Original subtitles

So, who is the lucky boy?

Who?

The young man who's escorting you to the cotillion.

Of course, Jessica, you're all set.

Yes, ma'am.

Tyrell's dads are taking him tux shopping this week.

I don't know who my escort will be.

Bad Bunny is unavail, so...

Yes, Benito Antonio is doing his world tour.

You know Bad Bunny by his real name?

-Great-Gran knows everyone. -Hmm.

You noticed everyone staring?

Eh. Let them stare.

Women have been cutting their hair

and shaking things up for forever.

A century ago, F. Scott Fitzgerald

wrote a story about a girl getting a bob

and shaking up her whole world.

We read that short story in English class.

Oh, I saw how a show in the 2000s got canceled

'cause the main girl cut her hair.

The more things change.

They're buzzing because you look amazing.

You do.

Thank you.

But I am more concerned about how Samantha is going to look

arriving at her debut stag.

SAMANTHA: Um...

What's "stag"?

Alone. Dateless.

Which, ordinarily, would be fine,

but cotillion isn't ordinary.

Now, I'm sure you must have narrowed it down

to a few choices.

And please note, an escort does not have to be a love match

or any kind of bunny.

Or have a name that starts with N.

Oh, please. Nathan's not even a blip.

ANITA: Well, I don't mean to rush you, sweetheart,

but the young man is gonna need time

to have his tux fitted and learn the dances.

The clock is ticking, my little deb.

What is it this time?

-What's what? -Oh, I know the game.

Mm-hmm. Stopping by with a book you forgot to return?

Borrowing sugar?

All to check on your grandmother.

I'd deny it, but you would see right through me.

-Hmm. -How is she?

Up to her long gloves in debutante planning at the club,

with your daughter and Jessica.

I knew they were supposed to have dinner,

but I thought it would be over by now.

Samantha's really excited on every level about the cotillion.

Well, your grandmother's happy to offer her guidance,

and to have the distraction.

And, actually,

I was hoping to have some alone time with you.

♪ ♪

Nicole.

Damn. You look incredible.

And you do clean up, well, Dr. Rollins.

Shall we move this?

Anywhere you want.

I was thinking a booth.

That works, too.

After you.

Welcome to my humble abode.

At last.

I thought you could use a home-cooked meal.

And out of the blue,

you invited me to your place after months together.

Ah, you suspect an ulterior motive.

You think I'm shaken up over that client's irate husband.

-Well... -I could've handled myself

even if Randy hadn't run interference.

So you've said.

But you don't seem to believe me.

I'm a woman in the world, Joey.

I know how to lock up, stay sharp

and make it hurt if I'm pushed.

Dangerous Vanessa.

I like that about you.

And I like you ready to be my dark knight,

and that I've finally been welcomed into your castle,

for whatever reason.

You know, if I thought that...

...loser husband was a real threat...

...he wouldn't be anymore.

And I wouldn't have to distract you with a meal.

Okay, you win.

Feed me.

First things first.

You're the expert on houses, so go ahead.

Be brutal.

It's exquisite.

And surprising.

What'd you expect-- Dogs Playing Poker?

Sinatra painted on velvet?

Maybe a blackjack table

like the one we've put to such good use at the casino?

I wouldn't knock any of the above,

especially our table.

It's warm.

Which some people might not expect in your home, but...

I know you're not afraid of sentiment.

It's masculine, of course, because you're you.

Sophisticated, as I figured,

and thankfully, less modern than most guys usually go for.

What it is is exactly what I should've expected.

A reflection of you.

Your warmth.

Your passion.

Your brilliance.

Mm. My man.

Forever full of surprises.

I've always had an affinity for finer things.

Sorry. I had to wait for Vanessa to leave for the evening.

She asked you to stay late?

Not at all.

I like to spruce things up for her.

Vanessa likes to have

an inviting bedroom after a long day,

and just in case she brings Joey home with her...

-Is that a regular thing? -Ah, it is.

And I have to say, Mr. Armstrong is a dream.

Charm for days and nary a crumb or smudge on glass.

Because he can't leave evidence behind.

Do not make me an accomplice after the fact.

Not all of us can work

for the morally unimpeachable Duprees.

If you'd seen Nicole leaving for her date tonight.

Honey, off the shoulder, up the hip,

I thought it might meet in the middle.

No. Not Dr. Nicole Dupree.

Oh, you haven't seen her new "come hither" look.

Mm.

You make it sound shameless.

Sometimes I think you're like one of those throwbacks, Mona,

from one of those Douglas Sirk films we both love on TCM. Ugh.

Well, if she's doing an imitation of life,

it's maybe Dani's life.

Nicole was the most responsible,

professional, put-together woman I knew.

And now she deserves a scarlet letter?

I just mean the fallout from Ted's cheating,

lies and baby mama drama didn't end

with the perfect couple blowing up.

It continues, with Nicole

emerging from the ashes of that marriage

like some sexually liberated phoenix.

So, I haven't scared you off yet?

Not even with my secret single behavior?

I like knowing that under that handsome exterior

and those magic massage hands, you're still human

and guilty of leaving dishes in the sink.

Oh, I would load the dishwasher for you.

That sounded way hotter in my head.

What you said in my office-- it really stuck with me, Kial.

Well, it's like a new adventure every time I see you,

so I'm guessing that it had to do

with changing things up after a loss.

You did it by becoming a traveling doc,

and I decided to make some changes a little closer to home.

I'm happy to be an inspiration.

Any changes of note?

Just getting to know a certain reluctant dishwasher.

Well, then, you actually have to answer

some of my questions about you.

Maybe. When I get back.

Oh, I'm not moving.

Did I tell you you're the most ravishing woman here?

You haven't even looked around yet.

I don't have to.

Oh, there's Kial.

-We should say hi. -Uh, sure.

Well, if it isn't my favorite nurse from the DMV.

Ted.

-Kial. -That would mean a lot more

if I didn't know you had at least ten other

favorite nurses in this town alone.

Well, you out-favorite them all.

Just don't tell.

Please don't tell me you've done so much bouncing around

that your fine self is forced to dine alone.

I'm on a date.

Oh. Who's the lucky girl?

Me.

I could get used to this.

I'm glad you like it here.

I do.

And what do you have cooking in the kitchen?

Ropa vieja.

Translation?

Shredded Cuban beef sautéed in pepper tomato sauce.

It marinates all night, and then simmers all day.

The key is in the waiting.

I do love a slow burn.

It'll be worth the wait, I promise.

You're different here.

More relaxed. More yourself, maybe.

I like this you.

I haven't been completely relaxed since I was a kid.

But here is as close as I will ever come.

When I'm here, I can actually imagine

what my life might be like

if I'd chosen a different one.

And what would that look like?

Well, I'd try my hand at the great American thriller,

like Connelly or Leonard.

And then I'd make dinner for a certain everything woman.

And I'd make love to her in every room.

Starting with this one.

And I could almost turn my back on the road I've taken.

-Just almost? -Just almost.

No, this is as free and as safe as I can be.

Well, it is Fort Knox up in here.

I'm guessing that the rock stationed at the door

is not the only one.

He's not the reason I've lowered my guard.

You are.

You are going to look so stunning

in that gown you've chosen.

I agree.

Thank you.

But you've seen hundreds of debutantes.

Well, that is why I am so certain.

The line that runs through those white dresses,

from you to Kat to Naomi to Nicole...

And I just, I can see them

when they were getting ready for their debuts,

and how excited they were, just like you are.

And of course, Jessica, you are going to be gorgeous as well.

I cannot wait to see you and Tyrell

descending that staircase.

What, i-is this this Gen Z stare that I've read so much about?

Sorry, Mrs. Dupree.

No disrespect. Uh...

I'm just doing time in my ball gown.

The whole cotillion thing, it's just not me.

Hmm. And yet, here you are.

My dad is making me.

So, you resent your father for wanting you to have

opportunities in a world that doesn't deal them out easily?

Poor you.

I think there are less problematic ways

to make connections.

I think I understand why you feel that way.

I pretty much had the same opinion of cotillions

until I saw one for myself.

Really?

So, how'd they suck you into the deb cult?

Attending the cotillion as a guest

on the arm of my husband was a wonderful experience,

but I was introduced to the tradition

was when the Articulettes sang at a cotillion after-party.

There we were,

having been raised in the projects,

having to fight our way

through every adversity.

Fighting to be heard,

fighting to find self-assurance,

fighting to carry ourselves with poise.

And then we walk into the room

with all these beautiful young Black women

who already had all of that.

They were the same age we had been

when we were touring all over the place

and clawing our way up the charts,

except they were already brimming with confidence.

And you didn't resent that they had it like that,

I mean, without ever lifting a finger?

All I wanted was for girls who look like me

to step into the world and not have to fight.

You still don't understand

the value of a cotillion, do you?

I guess not.

It's not a prom, like you're someone else's date,

or a marriage, like you're someone else's spouse.

It is about you.

You owning you.

Coming out and saying to the world, here you are.

You are proud,

you are beautiful, you are intelligent.

I cannot think of any other tradition

that affirms that more.

Well...

when you put it that way.

I watched those girls grow up and champion

the causes that they pledged when they first came out.

And they still do.

Now, I know you have pledged to your new clinic.

What is your cause, Jessica?

It's a local organization.

It helps teach kids conflict resolution.

That is wonderful.

If you and Samantha

can accomplish half of what the debutantes I have known did,

you will make yourselves very proud.

I will.

Me too.

And I may be biased...

...but I think one of you two young ladies

may be crowned Platinum Deb at the ball.

Oh, please. Jessica doesn't even want it.

Oh, I would never take that from you.

As if you could.

Well, it's not up to either of you.

But the Barrington County Debutante Society would be lucky

to have either of you beautiful young women

wearing that tiara.

ANASTASIA: I wouldn't count on it.

My granddaughter Francesca is a shoo-in for that title,

and there's not a damn thing Anita Dupree can do about it.

So, my grandchildren have teamed up

to decide what's best for me now?

No. Naomi and I realized that I was selfish

for taking even a moment of your time

when it's time away from Gran.

Now, you've already helped me with my campaign

by training me every day of my life.

Your Gran's the one battling cancer, not me.

But you haven't left her side for a moment.

But it takes a toll.

You have to take care of yourself, too.

Taking care of your grandmother isn't a burden.

It's a gift.

And taking care of this family?

That's my reason for being.

I know, but with everything going on,

no one would fault you for taking a step back.

I would.

Who wouldn't want a horizontal house call

with the good Dr. Carlton

or a roll-around with Dr. Rollins?

I'm not being a church lady.

Ugh, but she's spent her whole life with Ted,

and now she's just out on the loose?

Exactly.

She spent her whole life with one man.

That philandering jerk repays her with a secret baby

and baby mama who-- my heart goes out to Leslie--

is relentless.

I mean, who would begrudge Nicole a revenge makeover?

You should be cheering her on,

not judging her in the comment section.

I hope you're right.

But I pray she doesn't move too fast for her own good.

SHANICE: Nicole. Hi.

This dress was made for you.

And you are always fierce yourself.

And I'm gonna have to get an AirTag for you

if you keep showing up at all of my dates.

Well, small town.

Great minds.

Well, don't let us keep you.

I'm sure Shanice could use a cocktail.

Right. Let's, uh, let's go to the bar.

It's not my place, but, uh...

Go on.

I thought you and Carlton were a thing.

Least, that's what Carlton thinks.

Definitely not your place.

Because I live every aspect of my life openly and honestly.

Carlton knows about Kial and Kial knows about Carlton.

And they both know that I'm nowhere near ready

for anything resembling a commitment,

because I'm newly out of a marriage.

Hey, I didn't-- I didn't mean to, uh...

So, I believe we are all up to speed,

unless you want to ask Kial his intentions?

I'm good.

Ted, I think Nicole's right. I'm thirsty.

Let's see about those drinks?

-Yeah. -Kial, Nicole, you two have fun.

You, too. Oh. Thank you.

For what?

For setting us up in the first place.

I owe you.

I have spent the evening convincing these girls

that being a debutante is about merit,

character, achievement and sisterhood.

And now you've just reduced it to nothing more than rivalry

and bragging rights.

You can't preach if you've never worn the robes.

And you, Anita, never wore the dress, nor the gloves.

You were never a deb, and yet you sit here holding court.

While with all those lessons, Anastasia,

what did you walk away with?

Not an iota of decorum.

Is this what you're passing down to Francesca?

I am Fairmont Crest born and bred.

Insult me, and you're insulting Vernon.

My husband used his privilege

to step into the world helping others.

And that's where he found you,

scraping and gyrating and hustling like a common...

Emmy, Grammy, Oscar,

Tony award-winning quadruple threat.

I don't dabble. I dominate.

Without Vernon, you, your daughters,

your granddaughter and most assuredly

your great granddaughter,

who doesn't even have a drop of Dupree blood,

wouldn't be allowed inside these gates,

let alone into the ranks of polite society.

You have to give me the recipe.

Guess.

Mm, definitely pecan.

And pear.

A hint of...

something savory.

Pancetta.

Never mind.

What do you have against pancetta?

Never mind about the recipe.

I don't need it.

I have you.

You do.

And you can just make those little puffs for me

all the time.

When I move in.

You really set them up?

Carlton canceled WinterFest,

and I didn't want to leave my girl hanging.

Huh.

And you didn't mention it to me?

Why would I?

You claim you've moved on.

W-Was I wrong?

Are you bothered?

Why would I be bothered?

Because since Nicole walked in here with that freakum dress on

and that fine man, you have spent more time

looking over there than you have at me.

It's not like that.

Then what's it like, Ted?

I didn't put on these lashes and these heels

to spend the night with a man who's still caught up on his ex.

What if I told you...

...I need the campaign as much as you need me in it.

You see, what's happening with your grandmother is terrifying,

but clarifying.

You see, we've touched many, many lives.

Her with her music,

me with my politics.

So, we want that to live on.

You're not going anywhere.

No, not anytime soon.

Uh, Anita's music and films

will be here for generations.

You'll carry on for me.

You're...

you're my legacy.

Not just me, Granddad.

You have inspired so many.

Then don't stop me now.

All right, oh great one.

What should I be doing that I'm not doing now?

You have to put more skin in the game.

You want me to quadruple

my face-to-face and meet-and-greet stops

leading up to the primary?

You disagree?

Great strategy, but wrong timing.

There's no way I'm sacrificing another moment with my family,

Especially the kids.

You and I

are overdue to get a few things straight.

-Thank you. -Owen. Of course I missed you.

You drove three hours?

That is so sweet.

Okay, I'm leaving now.

I just have to drop some knowledge on my bestie.

I'll see you soon.

Go.

I can't be responsible for making you miss

one minute of happy with Mr. Love Boat.

I just have to say, if I can meet a man

in the middle of the Atlantic, you can meet one closer to home.

Your last man shouldn't be your last man.

Get out there and live.

I thought we'd come to a place of understanding.

We love each other.

We spend practically every night together at my place,

which has all those memories.

Your place could be ours.

Only, it's mine.

Our situation's changed.

Doug's gone.

We're closer than ever.

That picture you painted of us here together?

It can be real.

Your moving in here could really mean something.

That you can't be apart from me.

Danger, for you.

If you were living here,

my enemies would have no doubt how much you mean to me.

And how much is that?

Sometimes, words won't do.

Look, Nicole and I are always gonna be connected.

You know, by the kids, and perhaps one day as friends.

But I still know her better than anyone else on the planet,

and that's just not the Nicole that I know.

Because she is not the same woman you once knew.

Because of me.

You don't get to dictate how she puts you in her rearview.

Nicole is evolving, which is her right.

And if you are ever really gonna be her real friend...

Okay. Have to check myself.

Nicole is free to do whatever she wants.

But I just know if she's showing out

because of me, then that's on me.

I saw a woman that's walking in her power.

Hmm. Okay, well,

maybe I was out of bounds and I couldn't see that.

But it's gonna take me a minute to get used to this evolution,

especially when she's evolving in the same room.

I can get with that.

But you do know they serve food and drinks

in other rooms where your ex-wife isn't?

-Mm. -She is not the only one who can evolve.

Thanks.

Bartender? Uh...

No, I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth

or up my butt like you.

Oh. There she is.

I've been waiting to meet the real Anita Williams.

But I have earned my place in this life,

in my marriage and in Fairmont Crest.

We have created a family that has glittered

behind and beyond these gates

with dignity, integrity,

heart and grace.

And we have passed that down through blood,

but most importantly, through deed,

to our children, our grandchildren

and now our great-grandchildren,

like this lovely young woman you see before you.

Now, we may not have passed your 23andMe purity test,

but yet, here you are with all that

privilege and opportunity,

and you didn't bother to ever develop

the kind of traits that truly matter.

My family was giving to charities

while you still were one.

And what have you done with your high-and-mighty self

with all that you have?

Just crowned yourself the queen of mean.

That's all you got, Ms. EGOT?

I would call for a standing ovation,

but this isn't Showtime at the Apollo,

it's Fairmont Crest.

Divas aren't welcome here.

Have you looked in the mirror?

And you might have been able to tip the scales

for Nicole, Naomi and Kat,

but do not expect a four-peat.

The crown belongs to my thoroughbred.

Not your Samantha.

It is Francesca Belleclaire's time to shine.

And no Dupree will stand in our way.

Well, if that is the lens

through which you've decided to see this...

...may the best matriarch win.

That woman is the exact reason debutantes

should just fade away.

Fortunately, tradition is a living thing.

And it can only flourish

with new blood like yours and Samantha's.

Don't throw away our history

before you've experienced it yourself

with an open heart and mind, Jessica.

You might find you like it.

I will try, Mrs. Dupree.

Good.

Now, I want you two to focus

on being the best damn debs you can be.

Leave Ms. Anastasia to me.

I understand putting family before calendar.

When Smitty and I got back together,

I promised him that I would be there for him and the kids.

We don't have that much more time

before we have an empty nest.

It's Tyrell's senior year,

and Samantha's going through her own rite of passage.

The kids are proud of what you do.

I hope so.

But it's not just about them.

Smitty is finally getting back into the swing of his career.

And I want that for him.

That's a lot of change, son.

You're used to being the center of their world, and now,

all the pieces are moving

And growing,

and I can't wait to see how it all turns out.

And?

And I just want to push the pause button

and keep us in this little perfect bubble forever.

Familiar words.

Anita and I used them once.

Mm. Nicole said the same about you and Kat.

Now my poor girl's got to grow again.

Her nest's empty, and...

the ink on her divorce papers is dry.

Has anyone ever told you you are an amazing kisser?

Mm, doesn't come to mind.

Mm, they should give you a kissing award.

[laughs]

You should be in the kissing hall of fame.

They should write songs about your kissing.

-Oh, it may have come up. -Yeah?

I believe other descriptors were used.

Mm...

All that and you're funny, too.

I got an idea. Why don't we keep doing this again

and I'll be inspired to find more words.

Mm. No more words.

Mm. When you said you wanted to get out of here,

I thought you meant a different restaurant.

Oh. Well, you thought wrong.

Well, lucky me.

You're so beautiful, Shanice.

Oh, Ted.

[laughs]

Mm. I've wanted to kiss that spot all night.

And this one

and... this one.

You-you had me right up until the "all night" part.

We both know your mind has also been elsewhere tonight.

Uh, maybe you suddenly have to have me

because you're trying to forget

that Nicole is with Kial right now.

If it isn't the hero.

Mona, right?

You saved Vanessa McBride from that skeevy guy.

How'd you hear about that?

Waitresses talk.

Listening's one of my things.

Noted.

Being a hero is not one of mine.

But, uh, I refuse to stand by when a woman's in danger.

Everybody says that.

But not everybody walks the walk.

You do surprise.

How'd you manage to maintain a semblance of decency

while still working for that devil Joey Armstrong?

Mmm.

Four courses, Joey.

This must have taken you all day.

I love cooking for you.

You know what goes great with devil's food cake?

Do tell.

Whipped cream.

Be right back.

Or, I believe you were saving the bedroom

for the end of the tour.

I'll meet you in there.

Well, ladies, we should head home now.

I've got my car, but thanks, it has been an education.

Uh, do you need to sit down?

Should I get someone?

No, no. I'm fine, I'm fine.

I just need to throw some cold water on my face.

Is she really okay?

I hope that wannabe Bridgertonbiatch

didn't, like, throw off her game.

Great Gran is fine.

She may have never been the Platinum Deb,

but she's the toughest woman I know.

Dare I ask what cranked up that smile?

What if I said it was you?

I like that.

You want to take this someplace?

Maybe my place?

I am very, very tempted,

but can we say, "to be continued"?

Did I blow this?

Because I just assumed that we were on the same page.

Oh, we're on the same page.

I just haven't quite changed up everything about myself.

I need to keep this at the kissing place for now.

Moving locations levels up to something

a little more serious.

We don't want that.

I promise that I won't fall madly in love with you.

As long as you promise that you won't.

You are adorable.

But if kissing has us here,

imagine what a night together will do.

Oh, I am.

I am enjoying where I am right now,

and I need to just stay here for a minute.

No fast moves.

I'm enjoying keeping all the possibilities on the table.

I hope you understand.

I've been where you've been.

When you move, I'll move.

Okay, look, don't-don't go.

Look, this takes time.

No. I won't be someone's consolation prize

while you wait for your wife or girlfriend

to come back to you.

I deserve much more than that. Better than that.

Yes, you do.

And I wouldn't have asked you out

if I wasn't ready to move on.

I want to believe that.

It was a reflex. Not interest.

I should have kept my eyes fixed on you, where they belong.

You have brought me back from a really dark place.

And we're good together.

You make me laugh, and when we're not laughing,

you make me want to do things I really want to do.

How do I show you there's nowhere else I want to be?

What do I need to say, Shanice?

Just tell me, and I will do it.

You can start by explaining these,

because if I am the one,

then who do these tacky-ass panties belong to?

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