Soundtrack (2019) s01e01 Episode Script
Track 1: Nellie and Sam
1 Every song is a love song.
Okay, let's start with the songs about desire and longing.
Right? I mean, those are obvious.
Songs about the struggle to find love, the falling in it, being tested by it, jealous of it, heartbroken over it.
Then there's your metaphors and your analogs.
Songs about God, or about the love for Him, or Her, or It.
Political songs about love for your country.
And if you're disillusioned by it, well, disillusionment is another form of heartbreak, right? You got songs about your family, songs about your squad, your regrets.
Hell, even a diss track.
Hate is passion.
Biggie loves to hate Tupac.
Fleetwood loves to hate Mac.
Nicki loves and hates everyone.
Nobody sits down at their piano or picks up their sticks or their guitar with apathy, only emotion, one emotion.
Which is why every song we have ever heard, from the day we are born till the day we die, from the first lullaby that your mom sang to you, to the hymn you won't hear at your funeral, it tells us love.
Whoever, whenever, whatever, just love.
It's what we're here for.
[door squeaks.]
[line rings.]
[phone rings.]
- Yes? - Hi, are you up? Yes, I'm up, I'm talking to you.
- [alarm clock beeps.]
- [grunts.]
You hit snooze, you're not up.
I'm up now.
[Nellie.]
All right.
- Love you, Dad.
- I love you too, honey.
[grunts.]
[sighs.]
[running water.]
[sound of brushing.]
[paper rustles.]
[soft footsteps.]
- [cat miaows.]
- Hi.
Some day you'll be mine.
[keys rattle.]
[door clunks.]
[pop music plays on car radio.]
Oh, my God.
[squeaks in excitement.]
[shouts.]
Levi! [rushing footsteps.]
You're on the radio! What the hell are you [pop music plays on radio.]
You're on the radio.
[laughing.]
[kiss.]
- You have to call the band.
Call them! - Right.
Yeah.
Go! Hey, Finch, it's me.
Turn on KCRW right now.
Yeah, can you fucking believe it? [pop music plays in backgorund.]
Hi.
[miaows.]
Thanks.
Let me see that.
Okay, no, throw it away.
You don't have to take such good care of me.
[Nellie.]
I'm just repaying the favor.
I had to buy the rounds last night at Hank's.
A lot more people showed up than I thought.
- There's cash in my wallet.
- Thank you.
I'll pay you back on Monday.
I'm going to take 40, okay? - Yeah.
- What's this? - No, Dad, don't! It's not - Oh, honey.
How did someone like me have someone so talented like you? [Nellie sighs.]
You have to say that.
Yes, I do.
And also you are.
[kiss.]
I got to go to work.
- I love you.
- Thank you.
[door shuts.]
- Your next student tour is here.
- Okay.
I believe in this school.
I believe a good foundation for a career in art starts here, and you can learn all the basics, hone your skills, and have your dreams nurtured and protected at the same time.
[horns honking.]
[engine revs.]
We told Kimora Pandora was down so we could play KCRW all day.
They've played Levi's song at least twice.
- Really? - Oh, my God.
Do you know what this means? We don't have to man the merch table anymore.
Goodbye, general admission.
Hello, VIP section.
No more well drinks.
No more STDs from "toilet seats.
" No, wait, but what if I'm wrong about tonight? Wrong? It's your fourth anniversary.
He made the reservation.
Levi's never made a reservation before in his entire life.
If it didn't come from a box, a bag, a stand, or a truck, he wouldn't know what to do.
That's true.
A reservation's a really big deal.
A reservation can only mean one thing.
And if you're gonna get a ring on that finger tonight, you're sure as shit gonna have the dress to go with it.
Mm.
[Nellie gasps.]
No.
If you get it back to us before tomorrow morning, no one will know.
No, it's too beautiful.
I can't.
Okay, well, neither could Jean Dubrowski of Dearborn, Michigan, but Gigi Dumont of Silver Lake can and so can you.
You did not change your name just so you can wear fancy dresses.
I changed my name to let go of the girl I grew up as, and allow myself to be the woman I should be.
You should try it.
Look, babe, the clothes you're wearing right now, they say - "Date me.
I could be fun.
" - What? But this dress, it says, "Marry me.
" [Gigi.]
This dress says, "I won't stop surprising you.
" It says, "I'm the woman you're going to share your life with.
" [Gigi.]
So do these shoes.
And bag.
Ooh, and earrings.
Am I allowed to feel this good? - On the outside? No.
- Oh.
- On the inside, hell yes! - Okay.
[Gigi chuckles.]
[whispers.]
Okay.
- [door clicks.]
- [sound of traffic.]
[Levi.]
Hey.
- [Nellie.]
Hi.
- You look amazing.
[kiss.]
- [Nellie.]
Thank you.
- Yeah.
- I ordered your favorite.
- Perfect.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
[glasses clink.]
[Mexican music plays in backgroumd.]
[phone beeps quietly.]
[knocking sound.]
- What's that sound? - [knocking stops.]
I don't hear anything.
Okay.
- Thank you.
- Thanks.
Happy anniversary.
It's beautiful.
Um I've been doing a lot of thinking.
Like, a lot.
Yeah, I wanted to make sure this is absolutely the right choice.
- [glass clinks.]
- Phew.
Um, look everything's about to get so crazy.
I know.
I'm so proud of you.
And when I think about it I mean, really think about it, which I've done, a lot I just don't think it's fair to either of us if we continue like this together.
[emotionally.]
I don't see a way that I can give you what you deserve, and get what I need too.
My mom says I need to let go of the duplex, since I'm going to be on the road for, like, a year.
[sighs.]
So I told the landlord we'd be out by the end of the month.
You'll always be such an important part of my life, [voice fades.]
and I could never have gotten here without you.
You're on the liner notes for a reason, you know? I just think we're better apart.
[sirens sound in Nellie's head.]
[music starts.]
[playing Sia: "Elastic Heart".]
And another one bites the dust But why can I not conquer love? And I might've got to be with one Why not fight this war Without weapons? And I want it and I wanted it bad But there were so many red flags Now another one bites the dust And let's be clear, I trust no one You did not break me I'm still fighting for peace I've got thick skin And an elastic heart But your blade it might be too sharp I'm like a rubber band Until you pull too hard But I may snap when I move close But you won't see me fall apart 'Cause I've got an elastic heart I've got an elastic heart Yeah, I've got an elastic heart [operator.]
We're sorry, you've reached a number that has been disconnected or is no longer in service.
Oh-oh Oh-oh Well, I've got thick skin And an elastic heart But your blade it might be too sharp I'm like a rubber band Until you pull too hard I've got thick skin And an elastic heart But your blade it might be too sharp I'm like a rubber band Until you pull too hard But I may snap when I move close [music stops.]
- [glass thuds, smashes.]
- [gasps.]
Motherfucker! [birdsong.]
[slow piano music playing.]
[Sam.]
Hey, bud, you ready to go? Come on.
Let's do this.
What's up? Are you nervous about moving? No.
Do you remember that trick that I told you, that if you were ever nervous, or worried, or something didn't make sense, you just count to ten, and when you're done, whatever you were worried about will be gone.
I'm not scared.
Oh, I know.
See? - Oh, well, I will - [Barry.]
I got it.
- Think you'll make it to the car? - [Barry groans.]
Oh.
[Barry.]
Yeah, I think so.
Ooh.
It's really heavy.
- Ooh! - [thudding, smashing.]
Ooh.
[Barry.]
The wall didn't break anything.
Success! Whatever that is.
[chuckles quietly.]
[sighs.]
[car engine hums.]
Lyft has a lot of questions.
You know, I think you're really going to like it here.
We're all going to be together.
Aunt Annette.
Cousin Leah.
How old are you? Oh, you can't count that high.
34.
Why'd I even ask? And there's a playground a block away.
And a carnival every summer.
- How many hours do you want to work? - Well, with my other job, I only have nights and weekends, so maybe 40? Married, single, or divorced? - Well, it's called "widowed.
" - [Barry.]
Mm.
That's not on here.
Well, that's because not a lot of people are.
Okay, put that away, buddy.
You know, we're almost here.
[phone beeps.]
[ambient sounds, chatter.]
[door rattles.]
[Barry, panting.]
Three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine Up here, Barry! Hi, Leah! - [thud.]
- Oh! - God, I'm so sorry.
Totally my fault.
- I'm so sorry.
- [door clunks.]
- [Sam sighs.]
I still can't believe one of these places came open.
You got Dante to thank for that.
I don't know how he knew, but he did.
Hopefully you can save up enough while you're here to get your old house back.
[thud.]
How's work? Any opportunities for your songs? You know, I'm in IT.
They don't even know our names.
Which is just as good, 'cause the way the music industry is going, everyone is getting laid off.
But I'm safe.
Everybody needs client services.
[Barry.]
Dad! We have a view! Sam, son! You look so old! Your eyes, they're like six inches in! You look like a fucking sad skull! You need to get some sleep, Primo! Cuz! Yeah, you don't look as busted as I thought you would.
Busted? Hey, come on.
You know there's nothing to do in the joint but get a good pump.
Mira.
Okay.
Come on, buddy.
Come on.
Yeah, you should try it some day, gordo.
Barry, come here, buddy.
Come meet your cousin.
Dante, this is my son.
Uh Hey, I'm sorry about your moms, kid.
Why don't I know you? [Aunt Annette.]
He was away.
Oh, no, it's okay.
I'm honest with him.
All right? Dante just got out of prison for assault and possession.
He did four years.
It should've been five, but the warden had a thing for me.
Okay.
Dante, man, not that honest.
Dante's always looked up to you.
Hopefully you can be a good influence like when you were kids.
Keep him on the straight and narrow.
Mami, I don't need no influence, okay? The joint's influence enough.
Look, Barry.
Me y tu papa, we used to get up to it.
Know what I'm saying? What he means is everything he got up to, I had to clean up.
Hey, maybe if you come to my block party tomorrow, we could loosen you up again.
It's not his block party, it's a block party that just happens to be the week he got out.
Why you gotta bust me, sis? No, it's all good, man.
I got decades of pretending that it's all about you.
[Dante chuckles.]
Oh, damn, is that Crazy Legs? [shouts.]
Hey! Crazy Legs! Hey, you know you still owe me that $20! Don't think I forgot! áVenga aquÃ! I'm coming for that! Uh! So this is going to be your room.
And I'm going to take the small one over there.
You know, we can trade sometimes.
Okay.
You know, I was thinking maybe we could hang that up over there.
It's been a year.
It's time we started talking about it.
[sighs.]
No.
[crash.]
[quick footsteps.]
[rap music starts.]
[playing Zion 1: "Let Me Be".]
How da the nick? Yo, Dante.
You good? Yeah, they're trying to reel me back in, but I ain't biting.
I just got to make it look like I am.
You seen Dee yet? You know where she is? I'm going to go find her.
[Barry.]
Dad, watch this! [woman.]
I see someone's settled in.
- [Sam.]
Ah! - [chuckles.]
- [Sam.]
Hey.
- What's up? I am so glad that South LA is not the Central of 90s movies and my youth anymore.
[laughs.]
Nah, the long arm of gentrification is finally here.
Roy Choi opened and closed a restaurant at once.
Jordan Downs was renamed an urban village.
We got charter schools we got public transportation, one of the best hospitals in the county.
Yet you moved to Highland Park.
It's closer to my hospice.
Closer to other things too.
- You going to tell him? - [sighs.]
I thought prison wouldn't change him.
You know, nothing else had.
What if it did? [Dante.]
Hey, Slippy! Hey, play some of that John Legend shit for my bougie-ass cousin! He like that John De'Andra Green.
You sure know how to make a brother's heart stop from beating, huh? [Dante sighs.]
God, look at you.
[kisses.]
[chuckles.]
Well, I thought I thought you were supposed to go to night school tonight.
It's not night school, it's med school, and that's on Friday, dumbass.
Ay oh mi, how could I forget, ha? My girl, she's going to be a doc.
She's going to set me up for life.
[Dante laughs.]
Hey, speaking of which, do you have any funds? Because Lena's tamales just pulled up and I'm tapped.
[Dee clears throat.]
- As long as you get me a tamale.
- Ay.
[mutters in Spanish.]
- [Dee.]
Don't forget.
- [Dante.]
Mm.
You do know there's no tamale truck, right? There could be.
[upbeat music playing.]
I'm glad he looks so happy right now.
He still hasn't talked about her, though.
He'll talk when he's ready.
[Annette.]
Ready for what? Dating? [laughs.]
Now, I know that's not what you're talking about.
'Cause this man here - has joined the priesthood.
- Stop! Saint Sammy of Celibacy! - [laughs.]
- Okay, all right.
Ha-ha.
But you know, you only get one great love in your life.
- I already had mine.
- That's just a lie they made up so that people would stay in bad marriages like their parents.
There's lots of ones out there.
- How many times have I been married? - Three? And those are the ones I told y'all about.
Yeah, but you also got widowed or divorced four times.
I've been in love four times.
That's what counts, not how it ends.
I don't know, I just pulled him out of a really good school, away from all his friends, his community.
Now's not the time for me to think about me.
I got to provide for him.
Get him back home.
[Annette.]
You got to focus on you.
You helped Eleanor go after her dream.
Now that she's gone, - all you got left are your own.
- [phone beeps.]
When was the last time you even picked up that guitar? Well, Lyft just came through.
There goes my nights and my weekends.
You sure it's going to be cool? Leah and I will look after him.
I'm going to go get myself a tamale.
It's going to be all right.
[music changes to slow synth.]
[playing Brandon Flowers: "Between Me & You".]
Between me and you I've been thinking about The future, and Between me and you I think I'm losing it now And all my life I've been told Follow your dreams But the trail went cold And the heart don't lie And that's a good luck charm But I'm watching it tear out Of my arms And there's a power in letting go I guess I didn't want to let you know These hours I'm working Ain't nearly enough And sometimes it's like a bullet came And blasted me right of out of the blue But I'm doing my best Not to let it get Between me and you I remember you in white in the garden It's been trial after trial Through the ringer in the back At the window off this track I was just too proud to know Come on, child These hours I'm working Ain't nearly enough And sometimes it's like a bullet came And blasted me right of out of the blue And I feel like I got nothing to show For this life And I've been wondering What am I supposed to do? But I'm doing my best Not to let it get Yeah, I'm doing my best Not to let it get And I'm doing my best Not to let it get Between me and you [music ends.]
This is you, right? Ah, yeah, it is.
[belt clunks.]
Thank you.
[bang.]
[sighs.]
[engine revs.]
[click.]
Oh, no.
[urgently.]
No! - [phone beeps.]
- What the [sighs.]
Sh [phone rings.]
- Sam.
Thank God you're there.
- [Sam.]
Yeah, what's going on? We're launching our own streaming service.
The COO wants to do a test Thursday to see if our servers can take it.
No one wants the extra hours, but if you do, - put you up for analyst when it launches? - Yeah, I'll be right there.
[brushing.]
Great.
[spits.]
[music starts.]
[playing Amy Winehouse: "Love Is A Losing Game".]
For you I was a flame Love is a losing game Five story fire as you came Love is losing game One I wished I never played Oh, what a mess we made And now the final frame Love is a losing game Played out by the band Love is a losing hand More than I could stand Love is a losing hand Self-professed profound Till the chips were down Know you're a gambling man Love is a losing hand [Chinese music playing.]
Nellie? Maybe.
It's Cam.
You probably don't recognize me.
I shaved.
Are you in high school? [laughing.]
No, man, I'm a frosh at SC.
Oh, yeah.
This is not happening.
- [clunk.]
- [gasps.]
Shit! Shit! [getting fainter.]
Shit! [whispering.]
Shit! [dripping.]
[woman.]
Rice.
If you put your phone in rice, it should be okay.
- Good tip.
Thank you.
- Mm-hm.
How are you doing? Why is it I can love myself all day, wake up, not need coffee, empty my inbox by noon, but the wrong look from some random guy and I'm back at one.
A total do-over.
- Why do I even bother? - Oh, yeah.
Tell me about it.
I just walked away from a date with a college freshman.
Mm.
Want some? Okay, thanks.
Whatever happened to passing someone on the street, or catching their eye at a club, or even from your car, and feeling that thing that hairs-on-the-back-of-your-neck, adrenaline rush, instant connection? Where you know if you just talk to that person, they could be the one.
We know so much about each other now before we even show up, there's no chance for that head rush.
And even if there was, our arms are always in front of our faces.
We don't even see who's passing us by.
Does anyone meet anyone anymore? Or do we all just kind of know each other, so why bother? I don't think anyone really knows anyone.
I mean, I was with someone for years.
And we were together on Monday, and by Tuesday it was done.
Just gone.
It's a half a year later and I'm still trying to figure it out.
I mean, I know he loved me, but when did it stop? And if it changed, then when did it change? - At what point did it change? - [laughter.]
[sighs.]
[half laughs.]
Ooh.
Well, I guess I better find some rice.
Yeah.
[sighs.]
You know, I got something I think you might need more than me.
It's a family tradition.
We pass to the left.
I hope so.
[radio.]
This is Fresh Air, I'm Terry Gross.
Levi Gordon's band, Pacific Electric, received seven Grammy nominations this week.
- We're gonna - [rumbling noise.]
[tire thudding.]
[sighs.]
Of course you didn't send someone.
I answer the phones at AAA, honey.
I'm someone.
Besides it's the only way I'm going to get to see you, obviously.
You don't call me.
You don't come by for weeks.
You just text.
Text.
I don't have a daughter, I have an emoji.
[kiss.]
You don't look so hot, kiddo.
That's 'cause I'm not so hot, Dad.
Everywhere I go, Levi follows me.
That's a bit of an exaggeration, don't you think? Oh.
I don't know what to do.
I don't seem to be able to connect to anything or anybody.
I can't eat, I can't sleep, I've stopped drawing.
- You haven't showered.
- I haven't showered.
I've completely given up at work.
It's hard to tell kids that their dreams can come true when mine's so clearly haven't.
You know what's worse? - What if he was right? - No.
What if I was holding him back? No, you weren't holding anyone back with him but yourself.
For example, you are halfway done with your that book when you met him.
What happened with that? They're not called books, they're graphic novels, - and it's a graphic memoir - A graphic whatever it is, but you gave it up for him.
It was always only him.
Look he dreams a little, you wait.
You dream a little, he waits.
That's the formula.
That's part of the problem with your mom and me.
I had to get divorced for me to become the man I am today.
Minus the fraud and embezzlement? [Nellie sighs.]
Well, who knows? Maybe it'll turn out that it was worth it for some reason.
Forgery and embezzlement.
So.
I can no longer work at that particular job.
It just means maybe it wasn't meant to be.
Okay, well, you can bright side all you want, but I still want an answer.
- I just I want to know why.
- You'll get it.
Clarity comes with time, believe me.
You don't necessarily get it when you need it.
Come on.
Good job.
[phone chimes.]
[Nellie.]
Oh, my God! He's engaged! To the woman that he was clearly sleeping with while he was with me! [whispers.]
Oh, this guy.
Great.
Good.
Hey, there's your answer.
Now you can move on.
[phone buttons beep.]
What's happening right now? - [line rings.]
- I'm calling Troy.
Give me those.
- [line rings.]
- Troy.
That couple that you sleep with, they work at Atlantic, right? Yeah.
We need to get into a show tomorrow night.
- [footsteps.]
- [engine hums.]
[engine revs.]
It's nice to see you again, Annette.
- And you too.
Come here.
- I missed you, Grandma.
- [door squeaks.]
- [Barry.]
Dad! [Sam.]
Hey! Oh! [Barry murmers.]
So, what do you think? - [Margot.]
It's smaller than I expected.
- Mm.
We prefer "homey.
" It is that.
Hey, bud, why don't you go and put a sweater on - because it's going to be chilly today.
- Okay.
Come on.
So, Sam, since you don't want to live with me, I took a look at a place for you in Echo Park that I'd love to rent for you.
And you can work on your music full-time there.
And my son? I know how much you love Barry.
You want what's best for him.
Yeah, what's best for him is being here with his father, Margot.
We've been over this.
Do you think Eleanor really would've wanted this, Sam? The crime statistics in this neighborhood alone, the education attainment level I've seen the numbers.
Six percent of kids go to college.
Well, he'll be one of the six.
Just like I was.
You could see him all the time if he lived with me.
He'd have better housing, a yard, full-time care.
By a revolving door of strangers while you're off shooting your next movie in Toronto? I'm just trying to help.
Yeah.
You lost your wife, you know.
You don't want to lose your dreams too.
I don't want to lose my son either.
[Annette.]
Sam, you're going to be late.
Yeah.
I thought you just got back from work.
[Barry.]
My dad has three jobs.
- He's a superhero.
- [Margot.]
Oh.
Okay, well, who brings Barry back from school? Me and my daughter live next door.
Just to let you guys know, I have SAT prep today.
[Annette.]
And the hostess is on maternity leave, which is why I asked Dante.
Dante is my eldest.
He just moved back.
[Shouts.]
Dante! - [Dante.]
Ah? - [door clicks.]
You're picking up Barry from school today, remember? Si.
Yeah.
Yeah, of course.
Hey, I'll see you at two, little B.
- [everyone.]
Three! - [Dante.]
Three.
Well, I'll see you on Friday, then.
Bye, Dad.
Have fun, Barry.
Do you want to put the school's address in the GPS? [Barry.]
I know my way to go.
[Sam sighs.]
Hey, Primo.
[chuckles.]
Don't worry, okay? I got your back.
Uh? I'm gonna do you proud.
- [man.]
Hey, brought you some coffee.
- Hey.
So, is he testing the servers or you? As soon as I get that promotion, I will get far away from him and his microaggressions.
Do you know this morning he asked me if I had a recommendation for soul food? I sent him to the lowest-rated restaurant I could find ten miles away.
At least you're not in here.
The interns are listening to unsolicited demos in CR3.
[man.]
I heard Shelly in A&R say they're looking for new voices for our writing camp.
You should get in on that.
In on that? No, I would get fired.
[Jake.]
Yo, my brother! What are you doing out here? You know, I'm just about halfway.
Will you be all the way by 5:00? Uh by 5:00 Thursday, yeah.
[laughs.]
Don't screw with me, Sam.
You know it's today.
Get it done.
Make sure he gets it done.
- [Jake's receding footsteps.]
- Oh, my God.
He set you up! He told you Thursday when he meant today.
No, that's fine.
I can do it.
It's only three o'clock.
- [phone rings.]
- I can get this done by 5:00.
Hello? [woman.]
Mr.
Hughes, this is Ritter Elementary.
It's 15 minutes past pick-up and your son is still here.
Yeah, okay.
Let me call you back, please.
Thank you.
[phone buttons beep.]
Barry is still at school.
[sighs.]
- Hello? - It's Dante.
Leave me a message.
[Sam sighs.]
It's Dante.
Leave me a message.
[bang.]
Okay, I'm going to be back in an hour.
- Yeah.
- Don't worry, we'll cover for you.
[fast music playing.]
[panting.]
Excuse me, have you seen my son? Barry Hughes.
Yeah, he was just here.
- You sure he wasn't picked up? - Maybe, I'm not sure.
Hey, excuse me.
Hello.
Hey.
Can I talk to you for a second? Sir, excuse me.
We're in the middle of a private matter right now.
My son is missing and he's in your class.
If you could please - Slow down for one second.
- I can't My son is missing! It's okay.
- We can help you find - Barry.
- Barry.
- I'll stay here with Mrs.
Hamdi.
Sure.
Has this happened before? No I don't know.
No My cousin was supposed to Dante! - What the hell, man? - What happened? Did they call you? What? No one called me.
Listen, my car, it wouldn't start.
My car is busted, so I called No, no one told me that you Are you high right now? Mr.
Hughes! An aide said she saw Barry leave the playground about five minutes ago.
Oh, man.
Okay, look.
That's good.
I'm coming.
No.
Go home! [Sam shouting.]
Barry! Barry, stop! Barry, stop! - Barry! - [car door opens.]
Barry! What the hell are you doing, huh? - What are you doing? - What? I'm walking home! - Why? What were you thinking? - Dad, you're scaring me! - [crying.]
Dad - I'm sorry.
Okay, I'm sorry.
[Barry sobs.]
Hey, look.
I'm not mad at you, okay? All right? I'm just mad at myself.
[quietly.]
You cannot walk home alone.
[sighs.]
This would never happen if your mom was here.
[angrily.]
Why do you keep talking about her? Stop talking about her! [hurried footsteps.]
[phone chimes.]
Hey.
All right.
- Aunt Annette? - In here! Hey, baby, you want to help me put the specials in the menu for tonight? Okay, but I'm not a baby.
[laughs.]
I'll bring him home when I get off.
Go get that promotion.
[Sam.]
Thank you! That's right.
My kid was missing.
Um - I assume you found him? - I did.
Yes, I did.
And, you know, if I could just get back, I'm almost done.
Look, I know things have been tough for you lately, especially since You know.
The But I've given you time, man, and your work's not improving.
You come in looking like a zombie, you leave looking worse.
This job, it's too stressful for you.
No, it's not.
Actually, I haven't been able to sleep, but I can find some time to focus.
Whatever you need, I can do.
It's just, I can't really afford to lose my benefits, 'cause my kid is the most important thing in my life.
[Jake.]
Sam [sighing.]
Stop.
There's nothing you can do, brother.
You're Smile though your heart is aching Smile even though it's breaking When there are clouds in the sky You'll get by That's the time You must keep on trying Smile What's the use of crying? You'll find that life Is still worthwhile If you just smile [smash.]
- [smash.]
- [cheering.]
- [smash.]
- [cheering.]
- [crash.]
- [cheering.]
[rustling.]
[crash.]
That's the time You must keep on smiling fired.
Thank you.
[door clicks.]
[bang.]
[hurrying footsteps.]
Here they are.
Peltier plus two.
- [background pop music.]
- [ambient street sounds.]
Hey.
Dante's here, isn't he? All right, don't be mad.
He's down in the lounge.
He wanted to apologize in person, so I figured someplace neutral was best.
Look, he showed up to the school late.
That's it.
Something could've happened, Dee.
But it didn't.
He has changed.
But if the people he cares about the most don't believe him then why would he stay that way? Okay, so if you believe that, then you have to tell him the truth too, right now, before he finds out.
Let's go.
Come on.
[background chatter.]
- [band playing.]
- [cheering.]
[Gigi.]
Ghosts of Literal Christmas Past! He's still using your art.
What's the plan, babe? Mezcal to the face before he goes onstage? Death stares from the dance floor so it screws up his solo? Or full knock-down drag-out till he gets pulled offstage? I don't know.
Well, whatever it is, you can't be sober for it.
Let's go.
Okay, I got to thank my guys.
I'll find you.
I'm spending all of my gate money to get my car fixed to make sure that never happens again.
I guess you'll probably never ask me again, but just in case Look, I appreciate that, okay? No, I appreciate you, Primo.
I mean you getting a house, a family, watching you chase your dreams.
You inspire me, bro.
That's why got out sooner.
When Eleanor died If I inspire you, how come you're hanging out with your old crew? Uh? I dabbed with them a bit.
But it's 'cause they offered.
They stood by me when I was in.
They looked out for me, my moms, my sis.
They looked out for you too.
I mean, who do you think got rid of those guys so that you could move in? What? Got rid of who? Look, listen.
I'm on the hook, bro.
Okay? But it'll be okay.
I just I just got to play it cool before I pull away.
I wouldn't anything to happen, you know, to you or especially Barry.
Did you put me and my son in danger? Of course not.
I'm out in front of it.
- [phone rings.]
- It's all good.
[phone rings.]
Sam, I just talked to Leah.
Someone from Child and Family Services was at the school today to see Barry.
What? They were asking questions about his care.
They can take him away from you, you know.
They could put him in foster care.
The past is dust My youth has come and gone I was really looking forward to never coming to one of these things again.
I'm having second thoughts.
- [band playing.]
- [cheering in background.]
Okay, do I do this? [gulps.]
Or do we leave? You do this.
It's now or never, whatever it is.
You got to burn it down before you rise from it.
[glasses chink.]
[whispers.]
Okay.
- [music stops.]
- Thank you! [applause, cheering.]
Now I'm out here looking like revenge Feeling like a ten The best I ever been And yeah I know how bad it must hurt To see me like this - But it gets worse - Wait a minute Now you're out here Looking like regret Ain't too proud to beg Second chance you'll never get And yeah I know how bad it must hurt To see me like this - But it gets worse - Wait a minute Now payback is a bad bitch And baby I'm the baddest You fuckin' with a savage Can't have this, can't have this And it'd be nice of me To take it easy on ya But nah Baby, I'm sorry First things first I'mma say all the words inside my head I'm fired up and tired of the way That things have been Ooh The way that things have been Ooh I was choking in the crowd Building my rain up in the cloud Falling like ashes to the ground Hoping my feelings they would drown But they never did, ever lived, ebbing and flowing, inhibited, limited Till it broke up and it rained down It rained down like Talk that talk, baby Better walk Better walk that walk, baby If you talk, If you talk that talk, baby Better walk Better walk that walk, baby - Believer - Baby, I'm sorry You made me a You made me a believer I'm not sorry Baby, I'm sorry You break me down You built me up, believer - Believer - Baby, I'm sorry Rain, let the bullets fly Let them rain - My life, my love, my drive - Baby, I'm sorry You made me a You made me a believer - Believer - I'm sorry Last things last By the grace of the fire And the flames You're the face of the future The blood in my veins Oh, ooh The blood in my veins Oh, ooh What did he just say to you? Oh, my God, I cannot believe you just stood there and yelled at him like that.
I guess I'm never sleeping with them again.
- Who cares.
Are you okay? - [gasps.]
Are you kidding? I'm amazing! I'm so done with him.
I'm just ready for what's next.
[sighs.]
[sighs.]
[rustling.]
[door clicks.]
[rattling.]
[Barry.]
Hey, Dad.
What you doing? Hey, bud.
Um I didn't mean to wake you.
[Barry.]
That's okay.
I need to show you something.
Okay.
[Barry sighs.]
I put Mommy's picture up.
[slow harp and piano music playing.]
[sniffs.]
[sighs.]
[sniffs.]
[Sam sighs.]
[Sam sighs.]
Are you crying 'cause Mommy's not with us anymore? Yeah.
[Barry.]
I do that sometimes too.
Maybe you should count to ten.
[sniffs.]
Yeah.
Dad? Tell me a story.
What kind of story? Tell me how you and Mommy met.
You know what? Why don't I show you instead? - [water burbling.]
- [birdsong.]
Uh-oh.
Food down.
I know what that means.
I think it's time you got your life in order.
Oh, that's funny coming from you.
I pay your rent.
Hey.
What? I am parenting you right now.
What makes you think I don't have my life in order? I feel better than I seem.
- Promise.
- You pay a portion of my rent.
When did you last speak with your mom? - I dunno.
Probably the last time you did.
- That's not true.
You know, you've rejected everything that ever came from her.
Even the name that she gave you.
If she weren't here, that would be okay, but she lives five miles away.
I don't want to talk about Mom.
Finish your book, at least.
Look, something is coming.
I can feel it.
I've made the way for it.
Once I figure out what it is, then maybe I'll start drawing again.
Maybe.
Be honest with me.
- How much? - I What? How much? 40? What, 60? - I just need a tank of gas.
- Okay.
My check is on my desk.
[gasps.]
Wait.
Where's my? Oh, no.
I left my card at the club.
I got kicked out before I could pay! I have to go.
I love you so much.
[Frank.]
This is good for my thesis about your life.
Hey, you see this club? Well, about eight years ago, I was out with some friends, including your Uncle Dante, and we were out all night.
He had gotten us into this this party that we weren't invited to, an after-hours thing.
Anyways, so we left at eight o'clock in the morning, and that's where I bumped into your mom.
Literally.
Like, the door swung open.
- Bam! - [thud.]
Oh, jeez! Oh, gosh! I'm so sorry.
- No.
- It's totally my fault.
That was so stupid of me.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to No.
[both laugh.]
Oh, wow.
That is not a name that you hear that often.
No one really calls me that anymore.
I haven't gone by it since I was a kid.
'Cause most people just call me Nellie.
But I've been thinking about going back to it.
Maybe.
I like it.
Eleanor.
- I'm Sam.
- Hi.
[Sam.]
The second it happened, the second that we touched, we both felt it.
It's like we were meant to be in that place, even if it didn't make any sense.
You know when you hear a song for the first time and you don't know the lyrics, but something about it just hits you right here? No.
Well, you will.
And when you do, it'll be the best feeling you ever felt.
- [door rattles.]
- [Dante.]
Hey, Primo! I think we gonna get some pancakes! [chuckles.]
- He wants pancakes? - Yeah.
Yeah.
Oh, yeah.
[both chuckle.]
Um I'm going to do something that I swear I've never done before.
I'm going to ask a complete stranger for her phone number.
- Okay.
- Is that cool? Yeah, no, I I'll just put it in your phone.
Oh, yeah Well, I have a flip phone, so Oh, well that'll take, like, 45 minutes.
Well, it might take a little bit of time.
I'll just write it down.
Cool.
This piece of paper has done very well for me, so maybe it'll do well for you too.
- Hope so.
- [Dante.]
Hey, come on.
You got her number.
Can we please go get some pancakes? Please? He's hungry.
- Yeah.
- Very hungry.
It's Feed him.
- Okay, it was nice to meet you.
- Okay, yeah.
Okay, bye.
[Barry.]
Dad? [Sam.]
Hey.
[sighs.]
You want to go home? Want to get out of here? All right.
[hurried footsteps.]
[door lock rattles.]
- Oh, hi! - Hi.
Are you on something? Um, yes.
No.
I don't know, maybe, the future.
- [radio playing music.]
- [gasps.]
I left the radio on, I'm sorry.
- Oh, no, it's okay.
- Really? - I like it.
- You do? Running through electric fires I never make it easy Swear I'm never good enough [phone rings.]
Babe, I'm tapping out Before I [answerphone.]
Hi, you've reached De'Andra Green Drink too much Houston, we have a problem All this chaos raining down When the lightning strikes And I wake up on the ground I got permanent ways [Annette.]
Sam The case worker's here for a random visit.
It's not a problem at all.
You seem so calm.
No one is taking my son away.
Not my mother-in-law, not your son's friends, and not the city.
My luck is about to change again.
Even if I have to change it myself.
And say goodnight - What are you writing? - I don't know, bud.
But I'm pretty sure it's gonna be a love song.
A love song? Why? We started in the bathroom [woman.]
Mr.
Hughes? Houston, we have a problem All this chaos raining down When the lightning strikes That's when I make it count - Are you okay if I sit next to you? - Yes.
I'm Joanna.
I didn't mean to interrupt.
What were you talking about, Mr.
Hughes? Sam.
And I was just telling my son something important.
[Joanna.]
Oh, yeah? What was that? Every song is a love song.
[low-beat music playing.]
Okay, let's start with the songs about desire and longing.
Right? I mean, those are obvious.
Songs about the struggle to find love, the falling in it, being tested by it, jealous of it, heartbroken over it.
Then there's your metaphors and your analogs.
Songs about God, or about the love for Him, or Her, or It.
Political songs about love for your country.
And if you're disillusioned by it, well, disillusionment is another form of heartbreak, right? You got songs about your family, songs about your squad, your regrets.
Hell, even a diss track.
Hate is passion.
Biggie loves to hate Tupac.
Fleetwood loves to hate Mac.
Nicki loves and hates everyone.
Nobody sits down at their piano or picks up their sticks or their guitar with apathy, only emotion, one emotion.
Which is why every song we have ever heard, from the day we are born till the day we die, from the first lullaby that your mom sang to you, to the hymn you won't hear at your funeral, it tells us love.
Whoever, whenever, whatever, just love.
It's what we're here for.
[door squeaks.]
[line rings.]
[phone rings.]
- Yes? - Hi, are you up? Yes, I'm up, I'm talking to you.
- [alarm clock beeps.]
- [grunts.]
You hit snooze, you're not up.
I'm up now.
[Nellie.]
All right.
- Love you, Dad.
- I love you too, honey.
[grunts.]
[sighs.]
[running water.]
[sound of brushing.]
[paper rustles.]
[soft footsteps.]
- [cat miaows.]
- Hi.
Some day you'll be mine.
[keys rattle.]
[door clunks.]
[pop music plays on car radio.]
Oh, my God.
[squeaks in excitement.]
[shouts.]
Levi! [rushing footsteps.]
You're on the radio! What the hell are you [pop music plays on radio.]
You're on the radio.
[laughing.]
[kiss.]
- You have to call the band.
Call them! - Right.
Yeah.
Go! Hey, Finch, it's me.
Turn on KCRW right now.
Yeah, can you fucking believe it? [pop music plays in backgorund.]
Hi.
[miaows.]
Thanks.
Let me see that.
Okay, no, throw it away.
You don't have to take such good care of me.
[Nellie.]
I'm just repaying the favor.
I had to buy the rounds last night at Hank's.
A lot more people showed up than I thought.
- There's cash in my wallet.
- Thank you.
I'll pay you back on Monday.
I'm going to take 40, okay? - Yeah.
- What's this? - No, Dad, don't! It's not - Oh, honey.
How did someone like me have someone so talented like you? [Nellie sighs.]
You have to say that.
Yes, I do.
And also you are.
[kiss.]
I got to go to work.
- I love you.
- Thank you.
[door shuts.]
- Your next student tour is here.
- Okay.
I believe in this school.
I believe a good foundation for a career in art starts here, and you can learn all the basics, hone your skills, and have your dreams nurtured and protected at the same time.
[horns honking.]
[engine revs.]
We told Kimora Pandora was down so we could play KCRW all day.
They've played Levi's song at least twice.
- Really? - Oh, my God.
Do you know what this means? We don't have to man the merch table anymore.
Goodbye, general admission.
Hello, VIP section.
No more well drinks.
No more STDs from "toilet seats.
" No, wait, but what if I'm wrong about tonight? Wrong? It's your fourth anniversary.
He made the reservation.
Levi's never made a reservation before in his entire life.
If it didn't come from a box, a bag, a stand, or a truck, he wouldn't know what to do.
That's true.
A reservation's a really big deal.
A reservation can only mean one thing.
And if you're gonna get a ring on that finger tonight, you're sure as shit gonna have the dress to go with it.
Mm.
[Nellie gasps.]
No.
If you get it back to us before tomorrow morning, no one will know.
No, it's too beautiful.
I can't.
Okay, well, neither could Jean Dubrowski of Dearborn, Michigan, but Gigi Dumont of Silver Lake can and so can you.
You did not change your name just so you can wear fancy dresses.
I changed my name to let go of the girl I grew up as, and allow myself to be the woman I should be.
You should try it.
Look, babe, the clothes you're wearing right now, they say - "Date me.
I could be fun.
" - What? But this dress, it says, "Marry me.
" [Gigi.]
This dress says, "I won't stop surprising you.
" It says, "I'm the woman you're going to share your life with.
" [Gigi.]
So do these shoes.
And bag.
Ooh, and earrings.
Am I allowed to feel this good? - On the outside? No.
- Oh.
- On the inside, hell yes! - Okay.
[Gigi chuckles.]
[whispers.]
Okay.
- [door clicks.]
- [sound of traffic.]
[Levi.]
Hey.
- [Nellie.]
Hi.
- You look amazing.
[kiss.]
- [Nellie.]
Thank you.
- Yeah.
- I ordered your favorite.
- Perfect.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
[glasses clink.]
[Mexican music plays in backgroumd.]
[phone beeps quietly.]
[knocking sound.]
- What's that sound? - [knocking stops.]
I don't hear anything.
Okay.
- Thank you.
- Thanks.
Happy anniversary.
It's beautiful.
Um I've been doing a lot of thinking.
Like, a lot.
Yeah, I wanted to make sure this is absolutely the right choice.
- [glass clinks.]
- Phew.
Um, look everything's about to get so crazy.
I know.
I'm so proud of you.
And when I think about it I mean, really think about it, which I've done, a lot I just don't think it's fair to either of us if we continue like this together.
[emotionally.]
I don't see a way that I can give you what you deserve, and get what I need too.
My mom says I need to let go of the duplex, since I'm going to be on the road for, like, a year.
[sighs.]
So I told the landlord we'd be out by the end of the month.
You'll always be such an important part of my life, [voice fades.]
and I could never have gotten here without you.
You're on the liner notes for a reason, you know? I just think we're better apart.
[sirens sound in Nellie's head.]
[music starts.]
[playing Sia: "Elastic Heart".]
And another one bites the dust But why can I not conquer love? And I might've got to be with one Why not fight this war Without weapons? And I want it and I wanted it bad But there were so many red flags Now another one bites the dust And let's be clear, I trust no one You did not break me I'm still fighting for peace I've got thick skin And an elastic heart But your blade it might be too sharp I'm like a rubber band Until you pull too hard But I may snap when I move close But you won't see me fall apart 'Cause I've got an elastic heart I've got an elastic heart Yeah, I've got an elastic heart [operator.]
We're sorry, you've reached a number that has been disconnected or is no longer in service.
Oh-oh Oh-oh Well, I've got thick skin And an elastic heart But your blade it might be too sharp I'm like a rubber band Until you pull too hard I've got thick skin And an elastic heart But your blade it might be too sharp I'm like a rubber band Until you pull too hard But I may snap when I move close [music stops.]
- [glass thuds, smashes.]
- [gasps.]
Motherfucker! [birdsong.]
[slow piano music playing.]
[Sam.]
Hey, bud, you ready to go? Come on.
Let's do this.
What's up? Are you nervous about moving? No.
Do you remember that trick that I told you, that if you were ever nervous, or worried, or something didn't make sense, you just count to ten, and when you're done, whatever you were worried about will be gone.
I'm not scared.
Oh, I know.
See? - Oh, well, I will - [Barry.]
I got it.
- Think you'll make it to the car? - [Barry groans.]
Oh.
[Barry.]
Yeah, I think so.
Ooh.
It's really heavy.
- Ooh! - [thudding, smashing.]
Ooh.
[Barry.]
The wall didn't break anything.
Success! Whatever that is.
[chuckles quietly.]
[sighs.]
[car engine hums.]
Lyft has a lot of questions.
You know, I think you're really going to like it here.
We're all going to be together.
Aunt Annette.
Cousin Leah.
How old are you? Oh, you can't count that high.
34.
Why'd I even ask? And there's a playground a block away.
And a carnival every summer.
- How many hours do you want to work? - Well, with my other job, I only have nights and weekends, so maybe 40? Married, single, or divorced? - Well, it's called "widowed.
" - [Barry.]
Mm.
That's not on here.
Well, that's because not a lot of people are.
Okay, put that away, buddy.
You know, we're almost here.
[phone beeps.]
[ambient sounds, chatter.]
[door rattles.]
[Barry, panting.]
Three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine Up here, Barry! Hi, Leah! - [thud.]
- Oh! - God, I'm so sorry.
Totally my fault.
- I'm so sorry.
- [door clunks.]
- [Sam sighs.]
I still can't believe one of these places came open.
You got Dante to thank for that.
I don't know how he knew, but he did.
Hopefully you can save up enough while you're here to get your old house back.
[thud.]
How's work? Any opportunities for your songs? You know, I'm in IT.
They don't even know our names.
Which is just as good, 'cause the way the music industry is going, everyone is getting laid off.
But I'm safe.
Everybody needs client services.
[Barry.]
Dad! We have a view! Sam, son! You look so old! Your eyes, they're like six inches in! You look like a fucking sad skull! You need to get some sleep, Primo! Cuz! Yeah, you don't look as busted as I thought you would.
Busted? Hey, come on.
You know there's nothing to do in the joint but get a good pump.
Mira.
Okay.
Come on, buddy.
Come on.
Yeah, you should try it some day, gordo.
Barry, come here, buddy.
Come meet your cousin.
Dante, this is my son.
Uh Hey, I'm sorry about your moms, kid.
Why don't I know you? [Aunt Annette.]
He was away.
Oh, no, it's okay.
I'm honest with him.
All right? Dante just got out of prison for assault and possession.
He did four years.
It should've been five, but the warden had a thing for me.
Okay.
Dante, man, not that honest.
Dante's always looked up to you.
Hopefully you can be a good influence like when you were kids.
Keep him on the straight and narrow.
Mami, I don't need no influence, okay? The joint's influence enough.
Look, Barry.
Me y tu papa, we used to get up to it.
Know what I'm saying? What he means is everything he got up to, I had to clean up.
Hey, maybe if you come to my block party tomorrow, we could loosen you up again.
It's not his block party, it's a block party that just happens to be the week he got out.
Why you gotta bust me, sis? No, it's all good, man.
I got decades of pretending that it's all about you.
[Dante chuckles.]
Oh, damn, is that Crazy Legs? [shouts.]
Hey! Crazy Legs! Hey, you know you still owe me that $20! Don't think I forgot! áVenga aquÃ! I'm coming for that! Uh! So this is going to be your room.
And I'm going to take the small one over there.
You know, we can trade sometimes.
Okay.
You know, I was thinking maybe we could hang that up over there.
It's been a year.
It's time we started talking about it.
[sighs.]
No.
[crash.]
[quick footsteps.]
[rap music starts.]
[playing Zion 1: "Let Me Be".]
How da the nick? Yo, Dante.
You good? Yeah, they're trying to reel me back in, but I ain't biting.
I just got to make it look like I am.
You seen Dee yet? You know where she is? I'm going to go find her.
[Barry.]
Dad, watch this! [woman.]
I see someone's settled in.
- [Sam.]
Ah! - [chuckles.]
- [Sam.]
Hey.
- What's up? I am so glad that South LA is not the Central of 90s movies and my youth anymore.
[laughs.]
Nah, the long arm of gentrification is finally here.
Roy Choi opened and closed a restaurant at once.
Jordan Downs was renamed an urban village.
We got charter schools we got public transportation, one of the best hospitals in the county.
Yet you moved to Highland Park.
It's closer to my hospice.
Closer to other things too.
- You going to tell him? - [sighs.]
I thought prison wouldn't change him.
You know, nothing else had.
What if it did? [Dante.]
Hey, Slippy! Hey, play some of that John Legend shit for my bougie-ass cousin! He like that John De'Andra Green.
You sure know how to make a brother's heart stop from beating, huh? [Dante sighs.]
God, look at you.
[kisses.]
[chuckles.]
Well, I thought I thought you were supposed to go to night school tonight.
It's not night school, it's med school, and that's on Friday, dumbass.
Ay oh mi, how could I forget, ha? My girl, she's going to be a doc.
She's going to set me up for life.
[Dante laughs.]
Hey, speaking of which, do you have any funds? Because Lena's tamales just pulled up and I'm tapped.
[Dee clears throat.]
- As long as you get me a tamale.
- Ay.
[mutters in Spanish.]
- [Dee.]
Don't forget.
- [Dante.]
Mm.
You do know there's no tamale truck, right? There could be.
[upbeat music playing.]
I'm glad he looks so happy right now.
He still hasn't talked about her, though.
He'll talk when he's ready.
[Annette.]
Ready for what? Dating? [laughs.]
Now, I know that's not what you're talking about.
'Cause this man here - has joined the priesthood.
- Stop! Saint Sammy of Celibacy! - [laughs.]
- Okay, all right.
Ha-ha.
But you know, you only get one great love in your life.
- I already had mine.
- That's just a lie they made up so that people would stay in bad marriages like their parents.
There's lots of ones out there.
- How many times have I been married? - Three? And those are the ones I told y'all about.
Yeah, but you also got widowed or divorced four times.
I've been in love four times.
That's what counts, not how it ends.
I don't know, I just pulled him out of a really good school, away from all his friends, his community.
Now's not the time for me to think about me.
I got to provide for him.
Get him back home.
[Annette.]
You got to focus on you.
You helped Eleanor go after her dream.
Now that she's gone, - all you got left are your own.
- [phone beeps.]
When was the last time you even picked up that guitar? Well, Lyft just came through.
There goes my nights and my weekends.
You sure it's going to be cool? Leah and I will look after him.
I'm going to go get myself a tamale.
It's going to be all right.
[music changes to slow synth.]
[playing Brandon Flowers: "Between Me & You".]
Between me and you I've been thinking about The future, and Between me and you I think I'm losing it now And all my life I've been told Follow your dreams But the trail went cold And the heart don't lie And that's a good luck charm But I'm watching it tear out Of my arms And there's a power in letting go I guess I didn't want to let you know These hours I'm working Ain't nearly enough And sometimes it's like a bullet came And blasted me right of out of the blue But I'm doing my best Not to let it get Between me and you I remember you in white in the garden It's been trial after trial Through the ringer in the back At the window off this track I was just too proud to know Come on, child These hours I'm working Ain't nearly enough And sometimes it's like a bullet came And blasted me right of out of the blue And I feel like I got nothing to show For this life And I've been wondering What am I supposed to do? But I'm doing my best Not to let it get Yeah, I'm doing my best Not to let it get And I'm doing my best Not to let it get Between me and you [music ends.]
This is you, right? Ah, yeah, it is.
[belt clunks.]
Thank you.
[bang.]
[sighs.]
[engine revs.]
[click.]
Oh, no.
[urgently.]
No! - [phone beeps.]
- What the [sighs.]
Sh [phone rings.]
- Sam.
Thank God you're there.
- [Sam.]
Yeah, what's going on? We're launching our own streaming service.
The COO wants to do a test Thursday to see if our servers can take it.
No one wants the extra hours, but if you do, - put you up for analyst when it launches? - Yeah, I'll be right there.
[brushing.]
Great.
[spits.]
[music starts.]
[playing Amy Winehouse: "Love Is A Losing Game".]
For you I was a flame Love is a losing game Five story fire as you came Love is losing game One I wished I never played Oh, what a mess we made And now the final frame Love is a losing game Played out by the band Love is a losing hand More than I could stand Love is a losing hand Self-professed profound Till the chips were down Know you're a gambling man Love is a losing hand [Chinese music playing.]
Nellie? Maybe.
It's Cam.
You probably don't recognize me.
I shaved.
Are you in high school? [laughing.]
No, man, I'm a frosh at SC.
Oh, yeah.
This is not happening.
- [clunk.]
- [gasps.]
Shit! Shit! [getting fainter.]
Shit! [whispering.]
Shit! [dripping.]
[woman.]
Rice.
If you put your phone in rice, it should be okay.
- Good tip.
Thank you.
- Mm-hm.
How are you doing? Why is it I can love myself all day, wake up, not need coffee, empty my inbox by noon, but the wrong look from some random guy and I'm back at one.
A total do-over.
- Why do I even bother? - Oh, yeah.
Tell me about it.
I just walked away from a date with a college freshman.
Mm.
Want some? Okay, thanks.
Whatever happened to passing someone on the street, or catching their eye at a club, or even from your car, and feeling that thing that hairs-on-the-back-of-your-neck, adrenaline rush, instant connection? Where you know if you just talk to that person, they could be the one.
We know so much about each other now before we even show up, there's no chance for that head rush.
And even if there was, our arms are always in front of our faces.
We don't even see who's passing us by.
Does anyone meet anyone anymore? Or do we all just kind of know each other, so why bother? I don't think anyone really knows anyone.
I mean, I was with someone for years.
And we were together on Monday, and by Tuesday it was done.
Just gone.
It's a half a year later and I'm still trying to figure it out.
I mean, I know he loved me, but when did it stop? And if it changed, then when did it change? - At what point did it change? - [laughter.]
[sighs.]
[half laughs.]
Ooh.
Well, I guess I better find some rice.
Yeah.
[sighs.]
You know, I got something I think you might need more than me.
It's a family tradition.
We pass to the left.
I hope so.
[radio.]
This is Fresh Air, I'm Terry Gross.
Levi Gordon's band, Pacific Electric, received seven Grammy nominations this week.
- We're gonna - [rumbling noise.]
[tire thudding.]
[sighs.]
Of course you didn't send someone.
I answer the phones at AAA, honey.
I'm someone.
Besides it's the only way I'm going to get to see you, obviously.
You don't call me.
You don't come by for weeks.
You just text.
Text.
I don't have a daughter, I have an emoji.
[kiss.]
You don't look so hot, kiddo.
That's 'cause I'm not so hot, Dad.
Everywhere I go, Levi follows me.
That's a bit of an exaggeration, don't you think? Oh.
I don't know what to do.
I don't seem to be able to connect to anything or anybody.
I can't eat, I can't sleep, I've stopped drawing.
- You haven't showered.
- I haven't showered.
I've completely given up at work.
It's hard to tell kids that their dreams can come true when mine's so clearly haven't.
You know what's worse? - What if he was right? - No.
What if I was holding him back? No, you weren't holding anyone back with him but yourself.
For example, you are halfway done with your that book when you met him.
What happened with that? They're not called books, they're graphic novels, - and it's a graphic memoir - A graphic whatever it is, but you gave it up for him.
It was always only him.
Look he dreams a little, you wait.
You dream a little, he waits.
That's the formula.
That's part of the problem with your mom and me.
I had to get divorced for me to become the man I am today.
Minus the fraud and embezzlement? [Nellie sighs.]
Well, who knows? Maybe it'll turn out that it was worth it for some reason.
Forgery and embezzlement.
So.
I can no longer work at that particular job.
It just means maybe it wasn't meant to be.
Okay, well, you can bright side all you want, but I still want an answer.
- I just I want to know why.
- You'll get it.
Clarity comes with time, believe me.
You don't necessarily get it when you need it.
Come on.
Good job.
[phone chimes.]
[Nellie.]
Oh, my God! He's engaged! To the woman that he was clearly sleeping with while he was with me! [whispers.]
Oh, this guy.
Great.
Good.
Hey, there's your answer.
Now you can move on.
[phone buttons beep.]
What's happening right now? - [line rings.]
- I'm calling Troy.
Give me those.
- [line rings.]
- Troy.
That couple that you sleep with, they work at Atlantic, right? Yeah.
We need to get into a show tomorrow night.
- [footsteps.]
- [engine hums.]
[engine revs.]
It's nice to see you again, Annette.
- And you too.
Come here.
- I missed you, Grandma.
- [door squeaks.]
- [Barry.]
Dad! [Sam.]
Hey! Oh! [Barry murmers.]
So, what do you think? - [Margot.]
It's smaller than I expected.
- Mm.
We prefer "homey.
" It is that.
Hey, bud, why don't you go and put a sweater on - because it's going to be chilly today.
- Okay.
Come on.
So, Sam, since you don't want to live with me, I took a look at a place for you in Echo Park that I'd love to rent for you.
And you can work on your music full-time there.
And my son? I know how much you love Barry.
You want what's best for him.
Yeah, what's best for him is being here with his father, Margot.
We've been over this.
Do you think Eleanor really would've wanted this, Sam? The crime statistics in this neighborhood alone, the education attainment level I've seen the numbers.
Six percent of kids go to college.
Well, he'll be one of the six.
Just like I was.
You could see him all the time if he lived with me.
He'd have better housing, a yard, full-time care.
By a revolving door of strangers while you're off shooting your next movie in Toronto? I'm just trying to help.
Yeah.
You lost your wife, you know.
You don't want to lose your dreams too.
I don't want to lose my son either.
[Annette.]
Sam, you're going to be late.
Yeah.
I thought you just got back from work.
[Barry.]
My dad has three jobs.
- He's a superhero.
- [Margot.]
Oh.
Okay, well, who brings Barry back from school? Me and my daughter live next door.
Just to let you guys know, I have SAT prep today.
[Annette.]
And the hostess is on maternity leave, which is why I asked Dante.
Dante is my eldest.
He just moved back.
[Shouts.]
Dante! - [Dante.]
Ah? - [door clicks.]
You're picking up Barry from school today, remember? Si.
Yeah.
Yeah, of course.
Hey, I'll see you at two, little B.
- [everyone.]
Three! - [Dante.]
Three.
Well, I'll see you on Friday, then.
Bye, Dad.
Have fun, Barry.
Do you want to put the school's address in the GPS? [Barry.]
I know my way to go.
[Sam sighs.]
Hey, Primo.
[chuckles.]
Don't worry, okay? I got your back.
Uh? I'm gonna do you proud.
- [man.]
Hey, brought you some coffee.
- Hey.
So, is he testing the servers or you? As soon as I get that promotion, I will get far away from him and his microaggressions.
Do you know this morning he asked me if I had a recommendation for soul food? I sent him to the lowest-rated restaurant I could find ten miles away.
At least you're not in here.
The interns are listening to unsolicited demos in CR3.
[man.]
I heard Shelly in A&R say they're looking for new voices for our writing camp.
You should get in on that.
In on that? No, I would get fired.
[Jake.]
Yo, my brother! What are you doing out here? You know, I'm just about halfway.
Will you be all the way by 5:00? Uh by 5:00 Thursday, yeah.
[laughs.]
Don't screw with me, Sam.
You know it's today.
Get it done.
Make sure he gets it done.
- [Jake's receding footsteps.]
- Oh, my God.
He set you up! He told you Thursday when he meant today.
No, that's fine.
I can do it.
It's only three o'clock.
- [phone rings.]
- I can get this done by 5:00.
Hello? [woman.]
Mr.
Hughes, this is Ritter Elementary.
It's 15 minutes past pick-up and your son is still here.
Yeah, okay.
Let me call you back, please.
Thank you.
[phone buttons beep.]
Barry is still at school.
[sighs.]
- Hello? - It's Dante.
Leave me a message.
[Sam sighs.]
It's Dante.
Leave me a message.
[bang.]
Okay, I'm going to be back in an hour.
- Yeah.
- Don't worry, we'll cover for you.
[fast music playing.]
[panting.]
Excuse me, have you seen my son? Barry Hughes.
Yeah, he was just here.
- You sure he wasn't picked up? - Maybe, I'm not sure.
Hey, excuse me.
Hello.
Hey.
Can I talk to you for a second? Sir, excuse me.
We're in the middle of a private matter right now.
My son is missing and he's in your class.
If you could please - Slow down for one second.
- I can't My son is missing! It's okay.
- We can help you find - Barry.
- Barry.
- I'll stay here with Mrs.
Hamdi.
Sure.
Has this happened before? No I don't know.
No My cousin was supposed to Dante! - What the hell, man? - What happened? Did they call you? What? No one called me.
Listen, my car, it wouldn't start.
My car is busted, so I called No, no one told me that you Are you high right now? Mr.
Hughes! An aide said she saw Barry leave the playground about five minutes ago.
Oh, man.
Okay, look.
That's good.
I'm coming.
No.
Go home! [Sam shouting.]
Barry! Barry, stop! Barry, stop! - Barry! - [car door opens.]
Barry! What the hell are you doing, huh? - What are you doing? - What? I'm walking home! - Why? What were you thinking? - Dad, you're scaring me! - [crying.]
Dad - I'm sorry.
Okay, I'm sorry.
[Barry sobs.]
Hey, look.
I'm not mad at you, okay? All right? I'm just mad at myself.
[quietly.]
You cannot walk home alone.
[sighs.]
This would never happen if your mom was here.
[angrily.]
Why do you keep talking about her? Stop talking about her! [hurried footsteps.]
[phone chimes.]
Hey.
All right.
- Aunt Annette? - In here! Hey, baby, you want to help me put the specials in the menu for tonight? Okay, but I'm not a baby.
[laughs.]
I'll bring him home when I get off.
Go get that promotion.
[Sam.]
Thank you! That's right.
My kid was missing.
Um - I assume you found him? - I did.
Yes, I did.
And, you know, if I could just get back, I'm almost done.
Look, I know things have been tough for you lately, especially since You know.
The But I've given you time, man, and your work's not improving.
You come in looking like a zombie, you leave looking worse.
This job, it's too stressful for you.
No, it's not.
Actually, I haven't been able to sleep, but I can find some time to focus.
Whatever you need, I can do.
It's just, I can't really afford to lose my benefits, 'cause my kid is the most important thing in my life.
[Jake.]
Sam [sighing.]
Stop.
There's nothing you can do, brother.
You're Smile though your heart is aching Smile even though it's breaking When there are clouds in the sky You'll get by That's the time You must keep on trying Smile What's the use of crying? You'll find that life Is still worthwhile If you just smile [smash.]
- [smash.]
- [cheering.]
- [smash.]
- [cheering.]
- [crash.]
- [cheering.]
[rustling.]
[crash.]
That's the time You must keep on smiling fired.
Thank you.
[door clicks.]
[bang.]
[hurrying footsteps.]
Here they are.
Peltier plus two.
- [background pop music.]
- [ambient street sounds.]
Hey.
Dante's here, isn't he? All right, don't be mad.
He's down in the lounge.
He wanted to apologize in person, so I figured someplace neutral was best.
Look, he showed up to the school late.
That's it.
Something could've happened, Dee.
But it didn't.
He has changed.
But if the people he cares about the most don't believe him then why would he stay that way? Okay, so if you believe that, then you have to tell him the truth too, right now, before he finds out.
Let's go.
Come on.
[background chatter.]
- [band playing.]
- [cheering.]
[Gigi.]
Ghosts of Literal Christmas Past! He's still using your art.
What's the plan, babe? Mezcal to the face before he goes onstage? Death stares from the dance floor so it screws up his solo? Or full knock-down drag-out till he gets pulled offstage? I don't know.
Well, whatever it is, you can't be sober for it.
Let's go.
Okay, I got to thank my guys.
I'll find you.
I'm spending all of my gate money to get my car fixed to make sure that never happens again.
I guess you'll probably never ask me again, but just in case Look, I appreciate that, okay? No, I appreciate you, Primo.
I mean you getting a house, a family, watching you chase your dreams.
You inspire me, bro.
That's why got out sooner.
When Eleanor died If I inspire you, how come you're hanging out with your old crew? Uh? I dabbed with them a bit.
But it's 'cause they offered.
They stood by me when I was in.
They looked out for me, my moms, my sis.
They looked out for you too.
I mean, who do you think got rid of those guys so that you could move in? What? Got rid of who? Look, listen.
I'm on the hook, bro.
Okay? But it'll be okay.
I just I just got to play it cool before I pull away.
I wouldn't anything to happen, you know, to you or especially Barry.
Did you put me and my son in danger? Of course not.
I'm out in front of it.
- [phone rings.]
- It's all good.
[phone rings.]
Sam, I just talked to Leah.
Someone from Child and Family Services was at the school today to see Barry.
What? They were asking questions about his care.
They can take him away from you, you know.
They could put him in foster care.
The past is dust My youth has come and gone I was really looking forward to never coming to one of these things again.
I'm having second thoughts.
- [band playing.]
- [cheering in background.]
Okay, do I do this? [gulps.]
Or do we leave? You do this.
It's now or never, whatever it is.
You got to burn it down before you rise from it.
[glasses chink.]
[whispers.]
Okay.
- [music stops.]
- Thank you! [applause, cheering.]
Now I'm out here looking like revenge Feeling like a ten The best I ever been And yeah I know how bad it must hurt To see me like this - But it gets worse - Wait a minute Now you're out here Looking like regret Ain't too proud to beg Second chance you'll never get And yeah I know how bad it must hurt To see me like this - But it gets worse - Wait a minute Now payback is a bad bitch And baby I'm the baddest You fuckin' with a savage Can't have this, can't have this And it'd be nice of me To take it easy on ya But nah Baby, I'm sorry First things first I'mma say all the words inside my head I'm fired up and tired of the way That things have been Ooh The way that things have been Ooh I was choking in the crowd Building my rain up in the cloud Falling like ashes to the ground Hoping my feelings they would drown But they never did, ever lived, ebbing and flowing, inhibited, limited Till it broke up and it rained down It rained down like Talk that talk, baby Better walk Better walk that walk, baby If you talk, If you talk that talk, baby Better walk Better walk that walk, baby - Believer - Baby, I'm sorry You made me a You made me a believer I'm not sorry Baby, I'm sorry You break me down You built me up, believer - Believer - Baby, I'm sorry Rain, let the bullets fly Let them rain - My life, my love, my drive - Baby, I'm sorry You made me a You made me a believer - Believer - I'm sorry Last things last By the grace of the fire And the flames You're the face of the future The blood in my veins Oh, ooh The blood in my veins Oh, ooh What did he just say to you? Oh, my God, I cannot believe you just stood there and yelled at him like that.
I guess I'm never sleeping with them again.
- Who cares.
Are you okay? - [gasps.]
Are you kidding? I'm amazing! I'm so done with him.
I'm just ready for what's next.
[sighs.]
[sighs.]
[rustling.]
[door clicks.]
[rattling.]
[Barry.]
Hey, Dad.
What you doing? Hey, bud.
Um I didn't mean to wake you.
[Barry.]
That's okay.
I need to show you something.
Okay.
[Barry sighs.]
I put Mommy's picture up.
[slow harp and piano music playing.]
[sniffs.]
[sighs.]
[sniffs.]
[Sam sighs.]
[Sam sighs.]
Are you crying 'cause Mommy's not with us anymore? Yeah.
[Barry.]
I do that sometimes too.
Maybe you should count to ten.
[sniffs.]
Yeah.
Dad? Tell me a story.
What kind of story? Tell me how you and Mommy met.
You know what? Why don't I show you instead? - [water burbling.]
- [birdsong.]
Uh-oh.
Food down.
I know what that means.
I think it's time you got your life in order.
Oh, that's funny coming from you.
I pay your rent.
Hey.
What? I am parenting you right now.
What makes you think I don't have my life in order? I feel better than I seem.
- Promise.
- You pay a portion of my rent.
When did you last speak with your mom? - I dunno.
Probably the last time you did.
- That's not true.
You know, you've rejected everything that ever came from her.
Even the name that she gave you.
If she weren't here, that would be okay, but she lives five miles away.
I don't want to talk about Mom.
Finish your book, at least.
Look, something is coming.
I can feel it.
I've made the way for it.
Once I figure out what it is, then maybe I'll start drawing again.
Maybe.
Be honest with me.
- How much? - I What? How much? 40? What, 60? - I just need a tank of gas.
- Okay.
My check is on my desk.
[gasps.]
Wait.
Where's my? Oh, no.
I left my card at the club.
I got kicked out before I could pay! I have to go.
I love you so much.
[Frank.]
This is good for my thesis about your life.
Hey, you see this club? Well, about eight years ago, I was out with some friends, including your Uncle Dante, and we were out all night.
He had gotten us into this this party that we weren't invited to, an after-hours thing.
Anyways, so we left at eight o'clock in the morning, and that's where I bumped into your mom.
Literally.
Like, the door swung open.
- Bam! - [thud.]
Oh, jeez! Oh, gosh! I'm so sorry.
- No.
- It's totally my fault.
That was so stupid of me.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to No.
[both laugh.]
Oh, wow.
That is not a name that you hear that often.
No one really calls me that anymore.
I haven't gone by it since I was a kid.
'Cause most people just call me Nellie.
But I've been thinking about going back to it.
Maybe.
I like it.
Eleanor.
- I'm Sam.
- Hi.
[Sam.]
The second it happened, the second that we touched, we both felt it.
It's like we were meant to be in that place, even if it didn't make any sense.
You know when you hear a song for the first time and you don't know the lyrics, but something about it just hits you right here? No.
Well, you will.
And when you do, it'll be the best feeling you ever felt.
- [door rattles.]
- [Dante.]
Hey, Primo! I think we gonna get some pancakes! [chuckles.]
- He wants pancakes? - Yeah.
Yeah.
Oh, yeah.
[both chuckle.]
Um I'm going to do something that I swear I've never done before.
I'm going to ask a complete stranger for her phone number.
- Okay.
- Is that cool? Yeah, no, I I'll just put it in your phone.
Oh, yeah Well, I have a flip phone, so Oh, well that'll take, like, 45 minutes.
Well, it might take a little bit of time.
I'll just write it down.
Cool.
This piece of paper has done very well for me, so maybe it'll do well for you too.
- Hope so.
- [Dante.]
Hey, come on.
You got her number.
Can we please go get some pancakes? Please? He's hungry.
- Yeah.
- Very hungry.
It's Feed him.
- Okay, it was nice to meet you.
- Okay, yeah.
Okay, bye.
[Barry.]
Dad? [Sam.]
Hey.
[sighs.]
You want to go home? Want to get out of here? All right.
[hurried footsteps.]
[door lock rattles.]
- Oh, hi! - Hi.
Are you on something? Um, yes.
No.
I don't know, maybe, the future.
- [radio playing music.]
- [gasps.]
I left the radio on, I'm sorry.
- Oh, no, it's okay.
- Really? - I like it.
- You do? Running through electric fires I never make it easy Swear I'm never good enough [phone rings.]
Babe, I'm tapping out Before I [answerphone.]
Hi, you've reached De'Andra Green Drink too much Houston, we have a problem All this chaos raining down When the lightning strikes And I wake up on the ground I got permanent ways [Annette.]
Sam The case worker's here for a random visit.
It's not a problem at all.
You seem so calm.
No one is taking my son away.
Not my mother-in-law, not your son's friends, and not the city.
My luck is about to change again.
Even if I have to change it myself.
And say goodnight - What are you writing? - I don't know, bud.
But I'm pretty sure it's gonna be a love song.
A love song? Why? We started in the bathroom [woman.]
Mr.
Hughes? Houston, we have a problem All this chaos raining down When the lightning strikes That's when I make it count - Are you okay if I sit next to you? - Yes.
I'm Joanna.
I didn't mean to interrupt.
What were you talking about, Mr.
Hughes? Sam.
And I was just telling my son something important.
[Joanna.]
Oh, yeah? What was that? Every song is a love song.
[low-beat music playing.]