Original subtitles

Mm, I needed that.

You don't really think Smitty will go to prison

for this Lia Whitmore mess, do you?

Criminals find ways to get off scot-free

while innocents take the fall.

It happens all the time.

But I am choosing to believe that the truth will win out.

Nicole, what are you not saying?

This suspicion,

it's casting a far-reaching shadow,

especially with Martin's reelection coming up

-and now this wedding. -Chelsea's?

I thought that wasn't until spring.

Do I need to brace myself

or pop some bubbly?

Both.

Ted and Shanice are getting married.

-Christmas. -Of this year?

What they want.

[exhales] Huh. And w-where do you stand?

Nonpartisan.

Besides, I don't have a vote.

But Ted's name is still on your ballot?

Have I told you how much I love you today?

Well, only a couple of dozen times,

so you're actually slacking today, Doc.

Mm, well, I can lock that door and we can put in some OT.

I-I'm not on the clock, and definitely not when we have

a boatload of wedding prep to do.

Well, bespoke tux is being tailored as we speak.

Check.

Oh, it must be nice tackling a male-sized to-do list.

You get to enjoy the whole party,

be half the couple and do a tenth of the work.

Well, I don't make the rules, remember?

But I am willing to break them with my sexy fiancée.

Okay. What can I help you with?

I want you to have absolutely everything on your list.

I just want this day to be ours.

Mm. Well, we need to lock in a venue, stat.

Well, Ashley and I have a running list.

Maybe you and I can go this weekend

and check out a few of the ones I favorited?

Hmm. Well, as long as your vision

fits inside the venue, I am sold.

You know, I did think about the Bowman's event hall,

but then, I was like, "That's a little too close to home."

Literally.

Funny you bring that up.

Have you thought about where you want to live?

Well, my place is too small for the both of us long-term.

And your hotel suite is definitely a no go

because I do not need your baby mama

living a couple floors down from us.

Mm. Well, then, you're gonna hate what I suggest.

♪ ♪

[knock at door]

-Busy? -Ah, just the way I like it.

-What's up? -Uh, have a few things to go over.

Okay.

Also, Pauline's father broke his hip.

Ah. Tough break.

Good to see your sense of humor is back in full force.

-[chuckles] -Uh, she'll be out for a few days

helping her dad get settled.

-Family first, right? -Yeah, always.

Okay. You know what?

Why don't we send some nice flowers with this, too?

Yeah. And put Tomas on Pauline's filings while she's out, okay?

Done and done.

I should've known you already had it covered. And what's that?

Is it more of her things?

-God, no. It's addressed to you. -Hmm.

Looks like somebody was trying to surprise you.

Well, uh, I don't hear it ticking.

[chuckles] There are quite a few people out there

who actually want to see you stick around

for a very long time.

Starting with the most important woman in your life.

-Oh... -[laughs]

It has been way too long since we've had some legit

-Daddy-Dani time. -You're right.

-There's quite a bit of happenings of late. -Yeah.

Especially in your branch of our family tree.

Not just mine.

When one branch shakes, we all feel the breeze.

-Mm. -But that is why we have you,

our fearless leader from whom we derive our strength.

I'd say your mother is about neck and neck there.

Still, with everything that's going on, it takes its toll.

How are you, Daddy? Real answer.

You have mastered the art of the dodge, my dear daughter.

I have a world-renowned statesman as my role model.

What matters is...

the Hayley problem has been contained,

and I'm fine.

That murderous little micro-bitch.

-Danielle... -Are you sure she grasped the stakes?

I saw the realization sink in with my very own eyes.

She'll disappear, and we can all forget

these last couple of years ever happened.

Literally felt sick counting the minutes, cuz.

I've never been happier to see you.

'Cause something's in it for you.

Who died?

I did.

Dramatic much?

And what's with the purge?

You know, it's time to say goodbye

to the only pieces of this life I actually enjoyed.

-Mm. -Feels like death.

But not the one we'd hoped.

You're here to give me my new life, right?

I told you I'd call my guy,

and even had him put in a rush job.

How much is that gonna cost me?

A hell of a lot less than the alternative.

If only the charges against Smitty

could be dealt with as swiftly and as covertly

as the Hayley matter.

It's hard to sweep that big a pile of accusations

under the rug,

-even an industrial-sized Dupree rug. -Yeah.

What are we gonna do?

If doctored footage and fake news

are acceptable courtroom pageantry?

Unfortunately, they can be.

With Naomi repping Smitty, we know he's in brilliant hands,

but I-I still worry that an exoneration

won't be enough to resuscitate his career.

Smitty will recover.

I don't know.

When Smitty published that exposé

about the Red Market,

it made a lot of people lose an obscene amount of money.

And if you're the type of person who steals plasma,

you think, you think they're just gonna go away?

Regardless of this Impaler's insidious tactics

or wide reach,

they are underestimating how we protect our own.

Smitty's one of us.

-The Duprees... -Don't hide.

And we don't back down.

Ever.

Well, please know that Andre and I are here

to do anything in our power

to help Smitty and Martin and the kids.

And Nicole?

Always. Why?

I have a feeling...

your sister might need a little extra support.

Did I miss something in the family chat?

Your mother and I met with Ted.

He's getting married.

Oh. That?

[laughs] Well, it was a shock, but it's been handled.

How so?

I spoke to Nicole.

There's nothing to worry about.

I can feel that heat-seeking glare.

Awfully familiar.

Oh?

My mother lobbed that particular look my way yesterday.

I am honored to be in the pantheon,

but not even a compliment will wriggle

your perky little behind out of this one.

My mother thinks that I have residual feelings towards Ted

that I am suppressing.

Mm, wasn't that long ago

you were having the kind of hot flashes that women welcome.

I assure you, I am not having any more fantasies

about Ted taking up space in my bed or anywhere else.

Hmm. What did Anita say, exactly?

That I need to face my feelings head-on

before Ted and Shanice exchange vows.

Hmm. Meaning before that Ted-shaped relationship door

is no longer ajar?

Which, thankfully, I have locked up

-and thrown away the key. -Interesting metaphor.

I'm not gonna lie, the news shook me for a minute.

-That's all? -That's all.

And I'm giving myself a pass and grace

to mourn a historic moment

and still fully embrace my future without Ted.

Though it's not entirely the same,

I know a little bit about that kind of emotional calculus,

and the last thing anyone wants to add to the equation

is regret.

You'll get no arguments from me there, my friend.

Hell no.

-Well, uh... -Uh-uh.

Got to admit, I was hoping for a more positive response.

Ted, honey, love of my life,

I have three words for you:

are you crazy?

[sighs] Okay, look,

if you want to scratch Fairmont Crest off the list,

there are other viable neighborhoods.

There's, uh, Garrett Park or Cattail Creek.

Those are all kind of far from the hospital.

Is this not what you want,

or is this strictly about Nicole?

Yes. No. Maybe. Possibly. I don't know.

Yeah, I'm gonna need you to decipher that.

You know, I don't even need all of that to be happy.

Neither do I.

Because if we have each other, that's all we need.

But what is it you want?

I want to give you your dream home.

I remember you told me early on you felt like Fairmont Crest

was glamorous like those black-and-white movies

you used to watch as a kid on Classic Cinema Channel. Huh?

-You remember that? -Every word.

Look, I'm not trying to sell you,

but I do want to understand.

Ted... Okay, really, h-how do you think

the former Mrs. Richardson is gonna feel

every time she turns a corner, there we are.

I mean, it already happens enough here at work.

Do you really think Nicole wants to take us home with her?

I understand being concerned about Nicole generally,

but what's with the furrowed-brow worry?

[both chuckle]

Despite your sister's denials,

your mother suspects that Nicole isn't acknowledging

how she truly feels about Ted getting remarried.

Hmm. I'm usually the one on the other side

-of this kind of scrutiny. -[chuckles]

It's kind of nice being out of the hot seat.

Are you?

Well, I spoke to Nicole,

and I got a very different impression.

So, yeah, there were tears and...

tissues used,

but Nicole recalibrated, and by the time I left,

she was focused on her Ted-free future.

Maybe there's something I can do to...

make it a little easier on her.

You can try, but it's Nicole.

She needs to process and curate an outcome.

And in my experience, when she's in that zone,

let her come to you.

Yeah, you're probably right.

Probably?

Daddy, I have a PhD in Nicole Dupree.

Well, I will take this hard-earned expertise...

[Dani laughs]

...in this arena under advisement.

Now, what about you my, dear?

-Mm. -Uh, this time, stay on topic.

Never better.

And your marriage?

Ditto.

Wasn't it just the other day

I saw you laughing and smiling with Bill?

Over at Orphey Gene's?

Or have I missed more moments?

Oh, that?

Daddy, that was nothing to write home about,

and certainly not worth that furrowed brow

making a return cameo.

Bill's crisis has passed.

I thought you committed to putting Andre first

and creating some real distance between you and your ex-husband.

I have. I am.

Well, from my perch...

it's still same old, same old.

Mm. Well, I play to win.

You should already know that.

All right. Talk soon.

Now back to your cryptic comment.

It's a pretty loaded statement.

Mm. Doesn't mean I'm not right.

Okay, I'll bite.

Who do you believe is the most important woman in my life?

If you need an explanation,

then you don't deserve this.

Oh, come on, now...

There's definitely an argument to be made

that you're at the very top of that list, all right?

You keep this place afloat,

and I couldn't ask for a better friend.

Bill, the sky is blue.

Tell me something less obvious.

I don't know what I would ever do without you.

Okay?

Lucky for you, you'll never find out.

We're a package deal.

Okay, guess you can have this now.

-Belated birthday gift. -Ah.

-Well, you didn't have to. -Yeah, the Mercedes

sitting in my parking space suggests otherwise.

No, you earned that and more.

Oh, I know... [laughs softly]

...and will remember as much come February,

but friendship is a two-way street.

Fair warning, the thought's what counts.

Sticker price on that is categorically nowhere near

brand-new car.

Well, I'll take meaningful and unpolished

over smoke and mirrors any day.

[chuckles]

Sure did get some mileage out of Hayley Lawson Hamilton.

Her method acting had to look the part to be the part.

Yeah, you were all about the process.

So what? I took full advantage.

I had to entertain myself.

And why are you stalling?

Something go left?

You know, a little faith,

maybe some gratitude would be nice.

Or is bougie and entitled your entire brand now?

I'm just saying, cuz.

I'm the only person that's got your back.

A little thank-you would go a long way.

-Thank you, Randy. -Mm.

We good?

Yeah.

Great. So, fork over those new IDs

so I can see my future.

Uh...

You ready for the performance of a lifetime?

I'm looking to bag a billionaire,

not become an EGOT.

Randy, what'd you do?

Well, your next mark won't be meeting Ms. Middle Class Catch.

It's time to rebrand, cuz,

and take a pay cut.

I hope you know I am not trying to shake your resolve.

Like Anita, I want you to live your truth

and have exactly what you want.

I appreciate that.

And I am doing that, thanks to Kial.

Mm. You two have been hot and heavy for a while now.

Mm, I could tell you stories, but I will not.

So mean of you to tease me like that.

[laughs]

I will give you an exciting update.

I gave Kial a key.

That is major.

But... I have to ask,

did you do that before or after Ted's engagement announcement?

Kial and I are on our own timeline.

Mm. You have journeyed a long way from no strings, girlfriend.

-You wear it well. -[chuckles]

You know, it's like Kial and I are tethered to each other,

but there's still no strings.

Hmm. It's like Joey and I, we have the same arrangement.

Well, not having that piece of paper,

it's not for everybody.

-Back to Ted. -And Shanice.

She's younger and she's never been married,

so I understand that she wants all the strings.

Regardless, if Ted is giving his heart to someone else,

I am just glad it is someone

that I actually respect and admire, like Shanice.

Look, I will not disrespect Nicole.

And-and there is no mansion big enough for me

to compromise who I am.

And I refuse to be the Hayley Hamilton

of our happily ever after.

Uh, that woman is a con artist

and a would-be cold-blooded killer.

There's not one Dupree or human being

that would put you two in the same category.

But still, the new wife shouldn't be flaunting

her new life in front of the O.G.

I mean, work's one thing, but we're kind of already baked

into that cake at this point.

-Mm-hmm. -But then, the community Nicole's family built,

her home turf?

That is just a bridge too far, Ted.

This is one of the many reasons why I love you.

You're kind, considerate.

Putting my ex-wife's feelings before yours.

I agree with you. I don't want to do anything

that would hurt Nicole,

which is why I wanted to run it by you first

to see if you even like the idea,

then I would get a temperature check

from Nicole before we move forward.

[laughs softly]

I probably should have let you get that out

-before I preached a sermon to the choir. -Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.

Hypothetically speaking...

if it doesn't bother Nicole,

would you be interested in living in Fairmont Crest?

Honest answer.

I think so.

Okay. We'll suss it out.

Like I said, I want to explore every option

because I want you to have everything you want.

And for me, as long as we're together,

I'm the happiest man alive.

Whether we live in Fairmont Crest, cool,

and if not, no sweat.

[chuckles]

So, what, is this your way of telling me

-I need to hit the gym? -[chuckles]

Your fitness regimen is between you and your doctors,

but thought you could use these anyhow.

Ah. Yeah, I guess I can duke out the despair

now that my sham of a marriage is over.

Hmm, definitely a hidden benefit, but secondary.

See...

the gloves are more of a reminder

that you may have been knocked down,

but you're still in the ring.

My birthday wish for you

is that every time you put these on,

you feel stronger than when you gloved up before,

because you're still Bill "The Hitter" Hamilton,

and you always come out on top.

Thank you, Caroline.

But you lied to me.

You said these were nothing compared

to the Mercedes I gave you.

This is worth a hell of a lot more.

That fleeting moment that you happened to witness, Daddy,

was on Bill's birthday.

And we were simply sharing a laugh

about the gift that Chelsea got him.

Do you want to hear what that child did?

I guess not.

Uh, no more detours, Dani.

Look, Fairmont Crest is not that big.

We share two daughters,

which means that we are going to cross paths

more than you or anyone else would like.

But it's not intentional, or super deep.

-I want to believe that. -Please do.

Because I really have pulled back.

I finally learned that I can't do that to Andre,

so I won't.

Not anymore.

While I never took his trust or his love for granted,

I made him feel like he did,

and so, those days of being Bill's go-to are done.

Hmm.

How did this epiphany emerge, hmm?

Because...

we've been trying to get you to open your eyes for months.

Andre, calling me out about

repeatedly running into dangerous territory.

You two fought?

A big, long overdue marriage-sized blowout.

E-Exactly the reset we needed.

Daddy, he was so hurt,

and angry.

You all were right.

And I-I truly regret ever making him feel like

he came second to anyone, other than the girls.

Especially to Bill.

I will not let my past with Bill cost me Andre.

I think you mean it.

I can see you're not selling me to convince yourself.

[exhales] I'm relieved.

Mm. And even more...

...I'm proud of you, Dani.

Me, too.

-I'm a high-class bitch. -With a high-class profile

and a very findable mug shot.

So what? I look good, Randy.

If you want a fresh start,

then you have to climb out of that dirt, cuz.

No. Look,

you knew the play and exactly what I wanted.

This? Look, you're just being petty

and trying to screw me over.

This is me doing you a favor.

You go into the next project same as before,

you are just begging to be made real quick.

Please. Those charges against me were dropped within days.

Barely even a dent in my known criminal era.

Besides, look, there are plenty of people with arrest records.

Even that has-been was able to walk

her ancient modeling career from the dead

after pulling a gun out on me.

If I didn't hate Dani so much, I'd admire her pivot.

No shade, cuz, but you ain't no Dupree.

They ain't all that. Trust.

Look, just for a second,

put your beef with them aside and think this through.

You have no power,

zero status and no family PR machine behind you

scooping up this crap that was your last two years.

[sighs]

Fine. Show me what you got.

Meet...

...Carmen Davidson.

Fell on hard times when her boyfriend Gianni,

a forklift operator,

was tragically killed in a construction accident.

She scraped up what little money she had

to pay for a respectable yet small burial.

Rest in peace, Gianni.

DOA Carmen. Next.

Okay, what's the issue with Carmen?

Her standards were trash.

Man, get that mess out of here.

[paper shuffling]

Okay. Cuz came in clutch with a backup.

-Lois Jennings. -[chuckles]

-She's a librarian... -You done lost your damn mind.

Ain't a man alive gonna believe that my ass

has been dealing with dusty books all day long.

Not dressed like Morticia Addams.

You need to start shopping in the bargain bin

and blend into the background.

Randy, look, I am not hiding out in clearance.

Be serious.

I thought you were committed to going method.

Ain't nobody got time to be learning

the Dewey decimal system for a score.

Next.

Sorry, cuz. That's all he wrote.

[groans] I'm supposed to be getting massaged poolside

by an eager cabana boy right now, but no,

Bill had to keep on breathing.

I can't believe that walking, talking middle-aged mountain

and his clingy ex clocked our play.

Man.

Kills me that I never got to kill him.

Well, that was restorative.

I wish I could stay longer, hmm,

but I'm needed over at the consulting firm.

Go. And Daddy?

Thank you.

It was my pleasure.

Mm. And about that other matter...

Which one? We covered a lot of ground.

[chuckles] Your sister.

Thank you for the insight.

Yeah.

Makes me worry a tad less.

Nicole's got this.

We all do,

because we have you and Mother.

[both chuckle]

Dinner with you and Andre soon?

Yes, we would love that.

-Ciao. -Ciao. -[phone chimes]

[chuckles]

Oh...

[laughs]

Ah. So, you're not leaving me already?

[laughs softly]

-[indistinct chatter] -[phone buzzing]

[both laugh]

Hmm.

Ted.

What can I help you with?

Well, I need you to be totally honest about something.

Of course. What about?

I'm thinking about buying a home in Fairmont Crest

for Shanice and I,

but if that is crossing too big of a line,

uh, I totally understand.

I won't give it a second thought.

So, speak now or forever hold my peace?

Well, I-I wouldn't put it quite like that,

but it's a decision we all need to be on the same page about.

Look, I know it's a big ask.

You don't have to answer this second.

Take as much time as you need, okay?

That won't be necessary.

Mother already gave me the heads-up

that you might raise this question...

...and it's perfectly fine.

You sure?

I'll do you one better.

Uh...

I don't know what that means, but, uh...

Vanessa, you got a new client.

VANESSA: Hi, Ted.

How can I be of service?

All right, use me while you got me.

What a morning.

SHANICE: All good, Auntie.

Is it?

'Cause that look and this mood you're sporting?

Not working for me, Shanice.

You got all that from three words?

What's wrong?

It's Ted.

No, no. Ted's wonderful.

[clears throat] He just wants us to get a place

in Fairmont Crest.

Oh, living there would be incredible.

And, potentially, very complicated.

Yep. Ted's going to discuss the potential house with Nicole.

And we both agree that is absolutely necessary.

And accommodating.

Yeah, but maybe Nicole won't even feel a way,

and this mood is just all moot.

And if she has no issues, do you?

And be advised, I've been able to tell when you're fibbing

ever since you started saying Lamont made you do it.

It's just, Fairmont Crest is the dream, right?

For a vast number of people.

Well, it was for me.

Y-You and I have discussed how sometimes you feel

out of place in Ted's world.

Is that where this reticence is coming from?

Because if it is,

you need to rewind that movie in your mind and record over it.

It's just that, what if this Johnson

can't fit in with the Joneses?

Ugh. This was supposed to be the con that got us

out of the life and forever in the sun.

You never knew when to fold them.

We're alive.

And ending up with half a mil each

after everything that we went through?

That's not dire straits, cuz, so chin up.

The upkeep on that St. Barts villa alone

is gonna burn through my cut in no time.

This...

"feeling sorry for myself" is really starting to piss me off.

Sweat equity, cuz.

I literally worked my ass off for the little I got.

And you got a sweet mansion in the Caribbean to compensate,

which I think you still owe me a chunk out of that.

Uh, that was never and will never be a part of the deal.

Besides, it's not like either of us

could live it up and enjoy that island.

Be the first place Joey would look.

And Bill and the rest of them.

Man, the best I can do is somehow flip it ASAP

in the middle of hurricane season.

And just, you know, hopefully whatever meager amount I get

will float me until my next marriage.

Yeah, that place is easily worth eight figures, cuz.

Get real.

Ever heard of taxes?

Whatever's left after Uncle Sam takes a bite

ain't gonna last me very long where I'm headed.

Got big plans for my next act that ain't cheap.

-So where you going? Space? -Close enough.

I mean, it certainly has its own rarefied air.

L.A.

My next benefactor will be a big-time Hollywood exec.

Some tycoon far too busy

to be checking local papers in Maryland,

and someone who don't give a damn

about boring-ass Bill Hamilton.

Well, don't look now, but it appears the rumors

of my death have been greatly exaggerated.

Would you stop? Don't joke about that.

You knew the Fairmont Crest rumor mill

would have to start grinding its gears at some point.

Let 'em speculate.

They don't know the real story.

Yeah. Yeah, but we sure do.

How was the rest of your birthday?

Well, you know, wasn't my best, wasn't my worst.

I had drinks with Ted.

You know, he told me about the engagement,

you know, and good for him.

You know, finding true love again.

Yeah, that Shanice, she's a real one.

Uh, it's, you know, it's pretty low-key after that, you know?

Deadly quiet.

Empty house after it wasn't for so long.

Yeah.

It's a bit too much house, if you ask me.

-You looking to sell? -No.

I'll just need to find ways to fill up the space

with something other than, you know.

You will.

The getting there sucks, though,

but eventually, you'll find reasons to be festive and

invite people over to watch the game

or whatever it is you menfolk do at your age.

Pretty expensive bachelor pad, huh?

You always did want the best.

See you soon, Ted.

-I hate to ask again... -Then don't.

Too late. Are you 100% sure

that you are not only okay with Ted getting remarried,

but totally fine being his neighbor, too?

Fairmont Crest was Ted's home for decades.

I'm sure he misses it,

but whatever the reason, I'm not gonna stand in his way.

Frankly, the fact that he even asked my permission,

it made me more inclined to agree.

He didn't have to do that.

You are a bigger person than I am.

You said it. However...

you might be the best in the business,

but I did have ulterior motives to give you Ted's commission.

How not magnanimous of you. I like it.

Just don't show them any listings

that I can see from my front door or backyard.

Mm. You know what they say,

"Location, location, location."

It'll just happen to be within our privately approved radius.

Did he mention what Shanice wants?

Not in so many words. Why?

Oh. You think Shanice might not be Ted-level excited

about the possibility of bumping into a sea of Duprees

on the way to her mailbox?

I guess we'll find out.

Auntie, when I was a little girl,

I would pass by communities like Fairmont Crest.

And I would always wonder what was beyond those gates.

All those powerful, rich Black people just

living their best lives.

I dreamed, Auntie.

And never in a million years did I think

their life would become mine.

If not you, honey, then who?

Ah...

That silly grin must mean...

Spoke to Nicole.

She's on board, without hesitation.

Even put me on the phone with a realtor.

Vanessa.

There's a few spots, uh, I have in mind, assuming...

Set it up.

No-go on Cranky Carmen and Loser Lois.

They ain't gonna cut it in La-La Land, Randy.

Neither of those profiles match the image

I need to project.

Wacked Wannabe?

Yeah, that vibe will fit right in.

Are you gonna deliver an ID worth my time or not?

I still think this is the wrong move,

but you know what? You do you, boo-boo.

-Just give me my money first. -Uh, not until I get the goods.

Tell your guy I'm gonna need a better back story and name,

preferably one that'll just roll off the tongue

of some fat cat screaming in ecstasy

while I keep my eye on the prize.

The Hollywood sign from that panoramic view. Mm.

See, now you're doing too much.

You'll get your fistful

once I have that future in hand.

What's with the midday break?

It's not like you to leave the office,

unless... client meeting?

No, no, I'm just trying something new.

Figured I'd get in a workout during normal hours.

Bill Hamilton, if this is the start

of another midlife crisis, please do not.

Maybe Chelsea had the right idea with that gift.

For all of our sakes, aim older.

What are you talking about? This is strictly for me.

I'm not looking to meet some gym bunny or...

anybody else anytime soon,

but I did have a little help getting here.

Extra motivation...

thanks to Caroline.

Caroline? She always was an odd duck.

No, these are practical and symbolic,

you know, to remind me that

I'm still in the fight.

You very much are.

I guess I'm not the only one who knows you pretty well.

No, correction, you know me the best.

Well, I am sure that you will find someone eventually

who is age-appropriate

and they will surpass even me.

But in the meantime, have fun

getting all your frustrations out on that heavy bag thingy.

You think it'll release my anger I have in myself?

Couldn't hurt.

Take care, Bill.

And remember that you deserve happiness.

Just like me.

Dani...

Captioning sponsored by CBS

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