03x04 - My Mind's Playing Tricks on Me
Posted: 02/10/21 07:08
Spencer, Dr. Dameon Spears.
Thank you for waiting.
You ready to do this?
Yes, sir.
Ok.
so, tell me about yourself.
COOP, RAPPING: ♪ Yeah, you was more like a brother ♪
♪ From one other mother, mmm, yeah ♪
♪ You rap for me, I rap for you and put nothing above us ♪
♪ Mmm, yeah, we like Bonnie and Clyde ♪
♪ We never switch no sides, you know ♪
♪ More like nip and j stone, 'cause like where we from ♪
♪ They call it the West Side ♪
♪ You are my left, right, left ♪
♪ And it was just like that, and when I ♪
- ♪ Say so, they know ♪ - [ECHOES]
♪ When it rains and it pours ♪
♪ And the sun don't seem to shine anymore ♪
♪ I know you'll be there for me ♪
♪ If there's trouble my way ♪
♪ I know that you'll be there right away ♪
♪ I know you'll be there for me ♪
♪ Oh, you never change, I can put that on a game ♪
♪ I know you'll be there for me ♪
♪ Our love is everything, I wouldn't change a thing ♪
♪ And when they ask, I tell 'em family over everything ♪
♪ If they ask, I tell 'em family over everything ♪
♪ My neighborhood gonna hold it down in each and every way ♪
♪ I know that if I ever need, they'll be here right away ♪
♪ So much love, it's overflowin' like a tidal wave ♪
♪ Sunset in Crenshaw, on the ♪
- ♪ Put my family first ♪
- [SCHOOL BELL RINGS]
- ♪ Even if it hurts ♪
- SPENCER: Coop.
Hey, that song you dropped with Patience go crazy.
Wait. what?
How you hear it already?
Went viral this morning.
Look.
COOP ON VIDEO: ♪ So when I say so ♪
♪ They know ♪
COOP AND PATIENCE: ♪ When it rains and it pours ♪
♪ And the sun don't seem to shine anymore, I know... ♪
Dang.
And that part where you shout me out, your "brother from another mother"...
- I appreciate that.
- COOP: Actually, bro, that wasn't about you.
It was a metaphor for the community.
Come on, man.
- SPENCER: Ha ha!
- COOP: I'm just playing.
Yo, but enough about me.
What's up with you and that, uh, therapist?
It was cool, more of a meet-and-greet, but Dr. Spears seem like a solid dude, and what?
Why is your face like that?
I don't know.
I don't get the point of paying somebody to talk about your feelings.
You should have just came to me.
We've been each other's therapist since elementary.
And we still are, but clearly whatever's causing my arm to go numb, it's more mental than physical.
I need a for-real therapist to fix that.
Uh-oh. somebody mama here.
Hey, they're about to catch hell.
No, fool, that's Ms. Lawson, our new guidance counselor.
- SPENCER: Wait, wait.
She coming.
- COOP: Yeah, for me.
How you doing?
Ms. Lawson, I'm sorry I missed our meeting this morning, but I got my times mixed up.
Mmm, like you got your times mixed up last week and the week before that, Tamia.
Look, I'mma cut right to it.
School records show that you have missed more than half of your last two semesters, and that means you're a few credits shy of being a senior, so my advice to you, Tamia, meet with those teachers and make up those classes, because if you don't, you will be repeating your junior year.
SPENCER: Damn, Coop, this is serious.
If you don't make up those classes, - you ain't graduating.
- COOP: Whoa, it ain't like I need a degree to be the next Kendrick Lamar.
You're not dropping out of school, not on my watch.
Look, I'll make up the classes at some point, but right now, music is my focus.
That's my therapy.
BILLY: Ha ha!
I'm being honest.
- BILLY: That's funny.
- LAURA: Come on.
- OLIVIA: Hey, dad.
- BILLY: Hey.
When'd you get here?
It's... it's pizza Monday.
Is that a thing or...
- LAURA: No, it is not a thing.
- BILLY: Heh heh!
I had a coach's meeting on this side of town.
I decided I'd grab some pizza and hang out - with some of my favorite people.
- [DOOR OPENS]
Speaking of my favorite people...
Dad.
Son.
- LAURA: Willie.
- WILLIE: D. A. Baker.
Congratulations, by the way.
I heard good things while I was in Florida, especially the work you're doing for black folks.
- [BILLY SCOFFS]
- WILLIE: Not enough to get you an invite to the cookout just yet, but, you know, one day.
Heh heh heh!
BILLY: What are you doing here, dad?
When'd you get back into town?
JORDAN: Uh, a couple days ago.
He... he surprised me at practice.
BILLY: You know, phones work, too.
JORDAN: Um, so, look, while I have you both here, is it cool if G.W. joins us for a family dinner this week or...
- LAURA: Yeah, that... that's fine.
- WILLIE: Great.
I can get some quality time with both my grandkids.
Quality time with me?
Isn't it time I get to know you better, too?
Well, in that case, why don't we have a cookout, and we can invite my mom?
- BILLY: Ha!
- [WILLIE CHUCKLING]
I like this one.
[CHUCKLING]
Well, I should go.
LAURA: Yeah, I actually have a conference call.
Did you... you have a conference call.
I know.
BILLY: 'cause you might want to get... tell you before.
- LAURA: Super important.
- WILLIE: So...
Tell me about this new coach.
Yeah, just one second, G.W., sorry.
Hey, boy...
Do I look like one of your little friends?
I'm sorry.
Just, um...
My... my girlfriend Simone...
I don't know.
Something's just been off recently.
Your head's in the wrong place, son.
With Spencer gone, you're the leader now.
You need to be focused on that, - not some girl.
- [PHONE VIBRATING]
Right, uh, I got to take this.
My bad.
Hey, babe, you all right?
SPENCER: I did some research on, uh, psychosomatic disorders.
That's a good place to start.
Yeah, it got me thinking, is this issue with my arm stress-related?
Well, what are you stressed about?
Well, for starters, my homie Jordan's still not talking to me, which is crazy, 'cause...
[SCOFFS]
We're like brothers, and then Darnell's leaving to go be there for his mom.
Now, the son in me gets it.
I'd do the same thing.
I just feel like I'm losing the closest link to my dad, you know?
And then there's the promise I made to South Crenshaw.
I was supposed to get us the State Championship to help save the school, and then what happens during our first game?
We lose.
Yes, that is a lot to unpack, but all that happened after you started to experience numbness in your arm.
So what's causing it, then?
When...
Athletes get hurt on the field, I like to go back over the play that caused the injury.
There's usually something that happened in the moment that the brain has skipped over or is not addressing.
- SPENCER: Ok.
- SPEARS: That's called a stuck point.
It's a defining moment from our past that is powerful enough to keep us from recovering psychologically.
Your play that caused the injury is the sh**ting.
And the thing that's holding me back from understanding why my arm's going numb is... is my stuck point?
- SPEARS: Exactly.
- SPENCER: And it can be anything?
Yes, this can be a thought, an event, a person.
Whatever it is, the mind can't properly heal until we find your "it." So, you ready to put the work in?
DARNELL: All, right, and thank you.
Appreciate it.
Yeah, you, too.
MALE SINGER: ♪ Although you're not around ♪
DARNELL: My mom's out of surgery.
She's stable, but they said it's gonna be a long road to recovery.
When are you leaving?
This Friday.
Is there anything we can do?
- Nah, I'm...
I'm...
I'm good.
- [ZIPS BAG]
Uh, you want to play fortnite?
Yeah, m-maybe later.
We'll... we'll see.
MALE SINGER: ♪ Well, nobody knows ♪
♪ A house ain't... ♪
I got to bounce.
♪ It's the memories we hold ♪
♪ Until we grow old ♪
♪ O-o-o-old ♪
♪ O-o-o-old ♪
- [WHISTLE BLOWS ON VIDEO]
- MONTES: Ok, so there were two plays that almost cost us the game last week.
If, when I point them out, you can tell me what went wrong and how to fix it, I will cancel your workout tomorrow morning.
Heh heh!
[PLAYERS ON VIDEO GRUNT]
Jordan.
- JORDAN: Co... coach.
- MONTES: You're up.
Why did you take this sack?
Uh, this, um...
I held the ball too long.
I was trying to make a big play, when i...
I could have just hit JJ down the seam.
Nice answer, QB .
I had my doubts.
MONTES: You've been texting nonstop since we started.
Lady troubles?
- JORDAN: Uh, actually, it's...
- MONTES: Don't care.
- Put your phone away.
- JORDAN: You bet.
- [PLAYERS CHUCKLING]
- BOY: Yeah.
[PLAYERS GRUNT ON VIDEO]
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
Asher, why did our safety allow this touchdown?
Uh...
Can you show the play again?
[SCOFFS]
Well, guys, see you all tomorrow, along with your teammates, at A. M.
[PLAYERS GROAN]
My bad, coach.
I figured you'd ask Keith.
He's the one who gave up the touchdown.
Before you leave, I'm gonna need you to put the equipment away and tidy up the weight room.
- GRACE: Hey, baby.
- SPENCER: Hey, ma.
How'd it go last night?
- [ZIPS BACKPACK]
- It was all right.
Dr. Spears wants me to meet him tomorrow, walk him through the night I was shot.
Listen...
If talking about it becomes too hard for you, just let him know.
Talking about it ain't the problem.
I just don't see the point.
g*n v*olence ain't nothing new around here.
- GRACE: That doesn't make it ok.
- SPENCER: I know.
I know.
I'm just saying...
It don't trip me up.
And that is a part of the problem.
You're desensitized to it, son.
sh**t, we probably all are.
That's why so many of our kids arerunning around here with PTSD, and they don't even know it.
That's why you needto talk to Dr. Spears about it, confront it.
Promise me you'll at least try.
I promise.
MALE RAPPER: ♪ Pull up to the club in a spaceship ♪
♪ [INDISTINCT] in my pocket like I made a flip ♪
- ♪ And keep that... ♪
- [CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY]
You know your name came up with Mrs. Lawson today?
She said somethingabout you not officially being a senior.
Damn.
You, too?
Ain't there some kind of student/counselor confidentiality thing or something?
No, she just told me 'cause she cares, Coop.
I mean, I said I would help you.
You just got to figure out a balance between music and school.
I mean, I think that shouldn't be a problem, right?
Hello!
Right?
Right.
Yeah 'cause I'm not trying to go to no senior prom with no junior.
- COOP: You ain't going nowhere.
- PATIENCE: Shut up.
Hey, Coop, I got your text.
What's the emergency?
Did you get to talk to your pop about releasing Patience from her contract?
Um, it's a little more complicated legally, but I'm working on it.
Why?
What's up?
We got a new song, "family over everything." Yeah, the one that got leaked all over the Internet?
That song?
[SCOFFS]
I know, I know.
Our bad.
Look, I didn't know folks were recording.
I didn't.
It's no problem, and yes, it's amazing.
Ok.
well, yeah.
We were hoping to sh**t a music video soon so we can just drop the song and the video at the same time.
COOP: It's got a whole different type of energy.
PATIENCE: Yeah.
COOP: I mean, we got to keep riding the wave of our summer tour.
Um, I'm gonna keep pushing forward on the contract, but in the meantime, I am happy to produce a game-changing - music video for you guys.
- PATIENCE: Yes!
- COOP: Game-changing.
- PATIENCE: Ha ha ha!
Hi.
Pickup for Olivia?
Thanks.
Hey.
What's up?
Just popped by to get some food.
Damn.
Those are some dope kicks.
They new?
These old things?
Nah, I just, uh, mostly wear 'em for dance class.
Yeah, Kia mentioned something about you all teaching the kids at the rec center.
- That's what's up.
- OLIVIA: Yeah.
Today we actually showed them this amazing documentary about L.A. street dancers and krumping.
Oh, have you all watched "Rize, as in Tommy the Clown, "rize"?
Wait.
How do you know about him?
Excuse you.
Tommy the clown is a L.A. icon, and it's possible your boy had a little dance phase back in the day.
- SPENCER: What?
- OLIVIA, CHUCKLING: Stop.
- SPENCER: No?
- OLIVIA: Don't do that again.
- SPENCER: Whatever, ok?
- OLIVIA: Uh-huh.
They used to call me Professor Krump back in the day.
- SPENCER: Professor Krump!
- OLIVIA: Oh, yeah?
- SPENCER: Yes, they did.
- OLIVIA: Wow.
[CLEARS THROAT]
Liv, listen...
We got real close this last year, and we helped each other through a lot, and I know this summer changed some things, but...
I miss my friend.
I miss my friend, too.
[CHUCKLES]
Come here.
FEMALE SINGER: ♪ I'm reaching out ♪
♪ Hold on ♪
So...
- OLIVIA: How have you been?
- [BOTH CHUCKLE]
Is your arm feeling better?
Yeah.
I'm actually seeing a sports psychologist about it.
- OLIVIA: Yeah?
That's amazing.
- SPENCER: Yeah.
He thinks my issue's connected to the night I was shot.
I'm sorry, Spencer.
I mean, you took that b*llet for me, and now you have to deal with all the fallout.
No, no, no.
Just 'cause I got shot don't mean you're the one to blame.
And I'd do it again.
OLIVIA: Thanks.
Well, I should get going.
Until next time, Professor Krump?
You better recognize.
Ha ha!
[KNOCK ON DOOR]
She lives.
I'm sorry, babe.
I know things have been a little messy lately.
Come on in.
SIMONE: I just...
[DOOR CLOSES]
Have a lot on my mind.
Look, Simone, you said it yourself.
What we have isn't some "situationship." We made a commitment.
You remember?
You and me, but, hey, I can't be there for you if you don't tell me what's going on.
[SIGHS]
Can we...
Take a drive?
Please?
[BRAKES SQUEAK]
You see that yellow house over there?
That's where my son lives.
[SIGHS]
I know it's crazy, but I've been coming here the past few nights just...
Hoping that I'd see him.
Simone...
Jordan, how do I know he's happy, that those people are nice people?
Jordan, he's my son, and I know nothing.
I'm sorry, babe.
I... i know how hard it was for you to give him up.
I don't think I made the right decision.
Sweetheart...
I mean, isn't it too late?
No.
I legally have more days to change my mind.
[KNOCKS ON DOOR]
"Coach Billy Baker." Heh heh!
They got your name all over this place, don't they?
Not now, dad.
When I heard you abandoned your own son to follow Spencer James to Crenshaw, I didn't believe it.
Gonna follow him to college, too?
Wow.
ok.
Good to have you back, dad.
I'm here about Jordan.
While you're down here playing father to everyone else's son, your own son is too busy chasing behind some fast-tail little gal.
Yeah.
Simone, uh, she's not like that.
Something is different about this one.
Jordan just can't seem to see past her.
If I had to guess, I'd say she's the reason he canceled on me tonight.
So is that it?
Your feelings are hurt?
One of us needs to care.
We both know how easily Jordan can lose focus.
Jordan knows what's at stake this year, all right?
He's gonna be fine.
You're not seeing what I'm seeing.
I know my son.
I raised him.
To be soft and unprepared for when life will knock him on the ass.
Look, man, no matter how difficult things may get, I know for a fact that Jordan will not fold and give up, unlike you, who shuttled mom off to the nursing home the minute she got too sick!
Don't you dare...
Speak on something you know nothing about.
I advise you do the same...
Pop.
[DOOR OPENS]
MAN: We need the red-lined contracts by tomorrow or there is no deal.
[DISTANT PHONE RINGING]
Christian, hey, um, sorry.
What are you doing here?
- CHRISTIAN: Um, I work here.
- LAYLA: No, I mean i...
i thought you were supposed to be back at Howard this fall.
Well, your dad offered me a full-time gig as a talent director, so I'm taking a gap year.
He didn't tell you?
I guess we can add it tothe long list of things he failed to mention.
I'm just looking for Gayle.
Um, she's not here yet.
Maybe I can help?
Yeah, um, I just had a question about Lil Jewel's new single.
Patience signed an NDA.
I didn't mention anything about Patience, but thank you for the confirmation.
How can my dad do that to her?
It's his label, Layla.
He owns the rights to every song, so he gets to choose who's singing 'em.
Patience should have read the fine print in her contract.
It's just that simple for you guys?
Patience is a person, with feelings.
Look, I get that's your friend, but this is business, and the sooner you understand the difference, the sooner your little producing career can take off.
"Little"?
Oh, you must not read the trades because my "little" tour with Coop gained more buzz than the overproduced stadium circus that this label put together.
That's why Patience wants to sign with me.
You dad would never release her.
If he did, every two-bit artist on this label would be coming for us, thinking they can leave J.P. Keating music whenever they damn well felt like it.
Why am I arguing this with an intern?
- CHRISTIAN: Talent director.
- LAYLA: Whatever.
I'm gonna call my dad.
Go for it.
He's not gonna say anything different.
Who you think trained me?
Can't lie.
I've missed this.
You, me, us.
Heh! babe, I see you every day in class.
I know, but between me trying to prove myself to Montes, and your volunteer work, there's been, like, zero "us" time.
Everything good?
Of course.
The whole Vanessa summer thing?
Ash, I meant what I said after you told me, ok? we're good.
Summer's done.
Hey, either of you seen Simone?
- Gross.
- OLIVIA: I'm not her keeper.
Yeah, well, she missed our last class, which is not like her.
[SNAPS FINGERS]
Ash, cover for me next period, all right?
I need to do something real quick.
SPEARS: Ok, the night you got shot.
Walk me through it.
Uh, I was at a cotillion.
- SPEARS: Ok.
- SPENCER: And we were celebrating my homie Olivia and all the dope stuff she been doing in the community.
Olivia feels like a interesting focal point.
Tell me about her.
- SPENCER: Why?
- SPEARS: Ah, humor me.
Ok. uh, Olivia, um...
Man, that's my day one.
You know, she the first person I met when I got to Beverly.
- SPEARS: Mm-hmm.
- SPENCER: We, uh, shared a laptop and bonded over chromosomal DNA.
- [SPEARS CHUCKLES]
- SPENCER: I don't know, man.
We just...
Vibe over everything.
It's hard to explain, you know.
We just...
Uh, we just get each other.
I guess that's why it was so easy to jump in front of her when I saw that g*n.
That type of trauma can bond two people for life.
You think she's my stuck point?
No.
your feelings for Olivia aren't complicated.
They're clear.
You're in love with her.
[SCOFFS]
Nah.
No, no.
No, Liv's just my friend.
Now, Layla, Layla, that's my girl.
I love her.
Let's table that discussion for another time.
So, who do you hold responsible for the sh**ting that night?
- SPENCER: Tyrone.
- SPEARS: Ok.
Yeah, he set the whole thing up.
I mean, he can't be my stuck point.
I mean, my feelings on him are clear.
So who else?
Who do you really blame, yourself?
It doesn't even have to be a person.
Maybe you blame your circumstances?
I don't know.
I don't know.
I think I need some time to think on it.
Or you can write it down.
Write what down?
Everything that happened that night.
Sometimes my patients find more clarity when they write their thoughts down.
It's a form of narrative therapy.
It helps you unlock stuff that, for whatever reason, gets buried in the deep recesses of your brain.
So that's your homework.
Your subconscious will help you find the answer.
[DISTANT DOG BARKING]
[TEXTING]
[TRASH CAN LID SLAMS]
Do I know you?
- JORDAN: Not officially, no.
- MAN: What does that mean?
[SIGHS]
Um...
Look, last thing I want to do is call the cops on another black man, so if you have something you want to tell me...
Look, um...
My, uh, my... my girlfriend Simone, she... she gave birth to your son, all right?
She's the reason I'm here.
She's having second thoughts about the adoption.
Look, man, I'm...
I'm sorry.
I know this is crazy, messed up.
But you got to understand Simone, all right?
She's only , and giving up her son felt like the right thing at the time, but... but now, now it's complicated...
Get off my block!
Go!
Don't come back over here again.
All right.
[SIGHS]
Yo, D.
- [CLOSES DOOR]
- What's all this, man?
Oh, uh, this is the comic book me and Darnell was working on.
Darnell was supposed to come over after school and help out, but never showed up.
Darnell, he just...
He dealing with a lot right now.
Hey, I can help, right?
"King Crenshaw." DILLON: Yeah.
It's about a superhero who was raised on the corner at King and Crenshaw.
This is dad.
Took you long enough.
Hey, uh, could you promise me something?
Yeah. yeah, yeah, yeah.
What's up?
Please don't tell him that I was upset.
I just wanted to spend some extra time with him before he bounced.
I got you.
You know, the best thing you can do right now is stay prayed up.
I'm trying, bro.
You have any idea when you're coming back?
Uh, it depends on my mom's recovery.
My bad.
Coach told me you was here alone.
Yeah, well, I got to roll, bro.
You ain't got to leave on account of me, man.
Ain't nobody doing nothing on account of you.
Hit me if you need anything.
All right, man.
Appreciate you, Champ.
You all right?
Hey, bro...
I can't imagine what you're going through right now.
Ain't none of this easy.
I'mma miss you.
Dillon's gonna miss you, mom's gonna miss you, but you're acting like none of that matters, man.
We do something wrong?
You know...
By the age of , I moved times.
.
Life in the military, it teaches you to never get settled, and I just...
[SIGHS]
Y'all didn't do anything wrong.
That's on me.
I got comfortable.
I made a mistake of thinking I'd finally find a home.
Yo, I'm a military brat, Spence.
I should have known better.
Home is a myth.
[CHUCKLES]
Home is what you make it, man.
[SIGHS]
MONTES: Back at it again?
Just keeping myself in shape for when my number's called.
I mean, it's gonna get called at some point, right?
I'm doing everything possible to get back on the team, Coach.
What else can I do to earn your trust?
Step up for your teammates in whatever capacity, the same way Jordan has assumed his leadership role.
Done.
If you reinstate me, I can prove that at practice tomorrow.
My actions speak the loudest with a ball in my hands.
You know, my daughter Vanessa has been raving about how smart and kind and selfless you are.
But all I see is a kid who not only gave away his team's playbook to a rival, but also took steroids, and now, all he cares about is making plays again.
You can't get more selfish than that.
You draw these yourself, Layla?
OLIVIA: Nope, that...
That would be me.
- LAYLA: Heh!
- OLIVIA: Um, no, these are the kids in kia's and my dance class at the center, and they are so hyped over your song, and Layla thought it would be cool to add them, you know, keeping with the whole community theme.
Mm-hmm, plus Spencer told me that "family over everything" has kind of become a theme for the football team, so I thought, embrace that.
So we could sh**t at South Crenshaw High football field...
Thank you, Coach Baker...
You know, hire folks from the community.
It'd be like your love letter to South Crenshaw.
PATIENCE: Damn, these are dope as hell.
Yeah, I can't wait to sh**t this.
Um, there's just one change.
Um, it's... it's just gonna be Coop in the video.
What?
Nno.
The song is both of ours.
Wait, J.P. isn't releasing me from my contract?
- LAYLA: I'm sorry.
- OLIVIA: Wait, was your dad pissed about the whole Patience thing?
Well, I definitely heard a different side of him on the phone this afternoon, a cutthroat, "business over family" side.
I could never operate like that and, you know, maybe Christian's right.
Maybe I'm not willing to do what it takes.
COOP: What?
Stop, all right?
And whoever this Christian is needs to mind his business.
You've been ready.
You just do it different...
Running a label where the boss allows you the freedom to be yourself?
While still treating you like family.
Exactly.
that's why I signed with you in the first place.
I mean, look at what you came up with for this video overnight.
We got faith in you, sis, and everything we earned up until this point we had to fight for it, and we keep winning.
That ain't gonna change as long as we stay true to who we are.
We're fighters, right?
[CHUCKLES]
SIMONE: Jordan, you seriously went to see my adopted son's parents behind my back?
Uh, no, no.
I couldn't find you at school, so I went there instead.
I didn't plan on talking to Tariq, ok?
Believe me.
[SIGHS]
Look, Simone, I was just trying to help.
Talk to me.
Come on.
[SIGHS]
The day I decided on adoption, everyone just kept telling me how selfless I was.
But, to me...
Giving up Shay just felt like the most selfish thing I've ever done, Jordan.
What if my son ends up worse off?
I couldn't live with myself.
What are you saying?
Jordan, I know this isn't what you signed up for...
But I am done being selfish.
I'm taking my baby back.
WILLIE, CHUCKLING: So, you're the one who put Crenshaw Cathy out of business.
Me and my small legion of fans.
Um, no, they're the real heroes.
WILLIE: And here I thought the long tradition of Baker radicals was ending with me.
[WILLIE CHUCKLES]
So, I was thinking we should get in some work on the field after your team photos.
Uh, actually, G.W., I don't think I'm gonna be at the team photo tomorrow.
- BILLY: Hold up.
Why?
- JORDAN: Uh, Simone needs my help with something that's really important.
Son, what could be more important than your teammates?
- OLIVIA: Who wants dessert?
- BILLY: I do, right?
Yeah, me, too.
Um, G.W., will you give me a hand?
WILLIE: It's just some fancy little cookies.
How heavy could they be, huh?
Ahem!
Look, honey, I'm super proud of how you've stuck by Simone, but maybe your grandfather's right.
- BILLY: Laura.
- LAURA: Billy, it's his senior year of school.
He's got a lot to juggle.
I just think it's time maybe Simone learned to stand on her own.
BILLY: Look, our concern is coming from a place of love, all right?
We're just asking...
We're...
Trusting that while you're helping your friends, you don't lose sight of your priorities.
You guys just...
You don't understand.
Then help us understand, babe.
Talk to us.
It's fine, but I'm all talked out for the evening.
BILLY: All right, if you don't want to talk to us, that's fine, but please talk to somebody, and make sure that somebody has your best interests at heart.
Cookies.
Hey.
- BILLY: Macaroons.
- LAURA: Ooh.
SPENCER: Yo, D, how you put away baskets of breadsticks, bro?
DILLON: Ok, garlic breadsticks are life.
DARNELL: Thanks again for dinner, Ms.
Grace.
I mean, I didn't...
Y'all didn't really have to do that.
ALL: Surprise!
Whoo! you really didn't think I was gonna let you leave just like that, did you?
Wow. you really got me.
I appreciate that.
Come on.
Bring it in, bro.
- DARNELL: Hey.
Heh heh!
- COOP: Ah!
Yo, I'mma put everybody in Germany onto your music.
That part, I appreciate it.
[DOOR OPENS]
Did I mi... i missed the surprise.
Damn it!
Surprise.
- [CLOSES DOOR]
- My bad.
Spencer, what's up?
Um, I just wanted to say, as a... as a man who was very, very close to his mother, I feel like I know a little bit about what you're going through, you know, and you...
Being there by your mother's side, that's the, uh, it's the right way to go.
Actually, the only... the only way to go, but I'm proud of you.
DARNELL: Thank you.
BILLY: You need anything, you know where I'm at.
- DARNELL: Appreciate you.
- BILLY: Yeah, man.
Good man.
All right.
Yo, the fact that y'all two in the same room right now and not coming for each other's necks?
- [CAM CHUCKLES]
- DARNELL: It means a lot, bro.
Hey, man, family over everything, right?
COOP: Damn right.
I heard that.
Ha ha ha!
Thanks for showing up, man.
I appreciate the invite.
MALE SINGER: ♪ Yeah, we jumpin' on couches ♪
♪ Groove, we don't do a lot of frownin', scrooge... ♪
You finish your therapy homework?
Hmm.
Turns out writing about that night's easier said than done.
When the moment's right, it'll come to you.
[SIGHS]
Looks like y'all pulled it off.
- SPENCER: Mm-hmm.
- BILLY: Well done.
Yeah, you never know with surprises, right?
Uh, speaking of surprises, I brought one for you.
It's out on the porch.
What you talking about?
It's out on the porch.
Ha ha!
Ok.
MALE SINGER: ♪ No place like home ♪
[MUSIC STOPS]
Look, man, about our beef...
We're family.
We fight.
That's it?
I mean, usually you have something a little more cool and poetic to say right about now.
My bad.
I'm actually saving that for Darnell's party later.
You all right?
Simone is taking her son back.
She's going over to the parents' house tomorrow.
You going with her?
It's the same time as our team photo.
I mean, coach Montes is... is just now starting to trust me.
You know, I mean, I feel like I should be there for her and my guys, but at the same time, this is a life-changing decision for me and Simone.
She ask you to go?
J, you've been there for Simone every step of the way, man, but at some point, you've both got to trust that she's capable of making the right decision all on her own.
I mean, just 'cause y'all together-together don't mean you always got to step in and save her.
This, coming from our friendly neighborhood superhero?
I guess it's a lesson we both got to learn.
Yeah.
BILLY: All right.
Hey, guys, um, I just want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
I don't even know what to say.
We actually got one more surprise for you, man.
Heh!
What is this?
[DARNELL CHUCKLES]
Oh, wow.
Wow, man.
Thanks.
- BILLY: Ooh.
- SPENCER: Crenshaw will always be your home, so take as long as you need for Ms.
Renee to recover...
And when it's time to come back, we, your family, are gonna be right here, waiting for you and your mom.
Appreciate that.
Ok, ok, let's do this here.
[LAUGHTER]
HAMZAA: ♪ I put it all in the song ♪
♪ I hope you hear this one ♪
♪ 'cause when it's all said and done ♪
♪ There's nothing left to say ♪
♪ I thought I'd only become ♪
♪ The last of what is to come ♪
♪ So forgive me for my insecurity ♪
SPENCER: "The day of the cotillion startedlike any other day.
"I had no idea I'd end it taking a b*llet for a friend.
"I mean, yeah, the minute Tyrone showed up at my job, "I was worried for Coop's safety, but if I'm being honest, "being worried about Coop is nothing new.
"I've been trying to save her from not just g*ng v*olence, but from herself for as long as I can remember."
PATIENCE: Dude, Liv's working in the gym with those dance kids, and they're dope.
Yeah, the only thing more dope would be you on this song with me.
- PATIENCE: Yeah, I know.
- LAYLA: Well, um, I may have figured out a way to free Patience from her contract.
SPENCER: "See, that's the thing about family.
Sometimes you do the unthinkable to save them from themselves."
What's wrong, Gayle?
Was Patience a minor when we signed her?
Because we're being sued, and I'll give you one guess by who.
So who's calling J.P. to tell him that his daughter is coming for his neck?
SPENCER: "and that's what I was trying to do for Coop that day.
That's why I confronted Tyrone."
ASHER: Hey, good work today.
I'm free to help run that play again anytime.
KEITH: All right.
ASHER: Just remember, trust your technique.
- KEITH: Ok, thanks.
- MONTES: You a coach now?
Just doing my part.
Keith wanted to get in some extra time on the field.
Last game, he took a bad angle and over-pursued, which allowed the other team's tailback to score.
That's the answer to your question from our film study.
Look, coach, I've made some mistakes, but I love these guys more than anything.
And while you may keep me benched forever, you can't stop me from helping my teammates.
I knew you'd get it.
Look, I only pushed you because I knew you'd get there.
You are valuable to this team in more ways than one.
I always believed that, but I needed you to see it for yourself.
HAMZAA: ♪ Can I get away ♪
- MONTES: Come on.
- HAMZAA: ♪ For a minute ♪
♪ 'cause I'm out of Patience ♪
SPENCER: "but what I didn't realize at the time was that "it's not always our job to save those we love.
"Sometimes we have to let them stand or fall on their own."
JORDAN: Hey, Simone, it's... it's me.
Um, look, I just want to let you know that I love you.
Look, I know you're more than strong enough to handle this on your own, but if you need me, I'm just a phone call away.
HAMZAA: ♪ Put it all in the song ♪
♪ Yeah, I'll write it down ♪
♪ Yeah, I'll write it down and put it all in the ♪
Hi.
I'm Simone.
Um...
May I?
M-my wife and son are in there.
I know.
I'm really sorry.
WOMAN: Babe, babe.
He just laughed, I swear.
Shay full-on laughed, not gas or whatever.
Real laughter.
SIMONE: I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have come.
Wait.
Why don't we sit down?
No.
uh...
It's ok.
He looks so happy, and Shay is right where he's supposed to be, and it's clearly here with you all and not with me, so, um, I'm really sorry that I scared you.
Hold up.
HAMZAA: ♪ Can I get... ♪
You don't have to apologize for coming to see your son.
- HAMZAA: ♪ 'cause I'm out of Patience ♪
- TARIQ: Maybe you could stop by and check... check on him from time to time.
WOMAN: Yeah, I mean, there is no reason why we can't all be in his life.
HAMZAA: ♪...
You'd hear me when I say... ♪
Would you like to hold him?
HAMZAA: ♪ So I'll write it down ♪
♪ Yeah, I'll write it down and put it all in the song ♪
Shay Kobe Douglas...
Meet your other mom.
- HAMZAA: ♪ In the song ♪
- WOMAN: Aren't you lucky?
You get two.
HAMZAA: ♪ In the song ♪
WOMAN: Why don't we come inside?
HAMZAA: ♪ Yeah, I'll write it down ♪
♪ Yeah, I'll write it down... ♪
SPENCER: "sometimes, when you get in the way, "you end up paying the price.
"But I didn't know that then, so I kept trying "to get Coop to listen, if only she would have.
"When I warned her that Tyrone was up to something, "when I told her not to get jumped into the g*ng, "when I warned her about getting revenge for Shawn, "or when I told her a year ago not to get involved "with Shawn in the first place, "all that led to what happened the night I was shot.
"It's taken me all this time to realize that yeah, "I took a b*llet for a friend that day, "but the b*llet I took wasn't for Liv.
"It was for Coop.
"Coop is who I blame for what happened to me.
"Coop...
Is my stuck point."
HAMZAA: ♪ Yeah, I'll write it down ♪
♪ And put it all in the ♪
Thank you for waiting.
You ready to do this?
Yes, sir.
Ok.
so, tell me about yourself.
COOP, RAPPING: ♪ Yeah, you was more like a brother ♪
♪ From one other mother, mmm, yeah ♪
♪ You rap for me, I rap for you and put nothing above us ♪
♪ Mmm, yeah, we like Bonnie and Clyde ♪
♪ We never switch no sides, you know ♪
♪ More like nip and j stone, 'cause like where we from ♪
♪ They call it the West Side ♪
♪ You are my left, right, left ♪
♪ And it was just like that, and when I ♪
- ♪ Say so, they know ♪ - [ECHOES]
♪ When it rains and it pours ♪
♪ And the sun don't seem to shine anymore ♪
♪ I know you'll be there for me ♪
♪ If there's trouble my way ♪
♪ I know that you'll be there right away ♪
♪ I know you'll be there for me ♪
♪ Oh, you never change, I can put that on a game ♪
♪ I know you'll be there for me ♪
♪ Our love is everything, I wouldn't change a thing ♪
♪ And when they ask, I tell 'em family over everything ♪
♪ If they ask, I tell 'em family over everything ♪
♪ My neighborhood gonna hold it down in each and every way ♪
♪ I know that if I ever need, they'll be here right away ♪
♪ So much love, it's overflowin' like a tidal wave ♪
♪ Sunset in Crenshaw, on the ♪
- ♪ Put my family first ♪
- [SCHOOL BELL RINGS]
- ♪ Even if it hurts ♪
- SPENCER: Coop.
Hey, that song you dropped with Patience go crazy.
Wait. what?
How you hear it already?
Went viral this morning.
Look.
COOP ON VIDEO: ♪ So when I say so ♪
♪ They know ♪
COOP AND PATIENCE: ♪ When it rains and it pours ♪
♪ And the sun don't seem to shine anymore, I know... ♪
Dang.
And that part where you shout me out, your "brother from another mother"...
- I appreciate that.
- COOP: Actually, bro, that wasn't about you.
It was a metaphor for the community.
Come on, man.
- SPENCER: Ha ha!
- COOP: I'm just playing.
Yo, but enough about me.
What's up with you and that, uh, therapist?
It was cool, more of a meet-and-greet, but Dr. Spears seem like a solid dude, and what?
Why is your face like that?
I don't know.
I don't get the point of paying somebody to talk about your feelings.
You should have just came to me.
We've been each other's therapist since elementary.
And we still are, but clearly whatever's causing my arm to go numb, it's more mental than physical.
I need a for-real therapist to fix that.
Uh-oh. somebody mama here.
Hey, they're about to catch hell.
No, fool, that's Ms. Lawson, our new guidance counselor.
- SPENCER: Wait, wait.
She coming.
- COOP: Yeah, for me.
How you doing?
Ms. Lawson, I'm sorry I missed our meeting this morning, but I got my times mixed up.
Mmm, like you got your times mixed up last week and the week before that, Tamia.
Look, I'mma cut right to it.
School records show that you have missed more than half of your last two semesters, and that means you're a few credits shy of being a senior, so my advice to you, Tamia, meet with those teachers and make up those classes, because if you don't, you will be repeating your junior year.
SPENCER: Damn, Coop, this is serious.
If you don't make up those classes, - you ain't graduating.
- COOP: Whoa, it ain't like I need a degree to be the next Kendrick Lamar.
You're not dropping out of school, not on my watch.
Look, I'll make up the classes at some point, but right now, music is my focus.
That's my therapy.
BILLY: Ha ha!
I'm being honest.
- BILLY: That's funny.
- LAURA: Come on.
- OLIVIA: Hey, dad.
- BILLY: Hey.
When'd you get here?
It's... it's pizza Monday.
Is that a thing or...
- LAURA: No, it is not a thing.
- BILLY: Heh heh!
I had a coach's meeting on this side of town.
I decided I'd grab some pizza and hang out - with some of my favorite people.
- [DOOR OPENS]
Speaking of my favorite people...
Dad.
Son.
- LAURA: Willie.
- WILLIE: D. A. Baker.
Congratulations, by the way.
I heard good things while I was in Florida, especially the work you're doing for black folks.
- [BILLY SCOFFS]
- WILLIE: Not enough to get you an invite to the cookout just yet, but, you know, one day.
Heh heh heh!
BILLY: What are you doing here, dad?
When'd you get back into town?
JORDAN: Uh, a couple days ago.
He... he surprised me at practice.
BILLY: You know, phones work, too.
JORDAN: Um, so, look, while I have you both here, is it cool if G.W. joins us for a family dinner this week or...
- LAURA: Yeah, that... that's fine.
- WILLIE: Great.
I can get some quality time with both my grandkids.
Quality time with me?
Isn't it time I get to know you better, too?
Well, in that case, why don't we have a cookout, and we can invite my mom?
- BILLY: Ha!
- [WILLIE CHUCKLING]
I like this one.
[CHUCKLING]
Well, I should go.
LAURA: Yeah, I actually have a conference call.
Did you... you have a conference call.
I know.
BILLY: 'cause you might want to get... tell you before.
- LAURA: Super important.
- WILLIE: So...
Tell me about this new coach.
Yeah, just one second, G.W., sorry.
Hey, boy...
Do I look like one of your little friends?
I'm sorry.
Just, um...
My... my girlfriend Simone...
I don't know.
Something's just been off recently.
Your head's in the wrong place, son.
With Spencer gone, you're the leader now.
You need to be focused on that, - not some girl.
- [PHONE VIBRATING]
Right, uh, I got to take this.
My bad.
Hey, babe, you all right?
SPENCER: I did some research on, uh, psychosomatic disorders.
That's a good place to start.
Yeah, it got me thinking, is this issue with my arm stress-related?
Well, what are you stressed about?
Well, for starters, my homie Jordan's still not talking to me, which is crazy, 'cause...
[SCOFFS]
We're like brothers, and then Darnell's leaving to go be there for his mom.
Now, the son in me gets it.
I'd do the same thing.
I just feel like I'm losing the closest link to my dad, you know?
And then there's the promise I made to South Crenshaw.
I was supposed to get us the State Championship to help save the school, and then what happens during our first game?
We lose.
Yes, that is a lot to unpack, but all that happened after you started to experience numbness in your arm.
So what's causing it, then?
When...
Athletes get hurt on the field, I like to go back over the play that caused the injury.
There's usually something that happened in the moment that the brain has skipped over or is not addressing.
- SPENCER: Ok.
- SPEARS: That's called a stuck point.
It's a defining moment from our past that is powerful enough to keep us from recovering psychologically.
Your play that caused the injury is the sh**ting.
And the thing that's holding me back from understanding why my arm's going numb is... is my stuck point?
- SPEARS: Exactly.
- SPENCER: And it can be anything?
Yes, this can be a thought, an event, a person.
Whatever it is, the mind can't properly heal until we find your "it." So, you ready to put the work in?
DARNELL: All, right, and thank you.
Appreciate it.
Yeah, you, too.
MALE SINGER: ♪ Although you're not around ♪
DARNELL: My mom's out of surgery.
She's stable, but they said it's gonna be a long road to recovery.
When are you leaving?
This Friday.
Is there anything we can do?
- Nah, I'm...
I'm...
I'm good.
- [ZIPS BAG]
Uh, you want to play fortnite?
Yeah, m-maybe later.
We'll... we'll see.
MALE SINGER: ♪ Well, nobody knows ♪
♪ A house ain't... ♪
I got to bounce.
♪ It's the memories we hold ♪
♪ Until we grow old ♪
♪ O-o-o-old ♪
♪ O-o-o-old ♪
- [WHISTLE BLOWS ON VIDEO]
- MONTES: Ok, so there were two plays that almost cost us the game last week.
If, when I point them out, you can tell me what went wrong and how to fix it, I will cancel your workout tomorrow morning.
Heh heh!
[PLAYERS ON VIDEO GRUNT]
Jordan.
- JORDAN: Co... coach.
- MONTES: You're up.
Why did you take this sack?
Uh, this, um...
I held the ball too long.
I was trying to make a big play, when i...
I could have just hit JJ down the seam.
Nice answer, QB .
I had my doubts.
MONTES: You've been texting nonstop since we started.
Lady troubles?
- JORDAN: Uh, actually, it's...
- MONTES: Don't care.
- Put your phone away.
- JORDAN: You bet.
- [PLAYERS CHUCKLING]
- BOY: Yeah.
[PLAYERS GRUNT ON VIDEO]
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
Asher, why did our safety allow this touchdown?
Uh...
Can you show the play again?
[SCOFFS]
Well, guys, see you all tomorrow, along with your teammates, at A. M.
[PLAYERS GROAN]
My bad, coach.
I figured you'd ask Keith.
He's the one who gave up the touchdown.
Before you leave, I'm gonna need you to put the equipment away and tidy up the weight room.
- GRACE: Hey, baby.
- SPENCER: Hey, ma.
How'd it go last night?
- [ZIPS BACKPACK]
- It was all right.
Dr. Spears wants me to meet him tomorrow, walk him through the night I was shot.
Listen...
If talking about it becomes too hard for you, just let him know.
Talking about it ain't the problem.
I just don't see the point.
g*n v*olence ain't nothing new around here.
- GRACE: That doesn't make it ok.
- SPENCER: I know.
I know.
I'm just saying...
It don't trip me up.
And that is a part of the problem.
You're desensitized to it, son.
sh**t, we probably all are.
That's why so many of our kids arerunning around here with PTSD, and they don't even know it.
That's why you needto talk to Dr. Spears about it, confront it.
Promise me you'll at least try.
I promise.
MALE RAPPER: ♪ Pull up to the club in a spaceship ♪
♪ [INDISTINCT] in my pocket like I made a flip ♪
- ♪ And keep that... ♪
- [CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY]
You know your name came up with Mrs. Lawson today?
She said somethingabout you not officially being a senior.
Damn.
You, too?
Ain't there some kind of student/counselor confidentiality thing or something?
No, she just told me 'cause she cares, Coop.
I mean, I said I would help you.
You just got to figure out a balance between music and school.
I mean, I think that shouldn't be a problem, right?
Hello!
Right?
Right.
Yeah 'cause I'm not trying to go to no senior prom with no junior.
- COOP: You ain't going nowhere.
- PATIENCE: Shut up.
Hey, Coop, I got your text.
What's the emergency?
Did you get to talk to your pop about releasing Patience from her contract?
Um, it's a little more complicated legally, but I'm working on it.
Why?
What's up?
We got a new song, "family over everything." Yeah, the one that got leaked all over the Internet?
That song?
[SCOFFS]
I know, I know.
Our bad.
Look, I didn't know folks were recording.
I didn't.
It's no problem, and yes, it's amazing.
Ok.
well, yeah.
We were hoping to sh**t a music video soon so we can just drop the song and the video at the same time.
COOP: It's got a whole different type of energy.
PATIENCE: Yeah.
COOP: I mean, we got to keep riding the wave of our summer tour.
Um, I'm gonna keep pushing forward on the contract, but in the meantime, I am happy to produce a game-changing - music video for you guys.
- PATIENCE: Yes!
- COOP: Game-changing.
- PATIENCE: Ha ha ha!
Hi.
Pickup for Olivia?
Thanks.
Hey.
What's up?
Just popped by to get some food.
Damn.
Those are some dope kicks.
They new?
These old things?
Nah, I just, uh, mostly wear 'em for dance class.
Yeah, Kia mentioned something about you all teaching the kids at the rec center.
- That's what's up.
- OLIVIA: Yeah.
Today we actually showed them this amazing documentary about L.A. street dancers and krumping.
Oh, have you all watched "Rize, as in Tommy the Clown, "rize"?
Wait.
How do you know about him?
Excuse you.
Tommy the clown is a L.A. icon, and it's possible your boy had a little dance phase back in the day.
- SPENCER: What?
- OLIVIA, CHUCKLING: Stop.
- SPENCER: No?
- OLIVIA: Don't do that again.
- SPENCER: Whatever, ok?
- OLIVIA: Uh-huh.
They used to call me Professor Krump back in the day.
- SPENCER: Professor Krump!
- OLIVIA: Oh, yeah?
- SPENCER: Yes, they did.
- OLIVIA: Wow.
[CLEARS THROAT]
Liv, listen...
We got real close this last year, and we helped each other through a lot, and I know this summer changed some things, but...
I miss my friend.
I miss my friend, too.
[CHUCKLES]
Come here.
FEMALE SINGER: ♪ I'm reaching out ♪
♪ Hold on ♪
So...
- OLIVIA: How have you been?
- [BOTH CHUCKLE]
Is your arm feeling better?
Yeah.
I'm actually seeing a sports psychologist about it.
- OLIVIA: Yeah?
That's amazing.
- SPENCER: Yeah.
He thinks my issue's connected to the night I was shot.
I'm sorry, Spencer.
I mean, you took that b*llet for me, and now you have to deal with all the fallout.
No, no, no.
Just 'cause I got shot don't mean you're the one to blame.
And I'd do it again.
OLIVIA: Thanks.
Well, I should get going.
Until next time, Professor Krump?
You better recognize.
Ha ha!
[KNOCK ON DOOR]
She lives.
I'm sorry, babe.
I know things have been a little messy lately.
Come on in.
SIMONE: I just...
[DOOR CLOSES]
Have a lot on my mind.
Look, Simone, you said it yourself.
What we have isn't some "situationship." We made a commitment.
You remember?
You and me, but, hey, I can't be there for you if you don't tell me what's going on.
[SIGHS]
Can we...
Take a drive?
Please?
[BRAKES SQUEAK]
You see that yellow house over there?
That's where my son lives.
[SIGHS]
I know it's crazy, but I've been coming here the past few nights just...
Hoping that I'd see him.
Simone...
Jordan, how do I know he's happy, that those people are nice people?
Jordan, he's my son, and I know nothing.
I'm sorry, babe.
I... i know how hard it was for you to give him up.
I don't think I made the right decision.
Sweetheart...
I mean, isn't it too late?
No.
I legally have more days to change my mind.
[KNOCKS ON DOOR]
"Coach Billy Baker." Heh heh!
They got your name all over this place, don't they?
Not now, dad.
When I heard you abandoned your own son to follow Spencer James to Crenshaw, I didn't believe it.
Gonna follow him to college, too?
Wow.
ok.
Good to have you back, dad.
I'm here about Jordan.
While you're down here playing father to everyone else's son, your own son is too busy chasing behind some fast-tail little gal.
Yeah.
Simone, uh, she's not like that.
Something is different about this one.
Jordan just can't seem to see past her.
If I had to guess, I'd say she's the reason he canceled on me tonight.
So is that it?
Your feelings are hurt?
One of us needs to care.
We both know how easily Jordan can lose focus.
Jordan knows what's at stake this year, all right?
He's gonna be fine.
You're not seeing what I'm seeing.
I know my son.
I raised him.
To be soft and unprepared for when life will knock him on the ass.
Look, man, no matter how difficult things may get, I know for a fact that Jordan will not fold and give up, unlike you, who shuttled mom off to the nursing home the minute she got too sick!
Don't you dare...
Speak on something you know nothing about.
I advise you do the same...
Pop.
[DOOR OPENS]
MAN: We need the red-lined contracts by tomorrow or there is no deal.
[DISTANT PHONE RINGING]
Christian, hey, um, sorry.
What are you doing here?
- CHRISTIAN: Um, I work here.
- LAYLA: No, I mean i...
i thought you were supposed to be back at Howard this fall.
Well, your dad offered me a full-time gig as a talent director, so I'm taking a gap year.
He didn't tell you?
I guess we can add it tothe long list of things he failed to mention.
I'm just looking for Gayle.
Um, she's not here yet.
Maybe I can help?
Yeah, um, I just had a question about Lil Jewel's new single.
Patience signed an NDA.
I didn't mention anything about Patience, but thank you for the confirmation.
How can my dad do that to her?
It's his label, Layla.
He owns the rights to every song, so he gets to choose who's singing 'em.
Patience should have read the fine print in her contract.
It's just that simple for you guys?
Patience is a person, with feelings.
Look, I get that's your friend, but this is business, and the sooner you understand the difference, the sooner your little producing career can take off.
"Little"?
Oh, you must not read the trades because my "little" tour with Coop gained more buzz than the overproduced stadium circus that this label put together.
That's why Patience wants to sign with me.
You dad would never release her.
If he did, every two-bit artist on this label would be coming for us, thinking they can leave J.P. Keating music whenever they damn well felt like it.
Why am I arguing this with an intern?
- CHRISTIAN: Talent director.
- LAYLA: Whatever.
I'm gonna call my dad.
Go for it.
He's not gonna say anything different.
Who you think trained me?
Can't lie.
I've missed this.
You, me, us.
Heh! babe, I see you every day in class.
I know, but between me trying to prove myself to Montes, and your volunteer work, there's been, like, zero "us" time.
Everything good?
Of course.
The whole Vanessa summer thing?
Ash, I meant what I said after you told me, ok? we're good.
Summer's done.
Hey, either of you seen Simone?
- Gross.
- OLIVIA: I'm not her keeper.
Yeah, well, she missed our last class, which is not like her.
[SNAPS FINGERS]
Ash, cover for me next period, all right?
I need to do something real quick.
SPEARS: Ok, the night you got shot.
Walk me through it.
Uh, I was at a cotillion.
- SPEARS: Ok.
- SPENCER: And we were celebrating my homie Olivia and all the dope stuff she been doing in the community.
Olivia feels like a interesting focal point.
Tell me about her.
- SPENCER: Why?
- SPEARS: Ah, humor me.
Ok. uh, Olivia, um...
Man, that's my day one.
You know, she the first person I met when I got to Beverly.
- SPEARS: Mm-hmm.
- SPENCER: We, uh, shared a laptop and bonded over chromosomal DNA.
- [SPEARS CHUCKLES]
- SPENCER: I don't know, man.
We just...
Vibe over everything.
It's hard to explain, you know.
We just...
Uh, we just get each other.
I guess that's why it was so easy to jump in front of her when I saw that g*n.
That type of trauma can bond two people for life.
You think she's my stuck point?
No.
your feelings for Olivia aren't complicated.
They're clear.
You're in love with her.
[SCOFFS]
Nah.
No, no.
No, Liv's just my friend.
Now, Layla, Layla, that's my girl.
I love her.
Let's table that discussion for another time.
So, who do you hold responsible for the sh**ting that night?
- SPENCER: Tyrone.
- SPEARS: Ok.
Yeah, he set the whole thing up.
I mean, he can't be my stuck point.
I mean, my feelings on him are clear.
So who else?
Who do you really blame, yourself?
It doesn't even have to be a person.
Maybe you blame your circumstances?
I don't know.
I don't know.
I think I need some time to think on it.
Or you can write it down.
Write what down?
Everything that happened that night.
Sometimes my patients find more clarity when they write their thoughts down.
It's a form of narrative therapy.
It helps you unlock stuff that, for whatever reason, gets buried in the deep recesses of your brain.
So that's your homework.
Your subconscious will help you find the answer.
[DISTANT DOG BARKING]
[TEXTING]
[TRASH CAN LID SLAMS]
Do I know you?
- JORDAN: Not officially, no.
- MAN: What does that mean?
[SIGHS]
Um...
Look, last thing I want to do is call the cops on another black man, so if you have something you want to tell me...
Look, um...
My, uh, my... my girlfriend Simone, she... she gave birth to your son, all right?
She's the reason I'm here.
She's having second thoughts about the adoption.
Look, man, I'm...
I'm sorry.
I know this is crazy, messed up.
But you got to understand Simone, all right?
She's only , and giving up her son felt like the right thing at the time, but... but now, now it's complicated...
Get off my block!
Go!
Don't come back over here again.
All right.
[SIGHS]
Yo, D.
- [CLOSES DOOR]
- What's all this, man?
Oh, uh, this is the comic book me and Darnell was working on.
Darnell was supposed to come over after school and help out, but never showed up.
Darnell, he just...
He dealing with a lot right now.
Hey, I can help, right?
"King Crenshaw." DILLON: Yeah.
It's about a superhero who was raised on the corner at King and Crenshaw.
This is dad.
Took you long enough.
Hey, uh, could you promise me something?
Yeah. yeah, yeah, yeah.
What's up?
Please don't tell him that I was upset.
I just wanted to spend some extra time with him before he bounced.
I got you.
You know, the best thing you can do right now is stay prayed up.
I'm trying, bro.
You have any idea when you're coming back?
Uh, it depends on my mom's recovery.
My bad.
Coach told me you was here alone.
Yeah, well, I got to roll, bro.
You ain't got to leave on account of me, man.
Ain't nobody doing nothing on account of you.
Hit me if you need anything.
All right, man.
Appreciate you, Champ.
You all right?
Hey, bro...
I can't imagine what you're going through right now.
Ain't none of this easy.
I'mma miss you.
Dillon's gonna miss you, mom's gonna miss you, but you're acting like none of that matters, man.
We do something wrong?
You know...
By the age of , I moved times.
.
Life in the military, it teaches you to never get settled, and I just...
[SIGHS]
Y'all didn't do anything wrong.
That's on me.
I got comfortable.
I made a mistake of thinking I'd finally find a home.
Yo, I'm a military brat, Spence.
I should have known better.
Home is a myth.
[CHUCKLES]
Home is what you make it, man.
[SIGHS]
MONTES: Back at it again?
Just keeping myself in shape for when my number's called.
I mean, it's gonna get called at some point, right?
I'm doing everything possible to get back on the team, Coach.
What else can I do to earn your trust?
Step up for your teammates in whatever capacity, the same way Jordan has assumed his leadership role.
Done.
If you reinstate me, I can prove that at practice tomorrow.
My actions speak the loudest with a ball in my hands.
You know, my daughter Vanessa has been raving about how smart and kind and selfless you are.
But all I see is a kid who not only gave away his team's playbook to a rival, but also took steroids, and now, all he cares about is making plays again.
You can't get more selfish than that.
You draw these yourself, Layla?
OLIVIA: Nope, that...
That would be me.
- LAYLA: Heh!
- OLIVIA: Um, no, these are the kids in kia's and my dance class at the center, and they are so hyped over your song, and Layla thought it would be cool to add them, you know, keeping with the whole community theme.
Mm-hmm, plus Spencer told me that "family over everything" has kind of become a theme for the football team, so I thought, embrace that.
So we could sh**t at South Crenshaw High football field...
Thank you, Coach Baker...
You know, hire folks from the community.
It'd be like your love letter to South Crenshaw.
PATIENCE: Damn, these are dope as hell.
Yeah, I can't wait to sh**t this.
Um, there's just one change.
Um, it's... it's just gonna be Coop in the video.
What?
Nno.
The song is both of ours.
Wait, J.P. isn't releasing me from my contract?
- LAYLA: I'm sorry.
- OLIVIA: Wait, was your dad pissed about the whole Patience thing?
Well, I definitely heard a different side of him on the phone this afternoon, a cutthroat, "business over family" side.
I could never operate like that and, you know, maybe Christian's right.
Maybe I'm not willing to do what it takes.
COOP: What?
Stop, all right?
And whoever this Christian is needs to mind his business.
You've been ready.
You just do it different...
Running a label where the boss allows you the freedom to be yourself?
While still treating you like family.
Exactly.
that's why I signed with you in the first place.
I mean, look at what you came up with for this video overnight.
We got faith in you, sis, and everything we earned up until this point we had to fight for it, and we keep winning.
That ain't gonna change as long as we stay true to who we are.
We're fighters, right?
[CHUCKLES]
SIMONE: Jordan, you seriously went to see my adopted son's parents behind my back?
Uh, no, no.
I couldn't find you at school, so I went there instead.
I didn't plan on talking to Tariq, ok?
Believe me.
[SIGHS]
Look, Simone, I was just trying to help.
Talk to me.
Come on.
[SIGHS]
The day I decided on adoption, everyone just kept telling me how selfless I was.
But, to me...
Giving up Shay just felt like the most selfish thing I've ever done, Jordan.
What if my son ends up worse off?
I couldn't live with myself.
What are you saying?
Jordan, I know this isn't what you signed up for...
But I am done being selfish.
I'm taking my baby back.
WILLIE, CHUCKLING: So, you're the one who put Crenshaw Cathy out of business.
Me and my small legion of fans.
Um, no, they're the real heroes.
WILLIE: And here I thought the long tradition of Baker radicals was ending with me.
[WILLIE CHUCKLES]
So, I was thinking we should get in some work on the field after your team photos.
Uh, actually, G.W., I don't think I'm gonna be at the team photo tomorrow.
- BILLY: Hold up.
Why?
- JORDAN: Uh, Simone needs my help with something that's really important.
Son, what could be more important than your teammates?
- OLIVIA: Who wants dessert?
- BILLY: I do, right?
Yeah, me, too.
Um, G.W., will you give me a hand?
WILLIE: It's just some fancy little cookies.
How heavy could they be, huh?
Ahem!
Look, honey, I'm super proud of how you've stuck by Simone, but maybe your grandfather's right.
- BILLY: Laura.
- LAURA: Billy, it's his senior year of school.
He's got a lot to juggle.
I just think it's time maybe Simone learned to stand on her own.
BILLY: Look, our concern is coming from a place of love, all right?
We're just asking...
We're...
Trusting that while you're helping your friends, you don't lose sight of your priorities.
You guys just...
You don't understand.
Then help us understand, babe.
Talk to us.
It's fine, but I'm all talked out for the evening.
BILLY: All right, if you don't want to talk to us, that's fine, but please talk to somebody, and make sure that somebody has your best interests at heart.
Cookies.
Hey.
- BILLY: Macaroons.
- LAURA: Ooh.
SPENCER: Yo, D, how you put away baskets of breadsticks, bro?
DILLON: Ok, garlic breadsticks are life.
DARNELL: Thanks again for dinner, Ms.
Grace.
I mean, I didn't...
Y'all didn't really have to do that.
ALL: Surprise!
Whoo! you really didn't think I was gonna let you leave just like that, did you?
Wow. you really got me.
I appreciate that.
Come on.
Bring it in, bro.
- DARNELL: Hey.
Heh heh!
- COOP: Ah!
Yo, I'mma put everybody in Germany onto your music.
That part, I appreciate it.
[DOOR OPENS]
Did I mi... i missed the surprise.
Damn it!
Surprise.
- [CLOSES DOOR]
- My bad.
Spencer, what's up?
Um, I just wanted to say, as a... as a man who was very, very close to his mother, I feel like I know a little bit about what you're going through, you know, and you...
Being there by your mother's side, that's the, uh, it's the right way to go.
Actually, the only... the only way to go, but I'm proud of you.
DARNELL: Thank you.
BILLY: You need anything, you know where I'm at.
- DARNELL: Appreciate you.
- BILLY: Yeah, man.
Good man.
All right.
Yo, the fact that y'all two in the same room right now and not coming for each other's necks?
- [CAM CHUCKLES]
- DARNELL: It means a lot, bro.
Hey, man, family over everything, right?
COOP: Damn right.
I heard that.
Ha ha ha!
Thanks for showing up, man.
I appreciate the invite.
MALE SINGER: ♪ Yeah, we jumpin' on couches ♪
♪ Groove, we don't do a lot of frownin', scrooge... ♪
You finish your therapy homework?
Hmm.
Turns out writing about that night's easier said than done.
When the moment's right, it'll come to you.
[SIGHS]
Looks like y'all pulled it off.
- SPENCER: Mm-hmm.
- BILLY: Well done.
Yeah, you never know with surprises, right?
Uh, speaking of surprises, I brought one for you.
It's out on the porch.
What you talking about?
It's out on the porch.
Ha ha!
Ok.
MALE SINGER: ♪ No place like home ♪
[MUSIC STOPS]
Look, man, about our beef...
We're family.
We fight.
That's it?
I mean, usually you have something a little more cool and poetic to say right about now.
My bad.
I'm actually saving that for Darnell's party later.
You all right?
Simone is taking her son back.
She's going over to the parents' house tomorrow.
You going with her?
It's the same time as our team photo.
I mean, coach Montes is... is just now starting to trust me.
You know, I mean, I feel like I should be there for her and my guys, but at the same time, this is a life-changing decision for me and Simone.
She ask you to go?
J, you've been there for Simone every step of the way, man, but at some point, you've both got to trust that she's capable of making the right decision all on her own.
I mean, just 'cause y'all together-together don't mean you always got to step in and save her.
This, coming from our friendly neighborhood superhero?
I guess it's a lesson we both got to learn.
Yeah.
BILLY: All right.
Hey, guys, um, I just want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
I don't even know what to say.
We actually got one more surprise for you, man.
Heh!
What is this?
[DARNELL CHUCKLES]
Oh, wow.
Wow, man.
Thanks.
- BILLY: Ooh.
- SPENCER: Crenshaw will always be your home, so take as long as you need for Ms.
Renee to recover...
And when it's time to come back, we, your family, are gonna be right here, waiting for you and your mom.
Appreciate that.
Ok, ok, let's do this here.
[LAUGHTER]
HAMZAA: ♪ I put it all in the song ♪
♪ I hope you hear this one ♪
♪ 'cause when it's all said and done ♪
♪ There's nothing left to say ♪
♪ I thought I'd only become ♪
♪ The last of what is to come ♪
♪ So forgive me for my insecurity ♪
SPENCER: "The day of the cotillion startedlike any other day.
"I had no idea I'd end it taking a b*llet for a friend.
"I mean, yeah, the minute Tyrone showed up at my job, "I was worried for Coop's safety, but if I'm being honest, "being worried about Coop is nothing new.
"I've been trying to save her from not just g*ng v*olence, but from herself for as long as I can remember."
PATIENCE: Dude, Liv's working in the gym with those dance kids, and they're dope.
Yeah, the only thing more dope would be you on this song with me.
- PATIENCE: Yeah, I know.
- LAYLA: Well, um, I may have figured out a way to free Patience from her contract.
SPENCER: "See, that's the thing about family.
Sometimes you do the unthinkable to save them from themselves."
What's wrong, Gayle?
Was Patience a minor when we signed her?
Because we're being sued, and I'll give you one guess by who.
So who's calling J.P. to tell him that his daughter is coming for his neck?
SPENCER: "and that's what I was trying to do for Coop that day.
That's why I confronted Tyrone."
ASHER: Hey, good work today.
I'm free to help run that play again anytime.
KEITH: All right.
ASHER: Just remember, trust your technique.
- KEITH: Ok, thanks.
- MONTES: You a coach now?
Just doing my part.
Keith wanted to get in some extra time on the field.
Last game, he took a bad angle and over-pursued, which allowed the other team's tailback to score.
That's the answer to your question from our film study.
Look, coach, I've made some mistakes, but I love these guys more than anything.
And while you may keep me benched forever, you can't stop me from helping my teammates.
I knew you'd get it.
Look, I only pushed you because I knew you'd get there.
You are valuable to this team in more ways than one.
I always believed that, but I needed you to see it for yourself.
HAMZAA: ♪ Can I get away ♪
- MONTES: Come on.
- HAMZAA: ♪ For a minute ♪
♪ 'cause I'm out of Patience ♪
SPENCER: "but what I didn't realize at the time was that "it's not always our job to save those we love.
"Sometimes we have to let them stand or fall on their own."
JORDAN: Hey, Simone, it's... it's me.
Um, look, I just want to let you know that I love you.
Look, I know you're more than strong enough to handle this on your own, but if you need me, I'm just a phone call away.
HAMZAA: ♪ Put it all in the song ♪
♪ Yeah, I'll write it down ♪
♪ Yeah, I'll write it down and put it all in the ♪
Hi.
I'm Simone.
Um...
May I?
M-my wife and son are in there.
I know.
I'm really sorry.
WOMAN: Babe, babe.
He just laughed, I swear.
Shay full-on laughed, not gas or whatever.
Real laughter.
SIMONE: I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have come.
Wait.
Why don't we sit down?
No.
uh...
It's ok.
He looks so happy, and Shay is right where he's supposed to be, and it's clearly here with you all and not with me, so, um, I'm really sorry that I scared you.
Hold up.
HAMZAA: ♪ Can I get... ♪
You don't have to apologize for coming to see your son.
- HAMZAA: ♪ 'cause I'm out of Patience ♪
- TARIQ: Maybe you could stop by and check... check on him from time to time.
WOMAN: Yeah, I mean, there is no reason why we can't all be in his life.
HAMZAA: ♪...
You'd hear me when I say... ♪
Would you like to hold him?
HAMZAA: ♪ So I'll write it down ♪
♪ Yeah, I'll write it down and put it all in the song ♪
Shay Kobe Douglas...
Meet your other mom.
- HAMZAA: ♪ In the song ♪
- WOMAN: Aren't you lucky?
You get two.
HAMZAA: ♪ In the song ♪
WOMAN: Why don't we come inside?
HAMZAA: ♪ Yeah, I'll write it down ♪
♪ Yeah, I'll write it down... ♪
SPENCER: "sometimes, when you get in the way, "you end up paying the price.
"But I didn't know that then, so I kept trying "to get Coop to listen, if only she would have.
"When I warned her that Tyrone was up to something, "when I told her not to get jumped into the g*ng, "when I warned her about getting revenge for Shawn, "or when I told her a year ago not to get involved "with Shawn in the first place, "all that led to what happened the night I was shot.
"It's taken me all this time to realize that yeah, "I took a b*llet for a friend that day, "but the b*llet I took wasn't for Liv.
"It was for Coop.
"Coop is who I blame for what happened to me.
"Coop...
Is my stuck point."
HAMZAA: ♪ Yeah, I'll write it down ♪
♪ And put it all in the ♪