Original subtitles

[Phil] Previously on Bel-Air...

-Everything okay, Geoffrey? -Why do you ask?

Just making sure you're happy here, that's all.

I'm just here to do my job, Phil.

[Phil] Something's not right.

This is a surprise.

This is Will's decision to make.

Will deserves a shot at his dreams.

He'll play for your team and help you win, but you don't get to own him.

Didn't we agree that H2-Ivy would be the official drink of the house?

If I can just close this Simply Spiked deal,

it would be a game changer.

Then H2-Ivy is over with.

The venue we selected cannot accommodate that.

And, yes, it's too late to find another one.

With this art show coming,

there's a million people with a million opinions.

-Coming through? -[Lisa] I was hoping to.

-You okay with that? -I mean, I know we're not together,

-but we're still cool, right? -Of course.

Do you ever feel like we're too different?

As long as we down for each other, doesn't matter what anybody else think.

You know y'all wanted me to marry LaMarcus.

And now you have nothing to say about Jazz?

Faculty nominations for the Founder's Award are coming out.

Your actions the day of the protest didn't go unnoticed.

Bassin got to you, and now your name is on the Founder's Award list.

It's actually a lot more complicated than that.

I thought we were working on the same agenda,

but I guess you had one of your own.

♪ You see it's two type of people In life ♪

♪ It's people that wake up And wish they hadn't ♪

♪ It's people that wake up and go get it ♪

-♪ We go get it, baby ♪ -That's fire!

♪ Fire, let's go! ♪

♪ All my life I been a go-getter ♪

♪ All I know is to go-go get it ♪

♪ Wake up in the mornin' kiss my son Then go-go get it ♪

-[groans] -[Doc] Step yo' game up.

[players' chatter]

♪ Go-go get it ♪

♪ From top floor, top dog Like I just signed a TDE ♪

♪ Gang-gang, gang shit Niggas know we all gotta eat... ♪

You know how many miles an NBA player runs in a season?

Over a hundred.

How hard you go here matters.

[players' chatter]

[button beeping]

Step your game up.

♪ I ball like MLB The Botega boots ain't cheap ♪

[Will retching]

[Brian] Well, well, well...

Bel-Air got you looking soft out here, bro.

You tripping. I'm from Philly. What's up?

Man, that rich boy shit don't mean nothing out here.

-Won't keep you on the team neither. -[Will grunts]

Man, look at him. He about to get cut.

-Snip-snip! -So, what y'all trying to do?

You need to have that same energy when you pick up these weights, boy.

-[Brian] Real talk. -[Hudson] Let's get this work, man.

-He ain't gonna make it. -[Brian] Later, Bel-Air.

♪ ...so photogenic All my life I been a go-getta ♪

♪ Wake up in the mornin' kiss my son Then go-go get it ♪

[approaching footsteps]

-[Viv] Oh, thank you, Geoffrey. -No problem.

Almost ready for Janice?

[Viv] Mm-hmm.

I didn't realize how hands-on she was gonna be.

Fellowship not as rewarding as you had hoped, huh?

Janice has made it very clear

that she is not comfortable with me pushing the envelope.

[Geoffrey] Mm.

Real talk?

She's lucky to have you, Viv.

And they need you more than you need them, trust me.

Can you tell her that for me?

Oh, come on. She loves you.

-I think she has a little crush on you. -[chuckles]

Whatever I can do, Viv, I've got you.

Well, you know, we are hosting Phil's family reunion this year.

Oh, I'm gonna really need your help then.

Yep. The whole of the Banks crew.

I'll stock up on the alcohol.

For you, of course, not for them.

[giggles]

Oh, Geoffrey, I have missed you.

So how's everything been going?

With me and Phil?

In general, but, yeah, with you two.

-We're finding our way. -[Viv] Good.

Because with all this stuff happening at the firm,

you're the one he trusts the most.

He needs you right now.

Ain't never been called soft.

They don't fucking know me.

But you don't know them either.

What are you talking about?

Hudson took three buses to get here

and worked out before school every day for a year.

Now he's a starter.

Brian?

He was sleeping in his car when Doc found him.

Now he's got college coaches beating down the door.

[sighs]

Their hunger, that's their edge.

[Will scoffs]

Look, I ain't come here to ride the bench, Jackie.

Okay.

So show them you're not just some bougie kid from Bel-Air.

What's your edge?

First day is always rough.

I give this book to all my players.

Ten thousand hours of practice to be great.

Just gotta keep putting in the time.

You know I will. I ain't scared of hard work.

That's what I like to hear.

Bring your swim trunks next week.

We gonna start with 50 laps.

Jackie, don't be late for school.

I know.

Shit.

Laps?

Don't tell me you don't know how to swim.

[sighs]

[laughs]

Can't catch a break.

That's gonna be fun to watch.

[chuckles]

Mm. Morning, bumblebee.

I've been waiting for you.

-Oh. It's from Ms. Hughes. -[Phil] Mm-hmm.

She got some offers in Chicago, closer to her family.

She's not coming back to Bel-Air?

I know it's not exactly what you wanted, but she got a great opportunity,

and she's gonna get a very nice settlement.

And you're a big part of that. Hm?

-I love you. -I love you too.

[Ashley sighs]

[soft music]

[Ms. Hughes] Ashley...

Thank you for using your voice and helping me be seen.

Never lose that special spark.

Remember, our excellence is everywhere.

Love, Ms. Hughes.

[man on PA] Information on the senior trip will be out next month.

[indistinct chatter]

[man on PA] And just for later...

[indistinct PA chatter]

...Winter Spectacular this Thursday at 8:30 p.m.

[sighs] You're late.

Easy, C. First day back. [chuckles]

[man on PA] And the moment you've all been waiting for,

the nomination period for Bel-Air Academy's Founder's Award is closed.

To be nominated, a student must have their name put forward

-by either a faculty member... -You got this.

-...or student organization. -It's all you.

[man on PA] Here are the official nominees. Emma Zhao...

Grace Guzman,

Johnny Ko...

-Connor Satterfield... -[students' chatter]

-[man on PA] Carlton Banks... -[sighs]

[laughs] Told you.

[man on PA] ...and Will Smith.

[students' chatter]

Congratulations, and good luck to all of our nominees!

[scoffs]

♪ It's like déjà vu I see it all the time ♪

♪ It's like déjà vu I see it all the time ♪

["Déjà Vu" by Easy McCoy playing]

♪ Yeah ♪

No, for real, though, West Philly for the win, okay?

-You got this, bro. Congrats! -Thank you, thank you.

-[student] I'll catch you later, okay? -Congrats, Will.

Guess you're this year's wildcard.

Do you even know what the Founder's Award is?

Carlton, relax, okay? I don't even know how I got nominated.

The BSU nominated you.

-Wait, for real? -Seriously?

Congratulations, you guys.

Oh. Yo, Lisa, can I holla at you for a second?

Yeah.

Wait, so I'm just supposed to pretend like this isn't personal?

Canceling me out by bringing my cousin into the competition

just feels like unnecessary sabotage.

Will brings a perspective that we've never seen before.

I mean, it's nothing personal, he's just the right choice.

And, hey, two Black students were nominated.

I mean, no matter what, that's a good thing.

[melancholic music]

Um, I offered my services months ago, and you never took me up on it.

Why the rush?

Well, my AAU team is doing laps this week and I cannot be clowned.

But I have a secret weapon.

The number one swimmer at Bel-Air.

Oh, are you sure you're ready for this?

[scoffs] I'm positive I'm not.

[chuckles]

But, you know, I feel like I'm in good hands.

What, you gotta get Drew's permission or something?

Drew? Please.

The way he came at Carlton, he's not the guy I thought he was.

I mean, I told you he wasn't good enough for you.

But that's none of my business.

Look, are you coming by the crib later or not?

-All right, fine. -Yes. Hey.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I knew I could count on my girl.

Oh, so I'm your girl when you want something?

Come on, you know you'll always be my ace! All right?

Ay, don't do that!

Appreciate you, girl!

[Will laughs]

♪ I knew, I knew, I knew ♪

♪ Talented but they don't work As hard as I do, I do ♪

Damn. Everyone was at that Fenty party last night.

[Phanta] For real?

Yep. Another influencer event that we didn't get invited to.

[Phanta] That sucks...

I mean, at least with Kylo, we walked red carpets,

-and got swag bags, and Getty images... -[Hilary] Hello.

I'm right here.

[sighs] Catch you later, Phanta.

[Phanta] See ya.

Look, you and Phanta need to be patient, okay?

I'm so close to closing this Simply Spiked deal.

You said that last week.

I know what I said.

Listen, if we just get our numbers up a little bit

and get a little more engagement, we're there.

Well, we could get there faster

if we could actually count on Ivy's followers.

We don't need Ivy.

[sighs]

[slow tense music]

Look, I'm working really hard to get us there, okay?

And I will.

Just trust.

[exhales heavily]

Only you could get nominated for a Founder's Award

the same day you finish suspension.

-My man, what up, Ty? -[Tyler] How we feeling?

Welcome back.

-The team misses you. -That's cap.

All right, well, maybe they didn't say that,

but I can feel it.

I tried to talk coach into giving you a second chance,

but he wasn't having it.

-Sorry, man. -Oh, look, it's all good.

It actually worked out.

You know, I'm playing for Zenith Hype now.

I watch them on House of Highlights, like, all the time.

-They're like top five in the AAU circuit. -Yes, sir.

And you boy is out there killing it.

[Tyler] No way. Damn.

Well, I'm glad you found a team that appreciates you.

[inhales deeply] Maybe we could have done that more.

Tyler, trust me, it's all good, man. All right?

Well, I'm glad everything is working out for you, Will.

-I'll see you around. -[Tyler] Yes, sir.

[sighs]

Been studying the numbers.

[exhales heavily]

Our billables from last quarter are down 30 percent.

Mm-hm. Most of it because your firm lost the Garrison Construction account.

Yeah.

Our biggest client.

You know what?

I'm sure Robert Garrison would agree to a sit-down.

Let him know you're back on the throne.

If I can get that business back, it'd calm a lot of partner nerves.

Maybe press pause on this acquisition.

Mm.

[inhales sharply]

It's good to have you back, G.

[school bell ringing]

[Connor] Congrats on your nom.

Too bad your sorry ass won't win.

Why? Because you're going to?

[Connor] Nah.

Thanks to your cousin's woke-ass Malcolm X stunt, we're both gonna lose.

[laughs]

Speak for yourself.

Anyway, thought you might be looking for a little escape?

No. I'm good.

[soft chuckle]

I know we're not boys, but I know you, Carlton.

There's no way you're good right now.

Fuck off, Connor.

[Connor] Okay, man, whatever you say.

[school bell rings]

Consider it a peace offering.

Shit.

[tense music]

[exhales heavily]

[sighs]

-[door closes] -[breathing nervously]

[footsteps]

[door creaks]

[panting]

[tense music]

[toilet flushes]

-Hi there. -[Phil] Hey.

-[server] The usual? -Yeah. Uh, two this time. Neat.

[server] You got it.

-Erika? -Philip?

-[laughs] -What are you...

-Uh... -[both laugh]

What are you doing here? Last I heard, you were still in New York.

Well, I transferred to my firm's LA office.

Okay.

Well, please, sit. You, you got a minute?

I, I've got a minute before my lunch starts.

-Yeah. -[Phil] Yeah?

-Yeah. -[Phil] Okay.

-[chuckles] -[server] Here you go.

-Thank you. -[server] You're welcome.

[soft piano music playing]

Oban.

One of your favorites, if I remember correctly.

You know, that was for my client.

No, I think you mean my client.

And, uh, Garrison isn't coming.

[sighs]

-So, it was your firm that poached him. -Guilty.

And then these are also some older works, focusing on the cleansing power of water,

from the middle passage to the spiritual renewal of baptism.

And that will all be here on the east walls of the space.

Uh... huh.

And, of course, there'll be plenty of champagne,

so it, it should all flow quite nicely.

It all sounds good.

Oh. Okay, great.

Just a few thoughts.

May I?

Oh.

The arrangement of the space here is a bit disorienting.

I feel that the series starts with potential

and then stops too abruptly.

You know, where is the ascension?

If you start back here with these,

and continue the whole collection...

-[both laughing] -No, listen, listen,

I have to say, out of respect,

I would have never stolen Garrison if you were still at the firm.

And you never would have got him if I was.

Ah. There's that confidence. [chuckles]

So I take it you're back?

I am.

Yeah, the, uh, the DA race

-didn't quite go my way. -I heard.

How's Viv?

Very well.

Yeah, she's, uh,

-back focusing on her art. -Mm.

And what about you and Chris, was it?

-Oh, we, uh, thought about kids. -[Phil] Mm.

A last-ditch effort to save our marriage.

I'm sorry, I didn't know.

And then there was Adam.

Yeah, he didn't want kids.

Now he's living with his 25-year-old trainer with twins on the way.

So there you go.

Two failed marriages, no kids, and a kick-ass job.

Now you're up to date.

Wow.

Sad, I know. [chuckles]

Guess I just didn't choose the right guy.

So should we address the elephant in the room?

Robert.

Yes, Robert.

-I will get my client back. -Mm-mm-mmm.

He's a huge piece of business and I'm not giving up my client.

-Mm. -But I'm reasonable.

There is one way you can get him back.

[Lisa] Whenever you're ready...

-[exhales heavily] -I'm gonna need you to lean back again.

[chuckles] All right.

Now, remember, your body's only tense because you're in your head.

[exhales nervously]

Just close your eyes and think about something that brings you peace.

I'm not gonna lie, the only thing that's bringing me peace right now is your voice.

So focus on my voice.

[sighs]

Before you entered this world, you were immersed in water,

so you're just resisting your natural state.

The water will always carry you, if you allow it to.

[soft music]

Open your eyes.

Oh, shit! Am I floating?

[Lisa] You're floating.

Ooh-hoo-hoo!

-[Will] All by myself? -All by yourself.

[laughter]

That's crazy!

[Will] Whoo!

As much as I love hearing about your work problems,

Janice just reworked the entire show and now I gotta make it all make sense.

Mom! Seriously?

Okay. You have my undivided attention.

Ten minutes. Go.

So, listen.

If I had Ivy's ten million followers, I would have closed this deal already.

I mean, I don't know what to do.

Maybe I should just give up and find another deal she can endorse.

Or you can dig in.

Look, if Phanta and Monica see

that you're the first to get the House sponsor on your own,

without Ivy,

they'll see that you're a boss.

Look, trust your gut.

See where it takes you.

Hm.

Okay, well, then in that case,

I could use an opportunity for the House to gain some publicity fast.

Mm-hm.

You know, like a high-end event.

Something in the next two days, if possible? Any ideas?

-Nothing comes to mind. -Mom!

Okay, yes.

You can use my event however you need.

[squeals] Thank you, thank you.

And I promise you, it'll be easy, we're not gonna mess up your plans.

Yeah, I mean, I've pivoted a million times, what's one more?

Listen, Mom.

You're a boss, too, okay?

You need to flex a little bit.

I mean, why should everybody else get their vision

if it means losing sight of your own?

You need to trust your gut.

See where it takes you.

I see what you did there.

[laughing]

-[Hilary] Just trying to be like you. -Oh...

Okay, let's go again.

-Let's try again. Come on, swim to me. -No, no, come on, I need a break. Chill.

Oh, you need a break?

Oh, sorry, let me just...

No, no, no, no, there's no breaks in my class.

-Did you just... -Let's go, Smith.

-What are you gonna do about it? -She did it again.

[chuckles] Okay. What am I gonna do about it?

Hold on, hold on. Come here.

♪ Just sayin' I'm focusin' on you and I Catchin' feelings so deep ♪

Hold on. Don't run!

[laughter]

-Got your ass. -Will!

-Look what you just did! -What?

Oh, shit!

-Yo, I did that! -Yeah.

-Did I get over here? That's crazy! -Yes!

I did it, hey.

You're a great teacher.

[laughing]

♪ You put in work so I can trust you ♪

♪ And now it's time for me to love you ♪

Um...

So, anyway, you just practice swimming

-for about an hour a day... -Right.

...and you should be set for Zenith next week.

[sighs]

Hey. Thanks, Lis. I really appreciate this.

-I really owe you one. -[laughs]

I mean, you're not gonna win any relay races,

-but at least you won't drown. -I'll take it. I'll take it.

I really need to make this AAU thing work.

I really don't have any backup plans, so.

I mean, anything can work if you want it bad enough.

Yeah. Guess you're right.

[Lisa] Will!

You deserve a medal of honor for getting Will near the water,

much less in it.

Amazing what we can do when we are motivated.

And I see you're on fire.

I love the way you're changing up the art show to make it your own.

[clicks tongue] "Excellence is everywhere."

I like it.

Oh, it's the new theme, inspired by Ashley.

And the space is big enough to feature all my art,

and share the limelight with new talent.

So, what's Janice think about all this?

I don't know, I guess we'll see when she shows up.

[both giggle]

-I'll start mocking up a new catalog. -Oh, thank you, Lisa.

I need all hands on deck,

and a miracle from Jesus to pull this all off.

[Lisa] Mm. And congrats, by the way.

It's so cool that both Will and Carlton got nominated for the Founder's Award.

What?

I had no idea.

Maybe they were making it a surprise.

Oh, forget I said anything.

Just, hopefully, they won't be at each other's throats,

especially after what happened with Carlton at the protest.

Wait, what happened at the protest?

Lisa.

[knocking on door]

[Will] Yer!

Yo, C?

Can I bother you for a second?

What's up?

Just checking on you, man.

Anything, um, interesting happen in your day?

You mean besides you getting nominated for the school's highest award

and having no idea what it is?

No.

Is that what your boy Connor was all in your ear about?

[pants]

You spying on me?

No, man. I'm just making sure you're good.

Look, C, deading that nut-ass friendship was the best thing to happen to you, okay?

I know how you and Connor used to party, so I'm just making sure you straight.

Look, I don't want anything to do with Connor or any of his bullshit.

-Yeah? -[Carlton] Yes.

All right, that was the old me.

I have no interest in going back there.

Okay. I believe you.

Glad to hear it, man.

[Will chuckles]

Can I get back to working out?

Go ahead. Superman.

Hey, honey. I am so sorry I'm late.

We need to talk.

[Phil] What's going on?

Carlton had another panic attack at the protest.

And Will knew all about it.

Well, did you talk to him yet?

Just waiting on you so we can game plan.

-[sighs] -Okay.

[knocking on door]

[doorknob clicks]

Hey.

-Heard the good news. -[door closes]

Founder's Award?

Congratulations.

Um... why do I feel like there's about to be a "but"?

I heard about the panic attack at the protest.

[Will] I'm sorry I didn't tell you.

Look, I realize that I probably put you in a bad position.

You know, looking out for your cousin without betraying his trust, I get it.

I mean, I thought I was helping him find a new lane with this protest thing.

Mm.

I don't know.

Maybe I pushed too hard.

I just didn't want you guys to overreact.

And I know it was wrong of me to keep it from you, and I'm sorry.

But even Dr. Richardson says it takes time.

I'll have good days and bad days.

[Phil] We don't ask to be role models,

but like it or not,

you're that person for Carlton.

You know, he puts a lot of pressure on himself to be stronger

because he sees you winning.

Like your nomination for the Founder's Award?

[sighs]

I just got thrown in the mix.

I didn't ask for that.

I don't want this to overshadow your nomination for the Founder's Award.

I mean, that is a great accomplishment.

Right, so why don't we just focus on

the good things that are happening in my life?

Your father and I are both very proud of you.

I mean, we know how much this means to you.

I don't care about the Founder's Award, okay? I'm focused on AAU, and that's it.

The Founder's Award is Carlton's thing.

Well, it's still an honor to be proud of.

But, yes, if you're not passionate about it,

just know that it means the world to Carlton.

Easy.

I will gladly take myself out of the running.

Look, trust me, Uncle Phil, I want what's best for Carlton, too, okay?

Don't worry.

Don't worry.

I just need you to have faith and believe in the decision that we've all made.

[sighs]

Okay.

-I believe you. -[both chuckle]

[Viv] Mm...

♪ Safe from the corners of my mind ♪

♪ Is where I find my sanity ♪

♪ If you feel just like me ♪

I talked to the bartenders, they're bringing out more champagne.

[exhales heavily] So far, so good.

Better than good. Look at what you did.

-Uh-oh. Incoming. -What?

-Ah! -Interesting, what you've done, Vivian.

Different from what we discussed.

I have some questions about these artists over here.

Wow. Afternoon, Janice. I must say, you are looking stunning today.

-Thank you! -Oh, Janice, you remember Geoffrey?

-You two met at my last art exhibit? -Oh, yeah.

Pretty impressive what she's achieved, right?

Absolutely.

But, Janice, can I borrow you for a minute?

-Oh. -I'd love to show you my favorite piece.

I'd be delighted.

[Geoffrey chuckles]

[mouths] Thank you.

[Monica] Who's this one by?

[Phanta] It doesn't say.

Oh. This one is amazing.

It really speaks to the silencing of the female voice.

-Pretty powerful. -[phone camera clicks]

[Hilary] That's perfect, you guys. I love to see it.

Keep posting, okay?

Talk to the artists, start conversations, and tag them, okay?

Visibility for the artist, visibility for the House.

Well, who's this artist?

We wanna tag them, but it says anonymous.

What?

Hey, Doc. So good to see you.

And thank you so much again

for giving Will the opportunity to be on your team.

[Doc] Oh, it's no problem.

I was just dropping my niece off.

I should be thanking you for giving her this opportunity.

Oh, please. Will told me how great she is.

Besides, I was looking for a, a performative aspect

to add to my art show on the last minute.

We should definitely take a picture in this one.

-It's cute, right? -So, Hil?

What?

Look, this is super cool, and we love your mom and all, but...

And, and like, we really appreciate the invite,

but, uh, this isn't exactly the influencer splash we were hoping for.

I totally get that, but, you guys, trust me.

I have a big surprise coming, okay?

Let's take a picture with this.

♪ Freedom, Find your own kinda free... ♪

[Lisa] You ladies can drop your stuff right here.

There's water for you.

You can also drop your stuff there.

And there's the place for you to change.

Let me know if you need anything.

-Is there a bathroom? -[Lisa] Absolutely. I can show you.

-I'm Lisa. -Jackie.

-I don't know why I'm so nervous. -[Lisa laughs]

This couldn't be a friendlier crowd.

-They're gonna love you. -Thank you.

Your boots are fire, by the way.

-Oh, thank you. -You're welcome, girl.

[Will] Yo! Doc!

-Oh, wanted to tap in with you real quick. -Hey. Hey.

[Will laughs]

You still feeling the pain from that workout?

I'm not gonna lie, sitting is a little rough.

[both laugh]

Look, I know the guys are pretty tough on you,

but don't let them get in your head too much.

No, it's all good. I ain't tripping, you know.

New kid from Bel-Air Academy and all, I get it.

Okay, but that academic piece is important, too, man.

That school is gonna open up a lot of doors for you.

Doors those guys will never see.

Mm.

Yeah, I guess I never thought about it like that.

Well, you know, I, I actually am nominated for this school leadership award...

-Okay. -[Will] Yeah, it's a pretty big deal,

apparently. Yeah, but it's more my cousin's thing.

You got leadership skills too.

And D1 schools, they looking for that.

Don't be so quick to count yourself out.

-I'll talk to you. -[Will] All right.

All right.

♪ I get that paper ♪

♪ I got that shit ♪

[chattering]

[upbeat background music]

That's Phillis Wheatley, the first published Black female poet.

She started writing poetry in the 1700s,

around the same age as you.

And she was a slave?

Mm, no, she was enslaved.

We didn't choose that.

-[Viv sighs] -Wow.

I can't believe I never learned about her in school.

Yeah, well, that's why it's important that we educate ourselves.

I'm so happy Ms. Hughes taught you that too.

Our excellence is everywhere.

[camera shutter clicks]

How'd it go with Garrison?

He never showed.

But the lawyer who stole him did.

-Yeah. -[waiter] Champagne, gentlemen?

Thank you.

Erika Baker.

-Boy... -Exactly.

She's working in LA.

And... how'd it go with that?

Well, she said James and the firm could have the Garrison account.

But, uh, she wants me to join her firm as a senior partner.

I'd at least be open to a meeting.

Have you spoke to Viv about this?

[clicks tongue] Well, not until there's anything to say.

[overlapping chatter]

Okay, wait. Him?

-Real estate agent. -Okay.

Single.

-[Carlton] Not from LA. -[Jazz] Mm-hm.

-Vegan. -[laughter]

-Your turn. -All right. Uh...

Oh, right here.

This Shaft-looking motherfucker right here.

Probably rolled in from some midwestern town,

trying to be an actor.

He's bartending now, though.

-You know, but you know how that go. -[laughs]

He probably a life coach.

[laughing]

Oh, shit.

-Yo, that's... -LaMarcus Alton.

Hilary Banks.

Wait a minute.

Oh, my God.

I know that's not LaMarcus- most-receptions-in-the-Rose-Bowl,

Touchdown-Machine-Alton!

What's good, baby?

Man! Hey!

I won big this year at fantasy, you was my first pick dawg, for real.

Appreciate you.

Didn't you just get traded from the Eagles to the Rams?

Thanks, man. Yes.

And I'm happy to be back in LA.

[Jazz] Oh, man, that's dope.

So, I mean, how you, how you know the Banks family?

I'm Hilary's ex.

Hilar... Hilary's ex, ex-what?

LaMarcus is my ex-boyfriend.

But, LaMarcus, meet Jazz, my boyfriend.

Wow.

Damn.

[crowd cheering]

[Viv] Oh, thank you.

Hello, everyone.

Thank you so much for coming.

You know, as this year's Fellow,

I get the opportunity to mentor,

lecture, and curate exhibits,

all thanks to the support and resources of the Neeman Fellowship.

Thank you.

[applauding]

You know, I spent my undergraduate years in Washington DC

at Howard University.

-The Mecca. -HU!

-You know! -[Viv laughs]

[Viv] And while I was there, I was exposed

to the rich legacy of the Barnett Aden Gallery,

the first privately-owned Black gallery in the US.

A space that helped launch the careers of Romare Bearden,

Charles White, Elizabeth Catlett, and so many others.

I wish to create a legacy that lives up to that history.

-Whoo! -Yeah!

A place where we are all respected, heard, and welcomed.

And, listen, y'all, that starts tonight.

[crowd cheering]

Tonight, I have curated a collection that includes my own work,

but also the work of emerging photographers, painters, sculptors,

and, yes, even dance.

Speaking of which, please welcome The Syncopated Ladies.

[cheering]

["Icon" by Jaden Smith playing]

♪ What you call an icon livin'? ♪

♪ Start a record label MSFTS just did it, woo ♪

♪ Nylon cover, five minutes, whoa ♪

♪ We up too hot in the business, woo ♪

♪ 'Bout to make a movie independent, woo ♪

♪ Need new tracks, Independent, woo ♪

♪ I need you to listen To the vision, woo ♪

♪ All your verses sound Like dirty dishes ♪

♪ I'm about to clean 'em In the kitchen, woo ♪

♪ And we making money by the minute, woo ♪

♪ I'm about to do it way different ♪

♪ I am just an icon living, woo ♪

♪ I'm going straight to the top With the chrome ♪

♪ We should just chill And maybe take it slow ♪

♪ 'Fore we get up there With nowhere to go ♪

♪ And we can chill And just look at the view, woo ♪

♪ I am just an icon living, living ♪

♪ I am just an i-i-icon ♪

♪ I am just an icon living, woo ♪

♪ I am just an i-i-icon ♪

[crowd cheering]

♪ This time through I oughta know what's comin' ♪

[Jazz] So, LaMarcus Alton's your ex-boyfriend?

Why did y'all break up?

Well, he got drafted to Philly,

and I didn't wanna do the long distance anymore.

Oh, so if he would have never left,

y'all would have still been together, right?

Because, I mean, he here.

I don't care where LaMarcus is, okay?

-I'm happy where I am. -But you invited him here, Hilary.

Yes, but that was strictly professional.

I mean, I wanted this to go viral. LaMarcus has millions of followers.

If he just tags the Influencer House, the whole world will know us.

Um, when you said that you had a surprise,

I did not know that you meant a six-foot-five god.

The pic I just posted of you and LaMarcus got 6,000 likes in 15 minutes.

Like, this is, this is gonna be huge for us.

-Like, we should get some footage. Yeah? -Um... Yes.

You guys go ahead and I'll just... Just give me one second.

No, no, hey, you good. Go do your thing.

-Are you sure? -Mm-hm. I'll be right here.

Okay.

Bye.

[Phil] Hey, hey, what's up, frat! Welcome back!

-Hey, Mister Banks! How you doing? -[Phil] How you been?

Good to see you! It's been a while.

-[sighs] -[Viv] How are you parents doing?

Please tell them we said hello. How long's it been?

-I know, I'm sorry! -[Carlton] How are you doing?

[LaMarcus] Lil "C", how you been, man?

[soft music]

-Thank you so much for being here. -[Ashley] Yeah.

[indistinct chatter]

-Congratulations, you guys! -[dancers] Thank you!

[Lisa] Wow!

Hey, Lisa.

-Thank you for the encouragement earlier. -Of course.

All of you did amazing, and I told you they would love you.

You did. And they did.

-They did! -[Will] Yo. Y'all killed it! Murdered it!

[dancer] Thank you. Thank you.

-That was dope, that was dope. -[dancer] Thanks.

-Okay, little Miss Body Roll, I see you. -Mm-hmm.

[chuckles]

Oh, uh...

Lisa, this is Jackie.

-We met. -[Will] This is my...

I didn't know you two knew each other.

[Will sighs]

Ah... Great performance.

-So, what's the story between you two? -What, me and Lisa?

We're just friends.

[scoffs]

I mean, we, we had a, a thing.

But we're cool. Trust me.

Maybe you are.

But she ain't.

[sentimental music]

[door opens]

Lisa!

Aunt Viv told me you were still here.

Just taking care of some things before I head home.

Nice.

-You need some help? -[Lisa] Nope.

[sighs]

Um... [exhales heavily]

Look, I, I, I'm sorry about earlier, with Jackie...

[Lisa] Please stop.

Stop what?

Are you, are you mad?

I mean, Lisa, I thought you'd genuinely moved on.

I mean, you been kicking it with Drew this whole time.

I'm not mad. [chuckles]

I feel stupid.

For being that girl.

-What are you talking about? -[sighs]

That girl that's holding out hope for the guy that broke her heart,

who might still have feelings for her too.

[sighs]

Look, I'm sorry.

You know I'd never intentionally try to hurt you.

It's not even on you.

I got sucked back in.

[Will] I mean, it's easy with us.

I mean, I was just happy that we were trying to be cool again.

You know, you're literally the best friend that I've made out here.

And that's nice.

But it's not gonna work for me anymore, Will.

I tried.

And I can't.

So, what are you saying?

[sighs]

[exhales heavily]

We can't be friends anymore.

[sighs]

Oh.

[clicks tongue]

I am really, really proud of you.

You worked hard, and it paid off.

[sighs] Thank you.

I know you said you wanted your, your art to say something, and...

-this definitely does. -Yeah.

Well, Janice isn't ready for this Viv.

Not yet.

[groans] I mean, it's powerful.

I know you're focused on giving other people a voice,

but don't forget about your own.

-[Viv] Mm. -[Phil] Hm?

Baby steps.

What's wrong?

I didn't wanna ruin the night by saying anything earlier, but...

we have a problem with Geoffrey.

[sighs]

-[Hilary] Well, we did it! -[Monica] Yeah, we did!

[chuckles]

And our deal is officially closed.

-Loving this Simply Spiked Lemonade. -[Hilary chuckles]

You know, that live stream with LaMarcus really did the trick.

I told you guys I would handle it.

-We knew you would. -Never doubted you, boss.

-[glasses clink] -[chuckles]

Cheers.

Okay, so we'll post this and then let me know what they're saying.

-[Monica] Mm-hmm. -'Kay.

Okay.

♪ I'm just an August baby ♪

♪ I think the heat is just initiation ♪

♪ I keep my feelings In the oven, waitin' ♪

♪ It ain't for me It's for the people hatin' ♪

♪ It's not progression It's annihilation ♪

♪ Whatchu been pushin' lately... ♪

So when did you put a security camera in your office?

[sighs] I had one put in.

I suspected something was going on.

Geoffrey left the art show early.

And now I know why.

[Viv] What is he looking for?

[Phil] Not what. Who.

He's looking for his son.

-Frederick? -Mm-hmm.

And we both know that can't happen.

♪ It's so awkward I still dance with broken feet ♪

♪ A deep soul cleanse was not for me ♪

♪ And bad luck here don't come in threes They come in six ♪

♪ I was doin' well at gettin' sick ♪

♪ Until I found a purpose, I benefit ♪

♪ And this was it, and this was it And this was it ♪

♪ You see this energy I'm holdin'? ♪

♪ Are the cameras rolling? ♪

♪ Something released me in the night ♪

♪ And the kids are all right ♪

♪ You see this energy I'm holdin'? ♪

♪ Are the cameras rolling? ♪

♪ Something released me in the night ♪

♪ And the kids are all right ♪

♪ Ooh, all right ♪

♪ And the kids are all right ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ And the kids are all right ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ And the kids are all right ♪

[closing theme music]