Original subtitles

That last exchange was just great, Martin.

Yes, I saw people all over the room

riveted by your every word.

No one even pulled out a cell phone.

I had a little help. Having two living legends

walk through the door unannounced.

That praise belongs to Shonda entirely.

She earned her fee when she came up with that idea.

Oh. Should we celebrate?

I know where y'all hide the good champagne

-in the wine cellar. -Well, you should.

It was practically your second bedroom

when you stayed with us.

Hardy-har-har.

[all laughing]

Chin up, Congressman.

Your campaign is firing on all cylinders, just as you planned.

I'm trying to. It's just...

Standing in front of all of those people,

rambling about transparency in politics,

has brought back something that's been weighing on me.

The police questioning Smitty over Lia Whitmore's death?

ANITA: No, no, no.

We will have no dark clouds looming over tonight.

Your grandmother's right. Huh? Let's have a little faith.

Especially since nothing's happened yet.

You can take the cuffs off of him. He's not a flight risk.

I can't.

Can't or won't?

Can you take my jacket, Naomi?

I don't need it now that we're past the reporters.

-No problem. -Thanks.

Take Mr. Smith to the interrogation room.

-Yes, sir. -SMITTY: Naomi.

-The kids, the house... -Already taken care of.

I called your housekeeper, and she's there now

straightening everything up.

Thank you.

Let's go.

Come here.

What do you want from me?

I brought him in through the side entrance,

and I let you cover his cuffs with his jacket.

Then keep it going.

Skip the formal processing and the mug shot.

My hands are tied.

If this leaks this close to Martin's election,

there is no amount of spin that can undo the damage.

Which is why I'm working so hard to keep this contained.

So please, just cut me some slack.

♪ ♪

Oh, I am so glad you are locked in to be my maid of honor.

Just standing here talking to you and Auntie made me realize

how long my to-do list actually is.

Well, venues, vendors, seating charts.

-Ugh. -You don't have to do it

all by yourself, sweetheart.

You do have a very capable groom.

Uh...

[both laugh]

-Wow. Okay. -I'm sorry, baby.

That is actually the sweetest thing you've ever said to me.

It's just that most men aren't built

-for these types of things. -Yeah.

Should I be offended by that?

On principle, absolutely.

But it doesn't mean she's wrong, though. Come on.

Okay, first things first, though.

We got to get you into a bridal boutique.

'Cause once you say yes to the dress, the color scheme,

decor, I mean, your whole wedding vision

is just gonna come to life.

Hold up.

You and Shanice are getting married?

NICOLE: That is it. I am done.

Every last tear accounted for.

Good.

Then I hereby declare Ted's engagement--

hey, nana, ho, nana, time to get your life back--

officially purged from your system.

Ugh. I must look like a hot mess.

There is no shame in having emotions.

No, the shame is having Ted or anyone else see them.

I just needed to work through the feelings

of Ted being ready to permanently commit

to somebody else.

I am not jealous, nor do I want him back.

Well, if that's the case, then do you realize

who you are talking to? Hello?

I built my whole legacy on looking like

the picture of sunshine.

Especially when it wasn't.

That's right. My sister, the supermodel.

Any pointers?

You don't need 'em.

You are the Nicole Dupree.

Psychiatrist, philanthropist,

and woman who has walked through hell

over this past year and a half

and came out on the other side

looking still fine, still standing,

and with that hot hunk of ooh-chile on your arm. Mm-mm.

Ted Richardson does not get to see you sweat.

Not today, not ever.

My bad if I sounded like I disapprove.

-I was just... -Surprised?

The timing did catch me off guard.

Well, love doesn't have a timetable, you know?

If it feels right, you just go with it.

Clearly, a lot has gone down since I was out of town.

-Get me caught up later. -Will do.

All right.

Okay, now back to the important stuff.

Oh, yes, absolutely. First priority, dress shopping.

-Mm-hmm. -But I also need to lock down a venue

because the timeline is fairly tight.

How tight are we talking?

Ted and I already have a date in mind.

Okay.

It's just, I always thought a Christmas wedding

would be, like, the most romantic thing in the world.

I still cannot believe that Jessica

blindsided me like that.

Is that why you didn't want to go

to the grands' with Pop and Aunt Kat?

'Cause you were too embarrassed about being caught by your ex?

I was in shock. What was I supposed to do?

Not be all over Chessy.

Come on, Tyrell. Chessy's a snob.

She made my cotillion season a living hell for me,

and her family hates ours.

When we're at Banneker, Chessy's not a Belleclaire

and I'm not a Dupree.

We could just relax and have a good time together.

I'm sure you'd have an even better time with Jessica.

She's smart and kind, and she genuinely cares about people.

Except when she brutally dumped me.

Okay, yeah, she was trash for that.

But she wants you back now.

And she's even thinking about leaving UCLA.

That has to count for something, right?

When did you become a Jessica stan?

Is this about me, or is this you not wanting

Chessy anywhere near this family?

So, here's to two more years in Congress.

Easy, Granddad. I don't want to jinx it.

Since when did the self-proclaimed boy wonder

become superstitious?

Since I put my doe-eyed naivete behind me.

I've seen too much to tempt fate

to toast before the votes have been counted.

Even knowing that things can get crazy out of the blue.

Politics is messy. It's the nature of the game.

But you have done the work, Martin.

Showing up for your constituents time after time.

-People remember that. -And your opponent,

this Coleman fellow, he's an unknown entity.

Sometimes people want change.

Mm, not according to your polling numbers.

You've been studying my numbers?

A little here and there.

I just didn't want to be cornered

by one of your donors asking questions I couldn't answer.

Especially since I was filling in for Smitty.

You know he's always on point.

Well, you did hold it down, sis.

KAT: Mm-hmm.

But being real,

I would have felt a whole lot better

if I had my better half with me.

So call him. Tell him to come over.

Yeah, tell my brother-in-law to bring his a...

[clears throat]

...bony butt over here.

You know, posthaste.

Good idea.

[Kat laughs]

[phone buzzing]

Jacob promised he'll keep it as contained as he can.

And I've added you to my Google Alerts, and, um...

...so far we're in the clear.

Well, that's something, I guess.

You know...

...I had always thought that, if I got arrested,

it would be for contempt of court.

Refusing to give up a source?

At least then I could

explain to my kids how I stood on principle,

but this...

This, I don't even know where to start.

You can still stand on principle.

Despite what the prosecutors say,

we know who you are.

Thanks.

So, um, what is the state's attorney saying?

Well, they'll argue that Lia Whitmore's death

was a result of drugs found in her system.

Drugs they'll claim you supplied.

I never saw those pills in my life.

Somebody broke into my house and planted them.

My house, Naomi, where my kids sleep.

And that's the case that I'm gonna build

if this goes to trial, but

I'm hoping it doesn't get that far.

But right now we need to focus on tonight's arraignment.

Your job is easy.

Plead not guilty, and I will argue

that you're not a flight risk.

Which I'm not.

Um, that you don't have a prior criminal record,

deep roots in the community, loving family, thriving career.

I'll paint a picture of exactly who Bradley Smith is.

Hopefully, that'll be enough to convince

the judge to release you tonight.

Wait, hopefully?

Is there a chance I don't get to go home?

And then I would go straight to jail.

I'm gonna present the strongest case possible

and give the judge every reason to release you.

But, yes, there is a real possibility that you will be

held overnight and-- worst case--

be remanded until trial.

So I wouldn't be there for my family.

To help Tyrell with his first college exams, to...

even help Samantha pick a college.

It's gonna be all right.

In the meantime, we need to alert Martin

-to what's going on. -No, no, no, no. Absolutely not.

-Smitty. -No. He's probably still at his event.

Surrounded by constituents and cameras.

All those people with their phones pointed at his face.

I am not going to have him find out his husband was arrested

in a room full of voters right before the election.

What you're facing is serious.

There are bigger matters to account here for than just me.

-I disagree. -Naomi, stop.

Please.

I am the client here. Do not fight me on this.

DANI: I, for one,

think a Christmas wedding

would be absolutely stunning.

Good, since your husband signed on to be Ted's best man.

I checked with Martin.

He thought the campaign would keep him too busy, so, yeah.

Someone had to make sure my uncle

does not embarrass himself.

I have a response to that,

but in order not to ruin the moment,

I will hold my tongue.

Are you ready?

We still have some stuff to handle at home.

We've done about as much damage

as two men could do planning a wedding in one night,

but hit me up later.

-I'm gonna let you know my bachelor party ideas. -TED: Okay.

Uh, uh-uh, I am still standing right here.

Good.

Then you'll have no doubt that it's gonna be respectable.

See you.

Uh, Ashley, we should go check

on our post-op patient in 21.

Her dressing probably needs to be changed.

Oh, I can do that on my own.

Oh, she's gonna need physical therapy later down the line.

I want to build that connection now.

That procedure doesn't require physical therapy.

Her chart indicated complications, okay?

-Really? 'Cause I didn't see... -Just no more talking.

-Okay. -Just walk.

Well, that wasn't at all awkward or obvious.

Well, regardless, I'm glad Shanice found a way

to give us some privacy.

I think you and I are overdue for a chat.

[R & B playing]

Well, look what the night dragged in.

Tell me...

...you haven't been avoiding me.

I've been busy, if that's what you mean.

I thought we had a lot of fun together.

We did.

But that's when you were just a woman at a bar

and I didn't know your name.

Oh.

-You must know my brother. -More than that.

Joey and I don't exactly have the best rapport.

Mm.

He does have a reputation,

which is exactly why I wanted to go incognito.

I had the single worst dinner of my life with that man.

Not looking to repeat it.

Well, at least it was only one.

I've had more bad nights with Joey than you ever will have.

I-I left the country for years because of him.

In part, to put an ocean between us.

Yeah? How'd that work out for you?

The guy still couldn't take a hint.

Let me guess, he gaslit you, too?

Hmm. It must be his signature move.

[laughs]

Excuse me. Can we get a drink for the gentleman?

Unless, of course, you'd rather be alone.

No.

I could use the company.

Smitty's phone was just ringing,

and Martin had a campaign event this afternoon,

so he's probably wondering why his husband

isn't answering the phone.

Don't go soft on me now.

There can be evidence on that phone.

I know, and that's why I bagged it.

But the Duprees have weathered so much already,

and now here I am, putting cuffs on Smitty

right before the big election?

Listen, I know what it costs

to work a case this close to home,

but I was watching, son.

You handled yourself well out there.

-I'm just doing my job, Pops. -I-I know.

And that's why I'm giving credit where it's due.

Well, you don't have to be so condescending about it.

You got a problem, son?

You starting to sound like your brother.

I'm sorry. It's... it's the frustration talking.

Smitty was in the trenches with me

during the Red Market investigation.

I wouldn't be able to make as much progress

as I did on the case without his help.

He gave me all the information he got from his source.

Earlier, I went to his house, hoping I wouldn't find anything,

so I can clear his name and be done.

Yeah, but you did find something.

And now that's Smitty's problem. Remember that.

I have some questions for you.

Your answers could help resolve this.

Your right to remain silent still applies.

Just help me help you.

I can go to the state attorney and push for a deal.

A deal for what?

I didn't do anything.

I hear you.

No, you actually are not hearing a damn thing I'm saying.

I shouldn't be looking at charges at all.

You're seriously sitting across from me,

thinking that I did this?

What I think doesn't matter. What I can prove does.

Then prove that I didn't do it.

Somebody that works for the Impaler planted those pills.

There were no signs of forced entry, nothing out of place.

They are professional criminals, Jacob.

They've been able to evade law enforcement,

such as yourself, for years.

You don't think a little break-in is beyond them?

Look at what's happening.

I'm getting close to the Impaler.

They've framed me. I'm arrested to shut me up.

And you know what? You're probably next.

Okay, this is counterproductive.

My client has nothing further to say.

-Just one more question. -No.

You heard me, Detective. This interrogation is done.

Fine.

Processing it is. Let's go.

Oh, isn't that a whole lot of sunshine for a small hallway.

[both laugh]

You look like you've just won the lottery.

[clears throat] Maybe I did.

-[laughs] -Get out.

Oh, my God. Congratulations.

Thanks. Isn't it wonderful?

-I'm so sorry. I'm just... -No, no, no, don't apologize.

You deserve to be giddy.

[sighs] It's just, Kial,

I have wanted this since I was a little girl.

And-and there was a moment in time where I felt like, hey,

maybe it isn't in the cards for me.

It's hard to imagine no man wanting to step up

to one of the most vivacious women in all the DMV.

Oh, they stepped. They just didn't stay.

Sometimes I wondered if it was me.

If I was just too much.

-You know? If I was too direct, too extra, too outspoken. -Too Shanice.

I had people telling me that I was intimidating.

And that maybe if I just toned it down a bit

or softened my edges, that men would like me more.

Yeah, well, I hope you told 'em where to take that advice.

'Cause the Shanice I know would've been miserable

if she wasn't her true, authentic self.

I know that now. Besides, Ted loves that side of me.

Oh, by the way, where is he?

Does he happen to be around

so I could congratulate him properly?

Andre told me you were upset about my engagement.

[laughs wryly] Andre talks too much.

I would have preferred that he kept that to himself.

I should have told you before I left for New York. I meant to.

You deserved to hear it from me first.

I am happy for you, Ted. For the both of you.

What Andre said about me being upset, it... it wasn't jealousy.

It's just that I felt the weight of how much has changed for us.

Yeah.

You were the longest chapter of my adult life.

I needed a moment to sit with that.

Well, what we had doesn't disappear

because I'm moving forward.

We built a family, a life.

I'm a better man because of the love you gave me, Nicole,

and how you forced me to face the hard truths about myself.

Well, you gave me a few hard truths of your own.

-Fair's fair. -Yeah.

And now we are both becoming our better selves.

Ah, that we are, hmm.

[phone buzzing]

Do whatever you want, Tyrell.

Your love life has zero impact on me.

That's cap. You hated it when Chessy

showed up to the pregame party.

Hate's a strong word.

You turned on the drama and accused me of betraying you.

You caught me off guard.

And-and plus, I'd rather have Jessica

at family gatherings than my sworn enemy.

And-and what if you bring her to Thanksgiving

and-and she starts making snide remarks about June or me?

What if I bring Jessica and we don't vibe anymore?

We were together in high school,

but that was a whole different universe.

Personalities don't just switch up in a few weeks.

That's not how humans work.

Says the high schooler.

[phone chimes]

Wow.

What?

This is a text from Jessica.

"My parents are losing it over me leaving UCLA.

"Crying emoji. Want me to go back.

"But worth it since I got to see you.

Please tell me when you're gonna give me another chance."

[phone chimes]

There's more?

Yeah. This one is from Chessy.

"You're done thinking and realize

we belong together, right? Question mark."

So what are you gonna do, big bro?

I still don't know.

And I've always admired how caring

and considerate you are at these events.

[phone buzzing]

Oh. It's me. It's me.

Naomi. Come on over to the house.

We're celebrating your cousin's...

NAOMI [over phone]: Granddad,

I've got some news. Uh, is Martin there?

Yes.

This sounds serious.

I'm at the police station

with Smitty. He was arrested.

Arrested? On what charge?

The police executed a warrant at Martin and Smitty's house

and found pills.

The same type believed to have killed Lia Whitmore.

MPD's building a case.

I thought you should hear it from me directly.

Thanks for the call.

Granddad, who was arrested?

You already know.

Smitty.

Naomi's with him down at the station.

-Now, Martin, don't panic. -How can I not?

Smitty was afraid this would happen.

Wait, why would anyone think Smitty would be arrested?

We'll fill you in on the way.

We're going down to that station together. Let's go.

Granddad, why am I hearing this from you?

Smitty's my husband. Why didn't Naomi call me first?

Let's hurry.

KIAL: Heard congratulations are in order.

Convincing Shanice to marry a man

with a suspect jump shot must've taken a lot of work.

Form can be fixed, but it was worth every bit of the effort.

Well, it seems everyone's leveling up.

You and Kial?

Oh, no. Do not get ahead of yourselves.

Kial gave me a key to his place a few months ago,

and I thought it was time to return the favor.

Uncle Ted's engagement threw everybody for a loop.

Nicole most of all.

She turned out good, but took some real soul-searching.

Yeah.

I just...

I don't know, I figured that Nicole

was so solid with Kial, you know,

that Uncle Ted moving on wouldn't be something

that she-she felt anymore.

Not to revisit a sore subject, but...

you don't give that many years of your life

to someone and then just flip a switch and call it done.

-You can be happy. -Mm-hmm.

You can be in love with someone else.

And you can still get blindsided by emotions

when you least expect it.

That's why you are lucky that all of your exes

live so far away

and you don't have to deal with that.

[Dani sighs]

I'm glad we ran into each other.

Yeah, me, too.

I'd hate for the last image you have of me to be

that weak woman getting stitched up

after losing a fight to a bagel.

People injure themselves in kitchens every day.

-Yeah, well... -And that

is not how I think of you.

Oh, yeah?

Well, when you do think of me,

what does come to mind?

Depends on the hour.

But some memories come up more than others.

What do you say we give ourselves

some new material to work with?

Your suite, I'm assuming.

Since you don't go to strangers' places.

But you're not a stranger anymore.

But yeah, my suite.

-Okay. -Really?

I thought I'd get a little more resistance.

Your people have very strong opinions about me.

Well, one of my people reminded me today

that, if something feels right...

...you go for it.

I need to see my husband, now.

-He's being processed. -Then un-process him.

Sir, the rules apply to everyone.

-Even congressmen. -We'll handle this.

Martin, why don't we wait over there? Kat?

-VERNON: Chief. -Senator.

We've been here before.

And each time,

you've helped us to protect what really matters.

-[grumbles] -Now, I trust

that hasn't changed.

This is different.

Smitty's arrest is part of a much larger investigation.

The state's attorney's office is determined

to bring down the Impaler, and they believe

that Smitty may have jeopardized that.

The Impaler should absolutely be brought to justice.

But...

Smitty didn't have anything to do

with what happened to Lia Whitmore.

That's Naomi's case to make.

Wouldn't it carry more weight if it was coming

from the distinguished chief of police?

Now, if you could talk to the prosecutor...

Jacob went undercover and risked everything.

He lost his best friend, Vernon.

That case has cost my son way too much,

and it's not gonna unravel because of me.

You're letting wounds of the past cloud your judgment, Elon.

I'm doing my job, like Jacob is doing his.

I've done a great deal for your family over the years.

This time, I'm going to prioritize mine.

♪ ♪

Next time you want to give somebody some privacy,

just say it.

SHANICE: I was trying to be more subtle,

but you weren't taking the hint.

Okay, well, I made you an appointment

at a bridal boutique, so check the time,

see if it works for your mom.

And while I was on their website,

I found you some options to consider.

SHANICE: Oh, wait. Go back to that one.

Okay, now that...

that might be the one right there.

-Ooh. -Okay.

Don't look, Dr. Richardson. It's bad luck.

I'm not looking at the phone.

I'm-I'm looking at my beautiful bride-to-be.

-I love seeing you so excited. -Good.

Well, get used to this smile

because it is going to be on my face forever.

And what a lovely smile it is.

The next few months around here are going to be very bright.

Ooh, and look at the time.

My shift is over, and I am not spending

another minute in this building.

Uh, yeah, lead the way.

[elevator dings]

Well, I think they have the right idea.

You know, casual gets a bad rap.

Not everything has to be about love.

Who needs to get married when you can have just as much...

♪ ♪

-Even hotter than I remember. -[chuckles]

Jessica and Chessy are both waiting on you.

You need to make up your mind.

Or I just date both of them

until I figure out which one I really like.

You really think that Jessica and Chessy

are gonna put up with you trying to be a playboy?

I'm not trying to play anybody, okay? I...

I just need a different perspective.

When do Pop and Dad get home?

So my opinion doesn't matter?

Your dating experience is watching crappy reality shows.

Pop and Dad have been through the ups and downs.

They're the ones I really need to hear from.

I told you not to call them.

Correction, you said not to call Martin.

-We never discussed my granddad. -Technicality.

I'm fine. Really.

Are you sure?

Because for the life of me, I can't figure out

why you would want to keep me in the dark.

I mean, the moment they showed up with a warrant,

you should've called me.

Not while you were around all those cameras and those people.

Martin, you need to distance yourself from me.

Minimize your involvement in all...

Look, I appreciate you trying to protect me,

but what I actually need is you to allow me to protect you.

You understand?

What gives, Jacob?

Smitty has to be cuffed for transport.

I'm talking about my brother-in-law

even being in custody.

-Kat, we're not doing this. -Oh, yes, we are.

Look, I have to follow the evidence.

Well, your evidence is dirty.

Maybe you need to follow it where it makes sense.

I don't have time to argue.

The arraignment's about to start.

Then lead the way.

-Really? -Why do you think we all came?

ANITA: And fair warning,

if Smitty is not home tonight,

that judge is gonna hear from the Duprees

in a manner that they will never forget.

It feels we've had a lifetime of conversations about exes.

Yours, mine, everybody else's.

But I'd rather focus on a current relationship.

-Hmm. -Mm-hmm.

Like Nicole and Kial?

[scoffs] Like you and me, Dani.

I did hit a jackpot with you.

Yeah, I'm not mad about where I landed either.

But I really feel like Nicole

could have the same thing with Kial.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. He's a quality guy.

Someone who doesn't play games, Dani.

But she... she really deserves that.

-You know? -[Andre sighs]

If Nicole could just get out of her way and let him in.

-Yeah. -Then she could join us...

Uh-huh.

...in the "happily ever after" club.

Oh, yeah?

Unless you wanted to talk more.

-Uh, no, that's okay. -[Dani giggles]

Now that it's just us, I'm...

I have to ask.

The answer is yes, I'm okay.

I didn't get out the question.

Ted remarrying.

You want to know if I'm fine

or if I'm actually just acting like it.

So, which is it?

It did hit me a little bit harder

than I would like to admit.

But Ted and Shanice make sense together. I'm happy for them.

What I don't want is to spend another second

-talking about my ex-husband. -Mm.

So what would my lady like to discuss?

I would like to see...

how you are going to use your brand-new house key...

to heat up our evening.

-[phone buzzing] -Oh, hold on.

Family.

Mother, uh, I am actually with Kial right now,

-so it isn't a good time... -ANITA: Nicole.

Sweetheart.

I have news.

What is it?

Smitty.

He's been arrested.

It was an arraignment, Naomi.

There's nothing you could've said

or presented to have them drop the charges.

No.

You know what would've made a difference?

Not arresting him in the first place.

In my defense, I had a warrant,

and the pills were in Smitty's house.

I know, I know.

Just doing my job as a lawyer. Giving you a hard time.

Well, for what it's worth,

I'm glad you were there when we showed up.

You prevented Smitty from saying something

that could've made the situation worse.

You know, it all seemed very straightforward

when we agreed to keep our jobs and marriage separate.

-When it was hypothetical. -Mm-hmm.

But now, things have escalated, so we've got to work harder.

[exhales] Well, no matter what happens next,

in the office or in the courtroom,

we cannot let this follow us home.

Then we don't.

-Okay? -Okay.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. What the hell are you doing?

-Oh... -Hey. Uh...

Buttons are just... They take too long.

This is an expensive shirt.

Oh. Are you telling me

the successful plastic surgeon can't afford a new one?

Okay, you know, I'm starting to understand

this whole bagel situation.

Can you put that away, please?

What's wrong? Are you nervous?

I mean, you cut people for a living.

Yeah, in a controlled environment.

Well, I should've used a scalpel.

Maybe you could bring one next time.

Next time?

Unless I scared you off.

-I don't scare easy. -Good.

Although, I must admit, you are coming in pretty hot tonight.

There's a little pesky problem at work, but...

...I finally got it handled.

"Figuring some stuff out. Talk soon."

Sent.

-Who's that going to? -Both of them.

You sent the exact same text to two different girls?

It's efficient.

Ugh. You are such a boy.

[door opens and closes]

Great, you're here. I-I need some advice.

Uh, there's a situation with Chessy and Jessica...

Uh, not now, son.

Something happened, didn't it?

You both should sit.

First, I... want to let you both know that...

...I'm gonna be okay.

This is all just a big misunderstanding.

And we will get through this like we always do.

Today, I was arrested.

What?

-A-Are you for real? -Wait, there's more.

They let me out on bail, which is why I'm able to be home.

So, it means...

it's not over?

Afraid not.

I was... [clears throat]

charged with committing a drug-induced homicide.

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