Original subtitles

Y'all's orders are just about ready.

We appreciate you, June.

Anything for my favorite customers.

Although, I'm surprised you're not still feasting on leftovers.

That bourbon glazed ham you made, Smitty?

Ooh-whee!

I'd fight a grizzly bear for another slice.

You are too kind.

But, unfortunately, we didn't have any left.

Yeah, because somebody was acting like

they've never seen food before.

- Ow! - He didn't mean that.

It's all good. I'll be back

with your orders in just a bit.

Why did you do that?

You know we had a great time on Thanksgiving.

He's been on one ever since.

Yeah, because I can't flip the switch

and act like everything's cool

- and play happy family like you. - SMITTY: Hey.

Dial it back.

Okay? This is neither the time nor the place.

- Martin. - Granddad.

Listen, before we start breaking ground on strategy,

are you sure your campaign manager

won't feel some way

about me coming into the mix?

You're worried about stepping on toes?

I know how these young guns operate.

You know, the second someone like me walks in,

they start guarding their turf like a pit bull.

If Shonda or anyone else has a problem,

they'll have to take it up with history.

You didn't just walk the path.

We're standing on pavement

that you laid down with your own blood and sweat.

You're laying it on pretty thick.

If anything, I'm underselling it.

And with this vicious primary challenge looming,

I'm going to need all the help I can get.

??

Hey. Ha.

I didn't see you come in.

Mm.

Mm.

Mm.

[chuckles] What was that for?

Not that I mind.

Does a woman need a reason to kiss her man?

Plus, you slipped out this morning before sunrise.

My sheets were still warm when I reached for you.

Sorry, I had some early work to get to here.

Besides, isn't it better if my car disappears

before the neighborhood watch goes out

for their morning power walk?

I don't give a damn if all of Fairmont Crest lines up

with binoculars to watch you leave.

We're consenting adults.

What's wrong with us spending time together?

Well, you're a grieving widow, for one thing.

Yes, I am still in mourning,

but while it breaks my heart that Doug is gone,

I am still very much alive.

In every way possible.

I have to move forward

however I can,

and I won't apologize for how I choose to do that.

I'm not asking you to.

Just consider what I do for a living.

Being seen in public, with me?

That can complicate things.

Why?

You're an ambitious and successful entrepreneur

with a diverse investment portfolio.

Oh, that's a generous take. [Laughs]

I'm just trying to make things easier for you.

I don't want easy, Joey...

I want... you.

Hello.

Well, hello to you, too.

Someone tastes good.

It's my new lip gloss. Honey Dip.

Do you like?

- Do I like? - Mm-hmm.

Girl, you got me low-key regretting

I didn't take you some place where

where I could appreciate the flavor

without all these people around.

Oh, so now you're shy?

I figured you were the type

who wouldn't worry about an audience.

Oh, trust me. There ain't nothing shy about me.

Well, I only have two hands, sir.

Yes. Fine.

I'll be headed your way shortly.

Ooh. I am going to need an extra dose of patience

before I see this man.

Ah...

- You have got to be kidding me. - Okay, that-that was my bad.

I was checking the labs,

- not watching where I walk. - No, it's okay.

It's just-just one of those days.

My car took forever to start.

The line at Compass Coffee was crazy.

And now Mercer is going to have my head.

- Hey, let me help you with that. - It's fine. I got it.

I want to focus on economic revitalization,

targeted infrastructure,

improvements that create real jobs.

We've seen so many communities...

You're leading with this?

You don't like it?

From what I just heard,

it sounds

safe.

Sanitized, like something cooked up at a think tank,

and not a particularly inspired one.

[scoffs]

But these are real bread-and-butter issues.

Every politician since Moses

has been promising bread and butter.

And did you hear yourself?

"Economic revitalization"?

"Targeted infrastructure"?

If you don't get excited saying it,

do you actually expect that

any single voter will be?

It's pragmatic.

You need something that's galvanizing,

that'll spread like gospel with the influencers

and set social media buzzing.

[laughs] Granddad, with all due respect,

you still print out your emails.

What do you know about social media?

Let me show you something.

Scroll the comments.

"I aspire to be this lit at his age."

"The senator understood the assignment."

[chuckles] When did you do this?

[chuckling]: You know,

your grandmother does it with me, too, sometimes.

Yeah.

I usually leave this to the, uh,

social media manager at the foundation,

but after the Articulettes concert,

I-I wanted to stay connected to

all that love.

So now I can keep up with ChelseaKat.

And make sure your Aunt Dani doesn't

marry anyone else in Vegas.

[laughs]

You truly are a unicorn.

And, apparently, a social media influencer in the making.

But the truth is,

I don't think voters care about that.

Not in a real way.

They're too busy trying to keep their lights on,

and viral dances won't help that

and won't put food on the table.

That generation is full of cultural amplifiers.

They set the tone for what's relevant,

what's worth talking about.

Call me old-school.

Me and Smitty were raising teenagers before I was 30.

[chuckles] Kids raising kids.

Regardless, you and Smitty are doing a bang-up job.

I thought we were past me being bitter about June.

- Maybe you thought wrong. - She's trying.

Can you stop being a hater

and at least meet her halfway?

TYRELL: Can you not be a control freak

and stop acting like our family's therapist?

All right, you know what?

That is enough.

I love you, I do, but your pop and I did not raise you

to tear each other down like this.

I know things have been wrong lately.

Emotions are high,

and that's partly on us.

But no matter what happens, we are a family.

One that loves each other.

So we will talk to each other with love and respect.

Do you understand me?

- Sorry, Dad. - Yes, sir.

- Samantha. - I'm just helping.

June's family, too.

Here, let me help.

[sighs]

Oh, baby. Thank you.

I swear Eric's got me feeling like I'm running track.

You're doing great. Don't let the manager get in your head.

I'm trying.

I'm just off my game today.

If I lose this job, I lose my hours.

And if I lose my hours, I lose my healthcare coverage.

Well, you're not sick, are you?

People can assume, speculate,

and clutch their pearls all they want.

There are plenty in this community with more

salacious associations than I have.

And-and, frankly, who cares what they think, anyway?

JOEY: Your children would.

They're still processing the loss of their father.

I am, too.

Some nights I-I wake up and reach for him and

when my hands find empty sheets,

it's like I lost him all over again.

But grief doesn't mean I have to stop living, and

what I have with you is

the first time I've felt truly alive in a long while.

- Oh, Vanessa... - Don't!

Don't try to manage my feelings.

Yes, the twins might struggle with seeing me

with someone who isn't their father,

but I deserve to find some light in all this darkness.

You are my light.

So you're saying that you're ready

for your children to know that we're involved?

"Involved."

You make it sound like it's some corporate merger.

You know that's not what I meant.

Or maybe you did.

And maybe that's what you meant and why you're reluctant

to make even the slightest public acknowledgement of

whatever this is.

I just spent all night

proving how I feel about you.

And I know you felt it, too.

Well, I need you to prove it again.

In a way that matters.

How about

you be my date to WinterFest?

So, have the butterflies kicked in

now that you started at Banneker?

Or are you too chill for nerves?

Yeah, I can't even lie. I'm hype.

It's something about helping these kids

map out their next move.

Being the one in their corner

when life tells them they're nothing.

Listen to you, sounding all noble and grown.

I clean up nice now,

but back in the day? Phew!

I was a menace, and not in a good way.

What changed?

Someone refused to give up on me.

Showed up when I didn't deserve it.

And now I can be that person for somebody else.

Make sure they don't crash out like I almost did.

As altruistic as he is fine.

You make it hard for a girl to keep her guard up.

And, you know, I've been putting some thought

into what our second date should be.

Second date?

That's pretty bold of you.

Come on, you know you're feeling this just like I am.

Okay, maybe I'm slightly interested,

and emphasis on "slight",

but these plans better be good.

Not just dinner and a movie, okay?

'Cause I can go on Hinge for that.

Uh-uh, not for this.

I'm talking about "blow your mind"

"and have you thinking about it for days" type plans.

But I'm not just trying to impress you.

I'm trying to see you, Eva.

Past the jokes,

past whatever mask you feel like you got to wear

to keep from getting hurt.

Just don't waste my time.

Or break my heart.

Wouldn't dream of it.

This whole situation is Mercer's fault.

He's literally the last physician on planet Earth

that still demands everything on paper.

Smartphones, tablets, cloud storage.

Hey, I could probably beam

this information directly to his brain if he let me,

but no, the dinosaur still needs his paper.

Yeah, Mercer has been stuck in 1985 since 1985.

I once saw him try to fax a PDF.

Stop lying.

I'm not.

Brother was dead serious, too.

Standing there waiting for the confirmation page.

[Shanice laughs]

- Ladies first. Yes. - Why, thank you.

What floor?

Six.

Svenson needs a consult, since Carlton is playing hooky.

Guess who's stuck as his understudy.

Not that I'm throwing any shade at Carlton.

Of course not.

Oh, no, not again.

Ted, why would you say that?

Say what? I'm standing here minding my own business.

You said the forbidden word.

You can't say that in an elevator, it's tempting fate.

So, you think I jinxed us

- because I said "stuck"? - There you go again.

This elevator is cursed, okay?

It trapped Dr. Patel for two hours last month.

Okay, cool your jets.

It's probably just a minor glitch.

Since you're so focused on bread-and-butter issues,

how about making the voters see

that you do indeed use the same bread and butter?

Is that your way of saying I'm too upper-crust

to relate to the people?

You see where you are?

No, it wouldn't hurt to expose

a little of your private life

and let the folks see you have the same struggles that they do.

You know?

The morning chaos of getting kids ready for school.

The argument over what's for dinner.

You could get Andre to shoot some clips.

I don't know about that.

After what happened to Chelsea,

I'm worried about what they can be exposed to.

That's fair. That's fair.

It may be better to keep them out of the limelight.

But still, there are other ways to humanize your campaign.

Nothing that would put the children at risk.

I made Smitty a promise.

No matter what, family comes first.

Is everything okay with your health?

Uh, it's nothing to worry about, baby.

Ever since that pneumonia

knocked me down and I had that bypass surgery,

my lungs just haven't been the same.

Why didn't you get it treated

during your regular physicals,

before it got so bad?

When you don't have an address or phone number,

the hospital can't exactly send you an appointment reminder.

So what do they do?

Patch you up and send you on your way.

Don't they have programs for people who need help?

Sure, but for every one person they help,

there's ten more that slip through the cracks.

When you're unhoused, your priorities shift.

Where am I going to sleep tonight?

Where is my next meal coming from?

A cough or chest pain can't compete

with not freezing to death.

But that's so... wrong.

I know.

Most outreach is focused on immediate needs.

Long-term health care

there just aren't enough resources.

WinterFest is where the elite like to gather and peacock

and pretend that their donations make them good people.

Precisely why having you there would be so refreshing.

All those artificial smiles and hollow conversations.

I could use someone real by my side.

And you think dragging me into that pit of judgment

is, what, gonna end in a fairy tale?

No, I think I'm just

tired of hiding the only honest thing in my life right now.

Well, the whispers wouldn't be kind.

Let them whisper.

And truthfully, if I have to sit through another speech

about legacy and benevolence,

I think I might set myself on fire.

Think of it as a rescue mission.

I'm going to save you from yourself.

The answer is no.

A picnic at Georgetown Waterfront Park?

In December?

Boy, are you trying to get me pneumonia?

You ever watch the sun set over the Potomac

when it's just cold enough to see your breath?

It's pretty nice.

Yeah, um, it's something real cold.

[laughs] That's why I'll be planning ahead.

Cashmere blankets, portable heaters,

spiked hot chocolate

while we hold each other.

Ooh, go on.

[phone buzzing]

Actually...

Ooh, hold that thought, it's my dad.

- Hey, what's up? - Oh, thank God you picked up.

No, I cannot hold! What part of emergency

don't you understand?

Everything okay?

TED: No, I'm in a bit of a situation here.

Okay, I'm on it, Dad. Look, don't stress.

Keep me posted.

So what's the deal? Your pops is just trapped in there?

For now.

The elevator's stuck between floors and he needs me

to reschedule this consultation he's missing.

Well, that shouldn't take too long.

You would think.

Except Dr. Svenson is always booked to the max.

And if I don't deliver the message to him personally,

I can't be sure that he'll get it

or that this consult will be rescheduled properly.

So does that mean we got to cut this short?

Maintenance says they're on the way.

How wonderful.

Though I suppose I should be grateful we're in a hospital.

If I have a panic attack,

medical help is only a few feet away.

You are not about to have a panic attack.

Quit being extra.

Says the woman who almost jumped out of her skin

because I said the word...

Don't you dare.

You really think I jinxed us?

Look, some things you don't tempt,

like black cats, splitting poles,

saying Candyman in the mirror

or other certain words when you're in precarious situations.

That's common sense.

I had no idea you were superstitious.

I'm... cautious.

There's a difference.

There's a lot I don't know about you, huh?

Although you seem to know a lot about me.

Yeah, because you'd be having your business

all out in these streets.

How you figure that?

Huh. Does the name "Leslie" ring a bell?

Fair enough.

Well, since we're clearly not going anywhere for a while,

what else should I know about you?

Hmm?

I didn't mean to go off on June like that.

This whole Jessica-UCLA situation's

just got me in my feelings.

Have you talked to her about it?

We haven't been together that long.

I can't just throw my heart on the table like that.

Didn't you tell me that you thought

that you were falling in love with her?

Well, I don't want to come off like a simp.

[chuckles] Okay.

That does not sound like my son.

The sensitive young man

who got misty-eyed when Dobby dies in Harry Potter.

That only happened once, Dad.

- You just don't get it. - Hey.

You'd be surprised.

Yeah, I haven't had many girlfriends,

but I have known some women

who've taught me some things

growing up.

And, yes, they want strength.

But they also want honesty,

vulnerability,

realness.

I'm sure that you can figure out a way to show that

without sacrificing your pride

or feeling like a simp.

What if I tell her how I feel and it

pushes her away?

Or what if it brings you closer together?

Your pop and I didn't last

because we played it cool.

We tell each other the truth... well, eventually.

Even when it's scary.

Your grassroots approach was refreshing

the first time around.

But if this primary challenger is well-funded,

you may not be able to keep up with his advertising spend.

Shonda's been saying the same thing,

but we're planning to do fundraisers after the holidays.

But since we're on the subject of campaign contributions,

there's a certain local businessman

who is all of a sudden very interested in helping.

And who might that be?

Joey Armstrong.

What if we compromise?

That liquor go to your head already?

Just listen.

We arrive separately.

You conduct whatever business you need to handle,

I make my charitable donations,

and then we happen to cross paths.

No grand entrance, just two adults

finding each other in a crowded room.

Doesn't solve the fundamental problem.

You're still being seen in public with me.

I told you over and over

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

Yet you still refuse to claim me in public.

What is it, Joey?

Are you ashamed to be with me?

We appreciate your flexibility.

Okay, thank you again.

And that is how it's done.

I'm impressed.

One of the nurses owed me a favor.

I had her track him down. No big deal.

And you handled it all without even having to leave.

Pretty smooth.

Though I do appreciate how hot and bothered you looked

when you thought I might have to.

I mean, can you blame me?

I wasn't ready to let some stuck elevator cut our day short.

Matter of fact,

what do you say we get out of here

and have the next one right now?

Back at my place.

I'm the oldest of five.

Two brothers, two sisters.

Raised middle class.

Parents still blissfully married.

- I go to church every Sunday. - Amen.

I've never been married.

But I want to be someday.

TED: Hmm.

So the church-going,

volunteering, almost-ballerina

wants her own happily ever after?

Hey, now, don't get it twisted,

painting me out to be some type of saint.

I still know how to turn up at the club

when the spirit moves me.

- Amen? - Hey, well, that

now, that is a skill set.

What else should I know about you?

Let's see.

I'm not scared of anything.

Except birds.

[chuckles]

What's so scary about birds?

Ooh! Those feathery demons. Don't get me started.

I'm not ashamed of you, Vanessa. Far from it.

In fact, I think shame is a particularly useless emotion.

That's exactly what drew me to you.

Your complete unwillingness to apologize for who you are.

Do you have any idea of what that's like

for someone like me?

To see a person move through the world

on their own terms, consequences be damned?

I never had the luxury of respectability to begin with.

Those doors were closed to me before

I even knew where they were.

Meanwhile, I've been a prisoner

to those open doors my entire life.

Being with someone like you

it's like finally understanding

what freedom feels like.

Vanessa, we're not the same.

You have class. I mean...

Hell, you are class.

You belong in crystal ballrooms

and charity galas,

but me, I'm...

You

are the man I want to be with.

Men like Joey Armstrong, they're piranhas.

Smell one drop of blood in the water,

and before you know it,

they're ripping chunks out of your flesh.

That's exactly why I never cashed his check.

Good.

I walked right into that casino of his

and I wanted him to know that the leverage he thought he had,

it didn't extend to buying a congressman.

That took courage.

I've made many mistakes in my time.

Some I've rectified.

Others, I've had to live with.

But bringing Armstrong into our family's orbit,

is a mistake I'll carry to my grave.

You did everything you thought necessary to protect me.

And everything you've ever done

was to secure our family's future.

And we're all better because of it.

Thanks, grandson.

- You got to get going? - I'm afraid so.

I told Smitty and the kids I would catch a bite with them,

but they're already at Orphey Gene's, so...

- I better go catch them. - Give them my best.

I will.

Damn, you came in hot.

I'm hoping I didn't misread the situation.

No. Uh, you weren't misreading anything.

Look, Izaiah, it's no secret that I'm into you, okay?

But I got burned from my last situations hip,

and I need to lead with my head this time.

I'm not trying to push you into anything you're not ready for.

That's not what I'm saying.

It's just...

I feel like this thing we have between us

feels different.

Like it could actually be something real.

I don't want to rush it.

So you want to take the scenic route?

Are you good with that?

Hell yeah.

I have a beautiful view.

Hitchcock was no joke.

That one movie traumatized an entire generation.

Thank you! Finally someone who understands

the psychological trauma that movie inflicted.

Okay, I know it's not rational, but something about seeing them

all congregated on those telephone poles.

Ooh! It's a hard no for me.

What about parrots?

Birds should not talk, period.

And owls?

Ew, with the little Exorcist head turns.

That is demonic. Church girl, remember?

Then, of course there was the movie... the crows.

Ooh, the worst.

They hold grudges and they gossip, and that is

a bird beef you do not want.

Trust.

- Hey, there he is. - [chuckles]

Mwah. How did the strategy session go?

Eye-opening. Did you know Granddad was on social media?

Not exactly breaking news.

He floods my phone with memes and dance videos on the regular.

Oh, did he send you the one

about the old lady doing the Griddy?

[laughter]

Am I the only one in this family that's not glued to the screen?

Got to keep up with the times,

especially if you're going to be running for re-election.

All my friends are all online.

Same, but if you really want to make an impact,

I know what you should do.

- And what's that? - Open a free clinic.

Since when did you become a health care advocate?

Since June told me her struggles about not being able

to see a regular doctor.

But it's not just about her.

Think about all the unhoused people.

It is a serious problem.

Maybe I can earmark some funds

for community health initiatives.

No, Pop, not maybe.

People need a real clinic where they can walk in

without worrying about bills or insurance.

That's a beautiful idea, Samantha,

but it's just complicated.

I mean, there needs to be significant resources,

financial backing, political support.

Your pop doesn't want to make a promise he can't deliver.

What's the point of being in Congress

if you can't actually do anything?

Fair. How about this?

I challenge you both to come up with ideas

so we can get around the red tape.

And I'm open for all suggestions.

Sounds like homework to me.

Uh, speaking of homework,

don't you have an AP government paper to finish?

[groans] Don't remind me.

Okay, Richardson-Smiths, let's go.

Do you mind if I stay to help June?

That's very thoughtful, Samantha.

Yeah, I guess if that's what you want to do.

But you are still on punishment, so the same rules apply.

No contacting Nathan.

Call us when you're ready to be picked up.

I've made my decision.

I feel the same way about you as you do me.

- That's why I'm so protective. - I don't need your protection.

Yeah, you do.

You seem to have forgotten that we're actively involved

in a money-laundering operation.

One thread pulled by the wrong person

and we're facing federal charges.

That's prison time.

And you want to waltz into that den of vultures

and raise every red flag in the book?

Vanessa.

Is being seen with me at WinterFest

really worth burning all that down?

That's a crafty excuse

conveniently wrapped up in concern for my welfare.

Well, you think whatever you want.

You know I'm right.

What I know is what I want.

When you figure out what you actually want,

give me a call.

Senator.

- What an unexpected pleasure. - Vanessa.

It's a surprise seeing you here.

I was just

discussing a new business venture with my partner here.

You know how passionate I am

about diversifying my investments.

- Good to see you. - You, too.

- You sure you got to bounce? - I really have to go.

Dad's still stuck in that elevator,

and someone's got to hold down the office until he gets out.

I guess that means we got to put a pin

in brainstorming ideas for date number two, then, huh?

Some things taste sweeter when you have to wait for them.

And I promise you, I will be more than worth the wait.

Hmm, don't I know it.

? You got me doin' things I never done before ?

? You got me wrapped around your finger, baby, for sure ?

? Baby, you really have my best side. ?

[sighs]

I've been at this hospital for what seems like forever,

and this is the most honest conversation we've had.

[Shanice laughs]

- Maybe we should get stuck... - Ah! Have you lost your mind?

Do not speak that word ever again.

Was just thinking, maybe a second occurrence

would cancel out the bad karma from the first.

Double negative equals a positive, right?

- Uh... - [elevator creaks]

Ah, see?

The elevator agrees.

- [laughs] - Yeah.

- [sighs] - Mm-hmm.

Well

it's been real,

but I think I'll be taking the stairs from now on.

At least until this elevator gets its life together.

Maybe I will, too.

[chuckles]

I have to take these plates.

Can you watch the front for a minute?

- Yeah, of course. - Okay, thank... Ooh, mm-mm.

Hey, it's Samantha.

I really need to see you.

If you get this message, can you meet me at Orphey Gene's?

Ms. McBride.

I didn't expect to see you here alone.

Diego.

You seem like you lost a best friend.

Worse... my date to WinterFest.

Joey's on the fence about attending with me.

He thinks it would cause a scandal.

Well, a pretty lady like you shouldn't have

any trouble finding someone else.

Well, what about you?

You're handsome, presentable, know how to work a room.

I'm going to have to decline.

- Then, thanks for nothing. - Hmm.

[chuckles]

I'm not sure who's more protective of Vanessa,

you or Dani.

Both my daughters care a great deal about her,

- as do Anita and I. - Noted.

For some reason, though,

I don't think you came all the way over here

just to police my interactions with your daughter's gal pal.

- You know exactly why I'm here, Armstrong. - Mm-hmm.

You found out about my contribution

to Martin's campaign.

Well, you can relax. He already gave the check back.

I'm well aware.

And I understand your impulse.

It's always good to have an influential family

beholden to you, isn't it?

That relationship cuts both ways.

But you know that.

I've always respected you,

despite the vastly different ways

in which we conduct ourselves.

However, I kindly ask that you steer clear

of my grandson's campaign.

His path should be his own, untainted by

complications.

You mean any more complications.

Consider it done.

Good.

In that case... so are we.

Just one more thing, Senator.

Let's not kid each other.

The manner in which we conduct ourselves

really isn't so dissimilar.

So if you're going to look down on me

maybe don't look in the mirror when you do it.

[door shuts]

[sardonic chuckle]

What a day.

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