Original subtitles

[groans, sighs]

-I love hotel living. -ANDRE: Mm-hmm.

And L.A. shopping, apparently.

We might have to get a new suitcase

just to get all this stuff home.

-Maybe even two. -Two?

This is just my opening act.

Dani, we decimated every store in Beverly Hills yesterday.

-What's left? -Melrose Avenue, honey.

All those vintage boutiques

have treasures you can't find anywhere else.

When I lived here for a short time as a model,

I spent days searching for unique pieces.

I once found a $20 Halston gown, wore it to a Vogueshoot.

The photographer said I looked like liquid gold.

-Liquid gold, huh? -Mm-hmm.

-Good enough to drink? -You wish.

Not anymore.

Are you trying to distract me from shopping, Mr. Richardson?

Is it working?

Fine.

Melrose can wait.

Oh, Sharon, please.

You are beautiful exactly as you are.

Yeah.

Anita's expecting me for lunch, but I can slip away after.

No, no, she doesn't suspect a thing.

Okay, see you later.

Now, where was I?

Well, well, well!

[chuckles]

Whoever would have thought

that I'd have something in common with a senator,

and a legendary one at that?

Well, unfortunately, legendary senators are in high demand.

I have a speech to prepare,

so perhaps we could discuss

whatever this is at a more opportune time.

What's more opportune than the present?

Especially since fate has brought me right to your table.

Well, since fate has dragged you here,

let's not keep her waiting.

Tell me, what do we have in common?

Let's see, we both appreciate the finer things.

This exclusive club, for instance.

And certain other establishments.

As far as I know,

you haven't moved into the neighborhood yet.

True, which is why I am staying at this very fancy hotel

called the Bowman.

You ever heard of it?

Of course you have!

Especially since you've been spending

quite a lot of time there lately.

Haven't you, Senator?

♪ ♪

Oh, Eva, you still need those electronic signatures

for the insurance forms?

That and for you to tell me what fresh hell

my mother unleashed this time.

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

Not you, too.

Every time I walk past the nurses' station,

there's whispering that immediately stops.

Feels like I'm back to being persona non grata.

And usually where there's smoke, there's Leslie.

Your mother had words with Shanice.

Let's just leave it at that.

These people are always going to see me as Leslie's daughter.

Okay, well, let's get them to associate you with me, then.

I've been meaning to ask-- WinterFest is coming up.

I'd like for you to be my plus-one.

Me?

-Really? -Of course.

You're my daughter. You deserve to be there.

Well, aren't you worried about

how your other daughter will feel?

I mean, Kat already thinks I'm trying to steal you from her.

Yeah, I'm aware I'm walking on a tightrope with you two.

Nicole pointed that out when I mentioned it to her.

Especially since all this business

of you supposedly sleeping with Kat's boyfriend.

-Hi, Gran. -This is a welcome surprise.

What brings you by?

ChelseaKat's auction donations.

Everything's itemized--

photos, descriptions, suggested starting bids.

I would have emailed,

but I know you like to keep things old-school.

Hard copies can't get hacked.

You mean hard copies like these I already have?

Wait, what?

Chelsea dropped them off this morning

when she came by for breakfast with Madison.

She said she texted you about

handling the delivery herself.

She did.

Oh, my God. I totally spaced.

Well, it is not like you to sleep on anything

business related-- come on, sit.

Tell Gran. What's going on?

Well, I literally hate everyone right now.

That's quite the declaration

from someone who has, what is it, 400,000 followers?

Six since I made Banneker's "Young Innovators" list.

[both chuckling]

No, but seriously, every single person,

they're all working my last nerve.

You know, I could think of several other things

that I would rather be doing with you right now,

and none of them involve boutique racks.

-Oh! Enlighten me. -Yeah.

Just what should be on today's pleasure agenda?

Griffith Observatory.

Hey, we can lose ourselves in the stars.

We can make out like teenagers under the cosmos.

Been there, done that.

Something more off the beaten path, then.

Let's see...

Hmm, there's this hidden Japanese garden in Van Nuys.

Six acres of cherry blossoms.

They have koi ponds with fish the size of small dogs.

How about something intimate?

Private. Preferably clothing optional.

[sighs] Okay.

Ah! Topanga sound baths.

They have these heated blankets that we lay on.

The vibrations are supposed to realign your chakras.

I'd much rather get wet than aligned.

And that's what she said.

Okay, okay, I'm serious.

We do have this ridiculously oversized tub over there.

Big enough to stretch out.

You can realign my chakras

while I dine on champagne and strawberries.

Okay.

Hi.

Uh, yeah, we'll take one bottle of your rosé champagne.

Yeah, something crisp and elegant,

perfectly chilled.

Also a plate of your freshest seasonal strawberries.

And can you add that dark chocolate sauce?

I'd like to use it as a dip for something sweet.

Thank you.

So, my lady...

Oh, should we get started on something dirty?

Or clean?

Why can't we choose both?

I like the way you think!

Okay, yes, it happened.

I slept with Tomas.

-I see. -But they were D-O-N-E. Done!

Like, Kat had curbed him for days.

She wouldn't answer his texts, his calls, nothing.

I'm the last person to throw stones.

I'm not here to judge you, Eva.

Oh, but Kat is.

Like I was just creeping through the shadows

trying to steal her man. Please!

Look, Tomas was helping me move boxes into my apartment.

We got to talking, he was in his feelings

and I was just trying to be a good friend.

And then one thing led to another, and then we...

All right, say no more.

There are some things a father should

-never have to visualize. -Okay, look.

The second Tomas said that he wanted to fix things

with Kat, I stepped back.

Hand to God.

Well, sounds like you handled things

as well as could be expected.

There's more?

Okay, come on, just might as well put it out there.

Okay, Kat said that you showed up at her place

and started getting aggressive.

Now that is a lie.

Okay, I went over there to have a civil conversation

about her flipping out when I called you "Dad,"

and then when I walked in, she was with Chelsea and Tomas

talking trash about me.

So you were defending yourself?

Yes, I was.

And because of the way she was acting,

I might have called her a spoiled little bitch, too.

[scoffs]

Eva said that to your face?

Just another reason I can't stand that home-wrecking whore.

Katherine. Language.

I'm sorry, Gran.

But I'm not about to sugarcoat

the mess Eva's made out of our lives.

I absolutely detest that girl.

You can speak your truth, but do it with dignity.

This is still my home, not some reality show reunion.

So, who else is on this list? You said you hate everyone.

Okay, not everyone.

Not you or Granddad.

Or Tomas.

We're actually in a really good place right now.

Oh? Well, the last I heard,

you were having some difficulties.

Things have really turned around.

And weirdly enough, Hayley came through with the clutch advice.

Hayley for the win?

The universe is truly chaotic.

Well, who else is on this list?

My father.

He suddenly decided it was perfectly fine

for Eva to call him "Dad," which is beyond insane.

You don't hate your father, Kat.

Well, I certainly don't like him right now.

He's putting Eva on this pedestal.

And you think she's taking your place?

I know she is.

He's just trying to do right by Eva.

That's like trying to water a plastic plant.

Every time he does right by them,

it feels like he's doing wrong by those of us

who had to suffer from their actions.

Not that I agree,

but Laura was really shaken

after her last run-in with Leslie.

See?

But I've taken steps to keep Leslie

on the sidelines and out of our affairs.

What did you do?

Let's just say I've arranged it

so that she gets the thrill of being seen...

...without knowing that she's being watched.

Closely. By me.

I'm not sure what game you're playing.

But I suggest you find another opponent.

Game? Oh, no, no. No, Vern.

I am simply making conversation

about how I opened my door and,

boom, there you were in the hallway

with a special friend who your wife knows quite well.

Anita and I regularly host associates

from out of town at the Bowman.

I mean, if I'm not mistaken,

that particular friend not only knows Anita,

but she happened to go way back with my birth mother.

Perhaps you've forgotten your very presence at this club

exists solely because my wife

felt responsible for Barbara's death

and set up a blind trust.

Out of compassion.

And I am eternally grateful for Anita's guilt money.

Truly.

I mean, her conscience needed cleansing.

I wonder what might help you...

...unburden yours.

There's nothing weighing on my conscience.

Mm, not even getting busy with your wife's former group mate?

My, my.

Mm, the legendary love story

of Vernon and Anita Dupree,

tarnished by such a cliché.

Please tell me more.

And please tell me you're about to hit Leslie Thomas

with a banishment spell.

[chuckles] If I had magical powers,

this would be a whole nother conversation.

-[phone chimes] -But actually...

Boy, bye. [clicks tongue]

Well, who is that who's got you rolling your eyes

so far back you can see yesterday?

Martin.

He's trying to text me like everything's cool,

but he's been burned, blocked and buried, too.

Now you just hold it right there.

Now you can be angry at Eva till kingdom come,

and you can rage at your father for his questionable choices,

but Martin is your brother.

Not your half brother, not your stepbrother.

Full blood. And that means something.

You and Martin have shared life together.

That's someone who remembers the sounds of your childhood.

Who was there when your days were simple

and your dreams still tender.

The world doesn't offer

a lot of relationships that run that deep.

Those kinds of bonds you protect.

But he really hurt me, Gran.

Sweetheart, that's the tax of having a heart.

Now, if you cut everyone off the moment they stumble,

one day you'll wake up and there'll be no one left.

-I guess you're right. -Mm-hmm.

Martin was asking if we could meet at Uptown.

Well, then what are you still doing here?

Get your ass over there posthaste!

Gran! Language.

I only use it when it's called for.

But you use yours to make peace with your brother.

Already on my way.

That wasn't so hard, was it?

Yes, yes, it was.

Good. Love you, baby.

Love you too, Gran.

Look, I understand Kat can push buttons,

but calling her a bitch,

provoked or not, it's...

it's crossing the line.

And what line did Kat cross when

she called me a boyfriend-stealing hood rat?

Kat said that?

Well, not exactly those words,

but that's the attitude she was giving.

Look, I'm not apologizing for standing up for myself.

Okay, you're not wrong for defending your dignity.

But this back-and-forth, it's not just petty,

it's poisonous, and it's killing any hope

of any peace in our family.

Well, then we've got ourselves a problem.

Because Kat doesn't want peace, and I'm not about to grovel.

Look, if you want to uninvite me from the WinterFest

to make things easier, go ahead.

That's not happening.

Would I love it if both of my daughters

could find a way to get along?

Absolutely.

But if that day never comes,

and I pray that it does,

I'm not choosing sides.

I love you both too much.

Besides, I won't have anyone to show off

to all the blue bloods at the club.

You know, Mama is technically one of those blue bloods now.

She's probably at the country club picking out

which crystal glass she wants to drink

her champagne from as we speak.

Are you trying to extort me, Miss Thomas?

Oh, why, Vern, no.

I mean, that is such an ugly, crude word.

I see it more as just friends merely...

scratching each other's backs.

Must have missed the part where we became friends.

But power does have a way of realigning relationships.

Mm, I guess that's how it kind of works in this town, huh?

And how exactly do you think I could scratch your back?

Why, Vernon.

Senator, I thought you would never ask.

Hey, big bro, what are you doing here?

Eva. Well, this is unexpected.

I came to finish making some notes on this bill

without my staff hovering.

I also wanted to catch Kat.

Um, but at least I've managed to do one of those.

She ghosted you?

It's kind of like selective responding.

I text and she ignores me.

Mm, I'm sorry to hear that, but don't take it personal.

Kat's probably just too busy slaying those bags

she and Chelsea are making.

Well, since she keeps leaving me on read,

I pretty much think she doesn't want to talk to me.

Ah, well, I am on my break.

We can have lunch if you want.

Unfortunately, work is piling up.

But it has been a minute,

and it would be nice to reconnect

with at least one of my sisters.

I'd appreciate that.

And if my chief of staff asks,

this is a constituent outreach.

[chuckles] Whatever works.

So, tell me, what's new in your world, sis?

Ugh! Well, first of all,

Ted and Mama are "trying to be friends,"

and I say that with air quotes because

we both know Mama doesn't just do friends.

-[chuckles] -Oh, and get this,

your grandmother actually reached out to her

about helping with WinterFest.

-I heard. -Did you nearly fall out too?

[chuckles] It's hard to believe, but

maybe this is the beginning

of a new era where the Duprees and the Thomases are friends.

That would be nice.

[sighs] But knowing Mama,

she'll still somehow rub them the wrong way.

Now, Senator,

your wife, my new bestie 'Nita,

has been so generous

letting me, uh, be in charge of those WinterFest invites.

But let's be honest,

having Leslie Thomas handle

and manage paper stock

is like asking Alfre Woodard to pass out flyers.

Is there a point hiding somewhere

in all this theater, Miss Thomas?

Behind the scenes doesn't suit me, all right?

I need to be front and center,

where-where people can appreciate

what I bring to the table, Vernon.

The only thing center stage should be

the cause we're raising money for.

Hey, listen, I wholeheartedly agree, all right?

All I'm saying is, you know,

I could settle for something a little more prominent.

Like... event cohost.

Okay, I mean, I do have some excellent

public speaking skills

and you know that better than anyone.

Let me be clear.

I cannot be bought, extorted or bullied.

You'll have to find someone else to scratch your back.

You're not hearing me, V.

I am not asking you for the moon.

Just to be visible.

More than licking some doggone envelopes.

I have a speech to finish writing.

Good day.

Okay, all right, hey, hey.

Hi. All right, listen, out of respect for Anita,

all right?

And because you've got this silver fox thing going,

and it's surprisingly effective,

I will keep playing nice about our little secret for now.

ANITA: And what secret would that be?

So you're really thinking about skipping WinterFest?

It's not that I want to.

But re-election is creeping up and I'm not losing,

but I'm also not coasting either.

So every move matters right now.

I was kind of hoping I'd see you guys at WinterFest.

You, Smitty and the kids.

Wait, you're going to WinterFest? That's great.

Yeah, Ted just asked me to roll with him

-as his plus-one. -Did he now?

Well, it's long overdue for you two

to establish a meaningful connection.

Um, there's something else that's kind of major.

He asked me to call him "Dad."

Wow.

I'm happy for you, Eva.

You're not just being diplomatic?

-I know how you politicians are. -No.

You are his daughter as much as I am his son.

And with how complicated our family is,

there's no need to add unnecessary drama.

So why shouldn't you call him "Dad"?

Well, when your sister found out,

she went full category five.

Even accused me of trying to steal him from her.

That's absurd.

Why does she think everything is competition?

For once I just wish my sister would

shut her big mouth.

Enjoy that soak?

[chuckles] I feel like a goddess,

but champagne and strawberries would put me over the top.

Where are they?

[knock on door]

-Ah. Speak of the devil. -[phone chimes]

Can you get that, baby cakes?

-Yeah. -Pam is blowing up my phone.

[chuckles]

Yes, Pammy. The honeymoon is beyond.

Andre is spoiling me rotten.

Deets when I get back.

That is definitely not strawberry and bubbly.

It's even better.

Gerry had these messengered over.

The rings? Already? [gasps]

Oh, Gerry absolutely outdid himself.

[gasps] And the engraving.

It's like he captured everything

I feel when I'm with you and forged it into metal.

The way you steady me,

the way we just fit even when life around us doesn't.

Yeah. Should we?

[clears throat]

All right.

With this ring, I thee wed.

With this ring, I thee wed.

What else did we say? That night is a blur.

Three shots of tequila will do that.

-Just three? -Yeah.

You know what, who cares what we said that night?

-This is our moment here. -Yeah.

Now.

I, Danielle Dupree,

take you, Andre Richardson, to be my lawfully wedded husband.

To laugh with in joy,

to hold in sorrow...

...and to treat your heart like it is

the most fragile treasure I own.

In sickness and in health.

For as long as we both shall live.

No pressure, okay?

I have no problem taking this day by day.

You always say exactly what I need to hear.

My turn.

I, Andre Richardson,

take thee, Danielle Dupree,

to be my lawfully wedded wife.

To be your mirror when the world forgets your worth.

To be the stillness when the world is too loud.

To make space for your rage...

...your joy, your dreams.

-To... -Andre, what is it?

I thought I knew what love was.

I've taken pictures of it,

captured it a thousand times through my lens.

But what I feel for you...

is something that I never knew existed.

I made a promise that day to love

and to cherish you, and I do.

I love you, Dani Dupree.

So, what was this little secret you two were discussing?

Don't worry, Vernon and I are not having an affair,

if that's what you were thinking.

That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.

The thought never crossed my mind.

[both laughing]

Well, thank goodness! I was just teasing anyway.

I mean, the very idea of Senator Vernon Dupree,

moral paragon, sneaking off to the Bowman

with another woman to have an afternoon delight,

well, that is too delicious--

I mean, ridiculous--

to even contemplate.

Leslie was just leaving.

Indeed I was, and I don't want to take up

any more of your time.

But I do want to thank you so much

for putting me in charge of the WinterFest invites.

And also for entrusting me.

And I really hope you would

never put your faith in the wrong person.

Ciao.

Now, what in the hell was that about?

Oh, my goodness.

[phone vibrating]

[sighs]

What is it, Dana?

I was wondering if you had a few minutes.

I just wanted to stop by.

Now?

Yeah, I-I promised Eva that

I wouldn't burden you with my problems.

But a woman who is dear to me needs help,

and I don't know what else to do.

Look, Martin,

I'm not trying to start World War III with our sister.

And who knows, if the roles were swapped, maybe I'd hate me, too.

Nonsense. And it just isn't about you.

Kat has been pushing everybody's buttons lately.

Did you know

she explicitly discussed her bedroom business

right where Samantha could hear?

My 16-year-old daughter?

You're talking about

how she broke Tomas's... equipment?

-You heard about that? -What?

That tea was too hot not to spill.

The whole DMV probably heard.

Well, it was pretty funny, but no,

that's not what Samantha overheard.

Kat was bragging about how she went from a virgin

to, I quote, "a sex goddess" in record speed.

[sighs] Apparently Samantha found inspiration because

the next thing I know, she's trying

to get it on with some hormonal boy from school.

Smitty and I are still dealing with the fallout.

I can talk to her, woman-to-woman.

Sometimes, it's easier to hear certain things

from an adult who isn't your parent.

MARTIN: I appreciate that.

I'll run it by Smitty.

But I do have to go.

Thanks for grabbing lunch since our sister was a no-show.

All good. Thanks for taking the time.

-MARTIN: No problem. -[chuckles]

Oh, and Eva,

don't let Kat gaslight you.

She's been coddled for so long, she thinks

affection is a limited resource.

As our parents' miracle baby,

they protected her from the world,

which has sometimes stunted her growth.

So, basically you're calling her a giant baby?

MARTIN: Perceptive as always.

[Eva laughs]

Who the hell do you think you are?

[sighs]

Damn, Kat, why are you coming at me sideways?

Okay, what? Dad told you about WinterFest, didn't he?

Look, I didn't ask to be his plus-one.

He did what?

My dad is taking you to WinterFest?

Guess not.

Unbelievable.

You show up out of nowhere

with your sad story and thrift store fits,

then all of a sudden you're infiltrating

every corner of my life.

First my father, now Martin.

I'm warning you,

stay in your lane before I push you into traffic.

[scoffs] Excuse you?

Last time I checked, Ted Richardson has two daughters,

and Martin is cool with the both of us.

Don't play dumb.

I heard you cackling like a hyena,

mocking me behind my back to my own brother.

And how long were you standing there spying on us?

Long enough to hear you dragging me

about what happened with Tomas.

[chuckles]

Okay, I'm sorry about that. It was a stupid joke.

[mockingly]: You're the joke.

And my man's anatomy

is none of your business.

Well, not anymore.

DANI: You love me?

Yeah, babe, I do.

How your laughter lights up a room.

How your strength inspires me.

How beneath all that Dupree swagger

beats one of the most beautiful hearts I've ever known.

You are the sweetest man.

Yeah, I didn't come to L.A. planning on saying all this.

I know it's a lot.

Dropping all that on you out of nowhere.

And I don't expect anything back.

I love you, too.

So, are you going to tell me what this little secret is

or do I have to start guessing?

And you know how vivid my imagination is.

Well, not as vivid as Leslie's.

She was just running her mouth, as usual, trying to convince me

of some things that we have in common.

Well, now this I've got to hear.

[chuckles] Well,

the list, mercifully, is very short.

It begins and ends with one thing--

an appreciation for the incomparable Anita Dupree.

[chuckles]

What I can't figure out is

why my brilliant wife would

give this troublemaking woman the time of day,

much less involve her in WinterFest.

You weren't there when she terrorized Laura

the other day.

You know, some people you keep close because you love them,

others because you can't trust them

as far as you can throw them.

Too bad your brilliant strategy didn't keep her away from me.

Well, better you than Laura.

Leslie's claws are sharper when she feels threatened,

but with you, she just preens and postures.

True.

[Anita chuckles]

But you have yet to tell me

what this little secret is.

Vernon?

Please, Dana, don't stand on ceremony.

Come right in.

Sorry, but I need to talk to you about something urgent.

-Shanice? -Shanice?

She told me about your little run-in.

You threatened one of the hospital's

most respected nurses.

Oh, she thought that was a threat?

No, no, see, that was just women

having a difference of opinion.

Ah. You know what I think? I think you walk around

dropping matches and act surprised when fire starts.

But forget it.

I've got consultations all afternoon.

Let's set that aside for now.

So, if this isn't about Shanice, what couldn't wait?

It's not a what, it's a who,

and it tears me up inside to have to involve you in this.

But I swear on my biological mother's grave,

I don't know where else to turn.

If you must know,

Leslie feels your little assignment doesn't satisfy

her appetite for attention.

And that requires whispering?

You know how social climbers operate.

Everything's a conspiracy, a-a backdoor deal.

She thinks I have influence over you.

And she asked me to convince you to put her front and center

-at the event. -And you told her what?

I told her that you don't

appreciate anybody going behind your back.

But you know Leslie, she doesn't understand no.

She insisted that our chat

-should remain... -Your little secret.

Well, it doesn't surprise me.

Give Leslie an inch and she tries

to redecorate the whole mile.

-Exactly. -But...

...maybe I should reconsider her position

and give her something a little more visible.

You can't be serious.

That woman is a loose cannon,

and it's better to keep your "potential problems"

within arm's reach.

I mean, who knows what she might do

if she doesn't get what she wants?

You gonna tell me who you're talking about,

or are you gonna keep dancing around it?

It's about Peaches.

I was just on my way to see her, and I had this thought.

What about her?

Okay.

She may seem like she's full of life,

but in reality, she's close to losing hers.

Congestive heart failure, years of smoking

finally caught up with her.

She's dying, Ted,

and I cannot just sit back and watch it happen.

Leslie, I'm sorry to hear that, but I'm a plastic surgeon.

This isn't in my wheelhouse.

Oh, please don't give me that.

All that matters are the two letters

that come after your name-- M and D.

Right now, you've got connections,

so what I need you to do is I need you to get

Peaches in one of those drug trials, okay?

And listen, I-I will pay for it.

I don't care how much it costs, all right?

Just, just, please, just get her in.

It doesn't work that way. There's a process.

There's medical evaluation, selection criteria.

You can't just buy your way in.

But I can try.

Please, Teddy.

You didn't have to say that just because I did.

I know. I didn't.

I said it because it's true.

Because it's been true

long before I had the courage to say it.

Really?

If someone had told me I would be saying those words

to you when Bill was about to marry Hayley and we were...

Just sleeping together?

I mean, how could you not fall in love with me after that?

-I mean, I'm just saying. -I fell into lust

with you, Mr. Richardson.

But, somehow...

-when we weren't looking... -Yeah.

...it changed.

I changed.

And suddenly my once-in-a-while man...

...is my forever.

[knock on door]

[laughs]

Champagne and strawberries.

Yeah, naturally.

Only the best for the love of my life.

You really went there.

Did you really just throw in my face

the fact that you slept with Tomas?

Look, I didn't come for you like that.

You walked right into it with your chest all puffed out.

What was I supposed to do?

Keep your mouth shut.

But you can't help yourself.

Just like you couldn't help throwing yourself at my man.

Just like your trifling mother

couldn't help throwing herself at my father.

It takes two to tango, Katherine.

Please.

It's too bad Bill didn't make good

on his promise to make you disappear.

Wow.

So, you're actually wishing that your uncle had

-gotten rid of me? -Actually, no.

I wish your mother had gotten rid of you,

because we'd all be living our best lives

if you'd never been born.

What the hell is going on here?

Captioning sponsored by CBS

Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org