Original subtitles

But you looked so hot running down that field

with those flags flying from your belt.

It was the flags you were supposed to grab, not me.

Oh, like this?

Huh, look at that.

MARTIN: What is this?

- Did you do all of this? - I did.

Samantha, this is beautiful.

Uh, I know June hasn't had a real home in years,

and I just wanted to make sure

it was a nice Thanksgiving for her.

Aw, come over here!

Uh, ew!

Showers before hugs.

Yeah, yeah, fair enough, yeah.

- Oh! - Ew!

[laughs]

Parents.

I am so glad you suggested coming here for dinner.

So many new takes on the traditional Thanksgiving menu.

Yeah, well, I'm glad you were up for it.

And this way we can focus on one another

instead of spending the whole day cooking and cleaning.

Oh, how you spoil me, Bill Hamilton.

Aw. Today and forever.

Mr. and Mrs. Dupree, happy Thanksgiving.

And a wonderful Thanksgiving to you, too, Eugene.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Allow me to escort you both to the table?

Please.

Why in the world would the Duprees be here?

Don't they have a chef at home who could whip up

a feast for them?

Yeah, but they always give Rowena

Thanksgiving Day off to be with her own family.

You know, coming here to the club is their tradition.

What's the matter, love?

I was just thinking, we're such a smaller group this year.

Yes, but for the best possible reasons.

Our grandchildren have all found love.

Just one more thing to be thankful for.

Last Thanksgiving, I wasn't

fully divorced, so you and I couldn't spend it here.

But now we can.

And that's what counts.

Bill, you knew that your ex and her family

would be here, and you brought me here anyway?

Why would you do that?

And what are you thinking now?

Oh, I was thinking

the things to be grateful for are piling up.

Thankfully, uh, Bill is our former son-in-law,

and he is sitting way over there and not over here.

VERNON: Hmm.

Happy Thanksgiving, Izaiah. You're looking dapper.

- Have a seat. - Thank you. Thank you.

Happy Thanksgiving, Mr. and Mrs. Dupree.

- I appreciate the invite. - VERNON: Please.

Just call us Anita and Vernon.

Honestly, Hayley, I didn't realize it'd be such an issue.

You've been living behind these gates nearly a year now.

We've managed to coexist.

Okay, if you're uncomfortable, we can go somewhere else.

It's fine. We're here now.

Might as well stay.

??

- ? - [indistinct chatter]

Mm! It smells incredible in here.

Like, extra incredible.

That is Orphey Gene's famous fried turkey.

If your mouth is watering now,

your taste buds are gonna be dancing in a minute.

I guarantee it's the best you've ever had.

I don't think I've ever had fried turkey.

Oh, well, you're in for a treat, then.

I'm stoked to be spending

our first Thanksgiving together anywhere.

And I also get that this is a tough day for you.

Your first Thanksgiving without Nicole.

Nicole, I'm sure you've met Jacob's brother, Izaiah.

Yes, we met way back.

My kids told me that they ran into you.

- Thank you. - Yeah.

It's good to have you

- back again. - Oh, thank you. Thank you.

Will Martin and Kat be here?

Uh, no, Martin is, uh, celebrating Thanksgiving at home

with his family, and Kat is out of town with her boyfriend.

Yeah, Tomas.

He helped me with my employment contract.

Seems like a nice guy.

Kat is fond of him.

Will Vanessa be joining us?

No, she told me to tell you thank you

for thinking about her, but she did make other plans.

ANITA: Oh, okay.

Well, I'm glad she won't be alone

her first Thanksgiving without Doug.

Where are the twins?

They didn't come home from Banneker?

She went up there to have an early Thanksgiving with them,

but she is back now.

Well, I should have known not to worry about.

Vanessa's social calendar.

She has so many clients and connections.

I'm sure she was just swatting away all kinds of invitations.

[chuckles]

Hello?

Well.

Your timing is impeccable.

Dinner's almost ready.

And this Riesling is perfectly chilled.

When you invited me to eat with you at Uptown,

I assumed we'd have a room full of company.

Uptown is closed for the holiday.

It just seemed like such a waste to have

that big, beautiful kitchen go unused.

So I spoke to the owner.

- A friend of yours? - No doubt.

And today we have the whole place to ourselves.

Impressive.

Well, you've been hinting that you wanted

to sample my cooking, so

today is your lucky day.

Joey Armstrong, you are one man who never ceases to amaze me.

That's the idea.

I could have sworn I saw the slivered almonds in here.

Oh, I put them in the cabinet.

I had to sneak a few before you put them all

in the green bean casserole.

- Oh, I see them. - Yeah.

Oh, I left the casserole for last.

But I promise it'll be ready the same time the turkey's done.

- Oh! - I miss cooking with you.

It brings back so many memories.

- It does, doesn't it? - Yeah.

Now we get to make new ones.

Your first Thanksgiving hosting in your own place.

Yeah, I'm excited about it. I am glad

it is just the two of us and Mona.

She'll forgive me for any snafus.

Eh, I don't think there'll be any.

All those Friends giving dinners you've had over the years.

You've got more experience than you think.

Thanks, Mom.

Aunt Nicole, these are for your tree.

The holidays are upon us, aren't they?

Thank you, sweetheart.

Izaiah, so glad you could make it.

It's great to see you.

Bro, I'm glad you came.

You look good, man.

Well, thank you, big bro.

It's nice to have a place to hang today.

Excuse me, I'm gonna go check in with my dad real quick, okay?

Happy Thanksgiving, Dad, Hayley.

Hey, baby.

- You look especially radiant. - Thank you.

Must be because I have so much to be thankful for.

Well, as do I.

Starting with you and your sister.

Since this is the day for it,

I will say I am grateful for your improved health

since you've been out of the hospital.

Well, that's all Hayley's doing.

She keeps such a close eye on my diet.

Only because I want you around for a long, long time, Bill.

Well, Chelsea and I really do appreciate

you looking out for him.

Thank you for saying that, Naomi.

Well, I'd better get back.

Seems like a much smaller gathering than usual.

It is. You know, Chelsea's with Madison and her family.

Kat is with Tomas, Martin's family's doing their own thing.

And, of course, Mom and Andre are still in honeymoon mode.

Yeah, well, I know they're back from L.A.

I ran into your mom here yesterday.

Yeah, they're back. They just wanted

to keep to themselves today.

Same as us when we were newlyweds.

Well, we still are, sweetheart. We still are.

I did not mean to sleep that long.

Must still be on L.A. time.

Uh, wife, what are you doing?

Isn't it obvious?

It's Thanksgiving!

I'm cooking!

You know how?

TYRELL: When are we eating?

Um, the turkey has another hour,

and the bourbon-glazed ham is 15 minutes.

Okay, so,

we'll need, what, about an hour to eat and clean up?

Are you literally counting down the minutes

before you can ditch us and hang out with your girlfriend?

Come on, Dad.

This is the only way we get to see each other

since her parents made her go to the holiday brunch.

[knock at door]

That'll be June.

All right.

Tyrell,

this is your first Thanksgiving

with your mom in a long time,

and your last one we'll have together

before you go off to college.

So try not to hurry and rush the moment, okay?

Look, guys, June brought a sweet potato pie

over from Orphey Gene's for dessert.

How thoughtful. Thank you so much.

I'll go put this in the kitchen.

Hi, Tyrell. I pray everything is well.

Yeah, everything's okay.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Oh, here.

So it's not the Thanksgiving

either one of us is used to having.

But let's make it a new kind of Thanksgiving.

Tell me something about you I don't know.

Like what?

Like, I didn't know you were

a basketball fan until you told me the other day.

Did you grow up playing?

No, my big dream was ice skating.

- No way. - I loved the Olympics.

Like, I would try to recreate all the jumps

- and spins in our living room. - Mm.

One time, I knocked over this table lamp,

and Alan got so mad.

So that was the end of that.

But Mama took the hit,

and she got me to some classes at the local skating rink.

And, uh, I ate it up.

You know, I can actually picture that.

Little Eva all bundled up on the ice.

How far did you take it?

Um, I dropped it after a while.

Um, it gets to the point where it's all or nothing.

Yeah, probably pretty expensive, too, huh?

Dana probably didn't have the time

or the money to support your interest in it.

Dad, it's fine.

I was no Starr Andrews on the ice.

Sorry I'm late, you two.

Everybody was going over the river and through the woods

at the exact same moment.

No worries.

Traffic is a bear.

Eva and I were just catching up. Well, we were actually

talking about things that we missed out on, huh?

Hmm. Like holiday celebrations as a family.

Don't worry, we're making up for lost time now.

We've gone over this a few times, Andre.

After my career, I raised a family.

I can cook.

I know you can make an omelet.

Ah!

But doesn't your family go to the country club

every year for Thanksgiving?

I remember going when I was younger

with my Uncle Ted and Aunt Nicole.

Have you ever actually roasted a turkey or made a whole feast?

Okay, this will be the first time,

but I got very detailed instructions from Rowena.

- Mm. - How hard can it be, really?

I don't know, but, hey, I'm all in to pitch in.

Um, I can start by washing some dishes.

Oh, honey, we don't wash dishes by hand.

We use that shiny appliance over there.

Oh, so the dishwasher is the dishwasher, okay.

My hubby's clever.

[chuckles]

Now what are we doing?

I'm rinsing the bowl.

We don't rinse, either.

My buddy Cascade handles all that mess.

[Andre chuckles] Okay.

So I have time for more important tasks.

Like this.

Okay. All right.

Let's try this.

Voil�.

Thank you, Cascade.

- Wait, something's boiling. - My blood,

when you kiss me like that.

- No, something on the stove. - [gasps] Oh, no.

Uh...

Oh, that was a close one.

No more distractions. Keep loading those dishes.

Yes, ma'am!

[chuckles] Yes, ma'am. Um...

You know,

I still remember when my granny got her first dishwasher.

Yeah, she used the bottom rack to store her pots and pans.

She used the top for drying her dishes

that she'd already washed by hand.

I actually snapped a black and white photo

of her non-traditional dishwasher use.

I won first place at the church fair that year.

So Granny never ran the dishwasher?

Uh...

She came around eventually.

Even taught me the proper way to load it.

But for years, she was convinced that

nothing could wash her dishes like she could.

Well, there is nothing like Granny's love.

But I can't imagine being stuck at a sink

washing dishes all day.

I use every shortcut at my disposal.

[clears throat]

- Yeah. - Okay.

So...

[laughs] You can do it.

All right. Place this here...

There.

Dishes done. Next?

Next what?

Give me something to julienne.

To blanch or to braise.

How do you know these words?

You hang around some of the best chefs in the world

after fashion shows and you learn a few things.

And because I can cook.

Yes, you can.

I mean, I can cook cook. In the kitchen.

Oh. Well, the more the merrier.

The turkey's in the oven, but everything else

- is up for grabs. - Okay, so,

what are my options?

Well, I decided to keep the menu simple.

So candied yams,

cornbread, dressing,

collards, sweet potato pie.

- Dani... - And love.

All right, for you,

I have spatchcocked the turkey,

prepared pommes duchesse, oyster stuffing,

and a pumpkin br�l�e for dessert.

Those aren't tears, are they?

It's... it's just been a while since anyone

went to this much effort to make me happy.

How long?

I can't remember the last time.

Well, that is a crime.

You do realize the only reason I waited is because

I knew you were still grieving, right?

I never want to pressure you.

I'm grateful you're in my life.

And Thanksgiving seemed like the perfect excuse

to pull out all the stops.

But if it were up to me

every day would be a holiday.

Thank you.

[chuckles]

- What's so funny? - Um...

Chelsea is spending Thanksgiving

with her girlfriend's family.

Madison and her mom have been estranged,

but my ever-optimistic sister

is pushing for them to make things work.

A lot of parent-kid tiffs happening these days, huh?

Anyway, turns out Madison's mom is vegan.

They are eating cauliflower steak right now.

That seems like a contradiction in terms.

- [laughter] - Mashed rutabaga

with dairy-free cheese sauce

and a kale and beet salad.

The things we do for love.

- [laughter] - But you gotta give her credit.

She's got the strength of her convictions.

Agreed.

I am very proud of our granddaughter

for putting her taste buds where her mouth is.

Or something like that.

Well, there are a few vegan options on the menu today,

in case you want to stand in solidarity with Chelsea.

Oh, well, Chelsea can live in her truth,

and I will live in mine.

Now, pass the butter.

[laughter]

So I thought I could get a few interior designers

to come up with ideas and then choose the one

whose designs really blow me away.

I know a lot of people have used Quintin Tate,

but maybe we want a woman's touch.

So I'm thinking I could contact Kiyonda Powell and...

[nearby laughter]

Bill!

I don't know why you did this to yourself.

And don't give me that look.

You know exactly what I mean.

We've discussed how much it bothers you

that the Duprees treat you like an outsider now.

But what did you think would happen?

That they'd invite you to pull up a chair to their table?

No, I did not expect that.

And I didn't want it. I was just,

I don't know, distracted by all the commotion.

Now, tell me more about Keyara Powell.

- Kiyonda Powell. - Right.

That's what I said.

My famous collard and mustard greens.

[laughter]

It really smells good. I'm so glad you could be here.

I know how many invitations you get.

That's right.

It's my tradition... here for Thanksgiving,

but I make sure to go home for Christmas.

Still, I wouldn't have gone to anyone else's for dinner.

I like the way you two celebrate.

No loud football games, just

quiet conversation.

With good people and good food.

ASHLEY: And good tips

- for the best deals online. - That's right.

- I brought my tablet... - Okay, good.

And my shopping list, so we can map out

our Black Friday strategy.

I have never understood

how you could be so organized about Christmas shopping.

I have to wander and pick what strikes me.

Not this year, friend. I'll show you how.

I keep a spreadsheet to keep track

of all my Christmas gifts for friends and family,

including gifts from previous years

so I don't accidentally repeat myself.

[chuckles]

And this is the sweet tea that you told Mom you liked.

- You remembered. - JAN: Of course I did.

And it's just the three of us today, right?

You didn't invite Leslie, did you?

I didn't.

Although, the thought did cross my mind.

But I wouldn't put you in that position.

Well, damn.

The chef put both feet and a hand up in this meal.

You ain't never lied.

Who knew that fried turkey could still be so juicy?

They got a delicious-looking sweet potato pie, too.

- And a cobbler. - Mm.

Okay, I don't think I can even

handle anything else right now.

Me, either.

Well, if you change your mind,

you can go along with me later to Martin's for dessert, huh?

Really, Dad?

Well, thanks for including me.

Martin understands you're part of the family now.

So much can change in six months.

Will Kat be there?

I don't want to cause more tension between her and Martin.

Kat went out of town with Tomas.

Oh.

I knew she didn't want to join us for today's meal,

but leaving town altogether just so she wouldn't run into me?

I mean, things haven't changed that much

in six months.

Look, be thankful that you at least have a chance

to spend time with your brother,

your niece and your nephew

without worrying about Kat throwing a tantrum.

- Right. - And can you please

tell Martin thank you for the kindness?

I really appreciate it.

But I did have a prior, uh, commitment.

Yeah, I'm going to the hospital to visit Peaches.

Mm, but maybe next time.

Mm-hmm.

Ha-ha!

See? Perfectly peeled garlic.

Impressive.

So no more talk about how I don't know

what I'm doing in the kitchen.

- Okay, I stand corrected. - Uh-huh.

- [fire alarm beeping] - [gasps] Oh, no. - Fire extinguisher.

- Where's your fire extinguisher? - DANI: Under the sink.

Uh... Here, here, here! Okay!

- Oh my God! - I got it, I got it.

Watch out, watch out!

Watch my counters!

The marble!

So tell me about your visit with the kids. They okay?

Deanna isn't ready to come home yet.

Seems like she may never be.

I even offered to sell the house

if it would make things less painful,

but she didn't want me to do that, either.

Oh.

Daughters need their mothers.

I'm sorry she's staying away.

She's just so lost right now, and I have no idea

what it'll take to make her feel better.

She seems like the sensitive type,

but I suspect that Donnell is looking after her.

I'm actually surprised how much closer they've gotten.

They used to bicker something serious as kids.

It's a relief they've gotten past that.

I'm just happy that she has her brother there with her.

You're all still tender from what happened.

You've learned how quickly life can change.

We certainly have.

I want to make you feel safe.

Not too safe... I know you

like a little frisson of excitement

to keep things interesting.

You really know me, don't you?

Hmm. I like to think so.

And you don't judge me for what or who I am.

Not at all.

- How did I get so lucky? - Luck is my business.

- [timer beeps] - Well...

I have to check on the dinner.

- I'll help. - No, you won't.

You'll stay there... today,

you don't lift a finger.

Izaiah, it's nice to see you again.

Looks like you pulled it off.

- Pulled what off? - Your transition from

black sheep to respected member of society.

You talking about me hanging with the Duprees?

Sounds like a reality TV show.

The fact is, I'm a guest,

and that's only because of my brother Jacob.

They're willing to give me the benefit of the doubt.

Mm. I was in that position once.

Family friend.

Naomi's very best.

Then you traded that friendship in

for something you wanted more.

What can I say?

I'm a fool for love.

You're hardly a fool.

Hmm. You got that right.

I'll see you around.

Uh...

I-I didn't want to leave without wishing

all of you a happy Thanksgiving.

We have so much to be thankful for this year.

We were all just agreeing how blessed we are

that Chelsea came home safe and sound

from that horrendous ordeal.

Amen to that.

And Jacob...

I haven't forgotten about how much I owe you, Martin, and Kat,

for helping find my baby girl and bringing her home.

None of us have forgotten.

We pulled together as a family. The way it should be.

Hey, babe, we were just counting our blessings.

As we should.

I'm sure you must all be so happy for Dani.

We certainly are.

But please don't let us hold you from

your own family celebration.

Like I was saying,

before it gets too late and Tyrell literally runs

out of here, I want to take a moment

to express some gratitude.

Samantha, you want to go first

and say something you're thankful for?

Sure, Dad. [Clears throat]

I am grateful for that ham,

the cheesy mac and cheese,

the turkey, the green beans, and...

- Really, Samantha? - [laughter]

What? I'm being for real! The food slaps.

Okay, but, okay.

I am grateful that

you guys are making sure that I don't grow up too fast.

If you repeat that, I will deny it.

Aw, that's sweet, Samantha.

Tyrell, you want to go?

Yeah, beat that, bro.

I'm grateful for Jessica.

We didn't meet under the best circumstances,

but we've gotten to a real place.

I think I might be falling in love with her.

MARTIN: Wow. Love? Really?

I am grateful

for a healthy family and going back to work.

It feels amazing to do what I love again.

And I love that for you, too, babe.

I am so grateful

for all of you at this table.

I am happy to be back home,

to be present,

to see you grow and become.

And it's priceless.

And I love you all very, very much.

Oh...

June, you don't have to say anything if you don't want.

Are you kidding me?

This is all I ever wanted,

is to see my children

being loved and cared for in this way.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.

This is more than I ever could have imagined.

Thank you. Thank all of you.

And thank you, baby,

for sitting me in between the two of you.

No... Excuse me.

- Excuse me. I... - No, no, no. Wait, wait, wait!

Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait!

[sighs] Gosh.

- I got it. - All right.

Okay.

[Dani sighs]

You know what? Um...

I am totally in the mood for Chinese food anyway.

Babe, you don't have to try to impress me.

This isn't about dazzling you with my culinary prowess.

It's about making a special day for you.

You don't say it much,

but I know you miss your parents

and your family traditions.

- Dani, it's been a long time... - No, wait.

I know I drew a line in the sand

about you spending the day with your Uncle Ted.

I took something important away

this piece of home,

of extended family that you still have, and I just

wanted to do something that would make up for that.

I just want this place to feel like home, too.

Look, I-I don't mind seared. Hmm?

Let's just see,

is it still tender on the inside?

Careful.

Okay. Here we go.

Let's see.

[gasps]

[both laughing]

Oh...

You know, Eva, your new friend Izaiah

is friendly with your brother Martin.

- Really? - Mm-hmm.

Yeah, I-I saw them chatting at Uptown the other day.

So Martin probably won't mind

if you invite Izaiah for dessert, too. Hmm?

That's a good idea.

I don't think Martin would mind.

Um, actually, Izaiah's with family today.

Oh, I'm glad to hear that.

Got into quite a rift between Izaiah and Elon.

They got in a hell of a fight at Jacob and Naomi's wedding.

Glad they put that behind them.

Jacob and Naomi know Izaiah?

I don't know why I assumed you knew that.

Oh! That's funny,

how that has never come up

in any of our conversations about him.

Um, excuse me, you two, I need to get a pie

before they are sold out.

I cannot show up to Martin's empty-handed.

Okay, I didn't tell you who he's related to because

I didn't want you judging him.

- Yeah? - Like, how his family is,

- anyway. - Oh, you mean like

him being from a family of cops?

Including an older brother who is determined

to throw me under the jail?

And not to mention a father who just happens

to be the chief of police.

Okay, but he's nothing like them.

Just like Dad said.

Mm, don't fret, little girl.

I don't have a problem with Izaiah

coming from a family of cops.

I mean, it could even work in our advantage.

Connections with a police force.

Hmm. Now, see, that could come in very handy.

You spent the entire morning prepping and cooking this meal,

and I gobbled it up in minutes.

Well, that's quite the compliment.

I couldn't help myself.

It was exquisite,

in presentation and in taste.

- Joey, you are a wonder. - Well, thank you.

And no apologies necessary.

I did this for you to enjoy.

I'm just glad you did.

Have you ever thought about opening a restaurant?

[laughs]

Why are you laughing? I'm being serious.

I know you're being serious. That's why I'm laughing.

You see everything as an investment opportunity.

I honestly think you could make a fortune.

Yeah, I could lose one too.

That is an incredibly volatile business.

It takes a monumental investment up front

and then an incredible amount of time.

You're lucky just to break even.

Didn't you just say luck is your business?

I'll keep my luck and my shirt, thank you very much.

Sounds like someone needs to remember how much fun

losing their shirt can be.

Shall we?

BILL: Wait, wait.

I always like to hear Vernon's toast.

Oh, you gotta be kidding me.

I'm going to start by addressing you, Izaiah,

because you are the newest member of the fold

to join us at this table on this special day.

Welcome.

Anita and I take time every day

to practice gratitude.

There's a Bible verse that we return to

again and again which says,

"Rejoice always,

"pray without ceasing

give thanks in all circumstances."

I admit that can be a little confusing.

How are you supposed to give thanks in all circumstances?

Huh? What about the terrible ones?

But I am here to attest

that my many years on this earth have taught me

the sacred power of gratitude.

And even if you've lived

through crushing disappointments,

you can be grateful

for the love of those who lift you up.

VERNON: Someone who has felt the agony of a broken heart

can be thankful that they

still have the capacity to laugh and find joy

in the small pleasures in life.

People who have suffered terrible losses

can be comforted

and feel the hope that their hearts will heal

and that they can love again.

Those of us who have known isolation and loneliness,

estrangement or alienation,

can feel gratitude for the lessons it teaches us

compassion and the willingness to reach out

to others who have been marginalized.

[indistinct greetings]

Hey, good to see you. Good to see you.

VERNON: Someone who has failed, maybe over and over again,

can find the strength to pick themselves up,

to persevere and to chart a new path.

Those of us who are ashamed of our mistakes

can realize it's never too late to ask

for forgiveness and be redeemed.

That's something to be thankful for.

Amen, to forgiveness and redemption.

And then there are days when it's easy to be thankful.

And thank God, this is one of them.

This family is overflowing with love

and blessings.

Let us pray

that we not only appreciate that,

but we do whatever we can to share those blessings

with those people who need them most.

Happy Thanksgiving, family.

ALL: Happy Thanksgiving.

Cheers.

I called that number you gave us.

So you're seeking customers at the country club?

I resent being characterized as a pimp.

Okay. "Madam."

Joey is a dangerous man.

He has me right where he wants me.

You knew the consequences

before you chose what you wrought.

Any particular reason why you're tripping with no map?

Yes, and you know just who it is.

I told you over and over

that I don't give a damn about their opinions.

What is it, Joey?

Feels like I'm wrapped in a dream.

Someone tastes good.

Did our daughters inherit

their complete lack of subtlety from you or from me?

- Definitely you. - Definitely you.

Ted, this elevator is cursed, okay?

Captioning sponsored by CBS.

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

Repair and Synchronization by Easy Subtitles Synchronizer 1.0.0.0