Original subtitles

DANI: Look at you.

Did you call the glam squad in?

No glam, just me.

I'm enjoying playing with different styles.

Hi, Daddy.

Mother, you have conquered it.

I haven't been this obsessed with the short do

since Lupita circa 2014.

Makes me want to chop mine, too.

Slow your roll.

We know I had no choice.

But you did what you always do-- took control.

You know what a minefield our hair can be.

Especially as Black women.

Yeah, we can get our identity so tangled up in it.

But you always taught us,

kinky or straight, short or long,

yes, indeed, we are beautiful, but our beauty is not our crown.

I sound brilliant.

Because you are.

Okay, I'm here to meet your granddaughters

for some celebratory bubbles.

You want to come join us

and turn some heads in the club dining room again?

My big head wouldn't fit in the door

after all those compliments.

Hug them extra tight for me.

I will.

I love you, Mom.

Love you too, Daddy.

Do you really like it?

Woman, I will tell you as many times as you need to hear it.

I love it.

And you.

And if my words aren't enough, let's go.

-Go where? -Upstairs.

Where I can show you exactly how much I love the new you.

ANASTASIA: It's as if it never

occurred to Anita Dupree

that someone other than her great-granddaughter

could be Platinum Deb, least of all a Belleclaire.

You actually told her it was going to be me?

Little Orphan Samantha doesn't even live behind the gates.

She doesn't look like you or speak three languages.

She has never played violin at Carnegie Hall.

-Mm. -I could go on and on.

I am well-rounded, thanks to you. [gasps]

I heard her mom was actually on the streets a hot minute ago.

Oh, you know how I like my tea--

two sugars and no mercy.

What do you know?

Apparently, her mom works at that diner, Orphey Gene's.

Her name is April or June or something.

Even the name is uninspiring.

The House of Dupree is finally on the brink.

It started with Dani shooting up her ex-husband's wedding

and will end with you being named Platinum Deb.

I know the tiara's in our reach,

but will the Duprees ever bow down?

Oh, they will once we make them.

[Dani laughs]

And I say there's no time like the present

to put them on notice.

♪ ♪

But today, I have signed off on two patients,

I have helped one family pack up,

and I have sent three sets of meds home with the right people.

Everything is basically done.

And yet, the hours keep dragging by.

WOMAN [over P.A.]: Dr. Rollins, you have a call on line one.

The hallways feel too quiet.

God, even the monitors sound half asleep.

I never knew a shift could go by so slow.

Uh, did I teach you nothing?

What do you mean?

We never, ever mention the busy-ness of the shift.

It's like... it's like the play

those theater kids never mention the name of.

Mm. Macbeth.

Uh, now, see? See, you were one of those little girls

who couldn't resist saying "Bloody Mary"

in the mirror, now, weren't you?

Oh, come on. There are no string of words

that you could put together

that would make those elevator doors open.

BILL: My wife needs a doctor.

-Now, please. -Told you, Nurse Bloody Mary.

What's going on?

Bill's being overprotective.

No, I thought she might pass out or something,

and I got here as fast as I could.

I know that dizziness is a sign of a concussion.

And after the hit she took, I just wanted to be sure.

We checked Hayley yesterday.

She showed no signs of mild traumatic brain injury.

Right, and doctors don't miss anything, ever, right?

-Can you help us? -Uh, yeah.

Nurse Morgan, take Mrs. Hamilton to exam room one while I get her

-checked in the system. -ASHLEY: Okay.

We're gonna make sure she's okay, Mr. Hamilton.

-Let's take a look at you, Hayley. -HAYLEY: Okay.

We got a real emergency, or is that WebMD physician?

I like to err on the side

of one too many visits instead of one too few.

What about you?

Just another day in ortho paradise?

No, a meniscus tear from an even more intense CEO.

Pickleball... strikes again.

Uh... [laughs] You see? Now, that's what happens

when people play on small courts like it's Wimbledon

without even bothering to stretch.

Mm. Hands are in demand.

Yes, they are.

And I'm ready to give my review.

Your hands are dangerous in the best possible way.

-Dani. -Anastasia.

You remember my granddaughter Chessy?

I remember a Francesca.

But Chessy it is. Hi, sweetheart.

You were an OG model, like,

before I was born?

Still a model.

And look at you, all grown up.

No more braces, no more starter nose.

-This is my nose. -DANI: Of course it is.

I'm sure your granny is so happy

to have you back for a visit from Switzerland.

Okay, she prefers "Glamma."

And it's not a visit.

I just transferred to Wheatley Prep.

Oh. "Soar, Egrets, soar.

Fly with all your might toward home."

Wait. You went to Wheatley?

You should check out the awards case, Chessy.

Or maybe you shouldn't.

The Duprees have a whole shrine dedicated to our time there.

I think someone bronzed my pom-poms.

I will say, no one could herkie quite like me.

Have you seen Samantha and Tyrell since you got back?

I have. Samantha and I will be coming out together as debs.

BTW, I noticed she didn't go to the first etiquette class.

Oh, my.

I would hate for Samantha to embarrass herself,

along with the entire cotillion class

-if she can't catch up. -Mm.

Thank you so much for your concern,

but Samantha has three generations

of Dupree women ready and willing to mentor her.

She will be the belle of the ball

before you can say Belleclaire.

What part about "wait until tonight" do you not understand?

I just thought of another reason to love your hair.

Easier access to this perfect neck.

Oh, you know I can't resist when you do that.

So don't.

Hello, hello, hello.

-JESSICA: Hey. -TYRELL: We made it.

ANITA: Hello.

Children.

Isn't this a school day?

We've been set free.

Aren't you happy to see us?

Oh, always, my loves.

But sometimes Great-Gran and I

have our own after-school activities.

Great-Gran invited us over.

-Oh. -You wouldn't let me

get a word in edgewise,

but the kids and I have business that cannot wait.

I am no stranger to the art of massage.

I have a standing weekly appointment.

But your hands are truly special.

Your orthopedics rotation has been a blessing to us all.

Who says I got my skills solely at work?

Do I want to hear the rest of that story?

Well, it all started with a dance major in college.

Girlfriend?

Uh, we concentrated on lengthening muscles.

-And from there? -Oh, shiatsu master in Tokyo.

Another love interest?

Oh, hardly.

It was a crotchety old man.

You know, former monk.

I swore I was his worst student.

So how'd you improve?

Well, I studied, researching sore muscles

across a couple of continents.

Well, I am forever grateful

to everyone who helped you perfect the art

of working out kinks.

One touch from you, and I was still smiling in the morning.

I'm always available for smiling and waking-up related.

My last patient rescheduled.

I was thinking about taking myself to happy hour.

It's funny. My day ended early, too.

Would you, uh, want some company?

I'm gonna go change.

But meet me at Uptown.

It's a date.

Oh, seems like you two are hitting it off nice.

And I can't say thank you enough for the intro.

All right, your blood pressure is in range,

your body temp is normal, you're alert, you're oriented.

Ooh, and the nasty bruise-- it already is starting to heal.

Yeah, so what about the rest of her?

You know, like-- I don't know-- fractures or internal bleeding?

As the doctor told you yesterday,

the scans showed nothing like that.

Okay. Okay, so there's no concussion?

Bill, we've given Hayley every test.

The X-ray and the CT scan-- they came back clean.

And someone your size getting punched at that force--

you're very lucky.

No, I'm the lucky one.

Dr. Lancaster is releasing Hayley.

Oh, that's a good thing.

Why the long face?

I'm just processing.

We're not friends anymore, but we used to be.

God, what kind of monster hauls off and hits a woman like that?

I mean, I wouldn't wish that on anyone,

not even Hayley.

Careful. Are you sure you're not feeling dizzy anymore?

Look, I know where they keep those little juice boxes

if you want that, or would you prefer ice chips?

I'm fine, Bill, like I've told you a million times.

I swear, baby, I'm going to take care of you

the same way you took care of me.

You know what?

Even better.

-Mm. -Mm.

Oh, sorry I'm late, Mom.

-Traffic was monstrous. Hi. -No worries, sweetie.

Your sister's delayed, too.

How's work?

Uh, busy.

How's Jacob?

Good.

One-word answers

to describe the two most important aspects of your life?

Well, I can't really talk about work

because of privilege and all that.

And Jacob's been busy.

He may be starting this new training thing, so...

So, not much time together?

Hardly any.

It's temporary, right? Few days at most?

Maybe longer than that, but we'll survive.

Well, if you need me...

Turn around.

Here comes our bride.

Ah!

[all laughing]

We're getting married!

The audacity of them.

But isn't that the point?

She shouldn't be here, but she is.

They shouldn't be on top, but they are.

They shouldn't be turning out platinum anything,

but they still do.

They have defied the odds for the last time.

Samantha has the support of the Duprees

and a huge following from her work from ChelseaKat.

My IG is nowhere near hers.

I don't care how many people think they admire her

and what that looks like.

Not one of those almighty Duprees has what it takes

to turn that wayward duckling

into a swan in time for cotillion.

ANITA: In the midst of this year's

unprecedented amount of drama,

we almost missed something incredibly special:

preparing Samantha for her debut.

You're way more important than my debut.

And, uh, I'm responsible for some of that drama.

-No lie. -Don't rub it in.

For once, my brother's right.

Picking someone as lame as Nathan

and getting myself grounded?

If we almost missed anything, it's because of me.

Well, we are putting all that behind us,

and we are starting fresh.

It is my personal mission to make sure

you are the most enchanting debutante

Barrington County has witnessed this generation.

Come, come, come, come on.

Actually, with all due respect, Mrs. Dupree,

I am in no way interested in Platinum Deb.

Your father called.

And he asked you to help because Mom is in Dubai,

and my grandparents are on the West Coast.

This is mortifying.

Don't even think about it.

Now, the best way to practice

is to simulate the actual conditions of the ball.

Working with the three of you instead of Samantha alone

is actually more instructive, so let's get to it.

-Go, go, go. -Any help here?

Watch and learn.

Jessica.

Samantha.

And Tyrell.

-Nice. -Thank you.

All right.

Let's dance, shall we?

You know, Mom, I didn't expect you to be so...

Calm, chill, amazingly relaxed?

Yes.

I just knew you'd already started my wedding book.

Or at the very least had Dad drawing up the prenup.

I know I got a little excited,

but, honey, you do remember that I recently got married

on a whim by an Anita Williams impersonator.

It was impulsive,

but you seem to be living your happily-ever-after with Andre.

Because of love.

That's what I'm an expert in now.

Do you love Madison?

With everything.

Then that's all you need.

And you know I'm only an ask away if you need help.

-We're engaged! -We're engaged!

-[Dani screams] -[Chelsea laughs]

I loved getting that call from you and Madison.

I've never heard my little sister

sound so content and excited.

-Please don't say "but." -But...

little sis and Mom,

yes, it's true that love is the foundation,

but you need more than that.

Something that lasts requires work.

I know that.

I say this with respect, Chelsea,

but I've seen you get bored

and abandon movies and dinner plans

and even sentences when you're in the middle of them,

if you aren't stimulated.

Every single day of marriage is a choice,

and you have to show up when it's hard,

especially when it's hard.

When you're upset, when you're tired,

when all you want to do is escape

and act like your partner doesn't exist.

You have to be sure that you're ready for that.

And can you honestly say that you are?

Now, baby, you know I love me some me.

But I swear, you are my number one priority.

Hmm. The words sound pretty but familiar.

I'll believe it when you show me.

All right. I've got your walking papers.

Oh. I'm sure you're relieved

you won't have to see me anymore.

Hayley, our history aside, my job is to look after you

and to confirm you're okay.

Well, are you sure you don't want to keep her overnight?

You know, just for observation?

Wait. When you had your stroke,

you were terrified to be here. Now I can't get you to leave?

Oh, well, we can't leave until we know you're in the clear.

Maybe we should get another doctor's opinion.

No, no. The doctor said I'm fine, so I want to go home.

-Well, the hotel. -Hotel?

Yeah. Yeah, we just thought it'd be best if we get a room

while the new security system is being installed at the house.

Oh, the mugger has your license.

Ugh. Feeling unsafe in your own home--

it's like being robbed all over again.

Tell me about it.

Hayley, I really hope that you feel better soon, okay?

And I hope the cops nail whoever did this to you.

[R&B music playing softly]

We had the same amount of time to change,

and you come in here looking like a supermodel.

That would be my sister.

Well, I think you would give her a run for her money right now,

'cause I doubt anyone could wear that dress as well as you do.

I almost believe you.

Just like my hands, my lips don't lie.

♪ ♪

[Carlton clears throat]

Carlton, hi.

I didn't realize you were back in town.

And I didn't realize you were on a date.

My mistake.

Kial, would you mind getting us a drink

while I catch up with Carlton?

I'll get you something sweet.

Nice to see you, Carlton.

Likewise.

Hey, I didn't mean to surprise you.

Why would I be surprised?

Is it because the last time I saw you,

we were in bed together,

and now you're here locking lips with the traveling doc?

I thought we were on the same page.

An adult one.

You were clear. You don't want anything serious.

Except what we feel

when we're together is far more than casual.

Can the great ortho claim that, too?

You're upset.

Carlton, me seeing Kial doesn't negate how I feel about you.

You are the first man

that I shared myself with after my divorce.

But not the last?

You make me feel beautiful and admired and wanted.

But I am putting myself back together right now,

piece by piece,

and that includes seeing whoever I want.

Got it.

Do you? Because this doesn't mean

that we have to stop seeing each other.

That is, unless it's your choice.

KIAL: Can I get you a beer?

No.

I was just leaving.

Is everything all right?

Never better.

Although I think I'm going to have to start

having my dates outside the DMV.

I know a great bar up in the Upper East Side.

Would you like me to check on some flights?

[Nicole laughs]

I make the right choice?

Yes.

And so did I.

You really have nothing to say about that?

Nope.

I've been where you are, and I'm still there.

Where's that?

Able to hang out with somebody as sexy

and incredibly beautiful as you are

without expecting anything in return.

I'm having fun. You seem to be having fun.

Let's keep it right where it is.

[R&B song starts]

How about we take this to the dance floor?

This is my jam.

♪ You can't compare♪

♪ Ain't no love like mine♪

♪ Could you find another one?♪

♪ They just ain't there♪

♪ Ain't no love like mine, no♪

♪ Ain't no love like mine♪

♪ Ain't no love like mine♪

[Nicole laughs]

♪ Ain't no love like mine.♪

These heels are too high.

I'm going to topple over before I can even do a proper one-two.

Don't worry. I'll be there to catch you.

One, gross.

And two, these heels aren't high enough.

They do nothing for my legs, Great-Gran.

They are just right.

Debs have been gliding at that very height for over a century.

All right. Are we ready?

Vernon, could you bump it up a little?

["Waltz in G" by Douglas Gamley playing]

Ready?

One, two, three. Here we go.

Step, two.

One, two, three. One, two, three.

Remember, you're painting a simple box on the floor,

not creating a Basquiat.

Hold your frame.

Eventually,

these steps will have you moving around the floor.

Stop thinking about your feet.

She meant our own.

You can think about my feet.

Watch your form.

No, Jessica, you can't lead.

You have to follow Tyrell's lead.

Both of you can't be in the driver's seat.

Tyrell, remember, you are showcasing Jessica.

She's the focus.

This night is always, always about the deb.

-Gotcha. -Mm-hmm.

Oh, could you showcase off of my left foot?

I'm supposed to be learning from this?

The boy's from another district than the beat.

Talk about rhythmless nation.

Hey, what happened to being supportive?

All right, let me show you how it's done, youngblood, okay?

Oh.

The dance begins

before you put your hand in hers.

You hold her with your eyes.

Why, Mr. Dupree.

Then you bow

to show her the respect she deserves.

Then you take her in your arms.

And if you do it right,

you're not counting steps,

because you're moving to the beats of your hearts.

[Anita laughs]

Madison is unlike anyone I've ever dated.

I never get tired of her.

Even when I'm upset or we're fighting, I just...

I want to be around her now and forever.

That's beautiful, Chelsea Bear.

But there's something else.

I do love her, and I am all in,

but I just can't shake the feeling

that I'm getting everything I want

while she passes up the chance of a lifetime.

Are you talking about her fellowship in Denmark?

Yeah.

Like, what if she wakes up one morning

and realizes that she made a mistake by turning it down?

It'll all be because of me.

Baby, do you think I resented your dad

because I chose raising a family over my career?

I always wondered if that was Dad's original sin,

before the cheating.

How did your love survive with him taking that from you?

-Oh, Chelsea. -And-and how do I make sure

that Madison and I don't end up like you and Dad?

I can unbutton my own coat.

And you did not have to carry me in here, Bill.

Well, if I can't carry my wife across the threshold,

then you might as well put me in the ground right now.

All right, then.

-Thank you, baby. -You're welcome.

But is this hotel really necessary?

I mean, Fairmont Crest is locked down tighter

than some military bases.

Oh. Well, baby, that doesn't matter

as long as that thug is still wandering around out there

with the keys to the kingdom.

Mm. Well, thank God

I have my big, strong husband to protect me now.

Mm-hmm. And a very nice hotel suite

that we can use as we please.

Hmm. A second honeymoon?

Mm. With you, it's all a honeymoon.

BILL: Mm. Mm.

I have examined and dissected

every element of my marriage to your father.

I've gone over, under and through that whole blame game.

How could Bill Hamilton ask me

to give up the one thing I loved?

You know the real question?

Why didn't I say no?

Well, Dad can be hard to deny.

Sure, then. I do it all the time now.

Well, Mom, you were so young,

and you were doing what you thought was best.

Very true.

But I loved every minute of being with you girls,

and I never saw it as a sacrifice.

There just should have been a world

where I was able to do both.

Well, do you think Dad realized that you missed having a career?

I don't know.

You know, I think if he had kept his word

and-and given me back my time and my peace of mind

after you girls got older

instead of starting this cycle of cheating,

maybe he would have seen it.

Well, we appreciate everything you gave up for us.

We do.

And now you're getting your life back.

You started your own agency,

and you're the face of the Tatum Stewart's brand-new line.

This is all true,

but the best part of my life

is getting to watch you girls live yours.

My baby is about to be a wife.

Cake tastings

and dress fittings and bridesmaids.

And we will be there every step along the way.

-Should I be worried? -No, not at all.

This is your wedding, and if I forget that,

-have your sister remind me. -Consider it done.

DANI: And just so you know,

what's happening with you and Madison

is not at all like what happened with your father and me.

You're not asking Madison to give up research indefinitely.

That genius girl will find something just as big now--

not decades later, after frustration has built up--

-and you will be there supporting her. -NAOMI: Yeah.

Yeah, Chelsea, stop beating yourself up, okay?

You are tuned in and determined not to stand in Madison's way.

Well, that was quite a ruckus before.

What are we celebrating?

We happened to overhear.

-A private family moment. -ANASTASIA: Hmm.

With a well-mannered group.

Oh, Dani, Anita did look a touch green when I saw her recently.

Probably just some anticipatory grief

from Samantha losing Platinum Deb to my Chessy.

Either way, you might want to look in on her.

I do hope she's okay.

Introducing Samantha Richardson-Smith,

daughter of Martin and Bradley

and granddaughter of Nicole...

You get the idea.

As the announcer reads the name,

you hold your position and smile.

Then you'll curtsy,

and your escort will bow.

And then you take your walk all on your own,

floating on a cloud through the room

while everyone admires you.

Every step you take is a declaration of who you are.

You have never been more yourself,

while at the exact same time,

you know you will be so much more.

Whoa. I barely recognize her.

There's my sister.

[Anita laughs]

Jessica, you're next. Come on.

Announcer, if you please.

Introducing Jessica Harris, et cetera, et cetera.

Oh, okay. No, no, no, no. Okay.

Breathe, baby.

And you're not stomping grapes.

You're gliding.

I thought we were making progress.

JESSICA: I'm here, aren't I?

In body, but not in spirit.

You have seen how Tyrell's grandmother, Nicole,

walks through a room.

And his Aunt Katherine.

I don't know if you've met his cousin Naomi.

She's the lawyer, right?

-Yes, she is. -Hmm.

And they were all debs.

That accomplishment is part of the confidence

that Nicole and Kat and Naomi exude

and the grace through which they move through the world.

You have really accomplished women in your family.

Yes, we do, and on cotillion night,

I want you to consider yourself

an honorary member of this family.

Oh, Mrs. Dupree, that's...

A big freaking compliment.

Dupree women walk with their heads held high.

So do me and yourself a favor

and shelve the attitude.

Allow yourself to shine, baby.

Believe that you've got the "it" factor, because you do.

It is all over you.

Now, show the world who you are.

Uh, Dr. Fitzgerald, I thought you were out of town.

Cut the trip short. What do you have for me?

A listening ear so you can get out

whatever weird energy this is.

You want to know? I came back early

because I thought I would surprise Nicole,

but I just ran into her at Uptown,

all up on Dr. Feel Good.

So I guess the surprise is on me.

[upbeat dance music playing in French]

Do you need me to slow down?

Never.

[woman whooping]

Where did you learn how to dance like that?

Oh, I did a summer-abroad program in Haiti.

I was in Port-au-Prince for work relief,

and I never came back with moves like that.

I really fell in love with the culture and the people,

and got to practice my French,

and I picked up on a couple things I could bring back home.

Well, I need to be sure

and send those people of Haiti a thank-you.

Okay.

I think I'm getting my breath back again.

You, uh...?

Shall we?

How about we get out of here?

♪ Calling you to see if I've been wasting my time♪

♪ I've been calling you, calling you...♪

-Thanks, Great-Gran. -Yes. Thank you.

-Thank you. -Of course.

Thank us by practicing.

We are going to be ready for that cotillion crown

or die trying, right?

Uh, what my love means is,

just being present in this glorious experience

is reward in itself.

Now, go...

so I can have some alone time with my bride.

-Love you. -Love you, too, baby.

I'll walk you guys out.

[phone chimes]

-HAYLEY: Mm-hmm. -Hmm.

Hmm. Was that all right, baby?

I wanted to make it all about you.

Mm. You were more giving than ever.

Mm. Mm-hmm.

I'm just lying here thinking about what you said.

You know, about putting me before everything else.

Okay. What about it?

Did you mean it?

Of course I did.

Even before Dani?

You are my wife, Hayley, okay?

-Not Dani. -Mm.

Have you forgotten our vows?

Oh, they're forever fuzzy

with the sound of Dani's pistol going off.

Right. Well...

maybe we should renew them, hmm?

I mean, they do have more meaning now

after what happened to you.

Okay.

I, Bill Hamilton,

take thee, Hayley Hamilton,

to have and to hold from this day forth,

for better or worse.

-Till death do us part. -Mm-hmm.

I vow to love,

honor and protect you.

Mm.

And I vow to hunt down the man

who dare lay hands on my wife.

Mm.

If anyone other than Anastasia said Gran looked ill,

we would be headed straight to Dr. Ahn.

True. The source is problematic,

but what does she have to gain by saying that?

It's not her usual snark.

If there was anything to it, Granddad would have said.

Facts. And you know that worry brings nothing

-but frown lines. -NAOMI: Mm.

Not fair, using my own words against me.

Mom, don't let Anastasia twist you up.

Not about Gran's mortality or yours.

Focus on the positive, like this insane gig with Tatum.

And nothing's gonna do Gran's heart better

than seeing her girl back on top of the world.

I'd say seeing her granddaughter's wedding

might top it.

-Mm. -I'm fine, Mom.

No. No.

You are amazing, too.

You are married to a wonderful man.

You are doing the most noble work for the people who need it.

I am so proud of you.

In fact, we need more bubbles.

I do declare things are looking up for the Dupree women.

-Cheers. -Hear, hear.

[romantic music playing]

♪ Hey...♪

Last time, you said you wanted to keep it at a kissing pace.

Are you sure?

We are breezing past kissing and quickly approaching naked.

I am sure.

Okay. That's good.

I just... I don't want you to feel like you're in a space...

-Kial? -Yeah.

Stop talking.

♪ I promise, baby♪

♪ You ain't gotta worry about a thing♪

♪ No, I promise♪

♪ I promise♪

♪ I promise, baby♪

♪ You ain't gotta worry about a thing♪

♪ Provision and safety♪

♪ ♪

♪ I've got it♪

♪ That means you got it, yeah♪

♪ The bedroom♪

♪ We both know I handle that spot♪

♪ Uh-huh♪

-♪ -♪ Uh-huh♪

♪ This vibe ain't going nowhere♪

♪ Oh♪

♪ Pretty lady♪

-♪ I promise♪ -♪ Promise♪

♪ I promise♪

♪ Promise♪

-♪ I promise, baby♪ -♪ Promise♪

♪ You ain't gotta worry about a thing, no, I promise.♪

Captioning sponsored by CBS

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