Original subtitles

I'm proud of you.

And I forgive you.

I've been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Cancer picked the wrong damn family to mess with.

Yeah.

Joey, you're the one taking my dad's place.

♪ Joy to the world...♪

I've been secretly taking singing lessons for months.

People act like you've never seen a miracle.

How about we focus on what I want right now?

These last few days with you have been unreal.

Mm. Is this real?

Or this?

As real as it gets.

I feel it too. In and out of bed.

Same.

But when the inevitable slowdown happens,

no harm, no foul.

Whoa. Where'd that come from?

Are you trying to shut this down?

Well, I'm just being realistic.

When your big job at Banneker's heating up,

like, it'd be a lot less time for sneaky links.

You're nobody's sneaky link.

And this brother can chew gum and see the finest woman

in the DMV at the same time.

I can have a girlfriend and a career.

Whoa.

What did you just call me?

I thought we were on the same page.

Yeah, I thought so, too.

Before you leapt off the couch like you were Simone Biles.

I mean, it's just that we've been hooking up.

Like, getting to know each other better.

All satisfaction, no strings.

What if I'm okay with a few strings?

-Hi. -Hello.

-How was your holiday? -Good.

Glad to be back at the club. Busy season.

But what is this?

No book, no case file, no tablets.

Nope. Just lunch.

I'm trying something new.

Mind if I join you?

Don't mind if you do.

♪ ♪

Table's closed.

If you're interested in a game, leave your number up front.

Buy-in's $500.

That low?

I'd pay so much more for the pleasure of your company.

There's nothing like going all in when you know

that the deck is stacked against you.

Mr. Armstrong. Leslie Thomas.

We met at Doug McBride's memorial.

Vanessa sold me the Jarvis property.

Never forget a face or a name. What can I do for you?

Actually, it's what I can do for you.

I have a business proposal

that you want to hear.

Forget waiting for the new year,

you fast-tracked to new you-- mocktails,

married, and look at that holiday glow.

Disruptive Dani is safely put away

and I am so thankful that I haven't needed her.

But I want to hear about you.

How are those babies? How are their holidays?

They're good, all things considered.

They even went on a ski trip with their friends.

And Donnell has given me his blessing

to move on with my life and with Joey.

It's a Christmas miracle. Joey's charmed the whole fam.

I didn't need his permission,

but I can breathe easier knowing

one of my kids can accept Doug wasn't perfect,

and it's okay for me to take a step forward.

And Deanna-- where's she on the grief meter?

We're all still dealing, but my girl, she's...

-Fragile. -She is.

She's always been the more sensitive of the two.

She seeing a counselor?

Good.

And, um, what does she have to say about Joey?

There used to be a time where you'd tell one

twin something and the other one would know by osmosis.

I don't want Donnell keeping a secret,

but we agreed I have to ease into

the Joey of it all with her.

You know you're a good mom, right?

Used to be my only absolute.

It should still be.

There's this lesson that sacrifice

is the heart of mothering, but

claiming space for yourself--

that's mothering, too.

Do Nicole and I wish that you had chosen

any other hot man in town?

Yes. But your heart's set.

Your begrudging support means the world.

Now, enough me.

Tell me all about the picture-perfect,

decidedly un-messy Dupree family Christmas.

You are talking about Dupree family Christmases past.

We are no longer mess-free.

Oh, no. Did Rowena burn the duck?

[laughs]

Naomi, like every other Dupree woman before her,

would not suffer a dud present

from her husband.

-What did Jacob do? -Eh...

Oh.

[laughs] It's called a changuito.

-Mm-hmm. -Yeah, that's what he got for my daughter.

Someone needs to teach that boy about foreplay.

Fortunately, it was just the appetizer.

The real gift was a trip to Mexico City.

-So, you know, he was just teasing her. -Much better.

[laughs]: Yeah.

And how did you and your new mister fare at Chez Dupree?

My hubby and I spent the most magical day of the year

with the most magical couple in existence.

BPs look good.

Temperatures are normal.

Dr. Bauer will be here any moment.

Thank you for taking such good care of my bride.

Senator and Mrs. Dupree,

it's an honor.

[door opens]

[door closes]

-Poor thing almost curtsied. -Hmm.

Do you hate being recognized here?

Oh, goodness no.

All I could hear was the word "normal."

Helps me believe that this is just some huge mistake.

I know it doesn't work like that, but...

it doesn't stop my mind from playing tricks.

How many friends' hands have we held

through diagnoses like these?

[sighs] Too many.

But there are many success stories, too.

Well, now it's my turn.

And I just can't believe

that there is an aggressive cancer growing inside me.

Come here.

I dig you.

You dig me. It's simple.

So what's the problem?

I appreciate your confidence,

but my life has been paved with very few sure things.

Now, come on, you can't deny how good this is.

I walk out of here and the whole day I got you all over me,

my body remembering what we just did.

And my mind can't stop thinking about

when I get to see you again.

No one has ever said anything about me like that before.

Then why bother with the "will they or won't they" BS?

Okay, so we moved kinda, sorta fast.

So what?

Yeah.

Like LeBron is kinda, sorta good at playing basketball,

and Octavia E. Butler is kinda, sorta a literary genius.

[laughs] You read the book I gave you.

A girl can't live on Carl Ivati alone.

Kindredis a masterpiece.

Look at us rubbing off on each other in the best way.

Stop searching for reasons to slow the good, Eva.

Lean in. Feel it out.

And enjoy it.

Thank you for the Christmas text.

Well, thank you for responding.

How's your mom doing, by the way?

Mom is better. Still healing, you know.

And your mom and dad?

-Couldn't be better. -Mm.

All right, paint the picture for me.

Candles are lit, eggnog is flowing,

all the Dupree stockings dangling

from the hearth.

Pretty much exactly that.

We definitely know how to do Christmas.

-Mm-hmm. -And Dani and Andre's

tree-trimming party was a lovely addition.

I am so happy that she has found this level of peace

after such a hard year.

And the best present is always Mom and Dad's on Christmas.

It wasn't just magical, it was exactly what we all needed.

Sounds like something out of a storybook.

Except for the almost-scandal

that would've wrecked the holidays

and the whole year after.

Vernon Dupree, king among men, stepping out on Anita

with one of her Articulettes sisters?

Ted seriously thought that was true?

Or was he using it to get closer to the family

by playing Nicole's hero?

Your former brother-in-law's desperate enough

to concoct a crazy story like that?

I don't want the debunked story getting into the wrong heads.

Or worse, becoming a Shade Room headline.

You still follow the Shade Room?

You might just be cooler than me,

and that's saying something.

OMG, do you remember when you thought kiki

was one of Chelsea's friends?

Okay, that was a minor blip

which we swore to secrecy, remember?

So, Daddy was actually doing the sweetest thing.

He and Sharon were sneaking away so that Sharon could teach him

to sing to Mother on Christmas.

Oh! That issweet.

How did that even get misconstrued?

Straight from the devil herself.

VANESSA: Leslie Thomas.

Don't just take my word for it.

All that's good

is right here in black and white.

[scoffs]

You want me to fund a free clinic with you?

Why in a million years would I want to do that?

Consider this an opportunity

for reimagining, rebirth just for you.

Oh.

Did I die?

Is this hell?

[chuckles] Mr. Armstrong,

we're both fine, rich and sexy,

but we're missing the exact same thing.

A heart?

Cute.

The respect that comes with legitimacy.

[laughs]

Ms. Thomas, I have more zeros in my account

than Fairmont Crest's finest.

Do you see me imitating that life?

No, you do not.

I gave up looking for approval shortly after

I left my mother's womb.

And you would be a lot more interesting

if you'd stop worrying about external validation.

I've never been one to engage in magical thinking,

but I find myself wishing and looking for signs.

Like on the ride down here,

did you hear that Articulettes song

playing from the car next to us?

A part of me wanted to,

wanted to think it was telling me

everything's going to be okay.

Sweetheart, you've never been here before.

However you respond,

it's just your mind's way of protecting itself

from the reality you're facing.

Let's call it what it is-- cancer.

And it's moved into our lives.

It's moved into my body and it lives with us now.

It's going to dictate what we do and when,

filling our days with doctors and treatments and tests.

For the first time in my life,

something else is telling me when to jump and how high.

Nothing rules Anita Dupree.

Now who's magically thinking?

Sweetheart, are you ready for this?

Because I'm not sure I am.

You're mistaken. I don't need validation.

I just don't reject applause when it shows up.

And tenacity doesn't always win the day.

Now, these doors are closed to you,

because you'll forever be the woman

who crashed into the Dupree dynasty.

Why contort yourself

when they're never going to respect

or accept you, no matter how many businesses you open?

Hmm.

Fine, you don't care about respect.

And you claim that legitimacy doesn't have a draw.

Maybe I read you all wrong. But one thing I do know--

you're curious.

Call me Joey.

Call me Leslie.

Well, answer me this, Leslie.

Why don't you tell me why you've really come here

to honor me with opening a clinic with you?

I read an article that said it takes

half as long as a relationship lasts to get over it.

And we all know everything on the Internet is true.

What's this about?

Your half sister's man Tomas?

Or it's about you and Yolanda.

I mean, you worked together for a while, right?

In a committed relationship?

Yeah, but we were also over long before you showed up.

Maybe we took too long calling time of death,

but let's be real, we were flatlined long before that.

Maybe.

But it still hasn't been very long since you broke up.

Can you honestly say this sudden burst of excitement

about me has nothing to do with your ex?

Go, Senator Dupree.

How'd he do vocal-wise?

He shocked us all.

There were waterworks from Anita Dupree herself.

I don't think I have ever seen her that moved.

Hmm, beautiful.

And you, sir, how did you spend your Christmas Day?

I FaceTimed with the folks to make sure they were settling in

and enjoying the Christmas feast that I had delivered.

Otherwise, business as usual.

I wanted some of the doctors

who have children to have some time off

so they could enjoy the holiday, too.

That was very noble of you.

Hardly.

Now I get to play hooky till after New Year's

while they grind it out.

Correct me if I am wrong,

but hooky doesn't exactly mean hitting the gym every day.

It does if you happily sleep through your alarm

for 5:00 a.m. laps in the pool.

I am sure your body needed the rest.

Well, my body was too busy enjoying the dream

that I was having. About you.

How's my girl?

Couldn't be better.

Ready to climb Mount Kilimanjaro after this.

So we know your sense of humor is intact.

Where on earth would I be?

Except by your side?

Oh, I don't know, maybe out on the road

with the Articulettes,

with those newly trained vocals of yours.

[chuckles] That was a one-night-only performance just for you.

Never to happen again.

Except if you make a really big case for it.

Anita, do you realize that we have defied

every single odd to have the life that we have now?

Do you think we can't take on one more fight?

How do I fight my own body?

With science. And prayer.

Will and love.

And when you don't have anything left to give,

we'll pull from reserves in my tank.

[knock at door]

Senator. Mrs. Dupree.

I'm Dr. Bauer, head of oncology.

We're glad you're here.

I understand Dr. Ahn

went over the results with you.

Yes, triple-negative breast cancer,

which sounds positive, but it's not.

I'm going to talk you through your options.

Once you decide, we'll move forward.

But I want you to understand we'll be moving with urgency,

because the cancer will be moving that way, too.

Triple-negative metastasizes quicker than other cancers.

Lucky me.

Even my cancer is a thoroughbred.

Only the best for Anita Dupree.

You're lucky.

The earlier the detection, the greater your odds.

Bottom-line it for me, Doctor.

Will any of these options save my life?

Me hang gliding and running with the bulls?

No doubt that was a dream.

Technically, I was the one running with the bulls

in complete matador regalia.

You were the one dressed as Eva Perón on the balcony,

and I had to brave the bulls to rescue you.

Did I at least sing "Don't Cry for Me Argentina"?

Oh, you hit all the high notes.

It was one of those dreams

you just don't want to wake up from.

And don't do that thing where you ask me what it means

just because I'm a therapist.

I will not.

I already analyzed it.

And it means that you are more than capable

of handling yourself.

Glad you know.

But...

since you are literally the woman of my dreams,

you should know that I scaled walls,

walked through fire, and fought the bulls

just to get to you. Because you, Nicole Dupree...

...are worth fighting for.

I came on fast because I like you. A lot.

And I like you a lot,

which is why we need to talk about these things early

so we don't flame out.

But I don't want to skip ahead to relationship status

and end up disappointed.

I want to be wooed.

Okay, Jada Pinkett, I can woo you.

I can worship you, too.

Mm, see, no.

I want it to be a reciprocal wooing.

A we-ing. Whatever, okay?

I just want it to be done right.

I hear you. Really.

Why don't we just keep getting to know each other

and see where the chips fall?

I like that.

-Good. -Good.

Mm! If only you weren't so irresistible.

Ooh!

This is fashion!

You could rock this faux fur with nothing but

your birthday suit and then, boom,

drop it like it's hot.

Joey has vision.

We like presents we can mutually enjoy.

So what'd you get for the man who has everything

but can't tell you how he got it?

I found the exact right thing to light him up Christmas morning.

A deck of cards once owned by Al Francesco,

the Godfather of Blackjack.

It was the perfect gift, if I must say so myself.

I'm glad you had a good Christmas, babe.

You deserve it.

Thank you.

-Be still, my married heart. -What?

Oh!

Be still, indeed.

Don't tell me you're saving that for later.

Maybe, but I'm also sending it to Pamela.

Uh-huh, two thumbs up.

She said he could be the next Tyson Beckford.

You want to doom that poor gorgeous man

to a life without carbs?

You think he'd be a better match for your side hustle?

He'd make good money, eat what he wants, and have fun

while doing it.

Like anyone would choose the escort life

over being a model, darling.

There's only one way to find out.

I bet I can get that barkeep on my payroll

by the time I see the bottom of my glass.

I'll take that bet,

and then I'll take that fabulous coat.

So you would be the face of the clinic

while I exist in the shadows?

[chuckles]

I heard you like the shadows.

Yeah, that you're the strong, silent type.

And I fit into this equation because?

With all the attention on me

and my generous philanthropic efforts,

you can be in the background

tidying up all the other revenue streams.

Oh, while you're replenishing your own golden goose, right?

Do me a favor, Joey.

Think about it.

But don't take too long.

I'd hate to miss an opportunity for us

to get to know each other better.

[chuckles]

Much better.

Ciao.

I can't guarantee a survival rate,

but I can make sure that we're on the same page about

the next steps in your treatment.

Go ahead, Doctor.

We'll start by shrinking the tumor

so we can make removal easier.

Chemotherapy or radiation?

Chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy.

[sighs]

We won't know exactly how your body will tolerate it

until you're undergoing the treatment,

but this approach has shown to be the most effective option,

especially when hormonal therapy

or HER2-targeted treatments

aren't applicable.

So what-what is the process?

We'll place a port in your chest

which will allow the chemotherapy

to be administered directly into your bloodstream.

It'll stay in place for the duration of your treatment

and be removed once therapy is complete.

A port.

It's the size of a quarter, with a self-sealing opening.

A small catheter will connect it to a vein near your heart.

A port is something you use with computers or ships.

Or that sweet wine from Portugal

that you have with dessert.

Not, not something that makes a hole in my body

to pour medicine.

You'll never get used to it, Mrs. Dupree,

but you'll learn to appreciate it as a tool

to help you fight this thing.

Now, you can see here what it looks like

as the tumor shrinks.

Wow, look at it go.

After the tumor is shrunk,

I'll see the scope of the cancer

and what it will take to remove it.

A lumpectomy or mastectomy?

Exactly.

I know it's a lot to take in.

How are you doing with this so far?

Terrified.

That's completely understandable,

but we're here to guide you through each step.

I'll let you have a moment

while we get your port placement scheduled.

[door opens]

[door closes]

No, don't you do it.

I see that beautiful neck craning

to get above this.

Don't you dare try to shoulder it all on your own.

Give it to me.

I lied when I said I didn't care

if that nurse recognized me.

Actually, I savored it.

That she still saw me, Anita Dupree.

Before the cancer and chemo devour everything.

We're not going to let that happen.

We've got a plan.

A plan is a shot in the dark, not a guarantee.

We've made more of less.

I've always taken up space.

I learned to hone and honor

what I think are the best parts of me.

My strength, my confidence, my passion, my love.

And I passed that on to my children, my grandchildren,

and all the people who came to see me perform.

But this disease takes, Vernon.

And who am I if I become a fragment

of everything I've ever known?

Who am I if I lose my voice and my dignity?

Who are you?

You are always and forever Anita Dupree.

Nothing can take that away.

You are the woman I vowed to love,

to cherish, and to honor.

In sickness and health,

till death do us part.

And I swear for everything that's in me,

I am not going to let death part us, my love.

So what are your New Year's plans?

Wow.

I haven't had to plan a New Year's in decades.

It was always Ted and me, and then us and the kids.

But now...

Why don't we watch the ball drop together?

What's your name?

Rick.

What a powerful, virile name.

Excuse me?

Tell me, Rick, have you ever thought about becoming a model?

Oh, I'm kind of awkward in front of the camera.

Well, I own a modeling agency, and I can help you get past that

and connect you with a sports brand today.

Eh, could you?

I mean, it's really more of a start-up, wouldn't you say?

Do you know who I am, Rick?

Yes, you're Dani Dupree.

I remember you from my dad's old

Sports Illustratedmags from back in the day.

Oh, exactly. A man like you is thinking current.

Now. Immediate gratification-- which I can offer you.

-Vanessa McBride. -Offer in what way?

Picture it.

You rolling in money and rolling in the company

of beautiful, voluptuous women.

Are you talking about sex work?

Think about dear old daddy, Ricky.

Is that what he would want for his son?

It's an escort service, not a brothel.

Heart Attach provides companionship.

I don't have anything against sex work or modeling.

It's just that my fiancée and I have goals of our own.

I'm in law school and she's studying to become a surgeon,

so don't have much time for modeling.

-Lawyers. Uh-huh. -Doctors.

Well, can't blame a couple of girlbosses

for trying, can you, Rick?

Thank you.

It was the name, right? I almost had him!

Don't you dare change that name.

It's perfect. [laughs]

You two having a good time?

We were.

Oh, far be it from me to come between Thelma

and her Louise and whatever you've got cooking up.

-We can link up later. -No, no.

Stay.

I've got to get going anyway.

Drinks again soon, yeah?

-Count on it. -Mm, kisses.

-Joseph. -Danielle.

You want to tell me what you did with that bartender

to make him look over here every five seconds?

We were scouting for new talent.

Dani thought he had the bone structure of a model.

Oh, and you thought that he would leave the ladies

of Fairmont Crest salivating, right?

Can you believe he turned us both down flat?

I can believe that you probably

both hit on him hard and heavy

and that scared the poor kid off.

Which means he's not ready for that kind of spotlight anyway.

You always know how to work an angle, don't you?

I'm nothing if not considerate.

Leslie Thomas came by the casino today.

That woman-- what did she want?

A backer for a nonprofit clinic.

Of all things.

Oh, I've heard all about the free clinic.

How so?

Leslie and her daughter

wanted me to help find a location for them.

What'd she want from you?

She sees me as a silent investor.

Among other things.

That'd be brilliant.

I hope you told her yes.

-That was... -Amazing, mind-blowing?

Phenomenal?

[laughs] All of the above.

Is it moving too fast

to ask what you're doing New Year's Eve?

Well, hopefully spending time with you.

Say less.

Well, hello, Dolly.

Mama, stop it.

-Hey, I'll call you. -Okay.

Nice to see you, Ms. Thomas.

Nice to be seen. [chuckles]

Do you have a chill setting? Like ever? Get in here.

Every time I see that man,

I cannot help but admire my daughter's excellent taste.

[purrs]

[laughs]

I'm so sorry, sweetheart, this isn't just happening to me.

How are you?

Like you, just trying to grasp it all.

I can't imagine this life without you.

Your voice is my favorite song.

And that song will continue

whether the Lord calls me home or not.

It lives on in our children, our work, our home.

And it's up to you to keep it alive.

Vernon, I want you to promise me...

...that if it is my time...

...you will hold yourself together

for the sake of this family.

You know I will.

But I need you to promise me.

What is that?

That you will fight this monster

with every ounce of strength and stubbornness you've got.

I promise.

I am nowhere near ready to leave the people I love.

[door opens]

Good news.

I've moved some things around, and we can get you scheduled

for port placement later this week.

You know I'm always grateful for a food drop-off,

but can you start giving me the heads-up?

Because you got a new man? Mm.

♪ Eva and Izaiah sitting in a tree♪

-♪ K-I-S-S-I-N-G.♪ -Mama, please stop it.

Okay, but also, yeah, kind of.

We're getting to know each other.

I bet you are.

I wanted to surprise you.

Turns out, I was the one who got surprised.

But good for you, baby.

For locking down that fine man.

We are just friends.

Hmm, well, that friendship sure seems

to come with grade A benefits.

So... how is he?

Uh, yeah, no, absolutely not.

Okay? We're not going there.

Boo.

What did you do today?

Oh, well, I had

a meeting with a potential partner for my new clinic.

Your clinic?

Yours, mine, ours-- same thing, all right?

Your mama is making progress, baby girl.

Okay, so who did you meet with?

Oh, no, no, I'm not going to jinx it

until he signs on the bottom line, all right?

But trust me-- whew! His pockets run deep.

Mm-hmm.

Philanthropy could be just what you need

to change your public image.

You'd go from being feared to being celebrated.

She wants me as a silent partner, remember?

Like there are any secrets in this town.

Your involvement would go public even if I had to leak it myself.

Why does everyone assume that I give a damn

about how I'm perceived?

Fine.

Do it for all the uninsured people

in the DMV who'd genuinely benefit from the access.

You're trying to turn me into a regular

Robin Hood, aren't you?

Just tapping into who I know you already are.

Yeah, you know me too well.

So, New Year's Eve?

I can't think of anybody I would rather ring in 2026 with.

It is a date.

I should go while I'm ahead.

Don't want to give you a chance to change your mind.

Uh, if you leave, you will miss the best part.

Which is?

["O Come, All Ye Faithful" playing]

Now you're ahead.

[chuckles]

Hey, Sissy, what's shaking?

Me. I just kissed Carlton.

Ooh! Lucky Carlton.

That's becoming a regular thing.

NICOLE: And I told him that

I would go out with him for New Year's Eve.

Yes. Nicole is getting her groove back.

First with the handsome Dr. Kial

and now with the equally charming Dr. Carlton.

She chooses well.

Is it too much?

You are asking me if my very single sister

choosing to explore her options is too much?

Honey, it might not be enough.

[chuckles]

I am enjoying my newfound freedom.

I do have a favor to ask, though.

DANI: Anything.

All of my clothes are reminiscent of New Years past.

I am a new woman.

Damn straight you are.

I need new looks to celebrate.

DANI: Then we will go shopping

and find you the perfect dress

for the perfect New Year's Eve.

Something that's both flattering

and easy to remove should the moment call for it.

I am so proud of us, Sissy.

Me, too.

Things are looking bright

for the Dupree sisters.

Later this week? I thought I had a little more time

before I went under the knife.

As I've said earlier,

this type of cancer is aggressive,

so we're going to be moving quickly.

I understand.

I'll have the nurse print out your paperwork.

-Thank you. -Thank you.

[door opens]

[door closes]

It's time, love.

We have to tell the kids.

Captioning sponsored by CBS

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