Black-ish (2014) s07e08 Episode Script

1 DRE: Everyone reps the place where they're from.
Where you're from tells people a lot about you.
Think about it.
Bagpipes aren't big in Japan.
But when you're from Minnesota, you love Prince.
Ooh! And where I'm from has arguably the hardest rep of all.
Yawk, yawk, yawk, yawk The city of Compton.
Yeah, it can be a tough place, but it's also an incubator for some of the most influential music, sports, and art in the entire world.
Compton is where I'm from.
And although it wasn't easy, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Because pressure makes diamonds.
Yawk, yawk, yawk, yawk Now Christmas can start.
Come on, Dad.
"Compton's Own"? You're more of a Valley boy now.
Whoa.
Oh.
Oh.
Hey, it's okay.
It's Christmas, Dre.
Just having a nice time.
[Whispers.]
Don't do that.
- Throw his presents in the fire, Bow.
- Uh-huh.
Do it now.
Okay.
DRE: I had a Jheri Curl! Boy, Dr.
Dre's high school girlfriend's little sister was one of my babysitters! I'm everything Compton! Don't make me have to make you witness the strength of street knowledge.
Junior, you know my baby reps the 3-1-0.
- You know it, Mama.
- Mm-hmm.
And 3-1-0's gonna be my first tattoo.
Whenever I get over my fear of needles.
Look, we all know Dre is from Compton.
- Just like I'm from Detroit.
- Mm.
I mean, these are the places that make us who we are.
Thank you, Pops.
It's the one thing I can't take away from you, unlike my respect for you as a father.
- What?! - If you came for me the way Junior just did, [Scoffs.]
I'd put you to sleep till New Year's.
JUNIOR: Come on, Dad.
While you're "from" there, you've lived in the Money Earnin' Oaks of Sherman longer than you ever did in Compton.
Boy, you don't know how long I've lived in places.
Dad, this is your lifestyle now.
You are a typical suburban Black man, in-ground pool and dad bod to boot.
You're like, uh Uncle Phil, except you stayed with the first Aunt Viv.
Yeah.
You're as Sherman Oaks as we are.
Remember that Friday we didn't go to the Cheesecake Machine at the Galleria, and they called us to make sure we were all right? You straight Valley, son.
Unh-unh.
Being from Compton is is one of the things that people know about me first.
That's 'cause you never give us a chance to forget.
Then in Compton Here in Compton From Compton Outside of Compton.
They see me as just a kid from Compton.
Guess who went to Compton and got some barbecue?! You bring up being from Compton more than I bring up being a doctor.
- No, he doesn't.
- All right.
Me and my brothers and sisters from the 90221 have a grit and determination that you cannot buy.
That's right.
So, while you can take the man out of Compton, you can never take Compton out of the man.
Dad, I did not say it was a bad thing.
It is what you worked so hard for.
You got out.
Hey proud of you.
I bet you Dr.
Dre ain't gotta put up with this nonsense! Yeah, I don't know what I'm gonna get everybody this season, Mom.
Oh! [Scoffs.]
No, Ruby is easy.
Are you kidding me? I tell her I donated to her church, and then I give to Planned Parenthood instead.
I do the same thing every year.
[Chuckles.]
I know.
Oh, I gotta go.
I'll talk to you later.
I love you, Mom.
Bye.
Hey, you two.
I need your Christmas lists.
We don't have to do the whole dance this year.
- Cash is fine.
- Huh? Yeah.
You can just Venmo me.
Maybe add some Christmas emojis, make it all festive or whatever.
But hey, we know you have a lot of kids to buy for, so if it's under four figures, that's okay.
You can just make it up to us on our birthday.
When did my kids get so transactional about the holidays? Our dad owns Gucci shower shoes.
Yeah.
- You figure that out.
- Okay.
Since you two don't want Christmas gifts, I have a better idea.
I want you to think of something that you can do for someone in need this holiday season.
Tell Junior nobody wants to see his feet on Instagram.
Oh, my gosh.
Perfect.
- No.
No.
- Right? Strangers.
Show kindness with your time and your effort.
You know what? That sounds like a great New Year's resolution.
- I'll write that down.
Thank you.
- Yes.
Perfect.
Today.
I want you to do that today.
- [Scoffs.]
- Okay.
Mm-hmm.
I told you we should have just asked for a Jet Ski.
[Groans.]
The next day, I still couldn't get over Junior shading me about Compton, and neither could the guys at work.
Well, Dre, we have your ingrate son down in the basement alphabetizing our HR complaints.
He will be down there for months.
Yeah, that is mostly me.
You're welcome.
DRE: You know, how can they doubt that I'm still from Compton? I remind my family this constantly so they can appreciate how hard I work to make sure they had an easier path than I did.
Come on.
We all respect your journey.
H-How can you not? Look, in my mind, it's like you grew up in World War II France, you know, except with, you know, more sneakers up on the power lines.
Okay, Compton is more than stereotypical images in your head, all right? It's about families trying to make it, like everywhere else.
Dre, it's still impressive that you survived the place.
One time, when my car broke down just near Compton, I left it there and ran home.
I didn't grow up in a "Mad Max" movie! Whoa! I don't want any trouble, okay? So, I'm just gonna give you, for no reason at all, all the money in my wallet.
Really, Connor? Now, you can't blame us.
The place does have a reputation.
It's the same reason why I flinch whenever I see someone come out of a bathroom - in a Mafia restaurant.
- Yeah.
Of course you would see it that way.
But you know what? I'm proud to go out in the world and represent the CPT.
That's how I feel about Darien, Connecticut.
- Birthplace of the salad fork.
- Oh.
What are you talking about? It's not like that at all.
I You know what? Forget you guys.
All that matters is that my family recognizes I go hard for Compton.
And if they forgot it's time that I remind them who their daddy is.
Now, is that because they're not sure or he's not sure? - Not sure.
- I think he's not sure.
To be honest.
- That makes sense.
- There are a lot of kids in that house.
- JACK: Mom.
- Yeah? You will be happy to know that we have done our part to help the less fortunate.
- Mm-hmm.
- Is that a trash bag? - Yes.
It's my donations.
- Wh These are all of last season's looks.
Who knew helping the homeless could lead to so much closet space? Okay, please tell me that you were more thoughtful than your sister? Oh.
Of course I was.
I did a video.
- Okay.
- Watch this.
Definitely gave you screens way too young.
JACK: Hey, fam.
If you're struggling out there, I want you to know I realize I took my Christmas privilege for granted.
- What? - From the heart.
So I'm here.
Here for what, Jack? Just here.
- What - While they're out there.
- All right, I am going to delete this - What? so that you still have a chance to get into college.
I need you guys to clear your schedules.
I'm gonna teach you that real service comes from real sacrifice.
We're gonna donate our time to a community.
- I'm gonna do a little research - [Door opens.]
- gotta figure out where - DRE: Family! Assemble! JUNIOR: Dad, why am I here? Mr.
Stevens had me on a big project.
The company is in a lot of trouble.
Like, a lot of trouble.
You're here because I want you all to hear this - at the same time.
- What's up? We are all going to Compton.
Perfect! We are gonna volunteer in Compton! R-Really, babe? 'Cause you never really, uh, just agreed with me like that.
Yeah, well, you've never barged in on a situation and said exactly the right thing, so Okay.
Well, look at us.
- Look at us.
- All right! You all get to see exactly where your dad is from.
And damn it! I'm gonna get that tattoo.
- What? - You know, considering I, uh, you know, find the the artist that I like, - and, uh - A what? he has an opening in his schedule or her schedule.
DRE: Inked up or not, my kids were going home this Christmas.
My home.
Meanwhile, I was thinking about a rose design.
Or maybe a skull.
That weekend, the whole family packed up and drove down to volunteer at the Compton rec center.
While Bow checked us in, I checked Junior about how real his dad was.
I'm starting to feel it already, son.
You know, being here, it brings back so many memories.
You know, it's days like this that Beyoncé made "Homecoming.
" Dad, I hate that I've already had to tell you this multiple times, but stop comparing yourself to Beyoncé.
Hate all you want, son.
Your daddy is a legend around here.
- Okay.
- RUBY: [Laughs.]
Yeah! The legend of the boy who got stuck in the tube slide.
- [Laughs.]
- Okay.
It was too curvy.
Eh Why'd you come, Mama? I'm on the lookout for people who said your father and I wouldn't last.
[Chuckles.]
There are scores to be settled.
Hey! Bishop Sanders! Bishop! I got some bad news.
- They had a thing.
- RONNIE: My boy! - Oh! - Hey! It ain't Christmas till Starbucks changes their cups - and Dre comes through.
- What's going on, baby? My friends Ladarius, Ronnie, and T-Will have been with me since jump.
They were as Compton as it gets.
Just like me.
Welcome home, friend.
Hey, it's good to be home, especially when everybody's coming together to do something great.
Hey, Compton looks out for Compton.
- Yeah, we do.
- We do.
And thanks for showing those pictures to Bow.
Glad I ain't got ringworm.
You didn't send me anything.
Oh, no.
I must have texted the wrong Dre.
What? That's why things been weird with my boss.
I gotta fix this! Don't end up like him, son.
Are you guys ready to reap the rewards of service? That warm, fuzzy feeling that you have in your belly right now that's what I feel every day when I walk into the hospital.
Mm-hmm.
That's why I'm a doctor.
Okay, volunteers.
I'm Cameron.
- Hi, Cameron! - Hi.
Let's get you your assignments.
You'll start here, and you'll hold someone's tray while they wait.
Mm.
Let's talk about that for a second, shall we, Cameron? While yes, it's probably good for Jack to get some experience in the food-service industry, I'm more on the management track Diane, there is no "I" in "service.
" - Yes, there is.
- Yes, there is.
Charity? Nope.
Selflessness.
All right? So, you guys take your assignments and you be good sports about it.
Let's go.
Come on, now.
Oh, my God, Cameron, I am so sorry about my kids.
It's so embarrassing.
I'm trying to teach them the joy of volunteering comes from giving of oneselves to others.
So, how will I be giving of myself? You're in the kitchen on potatoes.
Oh.
Isn't that kind of like putting the star on the bench [Chuckles.]
with that assignment, don't you think? Isn't volunteering about selflessness? Eh, it is.
[Chuckles.]
It is, but I'm a doctor, so these hands are for holding lives, not roots.
Potatoes aren't roots.
I went to med school, so I can actually say what potatoes are, but come on, I'm here.
I'm here.
Put me to use.
Use me.
All right, Doctor.
Just pretend this peeler is your scalpel, and just try to see as many patients as you can today.
Well, lucky for you there is no job too small for me! [Laughs.]
[Scoffs.]
Like this is medical grade.
Garbage.
Ah! Ooh! I still got it! Just like when we set the Compton record for most pick-up wins in a day.
We even beat Werewolf Isaiah's squad.
He was only good 'cause no one wanted - to guard all that body hair.
- Uh-huh.
The point is, those were the good-old days.
Look, we would meet here, we'd go play some hoops, - head over to the Friendly.
- Ohh.
- The Friendly.
- The Friendly.
What's the Friendly? Friendly Corner Market, man, but you could get anything at the Friendly fireworks, fly swatter, eh, off-brand candy.
Ooh, love me some Skattles.
I even bought my copy of "Thriller" from the Friendly.
It was missing two songs.
I still haven't heard "Human Nature.
" You know what? I'll take you by the Friendly a little later and get you some M-and-Thems.
It's gonna be great.
Uh, Dre, the Friendly's been closed for like eight years.
What? Nobody told me? Yeah, it became Friendly Pager, Friendly Mobile, Friendly Screen Repair Friendly Wings? The best wings of all time.
Mm-hmm.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Right, right.
Th-Th-That chicken.
Mm-hmm.
And that Branch sauce.
What's that? Buffalo ranch? No.
Where you been, man? He's been having too much of that bougie Valley salad dressing.
- [Laughter.]
- Wow, Dad.
Looks like we're both learning a lot about Compton today, huh? Well, I know what's not closed the Grill Prince on Central.
What do you say we all go by there and get five Dre Specials? You know, the thing I ordered so much that they named it after me? - The Grill Prince is cool.
- Mm-hmm.
Oh, man, if they had a Branch burger, though? - [Whistles.]
- Well, you know what? I'm not gonna get you anything, Ronnie.
Son, come help me over here.
CAMERON: Ah.
- There you are.
- Oh, hello, Cameron The kitchen wants to know how it's going with the potatoes.
Well, actually, I know Chef was thinking mashed, but I would suggest au gratin potatoes, 'cause I don't know if you can see here, but I have done a rustic peel.
Do you know why? Because the vitamin is in the skin, Cameron.
The skin of the potato.
Yeah.
I'm sure you've heard this before, but just be less.
I'm sorry.
I just I have so much help to give.
Maybe if you gave me a position that was more engaging, with people.
How about you engage me with a fully peeled potato, and we can talk.
Uh-huh.
Maybe we can talk about your management style, because I have some thoughts.
Junior may not have believed I was Compton through and through, but a guided tour through the old neighborhood on the way to the Grill Prince would prove him wrong.
Ooh, hey, son, you see that alley right there? - Mm-hmm.
- That's where I broke Ben Harkins' ankle playing football.
Ruined his prom.
- Man.
- [Chuckles.]
Am I gonna be nostalgic about the horrible things I've done someday? It's like these streets raised me.
[Inhales sharply.]
I can almost smell the burgers cooking from around the corner.
Is it behind that laundromat? Oh, no.
Uh, I was confused.
It's after the laundromat.
- Dad.
- Hmm? You know, we've passed that funeral home twice now.
Are you sure you don't want me to look it up on my phone? Boy, who am I? Ronnie? All right, he's the one that's not from Compton anymore.
He moved to Long Beach to take care of his daddy, like we wouldn't notice.
Dad, it's okay if you're lost.
I am not lost! The Grill Prince is across from the third check-cashing spot on the left-hand side after Rosecrans, before you get to the lamp store, where Rocky Travis used to have his seizures.
Yeah.
My map says it's miles away.
Okay.
Uh It's before Rosecrans.
Oh.
Guess again.
Even if I didn't know what street I was on, I knew exactly where I was right by my old middle school.
Nope.
I was right by where my mama got her hair done.
Damn it.
I was lost in Compton.
- Oh! - [Car horn honks.]
Hey, there's the rec center! [Door opens.]
Uh-oh.
I know sad whiskey when I see it.
You guys raised me right.
You gave me the ball, and I fumbled it.
I'm sorry.
Baby, it's okay.
You got lost in Compton.
It happens.
Yeah, you think I still know my way around Detroit? Last time back, I couldn't even find the Silverdome.
Turns out, they blew it up.
But I did not change my birth certificate.
You know, so much of what makes me me comes from growing up in Compton, and now I feel like I'm turning my back on who I am for living here.
Well, at least you know why you did it.
Better schools, bigger houses, fancy driveway for your fancy car, and most of all, you did it for your kids.
Can you imagine Junior growing up on the streets you grew up on? - [Chuckles.]
- Mm-hmm.
He wouldn't even last a day.
A day? An hour.
I mean, it's crazy that it has to be like that.
- Talk to him.
- All right, listen.
Now, that's enough with the pity party, okay? [Ruby scoffs.]
No self-respecting Black man has ever had the time or the mental bandwidth for a downward spiral.
Not even Muhammad Ali, and he had to fight the United States government and George Foreman.
You? You stuck on some White [bleep.]
.
- Yeah.
- Okay.
- Like somebody from Sherman Oaks.
- Mm-hmm.
Come on, Ruby, let's get out of here - before he orders a Peloton.
- [Chuckles.]
You're okay.
Too late.
[Sighs.]
- Hey, guys.
- Hey! I'm really sorry about today.
Next time, we are gonna volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.
[Chuckling.]
They know how to treat talent.
Actually, today was awesome.
Yeah, we had a really good time.
What You did? We realized that volunteering - isn't about just holding a tray.
- Mm.
It's about a connection with someone that's less fortunate and being grateful for all the things that we have.
Go on.
I never thought I'd say this, but it was nice.
Wait a minute.
You guys spent time with strangers and actually gained something from the experience? Yeah, Mom.
Isn't that what you wanted? Yes.
Yes.
Of course I did.
That's the lesson I wanted you guys to get.
I mean whether you are bonding with strangers or peeling potatoes you make the same difference.
Uh I don't know if that's the same difference.
- Yeah.
- Yes, it is.
That's the lesson that I was teaching you.
Is it, though? Um [Chuckles.]
I'm sorry.
Who's the parent here? - [Chuckles.]
- You? Yeah.
So, when you guys have your own children, then you can decide what the lessons are.
Yeah? Okay.
Good job, Bow.
I did it, huh? Yeah? - Okay.
- All right.
Do you know I'm not in the Compton delivery zone anymore? I'm surprised this is only just now hitting you, and not when you realized that you lived in the same neighborhood as Billy Bush.
Babe[Sighs.]
It just feels sometimes like something is missing here.
Oh, Dre.
Sweetheart, you're not a fraud because you moved.
People move.
Like your parents.
One day.
God willing.
What's home to you? - The commune? - [Scoffs.]
The suburbs? Your medical school? You don't remember what it's called, do you? I know it starts with a U.
All of those places are a part of me, Dre, but this this feels like home, and mostly because you and the kids you make it that way.
It's not about the where.
- It's about the who.
- Yeah.
USC Medical School! Too late.
I'll be home for This one is for you.
Why, thank you.
And this one is for you.
[Laughs.]
Hey.
You can count on me Pops, why aren't you wearing the jammies? I'm here.
Not at the Bellagio.
That should be enough.
Earl, if you be a good boy, I'll let you sit on my lap.
Maybe Bow was right.
Compton will always be where I'm from, but these people were my home.
- Hey, Dad? - Hmm? This one's from me.
I'll be home for Christmas Oh.
A framed menu from the Grill Prince.
[Chuckles.]
Yeah.
Oh.
The Dre Special.
[Laughs.]
Cheese instead of lettuce.
And cheese instead of tomatoes.
[Chuckles.]
When you took us down there, I saw the passion in everything you showed us.
Compton is a part of you, just like a part of you is here.
Merry Christmas, Dad.
Oh.
I'll be home for Christmas Merry Christmas, Junior.
Thanks, son.
If only So You feel better now? in my dreams If only in myyyy [Laughs.]
Yes.
Dreams Definitely.
Yeah How'd Zoey get out of setting up for Christmas dinner? Man, sometimes it feels like she's living in a different world.
Okay.
So, we'll have Olivia, Mops, Grandma Alicia, Aunt Santamonica, Uncle Johan if he catches his train.
[Chuckles.]
Ooh! Aunt Rhonda, my god-daughter, can't forget about Aunt Gigi and her crew.
Oh, I forgot about Aunt Gigi.
- Kyra's going to lose it.
- Yeah.
- We're gonna need more chairs.
- Mm-hmm.
This feels like its own holiday, you know? Special.
- Hmm.
- [Doorbell rings.]
[Devante cooing, Baby Get-Right barking.]
Baby Get-Right, leave Devante alone.
- That dog.
[Scoffs.]
- Yeah.
Gotta get rid of him.
ALL: Aunt Denise! You didn't think I was gonna miss another Christmas, did you? You have to tell me your secret.
You haven't aged a day.
Well, it all started in the '80s.