, that sucks.

But don't you think he should have at least

asked you about it?

We're not like that.

We had dinner a couple of times, but we're not a couple.

- How about you and Derek? - (scoffs)

Yeah, as if we could land tickets

to the hottest show in town.

No, I mean, how are things going with you two?

Well, I hope.

We've been out a few times. You know.

Dinners, a movie or two.

I mean, it still just feels like we're friends

- having a bite. - Oh.

Honestly, I don't even know if he wants more.

And to be real, all he does is talk about you the whole time.

No offense, but it's getting old quick.

Hi, Shanice.

Hey, Vanessa. You are wearing that dress.

Well, since I wanted to look particularly hot tonight,

sounds like I made the right choice.

And there's my handsome husband now.

Doug, are you ready to go to the concert?

I'm sorry. I have some things I need to catch up on here.

You can go on without me.

MAN (over P.A.): Nurse Banks to Bed 444.

I know things are still a little tense between us

after last night.

- You think? - Which is why

this is exactly what we both need.

A fun night out with friends,

some great music, a little dancing at the after-party.

You were the one who complained about me leaving you home alone.

Unfortunately, I don't feel like slapping on a smile

and pretending we're this happily married couple.

Count me out.

? Ooh ?

? Ooh, ooh... ?

Ooh, these moves look a thousand times better with real diamonds.

(laughter, applause)

Watching you three do these dance moves

makes me think of that video you made, Naomi.

- Pull it up on your phone, would you? - NAOMI: O-Oh, yes.

Okay.

(music playing)

(soft laughter)

Wonderful. Now Mother will have her granddaughters

and great-granddaughter here to send her off to the theater.

- It's exciting. - Grandma, what about Pop?

He is not here yet,

but he told me he is coming to the concert.

And Dad?

I went to personally invite him myself,

and he's coming, too.

This is why you are my favorite family member.

I will not tell the others, but remember,

this is just the first step.

Your dads have a lot to work through.

Yeah, I know, I know. I'll take what I can get.

(music playing)

Wait, are the actual Articulettes

watching me do the dance?

Why don't you go in the living room and see for yourself?

- Oh, my God. - (laughs)

I know, you have a lot of questions.

Was this what you were trying to tell me the other day?

That Martin and Smitty separated?

Samantha said Martin had this big secret.

Mom, please tell me

it's not about an affair.

I cannot handle knowing that about my brother.

No, no, nothing like that.

But it is Martin's place to explain, not mine.

Just know he is really struggling right now,

and he's gonna need all of our love and support.

Hi, Mom. Hi, Kat.

Did I miss anything?

Why didn't you say anything about what was going on

with you when I saw you a few days ago?

I wasn't ready to talk about it then,

and I can't get into it now either.

Well, whenever you're ready, just know I'm here for you.

Thanks, Kat. And I promise I'll take you up on that offer.

Okay.

- Hello, Martin. - Hey, Granddad.

If you'll excuse me, I have to call the office.

Everything okay, sweetheart?

Did you know about Martin and Smitty separating?

I did.

I can't believe it.

Is every marriage in our family breaking up?

Oh, I certainly hope not.

All of our hearts are hurting for Smitty and Martin,

and especially for the children.

I spoke with Tyrell earlier,

and I know your mother is spending as much time

with Samantha as she can.

And I'll keep a special eye on Samantha.

- Don't worry. - Good.

They need to know that the rest of us are here

for them to lean on.

We're not going anyplace.

On a happier note, tell me about your young man.

Is he meeting you at the concert?

Afraid not.

He has to work.

Aw, that's such a shame.

Well, as luck would have it, my, uh, beloved

is also working late tonight.

- Hmm. - So...

we could spend some time together.

- Good company. - Yeah.

(both laugh)

I didn't realize spending an evening with me

would be such a hardship for you.

I am sick and tired of going through the motions, Vanessa.

Of needing people to see us as this picture-perfect couple.

Would you prefer that people see you the way you were last night?

Yeah, I didn't think so.

- This isn't easy for me, you know. - You don't get to play

the victim here, Doug, not when I'm busting my ass

to get us out of the mess you started.

I acknowledge my part in this situation, but...

Then act like it.

Work with me and stop rattling

Joey's cage all the time.

There's only so much I can do to protect you.

Protect me?

Is that what you think you're doing?

You have no idea how close you are

to bringing us both down.

You need to pull it together.

Stop drinking, stop gambling, and stop blurting things out

at the worst possible moment.

You're right.

I'm glad you're seeing sense.

I agree I need to stop my overindulgences

in various ways, I need to be more discreet.

But what about you?

Can you stop your indulgences?

Tell Joey to find another partner in crime?

Will you lower your voice?

We're going to be late. Can we just...

try to enjoy our evening and talk about this later?

MAN (over P.A.): Dr. Ling, dial 831.

DOUG: Shanice?

- Are you on duty tonight? - Sorry, Dr. McBride.

I can check the schedule and see who is, though.

Oh, I wasn't asking you to work.

How would you like to go

to the Articulettes concert tonight?

- (laughs) I'd love to. - Well, great.

My wife has an extra ticket,

and she wouldn't want it to go to waste.

That way, everyone's happy.

Look, I'm sorry for barging in, but I needed to warn you.

What happened? What'd your mother do now?

She found the concert ticket you gave me.

Was she very upset?

Worse. She was overjoyed.

Dana's going to the concert.

Look, I should have hidden it better. I am so sorry.

I know how this will upset Nicole.

That's not your fault, Eva.

Thank you for warning me. Your seat's next to mine.

If you wouldn't have said anything, it'd be me

sitting next to Dana in a sea of Duprees.

At least we managed to avoid that picture.

Well, thank God for small mercies.

Listen, you take the ticket.

I can't.

I don't want you to miss the concert,

especially not when you're the one who bought the tickets.

The concert is ruined for me anyway.

If I'm sitting beside Dana,

I'm so worried about what she might do,

I wouldn't even be able to hear the music,

let alone enjoy it.

Besides, you have the best chance of anybody

of making sure your mother doesn't act out.

Hopefully, me not being there will lessen the temptation

for her to make a scene.

Well, Mama never needs a reason to act out.

- Yeah. - But...

I hear what you're saying.

Dang, I feel even worse now.

You were kind enough to buy concert tickets

for all of us in the office,

and now I ruined your night and maybe everyone else's.

It's fine. You're not to blame for your mother.

Well, let's just hope she doesn't try to steal

the spotlight again.

Don't worry about it, Eva.

You just do what you can to keep her in line tonight.

Besides, I'm sure the Duprees will be happy

to know I'm not there anyway.

MAN (over P.A.): Dr. Ling to Bed 587.

You just missed Shanice.

Actually, I'm here to see you.

I was hoping I could buy you a cup of coffee

and we could talk?

Coffee?

Sure.

It is time for the Articulettes to head to the Howard.

Oh, you don't fool me.

You just want to be there in time

to do those rituals you always do.

Warming up properly is not a ritual.

- (laughter) - It is while you're doing it

jumping back and forth from one foot to the other.

(laughter)

ANITA: It worked on our first concert

and every one since, didn't it?

We all know my love has her own little ways.

I'm just being responsible.

You are never anything but.

Now, if we could all just gather round

before our Articulettes leave us.

It'll come as no surprise to anyone

how very proud I am of my lovely and talented wife.

Tonight that pride extends to her two dear friends

and sisters in music.

We are here to celebrate them.

(chuckles) On this, the night of their long-awaited reunion.

And we are blessed to be able to be here together

as a family to do so.

To be able to support them

in this more challenging time.

Because that's what it means to be a family.

To be there for each other,

in good times and bad.

- Amen. - ALL: Amen.

I was right. Vernon and his flowers.

(sighs) And so nice of Anita to leave them here

where we can all enjoy them throughout the show.

That man- all these years, and he still hasn't forgotten.

I haven't forgotten you either.

For us?

Well, you heard what I said at the house the other night.

You are her sisters in music.

Oh, damn you, Vernon, don't you make me cry

- and mess up my makeup. - (laughter)

You're part of the family.

Thank you.

? ?

(mutters)

We meet again.

MARTIN: Yeah.

That trial run earlier helped make things

a little less clunky?

I've always liked that jacket on you.

I know.

Well, I'm sure Samantha wants to catch up with you,

so I'll let you two talk.

Sorry.

Come on, Pop, why don't you take the seat next to Dad?

No, thanks, sweetheart. The last thing I want to do

is to make Dad feel pressured.

Fine with my assigned seat.

The Articulettes are changing into their costumes.

- And the flowers? - A hit, as expected.

How could they be anything

but with my lovely granddaughters presenting them?

I'm gonna check the list of details

that your mother told me to triple-check.

- (laughs) - I'll see you in the audience.

Oh, I-I'm-I'm gonna watch from back here.

I'm just glad you came.

- (sighs) And we've lost Dani. - Huh?

I'll go see if Mother needs any help.

I'm obviously not needed here.

Okay.

- Andre. - Oh, Dani.

You don't have to worry about hiding anything from me.

Mother told me all about your secret plan.

- Mm, did she now? - Mm-hmm, yeah. It's terrific.

Everyone's gonna love it.

Here I am, thinking that I knew all sides of you, but this is...

- But? - It's cute.

It's very adorable to see you act so devious.

But unfortunately, it's not gonna work.

It's worth a shot.

- How are you doing, Smitty? - I'm fine.

Really?

Look, I appreciate you checking in on me, Naomi,

but I'm afraid all I can say right now is that I'm fine.

I get it. You're in one hell of an awkward situation.

We have that in common.

You know, don't you?

You know, but your police detective husband doesn't.

We both know why he can't know.

You and Martin have spousal privilege.

I have attorney-client privilege.

And between the three of us,

we know exactly what's going on here

and why we can't afford to divulge this information

to anyone else.

So you're just fine keeping the secret from Jacob?

Of course I'm not fine with keeping secrets from him.

But you do what you have to to protect the people you love.

Right?

Excuse me, ladies. Pardon me.

Martin. How's your mother doing?

I haven't seen her tonight. I want to make sure she's okay.

She's good, she's watching the show from the wings.

Okay. Nice. Nice.

She should get out and enjoy herself any chance she gets.

That woman deserves fun and happiness.

On that, we agree.

Now, just so you know, I let Ted have it

about the way that he treated your mother.

She deserves so much more from her husband.

Between you and I,

your mother- one in a million.

Oh, my gosh. Those shoes are everything.

- Oh. - Please let me look that good at 85.

- Oh, my gosh. - (laughs)

- How's it looking? - It's starting to fill up.

Look, Daddy just took his seat right up front.

Oh, and he looks like a kid at Christmas.

(both gasp)

Look at you.

All hail the vision that is Anita Williams Dupree.

- We are not worthy to call her Mother. - Mm-mm.

- Oh, you two need to stop. - NICOLE: No, seriously, Mother.

You look radiant.

We are so excited to see you celebrated in a way

that you so deeply deserve.

I know this is a difficult time for you, Nicole.

Uh-uh. Tonight is about you.

And we want you to commit every bit of it to memory.

I will. Starting with this one.

Tomas isn't here tonight, if that's who you're looking for.

Are you really this pathetic?

Showing up to my grandmother's concert

just to make eyes at my man?

The last thing I want to see is you and Tomas together, okay?

That's why I wasn't even gonna...

Oh, my God.

LESLIE: Isn't this a lovely evening?

And don't I look fabulous, darling?

Mm?

Are you kidding me? You brought her?

I'm handling it, okay?

What the hell is she thinking, coming here?

That witch will not ruin Mother's night.

Pardonne-moi. Ooh, lovely shirt. Matches the chair.

Excuse me. I do need to get to my center seat.

- Thank you. - I'm so sorry. Excuse us.

- Excusez my bootay. - I'm sorry.

- (chuckles) Oh, ooh, ooh. - I'm so sorry.

- Hope I didn't step on your feet. - Excuse us.

- I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. - Oh, you look so adorable...

(sighs wearily)

(clears throat)

Okay, so you didn't tell me we had tickets.

Maybe because we didn't, and we shouldn't even be here.

Do you not see everyone glaring at us?

Eva, be quiet.

Because you are causing a scene.

I'm causing a scene?

Shh. All right.

Act like I taught you something,

like you got some damn class, please.

If you dare take one step out of line

or do anything to ruin this night for my wife...

She won't. Right, Mama?

I shall choose silence. Vernon, relax, okay?

I'm just here to enjoy the concert like anyone else.

EVA: You don't do anything

- like everyone else. - True that.

I told you that I had the perfect dress.

Was I right- pow- or was I right?

(cackles) Ow.

Lunatic Leslie got in somehow.

We should get security to toss her out.

We need someone big and burly. That bitch probably bites.

There are too many people here.

We have to handle this delicately.

Excuse me. Excuse me.

(sighs)

Okay.

This dress is doing its job.

(chuckles)

Carlton's sitting next to her. I think he's got this.

We don't have time to do anything anyway.

The show's about to start.

All right, ladies, time for one last ritual.

- Now, this one makes sense. - (Anita chuckles)

Thank you, dear Lord, for bringing us together

and allowing us to use the gift you've given one more time.

Thank you for allowing us

to renew our friendship,

right past wrongs,

and rediscover our first love.

Music.

ALL: Amen.

Better together.

Sisters forever.

ALL: Articulettes strong!

All right, ladies, let's hit it.

Okay.

ANNOUNCER: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

At long last, welcome back to the stage

the fabulous Articulettes.

(cheering)

(whooping)

So...

I guess I should talk first.

Since this was your idea.

Right.

I have so much I, I want to say, but I-I just...

I don't know where to start.

I guess I just start at the obvious.

I miss you.

I miss you, too, Derek.

Oh, I hope this means that maybe we could start

talking to each other more.

Well, assuming Shanice isn't

uncomfortable with that, of course.

Not the classiest move,

rubbing my friendship with Shanice in your face like that.

Friendship.

Right.

And that's all it is, I swear.

And I apologize for trying to make you think

that it was anything more than that.

What?

Aren't you gonna admit

that you used Andre to make me jealous?

Ooh, I was hoping that we could forget that ever happened.

That's not something I'm super proud of either.

You know, I-I shouldn't say this, but I'm glad you did it.

It was the first sign in a long time

that you might still want a future with me.

You broke up with me.

Yeah, I know.

Dumbest thing I've ever done.

(cheering)

(vocalizing)

? I've been watching you ?

? Watching me from across the room ?

? You've been staring a long time ?

? We don't have all night ?

? But I feel I should make the first move ?

? I see the sparkle in your eye ?

? For me ?

- ? Ooh ? - ? So don't be shy ?

? Time's not on our side ?

? Just grab my hand and dance under the spotlight and ?

? Baby ?

- ? Baby ? - ? Let's get closer ?

- ? Ah ? - ? Closer to me ?

? And live out ?

? Live out our fantasy ?

- ? No need ? - ? No need to keep dreaming ?

? Wishing ?

? Hoping, baby, let's get closer ?

? Ooh, don't want to grow old by myself ?

? And you can take my heart off the shelf ?

? Tonight may be the only night ?

? We have a chance to ?

? Let's make magic under the stars tonight ?

? Let's live ?

? Let's spend the night together on a high ?

- ? Oh, baby ? - ? Baby ?

- ? Let's get ? - ? Let's get closer ?

? Closer to me ?

? Let's live ?

? Live out our fantasy ?

? You ?

? Don't need to keep dreaming ?

? Wishing ?

? Hoping, baby ?

? Let's get closer. ?

(cheering, whooping)

Thank you so much.

Please give it up for Sharon Winger

and Tracy Tyler.

We are the Articulettes.

(applause)

I know. I know.

I-I, I wouldn't blame you if you wanted

to throw your coffee in my face right now.

(weak chuckle)

I mean, you practically begged me to just slow down

and think things through before I gave up on what we had.

- Yeah. - But I was

too hurt and angry to listen.

But, Ash, I promise you,

I will never make that mistake again.

I'll never give up on us so easily.

If you just give me another chance.

And-and you don't have to make your decision now.

In fact, don't.

Take some time and think about it.

- Derek... - Seriously.

Maybe this is the time for you to slow down,

take a breath before you give me your answer.

I don't need to slow down.

Derek, I'm sorry, but...

(sighs) it's just too late for us.

I guess things with Andre have progressed beyond

- just trying to make me jealous. - No. No, that's not it.

Andre and I are not...

Look, nothing serious has happened between me and Andre.

And-and I'm sure it never would. I mean, come on, Ash.

Not with a guy like that. He's a player.

You told me to move on, and so I did.

Not to another man but to-to new ideas

about the kind of life that I want to have,

the kind of partnership

that I want to have with another person.

I get that.

And I can give you the partnership that you want.

No. Derek, no. You're asking me to go backward

because you suddenly had a change of heart.

- How is that fair? - I think if we just

- talk about it, we'll... - No. Look.

I don't want to talk about this anymore, okay?

I'm sorry. I...

I got to go.

Ashley.

Thank you so much for your warm welcome

and for coming out to share in this incredible night.

And now let us reintroduce

your favorite jazz diva and ours...

BOTH: Anita Williams Dupree.

(cheering)

(soft jazz music playing)

? When I think of loving you ?

? It's something that I can't explain ?

? Your love is the life force ?

? Running through my veins ?

? This feeling is not easy ?

? To express in words ?

? My heart is trembling in your hands ?

? Just like a little baby bird ?

? When you take me in your arms ?

? The stars dance up and down my spine ?

? When our lips meet ?

? A feeling so sublime ?

? A river rushes to the sea ?

? I see eternity ?

? My mind is wrapped up in the glow ?

? Of love that's washing over me. ?

(vocalizing)

(applause)

(cheering)

(cheering)

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I'd like to thank you all for coming out tonight.

I want to thank everyone

who helped to make this dream a reality,

starting with my Articulette sisters

Sharon and Tracy,

without whose voices, talent, and support

we wouldn't be here tonight.

A special thanks to Jim Price.

The agent who, despite my arguments against it,

made me consider returning to the stage

and then commenced to putting all the pieces together.

Thank you, Jim.

A special thanks to my incredible family.

I see you all out there. (laughs)

Especially my wonderful husband,

retired Senator Vernon Dupree.

It is no exaggeration

that without his faith,

encouragement, love, persistence...

...none of this would be possible.

We are gonna get back to the show in a moment,

but before we do, there is something very important

that has to happen.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Articulettes.

We're not here to start any drama.

Oh, you have two seconds to get the hell out

before I make you. One...

CARLTON: What do you say we continue these laughs

over dinner sometime?

Nicole. Um...

I know what I want now.

I want something real, Ashley,

something with roots.

Somebody help me!

- Let me help you. - Don't you dare touch me!

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