Original subtitles

ANITA: We were in the throes of the holidays

and there was so much going on, you know how it is.

And I told myself I would

put off my wellness exams, including my mammogram,

until, you know, sometime down the road.

Maybe the early part of 2026, when things wind down.

And I mentioned this to a friend, Laura,

who was assisting me with keeping all the balls

in the air, and she gave me the nudge that I needed.

And that small push

changed everything.

GAYLE: I'm thinking, Anita,

we all need a Laura in our lives.

So, tell us what happened next.

Well, that mammogram led to an ultrasound,

and the ultrasound led to a biopsy.

Just before Christmas,

I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.

And it's a very aggressive kind of

cancer that disproportionately effects younger women,

BRCA1 mutation carriers and Black women.

So, Christmas comes...

Hello? Have we become a "seat yourself" greasy spoon?

-Shh. -Yes, I had my port inserted

just after the new year,

and I have gone through several rounds of chemo.

And when that's done, assuming that the tumor

has decreased in size,

I'll undergo surgery.

-This is ridiculous. -But one thing

that I am certain of

is that if I had waited to be screened,

even for a few months,

my chances of success would be far less.

GAYLE: Is that why you chose to tell your story

on your terms and come forward today?

I know there are women watching right now who have

put off their mammograms because it's inconvenient,

because it's uncomfortable.

I hope my story will give them the push that they need.

And if it's not you but someone you love,

then nudge them.

Call, make the appointment. Drive them.

We have to be diligent and do whatever it takes

because cancer doesn't wait for us to be ready.

No. And it certainly

doesn't disappear if we try to hide from it.

There was nothing I needed more

than to be surrounded by my family

and to show them, beyond a shadow of a doubt,

how much they mean to me.

I'm thinking having your family right there

beside you during this battle...

To me, that seems key.

But what has it meant to you?

They have been everything I've needed,

and I have needed all the things.

Comfort and strength,

tears and laughter,

bad jokes

and good music.

They are carrying me

through this harsh winter

of fear and pain.

And if I make it through this-

I should say "when I make it through this,"

because I have every intention of doing so.

Well, I hope your grandmother's message got through.

For a smart lawyer, you can be so unbelievably dumb sometimes.

-Ashley. -Naomi.

Don't you think it's time that you tell your family

you tested positive for the BRCA gene?

Don't you think it's time you mind your own business?

? ?

-Thank you, love. -So, I have terrific news.

-Okay. -Provident Medical

will donate five heart monitors,

and Garland Memorial promised the same.

-Oh, oh, and other great news. -Mm-hmm?

Derek wants the job.

Yeah, well, great news would be me finding out

that my shouse is finished,

or that Izaiah wants to make an honest woman out of you.

Now that Derek is on board, we can open.

He knows exactly what we need to get certified.

Hm.

[phone dings]

Ugh.

Those Dupree women.

On my feed day and night.

You know, I haven't even gotten any traction

from the media for my charitable work.

I mean, it's all about Dani Dupree this,

and Anita Dupree that.

Ugh.

I know. I know, I know.

All right, so I am going to make

a splashy announcement about the free clinic today.

Mrs. Dupree, we were all glued

to the program. Thank you for having such courage.

A member of my waitstaff will be right with you both.

-Thank you, Eugene. -Thank you.

You see, darling?

You're already having a big impact,

and the segment just finished airing.

You poor, poor dear.

Cancer?

If there's anything you need-

There is.

I need you to take all those stones

you've been throwing and put them in your pocket,

and then drive straight to Rehoboth Beach and walk in,

and keep walking until those stones weigh you down

to join the rest of the bottom-feeders that live there.

Your faux sincerity is making me sicker than chemo.

I can drive you.

How dare you?

I will not be maligned by a woman who consorts with

criminal degenerates.

Nor will I be treated like a second-class citizen

in my own club by a woman

who shook her tail feather on the stage

and then married into status.

May I remind you, Anastasia,

my father founded this club,

and his vision was a safe place

for tail feather-shakers and heads of state,

all celebrating their uniqueness.

Perhaps it's time for me to speak with Gabe

and discuss your membership.

I can assure you that-that won't be necessary.

Laura, I didn't realize you encouraged Gran

to get her mammogram. Props.

Mm, the credit goes to Nicole.

If she hadn't loaned me out

to Anita for WinterFest prep,

Anita might have kept pushing back the appointments.

I believe it was something else.

Divine intervention.

Mm. Have your changes escalated

from wardrobe to the metaphysical?

I only mean that it takes a lot of pieces

to fit together to get Mother to this point.

It wasn't luck or a coincidence.

The Duprees have angels watching over us.

I totally believe in angels.

I have one on my shoulder.

I know my mom is watching over me 24/7.

It's the only way I can explain how I'm still alive.

[tires screeching]

...either. Speaking of angels,

I wish there was an avenging angel around

to strike that leviathan down,

and if Eva got vanquished in the process,

well, that?

That would be divine intervention.

It takes a lot to coordinate a press event.

Booking a venue, deciding on news outlets.

Do you have a mission statement? Press packets?

A single person on your team that's not me?

Girl, I do not need all of that, okay?

I am perfectly capable of handling myself

in front of a gaggle of hacks.

This is so last minute.

And that is why they call it "news," my dear.

It is new.

And I am making the announcement today.

M'kay?

And you know what?

I know exactly who to rub elbows with.

So, I am going to alert the media

and you can handle the rest.

And where are you planning on doing this?

Right here is Orphey Gene's, baby.

Look, it is the perfect spot.

I mean, it's right smack dab in the middle of the neighborhood

benefiting from the clinic.

Okay, so what's my job?

Okay, so you get permission from the manager.

And then you round up an audience of

homely-looking people, and I mean ones who look like

they need a doc and not a mortician.

And the revenue the restaurant will lose hosting this event?

Mama Warbucks in da house.

And you get to work.

Soon the news outlets will be saying

"Dupree who?

Leslie Thomas is in the headlines now." Mm.

Why are you so upset with me?

This decision is mine, okay?

If my Gran wants to tell the world

she's got breast cancer, cool. I applaud her.

But I do not want anyone knowing that I am carrying that gene.

Look, this decision is complicated. I get that.

But you have never gotten up in my face like that before.

What's really going on, Naomi?

Jacob moved out.

I have always thought you were stronger than most,

But sharing your cancer journey with the world

was amazing.

No doubt that Anita's army

will help get the word out about the importance

of annual screenings and early detection.

Her army's already deployed,

ever since the promo started running for the interview.

People have been flooding my socials with

prayers, testimonials,

screenshots of the mammogram appointments they've booked.

They've even donated to various cancer foundations

in honor of family members.

I mean, all the things that I urged them to do

in the interview.

Simply incredible. Well, it's getting late.

I'll let you enjoy lunch.

Oh, before you go, Vanessa, I want to thank you

for asking Donnell to be Samantha's escort at cotillion.

Oh, yes.

What a sight to imagine.

Our great-granddaughter making her debut

on the arm of a Banneker man.

Always happy to help however I can.

I'm just so happy Samantha hasn't allowed

my situation to temper her excitement about cotillion.

I never wanted my family to stop living their lives

because I became ill.

Kids' resilience is pretty marvelous.

They can bounce back from adversity so quickly.

Usually.

What is it, Vanessa?

Deanna's still having a tough time

dealing with Doug's death.

I thought she was doing better over the holidays,

but she seems to have regressed.

I came up with the idea of

Donnell escorting Samantha, hoping that...

he'd come home and bring her with him.

She's... she's been away for so long.

Deanna will...

she'll work her way through her grief in time.

She has a strong, loving mother to show her the way through.

It's hard to be an example

when there are days I just feel so incredibly...

...sad over Doug's death.

May I offer you something, Vanessa?

Of course.

When I am at my lowest,

I think of the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

"Hope...

"is being able to see that there is light

despite all the darkness."

I've started reciting these words daily.

They comfort me.

I hope you'll find comfort in them as well.

Thank you.

Mother is such a badass.

Going on TV, opening up about her health

and looking flawless while doing it.

Sounds like someone else I know.

Blazing through life in style.

I want to meet this woman.

Okay. Well, I'll get your lighted mirror from your vanity.

Come on. I'm serious.

You are your mother's daughter.

With half the class.

Mother would never walk into a wedding packing heat.

Dani, she never had to.

Vernon respects the sanctity of marriage.

I always wanted to be with someone who looks at me

the way my father looks at my mother.

And how is that?

With wonder and reverence.

Even after all these years,

Daddy is still completely in awe.

I know the feeling.

I'm a lucky man.

To be married to a woman who constantly

gives me new reasons to love her.

I'm pretty sure tequila had something to do with that.

-Eh... -[laughs]

Smitty.

I am glad to see you.

Why is that?

Okay, listen, I am announcing the opening

of my new clinic, and I thought

it'd be great to have a first-class journalist

like yourself to get the first scoop.

Yeah, I can't believe that you

are asking me, of all people, for help.

Why? I mean, you're a journalist

and you do live for first digs, right?

You co-opted the idea of the free clinic

from my daughter Samantha.

Fine, she can stand next to me.

Just let little Sammy stand right next to me

in the press conference, okay? Is that better?

No.

Oh.

She can take some pictures.

This has been quite the day already.

Hope this confab doesn't end up with you

nearly losing your lunch like you did

last time we were together.

Don't count on it.

Wait, did something happen between you guys?

Why would he move out?

To keep me safe.

Oh, because of the undercover case he's working on?

Yeah. And the people he's trying to take down

are dangerous.

He couldn't even tell me when we'd see each other again.

Mm. Well, no wonder you're on edge.

That's a lot to take on, especially with everything else.

You know, I'm used to feeling anxious

when he leaves for work, but this?

This takes it to a whole nother level.

You know, the night that he told me

he'd have to move out,

we made love like it would be the last time.

Oh, my God. What if it was?

No. No, we're not gonna even go there.

Jacob is an excellent cop. He is not reckless.

He's smart. He's gonna come home.

How did you deal with Derek's job?

Dating a fireman is as stressful as being with a cop.

Yeah, well, Mom is my lifesaver.

She'd keep me sane when I would spin out

over some three-alarm fire Derek got called to.

Oh, she would drag me to the gym, to the movies,

even Love Boat fan club events.

If you can stand it,

I could be your Jan.

We can play bocce ball, we can go to wine tasting.

We can literally do anything that you want.

I do empathize with you two.

I mean, my mother, Peaches-

well, the woman who raised me-

is still ill.

And, I mean, it takes a toll on both

the patient and the family.

Anita, your words were powerful.

Well, I'm grateful the interview touched so many lives,

including yours.

Oh, well, I didn't get to see the whole thing,

but, uh, I did catch the highlights.

And that's what I'm here to speak to you about.

I'm gearing up for

my own announcement.

I mean, nothing as dire

as cancer, of course,

but something that will affect just as many.

If not more, in fact.

Leslie, what do you want from me?

Well, I would love it, Anita,

if you could give me Gayle's number

so that I can arrange a-a sit down with her.

I don't have her personal contact information.

Our publicist set up the interview.

Oh, okay. Just give me their number and then I can-

Anita, you still have Leslie's

contact information from WinterFest, don't you?

-I do. -Well, that's all I need.

I'll pass your information along to our publicist.

Now, I'm not sure if he's taking any new clients,

but if he's not too busy, he'll contact you.

But Vern, I need the presser to happen today.

So wish we could do more.

Hm. I understand.

The mighty Duprees

don't want me infringing on their moment in the sun.

Fine.

I will find another way.

You can tell the ladies who lunch

that although Anita Dupree may have cancer,

she is still a spotlight-hogger, as always.

A big one.

KAT: That spawn of Satan

is making herself at home

in Fairmont Crest.

She's building a monstrosity across the street

from my Gran's. She's bribing the country club

with a brand-new sports complex, and she's trying

to rehab her image by funding a free clinic.

All with the money my grandmother

put into a blind trust.

Mother's intentions were noble.

She wanted to take care of Barbara's family.

Unfortunately, Leslie turned out to be the beneficiary.

At least with the free clinic,

she's putting the money to good use.

I thought Leslie would be in solitary confinement by now,

not high society. And it's not fair

that you and Mom have to constantly cross paths

with the woman who wrecked your lives.

Or that her fantasy book-reading,

ugly boot-wearing co-conspirator

has also been forgiven.

I think Eva has a lot of remorse for the part

she played in Leslie's scheme.

She was lied to just like the rest of us.

Please stop defending her.

Laura almost died because of those two.

I won't forgive

and I will never forget.

Ah. This is a sweet one.

"How does this woman maintain such grace

and beauty while announcing a cancer diagnosis?"

These are great so far.

I'm glad the trolls haven't popped up yet.

You spoke too soon.

Yeah.

-Excuse me. -Behave.

Why are you lurking outside my door?

Well, I would have knocked at the front,

but I thought a surprise appearance

would get me in faster.

You were wrong.

Surprise.

Okay. Uhp.

Ooh, la, la.

I am going to hit you up for your decorator's name

when my place is finished.

Why are you here?

Oh, I saw your livestream when you announced

your return to modeling.

And?

And I have some big news of my own,

so I want to utilize your resources to get the word out.

You're modeling?

Oh, I am flattered that the Dani Dupree

thinks I actually have what it takes to be a model.

I don't. Unless Tatum has a deranged line,

then you'd be perfect.

Hm. Yes.

Well, I am the new face of benevolence.

DANI: Oh, God.

-Sorry. -I am opening a new

free clinic, okay?

And I need you

to put me in touch with your reporters,

the ones who covered your announcement.

Why would fashion reporters be interested in a free clinic?

News is news, honey.

On what planet, Leslie?

Okay, listen, you don't want to give me

your contact information? That's fine.

At least give me a Tatum original to wear, hmm?

Girl, please hop on your broomstick and fly away.

-Oh... -Okay, you heard her. Come on.

All right, I'm leaving. I'm leaving, but...

Ooh, I have a proposition for this chocolate morsel.

-Be my videographer. -Out.

-Okay, All right. -Out. Come on.

All right, I will take that as a maybe.

Hey, hey. Don't get rough.

All right, but listen. I'll be at Orphey Gene's,

so if you decide to take the job, then...

-Mm. Got you. -It's for a good cause.

Goodbye.

Hi, Eva.

Laura.

Hey.

Um, want to sit?

Sure.

What are you reading?

Um, Octavia E. Butler. Parable of the Sower.

Read it?

No.

Good?

It's like reading about the times we're living in,

but written, like, 30 years ago.

Yeah, she was prophetic.

Speaking of the past, it's been a year

since my accident.

And me filling in for you at Nicole's.

We don't have to rehash everything.

We've talked about it, and I'm in a much better place now.

Thanks for saying that.

Because if anybody has a right to hold a grudge...

Some people still do.

Kat?

I try not to give energy to negative thoughts.

I have chosen to focus on the positives, like how

you taught me that new system which made my life

so much easier at work,

how I got to help Mrs. Dupree with WinterFest

and some personal matters,

and how you have a relationship with Ted now.

I know how important that is for you.

Wow. I don't even know what to say.

You could be spitting in my face,

but instead you're happy for me?

You're pretty amazing, Laura.

But I should warn you, my mom will be back any minute.

Another positive?

I've learned to stand up for myself

in every aspect of my life.

I'm not gonna shrink away from Leslie anymore.

So, I'll be at the counter,

enjoying my biscuits and gravy.

You are just the face I was in the mood for.

Likewise.

I saw your mother's interview

and spoke to her afterwards.

She is astonishing.

Here she is, dealing with her own crisis,

but still has time to comfort everyone else.

One of her amazing qualities. Strength.

She has stores and stores of it.

I spoke to her about the twins.

Well, mostly Deanna, and how I miss her so much.

I thought we talked about you giving her time and space.

And I have been.

But the sadness isn't only her not being here.

It's the terrible weight none of us can seem to lift.

Doug's passing.

I know this is nowhere near the same,

but losing Ted is like that for me.

Grief is grief.

Just when I think I've turned a corner,

something knocks me for a loop,

and I realize that I've only just turned

a lighter shade of blue.

When I hear a song or encounter a fragrance...

Mm, brings back memories of a life you used to have.

And then you go spiraling down the rabbit hole of emotions.

Neither one of our marriages turned out

to be the fairy tale we thought.

We spent much of our lives with Ted and Doug.

It's normal.

Anita taught me a saying

to recite when I'm feeling down.

I'm a true believer in the wisdom of Anita,

and I think the world would be a better place

if everyone listened to her.

You won't believe how many people

and organizations have reached out to me

since the interview aired.

My "army" is breaking the Internet

with responses and donations.

"Anita's Army." That has quite a ring to it.

And did I tell you? Tracy and Sharon

have arranged to have a mobile mammogram bus

in the parking lot at one of their concerts.

Every woman who is screened gets a free ticket.

Now that's some incentive.

And also, the Dupree Heritage Foundation

has unveiled this big,

beautiful pink ribbon sculpture in the office lobby.

-Aw. -And, you know,

there's an organization

that is blowing up socials with the interview

and including a link for all kinds of resources

for women who have been impacted, and their families.

So many people just don't have the support system

that you've been blessed with.

That is so true.

And Jackie Tyree is hosting a show on the Vegas Strip

to raise awareness about early detection.

Between the interview

and the promotion surrounding it,

you have drummed up more support

than I ever could have thought you would.

And I am not taking it for granted.

And, Vernon, I want you to hold my feet to the fire.

I have to be

diligent and not lose momentum.

I want to save as many lives as possible.

I don't doubt that you'll do just that.

Can we circle back to Anita's interview for a second?

Do we have to?

It was so inspirational to me.

And it can be for you, too.

And before you shoot me down,

please, can you just hear me out about

why I am pushing you so hard to be honest with your family?

I'm listening.

Okay.

I know that you think that you are offering them

some kindness by keeping quiet, right?

All you're really doing

is keeping the people who care about you

from having the chance

to surround you with love and support.

My family's dealing with a lot right now,

and I don't want to add more pain and stress

and worry to their lives.

And-and telling them the truth

changes nothing. I will still be a carrier.

If you continue

to keep your genetic results under wraps

from your family- who are bound to talk to you

about Anita's cancer, by the way-

you're-you're gonna reach a tipping point.

You're gonna blow up

like you did today.

It's not like I don't see the logic

-of what you're saying, but- -But you're tough.

And you're independent.

And you've got your pride.

You're also a Dupree.

And they are the gold standard

when it comes to supporting each other.

Naomi, you have to take advantage of that.

Okay.

Okay, Ashley, I will consider all of my options.

Okay?

Good.

And know this.

Whatever you decide...

...I'm always gonna be here for you, okay?

I know.

Even when you get snippy.

-I'm sorry. -It's okay.

Martin is on the campaign trail as we speak,

shaking hands and kissing babies.

Mm, bless him.

There are several

things I'd do for business,

but kissing other people's blubbering tots is not one.

Let's sit. Please, help yourselves.

Oh, yeah, great.

I am so happy that you two had the idea

to have Donnell escort Samantha at the cotillion.

Is my grandbaby excited?

She went from total despair to walking on air overnight.

Donnell is well versed in all things cotillion.

He's been an escort several times

and he lived through all the prep for Deanna's debut.

As you know, that schedule's not for the faint of heart.

Actually, I was a total novice.

I didn't know anything

about the tradition. Nicole had to school me

on the historical significance.

Again, thank you for saving the day.

But you are concerned.

Only a little bit.

Forgive me while I put my

"protective dad" hat on.

Martin and I just want to have a sit-down

with Donnell before the big day.

We know that you and Doug

raised a great kid.

It's just kind of a dad thing that we need to do.

I completely understand.

Smitty, I love how present you and Martin are

in Samantha and Tyrell's lives.

My grandchildren have the best role models.

Not every kid is that fortunate.

Where is my audience?

Mama, I tried to get some bodies,

but it was a hard sell.

Did you find a media outlet?

No. I mean, the haters don't want me

to upstage Queen Anita.

And, you know what, we're just gonna have to

do this ourselves and get the message out

to the masses, honey. Okay?

So, listen, I will do the livestream,

and you will be the camera operator.

Hm? Here.

You do know that you don't have very many followers,

-right? -Yeah. You do know

I'm not worried about that?

All right? If you livestream it,

they will come.

I think we should wait until we find a professional

who has the right equipment.

Nope.

I'm not waiting.

And this phone is going to do just fine.

Uh, okay. Well, can we at least do a rehearsal?

What?

Whose child are you? Fine. Fine, fine, fine.

Okay.

Five, four, three,

two... [mouths]

Hi, I'm Leslie Thomas, a creative entrepreneur

and pillar of the community.

And, yes, I am here at Orphey Gene's,

the restaurant

for the people.

Clearly, the walk and talk thing is not gonna work.

Okay, fine. I'll tell you what, we're going to stand right here.

I will plant myself and we will do it here.

All right? Let's go.

I'm Leslie Thomas, creative entrepreneur

and pillar for the community.

Now, I have built my own health clinic,

a free health clinic.

It's called the Phoenix Street Free Health Clinic.

Should have been called the Leslie Thomas

Free Health Clinic.

That's what I wanted. But, you know, c'est la vie.

Oh, my God, did we have the same idea?

Comfort food?

You might want to hit up a different spot.

When you're making a difference on the scale I am,

it deserves to be seen.

They're... livestreaming? Right now?

As far as I know. They had a few disastrous rehearsals,

but so far, this take is drama-free.

I am over it, though.

-See you later? -Mm, bye.

LESLIE: State-of-the-art equipment

all made available to a deserving community

through my largess.

This isn't charity, darlings.

This is legacy.

Damn, we were so cozy before Hurricane Leslie hit.

Mm.

Hope we don't have any other unexpected visitors today.

For real.

But let's not let her turn us totally against unexpected.

-Sometimes... -Hm?

surprises can be a blessing.

What do you mean?

Do you know the full story of how my parents met?

-Mm-mmm. -So, my mother's manager,

-Dante Greene, -Mm-hmm.

sends the Articulettes to a march in Washington.

My mother was exhausted from a tour, didn't want to go.

-But that choice... -Mm-hmm?

...I mean, it changed the whole trajectory of her life.

She had no idea that she would meet her one true love.

And together, they've weathered every storm

-and built a lasting legacy. -Mm.

They've always been such a good example.

I'm hearing a "but."

Is there a "but" coming?

I sometimes wonder if I've fallen short

with my kids.

Whoa, come on.

No, no, no.

How can you say that, Dani?

They're both successful in their lives

and in their personal relationships.

What have they learned from watching me?

To live their dreams.

To live out loud, speak their minds.

And most importantly, your daughters have learned

not to take crap from anybody.

You're damn straight.

Damn straight.

And if you ask me...

...I think that's one hell of a legacy.

Anita Dupree,

here you are, in the battle of your life,

and you're still speaking your truth.

You know me.

I don't feel like I had any choice.

Oh, you could have chosen not to let people see you

at your most vulnerable, but

you sided with something sacred in yourself.

And you are my example and my inspiration.

Having you by my side brings me such peace.

You have loved me so deeply

and so consistently throughout our entire marriage.

And I never intend to stop.

Our love is unbreakable.

Much like your spirit.

Hey, to you, Anita.

And your wildly and successful interview.

You see, as a pillar of the community,

you should be as generous as you are smart,

as selfless as you are clever,

and as bold as you are beautiful.

This pillar of the community is a homicidal homewrecker

who tried to murder someone twice.

Turn that phone back around so I can defend myself against

these outrageous allegations.

Well, we weren't actually live.

I decided to record

the announcement so we can edit it

and release it later.

Good looking out for your mama, baby girl.

You need to clip your claws, Kit-Kat brat,

'cause your little tantrum won't be televised today.

I swear, I will find a way to expose you

for the murderous snake you are.

I will make you pay for what you did

to my mother and Laura if it's the last thing I do.

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