Original subtitles

[door closes]

MARTIN: Hey.

You're just getting home now?

All this time, I thought you were upstairs

asleep in the guest room.

I told you I'd be working late.

Late is one thing, but all night?

Hey, you don't have to worry.

I wasn't out there alone.

[sighs]

Uh-oh. I better get a bigger cup.

Yeah, I pulled an all-nighter.

I've pulled a few of those,

but not 'cause I was protecting the streets.

More like protecting my stuff.

Glad guys like you are out there doing the good work.

Amen to that.

Hi, June. How are you?

I'm good. I'll get you a cup of coffee.

Thank you.

I know you can't share any details

on the case you're working.

That's right.

I can't. But I'm being careful.

And I meant that.

Okay.

Well, what's on your schedule for the rest of the day?

Besides drowning in coffee.

Well, I got to meet Pops and brief him on the case.

And hopefully some damn shut-eye after that.

How about you?

I'm headed to the hospital to do research

on preventative cancer treatments.

Why?

You tested negative for the variant.

Did you sleep well, my love?

Mm. Oh, I slept like a rock.

'Cause I had my soulmate wrapped in my arms.

Now, why don't you go back to bed?

Is there a reason you want me back in bed?

Oh, I was planning to make you breakfast.

A Southwest frittata, guaranteed energy boost.

-I know it's a little spicy, but... -Vernon, you know what?

You know what?

Just forget it. Forget it.

Why don't you just... why don't you just go someplace else?

Now.

? ?

Morning, Mom.

Thought you might need an extra jolt.

Thank you, sweetie, but I am already in attack mode,

and this time your intuition is off.

Mm. You've got jokes this morning.

Because what I saw last night wasn't funny at all.

What did you see?

You at Uptown, hanging out of a dress

and hanging onto a man that wasn't Carlton.

Table for one. I am starving.

Absolutely. Let me get that set for you.

-Thank you. -TED: That's correct. Roses.

Three dozen in total.

Two dozen to the first address and the remainder to the second.

And c-could you read back the message card

on the first order for me?

Mm, mm.

Could you change the last line to...

"It's beautiful to know surprise is still possible"?

Thank you. Thank you.

[sighs]

Dana.

Very impressive, being two weeks ahead of schedule.

I have no idea what you're talking about.

Valentine's Day.

You got those roses on lock.

I love that you're making sure that Eva and I feel like queens.

[sighs]

I remember when you sent me a dozen roses

for the first time.

It was right after we made love.

-[chuckles] -Mm.

I couldn't believe how vibrant,

how luscious those roses were.

Dana, I'm sorry, but the roses aren't for Eva or for you.

Oh.

They're for Shanice.

So you are sleeping with Nurse Nosy.

Our relationship has, uh, gone to the next level.

Hmm.

I guess Miss Niecy's bedside manner

must be out of sight for her to get all that.

I'm not gonna discuss intimate details

of my sex life with you, Dana.

And don't you dare go after Shanice like you did yesterday.

If you're committed to forging our friendship,

then you're just gonna have to accept that I'm dating her. Hmm?

Well, I'm happy for you,

my friend,

that you found someone who brings out the romantic in you.

Hmm. I-I'm sure you'll find

someone who makes you feel special.

Oh, honey, please. Don't worry about little old me.

I got that on lock.

Yeah, see, I have to rent out a suite

for all the flowers that man sends me.

Mm.

I have that table set and ready for you.

Cancel that table.

I have a sudden urge

for a dish best served hot.

Hello, Shanice.

What is new in your world?

Where should I start?

It seems like you and Ted were in a groove

at the club the other night.

Yeah.

We kind of hit that place where it's just deep and easy.

I couldn't help noticing you and Nicole didn't stay long.

Was there something wrong with the food?

Uh, no.

No, we skipped dinner and decided to have dessert.

Did you, now? Fantastic.

Did you and Ted have dessert?

We did.

Hmm.

Sounds like we're satisfied all around.

Some of us are very satisfied.

I didn't see you at Uptown, Kat.

Maybe because you were laser focused

on Sexy Doctor of the Traveling Pants.

-Don't be rude. -I checked out his socials.

Social media isn't the only way to get to know someone.

Maybe, but you completely switched up your look

for His Hotness.

Tomas and I had front row seats to the launch.

Tell me...

what would you call that dress?

"Ho Chic"?

Dr. Dupree, tell us,

who were you barely wearing?

Why are you grilling me about changing my hair

and wearing a nice dress?

Why can't I mix things up?

Ted looks like a completely different person

since our marriage blew up.

I thought you were with Carlton.

Well, maybe new fits aren't the only thing I'm trying on.

Oh, Mom, I do not need to know about your sex life.

How far back do your shameful feelings about sex go?

It is completely normal to be creeped out

talking about your parents' sex lives.

Well, I am not going to put my new wardrobe

in the back of the closet because it embarrasses you,

nor am I going to allow my daughter to sex-shame me.

After all, how do you think you got here?

Uh-uh.

Enjoy your coffee.

[sighs]

Why don't I go into the library if you need some space?

Better yet, how about leaving the house altogether?

I'm worried about you collapsing again.

I have had enough water.

And if you voice any more concerns

-or questions, I... -I get it.

I get it. I've been hovering.

Like a starving mosquito.

Sweetheart, I appreciate your support,

but I-I really need some alone time, and so do you.

Why would I need alone time?

To think about something other than me.

For example, Banneker's semester has already started.

You'll usually have several lectures already booked,

but have you given any?

No, my love, I haven't.

You see, I don't want you

putting your life on hold because of me.

I'd rather hear about the latest political thriller

you've just read and how the author got it all wrong

rather than some cancer research from a website.

All I'm saying is...

...I just want to forget about cancer

for a few hours, if possible.

You know I'd do anything for you.

Including...

leave your side.

Thank you.

Temporarily.

Who were you out with all night?

[sighs]

I'm working with someone on the story I'm chasing.

I understand journalistic integrity,

but does this story involve anyone I work with

on Capitol Hill or in my district?

Because if it does, it could affect my campaign,

and I need to give Shonda a heads-up.

I'm just speculating, but if I do my job right,

this could end up benefiting your campaign.

How?

Uhp-

Never mind. I won't dig.

That's your job, and you're damn good at it.

Thank you, husband.

This story, it deserves to see the light of day.

Promise me you'll be safe.

I promise you that I won't take any unnecessary risks.

That's not the same thing.

[phone chimes]

Pops is around the corner.

Oh, then I'll head out, let you men get down to business.

Wait, you never said why you're doing research.

Oh, it's not important right now.

I don't want to be the thing

that takes your head out of this gig.

Naomi, it's cool. Just talk to me.

Well, I'm gathering information

to help my mom make an informed decision about her options.

Dani's lucky to have a daughter who always

thinks about what's best for her.

It's what families do, right?

-It's what the good ones do. -[chuckles]

-Bye, baby. -Bye.

? ?

Is everything okay with Naomi?

Yeah. Why do you ask?

I don't know.

She's usually pretty talkative with me.

Social, you know?

But today, she wasn't.

Don't take it personally. She has a lot on her mind.

Mm. Uh, coffee?

-No, thanks. -All right.

So how did last night go?

It went good. Got some intel from my source.

-Who is? -A courier.

I was able to make contact with his point person, his boss.

Okay. Name?

Ren.

No street name?

What do you know?

I got a tip that someone named

The Impaler is... is running this.

And you didn't read me in?

I had to verify.

Listen, if you get intro'd to that guy,

don't flinch or hesitate or act like you're meeting a suspect.

You got it?

Breaking character, even slightly, could be fatal.

Okay.

Maybe we should pull you out now.

-When I've barely gotten started? -Barely is correct.

Why do I know who's calling the shots and you don't?

All the hours we put in this, and you got jack.

I'm inside the organization.

This is blood trafficking.

You think they're gonna talk about who's in charge

with someone they just met?

Nah, you're moving too slow.

This red market ring needs to be shut down,

not just pushed further underground.

Which is exactly why I have to take my time.

This isn't a march, it's a dance.

Well, you better get to steppin', twinkle toes.

This department doesn't have unlimited time or resources.

I'm aware.

Now, how about you tell me the real reason

why you're leaning on me like this?

[construction noise in distance]

[Kat groans]

I cannot believe we've gotten through

the first quarter of the 21st century

and no one has figured out how to solve noise pollution.

Oh, I have.

Then what's all that racket?

Just give it a moment.

See, when it starts,

I have Rowena take over a basket of food,

and the crew takes a much longer break.

[construction noise stops]

There.

Works like a charm.

But you're very amped up this morning.

Not a kiss, not a hug,

and I know we're protecting my immune system,

but not even a "Hello, Gran"?

Are you all right, Katherine?

Hello, my beautiful Gran, whom I love and adore.

That's much better.

Now, this agitation has been brought on by...

Mom. You have got to do something about her.

She's not acting like herself.

-In what way? -She's got completely new drip.

Uh, clothes and-and her hair.

It's-it's like she's trying to be sexy.

Well, that's a good thing, isn't it?

She's going out with a different man every night.

I mean, do you know why she's acting all video vixen?

Well, if I were to speculate, I'd say my diagnosis

and the ripple effect of all the testing

might have something to do with it.

But other members of this family are acting out of character.

Your grandfather, for example, is being so solicitous,

I could slap him upside the head.

Who else has been acting out of character?

You.

Now, I appreciate that you're not all up in arms

about your half sister today,

but not a word about Tomas?

And for a new business,

ChelseaKat is doing extremely well.

You should be leading with that every chance you get.

But you're focused on your mother?

Is that weird?

Okay. Maybe that is unlike me.

But she's not acting like herself, and I'm worried.

Your mother has always been, and always will be,

level-headed.

It's just who she is.

But that doesn't preclude her from wanting to have

a little fun every now and then.

I mean, you wouldn't begrudge her that, would you?

Hey, Shanice, I was wondering if

I could get your expert opinion on something.

Uh, yes. I have been dying to get into

the expert witness biz.

I heard they make bank.

Okay, I will keep that in mind for future cases,

but this is actually, um, personal.

Oh. Then shoot.

Well, I've been exploring some options for my mom.

Since she tested positive for the BRCA gene variant,

she may want to take some preventative measures,

and the genetic counselor gave me a list of specialists.

Oh, yeah? What kind?

Um...

oncology, plastic surgery, nutrition and some others.

But I haven't gotten a chance to look at it too closely.

I was wondering if you could give me your take

-on some of these doctors. -Yeah.

Looking pretty fine there, Leslie.

You can't be sick.

Well, you are looking fine yourself.

The woman in your life must have excellent taste.

She does.

Isn't your mother on a different floor now?

She is,

but a couple of her doctors have offices on this ward.

[clears throat] Why are you here?

Work. I had to question a witness.

But I'm about to go have a late breakfast.

You want to join me?

You know what?

I'd love to join you for breakfast.

[elevator bell dings, doors open]

Oh, shoot.

I, uh... I need to track down, uh,

Peaches's doctor again.

I forgot to ask him something, so go ahead, enjoy breakfast,

and I'll call you later.

Later.

[chuckles]

Those roses are gorgeous.

So, which lucky patient gets them?

They're for a Shanice Johnson.

[Leslie chuckles]

[knock on door]

Knock, knock.

Carlton. Hello.

Not too busy?

For you? I don't think so.

I was wondering if you were free for dinner tonight.

I feel like I owe you a feast

since we didn't eat much on our last date.

I didn't mind missing a meal at the club,

especially for such a delectable reason.

Mm. It was a real picnic for me.

[laughs] I would love to have a meal with you tonight.

Hmm. Wonderful.

Also, I have another ask.

What's that?

My niece's birthday is coming up and my parents have decided

to make it a destination party, March 6th to 8th.

You interested in being my date?

I'm just... I'm not ready for a commitment like that yet.

I hope you're not upset.

Why would I be?

And now that you mention it,

that did come across a little overeager.

I wouldn't put it like that.

You're being kind.

And just so you know, I'm not pushing things.

Since you're a planner, I wanted to give you

enough notice just in case it was a yes.

Well, you are on my calendar for tonight,

and I certainly hope to add more dates, but right now,

I would prefer to go day to day, not month to month.

I can be down with that.

I'll text you details for tonight.

I'm looking forward.

I wonder if you're having this reaction

because your mother has started to date.

No. I want her to be happy.

If that's with a new man, fine.

But several different men?

That's where I have a problem.

Every saint has a past, you know.

And Nicole was...

she had a life before she was a mother.

She had other passions, even other partners.

Oh, Gran.

Maybe she's just making up for lost time.

And, if so, I, for one, am happy

that she is tapping into that side of herself

that she has pushed aside for so long.

I guess you're right.

I understand your concern.

So, if it'll put your mind at ease,

I will touch base.

Talk some sense into her, will you?

Yes, I will.

-Thanks, Gran. -[Anita chuckles]

I got to go. [kisses]

[kisses]

[door closes]

Hi, darling.

I-I'm fine.

I need to have a serious discussion with you.

I waited for the right time

to meet the perfect man and build a family.

I am not going to do anything to jeopardize that.

I'm glad to hear it.

Because there's no story worth more

than what we have here at home.

[cell phone chimes]

Oh.

It's Granddad.

He wants to talk about the campaign,

-but I can meet him later. -Mm.

I'm really tempted, but...

truth is, I'm wiped.

You should go.

Okay. Mwah.

[sighs]

[sighs]

[sighs]

Granddad, I was so glad to get your text.

I need to talk strategy about my campaign.

Good, good.

Just let me know if I'm too eager.

[scoffs] Never.

I was talking to Shonda, and you would be pleased to know

she's on board about me going door-to-door.

Real face time with constituents

can make a world of difference at the polls.

I'm glad she's guiding you in that way.

Your mouth is saying words,

but your body language is saying something different.

Oh, no, no, no, no.

I'm listening. Go on.

[chuckles]

I remember that one speech you were giving

at Fairmont Crest Garden Club

-a few years back. -Mm.

You gave it your all,

but I could tell something was on your mind.

And then when I called you out, you confessed

that you were preoccupied because Gran was coming back

from a trip and you wanted to see her.

So tell me now, what are you thinking?

You're very perceptive.

I am.

And if Gran's diagnosis and treatment

is weighing on you...

lay it on me.

She kicked me out of the house.

LESLIE: I remember the day

Ted bought me roses, sent them to me.

Mm.

That date is etched in my mind

after all these years because it was the day after we...

Oh, my goodness.

[laughs]

Ooh, flashback.

[shudders]

Ooh, girl, I almost forgot where I was.

Hey, Niecy.

-[fingernails tap] -Psst.

Hey.

Maybe you should put one of those roses

in a scrapbook to preserve the memory.

Lord knows, honey, I have a whole cabinet full.

[chuckles]

Au revoir.

[elevator bell dings]

[indistinct announcement over P.A.]

Oh, what lovely flowers.

They are gorgeous.

I remember when Ted sent me a single red rose after...

Well, a milestone in our relationship.

Whoever received these must be very special to the sender.

-You know, son... -Detective.

Detective.

You're way too cocky

for a detective working his first undercover case.

I'm not cocky. I'm confident.

Look, I put in the work.

I spent years in the department helping

the U.S. Attorney's Office put away plenty of criminals.

Cops, detectives, lawyers, they all respect me.

-Mm-hmm. -They say I play it straight.

Yeah, you were a good beat cop.

But having success on the street

doesn't automatically make you a great detective.

You know, when you have nothing else to prove

to me or anyone else...

...that's when you'll be great.

Ah, well, if it isn't my favorite customer.

Oh, you probably say that to all the fellas.

-Only the nice ones. [chuckles] -Ah.

Let me guess. Peach cobbler to go?

You know me too well.

-Mm-hmm. -Mm-hmm.

[June chuckles]

-Hey, sweetheart. -Mm-hmm.

Thank you for keeping Shanice company last night

when I had to leave.

No worries.

I like Shanice. She has good energy.

She does.

And bonus, she's not Leslie.

-Mm. -Mm-hmm.

I'm looking forward to getting to know her better.

That makes me happy.

Although I do wish you felt that way about

all the women in my life.

Really, Dad?

You're gonna ruin this moment with Eva?

No. I don't want to argue.

-Here you go. -Ah.

-Mm-hmm. Thank you. -Mm-hmm.

-You keep the change. -Oh.

-And I will see you later, Kat. -M'kay.

-Mwah. -Bye.

Mm, sit anywhere you like, honey.

Mm-hmm.

All right, ready to order?

Is there a time machine on the menu?

Because I'd love to hit a switch

and stop my family from letting the cuckoo out of the clock.

You want to talk about it?

[sighs]

My dad keeps pushing his devil spawn on me

even though he knows I don't want her in my business,

and certainly not using

my family's medical crisis as a way in.

And on top of that,

I don't like how my mother is parading around the DMV

in her bad girl couture with a different man every night.

Mm. That is a lot.

-Right? -A lot of "I's."

Maybe the problem is you.

How can I not have anything to prove

when I basically had to beg you to go

undercover on a case that I brought you?

I'm starting to think Izaiah's right.

You'll never approve of anything your sons do.

I'll take care of the check.

And don't worry, I won't put it on my expense account.

Stake Dracula yet?

You deposit a payoff today?

Why is Hotshot Hawthorne so twisted?

His red market sting not going so well?

I'm reconsidering my decision to assign my son this case.

I got a tip that a guy named The Impaler

is heading up this whole operation.

You got a tip? And not Jacob?

No wonder he's so wound up. What else have you heard?

That this guy have a reputation

for striking first and thinking last.

Damn, I wish you would've took the lead on this one.

Well, it makes you feel any better,

word around the station is Jacob's up for the challenge.

Yep. And I'll do you a solid, if it's okay with the kid.

Do some investigating and push this thing along?

And run the risk of him blowing his cover?

No way.

Then what are you offering?

I'll keep my ears open.

If I hear anything about this red market or this Impaler,

I'll pass it on to the kid.

I appreciate that.

I know you won't be around much longer

to mentor the young guns.

Yeah, Joey willing,

I'll be on the Sheila, sailing out to the sunset

soon as I'm able.

Sorry, I had to drop a truth bomb and dip.

Uh, did you... did you happen to hear

what those cops were talking about?

Who cares? They're cops.

I want to tell you a story about family.

Is that okay?

Sure.

Your parents are always gonna be

in your business and trying to tell you

to do things that you don't want to do.

Suck it up, move on,

because you never know when the big man

is dialing their numbers.

[inhales sharply] Now, sisters are a whole other category

all to themselves.

My sister Regina resented me something awful

for abandoning my kids.

We didn't talk or see each other for years.

But when we reconnected

and she eventually said that I did the right thing,

it was like a weight was lifted off of my heart.

Push come to shove, Regina will be there for me,

and I will be there for her, too.

Now, I know you hate it that your sister's

trying to be a part of your life,

but there may come a day where you may need her.

Don't you slam that door so hard

that you can't never open it again.

The biscuits are on me today.

? ?

[phone vibrating]

Hi, honey. How'd the debriefing go?

It could have been better.

What happened?

I was pretty pumped about the progress I've made,

but Pops made sure to put me in my place.

It's like I'm in this endless loop of having to prove myself.

Every day, I have to show him that I have the skills

to do my job.

That must feel horrible.

I'm sorry you have to go through that.

Yeah, but I'm done venting.

I'm at the club now,

about to get in a quick workout and sweat it out.

Jacob, come on. You need to rest.

No.

I need to stay awake and ready.

To reassume the undercover persona.

Are you gonna be working overnight again?

Uh, I'm not sure.

Look, how's your fact-finding mission going?

Good. Yeah, I'm, um, narrowing down the options.

When that beautiful woman went down,

the strongest woman I've ever known,

I was stricken.

Anybody would be, Granddad.

I'm just glad that she's all right.

I have to tell you, I thought she'd...

...met her maker.

And it was the worst pain I've felt in my life.

If anything like that happened to Smitty, I...

Wait.

I still don't understand.

Why did she kick you out of the house?

I may have gone overboard with the cancer research.

And as her caregiver.

Well, you've always taken your various roles pretty seriously.

Yes. [chuckles]

But Anita's had enough.

She needs time to herself.

I know it's hard for you being away from Gran,

but it's big of you to give her the space that she wants.

Grandson, I want to be strong for her.

Strong in front of her.

But, by God, it takes a toll.

And if any time you need to talk, cry

or just ball your fist up at God,

come to me.

Because you have always been my rock throughout the years.

Let me spot you this time.

Mother, I'm here.

Oh.

I have to admit, I was looking forward

to seeing a less tame version of you.

If memory serves, you have worn quite a few outfits

that caused a stir.

Uh, that, uh, beaded crop top

with the matching capri pants you wore on Solid Gold

-comes to mind. -[chuckles]

It's in the archives if you'd like to borrow it.

I will keep that in mind.

But seriously, Mother, there is nothing to be concerned about.

I'm just trying a new look, shaking things up.

It is not like I had a personality transplant.

I see nothing wrong with you exploring your wild side,

as long as you get it out of your system

sooner rather than later.

Why is that?

Because I need you focused and ready to step in

as the matriarch of this family if the worst should happen.

The C-note is yours, honey. Thanks for helping a sister out.

Ciao.

[chuckles]

[sighs]

Gossip Nurse may be your new drug, but...

...I'm the medicine that's been in your bloodstream for years.

[sighs]

Mm-mm.

Yes.

Voil�.

Well, you know what they say

about adding a new medication to your routine.

If you find yourself experiencing

unpleasant symptoms, stop taking it.

[chuckles]

And when you come back to me, Teddy-Poo...

...all Nurse Niecy will have is dead roses.

[indistinct announcement over P.A.]

Peach cobbler?

-Our favorite. -Hmm.

Is cobbler something you do for all your boos?

What do you mean?

Like you do roses.

I heard from Leslie, then overheard from Nicole,

that roses is your signature move

after hitting the sheets for the first time.

I...

-I... -Don't sweat it.

I like the flowers.

And I'm flattered that I got the most.

I would give you a kiss for every single rose,

but, you know, workplace rules and all that.

Plus, there are some major gossips up in here.

Hmm, well, game recognizes game.

What are you doing after your shift?

I could, um...

take you out of here, you can give me

all the kisses you want.

Hmm.

I think I'm free tonight.

-Yeah? -All night.

Mm.

I'm glad you caught me before my workout.

You look as tired as I feel.

I tried to take a nap, but I couldn't turn my brain off.

It's the ailment of any good investigator.

I got some new information from my pops.

But you first. What'd you have to tell me?

So, I was around the corner

when you met with the courier and his boss,

and I heard them talking, and it was something

-the boss said. He said... -Wait a minute.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait. What?

How could you be so reckless?

Smitty, I told you to wait in the car

and be a lookout away from any conversations.

I couldn't help myself.

I just wanted to be close to the action.

You can't skulk around in the dark

while I'm trying to get in with the syndicate.

What if you blew my cover? Then what?

All of this would've been for nothing.

[indistinct chatter]

I can't believe you let me go on about clothes

when you're dealing with the aftermath

of a medical emergency.

Well, I feel fine now.

-Thanks to Ted. -Indeed.

He got me back on my feet and feeling like myself again.

So why the doom and gloom about something

that isn't going to happen?

I don't want to hear magical thinking.

You kids do way too much of that when it comes to me.

No one lives forever.

We need to be realistic.

That's why I sent your daddy away from the house for a while.

I can't make plans for the family's future

without upsetting him.

I am putting together a binder

with all of the information, so it'll be a easy transition.

I want to leave you something you can hold in your hands.

My own words, written in my own handwriting.

You're so incredibly thoughtful.

So you'll do what's necessary?

Yes, but only if it becomes necessary.

We're not there yet, and we may not be.

You have made me so very, very proud.

I wish I could hug you.

Hug me. [chuckles]

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