Original subtitles

-David! -Syd?

David!

(echoing) Syd?

ANNOUNCER: Legion. All new Tuesdays at 10:00 on FX.

FX presents... Pose.

* Get ready, all you lonely girls *

The category is Realness:

Bring It like a Weather Girl.

Who will show us whether it will be

rain or shine?

Who is real enough

to be on Channel 9...?

Oh, Miss Angel.

Now, this category used to be for the juicy girls,

but not tonight!

* It's raining men *

* Hallelujah! *

PRAY TELL: Oh, let it snow.

Let it snow.

This Weather Girl is prepared for all of the elements.

Yes, Miss Angel. Work, Miss Angel.

Please, judges, your scores.

Please, your scores.

Ten. Ten. Ten.

Ten. Ten.

Grand prize, Miss Angel.

From the upstart house Evangelista.

(cheering)

(chanting): Angel! Angel! Angel!

Angel! Angel!

* God bless Mother Nature *

* She's a single woman, too *

-* She took off to heaven... * -(laughter)

Go get Damon and tell him to meet me in the hallway.

* What she had to do... *

PRAY TELL: Next category,

you walk in ten minutes.

* Oh, it's raining men, yeah *

(cheering in distance)

What's going on?

I am walking this category.

Are you serious? I mean, hasn't she won this category,

like, ten times? It would be like fighting Mike Tyson.

You spend enough time in this hall and you start

to be able to feel the room.

You see the way they went crazy for Angel?

They're hungry for fresh faces tonight.

The upsets and the underdogs.

I just don't want to see you get hurt.

Trust your mother.

I felt the wind in my face my whole life.

Which means I know when it's at my back.

Now help me get into this dress.

-* It's raining men. * -(audience cheering)

PRAY TELL: The category is Legendary Runway.

Who will prove themselves to be mother of all mothers

on the Parisian runway?

Dare anyone challenge reigning femme queen

Elektra Abundance?

-Going once... -(audience cheering)

Going twice...

AUDIENCE (chanting): Elektra! Elektra!

-No one? -Elektra! Elektra!

Elektra! Elektra! Elektra!

Elektra! Elektra!

Legendary children,

I do correct myself.

A challenge has been issued.

(audience exclaims)

Clear the floor

or prepare to be trampled

by the magnificence

you are about to witness.

Walking against Elektra Abundance,

Blanca Evangelista!

(cheering)

* Love had to show me one thing *

* I was so right *

* So right *

* Thought I could turn emotion on and off *

* I was so sure *

* I was so, so sure... *

* But love taught me *

* Who was, who was *

* The boss... *

*

PRAY TELL: And turn and lift and walk.

You are the last motherfuckers

on the runway.

Will you receive a standing ovation

from Bianca Jagger and David Bowie?

Or will your collection fall flat on its face?

(shouting indistinctly)

To your places, ladies.

To your places.

AUDIENCE: Blanca!

Blanca! Blanca!

Blanca!

PRAY TELL: Please, quiet, please.

Quiet, please. Quiet, please.

-Silence! -(cheering stops)

Judges, challenging though it may be,

the future is in your hands now.

Elektra first-- as she is reigning champion,

it is her honor.

Scores, please.

Ten, ten,

-ten, ten, nine. -(audience exclaims)

Nine?

Are you blind in one eye?

Have you lost your ability to count to ten?

I demand an explanation.

I would give you an explanation if your outfit

didn't look like the inside of a coffin.

(audience exclaims)

Ooh, shade of the panel.

(indistinct shouting)

It's fixed! It's fixed.

Who paid you, honey? Who paid you?

Now for Miss Blanca.

Scores, please.

Ten, ten, ten, ten, ten.

Grand prize-- Blanca Evangelista.

(cheering)

Congratulations.

* Who was the boss... *

(cheering, whistling)

AUDIENCE (chanting): Blanca! Blanca! Blanca! Blanca!

Blanca! Blanca! Blanca!

(cheering)

PRAY TELL: I must inform the audience

that after tonight's performance

there is another contender for Mother of the Year.

Miss Blanca has ushered a new legendary house

into the forefront of the ball world.

AUDIENCE (chanting): Blanca! Blanca! Blanca!

DAMON: You did that.

I was so proud of you.

You were just like...

Pride goeth forth before the fall.

That win was pure luck.

The judges were merely showing sympathy

for your virgin Legendary Walk.

Or perhaps the fix was in.

I know it was Pray Tell who helped you make

that ill-fitting potato sack

you had draped over your bones tonight.

Who's to say he didn't tell the judges

to adjust my score so you and he could share

a moment of glory?

You lost fair and square and you know it.

I suggest you get used to it.

(scoffs) Please.

You are the Cracker Barrel

to my Gucci and Saint Laurent.

(scoffs) So agitated, Elektra.

And here I thought old age would mellow a bitch.

It takes more than two trophies

to become a legendary house and take Mother of the Year.

I would know.

I've won it six times.

True, we aren't where you are, but we'll get there.

And soon, everything new will be old,

and everything old-- meaning you--

will be in the gutter looking up at my perfectly sewn hemline.

Now, the only house I'm worried about at the moment

is the International House of Pancakes,

where we will celebrate and raise a fork

of the Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity

to your inevitable demise.

(Damon laughing)

-You read her. -She deserved it.

-(Damon laughs) -I got to go.

RICKY: Hey.

You're an Evangelista, right?

Yeah.

Y'all showed out in there tonight.

Thanks.

I'm Damon.

Ricky.

Did you take a bath in Kouros Player cologne tonight?

Too much?

It's the right amount if you're trying

to cover up the stench of a dead body.

(snickers) No, I like it.

You smell good.

Thank you.

What? You like my tank top?

It's WilliWear.

I mopped it from Macy's.

I tie rubber bands around the bottom of my sweats.

I could stuff anything down there

and just walk out.

You thought of that yourself?

Smart.

You like smart boys?

If they're cute.

(Damon giggles)

Excuse me.

Oh, okay.

-(Damon snorts, laughs) -Excuse me.

(grunts)

(both laugh)

Oh, man.

You want to go grab a slice or something? On me.

You mean like a date?

I mean, I'm smart and cute,

-and I smell good. -(laughs)

I mean, you could do a lot worse.

Okay, but...

can we go sit at dinner and talk first?

I mean, isn't that what you're supposed to do on a date?

Oh, see...

Sitting means waitresses, which means tips.

Slice and a stroll-- that's my idea of a date.

I'm gonna go get my stuff.

Don't go nowhere.

(mouths)

What was all of that?

He asked me if I can go on a date. Can I go?

He looks like trouble.

But they're always the ones I like, too.

Don't do nothing stupid.

Be back by 3:00 a.m.

No minute later, understand?

Yes, Mother.

All right.

(door opens)

(footfalls approach)

PRAY TELL: The category is...

Live...

Work...

Pose!

*

RICKY: I don't get the hype around Janet.

She ain't Michael.

That's the point.

She's not trying to be Michael.

She's stepping out.

No daddy, no husband--

just Janet on her own.

I mean, she's going for her dreams.

I love her for that.

I want that.

Anyway, you're sleeping on Janet.

I mean, in 20 years,

you're gonna look back and tell me I was right.

You think we're gonna know each other in 20 years?

I don't know.

I hope.

It's cool.

We're with our people.

No one's gonna do anything.

Come on.

(clears throat) I want to show you something.

Where are you going?

(Damon laughs)

(pigeons coo)

(wings flapping)

Where are you?

RICKY: Over here.

-Boo! -(gasps)

(both laugh)

It's beautiful, right?

This is my favorite spot.

What's that smell? It stinks in here.

I didn't realize you were so bougie.

It's all right. I ain't into thugs.

I don't know how to do this.

Know how to do what?

Um...

I've never kissed anyone before.

Ah.

Hold on. Um... here.

*

(both laugh)

I've wanted to be alone with you ever since I first saw you.

Me, too.

Wait. We're moving too fast.

Ah, but I'm in love with you.

What? You just met me.

I know, but it's like I've known you my whole life.

Come on, let's have some fun before you meet someone better.

(sighs) I-I won't meet anybody better.

Oh, yeah, you will.

You're gonna be a star.

You'll forget all about me.

You really think I'm gonna be a star?

Of course.

I believe in you.

(Damon moans)

-Ricky. Ricky. -What? What? What?

I'm not ready.

I'm sorry.

(clears throat)

Maybe we can go on a few dates first?

Yeah. Sure.

Uh, how about next Saturday?

We can grab a slice, catch a movie?

Yeah, I'd like that.

Cool.

It's a date.

Come on. This is...

Bougie.

DAMON (laughing): It stinks in here.

-RICKY: Oh, God. -Where are you taking me?

(door squeaks)

(closes loudly)

(floorboards creaking)

(floorboard creaks)

BLANCA: Damon?

Yeah?

Sit down.

Where have you been?

Ricky took me to the pier.

You're two hours late.

I won't tolerate you breaking my rules.

Were you out drinking?

-No. -Did he give you any drugs?

No, ma'am. Mother.

So what possible reason could you have for disobeying me?

Did you have sex?

No.

We...

We kissed.

-And? -And that's it.

He wanted to do more, but...

I didn't want my first time to be at the pier.

Did your daddy ever give you the talk?

The talk?

The birds and the bees.

Yeah, he did.

(laughing): It was really awful.

Yeah, I mean, he was saying all this stuff about women's anatomy

and-and things like that, and...

the whole time I was thinking,

this is not the information I need to get.

(laughing): Like, Sweet Baby Jesus, this is not helping me.

But, you know, I-I couldn't ask him

the questions I really wanted to know,

which was about...

what men do together and stuff,

or... I'd be found out.

And... I was afraid he'd kill me.

Well, here's what no one will tell you but me.

Gay life is hard.

Here.

No. I-I-I don't need these.

I-I'm not planning on having sex with Ricky.

Oh, child, no one ever plans on having sex.

And I can't be your mother and your conscience.

I'm not gonna always be here to protect you.

You are a good-looking young man.

And soon you are gonna want to start exploring, but you got

to make smart choices.

Now, as a gay man, you have options when it comes to sex.

You can be a top or a bottom.

Uh, how will I know which one I am?

Well, there's no rule book.

Sometimes you want to give, sometimes you want to receive.

Sometimes you want all the pleasure.

It's up to you.

-What if I'm a bottom... -Mm-hmm.

...and I fall for another bottom?

-Oh, don't. -You said there was no rules!

Oh, so what y'all gonna be doing, bumping purses all night?

(both laughing)

Look, don't overthink it.

When you find the right guy, you'll figure it out.

Just promise me you'll protect yourself.

There's a virus out there,

and if you catch it, it will kill you.

If you need condoms, you go and ask for them,

and if I'm not around, you go to the clinic. Understood?

Yes, Mother.

When will I know that I'm ready?

Well, when you have sex,

that's your decision to make, no one else's.

Just listen to that voice in your head--

the one that told you to come to New York.

That voice is intuition,

and I promise you she'll guide you, and if

you ever feel unsure about what that bitch has to say,

you come straight home to Mother.

Thank you.

(Damon sighs)

(clears throat) Damon...

if I could go back in time

and make different choices, I would.

Don't ever give away your gifts...

for no one.

(door closes in distance)

Mm.

* Oh, ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah... *

(indistinct chatter)

* Oh, ah-ah, ah-ah... *

Hey, you found it!

This better be worth it,

'cause I'm missing 227 to come meet your ass.

Why are we meeting here?

Is this some kind of joke?

No, it was in the Village Voice.

Best gay bar in Manhattan two years running.

I wanted something special

to celebrate me snagging my first trophy.

You do know they don't serve our kind here?

Bitch, shut up.

Our money is just as good as anyone's.

Happy Halloween, ladies.

-I'm done. -Uh-uh. No!

One drink.

I got a proposition for you.

My house is going to crush all others.

They're gonna place a statue on the piers

to commemorate us one day.

Big talk after one trophy.

Now's the time to get in line before the line to get in starts

to snake its way around the block.

I need a lieutenant.

A second in command.

Who? Me?

You hate Elektra just as much as anyone.

All she does is look down on you,

bragging about her rich daddy

and her Weezy Jefferson apartment up on the East Side.

She don't care about you.

And I'm not just starting a house.

We're gonna be a family that looks out for one another.

Elektra would rip your weave right off of your head

if she knew you was trying to steal me away.

Oh, so, what, you want to tell her?

Fuck her.

I ain't got no loyalty to her.

But she helps me win, and I like to win.

Which means joining a house

that ain't no more than a toddler

still soiling in his diapers ain't never gonna happen.

Besides, maybe I want to start my own house one day.

* It was only in my dreams... *

Well, hello, handsome.

I'll have a Manhattan,

and my friend here is going to have a Malibu...

Malibu Rum and Tab on the rocks.

This one's on me, but then you got to go.

I got ten guys in here asking me if it's drag night.

Well, I'm sorry. We're not in drag.

-We're women. -Even better.

We don't like women in here. This is a gay bar.

Well, I want to see a manager.

Girl, why you always got to pick fights you can't win?

Because these are the ones worth fighting.

I'm Mitchell the manager.

Can we speak outside where it's quieter?

(sighs)

* Ah-ah *

* Ah-ah, ah-ah... *

(distant siren blaring)

How could you discriminate against me in my own community?

This bar is called Boy Lounge.

We have a specific clientele--

gay, under 35...

-White? -Frankly, yes.

The New York City nightlife is segregated.

Look, I've got a friend. She works at the Cubby Hole.

I'll call her. You guys can go. You can drink free all night.

But I don't want that scene tonight.

I'm sorry. I'm not throwing a costume party.

Oh, this is not over.

Bitch, it was over before it started.

Everybody needs someone to make them feel superior.

That line ends with us, though.

This shit runs downhill past the women,

the blacks, Latins,

gays until it reaches the bottom and lands on our kind.

HELENA: Five, six, seven, eight.

Uh. Reach.

Uh-huh.

And legs! That's right. Oh!

Huh. Uh-huh.

Yes. Yes.

Five, six, seven, eight.

Yes! Reach!

Uh-huh. And...

breathing!

Uh, and...

All right, everybody, that's the day.

(laughs)

(soft laughter, indistinct chatter)

Mr. Richards?

You weren't rehearsing today.

I wasn't?

No. You were dancing.

Rehearsal is getting ready for life.

Dancing is living it.

For an artist, greatness happens

when you can take something organized

and make it feel like it was improvised.

You've been doing that, and that's a skill I cannot teach.

You either have it, or you don't.

Great job. (laughs)

I'm impressed.

Thank you so much. That means so much to me.

I'm taking some students to the ballet on Saturday night.

Mostly seniors, but one of them has the flu,

so I have an extra ticket.

It's a story of heartbreak, betrayal, revenge,

the redemptive power of true love.

That sounds like a play or something.

Dancers tell stories with their bodies.

Technique is nothing if it doesn't reveal

some personal truth.

Be outside Roosevelt Hall at 7:00 on Saturday night.

This is a big opportunity for you.

Don't blow it.

I'll be there.

(quietly): Yes.

(Lil Papi chewing)

Why are you eating like this is your last meal?

-'Cause this food is bomb. -Ugh.

Close your mouth, hood rat.

-Mmm, mmm. -Oh, my God.

(Lil Papi laughs)

Um, excuse me. Where the hell are you going?

Sit your ass down. We are having a mandatory family meeting.

And where did that come from?

I bought it.

-With what money? -Money.

Oh, how does anyone make good money these days?

Waiting tables, cleaning gutters,

working as a street pharmacist.

Yo, mind your business.

-Are you dealing? -No.

If I find out that you're doing anything illegal,

you will be out of this house.

-Do you understand me? -Yup.

Hey, y'all.

See, now, if that was me, I'd have got my ass read

like a library book.

Where did you get that jacket from?

Oh, I bought it at the Goodwill.

-Oh. -In the dollar bin.

My dance instructor is taking me

to the ballet this Saturday.

Oh, you fancy, huh?

(all voicing assent)

BLANCA: Well, that is a moment

to celebrate-- one of my children is going to the ballet.

I mean, I was supposed to have a date with Ricky,

but I don't have his phone number

-to reschedule. -LIL PAPI: Don't really matter if you show up.

Ricky's a hit-it-and-quit-it type.

Trust and believe, you've already been replaced.

Okay, that's enough. Thank you.

Damon, soak this moment up, okay?

This is just the beginning of many more doors

like this one opening for you, for all of us.

You made your mother proud.

(laughs)

All right, now, I got something to share with all of y'all.

This may come as a shock, but I'm not gonna be competing

in the Saint Laurent ball this weekend.

-What? Wh-Why? -What?

There are things more important than prizes,

like my dignity.

DAMON: Wait. Did something happen?

I went to a gay bar downtown

for a celebratory cocktail,

and the bastards refused to serve me.

I don't understand.

I mean, if they're gay, why did they turn you away?

Gay, straight-- it doesn't matter.

They all think we got psychological issues.

They don't see us as real.

It's not fair.

Nothing in life is fair.

But that's okay, though.

I'm-a do something about it,

so that my children's world is better

than the one I grew up in.

("Head to Toe" by Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam playing)

* Head to toe *

* I know *

* Today started with a crazy kiss *

* On our way home... *

You're asking for trouble.

I want a Manhattan.

I want a drink, just like everybody else.

* Who would have thought *

* That we would become lovers *

* As friends... *

(Blanca gasps)

MAN: Yeah, get her out.

(men laughing)

I should be able to drink wherever I want!

* You got to know. *

(adding machine clicking)

There's my Jersey boy.

How do you like the new de Ville?

Like driving a cloud.

I told him to get the new de Ville.

He's got a good eye for style,

but he needs a little help from the professionals.

Hey. How you doing?

Come on in.

(adding machine clicking)

We never used to have so many.

Yeah, well, this is what success looks like.

You think we're successful enough

-to get a dishwasher? -You serious?

Do you see how underwater we are now? Look at all this.

We have a Cadillac in the garage.

There's a ball gown in mine

that costs $900 that I've worn once.

If we don't have any money,

then how are you paying for all these things?

We need all that stuff.

We need a dishwasher.

We have a baby, and I'm up doing dishes by hand

until The Tonight Show starts.

You don't understand how it works

out there in Manhattan, okay?

You have to look the part or they won't let you

into the big club.

You wore that gown to the big event at 21 the other night,

and now they all think you're one of them.

-So what? -So what?!

You know anybody with a corner office

in one of those skyscrapers in Midtown?

Or a place in Montauk of their own?

-No. -No.

You don't. Because people like us don't get invited.

We don't get a shot at it.

But I got a one-in-a-million chance here,

and I made that happen because I'm adaptable.

I know how to play the part.

But you have no idea

how much pressure that puts on me.

I have to be on 100% of the time,

and I can't do that if you're second-guessing me

and pressuring me to buy things that you don't need

and that we can't afford.

Baby, baby, is any of this really worth it?

(scoffs)

I got to go back to the office.

It's Saturday.

Yeah, it's Saturday.

If I'm gonna have to put up with this version of you,

I should at least get a dishwasher out of it.

(door opens)

-Asshole. -(door closes)

Mr. Richards, I'm glad you could join us.

-You're looking sharp. -Really?

-Mm-hmm. -Thanks.

Ah, showtime.

Let's find our seats.

(classical music playing)

*

*

Applause comes at the end.

(exhales)

Hey!

You a cop?

I'm looking for Angel. I'm a friend.

(chuckles) I'm sure you are.

She's working indoors now.

Me, myself, I prefer the fresh air.

What, you mean, like, she got a regular job

-at a store or something? -(chuckles)

You know that place in Times Square,

Show World?

(whispering): Go give her a visit.

(engine starts)

("Slave to Love" by Bryan Ferry playing)

*

Got to buy tokens here.

Ten-dollar minimum.

* Tell her I'll be waiting... *

How's it work if I'm looking for someone specific?

I'm here to see Angel.

Yeah, he's popular.

She.

Whatever you say, boss.

Second-to-last door on the left.

* You've got to know *

-* How the strong get weak * -(women moaning)

* And the rich get poor *

* Slave to love *

(woman moans)

* Oh *

-* Slave to love * -(woman moans)

-(man panting) -* You're running with me *

* Don't touch the ground *

* We're the restless-hearted *

-* Not the chained and bound * -(curtain flaps)

-* The sky is burning * -(zips)

* A sea of flame *

* Though your world is changing *

* I will be the same *

* Slave to love *

* Oh *

* Slave to love... *

Well...

if it isn't my uptown businessman.

I knew you'd find me.

You can't stay away from your Angel too long.

* No, I can't escape *

* I'm a slave to love... *

Why are you here?

This place isn't right for you.

I make $125 a night here.

And no one touches me.

Don't you want me to be safe?

I get jealous that so many men see you like this.

Hmm.

Does that make you mad?

Do I look like a kept woman to you?

A kept woman would be in a high-rise apartment

in Riverdale with a refrigerator full of groceries

and a mink coat in her closet.

*

Do you ever do things with guys here?

Sweetheart...

a lady never tells.

And I'm not appreciating your attitude.

Especially considering

this is the first time I'm seeing you

in three weeks.

* We're too young to reason *

* Too grown-up to dream... *

I can't stop thinking about you.

* Now spring is turning... *

At work.

When I'm in bed with my wife.

I drive by the piers almost every night,

but I get too scared to pull over.

* I can see your smile... *

Scared of what?

* Na-na-na-na... *

I don't like you in a place like this.

* Na-na-na-na *

* Slave to love... *

A lady needs to make a living.

Can I take you to get some... food?

Coffee or something?

* Na-na-na-na *

* Slave to love... *

I have break in an hour.

We can walk to a diner.

Okay.

Where should I wait for you?

* Slave to love *

* No, I can't escape *

* I'm a slave to love *

* Na-na-na-na... *

The category is Dynasty.

I want to see all the rich bitch fantasy

in full effect.

* But now, whenever we're together *

* There's a certain feelin' there... *

PRAY TELL: Ah, yes.

Looking like a ghetto Banjee Fallon.

Work, mama. Scores, scores, please.

Yeah!

Here we have Dominique Deveraux,

replete with boa.

* Everything I touch turns to gold... *

Darling, the champagne is burnt.

(laughter, boos)

(cheers and applause)

* And your soul... *

Oh, and what have we here?

Bringing her best attempt at Heather Locklear.

(cheers and applause)

Mmm, darling,

more like T.J. Hooker.

(laughter)

Hmm, is it Krystle Carrington-- Linda Evans?

Oh, my children, I'm afeared that this show

is about to be canceled.

Children, I repeat,

the category is Dynasty,

not goddamn Falcon Crest!

We don't need no spinoffs up in this bitch.

(cheers and applause)

* Everything I touch turns to gold... *

-The eleganza! -(cheers and applause)

Miss Elektra is bringing us Alexis Carrington

in full effect.

Show them how it's done.

Show them how it's done.

* Oh... *

(chanting): Elektra! Elektra!

Elektra! Elektra! Elektra!

* Touch, touch *

* Touch, touch *

* Touch, touch... *

PRAY TELL: Showing the children how it's done.

And the scores are ten, ten, ten,

tens across the board.

And the grand prize goes to--

with no competition--

Miss Elektra, Abundance.

(cheering)

Once again.

She brings it every time.

She brings it every time.

* Touch, touch *

* I've got the Midas touch *

* Baby, let me touch your body and your soul... *

(cheering)

* I've got the Midas touch. *

Why the attitude?

We did amazing tonight.

A victory's hollow if there's no real competition.

How dare The House of Evangelista

not show their faces tonight?

Where the fuck was Blanca?

Is this the life you want,

dancing in a place like that?

It's safe behind the glass.

Money is good.

And I like being admired.

I don't like other men touching you.

How much do you make a week?

You trying to put me on a retainer, sweetheart?

I'm sorry. I didn't...

I didn't mean it like that.

(inhales, exhales)

What if I got you a place of your own?

A kept woman?

I must warn you,

I cannot cook.

-(chuckles) -Unless you count

opening a can of SpaghettiOs.

I want a year lease.

I don't want you running away and leaving me holding the bag

once you get me out of your system.

No, it's not like that. I swear.

But okay.

A year.

I can't leave my wife, though,

or promise that I could see you every day.

I can't help you if I can't keep my life.

I should refuse you, right?

Demand commitment.

But I've also learned how to keep my dignity,

even when I'm kneeling down for scraps

under the table.

My hope is that, over time,

I can help you want more for yourself.

(chuckles)

You talking about dreams?

Aspirations?

Those are only words

that only last in the suburbs.

All I know

is that I'm-a have a roof over my head,

a little spending cash for clothes for the balls,

and my chances of not getting killed in the gutter

just increased considerably.

I'm fine with that for now.

(chuckles softly)

What's your deal here?

Usually, the ones like you

are either gay-- won't admit it--

or straight but too afraid to ask their wife

to stick a finger up their behind.

(chuckles): Jesus.

I'm neither of those things.

I'm not gay.

I don't understand.

You hadn't touched me.

Not a blow job in the car or nothing.

But you want to possess me.

Why?

What are you?

I'm no one.

I want what I'm supposed to want,

I wear what I'm supposed to wear,

and I work where I'm supposed to work.

I stand for nothing.

I've never fought in a war and I probably won't ever have to,

'cause the next one's gonna kill us all.

I can buy things I can't afford,

which means they're never really mine.

I don't live.

I don't believe.

I accumulate.

I'm a brand--

a middle-class white guy.

But you're who you are

even though the price you pay for it

is being disinvited from the rest of the world.

I'm the one playing dress-up.

Is it wrong to want to be with one of the few people

in the world who isn't,

to have one person in my life

who I know is real?

You think of me as a real woman?

You'd be crazy to choose this life if you didn't have to.

I...

have to get back to work.

You know where to find me

once you've made all your arrangements.

Hey. Hey.

Do you believe in love?

Or is that just a word for the suburbs, too?

(sniffles)

(door opens)

(door closes)

LIL PAPI: How was your fancy trip to the ballet?

It was magical.

-(laughs) -You know, one day,

I'm-a be on that stage, and I expect you to come and see me.

How much are you gonna pay me to show up?

-(laughs) -Uh, you know what?

-Forget I even invited you. -Nah,

I'll show up for, like, 15 minutes before dipping.

-Uh-uh. -(laughs)

You're too much, though.

Was it worth ditching your date, though?

I think so.

A'ight, so then...

(whistles)

You shouldn't be selling drugs out in the open.

It's dangerous. If Blanca finds out, she's gonna take...

Only way she'll find out is if you flap your gums.

(pager beeping)

Yo, I got to run.

(skateboard departing)

Ricky?

Hey, uh, Damon.

This is Midnight.

Nice to meet you.

Can we speak in private?

Can you give me a minute?

Is that your girlfriend?

(chuckles)

-I'm not the boyfriend type. -So what type are you?

The type that sits around waiting in the pizza shop

for an hour and a half like an asshole.

I'm the asshole, and I'm sorry.

I didn't show up because I was at the ballet.

-My teacher gave me a ticket. -School?

I thought you wasn't bougie.

I didn't move to New York looking for a relationship.

I mean, I came here to make my dreams come true.

I got kicked out of my home for being gay.

And then I spent weeks on a park bench

because I had nothing.

I mean, Blanca gave me a warm meal

and a place to stay, and being a part of her house

means I have to follow her rules.

If I have to choose between education and dating,

I choose the ballet.

Whatever. It's all good.

(sniffles)

Seems like you moved on, so no big deal, right?

Yeah, no biggie.

You know, you ain't the only one who came here with a dream.

I'm still sleeping on that park bench.

You could join a house.

Don't nobody want me to join their house.

You can't sleep on the street.

It's what I do every night.

Just yesterday, I stole a couple 40s

and got smashed right over there.

You know, you were smart for not showing up.

I'm just a fuckup.

-That's not true. -Yeah, it is.

You know, when I first saw you, I thought,

"That shorty's going places."

Guess I thought maybe you might... take me with you.

(sniffles)

Not the first time I've been left behind.

Mani-pedi?

Just a top coat, please.

I want her.

Oh, she's on break.

Do your ears not work,

or is the customer not always right in this establishment?

I said I want her.

Oh, I am sorry, sweetie, I'm on break.

ELEKTRA: I'm sure, even worn as you look,

that you can find the fortitude to stick around

and give a top coat to the woman who raised you.

(scoffs) Oh, what is that, Coral Punch?

I assume you have Revlon or Max Factor.

Don't even think about putting Yardley on these fingers.

You know, you can learn so much about a person

by looking at their hands.

All the wigs and clothes and plastic surgery don't matter

when you're looking at a woman's hands.

It always reveals her real age.

You're one to talk

in your stained white coat,

looking like a peasant.

Look at me.

You're clearly not winning the game.

Nor are you playing it fairly.

Do you think you can just come to the balls and beat me

with a lucky break and then disappear?

Denying me my opportunity for redemption?

Leaving me twisting in the wind?

You are so anxious to have me come and crush you again?

(laughing): Oh, please.

You win one trophy, and you talk like you're a legend.

Any hoodlum or orangutan off the streets can snag one trophy.

I've been busy with other business.

Oh. I heard about that "other" business.

You're a regular transvestite Norma Rae.

Don't get me wrong,

I admire your determination.

I have known you since you were a wee tot,

and while you're not nearly as stunning

and well-kept as I am,

and you could clearly use a delivery of Pond's Cold Cream

for that ashy complexion,

you have always been impossible to stop

once you get an idea in your head.

But take it from a woman of the world:

you're punching at windmills.

These gay white boys don't want anything to do with you,

and never will.

I told the children of my house that I was fighting for them.

I won't back down.

You're not Rosa Parks, sitting up front of the bus.

You're a tired, old queen

looking to sip a margarita with some white boy

-in Sergio Valente blue jeans. -You know, I know about

your life, even though you never speak about it.

About your gentleman caller who showers you in rhinestones

and keeps a house over your head.

You're settled, comfortable.

The only fights you have left are with your wrinkles

and your cellulite and walking the balls.

And, bitch, that's because you're old.

If I cut you open, there would be nothing but dust

and 50 rings to count.

Now, your generation got us to where we are.

I'll give you that, I'll give you all of that.

But I'm planning on moving our kind forward.

Getting us access to worlds you wouldn't dare dream about.

I'm entitled, I have the right.

All right.

You fight that fight, naive little girl.

Learn the lesson we all learn eventually.

When it comes to the life we lead,

there comes a point where you must accept disappointment.

Like I'm disappointed in this top coat.

It's on the house.

(bell jingles, door closes)

Matt?

Our boss is in the Post again.

He's a master of the publicity machine.

It's so fucking awesome the way he controls them all.

-Do you read the Post? -Everyone does.

I read the Times, too. The Journal.

Listen, if you want to sip Chardonnay

in the Upper West Side with a bunch of intellectuals

from Columbia, get the Times.

If you want to get invited to the best parties,

walk past the line at Palladium, meet celebrities,

get your name in the Post.

What do you want?

Well,

I know it's pretty early in my time here, but, uh,

if you look at what I've accomplished so far,

I-I... I wrote that speech for the Ellis Island award,

-and, uh... -What is this about?

You want more money?

Well, yes. I was hoping for a...

maybe, like, a ten percent bump, or-or a...

preferably, a small bonus.

(laughs softly)

(sighs)

Close the door.

Have a seat.

(both sigh)

(laughs)

(both laugh)

So what's she like?

I want details.

She blonde? Got big tits?

She do that new Brazilian thing down there?

(laughing): I... I don't...

I'm sorry, I-I don't understand.

Don't bullshit a bullshitter.

Huh?

I'm proud of you. I'm telling you,

you put on that suit, you get behind that Cadillac,

the pussy starts flowing like Niagara Falls.

My wife just wants a dishwasher.

I'll get you your money.

Two conditions.

You work weekends when I ask,

and you got to tell me the fucking truth.

She's beautiful.

Yeah?

(laughs)

Puerto Rican, I think.

Exotic.

It's not my thing, but to each his own.

Do you love her?

-I don't know yet. -You don't.

You're just not tired of fucking her yet.

Matt, thank you.

I promise I will earn every penny.

Word of advice.

Don't leave your wife.

And if you get her pregnant, you come talk to me immediately.

Hey, Mitch. Mitch.

Jesus Christ, not this bitch again.

Don't you have anything better to do?

Told you, I'll be here every night until you serve me.

I'm not dealing with your shit tonight.

-I'm calling the cops. -BLANCA: Call them.

I'll be right here. I'm not afraid of Five-O.

Have you noticed you're the only one here

with the year-round tan?

What's your point?

They don't want us here.

No, they don't want you here.

Compliments of the house.

Thank you.

I still want my Manhattan.

Miss, can I have a word with you?

"Miss"? It's a dude.

I am a woman and I will be addressed like a lady.

Sir, can I have a quick word with you?

What, is the battery in your hearing aid dead?

I said I'm a woman and I go by "ma'am" or "miss."

This is what I'm talking about, Officer.

-He's constantly spouting off. -BLANCA: You know what?

Why don't you make like your hairline and disappear?

-You know, you need to calm down. -Deaf and blind.

OFFICER: You know what, I can't arrest you for being here,

-but I can arrest you for your mouth. -What?

That's right. You're under arrest for disturbing the peace.

-Turn around. -(people cheering)

Get her out.

-All right, Officer. -(whoops)

What the fuck are you looking at, bitch?

MAN: I think it likes you.

Man, fuck you.

What's up? You pissed that her dick is bigger than yours?

-(man laughs) -OFFICER: Rodriguez.

You made bail.

Wait, somebody bailed me out?

Who?

ELEKTRA: That is Caron Poivre, darling.

Mmm, I've never smelled a perfume like that before.

Well, of course you haven't.

It cost $100 an ounce.

I don't believe that the ladies of the evening

that come through here or the girls in the bars

you frequent in Newark can afford such a luxurious aroma.

Elektra?

Ah, there she is.

This one is a relation of my housekeeper.

The poor woman was inconsolable about her arrest,

so I volunteered to be of assistance.

And she's an expert with my delicates.

How could I say no?

A true pleasure, Officer.

I do love a man in uniform.

Perhaps I'll call on you one evening

if I'm in the neighborhood and in need of some company.

Any time, sweetheart.

Let's go.

Well, this is a surprise.

You're lucky that I have a gentleman friend

who understands my needs in terms of walking-around money.

Though don't expect the same kindness in the future.

You just cost me half my weekly allowance,

and it's only fucking Tuesday.

Yeah, but why? Why did you help me out?

Why do you think?

There's my car.

Because you understand what I'm trying to do

by getting into this bar.

Have you lost your mind?

Did you not see me back there with that policeman?

I can gain access to any bar or country club

or department store in this city.

Your struggle is not my struggle.

My struggle is that I was defeated

at the balls last weekend.

Because you're so distracted with this silliness,

I have remained in a temporary humiliation.

You are not being beaten within an inch of your life

in that jail because I need you to be at the ball tomorrow night

so I can reclaim my honor.

And you will be there, bitch.

So that's all that matters to you?

That is our place.

Our community.

The balls were created so we would have somewhere to matter.

If you have any aspirations to become a legendary mother,

you'll get it in your skull that while there are many places

for us to find love and adoration in the outside world,

in this life, yes, the balls are all that matters.

(engine starts)

Is your driver going uptown?

Yes. Subway's two blocks away.

("Ain't Nothin' Goin' On but the Rent" by Gwen Guthrie playing)

* Bill collectors at my door *

* What can you do for me? *

* Hey... *

Hey, I heard you was here.

Can we talk?

Can we talk?

I heard you the first time.

What you want?

I want to start over.

You clearly didn't appreciate my presence.

My absence shouldn't be any different.

That's not true. Look, I like you

and I'd like to invite you out,

but it's not a date, just two friends hanging out.

Tuesday night?

I'm busy.

Fine. Wednesday night?

I have tickets to the ballet.

(laughing): The ballet?

Hell nah.

* 'Cause nothin' from nothin'... *

I thought the same thing,

but I went and...

it opened me up.

The freedom I saw on that stage!

I mean, those dancers weren't dancing with the music,

they were the music.

Not interested.

* If you wanna be with me... *

I thought you wanted a different kind of life.

* You got to have a J-O-B... *

I mean, maybe this is the beginning of something new.

* No romance without finance... *

Look, I'll be in front of the Roosevelt Hall

Wednesday at 6:30.

Attire's kind of fancy, so no jeans or shell tops,

in case you decide to show up.

* 'Cause nothin' from nothin' *

* Leaves nothin' *

* You got to have somethin' if you wanna be with me *

* Oh, life is too serious *

* Love's too mysterious *

* A fly girl like me *

* Needs security. *

*

The category is...

Femme Queen in Pumps.

(audience cheering)

Now, this is not a face category.

This is to show that you can cross the threshold

into the Four Seasons

or to the bar at the St. Regis

or tip up and down Fifth Avenue

and never stumble, wobble or show fear.

Miss Kiki Pendavis, your heels are too low

and your hips have no flow.

Please remove yourself from the premises

and do not return

until you're in some goddamn stilts.

Because, as we all know,

six inches is the minimum.

* Strange *

* I've seen that face before *

* Seen *

* Him hanging 'round my door *

* Like a hawk... *

Ladies and gentlemen, clear the floor. Clear the floor.

I need the floor cleared of all contestants.

I have just gotten word that it is time for a rematch

between the legendary House of Abundance

and the upstart House of Evangelista.

(audience cheering)

Now, if my memory serves me correct,

each has one win.

Who will be the best out of three?

Ah, here she comes,

freshly sprung from her night in the clink.

Yes, you do belong, darling,

walking like you were born in a stiletto.

(cheering)

What have we here?

(audience shouting)

Is it Aphrodite?

Is it the goddess Athena?

(audience cheering, shouting)

* With anyone who wants *

* Strange *

* He's standing there alone *

* Staring eyes... *

PRAY TELL (distantly): Who are we to stand

in this woman's presence?

How could we possibly deserve to bear witness

to all that the goddess Elektra is bringing forth

on this evening?

There is no way this bitch

is getting her heel stuck in a grate.

Judges, please, it's time to score.

For Miss Blanca, ten, ten, nine, nine.

A respectable score.

And now, for the legend Elektra,

ten, ten, ten, ten.

Perfection.

Grand prize, Elektra.

First runner-up, Miss Blanca.

(audience shouting)

AUDIENCE (chanting): Elektra! Elektra! Elektra!

Elektra! Elektra! Elektra!

(audience shouting)

Elektra! Elektra! Elektra!

(Grieg's "In the Hall of the Mountain King" playing)

STAN: You know what it is?

-No. -You don't?

-No. -Can you see?

-(laughing): No. -(laughs)

Where are we going?

(imitates tires screeching)

On the count of three, okay?

-Okay. -Three.

-Thank you. -You're welcome, babe.

(door opens)

Okay, let's go.

Wow.

("In the Hall of the Mountain King" continues)

(indistinct conversations)

*

*

*

Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH

The category is... royalty.

* (R & B) (crowd cheering)

What exactly is a ball?

Balls are a gathering of people who are not welcome to gather anywhere else.

(siren wails)

WOMAN: Welcome to the ballroom world.

I ask everyone who comes in here, "What do you want?"

Is this your first time doing something like this?

WOMAN: It is time we remind the world who we are.

ANNOUNCER: Pose.

All new Sundays at 9:00 on FX.

This power is...

-I-- I-- -SYD: I--

I love you, David, but--

You're nuts, kiddo.

You're--

A danger no one is ready for.

The real me.

Is an imminent threat to our future, our safety--

Our one-way ticket to--

(echoing) Utter destruction.

ANNOUNCER: Legion. All new Tuesdays at 10:00 on FX.

-ANNOUNCER: Wednesdays-- -(roaring)

-will they survive-- -(screaming)

Danger Island?

Oh, I would just murder that.

Me too. I meant sexually.

I meant murderly.

ANNOUNCER: Archer Danger Island.

All new, Wednesdays at 10:00. Only on FXX.

An FX original series.

Snowfall.

Premieres Thursday, July 19 on FX!