Original subtitles

♪

- Previously on "American Soul."

The casino has got to go. - Don, listen.

- No, you listen, man.

I stand to lose everything if you get caught.

- Most things aren't about you, Simone.

CPS just comes through and it makes things worse

by taking his sister.

- They've started adoption proceedings.

- See, I--I can't lose Aiya, too.

- She doesn't even remember you.

- I need you to run an errand at the bank.

- I really don't wanna do anything else sketchy.

[camera shutter clicking]

- You got the plates? - I got it.

[static hissing]

[Kool & The Gang's "Hollywood Swinging"]

- [grumbling]

Damn it!

♪

- ♪ Hey, hey, hey

♪

♪ What you got to say

♪

♪ Say hey, hey, hey

♪

♪ What you got to say

♪

♪ Hollywood

♪ Hollywood swinging

♪

♪ Hollywood

♪ Hollywood swinging

♪

♪ I remember

- Whoo!

- ♪ Not too long ago

- Yeah! - Whoo!

- ♪ I went to the theater

♪ And I saw the Kool & The Gang show ♪

♪

♪ I always wanted

♪

♪ To fit into a band

♪

♪ To sing my songs

♪ And become a bad piano-playin' ♪

[high voice] ♪ Man

[muffled club music playing]

- I recognize that look.

Who pissed you off this time, handsome?

- Appearing out of thin air seems to be your M.O.

- Miss me? - No.

I knew you'd be back.

Couldn't leave without saying good-bye.

- Had to tie up a few loose ends in Vegas.

You know, business as usual.

- Business?

Who is it that you said you work for, again?

Colombia? Mercury?

Polydor? - [laughs] No.

Record labels are so predictable and monotonous.

Is that how you see me, doll?

- I asked around.

You know a lot of artists and the gatekeepers,

and they know you. - Stands to reason.

I'm unforgettable.

- Hmm, and what exactly is it that you do, Ruby?

- I'm a fixer. - Fixer?

So is that what you're doing now

at the Sands Casino in Vegas?

Fixing things?

[tense music]

- I find out who's been telling you my business, Don,

I hope it's no one you really care about.

- I was just curious. [car tires screeching]

Didn't mean to upset you. [car doors open and close]

- Do I look upset?

[indistinct chatter]

- Go, go, go.

[indistinct chatter]

- Excuse me.

♪

[bang]

- Let's go. Go, go, go.

Go, go.

[tense music]

♪

Police! Nobody move!

Hands in the air! - You, come here.

- Let me see your hands! - Right here.

Over here. - Lock it down.

- Gentlemen, I assume you have a warrant.

- Search every door, crack, and crevice in this place.

- Tear it down top to bottom, all right?

[camera shutter clicks] [car engine revving]

- Boss, over there. Behind the bar.

Hands up.

- "Illegal use of commercial property

for the purpose of gambling."

I'm gonna frame this one. - [chuckles]

I got you, Aims. - You think so?

- Mm-hmm. - Mm.

- Place is empty. We got nothing.

- [exhales]

This isn't over.

- I know.

I've seen this movie before, Bacon.

You got a woody for me now.

Next thing I know,

SIS detail is up my ass, and when nothing shakes loose,

you'll be the joke of the department

vowing to take me down Dirty Harry style.

Blah, blah, blah... the end.

- All right, let's go.

- [grunts]

♪

- Too much going on right now, JT.

- Boss, I need a raise.

I need work. There's gotta be something.

- [chuckles] You need more work?

You got plenty to do.

- This can't wait. I need money.

I need it fast.

- You got some girl in trouble?

- No, no, no. It's not even like that.

- Don't act like it's impossible.

I was your age once.

All right, come on. Spill it.

What's so urgent, taking up all my time?

- All right, my sister Aiya's in foster care.

I need pay stubs and proof of legitimate income

if I'm gonna adopt her.

- What the hell you planning on doin',

bringing her to the club after school?

Sitting at the bar with her, helping her do homework?

A club is no place for a little girl, JT.

What the hell you thinking? - I'm the only family she has.

I mean, if this place was on the up and up--

- JT, I'm getting tired of hearing how the way

I do business is affecting you.

Now, you asked me for a job, and I gave you one.

- Yes, yes, you did,

and I'm not asking for no handouts.

My--my mother OD'd, my father's in prison,

and my sister's stuck in the system.

I mean, everybody got a sad story,

and I ain't whining or blaming anybody.

I just wanna work and keep the little family

that I have left together.

- All right, all right.

I can dummy pay stubs and start paperwork.

That ain't hard, but...

to make the kind of money you need

to make to really help your sister,

you gonna have to get your hands dirty,

and for that, you gotta be all in.

My terms, JT.

So what's it gonna be?

- No, you listen to me.

If they don't show up for the taping,

I will sue your ass for breach of contract.

Do you hear me? [phone clangs]

- What is wrong now?

- Our main act pulled out. That's what.

- The Commodores?

They've been booked for weeks. That doesn't make sense.

- The label's pissed about me bumping the Chi-Lites

for Elton John.

- You think this is payback?

I mean, the Chi-Lites aren't that big of an act

to burn a bridge over,

if you know what I mean.

This feels off.

- I see your point.

- I'll make some calls and see if I can find a replacement.

- Well, what about Joe Tex? Maybe he can come through.

- Ooh, don't wave the white flag just yet.

He is our last resort.

- What you got against Joe?

- Nothing... that a hit record can't fix.

- [chuckles]

- You'll never be like them no matter how hard you try.

Normal people, so desperate to get clean,

but this is drastic, even for you.

- Came running from Vegas just to watch the big show.

How many cops on your payroll? - [scoffs]

Since you're not in County,

I could ask you the same question.

[moans]

I still love you madly, Ger.

- I won't tell you to stop talking crazy,

'cause you don't know how.

If you're worried about getting paid on time, don't.

Casino ain't the only way to turn a profit.

- Ah, that casino was our cash cow.

I hate the thought of losing it.

Don't you? - We don't own shit together.

The casino was a short-term solution.

- How you gonna make up for the shortfall?

- That's my problem.

- [sighs]

- Something else on your mind?

- I'm concerned about Vice.

Once they're on to you,

they won't stop until they find somethin'.

- Wonder how they caught wind in the first place.

Any ideas, Ruby? - [laughs]

It wasn't me, hon.

No, I wouldn't cut off your nose to spite my face.

- I've seen you cut off more for less.

- Hmm, I get this done, I move up in rank.

Your hiccups stop progress.

I didn't rat you out.

Someone else must want you out the picture.

Maybe you should check your own backyard.

Don seemed awful upset about the raid.

- [whistles]

[distant dog barking]

[tense music]

- Appreciate the intel.

Hate to be the one caught with my fly down

if cops are on the war path.

- Thought my days of relaying info were over.

Imagine my surprise when I see your name attached

to a casino raid float across my desk.

- Happy I helped you hone your poker face.

- Made me a promise. Said you were going straight.

- Easier said when it's

someone else's neck on the line, Buckner.

- Been a long time since Korea.

- Ages. - [coughs]

- You saved my life.

I'll never forget that.

- But one wrong move, I get pinched,

and you won't help.

- Can't help. There's a difference.

- I hear you, I do,

but I'm the only one that can get these monkeys off my back.

- What do you need?

- You still serious about cleaning up

the police department?

- I'm listening.

- I hand you dirty cops,

you gonna go after them or throw them back?

- I've been trying to clean up the department

for over a decade.

[fence rattles, dog barks]

You bring me crooked cops with solid evidence,

I'll make sure they never wear blue again.

- I'm gonna hold you to that.

- I know you will.

[bluesy music]

♪

[door opens and closes]

- A king... alone in his castle.

- [chuckles]

Best time to be here.

No one else is around.

This is magic.

- You should be proud, Don.

- Yeah, I walk around and remind myself

how far I've come

and why it's so important.

This brand.

This legacy.

For us, by us.

I made it all from scratch.

A true representation of who we are.

[soft music]

♪

And then I ask myself why my people

who claim to care about this show

are hell-bent on trying to snatch it all away.

- Maybe you should choose your friends more carefully.

♪

- You asked to meet here.

What's your pitch?

- You strike me as a man who rewards loyalty

and respects results.

If that's true,

there are a few things you need to know

that no one has bothered to share.

Gerald knew about the Vice raid.

But he didn't warn you.

He also opened this casino in the first place

without telling you,

putting your name and your freedom at risk.

You say your partners share in liability,

yet you seem to be assuming the bulk of it.

- And here it comes.

- From where I stand,

the weight of this partnership is crushing you.

I can offer a lifeboat.

I have the same connections as Gerald,

only better.

If you want help getting out from under,

I can provide it.

All you have to do is say the word.

I'll leave you to your castle.

Think it over.

♪

- No, last night was crazy. They really shut it down.

[indistinct chatter]

- But I thought they were coming here--

- I--

- Oh, do you have a minute?

- Sure, Simone. What's up?

- So I was at yesterday's taping

of "American Bandstand--"

- Oh, I already know that some of you double dip.

It's fine. - That's not it.

The Commodores performed,

and they brought the house down.

- The Commodores were on "Bandstand"?

- Mm-hmm, blew our minds.

I thought they were scheduled to come here.

Did they cancel? What happened?

- We had a change last minute.

- Like Elton John?

Or i--it's somebody bigger? Who is it?

- You'll just have to wait and see.

[distant music playing]

[exhales]

[uneasy music]

♪

- JT, you're making me nervous.

Say something.

I can't help you if I don't know what's going on.

- I'm trying to adopt Aiya,

and my next meeting with CPS is crucial.

- Baby, that's great!

- I don't think you understand.

All right, my--my chances are slim.

Sure, I am her brother,

but...I live alone, I'm single,

and my job isn't exactly... legit.

- Mm.

- They can flat out reject my application.

- Well, if that happens, you just try again.

- This isn't like one of those auditions, Simone.

This is my sister's life.

I mean, yeah, I got a plan,

but it may or may not work. There's no guarantee.

And these foster parents, they want to adopt her.

I don't know those people.

[teakettle whistling] What if I lose Aiya forever?

- Okay.

I'll make you some tea.

I'm pretty sure if we put our heads together,

we can come up with something. - Like what?

- [exhales] Well...

You'll need a two-bedroom apartment.

- Can't afford it. - Yet.

Gonna have to be in a good school district.

One year of pay stubs.

Good references.

Mm.

[groans]

Too bad you don't have a pastor.

You should go to church, JT.

You know my mom will vouch for you, though.

I'm proud of you, JT,

for fighting for your sister.

You've both been through so much.

When's the appointment? Maybe I can go for support.

- It's tomorrow at 3:00.

- Um...

I...I have to work

tomorrow.

I don't--I don't think I can get out of it.

I'm really sorry, JT.

I wanted to be there.

No, it's okay.

I understand.

♪

[indistinct chatter]

- Come here, you bastard!

[both grunting]

I ought to bash your head in

and let you bleed out right here.

- Give me a chance to explain.

[both groaning]

- Ten years on the force,

I have never had an unreliable source,

and you give me bad intel.

There was no casino in the back of your club.

- Let's just relax a li-- [both grunting]

[groaning]

- You made me look stupid.

You embarrassed my men.

What kind of games you playing, Don?

Huh?

[both grunting]

- Gerald Aims was running an illegal operation

inside of that space, all right?

Someone must have tipped him off.

- You saying my unit's dirty?

I vetted every cop in it. Try again.

- I'm telling the truth.

[both grunting]

[groans]

[groaning]

- You better come up with the goods on Aims

or "Soul Train" is next.

I will search every dancer.

I'll drop bags on them if I have to,

and you'll be on the hook for running a drug ring.

How's that sound, Hippest Trip?

- [grunts]

[dramatic music]

♪

[indistinct chatter]

[woman doing vocal exercises]

- ♪ Ah ah ah

[woman singing distantly]

- So I hear they're putting the best singers together

for a girl group.

- Don't believe everything you hear.

People lie all the time.

- Well, at least there'll be more spots

if they pick three girls instead of one.

- There could be ten spots.

It's still a long shot for us.

- [grunts]

So your glass ain't half empty. It's bone dry.

[somber music]

Whatever.

[distant baby crying]

♪

- Rhonda Matthews.

- Yes. That's me.

Thank you.

- So what song are you singing?

- Um, "God Bless the Child." And you?

- "Lovin' You" by Minnie Ripperton.

- Oh? You can hit every note?

- When I start in a lower key, sure.

[all laughing]

- Don't tell your competition what you're doing

unless you plan to psych them out.

What if they take your audition piece

and sing it better?

- Good-bye big break.

- I didn't think about that.

- Don't worry.

They probably chose the material for us

to see who's trained and who's not.

- I know you mean well,

but I'm the only one here singing "Corner of the Sky."

That's the Jackson Five.

- Actually, that's from the Broadway musical "Pippin."

- Oh.

- Patrice Baines. - Right here.

[clock ticking]

[upbeat music]

- ♪ What do you want what do you need ♪

♪ What I gotta do to make you see ♪

♪ Whatever you want whatever you need ♪

♪ I got this, baby, you can best believe ♪

♪ I don't wanna be lonely

♪ I don't wanna not breathe

♪ I don't wanna know a world in a world ♪

♪ Where you're not part of me

♪ With a little bit of sunshine ♪

♪ And rain

♪ In the end I know we'll get through anything ♪

- ♪ Tell me what you want from me ♪

♪ Tell me what you want from me ♪

- ♪ 'Cause I got more than what you need ♪

- 'Cause I got more than what you need ♪

- ♪ Yeah and this is where I'm supposed to be ♪

♪ Baby, baby

♪ Doo, doo

- ♪ Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo ♪

- ♪ What do I say babe

♪ What do I do

♪ How do I pray to make my dreams come true ♪

- ♪ Love is always complicated and frustrating me it's true ♪

♪ I just wanna find my way home back to you ♪

- ♪ Yeah

♪ I don't wanna be lonely, I don't wanna not breathe ♪

♪ I don't wanna know a world in a world ♪

♪ Where you're not part of me

♪ With a little bit of sunshine ♪

♪ And rain

♪ In the end I know we'll get through anything ♪

- ♪ Tell me what you want from me ♪

♪ What you want from me

♪ 'Cause I've got more than what you need ♪

- ♪ I've got more than what you need ♪

- ♪ This is where I'm supposed to be ♪

- ♪ This is where I'm supposed to be ♪

♪ Yeah whoa

♪ Tell me what you

- ♪ What you want from me

- ♪ Hey 'cause I've got more than what you need ♪

♪ Hey

- ♪ This is where I'm supposed to be ♪

- ♪ This is where I'm supposed to be ♪

♪ Yeah

♪ Oh

♪ All right

♪ Mm-hmm

♪ Yeah all right

♪ Ooh oh yeah

♪ All right

♪ Ooh oh uh

♪ All right

[cheers and applause]

- Simone Clark? [applause echoing]

Simone Clark?

Anyone here by the name Simone Clark?

- Hello?

- JT Tucker?

- Yeah. - Hi, I'm Mrs. Kinsey.

I'll be handling your application for adoption today.

- Okay.

- You're ducking like the law's on your tail.

- Well, if that raid proves anything,

there are eyes and ears everywhere.

Can't afford to be cavalier about what we do

from here on out.

We keep Soul Train Club and our partnership intact

by holding each other up. You dig?

Our lives depend on it.

- [exhales]

- Is there anything you're holding back?

Anything you need to tell me, now's the time.

- You ever hear the one about the scorpion and the frog?

The scorpion asked for a ride across the river,

promises not to sting.

They get to the middle, he stings the frog.

They both drown anyway.

- Because the scorpion can't be anything other than what it is.

- Exactly.

- Ever consider you're the scorpion?

- Maybe.

You still trust me?

- With my life.

- Then we know where we both stand,

don't we?

- I-I-I don't-- I don't understand.

- I don't mean to dash your hopes,

but the chances of reuniting with your sister

are very small.

In fact, in most cases,

it just doesn't happen.

- So sorry I'm late. Please forgive me.

My session ran over.

I got here as fast as I could without running a red light.

[chuckles] - I'm sorry.

And you are? - I'm Simone Clark.

JT's fiancée.

[quirky music]

It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Kinsey.

We're really excited about the possibility

of adopting Aiya.

We're getting married next spring.

[giggles] Malibu's really nice then.

But we haven't ruled out a more traditional church ceremony.

There's nothing quite like the sound of a pipe organ playing--

♪ Here comes the bride

[laughing]

Sorry, you don't wanna hear about our wedding.

Just can't stop talking about it.

It's embarrassing.

Right, honey?

- Right. - [chuckles]

- Um...

now, this is strange.

Simone, your name isn't filled in on the application.

♪

Well, we can certainly add it.

- And if you wouldn't mind adding these as well.

Employment history, pay stubs,

and a list of personal and professional references.

- Well, I do appreciate an applicant who's thorough.

Thank you, Miss Clark.

- No, thank you.

JT and I are family.

I'd do anything for them.

- I see.

- [mouthing] Thank you.

- Look, I appreciate you coming through in a pinch, Joe.

- Come on now, Don.

"Soul Train's" my first love.

Just don't tell Barbara and Betty.

I only got two legs and I need them both.

You dig? - Thanks for coming through.

- My pleasure.

- Yo, Tex, meet-- - Ruby, darling.

Where you been, baby girl?

- Ah, hey, Joe.

It's good to see you again.

- Uh-huh.

So you guys know each other?

- Who don't know Joe Tex?

[laughing]

- Joe, would you excuse us for a moment?

- Sure thing.

I need to stretch before I rehearse anyways.

Stop by later and I'll show you my new moves.

[chuckles]

- [scoffs]

- Wondering if the offer still stands.

Things are getting dicey.

- See, Don,

this is what happens when you play a game

without knowing all the rules,

like dropping a dime to the cops without delivering.

- What the hell are you talking about?

What do you know?

- Told you I'm connected, Don.

I don't know why you're so surprised.

Don't worry.

It'll be our little secret.

I won't tell Ger.

[chuckles]

Don't fret, son.

I know just what you need.

A big name.

Marketable talent.

I'll deliver.

- [exhales sharply]

- These brothers are some of the coolest in town

and when it comes to the sound, they know how to get down.

Please welcome one of the coolest gangs on the planet,

Kool & the Gang.

[cheers and applause]

- ♪ Get down, get down, get down, get down ♪

♪ Get down, get down

♪ Get down, get down, get down, get down ♪

- I don't know how you pulled it off.

- Hmm.

- [chuckles] But I'm glad you did.

- ♪ Get down, get down

- Maybe I should drop Gerald to have you take over.

- [chuckles]

My plate is pretty full right now,

but I'll think about it.

Just know as long as his affiliations are questionable,

you're compromised, too.

- So what are you proposing?

- A fresh influx of clean cash. - In exchange for?

- Guest slots on "Soul Train" which you will make available.

No questions asked.

I imagine "Soul Train" is very valuable to you,

especially since you built it from scratch.

Treat it like a proper investment

and watch it expand and grow.

- ♪ Jungle boogie

[Kool & The Gang's "Jungle Boogie"]

♪

♪ Jungle boogie

- ♪ Get down with the boogie

- ♪ Jungle boogie - ♪ The boogie

- ♪ Jungle boogie

- ♪ The boogie - ♪ Jungle boogie

- Brbrbrbrbrb!

- What possessed you to try something so crazy?

- You should have seen your face.

I couldn't look your way.

- I ain't never been so happy

to see your mouth move that fast.

- What's that supposed to mean?

- Girl, you know you can talk.

That woman couldn't get a word in even if she tried.

- [laughs]

I missed a backup gig and a day of dancing

on "Soul Train" for you.

- Almost missed that audition, too.

[The Isley Brothers' "For the Love of You"]

♪

- Yeah, almost.

And I would have, if I needed to.

You're way more important to me.

And I got a song out of it.

I wrote it down quick in the car.

- You don't know how-- how happy I was

to have you there by my side.

For once I didn't have to carry everything.

It wasn't all on me.

- My dad used to say,

"One's good but two lightens the load."

[both chuckling]

- Thank you.

- I love you, JT.

Always will.

- ♪ For the love of you

♪ Oh yes I am

♪ All that I'm giving

♪ Is for the love of you

♪ All right

♪ Lovely as a ray of...

[door opens and closes]

[tense music]

- Come right on in.

The last of what I owe, paid in full.

Bye.

- Awful eager to get rid of me.

- And everyone you know.

- I've done nothing but look out for you.

When The Commodores fell out,

Kool & The Gang was all my doing.

- You were the one who pulled the plug.

Pressured the manager to cancel the gig.

Thought I didn't know?

- I thought you went soft and stupid.

My mistake.

What's the money for?

You're safe now.

The cops won't go after you again.

Casino's closed. They've got nothing on you.

- You never know.

Now leave. - [scoffs]

I hate to disappoint you, Gerald,

but I think I'm staying.

I like the weather.

[door closes]

- All right, y'all. - All right, now.

- Solid, baby. - See you tomorrow.

- Need you to make this drop for me tonight.

It's filled to the brim.

I got a lot riding on this.

Just want you to know.

- Uh, b--boss.

What if I get caught?

I need to keep my nose clean if I wanna have custody

over my sister. - I understand your concerns,

but I'm really not asking.

Now, we made an agreement so you could make some more money.

Now, a man keeps his word with me, JT,

or he doesn't.

[siren blaring]

- Damn.

[exhales]

You've got to be kidding me.

[brakes squeaking]

[keys jingling]

[suspenseful music]

♪

- Step out of the vehicle.

- [inhales deeply]

Really didn't do anything, Officer.

- Are you deaf?

Go ahead and pop the trunk. Get out of the damn car.

Let's go.

[trunk pops]

That's it.

Hands where I can see them or I will blow your head off.

Got it? Turn around.

Now stay right there. Don't move.

[car engine turning over]

How much cash is in the case?

- 10 grand.

- You assured me every cop in your unit was vetted.

- They were, Chief. I--

I cleared every man myself.

- Then you did a piss poor job.,

because I just witnessed Detective Rouse--

second in command of your unit--

steal a bag of cash from an unarmed civilian's car.

- I know this looks bad. - [scoffs]

- I do but you should have told me

that your CI was Aims.

This whole thing is starting to feel like a setup.

- I don't have to tell you anything,

and it's a good thing I didn't.

It means you're clean, Phillips.

I can't say the same for the rest of your team.

Can you?

- No, sir.

So--so what's next?

- We arrest Detective Rouse and IA puts your unit's peckers

through the wringer.

You're gonna be really unpopular tomorrow.

- [exhales sharply]

- That's all.

[car door closes]

- Glad you could make it.

Have a seat.

- I prefer to stand. - Good.

Means you can walk out that much faster.

Really surprised you didn't see this coming.

When you tried to pit us against each other,

you should have known I was gonna come back at you hard.

- [scoffs] Don, you're carrying Gerald.

Gerald, he's weak. Don needs you.

Men make the easiest marks.

Say the right words, and they get puffy and yeasted.

- Mm.

And that's where you got played.

- I told Don to drop a dime on me,

and you came running from Vegas with your hair on fire.

- The only way you knew about the raid is if you had someone

on the Vice cop payroll.

- Just a matter of time before you led me right to him,

and the mountain of evidence he has against you?

- Mm, in case you hadn't heard,

Doug Rouse was arrested last night.

- You're lying.

- He couldn't wait to flip on you.

Gave up photos, cash,

names, dates,

and everyone you introduced him to.

- There's a warrant out for your arrest.

- Extortion, bribery.

What's that? Ten years at least.

- Two choices.

Go back to Chicago and lay low,

or get processed at Sybil Brand.

Fun times at lights out,

and those bulls really know how

to make a meal out of fresh meat.

- You think too much of yourself.

- Don't push me, Ruby.

Once those cops start digging,

it won't be long before they find bodies,

and I know just where they can start.

- Just remember,

you've got bodies of your own, Gerald.

If you think we're done, it'll be your last mistake.

[exhales]

[door slams]

- [exhales]

We won.

Hmm?

We got the drop on the old girl...

And you look like someone scratched your car.

- Just thinking.

- About what?

- The influx of clean cash in exchange

for slots on "Soul Train."

- Ruby has partners with power and influence.

They delivered Kool & The Gang like that. [snaps]

- And I don't know who they are.

Or how they'll come at us.

[dramatic music]

♪