Original subtitles

Wow, I have been to New York before,

but never like this.

-This place is amazing. -Mm-hmm.

Check out the view.

Oh, wow.

Central Park is breathtaking at night.

You are breathtaking.

So maybe now you forgive me

for, uh, conspiring with Ashley

-to keep you in the dark? -[laughs]

Please. That child was practically speaking in tongues,

talking about muddlers and jiggers.

I knew something was up.

But...

for the record,

yes, I do forgive you.

Whew.

Good.

'Cause there's another reason why I brought you here.

There's something I need to ask you.

Oh?

Yes.

Did you know there's over 200 species of birds

sighted annually in Central Park?

Way to kill the romance.

Not a chance.

Bad news?

[exhales] No news.

What you just witnessed was impatience.

The judge insisted he'd be ruling tonight,

so I'm just waiting on that.

But it is very nice to see you again, Kial.

The feeling is mutual.

I got to say, the Dupree family

goes all in on school pride.

Yes, we do.

Can be a lot for first-timers.

I see you like my favorite wine place.

I thought I'd bring something special.

Ah. You know what? I got to go.

Nicole's got a night planned full of surprises.

NAOMI: Enjoy.

Surprise.

Rowena made a lemon cake.

I have been here long enough for Rowena to bake a cake?

What do you suppose is taking Daddy so long?

I spoke to Ted hours ago.

Sweetheart, you do not have to stay here

and keep me company.

Now, don't you have plans with Kial this evening?

And how am I supposed to have a romantic evening

knowing that my son's political career is on the line,

or that I might be visiting him

or one of my other family members in prison

if the truth comes out about what happened on that dirt road?

Maybe you all will be visiting me,

because I am ready to strangle Hayley.

Well, you are not the only one,

but as I told you,

we have to go about life as usual.

Your daddy is handling this.

He's going to make everything right.

Daddy, Ted told me that you spoke to Hayley,

that the threat is contained for now,

but he didn't give me any details.

I am desperate to know, is our family going to be okay?

♪ ♪

-Are those... -Mm-hmm.

Rowena sent Tyrell home with the container

to take back to college.

You stole these from our son?

-You're right. -You know, on second thought,

Tyrell did eat us out of house and home.

So I think we're entitled to some payback.

You know that makes you an accomplice

in the crime, right?

The advancements in Parkinson's research are so encouraging.

I'm looking forward to more panels.

Well, at least the University of Michigan

is closer than Copenhagen.

I only had to miss you for one night.

I'm so glad to be home.

I'm sorry I missed the Dupree pregame party.

The game, not so much.

Shh. Don't tell anyone.

Your secret is safe with me.

Plus, you've been too busy

being a brilliant neurologist to holler over pigskin.

It was a nail-biter, though.

You would have enjoyed it.

Oh, yeah, the sports buff that I am.

I'm glad you got to blow off some steam and enjoy yourself.

You were overdue.

Why? Because my father's

con artist wife tried to kill him

and then he turned around and pulled strings

to get the charges dropped?

Chelsea, babe, you're already dealing

with the Takahashi noise.

Please let it go.

I don't want you going down a Hayley-sized rabbit hole, too.

Don't worry, couldn't fit.

Oh, that felt good.

My whole body just relaxed.

I think I've been really tense for the past few days.

-No-- weeks. -Mm.

All right, come here.

Maybe I can help with that.

Starting now, let's enjoy a lovely night.

No drama.

-Mm-hmm. -[phone buzzing]

Whoa, one sec.

It's Naomi.

All right, let's get you situated.

Do you want some extra pillows for your back?

I'm much better today,

but I do love it when you fuss over me.

You baked?

Salted caramel tortes.

Mm. How sweet.

But I also know you bake when you need to decompress

or sort through a problem.

What is it? Maybe I can help.

You're the one sending me cryptic texts

that you need to talk to me.

What's going on with you?

Deanna.

I had a conversation with her today.

One that changes everything.

Deanna said she doesn't want to put me in the middle

of a tug of war, so...

she won't ask me to choose between you and my kids.

Huh.

You don't believe her?

I'm skeptical.

It wouldn't be the first time that she claimed

to be okay with our relationship and then

come at you with both barrels.

It upsets me to see you upset.

I'll admit Deanna's gone back and forth

about us being together, but

I could tell something clicked for her this time.

She really seemed sincere.

Well, I hope for your sake that's the case.

Just as I hope for the best with you and Heather.

You know, I think it's time for tortes.

Hmm. I'm not backing down

about you and your sister.

So we're having that party now?

Well, if that's what it takes.

Do I need to handcuff you to a chair

and make you talk about your sister?

Well, there's nothing to talk about.

She has her life in London.

I have mine here.

And never the twain shall meet.

[knock at door]

Hi.

Sorry, boss, but she just blew right past me.

Oh, he's right. I-- It's absolutely not his fault.

I... I was just very eager to see you.

I was afraid you wouldn't be as receptive,

especially after the way things were when I left town.

But that's why I'm back.

To make amends, if you'll let me.

You'll let me, won't you, Joey? Make amends?

Oh, hi, Vanessa.

Oh, it says here to stroll The Mall and Literary Walk

-to enjoy the fall foliage. -TED: Uh-huh.

Also, the Reservoir,

Gapstow Bridge and Pond and Belvedere Castle

are all great places to see and photograph fall colors.

Yeah. Uh, sounds very, uh, leafy.

Are you that excited about the colors changing?

They do that in the DMV, too.

I know. It just sounds romantic.

Well, there's more romance in New York than just Central Park.

In fact, I've made a list of things to do

and places to go, but this is a quick trip,

so we'll only hit a few places this go-around. Okay?

-Oh. -Mm.

That sounds like we'll have to come back.

Mm-hmm.

It's a long list. I think we'll have to.

-Oh, I'm totally down. -Mm.

So, we'll start with dinner.

I have a special place in mind.

In fact, we better get a move on.

Um...

Would you like to take a shower first?

Sure.

But...

I did notice the shower is big enough for two.

TED: Mm.

Suffice it to say,

we all played a part and

convinced Hayley to cooperate.

She's been neutralized and does not pose a threat to our family.

I really don't want to ask,

but given the men involved,

was this neutralization done diplomatically

or violently?

Reason and practicality prevailed.

Now, Nicole, I know how upset you were

when we kept the truth from you before.

You now know everything I know.

I appreciate that. What about Martin?

When are you going to tell him about this?

-After the election. -ANITA: Yeah.

But if somehow Martin is blindsided by this--

Well, then he will have an honest reaction.

Martin is not in this.

Why worry your son when he is already dealing with

the possibility of Smitty being accused of a crime?

This...

is handled.

Okay. For now, I am just happy

knowing that everybody I love is safe.

Now, why don't you go and enjoy your evening with Kial?

Oh, my God, did I...

[gasps] Oh, thank goodness I didn't press "send." Okay.

I got to get going. I have a lot to do.

All right.

-Love you. -Bye-bye.

Don't worry.

Yeah, I thought I smelled Rowena's lemon cake

when I stepped through that doorway.

Not so fast, sir.

Now, Nicole might let you get away

with not giving details, but not me.

Tell me...

...how did you get Hayley

not to blow up our lives

or Martin's campaign?

It was just a dumb joke.

I know.

I just...

The "accomplice in crime" part got me.

Made me think of Jacob and how he believes

I'm involved with Lia Whitmore's death.

Well, once the police experts analyze the video footage

of Max passing you the pouch,

they'll determine that it's a fake.

And you'll be vindicated,

to Jacob and everyone else.

But speaking of evidence...

...here, how about we dispose of these

before Tyrell comes home from his date with Chessy?

Thank you, babe, but I lost my appetite.

[phone chimes]

Oh.

Is it Tyrell telling us he's going to be late?

Um, no,

it's Shonda with the latest updates

on tomorrow's campaign event at Orphey Gene's.

I'm super excited. The whole family's going to be there.

She just wanted to know if we could

do a photo shoot before the event starts.

I told her yes.

No.

-No? -Martin, maybe you and the kids can,

but I don't think that I should go.

Sorry for making you wait. I was at my parents' house

and I had just enough time to set the mood,

but not enough time to get dressed.

Wanda explained on her way out.

If this is your idea of hasty, thank you.

My heart can't handle much more.

I can barely breathe all of this in.

Have mercy.

Thank you.

Is everything okay with your parents?

All is well.

Uh, I planned a very hands-on experience

for dessert.

KIAL: Mm-hmm.

And doesn't your family have a tradition

about sweets before the main course?

For birthdays. Yes.

Well, happy birthday to us.

I love the enthusiasm, but I need you to stand down.

I actually really do have a fall-themed dessert

I would like to enjoy with you.

Well...

Hmm.

You did say you promised me a night full of surprises

and I have to say you have more than delivered.

But you failed to mention what this occasion was about.

Patience is a virtue.

Madison...

are you sure?

I didn't want to influence you, but I am still very optimistic.

Yes, it is troubling that it's taking so long,

but hey, it is up to you.

Okay. I-I will let them know.

And I promise I will reach out the moment I hear.

And one more thing.

Thank you for believing in me.

Goodnight.

Hey, Dirk.

Judge Myers has you working late again?

Well, listen, I checked the docket,

and I didn't see a ruling listed

on summary judgment for the Madison Montgomery case.

I'm concerned it's taking a long time,

and my client's getting antsy.

Is there anything you can tell me I could pass along?

Give her a little hope?

Just now?

Oh. What did Myers rule?

Maybe I shouldn't have turned it down.

Naomi said it was your decision, and she's right.

You have the most to lose.

Not just your money, but your reputation.

And you've made your decision

because you know that you're innocent.

Madison, the truth has to win sometimes.

Like it did for your dad?

He made all his choices, too.

Okay, let's get this night back on track.

Okay? No more worrying about lawsuits

or things that might upset us.

Halloween's coming up.

You want to talk costumes?

No, I want to get married in a pumpkin patch.

-Thoughts? -Yeah.

Costumes, of course.

We should hit up Eighties Mayhem at Black Cat

or some underground parties for inspiration.

Okay, fun.

But won't everyone go for that vibe?

I was thinking that we could do something original,

something more current or-or...

-and relevant to the DMV. -Hmm.

I'm intrigued. Go on.

Okay.

What was the biggest story of the DMV this year?

The Red Market.

Even at work, there's still whispers about it,

because the big bad is still lurking in the shadows

and hasn't been caught.

What are you suggesting?

What if we go as a cop and handcuffed Impaler?

You know, I realized I just handled everything wrong.

I barged into your life wanting you to...

...welcome me with open arms.

I let my insecurity get the best of me, 'cause...

Look, you have this wonderful life.

One without me in it.

And I just... I guess I expected us to...

...pick up, Joey, where we left off.

But maybe I should have taken a more measured approach.

And also, maybe some things never change.

I'm still just your pesky little sister

that's clamoring for your attention.

I have a daughter who does that.

Her bluster covers a lot of pain.

Oh. Yeah.

I mean, yeah, probably at my core.

I've been like that since a little girl.

But as a woman, I think I have to do the work.

-It's fine. -No, it's not. I was rude.

I just got so excited

that the connection with you and Dani was real

and I finally had girlfriends.

I got carried away.

Joey...

...can we start again?

I promise you, I'll be on my best behavior.

Of course, I can't speak for Joey, but...

I appreciate your apology, Heather.

I recently went through a major ordeal and

I'm prioritizing what matters most in my life now,

my family and friends, so...

...I understand your desire to connect.

Thank you.

I also noticed your bandage.

I didn't want to pry, but are you well?

-I was carjacked. -Mm!

HEATHER: Oh, my. How horrifying.

I'm okay.

Well, I'm glad that you only sustained minor injuries.

I mean, it could have been so much worse.

VANESSA: I'm grateful, as well.

But I refuse to dwell on the negative.

I'm here and I'm fine, so...

Tell me about your time in London.

-Oh. -Brief though it was.

I'm wondering what could bring you back so soon.

-And when's your return flight? -VANESSA: Joey...

HEATHER: It's okay.

I know I'm going to have to earn my brother's

trust and affection.

Which, actually, to answer your question, Joey,

is very, very hard to do 3,000 miles away.

You know, maybe you should consider

an extended stay in the DMV.

Work remotely. That is, if... if your business will allow it.

Oh...

My business would allow it.

What a brilliant idea.

I can't say it hasn't crossed my mind, too.

That bad, huh?

I gather Shonda didn't take it too well

that I won't be at the event tomorrow?

You not being there sends a bad signal, Smitty.

People will wonder if there's a problem

or if we have something to hide.

Well, whatever excuse Shonda wants to use for my absence,

I will go along with it.

What did the kids say?

Say anything about pulling out?

Martin, the kids are fine. What are you...

What are you not getting?

The issue is me.

I am becoming a liability for your campaign.

Martin, you might lose this election because of me.

Shonda knows it, I know it, and it's time that you face it, too.

I see you've put a lot of thought into this

and, in any other case, I'd be down for twisted humor.

Uh-oh.

But dressing up as a cop and the Impaler?

Not a good look.

Smitty wrote all those articles about the Red Market

and now my detective brother-in-law

is questioning him to see if he's connected

to your ex-chief of staff's death.

Oh, no. That was a terrible idea.

Also, one of Naomi and Jacob's best friends

was killed in that warehouse shootout.

Ashley's ex.

Oh, my God. I-I don't know what I was thinking. I...

I've just been so busy trying to distract myself

from this damn lawsuit and--

Hey, I get it.

And I'll let you in on a little secret.

The Duprees are always in some mess.

And so many of us, it's hard to keep track.

Hey, I'm glad you're still here.

Hey, sit. Have a drink.

We were just talking about family.

I don't think Naomi's here for a drink.

Has something happened?

Did you turn down the deal?

Actually, I could use a drink.

And I followed your instructions and I did turn down the deal.

Then I called Judge Myers' office.

[clears throat] Now I have news that I thought

I should deliver in person.

-Nice. -[laughing]

Okay. You know what?

But I can still play fair.

You know what? I've never had caramel apples served like this.

-I like it. -Good.

You know, Dr. Dupree...

I have to say your surprise game is on point.

Well, I did promise you a night full of them.

So that is what a Michelin-star meal tastes like.

What is all this?

Well, why don't you, uh,

check under the dome and find out?

There might be something you've been craving

waiting for you.

[exhales]

Boy, you know you need to stop--

♪ How did I get here?♪

-If this is real... -It's real.

It is?

It's as real as the sparkle in your eyes.

Pop quiz.

What's hard about revision surgery?

Correcting another surgeon's mess? I don't know.

It's the existing scars.

They make surgery more complex.

I've done countless revisions...

...but I can never touch the scars in my soul.

Wounds of my own making...

...deep and painful.

A year ago, I...

I would have never thought there was anyone or anything

that could see me through the mess I made of my life.

And then I got stuck on an elevator.

You used the "S" word on an elevator.

I am so thankful I said "stuck."

Because I got to know a coworker

who I'd been working with for years.

And I marveled at how...

honest and open and

funny and vulnerable you were.

And that fascination turned into a friendship...

...and then love...

...as we shared lunch specials

and peach cobbler at Orphey Gene's.

You don't judge me for my past mistakes.

And obstacles? You face them head-on.

Wow.

I see why your crazy baby mama wants to hold on to you.

Never gonna happen.

You healed my scarred heart, Shanice.

And you made me able to love again.

-And to be loved? -Mm-hmm.

And for that, I am so grateful.

So, Shanice Johnson...

...my church-going, volunteering,

almost ballerina who gets turnt up at the club...

...may I give you your happily ever after?

Will you marry me?

Hell yes.

Now give me that damn ring.

A year ago, I couldn't have imagined

this night even being possible.

My heart was crushed and I felt demoralized to my core.

You didn't deserve that.

I know.

And despite all of the well-meaning pep talks,

it was all collective chatter.

I didn't want to take the risk.

I wanted to protect my heart

until I felt like it was safe for it to beat again.

And so I followed my mother's advice

and I had fun dating.

And boy, did I embrace that.

Yes, you did.

But you never shamed me for it.

You didn't judge me.

You didn't push for commitment.

You played by my rules,

respected my wishes.

And you won me over.

Best decision I made.

My mother said that

having the right person by your side makes life sweeter.

And she was right.

So...

to make it easier for you to be by my side...

I want you to have this.

[Kial chuckles]

When I first gave you the key to my house...

...you asked if it was the key to my heart.

And I remember you saying, "Not quite."

That you wanted to give me everything.

And now it's my turn.

That key

gives you full access.

To my house,

to my life,

and to my heart.

Well, this is sinister.

Hayley actually thought she was going to die?

To the point where she flipped on her partner, Randy.

So the girls were right.

She was having an affair.

No. They're cousins.

-Cousins. -Cousins.

They've been grifting for years.

Randy identifies the mark

and Hayley is the honey trap.

More like the black widow.

Well, according to Hayley...

...Bill is their first attempted murder.

And you believe her?

I believe Joey.

See, Hayley sang like a bird at the motel,

but later on, Randy chirped to Joey.

They were both pointing fingers,

claiming the other one was the mastermind.

No honor amongst thieves.

My bet?

Hayley.

Well, I prefer to see them both behind bars, but

we will accept whatever ensures their silence.

Well, I'm confident we've done that.

And Hayley will hand over everything to Bill.

All of the recordings.

It's the only way she's going to get any money out of this,

through Bill and the divorce.

And if she tries to hold anything back...

She'll answer to Joey.

So this is really over, my love?

[chuckles]

We're safe, my love.

Our family can exhale...

...and go on about our lives.

[exhales]

[sniffles]

♪ ♪

Naomi, how could you drop

info like that and leave us hanging?

-I'm sorry. -Oh, it's okay.

You needed a drink.

And I can guess why.

The judge ruled against us, didn't he?

I'm sorry to keep you waiting,

but I needed this for your celebration.

The court ruled in our favor.

Naomi, that's amazing.

Wh-- But c-can, can the plaintiff appeal?

The judge's ruling concludes the case entirely.

I'll send you a copy of the signed order.

That is why we got that last-ditch settlement offer.

Mike could sense that they were losing.

And you didn't blink. Sis, you crushed it.

Madison, it's over. We won.

Oh, my... [laughs]

This... this is crazy.

Months-- months-- of stressing about my reputation,

the fellowship, my life.

I can breathe again.

How can I thank you enough?

Well, enjoy this bottle and each other.

I'm going to go settle up so I can go home

and celebrate with Jacob.

Oh! What a good night.

Yay!

Good job, sis.

[Madison squeals]

Look, I want nothing more

than to have you by my side.

But if my event creates all of this anxiety,

you can bow out.

I will make all of the apologies and excuses.

It's not about my anxiety, babe.

I'm doing this for you.

And I appreciate you.

But if you really want to do something for me...

...let's take care of these brownies.

And help you dispose of the evidence?

-Mm-hmm. -Sure.

Heather, shouldn't you run along

before jet lag sets in?

Oh, I slept on the plane. I'm so good at this back-and-forth now.

I thought you adored London.

Oh, I do adore London,

but I adore you more.

I would relocate here in a second if it meant

we could go into business together.

Oops. Oh, my goodness. I'm so embarrassed.

I keep pushing again. I'm-I'm sorry.

-Enjoy your flight home. -Joey,

can't you hear your sister out?

Yeah.

Can't you hear me out, Joey?

I'm just talking about

a teensy-weensy little business opportunity,

something different than you've done before.

Maybe...

Maybe we go into the restaurant business together.

That's wild.

Joey was just trying to buy Uptown

and someone swooped in and got it out from under him.

Is that so?

Uptown holds a special place in our hearts

and I am so unimpressed

with the changes this new owner's made.

When it goes out of business,

I'm hoping Joey can snatch it up.

You know, there's so much risk

in the restaurant business already.

Why muddy the waters with family?

So my answer is no.

Besides, I already have a partner.

Joey and I do work well together.

Yeah, but you are not family.

You know what they say.

The best family is the family you choose.

What a lovely sentiment.

Just so you know how sincere I am...

I'm not going to push my luck.

I'll just keep racking up these frequent flyer miles

and my hotel loyalty points.

Unless...

Unless what?

Vanessa?

What if I got a condo

as an investment?

I would stay in it while I'm here

and rent it out when I'm away.

And you would get all the commission.

It's a win-win.

I'd be delighted. Let's get together and discuss.

-I'll bring some listings. -Oh, this is fabulous.

I love this idea. All right.

Uh. Oh, this is really good.

I'm going to leave you two to enjoy your evening.

Bye.

-HEATHER: Mmm! -[door opens]

I am truly sorry about keeping you

in suspense so long.

Sweetheart, I am so very proud

of the way you brokered a peaceful solution

for this Hayley situation.

You are truly

the head and protector of this family.

That's because I have an amazing cohead, my love.

And now, your reward,

of which you richly deserve.

You know...

I think I want something a little sweeter.

[phone chimes]

The hospital?

It's my mother.

Somehow she heard I won the lawsuit.

I'll call her back tomorrow.

I don't want anything ruining our beautiful night.

It won't.

To my brilliant, beautiful fiancée.

Nothing can hold her back.

Mm, thanks to my brilliant, beautiful fiancée's family,

to which I'm honored to say will be my family, too.

Hi, again.

You're leaving so soon? I hope you had a wonderful evening.

I did, but I must say,

it took longer to get the bill

than the actual bottle of champagne.

Oh. Hmm.

Champagne, though? What are we celebrating?

Did your husband finally catch the Impaler?

Oh, I-I wouldn't know.

But it's only a matter of time before he does.

And when that happens, we'll really celebrate.

Have a good night.

I hope you'll give Heather the benefit of the doubt.

She seems sincere in her desire to reconnect.

You think?

Between Heather and Deanna's new attitudes,

maybe there's a family Thanksgiving dinner

on the horizon.

Anything's possible.

Mm.

-I don't need some big production. -Mm-hmm.

I don't even want to be engaged that long.

I can't wait to be your wife.

Thinking about a romantic getaway.

Ooh.

-Delightful. -Hmm.

It's been a minute since I've had a vacation.

And I've always dreamed of a Christmas wedding.

Mm.

-Would that be too soon for you? -I'd marry you tomorrow.

Do you have any preferences?

Hmm.

I like tropical climates.

Have you had any thoughts about a honeymoon?

How long can you get off?

-Mm, probably two weeks. -Huh.

My auntie can accommodate that without having a fit.

Let's compare calendars and see what day works.

Well, how about December?

We can commemorate our first WinterFest date.

Okay, then it's settled.

December wedding,

two-week honeymoon...

and then the rest of our lives.

We have a problem.

Let me guess. Her name is Hayley.

Would you get a fresh drink

for my new friend Hayley here?

How do you know my name?

What the hell are you doing? Hey. Uh--

Now Leslie knows it's game over for good.

-You cold-hearted-- -Bitch?

A badge I'll proudly wear

when it comes to protecting my family.

Shanice! Oh, my God,

-congratulations. -NICOLE: What are we celebrating?

Oh.

You're engaged.

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