Original subtitles

It's time.

Hello, everyone.

I'm Justin McBride, joined alongside former champ J.W.

Hart.

J.W., we're in for a real treat tonight.

The number one bull rider in the world versus the number one bull in the world.

It's Colt Webb versus Gang Bang.

This bull is as rank as they come.

I'm just glad I'm up here with you.

Well, a million dollars.

That's what's on the line.

Can Colt Webb be the first guy to do what's

been impossible and put his name on that check?

Well, I've done the math.

That's $125,000.

I don't know what to say.

Well, unfortunately for Colt, he only gets that

million bucks if he stays on for the eight seconds.

And I got good and bad news for Colt.

Eight seconds ain't that long unless you're on bull.

Well, J.W., this will be the fourth cowboy to try and

attempt to collect that bounty off of Gang Banger's head.

Does Colt Webb have a chance?

Well, Justin, nobody's even really come close.

But you can't forget that Colt is the current world champ.

You ready for this kid?

You know it, old man.

They don't look so bad.

Well, and these two have met before.

They have at the World Championships two years ago.

Colt drew Gang Banger.

Made a really good effort, but Bull got the best of him.

Well, that's nothing to hang your head about.

Gang Banger's got the best of everyone.

Yeah.

Well, the difference this time around just may be the involvement of Tulsa Hughes,

a past world champion, to have some old school tricks up his sleeve.

Well, that's why we're all here, to see if the old

school tricks will work for the young champion.

He's going left.

No, he's going right.

Yeah, that's right.

He's just trying to see me bust my butt.

I think you forgot about that part where you

promised me ten percent, a million bucks.

I'll tell you what, it won't be the first time you

made that wreck, so I'll allow it real low for you.

Make sure they get my name right.

Put it on the tip.

I'll tell you what, I'll bet a round of drinks

that you don't last more than four seconds.

Oh, you betting against me now?

I just want to make sure I get paid either way, that's all.

I'll take that bet.

You just make sure you don't forget your wallet this time.

That's him.

The short fella in blue.

Looks like he needs you.

Yeah.

You all right, little man?

Hey, I know you.

You're that bull rider.

Tulsa.

Tulsa Hughes, right?

Weren't you out when that kid got himself killed last month?

Whoo!

I don't know how y'all do it.

It sounds like a death wish to me.

Shh.

Shh.

Shh.

Hey, did you see that girl?

It's that girl I was telling you about.

That minion devil's got nothing on me.

Bucking and buffing on the back of a bull.

Check me in, I'm a certified fool.

Ate from the gate, I'm trying to make.

Ate second on a bull longer than you said.

Hey, ain't that bull from Tulsa Hughes?

I thought you were tired.

Hey, ain't that a brat?

No.

That's not being interesting.

Come on, cowboy.

He's a hummer and a whore and a Japan kicker.

Hey, there he goes.

I'm an old AVR.

Come on, now.

Whoo!

Try this thing.

He ain't made me wait till I scare me nuts.

Yeah.

Try this thing.

He's not allowed to do this shit.

Whoo!

Hey, hey!

That's my friend, Jack Buckingham!

Hey!

Man, it looks like your best days are behind you.

Might as well get that soda one time.

It's your lucky day.

Looks like you should get that jaw working on.

Ma'am, are you Belina Williams?

Yeah.

Who asking?

Ma'am, we need to speak to your son.

Speak to him for what?

Ma'am, we've had a lot of complaints about

fights and gang activity in the neighborhood.

Gang activity?

Sir, my boy is ten years old.

I'm guessing y'all are too scared to go after

the real criminals in this neighborhood.

Ma 'am, can you just call him out here?

We'll explain it all.

Indiana.

Indiana, these men say you've been fighting.

Is that true?

Hey!

Indiana, get...

Hey, what's going on?

Hey, who you running from?

I ain't risking no one.

Now let go of me.

Hey, thanks ma'am.

Yeah, thanks ma'am.

It's very disturbing to the court to think of all the young people, especially the

young men, who view you as a role model and the example you are setting for them.

There comes a time in a man's life when he has to start acting like a man,

not some drunk acting like a fool.

I'm assuming you understand this, Mr. Hughes.

Your Honor, Mr. Hughes is... Ms. Hines, I wasn't speaking to you.

So, Mr. Hughes, the question still stands.

I ain't nobody's role model.

I ain't going to come up in here.

Bailiff, bring the young man forward.

Ms. Shaw, I presume this young man is under your care?

Please excuse the disruption, Your Honor.

This is the first appearance in court for Mr. Williams.

And exactly what brings Mr. Williams to my courtroom today?

Assault of an officer and fighting, Your Honor.

That's why our office thought a trip here might

be a good preventative measure for Mr. Williams.

Is Mr. Williams a candidate for your mentoring program?

Yes, Your Honor.

Ow!

Now I understand why everyone complains about our judicial system.

That judge is a... he's an idiot.

Trust me, it's not nearly as bad as you think it is.

Oh, you think this is funny?

Look, I fully expected to lose my license, okay, do some community service,

but mentor that kid?

This... this is just some kind of a sick joke.

Come on, Ryan.

You did this, didn't you?

Don't get over yourself.

Oh, that's a new line.

Look, I don't want to be part of your life again either.

Oh, no, no.

See, the judge may have sentenced me to mentor

that kid, but he did not sentence me to you.

That sentence ended years ago.

And thank God it did.

And we can agree on something.

Did you ever stop to think... I don't have to listen to you.

Hey, V.

What you want?

Just... want to let you know I'm back.

Yeah.

Yeah, I see that.

V, I'm not the same man I was.

And I wanted to apologize.

You should keep them apologies for somebody who cared.

Well, I think you should know that I'm going to make it right.

Make it right?

Is that what you think?

You think you can just walk in here and make it right?

Worst mistake I ever made was getting involved with you and your drug lifestyle.

I was young enough to make that mistake once.

But I ain't that young no more.

So now, you ain't supposed to walk in here and act like none of that ever happened.

You're right.

All of that is right.

But God changed me, V.

And if you give me a chance... Don't even try that with me.

You think you can walk in here and talk a bunch of

God stuff and work your way back into our lives?

No, see, as far as I'm concerned, you died years ago.

You're right.

I am dead.

Dead to the old me.

Well, a lever can't change its spots.

So...

If you need me, stand right down there across the street.

Next to you boys at the drug house.

Looks like your spots are showing.

Hey, Marcus.

Don't come back.

Who's that main woman?

Hey, um...

That was just some stranger.

And we don't talk to strangers.

Elena, do you have a minute?

I have some news for you.

I'll show her some good news.

Come on.

Do you mind?

Seriously?

I'm going to need you to fill out these forms and here's some personal information

on Indiana just so you can understand him better.

I think he gave you the wrong file.

It's for a Dwayne Williams.

It's the right file.

He just goes by Indiana.

I'm also going to need you to get fingerprinted.

I'll just get them from the sheriff's office, okay?

They already took them.

Look.

This isn't some game, okay?

This is about a kid's life.

You see these files?

These are all kids who need mentors in their lives.

And the statistics are frightening for them.

Are you listening to what I'm saying?

These kids need positive role models.

They need direction.

Not a single one of them has an active father in their lives.

Don't start lecturing me about being a father.

Okay?

What?

This has nothing to do with you being their father.

It's about investing in the lives of others.

I mean, are you that bitter that you don't understand that?

You have no idea, Ann.

Okay?

And you can get off your soapbox.

Because I didn't pick this.

You don't pick anyone, do you, Tulsa?

I'm not picking horseback riding.

Tulsa, I doubt he's ever even seen a horse, okay?

I was thinking more on the lines of lunch.

Fine.

Just give me his address.

It doesn't exactly work that way, either.

Besides, your driver's license is suspended.

Technicality.

I have found that sharing a meal is a good way to start.

But first, you'll need to meet his mother.

And I've already told her about you.

She agreed to this.

The good news is that Indiana's out of school for the summer.

So tomorrow afternoon, I'll pick you up.

We'll head on over to his house for the formal

introductions, and then we'll go to a restaurant.

No one said anything about meeting his mom, okay?

How about you and I, we meet somewhere, and from... Tulsa!

This is serious business!

Flashing in and out of this kid's life!

Could do more damage than good!

Divine flash.

It's at least a one-year commitment.

Tulsa?

Tulsa, you out here?

Tulsa?

We'll use your help out here.

Anyone?

Help!

Jim!

Meet Big Mex.

Mex has a little bit of that Mexican fighting bull blood in him.

One of the most dangerous bulls on the planet.

I would hate to be caught in a pen with him.

Big Mex!

Meet Jim!

He is my clean-shaven agent.

Tulsa, this isn't funny.

You know, I rescued Big Mex from a ranch where he was being abused.

He's not real fond of people.

See, the bad thing about him is the tips on those horns, they are really sharp.

See, bulls though, bull riding events, they got them tips sawed off for safety.

Now Big Mex, he can run those horns right through a three-piece suit.

Seriously, Tulsa?

Hey, whoa, Jim.

I wouldn't move if I were you.

I might make him charge.

Best thing you can do, you puff out that chest, you stand up straight.

You show him you ain't scared.

There you go.

Yeah.

Might have been that red tie that caught his eye.

That would be my guess.

You could always use that jacket right there as a matador cape.

Tulsa, please don't let this bull kill me.

Or you can make a break for it, run for the fence.

You might be able to make it.

Take the running route.

What kind of fool owns a bull that attacks people?

Same kind of fool that walks into places he shouldn't be, Jim.

I've been trying to get a hold of you for days.

Yeah, I threw my phone away.

Hey, man, this is serious.

Will you just stop and hear me out?

Okay, what?

There's been an offer.

You got another commercial you want me to stand around in my underwear?

They want you to ride Gangbanger.

You serious, Jim?

Tulsa, you need this.

I need this?

Sounds to me like you need this.

You're never gonna get another million dollar offer.

I think you forgot about the part where you gotta

put up $100,000 to get a shot at him, right?

We'll raise the money through endorsements.

It's not a problem.

I got better things to do.

Tulsa, just think about it.

There's a phone.

Keep up with that.

Is there a different way I can get out?

Think about it, Tulsa.

I'll get back with you later.

What are you looking at?

You know, Indiana, Tulsa's a bull rider.

You know, like you see in rodeos?

Yeah, my momma told me.

Well, did she also tell you that he was a bull-Why you ride bulls?

I don't know.

Guess I just, uh, grew up doing.

Are you scared?

Yeah, sometimes.

Ever got hurt?

Yeah, a few times.

My momma said anyone that rides a bull must be full of bull.

Why don't we order?

You know what?

Momma's right.

Y'all ready?

I think so.

Indiana, what looks good to you?

Orange cheeseburger and fries.

I'd make it two of those.

I always said the best bull is the one on a plate.

What about you, ma'am?

I'll have the vegetable salad with vinaigrette dressing.

Don't you have no kids of your own?

Nope.

Well, I ain't never had no daddy in no way, so I guess we got something in common.

I've been trying to reach you for days.

Hold this for me.

I'll take that.

Where's the phone I gave you?

I threw it away.

I've raised a hundred K.

Good for you.

I got the contract.

All you need to do is sign this.

They say you're too scared to do it.

You're too old.

Too banged up.

They just want to see someone else die.

This ain't bull riding, it's a circus event.

Call it what you want, Tulsa.

It's a million bucks.

So is that what this is about, Jim?

Hmm?

The money?

Your ten percent?

Tulsa.

Look.

You know that's not what I mean.

All right.

I'll ride him into the ground, but we're going to do it on my terms.

You understand?

Fine.

I'm sure I can get you to do whatever you want.

Just tell me what changes I need to make.

And I'll call you.

I mean, I'll stop back by.

Tulsa, why did you decide to do this?

I'm a bull rider.

It's what I do.

Since you haven't ridden professionally in over five years,

what makes you think you can ride a bull that nobody else can?

Probably the same thing that makes you think you can ride a decent story.

Let's not forget that Tulsa is a former world champion.

There's no question that riding Gangbanger is a challenge for anyone.

But maybe a wily old veteran is just a ticket.

Mr. Ferguson, as the owner of Gangbanger, you have

been selecting young, current riders to ride your bull.

So why this change in strategy?

Well, if you had done your homework, you'd know that the last time I had a bull

with a streak of over 40 outs, Tulsa, he was the one that broke it.

So you might say I'm just out after a little revenge.

So you're saying you don't actually believe Tulsa can ride Gangbanger?

I don't think anybody can ride my bull.

But Tulsa is a worthy opponent.

If he'll put up the money, I'll cash his check.

Tulsa, you've had a lot of serious injuries over the years.

What's your body telling you?

Well, just not to get stomped on like I did in Oklahoma City.

Are you scared Gangbanger might kill you too?

You know, my daddy used to say something to me.

He used to tell me that you don't stand in front of a bull, behind a horse,

or anywhere near a fool.

That's all for today.

Thank you.

Not bad.

Not bad.

So how'd it feel?

It ain't my best.

Now there's a sight for sore eyes.

How you doing, Buck?

Tulsa, let me introduce you to an old family friend.

Marcus Cruz.

Say hello to the best bull rider I ever worked with, Tulsa Hughes.

Nice to meet you.

So where'd you learn to ride like that, huh?

Oh, uh...

Picked up a few things from some guy.

Yeah, I think I know that same guy.

He's got a bad back.

He complains a lot.

Can't hear nothing no more, huh?

That'd be the guy.

Comedians, huh?

Let everyone know Tulsa's here.

Time to get to work.

Alright.

That was, uh... It was nice meeting you.

Yeah, the name rings a bell.

It should.

About ten years ago, he was one of the top high school bull riders.

That's right.

What happened?

Short story.

Got in with the wrong group.

One of the biggest waste of talent I've ever seen.

Kid could ride.

Probably the best thing for him was being able to keep riding while he was in jail.

Heck, I think he won that prison rodeo every year.

I don't know if you noticed, but he's still got it.

But enough about him.

It's your time.

How you feeling?

Yeah, I'm good.

That shoulder's giving me a little bit of a problem, though, but...

When's the last time you were on a bull?

Well, now, that's been a while.

Oh, well.

Hey, boys!

Let's get tiger bait in the chute.

Easy down on him.

Easy, boy.

Got the fillet.

I can pour it.

Alright.

You're no tiger, man.

Come on.

Pour it on down.

Keep your head down, right?

Yeah.

Knob when you're ready.

What's the matter?

What's the matter, Tulsa?

Where's the trough at?

I gotta pee.

It's right over there.

Hands down.

Yeah.

See that?

Alright.

Now, what's that?

Maybe not for the bull.

What you think, cowboy, huh?

How'd you do that?

Well, I'll tell you what.

We go get cheeseburger fries.

Do that tonight.

Tell you all about it, huh?

Can we?

Supper?

Tonight?

Looks like someone's warming up to being a mentor.

Just fulfilling my sentence, that's all.

Yeah.

Okay, but only if you spend some time doing your homework, too.

But school is out for the summer.

Yes, but because of your poor grades, you have to study during the summer, too.

School is boring.

Kid's got a point.

Uh, that's not the kind of positive reinforcement we're looking for, cowboy.

Very sorry.

What's positive reinforcement?

Something you will learn if you stay in school.

I wish I could continue on with this.

I got a...

I got a rematch put together, though, so if you don't mind, get that hat back.

Thank you very much.

All right.

Now, I want that same bowl, Buck.

Round two.

All right, boys.

Let's run them back.

Chop-chop.

So, how's that shoulder feeling on you?

Yeah, it's stiff.

I got to tell you, though, it's not quite as bad as I thought it was going to be.

Yeah.

I mean, I've been playing about that horseback riding.

Yeah.

Indiana's really looking forward to it.

Remember, my baby ain't never been on no horse before.

Don't worry.

I'm going along on the ride, too.

It's safe.

Trust me.

He'll have a really good time.

Howdy, ma'am.

It's good to see you again.

Howdy.

Uh...

Hold on.

Indiana, they're here for you.

Whoa.

Hey.

How you doing?

Huh?

Hmm...

Well, we better get going.

We'll have them back before night.

Okay.

Well, y'all be careful.

Bye.

Horseback ride.

Does he bite?

Well, he's a she.

She bite.

Okay.

Only bad kids.

Hey.

I need you to do me a favor, okay?

I can't have you biting Indiana.

Why do you have to do that?

She's my friend, okay?

Oh, okay.

Alright.

What'd she say?

Well, she said she likes you.

She's a little worried, though.

About what?

Well, she says those are, uh, basketball shoes that you got on, right?

So if you get your foot stepped on, it's gonna hurt.

We already thought about that, though, so...

Come here.

Yep.

Alright.

Ooh.

Up we go.

I got you these, okay?

I'm gonna put these on, alright?

Yeah.

These go on the outside, okay?

Outside.

Alright.

That's better.

I'm impressed.

I'm gonna see what you look like up in that saddle now, okay?

You ready?

Take that left hand on that horn.

I'll pick you up.

You take that left foot and put it right in here, okay?

One, two...

Swing that leg.

There you go.

Told you she was gentle, right?

It's okay, Indiana.

You're gonna do great.

I don't know.

Something still just don't seem right.

You know, that's right.

I appreciate you.

Thank you for pointing that out.

You know, Sally, uh, noticed something else was missing.

Cool.

You need to remember something, okay?

Every cowboy has to have a cowboy hat.

Alright?

Okay.

You ready to ride?

Yes, sir.

So how long you been doing this for?

Working with kids.

About three years.

Three years now.

Not long after we broke up.

Well, it seems like you enjoy it.

You know, I just want to make a difference.

Change lives for the better.

Well, you got your work cut out for you, that's for sure.

Actually, I've made a lot of changes in my life.

Like?

Uh, you wouldn't understand.

Oh, come on.

Try me.

What you got?

It's about fear, you know?

Fear?

Yeah.

Many of the issues in our communities, we see something we fear, we run from it.

Classic fight or flight.

I'm choosing to fight.

You lost me in there.

I thought, I thought we were talking about you.

These issues.

These kids.

We can take a stand and fight the issues of poverty, lack of education, and crime.

Or we can just flee from it.

Move to another neighborhood or town.

But guess what?

I'm just gonna follow you there.

I ain't running from nobody.

Maybe not, but are you taking a stand?

Look, kids like Indiana have little chance if people don't intercede into their lives.

By the time kids like him are five years old, they've already seen and experienced

what most kids two or three times their age would.

Shoot, I don't know.

Life don't seem too bad.

He's playing on a tire, smiling, having a good time.

Mom seems like a nice lady when coming home.

She is nice.

But as he gets older, the streets will raise them if people like you don't intercede.

The fact is, 80% of incarcerated males grew up in fatherless homes.

And 60% of prison inmates are functionally illiterate.

Kids like Indiana know more people in jail than they do in college.

Okay, I get it, I get it.

But it doesn't come down to a person making a choice, though.

I hear that a lot are how it's a racial problem.

But the truth is, these kids just need positive role models.

For the most part, they just want to feel like they belong.

So they become involved in the first thing that comes along.

Unfortunately, it's often a gang.

They're kids raised in poverty.

Take your life, for example.

You became involved in bull riding because you were exposed to it from a young age.

Yeah, a lot of, like I said, those choices.

Yeah, but how many choices do they have?

We need to offer them more and give them better options.

Many of them want to make the right choices, they're just not given an opportunity.

And our system isn't helping much either.

Oh, okay, so now we're blaming the system, huh?

I didn't say it was the cause of the problem, but it sure could use some improvement.

The broken family is the number one contributor to children living in poverty.

And our current system actually penalizes married couples.

Yeah, right.

It's true.

Single moms get more financial support than married couples.

I don't have to call BS on that one.

Well, then you check into it yourself.

Well, maybe I will.

Kids like Indiana are just victims of our broken system.

Somehow we've got to change it.

Let's not talk politics right now.

I mean, a politician made a guy charge with a DUI a mentor, so...

Okay, I'll agree it's not the ideal solution,

but I do understand the judge's perspective.

Oh, all right, well, maybe you can explain what you get to with what you got.

Like I said, these kids just need positive role models.

And while you're obviously not perfect...

Well, I guess I walked right into that one, didn't I?

You sure did.

If you stick with this, you're going to find that it's really rewarding.

Look, I'm willing to play the role, okay?

I'll fill my sentence and all, but...

I'm not a role model, okay?

Our choice is not if we're a role model, but rather what kind.

Can we go ride some more?

I mean, surely you didn't do half bad, so...

You did do pretty good.

What you say, you want to pick up the pace a little bit?

Huh?

What you think?

Please, can we, Miss Anne?

Yeah, I mean, come on, Miss Anne.

Please, can we?

What am I going to do with the two of you?

Hmm...

All right, let's go.

All right, then.

Let's go, huh?

Yee-haw, then, huh?

Hey there!

Who's going to hang everything?

You did so good, didn't you?

Tell me how good you did.

Bring it up, bring it up.

All right.

He

was tucking out.

But I ain't seen him this happy in a long time.

But

I ain't seen him this happy in a long time.

Hey, um...

Let me call you back.

Nah, nah, it's cool.

Just gotta take care of something real quick.

All right.

Bye.

What do you want?

I just want to talk.

We ain't got nothing to talk about.

I want to spend some time with him.

I thought I made myself clear last time he was here.

Just...

I got a right to see him!

Listen.

Listen to yourself.

I'm screaming.

Demanding your way.

What?

What you gonna do next, Marcus?

You gonna hit me?

I just want to see my son.

Your son?

Besides...

He already got somebody.

Yeah...

That's what I wanted to talk to you about.

You see, I don't think Toast is a good influence on me.

Well, what?

And you is?

I'm not the same.

Your daddy was a felon.

You a felon.

My boy ain't gonna be no felon, Marcus.

That's exactly the cycle I want to break, V!

Now, I want to prove myself.

But you got to give me a chance.

Can I talk to him?

He's sleeping.

Can I just, um...

Can I just... Can I just... Can I just...

Just for a little bit?

Just for a little bit?

Please.

Morning, Tulsa.

Morning.

You two are who I wake up to.

Guess who arrived in town today?

Yep.

The media was out here earlier.

Crazy reporters think you can interview a bull.

You want to see him?

I've seen him before.

Well, if you change your mind, he'll be here.

Heck, he eats better than me.

Good.

Fatten him up for the kill, then, huh?

Hey.

We got a rank one for you today.

Brought in special.

They say his style is similar to gangbangers'.

Think you're ready for him?

Bug, I was born.

I like the sound of that.

Let's get her done.

Hey, boys!

You don't need that stuff.

What you talking about?

The painkillers.

That's all.

So what?

Prescription.

Yeah, I seen my share of guys abusing.

If I was a guest, I'd say you was putting them up your nose.

At least that's what I had done.

Sounds like that be your problem, then.

I'm mine.

Look, man, I did ten years behind bars because of what stuff like that made me do.

I know a headache when I see one.

Yeah, well, I know a feeling when I see one.

Give it back!

What you think?

You some kind of cowboy or something?

I said, give it back!

Look at your little ass kid.

You better carry your punk ass home to your mama.

Hey, Velina, we're here to get Indiana.

Just going out for some supper.

We shouldn't be long.

Uh, he had a run-in with the neighborhood boys.

Is he okay?

Yeah.

I just...

I don't think he'd be up for going out right now.

I might if I, uh, talk to him.

Um, sure, yeah.

He in his room.

What's wrong, cowboy?

I took my hat.

Who did?

Those guys over at the drug house.

You okay?

Yeah.

I'll be right back.

Tulsa, no!

Tulsa, don't do this!

Tulsa, listen to me!

You don't need to do this, okay?

Try to set a good example for him.

This is who I am.

Deal with it.

I can't believe it.

What's up?

You just got something that don't belong to you, that's all.

Man, what you talking about?

Just come for the hat, okay?

How long it's been since you had an ass-whooping?

Hey, man, he said that.

I'm just curious.

How long it been since you had a cap in your head?

Hey, hey, easy, big homie.

It's cool.

You know this white boy?

Yeah, he a friend.

I suggest you get his white ass before I kill him.

Appreciate it.

So you got a full house over here, huh?

You ever play poker?

Man, don't even worry about it, man.

Pick the dominoes up.

Give me fifteen.

Man, you ain't getting fifteen.

You give me fifteen.

You ready to party, Big Max?

Let's party.

Boy, I am setting up my table.

What?

Bowl poker.

I feel the teacher might have played.

That ain't a good idea.

These ain't the kind of guys you mess around with.

Yeah, well, neither am I.

Besides, I got something that belongs to a friend of mine.

Look, man, just get him another hat.

It wouldn't be the same.

It's a hat.

It's about more than just a hat.

You see, it's about standing up for those you care about.

You gotta get out of my way.

You can't do this.

So what's your plan?

What?

Well, I'm gonna take this door.

I'm gonna back it right on up to that door.

Then I'm gonna get the hell out of the way.

Giddy up?

Giddy up.

Gooch, you hear that?

I ain't tripping, man.

I ain't tripping.

Go out there and see what it is, homie.

I ain't tripping, man.

I ain't tripping, man.

Yo, yo, man, y'all wake up.

Wake up.

Hey, wake up.

Wake up.

Pretty boy, get up.

Something at the door, homie.

I hear something.

Go, go, go.

Yeah,

straight flush gonna be a full house any day.

Yeah, straight flush gonna be a full house any day.

Well, ain't that convenient.

Tulsa.

Tulsa.

Wake up.

Wake up, Tulsa.

Morning, Jim.

Morning?

It's after lunch, Tulsa.

It's after lunch, Tulsa.

Guess I was out a little later in the fall.

We need to talk.

Guess I was out a little later in the fall.

To be honest, Jim.

now's not the best time.

Got a little bit of a headache.

Got a little bit of a headache.

Speaking of which.

It's over.

What is this?

It's painkillers.

It's for my aches and my pains, Jim.

And this explains it?

It was just a ball, Jim.

What?

Well, a bunch of drug dealers called the cops on me.

I'm telling you what, you should have seen the way they just...

I seriously... they flew out of them windows.

I am talking about this.

Oh, let me help you out here.

You failed your drug test.

Failed?

How?

Drugs, Tulsa!

You have drugs in your system, don't you get it?

I just told you, Jim.

I have a prescription, okay?

Seriously?

Your levels are off the chart.

You got anything to wash it down with?

Only addicts have levels that high.

Not to mention the alcohol.

You know you might not want to drink before you take the test next time.

You need to lower your voice, Jim.

It's over.

When the media gets a hold of this, and they will get a hold of it.

We're screwed.

Jim, come on now.

Who cares what the media thinks?

You really are stupid, aren't you?

This is about gangbanger.

You just lost your million dollar ride.

What are you talking about, Jim?

I'm talking about you.

Find yourself a new agent.

I'm done standing next to a fool.

Ladies and gentlemen, at this time, we would like to present our man of the

year award to the reigning bull riding champion of the world, Mr. Tulsa Hughes.

It's a real pleasure to be here tonight.

Thank you for coming.

Bull riders are not big on talking.

I have to thank my beautiful, incredible wife, Jessica, here for supporting me.

She puts up with me.

It's not easy to be the wife of a bull rider.

Yeah.

Yeah.

She gave me the greatest blessing of my life.

My son, Duncan.

I love you, buddy.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Hey, here.

Hold that for me.

You look good in that hat.

All right, come here.

Hold that for me.

Here.

Hey, you're the new champion bull rider.

You got plans later tonight?

I might be able to fit you into my schedule.

You know, I ain't never seen a more handsome cowboy.

You clean up pretty good.

Thank you, man.

Might I add you're not too shabby yourself.

Tulsa, watch out.

It's alright, buddy.

Just relax.

I'm so sorry.

Here, here.

Duncan!

Duncan.

First time on a bull, I was... I was ten years old.

Name was Lightning.

I wasn't as bad as you, I mean...

Ten year old kid...

Yeah, lasted the entire eight.

I was hit in the eye, I was in my blood.

I never even thought about doing anything different.

You know, it wasn't for the lights, it wasn't for the cheers, it's uh...

It's for the ride, you know?

It's the thrill of doing it.

You know all about the thrill, don't you?

Hmm?

People say seconds ain't a long time, they ain't never

done it on the back of no bull, I'll tell you that.

You know, I didn't want to ride you anyway.

I ain't scared of you.

I've been worse than you.

You know, people thought I did it for the money, you know, like I even...

Other people thought I did it to...

Settle a score, or...

Well,

how about we settle a score right now?

How do they say, uh, put a cap up in your head, I don't know.

What you doing, Tulsa?

Just evening things up.

This ain't your style.

It is today.

I think the thing that has amazed me the most through the years is watching the

love-hate relationship between bulls and bull riders.

Guess it's their respect for each other, huh?

Two thousand pounds of bull...

What, 170 pounds of rider?

Eight seconds of intense violence.

But they have to have each other.

Like darkness has to have light.

Killing him won't change anything.

And it won't make you feel any better.

But there is another option.

Marcus.

Marcus tried to ride this bull.

Looks like I ain't the only one who's been drinking today.

Hey, if you trained him...

That's some unproven rider against the world's baddest bulls.

Get real, Buck.

Yeah, you're probably right.

You're not that good of a trainer.

Ain't working, Buck.

Size ain't ever gonna go for that.

Maybe not.

But then again, it's the perfect underdog story.

Ex-con versus world's baddest bull.

Bad versus bad.

Hey, everyone needs a second chance.

Those second chances are overrated.

Not always.

You know, I sat back and watched you spiral out of control.

Guess I figured it wasn't any of my business.

And I figured you probably wouldn't listen anyway.

So I saw the world's best...

become a beat-up has-been.

I know you, son.

I know the old Tulsa.

The young kid with big dreams.

He died.

On the side of a road one night.

A part of all of us died that night, Tulsa.

I just don't think you ever saw past your own pain enough to notice that.

What do you know about pain, Buck?

Probably not as much as you.

Pain, then, will destroy you.

Even an old man with poor vision can see the

trail of destruction you'll leave him behind.

It's time to get your eyes off your past, Tulsa.

There ain't nothing else.

So what?

You just gonna continue?

Nah, you tried it your way.

Where'd it get you?

You might be shocked at what helping others will do.

That's just what I need, huh?

Another person to tell me that.

Hey, if you're hearing it from more than one person, just talk to him.

See if he's worth the effort.

Buck said you wanted to see me.

I grew up in one of the poorest parts of Louisiana.

And I worked in the cotton fields with my older brothers.

We started when the sun came up, finished just before dark.

My dad was a good man, believed in hard work, worked hard until the day he died.

Never took no charity, thought it was an insult.

It was manhood.

Even if that meant we went to bed hungry sometimes, sometimes we did.

And I promised him I'd get out of there.

You know, make something better.

Get out of them fields some way, somehow.

Kids these days, they don't... they don't know what it means to work hard.

They expect everything to be handed to them and given right to them.

Nobody ever gave me nothing.

I paid my dues.

When I was five, my dad got arrested.

Went to prison.

Left my mom alone and raised five kids by herself.

She worked two jobs to feed me, my brothers and sisters.

None of them had graduated high school.

Being that I was the youngest, I promised my mom I would.

Both of my sisters, they... they were pregnant before they turned 16.

And I grew up watching men abuse my mama.

When I was 18, I came home and found a man raping my mama.

I was so high, I don't remember exactly what I did.

But I do remember thinking nobody would ever hurt my mama again.

You know, I spent my whole life trying to make my mama proud.

Instead...

I became a felon.

So you trying to tell me you went to prison for defending your mom, hm?

I got locked up because I had a record a mile long

and a court-appointed attorney that didn't care much.

Besides, most of them folks in there just thought my mama was making that stuff up

to try to protect me.

She trying to protect me.

Nah, they just thought I was another troubled black kid.

Is this the part where you try to tell me you wish you had a mentor, Marcus?

Nah, I had mentors.

Just the wrong kind.

And believe it or not, prison was good for me.

Yup, I met a guy in there that... that believed in me.

Thought I had... worth.

Value.

Helped me turn my life around.

Yup, strange as it sounds...

Prison was good for me.

Not saying I want to go back.

But I ain't saying that at all.

So what makes you think you deserve a shot, hm?

Honestly...

I don't think I do.

Then why are you... Nah, that's just something Buck came up with.

So you, uh, you don't want to ride him then, huh?

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

I never said that either.

Yeah, I want a shot at him.

But ride or wouldn't.

But deserve?

Man, my, she, uh...

She's still alive.

Yeah.

Still going strong.

Well, I guess it's time we make her proud, huh?

Savannah, I'm heading to lunch.

Any messages?

Yes, here you go.

I don't want to even hear it.

I've been trying to call you for days, Jim.

I threw away my phone.

Jim Hawkins.

Hey, go ahead.

Look, he's gonna call you back.

Listen to me closely.

It's over.

You don't need an agent.

You need an attorney.

Maybe a psychiatrist.

As soon as the judge finds out that you failed your

drug test, he's probably gonna put you in jail.

Hear me out, Jim.

Don't worry about me, okay?

Not about you.

That would be a first.

We're sad to announce that Tulsa Hughes will not be able to compete in the

million-dollar challenge to write Gangbanger.

Tulsa, are you hurt?

Will it be rescheduled?

Hear me out.

While we're sad that Tulsa will not be competing, we do have a replacement.

A replacement that Tulsa will help train for the event.

Actually, we believe that this will be a very compelling replacement.

One that will not only bring a lot of controversy, but also a lot of excitement.

At this time, I'd like to introduce... Mr. Marcus Cruz.

Marcus, are you currently on the Pro Tour right now?

I'm not.

No, I'm not.

How many years have you spent writing professionally?

Actually, none.

Tell us about your career.

I wrote some back in high school, and then some when I was in prison.

Prison?

Is this some kind of publicity stunt?

No.

Mr. Cruz is a legitimate writer and a solid opponent for Gangbanger.

Marcus, did I understand you correctly?

Did you spend some time in prison?

Yeah, well, I was recently released.

Okay, is this a joke?

Bill, do you support this?

As owner of Gangbanger, I decide who gets to write him.

I've checked this kid out, and he gets a chance.

A second chance, if you want.

He's paid his debt to society, and he's paid his entry fee.

Okay, so you're saying it's all about the money.

All I'm saying is this is America.

We're second chances out.

Prices are given, and cash is accepted.

Tulsa, what do you think of this idea?

I've seen him ride.

Kid's got a shot.

You don't sound too convincing.

Well, I watched this bull kill a close friend, so let's just say I'm cautious.

Like I said before, Tulsa, along with Buck,

will be helping Marcus prepare for the event.

He couldn't have better trainers.

Buck, what's it like working with such an

inexperienced rider in an event of such magnitude?

Well, I've known Marcus for years, and I think he just might shock some folks.

Tell us about yourself, Marcus.

Are you married?

Do you have children of your own?

Uh... That's enough questions for now.

We'll be sending out press kits with all you need to know about Mr. Cruz.

Thank you.

What is this?

What do you think it is?

The judge doesn't want you to have any contact with Indiana, and honestly, I agree.

Who cares what you think?

Either you two.

It's always about you, isn't it?

You could have called me.

Do you have a phone?

You know where I live, Annie.

And to have this argument at your place?

No, thank you.

I feel much safer here.

Besides, it's policy to have it in writing.

So you're just gonna rip another person out of his life, huh?

Don't try to turn this around on me, Tulsa.

You did this.

Nobody's gonna tell me who I can and can't see.

Tulsa, you really need to figure out where your life is headed.

Save it for somebody else, okay?

Besides, like, you have it all together?

Do you remember when I said I had made some changes in my life?

Well, the main one was in my relationship with God.

God?

Seriously?

I knew you wouldn't understand.

That's exactly why I didn't say anything.

You know how many people tried to tell me about Jesus, huh?

How much he loved me?

Where was he that night on the side of the road, Ann?

Huh?

Tulsa... Answer that!

Tulsa, I don't have all the answers.

And until you do, I'm fine the way I am.

Tulsa, we really need to find you some help.

We?

We need what?

Are you my manager now, huh?

I don't need your help.

Tulsa!

And what do you want?

I just... I come to see Indiana.

Miss Shaw already called.

Said you weren't allowed to see him no more.

Here I was thinking you was gonna be different.

I just wanted to tell him myself, okay?

I figured this was the right thing to do.

Right thing to do?

Right thing to do is not let my boy hang around somebody on drugs.

I'm not on drugs, okay?

It's...

Can I just see him?

Please?

Hey, man.

Hey.

Look, I'm not gonna be able to keep on.

Yeah.

My mama already told me.

I just wanted to tell you myself, though, okay?

You know?

Maybe after, uh...

You know...

Maybe things will change.

Okay?

Yeah.

I understand.

You know, I... Look, I wanted to give you something that...

That belonged to you.

I want to give it back.

Remember, right?

Every cowboy...

Has to have a cowboy hat.

That's right.

Okay.

So whenever you wear that, all right?

I want you... I want you to think of us, all right?

My friendship and me.

Okay.

You promised me that.

Yes.

Look, I gotta go.

I gotta... I promised someone I'd help with her.

I'm bull riding, so... Can I go with you?

That's probably not a good idea.

Mom, can I please... Indiana White, okay?

They said... Wait.

Look.

I'll decide who my child's with.

All right?

He got to be home by seven.

And what you waiting for, cowboy?

Some kind of bell or something?

No, ma'am.

How about we go before she changes her mind, all right?

Okay.

Okay.

Let's hurry.

Put that up on that head.

Bow down, boy.

Bow down on her.

There you go.

Ride her.

Ride her.

Ride her.

Yeah.

Kid still got it.

Yeah, well, it's not crowning world champion quite yet, all right?

Great ride, Marcus.

That's a wrap for today, boys.

What you think?

I think you better keep them hips forward.

Hey, while you guys talk about all this bull riding stuff,

me and Indiana gonna go get us something cold to drink.

before he has to head home.

You probably don't know this, but your mama used

to play with my daughter when they were kids.

The two of them were thick as thieves.

My mama was a thief?

Not exactly.

Come on, I'll tell you all about it.

You know, these bulls ain't nothing like what you're gonna experience on gangbanger.

He's in another league.

Yeah.

I know that.

Man, sure you do.

Hey.

Are you taking this serious?

Of course I am.

What's the deal with you?

I thought you wanted me to do this.

This ain't some prison rodeo, Marcus.

Why don't you just speak your mind?

Look, you got decent technique, all right?

Looks like you got the physical strength, but...

do you have what it takes?

I've been interviewed a thousand times about riding bulls.

Asked me all kinds of questions.

What separates the great ones from all the others, huh?

I tell them.

Tell them every time, all the time, same thing.

They just don't get it.

You gotta want it.

You gotta want it more than you want anything else in the world.

Sometimes it's better to die trying than to live with yourself for naught.

You get that?

They all say they want it.

They say they want it.

Sure, it's easy to say you want something.

But you know what keeps it from them?

Fear.

It ain't getting rid of the fear, though.

Am I right?

You feed off of the fear.

Right?

You use it to your advantage.

You ever been really frightened?

Yeah.

Once.

When I was 18.

I had to walk into a maximum security prison.

Well, I guess you just got it then, don't you?

I understand what you're talking about, though.

Fear.

Using your strength.

And growing up...

I was filled with that fear.

On the inside.

But I never let it show.

Not if I wanted to survive.

I looked for that fear in the eyes of others and I fed off of it.

Trying to be the baddest.

The bravest.

There's always somebody badder.

Meaner.

There's always a...

A gangbanger.

Trying to prove his self.

Throw you to the ground, stomp on your head.

Yeah.

I know fear.

And I know...

It will destroy you, too.

I traded in the spirit of fear.

Traded it in...

For a spirit of peace.

Spirit of peace.

Why don't you save the sermon for someone else there, Pastor Marcus?

Alright.

Spirit of peace.

I know about your son.

And I know my prison experience was nothing compared to what you've been through.

You have no idea.

You're right.

I know a man in prison when I see one.

This ain't prison.

I came to the end before it's over.

This is hell.

Where's Tulsa going?

Something came wrong.

But we were going to get burgers and fries.

Actually what?

Yeah, well, I don't think Tulsa's in any condition to take you anywhere today.

Is he sick or something?

I know what you're thinking.

He can't be your daddy.

I ain't never had no daddy, no way.

Little man, sometimes the people that disappoint

you the most are the ones that love you the most.

And just because it looks like they've given

up on you, you don't ever give up on them.

Because you never know when they might come back.

And I also learned to keep my chin up.

No matter what.

Let's go see if we can get Buck to give you a ride home.

He already left.

Did he now?

Okay.

What you say I give you a ride home?

Mama said I can't ride with strangers.

But my name is... I know what your name is.

Tosa Toto.

He did.

What else did he tell you?

He told me you were going to ride Gangbanger.

Okay.

Well, now that we know each other's names, we're not strangers anymore.

Okay.

But you have to give me something to eat on the way.

My mama doesn't like when I come home hungry.

All right.

Deal.

Come on.

Let me go get changed up.

Ugh.

Ugh.

Come on.

Mama, this is Marcus.

He rides bulls, too.

Oh.

Oh.

Why don't you head on in and clean up?

Mama, he's not a stranger anymore.

You heard me.

Yes, ma'am.

Look, what is all of this?

I don't sweat.

No.

I told you to stay away.

Come on, V.

Can't you see how much he wants a man, a father in his life?

Don't you lecture me on how to raise my son?

You ain't the kind of man I want him hanging with.

Oh, it's all right for him to hang out with an addict, though.

Like you any different than him.

You know what?

You tell that bull rider to stay away from my boy, too.

Just another lying man.

V, V, V!

Please.

Now, I just...

I just want to spend some time with our son.

Did you tell him that?

Did you tell him?

Did you tell him that you're his father?

No.

I just drove him home.

But look, V.

I got a right to see him.

He's my son.

No.

I'm not going to let you do to him what you did to me.

I was just a kid then.

That was over ten years ago.

I'm a man now.

I'm a changed man.

Yeah.

Then after you spend the next ten years proving that, then maybe we could talk.

Marcus, just...

Just please leave.

You can try to run me off as much as you want, V.

I'm not giving up on my son.

Mama.

Why don't you let them in?

What kind of pies y'all got today?

Ah, we got corn, coconut, and...

I'll take a slice of that chocolate meringue and

a cup of coffee if you'll sit with me while I eat.

Uh, what is you doing here?

Can't an uncle visit his favorite niece?

You ain't my uncle.

All them hours spent in my house growing up might as well be.

Come on, come visit with me.

Okay.

My shift's almost up and I got to get home to Indiana.

It won't take but a minute.

Besides, I want to talk with you about him.

Has something happened?

No, no.

I just want to visit.

Now come on, let's sit.

Hey, Cheryl.

You got a cup of coffee?

So what's up?

All right, I'll get straight to it.

It's about Marcus.

Not you two.

V, I know what you're thinking.

Really?

I seriously doubt it.

He put you up to this?

No, no.

Not really.

He didn't ask.

He didn't ask me to talk to you, but... You forgot everything.

He left me pregnant.

I was 17 years old.

Told me all them lies.

The truth is... No, the truth is he left me to raise a child on my own.

V, he's a changed man.

You got that from him, huh?

I seen it firsthand.

God has changed that boy.

Good for him.

V.

Indiana needs a father in his life.

Oh, Marcus should have thought about that 10 years ago.

V, you're not being fair.

Talk to me about fair?

Besides, having a father that come and go is worse than not having one at all.

I'm not gonna let him do to Indiana what he did to me.

Is this what it's about?

You and Marcus?

Turn this around on me.

V.

Indiana is not gonna be a boy forever.

He's gonna need a man in his life.

And before long, you're not gonna be the one

making the choices about who he hangs out with.

Well...

Would you be a father figure to him?

You know it's not the same thing.

V, the boy needs his father.

Now, I'd love a slice of that chocolate cake.

Meringue, if you can see it in your heart.

Cleet?

Love that chocolate meringue.

I...

Come here!

Come on!

Hey!

What?

Tell the white boy with the bull that this lady will belong to us.

Hey, come here!

Let me through!

What is he doing?

Here.

No!

Hey!

Hey!

Let him know that now we're even.

And it better stay that way, because if not...

Hmph!

We'll be back.

Indiana!

Indiana!

Oh, God, no!

No!

Wait!

Wait!

Marcus, please, come here!

Hey, hey, hey, slow down, slow down.

What you talking about?

It's Indiana!

Get off me!

Oh, God!

Indiana!

Indiana!

He okay?

He okay?

I have with me now Ms. Valina Williams, who lives inside the home.

Ms. Williams, do you have any idea how this fire started?

I, um... I still... left the stove on or something.

Hey.

Hey, turn that up.

Now, the truly amazing part of this story is this man right here, Mr. Marcus Cruz.

Mr. Cruz, I understand that you ran inside the home and saved this young boy's life.

Yes, ma'am.

And may I ask why you did that?

He's my son.

There you have it, reporting live from the scene with the true hero.

I'm Tonya Springs for Channel 8 News.

Mind if I, uh... talk to you?

Mm-hmm.

Yeah, come on.

Want something to drink?

I ain't got no beer, but I got some sodas.

Nah, nah.

I'm good.

I also got some, uh... I, uh... I saw you on... on TV.

It's a brave thing you did.

Thanks.

Thanks.

So where are they staying at now?

Well, they... they're over the books.

Yeah, I figured it's safer for them there.

That's probably a good idea.

Well, actually, um... I'm on my way out there now.

I just came to get a few things and then, you know...

Look, um...

Look, man, look, I need to... Let me just...

Let me just get this out.

When, uh... when Duncan...

My boy, when he was about... about four...

Yeah, I got him his very first cowboy hat.

God, he loved that hat.

He wore that thing everywhere.

He even wore it to bed.

And I wanted to know... You know, where is that?

They told me...

It wouldn't open the casket.

They told me he was burned to bed.

I never got to say goodbye.

You know, people don't know what to say when, uh...

I mean, losing a child, it's, uh...

I guess people are too afraid to say his name,

you know, because they thought it would upset me.

I mean, to be fair, I mean, everything upset me.

I wanted so bad to hear someone just occasionally just say his name.

I mean, uh, my wife, uh...

Not too long after that, she, uh, what was left of her, I mean, she left me too.

There wasn't much left of me either, you know, I mean, uh... I mean...

You know the first thing I did?

Roto-Bowl.

Roto-Bowl.

I mean, shoot, what else is a bull rider supposed to do, right?

I mean, it's all I got left, right?

It's either that or even odds.

So I wrote...

You know, the craziest thing about it is...

I don't even remember...

most of those rides.

I, uh, about three years before I hung it up, I hurt my shoulder real bad in

Albuquerque, and that's when I...

that's when I discovered them painkillers.

You, uh...

They worked for a while.

I mean, they took away the pain, but...

Anyway, I'm trying to tell you I'm proud of you, okay?

Thanks.

Yeah.

Tell me why didn't you tell me he was your son, huh?

I mean, come on.

You could have at least just been like, hey, that's my boy.

I don't know.

I just...

Look, I understand, okay?

I get it.

Shoot, I probably don't know.

I just want the same thing.

Can you do something for me?

Yeah.

Just don't let him get away from you, okay?

I mean, that kid's a good kid.

I won't.

And that money, I mean, it's enough to...

get him out of this neighborhood, away from that lifestyle and everything forever.

So just promise me, okay?

Just...

Just promise me you'll do that, okay?

I promise.

I should, uh...

I...

I'm gonna go.

Thanks for, uh...

stopping by.

Yeah, no problem.

I'll see you at practice tomorrow.

Yeah, sure.

Uh...

You know you're gonna do it, right?

You're gonna ride him.

The whole eight.

I'll give you my best.

Welcome to round two of the event of the year.

Man versus bull.

The world's greatest bull versus... Well, to be honest, the world's biggest underdog.

Gangbanger versus Marcus Cruz.

Hello again, everyone.

I'm Justin McBride and joined alongside former champ J.W.

Hart.

J.W., we were all thrown for a curveball when Marcus Cruz was a replacement for

former world champion Tulsa Hughes in tonight's event.

Yeah, I think we're all asking the same question, Justin.

Who is Marcus Cruz?

Yeah, not a name that bull riding fans are gonna know, at least until tonight.

Well, and nobody's giving him a chance, but I'll tell you what, bull riding is so

unpredictable, and this matchup may be even more unpredictable.

I think you would have to go all the way back to 1990 when Buster Douglas defeated

Mike Tyson to find a bigger underdog than tonight's matchup.

You might even have to go back to the Old Testament where David versus Goliath.

You know, I never did like talking heads.

Yeah, me either.

But I'm not expecting to be the fan favorite tonight.

The world's big on paying your dues, and to most folks, I ain't paid all mine yet.

Hey, I got something for you.

It's the pair I wore when I won my last world championship.

Why don't you wear them tonight?

Duncan had helped me pick them out.

I don't know what to say.

Don't say nothing, just put them on.

This bull ain't gonna wait all day.

You coming?

Yeah, we're on our way.

You coming?

Not tonight.

It's your time.

Oh, no, no, we got this far together.

You don't need me.

Besides, I'll be here when you get back.

Eight seconds ain't a long time.

Unless you're on a bull.

Hm.

You know, I...

I promised myself I'd never tell you this, but...

Growing up, I looked up to you.

I don't guess as many black kids were the white bull rider for a hero.

And our lives, they fell apart around the same time, so...

I guess I think that's why I understand you.

I was gonna give this to you later, but...

Go ahead.

I figured, you know, you might enjoy reading it one day.

Yeah, maybe, uh, maybe one day.

I even, uh, put some, uh, sticky notes on some of my favorite passages.

Something I think you might enjoy, too.

The sun sets you free.

You will be free indeed.

Hmm.

I don't think I ever told you how, uh...

how it all started for me.

The change.

Now, one day, I...

I sit in my cell.

The guard pulls out this...

this big brass key.

Opens up my cell door.

I ask him if...

if he had a spare he could leave with me.

Never expected his answer.

He said, yeah.

I got one.

Bring it back to you later.

Next day, he shows up with this... this box.

Hands it to me.

Says, there's the key to your freedom right there.

Use it wisely.

Turns and...

walks away.

I was scared to open it for hours.

When I finally did.

It's a Bible.

I don't think I've ever been more disappointed in my entire life.

But he was right.

He was right.

You see.

The same way he held the key.

That kept me locked up.

That book.

Holds the key to what keeps us all in bondage.

That book taught me about God's love for me.

And his desire for me to have a better life.

That book.

I spent my whole life...

being controlled by pride.

Just doing what was best for me.

And I finally...

I finally learned that...

I couldn't do it alone.

I see that in you too.

He changed me.

Tulsa.

Jesus unlocked my chains.

He gave me life.

Real life.

You can have it too.

Freedom.

And peace from those demons.

They about to start this thing without you.

I'm coming.

Hey.

Thanks for believing in me.

J.W.

this event is being billed as...

Bad vs.

Bad.

And having served time in Louisiana's maximum security prison.

A place where some of the baddest men in the world are held.

Marcus Cruz knows what it's like to be in tough situations.

But let's get to the question that everybody wants to know.

Does he have a chance today?

Chance?

Doubtful.

This matchup may be more about survival than bull riding.

Wars are waged on the frontiers of our minds.

Casualties are falling... All the time.

A burden that I cannot understand.

I am a prisoner in this old man singing.

Set me free.

Set me free.

Set me free from Jesus my King.

Nope.

Nope.

Set me free.

Set me free.

Set me free from me.

Ladies and gentlemen!

Set me free.

Set me free from me.

Look at them running around out there.

I see.

She fell out of spunk.

You said the same thing about me.

Yeah, they did.

Well, J.W., the longest ride on Gangbanger has been 6.2 seconds.

Will today be the day we get the full eight?

Well, starting that clock just a little bit early sure wouldn't hurt a thing.

I didn't know you were coming.

Nothing personal.

It looks like Gangbanger is ready to get going.

Yeah, this one could be over before it ever gets started.

Don't do that again.

Don't worry.

I won't.

That first jump is going to be a big one.

Keep your head down and stay over.

Who's idea was this anyway?

Good question.

Ready?

You don't need to ask me any instructions.

Yeah?

Just hold on.

What a first jump!

Get him!

Get him!

He did it!

He did it!

J.W.

Ladies

and gentlemen, David has just slain Goliath.

Marcus Cruz has done the impossible.

Oh!

Thank you, Lord.

Yeah, that's a ride!

Thank you, Lord.

Thank you, Lord.

Thank you, Lord.

Mammy.

You

promised to never make me watch you ride bulls again.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Marcus, you did it, Marcus.

You did it.

I can't do this.

I can't do this anymore.

We are going to be late.

Come on.

Wait, our hats!

Oh, yeah, good thinking.

We're going to need those.

That's for you, sir.

Oh, we look good.

We're ready.

Come on.

It's me supposed to be late to my wedding.

Not you.

Go ahead.

Give it to me.

Give you what?

The ring.

I got it.

Oh, boy.

Talking about this ring?

Easy.

I gave it to you.

It's Daniel for safekeeping.

Good idea.

Yeah.

Speaking of which, have I introduced you to Daniel?

We haven't met yet.

Heard a lot of good things about you.

Good to meet you.

So you decided to give this mentoring thing another try, huh?

Yeah, absolutely.

But this time it's not court ordered.

Well, if you don't mind, I got some people waiting on me.

It's always about you, isn't it?

You ever change?

Yeah, I got an image to maintain.

We have to take your place.

Okay, come on.

Hey, Daniel.

Hey, buddy, do me a favor.

Why don't you just park it right there for me?

He's a cute kid.

I never thought you'd want to be a mentor.

Yeah, me neither.

But you know what?

I'm getting there.

You know what?

We'll do it right this time.

I can tell.

This may be a crazy time to do it, but I want to thank you.

You're welcome, Tulsa.

No, seriously.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

You know, we could make this a double wedding.

One step at a time, cowboy.

Oh, come on.

Now you sound like a counselor pastor, John.

Good.

Well, that offer still stands.

I'll see you in a few.

I'll see you in a few.

You waiting right here?

All rise.

Who gives this woman to be married?

Who gives this woman to be married?

I do.

When I was a child, I talked like a child.

I think I'm a good kid.

I reasoned like a child.

When I became a man and put the ways of childhood behind me.

I promised I promised to love and protect and to trust and provide for you my wife

and for you To you, my son, from this day forward, and through whatever life may

bring us, these things, I promise, forever.

By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

Marcus, you may kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Cruz.

I would like to give a toast.

And since my recovery is successfully entering its sixth month, my glass is

filled with delicious, wonderful-tasting, sparkling cider.

Seriously, though, to be lucky is man, I know.

Yeah, yeah.

Hold on a second.

Now, it's true that this is a lucky day for

Marcus, but I went back, I watched that tape.

This toast here is to the luckiest bull rider in the world.

Well, you take into account who I had for a trainer.

I say luck was my only shot.

Let's agree.

Marcus and Valena, may your marriage last a lot longer than my bull riding.

Yeah, yeah.

And for the record, that ride was more than just dumb luck.

And I know a jealous bull rider when I see one.

Please, now, come on.

I'd have ridden that thing with my left hand, eyes closed.

Congratulations, Marcus.

Thank you.

Looks like you found yourself a keeper.

So you're the young lady that cashed my million dollar check.

Well, don't you worry now, little darling.

There's more where that came from.

How you doing, cowboy?

I'm good.

Well, day by day.

But I think I finally figured it out.

Well?

Can we tell him now?

Now's as good as any.

Bill's got a new bull.

Rankest thing you've ever seen.

Oh, okay.

Hold on, hold on, hold on.

Before you even get started, my bull riding career is over.

Well, actually, I was talking to Tulsa.

He's 20 and 0 on the circuit.

Longest ride was three seconds.

Well?

Are you healthy?

Ready for this, old man?

No, kid.

Going left.

You just want to see me bust my butt, don't you?

The first time you made the highlight reel.

Just make sure they spell my name right on that million dollar check.

Bet you a round of drinks and you'll make it four seconds.

You know I don't drink no more.

Make sure.

Watch this.

It's my time to ride.

It's my time to shine.

It's my time to shine.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

It's my time to ride.

It's my time to ride.

It's my time to shine.

It's my time to shine.

It's my time to ride.

It's my time to ride.

It's my time to ride.

Ride.

Ride.