Original subtitles

How's Gran?

Oh, she's happily reading a book.

She practically pushed me out of the house to come to your aid.

What's going on?

I have a town hall coming up.

I know. It's been well-publicized.

You have an incredible campaign manager in Shonda.

She's, she's a powerhouse.

Yes, but...

Not to mention your husband,

who's an expert at asking the tough questions,

and therefore, he's adept

-at avoiding them. -Very true.

I assume Smitty's been prepping you.

He has.

So, where's the problem?

So, this carefully choreographed subterfuge

is a waste of time.

You really know what this is about.

Yeah, trying to keep me from worrying about your grandmother.

That was obviously a bad idea, yes.

Martin...

No matter where I am or what I'm doing,

my heart and my mind are with her.

Knock knock.

Tracy, I wasn't expecting you.

Well, I know how much you love surprises.

You're forgiven.

[both chuckle]

Mm, what was that? New jewelry?

Oh, no, the...

new hardware.

It's the chemo port the doctors put in.

Of course. Goes under the skin.

Mm. It makes me feel a little,

I don't know, bionic, but...

they say it's less wear and tear when they administer the chemo.

That's gotta hurt.

Eh, I hardly notice it now.

[chuckles]

Stop worrying, I'm fine.

How are you? Can I get you something?

Um, actually,

I'd like to spend a few minutes with an old friend.

Fierce woman. Name's Anita Williams.

You may have met her once upon a time.

? ?

About time.

I had my hands full.

Well, that's a loaded smile if I ever saw one.

What can I say? I'm a sucker for a pretty face.

Yeah. Why do I get the feeling

we're not talking about your wife?

We all can't walk the straight and narrow.

I'd be out of a job.

So would you.

What do you need?

That promise the chief of police made

to the mayor about cleaning up the streets.

Nothing more than lip service if you ask me.

I would prefer if the street cleaning

didn't happen in my neighborhood just yet,

so if there's any change in the status quo,

I'd like to know about it beforehand.

A deal's a deal.

No matter how many promises Elon makes the mayor,

I got your back.

Good to know.

To be safe, you may want to choose more

peaceful solutions when settling disputes.

That was a one-time thing.

Right.

And the long-term fling?

Doesn't even know you're the reason she's a widow.

Tonight, drinks are on me.

Commission just came in from my latest sale.

Congratulations.

Another score for you and your heartless boyfriend.

I beg your pardon?

Forgive me. That wasn't fair.

What's wrong?

You've barely cracked a smile since we got here.

Nicole, you're scaring me. What is it?

You know you can talk to me about anything.

I don't want to talk about this.

I want to talk about anything other than blood work

and labs and cancer

or the possibility that I have a gene

that will uproot my entire life.

Mmm.

This hits different- in a good way.

I'm glad you approve.

Look, anybody can bring the fireworks

and electricity and nonstop excitement.

Really? Anybody?

But it takes a true gentleman

who knows how to also bring the easygoing romance.

Surprising me with my favorite milkshake?

I got to admit, I'm liking it.

Good.

Look...

I know you said you wanted to keep it casual

between us, Eva, but...

I'm really, really feeling you.

In a way I never expected.

I've missed you.

Another nice surprise.

Am I doing too much? Does that scare you?

No.

Okay, yeah.

Sometimes I get in my head about it.

But in the spirit of all honesty,

you should know...

...that I miss you, too.

I don't see why you're so dead set

against doing the cotillion thing.

Because it's just another outdated,

elitist ritual I don't need in my life.

But if your father wants you to do it...

Then, that is reason enough to say no.

I don't know, Samantha's pretty geeked about it.

She wants to master etiquette,

and she wants to teach all her friends about it.

Well, yeah, that's because you guys haven't been

bombarded since birth with all of these

weird performative trappings of wealth.

It gets exhausting.

My great-grandmother started coaching Samantha

with some stuff, but...

but that was before we found out she was sick,

and I'm not sure we'll even have time

for all the meetings and classes now.

Well, at least that's one benefit

of your great-grandmother's diagnosis.

Remember what I said about etiquette?

Maybe you could use a class or two.

So the lady missed me.

-Maybe a little. -Probably a lot.

[both laugh]

After everything we did

Christmas and New Year's Eve...

I couldn't get you off my mind either.

-Stop. -No, I mean it.

You're gorgeous, smart, funny, so...

Man, you got my head all messed-up.

[chuckles]

All right, don't tell me you're shy all of a sudden.

It's the things you say.

What? You don't believe me?

Well, after thinking that

my father didn't want me for so long

and believing my mother's warped version of events

and fighting for my place here...

I guess it's weighed on my self-esteem over time.

Still figuring out who I am.

So you're sort of undefined.

You get to become anything you want,

and that's on top of already being

-the coolest chick I ever met. -[laughs]

You're such a hype man.

No, I'm a truth-teller, and I'm not letting up

until you believe every word for yourself.

Maybe you should worry about your own tangled love life

and not what's going on with me.

The minute that pretty widow starts wondering about

that tragic drunk driving accident...

She won't.

I got skin in this, too.

And whenever my retirement starts,

I'm not spending it behind bars.

You already took care of this, Marcel.

Don't second-guess yourself now.

The video footage of me and Doug the night he died?

Handled, erased.

Have a little faith.

Rule number one: trust no one.

Rinse and repeat.

It's dead and buried. All right?

Vanessa is a million times happier

than she ever was with that mess of a drunk.

She deserved better.

And now she has it.

So, what is next since you've been tested?

We wait, and that's it.

Can't you put a rush on it?

After all the time and money

your family's donated to that hospital?

This test looks at your genes in such detail,

it takes more time than a standard blood test.

A-And the labs are so backed-up right now,

people are waiting weeks for their results.

No, you're not some people.

Your name holds power.

Forget dangling the carrot, you need to grab the stick.

Tell them the Duprees will not donate another red cent

until you all have the answers you need.

Come on, Vanessa, that's not right.

[sighs]

Waiting has to be hell.

And the worst part is, we're actually the lucky ones.

I am really enjoying this tea.

Are you sure I can't get you something?

No, thanks, I'm fine.

So, you're starting chemo day after tomorrow?

That's the plan.

[sniffs] Mmm...

Rowena is making her signature berry crumble.

You should stay for dinner and join us.

She also makes a homemade whipped cream

that she plops on top.

It sounds delicious, but...

And you know, we should order some ice cream, too.

Do you still love mint chocolate chip?

Forget me.

Is going overboard on sweets a smart move for you

so close to starting chemo?

Does it really matter?

I am going to eat what I want and spend time with my friend.

Maybe we can ask Vernon

to take us to a club after dinner,

and tomorrow we can...

Anita, your whole life is turning upside down

and you're all about eating dessert and ice cream?

What's your point?

This diagnosis came out of nowhere.

You not only are facing your own mortality,

but you had to tell your whole family

that because of your faulty DNA,

they could be at death's doorstep with you.

You couldn't care less about wining and dining me

or stuffing your face with berry crumble.

Not when you're terrified and grief-stricken.

Well, that was an ugly thing to say.

I never mentioned one word about...

Feeling guilty?

Now, how can you not, having the gene

that could change your daughters' lives,

that could change their kids' lives?

Well... life-

you got to take the bitter with the sweet.

They also inherited my gene for creativity,

for music and fashion...

-But because of you... -Having the gene

does not necessarily mean you will get the disease.

And even that isn't a death sentence.

It just means more screenings and taking a little more care.

And living under the constant threat of...

I-I-I, I really don't know what the threat

to my future health and happiness is here.

I mean, is it the cancer or is it you?

I am your friend.

Well, when does the friendliness kick in?

You're taking this moment as an opportunity to, what,

kick me while I'm down?

That's not it.

I'm waiting on you.

Waiting on me for what?

To give me the look.

There was always a look you'd get when we were onstage.

Wrong key, standing in the wrong light,

or somebody forgot to wear a slip.

All it took was that one look,

and Sharon and I were right there,

had your back, doing what was necessary,

no matter how insane or difficult the task.

Well, I really don't know what you want from me.

I want you to wake up and see what's in front of you.

Months of difficult situations you've never had to navigate.

Times when you'll be too tired to ask for the help you need.

You need help, and we want to help you.

So stop pretending that this will be easy

and that you've got it all under control,

because the truth is,

you don't.

I can write a speech that changes people's minds,

moves them to fund a dream,

but I can't stop what's happening to the woman I love.

I know.

She's half my heart.

Her body's betraying her, and...

there's not a damn thing I can do to stop it.

You would tell me to focus on what I can control.

Which is?

I would appreciate your insight on my campaign.

We have a full slate of events leading up to MLK Day.

Proving that you have good instincts.

You don't need my help.

But you're going to give it to me anyway, right?

You're saying there's a difference in Anita

and your typical cancer patient.

True enough, but lucky?

Think about it, Vanessa. We have friends in high places.

Anita Dupree will get the best treatment

her no-holds-barred insurance and hefty bank account can buy.

But the people who don't have access

to the same physicians and care...

Aren't so fortunate.

Cancer is expensive.

There are the tests and prescriptions and the,

the price of the treatment

and the time it takes away from work.

Here goes my friend, thinking about others instead of herself.

Oh, I have definitely shed my share of tears

and had a few anxious moments since finding out the news,

mostly worrying about my children.

But even in all of that fear,

I can't forget how blessed we are.

I think about the people who don't have

our financial resources or-or a strong support system

or access to proper care.

Can you imagine how hopeless they must feel?

Sounds like you're going to do something about that.

While our family's foundation supports many medical charities,

we don't have any initiatives focused on cancer.

It's time we did.

You really are a saint.

Oh, if you think I'm being completely altruistic, I am not.

I have made what I know to be an irrational promise

to the universe that if my mother survives,

I'm gonna pay it forward.

You think that'll work?

I've got to do something to give myself hope.

Can I give you some unsolicited advice?

Always.

Do what I did so many nights after Doug died.

Sit in your car, turn up the radio, and scream.

Highly recommend.

Doesn't sound half bad.

I, uh, I should get going.

I'll give you 24 hours, and if I don't hear from you...

You will.

And you'll give Dani a hug for me?

I will.

-I love you. -So much.

[line ringing]

JOEY [over phone]: Hey.

Thank God you answered.

Are you all right?

Barely. Where are you?

At the casino. What's going on?

Uh, don't go anywhere. I need to see you.

I don't know what to do.

Is everything all right?

I have no idea.

I want you to start looking out for her.

Vanessa?

Sounds like that business partner with benefits

is becoming more than that.

Just do what I say

and stop worrying about the state of my relationship.

I want you to keep her safe.

In all seriousness, when I came back home,

I had some residual relationship trauma

and a past to live down.

I wasn't even sure I wanted to stay.

But you...

What did I do?

The impossible.

You turned me from a brokenhearted man

into someone who believes again.

Crazy how that can happen with the right person.

[chuckles] I know what you mean.

Like you slipped into this place

-that's been waiting for you. -Right.

Will you tell me when and if I start to take up too much space?

I promise...

to trust you with my vulnerabilities.

Same.

[squeals] Izaiah Hawthorne,

you are chipping away at my armor,

making me want to say things I usually keep to myself.

Good, because I'm all ears.

I mean it, Tyrell. I'm so sorry.

I must have sounded like a monster.

Of course it sucks that your grandmother has cancer.

It's not cool to play it off like it was nothing.

I know, what I should have said was that

she's so much more important than some stupid dance.

Samantha would say it's bigger than that,

it's a cotillion.

That no one would be paying attention to

if the Duprees weren't so deeply involved.

It's not just my family that's involved, it's...

Uh-uh, they are the most beloved,

so of course wannabes pay attention.

They are desperate to set up shop

and rub elbows with Black royalty

because all people ever care about is their own status.

We're not like that.

It's not just you, it's...

[sighs] I cannot wait

to just go to college with real people

from all sorts of backgrounds

who do not care about what my parents do

and think these debutante balls ended

in the Bridgertonera.

You don't have to dip to the other side of the country

to meet different people.

You, you can do that here.

Local vibe, global mindset.

Right?

Let's run through some scenarios for your town hall.

I'll be one of your constituents.

MARTIN: Hmm.

Okay, Mr. Constituent, state your business.

My business is my children.

They need better books for the schools,

higher wages for the teachers, more accountability, and...

Nothing is more important than education.

My own children attend public schools,

but schools are funded locally.

Just like a politician, dodging and weaving...

But I am very familiar with

the president of the school board.

-I can... -Of course you are.

The Duprees got friends and family everywhere.

Probably got handed that congressional seat

on a silver platter.

Sir, I was elected by the people to govern the people.

Nepotism is all I'm hearing.

I am proud to say that my grandfather,

Senator Vernon Dupree, taught me everything that I know.

Maybe Vernon Dupree should be a write-in

on the primary ballot, then, huh?

With all his experience and vision,

he's got to be itching for a comeback.

Only he can speak for himself.

Granddad.

What are you saying?

[chuckles]

-Joey. -You're okay. Hey...

It's okay, I got you. You're safe.

Just hold on to me.

Tell me what happened.

Did someone hurt you?

When you called, you were so shaken,

it scared the hell out of me.

I'm sorry. I, I don't even remember what I said.

Did you think I was in danger or something?

Vanessa, someone like me

tends to pick up enemies along the way.

That's why I'm always so concerned about us

being out in public.

It wasn't like that.

I-I shouldn't have left you hanging.

I was just so caught up in the moment, and...

all I wanted was to be with you.

Never apologize for leaning on me.

But I didn't mean to scare you.

My life isn't the one in jeopardy.

Well, I don't like the sound of that. How concerned should I be?

Very.

But this isn't about me.

It's Nicole.

Am I in the right house?

This feels like an ambush.

LAURA: Of love, if that's possible.

We heard about your mother.

We were thinking about pink roses

for the occasion, but...

These remind me of Anita more.

Full of joy, can't look at 'em without smiling.

Sunflowers, always searching for the light.

I love them, thank you.

Mm-hmm.

I told my church

there was a family who could use our prayers.

I hope I wasn't overstepping.

And here I was, trying to get through

the rest of the day without crying.

Ooh, then we probably shouldn't give her this.

Ladies.

Are you serious? There's no way.

Your favorite chef- she does house calls.

You just say the word, we'll make the call,

and she'll be here just for you.

You didn't have to do this.

We know you can feed yourself,

we know you can afford this.

We just wanted to do something nice for you

after all you've done for us.

You are about to be real busy taking care of everyone else.

We want to make sure you're taken care of, too.

I appreciate you more than you know.

We know. [chuckles]

Mount a political comeback

in the middle of my wife's battle with cancer?

[scoffs] Never.

Gran would love that.

Getting to watch the senator at work.

Well, there's nothing that'd make me happier

than seeing her smile.

Do you ever miss it? Being in office?

Ah...

I used to know how to make things happen.

I'd shake a few hands, trade favors,

write a speech, and, boom, things change for the better.

People's lives were improved.

And now?

Now I have to put my trust in

people who have powers greater than my own.

And there's not a blessed thing I can do but wait.

Well, if it means anything,

I'm a firm believer that Gran

will be with us for a long, long time to come.

It means the world.

And as much fun as I had

ribbing you today...

you've become an outstanding congressman.

And an even better man.

I'm so proud of you.

Thank you, Granddad. And the feeling is mutual.

Well, you certainly have a prodigious amount

of opinions for someone with no skin in the game.

I'm in this, too. We're family.

Are we? Are we even friends,

with what you just said to me?

Y-You're right.

You're sick. I...

should have used a...

a better approach.

See, that's just it.

I am just Anita. I am not a patient

until I walk in that hospital and start chemo.

Well, forgive me for trying to help you

get past this notion of forced strength.

Tracy.

One day you will come visit me...

and be ushered in by a nurse

or one of my grandchildren.

And when you see me, you'll think how tired she seems

or how weak she looks,

and you'll take my hand and you'll pray with me.

But today is not that day,

and my strength is not a facade.

Today I will breathe in the aroma

of Rowena's berry crumble that I am having for dessert.

Maybe I'll have seconds.

Today I will love up on my husband

and let him love up on me.

Today I will live for now.

Well, I just want to make sure that you are allowing yourself

to really feel the weight of this thing,

because once you do, you'll know how to fight.

And who are you to determine what that looks like?

Your results were benign, right?

Now, it could be me having some pie today

and combating nausea and fatigue tomorrow.

It could be choosing not to wear pink

or ribbons or doing walks.

How I fight this is my decision and mine alone.

I hear you.

Make no mistake.

I will fight this

however I see fit.

I didn't even know how to process it.

TheAnita Dupree with breast cancer? Nicole?

That's really bad news about your friend.

Listen, I have a very complicated relationship

with the Duprees...

but that's a diagnosis

you wouldn't want to wish on your worst enemy.

The added layer of the gene testing,

-it's like they're... -It's like they're waiting

for the other shoe to drop.

Exactly.

What kind of purgatory is that? I...

I did my best to keep it together in front of Nicole,

but I just hate this for them.

If something happens to Anita...

if Nicole or Dani have the gene...

They are good people, they don't deserve this.

Unfortunately, sometimes bad things happen to good people.

You know that better than anyone.

So do you.

Yeah, but in my case, people would say

that sometimes good things happen to bad people.

Those people are wrong to think that.

You're a good friend to those women.

They're lucky to have you in their corner.

So am I.

You don't want to see who I am without Dani and Nicole,

trust me.

They're my closest friends. I...

I have to do more. I have to do something.

Well, take it from a control freak.

This is one situation that's out of your hands.

But not out of yours.

Well, if you think there's something I can do, I will.

What do you need?

You could take Leslie up on her offer about the clinic.

Do you remember the day we met?

-How could I not? -Was it a job interview?

I had gone to the playground with Kat

so that she could burn out some energy

and I could get some work done in peace.

I took my eyes off of her for one minute.

I was having the worst day of my life and thought

I'd go to the park and rage-walk it off.

All of a sudden, this tiny fireball

comes running out of the playground

straight for the parking lot.

Next thing I know, she's telling this person,

"Come meet my mother so that we're no longer strangers

and we can play together."

-Aw. -Fast friends.

Typical Kat. Rambunctious, brave, and friendly.

All the things I wasn't feeling that day.

I'd just lost my best friend in a car accident.

Didn't have anybody to talk to about it

until Nicole took a good look at me

and asked how I was doing.

It spilled out like waterfalls.

Turns out, I was the one mother on the playground

who was perfectly trained to help.

MONA: I dropped by the hospital a week later

with flowers to thank her

and learned that she was looking for a house manager.

I didn't have any experience... [chuckles]

but knew I liked her,

and I could tell she could really use the help.

We said we would figure it out together.

Which is what you did.

So guess what we're going to do now.

Jessica, you remember my Aunt Eva.

-Yeah, we met at pizza night. -Hey.

And this is Izaiah, he works at Banneker.

JESSICA: Nice to meet you.

Izaiah, could you explain to Jessica, not everyone

that goes to Banneker is from the one percent?

He's right.

I think we got at least one prince

and a couple of princesses enrolled.

You're not helping the situation here.

What he means to say...

We have students from all economic backgrounds,

first generation to legacy kids.

If a worthy student wants to attend our university,

we find ways to help.

See? Diverse in every way.

You could probably attend all four years

without anyone mentioning a cotillion.

Oh, Samantha said something about a cotillion

during Martin's tree-trimming party?

That sounds elegant.

See? She grew up a normal person

and never went to a debutante ball.

Well, I probably would have if someone had asked.

Hmm, proving my point. This is a gatekeeping event.

It's just another way to keep these outsiders out.

I want to forge my own path.

So do I.

Well, good. Because I'd hate to see you

turn into one of those stuffed shirts at the country club.

Yeah, I could never be one of those guys.

I'm my own man.

I misjudged the situation.

You're damn right you did.

This is my life, my family, and our future.

You still got that fight in you.

We have lived behind these big, beautiful gates

that were supposed to protect us,

keep us protected from God knows what,

but not everyone can be shielded from everything.

Nobody.

Now this thing that is trying to destroy us

is inside these gates, in this house, inside of me.

And now I have to destroy a part of myself so I can live.

And you coming up in here,

wanting to blame me

for trying to escape that reality for just one day?

I was just trying to find some peace before the storm hits.

-I'm sorry. -Oh, you're sorry?

Well, who's going to say sorry to my grandchildren

for the weddings I might miss?

For the graduations and the dances

and the birthdays that I might not see?

Who's going to hug my babies and sing to them when they need it?

I-I want more, damn it.

I want to see Naomi shake up the Supreme Court.

I want to see ChelseaKat on runways in Milan.

I want more evenings with my girls.

I want to see my grandbabies graduate

standing next to Martin and Smitty.

I want more grandbabies.

The azaleas in the garden,

moonlight walks with Vernon,

tours with you and Sharon. I want it all.

-I want it all, damn it! -[cup shatters]

Jessica and Tyrell make a cute couple, don't they?

They're no Izaiah and Eva.

Eva and Izaiah, you mean.

So she agrees.

"Cute" has an age limit.

Cute has a curfew

and a chaperone and sweaty palms.

[both laugh]

Right.

And Eva and Izaiah are grown-ass adults.

With their own apartments and all the privacy they need?

Ooh, listen to you, inviting me over

when this is supposed to be a wholesome date.

I don't know what you had in mind...

but I'm thinking cards.

You play spades?

And we've gone from teens to auntie and unc.

Well, I can bring some flavor.

I hear strip spades is all the rage right now.

Mm...

-? Maybe it's you? -? Maybe it's you.?

You know, giving away freebies isn't really my thing.

Kind of goes against the whole casino kingpin persona.

Now, I know we've talked about this before,

but the circumstances have changed.

Vanessa, I appreciate your concern for your friends,

but whatever challenges Anita and Nicole and Dani are facing,

a-a free clinic isn't even equipped to deal with that.

Besides, we're talking about the Duprees.

They can afford the best health care money can buy.

And Nicole and I even talked about how lucky they are

to have such top-notch care at their disposal.

Well, then you see my point.

But you putting some good out into the world could

still go a long way in helping to balance the scales.

Oh, if it were only that easy.

I believe it could be.

Good people doing great things

for those in need.

Seriously, think of all the lives

we could help save, the lives we could honor.

And I'm not only talking about

Dani or Nicole or any other Dupree.

Doug...

Uh, well, I...

I don't see the connection.

Doug wanted to work with volunteer groups

like Doctors Without Borders, but he never got the chance.

The clinic could be a tribute

to the man he used to be before...

this happened to him.

Well...

...if this clinic really means that much to you...

...how can I say no?

You mean it?

God.

Let's set a meeting with Ms. Thomas.

This will be good, Joey.

You won't regret it.

I have learned so much from you both,

and I am so grateful to be a part of your lives.

After the way you took care of me

during all those weeks in the hospital...

You saved her job while she was healing.

Nicole, you gave me hope.

I want that for you, too.

We're going to get through this no matter what the tests say.

That is the plan.

MARTIN: How was Jessica?

Good.

Great, but

she still thinks that UCLA is the best fit for her.

And what do you think?

I'm just trying to understand where we're going.

We had a good time together,

but then on the walk home I started feeling...

...wrong.

About what?

I'm spending all this time worrying about

what's the best college and trying to forge my own path,

and Great-Gran has cancer.

It-it all feels so...

trivial.

Sickness tends to put things in perspective.

And since you guys are all worried about

inheriting that gene...

And you're lucky enough to be excluded from that.

Look, the last thing your great-grandmother wants

is for you to be sad about this or about her.

She wants you out there having fun,

laughing with friends, making her proud.

-Yeah, but... -No buts.

You don't get extra points for being miserable.

Your gran is going to get some of the best care.

And while that happens, I'll be taking care of you.

Yeah?

Yes, because we are Team Dupree.

We bring the party, the fun,

the light, and the distraction when she needs it.

So it's full-throttle happiness.

-You in? -Sure.

All right.

I am so sorry. I have no idea what just happened.

A broken cup can be replaced. You can't.

Took you long enough.

Excuse me?

I was concerned you were repressing your emotions,

trying to put on a brave face.

I didn't know how you really felt.

Foolish of me to think

you didn't have it under control.

Very.

I think what Tracy meant was that

you don't need to protect us

or shield your feelings.

This isn't something that's happening just to you.

It's happening to all of us.

Because we love you.

Cancer is a bully.

It'll take everything you've got.

And I needed to see my Cabrini-Green girl peek through.

Be careful what you wish for.

We're going to beat this thing.

Yes. Yes, we are.

And you don't have to hold back from me.

Ever.

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