Being Mary Jane (2013) s04e01 Episode Script
Getting Nekkid
1 MARY JANE: Previously, on "Being Mary Jane" Please, God, if he's mine, just give me a sign.
[gasps.]
How do you forget about a wife?! Did you know that me and your husband have been sleeping together? Do you want me to just stop working so I can chauffeur the kids around? I think they should come live with me full-time.
All I do is work.
- GREG: She came to me.
- KARA: Yeah? Because she wants to file a complaint against you to HR for intimidation, - publically disparaging her character - [gasps.]
What? No! and accusing her of having an affair with her superior me! I want to win an Emmy for producing "Nightly News.
" You have two kids by two different men.
NIECY: Get off of me! What the hell is wrong with you?! OFFICER: Just calm down.
2nd OFFICER: Tase her! Tase her! NIECY: [groans.]
[head thuds.]
I'm seeing someone.
Oh.
I just feel like I need closure.
Like if I knew why, then I could let him go.
KARA: He's with somebody else, that's why.
PAUL: Go out there and get your happiness, and if it's not David, move on.
MARY JANE: You're not on drugs, are you, Patrick? PATRICK: I take a little something to help me focus, but it's far from coke.
I swear I'll never do that again.
PAUL: You also swore you'd never do any drug, but you broke that promise.
KARA: I've gotta hear this.
You are telling me that you have never, ever, ever, ever - been with a White boy? - MARY JANE: Never.
- Seriously? - Ever.
KARA: All right, all right.
Well, what ya think? MARY: He definitely exceeded my stereotypical expectations.
- KARA: Oh? - One stereotype that was true Mm-hm? They do love to "chomp the box," and you should have told me.
KARA: Yes, they do.
I like Black men.
I want Black love.
Let me love Let me touch, let me love So you can give it up Let me drink From the fountain In the car On the street In the dark, baby On the beach In the back of the car Let me Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh I'm ready Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh Don't stop Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh I'm ready Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh Don't stop MARY JANE: Can you give me just one minute? Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh I'm ready Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh Don't stop Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh I'm ready All I want - - All night Keep going All I want All night Keep going All I want All night - Keep going - WOMAN: You've never had a successful, committed relationship.
That's what I'm getting.
I suppose that depends on what you consider "successful.
" I have had a couple of men propose.
One was married.
Uh, I didn't know it.
Why do you think a matchmaker can help you? You're the best, right? But I'm not a miracle worker.
The high-achieving professional men and women that I work with, they must be willing to do something that isn't easy.
They must get past the surface and find out what's really goin' on.
Absolutely, and I will.
You've been in New York, what? - Two days.
- To start a big, high-profile new job, no less.
Yes.
I suggest you wait a few months.
No, no, this is my opportunity for a fresh start.
I mean, not just with my job, but with everything.
The questionnaire and self-assessment are just a start.
There are rules.
Whatever it takes.
KARA: Come on, baby, we rose from the ashes to get to where we are right now, okay? We've gotta acknowledge it, mama.
Here's to your new kick-ass job in the number one market in the country New York City, baby! And to the woman who got me the job.
Oh, I got you the interview, mama.
You got the job.
[laughs.]
Oh.
Oh.
Okay, it looks like we have a different kind of celebration in mind for tonight.
Do you think he's a good lay? I mean, I know that it's not like I could tell, but if you had to take a guess.
- Why? - This is my last chance to have sex.
It could be months before there's another opportunity.
What? Wait a minute.
This is New York City, mama.
There's an endless supply of men here.
- I took a pledge.
- Oh.
Okay.
Yeah, starting tomorrow, no more auditioning boys in my bed.
It's time for the professional matchmaker.
- A matchmaker? - Mm-hm.
Was this one of your White friend's suggestions? It was Molly, wasn't it? No, she caters to diverse, professional women, like me.
How does that differ from a dating app? - It costs 20 grand.
- What?! Who the hell is she introducing you to? Is Barack leaving Michelle? So, tonight's about gettin' your freak outta your system, huh? The last casual encounter before my husband comes.
Well, if you don't find your husband, at least you'll have a few laughs.
Oh, off the charts in bed, I'm sure.
Hi.
You're Mary Jane Paul, right? - Yep.
- Can I buy you a drink? You know, I think this is more like a like a girls' night kinda thing.
- Some other time, then.
- MARY JANE: Sure.
I know I'm buttin', but that boy was fine.
And he also knew my name and who I was.
So what? So, I didn't bring any non-disclosure agreements and I'm not trying to be held accountable for my actions tonight.
You are so damn scandalous.
[laughing.]
This is [laughing.]
- Kara? - What? Don't look now.
I'm not the only one with a potential for scandal.
Girl, don't tempt me, 'cause I'm drunk enough and I don't give a damn.
Go.
He is primed and ready.
Now he probably had to get home to his mama before the street lights come on, but he's good to go.
All right.
I will see you mañana.
That's my girl.
KARA: Right now.
MAN: [laughs.]
MAN #2: [British accent.]
Like a pub back home in London.
[silently.]
Come here.
Thank you.
I'll give you that.
[mixed conversations in background.]
[British accent.]
Hello.
Did I overhear you say that you were from the UK? Yeah, London.
- Primrose Hill area.
- Hm - I moved here three weeks ago.
- Mm-hm.
I'm No name? No, I like to keep things mysterious.
Ah Are you a fugitive? - You're not a wanted woman? - Unh-unh.
Okay.
No, I'm just searching for a little escape before reality bites me in the morning.
So "London"are you in? Can you give me just one minute? Okay, okay, Kara, Kara [dialing phone.]
[phone ringing.]
- Okay - It's Kara.
Leave a message.
Kara, hey, it's MJ.
Yeah, um, I know my plan, uh, sounded really great in theory, but, uh, there's a strange man with a hard-on in my hotel room right now and it just feels a little crazy.
It's crazy, right? Okay, look, if I happen to die tonight, just know that, um, I made it a point of walking him past the security cameras.
Pray for me.
Whew! There she is.
"LONDON": Everything okay? Fine.
Can I fix you a drink? I've already had a couple.
But you can slip this on.
- On? - Your wrist.
I thought I'd be slipping on something else.
Oh, I have that, too, but we're gonna start here.
So when I want more More? [elastic snaps.]
Faster.
[elastic snaps.]
Harder.
Take your clothes off.
Let me love Let me touch Let me love You should give it up MARY JANE: [gasping.]
I need a break From myself And from my past MARY JANE: [moaning.]
[kissing.]
Is this not what you want? I can stop.
No.
No, don't.
I can't carry on unless you tell me to.
Damn it, I had plans.
[laughs.]
It's a fantasy, I'd been imagining Probably got the idea from a movie I saw in the '80s.
What is it? I don't think I want that.
What do you want? Hey, I'm just here for you, okay? Tell me what you want.
Tell me you love me.
I love you.
I never wanna go there I'm never gonna lay Only when I gotta know Just need a little touch A little on the gray scale I'ma get in there And I don't even know If you want to stay MAN: Anybody got a line on Mary Jane? I need her out here.
Anybody? - WOMAN: Try the green room.
- MAN: Show me that in 20.
KARA: [snapping fingers.]
Mary Jane! Mary Jane! Good morning, mama.
Come on.
Hurry up.
Let's go.
Listen, we're gonna start with the fans outside.
The floor manager's got the whole thing goin', okay? I'll be right there.
Just a minute.
Ronda and Aaron are on their way in.
Isn't this beautiful, mama? That could be your future right there.
That's gonna be your desk, you hear me? I need the mic for Mary Jane, please? Let's get moving here, thank you.
Give me that mic.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Are you okay? Talk to me.
What's wrong? Huh? What's the matter? - MARY JANE: Kara, um - What? There's something I I haven't told anyone, not even you.
I tried to tell you last night, but it just Okay.
What? - When I left SNC - Mm-hm? It wasn't because I wanted to.
I mean, they let me resign, but, really, they fired my ass.
Oh, because of the Niecy stuff? I knew when I was defending her, it was rough on all of us, but when I started really railing about police brutality and racial profiling, it was The only difference between you and me is I left before it got to that, okay? But you're here now.
God, the last time I was on camera, Kara, it it felt like it was that was it, like I was done.
MJ, the forced cheerfulness of morning TV is gonna strangle all of those doubts, okay? I know this is cheesy, but that is the job I wanted when I graduated college that.
You got this, okay? - I got this.
- You got this.
Trust me.
Take this mic, okay? Ready? Let's go.
FANS: [cheering.]
[shouting, cheering, applauding.]
Live from New York City, this is "Great Day USA.
" I'm Mary Jane Paul.
FANS: [cheering, shouting.]
- MARY JANE: Oh, it's cold! - KARA: Yes, I know.
- Here.
Here.
- Oh! Thank you.
I'd tell you that you're gonna get used to it, but I never could lie to you.
Oh, the Cory Booker interview.
RONDA: Do you think it's possible to get anything done in Washington? SENATOR BOOKER: I absolutely do.
She's about to hit him with the Ronda Sales' surprise question.
- There she goes - the Democrats keep bringing up because it seems to me that it is inevitable MARY JANE: Wait for it She's gonna lean KARA: [gasps.]
How did you know that? I spent the better part of my first on-air job just trying to imitate her recorded all of her newscasts, studied her delivery.
Mm.
I might have even used a couple of her tricks when I interviewed for this job.
Well, it worked because they're grooming you for her job.
Come on, let's go in here.
SENATOR BOOKER: Nothing worthwhile is achieved by shirking the challenge.
Mary Jane, welcome to the show.
Thank you so much for having me.
Of course.
- [pager beeping.]
- Hello? Yes.
Oh, excuse me.
You're a progressive champion, but you work alongside conservatives like Ted Cruz and Rand Paul.
I mean, I can't imagine it always being easy to find common ground.
No, it's not easy, but nothing worthwhile is easy.
It's important.
It's necessary for the work I do.
KARA: [chuckles.]
Tell her to ask him about his School Expulsions Bill.
- Really? - Yeah.
Do it.
Okay.
Ronda, ask him about his School Expulsions Bill.
Okay, then tell me this.
Your School Expulsions Bill.
Is that an example of some of those challenges? Look, the Supportive School Climate Act is an important bill - because - Oh [laughs.]
That was a good "got ya" moment.
What most people don't know is a Black kid and a White kid, for the same infraction, the data shows that the Black kid is more likely to be expelled and get a more serious punishment in school.
- Right.
- The data also shows that doing the same crime, Black and White, the Black person's gonna get the longer sentence, and this makes for higher rates of Black incarceration in our country.
How high is higher? - Here we are in 2017.
- Mm-hm.
There are more African-Americans under criminal supervision now than all the slaves in 1850.
And that's a scandal.
We say we're a country of liberty and justice for all.
This is an injustice and it must stop.
["Great Day USA" theme music.]
Ronda.
Nice job.
Thank you.
The powers that be, I have to ask, how did you know that? Actually, that was Miss Mary Jane Paul's idea.
Yeah, I've been wanting to interview him for a long time and I just researched like 12 layers deep.
Our new correspondent.
A great way to get acquainted.
God, the pleasure is all mine.
Sometimes it's tough to find a connection with a subject.
But you made that possible.
Happy to help.
- That's my girl.
- RONDA: [chuckles.]
Hey, Mary Jane, you've gotta get touched up because you've gonna go back on soon, okay? - Right.
- Uh, who do they have doin' her, Becky? KARA: Yeah, I think so.
Becky's well-meaning, but you're going to want Ty.
Ty is my, uh, personal stylist, and we agree that, uh, he must do your hair, too.
- Wow, thank you.
- Welcome to the show.
Follow me to my lair.
- Thank you, Ty.
- Take good care of her, boo.
Bye.
Hey, Ronda, do you have a minute? I wanna see if we can go over some ideas I have for the Supreme Court justice story.
Gosh, honey, you should just talk to Garrett.
Well, I've tried to talk to Garrett, but, uh, it's kinda hard to get in his ear.
Oh, that doesn't surprise me.
I still can't believe the network [laughs.]
hired a toddler to run this show.
I have regrets older than Garrett.
So, will you talk to him? Honey, I'm not certain I'm gonna be covering the story.
But Garrett said "all hands on deck.
" Garrett says a lot of things.
- [door closes.]
- Nice work with Cory Booker, and great job gettin' on Ronda's good side on your first day.
Of course, now you've gotta interview that hip hop artist.
I know, it's not gonna win any Peabodies.
Welcome to morning TV.
And we're back with "Great Day USA.
" And we're checking in on those New Year's resolutions.
A few weeks in, how are we all doing? How many of us started a diet? Patrick! Patrick! Here she is! Come on! HELEN: She looks cold, baby.
Of course, she looks cold.
It's wintertime in New York City.
HELEN: Mm-hm.
And back to the studio.
PAUL: Oh, she's gone again.
Hey, Patrick, what are you doing? You missed her.
The press wants a statement from Niecy about the cop returning back to work.
I'm trying to get it together.
Niecy should write her own statement, Patrick.
Mary Jane always did it for her, Mom.
- Oh, hi, sweetie.
- NIECY: Hi.
Put this on, babe.
Hey, Niecy.
Niecy, can you read this? My hands are kinda full right now.
It's important, all right? I don't really wanna talk about that right now.
I'll see you guys later.
Come on.
Say bye.
- TRAYVION: Bye.
- See you, little man.
NIECY: All right, bye, Dad.
See you later.
All right, darling.
[heavy sigh.]
MARY JANE: At the top of the hour, we've got a surprise hip hop artist who'll be dazzling the crowd with one of his hit singles.
Hey, guys, looking good.
Everything looks real good.
It's my understanding that everyone here is celebrating a birthday today.
Am I right? Mary Jane, we have someone for you to talk to.
It's the guy on the left with the broad shoulders.
- We all like him.
- MAN: [laughs.]
Women are 72 percent of our audience.
Birthday! Birthday! Yes, Happy Birthday! So, that's right, all of these strangers here have one thing in common.
They were all born on the same day.
So, what's your name? Well, some people call me "London.
" But my name's Lee.
Lee Truitt.
So, is it really your birthday, Lee, or did you just wanna be on camera? Well, it certainly feels like my birthday, standing here with you.
- FANS: Oh - Oh? [chuckles.]
- MARY JANE: How old are you? - KARA: I love it.
Too old to know anything about your, uh, surprise hip hop act, but I'm gonna stick around and listen.
Oh, my goodness.
How adorable is he? So, to all of our birthday boys and girls here, and out there, Happy Birthday! More to come on "Great Day USA.
" So, like a tight shot.
That should be okay.
Hey.
Mary Jane.
Hey.
I honestly didn't wanna turn up like this, but I was - compelled to.
- Compelled? Look, I don't usually wake up this early, but for some reason, today I did.
If I wake up early, I'm not gonna watch TV, but today I turned it on.
If I turned on the TV, look, I wouldn't watch this show.
But there you were.
I mean, it's a lot of coincidences just to get me to see your face on the TV screen.
I probably should have been a little bit more clear.
Last night was supposed to be like a photo on Snapchat.
We have a moment and then, poof, it's gone.
You don't wanna see me again? No, absolutely not.
There will be no repeat performance.
Okay, let me take your number just in case you change your mind.
I won't.
I've gotta get back to work.
Look at you.
Two minutes in New York and you've already got the men crawling out of the woodwork.
That was him, Kara.
The one I told you about from last night.
- The Brit guy - Yes.
that you brought to the hotel? What? Yes.
- Are you gonna see him again? - No.
- Why? - Absolutely not.
That was the old Mary Jane.
The new Mary Jane, well, that bitch, she got a $20,000 - matchmaker searchin' for her husband.
- [laughing.]
You know what? Do you really need a $20,000 matchmaker? I mean, he's got a lot of potential and he's hot.
You already know he's good in bed, right? I thought you were supporting me in this.
I am supporting you in this.
WOMAN: Here you are.
We're ready for you, Mary Jane.
Thank you.
I know this job is supposed to be my primary focus, but I just can't help but feeling like I'm hurtling towards the title of like news widow.
Like being anchor was always just supposed to be part of the picture and I think it's time to sort of complete the full picture.
Mm-hm? You know what? Are you listening to me? Yes, I am.
Listen, do what you want with your matchmaker.
Spend $30,000 on her, if you want.
All I'm saying is I'd better have a wedding invitation this time next year.
- Here you go.
- Your lips to God's ears.
Oh, yeah.
Said hip hop artist's likes and dislikes.
Lemon pepper wings or barbeque? I'm over it, Dante.
It's a circus.
Everyone in my family wants me to talk about what happened again.
That cop going back to work is all over the news now, but it's gonna die down.
Protests are being planned.
That's just gonna put it out there even more.
Treyvion's having nightmares.
It's a mess.
I'm ready for it to be over.
It will be.
You're getting that lawsuit money, right? [heavy sigh.]
Yeah.
Once you get that paper, you'll be good.
KARA: Ty? Ty? Ty? Ty? Ty? Listen, is, um, is something up with Ronda because she's being really cagey about covering the Supreme Court justice story.
We have more than one anchor here.
Maybe Aaron's on it.
Yeah, but, come on, you know Ronda'd be all over that.
It's a big story.
All right, what's it gonna take? How about some tickets to Fashion Week? First row, Kanye West clitch.
Come on.
Whoa, whoa, wait a minute.
What about a travel assignment? Miami, South Beach Food and Wine Festival, in February.
I'm listening.
And your husband can come, too.
Yes? Yes? Thanks.
[door closes.]
Ronda's acting coy because she doesn't know if she's gonna - be working here.
- What? But she just signed a multi-year contract for Katie Couric money.
The deal didn't close.
So, that means that Garrett could be looking to replace Ronda sooner than later.
Look, it's risky as hell.
But this place could use a fresh face, don't you think? I beg your pardon I ain't after guns I'm a Harlem My men dead men My favorite shooter At the swiss stage Tryin' to stay low From indictments I've been the same Since diapers Same with no license Same with a dream Now I'm gettin' Drained from your wifey You need a pass Just to come around And I need that Rolly-faced butt stamp I'm tryin' to chill 'Cause it's Ramadan But I kill it When that sun down I play ball And I play the trap I could tell you 'bout Some cells like Had a cell-y With a bunkbed I could tell you About what them jails like Trace me, I'm Mr.
Dave E Trace me, I'm Mr.
Dave E AUDIENCE: [cheering, applauding.]
Remember, Mary Jane, this is his first time on a big morning show.
He's not used to this kind of spotlight.
- Dave East.
- How're you doin'? Thank you for coming on the show.
- Thank you.
- An amazing performance.
Thank you.
I appreciate it.
You just got signed to Def Jam, you've got collaborations with the hottest names in music.
This is a dream.
It is dope.
- Yeah.
- Do whatever you can to draw him out, okay? MARY JANE: So, I mean, a lot of our viewers don't know you had a pretty big basketball career all the way through college.
Yeah, but it was just at that age, 18 and 21, I couldn't really be coached or talked to.
I mean, I had a hot temper.
My life had to make a big transition from me doing that, to that not working, and then getting into the music.
So, hip hop was your saving grace.
Yeah, it definitely was.
So, you're also a new father.
Yeah, I just had my daughter, Karisha, now.
What of your life experiences go into your lyrics? All of it.
Everything I'm talking about is something I'm either aspiring to do or I've done.
Do you ever rap about your relationships? Um, some of them.
I'm not gonna say they shaped me, but just my experiences with women definitely matured my thought process in just how I deal with women today.
Is there a woman that's shaping you now? Yes, she's goin' in for the kill.
That's my girl.
DAVE: My daughter's shaping me, but [laughing.]
With a new baby, women wanna know if he's off the market.
MARY JANE: Our female audience is dying to know.
DAVE: You're gonna get me in trouble to even talk about this, but I'm I'm single.
Yes! Yes! - MARY JANE: You're single? - Yeah, I'm single.
But I'm not really like on the hunt.
I'm more focused on my daughter, my music, my family, you know, and where I'm gonna be in the next five to ten years.
Like that's my main focus, but I'm always down for a conversation or, you know, a good movie or dinner.
That's cool with me.
- So, you're open to dating.
- [laughs.]
- This this is news.
- I didn't say that.
- You said that.
- BOTH: [laughing.]
No, you said that.
Conversation, dinner.
That sounds like a date to me.
- Yeah.
- KARA: Yes! Ha! Take that, TMZ! We'll be right back with more from "Great Day USA.
" ["Great Day USA" theme music.]
- Love it! - CREW: [applauding.]
Yes! You know what, people? It's not curing cancer, but we did scoop the tabloids, and in our world, that is worth something.
Fist pump! Woo! Nice interview.
Hip hop's not my thing, but those were some pretty slick - moves you had.
- MARY JANE: Well, thanks, Aaron.
That's a huge compliment coming from you.
Thank you.
I'm Natalie.
Some of the correspondents and I are grabbing drinks later, if you wanna come.
Wow.
Yeah, thanks.
Appreciate it.
All right, see you tonight.
Mary Jane, is she liking New York? Yeah, she loves it, actually.
Hm Why do you ask? MAN: Two minutes.
- I did all right out there, huh? - Yes.
Look, my cheeks are hurting from all the smiling I had to do.
- Listen to me, listen to me.
- Huh? - See that poster right there? - Yeah.
That could be your face.
- I know.
That's why I'm here.
- No, no, listen Um I'm not talking about in two years.
I'm talking about like now.
I'm serious.
Ty told me that Ronda has been fielding offers.
- She's leaving the show? - Yes.
[laughing.]
She's not even committing to a story a month from now, Mary Jane.
Okay, I want you to focus on this.
Garrett wants to take you to lunch to talk about your future - on the show.
- Okay.
If you play your cards right, you can be in that anchor chair by Spring.
Hey.
- Hey.
- Hey, Natalie invited us out for drinks.
- Are you coming? - No, a breaking story.
Another frat boy charged with rape and I have to prepare a package for tomorrow.
Oh, no, I thought you were going to Atlanta to see the kids tomorrow.
No.
- Oh - I'll have to make it up to them another time, hopefully.
Go, have fun.
- Hey, Mary Jane? - Yes.
This came for you - from a guy named Lee.
- Thanks.
- NIECY: Hey.
- PATRICK: Hey.
You missed your dinner.
Yeah, sorry.
I just needed to clear my head.
Goodnight.
I finished the statement.
Do you wanna hear it? NIECY: I don't wanna keep reliving getting tased.
My family lives it every night, so Niecy, sit down.
You need to hear this.
PATRICK: "As a Black man, "I've been stopped and pulled "over by the cops countless "times for no reason.
"But I knew the rules.
"I learned the drill.
"I never imagined my daughter, "my little girl, would have "to go through the same thing.
"Almost every week there's another story about an unarmed "Black man being shot and killed by the police.
"But what we don't realize is that it can happen to our young "women as well.
"Nobody in our community is safe.
"What happened to her that day was just the first of many "attacks on our entire family.
"Afterwards, when we sought justice, we were put on trial.
"Our name was scrutinized and dragged through the mud.
"It was an assault on all of us, and I was to blame for a lot of this.
[sighing.]
"I haven't exactly been a model son or father drug abuse, "broken promises.
"My past doesn't always look pretty.
"When the incident happened, "my father wasn't even talking to me.
"My whole family was fractured and in disarray.
"But the amazing thing is "all the vicious attacks and scrutiny forced our family "to stop fighting each other.
"This tragedy showed us that "we're stronger together "and this goes for all of us.
"As a community, we have to be "a united front in the face of injustice if we ever want things to change.
" PAUL: [heavy sigh.]
That was beautiful, son.
Our letter couldn't have said it better.
NATALIE: [laughing.]
MARY JANE: No, I got the impression that they were fairly democratic, right, the story meetings? Ronda gets the first pick on most stories, interviews, too.
But if it's foreign affairs or sports, Aaron usually steps in.
He's a man's man.
Right, a man's man.
He's gay, right? - Gay? - Yeah.
My God, no.
When I first got here, we had one drunken night, too much tequila, and I thought it would be fun to see what his bedroom ceiling looked like.
And? Let's just say that thing about workplace romance sometimes the most boring clichés turn out to be true.
- MARY JANE: [laughs.]
- But where else are we gonna meet people? Wow, you are a great interviewer.
You heard my whole life story.
[laughs.]
Oh, this is perfect.
Thank you.
- MARY JANE: Hello? - WOMAN: Mary Jane, Felicia Vades, the matchmaker.
Oh, hi, hi.
Just a second.
Yes.
Yes.
I just emailed you my self-assessment and the dating criteria.
Yes, I got everything.
Listen, Mary Jane, I don't think I can work with you, after all.
What? But, no, why? I I signed a contract.
You cashed my check.
You'll get a full refund.
No, no, honestly, I don't want a refund.
I want your help.
Look, in my line of work, when I see red flags, it's unwise for me to ignore them.
I I'm so confused.
What what red flags? Oh, you've got some blind spots when it comes to self knowledge.
Okay, maybe I rushed through the assessment, but I I've been busy, you know, I I started a new job.
You you know that.
I told you about that.
Yeah, I got enough to get a true sense of what's going on.
Bottom line is for this to work, it requires more than just writing a check.
You've got work to do on yourself.
Are you breaking up with me? I just sincerely hope you find love.
Best of luck.
I think it's about time To have a discussion About us I don't wanna be alone I just wanna have someone I don't wanna be alone I just wanna have someone LEE: [British accent.]
Pop music used to be so lovely and poetic.
But there's no more metaphor in music, because you, America, - killed it.
- AUDIENCE: [laughing.]
No, I'm being serious.
Take Ariana Grande, for example.
Now she's this beautiful, cute, dizzy princess, and she sings this ballad with, uh, the Weeknd called "Love Me Harder.
" Now, in this beautiful ballad, you'd think it was this female empowerment anthem where she's just pleading with her partner to open up his heart and love her more.
- Oh, no! - AUDIENCE: [laughing.]
No, she's literally asking him to Pound! Her! Harder! AUDIENCE: [laughing, applauding.]
I've been Lee Truitt.
Ladies and gentlemen, you've been great, thank you.
I'll see you next time.
AUDIENCE: [cheering, applauding.]
MALE HOST: Well, let's hear it one more time for Lee Truitt, everybody.
AUDIENCE: [applauding.]
HOST: Lee Truitt.
MARY JANE: Oh.
Lee.
Were the jokes that bad? No, quite the opposite, actually.
I honestly wasn't expecting you to show tonight.
I honestly wasn't gonna come.
So, what made you change your mind? You know, my previous plan sort of went to Hell in a handbasket and I thought, why not? But I really wasn't expecting What? Me being more handsome than you remembered? such complexity.
Is that a bad thing? No.
It kinda makes me wish we could have started with, I don't know, names being exchanged first.
We still can.
Consider this a do-over.
Lee Truitt.
Nice to meet you.
Mary Jane Paul.
Listen, Mary Jane Paul, there's a nice, quiet bar just around the corner.
What do you say we check it out? I don't normally take home strange men.
What do you normally do? MARY JANE: Uh, I google them, then we go out on a date, and I pretend like I haven't seen every last one of their posts.
LEE: Well, you should know, I don't normally go home with strange women, either.
So, why did you? I'm a sucker for a damsel in distress.
You think I was in distress.
Weren't you? Oh, it looks like there's a party starting without us.
Come on.
Give me the light I don't want dark Give me the light Well, this is a little livelier than I had in mind.
Well, you can dance, can't you, Lee Truitt? - Oh, you watch me dance.
- Give me the light Give me the light Give me the light Give me the light Give me the light Why not the Why not the Why not the Why not the Why why why not the Why not the Why not the Why not the dance Why not the dance Why why not the dance Why not the dance Why why not the dance Why not the dance Why why not the dance Why not the dance Why why not the dance Why not the dance Why why not the dance Why not the dance Why why not the dance Why not the dance Why why not the dance One two three Why why not the dance Why not the dance Why not the dance Why not the dance Why not the dance Why not the dance Why not the dance Why not the dance Why not the dance Why not the dance [sighs.]
[sighs.]
MARY JANE: Later in the hour, we've got this psychic who correctly predicted last year's election results, here, making some bold predictions for 2017.
Stay tuned for that, and more.
I'm Mary Jane Paul.
What do you think of that link I sent you? It could be good for a personal finance story, right? Where are you going? My lunch with Garrett.
Oh, right, right.
You got this, remember that.
Come on, rock it out! - MARY JANE: [groans.]
- [laughing.]
Find me when you get back.
GARRETT: Mary Jane.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Thanks for, uh, for joining me today.
No, my pleasure.
- Oh.
Uh - Uh right.
Right.
[laughs.]
- Please, have a seat.
- Thank you.
So, uh, how's how's New York treating you so far? - Great.
Great.
- Yeah.
- Yeah, no complaints.
- Oh, good.
Mary Jane, let's cut to the chase.
You know it's no secret why we brought you here, so, uh, let's talk about the next steps.
How'd it go? [quietly.]
You're looking at the newest anchor of "Great Day USA.
" That well? I'm pretty sure Garrett's talking to my agent.
I told you this move to New York would be great for us.
I told you.
Once I'm in that anchor chair, it's just a matter of time before you can move Garrett out of that corner office.
- Yes! - [palm slap.]
Mary Jane, may I have a word with you, please? Of course.
RONDA: Come on in.
I like you, Mary Jane, I do.
That is why I'm gonna be frank.
Garrett, um, has no intention of making you co-anchor.
Excuse me? I know that it probably seems that he is, given what transpired at Medejare's.
It was Medejare's, wasn't it? [laughs.]
Oh, of course, it was.
Garrett's favorite booth in the back against the wall, a bottle of Pinot, dessert.
In fact, I fear the seduction started weeks ago when you were being interviewed, and undoubtedly he led you to believe that you were being groomed for my spot.
He alluded to that, yeah.
And now he makes it seem that my departure is imminent.
You're not fielding other offers? This is my home.
So, why am I being led to believe that I have a future here, if I don't? Garrett's trying to pit us against each other.
He's the EP.
Why would he do that? RONDA: [laughs.]
Telegenic rivalry between two Black women? Drive his ratings.
It's morning news, not a reality TV show.
It's all about reality TV nowadays.
I know you don't believe me.
But you'll soon see that I'm right.
So, this is all just a ploy, an act, to get the rivalry going? Once sweeps are over with, and my contract is renewed, I'll be in the anchor chair for another five years.
You'll be outside that glass in the middle of winter.
GARRETT: Mary Jane! Everything okay? Yeah, I just wanted to give you a heads up.
My agent is really excited to talk to you.
[laughs.]
I am, too, so excited.
There's just uh I probably should have seen this coming, but Business Affairs is advising me to slow things down.
Really? They wanna wait until you're out of your probationary period on your current contract which is totally understandable.
Of course, it is.
But not to worry.
The offer will come in time.
Okay.
[clears throat.]
Kara, they had no intention of ever grooming me to be anchor.
KARA: Okay, don't don't get your suitcase out just yet, okay? Let's at least sleep on it.
MJ? MJ? - Yeah, no, I'm here.
- KARA: Promise me you won't make any rash decisions.
I wanted this, Kara.
And you can still have it.
We've just gotta be smart.
We've gotta find a strategy, okay? How does that sound? It sounds like I'm gonna be in for a crazy ride.
[gasps.]
How do you forget about a wife?! Did you know that me and your husband have been sleeping together? Do you want me to just stop working so I can chauffeur the kids around? I think they should come live with me full-time.
All I do is work.
- GREG: She came to me.
- KARA: Yeah? Because she wants to file a complaint against you to HR for intimidation, - publically disparaging her character - [gasps.]
What? No! and accusing her of having an affair with her superior me! I want to win an Emmy for producing "Nightly News.
" You have two kids by two different men.
NIECY: Get off of me! What the hell is wrong with you?! OFFICER: Just calm down.
2nd OFFICER: Tase her! Tase her! NIECY: [groans.]
[head thuds.]
I'm seeing someone.
Oh.
I just feel like I need closure.
Like if I knew why, then I could let him go.
KARA: He's with somebody else, that's why.
PAUL: Go out there and get your happiness, and if it's not David, move on.
MARY JANE: You're not on drugs, are you, Patrick? PATRICK: I take a little something to help me focus, but it's far from coke.
I swear I'll never do that again.
PAUL: You also swore you'd never do any drug, but you broke that promise.
KARA: I've gotta hear this.
You are telling me that you have never, ever, ever, ever - been with a White boy? - MARY JANE: Never.
- Seriously? - Ever.
KARA: All right, all right.
Well, what ya think? MARY: He definitely exceeded my stereotypical expectations.
- KARA: Oh? - One stereotype that was true Mm-hm? They do love to "chomp the box," and you should have told me.
KARA: Yes, they do.
I like Black men.
I want Black love.
Let me love Let me touch, let me love So you can give it up Let me drink From the fountain In the car On the street In the dark, baby On the beach In the back of the car Let me Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh I'm ready Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh Don't stop Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh I'm ready Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh Don't stop MARY JANE: Can you give me just one minute? Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh I'm ready Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh Don't stop Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh I'm ready All I want - - All night Keep going All I want All night Keep going All I want All night - Keep going - WOMAN: You've never had a successful, committed relationship.
That's what I'm getting.
I suppose that depends on what you consider "successful.
" I have had a couple of men propose.
One was married.
Uh, I didn't know it.
Why do you think a matchmaker can help you? You're the best, right? But I'm not a miracle worker.
The high-achieving professional men and women that I work with, they must be willing to do something that isn't easy.
They must get past the surface and find out what's really goin' on.
Absolutely, and I will.
You've been in New York, what? - Two days.
- To start a big, high-profile new job, no less.
Yes.
I suggest you wait a few months.
No, no, this is my opportunity for a fresh start.
I mean, not just with my job, but with everything.
The questionnaire and self-assessment are just a start.
There are rules.
Whatever it takes.
KARA: Come on, baby, we rose from the ashes to get to where we are right now, okay? We've gotta acknowledge it, mama.
Here's to your new kick-ass job in the number one market in the country New York City, baby! And to the woman who got me the job.
Oh, I got you the interview, mama.
You got the job.
[laughs.]
Oh.
Oh.
Okay, it looks like we have a different kind of celebration in mind for tonight.
Do you think he's a good lay? I mean, I know that it's not like I could tell, but if you had to take a guess.
- Why? - This is my last chance to have sex.
It could be months before there's another opportunity.
What? Wait a minute.
This is New York City, mama.
There's an endless supply of men here.
- I took a pledge.
- Oh.
Okay.
Yeah, starting tomorrow, no more auditioning boys in my bed.
It's time for the professional matchmaker.
- A matchmaker? - Mm-hm.
Was this one of your White friend's suggestions? It was Molly, wasn't it? No, she caters to diverse, professional women, like me.
How does that differ from a dating app? - It costs 20 grand.
- What?! Who the hell is she introducing you to? Is Barack leaving Michelle? So, tonight's about gettin' your freak outta your system, huh? The last casual encounter before my husband comes.
Well, if you don't find your husband, at least you'll have a few laughs.
Oh, off the charts in bed, I'm sure.
Hi.
You're Mary Jane Paul, right? - Yep.
- Can I buy you a drink? You know, I think this is more like a like a girls' night kinda thing.
- Some other time, then.
- MARY JANE: Sure.
I know I'm buttin', but that boy was fine.
And he also knew my name and who I was.
So what? So, I didn't bring any non-disclosure agreements and I'm not trying to be held accountable for my actions tonight.
You are so damn scandalous.
[laughing.]
This is [laughing.]
- Kara? - What? Don't look now.
I'm not the only one with a potential for scandal.
Girl, don't tempt me, 'cause I'm drunk enough and I don't give a damn.
Go.
He is primed and ready.
Now he probably had to get home to his mama before the street lights come on, but he's good to go.
All right.
I will see you mañana.
That's my girl.
KARA: Right now.
MAN: [laughs.]
MAN #2: [British accent.]
Like a pub back home in London.
[silently.]
Come here.
Thank you.
I'll give you that.
[mixed conversations in background.]
[British accent.]
Hello.
Did I overhear you say that you were from the UK? Yeah, London.
- Primrose Hill area.
- Hm - I moved here three weeks ago.
- Mm-hm.
I'm No name? No, I like to keep things mysterious.
Ah Are you a fugitive? - You're not a wanted woman? - Unh-unh.
Okay.
No, I'm just searching for a little escape before reality bites me in the morning.
So "London"are you in? Can you give me just one minute? Okay, okay, Kara, Kara [dialing phone.]
[phone ringing.]
- Okay - It's Kara.
Leave a message.
Kara, hey, it's MJ.
Yeah, um, I know my plan, uh, sounded really great in theory, but, uh, there's a strange man with a hard-on in my hotel room right now and it just feels a little crazy.
It's crazy, right? Okay, look, if I happen to die tonight, just know that, um, I made it a point of walking him past the security cameras.
Pray for me.
Whew! There she is.
"LONDON": Everything okay? Fine.
Can I fix you a drink? I've already had a couple.
But you can slip this on.
- On? - Your wrist.
I thought I'd be slipping on something else.
Oh, I have that, too, but we're gonna start here.
So when I want more More? [elastic snaps.]
Faster.
[elastic snaps.]
Harder.
Take your clothes off.
Let me love Let me touch Let me love You should give it up MARY JANE: [gasping.]
I need a break From myself And from my past MARY JANE: [moaning.]
[kissing.]
Is this not what you want? I can stop.
No.
No, don't.
I can't carry on unless you tell me to.
Damn it, I had plans.
[laughs.]
It's a fantasy, I'd been imagining Probably got the idea from a movie I saw in the '80s.
What is it? I don't think I want that.
What do you want? Hey, I'm just here for you, okay? Tell me what you want.
Tell me you love me.
I love you.
I never wanna go there I'm never gonna lay Only when I gotta know Just need a little touch A little on the gray scale I'ma get in there And I don't even know If you want to stay MAN: Anybody got a line on Mary Jane? I need her out here.
Anybody? - WOMAN: Try the green room.
- MAN: Show me that in 20.
KARA: [snapping fingers.]
Mary Jane! Mary Jane! Good morning, mama.
Come on.
Hurry up.
Let's go.
Listen, we're gonna start with the fans outside.
The floor manager's got the whole thing goin', okay? I'll be right there.
Just a minute.
Ronda and Aaron are on their way in.
Isn't this beautiful, mama? That could be your future right there.
That's gonna be your desk, you hear me? I need the mic for Mary Jane, please? Let's get moving here, thank you.
Give me that mic.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Are you okay? Talk to me.
What's wrong? Huh? What's the matter? - MARY JANE: Kara, um - What? There's something I I haven't told anyone, not even you.
I tried to tell you last night, but it just Okay.
What? - When I left SNC - Mm-hm? It wasn't because I wanted to.
I mean, they let me resign, but, really, they fired my ass.
Oh, because of the Niecy stuff? I knew when I was defending her, it was rough on all of us, but when I started really railing about police brutality and racial profiling, it was The only difference between you and me is I left before it got to that, okay? But you're here now.
God, the last time I was on camera, Kara, it it felt like it was that was it, like I was done.
MJ, the forced cheerfulness of morning TV is gonna strangle all of those doubts, okay? I know this is cheesy, but that is the job I wanted when I graduated college that.
You got this, okay? - I got this.
- You got this.
Trust me.
Take this mic, okay? Ready? Let's go.
FANS: [cheering.]
[shouting, cheering, applauding.]
Live from New York City, this is "Great Day USA.
" I'm Mary Jane Paul.
FANS: [cheering, shouting.]
- MARY JANE: Oh, it's cold! - KARA: Yes, I know.
- Here.
Here.
- Oh! Thank you.
I'd tell you that you're gonna get used to it, but I never could lie to you.
Oh, the Cory Booker interview.
RONDA: Do you think it's possible to get anything done in Washington? SENATOR BOOKER: I absolutely do.
She's about to hit him with the Ronda Sales' surprise question.
- There she goes - the Democrats keep bringing up because it seems to me that it is inevitable MARY JANE: Wait for it She's gonna lean KARA: [gasps.]
How did you know that? I spent the better part of my first on-air job just trying to imitate her recorded all of her newscasts, studied her delivery.
Mm.
I might have even used a couple of her tricks when I interviewed for this job.
Well, it worked because they're grooming you for her job.
Come on, let's go in here.
SENATOR BOOKER: Nothing worthwhile is achieved by shirking the challenge.
Mary Jane, welcome to the show.
Thank you so much for having me.
Of course.
- [pager beeping.]
- Hello? Yes.
Oh, excuse me.
You're a progressive champion, but you work alongside conservatives like Ted Cruz and Rand Paul.
I mean, I can't imagine it always being easy to find common ground.
No, it's not easy, but nothing worthwhile is easy.
It's important.
It's necessary for the work I do.
KARA: [chuckles.]
Tell her to ask him about his School Expulsions Bill.
- Really? - Yeah.
Do it.
Okay.
Ronda, ask him about his School Expulsions Bill.
Okay, then tell me this.
Your School Expulsions Bill.
Is that an example of some of those challenges? Look, the Supportive School Climate Act is an important bill - because - Oh [laughs.]
That was a good "got ya" moment.
What most people don't know is a Black kid and a White kid, for the same infraction, the data shows that the Black kid is more likely to be expelled and get a more serious punishment in school.
- Right.
- The data also shows that doing the same crime, Black and White, the Black person's gonna get the longer sentence, and this makes for higher rates of Black incarceration in our country.
How high is higher? - Here we are in 2017.
- Mm-hm.
There are more African-Americans under criminal supervision now than all the slaves in 1850.
And that's a scandal.
We say we're a country of liberty and justice for all.
This is an injustice and it must stop.
["Great Day USA" theme music.]
Ronda.
Nice job.
Thank you.
The powers that be, I have to ask, how did you know that? Actually, that was Miss Mary Jane Paul's idea.
Yeah, I've been wanting to interview him for a long time and I just researched like 12 layers deep.
Our new correspondent.
A great way to get acquainted.
God, the pleasure is all mine.
Sometimes it's tough to find a connection with a subject.
But you made that possible.
Happy to help.
- That's my girl.
- RONDA: [chuckles.]
Hey, Mary Jane, you've gotta get touched up because you've gonna go back on soon, okay? - Right.
- Uh, who do they have doin' her, Becky? KARA: Yeah, I think so.
Becky's well-meaning, but you're going to want Ty.
Ty is my, uh, personal stylist, and we agree that, uh, he must do your hair, too.
- Wow, thank you.
- Welcome to the show.
Follow me to my lair.
- Thank you, Ty.
- Take good care of her, boo.
Bye.
Hey, Ronda, do you have a minute? I wanna see if we can go over some ideas I have for the Supreme Court justice story.
Gosh, honey, you should just talk to Garrett.
Well, I've tried to talk to Garrett, but, uh, it's kinda hard to get in his ear.
Oh, that doesn't surprise me.
I still can't believe the network [laughs.]
hired a toddler to run this show.
I have regrets older than Garrett.
So, will you talk to him? Honey, I'm not certain I'm gonna be covering the story.
But Garrett said "all hands on deck.
" Garrett says a lot of things.
- [door closes.]
- Nice work with Cory Booker, and great job gettin' on Ronda's good side on your first day.
Of course, now you've gotta interview that hip hop artist.
I know, it's not gonna win any Peabodies.
Welcome to morning TV.
And we're back with "Great Day USA.
" And we're checking in on those New Year's resolutions.
A few weeks in, how are we all doing? How many of us started a diet? Patrick! Patrick! Here she is! Come on! HELEN: She looks cold, baby.
Of course, she looks cold.
It's wintertime in New York City.
HELEN: Mm-hm.
And back to the studio.
PAUL: Oh, she's gone again.
Hey, Patrick, what are you doing? You missed her.
The press wants a statement from Niecy about the cop returning back to work.
I'm trying to get it together.
Niecy should write her own statement, Patrick.
Mary Jane always did it for her, Mom.
- Oh, hi, sweetie.
- NIECY: Hi.
Put this on, babe.
Hey, Niecy.
Niecy, can you read this? My hands are kinda full right now.
It's important, all right? I don't really wanna talk about that right now.
I'll see you guys later.
Come on.
Say bye.
- TRAYVION: Bye.
- See you, little man.
NIECY: All right, bye, Dad.
See you later.
All right, darling.
[heavy sigh.]
MARY JANE: At the top of the hour, we've got a surprise hip hop artist who'll be dazzling the crowd with one of his hit singles.
Hey, guys, looking good.
Everything looks real good.
It's my understanding that everyone here is celebrating a birthday today.
Am I right? Mary Jane, we have someone for you to talk to.
It's the guy on the left with the broad shoulders.
- We all like him.
- MAN: [laughs.]
Women are 72 percent of our audience.
Birthday! Birthday! Yes, Happy Birthday! So, that's right, all of these strangers here have one thing in common.
They were all born on the same day.
So, what's your name? Well, some people call me "London.
" But my name's Lee.
Lee Truitt.
So, is it really your birthday, Lee, or did you just wanna be on camera? Well, it certainly feels like my birthday, standing here with you.
- FANS: Oh - Oh? [chuckles.]
- MARY JANE: How old are you? - KARA: I love it.
Too old to know anything about your, uh, surprise hip hop act, but I'm gonna stick around and listen.
Oh, my goodness.
How adorable is he? So, to all of our birthday boys and girls here, and out there, Happy Birthday! More to come on "Great Day USA.
" So, like a tight shot.
That should be okay.
Hey.
Mary Jane.
Hey.
I honestly didn't wanna turn up like this, but I was - compelled to.
- Compelled? Look, I don't usually wake up this early, but for some reason, today I did.
If I wake up early, I'm not gonna watch TV, but today I turned it on.
If I turned on the TV, look, I wouldn't watch this show.
But there you were.
I mean, it's a lot of coincidences just to get me to see your face on the TV screen.
I probably should have been a little bit more clear.
Last night was supposed to be like a photo on Snapchat.
We have a moment and then, poof, it's gone.
You don't wanna see me again? No, absolutely not.
There will be no repeat performance.
Okay, let me take your number just in case you change your mind.
I won't.
I've gotta get back to work.
Look at you.
Two minutes in New York and you've already got the men crawling out of the woodwork.
That was him, Kara.
The one I told you about from last night.
- The Brit guy - Yes.
that you brought to the hotel? What? Yes.
- Are you gonna see him again? - No.
- Why? - Absolutely not.
That was the old Mary Jane.
The new Mary Jane, well, that bitch, she got a $20,000 - matchmaker searchin' for her husband.
- [laughing.]
You know what? Do you really need a $20,000 matchmaker? I mean, he's got a lot of potential and he's hot.
You already know he's good in bed, right? I thought you were supporting me in this.
I am supporting you in this.
WOMAN: Here you are.
We're ready for you, Mary Jane.
Thank you.
I know this job is supposed to be my primary focus, but I just can't help but feeling like I'm hurtling towards the title of like news widow.
Like being anchor was always just supposed to be part of the picture and I think it's time to sort of complete the full picture.
Mm-hm? You know what? Are you listening to me? Yes, I am.
Listen, do what you want with your matchmaker.
Spend $30,000 on her, if you want.
All I'm saying is I'd better have a wedding invitation this time next year.
- Here you go.
- Your lips to God's ears.
Oh, yeah.
Said hip hop artist's likes and dislikes.
Lemon pepper wings or barbeque? I'm over it, Dante.
It's a circus.
Everyone in my family wants me to talk about what happened again.
That cop going back to work is all over the news now, but it's gonna die down.
Protests are being planned.
That's just gonna put it out there even more.
Treyvion's having nightmares.
It's a mess.
I'm ready for it to be over.
It will be.
You're getting that lawsuit money, right? [heavy sigh.]
Yeah.
Once you get that paper, you'll be good.
KARA: Ty? Ty? Ty? Ty? Ty? Listen, is, um, is something up with Ronda because she's being really cagey about covering the Supreme Court justice story.
We have more than one anchor here.
Maybe Aaron's on it.
Yeah, but, come on, you know Ronda'd be all over that.
It's a big story.
All right, what's it gonna take? How about some tickets to Fashion Week? First row, Kanye West clitch.
Come on.
Whoa, whoa, wait a minute.
What about a travel assignment? Miami, South Beach Food and Wine Festival, in February.
I'm listening.
And your husband can come, too.
Yes? Yes? Thanks.
[door closes.]
Ronda's acting coy because she doesn't know if she's gonna - be working here.
- What? But she just signed a multi-year contract for Katie Couric money.
The deal didn't close.
So, that means that Garrett could be looking to replace Ronda sooner than later.
Look, it's risky as hell.
But this place could use a fresh face, don't you think? I beg your pardon I ain't after guns I'm a Harlem My men dead men My favorite shooter At the swiss stage Tryin' to stay low From indictments I've been the same Since diapers Same with no license Same with a dream Now I'm gettin' Drained from your wifey You need a pass Just to come around And I need that Rolly-faced butt stamp I'm tryin' to chill 'Cause it's Ramadan But I kill it When that sun down I play ball And I play the trap I could tell you 'bout Some cells like Had a cell-y With a bunkbed I could tell you About what them jails like Trace me, I'm Mr.
Dave E Trace me, I'm Mr.
Dave E AUDIENCE: [cheering, applauding.]
Remember, Mary Jane, this is his first time on a big morning show.
He's not used to this kind of spotlight.
- Dave East.
- How're you doin'? Thank you for coming on the show.
- Thank you.
- An amazing performance.
Thank you.
I appreciate it.
You just got signed to Def Jam, you've got collaborations with the hottest names in music.
This is a dream.
It is dope.
- Yeah.
- Do whatever you can to draw him out, okay? MARY JANE: So, I mean, a lot of our viewers don't know you had a pretty big basketball career all the way through college.
Yeah, but it was just at that age, 18 and 21, I couldn't really be coached or talked to.
I mean, I had a hot temper.
My life had to make a big transition from me doing that, to that not working, and then getting into the music.
So, hip hop was your saving grace.
Yeah, it definitely was.
So, you're also a new father.
Yeah, I just had my daughter, Karisha, now.
What of your life experiences go into your lyrics? All of it.
Everything I'm talking about is something I'm either aspiring to do or I've done.
Do you ever rap about your relationships? Um, some of them.
I'm not gonna say they shaped me, but just my experiences with women definitely matured my thought process in just how I deal with women today.
Is there a woman that's shaping you now? Yes, she's goin' in for the kill.
That's my girl.
DAVE: My daughter's shaping me, but [laughing.]
With a new baby, women wanna know if he's off the market.
MARY JANE: Our female audience is dying to know.
DAVE: You're gonna get me in trouble to even talk about this, but I'm I'm single.
Yes! Yes! - MARY JANE: You're single? - Yeah, I'm single.
But I'm not really like on the hunt.
I'm more focused on my daughter, my music, my family, you know, and where I'm gonna be in the next five to ten years.
Like that's my main focus, but I'm always down for a conversation or, you know, a good movie or dinner.
That's cool with me.
- So, you're open to dating.
- [laughs.]
- This this is news.
- I didn't say that.
- You said that.
- BOTH: [laughing.]
No, you said that.
Conversation, dinner.
That sounds like a date to me.
- Yeah.
- KARA: Yes! Ha! Take that, TMZ! We'll be right back with more from "Great Day USA.
" ["Great Day USA" theme music.]
- Love it! - CREW: [applauding.]
Yes! You know what, people? It's not curing cancer, but we did scoop the tabloids, and in our world, that is worth something.
Fist pump! Woo! Nice interview.
Hip hop's not my thing, but those were some pretty slick - moves you had.
- MARY JANE: Well, thanks, Aaron.
That's a huge compliment coming from you.
Thank you.
I'm Natalie.
Some of the correspondents and I are grabbing drinks later, if you wanna come.
Wow.
Yeah, thanks.
Appreciate it.
All right, see you tonight.
Mary Jane, is she liking New York? Yeah, she loves it, actually.
Hm Why do you ask? MAN: Two minutes.
- I did all right out there, huh? - Yes.
Look, my cheeks are hurting from all the smiling I had to do.
- Listen to me, listen to me.
- Huh? - See that poster right there? - Yeah.
That could be your face.
- I know.
That's why I'm here.
- No, no, listen Um I'm not talking about in two years.
I'm talking about like now.
I'm serious.
Ty told me that Ronda has been fielding offers.
- She's leaving the show? - Yes.
[laughing.]
She's not even committing to a story a month from now, Mary Jane.
Okay, I want you to focus on this.
Garrett wants to take you to lunch to talk about your future - on the show.
- Okay.
If you play your cards right, you can be in that anchor chair by Spring.
Hey.
- Hey.
- Hey, Natalie invited us out for drinks.
- Are you coming? - No, a breaking story.
Another frat boy charged with rape and I have to prepare a package for tomorrow.
Oh, no, I thought you were going to Atlanta to see the kids tomorrow.
No.
- Oh - I'll have to make it up to them another time, hopefully.
Go, have fun.
- Hey, Mary Jane? - Yes.
This came for you - from a guy named Lee.
- Thanks.
- NIECY: Hey.
- PATRICK: Hey.
You missed your dinner.
Yeah, sorry.
I just needed to clear my head.
Goodnight.
I finished the statement.
Do you wanna hear it? NIECY: I don't wanna keep reliving getting tased.
My family lives it every night, so Niecy, sit down.
You need to hear this.
PATRICK: "As a Black man, "I've been stopped and pulled "over by the cops countless "times for no reason.
"But I knew the rules.
"I learned the drill.
"I never imagined my daughter, "my little girl, would have "to go through the same thing.
"Almost every week there's another story about an unarmed "Black man being shot and killed by the police.
"But what we don't realize is that it can happen to our young "women as well.
"Nobody in our community is safe.
"What happened to her that day was just the first of many "attacks on our entire family.
"Afterwards, when we sought justice, we were put on trial.
"Our name was scrutinized and dragged through the mud.
"It was an assault on all of us, and I was to blame for a lot of this.
[sighing.]
"I haven't exactly been a model son or father drug abuse, "broken promises.
"My past doesn't always look pretty.
"When the incident happened, "my father wasn't even talking to me.
"My whole family was fractured and in disarray.
"But the amazing thing is "all the vicious attacks and scrutiny forced our family "to stop fighting each other.
"This tragedy showed us that "we're stronger together "and this goes for all of us.
"As a community, we have to be "a united front in the face of injustice if we ever want things to change.
" PAUL: [heavy sigh.]
That was beautiful, son.
Our letter couldn't have said it better.
NATALIE: [laughing.]
MARY JANE: No, I got the impression that they were fairly democratic, right, the story meetings? Ronda gets the first pick on most stories, interviews, too.
But if it's foreign affairs or sports, Aaron usually steps in.
He's a man's man.
Right, a man's man.
He's gay, right? - Gay? - Yeah.
My God, no.
When I first got here, we had one drunken night, too much tequila, and I thought it would be fun to see what his bedroom ceiling looked like.
And? Let's just say that thing about workplace romance sometimes the most boring clichés turn out to be true.
- MARY JANE: [laughs.]
- But where else are we gonna meet people? Wow, you are a great interviewer.
You heard my whole life story.
[laughs.]
Oh, this is perfect.
Thank you.
- MARY JANE: Hello? - WOMAN: Mary Jane, Felicia Vades, the matchmaker.
Oh, hi, hi.
Just a second.
Yes.
Yes.
I just emailed you my self-assessment and the dating criteria.
Yes, I got everything.
Listen, Mary Jane, I don't think I can work with you, after all.
What? But, no, why? I I signed a contract.
You cashed my check.
You'll get a full refund.
No, no, honestly, I don't want a refund.
I want your help.
Look, in my line of work, when I see red flags, it's unwise for me to ignore them.
I I'm so confused.
What what red flags? Oh, you've got some blind spots when it comes to self knowledge.
Okay, maybe I rushed through the assessment, but I I've been busy, you know, I I started a new job.
You you know that.
I told you about that.
Yeah, I got enough to get a true sense of what's going on.
Bottom line is for this to work, it requires more than just writing a check.
You've got work to do on yourself.
Are you breaking up with me? I just sincerely hope you find love.
Best of luck.
I think it's about time To have a discussion About us I don't wanna be alone I just wanna have someone I don't wanna be alone I just wanna have someone LEE: [British accent.]
Pop music used to be so lovely and poetic.
But there's no more metaphor in music, because you, America, - killed it.
- AUDIENCE: [laughing.]
No, I'm being serious.
Take Ariana Grande, for example.
Now she's this beautiful, cute, dizzy princess, and she sings this ballad with, uh, the Weeknd called "Love Me Harder.
" Now, in this beautiful ballad, you'd think it was this female empowerment anthem where she's just pleading with her partner to open up his heart and love her more.
- Oh, no! - AUDIENCE: [laughing.]
No, she's literally asking him to Pound! Her! Harder! AUDIENCE: [laughing, applauding.]
I've been Lee Truitt.
Ladies and gentlemen, you've been great, thank you.
I'll see you next time.
AUDIENCE: [cheering, applauding.]
MALE HOST: Well, let's hear it one more time for Lee Truitt, everybody.
AUDIENCE: [applauding.]
HOST: Lee Truitt.
MARY JANE: Oh.
Lee.
Were the jokes that bad? No, quite the opposite, actually.
I honestly wasn't expecting you to show tonight.
I honestly wasn't gonna come.
So, what made you change your mind? You know, my previous plan sort of went to Hell in a handbasket and I thought, why not? But I really wasn't expecting What? Me being more handsome than you remembered? such complexity.
Is that a bad thing? No.
It kinda makes me wish we could have started with, I don't know, names being exchanged first.
We still can.
Consider this a do-over.
Lee Truitt.
Nice to meet you.
Mary Jane Paul.
Listen, Mary Jane Paul, there's a nice, quiet bar just around the corner.
What do you say we check it out? I don't normally take home strange men.
What do you normally do? MARY JANE: Uh, I google them, then we go out on a date, and I pretend like I haven't seen every last one of their posts.
LEE: Well, you should know, I don't normally go home with strange women, either.
So, why did you? I'm a sucker for a damsel in distress.
You think I was in distress.
Weren't you? Oh, it looks like there's a party starting without us.
Come on.
Give me the light I don't want dark Give me the light Well, this is a little livelier than I had in mind.
Well, you can dance, can't you, Lee Truitt? - Oh, you watch me dance.
- Give me the light Give me the light Give me the light Give me the light Give me the light Why not the Why not the Why not the Why not the Why why why not the Why not the Why not the Why not the dance Why not the dance Why why not the dance Why not the dance Why why not the dance Why not the dance Why why not the dance Why not the dance Why why not the dance Why not the dance Why why not the dance Why not the dance Why why not the dance Why not the dance Why why not the dance One two three Why why not the dance Why not the dance Why not the dance Why not the dance Why not the dance Why not the dance Why not the dance Why not the dance Why not the dance Why not the dance [sighs.]
[sighs.]
MARY JANE: Later in the hour, we've got this psychic who correctly predicted last year's election results, here, making some bold predictions for 2017.
Stay tuned for that, and more.
I'm Mary Jane Paul.
What do you think of that link I sent you? It could be good for a personal finance story, right? Where are you going? My lunch with Garrett.
Oh, right, right.
You got this, remember that.
Come on, rock it out! - MARY JANE: [groans.]
- [laughing.]
Find me when you get back.
GARRETT: Mary Jane.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Thanks for, uh, for joining me today.
No, my pleasure.
- Oh.
Uh - Uh right.
Right.
[laughs.]
- Please, have a seat.
- Thank you.
So, uh, how's how's New York treating you so far? - Great.
Great.
- Yeah.
- Yeah, no complaints.
- Oh, good.
Mary Jane, let's cut to the chase.
You know it's no secret why we brought you here, so, uh, let's talk about the next steps.
How'd it go? [quietly.]
You're looking at the newest anchor of "Great Day USA.
" That well? I'm pretty sure Garrett's talking to my agent.
I told you this move to New York would be great for us.
I told you.
Once I'm in that anchor chair, it's just a matter of time before you can move Garrett out of that corner office.
- Yes! - [palm slap.]
Mary Jane, may I have a word with you, please? Of course.
RONDA: Come on in.
I like you, Mary Jane, I do.
That is why I'm gonna be frank.
Garrett, um, has no intention of making you co-anchor.
Excuse me? I know that it probably seems that he is, given what transpired at Medejare's.
It was Medejare's, wasn't it? [laughs.]
Oh, of course, it was.
Garrett's favorite booth in the back against the wall, a bottle of Pinot, dessert.
In fact, I fear the seduction started weeks ago when you were being interviewed, and undoubtedly he led you to believe that you were being groomed for my spot.
He alluded to that, yeah.
And now he makes it seem that my departure is imminent.
You're not fielding other offers? This is my home.
So, why am I being led to believe that I have a future here, if I don't? Garrett's trying to pit us against each other.
He's the EP.
Why would he do that? RONDA: [laughs.]
Telegenic rivalry between two Black women? Drive his ratings.
It's morning news, not a reality TV show.
It's all about reality TV nowadays.
I know you don't believe me.
But you'll soon see that I'm right.
So, this is all just a ploy, an act, to get the rivalry going? Once sweeps are over with, and my contract is renewed, I'll be in the anchor chair for another five years.
You'll be outside that glass in the middle of winter.
GARRETT: Mary Jane! Everything okay? Yeah, I just wanted to give you a heads up.
My agent is really excited to talk to you.
[laughs.]
I am, too, so excited.
There's just uh I probably should have seen this coming, but Business Affairs is advising me to slow things down.
Really? They wanna wait until you're out of your probationary period on your current contract which is totally understandable.
Of course, it is.
But not to worry.
The offer will come in time.
Okay.
[clears throat.]
Kara, they had no intention of ever grooming me to be anchor.
KARA: Okay, don't don't get your suitcase out just yet, okay? Let's at least sleep on it.
MJ? MJ? - Yeah, no, I'm here.
- KARA: Promise me you won't make any rash decisions.
I wanted this, Kara.
And you can still have it.
We've just gotta be smart.
We've gotta find a strategy, okay? How does that sound? It sounds like I'm gonna be in for a crazy ride.