Being Mary Jane (2013) s04e15 Episode Script
Feeling Ambushed
1 MARY JANE: Previously, on "Being Mary Jane" Snooping.
How far is too far? Oh, Lord, what did you do? MARY JANE: I may have taken a box of keepsakes from Justin's apartment.
I really wish that I could make a simple observation about a person of color and it not be labeled as racist.
Bullshit! Garrett wants me to get a photographer from "Entertainment Weekly" to be there to promote the "GDU" family thing.
So, it'll be a party full of people that I don't like.
I found this under your couch.
Justin's worth $30 million? KARA: It's my dad.
Kara, it's okay.
[sobbing.]
It's the end for him.
[vehicle horns honking.]
WOMAN: Taxi! [mixed conversations.]
- Thank you.
- Check.
You like the show? Look, watching you on TV is one thing.
But I'm ready to see you.
In the flesh.
I'm ready, too.
More than ready.
You sound a little distracted.
Well, you know, I was thinking, um we haven't done this before, uh, you know, but what about us taking a weekend getaway? Like, just the two of us.
That sounds enticing, especially after being here in Vancouver.
What are you thinking? Necker Island? Richard Branson owns it.
The Obamas love it.
We could fly in and, you know, go first class the whole way.
A villa there runs about $30,000 a week, and I am all for romance, but I I think that's a little bit steep.
Okay, Buzzkill, what about the, uh, Hamptons? Much better.
You're lucky I'm easy to please.
Mary Jane Paul, you are about the most un-easy to please woman that I have ever met.
Maybe you are getting to know me.
I know.
I know.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
I'll see you soon.
- Not soon enough.
- [laughs.]
WOMAN ON TV: Well Rock the top Woop, ba dum ba Low! Low! Come on, every time you repeat this, get it a little bit bigger.
That's it, uh-huh The bigger the roll of the hips The bigger the waist, hug it Roll it, now give it Uh, Grandma, did you teleport that leotard and matching headband from the '80s? You need to be joinin' me instead of mockin' me.
And what's got you exercising all fierce all of a sudden, anyway? I saw Bonetta in church the other day, oh, lookin' all young and spry, Lord, and wearin' high heels.
That woman's older than me.
Got me inspired.
- [grunts - NIECY: Ooh! Don't hurt yourself.
Baby girl, I was doin' aerobics long before you learned to be sassy.
- [grunts.]
- NIECY: Uhhuh.
You hangin' in there? Oh [sighs.]
I'm okay.
I haven't been sleeping much since my dad passed away.
And Orlando's on his 20-game road trip.
Ooh, so no [clicks tongue.]
Oh, not even.
Well, I know you're sad, but, um Hi.
Any interest in a little piping hot tea? - Oh.
- Oh.
Anything to occupy my mind.
- Right this way.
- Yes? So, what would you do if someone that you knew was worth a crap ton of money? Be happy for them? What if they were keeping it a secret? Is this a story idea, Mary Jane? What if it was Justin? Oh, no, no, no.
Justin is worth $30 million.
- What?! - Yes! - Yes! - Wha? - Get - Oh, geez! AALIYAH: Mary Jane? Oh, give me just two two seconds, okay? Just two seconds.
Okay.
So how did you learn this? I accidentally read his financial statement.
Accidentally? Yeah, um it sort of fell out of a box in his apartment in the back of his closet.
Mary Jane, what did you do? Look, I I returned it.
Eventually.
Are you sure about this info? Oh, hold, please.
Mm-hm.
Hello? - She took a picture.
- Mmhm.
[laughing.]
You know what? I've been missin' the old Mary Jane, and she is back with a vengeance.
- I know.
Right? - Yes! My gosh.
But how does a news producer have that kind of money? I don't know.
It can't be family money because his dad was a car salesman.
Well, why don't you just come right out and ask him? Because then he'll know I was snooping.
Oh [sighs.]
.
Look, I'm sure he's gonna mention it in his own time.
But what if he doesn't? Girl, please, you're gonna get it out of him.
This is too big a deal not to mention.
Come on.
It's a lot of money.
- It's weird, isn't it? - What? We could both end up with multi-millionaires.
- Oh, my God! - MARY JANE: [laughs.]
I don't call that weird.
I call it winning! BOTH: [laugh, palm slap.]
- NIECY: Hey.
- AMIKA: Hey.
ISABELLE: [fusses.]
NIECY: Go find Marquis, y'all.
Go ahead.
Go to his room.
[laughs.]
I'm gonna put their lunch bags in here.
- Don't open the fridge.
- Why not? They shut off the power.
Amika, are you serious? I ran outta cash.
I had to choose between bills.
I got a cooler.
Put those lunches in there.
Girl, I cannot leave my kids in a home with no lights.
How could you let this happen? I was looking for work at Home Solutions because the doctor said I need to be with Marquis more.
He still ain't talkin'? He will when he's got somethin' to say.
How much is it to turn the lights on? Look at that wad of cash! It's tips.
It only looks like a lot because it comes in ones.
Thank you.
I'm not doing this out of the goodness of my heart.
I'm not.
I'm doing this because I need this child share thing to work.
Still thank you.
I've got to go.
I don't have time for this.
Treyvion? Come on, let's go.
This is not my usual eggs and bacon.
It's quinoa and egg whites high in protein and low in calories.
Keen what? - It smells like burnt tire.
- Oh.
Dad, can you please watch the kids for me? [sighs.]
Amika flaked and I've gotta get to work.
I have a lot of work calls this afternoon.
I Please? You know how my boss is about being late.
Mmm, maybe I can reschedule a few things.
- Oh, thank you! - PATRICK: [laughs.]
- Here, go to Grandpa.
- PATRICK: All right.
The biggest reason I'm saying yes is it's great to see you so caught up in the job.
Ah, it's a blessing.
Oh, well, take some strawberries before you go.
Grandma, what's on these strawberries dirt? No, it's chia seeds.
More fiber, more protein.
This healthy kick has gone way too far.
Dad, why don't we take these kids to the Waffle House? Yeah, there you go.
Now you're talkin'.
Give my babies some real food, please? It is healthy! Hello? Oh, yeah, you wanted to speak with me.
Yeah.
So, the stuff we've been doing to improve your Q rating is helping.
The feedback is all positive.
Why am I sensing a "but"? But there has been one unintentional consequence.
Mary Jane Paul hosted her colleagues to celebrate the big, happy "Great Day USA" family.
But the belle of the ball was conservative blogger.
turned-correspondent, Dani Hollins, whose bubbly sense of fun has captivated viewers.
And according to insiders, it's Hollins who will be the network's big star.
That's the unintended consequence.
All of the coverage is about Dani.
Which is nothing to worry about.
It will blow over.
Mary Jane, come here, look at this.
.
CROWD: [angry shouting.]
KARA: This school board just slashed the budget for this high school for the third time this year.
They're diverting funds to a for-profit private charter school and the students and parents are planning a big protest tomorrow.
Let me guess.
The school that they're slashing is poor and Black.
The people that orchestrated it are making bank.
It's disgusting they're taking advantage of kids who have it hard enough already, you know? This totally ties in with all the controversy swirling around the new Education Secretary, who is a big supporter of school choice.
- Yeah.
- We should send a team.
Oh, I'm one step ahead of you, mama.
I already convinced Garrett to send you.
So, I'll get to be doing the hard-hitting stories that I want! Exactly and you're gonna love this.
Justin is cutting Vancouver short so he can be back in time to handle the story.
Oh, hallelujah! Praise Jesus! - KARA: [laughs.]
- Oh, my God.
Wait.
Wait.
If I'm out in the field, who's gonna be taking my place in my chair? That's it for "First Page Entertainment.
" We'll see you tomorrow.
MARY JANE: Dani has been here all of five minutes and now she's already filling in at the anchor desk? Wait a minute.
Slow it down.
Because aren't you being just a little hypocritical right now? Unh-unh.
Remember? I was promised that chair when I signed my contract.
Mary Jane, this is a good thing.
I pushed really hard for you to get this story.
Yeah, keep going because you're gonna help them push me right out the door.
I'm surprised at you.
We've gotta think about your brand, honey.
We've gotta move you past fashion tips and the movie premieres.
That is morning television.
Yes, it is.
But that is not who you are.
So, if you wanna rise to the top, you've gotta stay true to yourself.
The country needs you, mama, especially now.
Well, damn, if somebody's gotta save the world [glasses clink.]
it might as well be me.
That's my girl.
[quiet knock at door.]
- Frank Pearl? - Hey, Paul.
Well, I'll be damned.
The last time I saw you was Fortyfour years ago.
And don't remind me, man.
Forty-four long-ass years ago.
So, tell me, what brings you to my door after so much time? Hey, man, I'm not here to create any problems.
I figure maybe we could just sit down and have some conversation.
[sighing.]
Okay.
[door closes.]
FRANK: [laughs.]
It's a damn shame.
I spent most of my life in this city and I barely recognize it.
PAUL SR: It's changed, hasn't it? FRANK: Hey, tell me about it.
It sure has.
Haven't we all? As long as I'm here in this city, I might as well poke around a little bit, check it out.
Go see if some of our old spots are still there.
Stir up the pot a little bit.
You know what I'm saying? Is that what brings you to town? No, I'm here because of my sister, man.
Uh, she's not feeling well, and so I'm here to help her get settled in assisted living.
Is she reluctant to make a change? Not really.
She's been living on her own since 73, piling up a whole lot of junk over the years.
Well, it sounds like a big job on your hands.
I came here to talk to you about making amends, patching up our friendship.
You mean that? Hey, man, remember back in the day, huh, when I was raisin' all that hell? We were tight.
I feel I owe you.
PAUL SR: [chuckles.]
That was a long, long time ago.
It's all in the past.
Hey, Helen, come on in here.
Guess who showed up at our doorstep? Glory be, is this Frank Pearl? Hello, Helen.
Nice to see ya.
Nice to see you, too.
Frank's in town for a spell to help his sister.
Oh.
I just dropped by to catch up with an old friend.
- Mm-hm.
- See you guys.
I've got some runs to make.
Oh, you'll do no such thing.
Don't let me interrupt you.
I mean, I'm sure you two have much to talk about.
[sighing.]
Don't bother.
All that's in there is Grandma's six pints of homemade yogurt.
- PATRICK: [groans.]
- NIECY: Yes.
She threw all the good stuff out.
- But I have a secret stash.
- PATRICK: [laughs.]
- [clicks tongue.]
- All right.
So, uh, who's that super fly guy Grandpa's in there with right now? Oh, an old friend of Dad's.
I think they grew up together.
All I know is they had a falling out and haven't talked in years.
I'm glad they found each other again.
- [swats bottom.]
- HELEN: Oh.
You know, Frank is looking well.
- Is he? - Mm-hm.
[laughing.]
He's always had a bit of a swagger.
Mm-hm, if you're trying to get me to say something, it's not going to work.
[laughing.]
Okay.
I'll just come right out and ask you.
Did you know that your ex-lover was in town? Is that what's behind this health kick you're on? Paul.
Frank and I it's water under a 40-year-old bridge.
Oh Well, he's invited me to have lunch with him while he's here.
Well, are you gonna take him up on it? I prefer to let sleeping dogs lie.
MAN ON TV: That story coming up.
CROWD: [chanting.]
Stand up, fight back! WOMAN: The school board may decide that the school's closing.
But no more! We're gonna stand up and fight back! CROWD: Stand up, fight back! Jacy, you're graduating this year.
Tell us why you care about the budget cuts.
Well, I'd like to be graduating, but the board stopped funding the upper-level classes I need.
They cut and they keep cutting.
This is happening in districts across the nation, where they cut arts and foreign languages.
You don't understand.
Look at my class schedule.
I have three hours for lunch.
Five out of seven periods are lunch or study hall.
MARY JANE: So, you're showing up to school, and not a lot of learning is going on.
It's gonna take my friends and I five years to graduate, just because the classes aren't there.
Five years? All I want to do is finish school, go to college, and make something of myself.
I don't understand why the school board doesn't want that, too.
We'll get the answers to those questions, Jacy.
Thank you so much for sharing your story.
CROWD: Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! We'll be following up with updates on Jacy and her fellow protestors during the rest of the hour.
Back to you.
CROWD: Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! So, how much of that did you catch? Enough.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
We can reference that student later when Dani interviews the school board member.
That's a great idea.
I I'm really glad you're back.
Me, too.
CROWD: Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Now, are you ready to interview these parents? - I am.
- Good.
You know, Kara's right.
I did miss all of this.
Almost as much as I missed you.
Hmmm Almost.
CROWD: Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Hey, Kara, the school board's been taken over by a local group that's pushing a low-tax agenda.
Yeah, and according to these bios, they have zero experience in public education.
MARY JANE: No, it's all about the bottom line for them.
They've consistently been diverting funds away from the school, which is already struggling, and now conditions are so bad, they can make a case for closing it, and replacing it with a for-profit charter school.
Which is what they wanted all along.
It's criminal.
Do you know what happened with that school board member? Where is he? KARA: Oh, we have him here in the studio.
And now I know what I'm gonna hit him with.
Hey, Cashea, are you all right? I'm so late.
I'm sorry.
Well, don't worry.
Claudia held your appointment.
Let me get you started.
Sit down in this chair.
Hi, baby.
Hi.
You wanna sit down in this chair, big boy? Oh [sighing.]
So, girl, what happened? Why are you late? The bus never showed.
So, I borrowed my sister's car and wouldn't you know it I get pulled over for not having Samir in a car seat.
Mmmm and the cop gave you a ticket.
A $300 ticket.
It don't make no sense.
I don't have no $300.
If I did, I would've bought the damn car seat.
Exactly.
And those things are too expensive, and the kids outgrow 'em so fast.
I barely paid off the other one - before I had to buy a new one.
- I'm sorry, girl.
WOMAN FLOOR DIRECTOR: Four, three, two ["GDU" theme music.]
Mr.
Russo, what do you say to the claims of an illegal takeover of the school board? [laughs.]
That's crazy.
My group raised money from local businesses and property owners fed up with rising taxes and failing schools.
We put forward a slate of qualified candidates committed to improving our schools.
DANI: So, your group represents "the will of the people," in other words? We won, didn't we? Ask if any of their qualified candidates have kids in public schools.
Tell me what's happening at Leland High School.
What's happening is the best students and teachers have voted with their feet.
That's what school choice is about.
And what's left behind is a failing institution.
Dani, enough with the softball.
Ask him if his group took campaign money from for-profit charter management organizations.
So, why not invest money to turn the school around? Is she for real? But, meanwhile, the kids who are stuck there don't have time to wait for that to happen.
We need a solution now.
KARA: Stick with the script, Dani.
And what about those who say that school choice and charter schools are bad for public education? I say a little competition might be the best thing for public schools.
Injecting the discipline of the marketplace can be the remedy for all kinds of problems, and that's why the school will be closed, and that's also why the location will become a De Novo charter school site.
Damn it, Dani.
The school board denies that it Frank called [sighs.]
He insists that I go to the classic car show with him tonight.
Hm, he's coming here? Wouldn't take no for an answer.
Well, it sounds to me like he genuinely wants his old friend back.
The way you two used to tinker with those old cars.
PAUL SR: [chuckling.]
What's the harm in that? Yeah, well, I suppose you're right.
And that's why the school will be closed, and that's also why the location will become a De Novo charter school site.
CROWD: Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! That's just not right! I'll be damned! They are closing our school! CROWD: [angry shouting.]
Stand up, fight back! That reporter on your show didn't even call the board member on his decision.
She made it sound like a good thing.
I thought this protest was gonna fix things.
Jacy, we're gonna make sure your voices are being heard.
When? When they board up the doors? I thought you were gonna tell our side.
CROWD: Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! The anger of the crowd just boiled over into outright hostility.
The protestors feel the board simply does not represent their views.
This is our school! You leave! CROWD: Stand up, fight back! MARY JANE: Get this! Get this! Get in there! Get in there! Get in there! CROWD: Stand up, fight back! Officer Sir, I need you to stay back, please.
Why? Because we have more units moving in.
Sir, please.
JUSTIN: Mary Jane, what's happening? MARY JANE: I'm fine.
OFFICER: Watch out! Make way! Make way! JUSTIN: Okay, get ready to pull out.
- CROWD: Stand up, fight back! - [head thuds.]
CROWD: [gasps.]
WOMAN ANNOUNCING: This is a non-violent protest! It's our constitutional right to have it! [siren wailing.]
I just heard from Justin.
We've got some realtime developments.
Dani, throw it to Mary Jane.
WOMAN: Get out of here! JUSTIN: Mary Jane, are you okay? Mary Jane! Mary Jane! CROWD: [angry shouting.]
MARY JANE: [gasps.]
Justin! CROWD: [angry shouting continues.]
MARY JANE: Justin! Justin! CROWD: [angry shouting continues.]
MARY JANE: Justin! Jus Oh! Cut to commercial now! Go to commercial.
WOMAN ON TV: Our new multiple cat formula Justin? Justin, can you hear me? Are you injured? Justin? Justin, can you hear me? Sir, sir, I need you to stay back.
You don't understand.
My girlfriend's in there.
OFFICER: Did you not hear me? Oh, God OFFICER: Stay back! JUSTIN: Mary Jane! I'm gonna go! All right, I'ma get her outta there.
CROWD: [angry shouting continues.]
MARY JANE: Oh, God MARY JANE: Yes, I'm okay.
I want to let our viewers know that our team is okay.
We have moved a few dozen yards from the conflict where irate students and parents are attempting to prevent the closure of a local high school.
I repeat, we are fine.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Wha? Who is Justin? Hey.
What are you doing here so early? Don't get fired again.
Girl, I'm on my break.
What's that about? It's my old car seat.
Thanks, but it's too small for Marquis.
I know.
Do you still have the other car seat he outgrew, too? I don't know.
Somewhere around here.
All right, so you have two extra seats.
Now you're gonna start a work-from-home business.
With car seats? Yeah, I'ma help you rent 'em out.
You could potentially make $30 a ride.
Okay, why would someone want to pay $30 to rent a car seat especially if they can afford one of their own? Girl, because people would rather pay $30 for one than pay $300 for a ticket.
A good point.
But how do we let 'em know? Go get your phone.
Go.
That'll get their attention.
Mm-hm, now you tweet everybody that you know to advertise.
- This is fun.
- Mm-hm.
Thanks for helpin' me.
Girl, we help each other.
Hey! I got a taker.
Keisha needs to take her kids to their daddy's house across town.
See? There you go.
I told you.
Now we're in business.
AMIKA: [laughs.]
What the hell was that? Must you be so hostile? You didn't even ask about the student's schedule.
Because it was obviously fake.
Thank you.
You cannot ignore facts you don't like, Dani.
That's why we give people scripts, so they're not caught spouting their own personal opinions.
My opinions are what got me here in the first place, so Which can be misconstrued as representing the Excuse me! as representing the views of "Great Day USA.
" So, not only did you put forward your own agenda, but you did it at the risk of two of our people.
It's my face and my reputation that's on the line, and if I'm in that chair, it's my responsibility to report what I believe in.
It is your responsibility to report what we give you.
That is your responsibility.
Well, my audience would think otherwise.
Really? Well, let's see how long before you get in front of that audience again, huh? [door closes.]
- Who is Justin? - Huh? Don't "huh" me.
Now Pauletta has been all concerned about somebody named Justin.
Now who is he? Grandma, I don't know.
Now I've got ten minutes to freshen up and eat something before class.
I have raised three kids and I know when somebody is lying to me.
I don't appreciate it, especially since I spent all that money sending you to New York.
He's a producer at "Great Day USA".
Is he Pauletta's boyfriend? I think so.
Is he the one she left Lee to be with? That girl is being reckless with her heart.
Givin' up a sure thing, and foolishly doing this thing with somebody at work? Oh, Niecy, I wish you had told me sooner so that I could just sort of talk some sense into her hard head.
What is this? That's Justin.
Oh? Yeah.
ALL: [applauding.]
Is that all it takes to get a little recognition around here? - Almost get killed? - ALL: [laughing.]
See ya.
TY: Congratulations on the segment.
"GDU" is now trending.
Yeah, of course, we're trending.
The police used force against kids.
No, girl, that's not the reason why we're trending.
- It's you.
- Me? Well, no, him.
"Who is Justin?" Seven million people heard you scream his name live on TV like Whitney Houston yelling for Kevin Costner in "The Bodyguard.
" The emotion in your voice.
That shit was powerful.
It's gone viral and now everybody wanna know who "that" man is.
JUSTIN: I don't know what happened.
TY: [laughs.]
I can't believe this is what people are talking about.
I mean, it's like they've set the clock to two minutes to midnight, and now, all of a sudden, everyone wants to hop aboard the latest gossip train.
Embrace it.
Social media buzz, good or bad, is great for the show.
Right now, Dani is beatin' us at this game.
How so? I'm like an agent behind enemy lines, and big city media elite is trying to silence me.
I know that school choice makes sense, so do you, and I'm sick and tired of liberal media trying to censor what we already know.
Isn't she barred from doing this kind of stuff now that she's at "GDU"? She can't do her internet show, but there's always a new app, a new site, that falls outside the purview of her contract.
That sneaky bitch.
How did she even get the video up so fast? It doesn't matter.
What matters is us beating her, and the way to do it is to answer the question.
"Who is Justin?" Uh Ooh I don't know if Justin's even ready for all that.
It's happening, girl, with or without him.
MARY JANE: [sighs.]
All right, if we do this, I'm gonna need to ask your help for something.
Okay.
It's gotta be completely on the hush-hush.
I work in PR.
I'm pretty sure keeping secrets is part of the job description, and we're friends, right? I need you to look into Justin's net worth.
Um, does he owe back taxes or something? Oh, no.
No, no, no.
Uh, funny, really.
Um I have reason to believe that Justin may be, like, a multi- multi-multi-millionaire.
Reason to believe? He hasn't told you? No, it kind of like has never come up in conversations.
Which makes you suspicious.
A little bit, yeah, yeah.
And before we [laughs.]
bare our souls on Instagram, we wanna make sure everything is on the up and up.
You know, 'cause there's gotta be, like, a logical explanation for it all, right? [laughs.]
I'll look into it.
[sighs.]
Great.
[door opens.]
- Hey, girl.
- Hey.
- How was class? - It was good.
The kids sound like they're having fun back there.
Oh, they about wore me out, so I let them have their screen time.
[laughs.]
Yeah, I'm sure.
Girl, check this out.
You booked seats for next week? Mm-hm.
Girl, I have to thank you.
I've never had a friend willing to help me in a real way like that.
You should be thankin' that single mom that gave me the idea.
I mean, she was squirtin' out tears and all upset.
You must hear a lot at work.
Yeah, I feel like I listen to problems more than I actually fix hair.
A good thing you're good at both.
But you know what else? I feel like there's a solution to every problem, and I have more ideas for my baby mama life hacks.
You should share them with other moms like us.
I should, huh? Like you said, nobody will help us, if we can't help ourselves.
And I actually have another idea for you.
It's time to expand, girl.
Oh, I love the way you think.
Where are you? I don't see you.
Kara, are you all right? Yeah.
No, I was just expecting a package and tracking said it was delivered, so It's no big deal.
What do you have for me? You know that student that I interviewed, Jacy Davis? I was wondering if you could reach out to her and try to convince her to come on the show.
Is she not returning your calls? Maybe you'll have better luck.
I will try.
- Thanks, mama.
- Sure.
Okay [vocalizing.]
PAUL SR: What's all this? Oh, I thought you and Frank might like some dinner before you go to the car show.
He's not coming, Helen.
Oh.
Did Frank cancel? Actually, I did.
I thought it best that way.
Oh.
I understand.
I'm glad you agree.
JUSTIN: [sleepily.]
You'd better hurry up before jet lag takes over.
MARY JANE: Maybe this'll wake you up.
Okay, get your face outta the phone, please.
I'm just fixing the music.
No.
No, you're not.
Come here.
Oh lover MARY JANE: And just so you know, # WholsJustin got 4,000 more likes today.
You're so fascinated by this #WholsJustin, don't forget you've got the real thing.
Yeah, like you have your own hashtag.
[laughs.]
Honestly, it's already interfering with our lives.
I haven't been home for weeks and this is what we're talking about? No.
No, I've missed you.
What? You what? Oh, I've missed you.
Show me how much you've missed me.
Music still playin' in the background So close from here Baby I'ma be your motivation Mary Jane, I got you another shot on the school board story.
I didn't get Jacy, but you're gonna be interviewing a school board member, so - Russo agreed to come back? - Yeah.
Well, what happened to Dani? Yeah, she was sidelined.
BOTH: [laughing.]
- So much for rising star.
- Yeah.
Thank you, seriously, for understanding how important this issue is.
Well, I'm not on this by myself, you know? Just and I are co-producing it.
- Really? - Yep.
Maybe I'm starting to see Justin in a better light.
You know, the other morning, I was live on the line.
I know.
And I have to say, if I was in trouble, I I would want Justin to be the guy looking for me.
My God, you're starting to come around.
I'm I'm not there yet.
But I do know the one thing you've wanted your whole life is a man who claims you as his own, so if Justin really cares about you, then he should be out there doing it.
[laughs.]
Go kick booty.
MARY JANE: We brought you back, Mister You know I'm gonna catch hell from Garrett, if this story is a dud.
It won't be, and if it is, I'll back you up.
I might add, money that is no longer available to fix our school.
But have you already decided to close the school and hand it over to De Novo, a for-profit charter school.
Well, after careful consideration, the school board decided, unanimously, that it was in the best interest of the students.
Best interest of the students, or the best interest in your bottom line? I I ask because I did some research and found that you made an investment in the initial round of funding for De Novo charter schools.
How A small investment which, today, is worth several million dollars.
I'd say that is quite a stake, and, also, a conflict of interest.
Was that investment the reason you opted to run for the school board seat? I have nothing more to say to you.
I think the students at Leland High deserve an explanation, don't you? [sighing.]
Kara, a package came for you.
Thanks, Huff.
[sniffles.]
[exhales.]
[sniffles.]
It never ceases to amaze me.
That guy had every reason in the world not to come back here and make a fool of himself.
Oh, never underestimate the power of being on air.
[laughs.]
It's like a drug.
Still, what was he thinking? I don't know.
Maybe, it was a run for mayor, or state senator, figured he could get some free publicity.
Well, everybody knows his name now.
Do you think kids like Jacy, who's in the process, do you think they watched? - Of course.
- Yeah? REPORTERS: [shouting mixed questions.]
MARY JANE: Oh Okay.
JUSTIN: [sighs.]
Well, uh everybody knows your name, too, now.
I think keeping our lives private may not be possible.
Okay, what if I have a problem with this? Do you have a problem with this? Okay, I am a journalist.
I live by the mantra that I cover the story, I don't become the story.
I want to do serious news, I don't want to be a sideshow.
I'm right there with you.
But, facing the limelight, honey, that comes with the territory.
All right.
All I'm asking is that maybe, just maybe, we can do both.
Is that all right? Yeah.
Let's do both.
Now, can we order lunch in today? Italian? [dialing cell phone.]
[phone ringing.]
[sighs.]
MARY JANE: Hi, Mom.
I'm not going to beat around the bush.
I'm calling because Niecy told me about you and Justin.
- Justin? - HELEN: Your new boyfriend.
The one you left Lee for.
And don't go blaming Niecy for spilling the tea, because, well, you screamed the boy's name on live TV.
Pauletta, why did you do it? Mom Justin lit a fire in me in a way that Lee just didn't.
And I know you told me not to go mucking things up with Lee, because he's loyal, and husband material, and yadda, yadda, yadda, and I agree.
But when push comes to shove, I just don't want to spend the rest of my life with someone who doesn't light that fire in me, you know? And and, besides, I just kinda feel like like Justin and I are more compatible.
You know, he's Complicated.
Like you.
Yeah.
Yeah, but he's I understand.
You don't have to explain any more.
Wow, that is not the response that I was expecting.
HELEN: I just wanted to know the truth coming from you.
No lecture? No judgment? HELEN: Not from me.
Not today.
And thank you.
For what? HELEN: For your honesty.
You're lucky that you know yourself so well.
Not all of us are so fortunate.
MARY JANE: Are you okay, Mom? You sound different.
[laughs.]
Oh, yes, I'm fine, sweetie.
Uh, you take care and have a beautiful day.
[knocks on door.]
You're a straight out son of a bitch, Frank Pearl.
You show up at my house, and barely say two words to me? [scoffs.]
I figured that's what you wanted.
What I want is an apology.
I was all set to start a life with you 44 years ago.
Oh, come on, Helen.
We both know why that didn't happen.
Damn, woman, what do you want me to say? [scoffs, laughs.]
Nothing.
I've said my peace, and it's probably best to leave it all in the past.
They still out there? You wanna take separate doors or Tell me, this #WholsJustin thing, is it still trending? Yep.
And the crazy video with Dani? That, too.
If we do this, can we turn the focus back to the protest, to what happened at the school? Possibly.
But we'll have the spotlight, so we can take it there.
So, we go out together.
Are you ready? Yeah.
Are you? We can use this for good, Justin.
Yeah.
You're playin' with my career, and it takes a lifetime to build a reputation, and five minutes to ruin it forever, and this is this is my livelihood.
I promise you, whatever happens, I take full responsibility, okay? Okay.
REPORTERS: [shouting mixed questions.]
How far is too far? Oh, Lord, what did you do? MARY JANE: I may have taken a box of keepsakes from Justin's apartment.
I really wish that I could make a simple observation about a person of color and it not be labeled as racist.
Bullshit! Garrett wants me to get a photographer from "Entertainment Weekly" to be there to promote the "GDU" family thing.
So, it'll be a party full of people that I don't like.
I found this under your couch.
Justin's worth $30 million? KARA: It's my dad.
Kara, it's okay.
[sobbing.]
It's the end for him.
[vehicle horns honking.]
WOMAN: Taxi! [mixed conversations.]
- Thank you.
- Check.
You like the show? Look, watching you on TV is one thing.
But I'm ready to see you.
In the flesh.
I'm ready, too.
More than ready.
You sound a little distracted.
Well, you know, I was thinking, um we haven't done this before, uh, you know, but what about us taking a weekend getaway? Like, just the two of us.
That sounds enticing, especially after being here in Vancouver.
What are you thinking? Necker Island? Richard Branson owns it.
The Obamas love it.
We could fly in and, you know, go first class the whole way.
A villa there runs about $30,000 a week, and I am all for romance, but I I think that's a little bit steep.
Okay, Buzzkill, what about the, uh, Hamptons? Much better.
You're lucky I'm easy to please.
Mary Jane Paul, you are about the most un-easy to please woman that I have ever met.
Maybe you are getting to know me.
I know.
I know.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
I'll see you soon.
- Not soon enough.
- [laughs.]
WOMAN ON TV: Well Rock the top Woop, ba dum ba Low! Low! Come on, every time you repeat this, get it a little bit bigger.
That's it, uh-huh The bigger the roll of the hips The bigger the waist, hug it Roll it, now give it Uh, Grandma, did you teleport that leotard and matching headband from the '80s? You need to be joinin' me instead of mockin' me.
And what's got you exercising all fierce all of a sudden, anyway? I saw Bonetta in church the other day, oh, lookin' all young and spry, Lord, and wearin' high heels.
That woman's older than me.
Got me inspired.
- [grunts - NIECY: Ooh! Don't hurt yourself.
Baby girl, I was doin' aerobics long before you learned to be sassy.
- [grunts.]
- NIECY: Uhhuh.
You hangin' in there? Oh [sighs.]
I'm okay.
I haven't been sleeping much since my dad passed away.
And Orlando's on his 20-game road trip.
Ooh, so no [clicks tongue.]
Oh, not even.
Well, I know you're sad, but, um Hi.
Any interest in a little piping hot tea? - Oh.
- Oh.
Anything to occupy my mind.
- Right this way.
- Yes? So, what would you do if someone that you knew was worth a crap ton of money? Be happy for them? What if they were keeping it a secret? Is this a story idea, Mary Jane? What if it was Justin? Oh, no, no, no.
Justin is worth $30 million.
- What?! - Yes! - Yes! - Wha? - Get - Oh, geez! AALIYAH: Mary Jane? Oh, give me just two two seconds, okay? Just two seconds.
Okay.
So how did you learn this? I accidentally read his financial statement.
Accidentally? Yeah, um it sort of fell out of a box in his apartment in the back of his closet.
Mary Jane, what did you do? Look, I I returned it.
Eventually.
Are you sure about this info? Oh, hold, please.
Mm-hm.
Hello? - She took a picture.
- Mmhm.
[laughing.]
You know what? I've been missin' the old Mary Jane, and she is back with a vengeance.
- I know.
Right? - Yes! My gosh.
But how does a news producer have that kind of money? I don't know.
It can't be family money because his dad was a car salesman.
Well, why don't you just come right out and ask him? Because then he'll know I was snooping.
Oh [sighs.]
.
Look, I'm sure he's gonna mention it in his own time.
But what if he doesn't? Girl, please, you're gonna get it out of him.
This is too big a deal not to mention.
Come on.
It's a lot of money.
- It's weird, isn't it? - What? We could both end up with multi-millionaires.
- Oh, my God! - MARY JANE: [laughs.]
I don't call that weird.
I call it winning! BOTH: [laugh, palm slap.]
- NIECY: Hey.
- AMIKA: Hey.
ISABELLE: [fusses.]
NIECY: Go find Marquis, y'all.
Go ahead.
Go to his room.
[laughs.]
I'm gonna put their lunch bags in here.
- Don't open the fridge.
- Why not? They shut off the power.
Amika, are you serious? I ran outta cash.
I had to choose between bills.
I got a cooler.
Put those lunches in there.
Girl, I cannot leave my kids in a home with no lights.
How could you let this happen? I was looking for work at Home Solutions because the doctor said I need to be with Marquis more.
He still ain't talkin'? He will when he's got somethin' to say.
How much is it to turn the lights on? Look at that wad of cash! It's tips.
It only looks like a lot because it comes in ones.
Thank you.
I'm not doing this out of the goodness of my heart.
I'm not.
I'm doing this because I need this child share thing to work.
Still thank you.
I've got to go.
I don't have time for this.
Treyvion? Come on, let's go.
This is not my usual eggs and bacon.
It's quinoa and egg whites high in protein and low in calories.
Keen what? - It smells like burnt tire.
- Oh.
Dad, can you please watch the kids for me? [sighs.]
Amika flaked and I've gotta get to work.
I have a lot of work calls this afternoon.
I Please? You know how my boss is about being late.
Mmm, maybe I can reschedule a few things.
- Oh, thank you! - PATRICK: [laughs.]
- Here, go to Grandpa.
- PATRICK: All right.
The biggest reason I'm saying yes is it's great to see you so caught up in the job.
Ah, it's a blessing.
Oh, well, take some strawberries before you go.
Grandma, what's on these strawberries dirt? No, it's chia seeds.
More fiber, more protein.
This healthy kick has gone way too far.
Dad, why don't we take these kids to the Waffle House? Yeah, there you go.
Now you're talkin'.
Give my babies some real food, please? It is healthy! Hello? Oh, yeah, you wanted to speak with me.
Yeah.
So, the stuff we've been doing to improve your Q rating is helping.
The feedback is all positive.
Why am I sensing a "but"? But there has been one unintentional consequence.
Mary Jane Paul hosted her colleagues to celebrate the big, happy "Great Day USA" family.
But the belle of the ball was conservative blogger.
turned-correspondent, Dani Hollins, whose bubbly sense of fun has captivated viewers.
And according to insiders, it's Hollins who will be the network's big star.
That's the unintended consequence.
All of the coverage is about Dani.
Which is nothing to worry about.
It will blow over.
Mary Jane, come here, look at this.
.
CROWD: [angry shouting.]
KARA: This school board just slashed the budget for this high school for the third time this year.
They're diverting funds to a for-profit private charter school and the students and parents are planning a big protest tomorrow.
Let me guess.
The school that they're slashing is poor and Black.
The people that orchestrated it are making bank.
It's disgusting they're taking advantage of kids who have it hard enough already, you know? This totally ties in with all the controversy swirling around the new Education Secretary, who is a big supporter of school choice.
- Yeah.
- We should send a team.
Oh, I'm one step ahead of you, mama.
I already convinced Garrett to send you.
So, I'll get to be doing the hard-hitting stories that I want! Exactly and you're gonna love this.
Justin is cutting Vancouver short so he can be back in time to handle the story.
Oh, hallelujah! Praise Jesus! - KARA: [laughs.]
- Oh, my God.
Wait.
Wait.
If I'm out in the field, who's gonna be taking my place in my chair? That's it for "First Page Entertainment.
" We'll see you tomorrow.
MARY JANE: Dani has been here all of five minutes and now she's already filling in at the anchor desk? Wait a minute.
Slow it down.
Because aren't you being just a little hypocritical right now? Unh-unh.
Remember? I was promised that chair when I signed my contract.
Mary Jane, this is a good thing.
I pushed really hard for you to get this story.
Yeah, keep going because you're gonna help them push me right out the door.
I'm surprised at you.
We've gotta think about your brand, honey.
We've gotta move you past fashion tips and the movie premieres.
That is morning television.
Yes, it is.
But that is not who you are.
So, if you wanna rise to the top, you've gotta stay true to yourself.
The country needs you, mama, especially now.
Well, damn, if somebody's gotta save the world [glasses clink.]
it might as well be me.
That's my girl.
[quiet knock at door.]
- Frank Pearl? - Hey, Paul.
Well, I'll be damned.
The last time I saw you was Fortyfour years ago.
And don't remind me, man.
Forty-four long-ass years ago.
So, tell me, what brings you to my door after so much time? Hey, man, I'm not here to create any problems.
I figure maybe we could just sit down and have some conversation.
[sighing.]
Okay.
[door closes.]
FRANK: [laughs.]
It's a damn shame.
I spent most of my life in this city and I barely recognize it.
PAUL SR: It's changed, hasn't it? FRANK: Hey, tell me about it.
It sure has.
Haven't we all? As long as I'm here in this city, I might as well poke around a little bit, check it out.
Go see if some of our old spots are still there.
Stir up the pot a little bit.
You know what I'm saying? Is that what brings you to town? No, I'm here because of my sister, man.
Uh, she's not feeling well, and so I'm here to help her get settled in assisted living.
Is she reluctant to make a change? Not really.
She's been living on her own since 73, piling up a whole lot of junk over the years.
Well, it sounds like a big job on your hands.
I came here to talk to you about making amends, patching up our friendship.
You mean that? Hey, man, remember back in the day, huh, when I was raisin' all that hell? We were tight.
I feel I owe you.
PAUL SR: [chuckles.]
That was a long, long time ago.
It's all in the past.
Hey, Helen, come on in here.
Guess who showed up at our doorstep? Glory be, is this Frank Pearl? Hello, Helen.
Nice to see ya.
Nice to see you, too.
Frank's in town for a spell to help his sister.
Oh.
I just dropped by to catch up with an old friend.
- Mm-hm.
- See you guys.
I've got some runs to make.
Oh, you'll do no such thing.
Don't let me interrupt you.
I mean, I'm sure you two have much to talk about.
[sighing.]
Don't bother.
All that's in there is Grandma's six pints of homemade yogurt.
- PATRICK: [groans.]
- NIECY: Yes.
She threw all the good stuff out.
- But I have a secret stash.
- PATRICK: [laughs.]
- [clicks tongue.]
- All right.
So, uh, who's that super fly guy Grandpa's in there with right now? Oh, an old friend of Dad's.
I think they grew up together.
All I know is they had a falling out and haven't talked in years.
I'm glad they found each other again.
- [swats bottom.]
- HELEN: Oh.
You know, Frank is looking well.
- Is he? - Mm-hm.
[laughing.]
He's always had a bit of a swagger.
Mm-hm, if you're trying to get me to say something, it's not going to work.
[laughing.]
Okay.
I'll just come right out and ask you.
Did you know that your ex-lover was in town? Is that what's behind this health kick you're on? Paul.
Frank and I it's water under a 40-year-old bridge.
Oh Well, he's invited me to have lunch with him while he's here.
Well, are you gonna take him up on it? I prefer to let sleeping dogs lie.
MAN ON TV: That story coming up.
CROWD: [chanting.]
Stand up, fight back! WOMAN: The school board may decide that the school's closing.
But no more! We're gonna stand up and fight back! CROWD: Stand up, fight back! Jacy, you're graduating this year.
Tell us why you care about the budget cuts.
Well, I'd like to be graduating, but the board stopped funding the upper-level classes I need.
They cut and they keep cutting.
This is happening in districts across the nation, where they cut arts and foreign languages.
You don't understand.
Look at my class schedule.
I have three hours for lunch.
Five out of seven periods are lunch or study hall.
MARY JANE: So, you're showing up to school, and not a lot of learning is going on.
It's gonna take my friends and I five years to graduate, just because the classes aren't there.
Five years? All I want to do is finish school, go to college, and make something of myself.
I don't understand why the school board doesn't want that, too.
We'll get the answers to those questions, Jacy.
Thank you so much for sharing your story.
CROWD: Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! We'll be following up with updates on Jacy and her fellow protestors during the rest of the hour.
Back to you.
CROWD: Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! So, how much of that did you catch? Enough.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
We can reference that student later when Dani interviews the school board member.
That's a great idea.
I I'm really glad you're back.
Me, too.
CROWD: Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Now, are you ready to interview these parents? - I am.
- Good.
You know, Kara's right.
I did miss all of this.
Almost as much as I missed you.
Hmmm Almost.
CROWD: Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Hey, Kara, the school board's been taken over by a local group that's pushing a low-tax agenda.
Yeah, and according to these bios, they have zero experience in public education.
MARY JANE: No, it's all about the bottom line for them.
They've consistently been diverting funds away from the school, which is already struggling, and now conditions are so bad, they can make a case for closing it, and replacing it with a for-profit charter school.
Which is what they wanted all along.
It's criminal.
Do you know what happened with that school board member? Where is he? KARA: Oh, we have him here in the studio.
And now I know what I'm gonna hit him with.
Hey, Cashea, are you all right? I'm so late.
I'm sorry.
Well, don't worry.
Claudia held your appointment.
Let me get you started.
Sit down in this chair.
Hi, baby.
Hi.
You wanna sit down in this chair, big boy? Oh [sighing.]
So, girl, what happened? Why are you late? The bus never showed.
So, I borrowed my sister's car and wouldn't you know it I get pulled over for not having Samir in a car seat.
Mmmm and the cop gave you a ticket.
A $300 ticket.
It don't make no sense.
I don't have no $300.
If I did, I would've bought the damn car seat.
Exactly.
And those things are too expensive, and the kids outgrow 'em so fast.
I barely paid off the other one - before I had to buy a new one.
- I'm sorry, girl.
WOMAN FLOOR DIRECTOR: Four, three, two ["GDU" theme music.]
Mr.
Russo, what do you say to the claims of an illegal takeover of the school board? [laughs.]
That's crazy.
My group raised money from local businesses and property owners fed up with rising taxes and failing schools.
We put forward a slate of qualified candidates committed to improving our schools.
DANI: So, your group represents "the will of the people," in other words? We won, didn't we? Ask if any of their qualified candidates have kids in public schools.
Tell me what's happening at Leland High School.
What's happening is the best students and teachers have voted with their feet.
That's what school choice is about.
And what's left behind is a failing institution.
Dani, enough with the softball.
Ask him if his group took campaign money from for-profit charter management organizations.
So, why not invest money to turn the school around? Is she for real? But, meanwhile, the kids who are stuck there don't have time to wait for that to happen.
We need a solution now.
KARA: Stick with the script, Dani.
And what about those who say that school choice and charter schools are bad for public education? I say a little competition might be the best thing for public schools.
Injecting the discipline of the marketplace can be the remedy for all kinds of problems, and that's why the school will be closed, and that's also why the location will become a De Novo charter school site.
Damn it, Dani.
The school board denies that it Frank called [sighs.]
He insists that I go to the classic car show with him tonight.
Hm, he's coming here? Wouldn't take no for an answer.
Well, it sounds to me like he genuinely wants his old friend back.
The way you two used to tinker with those old cars.
PAUL SR: [chuckling.]
What's the harm in that? Yeah, well, I suppose you're right.
And that's why the school will be closed, and that's also why the location will become a De Novo charter school site.
CROWD: Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! That's just not right! I'll be damned! They are closing our school! CROWD: [angry shouting.]
Stand up, fight back! That reporter on your show didn't even call the board member on his decision.
She made it sound like a good thing.
I thought this protest was gonna fix things.
Jacy, we're gonna make sure your voices are being heard.
When? When they board up the doors? I thought you were gonna tell our side.
CROWD: Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! Stand up, fight back! The anger of the crowd just boiled over into outright hostility.
The protestors feel the board simply does not represent their views.
This is our school! You leave! CROWD: Stand up, fight back! MARY JANE: Get this! Get this! Get in there! Get in there! Get in there! CROWD: Stand up, fight back! Officer Sir, I need you to stay back, please.
Why? Because we have more units moving in.
Sir, please.
JUSTIN: Mary Jane, what's happening? MARY JANE: I'm fine.
OFFICER: Watch out! Make way! Make way! JUSTIN: Okay, get ready to pull out.
- CROWD: Stand up, fight back! - [head thuds.]
CROWD: [gasps.]
WOMAN ANNOUNCING: This is a non-violent protest! It's our constitutional right to have it! [siren wailing.]
I just heard from Justin.
We've got some realtime developments.
Dani, throw it to Mary Jane.
WOMAN: Get out of here! JUSTIN: Mary Jane, are you okay? Mary Jane! Mary Jane! CROWD: [angry shouting.]
MARY JANE: [gasps.]
Justin! CROWD: [angry shouting continues.]
MARY JANE: Justin! Justin! CROWD: [angry shouting continues.]
MARY JANE: Justin! Jus Oh! Cut to commercial now! Go to commercial.
WOMAN ON TV: Our new multiple cat formula Justin? Justin, can you hear me? Are you injured? Justin? Justin, can you hear me? Sir, sir, I need you to stay back.
You don't understand.
My girlfriend's in there.
OFFICER: Did you not hear me? Oh, God OFFICER: Stay back! JUSTIN: Mary Jane! I'm gonna go! All right, I'ma get her outta there.
CROWD: [angry shouting continues.]
MARY JANE: Oh, God MARY JANE: Yes, I'm okay.
I want to let our viewers know that our team is okay.
We have moved a few dozen yards from the conflict where irate students and parents are attempting to prevent the closure of a local high school.
I repeat, we are fine.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Wha? Who is Justin? Hey.
What are you doing here so early? Don't get fired again.
Girl, I'm on my break.
What's that about? It's my old car seat.
Thanks, but it's too small for Marquis.
I know.
Do you still have the other car seat he outgrew, too? I don't know.
Somewhere around here.
All right, so you have two extra seats.
Now you're gonna start a work-from-home business.
With car seats? Yeah, I'ma help you rent 'em out.
You could potentially make $30 a ride.
Okay, why would someone want to pay $30 to rent a car seat especially if they can afford one of their own? Girl, because people would rather pay $30 for one than pay $300 for a ticket.
A good point.
But how do we let 'em know? Go get your phone.
Go.
That'll get their attention.
Mm-hm, now you tweet everybody that you know to advertise.
- This is fun.
- Mm-hm.
Thanks for helpin' me.
Girl, we help each other.
Hey! I got a taker.
Keisha needs to take her kids to their daddy's house across town.
See? There you go.
I told you.
Now we're in business.
AMIKA: [laughs.]
What the hell was that? Must you be so hostile? You didn't even ask about the student's schedule.
Because it was obviously fake.
Thank you.
You cannot ignore facts you don't like, Dani.
That's why we give people scripts, so they're not caught spouting their own personal opinions.
My opinions are what got me here in the first place, so Which can be misconstrued as representing the Excuse me! as representing the views of "Great Day USA.
" So, not only did you put forward your own agenda, but you did it at the risk of two of our people.
It's my face and my reputation that's on the line, and if I'm in that chair, it's my responsibility to report what I believe in.
It is your responsibility to report what we give you.
That is your responsibility.
Well, my audience would think otherwise.
Really? Well, let's see how long before you get in front of that audience again, huh? [door closes.]
- Who is Justin? - Huh? Don't "huh" me.
Now Pauletta has been all concerned about somebody named Justin.
Now who is he? Grandma, I don't know.
Now I've got ten minutes to freshen up and eat something before class.
I have raised three kids and I know when somebody is lying to me.
I don't appreciate it, especially since I spent all that money sending you to New York.
He's a producer at "Great Day USA".
Is he Pauletta's boyfriend? I think so.
Is he the one she left Lee to be with? That girl is being reckless with her heart.
Givin' up a sure thing, and foolishly doing this thing with somebody at work? Oh, Niecy, I wish you had told me sooner so that I could just sort of talk some sense into her hard head.
What is this? That's Justin.
Oh? Yeah.
ALL: [applauding.]
Is that all it takes to get a little recognition around here? - Almost get killed? - ALL: [laughing.]
See ya.
TY: Congratulations on the segment.
"GDU" is now trending.
Yeah, of course, we're trending.
The police used force against kids.
No, girl, that's not the reason why we're trending.
- It's you.
- Me? Well, no, him.
"Who is Justin?" Seven million people heard you scream his name live on TV like Whitney Houston yelling for Kevin Costner in "The Bodyguard.
" The emotion in your voice.
That shit was powerful.
It's gone viral and now everybody wanna know who "that" man is.
JUSTIN: I don't know what happened.
TY: [laughs.]
I can't believe this is what people are talking about.
I mean, it's like they've set the clock to two minutes to midnight, and now, all of a sudden, everyone wants to hop aboard the latest gossip train.
Embrace it.
Social media buzz, good or bad, is great for the show.
Right now, Dani is beatin' us at this game.
How so? I'm like an agent behind enemy lines, and big city media elite is trying to silence me.
I know that school choice makes sense, so do you, and I'm sick and tired of liberal media trying to censor what we already know.
Isn't she barred from doing this kind of stuff now that she's at "GDU"? She can't do her internet show, but there's always a new app, a new site, that falls outside the purview of her contract.
That sneaky bitch.
How did she even get the video up so fast? It doesn't matter.
What matters is us beating her, and the way to do it is to answer the question.
"Who is Justin?" Uh Ooh I don't know if Justin's even ready for all that.
It's happening, girl, with or without him.
MARY JANE: [sighs.]
All right, if we do this, I'm gonna need to ask your help for something.
Okay.
It's gotta be completely on the hush-hush.
I work in PR.
I'm pretty sure keeping secrets is part of the job description, and we're friends, right? I need you to look into Justin's net worth.
Um, does he owe back taxes or something? Oh, no.
No, no, no.
Uh, funny, really.
Um I have reason to believe that Justin may be, like, a multi- multi-multi-millionaire.
Reason to believe? He hasn't told you? No, it kind of like has never come up in conversations.
Which makes you suspicious.
A little bit, yeah, yeah.
And before we [laughs.]
bare our souls on Instagram, we wanna make sure everything is on the up and up.
You know, 'cause there's gotta be, like, a logical explanation for it all, right? [laughs.]
I'll look into it.
[sighs.]
Great.
[door opens.]
- Hey, girl.
- Hey.
- How was class? - It was good.
The kids sound like they're having fun back there.
Oh, they about wore me out, so I let them have their screen time.
[laughs.]
Yeah, I'm sure.
Girl, check this out.
You booked seats for next week? Mm-hm.
Girl, I have to thank you.
I've never had a friend willing to help me in a real way like that.
You should be thankin' that single mom that gave me the idea.
I mean, she was squirtin' out tears and all upset.
You must hear a lot at work.
Yeah, I feel like I listen to problems more than I actually fix hair.
A good thing you're good at both.
But you know what else? I feel like there's a solution to every problem, and I have more ideas for my baby mama life hacks.
You should share them with other moms like us.
I should, huh? Like you said, nobody will help us, if we can't help ourselves.
And I actually have another idea for you.
It's time to expand, girl.
Oh, I love the way you think.
Where are you? I don't see you.
Kara, are you all right? Yeah.
No, I was just expecting a package and tracking said it was delivered, so It's no big deal.
What do you have for me? You know that student that I interviewed, Jacy Davis? I was wondering if you could reach out to her and try to convince her to come on the show.
Is she not returning your calls? Maybe you'll have better luck.
I will try.
- Thanks, mama.
- Sure.
Okay [vocalizing.]
PAUL SR: What's all this? Oh, I thought you and Frank might like some dinner before you go to the car show.
He's not coming, Helen.
Oh.
Did Frank cancel? Actually, I did.
I thought it best that way.
Oh.
I understand.
I'm glad you agree.
JUSTIN: [sleepily.]
You'd better hurry up before jet lag takes over.
MARY JANE: Maybe this'll wake you up.
Okay, get your face outta the phone, please.
I'm just fixing the music.
No.
No, you're not.
Come here.
Oh lover MARY JANE: And just so you know, # WholsJustin got 4,000 more likes today.
You're so fascinated by this #WholsJustin, don't forget you've got the real thing.
Yeah, like you have your own hashtag.
[laughs.]
Honestly, it's already interfering with our lives.
I haven't been home for weeks and this is what we're talking about? No.
No, I've missed you.
What? You what? Oh, I've missed you.
Show me how much you've missed me.
Music still playin' in the background So close from here Baby I'ma be your motivation Mary Jane, I got you another shot on the school board story.
I didn't get Jacy, but you're gonna be interviewing a school board member, so - Russo agreed to come back? - Yeah.
Well, what happened to Dani? Yeah, she was sidelined.
BOTH: [laughing.]
- So much for rising star.
- Yeah.
Thank you, seriously, for understanding how important this issue is.
Well, I'm not on this by myself, you know? Just and I are co-producing it.
- Really? - Yep.
Maybe I'm starting to see Justin in a better light.
You know, the other morning, I was live on the line.
I know.
And I have to say, if I was in trouble, I I would want Justin to be the guy looking for me.
My God, you're starting to come around.
I'm I'm not there yet.
But I do know the one thing you've wanted your whole life is a man who claims you as his own, so if Justin really cares about you, then he should be out there doing it.
[laughs.]
Go kick booty.
MARY JANE: We brought you back, Mister You know I'm gonna catch hell from Garrett, if this story is a dud.
It won't be, and if it is, I'll back you up.
I might add, money that is no longer available to fix our school.
But have you already decided to close the school and hand it over to De Novo, a for-profit charter school.
Well, after careful consideration, the school board decided, unanimously, that it was in the best interest of the students.
Best interest of the students, or the best interest in your bottom line? I I ask because I did some research and found that you made an investment in the initial round of funding for De Novo charter schools.
How A small investment which, today, is worth several million dollars.
I'd say that is quite a stake, and, also, a conflict of interest.
Was that investment the reason you opted to run for the school board seat? I have nothing more to say to you.
I think the students at Leland High deserve an explanation, don't you? [sighing.]
Kara, a package came for you.
Thanks, Huff.
[sniffles.]
[exhales.]
[sniffles.]
It never ceases to amaze me.
That guy had every reason in the world not to come back here and make a fool of himself.
Oh, never underestimate the power of being on air.
[laughs.]
It's like a drug.
Still, what was he thinking? I don't know.
Maybe, it was a run for mayor, or state senator, figured he could get some free publicity.
Well, everybody knows his name now.
Do you think kids like Jacy, who's in the process, do you think they watched? - Of course.
- Yeah? REPORTERS: [shouting mixed questions.]
MARY JANE: Oh Okay.
JUSTIN: [sighs.]
Well, uh everybody knows your name, too, now.
I think keeping our lives private may not be possible.
Okay, what if I have a problem with this? Do you have a problem with this? Okay, I am a journalist.
I live by the mantra that I cover the story, I don't become the story.
I want to do serious news, I don't want to be a sideshow.
I'm right there with you.
But, facing the limelight, honey, that comes with the territory.
All right.
All I'm asking is that maybe, just maybe, we can do both.
Is that all right? Yeah.
Let's do both.
Now, can we order lunch in today? Italian? [dialing cell phone.]
[phone ringing.]
[sighs.]
MARY JANE: Hi, Mom.
I'm not going to beat around the bush.
I'm calling because Niecy told me about you and Justin.
- Justin? - HELEN: Your new boyfriend.
The one you left Lee for.
And don't go blaming Niecy for spilling the tea, because, well, you screamed the boy's name on live TV.
Pauletta, why did you do it? Mom Justin lit a fire in me in a way that Lee just didn't.
And I know you told me not to go mucking things up with Lee, because he's loyal, and husband material, and yadda, yadda, yadda, and I agree.
But when push comes to shove, I just don't want to spend the rest of my life with someone who doesn't light that fire in me, you know? And and, besides, I just kinda feel like like Justin and I are more compatible.
You know, he's Complicated.
Like you.
Yeah.
Yeah, but he's I understand.
You don't have to explain any more.
Wow, that is not the response that I was expecting.
HELEN: I just wanted to know the truth coming from you.
No lecture? No judgment? HELEN: Not from me.
Not today.
And thank you.
For what? HELEN: For your honesty.
You're lucky that you know yourself so well.
Not all of us are so fortunate.
MARY JANE: Are you okay, Mom? You sound different.
[laughs.]
Oh, yes, I'm fine, sweetie.
Uh, you take care and have a beautiful day.
[knocks on door.]
You're a straight out son of a bitch, Frank Pearl.
You show up at my house, and barely say two words to me? [scoffs.]
I figured that's what you wanted.
What I want is an apology.
I was all set to start a life with you 44 years ago.
Oh, come on, Helen.
We both know why that didn't happen.
Damn, woman, what do you want me to say? [scoffs, laughs.]
Nothing.
I've said my peace, and it's probably best to leave it all in the past.
They still out there? You wanna take separate doors or Tell me, this #WholsJustin thing, is it still trending? Yep.
And the crazy video with Dani? That, too.
If we do this, can we turn the focus back to the protest, to what happened at the school? Possibly.
But we'll have the spotlight, so we can take it there.
So, we go out together.
Are you ready? Yeah.
Are you? We can use this for good, Justin.
Yeah.
You're playin' with my career, and it takes a lifetime to build a reputation, and five minutes to ruin it forever, and this is this is my livelihood.
I promise you, whatever happens, I take full responsibility, okay? Okay.
REPORTERS: [shouting mixed questions.]