Being Mary Jane (2013) s04e11 Episode Script
Feeling Raw
1 MARY JANE: Previously, on "Being Mary Jane" Justin Talbot from CNN.
Justin, as in got-you-fired, Justin "Asshole" Talbot? I've never said this to anyone, Kara.
I love you.
Now tell me you don't love me.
If you let me walk out that door, I'm not comin' back.
[sobbing.]
I think you can go all the way.
- With your help.
- Yeah, with my help.
Getting into the anchor chair on your birthday.
That's something.
I'm just so sorry that Kara won't be here to see it.
What? Please, tell her I wish her the best of luck.
I'm sure she'll land on her feet.
Honestly, I wasn't thinking about more kids Not until Zoe asked me to be her sperm donor.
But, MJ, I love you.
I want you to be happy.
I never did get a chance to thank you for helping me get here.
You don't have to thank me.
We're a team.
FEMALE FLOOR DIRECTOR: In five, four, three, two Good morning, welcome to "Great Day USA.
" I'm Mary Jane Paul.
[panting.]
Harder.
[gasping.]
[panting continues.]
MARY JANE: That's it.
Harder! Harder! Harder! [panting.]
- [bed creaking.]
- MARY JANE: Yes.
That's it.
LEE: [groans.]
Ooh! You are certainly upping the ante, now that you're co-anchor.
I just wish we had a more suitable playing field than this.
Oh, no, I'm gonna I'm gonna make a decision about the bed.
You'll see.
I wish the designer hadn't given me so many options.
LEE: Oh You're such a perfectionist.
Who doesn't want perfection? I think you're letting the perfect get in the way of the good.
Costa Rican coffee compliments of, uh, Kelly Ripa.
Oh.
Mmm, like it.
Something you won't like.
The caffeine segment is getting pushed.
Emma, two weeks in and you already know me so well.
So, what are we leading with? Him.
MARY JANE: Is that the director of "Grade Point"? Mm-hm, Randy Fulweather.
It took him all of three seconds to mention that his film won at TIFF.
Why is he so early? Milking his 15 minutes? - [laughs.]
- MARY JANE: [sighs.]
Ten seconds to air, people.
["Great Day USA" theme music.]
- MAN: In five, four - Animation three rolling animation two.
Good morning, and welcome to "Great Day USA.
" Tuesday morning kicks off with some breaking news Tufrom the music world.
The break-up of an iconic band.
That's right, Downshift, announced they're splitting.
I have to admit I was blindsided.
I mean, I grew up listening to these guys.
I mean, we all did.
But there were signs that trouble was brewing.
This is the kind of banter we need.
It humanizes her.
I mean, the cancellation of that last concert in Vegas, come on.
- AARON: Okay, Sherlock.
- Right.
Yeah.
Has anything come across this desk that has actually surprised you? AARON: I mean, thus far.
I know it's only been a couple of months.
Hey, Justin.
Uh, yeah, Mary Jane, go to, uh AARON: Yeah, I know, I know that the fact that I'm more charming up close.
That was that was pretty shocking, right? Yes.
Yes.
My goodness, what a looker.
- That was shocking.
- BOTH: [laughing.]
All of a sudden, she's flailing, and you're asleep at the wheel? What the hell's gotten into you two? I spaced.
It won't happen again.
Look at those shucks at "GDU".
They have my girl all discombobulated.
Will you stop trying to produce the show from your living room.
I watch Mary Jane whether I'm producing her or not.
Okay, they fired you.
I think she'll understand if you didn't tune in.
Come on, Mama, sit down.
Aren't you supposed to be preparing for your arbitration hearing? You only have a couple of days left.
- I know, but, um - But what? You want them to pay out your contract, right? Yeah, I do.
If I lose, I could be blackballed.
- Then don't lose.
- What? Seriously? I'm serious.
If it's that risky, then you've gotta win.
LEE: Mmm [kisses.]
[laughs.]
What are you doing? [kisses.]
Come on.
- Let's take it for a spin.
- No [plastic wrap crackling.]
- Come on, Lee, get up.
- Get off of it.
I'm serious, get off of it! MJ, what's gotten into you? I slept with Justin.
Um What did you just say? Did I just say that out loud? Yeah, you did.
I know I said nothing was going on, but I lied.
It was only once.
It wasn't like an ongoing thing or or anything like that.
And in your twisted mind, that makes it better? No.
No.
Why are you telling me this now? Answer me! You wanna do it again.
I have feelings for him.
I really tried to just push it down.
Give me a break.
You've just given yourself permission - to slide down another - Don't.
Lee, that's not you.
Don't be cruel.
Do you love him? Oh, God I mean, I know how much you like assholes like him.
He's got the swagger in spades, hasn't he? Just the kind of guy to keep you on your toes.
- Is that really what you want? - I'm I am so sorry.
That's what you're saving this bed for, isn't it? Isn't it? For Justin.
I never meant to hurt you, Lee.
You're the greatest man I've ever had.
Just stop it.
You know what I went through with Zoe, and you still I was gonna give you everything you wanted.
We were trying for a baby.
And I became a different person, and I owe that all to you.
Don't give me that new Mary Jane bullshit.
No, it's true.
I've changed.
Yeah.
[laughing.]
No, I did.
Look, I tried.
It's okay.
I don't blame you.
Look, you're obviously still that broken girl I met on that first night.
It's my fault for trying to put the pieces back together.
What I see now is what you need is a real prick to try and break you down into even tinier bits.
I hope Justin delivers.
You don't mean that, Lee.
Come on, Lee I am I'll come back tomorrow and grab the rest of my stuff.
Please You know, the silver lining in all of this is that we didn't have a kid together.
You'd be a terrible mom.
[door slams.]
[cell phone rings.]
[telephone rings.]
- Hello? - MARY JANE: Mom? Oh, Pauletta.
I was just thinking about calling you.
Yeah? Did something happen? Well, I never told you about our trip to Hattiesburg.
MARY JANE: Okay, how was it? Pauletta, oh, it's the perfect place for you and Lee to get married.
Mom I know that you're in the big city now.
But, oh, Letta, you've got to see this I'm gonna stop you right there.
Letta, wouldn't you just consider it? I would consider it, Mom Pauletta, is something wrong? Lee and I broke up.
I slept with Justin and tanked a perfect relationship for no good reason.
Well, no, actually, there is a a good reason.
- I'm I'm a selfish bitch.
- HELEN: Pauletta And the one person I'm dying to talk to about it is Kara.
But when she finds out that I broke up with Lee for Justin, she's literally going to kill me, because she hates him, which I kinda get because I hated him, too.
And, honestly, I don't know if I'm falling in love with the devil, or the man of my dreams, or maybe both.
- Pauletta, I - I can't hear you, sweetie.
- Are you there? - I'm here.
Pauletta, did something happen? Lee and I, we broke up.
HELEN: Broke up? But that boy just came all the way to Atlanta - to tell you he loves you.
- MARY JANE: Yeah, I know.
But what happened? I really thought I was ready to to talk about it, Mom, but I'm I'm not.
HELEN: Pauletta? You know, I'm gonna call you back, okay? 'Cause I can't I can't right now, Mom.
I love you, Mom.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Uh, listen, uh, I think we need to talk.
Yeah.
I know that we agreed to keep everything professional.
Which made sense at the time.
Yeah.
But given what's been happening, I think we owe it to ourselves to revisit that conversation, don't you? I agree.
Um why don't we grab a drink later, so we can have some privacy? - Yeah.
- [knock at door.]
Can I borrow you for a few minutes? There's something I need to show you.
There you go.
The overnights.
AARON: This has gotta be a new low.
Guys, listen, we knew Ronda's departure was gonna cost us.
We can't cry over something we already knew would happen.
For a few weeks, yes.
It's been two months, and now with Ronda's promo buzzing online, I Ronda has a promo? Her talk show isn't even supposed to air until next Fall.
"Vanity Fair" did an article calling her "The Next Oprah.
" Let's remind ourselves, okay, Ronda's show will air in the afternoon.
We're not in direct competition.
No, you're right, but the mood upstairs has changed significantly.
Sawyer is concerned that our show is out of step.
Mary Jane is still finding her voice, and I have a segment that'll give us the boost we need.
- Oh, yeah? - And what's that? Dylan Avery.
He's gonna give us the exclusive on his new movie.
The '80s action star? I mean, does anybody really still care about him? Are you kidding? He's like a legend.
"Russian Winter" is one of my all-time favorites.
Mine, too.
His latest film is getting all this festival buzz and he's starting to garner a lot of Oscar attention, okay? This could be the come-back story of the year.
I've got something better.
Yeah? There's been all this controversy about what really happened between Ronda and Mary Jane.
So, um, let's put Ronda on and clear it up.
Uh, wuh She's been discredited.
It would completely undermine her reputation.
Oh, come on, the fans don't care about any of that.
Well, we should, and and Kara's still in the middle of her arbitration.
Our lawyers said that they can prep Ronda about what she can and cannot say.
If Sawyer wants ratings, give him ratings By any means necessary.
So, Ronda returns to "GDU" to set the record straight.
See? Aaron's got the spirit.
I'll gladly do the interview.
I'm sorry, is this "Great Day USA," or "Real Anchors New York: The Reunion"? I I'm not sure.
You do realize that Ronda can come on live TV and trash us all.
That's true, Mary Jane.
But I guarantee that everyone will be watching.
We have a show to do, okay? All right, guys.
Let's go.
MAN: Oh, come on, how can you play like that? - KARA: Morning.
- MAN #2: Kara, what's up? ORLANDO: They just came by to hang out for a bit, baby.
KARA: Eight o'clock in the morning, babe? Oh, my gosh! Seriously? Seriously? - It's spilling everywhere.
- ORLANDO: Sorry.
Don't you have a team breakfast this morning? Yeah.
I thought I might skip this one.
Why? It was supposed to be just the team and then the guys invited their wives and their girlfriends So? That's never stopped you before.
It's not that big a deal.
What's not that big a deal? I wasn't invited, okay? Does this have anything to do with what I said to Eddie's wife, that 20-year-old hood rat, huh? Okay, I'll call her and apologize.
I don't think that's gonna cut it.
Why? Is she too good for an apology, spoiled-ass bitch? You kind of insulted all of them.
Oh, I "insulted" them.
Look, it'll die down eventually.
No, I can't I can't have you shut out of your team.
That's your family.
- Baby - KARA: [sighs.]
you have more than enough to think about right now.
- Okay? Don't you? - KARA: [heavy sigh.]
JUSTIN: So, I hope you don't mind.
I, uh, I ordered for you.
This place makes almost the perfect Manhattan, as close as you get to perfect in Chelsea now.
Well, what if I want perfection? You go downtown.
There's a hole-in-the-wall about a block away from Wall Street.
They make the perfect Manhattan.
You're sounding like a native.
JUSTIN: [laughs.]
[sighs.]
Hey you know, what happened today really caught me off guard.
Me, too.
Well, another slip-up just can't happen.
Okay.
What's happening between us is - obvious.
- JUSTIN: [laughs.]
I'm ready to embrace it, finally, just, uh put it out there.
I'm gonna stop you right there.
What happened yesterday can't happen again.
I mean, we're talking about our careers.
And Garrett, right now, he's he's running scared.
So, I think I should just start you know, start to produce Aaron's stories.
What? That's the prudent thing to do.
I get it you're distancing yourself because the noose is tightening around Kara's neck and I could be next.
I get it.
This isn't me hedging my bets.
[gulps drink.]
No, I'm clear about what it is, actually.
- I'm actually - Shhh.
Shhh.
No, I'm actually really clear.
I broke up with Lee.
But why? I didn't ask you to do that.
What's happening between us isn't all in my head.
Look, we had sex, once, right? And we both agreed that it was a mistake.
This isn't, um this isn't love.
I have a girlfriend and I'm not gonna ruin the relationship for, uh For what? I'm not gonna blow up my world on a whim, okay? And you shouldn't want me to.
I'm not I don't I don't want you to.
I don't want you to do anything.
I'm I'm glad we're I'm glad we're clear.
Um - Mary Jane.
- No, uh enjoy your Manhattan.
[mixed conversations.]
[grunting, angry muttering.]
Oh, this is the way it goes Sorry if you thought you played a role - I'm doing it all on my own - [cell phone ringing.]
- Fighting - [cell phone ringing.]
I'ma do, I'ma do it I'ma do, I'ma do it I'ma do, I'ma do it Knock me down And I'll get up I'ma do, I'ma do it I'ma do, I'ma do it - Oh! - I'ma do, I'ma do it Knock me down And I'll get up I'ma do, I'ma do it I'ma do, I'ma do it I'ma do, I'ma do it Knock me down And I'll get up Oh this is the way it goes Sorry if you thought you played a role - I'm doing it all on my own - I'm fighting GARRETT: Yeah, so, I've been hittin' the links quite a bit.
JUSTIN: I guess you would.
- Hey, sorry to interrupt.
- I just wanted to let you know I've reached out to the brand strategy team.
We wanna improve ratings, right? They're gonna present ideas on how to retool, and I really think that we should think about making some changes to the producing team.
Okay, well, we're already considering options for Kara's replacement.
Oh, let's not get hung up on that one slot.
Fresh faces bring fresh ideas.
I can't agree more.
Lastly, I think Emma should interview Ronda.
She doesn't even know Ronda.
I think we all know that I'm not a big fan of the story, but we can position Emma as the newcomer to this happy "GDU" family, who's learned of our troubling history and just wants answers.
Aaron will never go for that.
Well, it's not up to Aaron to decide.
You, uh, you good with this idea? Yeah.
It could shake things up a bit.
I know what you're doing.
This is this is about last night.
This isn't about you, Justin.
No? You were spot-on with everything you said last night.
We should both focus on our careers, especially now with Garrett running scared.
Ronda could be coming here to bury us on live TV.
Aaron can counter it, Emma can't.
It is us you're worried about getting trashed or you? Are you serious? You know, I realized that I should thank you, because, if we were together, I mean I wouldn't have had the balls to pitch any of this.
I would have been too concerned about your ego.
But now [sighing.]
I don't give a shit.
Okay.
I don't believe it.
You don't believe what? I just spoke with Lee and he said Pauletta stepped out on him.
You called that boy on the phone? But not knowing what was happening was giving me heartburn.
And he told you Pauletta is cheating? I had to pull it out of him.
It cuts straight to the quick, doesn't it? PAUL SR.
: [sighing.]
Baby do you think our missteps has anything to do with all the troubles she's having? No, no, no, no, no.
She was just a child when all that business was goin' on.
Kids pick up on things.
Now I know it's been a long time, but maybe we should talk to her.
No! What we should do - is call the realtor.
- The realtor? We are gonna put that Hattiesburg house up for sale.
Helen, we've gotta face facts.
[sighs.]
Pauletta will never get married in that house.
MARY JANE: The pleasure's all mine.
Is this the, uh, PR presentation? Actually, we're more brand strategy than PR.
Lyla Fugate.
Justin Talbot.
Nice to meet you.
Lyla has some ideas on how to improve my Q rating.
Mm-hm, we'd like to start by bringing in some new stylists and we've compiled a list of charities that are trending right now.
These sound like some great ideas, but it seems like we're offering solutions when the problem hasn't been identified.
The market research shows that you're not quite connecting to viewers.
JUSTIN: Mm-hm.
Yeah, I mean, well, why? WOMAN: The Real Housewives Factor.
Viewers haven't been given the opportunity No, no, I could have sworn somebody said something about The Real Housewives? LYLA: [clears throat.]
This is Aaliyah Luckett, our new junior associate.
MARY JANE: Hi.
Please There's an official PR term for it, but I call it The Real Housewives Factor.
It's similar to how we define likeability for men.
During George W's campaign, people would say "he's the kinda guy I'd like to have a beer with.
" So, that became the litmus test.
For women, it's would you watch trashy reality shows? Take, for instance, Michelle Obama.
Could you kick back and watch "The Real Housewives" with her? Yeah, sure.
- AALIYAH: Jennifer Lawrence? - MARY JANE: Yeah.
- Hillary Clinton? - MARY JANE: Oh.
[laughs.]
Isn't this stuff kind of innate? I mean, Hillary is no Michelle, so No, we can change it.
We just need a bridge into Mary Jane's personal life.
Kelly Ripa has Mark Consuelos and her kids.
Gayle King has Oprah.
Okay, well, I'm not married with kids and I don't have a billionaire bestie, so But you're single, right? Oh, yes, newly single.
AALIYAH: And guys wanna date you.
Oh, that's so nice of you to say, uh, but I AALIYAH: No, that director you had on the show, Randy Fulweather, he was asking about you.
I'm not sure I wanna date a director to improve my Q rating.
I think it'll humanize you.
[sipping water.]
You know what? Yeah, set it up.
It's gonna be a huge upgrade from the last one, so, yeah, that's great.
Okay, well, if you hit it off with him, we can keep it private, but dating him would create a lot of buzz.
GARRETT: Fantastic.
Buzz is what it's all about.
- KARA: Russ & Daughters? - MARY JANE: Uh-huh.
KARA: Yes! Oh, my gosh, I would say you shouldn't have.
But you know what? Orlando and his boys are eating me out of house and home! Okay, what's the occasion? Well, I know you're gonna get a new gig soon, and I know we're not gonna have these opportunities for me to pop by for lunch, so You act like the job offers are rolling in.
I made some calls, just seeing what's out there, so? Well, shouldn't you be focusing on "GDU"? You're rattled.
I see it, you know? It's Justin, isn't it? No, no, it's that damn Ronda.
So, Garrett's really bringing her on the show? Mm-hm.
I swear that bitch has, like, nine lives.
Or ten.
You know what? Ronda's not the problem.
- You've got the yips.
- Huh? That's what Orlando calls it when his teammates are off their game.
But, you know what? I'm not surprised.
You have no one over there you can trust.
Those other producers are totally intimidated by you, and Justin is a frickin' snake.
Can't argue with you there.
You need to make sure that whoever they hire as my replacement is an ally and has your back.
- Okay? - Okay.
What time is it? It's gotta be, like, a quarter to one or something.
[gasps.]
Oh, my God, I've gotta get ready.
Why? What's going on? I thought arbitration started tomorrow.
I agreed to watch Orlando's game with all the wives.
Oh, are you making friends? Girl, my man is being ostracized, so, I've gotta do something.
What do I have in common with all those airheads who suck you-know-what for a living.
- What if I bring Lee? - Unh-unh.
[gasps.]
He's so He's so frickin' funny.
MARY JANE: No, no, Lee is unavailable.
KARA: Why? He's in San Orlando.
But maybe I can help you.
Girl, please.
You have absolutely nothing in common - with those airheads either.
- Uh, hello? I connect with strangers for a living, five days a week, live, on air.
I got you.
Yeah, that's because you had me as your producer, giving you the background information.
Having the information is not the same as using the information.
I can get those bitches to like me.
Everything about their lives is on social media, so, all I have to do is make them think that they're fascinating.
You think it's that easy, huh? They're gonna be begging to hang out with me by the end of the game.
Watch.
[clicks tongue.]
WOMEN: [mixed conversations.]
KARA: My God MALE SPORTSCASTER: He's the man to watch.
Having your favorite players warm up.
WOMEN: [mixed conversations continue.]
SPORTSCASTER: I wanna take a moment to remind everyone - Oh, hey.
- Hey.
Do you wanna do a shot with me? Uh, no, Tequila's 70 calories an ounce.
Oh, wow.
God forbid you have a calorie.
A double shot, please.
Oh, my kinda woman.
[laughs.]
It helps with the pre-game jitters.
Yes, it does.
I thought I was the only one with anxiety about the game.
WOMAN: No.
[laughs.]
Oh, Lauryn, come take a selfie with us.
Oh, coming! Hey, girls, let me do that for you.
Here, let me have your phone.
You want the brightest source of light all around you, so you avoid all those harsh shadows, you know what I mean? So, get together.
Look at y'all rockin' it on.
I love it.
Sexy ladies.
- Yes! - [phone camera clicks.]
Excellent.
Look at that.
- Oh, my God.
- All right? That's so nice.
You should be our official selfie taker.
Oh! I would be honored.
Oh, my God - Smart move - Appeal to their vanity, and the fact that you're in television and you know what you're talking about Even better.
Are you in television? No.
I'm Lauryn Wellington.
I'm Daimond's girlfriend.
Oh.
I'm like the rest of them, just not as backward.
We should go shopping this week.
Barneys is having a blue-ribbon sale and I have been dying to know who is this woman who has stolen Orlando's heart? - RANDY: So, it opens in Prague.
- MARY JANE: Oh.
I didn't know that.
That's impressive.
RANDY: Yeah, well, the studio really believes in it.
MARY JANE: Thanks.
Of course, I won't be there.
No? Well, I'm sure the New York premiere will be just as fun, right? I won't be there, either.
I wanna see it in Oakland with my people.
If it sucks, they won't have a problem letting me know it.
You're brave.
My family would be the loudest critics, then ask me for money a second later.
Are you sure that's your family, 'cause that sounds like something my niece would do.
Come on, your family summers in the South of France.
Oh, no, you've pegged me all wrong, brother.
No, I'm the daughter of Helen Patterson from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and the only French word that she knows is "souvenir.
" [laughs.]
You had me fooled.
And you're a lot more approachable than I thought.
You know, I was surprised when you agreed to see me tonight.
Really? Why? Well, one of your producers told me you were seeing someone.
Oh.
Which producer? That brother with the light eyes.
Oh.
[laughs.]
[laughing.]
I mean, I was in a relationship.
I I used to be but I'm not.
He was wrong.
He was he's [laughs.]
He's wrong about so much.
Thanks, Hannah, for that look at the weather from around the nation.
And now let's take a look at the weather in your area.
FEMALE FLOOR DIRECTOR: And we're clear.
Good morning, Mary Jane.
The second part of the presentation will be in here.
Oh, great, thanks.
[squealing.]
Hey! - How're you doing? - Okay.
Are you going to arbitration or going to meet the Queen? This, my darling, was Orlando's doing.
I take it everything went well with the WAGs.
Orlando certainly thought so after he saw this picture.
You're gonna love this.
Okay, it really looks like you're having fun.
Right? I mean, they weren't all that bad.
I mean, there was one of them that I kinda like.
What? Mean girl Kara Lynch made a friend? Yay! [applauding silently.]
Anyway, I just thought I'd come by and say hello.
- I miss you.
- I miss you, too.
We just oh.
Maybe that wasn't such a good idea, though, huh? Ronda! Mary Jane.
- Welcome back.
- Thank you so much.
Wow, it's like old times Us ladies back together again.
[laughing.]
Although I do see, um, brand strategy, right? Lyla ooh, not just Lyla, the whole team.
The whole department.
As you know, morning news is serious business.
RONDA: The bigger the team, the bigger the problem.
Those pesky little ratings must be really rattling some cages, huh? So, what did they recommend? Charity work? A new image? No, since you are not married, maybe they're gonna target a few red carpet events with a high-profile bachelor.
Now that sounds like fun, doesn't it? You know, Ronda, um don't you have to get to make-up? I you know, you need some concealer.
I think I wanna say hi to Garrett, first.
I wanna see the desperation up close.
Oh, and maybe I should take the time to see Justin, too.
They don't have any recommendations for him, do they? No.
It's all on you.
You know what? I'm gonna be just fine, Ronda.
Yeah, brand strategy, they do know their stuff.
But heaven forbid you just do your damn job.
You can't help yourself, can you? [laughing.]
Sweetheart you've only yourself to blame.
Make-up.
Really.
- If you'll excuse me.
- MARY JANE: Yes.
RONDA: Hey! Hey, stop it! Do not let that bitch get the best of you, Mary Jane.
Right, and you know what? I was gonna say the same thing to you, so, you go up there and you give 'em hell, okay? - I will.
- Okay? - KARA: [sighs.]
- You got this.
Yeah.
Thank you.
RONDA: I covered a story that turned out to be false.
That is something I'm not proud of.
That is the truth.
So, there's nothing to the rumors of you getting pushed out? I take pride in mentoring journalists.
Is my colleague Mary Jane Paul included in that? Absolutely.
People out there want to think there is a bad guy.
There's no bad guy here.
Now, some people assume that I am going to be sticking with fluff from now on, after what happened.
But they would be wrong.
The work is too important.
I told my producers, "please, do not shy away from the big stories, "especially now.
We are going to be there.
" Do you plan to tackle controversial topics on your talk show? That's right.
This Fall.
And this time, I will not leave the vetting to producers.
I will be fact-checking and corroborating stories, myself, through and through.
We just handed her a promo opportunity.
Yeah, check out our Twitter page.
Our viewers are eating it up.
[sighing.]
- Mary Jane? - Justin? At least Ronda didn't tank us.
Yet.
You know that old bitch has more tricks up her sleeve.
I don't mean to interrupt, but I was sent to grab you two for part two of our presentation, - if you're ready.
- Oh, yep, yep.
No problem.
We're having the meeting in your office, Mary Jane.
Great.
So, the director, cool, right? Oh, Leah, I was pleasantly surprised.
I'm sorry, it's actually Aaliyah, two "a's".
My boss Lyla always mispronounces it.
MARY JANE: You know, you don't even have to explain.
I got it.
So, are you gonna see him again? I'm one step ahead of you.
I invited him to dinner.
You're gonna cook for him? - That's not too forward, right? - No, that's boss.
Yeah, no, I was, uh, thinking of some Manchego tarts.
A nice apéritif? Cocktails, honey.
A perfect Manhattan.
ORLANDO: There she is.
How'd it go? - Did they offer to settle? - Not quite.
But it's looking good? I mean, I think so.
Then why are you putting your keys in the refrigerator? Mama? What happened? Those damn "GDU" lawyers twisted everything that I said.
Here I am trying to be honest about being a single mother - They twisted it how? - I don't know.
They they tried to make it seem like I don't need the money.
How does that even matter? It doesn't matter, but Never mind.
No, no, hey tell me.
It's about perception.
There you were sitting in that expensive outfit, hey? Well, it wasn't just that.
I was - I went to the game and - The stuff in the Skybox? You were on the Jumbo Tron with the rest of the wives.
Are you serious? [sniffles.]
I just need to be focused on finding a new job.
That's it.
That's what I have to do.
You can't just give up like that.
It feels hopeless, I know, but you can't give up.
You've gotta keep going.
You've gotta fight.
[sniffles.]
[exhaling.]
Okay.
Let's see.
Oh [sighing.]
[doorbell rings.]
Dude is way early.
[sighs.]
[gasps.]
Justin, what are you doing here? I think we need to talk.
Whatever you need to say to me, you can say at work.
Two minutes.
I think, um, I think what's been happening between us, I think we both realize that it's become untenable.
Yeah, you made that clear at the bar.
Look, I'm not here to rehash our earlier conversation.
Okay, why are you here, exactly, because, as you can see, I'm expecting someone else, so I tried it my way.
It didn't work.
Okay, well, I've moved on.
Don't say that.
- Justin, go home.
- Mary Jane.
I'm serious.
Go home to your girlfriend.
I don't have one.
[sighing.]
Not anymore.
We're even.
Go home.
This director that's coming over I can't I can't stand the thought of you with someone else.
We are oil and water.
We don't agree on I can't be without you right now.
I can't.
I can't.
[kisses forehead.]
Please.
I won't make you pull out Getting it all tonight MARY JANE: [gasping.]
All that I want I just wanna go down In history how you like Wanna be the one As the one who makes you comfortable 'Cause your lips, they got me Feeling very vulnerable Yeah, the way that you speak to me Freak with me, gives me a rise yeah In too deep Don't wanna pull out - Okay? - You were right.
About what? I hate that you said it out loud "common wisdom" says that this is a huge mistake" from our jobs, to Kara, and how it even began.
[kisses.]
Are you gonna say anything? There's only one solution.
And what's that? [kisses.]
Let's not be common.
[laughs.]
Justin.
[kisses.]
[doorbell rings.]
- [kisses.]
- Oh, shit, I forgot.
- [laughs.]
- [doorbell rings.]
MARY JANE: [sighs.]
Justin, as in got-you-fired, Justin "Asshole" Talbot? I've never said this to anyone, Kara.
I love you.
Now tell me you don't love me.
If you let me walk out that door, I'm not comin' back.
[sobbing.]
I think you can go all the way.
- With your help.
- Yeah, with my help.
Getting into the anchor chair on your birthday.
That's something.
I'm just so sorry that Kara won't be here to see it.
What? Please, tell her I wish her the best of luck.
I'm sure she'll land on her feet.
Honestly, I wasn't thinking about more kids Not until Zoe asked me to be her sperm donor.
But, MJ, I love you.
I want you to be happy.
I never did get a chance to thank you for helping me get here.
You don't have to thank me.
We're a team.
FEMALE FLOOR DIRECTOR: In five, four, three, two Good morning, welcome to "Great Day USA.
" I'm Mary Jane Paul.
[panting.]
Harder.
[gasping.]
[panting continues.]
MARY JANE: That's it.
Harder! Harder! Harder! [panting.]
- [bed creaking.]
- MARY JANE: Yes.
That's it.
LEE: [groans.]
Ooh! You are certainly upping the ante, now that you're co-anchor.
I just wish we had a more suitable playing field than this.
Oh, no, I'm gonna I'm gonna make a decision about the bed.
You'll see.
I wish the designer hadn't given me so many options.
LEE: Oh You're such a perfectionist.
Who doesn't want perfection? I think you're letting the perfect get in the way of the good.
Costa Rican coffee compliments of, uh, Kelly Ripa.
Oh.
Mmm, like it.
Something you won't like.
The caffeine segment is getting pushed.
Emma, two weeks in and you already know me so well.
So, what are we leading with? Him.
MARY JANE: Is that the director of "Grade Point"? Mm-hm, Randy Fulweather.
It took him all of three seconds to mention that his film won at TIFF.
Why is he so early? Milking his 15 minutes? - [laughs.]
- MARY JANE: [sighs.]
Ten seconds to air, people.
["Great Day USA" theme music.]
- MAN: In five, four - Animation three rolling animation two.
Good morning, and welcome to "Great Day USA.
" Tuesday morning kicks off with some breaking news Tufrom the music world.
The break-up of an iconic band.
That's right, Downshift, announced they're splitting.
I have to admit I was blindsided.
I mean, I grew up listening to these guys.
I mean, we all did.
But there were signs that trouble was brewing.
This is the kind of banter we need.
It humanizes her.
I mean, the cancellation of that last concert in Vegas, come on.
- AARON: Okay, Sherlock.
- Right.
Yeah.
Has anything come across this desk that has actually surprised you? AARON: I mean, thus far.
I know it's only been a couple of months.
Hey, Justin.
Uh, yeah, Mary Jane, go to, uh AARON: Yeah, I know, I know that the fact that I'm more charming up close.
That was that was pretty shocking, right? Yes.
Yes.
My goodness, what a looker.
- That was shocking.
- BOTH: [laughing.]
All of a sudden, she's flailing, and you're asleep at the wheel? What the hell's gotten into you two? I spaced.
It won't happen again.
Look at those shucks at "GDU".
They have my girl all discombobulated.
Will you stop trying to produce the show from your living room.
I watch Mary Jane whether I'm producing her or not.
Okay, they fired you.
I think she'll understand if you didn't tune in.
Come on, Mama, sit down.
Aren't you supposed to be preparing for your arbitration hearing? You only have a couple of days left.
- I know, but, um - But what? You want them to pay out your contract, right? Yeah, I do.
If I lose, I could be blackballed.
- Then don't lose.
- What? Seriously? I'm serious.
If it's that risky, then you've gotta win.
LEE: Mmm [kisses.]
[laughs.]
What are you doing? [kisses.]
Come on.
- Let's take it for a spin.
- No [plastic wrap crackling.]
- Come on, Lee, get up.
- Get off of it.
I'm serious, get off of it! MJ, what's gotten into you? I slept with Justin.
Um What did you just say? Did I just say that out loud? Yeah, you did.
I know I said nothing was going on, but I lied.
It was only once.
It wasn't like an ongoing thing or or anything like that.
And in your twisted mind, that makes it better? No.
No.
Why are you telling me this now? Answer me! You wanna do it again.
I have feelings for him.
I really tried to just push it down.
Give me a break.
You've just given yourself permission - to slide down another - Don't.
Lee, that's not you.
Don't be cruel.
Do you love him? Oh, God I mean, I know how much you like assholes like him.
He's got the swagger in spades, hasn't he? Just the kind of guy to keep you on your toes.
- Is that really what you want? - I'm I am so sorry.
That's what you're saving this bed for, isn't it? Isn't it? For Justin.
I never meant to hurt you, Lee.
You're the greatest man I've ever had.
Just stop it.
You know what I went through with Zoe, and you still I was gonna give you everything you wanted.
We were trying for a baby.
And I became a different person, and I owe that all to you.
Don't give me that new Mary Jane bullshit.
No, it's true.
I've changed.
Yeah.
[laughing.]
No, I did.
Look, I tried.
It's okay.
I don't blame you.
Look, you're obviously still that broken girl I met on that first night.
It's my fault for trying to put the pieces back together.
What I see now is what you need is a real prick to try and break you down into even tinier bits.
I hope Justin delivers.
You don't mean that, Lee.
Come on, Lee I am I'll come back tomorrow and grab the rest of my stuff.
Please You know, the silver lining in all of this is that we didn't have a kid together.
You'd be a terrible mom.
[door slams.]
[cell phone rings.]
[telephone rings.]
- Hello? - MARY JANE: Mom? Oh, Pauletta.
I was just thinking about calling you.
Yeah? Did something happen? Well, I never told you about our trip to Hattiesburg.
MARY JANE: Okay, how was it? Pauletta, oh, it's the perfect place for you and Lee to get married.
Mom I know that you're in the big city now.
But, oh, Letta, you've got to see this I'm gonna stop you right there.
Letta, wouldn't you just consider it? I would consider it, Mom Pauletta, is something wrong? Lee and I broke up.
I slept with Justin and tanked a perfect relationship for no good reason.
Well, no, actually, there is a a good reason.
- I'm I'm a selfish bitch.
- HELEN: Pauletta And the one person I'm dying to talk to about it is Kara.
But when she finds out that I broke up with Lee for Justin, she's literally going to kill me, because she hates him, which I kinda get because I hated him, too.
And, honestly, I don't know if I'm falling in love with the devil, or the man of my dreams, or maybe both.
- Pauletta, I - I can't hear you, sweetie.
- Are you there? - I'm here.
Pauletta, did something happen? Lee and I, we broke up.
HELEN: Broke up? But that boy just came all the way to Atlanta - to tell you he loves you.
- MARY JANE: Yeah, I know.
But what happened? I really thought I was ready to to talk about it, Mom, but I'm I'm not.
HELEN: Pauletta? You know, I'm gonna call you back, okay? 'Cause I can't I can't right now, Mom.
I love you, Mom.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Uh, listen, uh, I think we need to talk.
Yeah.
I know that we agreed to keep everything professional.
Which made sense at the time.
Yeah.
But given what's been happening, I think we owe it to ourselves to revisit that conversation, don't you? I agree.
Um why don't we grab a drink later, so we can have some privacy? - Yeah.
- [knock at door.]
Can I borrow you for a few minutes? There's something I need to show you.
There you go.
The overnights.
AARON: This has gotta be a new low.
Guys, listen, we knew Ronda's departure was gonna cost us.
We can't cry over something we already knew would happen.
For a few weeks, yes.
It's been two months, and now with Ronda's promo buzzing online, I Ronda has a promo? Her talk show isn't even supposed to air until next Fall.
"Vanity Fair" did an article calling her "The Next Oprah.
" Let's remind ourselves, okay, Ronda's show will air in the afternoon.
We're not in direct competition.
No, you're right, but the mood upstairs has changed significantly.
Sawyer is concerned that our show is out of step.
Mary Jane is still finding her voice, and I have a segment that'll give us the boost we need.
- Oh, yeah? - And what's that? Dylan Avery.
He's gonna give us the exclusive on his new movie.
The '80s action star? I mean, does anybody really still care about him? Are you kidding? He's like a legend.
"Russian Winter" is one of my all-time favorites.
Mine, too.
His latest film is getting all this festival buzz and he's starting to garner a lot of Oscar attention, okay? This could be the come-back story of the year.
I've got something better.
Yeah? There's been all this controversy about what really happened between Ronda and Mary Jane.
So, um, let's put Ronda on and clear it up.
Uh, wuh She's been discredited.
It would completely undermine her reputation.
Oh, come on, the fans don't care about any of that.
Well, we should, and and Kara's still in the middle of her arbitration.
Our lawyers said that they can prep Ronda about what she can and cannot say.
If Sawyer wants ratings, give him ratings By any means necessary.
So, Ronda returns to "GDU" to set the record straight.
See? Aaron's got the spirit.
I'll gladly do the interview.
I'm sorry, is this "Great Day USA," or "Real Anchors New York: The Reunion"? I I'm not sure.
You do realize that Ronda can come on live TV and trash us all.
That's true, Mary Jane.
But I guarantee that everyone will be watching.
We have a show to do, okay? All right, guys.
Let's go.
MAN: Oh, come on, how can you play like that? - KARA: Morning.
- MAN #2: Kara, what's up? ORLANDO: They just came by to hang out for a bit, baby.
KARA: Eight o'clock in the morning, babe? Oh, my gosh! Seriously? Seriously? - It's spilling everywhere.
- ORLANDO: Sorry.
Don't you have a team breakfast this morning? Yeah.
I thought I might skip this one.
Why? It was supposed to be just the team and then the guys invited their wives and their girlfriends So? That's never stopped you before.
It's not that big a deal.
What's not that big a deal? I wasn't invited, okay? Does this have anything to do with what I said to Eddie's wife, that 20-year-old hood rat, huh? Okay, I'll call her and apologize.
I don't think that's gonna cut it.
Why? Is she too good for an apology, spoiled-ass bitch? You kind of insulted all of them.
Oh, I "insulted" them.
Look, it'll die down eventually.
No, I can't I can't have you shut out of your team.
That's your family.
- Baby - KARA: [sighs.]
you have more than enough to think about right now.
- Okay? Don't you? - KARA: [heavy sigh.]
JUSTIN: So, I hope you don't mind.
I, uh, I ordered for you.
This place makes almost the perfect Manhattan, as close as you get to perfect in Chelsea now.
Well, what if I want perfection? You go downtown.
There's a hole-in-the-wall about a block away from Wall Street.
They make the perfect Manhattan.
You're sounding like a native.
JUSTIN: [laughs.]
[sighs.]
Hey you know, what happened today really caught me off guard.
Me, too.
Well, another slip-up just can't happen.
Okay.
What's happening between us is - obvious.
- JUSTIN: [laughs.]
I'm ready to embrace it, finally, just, uh put it out there.
I'm gonna stop you right there.
What happened yesterday can't happen again.
I mean, we're talking about our careers.
And Garrett, right now, he's he's running scared.
So, I think I should just start you know, start to produce Aaron's stories.
What? That's the prudent thing to do.
I get it you're distancing yourself because the noose is tightening around Kara's neck and I could be next.
I get it.
This isn't me hedging my bets.
[gulps drink.]
No, I'm clear about what it is, actually.
- I'm actually - Shhh.
Shhh.
No, I'm actually really clear.
I broke up with Lee.
But why? I didn't ask you to do that.
What's happening between us isn't all in my head.
Look, we had sex, once, right? And we both agreed that it was a mistake.
This isn't, um this isn't love.
I have a girlfriend and I'm not gonna ruin the relationship for, uh For what? I'm not gonna blow up my world on a whim, okay? And you shouldn't want me to.
I'm not I don't I don't want you to.
I don't want you to do anything.
I'm I'm glad we're I'm glad we're clear.
Um - Mary Jane.
- No, uh enjoy your Manhattan.
[mixed conversations.]
[grunting, angry muttering.]
Oh, this is the way it goes Sorry if you thought you played a role - I'm doing it all on my own - [cell phone ringing.]
- Fighting - [cell phone ringing.]
I'ma do, I'ma do it I'ma do, I'ma do it I'ma do, I'ma do it Knock me down And I'll get up I'ma do, I'ma do it I'ma do, I'ma do it - Oh! - I'ma do, I'ma do it Knock me down And I'll get up I'ma do, I'ma do it I'ma do, I'ma do it I'ma do, I'ma do it Knock me down And I'll get up Oh this is the way it goes Sorry if you thought you played a role - I'm doing it all on my own - I'm fighting GARRETT: Yeah, so, I've been hittin' the links quite a bit.
JUSTIN: I guess you would.
- Hey, sorry to interrupt.
- I just wanted to let you know I've reached out to the brand strategy team.
We wanna improve ratings, right? They're gonna present ideas on how to retool, and I really think that we should think about making some changes to the producing team.
Okay, well, we're already considering options for Kara's replacement.
Oh, let's not get hung up on that one slot.
Fresh faces bring fresh ideas.
I can't agree more.
Lastly, I think Emma should interview Ronda.
She doesn't even know Ronda.
I think we all know that I'm not a big fan of the story, but we can position Emma as the newcomer to this happy "GDU" family, who's learned of our troubling history and just wants answers.
Aaron will never go for that.
Well, it's not up to Aaron to decide.
You, uh, you good with this idea? Yeah.
It could shake things up a bit.
I know what you're doing.
This is this is about last night.
This isn't about you, Justin.
No? You were spot-on with everything you said last night.
We should both focus on our careers, especially now with Garrett running scared.
Ronda could be coming here to bury us on live TV.
Aaron can counter it, Emma can't.
It is us you're worried about getting trashed or you? Are you serious? You know, I realized that I should thank you, because, if we were together, I mean I wouldn't have had the balls to pitch any of this.
I would have been too concerned about your ego.
But now [sighing.]
I don't give a shit.
Okay.
I don't believe it.
You don't believe what? I just spoke with Lee and he said Pauletta stepped out on him.
You called that boy on the phone? But not knowing what was happening was giving me heartburn.
And he told you Pauletta is cheating? I had to pull it out of him.
It cuts straight to the quick, doesn't it? PAUL SR.
: [sighing.]
Baby do you think our missteps has anything to do with all the troubles she's having? No, no, no, no, no.
She was just a child when all that business was goin' on.
Kids pick up on things.
Now I know it's been a long time, but maybe we should talk to her.
No! What we should do - is call the realtor.
- The realtor? We are gonna put that Hattiesburg house up for sale.
Helen, we've gotta face facts.
[sighs.]
Pauletta will never get married in that house.
MARY JANE: The pleasure's all mine.
Is this the, uh, PR presentation? Actually, we're more brand strategy than PR.
Lyla Fugate.
Justin Talbot.
Nice to meet you.
Lyla has some ideas on how to improve my Q rating.
Mm-hm, we'd like to start by bringing in some new stylists and we've compiled a list of charities that are trending right now.
These sound like some great ideas, but it seems like we're offering solutions when the problem hasn't been identified.
The market research shows that you're not quite connecting to viewers.
JUSTIN: Mm-hm.
Yeah, I mean, well, why? WOMAN: The Real Housewives Factor.
Viewers haven't been given the opportunity No, no, I could have sworn somebody said something about The Real Housewives? LYLA: [clears throat.]
This is Aaliyah Luckett, our new junior associate.
MARY JANE: Hi.
Please There's an official PR term for it, but I call it The Real Housewives Factor.
It's similar to how we define likeability for men.
During George W's campaign, people would say "he's the kinda guy I'd like to have a beer with.
" So, that became the litmus test.
For women, it's would you watch trashy reality shows? Take, for instance, Michelle Obama.
Could you kick back and watch "The Real Housewives" with her? Yeah, sure.
- AALIYAH: Jennifer Lawrence? - MARY JANE: Yeah.
- Hillary Clinton? - MARY JANE: Oh.
[laughs.]
Isn't this stuff kind of innate? I mean, Hillary is no Michelle, so No, we can change it.
We just need a bridge into Mary Jane's personal life.
Kelly Ripa has Mark Consuelos and her kids.
Gayle King has Oprah.
Okay, well, I'm not married with kids and I don't have a billionaire bestie, so But you're single, right? Oh, yes, newly single.
AALIYAH: And guys wanna date you.
Oh, that's so nice of you to say, uh, but I AALIYAH: No, that director you had on the show, Randy Fulweather, he was asking about you.
I'm not sure I wanna date a director to improve my Q rating.
I think it'll humanize you.
[sipping water.]
You know what? Yeah, set it up.
It's gonna be a huge upgrade from the last one, so, yeah, that's great.
Okay, well, if you hit it off with him, we can keep it private, but dating him would create a lot of buzz.
GARRETT: Fantastic.
Buzz is what it's all about.
- KARA: Russ & Daughters? - MARY JANE: Uh-huh.
KARA: Yes! Oh, my gosh, I would say you shouldn't have.
But you know what? Orlando and his boys are eating me out of house and home! Okay, what's the occasion? Well, I know you're gonna get a new gig soon, and I know we're not gonna have these opportunities for me to pop by for lunch, so You act like the job offers are rolling in.
I made some calls, just seeing what's out there, so? Well, shouldn't you be focusing on "GDU"? You're rattled.
I see it, you know? It's Justin, isn't it? No, no, it's that damn Ronda.
So, Garrett's really bringing her on the show? Mm-hm.
I swear that bitch has, like, nine lives.
Or ten.
You know what? Ronda's not the problem.
- You've got the yips.
- Huh? That's what Orlando calls it when his teammates are off their game.
But, you know what? I'm not surprised.
You have no one over there you can trust.
Those other producers are totally intimidated by you, and Justin is a frickin' snake.
Can't argue with you there.
You need to make sure that whoever they hire as my replacement is an ally and has your back.
- Okay? - Okay.
What time is it? It's gotta be, like, a quarter to one or something.
[gasps.]
Oh, my God, I've gotta get ready.
Why? What's going on? I thought arbitration started tomorrow.
I agreed to watch Orlando's game with all the wives.
Oh, are you making friends? Girl, my man is being ostracized, so, I've gotta do something.
What do I have in common with all those airheads who suck you-know-what for a living.
- What if I bring Lee? - Unh-unh.
[gasps.]
He's so He's so frickin' funny.
MARY JANE: No, no, Lee is unavailable.
KARA: Why? He's in San Orlando.
But maybe I can help you.
Girl, please.
You have absolutely nothing in common - with those airheads either.
- Uh, hello? I connect with strangers for a living, five days a week, live, on air.
I got you.
Yeah, that's because you had me as your producer, giving you the background information.
Having the information is not the same as using the information.
I can get those bitches to like me.
Everything about their lives is on social media, so, all I have to do is make them think that they're fascinating.
You think it's that easy, huh? They're gonna be begging to hang out with me by the end of the game.
Watch.
[clicks tongue.]
WOMEN: [mixed conversations.]
KARA: My God MALE SPORTSCASTER: He's the man to watch.
Having your favorite players warm up.
WOMEN: [mixed conversations continue.]
SPORTSCASTER: I wanna take a moment to remind everyone - Oh, hey.
- Hey.
Do you wanna do a shot with me? Uh, no, Tequila's 70 calories an ounce.
Oh, wow.
God forbid you have a calorie.
A double shot, please.
Oh, my kinda woman.
[laughs.]
It helps with the pre-game jitters.
Yes, it does.
I thought I was the only one with anxiety about the game.
WOMAN: No.
[laughs.]
Oh, Lauryn, come take a selfie with us.
Oh, coming! Hey, girls, let me do that for you.
Here, let me have your phone.
You want the brightest source of light all around you, so you avoid all those harsh shadows, you know what I mean? So, get together.
Look at y'all rockin' it on.
I love it.
Sexy ladies.
- Yes! - [phone camera clicks.]
Excellent.
Look at that.
- Oh, my God.
- All right? That's so nice.
You should be our official selfie taker.
Oh! I would be honored.
Oh, my God - Smart move - Appeal to their vanity, and the fact that you're in television and you know what you're talking about Even better.
Are you in television? No.
I'm Lauryn Wellington.
I'm Daimond's girlfriend.
Oh.
I'm like the rest of them, just not as backward.
We should go shopping this week.
Barneys is having a blue-ribbon sale and I have been dying to know who is this woman who has stolen Orlando's heart? - RANDY: So, it opens in Prague.
- MARY JANE: Oh.
I didn't know that.
That's impressive.
RANDY: Yeah, well, the studio really believes in it.
MARY JANE: Thanks.
Of course, I won't be there.
No? Well, I'm sure the New York premiere will be just as fun, right? I won't be there, either.
I wanna see it in Oakland with my people.
If it sucks, they won't have a problem letting me know it.
You're brave.
My family would be the loudest critics, then ask me for money a second later.
Are you sure that's your family, 'cause that sounds like something my niece would do.
Come on, your family summers in the South of France.
Oh, no, you've pegged me all wrong, brother.
No, I'm the daughter of Helen Patterson from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and the only French word that she knows is "souvenir.
" [laughs.]
You had me fooled.
And you're a lot more approachable than I thought.
You know, I was surprised when you agreed to see me tonight.
Really? Why? Well, one of your producers told me you were seeing someone.
Oh.
Which producer? That brother with the light eyes.
Oh.
[laughs.]
[laughing.]
I mean, I was in a relationship.
I I used to be but I'm not.
He was wrong.
He was he's [laughs.]
He's wrong about so much.
Thanks, Hannah, for that look at the weather from around the nation.
And now let's take a look at the weather in your area.
FEMALE FLOOR DIRECTOR: And we're clear.
Good morning, Mary Jane.
The second part of the presentation will be in here.
Oh, great, thanks.
[squealing.]
Hey! - How're you doing? - Okay.
Are you going to arbitration or going to meet the Queen? This, my darling, was Orlando's doing.
I take it everything went well with the WAGs.
Orlando certainly thought so after he saw this picture.
You're gonna love this.
Okay, it really looks like you're having fun.
Right? I mean, they weren't all that bad.
I mean, there was one of them that I kinda like.
What? Mean girl Kara Lynch made a friend? Yay! [applauding silently.]
Anyway, I just thought I'd come by and say hello.
- I miss you.
- I miss you, too.
We just oh.
Maybe that wasn't such a good idea, though, huh? Ronda! Mary Jane.
- Welcome back.
- Thank you so much.
Wow, it's like old times Us ladies back together again.
[laughing.]
Although I do see, um, brand strategy, right? Lyla ooh, not just Lyla, the whole team.
The whole department.
As you know, morning news is serious business.
RONDA: The bigger the team, the bigger the problem.
Those pesky little ratings must be really rattling some cages, huh? So, what did they recommend? Charity work? A new image? No, since you are not married, maybe they're gonna target a few red carpet events with a high-profile bachelor.
Now that sounds like fun, doesn't it? You know, Ronda, um don't you have to get to make-up? I you know, you need some concealer.
I think I wanna say hi to Garrett, first.
I wanna see the desperation up close.
Oh, and maybe I should take the time to see Justin, too.
They don't have any recommendations for him, do they? No.
It's all on you.
You know what? I'm gonna be just fine, Ronda.
Yeah, brand strategy, they do know their stuff.
But heaven forbid you just do your damn job.
You can't help yourself, can you? [laughing.]
Sweetheart you've only yourself to blame.
Make-up.
Really.
- If you'll excuse me.
- MARY JANE: Yes.
RONDA: Hey! Hey, stop it! Do not let that bitch get the best of you, Mary Jane.
Right, and you know what? I was gonna say the same thing to you, so, you go up there and you give 'em hell, okay? - I will.
- Okay? - KARA: [sighs.]
- You got this.
Yeah.
Thank you.
RONDA: I covered a story that turned out to be false.
That is something I'm not proud of.
That is the truth.
So, there's nothing to the rumors of you getting pushed out? I take pride in mentoring journalists.
Is my colleague Mary Jane Paul included in that? Absolutely.
People out there want to think there is a bad guy.
There's no bad guy here.
Now, some people assume that I am going to be sticking with fluff from now on, after what happened.
But they would be wrong.
The work is too important.
I told my producers, "please, do not shy away from the big stories, "especially now.
We are going to be there.
" Do you plan to tackle controversial topics on your talk show? That's right.
This Fall.
And this time, I will not leave the vetting to producers.
I will be fact-checking and corroborating stories, myself, through and through.
We just handed her a promo opportunity.
Yeah, check out our Twitter page.
Our viewers are eating it up.
[sighing.]
- Mary Jane? - Justin? At least Ronda didn't tank us.
Yet.
You know that old bitch has more tricks up her sleeve.
I don't mean to interrupt, but I was sent to grab you two for part two of our presentation, - if you're ready.
- Oh, yep, yep.
No problem.
We're having the meeting in your office, Mary Jane.
Great.
So, the director, cool, right? Oh, Leah, I was pleasantly surprised.
I'm sorry, it's actually Aaliyah, two "a's".
My boss Lyla always mispronounces it.
MARY JANE: You know, you don't even have to explain.
I got it.
So, are you gonna see him again? I'm one step ahead of you.
I invited him to dinner.
You're gonna cook for him? - That's not too forward, right? - No, that's boss.
Yeah, no, I was, uh, thinking of some Manchego tarts.
A nice apéritif? Cocktails, honey.
A perfect Manhattan.
ORLANDO: There she is.
How'd it go? - Did they offer to settle? - Not quite.
But it's looking good? I mean, I think so.
Then why are you putting your keys in the refrigerator? Mama? What happened? Those damn "GDU" lawyers twisted everything that I said.
Here I am trying to be honest about being a single mother - They twisted it how? - I don't know.
They they tried to make it seem like I don't need the money.
How does that even matter? It doesn't matter, but Never mind.
No, no, hey tell me.
It's about perception.
There you were sitting in that expensive outfit, hey? Well, it wasn't just that.
I was - I went to the game and - The stuff in the Skybox? You were on the Jumbo Tron with the rest of the wives.
Are you serious? [sniffles.]
I just need to be focused on finding a new job.
That's it.
That's what I have to do.
You can't just give up like that.
It feels hopeless, I know, but you can't give up.
You've gotta keep going.
You've gotta fight.
[sniffles.]
[exhaling.]
Okay.
Let's see.
Oh [sighing.]
[doorbell rings.]
Dude is way early.
[sighs.]
[gasps.]
Justin, what are you doing here? I think we need to talk.
Whatever you need to say to me, you can say at work.
Two minutes.
I think, um, I think what's been happening between us, I think we both realize that it's become untenable.
Yeah, you made that clear at the bar.
Look, I'm not here to rehash our earlier conversation.
Okay, why are you here, exactly, because, as you can see, I'm expecting someone else, so I tried it my way.
It didn't work.
Okay, well, I've moved on.
Don't say that.
- Justin, go home.
- Mary Jane.
I'm serious.
Go home to your girlfriend.
I don't have one.
[sighing.]
Not anymore.
We're even.
Go home.
This director that's coming over I can't I can't stand the thought of you with someone else.
We are oil and water.
We don't agree on I can't be without you right now.
I can't.
I can't.
[kisses forehead.]
Please.
I won't make you pull out Getting it all tonight MARY JANE: [gasping.]
All that I want I just wanna go down In history how you like Wanna be the one As the one who makes you comfortable 'Cause your lips, they got me Feeling very vulnerable Yeah, the way that you speak to me Freak with me, gives me a rise yeah In too deep Don't wanna pull out - Okay? - You were right.
About what? I hate that you said it out loud "common wisdom" says that this is a huge mistake" from our jobs, to Kara, and how it even began.
[kisses.]
Are you gonna say anything? There's only one solution.
And what's that? [kisses.]
Let's not be common.
[laughs.]
Justin.
[kisses.]
[doorbell rings.]
- [kisses.]
- Oh, shit, I forgot.
- [laughs.]
- [doorbell rings.]
MARY JANE: [sighs.]