Bel-Air (2022) s03e01 Episode Script
Baby, I'm Back
Previously on "Bel-Air"
Thank you for
helping out the team.
They all said they wished
they had an Uncle Phil.
No one else holds your
destiny, son not Lou
I didn't come here
to be disrespected.
Not your uncle
But I do think that you
could be more disciplined
when it comes to your future.
Not Doc
It's always about getting the W.
Be that answer for yourself.
[dramatic music]
- [inhales]
- What are you doing?
You don't you say
a goddamn thing.
I won't.
I'm a drug addict.
I look at the people who love
and support me every day,
and I lie to them.
I looked up, and I didn't
even know where I was.
It was the meds.
- You really believe this?
Right now, I do.
After all we've done,
I just feel like
We failed.
I love you, Hilary. I
never meant to hurt you.
I can't do this anymore.
You and me on a
transatlantic flight
to the city of lights.
- Let's do it.
Hi, Olivia. Love
your rainbow pin.
Do you want to hang this summer?
Definitely.
I used to move with
a gang in London.
But I had to cut off all
contact with my family.
Geoffrey's looking for his son.
Keeping him safe has
been our first priority.
This has to be your decision.
- Frederick.
- Geoffrey.
When I was a kid, I thought
maybe I made you up.
Sorry it had to be
such a quick visit.
It's the safest way.
I keep getting calls from
a phone in East London.
Frederick might be in danger.
So you feel like that's
what's best for us,
just being friends?
- I do.
Fuck what we said.
How do you feel?
Yo, I'm ready to let
Bel-Air know what's up.
The prince has arrived, baby.
What's summer like
in Bel-Air anyway?
You have no idea.
Kiss it, kiss
it better, baby ♪
Been waiting on
that sunshine, boy ♪
I think I need that back ♪
Can't do it like that ♪
No one else gon' get
it like that, so why ♪
Crack man, and I'm
out of the game ♪
Silk shirts and a
couple of chains ♪
My break was up
five minutes ago.
- All I need is five more.
- [giggles]
♪
Mm.
Come with me to my
tournament in Vegas.
Me and you in Sin City.
That sounds tempting.
But I have swim practice.
- [sighs]
I'm trying to win
nationals, remember?
We'll have plenty of
time when you get back.
Take care, pinkie ring
on the don, I told her ♪
Kiss it, kiss
it better, baby ♪
Been waiting on
that sunshine, boy ♪
I think I need that back ♪
Can't do it like that ♪
No one else gon'
get it like that ♪
Yo, what up?
Hold on, I know this
ain't who I think it is.
Good to see you, man.
Long time no see.
My man, good to see another
brother around here.
She want that
old thing back ♪
Pretty young thing
want that old G crack ♪
Straight savage when
I got my Fenty on ♪
Do the D'USSE with
a touch of DeLeón ♪
Stash pesos in
Turks and Caicos ♪
Dapper Dan Don, the
first to break those ♪
Baddies on deck, you
know I'm loving 'em ♪
- Kiss it, kiss it ♪
- Yo!
What up, Q?
- What's happening, Will?
You down for a little
one-on-one later?
Oh, man, I would, but I
don't want to embarrass you
in front of your assistant.
- [chuckles]
You know, I actually
been reading your book
about how you built your empire.
OK.
Trying to be like you, big bro.
OK, that's love, man.
So, listen, man, you
you still doing interviews
for your summer program?
- Young, Gifted, and Black?
- Yeah.
Why, you interested?
I thought you was just
about that court life.
- No, man. I want it all.
- All right.
Well, look, I tell
you what, man.
You want to shoot your shot?
Final round's coming up.
I'll put your name on the list.
- Oh, man, I'll be there.
- All right, that's you.
- All right.
All right. Tell Phil
I said what up, bro.
- I'll see you soon.
- All right.
Yes!
[upbeat music]
All I remember thinking was,
"There's no way I'm
coming back from this."
But 30 days later,
I'm still standing,
ready to get back
to a better life.
Look, I'm not gonna get
all weepy here or anything,
but, um, thank you.
[applause]
♪
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
I don't want our
fairy tale to end.
But we know it's
just the beginning.
Yes, we do.
Lots of firsts for us this trip.
Mm-hmm.
Skinny-dipping in
the Mediterranean.
Mm.
Sleeping under the
stars in Santorini.
I'd love to introduce
you to another first.
- What?
- Mile High Club.
[laughs]
That's cute. You think
you're the first.
Ah.
- [India.
- Arie's "Brown Skin"]
Brown skin ♪
Up against my brown skin ♪
Need some every
now and then ♪
Oh, yeah ♪
♪
Beautiful.
Our "Essence" audience
is going to love you two.
Ooh, you hear that, baby?
Jay-Z and Beyoncé who?
- Barack and Michelle what?
Our feature is on power couples.
So tell me, how do you find time
to balance demanding
careers with family
and keep your spark alive?
Well, when your wife is
this smart and this sexy,
it's easy.
Excellent. Let's
get a few more.
OK. Just like that. Love it.
Your family is like perfection.
Yeah, they make
it seem that way.
What do you mean?
You know.
Sometimes looking the part is
more important than
what's really going on.
Wow. This is gonna
be the cover.
♪
[knocking on door]
Hey.
Feels good to be
going home, huh?
God, yes. [chuckles]
Uh, don't forget about this.
- [sighs]
- [laughs]
OK, look,
I'm not really sure what
I was expressing here.
Well, I see pain,
vulnerability, compassion, hope,
and lots of pent-up
sexual tension.
A month is a long time to wait.
Look, "no fooling
around" is rehab 101.
But technically,
we're leaving, so
So the wait is over.
[sensual music]
♪
I know I'm not,
like, a, you know,
decorator extraordinaire,
but you guys are gonna
♪
'Ey!
[shouts, laughs]
What's up, man?
You ready to bust
out of this jawn?
Oh, you have no idea.
- Hey, son.
- Dad.
- You look good.
- Thank you.
- Is this everything?
- Mm-hmm.
- Thanks.
- Oh, yeah.
You leave your sweater?
- Oh, wait, it
[Easy McCoy's "Déjà Vu"]
[scoffs] Damn.
[laughs]
We got a lot to catch up on.
♪
Oh, yeah ♪
♪
Oh, yeah ♪
Hey, look, you better
sample everything, see,
'cause we got all of your faves.
We got the baked
crab hand rolls,
spicy tuna on crispy
rice, albacore sashimi,
some sort of cucumber
Look, I'm here for all of it.
This is the perfect
welcome home.
My man.
Well, this tackiness,
that was Will.
Hey, listen, I'm just happy
I got my partner back.
You know, I was about
to go to Red Lobster
and get them cheddar biscuits,
but someone said I
was doing too much.
- Yeah, the most.
- [chuckles]
Oh, wow. A lock on
the wine cellar.
This is new.
Yeah, yeah.
Just a standard precaution
the therapist suggested.
No big deal.
But there are some ground rules
we need to discuss.
Yeah, no, sure.
All right. [laughs]
Let's bless this mess, shall we?
[horn blares] Carlton's home!
Whoo!
All right, so catch me up.
What did I miss?
- Mm.
You know, been
hitting practice hard,
getting ready for this
summer tournament.
I literally just
stepped off the plane.
So my week-long trip in Paris
turned into a month-long
Europe vacation.
Well, your mother and
I could use a vacation.
Work's been nonstop.
- Oh, I heard.
I want to see the new office.
Oh, Uncle Phil's view is crazy.
And Aunt Viv has a whole
crew and an assistant now.
Which is why we're not
eating a home-cooked meal,
because I've had zero time.
And also, you don't cook.
That part. [laughter]
Well, we're gonna start doing
things different around here,
starting with having family
dinners twice a week.
Mom.
I know, I know,
everybody's busy.
But we need to be intentional
about staying connected.
Speaking of which,
is everyone excited
about the Juneteenth
party this weekend?
I know I am.
Look, as Black as I grew up,
we never really
celebrated it, so
Well, that's because
you weren't raised
in the Banks household.
- OK?
We all got our Emancipation Day
coloring books on Christmas.
[laughter]
So what about you, Ash?
You've been quiet.
I'm not exactly
sure what to say.
Well, whatever's on
your mind, Bumblebee.
OK, then
I'd like to talk
more about rehab.
Did it help?
Um, yeah, yeah.
Uh, it was tough.
But, you know, I
faced some demons
and things I've been
avoiding for years.
That's real talk.
So Juneteenth,
are we wearing dashikis
or head wraps
Like, what specifically?
Like how I
built my life on
perception and lies.
But the most important
thing I learned is that
you can't heal what
you don't reveal.
So that's kind of my mantra now.
Easier said than done, maybe.
[soft music]
♪
[sighs]
It's all part of
the ground rules.
Don't even sweat it.
Remember when they took off
my door in seventh grade?
Let's see, you getting caught
going to second base with Mason
and me blowing
rails in the closet.
Sixes?
- [laughs]
Here.
I got this in
Saint Paul de Vence
when I was visiting what's
left of James Baldwin's house.
"Sonny's Blues."
You know, I was hoping
for some French porn,
but classic lit about
a heroin addict,
that's fun too.
Look, a lot has happened,
and I'm still
trying to catch up.
Carlton, I am so sorry
that I wasn't there for you
like I should have been.
It's fine.
No. It's not.
I guess I just thought
that everyone was doing it
and you'd be fine.
You can't blame yourself
for my choices, though.
But, you know, if there is
anything you ever need
Um, one thing, actually.
Look out for Ash.
Yeah.
♪
I love you.
I love you too.
And did you see his face
when he saw the wine cellar?
I mean, I know what
the therapist said,
but hell, he probably
doesn't even have kids.
It's only day one
and someone's
already going soft.
Look, I know that
discipline is important,
but I've always
been the bad cop.
Well, maybe me being too easy
on him is what got us here.
So can we both agree
that we don't know
what the hell we're doing?
[sighs]
You know, with Hilary back,
Carlton home,
it feels good to
all be together.
[moans]
That feels good too.
- Yeah?
- Mm-hmm.
- 'Cause I can keep going.
- Mm.
Oh, baby, I'm beat.
And I still have a few
hours of work left.
OK.
But, you know, Viv,
it's been weeks.
- What?
- Yeah.
- Stop.
Not since Carlton
left for rehab.
Damn.
Are we becoming one
of those couples
that have to schedule in sex?
Well, if that's what it takes,
we can sync our
calendars right now.
You know what, how 'bout
we get through this party,
and then think we can
have our own celebration?
Hmm?
Clothing optional.
Ooh, I like that.
OK.
- OK.
All right.
Let's do it.
- [chuckles softly]
♪
I been chasing that check ♪
All right, you got to tell me,
who was shorty hiding
behind the door?
Oh, yeah, Amira.
- Amira?
- [laughs]
OK, so we pulled up at rehab
at around the same time,
and we just vibed,
like, immediately.
How are you and Lisa doing?
Ah, man, she's been in
the "no labels" tip,
but we've been kicking
it at the country club.
You don't strike me
as a country clubber.
Yeah, man, that's my
spot. I'm not gon' lie.
Hey, yo, and they got your
boy playing pickleball.
- [laughing] Oh, God, no.
- Nah, for real.
I've been meeting a
whole rack of new people.
Oh, Quentin Harrison.
Yeah, we be hooping
from time to time.
The MMA fighter?
Well, he's retired, but yeah.
He's like a
billionaire now, bro.
He owns his own
venture capital firm.
He's been running
a program for kids
who want to start
their own businesses.
He gives them
mentorship training,
access to his resources.
I'm about to be all over that.
Wow, business and basketball?
Hey, listen, man, I'm trying
to be on my King James
before I turn 25.
- Ah.
[chuckles]
- I don't know, man,
Bel-Air really is starting
to feel like home.
Yo, that's nice to hear.
I'm happy for you, man.
I'm still laser focused
on Princeton, though.
I'm waiting to hear back
from the summer program.
- Oh, yeah?
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Ms. Bassin been pushing me
with some alum contacts.
[breathes deeply] I got
an interview lined up.
- Oh, fuck! OK!
- [laughing]
Yeah, we about to
have summer on lock.
Bah!
Number 32.
- That's us.
- Yeah.
No, but seriously, bro,
I'm super, super excited
for you to meet Quentin.
I feel like you guys'
personalities is just gonna
Lou?
Will?
[tense music]
♪
Yo, Will!
♪
I'm glad we're back
to outranking the
ladies around here.
Been battling your
mother and your sister
over boxing versus
"The Real Housewives."
[toilet flushes]
Eh, don't sleep on Potomac.
The Grand Dame is everything.
Look, son, I
I know this isn't easy,
but you have come a long way,
and I'm very proud of you.
Thanks.
So Lou never left LA.
Apparently, he's
been renting a place,
operating out of a
barber shop in Inglewood.
Yeah, my mom said she
had no idea either.
So what's he even want?
At the moment, it
would appear nothing.
How is he in the
same town as his son
and doesn't reach out?
I just don't get it.
- Sounds like Lou being Lou.
If he does try to reach out,
let us know immediately.
I appreciate that, but I'm good.
Look, trust me, I don't
need any extra supervision
when it comes to this guy.
I'm late for practice.
[soft R&B music]
♪
So wait, Monica and
Phanta just dipped?
Girl, the longer your
vacation extended,
the more restless they got.
You know these hoes ain't loyal.
Ivy, I worked my ass
off for this house.
Influencer houses are a
dying breed anyway, OK?
Summer is the season of change,
and it's time to level up.
And, girl, let me tell
you, you already are.
Look at all this stuff
they're sending you, OK?
They are kissing
your ass right now.
I did not know Versace
made oven mitts.
I told you my European
tour wasn't all pleasure.
LaMarcus introduced me to all
these Michelin star chefs.
I documented it all on socials.
It really made me realize
how much I miss cooking.
Your star is rising, Hil.
And I've never seen you happier.
I don't know, when I'm with
LaMarcus, it just flows.
I got on that plane very unsure,
but I got off more
in love than ever.
[light music]
♪
What?
OK, since you stepped
in this house,
two things have been clear:
A, you're glowing,
and B, you're hiding something.
There's nothing to tell.
Hmm, OK.
For the record, Baby Ivy
has a nice ring to it.
Girl, bye.
[laughs]
♪
Unarmed.
[keypad beeping]
Armed. Simple tips.
Shall I run it by you again?
- No, no.
I got it the first two times, G.
Thank you.
We should also beef up
the security cameras
on the outside, you know?
Did you get more photos?
No.
So everything's been quiet?
For now.
So maybe all this
isn't even necessary.
Look, G,
you've been going through
a lot right now, brother.
You don't need to
go through it alone.
It's OK to relax.
[tense music]
Look, I know it was a risk
bringing Frederick here
a few months ago.
You and Viv warned me
not to. It's just
He's your son, and
you needed to see him.
It's not safe back
in London either.
I'm afraid his visit may have
alerted someone from my past
about my whereabouts, Phil.
And until I know who it
is and what they want,
a man ain't
relaxing, you get me?
You do what you need to do.
I'll get started outside.
♪
Hey, uh, does the
orange and black tie
look like I'm trying too hard?
Mrs. Bassin called.
The Princeton
meeting got canceled.
Wait, what happened?
The alumni who was backing you
pulled his endorsement.
People talk.
Bassin thinks with a little
more time and distance
they could be open again.
You know, life was a
hell of a lot easier
when I was a closet junkie.
You took a step to get better,
a very public step, but
there's no shame in that.
Princeton disagrees.
I know it's hard,
but there are consequences
to your actions.
Not everybody is jumping
at the chance to give you
the benefit of the
doubt right now.
♪
[intense hip-hop music]
Let's go. Let's go,
Smith. Show me something.
[indistinct shouting]
Come on, Will!
Come on, man.
Let's go. Let's go, let's go.
You gon' play today?
Whoa, whoa!
Get back on defense, man!
Get through, get through.
Get back.
[breathing heavily]
[distorted music]
Will?
[clock ticking]
♪
Sup, Will?
How come you never
reached out to me?
I didn't want you to see me
locked up in a damn cage.
- Fuck what you wanted.
- I know you're angry.
Think you can walk up in here
and make all those years
of lying disappear?
I didn't come here
to be disrespected.
You ain't earned no respect!
Fuck!
♪
[whistle blows]
Smith, Smith, get
off the floor, man.
J, go in for him.
Yo, we got the Vegas
tournament in two days.
Big stage, a lot of eyes on you.
I know!
I'm fucking up. I'm sorry.
- What's going on?
Coach, practice was supposed
to be over 45 minutes ago.
It would have been
over 45 minutes ago
if you had your
head in the game.
Where are you right now?
It's just
[sighs] It's it's nothing.
But look, I promise
I'ma be good for Vegas.
You better be.
Man, get out my gym.
[tense electronic music]
♪
Swing it.
Hey, hey.
You missed it.
Come on. I'm only
six minutes late.
We were ahead of schedule.
The last interview
finished ten minutes ago.
[sighs]
Sorry.
- I'll meet you there.
Q.
I mean, Quentin.
Mr. Harrison. I got tied up.
If there's any way I
could possibly make up
or come back tomorrow,
or we could
A lot of impressive young people
showed up here today on time,
business plans, big
ideas, ready to go.
No excuses.
Well, look, it's
just that Coach,
you know, he held practice long.
Mm, practice.
We got this big game
coming up in Las Vegas.
OK. No, it's all
good, bro. I get it.
Maybe this just
ain't your thing.
I'll catch you on
the court, though.
[Stik Figa's
"Holding Back Tears"]
♪
Look, was never lyrical,
but read a couple books ♪
Was more than criminal,
I empathize with crooks ♪
Ain't say I'm hood, but my
neighbors ain't invite me in ♪
Made them uncomfortable ♪
I used to wish
for lighter skin ♪
I used to hate myself ♪
My mind is sick
is my defense ♪
Low self-esteem,
not aligning more ♪
With righteous men ♪
Since Tiwanne died, my
mind kind of switched ♪
Another homicide lied
on the dry cement ♪
I couldn't even cry,
all I wanted was revenge ♪
Some wounds never heal,
even time couldn't fix ♪
The tide I'm against in
a ship ready to capsize ♪
In troubled waters, I
guess I'm getting baptized ♪
Ask for forgiveness for
every time that I backslide ♪
Would be a miracle ♪
Drown in hate
for the last time ♪
Holding back tears ♪
Going back years ♪
Ain't want to feel pain,
I let go of that fear ♪
I've been holding
back tears ♪
[sighs]
I've been holding
back tears ♪
♪
God, you look how I feel.
I got your text.
Sorry about Princeton, man.
Sorry about your interview.
Yeah.
I guess no one wants
to gamble on an addict.
Man, who do we
have to pull up on
to plead your case?
I don't know, maybe
I can pull out
some of my Will Smith magic.
There's no "we."
I'm the one who fucked
his life up so bad
that the one college I've been
dreaming of since I was a kid
isn't even an option.
Dude, you can't
give up that easy.
Stop trying to fix my problems
and focus on your own.
What are you talking about?
Do you think it's
just a coincidence
that you had a shitty practice
and missed your interview?
It's got nothing to
do with finding out
your dad's been living
here for months?
I don't give a fuck about Lou.
Learn something from
what I've been through.
All right, you can shove
that shit way down,
but it won't go away.
[somber music]
♪
I guess I just wanted
Carlton's comeback
to be a good one.
I feel like I'm letting
my guy down, you know?
You're doing everything you can.
Not enough to keep him
from going on that stage
and blowing his life up.
We've carried his
secret for way too long.
Me longer than you.
And I think he
did us all a favor
when he went up on that stage.
And his journey
is gonna be his
And my journey's mine.
[inhales]
[sighs]
[bell dings]
I'm sorry, bruh, we
closed up early today.
Looking good, son.
Strong.
Hey, man, have a seat. Let
me let me get you right.
Now, how you been here this
whole time and ain't say shit?
I was gonna reach out.
I just, uh
I just needed to get
settled first, that's all
You look pretty settled to me.
And then I look up, and
boom, there you are.
It's like God's way of
forcing us together.
Like, ready or not.
- No, don't put that on God.
Look,
the way things went down
between us before
My mind wasn't right.
And I knew I had to
get my life in order
so I could step to you correctly
the next time I saw you.
That's why you stayed?
Yeah.
So my son could
see a better man.
That's pretty much it.
I've been watching
your team, man.
Y'all been balling.
That three-pointer's wet,
and that fadeaway jump
shot, unguardable.
You a bad boy, Will Smith.
Hey.
Check this out.
- This you?
- MVP.
Lou Smith.
Boy!
You couldn't tell me
nothing back in the day.
[laughing] What?
Everybody wanted
a piece of me
colleges, coaches, women,
man, they was all over me.
You played.
Yeah, why you think
it's in your DNA?
[soft music]
[sighs]
I used to love ball. That
was my way out the hood.
[chuckles]
I used to think it was mine too.
What you mean, "used to"?
I got options now.
Huh! [laughs]
You got options now? All right.
[chuckles] You got options.
You got them Bel-Air
options, huh?
I want something
better for myself,
and you think that's funny?
I'm for damn sure
dreaming bigger
than a fucking barber shop.
Yeah, that's cool.
That's cool.
I don't drive a fancy car.
I don't live in a big-ass crib.
But I ain't taking
no handouts either.
See, everything I got,
son, I work for mine.
And I just hope my
son does the same.
[tense music]
See, they are filling your
head about chasing a world
that don't want us no way.
Sometimes your best option
is looking you in your face.
Don't be so quick to throw
out everything that you are.
I didn't come here for advice.
♪
But you came.
♪
[chuckles]
♪
Take care, Lou.
♪
[bell rings]
♪
Everybody, let's go ♪
[Shane Eli's "All
Eyes Right Here"]
♪
Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
'Cause I'm about
putting in work ♪
'Bout taking my time,
'bout stacking these chips ♪
'Bout getting this
shine, it's time ♪
Want to make it to the
top, it's a long-ass climb ♪
Hey.
I'll never stop saying sorry.
♪
I'ma go take these to Olivia.
But I also wanted
to say thank you.
For what?
I had a lot of rock
bottom moments.
But after what I did to you,
I realized that if
I could hurt someone
that I loved that
much, then, um
You helped me come clean.
To get onstage and
ruin your life.
You saved my life, Ash.
I get that you're not
really feeling me right now,
so, uh, take as much
time as you need.
I'll be right here.
♪
It is good to see you smiling.
I just wanna enjoy
this vibe with you
before I have to get on that
bus at the crack of dawn.
[giggles]
Hey, Carlton.
Hey.
Hey, Hilary just put
out her freedom cakes.
Yeah.
"Freedom cakes"?
They're just red
velvet cupcakes.
Listen, I said some
harsh words yesterday.
Some things I needed to hear.
I'm actually glad I
went to go talk to him.
And listen, man, I'm sorry
I've been a little extra.
Just wanna make
sure you're good.
And I want the dynamic duo back
for the summer, you feel me?
Um, I think you're doing
pretty well on your own.
I think you fit in better
around here than I do now.
Oh, I'm not sure
that's a good thing.
[both laugh]
You know, my dad invited
a bunch of his country
club friends tonight,
including Quentin.
Nah, that ship has sailed, bro.
Like my mom says, rejection
is God's protection.
Nah.
I mean, like, see,
my summer is fucked,
but there might still
be some hope for yours.
Plus, it's not too
late for me to work
a little bit of my
Carlton Banks magic.
Yeah, that's not a
thing. [phone chimes]
Oh, shit. She's here.
I'll be right back.
Hey.
- Hi.
I didn't think you
were gonna make it.
I did get your SOS.
[both laugh]
So how are you doing?
So much better now
that you're here.
Come on.
Oh, right on time.
Mom, Dad, I would love for
you to meet my friend, Amira.
Nice to meet you,
Mr. and Mrs. Banks.
- Welcome. Welcome, Amira.
- Yes.
It's so nice to meet you.
Carlton talked about
you so much in rehab,
I feel like I already know you.
- Oh, wow, you met at rehab?
- Mm-hmm.
Hey, let me introduce
you to Will and Lisa.
- Yeah.
- Come on.
- Bye.
- Bye-bye.
[upbeat music]
He said they were just friends.
I wouldn't put too much on it.
OK.
Now, you better slow down
on that mac and cheese.
[laughs]
- No promises.
Yo, Black 4th of July is fire.
I know, right?
And I had zero faith Mom and Dad
could pull it off without me.
And where'd they find the DJ?
You know Jazz set that up.
Yeah, girl, you ain't the
only one with connections.
I'm surprised he'd
help out at all,
I mean, the way you dumped him.
Uh! I'm sorry, whose
side are you on?
- Jazz.
- Jazz, all day.
OK, well, you guys need to
get over it and move on,
'cause I definitely have.
That's what I'm talking about.
Well, that's good, 'cause
Jazz actually just walked in.
♪
Girl, did you see
who just walked in?
- I did.
- OK, but did you see
who he was with?
- Yes, Ivy, I seent it.
I have eyes. I've
seen all the things.
Mm.
Juneteenth just got
hella interesting.
[upbeat music playing]
♪
- Oh, hi, Amira.
- Hi.
Hope you're enjoying yourself.
Yes, I am. Thank you.
Feels good to be out.
Oh, I'm sure the experience
for you and Carlton wasn't easy.
No, but having a friend to go
through it with always helps.
- "Always"?
- Repeat offender.
[chuckles]
I'm sorry, I thought
Carlton might have told you.
No, he didn't.
Anyway, I just wanted to say
that Carlton is so great.
He's really committed
to doing the work.
What about you?
You must be aware
that relationships
during the early stages of
sobriety aren't recommended.
I'm just trying to be a
friend when he needs me.
Carlton's family
plans to support him.
My advice?
Prioritize yourself right now.
Let Carlton do the same.
♪
Excuse me, Mr. Harrison.
Hey, I'm Carlton Banks.
Wanted to introduce myself.
OK. Nice to meet you, bro.
Will probably
didn't mention this,
but I'm a recovering addict.
Fresh out of rehab,
actually. 40 days sober.
That's quite an intro.
Look, since he moved here,
Will has been thrown
some crazy curveballs,
but he just keeps on thriving.
You know, it used to
piss me off, actually.
He has this resilience
that I wish I had.
- That's dope.
- He just keeps going.
Even though he's going
through his own mess,
he keeps trying to
help me through mine.
But people always write him off
just 'cause they don't know him.
I get that.
You know, people
take one look at me
and they see the
tattoos, see the drip,
they think they got
me all figured out,
until they read
about me in "Forbes."
Yeah, see, exactly. Like,
that is Will all day.
You know, he's just trying
to be a better version
of what people think he can be.
In a way, I guess
we kind of all are.
Anyway, just wanted to give
you a different side of things.
I appreciate that.
I just wanna ride with you ♪
♪
[indistinct chatter]
[distant sirens wailing]
[door clicks]
[keypad beeps]
[indistinct chatter on TV]
Oh, about time.
Welcome back.
How was your flight?
- Great, but I'm starving.
What's the score?
It's 2-1. Slapping 'em still.
Yes, yes.
[chuckles softly]
Every mountain, every sea ♪
In every stream ♪
Hey.
♪
Hey.
♪
Look,
I know we haven't
talked in a while,
and I just
I wanted to apologize
for how everything
went down between us.
It's cool.
Look, I'm sorry
I hurt you, Jazz.
Hurt?
Never that.
It honestly wasn't
even that shocking.
I mean, you are a coward.
Excuse me?
Hilary, every time
something in life gets hard,
you run.
You ran from college,
your job. You ran from us.
You're a runner.
You're a track star.
Flo-Jo all day.
But it's only a matter of time
before you run away
from that nigga too.
♪
I gotta tell you, Mr. Banks,
I had the trip of
my life with Hilary.
There are no words to
describe how I feel.
I I respect her.
And I was I was
I was hoping that I
Baby, how about
we do it together?
- Yeah.
- Come on.
- Wait, in front of everybody?
- Yeah.
DJ, can I have that mic, please?
Thank you so much. Thank you.
Hey, guys. Hi, hi, hi, hi.
Sorry, everybody.
Hate to interrupt, but I
wanted to take a moment
because me and LaMarcus have
a very special announcement.
OK.
Last week, right in front
of the Trevi Fountain,
I got down on one knee
and asked the love of
my life to marry me.
[cheers and applause]
And I said yes!
[screams]
[cheers and applause]
What? What?
- What?
- [squeals]
I knew your ass was
hiding something.
Let me see. Ooh!
For what it's worth,
I was rooting for you.
[soft music]
♪
[fireworks booming]
[cheers and applause]
Yo, Q.
I didn't know you
were still here.
Couldn't leave without
saying peace to y'all, man.
And telling you how impressed
I am with both of you.
Your cousin here
defended your honor
like his life
depended on that shit.
[chuckles] He did?
I haven't seen anyone
ride that hard for someone
in a long time.
That's real partnership
right there.
Whoever says you don't
get a second chance
to make a first impression
never met y'all.
[laughter]
Uh, so what are you saying?
What I'm saying is,
if you would
consider teaming up,
final spot in Young,
Gifted, and Black is yours.
- Oh, shit.
- What?
Yeah, of course!
Yes! Yes.
Yo, thank you so much.
You know, not a lot of people
want to take a chance
on me right now.
Those stories are part of you.
Ain't no shame in that.
Don't hide your scars, man.
A'ight, Q.
- Yes, sir.
- Take it easy.
- Big love.
- Yeah.
Oh, shit.
Yo!
Hey, Mom, have you got a minute?
Sure.
Something wrong?
Well, you tell me.
Since I've been back home,
I feel like we've
barely even talked.
I'm sorry, things have just
been so busy around here.
Well, you weren't too
busy to talk to Amira.
First, she leaves
without saying goodbye,
and then I get a
text saying that
you told her we
shouldn't be friends?
I didn't say that exactly.
Mom.
Look, why didn't
you just ask me?
Because I'm still
struggling with everything
that comes out of
your mouth, Carlton,
including the fact
that you and Amira
just want to be friends.
OK, well
You know, while you were gone,
I had a lot of
time to think about
every single lie you
told me right to my face.
My bullshit meter kept
going off repeatedly.
I just found a million
ways to ignore it
because I wanted to
see the best in my son
who took advantage of that.
Look,
I know I won't be able to
make you trust me again.
More than me not trusting you.
I just don't trust myself.
[soft tense music]
♪
Hey, G. What's up?
I paid Lou a little visit.
- Oh.
- Mm.
Right after you.
- Because you're Geoffrey.
- Mm-hmm.
He wanted you to
have some things,
but you don't need to
do anything with it now.
Not until you're ready.
It's a start, Will.
You want to talk about it?
Look, the only reason
I didn't tell you where
I was going is because
I didn't want you to
be worried about me.
You got enough going
on with Carlton.
We're family.
I'm here for you too, Will.
[soft music]
♪
Hmm, point guard.
Varsity champ, all-state MVP.
Just like you, huh?
Man, I don't want to
be nothing like him!
And the way that he lit up
when he talked about
the game, it's like
it's like his dream
is baked into mine.
He's proud of you, Will.
Any father would be.
Yeah, but he thinks
chasing after anything else
is a waste of my talent.
Look, me and Lou,
we came up in a time
when sports was the
golden ticket out
for a lot of Black boys.
You know, sometimes,
anything else, it seemed
it seemed like a long shot.
And what if it is?
♪
[sighs]
You forged your own path.
You don't need to be limited
in that kind of thinking.
Yeah, but being here
with you and Aunt Viv,
seeing what you all have built,
my world just feels bigger.
Like there's more out
there for me, you know?
That's why you're so excited
about this thing with Quentin.
Yeah.
I want to see what
else I'm capable of.
But
you know, summer before
senior year is crucial.
Coaches, college looks.
There's a lot of ways
to get to college, Will,
and whatever it is you
do on or off the court
is in your reach.
I want to reach.
Then reach.
Oh ♪
I've been comprehending
this so wrong ♪
Tell me why I've
lived in this so long ♪
Holding you is
poison to my core ♪
But leaving you, I've
knocked on heaven's door ♪
I'm drawing the line today ♪
Look at the mess we made ♪
Mm, let it all dissipate ♪
With all of these
words to say ♪
Uh, simply put,
it's contagious ♪
♪
Our direction is aimless ♪
Oh, simply put,
my faith is fading ♪
I'm tryna flip the pages ♪
[grunting] Come on!
But it's hard
for me to break ♪
Hard for me to say ♪
Hard for me to break ♪
[yelling echoes]
Hard for me to break ♪
[Dahi & Emiene's "Shame"]
Oh, ooh ♪
Oh ♪
Let's go, let's go,
let's go, let's go.
Shame on us ♪
- Hey, Doc.
- Yo?
Mind if I talk to
you for a second?
- Yeah.
- I, uh
With all of these
words to say ♪
Hard for me to say ♪
Hard for me to break ♪
A summer without basketball.
You good?
I am.
You know, we're really about
to start a business together.
You, uh, got any ideas?
[chuckles]
A million.
[hip-hop music]
♪
Whoo!
♪
This season on "Bel-Air"
Welcome to LA,
welcome to LA ♪
We about to have the
summer of our lives.
[hip-hop music]
What's up with y'all idea?
You wanna let the ladder
down, lift the culture up.
Same axis that changed my life.
All: Team Blackccess!
I don't have the
energy to compete with
whatever it is you still
got going on with Jackie.
Are you in love with Jazz?
What? No.
What me and LaMarcus
have is rock solid.
Did you tell her about the kiss?
Let's keep the past in the past.
It'll be our secret.
My parents are not
getting divorced.
I just haven't had the energy
to do anything else but feel.
If I know you and Viv,
you'll get through this.
Caleb and I opened
up our marriage,
and it changed my life.
- Girl.
Not everyone in the neighborhood
want this to go forward.
[crowd chanting]
This project's gonna
get a lot messier.
[flames whoosh]
I might even lose
my record shop.
I can talk to Uncle Phil.
Your uncle wants what's
best for his client, not me.
You still don't give
a fuck that Uncle Phil
might be a part of the problem.
Just wanna make my
family proud of me.
So I say that I'm all good,
but I think I'm still lying.
- Oh, my God, Carlton.
- Call 911.
Thank you for
helping out the team.
They all said they wished
they had an Uncle Phil.
No one else holds your
destiny, son not Lou
I didn't come here
to be disrespected.
Not your uncle
But I do think that you
could be more disciplined
when it comes to your future.
Not Doc
It's always about getting the W.
Be that answer for yourself.
[dramatic music]
- [inhales]
- What are you doing?
You don't you say
a goddamn thing.
I won't.
I'm a drug addict.
I look at the people who love
and support me every day,
and I lie to them.
I looked up, and I didn't
even know where I was.
It was the meds.
- You really believe this?
Right now, I do.
After all we've done,
I just feel like
We failed.
I love you, Hilary. I
never meant to hurt you.
I can't do this anymore.
You and me on a
transatlantic flight
to the city of lights.
- Let's do it.
Hi, Olivia. Love
your rainbow pin.
Do you want to hang this summer?
Definitely.
I used to move with
a gang in London.
But I had to cut off all
contact with my family.
Geoffrey's looking for his son.
Keeping him safe has
been our first priority.
This has to be your decision.
- Frederick.
- Geoffrey.
When I was a kid, I thought
maybe I made you up.
Sorry it had to be
such a quick visit.
It's the safest way.
I keep getting calls from
a phone in East London.
Frederick might be in danger.
So you feel like that's
what's best for us,
just being friends?
- I do.
Fuck what we said.
How do you feel?
Yo, I'm ready to let
Bel-Air know what's up.
The prince has arrived, baby.
What's summer like
in Bel-Air anyway?
You have no idea.
Kiss it, kiss
it better, baby ♪
Been waiting on
that sunshine, boy ♪
I think I need that back ♪
Can't do it like that ♪
No one else gon' get
it like that, so why ♪
Crack man, and I'm
out of the game ♪
Silk shirts and a
couple of chains ♪
My break was up
five minutes ago.
- All I need is five more.
- [giggles]
♪
Mm.
Come with me to my
tournament in Vegas.
Me and you in Sin City.
That sounds tempting.
But I have swim practice.
- [sighs]
I'm trying to win
nationals, remember?
We'll have plenty of
time when you get back.
Take care, pinkie ring
on the don, I told her ♪
Kiss it, kiss
it better, baby ♪
Been waiting on
that sunshine, boy ♪
I think I need that back ♪
Can't do it like that ♪
No one else gon'
get it like that ♪
Yo, what up?
Hold on, I know this
ain't who I think it is.
Good to see you, man.
Long time no see.
My man, good to see another
brother around here.
She want that
old thing back ♪
Pretty young thing
want that old G crack ♪
Straight savage when
I got my Fenty on ♪
Do the D'USSE with
a touch of DeLeón ♪
Stash pesos in
Turks and Caicos ♪
Dapper Dan Don, the
first to break those ♪
Baddies on deck, you
know I'm loving 'em ♪
- Kiss it, kiss it ♪
- Yo!
What up, Q?
- What's happening, Will?
You down for a little
one-on-one later?
Oh, man, I would, but I
don't want to embarrass you
in front of your assistant.
- [chuckles]
You know, I actually
been reading your book
about how you built your empire.
OK.
Trying to be like you, big bro.
OK, that's love, man.
So, listen, man, you
you still doing interviews
for your summer program?
- Young, Gifted, and Black?
- Yeah.
Why, you interested?
I thought you was just
about that court life.
- No, man. I want it all.
- All right.
Well, look, I tell
you what, man.
You want to shoot your shot?
Final round's coming up.
I'll put your name on the list.
- Oh, man, I'll be there.
- All right, that's you.
- All right.
All right. Tell Phil
I said what up, bro.
- I'll see you soon.
- All right.
Yes!
[upbeat music]
All I remember thinking was,
"There's no way I'm
coming back from this."
But 30 days later,
I'm still standing,
ready to get back
to a better life.
Look, I'm not gonna get
all weepy here or anything,
but, um, thank you.
[applause]
♪
- Here you go.
- Thank you.
I don't want our
fairy tale to end.
But we know it's
just the beginning.
Yes, we do.
Lots of firsts for us this trip.
Mm-hmm.
Skinny-dipping in
the Mediterranean.
Mm.
Sleeping under the
stars in Santorini.
I'd love to introduce
you to another first.
- What?
- Mile High Club.
[laughs]
That's cute. You think
you're the first.
Ah.
- [India.
- Arie's "Brown Skin"]
Brown skin ♪
Up against my brown skin ♪
Need some every
now and then ♪
Oh, yeah ♪
♪
Beautiful.
Our "Essence" audience
is going to love you two.
Ooh, you hear that, baby?
Jay-Z and Beyoncé who?
- Barack and Michelle what?
Our feature is on power couples.
So tell me, how do you find time
to balance demanding
careers with family
and keep your spark alive?
Well, when your wife is
this smart and this sexy,
it's easy.
Excellent. Let's
get a few more.
OK. Just like that. Love it.
Your family is like perfection.
Yeah, they make
it seem that way.
What do you mean?
You know.
Sometimes looking the part is
more important than
what's really going on.
Wow. This is gonna
be the cover.
♪
[knocking on door]
Hey.
Feels good to be
going home, huh?
God, yes. [chuckles]
Uh, don't forget about this.
- [sighs]
- [laughs]
OK, look,
I'm not really sure what
I was expressing here.
Well, I see pain,
vulnerability, compassion, hope,
and lots of pent-up
sexual tension.
A month is a long time to wait.
Look, "no fooling
around" is rehab 101.
But technically,
we're leaving, so
So the wait is over.
[sensual music]
♪
I know I'm not,
like, a, you know,
decorator extraordinaire,
but you guys are gonna
♪
'Ey!
[shouts, laughs]
What's up, man?
You ready to bust
out of this jawn?
Oh, you have no idea.
- Hey, son.
- Dad.
- You look good.
- Thank you.
- Is this everything?
- Mm-hmm.
- Thanks.
- Oh, yeah.
You leave your sweater?
- Oh, wait, it
[Easy McCoy's "Déjà Vu"]
[scoffs] Damn.
[laughs]
We got a lot to catch up on.
♪
Oh, yeah ♪
♪
Oh, yeah ♪
Hey, look, you better
sample everything, see,
'cause we got all of your faves.
We got the baked
crab hand rolls,
spicy tuna on crispy
rice, albacore sashimi,
some sort of cucumber
Look, I'm here for all of it.
This is the perfect
welcome home.
My man.
Well, this tackiness,
that was Will.
Hey, listen, I'm just happy
I got my partner back.
You know, I was about
to go to Red Lobster
and get them cheddar biscuits,
but someone said I
was doing too much.
- Yeah, the most.
- [chuckles]
Oh, wow. A lock on
the wine cellar.
This is new.
Yeah, yeah.
Just a standard precaution
the therapist suggested.
No big deal.
But there are some ground rules
we need to discuss.
Yeah, no, sure.
All right. [laughs]
Let's bless this mess, shall we?
[horn blares] Carlton's home!
Whoo!
All right, so catch me up.
What did I miss?
- Mm.
You know, been
hitting practice hard,
getting ready for this
summer tournament.
I literally just
stepped off the plane.
So my week-long trip in Paris
turned into a month-long
Europe vacation.
Well, your mother and
I could use a vacation.
Work's been nonstop.
- Oh, I heard.
I want to see the new office.
Oh, Uncle Phil's view is crazy.
And Aunt Viv has a whole
crew and an assistant now.
Which is why we're not
eating a home-cooked meal,
because I've had zero time.
And also, you don't cook.
That part. [laughter]
Well, we're gonna start doing
things different around here,
starting with having family
dinners twice a week.
Mom.
I know, I know,
everybody's busy.
But we need to be intentional
about staying connected.
Speaking of which,
is everyone excited
about the Juneteenth
party this weekend?
I know I am.
Look, as Black as I grew up,
we never really
celebrated it, so
Well, that's because
you weren't raised
in the Banks household.
- OK?
We all got our Emancipation Day
coloring books on Christmas.
[laughter]
So what about you, Ash?
You've been quiet.
I'm not exactly
sure what to say.
Well, whatever's on
your mind, Bumblebee.
OK, then
I'd like to talk
more about rehab.
Did it help?
Um, yeah, yeah.
Uh, it was tough.
But, you know, I
faced some demons
and things I've been
avoiding for years.
That's real talk.
So Juneteenth,
are we wearing dashikis
or head wraps
Like, what specifically?
Like how I
built my life on
perception and lies.
But the most important
thing I learned is that
you can't heal what
you don't reveal.
So that's kind of my mantra now.
Easier said than done, maybe.
[soft music]
♪
[sighs]
It's all part of
the ground rules.
Don't even sweat it.
Remember when they took off
my door in seventh grade?
Let's see, you getting caught
going to second base with Mason
and me blowing
rails in the closet.
Sixes?
- [laughs]
Here.
I got this in
Saint Paul de Vence
when I was visiting what's
left of James Baldwin's house.
"Sonny's Blues."
You know, I was hoping
for some French porn,
but classic lit about
a heroin addict,
that's fun too.
Look, a lot has happened,
and I'm still
trying to catch up.
Carlton, I am so sorry
that I wasn't there for you
like I should have been.
It's fine.
No. It's not.
I guess I just thought
that everyone was doing it
and you'd be fine.
You can't blame yourself
for my choices, though.
But, you know, if there is
anything you ever need
Um, one thing, actually.
Look out for Ash.
Yeah.
♪
I love you.
I love you too.
And did you see his face
when he saw the wine cellar?
I mean, I know what
the therapist said,
but hell, he probably
doesn't even have kids.
It's only day one
and someone's
already going soft.
Look, I know that
discipline is important,
but I've always
been the bad cop.
Well, maybe me being too easy
on him is what got us here.
So can we both agree
that we don't know
what the hell we're doing?
[sighs]
You know, with Hilary back,
Carlton home,
it feels good to
all be together.
[moans]
That feels good too.
- Yeah?
- Mm-hmm.
- 'Cause I can keep going.
- Mm.
Oh, baby, I'm beat.
And I still have a few
hours of work left.
OK.
But, you know, Viv,
it's been weeks.
- What?
- Yeah.
- Stop.
Not since Carlton
left for rehab.
Damn.
Are we becoming one
of those couples
that have to schedule in sex?
Well, if that's what it takes,
we can sync our
calendars right now.
You know what, how 'bout
we get through this party,
and then think we can
have our own celebration?
Hmm?
Clothing optional.
Ooh, I like that.
OK.
- OK.
All right.
Let's do it.
- [chuckles softly]
♪
I been chasing that check ♪
All right, you got to tell me,
who was shorty hiding
behind the door?
Oh, yeah, Amira.
- Amira?
- [laughs]
OK, so we pulled up at rehab
at around the same time,
and we just vibed,
like, immediately.
How are you and Lisa doing?
Ah, man, she's been in
the "no labels" tip,
but we've been kicking
it at the country club.
You don't strike me
as a country clubber.
Yeah, man, that's my
spot. I'm not gon' lie.
Hey, yo, and they got your
boy playing pickleball.
- [laughing] Oh, God, no.
- Nah, for real.
I've been meeting a
whole rack of new people.
Oh, Quentin Harrison.
Yeah, we be hooping
from time to time.
The MMA fighter?
Well, he's retired, but yeah.
He's like a
billionaire now, bro.
He owns his own
venture capital firm.
He's been running
a program for kids
who want to start
their own businesses.
He gives them
mentorship training,
access to his resources.
I'm about to be all over that.
Wow, business and basketball?
Hey, listen, man, I'm trying
to be on my King James
before I turn 25.
- Ah.
[chuckles]
- I don't know, man,
Bel-Air really is starting
to feel like home.
Yo, that's nice to hear.
I'm happy for you, man.
I'm still laser focused
on Princeton, though.
I'm waiting to hear back
from the summer program.
- Oh, yeah?
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Ms. Bassin been pushing me
with some alum contacts.
[breathes deeply] I got
an interview lined up.
- Oh, fuck! OK!
- [laughing]
Yeah, we about to
have summer on lock.
Bah!
Number 32.
- That's us.
- Yeah.
No, but seriously, bro,
I'm super, super excited
for you to meet Quentin.
I feel like you guys'
personalities is just gonna
Lou?
Will?
[tense music]
♪
Yo, Will!
♪
I'm glad we're back
to outranking the
ladies around here.
Been battling your
mother and your sister
over boxing versus
"The Real Housewives."
[toilet flushes]
Eh, don't sleep on Potomac.
The Grand Dame is everything.
Look, son, I
I know this isn't easy,
but you have come a long way,
and I'm very proud of you.
Thanks.
So Lou never left LA.
Apparently, he's
been renting a place,
operating out of a
barber shop in Inglewood.
Yeah, my mom said she
had no idea either.
So what's he even want?
At the moment, it
would appear nothing.
How is he in the
same town as his son
and doesn't reach out?
I just don't get it.
- Sounds like Lou being Lou.
If he does try to reach out,
let us know immediately.
I appreciate that, but I'm good.
Look, trust me, I don't
need any extra supervision
when it comes to this guy.
I'm late for practice.
[soft R&B music]
♪
So wait, Monica and
Phanta just dipped?
Girl, the longer your
vacation extended,
the more restless they got.
You know these hoes ain't loyal.
Ivy, I worked my ass
off for this house.
Influencer houses are a
dying breed anyway, OK?
Summer is the season of change,
and it's time to level up.
And, girl, let me tell
you, you already are.
Look at all this stuff
they're sending you, OK?
They are kissing
your ass right now.
I did not know Versace
made oven mitts.
I told you my European
tour wasn't all pleasure.
LaMarcus introduced me to all
these Michelin star chefs.
I documented it all on socials.
It really made me realize
how much I miss cooking.
Your star is rising, Hil.
And I've never seen you happier.
I don't know, when I'm with
LaMarcus, it just flows.
I got on that plane very unsure,
but I got off more
in love than ever.
[light music]
♪
What?
OK, since you stepped
in this house,
two things have been clear:
A, you're glowing,
and B, you're hiding something.
There's nothing to tell.
Hmm, OK.
For the record, Baby Ivy
has a nice ring to it.
Girl, bye.
[laughs]
♪
Unarmed.
[keypad beeping]
Armed. Simple tips.
Shall I run it by you again?
- No, no.
I got it the first two times, G.
Thank you.
We should also beef up
the security cameras
on the outside, you know?
Did you get more photos?
No.
So everything's been quiet?
For now.
So maybe all this
isn't even necessary.
Look, G,
you've been going through
a lot right now, brother.
You don't need to
go through it alone.
It's OK to relax.
[tense music]
Look, I know it was a risk
bringing Frederick here
a few months ago.
You and Viv warned me
not to. It's just
He's your son, and
you needed to see him.
It's not safe back
in London either.
I'm afraid his visit may have
alerted someone from my past
about my whereabouts, Phil.
And until I know who it
is and what they want,
a man ain't
relaxing, you get me?
You do what you need to do.
I'll get started outside.
♪
Hey, uh, does the
orange and black tie
look like I'm trying too hard?
Mrs. Bassin called.
The Princeton
meeting got canceled.
Wait, what happened?
The alumni who was backing you
pulled his endorsement.
People talk.
Bassin thinks with a little
more time and distance
they could be open again.
You know, life was a
hell of a lot easier
when I was a closet junkie.
You took a step to get better,
a very public step, but
there's no shame in that.
Princeton disagrees.
I know it's hard,
but there are consequences
to your actions.
Not everybody is jumping
at the chance to give you
the benefit of the
doubt right now.
♪
[intense hip-hop music]
Let's go. Let's go,
Smith. Show me something.
[indistinct shouting]
Come on, Will!
Come on, man.
Let's go. Let's go, let's go.
You gon' play today?
Whoa, whoa!
Get back on defense, man!
Get through, get through.
Get back.
[breathing heavily]
[distorted music]
Will?
[clock ticking]
♪
Sup, Will?
How come you never
reached out to me?
I didn't want you to see me
locked up in a damn cage.
- Fuck what you wanted.
- I know you're angry.
Think you can walk up in here
and make all those years
of lying disappear?
I didn't come here
to be disrespected.
You ain't earned no respect!
Fuck!
♪
[whistle blows]
Smith, Smith, get
off the floor, man.
J, go in for him.
Yo, we got the Vegas
tournament in two days.
Big stage, a lot of eyes on you.
I know!
I'm fucking up. I'm sorry.
- What's going on?
Coach, practice was supposed
to be over 45 minutes ago.
It would have been
over 45 minutes ago
if you had your
head in the game.
Where are you right now?
It's just
[sighs] It's it's nothing.
But look, I promise
I'ma be good for Vegas.
You better be.
Man, get out my gym.
[tense electronic music]
♪
Swing it.
Hey, hey.
You missed it.
Come on. I'm only
six minutes late.
We were ahead of schedule.
The last interview
finished ten minutes ago.
[sighs]
Sorry.
- I'll meet you there.
Q.
I mean, Quentin.
Mr. Harrison. I got tied up.
If there's any way I
could possibly make up
or come back tomorrow,
or we could
A lot of impressive young people
showed up here today on time,
business plans, big
ideas, ready to go.
No excuses.
Well, look, it's
just that Coach,
you know, he held practice long.
Mm, practice.
We got this big game
coming up in Las Vegas.
OK. No, it's all
good, bro. I get it.
Maybe this just
ain't your thing.
I'll catch you on
the court, though.
[Stik Figa's
"Holding Back Tears"]
♪
Look, was never lyrical,
but read a couple books ♪
Was more than criminal,
I empathize with crooks ♪
Ain't say I'm hood, but my
neighbors ain't invite me in ♪
Made them uncomfortable ♪
I used to wish
for lighter skin ♪
I used to hate myself ♪
My mind is sick
is my defense ♪
Low self-esteem,
not aligning more ♪
With righteous men ♪
Since Tiwanne died, my
mind kind of switched ♪
Another homicide lied
on the dry cement ♪
I couldn't even cry,
all I wanted was revenge ♪
Some wounds never heal,
even time couldn't fix ♪
The tide I'm against in
a ship ready to capsize ♪
In troubled waters, I
guess I'm getting baptized ♪
Ask for forgiveness for
every time that I backslide ♪
Would be a miracle ♪
Drown in hate
for the last time ♪
Holding back tears ♪
Going back years ♪
Ain't want to feel pain,
I let go of that fear ♪
I've been holding
back tears ♪
[sighs]
I've been holding
back tears ♪
♪
God, you look how I feel.
I got your text.
Sorry about Princeton, man.
Sorry about your interview.
Yeah.
I guess no one wants
to gamble on an addict.
Man, who do we
have to pull up on
to plead your case?
I don't know, maybe
I can pull out
some of my Will Smith magic.
There's no "we."
I'm the one who fucked
his life up so bad
that the one college I've been
dreaming of since I was a kid
isn't even an option.
Dude, you can't
give up that easy.
Stop trying to fix my problems
and focus on your own.
What are you talking about?
Do you think it's
just a coincidence
that you had a shitty practice
and missed your interview?
It's got nothing to
do with finding out
your dad's been living
here for months?
I don't give a fuck about Lou.
Learn something from
what I've been through.
All right, you can shove
that shit way down,
but it won't go away.
[somber music]
♪
I guess I just wanted
Carlton's comeback
to be a good one.
I feel like I'm letting
my guy down, you know?
You're doing everything you can.
Not enough to keep him
from going on that stage
and blowing his life up.
We've carried his
secret for way too long.
Me longer than you.
And I think he
did us all a favor
when he went up on that stage.
And his journey
is gonna be his
And my journey's mine.
[inhales]
[sighs]
[bell dings]
I'm sorry, bruh, we
closed up early today.
Looking good, son.
Strong.
Hey, man, have a seat. Let
me let me get you right.
Now, how you been here this
whole time and ain't say shit?
I was gonna reach out.
I just, uh
I just needed to get
settled first, that's all
You look pretty settled to me.
And then I look up, and
boom, there you are.
It's like God's way of
forcing us together.
Like, ready or not.
- No, don't put that on God.
Look,
the way things went down
between us before
My mind wasn't right.
And I knew I had to
get my life in order
so I could step to you correctly
the next time I saw you.
That's why you stayed?
Yeah.
So my son could
see a better man.
That's pretty much it.
I've been watching
your team, man.
Y'all been balling.
That three-pointer's wet,
and that fadeaway jump
shot, unguardable.
You a bad boy, Will Smith.
Hey.
Check this out.
- This you?
- MVP.
Lou Smith.
Boy!
You couldn't tell me
nothing back in the day.
[laughing] What?
Everybody wanted
a piece of me
colleges, coaches, women,
man, they was all over me.
You played.
Yeah, why you think
it's in your DNA?
[soft music]
[sighs]
I used to love ball. That
was my way out the hood.
[chuckles]
I used to think it was mine too.
What you mean, "used to"?
I got options now.
Huh! [laughs]
You got options now? All right.
[chuckles] You got options.
You got them Bel-Air
options, huh?
I want something
better for myself,
and you think that's funny?
I'm for damn sure
dreaming bigger
than a fucking barber shop.
Yeah, that's cool.
That's cool.
I don't drive a fancy car.
I don't live in a big-ass crib.
But I ain't taking
no handouts either.
See, everything I got,
son, I work for mine.
And I just hope my
son does the same.
[tense music]
See, they are filling your
head about chasing a world
that don't want us no way.
Sometimes your best option
is looking you in your face.
Don't be so quick to throw
out everything that you are.
I didn't come here for advice.
♪
But you came.
♪
[chuckles]
♪
Take care, Lou.
♪
[bell rings]
♪
Everybody, let's go ♪
[Shane Eli's "All
Eyes Right Here"]
♪
Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
'Cause I'm about
putting in work ♪
'Bout taking my time,
'bout stacking these chips ♪
'Bout getting this
shine, it's time ♪
Want to make it to the
top, it's a long-ass climb ♪
Hey.
I'll never stop saying sorry.
♪
I'ma go take these to Olivia.
But I also wanted
to say thank you.
For what?
I had a lot of rock
bottom moments.
But after what I did to you,
I realized that if
I could hurt someone
that I loved that
much, then, um
You helped me come clean.
To get onstage and
ruin your life.
You saved my life, Ash.
I get that you're not
really feeling me right now,
so, uh, take as much
time as you need.
I'll be right here.
♪
It is good to see you smiling.
I just wanna enjoy
this vibe with you
before I have to get on that
bus at the crack of dawn.
[giggles]
Hey, Carlton.
Hey.
Hey, Hilary just put
out her freedom cakes.
Yeah.
"Freedom cakes"?
They're just red
velvet cupcakes.
Listen, I said some
harsh words yesterday.
Some things I needed to hear.
I'm actually glad I
went to go talk to him.
And listen, man, I'm sorry
I've been a little extra.
Just wanna make
sure you're good.
And I want the dynamic duo back
for the summer, you feel me?
Um, I think you're doing
pretty well on your own.
I think you fit in better
around here than I do now.
Oh, I'm not sure
that's a good thing.
[both laugh]
You know, my dad invited
a bunch of his country
club friends tonight,
including Quentin.
Nah, that ship has sailed, bro.
Like my mom says, rejection
is God's protection.
Nah.
I mean, like, see,
my summer is fucked,
but there might still
be some hope for yours.
Plus, it's not too
late for me to work
a little bit of my
Carlton Banks magic.
Yeah, that's not a
thing. [phone chimes]
Oh, shit. She's here.
I'll be right back.
Hey.
- Hi.
I didn't think you
were gonna make it.
I did get your SOS.
[both laugh]
So how are you doing?
So much better now
that you're here.
Come on.
Oh, right on time.
Mom, Dad, I would love for
you to meet my friend, Amira.
Nice to meet you,
Mr. and Mrs. Banks.
- Welcome. Welcome, Amira.
- Yes.
It's so nice to meet you.
Carlton talked about
you so much in rehab,
I feel like I already know you.
- Oh, wow, you met at rehab?
- Mm-hmm.
Hey, let me introduce
you to Will and Lisa.
- Yeah.
- Come on.
- Bye.
- Bye-bye.
[upbeat music]
He said they were just friends.
I wouldn't put too much on it.
OK.
Now, you better slow down
on that mac and cheese.
[laughs]
- No promises.
Yo, Black 4th of July is fire.
I know, right?
And I had zero faith Mom and Dad
could pull it off without me.
And where'd they find the DJ?
You know Jazz set that up.
Yeah, girl, you ain't the
only one with connections.
I'm surprised he'd
help out at all,
I mean, the way you dumped him.
Uh! I'm sorry, whose
side are you on?
- Jazz.
- Jazz, all day.
OK, well, you guys need to
get over it and move on,
'cause I definitely have.
That's what I'm talking about.
Well, that's good, 'cause
Jazz actually just walked in.
♪
Girl, did you see
who just walked in?
- I did.
- OK, but did you see
who he was with?
- Yes, Ivy, I seent it.
I have eyes. I've
seen all the things.
Mm.
Juneteenth just got
hella interesting.
[upbeat music playing]
♪
- Oh, hi, Amira.
- Hi.
Hope you're enjoying yourself.
Yes, I am. Thank you.
Feels good to be out.
Oh, I'm sure the experience
for you and Carlton wasn't easy.
No, but having a friend to go
through it with always helps.
- "Always"?
- Repeat offender.
[chuckles]
I'm sorry, I thought
Carlton might have told you.
No, he didn't.
Anyway, I just wanted to say
that Carlton is so great.
He's really committed
to doing the work.
What about you?
You must be aware
that relationships
during the early stages of
sobriety aren't recommended.
I'm just trying to be a
friend when he needs me.
Carlton's family
plans to support him.
My advice?
Prioritize yourself right now.
Let Carlton do the same.
♪
Excuse me, Mr. Harrison.
Hey, I'm Carlton Banks.
Wanted to introduce myself.
OK. Nice to meet you, bro.
Will probably
didn't mention this,
but I'm a recovering addict.
Fresh out of rehab,
actually. 40 days sober.
That's quite an intro.
Look, since he moved here,
Will has been thrown
some crazy curveballs,
but he just keeps on thriving.
You know, it used to
piss me off, actually.
He has this resilience
that I wish I had.
- That's dope.
- He just keeps going.
Even though he's going
through his own mess,
he keeps trying to
help me through mine.
But people always write him off
just 'cause they don't know him.
I get that.
You know, people
take one look at me
and they see the
tattoos, see the drip,
they think they got
me all figured out,
until they read
about me in "Forbes."
Yeah, see, exactly. Like,
that is Will all day.
You know, he's just trying
to be a better version
of what people think he can be.
In a way, I guess
we kind of all are.
Anyway, just wanted to give
you a different side of things.
I appreciate that.
I just wanna ride with you ♪
♪
[indistinct chatter]
[distant sirens wailing]
[door clicks]
[keypad beeps]
[indistinct chatter on TV]
Oh, about time.
Welcome back.
How was your flight?
- Great, but I'm starving.
What's the score?
It's 2-1. Slapping 'em still.
Yes, yes.
[chuckles softly]
Every mountain, every sea ♪
In every stream ♪
Hey.
♪
Hey.
♪
Look,
I know we haven't
talked in a while,
and I just
I wanted to apologize
for how everything
went down between us.
It's cool.
Look, I'm sorry
I hurt you, Jazz.
Hurt?
Never that.
It honestly wasn't
even that shocking.
I mean, you are a coward.
Excuse me?
Hilary, every time
something in life gets hard,
you run.
You ran from college,
your job. You ran from us.
You're a runner.
You're a track star.
Flo-Jo all day.
But it's only a matter of time
before you run away
from that nigga too.
♪
I gotta tell you, Mr. Banks,
I had the trip of
my life with Hilary.
There are no words to
describe how I feel.
I I respect her.
And I was I was
I was hoping that I
Baby, how about
we do it together?
- Yeah.
- Come on.
- Wait, in front of everybody?
- Yeah.
DJ, can I have that mic, please?
Thank you so much. Thank you.
Hey, guys. Hi, hi, hi, hi.
Sorry, everybody.
Hate to interrupt, but I
wanted to take a moment
because me and LaMarcus have
a very special announcement.
OK.
Last week, right in front
of the Trevi Fountain,
I got down on one knee
and asked the love of
my life to marry me.
[cheers and applause]
And I said yes!
[screams]
[cheers and applause]
What? What?
- What?
- [squeals]
I knew your ass was
hiding something.
Let me see. Ooh!
For what it's worth,
I was rooting for you.
[soft music]
♪
[fireworks booming]
[cheers and applause]
Yo, Q.
I didn't know you
were still here.
Couldn't leave without
saying peace to y'all, man.
And telling you how impressed
I am with both of you.
Your cousin here
defended your honor
like his life
depended on that shit.
[chuckles] He did?
I haven't seen anyone
ride that hard for someone
in a long time.
That's real partnership
right there.
Whoever says you don't
get a second chance
to make a first impression
never met y'all.
[laughter]
Uh, so what are you saying?
What I'm saying is,
if you would
consider teaming up,
final spot in Young,
Gifted, and Black is yours.
- Oh, shit.
- What?
Yeah, of course!
Yes! Yes.
Yo, thank you so much.
You know, not a lot of people
want to take a chance
on me right now.
Those stories are part of you.
Ain't no shame in that.
Don't hide your scars, man.
A'ight, Q.
- Yes, sir.
- Take it easy.
- Big love.
- Yeah.
Oh, shit.
Yo!
Hey, Mom, have you got a minute?
Sure.
Something wrong?
Well, you tell me.
Since I've been back home,
I feel like we've
barely even talked.
I'm sorry, things have just
been so busy around here.
Well, you weren't too
busy to talk to Amira.
First, she leaves
without saying goodbye,
and then I get a
text saying that
you told her we
shouldn't be friends?
I didn't say that exactly.
Mom.
Look, why didn't
you just ask me?
Because I'm still
struggling with everything
that comes out of
your mouth, Carlton,
including the fact
that you and Amira
just want to be friends.
OK, well
You know, while you were gone,
I had a lot of
time to think about
every single lie you
told me right to my face.
My bullshit meter kept
going off repeatedly.
I just found a million
ways to ignore it
because I wanted to
see the best in my son
who took advantage of that.
Look,
I know I won't be able to
make you trust me again.
More than me not trusting you.
I just don't trust myself.
[soft tense music]
♪
Hey, G. What's up?
I paid Lou a little visit.
- Oh.
- Mm.
Right after you.
- Because you're Geoffrey.
- Mm-hmm.
He wanted you to
have some things,
but you don't need to
do anything with it now.
Not until you're ready.
It's a start, Will.
You want to talk about it?
Look, the only reason
I didn't tell you where
I was going is because
I didn't want you to
be worried about me.
You got enough going
on with Carlton.
We're family.
I'm here for you too, Will.
[soft music]
♪
Hmm, point guard.
Varsity champ, all-state MVP.
Just like you, huh?
Man, I don't want to
be nothing like him!
And the way that he lit up
when he talked about
the game, it's like
it's like his dream
is baked into mine.
He's proud of you, Will.
Any father would be.
Yeah, but he thinks
chasing after anything else
is a waste of my talent.
Look, me and Lou,
we came up in a time
when sports was the
golden ticket out
for a lot of Black boys.
You know, sometimes,
anything else, it seemed
it seemed like a long shot.
And what if it is?
♪
[sighs]
You forged your own path.
You don't need to be limited
in that kind of thinking.
Yeah, but being here
with you and Aunt Viv,
seeing what you all have built,
my world just feels bigger.
Like there's more out
there for me, you know?
That's why you're so excited
about this thing with Quentin.
Yeah.
I want to see what
else I'm capable of.
But
you know, summer before
senior year is crucial.
Coaches, college looks.
There's a lot of ways
to get to college, Will,
and whatever it is you
do on or off the court
is in your reach.
I want to reach.
Then reach.
Oh ♪
I've been comprehending
this so wrong ♪
Tell me why I've
lived in this so long ♪
Holding you is
poison to my core ♪
But leaving you, I've
knocked on heaven's door ♪
I'm drawing the line today ♪
Look at the mess we made ♪
Mm, let it all dissipate ♪
With all of these
words to say ♪
Uh, simply put,
it's contagious ♪
♪
Our direction is aimless ♪
Oh, simply put,
my faith is fading ♪
I'm tryna flip the pages ♪
[grunting] Come on!
But it's hard
for me to break ♪
Hard for me to say ♪
Hard for me to break ♪
[yelling echoes]
Hard for me to break ♪
[Dahi & Emiene's "Shame"]
Oh, ooh ♪
Oh ♪
Let's go, let's go,
let's go, let's go.
Shame on us ♪
- Hey, Doc.
- Yo?
Mind if I talk to
you for a second?
- Yeah.
- I, uh
With all of these
words to say ♪
Hard for me to say ♪
Hard for me to break ♪
A summer without basketball.
You good?
I am.
You know, we're really about
to start a business together.
You, uh, got any ideas?
[chuckles]
A million.
[hip-hop music]
♪
Whoo!
♪
This season on "Bel-Air"
Welcome to LA,
welcome to LA ♪
We about to have the
summer of our lives.
[hip-hop music]
What's up with y'all idea?
You wanna let the ladder
down, lift the culture up.
Same axis that changed my life.
All: Team Blackccess!
I don't have the
energy to compete with
whatever it is you still
got going on with Jackie.
Are you in love with Jazz?
What? No.
What me and LaMarcus
have is rock solid.
Did you tell her about the kiss?
Let's keep the past in the past.
It'll be our secret.
My parents are not
getting divorced.
I just haven't had the energy
to do anything else but feel.
If I know you and Viv,
you'll get through this.
Caleb and I opened
up our marriage,
and it changed my life.
- Girl.
Not everyone in the neighborhood
want this to go forward.
[crowd chanting]
This project's gonna
get a lot messier.
[flames whoosh]
I might even lose
my record shop.
I can talk to Uncle Phil.
Your uncle wants what's
best for his client, not me.
You still don't give
a fuck that Uncle Phil
might be a part of the problem.
Just wanna make my
family proud of me.
So I say that I'm all good,
but I think I'm still lying.
- Oh, my God, Carlton.
- Call 911.