Queen Sugar (2016) s02e15 Episode Script
Copper Sun
1 RALPH ANGEL: Previously on "Queen Sugar" I know you're upset.
Please come home.
What home? - Doctor says I got lupus.
- We gotta tell them.
'Cause we done already seen what secrets can do to this family.
You free for dinner tonight? REMY: Whatever game you're playing, don't put all your chips on the table.
We're the only audience you're peddling alternative facts to today? Change requires that we change, too.
DARLA: I can't take Blue away from the only family he's ever known.
We're his family, too.
How you feeling, man? HOLLYWOOD: Bruh, whatever it is that got you on that boat, it ain't gonna get no better till you get it off your chest.
What? Is it Darla? Y'all got in a fight? Everything is gone, 'Wood.
What everything? What you mean? Embrace your thoughts of me Can you get Aunt Vi? And Nova and Charley, get them together? I can only say this once.
Okay.
Okay.
If ever your memory should warm (THEME MUSIC PLAYING) Dreams never die, take flight, as the world turns Dreams never die, take flight, as the world turns Keep the colors in the lines, take flight Dreams never die Keep the colors in the lines Keep the colors in the lines, take flight.
- Stay on your grind? - Yeah.
Okay.
I like that.
(CHARLEY AND REMY CHUCKLE) What in the hell are you doing on my property? I just wanted to congratulate you on getting your mill up and going.
- You could've called for that.
- Yeah.
But I also needed to discuss some business with Charley.
You know, mill owner to mill owner.
Anything you have to say, you can say in front of Remy.
(CLEARS THROAT) Actually, that's okay, Charley.
This will probably go quicker if I step out.
As I was saying, I come in peace, which I think is mighty big of me, seeing as you spent the last few months poaching 40% of my farmers from West St.
Jo.
(CHUCKLES) You think the whole world belongs to you unless proven otherwise, right? What's the point of teasing them with fair prices when you're gonna go out of business in a year or two? You said I've poached 40% of your farmers.
It's actually 50%, but who's counting? Plus I already got your cousin Bennington on the hook for his 20,000 acres, and others will follow.
They're already sniffing around here.
They're curious.
Just give me a few more seasons, I'll have all the farmers in St.
Jo's grinding with me.
Run you and your uncle out of business.
I have never known a woman like you before.
You intrigue me.
We'd make a pretty good team.
I know you've got enough sense not to let our family's past get in the way of making a little money.
You're not seriously suggesting that I partner with you? We could take over the cane business in the whole damn South.
(SCOFFS) There is no way I would ever do business with you.
Just think about it.
I am thinking about it.
The answer is no.
Good day.
What was that about? I don't know, exactly.
Hello, Mr.
Prosper.
Come on, Darla, you should sound happier than that.
Tomorrow's harvest! Yeah, been a while since this place has seen one.
Ernest would be proud.
Yeah, everything he worked so hard for for Blue and Ralph Angel to have.
Yep, tell Ralph Angel I'll be here in the morning.
- Bright and early.
- Yes, sir.
Big day.
(CHUCKLES) Big, big day.
Long time coming.
Ha! - (CAR DOOR CLOSES) - (ENGINE STARTS) - (DOOR OPENS, CLOSES) - Hmm.
That is gonna be moved.
War Perfect.
And the elephant.
Hello? Aunt Vi? Hey.
Sorry I'm late, y'all.
What's going on? - It's Ralph Angel.
- Something happened with him and Darla.
- Is he getting cold feet? - If I knew, I'd tell you.
I don't know, but he's shook.
(SIGHS) Ralph Angel, baby, come here.
Sit down.
I just want to stand up.
That's okay, I just I just need to be on my feet.
No matter what, we got your back.
Yeah, we're here for you, Rah.
I know it can be a stressful time leading up to a wedding.
Ain't gonna be no wedding.
What happened, Ralph Angel? (SIGHS) - It's Blue.
- What did she do to that baby? - I told you! I knew it! - Is he okay? - Where is he? - Ralph Angel, where is Blue? Where's Blue? He's okay.
Um He ain't mine.
That's what she said, she she said he ain't mine.
That he ain't my s that he ain't my son.
Rah, what do you need? - Baby, I'm so sorry.
- I don't know.
Oh, baby, I'm so sorry.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry.
(CRYING) (DISTANT DOG BARKING) - (DISHES CLATTERING) - (GRILL SIZZLING) How's Rah doing? VIOLET: He was still in bed when I left.
I wanted to stay in bed, too.
Are we sure he's up for this today? Are you up for it, Aunt Vi? There's no choice.
There's no choice in any of this.
Hollywood Hollywood is with him.
We just gotta keep our heads, get through this harvest, and figure out what's next.
I'll tell you one thing, though.
That baby, he's our child.
- He's our child, period.
- (DOOR OPENS) - CHARLEY: Hi, good morning.
- VIOLET: Morning! Come on in, y'all.
Thank you so much for coming.
- How you doing, girl? - (CHATTER) (WHISPERING) Good morning.
How are you? I'm a little nervous.
(CHUCKLES) I mean, it's one thing grinding other people's cane but today is special.
I mean, it's our cane from Daddy's farm.
It's really happening.
I wish he were here to see it.
And all these people coming to support, help with the harvest.
Hope everything goes off without a hitch.
NOVA: How you doing? I'm here.
That's something.
- (WHISTLES) - (CHATTER STOPS) Morning.
FARMERS: Morning.
I wanna thank you all for coming out today.
Today marks the first harvest on Bordelon land and going on three years.
Been more than a few times since we planted when I didn't think we'd get here.
We came through storms, whitefly anything man and God could put in front of us.
And still He leads us through.
I know my mama would be proud.
And my pop, Ernest Bordelon.
I was trying to live out the vision he saw for me and Bl (QUIETLY) and Blue.
Anyway, uh, I appreciate y'all.
Eat up.
Got a big day ahead of us.
(CHATTER RESUMES) Hey, you done good.
You gonna make it through the day.
I got your back.
I only wanted two things, 'Wood.
To be a good father and a good farmer.
Gonna try and be at least one today.
- Hi.
- Hey.
- Need some help with that? - Oh, no, I'm okay, thank you.
So do you got somewhere to stay for the next couple of days till we're through with harvest? Um, I'll be at my sponsor's.
Until he's ready to talk.
Um Ralph Angel usually picks up Blue from school in the afternoon when I'm at work.
Do you know if he still Well, if you like, we'll get him.
Vi will pick him up.
Of course.
I'd like for you to.
Thank you.
(SIGHS) Hollywood nothing's changed.
I mean, nothing has to change.
With all due respect, Darla, you're smarter than that.
I didn't mean to hurt you all.
I wanted just the opposite.
I tried to keep all this away from you guys.
Why didn't you? Why didn't you just keep it to yourself? My parents came and things stirred up and it didn't feel right to continue to keep this from him.
I want to be with him for the rest of my life.
And I just I just couldn't go through with the wedding without him knowing everything.
That wouldn't have been right.
Yeah, well, ain't none of it right.
Not one damn bit.
(CAR DOOR OPENS) (CAR DOOR CLOSES) (FOOTSTEP APPROACH) Charley This is all a this is all a nightmare.
Things are really difficult right now.
But I want you to know that my commitment to this job is unwavering.
And to you.
You've been bold-faced lying to my whole family for nearly seven years.
I didn't mean for any of this to happen.
Yeah, but there's no trust here anymore, Darla.
I will give you two weeks' severance.
I'm sorry.
Be gone within the hour.
(DOOR OPENS, SLAMS) CHARLEY: I mean, she acted like she was actually surprised.
NOVA: You did better than I would've.
Literally taking everything I have not to stir up a potion.
A potion? Girl, what the So how's the day running? Well, the first cane will start coming in after cutting tonight from our place.
And then processing begins overnight and we are off to the races.
The western half of St.
Jo's cane farms will start coming in first ours, the final ten after that.
And then harvest season is, uh it's almost over.
- You sound sad.
- I guess I am a little.
Feels damn good, despite the Landrys.
What are they up to now? Ugh, I'm not gonna bore you with their latest antics.
- Trust, they are acting a fool.
- (COMPUTER CHIMES) I'm not gonna let them distract me.
I'll keep saying it I'm proud.
Well, I like to hear you keep saying it.
Hey, uh hey, I gotta run.
Um, listen.
You have a perfect day.
- Okay? - Thanks, Nova.
Thanks a lot.
(CLICKING) (LINE RINGING) Hey, Lizy, I just I just got your email.
Who sent it? Anonymous.
And the IP doesn't track to a name.
Trust me, I checked.
Regardless, I thought you should know someone's out here pitching a story about all the internal issues at Queen Sugar.
But there are no internal issues.
The fact that there could be is a provocative pitch.
They claim the place isn't up to snuff and that local farmers are at risk if they mill out there.
Lies! Queen Sugar is completely functional and has been for the last couple of months.
Every machine is damn near new.
This is this is someone slandering my sister.
This this is a family called the Landrys.
They're slandering my sister.
Well, if I don't do the story, someone else will.
Charley's a name.
She's a national voice.
If I can get her on the record, I can try to make sure it's balanced at least.
Can you deliver her? Doing the same old thing and hoping to change Using the Lord to make An open letter to the administration on every locker at Gardini.
Gotta be the stupidest idea I've ever heard of.
Why couldn't we just email everybody? How'd I let you talk me into doing this? Christian, not everybody looks at their email.
But people will see their lockers.
- BOY: Those are the guys.
- BOY 2: Man, crazy.
Hey.
- That's him.
- Way to go, Micah.
Let's go now, it won't be long - Hold on, hey - (SIGHS) (SCHOOL BELL RINGS) (FAUCET RUNNING) How you feeling these days? Oh, baby, I'm blessed.
Blessed is the standard black person's greeting.
That's lovely.
It's really lovely, but deflects from actually answering the question.
Girl, what are you talking about? We're all blessed.
That's a given.
But I'm here to check on you.
So I'm asking how you are feeling.
Beyond blessed, please.
Well, I'm sad.
(SIGHS) I wanted to be at the farm today with Ralph Angel, harvesting his first crop.
Uh-huh.
Wanted to see that look on his face.
That pride, - that sense of accomplishment - (ITEMS CLATTER) from a boy that the world nearly swallowed whole.
I saw everybody there together in my mind's eye so many times.
But we're all here.
That's a blessing.
- Yeah, you're right.
- (BAG ZIPS) Nova I want to hold Blue.
I raised that baby from diapers to kindergarten like he was my own son.
I remember his first words.
Aunt Vi? Papa.
Hoo.
(CHUCKLES) He loved his papa.
I guess I'm glad Ernest ain't here.
'Cause this would've robbed him of what joy he had left.
It was like Blue made up for all the wrong Ralph Angel did in the past.
You know? That he could make such goodness.
I guess good doesn't last.
Blue is good.
And whatever we have with him will always last.
Amen, baby.
(PHONE BUZZING) I need to take this, Aunt Vi.
- Excuse me.
- Mm-hmm.
Amen.
Thanks for calling me back.
No problem, but I don't think you're gonna like my answer.
Wow, you're just telling me "no"? Aren't you the one who's always telling us to ask the tough questions, do the tough story? Stay true to our journalistic integrity? (STAMMERING) Yes, and I'm trying.
I can't publish a piece based on rumor about what this cane dynasty might do to your sister's company.
So slander, intimidation, and hostile business practices against the only black woman mill owner in all of Louisiana isn't newsworthy? What if you're wrong, Nova? If you're wrong and I put this piece out there, all you'd be doing is creating the problem you think you're fighting.
WOMAN: Hi.
I'm sorry, but, um, you'll thank me later.
(LINE CLICKS) "Thank you later.
" CHARLEY: Mr.
Stewart, I really don't know how to answer that.
CARDALE: Ain't much to it.
Just asked if you had any breakdowns.
"Yes" or "no" ought to get it.
No.
Not a one? Every mill in this parish and beyond has had machinery go down for brief periods of time, but but that's to be expected when you're running 24/7.
I need to trust you.
And you can.
A number of farmers in this collective have already milled with me this season.
I'm just telling you what folks are saying, Miss Charley.
Down at the feed store, the bank.
Folks even talking about it right here at High Yellow.
- Where are you getting this from? - Doesn't matter.
If someone is spreading lies about me and my business, hell, yes, it matters.
Have we had our share of interruptions? Yes.
A choke here or there, but but you and I both know that that's normal.
Please just come down and see for yourself.
You are your father's daughter.
- You got spirit! - (CHUCKLES) And I respect that.
I do.
But I got trucks set to roll with cut cane and I got workers that need to be paid by day's end.
I can't afford to have you shut down for one reason or another.
- My mill has all of its certifications.
- I know.
We have we have run without any problem.
I assure you that there's Good luck to you.
FARMER: I'm telling you, man, your sister's in trouble.
And she don't want you to know it.
Now, Jacob said Kev went up there just this morning and nothing's running.
That's bullshit, man.
That's Landry and Boudreaux just spreading their nonsense.
Come this Thursday, I'll have a truckload full of harvested cane that'll be worthless if it ain't grinded ASAP.
Can't be no machine problems.
This is my life.
I feel you.
Worst-case scenario, I'm looking at three units of loss per day on uncut cane.
20 or 30% loss in value if I leave it in the ground.
- So you gonna keep cutting? - Damn right.
First, there ain't no problems and I ain't scared of no Landrys.
Second, I'm inside the insurance differential we signed with y'all.
All right? Hey, man, don't let them white boys get in your head.
Don't let them run you away from no good thing.
Stand up to them.
You got this.
(CHATTERING) (SIGHS) - (SCHOOL BELL RINGS) - (CHATTER) Micah, have a seat.
You've made quite a stir publishing that letter.
I've already received numerous calls from trustees who are effectively my bosses.
These things have been accepted for a very long time because they're part of our history.
Yeah, yes, Dr.
Shore, but symbols of a shameful past shouldn't be displayed in a position of honor.
You made that quite clear in your letter.
Have you ever read much of John Adams? He said the jaws of power are always open to devour, stretched out to destroy the freedom of thinking, speaking, and writing.
Right, but that kind of make it makes it sound like it was okay to write what I wrote.
Freedom of speech is a friend of change, and we needed that change around here.
I wanted you to be the first to know the sword will be removed along with the other Confederate artifacts.
But the school board took issue with your unapproved posting of that letter on school property.
In their eyes, it's vandalism.
The decision was suspension for 30 days.
- A month? - There's a fine line here, Micah.
And you crossed it.
Next time, be more careful.
(FOOTSTEPS) BLUE: Do you think Pop would take me to Italy? Or Mommy? I'm sure they would.
But what if me and your Aunt Vi took you? Then I could go, too! I like that idea.
Auntie Nova! Mmm, hey my little Blue bear! How's school? - My teacher showed us pictures of Italy.
- Oh.
She says they have really good pizzas.
- Oh, yeah? - Yeah.
I'd eat pizzas every day.
You sure you wouldn't miss your Aunt Vi's cooking? VIOLET: Who wouldn't miss my cooking? I mean, yeah, of course I'm gonna miss your cooking.
You're the best chef in the entire world.
In the entire world, Blue? - Yeah, I know for sure.
- Oh.
You heard him.
(GIGGLES) (BLUE MUMBLES) Okay, so, what is your favorite meal? 'Cause I'm gonna cook whatever you want tonight.
Anything I want? Like, anything? Anything.
I want the wings fried up in the pan.
- Extra crispy.
- HOLLYWOOD: Mm.
Also with the honey barbecue sauce.
Lots and lots of sauce.
Got it.
Okay, so now, what about the sides? (BLUE AND VIOLET SIGH) Okay I think I'm gonna go with the red beans mixed up with the rice mixed up with shrimp.
All mixed up together.
NOVA: All mixed up together.
And can I not have any greens? Boy, that's the best part! Hollywood, hush.
This is Blue's special meal.
- You got no say.
- (BLUE CHUCKLES) I'll allow you to have a piece, okay? Thank you.
My tummy's ready, Auntie Vi.
- Oh! - (CHUCKLES) CHARLEY ON PHONE: Hi, you've reached Charley Bordelon.
I can't get to the phone right now, so please leave a message.
- (BEEPS) - Yo, what's up, Charley? You know what's going on at the mill.
Rumors flying, nobody picking up.
Hit me back.
- (PHONE CLICKING) - (SIGHS) Come on, Remy.
(LINE RINGING) REMY: Hey, you've reached Remy Newell.
- Can't get to the phone right now - Damn! Ain't like them to not call me back.
Something don't feel right.
I left messages for Charley, too.
(SIGHS) Well, maybe something is going on.
You know what it is.
Them Boudreaux boys up to no good.
Come on, now.
Well, we all saw the splinter go down at ribbon cutting.
I don't know, maybe Maybe she's moving too fast on this.
You know, I'm looking at truckloads of cane sitting and you can't even get your your mill on the phone.
- I know.
- And what what does Darla say? She's sitting right outside of the office.
Where does she say Charley is? Excuse me.
Ralph A NOVA: If Lizy doesn't write this, someone else that's less friendly will.
This way, I can at least have some control over the story.
She's a friend.
You talk to the other farmers and you do this article, we can turn this into a piece about how you're being treated by the Landrys, about the systematic racism against black farmers and now you, the only black mill owner in the state.
We can fight this.
You can turn it around.
After this, there'll be something else.
Something after that.
I miscalculated their greed.
REMY: Fine.
But now it's time to do new math.
Now we got to get out to the remaining farms and talk to folks together.
'Cause sitting here is nothing but a pity party.
One of the greatest gifts you got from your father is your fight.
Both of you.
Charley, fight back.
Yeah, I'll fight, all right.
Good.
Which farm first? If you could handle the remaining farms on your own, that would help me out.
Happy to do it.
Thank you.
And, Nova, you're right.
I should talk to your friend, set the record straight.
But I need to make a stop first.
Where are you going? To the source.
What it is, bro? Everybody's spooked.
All the rumors about the mill.
- What's going on? - Everything is fine, man.
The mill is fine.
That's just the Landrys using fear tactics, trying to get back the business they lost, that's all.
I got more cane coming off them fields early morning and Charley ain't answering my calls.
She went to see the Landrys face-to-face.
We've been talking to them.
How'd that work out? (SIGHS DEEPLY) It ain't gonna change.
It's personal.
It ain't about harvest and they ain't gonna give up.
Not till they get that land back.
Well, look here, don't worry.
Your sister knows what she's doing.
She'll figure it out.
(DISTANT CHATTER) (DOOR CREAKS OPEN) Well, so much for privacy.
I won't tell anybody anything you don't want me to say.
But since I'm here and I know Lupus can be rough.
But it can also be managed.
Yesterday was bad.
Today was better.
And to-tomorrow hopefully will be better still.
I'm gonna put you on my own regimen.
The organic route.
Nature's medicine.
Double duty.
Yes.
Thank you, Dr.
Bordelon.
Doctor (CHUCKLES) I'll be here, but you decide Yeah, you decide When you wanna fall into my arms Fall into my arms Fall into my arms Fall into my arms Fall into my arms Fall into my arms Fall into my arms Fall into my arms Fall into my arms Go on, take your time, take a breath When you've had to take it back Oh, baby, know you can take it back It's never gonna stay this way When the tears that you cried Don't say what you feel inside I'll be here, but you decide Yeah, you decide When you wanna fall into my arms - Fall into my arms - 'Cause I know that you're hurting - Fall into my arms - Iknow that it's a sure thing - Fall into my arms - Into my arms So you can just, so you can just So you can just fall into my arms Just fall Just fall Fall.
Please come home.
What home? - Doctor says I got lupus.
- We gotta tell them.
'Cause we done already seen what secrets can do to this family.
You free for dinner tonight? REMY: Whatever game you're playing, don't put all your chips on the table.
We're the only audience you're peddling alternative facts to today? Change requires that we change, too.
DARLA: I can't take Blue away from the only family he's ever known.
We're his family, too.
How you feeling, man? HOLLYWOOD: Bruh, whatever it is that got you on that boat, it ain't gonna get no better till you get it off your chest.
What? Is it Darla? Y'all got in a fight? Everything is gone, 'Wood.
What everything? What you mean? Embrace your thoughts of me Can you get Aunt Vi? And Nova and Charley, get them together? I can only say this once.
Okay.
Okay.
If ever your memory should warm (THEME MUSIC PLAYING) Dreams never die, take flight, as the world turns Dreams never die, take flight, as the world turns Keep the colors in the lines, take flight Dreams never die Keep the colors in the lines Keep the colors in the lines, take flight.
- Stay on your grind? - Yeah.
Okay.
I like that.
(CHARLEY AND REMY CHUCKLE) What in the hell are you doing on my property? I just wanted to congratulate you on getting your mill up and going.
- You could've called for that.
- Yeah.
But I also needed to discuss some business with Charley.
You know, mill owner to mill owner.
Anything you have to say, you can say in front of Remy.
(CLEARS THROAT) Actually, that's okay, Charley.
This will probably go quicker if I step out.
As I was saying, I come in peace, which I think is mighty big of me, seeing as you spent the last few months poaching 40% of my farmers from West St.
Jo.
(CHUCKLES) You think the whole world belongs to you unless proven otherwise, right? What's the point of teasing them with fair prices when you're gonna go out of business in a year or two? You said I've poached 40% of your farmers.
It's actually 50%, but who's counting? Plus I already got your cousin Bennington on the hook for his 20,000 acres, and others will follow.
They're already sniffing around here.
They're curious.
Just give me a few more seasons, I'll have all the farmers in St.
Jo's grinding with me.
Run you and your uncle out of business.
I have never known a woman like you before.
You intrigue me.
We'd make a pretty good team.
I know you've got enough sense not to let our family's past get in the way of making a little money.
You're not seriously suggesting that I partner with you? We could take over the cane business in the whole damn South.
(SCOFFS) There is no way I would ever do business with you.
Just think about it.
I am thinking about it.
The answer is no.
Good day.
What was that about? I don't know, exactly.
Hello, Mr.
Prosper.
Come on, Darla, you should sound happier than that.
Tomorrow's harvest! Yeah, been a while since this place has seen one.
Ernest would be proud.
Yeah, everything he worked so hard for for Blue and Ralph Angel to have.
Yep, tell Ralph Angel I'll be here in the morning.
- Bright and early.
- Yes, sir.
Big day.
(CHUCKLES) Big, big day.
Long time coming.
Ha! - (CAR DOOR CLOSES) - (ENGINE STARTS) - (DOOR OPENS, CLOSES) - Hmm.
That is gonna be moved.
War Perfect.
And the elephant.
Hello? Aunt Vi? Hey.
Sorry I'm late, y'all.
What's going on? - It's Ralph Angel.
- Something happened with him and Darla.
- Is he getting cold feet? - If I knew, I'd tell you.
I don't know, but he's shook.
(SIGHS) Ralph Angel, baby, come here.
Sit down.
I just want to stand up.
That's okay, I just I just need to be on my feet.
No matter what, we got your back.
Yeah, we're here for you, Rah.
I know it can be a stressful time leading up to a wedding.
Ain't gonna be no wedding.
What happened, Ralph Angel? (SIGHS) - It's Blue.
- What did she do to that baby? - I told you! I knew it! - Is he okay? - Where is he? - Ralph Angel, where is Blue? Where's Blue? He's okay.
Um He ain't mine.
That's what she said, she she said he ain't mine.
That he ain't my s that he ain't my son.
Rah, what do you need? - Baby, I'm so sorry.
- I don't know.
Oh, baby, I'm so sorry.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry.
(CRYING) (DISTANT DOG BARKING) - (DISHES CLATTERING) - (GRILL SIZZLING) How's Rah doing? VIOLET: He was still in bed when I left.
I wanted to stay in bed, too.
Are we sure he's up for this today? Are you up for it, Aunt Vi? There's no choice.
There's no choice in any of this.
Hollywood Hollywood is with him.
We just gotta keep our heads, get through this harvest, and figure out what's next.
I'll tell you one thing, though.
That baby, he's our child.
- He's our child, period.
- (DOOR OPENS) - CHARLEY: Hi, good morning.
- VIOLET: Morning! Come on in, y'all.
Thank you so much for coming.
- How you doing, girl? - (CHATTER) (WHISPERING) Good morning.
How are you? I'm a little nervous.
(CHUCKLES) I mean, it's one thing grinding other people's cane but today is special.
I mean, it's our cane from Daddy's farm.
It's really happening.
I wish he were here to see it.
And all these people coming to support, help with the harvest.
Hope everything goes off without a hitch.
NOVA: How you doing? I'm here.
That's something.
- (WHISTLES) - (CHATTER STOPS) Morning.
FARMERS: Morning.
I wanna thank you all for coming out today.
Today marks the first harvest on Bordelon land and going on three years.
Been more than a few times since we planted when I didn't think we'd get here.
We came through storms, whitefly anything man and God could put in front of us.
And still He leads us through.
I know my mama would be proud.
And my pop, Ernest Bordelon.
I was trying to live out the vision he saw for me and Bl (QUIETLY) and Blue.
Anyway, uh, I appreciate y'all.
Eat up.
Got a big day ahead of us.
(CHATTER RESUMES) Hey, you done good.
You gonna make it through the day.
I got your back.
I only wanted two things, 'Wood.
To be a good father and a good farmer.
Gonna try and be at least one today.
- Hi.
- Hey.
- Need some help with that? - Oh, no, I'm okay, thank you.
So do you got somewhere to stay for the next couple of days till we're through with harvest? Um, I'll be at my sponsor's.
Until he's ready to talk.
Um Ralph Angel usually picks up Blue from school in the afternoon when I'm at work.
Do you know if he still Well, if you like, we'll get him.
Vi will pick him up.
Of course.
I'd like for you to.
Thank you.
(SIGHS) Hollywood nothing's changed.
I mean, nothing has to change.
With all due respect, Darla, you're smarter than that.
I didn't mean to hurt you all.
I wanted just the opposite.
I tried to keep all this away from you guys.
Why didn't you? Why didn't you just keep it to yourself? My parents came and things stirred up and it didn't feel right to continue to keep this from him.
I want to be with him for the rest of my life.
And I just I just couldn't go through with the wedding without him knowing everything.
That wouldn't have been right.
Yeah, well, ain't none of it right.
Not one damn bit.
(CAR DOOR OPENS) (CAR DOOR CLOSES) (FOOTSTEP APPROACH) Charley This is all a this is all a nightmare.
Things are really difficult right now.
But I want you to know that my commitment to this job is unwavering.
And to you.
You've been bold-faced lying to my whole family for nearly seven years.
I didn't mean for any of this to happen.
Yeah, but there's no trust here anymore, Darla.
I will give you two weeks' severance.
I'm sorry.
Be gone within the hour.
(DOOR OPENS, SLAMS) CHARLEY: I mean, she acted like she was actually surprised.
NOVA: You did better than I would've.
Literally taking everything I have not to stir up a potion.
A potion? Girl, what the So how's the day running? Well, the first cane will start coming in after cutting tonight from our place.
And then processing begins overnight and we are off to the races.
The western half of St.
Jo's cane farms will start coming in first ours, the final ten after that.
And then harvest season is, uh it's almost over.
- You sound sad.
- I guess I am a little.
Feels damn good, despite the Landrys.
What are they up to now? Ugh, I'm not gonna bore you with their latest antics.
- Trust, they are acting a fool.
- (COMPUTER CHIMES) I'm not gonna let them distract me.
I'll keep saying it I'm proud.
Well, I like to hear you keep saying it.
Hey, uh hey, I gotta run.
Um, listen.
You have a perfect day.
- Okay? - Thanks, Nova.
Thanks a lot.
(CLICKING) (LINE RINGING) Hey, Lizy, I just I just got your email.
Who sent it? Anonymous.
And the IP doesn't track to a name.
Trust me, I checked.
Regardless, I thought you should know someone's out here pitching a story about all the internal issues at Queen Sugar.
But there are no internal issues.
The fact that there could be is a provocative pitch.
They claim the place isn't up to snuff and that local farmers are at risk if they mill out there.
Lies! Queen Sugar is completely functional and has been for the last couple of months.
Every machine is damn near new.
This is this is someone slandering my sister.
This this is a family called the Landrys.
They're slandering my sister.
Well, if I don't do the story, someone else will.
Charley's a name.
She's a national voice.
If I can get her on the record, I can try to make sure it's balanced at least.
Can you deliver her? Doing the same old thing and hoping to change Using the Lord to make An open letter to the administration on every locker at Gardini.
Gotta be the stupidest idea I've ever heard of.
Why couldn't we just email everybody? How'd I let you talk me into doing this? Christian, not everybody looks at their email.
But people will see their lockers.
- BOY: Those are the guys.
- BOY 2: Man, crazy.
Hey.
- That's him.
- Way to go, Micah.
Let's go now, it won't be long - Hold on, hey - (SIGHS) (SCHOOL BELL RINGS) (FAUCET RUNNING) How you feeling these days? Oh, baby, I'm blessed.
Blessed is the standard black person's greeting.
That's lovely.
It's really lovely, but deflects from actually answering the question.
Girl, what are you talking about? We're all blessed.
That's a given.
But I'm here to check on you.
So I'm asking how you are feeling.
Beyond blessed, please.
Well, I'm sad.
(SIGHS) I wanted to be at the farm today with Ralph Angel, harvesting his first crop.
Uh-huh.
Wanted to see that look on his face.
That pride, - that sense of accomplishment - (ITEMS CLATTER) from a boy that the world nearly swallowed whole.
I saw everybody there together in my mind's eye so many times.
But we're all here.
That's a blessing.
- Yeah, you're right.
- (BAG ZIPS) Nova I want to hold Blue.
I raised that baby from diapers to kindergarten like he was my own son.
I remember his first words.
Aunt Vi? Papa.
Hoo.
(CHUCKLES) He loved his papa.
I guess I'm glad Ernest ain't here.
'Cause this would've robbed him of what joy he had left.
It was like Blue made up for all the wrong Ralph Angel did in the past.
You know? That he could make such goodness.
I guess good doesn't last.
Blue is good.
And whatever we have with him will always last.
Amen, baby.
(PHONE BUZZING) I need to take this, Aunt Vi.
- Excuse me.
- Mm-hmm.
Amen.
Thanks for calling me back.
No problem, but I don't think you're gonna like my answer.
Wow, you're just telling me "no"? Aren't you the one who's always telling us to ask the tough questions, do the tough story? Stay true to our journalistic integrity? (STAMMERING) Yes, and I'm trying.
I can't publish a piece based on rumor about what this cane dynasty might do to your sister's company.
So slander, intimidation, and hostile business practices against the only black woman mill owner in all of Louisiana isn't newsworthy? What if you're wrong, Nova? If you're wrong and I put this piece out there, all you'd be doing is creating the problem you think you're fighting.
WOMAN: Hi.
I'm sorry, but, um, you'll thank me later.
(LINE CLICKS) "Thank you later.
" CHARLEY: Mr.
Stewart, I really don't know how to answer that.
CARDALE: Ain't much to it.
Just asked if you had any breakdowns.
"Yes" or "no" ought to get it.
No.
Not a one? Every mill in this parish and beyond has had machinery go down for brief periods of time, but but that's to be expected when you're running 24/7.
I need to trust you.
And you can.
A number of farmers in this collective have already milled with me this season.
I'm just telling you what folks are saying, Miss Charley.
Down at the feed store, the bank.
Folks even talking about it right here at High Yellow.
- Where are you getting this from? - Doesn't matter.
If someone is spreading lies about me and my business, hell, yes, it matters.
Have we had our share of interruptions? Yes.
A choke here or there, but but you and I both know that that's normal.
Please just come down and see for yourself.
You are your father's daughter.
- You got spirit! - (CHUCKLES) And I respect that.
I do.
But I got trucks set to roll with cut cane and I got workers that need to be paid by day's end.
I can't afford to have you shut down for one reason or another.
- My mill has all of its certifications.
- I know.
We have we have run without any problem.
I assure you that there's Good luck to you.
FARMER: I'm telling you, man, your sister's in trouble.
And she don't want you to know it.
Now, Jacob said Kev went up there just this morning and nothing's running.
That's bullshit, man.
That's Landry and Boudreaux just spreading their nonsense.
Come this Thursday, I'll have a truckload full of harvested cane that'll be worthless if it ain't grinded ASAP.
Can't be no machine problems.
This is my life.
I feel you.
Worst-case scenario, I'm looking at three units of loss per day on uncut cane.
20 or 30% loss in value if I leave it in the ground.
- So you gonna keep cutting? - Damn right.
First, there ain't no problems and I ain't scared of no Landrys.
Second, I'm inside the insurance differential we signed with y'all.
All right? Hey, man, don't let them white boys get in your head.
Don't let them run you away from no good thing.
Stand up to them.
You got this.
(CHATTERING) (SIGHS) - (SCHOOL BELL RINGS) - (CHATTER) Micah, have a seat.
You've made quite a stir publishing that letter.
I've already received numerous calls from trustees who are effectively my bosses.
These things have been accepted for a very long time because they're part of our history.
Yeah, yes, Dr.
Shore, but symbols of a shameful past shouldn't be displayed in a position of honor.
You made that quite clear in your letter.
Have you ever read much of John Adams? He said the jaws of power are always open to devour, stretched out to destroy the freedom of thinking, speaking, and writing.
Right, but that kind of make it makes it sound like it was okay to write what I wrote.
Freedom of speech is a friend of change, and we needed that change around here.
I wanted you to be the first to know the sword will be removed along with the other Confederate artifacts.
But the school board took issue with your unapproved posting of that letter on school property.
In their eyes, it's vandalism.
The decision was suspension for 30 days.
- A month? - There's a fine line here, Micah.
And you crossed it.
Next time, be more careful.
(FOOTSTEPS) BLUE: Do you think Pop would take me to Italy? Or Mommy? I'm sure they would.
But what if me and your Aunt Vi took you? Then I could go, too! I like that idea.
Auntie Nova! Mmm, hey my little Blue bear! How's school? - My teacher showed us pictures of Italy.
- Oh.
She says they have really good pizzas.
- Oh, yeah? - Yeah.
I'd eat pizzas every day.
You sure you wouldn't miss your Aunt Vi's cooking? VIOLET: Who wouldn't miss my cooking? I mean, yeah, of course I'm gonna miss your cooking.
You're the best chef in the entire world.
In the entire world, Blue? - Yeah, I know for sure.
- Oh.
You heard him.
(GIGGLES) (BLUE MUMBLES) Okay, so, what is your favorite meal? 'Cause I'm gonna cook whatever you want tonight.
Anything I want? Like, anything? Anything.
I want the wings fried up in the pan.
- Extra crispy.
- HOLLYWOOD: Mm.
Also with the honey barbecue sauce.
Lots and lots of sauce.
Got it.
Okay, so now, what about the sides? (BLUE AND VIOLET SIGH) Okay I think I'm gonna go with the red beans mixed up with the rice mixed up with shrimp.
All mixed up together.
NOVA: All mixed up together.
And can I not have any greens? Boy, that's the best part! Hollywood, hush.
This is Blue's special meal.
- You got no say.
- (BLUE CHUCKLES) I'll allow you to have a piece, okay? Thank you.
My tummy's ready, Auntie Vi.
- Oh! - (CHUCKLES) CHARLEY ON PHONE: Hi, you've reached Charley Bordelon.
I can't get to the phone right now, so please leave a message.
- (BEEPS) - Yo, what's up, Charley? You know what's going on at the mill.
Rumors flying, nobody picking up.
Hit me back.
- (PHONE CLICKING) - (SIGHS) Come on, Remy.
(LINE RINGING) REMY: Hey, you've reached Remy Newell.
- Can't get to the phone right now - Damn! Ain't like them to not call me back.
Something don't feel right.
I left messages for Charley, too.
(SIGHS) Well, maybe something is going on.
You know what it is.
Them Boudreaux boys up to no good.
Come on, now.
Well, we all saw the splinter go down at ribbon cutting.
I don't know, maybe Maybe she's moving too fast on this.
You know, I'm looking at truckloads of cane sitting and you can't even get your your mill on the phone.
- I know.
- And what what does Darla say? She's sitting right outside of the office.
Where does she say Charley is? Excuse me.
Ralph A NOVA: If Lizy doesn't write this, someone else that's less friendly will.
This way, I can at least have some control over the story.
She's a friend.
You talk to the other farmers and you do this article, we can turn this into a piece about how you're being treated by the Landrys, about the systematic racism against black farmers and now you, the only black mill owner in the state.
We can fight this.
You can turn it around.
After this, there'll be something else.
Something after that.
I miscalculated their greed.
REMY: Fine.
But now it's time to do new math.
Now we got to get out to the remaining farms and talk to folks together.
'Cause sitting here is nothing but a pity party.
One of the greatest gifts you got from your father is your fight.
Both of you.
Charley, fight back.
Yeah, I'll fight, all right.
Good.
Which farm first? If you could handle the remaining farms on your own, that would help me out.
Happy to do it.
Thank you.
And, Nova, you're right.
I should talk to your friend, set the record straight.
But I need to make a stop first.
Where are you going? To the source.
What it is, bro? Everybody's spooked.
All the rumors about the mill.
- What's going on? - Everything is fine, man.
The mill is fine.
That's just the Landrys using fear tactics, trying to get back the business they lost, that's all.
I got more cane coming off them fields early morning and Charley ain't answering my calls.
She went to see the Landrys face-to-face.
We've been talking to them.
How'd that work out? (SIGHS DEEPLY) It ain't gonna change.
It's personal.
It ain't about harvest and they ain't gonna give up.
Not till they get that land back.
Well, look here, don't worry.
Your sister knows what she's doing.
She'll figure it out.
(DISTANT CHATTER) (DOOR CREAKS OPEN) Well, so much for privacy.
I won't tell anybody anything you don't want me to say.
But since I'm here and I know Lupus can be rough.
But it can also be managed.
Yesterday was bad.
Today was better.
And to-tomorrow hopefully will be better still.
I'm gonna put you on my own regimen.
The organic route.
Nature's medicine.
Double duty.
Yes.
Thank you, Dr.
Bordelon.
Doctor (CHUCKLES) I'll be here, but you decide Yeah, you decide When you wanna fall into my arms Fall into my arms Fall into my arms Fall into my arms Fall into my arms Fall into my arms Fall into my arms Fall into my arms Fall into my arms Go on, take your time, take a breath When you've had to take it back Oh, baby, know you can take it back It's never gonna stay this way When the tears that you cried Don't say what you feel inside I'll be here, but you decide Yeah, you decide When you wanna fall into my arms - Fall into my arms - 'Cause I know that you're hurting - Fall into my arms - Iknow that it's a sure thing - Fall into my arms - Into my arms So you can just, so you can just So you can just fall into my arms Just fall Just fall Fall.