Our Kind of People (2021) s01e03 Episode Script

1
Previously on "Our Kind of People"
Got to figure out
how to get into Franklin
so I can find out the truth
about what Teddy did to Mama.
I just need that interview.
I'm gonna have my office call you.
You're one step closer
to the incubator program.
My father didn't just step down.
I pushed him out.
I'm getting Darmon back.
I've seen pictures of the two of you.
You look at her like she's
I love her? Because I do.
I love you.
But I can't support this.
I'm placing you under arrest
for the attempted murder
of Taylor Woods.
- What?
- [CROWD MURMURS, CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICKING]
Daddy.
Evelyn Vaughn was no more
than a broken-down,
money-hungry, drug-dealing con!
- She sold me for $50,000.
- No, no.
There's no denying that
Angela Vaughn is your sister.
Get it out of your system,
before she uncovers skeletons
that could ruin this family.
Now, is that any way
to talk to an old friend?
WOMAN: Ladies and gentlemen,
Teddy Franklin and our honoree,
Leah Franklin.
TEDDY: Good evening.
[APPLAUSE]
Hold your head high
Mommy?!
[LAUGHS]
Mommy, I-I need
to ask you so many things.
I-I miss you so much.
I'm still here, baby.
Could I do this if I weren't?
Vaughn family dance?
Come on, whoo!
Celebration
All of us together
Celebration
Celebrating you and me
[FADING] Celebration
Mommy?
Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, don't go!
Mommy, wait!
Why did you sell me?
[GASPS]
[EXHALES SHARPLY]
I need to know.
Head high
Confident
Strong mind
Resilient
You can't break me,
I was born to rise
Our kind of people
Ooh, ooh
Our kind of people
Ooh, ooh
PIGGY: Alright, baby girl, let
me see that Vaughn family dance.
Booty! Snap, snap!
Uh-oh! You got some competition,
baby girl!
And 5, 6, 7.
- You've got a lot to smile about
- PIGGY: Ha ha!
- Patty cake!
- Ah!
- And you deserve it
- [LAUGHTER]
ANGELA: Yes! I got
Mama Eve's dance moves!
Oh! Got the party started early.
Juneteenth decorations up.
Mama loved celebrating this holiday
like it was Black Christmas.
You know, I thought Juneteenth
in the Bluffs was gonna be lame,
but there's a march in Edgartown.
There's some live speakers,
poetry readings.
And I keep hearing about this
"Red & Black on the Green"
that the Franklins are throwing.
Yeah, we're probably not on
the guest list for that one.
Baby girl, what did you do
with the banners
that you and your grandma made?
Um, I'll go get 'em.
I am so happy
that she is thriving here.
It is a far cry from last year
when she was smoking weed
and hanging out
with those badass kids.
Oh, baby, you set her free,
bringing her to this place.
What you doing?
Just fixing these up so I
can put my best foot forward.
Oh, yeah, that's right, you got that
dog-and-pony show today at Franklin.
Small business incubator.
Aren't you excited?
I didn't sleep well.
Had a bad dream about Mama.
I just can't get over her selling me.
I heard you up and down.
You couldn't sleep?
- I heard voices.
- Mm.
Guess I fell asleep with the TV on.
[LAUGHS]
Lord, please, help me nail
this presentation.
Girl, you will.
I got to.
That's the only way
I can get into Franklin Holdings
and sniff around and find out
what Teddy did to Mama.
[CELLPHONE VIBRATING]
[VIBRATING CONTINUES]
LAUREN: I'm just happy to be
out of lockup.
I can't believe Taylor
had me arrested.
Your mother's excited to see you.
She's been picking out
these flower arrangements
for her Juneteenth party.
I'm sure she would love your input.
Dad, all she cares about
is that things
are perfect
for "Red & Black on the Green."
Well, this party is important
to your Nana Rose.
I think that's why it's
so important to your mother.
If that's why it was important to her,
why is Nana Rose never here?
How about we go ask your mother?
[CELLPHONE CHIMES]
Taylor out of the hospital yet?
- She reached out?
- Not since she pressed charges.
Listen, I don't know exactly
what happened on that yacht,
but I can tell your relationship
with Taylor
is very important to you.
Dad, I know that you probably think
that this is just some girl
fight that's gone too far.
I like girls.
Like, I love Taylor.
And
I love you.
Okay?
Always will.
- [CELLPHONE VIBRATES]
- [RAP MUSIC PLAYS]
Ugh, no.
No. Uh, Quincy, can you turn
that music down, please?
I-I just want to make sure
that we have
the right shade of red
for the ceremony.
I mean, this is great,
but these are all just too pink.
Yes, Ma'am. I'll alert
the event coordinator.
Okay.
Yo, look who got emancipated.
Are these Juneteenth jokes?
Real tacky, bro.
[CHUCKLES]
Hey.
I couldn't sleep thinking of you
locked up in that place.
I'm glad you're home.
Hey, why don't you get cleaned up?
Because we've got a lot to do.
I've made sure the right press outlets
will feature a family photo
during the Rose Ceremony
at "Red & Black on the Green"
this weekend.
So we will present a united front
at one of the most anticipated
events of the summer season.
Mom, why?
Because my mother
started the tradition.
Each rose, passed
from older generation
to younger generation,
represents bloodshed
on our road to freedom
and how we transformed
that trauma to strength.
And if there's anyone
who needs transformation
right now, it's you.
Y-You might be out on bail,
but Taylor hasn't dropped the charges.
Lo, let's, uh
let's get you flea-dipped.
- Lauren, just
- Eh
At some point, you have to realize
that what you're doing isn't working.
You push, I listen.
Anyway, I think we should
get down to the office.
Angela Vaughn is going to
present her business
for the incubator program.
You gave her an interview?
- Is that a problem?
- It's
not a choice I would've made.
Then I'm glad I made the call.
Baby, don't wait your whole
life just to have a good time
Got the big boss
doing hard labor, huh?
I had to cut the electric and the air
while I installed a security system.
How much is that gonna cost me?
Consider it a client gift
from me to you.
Gotta keep your goods protected.
Thank you.
And I will have a lot more goods
if this meeting goes well.
I see you guys love you
some Juneteenth.
Oh, yeah.
My mother always taught us
to celebrate freedom.
Oh, are you free later today?
We hitting up a Juneteenth party?
I could use some red drinks
and hot links.
No, it's not a party,
but I promise it'll be fun.
Dress comfortable.
I'll pick you up at 7:00.
Okay.
I want all of it
When you throw it, throw it back
To summarize, with Eve's Crown,
nurtured by Franklin Holdings,
the possibilities are endless.
LEAH: I think we should
address the obvious issue.
Your packaging.
[DOOR CLOSES]
Oh, that's my mother's image.
When I told her I wanted her
to be the face of the product,
she almost fainted.
She just never saw herself
as exceptionally beautiful
or special like that.
But that's all I ever saw.
Well, you could easily sell
at a higher price point
with a bottle
that's more upscale and modern
and less ghetto swap meet.
Well, this country
has over 1,100 flea markets
and swap meets that generate
$30 billion-plus a year.
And in case you were unaware,
a "ghetto" is a neighborhood
where oppressive systems work
to disenfranchise and impoverish
Black, Brown, and Indigenous peoples.
And those people have been
buying Eve's Crown for years.
So I don't feel the need
to change the packaging
or the price,
and I won't leave them behind.
Right.
Sorry, Raymond, but until
she's able to process critique,
it's a no from me.
And with that, we are adjourned.
Well, obviously, we won't
know until we know, right?
Okay. Well, get back to me, then.
Hey, I hope you understand
that I push all the incubator
applicants like that.
I mean, it's a part of being a mentor.
It's nothing personal.
How could it be personal?
I'm no one to you, right?
Mm. No.
No one at all.
Happy Juneteenth.
[CHUCKLES]
Mm, freedom
Oh, freedom over me
Thank you for your feedback.
It was thoughtful.
And you have a happy
Juneteenth, too, sis.
And before I'd be a slave
I'd be buried in my grave
And go home to my Lord and be free
Things ain't been the same
since you went away
The hood done change
Hey, my people.
I have a huge opportunity
for Eve's Crown.
But in order to grab a hold of it,
I need to make some
changes, and change is hard.
So I'm coming to y'all 'cause
you're like family to me.
You know, I'm an only child.
My mom and I used to always make
the big decisions together,
but she's gone now.
And y'all are my sisters.
You know, even when I started
going live,
you told me the truth.
What was dope, what was wack,
what worked, what didn't.
A'ight, so boom.
Change the packaging or not?
Dope idea or "don't you dare"?
Let me know.
Sound off in the comments.
Mwah.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS
IN BACKGROUND]
Had an interesting
incubator meeting today.
Eve's Crown seems promising.
Angela Vaughn applied?
She has some work to do, but
she's hungry. She wants to build it out
for her family legacy.
Speaking of which, I want
to talk to you about Darmon.
[LAUGHS] We've discussed this.
Well, let's discuss it again.
Now, as you know,
Darmon is back on its feet again
because of me.
And by my projections,
we are on track to pay back
all of the bailout money before
the end of the year with our profits
ahead of time.
Just one problem.
You locked me out of the books.
[SIGHS]
They always say that women
marry men that remind them
of their fathers.
You and I, so different.
I never would have agreed
to the bailout.
I never would've given my company away
to another man.
And I certainly would never ask
for something
that belonged to me.
Now, maybe that's the "Q Dog" in me.
And your ask, polite though it may be,
is as "nupe" as they come.
So, I'm sorry, son, but "nupe."
[CHUCKLES]
Darmon and its books
stay in my control
until the bailout is repaid.
Thing about us pretty boys
is that we may look weak
but we carry a strong cane.
[DOOR SLAMS]
[SIGHS]
Hi, Mommy.
They told me that you were medicated
because, well, you've been
hiding your meds again.
[CHUCKLES]
I'm gonna need you to take
better care of yourself, okay?
Your Juneteenth ball is tomorrow.
We're doing your ceremony.
"Your courage will be my courage.
Your strength will be my strength."
[SIGHS]
Remember, Mommy?
Every summer, your Juneteenth party
was the one invitation
that everyone wanted.
Remember?
This is not the right rose.
Hey, Mommy.
Leah, come help Mommy practice
the Rose Ceremony.
Remember the words?
Yes.
"My courage will be your courage.
My strength is your strength.
From generation to generation"
"may the roots of our past bloom
into bright futures."
No. That rose is still too pink!
Your hands are bleeding!
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
No!
Help Mommy!
Teddy? Wait no no!
I need to get ready for Juneteenth!
- What are you doing?!
- Mommy!
- Mommy!
- What are they doing?
Teddy, this is your fault!
Teddy, please!
Mommy!
Please!
Teddy!
Leah, we will not talk
about this with anyone.
Mommy's broken.
That is a weakness.
Weakness is powerlessness.
Say it for me.
Weakness is powerlessness.
And now I know what he did.
Having a baby with another
woman, the shame of that
I would never survive that.
I don't even know how you did.
I don't know how to be
completely honest
in my marriage.
Because I saw how exposed
you were in yours.
I brought you a rose.
Isn't it pretty?
You know what? I, um
I'll put it right here.
How about I, um
I finish your hair, okay?
Yeah?
Okay.
'Cause I'm a different pedigree
Something that you'll never be
I see my destiny right ahead of me
Victory is in my sights
In my sights
if I don't die tonight
Die tonight
I'm a different pedigree
- Something that you'll never be
- [POUNDING ON DOOR]
[MUSIC SHUTS OFF]
Who's knocking on my door like that?
Help me understand why you would
be going to visit my mother?
[SCOFFS] Okay.
Uh, help me understand
why you creeping on my social media.
What? What are you talking about?
I saw you.
I went to see Rose 'cause I had
some questions about my mother.
You know, the one you want
to remove from my product.
I'd rather you not play coy.
I'm sure you had questions
about my father.
I mean, I know all about
your little paternity claims.
They're not little
paternity claims, honey.
We're blood. I ran a DNA test.
- With what DNA?
- Don't worry about how.
And if he sent you here rather
than come and face me himself,
our father is a damn coward.
So you know I'm not just gonna
let you come up in here
and destroy my name
and my family's name
in one fell swoop, right?
[CHUCKLES]
Okay. So, uh, what's your price?
I mean, do you have a number in mind?
If you agree to leave permanently,
I am prepared to be very generous.
[LAUGHS]
This heifer did not
just offer me a check.
You know, Franklin Holdings
runs credit inquiries
on anyone trying to get
into the incubator.
I mean, not that you have
a snowball's chance in hell
of getting in.
But I will not stand
for any kind of scandal
around this company.
It means too much to me.
So, I can erase the debt
that you're holding
between those four credit cards.
Oh, and a little bit more
for the defaulted student loans
from Howard.
And, of course, the balloon payment
that's due
on your small-business loan.
Understand something about me.
Hmm?
No one will ever buy
or sell Angela Vaughn.
You know what? Here.
Oh, my God.
How about you go run
another DNA test so you can see?
It's just gonna prove what
you're trying to run from.
That Daddy's little princess
is gonna have to share the throne.
Go ahead. Take it!
[SCOFFS]
You're gonna love
having me for a sister.
[DOOR CLOSES]
[DOOR OPENS]
ANGELA: You should've come
to see me yourself.
You owe me that.
[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES]
You look so much like Eve
You do not get to say her name.
And you don't get to send
your little mini-me over
to pay me off.
I will never be for sale.
You're that ashamed of me?
'Cause you should be ashamed
of yourself.
[CLEARS THROAT]
I never sent Leah.
And
you don't know the whole
story about me and your mother.
So tell me.
Because all I remember is that
you promised her the world
and never delivered.
And you slammed the door in my face.
You didn't even look back.
I sat on that stoop,
crying in the rain.
Soaked my dress through.
Now that I can finally look you
in the eye,
I know that your power,
your wealth name,
none of that means anything.
Because you are contemptible,
alone, trash,
just like every other man
who won't honor his obligation
to raise his child.
I'm sorry
you feel that way.
But
you're here now.
And we need to find a way
to manage this.
Manage?
Manage?
What am I, a business deal to you?
No.
You have never been.
And neither was your mother.
So, what do you want me to do now?
[GASPS]
The same thing you've always done
nothing.
[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES]
Unh, yeah
Legs smooth and they long
Unh, yeah
He bite the bullet,
yeah, chew it off
Unh, big body, take yo shoes off
- Come on. Let's take a selfie.
- Okay, okay, cool.
I got too much cash, yikes
[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKING]
- [LAUGHS]
- Send those to me.
- I will, I will.
- Okay, okay. Cool.
[LAUGHTER]
Half these chicks didn't even
text me in the hospital.
Can we please hang out
this summer? Please.
I mean, I still miss
a muggy Juneteenth
street fair from back home,
but of course we can hang out
if every party's like this.
- It is.
- [LAUGHS]
House or field?
- Field. Def.
- [LAUGHTER]
Oooh! Do Drake next.
He escaped to Canada.
Y'all are joking about house or field?
Colorism is what keeps us all
in that slave mentality,
and it's mad disrespectful
to the ancestors
and to everyone here.
No, they just being dumb
because of Juneteenth.
Don't trip. Come on.
New bitch? Field AF.
[LAUGHTER]
How about I snatch a couple of rows
of that dusty-ass weave
off that scalp?
- A bitch can try.
- I can try
- Nikki! Nikki!
- Let go! Let go! Let go!
[INDISTINCT SHOUTING]
Calm down.
Crazy.
Nikki!
Nikki!
This is what I wanted to show you.
Negro, what is all this?
Welcome to my VIP skybox.
Oh.
- Go ahead.
- Okay.
Make yourself at home.
Take it in, look around.
[CHUCKLES]
You guys can take five.
Thank you.
It's not official yet.
I haven't landed an invite
to pitch to Teddy,
but this is what it'll feel like
in the most important design
I've ever done.
- Mm.
- You know, open air, relaxing.
Just imagine all this in this stadium.
Mm.
This project could get me
one step closer to my dream.
You know, I want to create
meaningful commercial spaces
for us, by us.
Mm, I love that.
I have the same fire.
Where do you get yours from?
Honestly, I want to stand on my own.
Over in Edgartown,
I'm the man, you know?
But everywhere else on this island,
they see me as the bodyguard's
son that took a handout.
And the Franklins, they
they treat me like family,
but still, I'm trying to
step out of their shadow.
Wow. Well, um,
if I'm gonna be spending time
in your VIP box,
I need to know what's on the menu.
Well, what you want to order?
To start.
Odo you blow my mind, oh
I'm not this girl.
What girl?
The one who gets in fights at parties.
But that game?
Judging people off their skin color?
Might as well have a brown
paper bag test at the door.
I got in a fight for the
same thing last year.
My grandma had just died.
And she was my best friend.
And I wasn't really coping.
I'm so sorry.
You know, someone just posted a
a video of it on social media.
I-I didn't even know
anyone recorded it.
And now I'm just
"angry Black girl" for life, so
That's not the girl I met.
Or the girl I want to get to know.
I actually have a mistake of my own
I'm not sure how to take back.
I lied about Lauren pushing me
off that yacht.
Honestly, I-I was drunk,
so I'm not exactly sure what happened,
but there's no way Lauren pushed me.
I just woke up in that hospital room
still so angry with her.
We're
like
That's your boo.
I saw it on your phone.
But you can still tell the truth.
Or, you know, you can let it
fester into trauma
and, uh, you can be like me
at a party one night,
swinging on bitches
and crying on a kayak.
[BOTH LAUGH]
[LAUGHS]
LAUREN: You know about me and Taylor?
QUINCY: Of course I know.
I mean, Taylor's kinda extra,
but if that's your type
Why do we have to hide things
in this family?
Like Grandma Rose? And my sexuality?
It's stupid.
I just wish I could find a way
to make Mom listen.
Last time I lurked
outside the kids' room,
I learned how "cringey" I could be.
[CHUCKLES]
- I'm glad that they're a team.
- Mm.
Even if it is just
to drag us mercilessly.
I mean, I never had that
as an only child.
Well, there is strength in numbers.
Is there?
I mean, I never wanted a sibling.
I always thought there was
a finite amount of love
to go around.
I was 9 when I learned that,
in my family,
affection could be turned off
like a light switch.
Especially when my father
sent my mother away.
And Angela's mother.
She was his mistress.
What?
Raymond, Angela is my
half-sister.
My father confirmed it.
So, what does she want?
I don't know.
And I offered her a lot of money
to go away.
Hmm.
See, and that's why you dislike her.
She's making you
do something you hate.
She's making you wait and see.
Aah!
Who the hell are you?
[LAUGHS]
What, are you you Shaft now?
Part of me Part of me
thought that you wouldn't be
foolish enough to come out here.
You bought a piece of land
here in 1984.
About a few days after Darius
and I had our
- falling out.
- [LAUGHS]
You mean after you killed him.
And then you bought up
all the land around it.
Mm-hmm.
There's an endangered species
of bird that nests
at a beach nearby here
the piping plover.
Now, I bought this land
as part of a local effort
to help protect their habitat.
And like so many others,
these plovers are seasonal
visitors to the island.
Eventually, they leave,
which is exactly
what I need Angela to do
leave Oak Bluffs.
I told you last night,
I want your help with that.
And I told you that
Angela's stubborn as a tick.
She ain't leaving.
And I'm done playing your game.
Now, is he out here or not?
Hmm.
[CAR DOOR CLOSES]
I called your bluff. You called mine.
But I still hold leverage over you,
and when it suits me, I will use it.
Nicole Aisha Vaughn where you been?
I-I was at the beach with Taylor.
Hold up. Are you high?
It's not that big of a deal.
It is a big deal, Nikki.
This is the behavior that got
you in trouble last year.
I'm not having a remix of that.
[SIGHS]
Give me your phone.
Now, Nicole.
I'm putting a tracking app on it
and deleting social media for a week.
I can't believe
What is this?
Please don't play that, Mom.
Please don't play it.
TEEN GIRL: You're lookin' like a
skillet that needs some grease.
Nikki: Say that again, bitch.
You heard me. I said skillet.
[ CROWD GASPING]
Is this the fight that got you
in trouble last year?
Somebody called you that?
No.
They were talking about
Mama Eve's dark skin.
She came for parent weekend that
one time you went to Beautycon.
Why didn't you tell me?
Because you and I
don't talk like that.
And I know you're trying,
but I miss talking to her.
And I miss having more family around.
And I wish she was here.
She was my best friend.
[DOOR CLOSES]
Man, all last year,
I didn't see the pain,
I just saw her acting out.
And now I'm so busy
building this business,
and I missed it again.
I'm failing my daughter.
Oh, lies all damn day.
Every minute of the past year
has been about you
saving your baby girl.
Even coming here.
You just gotta keep
reminding yourself of that.
- Keep working. Keep pushing.
- Mm-hmm.
What was that Eve used to say?
Uh, "Grab a bull by the horns,
not by the butt."
Grab that bull by the horn
and run, girl.
[CHUCKLES] For Nikki.
Mm.
Now, you got to play smarter,
not harder.
I'm gonna need a dress
for the "Red & Black
on the Green" function.
- And shoes.
- Uh-huh.
What, you got a red, green,
and black invitation?
I need to get in that
incubator program,
so I'm gonna sneak into
Leah's little party
and talk to the one person
who's above her pay grade
Teddy.
Can't tell me, can't tell me,
can't tell me
You can't tell me nothing
Big break, now I'm gonna take,
sayonara to them haters
Bye-bye, see ya later
I can, I can spend your money
Fast, faster than you make it
Once I show you how I do it,
it's a dead conversation
Watch me snake with it
Now watch me snake with it
S-S-S, shake with it
Watch me snake with it
I'm swerving it, moving it,
switching it like a Ducati
MAN: Mr. Franklin.
Got everyone watching me
like I'm in a new Bugatti
I wasn't prepared for
our conversation earlier.
I regret that.
And I wasn't prepared to ask
for what I wanted.
So there is something.
A place in the incubator program.
You can pull that string for me.
A future for my business means
a future for my own daughter.
A direct ask is my only option.
Mm.
Motivated.
Resourceful.
Stubborn as a tick.
[CHUCKLES]
You're more complex than this cognac.
Leah oversees that program.
I can't overstep.
So, no?
Well, then, I guess nothing
is still the best
you have to offer me.
Hey, Grandad? It's Nana.
- What's going on?
- I don't know. She's here.
What? What is she doing here?
Mommy, let me just help you.
I can walk by myself, damn it.
I just want to get a rose
for my daughter!
LAUREN: I've never seen
Nana Rose like this.
What's wrong with her?
She hasn't been complying
with treatment.
This is a manic episode.
Did you bring her?
I'm so sorry, Mom.
These roses aren't the right color!
What is going on?
Leah! Come quick.
These roses, anything that you see
with pink undertones,
they all must go.
No, no, Mommy,
I'm your daughter. I'm Leah.
You're not my damn daughter!
- What did you do to her?
- Nothing.
Why does she think that you're me?
I don't know.
Mommy, come on. Let's just get
you back in your chair.
No. Get your damn hands off me!
I don't know you!
Ow! Help!
Mommy, Mommy!
- Oh!
- Oh, my God!
[SPECTATORS MURMURING]
Rose, now easy, easy. Easy.
You'll be alright. Come on now.
You're gonna be okay.
Careful, careful.
Easy, easy, easy. Easy, there you are.
It's okay. It's okay, Mommy.
You're not my damn daughter!
I am your damn daughter.
That woman is Daddy's bastard,
Angela
from his affair with Eve, the maid!
Well, why would she be here?
To embarrass me in front
of all my friends?
Why is she here?
Oh, no, no, no.
You don't get to run from this.
The gossip sites have
already picked us up.
You have humiliated us
after all this family has done,
after all I've done.
All because you couldn't keep
your penis in your marriage.
No, it's because you could not
keep your emotions to yourself.
Now, if you want to put blame
on someone,
place it directly on your shoulders.
You need to watch
how you're talking to my wife.
Well, your wife made this mess.
She needs to fix it.
You're the great
Teddy Franklin, right?
You fix it.
LEAH: It's okay.
I'm not gonna ask you again, Leah.
Handle it.
ANGELA: You know,
my mama always used to say
she'd rather grab a bull
by the horns than by the butt.
Homespun hood wisdom. Charming.
People only like gossip
they think is strong like tea.
If we step on that stage together,
present as a family,
they'll stop talking
'cause the tea ain't strong.
Hello, hello. Can you hear me?
[LAUGHS]
Well, good afternoon, everyone.
And welcome
to "Red & Black on the Green."
[APPLAUSE] My mother hasn't hosted
her beloved Rose Ceremony for years.
And as you saw, though her spirit
is quite strong,
her health prevents it.
But her intentions for this event
is especially poignant today.
While passing traditions
from one generation to the next
can be uplifting,
it can also be rooted
in the pain of slavery.
Without removing the shackles
of our past,
are any of us truly free?
Today has shown me that my family
is only as free as its secrets.
Unfortunately, this announcement
today came out
in a way that we did not intend.
It's only recently that, um
we found out that my father
- has another daughter.
- [AUDIENCE GASPING, MURMURING]
This woman recently
came into our lives,
and, tonight, we welcome her,
out of our secret past,
into the strength of family.
My sister, Angela Vaughn.
[APPLAUSE]
Welcome to the family.
[APPLAUSE]
Thank you, Leah,
for that beautiful introduction.
What are you doing?
The Franklins have embraced me
as a daughter, sister,
and fellow businesswoman
by granting me a spot
in the Franklin Holdings
small-business incubator program.
This opportunity will help me
grow Eve's Crown
into something my new family
can be proud of
and something to pass on
to future generations.
[CHUCKLES]
Guess I am "Franklin material"
after all.
[APPLAUSE]
[CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICKING]
WOMAN: Angela, this way.
TEDDY: So, there's no way that Angela
can trace this back to me, right?
Well, I created a backdoor
that's password protected.
She'll never know you have access.
[CHUCKLES]
You know, I don't think
Angela is a problem.
She's just here to build her business.
She's a good woman.
I would agree, but, um, she used
the family announcement
to work her way into my company,
and I want to make sure
that's where her agenda ends.
I made such a mess
when I fell for the help.
[CHUCKLES]
Half of my family was "the help."
My Dad was "the help."
I'm sorry.
I meant no offense.
As a matter of fact, um
I've been thinking about
how much I've asked
of you lately with Angela.
It's probably distracted you
from work.
Um, let me offer you
something to make up for it.
No, you don't
you don't need to pay me.
Well, would you accept an opportunity?
To come into the office
and pitch the VIP boxes?
Construction on the stadium will
move into the next phase soon.
I'd love to see what you come up with.
I I'd love to.
Alright.
Thank you for your loyalty, son.
[CELLPHONE RINGING]
I'll let you get that.
Thank you.
[DOOR OPENS]
[DOOR CLOSES]
- Yeah.
- DR. BRISCOE: Mr. Franklin?
Dr. Briscoe.
You wanted me to call you
as soon as I got the results.
The tremors, the slurring
is all conclusive.
I'm sorry, but you have Parkinson's.
[CELLPHONE CLICKS]
[CELLPHONE THUDS]
[DOOR OPENS]
[SIGHS]
[DOOR CLOSES]
[VOICE BREAKING] A sister?
How could you not tell me
about Nana Rose?
She's my grandmother.
And these new people?
I'm just supposed to accept
that they're my family?
I am trying so hard to change
and just accept myself for who I am,
but I can't continue
to be this perfect person
that you always expect me to be.
I'm tired.
Lauren, you are perfect.
I'm sorry I ever made you
feel otherwise.
I understand why you brought
Nana Rose tonight.
And I forgive you.
And as for Taylor,
I spoke to the lawyers,
and she has finally
come to her senses.
She dropped the charges.
So you see, things
are already looking up.
Come here.
I just need to know
that you can accept me
for who I really am, Mom.
Yes.
I was raised to hide my flaws,
to project perfection
to the world, and
and then I expected you
to deny who you are.
I did to you what my father did to me.
I just want you to be free.
Momma said be careful
Out here in these streets
Keep your day ones close
And watch your enemies
ANGELA: Oh.
She was everything to me,
and I just
I feel like I'm losing family
that I don't have much of
to begin with.
Mm.
Yeah.
And I can't believe they
publicly accepted you.
You have family now. Mm.
I'm actually kind of jealous of you.
Mm.
Today, he stood up there
and he called you his.
You know how I'm always
posting on the 'Gram?
It's because I have this fantasy
that he's gonna find my page one day
and see that my eyes look
just like his.
"His"?
Um, my dad.
But I-I know it was just,
like, a one-night stand
and you don't know him.
But I don't know.
I just I think about it sometimes.
It's not
Gotta keep my head on straight
Well, uh, you know, it's not much,
but I was thinking that
we could honor Mama Eve
by keeping it in the family
and making you the new face
of Eve's Crown.
- Me?
- Mm-hmm.
Like, on all the bottles?
On all the bottles. [CHUCKLES]
You're beautiful.
And you stand in your grace.
You know, even when you get
your little attitude.
But that's 'cause you know
who you are.
I wish I knew that
when I was your age.
But that's one of the
lessons of motherhood
your kids teach you things.
I'm learning
there's some things around here
I gotta fix.
It's like they wanna
GUARD: Hands off the desk.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
[RADIO CHATTER]
[DOOR BUZZES]
[DOOR CLOSES, BUZZES]
Angela.
What the hell are you doing here?
I think it's time.
It's time for Nikki
to meet her father.