Mixed-ish (2019) s01e17 Episode Script

1 Guys, I have some great news.
The older couple down the block Kicked the bucket? I've been waiting for this.
They still have my rake.
Oh, should we go check it out? I never seen a dead white person before.
I heard they turn blue.
Nobody's dead! They sold their house, and we're getting black neighbors.
- Hey! - Okay! It's about time y'all got some color up in this neighborhood.
Yeah, tell me about it.
I'm tired of being the only black family on the street.
- Huh? - What? You know, I can't wait 'til they move in.
- [Cellphone beeps, dialing.]
- That will be one less set of eyes peeking through the blinds when I get home.
- Well, don't get too excited.
- HARRISON: Ready to move.
Yeah, it's two stories, 3,000 square feet.
It's basically move-in ready.
My son's still here, but you can just hose him out.
Dad, are you trying to sell our house? No, I'm trying to sell my house.
You see, first it's a mixed family, then comes a black family, then there goes the neighborhood.
If you don't have a hose, you can just use a long stick.
In the mix Oh, oh, oh, they keep trying But they can't stop us 'Cause we got a love That keeps rising up In the mix Life turns around 'Round and 'round it goes Ooh, it's a mixed-up world Ooh, it's a mixed-up And that's for sure Mixed-up In the mix Baby We're gonna get by We're gonna On our own, side by side Love's all we need to be free Lo-o-o-ve is all I got you, you got me Yaaaaay us! I-I-In the mix Yaaaaay us! I-I-In the mix-ish Why are you acting like this? It's a good thing the neighborhood is changing.
It's gonna give us new arts, new foods New property values that are lower.
- [Scoffs.]
- Hey! Hey, I don't make the rules.
I just follow them to a T, respect them highly, and sometimes I make them.
Come on, do you really think one more black family is gonna hurt your property value? Listen, I love you guys, and I'm sure the new neighbors are fine, but I've seen this happen before.
When neighborhoods start changing, investors lose money.
- [A Flock Of Seagulls' "I Ran (So Far Away)" plays.]
- BOW: Sadly, Granddad was right.
Ever since black people in America were allowed to buy homes, whenever we moved into a neighborhood, white people moved out.
- It's called "white flight.
" - [People screaming.]
It started in the cities, but in the '80s, it began creeping into the suburbs.
Yeah.
It's a bummer.
Would it make you feel any better if I told you Oprah owns a mansion worth a hundred million dollars? You ever think maybe it's more like "There goes the neighborhood, getting more accepting of others"? - No! - Honey, that's not a thing.
Well, I'm glad the neighborhood is becoming more chocolate.
And now there's even that new soul food joint that moved up the street, I can come over more often.
You're here every single day.
- What are you, my parole officer? - Hmm? You know what I just realized? It's gonna be pretty hard for the new neighbors.
Yeah, when we moved in, it felt like we were a freak show.
People kept bringing over crappy welcome gifts so they could nose around.
I guess I should welcome the new neighbors.
You think they'd like these old Christmas catalogs? Yeah, it's worth a shot.
[Door opens, closes.]
I still can't believe he got a mobile phone.
- [Cellphone beeps.]
- He rich as hell.
I didn't know the neighborhood was changing because I was busy making Bryce an ashtray.
In the '80s, every single adult thought it was okay to teach kids how to make an ashtray.
Nice ashtray.
Is that for your dad? No.
It's for Bryce.
Don't forget the cigarette notches.
Every single adult.
It's for our one-month anniversary.
We're like the school's George Michael and Brooke Shields.
That's fantastic.
And the good news is your life isn't going to change one bit.
What are you measuring? Nothing.
Would you describe this room as sunny with spacious closets, possible home office? [Indistinct conversations.]
What are you gonna get? Pizza.
So smart.
This is the most romantic anniversary party I've ever been to.
I got to give it to you, I didn't think you'd make it a whole month.
Yeah, I'm surprised you even lasted a weekend.
I was too young to understand shade so this was still the best day of my life.
Happy anniversary! Oh.
Thanks.
You don't like it? I'm so stupid you don't even smoke.
Uh I will someday.
So, is something wrong? No.
It's just I didn't know how to tell you, but I'm moving at the end of the week.
M-My dad said he found a better job a couple towns over.
I don't know what to say.
JOHAN: I do! [Tapping cup.]
Happy anniversary! Well, this is such a pleasant surprise.
Of course.
Now, we looked down the street and saw mm and we had to come say hello.
Well, I'm glad you did.
What do you guys do? I'm a school teacher, George is a dentist.
Ah, but guess who's been bitten the most? [Chuckles.]
The answer will surprise you.
[Chuckles.]
Let me ask you something do the people here ever stop staring? I swear this white guy came by with these Christmas catalogs just to check us out.
[Chuckles.]
Sorry, they don't.
They still stare at me and my husband when we go out.
You know what even with the stares, we're just happy that we finally saved up enough - to move into this neighborhood.
- Mm.
Yeah, it seems like just yesterday my whole family was sleeping on dirt.
Mm.
But we're all here now, so let me know if you want me to show you around.
- I'd love that.
- Yeah.
And look how well our daughters are getting along.
Ohh! So, what do you like doing? I like playing dress-up, but only as a rich older woman.
I like reading.
[Door opens.]
I can't believe my dad's trying to sell the house he gave us.
- [Door closes.]
- Oh.
Hi.
Guess who decided to drop by.
Our new neighbors.
- George, Vivica - Oh! [Laughs.]
this is my husband, Paul.
Yeah, it's so great to meet you! Oh, I can't tell you how tired we were of being the only black family on the street.
Why does everyone keep staring at me? Well, it's it's getting late.
- [Chuckles.]
Yeah.
- We should probably get going.
- Oh, but you just got here.
- Nikki, come on.
We just wanted to pop by and say hello.
We don't want to wear out our welcome.
Plus, the little one needs a bath.
- [Door opens.]
- Oh, but you don't need to leave to do that.
- We have a bath.
- Thanks for having us.
- We good.
- [Door slams.]
[Chuckles.]
What was that about? Girl, you know damn well what that was about black folks hate mixed couples.
Speaking of which, you get they phone number? They sound like good people.
[Laughs.]
I don't get it.
Why wouldn't the new neighbors like us? Why would they? When they look at you, all they see is a corny white guy and his sellout black wife their words, not mine.
W They They said that? Of course they didn't say that.
But they was thinking it.
This is weird.
Black people usually like me.
- [Door opens.]
- HARRISON: You got a screwdriver? Trying to get as many of these babies on your front lawn as I can.
Dad, knock it off.
You're not selling the house.
[Sighs.]
Okay, you know what? Fine.
Keep your house.
Besides, with that new family down the street, my Realtor says he's scared to come here at night.
DENISE: Harrison, you're just part of the problem.
Hey, hey, I'm not that bad.
In fact, Puerto Ricans moved next door to my other rental house, and I didn't sell it.
I'm gonna go sell it.
Honestly, I kind of get it.
- [Door closes.]
- What are you talking about? Imagine how they see it they're a black couple who worked their tails off to get here, and then they see what they think is my white mealticket husband.
They assume I have nothing in common with them.
Hmm.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Now I get it.
It's your fault they don't like me.
[Sighs.]
I just need to show them I'm still the black person they thought I was.
Yeah.
And I'll show them that I'm one of the good ones.
Some even may say the best one.
You can agree if you want.
Oh, I know.
I was so sad about Bryce's news, but fortunately, my friends were there to make me feel better.
Sorry, girl, y'all over.
Yeah, and he'll have no trouble finding a new girlfriend.
Well, at least they were there.
I don't want to have to say goodbye.
I'm going to spend every possible second with him before he leaves.
That's the worst idea you've ever had.
Yeah.
That'll make it hurt even more when he's gone.
You need to ignore him.
You're telling me I should spend the final moments with the first boy I've ever loved ignoring him? Yeah.
If you stop caring about someone, it's easy to say goodbye.
I don't even remember my grandma's face.
- I don't know.
- It's either that or let him see you ugly cry when he leaves.
Oh.
And you cry really ugly.
It's like [Crying shakily.]
Okay.
Fine.
I'll ignore him.
It'll be hard, but I'll do it.
Guys, I'm really sad Bryce is leaving.
We kind of already went through all this with Rainbow.
Sorry, Johan.
And again, I find myself abandoned.
My mom decided to do what all moms do in desperate times use their kids.
Please don't make me hang out with that sucker neighbor girl! I'm sure she's great.
She was wearing last year's Baby Gap.
How do you know that? Well, they weren't this year's.
Just play with her for 15 minutes, and I will get you any candy you want.
10 minutes.
[Knock on door.]
Hi.
[Chuckles.]
Hi.
Santi was wondering if Nikki can play.
For 10 minutes.
Sure.
Nikki can come outside.
Actually, Santi wanted to play with her here.
In your house.
But only for 10 minutes.
- Okay.
She's in her room.
- [Laughter.]
Oh.
Oh, you wanted to come in, too? Oh, sure, if you insist! Actually, I'm tied up grading math homework.
Sorry.
Oh, well, what about this weekend? Uh, we can get our hair done.
- Yeah, well - I already made an appointment for both of us to go get our hair done.
That's eight hours to get to know each other, girlfriend.
[Chuckles.]
I'll bring Santamonica back later on, okay? I'm not saying that you need to go, but Watch out.
I don't want to break your foot.
[Chuckles.]
I've got another! - Have a nice day! - Okay! [Muffled.]
She is crazy.
Nine minutes! [Sighs.]
Here's the thing about my dad as crazy as it sounds when he says it, black people really do like him.
Man, you marched with Doctor King? - [Chuckling.]
Yeah.
- Wow.
Yeah, man.
I mean, it's not really something I like to talk about.
Okay, Dad.
- Here you go.
Oh, here we go.
- Thanks, Will.
Hey.
I didn't see black eyed peas on the menu.
Oh, they're not listed.
You just have to ask for them.
- Oh, all right, Mr.
Secret Menu.
- [Both chuckle.]
- Do they have cognac, too? - [Both laugh.]
- Yeah.
- Yes, get this on here.
Hot sauce? - Oh - Never mind.
You probably don't like the heat.
What are you talking about? I love the heat.
[Chuckles.]
Yeah.
All right.
Be careful, man.
Careful? I got pepper sprayed at a protest once, and it tasted great.
- [Chuckles.]
- There we go.
[Inhales sharply.]
[Coughs softly.]
You okay? [Whimpering.]
I just get a I just get a little emotional when I think about how much I love Doctor King.
[Sniffles.]
[Strained.]
You and I get to eat here together because of him.
You're not lying about that, man.
Hey, man, can we get some more hot sauce? We all out.
SERVER: Hot sauce coming right up.
I still wasn't sure about this whole ignoring Bryce thing.
[Clears throat.]
But then again, I definitely couldn't face - [Air Supply's "All Out of Love" plays.]
- having to say goodbye.
My ugly cry is ugly.
What are you writing about? Oh.
Hey, Rainbow.
I'm so lost without you - Rainbow.
- I know you were right Turns out, I was pretty good at ignoring him.
In fact, I was so good at it, I didn't have to try anymore.
I even started getting ignored back.
To say that I was so wrong Yay me? [Door opens.]
Oh, I must've been a Baptist preacher in a past life, because black people love me.
Well, I'm glad it's working out for one of us.
I can't even get Vivica in the same room as me.
If you're having a hard time making a new black friend, I could give you some pointers.
Oh, shut it, Paul! But what were you thinking? Why not do a cookout? I could make some soul food I could order some soul food, and I'll help you get in with George and Vivica.
- You think that will work? - Babe, of course it will.
Just give me one afternoon to work my magic on them.
My, uh black magic.
Let's do it.
Gosh, I am on a roll today! I'm gonna try to dunk a basketball.
You know, when people invite you to a cookout, they usually cook out.
Oh, well, you know, Ray's was so great that I had to get it again.
You know what else is great? My wife.
You should tell your wife that.
Oh, okay.
Want a drink? Hey, I only mess with the brown stuff.
Is there any other kind? - Oh! Henny and soul food? - [Both laugh.]
You know, you're way different than I expected.
You know what else is different than you expected? My wife.
Cheers to having two wonderful women that should definitely hang out together.
All right.
[Exhales slowly.]
[Strained.]
This is the only stuff I drink.
- Oh, yeah.
- Yeah.
Okay, let's go.
Come on.
What do you kids want to eat? Birthday cake! Do you see what I have to deal with? [Door closes.]
Hey, Johan.
Hey, Rainbow.
Granddad, remember my best friend, Bryce? He's moving.
Oh.
I didn't remember your name, but now I don't have to.
Win-win.
RAINBOW: Bryce? What are you doing here? Johan invited me.
He said it was a goodbye party for me.
Johan, what's wrong with you? What? I just wanted to spend as much time with him as I could before he leaves.
It's really helping.
HARRISON: Come on, let's eat.
[Sighs.]
Your brother actually cares about me.
I don't know why you've been so weird.
I just wanted to say goodbye before I left.
Here it was.
The thing I was trying to avoid all week, having to say goodbye.
And I could already feel the ugly cry creeping up.
Guys, don't judge me it's really ugly.
You say I don't care? You're the one who walked right past me in the cafeteria without saying anything.
Why don't you just leave now and get it over with? ALICIA: [Scoffs.]
Girl, how nice is it to be able to talk about our jobs, our motherhood, and our race? Right.
Because we're - Working black mothers.
- Working black mothers.
Exactly! We have so much in common.
- [Chuckles.]
- Somebody not me spilled a bunch of red wine on your couch.
Oh! I-It's It's fine.
[Chuckles.]
Me and Vivica were talking about our kids.
- Are we? - Ha! Inside joke that you wouldn't get because you don't have kids yet.
[Chuckles.]
Well, you don't have a clean couch anymore.
Dang! That jacket is bad! Oh.
Thanks, girl.
But if only I had those shoes to match.
Well, they're a size six, if you ever want to borrow them.
I'm a 8 1/2 wide, but they were on sale, so you know I had to do what I had to do.
- You had to.
- [Both laugh.]
[Laughs.]
I I'm a size six.
An actual size six.
You can have my shoes.
Do you want them? Maybe I should see what my husband is doing.
Why don't you want to be my friend? We are the only black people in this neighborhood.
We should be friends! Our kids should be friends! [Gasps.]
We should share keys just in case we lose them.
- Oh! Okay.
- Here.
- George! Let's get Nikki.
- Can't leave yet! We have so much in common.
We are - working black mothers.
- Working black mothers.
Yes, Alicia, I know because you won't stop saying it.
Look, I am used to being seen as nothing more than a black woman, but I'm not used to my own people seeing me that way.
PAUL: I-I'm sorry.
That's not what she meant.
She's really not good at these things.
I'm more the expert.
Expert? On what, black people? Ohh, I see.
That's what all the hot sauce and Henny was about, - you trying to make a black friend.
- Well, now And I'm sure you would like to think you are different, but you know what? You're not.
Let's go, baby.
VIVICA: Nikki! I told y'all, black folks don't like mixed couples.
Hit me with that Henny.
[Knock on door.]
- Everything okay, kiddo? - [Sniffles.]
There's some crazy going around the house, and I'm I'm scared you might have caught it.
[Crying.]
You wouldn't get it! See? I told you my ugly cry was ugly! Hoo, boy.
[Sighs.]
Actually, I'm better than you think at this teenage girl stuff.
You know, I raised your dad.
Fine.
Bryce is moving.
His dad got a better job in another town.
Why does he have to move away, Granddad? It's complicated.
[Sighs.]
When neighborhoods change sometimes it affects real estate values, and some people are forced to move on.
- Real estate values? - Yeah, in my other properties Why would I care about any of that? I don't want to lose my friends again.
I already did that when we left the commune.
I just got my new life figured out, and now everything's changing.
You know, when your parents moved to the commune, I was worried that I'd never talk to them again.
But you know what we did? We wrote letters.
And just getting little updates that no one died really helped.
I guess I could write letters to Bryce.
There you go.
[Chuckles.]
Oh, your dad cried the same way.
Please don't make me call the police on another black person.
Wait! I I know you don't want to be my friend, but I just wanted to apologize about earlier.
I know I went a little overboard.
- A little? - I know! It's just, every day I'm surrounded by whiteness at work, around the neighborhood, even in my own home.
And I've I've gotten used to it, but when I saw It reminded me of what I was missing.
- A black person? - No.
- Well, sort of.
- [Sighs.]
I saw you and knew we were going through the same struggle.
Nobody else around here is, so I was excited to finally be able to bond with someone about that.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, too.
Honestly, we were so happy when we saw She means black people.
But when your husband came home, we saw And that's white people.
[Both chuckle.]
I know I shouldn't judge people like that, but we just expected another black couple.
It's hard being the only's.
[Sighs.]
Yeah.
Well, you know where I live if you ever want to be the us'es.
Hey.
You busy now? I was just about to make some tea.
[Chuckles.]
That sounds perfect.
- Come on in.
- [Chuckling.]
Okay.
I love those shoes, girl.
- Thanks, girlfriend! - That's too much.
- Okay.
- Mm-hmm.
- [Pat Benatar's "We Belong" plays.]
- Neighborhoods change, and growing up in the '80s, it happened a lot.
I know how hard it was for my family to move into this neighborhood, and I can only imagine how much harder it must be for you.
I just wanted to show you that I was an ally, but I I guess I could've just said that.
I'm sorry.
Thanks, man.
I I appreciate that.
[Chuckles.]
Change can come in new, unexpected friendships.
But it can also come with unexpected goodbyes.
that complicate your mind We belong to the light You can't stop change from happening, but, like Granddad We belong to the sound of the words you can learn to change with it.
And at the end of the day, you can take comfort in knowing change isn't forever.
or embrace, for worse or for better [Chair creaking.]
Why don't we just nap until your mom comes and gets you? Beat it, babies.
This is my room.
Well, Mom told us to share.
Turn and leave, or they'll never find you.
What? Your parents will eventually take your pictures down.
I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
We're playing dolls now.