Original subtitles

Donnell's not here yet. I hope he's okay.

He's pretty reliable.

He showed up to rehearsal every time,

even though he had done it a bunch of times.

-He'll be here. -And what if he isn't?

Then you walk into the ballroom and show the world

you don't need to be on the arm of some guy.

What a time for a social statement.

There you are.

Hi, Dad. Mom.

You look beautiful, darling.

Thanks, Dad.

This is Samantha, Tyrell's sister.

-Samantha, my parents. -How do you do.

-You look lovely as well, Samantha. -Thank you.

I'm glad to see your flight wasn't delayed, Mom.

Heaven forbid you miss your daughter's big coming out.

Despite the sarcasm, young lady,

this is an important night for our family.

We should mingle.

Oh, no.

It's time to line up for presentation.

He'll be here.

See you inside.

This way.

The ballroom is absolutely stunning this evening.

It certainly is.

The club did a wonderful job decorating it.

Excuse me. I'm going to go

and pass our compliments on to Gabe.

Oh, and for us as well, Daddy.

A fitting setting to celebrate the women

who have worked so hard

in anticipation of this special night.

True. I'm just hoping they can add a little spice tonight.

Cotillions are steeped in traditions

that go back to the 1890s.

You're making my point, sissy.

And some traditions are meant to be upheld.

Well, if one of those traditions is Mother attending,

then I'm glad they didn't break it.

I can't imagine missing my great-granddaughter's debut.

Nothing will spoil this magical evening.

Tonight's gonna be a dumpster fire.

For real.

♪ ♪

[phone buzzing]

What's up, boss?

I need you to get to the warehouse.

-What's going on? -Well, if I knew that,

I wouldn't need you to assess the situation, now would I?

All right, I'm on it.

Hey. I need my order to go.

MARCEL: Any activity over there yet?

ELON: Nah.

Not since Jacob walked the perimeter of the warehouse.

I wish we could see the entrances from here.

If we can see them, they can see us.

It's safer this way.

Now, listen, when all the players are gathered,

Jacob will signal us to send in the special ops division.

And will our friend Lia Whitmore be there?

I'll take special pleasure in seeing her in cuffs.

People don't play me and get away with it.

No, she's at the hospital,

in a board meeting.

Plainclothes detail is in place.

They'll extract her when it's time.

We don't want her tipping anyone off or getting warned off

and take a powder.

Frankly, I'm glad she's occupied.

Why is that?

'Cause she's close with the Duprees, man.

The last thing we need is for her to recognize Jacob,

even if he is in disguise.

Your boy got the jitters for this being his first major op?

Uh, no, sir.

He's on top of things like the pro that he is.

You think he's got that door locked?

I'm sure of it.

Better be right, cause someone just showed.

Things are about to get started.

JACOB: Stay.

Ren.

REN: How's your gut, blood boy?

GRAYSON: It's great. No thanks to you.

Well, next time don't get out of line.

Put the product with the rest of the shipment.

Come with me.

Right here.

-You good? -Not really.

I don't want to be here with this goes down.

Look, things are handled.

As long as you stay out the way, you'll be fine.

My stomach's in knots. How are you not nervous?

Look, when you're in it, you got to relax

and trust the operation.

Believe me, this bust will go by smooth with no hiccups.

Slow down, sweetheart. What is so catastrophic?

Miss Imogene, the chairwoman of the debutante society--

she's sick and won't be here.

Well, she has staff.

Most were taken out by that bug that was going around.

Penny, the cotillion coordinator--

she's the only one left standing,

and she's terrified of public speaking.

If we don't find someone to step up,

-tonight's gonna be... -A flaming pile of...

We are not gonna let that happen.

Gather round, ladies, I have a plan.

Do you know why the Dupree women

have their heads together like that?

No clue.

I'm just glad that the menfolk aren't close enough

so that we get roped into whatever they're cooking.

-[phone chimes] -Oh.

This is from Tyrell.

Donnell hasn't arrived yet.

Uh-oh. Samantha must be freaking out.

Oh, Vanessa, a word with you.

Sure. You all look very handsome this evening.

You're dazzling, as always.

Ever the politician.

I only speak the truth.

-What's going on? -We were hoping you knew.

Have you heard from Donnell?

And we didn't want to alarm you, but he isn't here yet.

It's certainly not like Donnell to go silent

when he knows how nervous Samantha must be.

I'll reach out to him and text Deanna as well,

in case he's been in touch with her.

Try not to worry. I'll get to the bottom of this.

I'm glad you heeded my call

and will be documenting this event, huh?

Uncle Ted, yours was the third call of five.

Oh, and I forgot to, uh, ask you about Shanice earlier.

Is she here?

Uh, turns out she had to work, so I let it go.

And I'm not sure she'd have even come

if she had been available.

That doesn't sound good.

Something you want to talk about?

Probably not tonight. Nicole.

This cotillion promises to be one of the best, doesn't it?

Hopefully.

Mm-hmm.

You want to talk about that?

Donnell, why hasn't anyone heard from you?

The debutante presentation is about to start,

and you have a lovely young lady you promised to escort.

Call or text, or better yet, show up.

Honey, I'm... I'm worried about you.

Oh, um...

Sorry for the theatrics.

No, from... from what I've heard, they're justified.

Donnell still isn't here yet?

He's driving from Banneker--

something he's done hundreds of times--

but well, I always jump

to worst-case scenarios ever since Doug...

Lately, I'm just all nerves when I don't hear from my loved ones.

Totally feel you.

We're starting and Donnell's not here. What am I gonna do?

Tyrell, I think you should just escort Samantha.

Circle back after she's been presented.

And have Francesca roast me for forever

because my brother had to escort me?

No. There is no way we're doing that.

Can you check the ballroom? Maybe Donnell

got hung up talking to his mother or something.

Sure. Be right back.

Ooh. Looks like there's trouble in paradise. What's the matter,

-your date ditch you? -Donnell didn't ditch her.

I don't know why you're surprised.

You ought to be used to it since your mother ditched you, too.

Uh, actually, Samantha's mother is sitting at one of the tables.

Who I don't see is your escort, Nathan. But, knowing him,

he's probably off hitting on one of the other debs, so...

He is not.

You sure about that? I mean, they do call him Nate-dawg.

You might want to tighten his leash

because, uh, old Nate-dawg's

sniffing around that girl Marggy.

Hello? Hello. May we have your attention, please?

-I'm Kat Richardson. -And I'm Chelsea Hamilton.

We are here because, unfortunately, Miss Imogene

is unable to preside over tonight's ceremony

due to illness.

KAT: Miss Imogene was adamant that we move forward

with presenting the remarkable young women debuting this year.

-She's asked that former debutantes... -And friends.

KAT: ...step up and fill in,

and we are honored to answer that call.

Although we may need to make some adjustments along the way,

the ChelseaKat cousins will keep things running smoothly.

I know from my own experience as a debutante,

if these young women have learned anything

over the months of training and practice,

it's to be flexible

and think on your feet.

We'd like to thank

the Barrington County Debutante Society,

patrons and parents

for your support tonight and through the years.

As a debutante who was presented

by this very organization not so long ago,

I have a deep appreciation

for the history of this institution,

our culture, and the enduring roots that inspire this event.

Our mission has always been to lift as we climb,

to shape a broader and more accurate understanding

of our community,

and to serve with generosity and grace,

celebrating education, service, integrity, and deportment.

Now, I think it's time to introduce

these young women to polite society.

Well, we have guests here who may be wondering

what we mean by that term.

Is that being stuffy or too formal?

Not at all. It just means

being able to walk into any room,

partake in any conversation, dine at any restaurant,

and know that you'll feel comfortable.

It's about being knowledgeable, tactful and, most of all,

showing respect and encouraging smooth interactions.

Well, Kat, that was great, but may I tactfully say

I think you shuffled the cards?

KAT: I did?

I was never a debutante, but as most of you know,

I roll with the punches.

So, listen carefully, debs,

because you're no longer going in rehearsed order.

-[murmuring] -Come-- Oh, my God.

Presenting Skyy Collins.

You got this, girl.

Go, girl. Go, girl.

You look so beautiful.

CHELSEA: Sky is being escorted by Treyvon Toussaint.

Sky is the daughter...

Donnell's phone's going straight to voicemail.

Deanna isn't answering either.

You should be ready to go up there, but, Martin...

I will follow Samantha's lead. If she's good on her own, fine,

but if she needs me, I'll be there.

CHELSEA: ...working diligently

to move dogs on the euthanasia list

into loving homes.

Skyy is proud to say she has re-homed more than 25 dogs.

Presenting Kimora Stephens.

Kimora is being escorted by Jordan Foster.

Kimora is the daughter of Alina and Clinton Stephens.

She is currently a senior...

I really hope Samantha isn't as nervous as I am right now.

Right now she's probably just feeling excited, okay?

She plans to pursue a degree in education studies

at Spelman College.

-He's still not here. -It'll be okay.

You don't need him.

Tonight is about you anyway.

KAT: Presenting Samantha Richardson-Smith.

You got this.

Sorry I'm late.

You're right on time.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Samantha Richardson-Smith.

CHELSEA: Samantha is being escorted by Donnell McBride.

She is the daughter of Congressman Martin Richardson

and journalist Bradley Smith.

Her mother is June Hughes.

Samantha is a junior at Forten High School,

where she maintains a 3.8 GPA.

For her service project,

Samantha ensured community health

by envisioning and volunteering

at the Phoenix Street Free Clinic,

which works in association with Garland Memorial Hospital.

She will continue attending Forten

until her graduation next year.

Her hope is to use influencing skills

to put kindness and goodwill into the world.

Presenting Francesca Belleclaire.

Francesca is being escorted by Nathan Maffee.

Francesca is the granddaughter of Anastasia Belleclaire.

After three years at the prestigious

Swiss boarding school, Institut du Valmontreaux,

Francesca is now a senior at Wheatley Prep

and maintains a 3.2 GPA.

For her service project,

Francesca participated in the beautification

of the Belleclaire Botanical Gardens

by hosting a fundraiser

which raised thousands of dollars.

Francesca will attend Banneker University in the fall.

Presenting Jessica Harris.

Jessica is escorted by Tyrell Richardson-Smith.

She is a senior at Forten High School,

where she excels with a 4.0 GPA.

For her service project,

Jessica instructed children and teens in the practice

of conflict resolution

at the Garland Memorial Child-Mind Center.

Jessica will proudly attend UCLA in the fall,

studying at the Burkle Center for International Relations.

-Oh. -[crowd gasps, laughs, murmuring]

Now, that girl's got some spice.

Boss man. Got a bogey. Found him lurking around the warehouse.

Want me to take him off to patrol?

No, we know him. Get in the back, Randy.

Good work. Get back to your post.

You got an explanation for being at this

particular warehouse tonight?

Yeah. I was just walking around, you know,

minding my Black business,

trying to find a nice spot to enjoy my turkey wrap.

Yeah. What's wrong--

Orphey Gene's booths not good enough for you?

-Come on, man. I'm hungry. -Yeah, so am I.

For a reasonable explanation.

And I know that you know something is going down tonight.

And old Joey swore he had nothing to do

with the Red Market, yet here you are.

So, either he lied

or you moonlighting for one of these other criminals involved.

Damn, we got trouble coming our way.

What the hell are you doing here, man?

-You got to get out of here. -I'm not going anywhere

until someone tells me what's going on.

Damn it, man. This isn't some game.

Do you ever stop trying to rescue people?

Are you in trouble? Why do you look like that?

It's called being undercover.

I'm a cop. I'm at work. How did you...

-You followed Grayson? -Yeah, but I couldn't get in

'cause someone was watching the door,

but I mean, as soon as that guy got distracted,

-I was able to walk right in. -Derek, you got to get out of here.

That guy's probably back by now. Is he a cop, too?

I won't know for sure until I check it out for myself.

But just... just stay hidden

until I give you the all clear that you're good to go.

And what if somebody sees me leaving?

Well, then I'll make up a cover story if I need to

about why you're here. In the meantime,

stay the hell out of sight.

REN: Yo, Rashad, you good?

JACOB: Oh, yeah. Everything good, boss.

I was just checking around. All clear.

I'm gonna make a path for the supply,

move some boxes around,

make sure everything look nice for the VIPs.

Yeah, you do that.

Tell me what you know.

I caught Grayson sealing plasma

from the free clinic, and he said he was

working with you, which made no sense.

I didn't believe him.

But Grayson said that Ashley could be in danger

at the hospital, so I...

I had to see for myself what was going on.

Jacob, I swear to God, if something happens

to her, I'll kill him.

You made a bad move by coming here, and I need you gone.

So, when I say the word,

I open the door, and you get out of here.

LIA: Look alive, people.

REN: What? I thought you couldn't be here tonight.

I ducked out of my board meeting early,

told them I had an emergency.

As far as they know, I'm still at the hospital.

-Look, you don't have to be here. -I couldn't miss

this meeting with the folks who call the shots.

There's too much money to be made.

I'm not leaving anything to chance.

Grayson, you're gonna walk the VIPs

through the key points of why the clinic

is such a viable option,

how easy it is to access cold storage,

how much product is kept on hand,

lack of security.

No more, no less. Got it?

Yup. Just the facts.

Mm. That's one troublemaker taken care of.

Is the other one still on the payroll?

You mean Rashad?

Ever since I knocked some sense into him,

he's been toeing the line. He won't be a problem.

I'll make sure of it. Where is he?

He's over there.

We are the deb and the diva.

Can you tell which one's which?

We are here to introduce an integral aspect

of the cotillion.

The waltz.

Now, Miss Imogene would tell you that the waltz

isn't just a dance done in three-quarter time.

It is a choreographed expression of the lessons learned

by the beautiful young women who participate in cotillion.

Poise, etiquette and social graces.

Ladies and gentlemen,

presenting our 2026 debutantes

and their escorts.

Don't worry, Tyrell, you'll be great.

As June would say, from your lips to God's ear.

Don't worry, if you mess up, I'll just start twerking.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

[music ends]

Hi, baby.

So beautiful.

Yeah.

-Okay, okay. -Come on.

Your curtsy was flawless, not a wobble to be seen.

Your waltz was divine.

Okay, let the proud grandparents get a turn, okay?

-Okay, all right. -MARTIN: Come on.

SAMANTHA: Grandma...

Oh, sweetheart, I couldn't be more proud.

Thank you, Grandma.

You were a vision gliding across the dance floor.

Thank you, Grandpa. Could you tell I was nervous?

Not at all.

No, that's a little too ordinary. Uh...

You know what? I have a better idea.

Uh, Samantha, why don't you step to the side

and let your grandmother and grandfather

-stay on the other side? -Okay.

Oh, I-I don't know about...

I like that idea.

ANDRE: Come on.

All right, just like that.

Right here.

[phone buzzing]

Andre, would you just get one of Samantha and me?

Go ahead.

-Excuse me. -Mm-hmm.

Anita, thank you for extending such kindness to our daughter.

Jessica couldn't stop talking about being in the presence

of the Anita Williams and Senator Dupree.

Oh, no thanks necessary. I was glad to help.

Jessica is a very intelligent and thoughtful young woman.

She and Tyrell are a wonderful match.

-Thank you. -Thank you.

Excuse me. Hey, can I get some pictures of you two?

-Step over here. -I'll tell you later.

-Sorry. -It's okay.

All right. And congratulations on getting into UCLA, Jessica.

I'm not thinking about college tonight.

Or any night for a couple of months.

I'm just living every day as it goes by.

Jessica, you behaved like some-some video vixen

instead of the cultured young woman this entire endeavor

was intended to showcase. I'm furious with you.

You're an embarrassment to this family.

Tyrell, over here.

Did you have fun, June?

Fun? I'm over the moon.

Do I look like a peacock?

I couldn't be more prouder of the two of you.

Tyrell, you clean up very nice.

You are one handsome fella.

And thank you for including me in the introductions.

SAMANTHA: Of course.

ANDRE: Ah, that's great.

You have got to communicate with me, Donnell.

I'm sorry. I-I got a flat, and I was already running late,

so I didn't want to waste time by calling or texting.

You're not a waste of time, Mom. You're not.

Hey. Have you heard from Jacob lately?

I haven't. Um...

I'm sure he's just handling business.

He'll reach out when he can.

Just can't wait for him to be home.

Okay, top cop, so what are you boys doing out here?

Y'all expecting some kind of trouble or something?

Shut the hell up.

Listen here, Temu, I ain't forgot about you.

Now, if I'm gonna be an innocent bystander,

I need to know what the hell's going on.

You want to spend the night in the tank? Keep talking.

That certain someone we weren't expecting.

That's probably in there right now.

Yeah, you said you heard me, but what exactly did I say?

Don't change the drop location.

Or do anything else that has you going off half-cocked.

You guys get paid good money, why is it so damn hard

to get decent help?

And don't you mumble anything to any of the VIPs, is that clear?

Lift your head.

And lift up the hat.

Do it.

Jacob Hawthorne.

This isn't my operation. I was forced into this.

If you give me a deal, I will fully cooperate.

REN: Yo, we got a rat that needs to be exterminated.

That was a contact from the prosecutor's office.

You was always the weakest link.

You about to find out what happen when you squeal.

Rashad, take care of this one.

Want to dance?

No, thank you, Nathan.

But you can dance with your date, Francesca.

I noticed that you haven't been spending a lot of time with her.

Why you got to be such a bitch?

I've had enough of your B.S.

If you ever diss my sister again,

I will knock you on your ass.

Oh, so the chess nerd thinks he knows how to throw a punch.

You want to try me?

I'm got gonna let you turn this cotillion into a cage match.

Man, I could knock that chess chump out.

I actually doubt you could've done that. Get out of here.

There's a time and a place to work out your aggressions.

But I'm proud of you for standing up for your sister.

I'm sorry, um...

-Would you mind snapping our photo? -Oh, yeah.

Sorry. My parents are waiting for us.

Glamma, this is totally cringe.

Oh, I hated the way the Duprees took over the entire cotillion.

I mean, what were we supposed to do, announce ourselves?

I suppose not.

But they always find a way to get themselves front and center.

This was my night.

I mean, your night to shine.

Just give me your phone.

You texting work?

No. Uh...

-It's a personal thing. -Oh. Shanice?

No.

Are you having a good time tonight?

I'm having "I need a straight answer," Dad.

Unless you're dating someone else,

all the important women in your life are here tonight.

Uh... Not all of them.

Oh. Eva.

I was just letting my other daughter know

that I heard a lot of people complimenting

Samantha and Jessica's hair.

I'm glad she was included in the cotillion prep.

Hey, if things were different,

you and Eva might have debuted together.

Have you seen your mother recently?

She was on the phone a minute ago.

I was just about to grab her.

They'll be crowning the platinum deb soon.

Okay, uh, I'll go check on her.

You stay here with Samantha, okay?

Yes, an officer will arrive.

I've spoken to them directly.

I promise they will be there to protect you.

Hold on a second, okay?

-Ted, my patient... -Go.

The whole Dupree family's here for Samantha.

Chelsea's recording.

I'll let 'em know why you had to leave. Go.

Okay. Thank you.

I'm on my way, okay?

What are you doing back here?

Mind your own business.

I can smell that liquor on your breath from here.

I really hope you're not driving later.

Lighten up. It's a party.

Cheers.

Let's get out of here.

You think your pop's P.O.'d now?

If we leave before they announce platinum deb,

your pops is gonna really breathe fire.

Let him. Vying for a title

reeks of respectability politics.

So, what do you want to do?

Finish what we started the other day.

I mean, all the parental units are stationed here,

so no one will interrupt us tonight.

And I know the perfect place.

Let's book.

Damn.

I forgot, Pop put a security detail on me.

Follow me. I'm a pro at sneaking out unseen.

It's unfortunate Nicole had to leave,

but this has been a wonderful evening, hasn't it?

Oh, indeed.

We have so many blessings to count.

Gran.

It's time to crown the platinum deb.

I don't see Tyrell with the other escorts.

Have you seen him?

He's probably in the restroom.

Jessica. Where'd she go?

I'm sure she's off doing something to embarrass me

more than she already has.

Hello, everyone. I'm Anita Dupree.

Thank you. You're too kind. You're too kind.

This evening's theme, "Our Time to Thrive,"

is a powerful one.

And I am confident that these young ladies

are ready to go out into the world

and make a difference.

And now, it is my pleasure

to introduce a former platinum debutante

who will crown this year's recipient,

Deanna McBride.

Deanna is the daughter of Vanessa McBride

and the late Dr. Doug McBride.

She is currently attending Banneker University.

Please welcome

Platinum Debutante 2023 Deanna McBride.

I was honored when the committee reached out

and asked me to return.

Participating in cotillion is an experience

that I will always treasure

and a defining highlight in my life.

The crowning of the platinum debutante

is a culminating moment in this year's season,

not just for the young woman who is crowned,

but for all of the sisters on the journey with her.

A journey that will have a profound impact on the lives

of family, community and friends for years to come.

Step away from Ren.

What?

Over here.

What the hell you got going on?

Put your hands up.

You, too, Rashad?

You a rat?

Take your weapon out slowly, set it on the ground,

and kick it over to me.

Let's go.

[gun softly clatters]

[gun skitters on floor]

The warehouse is surrounded, so don't try to run.

You're under arrest. Turn around and get down on your knees.

All of you were traitors?

Man, I'm-a hunt each and every one of you down

and make your lives a living hell if I have to.

-Turn around! -You will pay for this!

-JACOB: You're under arrest! -REN: You ain't a cop!

Huh?!

-[boxes clattering] -[gunshot]

Shots fired! Shots fired! Move in! Move in!

Guns down!

-Guns down! -All right.

Hands up.

Come here, come here. On your knees.

Come on, man.

You know the drill.

You got the right to remain silent.

Anything you say...

Captioning sponsored by CBS

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