01x104 - Episode 104

[bunniefuu]

If you can't show respect,
then we'll show you the door.

You need to pull it together.

But what about you?

It's not about you,
like tonight.

So you think
you can pull that off?

Cause I'm starting
to have some doubts, buddy.

This dress is doing its job!
[laughs]

That witch will not ruin
Mother's night.

-Better together.
-Sisters forever.

ALL: Articulettes strong!

[applause and cheering]

We are going to get back
to the show in a moment,

but before we do, there is
something very important

that needs to happen.

You may think
you know the Articulettes,

but what you don't know is
there's more to our story.

And it's time to come correct.

Once upon a time,

there were four girls

growing up
in the projects of Chicago.

Not three, like you thought--

like we let you think.

There was another Articulette.

She was the one
who dreamed us up.

She was the one
who brought us together,

the one who made us sisters.

And she should be here tonight,

up on this stage,

reuniting with us,

celebrating with us.

But sadly, we lost her too soon.

So, before we sing another song

or take another step,

it's time to honor her,

remember her,

celebrate her.

♪ ♪

[quiet crowd chatter]

[piano plays soft,
gentle melody]

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

[mouthing]

-[crowd chatter]
-Everyone,

meet the lost Articulette,

our founder,
our heart, our soul,

our sister, Barbara Mitchell.

[applause]

-Couldn't believe that.
-How did you do this?

You brought her back to us.

[indistinct chatter]

That was everything.

You brought her back to life
for my mother.

How can I ever thank you?

You just did.

Anything for your mother.

And for you, Dani.

Some of you may have heard
of Barbara,

but most of you haven't.

Her life ended in tragedy.

And I'm to blame.

I failed her.

I should have stood up for her.

Instead, I walked away.

I didn't protect her.

And I am so sorry, Barbara.

But Barbara lives on
in our music,

and in each of every one of you

who was touched and enriched
by the group she created.

Tonight, finally, rightfully,

she joins us on this stage.

So, please, put your hands
together for Barbara Mitchell.

Let's give her her flowers.

[applause]

At last.

Let's say her name.

Barbara!

ARTICULETTES:
Barbara! Barbara!

ALL:
Barbara! Barbara! Barbara!

Barbara! Barbara! Barbara!

Barbara!
Barbara! Barbara!

[applause and cheering]

Barbara.

♪ You had me at hello
with your smile♪

♪ Your charm and all your ways
made me love your style♪

♪ I knew we could be more
than friends♪

-♪ It's what you made me...♪
-Damn, you are so beautiful.

But even more so
when you're happy.

I wish
I could kiss you right now.

So kiss me already. [laughs]

♪ A game to play♪

♪ What I'm trying to find,
I've lost myself...♪

Did you see that?!

You're not acting surprised.

Come on, Chelsea.
You should have told me.

I guess I didn't want
to ruin the moment.

And you're okay with this?

You're not? Mom's single.

He's hot, she's hot,
and she's not mooning over Dad.

I just...
I didn't expect to see Mom

making out
with a guy that young,

and someone
who's semi-related to us.

I don't know what to think.

Process later.

♪ All right♪
Listen to me.

♪ Big girls don't cry♪

♪ Big girls don't lie♪

♪ We don't ask why♪

♪ We say "Bye, Bye"♪

♪ I'm taking it
one day at a time♪

♪ We're gonna be just fine♪

-♪ We're gonna be♪
-♪ Just fine♪

♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah♪

-♪ Feeling good♪
-♪ Feeling good♪

-♪ Alive♪
-♪ Alive♪

♪ No matter what comes my way
I will be all right♪

-♪ And I can't♪
-♪ No, I can't♪

-♪ Deny♪
-♪ Deny♪

♪ Got to learn to be on my own♪

♪ I will be all right, yeah!♪

[applause and cheering]

You did good, Anita.

Thank you.

I want you to know,
I forgive you for all of it.

[applause, cheering swell]

Excuse us, excuse us. Excuse us.

Oh. Toodles.

I think
I'm gonna call it a night.

Can't stand to see Mom
with her new boy toy?

I guess
I just need a minute to process.

And I have a mountain of work
to get home to, so...

We were supposed
to make a night of it, Naomi.

I will give Gran
a proper good-night backstage.

So, what did you guys think
of the show?

It was cool.

Tonight was a big night
for Duprees.

And no matter what happens
between your Pop and I,

the Duprees are still
our family. Always.

Pop. Oh, my God.

Great Gran sounded even better
than her old videos.

Time has been kind
to Anita Dupree.

-Good to see you, son.
-Yeah.

School tomorrow, but you and Dad
should keep the party going.

Tell us who wins.

Not tonight. I'm wiped.

No pressure, I promise.

You're more than welcome
to come to the after-party.

I know Gran would love
to see you, and...

so would I.

I'll see what I can do.

KEVIN FRAZIER [on TV]:
It was a night to remember

at Washington D.C.'s
legendary Howard Theater,

where music royalty
took center stage

for a once-in-a-lifetime
reunion

that literally
brought the house down, y' all.

NISCHELLE TURNER:
Yeah, it did. Their songs

are the soundtrack of our lives.

And for the first time
in decades,

these soulful divas
were performing

in front of a sold-out crowd.

I am talking about
the legendary Articulettes--

Anita Williams, Sharon Winger

and Tracy Tyler brought
that girl-group magic

back to the stage.

Front and center in the audience
for this colossal comeback,

the first family
of Fairmont Crest-- the Duprees.

-♪ Alive♪
-♪ Alive...♪

[shuts computer off]

Gran, you were phenomenal.

-You pushed me out there.
-No.

Nobody pushes Anita Dupree
where she doesn't want to go.

All right, well, you made me
admit it to myself.

Well, I'm just happy
to be a part

of the greatest reunion concert
of all time.

Oh!

Now, will you hate me if I have
to miss the after-party?

Oh, no, of course not.

You were here
for the most important part.

So go on back
to your legal briefs,

and we'll celebrate
with Jacob some other time.

-Okay. I love you.
-I love you more.

Ooh. My hand hurts
from signing autographs.

I never thought
I'd say that again.

It's a good hurt.

Now you.

I know we said we would make
all the decisions together.

We don't apologize for the good.

I have to believe
she's smiling down on us.

Oh, I hope so.

Mmm.

Hug as long as you like.

But when you're ready,
your chariot awaits.

-[Anita laughs]
-Ooh la la.

-Thank you, Senator.
-Thank you.

You've never been more radiant
or sounded so beautiful.

Pinch me.

Because having them back is
just a dream come true.

I know, baby.

I know.

[Anita chuckles softly]

What is wrong with that woman?

Welcome to my world.

Hayley's been everywhere
for months.

At least Leslie's not flaunting
a baby bump in your face.

No, she had her baby sitting
next to her at the concert.

Touché, Sissy.

You win the award for most
scorned Dupree woman tonight.

Please tell me that we rented
out the entire country club.

Daddy wouldn't have it
any other way.

It's as exclusive as we are.

I... don't see any Thomases.

You don't?

Well, I'm sure
if you check again,

you'll see because we bought
these ridiculously expensive

VIP tickets, and there is an
after-party included, of course.

Oh. It's invited guests only,
ma'am.

I'm sorry, Ms. Thomas.

Not as sorry as you're gonna be

if you don't make sure
that we get in to this...

There's nothing that I can do.

Can we please leave

before we literally die
of embarrassment?

[mutters]

You know that all that shame
of yours comes

from your daddy's side
of the gene pool.

Now, you did not have
to follow me here, little girl.

Well, excuse me for not
wanting you to go to jail.

Well, I did not get
all dressed up

and looking fine
just to miss this party, okay?

Last time I checked,
the club doesn't have

a mother-daughter
home-wrecker night.

How did you get past the gates?

My father wanted me
to have a pass.

You know, since
I'm his daughter, just like you.

Dad knows better than to show up
on Gran's big night,

let alone bring his h*
and the proof of his infidelity

on a night that means everything
to my mom and her mom.

-We're not here
to start any drama.
-Okay.

You have two seconds

to get the hell out
before I make you. One...

First of all, I got your h*.

Secondly, do you really think
that your little Kit-Kat

manicured claws
can compete with mine?

Our money is just as good
as anyone else's here.

I confirmed.
You're not on the guest list.

Y'all both need to go.

This concert was
a shining example

of everything it means
to be a Dupree.

And you want to remind everyone
of the lie

that almost wrecked everything.

Well, it's not happening,
and we're not broken.

I'm not here to hurt Nicole
or you or anyone, okay?

I came to stop my mom,

so can we just take this down
a notch?

We don't need anyone
who doesn't need us.

Okay, I tried this the nice way.

Child, do you have
another speed?

Come with me now, or we aren't
the Gilmore Girls anymore.

We aren't anything.

Oh, that hurts.

I was just attempting to...

-Elbow your way in?
-Mm. Fine.

I'm gone, children.

But those gates
are merely an obstacle

that I can jump over,

limbo under,

or shove up your little

-trifling bougie...
-Okay, okay. Good night.

I think my heart's
gonna burst out of my chest.

Mother did the thing.

With gifts like hers,
she could have been doing this



Instead,
she took the time to raise us.

She was a star
at being our mother, too.

There is not one minute

that Anita Dupree didn't do
exactly what she wanted to do.

-I'm just glad
she's doing this again.
-Mm.

Hi.

Gran was on fire, wasn't she?

Then why the stank face?

Well, we just had an encounter
of the Leslie-Eva kind.

What? Ted isn't even here.

Why would she crash?

All right, maybe
I'd better go double-check.

Ease up, Mom. They're probably
already at Orphey Gene's.

Eva was trying
to drag her mama there.

Good riddance.

As if coming to the concert
wasn't bad enough.

What is her game tonight?

I am not gonna let her ruin
this night for us.

Nicole, what happened to
"When they go low, we go high"?

That train left with my husband.

Reminder.

The Beyoncé's Lemonadebat
belongs to me.

Well, I'm borrowing it.
I will be back before the toast.

-Aunt Nicole?
-Mom.

VERNON:
Ladies and gentlemen,

may I present the Articulettes.

[applause and cheering]

All hail the queens!

You were magnificent,
like not even a day had passed.

Oh, my hands were shaking
like a leaf.

Felt like coming home.

Well, you wouldn't
know it, Tracy.

Your voices were butter.

What's next? An album? Touring?

-Oh, we like the way you think.
-[laughter]

I am just so glad
you did this, Gran,

so that us grandkids got to see
you and your groupmates live.

I will never forget
this night, Gran.

Having you all there meant
the world to me, too.

Samantha and Tyrell wanted me

to pass along
their congratulations.

-They went home with Smitty.
-Oh.

No wonder
Martin's looking a little down.

But at least
he and Smitty and the kids got

to experience
the concert together.

ANDRE:
Wow. Ms. Anita,

you were perfection.

Thank you, Andre.

-Yeah, man, wasn't she
something else?
-She was.

I think Kat was waving at me.

-I love you, Gran.
-Oh, love you, too, baby.

Hey, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to interrupt.

Oh, no, no, no.
You were right on time,

giving me the opportunity

to tell you
you were perfection, too.

Ah, it was not a big deal.

-Really.
-No, Andre, truly.

I had a vision of what
that video might look like

and make us feel,
but your execution was...

I mean, the precision
and the heart.

It'll stay with me always.

You brought Barbara
back to life,

even if just for a night.

Well, what can I say?

-It's not every night
that I get to help a queen.
-Oh.

-Do you have time to do
one more autograph?
-Of course.

What's your mother's name?
Oh, no, this is for me.

Sign it to Shanice,
your favorite fan.

I just can't get over how many
younger people like you are

out there cheering us on.

Thank you.
Nice to meet you, Shanice.

Excuse me.

So how are you connected
to this crew?

I'm a nurse/physical therapist

at the hospital where
Ms. Anita's daughter works.

-Okay.
-And when I'm putting a patient

through the paces,
nothing inspires me more

like an Articulettes anthem.

♪ Baby, let's get closer.♪

-[laughs]
-Well, aren't you something?

-Tracy.
-Yes.

Thank you, Shanice.
It was a pleasure meeting you.

ANITA:
I was just thanking

this man for being a magician,

but he can't seem to take
a compliment to save his life.

That video was the beating heart
of this night.

Now, you all were incredible,
okay?

We know.
[laughs]

See what I did there
with that compliment?

You know what? Um, you look like
you could use some champagne.

So let me see what I can do
about that. Uh, shall we?

That performance had everything.

Drama, beauty,
mystery, redemption.

-Headlines are off the charts.
-Hmm.

"A Diva Returneth," uh,
not that there was any doubt.

Well, I hope they're not all
about me.

Well, take a look yourself.

"Reunited,
and It Feels So Good,"

"The Lost Articulette,"
"The Fab Four."

They're all acknowledging
Barbara.

Yes, they are.

Now, are you ready for me
to build a solo tour for you?

[laughs]
I'm sorry,

but the home fires burn brighter
when I'm stoking them.

Whenever you're ready...

Mrs. Dupree, I'm here.

Well, as for the tour,
I know two divas

who could be the answer
you're looking for.

And I'd move quick before
somebody else snaps 'em up.

I can craft quite the story
around that comeback.

-Mm-hmm.
-Not to mention those voices.

But only if you promise

you'll call me
the second you're ready.

Even if it's just a drop-in
as a special guest.

I promise.

But I want to be at home.

Gran outdid herself.

She did.

Now, how are you holding up?

It felt great to have Smitty
and the kids at the concert,

but Smitty was just being
the stand-up dad that he is.

Well, maybe your grandmother
inspired some forgiveness

into that man of yours, huh?

I thought he might return
to the party,

and if he's here
and you're here...

Thanks, Granddad,
but I don't see them here.

And I don't think
tonight is the night for...

Okay, I'm waiting.
Where's the riot act?

No riot act, just love.

You get points
for walking away peacefully.

No deductions
for putting up a fight?

You wouldn't be my mama
if you didn't.

-[laughs]
-Mm.

Besides,
no one changes overnight.

I mean, we just watched
the perfect Anita Dupree sing

a freaking redemption song
for one of her bandmates.

Or was that another Dupree

trying to make another woman's
tragedy all about her?

You're judging someone
making things all about them?

I really wanted us
to have a nice night, okay?

Do you wish you hadn't come?

The opposite. You surprised me.

A good surprise.

You knew the words
to every ArticuletteS song.

You were all lit up,

like you were remembering
a happier, simpler time.

Before Ted, before me.

-Little Leslie.
-Aw.

And I'm glad I got to see her.

Yeah, mm, I hate that all roads
lead to the Duprees.

Even Nicole had dibs on
the soundtrack of my childhood.

About that, Mama.

Look, I chose
not to be mad at you before,

and maybe you can make a choice
for me now.

I need the space to make a go
of it with Ted, okay?

I want to have what neither
of us had. I want my father.

So I need you to back off this
feud and stay away from Nicole.

Okay?

You have trespassed on
the Duprees for the last time.

I should have you arrested.

[scoffs]

I imagine Mom is giving Leslie
another reason

to go scarf shopping.

But that's more you
than Aunt Nicole.

So what's going on with her?

Perhaps recent events
have shown your aunt

that she and I are more alike
than either of us ever imagined.

I'm so glad you decided
to come back and join the party.

When you took the kids home...

They did encourage me to come.

Tonight just confirmed
what I already knew.

-You are a goddess, Anita.
-Oh.

And you are a saint, Smitty.

Vernon and I owe you an apology.

What you did was out of love
for my husband.

I can't say I'm over it yet,

but remembering that
will help me get there.

CHELSEA:
So,

will Aunt Nicole
also be adopting a boy toy?

-What?
-That's my mom
you're talking about.

I'm just saying, I hope
I'm still bagging baddies

half my age
when I'm my mom's age.

You wish.

Listen, this is not the way
that I wanted you to find out.

And I hope you never go through
what I went through.

But if you do...
that you find happiness,

whatever form it takes.

Mm. Am I gonna have
to call him Stepdaddy?

I'm gonna go find
my actual daddy.

-[grunts]
-[Chelsea and Kat giggle]

Well, Chelsea, Kat.

-Uh, great evening, right?
-Yes.

It is, just how I like it--
full of tea.

I was actually just talking
to my mom

about what Naomi and I
should call you now that...

What are you exactly?

-Chelsea...
-KAT: Well, um...

there's Jim.

I need to get one of our bags

in one of his famous client's
hands.

Hmm.

Yeah. So, are you asking me
about my intentions?

Obviously, you're the reason

why Mom's been a lot
less focused on dad lately,

so we owe you a family
thank you.

But I hope
that you're using protection,

'cause, um,
I heard about your rep.

Okay, um, I have nothing
but respect for your mother.

We're cool, Andre,

but if you hurt her,

you will have
the entire family to deal with.

Oh, my girlfriend's here.

To be continued.

I'm so glad you could make it.

Oh, I was not about to miss
meeting the famous Anita Dupree.

She's even more luminous
in person.

Come on, let's break the seal.
She doesn't bite.

No, no. Wait, wait. I know
you're used to being around her,

like, all the time,
but she's a really big deal.

Oh, God. I think
I just need a minute

to just stand here
and breathe for a second.

Dr. Madison Montgomery
is starstruck.

Yeah, and not ashamed
to admit it.

Gran doesn't bite.

The sooner she meets you,
the sooner

she'll fall in love with you,
just like I did.

Come on.

This concert
is open to the public.

I am a lifelong fan,
believe it or not,

so you should be thanking me,
Nicky.

What on earth for?

The Articulettes have been over
for years,

so this little attempt
to resurrect them from the dead,

well, it needed all the support
it could get.

I need you to dig way down deep
into that well of jealousy

and see if there is even a shred
of decency left.

My mom is telling the truth,
Nicole. She's always been a fan.

She really wasn't
trying anything this time.

I know what a big night this is.

If you knew that, then
you wouldn't have been there.

And if you really are a big fan,

I'll make sure
you get a signed vinyl.

But I will put it
where the sun don't shine

if you don't step off.

Ooh. [roars]

Mm. That shrink needs
to be shrunk, honey.

Gran, this is Madison.

I don't know whether
I should curtsy or pass out.

How about we start with a hug?

[mouths]

Anita Dupree just hugged me.
[laughs]

And I just said that out loud.

Sorry. I'm a big, big fan.

Well, it's mutual.

You are the legendary
Dr. Montgomery.

Chelsea's been singing
your praises nonstop.

Well, I'm crazy lucky
that Chelsea picked me up.

I mean, that we met.

I need a glass of champagne.
Anyone else need a glass?

You know, I'll just... I'll
just bring us all glasses. Okay.

She's usually, um,

less fangirl, more girlboss.

She's charming.

I have the right to reserve
judgment, but I like what I see.

I've seen it before.

What?

The look you two share.

It's the same look
Vernon and I share.

I think
you found yourself a keeper.

She's the one.

-Thanks, Gran.
-[laughs]

Thanks.

I would have come over sooner.

It's okay.

Thanks for bringing the kids
tonight.

I missed them. And you.

And us.

I watched Gran
make peace tonight.

And... I'll do anything
to do that with you.

But you can't, Martin.

You can't stand up onstage
and shout your truth.

And even if you could,

it wouldn't erase
the lies of the last two years.

Look, I wish that things
were different between us,

but... they're not.

Wishing doesn't make it so.

Smitty.

Look, Nicole and Vernon asked me
to be here for Anita.

And I don't want the kids
to feel like

this isn't their family anymore.

So no part of tonight felt right
to you?

I wish that I could get caught
up in the magic of tonight,

the way you look in that suit,

and lean into you.

But when the lights come up,

so do the harsh realities
of what you did.

And I don't think that I...

I can't just forget about that,
Martin. I don't think I can.

You never bury the lede.

There are not enough
explanations or sorrys.

I just hope, with enough time,
you'll forgive me.

Take care of yourself, Martin.

I have to get home.

TYRELL:
How do you trust Pops
after all he hid from us?

The second that I saw
those suitcases by the door,

I knew
that I didn't want him to leave.

I am mad at Pop.

But I remember what it was like
before Pop and Dad came for us.

I remember her.

I don't think about her.

Me either. Not usually.

But I can't forget.

She left us to the system,
and we were all alone.

There was no guarantee that we
would even stay together.

But Pop and Dad-- they saved us.

They made us
their forever family.

They chose us.

The Duprees-- they chose us.

And they loved us
like we were their own blood.

I'm not gonna just give up
on Pop because he screwed up.

Yeah, they did their thing.

So many kids like us--
they don't get what we have.

We got the dream.

We have a family.

I don't want that to go away.

Me either.

And I will never forget
what we have now.

Each other.

No matter what, that stands.

No matter what.

You ready to be publicly tied
to Dani Dupree?

Uh, I think the question is,
how are you gonna feel

about being tied
to Andre Richardson

when it comes to all
of your friends and family?

I thought it was hot
having something private,

something that felt like
it belonged to us.

Yeah.

But it was hot kissing you
in that crowd, too.

I thought the earth would shake
if everyone knew,

but nothing changed.

Doesn't change who we are
to each other.

-It doesn't make us any more
or less serious.
-Yeah.

I just... I don't know

how the rest of the fam's
gonna take it, though.

Yeah. Well, maybe
the whole disapproval thing

begins and ends
with Aunt Nicole.

Chelsea thought it was amusing
more than anything.

-[grunts] That's one down.
-Mm.

Still wonder what Naomi thinks,
though.

But I guess we won't
get our answer tonight.

What do you think, Dani?

That it's time
to call it a night.

-Hmm.
-And for you to take me home.

Okay. Happy to.

Now, am I taking you
to your door or...?

-Maybe stay for breakfast?
-[laughs]

You, me, a slow morning,
tangled sheets, breakfast?

It sounds like a dream.

[Carlton clears throat]

Carlton.

Been looking all over for you
just so I could tell you again,

now I see
where you get it all from.

Oh, you must be talking about
Dani. I am not a performer.

Oh, no. Yes, you are.

Especially the way
you've handled everything

you've had to deal with.

Nothing short of Oscar-worthy.

[clears throat]
Got time for some important
shop talk?

-Handle your business.
-[Nicole sighs]

I just wanted
to get you alone to tell you

that Martin is heartbroken.

Smitty came, and then he went.

So, if you're looking for him...

Thank you.

How are you doing?

Gran did exactly
what she set out to do.

And she did so flawlessly.

I'm in awe.

Agreed, but I asked about you.

It took her years to patch
things up with the Articulettes.

I just hope it doesn't
take that much time

for me to do it with Smitty.

Was it everything
you wanted it to be?

More, in every sense
of the word.

We've been looking forward
to this night for so long.

And now Jim Price has offered
to take us on the road.

But we really wish Anita
would come with us, Vernon.

After everything she did
to bring us back together,

bring us this chance,

bringing Barbara back to us
the way she did.

I mean, it was amazing.

All these years, I sensed a...

a sadness

around Anita
about the Articulettes.

I-I never knew why.

But owning it
and having you back...

...I think that...

that she can finally heal.

I hope it was the same
for both of you.

It is.

I should say that to Anita.
Where is she?

Where'd she go?

Barbara.

Did you see that audience
on their feet for you?

Did you hear the roar
of that standing O?

In your letter, you gave me
credit for dreaming big.

Also a lot of shade. [chuckles]

But you had the dream.

And you invited us in.

Four little colored girls
singing into hairbrushes,

believing-- because of you--

that we could be more.

That our voices were magic.

Black girl magic that lifted us
out of the projects

onto stages, into the world.

Without you...

Without you,
there would be no Articulettes.

There would be no
Anita Williams Dupree.

Thank you, Barbara,
for everything.

And I am so sorry for all I did

and all I didn't do.

And I hope tonight bought me
a little of that forgiveness

I've been seeking,

that I'm still not sure
I deserve.