Original subtitles

Bill, I might be pregnant.

You are Dani Dupree.

You are magnificent.

Maybe I'm starting to believe that.

Yeah, now spit it out.

It's because I love you, all right?

I am not gonna let the stalker wannabe trash

ruin my party.

There are all kinds of families.

You're welcome in ours anytime.

Naomi invited me out for a night on the town.

A night on the town? That sounds fun.

No, no. Here at Uptown karaoke night, anyone can sing.

Oh, Lord, I think we're here on the wrong night.

Now, I know it's not your usual hang, Gran, but...

I think the fam could use a reset.

I think we're here on the perfect night.

Which ring of Dante's Inferno

is the one where drunken people

bastardize the song catalog

artists have spent their entire lives creating?

And who said "imitation is the highest form of flattery"?

Oscar Wilde. But he should've said

drunken imitation is the lowest form.

-Gran, you set the standard. -[laughs]

-No one can touch you. -Oh, please.

-Once upon a time. -If y'all want me to turn a new page,

doesn't that mean trying something new?

Very well, but I want my objections noted.

Noted.

-But in the club, we're all fam. -NAOMI: Mom.

Mom, don't.

Hi, Gran.

-Hi, babies. Thank you. -Anita Dupree, everyone.

Well, once all the fam is in the "clerb,"

I have a little surprise for you all.

Oh.

NICOLE: Why are you worried about Doug now?

I thought it was nothing,

but he's more than doubled his shifts.

I know I'm a total hypocrite,

considering my extramarital activities,

but something has shifted in my husband.

Maybe in you, too.

I know.

You've warned me about Joey.

Do you think Doug knows and that's what's driving him?

No clue. But maybe you asking means that you're more invested

in your marriage than you thought.

As long as you're both still here, it's not too late.

Unless you want it to be.

Hey, Joey. I'm not sure what problem we have.

And between the two of us,

you're supposed to be the smart one.

Little trouble with the math? Okay.

Doesn't look to me like you're going to be

fixing any tickers soon.

I made an investment in you.

But your condition now, well,

it's not exactly conducive to growth.

And I need to be whole, so that begs the question,

if you can't make money, then what can you do for me?

♪ ♪

Ted and Nicole's anniversary's gonna be a night to remember.

So top-shelf everything, okay?

From the napkins to the alcohol

to those little pigs in blankets.

[both laughing]

[Julia and Jonathan sigh]

We'll bring the magic, you bring the intel.

We could do a throwback to where and when they met.

Um...

some kind of medical conference somewhere in Hawaii.

And I'm not sure of the year, but...

We can circle back. Uh, beluga or Ossetra?

Lafite or Screaming Eagle?

Bulova is caviar, right?

Ooh, and I've seen Nicole drinking Chardonnay.

Belova is a watch. Beluga is caviar.

I was, um, kidding. [laughs]

Just whatever is the most bougie.

How do you put a price on love?

I can text Kat. No shade to you, but she is their daughter.

No. I mean, I've got this.

Look, I don't come from a fancy background like you,

but I just really need this night to work out,

to keep my job.

Look, I promise I'll find out everything

you need to know if you'll just be patient with me.

We'll loop in the club sommelier.

They'll know exactly what the Richardsons sip.

And you can text us when you've done a little more research.

Amazing. Yes, let's do that.

I've been waiting forever for this moment.

We love our client list, but you're way invested.

Oh, no, I didn't mean to come off as a stan.

It's just I don't come from this world,

but Ted and Nicole have invited me into it,

and I'm just grateful, you know?

And I'm gonna make myself at home.

Laura is responding to the antibiotics.

It's this darn infection.

She has missed out on so much

being cooped up in that hospital.

Thank goodness for Eva for keeping her seat warm.

You know, Nicole says the whole family loves Eva,

except Kat. [laughs] Claws out at first sight.

-[laughs] -It was never like that with Laura.

Ooh, someone bought out the whole DMV.

-Let's see. -Oh.

Ashley has me hooked on these shopping haul videos.

I think it's something about adrenaline

when we see something new.

Jan, don't.

Well...

aren't we a woman of mystery?

-[laughs] -Ooh.

Um, how can you afford couture?

Couture... Who are you

and what have you done with our friend?

-Hmm. -[laughs]

Is this seat taken?

Oh, I'm sorry. My husband will be here momentarily.

I better work fast then.

Are you going to say hello to anyone else in the family?

I only have eyes for this magnificent woman.

DANI: Fair enough.

Hey, who's up for some "We Are Family"?

-Et tu, Brute? -[laughter]

-Aunt Dani. -Smarty Marty.

-Hi. -Wow.

You are looking particularly flawless this evening.

You are laying it on a little thick,

-but please keep it coming. -Okay.

No, no, I just, I just want to be with my family and chill.

Good. We're here to help you chillax.

Hear, hear.

You folks ready to sing?

Some of us are just spectators.

Mrs. Dupree, we are just happy to have you in the house.

-Thank you. -What can I get you to start?

A bottle of your best champagne.

[laughter]

You make it sound so simple. Just, what?

Reach out and everything broken gets magically fixed?

That is not what I said or meant.

It's gonna take hard work and communication

to rebuild your marriage,

if that's what you want.

TED: Teddy Bear's been waiting on you upstairs.

-Mm. Hi, Teddy Bear. -[laughs]

[laughs] Oh, hey, Vanessa.

Uh, we still have more catching up.

Okay. Carry on.

-Bye, Vanessa. -[laughing]

-Sorry. -Don't be.

Even when no one's looking, you two are that much in love?

Our anniversary has really ramped things up.

-Mm. -It is possible that,

after forever together, things can heat up.

Do you think honesty's a precursor to all that?

I think you and Doug just need to communicate.

You had a very vibrant sex life,

and at some point, you separated your sexual

and emotional gratification.

Maybe it's time you find out if Doug

can be compatible with your desires.

I-I don't have any of the skills you need in your line.

You know my line now?

Well, I can tell you, anyone in my line

knows better than to play with my money.

But you gave me the money...

Because I had a reasonable expectation

that you would pay me back.

That's what friends do.

Now, if you can't respect

the boundaries of our friendship,

time's up.

[stammers] You never gave me a deadline.

I expected there to be some daylight between

you telling me and when the money's due.

Consider yourself informed.

I have assets.

That you can get your hands on right now? Today?

My investments are tied up right now.

I just need a little more time.

Time?

And what am I supposed to do?

Twiddle my thumbs while your bones knit back together?

We're at an impasse.

Now, I can't see a single way that you could

possibly pay back your debt.

So what am I gonna do with you?

[cheering]

Is that who I think it is?

Incoming.

-He's all yours. -Mrs. Dupree, thanks.

-Hello. -Senator.

You're the reason I moved to D.C.

and got my first job working with Congressman Mathers,

and I know it's a different time, but...

But there's still much work to do.

-Yes. -Uh, should we save Daddy?

No, please. He's loving every second of it.

Anita, looking ravishing as always.

-Thank you so much, Ted. -How is Dani?

Oh, well, I'm pleased to report that Naomi's family flare

wasn't necessary.

Dani seems relaxed, composed, happy.

So, Mom, how's the new charity going?

I bet you don't have time for anything else.

Well, I don't see myself as being a full-time Melinda Gates.

I have my own...

-more selfish pursuits in play. -Hmm, care to share?

You kept your purse line a secret from me for how long?

I've earned a minute.

Well, whatever it is, I'm sure it's amazing.

You know, your grandfather has me half-convinced

that change is indeed a good thing.

But for tonight, I just want to soak up the present.

Everyone I love is here at this table,

whether we work together or not.

-Cheers. -Cheers.

Mm. I have to go fill Nicole in before the magic happens.

-Sissy. -[gasps]

Sissy.

How did you get Mom to karaoke night?

She thinks she's preempting another Dani meltdown.

When in actuality... [whispers]

[gasps]

-I know. -[laughs] You're bad.

You got me. I'm a world-class hustler.

Made the money with this magic wrist.

Please tell me it's not the kind of magic wrist

that makes everyone's ending happy.

[both laughing]

Okay. Ever been to the private back rooms at Lake View Casino?

-Nope. -JAN: Me either.

That's where the slot machines are, and, uh...

-I made it rain. -Oh, wow. How much?

-Five grand. -I never win anything.

Leslie.

You know you're not rolling in it.

I didn't do this just for me.

I got Eva a dress, too.

But why not get a statement bag?

You can feel the luxury every day.

Folks like the Duprees have fancy parties all the time,

but people like us...

Where's the ball, Cinderella?

This party's gonna be so lit.

I mean, sophisticated.

BTW, uh, Julia and I also didn't grow up behind the gates.

And if you say anything, we'll destroy you.

We'll send you updated specs

of the count of centerpieces and approvals.

I'll probably be texting you every five minutes

between now and the anniversary party.

Hey there, senorita.

Oh. Hey.

After handling whatever that was like a boss,

I'm buying you a drink.

I shouldn't.

That seat belongs to your girlfriend.

You mean Kat?

You were the only civilian at her family-only birthday party.

You were there, and you're not family.

I was there by accident.

Look, I'll join you, but only if Kat really isn't gonna show.

She's got a family thing tonight,

so you're safe from her.

Mm.

If Kat would rather hang out with her parents than you,

maybe you two aren't that serious.

So is your mom our CMO of ChelseaKat?

I couldn't find the right moment.

What better moment than this Dupree lovefest?

Well, she says that she already has some new mystery revelation,

but I think that she's making it up to save face.

So, bonus, we save Aunt Dani from Aunt Dani.

[laughter]

[indistinct chatter]

My mom takes up all the space in every room she's in.

Sometimes, it's hard to breathe.

Maybe that's because she had to.

Back in the day, there weren't a lot of models

that looked like us.

Maybe she can help us take up space, too.

Okay, selfish time.

We're already killing it, so do we really need Mom?

[sighs]

So how are my great-grandkids doing?

Well, Samantha is pouting about not being

the DMV's next top model,

and Tyrell is having a rough time.

There's a picture going around of him

in his boxers in the locker room.

How bad?

Uh...

Chess boxers.

That's bad when you're a teenager.

And these bullies are hiding behind phony profiles.

And we don't want to go after the kids.

But we would love to know what you think we should do.

You taught me everything I know about standing up for myself.

I think we should ask an influencer.

Chelsea.

We need some advice.

What's up, Granddad?

Tyrell is getting trolled online.

Oh, ouch.

Just tell him to pretend like that photo does not even exist.

And tell him to flood his feed with pictures

of him living his best unbothered life,

and sooner or later, the mean kids will just be over it.

That's what we were thinking, but we were hoping...

That I had some secret hack?

That the next generation had given up on mean.

Martin was prom king and class president,

but I know a bit more about not fitting in

and how you carry that with you,

and we don't want that for our son.

Maybe your telling Tyrell about your experience

will help him see there's another side.

I don't think we should underestimate my great-grandson.

I lost to him at chess.

Kid's got more moves than you think. [chuckles]

You're right.

I'm smart.

Smart enough to think of a way to come up with the money.

Doug, we both know that isn't true.

Oh, Dougie, Dougie, Dougie, Dougie.

If I were in your shoes...

Of course I wouldn't be, would I?

Here's the thing.

You have a problem.

Is there someone, somewhere, anywhere,

who might be able to help you solve it?

Now, granted, your debt would become their debt,

but maybe in a kinder, gentler way.

I can't ask anyone to bail me out

without admitting why I'm in a hole in the first place.

Oh, pride. Yeah.

You don't want to admit you have a gambling jones.

Let me ask you this, do you screw up as many surgeries

as you do poker hands?

Say what you will about my failings,

but heart surgery isn't one of them.

I'm a damn good cardiac surgeon.

And by the way, go to hell.

Oh, Dougie, really, you should be careful how you speak to me.

I'd hate to add an ass tax of, say,

100 grand just for being disrespectful.

Now, look, here's the thing.

You owe me money

and the rent's come due.

Now, is there someone who cares enough about you

to help you get out of this jam you've gotten yourself into?

Yeah.

My wife, Vanessa.

I wish Jacob hadn't pulled the night shift.

Hey, it's not too late to call this off.

I could pull a Dani, and everyone would believe

that we were just here to cheer me up.

Pull a Dani?

Uh-uh, I won't let my mom insult my mom like that,

especially when the whole fam is in the clerb.

-That's what I'm talking about. -Stop. [laughs]

I know being in a holding pattern

shouldn't make me feel better,

but when it's blessed by granddad,

it hits like a Morgan Freeman voiceover.

[laughs]

And having Chelsea co-sign.

She's closer to Tyrell's world than we are.

-Hey, we are not that old. -Oh, I know.

That woman congratulated me on the movement,

but this family is our real legacy.

The reason our kids and grandkids are so incredible

is because of the sacrifices you made.

You gave up a lot for this family, too.

-But look at what we got. -Yeah. [chuckles]

[indistinct chatter]

Hi, guys. [laughs] I have a confession to make.

I brought you all here under false pretenses.

I just really wanted to sing tonight.

[laughter]

Is that okay? Yes?

All right.

Your wife, Vanessa.

Well, that woman is ascending.

I bet she could sell a couple of properties

in an afternoon and solve all your problems.

She doesn't know.

You haven't told her because you don't want to lose her, too.

Vanessa would never leave me.

[laughs] She doesn't even know you.

Are you threatening to tell her?

I don't make threats.

Now, the thing is, if your wife isn't the answer,

you need to figure out what is.

Tonight's just a dress rehearsal for the big anniversary party.

Yeah, well, Eva and Nicole have everything handled.

All I have to do is just show up and look handsome.

That girl doesn't know which fork to use,

let alone anything else.

This is supposed to be a big perfect moment,

not a ratchet block party.

I should step in.

You know what would be the perfect gift

for me and your mother?

If you let that little thing with Eva go.

[sighs] I just want you and Mom to have the party you deserve.

That's what I wanted to hear, favorite daughter.

[laughs] Only daughter.

That, too.

♪ You had me at hello with your smile♪

♪ Your charm and all your ways made me... made me...♪

-Oh! Sorry. -[laughter]

Sorry, sorry, sorry. I messed up.

DJ, I messed up. Stop, stop, stop.

Hey, you can stay up here all night.

-[laughter] -Um...

Sorry, I think I need a little backup.

Mom? Will you join me?

-Oh... -[laughter]

[cheering]

[whooping]

[song intro plays]

Mr. Armstrong, what are you doing here?

Oh, I have a friend who's a patient in the hospital.

I happened to hear a couple of nurses talking about

Dr. McBride's injury, so thought I would check in.

You know, most people don't realize

I'm actually a very empathetic guy.

Well, thanks. I'm glad Doug wasn't alone.

I'm sure you two would like some privacy.

Dr. McBride,

-I wish you a speedy recovery. -Thank you.

[sighs]

Okay, now tell me what the hell happened.

Dresses like this are supposed to be only

for people like the Duprees, right?

But what if this dress is more than a dress?

What if it's a chance

to go someplace glamorous,

where people are doing glamorous things?

And the wigs, are they magic, too?

[laughs]

Celebs, I mean, they change their looks on the regular.

Look at Queen Bey.

Why shouldn't we regular folk

try different fits or different looks, hmm?

Why should we go through life wearing

the same damn hairstyle?

I don't want to get stuck.

I have stood still too long.

Well, okay, Leslie Fierce.

I'm gonna start trying some of those makeup tutorials

rather than just watching them on my phone.

I'll bite. Except for one thing.

You said there was no man.

Now, I can't believe there's no Prince Charming in the mix.

So is it as hot as it looks on TV? Being a lawyer?

Sexy scandals, partners and paralegals

getting busy after hours.

One of the partners tried really hard to make it like that.

We just settled a sexual harassment case.

I'm surprised you haven't heard since Nicole's niece,

Naomi, was suing the firm.

Wait. Naomi was suing her own father?

Okay, beyond awkward.

I tried to stay neutral.

I'm still trying to earn my place there.

But the guy who was accused,

talk about a sinvergüenza.

Mm. So, you being you, got tripped up by your conscience?

It resolved itself. The creep got fired,

and the ladies, they got a hefty financial settlement.

Mm...

Like Taylor Swift sings,

"Sweet like justice, karma is queen."

I did not take you for a Swiftie.

You don't know me or my playlist, Tomas.

I'm trying here.

Anyway, yeah, this time, karma won, but, man,

it was like one of your legal dramas.

A daughter suing her own father.

Must've taken real guts on Naomi's part.

Or the desire for vengeance.

Maybe both.

We don't know what happens between a father and daughter.

Especially when the father's someone

so respected and powerful.

I can't imagine trying to take down my own dad.

-Yeah. -All right, is everybody ready

to have some fun?

[cheering]

Um, wait, wait, wait, wait. I think we're missing something.

Or someone.

-Yeah. -This song requires the voice

we all grew up singing along with.

The incomparable Ms. Anita Dupree.

[cheering]

-[whooping, cheering] -Come on.

[cheering continues]

[whooping, shouting]

[cheering continues]

Come on, Mother!

Show everybody how it's done.

OTHERS [chanting]: Anita! Anita! Anita! Anita!

Anita! Anita! Anita!

Anita! Anita!

Anita! Anita! Anita! Anita!

[chanting]: Anita! Anita! Anita! Anita!

Don't worry, Mom. Take your time.

[cheering]

I cannot wait to hear three generations

of Dupree women on that stage together.

How long have you loved me

and you don't know a thing about this part of me?

When Anita Dupree steps on the stage,

any stage, she's prepared.

She's warmed up.

Honey, it's just us.

What if someone is recording it on their phone?

My voice isn't what it was.

And anyone who remembers me or the Articulettes

are expecting that Anita Dupree,

and she isn't ready.

I don't even know if she even exists anymore.

I'm looking right at her.

I have a legacy, too, Vernon,

and I do not want it to be Anita Dupree can no longer sing.

Come on, Gran.

Hey, man, I hope we're not holding you up,

but I swear it's gonna be worth it.

Oh, it's an honor to be in the same room with Anita Dupree.

I'll wait as long as it takes.

Mother, I know you had to be perfect to become Anita Dupree,

but sometimes that need to be perfect

holds us back from being present.

Do not shrink your mother.

And I'm not afraid of anything.

Of course you're not, Gran.

And getting up on that stage will prove it.

-Come on. -OTHERS [chanting]: Anita!

Anita! Anita!

Come on, Mom. What have you got to lose?

[cheering continues]

What you are looking at is a self-inflicted wound.

You know me, V.

How controlled I am, how much being a doctor defines me.

-I do. -Well, I lost control.

A patient died in the OR, and I came back to my desk,

banged my hand on it, and broke my own damn wrist.

What is going on here?

Was this about the patient or something you're not telling me?

Since the kids left for school, I thought we were both

fine doing our own thing.

But maybe you're not fine at all.

What, you think this is about our marriage?

I love you, Doug.

I never want to see you hurt. Not by yourself and not by me.

I love you too, V. I never stopped.

But this isn't you. This is all on me.

OTHERS [chanting]: Anita! Anita!

-You got it. -You never stopped singing, Anita.

You do it all the time.

Under your breath, in the kitchen,

the shower.

You still got it.

Come on, now.

Give the people what they want.

[whooping, cheering]

I will never forgive the both of you for this.

[laughter]

That's okay.

[song intro plays]

I broke the golden rule. Protect your instrument.

Maybe you reached your breaking point

because you were pushing yourself too hard

with all those extra shifts.

Well, I can't push myself anymore now.

I know you'll be at loose ends without surgeries.

You could teach.

Or...

I can spend some quality time with my gorgeous wife.

I'd like that.

Yeah, me, too.

I'll figure it out.

You know, I went to a dark place today.

I could've lost everything.

But I'll never go back to that dark place again.

I swear.

We caught a break.

Our mutual friend just had a setback.

No, I had nothing to do with it.

But I've got our friend Dougie right where I want him.

I didn't mean to upset you.

No, sorry. I didn't mean to overshare.

Don't apologize for feeling. Friends tell each other things.

What happened with your father?

Well, after I lost my mom,

her best friend Leslie took me in.

And she was...

She'd do anything for me, you know?

But she wasn't alone.

She was married to this guy who was less than enthused

to have an instant daughter.

I mean, he wasn't bad or mean. He just...

wasn't invested.

But I was a kid who never had a father, and I...

really, really wanted one, so...

It was just really awkward.

Sounds more painful than awkward. I'm sorry, Eva.

No. There are kids who have it way worse.

We never went hungry. We just weren't close.

But I think...

he didn't want someone else's kid.

He couldn't forget I wasn't blood.

He didn't even want me to call him dad.

I had to call him Alan.

Too bad for Alan. He really missed out.

[scoffs] On what?

You.

Yeah.

You know, I'd always tell myself that,

but after seeing Ted with Kat,

the way he puts her on a pedestal...

I feel like I'm the one who missed out.

And I can't help but wishing that I had what they have.

That I'd have that with my real dad.

-Okay, full disclosure. -Mm-hmm.

I recently reacquainted with my ex.

-Uh-huh. -[gasps]

Ooh, is this like J.Lo and Ben?

Cardi B and Offset?

What's his name?

What does he do? Is he handsome?

Rich?

He must be, otherwise you wouldn't have bought that dress.

I am not ready to share him yet.

Half the fun of dating someone new is analyzing

every detail with your friends.

We are just getting to know each other all over again.

Okay? And my little shopping spree...

Um...

Think of it as a kind of a

three-dimensional vision board of what

I want my life to look like with him.

Isn't that what they use to solve crimes?

No, ma'am, that-that is a murder board.

A vision board is for making your-your dreams come true.

Dress for the relationship you want.

Uh-oh. [laughs]

Wishful shopping. I got it.

I should get some cowboy boots.

That way, Shaboozey will be mi-ine.

Hey, hey, hey.

[laughter]

Seriously, love, we're happy for you.

We know you've been hurting since you lost your husband.

I appreciate you both.

I think that because of all that loss before,

I'm afraid to jinx it.

We understand.

But just tell us before the wedding.

[laughter]

Well, if my vision board works out like I hope,

you will know sooner than you think.

Everyone will.

[song intro plays]

♪ ♪

Can we stop? Can we stop?

[music stops]

One more time from the top.

[song intro plays]

♪ You had me at hello with your smile♪

♪ Your charm and all your ways made me love your style♪

♪ I knew we could be more than friends♪

♪ That's what you made me think, but it was all pretend♪

-♪ How do you love someone and walk away?♪ -♪ Ooh♪

♪ To give him pieces of you like a game to play♪

♪ Thought I was shattered, thought I lost myself♪

♪ I'm taking my heart, my soul, my mind♪

-♪ Putting it back on the shelf♪ -♪ Feeling good♪

-♪ Feeling good♪ -♪ Alive♪

♪ Alive♪

♪ No matter what comes my way♪

♪ I will be all right♪

-♪ And I can't♪ -♪ No, I can't♪

-♪ Deny♪ -♪ Deny♪

-♪ Got to♪ -♪ Learn to be on my own♪

♪ I will be all right, listen to me♪

♪ Big girls don't cry♪

♪ Big girls don't lie♪

-♪ We don't ask why, we say bye-bye♪ -♪ Bye-bye♪

♪ I'm taking it one day at a time♪

♪ We're gonna be just fine♪

♪ We're gonna be, yeah, yeah♪

-♪ Feeling good♪ -♪ Feeling good♪

-♪ Alive♪ -♪ Alive♪

♪ No matter what comes my way, I will be all right♪

-♪ And I can't♪ -♪ No, I can't♪

-♪ Deny♪ -♪ Got to learn to be♪

♪ On my own, I will be all right, oh.♪

[cheering]

[laughter]

[whooping, cheering]

-[whooping] -So good!

Captioning sponsored by CBS

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